bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitral E‐wave to stroke volume ratio displays stronger diagnostic performance to identify elevated left ventricular filling pressures than mitral E/e’ during passive leg lift: A cross‐sectional study employing simultaneous echocardiography and catheterization
Authors: Venkateshvaran Ashwin , Lindqvist Per
Published: February 2024

Background

Elevated filling pressure is a hallmark of heart failure (HF) and portends poor prognosis. Accurate diagnosis is challenging, given that patients with normal filling pressure at rest develop disproportionate elevation with sudden preload increase. We aimed to test the accuracy of the ratio between mitral inflow velocity (E) and left ventricular stroke volume (SV) to identify patients with elevated filling pressure with passive leg lifting (PLL) and compare this with other echocardiographic surrogates of filling pressure.

Methods

Doppler echocardiography and right heart catheterization (RHC) were simultaneously performed in 37 patients (11 males, mean age 67 ± 12 years) with exertional dyspnea. Twenty‐six healthy controls (14 males, mean age 60 ± 12 years) were added as reference. SV, cardiac output (CO), tricuspid regurgitation peak gradient (TRG), mitral E‐wave (E) and early myocardial velocity (e’) were obtained at rest and with PLL. E/SV, E/CO and E/e’ were calculated and correlated with invasive pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCWP) with PLL.

Results

During PLL, E/SV (AUC = 0.94) displayed stronger diagnostic ability to identify PCWP >15 mmHg than E/e’ (AUC = 0.81), mitral E/A ratio (0.76) and resting invasive PCWP (0.84). An E/SV cutoff of >1.0 showed 88% sensitivity and 75% specificity to identify elevated PCWP. Further, 10 patients (27%) were reassigned during PLL from normal to postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (postCPH), and 6 patients (16%) switched diagnosis from precapillary PH (preCPH) to postCPH.

Conclusion

The novel E/SV ratio identifies patients with elevated PCWP with PLL and displays stronger diagnostic performance than routinely utilized echocardiographic measures such as E/e’ in addition to resting, catheterization derived PCWP.
Effect of hemodialysis on left atrial function in patients with end‐stage renal failure evaluated by two‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging
Authors: Miao Yunxiang , Wang Li , Yin Ying , Zhou Bingyuan , Liao Yuping
Published: February 2024

Objective

We sought to evaluate the left atrial (LA) strain parameters of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients before and after dialysis by two dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D‐STI), and to explore the effect of volume load change on LA function.

Methods

Seventy‐six patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD) were enrolled in the study protocol. The median duration of dialysis was 24.0 (7.5, 59.5) months. In addition, 30 healthy subjects were selected as control group. Comprehensive echocardiography was performed immediately before and after hemodialysis to compare the changes in left atrial function.

Results

Regarding LA strain parameters in patients of pre‐HD, the median (25th, 75th) LA reservoir, LA conduit, and LA contractile reserve were 28.0 (23.0, 34.5), −15.5 (−10.0, −21.5), −12.0 (−9.0, −16.0) respectively; the post‐HD were 26.0 (21.0, 29.0), −12.0 (−9, −15.5), −12.5 (−9, −15.5) respectively; and controls were 43.0 (36.0, 48.0), −24.0 (−18.0, −32.0), −17.0 (−15.0, −22.0) respectively. The left atrial strain parameters before HD were lower than controls, the differences were statistically significant, the p‐value were .000, .025, and .000, respectively. The reservoir function and conduit function of LA strain decreased after hemodialysis, the differences were statistically significant, the p‐value were .003 and .006, respectively. Regarding the contraction of LA, the differences between pre‐ and post‐HD were not statistically significant (p = .965).

Conclusion

Hemodialysis removes excess water in human body, while LVGLS and Doppler parameters are greatly affected by reduced preload. New echocardiographic parameters, such as left atrial strain, can quantitatively evaluate the changes in left atrial function before and after hemodialysis in ESRD patients, which can provide valuable information for the overall cardiac evaluation in this specific population.
Increased prevalence of high‐risk coronary plaques in metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: De Filippo Ovidio , Di Pietro Gianluca , Nebiolo Marco , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Gatti Marco , Bruno Francesco , Gallone Guglielmo , Armandi Angelo , Birtolo Lucia Ilaria , Zullino Veronica , Mennini Gianluca , Corradini Stefano Ginanni , Mancone Massimo , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Iannaccone Mario , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio
Published: February 2024

Background

Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography (CTCA) can assess both the extent and the features of coronary plaques. We aimed to gather evidence about the prevalence and features of coronary plaques among MASLD patients.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched for randomized controlled trials and adjusted observational studies assessing the prevalence and features of coronary plaques by means of CTCA in MASLD patients as compared with a control group. The prevalence of coronary stenosis (defined as >30% and >50% diameter of stenosis), of increasing coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and of high‐risk features (namely low‐attenuation plaques, napkin ring sign, spotty calcification and positive remodelling) in MASLD patients were the endpoints of interest.

Results

Twenty‐four observational studies were included. MASLD was associated with an increased prevalence of critical coronary stenosis compared with controls (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95%CI 1.23–1.93). Increased values of CAC score were observed in MASLD patients (OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.02–1.78 and OR 2.26, 95%CI 1.57–3.23 for CAC score 0–100 and >100, respectively). An increased risk of ‘high‐risk’ coronary plaques was observed in MASLD patients (OR 2.13, 95%CI 1.42–3.19). As high‐risk features plaques, a higher prevalence of positive remodelling and spotty calcification characterize MASLD patients (OR 2.92, 95%CI 1.79–4.77 and OR 2.96, 95%CI 1.22–7.20).

Conclusions

Patients with MASLD are at increased risk of developing critical coronary stenosis and coronary plaques characterized by high‐risk features as detected by CTCA.
Evaluation of phytochemical responses and paclitaxel content of yew (Taxus baccata) seedlings subjected to the systemic fungicides
Authors: Ashnavar Mahboubeh , Ghasemnezhad Azim , Rahnama Kamran , Sarmast Mostafa Khoshhal
Published: February 2024

Endophytic fungi pass all or at least a part of their life cycle inside or between host cells in living plant tissues. These fungi are not capable of causing disease in the host plants, however, they are deemed to be associated with the production of some secondary metabolites in plants. Therefore, this study was laid out to shed light on how fungicides are involved in the formation of key metabolites of yew (Taxus baccata L.), especially taxol. Through the symbiotic fungal endophyte activities and population changes an experiment was conducted as a completely randomized block design using two foliar application treatments of Rovral‐TS and Fosetyl aluminium fungicides. Plants sprayed with distilled water were used as a control. The findings revealed that the diversity of endophytic fungi declined with the application of systemic fungicides, leading to a decrease in the production of certain secondary metabolites. Specifically, the levels of paclitaxel decreased by 35%, while the photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll‐a, chlorophyll‐b and total chlorophyll decreased by 26%, 20.6% and 19.6%, respectively. Additionally, the levels of carotenoids, total phenol and total flavonoids decreased by 18%, 15% and 21.8%, respectively. The highest amount of these compounds was observed in the control treatment. An increase in antioxidant activity, soluble sugars and proline content was observed soon after fungicides application. The variation in the content of soluble sugars, proline and antioxidant activity was fungicide‐dependent. Compared to Fosetyl aluminium fungicide, the numerical value of the above parameters in plants treated with Rovral‐TS was 14.4%, 11.7% and 25.4% higher, respectively. The fungicide‐mediated induction of Taxol production—key secondary metabolites in yew—was to a great extent associated with the change in endophytic fungi. This further establishes the role of fungal endophytes in the stimulation of secondary metabolite formation in yew plants.
The global value of freshwater lakes
Authors: Li Xingming , Tsigaris Panagiotis
Published: February 2024

Lakes face threats from human activities like unsustainable development, population growth and industrial technologies. These challenges impact the ecosystem services of lakes. Research has assessed the monetary value of services from freshwater biomes annually. This article reviews these values, estimating lakes' global ecosystem services to be within the region of USD 1.3–5.1 trillion annually. Their natural asset value is estimated at USD 87–340 trillion, comparable to the monetary value of global real estate, assuming a relatively high social discount rate to account for future increased standards of living. Considering environmental degradation, future generations may experience a lower living standard. Using a 0.1% discount rate, recognizing potential harm and aligning with indigenous values raises the lakes' value to USD 1300–5100 trillion, which is at least equal to the global monetary value of wealth created. This valuation is shared by all as a collective asset, unlike the skewed distribution of created wealth.
Seasonal migration alters energetic trade‐off optimization and shapes life history
Authors: Pierce Allison K. , Yanco Scott W. , Wunder Michael B.
Published: February 2024

Trade‐offs between current and future reproduction manifest as a set of co‐varying life history and metabolic traits, collectively referred to as ‘pace of life’ (POL). Seasonal migration modulates environmental dynamics and putatively affects POL, however, the mechanisms by which migratory behaviour shapes POL remain unclear. We explored how migratory behaviour interacts with environmental and metabolic dynamics to shape POL. Using an individual‐based model of movement and metabolism, we compared fitness‐optimized trade‐offs among migration strategies. We found annual experienced seasonality modulated by migratory movements and distance between end‐points primarily drove POL differentiation through developmental and migration phenology trade‐offs. Similarly, our analysis of empirically estimated metabolic data from 265 bird species suggested seasonal niche tracking and migration distance interact to drive POL. We show multiple viable life‐history strategies are conducive to a migratory lifestyle. Overall, our findings suggest metabolism mediates complex interactions between behaviour, environment and life history.
Testing the specificity of phenomenological criteria for functional tic‐like behaviours in youth with Tourette syndrome
Authors: Nilles Christelle , Martino Davide , Pringsheim Tamara
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose

The aim was to test the specificity of phenomenological criteria for functional tic‐like behaviours (FTLBs). The European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS) criteria for the diagnosis of FTLBs include three major criteria: age at symptom onset ≥12 years, rapid evolution of symptoms and specific phenomenology.

Methods

Children and adolescents with primary tic disorders have been included in a Registry in Calgary, Canada, since 2017. Using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, the proportion of youth with primary tic disorders who met specific phenomenological criteria for FTLBs at first visit was assessed: (1) having ≥1 specific complex motor tic commonly seen in FTLBs, including complex arm/hand movements, self‐injurious behaviour, blocking, copropraxia; (2) having ≥1 specific complex phonic tic commonly seen in FTLBs, including saying words, phrases, disinhibited speech, coprolalia; (3) having a greater number of complex tics than simple tics. Children seen for the first time between 2017 and 2019 and between 2021 and 2023 were analysed separately.

Results

Of 156 participants included between 2017 and 2019, high specificity (94.2%) of the age at onset criterion (≥12 years) and of having at least two complex motor behaviours and one complex phonic behaviour at first visit (96.2%) was observed. Some of the complex motor tics had lower specificity. The specificity of the FTLB diagnostic criterion of having more complex tics than simple tics was 89.7%. There was no significant difference in specificity of the criteria for children seen for the first time between 2017 and 2019 and between 2021 and 2023 (n = 149).

Conclusion

This information supports the use of the ESSTS criteria for FTLBs in clinical practice.
Pharmacokinetics of Staccato® alprazolam in healthy adult participants in two phase 1 studies: An open‐label smoker study and a randomized, placebo‐controlled ethnobridging study
Authors: Hayakawa Yoshinobu , Rospo Chiara , Bartmann Ana Paula , King Aliceson , Roebling Robert , Chanteux Hugues
Published: February 2024

Objective

Staccato® alprazolam is a single‐use, drug–device combination delivering alprazolam to the deep lung that is being evaluated as treatment for rapid and early seizure termination. This article reports pharmacokinetic (PK) data from two phase 1 studies of Staccato alprazolam in healthy adult participants.

Methods

The smoker study (EPK‐002/NCT03516305) was an open‐label, nonrandomized, single‐dose, PK study in smokers and nonsmokers aged 21–50 years, administered a single inhaled dose of 1 mg Staccato alprazolam. The ethnobridging study (UP0101/NCT04782388) was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in Japanese, Chinese, and Caucasian participants aged 18–55 years randomized 4:1 to a single inhaled dose of Staccato alprazolam 2 mg or Staccato placebo.

Results

In the smoker study, 36 participants (18 smokers, 18 nonsmokers) were enrolled and received Staccato alprazolam. Following Staccato administration, alprazolam was rapidly absorbed, with a median time to peak drug plasma concentration (Tmax) of 2 min in both smokers (range = 2–30 min) and nonsmokers (range = 2–60 min). Staccato alprazolam was rapidly absorbed to a similar extent in both smokers and nonsmokers. The most commonly reported treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were somnolence and dizziness. In the ethnobridging study, 10 participants each of Japanese, Chinese, and Caucasian ethnicities were randomized 4:1 to Staccato alprazolam or Staccato placebo. Following Staccato administration, alprazolam was rapidly absorbed and distributed, with a median Tmax of 1.5–2 min in Japanese (range = 1–2 min), Chinese (range = 1–34 min), and Caucasian (range = 1–120 min) participants. Somnolence and sedation were the most commonly reported TEAEs. In both studies, there were no deaths, and no participants reported serious or severe TEAEs, or discontinued due to TEAEs.

Significance

Alprazolam was rapidly absorbed, and therapeutic drug levels were achieved within 2 min postdose when administered to the lung with the Staccato device. Staccato alprazolam was generally well tolerated and displayed a safety profile consistent with that known from other alprazolam applications. No new safety signals were identified.
Icariin ameliorates glycolytic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease models by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Ju , Wei Ai‐Hong , Liu Ting‐Ting , Ji Xin‐Hao , Zhang Ying , Yan Fei , Chen Mei‐Xiang , Hu Jin‐Bo , Zhou Shao‐Yu , Shi Jing‐Shan , Jin Hai , Jin Feng
Published: February 2024

It was reported that the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway is involved in the regulation of aerobic glycolysis and that brain glycolytic dysfunction results in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Icariin (ICA), an active component extracted from Epimedii Folium, has been reported to produce neuroprotective effects in multiple models of AD, but its underlying mechanism remains to be fully described. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of ICA on animal and cell models of AD and confirm whether the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway has functions in the neuroprotective function of ICA. The 3 × Tg‐AD mice were treated with ICA. HT22 cells, the Aβ25‐35 peptide and Dickkopf‐1 (DKK1) agent (a specific inhibitor of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway) were used to further explore the underlying mechanism of ICA that produces anti‐AD effects. Behavioral examination, western blotting assay, staining analysis, biochemical test, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were applied. We first demonstrated that ICA significantly improved cognitive function and autonomous behavior, reduced neuronal damage, and reversed the protein levels and activities of glycolytic key enzymes, and expression of protein molecules of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, in 3 × Tg‐AD mice back to wild‐type levels. Next, we further found that ICA increased cell viability and effectively improved the dysfunctional glycolysis in HT22 cells injured by Aβ25‐35. However, when canonical Wnt signaling was inhibited by DKK1, the above effects of ICA on glycolysis were abolished. In summary, ICA exerts neuroprotective effects in 3 × Tg‐AD animals and AD cellular models by enhancing the function of glycolysis through activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Nomads, thresholds, and leaves: Queer entanglements within the AcademicConferenceMachine
Authors: Benozzo Angelo , Bizjak Davide , Pianezzi Daniela , Sicca Luigi Maria
Published: February 2024

This paper presents the mise en espace of an anti‐drama‐liturgy written for the Conference “Salute e Benessere delle Persone Transgender e Gender Diverse: Buone Prassi e Nuove Prospettive [Wellbeing of Transgender and Gender Diverse People: Good Practices and New Perspectives]”. By providing an example of conferencing differently, the paper depicts an elliptical (round)table that questions normative assumptions on gender and sexuality and established practices of academic knowledge production and dissemination. It does so, along the edge of anti‐binarism, in three ways. Firstly, there is the choice of an elliptical (round)table that is polycentric: it broadens the point of view from the margins. Secondly, our writing sought to favor embodied questioning and dialog over the structured speech report typical of conferences, and the third way is inherent to the genre of theatrical writing related to the mise en espace format, which enables us to ask questions about the relationship between our bodies, broader materiality, and the dominant norms of academic and gendered practices. The intertwining of these elements makes our queering the AcademicConferenceMachine, which is an invitation to recognize the political performativity and imaginative possibilities of any (academic) encounter.
Glycemic control target for liver and cardiovascular events risk in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Tamaki Nobuharu , Wakabayashi Shun‐Ichi , Kimura Takefumi , Yasui Yutaka , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Huang Daniel Q. , Umemura Takeji , Kurosaki Masayuki , Izumi Namiki
Published: February 2024

Aims

Optimizing glycemic control may prevent liver‐related events and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, the optimal hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) threshold associated with a lower risk of complications, particularly liver‐related events as well as MACE is unknown.

Methods

We investigated a nationwide population‐based cohort and identified 633 279 patients with MASLD, with a mean follow‐up of 4.2 years. Hemoglobin A1c levels were measured annually. The primary endpoint was the risk of liver‐related events and MACE and to determine the optimal HbA1c level associated with the risk of complications.

Results

Mean HbA1c (per 1%) was associated with liver‐related events (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.42) as well as MACE (sHR 1.36; 95% CI, 1.32–1.41) after adjustment for confounders. Multivariable sHR (95% CI) for HbA1c of <5.0%, 6.0%–6.9%, 7.0%–7.9%, 8.0%–8.9%, and ≥9.0% (reference, 5.0%–5.9%) were 14 (9.1–22), 1.70 (1.2–2.3), 3.32 (2.3–4.8), 3.81 (2.1–6.8), and 4.83 (2.4–9.6) for liver‐related events, and 1.24 (0.8–1.8), 1.27 (1.2–1.4), 1.70 (1.5–2.0), 2.36 (1.9–2.9), and 4.17 (3.5–5.0) for MACE. An HbA1c level of 7% was selected as the optimal threshold for predicting complications (sHR 2.40 [1.8–3.2] for liver‐related events and 1.98 [1.8–2.2] for MACE).

Conclusion

The risk of liver‐related events as well as MACE increased in a dose‐dependent fashion with an increase in HbA1c levels, except for patients with HbA1c <5.0% for liver‐related events. An HbA1c level of 7% was the optimal threshold associated with a lower risk of complications and may be utilized as a target for glycemic control in patients with MASLD.
Clarifying practical aspects of posterior tibial nerve stimulation for neurogenic overactive bladder: A scoping review
Authors: Terzoni Stefano , Ferrara Paolo , Di Schiena Marianna , Mora Cristina , Parozzi Mauro , Pinna Barbara , Villa Giulia , Rocco Bernardo , Sighinolfi Chiara , Gaia Giorgia , Maruccia Serena , Afonina Margarita , Destrebecq Anne Lucie
Published: February 2024

Patients with neurological diseases often suffer from overactive bladder. Posterior tibial nerve stimulation is mentioned in guidelines as a treatment when antimuscarinics fail or cannot be tolerated by patients, but the evidence is scant. This article summarizes the evidence on the practical aspects of tibial nerve stimulation for neurogenic overactive bladder (NOAB), such as electrical parameters and treatment duration, and identifies areas requiring further investigation. Scoping review. Literature search on PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library, including studies from 2010 to 2024 regarding tibial nerve stimulation for NOAB. Sixteen papers were considered: seven on transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS), seven on percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and two protocols. Most studies enrolled neurological and non‐neurological patients or studied non‐randomized samples of a few patients. Clinical outcomes, treatment duration, number of sessions, and follow‐up times showed considerable heterogeneity, but some practical recommendations could be drawn. For PTNS, most authors suggest using 20 Hz and 200 μs, but the amplitude is highly variable among studies. For TTNS, 10 Hz and 200 μs are suggested, with considerable variability in the number of sessions and overall treatment duration. Most papers propose similar criteria regarding the frequency and duration of the stimulation, and all of them support the efficacy of tibial nerve stimulation, except for one. The areas requiring research include long‐term results, allowing for shaping adequate maintenance programmes to avoid losing the results achieved.
Versatile r.f. magnetron sputtering doping method to produce aluminum‐doped zinc oxide films
Authors: de Oliveira Gabriel Henrique Inácio , Escote Márcia T. , Nantes Iseli L. , Criado Denise
Published: February 2024

Aluminum‐doped zinc oxide Al:ZnO (AZO) is a non‐toxic material applied as a transparent conductive oxide film. In this study, we report on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of AZO films obtained by thermally oxidizing aluminum‐doped Zn films produced by a versatile and low‐cost method of doping using the magnetron sputtering technique deposition. We use aluminum wire above the zinc target to produce Al:Zn films. The influence of r.f. power and different Al wire lengths on the AZO film properties were studied. The resulting AZO films exhibited Al concentrations of up to 2.85% and an optical gap between 3.22 and 3.29 eV. The transmittance was greater than 80% for all samples, and the electrical resistivity decreased by two orders of magnitude with Al doping. As a result, the sample with an aluminum concentration of approximately 1% had the lowest resistivity. In this work, it was possible to relate the lower resistivity with larger grain size and smaller concentrations of defects or vacancies.
High‐performance bismuth titanate‐ferrite (Bi5Ti3FeO15) for high‐temperature piezoelectric applications
Authors: Wang Qian , Liang En‐Meng , Wang Chun‐Ming
Published: February 2024

Advancing the development of high‐temperature piezoelectric sensors requires high‐performance piezoelectric materials with high Curie temperatures, wherein the charge signals can be efficiently collected at elevated temperatures. The bismuth layer‐structured ferroelectric (BLSF) bismuth titanate‐ferrite (Bi5Ti3FeO15, BTF) has recently attracted considerable attention because of its high Curie temperature (TC) of ∼761°C. However, the piezoelectric properties of BTF‐based compounds have not been extensively investigated because of their extremely poor piezoelectric performances and low electrical resistivities at elevated temperatures. Herein, tungsten‐substituted BTF (BTF‐100xW) ceramics were synthesized using a solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction refinement results confirmed the lattice distortion of the BO6 octahedron, while piezoelectric force microscopy images verified an increase in the domain wall density with tungsten modification, both of which contribute to significant enhancement of the piezoelectric properties of BTF‐100xW as intrinsic and extrinsic contributions, respectively. Remarkably, BTF‐3W exhibits a high TC of 793°C and a large piezoelectric constant (d33) of 24.3 pC/N, which is over three times that of BTF (7.1 pC/N). Importantly, the substitution of tungsten decreases the concentration of oxygen vacancies, increases the direct current electrical resistivity, and improves the electrical homogeneity at high temperatures, resulting in extremely stable piezoelectric and electromechanical properties at high temperatures, with a high in‐situ relative d33 of >90% at 400°C and a small variation in the electromechanical coupling factor (kp) of <8% at temperatures up to 450°C. These results suggest that the tungsten‐substituted BTF is a potential candidate for high‐temperature piezoelectric ceramics, and is a promising material for applications in high‐temperature piezoelectric sensors.
Calotropis procera extract inhibits prostate cancer through regulation of autophagy
Authors: Singh Palak , Dhole Bodhana , Choudhury Jaganmoy , Tuli Anannya , Pandey Deepak , Velpandian Thirumurthy , Gupta Surabhi , Chaturvedi Pradeep Kumar
Published: February 2024

Current treatment options available for prostate cancer (PCa) patients have many adverse side effects and hence, new alternative therapies need to be explored. Anticancer potential of various phytochemicals derived from Calotropis procera has been studied in many cancers but no study has investigated the effect of leaf extract of C. procera on PCa cells. Hence, we investigated the effect of C. procera leaf extract (CPE) on cellular properties of androgen‐independent PC‐3 and androgen‐sensitive 22Rv1 cells. A hydroalcoholic extract of C. procera was prepared and MTT assay was performed to study the effect of CPE on viability of PCa cells. The effect of CPE on cell division ability, migration capability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was studied using colony formation assay, wound‐healing assay and 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay, respectively. Caspase activity assay and LDH assay were performed to study the involvement of apoptosis and necrosis in CPE‐mediated cell death. Protein levels of cell cycle, antioxidant, autophagy and apoptosis markers were measured by western blot. The composition of CPE was identified using untargeted LC–MS analysis. Results showed that CPE decreased the viability of both the PCa cells, PC‐3 and 22Rv1, in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Also, CPE significantly inhibited the colony‐forming ability, migration and endogenous ROS production in both the cell lines. Furthermore, CPE significantly decreased NF‐κB protein levels and increased the protein levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27. A significant increase in expression of autophagy markers was observed in CPE‐treated PC‐3 cells while autophagy markers were downregulated in 22Rv1 cells after CPE exposure. Hence, it can be concluded that CPE inhibits PCa cell viability possibly by regulating the autophagy pathway and/or altering the ROS levels. Thus, CPE can be explored as a possible alternative therapeutic agent for PCa.
Prevalence of dermatitis including allergic contact dermatitis from medical devices used by children and adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and questionnaire study
Authors: von Kobyletzki L. B. , Ulriksdotter J. , Sukakul T. , Aerts O. , Agner T. , Buhl T. , Bruze M. , Foti C. , Gimenez‐Arnau A. , Gonçalo M. , Hamnerius N. , Johansen J. D. , Rustemeyer T. , Stingeni L. , Wilkinson M. , Svedman C.
Published: February 2024

Use of medical devices (MDs), that is, glucose sensors and insulin pumps, in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) has proven an enormous advantage for disease control. Adverse skin reactions from these MDs may however hamper compliance. The objective of this study was to systematically review and analyse studies assessing the prevalence and incidence of dermatitis, including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) related to MDs used in patients with T1D and to compare referral routes and the clinical investigation routines between clinics being part of the European Environmental and Contact Dermatitis Research Group (EECDRG). A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane databases of full‐text studies reporting incidence and prevalence of dermatitis in persons with T1D using MDs was conducted until December 2021. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. The inventory performed at EECRDG clinics focused on referral routes, patient numbers and the diagnostic process. Among the 3145 screened abstracts, 39 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Sixteen studies included data on children only, 14 studies were on adults and nine studies reported data on both children and adults. Participants were exposed to a broad range of devices. Skin reactions were rarely specified. It was found that both the diagnostic process and referral routes differ in different centres. Further data on the prevalence of skin reactions related to MDs in individuals with T1D is needed and particularly studies where the skin reactions are correctly diagnosed. A correct diagnosis is delayed or hampered by the fact that, at present, the actual substances within the MDs are not declared, are changed without notice and the commercially available test materials are not adequately updated. Within Europe, routines for referral should be made more standardized to improve the diagnostic procedure when investigating patients with possible ACD from MDs.
Aphid‐induced phytochemicals in Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss. afflicting host preference and bionomics of Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach)
Authors: Chandrakumara K. , Dhillon Mukesh K. , Singh Naveen
Published: February 2024

Bionomics of an insect and metabolic flux of the host plant are important tools to decipher the status of plant resistance against insect species. This study illuminates vital information on aphid‐induced levels of phytochemicals in the siliquae of Brassica juncea cultivars and their effect on host selection and population growth parameters of Lipaphis erysimi. The current study unveiled that the siliquae preference, intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), gross reproductive rate (GRR) and net reproductive rate (R0) were significantly lower on Pusa Mustard 27, DRMR 150‐35, RLC 3, NRCHB 101, Pusa Mustard 26 and Pusa Mustard 25. However, the mean generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) of L. erysimi were significantly longer (p < 0.001) in these genotypes. These cultivars were also found with elevated levels of aphid‐induced phytochemicals and their associated enzymes, except in a few cases. Total antioxidants, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, chlorophyll A, total chlorophyll, ascorbate oxidase (AO), catalase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and myrosinase were found to contribute 49.18–85.30% variation for siliquae preference and bionomics of L. erysimi on the test B. juncea cultivars. The study revealed that phenols, antioxidants, chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, total carotenoids, AO, ascorbate peroxidase, PAL, tyrosine ammonia lyase and myrosinase had significant and negative direct consequences on the siliquae preference and bionomics, thus can be exploited as biochemical markers to identify sources of resistance against L. erysimi. Furthermore, DRMR 150‐35, NRCHB 101, RLC 3, Pusa mustard 26, RH 749 and Pusa Mustard 27 were found with greater aphid‐induced defence phytochemicals and detrimental effects on the host selection and bionomics of L. erysimi, thus can be deployed in Brassica improvement program.
In‐vivo evaluation of the effects of short‐term dehydration and rehydration on the color differences of immature permanent incisor teeth
Authors: Buldur Mehmet , Misilli Tuğba , Sezer Berkant
Published: February 2024

Objective

It is aimed to evaluate the color changes of upper central incisor teeth with different root maturation levels after 15 min of dehydration and rehydration.

Materials and Methods

Using the Cvek classification, 60 participants were divided into five groups. A spectrophotometer, equipped with a specially designed jig, was utilized for color measurements. Following isolation, color measurements were conducted at the dehydration process intervals of baseline, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, and 15th minutes. After mouth rinsing, measurements were repeated at the same time intervals during the rehydration process. CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) values and the Whiteness Index (WID) were obtained to compare the color changes between the initial readings and each interval. Friedman and Repeated Measures ANOVA were applied to compare classes by time during the dehydration and rehydration periods, as well as ANOVA and Kruskal‐Wallis tests to compare by classes for each time (p < 0.05).

Results

Significant differences emerged in the mean ΔE00 values during dehydration and rehydration periods across all Cvek Classes (p < 0.05). While no statistically significant differences were observed among Classes at different minutes during the rehydration period (p > 0.05), it was particularly noted that the mean ΔE00 values of Classes 2, 3, and 5 at the 2nd minute of dehydration were statistically significantly higher than the mean of Class 1 (p < 0.05). However, when evaluating the starting and ending measurements of both dehydration and rehydration processes, and the overall change in ΔE00 and ΔWID, no significant variations were detected across the Classes (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

In teeth that have just erupted and are still undergoing root development, dehydration in the initial minutes results in noticeable color changes. However, the change in ΔE00 and ΔWID of the teeth was found to be similar after the dehydration and rehydration processes.

Clinical Significance

According to the Cvek classification, the lower color change in Class 1 teeth within the first 2 min of dehydration and the need for more than 15 min of rehydration for immature teeth with an open apex to return to their initial state after a 15‐min dehydration are crucial for clinicians in terms of color assessment timing.
A scoping review of decision‐making tools to support substitute decision‐makers for adults with impaired capacity
Authors: King Seema , Fernandes Brooklynn , Jayme Timothy S. , Boryski Gwenn , Gaetano Daniel , Premji Zahra , Venturato Lorraine , Santana Maria J. , Simon Jessica , Holroyd‐Leduc Jayna
Published: February 2024

Background

Substitute decision‐makers (SDMs) make decisions that honor medical, personal, and end‐of‐life wishes for older adults who have lost capacity, including those with dementia. However, SDMs often lack support, information, and problem‐solving tools required to make decisions and can suffer with negative emotional, relationship, and financial impacts. The need for adaptable supports has been identified in prior meta‐analyses. This scoping review identifies evidence‐based decision‐making resources/tools for SDMs, outlines domains of support, and determines resource/tool effectiveness and/or efficacy.

Methods

The scoping review used the search strategy: Population—SDMs for older adults who have lost decision‐making capacity; Concept—supports, resources, tools, and interventions; Context—any context where a decision is made on behalf of an adult (>25 years). Databases included MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Abstracts in Social Gerontology and SocIndex. Tools were scored by members on the research team, including patient partners, based on domains of need previously identified in prior meta‐analyses.

Results

Two reviewers independently screened 5279 citations. Articles included studies that evaluated a resource/tool that helped a family/friend/caregiver SDMs outside of an ICU setting. 828 articles proceeded onto full‐text screening, and 25 articles were included for data extraction. The seventeen tools identified focused on different time points/decisions in the dementia trajectory, and no single tool encompassed all the domains of caregiver decision‐making needs.

Conclusion

Existing tools may not comprehensively support caregiver needs. However, combining tools into a toolkit and considering their application relevant to the caregiver's journey may start to address the gap in current supports.
Investigations on lightweight concrete by in situ compression tests using high‐resolution computed tomography (μ‐CT)
Authors: Umbach Cristin , Middendorf Bernhard
Published: February 2024

The fracture behaviour of concrete is studied in various micro‐ and macro‐damage models. This is important for estimating serviceability and stability of concrete structures. However, a detailed understanding of the material behaviour under load is often not available. In order to better interpret the fracture behaviour and pattern, images of lightweight concrete were taken using a high‐resolution computed tomography (μ‐CT) scanner. The samples were loaded between the taken images and the load was kept constant during the measurement. This study describes the method used and how the data set was analysed to investigate displacements and cracks. It has been shown that displacements and damage to the concrete structure can be detected prior to failure, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the structural behaviour. In principle, the μ‐CT measurement can be used to examine different kinds of concrete as well as other systems with inorganic binders and to compare the fracture behaviour of different systems.
Double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled clinical investigation of peptide OS‐01 for skin rejuvenation
Authors: Zonari Alessandra , Brace Lear E. , Harder Nathaniel H. O. , Harker Claire , Oliveira Carolina R. , Boroni Mariana , Carvalho Juliana L.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Senescent cells contribute to age‐related tissue deterioration, including the skin, which plays important roles in overall health and social interactions. This study aimed to assess the effects of the senotherapeutic peptide, OS‐01 (a.k.a. Pep 14), on skin.

Methods

A 12‐week split‐face, double‐blinded, vehicle‐controlled study involving 22 participants was conducted. The OS‐01‐containing formulation was applied to one side of the face, while the other side received an identical control formulation lacking the peptide. Skin characteristics were assessed using instrumental measurements, expert clinical grading, and subjective questionnaires.

Results

Results showed that the OS‐01 formulation significantly improved one aspect of skin barrier function, as evidenced by reduced trans‐epidermal water loss compared to both baseline and vehicle control. Expert grading and Antera 3D image analysis revealed a reduction in wrinkle appearance and indentation in the periorbital area, and improved skin texture and radiance on both sides of the face, with the OS‐01‐containing formulation demonstrating superior results. Participants also perceived improvements in skin hydration, smoothness, radiance, and overall appearance.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the OS‐01 formulation promotes skin health by strengthening the skin barrier, protecting against dehydration, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and improving skin texture and radiance. These effects are likely attributed to the senotherapeutic properties of OS‐01 in reducing cellular senescence and its associated detrimental effects.
Evidence for minimally invasive treatment—A systematic review on surgical management of disc displacement
Authors: Ulmner Mattias , Bjørnland Tore , Rosén Annika , Berge Trond Inge , Olsen‐Bergem Heming , Lund Bodil
Published: February 2024

Background

Surgical treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement (DD) has been established in different forms since over a century. Ther is a consensus to perform minimal invasive interventions as first‐line surgical treatment since there are no evidence on best surgical practice yet.

Objective

The aim was to perform a complex systematic review (SR) on the topic—is there evidence for surgical treatment of TMJ DD?

Methods

The PICO was defined as DD patients (population), treated with different surgical interventions including arthrocentesis (intervention), compared with other or no treatment (control) regarding the outcome variables mandibular function, mouth opening capacity, TMJ pain, etcetera (outcome). For identification of prospective controlled trials and SRs, a search strategy was developed for application in three databases.

Results

The search yielded 4931 studies of which 56 fulfilled the stipulated PICO. Studies with low or moderate risk of bias were possible to include in meta‐analyses. There were evidence suggesting arthrocentesis being more effective compared to conservative management (maximum interincisal opening (MIO): p < .0001, I2 = 22%; TMJ pain: p = .0003, I2 = 84%) and arthrocentesis being slightly more effective than arthrocentesis with an adjunctive hyaluronic acid injection (MIO: p = .04, I2 = 0%; TMJ pain: p = .28, I2 = 0%). Other treatment comparisons showed nonsignificant differences. The performed meta‐analyses only included 2–4 studies each, which might indicate a low grade of evidence.

Conclusion

Although arthrocentesis performed better than conservative management the findings should be interpreted cautiously, and non‐invasive management considered as primary measure. Still, several knowledge gaps concerning surgical methods of choice remains.
Skeletal anomalies in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) larvae reared in different densities and water volumes
Authors: Dellacqua Zachary , Di Biagio Claudia , Martini Arianna , Mattei Francesco , Rakaj Arnold , Williams James C. , Fabris Andrea , Izquierdo Marisol , Boglione Clara
Published: February 2024

This study describes the effects on the skeletal phenotype of two pivotal factors, density and water volume, don the hatchery (larval) phase of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) larvae previoulsy described for two model species (Danio rerio and Oryzias latipes) and sub‐adult (pre‐ongrowing) gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). The experimental trial was conducted using single conditions in a pilot study, starting with a total of 615,385 eggs from the same batch. Three densities (LD low density: 25 larvae/L; MD medium density: 125 larvae/L; and HD high density: 250 larvae/L) and two water volumes (500 and 1000 L) were tested from spawning up to 60 days post‐hatching (dph) (average standard length: 1.79 cm; average dry weight: 27.11 mg). On the final samples, morphometric, anatomical, and histological data were collected for data pertinent to meristic counts and skeletal anomalies. The results (analyzed by means of multivariate analyses) indicated that the LD‐reared larvae were significantly longer and heavier than HD‐reared fish. Furthermore, LD‐reared gilthead seabream exhibited a significant reduction in the frequency of individuals with anomalies of jaws, vertebral body shape, and vertebral arches than the MD and HD conditions, which is in agreement with previous experiments carried out on model species and gilthead seabream sub‐adults.
Epizoic yellow sponge (Poecilosclerida, Demospongiae) expansion on living Scleractinian corals in Bintan, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia
Authors: Johan Ofri , de Voogd Nicole J. , Budianto Agus , Peters Sonja , Aljbour Samir M. , Kunzmann Andreas
Published: February 2024

Coral reef ecosystems in Indonesia are under threat due to changes in the environment driven by global climate change, along with local disturbances such as sedimentation and eutrophication. Consequently, comprehensive coral reef monitoring activities have been initiated at numerous locations across Indonesia. In this study, the findings from coral reef health surveys across 14 reef sites (within 40 hectares) in the Bintan area (Riau Archipelago, Indonesia; 100 km southeast of Singapore) revealed a potentially novel epizoic yellow sponge species (Phorbas sp.) that overgrows coral colonies. This species, tentatively classified as a new Phorbas sp. (order Poecilosclerida: family Hymedesmiidae), was identified through a combined approach employing classical taxonomic methods along with DNA barcoding using the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. At every site, three permanent 20‐m transects were established to annually monitor live coral coverage and species composition between 2014 and 2017. The survey indicated a notable change in the overall coral cover during this period. The abundance of coral diseases was investigated in 2014 and 2017. Additionally, the progress of Phorbas sp., was closely monitored (i.e., every second day for one week) at Bintan Island (site 11) during the dry season in August 2017. This approach aimed to approximate the relative impact of each incident on the coral's condition. The results indicated that the most comprehensive change occurred due to the overgrowth of Phorbas sp., which affected 12 scleractinian coral species across eight genera in almost all sites except one. The abundance of this epizoic sponge infestation was highest at Pulau Beralas Pasir (site 10), constituting 22.9% of all recorded life forms, and lowest at Pulau Pangkil‐Besar (site 13), with only 0.7%. The expansion of the thin yellow sponge tissue was estimated to increase by up to 0.51 ± 0.48 cm2 per day on Porites coral.
Icy ocean worlds, plumes, and tasting the water
Authors: Burchell M. J. , Wozniakiewicz P. J.
Published: February 2024

This paper considers how space missions that fly through the plumes known, or suspected, to erupt naturally from some icy ocean worlds (IOW), such as Enceladus, or that aim to intercept icy ejecta from impact cratering processes on such bodies can sample the water and ice within the plumes. The mechanics of how grains (either in the plumes or the ejecta) would interact with a passing spacecraft (i.e., impact speeds, shock pressures, etc.) are introduced. The impact speeds are estimated and vary with both the mass of the IOW and the orbital parameters of a space mission. This can lead to large differences in impact speeds (and hence collection methods) at bodies such as Enceladus and Europa. The implications of these different impact speeds (a few hundred m s−1 to several km s−1, and even greater than 10 km s−1) for the collection of organic materials from the plumes are shown to be significant.