bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VEXAS‐Syndrome, a newly described autoinflammatory systemic disease with dermatologic manifestations
Authors: Baur Vera , Stoevesandt Johanna , Hueber Axel , Hüffmeier Ulrike , Kneitz Hermann , Morbach Henner , Schultz Erwin , Goebeler Matthias 
Published: November 2023

SummaryVEXAS syndrome is a recently identified autoinflammatory systemic disease caused by an acquired somatic mutation of the X‐linked UBA1 gene, the key enzyme of the first step of ubiquitylation. The acronym VEXAS stands for the characteristics Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X‐linked, autoinflammatory and somatic. The disease occurs in advanced adulthood preferentially in men and is characterized by hematological, rheumatological and dermatological symptoms. The latter include neutrophil‐rich lesions reminiscent of Sweet's syndrome, erythema nodosum‐ and panniculitis‐like skin manifestations and recurrent polychondritis of the nose and auricles. The presence of cytoplasmic vacuoles in myeloid and erythroid precursors in the bone marrow is characteristic. In up to half of the cases, VEXAS syndrome is associated with myelodysplastic syndrome. Dermatologists should be familiar with the clinical picture, as skin symptoms are often the first indicator of the disease. Molecular diagnostics are essential for confirming the diagnosis and risk stratification of affected patients. In this minireview we provide an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of VEXAS syndrome and illustrate its clinical picture with two own cases.
Effect of artificial pancreas system use on glycaemic control among pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lei Mengyun , Chen Danrui , Ling Ping , Wang Chaofan , Yang Daizhi , Deng Hongrong , Yang Xubin , Xu Wen , Yan Jinhua 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimTo assess the efficacy of artificial pancreas systems (APS) use among pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) by conducting a meta‐analysis.MethodsWe searched five databases, including EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS, for literature on APS use among pregnant women with T1DM before October 9, 2023. The primary endpoint was 24‐hour time in range (TIR; 3.5‐7.8 mmol/L). Secondary endpoints included glycaemic metrics for 24‐hour (mean blood glucose [MBG], time above range [TAR], time below range [TBR]), and overnight TIR and TBR.ResultsWe identified four randomized controlled trials involving 164 participants; one study with 16 participants focused on overnight APS use, and the other three focused on 24‐hour APS use. Compared with standard care, APS exhibited a favourable effect on 24‐hour TIR (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25, 0.80, P < 0.001), overnight TIR (SMD = 0.67, 95% CI 0.39, 0.95, P < 0.001), and overnight TBR (<3.5 mmol/L; SMD = −0.49, 95% CI −0.77, −0.21 P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in 24‐hour TAR, 24‐hour TBR, or MBG between the two groups. We further conducted subgroup analyses after removing the trial focused on overnight APS use and showed that 24‐hour APS use reduced not only the 24‐hour TIR (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI 0.12, 0.71; P = 0.007) but also the 24‐hour TBR (<2.8 mmol/L; SMD = −0.77, 95% CI −1.32, −0.23, P = 0.006).ConclusionOur findings suggest that APS might improve 24‐hour TIR and overnight glycaemic control, and 24‐hour APS use also significantly reduced 24‐hour TBR (2.8 mmol/L) among pregnant women with T1DM.
Oral manifestations of syphilis: Knowledge and skills of senior dental students and newly graduated dentists
Authors: de Lima Medeiros Yuri , Guimarães Igor Campos , de Melo Fábio Augusto , de Souza Chandretti Paula Carolina , Leite Isabel Cristina Gonçalves , Vilela Eduardo Machado 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the knowledge of senior dental students and newly graduated dentists about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral manifestations of syphilis.Materials and MethodsA 32‐question questionnaire was designed with three domains: (I) demographic, academic and professional data of the participants, (II) attitudes, practices and self‐perception regarding training about syphilis and (III) knowledge about syphilis. All knowledge responses were classified as correct or incorrect. Scores ranging from 1 to 14 were calculated, and grades were assigned to each participant according to their level of knowledge.ResultsThe sample comprised 408 dental students and 339 newly graduated dentists. The mean score was 7.70 ± 3.35 for undergraduates and 9.09 ± 3265 for dentists. The highest frequency of correct answers (>70%) was attributed to questions about the aetiology, transmission and treatment of syphilis. The questions with the lowest frequency of correct answers (<50%) were about the identification of oral manifestations and stages of syphilis.ConclusionsThe knowledge of dental practitioners and academics about the oral manifestations of syphilis was unsatisfactory. The lack of understanding of these aspects can delay the diagnosis and treatment of patients with this disease, which is concerning given the steady increase in cases in recent years.
From fragmentation to collaboration in European brain research
Authors: Olesen Jes 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe European Academy of Neurology (EAN) is a member of the European Brain Council (EBC), a coalition of neurologists, psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, patient organizations and industry with an interest in the brain and its diseases. It was founded by the present author. Here, its formation, early history and the results of its advocacy are described.MethodEyewitness report and relevant literature were considered.ResultsAfter a long and difficult inception, the European Brain Council (EBC) brought all major players with an interest in the brain and its diseases to work closely together. Important data on the cost of brain diseases, lack of funding and fantastic research possibilities were generated and effectively used in advocacy. During the early years of the collaborative effort, the funding of brain research increased from €85 million in framework program (FP) 5 to €260 million in FP6 and to more than €2000 million in FP7.ConclusionThe EBC has been extremely successful. It is essential that advocacy in the European Union continues to be united so that those involved in brain research are able to speak with one voice to policy makers. An even bigger task, still insufficiently pursued, is for national brain councils to achieve prioritization of brain research in their national political agenda to bring about improved provision of care to those living with a brain disease.
A vocalization in male Japanese bush warblers in response to both predators and conspecific females
Authors: Hamao Shoji 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMale Japanese bush warblers (Cettia diphone) produce not only typical songs but also long, conspicuous vocalizations (continuous songs) during the breeding season. In my preliminary observations, male warblers produced continuous songs in response to both the appearance of a predator and the calls of conspecific females. Although predator‐elicited vocalizations by males have been studied in some species, there are no known cases in which an acoustically identical vocalization is also triggered in response to conspecific females. Here, I examined whether these continuous songs triggered in response to predators and females were acoustically similar. In field experiments, I presented dummies of a Eurasian sparrowhawk and a female warbler before (April) and after (June) female arrival at the breeding ground. Before female arrival, 11.1% of males responded with continuous songs to each of the hawk and female presentations; after female arrival, the respective values were 27.6% and 48.3%. Thus, more males responded to the model presentations with continuous songs after female arrival. There was no difference in the acoustic characteristics of the continuous songs between the two models. The males approached the female model more intensively than the hawk model. These findings do not support the hypothesis that the song functions as an alarm or predator deterrent. The function of these continuous songs remains unclear, but this study is the first to show an example where males produce the same vocalization in response to both predators and conspecific females. The continuous song contains a trill‐like structure, which can be considered a performance‐related song trait. Therefore, the continuous song may possibly be an honest signal of male quality for females. Further studies are required to understand the function of this novel vocalization, particularly the effects of female breeding stage on male singing activity and the female response to the songs.
Alterations in the gene expression of SARS‐COV‐2 entry receptors and enzymes in lungs and hearts of controlled and uncontrolled diabetic mice
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Ohood , Jarrar Yazun , Gharaibeh Munir , Abudahab Sara , Abulebdah Dina , Jarrar Bashir 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe entry of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) into the host cell is carried out by specific receptors and enzymes, including human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), and cathepsin‐L (CTSL). COVID‐19 patients with comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), are more prone to severe symptoms and have a higher risk of mortality.AimsThe present study aimed to investigate the impact of controlled and uncontrolled type 1 DM (T1DM) on the gene expression of mouse Ace2, Tmprss2, and Ctsl and correlate it with the pathological alterations in the lungs and the heart of DM mice.MethodsBalb/c mice were administered a single dose of 240 mg/kg streptozocin to induce T1DM. The blood glucose level was measured to confirm the induction of DM. Normalization of blood glucose levels in T1DM mice was achieved using 0.1 mL/kg Mixtard® insulin therapy. The mice's lungs and hearts were harvested, and the mRNA was extracted and converted to cDNA. The gene expression of Ace2, Tmprss2, Ctsl, Cyp4a11, and Adrb1 genes, which play a role in the homeostasis of lungs and hearts, were measured using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The pathological alterations in the hearts and lungs induced by T1DM were evaluated using the relative heart and lung weights, in addition to the pathohistological examination.ResultsAfter inducing T1DM for 14 days, we observed a significant reduction in the total weight of uncontrolled DM (UDM) mice (P < 0.05). Pathohistological examination of UDM lung tissues revealed thickening of the alveolar walls with narrowing of the surface of the alveolar sacs. Additionally, we found that UDM mice exhibited downregulation of Ace2 gene expression (P < 0.05) in their lungs, while both UDM and control DM (CDM) mice showed upregulation of Ctsl gene expression in their hearts (P < 0.05). Notably, Cyp4a12 gene expression was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) in UDM mice but returned to normal levels in CDM mice.ConclusionsWe conclude from this study that T1DM downregulates Ace2 receptor and Cyp4a12 gene expression, which is correlated with the thickening of alveolar walls and narrowing of the surface of alveolar sacs in the lungs. Insulin administration for controlling T1DM ameliorated these pathological alterations. These results can help increase our understanding of the impact of controlled and uncontrolled T1DM on the lungs and may explain, at least in part, why DM patients with COVID‐19 experience exacerbation of symptoms.
Presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus in wastewater in the Kingdom of Bahrain during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mohamed Afaf Merza , Matar Ebrahim , Isa Hasan M. , Moosa Ahmed K. , Hasan Wafa Fawzi , Mohamed Amjad Ghanem , Al Sayyad Adel Salman , Sanad Maryam Y. , Alhajeri Maryam , Abu Alfatah Najat , Alaraibi Qasim M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundSeveral countries, including Bahrain, used wastewater surveillance for disease activity monitoring. This study aimed to determine the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in untreated wastewater and to correlate it with the disease spread.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted for all wastewater samples tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 in public health laboratories from November 2020 to October 2022. Samples were collected weekly between February and October 2022 from different areas across Bahrain. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to test for the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in wastewater, and the results were correlated with the number of COVID‐19 cases in the same area.ResultsOf 387 wastewater samples, 103 (26.6%) samples tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. In late 2020, of 42 samples collected initially, four (9.5%) samples tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 in the four locations that hosted COVID‐19 isolation facilities. Between February and October 2022, 345 specimens of wastewater were tested, and 99 (28.7%) were positive. The highest detection rate was in February, June, and July (60%, 45%, and 43%, respectively), which corresponded to COVID‐19 peaks during 2022, and the lowest detection rate was in August and September (11% and 0%, respectively), corresponding to the low number of COVID‐19 cases.ConclusionThe detection rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 in wastewater samples from Bahrain was high and was significantly correlated with the number of reported COVID‐19 cases. Wastewater surveillance can aid the existing surveillance system in monitoring SARS‐CoV‐2 spread.
Seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies and associated risk factors during the second wave of infection in a university community in Cameroon
Authors: Essomba René Ghislain , Bayibeki Albert Ngano , Lissom Abel , Ateba Pulchérie Thérèse , Seni Nassif , Fouda Claude Ariane Nlozoa , Mbitock Solange Berthe Diwandja , Ebonda Normand David , Afana Sylvie Delphine , Akame Siméon , Tembu Adelphe Anyang , Ngamaleu Modeste Romuald , Bimai Bernard Christel Bihonba , Kabo Ousmane , Nguwoh Philipe Salomon , Ngounouh Christian Taheu , Meka Moise Christian Junior , Kengne Michel , Likeng Julienne‐Louise Ngo , Kimessoukie Etienne Omolomo , Nkoum Benjamin Alexandre , Assoumou Marie Claire Okomo , Fokam Joseph , Yap Boum I. I. , Ambomo Myriam Sylvie , Chadou Michael Junior Piameu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has caused a public health emergency in all sectors of society, including universities and other academic institutions in Cameroon. However, little is known concerning the real prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infections among student communities during the second wave of infection in Cameroon. This study aimed to estimate SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies seroprevalence among participants in a university community in Cameroon.MethodologyA cross‐sectional study was conducted from March to April 2021 in 547 students aged ≥18 years during a mass diagnostic campaign at the School of Health Sciences of the Catholic University of Central Africa (ESS/UCAC). The anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody screening was done using the Panbio™ COVID‐19 IgG/IgM Rapid Diagnostic Test.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies was 27%, of which 89.9% (n = 133) was IgG, 6.7% (n = 10) IgM and 3.4% (n = 5) IgG/IgM positive. The undergraduate students represented 79% (432/547) of the total population and were highly positive with anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies 30% (130/432) as compared with postgraduate students 20% (23/115). The total antibody seropositivity was higher in males (34.4%) than females (24.9%). Several factors were associated with an increased risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence including the male gender (OR: 1.61 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.0–2.4]), specialization to medical laboratory (OR: 2.8 [95% CI 1.1–7.1]) and nursing sciences (OR: 2.6 [95% CI 1.1–6.2]).ConclusionOur findings point to extensive and underreported circulation of SARS‐CoV‐2 in a university community during the second wave of infection in Cameroon, which likely resulted in artificially low case counts.
Adolescent psychotic experiences before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic: a prospective cohort study
Authors: DeVylder Jordan , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Hosozawa Mariko , Yamasaki Syudo , Ando Shuntaro , Miyashita Mitsuhiro , Endo Kaori , Stanyon Daniel , Usami Satoshi , Kanata Sho , Tanaka Riki , Minami Rin , Hiraiwa‐Hasegawa Mariko , Kasai Kiyoto , Nishida Atsushi 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundUnderstanding the etiology of psychosis is essential to the development of preventive interventions. The COVID‐19 pandemic provides a rare natural experiment that can expand our understanding of the role of social factors in the trajectories and etiology of psychosis across adolescence, particularly in Tokyo where the prevalence of actual COVID‐19 infection remained low. We hypothesized that the likelihood of self‐reporting psychotic experiences (PEs) would increase following the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsThe Tokyo Teen Cohort (TTC) is a prospective cohort study of adolescents in the general population of the Tokyo metropolitan area, followed from age 10 to 16 years. We used multi‐level linear regression models to test the associations between the phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic and self‐reported PEs.ResultsAmong 1935 adolescents included in the analysis, a rapid increase in PEs occurred at the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, following approximately 6 years of steady decline across prior waves. This association was more pronounced for boys compared to girls. This increase became more pronounced as the pandemic moved into later phases, defined based on contemporaneous sociopolitical changes in Tokyo (i.e. changes to school closure, social distancing guidelines, and the state of emergency status).ConclusionsThe steady decline in PEs across adolescence was halted and reversed concurrent with the COVID‐19 pandemic onset, despite very low rates of COVID‐19 infection. This implicates COVID‐19 related socioenvironmental factors as contributory etiological factors in the development of PEs in this adolescent cohort.
Strain‐mode‐specific mechanical testing and the interpretation of bone adaptation in the deer calcaneus
Authors: Skedros John G. , Dayton Michael R. , Bloebaum Roy D. , Bachus Kent N. , Cronin John T. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe artiodactyl (deer and sheep) calcaneus is a model that helps in understanding how many bones achieve anatomical optimization and functional adaptation. We consider how the dorsal and plantar cortices of these bones are optimized in quasi‐isolation (the conventional view) versus in the context of load sharing along the calcaneal shaft by “tension members” (the plantar ligament and superficial digital flexor tendon). This load‐sharing concept replaces the conventional view, as we have argued in a recent publication that employs an advanced analytical model of habitual loading and fracture risk factors of the deer calcaneus. Like deer and sheep calcanei, many mammalian limb bones also experience prevalent bending, which seems problematic because the bone is weaker and less fatigue‐resistant in tension than compression. To understand how bones adapt to bending loads and counteract deleterious consequences of tension, it is important to examine both strain‐mode‐specific (S‐M‐S) testing (compression testing of bone habitually loaded in compression; tension testing of bone habitually loaded in tension) and non‐S‐M‐S testing. Mechanical testing was performed on individually machined specimens from the dorsal “compression cortex” and plantar “tension cortex” of adult deer calcanei and were independently tested to failure in one of these two strain modes. We hypothesized that the mechanical properties of each cortex region would be optimized for its habitual strain mode when these regions are considered independently. Consistent with this hypothesis, energy absorption parameters were approximately three times greater in S‐M‐S compression testing in the dorsal/compression cortex when compared to non‐S‐M‐S tension testing of the dorsal cortex. However, inconsistent with this hypothesis, S‐M‐S tension testing of the plantar/tension cortex did not show greater energy absorption compared to non‐S‐M‐S compression testing of the plantar cortex. When compared to the dorsal cortex, the plantar cortex only had a higher elastic modulus (in S‐M‐S testing of both regions). Therefore, the greater strength and capacity for energy absorption of the dorsal cortex might “protect” the weaker plantar cortex during functional loading. However, this conventional interpretation (i.e., considering adaptation of each cortex in isolation) is rejected when critically considering the load‐sharing influences of the ligament and tendon that course along the plantar cortex. This important finding/interpretation has general implications for a better understanding of how other similarly loaded bones achieve anatomical optimization and functional adaptation.
Identification and fungicide sensitivity of Alternaria tenuissima causing leaf spot of Tetrapanax papyrifer newly reported in China
Authors: Tang Xian‐Ying , Ban Rui , Wu Xue‐Ping , Li Hong‐Tao , Javed Khadija , Peng Li‐Juan , Ding Hai‐Xia 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTetrapanax papyrifer, the rice‐paper plant, is an evergreen shrub and is traditionally used as a herbal medicine in China. In October 2021, a serious leaf spot disease was extensively observed on T. papyrifer in Guizhou, China. Given the limited information available about the aetiology of this disease, isolations were performed, the morphological characteristics and multi‐locus phylogenetic analysis of the fungus associated with the disease were described, and the pathogenicity tests and Koch's postulates were completed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot on T. papyrifer caused by Alternaria tenuissima in China. Among 11 fungicides tested, 10% difenoconazole WDG had the best inhibition effect in vitro with EC50 values at 0.1 μg mL−1. This study provides new information for the identification and chemical control of Alternaria leaf spot of T. papyrifer.
The water content of CM carbonaceous chondrite falls and finds, and their susceptibility to terrestrial contamination
Authors: Lee Martin R. , Hallis Lydia J. , Daly Luke , Boyce Adrian J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCM carbonaceous chondrites can be used to constrain the abundance and H isotopic composition of water and OH in C‐complex asteroids. Previous measurements of the water/OH content of the CMs are at the higher end of the compositional range of asteroids as determined by remote sensing. One possible explanation is that the indigenous water/OH content of meteorites has been overestimated due to contamination during their time on Earth. Here we have sought to better understand the magnitude and rate of terrestrial contamination through quantifying the concentration and H isotopic composition of telluric and indigenous water in CM falls by stepwise pyrolysis. These measurements have been integrated with published pyrolysis data from CM falls and finds. Once exposed to Earth's atmosphere CM falls are contaminated rapidly, with some acquiring weight percent concentrations of water within days. The amount of water added does not progressively increase with time because CM falls have a similar range of adsorbed water contents to finds. Instead, the petrologic types of CMs strongly influence the amount of terrestrial water that they can acquire. This relationship is probably controlled by mineralogical and/or petrophysical properties of the meteorites that affect their hygroscopicity. Irrespective of the quantity of water that a sample adsorbs or its terrestrial age, there is minimal exchange of H in indigenous phyllosilicates with the terrestrial environment. The falls and finds discussed here contain 1.9–10.5 wt% indigenous water (average 7.0 wt%) that is consistent with recent measurements of C‐complex asteroids including Bennu.