bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Comorbid Asthma and the Efficacy of Bioabsorbable Steroid-eluting Sinus Stents Implanted After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Huang Ao , Li Tao , Li Min-shan , Huang Zhen-xiao , Wang De-hui , Cheng Lei , Zhou Bing , Wang Heng , Liu Zheng
Published: October 2023

Objective

To identify factors affecting the efficacy of steroid-eluting sinus stents implanted after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Methods

We performed a post-hoc analysis of a randomized self-controlled clinical trial on post-operative implantation of bioabsorbable steroid-eluting stents in patients with CRSwNP. Univariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify which of the following factors affect the response to post-operative stent implantation: sex, serum eosinophil levels, history of prior surgery, endoscopic scores, and comorbid conditions (asthma and allergic rhinitis). The primary outcome was the rate of post-operative intervention on day 30, and the secondary outcome was the rate of polypoid tissue formation (grades 2–3) on days 14, 30, and 90.

Results

A total of 151 patients with CRSwNP were included in the post-hoc analysis. Asthma was identified as the only risk factor for a poor response to steroid-eluting sinus stents on post-operative day 30, with an odds ratio of 23.71 (95% CI, 2.81, 200.16; P=0.004) for the need for post-operative intervention and 19 (95% CI, 2.20, 164.16; P=0.003) for moderate-to-severe polypoid tissue formation. In addition, the asthmatic group showed higher rates of post-operative intervention and polypoid tissue formation than the non-asthmatic group on post-operative day 30. Blood eosinophil levels were not identified as a risk factor for poor outcomes after stent implantation.

Conclusion

Comorbid asthma, but not blood eosinophil level, impairs the efficacy of steroid-eluting sinus stents in the short term after ESS in patients with CRSwNP.
First records of two new silverfish species (Ctenolepisma longicaudatum and Ctenolepisma calvum) in Slovakia, with checklist and identification key of Slovak Zygentoma
Authors: Bednár František , Hemala Vladimír , Čejka Tomáš
Published: October 2023

In recent years, introduced synanthropic species of the order Zygentoma (especially Ctenolepisma longicaudatum and C. calvum) have begun to spread in Central Europe. The two above-mentioned non-native species of silverfish have also recently been confirmed in Slovakia. This paper aims to comment on the occurrence of the two non-native species in Slovakia, to compile an identification key for all (i.e. also native) Slovak silverfish species and establish local species names.
“It wasn’t the priority”: Non-binary Children Experiences and Professional Discourse on Public Service Care During the First Wave of COVID-19
Authors: Langarita Jose Antonio , Trull-Oliva Carme , Vilà Montserrat , Montserrat Carme
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The lockdown associated with COVID-19 has had a different impact on LGBTI people compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, with an even greater impact on children and youth. This study aims to identify the level of satisfaction amongst non-binary children with the attention received from the main social actors during the first wave of the pandemic in Spain, analyse the role of key people, levels of trust, and children’s main concerns and needs. Furthermore, it also aims to understand professional responses to the challenges presented by non-binary children and young people during the first wave of the pandemic.

Methods

A mixed design has been applied to the collection of quantitative and qualitative data during 2022. A survey of children aged 9 to 17 (n = 1216, in which there were 32 non-binary children) as well as 30 interviews with professionals in the sector were used during the academic year 2021–2022.

Results

The results of the study show how non-binary children and young people have significantly less satisfaction than their peers who identified as a boy or a girl with respect to the care received, how gender identity played a fundamental role in their experiences during the lockdown and how professional responses have not had the proper tools to adequately address the challenges that non-binary children and young people posed to services and resources.

Conclusions

Adversities such as pandemics reproduced and intensified patterns of invisibility, discrimination and social exclusion in most walks of life for children who are outside of the dominant sexual and gender logic.

Policy Implications

This piece of work allows us to highlight the needs of non-binary children and young people as well as those of psychosocial care professionals in order to support sexual and gender diversity in post-pandemic conditions.
An Experimental Analysis of Precipitated Silica in Petroleum-Contaminated Clay for the Strengthening of Soil Characteristics
Authors: Kulanthaivel Ponnusamy , Krishnaraja Ammapalyam Ramasamy , Muthusamy Suresh , Mishra Om Prava , Sha Mizaj Shabil , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: October 2023

In recent times, the environmental impacts of petroleum-contaminated clay (PC clay) have intensified, leading to more severe detrimental effects. To address this issue, the use of precipitated silica (P silica) has proven to be an effective solution. P silica offers improved treatment for the contaminated clay and enhances the engineering properties of the soil. A series of experiments such as pH test, electrical conductivity test, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, California bearing ratio (CBR) test, free swell index (FSI) test, compaction test and Atterberg limit tests were conducted to compare the soil characteristics of the PC clay with and without the treatment of P silica. The PC clay soil specimens were tested after the inclusion of P silica with varying dosages of 0%, 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% by dry weight of clay soil. The inclusion of P silica at a dosage of 6% resulted in the optimum strength of 275.12 kPa. This dosage also led to a reduction in free swell index (FSI) and maximum dry density (MDD), indicating a flocculation mechanism caused by the presence of P silica. Additionally, there was an improvement in stiffness and strength parameters, as evidenced by the enhancement in CBR (California bearing ratio). Therefore, the effective utilization of P silica in contaminated clay soil provides a variety of applications in the geotechnical field.
Discovering Rules for Rule-Based Machine Learning with the Help of Novelty Search
Authors: Heider Michael , Stegherr Helena , Pätzel David , Sraj Roman , Wurth Jonathan , Volger Benedikt , Hähner Jörg
Published: October 2023

Automated prediction systems based on machine learning (ML) are employed in practical applications with increasing frequency and stakeholders demand explanations of their decisions. ML algorithms that learn accurate sets of rules, such as learning classifier systems (LCSs), produce transparent and human-readable models by design. However, whether such models can be effectively used, both for predictions and analyses, strongly relies on the optimal placement and selection of rules (in ML this task is known as model selection). In this article, we broaden a previous analysis on a variety of techniques to efficiently place good rules within the search space based on their local prediction errors as well as their generality. This investigation is done within a specific pre-existing LCS, named SupRB, where the placement of rules and the selection of good subsets of rules are strictly separated—in contrast to other LCSs where these tasks sometimes blend. We compare two baselines, random search and $$(1, \lambda )$$

(
1
,
λ
)

-evolution strategy (ES), with six novelty search variants: three novelty-/fitness weighing variants and for each of those two differing approaches on the usage of the archiving mechanism. We find that random search is not sufficient and sensible criteria, i.e., error and generality, are indeed needed. However, we cannot confirm that the more complicated-to-explain novelty search variants would provide better results than $$(1, \lambda )$$

(
1
,
λ
)

-ES which allows a good balance between low error and low complexity in the resulting models.
Heranwachsende in der cyber-physischen Stadt – Kategorien hybrider Sport- und Bewegungswelten aus Sicht der Stadtplanung
Authors: Bentlin Felix , Teske Tilmann
Published: October 2023

Digitale Hilfsmittel wie Navigations- oder Tracking-Apps verändern Bewegung in der Stadt. Digitalisierungsprozesse von Sport- und Bewegungsaktivitäten sind kaum Gegenstand raumwissenschaftlicher Forschungen, gleichzeitig veranschaulichen sie – insbesondere aus Sicht der Stadtplanung – die transformativen Kräfte in Städten an der Schnittstelle von Digitalität, Raum und Bewegungserleben. Denn bisher werden hybride Sportformen in erster Linie sichtbar durch die zunehmende Beanspruchung öffentlicher Räume. Digitale Raumaneignung findet ausgehend von Plattformen, Communities und weiteren Online-Angeboten bereits überall statt. Infolge der Vermischung von online, offline und hybriden Settings stehen nicht nur die Koordination und Gestaltung von öffentlichen Grünanlagen sowie Sportinfrastruktur unter Veränderungsdruck. Es geht darum, ein grundlegendes Vokabular zur Neuorganisation von Bewegungsaktivitäten und Stadträumen zu formulieren. Im Fokus des Beitrags stehen deshalb vor allem Anknüpfungspunkte für die qualitative Raumforschung und Digitalisierungsforschung: Anhand einer bundesweiten Online-Befragung (n = 861) werden Eigenschaften für sportaffine Heranwachsende (Altersgruppe 15–19 Jahre, n = 128, und Altersgruppe 20–24 Jahre, n = 152) mittels der folgenden Kategorien vorgestellt: Akteur*innen, digitale Hilfsmittel, Sport‑/Bewegungsformen, Orte und Infrastrukturen, Angebote und Aktivitäten. Die systematische Stichprobe kombiniert Ergebnisse aus Gruppendiskussionen (n = 31) mit Akteur*innen aus der Plattformökonomie, Sportunternehmen, Verwaltungen und Zivilgesellschaft. Diese Analyse der Raumproduktion Heranwachsender stößt Fragen zum Einfluss der Digitalisierung auf soziale Prozesse sowie zu sich verändernden Orten und zukünftiger Planung an. Schließlich werden Einblicke in die alltäglichen Sporterlebnisse der eher informellen Lebenswelt von Jugendlichen sowie jungen Erwachsenen für ein transdisziplinäres Forschungsfeld offeriert. Innerhalb einer vielschichtigen Gemengelage bietet der Beitrag einen Überblick anhand eines erneuerten und gegenwartsnahen Kategorisierungssystems hybrider Sport- und Bewegungswelten für Forschung und Praxis an.
Unveiling the power of critical multimodal literacy: exploring cultural difference in children’s literature through ‘The Proudest Blue — a Story of Hijab and Family’
Authors: Alford Jennifer , Yousef Areej
Published: October 2023

At a time when difference is being actively diluted in the service of standardisation and conservative views of nationhood, stories about difference, and their semiotic and multimodal elements, provide rich grounds for critical engagement. This is especially the case with stories about highly visible cultural symbols, such as the hijab, worn in many school classrooms in countries like Australia. In this paper, we explore the use of critical analysis of multimodal elements as matters with which to think about cultural difference, through the picture book, The Proudest Blue — a story of Hijab and family by Ibtihaj Muhammad with art by Hatem Aly, 2020. This story presents to young people the notion of being strong in cultural difference via the symbol of the hijab. Our analysis draws on Cappello et al.’s 2019) Critical Multimodal Literacy approach to explore four dimensions: communicating with multimodal tools; re-storying, representing and redesigning; acknowledging and shifting power relationships and leveraging multimodal resources to critique and transform socio-political realities. We identify the range of multimodal tools the author and illustrator put to use to re-story and critique common misconceptions about the wearing of the hijab as a religious symbol. Making links between multimodal composition and critical analysis is a powerful way to affirm the significance of children’s literature that addresses difference, a term often conflated with diversity which references dominant norms. It can also inspire children to story their own matters in ways that critique notions of cultural homogeneity.
Drivers of crop commercialization in central and southern Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebiso Tamrat , Ketema Mengistu , Shumetie Arega , Leggesse Getachew
Published: October 2023

More than 95% of crop production in Ethiopia comes from smallholder farmers operating on a farm size of less than 2 hectares. This implies that agriculture is dominantly operated by smallholders nationally. Agricultural commercialization is believed to improve farmers’ livelihoods; hence, commercializing agriculture in Ethiopia means contributing to the smallholder farmer’s welfare. To do so, a study of participation and level of commercialization and their determinant factors is vital. Hence, this study was initiated to evaluate crop output commercialization status and its determinants in rural Ethiopia. Heckman’s two-step model was employed for the analysis. The mean commercialization index (CI) for the sample was 43.40% while 26% and 35% of households were commercially oriented and subsistent farmers respectively. The decision to participate in crop output marketing was affected by age, market distance, and instrument for the level of farm mechanization negatively. In contrast, it was affected positively by livestock size (TLU), being in mid-highland agroecology, ownership of equines, amount of annual income, and access to market information. The intensity of commercialization was positively affected by annual income, access to market information, and number of oxen; while it was negatively affected by operational land, level of crop diversification, and market distance significantly. Improving the resource endowment, and minimizing transaction costs by improving access to market centers, market information, and means of transportation can further enhance commercialization. Improving access to farm mechanization and enhancing productivity in highland areas are also issues that shall get policy and development practitioners’ focus.
A data-driven method for the optimal control of centralized cooling station in an office park
Authors: Li Caiyu , Lv Zihui , Geng Yang , Tang Hao , Gu Xiaobin , Lin Borong , Zhou Wenwen
Published: October 2023

An effective way to reduce the energy consumption of a building is to optimize the control strategy for the HVAC system. Load prediction is suggested and used to match the supply and demand for air conditioning and achieve energy savings. However, the gap between load prediction models and real-time optimal control of HVAC systems still exists. Hence, this paper proposed an optimization method for dynamically determining the best setpoints of chillers and chilled water pumps under a specific load. The energy consumption model of each equipment in the centralized cooling station is established and validated using the operational data. Then an optimization problem is defined to find the optimal setpoints for each equipment under certain load, to realize the lowest energy consumption. To verify the validity of the proposed method, a period of real operational data in an office park is used. The proposed method is applied on one centralized cooling station in the office park and results in an 4% lower overall energy consumption than the existing intelligent control strategies in the park. This method provides feasible directions and reference for realizing overall optimal control of the whole HVAC system in the future.
Hume on the Temporal Priority of Cause Over Effect
Authors: Palmer David
Published: October 2023

In A Treatise of Human Nature, David Hume claims that causes must temporally precede their effects. However, his main argument for this claim has long puzzled commentators. Indeed, most commentators have dismissed this argument as confused, but beyond this dismissal, the argument has provoked relatively little critical attention. My aim in this paper is to rectify this situation. In what follows, I (i) clarify the argument’s interpretive challenges, (ii) critique two existing interpretations of it, and (iii) offer my own improved interpretation. More generally, I hope to throw new light on this puzzling aspect of Hume’s philosophy.
Analysis of the choking condition of one-dimensional diabatic flows with wall friction
Authors: Ferrari Alessandro , Vento Oscar
Published: October 2023

The choking condition of a one-dimensional steady-state diabatic flow, with wall friction, of a perfect gas through a constant cross-section pipe has been analysed by applying a recent analytical solution. Such a choking condition can be achieved for an initially subsonic flow and a supersonic one, even when the heat flux goes from the fluid to the wall. Entropy–enthalpy diagrams have been analysed, and a universal choking condition for compressible diabatic flows with wall friction has been determined. The analytical solution of a supersonic flow, in which a normal shock occurs, has been obtained for a diabatic flow with wall friction and compared with the results of a numerical model.
The art of painting chromosome loops
Authors: Berr Alexandre , Chabouté Marie-Edith
Published: October 2023

How to get a metre of DNA into a tiny space while preserving its functional characteristics? This question seems easy to pose, but the answer is far from being trivial. Facing this riddle, salvation came from technical improvements in microscopy and in situ hybridisation techniques applied to cytogenetics. Here, we would like to look into the past at one of these pure cytogenetics articles that makes a breakthrough in addressing this question in plant science. Our choice fell on the work published two decades ago by Fransz et al. (2002). Besides the elegant manner in which DNA probes were organised to bring into light the out-looping arrangement of interphase chromosomes in Arabidopsis thaliana nuclei, this article perfectly illustrates that painting is not reserved to the fine art. As for whether emotional expression prioritised by artists can sometimes hide behind scientific empirical evidence, there is only a small step to make to the general case.
Predicting therapist adherence to the CRA manual in addiction care
Authors: Kraan Anneleen E.M. , Markus Wiebren , Schellekens Arnt F.A. , Dijkstra Boukje A.G.
Published: October 2023

Although manual-based treatments are widely available in mental health care, they are often not delivered according to protocol. Treatment-, therapist- and organizational-related determinants are known to affect therapist adherence to treatment protocols, and subsequently treatment success. This study examined which determinants are associated with therapist adherence to the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) manual, an evidence-based behavioural treatment programme commonly used in addiction care. Using a cross-sectional design, adherence to the CRA manual and potential contributing determinants were assessed through a self-report survey among therapists (N = 69) working in out-patient addiction care. Correlation analysis and backward stepwise regression analysis were used to examine which treatment-, therapist- and organizational-related determinants were associated with CRA adherence. Significant associations with self-reported CRA adherence were found for nine out of 16 determinants examined. Three independent determinants explained 43% of the variance in CRA manual adherence, namely compatibility with the working method therapists were used to, perceived outcome expectations, and perceived adoption of CRA procedures by colleagues. These determinants should be considered when implementing CRA in addiction care, for example by investing in training and taking into account therapists’ previous treatment experience. This also accounts for creating positive outcome expectations and the use of descriptive norms by making experiences explicit of therapists and teams that excel. Future research should investigate which other determinants contribute to therapists’ adherence and focus on clarifying causality between determinants and adherence.

Key learning aims

(1)

To understand the importance of treatment, therapist and organizational determinants influencing therapist adherence to the CRA manual.

(2)

To explain the three determinants that make the largest contribution to self-reported therapists’ adherence to the CRA manual, namely: compatibility with the working method, perceived outcome expectations, and perceived adoption of CRA procedures by colleagues.

(3)

To reflect on the clinical implications regarding therapist training, implementation of manual-based treatments and future research.
Spatial Characterization of Channeling in Sheared Rough‐Walled Fractures in the Transition to Nonlinear Fluid Flow
Authors: Egert Robert , Nitschke Fabian , Gholami Korzani Maziar , Kohl Thomas
Published: October 2023

Accurate quantification of spatially resolved fluid flow within fractures is crucial for successful reservoir development, such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems. This study presents an innovative workflow designed to model and characterize preferential flow paths (channels) within rough‐walled shear fractures. A set of 30 rough‐walled self‐affine fractures, all possessing identical roughness characteristics, is stochastically generated. By solving the nonlinear Navier‐Stokes equations in 420 individual realizations, the transition from linear to nonlinear flow regimes and the two extreme flow directions perpendicular and parallel to the shearing are numerically captured. A distinguishing feature of this approach is its comprehensive statistical analysis, which encompasses both the geometric and transport properties of flow paths in the non‐simplified three‐dimensional fractured void space under typical geothermal flow conditions. In a perpendicular orientation of flow and shearing, fluid flow exhibits pronounced localization, with more than one‐third of the volumetric flow concentrated within 15% of the fracture volume. In contrast, parallel to the shearing, a complex pattern of individual tortuous channels emerges, with flow occurring in 22% of the void space. Nonlinear effects primarily manifest outside these channels, suggesting that complex flow phenomena may dominate irregular fracture structures, such as contact zones or asperities. In the parallel case, increased flow rates lead to an amplification of channeling processes resulting in less affected volume and diminished tortuosity of the main flow path, while in perpendicular orientation nonlinear effects are only of minor importance. The small‐scale flow regime of both extreme cases tends to converge with increasing flow rates.
A New Census of Plastic Debris Entering the Ocean
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: October 2023

On the basis of thousands of measurements of plastic pollution spotted near coastlines and at sea, researchers estimate that roughly 500 million kilograms of plastic debris is entering the world’s oceans each year.
Simultaneous Observation of Magnetopause Expansion Under Radial IMF and Indention by HSJ
Authors: Wang Xi , Lu Jianyong , Wang Ming , Zhou Yue , Hao Yufei
Published: October 2023

To analyze the influence of high‐speed jets (HSJs) on the position of the magnetopause during long‐term radial interplanetary magnetic fields (IMFs), we report three events of magnetopause expansions and indentions by HSJs observed by Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms. In these events, the upstream solar wind condition is stable and the IMF direction is quasi‐radial, characterized by the cone angle less than 30°. Actually, such upstream conditions are rare, especially when the HSJ is observed near the magnetopause crossing time. The actual positions of the magnetopause in these three cases are further away from Earth than that shown by the empirical models. A local indention in the magnetopause caused by HSJ is inferred by the inward movement of the magnetopause from the compression of HSJ. It is the first time to report the simultaneous magnetopause expansion under radial IMF and magnetopause indention caused by HSJ.
S1PR1 regulates ovarian cancer cell senescence through the PDK1-LATS1/2-YAP pathway
Authors: Tao Yi-Ping , Zhu Heng-Yan , Shi Qian-Yuan , Wang Cai-Xia , Hua Yu-Xin , Hu Han-Yin , Zhou Qi-Yin , Zhou Zi-Lu , Sun Ying , Wang Xiao-Min , Wang Yu , Zhang Ya-Ling , Guo Yan-Jun , Wang Zi-Ying , Che Xuan , Xu Chun-Wei , Zhang Xian-Chao , Heger Michal , Tao Su-Ping , Zheng Xin , Xu Ying , Ao Lei , Liu Ai-Jun , Liu Sheng-Bing , Cheng Shu-Qun , Pan Wei-Wei
Published: October 2023

Cell senescence deters the activation of various oncogenes. Induction of senescence is, therefore, a potentially effective strategy to interfere with vital processes in tumor cells. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) has been implicated in various cancer types, including ovarian cancer. The mechanism by which S1PR1 regulates ovarian cancer cell senescence is currently elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that S1PR1 was highly expressed in human ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. S1PR1 deletion inhibited the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells. S1PR1 deletion promoted ovarian cancer cell senescence and sensitized ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin chemotherapy. Exposure of ovarian cancer cells to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) increased the expression of 3-phosphatidylinositol-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), decreased the expression of large tumor suppressor 1/2 (LATS1/2), and induced phosphorylation of Yes-associated protein (p-YAP). Opposite results were obtained in S1PR1 knockout cells following pharmacological inhibition. After silencing LATS1/2 in S1PR1-deficient ovarian cancer cells, senescence was suppressed and S1PR1 expression was increased concomitantly with YAP expression. Transcriptional regulation of S1PR1 by YAP was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Accordingly, the S1PR1-PDK1-LATS1/2-YAP pathway regulates ovarian cancer cell senescence and does so through a YAP-mediated feedback loop. S1PR1 constitutes a druggable target for the induction of senescence in ovarian cancer cells. Pharmacological intervention in the S1PR1-PDK1-LATS1/2-YAP signaling axis may augment the efficacy of standard chemotherapy.
Restorative dentistry clinical decision-making for hypodontia: complex cases
Authors: Pace-Balzan Adrian , Chatzipantelis Andreas , J. Dunn Katharine , Charan Garima , P. Ashley Martin
Published: October 2023

Hypodontia is a relatively common condition and patients will be seen by both general dental practitioners and specialist dental colleagues. Although hypodontia can be described as mild, moderate and severe, this does not directly correlate with the complexity of treatment required to provide an acceptable outcome. In addition, the complexity of treatment provided by one colleague in the multidisciplinary team may not be the same as for other colleagues.

When treatment planning and delivering dental care for these patients, especially those with severe hypodontia, it is useful to recognise the factors that make their care complex and also to follow principles for multidisciplinary treatment planning.
Involving young people and parents in decision-making for hypodontia
Authors: Barber Sophy , Jones Adam , Abigale Patel Veena , P. Ashley Martin
Published: October 2023

Involving young people and their parents in decisions about their health care is ethically and professionally the right thing to do. Good decision-making relies on informed, value-based deliberation. Providing the right treatment for people with hypodontia is complex, both technically, in terms of the range of options available, and from a communication perspective. Treatment decisions faced by young people with hypodontia can have lifelong implications and the weight of this is felt both by the patient, who may have limited experience of dental treatment and decision-making, and their parents, who act as advocates. It is important that clinicians understand how they can best share the available evidence and their expertise in a way that can be understood and applied. Clinicians also have an important role in facilitating young people to recognise and communicate their own values, expectations, and ultimately, preferences for treatment. This paper outlines the challenges of navigating information sharing and engaging in shared decision-making specific to hypodontia. A scoping review of the literature by the authors was conducted to identify evidence-based advice for discussing uncertainties, risks and increasing engagement in decision-making. This may be useful to both primary and secondary care practitioners involved in decision-making with people with hypodontia.
The dental technician as a member of the hypodontia multidisciplinary team, with practical considerations for anterior restoration design
Authors: Ford Stephen , Ashley Martin P.
Published: October 2023

Most patients seeking treatment for hypodontia will require prosthetic replacement of their missing teeth. This will be in the form of dentures, bridges and implant restorations. As these are created by one or more dental technicians who supports the clinical team, a close working relationship between these colleagues is likely to improve the quality of treatment outcome. This interaction will usually occur towards the end of the patient's treatment process, when definitive restorations are prescribed. However, appropriately trained and experienced dental technicians should be involved throughout the patient's treatment process as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team approach to effectively manage these patients.

This paper describes the contribution of dental technicians to patient care with particular focus on communication between the restorative dentistry clinical team and the dental technician to improve the quality of anterior restorations. As missing maxillary lateral incisor teeth are a common presentation for this patient group, further technical detail relating to planning resin-bonded bridges for replacement of these teeth is included.
Loss of SMURF2 expression enhances RACK1 stability and promotes ovarian cancer progression
Authors: Pi Yanan , Feng Qiushi , Sun Fusheng , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhao Yue , Chen Dejia , Liu Yiming , Lou Ge
Published: October 2023

Receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) has been confirmed to take part in multiple biological events and the mechanism supporting abnormal RACK1 expression in ovarian cancer (OC) remains to be characterized. Here, we identified Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 2 (SMURF2) as a bona fide E3 ligase of RACK1 in OC. SMURF2 effectively added the K6, K33 and K48 ubiquitin chains to the RACK1, resulting in polyubiquitination and instability of RACK1. PCAF promoted acetylation of RACK1 at K130, leading to SMURF2-mediated RACK1 ubiquitination inhibited and promote OC progression. The expression levels of SMURF2 and RACK1 were negatively correlated. SMURF2 was abnormal low expression in human ovarian cancer, resulting in decreased ubiquitination of RACK1 and increased stability, which promoted OC progression, and strongly associated with poor patients’ prognosis. In general, our results demonstrated that SMURF2 plays a pivotal role in stabilizing RACK1, which in turn facilitates tumorigenesis in OC, suggesting that SMURF2-RACK1 axis may prove to be potential targets for the treatment of OC.
(B)On(e)-cohistones and the epigenetic alterations at the root of bone cancer
Authors: Salomoni Paolo , Flanagan Adrienne M. , Cottone Lucia
Published: October 2023

Identification of mutations in histones in a number of human neoplasms and developmental syndromes represents the most compelling evidence to date for a causal role of epigenetic perturbations in human disease. In most cases, these mutations have gain of function properties that cause deviation from normal developmental processes leading to embryo defects and/or neoplastic transformation. These exciting discoveries represent a step-change in our understanding of the role of chromatin (dys)regulation in development and disease. However, the mechanisms of action of oncogenic histone mutations (oncohistones) remain only partially understood. Here, we critically assess existing literature on oncohistones focussing mainly on bone neoplasms. We show how it is possible to draw parallels with some of the cell-autonomous mechanisms of action described in paediatric brain cancer, although the functions of oncohistones in bone tumours remain under-investigated. In this respect, it is becoming clear that histone mutations targeting the same residues display, at least in part, tissue-specific oncogenic mechanisms. Furthermore, it is emerging that cancer cells carrying oncohistones can modify the surrounding microenvironment to support growth and/or alter differentiation trajectories. A better understanding of oncohistone function in different neoplasms provide potential for identification of signalling that could be targeted therapeutically. Finally, we discuss some of the main concepts and future directions in this research area, while also drawing possible connections and parallels with other cancer epigenetic mechanisms.
Smoking cessation and vascular endothelial function
Authors: Higashi Yukihito
Published: October 2023

Smoking is associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction. It is thought that smoking impairs vascular endothelial function through a decrease in nitric oxide bioavailability induced by activation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Endothelial dysfunction can be improved or augmented by appropriate interventions including pharmacotherapy, administration of supplements and lifestyle modifications. Although there have not been many studies, the effects of smoking cessation on endothelial function have been shown. In those studies, it was shown that smoking cessation does not always have a positive effect on vascular endothelial function. In this review, I will focus on the role of smoking in endothelial function and the effects of smoking cessation on endothelial function.
Precise identification of cell states altered in disease using healthy single-cell references
Authors: Dann Emma , Cujba Ana-Maria , Oliver Amanda J. , Meyer Kerstin B. , Teichmann Sarah A. , Marioni John C.
Published: October 2023

Joint analysis of single-cell genomics data from diseased tissues and a healthy reference can reveal altered cell states. We investigate whether integrated collections of data from healthy individuals (cell atlases) are suitable references for disease-state identification and whether matched control samples are needed to minimize false discoveries. We demonstrate that using a reference atlas for latent space learning followed by differential analysis against matched controls leads to improved identification of disease-associated cells, especially with multiple perturbed cell types. Additionally, when an atlas is available, reducing control sample numbers does not increase false discovery rates. Jointly analyzing data from a COVID-19 cohort and a blood cell atlas, we improve detection of infection-related cell states linked to distinct clinical severities. Similarly, we studied disease states in pulmonary fibrosis using a healthy lung atlas, characterizing two distinct aberrant basal states. Our analysis provides guidelines for designing disease cohort studies and optimizing cell atlas use.
Biological investigations of Aspergillus ficuum via in vivo, in vitro and in silico analyses
Authors: Shah Zafar Ali , Khan Khalid , Shah Tanzeel , Ahmad Nasir , Muhammad Akhtar , Rashid Haroon ur
Published: October 2023

Serious human health impacts have been observed worldwide due to several life-threatening diseases such as cancer, candidiasis, hepatic coma, and gastritis etc. Exploration of nature for the treatment of such fatal diseases is an area of immense interest for the scientific community. Based on this idea, the genus Aspergillus was selected to discover its hidden therapeutic potential. The genus Aspergillus is known to possess several biologically active compounds. The current research aimed to assess the biological and pharmacological potency of the extracts of less-studied Aspergillus ficuum (FCBP-DNA-1266) (A. ficuum) employing experimental and bioinformatics approaches. The disc diffusion method was used for the antifungal investigation, and the MTT assay was performed to assess the anticancer effects. Mice were employed as an in vivo model to evaluate the antispasmodic effects. A standard spectrophotometric technique was applied to gauge the urease inhibitory activity. The antifungal studies indicate that both n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts were significantly active against Candida albicans (C. albicans) with their zone of inhibitions (ZOI) values reported as 19 ± 1.06 mm and 25 ± 0.55 mm, respectively at a dose of 30 µg.mL−1. In vitro cytotoxicity assay against HeLa, fibroblast 3T3, prostate PC3, and breast MCF-7 cancer cell lines was performed. The ethyl acetate extract of A. ficuum was found to be significantly active against MCF-7 with its IC50 value of 43.88 µg.mL−1. However, no substantial effects on the percent cell death of HeLa cancer cell lines were observed. In addition, the A. ficuum extracts also inhibited the urease enzyme compared to standard thiourea. The antispasmodic activity of A. ficuum extract was assessed by an in vivo model and the results demonstrated promising activity at 150 mg.kg−1. Molecular docking results also supported the antifungal, anticancer, and antiurease potency of A. ficuum extract. Overall, the results display promising aspects of A. ficuum extract as a future pharmacological source.
Prognostic impact of the cross-sectional area of the erector spinae muscle in patients with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis
Authors: Kitahara Shinsuke , Abe Mitsuhiro , Kono Chiyoko , Sakuma Noriko , Ishii Daisuke , Kawasaki Takeshi , Ikari Jun , Suzuki Takuji
Published: October 2023

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) progresses slowly but sometimes relatively quickly, leading to decreased activities of daily living (ADL) and muscle weakness. Skeletal muscle atrophy and muscle weakness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients may be caused by cachexia and are associated with reduced ADLs and increased risk of death. However, the association between skeletal muscle mass and the prognosis of PPFE patients remains unknown. We retrospectively analysed the clinical significance of the cross-sectional area of the erector spinae muscle (ESMCSA), a skeletal muscle index, and predictors of mortality within 3 years in PPFE 51 patients, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) 52 patients and COPD 62 patients. PPFE patients had significantly lower ESMCSA than IPF or COPD patients, and lower ESMCSA (< 22.57 cm2) was associated with prognosis within 3 years (log-rank test; p = 0.006), whereas lower body mass index (BMI) showed no association. Multivariate analysis showed that ESMCSA was an independent predictor of mortality within 3 years in PPFE patients (hazard ratio, 0.854; 95% confidence interval: 0.737–0.990, p = 0.036). These results suggest the importance of monitoring ESMCSA in PPFE patients and that assessing ESMCSA in PPFE patients could be a more useful prognostic indicator than BMI.
Rare antibody phage isolation and discrimination (RAPID) biopanning enables identification of high-affinity antibodies against challenging targets
Authors: Chung Dong hee , Kong Sophie , Young Nicholas J. , Chuo Shih-Wei , Shiah Jamie V. , Connelly Emily J. , Rohweder Peter J. , Born Alexandra , Manglik Aashish , Grandis Jennifer R. , Johnson Daniel E. , Craik Charles S.
Published: October 2023

In vitro biopanning platforms using synthetic phage display antibody libraries have enabled the identification of antibodies against antigens that were once thought to be beyond the scope of immunization. Applying these methods against challenging targets remains a critical challenge. Here, we present a new biopanning pipeline, RAPID (Rare Antibody Phage Isolation and Discrimination), for the identification of rare high-affinity antibodies against challenging targets. RAPID biopanning uses fluorescent labeled phage displayed fragment antigen-binding (Fab) antibody libraries for the isolation of high-affinity binders with fluorescent activated sorting. Subsequently, discriminatory hit screening is performed with a biolayer interferometry (BLI) method, BIAS (Biolayer Interferometry Antibody Screen), where candidate binders are ranked and prioritized according to their estimated kinetic off rates. Previously reported antibodies were used to develop the methodology, and the RAPID biopanning pipeline was applied to three challenging targets (CHIP, Gαq, and CS3D), enabling the identification of high-affinity antibodies.
Regulation of fungal raw-starch-degrading enzyme production depends on transcription factor phosphorylation and recruitment of the Mediator complex
Authors: Ning Yuan-Ni , Tian Di , Tan Man-Li , Luo Xue-Mei , Zhao Shuai , Feng Jia-Xun
Published: October 2023

Filamentous fungus can produce raw-starch-degrading enzyme (RSDE) that efficiently degrades raw starch below starch gelatinization temperature. Employment of RSDE in starch processing can save energy. A key putative transcription factor PoxRsrA (production of raw-starch-degrading enzyme regulation in Penicilliumoxalicum) was identified to regulate RSDE production in P. oxalicum; however, its regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Here we show that PoxRsrA1434–1730 was the transcriptional activation domain, with essential residues, D1508, W1509 and M1510. SANT (SWI3, ADA2, N-CoR and TFIIIB)-like domain 1 (SANT1) bound to DNA at the sequence 5′-RHCDDGGD-3′ in the promoter regions of genes encoding major amylases, with an essential residue, R866. SANT2 interacted with a putative 3-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA hydrolase, which suppressed phosphorylation at tyrosines Y1127 and Y1170 of PoxRsrA901–1360, thereby inhibiting RSDE biosynthesis. PoxRsrA1135–1439 regulated mycelial sporulation by interacting with Mediator subunit Med6, whereas PoxRsrA1440–1794 regulated RSDE biosynthesis by binding to Med31. Overexpression of PoxRsrA increased sporulation and RSDE production. These findings provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms of fungal RSDE biosynthesis.
Nutrient yields from global capture fisheries could be sustainably doubled through improved utilization and management
Authors: Cardinaals Renée P. M. , Simon Wolfram J. , Ziegler Friederike , Wiegertjes Geert F. , van der Meer Jaap , van Zanten Hannah H. E.
Published: October 2023

The global food system is facing the challenge of producing sufficient nutrients to accommodate future demands within planetary boundaries, while reducing malnutrition. Although nutrient-rich seafood can play a prominent role in resolving this challenge, seafood from capture fisheries is currently partly wasted. Here we quantified the nutrient contribution from capture fisheries through a hypothetical scenario that assumed all captured seafood and byproducts from seafood processing would be used for human consumption. Our simulations show that available seafood per capita can be doubled without increasing the pressure on global fisheries when all reported, illegal, and discarded capture is used as food, complemented with processing byproducts. In such a scenario, seafood contributes greatly to daily nutrient requirements – e.g., omega-3 can be fully met. Although uncertainty should be considered, these results indicate that putting the whole fish on the table can increase nutrient availability from capture fisheries substantially and sustainably.
Geographic redistribution of microcystin hotspots in response to climate warming
Authors: Merder Julian , Harris Ted , Zhao Gang , Stasinopoulos Dimitrios M. , Rigby Robert A. , Michalak Anna M.
Published: October 2023

High concentrations of cyanobacterial toxins such as microcystin represent a global challenge to water quality in lakes, threatening health, economies and ecosystem stability. Lakes are sentinels of climate change but how warming will affect microcystin concentrations is still unclear. Here we examine how warming impacts the probability of exceeding microcystin water quality thresholds across 2,804 lakes in the United States and show how future warming will alter these probabilities. We find that higher temperatures consistently increase the likelihood of microcystin occurrence but that the probability of microcystin concentrations above water quality thresholds is highest for water temperatures between 20 and 25 °C. Regions with temperatures that promote microcystin will shift to higher latitudes in the coming decades, leading to relative changes in exceedance probabilities of more than 50% in many basins of the United States. High nitrogen concentrations amplify the impact of rising temperatures, calling for increased awareness of a substantial hazard to ecosystems and human health under global warming.
Framework for sustainable building design and construction using off-cut wood
Authors: Yu Boyuan , Luo Jianing , Shi Yi , Zhao Mingming , Fingrut Adam , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2023

Irregularly shaped wood created as waste from construction is considered challenging to reuse because of its complicated geometry and a lack of well-defined design methods. Here, we propose a sustainable building design and construction framework as a systematic methodology for upcycling irregular off-cut wood into new components. This framework consists of repeatable steps, as follows: a. material reclamation system: 3D scanning is employed as the main technical method to record a material’s 3D information and material-specific parameters and create a database; b. structural generation and assessment system: material screening, voxel-based filling, and structure generation based on finite element analysis to employed to assess the generated results prior to construction to optimize the final structure. Using furniture, building components, and installations/buildings, we verify the use of this framework for material recycling and generative design and construction.
Water-soluble endohedral metallofullerenes: new horizons for biomedical applications
Authors: Kopcha William P. , Biswas Rohin , Sun Yue , Chueng Sy-Tsong Dean , Dorn Harry C. , Zhang Jianyuan
Published: October 2023

This feature article provides a brief overview of the relevant chemistry used to take advantage of the unique metal-hosting capabilities of endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs), followed by the development and application of EMF derivatives for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
High-performance heterostructure Na0.7MnO2.05–Na0.91MnO2 as a lithium-free cathode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Gao Tianfeng , Cai Yanjun , Kong Qingrong , Tian Hualing , Yao Xiang , Su Zhi
Published: October 2023

Lithium free cathode material Na0.7MnO2.05–Na0.91MnO2 was designed for lithium ion batteries with a reversible capacity of 127.87 mA h g−1 at a mass loading of 2.296 mg cm−2.
Ferrimagnetic and spin glass behaviour in SrMn2+3Ti4+14M3+4O38 (M = Ti and Fe) synthetic crichtonites
Authors: Rosas-Huerta José Luis , Chen Ruiqi , Ritter Clemens , Siidra Oleg , Colmont Marie , Arévalo-López Angel M.
Published: October 2023

Two new compounds (SrMn2Ti18O38 and SrMn3Ti14Fe4O38) belonging to the crichtonite-type of minerals demonstrate the potentiality of this structure as a new magnetic playground with ferrimagnetic and spin-glass behaviour.
Progress in the regulation of pathological crystallization
Authors: Li Zhonghua , Meng Yingshuang , Yu Mingyang , Jiang Xiaobin , He Gaohong
Published: October 2023

The regulation of pathological crystallization had made great progress during the last two decades. The inhibitor of pathological mineralization and its mechanisms are overviewed.
Assembling silver(i) coordination polymers of an NS4-macrocycle via an endo/exocyclic coordination mode
Authors: Kim Seulgi , Lee Shim Sung , Kim Joon Rae , Lee Eunji
Published: October 2023

A ditopic NS4-macrocycle L is utilised in preparing some endo/exocyclic silver(i) coordination polymers whose connectivity patterns depend on the anion type.