bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental models for inclusive, socially‐just disaster planning: a multi‐community study in Saint Martin after Hurricane Irma
Authors: Frapaise Laurent , Furman Kelsi , Scyphers Steven B. , Kuhl Laura
Published: June 2024

Local perspectives provide different insights into disaster planning and response as compared to those of experts. Eliciting them, however, can be challenging, particularly for marginalised groups whose viewpoints have historically been excluded from planning processes. Fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) provides a semi‐quantitative approach to representing the collective understanding or ‘mental models’ of diverse individuals and communities. This study involved 23 FCM interviews across three neighbourhoods of Saint Martin to comprehend: (i) how individuals' mental models of Hurricane Irma (2017) differ based on their context; (ii) how aligned mental models are with policy and planning documents; and (iii) the implications for the inclusiveness and representativeness of disaster response policies. It found that the residents of different neighbourhoods provided unique insights into the factors driving the social‐ecological system, and that official policies aligned closely with priorities. The paper argues that the inclusion of the perspectives of different groups in disaster recovery is essential for an equitable process.
Extracellular vesicles promote autophagy in human microglia through lipid raft‐dependent mechanisms
Authors: Romenskaja Diana , Jonavičė Ugnė , Pivoriūnas Augustas
Published: June 2024

Autophagy dysfunction has been closely related with pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases and therefore represents a potential therapeutic target. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) may act as potent anti‐inflammatory agents and also modulators of autophagy in target cells. However, the molecular mechanisms by which EVs modulate autophagy flux in human microglia remain largely unexplored. In the present study, we investigated the effects of EVs derived from human oral mucosa stem cells on the autophagy in human microglia. We demonstrate that EVs promoted autophagy and autophagic flux in human microglia and that this process was dependent on the integrity of lipid rafts. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) also activated autophagy, but combined treatment with EVs and LPS suppressed autophagy response, indicating interference between these signaling pathways. Blockage of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) with anti‐TLR4 antibody suppressed EV‐induced autophagy. Furthermore, inhibition of the EV‐associated heat shock protein (HSP70) chaperone which is one of the endogenous ligands of the TLR4 also suppressed EV‐induced lipid raft formation and autophagy. Pre‐treatment of microglia with a selective inhibitor of αvβ3/αvβ5 integrins cilengitide inhibited EV‐induced autophagy. Finally, blockage of purinergic P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) with selective inhibitor 5‐BDBD also suppressed EV‐induced autophagy. In conclusion, we demonstrate that EVs activate autophagy in human microglia through interaction with HSP70/TLR4, αVβ3/αVβ5, and P2X4R signaling pathways and that these effects depend on the integrity of lipid rafts. Our findings could be used to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting disease‐associated microglia.
Is motherhood a burden or an asset to female computer science and engineering faculty? Case studies in China and Italy
Authors: Wen Biying , Wang Qian , Grasso Floriana , Chen Qing , Shen Juming
Published: June 2024

The problem of gender disparity in computer science and engineering has persisted despite longstanding efforts made in higher education. This study drew data from ten female computer science and engineering faculty in China and Italy to demonstrate the gender‐specific challenges they face. The researcher applied positioning theory to analyse female faculty's motherhood experiences. Findings suggest that the dual mother‐and‐educator role conflict in the intersectional space of work and family can be both a burden and an asset to female faculty. As a burden, the sociocultural expectations of the mother's role drive females to take on primary childcare responsibilities. It leads to significant barriers to female faculty's career advancements. As an asset, the study finds that the female faculty's motherhood experience allowed them to generate new insights into their identities as educators and teaching practices. Their learning from motherhood prompts them to reflect and gain an appreciation of their educator identity. Such realisation enables them to improve their teaching practices and interactions with students. The study offers policy recommendations for higher education institutions to support female faculty navigating the dual roles of mother and educator. Finally, the researcher discusses the limitations and directions for future study.
A personal narrative intervention combined with self‐monitoring strategies: Outcomes for Mandarin‐speaking adolescents with Down syndrome
Authors: Li Huan , Wu Hongyu , Deng Li , Zeng Shuo , Yu Jing , Luo Yueling , Guo Congyun
Published: June 2024

Background

Personal narratives play an essential role in children's social and academic development. However, children with Down syndrome have ongoing challenges with constructing and communicating personal narratives.

Methods

Using a single‐case multiple‐probe across participants design, we examined whether a targeted intervention could improve both micro‐ and macro‐structural aspects of personal narratives from Chinese adolescents with Down syndrome.

Results

All three participants demonstrated high treatment effects in two macrostructural narrative outcomes (i.e., narrative element complexity and narrative coherence) in response to the intervention and moderate to high treatment effects in the microstructural narrative outcomes (i.e., the mean length of utterance in words and the number of different words). However, all participants demonstrated limited improvements in narrative cohesion. These effects were maintained and generalised in a different narrative condition.

Conclusions

The preliminary findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of the personal narrative intervention incorporated with self‐monitoring strategies for adolescents with Down syndrome.
Concordance and drivers of marine spatial structure determined using genogeographic clustering
Authors: Arranz Vanessa , Fewster Rachel M. , Lavery Shane D.
Published: June 2024

Aim

In order to provide a more comprehensive, community‐level understanding of marine gene flow and connectivity, we wished to first identify geographic regions of common spatial genetic divergence across multiple species along a southern temperate coastline, and then to determine which biological and ecological factors best explain the diversity in genetic patterns among species.

Location

New Zealand (NZ) marine coastline.

Taxon

Twenty‐one species of benthic invertebrate.

Materials and Methods

A novel approach was used that involved: (1) use of genetic divergences (F
ST) from previously published studies to quantitatively describe patterns of population structure within each species as a fitted spline curve, (2) quantitatively clustering species by their similarity in geographic pattern using a dendrogram of curve similarities, and (3) then testing whether nine known life‐history and ecological traits are associated with the species sharing similar genetic patterns, using distance‐based regression.

Results

Comparisons among species revealed not one, but four major common geographic patterns, within unexpected groups of species. The common locations of genetic divergence are similar to those previously identified, but differ substantially in their relative importance, compared to prior expectations. Two variables, Spawning Time and Taxon, explained significant proportions (26% and 16%) of the variation in the multivariate data.

Main Conclusions

The genogeographic clustering of population genetic divergences provided considerable insight into the concordance of marine spatial structure across species, and some potential biological drivers of those patterns. The four common patterns of population structure identified revealed that different species responded to the same environmental drivers in very different and unexpected ways. Although larval dispersal is an important factor uniting groups of species, the timing of dispersal may be more important than pelagic larval duration in NZ. These results should contribute greatly to the integration of population genetics into both community ecology and conservation management.
Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) inhibitors in Parkinson disease
Authors: Alrouji Mohammed , Al‐kuraishy Haydar M. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Alshammari Mohammed S. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Bahaa Mostafa M. , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber
Published: June 2024

Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a protein expressed in postmitotic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Cdk5 is activated by p35 and p39 which are neuron regulatory subunits. Cdk5/p35 complex is activated by calpain protease to form Cdk5/p35 which has a neuroprotective effect by regulating the synaptic plasticity and memory functions. However, exaggerated Cdk5 is implicated in different types of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson disease (PD). Therefore, modulation of Cdk5 signalling may mitigate PD neuropathology. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to discuss the critical role of Cdk5 in the pathogenesis of PD, and how Cdk5 inhibitors are effectual in the management of PD. In conclusion, overactivated Cdk5 is involved the development of neurodegeneration, and Cdk5/calpain inhibitors such as statins, metformin, fenofibrates and rosiglitazone can attenuate the progression of PD neuropathology.
Pan‐cancer analysis of DCTN2 and its tumour‐promoting role in HCC by modulating the AKT pathway
Authors: Xu Shuning , Xing Jiyuan , Li Ke , Qiao Lei , Zhang Cheng , Ren Yulin , Liu Ying
Published: June 2024

Dynactin subunit 2 (DCTN2) has been reported to play a role in progression of several tumours; however, the involvement of DCTN2 in potential mechanism or the tumour immune microenvironment among various cancers still remains largely unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate the expression status and potential function of DCTN2 in various malignancies through different database, such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, the Genotype‐Tissue Expression and Gene Expression Omnimus databases. We discovered that DCTN2 expression was high in many type of tumours tissues compared to adjacent non‐tumour ones. High DCTN2 signified poor prognosis for patients with tumours. Additionally, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis revealed that DCTN2 was positively correlated with oncogenic pathways, including cell cycle, tumour metastasis‐related pathway, while it was negatively with anti‐tumour immune signalling pathway, such as INF‐γ response. More importantly, we elucidated the functional impact of DCTN2 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and its underlying mechanisms. DCTN2 expression was much higher in HCC tissues than in adjacent non‐tumour tissues. Silencing DCTN2 dramatically suppressed the proliferative and metastasis capacities of tumour cell in vitro. Mechanistically, DCTN2 exerted tumour‐promoting effects by modulating the AKT signalling pathway. DCTN2 knockdown in HCC cells inhibited AKT phosphorylation and its downstream targets as well. Rescue experiments revealed that the anti‐tumour effects of DCTN2 knockdown were partially reversed upon AKT pathway activation. Overall, DCTN2 may be a potent biomarker signifying tumour prognosis and a promising therapeutic target for tumour treatment, particularly in HCC.
Elevated neutrophil extracellular trap levels in periodontitis: Implications for keratinization and barrier function in gingival epithelium
Authors: Cui Ya‐yun , Yang Yi‐heng , Zheng Jia‐yi , Ma Hui‐hui , Han Xue , Liao Chong‐shan , Zhou Min
Published: June 2024

Aim

To explore the levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in patients with periodontitis and examine their effects on keratinization, barrier function of human gingival keratinocytes (HGKs) and the associated mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

Saliva, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), clinical periodontal parameters and gingival specimens were collected from 10 healthy control subjects and 10 patients with stage II–IV periodontitis to measure the NET levels. Subsequently, mRNA and protein levels of keratinization and barrier indicators, as well as intracellular calcium and epithelial barrier permeability, were analysed in HGKs after NET stimulation.

Results

The study showed that NET levels significantly elevated in patients with periodontitis, across multiple specimens including saliva, GCF and gingival tissues. Stimulation of HGKs with NETs resulted in a decrease in the expressions of involucrin, cytokeratin 10, zonula occludens 1 and E‐cadherin, along with decreased intracellular calcium levels and increased epithelial barrier permeability. Furthermore, the inhibition of keratinization by NETs is ERK‐KLF4‐dependent.

Conclusions

This study indicates that NETs impair the barrier function of HGKs and suppress keratinization through ERK/KLF4 axis. These findings provide potential targets for therapeutic approaches in periodontitis to address impaired gingival keratinization.
Factors predictive of recurrence, metastasis and death in node‐negative penile squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective multicentre cohort study
Authors: O'Connell Katie A. , Thomas Jacob L. , Murad Fadi , Zhou Guohai , Sonpavde Guru P. , Mossanen Matthew , Clinton Timothy N. , Ji‐Xu Antonio , Spiess Philippe E. , Rossi Anthony M. , Schmults Chrysalyne D.
Published: June 2024

Background

Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) carries significant morbidity and mortality. Literature is limited regarding prognostic factors, especially prognostic factors for development of metastasis.

Objectives

To identify independent prognostic factors associated with poor outcomes, defined as local recurrence (LR), metastasis and disease‐specific death (DSD) in clinically node‐negative PSCC undergoing local therapy.

Methods

Thirty‐two‐year Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study of 265 patients with histologically diagnosed PSCC at three tertiary care centres. Predictive models based on patient or tumour characteristics were developed.

Results

Local recurrence occurred in 56 patients, metastasis in 52 patients and DSD in 40 patients. In multivariable models, the following five factors were independent prognostic factors based on subhazard ratio (SHR): history of balanitis (LR SHR: 2.3; 95% CI 1.2–4.2), poor differentiation (metastasis SHR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0–3.6), invasion into the corpora (metastasis SHR: 3.0; 95% CI 1.5–5.8 and DSD SHR: 4.5; 95% CI 1.7–12.1), perineural invasion (PNI) (metastasis SHR: 2.8; 95% CI 1.4–5.5 and DSD SHR: 3.5; 95% CI, 1.6–7.8) and a history of phimosis (DSD SHR: 2.5; 95% CI 1.2–5.3). The 5‐year cumulative incidence of metastasis was higher for tumours with PNI [cumulative incidence function (CIF) = 55%, 95% CI 38–75 vs. CIF 15%, 95% CI 11–22], corporal invasion (CIF: 35%, 95% CI 26–47 vs. 12%, 95% CI 7–19) and poorly differentiated tumours (CIF = 46%, 95% CI 31–64 vs. CIF 15%, 95% CI 11–22).

Conclusions

History of balanitis, history of phimosis, PNI, corporal invasion and poor differentiation are independent risk factors associated with poor outcomes. Since poor differentiation and PNI currently constitute only T1b disease, prognostic staging can likely be improved.
Identification of the first nursery area of the Galápagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) in the south‐east Pacific Ocean
Authors: Morales‐Serrano Naití , Gonzalez‐Pestana Adriana
Published: June 2024

The identification of important areas (i.e., nursery grounds) is essential for the conservation of most shark species. To assess whether Salas y Gómez Island serves as a nursery area for the Galápagos shark Carcharhinus galapagensis, we conducted a thorough literature review. Multiple lines of evidence show that young‐of‐the‐year (YOY);  inhabiting the remote Salas y Gómez Island (1) present a higher density around Salas y Gómez Island than the surrounding deeper oceanic waters and in the south‐eastern Pacific, (2) potentially display high fidelity to this area, and (3) demonstrate the repeated use of this area over multiple years. We also discuss the significance of this isolated island for the Galápagos shark population and propose specific research, management, and conservation actions for its preservation.
Novel application of two‐ and four‐lobed noise‐canceling passive integrated transponder antennas for tracking fish in areas of high ambient electromagnetic interference
Authors: Sherker Zachary T. , Martin Cole , Zubick Patrick , Straker Dan , Bass Arthur L. , Hinch Scott G.
Published: June 2024

Passive integrated transponder (PIT) technology is a leading tool for tracking fish in freshwater systems. PIT is highly applicable for assessing fish passage at anthropogenic infrastructure (e.g., dams and floodgates); however, there are often complications in operating PIT antennas near these structures due to the ambient electromagnetic interference of metal and power‐supply equipment. We designed a PIT antenna that is resistant to the effects of ambient electromagnetic interference (AEMI). This design uses lobes with balanced polarity within the antenna to neutralize AEMI within the vicinity of the antenna. This novel PIT antenna provides a more effective and cost‐efficient option for researchers tracking fish in environments with high AEMI.
Influence of the dietary contribution of terrestrial insects to the condition factor of bleak Alburnus alburnus in a highly polluted lowland river
Authors: Scharnweber Kristin , Milano Stefania , Hühn Daniel
Published: June 2024

Bleak Alburnus alburnus is a highly abundant but understudied fish species, and we know little about the trophic ecology of populations inhabiting rivers in central Europe. From an ecosystem perspective, this fish species is interesting as it is known to feed on surface insects, thereby linking the terrestrial with the aquatic habitat. In a previous study, we demonstrated that this flux is intensified, and dietary contribution of terrestrial insects is higher in fish inhabiting sections of the Spree River, Germany, that are polluted from iron oxides occurring from former lignite mining activities, and thus are characterized by lower abundances of aquatic insects. As terrestrial insects can be considered as food of lower quality (measured as long‐chained polyunsaturated fatty acids, n‐3 LC‐PUFAs) compared to aquatic prey, it is reasonable to assume that the higher contribution of terrestrial insects is related to a lower body condition in fish. In this study, we explore the trophic ecology of riverine A. alburnus and their fitness consequences of feeding on terrestrial insects. We therefore modeled a terrestrial index from stable isotopes of hydrogen (δ2H) measured in the A. alburnus muscle tissue and compared individuals caught in locations upstream of a dam that were greatly influenced by iron oxides, with individuals caught in sections located downstream of a dam where passive remediation technologies are applied. The terrestrial index was significantly higher in A. alburnus caught in locations at high‐iron concentrations, characterized by low abundances of aquatic prey, compared to A. alburnus caught in unpolluted habitats at low‐iron concentrations. In contradiction to our hypothesis, the terrestrial index had no significant effect on the body condition of A. alburnus (measured as Fulton's condition factor K) in the sections downstream of the dam (i.e., at low‐iron concentrations) and a significant positive, albeit weak, effect in sections upstream of the dam (i.e., at high‐iron concentrations). However, the condition factor was generally lower in the high‐iron section, potentially related to more direct effects of the iron oxide. We conclude that in A. alburnus, terrestrial insects can be considered as the less‐favored food, unless the fish occur in environments where the aquatic food is of limited availability. Further research is needed to evaluate the direct and indirect effects, including the internal n‐3 LC‐PUFA synthesis as an adaption toward low‐quality terrestrial prey on the fitness consequences of A. alburnus.
Money and Banking with Reserves and CBDC
Authors: NIEPELT DIRK
Published: June 2024

We analyze the role of retail central bank digital currency (CBDC) and reserves when banks exert deposit market power and liquidity transformation entails externalities. Optimal monetary architecture minimizes the social costs of liquidity provision, and optimal monetary policy follows modified Friedman rules. Interest rates on reserves and CBDC should differ. Calibrations robustly suggest that CBDC provides liquidity more efficiently than deposits unless the central bank must refinance banks and this is very costly. Accordingly, the optimal share of CBDC in payments tends to exceed that of deposits.
Proposal for individual treatment by tubal occlusion factor based on the results of salpingoscopic salpingoplasty
Authors: Nakagawa Ippei , Hirano Mana , Kishimoto Rintaro , Kayama Akinori , Fujino Tsuyoshi , Miyazaki Yasundo , Suenaga Akihiko , Seto Hiroshi , Ayabe Takuya , Nagasaka Kazunori
Published: June 2024

Aim

As a treatment for tubal infertility, falloposcopic tuboplasty (FT) is one of the options for patients who wish to conceive naturally. Based on the results of FT, we propose an appropriate time of transitioning to assisted reproductive technology (ART) for tubal infertility.

Objects and Methods

We examined the outcomes of cases of tubal infertility during the period from June 1999 through March 2021 who were performed tuboplasty at our hospital using the FT catheter system under laparoscopy.

Results

The number of treated cases was 828. There were 243 cases of endometriosis and 119 cases of genital chlamydial infection. By FT, 712 cases (86.0%) were successfully recanalized. Of the 712 cases, 189 conceived naturally (26.5%) and miscarriages were 23 cases (12.2%), ectopic pregnancies were 8 cases (4.2%). The mean duration from FT to pregnancy was 6.5 months in natural pregnancy group, 90% of them were pregnant within 14 months. In endometriosis cases, the pregnancy rate after FT did not change significantly among clinical stage.

Conclusions

Even when the fallopian tube was recanalized by FT, if the couple is unable to conceive naturally, they had better to consider switching to ART at about 14 months. When the couples with endometriosis consider switching to ART, we suggest deciding without considering the rASRM stage.
Predicting masticatory muscle activity and deviations in mouth opening from non‐invasive temporomandibular joint complex functional analyses
Authors: Farook Taseef Hasan , Haq Tashreque Mohammed , Ramees Lameesa , Dudley James
Published: June 2024

Background

A quantitative approach to predict expected muscle activity and mandibular movement from non‐invasive hard tissue assessments remains unexplored.

Objectives

This study investigated the predictive potential of normalised muscle activity during various jaw movements combined with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) vibration analyses to predict expected maximum lateral deviation during mouth opening.

Method

Sixty‐six participants underwent electrognathography (EGN), surface electromyography (EMG) and joint vibration analyses (JVA). They performed maximum mouth opening, lateral excursion and anterior protrusion as jaw movement activities in a single session. Multiple predictive models were trained from synthetic observations generated from the 66 human observations. Muscle function intensity and activity duration were normalised and a decision support system with branching logic was developed to predict lateral deviation. Performance of the models in predicting temporalis, masseter and digastric muscle activity from hard tissue data was evaluated through root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error.

Results

Temporalis muscle intensity ranged from 0.135 ± 0.056, masseter from 0.111 ± 0.053 and digastric from 0.120 ± 0.051. Muscle activity duration varied with temporalis at 112.23 ± 126.81 ms, masseter at 101.02 ± 121.34 ms and digastric at 168.13 ± 222.82 ms. XGBoost predicted muscle intensity and activity duration and scored an RMSE of 0.03–0.05. Jaw deviations were successfully predicted with a MAE of 0.9 mm.

Conclusion

Applying deep learning to EGN, EMG and JVA data can establish a quantifiable relationship between muscles and hard tissue movement within the TMJ complex and can predict jaw deviations.
Leaf and twig traits predict habitat adaptation and demographic strategies in tropical freshwater swamp forest trees
Authors: Lam Weng Ngai , Huang Jie , Tay Amanda Hui Ting , Sim Hong Jhun , Chan Pin Jia , Lim Kiah Eng , Lei Mingfeng , Aritsara Amy Ny Aina , Chong Rie , Ting Ying Ying , Rahman Nur Estya Binte , Sloey Taylor M. , Van Breugel Michiel , Cao Kun‐Fang , Wee Alison Kim Shan , Chong Kwek Yan
Published: June 2024

Differences in demographic and environmental niches facilitate plant species coexistence in tropical forests. However, the adaptations that enable species to achieve higher demographic rates (e.g. growth or survival) or occupy unique environmental niches (e.g. waterlogged conditions) remain poorly understood. Anatomical traits may better predict plant environmental and demographic strategies because they are direct measurements of structures involved in these adaptations.

We collected 18 leaf and twig traits from 29 tree species in a tropical freshwater swamp forest in Singapore. We estimated demographic parameters of the 29 species from growth and survival models, and degree of association toward swamp habitats. We examined pairwise trait–trait, trait–demography and trait–environment links while controlling for phylogeny.

Leaf and twig anatomical traits were better predictors of all demographic parameters than other commonly measured leaf and wood traits. Plants with wider vessels had faster growth rates but lower survival rates. Leaf and spongy mesophyll thickness predicted swamp association.

These findings demonstrate the utility of anatomical traits as indicators of plant hydraulic strategies and their links to growth–mortality trade‐offs and waterlogging stress tolerance that underlie species coexistence mechanisms in tropical forest trees.
Smartphone applications for facial scanning: A technical and scoping review
Authors: Jindanil Thanatchaporn , Xu Lianyi , Fontenele Rocharles Cavalcante , Perula Maria Cadenas de Llano , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Facial scanning through smartphone scanning applications (SSA) is increasingly being used for medical applications as cost‐effective, chairside method. However, clinical validation is lacking. This review aims to address: (1) Which SSA could perform facial scanning? (2) Which SSA can be clinically used? (3) Which SSA have been reported and scientifically validated for medical applications?

Methods

Technical search for SSA designed for face or object scanning was conducted on Google, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store from August 2022 to December 2023. Literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, ICTRP (WHO) and preprints up to 2023. Eligibility criteria included English‐written scientific articles incorporating at least one SSA for clinical purposes. SSA selection and data extraction were executed by one reviewer, validated by second, with third reviewer being consulted for discordances.

Results

Sixty‐three applications designed for three‐dimensional object scanning were retrieved, with 52 currently offering facial scanning capabilities. Fifty‐six scientific articles, comprising two case reports, 16 proof‐of‐concepts and 38 experimental studies were analysed. Thirteen applications (123D Catch, 3D Creator, Bellus 3D Dental Pro, Bellus 3D Face app, Bellus 3D Face Maker, Capture, Heges, Metascan, Polycam, Scandy Pro, Scaniverse, Tap tap tap and Trnio) were reported in literature for digital workflow integration, comparison or proof‐of‐concept studies.

Conclusion

Fifty‐two SSA can perform facial scanning currently and can be used clinically, offering cost‐effectiveness, portability and user‐friendliness. Although clinical validation is crucial, only 13 SSA were scientifically validated, underlying awareness of potential pitfalls and limitations.
Transformative Experience
Authors: Villiger Daniel
Published: June 2024

Since its publication in 2014, L. A. Paul's book Transformative Experience has sparked many discussions in philosophy and beyond. Her main argument is that experiences we have not had before can transform us epistemically (i.e., we learn something we could not learn without the experience) and personally (i.e., our point of view changes radically). This has implications for decision theory in particular, but also for other fields. The present paper provides an overview of how transformative experiences are thought to challenge rational choice and how authors have responded to this challenge (with a focus on the epistemic transformation). Furthermore, it also shows how the concept of transformative experience has been fruitful beyond the decision‐theoretical context, with a particular focus on illness, medical treatment, and the ethical issues involved. Finally, the paper presents open questions in the literature on transformative experiences.
“It definitely changed me”: Exploring sexual and gender diverse people's experiences with intimate partner violence in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Drouillard Kyle J. , Foster Angel M.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Intimate partner violence (IPV) involves an individual committing acts intended to harm or intimidate a current or former romantic partner. The COVID‐19 pandemic and subsequent stay‐at‐home orders often trapped victims with perpetrators and intensified IPV. Although sexual and gender diverse people disproportionately experience IPV compared to cisgender, heterosexual people, their experiences are not well documented in the Canadian context. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Two‐Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexual and gender diverse (2S/LGBTQIA+) people with IPV in Ontario and how the COVID‐19 pandemic affected their IPV experiences.

Methods

We conducted in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with self‐identified 2S/LGBTQIA+ people who experienced IPV on/after March 15, 2020. We audio‐recorded and transcribed all interviews and coded the transcripts for content and themes using inductive and deductive techniques.

Results

Our 20 participants experienced physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. Technology‐facilitated violence extended abuse geographically and temporally. IPV experiences were associated with negative mental health outcomes that were intensified by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants struggled to see themselves as legitimate victims of IPV. Although participants regretted being victims of violence, many saw their abusive relationship(s) as a learning experience to inform future relationships.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that 2S/LGBTQIA+ people may experience unique forms of identity abuse and may have difficulty recognizing their IPV experiences as abuse. Ensuring that comprehensive sexual health education is trauma‐informed, anti‐oppressive, and includes information about healthy relationship dynamics, 2S/LGBTQIA+ relationships, and IPV is critical.
The impact of international sanctions on income mobility: Evidence from Iran
Authors: Oryoie Ali Reza
Published: June 2024

This article studies the impact of international economic sanctions on income mobility at the Macro level. A series of economic sanctions were imposed on Iran during 2008–2015 and lifted to some extent in 2015. Using some pseudo‐panel datasets, constructed based on 18 household surveys during 2001–2018, we investigate the impact of sanctions on four income mobility measures: directional income movement, positional movement, time dependence, and mobility as an equalizer of longer‐term incomes. The results show that in the sense of directional income mobility, the sanctions are followed by welfare losses for all income groups, with richer groups experiencing larger losses than poorer ones. The rich face income declines that are larger compared to those experienced by the poor, and this causes: first, richer (poorer) groups to face a higher probability of moving downward (upward) in relative terms, thus we see an increase in positional income mobility (and also time dependence) with the sanctions; and second, an increase in mobility in the sense of equalizer of longer‐term incomes. We get the opposite results with the removal of sanctions.
A typical point bar with atypical strata in the McMurray Formation, Alberta, Canada: Floods, tides and high suspended sediment concentrations
Authors: Fustic Milovan , Plink‐Björklund Piret , Shchepetkina Alina , Strobl Rudy
Published: June 2024

Stratigraphic positions and the nature of some breccias and mudstones observed in the Lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation type section (Alberta, Canada) challenge the existing fluvial point bar facies models. The currently applied large‐scale, tidally influenced, sandy bedload facies model suggests that point bars fine upward, where breccias and cross‐strata occur at the base of the succession and mud content increases upward. Instead, this study documents that: (i) mudstone clast breccias are not exclusively associated with basal channel‐lag deposits and can occur throughout the point bar; and (ii) stratified mudstones are not limited to the top of the fining‐upward succession and can occur at or near the channel base. This outcrop data, including lithology, sedimentary structures, trace fossils, bed thickness and boundaries, and the nature of stratal packages, further suggests dynamic interplay between fluvial and tidal processes. This article discusses the potential role of high‐magnitude river floods in temporarily elevated suspended sediment concentrations and highlights that fluid mud processes played a crucial role in mud deposition in both tide‐influenced and fluvial parts of the system. Fluid mud processes allowed mud deposition along the channel base and across the point bar accretion surfaces. The breccias predominantly consist of broken pieces of inclined heterolithic strata and mostly occur on accretion sets of point bars, suggesting erosion and collapse of the point bar rather than of the cutbank. This work introduces a novel perspective to the existing models of point bar sedimentation, offering a new end member and concepts for the interpretation of subsurface data. The authors hope that this research encourages further investigations into similar phenomena elsewhere in the world.
One more inconvenient modal truth
Authors: He Chaoan
Published: June 2024

Divers argued that there are modal truths that are inconvenient for the canonical Lewisian theory of modality. Noonan and Jago proposed an answer to the challenge, by invoking a duplicate interpretation of the modal truths. Here, I present a slightly different kind of modal truth that would prove inconvenient even for a Lewisian who accepts Noonan and Jago's proposal.
Extracellular vesicles derived from stored red blood cell suspensions enhance invasion and migration of lung cancer cells by miR1246 and miR150‐3p
Authors: Cheng Zhanrui , Kong Yujie , Xu Haixia , Xiao Ling , Tian Li , Liu Zhong
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

Aged red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in lung cancer patients are often related to cancer recurrence and shorter lifespans. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) accumulated in stored RBC suspensions may be one of the important influential factors. This study aims to investigate how EVs derived from RBC suspensions affect the progress of lung cancer through the most enriched microRNAs (miRNAs) previously reported in our research.

Study Design and Methods

EVs derived from stored RBC suspensions in Weeks 1, 3 and 5 were harvested via ultracentrifugation. Lung adenocarcinoma H1975 cells were co‐cultured with EVs and transfected with miR1246 and miR150‐3p mimics to evaluate alterations in their proliferation, invasion and migration abilities in vitro. Proteomics and bioinformatics were performed to predict the signalling pathway related to invasion and migration of H1975, which were verified by western blotting (WB) and flow cytometry.

Results

EVs derived from stored RBC suspensions in Weeks 3 and 5 could significantly enhance the invasion and migration ability of H1975 cells and also increase the expression of miR1246 and miR150‐3p. After transfection with miR1246 and miR150‐3p mimics, invasion, migration and proliferation of H1975 cells were obviously enhanced. Proteomics analysis demonstrated that EVs co‐cultivation and miRNA transfection groups were both enriched in cell adhesion molecules. WB and cytometry indicated that integrin beta‐1 (ITGB1) and Rap1b were increased.

Conclusions

EVs derived from stored RBC suspensions can enhance invasion and migration ability of lung cancer cells via the most accumulated miR1246 and miR150‐3p, which may increase the expression of ITGB1 through Rap1 signalling pathway.
Criteria for storage of cord blood units at Japan's largest cord blood bank
Authors: Watanabe‐Okochi Naoko , Odajima Takeshi , Ito Miyuki , Yamada Naoya , Shinozaki Manami , Minemoto Mutsuko , Ishimaru Fumihiko , Muroi Kazuo , Takanashi Minoko
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

In Japan, cord blood transplantations exceed those done with adult‐sourced unrelated stem cells. This study analyses cord blood (CB) storage criteria to maintain high‐quality CB units.

Materials and Methods

The Kanto‐Koshinetsu Cord Blood Bank received 29,795 units from 2014 to 2021, mostly >60 mL, and 5486 (18.4%) were stored as transplantable units. We investigated the mother's gestational period, CB volume, total nucleated cells (TNCs), CD34+ cells, total colony‐forming units (CFUs), time from collection to reception and cryopreservation, cell viability, and the reasons for not storing a unit.

Results

The average time from collection to reception of 29,795 units was 18.0 h. The most common reason for not storing a CB unit was low cell numbers (pre‐processing TNC count <1.2 billion), accounting for 67.9% of the units received. There was no correlation between the CB volume and the CD34+ cell count. The shorter the gestational period, the lower the TNC count, but the higher the CD34+ cell count. There was no correlation between the time from collection to cryopreservation, within a 36‐h time limit, and the CD34+ cell recovery rate.

Conclusion

We could accept units with a TNC count <1.2 billion and a CB volume <60 mL from a gestational period of 38 weeks or less if we did a pre‐processing CD34+ cell count. This would secure more units rich in CD34+ cells.
Enhancing prosthesis stability at the cricoid cartilage in equine laryngoplasty using 3‐D‐printed laryngeal clamps: An ex vivo model study
Authors: Grzeskowiak Remigiusz , Schumacher Jim , Omidi Omid , Bowers Kristin , Cassone Lynne M. C. , Abedi Reza , Hespel Adrien‐Maxence , Mulon Pierre‐Yves , Anderson David E.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To assess a three‐dimensional (3‐D)‐printed laryngeal clamp (LC) designed to enhance the anchoring of laryngeal prostheses at the cricoid cartilage.

Study design

Ex vivo biomechanical study.

Sample population

A total of 22 equine larynges.

Methods

Two experimental groups included larynges with standard prosthetic laryngoplasty (PL; n = 10) and larynges with prosthetic laryngoplasty modified with laryngeal clamps (PLLC; n = 10). All constructs underwent 3000 cycles of tension loading and a single tension to failure. Recorded biomechanical parameters included maximum load, actuator displacement, and construct failure. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed on one PL and one PLLC construct.

Results

The maximum load at single tension to failure was 183.7 ± 46.8 N for the PL construct and 292.7 ± 82.3 N for the PLLC construct (p = .003). Actuator displacement at 30 N was 1.7 ± 0.5 mm and 2.7 ± 0.7 mm for the PL and PLLC constructs, respectively (p = .011). The cause of PL constructs failure was mostly tearing through the cartilage whereas the PLLC constructs failed through fracture of the cricoid cartilage (p = .000). FEA revealed an 11‐fold reduction in the maximum equivalent plastic strain, a four‐fold reduction in maximum compressive stress, and a two‐fold increase in the volume of engaged cartilage in PLLC constructs.

Conclusion

The PLLC constructs demonstrated superior performance in biomechanical testing and FEA compared to standard PL constructs.

Clinical significance

The use of 3‐D‐printed laryngeal clamps may enhance the outcomes of laryngoplasty in horses. In vivo studies are necessary to determine the feasibility of performing laryngoplasty using the laryngeal clamp in horses.
Impact of arthroscopy on post‐procedure intra‐articular elbow injections: A cadaveric study
Authors: Blumhagen Emalee M. , Spector Daniel I. , Fischetti Anthony J.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To determine the influence of arthroscopy and injection volume on post‐procedure intra‐articular (IA) injection extravasation.

Study design

Ex vivo prospective study.

Sample population

A total of 40 paired canine cadaver forelimbs.

Methods

After radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans with three‐dimensional (3D) digital bone model reconstructions, elbows were randomly assigned to the arthroscopy or control group and randomly assigned to receive an IA injection of 2 or 4 mL of contrast. Elbow arthroscopy was performed on assigned specimens, followed by IA injections of contrast in all elbows, and imaging was repeated. 3D digital model volumes were compared. Images were interpreted and scored for extravasation by a radiologist unaware of treatment and volume assignments.

Results

Based on CT images and regardless of treatment group, IA injections of 4 mL resulted in a mean extravasation score of 2.25 (SD 0.97) versus 1.55 (SD 1.05) (p = .02) for 2 mL IA injections. The change in 3D model volumes after IA injections was a mean of 13.2 cm3 (SD 5.85) after 4 mL injections, compared to 6.97 cm3 (SD 6.28) (p = .003) after 2 mL injections. On radiographic evaluation, but not CT, the mean extravasation scores were 2.45 (SD 1.15) for the arthroscopy group and 1.25 (SD 0.79) for the control group (p < .001).

Conclusion

A larger volume of IA injection resulted in higher CT extravasation scores and larger 3D volumes regardless of arthroscopic treatment.

Clinical significance

IA injections performed immediately after arthroscopy resulted in 50% or less extravasation, especially with a smaller IA injection volume.
World Englishes and Cultural Linguistics: Theory and research
Authors: Polzenhagen Frank , Wolf Hans‐Georg , Latić Denisa , Peters Arne
Published: June 2024

This article explores the evolution of Cultural Linguistics, its fusion with Cognitive Linguistics and Cognitive Sociolinguistics, and its application to the study of world Englishes, emphasising the cultural dimension of language and cognition. It investigates key theoretical concepts in Cultural Linguistics such as cultural categories, schemas, conceptualisations, keywords, models and scenarios as essential analytical tools for examining the interplay between thought, language and culture. Using examples from English varieties in sub‐Saharan Africa, Great Britain, Ireland, India and Hong Kong, this article demonstrates how these conceptual phenomena interact at increasing levels of conceptual complexity. The discussion also distinguishes conceptual metaphor (and metonymy) from the somewhat problematic concept of ‘cultural metaphor’, previously used in some cultural‐linguistic approaches to world Englishes. Finally, the article delves into Conceptual Blending Theory as a possible extension of Cultural Linguistics that synthesises diverse cultural knowledge to interpret culture‐specific expressions in contemporary multilingual settings.
α‐Adrenergic regulation of skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Alpenglow Jeremy K. , Bunsawat Kanokwan , Francisco Michael A. , Broxterman Ryan M. , Craig Jesse C. , Iacovelli Jarred J. , Weavil Joshua C. , Harrison Jonathan D. , Morgan David E. , Silverton Natalie A. , Reese Van R. , Ma Christy L. , Ryan John J. , Wray D. Walter
Published: June 2024

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has been characterized by lower blood flow to exercising limbs and lower peak oxygen utilization (), possibly associated with disease‐related changes in sympathetic (α‐adrenergic) signaling. Thus, in seven patients with HFpEF (70 ± 6 years, 3 female/4 male) and seven controls (CON) (66 ± 3 years, 3 female/4 male), we examined changes (%Δ) in leg blood flow (LBF, Doppler ultrasound) and leg to intra‐arterial infusion of phentolamine (PHEN, α‐adrenergic antagonist) or phenylephrine (PE, α1‐adrenergic agonist) at rest and during single‐leg knee‐extension exercise (0, 5 and 10 W). At rest, the PHEN‐induced increase in LBF was not different between groups, but PE‐induced reductions in LBF were lower in HFpEF (−16% ± 4% vs. −26% ± 5%, HFpEF vs. CON; P < 0.05). During exercise, the PHEN‐induced increase in LBF was greater in HFpEF at 10 W (16% ± 8% vs. 8% ± 5%; P < 0.05). PHEN increased leg in HFpEF (10% ± 3%, 11% ± 6%, 15% ± 7% at 0, 5 and 10 W; P < 0.05) but not in controls (−1% ± 9%, −4% ± 2%, −1% ± 5%; P = 0.24). The ‘magnitude of sympatholysis’ (PE‐induced %Δ LBF at rest – PE‐induced %Δ LBF during exercise) was lower in patients with HFpEF (−6% ± 4%, −6% ± 6%, −7% ± 5% vs. −13% ± 6%, −17% ± 5%, −20% ± 5% at 0, 5 and 10 W; P < 0.05) and was positively related to LBF, leg oxygen delivery, leg , and the PHEN‐induced increase in LBF (P < 0.05). Together, these data indicate that excessive α‐adrenergic vasoconstriction restrains blood flow and limits of the exercising leg in patients with HFpEF, and is related to impaired functional sympatholysis in this patient group.

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Key points

Sympathetic (α‐adrenergic)‐mediated vasoconstriction is exaggerated during exercise in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which may contribute to limitations of blood flow, oxygen delivery and oxygen utilization in the exercising muscle.

The ability to adequately attenuate α1‐adrenergic vasoconstriction (i.e. functional sympatholysis) within the vasculature of the exercising muscle is impaired in patients with HFpEF.

These observations extend our current understanding of HFpEF pathophysiology by implicating excessive α‐adrenergic restraint and impaired functional sympatholysis as important contributors to disease‐related impairments in exercising muscle blood flow and oxygen utilization in these patients.
Two-stage evolution of mammalian adipose tissue thermogenesis
Authors: Keipert Susanne , Gaudry Michael J. , Kutschke Maria , Keuper Michaela , Dela Rosa Margeoux A. S. , Cheng Yiming , Monroy Kuhn José M. , Laterveer Rutger , Cotrim Camila A. , Giere Peter , Perocchi Fabiana , Feederle Regina , Crichton Paul G. , Lutter Dominik , Jastroch Martin
Published: June 2024

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a heater organ that expresses thermogenic uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) to maintain high body temperatures during cold stress. BAT thermogenesis is considered an overarching mammalian trait, but its evolutionary origin is unknown. We show that adipose tissue of marsupials, which diverged from eutherian mammals
~
150 million years ago, expresses a nonthermogenic UCP1 variant governed by a partial transcriptomic BAT signature similar to that found in eutherian beige adipose tissue. We found that the reconstructed UCP1 sequence of the common eutherian ancestor displayed typical thermogenic activity, whereas therian ancestor UCP1 is nonthermogenic. Thus, mammalian adipose tissue thermogenesis may have evolved in two distinct stages, with a prethermogenic stage in the common therian ancestor linking UCP1 expression to adipose tissue and thermal stress. We propose that in a second stage, UCP1 acquired its thermogenic function specifically in eutherians, such that the onset of mammalian BAT thermogenesis occurred only after the divergence from marsupials.