bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The TGFβ2‐Snail1‐miRNATGFβ2 Circuitry is Critical for the Development of Aggressive Functions in Breast Cancer
Authors: Luo Liyun , Xu Ning , Fan Weina , Wu Yixuan , Chen Pingping , Li Zhihui , He Zhimin , Liu Hao , Lin Ying , Zheng Guopei
Published: February 2024

There have been contradictory reports on the biological role of transforming growth factor‐βs (TGFβs) in breast cancer (BC), especially with regard to their ability to promote epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we show that TGFβ2 is preferentially expressed in mesenchymal‐like BCs and maintains the EMT phenotype, correlating with cancer stem cell‐like characteristics, growth, metastasis and chemo‐resistance and predicting worse clinical outcomes. However, this is only true in ERα− BC. In ERα+ luminal‐type BC, estrogen receptor interacts with p‐Smads to block TGFβ signalling. Furthermore, we also identify a microRNAs (miRNAs) signature (miRNAsTGFβ2) that is weakened in TGFβ2‐overexpressing BC cells. We discover that TGFβ2‐Snail1 recruits enhancer of zeste homolog‐2 to convert miRNAsTGFβ2 promoters from an active to repressive chromatin configuration and then repress miRNAsTGFβ2 transcription, forming a negative feedback loop. On the other hand, miRNAsTGFβ2 overexpression reverses the mesenchymal‐like traits in agreement with the inhibition of TGFβ2‐Snail1 signalling in BC cells. These findings clarify the roles of TGFβ2 in BC and suggest novel therapeutic strategies based on the TGFβ2‐Snail1‐miRNAsTGFβ2 loop for a subset type of human BCs.
Tri‐substituted 1,3,5‐triazine‐based analogs as effective HIV‐1 non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs): A systematic review
Authors: Khalifa Zebabanu , Patel Amit B.
Published: February 2024

Non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) have significantly impacted the HIV‐1 wild‐type due to their high specificity and superior potency. As well as different combinations of NNRTIs have been used on clinically approved combining highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to resist the growth of HIV‐1 and decrease the mortality rate of HIV/AIDS. Although the feeble strength against the drug‐resistant mutant strains and the long‐term damaging effects have been reducing the effectiveness of HAART, it could be a crucial challenge to develop novel Anti‐HIV leads with a vital mode of action and the least side effects. The extensive chemical reactivity and the diverse chemotherapeutic applications of the 1,3,5‐triazine have provided a wide scope of research in medicinal chemistry via a structural modification. In this review, we focused on the Anti‐HIV profile of the tri‐substituted s‐triazine derivatives with structure‐based features and also discussed the active mode of action to evaluate the significant findings. The tri‐substituted 1,3,5‐triazine derivatives have been found more promising to inhibit the growth of the drug‐sensitive and drug‐resistant variants of HIV‐1, especially HIV‐1 wild‐type, HIV‐1 K103N/Y181C, and HIV‐1 Tyr181Cys. It has been observed that these derivatives have interacted with the enzyme protein residues via a significant ‐ interaction and hydrogen bonding to resist the proliferation of the viral genomes. Further, the SAR and the active binding modes are critically described and highlight the role of structural variations with functional groups along with the binding affinity of targeted enzymes, which may be beneficial for rational drug discovery to develop highly dynamic Anti‐HIV agents.
Submarine‐channel meandering reset by landslide filling, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand
Authors: Covault Jacob A. , Sylvester Zoltán , Dunlap Dallas B.
Published: February 2024

Landslides are among the largest mass movements on Earth. As such, the deposits of landslides, also known as mass‐transport deposits, are significant architectural elements of continental margins, especially those receiving sediment from large deltas. Landslide dams have been shown to alter the courses of rivers and submarine channels. However, there are fewer examples of landslides completely filling submarine channels and examples of the subsequent stratigraphic evolution. A three‐dimensional seismic‐reflection dataset (<90 Hz) from the deep‐water (>1500 m) Taranaki Basin, offshore the North Island of New Zealand, was used to explore the response of a sequence of channel deposits to landslide filling. The basal channel system initially meandered like a river, with successive channel positions in close proximity, as it aggraded >250 ms two‐way travel time. This systematic, organised evolution is governed by the memory of early channel evolution, which sets the sea floor geomorphology that guides channel‐forming turbidity currents. Later, a channel approximately twice as wide as underlying channels cut off a number of channel bends, probably as a result of an increase in the discharge of channel‐forming turbidity currents. This last channel was filled with submarine landslides, which transported and deposited sediment as debris flows based on the presence of blocks within a matrix comprising chaotic, lower amplitude seismic facies. These debris‐flow deposits smoothed over the sea floor, effectively wiping the memory of channel evolution. As a result, the subsequent channel pattern bears no resemblance to the basal system. Submarine‐channel resetting by landslide filling is common in settings with frequent catastrophic basin‐margin collapses, like offshore New Zealand.
Exploring the application of dual‐energyCTto discriminate sediment facies in a varved sequence
Authors: Martini M. , Francus P. , Di Schiavi Trotta L. , Letellier P. , Des Roches M. , Després P.
Published: February 2024

Dual‐energy X‐ray computed tomography consists of imaging objects using two incident X‐ray beams of different energy to distinguish the different compounds within a sample based on their density (electron density,ρe) and elemental composition (effective atomic number,Zeff). The stoichiometric calibration for dual‐energy X‐ray computed tomography was already successfully implemented to identify single and homogeneous minerals easily and non‐destructively. It is here applied for the first time to a more complex and heterogeneous sample, a varved sediment core with three distinct facies. The output of dual‐energy X‐ray computed tomography was compared against elemental geochemistry obtained at the same resolution using a micro‐XRF core scanner. The three individual facies can be successfully differentiated using dual‐energy X‐ray computed tomography because their range ofρeandZeffvalues allow their discrimination. Correlations with elemental geochemistry are also discussed but are less conclusive, probably because of variations in grain size and porosity, and because these high resolution analyses were not performed at the exact same location. The paper not only eventually discusses the limitations when using dual‐energy X‐ray computed tomography on sediments but also demonstrates its potential to quantitatively study sediment cores in a non‐destructive way.
The Role of Grain Boundaries in Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells and its Current Enhancement Strategies: A Review
Authors: Zhang Jindan , Tang Shicheng , Zhu Mengqi , Li Zhenghong , Cheng Zhibin , Xiang Shengchang , Zhang Zhangjing
Published: February 2024

Grain boundaries (GBs) in perovskite polycrystalline films are the most sensitive place for the formation of the defect states and the accumulation of impurities. Thus, abundant works have been carried out to explore their properties and then try to solve the induced problems. Currently, two important issues remain. First, the role of GBs in charge carrier dynamics is unclear due to their component complexity/defect tolerance nature and the insufficiency in testing accuracy. Some works conclude that GBs are benign, while others consider GBs as carrier recombination centers. Things for sure are the deterioration in ion transport and perovskite decomposition. Second, to solve the known hazards of GBs, a lot of additives have been added to anchoring ions and passivate defects. But in most of those works, GBs and perovskite surfaces are treated in the same manner ignoring the fact that GB is essentially a homogeneous junction in a narrow and slender space, while surface is a heterogeneous junction with a stratified structure. In this review, we focus on works insight into GBs and additives for them. Additionally, we also discuss the prospects of the maturity of GB exploration toward upscaling the manufacture of perovskite photovoltaic and related optoelectronic devices.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in heart failure
Authors: Parikh Puja B. , Mack Michael , Stone Gregg W. , Anker Stefan D. , Gilchrist Ian C. , Kalogeropoulos Andreas P. , Packer Milton , Skopicki Hal A. , Butler Javed
Published: February 2024

Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) may develop heart failure (HF), the presence of which has traditionally been deemed as a final stage in AS progression with poor outcomes. The use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become the preferred therapy for most patients with AS and concomitant HF. With its instant afterload reduction, TAVR offers patients with HF significant haemodynamic benefits, with corresponding changes in left ventricular structure and improved mortality and quality of life. The prognostic covariates and optimal timing of TAVR in patients with less than severe AS remain unclear. The purpose of this review is to describe the association between TAVR and outcomes in patients with HF, particularly in the setting of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, acute HF, and right ventricular systolic dysfunction, and to highlight areas for future research.
Changes in spinal motor behaviour are associated with reduction in disability in chronic low back pain: A longitudinal cohort study with 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Christe Guillaume , Benaim Charles , Jolles Brigitte M. , Favre Julien
Published: February 2024

Background

The need to improve spinal motor behaviour in chronic low back pain (CLBP) rehabilitation remains unclear. The objective of this study was to test if changes in spinal motor behaviour were associated with changes in disability after an interdisciplinary rehabilitation program (IRP) in patients with CLBP.

Methods

Seventy‐one patients with CLBP participating in an IRP were included. Spinal motor behaviour was assessed with biomechanical (lumbar angular amplitude and velocity, erector spinae muscle activity and duration of the task), cognitive‐emotional (task‐specific fear [PRF]) and pain‐related (movement‐evoked pain [MEP]) measures during a lifting task before and after the IRP. Disability was measured before and after the IRP, and at 3‐month and 1‐year follow‐ups.

Results

After adjusting for confounders, changes in disability were significantly associated with MEP changes (β adj. = 0.49, p < 0.001) and PRF changes (β adj. = 0.36, p = 0.008), but not with changes in any of the biomechanical measures. MEP at the end of IRP was also associated with disability at 3 months (β adj. = 0.37, p = 0.001) and 1 year (β adj. = 0.42, p = 0.01). Biomechanical measures at the end of the IRP were not associated with disability, except for the duration of the task that was significantly associated with reduction of disability at 3 months (β non‐adj = 0.5, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Pain‐related and cognitive‐emotional measures of spinal motor behaviour were associated with reduction in disability following an IRP. Future research is needed to further investigate causal relationships between spinal motor behaviour and disability.

Significance statement

This study supports a multidimensional understanding and analysis of spinal motor behaviour, integrating the cognitive‐emotional, pain‐related and biomechanical domains. It also supports the consideration of spinal motor behaviour as a potentially important treatment target in chronic low back pain management. Moreover, it suggests that reducing movement‐evoked pain and task‐specific fear may have more influence on disability than changing lumbar amplitude, lumbar angular velocity or erector muscle activity, which may have important implications for rehabilitation.
Maximal and submaximal intended velocity squat sets: Do they selectively impact mechanical performance in paired multijoint upper‐body exercise sets?
Authors: Janicijevic Danica , Miras‐Moreno Sergio , Morenas‐Aguilar Maria Dolores , Baena‐Raya Andrés , Weakley Jonathon , García‐Ramos Amador
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate how squat protocols performed at maximal and submaximal intended velocities during interset periods of paired upper‐body exercises that impact the mechanical performance of these multijoint upper‐body exercises. Twenty‐one young and healthy adults (seven women) completed three experimental sessions, each comprising four sets of five repetitions at 75% of their 1‐repetition maximum, with a 4‐min break between sets using the bench press and bench pull exercises. The experimental sessions differed in the protocol utilized during the interset periods: (i) Passive—no physical exercise was performed; (ii) SQfast—5 repetitions of the squat exercise at maximal intended velocity against the load associated with a mean velocity (MV) of 0.75 m s−1; and (iii) SQslow—5 repetitions of the squat exercise at submaximal velocity (intended MV of 0.50 m s−1) against the load associated with an MV of 0.75 m s−1. Level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. The main findings revealed negligible differences (effect size [ES] < 0.20) among the exercise protocols (passive vs. SQfast vs. SQslow) for all mechanical variables during the bench pull, whereas during the bench press, small differences (ES from 0.23 to 0.31) emerged favoring the passive protocol over SQfast and SQslow in terms of mean set velocity and fastest MV of the set. The absence of significant differences between the SQfast and SQslow protocols, irrespective of the particular upper‐body exercise, implies that the intended lifting velocity does not influence the potential interference effect during paired set training procedures.
Adalimumab exhibits superiority over etanercept in terms of a numerically higher response rate and equivalent adverse events: A real‐world finding
Authors: Yu Zhe , Gao Ling , Zang Yinshan , Cheng Lu , Gao Wenjia , Xu Yan
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Adalimumab (ADA) and etanercept (ETN) are the most commonly applied biologics for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management in China; however, the evidence regarding their superiority is controversial. In addition, in real‐world clinical settings, many factors may affect the application of these agents, such as dosage and administration period. Therefore, the present real‐world study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of ADA and ETN treatment in RA patients via the propensity score matching method.

Methods

In total, 105 RA patients receiving ADA (n = 66) or ETN (n = 39) were reviewed in this retrospective study. The propensity score matching method was used to eliminate discrepancies in baseline features. Clinical response, low disease activity (LDA), and remission were evaluated based on the DAS28.

Results

Before propensity score matching, compared with ETN, ADA yielded higher rates of clinical response at W24 (97.0% vs. 84.6%, p = .021), LDA at W12 (78.8% vs. 51.3%, p = .003), and remission at W24 (75.8% vs. 46.2%, p = .002). After propensity score matching, compared with ETN, ADA only achieved a higher rate of clinical response at W24 (96.3% vs. 77.8%, p = .043), whereas the rates of LDA and remission were not different between ADA and ETN treatments at any time point (all p > .05). In addition, the incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between the ADA and ETN treatments (all p > .05).

Conclusion

ADA shows superiority over ETN in terms of a numerically greater response rate and equivalent adverse events.
International Anal Neoplasia Society's consensus guidelines for anal cancer screening
Authors: Stier Elizabeth A. , Clarke Megan A. , Deshmukh Ashish A. , Wentzensen Nicolas , Liu Yuxin , Poynten I. Mary , Cavallari Eugenio Nelson , Fink Valeria , Barroso Luis F. , Clifford Gary M. , Cuming Tamzin , Goldstone Stephen E. , Hillman Richard J. , Rosa‐Cunha Isabela , La Rosa Luciana , Palefsky Joel M. , Plotzker Rosalyn , Roberts Jennifer M. , Jay Naomi
Published: February 2024

The International Anal Neoplasia Society (IANS) developed consensus guidelines to inform anal cancer screening use among various high‐risk groups. Anal cancer incidence estimates by age among risk groups provided the basis to identify risk thresholds to recommend screening. Guided by risk thresholds, screening initiation at age 35 years was recommended for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) with HIV. For other people with HIV and MSM and TW not with HIV, screening initiation at age 45 years was recommended. For solid organ transplant recipients, screening initiation beginning from 10 years post‐transplant was recommended. For persons with a history of vulvar precancer or cancer, screening initiation was recommended starting within 1 year of diagnosis of vulvar precancer or cancer. Persons aged ≥45 years with a history of cervical/vaginal HSIL or cancer, perianal warts, persistent (>1 year) cervical HPV16, or autoimmune conditions could be considered for screening with shared decision‐making, provided there is adequate capacity to perform diagnostic procedures (high‐resolution anoscopy [HRA]). Anal cytology, high‐risk (hr) human papillomavirus (HPV) testing (including genotyping for HPV16), and hrHPV‐cytology co‐testing are different strategies currently used for anal cancer screening that show acceptable performance. Thresholds for referral for HRA or follow‐up screening tests are delineated. These recommendations from IANS provide the basis to inform management of abnormal screening results, considering currently available screening tools. These guidelines provide a pivotal foundation to help generate consensus among providers and inform the introduction and implementation of risk‐targeted screening for anal cancer prevention.
A review of the concurrent‐chains arrangement to assess intervention choice: 2018–2023
Authors: Auten Emma M. , Van Camp Carole , Ferguson Allie B.
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this review is to summarize recent literature on the use of concurrent‐chains arrangements in the assessment of preference for interventions (or intervention components) in the applied literature. The types of interventions and participants are described briefly, and procedural variations, ethical considerations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
The sexual and reproductive health covariates of early menarche among adolescent girls
Authors: Ibitoye Mobolaji , Sandfort Theo G. M. , Bingenheimer Jeffrey B. , Sommer Marni
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Research suggests that girls who reach menarche at an early age are at greater risk for negative sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes than their later‐maturing counterparts, but very little research has examined this issue in sub‐Saharan Africa, especially in West Africa. The goal of the current study was to determine whether early menarche was associated with any SRH outcomes in a sample of Ghanaian girls.

Methods

The study data were drawn from the baseline assessment of a longitudinal study involving two age cohorts (13–14 and 18–19 years) of 700 adolescent girls from Ghana. Logistic regressions were used to assess the association between early menarche (before age 13) and seven SRH outcomes (adolescent sexual activity, early sexual initiation, inconsistent condom use, transactional sex, sexual violence, multiple sexual partners, and adolescent pregnancy).

Results

Early menarche was significantly associated with adolescent sexual activity (odds ratio [OR] = 6.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1–19.7), and sexual violence (OR = 3.2; 95% CI 1.6–6.2) in the younger cohort and early sexual initiation (OR = 3.2; 95% CI 1.19–8.61) and multiple sexual partners (OR = 3.7; 95% CI 1.39–9.87) in the older cohort. Early menarche was also associated with transactional sex and teen pregnancy in the full sample.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the need for special attention to the needs of early‐maturing girls in SRH programming. Interventions are needed to delay adolescent sexual activity in girls with early menarche. Efforts to prevent sexual violence among adolescent girls in Ghana may benefit from targeting and addressing the specific needs of early‐maturing girls.
Hyperspectral upgrade solution for biomicroscope combined withTransformernetwork to classify infectious bacteria
Authors: Lu You , Zhang Lan , Wang Jihong , Bian Lifeng , Ding Zhao , Yang Chen
Published: February 2024

Infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens pose a significant public health threat, emphasizing the need for swift and accurate bacterial species detection methods. Hyperspectral microscopic imaging (HMI) offers nondestructive, rapid, and data‐rich advantages, making it a promising tool for microbial detection. In this research, we present a highly compatible and cost‐effective approach to extend a standard biomicroscope system into a hyperspectral biomicroscope using a prism‐grating‐prism configuration. Using this prototype, we generate 600 hyperspectral data cubes forListeria,Bacillus typhi,Bacillus pestis, andBacillus anthracis. Additionally, we propose a Transformer‐based classification network that achieves a 99.44% accuracy in classifying these infectious pathogens, outperforming traditional methods. Our results suggest that the successful combination of HMI and the optimized Transformer‐based classification network highlights the potential for rapid and precise detection of infectious disease pathogens.
Copper‐doped magnesium phosphate nanopowders for critical size calvarial bone defect intervention
Authors: El‐Sayed Sara A. M. , ElShebiney Shaimaa , Beherei Hanan H. , Kumar Pradeep , Choonara Yahya E. , Mabrouk Mostafa
Published: February 2024

Calvarial defects of bone present difficult clinical situations, and their restoration using biocompatible materials requires special treatments that enable bone regeneration. Magnesium phosphate (MgP) is known as an osteoinductive biomaterial because it contains Mg2+ ions and P ions that enhance the activity of osteoplast cells and help in bone regeneration. In this study, MgP and CuO‐doped MgP were fabricated and characterized for their physicomechanical properties, particle size, morphology, surface area, antibacterial test, and in vitro bioactivity evaluation using the following techniques: X‐rays diffraction, Fourier‐transformer infrared, TEM, and Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) surface area, X‐rays photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, these nanopowders were implanted in adult inbred male Wistar rats and studied after two periods (28 and 56 days). The results demonstrated that the obtained semiamorphous powders are in nanoscale (≤ 50 nm). XPS analysis ensured the preparation of MgP as mono MgP and CuO were incorporated in the structure as Cu2+. The bioactivity was supported by the observation of calcium phosphate layer on the nanopowders' surface. The in vivo study demonstrated success of MgP nanopowders especially those doped with CuO in restoration of calvarial defect bone. Therefore, fabricated biomaterials are of great potential in restoration of bone calvarial defects.
Development and validation of a self‐report measure of perceived dehumanization from officers
Authors: Robison Morgan , Baker Thomas , Abderhalden Frances P. , Gordon Jill A. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Emerging evidence indicates that incarcerated populations' perceptions of dehumanization by officers are prevalent, yet measures of it are few, and to our knowledge, no self‐report measure of dehumanization from officers exists. To fill this gap, we have developed the Perceived Dehumanization from Officers Scale (PDOS), which is designed as a brief measure to assess perception of officer treatment as dehumanizing.

Methods

In this article, we provide preliminary evidence from two studies examining the reliability and validity of the PDOS. In study 1, a jail sample (n = 411), we analyzed the exploratory factor structure, internal consistency, and discriminant validity (in relation to procedural justice [PJ]) of the PDOS. Additionally, using a cross‐sectional ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis, we related independent variables with the PDOS, the dependent variable. In Study 2, a prison sample (n = 2993), we confirmed the findings from study 1.

Results

The PDOS appears to be a psychometrically sound measure of perceived dehumanization from officers with strong association between perceptions of PJ and perceived dehumanization from officers.

Conclusions

The PDOS provides opportunity for future research, intervention through rehumanization efforts, and signals the important officer treatment. Importantly We close by discussing implications of these studies, limitations, and future research directions to further develop and test the PDOS.
Statin Drug‐Drug Interactions: Pharmacokinetic Basis of FDA Labeling Recommendations and Comparison Across Common Tertiary Clinical Resources
Authors: Mease James , Ramamoorthy Anuradha , Yang Xinning , Madabushi Rajanikanth , Pfuma Fletcher Elimika , Zineh Issam
Published: February 2024

Statins are widely prescribed and highly susceptible to pharmacokinetic (PK)‐based drug–drug interactions (DDIs). To date, there has not been a comprehensive analysis of the basis upon which statin DDI recommendations in US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prescribing information (PI) are derived. We have conducted such an analysis. We also assessed the degree of concordance of statin DDI recommendations in FDA PI and those provided in common tertiary clinical resources. We catalogued statin DDI information, including PK data and management recommendations, for statin precipitant drugs approved from 2010 to 2021, available from FDA PI and tertiary clinical resource databases. Recommendations were categorized and mapped with associated PK data to assess consistency in the PK basis for labeling recommendations. From the 80 precipitant drugs evaluated, 180 statin DDIs were identified in FDA PI. Dedicated clinical DDI studies were conducted for 54% (n = 97) of these DDIs and 34% (n = 61) of DDI recommendations were extrapolated from clinical data with other statins. Overall, we found that PK‐based statin recommendations were consistent across PI. These findings highlight regulatory precedence for translating information across statins without conducting dedicated clinical DDI studies, which may support future efforts toward streamlining the approach to investigation and labeling of statin DDIs. In addition, with the exception of some notable discrepancies, general concordance was observed between FDA and tertiary resources regarding “Dose Adjustment” and “Avoid Coadministration” recommendations. However, further analyses are warranted across other DDI pairs to determine whether discordance can routinely lead to different clinical recommendations depending on the drug information resource.
ISG15 mediates the function of extracellular vesicles in promoting ovarian cancer progression and metastasis
Authors: Dorayappan Kalpana Deepa Priya , Wagner Vincent , Park Dongju , Newcomer Meghan M. , Lightfoot Michelle D. S. , Kalaiyarasan Deepika , Sakaue Takahiko , Khadraoui Wafa , Yu Lianbo , Wang Qi‐En , Maxwell G. Larry , O'Malley David , Pollock Raphael E. , Cohn David E. , Selvendiran Karuppaiyah
Published: February 2024

The interferon stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), a ubiquitin like protein and its conjugates have been implicated in various human malignancies. However, its role in ovarian cancer progression and metastasis is largely unknown. In high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), ascites is the major contributor to peritoneal metastasis. In this study, we identified significantly elevated ISG15 protein expression in HGSOC patient ascites, ascites derived primary ovarian cancer cells (POCCs), POCC small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) as well as metastatic tissue. Our results demonstrates that ISG15 increases exocytosis in ascites‐derived POCCs by decreasing the endosome‐lysosomal fusion, indicating a key role in sEV secretion. Further, knockdown (KD) of ISG15 resulted in a significant decrease in vesicles secretion from HGSOC cells and in vivo mouse models, leading to reduced HGSOC cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, our pre‐clinical mouse model studies revealed the influence of vesicular ISG15 on disease progression and metastasis. In addition, knockdown of ISG15 or using the ISG15 inhibitor, DAP5, in combination therapy with carboplatin showed to improve the platinum sensitivity in‐vitro and reduce tumour burden in‐vivo. We also found that ISG15 expression within sEV represents a promising prognostic marker for HGSOC patients. Our findings suggest that ISG15 is a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting progression and metastasis in HGSOC and that vesicular ISG15 expression could be a promising biomarker in the clinical management of ovarian cancer.

Significance: High‐grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) has high morbidity and mortality rates, but its progression and metastasis are still poorly understood, and there is an urgent need for early detection and targeted therapies. Our study presents novel findings that implicate ISG15‐mediated vesicular proteins in the advancement and spread of HGSOC. These results offer pre‐clinical evidence of potential new molecular targets, prognostic markers and therapeutic strategies for HGSOC that could ultimately enhance patient survival.
Creativity for Problem Solving in the Digital Era: Configurations of Leadership Profiles
Authors: Tigre Fernanda Bethlem , Lopes Henriques Paulo , Curado Carla
Published: February 2024

Finding creative solutions to organizations' challenges is critical to determining the ability to thrive. Creative leadership promotes an organizational culture based on creative problem‐solving skills. Five leadership elements (being digitally and technologically savvy, having a results orientation, promoting collaborative teamwork, possessing business skills, and providing resources to the team) enable leaders to pursue creative or uncreative problem‐solving solutions. The current study used a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis to identify the elements of creative leadership. The analysis comprises data from 123 leaders worldwide from different sectors collected from an online survey. The results showed five leadership profiles leading to creative problem‐solving and another five profiles leading to an uncreative outcome. The results provided a tangible approach to the behaviors needed to be creative leaders and the configurations of uncreative behaviors to avoid. The study integrates academic and practitioner perspectives on creative leadership and offers a model supported in the academic literature and relevant to practical needs.
Tissue markers may predict treatment response to antitumor necrosis factor‐α agents in children with Crohn's disease
Authors: Krauthammer Alexander , Cozacov Tal , Fried Sophia , Har‐Zahav Adi , Shamir Raanan , Assa Amit , Waisbourd‐Zinman Orith
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Patients with moderate‐severe Crohn's disease (CD) who are treated with antitumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) agents may be subjected to primary nonresponse or partial response. We aimed to identify tissue markers that may predict response to these agents.

Methods

Pediatric patients (6–18 years) with either ileal or ileo‐colonic CD who were treated with anti‐TNF‐α were stratified into three different groups based on their overall response to therapy at the end of induction including clinical and laboratory parameters (group 1—full responders [FR], group 2—partial responders [PR], group 3—nonresponders [NR]). Seven tissue markers (fibronectin, interleukin [IL]‐23R, IL‐23, TNF‐α, collagen‐III, IL‐13R, and hypoxia‐inducible factors [HIF]‐1α) were evaluated. Immunofluorescence (IF) analyses were performed on biopsies from the terminal ileum, which were retrieved up to 6 months before treatment initiation.

Results

Twenty‐six CD patients (16 [61.5%] males; age 13.9 ± 2.9 years), including 8 (30.8%) with ileal disease and 18 (69.2%) with ileo‐colonic disease, were enrolled. Terminal ileum biopsies from nine patients from group 1, nine from group 2, and eight from group 3 were evaluated. Three antibodies were found to be significantly different between NR and FR groups; Collagen III and fibronectin stains were significantly more prominent in NR patients, while TNF‐α stain was significantly more pronounced in FR, p < 0.05 for each. PR could not have been predicted with neither of markers.

Conclusions

Decreased tissue IF intensity of fibronectin and collagen III and increased intensity of TNF‐α may predict response to anti‐TNF‐α treatment.
A lipidomics approach reveals novel phospholipid changes in palmitate‐treated C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Tawara Wakako , Morisasa Mizuki , Mukai Risa , Suo Rei , Itoi Shiro , Mori Tsukasa , Goto‐Inoue Naoko
Published: February 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a highly prevalent metabolic disorder. Insulin resistance and oxidative stress are associated with T2DM development. The hypothesis that patients with T2DM show excess accumulation of lipids, such as ceramides (Cers) and diacylglycerols (DAGs), in their skeletal muscles has been widely supported; however, detailed lipidomic data at the molecular species level are limited. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the in vitro dynamics of total lipids, including phospholipids (PLs), sphingolipids, and neutral lipids, in palmitic acid‐induced insulin‐resistant C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Our data demonstrated that the profiles of not only Cers and DAGs but also those of PLs showed considerably differences after palmitate treatment. We found that PL synthesis reduced and PL degradation increased after palmitate treatment. These findings may aid in the development of treatments to ameliorate muscle dysfunction caused by lipid accumulation in muscles.
Assessment of x‐ray efficacy for intraoperative microneedle retrieval using a cadaveric model
Authors: Chaker Sara C. , Hung Ya‐Ching , Vinson Ariel A. , Saad Mariam , Perdikis Galen , Laxminarayan Bhandari Panambur
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Institutional protocols often mandate the use of x‐rays when a microneedle is lost intraoperatively. Although x‐rays can reliably show a macroneedle, the benefit of x‐rays in detecting microneedles in human tissues has not been established as available data on this topic are investigated in anthropometric models. The current study aims to evaluate whether x‐rays can reliably detect retained microneedles in a human cadaveric model. We hypothesize that microneedles would be detected at a significantly lower rate than macroneedles by x‐ray in human tissues.

Materials and Methods

Needles ranging from 4‐0 to 10‐0 were placed randomly throughout a cadaveric hand and foot. Each tissue sample was x‐rayed using a Fexitron X‐Ray machine, taking both anteroposterior and lateral views. A total of six x‐ray images were then evaluated by 11 radiologists, independently. The radiologists circled over the area where they visualized a needle. The accuracy of detecting macroneedles (size 4‐0 to 7‐0) was compared with that of microneedles (size 8‐0 to 10‐0) using a chi‐square test.

Results

The overall detection rate for the microneedles was significantly lower than the detection rate for macroneedles (13.5% vs 88.8%, p < .01). When subcategorized between the hand and the foot, the detection rate for microneedles was also significantly lower than the rate for macroneedles (hand: 7.6% for microneedles, 93.2% for macroneedles, p < .01; foot: 19.5% for microneedles, 84.4% for macroneedles, p < .01). The detection rate, in general, significantly decreased as the sizes of needles became smaller (7‐0:70.5%, 8‐0:18.2%, 9‐0:16.7%, 10‐0:2.3%, p < .01).

Conclusion

X‐rays, while useful in detecting macroneedles, had a significantly lower rate of detecting microneedles in a cadaveric model. The routine use of x‐rays for a lost microneedle may not be beneficial. Further investigation with fresh tissue and similar intraoperative x‐ray systems is warranted to corroborate and support these findings.
The cross‐leg free flap: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Celie Karel‐Bart , Guo Sarah , Raya Jessica , Fahradyan Artur , Carey Joseph , Salibian Ara A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Free tissue transfer is a mainstay treatment for lower extremity soft tissue injuries. When the traditional cross‐leg flap cannot provide enough coverage, a cross‐leg free flap (CLFF) is a limb‐saving alternative. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literature published on the CLFF.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of articles describing the CLFF, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines. Inclusion criteria included articles with primary data on the CLFF. Exclusion criteria included those describing pedicled cross‐leg flaps or lacking complete data. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 29.0.

Results

Our review included 28 articles encompassing 130 patients who underwent free tissue transfer. Most were male (63.8%) with a mean age of 32.4 years. Latissimus dorsi was the most common flap type (30.0%), followed by vertical rectus myocutaneous (20.0%). Average flap size was 301.8 cm2, with trauma in the lower third of the leg being the most common indication (73.1%). The contralateral posterior tibialis was the most common recipient artery (84.1%) followed by the anterior tibialis (9.5%). Complications included amputation (1.4%), partial graft loss, thrombosis, hematoma, prolonged pain, nonunion, and seroma; a forest plot was used to illustrate the low overall adverse events rate. Although bivariate analysis identified age, flap size, type, location, and donor site as variables significantly impacting the incidence of complications (p < .05), this was not sustained in a multivariate logistic regression model.

Conclusion

The CLFF remains an excellent option for limb salvage when a suitable recipient vessel is unavailable. Our review demonstrates 1.4% flap failure and an acceptable complication rate. While most cases in our review describe muscle flaps, we report a complex case of limb salvage using an unusually large anterolateral thigh flap.
Piezoelectric fluorinated polymer composites: A review on coupling agents at the filler/matrix interface
Authors: Bouad Vincent , Girardot Mélanie , Ladmiral Vincent , Barrau Sophie
Published: February 2024

Among electroactive polymers, polyvinylidene fluorine (PVDF) and its copolymers present the highest piezoelectric response which makes them very attractive for applications combining flexibility and piezoelectricity. The use of composites with the incorporation of electroactive ceramics (with a very high piezoelectric coefficient compared to polymers) into the fluorinated polymer matrix allows for an increase in the material piezoelectric response while keeping ductility. The review presents in the first part an overview of the impact of the ceramic particle size and dimension and the filler content. In ceramic/polymer composites, the interface between both constituents is generally weak and has to be strengthened. This review summarizes in the second part different strategies used to improve the interface between the electroactive fillers and the piezoelectric fluorinated polymer matrix to increase the piezoelectric performance of composites. Molecular coupling agents (CAs) are presented and polymer‐based CAs synthesized from “grafting to” and “grafting from” techniques are described. In the last part, the combination of antiparallel poling of ceramic and polymer piezoelectric responses is reported in the composites and the potential of such materials for future development is finally discussed.

Highlights

Piezoelectric properties of composites with electroactive ceramic fillers in fluorinated polymer matrix are discussed.

Different strategies used to improve the interface between electroactive fillers and piezoelectric fluorinated polymer matrix are presented.

The synthesis of molecular CAs or polymer‐based CAs from “grafting to” or “grafting from” techniques is described.

The piezoelectric response of ceramic/polymer composites poled in parallel and anti‐parallel are summarized.

The antiparallel poling of electroactive ceramic and piezoelectric polymer contributions is a promising way to maximize piezoelectric performances.
Weathering resistance of plant fiber‐reinforced high‐density polyethylene matrix composites: Effect of different pigments
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Li Xin , Lyu Jinyan , Zhu Xiaofeng , Xu Long , Gao Limin , Yang Menghao , Chang Xing
Published: February 2024

The effects of iron oxide red pigment, organic red 254 pigment, titanium white pigment, and carbon black pigment on the properties of wood fiber (WF)reinforced high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites under outdoor aging conditions were investigated. The results indicate the addition of pigments in the outdoor aging process has a certain physical protection effect on the composites, effectively preventing the damage of ultraviolet rays on the WF/HDPE composites, and the mechanical experiments show that the pigments protect the composites more obviously in the first 3 months. Among them, the carbon black pigment had the best color‐fixing effect on the composites, with the ∆E* value is only 4.1, and the protective effect on the composites was relatively good due to its special structure. The quality change also verified again that the carbon black pigment has a certain protective effect on the plant fiber composites in the pre‐aging period outdoors, in which the mass of the composites with added carbon black pigment increased by 0.14%. Comprehensively, it shows that the addition of pigment cannot completely prevent the photo‐oxidation reaction of the composites from occurring, but it can effectively slow down the aging process of the composites and prolong the service life.

Highlights

WF/HDPE‐modified composites were prepared by injection molding.

The surface color of composites with pigment additions was analyzed.

The addition of pigments effectively protects the composites.

Mechanical and thermal properties have also been investigated.
Formulation of precise exercise intervention strategy for adolescent depression
Authors: Chen Xianghe , Zeng Xinyu , Liu Chi , Lu Pengcheng , Shen Ziming , Yin Rongbin
Published: February 2024

The high incidence of adolescent depression has become the focus of social and academic attention. Exercise is an important method to improve adolescent depression, but its intervention effect is still controversial. This study first compares and analyzes the relevant studies at home and abroad and finds that exercise prescription in adolescent depression intervention is not accurate enough. A meta‐analysis was conducted to develop a precise exercise intervention strategy for adolescent depression. Firstly, this thesis identified how to optimize five elements (exercise intensity, exercise frequency, exercise time, exercise cycle, and exercise type) of exercise prescription to improve depression in adolescents. This is the problem. Furthermore, the concept of “precision exercise” was proposed, and a precision exercise intervention strategy (moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise for 8–10 weeks, 3 times/week, 45–50 min/time) was constructed to improve adolescent depression. This paper also presents research that strengthens the cross‐sectional research and empirical research on adolescent depression and establishes a precision exercise prescription database for adolescent depression in China. In conclusion, this study not only puts forward the concept of “precision exercise” but also constructs a precision exercise intervention strategy for adolescent depression, which has important theoretical and practical significance for improving the high incidence of adolescent depression.
Individuals with high levels of autistic traits exhibit impaired cognitive but not affective theory of mind and empathy
Authors: Le Bei‐lin , Huang Yi‐hang , Wang Ling‐ling , Hu Hui‐xin , Wang Xuan , Wang Yi , Wang Ya , Huang Jia , Lui Simon S. Y. , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: February 2024

Theory of mind (ToM) and empathy are considered key components of social cognition that are often impaired in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, it remains unclear whether individuals with high levels of autistic traits exhibit similar impairments in these two functions. This study examined the affective and cognitive domains of ToM and empathy in individuals with high levels of autistic traits. We recruited 84 participants with high levels and 78 participants with low levels of autistic traits to complete a set of self‐reported checklists and performance‐based tasks capturing affective and cognitive components of ToM and empathy. The results showed that participants with high levels of autistic traits exhibited significant impairments in cognitive but not in affective ToM and empathy compared with their counterparts with low levels of autistic traits. We also found that empathy impairments in people with high levels of autistic traits were confounded by alexithymia and depressive traits.
Facilitative effect of awe on cooperation: The role of the small‐self and self‐other inclusion
Authors: Wu Qin , Cui Liying , Han Xianguo , Wu Yanxia , He Wen
Published: February 2024

Awe has been theorized as a kind of self‐transcendence emotion that has an important impact on individual social behavior. Based on the self‐transcendence of awe, this study examined how awe can increase small‐self and self‐other inclusion to facilitate cooperation among individuals across three studies (N = 1162). First, the relationship between awe, cooperative propensity, and the mediating role of small‐self and self‐other inclusion in the relationship was examined using questionnaires on trait levels (Study 1). Second, awe emotions were induced from the state level through behavioral experiments to verify the facilitative effect on cooperative behavior in multiple rounds of public goods dilemma (Study 2). Third, by adding the induction of negative awe to discuss the impact of different valence of awe on cooperative behavior, the mediating role of small‐self and self‐other inclusion was supported (Study 3). Results show that awe has a facilitative effect on cooperation, which provides strong evidence for the positive social function of self‐transcendent emotional awe.
The effect of considering eye movement time in evaluating the efficiency of attentional networks
Authors: Akbari‐Lalimi Hossein , Shafiei Seyed Ali , Momennezhad Mahdi , Zare Hoda , Talaei Ali , Naseri Shahrokh
Published: February 2024

The attention network test (ANT) is a tool for assessing the executive, alerting, and orienting components of attention. However, conflicting findings exist regarding the nature and correlation between attention networks. This study aims to investigate the influence of eye movement time on the assessment of attention network efficiency. Forty male students, with an average age of 20.8 ± 1.3 years, participated in the study. The revised attention network test was conducted concurrently with the recording of the electrooculogram signal. The electrooculogram signal was used to estimate eye placement time on target stimuli. Considering eye movement time for calculating the score of each network was proposed as a novel method. The study explored the nature of attention networks and their relationships, and revealed significant effects for attention networks with and without considering the eye movement time. Additionally, a significant correlation is observed between the alerting and orienting networks. However, no significant correlation is found between attention networks using the proposed method. Considering eye movement time alters the assessment of attention network efficiency and modifies the correlation among attention networks.