bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arthroscopic management of recurrent synovial chondromatosis of the hip: a case report
Authors: Chaudhary Aashutosh , Dahal Amartya , Shrestha Rohit , Khadka Sushant Kumar , Maharjan Sagar , Basi Ashkal , Acharya Shreedhar Prasad
Published: August 2023

Introduction and importance:

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare condition characterized by the chondral proliferation of synovium forming loose bodies which can lead to pain, swelling, and decreased range of movement of the affected joint.

Case presentation:

Here the authors report a case of eighteen years lady with recurrent hip synovial chondromatosis who was treated previously with hip arthrotomy and loose bodies removal and now she underwent arthroscopic loose bodies removal with partial synovectomy.

Clinical discussion:

In comparison to arthrotomy of the hip, arthroscopic management is a minimally invasive surgery that is associated with decreased postoperative pain, earlier improvement in range of motion, a shorter course of rehabilitation, and overall lower morbidity.

Conclusion:

Thus, the authors recommend arthroscopic removal of the loose bodies and partial synovectomy for the management of synovial chondromatosis of the hip.
Chest wall mass as a sign of ignored hepatocellular carcinoma in an alcoholic cirrhotic patient: a case report
Authors: Poddar Elisha , Shrestha Suraj , Thapa Raju , Subedi Sudhan , Pathak Niharika , Khadayat Ramesh , Regmi Pradeep
Published: August 2023

Introduction and importance:

Bone metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is usually seen in the course of advanced intrahepatic HCC. Isolated bone metastasis as an initial manifestation of HCC is uncommon.

Case presentation:

The authors report a case of a 68-year-old male with a history of chronic alcohol consumption who presented with epigastric pain, abdominal distension, and a hard, tender lump on the right posterolateral aspect of his back. Investigation revealed HCC with isolated metastasis to the posterior thoracic wall.

Clinical discussion:

HCC usually develops secondary to chronic hepatitis B and C infection in the background of chronic liver disease. Common presenting symptoms of bone metastasis include local pain, neurological manifestations, palpable subcutaneous masses, and pathological fractures. An immunohistochemistry analysis is important to differentiate HCC from non-HCC metastasis in patients without known underlying HCC. Treatment is often directed towards palliative care as the prognosis is poor.

Conclusion:

An isolated rib mass can be an initial presentation of metastatic HCC. Thus, HCC with bone metastasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with painful swelling in the thoracic region.
Combating the zoonotic trio of Ebola virus disease, Lassa fever, and COVID-19 in Nigeria: a retrospection of the challenges and lessons
Authors: Elebesunu Emmanuel E. , Effiong Fortune B. , Asika Marvellous O. , Fadele Precious K. , Onyeogalu Favour A. , Okafor Charles A. , Scott Godfred Y.
Published: August 2023

Various infectious disease outbreaks linked to zoonotic sources have been recorded over the years, some of which have resulted in epidemics on a national, regional, or global scale. In Africa, a number of such outbreaks occur intermittently, especially in countries like Nigeria with a high-risk of epidemiological transmission. Three viral outbreaks with zoonotic links have hit the Nigerian healthcare system hardest, which are the Ebola virus disease, Lassa fever and Coronavirus disease 2019. Due to the fragile nature of the Nigerian health system, several challenges were encountered in the process of responding to these viral outbreaks, some of which included inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited diagnostic capacity, unfledged nature of emergency response, unsatisfactory remuneration of health workers, misinformation trends, amongst others. By reminiscing on the challenges and lessons learnt from these viral disease outbreaks, the Nigerian government and policymakers will be able to adopt more effective approaches towards emergency preparedness for future outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Treatment of an ossifying fibroma of the mandible with endodontic microsurgery and grafting with a biphasic calcium sulfate material: a case report
Authors: Dudeck Damian , Warmusz Oliwia , Reichman-Warmusz Edyta , Kurtzman Gregori M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

A significant percentage of lesions of endodontic origin require surgical management due to the possible diagnosis of odontogenic cysts and tumors in the maxilla and mandible. Ossifying fibroma is a benign fibro-osseous lesion that typically presents as a painless, slow-growing, and expansile lesion that appears as a well-demarcated lesion with a variable degree of internal calcification on radiography. Treatment results in a large osseous defect, utilization of a graft to fill the void accelerates healing and prevents complications that may result from failure to fill by the host response.

Case presentation:

Following endodontic surgery placement of osseous graft material via Guided Tissue Regeneration to fill the defect aids to accelerate fill of the defect on a healthy 26-year-old female patient. A case discussing the one-step treatment of an ossifying fibroma of the anterior part of the mandible following endodontic microsurgery with associated retrograde fill of the apex, then site grating with biphasic calcium sulfate (Bond Apatite®) used in regeneration of the osseous defect related to the lesion and resulting surgery.

Clinical discussion:

Histologically, the ossifying fibroma is dominated by connective tissue containing cell rich areas with a few fragments of fibrosis. Moreover, in the connective tissue numerous small fragments of spongy and compact bone with areas of partial necrosis present and a significant number of inflammatory cells are observed. Surgical removal of the cyst with thorough curettage of the osseous walls and grafting of the defect provides predictable healing and the desired clinical results sought. Utilization of the biphasic calcium sulfate graft material allows the elimination of the need to overlay the area with a membrane before the flap due to its hard set and the prevention of soft tissue ingrowth into the graft material during the healing phase. Additionally, the hard set of the material allows tenting of the area to maintain the desired volume and ridge contour. Conversion of the graft material depending on the volume placed to host bone occurs over a 3–6 month period.

Conclusion:

The case report presented, as well as the authors experience mimics the literature on biphasic calcium sulfate in its use as an osseous graft material and is an effective method for the repair of osseous defects that result from the removal of tumors and cysts of the maxilla and mandible. Treatment of an ossifying fibroma is an ideal application of the use of this biphasic calcium sulfate material allowing tenting of the surgical site over the defect created after cyst removal without the need for resorbable collagen membranes. This simplifies its use and decreases material costs that may hamper patient acceptance of treatment without a decrease in expected clinical results.
Contemporaneous and upcoming trends in immunotherapy for prostate cancer: review
Authors: Saleem Samra , Rashid Abu B. , Shehzadi Sarma , Mumtaz Hassan , Saqib Muhammad , Bseiso Anan , Villasenor Alexis V. , Ahmed Adeel , Sonia Shamsun N.
Published: August 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men worldwide. It affects more than 1.4 million men worldwide and kills up to 37 5000 people. PCa is routinely managed with chemotherapy and androgen deprivation therapy, but the success rate of these treatments is unsatisfactory. Immunotherapy is a novel method of treating different types of cancers, and it utilizes the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Different types of cancer respond differently to immunotherapy, with some showing excellent responses, while others do not show very satisfactory responses. PCa is known to be an immunologically cold tumor, such that conventional immunotherapy does not work as effectively as it works in other cancers. In the past decade, multiple studies and trials have been conducted to test different types of therapies, ranging from immune checkpoint inhibitors to anticancer vaccines to anticancer cytokines. Even after many studies, there is still a drug to be discovered that can completely cure any stage of PCa. Recent immunotherapeutic drug trials have started using immunotherapy in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and have shown promising results. In this paper, the authors present a comprehensive overview of the currently used immunotherapeutic drugs as well as emerging immunotherapies, including modalities of combination immunotherapy with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review can help readers gain the latest knowledge about emerging trends in the current immunotherapy landscape for the treatment of PCa, as well as a general overview of the already used immunotherapy drugs for PCa.
Accessible Technology Course Design Practices for Inclusivity in Nursing Education
Authors: Kotcherlakota Suhasini , Rejda Patrick , Stamler Lynnette Leeseberg , Kupzyk Kevin
Published: August 2023

Background:

Nursing students are diverse in culture, abilities, and challenges. Universal Design for Learning is a logical and social model to support diverse learning methods. Accessibility tools help measure the efficacy of faculty efforts to make nursing courses accessible to all.

Purpose:

The study examines using accessibility software to measure faculty improvements and student engagement in nursing courses over 2 academic semesters.

Methods:

One hundred courses were analyzed 1 year apart for accessibility improvements by nursing faculty.

Results:

Course accessibility scores significantly rose year after year in almost all courses. Student usage also increased significantly. Lessons learned are presented.

Conclusion:

Accessibility improvements are worthwhile for enhancing inclusion in nursing programs and student engagement.
An Updated Surgical Approach of Using Flap and Cutaneous Nerve in the Lateral Arm to Reconstruct Complex Injuries of the Forearm and Hand
Authors: Xu Heng , Guo Linxiumei , Wang Xin , Pan Jiadong
Published: August 2023

Background

Complex injuries involving the nerves and other soft tissues in the forearm and hand lead to functional and aesthetic defects. In such situations, multiple types of nerve autografts and flap donor sites are available. However, multiple donor sites cause donor morbidity in different locations and may lead to awkward operational positions. Therefore, based on the anatomical characterization, we aimed to modify the utilization of the lateral arm donor site for reconstruction, which restricts donor morbidity in the affected upper extremity.

Methods

We report a case series (N = 6) using a lateral arm flap (LAF) to reconstruct complex soft tissue defects in the forearm, palm, and finger. The posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve (PACN) is the primary option for nerve bridging, whereas the LAF can carry the lower lateral brachial cutaneous nerve (LBCN) as a sensory flap. Once the PACN was insufficient, the LBCN was harvested simultaneously. All the cases included in this study were performed between January 2012 and August 2021. Demographic information, flap and nerve characteristics, complications, and hand function were analyzed.

Results

The LAF plus PACN or plus LBCN as nerve autograft, both successfully repaired 6 complex injuries: 2 cases in the forearm side, 1 in the hand palm, and 3 in the finger defects. Posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve was the most used (8–15 cm), and LBCN plus PACN was used to bridge nerve defects when necessary (in total, 20 and 21 cm). The average follow-up time was 19.7 months. The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score ranged between 6 and 12, and the mean 2-point discrimination values ranged between 6 and 12. The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test result was under 5.46. In addition, 2 patients underwent a secondary debulking surgery. The average length of hospital stay was 10.4 days. Hematoma occurred in 2 cases, and all patients reported numbness in the donor nerve innervated areas.

Conclusions

This surgical refinement can reconstruct complex injuries in the forearm and hand. In addition, this approach restricts donor morbidity in the affected limb, comforts the operational position, and is achieved under brachial plexus anesthesia.
Understanding the Role of Adipocytes and Fibroblasts in Cancer
Authors: Downer Mauricio A. , Griffin Michelle F. , Morgan Annah G. , Parker Jennifer B. , Li Dayan J. , Berry Charlotte E. , Liang Norah E. , Kameni Lionel , Cotterell Asha C. , Akras Deena , Valencia Caleb , Longaker Michael T. , Wan Derrick C.
Published: August 2023

Cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in the United States. There is increasing evidence that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is pivotal for tumorigenesis and metastasis. Recently, adipocytes and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the TME have been shown to play a major role in tumorigenesis of different cancers, specifically melanoma. Animal studies have shown that CAFs and adipocytes within the TME help tumors evade the immune system, for example, by releasing chemokines to blunt the effectiveness of the host defense. Although studies have identified that adipocytes and CAFs play a role in tumorigenesis, adipocyte transition to fibroblast within the TME is fairly unknown. This review intends to elucidate the potential that adipocytes may have to transition to fibroblasts and, as part of the TME, a critical role that CAFs may play in affecting the growth and invasion of tumor cells. Future studies that illuminate the function of adipocytes and CAFs in the TME may pave way for new antitumor therapies.
Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation of the Hand
Authors: Laspro Matteo , Onuh Ogechukwu C. , Carrion Kassandra , Brydges Hilliard T. , Tran David L. , Chaya Bachar F. , Parker Augustus , Thanik Vishal D. , Sharma Sheel , Rodriguez Eduardo D.
Published: August 2023

Background

Hand transplantation (HT) has emerged as an intervention of last resort for those who endured amputation or irreparable loss of upper extremity function. However, because of the considerable effort required for allograft management and the risks of lifelong immunosuppression, patient eligibility is critical to treatment success. Thus, the objective of this article is to investigate the reported eligibility criteria of HT centers globally.

Methods

A systematic review of the HT literature was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines, using PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid/Medline, and Scopus. Program Web sites and clinicaltrials.gov entries were included where available.

Results

A total of 354 articles were reviewed, 101 of which met inclusion criteria. Furthermore, 10 patient-facing Web sites and 11 clinical trials were included. The most reported criteria related to the capacity to manage the allograft posttransplantation, including access to follow-up, insurance coverage, psychological stability, and history of medical compliance. Other factors related to the impact of immunosuppression, such as active pregnancy and patient immune status, were less emphasized.

Conclusions

Because of the novelty of the field, eligibility criteria continue to evolve. While there is consensus on certain eligibility factors, other criteria diverge between programs, and very few factors were considered absolute contraindications. As the popularity of the field continues to grow, we encourage the development of consensus evidence-based eligibility criteria.
Bioinformatics applications under condition control: high diagnostic value of DDX47 in real medical settings
Authors: Zhu Yukun , Cai Wei , Zheng Ying , Zhang Wei , Wang Bo , Kang Yan
Published: August 2023

Sepsis is an organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection and remains an ongoing threat to human health worldwide. Septic shock is the most severe subset of sepsis as characterized by abnormalities in cells, circulation and metabolism. As a time-dependent condition, early recognition allowing appropriate therapeutic measures to be started in a timely manner become the most effective way to improve prognosis. However, due to the lack of a gold standard, most diagnoses merely rely on medical history, empirical diagnosis and blood culture results. Gene expression profiles have specific diagnostic value, as they reflect a subjective host response to pathogens. We propose a method, Condition Control based on Real-life Medical Scenarios, to control for factors in realistic medical scenarios. Restricted variables are used as much as possible to identify unique differential genes and progressively test their diagnostic value by relaxing restrictions. In total, three datasets were included in the study; the first two datasets were from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the third involved patients who were diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock within 7 days of admission to the ICU at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from 2020 to 2021. DDX47 showed preferable diagnostic value in various scenarios, especially in patients with common infections or sepsis and septic shock. Here we also show that hub genes may regulate immune function and immune cell counts through the interaction of different apoptotic pathways and immune checkpoints based on the high correlation. DDX47 is closely associated with B cells according to single-cell sequencing results.
Stay close, but not too close: aerial image analysis reveals patterns of social distancing in seal colonies
Authors: Hoekendijk J. P. A. , Grundlehner A. , Brasseur S. , Kellenberger B. , Tuia D. , Aarts G.
Published: August 2023

Many species aggregate in dense colonies. Species-specific spatial patterns provide clues about how colonies are shaped by various (a)biotic factors, including predation, temperature regulation or disease transmission. Using aerial imagery, we examined these patterns in colonies on land of two sympatric seal species: the harbour seal and grey seal. Results show that the density of grey seals on land is twice as high as that of harbour seals. Furthermore, the nearest neighbour distance (NND) of harbour seals (median = 1.06 m) is significantly larger than that of grey seals (median = 0.53 m). Avoidance at small distances (i.e. social distancing) was supported by spatial simulation: when the observed seal locations were shuffled slightly, the frequency of the smallest NNDs (0–25 cm) increased, while the most frequently observed NNDs decreased. As harbour seals are more prone to infectious diseases, we hypothesize that the larger NNDs might be a behavioural response to reduce pathogen transmission. The approach presented here can potentially be used as a practical tool to differentiate between harbour and grey seals in remote sensing applications, particularly in low to medium resolution imagery (e.g. satellite imagery), where morphological characteristics alone are insufficient to differentiate between species.
The role of awareness in shaping responses in human visual cortex
Authors: Huang Zien , Urale Poutasi W. B. , Morgan Catherine A. , Rees Geraint , Schwarzkopf D. Samuel
Published: August 2023

The visual cortex contains information about stimuli even when they are not consciously perceived. However, it remains unknown whether the visual system integrates local features into global objects without awareness. Here, we tested this by measuring brain activity in human observers viewing fragmented shapes that were either visible or rendered invisible by fast counterphase flicker. We then projected measured neural responses to these stimuli back into visual space. Visible stimuli caused robust responses reflecting the positions of their component fragments. Their neural representations also strongly resembled one another regardless of local features. By contrast, representations of invisible stimuli differed from one another and, crucially, also from visible stimuli. Our results demonstrate that even the early visual cortex encodes unconscious visual information differently from conscious information, presumably by only encoding local features. This could explain previous conflicting behavioural findings on unconscious visual processing.
Immune challenge affects reproductive behaviour in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Encel Stella A. , Simpson Emily K. , Schaerf Timothy M. , Ward Ashley J. W.
Published: August 2023

Immunocompetence and reproduction are among the most important determinants of fitness. However, energetic and metabolic constraints create conflict between these two life-history traits. While many studies have explored the relationship between immune activity and reproductive fitness in birds and mammals inoculated with bacterial endotoxin, very few have focused on fish. Fish have been neglected in this area due, in part, to the claim that they are largely resistant to the immune effects of endotoxins. However, the present study suggests that they are susceptible to significant effects with respect to reproductive behaviour. Here, we examined the reproductive behaviour of male guppies following exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in comparison to that of male guppies in a control treatment. Additionally, we investigated the responses of females to these males. We show that although immune challenge does not suppress general activity in male guppies, it significantly reduces mating effort. While females showed no difference in general activity as a function of male treatments, they did exhibit reduced group cohesion in the presence of LPS-exposed males. We discuss this in the context of sickness behaviours, social avoidance of immune-challenged individuals and the effects of mounting an immune response on reproductive behaviour.
Competition and generalization impede cultural formation in wild jackdaws
Authors: Arbon Josh J. , Hahn Luca G. , McIvor Guillam E. , Thornton Alex
Published: August 2023

Animal cultures have now been demonstrated experimentally in diverse taxa from flies to great apes. However, experiments commonly use tasks with unrestricted access to equal pay-offs and innovations seeded by demonstrators who are trained to exhibit strong preferences. Such conditions may not reflect those typically found in nature. For example, the learned preferences of natural innovators may be weaker, while competition for depleting resources can favour switching between strategies and generalizing from past experience. Here we show that in experiments where wild jackdaws (
Corvus monedula
) can freely discover depleting supplies of novel foods, generalization has a powerful effect on learning, allowing individuals to exploit multiple new opportunities through both social and individual learning. Further, in contrast to studies with trained demonstrators, individuals that were first to innovate showed weak preferences. As a consequence, many individuals ate all available novel foods, displaying no strong preference and no group-level culture emerged. Individuals followed a ‘learn from adults’ strategy, but other demographic factors played a minimal role in shaping social transmission. These results demonstrate the importance of generalization in allowing animals to exploit new opportunities and highlight how natural competitive dynamics may impede the formation of culture.
Predator-mediated interactions through changes in predator home range size can lead to local prey exclusion
Authors: Beardsell Andréanne , Berteaux Dominique , Dulude-De Broin Frédéric , Gauthier Gilles , Clermont Jeanne , Gravel Dominique , Bêty Joël
Published: August 2023

The strength of indirect biotic interactions is difficult to quantify in the wild and can alter community composition. To investigate whether the presence of a prey species affects the population growth rate of another prey species, we quantified predator-mediated interaction strength using a multi-prey mechanistic model of predation and a population matrix model. Models were parametrized using behavioural, demographic and experimental data from a vertebrate community that includes the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), a predator feeding on lemmings and eggs of various species such as sandpipers and geese. We show that the positive effects of the goose colony on sandpiper nesting success (due to reduction of search time for sandpiper nests) were outweighed by the negative effect of an increase in fox density. The fox numerical response was driven by changes in home range size. As a result, the net interaction from the presence of geese was negative and could lead to local exclusion of sandpipers. Our study provides a rare empirically based model that integrates mechanistic multi-species functional responses and behavioural processes underlying the predator numerical response. This is an important step forward in our ability to quantify the consequences of predation for community structure and dynamics.
Economic and health impact modelling of a whole genome sequencing-led intervention strategy for bacterial healthcare-associated infections for England and for the USA
Authors: Fox John M. , Saunders Nigel J. , Jerwood Susie H.
Published: August 2023

Bacterial healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a substantial source of global morbidity and mortality. The estimated cost associated with HAIs ranges from $35 to $45 billion in the USA alone. The costs and accessibility of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of bacteria and the lack of sufficiently accurate, high-resolution, scalable and accessible analysis for strain identification are being addressed. Thus, it is timely to determine the economic viability and impact of routine diagnostic bacterial genomics. The aim of this study was to model the economic impact of a WGS surveillance system that proactively detects and directs interventions for nosocomial infections and outbreaks compared to the current standard of care, without WGS. Using a synthesis of published models, inputs from national statistics, and peer-reviewed articles, the economic impacts of conducting a WGS-led surveillance system addressing the 11 most common nosocomial pathogen groups in England and the USA were modelled. This was followed by a series of sensitivity analyses. England was used to establish the baseline model because of the greater availability of underpinning data, and this was then modified using USA-specific parameters where available. The model for the NHS in England shows bacterial HAIs currently cost the NHS around £3 billion. WGS-based surveillance delivery is predicted to cost £61.1 million associated with the prevention of 74 408 HAIs and 1257 deaths. The net cost saving was £478.3 million, of which £65.8 million were from directly incurred savings (antibiotics, consumables, etc.) and £412.5 million from opportunity cost savings due to re-allocation of hospital beds and healthcare professionals. The USA model indicates that the bacterial HAI care baseline costs are around $18.3 billion. WGS surveillance costs $169.2 million, and resulted in a net saving of ca.$3.2 billion, while preventing 169 260 HAIs and 4862 deaths. From a ‘return on investment’ perspective, the model predicts a return to the hospitals of £7.83 per £1 invested in diagnostic WGS in the UK, and US$18.74 per $1 in the USA. Sensitivity analyses show that substantial savings are retained when inputs to the model are varied within a wide range of upper and lower limits. Modelling a proactive WGS system addressing HAI pathogens shows significant improvement in morbidity and mortality while simultaneously achieving substantial savings to healthcare facilities that more than offset the cost of implementing diagnostic genomics surveillance.
Multi-scale spatial mapping of cell populations across anatomical sites in healthy human skin and basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ganier Clarisse , Mazin Pavel , Herrera-Oropeza Gabriel , Du-Harpur Xinyi , Blakeley Matthew , Gabriel Jeyrroy , Predeus Alexander , Cakir Batuhan , Prete Martin , Harun Nasrat , Darrigrand Jean-Francois , Haiser Alexander , Wyles Saranya , Shaw Tanya , Teichmann Sarah A. , Haniffa Muzlifah , Watt Fiona M. , Lynch Magnus D.
Published: August 2023

Our understanding of how human skin cells differ according to anatomical site and tumour formation is limited. To address this we have created a multi-scale spatial atlas of healthy skin and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), incorporatingin vivooptical coherence tomography, single cell RNA sequencing, spatial global transcriptional profiling andin situsequencing. Computational spatial deconvolution and projection revealed the localisation of distinct cell populations to specific tissue contexts. Although cell populations were conserved between healthy anatomical sites and in BCC, mesenchymal cell populations including fibroblasts and pericytes retained signatures of developmental origin. Spatial profiling andin silicolineage tracing support a hair follicle origin for BCC and demonstrate that cancer-associated fibroblasts are an expansion of aPOSTN+ subpopulation associated with hair follicles in healthy skin.RGS5+pericytes are also expanded in BCC suggesting a role in vascular remodelling. We propose that the identity of mesenchymal cell populations is regulated by signals emanating from adjacent structures and that these signals are repurposed to promote the expansion of skin cancer stroma. The resource we have created is publicly available in an interactive format for the research community.

Significance statement

Single cells RNA sequencing has revolutionised cell biology, enabling high resolution analysis of cell types and states within human tissues. Here, we report a comprehensive spatial atlas of adult human skin across different anatomical sites and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) - the most common form of skin cancer - encompassingin vivooptical coherence tomography, single cell RNA sequencing, global spatial transcriptomic profiling and in situ sequencing. In combination these modalities have allowed us to assemble a comprehensive nuclear-resolution atlas of cellular identity in health and disease.
Defined human PSC culture conditions robustly maintain human PSC pluripotency through Ca2+signaling
Authors: Eidhof Ilse , Kele Malin , Shasavani Mansoureh , Ulfenborg Benjamin , Winn Dania , Uhlén Per , Falk Anna
Published: August 2023

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have significant potential for disease modeling and cell therapies. However, their clinical applicability is limited due to the need for undefined conditions for PSC cultivation, which increase the risk of immunogenicity, result in batch-to-batch variability and finite scalability. These limitations may be circumvented by xeno-free, defined culture conditions. However, biological processes that preserve robust, homogenous PSCs in defined conditions remain to be characterized. Here, we compared gene expression data from over 100 hPSC cell lines cultivated in undefined and defined culture conditions. Defined culture conditions significantly reduced inter-PSC line variability, highlighting the importance of standardization to minimize PSC biases. This variability is concurrent with decreased germ layer differentiation and increased expression of Ca2+-binding proteins. The significance of tightly controlled Ca2+signaling in hPSC pluripotency in defined culture conditions was also confirmed. A deeper understanding of these processes may aid in standardizing defined hPSC culture conditions.

Graphical abstract

In Brief

Eidhof et al. compared gene expression array data obtained from more than 100 hPSC cell lines to study the biological differences between PSCs cultivated under defined and undefined culture conditions.

Highlights

Defined culture conditions reduce inter-hPSC line variability.

Defined conditions decrease the expression of germ layer differentiation markers.

Ca2+signaling associated genes capture specific hPSC states in defined conditions.

High Ca2+activity drives pluripotency, low Ca2+activity drives differentiation.
Spatially distinct inputs modulate the amount of active Mitotic-phase GAP to locally restrict RhoA signaling for successful cell division
Authors: Wolff Friederike , Srinivasan Swathi , Nöcker Marie Christin , Mangal Sriyash , Mikeladze-Dvali Tamara , Zanin Esther
Published: August 2023

At the end of mitosis a contractile ring consisting of filamentous actin (F-actin) assembles at the cell equator and ring constriction equally partitions the cellular content. Inhibitory and stimulatory signaling cascades spatially limit RhoA activity to a narrow central zone to promote F-actin polymerization only at the cell equator. While the stimulatory signal is well-characterized, the mechanisms by which inhibitory signals restrict active RhoA to a narrow equatorial zone and prevent improper RhoA activity at the cell poles are not known. Here, we identify two regulatory inputs that control the activation and cortical targeting of the Mitotic-phase GTPase activating protein (MP-GAP) for RhoA which limits RhoA activity both at the cell poles and at the cell equator. We show that at cell poles, MP-GAP is a direct phosphorylation target of spindle-pole associated Aurora A kinase. We identify three Aurora A target residues in a region of MP-GAP that binds directly to its catalytic GAP domain suggesting the Aurora A phosphorylation releases MP-GAP autoinhibition. We show that phosphorylation of these sites is required to keep RhoA activity low at the cell poles. At the cell equator, F-actin facilitates MP-GAP enrichment, which opposes RhoA GEF activity and thereby accelerates RhoA flux through the GTPase cycle for the formation of a narrow equatorial zone of active RhoA. Thus, the amount of active MP-GAP is modulated by two distinct regulatory inputs that function in spatially restricted locations: Aurora A phosphorylation relieves MP-GAP autoinhibition to limit RhoA activity at the cell poles, while F-actin polymerization promotes MP-GAP targeting to prevent distribution of active RhoA in a broad zone at the cell equator. By determining the mechanism of spatially confining RhoA activity at the equator and the cell poles during cytokinesis, our work has broad implications to how Rho activity zones are formed and maintained during cytokinesis and how defects in their formation impact animal development and disease.
Efficient minimizer orders for large values ofkusing minimum decycling sets
Authors: Pellow David , Pu Lianrong , Ekim Bariş , Kotlar Lior , Berger Bonnie , Shamir Ron , Orenstein Yaron
Published: August 2023

Minimizers are ubiquitously used in data structures and algorithms for efficient searching, mapping, and indexing of high-throughput DNA sequencing data. Minimizer schemes select a minimumk-mer in everyL-long subsequence of the target sequence, where minimality is with respect to a predefinedk-mer order. Commonly used minimizer orders select morek-mers than necessary and therefore provide limited improvement in runtime and memory usage of downstream analysis tasks. The recently introduced universalk-mer hitting sets produce minimizer orders with fewer selectedk-mers. Generating compact universalk-mer hitting sets is currently infeasible fork> 13, and thus, they cannot help in the many applications that require minimizer orders for largerk. Here, we close the gap of efficient minimizer orders for large values ofkby introducingdecycling-set-based minimizer orders: new minimizer orders based on minimum decycling sets. We show that in practice these new minimizer orders select a number ofk-mers comparable to that of minimizer orders based on universalk-mer hitting sets and can also scale to a largerk. Furthermore, we developed a method that computes the minimizers in a sequence on the fly without keeping thek-mers of a decycling set in memory. This enables the use of these minimizer orders for any value ofk. We expect the new orders to improve the runtime and memory usage of algorithms and data structures in high-throughput DNA sequencing analysis.
Crystal structures of the complexes containing macrocyclic cations [M(cyclam)]2+ (M = Ni, Zn) and tetraiodidocadmate(2–) anion
Authors: Andriichuk Irina L. , Shova Sergiu , Lampeka Yaroslaw D.
Published: August 2023

The asymmetric units of the isostructural compounds (1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-κ4
N)nickel(II) tetraiodidocadmate(II), [Ni(C10H24N4)][CdI4] (I), and triiodido-1κ3
I-μ-iodido-(1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-2κ4
N)cadmium(II)zinc(II), [CdZnI4(C10H24N4)] (II) (C10H24N4 = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, cyclam, L), consist of the centrosymmetric macrocyclic cation [M(L)]2+ [M = NiII or ZnII] with the metal ion lying on a twofold screw axis, and the tetraiodocadmate anion [CdI4]2− located on the mirror plane. In I, the anion acts as an uncoordinated counter-ion while in II it is bound to the ZnII atom via one of the iodide atoms, thus forming an electroneutral heterobimetallic complex [Zn(L)(CdI4)]. The NiII and ZnII ions are coordinated in a square-planar manner by the four secondary N atoms of the macrocyclic ligand L, which adopts the most energetically stable trans-III conformation. The [CdI4]2− anions in I and II are structurally very similar and represent slightly deformed tetrahedrons with average Cd—I bond lengths and I—Cd—I angles of ca 2.79 Å and 109.6°, respectively. The supramolecular organization of the complexes under consideration in the crystals is very similar and is determined by the hydrogen-bonding interactions between the secondary amino groups of the ligand L in the [M(L)]2+ cations and iodide atoms of the [CdI4]2− anion. In particular, the alternating cations and anions form chains running along the b-axis direction that are arranged into di-periodic sheets oriented parallel to the (101) and (\overline{1}01) planes. Because both kinds of sheets are built from the same cations and anions, this feature provides the three-dimensional coherence of the crystals of I and II.
Effect of Ti on stress corrosion cracking behavior and mechanism of Monel K500 alloy in flowing seawater
Authors: Xi Yuchen , Wang Qinying , Luo Xiaofang , Zhang Xingshou , Liu Tingyao , Zheng Huaibei , Dong Lijin , Wang Jie , Zhang Jin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect Ti on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and flow accelerated stress corrosion cracking (FA-SCC) behavior and mechanisms of Monel K500 alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

Monel K500 alloy with different Ti contents was designed. A metallurgical microscope (XJP-3C) and scanning electron microscopy (EV0 MA15 Zeiss) with an energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to analyze the microstructure of the Monel K500 alloy. In situ electrochemical tests were carried out in static and flowing seawater to study FA-SCC behavior.

Findings

The number of TiCN particles in the alloy increased as the increase of Ti content. The static corrosion and SCC of Monel K500 alloy are reduced as the content of Ti increases. Generally, the SCC of alloys was caused by the synergistic effect of the anodic dissolution at exposed metal matrix and the pit corrosion of metal matrix adjacent to TiCN particles, which was further accelerated by flowing.

Originality/value

The corrosion behavior and mechanism of Monel K500 alloy with different Ti contents in a complex flowing seawater environment are still unclear, which remain systematic study to insure the safe service of the alloy.
Navigating the crowdfunding landscape: a study of knowledge trajectories based on main path analysis
Authors: Rejeb Abderahman , Rejeb Karim , Appolloni Andrea , Treiblmaier Horst
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Crowdfunding (CF) has become an increasingly popular means of financing for entrepreneurs and has attracted significant attention from both researchers and practitioners in recent years. The purpose of this study is to investigate the core content and knowledge diffusion paths in the CF field. Specifically, we aim to identify the main topics and themes that have emerged in this field and to trace the evolution of CF knowledge over time.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs co-word clustering and main path analysis (MPA) to examine the historical development of CF research based on 1,528 journal articles retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database.

Findings

The results of the analysis reveal that CF research focuses on seven themes: sustainability, entrepreneurial finance, entrepreneurship, fintech, social entrepreneurship, social capital, and microcredits. The analysis of the four main paths reveals that equity CF has been the dominant topic in the past years. Recently, CF research has tended to focus on topics such as fintech, the COVID-19 pandemic, competition, Brexit, and policy response.

Originality/value

To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first attempt to explore knowledge diffusion dynamics in the CF field. Overall, the study offers a structure for analyzing the paths through which knowledge is diffused, enabling scholars to effectively manage a large volume of research papers and gain a deeper understanding of the historical, current, and future trends in the development of CF.
How does corporate social responsibility contribute to innovation performance? The moderating role of social media strategic capability and big data analytics capability
Authors: Wang Chenxiao , Tang Fangcheng , Zhang Qingpu , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on innovation performance and examine the moderating role of social media strategic capability and big data analytics capability. Specifically, the authors explore the effects of both external and internal CSR on innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 221 senior, middle and research and development (R&D) managers of high-tech firms in China, using a questionnaire survey with a six-month interval.

Findings

The empirical results show that both external and internal CSR positively influence innovation performance. Furthermore, social media strategic capability has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between CSR and innovation performance, while big data analytics capability moderates the relationship between external CSR and innovation performance.

Research limitations/implications

The data comes from high-tech firms in China, which may limit the generalizability and external validity of the findings. Future studies should replicate this study in other industries and types of organizations.

Practical implications

The study suggests that high-tech firms should engage in both external and internal CSR activities to promote innovation performance. Moreover, leveraging social media strategic capability and big data analytics capability can enhance innovation performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on CSR outcomes by empirically exploring the effects of external and internal CSR on innovation performance, thus extending stakeholder theory. Additionally, by revealing the contingency effects of social media strategic capability and big data analytics capability, this study enriching the research on dynamic capabilities theory in the context of digital transformation.
Understanding university enterprise collaboration for disaster resilience in South-East Asia
Authors: Tucker Rebeka Catherine , Liyanage Champika , Robinson Sarita Jane , Montebon Darryl Roy , Gotangco Gonzales Charlotte Kendra , Olpoc Joselito C. , Patacsil Liza B. , Tantanee Sarintip , Buranajarukorn Panu , Apichayaku Orawan Sirisawat , Weerasinghe Rukmal N. , Dissanayake Rsanjith
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper is part of the ERASMUS+-funded Strengthening University Enterprise Collaboration for Resilient Communities in Asia (SECRA) project. This study aims to map collaborative architecture between partner universities and the public/private sectors to provide a contextualised collaboration framework for disaster resilience (DR) in South-East Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

Documentary reviews were conducted in partner countries to establish the current context of university enterprise collaborations (UEC) in South-East Asia. A concept-centric approach permitted the synthesis of concepts from each country review, allowing for comparisons between collaborative practices that impact the success of DR collaborations.

Findings

The review identified that funding, continuity, long-term strategic plans and practical implementation are lacking in partner countries. However, each country demonstrated good practices and identified enablers and barriers that impact DR collaborations.

Research limitations/implications

The synthesis revealed a lack of a practical understanding of real-world barriers. Further research is needed to understand real-world experiences in DR collaborations and to provide insights into barriers, enablers and good practices in DR collaborations. Gaining an “on-the-ground” perspective will provide detailed insights and the feasibility of implementation.

Practical implications

The findings provide the foundations for developing a heuristic UEC framework that can inform policies and practices for DR in partner countries.

Social implications

The findings can inform various stakeholder policies and practices and promote the exchange of ideas between stakeholders to enhance DR in South-East Asia.

Originality/value

The results are relevant within the South-East Asian, as governments have intensified the adoption of measures to encourage UEC for DR.
Evaluation of animal safe places for emergency evacuation in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Ogunmakinde Olabode Emmanuel , Egbelakin Temitope , Henderson Robert
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This project aims to improve understanding of disaster preparedness and resilience, as well as animal recovery during a disaster event. The purpose of this study is to determine the type and extent of repair/renovation work required to bring proposed animal safe places and their different components up to the minimum standard for an operational animal evacuation site.

Design/methodology/approach

On-site survey using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data through a five stage processes beginning with the creation of a facility register and continuing with the development of assessment guidelines, assessment planning, actual assessment and reporting. In the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia, 25 potential animal evacuation sites, including saleyards, showgrounds, animal shelters and racecourses, were identified and accessed.

Findings

The findings of the study reveals that none of the facilities are of high standard. However, 16% would require cosmetic work, 76% would require minor work and the remaining facilities would require significant work. According to the characteristics of the facilities assessed, saleyards have a greater capacity to accommodate animals ranging in size from large to small. More than half of the facilities have average to excellent hay sheds and wash bays, whereas less than half have dedicated animal quarantine space.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study should assist government agencies, local councils, emergency management teams and other stakeholders in planning for and considering renovation/upgrade of potential animal safe places.

Originality/value

The assessment guideline developed as part of this research can be included in the local council’s emergency management plan to improve adequate planning for safe animal evacuation.