bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytic Approaches to Physicochemical Properties of Materials for Biomedical Applications Across Nanoscopic and Macroscopic Length Scales
Authors: Fazelpour Farnaz , Hill Lindsey C. , Markovetz Matthew R. , Hill David B.
Published: February 2025

The design and implementation of biomedical devices for both diagnostic and direct medical applications have revolutionized patient care, paving the way for improved patient outcomes. Understanding the characteristics of materials used in the design of new devices is essential for their advancement. In this review, our goal is to assist biomedical researchers in appreciating the importance of these properties and the role of selecting the proper measurement. We discuss how the nanoscopic molecular composition, arrangement, and interactions generate the properties of liquids, solids, viscoelastic materials, and colloids and discuss the measurement techniques that can be used to assess these properties from the nanoscale to the macroscale. We explore the linear and nonlinear mechanical responses of materials, elucidate their behaviors under varying conditions, and discuss corresponding measurement techniques. Finally, we highlight the importance of tailoring measurements to the underlying biological processes and applications being investigated.
Target of Rapamycin (TOR): A Master Regulator in Plant Growth, Development, and Stress Responses
Authors: Liu Yanlin , Hu Jun , Duan Xiaoli , Ding Wenlong , Xu Menglan , Xiong Yan
Published: February 2025

The target of rapamycin (TOR) is a central regulator of growth, development, and stress adaptation in plants. This review delves into the molecular intricacies of TOR signaling, highlighting its conservation and specificity across eukaryotic lineages. We explore the molecular architecture of TOR complexes, their regulation by a myriad of upstream signals, and their consequential impacts on plant physiology. The roles of TOR in orchestrating nutrient sensing, hormonal cues, and environmental signals are highlighted, illustrating its pivotal function in modulating plant growth and development. Furthermore, we examine the impact of TOR on plant responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses, underscoring its potential as a target for agricultural improvements. This synthesis of current knowledge on plant TOR signaling sheds light on the complex interplay between growth promotion and stress adaptation, offering a foundation for future research and applications in plant biology.
Ingenious Male–Female Communication Ensures Successful Double Fertilization in Angiosperms
Authors: Zhong Sheng , Lan Zijun , Qu Li-Jia
Published: February 2025

The colonization of land by plants marked a pivotal transformation in terrestrial ecosystems. In order to adapt to the terrestrial environment, angiosperms, which dominate the terrestrial flora with around 300,000 species, have evolved sophisticated mechanisms for sexual reproduction involving intricate interactions between male and female structures, starting from pollen deposition on the stigma and culminating in double fertilization within the ovule. The pollen tube plays a crucial role by navigating through female tissues to deliver sperm cells. The molecular intricacies of these male–female interactions, involving numerous signaling pathways and regulatory proteins, have been extensively studied over the past two decades. This review summarizes recent findings on the regulatory mechanisms of these male–female interactions in angiosperms. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of plant reproductive biology and highlight the implications of these mechanisms for crop improvement and the development of new agricultural technologies.
Membrane Association of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Authors: MacAinsh Matthew , Muhammedkutty Fidha Nazreen Kunnath , Prasad Ramesh , Zhou Huan-Xiang
Published: February 2025

It is now clear that membrane association of intrinsically disordered proteins or intrinsically disordered regions regulates many cellular processes, such as membrane targeting of Src family kinases and ion channel gating. Residue-specific characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and other techniques has shown that polybasic motifs and amphipathic helices are the main drivers of membrane association; sequence-based prediction of residue-specific membrane association propensity has become possible. Membrane association facilitates protein–protein interactions and protein aggregation—these effects are due to reduced dimensionality but are similar to those afforded by condensate formation via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). LLPS at the membrane surface provides a powerful means for recruiting and clustering proteins, as well as for membrane remodeling.
The Role of Microorganisms in Shaping Earth's Magnetic History
Authors: Atekwana Estella A. , Feinberg Joshua M. , Byrne James M.
Published: February 2025

Geomagnetic methods allow us to explore the behavior of Earth's geodynamo, constrain Earth's composition and structure, and locate critical minerals and other resources essential for modern technologies and the energy transition. The magnetic properties of rocks and sediments are assumed to be stable and largely attributable to inorganic processes. This conventional view overlooks mounting evidence of microorganisms as key players in rock transformations and geological processes. Iron-bearing minerals are ubiquitous in most environments and are commonly used by microorganisms as electron donors and acceptors. Microorganisms modulate rock magnetic properties by creating, altering, and dissolving Fe-bearing minerals, potentially modifying the original magnetization, complicating interpretations of the magnetic record. This review provides an overview of biogenic pathways that modulate magnetic minerals and discusses common, yet underutilized, magnetic methods for capturing such behavior. Appreciating the influence of microbial activities on magnetic properties will improve our interpretations of Earth's geologic past and its elemental cycling.

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Microorganisms modulate rock magnetic properties, challenging traditional views of a geologically stable magnetic record formed solely by inorganic processes.

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Microbial iron cycling modulates magnetic properties modifying magnetic information recorded in rocks.

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Microbial processes may have impacted Earth's magnetic history more deeply than previously understood.

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Recognizing microbial contributions is critical for accurate interpretation of paleomagnetic and environmental magnetic records and could aid in the search for life on other planetary bodies.
Developmental Origins and Oncogenesis in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Kiang Karrie M. , Wong Yogesh K.H. , Sengupta Soma , Roussel Martine F. , Lu Q. Richard
Published: February 2025

Medulloblastoma is the most common pediatric brain cancer and is broadly categorized into four molecular subgroups. Understanding the cell origins of medulloblastoma is crucial for preventing tumor formation and relapse. Recent single-cell transcriptomics studies have identified the potential cell lineage vulnerabilities and mechanisms underpinning malignant transformation in medulloblastoma. Emerging evidence suggests that genetic-epigenetic alterations specific to each subgroup lead to a lineage-specific stall in the neural developmental program and subsequent tumorigenesis. We discuss the putative cells of origin, plasticity, and heterogeneity within medulloblastoma subgroups and delve into the genetic and epigenetic changes that predispose cells to transformation. Additionally, we review the current insights into how cerebellar stem/progenitor cells and lineage plasticity impact medulloblastoma pathogenesis and highlight recent therapeutic advances targeting specific oncogenic vulnerabilities in this malignancy.
Generating Superrotors and Dynamics of Molecules in Extremely High Rotational States
Authors: Mullin Amy S.
Published: February 2025

The optical centrifuge was demonstrated in 2000 as a tool for preparing ensembles of molecules in extreme rotational states. Highly rotationally excited molecules, so-called superrotors, are observed as products of photodissociation and molecular collisions, in high-temperature environments in the atmospheres of Earth and exoplanets, and in the interstellar medium. Traditional optical excitation is limited to small changes in rotation, limiting experiments to relatively low rotational states. In this review, I discuss the use of a tunable optical centrifuge to prepare molecules in selected ranges of excited rotational states and investigations of their collisional relaxation using state-resolved polarization-sensitive transient IR probing. I examine the decay dynamics of population, alignment, and translational energy release, focusing on experimental results, and compare them with simulations that overestimate observed relaxation rates. A clear picture of near-resonant and nonresonant energy transfer pathways emerges and establishes the means to distinguish superrotor and bath collision products.
Flow of Energy and Information in Molecular Machines
Authors: Leighton Matthew P. , Sivak David A.
Published: February 2025

Molecular machines transduce free energy between different forms throughout all living organisms. Unlike their macroscopic counterparts, molecular machines are characterized by stochastic fluctuations, overdamped dynamics, and soft components, and operate far from thermodynamic equilibrium. In addition, information is a relevant free energy resource for molecular machines, leading to new modes of operation for nanoscale engines. Toward the objective of engineering synthetic nanomachines, an important goal is to understand how molecular machines transduce free energy to perform their functions in biological systems. In this review, we discuss the nonequilibrium thermodynamics of free energy transduction within molecular machines, with a focus on quantifying energy and information flows between their components. We review results from theory, modeling, and inference from experiments that shed light on the internal thermodynamics of molecular machines, and ultimately explore what we can learn from considering these interactions.
Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity in Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Perovskite Semiconductors
Authors: Dong Yifan , Hautzinger Matthew P. , Haque Md Azimul , Beard Matthew C.
Published: February 2025

The movement of charges through a chiral medium results in a spin-polarized charge current. This phenomenon, known as the chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect, enables control over spin populations without the need for magnetic components and operates at room temperature. CISS has been discovered in a range of chiral media and most prominently studied in chiral organic molecular species. Chiral hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite semiconductors combine the unique and functional aspects of inorganic semiconductors with chiral molecules. The inorganic component borrows the homochirality of the organic component to yield a unique family of highly tunable chiral semiconductors, where the enantiomeric purity is defined by the organic component. Semiconductors already form the backbone of modern-day technologies. Adding chirality and control over spin through CISS provides new avenues for creative technological development. This review is intended to be an introduction to these unique systems and the demonstrations of CISS and spin control.
Physical Considerations in Memory and Information Storage
Authors: Du Matthew , Behera Agnish Kumar , Vaikuntanathan Suriyanarayanan
Published: February 2025

Information is an important resource. Storing and retrieving information faithfully are huge challenges and many methods have been developed to understand the principles behind robust information processing. In this review, we focus on information storage and retrieval from the perspective of energetics, dynamics, and statistical mechanics. We first review the Hopfield model of associative memory, the classic energy-based model of memory. We then discuss generalizations and physical realizations of the Hopfield model. Finally, we highlight connections to energy-based neural networks used in deep learning. We hope this review inspires new directions along the lines of information storage and retrieval in physical systems.
Topological Descriptors of Colorectal Cancer Drugs and Characterizing Physical Properties Via QSPR Analysis
Authors: Nasir Sumiya
Published: February 2025

Topological descriptors and QSPR analysis are statistical techniques that are highly beneficial for analyzing various physical and chemical characteristics of molecular graphs without necessitating expensive and time‐consuming laboratory experiments. The topological descriptor alters the compound to a number and helps in finding physicochemical properties. It more correctly reproduces the theoretical properties of drugs. In this article, the author investigated colorectal drugs capecitabine, leucovorin, tipiracil hydrochloride, etc. and implemented QSPR analysis. Physical qualities such as molar volume, complexity, polarity, and refractivity are the subject of the current study. The outcomes of this study allow for more effective physical property prediction through the use of QSPR models. First, we calculate Tds and secondly perform QSPR analysis. Current work on TIs and QSPR modeling shows a good correlation with physical properties. Moreover, estimated drug results depict and predict the physical properties in an efficient way.
Reactive Axillary Lymphadenopathy Among Different COVID‐19 Vaccines: A Retrospective Study in Breast Sonography
Authors: Huang Pin-Chi , Chen Chia-Hui , Chien Chiao-Hsuan , Chen Chen-Hui , Chen Chin-Yu
Published: February 2025

Background/Purpose: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak, reactive lymphadenopathy after vaccination is a major concern in breast sonography, especially for patients with a history of breast cancer. The state‐of‐the‐art literature on clinical and sonographic findings either examines a small volume of cases or limited types of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccine. This study is aimed at providing vast clinical information to facilitate breast sonographic examination for participants who underwent recent SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination.

Methods: Among different SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in the Asian Taiwanese population, reactive axillary lymphadenopathy was investigated through breast sonographic findings and clinical data analysis. The sample included participants with recent vaccination by different brands approved in Taiwan, such as the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 (AZ) vaccine, Moderna mRNA‐1273 (Moderna) vaccine, and Pfizer‐BioNTech BNT162b2 (BNT) vaccine.

Results: A total of 291 participants received the AZ vaccine, 154 received the BNT vaccine, 222 received the Moderna vaccine, and 422 were nonvaccinated during the study period. The incidence rate for axillary reactive lymphadenopathy was 10.9, 21.3, 21.4, and 0.6, respectively. No incidence of malignancy was reported during the 6‐month follow‐up period. The AZ vaccine, which is a virus‐vector vaccine reported a lower incidence rate than mRNA vaccines. We also found lymphadenopathy may last for more than 1 month after vaccination in this study.

Conclusion: The study results provide additional supporting information for the management suggested by the recently updated revision of the Society of Breast Imaging guideline pertaining to lymphadenopathy diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine–related ipsilateral lymphadenopathy and screening of mammograms.
The Genoprotective Role of Laurocerasus officinalis: Study on Genotoxic/Antigenotoxic and Cytotoxic/Anticytotoxic Effects in Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Yıldız Esra , Meredova Guncha , Aksoy Hüseyin
Published: February 2025

Laurocerasus officinalis, a valuable medicinal plant, has rich flavonoid and anthocyanin content, providing benefits for various diseases. It also has ethnopharmacological uses such as diuretics and antidiabetics. Phenolic compounds exhibit their anticarcinogenic effects directly by repairing DNA damage and reducing chromosomal abnormalities. This study aims to investigate genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity and cytotoxicity/anticytotoxicity of L. officinalis extract in human peripheral lymphocytes by the methods of chromosomal aberration (CA), cytokinesis‐block micronucleus (CBMN) test, and mitotic index value. The doses of L. officinalis extract were determined as 125, 250, 500, and 1,000 μg/mL for the genotoxicity test, and mitomycin C (MMC) was added to induce DNA damage for the investigation of antigenotoxicity. In both applications (24 and 48 h), all doses, positive control (MMC) and negative control (sterile dH2O), were used. In CA and CBMN tests for genotoxicity, no significant differences existed between all doses and the solvent control group (p > 0.05). In antigenotoxic activity, doses added with MMC were significantly lower than positive control (p < 0.05). For both the 24‐hour and 48‐hour periods, the percentage of abnormal cells and the CAs per cell ratio were significantly lower at all L. officinalis extract concentrations compared to the positive control. Additionally, as the treatment concentration increased, the CA ratio showed a decreasing trend. These differences were strongly dose‐dependent compared to the positive control (r = −0.799). In all concentrations in the CBMN test, the frequencies were significantly lower than the positive control, and the higher the L. officinalis extract concentrations, the lower the micronuclei (MN). There was a strong dose‐dependent relationship in MN formation compared to positive control (r = −0.925). Therefore, L. officinalis extract has no genotoxic effect on human lymphocytes and also has antigenotoxic and protective effect to the damage of MMC. In the mitotic index result, the L. officinalis extract was cytotoxic at only one dose (125 μg/mL) but anticytotoxic at all other doses against MMC exposure. In conclusion, consuming L. officinalis medicinally benefits and may protect against exposure to genotoxic agents.
Concept, Influencing Factors, and Interventions of Nursing Health Leadership: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zhao Jing-jing , Shen Ying , Li Lian-hong , Zhang Jing-ying , Ou Min-xing , Zhang Xiu-jie , Shi Tie-ying
Published: February 2025

Background: With increasing burnout and turnover rates among nurses, health leadership can effectively improve the health and well‐being of both leaders and staff. However, in the nursing field, the definition and mechanisms of health leadership remain unclear and require further research.

Aim: The main objective of this study was to define the concept of health leadership in nursing, construct a nursing model program, and promote the formation of normative nursing health leadership theories and strategies.

Evaluation: We searched the PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases. The following themes were extracted from the included articles: the concept, assessment tools for health leadership, influencing factors, intervention measures, and health effects.

Key Issues: A systematic search of the relevant databases yielded 3161 initial search results. Thirty‐two studies were eligible for inclusion. Research shows that the concepts and measurement tools of health leadership are rarely applied in the field of nursing. Health leadership is influenced by personal factors (e.g., leadership qualities such as care, support, courage, patience, tolerance for uncertainty, persuasion skills, work ethic, pressure, experience, effort–reward imbalance, etc.; specific knowledge; self‐awareness; psychological capital; leadership style; motivation; consideration; and a commitment to health issues) and organizational factors (e.g., work environment, attention to subordinates, job expectations, and relationship transparency). Several studies have demonstrated that interventions, such as personal development planning, leadership training, face‐to‐face communication, self‐directed learning, and reflection, are effective in promoting healthy leadership styles and improving the well‐being of leaders and employees.

Conclusions: We constructed a health leadership model as a reference for the development of relevant measurement tools and intervention strategies for the nursing field.

Implications for Nursing Management: Nursing leaders should focus on their health and that of their subordinates, develop and implement health leadership, and aim for improvement in employees’ well‐being and nursing quality.
Incidence Rate, Survival Rate, and Predictors for Virological Failure Among Adult TB/HIV Coinfected Clients
Authors: Muhie Nurye Seid
Published: February 2025

Background: Tuberculosis increases human immunodeficiency virus replication and accelerates human immunodeficiency virus progression in both tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus coinfected patients. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence rate, survival rate, and predictors for virological failure among adult tuberculosis/human immunodeficiency virus coinfected clients.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the University of Gondar Compressive Specialized Hospital from March 2017 to 2022. Secondary data sources were extracted based on inclusion criteria for adult tuberculosis/human immunodeficiency virus coinfected patients. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for adult tuberculosis/human immunodeficiency virus coinfected patients data.

Result: The overall incidence rate of virological failure was 9.23 per 1000 person‐months observations. Out of 148 coinfected patients, about 24.3% had virological failure. More than half of the patients, 52.7% and 54.1% in this study had a CD4 cell count ≥ 200/mm3 and a weight < 50 kg, respectively. Gender (hazard ratio = 1.3291, 95% CI: 1.1878–1.4873), bedridden functional status (hazard ratio = 4.7174; 95% CI: 1.2263–14.1470), WHO clinical Stage IV (hazard ratio = 1.1122, 95% CI: 1.2072–5.9693), patients with opportunistic infections (hazard ratio = 1.2849, 95% CI: 1.4289–3.8504), cotrimoxazole preventive therapy users (hazard ratio = 0.2039, 95% CI: 0.0496–0.8386), patients disclosure status (hazard ratio = 0.1609, 95% CI: 0.0279–0.9286), baseline viral load count < 1000 (hazard ratio = 0.0819, 95% CI: 0.3619–0.8447), and CD4 cell count ≥ 200 (hazard ratio = 0.2728, 95% CI: 0.0749–0.9924) were significant predictors at 5% level of confidence for time to virological failure.

Conclusion: The incidence and survival rate of virological failure were high. The current study revealed that male coinfected patients, bedridden functional status, WHO clinical Stage IV, and opportunistic infections other than tuberculosis were associated with a higher time to virological failure while patients disclosed the disease to a family member, cotrimoxazole preventive therapy users, baseline viral load < 1000 copies/mL, and CD4 cell count ≥ 200/mm3 had significantly lower time to virological failure. Therefore, public health organizations should be given special attention based on these important predictors to improve their health and prolong the lives of coinfected patients.
Growth Performance of Sandalwood (Santalum album) Plant in Western Nepal
Authors: Paudel Manju , Sharma Gyan Bandhu , Kafle Gandhiv
Published: February 2025

Sandalwood is one of the exotic species of Nepal. Among all, Sandalwood (Santalum album) is found cultivated in a private land by local farmers. Sandalwood oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and pharmaceuticals. The research was carried out to assess the growth performance of Sandalwood in particular soil condition in the Pyuthan district of Nepal. Four villages of Swargadwari municipality, Ward No. 3 of the Pyuthan district where large numbers of Sandalwood plants have been planted by local households on their private land, were selected. The objective of the study was to document the growth performance of sandalwood in terms of mean annual volume increment. Data collection was carried out through primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected through the diameter and height measurement of the Sandalwood tree by using a diameter tape, Abney’s level, and a linear tape. As supportive data source, secondary data were collected from different journal articles, yearly publications of the Division Forest Office, Pyuthan, Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, and Ministry of Forest and Environment. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results were presented in the form of a map, table, and bar graph. The highest mean annual height increment was 0.51 m/year at the age of 10 years; similarly, the lowest mean annual height increment was 0.44 m/year at the age of 16 years. The highest mean annual diameter increment was 1.009 at the age of 15 years; similarly, the lowest mean annual diameter increment was 0.97 m/year at the age of years. The highest mean annual volume increment was 0.004 m3/year at the age of 15 years, and the lowest mean annual volume increment was 0.001 m3/year at the age of 9 years. The result shows a gradual increase in the mean annual volume increment with age from the age of 9–15 years, and it shows a slight reduction at the age of 16 years as compared to that of 15 years.
Effects of ophthalmic medications on conjunctival goblet cell density in New Zealand white rabbits.
Authors: Gómez Macías Sarahi del Carmen , Jauregui Franco Ricardo Osvaldo , Torres-Arellano José María , Correa Gallegos Elba Yadira , Espinosa José Manuel Medina , Sánchez Ríos Alejandra , Olvera Montaño Oscar
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The conjunctiva contains numerous specialized cells called conjunctival goblet cells (CGCs). The topical application of specific eye drops to the ocular surface has conclusively been linked to cause a reduction in CGCs, a condition which has been associated with dry eye and other ocular surface disorders. The purpose of this study was to assess if the use of benzalkonium chloride as a preservative in common ophthalmic medications affects CGCs density in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit conjunctivas. Methods: Data from seven preclinical studies conducted between March 2016 and April 2021 were analyzed, involving 146 male New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits aged 2 to 3 months. Prior to study participation, rabbits underwent a seven-day quarantine period in individual housing, during which their general health was monitored. Rabbits had ad libitum access to water and food, with intake data recorded. Comprehensive ophthalmological examinations were performed on all eyes prior to and throughout the studies. The density of corneal endothelial cells (CGCs) was specifically assessed using AB/PAS staining and quantified with a high-power (40X) field objective (Ocular 18x22), expressed as a percentage relative to epithelial cells. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the with-BAK group and without-BAK group. The mean density in the 30-day group presented a statistically significant higher density than the >30-day group (p=0.005). Analysis of the treatment revealed that antibiotic/steroid combination group had a higher average number of CGCs compared to both the antihistaminic group (p=0.004) and hypotensive agent group (p=0.047). Conclusion: Exposure to BAK-preserved medications for 30 days results in a higher density of CGCs compared to prolonged exposure to BAK-preserved medications exceeding 30 days. The pharmacological effects and associated cellular damage induced by BAK vary depending on the specific medication with which it is combined.
Efficacy of Heterologous Type I Collagen Injections in Treating Atrophic Acne Scars: A Prospective Study
Authors: Gkouvi Aikaterini , Tsiogka Aikaterini , Corbo Andrea , Tsimpidakis Antonios , Gregoriou Stamatios
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Treatment of acne scars includes laser therapies, microneedling, chemical peels and dermal fillers. Herein, we sought to assess the efficacy and safety of heterologous type I collagen injections (HT1C) on atrophic acne scars.
Methods: One hundred milligrams HT1C were injected beneath each atrophic acne scar on patients with atrophic acne scars graded as 2, 3 or 4 according to the Goodman and Baron's acne scar grading system. Patients underwent four treatment sessions at 2-week intervals and they were evaluated for up to week 52, using the above-mentioned grading system and a 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results: Thirty patients [9 males: 21 females; median (range) age 32 (18-50) years] were enrolled in the study. At baseline, 10 (33%), 17 (57%) and 3 (10%) patients presented with grade 2, 3 and 4 scaring. At 3-month follow-up, 7 (23%), 16 (53%), 4 (13%) and 3 (10%) of patients presented with grade 1, 2, 3 and 4 scaring, respectively. At the same visit, physicians rated the mean improvement as 6.8, while patients rated it slightly higher, as 7.2. The observed improvements were sustained up to 12 months. The mean patients’ satisfaction rate at 3 months was 7.4. No major adverse events were reported throughout the entire duration of the follow-up period.
Conclusion: The results of the present study highlight the efficacy, sustainability and safety of HT1C injections in treating atrophic acne scars.
Oncocytic Tumors in the Thyroid: A Tri-Focal Review- Integrated Cytopathological, Pathological, and Molecular Perspectives
Authors: Gubbiotti Maria A. , Canberk Sule , Baloch Zubair W.
Published: February 2025

Background
The thyroid gland is a treasure trove of pathology ranging from the benign to the overtly malignant. Both neoplastic and non-neoplastic thyroid lesions can exhibit oncocytic change. Here we present an overview of cytologic, and histopathologic findings encountered in these oncocytic neoplasms with a focus on the molecular aspects that drive their tumorigenesis.
Summary
Oncocytic change is unique to a subset of thyroid lesions ranging from non-neoplastic nodular hyperplasia to high-grade malignancy. It can also be encountered in non-follicular derived neoplasms as well as in the adjacent parathyroid glands. At the genetic level, these lesions demonstrate a different genetic signature from classic follicular-derived lesions, often involving alterations of mitochondrial genes.
PCCA: 3D LiDAR road point cloud completion based on OSM boundary constrain
Authors: Li Xuefei , Qiu Linyao , Ma Zhaoyang
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a novel LiDAR road point cloud completion algorithm (PCCA) to address the challenges in road point cloud completion due to factors such as sampling frequency and 3D object occlusion. Our algorithm utilizes Open Street Map (OSM) data as structural and semantic priori knowledge to improve the completion process. To locate missing road area and extract its boundary, PCCA first obtains semantic information from the LiDAR data, then combines the extracted semantic information with OSM data to extract the boundary. Finally, PCCA accomplishes road point cloud completion based on the nearest neighbor principle according to the missing road boundary. The PCCA method proposed in this paper achieves road point cloud completion through the data-driven approach, rather than depending on LiDAR hardware parameters. This method demonstrates its superiority over traditional algorithms by reducing the error of the average nearest neighbor distance to 0.08 m in road point cloud completion. Additionally, the PCCA algorithm exhibits better robustness and higher accuracy when completing road point cloud.
Bagpiping and Politics in Hong Kong: A Case Study of Cultural Suppression under Authoritarian Rule
Authors: Yu Andrew
Published: February 2025

This article examines the symbolic relationship between bagpiping and politics in Hong Kong over the past 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. Using a case study approach, it traces how piping and other British traditions were initially tolerated after the handover to China but later targeted for elimination as political control tightened. The article argues that suppressing these cultural traditions was part of China’s broader efforts to exert ideological control and reshape Hong Kong’s identity. Implications are discussed.
Preparation and characterization of carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites with enhanced O2 impermeability, dielectric and EMI shielding properties
Authors: Ketikis Panayiotis , Syrmos Achilleas , Klonos Panagiotis A. , Pilatos Georgios , Giannakopoulou Tatiana , Kyritsis Apostolos , Trapalis Christos , Tarantili Petroula A.
Published: February 2025

In this study, composites of hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) reinforced with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared using solution mixing assisted by sonication. The vulcanization behavior of PDMS was investigated using modulated temperature DSC, revealing a decrease in the reaction rate at higher MWCNT loadings. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized for their thermomechanical and dielectric properties, as well as for oxygen permeability and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE). Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) showed that thermal degradation of the specimens began at lower temperatures and ended at higher temperatures compared to pure PDMS. Enhancements in tensile strength and Young’s modulus were also recorded, particularly at higher filler concentrations. Swelling after immersion in toluene was lower for all MWCNT/PDMS composites compared to pure PDMS. Notably, membranes made from MWCNT/PDMS composites demonstrated a significant decrease in O2 permeability. Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy (DRS) revealed that the percolation threshold was reached at a low CNT content of 0.036 phr. The Electromagnetic interference (EMI) Shielding Effectiveness (SE) of the prepared MWCNT/PDMS membranes -recorded in the X-band- was strongly dependent on the CNTs loading. Membranes with thickness of ∼1.1 mm exhibited SE values of 5 and 17 dB, for loadings of 0.5 and 4.0 phr, respectively. Based on these results, it is concluded that MWCNTs/PDMS composites prepared via solution mixing demonstrate improvement in their performance in many critical properties, even at very low reinforcement levels.
γδ17T Cells Aggravate Carcinogen-Induced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Saba Y. , Yacoub S. , Netanely Y. , Jaber Y. , Naamneh R. , Zubeidat K. , Meyer A. , Shlomovitz Y.E. , Eli-Berchoer L. , Wilensky A. , Prinz I. , Hovav A.
Published: February 2025

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy, with a low 5-y survival rate and frequent local recurrence or metastasis. This study explores the role of γδT cells in the development and progression of OSCC. γδT cells, which exhibit innate and adaptive immune characteristics, are known for their dual role in cancer, acting as anti- and protumor agents depending on the context. Using a murine model of OSCC induced by the carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO), which adequately mimics the progression of human OSCC, we investigated the impact of γδT cells on tumor growth and the tumor microenvironment. We first characterized the γδT cells of the tongue epithelium, the primary site for cancer development in this model. The results indicate that γδT cells are predominantly of the Vγ6+ subset, expanding postnatally in a microbiota-dependent manner. Upon 4NQO administration, depletion of γδT cells did not significantly alter the kinetics of OSCC progression but did result in a reduction in tumor size and number, suggesting a role in promoting tumor growth. Interestingly, the absence of IL-17, a key cytokine produced by the Vγ6+ subset, also resulted in reduced tumor volume without affecting disease progression, corroborating the protumor role of these cells in OSCC. Further analysis revealed that IL-17–producing γδT cells facilitate angiogenesis within the tumor microenvironment by promoting the expression of angiogenic factors. Of note, while 4NQO treatment increased the oral microbial load and altered its composition, IL-17 deficiency did not affect the oral microbiota, indicating that the effects of IL-17–producing γδT cells on OSCC are independent of microbial changes. This study highlights the pathologic role of IL-17–producing γδT cells in OSCC, particularly in promoting tumor growth through angiogenesis. This underscores the importance of γδT cells in OSCC and the need for further research into therapeutic strategies targeting these cells.
Dental Composite Performance Prediction Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Paniagua K. , Whang K. , Joshi K. , Son H. , Kim Y.S. , Flores M.
Published: February 2025

There is a need to increase the performance and longevity of dental composites and accelerate the translation of novel composites to the market. This study explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically machine learning (ML) models, to predict the performance outcomes (POs) of dental composites from their composite attributes. A comprehensive dataset was carefully curated and refined from 200+ publications. Nine ML models were trained to predict discrete POs, and their performance was evaluated. Five models were used for regression analysis of continuous POs. Different ML models performed better on different POs. The k-nearest neighbors (KNN) model excelled in predicting flexural modulus (FlexMod), Decision Tree model in flexural strength (FlexStr) and volumetric shrinkage (ShrinkV), and Logistic Regression and Support Vector Machine models in shrinkage stress (ShrinkStr). Receiver-operating characteristic area under the curve analysis confirmed these results but found that Random Forest was more effective for FlexStr and ShrinkV, suggesting the possibility of Decision Tree overfitting the data. Regression analysis revealed that the voting regressor was superior for FlexMod and ShrinkV predictions, while Decision Tree Regression was optimal for FlexStr and ShrinkStr. Feature importance analysis indicated triethylene glycol dimethacrylate is a key contributor to FlexMod and ShrinkV, bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate and urethane dimethacrylate to FlexStr, and depth of cure, degree of monomer-to-polymer conversion, and filler loading to ShrinkStr. There is a need to conduct a full analysis using multiple ML models because different models predict different POs better and for a large, comprehensive dataset to train robust AI models to facilitate the prediction and optimization of composite properties and support the development of new dental materials.
FSP1/S100A4-Expressing Stem/Progenitor Cells Are Essential for Temporomandibular Joint Growth and Homeostasis
Authors: Tuwatnawanit T. , Wessman W. , Belisova D. , Sumbalova Koledova Z. , Tucker A.S. , Anthwal N.
Published: February 2025

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most used joints in the body. Defects and wear in the cartilage of the joint, condyle, and fibrocartilage disc lie at the heart of many common TMJ disorders. During postnatal development, the condyle acts as a growth center for the mandible, with cells moving as a conveyor belt away from the top of the condyle as they differentiate. The superficial layers of the condyle have been proposed to contain stem/progenitor populations to allow growth and maintain homeostasis. Here we have focused on the role of fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1; also known as S100a4) as a key fibroblast stem/progenitor marker for the condyle. Lineage tracing with FSP1-Cre;R26RmTmG mice revealed that FSP1-expressing cells were restricted to the superficial fibroblast zone, giving rise to all layers of the condyle over time. The FSP1-expressing cells overlapped with other putative stem cell markers of the condyle, such as Gli1 and scleraxis. BrdU pulse chase experiments highlighted that a subset of FSP1 fibrocartilage was label retaining, suggesting that FSP1 labels a novel stem/progenitor cell population in the condyle. Destruction of FSP1-expressing cells by conditional diphtheria toxin activity in FSP1-Cre;R26RDTA mice resulted in severe TMJ osteoarthritis with loss of the cartilage structure. Lgr5-expressing cells in the superficial layer of the condyle have been shown to create a Wnt inhibitory niche. FSP1 expression postnatally was associated with a reduction in canonical Wnt activity in the condyle. Importantly, constitutive activation of Wnt/β catenin in FSP1-expressing cells led to a downregulation of FSP1 and progressive postnatal loss of TMJ condylar hyaline cartilage due to loss of the superficial stem/progenitor cells. These data demonstrate a novel role for FSP1-expressing cells in the superficial zone in growth and maintenance of the TMJ condylar cartilage and highlight the importance of regulating Wnt activity in this population.
Cuproptosis Aggravates Pulpitis by Inhibiting the Pentose Phosphate Pathway
Authors: Zhou L. , Mao H.-Q. , Wen Y.-H. , Chen Z. , Zhang L.
Published: February 2025

Excessive copper becomes toxic, driving inflammation, and, when copper exceeds a certain threshold, it even leads to a novel programmed cell death termed cuproptosis. However, disordered copper metabolism and its mechanism in pulpitis remain unclear. In this work, we found that lipoteichoic acid (LTA) or lipopolysaccharides (LPS) triggered copper deposition in pulpitis and consequently intensified cuproptosis by impeding the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). We initially assessed the copper content in pulpitis tissues via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and observed significantly greater concentrations than in healthy pulp tissues. We found that a relatively high copper content was triggered by LTA or LPS, leading cells to cuproptosis. Stimulation of LTA or LPS induced copper deposition and cuproptosis, worsening the progression of pulpitis in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that copper detoxification is dependent on the PPP. We used a 13C-glucose stable isotope-tracing experiment to assess the effect of glucose utilization on cuproptosis. Excessive copper hindered the PPP, resulting in an inadequate generation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate to replenish glutathione and counteract copper toxicity. The PPP regulates the phenotype, function, and survival of preodontoblast-like cells in cuproptosis. Our findings revealed the intricate interplay among bacteria, copper homeostasis, and metabolic reprogramming, providing potential strategies for host-targeted therapy in pulpitis.
Education, Tooth Loss, and Dental Visits: Evidence from Schooling Reforms
Authors: Baumeister S.-E. , Listl S. , Nascimento G.G. , Nolde M.
Published: February 2025

Numerous studies have shown that education correlates with tooth loss and dental services use, but whether expanding educational opportunities would reduce tooth loss and improve dental attendance remains unclear given that prior studies lacked a study design to assess causality. We leveraged a policy reform, raising the school leaving age, as an instrumental variable (IV) to estimate the effect of education on edentulism and dental visits in the United States using the repeated cross-sectional data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS; N = 463,878). We additionally examined the effect of education on dental visits using longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE; N = 69,929). Applying IV probit models, we found 1 extra year of schooling reduced edentulism likelihood by 2.9 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.041; −0.017) and increased dental visit likelihood by 1.2 percentage points (95% CI: 0.01; 0.024) in the United States, with similar effects on dental visits in Europe. Estimates were robust to different model specifications and plausible amounts of imperfect exogeneity. Negative control analysis supported the validity of our findings. This study provides consistent evidence that extended schooling reduces edentulism risk and increases regular dental attendance.
Risk of suicide among oncologists in Serbia
Authors: Randjelovic Nevena D. , Ignjatovic-Ristic Dragana I. , Petronijevic Marina V. , Dugalic Kristina Z.
Published: February 2025

Objective

There is only limited research on suicidal thoughts and behaviors of oncologists. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of suicidal thoughts among oncologists in Serbia.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2024 involving 159 oncologists from Serbia and the Republic of Srpska. Respondents completed an online questionnaire which assessed socio-demographic and work characteristics and included the Risk Assessment Suicidality Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Brief Resilience Scale.

Results

Results indicated that 21.4% of oncologists reported elevated suicidality scores. Medical oncologists had the highest average suicidality scores compared to surgical and radiation oncologists, although these differences were not statistically significant. Key associated factors with suicidality included seeing a psychiatrist, undergoing psychiatric therapy, having family history of depression, and family history of suicide attempts and/or suicide. Resilience and sense of personal accomplishment were inversely associated with suicidality.

Conclusions

The finding that 1 out of 5 oncologists had elevated suicidality scores underscores the urgent need for mental health support for members of this profession, particularly those showing signs of distress. Interventions should promote resilience, enhance personal accomplishment, and ensure easy access to psychiatric care. While these results contribute to the limited data on suicidality among oncologists, they also identify gaps that future studies should address, such as the need for larger sample sizes and the exploration of other potential risk factors. Addressing oncologists’ mental health challenges is critical to reducing suicide risk and fostering well-being in this high-risk profession.
Social Relations of Amateur Practice: The Socialist Vision for Culture in Hunan’s Agricultural Production Cooperatives, 1953–1958
Authors: Chambers Harlan David
Published: February 2025

This article interrogates the development of amateur cultural practice in the agricultural production cooperativization movement of the People’s Republic of China from approximately 1953 until early 1958. It focuses on evidence from Hunan province, where cultural authorities aspired to establish, for each agricultural cooperative, clubs for amateur activity, amateur theater troupes, and reading rooms. Rural organizers envisioned this proliferation of amateur activity unfolding on a grand scale through the cooperativization process. This article analyzes cooperative plans, reports, and cultural projects to argue that its organizers fostered amateur practice as a means for transforming social relations. In doing so, they pursued a vision of socialism as the creative reconstruction of everyday life, refusing narrowly extractivist imperatives for rural reform.
Do Crypto and Equity Go Hand in Hand? An Empirical Study of G-7 Economies Using VECM, Granger Causality and Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Gupta Priya , Bhatia Parul , Malhotra Nidhi
Published: February 2025

Cryptocurrencies have emerged as attractive investment options, offering the potential for portfolio diversification and serving as hedging instruments. The primary aim of the study is to explore investment opportunities and strategies of causal linkages between crypto and equity markets, focusing on the world’s largest developed markets within a group of seven countries (G-7), namely Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The causality analysis of G-7 equity markets with the crypto index (CCI30) spread over thirty digital currencies is done using the vector error correction model (VECM), Granger Causality tests, and panel data approaches. The results of VECM have shown a long-term equilibrium between the equity index and crypto index only in France. However, causal linkages have also been found in four other countries, that is, Germany, Japan, the USA and the UK, with varying levels of significance. The panel data analysis has shown that, as a group, the G-7 equity indices have a significant impact on the cryptocurrency index, suggesting promising opportunities for portfolio diversification across these economies.