bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The State of National Institute of Health Awards for funding genetic counseling research, resources, and training over the past decade
Authors: Zierhut Heather , Betterman Samantha , Kocher Megan , Tsegai Hiermiela , Mills Rachel
Published: January 2024

Research related to the practice of genetic counseling has historically been accomplished through student projects, small private grants, or as a part of a larger research study. Yet, recent initiatives supported by the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the National Human Genome Research Institute have recognized and promoted the need for additional genetic counseling research funding and training. In this study, we aimed to characterize awards from the United States' National Institutes of Health (NIH) over the past 10 years that support research related to genetic counseling. A search of the NIH RePORTER database conducted on April 25, 2022, using terms broadly related to genetic counseling, identified 3993 awards from fiscal years 2011 to 2022. After deduplication, 1231 grants were reviewed for screening. The final dataset included 43 awards of various types with the majority being research or R series grants [R01 (n = 17), R21 (n = 7)]. The remaining awards were Cooperative Agreements (U01, n = 6), intramural (Z‐grants, n = 5), Center Core (P30, n = 2), Specialized Center (P50, n = 1), Career Development Award (K01, n = 1), Other Transactions (OT2, n = 1), Resource Program (G13, n = 1), and Research Training and Fellowship (T32, n = 1). Most grants were awarded between 2019 and 2022 (n = 24, 55.8%). The majority of awards were categorized as studies that included a comparison of different genetic counseling models (n = 23), outcomes of implementing genetic counseling (n = 11), core resources for genetic counselors (n = 5), and genetic counseling training programs (n = 4). Thirteen of the awards (30.2%) had a specific aim/goal/focus on underserved or underrepresented populations. The topics were predominantly related to cancer (n = 26). Nine awards were led or co‐led by a genetic counselor (20.9%). Despite significant growth in genetic counseling research support from US‐based funders over the past 3 years, major gaps related to funding exist, including that most award recipients are not genetic counselors.
The effect of pre‐interview knowledge and instructions on interviewer memory
Authors: Rivard Jillian R. , LaBat Devon E. , Carlson Victoria , Compo Nadja Schreiber
Published: January 2024

Skilled investigative interviewing is critical to ensuring that credible witness accounts are gathered in criminal investigations. The current study aimed to determine whether instructions to avoid suggestive questions and pre‐interview knowledge influence both the quality of an interviewer's questioning strategy and the interviewer's memory for the witness' account after a 1‐week delay in a laboratory study using lay student interviewers and witnesses. Results indicated that access to case details prior to the interview did not significantly influence the type or quality of questions asked within the interview itself but significantly influenced interviewers' memories for their interview 1 week later. Those who were blind to case information at the time of the interview had more accurate memories of their witness interviews than those who were correctly or incorrectly pre‐informed. Instructions to avoid suggestive questions served to reduce suggestive questions, regardless of pre‐interview knowledge. Taken together, these findings suggest that pre‐interview preparation may influence investigative outcomes beyond the interview context and traditional measures of witness accuracy.
Association between rheumatoid arthritis and atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jaiswal Vikash , Roy Poulami , Ang Song Peng , Shama Nishat , Deb Novonil , Taha Amira Mohamed , Rajak Kripa , Sharma Akanksha , Halder Anupam , Wajid Zarghoona , Agrawal Vibhor , Khela Harpriya , Biswas Monodeep
Published: January 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder with a varying range of organs involved leading to adverse outcomes. However, very little is known, with conflicting results about the association between RA and atrial fibrillation (AF). We aim to evaluate the association between RA and AF, and other clinical outcomes. We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for relevant articles from inception until September 10, 2023. Primary clinical outcomes were AF. Secondary outcomes were acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stroke, and all‐cause mortality (ACM). A total of 4 679 930 patients were included in the analysis, with 81 677 patients in the RA group and 4 493 993 patients in the nonrheumatoid arthritis (NRA) group. The mean age of the patients was 57.2 years. Pooled analysis of primary outcomes shows that RA groups of patients had a significantly higher risk of AF (odds ratios [OR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.16–2.03], p < .001) compared with NRA groups. Secondary Outcomes show that the RA group of patients had significantly higher odds of ACS (OR, 1.39; 95% CI: [1.26–1.52], p < .001), and ACM (OR, 1.19; 95% CI: [1.03–1.37], p = .02) compared with the NRA groups. However, the likelihood of stroke (OR, 1.02; 95% CI: [0.94–1.11], p = .61) was comparable between both groups of patients. Our study shows that RA groups of patients are at increased risk of having AF, ACS, and ACM.
So you want to publish in a premier journal? An illustrative guide on how to develop and write a quantitative research paper for premier journals
Authors: Lim Weng Marc , Koay Kian Yeik
Published: January 2024

Publishing in premier journals is a multifaceted challenge that requires not only conducting impactful research but also mastering the art of scholarly writing. This article offers a comprehensive guide, specifically tailored for quantitative research, a dominant methodology in premier journals. The guide systematically navigates through each section of a quantitative research paper—title, abstract, keywords, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and references—providing clear, actionable advice. Drawing from a research publication in a Q1‐ranked journal as an illustration, this guide elucidates the nuances of constructing an engaging and rigorous quantitative research paper. The guide also delves into the expectations of editors and reviewers, offering innovative strategies and insights to enhance the clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness of submissions. Designed to resonate deeply with quantitative scholars, this guide empowers researchers to craft research papers that not only align but surpass the expectations of premier journals.
Frequency of use and adequacy of Cochrane risk of bias tool 2 in non‐Cochrane systematic reviews published in 2020: Meta‐research study
Authors: Babić Andrija , Barcot Ognjen , Visković Tomislav , Šarić Frano , Kirkovski Aleksandar , Barun Ivana , Križanac Zvonimir , Ananda Roshan Arjun , Fuentes Barreiro Yuli Viviana , Malih Narges , Dimcea Daiana Anne‐Marie , Ordulj Josipa , Weerasekara Ishanka , Spezia Matteo , Žuljević Marija Franka , Šuto Jelena , Tancredi Luca , Pijuk Anđela , Sammali Susanna , Iascone Veronica , von Groote Thilo , Poklepović Peričić Tina , Puljak Livia
Published: January 2024

Risk of bias (RoB) assessment is essential to the systematic review methodology. The new version of the Cochrane RoB tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) was published in 2019 to address limitations identified since the first version of the tool was published in 2008 and to increase the reliability of assessments. This study analyzed the frequency of usage of the RoB 2 and the adequacy of reporting the RoB 2 assessments in non‐Cochrane reviews published in 2020. This meta‐research study included non‐Cochrane systematic reviews of interventions published in 2020. For the reviews that used the RoB 2 tool, we analyzed the reporting of the RoB 2 assessment. Among 3880 included reviews, the Cochrane RoB 1 tool was the most frequently used (N = 2228; 57.4%), followed by the Cochrane RoB 2 tool (N = 267; 6.9%). From 267 reviews that reported using the RoB 2 tool, 213 (79.8%) actually used it. In 26 (12.2%) reviews, erroneous statements were used to indicate the RoB 2 assessment. Only 20 (9.4%) reviews presented a complete RoB 2 assessment with a detailed table of answers to all signaling questions. The judgment of risk of bias by the RoB 2 tool was not justified by a comment in 158 (74.2%) reviews. Only in 33 (14.5%) of reviews the judgment in all domains was justified in the accompanying comment. In most reviews (81.7%), the RoB was inadequately assessed at the study level. In conclusion, the majority of non‐Cochrane reviews published in 2020 still used the Cochrane RoB 1 tool. Many reviews used the RoB 2 tool inadequately. Further studies about the uptake and the use of the RoB 2 tool are needed.
Effect of ultrasound combined with pineapple protease treatment on the tenderness of dried shrimp
Authors: Zhou Xinyi , Wang Jian , Zhao Jingxu , Yuan Chunhong , Zhang Xiaojun , Huang Tao , Yang Wenge , Wei Huamao
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

In order to improve the tenderness of dried shrimp products as well as to reduce the hardness of the meat during the drying process, shrimp were treated with ultrasound combined with pineapple protease and the tenderization condition was optimized by measuring the texture and shear force of dried shrimp. In addition, the sulfhydryl content, myofibril fragmentation index (MFI) and microstructure were also examined to clarify the mechanisms of shrimp tenderization.

RESULTS

The results showed UB1 group with ultrasonic power of 100 W, heating temperature of 50 °C and pineapple protease concentration of 20 U mL−1 were the optimum tenderization conditions, where shrimp showed the lowest hardness (490.76 g) and shear force (2006.35 gf). Microstructure as well as sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results suggested that during the tenderization process the muscle segments of shrimps were broken, degradation of myofibrillar proteins occurred, and MFI values and total sulfhydryl content increased significantly (P < 0.05) (MFI value = 193.6 and total sulfhydryl content = 93.93 mmol mg−1 protein for UB 1 group).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound combined with bromelain could be used as a simple and effective tenderization method for the production of tender dried shrimp. The best conditions were 100 W ultrasonic power, 50 °C ultrasonic temperature, and 20 U mL−1 bromelain. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pediatric Tracheotomy Stomal Maturation and Tracheocutaneous Fistulas
Authors: Ha Tu‐Anh N. , Jain Samagra , Schuman Ari , Ongkasuwan Julina
Published: January 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study is to determine whether tracheostomy stomal maturation affects the risk of tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) in children.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted for all children who both underwent a tracheostomy and were decannulated between 2012 and 2021 at a tertiary children's hospital. Charts were analyzed for demographics, surgical technique, and development of a TCF. TCF was defined as a persistent fistula following 3 months after decannulation.

Results

179 children met inclusion criteria. The median (interquartile range) age at tracheostomy was 1.5 (82.4) months, average (standard deviation [SD]) duration of tracheotomy was 20.0 (20.6) months, and length of follow‐up after decannulation (range; SD) was 39.3 (4.4–110.0; 26.7) months. 107 patients (60.0%) underwent stomal maturation and 98 patients developed a TCF (54.7%).

Younger age at tracheostomy placement was significantly associated with increased risk of TCF, mean (SD) age 28.4 (51.4) version 80.1 (77.5) months (p < 0.001). Increased duration of tracheostomy was significantly associated with increased risk of TCF, 27.5 (18.4) version 11.0 (18.2) months (p < 0.001).

Stomal maturation was not significantly associated with the risk of TCF, including on multivariable analysis adjusting for age at tracheostomy and duration of tracheostomy (p = 0.089).

Conclusion

Tracheostomy stomal maturation did not affect the risk of TCF in children, even after adjusting for age and duration of tracheostomy.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:2941–2944, 2024
Partial Ossicular Reconstruction With a Novel Ball Joint Prosthesis: The mCLIP ARC Partial Prosthesis
Authors: Bevis Nicholas , Effertz Thomas , Hüser Marc , Beutner Dirk
Published: January 2024

Objective

Middle ear surgery involves reconstruction of the ossicular chain, predominately using rigid implants. New middle ear prostheses strive to mimic the physiologic micromovements of the ossicular chain and prevent dislocation, protrusion, and preloading of the annular ligament due to pressure fluctuations.

Methods

Thirty‐five patients were included in a monocentric, prospective observational study. Patients received tympanoplasty with ossicular reconstruction using the mCLIP ARC partial prosthesis. This titanium prosthesis is equipped with a clip mechanism for coupling at the stapes and a ball joint connecting headplate and shaft. At short‐term (ST) and mid‐term (MT) follow‐up, pure‐tone audiometry was performed and the pure tone average of 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz (PTA4) was calculated. The audiological outcome was compared with retrospective data of the Dresden titanium clip prosthesis.

Results

The new prosthesis shows favorable clinical results. Pure‐tone audiometry showed satisfactory results in ST and MT follow‐up, with the PTA4 air‐bone gap (ABG) decreasing from 24.5 (±11) dB to 17.4 (±7.9) dB at the ST follow‐up at 27 days to 15.6 (±10.3) dB at MT follow‐up at 196 days (n = 32). A PTA4‐ABG value of less than 20 dB was achieved by 63% of patients at ST follow‐up and by 77% at MT follow‐up. There was no significant difference in PTA4 ABG compared to the Dresden titanium clip prosthesis during ST follow‐up (p = 0.18).

Conclusion

The mCLIP ARC partial prosthesis, a new middle ear prosthesis with a balanced ball joint, shows promising audiological results and is a safe and effective choice for patients with chronic ear disease.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3323–3328, 2024
An Unusual Case of an ALK‐Negative Epithelioid Fibrous Histiocytoma in the External Auditory Canal
Authors: Leff Morgan , Quimby Alexandra , Morgan Eric , Brant Jason A.
Published: January 2024

This article represents the first reported case in the external auditory canal of epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma (EFH), a rare benign cutaneous epithelioid neoplasm. Immunostaining revealed uncommon negative staining for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression. This case and literature review outline the diagnostic strategy for this highly unusual neoplasm. Laryngoscope, 134:3371–3373, 2024
Recovery of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Function With Neoadjuvant Treatment: Neural Characterization
Authors: Russell Marika D. , Abdelhamid Ahmed Amr H. , Feng Zipei , Shonka David C. , Karcioglu Amanda S. , Iwata Ayaka J. , Kyriazidis Natalia , Siddiqui Sameer H. , Athni Tejas S. , Park Jong C. , Wirth Lori J. , Zafereo Mark E. , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Neoadjuvant targeted therapy has emerged as a promising treatment strategy for locally aggressive thyroid cancer. Its impact on tumor and adjacent tissues remains a nascent area of study. Here we report on a series of six subjects with locally advanced thyroid cancer and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis who experienced recovery of RLN function with neoadjuvant treatment and describe the morphologic and electrophysiologic characteristics of these recovered nerves.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective review. Descriptive analysis was conducted to examine the following parameters for recovered nerves: (1) nerve morphology, characterized as Type A (involving epineurium only) versus Type B (extending beyond epineurium); (2) proximal stimulability (normal vs. abnormal vs. absent); and (3) surgical management (resection vs. preservation).

Results

Six subjects with unilateral VFP were identified. Median time to return of VF mobility was 3 months (range 2–13.5). All nerves (100%) were noted to have Type A morphology at surgery. Proximal stimulability was normal in four subjects (66.7%), abnormal in one (16.7%), and absent in one (16.7%). Nerves that had improvement of function through neoadjuvant therapy were able to be surgically preserved in five subjects (83.3%).

Conclusions

This represents the first characterization of RLNs that have recovered function with neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced thyroid cancer. Although much remains unknown, our findings indicate carcinomatous neural invasion is a reversible process and recovered nerves may demonstrate normal morphology and electrophysiologic activity.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3415–3419, 2024
The effect of transfusion on survival in head and neck cancer after free tissue reconstruction
Authors: Patil Yash J. , Yakoub Mohamed , Moreno Kattia F. , Cotton Colin , Tabangin Meredith E. , Altaye Mekibib , Patil Reena Dhanda , Tang Alice , Zender Chad , Domack Aaron
Published: January 2024

Objective

To examine if perioperative blood transfusion affects overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in head and neck cancer patients who undergo free tissue reconstruction.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The medical records of free tissue flaps between 2007 and 2010 were reviewed. Differences in demographics and clinical factors based on the level of transfused packed red blood cells (PRBC) were examined using chi‐squared tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and/or ANOVA tests. Survival time was compared using a Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Data were available for 183 patients. Patients who had PRBC transfusion significantly differed from the non‐transfused group by flap type, flap with bone, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and hemoglobin and hematocrit. When stratified into three groups based on units of PRBC; flap type, flap with bone, CCI, preoperative hemoglobin, and hematocrit were found to differ significantly. The 2‐year Kaplan–Meier plot demonstrated improved OS for those who did not receive any PRBC transfusion. The use of more than 3 units of blood decreased 2‐year OS significantly when compared to the non‐transfused group. Finally, after adjusting for CCI using a Cox proportional hazard model, survival was significantly affected by CCI.

Conclusion

After controlling for patient age, oncologic stage, cancer subsite, histology, type of free flap, vascularized bone‐containing flap, recurrence type, CCI, and preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit, patients who received 3 or more units of PRBC in the perioperative period had significantly decreased OS. RFS did not differ between the transfused versus non‐transfused groups.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
Evaluation of a self‐optimizing local mold temperature control for inline warpage reduction of injection molded parts
Authors: Hopmann C. , Kahve C. E. , Fritsche D. C. , Fellerhoff J.
Published: January 2024

Dimensional accuracy is a highly important quality criterion for injection molded parts and due to the decreasing tolerance criteria an ongoing issue for mold makers, part designers and manufacturers. Variations in the molding process regarding temperature, pressure and thus the specific volume are leading to inner stress distributions within the part, which ultimately cause warpage. To reduce warpage, a homogenization of the local melt properties, such as the temperature, cooling rate or specific volume is necessary. To be able to manipulate these melt properties locally, a mold with a highly segmented temperature control, consisting of 18 heating ceramics and carbon dioxide expansion chambers was designed. This work seeks to reduce warpage using a newly developed control loop that adjusts target values for the upcoming molding cycle while considering the control error of the previous cycle. The self‐optimizing control loop‐ aiming to homogenize the local mold temperatures over multiple cycles‐ was evaluated in experimental trials. Test specimens were produced, and measured for warpage. Compared to the reference (no control), the warpage of a plate‐shaped geometry was reduced by 10 % with the mold temperature homogenization approach.
Ray tracing method with implicit surface detection for smoothed particle hydrodynamics‐based laser beam welding simulations
Authors: Westhofen L. , Kruska J. , Bender J. , Warkentin S. , Mokrov O. , Sharma R. , Reisgen U.
Published: January 2024

An important prerequisite for process simulations of laser beam welding is the accurate depiction of the surface energy distribution. This requires capturing the optical effects of the laser beam occurring at the free surface. In this work, a novel optics ray tracing scheme is proposed which can handle the reflection and absorption dynamics associated with laser beam welding. Showcasing the applicability of the approach, it is coupled with a novel surface detection algorithm based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), which offers significant performance benefits over reconstruction‐based methods. The results are compared to state‐of‐the‐art experimental results in laser beam welding, for which an excellent correspondence in the case of the energy distributions inside capillaries is shown.
Identification of a complex intrachromosomal inverted insertion in the long arm of chromosome 9 as a cause of tuberous sclerosis complex in a Korean family
Authors: Ryu Seung Woo , Yoon Ji‐Hee , Kim Dong‐wook , Han Beomman , Han Heonjong , Han Joohyun , Lee Hane , Seo Go Hun , Lee Beom Hee
Published: January 2024

Background

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder, caused by a loss‐of‐function of either TSC1 or TSC2 gene. However, in 10%–15% TSC patients there is no pathogenic variant identified in either TSC1 or TSC2 genes based on standard clinical testing.

Methods

In this study, genome sequencing was performed for families with clinical diagnosis of TSC with negative results from TSC1 and TSC2 single‐gene tests.

Results

Herein, we report a family presenting a classical TSC phenotype with an unusual, complex structural variant involving the TSC1 gene: an intrachromosomal inverted insertion in the long arm of chromosome 9. We speculate that the inverted 9q33.3q34.13 region was inserted into the q31.2 region with the 3′‐end of the breakpoint of the inversion being located within the TSC1 gene, resulting in premature termination of TSC1.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrate the utility of genome sequencing for the identification of complex chromosomal rearrangement. Because the breakpoints are located within the deep intronic/intergenic region, this copy‐neutral variant was missed by the TSC1 and TSC2 single‐gene tests and contributed to an unknown etiology. Together, this finding suggests that complex structural variants may be underestimated causes for the etiology of TSC.
Dynamics for a diffusive prey–predator model with advection and free boundaries
Authors: Zhao Yong‐Gang , Srivastava Hari Mohan
Published: January 2024

This article deals with a free boundary problem of the Lotka–Volterra type prey–predator model with advection in one space dimension. The model considered here may be applied to describe the expanding of an invasive or new predator species adopting a combination of random movement and advection upward or downward along the resource gradient, with the free boundaries representing expanding fronts of predator species. The main purpose of this article is to understand the influence of the advection environment on the dynamics of the model. We provide sufficient conditions for spreading and vanishing of the predator species, and we find a sharp threshold between the spreading and vanishing concerning this model. Moreover, for the case of successful spreading for the predator, we give estimates of asymptotic spreading speeds and nonlocal long‐time behavior of the prey and the predator.
Deletion of the Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 1 (Sglt‐1) impairs mouse sperm movement
Authors: Numata September , Oishee Mumtarin Jannat , McDermott Jeffrey , Koepsell Hermann , Vallon Volker , Blanco Gustavo
Published: January 2024

The Sodium Glucose Cotransporter Isoform 1 (Sglt‐1) is a symporter that moves Na+ and glucose into the cell. While most studies have focused on the role of Sglt‐1 in the small intestine and kidney, little is known about this transporter's expression and function in other tissues. We have previously shown that Sglt‐1 is expressed in the mouse sperm flagellum and that its inhibition interferes with sperm metabolism and function. Here, we further investigated the importance of Sglt‐1 in sperm, using a Sglt‐1 knockout mouse (Sglt‐1 KO). RNA, immunocytochemistry, and glucose uptake analysis confirmed the ablation of Sglt‐1 in sperm. Sglt‐1 KO male mice are fertile and exhibit normal sperm counts and morphology. However, Sglt‐1 null sperm displayed a significant reduction in total, progressive and other parameters of sperm motility compared to wild type (WT) sperm. The reduction in motility was exacerbated when sperm were challenged to swim in media with higher viscosity. Parameters of capacitation, namely protein tyrosine phosphorylation and acrosomal reaction, were similar in Sglt‐1 KO and WT sperm. However, Sglt‐1 KO sperm displayed a significant decrease in hyperactivation. The impaired motility of Sglt‐1 null sperm was observed in media containing glucose as the only energy substrate. Interestingly, the addition of pyruvate and lactate to the media partially recovered sperm motility of Sglt‐1 KO sperm, both in the low and high viscosity media. Altogether, these results support an important role for Sglt‐1 in sperm energetics and function, providing sperm with a higher capacity for glucose uptake.
Quantitative MRI reveals heterogeneous impacts of treatment on diseased bone marrow in a mouse model of myelofibrosis
Authors: Robison Tanner H. , Lee Winston , Luker Kathryn E. , Pettit Kristen , Talpaz Moshe , Chenevert Thomas L. , Ross Brian D. , Luker Gary D.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Analyzing bone marrow in the hematologic cancer myelofibrosis requires endpoint histology in mouse models and bone marrow biopsies in patients. These methods hinder the ability to monitor therapy over time. Preclinical studies typically begin treatment before mice develop myelofibrosis, unlike patients who begin therapy only after onset of disease. Using clinically relevant, quantitative MRI metrics allowed us to evaluate treatment in mice with established myelofibrosis.

Methods

We used chemical shift–encoded fat imaging, DWI, and magnetization transfer sequences to quantify bone marrow fat, cellularity, and macromolecular components in a mouse model of myelofibrosis. We monitored spleen volume, the established imaging marker for treatment, with anatomic MRI. After confirming bone marrow disease by MRI, we randomized mice to treatment with an approved drug (ruxolitinib or fedratinib) or an investigational agent, navitoclax, for 33 days. We measured the effects of therapy over time with bone marrow and spleen MRI.

Results

All treatments produced heterogeneous responses with improvements in bone marrow evident in subsets of individual mice in all treatment groups. Reductions in spleen volume commonly occurred without corresponding improvement in bone marrow. MRI revealed patterns associated with effective and ineffective responses to treatment in bone marrow and identified regional variations in efficacy within a bone.

Conclusions

Quantitative MRI revealed modest, heterogeneous improvements in bone marrow disease when treating mice with established myelofibrosis. These results emphasize the value of bone marrow MRI to assess treatment in preclinical models and the potential to advance clinical trials for patients.
Catalytic effect of metal ions on flame‐retardant cellulose paper with montmorillonite through layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly
Authors: Yan Su , Yi Deqi , Lu Hongyu , Huang Le , Xu Xiaoying , Gao Ming , Hao Jianwei
Published: January 2024

A simple, environmentally friendly and efficient montmorillonite (MMT)‐metal ion (Me: Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe3+ and Zn2+)‐carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) organic–inorganic hybrid film is successfully applied to flame retardant cellulose paper through layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly (LbL) technology. Using SEM, TGA, XPS, air permeability test and horizontal flammability test to characterize its surface morphology, thermal stability, air permeability and flame retardancy. The results show that MMT‐Me‐CMC system can endow cellulose paper with high flame retardancy properties, and different metal ions have different contributions to the flame retardancy. MMT with multi‐layer structure and high specific surface area is beneficial to reduce the air permeability of paper, thereby effectively reducing the flammability of flammable pyrolysis gas and the transfer of heat. The XPS analysis shows that the Zn2+ flame retardant system promotes the formation of graphitized char in the condensed phase. Meanwhile, the possible flame‐retardant mechanism of the system is clarified. Zn2+ replaces Al3+ in MMT, thus increasing the active acidic catalytic sites on MMT. This promotes the carbonization of degradation products and forms graphitized clay‐rich char. This work provides a simple and efficient LbL preparation strategy and provides a reference for the catalytic role of metal ions in the flame retardancy of cellulose paper.
Biocompatible nanocomposite scaffolds based on carrageenan incorporating hydroxyapatite and hesperidin loaded nanoparticles for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Taymouri Somayeh , Hasani Faezeh , Mirian Mina , Farhang Armin , Varshosaz Jaleh
Published: January 2024

In this study, injectable and osteoinductive carrageenan (CGN)‐based composite hydrogel integrated with 1% wt/vol hydroxyapatite (HA) and hesperidin (HPN) loaded poly (3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate acid) nanoparticles (PHBV NPs) were developed as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering. Accordingly, HPN was encapsulated into PHBV NPs by the oil in water emulsion‐solvent evaporation technique and optimized using the fractional factorial design. Then, the effects of the amount of drug, polymer, surfactant concentration, sonication time, and the water/organic phase volume ratio on the characteristics of NPs, including particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential (ZP), drug loading (DL) % and encapsulation efficiency (EE) % were investigated. The crystalline state of HPN and the interaction between the drug and the polymer were also investigated using the x‐ray powder diffraction method and the Fourier transform infrared method, respectively. Further, CGN hydrogel was developed and loaded with optimized NPs and HA (HPN‐PHBV NPs‐CGN/HA hydrogel). The prepared hydrogel was then characterized for drug release, swelling and degradation behavior, mechanical properties, and injectability. In addition, the potential of the composite hydrogel as bone tissue scaffolds was assessed by the MTT assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and alizarin red S staining. The optimized formulation had the size of 353.5 nm, PdI of 0.43, EE% of 88.47%, DL% of 29.58% and the ZP of −17.4. HPN‐PHBV NPs‐CGN/HA hydrogel also showed sustained drug release, as compared to the HPN‐CGN/HA hydrogel. Further, the hydrogel containing HA showed improved mechanical properties, as compared with the HA free one. In addition, HPN‐PHBV NPs‐CGN/HA hydrogel significantly enhanced MG63 cell proliferation, ALP activity and matrix mineralization, as compared with other groups. Overall, the use of this hydrogel with enhanced osteogenic capacity could be considered as an effective approach for bone tissue engineering.
Toward implementation of an evidence‐based intervention for fear of cancer recurrence: Feasibility in real‐world psycho‐oncology practice
Authors: Deuning‐Smit Esther , Custers José A. E. , Braam Cheyenne I. W. , Hermens Rosella P. M. G. , Prins Judith B.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Few evidence‐based interventions addressing high levels of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) have been implemented. Understanding how these might be implemented is crucial to bridge the research‐practice gap. This study investigated the feasibility of implementing the blended Survivors' Worries of Recurrent Disease (SWORD) intervention in real‐world psycho‐oncology practice.

Methods

SWORD was offered for 15 months (2021–2022) as the standard care for clinical FCR in a university hospital, a general hospital, and psycho‐oncological center. We evaluated using a mixed‐methods design six feasibility outcomes based on Bowen's framework: demand, limited effectiveness, degree of execution, acceptability, practicality, and integration. Anonymous data were collected for all oncology patients on referral. Study participants completed questionnaires before and after treatment, including the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS‐6) as the primary measure of effectiveness. Qualitative data included interviews with patients and psychologists, and field notes.

Results

Regarding demand, 81 of 644 patients referred (13%) were eligible for SWORD. The uptake of SWORD was 79% (n = 63/80) and the completion rate 73% (n = 46/63). SWORD was effective in reducing FCR (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.694). Regarding execution, a variability in the length, planning and number of treatment sessions was found between different settings. Adherence to the treatment manual's content was high (89%). Regarding acceptability, most patients were satisfied with SWORD (average 8.2/10) and psychologists valued the blended format. Psychologists reported SWORD was practical to deliver given their knowledge and skills. Although differences between settings were found, SWORD integrated well into practice. Referral for FCR and a reluctance to contract new eHealth providers were barriers for implementation.

Conclusions

Despite differences between healthcare settings, the implementation of SWORD was evaluated well. The feasibility of SWORD in different settings should inform a national implementation strategy.
Proteotranscriptomic analyses of the midgut and Malpighian tubules after a sublethal concentration of Cry1Ab exposure on Spodoptera litura
Authors: Xu Ya‐Jing , Zhang Yu‐Ning , Xue‐Yang  , Hao Shao‐Peng , Wang Yan‐Jue , Yang Xiao‐Xue , Shen Ya‐Qin , Su Qing , Xiao Ying Dan , Liu Jian‐Qiu , Li Wan‐Shun , He Qi‐Hua , Chen Yue , Wang Li‐Ling , Guo Hui‐Zhen , Xia Qing‐You , Mita Kazuei
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Cry1Ab has emerged as a bio‐insecticide to control Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). However, the sublethal effects of Cry1Ab on the physiological changes and molecular level of S. litura have not been well documented. Our aims in this study were to assess the sublethal effect of Cry1Ab on S. litura, including midgut and Malpighian tubules as targets.

RESULTS

After sublethal Cry1Ab exposure, distinct histological alterations were mainly observed in the midgut. Furthermore, the results of comparative RNA sequencing and tandem mass tag‐based proteomics showed that, in the midgut, most differential expression genes (DEGs) were up‐regulated and significantly enriched in the serine protease activity pathway, and up‐regulated differential expression proteins (DEPs) were mainly associated with the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, whereas the down‐regulated involved in the ribosome pathways. In the Malpighian tubules, DEGs and DEPs were significantly enriched in the ribosome pathway. We proposed that ribosome may act as a universal target in energy metabolism with other pathways via the results of protein–protein interaction analysis. Further, by verification of the mRNA expression of some Cry protein receptor and detoxification genes after Cry1Ab treatment, it was suggested that the ribosomal proteins (RPs) possibly participate in influencing the Bt‐resistance of S. litura larvae under sublethal Cry1Ab exposure.

CONCLUSION

Under sublethal Cry1Ab exposure, the midgut of S. litura was damaged, and the proteotranscriptomic analysis elucidated that Cry1Ab disrupted the energy homeostasis of larvae. Furthermore, we emphasized the potential role of ribosomes in sublethal Cry1Ab exposure. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Flow Cytometry Evaluation of Poly (1‐vinyl‐3‐alkyl imidazolium) Based Ionic Liquid's In Vitro Effect on Various Cellular Components of Blood
Authors: Panda Itishree , Bhola Rajesh Kumar , Samal Sangram Keshari , Pradhan Sanghamitra
Published: January 2024

This study aims to gain insight into the effect of the synthesized poly‐ionic liquids (PILs) (1‐vinyl‐3‐alkyl imidazolium bromide) (alkyl=hexyl (A), octyl (B), and decyl (C)) on various cellular components of blood by flow cytometry. PILs may have some adverse effect on blood depending on the nature and the dose administered. So, it is critical to understand the potential influences of foreign polymeric entities on blood before they are used clinically. The complete blood counts (CBCs) are done using an automated analyzer based on the flow cytometry principle. The leukocyte viability with different PIL samples is performed by flow cytometry using 7‐AAD. The auto‐hemolysis is performed by incubating the PILs with defibrinated blood. The CBC is mostly the same when incubated with various PILs. However, RBCs show an increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), indicating cellular swelling. The viability with phosphate saline buffer (PBS), dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), and PIL (A, B, and C) is 99.94 %, 99.76 %, 99.71 %, 98.87 %, and 99.42 %, respectively. The effect on leukocyte size & internal structures are noted. The auto‐hemolysis tests of RBC by PILs are very similar to control auto‐hemolysis.
Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor Nanocapsules with Tunable Controlled Release for Chronic Wound Healing
Authors: Tang Lin , Cai Susu , Lu Xing , Wu Dingqi , Zhang Yahan , Li Xiaoming , Qin Xiaoyan , Guo Jimin , Zhang Xiaopeng , Liu Chaoyong
Published: January 2024

Chronic wounds have emerged as an increasingly critical clinical challenge over the past few decades, due to their increasing incidence and socioeconomic burdens. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) plays a pivotal role in regulating processes such as fibroblast migration, proliferation, and vascular formation during the wound healing process. The delivery of PDGF offers great potential for expediting the healing of chronic wounds. However, the clinical effectiveness of PDGF in chronic wound healing is significantly hampered by its inability to maintain a stable concentration at the wound site over an extended period. In this study, a controlled PDGF delivery system based on nanocapsules is proposed. In this system, PDGF is encapsulated within a degradable polymer shell. The release rate of PDGF from these nanocapsules can be precisely adjusted by controlling the ratios of two crosslinkers with different degradation rates within the shells. As demonstrated in a diabetic wound model, improved therapeutic outcomes with PDGF nanocapsules (nPDGF) treatment are observed. This research introduces a novel PDGF delivery platform that holds promise for enhancing the effectiveness of chronic wound healing.
Investigation of reinforcement curtailment in tall lightly reinforced structural concrete walls
Authors: Deng Tianhua , Henry Richard S.
Published: January 2024

Recent studies have investigated the impact of minimum longitudinal reinforcement limits on the ductility of the plastic hinge region of reinforced concrete (RC) walls, resulting in revised minimum reinforcement limits in design standards. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of the longitudinal reinforcement distribution or termination rules for the additional reinforcement at the end regions of the wall up the wall height on the response of taller lightly RC walls. A model utilizing a displacement‐based fiber element was developed and validated against tested walls with a range of longitudinal reinforcement contents. Pushover analyses were then conducted on a 20‐story wall prototype to investigate the sensitivity of key design parameters, including axial load pattern, curtailment heights of the longitudinal reinforcement in the plastic hinge region, reinforcement content at wall base, reinforcement strain‐hardening ratio, and the length over which the reinforcement curtailment occurred. The results indicate that the current minimum reinforcement provisions in ACI 318–19 are insufficient to prevent reinforcement yielding outside the plastic hinge region at the wall base.
Hybrid electrochemical/membrane couplings processes for enhancing seawater pretreatment and desalination
Authors: Aouni Anissa , Tounakti Rim , Ahmed Badiaa Ait , Hafiane Amor
Published: January 2024

This research focuses on boosting seawater pretreatment and desalination through electrocoagulation (EC)/ultrafiltration (UF) and electrocoagulation (EC)/nanofiltration (NF) processes. We first optimized the key parameters of the EC process using aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) electrodes. Experimental results show EC process is efficient under optimal conditions. Second, membrane filtration using UF (ES10B), NF(UTC60) and NF(200) as post‐processing steps to the EC process were experimented with. EC(Al)/NF(UTC60) combination resulted in the highest removal rate of organic matter (COD 98%, TOC 95%, fluorescence [humic and fulvic acids] 68%), optical density (OD600nm 75%, turbidity 70%, conductivity 64%). In terms of major ions removal, up to 55% was achieved as NF decreases conductivity, salinity, and hardness. EC(Al)/NF(UTC60) seawater permeate demonstrated the best results in terms of lowest flux decline (J/Jo = 0.9) and fouling, which was realized by resistance in series and recovery factor rate (%). Additionally, NF(UTC60) fouling reversibility led to a longer lifetime and higher recovery factor (93%).

Practitioner Points

Pretreatment by hybrid processes was experimented with to enhance the saline water treatment.

Organic matter (COD 98%, TOC 95%, fluorescence [humic and fulvic acids] 68%) and turbidity were successfully removed.

Salinity and hardness (conductivity 64%) were highly reduced by NF.

Flux decline, retention rate, and membrane fouling were studied.
Ferroptosis regulation through Nrf2 and implications for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Xiang Yao , Song Xiaohua , Long Dingxin
Published: January 2024

This article provides an overview of the background knowledge of ferroptosis in the nervous system, as well as the key role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in regulating ferroptosis. The article takes Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as the starting point to explore the close association between Nrf2 and ferroptosis, which is of clear and significant importance for understanding the mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) based on oxidative stress (OS). Accumulating evidence links ferroptosis to the pathogenesis of NDs. As the disease progresses, damage to the antioxidant system, excessive OS, and altered Nrf2 expression levels, especially the inhibition of ferroptosis by lipid peroxidation inhibitors and adaptive enhancement of Nrf2 signaling, demonstrate the potential clinical significance of Nrf2 in detecting and identifying ferroptosis, as well as targeted therapy for neuronal loss and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings provide new insights and possibilities for the treatment and prevention of NDs.
High molecular/low acetylated chitosans reduce adhesion of Campylobacter jejuni to host cells by blocking JlpA
Authors: Kreling Vanessa , Falcone Franco H. , Herrmann Fabian , Kemper Leon , Amiteye Daniel , Cord-Landwehr Stefan , Kehrenberg Corinna , Moerschbacher Bruno M. , Hensel Andreas
Published: January 2024

Infections caused by Campylobacter spp. are a major cause of severe enteritis worldwide. Multifactorial prevention strategies are necessary to reduce the prevalence of Campylobacter. In particular, antiadhesive strategies with specific inhibitors of early host–pathogen interaction are promising approaches to reduce the bacterial load. An in vitro flow cytometric adhesion assay was established to study the influence of carbohydrates on the adhesion of C. jejuni to Caco-2 cells. Chitosans with a high degree of polymerization and low degree of acetylation were identified as potent antiadhesive compounds, exerting significant reduction of C. jejuni adhesion to Caco-2 cells at non-toxic concentrations. Antiadhesive and also anti-invasive effects were verified by confocal laser scanning microscopy. For target identification, C. jejuni adhesins FlpA and JlpA were expressed in Escherichia coli ArcticExpress, and the influence of chitosan on binding to fibronectin and HSP90α, respectively, was investigated. While no effects on FlpA binding were found, a strong inhibition of JlpA-HSP90α binding was observed. To simulate real-life conditions, chicken meat was inoculated with C. jejuni, treated with antiadhesive chitosan, and the bacterial load was quantified. A strong reduction of C. jejuni load was observed. Atomic force microscopy revealed morphological changes of C. jejuni after 2 h of chitosan treatment, indicating disturbance of the cell wall and sacculi formation by electrostatic interaction of positively charged chitosan with the negatively charged cell surface. In conclusion, our data indicate promising antiadhesive and anti-invasive potential of high molecular weight, strongly de-acetylated chitosans for reducing C. jejuni load in livestock and food production.

Key points

• Antiadhesive effects of chitosan with high DP/low DA against C. jejuni to host cells

• Specific targeting of JlpA/Hsp90α interaction by chitosan

• Meat treatment with chitosan reduces C. jejuni load
No evidence that recruitment pheromone modulates olfactory, visual, or spatial learning in the ant Lasius niger
Authors: Koch Alexandra , Kabas Melanie , Czaczkes Tomer J.
Published: January 2024

Pheromones are perhaps the most common form of intraspecific communication in the animal kingdom and used in various contexts. Their modulatory potential on cognitive processes has been demonstrated in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Particularly interesting in this regard are social insects, due to their extensive use of pheromones to organise collective behaviour. Recruitment pheromones might be expected to encourage learning, but could also hinder learning due to a blocking effect, whereby the pheromone already partially predicts the reward, hindering further cues being associated with the reward. Here, we use free-running learning assays using realistic pheromone strength to test for a modulation effect on learning in the black garden ant Lasius niger. We found no evidence that learning in three modalities (olfactory, visual, and spatial) is affected by the presence of a realistic pheromone trail. Interestingly, this is in contrast to findings in honeybees. The fact that associative learning does not seem to be influenced by recruitment pheromone in L. niger and reportedly the Argentine ant, while it is in honeybees, the possibly best-studied social insect species, is noteworthy. We speculate that a species-specific importance of social information use could drive modulatory effects of pheromones on a wide range of cognitive processes.

Significance statement

Pheromones have been shown to modulate associative learning in a variety of animals. Among social insects, attractive pheromone has been found to enhance associative olfactory learning in honeybees but not in ants. In ants, recruitment pheromone predicts a food source; therefore, it might hinder learning of a new cue for a food reward. We use a free-running learning assay to test for an effect of trail pheromone on associative learning in three different modalities—olfactory, spatial, visual—in Lasius niger, but find no evidence of any effect. Our learning assay demonstrated fast olfactory learning, moderate spatial learning, and no visual learning after only one training visit. Based on our findings, and findings in two other ant species, we speculate that the ecological foraging conditions of mass-recruiting ants, i.e. following a trail, have not favoured a modulation potential of recruitment pheromone opposed to attractive pheromone in honeybees.