bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An imaging review of the hippocampus and its common pathologies
Authors: Lang Min , Colby Samantha , Ashby‐Padial Christian , Bapna Monika , Jaimes Camilo , Rincon Sandra P. , Buch Karen
Published: October 2023

The hippocampus is a complex structure located in the mesial temporal lobe that plays a critical role in cognitive and memory‐related processes. The hippocampal formation consists of the dentate gyrus, hippocampus proper, and subiculum, and its importance in the neural circuitry makes it a key anatomic structure to evaluate in neuroimaging studies. Advancements in imaging techniques now allow detailed assessment of hippocampus internal architecture and signal features that has improved identification and characterization of hippocampal abnormalities. This review aims to summarize the neuroimaging features of the hippocampus and its common pathologies. It provides an overview of the hippocampal anatomy on magnetic resonance imaging and discusses how various imaging techniques can be used to assess the hippocampus. The review explores neuroimaging findings related to hippocampal variants (incomplete hippocampal inversion, sulcal remnant and choroidal fissure cysts), and pathologies of neoplastic (astrocytoma and glioma, ganglioglioma, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumor, and metastasis), epileptic (mesial temporal sclerosis and focal cortical dysplasia), neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's disease, progressive primary aphasia, and frontotemporal dementia), infectious (Herpes simplex virus and limbic encephalitis), vascular (ischemic stroke, arteriovenous malformation, and cerebral cavernous malformations), and toxic‐metabolic (transient global amnesia and opioid‐associated amnestic syndrome) etiologies.
Coffee is more than flavor, the creation of a coffee character wheel
Authors: Williams Simon D. , de Andrade Danilo , Liu Lei
Published: October 2023

Coffee is more than flavor. Though many articles focus on assessing coffee's flavor, the coffee characteristics for the acidity, mouthfeel, and aftertaste form part of the industry‐standard assessment. The existing coffee flavor wheels provide commonly used terms for the assessment. However, there is limited discussion about the coffee acidity, mouthfeel, and aftertaste character. In this study, the terms used for describing coffee acidity, mouthfeel, and aftertaste were collated from published literature, coffee sensory panels, and internet material. A total of 679 unique sensory terms were identified for acidity, mouthfeel, and aftertaste and correlated into word maps. Based on word relationships and usage, the number of terms was reduced to a total of 95 for acidity, mouthfeel, aftertaste, and an overall grouping for shared terms. The reduced terms were arranged onto a coffee character wheel organized from broad to specific. The created character wheel provides a concise list of terms for coffee cuppers to assess acidity, mouthfeel, and aftertaste.

Practical Applications

The coffee character wheel compliments the currently published coffee flavor wheels to provide explicit descriptors commonly used in the coffee industry. In addition to flavor, acidity, mouthfeel, and aftertaste are also used to assess coffee quality. Many sensory terms have been used to describe these attributes, but these used terms have not been summarized or discussed. Analysis of the used terms can assist in creating a common language surrounding the coffee character. The broad to specific terms on this coffee character wheel can help coffee cuppers to describe coffee acidity, mouthfeel, and aftertaste.
Use of ultrasound imaging for assessment of the periodontium: A systematic review
Authors: Figueredo Carlos Alberto , Catunda Raisa Queiroz , Gibson Monica P. , Major Paul W. , Almeida Fabiana T.
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding diagnostic applications of ultrasound imaging for evaluation of the periodontium in humans. The search was conducted on Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and PubMed up to April 3, 2023. The studies included were exclusively human studies that assessed the periodontium with ultrasound (US) imaging (b‐mode). Outcomes measured included alveolar bone level, alveolar bone thickness, gingival thickness, and blood flow quantification. References were imported to Covidence. Two reviewers conducted phases 1 and 2. The JBI risk assessment tool for cross‐sectional studies was used. Extracted data included the transducer and measurements used and the study's outcomes. The search yielded 4892 studies after removing duplicates. From these, 25 studies were included and selected for extraction. Included studies retrieved outcomes from US examinations of the periodontal tissues. From the selected studies, 15 used US on natural teeth, 4 used US on implants, 2 used US on edentulous ridges, and 4 used color flow/power in US to evaluate the blood flow. The results of the present systematic review suggest that US might be a feasible and valuable diagnostic tool for the periodontium, with the potential to complement shortfalls of current radiographic technologies.
Development and validation of a novel system that combines a new masticatory simulator and analysis method for modeling the human gummy candy masticatory process
Authors: Kanda Reina , Inoue Motoki , Hisajima Tomoko , Toyama Yoshio
Published: October 2023

During mastication, food undergoes state and texture changes influenced by various mechanical properties, including compression and fracturing of the molar teeth, mixing with saliva, and oral temperature. Prior studies have explored mastication simulators, however, no studies have assessed the forces and duration applied to the molars by the food during bolus formation. In this study, we developed a novel system that integrates a masticatory simulator and analysis method to evaluate mechanical properties. We developed ORAL‐MAPS which is equipped with 6‐axis force sensor, pneumatic pressure control mechanism, vertical movement, molar‐like module, artificial saliva injection unit, and temperature control apparatus. A gap exists between the upper and lower unit at the closest point, allowing the sensor to measure vertical upward force and duration from food, while compressed air provides constant downward pressure. We hypothesized a correlation between the total integrated muscle activity ratio obtained from the human masseter muscle electromyography (iEMG). We compared the normalized impulse obtained from ORAL‐MAPS with the normalized total iEMG obtained from human studies with four different types of gummy candies. As a result, the normalized total impulse of gummy candies A, B, C, and D were 1.00 ± 0.00, 1.29 ± 0.06, 0.95 ± 0.00, and 0.39 ± 0.0, respectively. The normalized total iEMG of the same gummy candies were 1.00 ± 0.00, 1.23 ± 0.15, 0.98 ± 0.09, and 0.45 ± 0.07, respectively. Thus, no significant difference was observed between the normalized total impulse obtained in vitro and the normalized total iEMG values for masticating the gummy candies B, C, and D (p > .05).
Metaphyseal Metal Sleeves for Reconstruction of Severe Knee Bone Defects: Excellent Survival Rate at a Mean Follow‐Up of 6.4 Years
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Yanchao , Shen Junmin , Zhang Bohan , Ma Haiyang , Zhou Yonggang
Published: October 2023

Objective

Management of bone loss in complex primary and revision total knee arthroplasty is key to the surgeries. Metaphyseal metal sleeves have been increasingly used recently to reconstruct severe knee metaphyseal bone defects. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of the metaphyseal sleeve reconstructing Anderson Orthopedic Research Institute (AORI) type II and type III bone defects of knee joint.

Methods

From 2014 to 2019, a total of 44 knees were enrolled in this clinical retrospective study after the screening, including seven cases of primary TKA and 37 cases of revision TKA. The types of bone defects involved in this study were AORI types II and III, and did not involve AORI type I bone defects. Patients' knee function preoperatively and postoperatively as well as quality of life were recorded and analyzed. Analysis included the American Knee Society Score (KSS), hospital for special surgery knee score (HSS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) index, the Short Form 12 (SF‐12) health survey, visual analogue scale score, and radiographic assessment with a mean follow‐up of 6.4 years. Paired t‐tests were used to determine the significance of changes in clinical scores and knee mobility.

Results

A mean follow‐up of 77.2 (±17.6, standard deviation [SD]) months was performed, and none of the patients underwent knee revision for infection or aseptic loosening. At the last follow‐up, the KSS knee score changed statistically from 37.1 (±19.7) preoperatively to 86.5 (±13.6, SD, p < 0.001) postoperatively and the KSS function score from 32.7 (±24.0) preoperatively to 78.3 (±15.6, SD, p < 0.001) postoperatively. The knee mobility improved from a mean of preoperative 72.61° (±33.42°, SD) to 108.52° (±24.15°, SD, p < 0.001). Postoperative radiographs showed that the host bone was tightly integrated with the metaphyseal metal sleeve, and there was no obvious translucent line formation around the sleeve. Of the patients, 86.4% had a postoperative satisfaction score ≥8 (10‐point scale).

Conclusion

At the mean follow‐up of 6.4 years, the survival rate of the metaphyseal sleeves was 100%. Metaphyseal sleeves combined with cementless stems is an excellent and viable option for reconstruction of AORI type II and type III bone defects of the knee.
The chromatin remodeller MdRAD5B enhances drought tolerance by coupling MdLHP1‐mediated H3K27me3 in apple
Authors: Song Yi , He Jieqiang , Guo Junxing , Xie Yinpeng , Ma Ziqing , Liu Zeyuan , Niu Chundong , Li Xuewei , Chu Baohua , Tahir Muhammad Mobeen , Xu Jidi , Ma Fengwang , Guan Qingmei
Published: October 2023

RAD5B belongs to the Rad5/16‐like group of the SNF2 family, which often functions in chromatin remodelling. However, whether RAD5B is involved in chromatin remodelling, histone modification, and drought stress tolerance is largely unclear. We identified a drought‐inducible chromatin remodeler, MdRAD5B, which positively regulates apple drought tolerance. Transposase‐accessible chromatin with high‐throughput sequencing (ATAC‐seq) analysis showed that MdRAD5B affects the expression of 466 drought‐responsive genes through its chromatin remodelling function in response to drought stress. In addition, MdRAD5B interacts with and degrades MdLHP1, a crucial regulator of histone H3 trimethylation at K27 (H3K27me3), through the ubiquitin‐independent 20S proteasome. Chromatin immunoprecipitation‐sequencing (ChIP‐seq) analysis revealed that MdRAD5B modulates the H3K27me3 deposition of 615 genes in response to drought stress. Genetic interaction analysis showed that MdRAD5B mediates the H3K27me3 deposition of drought‐responsive genes through MdLHP1, which causes their expression changes under drought stress. Our results unravelled a dual function of MdRAD5B in gene expression modulation in apple in response to drought, that is, via the regulation of chromatin remodelling and H3K27me3.
Conservative ethnic minority LGTBQ+: Facing the challenge of intersectionality in an inhospitable environment
Authors: Zehavi Amos , Keshet Or
Published: October 2023

LGBTQ+ suffer from intolerance everywhere, but in certain conservative minority communities, intolerance is especially high. This study explores how non‐minority organizations—government and nonprofit—might support minority LGBTQ+ individuals on the backdrop of tense majority‐minority relations. While the extension of external support responds to LGBTQ+ plight, it is also likely to provoke community backlash. Research is based on a qualitative case study, which includes document analysis and 17 in‐depth interviews focusing on the institutional support system addressing the plight of LGBTQ+ Palestinian citizens of Israel. The research suggests that an outside‐inside strategy could be effective: A range of services outside of Palestinian spaces is adapted/established to support individual LGBTQ+ and inside Palestinian towns gradual progress is achieved by training local public workers to work with LGBTQ+. This approach contrasts with bottom‐up and straightforward top‐down approaches to intervention.
Stepwise options for preparing therapeutic plasma proteins from domestic plasma in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Burnouf Thierry , Epstein Jay , Faber Jean‐Claude , Smid W. Martin ,   the Working Party for Global Blood Safety of the International Society of Blood Transfusion
Published: October 2023

Industrial plasma fractionation, a complex and highly regulated technology, remains largely inaccessible to many low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). This, combined with the limited availability and high cost of plasma‐derived medicinal products (PDMPs), creates deficiency of access to adequate treatment for patients in resource‐limited countries, and leads to their suffering. Meanwhile, an increasing number of LMICs produce surplus plasma, as a by‐product of red blood cell preparation from whole blood, that is discarded because of the lack of suitability for fractionation. This article reviews pragmatic technological options for processing plasma collected from LMICs into therapies and supports a realistic stepwise approach aligned with recent World Health Organization guidance and initiatives launched by the Working Party for Global Blood Safety of the International Society of Blood Transfusion. When industrial options based on contract or toll plasma fractionation programme and, even more, domestic fractionation facilities require larger volumes of quality plasma than is produced, alternative methods should be considered. In‐bag minipool or small‐scale production procedures implementable in blood establishments or national service centres are the only realistic options available to gradually reduce plasma wastage, provide safer treatments for patients currently treated with non‐pathogen‐reduced blood products and concurrently improve Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) levels with minimum capital investment. As a next step, when the available volume of quality‐assured plasma reaches the necessary thresholds, LMICs could consider engaging with an established fractionator in a fractionation agreement or a contract in support of a domestic fractionation facility to improve the domestic PDMP supply and patients' treatment.
Serological exposure to influenza A in cats from an area with wild birds positive for avian influenza
Authors: Villanueva‐Saz Sergio , Martínez Mariví , Rueda Pablo , Pérez María Dolores , Lacasta Delia , Marteles Diana , Ruíz Héctor , Gonzalez Ana , Verde María Teresa , Pardo Julián , Arias Maykel , Peña‐Fresneda Natacha , Fernández Antonio , Trotta Michele
Published: October 2023

Influenza A is an emerging zoonotic virus with worldwide distribution. To our knowledge, no studies have been conducted to assess influenza A exposure in stray cats in regions with positive cases of wild birds. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti‐influenza A antibodies in feral cats from a region in Spain with cases of positive wild birds. A cross‐sectional study of stray cats (n = 183) was conducted between March 2022 and March 2023. The presence of antibodies against the influenza A virus was tested using a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit adapted for this study and confirmed by competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibodies against the haemagglutinin H5. During sample collection, none of the cats exhibited clinical signs of illness. Four of the 183 animals tested showed anti‐influenza A antibodies by ELISA, and the seroprevalence of influenza A was 2.19% (95% confidence interval 0.85%–5.48%). Due to the low number of positive cases detected, it appears that cats did not have an important epidemiological role in influenza A transmission during this period.
Properties of the inwardly rectifying K+ conductance in the toad retinal pigment epithelium.
Authors: Segawa Y , Hughes B A
Published: October 2023

An inwardly rectifying K+ current was analysed in isolated toad retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells using the perforated‐patch clamp technique. The zero‐current potential (Vo) of RPE cells averaged ‐71 mV when the extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) was 2 mM. Increasing [K+]o from 0.5 to 5 mM shifted V0 by +43 mV, indicating a relative K+ conductance (TK) of 0.74. At [K+]o greater than 5 mM, TK decreased to 0.53. Currents were larger in response to hyperpolarizing voltage pulses than depolarizing pulses, indicating an inwardly rectifying conductance. Currents were time independent except in response to voltage pulses to potentials positive to 0 mV, where the outward current decayed with an exponential time course. Both the inwardly rectifying current and the transient outward current were eliminated by the addition of 0.5 mM Ba2+, 5 mM Cs+ or 2 mM Rb+ to the extracellular solution. The current blocked by these ions reversed near the K+ equilibrium potential (EK) over a wide range of [K+]o, indicating a highly selective K+ channel. The current‐voltage relationship of the isolated K+ current exhibited mild inward rectification at voltages negative to ‐20 mV and a negative slope conductance at voltages positive to ‐20 mV. The Cs(+)‐ and Ba(2+)‐induced blocks of the K+ current were concentration dependent but voltage independent. The apparent dissociation constants were 0.8 mM for Cs+ and 40 microM for Ba2+. The K+ conductance decreased when extracellular Na+ was removed. Increasing [K+]o decreased the K+ chord conductance (gK) at negative membrane potentials. In the physiological voltage range, increasing [K+]o from 2 to 5 mM caused gK to decrease by approximately 25%. We conclude that the inwardly rectifying K+ conductance represents the resting K+ conductance of the toad RPE apical membrane. The unusual properties of this conductance may enhance the ability of the RPE to buffer [K+]o changes that take place in the subretinal space at the transition between dark and light.
A physically informed deep-learning approach for locating sources in a waveguide
Authors: Kahana Adar , Papadimitropoulos Symeon , Turkel Eli , Batenkov Dmitry
Published: October 2023

Inverse source problems are central to many applications in acoustics, geophysics, non-destructive testing, and more. Traditional imaging methods suffer from the resolution limit, preventing distinction of sources separated by less than the emitted wavelength. In this work we propose a method based on physically informed neural-networks for solving the source refocusing problem, constructing a novel loss term which promotes super-resolving capabilities of the network and is based on the physics of wave propagation. We demonstrate the approach in the setup of imaging an a priori unknown number of point sources in a two-dimensional rectangular waveguide from measurements of wavefield recordings along a vertical cross section. The results show the ability of the method to approximate the locations of sources with high accuracy, even when placed close to each other.
An Examination of Bilateral Skill Proficiency and Frequency of Pass in Selected and Nonselected Youth Academy Gaelic Footballers
Authors: Murray Kevin J. , Burns Con , Lacey Sean , O’ Neill Cian , Coughlan Edward K.
Published: October 2023

This study examined differences in bilateral skill proficiency and frequency of use between selected and nonselected under-17 male intercounty academy Gaelic footballers. Participants (N = 82, mean age = 15.54 years, SD = 0.27) were retrospectively grouped as selected (n = 19) and nonselected (n = 63) for the final squad. A discrete skills test evaluated bilateral hand pass and kick pass proficiency. Within-academy matches (N = 8) were recorded to analyze in-game bilateral passing proficiency and frequency (N = 3,109). Selected players were more proficient in both nondominant kick pass (p = .001) and nondominant hand pass (p = .007) in the discrete skills test and nondominant hand pass (p = .002) in match play. Nonselected players used the dominant hand pass (p = .037) significantly more than selected players in match play. The strongest predictors of selection were the nondominant kick pass and nondominant hand pass in the skills test, and successful dominant kick pass and successful nondominant hand pass in match play (p < .05), with 89% of players correctly classified. The findings suggest that higher bilateral proficiency scores provide greater opportunities to be selected.
Binding of CaMKII to the NMDA receptor is sufficient for long-term potentiation
Authors: Hell Johannes W.
Published: October 2023

Learning and the underlying long-lasting increases in glutamatergic synapse strength [called long-term potentiation (LTP)] require both Ca
2+
influx through NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs) and the kinase CaMKII. New evidence now suggests that CaMKII can induce LTP purely by binding to the NMDAR subunit GluN2B and does not require the catalytic activity of the kinase.
A truncated HIV Tat demonstrates potent and specific latency reversal activity
Authors: Van Gulck Ellen , Pardons Marion , Nijs Erik , Verheyen Nick , Dockx Koen , Van Den Eynde Christel , Battivelli Emilie , Vega Jerel , Florence Eric , Autran Brigitte , Archin Nancie M. , Margolis David M. , Katlama Christine , Hamimi Chiraz , Van Den Wyngaert Ilse , Eyassu Filmon , Vandekerckhove Linos , Boden Daniel
Published: October 2023

A major barrier to HIV-1 cure is caused by the pool of latently infected CD4 T-cells that persist under combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). This latent reservoir is capable of producing replication-competent infectious viruses once prolonged suppressive cART is withdrawn. Inducing the reactivation of HIV-1 gene expression in T-cells harboring a latent provirus in people living with HIV-1 under cART may result in depletion of this latent reservoir due to cytopathic effects or immune clearance. Studies have investigated molecules that reactivate HIV-1 gene expression, but to date, no latency reversal agent has been identified to eliminate latently infected cells harboring replication-competent HIV in cART-treated individuals. Stochastic fluctuations in HIV-1
tat
gene expression have been described and hypothesized to allow the progression into proviral latency. We hypothesized that exposing latently infected CD4+ T-cells to Tat would result in effective latency reversal. Our results indicate the capacity of a truncated Tat protein and mRNA to reactivate HIV-1 in latently infected T-cells
ex vivo
to a similar degree as the protein kinase C agonist: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, without T-cell activation or any significant transcriptome perturbation.
Supragingival mycobiome of HIV-exposed-but-uninfected children reflects a stronger correlation with caries-free-associated taxa compared to HIV-infected or uninfected children
Authors: O'Connell Lauren M. , Mann Allison E. , Osagie Esosa , Akhigbe Paul , Blouin Thomas , Soule Ashlyn , Obuekwe Ozoemene , Omoigberale Augustine , Burne Robert A. , Coker Modupe O. , Richards Vincent P.
Published: October 2023

Highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) has greatly reduced opportunistic infections in HIV-infected individuals. However, even with the use of HAART, HIV-infected individuals are still at an increased risk of oral diseases, including dental caries. Dental caries development is associated with microbial community shifts leading to community dysbiosis. HIV infection can significantly alter the bacteriome and mycobiome composition in the oral cavity; however, these impacts have not been assessed for caries initiation and progression. The aim of this study was to characterize the mycobiome for supragingival plaque samples from HIV-infected (HI), HIV-exposed-but-uninfected (HEU), and HIV-unexposed-and-uninfected (HUU) children with and without caries. To accomplish this, ITS1 amplicons of 127 samples were sequenced. We found that HIV infection and exposure resulted in changes to the supragingival plaque mycobiome for both health and caries. Overall, a reduction in community diversity as caries progressed was observed, with HI children having the lowest diversity and HEU children the highest.
Candida albicans
was the most abundant species identified, with 177 different amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Two
C. albicans
ASVs dominated the data (53.0% and 38.5% of all taxonomic assignments). The more frequent ASV dominated HI and HUU communities, whereas the second dominated HEU communities. HEU children also had the lowest abundance of
C. albicans
and the highest number of health-associated taxa (taxa statistically associated with caries-free teeth).

IMPORTANCE

Globally, caries is among the most frequent chronic childhood disease, and the fungal component of the microbial community responsible is poorly studied despite evidence that fungi contribute to increased acid production exacerbating enamel demineralization. HIV infection is another global health crisis. Perinatal HIV exposure with infection are caries risk factors; however, the caries experience in the context of perinatal HIV exposure without infection is less clear. Using high-throughput amplicon sequencing, we find taxonomic differences that become pronounced during late-stage caries. Notably, we show a stronger correlation with health-associated taxa for HIV-exposed-but-uninfected children when compared to unexposed and uninfected children. This aligns with a lower incidence of caries in primary teeth at age 6 or less for exposed yet uninfected children. Ultimately, these findings could contribute to improved risk assessment, intervention, and prevention strategies such as biofilm disruption and the informed design of pro-, pre-, and synbiotic oral therapies.
Assessing microbial diversity in soil samples along the Potomac River: implications for environmental health
Authors: Taraboletti Alexandra , King Alexus , Dixon Yasheka , Orr Oshane , Parnell Chevell , Watson Yasheika , Nash Bruce , Esimai Chimdimnma , Ude George
Published: October 2023

In this study, we investigated the microbial diversity and community composition of soil samples collected from various sites along the Potomac River within an urbanized region. The study integrates microbial analysis into an undergraduate chemistry curriculum, bridging theoretical education with practical, real-world applications. Our findings revealed the presence of both typical marine soil bacteria and bacterial taxa indicative of urbanization and waste runoff. Notably, the identified taxa shared among all samples demonstrated a strong presence of
Burkholderiaceae
,
Nitrosomonadaceae
, and
Pedosphaeraceae
, which are associated with agricultural pollution, organochlorine pesticide contamination, and bromochloromethane pollution. We observed significant variations in microbial community diversity across different sampling sites, emphasizing the influence of environmental factors on microbial abundance and diversity. These insights carry significant implications for understanding the consequences of urbanization on soil microbial communities along the Potomac River and can inform strategies for managing and preserving these ecosystems. Further research is warranted to elucidate the effects of soil health and microbial diversity in this region.

IMPORTANCE

This study integrates microbial analysis into an undergraduate chemistry class, offering students a hands-on approach to environmental research. We examined the soil along the urbanized Potomac River, discovering a mix of common marine microbes and others that are indicators of urban waste and pollution. Our findings provide valuable insights into the environmental impacts of urbanization on soil health and reveal the effectiveness of using modern genetic tools to teach students about real-world issues. This innovative educational approach not only deepens students’ understanding of chemistry and ecology but also prepares them to be thoughtful, informed participants in addressing contemporary environmental challenges while shedding light on the state of the soil microbiome near and around the DC metro area.
Olympic Games during nationwide lockdown: sports injuries and illnesses, including COVID-19, at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics
Authors: Soligard Torbjørn , Palmer Debbie , Steffen Kathrin , Lopes Alexandre Dias , Grek Natalia , He Xuan , Wang Yan , Grant Marie-Elaine , Toresdahl Brett G , Gilgien Matthias , Budgett Richard , Engebretsen Lars
Published: October 2023

Objective

The objective of this study is to describe the incidence of injuries and illnesses sustained during the Beijing Winter Olympic Games from 4 February 2022 to 20 February 2022.

Methods

We recorded the daily number of athlete injuries and illnesses (1) through the reporting of all National Olympic Committee (NOC) medical teams and (2) in the polyclinic and medical venues by the Beijing 2022 medical staff.

Results

In total, 2848 athletes (1276 women, 45%; 1572 men, 55%) from 91 NOCs were followed prospectively for the occurrence of injury and illness. NOC and Beijing 2022 medical staff reported 289 injuries and 109 illnesses, equalling 10.1 injuries and 3.8 illnesses per 100 athletes over the 17-day period. The injury incidence was highest in ski halfpipe (30%), ski big air (28%), snowboard slopestyle (23%) and ski slopestyle (22%), and lowest (1%–2%) in curling, alpine mixed team parallel slalom, Nordic combined and alpine super-G. The illness incidence was highest in ski aerials (10%), skeleton (8%), cross-country skiing (8%) and Nordic combined (7%). In the study period, COVID-19 affected 32 athletes, accounting for 29% of all illnesses affecting 1.1% of all athletes.

Conclusion

Overall, 10% of the athletes incurred an injury and 4% an illness during the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. The incidence of illnesses overall, which was the lowest yet recorded in the Winter Olympic Games, and COVID-19 was mitigated through comprehensive countermeasures.
Innervation of thumb carpometacarpal joint: implications for diagnostic block and denervation procedures
Authors: Tran John , Peng Philip , Ho Loretta , von Schroeder Herbert , Agur Anne
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a common disorder that negatively impacts hand function. Denervation of the thumb CMC joint has emerged as a viable treatment option. However, the innervation pattern of the thumb CMC joint is controversial. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the articular branches supplying the thumb CMC joint and to document their relationship to anatomical landmarks to provide the foundation for image-guided diagnostic block and denervation procedures.

Methods

In 10 formalin-embalmed upper limb specimens articular branches supplying the thumb CMC joint were dissected from their origin to termination. A frequency map documenting the number of articular branches was generated. The frequency map enabled visualization and comparison of the relative area of innervation of the thumb CMC joint by each articular branch.

Results

The thumb CMC joint received innervation from six nerves. These were the deep branch of ulnar nerve (DBUN), dorsal articular nerve (DAN) of the first interosseus space, thenar branch of median nerve (TBMN), palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve (PCBMN), lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN) and superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) and/or their branches. Each nerve was found to innervate different aspects of the joint. The DBUN and DAN were found to innervate the posteromedial aspect of the thumb CMC joint, the TBMN and PCBMN anterior/anteromedial aspects, LACN posterolateral/lateral/anterior aspects and SBRN posterolateral/anterolateral aspects.

Conclusions

The thumb CMC joint was innervated by articular branches originating from the SBRN, DAN, LACN, PCBMN, TBMN and DBUN. The documented anatomical relationships provide the foundation to inform selective diagnostic block and denervation of the thumb CMC joint. Further investigations are needed to assess the clinical implications of the current study.
The Impact of Fluoroethylene Carbonate Additive on Charged Sodium Ion Electrodes/Electrolyte Reactivity Studied Using Accelerating Rate Calorimetry
Authors: Shipitsyn Vadim , Jayakumar Rishivandhiga , Zuo Wenhua , Yin Wenbin , Huber Evan , Ma Lin
Published: October 2023

The effects of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) electrolyte additive on charged sodium ion electrode/electrolyte reactivity at elevated temperatures were investigated using accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC). The beneficial effect of FEC on cell lifetime was demonstrated using Na0.97Ca0.03[Mn0.39Fe0.31Ni0.22Zn0.08]O2 (NCMFNZO)/hard carbon (HC) pouch cells first prior to ARC measurements. Electrodes from these pouch cells were utilized as sample materials and 1.0 M NaPF6 in propylene carbonate (PC):ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) (1:1 by vol.) was chosen as control electrolyte. Adding 2 wt% and 5 wt% FEC to the electrolyte does not significantly affect the reactivity of de-sodiated NCMFNZO compared to the control electrolyte. However, the addition of FEC obviously changed the reactivity between sodiated HC and electrolytes, especially by showing a suppression on the exothermal behavior between 160 °C and 230 °C. These results give a head to head comparison of the reactivity of FEC additive containing electrolytes with charged sodium ion electrode materials at elevated temperatures and show that the use of FEC at additive levels should not compromise the cell safety when extending cell lifetime.
Engineered Catalyst Support with Improved Durability at Higher Weight Percentage of Platinum
Authors: Ramaswamy Nagappan , Zulevi Barr , McCool Geoff , Patton Natalie , Shi Zixiao , Chavez Aldo , Muller David A. , Kongkanand Anusorn , Kumaraguru Swami
Published: October 2023

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are a suitable electrochemical power source for heavy duty vehicle (HDV) applications due to their high efficiency and durability. The cathode of the fuel cell uses a higher geometric loading of platinum (∼0.2 to 0.4 mgPt/cm2) for the electrocatalysis of the kinetically sluggish Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) which requires higher weight percent loading of the metal (∼50%) on the carbon support to decrease the catalyst layer thickness and hence, the reactant transport losses. The conventionally used supports for platinum catalyst, such as the KetjenBlackTM type high surface area carbon (HSC) features limited mesopore area for the dispersion of Pt nanoparticles leading to increased aggregation and poor durability. Here, we show a new class of carbon materials known as the Engineered Catalyst Support (ECS) developed by Pajarito Powder with higher mesopore fraction for the dispersion of higher weight percentage of Pt nanoparticles. ECS materials can disperse up to 50% Pt by weight of the catalyst thereby enabling lower catalyst layer thickness with higher performance retained after durability test. A comprehensive set of physico-chemical and electrochemical studies in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) are reported to understand the performance and durability of Pt/ECS catalysts.
Lrig1 drives cryptogenesis and restrains proliferation during colon development
Authors: Hopton Rachel E. , Jahahn Nicholas J. , Zemper Anne E.
Published: October 2023

Our studies define the importance of studying Lrig1 in colon development. We address a critical gap in the intestinal development literature and provide new information about the molecular cues that guide colon development. Using a novel, inducible knockout of Lrig1, we show Lrig1 is required for appropriate colon epithelial growth and illustrate the importance of Lrig1-expressing cells in the establishment of colonic crypts.
Reliability and Validity of the Japanese Version of the Implementation Leadership Scale for Nurse Managers and Staff Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Saiki Masatoshi , Tomotaki Ai , Fukahori Hiroki , Yamamoto Takeshi , Nishigaki Masakazu , Matsuoka Chiyo , Yasuda Emi , Sakai Ikuko
Published: October 2023

Background. Strategic leadership is key to implementing evidence-based practice (EBP). Evaluating the readiness and processes necessary to implement EBP using the Japanese version of the implementation leadership scale (ILS) may be useful to systematically promote the implementation of EBP in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the ILS for nurse managers and staff nurses. Methods. Data were collected in a cross-sectional study. The original ILS was translated into Japanese and back-translated into English. Clinical nurses reviewed it and confirmed its face validity. We distributed a web questionnaire to 119 nurse managers and 2,858 staff nurses working at three university hospitals in Japan’s metropolitan areas. Construct validity was assessed for nursing managers and staff nurses, respectively, using confirmatory factor analysis. Known-group validity for nurse managers was assessed by verifying differences in ILS scores by educational background and experience of learning EBP and working on EBP. We evaluated reliability using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability. Results. The response rates for nurse managers and staff nurses were 56.3% and 16.9%, respectively. Data from 67 nursing managers and 484 staff nurses were analyzed, excluding duplicate responses. Confirmatory factor analyses of both samples supported the four-factor structure of ILS. The ILS total score of nurse managers with experience learning EBP or experience working on EBP was statistically significantly higher than that of those with no experience, and known-group validity was supported. Across both samples, internal consistency reliability was strong (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.91–0.97) and test-retest reliability was moderate. Conclusion. This study illustrated the reliability and validity of Japanese versions of the ILS for both nurse managers and staff nurses. This study enabled international comparisons of the leadership required for EBP implementation and may support the development of intervention programs and strategies to promote EBP’s implementation in different countries. Trial Registration. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR). This trail is registered with UMIN000045782.
Clinical Utility of Ultrasound Imaging for Measuring Anterior Thigh Thickness after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in an Individual Patient to Assess Postsurgery Outcome
Authors: Mechelli Filippo , Bayford Richard , Garelick Hemda , Stokes Maria , Agyapong-Badu Sandra
Published: October 2023

The present study investigated the clinical utility of ultrasound imaging (USI) for assessing changes in an individual’s quadriceps muscle and subcutaneous fat (SF) thickness of the anterior thigh and their relative proportions. A patient was studied prior to and after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery and during rehabilitation. This case study involved an 18-year-old female recreational athlete with a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Tissue thickness (SF and quadriceps muscle) was measured from transverse USI of the anterior thigh before surgery, at weekly intervals during 12 weeks of postsurgery, and then every 2 weeks for the following 12 weeks (total of 21 measurement sets). Statistically significant differences presurgery to postrehabilitation were found for muscle thickness (

p
=
0.04

) and SF tissue thickness (

p
=
0.04

) measurements. There was no difference in muscle to fat ratio (

p
=
0.08

). Changes in measurements greater than the reported minimal detectable change (MDC) demonstrate the sensitivity of the USI technique as an objective tool to assess clinically useful changes in an individual’s anterior thigh muscle thickness post-ACLR surgery and during rehabilitation.
Tumor-Infiltrating CD103+ Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells and CD103−CD8+ T Cells in HNSCC Are Linked to Outcome in Primary but not Metastatic Disease
Authors: von Witzleben Adrian , Ellis Matthew , Thomas Gareth J. , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Jackson Richard , Laban Simon , Ottensmeier Christian H.
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

High numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are linked to better survival in patients with cancer. Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM; CD8+CD103+) are recognized as a key player of anticancer immune response. To assess TRM cells in primary, metastatic, and recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we developed a tissue microarray (TMA) and used multiplex IHC (MxIHC).

Experimental Design:

Samples from primary tumors of 379 HNSCC cases treated at Southampton Hospitals between 2000 and 2016 were collected and analyzed. Of these, 105 cases had lymph node metastases and 82 recurrences. A TMA was generated with triplicate cores for each sample. MxIHC with a stain-and-strip approach was performed using CD8, CD103, and TIM3. Scanned slides were analyzed (digital image analysis) and quality checked (QC).

Results:

After QC, 194 primary tumors, 76 lymph node metastases, and 65 recurrences were evaluable. Alcohol consumption was statistically significantly correlated with a reduction of TRM cells in primary tumors (nondrinker vs. heavy drinker: P = 0.0036). The known survival benefit of TRM cell infiltration in primary tumors was not found for lymph node metastasis. In recurrences, a high TRM cell number led to a favorable outcome after 12 months. The checkpoint molecule TIM3, was expressed significantly higher on TRM and non-TRM cells in the lymph node compared with primary tumors (P < 0.0001), which was also seen in recurrences (P = 0.0134 and P = 0.0007, respectively).

Conclusions:

We confirm the prognostic impact of TIL in primary tumors and in recurrences. TRM cell density in lymph node metastases was not linked to outcome. The role of TIM3, as a therapeutic target remains to be defined.
Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Promising Biomarkers and the Challenges to Reach the Clinic
Authors: Lyskjær Iben , Iisager Laura , Axelsen Christian Tang , Nielsen Tommy Kjærgaard , Dyrskjøt Lars , Fristrup Niels
Published: October 2023

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing worldwide, yet research within this field is lagging behind other cancers. Despite increased detection of early disease as a consequence of the widespread use of diagnostic CT scans, 25% of patients have disseminated disease at diagnosis. Similarly, around 25% progress to metastatic disease following curatively intended surgery. Surgery is the cornerstone in the treatment of RCC; however, when the disease is disseminated, immunotherapy or immunotherapy in combination with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor is the patient's best option. Immunotherapy is a potent treatment, with durable treatment responses and potential to cure the patient, but only half of the patients benefit from the administered treatment, and there are currently no methods that can identify which patients will respond to immunotherapy. Moreover, there is a need to identify the patients in greatest risk of relapsing after surgery for localized disease and direct adjuvant treatment there. Even though several molecular biomarkers have been published to date, we are still lacking routinely used biomarkers to guide optimal clinical management. The purpose of this review is to highlight some of the most promising biomarkers, discuss the efforts made within this field to date, and describe the barriers needed to be overcome to have reliable and robust predictive and prognostic biomarkers in the clinic for renal cancer.
2. Open Science, Open Data: The ‘Open’ Movement in Scholarly Publishing
Authors: Kee Kerk F. , Koerber Amy , Starkey Jesse C. , Ardon-Dryer Karin , Cummins R. Glenn , Eko Lyombe
Published: October 2023

In Chapter 2, ‘Open Science, Open Data,’ Kerk F. Kee takes a broader look at ‘openness’ as it has been used in conversations about scientific research and publishing. ‘Openness’ is often touted as an antidote for all the problems that exist in scholarly publishing. The rationale is that if we can achieve greater transparency in publishing practices, there will be no more impetus for predatory publishers to go on. More specifically, the reasoning goes, predatory publishing has been able to thrive because so much of academic publishing occurs in a black box, behind closed doors. We have trusted double-blind peer review for many centuries as the gold standard that ensures the quality of scientific knowledge. But most of the time, in the way peer review traditionally operates, the readers of a scientific article simply must trust in blind faith that reviews are taking place. This practice allows predatory publishing to thrive because it creates the possibility that a journal can advertise itself as a peer-reviewed journal but then publish articles without putting them through the peer-review process. ‘Open data’ and ‘open science’ are touted as antidotes because they require researchers to share their actual data so that readers can judge the quality of the science for themselves. ‘Open peer review’ is another variation on this—this entails publishing the reviewer reports along with the article so, again, readers can see for themselves that peer review did occur. Chapter 2 explores how our interview participants articulated claims such as these, but also, how some interviewees push back against such claims, pointing out the limitations of openness as a solution to the predatory publishing problem.
Contested heritage in Susya: Asymmetry and possibilities for peace
Authors: Harrowell Elly , Sellick Patricia
Published: October 2023

Discussions about the role of heritage sites and practices in provoking conflict – or conversely, as opportunities for building peace – have gained new impetus in recent years. In this context, we discuss a site of contested heritage in the occupied Palestinian territories, the Susya national heritage site. The article first highlights the way this contestation relates to wider conflict over territory (as well as political, economic and cultural resources). Using oral histories gathered by Palestinian youth researchers, it then considers how heritage narratives reinforce or challenge competing claims to ‘belong’ in Susya against a backdrop of protracted conflict. Finally, the article asks whether such contested heritage sites could play a role as resources for peace by adopting a conflict transformational paradigm, and what the barriers are to this approach.
Financialization, dependence, and state regulation: The accumulation strategies of German energy companies in Hungary
Authors: Czirfusz Márton
Published: October 2023

In recent years, geographical scholarship has paid an increasing amount of attention to the accumulation strategies of energy and public utility companies. This article contributes to these debates by emphasizing the multiscalar nature of profit extraction by transnational energy companies through financialization, dependent power relations, and state regulation regarding transnational energy companies. Empirically, this article analyzes German energy companies’ activities in Hungary. These energy giants bought Hungarian gas and electricity providers, networks, and power plants during the privatization waves of the 1990s, and largely left the Hungarian market after the 2010s re-nationalization process. Previous literature emphasized nation-state agency in the Hungarian energy sector’s development. This study—based on an analysis of companies’ annual reports, media coverage, and financial statements—draws attention to firm-level strategies in understanding techniques and strategies of accumulation by German energy companies in Hungary.