bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MRI‐based parameters and clinical risk factors to predict lymph node metastasis in patients with ypT0 rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Wang Xiaojie , Huang Shenghui , Chen Jinhua , Huang Ying
Published: January 2024

Backgrounds

The aim of this study was to assess the significant risk factors that predict lymph node metastasis in ypT0 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer following chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Additionally, the study aimed to identify high‐risk groups who would not be suitable candidates for a rectal‐preserving strategy, despite achieving a complete tumour response.

Methods

Between 2013 and 2021, 226 ypT0 patients with stages II/III rectal cancer underwent CRT and radical surgery were enrolled. Two groups of patients were evaluated: those with lymph nodes metastasis and those without. The selection of variables for multivariable logistic regression was conducted through bivariate logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, the determination of optimal cutoff values for risk factors was achieved using ROC curve analysis.

Results

Nearly 8% (18/226) of patients with ypT0 had positive lymph nodes (LN) on final pathology. Four variables resulted as being independent factors of LN metastasis: pre‐CRT tumour movability (OR = 8.618, P = 0.003), pre‐CRT maximal LN size (OR = 28.474, P = 0.004), post‐CRT tumour vertical length (OR = 1.492, P = 0.050), post‐CRT anaemia (OR = 10.288, P = 0.001). The optimal cutoff point of pre‐CRT maximal LN size and post‐CRT tumour vertical length was 7.50 mm and 3.05 cm, respectively.

Conclusion

The prevalence of lymph node metastasis remains at 8% among patients who achieve pathological complete regression of the primary tumour. In instances where patients are considered appropriate candidates for a rectal‐preserving strategy after clinical complete remission, careful consideration should be given to the selection of this strategy if specific risk factors are present. These risk factors encompass a maximal LN size surpassing 7.50 mm prior to CRT, a fixed tumour prior to CRT, a tumour vertical length exceeding 3.05 cm after CRT, and the existence of anaemia subsequent to CRT.
The lipid droplet in cancer: From being a tumor‐supporting hallmark to clinical therapy
Authors: Cui Yingfang , Man Shuli , Tao Jiejing , Liu Yu , Ma Long , Guo Lanping , Huang Luqi , Liu Changxiao , Gao Wenyuan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Abnormal lipid metabolism, one of the hallmarks in cancer, has gradually emerged as a novel target for cancer treatment. As organelles that store and release excess lipids, lipid droplets (LDs) resemble “gears” and facilitate cancer development in the body.

Aim

This review discusses the life cycle of LDs, the relationship between abnormal LDs and cancer hallmarks, and the application of LDs in theragnostic and clinical contexts to provide a contemporary understanding of the role of LDs in cancer.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and SPORTDiscus. Retrieve and summarize clinical trials of drugs that target proteins associated with LD formation using the Clinical Trials website. Create a schematic diagram of lipid droplets in the tumor microenvironment using Adobe Illustrator.

Conclusion

As one of the top ten hallmarks of cancer, abnormal lipid metabolism caused by excessive generation of LDs interrelates with other hallmarks. The crosstalk between excessive LDs and intracellular free fatty acids (FFAs) promotes an inflammatory environment that supports tumor growth. Moreover, LDs contribute to cancer metastasis and cell death resistance in vivo. Statins, as HMGCR inhibitors, are promising to be the pioneering commercially available anti‐cancer drugs that target LD formation.
Etonogestrel promotes respiratory recovery in an in vivo rat model of central chemoreflex impairment
Authors: Janes Tara A. , Cardani Silvia , Saini Jasmeen K. , Pagliardini Silvia
Published: January 2024

Aim

The central CO2 chemoreflex is a vital component of respiratory control networks, providing excitatory drive during resting conditions and challenges to blood gas homeostasis. The retrotrapezoid nucleus is a crucial hub for CO2 chemosensitivity; its ablation or inhibition attenuates CO2 chemoreflexes and diminishes restful breathing. Similar phenotypes characterize certain hypoventilation syndromes, suggesting underlying retrotrapezoid nucleus impairment in these disorders. Progesterone stimulates restful breathing and CO2 chemoreflexes. However, its mechanisms and sites of actions remain unknown and the experimental use of synthetic progestins in patients and animal models have been met with mixed respiratory outcomes.

Methods

We investigated whether acute or chronic administration of the progestinic drug, etonogestrel, could rescue respiratory chemoreflexes following selective lesion of the retrotrapezoid nucleus with saporin toxin. Adult female Sprague Dawley rats were grouped based on lesion size determined by the number of surviving chemosensitive neurons, and ventilatory responses were measured by whole body plethysmography.

Results

Ventilatory responses to hypercapnia (but not hypoxia) were compromised in a lesion‐dependent manner. Chronic etonogestrel treatment improved CO2 chemosensitivity selectively in rats with moderate lesion, suggesting that a residual number of chemosensitive neurons are required for etonogestrel‐induced CO2 chemoreflex recovery.

Conclusion

This study provides new evidence for the use of progestins as respiratory stimulants under conditions of central hypoventilation and provides a new testable model for assessing the mechanism of action of progestins in the respiratory network.
Letter: Association between chronic kidney disease, hepatitis B and antiviral treatments—Authors' reply
Authors: Hong Hyeyeon , Choi Jonggi
Published: January 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Choi et al papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17819andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17851
New standards of care for treatment of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Abeyakoon Chathuri , Gregory Gareth P.
Published: January 2024

Treatment of newly diagnosed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with rituximab and CHOP (R‐CHOP) has been largely unchanged for the last two decades. The Guideline by Fox et al. provides new evidence‐based therapeutic strategies informed by positive results of randomised clinical trials.

Commentary on: Fox et al. The management of newly diagnosed large B‐cell lymphoma: A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol 2024; 204:1178‐1192.
Why Y matters? The implication of loss of Y chromosome in blood and cancer
Authors: Wang Ying , Sano Soichi
Published: January 2024

Hematopoietic mosaic loss of Y chromosome (mLOY) has emerged as a potential male‐specific accelerator of biological aging, increasing the risk of various age‐related diseases, including cancer. Importantly, mLOY is not confined to hematopoietic cells; its presence has also been observed in nonhematological cancer cells, with the impact of this presence previously unknown. Recent studies have revealed that, whether occurring in leukocytes or cancer cells, mLOY plays a role in promoting the development of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This occurs through the modulation of tumor‐infiltrating immune cells, ultimately enabling cancer cells to evade the vigilant immune system. In this review, we illuminate recent progress concerning the effects of hematopoietic mLOY and cancer mLOY on cancer progression. Examining cancer progression from the perspective of LOY adds a new layer to our understanding of cancer immunity, promising insights that hold the potential to identify innovative and potent immunotherapy targets for cancer.
Dentists' perspectives on structural and system barriers hindering oral healthcare provision in residential care facilities
Authors: Koh Sarah Mun Yee , Tada Sayaka , Lee Gabriel Keng Yan , Wong Mun Loke
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Oral healthcare service is not well integrated with existing healthcare policy in nursing homes (NHs) globally. This qualitative study aimed to identify dentists' perspectives on structural and system barriers that hinder oral healthcare (OHC) provision to seniors in NHs in Singapore and to understand the consequences of these barriers.

Methods

Nineteen dentists (8 males and 11 females, 36.0 [IQR: 32.0–48.5] years old) were recruited through combination of purposive and snowball sampling. Four focus group discussions were conducted via teleconferencing, and each discussion had 4–5 anonymised participants. Sessions lasted 90–120 min and were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted on data collected using NVivo software (Version12, QRS International).

Results

Participants agreed that the current OHC system for seniors in NHs is not well developed. The challenges dentists faced were categorised in three themes: [1] general oral healthcare system level; [2] local nursing home setting level; and [3] geriatric oral healthcare education level. These challenges are complexly intertwined and have contributed to several consequences such as a shortage of dentists in NHs and their diminished motivation to serve. It has also limited the quality of dental service they are able to provide in NHs, contributing to the current poor access of dental services for seniors in NHs.

Conclusions

Dentists in Singapore face many structural and systemic barriers in providing OHC to seniors in NHs, some of which are unique to the local context. Newfound understanding of these barriers and its consequences will be helpful in developing strategic approaches to overcome these challenges.
Hemostatic efficacy of a novel self‐assembling peptide gel for delayed bleeding following colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection with complete endoscopic defect closure
Authors: Daikaku Mao , Esaki Mitsuru , Sumida Yorinobu
Published: January 2024

Watch a video of this article.
How transition from child to adult services for young people with disabilities is affected by limited perspectives: A parent's view
Authors: Fox Christyan
Published: January 2024

This commentary is on the original article by Fortune et al. on pages 623–634 of this issue.
Medical library systems and services: Bangladesh scenario
Authors: Rahman Md. Shafiur , Al Mamun M.
Published: January 2024

This study highlights the present status of medical libraries in Bangladesh. It mainly focuses on the four key areas of medical libraries: Medical Library Services, Research4Life from Bangladesh perspective, Institutional Repository (IR), and Library Automation status. The research study also explores the various key challenges faced by the medical libraries in Bangladesh and finally provides necessary recommendations like a sufficient library budget, implementation of  an Integrated Library System (ILS), skilled manpower, more participation in information networking and resource sharing, sound ICT environment, online collection development for the overall development of medical libraries in Bangladesh.
“They need more programs for the kids:” Low‐income mothers' views of government amidst economic precarity and burdensome programs
Authors: Barnes Carolyn Y. , Halpern‐Meekin Sarah , Hoiting Jill
Published: January 2024

Policy feedback scholars argue that experiences with government shape political participation. Administrative burden scholars posit that burdensome bureaucratic encounters deter political participation. Related quantitative studies take a top‐down, deductive approach and test effects of single policies, yet people engage multiple programs, and all policies may not be equally salient in how they view the state. Using qualitative interviews, our inductive, “bottom‐up” approach examines the most prominent policy domains in views of government shared across mothers with low incomes in the United States (n = 80). Mothers experienced a wide range of policies, and they detailed related administrative burdens, but this was not the focus in most of their views of the government. Many raised issue areas that hit close to home, such as affordable child care or children's recreation programs. They often drew on a sense of collective motherhood in their view of government, including how it could facilitate efforts to raise children.
Health professionals' perceptions of user involvement in a mental health centre: A critical discourse analysis
Authors: Jørgensen Kim , Hansen Mathias Søren , Hansen Morten , Karlsson Bengt
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the engagement between healthcare professionals and users of mental healthcare at the individual level in a mental health hospital. A qualitative research design with purposive sampling was adopted. Five audio‐recorded focus group interviews were conducted with nurses and other health professionals at a mental health hospital in Copenhagen and were explored using Fairclough's discourse analysis framework. This study shows how users can be subject to paternalistic control despite the official aim that user involvement be an integral part of the care and treatment offered. As evidenced in discussions by health professionals, the users were involved in plans based on conditions determined by the health professionals who were predominantly focused on treating diseases and enabling the users to live a life independent of professional help. Our results can contribute to dealing with the challenges of incorporating user involvement as an ideology in mental health hospitals.
Effect of salpingectomy versus tubal ligation on postoperative wound infection in patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Min , Lv Jian
Published: January 2024

After several institutions recommended salpingectomy as opposed to tubal ligation, we attempted to perform meta‐analysis to compare operative properties and rates of postoperative wound infections. There are no temporal or linguistic limitations to our search in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase. The search was carried out in September 2023. The database search identified 401 potential studies and five studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Our study involved a comparison of salpingectomy with tube ligating in female patients who wanted to be sterilized. Our trial included at least one result of the wound and haemorrhage. The articles that did not qualify for inclusion or did not submit data, and those who did not answer questions were excluded. Abstracts and full‐text articles were assessed independently by two authors using blinding. Conflicting decisions were settled by consensus. The Cochrane‐recommended ROBINS‐I instrument has been applied to evaluate the risk of bias in clinical trials and to establish the quality of inclusion. Two authors separately evaluated the risk of bias for each trial; differences were settled by consensus. There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of postoperative wound infections among those who had received salpingectomy or tubal ligation (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.18–1.20 p = 0.11). In the three trials, the risk of bleeding following the ligation of the fallopian tubes was lower than that of the salpingectomy group (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.21–1.30 p < 0.0001). From this information we have come to the conclusion that it is possible to give preference to tubal ligation for reduction of bleeding in suitable circumstances, and that the findings currently do not provide sufficient evidence for a reduction in the risk of postoperative wound infection.
Bi3+/Tb3+/Eu3+ triple‐doped Lu2Mg2Al2Si2O12 phosphor for optical temperature sensing and pressure sensing
Authors: Zheng Zhibo , Li Zhongliang , Zhao Yanxia , Tao Qianyu , Li Liang , Song Yanhua , Zou Haifeng , Shi Zhan
Published: January 2024

The investigation of multifunctional bright materials is a popular research topic. The first report of the Bi3+, Tb3+, and Eu3+ triple‐doped garnet‐derived structure Lu2Mg2Al2Si2O12 phosphor is presented in this study. The energy transfer system was constructed with unique ultraviolet (UV) emission of Bi3+ ions, which allows phosphor to be used for temperature sensing with self‐calibration capability, Sa = 0.26% (148 K) and 0.56% (98 K), Sr = 0.15% (98 K), and 0.21% (148 K), indicating a high sensitivity in the low‐temperature region. Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions with better thermal stability under 325 nm excitation were chosen to achieve higher pressure sensing performance, the sensitivity was calculated by fluorescence intensity ratio technique and has maximum sensitivities of up to 0.1887 (SPa) and 0.1621 G/Pa (SPr). This provides a new idea for the ensuing design of brand‐new phosphors for optical pressure sensing. This study provides a new perspective on the versatile applications of phosphors.
Predicting spectroscopic properties of quaternary phosphate laser glasses
Authors: Dong Shuangli , Wang Weichao , Jia Yanqi , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: January 2024

Quantitative composition‐structure‐property (C–S–P) relationship analysis is a promising approach to correlate structural features with properties of glasses that have complex structures and lack long‐range order. In this study, the structure and spectroscopic properties of two typical P2O5‐MO‐K2O‐Al2O3 (M = Mg, Ba) quaternary phosphate laser glasses doped with Nd3+ ions are calculated and predicted. By using the nearest‐neighboring congruently melting compounds in the phase diagram as “component and structural motifs”, correlations with properties and insights on glass behaviors can be obtained. Two key physical properties and five spectroscopic properties are predicted and verified with an error of less than 5% and 10%, respectively. Furthermore, two C–S–P databases with more than 1000 glass compositions are established for designing and optimizing new laser glasses. The results show that this approach not only gets rid of the traditional qualitative research method which relies on empirical formulas, but also promotes the quantitative calculation and predictable design of glass research.
Scaling the EQUIPPED medication safety program: Traditional and hub‐and‐spoke implementation models
Authors: Vandenberg Ann E. , Hwang Ula , Das Shamie , Genes Nicholas , Nyamu Sylviah , Richardson Lynne , Ezenkwele Ugo , Legome Eric , Richardson Christopher , Belachew Adam , Leong Traci , Kegler Michelle , Vaughan Camille P.
Published: January 2024

Background

The EQUIPPED (Enhancing Quality of Prescribing Practices for Older Adults Discharged from the Emergency Department) medication safety program is an evidence‐informed quality improvement initiative to reduce potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) prescribed by Emergency Department (ED) providers to adults aged 65 and older at discharge. We aimed to scale‐up this successful program using (1) a traditional implementation model at an ED with a novel electronic medical record and (2) a new hub‐and‐spoke implementation model at three new EDs within a health system that had previously implemented EQUIPPED (hub). We hypothesized that implementation speed would increase under the hub‐and‐spoke model without cost to PIM reduction or site engagement.

Methods

We evaluated the effect of the EQUIPPED program on PIMs for each ED, comparing their 12‐month baseline to 12‐month post‐implementation period prescribing data, number of months to implement EQUIPPED, and facilitators and barriers to implementation.

Results

The proportion of PIMs at all four sites declined significantly from pre‐ to post‐EQUIPPED: at traditional site 1 from 8.9% (8.1–9.6) to 3.6% (3.6–9.6) (p < 0.001); at spread site 1 from 12.2% (11.2–13.2) to 7.1% (6.1–8.1) (p < 0.001); at spread site 2 from 11.3% (10.1–12.6) to 7.9% (6.4–8.8) (p = 0.045); and at spread site 3 from 16.2% (14.9–17.4) to 11.7% (10.3–13.0) (p < 0.001). Time to implement was equivalent at all sites across both models. Interview data, reflecting a wide scope of responsibilities for the champion at the traditional site and a narrow scope at the spoke sites, indicated disproportionate barriers to engagement at the spoke sites.

Conclusions

EQUIPPED was successfully implemented under both implementation models at four new sites during the COVID‐19 pandemic, indicating the feasibility of adapting EQUIPPED to complex, real‐world conditions. The hub‐and‐spoke model offers an effective way to scale‐up EQUIPPED though a speed or quality advantage could not be shown.
Digging Deeper—Evidence on the Effects of Macroprudential Policies from a New Database
Authors: ALAM ZOHAIR , ALTER ADRIAN , EISEMAN JESSE , GELOS GASTON , KANG HEEDON , NARITA MACHIKO , NIER ERLEND , WANG NAIXI
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces a comprehensive database of macroprudential policies, which covers 134 countries from January 1990. Using a novel numerical indicator of the tightness of loan‐to‐value (LTV) regulations, we estimate the policy effects of incremental tightening in LTV limits, employing a propensity score–based method to address endogeneity concerns. The results point to economically significant and nonlinear effects on household credit, with a declining per‐unit impact for larger tightening measures. The analysis indicates that policy leakage effects could be a factor behind the nonlinear effects. We finally find that the side effects of macroprudential policies on consumption and output are relatively small.
Parental absence during childhood and intergenerational solidarity in adulthood in China
Authors: Lei Lei , Chae Youngjin
Published: January 2024

Objective

We aim to examine whether having been separated from parents during childhood influences multiple dimensions of intergenerational solidarity during adulthood.

Background

In developing countries, many children experience geographic separation from one or both parents due to parental out‐migration. Previous research has examined the concurrent effects of parental migration on parent–child relationships, but little is known about the long‐term implications of parental absence during childhood for intergenerational relationships in adulthood.

Method

Our study used data from the China Family Panel Studies (2010 and 2016) to examine the relationship between mothers' and fathers' absence during childhood and intergenerational solidarity during adulthood. The sample includes adult respondents aged 25–54 with a living mother or father in 2016, generating 8889 respondent‐mother and 7159 respondent‐father dyads. We estimated multilevel regression models predicting emotional, associational, and functional solidarity with the mother and the father during adulthood.

Results

For both mother and father, the parent's absence during childhood is negatively associated with children's closeness to and frequency of seeing the parent in adulthood. Parental absence during childhood has little impact on the economic and instrumental support of parents in adulthood. A longer duration of parental absence has a stronger detrimental impact on intergenerational solidarity than a shorter duration for both mother–child and father–child relationships. Moreover, one parent's absence during childhood can influence the child's relationship with the other parent during adulthood (a spillover effect).

Conclusion

Parents' absence during childhood has long‐term implications for parent–child relationships during adulthood.
Environmental Context and Organizational Aspiration Determination
Authors: Luo Lingli , Shinkle George A.
Published: January 2024

This research develops an attention‐based, environment‐inclusive model of organizational aspiration determination. The behavioural view embraces that organizations determine aspirations based on three reference points: past aspiration, past performance, and social reference group performance. We build hypotheses to explain how environmental munificence, dynamism, and complexity shape organizational attention allocation among these three reference points. Using data on US publicly traded firms (2006–16), we find that organizations, when determining sales aspirations, allocate (1) more attention to past aspiration and social reference group performance but less attention to past performance in more munificent environments; (2) more attention to past performance and social reference group performance but less attention to past aspiration in more dynamic environments; and (3) more attention to past performance but less attention to past aspiration and social reference group performance in more complex environments. Overall, we contribute to aspiration research by explicitly theorizing a previously understudied contingency, using direct aspiration measures from a wide range of industries, and providing evidence that organizations’ attention allocation rules are regulated by the external environment when determining aspirations.
A Coordinated School Health Program Effect on Cardiorespiratory Fitness of South Texas Preschool Children: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Treviño‐Peña Roberto , Romero Zasha , Fuentes Jesús C. , Cortez Karla E. , Alanis Elizabeth , Alvarenga Juan C. L.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the Bienestar/NEEMA Coordinated School Health Program (BN CSHP) on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of preschool children.

METHODS

A cluster randomized trial was conducted of preschools in South Texas. Of 48 eligible schools, 28 were randomly assigned (14 intervention, 14 control). Family demographics and household health characteristics were collected from parents and CRF from children. Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Family demographics, household health characteristics, and children's weight, obesity prevalence, and sedentary activity of the control group were similar to the intervention group at baseline. After adjusting for covariates, the number of laps ran by children in the control group increased by 23% (CI: −5% to 60%) per each data collection period compared with 53% (CI: 7% to 119%) in the intervention group.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

State mandates, parent engagement, and funding are key for designing effective health and Physical Education (PE) programs.

CONCLUSION

Children in the BN CSHP, compared to those in the control group, had a significantly higher increase in their CRF. This finding is important because of the health benefits of CRF in children.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05501392.
Quantification of serum HDV RNA by Robogene 2.0 in HDV patients is significantly influenced by the extraction methods
Authors: Anolli Maria Paola , Renteria Sara Uceda , Degasperi Elisabetta , Borghi Marta , Facchetti Floriana , Sambarino Dana , Perbellini Riccardo , Monico Sara , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Lampertico Pietro
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

Management of chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) requires reliable tests for HDV RNA quantification. The aim of the study was to compare two extraction methods for the quantification of HDV RNA in untreated and bulevirtide (BLV)‐treated CHD patients.

Methods

Frozen sera from untreated and BLV‐treated CHD patients were tested in a single‐centre study for HDV RNA levels (Robogene 2.0, Roboscreen GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; LOD 6 IU/mL) with two extraction methods: manual (INSTANT Virus RNA/DNA kit; Roboscreen GmbH, Leipzig, Germany) versus automated (EZ1 DSP Virus Kit; Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). BLV‐treated patients were sampled at baseline and during therapy.

Results

Two hundred sixty‐four sera collected from 157 CHD (139 untreated, 18 BLV‐treated) patients were analysed: age 51 (28–78), 59% males, 90% of European origin, 60% cirrhotics, ALT 85 (17–889) U/L, HBsAg 3.8 (1.7–4.6) Log IU/mL, 81% HBV DNA undetectable, 98% HDV genotype 1. Median HDV RNA was 4.53 (.70–8.10) versus 3.77 (.70–6.93) Log IU/mL by manual versus automated extraction (p < .0001). Manual extraction reported similar HDV RNA levels in 31 (20%) patients, higher in 119 (76%) [+.5 and +1 log10 in 60; > +1 log10 in 59] and lower in 7 (4%). Among 18 BLV‐treated patients, rates of HDV RNA < LOD significantly differed between the two assays at Weeks 16 and 24 (0% vs. 22%, p = .02; 11% vs. 44%, p = .03), but not at later timepoints. By contrast, virological response rates were similar.

Conclusions

Quantification of HDV RNA by Robogene 2.0 is influenced by the extraction method, the manual extraction being 1 Log more sensitive.
Establishment and characterisation of STAM4, a novel human adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma cell line, through human telomerase reverse transcriptase ectopic expression‐mediated immortalisation
Authors: Wang Chaohu , Zhang Huarong , Guo Rongrong , Cao Ya'nan , Pan Jun , Yu Haoying , Qiu Xiaoyu , Shi Jin , Fan Jun , Qi Songtao , Liu Yi
Published: January 2024

Aims

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is a rare benign intracranial tumour that occurs in the sellar region and likely originates from the embryonic craniopharyngeal epithelium (a remnant of the ectoderm, also known as Rathke's pouch). However, progress in ACP research has been slow due to the lack of ACP cell lines. Therefore, in this study, we established an immortalised ACP cell line.

Methods

Immortalised ACP cells were established from cultured primary ACP cells by the ectopic expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Primary and immortalised cells were compared and characterised by morphological examination, short tandem repeat (STR) profiling, whole exome sequencing (WES) and transcriptome sequencing. The ability of immortalised cells to form tumours was examined using an intracranial tumour formation assay in mice. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to compare the characteristics of human ACP and intracranial xenografts derived from immortalised cells.

Results

A novel immortalised ACP cell line, STAM4, was successfully established in a 4‐year‐old male ACP patient. When STAM4 cells were compared with primary ACP cells in terms of morphological characteristics, genetic variants, STR profiles, biological behaviours and transcriptome differences, STAM4 cells were similar to primary ACP cells. Additionally, the STAM4 cells were able to form intracranial tumours that resemble human ACP.

Conclusions

This ACP cell line may provide a cell model for further studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of ACP and for the development of new anticancer drugs for ACP.
Weak local adaptation to drought in seedlings of a widespread conifer
Authors: Candido‐Ribeiro Rafael , Aitken Sally N.
Published: January 2024

Tree seedlings from populations native to drier regions are often assumed to be more drought tolerant than those from wetter provenances. However, intraspecific variation in drought tolerance has not been well‐characterized despite being critical for developing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, and for predicting the effects of drought on forests.

We used a large‐scale common garden drought‐to‐death experiment to assess range‐wide variation in drought tolerance, measured by decline of photosynthetic efficiency, growth, and plastic responses to extreme summer drought in seedlings of 73 natural populations of the two main varieties of Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii and var. glauca).

Local adaptation to drought was weak in var. glauca and nearly absent in menziesii. Var. glauca showed higher tolerance to drought but slower growth than var. menziesii. Clinal variation in drought tolerance and growth species‐wide was mainly associated with temperature rather than precipitation. A higher degree of plasticity for growth was observed in var. menziesii in response to extreme drought.

Genetic variation for drought tolerance in seedlings within varieties is maintained primarily within populations. Selective breeding within populations may facilitate adaptation to drought more than assisted gene flow.
A finite element study comparing Advansync® and Twin Block in mandibular anterior repositioning
Authors: Gómez‐Gómez Sandra‐Liliana , Sánchez‐Uribe Luis‐Alejandro , Villarraga‐Ossa Junes‐Abdul , Llano‐Posada Maria‐Camila , Guzmán‐Velásquez Yeison , Arango‐Hincapie Carlos Andrés , Ardila Carlos M.
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aims to utilize the finite element method (FEM) to compare the dentoalveolar and mandibular effects associated with anterior mandibular repositioning using AdvanSync® (ADV) and Twin Block (TB).

Methods

A patient with Class II skeletal malocclusion and mandibular retrognathism was selected. A TB appliance was subsequently applied. Computed Tomography (CT) scans were acquired at the beginning of treatment (T1) and 8 months later (T2). Concurrently, a numerical TB model was validated through FEM simulations, which were compared with the T2 results. The ADV appliance was virtually simulated to evaluate stress and deformation on the condyle, symphysis, first lower molar and lower central incisors.

Results

Both simulations demonstrated significant mandibular advancement. However, ADV led to less incisor proclination and more molar intrusion compared to TB. ADV exhibited increased stress in the lower molar area, while TB had higher stress in the lower incisor region. Stress and deformations in the condyle and mandibular symphysis were similar in both simulations, with the highest stress observed at the condylar neck and the lowest at the upper pole of the condylar head.

Conclusions

Both appliances achieved similar levels of mandibular advancement, with greater proclination of the lower central incisors and more widespread distribution of stress and molar intrusion when using ADV compared to TB.
Identification by methods of steady‐state and kinetic spectrofluorimetry of endogenous porphyrins and flavins sensitizing the formation of reactive oxygen species in cancer cells
Authors: Plavskii Vitaly Yu , Sobchuk Andrei N. , Mikulich Aliaksandr V. , Dudinova Olga N. , Plavskaya Ludmila G. , Tretyakova Antonina I. , Nahorny Raman K. , Ananich Tatsiana S. , Svechko Alexei D. , Yakimchuk Sergey V. , Leusenka Ihar A.
Published: January 2024

The question about acceptor molecules of optical radiation that determine the effects of photobiomodulation in relation to various types of cells still remains the focus of attention of researchers. This issue is most relevant for cancer cells, since, depending on the parameters of optical radiation, light can either stimulate their growth or inhibit them and lead to death. This study shows that endogenous porphyrins, which have sensitizing properties, may play an important role in the implementation of the effects of photobiomodulation, along with flavins. For the first time, using steady‐state and kinetic spectrofluorimetry, free‐base porphyrins and their zinc complexes were discovered and identified in living human cervical epithelial carcinoma (HeLa) cells, as well as in their extracts. It has been shown that reliable detection of porphyrin fluorescence in cells is hampered by the intense fluorescence of flavins due to their high concentration (micromolar range) and higher (compared to tetrapyrroles) fluorescence quantum yield. Optimization of the spectral range of excitation and the use of extractants that provide multiple quenching of the flavin component while increasing the emission efficiency of tetrapyrroles makes it possible to weaken the contribution of the flavin component to the recorded fluorescence spectra.
Area‐based management tools under the BBNJ Agreement: Ambition or illusion?
Authors: Duan Wen
Published: January 2024

This article intends to answer the question of whether and to what extent the arrangements for area‐based management tools (ABMTs) under the Agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) can contribute to the comprehensiveness, coherence and consistency of the international legal regime relating to ABMTs. To answer this question, the article analyses and evaluates the key aspects of the arrangements for ABMTs of the BBNJ Agreement, including consistency with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the interpretation of ‘not undermining’, decision making and the implementation mechanism. It concludes that the arrangements for ABMTs of the BBNJ Agreement are consistent with the UNCLOS and may contribute to the comprehensiveness, coherence and consistency of the international legal regime relating to ABMTs to a large extent. The article further notes that the arrangements for ABMTs of the BBNJ Agreement are ambitious, but lots of work needs to be done to ensure the ambition does not become an illusion.
Weight management practices, views, and experiences of adults living with poor socioeconomic circumstances and obesity: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Salmela Jatta , Joki Anu , Koivumäki Terhi , Katainen Anu , Lallukka Tea
Published: January 2024

Objective:

The objective of this review is to synthesize the best available qualitative evidence on the weight management practices, views, and experiences of adults living with poor socioeconomic circumstances and obesity. Additionally, the review aims to deepen our understanding of the common narratives of obesity according to these people.

Introduction:

People living with poor socioeconomic circumstances are at increased risk of obesity, particularly in high-income countries, and their weight management practices (eg, weight-related behaviors) tend to be less healthy. Since prior research on socioeconomic inequalities in obesity is mostly from quantitative studies, the individual views and experiences related to weight management have been largely ignored. Thus, systematic qualitative evidence is needed on the weight management practices, views, and experiences of adults living with poor socioeconomic circumstances and obesity.

Inclusion criteria:

Qualitative studies examining adults (aged 18 to 74 years) living with poor socioeconomic circumstances and obesity, and conducted in high- and upper-middle-income countries will be considered. The phenomenon of interest is these people’s weight management practices, views, and experiences.

Methods:

Searches will be conducted in MEDLINE (Ovid), APA PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Scopus, Web of Science, and the Finnish health sciences database, MEDIC, restricted to the English and Finnish languages. Sources of unpublished studies and gray literature will include Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Two independent reviewers will screen the papers, assess methodological quality, and extract data following JBI’s procedures. The meta-aggregative approach will be used for data synthesis. Confidence in the findings will be assessed using the ConQual approach.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42023407938
Measurement, Modeling, and Analysis of the Dynamic Properties of Resilient Elements Used for Vibration Isolation
Authors: Sun Xiaojuan , Thompson David
Published: January 2024

Resilient elements are widely applied for vibration and noise control in many areas of engineering. Their complex dynamic stiffness gives fundamental information to describe their dynamic performance and is required for predicting structure-borne sound and vibration using dynamic modeling. Many laboratory measurement methods have been developed to determine the dynamic properties of resilient elements. This paper presents a review of recent developments in the measurement methods from the perspective of force–displacement relations of the resilient element assembly rather than of their material properties. To provide context, the review begins with an introduction to modeling methods for resilient elements, especially for rubber and rubber-like isolators, and three standardized measurement methods are introduced. Recent developments are then discussed including methods to extend the frequency range, which are mainly developments of the indirect method. Mobility methods, modal-based methods, recent active frequency-based substructuring (FBS), and inverse substructuring (IS) methods to study the dynamic properties of resilient elements are also described. Laboratory test rigs and the corresponding identification methods are outlined. Methods to evaluate nonlinear dynamic properties of resilient elements by laboratory measurements are also discussed. Finally, the review is concluded by discussing the advantages and limitations of the existing methods and giving suggestions for future research.
From sucking worms to Windkessel: The physics of an early eighteenth century firefighting device
Authors: Lemons Don S. , Lipscombe Trevor C.
Published: January 2024

We describe the physics of the “Windkessel effect” and its role in smoothing the output of water produced by piston-driven pumps found in early fire engines and modern residential well houses. We also construct a simple, analytical model of its operation and apply this model to the Windkessel in Richard Newsham's 1725 fire engine. We find that Newsham's Windkessel reduces the variations in the pump output stream from a high of 80% to a low of 16%.
Surface charge and surface current densities at material boundaries
Authors: Marchand Richard
Published: January 2024

In electromagnetism, materials with a polarization density P→ or a magnetization density M→ are known to exhibit a bound surface charge density σb=P→·n̂ or a surface current density κ→b=M→×n̂, respectively, where n̂ is the unit vector perpendicular to the material boundary surface, directed outward. These expressions can be obtained from volume integrations for the electric potential V, or the magnetic vector potential A→, in which the integrals are restricted to the material volumes delimited by their respective boundaries. In that case, applying the divergence theorem leads to surface integrals on material boundaries and to the above-mentioned surface quantities. In this paper, a simple derivation is presented, which shows that both σb and κ→b are included in the expressions for the volume charge or current densities, provided that the divergence and curl operators are evaluated at the boundary so as to account for discontinuities at interfaces.
A lumped-parameter model of the free-flooded ring transducer array
Authors: Lee Junsu , Been Kyounghun , Lee Haksue , Seo Heeseon , Moon Wonkyu
Published: January 2024

The free-flooded ring (FFR) transducer is an extensively used ring-type acoustic transducer in underwater environments owing to its broad operating frequency bandwidth and small size. However, achieving high sound pressure levels with a single FFR transducer is often difficult, thus necessitating the construction of vertically arranged FFR transducer arrays. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the electrical and acoustic characteristics of an FFR transducer array by considering the mutual radiation load and the effects of gaps between adjacent piezoelectric rings. The lumped-parameter models of the piezoelectric ring, cylindrical cavity, cylindrical gap, and radiation impedance constitute an entire impedance matrix. The radiation impedance matrix for the FFR transducer array is calculated using the Helmholtz–Kirchhoff integral formula by considering the interaction of the FFR surfaces with the surrounding fluid medium. The proposed model predicts the resonance peaks in the admittance and transmitted voltage response (TVR) with a relative error of 5%, and the TVR level within a 3 dB range. Detailed analyses of a four-FFR transducer array reveal that a wider gap between each FFR leads to a decreased chance of negative conductance and broader operating bandwidth. The proposed model offers valuable insights into the design of FFR transducer arrays.
Computing leaky Lamb waves for waveguides between elastic half-spaces using spectral collocation
Authors: Georgiades Evripides , Lowe Michael J. S. , Craster Richard V.
Published: January 2024

In non-destructive evaluation guided wave inspections, the elastic structure to be inspected is often embedded within other elastic media and the ensuing leaky waves are complex and non-trivial to compute; we consider the canonical example of an elastic waveguide surrounded by other elastic materials that demonstrates the fundamental issues with calculating the leaky waves in such systems. Due to the complex wavenumber solutions required to represent them, leaky waves pose significant challenges to existing numerical methods, with methods that spatially discretise the field to retrieve them suffering from the exponential growth of their amplitude far into the surrounding media. We present a spectral collocation method yielding an accurate and efficient identification of these modes, leaking into elastic half-spaces. We discretise the elastic domains and, depending on the exterior bulk wavespeeds, select appropriate mappings of the discretised domain to complex paths, in which the numerical solution decays and the physics of the problem are preserved. By iterating through all possible radiation cases, the full set of dispersion and attenuation curves are successfully retrieved and validated, where possible, against the commercially available software disperse. As an independent validation, dispersion curves are obtained from finite element simulations of time-dependent waves using Fourier analysis.
In situ experimental investigation of fiber orientation kinetics during uniaxial extensional flow of polymer composites
Authors: Egelmeers Thijs R. N. , Jaensson Nick O. , Anderson Patrick D. , Cardinaels Ruth
Published: January 2024

The demand for fiber-filled polymers has witnessed a significant upswing in recent years. A comprehensive understanding of the local fiber orientation is imperative to accurately predict the mechanical properties of fiber-filled products. In this study, we experimentally investigated the fiber orientation kinetics in uniaxial extensional flows. For this, we equipped a rheometer with a Sentmanat extensional measurement device and with an optical train that allows us to measure the fiber orientation in situ during uniaxial extension using small angle light scattering. We investigated an experimental system with glass fibers for the suspended phase (L/D=8−15), and for the matrix either low density polyethylene, which shows strain hardening in extension, or linear low density polyethylene, which shows no strain hardening. For these two polymer matrices, the fiber orientation kinetics were investigated as a function of fiber volume fraction (ϕ=1%, 5%, and 10%) and Weissenberg number (by varying the Hencky strain rate, ϵ˙H=0.01−1s−1). We found that all these parameters did not influence the fiber orientation kinetics in uniaxial extension and that these kinetics can be described by a multiparticle model, based on Jeffery’s equation for single particles. Our results show that, in uniaxial extension, fiber orientation is solely determined by the applied strain and that, up to the concentrated regime (ϕ≈D/L), fiber-fiber interactions do not influence the fiber orientation. The extensional stress growth coefficient of these composites, which is measured simultaneously with the orientation, shows high agreement with Batchelor’s equation for rodlike suspensions.