bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Psychology: Introducing a Conceptual Impact Model and the Future of Work
Authors: Walter Yoshija
Published: November 2024

The present review is the first of its kind to form a conceptual discussion about a novel field, here referred to as digital psychology. The result is a conceptual impact model of digital psychology (in short: CIMDP) highlighting the bidirectional relationship between human psychology (consisting of affect, cognition, and behavior) and digital transformation (driven by datafication, algorithmization, and platformization). The findings of the CIMDP are applied to a relevant field in economy and business development, namely, to the digital future of work, which appears to be mediated by organizational behavior and governed by managerial decisions. The resulting model may be used to provide orientation in a new research domain and to guide future studies in psychology, cognitive science, digital transformation, human–computer interactions, organizational behavior, and business management.
External and Internal Barriers to Urban Circular Economy Transition in an Early Phase: The Case of Critical Raw Materials
Authors: Valkokari Katri , Petänen Päivi , Valkama Pekka , Arnold Mona , Anttiroiko Ari-Veikko
Published: November 2024

This article contributes to expanding the literature on and understanding about urban circular economy (CE) transitions towards circular cities, with a particular focus on the circularity of critical raw materials (CRMs), by identifying barriers in the transition’s exploration phase. We collected our empirical research data from 7 Finnish cities by interviewing 14 administrative officers responsible for procurement and for CE development and strategies. According to our findings, financial, institutional, policy and regulatory, technical, knowledge, and social factors are both internal and external barriers that city governments face in preventing urban CE transition of CRMs. Our findings suggest that an overarching problem with the identified barriers is regarding knowledge. Furthermore, we argue that intervening in local transformation paths towards circular cities requires the understanding and development of multilevel interactions between actors and their possibly conflicting interests. This contributes to the current understanding of early phases of urban CE transitions, that is, how knowledge deficits between multilevel systemic urban CE transitions should be addressed.
A Review of 3D Printing by Robocasting and Stereolithography for Cartilage and Ocular Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Álvarez-Chimal Rafael , Vázquez-Vázquez Febe Carolina , Serrano-Bello Janeth , López-Barrios Kevin , Marichi-Rodríguez Francisco Javier , Álvarez-Pérez Marco Antonio
Published: November 2024

The advent of 3D printing technologies has led to a new era in tissue regeneration, offering unparalleled precision and versatility in fabricating scaffolds for various biomedical applications. Robocasting and stereolithography stand out among these technologies for their distinct advantages in engineering complex tissue structures. Robocasting, an extrusion-based 3D printing technique, has shown significant promise in cartilage tissue engineering. Its ability to precisely deposit biomaterials layer-by-layer allows the creation of porous scaffolds with encapsulated cells and bioactive molecules that improve mechanical properties and biological functionality. These scaffolds support the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes or mesenchymal stem cells, facilitating the regeneration of damaged cartilage. Stereolithography, a light-based 3D printing technique, offers remarkable resolution and accuracy with highly detailed structures that closely resemble the complex architecture of tissues. This makes it particularly suitable for new treatments for injuries and diseases of cartilage and ocular tissue regeneration. Integrating robocasting and stereolithography presents a synergistic approach to replicating cartilage and ocular tissues' complex physical and biological environments, offering innovative regenerative therapies. This review highlights the recent advancements and potential of robocasting and stereolithography in regenerative medicine, focusing on their applications in cartilage and ocular tissue regeneration.

Graphical Abstract
Amendment zum Abschnitt „Totenbeschau nach AS“
Authors: Friesenecker Barbara , Roden Christian , Valentin Andreas , Fruhwald Sonja , Dier Helga , Weixler Dietmar , Birklbauer Alois
Published: November 2024

Das korrekte Vorgehen bei der Totenbeschau nach einem vollzogenen assistierten Suizid (AS)  sorgte in Österreich nach Inkrafttreten des Sterbeverfügungsgesetzes am 01.01.2022 für Verwirrung. Da die Gesetzgebung zur Totenbeschau in den Bundesländern unterschiedlich geregelt ist, wird das Hinzuziehen der Polizei, die darauffolgende Meldung bei der Staatsanwaltschaft und eine evtl. notwendige gerichtliche Obduktion unterschiedlich gehandhabt. Da der AS in den meisten „Todesart-Dokumentationen“ noch keine eigene Entität mit einer nachfolgend klar definierten Handlungsanweisung ist, ist vor allem in Bundesländern, wo gesetzlich zwischen einer natürlichen und unnatürlichen Todesart unterschieden wird, die Verständigung der Polizei bei einem AS gefordert, obwohl der AS nicht illegal (=straffrei gestellt), aber eben eine unnatürliche Todesart ist. Es wird von den politischen Akteur:innen eine bundesländerübergreifende einheitliche Regelung in Österreich angestrebt. Um die korrekte Dokumentation eines AS zu verbessern, müssen Arbeitgeber:innen medizinischer Einrichtungen aller Art jedenfalls dringlich für ihre Todesfalldokumentation die Dokumentation eines stattgehabten „AS als eigene Todesart“ einräumen.
Heavy metals in core sediments from the western Bay of Bengal: implications on historical pollution, eco-environmental risks, and potential sources
Authors: Nagarajan Anbuselvan , Dharmalingam Senthil Nathan , Jeyasingh Vigneshwar , Jayaseelan Christinal , Vijayaprabhakaran Krishnan
Published: November 2024

The western Bay of Bengal is particularly susceptible to the harmful impacts of increasing coastal pollution, as coastal population and urban development are occurring at unprecedented rates. The rapid urbanization and industrialization along the east coast of India coupled with the transfer of contaminants into the Bay of Bengal through riverine systems, causing a direct impact on marine ecosystems. In the present study, an attempt has been made to understand the heavy metal distribution on shelf sediments in the western part of the Bay of Bengal to infer their source, processes, and historical changes in marine pollution. Three short sediment core samples were collected and analysed for sediment texture, organic matter, and heavy metals. Cores 1 and 2 contain a high amount of sand content, representing shallow marine with moderate to high-energy conditions, and were deposited at a recent time. Core 3 was dominated by muddy sand to sandy mud, which denotes calm sedimentation without any turbulence, and these sediments were deposited under relatively low-energy conditions. The higher concentration of organic matter in the top layers of the core indicates both marine and terrestrial input. The heavy metal contents show quite heterogeneous and variable distributions from one element to another and from one core to another. The calculated pollution indices such as Contamination Factor (CF), and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) values indicate that all the core sub-samples are severely enriched and highly polluted by Cd and moderately polluted by Pb. The increased heavy metal concentration in the upper portion of the sediment cores and moderate to considerable ecological risks indicate that these metals have been deposited in the study area for the past few decades.
Rates of complications amongst peripherally inserted central catheters in paediatric populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Deshwal Avinash , Duffy Michael , Mac Curtain Benjamin , Mahmood Hassan , Mc Manus Ethel , Deshwal Abhinav
Published: November 2024

Background

Peripherally inserted central catheters have become a mainstay of treatment for a broad range of indications in both adult and paediatric populations. Despite their broad range of applications there has been an overall lack of analysis of the rates of complications associated with their use in paediatric populations.

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the rate of PICC associated complications in paediatric populations excluding neonates.

Method

We searched published literature for records discussing PICC use in paediatric populations. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 17. We calculated pooled estimates using a 95% confidence interval using a random effects model and heterogeneity was assessed using I2.

Results

Of the 3689 participants there was a pooled complication rate of 6% (95% CI 5–6%; I2 = 0). Rates of infections were estimated at 3% (95% CI 3–4%; I2 = 0), thromboembolic complications at 1% (95% CI 0–1%; I2 = 0), mechanical failures were estimated at 8% (95% CI 7–9%; I2 = 0) and superficial thrombophlebitis at 1% (95% CI 0–1%; I2 = 0).

Conclusion and contribution

Our findings indicate that complications associated with PICC use in paediatric populations are broadly similar to those observed in the general population, with a notably lower incidence of thrombosis. We aim to add to the growing body of literature in this area and hope to improve the overall surveillance and knowledge of PICC related complications in paediatric populations.
Investigating Associations Between Climate Change Anxiety and Children’s Mental Health in Pakistan: Impacts and Priority Actions
Authors: Soomro Shazia , Zhou Dianen , Charan Iftikhar Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Climate anxiety has a negative impact on the mental health and psychological wellbeing of the vulnerable population. The goal is to assess many factors that affect mental health and psychological wellbeing, as well as how climate change affects mental health in Pakistan’s vulnerable population.

Methods

This study provides evidence-based insights on the long- and medium-term impacts of extreme weather events on mental health. To obtain information on these variables, this research uses a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional survey design with a multivariate regression model for empirical tests on a sample of parents and children with an impact on mental health from climate change anxiety.

Results

Results indicate that individuals experience shock and climate change anxiety, and their effects on mental health and psychological wellbeing. Climate change can have detrimental effects on children’s mental health. (1) disaster risk health (2) children’s stress index (3) public health concerns, (4) climate change anxiety, (5) generalized anxiety disorder, and (6) major depression disorder, as reported by the children with mental health outcomes.

Conclusions

The findings of this study show that climate change has a stressful effect on mental health. The paper concludes with a discussion on strategies to address the anticipated mental health issues among children due to climate change.
Three-dimensional clustering characteristics of large-Stokes-number dilute sprays interacting with turbulent swirling co-flows
Authors: Rostami Ali , Li Ri , Kheirkhah Sina
Published: November 2024

Three-dimensional (3-D) clustering characteristics of large-Stokes-number sprays interacting with turbulent swirling co-flows are investigated experimentally. The astigmatic interferometric particle imaging (AIPI) technique is used for simultaneous measurement of the spray droplets position in 3-D space and their corresponding diameter. The Stokes number estimated based on the Kolmogorov time scale varies from 34 to 142. The results show that the degree of droplet clustering plateaus at about 0.4 and at large Stokes numbers. It is obtained that the mean length scale of the clusters normalized by the Kolmogorov length scale follows a power-law relation, and the mean void length scale normalized by the integral length scale plateaus at about 1.5 and at large Stokes numbers. It is shown that the ratio of the number density of the droplets residing within the clusters to the global number density increases with increasing Stokes number and is about 8 for the largest Stokes number examined in this study. The joint characteristics of cluster's normalized volume and the mean diameter of droplets residing within the clusters show that small-volume clusters accommodate droplets with a relatively broad range of diameters. However, large clusters carry droplets with the most probable diameter. The developed AIPI technique in the present study and the corresponding spray characteristics are of importance for engineering applications that aim to understand the 3-D clustering characteristics of large-Stokes-number droplets sprayed into turbulent swirling co-flows.
The minimal flow unit and origin of two-dimensional elasto-inertial turbulence
Authors: Zhang Hongna , Cheng Haotian , Wang Suming , Zhang Wenhua , Li Xiaobin , Li Fengchen
Published: November 2024

The research on elasto-inertial turbulence (EIT), a new type of turbulent flow, has reached the stage of identifying the minimal flow unit (MFU). On this issue, direct numerical simulations of FENE-P fluid flow in two-dimensional channels with variable sizes are conducted in this study. We demonstrate with the increase of channel length that the simulated flow experiences several different flow patterns, and there exists an MFU for EIT to be self-sustained. At Weissenberg number (

$Wi$

) higher than the one required to excite EIT, when the channel length is relatively small, a steady arrowhead regime (SAR) flow structure and a laminar-like friction coefficient is achieved. However, as the channel length increases, the flow can fully develop into EIT characterized with high flow drag. Close to the size of the MFU, the simulated flow behaves intermittently between the SAR state with low drag and EIT state with high drag. The flow falling back to ‘laminar flow’ is caused by the insufficient channel size below the MFU. Furthermore, we give the relationship between the value of the MFU and the effective

$Wi$

, and explain its physical reasons. Moreover, the intermittent flow regime obtained based on the MFU gives us an opportunity to look into the origin and exciting process of EIT. Through capturing the onset process of EIT, we observed that EIT originates from the sheet-like extension structure located near the wall, which is maybe related to the wall mode rather than the centre mode. The fracture and regeneration of this sheet-like structure is the key mechanism for the self-sustaining of EIT.
Network meta-analysis of the effectiveness of psychotherapies with or without medication for treating adult depression
Authors: Fukumori Mayumi , Kikuchi Toshiaki , Zhou Yi , Hattori Satoshi , Kudo Takashi
Published: November 2024

Objective:

To ascertain whether psychotherapies combined with medication are more efficacious than those without medication and determine which combinations yield the best results.

Methods:

We conducted a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing behavioural activation (BA), psychoanalytic/psychodynamic psychotherapy (DYN), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), individual face-to-face cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT (ftf)), group cognitive behavioural therapy (gCBT), and computerised or internet cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) with each other, or with treatment-as-usual (TAU) and wait list control (WLC) among adults formally diagnosed with depression. The psychotherapy arms were categorised as either psychotherapy alone or psychotherapy combined with medication (+ p). Treatment efficacy was assessed based on depression severity. We used a random-effects model to conduct a pairwise meta-analysis.

Results:

A total of 100 RCTs with 9,873 participants were included. The most common treatment was CBT (ftf) alone. All treatment arms were compared with TAU. Most psychotherapies combined with medication were superior to psychotherapy alone. In the subgroup analyses according to the baseline severity of depression, most psychotherapies combined with medication were more effective than psychotherapy alone in moderate-to-severe depression, whereas in mild depression, such differences were not observed. Among psychotherapies with medication, gCBT + p was significantly more effective than TAU and other psychotherapies in both the main and subgroup analyses.

Conclusion:

The efficacy of depression treatment varied depending on the severity of the depressive condition. Notably, gCBT + p was identified as the most effective approach for treating adult depression.
Tim Summers, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: A Game Music Companion, Studies in Game Sound and Music (Intellect Books, 2021)
Authors: Grasso Julianne , Grez Ariel , Park Hyeonjin
Published: November 2024

Julianne Grasso (JG): We are reviewing the book The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time by Tim Summers. I’m being joined by Hyeonjin Park and Ariel Grez and we’ll start with our introductions real fast. So, Ariel, take it away.
“We Were the Army in the Shadows”: The Dynamics of Military Rule and Experiences of Black Women in the South African Defence Force 32 Battalion Military Community
Authors: Bolliger Lennart , Raber Richard Levi , Estevao Dino
Published: November 2024

In this article, we demystify the South African Defence Force’s 32 Battalion and de-exceptionalize the apartheid military by connecting it to other colonial military communities, and apartheid governance more broadly. Drawing on oral history, autoethnography, and archival documents, we demonstrate the highly unequal, yet mutual, reliance of white authorities and elite Black women in the haphazard and improvised nature of apartheid military rule. Most women arrived at the unit's base, Buffalo, as Angolan refugees, where white military authorities fixated on their domestic and family lives. We examine the practical workings of military rule by considering three nodes of social surveillance and control. Elite Black women, known as “block leaders,” served as intermediaries, actively participating in the mechanics of military rule while also using their position to advocate for their community. Finally, we consider the ingrained violent patriarchal nature of life in the community by highlighting the nature of women's precariousness and labor.
Fipronil prevents transmission of Lyme disease spirochetes
Authors: Šíma Radek , Palusová Adéla , Hatalová Tereza , Robbertse Luise , Berková Petra , Moos Martin , Kopáček Petr , Urbanová Veronika , Perner Jan
Published: November 2024

Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia spirochetes, poses a significant threat to public health. While acaricides effectively control ticks on pets and livestock, their impact on pathogen transmission is often unclear. This study investigated the acaricidal efficacy of fipronil against Ixodes ricinus ticks and its potential to block Borrelia afzelii transmission. Initially, we employed the ex vivo membrane blood-feeding system to assess the dose–response acaricidal activity of ivermectin, fipronil and its metabolite fipronil sulfone, when supplemented in the blood meal throughout tick feeding. To obtain the temporal resolution of their acaricidal activity, ticks were allowed to initiate blood feeding on an artificial membrane before being exposed to a 1-time topical application of these acaricides. Fipronil demonstrated superior speed of acaricidal activity, with onset of tick moribundity within a few hours, prompting its selection for further in vivo testing with Borrelia-infected ticks. The I. ricinus nymphs infected with B. afzelii were topically treated with fipronil shortly after attachment to mice. Four weeks post-feeding, the skin and internal organs were examined for the presence of Borrelia. No spirochetes were detected in any organ of mice exposed to fipronil-treated ticks, while 9 out of 10 control mice, exposed to non-treated infectious ticks, displayed Borrelia infection. The in vitro co-culture experiments confirmed that fipronil had no direct effect on Borrelia viability, indicating a tick-directed effect. Overall, these results underline the potential of fipronil as a valuable tool for tick control strategies and suggest a concept for acaricide-mediated Borrelia-transmission blockers.
Isopods infesting Atlantic bonefish (Albula vulpes) host novel viruses, including reoviruses related to global pathogens, and opportunistically feed on humans
Authors: Goldberg Tony L. , Perez Addiel U. , Campbell Lewis J.
Published: November 2024

Isopods infest fish worldwide, but their role as disease vectors remains poorly understood. Here, we describe infestation of Atlantic bonefish (Albula vulpes) in Belize with isopods in two of three locations studied, with infestation rates of 15 and 44%. Isopods fed aggressively, and infested fish showed missing scales and scars. Gross morphologic and molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed the isopods to cluster within the family Aegidae and to be most closely related to members of the genus Rocinela, which are globally distributed micro-predators of fish. Metagenomic analysis of 10 isopods identified 11 viruses, including two novel reoviruses (Reovirales) in the families Sedoreoviridae and Spinareoviridae. The novel sedoreovirus clustered phylogenetically within an invertebrate-specific clade of viruses related to the genus Orbivirus, which contains arboviruses of global concern for mammal health. The novel spinareovirus clustered within the fish-infecting genus Aquareovirus, which contains viruses of global concern for fish health. Metagenomic analyses revealed no evidence of infection of bonefish with the novel aquareovirus, suggesting that viremia in bonefish is absent, low, or transient, or that isopods may have acquired the virus from other fish. During field collections, isopods aggressively bit humans, and blood meal analysis confirmed that isopods had fed on bonefish, other fish, and humans. Vector-borne transmission may be an underappreciated mechanism for aquareovirus transmission and for virus host switching between fish and other species, which has been inferred across viral families from studies of deep virus evolution.
Phenotypic plasticity and insect herbivory of trees in contrasting light environments in a Mexican rainforest
Authors: Cadena-Zamudio Daniel A. , Guevara Roger , Ruiz-Guerra Betsabé
Published: November 2024

Contrasting light environments in rainforests generates changes in the characteristics of the leaves and in the herbivore community. In the present study, we carried out a reciprocal transplant experiment under natural conditions to determine the plasticity of leaf characteristics of plant species that grow in contrasting light environments in a Neotropical forest. We further explored the relationship between these traits and insect herbivory. We found that six woody species differ markedly in the phenotypic plasticity of leaf features. The specific leaf area, chlorophyll content, carbon content, nitrogen content, and leaf thickness of the most light-demanding species were highest in gaps, but their carbon/nitrogen ratios were higher under closed canopies. The herbivores were more abundant in gaps (5.9%–14.8%) than under closed canopy habitats (3.4%–6.1%) and seemingly associated to the plasticity of the leaf traits. We observed 47% more herbivores in gaps than under closed canopies. Our results suggest that the phenotypic plasticity of leaf traits depends on the identity of the plant species and its wood density, while herbivory seems to be affected by plant defence, low nutritional quality, or herbivore tolerance.
Identifying risk factors for clinical Lassa fever in Sierra Leone, 2019–2021
Authors: Sama Daniel Juma , Haider Najmul , Guitian Javier , Osman Abdinasir Yusuf , Ntoumi Francine , Zumla Alimuddin , Kock Richard , Ansumana Rashid
Published: November 2024

Lassa fever (LF) virus (LASV) is endemic in Sierra Leone (SL) and poses a significant public health threat to the region; however, no risk factors for clinical LF have been reported in SL. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for clinical LF in an endemic community in SL. We conducted a case–control study by enrolling 37 laboratory-confirmed LF cases identified through the national LF surveillance system in SL and 140 controls resided within a one-kilometre radius of the case household. We performed a conditional multiple logistic regression analysis to identify the risk factors for clinical LF. Of the 37 cases enrolled, 23 died (62% case fatality rate). Cases were younger than controls (19.5 years vs 28.9 years, p < 0.05) and more frequently female (64.8% vs 52.8%). Compared to the controls, clinical LF cases had higher contact with rodents (rats or mice) in their households in the preceding three weeks (83.8% vs 47.8%). Households with a cat reported a lower presence of rodents (73% vs 38%, p < 0.01) and contributed to a lower rate of clinical LF (48.6% vs 55.7%) although not statistically significant (p = 0.56). The presence of rodents in the households (matched adjusted odds ratio (mAOR): 11.1) and younger age (mAOR: 0.99) were independently associated with clinical LF.

Rodent access to households and younger age were independently associated with clinical LF. Rodent access to households is likely a key risk factor for clinical LF in rural SL and potentially in other countries within the West African region. Implementing measures to control rodents and their access to households could potentially decrease the number of clinical LF cases in rural SL and West Africa.
Absolute Fairness and Weighted Lotteries
Authors: Tank Lukas , Wendler Nils , Carstensen-Mainka Jan Peter
Published: November 2024

Weighted lottery proposals give guidance in rescue dilemma situations by balancing the demands of comparative and absolute fairness. While they do not advocate for saving the greater number outright, they are responsive to absolute fairness insofar as they show a certain sensitivity to the numbers involved. In this paper we investigate what criterion of absolute fairness we should demand weighted lotteries to fulfill. We do so by way of critically examining what is probably the most sophisticated weighted lottery on the market: Gerard Vong's Exclusive Composition-Sensitive (EXCS) lottery. We find that both the standard that seems most common in the debate, and a different standard Vong uses to criticize Jens Timmermann's Individualist Lottery are in contradiction to basic demands placed upon weighted lotteries and are therefore unsuitable as necessary conditions for absolute fairness. We instead propose a purely gradual understanding of absolute fairness.
Effects of esketamine combined with dexmedetomidine on postoperative delirium and quality of recovery in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Cong-Li , Yan Yan , Zhang Yang , Bai Han-Lin , Zhuang Qin , Song Nan-Nan , Feng Chuan-Jiang , Xie Li-Juan , Wang Si-Yi , Li Xiao-Hong , Liu Di , Ren Li
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of esketamine (Esk) combined with dexmedetomidine (Dex) on postoperative delirium (POD) and quality of recovery (QoR) in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, and controlled study, 172 elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery were divided into two groups: the Esk + Dex group (n = 86) and the Dex group a (n = 86). The primary outcome was the incidence of POD within 7 days after surgery and the overall Quality of Recovery−15 (QoR − 15) scores within 3 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative adverse reactions, extubation time, PACU stay, and hospitalization time. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, S100β protein, NSE, CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ were detected from T0 to T5.

Results

Compared with the Dex group, the incidence of POD in the Esk + Dex group was significantly lower at 7 days after surgery (14.6% vs 30.9%; P = 0.013). The QoR − 15 score was significantly increased 3 days after surgery (P < 0.01). Levels of IL-6 and CD8+ were significantly decreased, and IL − 10 levels were significantly increased at T1-T2 (P < 0.05). At T1-T4, NSE levels were significantly decreased, while CD3+ and CD4+/CD8+ values were significantly increased (P < 0.01). At T1-T5, serum S100β protein concentration decreased significantly, and CD4+ value increased significantly (P < 0.01). The incidence of nausea/vomiting and hyperalgesia decreased significantly 48 hours after surgery (P < 0.01). The duration of extubation, PACU stay, and postoperative hospitalization were significantly shortened.

Conclusions

Esketamine combined with dexmedetomidine can significantly reduce the POD incidence and improve the QoR in patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery, which may be related to the improvement of cellular immune function.
The Postthrombotic syndrome, where are we now?
Authors: Hupperetz Ruben , Ten Cate-Hoek Arina
Published: November 2024

Summary: Post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a frequent complication occurring in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT). This chronic condition is associated with a negative impact on quality of life and substantial economic costs. Despite current treatment with anticoagulants and compression therapy, a significant proportion of DVT patients develop PTS. Optimising the diagnosis and identification of high-risk patients is important to provide more appropriate individualised treatment. In addition, a better understanding of the pathogenesis is leading to the necessary improvement of both current treatment strategies and the development of new treatment modalities. Treatments aimed at prevention as well as those aimed at reducing the symptoms of already manifested PTS should be further investigated. Research is currently taking place on promising therapeutical targets including pharmacological (anti-inflammatory and venoactive drugs), and interventional approaches (e.g. mechanical thrombectomy) in patients at different stages of PTS. Progress in all these areas is needed to solve the complex problem of PTS.
External validation of the OAC3-PAD risk score after endovascular revascularisation
Authors: Pelicon Kevin , Petek Klemen , Boc Anja , Kejžar Nataša , Blinc Aleš , Boc Vinko
Published: November 2024

Summary: Background: The OAC3-PAD bleeding risk score was developed to assess the bleeding risk in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), however its performance in patients treated exclusively with endovascular revascularisation has not yet been tested. We aimed to externally validate the bleeding risk score for this patient cohort. Patients and methods: A retrospective observational study, analysing the data of all PAD patients successfully treated with endovascular revascularisation in a single centre within a five-year period. The performance of the Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model, upon which the OAC3-PAD bleeding risk score is based, was tested using calibration methods, discrimination, and a scaled Brier score for overall performance. The OAC3-PAD bleeding risk score was calculated for all patients, classifying them into the four respective risk groups. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted for all risk groups and discrimination was tested using log-rank tests. Results: While discrimination of the CPH model was adequate, calibration of the model was poor and the scaled Brier score was 3.27% (95% CI 0.65%–4.40%). Of the 1,434 patients, 33 (2.3%) experienced a major bleeding event. The frequency of bleeding was 0.4% in the low risk group (3/736 patients), 0.8% in the low-to-moderate risk group (2/243 patients), 5.8% in the moderate-to-high risk group (15/258 patients), and 6.6% in the high risk group (13/197 patients). The OAC3-PAD score successfully discriminated each of the two lower bleeding risk groups from one of the two higher risk groups, but failed to discriminate among the two lower risk groups and the two higher risk groups, respectively. Conclusions: Although the OAC3-PAD score did not stratify patients into the four respective risk groups, it allowed discrimination between the low risk patients and the high risk patients. It could therefore become a useful tool for predicting major bleeding events in patients with PAD after endovascular revascularisation.
The Enigmatic Pockmarks of the Sandy Southeastern North Sea
Authors: Böttner Christoph , Hoffmann Jasper J. L. , Unverricht Daniel , Schmidt Mark , Spiegel Timo , Geersen Jacob , Müller Thomas Harald , Karstens Jens , Andresen Katrine Juul , Sander Lasse , Schneider von Deimling Jens , Schmidt Christopher
Published: November 2024

Natural seafloor depressions, known as pockmarks, are common subaqueous geomorphological features found from the deep ocean trenches to shallow lakes. Pockmarks can form rapidly or over millions of years and have a large variety of shapes created and maintained by a large variety of mechanisms. In the sandy sediments of the southeastern North Sea, abundant shallow pockmarks are ubiquitous and occur at shallow water depths (<50 m). Their formation has previously been linked to methane seepage from the seafloor. Here, we characterize over 50,000 pockmarks based on their morphology, geochemical signature, and the subsurface pre‐conditions using a new integrated geoscientific data set, combining geophysical and sedimentological data with geochemical porewater and oceanographic analysis. We test whether the methane seepage is indeed responsible for pockmark formation. However, our data suggest that neither the seepage of light hydrocarbons nor groundwater is driving pockmark formation. Because of this lack of evidence for fluid seepage, we favor the previously suggested biotic formation but also discuss positive feedback mechanisms in ocean bottom currents as a formation process. Based on a comparison of pockmarks to the central and southeastern North Sea, we find that local lithology significantly affects pockmark morphology. Muddy lithologies favor the formation of larger, long‐lived structures, while sandy lithologies lead to short‐lived, small‐scale structures that are large in area but with shallow incision depth. We conclude that pockmarks in sandy environments might have been overlooked globally due to their shallow incision depth and recommend reevaluating the role of hydrocarbon ebullition in pockmark formation.
Air‐Sea Heat and Moisture Flux Gradients
Authors: Parfitt Rhys
Published: November 2024

Air‐sea heat and moisture fluxes modulate the surface energy balance and oceanic and atmospheric heat transport across all timescales. Spatial gradients of these fluxes, on a multitude of spatial scales, also have significant impacts on the ocean and atmosphere. Nevertheless, analysis of these gradients, and discussion regarding our ability to represent them, is relatively absent within the community. This letter discusses their importance and presents a wintertime climatology. Their sensitivity to spatiotemporal scale and choice of data set is also examined in the mid‐latitudes. A lead‐lag analysis illustrates that wintertime air‐sea heat flux gradients in the Gulf Stream can precede the North Atlantic Oscillation by ∼1 month. A lack of observations and thus validation of air‐sea heat flux gradients represents a significant gap in our understanding of how air‐sea processes affect weather and climate, and warrants increased attention from the observational and modeling communities.
Spatial and Temporal Heterogeneity of Martian Tropical Water Ice Through Analysis of Radial and Layered Ejecta Craters
Authors: Kirchoff Michelle R. , Grimm Robert E. , Riggs Jamie D.
Published: November 2024

Martian layered ejecta craters are theorized to form by impacting into an ice‐rich crust. The inference that some equatorial layered ejecta craters are Amazonian indicates that ice has persisted in the tropics. However, the detailed spatial and temporal distribution and evolution of this ice remain unknown, which is critical to constraining Mars' global water cycle and climate change over eons. Here we estimate absolute model formation ages for layered and radial (ballistic) ejecta craters to constrain the spatial and temporal distribution of equatorial ice. The assumption is that radial ejecta form where volatiles are not present in significant quantities. Ages are derived from the density of smaller craters superposed on the ejecta blankets. We examined 73 craters in a 30° × 30° area centered at 15°S, 355°E, with 44 layered and 29 radial ejecta. Layered and radial ejecta craters are mixed over distances comparable to their diameters, which represents an unreasonably short length scale for ground‐ice emplacement. This, along with the lack of trend with age, supports the suggestion that intermittent low‐latitude surface ice—from excursions to high obliquity—could be responsible. Analysis also suggests an increasing proportion of layered ejecta craters with decreasing diameter for those older than 3.4 Ga. This trend would support the hypothesis of more ice being available in early martian history. Conversely, this could indicate that “armoring” preferentially preserves layered ejecta relative to radial ejecta.
Towards a new taxonomy of preterm birth
Authors: Stevenson David K. , Chang Alan L. , Wong Ronald J. , Reiss Jonathan D. , Gaudillière Brice , Sylvester Karl G. , Ling Xuefeng B. , Angst Martin S. , Shaw Gary M. , Katz Michael , Aghaeepour Nima , Marić Ivana
Published: November 2024

Disease categories traditionally reflect a historical clustering of clinical phenotypes based on biologic and nonbiologic features. Multiomics approaches have striven to identify signatures to develop individualized categorizations through tests and/or therapies for ‘personalized’ medicine. Precision health classifies clinical syndromes into endotype clusters based on novel technological advancements, which can reveal insights into the etiologies of phenotypical syndromes. A new taxonomy of preterm birth should be considered in this context, as not all preterm infants of similar gestational ages are the same because most have different biologic vulnerabilities and hence different health trajectories. Even the choice of interventions may affect observed clinical conditions. Thus, a new taxonomy of prematurity would help to advance the field of neonatology, but also obstetrics and perinatology by adopting anticipatory and more targeted approaches to the care of preterm infants with the intent of preventing and treating some of the most common newborn pathologic conditions.
Automating life science labs at the single-cell level through precise ultrasonic liquid sample ejection: PULSE
Authors: Zhang Peiran , Tian Zhenhua , Jin Ke , Yang Kaichun , Collyer Wesley , Rufo Joseph , Upreti Neil , Dong Xianjun , Lee Luke P. , Huang Tony Jun
Published: November 2024

Laboratory automation technologies have revolutionized biomedical research. However, the availability of automation solutions at the single-cell level remains scarce, primarily owing to the inherent challenges of handling cells with such small dimensions in a precise, biocompatible manner. Here, we present a single-cell-level laboratory automation solution that configures various experiments onto standardized, microscale test-tube matrices via our precise ultrasonic liquid sample ejection technology, known as PULSE. PULSE enables the transformation of titer plates into microdroplet arrays by printing nanodrops and single cells acoustically in a programmable, scalable, and biocompatible manner. Unlike pipetting robots, PULSE enables researchers to conduct biological experiments using single cells as anchoring points (e.g., 1 cell vs. 1000 cells per “tube”), achieving higher resolution and potentially more relevant data for modeling and downstream analyses. We demonstrate the ability of PULSE to perform biofabrication, precision gating, and deterministic array barcoding via preallocated droplet-addressable primers. Single cells can be gently printed at a speed range of 5–20 cell⋅s−1 with an accuracy of 90.5–97.7%, which can then adhere to the substrate and grow for up to 72 h while preserving cell integrity. In the deterministic barcoding experiment, 95.6% barcoding accuracy and 2.7% barcode hopping were observed by comparing the phenotypic data with known genotypic data from two types of single cells. Our PULSE platform allows for precise and dynamic analyses by automating experiments at the single-cell level, offering researchers a powerful tool in biomedical research.
Measurable residual disease testing and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for AML: adapting Pre-MEASURE to clinical practice
Authors: Shaffer Brian C. , Kebriaei Partow , de Lima Marcos , Jimenez Jimenez Antonio M.
Published: November 2024

Measurable residual disease (MRD) testing in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) represents a heterogenous assessment process designed to quantify leukemia-specific biomarkers that are not ascertainable by routine pathologic evaluation. The most common tools used to assess MRD are multiparameter flow cytometry (MPFC), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based tools, including quantitative or digital droplet PCR (qPCR, ddPCR), or next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. Collectively, MRD assessments have become an important clinical tool in the management of patients with AML. Despite progress, significant questions remain with respect to the appropriate timing, frequency, and methodology of MRD assessment, and whether or how to adapt therapy based on MRD results. Recent data from the Pre-MEASURE study, a retrospective cohort analysis of error corrected NGS based MRD assessment prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) in patients with AML, provides additional key information with respect to the emerging role of NGS-based technology in MRD assessment. In the context of this review, we evaluate the Pre-MEASURE study as well as other recent, high-quality assessments of MRD in AML. Our focus is to provide a practical assessment of the use of emerging MRD technologies in patients with AML with an emphasis on the role of peri-transplant MRD for the practicing clinician.
Engineering bone/cartilage organoids: strategy, progress, and application
Authors: Bai Long , Zhou Dongyang , Li Guangfeng , Liu Jinlong , Chen Xiao , Su Jiacan
Published: November 2024

The concept and development of bone/cartilage organoids are rapidly gaining momentum, providing opportunities for both fundamental and translational research in bone biology. Bone/cartilage organoids, essentially miniature bone/cartilage tissues grown in vitro, enable the study of complex cellular interactions, biological processes, and disease pathology in a representative and controlled environment. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the field, focusing on the strategies for bone/cartilage organoid construction strategies, progresses in the research, and potential applications. We delve into the significance of selecting appropriate cells, matrix gels, cytokines/inducers, and construction techniques. Moreover, we explore the role of bone/cartilage organoids in advancing our understanding of bone/cartilage reconstruction, disease modeling, drug screening, disease prevention, and treatment strategies. While acknowledging the potential of these organoids, we discuss the inherent challenges and limitations in the field and propose potential solutions, including the use of bioprinting for organoid induction, AI for improved screening processes, and the exploration of assembloids for more complex, multicellular bone/cartilage organoids models. We believe that with continuous refinement and standardization, bone/cartilage organoids can profoundly impact patient-specific therapeutic interventions and lead the way in regenerative medicine.
Androgen-targeted hsa_circ_0085121 encodes a novel protein and improves the development of prostate cancer through facilitating the activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and enhancing AR-V7 alternative splicing
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Qiu Hui , Dong Qingzhuo , Yu Hongyuan , Piao Chiyuan , Li Zhengxiu , Sun Yanbin , Cui Xiaolu
Published: November 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent type of cancer and the second leading cause of mortality in males, with a marked increase in incidence observed across the globe. In the present study, whole-transcriptome analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed circular RNAs (DE-circRNAs). The coding abilities of the DE-circRNAs were analyses, and it was found that hsa_circ_0085121 (circRNF19A) not only exhibited overexpression in PCa cells and tumor samples, but also encoded a 490 amino acid polypeptide designated circRNF19A-490aa. The knockdown of circRNF19A was observed to notably inhibit the proliferation, invasion, migration and docetaxel resistance of PCa cells. In contrast, mutation of the IRES significantly impaired the tumor-promoting function of circRNF19A, indicating that circRNF19A-490aa is the primary form that regulates the malignant behaviors of PCa cells. Mechanistically, circRNF19A-490aa was demonstrated to interact with HSP90AA1, thereby enhancing AR activity and facilitating the activation of the Akt/mTOR and PLK1 pathways. Furthermore, circRNF19A-490aa was observed to interact with HNRNPF, facilitating the recruitment of HNRNPF to the splicing site of AR-V7 and enhancing its alternative splicing. Finally, the androgen receptor (AR) was observed to bind to the promoter region of the RNF19A gene, subsequently regulating the expression of circRNF19A and circRNF19A-490aa. These data indicate that circRNF19A plays a pivotal role in AR activation and AR-V7 generation by encoding a novel protein, circRNF19A-490aa, and targeting circRNF19A may prove an effective strategy for impeding the progression of CRPC.
Arginine methylation-dependent TRIM47 stability mediated by CARM1 promotes the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tang Yuzhe , Meng Xiang , Luo Xia , Yao Wentao , Tian Li , Zhang Zijian , Zhao Yuan , Xiao Juan , Zhu Haichuan , Hu Jia
Published: November 2024

The tripartite motif (TRIM) protein family has been shown to play important roles in the occurrence and development of various tumors. However, the biological functions of TRIM47 and its regulatory mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unexplored. Here, we showed that TRIM47 was upregulated in HCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues, especially at advanced stages, and associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Functional studies demonstrated that TRIM47 enhanced the migration and invasion ability of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, TRIM47 promotes HCC metastasis through interacting with SNAI1 and inhibiting its degradation by proteasome. Moreover, TRIM47 was di-methylated by CARM1 at its arginine 210 (R210) and arginine 582 (R582), which protected TRIM47 from the ubiquitination and degradation mediated by E3 ubiquitin ligase complex CRL4CRBN. Collectively, our study reveals a pro-metastasis role of TRIM47 in HCC, unveils a unique mechanism controlling TRIM47 stability by CARM1 mediated arginine methylation, and highlights the role of the CARM1-CRL4CRBN-TRIM47-SNAI1 axis in HCC metastasis. This work may provide potential therapeutic targets for metastatic HCC treatment.