bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern electroretinogram, blue-yellow visual evoked potentials and the risk of developing visual field defects in glaucoma suspects: a longitudinal “survival” analysis with a very long follow-up
Authors: Huchzermeyer Cord , Lämmer Robert , Mardin Christian Y. , Kruse Friedrich E. , Kremers Jan , Horn Folkert K.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Estimating glaucoma suspects’ risk for visual field defects helps to avoid under- and over-treatment. In this retrospective, longitudinal cohort study with a very long follow-up, we studied whether pattern electroretinograms (PERG) amplitudes and blue-on-yellow visual evoked potential (BY-VEP) latencies can predict visual field defects.

Methods

Participants of the Erlangen Glaucoma Study were examined with PERG and BY-VEP between 9/1991 and 8/2001. Stimuli were created using an optical bench with Maxwellian view and consisted of vertical gratings (0,88 cpd) in a 32° field for both PERG and BY-VEP. Patients were treated according to clinical standards and performed standard automated perimetry (SAP) annually. Retrospectively, patients with normal SAP at baseline were selected. Primary endpoint was conversion to perimetric glaucoma. Predictive value was modeled using Kaplan–Meier analyses and a multivariate cox proportional hazards model with the continuous variables PERG amplitude, BY-VEP peak time and SAP square-root of loss variance (sLV) after stratification for Jonas classification of the optic discs.

Results

Of 412 patients (288: Jonas 0, 103: I, and 21: II; baseline age: 20–60 years), 65 converted to perimetric glaucoma during follow-up (0.5–23.3 years; median 5.5 years). Optic disc classification was a strong risk factor for conversion (log rank p < 0.0001), and patients with more advanced changes progressed earlier. In the multivariate analysis (log rank p = 0.005), only PERG amplitude remained an independent risk factor after stratification for optic disc morphology (p = 0.021), with a ~ 30% higher risk per μV amplitude decrease.

Conclusions

PERG helps to estimate glaucoma suspects’ risk for visual field defects.
Comparison of substernal and posterior mediastinal route of reconstruction after minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Dat Tran Quang , Thong Dang Quang , Nguyen Doan Thuy , Hai Nguyen Viet , Bac Nguyen Hoang , Long Vo Duy
Published: January 2024

Background

Substernal (ST) and posterior mediastinal (PM) routes are the two most common for reconstruction after esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis. Recent evidence showed similar outcomes between the routes; thus, the superior choice remained controversial. This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of the ST to the PM route for reconstruction after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer (EC).

Method

This retrospective cohort study included 132 patients who underwent McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) with gastric conduit for EC between March 2015 and December 2022. Among these, 89 and 43 patients received the ST route and PM route for reconstruction, respectively. Short-term outcomes including operative characteristics, postoperative morbidity, and mortality were evaluated.

Result

There was no conversion from ST to PM route. The ST group had longer operating time (375 min vs. 341 min). Oral feeding initiation, postoperative hospital stays, and overall complication rates were comparable in the two groups. The rate and severity of anastomotic leakage were similar between the groups. The ST group had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative ICU admission and pneumonia compared to the PM group (5.6% vs. 16.3% and 19.1% vs. 37.2%, respectively). Azygos vein bleeding, obstruction at feeding jejunostomy site, and conduit–trachea fistula were severe complications that only occurred in PM route.

Conclusion

ST route was superior to PM route in term of postoperative ICU admission and pneumonia. This route may prevent severe complications that only occur in PM route. ST route can be favorable option for reconstruction after McKeown MIE for EC.
Establishing consensus on principles and competencies for the use of play in clinical practice in hospitals: An international Delphi study
Authors: Thestrup Jakob , Sørensen Jette Led , Hybschmann Jane , Topperzer Martha Krogh , Graber Kelsey , O’Farrelly Christine , Gibson Jenny , Ramchandani Paul , Frandsen Thomas Leth , Gjærde Line Klingen
Published: January 2024

Although play has existed in paediatric hospitals for decades, a shared understanding of why and how healthcare professionals use play in clinical practice is lacking. This study aims to reach consensus on a common set of principles and competencies for play interventions and practices in hospitals. We conducted a three-round Delphi study that included healthcare professionals selected by hospital management. The first round comprised open-ended questions on the use of play in clinical practice. Principles and competencies, including learning objectives, were established using content analysis through an iterative process. Participants rated the importance of each principle and learning objective in the second and third rounds. Among the 66 participants, 45 (68%) responded in round 1 and 41 (62%) in rounds 2 and 3. The participants represented ten countries and nine different health professions. After the three rounds, we identified 33 principles and six overall competencies: building trusting relationships; delivering information and increasing understanding; promoting cooperation and participation; reducing procedure-related anxiety and pain; supporting coping and development; and ensuring a professional approach to play, which comprised 20 learning objectives.

  Conclusion: According to healthcare professionals, play in clinical practice can be used to communicate and build relationships with paediatric patients and thus potentially help provide patient-centred care. Our findings may help guide and prioritize future research initiatives and operationalize play interventions and practices in hospitals.

What is Known:• Evidence suggests that using play in clinical practice can help paediatric patients during hospitals stays.• Despite the evidence supporting the use of play, a shared understanding of why and how paediatric healthcare professionals use play is needed.

What is New:• This international Delphi study contributes to a shared interprofessional understanding of the principles, competencies and learning objectives for the use of play in clinical practice.• The findings have the potential to aid initiatives in developing training programmes for healthcare professionals in using play to provide care with a patient-centred approach.
Yap/Taz activity is associated with increased expression of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase that supports myoblast proliferation
Authors: Meinhold Marius , Verbrugge Sander , Shi Andi , Schönfelder Martin , Becker Lore , Jaspers Richard T. , Zammit Peter S. , Wackerhage Henning
Published: January 2024

In skeletal muscle, the Hippo effector Yap promotes satellite cell, myoblast, and rhabdomyoblast proliferation but prevents myogenic differentiation into multinucleated muscle fibres. We previously noted that Yap drives expression of the first enzyme of the serine biosynthesis pathway, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (Phgdh). Here, we examined the regulation and function of Phgdh in satellite cells and myoblasts and found that Phgdh protein increased during satellite cell activation. Analysis of published data reveal that Phgdh mRNA in mouse tibialis anterior muscle was highly expressed at day 3 of regeneration after cardiotoxin injection, when markers of proliferation are also robustly expressed and in the first week of synergist-ablated muscle. Finally, siRNA-mediated knockdown of PHGDH significantly reduced myoblast numbers and the proliferation rate. Collectively, our data suggest that Phgdh is a proliferation-enhancing metabolic enzyme that is induced when quiescent satellite cells become activated.
Soil microbial community response to ectomycorrhizal dominance in diverse neotropical montane forests
Authors: Edwards Joseph D. , Krichels Alexander H. , Seyfried Georgia S. , Dalling James , Kent Angela D. , Yang Wendy H.
Published: January 2024

Ectomycorrhizal (EM) associations can promote the dominance of tree species in otherwise diverse tropical forests. These EM associations between trees and their fungal mutualists have important consequences for soil organic matter cycling, yet the influence of these EM-associated effects on surrounding microbial communities is not well known, particularly in neotropical forests. We examined fungal and prokaryotic community composition in surface soil samples from mixed arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) stands as well as stands dominated by EM-associated Oreomunnea mexicana (Juglandaceae) in four watersheds differing in soil fertility in the Fortuna Forest Reserve, Panama. We hypothesized that EM-dominated stands would support distinct microbial community assemblages relative to the mixed AM-EM stands due to differences in carbon and nitrogen cycling associated with the dominance of EM trees. We expected that this microbiome selection in EM-dominated stands would lead to lower overall microbial community diversity and turnover, with tighter correspondence between general fungal and prokaryotic communities. We measured fungal and prokaryotic community composition via high-throughput Illumina sequencing of the ITS2 (fungi) and 16S rRNA (prokaryotic) gene regions. We analyzed differences in alpha and beta diversity between forest stands associated with different mycorrhizal types, as well as the relative abundance of fungal functional groups and various microbial taxa. We found that fungal and prokaryotic community composition differed based on stand mycorrhizal type. There was lower prokaryotic diversity and lower relative abundance of fungal saprotrophs and pathogens in EM-dominated than AM-EM mixed stands. However, contrary to our prediction, there was lower homogeneity for fungal communities in EM-dominated stands compared to mixed AM-EM stands. Overall, we demonstrate that EM-dominated tropical forest stands have distinct soil microbiomes relative to surrounding diverse forests, suggesting that EM fungi may filter microbial functional groups in ways that could potentially influence plant performance or ecosystem function.
The effect of visual feedback-based clinical monitoring application in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Özden Fatih , Güçlü Bekir , Tümtürk İsmet , Doğrukök Özgür Nadiye , İmerci Ahmet , Tuğay Baki Umut
Published: January 2024

Purpose

No study has addressed the effect of patient-reported outcomes as a visual feedback tool during telerehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a visual feedback-based monitoring application PhysioAnalyst on pain, pain catastrophizing, physical functions, quality of life, usability, satisfaction, and exercise adherence in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Methods

A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 44 CLBP patients. Participants were randomized into two groups: the tele-assessment feedback group (TAFG) (n = 22) and the control group (CG) (n = 22). Participants were assessed before the intervention, at the 4th week and after the intervention. Individuals were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ), Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ), and Exercise Adaptation Rating Scale (EARS) via PhysioAnalyst. Individuals in the TAFG group received graph-based visual feedback on assessment data in week 4.

Results

The improvement in VAS, NHP, ODI, TUQ, TSQ, and EARS of individuals in TAFG was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Only ODI and PCS scores in CG showed significant improvement (p < 0.05). After the graphics-based visual feedback presented to the TAFG, the VAS, NHP-Emotional, NHP-Sleep, NHP-Total, PCS, TUQ, TSQ, ODI, and EARS scores gained more than CG (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results confirmed the additional contribution of telerehabilitation’s graphics-based visual feedback in pain, pain catastrophizing, disability, quality of life, and exercise participation. Since the importance of continuity in long-term rehabilitation in patients with CLBP is comprehended, feedback to increase patient motivation can be added to telerehabilitation applications.
Using morphometrics to distinguish the restinga and cerrado ecotypes of wild Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae): a preliminary study in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Farias Juliana Cardozo , Mayo Simon Joseph , Vieira Irlaine Rodrigues , de Andrade Ivanilza Moreira
Published: January 2024

The cashew tree Anacardium occidentale is a globally important food species and in Brazil is a natural component of cerrado and restinga vegetation and has an important role in local economies as a food and medicinal plant. Nevertheless, diversity studies of wild populations—the most important reservoir of natural variation—of this naturally widespread species are urgently needed for conservation strategies because of human impact on tropical American ecosystems where it occurs. Here, we sought to differentiate the previously recognized restinga and cerrado ecotypes using multivariate morphometrics of wild populations in a limited area of northeast Brazil (northern Piauí and northeastern Maranhão states). Thirty individuals were sampled for 47 vegetative and reproductive descriptors from six wild populations (three of each ecotype). Data analysis included principal component analysis and three classification methods (linear discriminant analysis, k-nearest neighbour analysis and classification and regression tree analysis); cross-validation tests were applied to classification results. Univariate statistics obtained for each population and ecotype were found to be consistent with the previously proposed distinction between the two ecotypes. Although principal component analysis showed extensive variation and overlap between populations, cross-validations of classification analyses showed strong differentiation between ecotypes and between most populations; vegetative and reproductive variables were equally important for discrimination. Cerrado populations were more variable and somewhat less distinct than restinga ones. New molecular genetic investigations of wild populations are needed to provide genetic support for the morphological differentiation of the ecotypes reported here.
Simple performance of the planar SOS-Umu-C–FLD genotoxicity bioassay shown for perfume and packaging material analysis
Authors: Windisch Markus , Kittinger Clemens , Heil Julia , Morlock Gertrud E.
Published: January 2024

Planar bioassays are powerful, sustainable tools for nontargeted detection of hazardous compounds in complex samples. They provide more information on a sample than corresponding in vitro assays and are more sustainable in terms of plastic material and solvent consumption. However, instrument investment costs for high-performance thin-layer chromatography are high. Hence, the question arose of whether the sophisticated sensitive planar genotoxicity bioassay could be performed manually without instrumentation under simple conditions. Cheaper plate types were studied as well as manual application of the samples, cell suspension, and substrate solution. As a result, genotoxic compound zones were detected as rose-colored or orange fluorescent resorufin end-product formed upon contact of the genotoxins in tested perfume and packaging materials with a genetically modified Salmonella Typhimurium strain. The simple performance was found to be possible for low sample application volumes. Knowledge on neutral pH value and thickness of the adsorbent layer were further key aspects. Manual spraying was found to be superior to manual immersion if excess liquid was avoided. For high sample volumes and a higher level of standardization, the open-source 2LabsToGo system was proposed as excellent option for low investment costs. Its very low instrumental footprint and the straightforward prioritization strategy help analytical chemistry to balance between technology and nature/ecology to reduce the instrumental footprint and planetary overshoot.
Phototoxicity of cyclometallated Ir(III) complexes bearing a thio-bis-benzimidazole ligand, and its monodentate analogue, as potential PDT photosensitisers in cancer cell killing
Authors: Martínez-Alonso Marta , Jones Callum G. , Shipp James D. , Chekulaev Dimitri , Bryant Helen E. , Weinstein Julia A.
Published: January 2024

Two novel cyclometallated iridium(III) complexes have been prepared with one bidentate or two monodentate imidazole-based ligands, 1 and 2, respectively. The complexes showed intense emission with long lifetimes of the excited state. Femtosecond transient absorption experiments established the nature of the lowest excited state as 3IL state. Singlet oxygen generation with good yields (40% for 1 and 82% for 2) was established by detecting 1O2 directly, through its emission at 1270 nm. Photostability studies were also performed to assess the viability of the complexes as photosensitizers (PS) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Complex 1 was selected as a good candidate to investigate light-activated killing of cells, whilst complex 2 was found to be toxic in the dark and unstable under light. Complex 1 demonstrated high phototoxicity indexes (PI) in the visible region, PI > 250 after irradiation at 405 nm and PI > 150 at 455 nm, in EJ bladder cancer cells.

Graphical abstract
Comparison of antipsychotic drug use in children and adolescents in the Netherlands before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gangapersad Ravish N. , Zhou Guiling , Garcia-Gomez Pilar , Bos Jens , Hak Eelko , Koch Birgit C. P. , Schuiling-Veninga Catharina C. M. , Dierckx Bram
Published: January 2024

This study aims to describe the patterns and trends in antipsychotic prescription among Dutch youth before and during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (between 2017 and 2022). The study specifically aims to determine whether there has been an increase or decrease in antipsychotic prescription among this population, and whether there are any differences in prescription patterns among different age and sex groups. The study utilized the IADB database, which is a pharmacy prescription database containing dispensing data from approximately 120 community pharmacies in the Netherlands, to analyze the monthly prevalence and incidence rates of antipsychotic prescription among Dutch youth before and during the pandemic. The study also examined the prescribing patterns of the five most commonly used antipsychotics and conducted an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) analysis using data prior to the pandemic, to predict the expected prevalence rate during the pandemic. The prescription rate of antipsychotics for Dutch youth was slightly affected by the pandemic, with a monthly prevalence of 4.56 [4.50–4.62] per 1000 youths before COVID-19 pandemic and 4.64 [4.59–4.69] during the pandemic. A significant increase in prevalence was observed among adolescent girls aged 13–19 years. The monthly incidence rate remained stable overall, but rose for adolescent girls aged 13–19 years. Aripiprazole, and Quetiapine had higher monthly prevalence rates during the pandemic, while Risperidone and Pipamperon had lower rates. Similarly, the monthly incidence rates of Aripiprazole and Olanzapine went up, while Risperidone went down. Furthermore, the results from the ARIMA analysis revealed that despite the pandemic, the monthly prevalence rate of antipsychotic prescription was within expectation. The findings of this study suggest that there has been a moderate increase in antipsychotic prescription among Dutch youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in adolescent females aged 13–19 years. However, the study also suggests that factors beyond the pandemic may be contributing to the rise in antipsychotic prescription in Dutch youth.
Cool and hot executive function problems in young children: linking self-regulation processes to emerging clinical symptoms
Authors: Anning Kate L. , Langley Kate , Hobson Christopher , van Goozen Stephanie H. M.
Published: January 2024

Self-regulation (SR) difficulties are implicated in a wide range of disorders which develop in childhood, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), anxiety and depression. However, the integration of the existing research evidence is challenging because of varying terminology and the wide range of tasks used, as well as the heterogeneity and comorbidity within and across diagnostic categories. The current study used the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework to guide the examination of different SR processes in young children showing a wide range of symptomatology. Children (aged 4–8) referred by teachers for moderate-to-high conduct, hyperactivity and/or emotional problems at school (assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) subscales; n = 212), and children in SDQ typical ranges (n = 30) completed computerised cognitive control and decision-making tasks. Parents completed questionnaires to assess ADHD, ODD, anxiety and depression symptoms (n = 191). Compared to children with no teacher-reported difficulties, those with moderate-to-high problems showed poorer visuomotor control and decision-making. A factor analysis revealed that task variables adhered to RDoC dimensions and predicted variance in specific disorders: difficulties in cognitive control predicted ADHD symptoms, low reward-seeking was associated with depression and high reward-seeking was associated with ODD. This study highlights how the assessment of cognitive processes positioned within the RDoC framework can inform our understanding of disorder-specific and transdiagnostic difficulties in SR which are associated with diverse clinical symptoms in children.
Finite element evaluation of dentin stress changes following different endodontic surgical approaches
Authors: Aslan Tuğrul , Esim Emir , Üstün Yakup
Published: January 2024

The aim was to compare the effect of different endodontic surgical treatments on the stress distributions in dentin of a simulated first mandibular molar tooth using the finite element analysis method. Three surgical endodontic procedures (apical resection, root amputation, and hemisection) were simulated in a first mandibular molar. Biodentine or mineral-trioxide-aggregate was used to repair the surgery site in apical resection and root amputation models; the remaining root canal spaces were filled with gutta-percha. Access cavities were restored using resin composite. In hemisection model, root canal was filled with gutta-percha, and coronal restoration was finished with a monolithic zirconia crown. A sound tooth model was created as a control model. An oblique force of 300 N angled at 45° to the occlusal plane was simulated. Maximum von Mises stresses were evaluated in dentin near the surgery regions and the entire tooth. Apical resection/Biodentine and apical resection/mineral-trioxide-aggregate models generated maximum von Mises stresses of 39.001 MPa and 39.106 MPa, respectively. The recorded maximum von Mises stresses in root amputation models were 66.491 MPa for root amputation/Biodentine and 73.063 MPa for root amputation/mineral-trioxide-aggregate models. The highest maximum von Mises stress value among all models was observed in the hemisection model, measuring 138.87 MPa. Hemisection induced the highest von Mises stresses in dentin, followed by root amputation and apical resection. In apical resection, Biodentine and mineral-trioxide-aggregate did not show a significant difference in stress distribution. Biodentine in root amputation may lead to lower stresses compared to mineral-trioxide-aggregate.
Efficacy of trapping protocols for Agrilus jewel beetles: a multi-country assessment
Authors: Santoiemma Giacomo , Williams David , Booth Everett G. , Cavaletto Giacomo , Connell James , Curletti Gianfranco , de Groot Maarten , Devine Sarah M. , Enston Abigail , Francese Joseph A. , Franzen Emily K. L. , Giasson Mischa , Groznik Eva , Gutowski Jerzy M. , Hauptman Tine , Hinterstoisser Werner , Hoch Gernot , Hoppe Björn , Hughes Cory , Kostaniwicz Chantelle , Peterson Donnie L. , Plewa Radosław , Ray Ann M. , Sallé Aurélien , Sućko Krzysztof , Sweeney Jon , Van Rooyen Kate , Rassati Davide
Published: January 2024

The genus Agrilus is one of the most diverse insect genera worldwide. The larval feeding activity causes extensive damage in both forests and orchards. In addition, more than 30 species have been introduced outside their native range so far, including the emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire. Thus, the availability of efficient trapping protocols for early detection of Agrilus species at entry points is of utmost importance. In this study we tested whether trapping protocols developed for surveillance of A. planipennis in North America were also effective for other Agrilus species. In particular, through a multi-country assessment we compared the efficacy of detecting Agrilus species on: (i) green glue-coated prism traps vs. green Fluon-coated multi-funnel traps when baited with the green leaf volatile (Z)-3-hexenol or left unbaited; and (ii) green multi-panel traps vs. green multi-panel traps baited with dead adult Agrilus beetles (decoys). A total of 23,481 individuals from 45 Agrilus species were caught. Trap design significantly affected both species richness and abundance of Agrilus species in several of the countries where the trapping experiments were carried out, and green prism traps outperformed green multi-funnel traps in most cases. On the contrary, the addition of a (Z)-3-hexenol lure or dead adult beetle decoys on to traps did not improve trap catches. Our study highlights that reliable trap models to survey Agrilus species are already available, but also that there is the clear need to further investigate chemical ecology of Agrilus species to develop semiochemical lures that can improve detection efficacy.
A survey of multi-agent deep reinforcement learning with communication
Authors: Zhu Changxi , Dastani Mehdi , Wang Shihan
Published: January 2024

Communication is an effective mechanism for coordinating the behaviors of multiple agents, broadening their views of the environment, and to support their collaborations. In the field of multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL), agents can improve the overall learning performance and achieve their objectives by communication. Agents can communicate various types of messages, either to all agents or to specific agent groups, or conditioned on specific constraints. With the growing body of research work in MADRL with communication (Comm-MADRL), there is a lack of a systematic and structural approach to distinguish and classify existing Comm-MADRL approaches. In this paper, we survey recent works in the Comm-MADRL field and consider various aspects of communication that can play a role in designing and developing multi-agent reinforcement learning systems. With these aspects in mind, we propose 9 dimensions along which Comm-MADRL approaches can be analyzed, developed, and compared. By projecting existing works into the multi-dimensional space, we discover interesting trends. We also propose some novel directions for designing future Comm-MADRL systems through exploring possible combinations of the dimensions.
A vendor-managed inventory model for a three-layer supply chain considering exponential demand, imperfect system, and remanufacturing
Authors: Salas-Navarro Katherinne , Florez Whady F. , Cárdenas-Barrón Leopoldo Eduardo
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a vendor-managed inventory model for a three-layer supply chain comprised of suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers. This model considers an imperfect production system with a deterministic percentage of defective and deteriorated items, exponential demand for perishable products, and operational costs. The VMI model maximizes the benefits, assuming a Stackelberg approach to find the optimal values of replenishment lot sizes, production rates, selling prices, and product cycle length. A solution algorithm is developed to find the optimal solutions. A case study of the Dairy Industry for highly perishable products is provided to illustrate the applications, evaluate the performance, and obtain managerial insights. The results show that the percentage of defective and deteriorated items and remanufacturing rates are crucial in replenishment, production, and selling policies. The VMI agreement includes remanufacturing defective products to obtain new dairy derivates. The deteriorated products can be sold as near-expired products or inputs for compost, fertilizers, etc. Finally, some conclusions and future research lines are provided.
Reciprocal regulation of forkhead box C1 and L1 cell adhesion molecule contributes to triple-negative breast cancer progression
Authors: Zhang Fan , Xu Yue , Lin Jiediao , Pan Hongchao , Giuliano Armando E. , Cui Xiaojiang , Cui Yukun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The potential of targeting forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) as a therapeutic approach for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is promising. However, a comprehensive understanding of FOXC1 regulation, particularly upstream factors, remains elusive. Expression of the L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), a transmembrane glycoprotein associated with brain metastasis, was observed to be positively associated with FOXC1 transcripts. Thus, this study aims to investigate their relationship in TNBC progression.

Methods

Publicly available FOXC1 and L1CAM transcriptomic data were obtained, and their corresponding proteins were analyzed in four TNBC cell lines. In BT549 cells, FOXC1 and L1CAM were individually silenced, while L1CAM was overexpressed in BT549-shFOXC1, MDA-MB-231, and HCC1937 cells. CCK-8, transwell, and wound healing assays were performed in these cell lines, and immunohistochemical staining was conducted in tumor samples.

Results

A positive correlation between L1CAM and FOXC1 transcripts was observed in publicly available datasets. In BT549 cells, knockdown of FOXC1 led to reduced L1CAM expression at both the transcriptional and protein levels, and conversely, silencing of L1CAM decreased FOXC1 protein levels, but interestingly, FOXC1 transcripts remained largely unaffected. Overexpressing L1CAM resulted in increased FOXC1 protein expression without significant changes in FOXC1 mRNA levels. This trend was also observed in BT549-shFOXC1, MDA-MB-231-L1CAM, and HCC1937-L1CAM cells. Notably, alterations in FOXC1 or L1CAM levels corresponded to changes in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities. Furthermore, a positive correlation between L1CAM and FOXC1 protein expression was detected in human TNBC tumors.

Conclusion

FOXC1 and L1CAM exhibit co-regulation at the protein level, with FOXC1 regulating at the transcriptional level and L1CAM regulating at the post-transcriptional level, and together they positively influence cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in TNBC.
Fluorescence imaging for real-time detection of breast cancer tumors using IV injection of indocyanine green with non-conventional imaging: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies of perioperative imaging technologies
Authors: Pop C. Florin , Veys Isabelle , Bormans Anne , Larsimont Denis , Liberale Gabriel
Published: January 2024

Background

This review summarizes the available data on the effectiveness of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG-FI) for real-time detection of breast cancer (BC) tumors with perioperative imaging technologies.

Methods

PubMed and Scopus databases were exhaustively searched for publications on the use of the real-time ICG-FI evaluation of BC tumors with non-conventional breast imaging technologies.

Results

Twenty-three studies were included in this review. ICG-FI has been used for BC tumor identification in 12 orthotopic animal tumor experiences, 4 studies on animal assessment, and for 7 human clinical applications. The BC tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) was 1.1–8.5 in orthotopic tumor models and 1.4–3.9 in animal experiences.

The detection of primary human BC tumors varied from 40% to 100%. The mean TBR reported for human BC varied from 2.1 to 3.7. In two studies evaluating BC surgical margins, good sensitivity (93.3% and 100%) and specificity (60% and 96%) have been reported, with a negative predictive value of ICG-FI to predict margin involvement intraoperatively of 100% in one study.

Conclusions

The use of ICG-FI as a guiding tool for the real-time identification of BC tumors and for the assessment of tumor boundaries is promising. There is great variability between the studies with regard to timing and dose. Further evidence is needed to assess whether ICG-guided BC surgery may be implemented as a standard of care.
Fractional rheology of colloidal hydrogels with cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Miranda-Valdez Isaac Y. , Sourroubille Marie , Mäkinen Tero , Puente-Córdova Jesús G. , Puisto Antti , Koivisto Juha , Alava Mikko J.
Published: January 2024

Colloidal gels are soft solids composed of particles dispersed in a fluid phase. Their rheological behavior highly depends on the particle concentration, but establishing a relationship can be challenging. This article showcases the potential of fractional rheology to model and predict linear viscoelastic responses of colloidal hydrogels containing TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers. Cellulose nanofiber hydrogels are soft solids whose rheology is directly related to the particle concentration. Therefore, this work defined the rheological behavior of the hydrogels using a fractional order derivative analytically solved to determine rheological responses in frequency, stress relaxation, and creep. Using two parameters, it evaluated the rheology of cellulose nanofiber hydrogels and established tests that predict rheological behaviors for given particle concentrations. The findings suggested that the fractional approach could become a standard method for characterizing cellulose nanofiber hydrogels in the reported concentration regime. The two parameters of the fractional model build a comparison framework to assess the rheology of different viscoelastic materials.

Graphic abstract
Financial Crime Scripting: an Analytical Method to Generate, Organise and Systematise Knowledge on the Financial Aspects of Profit-Driven Crime
Authors: Snaphaan Thom , van Ruitenburg Teun
Published: January 2024

This article presents a further development of the existing crime scripting framework to enhance insight in the financial aspects of profit-driven crime: financial crime scripting. By drawing on the foundations of crime script analysis, financial crime scripting allows to generate, organise and systematise knowledge about the financial aspects of the crime commission processes of a variety of crime types, and accounts for linking the dots with financial crimes, such as bribery, bankruptcy fraud and money laundering. Viewing these financial crimes as supporting or succeeding offences in light of profit-driven crimes, and at the same time providing guidance to analyse these offences as profit-driven crimes in itself, opens the door for detailed analyses without losing sight of the bigger picture, i.e., the interconnectedness with other crimes. This analytical method helps crime researchers to take into account the financial aspects of crime-commission processes in crime script analyses and could help law enforcement agencies and other crime prevention partners to go beyond a proceeds-of-crime approach and put a follow-the-money approach in practice. Financial crime scripting takes full account of the financial aspects of profit-driven crime and puts relevant concepts in broader perspective, enhancing understanding with conceptual clarity. In addition to outlining the framework, the relevance for policy and practice is unravelled and avenues for future research are discussed.
Community ecological response to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Baiyangdian Lake based on an ecological model
Authors: Zeng Yong , Li Jiaxin , Zhao Yanwei , Yang Wei
Published: January 2024

The dynamic response of a single population to chemicals can be represented by a Weibull function. However, it is unclear whether the overall response can still be represented in this manner when scaled up to the community level. In this study, we investigated the responses of biological communities to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by using an ecological model of Baiyangdian Lake in northern China. The community dynamics process was divided into the following three stages. In the first stage, toxicity, played a dominant role and strong, medium, and weak species responses were observed according to the toxicity sensitivity. In the second stage, the dynamic process was dominated by the interaction strength with three alternative dynamic pathways comprising of direct response, no response, or inverse response. In the third stage, the toxicity was again dominant, and the biomasses of all species decreased to extinction. The toxicological dynamics were far more complex at the community level than those at the single species level and they were also influenced by the interaction strength as well as toxicity. The toxicological dynamic process in the community was constantly driven by the competing effects of these two forces. In addition to the total biomass, the interaction strength was identified as a suitable community-level signal because it exhibited good indicator properties regarding ecosystem steady-state transitions. However, we found that food web stability indicators were not suitable for use as community-level signals because they were not sensitive to changes in the ecosystem state. Some ecological management suggestions have been proposed, including medium to long-term monitoring, and reduction of external pollution loads and bioindicators. The results obtained in this study increase our understanding of how chemicals interfere with community dynamics, and the interaction strength and total biomass were identified as useful holistic indicators.
Differential DNA methylation and metabolite profiling of Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) from the New Bedford Harbor Superfund site
Authors: Kim Jiwan , Jung Dawoon , Chatterjee Nivedita , Clark Bryan , Nacci Diane , Kim Suhkmann , Choi Jinhee
Published: January 2024

Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) is a valuable model in evolutionary toxicology to study how the interactions between genetic and environmental factors serve the adaptive ability of organisms to resist chemical pollution. Killifish populations inhabiting environmental toxicant-contaminated New Bedford Harbor (NBH) show phenotypes tolerant to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and differences at the transcriptional and genomic levels. However, limited research has explored epigenetic alterations and metabolic effects in NBH killifish. To identify the involvement of epigenetic and metabolic regulation in the adaptive response of killifish, we investigated tissue- and sex-specific differences in global DNA methylation and metabolomic profiles of NBH killifish populations, compared to sensitive populations from a non-polluted site, Scorton Creek (SC). The results revealed that liver-specific global DNA hypomethylation and differential metabolites were evident in fish from NBH compared with those from SC. The sex-specific differences were not greater than the tissue-specific differences. We demonstrated liver-specific enriched metabolic pathways (e.g., amino acid metabolic pathways converged into the urea cycle and glutathione metabolism), suggesting possible crosstalk between differential metabolites and DNA hypomethylation in the livers of NBH killifish. Additional investigation of methylated gene regions is necessary to understand the functional role of DNA hypomethylation in the regulation of enzyme-encoding genes associated with metabolic processes and physiological changes in NBH populations.
Meta-regression of genome-wide association studies to estimate age-varying genetic effects
Authors: Pagoni Panagiota , Higgins Julian P. T. , Lawlor Deborah A. , Stergiakouli Evie , Warrington Nicole M. , Morris Tim T. , Tilling Kate
Published: January 2024

Fixed-effect meta-analysis has been used to summarize genetic effects on a phenotype across multiple Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) assuming a common underlying genetic effect. Genetic effects may vary with age (or other characteristics), and not allowing for this in a GWAS might lead to bias. Meta-regression models between study heterogeneity and allows effect modification of the genetic effects to be explored. The aim of this study was to explore the use of meta-analysis and meta-regression for estimating age-varying genetic effects on phenotypes. With simulations we compared the performance of meta-regression to fixed-effect and random -effects meta-analyses in estimating (i) main genetic effects and (ii) age-varying genetic effects (SNP by age interactions) from multiple GWAS studies under a range of scenarios. We applied meta-regression on publicly available summary data to estimate the main and age-varying genetic effects of the FTO SNP rs9939609 on Body Mass Index (BMI). Fixed-effect and random-effects meta-analyses accurately estimated genetic effects when these did not change with age. Meta-regression accurately estimated both main genetic effects and age-varying genetic effects. When the number of studies or the age-diversity between studies was low, meta-regression had limited power. In the applied example, each additional minor allele (A) of rs9939609 was inversely associated with BMI at ages 0 to 3, and positively associated at ages 5.5 to 13. Our findings challenge the assumption that genetic effects are consistent across all ages and provide a method for exploring this. GWAS consortia should be encouraged to use meta-regression to explore age-varying genetic effects.
Cascade genetic counseling and testing in hereditary syndromes: inherited cardiovascular disease as a model: a narrative review
Authors: Grutters Laura A. , Christiaans Imke
Published: January 2024

Inherited cardiovascular diseases cover the inherited cardiovascular disease familial hypercholesterolemia and inherited cardiac diseases, like inherited cardiomyopathies and inherited arrhythmia syndromes. Cascade genetic counseling and testing in inherited cardiovascular diseases have had three decades of academic attention. Inherited cardiovascular diseases affect around 1–2% of the population worldwide and cascade genetic counseling and testing are considered valuable since preventive measures and/or treatments are available. Cascade genetic counseling via a family-mediated approach leads to an uptake of genetic counseling and testing among at-risk relatives of around 40% one year after identification of the causal variant in the proband, with uptake remaining far from complete on the long-term. These findings align with uptake rates among relatives at-risk for other late onset medically actionable hereditary diseases, like hereditary cancer syndromes. Previous interventions to increase uptake have focused on optimizing the process of informing relatives through the proband and on contacting relatives directly. However, despite successful information dissemination to at-risk relatives, these approaches had little or no effect on uptake. The limited research into the barriers that impede at-risk relatives from seeking counseling has revealed knowledge, attitudinal, social and practical barriers but it remains unknown how these factors contribute to the decision-making process for seeking counseling in at-risk relatives. A significant effect on uptake of genetic testing has only been reached in the setting of familial hypercholesterolemia, where active information provision was accompanied by a reduction of health-system-related barriers. We propose that more research is needed on barriers -including health-system-related barriers- and how they hinder counseling and testing in at-risk relatives, so that uptake can be optimized by (adjusted) interventions.
Modeling brittle crack propagation for varying critical load levels: a dynamic phase-field approach
Authors: Rudshaug Jonas , Børvik Tore , Hopperstad Odd Sture
Published: January 2024

Brittle materials are known for their violent and unpredictable cracking behavior. A behavior which is dictated by a combination of microscopical material defects and the competition between the potential energy of the system and the surface energy of the material. In this study, we present the implementation of a dynamic fracture phase-field model with a new crack driving force into a commercial finite element (FE) solver and examine its behavior using three different tension-compression splits. After validating the implementation, we use the model to investigate its predictive capacity on quasi-statically loaded L-shaped soda-lime glass specimens with varying critical load levels. The dynamic fracture phase-field model predicted similar crack propagation to what was found in the literature for quasi-static and dynamic validation cases. By varying the critical load level for the L-shaped soda-lime glass specimens using the new crack driving force, the model predicted a positive correlation between the initial crack propagation speed and the critical load level, similar to what was seen in the experiments. However, the predicted crack propagation speed decreased quicker than the experimental crack propagation speed. The tension-compression splits had an impact on the predicted crack propagation paths. Overall, the proposed crack driving force used in the dynamic fracture phase-field model seems to capture the relation between critical load and initial crack propagation speed and thus enables crack predictions for specimens of varying strength.
Effect of carbon enrichment in polymer-derived ceramers on the electrochemical characteristics of their derived carbons
Authors: Tamayo A. , Rodriguez Mª. A. , Rubio J. , Rubio F.
Published: January 2024

The synthesis of C-rich ceramers from a commercial polycarbosilane has been realized through the incorporation of divinylbenzene (DVB) to the polymer SMP-10. After pyrolysis, the obtained ceramers were dry etched to produce highly porous carbide-derived carbons (CDCs). The excess carbon was segregated in the form of amorphous carbon out from the ceramer matrix. The resulting CDCs possess a carbon nanocrystallite size which turns to be independent on the DVB incorporated or the pyrolysis and chlorination temperature. The electrochemical characterization reveals that the consolidation of the ceramer or ceramic network leads to a reduction of the carbon heterogeneities, thus improving its electric conductivity. When the ceramic network is formed, the behavior of the CDC as electrode supercapacitor is optimized and turns to be independent on the amount of DVB incorporated.

Graphical Abstract