bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatially resolved metabolomics: From metabolite mapping to function visualising
Authors: Min Xinyue , Zhao Yiran , Yu Meng , Zhang Wenchao , Jiang Xinyi , Guo Kaijing , Wang Xiangyi , Huang Jianpeng , Li Tong , Sun Lixin , He Jiuming
Published: October 2024

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI)‐based spatially resolved metabolomics addresses the limitations inherent in traditional liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS)‐based metabolomics, particularly the loss of spatial context within heterogeneous tissues. MSI not only enhances our understanding of disease aetiology but also aids in the identification of biomarkers and the assessment of drug toxicity and therapeutic efficacy by converting invisible metabolites and biological networks into visually rendered image data. In this comprehensive review, we illuminate the key advancements in MSI‐driven spatially resolved metabolomics over the past few years. We first outline recent innovations in preprocessing methodologies and MSI instrumentation that improve the sensitivity and comprehensiveness of metabolite detection. We then delve into the progress made in functional visualization techniques, which enhance the precision of metabolite identification and annotation. Ultimately, we discuss the significant potential applications of spatially resolved metabolomics technology in translational medicine and drug development, offering new perspectives for future research and clinical translation.

Highlights

MSI‐driven spatial metabolomics preserves metabolite spatial information, enhancing disease analysis and biomarker discovery.

Advances in MSI technology improve detection sensitivity and accuracy, expanding bioanalytical applications.

Enhanced visualization techniques refine metabolite identification and spatial distribution analysis.

Integration of MSI with AI promises to advance precision medicine and accelerate drug development.
Lactylation in cancer: Mechanisms in tumour biology and therapeutic potentials
Authors: He Yipeng , Song Tianbao , Ning Jinzhuo , Wang Zefeng , Yin Zhen , Jiang Pengcheng , Yuan Qin , Yu Weimin , Cheng Fan
Published: October 2024

Lactylation, a recently identified form of protein post‐translational modification (PTM), has emerged as a key player in cancer biology. The Warburg effect, a hallmark of tumour metabolism, underscores the significance of lactylation in cancer progression. By regulating gene transcription and protein function, lactylation facilitates metabolic reprogramming, enabling tumours to adapt to nutrient limitations and sustain rapid growth. Over the past decade, extensive research has revealed the intricate regulatory network underlying lactylation in tumours. Large‐scale sequencing and machine learning have confirmed the widespread occurrence of lactylation sites across the tumour proteome. Targeting lactylation enzymes or metabolic pathways has demonstrated promising anti‐tumour effects, highlighting the therapeutic potential of this modification. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms of lactylation in cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment. We expound on the application of advanced omics technologies for target identification and data modelling within the lactylation field. Additionally, we summarise existing anti‐lactylation drugs and discuss their clinical implications. By providing a comprehensive overview of recent advancements, this review aims to stimulate innovative research and accelerate the translation of lactylation‐based therapies into clinical practice.

Key points

Lactylation significantly influences tumour metabolism and gene regulation, contributing to cancer progression.

Advanced sequencing and machine learning reveal widespread lactylation sites in tumours.

Targeting lactylation enzymes shows promise in enhancing anti‐tumour drug efficacy and overcoming chemotherapy resistance.

This review outlines the clinical implications and future research directions of lactylation in oncology.
Considering Sufficient Weight Loss as a Prerequisite for Development of Anorexia Nervosa and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Hebebrand Johannes , Seitz Jochen , Matthews Abigail
Published: October 2024

Background

Because premorbid BMI strongly predicts the amount of weight loss in anorexia nervosa (AN)/atypical AN, we hypothesize that weight loss triggers both disorders by inducing the endocrine adaptation to starvation.

Method

We propose research to capture the onset of AN/atypical AN following intentional, otherwise behaviorally motivated, or unintentional weight loss in relationship to premorbid weight.

Results

We propose retrospective and prospective studies to examine the temporal development of symptoms in AN/atypical AN. Given a greater frequency of weight loss behaviors in individuals with high BMIs, patients with intentionally driven weight loss should demonstrate a higher mean weight loss and greater premorbid weight and shape concerns. Practice guidelines necessitate weight gain for AN recovery, yet how weight gain induces improvements is unspecified and warrants systematic elucidation. Finally, we highlight implications for the current conceptualization of genetic and environmental contributors of AN/atypical AN in twin and molecular genetic studies.

Conclusion

We propose separating the starvation‐induced mechanisms relevant for AN/atypical AN development from the reasons/mechanisms inherent to weight loss.
Revealing the Demographic History of the European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
Authors: Day George , Fox Graeme , Hipperson Helen , Maher Kathryn H. , Tucker Rachel , Horsburgh Gavin J. , Waters Dean , Durant Kate L. , Burke Terry , Slate Jon , Arnold Kathryn E.
Published: October 2024

A species' demographic history gives important context to contemporary population genetics and a possible insight into past responses to climate change; with an individual's genome providing a window into the evolutionary history of contemporary populations. Pairwise sequentially Markovian coalescent (PSMC) analysis uses information from a single genome to derive fluctuations in effective population size change over the last ~5 million years. Here, we apply PSMC analysis to two European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) genomes, sampled in Northwest and Southern Europe, with the aim of revealing the demographic history of nightjar in Europe. We successfully reconstructed effective population size over the last 5 million years. Our analysis shows that in response to global climate change, the effective population size of nightjar broadly increased under stable warm periods and decreased during cooler spans and prolonged glacial periods. PSMC analysis on the pseudo‐diploid combination of the two genomes revealed fluctuations in gene flow between ancestral populations over time, with gene flow ceasing by the last‐glacial period. Our results are tentatively suggestive of divergence in the European nightjar population, with timings consistent with differentiation being driven by restriction to different refugia during periods of glaciation. Finally, our results suggest that migratory behaviour in nightjar likely evolved prior to the last‐glacial period, with long‐distance migration seemingly persisting throughout the Pleistocene. However, further genetic structure analysis of individuals from known breeding sites across the species' contemporary range is needed to understand the extent and origins of range‐wide differentiation in nightjar.
Evaluation of a Nanopore Sequencing Strategy on Bacterial Communities From Marine Sediments
Authors: Lemoinne Alice , Dirberg Guillaume , Georges Myriam , Robinet Tony
Published: October 2024

Following the development of high‐throughput DNA sequencers, environmental prokaryotic communities were usually described by metabarcoding on short markers of the 16S domain. Among third‐generation sequencers, that offered the possibility to sequence the full 16S domain, the portable MinION from Oxford Nanopore was undervalued for metabarcoding because of its relatively higher error rate per read. Here we illustrate the limits and benefits of Nanopore sequencing devices by comparing the prokaryotic community structure in a mock community and 52 sediment samples from mangrove sites, inferred from full‐length 16S long‐reads (16S‐FL, ca. 1.5 kbp) on a MinION device, with those inferred from partial 16S short‐reads (16S‐V4V5, ca. 0.4 kbp, 16S‐V4V5) on Illumina MiSeq. 16S‐V4V5 and 16S‐FL retrieved all the bacterial species from the mock, but Nanopore long‐reads overestimated their diversity (56 species vs. 15). Whether these supplementary OTUs were artefactual or not, they only accounted for ca. 10% of the reads. From the sediment samples, with a coverage‐based rarefaction of reads and after singletons filtering, Mantel and Procrustean tests of co‐inertia showed that bacterial community structures inferred from 16S‐V4V5 and 16S‐FL were significantly similar, showing both a comparable contrast between sites and a coherent sea‐land orientation within sites. In our dataset, 84.7% and 98.8% of the 16S‐V4V5 assigned reads were assigned strictly to the same species and genus, respectively, than those detected by 16S‐FL. 16S‐FL detected 92.2% of the 309 families and 87.7% of the 448 genera that were detected by the short 16S‐V4V5. 16S‐FL recorded 973 additional species and 392 genus not detected by 16S‐V4V5 (31.5% and 10.4% of the 16S‐FL reads, respectively, among which 67.8% and 79.3% were assigned), produced by both primer specificities and different error rates. Thus, our results concluded an overall similarity between 16S‐V4V5 and 16S‐FL sequencing strategies for this type of environmental samples.
Validation of Environmental DNA for Estimating Proportional and Absolute Biomass
Authors: Ledger Kimberly J. , Hicks Mary Beth Rew , Hurst Thomas P. , Larson Wes , Baetscher Diana S.
Published: October 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has significant potential to improve the efficiency of biological sampling and detect species that pose challenges for traditional sampling methods. However, a key obstacle in utilizing eDNA data for ecosystem management is uncertainty surrounding the ability to estimate abundance or biomass of multiple species simultaneously. In this study, we use experimental trials with known biomasses of multiple species to explore the feasibility of (1) estimating species proportions from eDNA metabarcoding data and (2) estimating absolute eDNA concentrations of multiple species by scaling metabarcoding proportions with eDNA concentrations of a single species obtained from qPCR. The focal species for this study were three gadid fishes that are key components of marine ecosystems in Alaska and vary in their distribution and habitat use: Walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus), Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), and Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida). After designing gadid‐specific metabarcoding primers and accounting for PCR biases in the metabarcoding data, we found corrected read proportions closely approximated the true biomass proportions of species. Furthermore, we found strong positive relationships between absolute eDNA concentration and absolute biomass for Arctic cod and Pacific cod using quantitative metabarcoding data combined with estimates of Walleye pollock eDNA concentration derived from qPCR. These findings suggest that it is possible to accurately quantify species compositions and estimate metrics of biomass for gadids in real‐world scenarios. Furthermore, this work provides a framework for developing primers and analytical approaches that can be applied to other species to improve the quantitative utility of eDNA.
Impact of the adenosine receptor A2BR expressed on myeloid cells on immune regulation during pregnancy
Authors: Dietz Stefanie , Hebel Janine , Rühle Jessica , Huff Alisha , Eltzschig Holger K. , Lajqi Trim , Poets Christian F. , Gille Christian , Köstlin‐Gille Natascha
Published: October 2024

During pregnancy, the maternal immune system must carefully balance protection against pathogens with tolerance toward the semiallogeneic fetus. Dysfunctions of the immune system can lead to severe complications such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, or pregnancy loss. Adenosine plays a role in physiological processes and plasma‐level increase during pregnancy. The adenosine receptor A2B (A2BR), which is expressed on both, immune and nonimmune cells, is activated by high adenosine concentrations, achieved during pregnancy. We investigated the impact of A2BR expressed on myeloid cells on immune regulation during pregnancy using a mouse model with myeloid deficiency for A2BR. We demonstrate systemic changes in myeloid and lymphoid cell populations during pregnancy in A2BR‐KO (Adora2B923f/f‐LysMCre) mice with increased monocytes, neutrophils, and T cells but decreased B cells as well as altered T‐cell subpopulations with decreased Th1 cells and Tregs and increased Th17 cells. Lack of A2BR on myeloid cells caused an increased systemic expression of IL‐6 but decreased systemic accumulation and function of MDSC and reduced numbers of uterine natural killer cells. The pregnancy outcome was only marginally affected. Our results demonstrate that A2BR on myeloid cells plays a role in immune regulation during pregnancy, but the clinical impact on pregnancy remains unclear.
Making Sense of ‘Us’: Mechanisms Linking Attachment Avoidance and Couple Identity Clarity
Authors: Slotter Erica B. , Emery Lydia F. , Audigier Alexis , Gardner Wendi L.
Published: October 2024

Just as people strive to understand their own individual identities—to form a clear and coherent sense of who they are—they also seek to gain a clear understanding of who and what they are as a couple. However, some people may struggle in this goal; specifically, people high in attachment avoidance, who face barriers unique to the specific nature of their insecurity. We investigated whether attachment avoidance is negatively correlated with couple identity clarity and tested potential mechanisms for this association. We proposed that less interpersonal closeness and self‐verification from their partner would mediate the association between attachment avoidance and couple identity clarity. We found support for these hypotheses across three studies (total N = 912). Thus, attachment avoidance may create identity‐specific challenges in relationships.
Functional organic 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane artificial layers for the dendrite suppressed lithium metal anodes
Authors: Liu Qing , Zheng Zhiyong , Xiong Peixun , Huang Chun , Huang Shengyang , Zhao Baohuai , Wu Yongan , Zhang Yi , Kim Bo‐Kyong , Yu Xu , Park Ho Seok
Published: October 2024

The large‐scale industrialization of lithium metal (Li), as a potential anode for a high energy density energy storage system, has been hindered by dendrite growth. The construction of an artificial solid electrolyte interphase layer featuring high ionic and low electronic conductivity has been verified to be a high‐performance strategy to confine the dendrite growth and promote the Li anode stability. Therefore, a functional organic protective layer is homogeneously deposited on the Li anode surface via an in situ chemical reaction between tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and Li. The as‐synthesized Lin‐TCNQ organic film could efficiently trap non‐uniform Li deposition and restrain dendrite propagation. Particularly, an asymmetric M‐TCNQ‐Li|Cu cell with the Lin‐TCNQ layer breezed through a high Coulombic efficiency of 91.15% after 100 cycles at 1.0 mA cm−2. The M‐TCNQ‐Li|NCM622 cell delivered a high capacity of 143.40 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and maintained a good cyclic stability of 110.44 mAh g−1 after 160 cycles. The analysis results of spectroscopic tests further demonstrate that the Lin‐TCNQ with the enhanced absorption energy is conducive to lithiophilicity and decreases the overpotential of Li deposition.
Two familial cases of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome associated with UDP‐glucose‐6‐dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Suyo C. , Reyes Valenzuela G. , Melgarejo S. , Loos M. , Juanes M. , Touzon M. S. , Angarita G. , Mesa M. , Alonso C. , Caraballo R.
Published: October 2024

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are severe forms of epilepsy characterized by seizure onset in infancy or childhood. The seizures are typically drug‐resistant and often accompanied by significant alterations in the electroencephalogram (EEG). DEEs are associated with neurodevelopmental impairment, which can arise from both the epileptic activity itself and the underlying etiology, which is most often genetic in origin. We present the clinical and molecular features of two patients with DEE associated with a pathogenic variant in the UGDH gene. This gene encodes a protein that converts uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glucose into UDP‐glucuronate, which plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans, essential components of the connective tissue and extracellular matrix. Both patients started with epileptic spasms associated with a pattern of hypsarrhythmia in the EEG at 4 months of age. Both developed global developmental delay and the physical examination revealed hypotonia and mildly dysmorphic features. In both families, there was another affected sibling with a similar clinical presentation, although genetic studies were not performed in one of these children. A homozygous pathogenic variant in the UGDH gene, NM_003359.4:c.131C>T – p.(Ala44Val), previously reported to be associated with the described phenotype, was identified.
Purging frequency and number of purging methods as indicators of severity in bulimia nervosa: Interactive effects with binge eating episodes
Authors: Dieffenbacher Anna L. , Meule Adrian , Voderholzer Ulrich
Published: October 2024

Objective

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐5, severity of bulimia nervosa (BN) is defined by the frequency of purging behaviour. Previous research suggests the number of purging methods as an alternative rating. The current analysis investigated characteristics (sociodemographic and treatment‐related variables, body mass index [BMI], eating disorder‐specific and general psychopathology) of persons with BN as a function of purging frequency and number of purging methods in order to examine which approach might be better suited for indicating severity of BN.

Method

Two‐hundred and sixty‐one persons (98.5% female; mean age 25.2 years, SD = 9.41; mean BMI 22.0 kg/m2, SD = 3.79) with BN completed self‐report questionnaires on eating disorder‐specific and general psychopathology at admission to inpatient (n = 214) or daypatient (n = 47) treatment.

Results

Higher severity based on either purging frequency or number of purging methods tended to relate to lower BMI and higher eating disorder‐specific and general psychopathology. In addition, binge‐eating frequency differentially related to eating disorder‐specific and general psychopathology as a function of severity groups.

Conclusions

This study partially supports the utility of both purging frequency and the number of purging methods as indicators of severity in persons with BN. However, focussing only on purging behaviours may be short‐sighted as it appears necessary to consider the number of binge‐eating episodes as well when evaluating severity of BN.
Evaluation of MENAQUINONE‐7 and fat‐soluble vitamin production by starter cultures during fermentation in dairy products using RPLC method
Authors: Altuncu Vildan , Kaymaz Aykut , Ertekin Filiz Bilge , Çubuk Demiralay Ebru , Kök Taş Tuğba
Published: October 2024

Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, has become a significant research focus, particularly in fermented products. This study aims to investigate the content of menaquinone‐7 (MK‐7), an essential form of vitamin K, and other fat‐soluble vitamins (A, D, E) during the fermentation of various fermented milk products. The vitamin contents of six fermented milk products were analyzed: two yogurt samples (produced with commercial starter and probiotic starter), two kefir samples (produced with commercial starter and kefir grain), and milk fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium bifidum. Throughout the fermentation process, continuous pH monitoring was conducted, and fermentation was terminated based on pH levels. Fat‐soluble vitamins and vitamins K1, K2 were extracted from samples taken at specific fermentation periods and quantitatively determined using the reverse phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) method. The developed method was validated according to ICH guidelines. Simultaneously, the microbial content of the samples was analyzed. Among the fermented dairy products analyzed, the highest MK‐7 content (4.82 μg/100 g) was found in the kefir sample produced with kefir grain (KG). The diverse microorganisms in kefir grains necessitated detailed research to explain their role in this complex mechanism. In yogurt samples, the presence of L. acidophilus in the YB sample suggests that this bacterium may be responsible for the observed differences. This is supported by the LA sample, where production with L. acidophilus strain showed an increase from 0.97 to 1.70 at the 20th hour of fermentation. It was noted that the concentration of menaquinone‐7 increased throughout the fermentation period. Given the critical health effects of essential fat‐soluble vitamins and MKs, determining their content in commonly consumed fermented dairy products and understanding the influence of starter cultures, which are potential probiotics, on vitamin production underscores the importance of this research. It is important to highlight the potential of fermented products in nutritional recommendations.
The Impact of Vitamin E Supplementation on Oxidative Stress, Cognitive Functions, and Aging‐Related Gene Expression in Aged Mice
Authors: Molavi Vasei Farnoosh , Zamanian Mohammad Yasin , Golmohammadi Maryam , Mahmoodi Mehdi , Khademalhosseini Morteza , Tavakoli Tayyebeh , Esmaeili Ozra Sadat , Zarei Sadegh , Reza Mirzaei Mohammad , Hajizadeh Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the effects of different doses of vitamin E on oxidative stress, cognitive function, and gene expression in aged mice. A total of 32 male mice, aged 12 months, were divided into a control group and three treatment groups. These groups received varying daily doses of vitamin E for a period of 28 days. The results showed significant improvements in cognitive function, specifically in working memory and spatial learning, in the groups that received vitamin E (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) compared to the control group. The markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities also demonstrated improvements, with higher doses of vitamin E showing greater effects. The analysis of gene expression revealed increased expression of SIRT1, Nrf2, and Calstabin2, particularly at higher doses of vitamin E. These findings suggest that vitamin E supplementation may help counteract age‐related cellular changes. The study concludes that vitamin E supplementation can reduce oxidative stress, enhance cognitive function, and affect genetic markers of aging in mice, which may have therapeutic benefits in addressing age‐related cognitive decline and oxidative damage. Further research is necessary to investigate the clinical implications of these findings in humans.
Investigating the Skin Health Benefits of Rosa roxburghii, Punica granatum and Rose: A Randomized Single‐Blind Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Hao Yining , Wang Zhan , Qu Liping
Published: October 2024

Recent studies underscore the beneficial impacts of oral natural plant extracts on human skin health, though clinical evidence of their efficacy and safety is limited. This study evaluates the skin health effects of a novel oral supplement containing Rosa roxburghii, Punica granatum, and rose extracts (RPR) 0.70 healthy female participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or an RPR group, with the latter ingesting 20 mL of the RPR supplement daily on an empty stomach over 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the RPR group exhibited significant enhancements (p < 0.001) in skin hydration, glossiness, elasticity, and skin tone, with increases of 69.02%, 30.48%, 25.97%, and 7.52%, respectively. Concurrently, decreases in skin firmness and melanin levels were observed at 21.17% (p = 0.007) and 25.06% (p < 0.001), respectively. Statistical analysis confirmed that these changes were significantly greater than those in the control group. Image analysis indicated no significant changes in mean optical density of hyperpigmented spots within the RPR group (p = 0.367), but a significant reduction in the areas of hyperpigmented spots, under‐eye fine lines, and crow's feet by 41.50%, 37.55%, and 29.36%, respectively (p < 0.001), whereas no significant changes were detected in the control group. Importantly, no adverse effects were observed. These findings suggest that the combined intake of Rosa roxburghii, Punica granatum, and rose extracts can improve skin health, offering a promising natural alternative for dermatological care.
Direct and indirect longitudinal relationships among self‐efficacy, job performance and career advancements
Authors: Alessandri Guido , Borgogni Laura , Latham Gary P.
Published: October 2024

The present study examined the longitudinal relations among work self‐efficacy beliefs, job performance and career success, defined as objective career advancements. We argued that job performance would mediate both the influence of worker's self‐efficacy beliefs on career success and the influence of career success on subsequent self‐efficacy beliefs. The participants were 976 employees of one of the largest companies in Italy, assessed at three time points (i.e., Waves 1, 2 and 3), spaced apart by 3 years. Job performance significantly mediated the relationship between self‐efficacy beliefs and subsequent career success as well as the reverse influence of career success on subsequent self‐efficacy beliefs. The posited conceptual model explained a significant portion of the variance in all endogenous variables and has implications for interventions intended to promote the development of individuals within organisations.
Initial experience of 980‐nm diode laser treatment for recurrent non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Fukuhara Hideo , Hamada Yusei , Shimasaki Syo , Iga Ryohei , Atagi Kaya , Shigehisa Ryu , Ota Yuhi , Yamamoto Shinkuro , Osakabe Hiroto , Nao Tomoya , Shimamoto Tsutomu , Fukata Satosi , Ashida Shingo , Karashima Takashi , Inoue Keiji
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Laser ablation using a 980‐nm wavelength diode laser, which is a new‐generation laser, for recurrent bladder cancer is known to have a lower incidence of complications and recurrence than conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumor surgery. This is the first study to report the use of 980‐nm diode laser ablation for recurrent non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer in Japan.

Case presentation

A 73‐year‐old man underwent transurethral laser ablation for the treatment of recurrent non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer. Laser irradiation was performed using LEONARDO DUAL (diode laser/980‐nm wavelength) and a 400‐μm BARE laser fiber. Pathological evaluation indicated low‐grade urothelial carcinoma, pTa. The patient was discharged on the second postoperative day with no perioperative or postoperative complications.

Conclusion

This case suggests the potential of transurethral laser ablation for treating recurrent non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer.
Counselors’ theoretical orientations and competencies in counseling women
Authors: Han Eunae , Hoffman Lesa , Wood Susannah M.
Published: October 2024

The current study examined the relationship between theoretical orientations and competencies in counseling women among professional counselors. Counselors currently meeting clients were recruited from professional counseling organizations, and the responses from 265 counselors were analyzed using structural equation models. Results indicated that a stronger psychoanalytic orientation predicted lesser competencies in counseling women, while stronger humanistic, feminist, and multicultural orientations predicted higher competencies in counseling women. The study highlights the need for counselors to integrate theoretical orientations with social justice perspectives to better serve women.
Cybersecurity threats and preparedness: Implications for dental schools
Authors: Nalliah Romesh P. , Praveen Suvesha , Allareddy Trishul V. , Gajendrareddy Praveenkumar , Lee Min Kyeong , Oubaidin Maysaa , Allareddy Veerasathpurush
Published: October 2024

Background

Cybersecurity threats are a growing concern in healthcare, where digital systems now underpin patient care, financial management, and educational operations. A cybersecurity breach in a Dental school environment can have widespread consequences to the mission of the school—patient care, research, education and service. For dental school administrators, these risks highlight the necessity of robust cybersecurity measures. For student learners, the impact may include interruptions to their education. For patients, it could mean compromised personal data and reduced access to clinical care.

Results & Conclusion

While many sectors have responded to increasing cyber threats by enhancing their defenses, healthcare and dental schools, often lag in implementing necessary protections. This emphasizes the need for proactive measures, such as regular system audits, advanced encryption methods, and ongoing cybersecurity training for administrators and students alike, to mitigate future risks and safeguard institutional integrity.
Students’ perceptions of knowledge reinforcement on indirect prosthetic dental material choices by a translational approach
Authors: Smail Yasmine , Dursun Elisabeth , Ciers Jean‐Yves , Taleb Chakib , Nardari Catherine , Keosouvanh Nathalie , Heckly Lucie , Layan Pierre , Ceinos Romain , Jordan Laurence , Gouze Helene , Attal Jean‐Pierre , François Philippe
Published: October 2024

Purpose/objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate students’ perceptions of the reinforcement of knowledge via innovative, case‐based, hands‐on learning regarding indirect prosthetic material choice.

Methods

Six different clinical cases that represented common prosthetics were used in this simulation training. In each case, clinical pictures were associated with three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed replicates of final restorations and PolyJet polychromatic models with the goal of enabling students to deliberate and exchange ideas in small groups. After a debriefing session regarding the therapeutic potentialities of the first three cases alongside teachers, a lecture concerning prosthetic material choices was provided, and a zirconia crown was stained by each student to enable them to obtain a better understanding of the dental technician profession. Finally, the latter three cases were studied and analyzed in the same manner. The students’ perceived reinforcement of knowledge was recorded before and 1 month after the hands‐on simulation training experience, and their satisfaction was evaluated immediately thereafter on Likert scales. Students’ perceived reinforcement of knowledge was subjected to statistical evaluation.

Results

A high level of overall satisfaction was observed (4.60). All of the items pertaining to students’ satisfaction received scores >3. One month after this hands‐on approach, students’ confidence in their ability to choose a material on the basis of its mechanical, optical, and luting properties increased significantly (from 2.58 to 3.64; from 2.83 to 3.64; and from 2.72 to 3.58, respectively) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This innovative, hands‐on approach had a significant positive effect on students’ perceived reinforcement of knowledge.
Variability of three‐dimensional knee morphology cannot be effectively assessed using a coronal plane knee alignment classification in total knee arthroplasty patients
Authors: Jagota Ishaan , Twiggs Joshua , Miles Brad , Baré Jonathan V.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Optimal reproduction of the native three‐dimensional (3D) alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) influences outcomes; however, much of the modern TKA alignment research, such as the coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK), focuses only on coronal alignment. Tibial, femoral and tibiofemoral measurements on the axial and sagittal planes were evaluated for their relationship to the arithmetic hip‐knee‐ankle angle (aHKA) and joint‐line obliquity (JLO). These 3D anatomical measurements are also evaluated across CPAK groups.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the 360 Med Care computed tomography (CT) database was performed. Patient CT scans were segmented and landmarked. Linear regression analysis compared 12 axial and sagittal plane measurements (representing tibial, femoral and tibiofemoral rotation, tibial slope and femoral flexion) with both aHKA and JLO. Nonparametric tests assessed these anatomical measurements across the different CPAK groups, while Cohen's delta (d) determined the effect size.

Results

With a sample size of 7450 osteoarthritic knees, significant but weak relationships (r < 0.30) were observed between all 12 anatomical measurements and both aHKA and JLO. Tibiofemoral rotations between Insall's axis and both the posterior condylar and the surgical transepicondylar axes demonstrated large effect sizes (d > 0.80). However, trivial to small effect sizes (d < 0.50) were broadly observed across the 12 axial and sagittal measurements, underscoring their limited clinical significance.

Conclusions

While useful for describing coronal knee anatomy, CPAK phenotypes fail to differentiate tibial, femoral and tibiofemoral rotation, tibial slope or femoral flexion—crucial aspects of 3D surgical planning. Therefore, more comprehensive knee phenotyping solutions are required to guide individualised TKA alignment strategies.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
Short arm splints for wrist stabilization: A mechanical material test and cadaveric radiography study
Authors: Rasmussen Hans Christian , Bang Maya , Lilleøre Johanne Gade , Kipp Josephine Olsen , Lindgren Lars , Brüel Annemarie , Bue Mats , Mikkelsen Mads Kristian Duborg , Thomsen Jesper Skovhus , Stilling Maiken
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Documentation of the wrist stabilizing effect and mechanical properties of common splinting materials is warranted to support evidence‐based condition‐specific recommendations for wrist immobilization. The objectives of this study were to assess the wrist stabilizing properties of volar and dorsal short‐arm splints made of four different materials and evaluate the mechanical properties of the splinting materials.

Methods

Dorsal and volar short arm splints made of plaster of Paris (PoP) (eight layers), Woodcast (2 mm, rigid vented), X‐lite (classic, two layers) or a 3D‐printed material (polypropylene) were sequentially mounted on 10 cadaveric arm specimens and fixed in a radiolucent fixture. This enabled the evaluation of maximum wrist flexion and extension relative under an orthogonal load of 42 N via radiographic images. In addition, a three‐point bending test was performed on ten sheet duplicates of each of the four splinting materials.

Results

When applied as a volar splint, PoP had the highest capability to resist wrist flexion and extension. However, when applied as a dorsal splint, Woodcast exhibited a lower wrist flexion and a similar wrist extension. The 3D‐printed splints—both volar and dorsal—showed the highest mean wrist flexion and extension. The mechanical properties of the Woodcast, X‐lite and 3D‐printed splinting materials were very similar. PoP exhibited distinct properties with a stiffness of 146 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 120–173) N/mm and a deflection at Fmax of 0.6 (95% CI: 0.5–0.7) mm compared to ≤7.7 (95% CI: 7.4–7.9) N/mm and ≥20 (95% CI: 18–22) mm for the other materials.

Conclusion

PoP displayed better wrist stabilizing properties and material stiffness than Woodcast, X‐lite and 3D‐printed polypropylene. When considering wrist stabilizing properties, PoP may still prove to be the preferred choice for wrist immobilization.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
Characterization of Brain Abnormalities in Lactational Neurodevelopmental Poly I:C Rat Model of Schizophrenia and Depression Using Machine‐Learning and Quantitative MRI
Authors: Haker Rona , Helft Coral , Natali Shamir Emilya , Shahar Moni , Solomon Hadas , Omer Noam , Blumenfeld‐Katzir Tamar , Zlotzover Sharon , Piontkewitz Yael , Weiner Ina , Ben‐Eliezer Noam
Published: October 2024

Background

A recent neurodevelopmental rat model, utilizing lactational exposure to polyriboinosinic‐polyribocytidilic acid (Poly I:C) leads to mimics of behavioral phenotypes resembling schizophrenia‐like symptoms in male offspring and depression‐like symptoms in female offspring.

Purpose

To identify mechanisms of neuronal abnormalities in lactational Poly I:C offspring using quantitative MRI (qMRI) tools.

Study Type

Prospective.

Animal Model

Twenty Poly I:C rats and 20 healthy control rats, age 130 postnatal day.

Field Strength/Sequence

7 T. Multiflip‐angle FLASH protocol for T1 mapping; multi‐echo spin‐echo T2‐mapping protocol; echo planar imaging protocol for diffusion tensor imaging.

Assessment

Nursing dams were injected with the viral mimic Poly I:C or saline (control group). In adulthood, quantitative maps of T1, T2, proton density, and five diffusion metrics were generated for the offsprings. Seven regions of interest (ROIs) were segmented, followed by extracting 10 quantitative features for each ROI.

Statistical Tests

Random forest machine learning (ML) tool was employed to identify MRI markers of disease and classify Poly I:C rats from healthy controls based on quantitative features.

Results

Poly I:C rats were identified from controls with an accuracy of 82.5 ± 25.9% for females and 85.0 ± 24.0% for males. Poly I:C females exhibited differences mainly in diffusion‐derived parameters in the thalamus and the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), while males displayed changes primarily in diffusion‐derived parameters in the corpus callosum and MPFC.

Data Conclusion

qMRI shows potential for identifying sex‐specific brain abnormalities in the Poly I:C model of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Level of Evidence

NA

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Carvacrol enhances antioxidant activity and slows down cell wall metabolism by maintaining the energy level of ‘Guifei’ mango
Authors: Wang Xiaogang , Luo Donglan , Kou Xiaohong , Ye Shenjie , Li Jiangkuo , Ba Liangjie , Cao Sen
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Postharvest mango fruit are highly susceptible to rapid ripening, softening and senescence, greatly limiting their distribution. In this study, we evaluated the potential effects of carvacrol (0.06 g L−1) on mango (25 ± 1 °C) and the mechanisms by which it regulates antioxidant activity, energy and cell wall metabolism.

RESULTS

The results showed that carvacrol treatment delayed the ‘Guifei’ mango color transformation (from green to yellow) and the decrease in firmness, titratable acidity, weight loss and soluble solids content, and suppressed the increase in relative conductivity, malondialdehyde content and reactive oxygen species (H2O2 and O2·–) as well as enhancing antioxidant activity. In addition, carvacrol treatment increased ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione levels, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase and dehydroascorbate reductase activities in mango. Meanwhile, energy level (adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate and energy charge) content and energy metabolizing enzyme activities (H+‐ATPase, Ca2+‐ATPase, succinate dehydrogenasepears and cytochrome C oxidase) were increased on carvacrol treatment, which resulted in the maintenance of higher energy levels. Finally, the application of carvacrol was effective in maintaining firmness and cell wall components by inhibiting the activities of polygalacturonase, cellulase, pectin methyl esterase and β‐galactosidase.

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrates that carvacrol effectively delays the ripening and softening of mangoes by modulating energy metabolism and cell wall dynamics through the attenuation of oxidative stress. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
High variability exists in 3D leg alignment analysis, but underlying principles that might lead to agreement on a universal framework could be identified: A systematic review
Authors: Veerman Quinten W. T. , ten Heggeler Romy M. , Tuijthof Gabriëlle J. M. , de Graaff Feike , Fluit René , Hoogeslag Roy A. G.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To (1) investigate the hypothesis that there is high variability in the reported methods to derive axes and joint orientations from three‐dimensional (3D) bone models to (a) perform 3D knee‐related leg alignment analysis and (b) define coordinate systems for the femur, tibia and leg and (2) identify underlying principles that might lead to agreement on a universal 3D leg alignment analysis framework.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature between January 2006 and June 2024 was performed. Articles explicitly reporting methods to derive axes and joint orientations from CT‐based 3D bone models for alignment parameters and/or coordinate systems of the femur, tibia and leg were included. Study characteristics and reported methods were extracted and presented as a qualitative synthesis.

Results

A total of 93 studies were included. There was high variability in the reported methods to derive axes and joint orientations from 3D bone models. Nevertheless, the reported methods could be categorized into four groups, and several underlying principles of the four groups could be identified. Furthermore, the definitions of femoral and tibial coordinate systems were most frequently based on the mechanical axis (femoral, 13/19 [68%]; tibial, 13/26 [50%]) and a central medial‐lateral axis (femoral, 16/19 [84%]; tibial, 12/26 [46%]); no leg coordinate system was reported. Interestingly, of the included studies that reported on leg alignment parameters (76/93, 82%), only a minority reported expressing these in a complete coordinate system (25/76, 33%).

Conclusion

There is high variability in 3D knee‐related leg alignment analysis. Therefore, universal 3D reference values for alignment parameters cannot yet be defined, and comparison of alignment parameter values between different studies is impossible. However, several underlying principles to the reported methods were identified, which could serve to reach more agreement on a future universal 3D framework for leg alignment analysis.

Level of Evidence

Level I (1).
Quantifying Health Utility of Age‐related Vocal Atrophy
Authors: de Leon Julio A. , Cvancara David J. , Carlson Abbey L. , Cheng Alice , Rizvi Zain H. , Giliberto J.P. , Sauder Cara , Bhatt Neel K.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Age‐related vocal atrophy (ARVA) negatively impacts voice and quality of life (QOL). This study aims to determine utility‐based QOL in ARVA patients, correlate findings with traditional patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), and generate utility‐based inferences.

Methods

Forty ARVA patients were prospectively recruited from a tertiary care center. Health utility was measured using standard gamble, time trade‐off, and visual analog scale, assessing participants' current health states relative to defined comparison states (blindness/death). Traditional PROMs (Voice Handicap Index‐10 [VHI‐10] and Voice‐Related Quality of Life Scale [V‐RQOL]) were also collected. Descriptive and paired statistics were performed to determine health utility, and Pearson correlation assessed the association between PROMs and health utilities.

Results

Mean health utility in ARVA was 0.84 ± 0.22, 0.88 ± 0.17, and 0.62 ± 0.25 using standard gamble, time trade‐off, and visual analog scale, respectively. There were positive correlations between V‐RQOL and time trade‐off (r = 0.66; p < 0.0001) as well as with standard gamble (r = 0.47; p = 0.002). Participants with ARVA reported no difference in health utility impact between their voice impairment and monocular blindness (Mean dif 10.9; 95% CI –1.6, 23.5; p = 0.101). Patients with ARVA were willing to part with an average 4.6 ± 6.1 years of life to restore normal voice.

Conclusions

ARVA patients view their voice impairment as a significant health decrement, comparable to monocular blindness. These findings underscore the substantial impact of ARVA on QOL and highlight the need for continued research and new therapies.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 135:1143–1147, 2025
Litter Chemistry Is a Main Driver of Inorganic Nitrogen in Disturbed Soils in the Arid Patagonian Monte
Authors: Bosco Tomás , Bertiller Mónica B. , Cisneros Hebe Saraví , Carrera Analía L.
Published: October 2024

Changes in plant cover and soil characteristics induced by grazing may affect litter quality and nitrogen (N) release under varying abiotic conditions. Our study was focused on the importance of litter chemistry as a main driver of inorganic N (ammonium‐N: NH4
+‐N and nitrate‐N: NO3
−‐N) release to soil. Both inorganic N forms are important components for N availability to plants and soil processes, and the long‐term conservation of soil‐N fertility. We analyzed the effect of secondary compounds and the C/N ratio in litter under varying soil water, and UV exposure on soil inorganic N (NH4
+‐N and NO3
−‐N) in Patagonian Monte degraded soils. We hypothesized that secondary compounds and C/N ratio in litter are main drivers of soil inorganic N under varying abiotic conditions. We conducted a microcosm experiment (13 months) using intact upper soil blocks from denuded soil areas. Surface soils were added with shrub (SL), and mixed grass and shrub (GSL) litter with high versus low secondary metabolites concentration and low vs. high C/N ratio, respectively. Microcosms were maintained under ambient and reduced UV exposure, and high and low soil water. We used microcosms without litter as controls. Monthly, we assessed NH4
+‐N and NO3
−‐N concentrations in upper and sub‐superficial soils. Litter chemistry interacting with abiotic factors did not significantly influence soil NH4
+‐N at any soil depth while litter chemistry was a main driver of NO3
−‐N in upper soil. SL enhanced NO3
−‐N in upper soil compared with GSL independently of abiotic factors. In upper soils without litter and in those with GSL, the highest NO3
−‐N concentration occurred mostly under high soil water and exposition to UV. We concluded that litter chemistry was a main driver of soil N fertility in disturbed rangelands. Shrub litter may enhance N fertility (NO3
−‐N) in degraded soils.
Disentangling effects of droughts and heatwaves on alpine periphyton communities: A mesocosm experiment
Authors: Nagao Tamika , Vinebrooke Rolf
Published: October 2024

The accelerating rate of global climate change at higher elevations and latitudes is increasing the potential for extreme climatic events. Here, a knowledge gap exists in how the order of exposure to, and duration of droughts and heatwaves affect their cumulative impact on aquatic communities. We tested experimentally for the legacy effects of simultaneous vs. sequential exposures to drought and heatwave on sediment‐dwelling algal communities (epipelon) from small fishless alpine lakes. In both simultaneous, and sequential exposure treatments involving drought followed by a heatwave, the negative effect of drought masked the effects of warming on chlorophyll‐inferred algal biomass and taxonomic composition. Reversal of order of exposure (i.e., heatwave followed by drought) lowered their cumulative effect on community structure. These findings highlight the potential for drought events to dominate over heatwaves in altering shallow littoral ecosystems at high elevations under a rapidly warming climate.