bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading aloud compared with positive expiratory pressure after abdominal surgery. a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Holmgren Erik , Spyckerelle Iris , Hultin Magnus , Nylén Fredrik , Ottander Ulrika , Sahlin Carin , Svensson Johan , Fagerlund Malin Jonsson , Franklin Karl A.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Without evidence, positive expiratory pressure therapy is a part of rehabilitation worldwide to prevent postoperative hypoxia. Reading aloud could be used as an alternative therapy as lung volumes increases while speaking. We aimed to investigate whether reading aloud is superior to positive expiratory pressure therapy for improving oxygen saturation after abdominal surgery.

Material and Methods:

This crossover randomized controlled trial compared reading a text aloud with positive expiratory pressure therapy in patients on postoperative day 1 or 2 after upper gastrointestinal, colorectal, urological, or gynecological abdominal surgery at Umeå University Hospital, Sweden. The primary outcome was the change in peripheral oxygen saturation compared with baseline at 7 min after the intervention. The secondary outcome was transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure change.

Results:

This study included 50 patients of which 48 patients were analyzed. Peripheral oxygen saturation rapidly decreased to minimum values below baseline immediately after both interventions and then increased to values above baseline after reading aloud (1%, 95% confidence interval 0.2% to 1%, P = 0.004), but not after positive expiratory pressure therapy (−0.2%, 95% confidence interval −1% to 0.4%, P = 0.436). The difference in oxygen saturation was 1% (95% confidence interval 0.1% to 2%, P = 0.039) at 7 min after termination of the interventions. The interventions reduced transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure by similar amounts.

Conclusions:

This trial adds to the evidence against the use of positive expiratory pressure therapy after abdominal surgery. It is even slightly better to read aloud.
A Novel Approach for Improving Midface Aesthetics: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yamamoto Koji
Published: October 2024

Background:

Asian individuals often seek solutions to address midface depression and enhance nasal alar base morphology to achieve Western facial aesthetics. Current treatment options, including injections and invasive procedures, have limited efficacy and safety. To address these challenges, we introduced the “modified A-10 surgery,” which integrates the Point A-Koji method, titanium plates, and artificial dermis insertion.

Methods:

The efficacy of the modified A-10 surgery was illustrated using a case study of a 22-year-old woman. Surgical planning was based on dental cone-beam computed tomography data, with lateral cephalometric radiographs used to determine the titanium plate dimensions. The surgery involved customized plate alignment, fixation, and artificial dermis insertion.

Results:

The modified A-10 surgery substantially improved facial aesthetics and structural parameters. Facial convexity increased from 15.5 degrees to 23.2 degrees, enhancing the 3-dimensionality. The nasolabial angle shifted from 91.9 degrees to 110.2 degrees, achieving the desired mouth projection. Other measurements, such as the E-line to the lower lip and the distance from point A to the subnasal point, contributed to refined aesthetics. The nasal alar base thickness increased by 2.2 mm (19.5%), correcting the depression.

Conclusions:

The modified A-10 surgery represents a minimally invasive and comprehensive solution for midface depression and nasal alar base enhancement. By combining the Point A-Koji method, titanium plates, and artificial dermis insertion, this surgery successfully achieved improved facial aesthetics and contours. The results validate its potential as a long-term solution, with implications for antiaging interventions and promising avenues for future research.
VISUAL ACUITY LOSS AFTER VITRECTOMY FOR EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE IN EYES WITH GLAUCOMA
Authors: Higashide Tomomi , Udagawa Sachiko , Yamashita Yoko , Tsuchiya Shunsuke , Okuda Tetsuhiko , Kadonosono Kazuaki , Sugiyama Kazuhisa
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

To investigate the incidence and predictors of visual acuity loss after surgery for epiretinal membrane in glaucomatous eyes.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study examining visual acuity and central visual fields (VFs, Humphrey 10-2) at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for epiretinal membrane in the glaucoma (47 eyes of 43 patients) and control (46 eyes of 46 patients) groups. Visual acuity and VF tests were repeated for ≥1.5 years only for the glaucoma group. Factors associated with substantial visual acuity loss (>0.2 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution [approximately >2 lines on the Snellen chart] from baseline) were determined using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results:

Until 1 year postoperatively, no substantial visual acuity loss occurred and postoperative visual acuity improved significantly and similarly in both groups (P < 0.001 vs. baseline, P > 0.15 between 2 groups). Substantial visual acuity loss occurred in 8 eyes (17%) with glaucoma ≥1.5 years postoperatively, which was associated with worse preoperative VF mean deviation and 1-year mean decrease in postoperative VF mean deviation (hazard ratio = 0.83–0.72; P = 0.018, <0.001, respectively).

Conclusion:

Substantial visual acuity loss occurred long after epiretinal membrane surgery in eyes with glaucoma, which was associated with worse preoperative central VFs and greater central VF deterioration during the first postoperative year.
Perceived Susceptibility to and Severity of Cardiovascular Disease Is Associated With Intent to Change Behavior Among Women 25–55 Years Old
Authors: Rountree Lauren , Fukuoka Yoshimi , Sagae Kenji , Zhang Jingwen , Pike Nancy , Brecht Mary-Lynn , Rezk-Hanna Mary , DeVon Holli A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among young and middle-aged women have increased, whereas CVD knowledge and awareness remain low.

Aims

The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between the stage of behavior change and awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of CVD among women 25–55 years and identify predictors of the stage of behavior change.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey of women ages 25–55 years living in the United States was conducted. Awareness was measured with the question “What is the leading cause of death for women in the United States?” Knowledge, perceptions, and the stage of behavior change were measured with the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire, Health Beliefs Related to CVD, and Precaution Adoption Process Model instruments, respectively. Chi-square and t tests were used to determine differences between awareness, knowledge, and perceptions based on the stage of behavior change. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between the stage of behavior change and awareness, knowledge, and perceptions.

Results

A total of 149 primarily minority women (n = 105) were included (mean age = 37.15 ± 7.86 years). The perception of CVD susceptibility was associated with increased intention to change behavior (odds ratio, 1.247; 95% confidence interval, 1.101–1.414; P < .001). The perception of CVD severity was associated with reduced intention to change behavior (odds ratio, 0.809; P = .004).

Conclusion

Women who believed they were susceptible to CVD and did not perceive CVD as severe were more likely to report intent to change behavior, suggesting perception of CVD risk is more important than awareness or knowledge. Addressing misperceptions may be a strategy for primary risk reduction.
Functional Capacity, Functional Performance, and Symptoms in People With Heart Failure
Authors: Wang Zequan , Redeker Nancy S. , Tocchi Christine , Kim Kyounghae , Conley Samantha , Chyun Deborah
Published: October 2024

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome that has a negative effect on functional status, a multidimensional concept characterizing one's ability to provide for the necessities of life. Symptoms might be associated with different aspects of functional status in HF. However, the terms functional capacity and performance have been misused interchangeably, and no previous review has focused on the extent to which symptoms contribute to functional capacity and performance among people with HF.

Objective

The aim of this study was to comprehensively review and synthesize the existing literature on the relationship between symptoms, functional capacity, and functional performance in people with HF.

Methods

We conducted an integrated review of observational studies in which authors examined the relationship between at least 1 symptom and at least 1 aspect of functional capacity or performance in people with HF 18 years or older. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tools were used to analyze the quality of studies.

Results

We included 23 studies with 7219 participants and an age range of 40 to 86 years. Fifteen symptom measures were used to measure dyspnea, fatigue, pain, insomnia symptoms, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Three functional capacity measures were assessed in 9 studies, and 7 functional performance measures were assessed in 17 studies. As often measured with the Six-Minute Walk Test, functional capacity was inversely associated with pain/discomfort, insomnia symptoms, and psychological symptoms. Functional performance, often measured by the New York Heart Association functional class and Medical Outcome Scale Short Form 36, was associated with sleep difficulties, fatigue, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. Four studies combined functional capacity and performance measures to elicit functional status. Depressive symptoms, fatigue, pain, and insomnia symptoms are associated with decreased functional performance and capacity.

Conclusions and Clinical Implications

Commonly, symptoms experienced in HF are associated with declining functional status. However, this finding depends on the measures or metrics used to assess symptoms, functional capacity, and performance. The observed dissimilarities in the relationship between symptoms and functional capacity and performance highlight the conceptual distinctions, suggesting that authors of future studies should judiciously select appropriate dimensions and measures of functional status based on the study's purposes, design, and available resource.
Effect of a colorectal bundle in an entire healthcare region in Switzerland: results from a prospective cohort study (EvaCol study)
Authors: Wiesler Benjamin , Rosenberg Robert , Galli Raffaele , Metzger Jürg , Worni Mathias , Henschel Mark , Hartel Mark , Nebiker Christian , Viehl Carsten T. , Müller Alexandra , Eisner Lukas , Pabst Martina , Zingg Urs , Stimpfle Daniel , Müller Beat P. , von Flüe Markus , Peterli Ralph , Werlen Laura , Zuber Markus , Gass Jörn-Markus , von Strauss und Torney Marco
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Standardization has the potential to serve as a measure to mitigate complication rates. The objective was to assess the impact of standardization by implementing a colorectal bundle (CB), which comprises nine elements, on the complication rates in left-sided colorectal resections.

Patients and methods:

This prospective, multicentre, observational, cohort trial was conducted in Switzerland at nine participating hospitals. During the control period, each patient was treated in accordance with the local standard protocol at their respective hospital. In the CB period, all patients were treated in accordance with the CB. The primary endpoint was the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) at 30 days.

Results:

A total of 1141 patients were included (723 in the No CB group and 418 in the CB group). The median age was 66 years, and 50.6% were female. Median CCI before and after CB implementation was 0.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.0–20.9). A hurdle model approach was used for the analysis. The CB was not associated with the presence or severity of complications. Older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00–1.03), surgery for malignancy (OR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.01–1.92), emergency surgery (OR 2.19, 95% CI: 1.31–3.41), elevated nutritional risk score (OR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.01–1.24), and BMI (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.06) were associated with higher odds of postoperative complications. In a supplementary per-protocol analysis, for each additional item of the CB fulfilled, the odds of anastomotic leakage (AL) were 24% lower (OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.64–0.93).

Conclusions:

Dedicated teams can establish high-quality colorectal services in a network of hospitals with a joint standard. The study can serve as a model for other healthcare settings to conduct and implement quality improvement programs. The consistent implementation of the CB items can reduce the occurrence of AL.
Low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy improves locomotor functions, tissue regeneration, and modulating the inflammation induced FGF1 and FGF2 signaling to protect damaged tissue in spinal cord injury of rat model: an experimental animal study
Authors: Hsu Chieh-Cheng , Wu Kay L.H. , Peng Jei-Ming , Wu Yi-No , Chen Hou-Tsung , Lee Meng-Shiou , Cheng Jai-Hong
Published: October 2024

Background:

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that results in severe motor function impairments. Current therapeutic options remain limited, underscoring the need for novel treatments. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has emerged as a promising noninvasive approach for treating musculoskeletal disorders and nerve regeneration.

Methods:

This study explored the effects of low-energy ESWT on locomotor function, tissue regeneration, inflammation, and mitochondrial function in a rat SCI model. Experiments were performed using locomotor function assays, CatWalk gait analysis, histopathological examination, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence staining.

Results:

The findings demonstrated that low-energy ESWT had a dose-dependent effect, with three treatment sessions (ESWT3) showing superior outcomes compared to a single session. ESWT3 significantly improved motor functions [run patterns, run average speed, and maximum variation, as well as the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score] and promoted tissue regeneration while reducing inflammation. ESWT3 significantly decreased levels of IL-1β, IL6, and macrophages (CD68) while increasing leukocyte (CD45) infiltration. Additionally, ESWT3 upregulated NueN and mitofusin 2 (MFN2), suggesting enhanced neuronal health and mitochondrial function. Moreover, ESWT3 modulated the expression of fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), FGF2, their receptor FGFR1 and phosphorylation of ERK, aiding tissue repair, and regeneration in SCI.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the potential of low-energy ESWT as an effective noninvasive treatment for SCI, demonstrating significant improvements in motor recovery, tissue regeneration, anti-inflammatory effects, and mitochondrial protection. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of ESWT and its therapeutic application for SCI recovery.
Exploration of Student Experiences and Perceptions of Self and Peer: Implications for Tailoring Supports
Authors: Huhn Karen , Costello Ellen , Healey William E. , Hilliard Marjorie Johnson , Maring Joyce , Plack Margaret
Published: October 2024

Introduction.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students have reported learning new behaviors, enhanced self-awareness, and personal and professional growth during their first year of DPT school. The purpose of this study was to explore in greater depth, through semistructured interviews, the student perceptions of self-identity and social identity.

Subjects.

Seventeen early second-year DPT students from 3 universities.

Methods.

This investigation is an extension of a larger multisite study. Qualitative interviews were employed to enable the use of a constructivist lens to explore the importance of personal context in participants' experiences during the first year of DPT school.

Results.

Students across programs shared similar characteristics and experiences. Three themes emerged: DPT students share common perceptions of themselves and classmates; sociocultural experiences shaped their actions and perceptions of self; and students recognized the need to change to be successful. The voices of the older second-career students and racially minoritized students were uniquely different from other participants.

Discussion and Conclusion.

Doctor of Physical Therapy student experiences are similar across programs except for older students and racially minoritized students. Early professional identity formation was noted as well. A richer understanding of the personal characteristics, influential sociocultural factors, and student perceptions of self and classmates could enable educators to customize supports and educational strategies to help students understand the role their past and present experiences play in shaping their professional identities.
The most lethal human protozoan parasite is plasmodium falciparum: severe malaria-associated acute renal failure – a case report
Authors: Bereda Gudisa
Published: October 2024

Introduction and importance:

Malaria continues to be a significant global public health problem, particularly in endemic nations. The most common cause of acute renal failure is a Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Case presentation:

A 28-year-old male was brought into the emergency room with significant complaints of fatigue, chills, fever, and a lack of appetite. The patient had no prior history of malaria. He was not given any antimalarial medication as prophylaxis while traveling to his workplace. As a result of laboratory investigations to identify malarial parasites in peripheral blood using thin and thick smears, malaria parasites were found in the patient’s blood. At the border of the colitis, the liver was palpable. Both the chest radiograph and abdominal ultrasonography were clear. His level of consciousness assessment indicated a Glasgow coma scale reading of 10 out of 15. He received 1000 ml of normal saline solution with 40% glucose solution as part of his supportive care. He received intravenous artesunate 60 mg (2.4 mg/kg) when he was admitted to an ICU, and then every 12 and 24 h for the next 3 days (a total of three doses, 540 mg).

Clinical discussion:

A typical symptom of severe malaria is acute kidney injury, which also carries its own risk of death. In regions with active transmission, Plasmodium falciparum is recognized as a significant contributor to acute renal damage.

Conclusion:

The mechanism proposed for kidney injury by severe malaria is hemodynamic dysfunction, followed by inflammation and immunological dysregulation in the patient in this study. He had reduced serum sodium levels within the red blood cells, which led to calcium influx into the cell, altering the red blood cell’s deformability.
Triage knowledge, perceived skills, and associated factors among nurses working in adult emergency departments of selected public hospitals in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia, 2023: multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Bahre Willi , Mengist Bete , Bitsa Yihdego , Woldemariam Guesh Teklu , Kebede Sofia , Wubete Andualem , Halefom Mearg Alemu , Bantie Abere Tilahun
Published: October 2024

Background:

Triage is an essential function in the emergency department. Knowledge of nurses working in triage has been cited as an influential factor in triage decision-making. As there are increased numbers of clients with life-threatening traumatic injuries and medical patients in the emergency department in Addis-Ababa, triage knowledge and skill are essential competencies required for the nurses working in the emergency department.

Objective:

To assess nurses’ knowledge and perceived skills towards triage and associated factors among nurses working in the adult emergency department of selected public hospitals in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia, 2023.

Methods:

A multicentre cross-sectional study design was used. Three hospitals were purposefully selected. A census sampling technique was used to obtain the required sample size. Data was collected by an open data kit (ODK) version 2022.1.2. Then, it was exported to SPSS version 27 for final analysis. Bivariate analysis at a P-value of 0.25 and multivariable analysis at a P-value of 0.05 were applied. Results were presented using tables, figures, and texts.

Results:

A total of 384 participants were included in this study. The proportions of poor triage knowledge and perceived poor triage skills among nurses were 58.1 and 50.3%, respectively. Educational level, triage experience, training experience, and the availability of triage equipment were significant predictors of triage knowledge and perceived triage skill, respectively.

Conclusion and recommendation:

The triage knowledge and skill levels were found to be low. As nurses’ knowledge about triage is a key tool in triage decision-making, there is a need to improve nurses’ knowledge and skills in triaging at the ED.
Building Healthy, Equitable, and Resilient Communities: Lessons Learned From Multisector Community Partnerships Addressing the Social Determinants of Health
Authors: DePriest Kelli , Glasgow LaShawn , Bayer Erin M. , Weiss Stephanie , Hacker Karen
Published: October 2024

Context

Multisector community partnerships play a pivotal role in public health strategy for understanding and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) and promoting health equity. The work of these partnerships is well aligned with building community resilience.

Program

The Year 2 Improving Social Determinants of Health—Getting Further Faster (GFF) retrospective evaluation was designed to gather practice-based evidence that can inform future community-driven partnerships to improve chronic disease outcomes and advance health equity by addressing social determinants of health (SDOH).

Implementation

This paper sought to determine how the efforts of multisector community partnerships could also support community resilience. Guided by CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health and health equity principles, the GFF evaluation engaged 14 Multisector Community Partnerships to better understand how their SDOH interventions contribute to community changes that improve chronic diseases and advance health equity. Data collection included qualitative discussions along with additional quantitative analyses of SDOH outcomes, costs, and prevention impacts. This paper focuses on insights gathered from qualitative discussions (2 virtual 60-minute discussions with members of each of the 14 Partnerships) around community resilience.

Evaluation

Results from qualitative discussions demonstrate how Partnerships’ SDOH efforts created parallel opportunities for nurturing community resilience. For example, Partnerships engaged community members in the design and implementation of SDOH interventions in ways that nurtured a sense of belonging and empowerment to shape their community. To further build community resilience, Partnerships mentioned the importance of sustained and flexible funding, help building stronger partnerships, and a shared goal to build resilience and engage community members.

Discussion

Findings indicate that community partnerships working to address SDOH can drive reciprocal improvements in community resilience—contributions that are critical for advancing health equity. Partnerships suggested that health departments may have opportunities to enhance community resilience through their role as funder, facilitator, and convener.
Secondary Reconstruction of Panfacial Fractures With Virtual Reality Surgical Planning Using Both Pre and Postreconstruction Scans
Authors: Bou Zeid Naji , Scharf Isabel M. , Nahass George R. , Yang Kevin , Purnell Chad A. , Alkureishi Lee W.T.
Published: October 2024

Late secondary reconstruction is sometimes required in patients with suboptimal primary panfacial fracture repair. At this stage, it can be difficult to discern original facial architecture due to malunion and bony remodeling. By utilizing the original postinjury CT scan to complete fracture reduction in the virtual reality (VR) planning environment, the surgeon may attempt to recreate an “ideal” facial bony anatomy for patients. This technique was completed in 2 patients presenting with facial deformity secondary to malunited panfacial fracture. Each had a cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan taken at presentation and the initial postinjury CT scans were obtained. Fracture reductions were completed in VR to recreate the preinjury anatomy. The resulting model was overlaid with current anatomy to create surgical aids. The first patient, a 23-year-old man, presented with malunion of all bones of the midface. Cutting guides were designed for the Lefort 1 segment, left zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC), and naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) osteotomies. The second patient, a 30-year-old woman, had bilateral ZMC and subcondylar fractures, midface retrusion, and malunion of parasymphyseal fracture. A 2-stage procedure was planned, including an initial Lefort I and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy with midline wedge excision. To address malar projection, a second surgery was planned using custom MEDPOR midface implants for the NOE and zygomatic regions. Both patients were discharged home, and all surgical goals and esthetic objectives were achieved.
Effect of Local Zoledronic Acid Application in Alveolar Bone Healing: An Experimental Study
Authors: Su Xin-Yi , Li Shu , Fan Ying-Ying , Wei Tai , Lu Zhi-Yue , Ye Peng
Published: October 2024

Background:

This experimental study aimed to assess the three-dimensional and histological changes of the alveolar socket with local application of ZA.

Methods:

Nine male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into 4-, 8-, and 12-week groups after the extraction of 4 incisor teeth. The upper and lower right sockets were filled with ZA + collagen sponge (ZA-CS group), while the left sockets were filled with collagen sponge alone (CS group) postoperatively. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks (T1, T2, and T3) after the extraction, radiographic and histomorphometric evaluations were conducted for both groups.

Results:

The increase in alveolar bone density of the ZA-CS group at T2 and T3 was significantly higher than the CS group (P＜0.01). Three-dimensional evaluations demonstrated no statistically significant differences in ridge height and width between the 2 groups at T2 and T3. On histological evaluation, the ZA-CS group included significantly fewer TRAP-positive cells than the CS group at T1 (P＜0.05). In ALP staining, all cases in both groups were classified as positive at each time point. Masson trichrome staining showed significantly higher mean red collagen volume fraction in the ZA-CS group (76.09%, 79.64%) than in the CS group (66.17%, 69.22%) at T2 and T3, respectively (P＜0.05 and ＜0.01).

Conclusions:

Although local ZA application with collagen sponge did not reduce alveolar ridge contraction, it improved the bone density and maturity of newly formed bone after tooth extraction.
The logic of monsters: development and morphological diversity in stem-cell-based embryo models
Authors: Cao Dominica , Garai Sumit , DiFrisco James , Veenvliet Jesse V.
Published: October 2024

Organoids and stem-cell-based embryo models (SEMs) are imperfect organ or embryo representations that explore a much larger space of possible forms, or morphospace, compared to their
in vivo
counterparts. Here, we discuss SEM biology in light of seminal work by Pere Alberch, a leading figure in early evo-devo, interpreting SEMs as developmental ‘monstrosities’ in the Alberchian sense. Alberch suggested that ordered patterns in aberrant development—i.e. ‘the logic of monsters’—reveal developmental constraints on possible morphologies. In the same vein, we detail how SEMs have begun to shed light on structural features of normal development, such as developmental variability, the relative importance of internal versus external constraints, boundary conditions and design principles governing robustness and canalization. We argue that SEMs represent a powerful experimental tool to explore and expand developmental morphospace and propose that the ‘monstrosity’ of SEMs can be leveraged to uncover the ‘hidden’ rules and developmental constraints that robustly shape and pattern the embryo.
Navigating historiographical boundaries in the early Turkish Republican period: astrology, nationalism and Aydın Sayılı’s scholarship
Authors: Umut Hasan
Published: October 2024

This article explores two aspects of Aydın Sayılı’s scholarship: his focus on astrology and the impact of nationalist sentiments on his research. Sayılı, perhaps the first globally recognized PhD-holder in history of science, completed his degree at Harvard in the early 1940s and established Turkey’s first academic chair in the field at the University of Ankara. His works addressed both international and local audiences, advancing the history of mathematics and astronomy in Islamic societies; his scholarship on Islamic observatories is still highly esteemed today. This study highlights Sayılı’s integration of astrology into discussions in the history of science, especially with respect to Islamic observatories, a significant choice in an era when astrology and related disciplines received minimal attention in Turkish historiography. While his approach to this discipline diverges from that of prevalent twentieth-century Turkish scholarship, Sayılı’s motivations were deeply intertwined with the nationalist sentiments of the early Turkish Republic, emphasizing ‘Turkish contributions to science’. His scholarship invites further examination of the intricate relationship between the historiography of science and nationalism, as well as of twentieth-century historicizations of astrological studies.
Janibacter alittae sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from the gut of marine sandworm (Alitta virens)
Authors: Kim Bora , Jun Min Ok , Yang Ah-In , Joe Sung-Hong , Joe Hae-In , Sung Hojun , Kim Ki Hyun , Kim Hyun Jung , Shin Na-Ri
Published: October 2024

A novel Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative and ovoid cocci, designated as A1S7T, was isolated from the gut of a marine sandworm (Alitta virens). Strain A1S7T exhibited optimal growth at temperatures of 20–30 ℃, pH 6–8 and in the presence of 2–4% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain A1S7T belonged to the genus Janibacter, exhibiting a similarity of 99.0% to Janibacter cremeus KCTC 49873T, followed by Janibacter anophelis KCTC 19282T (98.8%), Janibacter hoylei KCTC 49872T (98.4%), Janibacter limosus KACC 20518T (98.2%) and Janibacter corallicola KACC 21120T (97.2%). The complete genome sequence of strain A1S7T revealed a genome size of 3360920 bp with a genomic G+C content of 70.1 mol%. The orthologous average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain A1S7T and Janibacter cremeus KCTC 49873T were determined to be 89.5 and 37.2%, respectively. The major respiratory quinone was MK-8(H4). The predominant fatty acids (>10%) included iso-C16:0, C17:1
 ω8c, C18:1
 ω9c and C17:0. Polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, one unknown phosphoglycolipid and three unknown polar lipids. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type was A1γ. The major whole-cell sugars were ribose, mannose and glucose. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic properties, strain A1S7T represents a novel species in the genus Janibacter, for which the name Janibacter alittae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A1S7T (=KCTC 49714T = JCM 36706T).
Single-Cell Resolution DESI Mass Spectrometry Imaging through 10-Fold Sample Expansion
Authors: Xie Chengyi , Wang Jianing , Diao Xin , Wang Xiaoxiao , Cai Zongwei
Published: October 2024

Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI MSI) is a valuable tool for label-free, spatially resolved molecular analysis of biological tissues. However, its spatial resolution has been limited to tens of micrometers due to constraints in spray geometry and solvent flow, hindering single-cell imaging. Inspired by expansion microscopy, we developed a tenfold DESI expansion MSI (10x-DESI ExMSI) technique to achieve cellular-level resolution. In this study, tissue sections were embedded in a swellable polyelectrolyte gel, and physically enlarged by approximately tenfold without compromising molecular integrity. After drying of the sample, mass spectrometry imaging was performed using a custom-built DESI ion source coupled with an Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Using mouse brain tissues as representative samples, 10x-DESI ExMSI achieved a spatial resolution of approximately 5 µm, comparable to the highest levels attained by advanced commercial MALDI-MSI systems. Enhanced resolution allowed clear visualization of fine structural details, such as the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus and the pyramidal layer of the Cornu Ammonis, which were unresolved in unexpanded samples under a 100 μm step size. Lipid profiling demonstrated high retention and detection efficiency, confirming the technique’s suitability for comprehensive molecular imaging. The 10x-DESI ExMSI significantly advances DESI MSI by enabling single-cell level resolution without modifying existing mass spectrometers. The method is simple, cost-effective, and easily implementable in most laboratories, making high-resolution DESI MSI accessible for a wide range of biological applications. This approach overcomes longstanding limitations of DESI imaging and holds great potential for detailed molecular studies at the cellular level.
Too dim, too bright, and just right: Systems analysis of theChlamydomonasdiurnal program upon acclimation to light stress and limitation
Authors: Dupuis Sunnyjoy , Ojeda Valle , Gallaher Sean D. , Purvine Samuel O. , Glaesener Anne G. , Ponce Raquel , Nicora Carrie D. , Bloodsworth Kent , Lipton Mary S. , Niyogi Krishna K. , Iwai Masakazu , Merchant Sabeeha S.
Published: October 2024

Photosynthetic organisms coordinate their metabolism and growth with diurnal light, which can range in intensity from limiting to inhibitory. To gain a comprehensive understanding of how diurnal regulatory circuits interface with sensing and response to various light intensities, we performed a systems analysis of synchronizedChlamydomonaspopulations acclimated to low, moderate, and high diurnal light. Transcriptomic and proteomic data revealed that theChlamydomonasrhythmic gene expression program is resilient to limiting and excess light. Although gene expression and photodamage are dynamic over the diurnal cycle,Chlamydomonaspopulations acclimated to low and high diurnal light exhibit constitutive phenotypes with respect to photosystem abundance, thylakoid architecture, and non-photochemical quenching that persist through the night. This suggests that cells “remember” or anticipate the daylight environment. The integrated data constitute an excellent resource for understanding gene regulatory mechanisms and photoprotection in eukaryotes under environmentally relevant conditions.
Differential expression of oncogenic lncRNAs NEAT1 and MALAT1 in 2D monolayer vs. 3D tumoroid culture and its implications in cancer progression
Authors: Ghosh Arpita , Soundharya R. , Jolly Mohit , Majumder Abhijit
Published: October 2024

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators of cellular processes, overturning their previous classification as “junk” DNA. Their involvement in various cellular functions makes them potential therapeutic targets in a range of diseases, particularly in tumorigenesis and cancer. Among these lncRNAs, MALAT1 (Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1) and NEAT1 (Nuclear-Enriched Abundant Transcript 1) are prominent oncogenic lncRNAs with complex regulatory roles across multiple cancer types. Although the roles of these lncRNAs in cancer have been extensively studied, the majority of these investigations have been conducted in 2D culture systems. While 2D cell cultures are well-established and widely accepted models in cell biology, they lack the physiological complexity of 3D tumor architecture. In contrast, 3D cultures, where cells grow as three-dimensional clusters, better mimicin vivoconditions, making them essential for understanding tumor microenvironment (TME) dynamics. Despite the importance of 3D models, there is a lack of literature exploring lncRNA expression in 2D monolayers versus 3D cultures across different cancer types. This study examines the expression and function of the lncRNAs NEAT1 and MALAT1 in 3D tumoroids compared to 2D monolayer cultures, aiming to bridge the gap betweenin vitromodels and the complexin vivotumor microenvironment. We addressed this gap by quantifying the expression differences of NEAT1 and MALAT1 using qRT-PCR in breast cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, and glioblastoma (GBM) cells grown in both 2D and 3D cultures. Significant variations in NEAT1 and MALAT1 expression were observed between 2D and 3D cultures across these cancer types, signifying the need to study lncRNAs in 3D micro-environments. Furthermore, we established correlations between NEAT1 expression and cancer traits such as stemness, invasion, glucose transporter expression, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in GBM 3D tumoroids compared to 2D monolayers. Using siRNA to downregulate NEAT1 in GBM tumoroids, we demonstrated that reducing NEAT1 expression to the levels comparable to 2D cultures led to a decrease in the expression of mRNA markers associated with stemness, invasion, glucose transporters, and EMT. Additionally, siRNA-mediated downregulation of NEAT1 in 3D tumoroids directly impacted cancer properties, as validated by phenotypic assays, where reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion were observed in GBM (comparing 3D to 2D models). Therefore, our work provides new insights into the expression of two key oncogenic lncRNAs in 3D microenvironments of various cancers and lays the foundation for integrating lncRNAs as important molecular players within 3D culture systems, offering a better understanding of thein vivocomplexity of the TME.
Assembling Ruthenium Complexes to Form Ruthenosome Unleashing Ferritinophagy-mediated Tumor Suppression
Authors: Meng Caiting , Li Shuaijun , Ma Yana , Yu Hongwen , Song Jiaqi , Zhi Junchao , Zhu Bin , Shao Liang , Liu Xinling , Yang Lulu , Zhang Mingzhen , Zhang Ye , Li Guanying
Published: October 2024

Abstact

We introduce ruthenosomes, a fusion of liposomal and reactive oxygen species (ROS)–generating properties meticulously engineered as potent ferroptosis inducers (FINs), marking a significant advancement in metallodrug design for cancer therapy. Formed through the self-assembly of oleate-conjugated ruthenium complexes, these ruthenosomes exhibit exceptional cellular uptake, selectively accumulating in mitochondria and causing substantial disruption. This targeted mitochondrial damage significantly elevates ROS levels, triggering autophagy and selectively activating ferritinophagy. Together, these processes sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis. In vivo, ruthenosomes effectively suppress colorectal tumor growth, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Our study pioneers a design strategy that transforms ruthenium complexes into liposome-like structures capable of inducing ferroptosis independent of light activation. By leveraging ruthenosomes as multifunctional nanocarriers, this research offers a versatile and powerful platform for ROS-mediated, ferroptosis-driven cancer cell eradication.
PWWP-ADD and N-terminal domains of DNMT3B1 confer specificity for developmentally regulated CpG island methylation
Authors: Yasmin Komal , Nesterova Tatyana B , Brockdorff Neil
Published: October 2024

CpG methylation in mammalian genomes is established by the closely related de novo DNA methyltransferases DNMT3A and DNMT3B. Whilst both enzymes contribute to pervasive genome-wide CpG methylation, DNMT3B has a unique role in developmentally regulated CpG island (CGI) methylation both on the inactive X chromosome and at other sites in the genome. The mechanistic basis for this specificity is poorly understood. Here we have developed an in vitro embryonic stem cell model system to dissect critical determinants of DNMT3B specificity. Our model faithfully recapitulates developmentally regulated CGI methylation and additionally provides novel insights into CpG methylation at cis-regulatory elements. Using genetic complementation, we show that DNMT3B specificity is attributable solely to the catalytic isoform DNMT3B1. Domain swap experiments demonstrate an important role both for the PWWP-ADD chromatin binding and unstructured N-terminal domains. Together, these findings advance our mechanistic understanding of the unique roles of DNMT enzymes in establishing CpG methylation in development.
Anemia and tissue hypoxia are major determinants of malarial hypelactatemia
Authors: Georgiadou Athina , Yoon Chae Eun , Yu Huanghehui , Pearson William H. , Ueno Aika , Ebmeier Stefan , Larrouy-Maumus Gerald J. , Cunnington Aubrey J.
Published: October 2024

Hyperlactatemia, a key marker of severe malaria, is closely linked to increased mortality, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. It may result from increased lactate production due to tissue hypoxia or reduced lactate clearance from organ dysfunction. This study usedPlasmodium yoelii17XL (Py17XL) murine model of severe malaria, which closely mimics hyperlactatemia seen in human cases, to investigate the contributions of severe anemia and infection-related organ dysfunction to hyperlactatemia. Non-infectious anemia models were also included for comparison. Anemia was found to elevate lactate in both malaria-infected and non-infectious models, but Py17XL infected mice showed higher lactate levels, indicating that anemia alone doesn’t fully explain hyperlactatemia. Evidence of tissue hypoxia, particularly in the liver, kidney, and gut, was seen with hypoxyprobe staining and upregulated hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), suggesting that hypoxia drives increased glycolysis and lactate production. Impaired lactate clearance may also play a role, as infected mice showed signs of liver and kidney dysfunction accompanied by reduced clearance of13C3-labeled sodium-L-Lactate. Whole blood transfusion combined with artesunate significantly improved lactate clearance compared to artesunate alone, underscoring the importance of addressing anemia in treatment. A link between intestinal damage and hyperlactatemia was suggested by correlations between trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), a marker of gut injury, and lactate levels in human samples. Our findings highlight the multifactorial origin of hyperlactatemia in malaria, driven primarily by anemia and tissue hypoxia, pointing to the need for therapies targeting both aspects to reduce mortality in severe cases.
Understanding disease-associated metabolic changes in human colon epithelial cells usingiColonEpithelium metabolic reconstruction
Authors: Jiang Boyu , Quinn-Bohmann Nick , Diener Christian , Nathan Vignesh Bose , Han-Hallett Yu , Reddivari Lavanya , Gibbons Sean M. , Baloni Priyanka
Published: October 2024

The colon epithelium plays a key role in the host-microbiome interactions, allowing uptake of various nutrients and driving important metabolic processes. To unravel detailed metabolic activities in the human colon epithelium, our present study focuses on the generation of the first cell-type specific genome-scale metabolic model (GEM) of human colonic epithelial cells, named iColonEpithelium. GEMs are powerful tools for exploring reactions and metabolites at systems level and predicting the flux distributions at steady state. Our cell-type-specific iColonEpithelium metabolic reconstruction captures genes specifically expressed in the human colonic epithelial cells. The iColonEpithelium is also capable of performing metabolic tasks specific to the cell type. A unique transport reaction compartment has been included to allow simulation of metabolic interactions with the gut microbiome. We used iColonEpithelium to identify metabolic signatures associated with inflammatory bowel disease. We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing data from Crohn’s Diseases (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) samples with the iColonEpithelium metabolic network to predict metabolic signatures of colonocytes between CD and UC compared to healthy samples. We identified reactions in nucleotide interconversion, fatty acid synthesis and tryptophan metabolism were differentially regulated in CD and UC conditions, which were in accordance with experimental results. The iColonEpithelium metabolic network can be used to identify mechanisms at the cellular level, and our network has the potential to be integrated with gut microbiome models to explore the metabolic interactions between host and gut microbiota under various conditions.

Graphical Abstract
Smart Distributed Data Factory: Volunteer Computing Platform for Active Learning-Driven Molecular Data Acquisition
Authors: Ghukasyan Tsolak , Altunyan Vahagn , Bughdaryan Aram , Aghajanyan Tigran , Smbatyan Khachik , Papoian Garegin A. , Petrosyan Garik
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the Smart Distributed Data Factory (SDDF), an AI-driven distributed computing platform designed to address challenges in drug discovery by creating comprehensive datasets of molecular conformations and their properties. SDDF uses volunteer computing, leveraging the processing power of personal computers worldwide to accelerate quantum chemistry (DFT) calculations. To tackle the vast chemical space and limited high-quality data, SDDF employs an ensemble of machine learning models to predict molecular properties and selectively choose the most challenging data points for further DFT calculations. The platform also generates new molecular conformations using molecular dynamics with the forces derived from these models. SDDF makes several contributions: the volunteer computing platform for DFT calculations; an active learning framework for constructing a dataset of molecular conformations; a large public dataset of diverse ENAMINE molecules with calculated energies; an ensemble of state-of-the-art ML models for accurate energy prediction. The energy dataset was generated to validate the SDDF approach of reducing the need for extensive calculations. With its strict scaffold split, the dataset can be used for training and benchmarking energy models. By combining active learning, distributed computing, and quantum chemistry, SDDF offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for developing accurate molecular models and ultimately accelerating drug discovery.
Exploring new dimensions of immune cell biology inAnopheles gambiaethrough genetic immunophenotyping
Authors: Samantsidis George-Rafael , Smith Ryan C.
Published: October 2024

Mosquito immune cells, or hemocytes, are integral components of the innate immune responses that define vector competence. However, the lack of genetic resources has limited their characterization and our understanding of their functional roles in immune signaling. To overcome these challenges, we engineered transgenicAnopheles gambiaethat express fluorescent proteins under the control of candidate hemocyte promoters. Following the characterization of five transgenic constructs through gene expression and microscopy-based approaches, we examine mosquito immune cell populations by leveraging advanced spectral imaging flow cytometry. Our results comprehensively map the composition of mosquito hemocytes, classifying them into twelve distinct populations based on size, granularity, ploidy, phagocytic capacity, and the expression of PPO6, SPARC, and LRIM15 genetic markers. Together, our novel use of morphological properties and genetic markers provides increased resolution into our understanding of mosquito hemocytes, highlighting the complexity and plasticity of these immune cell populations, while providing the foundation for deeper investigations into their roles in immunity and pathogen transmission.