bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing π-SnS thin films and fabrication of p-SnS/n-Si heterostructures through flow rate control in ultrasonic spray pyrolysis for improved photovoltaic performance
Authors: Gunes Ibrahim
Published: July 2024

This study presents findings related to the characterization of cubic SnS (π-SnS) thin films and p-SnS/n-Si heterojunction structures produced simultaneously using the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique. In this context, the impact of different spray solution flow rates on the morphological, structural, optical, and electrical characteristics of the films was examined. Morphological analyses revealed that higher flow rates resulted in films with denser and smoother surfaces, approximately 6 nm in roughness. Additionally, it was observed that both the thickness and the growth rate of the films could be adjusted through the modulation of the flow rate. Structural analyses determined that the crystallite size increased and micro-strain values decreased with increasing flow rates. Optical evaluations indicated a decline in the optical band gap of the thin films from about 1.8 eV to 1.7 eV as the flow rates increased. This trend was consistently observed in the data obtained using the Tauc method and the derivative of transmission with respect to wavelength versus photon energy graphs. Electrical analyses revealed that the resistivity values of the thin films increased from 5.24 × 105 Ωcm to 1.64 × 106 Ωcm with increasing flow rates. Furthermore, I-V analyses of the Au/p-SnS/n-Si/Ag heterojunction structures indicated significant variability in key electrical properties. The saturation currents displayed a broad range, suggesting varying efficiencies in charge carrier collection across different samples. Similarly, the change of ideality factors pointed to differences in charge transport mechanisms, while the shifts in barrier heights indicated changes in junction properties with different fabrication conditions. The results of this study offer valuable perspectives for future research.
Comparative Effects of Root and Foliar Leonardite-Suspension Concentrate Application on Plant Growth and Photosynthetic Efficiency of Lettuce Plants (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Atero-Calvo Santiago , Magro Francesco , Masetti Giacomo , Navarro-León Eloy , Rios Juan Jose , Blasco Begoña , Ruiz Juan Manuel
Published: July 2024

Humic substances (HS) have been defined as a potential plant biostimulant to improve crop yield in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Leonardite-suspension concentrate (SC) is a type of HS extracted from lignite that is currently employed to enhance various physiological aspects of plants. However, the different effects between both modes of SC application (root and foliar) are poorly understood, especially on photosynthesis performance. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of a leonardite-SC-based product (BLACKJAK®), on lettuce growth and photosynthesis efficiency, while comparing both methods of application. For this purpose, four root (R): R1 (0.20 mL/L), R2 (0.40 mL/L), R3 (0.60 mL/L), and R4 (0.80 mL/L), and four foliar: F1 (5.00 mL/L), F2 (7.50 mL/L), F3 (10.00 mL/L), and F4 (12.50 mL/L) BLACKJAK® doses were applied to lettuce plants. Related shoot and root growth parameters, photosynthetic efficiency, and sugar and starch content were assessed in lettuce plants. The results showed that BLACKJAK® improved shoot and root biomass, foliar area, and root length, especially at intermediate doses (R2, R3, F2, and F3), with R3 demonstrating the greatest growth increases. Similarly, the main photosynthetic parameters analyzed (net photosynthetic rate and Rubisco carboxylation efficiency), and the soluble sugars and starch content were improved by the same doses, with R3 showing the best photosynthetic performance. Hence, our study suggests that BLACKJAK® improves lettuce yield and photosynthetic efficiency, particularly with radicular application at R3.
Actinium-225 as an example for monitoring of internal exposure of occupational intakes of radionuclides in face of new nuclear-medical applications for short-lived alpha emitting particles
Authors: Hartmann Sven , Taubner Kerstin , Vogt Tobias , Meisenberg Oliver , Schkade Uwe-Karsten , Steyer Christian , Meckel Marian , Kesenheimer Christian
Published: July 2024

Monitoring of internal exposure to short-lived alpha-emitting radionuclides such as actinium-225 (225Ac), which are becoming increasingly important in nuclear medicine, plays an important role in the radiation protection of occupationally exposed persons. After having tested gamma spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectrometry for monitoring of internal exposure, the focus of the present study was on solid phase extraction of 225Ac from urine in combination with alpha spectrometry. The development of the method was based on recent findings from the literature on this topic. The method was used in a pilot phase to monitor internal exposure of four workers who were directly or indirectly involved in the manufacture and/or use of 225Ac. The monitoring protocol allowed a relatively short 24-hour urine sample analysis with excellent recovery of the internal standard, but it did not allow for a detection limit of less than 1 mBq nor a sufficient yield of 225Ac. Based on these results it is concluded that an in vitro excretion analysis alone is not appropriate for monitoring internal exposure to 225Ac. Instead, different radiation monitoring techniques have to be combined to ensure the radiation protection of employees.
Novel variants in CSF1R associated with adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP)
Authors: Schmitz Anne S. , Raju Janani , Köhler Wolfgang , Klebe Stephan , Cheheb Khaled , Reschke Franziska , Biskup Saskia , Haack Tobias B. , Roeben Benjamin , Kellner Melanie , Rahner Nils , Bloch Thomas , Lemke Johannes , Bender Benjamin , Schöls Ludger , Hengel Holger , Hayer Stefanie N.
Published: July 2024

The CSF1R gene, located on chromosome 5, encodes a 108 kDa protein and plays a critical role in regulating myeloid cell function. Mutations in CSF1R have been identified as a cause of a rare white matter disease called adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP, also known as CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy), characterized by progressive neurological dysfunction. This study aimed to broaden the genetic basis of ALSP by identifying novel CSF1R variants in patients with characteristic clinical and imaging features of ALSP. Genetic analysis was performed through whole-exome sequencing or panel analysis for leukodystrophy genes. Variant annotation and classification were conducted using computational tools, and the identified variants were categorized following the recommendations of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). To assess the evolutionary conservation of the novel variants within the CSF1R protein, amino acid sequences were compared across different species. The study identified six previously unreported CSF1R variants (c.2384G>T, c.2133_2919del, c.1837G>A, c.2304C>A, c.2517G>T, c.2642C>T) in seven patients with ALSP, contributing to the expanding knowledge of the genetic diversity underlying this rare disease. The analysis revealed considerable genetic and clinical heterogeneity among these patients. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of rare diseases like ALSP and underscored the importance of genetic testing, even in cases with no family history of the disease. The study’s contribution to the growing spectrum of ALSP genetics and phenotypes enhances our knowledge of this condition, which can be crucial for both diagnosis and potential future treatments.
Remeshing and eigenvalue stabilization in the finite cell method for structures undergoing large elastoplastic deformations
Authors: Sartorti Roman , Garhuom Wadhah , Düster Alexander
Published: July 2024

Large strain analysis is a challenging task, especially in fictitious or immersed boundary domain methods, since badly broken elements/cells can lead to an ill-conditioned global tangent stiffness matrix, resulting in convergence problems of the incremental/iterative solution approach. In this work, the finite cell method is employed as a fictitious domain approach, in conjunction with an eigenvalue stabilization technique, to ensure the stability of the solution procedure. Additionally, a remeshing strategy is applied to accommodate highly deformed configurations of the geometry. Radial basis functions and inverse distance weighting interpolation schemes are utilized to map the displacement gradient and internal variables between the old and new meshes during the remeshing process. For the first time, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the remeshing approach using various numerical examples in the context of finite strain elastoplasticity.
The role of pathologists in the diagnosis of occupational lung diseases: an expert opinion of the European Society of Pathology Pulmonary Pathology Working Group
Authors: Calabrese Fiorella , Montero-Fernandez M. Angeles , Kern Izidor , Pezzuto Federica , Lunardi Francesca , Hofman Paul , Berezowska Sabina , Attanoos Richard , Burke Louise , Mason Paola , Balestro Elisabetta , Molina Molina Maria , Giraudo Chiara , Prosch Helmut , Brcic Luka , Galateau-Salle Francoise
Published: July 2024

Occupational lung/thoracic diseases are a major global public health issue. They comprise a diverse spectrum of health conditions with complex pathology, most of which arise following chronic heavy workplace exposures to various mineral dusts, metal fumes, or following inhaled organic particulate reactions. Many occupational lung diseases could become irreversible; thus accurate diagnosis is mandatory to minimize dust exposure and consequently reduce damage to the respiratory system. Lung biopsy is usually required when exposure history is inconsistent with imaging, in case of unusual or new exposures, in case of unexpected malignancy, and in cases in which there are claims for personal injury and legal compensation. In this paper, we provide an overview of the most frequent occupational lung diseases with a focus on pathological diagnosis. This is a paper that summarizes the expert opinion from a group of European pathologists, together with contributions from other specialists who are crucial for the diagnosis and management of these diseases. Indeed, tight collaboration of all specialists involved in the workup is mandatory as many occupational lung diseases are misdiagnosed or go unrecognized. This document provides a guide for pathologists in practice to facilitate the accurate diagnosis of occupational lung disease. The review article reports relevant topics discussed during an educational course held by expert pathologists, active members of the Pulmonary Pathology Working Group of the European Society of Pathology. The course was endorsed by the University of Padova as a “winter school” (selected project in the call for “Shaping a World-class University” 2022).
EWSR1::ATF1 fusions characterize a group of extra-abdominal epithelioid and round cell mesenchymal neoplasms, phenotypically overlapping with sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcomas, and intra-abdominal FET::CREB fusion neoplasms
Authors: Rekhi Bharat , Dermawan Josephine K. , Fritchie Karen J. , Zimpfer Annette , Mohammad Tareq M. , Ali Fatima S. , Nandy Koushik , Zou Youran , Stoehr Robert , Agaimy Abbas
Published: July 2024

With the increasing use of next generation sequencing in soft tissue pathology, particularly in neoplasms not fitting any World Health Organization (WHO) category, the spectrum of EWSR1 fusion-associated soft tissue neoplasms has been expanding significantly. Although recurrent EWSR1::ATF1 fusions were initially limited to a triad of mesenchymal neoplasms including clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue, angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma and malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor (MGNET), this family has been expanding. We herein describe 4 unclassified extra-abdominal soft tissue (n = 3) and bone (n = 1) neoplasms displaying epithelioid and round cell morphology and carrying an EWSR1::ATF1 fusion. Affected were 3 males and 1 female aged 20–56 years. All primary tumors were extra-abdominal and deep-seated (chest wall, mediastinum, deltoid, and parapharyngeal soft tissue). Their size ranged 4.4–7.5 cm (median, 6.2). One patient presented with constitutional symptoms. Surgery with (2) or without (1) neo/adjuvant therapy was the treatment. At last follow-up (8–21 months), 2 patients developed progressive disease (1 recurrence; 1 distant metastasis). The immunophenotype of these tumors is potentially misleading with variable expression of EMA (2 of 3), pankeratin (2 of 4), synaptophysin (2 of 3), MUC4 (1 of 3), and ALK (1 of 3). All tumors were negative for S100 and SOX10. These observations point to the existence of heretofore under-recognized group of epithelioid and round cell neoplasms of soft tissue and bone, driven by EWSR1::ATF1 fusions, but distinct from established EWSR1::ATF1-associated soft tissue entities. Their overall morphology and immunophenotype recapitulate that of the emerging EWSR1/FUS::CREB fusion associated intra-abdominal epithelioid/round cell neoplasms. Our cases point to a potentially aggressive clinical behavior. Recognizing this tumor type is mandatory to delineate any inherent biological and/or therapeutic distinctness from other, better-known sarcomas in the differential diagnosis including sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma.
Promising microRNAs in pre-diagnostic serum associated with lung cancer up to eight years before diagnosis: a HUNT study
Authors: Fotopoulos Ioannis , Nguyen Olav Toai Duc , Nøst Therese Haugdahl , Markaki Maria , Lagani Vincenzo , Mjelle Robin , Sandanger Torkjel Manning , Sætrom Pål , Tsamardinos Ioannis , Røe Oluf Dimitri
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Blood biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer (LC) are in demand. There are few studies of the full microRNome in serum of asymptomatic subjects that later develop LC. Here we searched for novel microRNA biomarkers in blood from non-cancer, ever-smokers populations up to eight years before diagnosis.

Methods

Serum samples from 98,737 subjects from two prospective population studies, HUNT2 and HUNT3, were considered initially. Inclusion criteria for cases were: ever-smokers; no known cancer at study entrance; 0–8 years from blood sampling to LC diagnosis. Each future LC case had one control matched to sex, age at study entrance, pack-years, smoking cessation time, and similar HUNT Lung Cancer Model risk score. A total of 240 and 72 serum samples were included in the discovery (HUNT2) and validation (HUNT3) datasets, respectively, and analysed by next-generation sequencing. The validated serum microRNAs were also tested in two pre-diagnostic plasma datasets from the prospective population studies NOWAC (n = 266) and NSHDS (n = 258). A new model adding clinical variables was also developed and validated.

Results

Fifteen unique microRNAs were discovered and validated in the pre-diagnostic serum datasets when all cases were contrasted against all controls, all with AUC > 0.60. In combination as a 15-microRNAs signature, the AUC reached 0.708 (discovery) and 0.703 (validation). A non-small cell lung cancer signature of six microRNAs showed AUC 0.777 (discovery) and 0.806 (validation). Combined with clinical variables of the HUNT Lung Cancer Model (age, gender, pack-years, daily cough parts of the year, hours of indoor smoke exposure, quit time in years, number of cigarettes daily, body mass index (BMI)) the AUC reached 0.790 (discovery) and 0.833 (validation). These results could not be validated in the plasma samples.

Conclusion

There were a few significantly differential expressed microRNAs in serum up to eight years before diagnosis. These promising microRNAs alone, in concert, or combined with clinical variables have the potential to serve as early diagnostic LC biomarkers. Plasma is not suitable for this analysis. Further validation in larger prospective serum datasets is needed.
Schadstoffbedingte Herausforderungen für PVC-Kreisläufe im Bausektor in Deutschland
Authors: Schmidt Sarah , Verni Xavier-François , Aguirre Molina Lucia , Biwer Arno , Gibon Thomas , Laner David
Published: July 2024

Etwa drei Viertel des in Deutschland verarbeiteten Polyvinylchlorids (PVC) wird zu Bauprodukten verarbeitet. Aufgrund langer Produktlebensdauern sind die PVC-Abfallmengen aus diesem Sektor aktuell deutlich geringer als die Verarbeitungsmengen. Langfristig ist jedoch mit einem Anstieg der Abfallmengen zu rechnen. Die langen Produktlebensdauern haben auch zur Folge, dass PVC-Abfälle aus dem Bausektor Stoffe enthalten können, die vor mehreren Jahren oder Jahrzehnten in der PVC-Produktion eingesetzt wurden, inzwischen jedoch als problematisch eingestuft sind. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist es, schadstoffbedingte Herausforderungen für PVC-Kreisläufe im Bausektor in Deutschland zu identifizieren und anhand eines dynamischen Materialflussmodells zu quantifizieren. Das Materialflussmodell basiert auf einer Analyse regulatorischer Rahmenbedingungen, Literatur- und Datenrecherchen sowie Abfallcharakterisierungen. Anhand der Analyse regulatorischer Rahmenbedingungen wurden etwa 680 Stoffe identifiziert, die in PVC-Anwendungen im Bausektor eingesetzt wurden und werden. Der Einsatz von 188 dieser Stoffe wird durch die EU-POP-Verordnung, REACH oder CLP-Verordnung reguliert. Eine Abfallanalyse ergibt, dass PVC-Altprodukte aus dem Bausektor relevante Konzentrationen an Problemstoffen, wie Blei, Cadmium und DEHP aufweisen. Anhand des dynamischen Materialflussmodells wird für die Anwendungen Profile, Rohre und Bodenbeläge gezeigt, dass derzeit ein Nutzlager von etwa 19,0 Mio. Tonnen PVC besteht. Bis 2050 ist zu erwarten, dass die PVC-Abfälle aus diesen Anwendungen von 246.000 t im Jahr 2022 auf 449.000 t steigen werden. Außerdem zeigt das Materialflussmodell, dass PVC-Abfälle aus dem Bausektor mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit auch im Jahr 2050 noch relevante Konzentrationen an Problemstoffen enthalten werden. Um zukünftig eine stoffliche Verwertung dieser Abfälle sowie die Etablierung sauberer Materialkreisläufe zu ermöglichen, sind neue Abfallbehandlungsverfahren notwendig, die auf das Ausschleusen der Schadstoffe abzielen, sodass steigende Recyclingmengenpotenziale ausgeschöpft werden können.
Risk factors and incidence of short-term complications following open reduction and internal fixation of scapula fractures
Authors: Kiritsis Nicholas R. , Reiter Charles R. , Satalich James R. , Protzuk Omar , O’Neill Conor N. , Vanderbeck Jennifer L.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To determine the short-term complication rates following open reduction and internal fixation of scapula fractures, factors affecting the development of adverse events, and complication rates based on the anatomic location of the fracture.

Methods

Thirty-day complication rates for patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the scapula were compared between glenoid, body, coracoid, and acromion fracture locations, as identified by International Classification of Disease codes. Possible adverse events included postoperative surgical site infection, renal insufficiency, intubation, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, wound dehiscence, stroke, and blood transfusion.

Results

A total of 251 scapula fractures were identified, with 161 having known fracture locations: 105 glenoid, 20 body, 9 coracoid, and 27 acromial fractures. The rate of any adverse event for all scapular fractures was 2.0%, with no significant difference between anatomic locations (p = 0.79). The overall rates of transfusion, surgical site infection, and return to OR were 0.4%, 0.8%, and 3.98%. Steroid use associated with a significantly increased risk of any adverse event (OR: 55.57, p = 0.038) and outpatient status demonstrated a protective effect on reoperation (OR: 0.11, p = 0.014). There were no significant differences in the rates between groups [transfusion (p = 0.91); surgical site infection (p = 0.17); reoperation (p = 0.85)].

Conclusion

Complication rates within thirty days of ORIF for scapula fracture were low. Reoperation was the most common complication, followed by surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, stroke, transfusion, and pneumonia. Steroid use was a risk factor for developing any adverse event, and outpatient status was protective against reoperation. The 30-day complication profile of glenoid, body, coracoid, and acromial fractures was not significantly different. The low complication rates support the relative short-term safety of operative intervention with internal fixation.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
The Key Ripper: a specialized fixed suture-cutting device to facilitate drain removal
Authors: Nagamatsu Shogo , Sasaki Ayano , Fujioka Yumiwo , Shibata Yoshiaki , Nomimura Ken , Aoki Yuki , Koshima Isao
Published: July 2024

The removal of post-surgical drains requires suture cutting. We developed a novel and specialized device that can safely remove the threads fixing the drains, making drain removal safer and easier than the current removal approach using scissors or a scalpel.
Clinical effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in the periodontal treatment of smokers and non-smokers with periodontitis: a retrospective study
Authors: Savran Levent , Sağlam Mehmet
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Omega-3 supplementation as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment has been reported to have a positive effect on healing in periodontitis patients. However, there is a lack of information on the effects of periodontal healing in smokers with periodontitis. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 supplementation given as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment on clinical parameters in smoker and non-smoker periodontitis patients.

Methods

This study included a total of 80 periodontitis patients, 40 non-smokers and 40 smokers who were systemically healthy. In this study, patients were divided into 4 groups as follows: Group 1 (Subgingival instrumentation (SI) alone/nonsmoker), Group 2 (SI alone/smoker), Group 3 (SI + Omega-3/nonsmoker) and Group 4 (SI + Omega-3/smoker). Group 3 and 4 consumed 1320 mg Omega-3 capsule (640 mg EPA, 480 mg DHA) once a day for 3 months. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP %) were recorded at baseline, 1 month and 3 months after treatment.

Results

Significant improvement of all clinical parameters at 1 and 3 months was observed in all groups. Whole mouth CAL, GI and BOP% were significantly reduced in group 4 compared to group 2 at 1 and 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). For moderately deep pockets (4–6 mm) and deep pockets (7 mm≤), PD and CAL reductions were significantly greater in groups taking omega − 3 (group 3 and group 4) compared to groups not taking omega-3 (group 1 and group 2) between baseline and 1 month and between baseline and 3 months (p ˂ 0.05).

Conclusion

Omega-3 supplementation given as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment provided significant benefit in the improvement of clinical parameters (especially for CAL and PD) in the short term in smokers and non-smokers with periodontitis.

Clinical relevance

Nonsurgical periodontal treatment with omega-3 supplementation resulted in significant improvements in clinical parameters in smokers and non-smokers with periodontitis.
Maternal child maltreatment and trajectories of offspring behavioural and emotional difficulties from age 4 to 7 years – results from a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: Clemens Vera , Wernecke Deborah , Fegert Jörg M. , Genuneit Jon , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Braig Stefanie
Published: July 2024

Maternal experience of child maltreatment (CM) has been associated with maternal and child mental health. However, evidence about the course of child mental health and maternal CM is scarce. Therefore, this study aims to compare trajectories of mental health in children according to maternal CM exposure and maternal mental health. We included 327 mothers and their singleton child from the Ulm SPATZ Health Study, a prospective birth cohort study. Child mental health was determined by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at the age of 4, 5, 6, and 7 years and maternal CM by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Results display that maternal CM is associated with more behavioural and emotional difficulties in children, a trend that tends to increase with older child age. The sum of maternal mental health problems across this time course mediates this association. Male child sex is associated with more mental health problems in the child and the mother. These results provide an important first insight into the relevance of maternal CM on the trajectories of mental health in the offspring and highlight the importance of chronicity and severity of maternal mental health. Further prospective research in cohorts with longer follow-ups up into adolescence and adulthood is needed.
Functional genomics reveals an off-target dependency of drug synergy in gastric cancer therapy
Authors: Leylek Ozen , Honeywell Megan E. , Lee Michael J. , Hemann Michael T. , Ozcan Gulnihal
Published: July 2024

Background

Integrating molecular-targeted agents into combination chemotherapy is transformative for enhancing treatment outcomes in cancer. However, realizing the full potential of this approach requires a clear comprehension of the genetic dependencies underlying drug synergy. While the interactions between conventional chemotherapeutics are well-explored, the interplay of molecular-targeted agents with conventional chemotherapeutics remains a frontier in cancer treatment. Hence, we leveraged a powerful functional genomics approach to decode genomic dependencies that drive synergy in molecular-targeted agent/chemotherapeutic combinations in gastric adenocarcinoma, addressing a critical need in gastric cancer therapy.

Methods

We screened pharmacological interactions between fifteen molecular-targeted agent/conventional chemotherapeutic pairs in gastric adenocarcinoma cells, and examined the genome-scale genetic dependencies of synergy integrating genome-wide CRISPR screening with the shRNA-based signature assay. We validated the synergy in cell death using fluorescence-based and lysis-dependent inference of cell death kinetics assay, and validated the genetic dependencies by single-gene knockout experiments.

Results

Our combination screen identified SN-38/erlotinib as the drug pair with the strongest synergism. Functional genomics assays unveiled a genetic dependency signature of SN-38/erlotinib identical to SN-38. Remarkably, the enhanced cell death with improved kinetics induced by SN-38/erlotinib was attributed to erlotinib’s off-target effect, inhibiting ABCG2, rather than its on-target effect on EGFR.

Conclusion

In the era of precision medicine, where emphasis on primary drug targets prevails, our research challenges this paradigm by showcasing a robust synergy underpinned by an off-target dependency. Further dissection of the intricate genetic dependencies that underlie synergy can pave the way to developing more effective combination strategies in gastric cancer therapy.
Immunometabolic alteration of CD4+ T cells in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Chen Yingying , Luo Xuan , Deng Chuiwen , Zhao Lidan , Gao Hui , Zhou Jiaxin , Peng Linyi , Yang Huaxia , Li Mengtao , Zhang Wen , Zhao Yan , Fei Yunyun
Published: July 2024

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder wherein CD4+ T cells play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms driving the hyperactivity of CD4+ T cells in pSS remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of immunometabolic alterations in driving the hyperactivity of CD4+ T cells in pSS. We employed Seahorse XF assay to evaluate the metabolic phenotype of CD4+ T cells, conducted flow cytometry to assess the effector function and differentiation of CD4+ T cells and measured the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, transcriptome sequencing, PCR, and Western blotting were utilized to examine the expression of glycolytic genes. Our investigation revealed that activated CD4+ T cells from pSS patients exhibited elevated aerobic glycolysis, rather than oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in excessive production of IFN-γ and IL-17A. Inhibition of glycolysis by 2-Deoxy-D-glucose reduced the expression of IFN-γ and IL-17A in activated CD4+ T cells and mitigated the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells. Furthermore, the expression of glycolytic genes, including CD3E, CD28, PIK3CA, AKT1, mTOR, MYC, LDHA, PFKL, PFKFB3, and PFKFB4, was upregulated in activated CD4+ T cells from pSS patients. Specifically, the expression and activity of LDHA were enhanced, contributing to an increased level of intracellular ROS. Targeting LDHA with FX-11 or inhibiting ROS with N-acetyl-cysteine had a similar effect on reversing the dysfunction of activated CD4+ T cells from pSS patients. Our study unveils heightened aerobic glycolysis in activated CD4+ T cells from pSS patients, and inhibition of glycolysis or its metabolite normalizes the dysfunction of activated CD4+ T cells. These findings suggest that aerobic glycolysis may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of pSS.
Guardians within: entomopathogenic fungi-driven antibiosis and compensatory growth combines to reduce the damage of herbivores to melon plants
Authors: Yousef-Yousef Meelad , García-Espinoza Fabián , García del Rosal María José , Quesada-Moraga Enrique
Published: July 2024

Endophytic and rhizosphere-competent entomopathogenic fungi (EF) are important plant bodyguards, although the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the roles of antibiosis (lethal and sublethal effects), and potential growth compensation (in response to leaf injury) in melon plants exposed to cotton leafworm. Plants were inoculated with one of three EF strains (EAMa 0158-Su Metarhizium brunneum strain or EABb 04/01-Tip and EABb 01/33-Su Beauveria bassiana strains) by either foliar spray, seed dressing or soil drenching and then challenged with either multiple short-term, or single long-term Spodoptera littoralis larval infestation. Endophytic colonization and relative expression of plant defense genes were tracked using molecular techniques alongside evaluation of antibiosis effects on S. littoralis and plant tolerance to larval-induced leaf injuries. Inoculated plants exhibited antibiosis and potential growth compensation in responses to various S. littoralis challenges, which resulted in increased fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll content, number of secondary branches and stem diameter. Furthermore, up-regulation in the relative expression of ethylene (ACO1, ACO3, EIN2, EIN3) and jasmonic acid (LOX2)-related genes were observed, with the endophytic B. bassiana- induction of ethylene and jasmonic acid production being higher in S. littoralis infested plants. Our findings strongly confirm the EF multifunctionality and the involvement of the Endophytic EF triggered melon defensive system induction in the antibiosis and compensatory growth to protect melon plants from pest damage.
Effect of acorn fall phenology on seedling establishment success in two mediterranean oak species. Implications facing climate change
Authors: Leiva María José , Perelló-Rodríguez María
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on the effect of differences in acorn dropping time on seedling establishment in two abundant Mediterranean oak species: Quercus ilex subsp. ballota and Q. suber. These species show extended seed dropping seasons (i.e., 4 to 5 months) and the fallen acorns thus experience variable conditions, including differences in climate and microclimate, as well as differences in biological interactions (mainly pre- and post-dispersal predation by insect larvae and rodents, respectively). We conducted two field experiments and a field survey on acorn infection by insect larvae and analysed the ability of early and late dropped acorns to achieve success (i.e., remaining healthy, germinating, and emerging as seedlings). The results indicated that pre- and post-dispersal predation of propagules changed over time. However, these factors had low effect on final seedling success. In opposition, warmer (i.e., autumn) conditions at acorn dropping and sowing time decreased seedling establishment in Q. suber, likely by a lack of cold stratification, while the conditions had no effect on Q. ilex subsp. ballota seedlings. We conclude that climate warming can selectively decrease the number of seedlings that are established in late springtime, before the onset of the characteristic Mediterranean summertime drought, thus negatively affecting the population dynamic in these species, which exhibit a high level of physiological dormancy as they depend on cold conditions to maximise acorn germination and epicotyl emergence.
The experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse health practitioners in dominant culture practice: a scoping review
Authors: Harris Mikaela , Lau-Bogaardt Timothea , Shifaza Fathimath , Attrill Stacie
Published: July 2024

Increasing the proportion of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) health practitioners is identified as one strategy to address healthcare disparities that individuals from minority or under-represented backgrounds experience. However, professional and institutional cultures and structures are known to contribute to the challenges for CALD practitioners who work in dominant culture practice contexts. This scoping review used the theory of Legitimate Peripheral Participation to describe and interpret literature about the experiences of CALD health practitioners in view of informing strategies to increase their representation. A systematised search was conducted across four allied health, medicine and nursing databases. Following abstract and full text screening, articles which fit the inclusion criteria (n = 124) proceeded to data extraction. Categories relating to the experiences of practitioners were extracted, and three themes were identified that were subsequently theoretically interpreted: Discrimination, Consequences and Hierarchy. Discrimination functioned as a barrier to CALD practitioners being legitimised and able to participate equally in healthcare practice, retaining their position at the periphery of the practice community; Consequences reinforced this peripheral position and further impeded legitimation and participation; and Hierarchy was maintained through structures that reinforced and reproduced these barriers. The findings summarise how these barriers are reinforced through the intersections of professional and racial hierarchies, and highlight a need for strategies to address discrimination and structures that marginalise CALD practitioners’ identity, practices and participation in their health professional communities.
Determinants of the Behaviour of Entities on the Insurance Market in the Light of Changes Introduced by the IDD Directive
Authors: Fras M. , Pauch D. , Walczak D. , Bera A.
Published: July 2024

One of the most significant legal acts concerning the sale and management of insurance risk was issued on January 20, 2016, based on Directive (EU) 2016/97 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 January 2016 on insurance distribution (IDD Directive). The adoption of European IDD principles aims to enhance transparency in the operations of insurance distributors and improve the standards of their business practices. Its protective scope encompasses all individuals and entities involved in the sale of insurance products. The aim of the article is to ascertain the regulatory authorities’ impact on the insurance market, consideration of consumer protection, in light of the changes introduced by the IDD directive. The primary entities under examination, in the mentioned context of consumer protection, are distributors and supervisory authorities. The discussion includes an overview of the scale of the insurance market and its fundamental applications, as well as compliance within the framework of behavioural economics theory. Additionally, the paper addresses the aspect of threats posed to consumers by the analyzed changes in the European insurance distribution market. In this segment, the authors concentrate on the economic and social ramifications of IDD implementation for entities operating within the insurance market. The concluding section outlines the potential for development and the future prospects of financial intermediation concerning IDD utilization.
Declared Practices of Language Facilitation in Early Childhood Education and Care with Children Younger than Two Years
Authors: Asp Eeva , Räikkönen Eija , Rutanen Niina , Aro Tuija , Salmi Paula , Laakso Marja-Leena
Published: July 2024

Early reciprocal language experiences are crucial for children’s language development. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) has the potential to facilitate language development. However, knowledge on ECEC educators’ actions in implementing early language facilitation is scarce. This study surveyed educators’ declared practices of early language facilitation and its relationship with their educational background. Open-ended responses gathered from 644 Finnish ECEC educators were categorized by content and analyzed in relation to the educators’ qualifications and work experience. The findings showed that when reporting on their practices, the educators typically did not focus on the child’s communicative initiatives and reciprocal language. However, the responses of educators with a qualification in ECEC special education contained more focused content on child-led reciprocity. Moreover, both ECEC special education teachers and educators with experience in infant-toddler ECEC underlined the importance of interaction. The findings indicate a need to increase educators’ awareness of their actions in facilitating children’s early language skills. To achieve the educational and preventive rehabilitative potential of ECEC, it is crucial that centers both include ECEC special educators in their teaching staff and invest in educator training.
Tax evasion, education and shadow economy
Authors: Ciucci Salvatore
Published: July 2024

The aim of the paper is to evaluate the influence of education on tax evasion. This study proposes a theoretical model, in which an agent can choose to allocate his labor effort between two production technologies. Higher levels of education lead to more skilled and specialized workers, and the tax authority can observe the use of advanced tools and equipment. The main result is that an increase in the general level of education leads to a labor effort substitution effect, showing that higher education can reduce tax evasion and the size of the shadow economy. Both static and dynamic estimation techniques are employed to test the theoretical findings, using a sample of 133 countries, over the period 2001–2020. The empirical analysis confirms the significant negative association between education and shadow economy.
Towards Exploring the Limitations of Test Selection Techniques on Graph Neural Networks: An Empirical Study
Authors: Dang Xueqi , Li Yinghua , Ma Wei , Guo Yuejun , Hu Qiang , Papadakis Mike , Cordy Maxime , Traon Yves Le
Published: July 2024

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have gained prominence in various domains, such as social network analysis, recommendation systems, and drug discovery, due to their ability to model complex relationships in graph-structured data. GNNs can exhibit incorrect behavior, resulting in severe consequences. Therefore, testing is necessary and pivotal. However, labeling all test inputs for GNNs can be prohibitively costly and time-consuming, especially when dealing with large and complex graphs. In response to these challenges, test selection has emerged as a strategic approach to alleviate labeling expenses. The objective of test selection is to select a subset of tests from the complete test set. While various test selection techniques have been proposed for traditional deep neural networks (DNNs), their adaptation to GNNs presents unique challenges due to the distinctions between DNN and GNN test data. Specifically, DNN test inputs are independent of each other, whereas GNN test inputs (nodes) exhibit intricate interdependencies. Therefore, it remains unclear whether DNN test selection approaches can perform effectively on GNNs. To fill the gap, we conduct an empirical study that systematically evaluates the effectiveness of various test selection methods in the context of GNNs, focusing on three critical aspects: 1) Misclassification detection: selecting test inputs that are more likely to be misclassified; 2) Accuracy estimation: selecting a small set of tests to precisely estimate the accuracy of the whole testing set; 3) Performance enhancement: selecting retraining inputs to improve the GNN accuracy. Our empirical study encompasses 7 graph datasets and 8 GNN models, evaluating 22 test selection approaches. Our study includes not only node classification datasets but also graph classification datasets. Our findings reveal that: 1) In GNN misclassification detection, confidence-based test selection methods, which perform well in DNNs, do not demonstrate the same level of effectiveness; 2) In terms of GNN accuracy estimation, clustering-based methods, while consistently performing better than random selection, provide only slight improvements; 3) Regarding selecting inputs for GNN performance improvement, test selection methods, such as confidence-based and clustering-based test selection methods, demonstrate only slight effectiveness; 4) Concerning performance enhancement, node importance-based test selection methods are not suitable, and in many cases, they even perform worse than random selection.
Throwing light on the relationship between voluntary environmental certification and corporates’ financial performance: a meta-analysis-based study
Authors: Zubeltzu-Jaka Eugenio , Erauskin-Tolosa Artitzar , Barinaga-Rementeria Itziar
Published: July 2024

This article provides the first meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between the adoption of the internationally agreed ISO 14,001 and/or the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, the Voluntary Environmental Certification, and Corporate Financial Performance, with an examination of treatment effect, whereby better performance is due to the beneficial effects of Voluntary Environmental Certification, together with selection effect, whereby better performance precedes accreditation. Based on a sample of 60 independent studies drawn from 57 academic papers, the findings of an analysis of 192,752 observations reveal a positive association between Voluntary Environmental Certification (ISO 14,001 and EMAS) and Corporate Financial Performance. Furthermore, the results show a stronger positive association for companies with better financial performance before implementing the environmental management system. The results also confirm that the association analysed is moderated by the criteria used to measure the corporate financial performance.
Report of the sixth meeting of the European Consortium ‘Care for CMMRD’ (C4CMMRD), Paris, France, November 16th 2022
Authors: Guerrini-Rousseau Léa , Gallon Richard , Pineda Marta , Brugières Laurence , Baert-Desurmont Stéphanie , Corsini Carole , Dangouloff-Ros Volodia , Gorris Mark A. J. , Haberler Christine , Hoarau Pauline , Jongmans Marjolijn C. , Kloor Matthias , Loeffen Jan , Rigaud Charlotte , Robbe Julie , Vibert Roseline , Weijers Dilys , Wimmer Katharina , Colas Chrystelle ,   On behalf of the “Care For CMMRD” consortium
Published: July 2024

Biallelic germline pathogenic variants in one of the four mismatch repair genes (MSH2, MSH6, MLH1 and PMS2) cause a very rare, highly penetrant, childhood-onset cancer syndrome, called constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD). The European consortium “Care for CMMRD” (C4CMMRD) was founded in Paris in 2013 to facilitate international collaboration and improve our knowledge of this rare cancer predisposition syndrome. Following initial publications on diagnostic criteria and surveillance guidelines for CMMRD, several partners collaborating within the C4CMMRD consortium have worked on and published numerous CMMRD-related clinical and biological projects. Since its formation, the C4CMMRD consortium held meetings every 1–2 years (except in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid 19 pandemic). The sixth C4CMMRD meeting was held in Paris in November 2022, and brought together 42 participants from nine countries involved in various fields of CMMRD healthcare. The aim was to update members on the latest results and developments from ongoing research, and to discuss and initiate new study proposals. As previously done for the fifth meeting of the C4CMMRD group, this report summarizes data presented at this meeting.
Vulnerability and Social Control at the Margins: A Contribution to an Interdisciplinary Trialogue on Vulnerability
Authors: Brown Kate
Published: July 2024

This paper is part of a special section which brings three different approaches to vulnerability into conversation with one another to foster interdisciplinary co-operation in vulnerability studies. The essay focuses on UK-based applied social science research which centres dynamics of care and social control in how vulnerability is created, experienced and governed, through attention to the voices and perspectives of those deemed vulnerable. Bringing together key themes from a number of empirical studies, the essay provides an overview of theoretical approach on vulnerability, associated research methods including co-production with ‘vulnerable’ people, then draws together insights from the studies and implications for future directions in vulnerability studies. In focussing on lived experiences of those who are socially disadvantaged, disproportionately victimised and at the same time deemed a social problem and controlled in ways that intensify suffering, the essay sets out how social control and marginalisation might usefully be held more to the fore in vulnerability conceptualisations to offer firmer foundations for supporting social justice.
Young adults perceived future employability: testing a social cognitive career model
Authors: Gunawan W. , Glendon A. I. , Creed P. A.
Published: July 2024

Being optimistic about their future employability can help to provide young people with certainty and independence. We examined the relationship of perceived future employability (PFE) and some career outcomes using the social cognitive career framework. Response (N = 449, 78% female, mean age 21.07 years), revealed that: (a) PFE was associated with career self-efficacy and outcome expectations, (b) career self-efficacy and outcome expectations were associated with career distress, career effort, and career aspirations, and (c) career self-efficacy and outcome expectations mediated PFE and career distress, career effort, and career aspirations.