bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tobacco smoke exposure is a driver of altered oxidative stress response and immunity in head and neck cancer
Authors: Li Y. , Yadollahi P. , Essien F. , Putluri V. , Chandra SRA. , Kami Reddy K.R. , Kamal AHM. , Putluri N. , Abdurrahman LM. , Ruiz-Echartea E. , Ernste K. , Trivedi A. , Vazquez-Perez J. , Hudson W.H. , Decker W. , Patel R. , Osman A.A. , Kheradmand F. , Lai SY. , Myers JN. , Skinner HD. , Coarfa C. , Lee K. , Jain A. , Malovannaya A. , Frederick M.J. , Sandulache V.C.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Exposomes are critical drivers of carcinogenesis. However, how they modulate tumor behavior remains unclear. Extensive clinical data link cigarette smoke as a key exposome that promotes aggressive tumors, higher rates of metastasis, reduced response to chemoradiotherapy, and suppressed anti-tumor immunity. We sought to determine whether smoke itself can modulate aggressive tumor behavior in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) through reprogramming the cellular reductive state.

Experimental design

Using established human and murine HNSCC cell lines and syngeneic mouse models, we utilized conventional western blotting, steady state and flux metabolomics, RNA sequencing, quantitative proteomics and flow cytometry to analyze the impact of smoke exposure on HNSCC tumor biology.

Results

Cigarette smoke persistently activated Nrf2 target genes essential for maintenance of the cellular reductive state and survival under conditions of increased oxidative stress in HNSCC regardless of HPV status. In contrast to e-cigarette vapor, conventional cigarette smoke mobilizes cellular metabolism toward oxidative stress adaptation, resulting in development of cross-resistance to cisplatin. In parallel, smoke exposure modulates both expression of PDL1 and the secretory phenotype of HNSCC cells through activation of NF-κB resulting in an altered tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in syngeneic mouse models and altered PBMC differentiation that includes downregulated expression of antigen presentation and costimulatory genes in myeloid cells.

Conclusion

Cigarette smoke exposome is a potent activator of the Nrf2 pathway and is a likely primary trigger for the tripartite phenotype of aggressive HNSCC consisting of: 1) reduced chemotherapy sensitivity, 2) enhanced metastatic potential and 3) suppressed anti-tumor immunity.

Statement of significance

The smoke exposome drives aggressive tumor behavior, treatment resistance and suppressed immunity through coordinated metabolic reprogramming. Successfully targeting this adaptation is critical to improving survival in smokers with head and neck cancer.
P3 site-directed mutagenesis: An efficient method based on primer pairs with 3-prime overhangs
Authors: Mousavi Negar , Zhou Ethan , Razavi Arezousadat , Ebrahimi Elham , Varela-Castillo Paulina , Yang Xiang-Jiao
Published: October 2024

Site-directed mutagenesis is a fundamental tool indispensable for protein and plasmid engineering. An important technological question is how to achieve the efficiency at the ideal level of 100%. Based on complementary primer pairs, the QuickChange method has been widely used, but it requires significant improvements due to its low efficiency and frequent unwanted mutations. An alternative and innovative strategy is to utilize primer pairs with 3-prime overhangs, but this approach has not been fully developed. As the first step towards reaching the efficiency of 100%, we have optimized this pproach systematically and evaluated the resulting method extensively with >100 mutations on 12 mammalian expression vectors, ranging from 7.0-13.4 kb in size and encoding ten epigenetic regulators with links to cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. We have also tested the new method with two expression vectors for the SARS-COV-2 spike protein. Compared to the QuickChange method, the success rate has increased substantially, with an average efficiency of >50%, with some at or close to 100%, and requiring much less time for engineering various mutations. Therefore, in this study, we have developed a new site-directed mutagenesis method for efficient, versatile and economical generation of various mutations. Importantly, the extensive experience from this study also sheds light on how to develop ideal mutagenesis methods with the efficiency at or close to 100% for a wide spectrum of plasmids.
Prioritization of decisions by importance and difficulty in human planning
Authors: Aboalasaad Fatmaalzahraa A , Lambertz Leonie , Mastrogiuseppe Chiara , Moreno-Bote Rubén
Published: October 2024

In our everyday lives, we continually need to commit to courses of future action even when direct feedback is not available. The expected reward of an action depends not only on a single decision but on a sequence of interdependent choices that will happen in the future. Admittedly, most decisions we make concern sequences of actions as opposed to single-step choices. To make these decisions, we rely on our ability to plan and forecast the potential outcomes of sequential decisions. However, how humans plan under novel real-world scenarios remains poorly understood. We developed a novel task to investigate how humans evaluate options and prioritize their decisions during planning in realistic situations. In each trial, a written planning scenario (for example, “plan your birthday party”) was followed by 9 pictures divided into three categories (e.g., 3 birthday cakes, 3 party locations, and 3 decorations). Participants were asked to choose one option from each category to create the best possible plan - the one with the highest subjective value – while both their response and gaze were tracked. With each option possibly having a different subjective value according to the other selected options, the required planning process resembles the navigation of an internal decision tree, whose complexity grows exponentially with the number of choices and future outcomes considered. Our results show that participants gather information at all levels of the decision trees, as suggested by their gaze-switching behavior. In addition, based on their assessments of importance and difficulty, we find that participants generally choose first what they report to be the most important and easiest category and then the least important and most difficult one. Overall, our task provides a novel means to study planning behavior in realistic, multi-alternative situations, as participants can freely navigate through all levels of the decision tree by subjectively evaluating potential scenarios through internal sampling and imagination.
Modeling the epidemiological impact of different adult pneumococcal vaccination strategies in the United Kingdom
Authors: Oidtman Rachel J , Meleleo Giulio , Sharomi Oluwaseun , Matthews Ian R , Ntais Dionysios , Nachbar Robert , Malik Tufail M , Bakker Kevin M
Published: October 2024

Background

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) were first introduced in the pediatric United Kingdom (UK) immunisation programme in 2006 which led to significant declines in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by targeted serotypes. Although pediatric PCVs provide some indirect protection to adults, a significant IPD burden remains in older adults. Here, we compared three adult (65+ years-old) and risk group (2-64-year-old) vaccination scenarios, namely a continuation of the status quo with PPSV23 vaccination, using the recently licensed-in-adults PCV20, or using the new adult-focused 21-valent PCV, V116.

Methods

A population-level compartmental dynamic transmission model (DTM) was adapted to the UK setting. The model describedStreptococcus pneumoniaecarriage transmission dynamics and disease progression in the presence of age- and serotype-specific pneumococcal vaccines. We calibrated the DTM to age- and serotype-specific IPD data in the UK and used the model to make projections under the different adult vaccination scenarios, while keeping PCV13 immunization in children.

Results

The calibrated model yielded reasonable parameter values and model fits that closely matched observed IPD dynamics. Among 65+ year-olds, routine use of V116 averted more cases of IPD than PCV20 or PPSV23 vaccination. There was a notable decrease in IPD incidence in the serotypes unique to V116. In the serotypes included in PCV20 but not V116, the model did not predict a resurgence of IPD.

Conclusions

Projections revealed that in adults, V116 led to greater reductions in IPD in the 65+ year-old population compared with PCV20 or PPSV23.

HIGHLIGHTS

A dynamic transmission model was able to replicate historical pneumococcal dynamics.

An adult specific PCV (V116) in the UK would avert more pneumococcal disease than other candidate adult vaccines.

The dynamic model predicted no resurgence of serotypes not included in V116.
DNA Replication and Polymer Chain Duplication Reshape the Genome in Space and Time
Authors: D’Asaro Dario , Tortora Maxime M. C. , Vaillant Cédric , Arbona Jean-Michel , Jost Daniel
Published: October 2024

In eukaryotes, DNA replication constitutes a complex process whereby multiple origins are stochastically fired, and from which the replication machinery proceeds along chromosomes to achieve the faithful synthesis of two identical copies of the genome during the S phase of the cell cycle. Experimental evidence shows a functional correlation between the dynamics of replication and the spatial organization of the genome inside cell nuclei, suggesting that the process of replicating DNA may impact chromosome folding. However, the theoretical and mechanistic bases of such a hypothesis remain elusive. To address that question, we propose a quantitative, minimal framework that integrates the dynamics of replication along a polymer chain by accounting explicitly for the progression of the replication machinery and the resulting formation of sister chromatids. By systematically characterizing the 3D structural consequences of replication, and of possible interactions between active replication machineries, we show that the formation of transient loops may potentially impact chromosome organization across multiple temporal and spatial scales, from the level of individual origins to that of the global polymer chain. Comparison with available microscopy and chromosome conformation capture data in yeast suggests that a replication-dependent loop extrusion process may be acting , and may shape chromosomes as loose polymer bottle brushes during the S phase. Lastly, we explore the postreplication relative organization of sister chromatids and demonstrate the emergence of catenations and intertwined structures, which are regulated by the density of fired origins.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Upgraded front ends for SLS 2.0 with next-generation high-power diaphragms and slits
Authors: Just David Marco , Brüstle Marcel , Guntli Simon , Mück Johannes , Pradervand Claude
Published: October 2024

The upgrade of the Swiss Light Source, called SLS 2.0, necessitates comprehensive updates to all 18 user front ends. This upgrade is driven by the increased power of the synchrotron beam, reduced floor space, changing source points, new safety regulations and enhanced beam properties, including a brightness increase by up to a factor of 40. While some existing front-end components are being thoroughly refurbished and upgraded for safety reasons, other components, especially those designed to tailor the new synchrotron beam, are being completely rebuilt. These new designs feature innovative and enhanced cooling systems to manage the high-power load and meet new requirements such as mechanical stability and compact footprints.
Parametric structure optimization of a main rotor blade as an application for FSI analysis in main rotor optimization process
Authors: Kocjan Jakub , Rogólski Robert
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Modern warfare and modern battlefield are very demanding. The recent conflicts showed that the usage of the helicopters is very limited and only the best constructions are able to provide support for the operations. The purpose of this research is to show the possibilities of new design tool for main rotor aerostructural optimization. It is a next chapter of the research that is aimed at finding new solutions for rotorcraft constructions.

Design/methodology/approach

This work presents a method of preliminary structure optimization of the main rotor blade using parametric modeling. It is the next step in the main rotor optimization studies. It is the next step after preparing the parametric model for the external shape CFD analysis. As a basis for parametric blade structure calculations, the analytical model is provided in this paper. The equations of rigid blade loads and, as a consequence of the strength elements, stresses are shown. The parametric blade modeling is conducted using the Graphic Integrated Programming language. The parametric design method is shown to be used for various blade planform models and different section airfoils. The structure of a blade is generated automatically after the user enters the parameters. The code-inbuilt analysis systems provide a quick inertia examination of the generated geometry, which is the basis for further optimization. The program calculates the blade loads and verifies them with the given material conditions and proposed safety factors. In the analysis, composite materials for the strength elements were proposed.

Findings

The results of this research showed the application of parametrization into the main rotor blade design loop. It was presented that the main rotor blade structure can be enhanced using fluid-structure interaction (FSI) methods. The time saving with the implementation the process into design loop is shown.

Practical implications

This work can be practically used in the main rotor blade design process. It provides the possibilities to check various blade aerodynamic configuration in a structure strength aspect.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there were no published research that combines the main rotor FSI analysis. The method, which is presented in the work, provides a new approach to a rotorcraft design. The application of the parametrization and combining it with the FSI method gives a novel solution for helicopters construction enhancement.
The seawall helps but—: using “material registers” to understand coastal infrastructure for disaster risk management in an island community
Authors: Cajilig Pamela Gloria
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper contributes to discourse about complex disasters by applying cultural lenses to the study of coastal infrastructure (such as seawalls and dikes), thus departing from studies that focus on characterising, assessing, and predicting the physical resilience of hard structural forms that dominate knowledge about coastal infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

This ethnographic study nuances Philippine coastal infrastructure through examining the material registers of a seawall bordering an island inhabited by artisanal fisherfolk. By “material registers”, this research refers to the socially informed ways of regarding and constructing material configurations and how the latter are enacted and resisted. Data collection was accomplished through focus groups with community leaders, on-site and remote interviews with homeowners, and archival research to further understand the spatial and policy context of the structure.

Findings

The discussion focuses on the seawall’s three material registers (protection, fragility, and misrecognition) and reveals how infrastructure built for an island community of fisherfolk simultaneously fulfils, fails, and complicates the promise of disaster resilience.

Research limitations/implications

This research demonstrates the potential of “material registers”, a term previously used to analyse architecture and housing, to understand the technopolitics of infrastructure and how materially informed tensions between homeowners' and state notions of infrastructure contribute to protracted experiences of disaster and coastal maladaptation.

Practical implications

This research signposts the need for disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainable development policies that legitimize the construction of infrastructure to recognize the latter's relationship and impact on multiple sphere of coastal life, including housing and citizenship implications.

Social implications

This research highlights how infrastructure for coastal disaster risk management implicates geographically informed power relations within a community fisherfolk and between their “small” island community and more politically and economically dominant groups.

Originality/value

Whereas studies of coastal infrastructure are focused on quantitative and predictive research regarding hard structural forms in megacities, this study apprehends disaster complexity through examining the cultural and contested nature of infrastructure for coastal flood management in an island community of fisherfolk.
Phylogenetic relatedness, not geographic origin, shapes traits across ontogenetic stages for common native and exotic plants in subtropical China
Authors: Liu Zhen , Liang Yuming , Wei Chunqiang , Zhu Biao , Chen Wei , Lu Xinmin
Published: October 2024

Functional traits, which shift as a plant develops from seed to adult and may be phylogenetically conserved, are widely acknowledged to be associated with exotic species invasion. However, existing studies comparing functional traits between native and invasive species often focus on a single ontogenetic stage, yielding mixed results. It remains unclear whether the functional trait differences and their relationship with invasiveness (e.g. range size) of exotic species remain consistent across ontogenetic stages.

In this study, we experimentally compared 18 traits across the seed, early growth and adult stages of 127 native and exotic species from 19 families. These species are common and often co‐occur in the subtropical region of China. We also explored the linkage between these traits, alongside their phylogenetic relatedness with native species and exotic species' range size in China.

Our results show that only seed mass differed between native and exotic species. Moreover, the compositions of traits across all stages and the entire lifespan were primarily influenced by phylogenetic relatedness rather than geographic origin. Further, the range size of exotic species in China positively correlated with their mean phylogenetic distance to native species, with no association with individual functional traits or functional distinctiveness.

Synthesis. Our results emphasize the importance of comparing functional traits across ontogenetic stages between native and exotic species to improve our understanding of the role of functional traits in shaping plant invasion. Our findings also underscore the pivotal role of phylogenetic relatedness in shaping plant functional traits and the distribution of exotic species in their new ranges.
Specificity determinants of pathogens in forest
Authors: Cheng Keke , Yu Shixiao
Published: October 2024

Host‐specific pathogens have long been suggested to act as a major driver of species diversity in tropical forests. However, determining the degree of host specificity of potential pathogens coupled to key cellular characteristics of infection is difficult and time‐consuming. These challenges have delayed progress in relating the functional specificity of pathogenic fungi to ecological consequences.

We tested the pathogenicity of 27 (of 215) fungi that were isolated from surface sterilized roots of seedlings from four common tree species in a diverse subtropical forest. Inoculation experiments showed that six fungi exhibited strong pathogenicity on the host seedlings. Five of these only infected their specific hosts (i.e. host‐specific pathogen species).

Green fluorescent protein labelling revealed that in three host‐specific pathogens fungal hyphae were able to grow into the vascular tissues only in their specific host plant, in contrast to other fungal‐host combinations that exhibit non‐pathogenic interactions. This fluorescent labelling technique allows direct tracking of the progress of fungal infection in different host tissues.

Synthesis. By coupling the green fluorescent protein technique with standard host inoculation experiments, we determined the developmental differences between infections by pathogenic and non‐pathogenic fungi in a relatively simple and straightforward way. Our work provides a useful tool for rapidly screening and categorizing host–fungal interactions, reflecting the functional basis of host specificity of pathogenic fungi. More broadly, this technique can contribute to understanding the roles of pathogens in species coexistence and biodiversity maintenance in forest communities.
Can Trade Policy Uncertainty Drive Green Innovation? Empirical Evidence From the US–China Trade War
Authors: Cao Tingting , Hu Yifan
Published: October 2024

China's rapid economic growth in recent years has coincided with heightened environmental regulations and an upsurge in greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating a greater emphasis on green innovation to mitigate environmental risks. Concurrently, the US–China trade war has elevated trade policy uncertainty (TPU). This study uses the TPU surge from the trade war as a quasi‐natural experiment, employing text analysis of annual reports to assess firms' TPU perceptions. Using a difference‐in‐differences method, we find that increased TPU significantly hinders green innovation. Firms' responses vary with environmental advantages, regulation levels, and government subsidies. Mechanisms include reduced environmental investment, decreased executive attention to environmental issues,  and corporate social responsibility. These findings underscore the importance of a stable trading environment for promoting green innovation.
Foraging by predatory ants: A review
Authors: Dejean Alain , Orivel Jérôme , Cerdá Xim , Azémar Frédéric , Corbara Bruno , Touchard Axel
Published: October 2024

In this review, we show that predatory ants have a wide range of foraging behavior, something expected given their phylogenetic distance and the great variation in their colony size, life histories, and nesting habitats as well as prey diversity. Most ants are central‐place foragers that detect prey using vision and olfaction. Ground‐dwelling species can forage solitarily, the ancestral form, but generally recruit nestmates to retrieve large prey or a group of prey. Typically, ants are omnivorous, but some species are strict predators preying on detritivorous invertebrates or arthropod eggs, while those specialized on termites or other ants often have scouts that localize their target and then trigger a raid. They can use compounds that ease this task, including chemical insignificance, mimicry, and venoms triggering submissive behavior. Army ants include 8 Dorylinae and some species from other subfamilies, all having wingless queens and forming raids. Dorylinae from the Old World migrate irregularly to new nesting sites. The foraging of most New World species that prey on the brood of other ants is regulated by their biological cycle that alternates between a “nomadic phase” when the colony relocates between different places and a “stationary phase” when the colony stays in a bivouac constituting a central place. Among arboreal ants, dominant species forage in groups, detecting prey visually, but can use vibrations, particularly when associated with myrmecophytes. Some species of the genera Allomerus and Azteca use fungi to build a gallery‐shaped trap with small holes under which they hide to ambush prey.
Suppressing DUSP16 overexpression induced by ELK1 promotes neural progenitor cell differentiation in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhao Huimin , Mu Yao , Liang Anqi , Wei Jie , Lai Sixian , Li Xin , Chen Peipei , Li Hao , He Hua , Liu Xiaoquan , Liu Haochen
Published: October 2024

Emerged evidence indicated that stimulating hippocampal neurogenesis is a potential strategy for restoring cognition in AD. Mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play an essential role in neurogenesis. Meanwhile, the enzymatic power of the phosphatases is much greater than that of kinases. Dual‐specificity phosphatase 16 (DUSP16), known to as a phosphatase negatively regulate MAPKs, may be implicated in neural differentiation. Nevertheless, the effect of DUSP16 on cognitive disorders by stimulating neural progenitor cell (NPC) differentiation in AD mice remains unclear. Our study demonstrates an association between DUSP16 SNPs and clinical progression in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Besides, increased DUSP16 expression was detected in both 3xTg and SAMP8 mouse models of AD, accompanied by NPC neural differentiation impairments. By silencing DUSP16, the induction of neural differentiation, synaptic transmission, and cognitive benefits were observed in both AD mice. Furthermore, DUSP16 was involved in the process of NPC differentiation through regulating c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation and SOX2 expression. Moreover, ETS transcription factor (ELK1) was involved in the DUSP16 transcription, which resulted in the upregulation of DUSP16 at the state of AD. Our data uncovers a potential regulatory role for DUSP16 in adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) and provides a possibility to find a novel strategy for AD intervention.
Engaging under‐represented oldest old in research: An approach for inclusive recruitment
Authors: Paine Naomi , Lowe Melanie , Young Charlotte , Turrell Gavin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Those aged 80 years and over are the fastest‐growing sector of the Australian population but are often excluded from research. Oldest old people living alone, in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, and with ill health or dementia, face additional barriers that may hinder their participation in research.

Methods

This paper contributes timely critical commentary on methodological and ethical approaches to engaging under‐represented people in research. We draw on our experiences and reflections from a study of social exclusion of people aged 80 years and older living alone in government housing in Melbourne, Australia.

Results and Discussion

We suggest key factors to facilitate representation of this population group in future research. These factors include using doorknocking to gain access, cultivating trust with participants and gatekeepers, and conducting face‐to‐face home interviews. We also interrogate ethical and safety issues for researchers and oldest old participants including the potential for informed consent protocols to exclude this population group.

Conclusion

To avoid unintentionally excluding the oldest old, researchers need to consider older persons' self‐determination and advocate for methods that ensure oldest old perspectives inform future healthy ageing planning and reduce possible health and well‐being inequities.
Generating and translating evidence for safe and effective medication management in aged care homes
Authors: Ea Annie M. L. , Cross Amanda J. , Martini Angelita , Wesson Jacqueline , Bell J. Simon
Published: October 2024

Generating and translating high‐quality evidence is integral to providing safe and effective medication management for residents of aged care homes. Residents are often under‐represented in trials of medication effectiveness and safety. This paper reviews opportunities and challenges for generating and translating evidence for safe and effective medication management in aged care homes. There are an increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) being conducted in aged care homes. Observational studies can also help address the evidence‐practice gap arising from underrepresentation of residents in RCTs. Stepped‐wedge and helix counterbalanced designs may help overcome limitations of traditional RCTs for evaluating medication management interventions in the aged care setting. Strategies for generating evidence include building effective partnerships with aged care homes and organizations, using novel trial designs, leveraging existing data and knowledge sharing through international platforms. Strategies for translating evidence include using quality indicators for audit and feedback, provision of education and training, engaging internal and external stakeholders, and development of local action plans and guideline implementation tools. There is an emerging interest in the role of knowledge brokers to facilitate knowledge translation. Future directions for generating and translating evidence include strengthening international research collaboration, industry partnerships, standardizing aged care home data to support national and international comparisons, and optimizing the use of technology. Initiatives may include improving access to routinely collected administrative health and medication data for conducting high‐quality observational studies. Future studies should assess outcomes prioritized by residents to ensure that medication management strategies are tailored to their needs.
Dual Social Responsibility: The Pathway Effects and Mechanisms of Benevolent and Malevolent Actions on Firm Performance
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2024

While doing good things, enterprises may also be subject to subjective or unintentional behaviors of doing bad things, and corporate performance is comprehensively affected by its dual social responsibility. Using data from A‐share listed companies from 2010 to 2020, this paper, grounded in signaling theory, legitimacy theory, and stakeholder theory, analyzes the dual‐path effects, comprehensive effects, and boundary effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate social irresponsibility (CSIR) on corporate performance. It innovatively introduces innovation efficiency as a mediating variable to examine its transmission mechanism and pathways in the influence of dual social responsibility on corporate performance. The study finds that CSR and CSIR have independent and heterogeneous effects on corporate performance, with the former exhibiting an inverted U‐shaped relationship with corporate performance and the latter consistently exerting a negative impact. The coexistence and interaction of CSR and CSIR have a comprehensive effect on corporate performance, where CSR performance can mitigate the negative impact of CSIR, and there exists a threshold effect. CSR has a nonlinear impact on innovation efficiency, and innovation efficiency plays a significant mediating role in the process of CSR and CSIR affecting corporate performance. The industrial environment competition plays a moderating role in the relationship between a company's dual social behavior and its performance. The higher the industrial environment competition, the more it will accelerate and intensify the negative impact of CSIR on corporate performance. Additionally, it will steepen the inverted U‐shaped curve of CSR influencing corporate performance and shift the inflection point to the left. This study not only extends the boundaries of research on the impact of CSIR on corporate performance but also provides insights for corporate social responsibility governance and ethical decision‐making in business.
Influence of Material, Sterilization, and Disinfection on the Accuracy of Three‐Dimensional Printed Surgical Templates: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Lan Dongping , Zhou Zheqing , Yang Yang , Xu Zhaoyu , Man Yi
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of the three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology, material, sterilization, and disinfection on the accuracy of guided surgical templates.

Material and Methods

Fifty printed resin surgical templates were designed and fabricated using a digital light processing 3D printer with a photopolymerizing resin, and 50 printed metal surgical templates were designed and fabricated using a selective laser melting 3D printer with a titanium alloy. Templates from both groups were randomly divided into five subgroups involving different sterilization and disinfection procedures. The group without any sterilization or disinfection procedure served as the control group, whereas the other groups were used as the study groups (hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization, 5% povidone‐iodine disinfection, 75% ethyl alcohol disinfection, and steam autoclave sterilization). Implant simulations were performed on the 3D‐printed resin models, and postoperative impressions were acquired with scan bodies attached to the implants. All surgical templates were digitally scanned. The root mean square was used to determine and quantify fabrication accuracy and reproducibility, and the definitive and planned implant positions were compared.

Results

The printed resin templates exhibited lower fabrication accuracy and reproducibility, as well as higher 3D deviations, after steam autoclave sterilization (p < 0.001); however, the printed metal templates were not affected by the different sterilization or disinfection procedures (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Printed metal surgical templates are viable alternatives for guided implant surgery. Preoperative steam or gas plasma sterilization is recommended, especially for metal templates, as resin templates show deformation and decreased accuracy after steam sterilization.

Trial Registration

chictr.org.cn number: ChiCTR2400081334
Superior Prophylactic Effectiveness of a Recombinant FVIIIFc Over Standard Half‐Life FVIII in Hemophilia A: A‐SURE Study
Authors: Oldenburg Johannes , Hay Charles , Peyvandi Flora , Tagliaferri Annarita , Holme Pål Andrè , Álvarez‐Román María Teresa , Biron‐Andréani Christine , Malmström Håkan , Bystrická Linda , Lethagen Stefan ,   the A‐SURE Study Group
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The 24‐month, prospective, non‐interventional, European multicenter A‐SURE study evaluated the real‐world effectiveness of prophylaxis using an extended half‐life recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) Fc fusion protein, efmoroctocog alfa (hereinafter rFVIIIFc), compared with prophylaxis using standard half‐life (SHL) FVIII products in patients with hemophilia A.

Methods

Primary endpoints were annualized bleeding rate (ABR), annualized injection frequency, and annualized factor consumption. A comparative study design unique for an observational hemophilia study was implemented to reduce potential confounding in effectiveness estimates, wherein each patient prescribed rFVIIIFc was matched with one receiving SHL FVIII. Propensity scores were used for adjustment in statistical analyses.

Results

Outcomes for all primary endpoints were significantly better in the rFVIIIFc group (n = 184) compared with the SHL FVIII group (n = 170): mean ABR 1.5 versus 2.3 (difference of −0.8; p = 0.0147); mean annualized injection frequency 114.4 versus 169.2 (difference of −54.8; p < 0.0001); and mean annualized factor consumption 243 024.2 versus 288 718.6 International Units (difference of 45 694.5; p = 0.0003). rFVIIIFc was well tolerated, with no inhibitor development.

Conclusions

rFVIIIFc has superior prophylactic effectiveness versus SHL FVIII, providing higher bleed protection with fewer injections and lower factor consumption.
Synthesising the Relationships Between Food Web Structure and Robustness
Authors: Keyes Aislyn A. , Barner Allison K. , Dee Laura E.
Published: October 2024

For many decades, ecologists have sought to understand the extent to which species losses lead to secondary extinctions—that is, the additional loss of species that occurs when resources or key interactions are lost (i.e. robustness). In particular, ecologists aim to identify generalisable rules that explain which types of food webs are more or less robust to secondary extinctions. Food web structure, or the patterns formed by species and their interactions, has been extensively studied as a potential factor that influences robustness to species loss. We systematically reviewed 28 studies to identify the relationships between food web structure and robustness to species loss and how the conclusions depend on methodological differences. Contrary to popular belief and theory, we found relatively consistent, positive relationships between connectance and robustness, among other generalities. Yet, we also found that conflicting conclusions about structure‐robustness relationships can be, in part, attributed to differences in the type of data that studies use, particularly studies that use empirical data versus those generated from theoretical models. This review points towards a need to standardise methodology to answer the open question of whether robustness and its relationship with food web structure and to provide applicable insights for managing complex systems.
Epigenetic Diversity and the Evolutionary Potential of Wild Populations
Authors: Baltazar‐Soares Miguel , Balard Alice , Heckwolf Melanie J.
Published: October 2024

Fast‐paced selective pressures imposed by climate change and anthropogenic activities call for adaptive evolutionary responses to emerge at ecological timescales. However, the evolution and heritability of genomic variation underlie mechanistic constraints, which dictate a slower pace of adaptation exclusively relying on standing genetic variation and novel mutations. Environmentally responsive epigenetic mechanisms can allow acclimatisation and adaptive phenotypes to arise faster than DNA sequence‐based mechanisms alone. Nevertheless, the knowledge gap between identifying epigenetic marks and effectively deeming them functional is still wide in a natural context and often outside the scope of model organisms. With this Special Issue, we aimed to narrow this gap by presenting a compilation of original research articles, reviews and opinions on the topic of epigenetics in wild populations. We contextualised this collection within the overarching topic of conservation biology, as we firmly propose that epigenetic research can significantly enhance the effectiveness of conservation measures. Contributions highlighted the putative role of epigenetic variation in the acclimatisation and adaptive potential of species and populations directly and indirectly affected by climatic shifts and anthropogenic actions. They further exemplified how epigenetic variation can be used as biomarkers for monitoring variations in physiology, phenology and behaviour. Lastly, reviews and perspective articles illustrated the past and present of epigenetic research in wild populations while suggesting future research avenues.
Estimating the Effective Size of European Wolf Populations
Authors: Mergeay Joachim , Smet Sander , Collet Sebastian , Nowak Sabina , Reinhardt Ilka , Kluth Gesa , Szewczyk Maciej , Godinho Raquel , Nowak Carsten , Mysłajek Robert W. , Rolshausen Gregor
Published: October 2024

Molecular methods are routinely used to estimate the effective size of populations (Ne). However, underlying model assumptions are frequently violated to an unknown extent. Although simulations can detect sources of bias and help to adjust sampling strategies and analyses methods, additional information from empirical data can also be used to calibrate methods and improve molecular Ne estimation methods. Here, we take advantage of long‐term genetic and ecological monitoring data of the grey wolf (Canis lupus) in Germany, and detailed population genetic studies in Poland, Spain and Portugal to improve Ne estimation strategies in this species, and species with similar life history traits. We first calculated Ne from average lifetime reproductive success and detailed census data from the German population, which served as a baseline to compare to molecular estimates based on linkage disequilibrium and sibship frequency. This yielded a robust Ne/Nc estimation that we used to calibrate molecular estimates of German, Polish and Iberian wolf populations. The linkage disequilibrium method was strongly influenced by spatial genetic structure, much more than the sibship frequency method. When Ne was estimated in local neighbourhoods, both methods yielded comparable results. Estimates of the metapopulation effective size seemed to correspond generally well with the sum of the estimates of local neighbourhoods. Overall, we found that the number of packs is a good proxy of the effective population size. Using this as a rule of thumb, we evaluated for all European wolf populations the Ne 500 indicator and concluded that half of the European wolf populations do not yet fulfil this criterion.
Genetic and immunological features of immune deficiency and dysregulation‐associated lymphoproliferations and lymphomas as a basis for classification
Authors: Dierickx Daan , Keane Colm , Natkunam Yasodha
Published: October 2024

Immune deficiency and dysregulation‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders and lymphomas (IDD‐LPDs) encompass a heterogeneous clinical and pathological spectrum of disorders that range from indolent lymphoproliferations to aggressive lymphomas. They arise in a variety of clinical settings and are associated with oncogenic viruses such as the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus/human herpes virus (KSHV/HHV8) in some, but not all, cases. The recognition of IDD‐LPDs as distinct from LPDs in immune competent patients is essential to tailor clinical management options for affected patients. The 5th edition of the World Health Organisation classification has introduced an integrated classification of IDD‐LPDs with the goal of standardising diagnoses among different settings to enhance clinical decision support. In parallel, new knowledge in the field, particularly surrounding the role of oncogenic viruses and the tumour microenvironment, has led to clearer understanding of the complex pathogenesis of IDD‐LPDs and how these features can be precisely harnessed for therapeutic purposes. In this perspective, we highlight the need for multidisciplinary decision‐making to augment patient care as well as key areas where evolving concepts offer challenges and opportunities for clinical management, research and future iterations of the classification.
FIRM SIZE AND BUSINESS CYCLES WITH CREDIT SHOCKS
Authors: Jo In Hwan
Published: October 2024

I study the macroeconomic implications of firm heterogeneity in the presence of financial frictions. I build a business cycle model in which firm size is jointly determined by idiosyncratic productivity and collateral constraints. I estimate skewed idiosyncratic shocks and align the model with the evidence on firm size, leverage, and investment moments. The extent of resource misallocation is driven by a small number of highly productive but financially constrained firms. A credit shock severely affects such firms, further constraining their ability to borrow. This generates a large and persistent economic downturn that is comparable to the Great Recession.
Synthesis and properties of tailored β‐tricalcium phosphate for bone filler applications
Authors: Saxena Abhinav , Vignesh R. , Roy Sabyasachi , Sahai Saumitra , Bhattacharjee D. , Basu Bikramjit , Mukherjee Subrata
Published: October 2024

The present work reports the synthesis of highly phase pure (> 95%) β‐TCP and its subsequent conversion into granules for bone graft applications, using an industrial scale proprietary manufacturing route. Following the wet chemical approach, several process parameters, were adjusted for large volume synthesis, including pH, precursor concentration, and ripening time. The granulation process is tailored to facilitate the scalibility and control over morphology, porosity, and pore size. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirms the presence of pure β‐TCP phase where as Ca/P molar ratio of 1.497 was determined using ICP‐OES. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy depicts the presence of PO43− as a major molecular group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the β‐TCP powders reveal necking features, a characteristic morphology of β‐TCP. SEM images of the β‐TCP granules reveal microporosity, which aids in triggering a biological response. The TGA‐DTA curve suggests that the weight loss in pure β‐TCP is twice as compared with β‐TCP containing hydroxyapatite. Furthermore, these β‐TCP granules were clinically tested in a few orthopedic and spine surgeries. In all the treated patients, β‐TCP granules did not induce any pus formation or infection at the surgical sites, thereby establishing clinically relevant biocompatibility properties.
In situ synthesis, mechanical properties, and reaction mechanism of the WB2–SiC composites
Authors: Zhang Guihao , Long Ying , Wang Shixuan , Lin Hua‐Tay , Hu Hongfei
Published: October 2024

In the present work, WB2–SiC composite powders containing 20 vol.% of SiC were in situ synthesized by the boro/carbothermal reduction with WO3, SiO2, B4C, and carbon black as raw materials at 1400°C, 1500°C, and 1600°C, respectively. The as‐synthesized composite powders were then consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique to obtain WB2–SiC composite bulk samples. The experimental results showed that the relative density of the WB2–SiC composite ceramic samples achieved in this study was higher than 97.5%. Also, electronic microscopy observations showed that SiO2 had reacted completely during the preparation process, and the SiC grains were homogenously embedded among the WB2 grains with the formation of a three‐dimensional structure. The Vickers hardness and fracture toughness values of the composite ceramic fabricated by powder heat treated at 1400°C were 24.6 ± 0.7 GPa and 5.4 ± 0.7 MPa·m1/2, respectively, which were the highest among three samples prepared in this study.
Investigation on structurally reinforced synthetic bone grafts via tricalcium silicate
Authors: Park Okmin , Rho Hyung Tay , Kim Sang‐il
Published: October 2024

Tricalcium silicate (C3S) is one of the main components of mineral trioxide aggregates, which is used in dental endodontic treatment. C3S provides workable viscosity itself and fast hydration when water is added, and it is known to be nontoxic, noncarcinogenic, nongenotoxic, biocompatible, and insoluble in tissue fluids. In this study, C3S is added to synthetic bone‐graft materials from 30% to 60% to deliver viscosity to increase workability in the early stage of implant surgical procedure and to attain some degree of compressive strength after the hydration. Additionally, the porosity is not overly reduced to maintain the ability for bone regeneration. The porosity of the samples was confirmed to be 40%–50% with the formation of the C3S matrices. Simultaneously, the maximum compressive strength was ensured at 14.9 MPa within 24 h of curing time. The radiopacity required for post‐procedural diagnosis was evaluated. The radiopacity of the samples with 50% and 60% C3S was 1.0 mm Al and 1.1 mm Al, respectively. When ZrO2 was added, the radiopacity was enhanced to 1.6 mm Al. Overall, the experimental results showed that the bone‐graft added C3S would be suitable for alveolar bone support and rigid matrix formation in implant surgery.
Does the attractiveness of K‐culture shape the enjoyment of foreign language learners of Korean?
Authors: Han Yeji , Dewaele Jean‐Marc , Kiaer Jieun
Published: October 2024

Attraction to the target culture can be a reason to study the language, especially in the case of languages other than English (LOTEs). Recently, the number of Korean language learners has surged alongside the growing popularity of Korean pop culture (K‐pop). However, it is unknown whether the initial attraction to the culture and the first steps in that direction shape foreign language (FL) emotions in the longer term. To fill this gap, this mixed‐methods study examined to what extent the attractiveness of the Korean Culture (K‐culture) predicts foreign language enjoyment (FLE) after controlling for other established learner variables (i.e., the length of FL study, FL proficiency, frequency of FL use outside of class, and attitudes toward the teacher and FL) through sequential regression analysis. The quantitative findings are complemented by the open‐ended responses to the sources of FLE using the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages 3Ps framework (products, practices, and perspectives) through NVivo. A total of 782 university students studying Korean as FL completed an online survey on the attractiveness of K‐culture and FLE. The results showed that the attitude toward the teacher and attractiveness of K‐culture are the strongest predictors of FLE.