bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanobiological insight into brain diseases based on mechanosensitive channels: Common mechanisms and clinical potential
Authors: Li Bolong , Zhao An‐ran , Tian Tian , Yang Xin
Published: June 2024

Background

As physical signals, mechanical cues regulate the neural cells in the brain. The mechanosensitive channels (MSCs) perceive the mechanical cues and transduce them by permeating specific ions or molecules across the plasma membrane, and finally trigger a series of intracellular bioelectrical and biochemical signals. Emerging evidence supports that wide‐distributed, high‐expressed MSCs like Piezo1 play important roles in several neurophysiological processes and neurological disorders.

Aims

To systematically conclude the functions of MSCs in the brain and provide a novel mechanobiological perspective for brain diseases.

Method

We summarized the mechanical cues and MSCs detected in the brain and the research progress on the functional roles of MSCs in physiological conditions. We then concluded the pathological activation and downstream pathways triggered by MSCs in two categories of brain diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and place‐occupying damages. Finally, we outlined the methods for manipulating MSCs and discussed their medical potential with some crucial outstanding issues.

Results

The MSCs present underlying common mechanisms in different brain diseases by acting as the “transportation hubs” to transduce the distinct signal patterns: the upstream mechanical cues and the downstream intracellular pathways. Manipulating the MSCs is feasible to alter the complicated downstream processes, providing them promising targets for clinical treatment.

Conclusions

Recent research on MSCs provides a novel insight into brain diseases. The common mechanisms mediated by MSCs inspire a wide range of therapeutic potentials targeted on MSCs in different brain diseases.
Mogamulizumab‐associated rash – Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Hansen Inga , Abeck Finn , Menz Anne , Schneider Stefan W. , Booken Nina
Published: June 2024

Mogamulizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against CC chemokine receptor 4, is approved as a second‐line treatment of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome.

One of the most common side effects is mogamulizumab‐associated rash (MAR), which can present in a variety of clinical and histological types. Clinically, it can be difficult to differentiate between MAR and progression of the underlying disease, so histological examination is crucial for clinicopathological correlation. Current data analyses suggest that MAR is more common in patients with Sézary syndrome and is associated with a significantly better response to treatment, making the distinction from disease progression particularly important. The management of MAR depends on its severity, and therapy may need to be paused.

This article presents three cases from our clinic and reviews the current literature on MAR. It emphasizes the importance of understanding MAR in the management of patients with cutaneous lymphomas.
Measuring community disaster resilience for sustainable climate change adaptation: Lessons from time‐series findings in rural Cambodia
Authors: Yang Yunjeong , Keating Adriana , Sourn Chantra
Published: June 2024

Donor‐funded climate and disaster resilience programmes and projects aim to help build the capacities and resilience of communities. Measuring resilience is critical, therefore, in providing feedback, evidence, and accountability. This paper presents recent two‐year time‐series findings from an ongoing multi‐partner academic and practical collaboration pertaining to a climate change adaption project with rural communities in Cambodia. To measure community resilience, the study used the Flood Resilience Measurement for Communities, which measures, using mixed methods, disaster resilience capacities across five key dimensions of resilience: human, social, physical, natural, and financial capitals. The study analysed and reported changes in these areas of resilience in the selected villages, generating insights into the strengths and weaknesses of flood resilience capacities in the region. This paper provides valuable guidance as to where investment can be most effective in different communities, confirming the usefulness of the tool in measuring resilience and assessing the effectiveness of the project concerned.
Fish antifreeze protein origin in sculpins by frameshifting within a duplicated housekeeping gene
Authors: Graham Laurie A. , Davies Peter L.
Published: June 2024

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are found in a variety of marine cold‐water fishes where they prevent freezing by binding to nascent ice crystals. Their diversity (types I, II, III and antifreeze glycoproteins), as well as their scattered taxonomic distribution hint at their complex evolutionary history. In particular, type I AFPs appear to have arisen in response to the Late Cenozoic Ice Age that began ~ 34 million years ago via convergence in four different groups of fish that diverged from lineages lacking this AFP. The progenitor of the alanine‐rich α‐helical type I AFPs of sculpins has now been identified as lunapark, an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum. Following gene duplication and loss of all but three of the 15 exons, the final exon, which encoded a glutamate‐ and glutamine‐rich segment, was converted to an alanine‐rich sequence by a combination of frameshifting and mutation. Subsequent gene duplications produced numerous isoforms falling into four distinct groups. The origin of the flounder type I AFP is quite different. Here, a small segment from the original antiviral protein gene was amplified and the rest of the coding sequence was lost, while the gene structure was largely retained. The independent origins of type I AFPs with up to 83% sequence identity in flounder and sculpin demonstrate strong convergent selection at the level of protein sequence for alanine‐rich single alpha helices that bind to ice. Recent acquisition of these AFPs has allowed sculpins to occupy icy seawater niches with reduced competition and predation from other teleost species.
Care needs for urinary incontinence in older adults: Latent profile analysis
Authors: He Hao Chong , Yu Bi Jun , Mai Shu Yuan , Huang Xiao‐hong , Liu Ye , Yang Le Ou , Zhang Qiao Ling , Yan Xiao‐ying
Published: June 2024

Aim

This study utilized latent profile analysis to investigate care needs subgroups among older adults with urinary incontinence.

Methods

The “Elderly Urinary Incontinence Care Needs Inventory” surveyed 510 participants in two Guangzhou City hospitals from July 2022 to June 2023. Latent profile analysis created a classification model, and variance and correlation analysis assessed influencing factors.

Results

A total of 510 older adults with urinary incontinence participated. The standardized total care needs score was 78.77 ± 5.03, with variations across dimensions: social participation needs scored (71.16 ± 10.32), daily life care needs (78.80 ± 5.51), medical care needs (77.33 ± 12.17), psychological comfort needs (76.97 ± 6.51) and health education needs scored highest (82.67 ± 6.77). Three distinct profiles emerged: “medium,” “high SPN‐PCN” and “high DLCN‐MCN‐HEN”. The majority belonged to the “high SPN‐PCN” profile. Significant correlations were found with age, education, leaks and frequency of micturitions.

Conclusion

Research findings showed the existence of three distinct categories, with a notable majority of participants belonging to the “high SPN‐PCN” group. The significance of having these classes identified lies in the move away from a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to a more nuanced understanding of care needs. Customized nursing interventions can be devised based on specific factors, such as age, education level, urinary incontinence‐related symptoms and potential category. For instance, for the “high SPN‐PCN” group, our nursing strategy can encompass heightened psychological support and expanded opportunities for social engagement.Furthermore, in the training and education of healthcare professionals, recognizing and meeting the needs of each potential category of older adults might require more attention. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 758–765.
Integration of transcriptomics and spatial biology analyses reveals Galactomyces ferment filtrate promotes epidermal interconnectivity via induction of keratinocyte differentiation, proliferation and cellular bioenergetics
Authors: Snowball John M. , Jarrold Bradley B. , DeAngelis Yvonne , Li Chuiying , Rovito Holly A. , Hare Michelle C. , Laughlin Timothy , Evdokiou Anna L. , Oblong John E.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Human skin is the first line of defence from environmental factors such as solar radiation and is susceptible to premature ageing, including a disruption in epidermal differentiation and homeostasis. We evaluated the impact of a Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (GFF) on epidermal differentiation and response to oxidative stress.

Methods

We used transcriptomics, both spatial and traditional, to assess the impact of GFF on epidermal biology and homeostasis in keratinocytes (primary or immortalized) and in ex vivo skin explant tissue. The effect of GFF on cell adhesion rates, cellular ATP levels and proliferation rates were quantitated. Oxidative phosphorylation and glycolytic rates were measured under normal and stress‐induced conditions.

Results

Transcriptomics from keratinocytes and ex vivo skin explants from multiple donors show GFF induces keratinocyte differentiation, skin barrier development and cell adhesion while simultaneously repressing cellular stress and inflammatory related processes. Spatial transcriptomics profiling of ex vivo skin indicated basal keratinocytes at the epidermal‐dermal junction and cornifying keratinocytes in the top layer of the epidermis as the primary cell types influenced by GFF treatment. Additionally, GFF significantly increases crosstalk between suprabasal and basal keratinocytes. To support these findings, we show that GFF can significantly increase cell adhesion and proliferation in keratinocytes. GFF also protected overall cellular bioenergetics under metabolic or oxidative stress conditions.

Conclusion

Our findings provide novel insights into cellular differences and epidermal spatial localization in response to GFF, supporting previous findings that this filtrate has a significant impact on epidermal biology and homeostasis, particularly on spatially defined crosstalk. We propose that GFF can help maintain epidermal health by enhancing keratinocyte crosstalk and differentiation/proliferation balance as well as promoting an enhanced response to stress.
Identification of different functions of CD8+ T cell subpopulations by a novel monoclonal antibody
Authors: Chuensirikulchai Kantinan , Pata Supansa , Laopajon Witida , Takheaw Nuchjira , Kotemul Kamonporn , Jindaphun Kanyaruck , Khummuang Saichit , Kasinrerk Watchara
Published: June 2024

The explicit identification of CD8+ T cell subpopulation is important for deciphering the role of CD8+ T cells for protecting our body against invading pathogens and cancer. Our generated monoclonal antibody (mAb), named FE‐1H10, recognized two novel subpopulations of peripheral blood CD8+ T cells, FE‐1H10+ and FE‐1H10− CD8+ T cells. The molecule recognized by mAb FE‐1H10 (FE‐1H10 molecules) had a higher distribution on effector memory CD8+ T cell subsets. The functions of FE‐1H10− and FE‐1H10+ CD8+ T cells were investigated. T cell proliferation assays revealed that FE‐1H10− CD8+ T cells exhibited a higher proliferation rate than FE‐1H10+ CD8+ T cells, whereas FE‐1H10+ CD8+ T cells produced higher levels of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α than FE‐1H10− CD8+ T cells. In T cell cytotoxicity assays, FE‐1H10+ CD8+ T cells were able to kill target cells better than FE‐1H10− CD8+ T cells. RNA‐sequencing analysis confirmed that these subpopulations were distinct: FE‐1H10+ CD8+ T cells have higher expression of genes involved in effector functions (IFNG, TNF, GZMB, PRF1, GNLY, FASL, CX3CR1) while FE‐1H10− CD8+ T cells have greater expression of genes related to memory CD8+ T cell populations (CCR7, SELL, TCF7, CD40LG). The results suggested that mAb FE‐1H10 identifies two novel distinctive CD8+ T cell subpopulations. The FE‐1H10+ CD8+ T cells carried a superior functionality in response to tumour cells. The uncover of these novel CD8+ T cell subpopulations may be the basis knowledge of an optional immunotherapy for the selection of potential CD8+ T cells in cancer treatment.
Effects of product online reviews on product returns: a review and classification of the literature
Authors: Wang Yun , Yu Bo , Chen Jing
Published: June 2024

Product returns pose a significant challenge for online retailers, primarily due to consumer uncertainty, both before and after the purchase. These uncertainties may stem from factors such as the absence of a “touch and feel” experience, mismatched product expectations, or post‐purchase regret, where consumers change their minds. Online reviews, shared by previous consumers who have already experienced the products, can have a substantial impact not only on new consumers’ purchasing but also on return decisions. Surprisingly, there has been limited research to understand the influence of online reviews on product returns. This paper applies the input‐process‐output framework to conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of studies related to online reviews and product returns. Based on this review and analysis, a conceptual model is proposed, and an outline for the future research agenda is discussed.
Resistance to gemcitabine is mediated by the circ_0036627/miR‐145/S100A16 axis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yu Shuo , Wang Min , Zhang Hang , Guo Xingjun , Qin Renyi
Published: June 2024

The development of gemcitabine (GEM) resistance severely limits the treatment efficacy in pancreatic cancer (PC) and increasing evidence highlights the vital roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the tumorigenesis, progression and drug resistance of PC. However, the circRNAs underlying GEM resistance development of PC remains to be clarified. The current research aims to unveil the roles of circ_0036627 in dictating the aggressiveness and GEM sensitivity in PC. We reported the increased expression of circ_0036627 in PC tissues and PC cell lines. Elevated circ_0036627 expression level was correlated with advanced tumour grade and poor overall survival in PC patients. Functional assays and in vivo experiments demonstrated that circ_0036627 overexpression was required for the proliferation, migration invasion and GEM resistance in PC cells. circ_0036627 knockdown suppressed tumour development in vivo. The molecular analysis further showed that circ_0036627 increased S100A16 expression by sponging microRNA‐145 (miR‐145), a tumour‐suppressive miRNA that could significantly attenuate PC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and GEM resistance. Furthermore, our findings suggested that S100A16 acted as an oncogenic factor to promote aggressiveness and GEM resistance in PC cells. In conclusion, the current findings provide new mechanistic insights into PC aggressiveness and GEM resistance, suggesting the critical role of circ_0036627/miR‐145/S100A16 axis in PC progression and drug resistance development and offering novel therapeutic targets for PC therapy.
“Application of five different strategies to define a cohort of patients with knee osteoarthritis in a large primary care database”
Authors: Taqi Aqila , Gran Sonia , Knaggs Roger David
Published: June 2024

Background

Electronic health records (EHR) are frequently used for epidemiological research including drug utilisation studies in a defined population such as the population with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). We sought to describe the process of defining a cohort of patients with KOA from a large UK primary care database and estimate the annual incidence of diagnosed KOA between 2000 and 2015.

Method

This was a retrospective study using data from the clinical practice research datalink (CPRD). CPRD is a large primary care longitudinal electronic medical records’ database that contains anonymous records of patients from general practices across United Kingdom. Five different cohort definition strategies were applied including symptoms‐based or diagnosis‐based strategies or a combination of both. To validate results, the annual incidence of KOA was estimated and compared to published data.

Results

The study defined 898,690 patients when symptoms‐based strategy was applied, 137,541 patients when diagnosis based and 83,294 when a combination of both strategies were applied. The final cohort was defined using a diagnosis‐based strategy that avoided overestimation (with symptoms‐based definition) or underestimation (with a combination of symptoms and diagnosis). The incidence of KOA ranged from 1.33 per 1000 CPRD registrants in 2000, 1.76 in 2008 and 1.45 patients in 2015.

Conclusion

This study logically/sensibly defined a cohort of patients with diagnosed KOA through the application of several strategies. This was an essential step to avoid subsequent over or underestimation of the prevalence of drug utilisation and the associated adverse clinical outcomes within primary care patients with KAO.
Medical and legal diagnoses comparison of the occupational diseases: A nationwide study in Turkey
Authors: Medeni İrem , Alagüney Mehmet Erdem , Medeni Volkan
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The underreporting of occupational diseases in many countries significantly hampers the development of intervention programs, posing a significant public health problem. Our study aimed to contribute to the occupational diseases surveillance by examining the data of hospitals authorized to issue reports throughout Turkey.

Material and Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted using medical diagnoses of occupational diseases reported to the General Directorate of Public Health from 81 provinces in Turkey between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. The study evaluated hospitals that made medical diagnoses of occupational diseases and compared age groups, genders, occupational disease diagnosis groups and provinces of work regarding legal and medical diagnoses.

Results

The top three disease groups in terms of medical diagnosis are musculoskeletal disorders with 38.8%, respiratory diseases with 14.4% and hearing defects with 10.9%. Regarding legal diagnoses, respiratory system diseases ranked first with 26.4%, followed by musculoskeletal disorders with 8.2% and hearing defects with 5.5%. While the provinces where most cases of medical occupational diseases are diagnosed share similarities, the majority of affected individuals in Karabük and Batman have not received a legal recognition of the occupational disease. Two‐thirds of Turkey's medical occupational disease diagnoses were made in two hospitals.

Conclusion

This study is reflecting national data in Turkey and is the country's first nationwide study. The number of occupational diseases in Turkey is lower than expected. It would be more accurate to express the data in a way that includes medical diagnoses instead of using the number of compensated files corresponding to legal diagnoses.
Dezocine as preemptive analgesia alleviates ultrapulse CO2 fractional laser treatment induced pain in patients with acne scars
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Xiaoqin , Wang Yuanli , Gao Ni , Zhang Rongli , Wu Jingjing , Wu Fengqin , Song Pu , Chen Min , Wang Gang , Gao Lin
Published: June 2024

Background

Ultrapluse CO2 fractional laser technology has emerged as an effective treatment for scar management. However, one drawback of this modality is the pain caused during the procedure. This study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of dezocine (DZC) as preemptive analgesia for reduction of pain induced by ultrapulse CO2 fractional laser treatment for acne scars.

Methods

The study cohort included 78 outpatients with acne scars between February and April 2023. Patients were randomly assigned into three groups with intravenous injection (iv) of DZC prior to laser treatment: (1) control, iv of saline; (2) DZC group 1 (DZC_1), iv of DZC at 0.15 mg/kg; and (3) DZC_2, iv of DZC at 0.20 mg/kg. After 30 min, one session of ultrapulse CO2 fractional laser treatment on acne scars was performed. Hemodynamics, visual analogue scale (VAS), and anxiety visual analog test (AVAT) were monitored prior to, during, and after the procedure.

Results

Operative success rates for patients in the control, DZC_1, and DZC_2 groups were 34.6%, 84.6%, and 100%, respectively. DZC administered with either dosage significantly reduced the VAS and AVAT scores of patients in treatment groups as compared with the subjects in the control group during the course of ultrapulse CO2 fractional laser treatment. Patients in DZC_1 and DZC_2 groups did not show any significant difference in hemodynamic parameters, VAS, and AVAT scores. Temporary adverse effects such as nausea and dizziness were observed in some subjects after treatment; the symptoms were quickly dissolved after a rest in supine position.

Conclusions

DZC as preemptive analgesia could effectively reduce pain and anxiety induced by ultrapulse CO2 fractional laser treatment in patients. This study provided an option of preemptive anesthesia to minimize the pain and discomforts associated with laser treatments in clinical practices.
Research situation, hot spots, and global trends of melasma therapy: Bibliometric insights and visual analysis from 2000 to 2023
Authors: Zheng Chenjie , Wen Xue , Zhang Lanfang , Li Lin , Wen Yang , Jiang Feng , Zeng Ni , Sun Nana
Published: June 2024

Background

Melasma is a prevalent pigmented disease, yet its pathogenesis remains unclear, posing challenges for effective treatment. Bibliometric analysis, a novel approach to literature research, offers the opportunity to evaluate research trends through qualitative and quantitative methods. This study utilizes bibliometric methods to analyze the existing literature on melasma treatment, examining influential publications, institutions, countries, and authors through statistical analysis.

Methods

In order to retrieve manuscripts related to the topic of melasma treatment, we conducted a search using the search formula: (TS = (melasma or Chloasma or “mask of pregnancy”)) AND TS = (treatment or therapy). We searched through the Web of Science Core Collection database, covering publications from 2000 to 2023. VOSviewer, CiteSpace and the Bibliometric online site (https://bibliometric.com/app) were used to conduct this bibliometric analysis. Our analysis focused on various factors including publications, authors co‐authorship, institutions, countries, citation analysis, keywords co‐occurrence, references co‐citation and journal co‐citation.

Results

A total of 943 articles and 200 reviews were published between 2000 and 2023, accumulating a total of 8628 citations. The average number of citations per item was 18.85, and the average number of citations per year was 292.69. The most prolific author, Sungeun Chang, contributed a total of 9 articles. Cario University emerged as the top research institution. The United States led in terms of article publications with a count of 276. In the past 5 years, the research trends in this field have primarily focused on tranexamic acid and epidermal melasma, as indicated by the burst analysis of publications and keywords.

Conclusions

The United States continues to lead in terms of institutions and research output. The current emphasis is on the meticulous implementation of tranexamic acid and laser therapy. It is crucial to foster enhanced collaboration among countries, institutions, and authors to facilitate improved research.
INFORM‐AF II—Phase 1 pilot randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of an atrial fibrillation digital education programme: study protocol
Authors: Ferguson Caleb , Allida Sabine , William Scott , Downie Annie , Wilson Tonia , John Reejamol , McDonagh Julee , Lababedi Judith , Bajorek Beata , Hickman Louise , Wynne Rochelle
Published: June 2024

Aim

To evaluate the effect of a novel, co‐designed, digital AF educational program, ‘INFORM‐AF’, to reduce re‐hospitalisation of people with AF.

The secondary aims are to examine the effect of the intervention on: (a) reducing cardiovascular‐related hospitalisation, (b) increasing medication adherence, AF‐related knowledge, and Atrial fibrillation (AF)‐related quality of life and (c) determining the cost‐effectiveness of the intervention.

Background

AF is an increasingly prevalent cardiac arrythmia that involves complex clinical management. Comprehensive education is essential for successful self‐management of AF and is associated with positive health‐related outcomes. There has been an increase in technology‐based education for AF. However, its effects on hospitalisation, medication adherence and patient‐reported outcomes are unclear.

Design

A prospective, randomised (1:1), open‐label, blinded‐endpoint, multicentre clinical trial.

Methods

Eligible participants are aged 18 years or above, diagnosed with AF, and own a smartphone. The study will be conducted at two metropolitan hospitals. In the intervention group, participants will receive the AF educational program delivered via Qstream®. In the control group, participants will receive the Stroke Foundation ‘Living with AF’ booklet. The primary outcome is re‐hospitalisation within 12 months from an indexed presentation or hospital admission.

Conclusion

This clinical trial is part of a developing program of work that will examine mHealth educational‐behavioural interventions on cardiovascular outcomes. Findings from this pilot study will inform the development of a digital educational framework for patients living with AF.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

There remain many gaps in providing high‐quality patient education for patients with AF. This trial will test a new theory‐driven, smartphone‐based education program on important clinical outcomes, including rehospitalisation.

Impact

This study evaluates a novel, co‐designed, digital AF educational program, ‘INFORM‐AF’, to reduce the re‐hospitalisation of people with AF.

Study results are expected to be reported in 2025.

Findings are expected to inform practice recommendations for AF patient education that may be included in future clinical practice guideline recommendations.

Reporting Method

SPIRIT Checklist.

Patient or Publication Contribution

JL is a consumer co‐researcher on the project and provided critical input into intervention design, and feedback and input across the study duration.
Combined gonadotropin therapy to replace mini‐puberty in male infants with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Rhys‐Evans Sophie , Howard Sasha R.
Published: June 2024

Infants born with severe central disorders of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis leading to gonadotropin deficiency not only lack pubertal development in adolescence, but also lack infantile mini‐puberty. This period of mini‐puberty, where infants have gonadotropin and sex steroid concentrations up into the adult range, is vital for future reproductive capacity, particularly in boys. At present, there is no consensus on the diagnosis or management of infants with gonadotropin deficiency due to congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or multiple pituitary hormone deficiency. Case series suggest that gonadotropin treatment in male infants with absent mini‐puberty is effective in promoting both testicular descent in those with undescended testes and also facilitating increased penile size. Moreover, replacement with follicle‐stimulating hormone increases the testicular Sertoli cell population, measurable as an increase in testicular volume and inhibin B, thus hypothetically increasing the capacity for spermatogenesis in adult life for these patients. However, long‐term follow‐up data is limited for both outcomes pertaining to fertility and nonreproductive sequelae, including neurodevelopment and psychological well‐being. The use of international registries for patients with gonadotropin deficiency is a key element in the collection of high‐quality, geographically widespread data to inform best‐practice management from birth to adulthood.
Classification of the Congenital Defect of the Lumbar Facet Joint: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Shuo , Lin Gengxiao , Zhao Geng , Qiu Cheng , Wang Lianlei , Yuan Suomao , Tian Yonghao , Liu Xinyu
Published: June 2024

Background

Congenital lumbar facet joint defect is a rare congenital developmental disorder with only a few reported cases in the literature, primarily affecting the L5‐S1 segments. This study reports the first case of a defect in the left L3 inferior articular process; and presents a review of the existing literature on the subject, proposes a classification system, and validates the inter‐observer and intra‐observer reliability of this classification system.

Case Presentation

A 14‐year‐old boy presented to our orthopedic clinic with persistent lower back pain for 1 month. Imaging analysis, including CT scans, 3D reconstruction, and MRI, revealed a congenital lumbar facet joint defect at the L3 level, which has not been reported. Conservative treatment resulted in a significant improvement in his symptoms, and he is currently under follow‐up care.

Conclusion

Congenital defect of the lumbar facet joint is a rare spinal condition. This article reports the first patient with a defect in the left L3 inferior articular process and conducts a comprehensive literature review, proposing a classification of articular process defects into five types. The two most common types are Types B and C. We have demonstrated that this system is reliable and reproducible and have described the treatment of each type.
Locomotory and morphological evolution of the earliest Silurian graptolite Demirastrites selected by hydrodynamics
Authors: Shijia Gao , Tan Jingqiang , Wang Wenhui
Published: June 2024

Interpretation of the locomotion of biostratigraphically important graptolite taxa is rare, and rendered problematic due to a lack of close modern analogues and soft tissues. In this study, based on well‐preserved specimens of the early Silurian low‐helical spiral Demirastrites Eisel, we reconstructed three‐dimensional Demirastrites models and simulated their locomotion using computational fluid dynamics. Hydrodynamic properties (outer‐wall pressure fields and velocity fields) were obtained and used to test the prevailing hypothesis that the Silurian low helical spiral graptolite Demirastrites could rotate in seawater. The Demirastrites models kept rotating at different velocities in the simulation field, which helped to counteract the impact of the water current and achieve stability. During rotation, higher velocity fields could be observed near the thecal apertures, which meant better access to more nutrient particles in the sea water. Our simulation thus confirmed the rotating locomotory pattern of the Silurian low conical graptolite Demirastrites for the purpose of better feeding efficiency and tubarium stability. Moreover, we analysed how the evolution of structural innovations, such as the density and width of thecae and angle of proximal curvature of the tubarium within the recovered geological lineages of Demirastrites, were influenced and selected by hydrodynamics. The results showed that Demirastrites lineages evolved towards increased stability and higher rotation velocity. Our study highlights the importance of hydrodynamic constraints serving as hidden abiotic factors shaping the evolution of planktonic graptolites.
PLA2G2D promotes immune escape in non‐small cell lung cancer by regulating T cell immune function through PD‐L1‐expressing extracellular vesicles
Authors: Jing Hui , Cao Xubo , Li Ke , Liu Yuanyuan , Meng Meng , Liu Shuan , Ye Mengjie , Zhang Jinghao , Wu Yanmin
Published: June 2024

It is urgent to explore factors affecting immunotherapy efficacy to benefit non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient survival. Bioinformatics predicted genes associated with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression and analysed phospholipase A2 group IID (PLA2G2D) expression in NSCLC. BODIPY 493/503 dye staining and kits detected lipids, triglycerides, and phospholipids in H1299 cells, respectively. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were extracted for morphology and size assessment using electron microscopy. Western blot assayed CD9, CD63, HSP90, EVs‐PD‐L1, PD‐L1, and PLA2G2D expression. CCK‐8, LDH, and ELISA tested proliferation and toxicity of CD8+ T cells, interleukin‐2, and interferon‐gamma secretion, respectively. PLA2G2D, PD‐L1, and Ki67 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence assayed PLA2G2D localisation and CD8+ T cell content. Flow cytometry assessed PD‐L1 and CD8 expression. In NSCLC, upregulated EVs‐PD‐L1 and clinical characteristics showed a strong correlation. H1299 cells with overexpression PD‐L1 significantly reduced proliferation, toxicity of CD8+ T cells, and interleukin‐2 and interferon‐gamma levels. Bioinformatics revealed positive correlations between PLA2G2D and overexpressed PD‐L1. PLA2G2D was expressed in macrophages and dendritic cells in NSCLC tissue. Overexpression PLA2G2D (oe‐PLA2G2D) increased lipids, triglycerides, and phospholipids contents in H1299 cells. oe‐PLA2G2D significantly reduced proliferation, toxicity of CD8+ T cells, and interleukin‐2 and interferon‐gamma levels. si‐PD‐L1 restored inhibition of oe‐PLA2G2D on CD8+ T cells. oe‐PLA2G2D significantly increased mice tumour volume and weight, upregulated expression of blood EVs‐PD‐L1 and tissue PD‐L1, PLA2G2D, Ki67, and decreased CD8+ T cell content. PLA2G2D facilitated immune escape in NSCLC by regulating CD8+ T cell immune function by upregulating EVs‐PD‐L1.
“That's funny but…!”: University students, humor, and critical consciousness about anti‐black racism
Authors: Dance L. Janelle , Poudel Anna , Marvin Sutton
Published: June 2024

Using an exploratory sample of focus groups and surveys, we captured university students' experiences of comedic/satirical videos. We mined students' feedback to determine if those videos could enhance critical perspectives/consciousness about racial inequities, especially inequities impacting Black Americans. The literature on humor overflows with psychological explanations; we are more interested in sociological explanations. We find that when students interpret comedic materials intended as springboards for university discussions about racial inequities, they pay attention to social factors. These factors include the diversity or mixed company of classrooms; the social, cultural, historical, and/or linguistic contexts in comedic/satirical performances; and the racial/ethnic identities of both the comedians and the butts of the comedians' jokes. Intersectional identities may also play a role in perceptions of marginalized and dominant group members featured in the video clips. More specifically, students are more tolerant of Black comedians poking fun at Black characters/issues or critiquing, with levity, dominant group members and structures that are sources of racial inequities, especially inequities impacting Black Americans. Appropriate attention to social factors like these may lay a foundation for comedic/satirical materials to facilitate a reading of the world that helps students to become more reflexive about social/racial injustices.
Engineered HCMV‐infected APCs enable the identification of new immunodominant HLA‐restricted epitopes of anti‐HCMV T‐cell immunity
Authors: Santamorena Maria Michela , Tischer‐Zimmermann Sabine , Bonifacius Agnes , Mireisz Chiara Noemi‐Marie , Costa Bibiana , Khan Fawad , Kulkarni Upasana , Lauruschkat Chris David , Sampaio Kerstin Laib , Stripecke Renata , Blasczyk Rainer , Maecker‐Kolhoff Britta , Kraus Sabrina , Schlosser Andreas , Cicin‐Sain Luka , Kalinke Ulrich , Eiz‐Vesper Britta
Published: June 2024

Complications due to HCMV infection or reactivation remain a challenging clinical problem in immunocompromised patients, mainly due to insufficient or absent T‐cell functionality. Knowledge of viral targets is crucial to improve monitoring of high‐risk patients and optimise antiviral T‐cell therapy. To expand the epitope spectrum, genetically‐engineered dendritic cells (DCs) and fibroblasts were designed to secrete soluble (s)HLA‐A*11:01 and infected with an HCMV mutant lacking immune evasion molecules (US2‐6 + 11). More than 700 HLA‐A*11:01‐restricted epitopes, including more than 50 epitopes derived from a broad range of HCMV open‐reading‐frames (ORFs) were identified by mass spectrometry and screened for HLA‐A*11:01‐binding using established prediction tools. The immunogenicity of the 24 highest scoring new candidates was evaluated in vitro in healthy HLA‐A*11:01+/HCMV+ donors. Thus, four subdominant epitopes and one immunodominant epitope, derived from the anti‐apoptotic protein UL36 and ORFL101C (A11SAL), were identified. Their HLA‐A*11:01 complex stability was verified in vitro. In depth analyses revealed highly proliferative and cytotoxic memory T‐cell responses against A11SAL, with T‐cell responses comparable to the immunodominant HLA‐A*02:01‐restricted HCMVpp65NLV epitope. A11SAL‐specific T cells were also detectable in vivo in immunosuppressed transplant patients and shown to be effective in an in vitro HCMV‐infection model, suggesting their crucial role in inhibiting viral replication and improvement of patient's outcome. The developed in vitro pipeline is the first to utilise genetically‐engineered DCs to identify naturally presented immunodominant HCMV‐derived epitopes. It therefore offers advantages over in silico predictions, is transferable to other HLA alleles, and will significantly expand the repertoire of viral targets to improve therapeutic options.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE MODE OF DEPOSITION OF ASEPTIC CULTURES IN VITRO OF A RARE AND ENDEMIC SPECIES ALLIUM IVASCZENKOAE
Authors: Tagimanova D. , Raizer O. , Nagmetova G. , Khapilina O.
Published: June 2024

Optimization of the method of medium-term storage of the rare and endangered plant species Allium ivasczenkoae under in vitro conditions using modern approaches of biotechnology is an urgent task. Aseptic microplants Allium ivasczenkoae were used as starting material. The cultivation of microplants was carried out on nutrient media supplemented in various combinations with an increased concentration of sucrose, mannitol, chlorocholine chloride, ABA and BAP at various temperature and light conditions of deposition. The survival dynamics of A. ivasczenkoae varied depending on cultivation regimes. After 9 months of deposition, the survival of test-tube plants in mode 1 (control) was 20%, mode 2 - 60-80%, mode 3 - 30-50%. Under experimental conditions, the best results were obtained by depositing aseptic cultures for 9 months at a low positive temperature and low light intensity (mode 2) on nutrient media with the addition of CCC 120 mg/l and a sucrose concentration of 60 g/l and (B-1) and MS medium containing 0.5 mg/l BAP and 3 g/l mannitol (MSВМ). This mode of deposition made it possible to lengthen the period between transplants, as well as to maintain the viability of A. ivasczenkoae microplants from 60 to 80%. The data obtained make it possible to optimize the mode of medium-term storage of Allium ivasczenkoae under in vitro conditions for the mass production of rare species of bulbous plants in order to restore, reproduce and preserve the number of valuable gene pool and natural populations, create gene banks in vitro, reintroduce and green building.
The Modified Guyer-Krumhansl Equations Derived From the Linear Boltzmann Transport Equation
Authors: Xu Mingtian
Published: June 2024

Phonon hydrodynamics originated from the macroscopic energy and momentum balance equations (called Guyer-Krumhansl equations) proposed by Guyer and Krumhansl by solving the linearized Boltzmann transport equation for studying second sound in the normal-process collision dominated phonon transports in an isotropic nonmetallic crystal with a dispersionless frequency spectrum. However, the low-dimensional dielectric materials and semiconductors are anisotropic, and the different branches in their phonon frequency spectrum usually have different group velocities. For such materials, we derive the macroscopic energy and momentum balance equations from the linear Boltzmann transport equation to describe the phonon hydrodynamic transport, and solve the longstanding debate about whether the energy balance equation contains the second-order spatial derivatives of temperature. Finally, by solving the modified Guyer–Krumhansl equations, we find the minimum and maximum values of the length required by the occurrence of second sound in suspended single-layer graphene with the rectangular shape.
Successive Procedure for Solution Verification Based on User Needs
Authors: Weinmeister Justin , Sanjaya Devina P.
Published: June 2024

This paper discusses a revised solution verification procedure for computational fluid dynamics simulations to estimate the uncertainties in the quantities of interest based on discretization error models. This proposed procedure builds upon current procedures described in ASME V&V 20 but provides more guidance in determining the necessary number of mesh levels to build reliable discretization error models. Such guidance is particularly useful for practicing engineers without prior experience in solution verification. The key features of this proposed solution verification procedure are the ability to determine the need for additional mesh levels iteratively and the seamless treatment for underdetermined, exact, and overdetermined solutions of the power series approximation to the discretization error models. This study applies the proposed procedure to a set of synthetic examples to demonstrate the revised procedure’s clarity in determining the number of mesh solutions required for a reliable estimate of the discretization error in computational fluid dynamics settings. Additionally, this proposed procedure prevents a potential pathway in the current procedure in ASME V&V 20 that may lead to unreasonably small discretization errors.
Effect of Thermal Gap Width Variation on Internal Temperatures of the TN-32B HBU Demo Cask
Authors: Higley Megan , Hadj-Nacer Mustafa
Published: June 2024

In this work, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics porous fuel region model of the TN-32B spent nuclear fuel (SNF) cask used in the High Burnup (HBU) demonstration project is constructed and simulations are conducted in ANSYS/Fluent to predict temperatures within the cask. The effect of the variation of multiple millimeter-scale gap widths on cask internal temperatures is investigated. The size of these gaps is influenced by both predictable and unpredictable factors. Forty simulations for various widths of nine gaps selected using the Latin Hypercube Sampling method are conducted to assess temperature uncertainties at 63 SNF locations. The results are compared to the HBU measurements. The gap width variation resulted in 95% confidence interval temperature uncertainties between ±12°C and ±21°C. Most measured temperatures, including peak cladding temperature, are within the predicted temperature confidence interval. The peripheral Basket/Rail gap has the largest effect on overall temperature uncertainty.
Verification, Validation, and Calibration Through a Causal Lens
Authors: Gonzales Ronald , Mandelli Diego , Wang Congjian , Abdo Mohammad , Balestra Paolo , Qin Sunming , Welker Zachary , Petrov Victor , Manera Annalisa
Published: June 2024

While typical validation and verification approaches focus on identifying the associations between data elements using statistical and machine learning methods, the novel methods in this paper focus instead on identifying causal relationships between data elements. Statistical and machine-learning-based approaches are strictly data-driven, meaning that they provide quantitative comparison measures between data sets without explicitly considering the hypotheses behind them. This can lead to the erroneous conclusion that, if two data sets are close enough, the models that generated them are similar. In addition, when experimental and simulated data differ to an extent that fails to meet the acceptance criteria, calibration techniques are used to tweak simulation model parameters to reduce the gap between the two types of data. This produces the false expectation that a simulation model will match reality. The methods presented in this paper move away from these strictly data-driven methods for validation and calibration toward more robust, model-driven methods based on causal inference. Causal inference aims to identify the possible mechanisms that might have generated data. Thus, this analysis targets the prediction of the effects when one (or more) of the identified mechanisms are altered. There are many approaches to identify, quantify, and illustrate causal relationships. For the scope of this paper, directed graphs are employed as causal models. If the directed graph lacks cycles, it is known as a directed acyclic graph. A node in such a graph represents an observed data element while a directed edge connecting two nodes represents a causal relationship between two variables. The developed causal methods are designed to extract causal models from simulation models and experimental data. Causal models capture the causal relationships between data elements (e.g., simulated and experimental data). In this context, validation and verification are performed by comparing causal models. The proposed approach does not only inform system analysts on how a simulation model matches real-world data, but also identifies elements of the simulation model that should be revised when discrepancies between simulation and experimental data are observed. Through these causal methods, analysts can identify the portion of the model equation(s) that are behind an edge connecting two variables. Hence, once the structural differences between causal models have been determined, model calibration can occur by changing only those model parameters that impact the identified causal relationships.
Solution Verification of CFD Simulations of a Drowning Body at Sea
Authors: Silva S. Ribeiro e , Eça L.
Published: June 2024

This works aims at evaluating the ability of assessing drifting of a drowning body at sea using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This paper is focused on the evaluation of the numerical accuracy of the CFD simulations performed with the Simerics-MP flow solver, i.e., solution verification. The main goal of the paper is to illustrate the challenges found when using a commercial CFD package.

The study of the drift of a drowning body at sea involves the simulation of incompressible, two-phase (air and water) flows around a bluff body and so the simplest mathematical model to tackle it is the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations using ensemble average to define the mean flow and to average mass and momentum balances. This leads to unsteady flow problems that require integration in space and time. Therefore, numerical errors include contributions from the round-off, iterative, discretization (time and space) and statistical errors.

Two simple situations to address the difficulties of estimating numerical uncertainties in the simulation of the drift of a drowning body at sea have been selected: (i) current induced drag forces, no wind and no waves; (ii) wind induced drag forces, no current and no waves. Grid/time refinement studies are performed for the two selected conditions to determine numerical uncertainties of the three selected quantities of interest: the resistance/drag force and the trim (pitch) and sinkage (heave) of the drowning body. It is clear that “default settings” cannot be used for such exercise and that there are small details that may have a significant influence on the estimated uncertainties. Nonetheless, the results show that it is not easy to obtain negligible numerical uncertainties in this type of simulations and so the planned comparison of simulations and experiments to determine the modelling error of CFD will be affected by a significant validation uncertainty.