bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of cytokine‐like protein 1 transcription hinders wound‐healing process in diabetic rats
Authors: Xu Jie , Tong Yun , Lin Manman , Zhang Zikai , Li Tian , Zhang Fan
Published: November 2024

Aim

This study explored the function and mechanism of cytokine‐like protein 1 (CYTL1) in regulating the wound‐healing process of rats with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

A wound was made in diabetic rats, in which CYTL1 overexpression or HDAC1 expression‐interfering adenovirus was injected. The wound area on day 0, 7, 14 and 21 was observed and photographed to calculate the wound‐healing rate. The wound tissues were collected for H&E, Masson staining and CD31 immunohistochemistry. The HDAC1 and CYTL1 mRNA and protein expressions in wound tissues were detected by RT‐qPCR and western blot. The regulation of HDAC1 on CYTL1 was predicted by hTFtarget and AnimalTFDB database. The H3K27Ac level in the CYTL1 promoter was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP).

Results

Diabetic rats with CYTL1 overexpression or interfered HDAC1 expression had accelerated the wound‐healing rate, in which massive fibroblasts, attenuated inflammatory infiltration and increased collagen and microvessel density were observed. Further experiments found that HDAC1 can inhibit CYTL1 transcription and expression by inhibiting H3K27Ac expression in CYTL1 promoter.

Conclusion

Collected evidence showed HDAC1 can inhibit CYTL1 transcription by down‐regulating the H3K27Ac level in CYTL1 promoter to slow down the wound‐healing process in diabetic ulcer rats.
The Role of 2, 4, and 5‐dimensional Cardiac Flow MRI for Evaluation of Valvulopathies: A Literature Review
Authors: Fässler Sara , Falcão Mariana B. L. , de Marchi Stefano F. , Roy Christopher W. , Rutz Tobias
Published: November 2024

Aim

Two‐dimensional phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (2D flow MRI) and its multidimensional alternatives, 4D and 5D flow MRI, measure blood flow in the heart and great vessels. While 2D flow MRI is the standard technique, it has limitations regarding need for precise image plane prescribing and long scan time. In contrast, 4D and 5D flow MRI acquire 3D volumes, enabling retrospective assessment of all vessels. This review evaluates these three techniques for quantification of blood flow of the aortic and pulmonary valves in congenital heart disease.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in August 2024 using the PUBMED database, including articles comparing 2D, 4D, and 5D flow MRI.

Results

Fifteen articles comparing 2D and 4D, one comparing 2D and 5D and three articles comparing 4D and 5D flow MRI were included. No study compared all three techniques. 2D, 4D and 5D flow MRI demonstrated a good agreement for flow quantification. 4D flow MRI, however, tends to present a better accuracy and internal consistency than 2D flow MRI for determination of peak velocities and flow in stenotic lesions, particularly when comparing velocities to echocardiography. 4D and 5D flow MRI are associated with shorter scan times than 2D flow MRI.

Conclusions

4D and 5D flow MRI appear to offer promising alternatives to 2D flow MRI with the advantage of reduced scan times. Larger and prospective studies including echocardiography are needed to evaluate the potential of 4D and 5D to replace 2D flow MRI for flow quantification and peak velocity determination.
Disabled 2 (Dab2) Regulates Tumour Progression in Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Roy Sayoni , Mehta Darshan , Sawant Suruchi , Waghmare Sanjeev K.
Published: November 2024

Dab2 is an endocytic adaptor protein involved in various physiological processes and signaling pathways. Dab2 is deregulated in various cancers; however, its role in skin squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC) has not been elucidated yet. In the present study, we used the DMBA/TPA induced murine skin carcinogenesis model to examine the role of Dab2 in skin tumour progression. We generated tamoxifen inducible Dab2 conditional knockout system for our study. Loss of Dab2 led to delayed papilloma initiation and reduced papilloma burden. Delayed papilloma initiation was due to reduce proliferative potential of the papillomas due to Dab2 loss. Furthermore, while the WT papillomas progressed to SCC, the papillomas formed in Dab2 cKO mice failed to undergo malignant conversion to SCC. Dab2 cKO tumours showed reduced expression of K8, a marker for aggressive tumour. Moreover, Dab2 ckO tumours failed to undergo EMT as shown by reduced expression of Vimentin and Twist1. Dab2 cKO tumours also showed reduced expression of Sox2, a stem cell marker. Furthermore, qPCR analysis showed upregulation of Dab2 expression in the human skin cancer cell lines as compared to normal human skin keratinocytes. In patients, TCGA data analysis of skin cancer melanoma (SKCM) showed a trend where high levels of Dab2 correlated with poor overall survival. The present study shows that Dab2 promotes tumour progression in skin SCC.
Natural products for denture base disinfection: A scoping review
Authors: de Lima Bianca Lopes de Andrade Martins , Santiago Jeferson Batista , Avelino Maria Eduarda Lemos , Vila‐Nova Taciana Emília Leite , Costa Rayanna Thayse Florêncio , Moraes Sandra Lúcia Dantas
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aims to map the existing literature on natural products used as disinfection substances for conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and computer‐aided design and manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) dentures.

Background

Denture wearers are at high risk for denture stomatitis. Natural products have attracted the interest of the scientific community as an alternative to synthetic ones.

Materials and methods

The guiding question “Which natural products have been applied to disinfect complete dentures in conventional PMMA or CAD‐CAM PMMA resin?” Searches were conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, and manual searches were performed in reference journals in the area with studies published until December 2023, without language or date restrictions.

Results

A total of 4272 articles were identified, and 46 studies were included after applying the eligibility criteria. Thirty‐nine natural products were evaluated. Of the included studies, 43 presented positive findings and three obtained negative findings on the effectiveness of natural products in inhibiting or killing Candida albicans.

Conclusion

Natural products, predominantly sourced from the Plantae kingdom, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing Candida albicans on the surface of conventional PMMA. However, the evidence primarily stems from in vitro studies, underscoring the necessity for additional clinical research to validate their applicability under real microbiological conditions in prosthesis users.
Dentists' perceptions of providing care to community‐dwelling older people
Authors: Friedlander Lara T. , Hamadani Payman , Chandler Nicholas P. , Daniel Ben K.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study explored the attitudes of New Zealand (NZ) general dental practitioners (GDPs) towards older adults living within the community and the barriers and difficulties caring for their oral health needs.

Background

Adults are living longer and retaining teeth. Their dentitions are complex and alongside their dental needs, older adults often experience age‐related systemic disease or decline. Ageism and stereotypical views of older adults impedes access to dental care. While there is some understanding of older adults and ageism from the perspective of dental students, there is a paucity of knowledge about dentists' management of this patient demographic.

Materials and methods

A mixed‐methods survey questionnaire collected quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively followed by bivariate analysis. Qualitative data responses to open‐ended questions were analysed thematically.

Results

A total of 382 GDPs participated (response rate of 24%) and demonstrated positive attitudes and low levels of ageism towards older adults who they enjoyed treating. Confidence was positively related to clinical experience, and most dentists had engaged in gerodontology updates. Barriers to care for older adults were perceived to be beyond their control and mostly related to cost, chronic disease or age‐related change. Consent processes could create difficulty and so collaboration with family or caregivers was important.

Conclusion

The GDPs displayed positive attitudes and confidence towards older adults who are a rewarding patient cohort. Gerodontology education during training and following graduation is critical to enhance oral health outcomes for older patients.
Effects of multiple‐dose administration of zavegepant nasal spray on the single‐dose pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol‐levonorgestrel
Authors: Bhardwaj Rajinder , Collins Julie , Madonia Jennifer , Matschke Kyle , Bertz Richard , Liu Jing
Published: November 2024

Objective

The potential for drug–drug interaction of multiple‐dose intranasal zavegepant on the single‐dose oral contraceptive ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (EE‐LNG) was evaluated.

Background

Zavegepant (as a nasal spray) is a calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antagonist approved in the United States for treatment of acute migraine in adults.

Methods

This single‐center, Phase 1, open‐label, fixed‐sequence study included healthy, nonsmoking females (18–45 years old). In treatment Period 1, a single oral dose of EE‐LNG 0.02–0.10 mg was administered on Day 1. In treatment Period 2, intranasal zavegepant (20 mg daily; 10 mg per nostril separated by 1 h) was administered on Days 1–5; 1 oral dose of EE‐LNG 0.02–0.10 mg was administered immediately after first 10 mg intranasal zavegepant dose on Day 2. Blood samples for EE‐LNG concentrations were collected on Day 1, treatment Period 1, and Day 2, treatment Period 2, and zavegepant concentrations on Day 2, treatment Period 2. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic parameters included maximum observed concentration (Cmax), area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) from Time 0 to last non‐zero concentration (AUC0‐t), and AUC from Time 0 to infinity (AUC0‐inf). The safety and pharmacokinetic sample sizes were 26 and 23, respectively.

Results

Statistical comparisons of pharmacokinetic exposure parameters after co‐administration of zavegepant and EE‐LNG versus EE‐LNG alone showed small, but statistically insignificant, changes in either EE or LNG exposure. EE comparison ratios (90% confidence intervals [CIs]) were 109.9% (105.3%, 114.8%) for AUC0‐inf and 110.2% (104.6%, 116.1%) for Cmax. LNG comparison ratios (90% CIs) were 107.0% (100.2%, 114.3%) for AUC0‐inf and 108.8% (99.9%, 118.4%) for Cmax. Frequently reported treatment‐emergent adverse events included dysgeusia (n = 25, 96%), throat irritation (n = 11, 42%), headache (n = 10, 39%), nasal discomfort (n = 7, 27%), pharyngeal paresthesia (n = 5, 19%), and nausea (n = 4, 15%).

Conclusion

Co‐administration of zavegepant nasal spray with a single dose of an oral contraceptive resulted in no clinically meaningful changes (<12% increase) in EE‐LNG exposure.
Diagnostic Implications of CD63 and CD64 Expression Levels and FcγRIIIA 158 V/F Gene Polymorphism in Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Adult Patients
Authors: Elsaid Dina Samir , Elbedewy Tamer Abd Elhamid , Soliman Nema Ali , Shalaby Kamal Ali , Haroun Riham Abdel‐Hamid
Published: November 2024

Objective

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disease characterized by reduced platelet counts due to immune system dysregulation caused by many factors, including genetics, autoimmune diseases, infections, and inflammations. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate immunological markers such as the expression level of lysosomal associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP‐3), also known as CD63, and the expression level of Fc‐gamma receptor I (FcγRI), also known as CD64 and also investigate the association of Fc‐gamma receptor IIIA (FcγRIIIA) 158 V/F polymorphism to the risk of ITP.

Methods

A total of 180 subjects; 60 ITP patients, 60 patients with thrombocytopenia of other causes and 60 controls were enrolled into our study. The expression level of CD63 was done using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RTqPCR), while CD64 expression level was done by flow cytometry. The polymorphism of FcγRIIIA 158 V/F gene was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis. Finally, CD63 and CD64 protein–protein interactions were done by using the STRING online database.

Results

The expression of CD63 was significantly elevated in ITP patients than thrombocytopenia patients and healthy control. Also there was high expression level of CD64 on granulocytes and monocytes from ITP patients than other groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis of CD63 showed an area under the curve (AUC) revealed of 1.00, sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%; while for CD64 on granulocytes, AUC of 0.998 as well as a sensitivity of 96.66% and specificity of 93.33%. Regarding FcγRIIIa 158 V/F polymorphism, all patients and healthy volunteers included in this study showed the wild FF genotype.

Conclusions

The expression of both CD63 and CD64 were significantly increased in ITP patients and could be good biomarkers to diagnose ITP. Additionally, there is no association between FcγRIIIa 158 V/F polymorphism and the risk of ITP disease.
Reliability in design science research
Authors: Storey Veda C. , Baskerville Richard L. , Kaul Mala
Published: November 2024

Reliability, which is concerned with whether something performs as it should, is well‐accepted as an important part of any scientific research, with recognised methods for assessing it in the natural sciences. Reliability is a prerequisite for validity, which assesses knowledge production. Design science research is unique in that it produces an artefact and makes contributions to a design knowledge base and is tasked with the duality of design and science. Therefore, reliability should be reconsidered to address the assumptions underlying this type of information systems research.

This paper proposes a Design Science Reliability Framework. The framework identifies the part of design science research that should be evaluated (artefact, methods, measures and design knowledge). It also considers when reliability should be assessed as a project progresses by differentiating synchronic versus diachronic evaluation. The framework is used to derive a set of techniques for establishing reliability that can be applied during the evaluation process to both a project's knowledge production and its artefacts. Application of the framework should assist design science researchers when considering how to assess their results.
Normalcy Among Individuals Living With Long‐Term Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis
Authors: Dzou Tiffany , Pieters Huibrie C.
Published: November 2024

Aim

To explore descriptions of normalcy among individuals who have lived with mechanical circulatory support for a long time.

Design

Reflexive thematic analysis was used for this qualitative research.

Methods

A parent study, utilising constructivist grounded theory, was conducted to explore the experiences of advance care planning among mechanical circulatory support individuals. Participants spontaneously shared their experiences of normalcy, which was outside the scope of the primary study. Thus, a secondary analysis using reflexive thematic analysis was performed to explore experiences of normalcy among individuals living with mechanical circulatory support for long‐term use.

Results

Twelve transcripts were purposively sampled and analysed. Three major themes were derived from the data: acquiescence, adapting to the device and restructuring family roles.

Conclusion

Normalcy continued to evolve years after device implantation because individuals were not prepared to face ongoing psychosocial challenges. Clinicians and researchers must address the complex emotional and social needs related to changes in goal therapy and unanticipated transplant delays. This includes the development of support groups that are aligned with the various stages of the MCS trajectory.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Clinicians need to engage patients in conversations about disruptions to their perceived ‘normal’ lifestyle and how they plan to adapt to complex changes. Future support groups can be organised according to individuals' duration of implantation and goal therapy to reduce social withdrawal. Additionally, clinicians should assess bridge to transplant individuals' attitudes before connecting them with transplanted volunteers. Finally, clinicians can support resilience by recognising and discussing the ongoing work required to adapt to the complex changes throughout the mechanical circulatory support trajectory.

Impact

Perceptions of normalcy among mechanical circulatory support individuals are subject to ongoing change. Findings will inform clinicians of the social, emotional and familial challenges that require ongoing support and resources for long‐term mechanical circulatory support individuals.

Reporting Method

Reporting adhered to the COREQ checklist.

Patient Contribution

Participants contributed to this study by sharing their experiences of normalcy after living with mechanical circulatory support for 2 years or more.
‘Why Is the Chubby Guy Running?’: Trans Pregnancy, Fatness, and Cultural Intelligibility
Authors: White Francis Ray , Pearce Ruth , Riggs Damien W. , Pfeffer Carla A. , Hines Sally
Published: November 2024

Since the late 2000s trans pregnancy has received increasing public and academic attention, and stories of the ‘pregnant man’ have become a media staple. Existing research has critiqued such spectacularization and the supposed tension between maleness, masculinity, and pregnancy that underpins it. Extending that work, this article draws on interview data from an international study of trans reproductive practices and analyzes participants' experiences of being, and expecting themselves to be, perceived in public space not as spectacularly ‘pregnant men’, but as fat men. As a starting point we take the experience of one participant whose heavily pregnant participation in a five‐kilometer race prompted the question: ‘Why is the chubby guy running?’ Using Judith Butler's concept of the cultural intelligibility of gender, we ask why the question asked was not: ‘Why is the pregnant guy running?’ We further consider the degree to which pregnant trans people manage their unintelligibility within the matrix of pregnancy, fatness, and trans/gender and how this reveals the limits of gender intelligibility itself.
Zinc finger transcription factors BnaSTOP2s regulate sulfur metabolism and confer Sclerotinia sclerotiorum resistance in Brassica napus
Authors: Dai Lihong , Xie Zhaoqi , Ai Tianxu , Jiao Yushun , Lian Xiaoyi , Long Angchen , Zhang Jinyun , Yang Guangsheng , Hong Dengfeng
Published: November 2024

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) exhibits high‐sulfur requirements to achieve optimal growth, development, and pathogen resistance. Despite the importance of sulfur, the mechanisms regulating its metabolism and disease resistance are not fully understood. In this study, we found that the zinc finger transcription factors BnaSTOP2s play a pivotal role in sulfur metabolism and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum resistance. Our findings indicate that BnaSTOP2s are involved in sulfur metabolism, as evidenced by extensive protein interaction screening. BnaSTOP2s knockout reduced the content of essential sulfur‐containing metabolites, including glucosinolate and glutathione, which is consistent with the significantly lowered transcriptional levels of BnaMYB28s and BnaGTR2s, key factors involved in glucosinolate synthesis and transportation, respectively. Comprehensive RNA‐seq analysis revealed the substantial effect of BnaSTOP2s on sulfur metabolism from roots to siliques, which serve as pivotal sources and sinks for sulfur metabolism, respectively. Furthermore, we found that leaf lesion size significantly decreased and increased in the BnaSTOP2‐OE and Bnastop2 mutants, respectively, compared with the wild‐type during S. sclerotiorum infection, suggesting a vital role of BnaSTOP2s in plant defense response. In conclusion, BnaSTOP2s act as global regulators of sulfur metabolism and confer resistance to S. sclerotiorum infection in B. napus. Thus, they have potential implications for improving crop resilience.
Cascading effects driven by population recovery of sika deer on habitat use of sympatric mammals under heavy snow conditions
Authors: Yamashita J. , Akamatsu M. , Enari H. S. , Sembongi Y. , Enari H.
Published: November 2024

Unlike the top‐down cascading effects driven by apex predators, the bottom‐up effects on biological interactions originating from herbivory by large mammals, especially within mammalian assemblages, have received less attention. This study aimed to identify the multifaceted impacts driven by sika deer (Cervus nippon) during midwinters, when their herbivory impacts were expected to be strong due to deficient dietary resources. We focused on interference and exploitative competition caused by deer on the habitat use of four sympatric mammal species, namely two herbivores (Japanese serow, Capricornis crispus, and Japanese hare, Lepus brachyurus angustidens) and two mesocarnivores (red fox, Vulpes vulpes, and Japanese marten, Martes melampus melampus). To estimate the wintering behaviors of these mammals and deer herbivory pressure, we performed snow tracking and counted the fresh feeding marks of deer during midwinter in 2022 and 2023. We conducted surveys on 201‐km transects with different stages of deer population recovery (i.e., different deer population densities) in heavy snowfall regions of Japan. We then systematically quantified the deer‐driven effects on sympatric mammals using piecewise structural equation modeling (SEM). We recorded 1700 tracks of target mammals and 1327 trees with deer feeding marks. Based on these records, we constructed an SEM with acceptable performance (Fisher's C = 27.1, P = 0.30). The SEM suggested some possibilities that exploitative competition mediated by deer herbivory constrained the habitat use of mammals with dietary habits similar to that of deer, i.e., serow (effect size, −0.13) and hares (−0.14). In addition, through constricting the habitat use of hares, the deer‐driven cascading effects reduced the occurrence of their key predators, i.e., foxes (−0.12) and martens (−0.10). Thus, our observations provide novel evidence that food webs are regulated by herbivore‐driven bottom‐up cascading effects in cases where plant primary productivity is limited by heavy snowfall.
Longer‐term effects of intermittent fasting on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Khalafi Mousa , Maleki Aref Habibi , Ehsanifar Mahsa , Symonds Michael E. , Rosenkranz Sara K.
Published: November 2024

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of long‐term intermittent fasting (IF) on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults with overweight and obesity. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2024 to identify original randomized trials that investigated the effects of IF versus either a control diet (CON) and/or continuous caloric restriction (CR). Participants were adults with overweight and obesity and intervention durations were ≥ 6 months. Overall, a total of 24 studies involving 2032 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. Compared with CON, IF significantly reduced body weight [WMD: −2.84 kg], BMI [WMD: −1.41 kg.m2], fat mass [WMD: −3.06 kg], fat‐free mass [WMD: −0.81 kg], waist circumference [WMD: −3.85 cm], visceral fat [SMD: −0.37], fasting glucose [WMD: −0.14 mmol/l], triglycerides [WMD: −0.12 mmol/l], and diastolic blood pressure [WMD: −2.24 mmHg]. Conversely, IF significantly increased high‐density lipoproteins [WMD: 0.04 mmol/l] when compared with CON, but had no effects on insulin, hemoglobin A1c%, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, or systolic blood pressure. Compared with CR, IF significantly reduced fat mass [WMD: −0.70 kg], body fat percentage [WMD: −0.59%], and DBP [WMD: −0.91 mmHg], and increased HDL [WMD: 0.03 mmol/l], with no other significant effects. Subgroup analyses showed that the mode of IF and intervention duration were the primary moderators of IF effects on the markers. In adults with overweight or obesity, IF and CR are comparably effective for reducing body weight and adiposity, as well as for improving cardiometabolic health markers.
Histone Lysine Lactylation (Kla)‐induced BCAM Promotes OSCC Progression and Cis‐Platinum Resistance
Authors: Huang Guangzhao , Chen Su , He Jialu , Li Honglin , Ma Zhongkai , Lubamba Grace Paka , Wang Lei , Guo Zhiyong , Li Chunjie
Published: November 2024

Objective

Histone lysine lactylation (Kla) plays a vital role in cancer progression. However, the prognostic value of histone Kla in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

OSCC RNA expression data were obtained from the TCGA and GEO databases. We explored the prognostic value of histone Kla in OSCC via constructing a Cox model and determined the role of Kla in OSCC drug susceptibility and tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, the biological roles of candidate biomarkers were identified.

Results

A total of 1223 Kla‐specific genes were obtained, with 228 DEKlaGs in OSCC. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses suggested that DEKlaGs contributed to inflammatory and cancer progression. A Cox model in accordance with BCAM, CGNL1, DGKG, and OLR1 could predict OSCC patient prognosis accurately. Subsequently, Kla‐induced prognostic genes were identified to play a crucial role in OSCC drug therapy and TME. Moreover, BCAM was identified as a biomarker that promoted OSCC invasion, angiogenesis, and chemotherapy resistance.

Conclusion

Kla was identified to be associated with OSCC prognosis, drug therapy, and TME. Histone Kla‐induced BCAM was identified to play a crucial role during OSCC progression, suggesting that Kla is promising to be a novel therapeutic target for OSCC.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Relieves Periodontitis by Inhibiting Alveolar Bone Loss and Inflammation
Authors: Man Ying , Qin Jianyong , Qiu Hongliang , Wang Yiying , Zhang Xinyue , Yan Shengjie
Published: November 2024

Objective

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a commonly used strategy for treating menopausal symptoms, while its relation with periodontitis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the potential effects of HRT on periodontitis, mainly in aspects of bone loss and inflammation.

Methods

The alveolar bone height (ABH), alveolar bone thickness (ABT), and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured in menopausal women with periodontitis who had received HRT or had not received HRT by cone beam computed tomography. Based on a rat model of periodontitis, the alveolar bone loss was evaluated by micro‐computed tomography and bone‐related biochemical markers. The expression/levels of inflammatory markers were measured to reflect periodontal inflammation.

Results

Although the differences were not all significant in each premolars/molars, the mesial/distal ABH and buccal/lingual ABT were lower, and the mesial/distal BMD was higher in patients in the HRT group than those in the control group. In a rat model of periodontitis, the alveolar bone loss was relieved by HRT. Additionally, HRT significantly weakened the elevation of inflammatory markers, including TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 in periodontitis rats.

Conclusions

HRT contributes to the remission of periodontitis by inhibiting alveolar bone loss and inflammation.
Second Events After Curative‐Intent Treatment for Lip Cancer: Navigating the Path of Follow‐Up Care
Authors: Girardi Fábio Muradás , de Farias Gabriel Amanda , Wagner Vivian Petersen , Martins Manoela Domingues
Published: November 2024

Objective

We aimed to investigate the pattern, risk, and treatment of subsequent events after curative‐intent treatment of lip cancer.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 313 patients treated for lip cancer from 2011 to 2021 in a tertiary oncological center.

Results

After a median follow‐up time of 29.16 months, 145 (46.32%) patients presented with second primary tumors, 93% of which were skin carcinomas. Locoregional recurrence occurred in 7.9% of cases, with 2.5% with nodal recurrence. The 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year cumulative second primary tumor probabilities were 32.8%, 60.92%, and 70.92%, respectively. A higher risk was observed in elderly patients and basal cell carcinoma cases located on the cutaneous surface of the upper lip. Regional metastasis but not second primary tumors negatively impacted survival.

Conclusions

Our study helps fill a literature gap, structuring specific recommendations regarding evaluations and follow‐up protocols for patients with lip cancer. Since cutaneous second primary tumors were the most common second event, standard skin examination is key. Age and histology were significant predictors for second primary tumors. For cases of locally advanced lip squamous cell carcinoma, standard guidelines for head and neck cancer must be followed.
Newton in the poetry of Friedrich Schiller
Authors: Sieling Villads Wjac
Published: November 2024

This article attempts to explain the peculiar role of Isaac Newton in the poetry of Friedrich Schiller. I show that Newtonian ideas appear from the earliest poems in Anthologie auf das Jahr 1782 wherein gravity is used mainly as a metaphor for love. Newton is made a culprit, in Schiller's cosmological poems, for the destruction of the spheres and for the poet's despair in the ‘empty’, Newtonian universe. I chart the changing role of Newton in the later poetry of Schiller, where it is mainly his Opticks that interests the poet, who at this point has a thoroughly negative idea of the scientist, probably inspired by Goethe. Newton's famous experiment with the prism is figured as being the opposite of the poetry with which Schiller sought to unify (rather than refract) nature.
The Next 2 Billion: Can the World Support 10 Billion People?
Authors: Lam David
Published: November 2024

The UN projects that world population will peak at 10.3 billion in 2084, a 2.1 billion increase from 2024. Can the world provide food, water, and other resources to 10.3 billion people? How will additional population exacerbate resource challenges and worsen climate change? This paper analyzes these questions by looking at the last 60 years and by simulating the future impact of population growth and rising incomes on food, water, energy, and CO2 emissions. Looking back, food production has increased faster than the population in all regions, and we have not experienced significant shortages in nonrenewable resources. The history of water and CO2 emissions is less encouraging, however, with declining water levels in many aquifers and global warming threatening to undermine progress in all areas. Looking forward, population growth will be concentrated in poor countries, while rich countries, with higher consumption levels and emissions, will experience population decline. Population growth is projected to significantly increase demand for food and water in coming decades but is projected to have only modest impacts on energy and CO2, with population decline in high‐emission higher income countries more than offsetting the impact of population growth in low‐emission lower‐income countries.
A visible seedling‐stage screening system for the Brassica napus hybrid breeding by a novel hypocotyl length‐regulated gene BnHL
Authors: Fu Jingyan , Zhang Ying , Yin Meng , Liu Sha , Xu Ziyue , Wu Mingting , Ni Zihan , Li Peiyao , Zhu Ruijia , Cai Guangqin , Wang Maolin , Wang Rui
Published: November 2024

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is a globally significant oilseed crop with strong heterosis performance. Recessive genic male sterility (RGMS) is one of the key approaches for utilizing heterosis in B. napus. However, this method faces the inherent challenge of being time‐consuming and labour‐intensive for removing fertile plants during seed production. Here, we report a hypocotyl length‐regulated gene, BnHL, which is closely linked to a known fertility gene, BnMs2, serving as a seedling morphology marker. This marker could be used to identify fertile plants in the breeding of RGMS lines based on hypocotyl traits. By targeting the BnHL gene, both homozygous and heterozygous edited mutants exhibited significantly longer hypocotyls than the wild type (WT). Furthermore, germination experiments revealed that 7 days after seed germination, the difference in hypocotyl length between the mutant and the WT seedlings reached its maximum, effectively distinguishing fertile plants under both white (W) and red/far‐red (R/FR) light. Mutations in BnHL did not result in significant changes in main agronomic traits. Thus, this study provides a comprehensive strategy for screening and identifying a new morphological marker gene for early screening in RGMS hybrid breeding with completely non‐transgene during the whole production.
Genome‐Wide Association Mapping and Genomic Prediction of Septoria nodorum Blotch Resistance in Central European Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Berisha Pranvera , Michel Sebastian , Löschenberger Franziska , Ametz Christian , Bistrich Herbert , Bürstmayr Hermann
Published: November 2024

Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) is a fungal disease of wheat caused by the necrotrophic fungus Parastagonospora nodorum (Berk.), considered as one of the most devastating fungal diseases affecting winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The complex inheritance of resistance to SNB poses significant challenges to breeding programmes. Improving selection precision and identifying novel resistance QTLs are crucial for enhancing SNB resistance. This study investigated strategies for crop genetic improvement, including genome‐wide association mapping (GWAS) and genomic prediction (GP), within a practical breeding programme. A population of 1500 winter wheat breeding lines was phenotyped for SNB resistance over 5 years across 19 geographical locations under natural infection conditions. Despite highly unbalanced breeder's data, medium to high heritabilities for SNB resistance were achieved. GWAS identified 11 significant marker‐trait associations for SNB resistance across Chromosomes 2A, 2B, 4B, 4D, 5D and 7B. GP fivefold cross‐validation analysis revealed a predictive ability of 0.52 for SNB resistance. The resistant wheat genotypes and SNP markers identified in this study will be valuable assets for future breeding efforts to enhance SNB resistance in wheat.
Transport of ‘Nama’‐type biota in sediment gravity and combined flows: Implications for terminal Ediacaran palaeoecology
Authors: O'Connell Brennan , McMahon William J. , Nduutepo Andreas , Pokolo Paulina , Mocke Helke , McMahon Sean , Boddy Catherine E. , Liu Alexander G.
Published: November 2024

The lower Nama Group in southern Namibia contains trace fossils and soft‐bodied and biomineralized macro‐organisms from the terminal Ediacaran Period (ca 550 to 539 Ma), offering insights into early metazoan evolution. Interpretation of the fossilized Nama Group organisms as being preserved in, or very close to, the environments in which they originally lived has yielded insights into organism feeding habits, reproduction and life histories. Sedimentological evidence presented here reveals that typical ‘Nama‐type’ Ediacaran macro‐fossils (Cloudina, Ernietta, Pteridinium and Rangea) in the Dabis and Zaris formations of the Witputz Sub‐basin seldom preserve organisms in life position in their original palaeoenvironments. Both soft‐bodied and biomineralizing organisms were transported in sediment gravity flows (debris flows, turbidity flows and transitional debris flow‐turbidity flow ‘hybrid’ event beds) or combined flow (hummocky cross‐strata) to their terminal environment of deposition in shoreface and offshore shelf settings. Transport has placed studied beds and their associated macro‐organisms in depositional settings detached from the original life habitat, with macro‐organisms sourced from shallower‐water, up‐slope environments. Integrated sedimentological and palaeontological data indicate that the Nama Group may not provide a high‐fidelity record of original Nama ecosystems. Individual macro‐organisms are clasts within beds, and can be horizontal, imbricated or chaotic in orientation. Transport can blend different communities at various scales (bed, outcrop and basin), complicating interpretations of life habitats, species interactions and taxon‐specific ecology, such as feeding behaviour and life position of organisms. Recognition of organism transport also impacts datasets used for comparing global Ediacaran fossil assemblages, with implications for tracking spatial and temporal patterns in early animal evolution.
The Novel HLA‐C Allele, HLA‐C*14:153, Identified in a Kidney Transplantation Recipient
Authors: Yang John Jeongseok , Kim Si‐Hwan , Oh Heung‐Bum
Published: November 2024

HLA‐C*14:153 differs from HLA‐C*14:02:01:01 by a non‐synonymous nucleotide substitution in exon 2.
The Effective Elastic Thickness of the Lithosphere Reveals Tectonic Process and Lithospheric Rheology of the Eurasian Basin
Authors: Ling Zi‐Long , Liu Hong‐Qin , Zhao Li‐Hong , Zhang Tao , Li Chao‐Yang
Published: November 2024

We obtained the effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere (Te) in the Eurasian Basin using the fan‐shaped wavelet method. For ultraslow spreading ridges, the magmatic heat input is insufficient to form continuous quasisteady‐state magma lenses along the axis, resulting in significant variability in the rheological strength of the lithosphere. We suggested that the tectonic inheritance resulted in the different lithospheric rheology of WVZ and SMZ, consequently leading to distinct tectonic‐magmatic activities. The SMZ with less magmatic activity has a weaker lithosphere than that of the EVZ with extensive magmatism. We propose that the lithospheric rheology and thermal structure of ultraslow spreading ridge may be influenced not by the amount of magma supply but by the mode of magma emplacement.
Clinical findings and prognostic factors for immediate survival in 33 dogs undergoing surgery for biliary peritonitis
Authors: Renaud Solène , Freire Mila , O'Toole Elizabeth , Huneault Louis , Llido Marie , Ringwood Brendon , Juette Tristan , Gagnon Dominique
Published: November 2024

Objective

To report demographics, clinical signs, physical examination, diagnostic test results, surgical findings, and prognostic factors for in‐hospital postoperative mortality following biliary peritonitis surgery in dogs.

Study design

Retrospective, multi‐institutional cohort study.

Animals

Thirty‐three client‐owned dogs.

Methods

The medical records of dogs that underwent surgery for biliary peritonitis between 2015 and 2021 were reviewed. Dogs were included if they had a definitive diagnosis of biliary peritonitis and a surgery report. Information on demographics, clinical signs and duration, physical examination findings, laboratory and diagnostic imaging results, surgery, perioperative medical treatment, and complications for each patient was obtained. Statistical analyses were performed to identify risk factors that affected survival.

Results

Cholecystectomy was the procedure most frequently performed (31/33, 94%). The overall mortality rate was 36% (12/33). Survival was affected negatively by hyperbilirubinemia (p = .049), administration of vasopressors (p = .002), renal dysfunction (p = .008), and number of postoperative complications (p = .005). A mortality rate of 50% was observed in dogs with a total bilirubin level greater than 60.5 μmol/L. There was no difference in mortality rate between septic and nonseptic biliary effusions.

Conclusion

New prognostic factors associated with in‐hospital postoperative mortality in dogs treated surgically for biliary peritonitis were identified, while others that had been reported previously were confirmed. A preoperative bilirubin threshold value associated with a 50% mortality was identified.

Clinical significance

Additional information that could help to predict survival in dogs with biliary peritonitis has been provided. However, further research is warranted.
Enhanced inhibitory input to triceps brachii in humans with spinal cord injury
Authors: Butler Carley L. P. , Sangari Sina , Chen Bing , Perez Monica A.
Published: November 2024

Most individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) show increased muscle weakness in the elbow extensor compared to elbow flexor muscles. Although this is a well‐known functional deficit, the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. To address this question, we measured the suppression of voluntary electromyographic activity (svEMG; a measurement thought to reflect changes in intracortical inhibition) by applying low‐intensity transcranial magnetic stimulation over the arm representation of the primary motor cortex during 10% of isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) into elbow flexion or extension in individuals with and without chronic cervical SCI. We found that the svEMG latency and duration were not different between the biceps and triceps brachii in controls but prolonged in the triceps in individuals with SCI. The svEMG area was larger in the triceps compared to the biceps in both groups and further increased in SCI participants, suggesting a pronounced intracortical inhibitory input during elbow extension. A negative correlation was found between svEMG area and MVCs indicating that control and SCI participants with lower svEMG area had larger MVCs. The svEMG area was not different between 5% and 30% of MVC, making it less probable that differences in muscle strength between groups contributed to our results. These findings support the existence of strong inhibitory input to corticospinal projections controlling elbow extensor compared to flexor muscles, which is more pronounced after chronic cervical SCI.

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Key points

After cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), people often recover function in elbow flexor, but much less in elbow extensor muscles. The neural mechanisms contributing to this difference remain unknown.

We measured the suppression of voluntary electromyographic activity (svEMG) elicited through low‐intensity transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex (assumed to reflect changes in intracortical inhibition) in the biceps and triceps muscles in controls and individuals with cervical chronic incomplete SCI.

We found increased svEMG area in the triceps compared to the biceps in controls and SCI participants, with this measurement being even more pronounced in the triceps after SCI. The svEMG area correlated with maximal voluntary contraction values in both groups, suggesting the people with lesser inhibition had larger motor output.

Our results support the presence of strong cortical inhibitory input to corticospinal projections controlling elbow extensor compared to elbow flexors muscles after cervical SCI.
Study on Experimental Analysis and Effects of Structural Characteristics of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blades Measuring Deflection and Frequency
Authors: Flores William J. , Lee Hoe-Gil , Ruiz Silverio V.
Published: November 2024

Wind turbines are an efficient method to generate electrical energy without the pollution of gas and chemical compounds into the environment. Turbine blades are the most important facet of the turbine, taking wind energy and converting it into electrical energy. Wind speed data was collected for North Texas to determine the wind velocity to experiment with prototyped wind blades. Eight different NACA profiles were chosen, from NACA 2408 - 2424, to measure the stresses and vibrational frequencies as these characteristics are two major variables affecting wind turbine power production. The eight wind blades were 3D printed with ABS filament and attached to strain gauges and piezoelectric vibrational sensors. The sensor and blade assembly was then placed into a wind tunnel to measure the magnitude of strain and amplitude of vibrations at five different angles of attack and eight different wind speed velocities for each NACA 24 blade. Data from the wind turbine blades were compared against each blade to determine the optimum blade with desirable aspects of low-frequency amplitude, low strain magnitude, and high RPMs relative to the maximum percent thickness of the airfoil to conclude which NACA 24 blade design in this study has the highest energy production possible.
Predicting and Preventing Risk of Vibration Induced Failures in Boilers and Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG)
Authors: Fabricius Andreas , Malloy James , Taylor Mark , Moelling David
Published: November 2024

Vibration-induced problems on Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs) are observed at numerous plants. Here the focus is on vibration caused by the gas turbine exhaust gas, which can lead in some cases to significant damage and/or failures to the internal pressure parts (piping, tube modules), structures and casing. The different types of flow-induced vibration mechanisms, such as turbulent buffeting, vortex shedding, fluid-elastic instability etc. are described in some detail. Analytical techniques to evaluate the risk of their occurring and predicting their magnitude and how these can be applied to different HRSG designs are described. Strategies for assessing the impact of vibration in the field are presented, with guidance on conducting effective visual inspections and how to plan and perform in-service vibration measurements. A selection of real-life case studies from plants in the USA, Middle East and South-East Asia are used for illustration, comprising several types of vibration-induced failures, results of inspections and in-service measurements. The cases presented illustrate the importance of how the knowledge and experience of the boiler designer regarding vibration risks are key to avoiding significant economic losses to the owner/operator, given that the cost impact of repairs to the asset can be very significant. A set of recommendations is provided for improvements in HRSG designs based on these field cases.
CFD Analysis of Additively Manufactured Conformal Cooling Channels for the Stator of a Direct Drive Generator
Authors: Vennard Henry , Hayes Austin C. , Whiting Gregory L.
Published: November 2024

One of the largest sources of power loss within a direct drive wind turbine generator is the copper loss due to ohmic heating in the stator coils. This paper presents a thermal analysis of additively manufactured conformal cooling channels in the stator back iron as a means of cooling the stator. Cooling through the stator body as opposed to direct liquid cooling of the coils in slots allows for easier generator assembly and isolation of magneto-electric components. Temperatures can be reduced leading to the ability to increase the current density or lower the copper loss. Conformal cooling channels provide an effective cooling solution that can be optimized and incorporated within standard industry cooling solutions. This paper compares cooling channel performance in several different configurations using design of experiments (DoE) and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) software. Three different cooling channel layouts were considered: parallel, series and honeycomb. The parallel and series layouts use parallel and series fluid flow respectively. The honeycomb layout incorporates a hexagonal pattern to uniformly distribute fluid. The series layout maintained a surface temperature of 31 °C while at the same flow rate the parallel and honeycomb layouts maintained temperatures of 160 °C and 155 °C respectively. At the selected flow rate of 168 L/min, the pressure drop for the series, parallel, and honeycomb configurations was 5239 kPa, 45 kPa, 414 kPa respectively. An analytical model was also created to compare the configurations within two leading industry cooling systems. The work suggests that additively manufactured conformal cooling channels incorporated into the stator of direct drive generators allows a reduction in winding temperature advantageous to direct drive electric machines.