bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variant ALK‐fusion positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL): A population‐based paediatric study of the NHL‐BFM study group
Authors: Luedersen Jette , Stadt Udo zur , Richter Julia , Oschlies Ilske , Klapper Wolfram , Rosenwald Andreas , Kalinova Marketa , Simonitsch‐Klupp Ingrid , Siebert Reiner , Zimmermann Martin , Qi Minyue , Nakel Jacqueline , Scheinemann Katrin , Knörr Fabian , Attarbaschi Andishe , Kabickova Edita , Woessmann Wilhelm , Damm‐Welk Christine
Published: January 2024

Frequency, distribution and prognostic meaning of ALK‐partner genes other than NPM1 in ALK‐positive anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma (ALCL) are unknown. Forty‐nine of 316 ALCL diagnosed in the NHL‐BFM study group showed no nuclear ALK expression suggestive of a variant ALK‐partner; 41 were analysed by genomic capture high‐throughput sequencing or specific RT‐PCRs. NPM1::ALK was detected in 13 cases. Among the 28 patients with a non‐NPM1::ALK‐fusion partner, ATIC (n = 8; 29%) and TPM3 (n = 9; 32%) were the most common. Five of eight patients with ATIC::ALK‐positive ALCL relapsed, none of nine with TPM3::ALK. Variant ALK‐partners are rare and potentially associated with different prognoses.
Increased erythroferrone levels in malarial anaemia
Authors: Neyer Peter J. , Kaboré Bérenger , Nakas Christos T. , Diallo Salou , Tinto Halidou , Post Annelies , van der Ven Andre J. , Huber Andreas R. , Largiadèr Carlo R. , Hammerer‐Lercher Angelika
Published: January 2024

We assessed the diagnostic potential of erythroferrone as a biomarker for iron homeostasis comparing iron deficiency cases with anaemia of inflammation and controls. The dysregulation of the hepcidin axis was observed by Latour et al. in a mouse model of malarial anaemia induced by prolonged Plasmodium infection leading to increased erythroferrone concentrations. In line with that, we found significantly higher erythroferrone levels in cases with malaria and anaemia in an African population, compared to asymptomatic controls. Therefore, our findings extend the previous ones of the mouse model, suggesting also a dysregulation of the hepcidin axis in humans, which should be further corroborated in prospective studies and may lay the basis for the development of improved treatment strategies according to ERFE concentrations in such patients.
Soluble CD27 as a predictive biomarker for intra‐tumoral CD70/CD27 interaction in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Nagato Toshihiro , Komatsuda Hiroki , Hayashi Ryusuke , Takahara Miki , Ujiie Nanami , Kosaka Akemi , Ohkuri Takayuki , Oikawa Kensuke , Sato Ryosuke , Wakisaka Risa , Kono Michihisa , Yamaki Hidekiyo , Ohara Kenzo , Kumai Takumi , Kishibe Kan , Katada Akihiro , Hayashi Tatsuya , Kobayashi Hiroya
Published: January 2024

In CD70‐expressing tumors, the interaction of CD70 on tumor cells with its lymphocyte receptor, CD27, is thought to play a role in immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment and elevated serum levels of soluble CD27 (sCD27). Previous studies showed that CD70 is expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), an Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐related malignancy. However, the association between intratumoral CD70/CD27 expression and serum levels of sCD27 in NPC remains unclear. In the present study, we show that CD70 is primarily expressed by tumor cells in NPC and that CD27‐positive lymphocytes infiltrate around tumor cells. NPC patients with CD27‐positive lymphocytes had significantly better prognosis than patients lacking these cells. In addition, high CD70 expression by tumor cells tended to be correlated with shorter survival in NPC patients with CD27‐positive lymphocytes. Serum sCD27 levels were significantly increased in patients with NPC and provided good diagnostic accuracy for discriminating patients from healthy individuals. The concentration of serum sCD27 in patients with CD70‐positive NPC with CD27‐positive lymphocytes was significantly higher than in patients with tumors negative for CD70 and/or CD27, indicating that the intratumoral CD70/CD27 interaction boosts the release of sCD27. Furthermore, positive expression of CD70 by NPC cells was significantly correlated with EBV infection. Our results suggest that CD70/CD27‐targeted immunotherapies may be promising treatment options and that sCD27 may become an essential tool for evaluating the applicability of these therapies by predicting the intratumoral CD70/CD27 interaction in NPC.
Antitumor activity of α‐pinene in T‐cell tumors
Authors: Abe Masaya , Asada Noboru , Kimura Maiko , Fukui Chie , Yamada Daisuke , Wang Ziyi , Miyake Masayuki , Takarada Takeshi , Ono Mitsuaki , Aoe Michinori , Kitamura Wataru , Matsuda Masayuki , Moriyama Takashi , Matsumura Akifumi , Maeda Yoshinobu
Published: January 2024

T‐cell acute leukemia and lymphoma have a poor prognosis. Although new therapeutic agents have been developed, their therapeutic effects are suboptimal. α‐Pinene, a monoterpene compound, has an antitumor effect on solid tumors; however, few comprehensive investigations have been conducted on its impact on hematologic malignancies. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential benefits of using α‐pinene as an antitumor agent for the treatment of T‐cell tumors. We found that α‐pinene inhibited the proliferation of hematologic malignancies, especially in T‐cell tumor cell lines EL‐4 and Molt‐4, induced mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species accumulation, and inhibited NF‐κB p65 translocation into the nucleus, leading to robust apoptosis in EL‐4 cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that α‐pinene has potential as a therapeutic agent for T‐cell malignancies, and further investigation is warranted.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of 26 fetuses with lethal multiple congenital contractures
Authors: Turgut Gozde Tutku , Altunoglu Umut , Gulec Cagri , Sarac Sivrikoz Tugba , Kalaycı Tuğba , Toksoy Guven , Avcı Şahin , Yıldırım Behiye Tuğçe , Sayın Gözde Yeşil , Kalelioglu Ibrahim Halil , Karaman Birsen , Has Recep , Başaran Seher , Yuksel Atil , Kayserili Hülya , Uyguner Zehra Oya
Published: January 2024

Multiple congenital contractures (MCC) due to fetal akinesia manifest across a broad spectrum of diseases, ranging from mild distal arthrogryposis to lethal fetal akinesia deformation sequence. We hereby present a series of 26 fetuses displaying severe MCC phenotypes from 18 families and describe detailed prenatal ultrasound findings, postmortem clinical evaluations, and genetic investigations. Most common prenatal findings were abnormal facial profile (65%), central nervous system abnormalities (62%), polyhydramnios (50%), increased nuchal translucency (50%), and fetal hydrops (35%). Postmortem examinations unveiled additional anomalies including facial dysmorphisms, dysplastic skeletal changes, ichthyosis, multiple pterygia, and myopathy, allowing preliminary diagnosis of particular Mendelian disorders in multiple patients. Evaluation of the parents revealed maternal grip myotonia in one family. By exome sequencing and targeted testing, we identified causative variants in ACTC1, CHST14, COG6, DMPK, DOK7, HSPG2, KLHL7, KLHL40, KIAA1109, NEB, PSAT1, RAPSN, USP14, and WASHC5 in 15 families, and one patient with a plausible diagnosis associated with biallelic NEB variants. Three patients received a dual diagnosis. Pathogenic alterations in newly discovered genes or in previously known genes recently linked to new MCC phenotypes were observed in 44% of the cohort. Our results provide new insights into the clinical and molecular landscape of lethal MCC phenotypes.
Evaluative Deflation, Social Expectations, and the Zone of Moral Indifference
Authors: Willemsen Pascale , Baumgartner Lucien , Cepollaro Bianca , Reuter Kevin
Published: January 2024

Acts that are considered undesirable standardly violate our expectations. In contrast, acts that count as morally desirable can either meet our expectations or exceed them. The zone in which an act can be morally desirable yet not exceed our expectations is what we call the zone of moral indifference, and it has so far been neglected. In this paper, we show that people can use positive terms in a deflated manner to refer to actions in the zone of moral indifference, whereas negative terms cannot be so interpreted.
Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography, a novel non‐invasive tool for the diagnosis of onychomycosis
Authors: Eijkenboom Quirine Louise , Daxenberger Fabia , Gust Charlotte , Hartmann Daniela , Guertler Anne , Steckmeier Stephanie , Deussing Maximilian , French Lars Einar , Welzel Julia , Schuh Sandra , Sattler Elke Christina
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives

Onychomycosis is common and important to distinguish from other nail diseases. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is necessary for optimal patient treatment and outcome. Non‐invasive diagnostic tools have increasing potential for nail diseases including onychomycosis. This study evaluated line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) as a rapid non‐invasive tool for diagnosing onychomycosis as compared to confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and conventional methods.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective study 86 patients with clinically suspected onychomycosis and 14 controls were examined using LC‐OCT, OCT, and CLSM. KOH‐preparation, fungal culture, PCR, and histopathology were used as comparative conventional methods.

Results

LC‐OCT had the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value of all methods used, closely followed by PCR and OCT. Specificity and positive predictive value of LC‐OCT were as high as with CLSM, while OCT scored much lower. The gold standard technique, fungal culture, showed the lowest sensitivity and negative predictive value. Only PCR and culture allowed species differentiation.

Conclusions

LC‐OCT enables quick and non‐invasive detection of onychomycosis, with advantages over CLSM and OCT, and similar diagnostic accuracy to PCR but lacking species differentiation. For accurate nail examination, LC‐OCT requires well‐trained and experienced operators.
A novel approach to accurately measuring the burden of hospitalisations for cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes: A pilot study
Authors: Huynh Quan , Burgess John , Flentje Kate , Tan Neville , Batchelor Riley , Marwick Thomas H. , Shaw Jonathan E.
Published: January 2024

Aim

To determine the reliability of hospital discharge codes for heart failure (HF), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke compared with adjudicated diagnosis, and to pilot a scalable approach to adjudicate records on a population‐based sample.

Methods

A population‐based sample of 685 people with diabetes admitted (1274 admissions) to one of three Australian hospitals during 2018–2020 were randomly selected for this study. All medical records were reviewed and adjudicated.

Results

Cardiovascular diseases were the most common primary reason for hospitalisation in people with diabetes, accounting for ~17% (215/1274) of all hospitalisations, with HF as the leading cause. ICD‐10 codes substantially underestimated HF prevalence and had the lowest agreement with the adjudicated diagnosis of HF (Kappa = 0.81), compared with AMI and stroke (Kappa ≥ 0.91). While ICD‐10 codes provided suboptimal sensitivity (72%) for HF, the performance was better for AMI (sensitivity 84%; specificity 100%) and stroke (sensitivity 85%; specificity 100%). A novel approach to screen possible HF cases only required adjudicating 8% (105/1274) of records, correctly identified 78/81 of HF admissions and yielded 96% sensitivity and 98% specificity.

Conclusions

While ICD‐10 codes appear reliable for AMI or stroke, a more complex diagnosis such as HF benefits from a two‐stage process to screen for suspected HF cases that need adjudicating. The next step is to validate this novel approach on large multi‐centre studies in diabetes.
Methods and applications of finite element analysis in dental trauma research: A scoping review
Authors: Atif Mohammad , Tewari Nitesh , Reshikesh Manjari , Chanda Arnab , Mathur Vijay Prakash , Morankar Rahul
Published: January 2024

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is vital for understanding dental traumatology (DT) biomechanics, aiding diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome prediction. This review explores FEA applications in DT research, evaluates their quality and outcomes, and assesses methodological aspects. Accordingly, recommendations for future researchers are provided. The study adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines for scoping reviews and registered in Open Science framework. A comprehensive search using relevant text‐words and MeSH terms was performed in established databases. The inclusion criteria encompassed all Finite element analysis (FEA)‐based Dental traumatology (DT) studies without language or publication year restrictions. Risk of bias was assessed with the Risk of bias tool for the use of finite element analysis in dentistry (ROBFEAD) tool. Forty‐six studies published from 2001 to 2023 were included in the qualitative synthesis. The studies were categorized into five domains and six subdomains based on objectives. Maxillary central incisors and surrounding structures were commonly modelled (n = 27). Most studies utilized Computed tomography (CT), Cone Beam CT, or micro CT. Traumatic injury forces ranged from 100 N to 2000 N, and occlusal forces ranged from 150 N to 350 N. All studies were rated as high risk of bias. Fory‐six studies were categorized, with most focusing on stress distribution and fracture patterns in dento‐alveolar structures under various conditions, while few assessed displacements. Methodological quality lacked robustness in model development and substructure properties. Future studies should address these limitations and enhance reporting practices.
Characteristics of pediatric mandibular condylar fractures in Southwest China: A single‐center and 12‐year retrospective study
Authors: Chen Ruitian , Liao Lishu , Huo Sibei , Wu Juan , Li Wanshan
Published: January 2024

Background/Aim

Mandibular condylar fractures in pediatric patients may exhibit distinct epidemiological characteristics attributed to their unique growth and development phase, as well as various anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, and behavioral factors that differentiate them from adults. This study aimed to investigate the demographics, injurious factors, classifications, clinical manifestations, and treatments of pediatric mandibular condylar fractures, as well as the concomitant injuries in maxillofacial and other body parts.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 189 pediatric patients with mandibular condylar fractures between 2011 and 2022. Variables investigated included age, gender, timing of onset, causes, classification of condylar fracture, concomitant injuries, clinical manifestations, and treatment modalities.

Results

A total of 189 patients, a higher proportion of boys compared to girls was observed, with the highest incidence rate in children aged 1–3 years. They occurred primarily in July, June, and September as well as on Saturdays and Sundays. The most prevalent cause of mandibular condylar fractures was falls from heights in 73 patients (38.62%). Pediatric patients exhibited a higher susceptibility to condylar head fractures. A significant majority (81.48%) of these fractures were accompanied by soft tissue injuries in the maxillofacial region, with the chin being particularly vulnerable to injury. In addition, 61.90% of pediatric patients experienced fractures in other areas of the maxillofacial region, with the mandibular symphysis being the most commonly affected site. Dental trauma predominantly occurred in the anterior region (44.97%). Notably, a substantial proportion (28.04%) of cases also presented with multiple systemic injuries.

Conclusions

The characteristics of pediatric mandibular condylar fractures exhibit distinct features in terms of age, gender, timing of onset, etiology, location and type, the presence of concomitant maxillofacial soft/hard tissue injuries and multiple systemic injuries, as well as clinical manifestations and treatment modalities. Therefore, clinicians should pay special attention to the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric condylar fractures.
Teledentistry within oral health care providers' training: A scoping review
Authors: Bakhshaei Anahita , Ramachandran Swathi , Brondani Mario
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Despite teledentistry (TD) ubiquitous utilization, it has yet to be fully adopted by oral health care providers' educational training. This study aimed to explore TD incorporation in the training of oral health care providers.

Methods

This review included studies on the TD content offered to oral health care providers. The JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) methodology was used, and two reviewers screened the literature. Studies published between 1989 and 4 June 2022 were searched using “Teledentistry” and “Education” as initial keywords. The searched databases included MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EPPI, Scopus, Epistemonikos, ERIC, MedEdPORTAL, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and Google Scholar. All of the relevant literature, regardless of their language, were added. The data were extracted using an extraction table and are presented in tabular and narrative summary formats.

Results

A total of 2180 documents were found, and 1804 documents were screened by the title and abstract after deduplication; 59 were selected for full‐text review; and 19 were eligible for data extraction. Of all studies, 63.15% were published after the COVID‐19 pandemic. Practicing TD and TD reimbursement were some of the addressed topics. Didactic education and hands‐on practice were the most employed training methods. Self/peer evaluations and surveys were among the employed assessment techniques.

Conclusion

TD education has been emphasized during the COVID‐19 pandemic. There is a variation in the existing TD educational programmes, from addressing topics to assessment techniques. However, the number of educational programmes on this topic is sparse.
The assessment of emotion reactivity: The Italian validation of the Perth Emotional Reactivity Scale–Short Form (PERS‐S)
Authors: Festucci Fabiana , Pino Maria Chiara , Viselli Lorenzo , D' Aurizio Giulia , Salfi Federico , Amicucci Giulia , Corigliano Domenico , D' Atri Aurora , Ferrara Michele , Tempesta Daniela
Published: January 2024

Emotion reactivity refers to the activation, intensity and duration of emotional responses to internal or external stimuli. It can be differentiated from emotion regulation since the former is the very first response to an emotional trigger, and the latter can be defined as a tool for maintaining one's arousal in a window of tolerance. Since, to date, there are no Italian self‐report measures able to evaluate individuals' emotional reactivity, this study aimed to contribute to the Italian validation of the Perth Emotional Reactivity Scale–Short Form (PERS‐S). The PERS‐S is an 18‐item self‐report measure answered on a 5‐point Likert scale that generates six subscale scores and two composite scores, with higher scores indicating higher levels of reactivity. Data from 768 individuals showed that the PERS‐S had good to excellent goodness of fit. The internal consistency was high, with an overall reliability coefficient (Cronbach's α) of .87 and .86 for the negative and positive general scales, respectively. The PERS‐S also demonstrated appropriate convergent validity, showing significant correlations with conceptually related measures, and acceptable divergent validity, showing minimal correlations with unrelated constructs. Finally, we evaluated the Test–Retest Reliability by administering the PERS‐S to the same sample twice, with a 2‐week interval. The significant correlations between the two PERS‐S administrations suggest temporal stability. The Italian version of the PERS‐S will enrich the repertoire of self‐report measures for investigating the development and risk factors of mental health disorders and may have practical applications in clinical settings.
Alterations of resting‐state functional network connectivity in patients with noise‐induced hearing loss: A study based on independent component analysis
Authors: Ranran Huang , Aijie Wang , Yafei Zhang , Xinru Ba , Yi Lin , Xianghua Bao , Yunxin Li , Guochao Li , Guowei Zhang
Published: January 2024

Functional reorganization is a response to auditory deficits or deprivation, and less is known about the overall brain network alterations involving resting‐state networks (RSNs) and multiple functional networks in patients with occupational noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL). So this study evaluated resting‐state functional network connectivity (FNC) alterations in occupational NIHL using an independent component analysis (ICA). In total, 79 mild NIHL patients (MP), 32 relatively severe NIHL patients (RSP), and 84 age‐ and education‐ matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited. All subjects were tested using the Mini‐mental State Examination scale, the tinnitus Handicap Inventory scale, the Hamilton Anxiety scale (HAMA) and scanned by T1‐3DFSPGR, resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging sequence in 3.0 T and analysed by the ICA. Seven RSNs were identified, compared with the HC, the MP showed increased FNC within the executive control network (ECN) and enhanced FNC within the default mode network (DMN) and the visual network (VN); compared with the HC, the RSP showed decreased FNC within the ECN and auditory network (AUN), DMN and VN; no significant changes in FNC were found in the MP compared with the RSP. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between the noise exposure time and hearing loss level, HAMA were both negative, and there were no significant correlations between the abnormal RSNs and the hearing level, noise exposure time and HAMA. These findings indicate that different degrees of NIHL involve different alterations in RSNs connectivity and may reveal the neural mechanisms related to emotion‐related features and functional abnormalities following long‐term NIHL.
Skin microbiome disturbance linked to drought‐associated amphibian disease
Authors: Buttimer Shannon , Moura‐Campos Diego , Greenspan Sasha E. , Neely Wesley J. , Ferrante Lucas , Toledo Luís Felipe , Becker C. Guilherme
Published: January 2024

The onset of global climate change has led to abnormal rainfall patterns, disrupting associations between wildlife and their symbiotic microorganisms. We monitored a population of pumpkin toadlets and their skin bacteria in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest during a drought. Given the recognized ability of some amphibian skin bacteria to inhibit the widespread fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), we investigated links between skin microbiome health, susceptibility to Bd and host mortality during a die‐off event. We found that rainfall deficit was an indirect predictor of Bd loads through microbiome disruption, while its direct effect on Bd was weak. The microbiome was characterized by fewer putative Bd‐inhibitory bacteria following the drought, which points to a one‐month lagged effect of drought on the microbiome that may have increased toadlet susceptibility to Bd. Our study underscores the capacity of rainfall variability to disturb complex host–microbiome interactions and alter wildlife disease dynamics.
Which terms should be used to describe medications used in the treatment of seizure disorders? An ILAE position paper
Authors: Perucca Emilio , French Jacqueline A. , Aljandeel Ghaieb , Balestrini Simona , Braga Patricia , Burneo Jorge G. , Felli Augustina Charway , Cross J. Helen , Galanopoulou Aristea S. , Jain Satish , Jiang Yuwu , Kälviäinen Reetta , Lim Shih Hui , Meador Kimford J. , Mogal Zarine , Nabbout Rima , Sofia Francesca , Somerville Ernest , Sperling Michael R. , Triki Chahnez , Trinka Eugen , Walker Matthew C. , Wiebe Samuel , Wilmshurst Jo M. , Wirrell Elaine , Yacubian Elza Márcia , Kapur Jaideep
Published: January 2024

A variety of terms, such as “antiepileptic,” “anticonvulsant,” and “antiseizure” have been historically applied to medications for the treatment of seizure disorders. Terminology is important because using terms that do not accurately reflect the action of specific treatments may result in a misunderstanding of their effects and inappropriate use. The present International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) position paper used a Delphi approach to develop recommendations on English‐language terminology applicable to pharmacological agents currently approved for treating seizure disorders. There was consensus that these medications should be collectively named “antiseizure medications”. This term accurately reflects their primarily symptomatic effect against seizures and reduces the possibility of health care practitioners, patients, or caregivers having undue expectations or an incorrect understanding of the real action of these medications. The term “antiseizure” to describe these agents does not exclude the possibility of beneficial effects on the course of the disease and comorbidities that result from the downstream effects of seizures, whenever these beneficial effects can be explained solely by the suppression of seizure activity. It is acknowledged that other treatments, mostly under development, can exert direct favorable actions on the underlying disease or its progression, by having “antiepileptogenic” or “disease‐modifying” effects. A more‐refined terminology to describe precisely these actions needs to be developed.
Exploring coral speciation: Multiple sympatric Stylophora pistillata taxa along a divergence continuum on the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Meziere Zoe , Popovic Iva , Prata Katharine , Ryan Isobel , Pandolfi John , Riginos Cynthia
Published: January 2024

Understanding how biodiversity originates and is maintained are fundamental challenge in evolutionary biology. Speciation is a continuous process and progression along this continuum depends on the interplay between evolutionary forces driving divergence and forces promoting genetic homogenisation. Coral reefs are broadly connected yet highly heterogeneous ecosystems, and divergence with gene flow at small spatial scales might therefore be common. Genomic studies are increasingly revealing the existence of closely related and sympatric taxa within taxonomic coral species, but the extent to which these taxa might still be exchanging genes and sharing environmental niches is unclear. In this study, we sampled extensively across diverse habitats at multiple reefs of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and comprehensively examined genome‐wide diversity and divergence histories within and among taxa of the Stylophora pistillata species complex. S. pistillata is one of the most abundant and well‐studied coral species, yet we discovered five distinct taxa, with wide geographic ranges and extensive sympatry. Demographic modelling showed that speciation events have occurred with gene flow and that taxa are at different stages along a divergence continuum. We found significant correlations between genetic divergence and specific environmental variables, suggesting that niche partitioning may have played a role in speciation and that S. pistillata taxa might be differentially adapted to different environments. Conservation actions rely on estimates of species richness, population sizes and species ranges, which are biased if divergent taxa are lumped together. As coral reefs are rapidly degrading due to climate change, our study highlights the importance of recognising evolutionarily distinct and differentially adapted coral taxa to improve conservation and restoration efforts aiming at protecting coral genetic diversity.
A fractographic study of fatigue crack growth from a cold expanded fastener hole at an engineering “crack initiation” scale
Authors: Main Ben , Russell David , Barter Simon
Published: January 2024

The effects of cold expansion on fatigue crack growth from fastener holes in aircraft structure are a well‐studied problem, with many contributions focusing on both residual stresses and “long crack” experimental data. In this study, the authors have used quantitative fractography techniques to measure fatigue crack growth from naturally occurring discontinuities on an engineering “crack initiation” scale. Fatigue crack growth rates were measured through the full range of crack depths, allowing the effects of beneficial residual stresses to be directly observed. The almost identical early crack growth rates in cold expanded and non‐cold expanded specimens were demonstrated up to crack depths of approximately 0.1–0.2 mm. Beyond this depth, fatigue crack growth in cold expanded specimens was markedly slowed to the point at which failure ultimately arose from cracks away from, or growing into, the fastener hole. The available life improvement factor for cold expansion is therefore maximized through a crack growth‐based lifing approach.
MODPATH‐RW: A Random Walk Particle Tracking Code for Solute Transport in Heterogeneous Aquifers
Authors: Pérez‐Illanes Rodrigo , Fernàndez‐Garcia Daniel
Published: January 2024

Random walk particle tracking (RWPT) is a discrete particle method that offers several advantages for simulating solute transport in heterogeneous geological systems. The formulation is a discrete solution to the advection‐dispersion equation, yielding results that are not influenced by grid‐related numerical dispersion. Numerical dispersion impacts the magnitude of concentrations and gradients obtained from classical grid‐based solvers in advection‐dominated problems with relatively large grid Péclet numbers. Accurate predictions of concentrations are crucial for reactive transport studies, and RWPT has been recognized for its potential benefits for this kind of application. This highlights the need for a solute transport program based on RWPT that can be seamlessly integrated with industry‐standard groundwater flow models. This article presents a solute transport code that implements the RWPT method by extension of the particle tracking model MODPATH, which provides the base infrastructure for interacting with several variants of MODFLOW groundwater flow models. The implementation is achieved by developing a method for determining the exact cell‐exit position of a particle undergoing simultaneous advection and dispersion, allowing for the sequential transfer of particles between flow model cells. The program is compatible with rectangular unstructured grids and integrates a module for the smoothed reconstruction of concentrations. In addition, the program incorporates parallel processing of particles using the OpenMP library, enabling faster simulations of solute transport in heterogeneous systems. Numerical test cases involving different applications in hydrogeology benchmark the RWPT model with well‐known transport codes.
Exploratory prospective, randomized phase II study of neoadjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus surgery versus surgery alone for large hepatocellular carcinoma (CSGO‐HBP‐005): Clinical Study Group of Osaka University, Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Group
Authors: Kobayashi Shogo , Tomokuni Akira , Takeda Yutaka , Wada Hiroshi , Katsura Yoshiteru , Hashimoto Kazuhiko , Tomimaru Yoshito , Asaoka Tadafumi , Yamada Terumasa , Tsujie Masanori , Noda Takehiro , Morita Satoshi , Nagano Hiroaki , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi ,   the Clinical Study Group of Osaka University, Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Group
Published: January 2024

Aim

Neoadjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for large tumors is controversial, especially in the minimally invasive surgery era. The aim of this study was to compare features between groups treated with neoadjuvant TACE followed by surgery (TACE + surgery) or upfront surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma >5 cm.

Methods

In this exploratory, multicenter, randomized phase I study, the primary measure was 2‐year disease‐free survival (DFS). Secondary measures were resection rate, necrosis rate by TACE, 2‐year overall survival, and site of recurrence. A total of 30 patients were randomly allocated to each arm.

Results

The two arms did not differ in patient characteristics. The median time to surgery from randomization was 48 days for TACE + surgery and 29 for surgery only (p < 0.001). Postoperative morbidities did not differ between arms. The 2‐year DFS, overall survival, and resection rates were 56.7%, 80.0%, and 93.3%, respectively, in the TACE + surgery arm, and 56.1%, 89.9%, and 90.0% in the upfront surgery arm. Minimally invasive surgery was carried out in 35.7% in the TACE + surgery arm and in 29.6% in the upfront surgery arm. The median necrosis rate by TACE was 90.0%. In resected specimens, invasion to the hepatic vein was less with TACE + surgery (3.6% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.0380). In cases of 100% necrosis with TACE, 2‐year DFS was 100%. Site of recurrence did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant TACE did not improve 2‐year DFS, and neoadjuvant TACE allowed delay of surgical treatment without increased morbidity and cancer progress.

Clinical trial registration

UMIN: 000005241.
Rev‐erbα attenuates refractory periapical periodontitis via M1 polarization: An in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Song W. , Ye L. , Tang Q. , Lu X. , Huang X. , Xie M. , Yu S. , Yuan Z. , Chen L.
Published: January 2024

Aim

Rev‐erbα has been reported to regulate the healing of inflammatory lesions through its effect on the immune system in a variety of inflammatory disease. Moreover, the balance of macrophages polarization plays a crucial role in immune response and inflammatory progression. However, in refractory periapical periodontitis (RAP), the role of Rev‐erbα in inflammatory response and bone resorption by regulating macrophage polarization remains unclarified. The aims of the present study were to investigate the expression of Rev‐erbα in experimental RAP and to explore the relationship between Rev‐erbα and macrophage polarization through the application of its pharmacological agonist SR9009 into the in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Methodology

Enterococcus faecalis‐induced RAP models were established in SD rats. Histological staining and micro‐computed tomography scanning were used to evaluate osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption. The expression of Rev‐erbα and macrophage polarization were detected in the periapical tissues from rats by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and western blots. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were performed to explore the relationship between Rev‐erbα and inflammatory cytokines related to macrophage polarization.

Result

Compared to healthy periapical tissue, the expression of Rev‐erbα was significantly down‐regulated in macrophages from inflammatory periapical area, especially in Enterococcus faecalis‐induced periapical lesions, with obvious type‐1 macrophage (M1)‐like dominance and the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. In addition, Rev‐erbα activation by SR9009 could induce type‐2 macrophage (M2)‐like polarization in periapical tissue and THP1 cell line, followed by increased secretion of anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐10 and TGF‐β. Furthermore, intracanal application of SR9009 reduced the lesion size and promoted the repair of RAP by decreasing the number of osteoclasts and enhancing the formation of mineralized tissue in periapical inflammatory lesions.

Conclusions

Rev‐erbα played an essential role in the pathogenesis of RAP through its effect on macrophage polarization. Targeting Rev‐erbα might be a promising and prospective therapy method for the prevention and management of RAP.
Dynamic capabilities measurement safari: A roadmap
Authors: Bruyaka Olga , Prange Christiane , Li Hua Ariel
Published: January 2024

Lack of transparency about conceptual and measurement choices in empirical studies on dynamic capabilities (DCs) amplifies difficulties scholars face on the road to conducting high‐quality quantitative research. Building on the best practices of construct operationalization developed in the organizational research methods literature, we review 18 review studies on DCs research and conduct our own review of 185 quantitative studies published in 1994–2022 through the lens of an auxiliary theory development that formalizes and structures the process of translating a concept into a measurable construct. The present paper draws scholars’ attention to the importance of carefully choosing DCs measurement models as a consequential decision in DCs operationalization, which complements existing studies that either reviewed DCs conceptualizations or developed scales and measures of DCs. Besides providing scholars with an up‐to‐date map of quantitative research on DCs, our paper includes recommendations for consistent operationalization of DCs and identifies best operationalization practices in DCs quantitative research. Overall, the present paper advances DCs research by clarifying the construct of DCs, which is especially pertinent for future research in this area as it should strive towards robust advancement.
Effects of processing conditions on flash sintering of commercial ZrN
Authors: Eskandariyun Amirali , Das Suprabha , Dubois Diego , Saeedian Kiyana , Durygin Andriy , Drozd Vadym , Cheng Zhe
Published: January 2024

Flash sintering (FS) is a potentially rapid and low‐cost manufacturing technique for advanced ceramics. There are still many unknowns about ceramic FS, especially for highly conductive high‐temperature ceramics (HTC), which often display decreased bulk conductivity with increasing temperature. This study qualitatively characterizes the flash behavior of highly conductive HTC materials using zirconium nitride (ZrN) as an example. The effects of processing parameters (e.g., DC voltage/electrical field strength, voltage ramp rate, post‐flash holding time, mechanical pressure, sample milling, and choice of electrode materials) on ZrN flash behavior are also qualitatively studied and linked to samples microstructure and hardness. It is observed that best densification was achieved using 5 min Spex‐milled ZrN powder under 25 MPa of applied pressure and constant 8 V DC. The potential mechanism for ZrN FS and the similarity and difference from FS of conventional oxides like YSZ have been proposed based on experimental observations, and the directions for future research are also pointed out.
Tunable emission of Ce3+ in (K, Rb)3GdSi2O7 phosphors toward broadband cyan luminescence
Authors: Li Jiawen , Huang Feifei , Hua Youjie , Li Bingpeng , Xu Shiqing , Lei Ruoshan
Published: January 2024

In an effort to obtain a novel cyan‐emitting phosphor, the [K1‐xRbx]3GdSi2O7: yCe3+ materials (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, y = 0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04) are synthesized via a solid‐state reaction pathway, and their crystal structure and luminescence behaviors are studied systematically. The chemical substitution of Rb+ in the K+ sites can enlarge the K3GdSi2O7 host lattice and help to the blue‐shifting of emission band of Ce3+ ions due to the decreased crystal field splitting effect. It is also confirmed that the Ce3+ ions tend to enter [Gd1O6] and [Gd2O6] polyhedrons simultaneously. Consequently, the [K0.7Rb0.3]3GdSi2O7: Ce3+ phosphor yields a broadband cyan emission centered at 492 nm with the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of ∼115 nm upon 365 nm excitation. The optimal concentration of Ce3+ dopant is determined to be 0.01, and the concentration quenching effect can be attributed to the dipole−dipole interactions. The white light emitting diode (WLED) device fabricated by employing the discovered [K0.7Rb0.3]3GdSi2O7: 0.01Ce3+ phosphor displays a high color rendering index (Ra = 91.7) and a low correlated color temperature (CCT = 3749 K). This work may promote the development of cyan phosphors for near ultraviolet‐converted WLEDs with high performance.
Climatic‐niche breadth, niche position, and speciation in lizards and snakes
Authors: Moreira Matthew Owen , Wiens John J. , Fonseca Carlos , Rojas Danny
Published: January 2024

Aim

The climatic niche is associated with diversification in many groups of animals and plants. However, the relationships between climatic‐niche breadth evolution, climatic‐niche position evolution, and speciation remain underexplored. It is particularly unclear whether changes in climatic‐niche breadth are related to diversification. We tested two hypotheses relating niche breadth, niche position, and speciation using climatic data in Squamata (lizards and snakes), one of the largest radiations of tetrapods. These hypotheses were: (1) the oscillation hypothesis (niche breadth changes along with niche position and speciation) and (2) the musical‐chairs hypothesis (niche breadth remains relatively constant when niche position changes during speciation).

Location

Global.

Taxon

Squamata (lizards and snakes).

Methods

We estimated rates of speciation and evolutionary rates for both climatic‐niche position and climatic‐niche breadth for 5320 squamate species. We tested relationships among these rates using Bayesian phylogenetic generalised linear‐mixed models.

Results

Higher speciation rates were associated with higher rates of evolution in niche position and in niche breadth. Faster rates of change in niche breadth were related to narrower niches and faster rates of change in niche position.

Main Conclusions

Our results support the oscillation hypothesis to explain the relationships between speciation and changes in climatic‐niche position and climatic‐niche breadth. We found that species that changed climatic‐niche breadths more rapidly: (1) speciated faster; (2) evolved towards narrower niche breadths; and (3) changed climatic‐niche positions more rapidly. These results suggest that oscillation between wider and narrower niches is coupled with climatic‐niche divergence and speciation. These conclusions may apply to many other groups of plants and animals in which speciation is often related to climatic‐niche divergence.
Unravelling the heterogeneity of oral squamous cell carcinoma by integrative analysis of single‐cell and bulk transcriptome data
Authors: Li Jia , Li Shengjiao , Shu Mingyang , Hu Weiwei
Published: January 2024

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy of the head and neck with rising global incidence. Despite advances in treatment modalities, OSCC prognosis remains diverse due to the complex molecular and cellular heterogeneity within tumours, as well as the heterogeneity in tumour microenvironment (TME). In this study, we utilized single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) analysis to explore distinct subpopulations of tumour cells in OSCC tissues and their interaction with components in TME. We identified four major tumour cell subpopulations (C0, C1, C2 and C3) with unique molecular characteristics and functional features. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that C0 primarily expressed genes involved in extracellular matrix interactions and C1 showed higher proliferation levels, suggesting that the two cell subpopulations exhibited tumour aggressiveness. Conversely, C2 and C3 displayed features associated with keratinization and cornified envelope formation. Accordingly, C0 and C1 subpopulations were associated with shorter overall and disease‐free survival times, while C2 and C3 were weakly correlated with longer survival. Genomic analysis showed that C1 demonstrated a positive correlation with tumour mutation burden. Furthermore, C0 exhibited resistant to cisplatin treatment, while C1 showed more sensitive to cisplatin treatment, indicating that C0 might exhibit more aggressive compared to C1. Additionally, C0 had a higher level of communication with fibroblasts and endothelial cells in TME via integrin‐MAPK signalling, suggesting that the function of C0 was maintained by that pathway. In summary, this study provided critical insights into the molecular and cellular heterogeneity of OSCC, with potential implications for prognosis prediction and personalized therapeutic approaches.
Health‐related quality of life and its influencing factors in patients with primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas: A multicentric study in 100 patients
Authors: Schirren A. E. C. , Albrecht J. D. , Melchers S. , Weiß C. , Büttner S. , Dippel E. , Gosmann J. , Jonak C. , Klemke C.‐D. , Laturnus‐Chang M. , Livingstone E. , Mitteldorf C. , Schummer P. , Stadler R. , Stranzenbach R. , Weyer‐Fahlbusch S. S. , Wobser M. , Ziemer M. , Nicolay J. P.
Published: January 2024

Background

Primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas (CBCL) are a group of rare malignant skin diseases that represent approximately 20%–30% of all primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL). Previous studies revealed impaired health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL). Currently, only small‐sized studies investigated HRQoL in CBCL patients and lacked detailed analysis of respective subtypes.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate HRQoL in CBCL patients to identify independent factors of HRQoL impairment in CBCL patients.

Methods

One hundred CBCL patients were recruited from eight German PCL centres in this multicentric, cross‐sectional study from 2021 to 2022. The patients completed the dermatologic HRQoL questionnaire Skindex‐29 and an investigator‐designed ‘CBCL‐Questionnaire’ with additional questions on HRQoL and clinical characteristics.

Results

The Skindex‐29 revealed that HRQoL in CBCL patients is impaired on a mild to moderate level. The multiple regression analysis identified parameters like worries about dying, feeling prejudiced/discriminated and impairment of daily activities to be independently associated with impairment of HRQoL. Highest scores for HRQoL impairment were found in patients with primary cutaneous follicle centre lymphoma while on rituximab treatment and in patients with primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma while on watchful waiting.

Conclusions

HRQoL is impaired in CBCL patients, even though, in the face of indolent disease course and favourable prognosis in the majority of cases. Of note, our investigator‐designed tool identified worries about dying, feeling prejudiced/discriminated, and the type of treatment to have a negative impact on patients' HRQoL. Our study highlights the importance of a thorough patient–doctor communication to capture overall disease burden because generic HRQoL tools might lack of disease‐specific items.
Otolith sectioning reveals higher maximum age in greater weever (Trachinus draco)
Authors: Mion Monica , Orio Alessandro , Lövgren Johan , Vitale Francesca , Cardinale Massimiliano
Published: January 2024

Growth and maximum age are two key parameters that inform resilience of fish populations to exploitation. Existing information on those for greater weever inhabiting the eastern North Sea is based on the analysis of whole otoliths. Here, we present a reanalysis using sectioned otoliths. The results reveal a different growth pattern and a higher maximum age than that previously reported. The higher maximum age makes greater weever populations more vulnerable to exploitation. Such information can serve as a basis for the estimation of the growth curve that can be used for future assessment of the species.
Clin‐STAR corner: Practice‐changing advances at the interface of surgery and geriatrics
Authors: Jones Teresa S. , Peters Xane , Robinson Thomas N.
Published: January 2024

Older adults who undergo major operations are at high risk for complications, disability, and death. The physio‐social compromises unique to older adults are not routinely assessed and managed in the perioperative setting. Currently, the most practice‐changing topic nationally in geriatric surgery is the implementation of comprehensive, multidisciplinary geriatric care pathways to provide age‐friendly care for older adults throughout their perioperative course. This review presents three recently published articles focused on defining evidence‐based outcomes associated with implementation of a comprehensive geriatric surgery program for older adults undergoing major inpatient operations. These studies serve as the initial evidence evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of comprehensive perioperative geriatric surgery programs. Each study was chosen due to their high potential for meaningful impact for both clinicians and healthcare systems looking to improve their surgical care of older adults.