bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing autophagy modulation for enhanced TRAIL‐mediated therapy: Unveiling the superiority of late‐stage inhibition over early‐stage inhibition to overcome therapy resistance in cancer
Authors: Zinnah Kazi Mohammad Ali , Munna Ali Newaz , Park Sang‐Youel
Published: December 2024

Autophagy is a vital mechanism that eliminates large cytoplasmic components via lysosomal degradation to maintain cellular homeostasis. The role of autophagy in cancer treatment has been studied extensively. Autophagy primarily prevents tumour initiation by maintaining genomic stability and preventing cellular inflammation. However, autophagy also supports cancer cell survival and growth by providing essential nutrients for therapeutic resistance. Thus, autophagy has emerged as a promising strategy for overcoming resistance and enhancing anti‐cancer therapy. Inhibiting autophagy significantly improves the sensitivity of lung, colorectal, breast, liver and prostate cancer cells to tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL). This review investigates the intricate interplay between autophagy modulation and TRAIL‐based therapy, specifically focussing on comparing the efficacy of late‐stage autophagy inhibition versus early‐stage inhibition in overcoming cancer resistance. We expose the distinctive advantages of late‐stage autophagy inhibition by exploring the mechanisms underlying autophagy's impact on TRAIL sensitivity. Current preclinical and clinical investigations are inspected, showing the potential of targeting late‐stage autophagy for sensitizing resistant cancer cells to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. This review emphasizes the significance of optimizing autophagy modulation to enhance TRAIL‐mediated therapy and overcome the challenge of treatment resistance in cancer. We offer insights and recommendations for guiding the development of potential therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming the challenges posed by treatment‐resistant cancers.
Investigating the P53‐dependent anti‐cancer effect of ibutamoren in human cancer cell lines
Authors: Abdul Ghafoor Naeem , Rasuli Sabina , Tanriverdi Özgür , Yildiz Ayşegül
Published: December 2024

The MDM2‐p53 pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating cell cycle and apoptosis, with its dysfunction contributing to approximately 50% of human malignancies. MDM2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, targets the tumour suppressor p53 for degradation, thereby promoting uncontrolled cell growth in cancers. Inhibiting the MDM2‐p53 interaction represents a promising therapeutic strategy for reactivating p53’s tumour‐suppressive functions. This study explored the potential of ibutamoren (IBU) as a novel inhibitor of MDM2. In silico analyses utilizing molecular modelling revealed that IBU has a low IC50 for MDM2 inhibition and favourably binds to the p53‐binding pocket of MDM2. In vitro experiments demonstrated that IBU treatment reduced the viability of immortalized cancer cell lines with a functional MDM2‐p53 pathway but not in cell lines where this pathway harboured damaging mutations. This trend was further supported by RT‐qPCR analysis, which showed differential expression of two p53 target genes upon IBU treatment in cell lines with wild MDM2‐p53 pathways but not in those harbouring damaging mutations. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting IBU's anticancer activity, plausibly through the MDM2‐p53 pathway, and suggest that further studies are warranted to explore its mechanism of action and potential development as a lead compound in oncology research.
Chimeric antigen receptor copies in cell‐free DNA predict relapse in aggressive B‐cell lymphoma patients treated with CAR T‐cell therapy
Authors: de la Iglesia‐San Sebastián Ismael , López‐Esteban Miguel , Bastos‐Oreiro Mariana , Fernández de Córdoba‐Oñate Sara , Gutierrez Maravillas , Carbonell Diego , Bailén Rebeca , Gómez‐Centurión Ignacio , Fernández‐Caldas Paula , Castilla Lucía , Anguita Javier , Kwon Mi , García‐Sanz Ramón , Buño Ismael , Martínez‐Laperche Carolina
Published: December 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy has emerged as a transformative treatment for aggressive B‐cell lymphomas (ABCL), However, about half of patients relapse, most of them early. This study investigates the detection of CAR copies in circulating cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) as a potential predictive biomarker of early relapse (<6 months) to improve patient management. In this research, we have consecutively selected 73 ABCL patients treated with anti‐CD19 CAR T‐cells, analysing CAR levels in peripheral blood and other clinical variables. Our results indicate that no correlation is present between genomic DNA and cfDNA; moreover, higher levels of CAR‐cfDNA on day +14 after infusion (0.44 vs. 0.07; p = 0.019) are associated with improved 6‐month progression‐free survival rates (74.2% vs. 26%. p < 0.01), suggesting that CAR‐cfDNA could be a strong predictor of CAR T‐cell therapy short‐term outcomes. These findings underscore the potential of integrating CAR‐cfDNA analysis into routine clinical practice to enhance the prognostic accuracy and therapeutic strategies for ABCL patients undergoing CAR T‐cell therapy.
Unveiling how herpetofauna cope with land‐use changes—Insights from forest‐cashew‐rice landscapes in West Africa
Authors: dos Reis‐Silva Francisco , Pizzigalli Cristian , Seck Sambu , Cabeza Mar , Rainho Ana , Rocha Ricardo , Palmeirim Ana Filipa
Published: December 2024

Agricultural induced land‐use change comprises a key driver of biodiversity loss across tropical forests. Guinea‐Bissau, among Afrotropical West Africa, was formerly occupied by native forest‐savanna mosaics. While savannas have long given place to traditional rice agroecosystems, forests are now being transformed into cashew monocultures at unprecedented rates. The ecological impact of such rapid change is largely unknown. Here, we examined how rarefied species richness, encounters, and composition of amphibians and reptiles varied across forest remnants, cashew orchards, and rice paddies in northern Guinea‐Bissau. To do so, visual encounter surveys were carried across 21 standardized sampling sites, seven in each habitat type. A total of 703 amphibian and 266 reptile encounters was recorded from nine and 14 taxa, respectively. The results show class‐specific responses to habitat type. Amphibian richness was similar across habitat types, but rice paddies held more encounters and distinct composition compared to forest remnants. Reptile richness and encounters were lower in rice paddies than in forest remnants, but cashew orchards had the most encounters and a different composition compared to forest remnants. Overall, our results do not support the expected detrimental impacts of cashew expansion, which might be due to the still high heterogeneity of habitat types within the landscape. Rice paddies proved particularly important for amphibians, and for open‐habitat reptiles, boosting the landscape‐scale species diversity. In face of the eminent habitat conversion, maintaining heterogeneous landscapes, including the persistence of both forest remnants and rice paddies, is critical to minimize biodiversity loss in West Africa.
Extended Platelet‐Rich Fibrin as a Membrane for Lateral Window Sinus Lifts: A Case Series
Authors: Estrin Nathan E. , Basma Hussein , Espinoza Alan Rene , Pinto Marco Antonio Castro , Pikos Michael A. , Miron Richard J.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) is being increasingly utilized in surgical procedures due to various improvements in clinical outcomes. More recently, a heating process to denature albumin in the platelet poor plasma (PPP) layer has been shown to extend the resorption time of PRF from a typical 2‐week period to 4–6 months. Because of its > 4 month resorption properties, extended PRF (e‐PRF) membranes have been used in dentistry as an alternative to collagen membranes in alveolar ridge preservations, ridge augmentations, soft tissue grafting, and as a barrier membrane in lateral sinus grafting procedures.

Materials and Methods

A total of 22 patients from 3 different clinical facilities participated in this multicenter case series study. All clinicians completed a standard lateral window sinus technique with sticky bone utilizing allograft, xenograft, or autologous dentin with an e‐PRF membrane utilized for sole coverage of the lateral window. The survival rate at second stage implant surgery (~6 months) and radiographic analysis determined on consecutive radiographs: (1) the mean residual bone height (RBH) under the maxillary sinus at implant placement and (2) the change in endosinus bone level, were calculated to assess the endosinus bone changes at 6 months.

Results

Between June 2022 and December 2023, 22 patients were included in this study. Patients included 12 women and 10 men with a mean age of 58.8 years, ranging from 32 to 78 years. In 22 lateral window sinuses completed, a total of 31 implants were placed. All patients healed uneventfully without any post‐operative complications. Post‐op CBCTs were taken at 6 months to demonstrate successful sinus floor augmentation and to calculate endosinus gain. No soft tissue invagination was encountered in any of the study participants nor displacement of the graft material into the buccal mucosa. In one case highlighted in this study, the e‐PRF membrane was utilized to repair a sinus perforation. The average 6‐month post‐operative sinus height was 12.3 mm with a mean change in endosinus bone gain of 8.0 mm.

Conclusion

Utilizing extended‐PRF membranes in place of collagen membranes for coverage of the lateral window during sinus floor elevation was shown to be a successful treatment modality in this case series. These findings provide new opportunities utilizing denatured albumin membranes in implant dentistry and paves the way for additional applications. The material is 100% autologous, low cost. This is the first case series study highlighting its novel use for coverage of the lateral window during sinus grafting. Larger longitudinal studies are now needed with comparison to standard resorbable membranes as well as long‐term follow‐up of implants placed into sites grafted with e‐PRF membranes.
Caffeine's Neuroprotective Effect on Memory Impairment: Suppression of Adenosine A2A Receptor and Enhancement of Tyrosine Hydroxylase in Dopaminergic Neurons Under Hypobaric Hypoxia Conditions
Authors: Zhong Zhifeng , Dong Huaping , Zhou Simin , Lin Chaoqun , Huang Pei , Li Xiaoxu , Zhang Jijian , Xie Jiaxin , Wu Yu , Li Peng
Published: December 2024

Aims

Chronic hypobaric hypoxia frequently results in memory deficits, with severe cases showing marked alterations in dopamine levels and its metabolites. This research explores caffeine's modulation of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) and its regulatory effects on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), aiming to restore dopamine homeostasis and mitigate memory impairments associated with hypoxia. The goal is to identify novel preventive strategies against cognitive decline induced by hypoxia.

Methods

Network pharmacological analysis was employed to predict the interactions between caffeine, cognitive function, and hypobaric hypoxia‐related disorders. The novel object recognition and Y‐maze tests were utilized to assess caffeine's impact on memory deficits under hypobaric hypoxia conditions in male mice. LC–MS/MS analysis was subsequently conducted to examine the variations in dopamine and its metabolites within the midbrain. Molecular docking further confirmed the binding affinities between A2AR and caffeine, as well as TH and caffeine. Additionally, immunofluorescence and protein‐protein docking were employed to elucidate the interaction between A2AR and TH.

Results

The findings highlight the pivotal role of adenosine receptors and dopamine‐related pathways in the interplay between caffeine, cognition, and hypobaric hypoxia‐related disorders. Behavioral tests demonstrated that caffeine effectively alleviated memory impairments caused by chronic hypobaric hypoxia. LC–MS/MS results revealed significant differences in dopamine, metanephrine, and 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid levels following caffeine treatment for hypoxia‐induced cognitive deficits. Molecular docking confirmed the high affinity between A2AR and caffeine, as well as TH and caffeine, while immunofluorescence and protein–protein docking provided insights into the A2AR‐TH interaction and its modulation during hypobaric hypoxia.

Conclusions

Caffeine exhibits potent neuroprotective effects against chronic high‐altitude‐induced cognitive impairments, potentially through its action on A2AR, leading to enhanced TH expression and subsequent release of dopamine and its related neurotransmitters.
Real‐world evidence in the cloud: Tutorial on developing an end‐to‐end data and analytics pipeline using Amazon Web Services resources
Authors: Anderson Wes , Bhatnagar Roopal , Scollick Keith , Schito Marco , Walls Ramona , Podichetty Jagdeep T.
Published: December 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare and drug development, the ability to efficiently collect, process, and analyze large volumes of real‐world data (RWD) is critical for advancing drug development. This article provides a blueprint for establishing an end‐to‐end data and analytics pipeline in a cloud‐based environment. The pipeline presented here includes four major components, including data ingestion, transformation, visualization, and analytics, each supported by a suite of Amazon Web Services (AWS) tools. The pipeline is exemplified through the CURE ID platform, a collaborative tool designed to capture and analyze real‐world, off‐label treatment administrations. By using services such as AWS Lambda, Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS), Amazon QuickSight, and Amazon SageMaker, the pipeline facilitates the ingestion of diverse data sources, the transformation of raw data into structured formats, the creation of interactive dashboards for data visualization, and the application of advanced machine learning models for data analytics. The described architecture not only supports the needs of the CURE ID platform, but also offers a scalable and adaptable framework that can be applied across various domains to enhance data‐driven decision making beyond drug repurposing.
Unveiling Diagnostic Clues of NTRK‐Rearranged Spindle Cell Neoplasms in Fine‐Needle Aspiration Specimens
Authors: Xie Yilin , Zhou Diwei , Peng Li , Chang Xiaona , Zhong Jingmin
Published: December 2024

NTRK (neurotropic tropomyosin receptor kinase)‐rearranged spindle cell tumours represent a rare group of molecularly defined soft tissue neoplasms. These tumours, excluding infantile fibrosarcomas, are characterised by NTRK gene rearrangements and exhibit a range of histomorphologies, including spindle, epithelioid or rhabdoid cells with invasive growth. Their prognosis correlates with histological grade, and surgical resection is the primary treatment. The abnormally expressed oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases TRK‐A, TRK‐B and TRK‐C in this tumour have been shown to be therapeutical targetable, which may improve patient prognosis. We report a 17‐year‐old male patient presenting with a left axillary mass. Both fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and surgical resection specimens were submitted for examination. Comprehensive analysis of cytomorphology, immunohistochemical staining results and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) data led to a final diagnosis of NTRK‐rearranged spindle cell tumour. By comparing cytological and histological morphologies, we identified diagnostic clues in cytological specimens. NTRK‐rearranged spindle cell tumours' definitive diagnosis enables targeted therapy. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology, being minimally invasive, offers the potential for earlier and more definitive diagnoses, thereby improving patient treatment options.
Home‐based detoxification for individuals with alcohol or drug dependence: A systematic review of the recent literature
Authors: Rens Eva , Ceelen Anna , Martens Nicolaas , Van Camp Lynn , Destoop Marianne
Published: December 2024

Issue

There is growing awareness of the benefits of treating patients in their own home, yet home‐based detoxification of individuals with substance use disorder has received limited attention. While home‐based alcohol detoxification seems to be safe and effective for patients without severe withdrawal, little is known about detoxification for illicit or polysubstance dependence. This review synthesises recent findings on home‐based detoxification for alcohol and other substances.

Approach

A systematic search of published and unpublished studies from 2010 onwards was conducted. Studies describing home detoxification interventions and programs, along with qualitative, quantitative and mixed‐methods research, were included. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Findings were narratively synthesised.

Key Findings

Eleven publications were included. Many studies are descriptive, explorative or use a small sample, but four studies are of high quality. Five publications focused exclusively on alcohol detoxification. The outcomes in reducing or abstaining from substance use seem acceptable, except for opioids. Patients and families reported high satisfaction, viewing it as less stressful than inpatient care. However, no conclusions can be drawn regarding the effectiveness compared to other detoxification settings.

Implications

The limited evidence base illustrates a great need for further investigation and controlled trials of home‐based detoxification and comparison between detoxification settings. Investigating the broader applicability across substances is crucial.

Conclusion

Home‐based detoxification shows potential as a safe and patient‐preferred intervention, though more research is required to assess its broader effectiveness and feasibility across various substances. It could play a valuable role within established care models.
Changes in socio‐economic inequality in alcohol‐attributable mortality in periods of increasing and decreasing alcohol affordability
Authors: Mäkelä Pia , Lindell Elsi
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Reducing alcohol affordability reduces alcohol‐related harm but its impact on socio‐economic inequalities requires further study. We examine changes in alcohol‐attributable mortality inequalities in Finland during periods of sharply rising (2000–2007) and falling (2008–2017) alcohol affordability.

Methods

Linking individual‐level register data on causes of death and socio‐demographics for the Finnish population aged ≥25 in 2000–2017 (68 million person‐years), we analysed age‐standardised monthly alcohol‐attributable mortality rates by sex and income quintile (n = 32,699 alcohol‐attributable deaths). Regression models were used to analyse mortality trends in the two periods, contrasting high‐ and low‐income groups.

Results

Inequalities in alcohol‐attributable mortality between low‐ and high‐income groups were large throughout the study period. During the period of rising alcohol affordability, mortality increased among high‐income men with an average monthly increase of 0.17% (p = 0.046). This rate was even higher among low‐income men, increasing by 0.55% per month, that is, +0.38 percentage points more than the rate for high‐income men (p = 0.002). Among women, mortality increased at similar rates in both income groups. During the period of falling alcohol affordability, mortality decreased among high‐income men with an average monthly decrease of −0.21% (p < 0.001), and it decreased even more among low‐income men (−0.40%, i.e., −0.19 percentage points more, p = 0.030). Among women, the decreases were not statistically significant.

Discussion and Conclusions

The results indicate that increased alcohol affordability was associated with widening socio‐economic inequalities while reduced affordability was linked with narrowing inequalities among men. Reducing alcohol affordability is thus a recommendable policy for reducing socio‐economic inequality in alcohol‐related harm.
Laser and light‐based treatments for port‐wine birthmarks – a systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Nguyen Lynhda , Sorbe Christina , Schoen Gerhard , Schneider Stefan W. , Herberger Katharina
Published: December 2024

Port‐wine birthmarks (PWB) are common vascular malformations in infants. Despite various laser and light‐based treatments, comparative data on their effectiveness is limited. This study compares different treatments for PWB using a systematic review and network meta‐analysis (NMA). We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and ongoing studies up to November 2023: Primary outcomes were patient satisfaction, investigator‐assessed reduction in redness, and long‐term adverse events (AEs). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 Tool.

We identified 27 RCTs for qualitative analysis and twelve RCTs for the NMA, covering 1033 observations, 19 treatments, and three sub‐networks. Seven studies reported on patient satisfaction. Hemoporfin‐mediated photodynamic therapy was more effective in lesion clearance than PDL but had the highest risk of AEs. The 755 nm alexandrite laser and the combination of 595 nm PDL + 1064 nm Nd:YAG also showed high AE risks. Treatment discontinuation rates due to AEs did not significantly differ. Most studies had unclear bias risks, mostly owing to insufficient reporting.

This study is the first NMA comparing laser‐ and light‐based therapies for PWB. Further well‐designed studies are warranted to determine optimal methods and patient‐influencing factors for individualized treatments.
The Effectiveness of the Flipped Learning Model in Improving Second/Foreign Language Metacognitive Listening Awareness and Strategy Use
Authors: Azarniyoosh Samaneh , Roohani Ali
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the effectiveness of the flipped learning model, compared with the nonflipped learning model, in improving second/foreign language metacognitive listening awareness and perceived strategy use. For this purpose, 40 young adult learners studying English as a foreign language in two intact classes were selected. They were assigned into flipped and nonflipped groups, which received flipped and nonflipped instruction, respectively. A mixed‐methods embedded design was adopted. Data were gathered by employing the Metacognitive Awareness Listening Questionnaire and diaries. Analysis of covariance and thematic analysis revealed that the flipped model significantly fostered the learners' metacognitive awareness and strategy use in listening. Although the strategies related to planning and evaluation, person knowledge, directed attention, mental translation and problem solving were used in both groups, the flipped group demonstrated a greater tendency to use the metacognitive strategies requiring high‐order processes. Flipped learning can drive L2 students to become metacognitively strategic listeners.
Compared Influence of a Lubricant on Mode I and Mode II Fatigue Crack Growth Kinetics in a Gear Steel
Authors: Doquet Véronique , Zaid Maël , Bonnand Vincent , Pacou Didier , Chiaruttini Vincent , Depouhon Pierre
Published: December 2024

The influence of a helicopter gearbox lubricant on Mode I or Mode II fatigue crack growth in 16NCD13 steel was characterized through tests performed on single‐edge notched tensile samples loaded in tension–compression and on cruciform samples submitted to reversed shear plus static biaxial compression, respectively. In Mode I, the lubricant reduced the growth rate at low ΔKI and increased the threshold
, while in Mode II, it accelerated crack growth at low ΔKIIeffective, which was not only due to a reduction in crack face friction. The upward convective flow of lubricant carrying debris exuding from the crack, a modification in oil aspect and properties, and chemical analyses near the crack front suggest that a temperature‐induced degradation of the lubricant leads to a corrosive attack of the metal, which accelerates crack growth. A tribologically transformed structure is observed along the lips of cracks grown in Mode II with normal compression in oil.
DIE ‘GOTTESRECHTE DES MENSCHEN’: HUMAN RIGHTS AS SECULARISED RIGHTS IN HEINRICH HEINE'S ESSAYS
Authors: Cha Kyung‐Ho
Published: December 2024

Heinrich Heine shows in his essays on France and Germany that human rights have a religious prehistory. For him, ‘Menschheitsrechte’ are not merely secular rights but secularised rights. The human rights proclaimed in the American and French Revolutions are the secularised historical form in which the fundamental ‘Urrechte der Menschheit’ manifest themselves. This article takes as its starting point the observation that, for Heine, religions have a political dimension and political movements a religious dimension. His history of primal rights or human rights begins with Judaism and Christianity and  leads via the philosophy of the Enlightenment and the revolutions of the eighteenth century to Saint‐Simonism and pantheism. The article focuses on Heine's texts of the 1830s, when he envisages Saint‐Simonism and pantheism as the new religions of his time that bring about the emancipation of the spirit and the body, whose rights had been neglected until then.
Improving grinding efficiency and performance of new impeller type ball mill using discrete element method simulations and Taguchi method
Authors: Li Daiwei , Zeng Dan , Liu Zhiwen , Zhang Mingjun , Li Fazhi
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a new grinding method utilizing impeller‐driven particle motions was proposed. A discrete element kinetic model for simulating the grinding process of SiO2 material was established. Through the quantitative analysis of energy conversion during grinding, the kinetic energy of particles, the kinetic energy of materials, and the energy consumed by materials were identified as three indicators for evaluating the grinding efficiency and performance of the ball mill. The optimal impeller structural parameters for improving the energy conversion efficiency of the ball mill were determined using the Taguchi method. The grinding efficiency and microstructure performance of the impeller type and traditional ball mills were compared. The results show that the energy loss between the materials and impeller accounted for the most significant proportion, about 30.4% of the total conversion energy. Based on the signal‐to‐noise ratio analysis, the optimum structural parameters of the impeller were obtained as follows: the height–diameter ratio of 1/2, blade thickness of 3 mm, inclination angle of 80°, and blade number of 5. Compared with planetary and horizontal ball mills, the average particle size of powders ground with the impeller‐type ball mill improved by 8.16% and 11.38%, respectively, and the particle uniformity increased by 1.22% and 26.5%.
Developing and Validating an Academic Vocabulary List in Chinese
Authors: Jia Xiaogang , Wei Yaoyu , Liu Kanglong , Lei Lei
Published: December 2024

The research on academic vocabulary lists has been a topic of interest for decades, as a good command of academic words may in part define a learner's academic performance. With China's increasing international impact over the past decades, more learners have chosen to learn Chinese as their foreign language. In response, a few word lists of general Chinese have been developed, while no vocabulary list of academic Chinese is available. In this study, we developed the Academic Vocabulary List in Chinese (AVLC) based on our home‐made large‐scale dataset of academic Chinese. The words to be included in our list were carefully selected with strict criteria regarding frequency, range, dispersion, and discipline measures. Our AVLC list contains 594 words, which explain 12.28% of the corpus data. In addition, their coverage in academic texts is much higher than that in non‐academic texts, such as news and literary works, which shows that the AVLC includes words that are particularly used in academic texts. The AVLC is, to our knowledge, the first vocabulary list of academic Chinese. Pedagogical implications and directions for future research are also discussed in the study.
The Role of Wnt5a in Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Yu Xin‐hua , Guo Xin‐ning , Li Kui , Li Jia‐wei , Wang Kaijin , Wang Dan , Liu Bi‐cui
Published: December 2024

Wnt5a plays an important role in cell development and maturation and is closely associated with various diseases, such as malignant tumours, metabolic disorders, fibrosis, growth and development. Recent studies have shown that Wnt5a expression and signal transduction are strongly involved in the inflammatory response. This study comprehensively reviewed the latest research progress on the association between Wnt5a and several inflammatory diseases, such as sepsis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis and psoriasis vulgare. We elucidated the mechanism by which the Wnt5a protein is involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases, providing a basis for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Tailoring dielectric properties of flexible ceramic sheets through graphene doping in the diatomite matrix
Authors: Chiberio Paulo H. , Alves Hugo P. A. , Neto João M. Dantas , Carvalho Bruno R. , Silva Elialdo C. , Acchar Wilson , Vaz Filipe , Lopes C. , Ferreira Armando , Correa Marcio A.
Published: December 2024

This work presents a novel tape‐casting method for producing flexible, graphene‐enhanced diatomite ceramic sheets. These sheets target dielectric substrates for applications in the critical yet under‐explored, high‐frequency range. Structural and morphological analyses confirmed the incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets into the ceramics matrix, validating the efficiency of the tape‐casting process. The results show the crucial role of the composite's crystalline structure in its dielectric response, where oxygenated functional groups within the graphene nanoplatelets act as intrinsic barriers to restrict leakage current, resulting in low dielectric loss. Doping of flexible ceramic plates with graphene nanoplatelets led to significant dielectric variations of approximately 100% over a wide frequency range. The capacitance increased by 215.35 with the addition of 10 wt. graphene compared to pure diatomite. Our results demonstrate the ability to adapt the framework's structural, morphological, and dielectric properties through doping with graphene in diatomite, offering promising prospects for applying flexible ceramic sheets at high frequency.
Construction of Bi–Bi2S3/Zn0.5Cd0.5S tubular heterojunction for enhancing photocatalytic H2 production
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Yang Yang , Ye Xiangju , Ren Wei , Li Li , Zheng Xiuzhen , Ge Jingbiao , Zhang Sujuan , Chen Shifu
Published: December 2024

Photocatalytic H2 production is considered as a promising method to solve the energy crisis, and how to increase the photocatalytic efficiency is an urgent issues that need to be addressed. In this work, Bi–Bi2S3/Zn0.5Cd0.5S (BBS/ZCS) composites were successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. By electrostatic attraction, Zn0.5Cd0.5S (ZCS) nanoparticles were loaded on the surface of Bi–Bi2S3 (BBS) microtubes, facilitating the formation of heterojunctions. Although BBS showed little activity in H2 production, it largely enhanced the photocatalytic performance of ZCS. After optimizing the amount of BBS cocatalyst, it was found that 10% BBS/ZCS had the best H2 production performance of 10.18 mmol g−1 h−1, which was 30 times higher than that of ZCS (0.34 mmol g−1 h−1). The enhanced photocatalytic performance could be ascribed to the formation of interfacial heterojunctions, as the photogenerated electrons of ZCS migrate to the Bi0 while photogenerated holes transfer to the valence band (VB) of Bi2S3. With BBS as the bridge to accept the photogenerated electrons and holes of ZCS, the fast recombination of photogenerated charge carriers (PCCs, including photogenerated electrons and holes) for ZCS was improved. This work not only promotes the separation of PCCs, but provides a new idea for the design of catalysts.
Low temperature selective growth of VO2 polymorphs by one‐step hydrothermal method
Authors: Kumar Sooraj , Mishra Partha , Singh Sonika , Chitnis Ujjwal , Thakur Bhavesh , Pal Soupitak , Sinha‐Ray Sumit , Goswami Ankur
Published: December 2024

Phase pure vanadium dioxide (VO2) polymorphs, namely, VO2(A), VO2(M1), and VO2(B), were successfully prepared via low temperature ( hydrothermal technique that is often a challenge. Using Taguchi method of design of experiment (DOE) processing conditions for direct synthesis of said polymorphs based on growth temperature, filling ratio, and molar ratio of reactant were established. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using x‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, RAMAN, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope. Further, it has been always difficult to coat vanadium oxide nanoparticle on an amorphous substrate. However, by adopting supersonic cold spray technique using de Laval nozzle, obtained nanoparticles were coated on soda lime silica glass substrate as thin film, and subsequent temperature dependent electrical characterizations were carried out. Finally, feasibility of formation of various polymorphs was investigated by calculating Gibbs free energy for each reaction. The obtained ∆G⁰ was (−521 kJ/mol) for VO2(A), (−694 kJ/mol) for VO2(B), and (−750 kJ/mol) for VO2(M1) and was further related to the order of formation of phases. Additionally, an estimation was made on the significance and percentage contribution of each growth parameter, that is, growth temperature, filling ratio, and molar ratio using the algorithm of DOE.
Feasibility of magnetron sputtered nano‐cerium oxide thin films for solid oxide fuel cells interconnector: Microstructure evolution under the anode side
Authors: Hu Yingzhen , Li Desheng , Guo Hu , Li Yan‐An , Meng Yu , Li Cheng‐Xin
Published: December 2024

Given the significant oxidation challenges and reciprocal diffusion reactions that occur under the operating conditions of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) anodes, it is crucial to develop thin protective coatings that possess a dense structure, appropriate conductivity, good chemical and mechanical compatibility for metallic interconnectors (MIC). Except for the mainly studied cathode environments, the fuel streams during the real stack operation will also inevitably confront the MIC with oxidation and interfacial reaction issues, giving a potential contribution to the overall stack degradation. However, there is relatively little research on these service stability issues induced by the anode operating atmospheres. This research emphasizes the continuity of sputtered CeOx coatings of different thicknesses during the initial oxidation phase and seeks to optimize the coating thickness. By varying the sputtering powers, CeOx coatings with thicknesses of 110, 380, and 600 nm are deposited on laboratory‐made ferritic stainless steel (AMIC 21). The chemical states of the sputtered Ce ions, the microstructure evolution, and the interfacial reaction mechanism for the CeOx‐coated MIC are successively explored under a simulated anode environment. After isothermal exposure to SOFC anode‐reducing atmosphere (90%H2/10%H2O) at 800°C for 50–300 h, the CeOx coatings exhibit good structural stability with uniform grains tightly arranged on the surface. The interfacial reaction layers detected for the CeOx‐coated AMIC 21 samples are less than 1.6 µm after exposure for 300 h, indicating the effectiveness of CeOx coatings for SOFC interconnector application.
Design and preparation of chalcogenide glass doublet lenses for infrared optical system
Authors: Zhou Gangjie , Chen Jinjin , Fan Peikuan , Tan Linling , Gao Chengwei , Kang Shiliang , Dai Shixun , Lin Changgui
Published: December 2024

In the realm of infrared (IR) optics, IR doublet lenses have garnered a lot of attention due to their ability to correct for aberrations. A new series of Ge15Se85‒xTex (5 ≤ x ≤ 30) chalcogenide glass was developed to possess similar glass transition temperature, excellent thermal stability, and large refractive index variation, which enable them to be a good glass material catalog for IR doublet lenses. First, six glasses were successfully molded into one using thermal bonding, and its refractive index distribution was investigated. To lower the dispersion of IR doublet lenses, the two most suited materials were chosen from the above material library on the basis of their Abbe number (ν) and dispersion (p) value. With the created doublet lenses, an IR optical system with a wavelength of 3‒12 µm was designed. The system's modulation transfer function curve demonstrated its good imaging performance (>0.3 @ 24 cycles/mm). Through additional optical design, we discovered that modifying the curvature of the internal interface of the IR doublet lens could reduce the length of the optical system by 17% while maintaining its performance.
A Bi‐Cultural Multidisciplinary Approach to Achieving Excellence in Care for Indigenous Māori: Report From the Wānanga, Auckland, 2023
Authors: Pene Bobbie‐Jo , Aspinall Cathleen , Deo Sharon S. , Wilson Denise , Parr Jenny M.
Published: December 2024

Aims

To explore the alignment of nursing and healthcare practice illustrated in the Fundamentals of Care framework with Māori (Indigenous person of Aotearoa, New Zealand) worldviews using Indigenous methods.

Design

Discursive report.

Methods

In October 2023, around 50 healthcare professionals and Māori leaders from across Aotearoa, New Zealand, attended a wānanga, an Indigenous Māori approach for sharing knowledge and engaging in in‐depth discussion and deliberation.

Results

Attendees understood the origins of the Fundamentals of Care framework and how it translates to practice. The depth and breadth of meaning when referring to Māori values and practices adds a layer of complexity when attempting to align Māori worldviews with the Fundamentals of Care framework. A key outcome of the day was a call for tāngata Tiriti (people of the Treaty—non‐Māori) to continue to work in partnership with tāngata whenua (people of the land—Māori) to explore how the Fundamentals of Care framework could be used with a mode of practice that emphasises Māori values and practices such as whakawhanaungatanga (establishing relationships) and manaakitanga (showing respect, generosity and care for others).

Conclusion

Applying Indigenous methods to explore problems and co‐create solutions offers the potential to advance health equity agendas. Wānanga, as a forum for engaging in the process of sharing, reflecting, discussing and learning, provides a mana‐enhancing (strengths‐based) space for tāngata whenua (people of the land—Māori) and tāngata Tiriti (people of the Treaty—non‐Māori), to relate and collaborate. Additional wānanga are required to co‐create a mode of practice that can be applied by all health professionals and that meets the needs of Māori.

Impact

This report addresses how the Fundamentals of Care framework can be scrutinised for its usefulness or adaptability to encompass Indigenous populations' culture and care needs. Critical points of difference between the Fundamentals of Care framework and Indigenous Māori worldviews exist and need further exploration. This report impacts the delivery of healthcare for Indigenous Māori and the provision of healthcare by all nurses.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
More than solely reactive: Audit committee director departures as anticipatory actions in financial misstatements
Authors: Liu Wu‐Po , Huang Hua‐Wei , Huang Wan‐Ci
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of financial misstatements on audit committee director departures, focusing on anticipatory and reactive actions. By analyzing data from restating and non‐restating firms between 2004 and 2020, we categorize the misstatement process into pre‐occurrence, occurrence, investigation, and post‐announcement periods. Our findings reveal that audit committee directors in restating firms are significantly more likely to depart in all four periods, compared with their counterparts in non‐restating firms. We further explore how the likelihood of departure is influenced by directors’ characteristics, including financial expertise, gender, busyness, tenure, and age. The results suggest that financial misstatements are not merely reactionary events that prompt director departures but also serve as anticipatory signals leading to proactive exits before issues become public. This study provides valuable insights for financial statement users, boards of directors, and governance activists.
TLR3 Knockdown Attenuates Pressure‐Induced Neuronal Damage In Vitro
Authors: Lin Li , Lv Zhongzhong , Zhou Chao , Zhu Taiyang , Hu Yuting , Sun Xiaoyu , Zhou Hui , Wang Miao , Lin Yongtao , Gu Guoqing , Wang Shang , Zhou Yan , Han Jingjing , Jin Guoliang , Hua Fang
Published: December 2024

The disruption of nerve parenchyma and axonal networks triggered by spinal cord injury (SCI) can initiate a cascade of events associated with secondary injury. Toll‐like receptors play a critical role in initiating and regulating immune‐inflammatory responses following SCI; however, the precise involvement of Toll‐like receptor‐3 (TLR3) in secondary neuronal injury remains incompletely understood. To investigate the potential contribution of TLR3 in mediating neuronal pressure‐induced damage, we established a stress‐induced neuronal damage model using rat anterior horn motor neuron line (VSC4.1), which was subjected to varying levels and durations of sustained pressure. Our findings suggest that pressure induces neuronal damage and apoptosis, and reduced proliferation rates in VSC4.1 cells. Furthermore, this pressure‐induced neuronal injury is accompanied by upregulation of TLR3 expression and activation of downstream TLR3 signalling molecules. Knockdown experiments targeting TLR3 significantly alleviate pressure‐induced motor neuron injury and apoptosis within the anterior horn region while promoting mitochondria‐related autophagy and reducing mitochondrial dysfunction via the TLR3/IRF3 and TLR3/NF‐κB pathways.
Innovative Orthodontic‐Restorative Treatment With Customized CAD/CAM Smartwires
Authors: Weissheimer Andre , Kravitz Neal D. , Pham John , Tong Hongsheng , Akyalcin Sercan
Published: December 2024

Background

The demand for discreet and low‐compliance appliances has driven innovation in orthodontics, particularly with technological advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and CAD/CAM technology. The evolution of Programmed Non‐Sliding Mechanics for precise, automated tooth movement is the latest innovation.

Aim

In this article, we aimed to demonstrate the application of a novel orthodontic lingual appliance, The Gen 2 InBrace system (InBrace, Irvine, CA), in the orthodontic‐restorative treatment of an adult patient with anterior tooth‐size discrepancies, anterior openbite, and incisor proclination. The Gen 2 InBrace system uses a new generation of CAD/CAM Smartwires, including pre‐programmed customized multiloop nickel‐titanium lingual archwires, which enable light, continuous, and frictionless tooth movements.

Conclusion

The Gen 2 InBrace system can enhance esthetic and occlusal outcomes in patients requiring combined orthodontic‐restorative treatment via automatic space management with maximum esthetic and minimal compliance.

Clinical Significance

Precision dentistry and orthodontics using esthetic custom appliances have become a reality. The Gen 2 InBrace system, a new generation custom lingual appliance, offers effective treatment solutions for adults who have previously avoided preprosthetic orthodontics due to the esthetic concerns of wearing traditional labial braces or the compliance challenges associated with clear aligners.
A cross‐sectional analysis of open payments from pharmaceutical companies to memory center physicians
Authors: Rydberg Michael G.
Published: December 2024

Background

The development of anti‐amyloid monoclonal antibodies has changed the landscape of care for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The potential for financial conflicts of interest (COIs) for physicians related to these medications is unknown.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of open payments from industry to physicians working in memory clinics was conducted. The US News Best Hospitals for Neurology and Neurosurgery was used to identify the top 50 ranked hospitals. For each hospital, a google search was performed to identify any affiliated memory clinic. A list of physicians practicing in the memory clinic was identified from public websites. Physician specialty (neurology, geriatrics, psychiatry, or other) was abstracted. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services Open Payments database was used to search for general industry payments to each physician for the years 2020–2023. Mean and median yearly payments and number of payments were calculated. Payments from all pharmaceutical companies as well as the pharmaceutical companies responsible for lecanemab (Biogen and Eisai) and donanemab (Eli Lilly and Company/Lilly USA) were abstracted.

Results

Thirty‐one memory clinics with 244 total physicians were identified; 173 were neurologists, 37 psychiatrists, 30 geriatricians, and 4 other specialists. Mean one‐year payment was $1562 (SD 4021) for neurologists, $974 (SD 5153) for geriatricians, and $460 (SD 1932) for psychiatrists. Forty neurologists (40/173, 23%) received mean yearly payments of ≥$1000, compared with one geriatrician (1/30, 3.3%) and two psychiatrists (2/37, 5.4%). Payments from Biogen, Eisai, and Eli Lilly and Company/Lilly USA comprised 51% of general payments.

Conclusions

Most physicians working in a sample of memory clinics received no or low amounts of general payments. Neurologists were more likely to receive general payments from industry. Payments from Biogen, Eisai, and Eli Lilly and Company/Lilly USA were substantial. Future work should evaluate the relationship between industry payments and anti‐amyloid prescribing patterns.
The efficacy and feasibility of an immersive virtual reality game to train spatial attention orientation after stroke: A stage 2 report
Authors: Huygelier Hanne , Tuts Nora , Michiels Karla , Note Eline , Schillebeeckx Fabienne , Tournoy Jos , Vanden Abeele Vero , van Ee Raymond , Gillebert Céline R.
Published: December 2024

Spatial neglect is a post‐stroke attention deficit for which there is no evidence‐based intervention. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) may increase treatment efficacy, as it allows to train spatial attention in a rich environment. This study evaluated the efficacy and feasibility of an IVR patient‐tailored training (HEMIRehApp). Using a cross‐over design, an active (spatially biased) and placebo (spatially unbiased) IVR intervention were compared. We aimed to recruit 8 per‐protocol left‐sided neglect patients. The primary outcome was response times on the Posner cueing task. To evaluate feasibility, we documented the number of recruited patients, cybersickness and patients' experience with HEMIRehApp. After 2 years of recruitment, we were able to enrol 6 patients, of whom 2 completed the full protocol. The target sample size was not feasible due to a lower than expected prevalence of left‐sided neglect and a higher than expected drop‐out rate. The planned group‐level analysis was therefore replaced by a single‐case analysis. The results in the 2 per‐protocol cases suggest a superior effect of spatially biased IVR training than unbiased IVR training inside IVR. IVR training was feasible as all 6 enrolled patients were able to complete 10 IVR training sessions, but the cross‐over protocol itself was unfeasible. While the low sample size prevented us from conclusively evaluating the efficacy of HEMIRehApp, our preliminary single‐case results suggest that neglect patients were able to improve attentional orientation towards eccentric target locations in IVR. Follow‐up studies are needed to further validate these findings.