bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Cardiac Function in Children Undergoing Liver Transplantation
Authors: Bansal Neha , Mahgerefteh Joseph , Lamour Jacqueline M. , Kogan-Liberman Debora , Ovchinsky Michelle , Ganzburg Kayla , Choueiter Nadine
Published: November 2024

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a complication of cirrhosis resulting in cardiac dysfunction. It remains poorly characterized in children. The aim of this study was to assess relationship of pre-liver transplant (LT) conventional and novel parameters of biventricular function with post-LT clinical course. This is a retrospective study of pre-LT echocardiograms performed on patients < 18 years of age with cirrhosis at a single center, who received a LT. Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic data were collected. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) analysis was performed by a single observer using TomTec system. Descriptive data were expressed as mean (SD) and number (%). The relationship between clinical data and echocardiographic variables were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficient. Significance was set at < 0.05. Thirty-five patients (median age 6.5; IQR 14.2 years) underwent LT between 2010 and 2020. Pre-LT diagnosis was biliary atresia in 14 (40%) patients and 7 (20%) patients were listed as status 1A/1B. Their median natural pediatric/model end-stage liver disease score was 13 (IQR 9). Their pre-LT echocardiogram showed normal left ventricular systolic (LV) function by ejection fraction and strain parameters. Right ventricular (RV) function was abnormal in 74% of patients as measured by RV GLS (23 ± 3%). There was correlation between echocardiographic parameters with pre-transplant clinical disease and post-operative LT course (length of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation). Children undergoing liver transplant have RV dysfunction as evidenced by abnormal RV GLS on STE. There is echocardiographic parameter correlation between clinical liver disease and post-LT clinical course. This evidence highlights the importance of using novel technology like STE in assessment of children undergoing evaluation for liver transplant.
EANM perspective on clinical PET and SPECT imaging in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: a systematic review of longitudinal studies
Authors: Rogeau Antoine , Boer Anne Jetske , Guedj Eric , Sala Arianna , Sommer Iris E. , Veronese Mattia , van der Weijden-Germann Monique ,   EANM Neuroimaging Committee, Van Weehaeghe Donatienne , Cecchin Diego , Verger Antoine , Albert Nathalie L. , Brendel Matthias , Yakushev Igor , Traub-Weidinger Tatjana , Barthel Henryk , Tolboom Nelleke , Fraioli Francesco
Published: November 2024

Purpose

There is a need for biomarkers in psychiatry to improve diagnosis, prognosis and management, and with confirmed value in follow-up care. Radionuclide imaging, given its molecular imaging characteristics, is well-positioned for translation to the clinic. This systematic review lays the groundwork for integrating PET and SPECT imaging in the clinical management of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.

Methods

Systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane library databases was conducted from the earliest date available until February 2024. The focus was on longitudinal studies evaluating PET or SPECT imaging in individuals with a schizophrenia-spectrum or another psychotic disorders. Quality assessment was done using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), NIH scale for before-after studies and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2 (Cochrane RoB2). Studies were further categorised into three groups: preclinical and diagnosis, predicting disease course or personalising treatment.

Results

Fifty-six studies were included in the systematic review investigating in total 1329 patients over a median of 3 months. Over two-thirds used PET tracers, whereas the remaining studies employed SPECT tracers. The most frequently investigated system was dopaminergic transmission, followed by cerebral metabolism and blood flow. [18F]FDOPA demonstrated large effect size in predicting conversion of subjects at risk and treatment response. Additionally, treatment dosage could be optimised to reduce side effects using [123I]IBZM or [11C]raclopride.

Conclusion

Molecular imaging holds significant promise for real-life application in schizophrenia, with two particularly encouraging avenues being the prediction of conversion/response to antipsychotic medication and the improved management of antipsychotic dosage. Further longitudinal studies and clinical trials will be essential for validating both the clinical effectiveness and economic sustainability, as well as for exploring new applications.
Omphalocele prevalence and co-occurring malformations: a nationwide register-based study of Danish live births in 1997–2021
Authors: Lausten-Thomsen Ulrik , Hedley Paula L. , Conway Kristin M. , Løfberg Katrine M. , Johansen Lars S. , Romitti Paul A. , Christiansen Michael
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Omphalocele is a congenital abdominal wall defect associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality, with co-occurring congenital malformations often being the most important prognostic factor. High rates of spontaneous and medical terminations have been reported among pregnancies with omphalocele and co-occurring malformations. Few studies have focused on co-occurring malformations, particularly non-gastrointestinal malformations among live births. This study examined birth prevalence of omphalocele and co-occurring major malformations among a 25-year Danish liveborn cohort.

Methods

This nationwide retrospective prevalence study used data from the Danish National Patient Register and Danish Civil Registration System for infants who were delivered in Denmark during 1997–2021 and included in the Danish neonatal screening biobank. Diagnoses of omphalocele and co-occurring malformations were ascertained and prevalence estimated using Poisson regression.

Results

Among 1,498,685 live births, 147 infants with omphalocele were identified, yielding a combined and stable prevalence (per 10,000 infants) of 0.98 (95% CI 0.83–1.15). Over one-half (53.7%) presented with one or more major malformations, and an additional 17.0% were diagnosed with a syndrome.

Conclusions

Omphalocele birth prevalence in Denmark was stable over a recent 25-year period. The proportion of infants with co-occurring major malformations or diagnosed syndrome has important implications for long-term healthcare demands.
The clinical and microbiological efficacy of a zinc-citrate/hydroxyapatite/potassium-citrate containing toothpaste: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Josic Uros , Maravic Tatjana , Mazzitelli Claudia , Rinaldi Lorenzo , D’Alessandro Carlo , D’Urso Diego , Pellegrino Gerardo , Mazzoni Annalisa , Breschi Lorenzo
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of two fluoride-containing (1450 ppm F) toothpastes with or without zinc-citrate (ZCT), hydroxyapatite (HAP) and potassium-citrate (KCit); to assess and compare their clinical effects in terms of tooth sensitivity, plaque accumulation and gingivitis, as well as patients’ satisfaction.

Materials and methods

Healthy, adult patients were selected and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 50): Experimental: ZCT-, HAP-, KCit- and fluoride-containing toothpaste; Control: fluoride-containing toothpaste. Salivary counts of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), plaque and gingival index, as well as clinically diagnosed sensitivity were recorded at baseline, and after 4 weeks. A custom-made questionnaire was used to assess patients’ self-reported sensitivity (baseline and after 4 weeks) and overall satisfaction with the tested toothpastes. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05).

Results

After 4 weeks, a statistically significant salivary reduction of S. mutans was observed in both groups (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the percentage of S. mutans decrease was significantly higher in Experimental group (p = 0.014). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of plaque and gingival index (p > 0.05). After 4 weeks, the self-reported tooth sensitivity was lower in Experimental group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Both toothpastes showed good antimicrobial effect after 4 weeks; however, the toothpaste containing ZCT, HAP, KCit and fluoride was found to be more effective in reducing the salivary counts of S. mutans than the product containing fluoride alone.

Clinical relevance

Toothpaste containing ZCT, HAP, KCit and fluoride can be recommended for patients at risk for developing caries and may also be beneficial for individuals experiencing dental sensitivity.
Regional dynamic hazard assessment of rainfall–induced landslide guided by geographic similarity
Authors: Liu Qinghao , Zhao Qiang , Lan Qing , Huang Cheng , Yang Xuexi , Tang Zhongan , Deng Min
Published: November 2024

Landslides triggered by rainfall are complex phenomena influenced by a multitude of condition and trigger factors. A significant challenge in the field is the accurate and interpretable assessment of large-scale landslide hazards, particularly due to the lack of consideration for the synergistic effects of multiple triggers and spatial heterogeneity. This study introduces a novel regional hazard assessment method that leverages geographic similarity to address these challenges. Our approach consists of four key steps: (1) extraction of sample information from relevant data based on the historical distribution of landslides and their influencing factors, (2) application of a scale-space algorithm to manage spatial heterogeneity, with a partition scale determined by the q-value variation, (3) optimization of sample configuration and generation criteria under the guidance of geographic similarity for enhanced spatiotemporal modeling, and (4) utilization of machine learning models to refine inductive bias and capture nonlinear relationships, enabling a quantitative estimation of hazard probabilities for each slope unit within the prediction module. We applied our P-RF + method to Yunnan Province, China, incorporating 11 condition factors and 7 trigger factors across 624 historical rainfall-induced landslides and 1248 non-landslide cases. Comparative experiments reveal that the P-RF + model substantially outperforms existing methods in accuracy and interpretability. Furthermore, a case study during the rainy season illustrates the model's capability to provide timely warning instructions for rainfall-induced landslides. These findings underscore the potential of our proposed method to offer valuable insights for disaster prevention decision-making.

Graphical Abstract
Mediterranean co-living: succession of soil mycorrhizal communities associated with Halimium lasianthum shrubs
Authors: Martín-Pinto Pablo , Fernández Cristina , Oria-de-Rueda Juan Andrés , Martín Roberto San , Mediavilla Olaya , Dejene Tatek , Sanz-Benito Ignacio
Published: November 2024

Halimium lasianthum, a widespread shrub in the western Mediterranean, uniquely co-hosts ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Despite its ecological significance, H. lasianthum is understudied, and its mycorrhizal communities remain largely unknown. To understand the mycological ecology associated with H. lasianthum, we analyzed soil samples from intermediate and senescent understories in Ourense, northwest Iberian Peninsula. We assessed the richness, diversity, relative abundance and community composition of ECM and AM fungi. Environmental and soil variables were also examined to determine their influence on fungal distribution. Total fungal richness and abundance were higher in intermediate plots compared to senescent plots, with ECM fungi following the same trend. In comparison, AM fungal richness was higher in senescent plots (p < 0.05). ECM fungal community composition shifted with H. lasianthum age, whereas the Shannon diversity index and abundance of AM fungi remained stable. Soil pH was significantly correlated with the ECM community in intermediate plots, while the stability of the AM community was due to lower nutrient requirements and the production of resistant propagules. These findings could help to improve the management of H. lasianthum ecosystems to preserve the diversity of the mycorrhizal communities associated with this host species.
Contribution of local knowledge in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) to the well‑being of cocoa families in Colombia: a response from the relationship
Authors: Gutiérrez Garcia Gustavo Adolfo , Gutiérrez-Montes Isabel , Suárez Salazar Juan Carlos , Casanoves Fernando , Gutiérrez Suárez David Ricardo , Hernández-Núñez Héctor Eduardo , Flora Cornelia Butler , Sibelet Nicole
Published: November 2024

The concept of well-being of rural families is part of a theory under construction in which new theoretical elements are constantly being incorporated. This research aims to determine the influence of farmers’ knowledge on the well‑being of cocoa growing families in the departments of Santander, Huila, Meta and Caquetá, Colombia. Four categories of farmers were identified with different levels of knowledge in the management of cocoa cultivation obtained through a cluster analysis. The well-being of cocoa farmers, understood as the balance in the capital endowment of rural households, was obtained through the application of a semi-structured interview with 49 variables of human, cultural, social, political, natural, built, and financial capitals. The results show that cocoa knowledge is heterogeneous in the study area, with a slight improvement towards harvesting, post-harvest and transformation links. There is a positive relationship between cocoa knowledge and the well-being of cocoa farming families. Thus, producers with greater integral knowledge, with emphasis on post-harvest and bean transformation links, showed greater well-being. The Random Forest analysis identified that human capital (political, social, human, and cultural) made the greatest contribution to well-being. The findings show that cocoa knowledge contributes to the well-being of rural households to the extent that it favors vertical relationships (linkages with local governments) and horizontal relationships of producers (participation of association managers, sharing knowledge with friends, neighbors and partners, and cocoa training).
Marine genetic resources as common heritage of mankind under the BBNJ Agreement; the international community toward a pragmatic benefit-sharing approach?
Authors: Taghizadeh Zakieh
Published: November 2024

Marine biological diversity, and more specifically, marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction are valuable resources that belong to all of humanity and need to be preserved for future generations. The new landmark BBNJ Agreement, also known as the “High Seas Biodiversity Treaty”, after all the intensive negotiations revolving around the legal status of MGRs, recognized that the conservation and sustainable use of these resources are to be achieved through the “Common Heritage of Humankind” as a guiding principle under Article 7 of the BBNJ Agreement. The key consideration in the following article acknowledges a paradigm shift from the CHM towards a more pragmatic benefit-sharing regime and whether all component parts of the CHM principle, including sustainable equity and more specifically, inter-generational and intra-generational equity are sufficiently addressed in the BBNJ Agreement. The following research suggests that a proper application of the common heritage of mankind principle, along with all its constituent elements, including equitable benefit-sharing, shared stewardship, sustainable management and inter-generational equity, guarantees a comprehensive balance between distributive justice and conservation approaches to marine genetic resources while serving the legitimate interests of present and future generations.
Extreme value methods for estimating rare events in Utopia
Authors: André Lídia Maria , Campbell Ryan , D’Arcy Eleanor , Farrell Aiden , Healy Dáire , Kakampakou Lydia , Murphy Conor , Murphy-Barltrop Callum John Rowlandson , Speers Matthew
Published: November 2024

To capture the extremal behaviour of complex environmental phenomena in practice, flexible techniques for modelling tail behaviour are required. In this paper, we introduce a variety of such methods, which were used by the Lancopula Utopiversity team to tackle the EVA (2023) Conference Data Challenge. This data challenge was split into four challenges, labelled C1-C4. Challenges C1 and C2 comprise univariate problems, where the goal is to estimate extreme quantiles for a non-stationary time series exhibiting several complex features. For these, we propose a flexible modelling technique, based on generalised additive models, with diagnostics indicating generally good performance for the observed data. Challenges C3 and C4 concern multivariate problems where the focus is on estimating joint probabilities. For challenge C3, we propose an extension of available models in the multivariate literature and use this framework to estimate joint probabilities in the presence of non-stationary dependence. Finally, for challenge C4, which concerns a 50-dimensional random vector, we employ a clustering technique to achieve dimension reduction and use a conditional modelling approach to estimate extremal probabilities across independent groups of variables.
Mapping the emotions of racialised international students and the politics of exclusion in higher education
Authors: Hu Mei , Moskal Marta , Read Barbara
Published: November 2024

The concerns of power and recognition regarding international students’ experiences are largely absent from the literature, with a discourse of social inclusion framing the focus. Social inclusion within an economically centred view of international education ignores issues of ‘difference’ and celebrates ‘diversity’ as a key aspect. Such an approach lacks a discussion of power concerns; diversity is portrayed as unproblematic, whereas difference is something that needs to be managed by standardization and monitoring procedures. The article contributes to the recent decolonial approaches to racialised international students by showing how the subtle dynamics of power relations within higher education influence international students’ emotional experiences. It draws on longitudinal data collected from 25 Chinese international postgraduate students over a 1-year period in the UK. While employing Ahmed’s framework of affective economies together with Foucault’s concepts of discourse and power, it investigates the intricate connections between international students’ emotional experiences and prevailing institutional discourses of neoliberalism, individualism and postcolonialism. It elucidates how emotions work as tools to both constrain and enable agency in relation to the thoughts and actions of international students, influencing the perceived eligibility and appropriateness of their behaviours within the ‘White’ UK higher education space.
Trajectories of Personal Growth among First-Time Parents: The Predicting Role of Coping Flexibility and Parental Distress
Authors: Taubman – Ben-Ari Orit , Ramon Dan , Ben-Yaakov Ofir
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The study aimed to identify different trajectories of personal growth (PG) following the transition to parenthood, as well as factors that predict these trajectories.

Method

Parents (n = 788) completed self-report questionnaires in three phases: when infants were 3–12 months-old, six months later and again six months later. Latent Class Growth Analyses (LCGA) and Growth Mixture Modeling (GMM) were used to identify latent subgroups of individuals based on common trajectories of PG. Stepwise multinominal regression models were used to identify significant determinants of personal growth trajectories.

Results

Four trajectories were found: (1) constructive; (2) high-stable; (3) low-stable; and (4) moderately delayed. Being a woman and higher coping versatility were related to the high-stable trajectory, higher economic status was related to the low-stable trajectory, and higher parental distress was related to the moderately-delayed trajectory.

Conclusions

The study offers insights into growth in first-time parents of young infants by distinguishing between four trajectories and showing that economic status, as well as the psychological variables of parental distress and coping flexibility, might differentiate between different growth patterns. The results contribute to the theoretical understanding of the complex experience of personal growth, which, in turn, can serve professionals in the design of appropriate personalized interventions for new parents.
Neuroprotective Effect of Maresin-1 in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson’s Disease in Rats: The Putative Role of the JAK/STAT Pathway
Authors: Khodir Suzan A. , Sweed Eman M. , Faried Manar A. , Abo Elkhair Doaa M. , Khalil Marwa M. , Afifi Khaled Hatem , El Agamy Dalia Fathy
Published: November 2024

Exposure to rotenone results in similar pathophysiological features as Parkinson’s disease. Inflammation and oxidative stress are essential to PD pathogenesis. Maresin-1 has potent anti-inflammatory properties and promotes the regression of inflammation function. The current study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Maresin-1 (MaR1) in rotenone (ROT)-induced PD and whether this protective role is associated with the initiation of the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducers and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. Thirty male Wister rats were classified into control, ROT-treated, and ROT + MaR1-treated groups. Rats underwent rotarod, open field, grip strength, and stepping tests as part of their motor behavioral evaluation. Serum glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and striatal dopamine, acetylcholine, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were evaluated. Expression of JAK1 and STAT3 genes was assessed in striatum. Then, the tissue was subjected to histological and immunohistochemical evaluation for caspase-3, GFAP, and NF-kB. The administrated group with rotenone showed significant motor behavioral impairment. This was accompanied by reduced levels of GDNF and dopamine and increased levels of acetylcholine, as well as augmented oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers and reduced antioxidant activity. Inflammatory pathways (JAK1/STAT3, caspase-3, and NF-kB) were upregulated. Histopathological changes and upregulation in GFAP immunopositive reaction were observed. Remarkably, MaR1 treatment effectively alleviated behavior, histopathological changes, and biochemical alterations induced by ROT. MaR1 exerts protective effects against ROT-induced PD by its anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant properties. MaR1 mechanisms of action may involve modulation of pathways such as JAK/STAT.
Aesthesis, noesis, or both? Enactivism meets representationalism in aesthetics
Authors: Kiianlinna Onerva
Published: November 2024

Two types of systemic models of the mind – the enactivist and the representationalist model – are often depicted as contradictory and mutually exclusive. In this article, I investigate whether they can meaningfully coexist in a viable account of forming aesthetic judgments. I argue that the two models can simultaneously contribute to the understanding of aesthetic judging as an affective cognitive process. First, I clarify why the main disagreement between the models does not apply to the case of aesthetic judging. Second, I trace a possible path for how the two models could be merged in the field of aesthetics. My main argument draws on the idea that perceiving aesthetic value does not belong to basic cognition that can be seen as either enactive or representational, and that hence we can choose to pick the best of both worlds. In other words, we can and indeed should incorporate aspects of both models to do justice to the phenomenon of aesthetic judging. Perceiving aesthetic value requires subjective, or embodied, metacognitive evidence. This representational enactivism entails that the aesthetic subject can be seen as an emergent functional system while the functional sub-systems that constitute the subject can be characterized in representationalist terms.
A landscape review to identify what matters to patients with thrombotic cardiovascular diseases and patient-reported outcome instruments which can be used to capture the patient experience
Authors: Barsdorf Alexandra I. , Fastenau John , Lee Shannon , Li Xiaoyan , O’Brien Ellen , Stevenson Blue , Becker Brandon
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Thrombotic cardiovascular diseases profoundly impact patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments that are disease-specific or antithrombotic-treatment focused, developed according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on PROs, and can be used in clinical trials, are lacking. The aim of this study was to understand concepts important to patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS), atrial fibrillation (AF), or stroke who require antithrombotic treatment for reducing risk of future thrombotic events (indications being evaluated for an investigational new drug), identify PROs that measure relevant symptoms and impacts, and determine acceptability of PROs from a health technology assessment (HTA) perspective.

Methods

A landscape review, conducted between January 2009 and October 2020, included a search of qualitative literature (OVID), a review of PRO instruments using multiple sources (e.g., OVID and clinical trials databases), and a survey of HTA decisions for antithrombotic medications.

Results

The qualitative literature review identified 27 publications used to develop a high-level conceptual summary of symptoms and HRQoL impacts reported by patients. The instrument landscape review indicated that generic PROs have been utilized for thrombotic indications, but disease-specific, fit-for-purpose instruments are lacking, and the HTA review revealed that although HTA agencies discussed PRO instruments, evidence of specific recommendations was not found.

Conclusion

To ensure patients’ experiences, perspectives, and priorities are incorporated into drug development and evaluation, a core set of PROs for thrombotic indications that meet health authority guidance and are acceptable to HTA agencies is needed.
Impact of body fat composition on liver iron overload severity in hemochromatosis: a retrospective MRI analysis
Authors: Pušeljić Marijan , Stadlbauer Vanessa , Ahmadova Nigar , Pohl Maximilian , Kopetzky Michaela , Kaufmann-Bühler Ann-Katrin , Watzinger Nikolaus , Igrec Jasminka , Fuchsjäger Michael , Talakić Emina
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the correlation between ectopic adipose tissue and iron overload severity in patients with hemochromatosis.

Material and methods

A retrospective cohort of 52 patients who underwent liver iron concentration quantification from January 2015 to October 2023 using a 3.0T MRI scanner. R2* relaxation times and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) were assessed for the entire liver volume and a specific region of interest (ROI) placed in the right lobe. Total body fat (TF), subcutaneous fat (SCF), intermuscular fat (IMF), and visceral fat (VSF) percentages were calculated from a single axial slice at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. Additionally, ratios of IMF-to-VSF, IMF-to-SCF, and SCF-to-VSF were calculated. Standard iron laboratory parameters were collected at least one month prior to MRI. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis.

Results

The mean age of participants was 53.9 ± 19.6 years. IMF positively correlated with R2* values in the ROI (p = 0.005, rs = 0.382) and entire liver (p = 0.016, rs = 0.332). Conversely, VSF negatively correlated with R2* values from the ROI (p = < 0.001, rs = − 0.488) and entire liver (p = < 0.001, rs = − 0.459). Positive correlations were also found between IMF-to-VSF and R2* of the ROI (p = 0.003, rs = 0.400) and whole liver (p = 0.008, rs = 0.364). Ferritin levels positively correlated with R2* values calculated from ROI (p = 0.002, rs = 0.417) and whole liver volume (p = 0.004, rs = 0.397). A positive correlation was noted between PDFF of the entire liver and TF (p = 0.024, rs = 0.313).

Conclusion

The percentage of Intermuscular and visceral adipose tissues correlates with the severity of liver iron overload in hemochromatosis patients.
The Effects of Microplastics on Musculoskeletal Disorder; A Narrative Review
Authors: Fusagawa Hiroyori , Youn Alex , Wilkerson Elyse , Pandya Nirav , Feeley Brian T.
Published: November 2024

Purpose of Review

The physical health impacts of microplastics have received increasing attention in recent years. However, limited data impedes a full understanding of the internal exposure to microplastics, especially concerning the musculoskeletal system. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent literature regarding the effects of microplastics on the musculoskeletal system.

Recent Findings

Microplastics have been shown to cause abnormal endochondral ossification and disrupt the normal function of pre-osteoblasts, osteocyte-like cells, and pre-osteoclasts through gene mutations, endoplasmic reticulum stress induction, and reduced autophagosome formation in bone growth areas. Although there are few reports on their effects on muscle, it has been noted that microplastics inhibit energy and lipid metabolism, decrease type I muscle fiber density, impair muscle angiogenesis, cause muscle atrophy, and increase lipid deposition.

Only a few recent studies have shown that microplastics interfere with the normal function of bone growth-related cells and reduce muscle mass and quality. This review underscores the need for further research into other parts of the musculoskeletal system and studies using human tissues at the disease level.
Influence of River Discharge and Tides on the Salinity Structure at the Magdalena River Estuary
Authors: Cardona Yuley , Álvarez-Silva Óscar , Barrios Yennis , Saavedra Victor , Cáceres-Euse Alejandro , Cantero María A. , Osorio Andrés F.
Published: November 2024

The salinity structure in the Magdalena River estuary results from a massive river discharge and a micro-tidal regime over a narrow-deep channel. Both environmental forcings are analyzed here to assess their effects on the temporal and spatial variability of the estuarine system. We investigated long-term (seasonal to interannual) and short-term (diurnal) changes in salinity structure and circulation through in situ measurements and a 3D hydrodynamic model ensemble (21 model runs). The measurements cover low (below 10th percentile) and mean river discharge conditions. Results show that the Magdalena River estuary (MRE) behaves as a strongly stratified system during the dry season (February to April) and as a vertically homogeneous one during the wet and transitional seasons when the river plume exhibits a lift-off regime at the mouth. A river discharge threshold has been found for the estuary to lift-off regime transition, corresponding to the 30th percentile (5200 m3/s). At the seasonal scale, the salinity intrusion length in the MRE shows more reactivity to river discharge variability than other reported strongly stratified estuaries; it is reflected in the scaling factor $$n$$
n
in the relationship $$L\sim {Q}^{-n}$$

L
∼

Q

-
n

. A $$n$$
n
value of 3.9 is the best fit for the MRE; nevertheless, it follows the Schijf and Schönfeld theoretical model solution for a prismatic flat configuration. Micro tides modulate the salinity intrusion on the diurnal cycle with a more significant effect on salinity intrusion and water exchange than previously reported, particularly during low discharge conditions. The findings from measurements and model scenarios for the MRE can be broadly applied and stand for an exemplary tropical, micro-tidal, anthropogenic intervened system.
The complex story of human X chromosome inactivation
Authors: Basilicata Maria Felicia , Einsiedel Anna
Published: November 2024

The X and Y sex chromosomes represent one of the key cellular differences between male and female. Here, we introduce the unique, silent nature of the inactive X in female cells (and its exceptions) and summarise recent insights to the molecular processes taking place on the X chromosome. We are curious to learn how these mechanisms drive sex differences in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Modification of adipogenesis and oxidative stress by quercetin: positive or negative impact on adipose tissue metabolism of obese diabetic Zucker rats?
Authors: Kršková Katarína , Dobrócsyová Viktória , Ferenczyová Kristína , Hricovíniová Jana , Kaločayová Barbora , Duľová Ulrika , Bozorgnia Mahdi , Barteková Monika , Zorad Štefan
Published: November 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the regulation of adipogenesis. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of quercetin (QCT) supplement on obese adipose tissue metabolism of 30-week-old diabetic Zucker rats (ZDF), not well examined yet. QCT was administered orally at dose of 20 mg/kg body weight/day for 6 weeks. Adipocytes from subcutaneous adipose tissue (ScWAT) were isolated and their size was evaluated by light microscopy. Gene expression of adipogenic markers in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue was determined by real-time PCR and expression of proteins involved in lipid and glucose metabolism was determined in ScWAT by immunoblotting. Obese ZDF rats suffered from diabetes, hyperinsulinemia and had higher index HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance). Treatment with QCT had no significant impact on these metabolic disorders in genetic model of obesity and type 2 diabetes used in our study. Nevertheless, QCT reduced expression of inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha in ScWAT and also visceral adipose tissue and up-regulated expression of anti-inflammatory adiponectin in ScWAT. A shift in redox equilibrium was detected via inhibition of pro-oxidant genes by QCT. Furthermore, QCT reduced adipocyte size in ScWAT, down-regulated expression of fatty acid synthase and adipogenic markers, and moreover stimulated expression of proteolytic enzymes. These changes likely resulted in reduced fat deposition in ScWAT, which was reflected in the elevated circulated levels of free fatty acids in QCT-treated obese ZDF rats compared with obese untreated controls. This increase could, at least in part, explain why we did not observe an improvement in systemic metabolic health by QCT in our model. In conclusion, our study suggests that preventive treatment with QCT might be more effective than its administration in the stage of fully developed diabetes, and further research in this area is needed.
3D-printing of dipyridamole/thermoplastic polyurethane materials for bone regeneration
Authors: Adhami Masoud , Dastidar Anushree Ghosh , Anjani Qonita Kurnia , Detamornrat Usanee , Tarrés Quim , Delgado-Aguilar Marc , Acheson Jonathan G. , Manda Krishnagoud , Clarke Susan A. , Moreno-Castellanos Natalia , Larrañeta Eneko , Domínguez-Robles Juan
Published: November 2024

Tissue engineering combines biology and engineering to develop constructs for repairing or replacing damaged tissues. Over the last few years, this field has seen significant advancements, particularly in bone tissue engineering. 3D printing has revolutionised this field, allowing the fabrication of patient- or defect-specific scaffolds to enhance bone regeneration, thus providing a personalised approach that offers unique control over the shape, size, and structure of 3D-printed constructs. Accordingly, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based 3D-printed scaffolds loaded with dipyridamole (DIP) were manufactured to evaluate their in vitro osteogenic capacity. The fabricated DIP-loaded TPU-based scaffolds were fully characterised, and their physical and mechanical properties analysed. Moreover, the DIP release profile, the biocompatibility of scaffolds with murine calvaria-derived pre-osteoblastic cells, and the intracellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay to verify osteogenic ability were evaluated. The results suggested that these materials offered an attractive option for preparing bone scaffolds due to their mechanical properties. Indeed, the addition of DIP in concentrations up to 10% did not influence the compression modulus. Moreover, DIP-loaded scaffolds containing the highest DIP cargo (10% w/w) were able to provide sustained drug release for up to 30 days. Furthermore, cell viability, proliferation, and osteogenesis of MC3T3-E1 cells were significantly increased with the highest DIP cargo (10% w/w) compared to the control samples. These promising results suggest that DIP-loaded TPU-based scaffolds may enhance bone regeneration. Combined with the flexibility of 3D printing, this approach has the potential to enable the creation of customized scaffolds tailored to patients’ needs at the point of care in the future.

Graphical Abstract
Prophylactic vs preemptive strategy for the prevention of CMV disease in solid organ transplant recipients: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Reiss-Gindi Niv , Hoffman Tomer , Ruderman Tanya , Atamna Alaa , Margalit Ili , Yahav Dafna
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Strategies for CMV prevention include universal prophylaxis or preemptive approach. We aimed to evaluate the optimal approach.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing prophylaxis versus preemptive therapy for CMV in SOT. The primary outcome was CMV disease. Subgroup analysis of outcomes in D+ R− patients was performed.

Results

Nine trials have met inclusion criteria, five of them included kidney transplant recipients, all compared val/ganciclovir universal prophylaxis versus preemptive approach. Universal prophylaxis resulted in lower probability of CMV infection (relative risk [RR] 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33–0.58), yet the impact on CMV disease was insignificant (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.24–1.23), in neither SOT recipients in general nor among D+R− subgroup (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.37–2.32). Late-onset CMV disease rates were lower with preemptive approach. Sensitivity analysis according to allocation concealment and blinding showed similar results for CMV disease. No significant differences were demonstrated for the outcomes of mortality, bacterial or fungal infection or graft related outcomes. Acute kidney injury was significantly more common with prophylaxis (RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.12–2.89).

Conclusion

Preemptive approach is a reasonable approach for CMV prevention in SOT recipients, if feasible. Strategies for combining the preemptive with prophylaxis strategies, as well as immune monitoring, should be investigated.
Eazygoma technique: a new approach for zygomatic implant placement aligned with maxillomalar anatomy
Authors: Aldana Avila Henry Alexander , Geithner Carlos Miguel Ruiz
Published: November 2024

This study focused on evaluating the novel Eazygoma method for zygomatic implant placement. This approach focuses on biomechanical principles, offering direct visualization that facilitates enhanced control during implant insertion. It helps prevent malpositioning, ensuring that the apical portion remains within the zygomatic body and achieves emergence in the alveolar crest through an inverted drilling sequence. The Eazygoma system enables improved control during drilling, starting in the zygomatic area and eliminating the need for osteotomies in the maxillary sinus. This not only simplifies the procedure but also significantly reduces the operative time, allowing it to be performed under local anesthesia and sedation in approximately one hour, according to the author’s experience. The study included 34 zygomatic implants placed in 11 patients with severe maxillary atrophy, treated between 2021 and 2023 at the Maxillofacial surgery Department of the private clinic “Clínica Colsanitas” in Bogotá, Colombia. To evaluate outcomes, intraoperative torque, surgical time, and whether alveolar emergence was achieved were measured for the implants. Patients were followed up at 12 months to assess implant survival. Results showed that the Eazygoma approach eliminated postoperative sinus injuries and implant malposition, ensuring alveolar emergence and achieving a torque greater than 50 Newtons in all cases, allowing for immediate implant loading.
A survey on localization and energy efficiency in UWSN: bio-inspired approach
Authors: Murali J. , Shankar T.
Published: November 2024

The underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) area is a developing area of research since there are tremendous opportunities like surveying marine life, installing and monitoring optical cables, detecting earthquakes, and surveillance of territorial borders. Though many applications exist, underwater research explored to date is less than five percent as it poses many issues and challenges like water currents, temperature, pressure, water salinity, disturbance by aquatic animals, and many more factors that affect the performance of sensors deployed inside water. A significant issue UWSNs face is focusing on energy efficiency to extend the life of submerged sensors placed in isolated areas. Resolving localization concerns is a primary additional concern. In this comprehensive survey, the basics of UWSNs are covered in the introduction, followed by a thorough literature review of the existing works mainly focusing on localization, energy efficiency, Bio-inspired algorithms (BIA), and the impact of implementing Machine Learning (ML) are discussed. In concurrent sections, we have discussed attributes, parameters useful for analysis, issues and challenges in UWSN, soft computing techniques, software and hardware tools available for extended research, and opportunities in UWSN. The researchers could gain perspective pathways at the end of this survey.
Integration of confocal chromatic spectroscopy into a test bench concept for safety inspection practices, with focus on stress detection
Authors: Bauer Constantin , Ramadani Joel , Bikardt Daniel , Nguyen Long Kiet , Steinlehner Florian , Volk Wolfram
Published: November 2024

Evaluating casting’s mechanical stress is of significant interest from a safety inspection’s point of view. Residual stress, in particular, leads to an early or even immediate failure of some parts. Therefore, several methods exist to determine casting’s external and internal strain leading to stress. By determining the state of stress and residual stress, it is possible to design casting parts that are much safer. The present concept of a test bench shows a new way of inspecting parts for safety reasons using an optical fiber confocal chromatic sensor to measure strain. The method is based on the deep-drilling method, where a minimal invasive hole is placed at an area of interest in the first step. In a second step, this hole is then precisely measured to be able to map the borehole. From this information, conclusions can be drawn of any forces acting on the inspected part. In this case, the concept of the test bench uses gun drills to place boreholes measuring 6.0 mm in diameter with up to 500.0 mm in depth, and for the inspection, a confocal sensor with a precision of ± 100.0 nm in dissolving distances is used. This work focuses on evaluating the test bench’s precision in conducting such measurements and on how an external thermal load and mechanical load influence the results when conducting differential measurements. The experiments are performed on typical cast alloys such as iron cast and Zamac.
Development of an RNA virus vector for non-transgenic genome editing in tobacco and generation of berberine bridge enzyme-like mutants with reduced nicotine content
Authors: Xiang Haiying , Chen Binhuan , Wang Shuo , Zeng Wanli , Jiang Jiarui , Kong Weisong , Huang Haitao , Mi Qili , Ni Shuang , Gao Qian , Li Zhenghe
Published: November 2024

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants synthesize the psychoactive pyridine alkaloid nicotine, which has sparked growing interest in reducing nicotine levels through genome editing aiming at inactivating key biosynthetic genes. Although stable transformation-mediated genome editing is effective in tobacco, its polyploid nature complicates the complete knockout of genes and the segregation of transgenes from edited plants. In this study, we developed a non-transgenic genome editing method in tobacco by delivering the CRISPR/Cas machinery via an engineered negative-strand RNA rhabdovirus vector, followed by the regeneration of mutant plants through tissue culture. Using this method, we targeted six berberine bridge enzyme-like protein (BBL) family genes for mutagenesis, which are implicated in the last steps of pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis, in the commercial tobacco cultivar Hongda. We generated a panel of 16 mutant lines that were homozygous for mutations in various combinations of BBL genes. Alkaloid profiling revealed that lines homozygous for BBLa and BBLb mutations exhibited drastically reduced nicotine levels, while other BBL members played a minor role in nicotine synthesis. The decline of nicotine content in these lines was accompanied by reductions in anatabine and cotinine levels but increases in nornicotine and its derivative myosmine. Preliminary agronomic evaluation identified two low-nicotine lines with growth phenotypes comparable to those of wild-type plants under greenhouse and field conditions. Our work provides potentially valuable genetic materials for breeding low-nicotine tobacco and enhances our understanding of alkaloid biosynthesis.
Original Pirate Material
Authors: Williams Justin A.
Published: November 2024

With his debut album Original Pirate Material (2002), Mike Skinner, who recorded under the name The Streets, combined the world of UK dance music with US hip-hop. OPM is the result of the so-called 'bedroom producer', hybridizing previous forms into something novel. This Element explores a number of themes in this album: white masculinity, the everyday, technology, sampling, hybridity, the Black Atlantic, and US-UK transatlantic relations. It examines the exoticism of Englishness from a US perspective as well as within the wider context of Anglo-American cross influence in post-WWII popular music. Twenty years since the album's release, this element provides an investigation of the album's content and reception, as an important case study of (postcolonial) hybridity and (English, male) identity.
Benign Bigotry
Authors: Anderson Kristin J.
Published: November 2024

Benign Bigotry delves into the multifaceted landscape of prejudice, spanning academic and scientific research, popular culture, and contemporary politics. At its core lies the concept of subtle prejudice-a pervasive, often unconscious bias in race, gender, and sexuality. Through meticulous analysis and the author's own experience serving eight years on the Police Oversight Board, this book exposes seven seemingly harmless cultural myths that perpetuate inequality. It also confronts prejudices against women and LGBTQ+ individuals, offering concrete strategies to dismantle entrenched beliefs. Designed as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate classes, yet accessible to the educated lay reader, each chapter caters to those interested in psychology, sociology, business, and education. With a valuable new chapter on systemic inequality, updated real-life examples, and engaging with the exploration of empirical research on discrimination and prejudice emerging since 2009, this second edition is not to be missed.