bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio reflects tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes and tumour‐associated macrophages and independently predicts poor outcome in breast cancers with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Li Joshua J X , Ni Shelly Y B , Tsang Julia Y S , Chan Wai Yin , Hung Ray K W , Lui Joshua W H , Ng Sally W Y , Shum Leong Kwong , Tang Ying Fei , Tse Gary M
Published: January 2024

Aims

The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a systemic reflection of cancer‐associated inflammation and a prognostic marker for breast cancer. For the local tumour microenvironment, tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are also highly correlated with breast cancer survival. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the circulating and local immune microenvironment, and to further delineate the prognostic role of NLR in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Methods

A cohort of breast cancer patients receiving NAC with subsequent surgery was retrieved. Clinical data were reviewed. Histological slides and CD8 immunohistochemistry from biopsy (pre‐chemotherapy) and excision (postchemotherapy) specimens were assessed for TILs and TAMs.

Results

A total of 146 patients were included. There was a significant positive correlation between pre‐ and postsurgery NLR at a cut‐off of 2.6 (median pre‐chemotherapy NLR) (P < 0.001). NLR pre‐chemotherapy was associated positively with necrosis on biopsy (P = 0.027) and excision (P = 0.021) and TAMs on excision (P = 0.049). NLR 1 year postsurgery was associated with high tumour stage (P = 0.050) and low histological grade (P = 0.008). TIL count was lower in NLR‐high cases at almost all time‐points by histological assessment and CD8 immunostaining (P < 0.050). In multivariate analysis, postsurgery NLR is an independent predictor for overall survival [OS; hazard ratio (HR) = 9.524, P < 0.001], breast cancer‐specific survival (BCSS) (HR = 10.059, P = 0.001) and disease‐free survival (DFS; HR = 2.824, P = 0.016).

Conclusions

The association between NLR with tumour necrosis, TAMs and TILs illustrates an interaction between the circulating and local immune microenvironment. Late NLR is a strong indicator of outcome and may be useful for prognostication and disease monitoring.
Lymph node regression after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer
Authors: Ozturk Sonay K , Martinez Cristina G , Mens David , Verhoef Cornelis , Tosetto Miriam , Sheahan Kieran , de Wilt Johannes H W , Hospers Geke A P , van de Velde Cornelis J H , Marijnen Corrie A M , van der Post Rachel S , Nagtegaal Iris D
Published: January 2024

Aims

Lymph node metastases (LNM) are one of the most important prognostic indicators in solid tumours and a major component of cancer staging. Neoadjuvant therapy might influence nodal status by induction of regression. Our aim is to determine the prevalence and role of regression of LNM on outcomes in patients with rectal cancer.

Methods and results

Four independent study populations of rectal cancer patients treated with similar regimens of chemoradiotherapy were pooled together to obtain a total cohort of 469 patients. Post‐treatment nodal status (ypN) and signs of tumour regression (Reg) were incorporated to form three‐tiered (ypN− Reg+, ypN− Reg− and ypN+) and four‐tiered (ypN− Reg+, ypN− Reg−, ypN+ Reg+ and ypN+ Reg−) classifications. In our cohort, 31% of patients presented with ypN+ rectal cancer. As expected, we found significantly worse overall survival (OS) in ypN+ patients compared to ypN− patients (P = 0.002). The percentage of ypN− patients with lymph nodes with complete regression was 20% in our cohort. While node‐negative patients with and without regression had similar OS (P = 0.09), disease‐free survival (DFS) was significantly better in node‐negative patients with regression (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Regression in lymph nodes is frequent, and node‐negative patients with evidence of lymph node regression have better DFS compared to node‐negative patients without such evidence.
Markedly increased duodenal villous surface apoptosis in patients taking pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Hutchings Danielle A , Larson Brent K , Guindi Maha , Waters Kevin M
Published: January 2024

Aims

Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) consists of combination antiretroviral therapy and is increasingly utilized to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in high‐risk populations. Two index cases noted during routine care showed markedly increased duodenal villous surface apoptosis in patients on PrEP. We sought to examine the prevalence of this finding and identify any clinicopathologic correlations.

Methods

Gastrointestinal biopsy specimens from 23 male patients aged 18–40 years taking PrEP and 23 control patients were reviewed. Patients with HIV, inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, and celiac disease were excluded. Apoptoses were counted on surface epithelium and deep crypts. The highest apoptotic body count per tissue fragment was recorded. Clusters were defined as groups of ≥5 apoptoses. Apoptotic counts between patients taking PrEP and controls were compared using t‐tests.

Results

In PrEP patients, the median age was 35 years (range 25–40) and 83% (19/23) were white. The control patients were demographically similar (median age: 32 years [range 23–40]; 70% [16/23] white). Duodenal apoptosis in villous surface epithelium was increased in PrEP patients, with 14/23 (60.9%) patients having ≥10 surface apoptoses compared to 2/23 (8.7%) controls (P = 2.1 × 10−3) and 14/23 (61%) having clusters compared to 3/23 (13%) controls (P = 2.0 × 10−3). There was no significant association between increased surface apoptosis or clusters and clinical symptoms or duration of PrEP use.

Conclusion

Markedly increased villous surface apoptosis, particularly in clusters, is often seen in the duodenum of patients taking PrEP. Although the mechanism and significance are unknown, knowledge of this peculiar finding may prevent unnecessary additional testing.
Magmatic processes forming replacement textures with fluorite alignments in feldspars in an evolved trachyte from Oki‐Dogo Island, Sea of Japan
Authors: Nakano Satoshi , Makino Kuniaki
Published: January 2024

Internal microtextures of ternary alkali feldspars in sanidine trachyte from Oki‐Dogo Island were examined using an electron microprobe analyzer, a scanning electron microscope, a transmission electron microscope and cathodoluminescence instruments, to develop the understanding of volcanic processes of alkaline magmas related to feldspar crystallization. The examined trachyte is an evolved rock of the Oki‐Dogo Pliocene trachyte group. Its phenocryst feldspars are commonly associated with lamellar‐wavy‐domain textures with scales approximately from 100 nm up to several hundreds of μm that show complex and gradual variations in composition: however, anti‐rapakivi zoning textures common in other Oki‐Dogo alkaline rocks are almost completely absent in the trachyte. These textures are produced by extensive magmatic ion‐exchange replacement reactions progressively advanced in the evolved magma. Characteristic braided fluorite alignments are developed consistently with lamellar‐wavy‐domain textures in phenocryst feldspars, and similar braided alignments are also present in groundmass feldspars with complicated microtextures. Most of fluorite grains are <100 nm in diameter, and the patterns of braided fluorite alignments vary greatly in individual feldspars. The whole occurrence of the feldspar microtextures represents an extreme example of diffusion‐controlled replacement reactions, progressively advanced in the dry (relatively anhydrous) trachyte magma. The genetic processes forming fluorite alignments in feldspars are related to magma compositions, especially F and P contents, and the crystallization of F‐bearing minerals, especially of fluorapatite.
Plastic shaping of NiFe2O4‐based cermets using granular feedstock: microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Fu Yang , Zou Heng , Kang Xiao , Xiong Huiwen , Zhang Lei , Zhou Kechao
Published: January 2024

Carbon‐free aluminum electrolysis is crucial for achieving the low‐carbon development and carbon neutrality in the future aluminum industry. NiFe2O4‐based cermet is the potential candidate of inert anode, benefiting from the satisfactory corrosion resistance and high‐temperature conductivity. Herein, complex‐shaped 25(Cu–20Ni)/(NiFe2O4–10NiO) cermets were fabricated via a plastic shaping method using the polyformaldehyde (POM)‐based granular feedstock. The feedstock showed uniform microstructure with evenly dispersed powders wrapped in polymers, which exhibited shear‐thinning behavior during molding. Roles of the feedstock with different powder loadings in the morphology and bending strength of the cermets were investigated. High‐precision gear parts exhibited no deformation, a high relative density over 98%. Investigation of different powder loadings revealed that parts prepared with a 56 vol% loading demonstrate the excellent performance, and possessed an impressive flexural strength of 178.4 MPa. This achievement provided a foundation for the future utilization of complex‐shaped inert anode material components in industrial applications.
Studies on synthesis, densification, and characterization of neodymium hexaboride
Authors: Sonber Jitendra Kumar , Murthy Tammana Sree Rama Chandra , Paul Bhaskar , Majumdar Sanjib , Sairam K. , Sahoo Deepak , Singh D. K. , Bathula Vishwanadh , Kain Vivekanand
Published: January 2024

Neodymium hexaboride (NdB6) is an important rare‐earth hexaboride material that has many structural and functional applications in advanced technologies. This paper presents the results on experimental studies of synthesis, densification, microstructural characterization, and mechanical properties of NdB6. Single‐phase NdB6 powder was obtained by the carbothermic reduction of Nd2O3 and B4C at optimized conditions and charge composition. Densification of NdB6 powders was carried out by pressureless sintering and hot pressing. The highest density of 93% theoretical density (TD) was obtained at 1800°C by hot pressing for 2 h in a vacuum, whereas 79% TD was obtained by pressureless sintering at 1900°C. However, 99.9% dense NdB6 was obtained by adding a sintering aid of 5 wt.% B4C using a hot‐pressing technique at 1800°C. Microstructural characterization revealed no significant grain growth during hot pressing at 1800°C, and a dominant transgranular mode of fracture was observed in fractography. Hardness values were measured as 23.8 and 28.8 GPa, respectively, by two different techniques micro‐ and nanohardness testers. Fracture toughness and elastic modulus of hot‐pressed NdB6 sample were measured as 3.04 MPa m1/2 and 484 GPa, respectively. The flexural strength of dense NdB6 was obtained as 156 MPa by three‐point bend test.
SiC‐bonded diamond ceramics for extreme conditions in subsea applications
Authors: Kailer Andreas , Matthey Björn , Kunze Steffen , Herrmann Mathias , Tschirpke Caroline
Published: January 2024

Extremely reliable and wear‐resistant components are required for subsea pump applications. For this purpose, materials and components were developed and qualified within the framework of a joint project1, which under media lubrication with water containing particles, exhibit the highest possible wear resistance and can thus achieve the longest possible service life. The developed SiC‐bonded diamond ceramics have diamond contents of up to 60 % by volume and can be manufactured in the form of a solid material or as graded components containing diamonds only in the tribologically stressed areas. The results show that the investigated diamond‐containing ceramics are very suitable for media‐lubricated sliding bearings and mechanical seals in subsea applications. The friction values under media lubrication are very stable and independent of tribological loads. In mechanical seal application, SiC‐bonded diamond shows significantly better friction performance than the reference material SiC. An outlook is given on demonstrator tests that are currently in preparation.
Energy storage and discharge performance for (1−x)BaSrTiO3−xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 ceramics
Authors: Dai Zhonghua , Liu Chenxi , Pan Yihao , Hou Jie , Pan Yu , Zhao Xin , Liu Weiguo , Cong Yu , Gu Shuitao
Published: January 2024

Although lead‐free dielectric ceramics have been widely studied to obtain excellent dielectric properties and good energy storage properties, the primary challenge of low energy storage density has not yet been resolved. Here, we introduce the concept of crossover relaxor ferroelectrics, which represent a state intermediate between normal ferroelectrics and relaxor ferroelectrics, as a solution to address the issue of low energy density. The (1−x)BaSrTiO3−xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 (x = 0,.05, .1, .15, .2) ceramics were prepared by a solid‐state method. Remarkably, 0.85BST–0.15BZT ceramics achieved a high recoverable energy density (Wrec) of 2.18 J/cm3 under an electric field of 240 kV/cm. BST–BZT materials exhibit substantial recoverable energy density, high breakdown strength, and superior energy efficiency, positioning them as a promising alternative to meet the diverse demands of high‐power applications.
The medical cost and outcome of desensitization protocol in kidney transplantation recipients with high immunological risks
Authors: Maenosono Ryoichi , Unagami Kohei , Oki Rikako , Fujiwara Yuya , Banno Taro , Okada Daigo , Yagisawa Takafumi , Kanzawa Taichi , Hirai Toshihito , Omoto Kazuya , Hanafusa Norio , Azuma Haruhito , Takagi Toshio , Ishida Hideki
Published: January 2024

Background

Kidney transplantation is a well‐established alternative in renal replacement therapy. Compared with hemodialysis, low‐immunological‐risk kidney transplantation can reduce the medical treatment costs associated with end‐stage renal disease. However, there are few reports on whether high‐immunological‐risk kidney transplantation reduces the financial burden on governments. We investigated the medical costs of high‐immunological‐risk kidney transplantation in comparison with the cost of hemodialysis in Japan.

Methods

We compared the medical costs of high‐immunological‐risk kidney transplantation with those of hemodialysis. 15 patients who underwent crossmatch‐positive and/or donor‐specific antibody‐positive kidney transplantations between 2020 and 2021 were enrolled in this study. The patients received intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, and rituximab as desensitizing therapy.

Results

Acute antibody‐mediated rejection was detected in nine (60%) recipients, while there were no indications of graft function deterioration during the follow‐up. For each patient, the transplant hospitalization cost was 38 428 ± 8789 USD. However, the cumulative costs were 59 758 ± 10 006 USD and 79 781 ± 16 366 USD, at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Compared with hemodialysis (34 286 USD per year), high‐immunological‐risk kidney transplantation tends to be expensive in the first year, but the cost is likely to be lower than that of hemodialysis after 3 years.

Conclusions

Although kidney transplantation is initially expensive compared with hemodialysis, the medical cost becomes advantageous after 3 years even in kidney transplant recipients with high immunological risk.
Exploring the impact of oil security attention on oil volatility: A new perspective
Authors: Wang Lu , Li Shan , Liang Chao
Published: January 2024

By constructing a novel index, the oil security attention index, this paper uses the  heterogeneous autoregressi (HAR)‐type and its extended models to study whether oil security attention can predict oil volatility. Based on the definition of the different dimensions of oil security and three‐pass regression filter (TPRF) dimension reduction technology, combined with Google search volume data of 23 keywords related to oil security, the oil security attention index is constructed. Considering the potential nonlinear relationship between attention and oil volatility, we incorporate asymmetric effects in the new extended HAR‐type models. The research findings show that the oil security attention index we propose can capture the volatility of West Texas Intermediate. The out‐of‐sample results indicate that the extended models have better predictive power, which confirms the asymmetric relationship between oil security attention and oil volatility. In the robustness analysis, we compare TPRF with traditional principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS), and show that the oil security attention index constructed using TPRF has more favourable information than PCA and PLS to capture the oil security attention of the public.
Characterizing stress development and cracking of ceramic particulate coatings during drying
Authors: Moorhead Annie , Francis Lorraine F.
Published: January 2024

During drying, liquid‐applied particulate coatings develop stress and are consequently prone to stress‐induced defects, such as cracking, curling, and delamination. In this work, the stress development and cracking of coatings, prepared from aqueous silica and zinc oxide particle suspensions, were characterized using cantilever beam deflection with simultaneous imaging of the coating surface. Drying uniformity was improved and lateral or edge‐in drying was discouraged by using thin silicone walls around the perimeter of the cantilever. Coatings prepared from larger monodisperse silica particles (D50 ∼ 0.9 µm) dried uniformly but had a high critical cracking thickness (>150 µm) that prevented simultaneous study of stress development and cracking. Coatings prepared from smaller silica particles (D50 ∼ 0.3 µm) cracked readily at low thicknesses but exhibited edge‐in drying that complicated the stress measurement data. This drying nonuniformity was connected to the potential for these small particles to accumulate at the coating surface during drying. Hence, the selection of particle size and density was critical to drying uniformity when characterizing stress development and cracking. Coatings prepared from suspensions of zinc oxide particles (D50 ∼ 0.4 µm) were well‐suited for these studies, with uniform drying stress peaking at ∼1 MPa. Characteristic features in the stress development data above and below the critical cracking thickness (53 µm) were identified, demonstrating that cantilever beam deflection is a useful tool for studying the effectiveness of crack mitigation methods and the fundamentals of coating fracture during drying.
Phase transition enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption in Cs(Pb,Fe,Co,Ni,Mn)Br3‐based high‐entropy compounds
Authors: Chen Qiuling , Chen Lele , Wu Xiangyu
Published: January 2024

To address challenges such as signal interference and crosstalk, the development of novel materials with the ability of electromagnetic absorption (EMA) is imperative. In this study, the composition of the B‐site of CsPbBr3 was fixed for all samples Pb0.2Fe0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Mn0.2 with varying A/B ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. We achieved good EMA properties for the Cs1(Pb0.2Fe0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Mn0.2)3O3, including a minimum reflection loss of 75 dB at 10.2 GHz and a 2.5 mm thickness, accompanied by an exceptionally wide effective bandwidth of 8.8 GHz. X‐ray diffraction, transmittance electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc. were used to characterize the structure, morphology, and EMA‐associated properties of CsMBr3. The presence of high entropy was validated through meticulous analysis using Rietveld and grazing‐incidence wide‐angle scattering patterns. The magnetic permeability, dielectric constant, polarization, and attenuation loss were improved with a high‐entropy ratio of 3 within the 30–50 nm crystals. Notable lattice distortion within PbBr6 and phase transition within high‐entropy alloying are the driving forces behind these enhanced EMA characteristics.
Cardiac computed tomography angiography for assessment of endothelial insufficiency of left atrial appendage disc‐like occluder
Authors: Duan Zhiyong , Shi Genling , Wang Bin , Shen Yongjian , Xie Mengshi , Zhang Zhenzhou , Dai Xixi , Yao Weifeng , Liu Yunfei , Shi Hongyu
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This study was performed to explore the diagnostic value of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for endothelial insufficiency (EIS) of a left atrial appendage (LAA) disc‐like occluder.

Methods

Fifty‐nine patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who underwent placement of an LAA disc‐like occluder (LAmbre; Lifetech Scientific) in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who were found to have contrast agent entering the LAA at the 3‐month postoperative CCTA examination underwent Hounsfield unit (HU) measurement of the LAA and construction of a three‐dimensional (3D) model of the device for preliminary discernment between peri‐device leakage (PDL) and EIS. These patients were then further examined by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to check for concordance with the computed tomography (CT) findings. According to the CT and TEE results, all patients were divided into the PDL group, total endothelialization group, and EIS group. The endothelial conditions and other implantation‐related results were also tracked at the 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

All 59 patients underwent successful implantation of the LAmbre LAA closure device with no severe adverse events during the procedure. Thirty‐five patients were found to have contrast agent entering the LAA at the 3‐month postoperative CCTA follow‐up. Based on the CT HU measurement and the 3D construction analysis results, these 35 patients were divided into the PDL group (19 patients) and the EIS group (16 patients). In the PDL group, the contrast agent infiltrated from the shoulder along the periphery of the occluder on two‐dimensional (2D) CT images, and the 3D model showed a gap between the LAA and the device cover. However, the CCTA images of the other 16 patients in the EIS group showed that the contrast agent in the occluder on the 2D CTA images and 3D construction model confirmed the absence of a gap between the LAA and the device cover. TEE confirmed all of the CT results. The 6‐month follow‐up results showed that 14 of 19 patients in the EIS group achieved total endothelialization, whereas this number in the PDL group was only five of 19 patients.

Conclusion

CCTA can replace TEE for examination of the endothelialization status, and patients with EIS have a higher chance of endothelialization than patients with PDL.
The feasibility of a sleep education program for informal dementia care dyads: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Song Yeonsu , Papazyan Anna , Lee Diane , Mitchell Michael N. , McCurry Susan M. , Irwin Michael R. , Teng Edmond , Alessi Cathy A. , Martin Jennifer L.
Published: January 2024

Background

Untreated sleep problems in both persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their family care partners (CP) impact their health and quality of life. This pilot study tested a sleep intervention program for both dyad members.

Methods

Thirty dyads were randomized to a 5‐session Care2Sleep intervention (n = 15 dyads) or an information‐only control group (n = 15 dyads) delivered in‐person or by video‐telehealth by trained sleep educators. Care2Sleep is a manual‐based program, incorporating key components of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, daily light exposure and walking, and problem‐solving for dementia‐related behaviors. Adherence with Care2Sleep recommendations was assessed. Sleep outcomes included actigraphy‐measured sleep efficiency (SE) and total wake time (TWT) for dyads, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for CP. Other outcomes for CP included the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and positive aspects of caregiving (PAC). Outcomes were measured at baseline, posttreatment, and 3‐month follow‐up. A 2 (group) by 3 (time) mixed model analysis of variance tested treatment effects.

Results

Study feasibility was demonstrated, with 13 dyads completing all five sessions of Care2Sleep program and 14 completing the control condition. In the Care2Sleep group, the dyads adhered to recommended sleep schedules of 76% for bedtime and 72% for get‐up time for PLWD, and 69% for bedtime and 67% for get‐up time for CP. There were several nonsignificant trends in outcomes from baseline to 3‐month follow‐up between the two groups. For example, SE increased by 3.2% more for PLWD and 3.2% more for CP with Care2Sleep versus control. TWT decreased by 14 min more for PLWD and 12 min more for CP with Care2Sleep versus control at the 3‐month follow‐up. CP in Care2Sleep also showed improvement in the PSQI, ZBI, and PAC scores.

Conclusions

A dyadic approach to sleep improvement is feasible. Larger trials are needed to test effects of this intervention for PLWD and their family CP. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03455569.
Surrogate decision‐makers from historically marginalized populations have lower levels of preparedness for care planning
Authors: Li Lingsheng , Barnes Deborah E. , Nouri Sarah , Shi Ying , Volow Aiesha M. , Feuz Mariko , Li Brookelle H. , Sudore Rebecca L.
Published: January 2024

Background

Surrogate preparedness for medical decision‐making is an important part of care planning. This study examined preparedness and engagement among historically marginalized surrogates.

Methods

Surrogates were included if they were named medical decision‐makers by patients ≥55 years at a San Francisco safety‐net and Veterans Affairs hospital. We assessed preparedness for medical decision‐making by asking if surrogates had been formally asked to be the medical decision‐maker, if patients had discussed medical wishes with surrogates, and if the surrogate role and these medical wishes had been documented. We assessed surrogate confidence and readiness using a modified Surrogate ACP Engagement Survey. We used Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests to measure the association of engagement scores with surrogate characteristics.

Results

Of 422 surrogates, their mean age was 53 years (SD ±14.5), 73% were from minoritized groups, 38% were Spanish‐speaking, and 15% had limited health literacy. For preparedness outcomes, 13% of surrogates were not formally asked to play this role, 46% reported the patient had not discussed end‐of‐life medical wishes, and 51% reported there had been no formal documentation of the surrogate role. Surrogates reported higher confidence 4.43/5 (SD ± 0.64) than readiness 3.70 (1.22) for decision‐making (p < 0.001). Confidence and readiness scores were lower among historically marginalized participants.

Conclusion

More resources are needed to prepare surrogate decision‐makers from historically marginalized communities for discussing patient's goals of care and treatment preferences.
How Context Matters in Non‐market Strategies: Exploring Variations in Corporate Social Responsibility‐Political Activity Relationships
Authors: Winkler Dorothee Maria , Krzeminska Anna
Published: January 2024

Managing the nexus between societal and political demands represents an important challenge for today's organizations. While non‐market strategy research debates the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate political activity (CPA), it remains unclear how and why this relationship varies across different contexts. Based on a literature review, we address this question by developing a multi‐contextual framework that allows us to organize existing literature and generalize beyond it. We contribute to non‐market strategy research by conceptualizing a theoretically grounded set of single contexts covering different country and industry environments, transitional contexts considering the dynamic nature of non‐market environments, and cross‐context settings to conceptualize environments multinational and diversified domestic firms operate in, and associate those with different CSR‐CPA relationships. We further contribute to broader non‐market strategy research by shedding light on the varying meanings of CSR and CPA, exploring novel epistemological and methodological perspectives, and developing a future research agenda.
Reuterin isolated from the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri promotes periodontal tissue regeneration by inhibiting Cx43‐mediated the intercellular transmission of endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Han Nannan , Liu Yitong , Li Xiaoyan , Du Juan , Guo Lijia , Liu Yi
Published: January 2024

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of reuterin, a bioactive isolated from the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) on periodontal tissue regeneration, and provide a new strategy for periodontitis treatment in the future.

Background

Data discussing the present state of the field: Probiotics are essential for maintaining oral microecological balance. Our previous study confirmed that probiotic L. reuteri extracts could rescue the function of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and promote soft tissue wound healing by neutralizing inflammatory Porphyromonas gingivalis—LPS. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by bacteria seriously leading to tooth loss. In this study, we isolated and purified reuterin from an extract of L. reuteri to characterize from the extracts of L. reuteri to characterize its role in promoting periodontal tissue regeneration and controlling inflammation in periodontitis.

Methods

Chromatographic analysis was used to isolate and purify reuterin from an extract of L. reuteri, and HNMR was used to characterize its structure. The inflammatory cytokine TNFα was used to simulate the inflammatory environment. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were treated with TNFα and reuterin after which their effects were characterized using scratch wound cell migration assays to determine the concentration of reuterin, an experimental periodontitis model in rats was used to investigate the function of reuterin in periodontal regeneration and inflammation control in vivo. Real‐time PCR, dye transfer experiments, image analysis, alkaline phosphatase activity, Alizarin red staining, cell proliferation, RNA‐sequencing and Western Blot assays were used to detect the function of PDLSCs.

Results

In vivo, local injection of reuterin promoted periodontal tissue regeneration of experimental periodontitis in rats and reduced local inflammatory response. Moreover, we found that TNFα stimulation caused endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in PDLSCs, which resulted in decreased osteogenic differentiation. Treatment with reuterin inhibited the ER stress state of PDLSCs caused by the inflammatory environment and restored the osteogenic differentiation and cell proliferation functions of inflammatory PDLSCs. Mechanistically, we found that reuterin restored the functions of inflammatory PDLSCs by inhibiting the intercellular transmission of ER stress mediated by Cx43 in inflammatory PDLSCs and regulated osteogenic differentiation capacity.

Conclusion

Our findings identified reuterin isolated from extracts of the probiotic L. reuteri, which improves tissue regeneration and controls inflammation, thus providing a new therapeutic method for treating periodontitis.
Efficacy of ready‐to‐use food supplement for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months
Authors: Makori Nyabasi , Masanja Hope , Masumo Ray , Rashid Suleman , Jumbe Theresia , Tegeye Meshack , Esau Debora , Muiruri Juliana , Mchau Geofrey , Mafung'a Stanslaus H. , Moshi Cypriana , Shosho Neema , Kwara Vera , Mshida Hoyce , Leyna Germana
Published: January 2024

Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is a persistent public health problem in Tanzania. The current approach for its management is nutrition counselling. However, there has been no commercial production of ready‐to‐use supplementary foods for the management of MAM in the country but rather imported from companies outside the country. The objective of the study was to determine the ability of a ready‐to‐use food supplementation versus corn soya blend (CSB+) to manage MAM. The randomised controlled trial employed three parallel arm approach. The first arm received CSB+ and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) counselling, the second arm received ready‐to‐use food (RUF) and IYCF counselling and the third arm, a control group, received IYCF as standard care for three consecutive months. Results indicated that the overall proportion of children who recovered from MAM was 65.6%. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the proportion of children who recovered from MAM between the three arms (CSB+, RUF and standard care). Results revealed further a high recovery rate of 83.7% in the RUF arm, followed by 71.9% in the CSB+ arm and 41% in the standard care arm. The risk differences for RUF compared with CSB+ and standard care were 11.8% and 42.7%, respectively. RUFs can be used as an alternative supplement to conventional CSB+ for the management of MAM in children and, thus, has the potential to scale up its use to address the problem of MAM among 6 to 59 months' children.
The host Rab9a/Rab32 axis is actively recruited to the Trypanosoma cruzi parasitophorous vacuole and benefits the infection cycle
Authors: Salassa Betiana Nebaí , Cueto Juan Agustín , Vanrell María Cristina , López María Belén , Descoteaux Albert , Labriola Carlos Alberto , Romano Patricia Silvia
Published: January 2024

Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease is a protozoan parasite that infects phagocytic and non‐phagocytic mammalian cells. At early stages of infection, trypomastigotes, the infective forms of this parasite, localize in a vesicular compartment called the T. cruzi parasitophorous vacuole until the exit of parasites to the host cell cytoplasm where continue their infective cycle. Rab proteins participate in the membrane traffic's molecular machinery, functioning as central regulators of vesicle recognition and transport. In previous work, we demonstrated that endocytic Rabs are key factors of the T. cruzi infection process in non‐phagocytic cells, regulating the formation and the maturation of the vacuole. In this work, we identified and characterized other molecular components of the vesicular transport pathways and their participation in the T. cruzi infection. We found that Rab9a and Rab32, two regulators of the endocytic and autophagic pathways, were actively recruited to the T. cruzi vacuoles and favored the late stages of the infective process. The recruitment was specific and dependent on T. cruzi protein synthesis. Interestingly, Rab32 association depends on the presence of Rab9a in the vacuolar membrane, while the inhibition of the cysteine‐protease cruzipain, a T. cruzi virulence factor, significantly decreases both Rab9a and Rab32 association with the vacuole. In summary, this work showed for the first time that specific molecules produced and secreted by the parasite can subvert intracellular components of host cells to benefit the infection. These new data shed light on the complex map of interactions between T. cruzi and the host cell and introduce concepts that can be useful in finding new forms of intervention against this parasite in the future.
Infection‐specific transcriptional patterns of the maize pathogen Cochliobolus heterostrophus unravel genes involved in asexual development and virulence
Authors: Yu Huilin , Zhang Jiyue , Fan Jinyu , Jia Wantong , Lv Yanan , Pan Hongyu , Zhang Xianghui
Published: January 2024

Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB) caused by Cochliobolus heterostrophus is a destructive disease that threatens global maize (Zea mays) production. Despite many studies being conducted, very little is known about molecular processes employed by the pathogen during infection. There is a need to understand the fungal arms strategy and identify novel functional genes as targets for fungicide development. Transcriptome analysis based on RNA sequencing was carried out across conidia germination and host infection by C. heterostrophus. The present study revealed major changes in C. heterostrophus gene expression during host infection. Several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced during C. heterostrophus infection could be involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, peroxisome, energy metabolism, amino acid degradation and oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, histone acetyltransferase, secreted proteins, peroxisomal proteins, NADPH oxidase and transcription factors were selected for further functional validation. Here, we demonstrated that histone acetyltransferases (Hat2 and Rtt109), secreted proteins (Cel61A and Mep1), peroxisomal proteins (Pex11A and Pex14), NADPH oxidases (NoxA, NoxD and NoxR) and transcription factors (Crz1 and MtfA) play essential roles in C. heterostrophus conidiation, stress adaption and virulence. Taken together, our study revealed major changes in gene expression associated with C. heterostrophus infection and identified a diverse repertoire of genes critical for successful infection.
WRR4B contributes to a broad‐spectrum disease resistance against powdery mildew in Arabidopsis
Authors: Mei Shuangshuang , Song Yuxin , Zhang Zuer , Cui Haitao , Hou Shuguo , Miao Weiguo , Rong Wei
Published: January 2024

Oidium heveae HN1106, a powdery mildew (PM) that infects rubber trees, has been found to trigger disease resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana through ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (EDS1)‐, PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT 4 (PAD4)‐ and salicylic acid (SA)‐mediated signalling pathways. In this study, a typical TOLL‐INTERLEUKIN 1 RECEPTOR, NUCLEOTIDE‐BINDING, LEUCINE‐RICH REPEAT (TIR‐NB‐LRR)‐encoding gene, WHITE RUST RESISTANCE 4 (WRR4B), was identified to be required for the resistance against O. heveae in Arabidopsis. The expression of WRR4B was upregulated by O. heveae inoculation, and WRR4B positively regulated the expression of genes involved in SA biosynthesis, such as EDS1, PAD4, ICS1 (ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE 1), SARD1 (SYSTEMIC‐ACQUIRED RESISTANCE DEFICIENT 1) and CBP60g (CALMODULIN‐BINDING PROTEIN 60 G). Furthermore, WRR4B triggered self‐amplification, suggesting that WRR4B mediated plant resistance through taking part in the SA‐based positive feedback loop. In addition, WRR4B induced an EDS1‐dependent hypersensitive response in Nicotiana benthamiana and contributed to disease resistance against three other PM species: Podosphaera xanthii, Erysiphe quercicola and Erysiphe neolycopersici, indicating that WRR4B is a broad‐spectrum disease resistance gene against PMs.
A natural substitution of a conserved amino acid in eIF4E confers resistance against multiple potyviruses
Authors: Zhou Ling‐Xi , Tian Yan‐Ping , Ren Li‐Li , Yan Zhi‐Yong , Jiang Jun , Shi Qing‐Hua , Geng Chao , Li Xiang‐Dong
Published: January 2024

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), which plays a pivotal role in initiating translation in eukaryotic organisms, is often hijacked by the viral genome‐linked protein to facilitate the infection of potyviruses. In this study, we found that the naturally occurring amino acid substitution D71G in eIF4E is widely present in potyvirus‐resistant watermelon accessions and disrupts the interaction between watermelon eIF4E and viral genome‐linked protein of papaya ringspot virus‐watermelon strain, zucchini yellow mosaic virus or watermelon mosaic virus. Multiple sequence alignment and protein modelling showed that the amino acid residue D71 located in the cap‐binding pocket of eIF4E is strictly conserved in many plant species. The mutation D71G in watermelon eIF4E conferred resistance against papaya ringspot virus‐watermelon strain and zucchini yellow mosaic virus, and the equivalent mutation D55G in tobacco eIF4E conferred resistance to potato virus Y. Therefore, our finding provides a potential precise target for breeding plants resistant to multiple potyviruses.
Optical coherence tomography: Promising imaging technique for the diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases
Authors: Chen Xu‐Ya , Zhou Gang , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2024

Objective

This review aims to summarize the latest application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in oral mucosal diseases, promoting an accurate and earlier diagnosis of such disorders, which are difficult to be differentiated.

Subjective and Methods

References on the application of OCT in oral mucosal diseases were mainly obtained from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus databases, using the keywords: “optical coherence tomography and ‘oral mucosa/oral cancers/oral potentially malignant diseases/oral lichen planus/oral leukoplakia/oral erythroplakia/discoid lupus erythematosus/oral autoimmune bullous diseases/oral ulcers/erythema multiforme/oral mucositis’”.

Results

It is found that OCT is showing a promising application potential in the early detection, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, monitoring of oral cancer and oral dysplastic lesions, as well as the delineation of tumor margins. OCT is also playing an increasingly important role in the diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorders, oral mucosal bullous diseases, oral ulcerative diseases, erythema multiforme, and the early detection of oral mucositis.

Conclusion

Optical coherence tomography, as a novel optical technique featured by real‐time, noninvasive, dynamic and high‐resolution imaging, is of great use to serve as an adjunct tool for the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, monitoring and therapy evaluation of oral mucosal diseases.
A hidden herbivory effect on Sphagnum reproduction
Authors: Chen Y.‐D. , Liu C. , Moles A. , Jassey V. E. J. , Bu Z.‐J.
Published: January 2024

Defence theories provide predictions about trade‐offs in the allocation of resources to defence and growth. However, very little is known about how pressure from herbivores influences the allocation of resources during reproduction.

Two common peatland bryophyte species, Sphagnum angustifolium and S. capillifolium, were chosen as study species. Vegetative and reproductive shoots of both Sphagnum species were subjected to treatments with and without herbivores in a lab experiment. After 4 weeks of exposure to herbivores in a growth chamber, we measured biomass production, net photosynthesis rate, defence traits (phenolics in leachate and phenolics in extract), nonstructural carbohydrates (soluble sugar and starch), and reproductive traits (capsule number, weight and diameter, and spore germination) of both Sphagnum species.

Reproductive shoots had higher constitutive defence than vegetative shoots in S. angustifolium, and a similar pattern was observed in S. capillifolium. With herbivory, reproductive shoots showed stronger induced defence (released more phenolics) than vegetative shoots in S. capillifolium, but not in S. angustifolium. Herbivory had no effect on capsule number, weight, or diameter, but reduced spore germination percentage by more than half in both species.

Our study highlights the hidden effects of herbivory on reproduction of Sphagnum and indicates the presence of maternal effects in bryophytes. Ecologists will benefit from examining both quality‐ and quantity‐based traits when attempting to estimate the herbivory effect on plant fitness.
Evaluating long‐term introduction success of the Florida scrub endemic Crotalaria avonensis (Fabaceae) using a decade of demographic data
Authors: David Aaron S. , Naccarato Andrea M. , Smith Stacy A. , Peterson Cheryl L. , Pence Valerie C. , Crate Sarah J.H. , Koontz Stephanie M. , Dole Haley E. , Menges Eric S.
Published: January 2024

Introductions are a critical tool in the recovery of many imperiled species, yet adequate evaluation and development of best practices has lagged. Importantly, long‐term post‐introduction data are typically lacking, as well as suitable comparisons to wild populations to provide a baseline against which to assess performance. Here, we report on three experimental introductions of Crotalaria avonensis (Fabaceae), a federally endangered perennial herb that is narrowly endemic to scrub of the Lake Wales Ridge in peninsular Florida, U.S.A. We synthesize 10 years of post‐introduction monitoring at both the introduced and a nearby, protected wild population to (1) develop best practices for conservation, and (2) evaluate the success of the introduction. First, our study identified best practices that included using transplants propagated from stem cuttings, as well as several factors that may increase seed germination such as habitat choice, seed burial, and litter addition. Second, during the 10 years following the introduction, population density in the introduced population was higher than in a nearby protected, wild population, and a comparison of vital rates revealed that this result was due to relatively high clonal and seedling recruitment rates in the introduced population. Furthermore, the source population, which occurred on unprotected lands, precipitously declined during this time period, further highlighting the importance of safeguarding plants from that population. We report that a new, growing population of C. avonensis has been established to date, with important implications for the species' conservation as well as how introductions are evaluated.
Activation of neutrophils excels the therapeutic potential of Mycobacterium indicus pranii and heat‐induced promastigotes against antimony‐resistant Leishmania donovani infection
Authors: Roy Kamalika , Ghosh Sanhita , Karan Mintu , Karmakar Suman , Nath Supriya , Das Bedanta , Paul Sharmistha , Mandal Pritam , Ray Monalisa , Das Mousumi , Mukherjee Soumyadip , Dey Somaditya , Pal Chiranjib
Published: January 2024

Repurposing drugs and adjuvants is an attractive choice of present therapy that reduces the substantial costs, chances of failure, and systemic toxicity. Mycobacterium indicus pranii was originally developed as a leprosy vaccine but later has been found effective against Leishmania donovani infection. To extend our earlier study, here we reported the immunotherapeutic modulation of the splenic and circulatory neutrophils in favour of hosts as neutrophils actually serve as the pro‐parasitic portable shelter to extend the Leishmania infection specifically during the early entry into the hosts' circulation. We targeted to disrupt this early pro‐parasitic incidence by the therapeutic combination of M. indicus pranii and heat‐induced promastigotes against antimony‐resistant L. donovani infection. The combination therapy induced the functional expansion of CD11b+Ly6CintLy6Ghi neutrophils both in the post‐infected spleen, and also in the circulation of post‐treated animals followed by the immediate Leishmania infection. More importantly, the enhanced expression of MHC‐II, phagocytic uptake of the parasites by the circulatory neutrophils as well as the oxidative burst were induced that limited the chances of the very early establishment of the infection. The enhanced expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, like IL‐1α and TNF‐α indicated resistance to the parasite‐mediated takeover of the neutrophils, as these cytokines are critical for the activation of T cell‐mediated immunity and host‐protective responses. Additionally, the induction of essential transcription factors and cytokines for early granulocytic lineage commitment suggests that the strategy not only contributed to the peripheral activation of the neutrophils but also promoted granulopoiesis in the bone marrow.
The novel HLA‐A*11:01:124 allele was identified in a Chinese individual
Authors: Hao Qing , Wang Yuelan , Ren Zhixiang , Xu Heng , Zhang Yan
Published: January 2024

The HLA‐A*11:01:124 allele differs from HLA‐A*11:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution, (C > T) position 459 in exon 3.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*24:02:154 allele in a Chinese individual
Authors: Luo Chen , Ji Xin , Wang Jue
Published: January 2024

HLA‐A*24:02:154 has one nucleotide change compared with HLA‐A*24:02:01:01 in codon 113 of exon 3 (TAC > TAT).