bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio-inspired mineralization collagen induce fibrocartilage regeneration after tendon-bone injury by activating Gli1+Dkk3+ progenitor cells
Authors: Zhang Tao , Lei Tingyun , Han Jie , Zhang Ru , Shen Weiliang , Liu Yi , Liao Youguo , Zhao Yanyan , Zhang Xianzhu , Yan Ruojin , He Qiulin , Chen Yangwu , Pan Haihua , Hongwei Ouyang , Wang Lingting , Yin Wei , Yin Zi , Xiao Chen
Published: September 2023

A fibrocartilaginous connection between the tendon and bone, plays a critical role in transferring force from muscle to bone to enable joint movement. However, due to the high mechanical stress it experiences, the enthesis is vulnerable to injury and incapable of regenerating. The spatial relationship and functional basis of the principal components of the fibrocartilage - mineral and collagen - have not been clearly elucidated, which is a significant remaining gap in reconstructing complex architectures for promoting interface tissue regeneration. Here, using three-dimensional electron tomography imaging and high-resolution two-dimensional electron microscopy, we discover that mineral particles form a continuous cross-fibrillar phase within the fibrocartilage region. By developing a “floating mineralization” system, we fabricate a three-layer hydrogel that mimics the hierarchical nano- to micro-scale structure of tendon-bone interface (TBI). The middle layer is noteworthy for its resemblance to the nanostructure of fibrocartilage and its superior ability to induce mineralized fibrochondrogenesisin vitro. Based on motor function analysis, imaging diagnosis, histological staining, immunofluorescence staining, and biomechanics performance, we demonstrate that in situ transplantation of the gradient hydrogel achieved tendon-fibrocartilage-bone synchronous regeneration and result in 68% maximum mechanical recovery at 8-week postoperation. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis reveals that a unique atlas of in situ stem/progenitor cells is generated during the TBI healingin vivo. Notably, the bio-inspired hydrogel microenvironment drived endogenous Gli1+Dkk3+progenitor cells, playing a key role in TBI regeneration. Therefore, we have successfully decoded and reconstructed the nanostructure of fibrocartilage, which has great potential in TBI regeneration.
Graph-Dynamo: Learning stochastic cellular state transition dynamics from single cell data
Authors: Zhang Yan , Qiu Xiaojie , Ni Ke , Weissman Jonathan , Bahar Ivet , Xing Jianhua
Published: September 2023

Modeling cellular processes in the framework of dynamical systems theories is a focused area in systems and mathematical biology, but a bottleneck to extend the efforts to genome-wide modeling is lack of quantitative data to constrain model parameters. With advances of single cell techniques, learning dynamical information from high throughput snapshot single cell data emerges as an exciting direction in single cell studies. Our previously developed dynamo framework reconstructs generally nonlinear genome-wide gene regulation relations from single cell expression state and either splicing- or metabolic labeling-based RNA velocity data. In this work, we first developed a graph-based machine learning procedure that imposes a mathematical constraint that the RNA velocity vectors lie in the tangent space of the low-dimensional manifold formed by the single cell expression data. Unlike a popular cosine correlation kernel used in literature, this tangent space projection (TSP) preserves the magnitude information of a vector when one transforms between different representations of the data manifold. Next, we formulated a data-driven graph Fokker-Planck (FPE) equation formalism that models the full cellular state transition dynamics as a convection-diffusion process on a data-formed graph network. The formalism is invariant under representation transformation and preserves the topological and dynamical properties of the system dynamics. Numerical tests on synthetic data and experimental scRNA-seq data demonstrate that the graph TSP/FPE formalism built from snapshot single cell data can recapitulate system dynamics.

Significance Statement

A cell is a dynamical system, which responds to extracellular and intracellular cues and changes its internal state. In practice the internal state of a cell is often characterized by its gene expression profile such as its transcriptome measured through destructive single cell techniques. Just like one can use Newton’s equations to describe motions of the celestial bodies in the solar system, the state change of a cell in principle can also be described by a set of mathematical equations. Determining the form and associated parameters of such equations, however, is challenging. This work presented a general framework of reconstructing dynamical equations from snapshot single cell data.
Longitudinal study ofChlamydia pecorumin a healthy Swiss cattle population
Authors: Loehrer Samuel , Hagenbuch Fabian , Marti Hanna , Pesch Theresa , Hässig Michael , Borel Nicole
Published: September 2023

Chlamydia pecorumis a globally endemic livestock pathogen but prevalence data from Switzerland has so far been limited. The present longitudinal study aimed to get an insight into theC. pecorumprevalence in Swiss cattle and investigated infection dynamics. The study population consisted of a bovine herd (n = 308) located on a farm in the north-eastern part of Switzerland. The herd comprised dairy cows, beef cattle and calves all sampled up to five times over a one-year period. At each sampling timepoint, rectal and conjunctival swabs were collected resulting in 782 samples per localization (total n = 1564).Chlamydiaceaescreening was performed initially, followed byC. pecorum-specific real-time qPCR on all samples. ForC. pecorum-positive samples, bacterial loads were determined. During this study,C. pecorumwas the only chlamydial species found. Animal prevalences included 5.2%-11.4%, 38.1%-61.5% and 55%-100% in dairy cows, beef cattle and calves, respectively. In all categories, the number ofC. pecorum-positive samples was higher in conjunctival (n = 151) compared to rectal samples (n = 65), however, the average rectal load was higher. At a younger age, the chlamydial prevalence and the mean bacterial loads were significantly higher. Of all sampled bovines, only 9.4% (29/308) were high shedders (number of copies per µl >1000). Calves, which tested positive multiple times, either failed to eliminate the pathogen between sampling timepoints or were reinfected, whereas dairy cows were mostly only positive at one timepoint. In conclusion,C. pecorumwas found in healthy Swiss cattle. Our observations suggested that infection takes place at an early age and immunity might develop over time. Although the gastrointestinal tract is supposed to be the main infection site,C. pecorumwas not present in rectal samples from dairy cows.
Class A capsid assembly modulator apoptotic elimination of hepatocytes with high HBV core antigen level in vivo is dependent on de novo core protein translation
Authors: Berke Jan Martin , Tan Ying , Sauviller Sarah , Wu Dai-tze , Zhang Ke , Conceição-Neto Nádia , Moreno Alfonso Blázquez , Kong Desheng , Kukolj George , Li Chris , Zhu Ren , Nájera Isabel , Pauwels Frederik
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

Capsid assembly (CA) is a critical step in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) life cycle, mediated by the viral core protein. CA is the target for various new anti-viral candidate therapeutics known as capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) of which the CAM-aberrant (CAM-A) class induces aberrant shaped core protein structures and lead to hepatocyte cell death. The aim of the studies was to identify the mechanism of action of the CAM-A modulators leading to HBV infected hepatocyte elimination.

Methods

The CAM-A mediated mechanism of HBsAg reduction was evaluated in vitro in a stable HBV replicating cell line and in vivo in AAV-HBV transduced C57BL/6, C57BL/6 SCID and HBV-infected chimeric mice with humanized livers.

Results

In vivo treatment with CAM-A modulators induced pronounced reductions in HBe- and HBsAg which were associated with a transient increase in ALT. Both HBs- and HBeAg reduction and ALT increase were delayed in C57BL/6 SCID and chimeric mice, suggesting that adaptive immune responses may indirectly contribute to this phenotype. However, depletion of CD8+ T-cells in transduced wild-type mice did not have a negative impact on antigen reduction, indicating that CD8+ T-cell responses are not essential.

Coinciding with the transient ALT elevation in AAV-HBV transduced mice, we observed a transient increase in markers related to endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis as well as cytokines related to apoptosis pathways, followed by the detection of a proliferation marker. Pathway enrichment analysis of microarray data revealed that antigen presentation pathway (MHC-I) was upregulated, overlapping with observed apoptosis. Combination treatment with HBV-specific siRNA demonstrated that CAM-A mediated HBsAg reduction is dependent on de novo core protein translation and that the effect is dependent on high levels of core protein expression, which will likely focus the CHB sub-population that could respond.

Conclusion

CAM-A treatment eradicates HBV infected hepatocytes with high core protein levels through the induction of apoptosis a promising approach as part of a regimen to achieve functional cure.

Lay summary

Treatment with hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid assembly modulators that induce the formation of aberrant HBV core protein structures (CAM-A) leads to programmed cell death, apoptosis, of HBV-infected hepatocytes and subsequent reduction of HBV antigens, which differentiates CAM-A from other CAMs. The effect is dependent on thede novosynthesis and high levels of core protein.
ATE1 activates ER-stress and UPR pathways in glioblastoma
Authors: Macedo-da-Silva Janaina , Oba-Shinjo Sueli Mieko , Rosa-Fernandes Lívia , Soares Roseli da Silva , Lerario Antonio Marcondes , Moretti Isabele Fattoti , Laurentino Talita de Sousa , Cintra Ricardo Cesar , Marie Suely Kazue Nagahashi , Palmisano Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

Post-translational modifications (PTM) have been recognized as a relevant regulation of key processes in cancer pathophysiology, such as cell migration, adhesion, and proliferation. N-terminal protein arginylation is an emerging PTM involved in tumor progression; however, the mechanisms by which this modification influences these events are poorly understood and vary according to cancer type. Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive intra-axial brain tumor associated with poor prognosis, low survival, and high recurrence rate. We performed a study combiningin silico,in vitro, and patients samples analysis to understand the impact of N-terminal protein arginylation in GBM, including overexpression and silencing ofATE1in GBM-U87MG cell line with RNASeq analysis, immunofluorescence, and validation of the identified targets at the protein level by immunoblotting. The arginylation pattern differed in GBM compared with non-neoplastic brain tissues, and upregulation of ATE1 was associated with increased tumor cell proliferation. We identified a strong activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway associated with increased ATE1 level, inducing autophagy and not apoptosis. Protein arginylation in GBM proved to be an important mechanism for tumor growth, with the recycling of cell substrates by autophagy, providing fitness for tumor cells. The expressions of the main markers of UPR and autophagy pathways were validated in human GBM samples, reinforcing the role of ATE1 in the most aggressive brain tumor.
Predicting Chinese stock prices using convertible bond: an evidence-based neural network approach
Authors: Maneejuk Paravee , Zou Binxiong , Yamaka Woraphon
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether the inclusion of convertible bond prices as important inputs into artificial neural networks can lead to improved accuracy in predicting Chinese stock prices. This novel approach aims to uncover the latent potential inherent in convertible bond dynamics, ultimately resulting in enhanced precision when forecasting stock prices.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed two machine learning models, namely the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) model and the extreme learning machine neural networks (ELMNN) model, on empirical Chinese financial time series data.

Findings

The results showed that the convertible bond price had a strong predictive power for low-market-value stocks but not for high-market-value stocks. The BPNN algorithm performed better than the ELMNN algorithm in predicting stock prices using the convertible bond price as an input indicator for low-market-value stocks. In contrast, ELMNN showed a significant decrease in prediction accuracy when the convertible bond price was added.

Originality/value

This study represents the initial endeavor to integrate convertible bond data into both the BPNN model and the ELMNN model for the purpose of predicting Chinese stock prices.
Choosing Cloud hosting for a Growing and Dynamic Organization: A Case of Fortis Healthcare
Authors: Verma Sanjay
Published: September 2023

The case deals with a chain of hospitals, that has grown vary fast in last few years as a result of various acquisitions and new developments. The hospital chain is lagging behind in use of technology. The IT department is inward looking and the focus is more on provide support services rather than strategic orientation. A new CIO takes charge of the IT department and decides to transform IT from playing a support to strategic role. He identifies cloud computing as a tool to take the leap. The case provides an opportunity to discuss the type of service and deployment models of benefits of cloud technology. A rough data to do financial evaluation of cloud technology is presented. Evaluation parameters that may be used to decide on cloud versus in-house technology are also discussed.
Activity-based working and their impact on organisational culture – employees’ perspectives
Authors: Nanayakkara Kusal , Wilkinson Sara Jane , Halvitigala Dulani
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how the existing organisational culture of organisations changed with the introduction of activity-based working (ABW) office layouts from the employees’ perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was used to measure the influence of introducing ABW. The study focused on three different industry sectors in Australia – financial, IT and government – and one organisation from each sector who had introduced ABW during the period of 2012–2019 was selected. The Competing Value Framework was used to measure the dimensions of organisational culture. A paired sample test was used to measure the changes in employees’ perceptions after the layout changes.

Findings

Findings identify that the nature of workplace designs has a considerable impact on an organisation’s corporate culture which can be used to leverage and change its culture. However, some noticeable discrepancy between the perceptions of public and private sector employees was identified, where public sector employees felt that standardised procedures still governed their actions even in ABW layouts.

Originality/value

This research highlights that workplace designs directly influence culture by supporting the engagement, motivation and behaviours of the employees. It emphasises the importance of in-depth examination of the behavioural and attitudinal characteristics of employees to obtain a better understanding of how they interact in ABW layouts. Such an analysis provides the context for a more inclusive understanding of the operation of modern office layouts.
Entrepreneurship in and around academia: evidence from Russia
Authors: Chepurenko Alexander Yulievich , Butryumova Nadezhda Nikolaevna , Chernysheva Marina Vyacheslavovna , Sutormina Anastasia Yevgenyevna
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper deals with types and actors of entrepreneurship in and around academia in Russia, as well as with institutional settings of the entrepreneurial activity of academic faculty.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a series of semi-structured interviews using the purposive snowball method (2022–2023). The respondents are either engaged in different kinds of entrepreneurship in and outside universities in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod or experts in entrepreneurship in and around academia.

Findings

A double mixed embeddedness driven approach to the typology of diverse forms of entrepreneurship in and around academia are shown in the context of the temporality as well as of the micro-, meso- and macro-level institutions, such as the low demand in innovations in the economy; uncertainty of property rights; limited interest of university administration in academic entrepreneurs or its focus solely on students' entrepreneurship; and necessity entrepreneurship motives on the micro-level. The research limitations of the study are the small number of observations and the localisation of the panel in only one country.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitations of the study are the small number of observations and the localisation of the panel in only one country.

Practical implications

The “Special Military Operation” and its consequences would hinder bottom-up academic entrepreneurship in the country, while pushing universities to launch R&D with the big industry, and forcing many faculties to non-academic entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

For the first time, the broad variety of entrepreneurial activities of academic staff including the specifics of non-classical forms of entrepreneurship in and around academia and their embeddedness into different contexts are discussed.
Tracking transparency: an exploratory review of Florida academic library privacy policies
Authors: Mann Emily Zoe , Jacobs Stephanie A. , Kinsley Kirsten M. , Spears Laura I.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Building on past studies of library privacy policies, this review looks at how privacy information is shared at universities and colleges in the state of Florida. Beyond the question of whether a library-specific privacy policy exists, this review evaluates what is covered in the policies – whether topics such as how student data is stored, retained, de-identified and disposed of are broached in the statements, and whether specific data sets covering instruction, reference and surveillance are mentioned. The purpose of this study is to open the door to directed exploration into student awareness of privacy policies and spark conversation about positionality of libraries regarding privacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This review was done using a cross-sectional study design through observation of public-facing library privacy policies of higher education institutions in Florida.

Findings

Findings include that the majority of Florida academic libraries do not have a public-facing privacy policy. Only 15 out of the 70 schools reviewed had one. A large portion of those came from doctoral universities with associate’s colleges having none, and baccalaureate/associate’s colleges having only two. The policies that were in place tended to be institution-centered rather than patron-centered. Most categories of listed data collected were in the area of collections, website or computer usage.

Originality/value

The value of this review is that it adds to the literature studying privacy policies in academic libraries. Going forward, this research could address statewide practice in privacy policies as well as helping to lay pathways for working with students and other library patrons to gauge their interests and concerns about privacy.
International retiree migration and housing markets. Evidence from Spain
Authors: Taltavull de La Paz Paloma , Gibler Karen Martin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Large numbers of Northern European retirees have migrated to Southern European countries. A relevant part of this migration is not driven by work purposes but rather the desire to establish residence in a warmer country. These migrants come from different countries and exhibit diverse socioeconomic characteristics and preferences, including varying income levels, housing tastes and cultural habits, which could potentially influence the housing market in their host countries. This paper aims to examine the permanent impact of retiree migrant flows on house prices in Alicante, Spain, from 1988 to 2019, explicitly considering the impact related to the country of origin.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the permanent impact of retiree migrant flows on house prices in Alicante, Spain, from 1988 to 2019, explicitly considering the impact related to the country of origin using panel cointegration – Dynamic Ordinary Least Squared (DOLS) models.

Findings

Results indicate that the long-term relationship captures the entire effect on house price change and that prices react immediately to the immigrants' presence with permanent effects. The results also suggest that the strong retiree migration flow created a shock in the housing market with different effects on house prices related to the immigrants' country of origin. The model identifies that when income growth in the origin country is slower than in Spain it has a major impact on house prices. When purchasing capacity is larger in Alicante than in the origin country it exerts a stronger effect on housing prices. Retiree migration flow has permanent effect on housing market prices.

Practical implications

Results indicate several ways to act on social and housing policies in specific cities in Alicante province, as well as in the origin countries, to alleviate potential disadvantages faced by expatriate retirees.

Originality/value

This paper finds evidence of the specific impact of international retiree migrants on the hosting housing market. This study is the first paper that can estimate the specific effect on housing prices from a flow of retiree migrants by country of origin.
SMEs internationalisation process: from success to insolvency, from rebirth to re-internationalisation
Authors: Martins Rui , Farinha Luis , Ferreira João J.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to obtain insights based on empirical evidence that identify the key drivers and obstacles that lead companies to (re)/enter markets and distinguish the different paths SMEs take. This also provides deeper insights into internationalisation, success, failure and the potential for the re-internationalisation of the SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a qualitative research methodology based on six case studies and with recourse to semi-structured interviews with the senior managers of exporting SMEs.

Findings

The results report that SMEs with major investments deployed in their internationalisation processes, through recourse to high levels of bank financing, in association with the COVID-19 pandemic period, were not able to successfully overcome the process of internationalisation and culminating in their own bankruptcies.

Originality/value

This study shows how, despite such failures, the attractiveness and reputation of the brand, supported by the strategic vision and perseverance of new investors (entrepreneurs), enabled the rebirth of the brands and opening the door to their re-entering international markets.
Association of lactate dehydrogenase and diabetic retinopathy in US adults with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yang Ping , Xu Weiwei , Liu Ling , Yang Gangyi
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The purpose of our investigation is to evaluate the level of relationship between lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in adults with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

The investigation involved an analysis of five sectional data cycles acquired from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2018. The present study involved the selection of DM samples from a complex multistage probability sample. These samples were subsequently classified into two distinct groups, namely the No DR (NDR) and DR groups. The present study comprehensively investigated the biological and social risk factors associated with DR. The biological factors examined in this investigation included blood pressure, blood routine, hemoglobin A1c, blood glucose, and comorbidities. The social dimensions encompass education and sex.

Results

After considering all factors, multivariate regression models indicated a significant relationship between DR and increased LDH (adjusted odds ratio = 1.007, 95% confidence interval: 1.003–1.011). The subgroup analysis revealed that the effect size of LDH on the existence of DR in the subgroups remained consistent, as indicated by all p values greater than .05. A statistically significant relationship was identified between elevated LDH levels > 134 U/L and a raised risk of DR in people with DM.

Conclusion

LDH concentrations were connected with an increased prevalence of DR in participants with DM. Our study highlights that patients with LDH > 134 U/L are distinguishably related to DM complicated by DR. DR is more common in diabetic individuals with coronary heart disease.
Inter‐city collaboration: Why and how cities work, learn and advocate together
Authors: Robb Katharine A. , LaPointe Michelle , Hemsing Kathryn , Anderson Grant , Anderson James , de Jong Jorrit
Published: September 2023

City governments are at the forefront of public problem‐solving. As they deliver services to residents and work to tackle complex social challenges, they often coordinate and communicate with each other. Against the backdrop of globalisation and urbanisation, which have been documented and analysed widely, the phenomenon of inter‐city collaboration (ICC) has remained understudied. In this article, we examine existing and emergent patterns of how and why cities collaborate. We conducted a desk review of ICCs in 64 US cities. We interviewed city leaders in US and international cities (N = 13) and leaders of ICCs (N = 20). We also surveyed leaders from 47 US cities. Through our analysis, we put forth an analytical framework of ICCs, describing the forms they take and the value they deliver. We identify various forms of value ICCs produce for cities and examine under what conditions they are likely to be effective. While not all collaborations are successful, ICCs have the potential to generate substantial benefits through mutual learning, economies of scale and the power of collective action. Intentional design and management of ICCs can make them effective platforms of ‘horizontal governance’ and solving collective action problems.
Canopy architecture and diurnal CO2 uptake in male and female clones of yerba‐mate cultivated in monoculture and agroforestry
Authors: Rakocevic Miroslava , Batista Eunice Reis , Matsunaga Fabio Takeshi , Wendling Ivar , Marcheafave Gustavo Galo , Bruns Roy Eduard , Scarminio Ieda Spacino , Ribeiro Rafael Vasconcelos
Published: September 2023

Secondary sexual dimorphism (SSD) in flowering plants is expressed by sexual differences of characters that are not directly related to gamete production. The leaf C/N ratio, photosynthetic traits or clonal responses have never been studied in relation to SSD in yerba‐mate. It was hypothesized that leaf and plant photosynthesis are higher in female than in male individuals because females must supply photoassimilates to compensate for the additional reproductive investments of SSD in biomass. Here, we investigated how two contrasting light environments (monoculture—MO and agroforestry—AFS) and plant genders change leaf and plant photosynthesis, plant architecture, leaf and branch biomass production and C and N investments of two male and two female clones. To model the 3D yerba‐mate structure, virtual trees were constructed using measurements of plant morphology using VPlant modelling software. The light‐response curves of leaf CO2 assimilation were used to model instantaneous leaf and daily plant photosynthesis. Photosynthetic traits derived from light‐response curves did not differ between MO and AFS. Some architectural traits were segregated sexually only in MO, while some physiological ones only in AFS. Leaf photosynthesis was higher in females than in males in AFS over a large part of the diurnal cycle, but SSD was not expressed in carbon gains at plant or daily scales. Leaf C/N ratio was higher in MO than in AFS, indicating MO as an ecosystem with higher degree of environmental degradation. Female clones had leaves with lower C/N ratio than males in both systems, relating to higher leaf photosynthesis on an area basis in females. SSD expressed in leaf photosynthesis over a large part of the diurnal cycle in AFS was not observed in carbon gains at plant or daily scales, indicating that the integration of physiology and architecture equalized the gender specificities. The insensitivity of photosynthetic traits derived from light‐response curves indicated acclimation of yerba‐mate leaves to a wide range of incoming light.
Spinal anaesthesia versus general anaesthesia (SAGA) on recovery after hip and knee arthroplasty: A study protocol for three randomized, single‐blinded, multi‐centre, clinical trials
Authors: Jensen Christian Bredgaard , Gromov Kirill , Foss Nicolai Bang , Kehlet Henrik , Pleckaitiene Lina , Varnum Claus , Troelsen Anders
Published: September 2023

Mobilisation difficulties, due to muscle weakness, and urinary retention are common reasons for prolonged admission following hip and knee arthroplasty procedures. Whether spinal anaesthesia is detrimental to early mobilisation is controversial. Previous studies have reported differences in post‐operative recovery between spinal anaesthesia and general anaesthesia; however, up‐to‐date comparisons in fast‐track setups are needed. Our randomized, single‐blinded, multi‐centre, clinical trials aim to compare the post‐operative recovery after total hip (THA), total knee (TKA), and unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKA) respectively when using either spinal anaesthesia (SA) or general anaesthesia (GA) in a fast‐track setup. Included patients (74 THA, 74 TKA, and 74 UKA patients) are randomized (1:1) to receive either SA (2 mL 0.5% Bupivacaine) or GA (Induction: Propofol 1.0–2.0 mg/kg iv with Remifentanil 3–5 mcg/kg iv. Infusion: Propofol 3–5 mg/kg/h and Remifentanil 0.5 mcg/kg/min iv). Patients undergo standard primary unilateral hip and knee arthroplasty procedures in an optimized fast‐track setup with intraoperative local infiltrative analgesia in TKA and UKA, post‐operative multimodal opioid sparing analgesia, immediate mobilisation with full weightbearing, no drains and in‐hospital only thromboprophylaxis. Data will be collected on the day of surgery and until patients are discharged. The primary outcome is the ability to be safely mobilised during a 5‐m walking test within 6 h of surgery. Secondary outcomes include fulfilment of discharge criteria, post‐operative pain, dizziness, and nausea as well as patient reported recovery and opioid related side effects. Data will also be gathered on all hospital contacts within 30‐days of surgery. This study will offer insights into advantages and disadvantages of anaesthetic methods used in fast‐track arthroplasty surgery.
Drug consumption rooms are effective to reduce at‐risk practices associated with HIV/HCV infections among people who inject drugs: Results from the COSINUS cohort study
Authors: Lalanne Laurence , Roux Perrine , Donadille Cécile , Briand Madrid Laelia , Célerier Isabelle , Chauvin Carole , Hamelin Naomi , Kervran Charlotte , Maradan Gwenaëlle , Auriacombe Marc , Jauffret‐Roustide Marie ,   the COSINUS Study Group
Published: September 2023

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of drug consumption rooms (DCRs) in France on injection equipment‐sharing, while the secondary aims focused upon their impact on access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and opioid agonist treatment (OAT).

Design

The COhort to identify Structural and INdividual factors associated with drug USe (COSINUS cohort) was a 12‐month longitudinal study of 665 people who inject drugs (PWID), conducted in Bordeaux, Marseille, Paris and Strasbourg. We used data from face‐to‐face interviews at enrolment and at 6‐month and 12‐month visits.

Setting and participants

The participants were recruited in harm reduction programmes in Bordeaux and Marseille and in DCRs in Strasbourg and Paris. Participants were aged more than 18 years, French‐speaking and had injected substances the month before enrolment.

Measurements

We measured the impact of DCR exposure on injection equipment sharing, HCV testing and the use of medications for opioid use disorder, after adjustment for significant correlates. We used a two‐step Heckman mixed‐effects probit model, which allowed us to take into account the correlation of repeated measures and to control for potential bias due to non‐randomization between the two groups (DCR‐exposed versus DCR‐unexposed participants).

Findings

The difference of declared injection equipment sharing between PWID exposed to DCRs versus non‐exposed was 10% (1% for those exposed versus 11% for those non‐exposed, marginal effect = −0.10; 95% confidence interval = −0.18, −0.03); there was no impact of DCRs on HCV testing and OAT.

Conclusions

In the French context, drug consumption rooms appear to have a positive impact on at‐risk practices for infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus.
Mandibular condylar fractures: a 5‐year retrospective analysis comparing open versus closed reduction
Authors: Thean David , Chang Frank
Published: September 2023

Background

Mandibular fractures are common facial fractures, and contemporary management of mandibular condylar fractures is controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients who sustained a mandibular condylar fracture between 2016 and 2020, who were managed by either open or closed techniques. The outcomes of this study were: post‐operative facial nerve function, occlusion, and maximal mouth opening.

Methods

This study is a retrospective multicentre cohort study which assessed clinical records for 246 patients with mandibular condyle fractures in three hospitals in Perth, Western Australia. The primary outcome measure was changes in post‐operative facial nerve function.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐two patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and 114 patients had closed management. The overall rate of temporary facial nerve injury following ORIF was 3.28%. The overall rate of permanent facial nerve injury was 0.82%. Sialocoele occurred in 2.46% of all patients who underwent ORIF. 6.14% of patients had persisting malocclusion across both groups. There was a statistically significant association between the degree of fragment shortening and facial nerve injury (P = 0.0063), with more facial nerve changes in the group with 5 mm or greater of fragment shortening.

Conclusions

There is still significant debate over the management of mandibular condylar injuries. This study demonstrates a similar rate of temporary and permanent facial nerve injury as previously described, as well as a similar rate of sialocoele occurrence. Further prospective studies may provide clarity about important characteristics that will help guide decision making for mandibular condylar fractures.
Collaborative leadership in transplantation: Blending clinical, business, and regulatory roles
Authors: Crespo Maria M. , Samra Manpreet , Korsun Angelina , Butler Laura , Byford Hannah , Tietjen Andrea , Stillion Laura , Ohler Linda , Mehta Shikha
Published: September 2023

Transplantation is a high‐risk, high‐cost treatment for end‐stage diseases and is the most strictly regulated area of healthcare in the United States. Thus, achieving success for patients and the program requires skillful and collaborative leadership. Various factors, such as outcomes, volume, and financial health, may measure the success of a transplant program. Strong collaboration between clinical and administrative leaders is key to achieving and maintaining success in those three categories. Clinical leaders of adult programs, such as medical and surgical directors, bear the primary responsibility for a program's volume, outcomes, and patient safety, while administrative directors are focused on business intelligence and regulatory compliance. This paper aims to provide readers with insights into the critical role of collaborative leadership in running a successful program, with a focus on clinical, business, and regulatory perspectives.
Apocrine carcinoma with marked sebocyte‐like cytological features: A report of two cases
Authors: Sasaki‐Saito Natsuko , Goto Keisuke , Aoki Megumi , Nishihara Katsuhiko , Hiraki Tsubasa , Yoshikawa Shusuke , Matsushita Shigeto
Published: September 2023

Apocrine carcinoma cases with sebaceous differentiation have not been reported and can be misdiagnosed as sebaceous carcinoma. We present two cases of apocrine carcinoma with marked sebocyte‐like cytological features. Tumors were observed in the left axilla of a 68‐year‐old man (Case 1) and the right axilla of a 72‐year‐old man (Case 2). Both patients presented with multiple lymph node metastases. Histopathology revealed densely distributed solid nests of tumor cells containing foamy cytoplasm and enlarged round nuclei with prominent nucleoli. The tumor cells diffusely expressed adipophilin, PRAME (cytoplasmic pattern), androgen receptor, BerEP4, and GCDFP15 but did not express p63 in both cases. PIK3CA E726K and H1047R mutations were detected in Cases 1 and 2, respectively. Tumor location in the axilla, the presence of eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, prominent nucleoli, and PIK3CA mutations, immunoreactivity for BerEP4 and GCDFP15, and lack of p63 immunoexpression findings matched apocrine carcinoma characteristics, but not sebaceous carcinoma. Thus, apocrine carcinoma can demonstrate intracytoplasmic lipid accumulation and rarely exhibit sebocyte‐like cytological features. Apocrine carcinoma should be distinguished from sebaceous carcinoma due to the former's higher metastatic potential and lack of association with Muir–Torre syndrome.
Incorporating smell into children's museums: Insights from a case study in Norway
Authors: Ingebretsen Kucirkova Natalia , Gausel Elisabeth Stray
Published: September 2023

We report on how we integrated smell into the classic children's story ‘The Three Little Pigs’ to enhance a public children's museum exhibition. The study employed Wenger's (1998) social theory of learning as its conceptual framework. It aimed to enhance children's sensory experience in a local Norwegian museum through a collaboration between academia and the industry. We used five abstract smells that were included in five wooden boxes and strategically placed around an adventure trail inside the museum (science factory). In this article, we reflect on the exhibition choices and findings, and recommendations for future children's exhibitions combining odors and narrative.
Effect of open windows on airborne contamination and its topographical distribution in the dental operatory
Authors: Collins James R. , Rodríguez Nathaly , Soto Silvia , Ionescu Andrei C. , Brambilla Eugenio , Garcia‐Godoy Franklin
Published: September 2023

Aerosols produced by dental handpieces represent a permanent risk of disease transmission in the dental environment. The current study evaluated the effects of natural ventilation (open windows) on Streptococcus mutans airborne contamination by dental handpieces in simulated clinical conditions. A dental phantom was placed on a dental chair at a standard university dental clinic operatory. An S. mutans suspension was infused into the phantom's mouth while an operator performed standardized dental procedures using low (contra‐angle) and high speed (turbine) dental handpieces or an ultrasonic scaler, with windows open or closed. Selective medium Petri dishes were placed in 18 sites of the operatory environment to evaluate contamination topographically. Sites were clustered as: wall, floor, ceiling, dental chair, and cabinet. Contamination was expressed as log10CFU/cm2. A linear mixed model analysis was used, nesting the sites within each ventilation and handpiece combination. Open windows significantly reduced contamination. The high‐speed handpiece provided the highest contamination, followed by the ultrasonic scaler and the low‐speed handpiece. Contamination values were much smaller at the ceiling, and much larger at the chair. Opening windows produced more homogeneous contamination of the operatory compared to closed windows. Natural ventilation during dental procedures decreases contamination and affects its topographical distribution.
A novel de novo HCN2 loss‐of‐function variant causing developmental and epileptic encephalopathy treated with a ketogenic diet
Authors: DiFrancesco Jacopo C. , Ragona Francesca , Murano Carmen , Frosio Anthony , Melgari Dario , Binda Anna , Calamaio Serena , Prevostini Rachele , Mauri Mario , Canafoglia Laura , Castellotti Barbara , Messina Giuliana , Gellera Cinzia , Previtali Roberto , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Milanesi Raffaella , Barbuti Andrea , Solazzi Roberta , Freri Elena , Granata Tiziana , Rivolta Ilaria
Published: September 2023

Missense variants of hyperpolarization‐activated, cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) ion channels cause variable phenotypes, ranging from mild generalized epilepsy to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Although variants of HCN1 are an established cause of DEE, those of HCN2 have been reported in generalized epilepsies. Here we describe the first case of DEE caused by the novel de novo heterozygous missense variant c.1379G>A (p.G460D) of HCN2. Functional characterization in transfected HEK293 cells and neonatal rat cortical neurons revealed that HCN2 p.G460D currents were strongly reduced compared to wild‐type, consistent with a dominant negative loss‐of‐function effect. Immunofluorescence staining showed that mutant channels are retained within the cell and do not reach the membrane. Moreover, mutant HCN2 also affect HCN1 channels, by reducing the Ih current expressed by the HCN1‐HCN2 heteromers. Due to the persistence of frequent seizures despite pharmacological polytherapy, the patient was treated with a ketogenic diet, with a significant and long‐lasting reduction of episodes. In vitro experiments conducted in a ketogenic environment demonstrated that the clinical improvement observed with this dietary regimen was not mediated by a direct action on HCN2 activity. These results expand the clinical spectrum related to HCN2 channelopathies, further broadening our understanding of the pathogenesis of DEE.
The Responsibility of the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe for Society Today
Authors: Gangloff‐Parmentier Elisabeth
Published: September 2023

This article explores the potential of the 1973 Leuenberg Agreement – which resulted in the creation of the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE) – for the work and witness of churches in Europe today. Recalling its 50th anniversary not only celebrates the agreement, but also encourages the development of a European‐wide community. Until now, Reformation theology could rely on the fact that Christian influence still had a living role within European culture. Today, however, churches must shape the message of their public mission not only to be heard, but also to win over fellow human beings. Churches need to have a “prophetic” influence and thus engage in advocacy for justice and democracy. This article explores how the CPCE can place its Reformation potential at the service of the peoples of Europe, based on solidarity, commitment, unity, representation, and trust.
Cracking of a functionally graded coating due to sliding contact with heat generation
Authors: Balci Mehmet N. , Dag Serkan , Yildirim Bora
Published: September 2023

In this work, the thermal contact problem of a rigid flat punch sliding over functionally graded material (FGM) coating with a surface crack is investigated. The surface of a homogeneous isotropic substrate is ideally coated by FGM. The coefficient of friction on the contact surface is assumed to be constant, and dry Coulomb friction law is applied. The major purpose of this study is to compute the stress intensity factors at the tip of a surface crack under thermomechanical loading. In this perspective, the thermoelastic contact and the surface crack problems are modeled using finite element method. An iterative solution procedure based on finite elements is developed to solve the contact/crack problem until generated frictional heat reach the steady‐state condition. Obtained results are compared to those available in the open literature, and a good agreement is observed. Presented results involve stress intensity factors computed under various thermoelastic sliding conditions.
Delivery of gene therapy in haemophilia treatment centres in the United States: Practical aspects of preparedness and implementation
Authors: Pipe Steven , Douglas Kayla , Hwang Nina , Young Guy , Patel Priya , Fogarty Patrick
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs) and healthcare providers (HCPs) will need to adapt to a new treatment paradigm with the emergence of adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐based gene therapy for the treatment of haemophilia in adults.

Aim

This review examines the upcoming patient and institutional journeys, along with practical aspects of preparedness for clinical delivery of gene therapy by HTCs.

Methods

Based on our clinical experience and examination of published literature, we explored the parallel journeys for patients and treatment centres to navigate before, during, and after administration of gene therapy.

Results

The patient journey includes: information gathering; decision making; comprehensive patient assessment; preparation for the infusion itself; short‐ and long‐term monitoring; lifestyle modifications; and the possible need for immunosuppressive treatment. Informed decision‐making may require patient education with extensive discussions and an understanding that not all people with haemophilia will choose or be eligible for gene therapy, although eligibility criteria continue to evolve. The institutional journey includes: consideration of biosafety procedures; planning for product procurement, handling, storage, and administration; development of detailed protocols and guidance documents; contingency planning for immunosuppressive and haemostatic management; consideration of clinical capabilities and staff training needs; coordination of efforts by the full multidisciplinary team; and collaboration between referring, dosing, and follow‐up treatment centres. Documented protocols and guidance documents are pivotal for this complex therapy to ensure safe handling, optimal delivery, and post‐infusion management and follow‐up.

Conclusion

Successful implementation of this new treatment modality will require communication and collaboration among multiple stakeholders.