bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different phenotypes with different endings—Telomere biology disorders and cancer predisposition with long telomeres
Authors: Savage Sharon A. , Bertuch Alison A. ,   Team Telomere and the Clinical Care Consortium for Telomere‐Associated Ailments (CCCTAA)
Published: October 2024

Rare germline pathogenic variants (GPVs) in genes essential in telomere length maintenance and function have been implicated in two broad classes of human disease. The telomere biology disorders (TBDs) are a spectrum of life‐threatening conditions, including bone marrow failure, liver and lung disease, cancer and other complications caused by GPVs in telomere maintenance genes that result in short and/or dysfunctional telomeres and reduced cellular replicative capacity. In contrast, cancer predisposition with long telomeres (CPLT) is a disorder associated with elevated risk of a variety of cancers, primarily melanoma, thyroid cancer, sarcoma, glioma and lymphoproliferative neoplasms caused by GPVs in shelterin complex genes that lead to excessive telomere elongation and increased cellular replicative capacity. While telomeres are at the root of both disorders, the term TBD is used to convey the clinical phenotypes driven by critically short or otherwise dysfunctional telomeres and their biological consequences.
Mining, Racialisation and the Utopia of Desedimentation in Pedro Castera's Geological Writings
Authors: Quintana Navarrete Jorge
Published: October 2024

This article examines the close interrelation between racialisation and mining in Pedro Castera's Las minas y los mineros (1882) and Los maduros (1882). Castera's writings critically render mining as a profit‐driven extractive practice that relies on the stratification of inorganic and organic matter across racial lines. Minerals and racialised bodies are conceptualised as inert matter endowed with valued properties in the service of resource extraction. Simultaneously, Castera's ‘El Tildío’ conjures the utopian possibility of destabilising the racial stratification that upholds extractive colonialism and its legacies in the nineteenth century.
Incomplete barriers to heterospecific mating among Somatochlora species (Odonata: Corduliidae) as revealed in multi‐gene phylogenies
Authors: Hernandez Jordy , Cognato Anthony I.
Published: October 2024

Mating between species occurs within many insect orders. The result of heterospecific mating depends upon the effectiveness of pre‐ and post‐reproductive barriers. Incomplete reproductive barriers lead to introgression of DNA into one species or both. Intricate genital morphology among dragonflies provides little assurance of species specificity given that heterospecific mating or mating attempts have been observed among many species. The genetic consequence is unknown for many heterospecific matings. For example, Somatochlora species mating and genetic exchange have been hypothesized based on observational records and individuals with hybrid morphology. We investigate the potential of heterospecific mating between North American Somatochlora species as inferred from multi‐gene phylogenies. We used mitochondrial genes (COI and ND3) and nuclear genes (EF1‐α and ITS2) to construct phylogenies using maximum parsimony. Observation of non‐monophyletic mtDNA lineages but monophyletic nDNA lineages between Somatochlora sister‐species would indicate mtDNA introgression and suggest heterospecific matings. Our results highlighted three instances of non‐monophyly of mtDNA clades in the following groups: (i) S. hineana + S. tenebrosa; (ii) S. kennedyi + S. forcipata + S. franklini; and (iii) S. calverti + S. provocans + S. filosa. Analysis of partitioned Bremer support indicates that mtDNA COI largely contributed to the non‐monophyly of these species, thus suggesting mtDNA introgression resulting from heterospecific matings. Additionally, the topology resulting from the combined data analysis was concordant with previous taxonomic understanding of Somatochlora species groups. These multi‐gene phylogenies of North American Somatochlora are the first, providing a foundation for future ecological and evolution studies and knowledge for effective decision‐making and public policy, which is especially important for the endangered species, S. hineana.
Conceptual model for assessing a science–policy–management framework for threat mitigation
Authors: Le Breton Tom , Lyons Mitchell , Ignacio Bettina , Auld Tony D. , Ooi Mark
Published: October 2024

Fire regimes are changing globally, leading to an increased need for management interventions to protect human lives and interests, potentially conflicting with biodiversity conservation. We conceptualized 5 major aspects of the process required to address threats to flora and used this conceptual model to examine and identify areas for improvement. We focused on threat identification, policy design, and action implementation. We illustrated the application of the conceptual model through a case study in southeastern Australia, where policies have been designed to prevent hazard reduction burns from exposing threatened flora to high‐frequency fire (HFF). We examined whether threatened species have been accurately identified as threatened by HFF, species were accounted for in key policies, and implementation of the policy reduced the incidence of HFF for target species. Species were mostly identified accurately as being threatened by HFF, and, broadly, the policy effectively minimized the threat from HFF. However, 96 species did not have HFF identified as a threat, and another 36 were missing from the policy entirely. Outcomes regarding the reduction of threat from HFF since policy introduction were species specific, despite an average increase in fire interval of 2 years. Despite the policy, over half (55%) the species studied have been affected by HFF since the policy was introduced. Although relatively minor improvements could optimize threat identification and policy design, the mixed success of action implementation highlights limitations that warrant further investigation. Our conceptual model enabled us to make clear and targeted recommendations for how different aspects of the policy could be improved and where further work is needed. We propose the conceptual model can be useful in a variety of contexts.
A ZO‐2 scaffolding mechanism regulates the Hippo signalling pathway
Authors: Liu Olivia Xuan , Lin Lester Bocheng , Bunk Soumya , Chew Tiweng , Wu Selwin K. , Motegi Fumio , Low Boon Chuan
Published: October 2024

Contact inhibition of proliferation is a critical cell density control mechanism governed by the Hippo signalling pathway. The biochemical signalling underlying cell density‐dependent cues regulating Hippo signalling and its downstream effectors, YAP, remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal that the tight junction protein ZO‐2 is required for the contact‐mediated inhibition of proliferation. We additionally determined that the well‐established molecular players of this process, namely Hippo kinase LATS1 and YAP, are regulated by ZO‐2 and that the scaffolding function of ZO‐2 promotes the interaction with and phosphorylation of YAP by LATS1. Mechanistically, YAP is phosphorylated when ZO‐2 brings LATS1 and YAP together via its SH3 and PDZ domains, respectively, subsequently leading to the cytoplasmic retention and inactivation of YAP. In conclusion, we demonstrate that ZO‐2 maintains Hippo signalling pathway activation by promoting the stability of LATS1 to inactivate YAP.
Employee demographic diversity and firm performance
Authors: Frijns Bart , Garel Alexandre , Liao Shushu
Published: October 2024

This article examines the relationship between employee demographic diversity and firm performance measured by future stock returns for a large sample of US public companies. We use novel demographic data extracted from employees' online profiles and resumes and focus on three key aspects of employee demographic diversity: age, gender, and ethnicity. We find no evidence supportive of an outperformance associated with greater employee‐diverse companies, neither using portfolio‐sorting approaches nor cross‐sectional and panel regressions. We also find no significant associations between employee demographic diversity and ROE, gross profit, and labor productivity.
Regional Factors Affecting Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass Recruitment in Midwestern USA Reservoirs
Authors: Radigan William J. , Whitten Harris Andrya L. , Miazga James R. , Newkirk Braxton , Gebhard Amy , Bailey Paul , Fopma Seth
Published: October 2024

Regional factors correlated with recruitment of black bass (largemouth bass; Micropterus nigricans and smallmouth bass; Micropterus dolomieu), two important fishes, are rarely studied, despite the importance of recruitment variation in influencing fish populations. We sought to identify factors that drove variation in age‐0 and age‐1 black bass abundance. Age‐0 or age‐1 black bass catch per unit effort (CPUE) in reservoirs in Kansas and Illinois, USA, was positively correlated with local short‐term (i.e., mean April precipitation) environmental variables. In contrast, age‐0 or age‐1 black bass CPUE was generally negatively correlated with long‐term environmental variables and river regulation metrics (i.e., reservoir elevation) in the Mississippi and Missouri river reservoirs. Our findings highlight that consideration of spatiotemporal scale is important when managing black bass populations.
A multi‐national survey‐based evaluation of undergraduate/predoctoral endodontic education
Authors: Nagendrababu Venkateshbabu , Gopinath Vellore Kannan , Nassar Mohannad , Narasimhan Srinivasan , Abbott Paul V. , Duncan Henry F.
Published: October 2024

Aim

To evaluate the current status of endodontic education and assessment at an undergraduate/predoctoral level in dental schools worldwide.

Methodology

The current survey comprised a 50‐item online questionnaire related to undergraduate endodontic education. The project leaders emailed the survey's details to faculty members responsible for endodontic teaching at one dental school in every country to seek their willingness to participate in the survey. After the faculty members accepted, the survey details were sent to participants along with the survey link. Simple descriptive statistics were used to represent the data.

Results

Amongst the 44 faculty members from different countries who agreed to participate, 36 completed the survey. Endodontic training starts in 50% of dental schools from the third year of the curriculum. Each dental school employs a diverse range of educational methods. During pre‐clinical training, 19.4% of the participating dental schools used only natural teeth. Stainless‐steel hand instruments, syringe irrigation with a needle, resin‐based sealer and the cold lateral compaction technique are the most frequently used in pre‐clinical and clinical training. A significant percentage of dental institutions necessitate that students treat a predetermined quantity of canals or teeth throughout their pre‐clinical and clinical education. Dental institutions conduct formative, summative or a combination of the formative and summative throughout the clinical and pre‐clinical phases of endodontic training.

Conclusions

According to the data collected from this survey, there are considerable variations in the curriculum for undergraduate/predoctoral endodontic programmes amongst the surveyed dental schools. Pre‐clinical and clinical education should integrate a larger array of modern tools and procedures.
Effects of Task Complexity and L2 Proficiency on Functional Adequacy in L2 Writing
Authors: Li Shaopeng , Wang Zehao , Ge Xianru
Published: October 2024

This study examined how task complexity and second language (L2) proficiency impact functional adequacy (FA) among Chinese university English learners. Eighty‐nine Chinese undergraduate students from two first‐year and two third‐year classes participated in the study. Each participant completed two timed argumentative writing tasks with varying degrees of task complexity manipulated by altering the number of argument elements and reasoning demands, drawing upon the cognition hypothesis. The task‐complexity manipulations were validated by post‐task questionnaires and expert judgments. Learners’ productions were assessed by two experts using the FA rating scale. Results showed as task complexity increased, there was a significant decrease in scores across all four dimensions of FA. Additionally, a positive effect of L2 proficiency was observed on scores in two dimensions of FA, that is, comprehensibility and coherence and cohesion. However, this was not the case for content and task requirements. Importantly, the analysis revealed a significant interaction effect between task complexity and L2 proficiency, indicating that the impact of task complexity on FA varied depending on the learners’ proficiency levels. Specifically, higher proficiency learners demonstrated greater adaptability to complex tasks compared to their lower proficiency counterparts. These findings highlight the significance of manipulating task complexity and considering learners’ L2 proficiency in teaching L2 writing to enhance learners’ FA performance.
Language Teacher Agency and Identity in Internationalized Higher Education: An Ecological Perspective
Authors: Kang Hyun‐Sook
Published: October 2024

Substantial literature has focused on language teacher agency and identity in relation to learners in classrooms. Relatively little research exists regarding the nature of language teacher identity shaped by contextual factors brought on by the internationalization of education. To address the gap in the literature, this study explored how student teachers in a TESOL program negotiate their language teacher agency and identity in the ecosystems of an internationalized institution of higher education while contributing to different ESL programs. While pursuing an MA degree in TESOL with a teaching opportunity at an Intensive English program for non‐matriculating students or an ESL service program for pathway program students at a US university, seven student teachers participated in semi‐structured interviews, which were triangulated with the student teachers’ portfolios of lesson plans and reflection papers. The analysis demonstrated the student teachers’ agentic beliefs, choices, and practices in relation to contextual factors in the nested ecosystems of internationalized higher education, such as international students’ needs in the microsystem, training opportunities in the mesosystem, institutional policy and practice in the exosystem, and broad cultural norms in relation to language education in the macrosystem.
Variant reclassification over time decreases the level of diagnostic uncertainty in monogenic obesity: Experience from two centres
Authors: Morandi Anita , Fornari Elena , Corradi Massimiliano , Umano Giuseppina Rosaria , Olivieri Francesca , Piona Claudia , Maguolo Alice , Panzeri Carola , Emiliani Federica , Cirillo Grazia , Cavarzere Paolo , Miraglia Del Giudice Emanuele , Maffeis Claudio
Published: October 2024

Background

The diagnosis of monogenic obesity is burdened by frequent variants of uncertain significance (VUS). We describe our real‐life approach of variant reassessment over time and we assess whether inconclusive variants are decreasing in monogenic obesity.

Methods

We tested for monogenic obesity (genes: LEPR, POMC, ADCY3, PCSK1, CARTPT, SIM1, MRAP2, LEP, NTRK2, BDNF, KSR2, MAGEL2, SH2B1, MC4R, MC3R) in 101 children/adolescents (11.7 [7.3–13.7] years, 3.6 [3.3–4.0] z‐BMI) in Verona and 183 (11.3 [8.4–12.2] years, 3.2 [2.7–3.9] z‐BMI) in Naples from January 2020 to February 2023. In March–July 2024 we reassessed the baseline variants by updated software interpretation and literature renavigation.

Results

We initially found 20 VUS, 4 Likely Pathogenic (LP), 5 Likely Benign (LB) and 1 benign variant in 33 individuals. At follow‐up, 6 VUS were reclassified as benign/LB, one LP as pathogenic and 3 LB as benign. Overall, 10/30 variants (6/18 in Verona, 3/11 in Naples and a variant found in both centres) were reclassified, leading to a less uncertain report for 13 of 33 variant‐carrying patients. Monogenic obesity was diagnosed in 3 probands in Verona and 4 in Naples, carrying variants at MC4R or NTRK2.

Conclusion

Our variant reassessment was effective to improve classification certainty for the 39% of patients and suggested that the molecular diagnosis of monogenic obesity is becoming more accurate over time.
Medicine Access Programmes: what do patients think – a patient‐reported outcome study on ribociclib in metastatic breast cancer in Australia
Authors: Yap Natasha , Wong Vanessa , Morton Catherine , de Boer Richard , Baron‐Hay Sally , Blum Robert , Forster Benjamin , Chua Susan , Clarke Kerrie , Cuff Katharine , Green Michael , Lim Elgene , Mok Kelly , Nott Louise , Nottage Michelle , Tafreshi Ali , Tsoi Daphne , Uccellini Anthony , Gibbs Peter , Lok Sheau Wen
Published: October 2024

This study evaluated patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) of Medicine Access Programmes (MAPs) for Australian metastatic breast cancer patients on ribociclib. Limited patient awareness of MAP enrolment was identified, emphasising the need for improved education and consent processes. Most patients expressed gratitude for accessing non‐funded medications and perceived enhanced medication adherence as a key benefit. Integrating PRO data with real‐world registry data provides comprehensive insight for future MAP development.
Soft Tissue Changes at the Pontic Sites of Cantilever Zirconia Ceramic Resin‐Bonded Fixed Dental Protheses in the Esthetic Zone: A Clinical Observational Study
Authors: Türp Lisa , Schlothauer Theresia , Yazigi Christine , Kern Matthias
Published: October 2024

Objective

Data on the stability of soft tissues at pontic sites of resin‐bonded fixed dental protheses (RBFDP) are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate soft tissue changes at pontic sites of cantilever zirconia ceramic RBFDPs with and without surgical pretreatment after different follow‐up periods in the esthetic zone.

Materials and Methods

Impressions were taken after the insertion of the restorations and an intraoral scan was performed at follow‐up examinations. Dental casts were digitalized and superimposed with the follow‐up scan. Vertical and horizontal soft tissue changes were measured buccally and lingually at mucosal margin at the central cross‐section of each pontic, and for horizontal change at 1 and 2 mm below. One‐way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis test were performed to analyze the collected data.

Results

A total of 36 pontic sites with (n = 7) and without surgical pretreatment (n = 29) were evaluated at a follow‐up period of either > 4, > 6, or > 10 years (n = 12). The follow‐up period had no significant effect on the tissue change. Surgical pretreatment showed significantly higher tissue loss at 2 mm below the lingual mucosal margin than for sites without surgical pretreatment.

Conclusions

Soft tissues at pontic sites remained stable with a tissue gain at the mucosal margin up to 10 years.

Clinical Significance

Based on the findings of this study, cantilever resin‐bonded fixed dental protheses provide excellent functional and esthetic outcomes with preservation of soft tissues in the edentulous area of single missing incisors and a gingival sulcus‐like tissue growth at the mucosal margin forming an emergence profile at pontic sites similar to that of a natural tooth.
A road map to manual segmentation of cerebral structures
Authors: Darrault Fanny , Dannhoff Guillaume , Chauvel Maëlig , Delmaire Théo , Louchez Simon , Poupon Cyril , Uszynski Ivy , Destrieux Christophe , Maldonado Igor Lima , Andersson Frédéric
Published: October 2024

Manual segmentation is an essential tool in the researcher's technical arsenal. It is a frequent practice necessary for image analysis in many protocols, especially in neuroimaging and comparative brain anatomy. In the framework of emergence of studies focusing on alternative animal models, manual segmentation procedures play a critical role. Nevertheless, this critical task is often assigned to students, a process that, unfortunately, tends to be time‐consuming and repetitive. Well‐conducted and well‐described segmentation procedures can potentially guide novice and even expert operators and enhance research works' internal and external validity, making it possible to harmonize studies and facilitate data sharing. Furthermore, recent advances in neuroimaging, such as ex vivo imaging or ultra‐high‐field MRI, enable new acquisition modalities and the identification of minute structures that are barely visible with typical approaches. In this context of increasingly detailed and multimodal brain studies, reflecting on methodology is relevant and necessary. Because it is crucial to implement good practices in manual segmentation per se but also in the description of the segmentation procedures in research papers, we propose a general roadmap for optimizing the technique, its process and the reporting of manual segmentation. For each of them, the relevant elements of the literature have been collected and cited. The article is accompanied by a checklist that the reader can use to verify that the critical steps are being followed.
A novel method to detect carotid artery in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Luo Yuding , Gu Gangfeng , Li Yan , Zheng Bo , Ren Fanzhou , Wang Junqiu , Chen Chuanli , Chen Zhao , Zhang Yingqian , Zhao Bangcheng , Yang Jian , Wang Jian
Published: October 2024

Background and Purpose

Carotid artery stenosis is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. Despite carotid artery stenting, in‐stent restenosis (ISR) remains challenging. Pigs serve as an ideal ISR model. This study aims to establish a novel porcine model of carotid ISR using open‐loop and closed‐loop stents and to assess ISR with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histopathology, comparing incidence and vascular response between stent types.

Methods

Twelve adult male Bama miniature pigs underwent carotid stenting with either open‐loop or closed‐loop stents. The animals received antiplatelet therapy pre‐ and postimplantation. Postimplantation evaluations at 90 days included carotid digital subtraction angiography (DSA), OCT, histopathological examination, and electron microscopy.

Results

Both stent types showed ISR as detected by OCT and DSA. OCT revealed comparable neointimal proliferation within stent struts for both types, with no significant differences in stent, lumen, and neointimal dimensions. Histopathological analysis and electron microscopy provided insights into tissue responses and healing processes following stent implantation. No significant difference in ISR incidence was found between the stent types based on a χ2 test (p = .110). OCT and hematoxylin‐eosin staining exhibit the highest consistency in evaluating neointimal area.

Conclusions

The novel porcine ISR model demonstrated similar ISR outcomes for open‐loop and closed‐loop stents. OCT proved to be a highly consistent and valuable tool for evaluating stent and arterial conditions, comparable to histopathological findings. However, due to a small sample size, the validity of these preliminary findings requires further investigation to be confirmed.
Preclinical Evaluation of a Poly (Lactic Acid/Caprolactone) Bilayer Membrane and a Carbonate Apatite for Periodontal Regeneration: A Canine One‐Wall Intrabony Defect Model
Authors: Yamaki Daichi , Fukuba Shunsuke , Okada Munehiro , Takeuchi Shunsuke , Hoshi Shu , Schmidlin Patrick R. , Iwata Takanori
Published: October 2024

Aims

This preclinical study aimed to evaluate the periodontal tissue regenerative capacities of poly (lactic acid/caprolactone) (PLCL) bilayer membrane in one‐wall intrabony defects in dogs. No study has assessed the efficacy of PLCL bilayer membrane for periodontal regeneration therapy despite the fact that PLCL bilayer membrane has proved efficient for bone regeneration.

Methods

In five beagle dogs, the bilateral mandibular second and fourth premolars were extracted 8 weeks before the experimental surgery. Standardized bone defects (5 mm in height and 6 mm in width) were surgically created on the mesial and distal roots of the bilateral third premolars in the mandible. The test groups were set up as follows: (i) carbonate apatite (CO3Ap) + PLCL, (ii) CO3Ap, (iii) xenograft (DBBM) + collagen membrane (CM), and (iv) DBBM. The control group was left empty. Radiological, histologic and histomorphometric characteristics were compared 8 weeks after surgery.

Results

No infectious complications were detected at any of the tested sites. The test groups exhibited a greater height and volume of the newly formed bone than the control group. They also showed a greater height of the newly formed cementum than the control group. However, the results were not statistically significant. The newly formed periodontal ligaments were inserted into newly formed bone and cementum in the test groups.

Conclusion

The combined use of PLCL bilayer membrane and CO3Ap demonstrated comparable performance for periodontal tissue regeneration in one‐wall intrabony defects compared to conventional therapies.
(MIS)measuring cognitive load and arousal in deception: A multitrait–multimethod analysis
Authors: Lahay Ryan , Leach Amy‐May , Cutler Brian L. , Woolridge Lyndsay R. , Elliott Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Cognitive load and arousal are cornerstones of many deception detection strategies and theories; in turn, their effective measurement is critical. However, fundamental criteria for establishing the quality and accuracy of measures have largely been overlooked. In this study, we examined the reliability and construct validity of common cognitive load and arousal measures.

Method

We obtained three independent secondary datasets in which participants (N = 238) had lied or told the truth about witnessing a suspicious event. Using a multitrait–multimethod analysis, we assessed three measures of their cognitive load and arousal: participants' self‐reports, trained coders' observations, and objective behaviours.

Results

Although all measures were reliable, they achieved differing levels of validation. Specifically, measures of cognitive load showed evidence of convergent validity, but not discriminant validity. There was no empirical support for the construct validity of arousal measures.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that inconsistencies in the diagnosticity of cues to deception and theory support may be attributable to the measures employed. Researchers may not be assessing constructs of interest, particularly in the case of arousal.
EQUAL ABPA Score 2024: A Tool to Measure Guideline Adherence for Managing Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Sehgal Inderpaul Singh , Muthu Valliappan , Seidel Danila , Sprute Rosanne , Armstrong‐James Darius , Asano Koichiro , Chalmers James D. , Gangneux Jean‐Pierre , Godet Cendrine , Salzer Helmut J. F. , Cornely Oliver A. , Agarwal Ritesh
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex lung disease associated with significant morbidity. The ABPA Working Group (AWG) of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) revised their management guidelines in 2024, but there is currently no standardised tool to assess adherence to these recommendations.

Methods

We extracted key recommendations from the updated 2024 ISHAM‐AWG guidelines, focusing on critical areas: screening and diagnosis of ABPA, managing acute and treatment‐dependent ABPA, and monitoring treatment response. Each item was assigned a score ranging from zero to three. We assigned negative scores to interventions not recommended by the guidelines.

Results

We identified 38 items indicative of optimal clinical care for patients with ABPA. The score for screening asthmatics for ABPA was set at three points. For diagnosing ABPA, 16 items were included, with a score ranging from 12 to 16 points, depending on the specific components used (predisposing conditions, serum A. fumigatus‐specific IgE and IgG, serum total IgE, blood eosinophil count and chest computed tomography). The management of acute ABPA comprised 11 items, with a maximum score of three points. For treatment‐dependent ABPA, there were nine items (scores ranging from −3 to 6). Follow‐up care comprised 10 items with a maximum score of 10–13 points, covering imaging, spirometry, testing serum total IgE levels and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Conclusions

The EQUAL ABPA score has been developed as a comprehensive tool to quantify guideline adherence. Future studies will evaluate to which extent guideline adherence is associated with improved clinical outcomes for patients with ABPA.
Postoperative ileus—Immune mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions
Authors: Wang Zheng , Stakenborg Nathalie , Boeckxstaens Guy
Published: October 2024

Background

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a condition marked by a temporary suppression of gastrointestinal motility following abdominal surgery. The mechanism of POI encompasses various factors and is characterized by two phases: the early neurogenic phase involving both adrenergic and non‐adrenergic neural pathways; the later immune‐mediated phase is characterized by a sterile inflammatory response that lasts several days. Activation of muscularis macrophages triggers a sterile inflammatory process that results in dysfunction of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and a reversible inhibition of gastrointestinal motility.

Purpose

In this minireview, recent insights in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying POI and potential new therapeutic strategies are described.
Job Stress Can Lead to Intestinal Inflammation and Subsequent Gut‐Originated Extraoral Halitosis
Authors: Gu Xiao Xia , Jia Hui Jie , Qian Xiao Xian
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Reports on stress‐associated halitosis are scarce and have only focused on intraoral halitosis. This work aimed to study stress‐associated extraoral halitosis (EOH) and further investigate its potential association with stress‐induced intestinal inflammation.

Methods

This retrospective study included 664 white‐collar employees with self‐reported stress‐associated halitosis. They underwent the organoleptic score (OLS) to assess halitosis, modified Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) score to assess job stress, OralChroma breath test to measure volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in breath, and hydrogen/methane breath test (HMBT) and nitric oxide breath test (NOBT) to detect intestinal inflammation. They were classified into high‐stress and low‐stress groups based on their modified BJSQ score.

Results

Totally, 106 eligible patients were identified as having stress‐associated EOH, and 61 of them had high stress. Additionally, 70 (66.04%) and 73 (68.87%) of them tested positive for HMB and NOBT, respectively. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) was found to be the predominant VSC in breath. High‐stress patients had significantly higher positivity rates for HMBT and NOBT, OLS, and exhaled DMS levels compared to low‐stress patients. HMBT‐positive patients and NOBT‐positive patients had significantly higher OLS and exhaled DMS levels compared to their respective negative counterparts.

Conclusions

Job stress can lead to intestinal inflammation and subsequent gut‐originated EOH.
How Does Representational Mind‐Mindedness Translate Into Observable Parenting Behaviors Among Parents of Six‐Year‐Olds?
Authors: Svane Riikka Pauliina , Væver Mette Skovgaard , Højen Anders , Bleses Dorthe , Pedersen Ida Egmose
Published: October 2024

Mind‐Mindedness reflects parents' capacity to treat their child as an individual with a mind of their own. Research is lacking on how Representational Mind‐Mindedness (RMM) translates into observable parenting behaviours beyond infancy. The present study examined how RMM was associated with parents' Acknowledging Behaviour (AB) and use of Mental State Talk (MST), and whether these associations were moderated by parents' educational level. The sample consisted of 133 Danish parents and their 6‐year‐old children, who were observed engaging in a challenging puzzle and in a shared reminiscing task during home visits. RMM was operationalized as parents' use of mental attributes when describing their child. There was no significant association between RMM and AB. RMM was significantly associated with MST, but only among parents with higher education level. The present study illuminates differences in how the representational measure of parents' mentalization capacity translates into observable parenting behaviors among early school‐aged children.
Process and individuation (on speculative realism and becoming)
Authors: Massie Pascal
Published: October 2024

Recent developments in the continental tradition have taken a realist turn that reveals an oscillation between, on the one hand, an ontology of virtuality that thinks of reality as process and continuum (albeit a continuum of differences or events) and, on the other hand, the resurgence of an ontology of objects and essences guided by the desire to retain the individuality of beings. The dilemma goes something like this: if we embrace a processual ontology, we risk losing the manifestedness of objects, the way they insist in being in their unique presence. Objects become mere epiphenomena of deeper, subterranean forces. If, however, we embrace an ontology of objects, we assume a universe composed of separate substances; objects are all there is (even if they are withdrawn). This article argues that freeing ontology from correlationism does not entail construing ontology in terms of objects. Individuals are products rather than primitive ontological terms.
Associations of classical HLA alleles with sleep behaviours
Authors: Zhou Ruixue , Cheng Bolun , Wei Wenming , Gou Yifan , Hui Jingni , Kang Meijuan , Liu Chen , Liu Ye , Shi Panxing , Wang Bingyi , Zhang Feng
Published: October 2024

Immune dysregulation has been observed in individuals with sleep disturbance, with HLA molecules play a crucial role in the immune response. This study aimed to investigate the associations between HLA alleles and sleep behaviours, considering several environmental factors. Data were sourced from the UK Biobank. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between 359 HLA alleles and 4 sleep behaviours, including chronotype (n = 204,636), insomnia (n = 227,553), snoring (n = 214,350) and daytime dozing (n = 227,197). Furthermore, gene‐environmental interaction studies (GEIS) were conducted to evaluate the interactions of HLA alleles with environmental factors on sleep behaviours. This study analysed a total sample and subgroups stratified by sex to elucidate the impact of HLA alleles on sleep behaviours. Our findings revealed several associations between specific HLA alleles and sleep behaviours. Notably, HLA‐A*23:01 was associated with evening chronotype in the total sample (OR = 0.918, 95%CI: 0.872–0.965), while HLA‐A*32:01 was associated with evening chronotype in males (OR = 1.089, 95%CI: 1.037–1.144). Furthermore, GEIS identified multiple sets of interactions associated with sleep behaviours. For example, the interaction of HLA‐DPA1*01:04 with alcohol consumption was associated with daytime dozing in the total sample (OR = 1.993, 95%CI: 1.351–2.941), while the interaction of HLA‐DQB1*05:04 with ever suffered mental distress preventing usual activities was associated with insomnia in males (OR = 0.409, 95%CI: 0.254–0.658). Our findings highlight the involvement of HLA in sleep regulation and underscore the potential interactions between HLA alleles and environmental factors in modulating susceptibility to sleep behaviours.
The covariant functoriality of graph algebras
Authors: Hajac Piotr M. , Tobolski Mariusz
Published: October 2024

In the standard category of directed graphs, graph morphisms map edges to edges. By allowing graph morphisms to map edges to finite paths (path homomorphisms of graphs), we obtain an ambient category in which we determine subcategories enjoying covariant functors to categories of algebras given by constructions of path algebras, Cohn path algebras, and Leavitt path algebras, respectively. Thus, we obtain new tools to unravel homomorphisms between Leavitt path algebras and between graph C*‐algebras. In particular, a graph‐algebraic presentation of the inclusion of the C*‐algebra of a quantum real projective plane into the Toeplitz algebra allows us to determine a quantum CW‐complex structure of the former. It comes as a mixed‐pullback theorem where two ‐homomorphisms are covariantly induced from path homomorphisms of graphs and the remaining two are contravariantly induced by admissible inclusions of graphs. As a main result and an application of new covariant‐induction tools, we prove such a mixed‐pullback theorem for arbitrary graphs whose all vertex‐simple loops have exits, which substantially enlarges the scope of examples coming from noncommutative topology.
Characterization of Tunable Rebound Properties of Microstructured Magnetoactive Elastomers
Authors: Kriegl Raphael , Jezeršek Matija , Kravanja Gaia , Hribar Luka , Kokot Gašper , Drevenšek-Olenik Irena , Shamonin Mikhail
Published: October 2024

We present a novel method to control the rebounding behavior of small mm-sized solid balls by employing magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) with microstructured surfaces. An MAE is a composite material consisting of μm-sized ferromagnetic particles dispersed in a soft elastomer (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane) matrix. In the act of rebounding, the ball hits an MAE surface and bounces back. The MAE samples contained 75 wt.% of iron. This composite material is known to respond to an applied magnetic field with increased stiffness (due to the magnetorheological effect) and plasticity. To adjust the rebound properties, the top layer of the MAE material was additionally modified by micromachining lamellar structures with different dimensions on the 100 μm scale via laser ablation. Due to the resulting high aspect ratio, these surface structures were sensitive to the magnetic field direction. The lamellas could stand up straight or lay down flat. The rebound behavior was evaluated by using a custom build apparatus that facilitates dropping of the balls in a precise and repeatable manner. A ball was dropped from different heights. The ball trajectory was captured with a high-speed camera to investigate the rebound properties. The recorded video was processed using a custom software written in Python. The experimental procedure and data processing algorithms are presented in detail. The results for the samples with different geometrical dimensions are provided as examples. It is made evident that the magnetic field influences the rebound properties of small non-magnetic balls impinging microstructured MAE surfaces. The change in surface topography is an effective way to control the ball rebound. The fabrication flexibility in geometrical dimensions of surface microstructures opens a convenient way to tune the desired response to magnetic fields. The presented idea may find applications in impact mitigation or small-scale sorting machinery, e.g. for recycling.
Variable-Stiffness Power Take-Off System for Broadband Ocean Wave Energy Point Absorbers
Authors: Mabe Olivia , McGuire Carson , Mazzoleni Nicholas , Bryant Matthew
Published: October 2024

This research presents a biologically-inspired method for harvesting energy from ocean waves using a variable-stiffness power take-off mechanism with a point absorber. A key limitation in current approaches to wave energy converter (WEC) design is that most WECs can only be tuned to perform optimally at one chosen period. In practice, ocean wave conditions are continually changing, causing the WECs to perform suboptimally throughout much of their operating time. As a result, WEC designs with variable, controllable resonant periods should be considered. The power take-off mechanism explored in this work is a fiber-reinforced elastic hose that acts as a pump: when stretched axially, the internal volume of the pump decreases, jetting fluid out, and when allowed to contract, the internal volume increases, drawing fluid back into the pump. This pumping action spins a turbine which drives a generator to produce electricity. The design of the pump itself draws inspiration from the helical arrangement of collagen fibers in the mantles of squids, which allows squids to be one of the fastest aquatic invertebrates when jetting. This type of elastic fiber-reinforced pump has a pressure-dependent variable stiffness property that, within this WEC system, can be controlled by a variable gearing device between the turbine and generator. The ability to control the pump stiffness opens the opportunity to adapt the WEC natural frequency to match the frequency of the instantaneous driving waves, allowing the WEC to operate optimally at a broader range of wave states. This research investigates the effects of controlled variable stiffness on the dynamics and performance of this pumping wave energy point absorber by developing dynamic system modeling and fluid flow modeling, as well as experimentally validating these models and demonstrating controllable variable stiffness on a lab-scale pump prototype.
MR Damper for Artificial Knee Joint: Concept Design and Performance Assessment
Authors: Seid Solomon
Published: October 2024

One of the most common types of amputation in the world is transfemoral amputation. A transfemoral amputation necessitates the use of a prosthesis, or artificial limb, to stand and walk. Any prosthesis utilized must be capable of restoring the lost muscles’ functionality and achieving a human gait that is close to normal. Human gait is defined by periodic repeats of two phases: stance, in which a foot makes contact with the ground, and swing, in which the lower limb swings through after toe-off. As a result, above-knee prostheses must provide knee stability during the stance phase and damping during the swing phase to fulfill their functional requirements. As a result, the artificial knee is an important component of above-knee prostheses, and arguably, the most complex of all prostheses. Many transfemoral amputees in low-income nations were unable to obtain a much-needed prosthesis. As a result, in recent years, cheap semi-active artificial knees have been developed. Because the swing portion of the gait cycle is more unstable than the stance phase, those designs couldn’t fully match a healthy human’s swing phase. The design of a magnetorheological (MR) damper is based on the swing-phase trajectory of an above-knee prosthesis where damping affecting is predominant in this study. A swing phase model of the intended single axis knee with MR damper is created first. The dynamic properties of the damper are represented using a parametric model. According to testing data, the damper settings that determine damping force of the damper are found and tuned to allow the artificial knee to create a near-normal swing phase trajectory for level-ground walking. The design of an MR damper valve that is physically confined in a desired cylindrical volume is designed based on the ideal damper parameters, and its performance is tested for the intended application. The damper’s ideal construction is also proposed. The results reveal that the developed MR damper outperforms off-the-shelf MR dampers for the application, with a weight reduction of up to 70.4 percent.
Long-Term Reliability of Shape Memory Wires: Analysis of the Influence of Different Activation Profiles on the Degradation Behavior and Lifetime
Authors: Heß Philipp , Schmelter Tobias , Kuhlenkötter Bernd , Bracke Stefan
Published: October 2024

Shape memory alloys offer a good opportunity to replace conventional actuators, as they have a high working capacity with low space requirements and weight, a low number of (moving) components, and work quietly. However, their commercial use is not yet so widespread because the fatigue and degradation behavior of shape memory alloys is highly complex, depends on many influencing factors, and has not yet been fully investigated. This paper presents and analyzes a comprehensive series of experiments (based on a statistical design of experiments) to determine the influences of different electrical activation durations on lifetime and functional properties. In all tests, the same amount of electrical energy is applied to the shape memory elements (by a rectangular profile), but within different activation durations. The focus of the subsequent data evaluation is on the influence of the different energy input on the activation behavior (achieved elongation, activation speed etc.) and on the lifetime. As a result, high energization in a short duration overheats the shape memory elements (rapid failure), long energization with lower current intensity results in a longer lifetime with a lower elongation, as higher losses (e.g. due to convection) occur. Differences and correlations between the individual tests (the measurement data) are analyzed using statistical methods (significance test, distribution models etc.). In this way, this article contributes to increasing the long-term reliability and quality of shape memory actuators and to the analysis of long-term degradation behavior.
Aerodynamics Experimental Results of a Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing With SMA Micro-Wire Muscles and Resonant Compliant Joints
Authors: Bevilacqua Domenico , Rizzello Gianluca , Seelecke Stefan , Gorges Tom , Nalbach Sophie , Motzki Paul
Published: October 2024

This study introduces the aerodynamic forces measurements of a novel bio-inspired drone design, drawing inspiration from bat flight dynamics while using Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) micro-wires as artificial muscles. Unlike conventional drones powered by motors coupled with gears, this bio-mimetic drone relies on an agonist-antagonist muscle-like system of SMA wires activated by an electrical signal, imitating the animal wing structure. The presented research focuses on lift measurements derived from a flapping wing operating at different frequencies. The combination of SMA micro-wire agonist-antagonist configuration, low-density membrane, and optimized compliant joint led to achieving aerodynamic force production. The results obtained demonstrate a lift force up to 8 grams, first aerodynamic result produced exclusively by SMA micro-wire bundle actuators, which weigh less than a gram. The resonance of the joint unlocked the flapping movement at 8 Hz, with a joint angle span of about 60 degrees, using only a bundle of 4 SMA wires of 50μm diameter. This led also to reduced energy consumption, with 20% duty-cycle pulses of approx. 3 Watts as input power.

The experimental data achieved demonstrates the feasibility and advantages of using SMA micro-wires in bio-inspired micro aerial designs, also showing innovative approaches to address the challenges given by using this material as robotic actuators. The presented first aerodynamics experimental results, obtained with no advanced optimization yet to implement, confirm the potential of this design to offer a new and effective route for bio-inspired aerial robotics, considering the implementation of muscle-like smart materials in combination with smart yet simple mechanical solutions.