bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The YARS Tyrosyl tRNA Synthetase Regulates Senescence Induction and Escape Through the Transcriptional Control of LIN9, a Member of the DREAM Complex
Authors: Coquelet Hugo , Leman Geraldine , Maarouf Amine , Petit Coralie , Toutain Bertrand , Henry Cécile , Boissard Alice , Guette Catherine , Lelièvre Eric , Vidi Pierre , Guillon Jordan , Coqueret Olivier
Published: December 2023

Senescence is a tumor suppressor mechanism triggered by oncogene expression and chemotherapy treatment. It orchestrates a definitive cessation of cell proliferation through the activation of the p53-p21 and p16-Rb pathways, coupled with the compaction of proliferative genes within heterochromatin regions. Some cancer cells have the ability to elude this proliferative arrest but the signaling pathways involved in circumventing senescence remain to be characterized. We have recently described that malignant cells capable of evading senescence have an increased expression of specific tRNAs, such as tRNA-Leu-CAA and tRNA-Tyr-GTA, alongside the activation of their corresponding tRNA ligases, namely LARS and YARS. We have previously shown that YARS promotes senescence escape by activating proliferation and cell cycle genes but its functions during this proliferative arrest remain largely unknown. In this study, we have continued to characterize the functions of YARS, describing non-canonical transcriptional functions of the ligase. Our results show that YARS is present in the nucleus of growing and senescent cells and interacts with the Trim28 transcriptional regulator. Importantly, YARS binds to the LIN9 promoter, a critical member of the Dream complex responsible for regulating cell cycle transcription. YARS facilitates the binding and the phosphorylation of the type II RNA polymerase and promotes the deposit of activating epigenetic marks on the LIN9 promoter. Consequently, during senescence escape, YARS promotes LIN9 expression and both proteins are necessary to induce the proliferation of emergent cells. These results underscore the unconventional transcriptional functions of YARS in promoting senescence escape by activating LIN9 and likely influencing the functions of the Dream complex.
The V-ATPase/ATG16L1 axis is controlled by the V1H subunit
Authors: Timimi Lewis , Wrobel Antoni G. , Chiduza George N. , Maslen Sarah L. , Torres-Méndez Antonio , Montaner Beatriz , Davis Colin , Skehel J. Mark , Rubinstein John L. , Schreiber Anne , Beale Rupert
Published: December 2023

Defects in organellar acidification indicate compromised or infected compartments. Recruitment of the autophagy-related ATG16L1 complex to pathologically de-acidified compartments targets ubiquitin-like ATG8 molecules to perturbed membranes. How this process is coupled to pH gradient disruption is unclear. Here, we reveal a direct role for the V1H subunit of the V-ATPase proton pump in recruiting ATG16L1. The interaction between V1H and ATG16L1 occurs within assembled V-ATPases, but not dissociated V1complexes. This selectivity allows recruitment to be coupled to changes in V-ATPase assembly that follow pH dissipation. Cells lacking V1H undergo canonical macroautophagy but are unable to recruit ATG16L1 in response to influenza infection or ionophore drugs. We identify a loop within V1H that mediates ATG16L1 binding, which is absent in a neuronal isoform of V1H. Thus, V1H controls ATG16L1 recruitment in response to proton gradient dissipation, suggesting that the V-ATPase acts autonomously as a cell-intrinsic damage sensor.
Testicular mosaicism in non-mosaic postpubertal Klinefelter patients with focal spermatogenesis and in non-mosaic prepubertal Klinefelter boys
Authors: Gül Semir , Vloeberghs Veerle , Gies Inge , Goossens Ellen
Published: December 2023

The aim of the study is to investigate testicular mosaicism in non-mosaic postpubertal Klinefelter Syndrome patients and in non-mosaic prepubertal Klinefelter boys Testes of the males with non-mosaic Klinefelter Syndrome at different developmental stages were used.

Immunohistochemical and fluorescent in situ hybridization analyses were applied for X chromosome ploidy in testis-specific cells in testicular biopsy samples from non-mosaic Klinefelter Syndrome patients.

According to our findings, all analyzed spermatogonia in both postpubertal and prepubertal non-mosaic Klinefelter Syndrome patients have a 46,XY karyotype. However, while the Sertoli cells surrounding spermatogonia in postpubertal samples also have a 46,XY karyotype, the Sertoli cells surrounding spermatogonia in prepubertal samples have a 47,XXY karyotype. Peritubular myoid cells and Leydig cells may also have mosaicism in both postpubertal patients and prepubertal boys.

In conclusion, we confirmed in situ using cell-specific markers that testicular mosaicism exists in non-mosaic Klinefelter Syndrome patients. Therefore, we hypothesize that focal spermatogenesis seen in some postpubertal Klinefelter Syndrome patients originates from euploid spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Additionally, our findings suggest that only spermatogonia that have lost their X chromosome can survive. Furthermore, our data suggest that spermatogonia lose the extra X chromosome during fetal or neonatal life, while Sertoli cells lose it around puberty. These findings will lay the groundwork for new studies on exactly when and by which mechanism an extra X chromosome is lost in spermatogonia and Sertoli cells.
Stress-induced Rab11a-exosomes induce AREG-mediated cetuximab resistance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Mason John D. , Marks Ewan , Fan Shih-Jung , McCormick Kristie , Wilson Clive , Harris Adrian L. , Hamdy Freddie C. , Cunningham Chris , Goberdhan Deborah C. I.
Published: December 2023

Exosomes are secreted vesicles made intracellularly in the endosomal system. We have previously shown that exosomes are not only made in late endosomes, but also in recycling endosomes marked by the monomeric G-protein Rab11a. These vesicles, termed Rab11a-exosomes, are preferentially secreted under nutrient stress from several cancer cell types, including HCT116 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. HCT116 Rab11a-exosomes have particularly potent signalling activities, some mediated by the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) ligand, Amphiregulin (AREG). Mutant activating forms of KRAS, a downstream target of EGFR, are often found in advanced CRC. When absent, monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, which target the EGFR and block the effects of EGFR ligands, such as AREG, can be administered. Patients, however, inevitably develop resistance to cetuximab, either by acquiring KRAS mutations or via non-genetic microenvironmental changes. Here we show that nutrient stress in several CRC cell lines causes the release of AREG-carrying Rab11a-exosomes. We demonstrate that while soluble AREG has no effect, much lower levels of AREG bound to Rab11a-exosomes from cetuximab-resistant KRAS-mutant HCT116 cells, can suppress the effects of cetuximab on KRAS-wild type Caco-2 CRC cells. Using neutralising anti-AREG antibodies and an intracellular EGFR kinase inhibitor, we show that this effect is mediated via AREG activation of EGFR, and not transfer of activated KRAS. Therefore, presentation of AREG on Rab11a-exosomes affects its ability to compete with cetuximab. We propose that this Rab11a-exosome-mediated mechanism contributes to the establishment of resistance in cetuximab-sensitive cells and may explain why in cetuximab-resistant tumours only some cells carry mutant KRAS.

Graphical Abstract

This study highlights a clinically relevant mechanism in which stress-induced Rab11a-exosomes carrying the EGFR ligand, Amphiregulin (AREG) transfer drug resistance between genetically distinct colorectal cancer cells. Resistance to cetuximab, an anti-EGFR therapy, can be passed via Rab11a-exosomes from drug-resistant KRAS-mutant cells to previously drug-responsive KRAS-wild type cells. Unlike soluble AREG, Rab11a-exosome-associated AREG competes with cetuximab to activate EGFR signalling and promote EGFR-dependent outcomes, such as growth. This mechanism may support the co-operative evolution of clonal heterogeneity during tumour progression.
Dopamine-iron homeostasis interaction rescues mitochondrial fitness in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Buoso Chiara , Seifert Markus , Lang Martin , Griffith Corey M. , Andújar Begoña Talavera , Rueda Maria Paulina Castelo , Fischer Christine , Doerrier Carolina , Talasz Heribert , Zanon Alessandra , Pramstaller Peter P. , Schymanski Emma L. , Pichler Irene , Weiss Guenter
Published: December 2023

Imbalances of iron and dopamine metabolism along with mitochondrial dysfunction have been linked to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). We have previously suggested a direct link between iron homeostasis and dopamine metabolism, as dopamine can increase cellular uptake of iron into macrophages thereby promoting oxidative stress responses. In this study, we investigated the interplay between iron, dopamine, and mitochondrial activity in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived dopaminergic neurons differentiated from a healthy control and a PD patient with a mutation in the α-synuclein (SNCA) gene. In SH-SY5Y cells, dopamine treatment affected the expression of transmembrane iron transporters and cellular iron accumulation. Furthermore, dopamine supplementation led to decreased mitochondrial respiration and reduced mitochondrial fitness, including reduced mtDNA copy number and citrate synthase activity, increased oxidative stress and impaired aconitase activity. In dopaminergic neurons derived from a healthy control individual, dopamine showed comparable effects as observed in SH-SY5Y cells. The hiPSC-derived PD neurons harboring an endogenousSNCAmutation demonstrated altered mitochondrial iron homeostasis, reduced mitochondrial capacity along with increased oxidative stress and alterations of tricarboxylic acid cycle linked metabolic pathways compared with control neurons. Importantly, dopamine treatment of these PD neurons promoted a rescue effect by increasing mitochondrial respiration, activating antioxidant stress response, and normalizing altered metabolite levels linked to mitochondrial function. These observations provide evidence that dopamine affects iron homeostasis, intracellular stress responses and mitochondrial function in healthy cells, while dopamine supplementation can restore this disturbed regulatory network in PD cells.
Propagation of a rapid cell-to-cell H2O2signal over long distances in a monolayer of cardiomyocyte cells
Authors: Fichman Yosef , Rowland Linda , Nguyen Thi Thao , Chen Shi-Jie , Mittler Ron
Published: December 2023

Cell-to-cell communication plays a cardinal role in the biology of multicellular organisms. H2O2is an important cell-to-cell signaling molecule involved in the response of mammalian cells to wounding and other stimuli. We previously identified a signaling pathway that transmits wound-induced cell-to-cell H2O2signals within minutes over long distances, measured in centimeters, in a monolayer of cardiomyocytes. Here we report that this long-distance H2O2signaling pathway is accompanied by enhanced accumulation of cytosolic H2O2and altered redox state in cells along its path. We further show that it requires the production of superoxide, as well as the function of gap junctions, and that it is accompanied by changes in the abundance of hundreds of proteins in cells along its path. Our findings highlight the existence of a unique and rapid long-distance H2O2signaling pathway that could play an important role in different inflammatory responses, wound responses/healing, cardiovascular disease, and/or other conditions.

Highlights

Wounding induces an H2O2cell-to-cell signal in a monolayer of cardiomyocytes.

The cell-to-cell signal requires H2O2and O2·-accumulation along its path.

The signal propagates over several centimeters changing the redox state of cells.

Changes in the abundance of hundreds of proteins accompanies the signal.

The cell-to-cell signal requires paracrine and juxtacrine signaling.

Graphical Abstract
Essential magnetosome proteins MamI and MamL from magnetotactic bacteria interact in mammalian cells
Authors: Sun Qin , Yu Liu , Donnelly Sarah C. , Fradin Cecile , Thompson R. Terry , Prato Frank S. , Goldhawk Donna E.
Published: December 2023

To detect cellular activities deep within the body using magnetic resonance platforms, magnetosomes are the ideal model of genetically-encoded nanoparticles. These membrane-bound iron biominerals produced by magnetotactic bacteria are highly regulated by approximately 30 genes; however, only a few magnetosome genes are essential and may constitute the root structure upon which biominerals form. To test this, essential magnetosome genesmamIandmamLwere expressed as fluorescent fusion proteins in mammalian cells. Localization and potential protein-protein interaction(s) were investigated using confocal microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-MamI and the red fluorescent Tomato-MamL displayed distinct intracellular localization, with net-like and punctate fluorescence, respectively. Remarkably, co-expression revealed co-localization of both fluorescent fusion proteins in the same punctate pattern. An interaction between MamI and MamL was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. In addition, changes in EGFP-MamI distribution were accompanied by acquisition of intracellular mobility which all Tomato-MamL structures displayed. Truncation of the MamL C-terminal cationic peptide partially disrupted MamI-MamL colocalization but not mobility. Analysis of extracts from these cells by FCS was consistent with an interaction between fluorescent fusion proteins, including an increase in particle radius. Co-localization and interaction of MamI and MamL demonstrate that these essential magnetosome proteins may have a role in assembly of the magnetosome in any cell type.
Taste Experience Enhances Cortical Response Reliability during Latent Enhancement of Taste Aversion Learning
Authors: Flores Veronica Lee , Lin Jian-You
Published: December 2023

Learning is not as simple as the association of paired stimuli in a vacuum. For example, benign experience with a taste stimulus weakens future conditioned taste aversions (CTA) to that taste—a phenomenon known as latent inhibition—and enhances later CTA to a novel taste (latent enhancement [LE]; Flores et al., 2016; Flores et al., 2018). Our recent investigations on how benign taste experience impacts cortical responses revealed an increase in the discriminability/salience of Gustatory Cortical (GC) responses to a new taste following experience offering a clue into potential underlying mechanisms for LE on CTA (Flores et al., 2022). Here, we predict that the previously reported increase in response discriminability following taste experience is associated with a reduction of variability that has been shown to promote learning. Our results support this prediction and reveal enhanced trial-to-trial consistency of single-neuron sucrose responses and coherent activity across ensemble neurons before CTA learning. Connecting this result to learning, we further show that the distinction between pre- and post-CTA sucrose responses are indeed greater in rats with prior benign taste experience. Overall, these results suggest that following benign experience, taste coding in GC becomes more reliable (at both the single-neuron and ensemble levels) providing a potential mechanism which may contribute to the stronger CTA acquisition seen in LE of learning.

Significance Statement

Animals and humans readily learn the consequences of consuming a specific taste and react by changing their behaviors. We have shown that even seemingly inconsequential and benign taste experiences – which are arguably more common - can enhance taste behavior and learning. The work presented here is the first to evaluate how benign experience alters learning-related cortical processing dynamics usingin-vivoelectrophysiology in freely behaving rats. We report that benign taste experience alters cortical plasticity which underlies the enhancement of learning. This unravels a new area of chemosensory research and may shed light on how daily taste experiences impact the neural dynamics of future taste consumption and learning.
Oscillations in a Spatial Oncolytic Virus Model
Authors: Baabdulla Arwa Abdulla , Hillen Thomas
Published: December 2023

Virotherapy treatment is a new and promising target therapy that selectively attacks cancer cells without harming normal cells. Mathematical models of oncolytic viruses have shown predator-prey like oscillatory patterns as result of an underlying Hopf bifurcation. In a spatial context, these oscillations can lead to different spatio-temporal phenomena such as hollow-ring patterns, target patterns, and dispersed patterns. In this paper we continue the systematic analysis of these spatial oscillations and discuss their relevance in the clinical context. We consider a bifurcation analysis of a spatially explicit reaction-diffusion model to find the above mentioned spatio-temporal virus infection patterns. The desired pattern for tumor eradication is the hollow ring pattern and we find exact conditions for its occurrence. Moreover, we derive the minimal speed of travelling invasion waves for the cancer and for the oncolytic virus. Our numerical simulations in 2-D reveal complex spatial interactions of the virus infection and a new phenomenon of a periodic peak splitting. An effect that we cannot explain with our current methods.
Prioritizing the antecedents of employer branding using fuzzy AHP: an extent analysis approach
Authors: Chopra Avinash , Patel Gokulananda , Sahoo Chandan Kumar
Published: December 2023

Purpose

One of the most decisive objectives of human resource management (HRM), essential for business performance, is to attract, maintain and engage a qualified workforce. This study aims to identify and prioritize the antecedents of employer branding, which are considered extremely important by potential applicants when they choose to join a particular employer.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have adopted a popular multicriteria decision-making technique fuzzy analytical hierarchy process, to prioritize the identified antecedents. The modified Delphi techniques with the 22 experts have been conducted to validate the identified antecedents. Structured questionnaires were discussed, and their reliability was assessed using the expert’s opinion.

Findings

Results of this study indicate that potential applicants consider career advancement opportunities as the most important enabler that persuades them to join a particular employer. Future employees are also motivated to join if they are offered attractive compensation packages, which are distinct from competitors. Furthermore, corporate social responsibility is evolving as an antecedent of employer branding as potential candidates are attracted to employers who are socially responsible.

Practical implications

Employer branding can serve as a strategic HRM technique for any business seeking to attract, recruit, retain and involve outstanding employees, as the success of the organization is determined by how its image is built, communicated and promoted. This study provides insights for HR managers and practitioners who can think of developing an effective employer brand communication that offers a distinct and in-imitable image and reputation as an employer of choice.

Originality/value

This study is unique, as it offers meaningful visions to HR practitioners and experts for designing employer branding strategies for attracting potential applicants to join their organizations.
The hidden power of children in Christmas traditions: Unveiling the role of secrecy and agency
Authors: Torra‐Merin Martí
Published: December 2023

The standard narrative surrounding Christmas figures like Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men often portrays children as passive recipients of adult‐orchestrated illusions. This perspective overlooks the active role that children play in sustaining these traditions. Drawing on a study conducted in Catalonia, Spain, and existing literature, this article challenges the conventional wisdom by using the lens of secrecy theory to explore how children exercise their agency. It argues that children are not just passive actors but essential participants whose understanding of secrecy contributes to the perpetuation of these cultural figures.
Re‐tribalization in the 21st century, part 2
Authors: Ahmed Akbar , Martin Frankie , Hoti Amineh Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Part 2 of this article examines the resurgence of tribal identities in modern societies, a process termed re‐tribalization, as a response to the failures of the modern state. It challenges the linear progression of societal evolution, suggesting that declining modernity prompts a return to primordial, tribal values for security and identity. The authors critique the state's unmet promises, leading to a re‐embrace of tribal loyalty and community. They also discuss the role of media, politics, and AI in reinforcing tribal divisions, with AI potentially exacerbating societal cleavages. The article calls for an understanding of tribalism's role in society and advocates for the inclusion of the ‘Other’ to foster peaceful coexistence, setting the stage for their forthcoming book on inter‐community harmony.
Evidence and extinction: The possibility of another hominin sharing our planet
Authors: Forth Gregory
Published: December 2023

This article explores the possibility that Homo sapiens may not be the only surviving species of the Homo genus. The study is sparked by the discovery of Homo floresiensis, a small‐bodied hominin found in Indonesia, and its resemblance to ‘ape‐men’ described by local people on Flores Island. Through extensive ethnographic research in the Lio region of Flores, the author finds that local accounts of these ‘ape‐men’ pre‐date scientific discovery and closely align with it. The article challenges the scientific community's scepticism towards local folklore as credible evidence, citing instances where local knowledge has historically preceded scientific discovery. The author argues that the most straightforward explanation for the convergence of local accounts and fossil evidence is the continued existence of a species closely related to Homo floresiensis. The study calls for re‐evaluating what constitutes evidence and opens the possibility that we may not be the only surviving hominins.
Sister acts: Nuns in Rumer Godden's Black Narcissus and at the Loreto Convents in India
Authors: Chandra Yashaswini , Verini Alexandra
Published: December 2023

This article draws into comparative conversation Rumer Godden's 1939 novel about nuns in the Himalayas, Black Narcissus, and the records of real‐world nuns from the Loreto order in India. Through this comparison, we shed light on the under‐studied field of nuns in India and on the intersection of gender and colonialism during the later period of colonial rule. Reading fiction against historical archives, we find that a novel that has been lauded for its anti‐imperialist stance in fact retains elements of orientalism that dovetail with a misogynistic outlook. Meanwhile, an order that exhibited racist and colonialist tendencies also, despite and because of these, engineered a project with significant feminist purpose. This juxtaposition of Godden's novel and Loreto's internal archives reveals the ways in which white feminist goals can be at odds with anti‐colonialist ones, but it also shows how the standard portrayal of nuns – represented by Godden's novel – as regressive and lacking agency does not hold up in the face of the historical record.
Core temperature following pre‐hospital induction of anaesthesia in trauma patients
Authors: Fischer Roy , Lambert Paul F
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Hypothermia is a well‐recognised finding in trauma patients, which can occur even in warmer climates. It is an independent predictor of increased morbidity and mortality. It is associated with pre‐hospital intubation, although the reasons for this are likely to be multifactorial. Core temperature drop after induction of anaesthesia is a well‐known phenomenon in the context of elective surgery, and the mechanisms of this are well established.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study to examine the behaviour of core temperature in patients undergoing pre‐hospital anaesthesia for traumatic injuries.

Results

Between 2017 and 2021 data were collected on 48 patients. The data from 40 of these were included in the final analysis.

Discussion

Our data do not show a decrease in the core temperatures of patients who receive pre‐hospital anaesthesia, unlike patients who are anaesthetised without pre‐warming, in operating theatres. The lack of a change could relate to patient, anaesthetic or environmental factors.
Comparison between conventional approach and three‐dimensional mapping system in the catheter ablation of accessory pathway associated with coronary sinus diverticulum: A single‐center experience
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Wu Zhihong , Chen Mingxian , Li Xuping , Liu Qiming , Zhou Shenghua
Published: December 2023

Background

Posteroseptal accessory pathways (APs) associated with coronary sinus (CS) diverticulum present a rare and challenge for ablation. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of conventional approach and three‐dimensional (3D) mapping system in the catheter ablation.

Methods and Results

This was a retrospective study of all patients (from January 2013 to July 2022) who underwent catheter ablation of posteroseptal AP associated with CS diverticula in our center. Patients who underwent catheter ablation using the traditional fluoroscopy method were included in the conventional method group (n = 13). Patients who underwent catheter ablation using the 3D mapping method were included in the 3D mapping group (n = 11). Clinical characteristics, ablation procedure, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed between the two groups. Out of 669 patients with posteroseptal APs, 24 of them (3.6%) were associated with CS diverticula. All patients in both groups successfully completed the electrophysiological study. In the conventional method group, two patients experienced complications (one patient with pericardial effusion and the other patient with femoral arterial hematoma), and two patients had recurrence. However, no patients suffered from complications or recurrence during follow‐up. The procedure time and fluoroscopy time in the conventional method group were significantly longer than those in the 3D mapping method group.

Conclusions

The utilization of 3D mapping led to reduced fluoroscopy time, shorter procedure duration, enhanced acute success rates, and decreased incidence of complications.
Working alliance in treating staff and patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder living in Residential Facilities
Authors: Fusar‐Poli Laura , Panariello Fabio , Berry Katherine , Rocchetti Matteo , Casiraghi Letizia , Malvezzi Matteo , Starace Fabrizio , Zamparini Manuel , Zarbo Cristina , de Girolamo Giovanni ,   DiAPAson Consortium
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Working Alliance (WA) is important in the care of patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD). This study aims to determine which sociodemographic and clinical factors are associated with WA, as assessed by patients and staff members in Residential Facilities (RFs), and may predict WA dyads' discrepancies.

Methods

Three hundred and three SSD patients and 165 healthcare workers were recruited from 98 RFs and characterized for sociodemographic features. WA was rated by the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI) for patients (WAI‐P) and staff members (WAI‐T). SSD patients were assessed for the severity of psychopathology and psychosocial functioning.

Results

Pearson's correlation revealed a positive correlation (ρ = .314; p < .001) between WAI‐P and WAI‐T ratings. Linear regression showed that patients with higher education reported lower WAI‐P ratings (β = −.50, p = .044), while not being engaged in work or study was associated with lower WAI‐T scores (β = −4.17, p = .015). A shorter lifetime hospitalization was associated with higher WAI‐P ratings (β = 5.90, p = .008), while higher psychopathology severity negatively predicted WAI‐T (β = −.10, p = .002) and WAI‐P ratings (β = −.19, p < .001). Better functioning level positively foresaw WAI‐T (β = .14, p < .001) and WAI‐P ratings (β = .12, p < .001). Regarding discrepancies, staff members' age was associated with higher dyads discrepancy in Total scale and Agreement subscale scores, which were also associated with more severe negative symptoms, while patients' age was negatively correlated to Relationship subscale discrepancy.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the factors that influence WA in SSD patients and health workers in RFs. The findings address interventions to improve WA and ultimately patient outcomes.
Visualizing the global trends of peptides in wound healing through an in‐depth bibliometric analysis
Authors: He Xinyan , Wu Wen , Hu Yuchen , Wu Meiling , Li Hong , Ding Ling , Huang Shiqin , Fan Ying
Published: December 2023

Wound healing is a complicated and multistage biological process for the repair of damaged/injured tissues, which requires intelligent designs to provide comprehensive and convenient treatment. Peptide‐based wound dressings have received extensive attention for further development and application due to their excellent biocompatibility and multifunctionality. However, the current lack of intuitive analysis of the development trend and research hotspots of peptides applied in wound healing, as well as detailed elaboration of possible research hotspots, restricted obtaining a comprehensive understanding and development in this field. The present study analysed publications from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database and visualized the hotspots and current trends of peptide research in wound healing. Data between January 1st, 2003, and December 31st, 2022, were collected and subjected to a bibliometric analysis. The countries, institutions, co‐authorship, co‐citation reference, and co‐occurrence of keywords in this subject were examined using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. We provided an intuitive, timely, and logical overview of the development prospects and challenges of peptide application in wound healing and some solutions to the major obstacles, which will help researchers gain insights into the investigation of this promising field.
The effect of home ownership on the independence and participation of Kurdish women in society. A quantitative study of Sanandaj in Iran
Authors: Karami Sonya , Hamelink Wendelmoet
Published: December 2023

Housing is a great family asset, especially in developing countries. Since economic resources bring social and political power, home ownership can be very influential in enhancing people's socio‐political power. The benefits of home ownership become even more notable among groups of people who were deprived of such power. In Sanandaj, home ownership shows a much lower rate among women than among men, and it is therefore interesting to know whether an increase would empower women and in what ways.

Methodologically, this study used the Sanandaj Document Registration Office as well as a survey (a questionnaire filled out by 300 female homeowners in Sanandaj) to collect the data. The analysis of the data is based on the Kendall correlation test and Path analysis test. The research results show that there is a very high correlation between home ownership (as an independent variable) and economic independence, decision‐making independence and participation of women in urban communities (as dependent variables). The article concludes that home ownership can significantly improve the independence and participation of Kurdish women in Sanandaj, and makes a number of policy recommendations to reach this goal.
Gender differences on the age‐related distal‐to‐proximal shift in joint kinetics during running
Authors: Kearns Zoey C. , DeVita Paul , Paquette Max R.
Published: December 2023

The increased running participation in women and men over 40 years has contributed to scientific interest on the age‐related and gender differences in running performance and biomechanics over the last decade. Gender differences in running biomechanics have been studied extensively in young runners, with inconsistent results. Understanding how gender influences the age‐related differences in running mechanics could help develop population‐specific training interventions or footwear to address any potential different mechanical demands. The purpose of this study was to assess gender and age effects on lower limb joint mechanics while running. Middle‐aged men (57 ± 5 years) and women (57 ± 8 years) and young men (28 ± 6 years) and women (30 ± 6 years) completed five overground running trials at a set speed of 2.7 m/s while lower limb kinematics and ground reaction forces were collected. Lower limb joint kinetics were computed, normalized to body mass and compared between age and gender groups using two‐factor analyses of variance. Women reported slower average running paces than men and middle‐aged runners reported slower running paces than young runners. We confirmed that young runners run with more ankle, but less hip positive work and peak positive power compared to middle‐aged runners (i.e., age‐related distal‐to‐proximal shift in joint kinetics). We also present a novel finding that women run with more ankle, but less hip peak positive power compared to men suggesting an ankle dominant strategy in women at a preferred and comfortable running pace. However, the age‐related distal‐to‐proximal shift in joint kinetics was not different between genders.
Atlas de salud mental de Colombia: una aproximación contextualizada
Authors: Chenut Correa Philippe , Gómez-Restrepo Carlos , Molina-Bulla Carlos Iván , Rincón Carlos Javier , Rodríguez Malagón Nelcy
Published: December 2023

El espejo de la pandemia ha permitido rescatar diferentes formas de análisis de la realidad social en salud, de manera que, para el caso de esta obra, se conjugue el juicioso análisis epidemiológico de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Mental de 2 015 con la aproximación desde las ciencias sociales, la lectura de determinantes contextuales y, en particular, la descripción que permite el análisis espacial. Todo ello se concreta en el Atlas de salud mental de Colombia que aquí presentamos, fruto del trabajo mancomunado de nuestras dos comunidades científicas, la de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana y la Universidad Externado de Colombia.
Design and Analysis of a Free-Piston Stirling Engine for Microreactor Applications
Authors: Doan Phat , Chen Minghui
Published: December 2023

With the development of microreactors, a free-piston Stirling engine (FPSE) is an excellent candidate to support the development of microreactors. Based on the advantages of microreactors such as the compact design, long-lasting, highly-efficient, and remote-control operation, an FPSE can provide almost the same requirements. In this paper, a 20 kWel FPSE is proposed to support the development of microreactors. The calculation method was done through matlab to analyze the design with all the significant losses in the engine. Through various designs and operating conditions for the engine, the proposed design has 21.7% efficiency with a total output power of 20.7 kWel. With the testing through different parameters in the engine, the current design is well optimized to balance all the constraints which offers a highly-efficient, compact design, and reliability. However, there is room for improvement during the design process, such as using the heat flux instead of a heat exchanger, robust foil for the regenerator, and simulation through 3D modeling to maximize the potential of the design. This study provides theoretical support for the design and analysis of the FPSE for microreactor applications.
Enhanced antifouling and antibacterial performances on polytetrafluoroethylene microporous membranes sputtered with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Shi Xueqin , Guo Dan , Miao Miao , Zhang Youjie , Wong Ngie Hing , Sunarso Jaka , Li Nana
Published: December 2023

A bare polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane has poor antifouling and antibacterial performance in the application process. In this work, the silver nanoparticle layer (AgNP-layer) was deposited onto the PTFE membrane surface via the magnetron sputtering process to overcome these limitations. Several spectra and microscopic analyses were taken to characterize the synthesized PTFE/AgNP-layer composite membranes. The effects of magnetron sputtering time on the AgNP-layer distribution, microstructure, antifouling, and antibacterial properties were systematically investigated. Our results showed the successful deposition and grafting of the AgNP-layer on the PTFE membrane surface and inside the cross-sectional pores near the membrane surface. The AgNP-layer not only improved the composite membrane wettability but also reduced its protein adsorption capacity from 88 to 39 μg, thus improving the antifouling ability of the membrane. The composite membranes could also achieve 99% and 88% antibacterial rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, exhibiting good antibacterial activity.
Development of respiratory care guidelines for Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the UK: key recommendations for clinical practice
Authors: Childs Anne-Marie , Turner Catherine , Astin Ronan , Bianchi Stephen , Bourke John , Cunningham Vicki , Edel Lisa , Edwards Christopher , Farrant Phillippa , Heraghty Jane , James Meredith , Massey Charlotte , Messer Ben , Michel Sodhi Jassi , Murphy Patrick Brian , Schiava Marianela , Thomas Ajit , Trucco Federica , Guglieri Michela
Published: December 2023

Significant inconsistencies in respiratory care provision for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are reported across different specialist neuromuscular centres in the UK. The absence of robust clinical evidence and expert consensus is a barrier to the implementation of care recommendations in public healthcare systems as is the need to increase awareness of key aspects of care for those living with DMD. Here, we provide evidenced-based and/or consensus-based best practice for the respiratory care of children and adults living with DMD in the UK, both as part of routine care and in an emergency.

Methodology

Initiated by an expert working group of UK-based respiratory physicians (including British Thoracic Society (BTS) representatives), neuromuscular clinicians, physiotherapist and patient representatives, draft guidelines were created based on published evidence, current practice and expert opinion. After wider consultation with UK respiratory teams and neuromuscular services, consensus was achieved on these best practice recommendations for respiratory care in DMD.

Result

The resulting recommendations are presented in the form of a flow chart for assessment and monitoring, with additional guidance and a separate chart setting out key considerations for emergency management. The recommendations have been endorsed by the BTS.

Conclusions

These guidelines provide practical, reasoned recommendations for all those managing day-to-day and acute respiratory care in children and adults with DMD. The hope is that this will support patients and healthcare professionals in accessing high standards of care across the UK.
Species-specific and generalized allometric equations for improving aboveground biomass estimations of 33 understory woody species in northeastern China forest ecosystems
Authors: Meng Shengwang , Zhou Guang , Liu Wenhui , Yu Jian , Zhou Hua , Liu Qijing
Published: December 2023

Understory small trees and shrubs play a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycles in forest ecosystems. However, their biomass in northeastern China is still uncertain and has been heavily disregarded due to the limited number of available allometric equations. For this study, 782 plants from 33 species obtained by the destructive method were used to develop species-specific and generalized aboveground allometric biomass equations based on collar diameter ( D) and height ( H) using weighted nonlinear seemingly unrelated regression. Each biomass component was shown to be well predicted by D alone, with R2 adj. values mostly greater than 0.80. The majority of species performed better in the models for wood and aboveground biomass when H was included as D2 H. Furthermore, generalized equations for the two components showed a comparatively large coefficient of variation but comparable Bias to species-specific equations, especially for small trees. It is recommended to estimate biomass using generalized equations for mixed species only when species-specific equations are unavailable at a given site. However, in the event when precision is not the primary concern, generalized equations are also suggested. The developed equations will help to improve the accuracy of biomass assessment of understory woody plants in northeastern China forest ecosystems.
Energy model in Bianchi type-V spacetime via RIF integration techniques
Authors: Shair-a-Yazdan  , Iqbal Muhammad Jawed , Hickman Mark
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the Noether versus Killing symmetries and their associated conservation laws of Bianchi type-V spacetimes. The study is carried out using the Maple RIFSIMP package, which converts a set of nonlinear differential equations into the reduced involutive form (RIF). This technique generates an RIF tree, where each branch is solved to obtain the explicit forms of Noether symmetries. Separate RIF trees are used to represent each group. We derive a general expression for the Noether symmetry connected to homothety, and then we investigate this Noether symmetry in each separate group. To explore whether dark energy is associated with Bianchi type-V spacetime, we examine the energy density of each spacetime obtained in association with the Ricci scalar. The symmetries of the larger groups, 11- and 17-dimensional, are presented separately in the tables.
Wind Load Model and Response Spectra of Overbridges Subjected to Train-Induced Wind Loads
Authors: Li Wei , Chen Bo
Published: December 2023

The vibration of pedestrian overbridges due to train-induced wind loads (TIWLs) during the passage of a high-speed train threatens the overbridge safety and causes pedestrian discomfort. To incorporate the structural dynamic magnification effect on overbridges under TIWLs in the design process, a framework to calculate the structural dynamic response, equivalent static TIWLs and response spectra of overbridges is established. A new simplified TIWL model with a “three-segment” wind pressure time history described by harmonic functions is proposed. This model facilitates the acquisition of analytical solutions for the structural dynamic response, streamlining the analysis process. The dynamic response and equivalent static TIWLs based on dynamic magnification factors (DMFs) of overbridges are obtained from the analytical method. The DMFs are primarily affected by the structural natural frequency and the characteristic frequency of TIWLs. Furthermore, based on the analytical solution of the overbridge dynamic response, parametric analysis is performed, and the response spectra representing the dynamic displacement and acceleration of overbridges are developed. The response spectra can be used to quickly calculate the displacement, internal force, and acceleration of the overbridges during engineering applications, which is more convenient but slightly less accurate than the analytical method.
Using Neural and Graph Neural Recommender Systems to Overcome Choice Overload: Evidence From a Music Education Platform
Authors: Razgallah Hédi , Vlachos Michalis , Ajalloeian Ahmad , Liu Ninghao , Schneider Johannes , Steinmann Alexis
Published: December 2023

The application of recommendation technologies has been crucial in the promotion of physical and digital content across numerous global platforms such as Amazon, Apple, and Netflix. Our study aims to investigate the advantages of employing recommendation technologies on educational platforms, with a particular focus on an educational platform for learning and practicing music.

Our research is based on data from Tomplay, a music platform that offers sheet music with professional audio recordings, enabling users to discover and practice music content at varying levels of difficulty. Through our analysis, we emphasize the distinct interaction patterns on educational platforms like Tomplay, which we compare with other commonly used recommendation datasets. We find that interactions are comparatively sparse on educational platforms, with users often focusing on specific content as they learn, rather than interacting with a broader range of material. Therefore, our primary goal is to address the issue of data sparsity. We achieve this through entity resolution principles and propose a neural network (NN)-based recommendation model. Further, we improve this model by utilizing graph neural networks (GNNs), which provide superior predictive accuracy compared to NNs. Notably, our study demonstrates that GNNs are highly effective even for users with little or no historical preferences (cold-start problem).

Our cold-start experiments also provide valuable insights into an independent issue, namely, the number of historical interactions needed by a recommendation model to gain a comprehensive understanding of a user. Our findings demonstrate that a platform acquires a solid knowledge of a user’s general preferences and characteristics with 50 past interactions. Overall, our study makes significant contributions to information systems research on business analytics and prescriptive analytics. Moreover, our framework and evaluation results offer implications for various stakeholders, including online educational institutions, education policymakers, and learning platform users.
A Unified MPM Framework Supporting Phase-field Models and Elastic-viscoplastic Phase Transition
Authors: Tu Zaili , Li Chen , Zhao Zipeng , Liu Long , Wang Chenhui , Wang Changbo , Qin Hong
Published: December 2023

Recent years have witnessed the rapid deployment of numerous physics-based modeling and simulation algorithms and techniques for fluids, solids, and their delicate coupling in computer animation. However, it still remains a challenging problem to model the complex elastic-viscoplastic behaviors during fluid–solid phase transitions and facilitate their seamless interactions inside the same framework. In this article, we propose a practical method capable of simulating granular flows, viscoplastic liquids, elastic-plastic solids, rigid bodies, and interacting with each other, to support novel phenomena all heavily involving realistic phase transitions, including dissolution, melting, cooling, expansion, shrinking, and so on. At the physics level, we propose to combine and morph von Mises with Drucker–Prager and Cam–Clay yield models to establish a unified phase-field-driven EVP model, capable of describing the behaviors of granular, elastic, plastic, viscous materials, liquid, non-Newtonian fluids, and their smooth evolution. At the numerical level, we derive the discretization form of Cahn–Hilliard and Allen–Cahn equations with the material point method to effectively track the phase-field evolution, so as to avoid explicit handling of the boundary conditions at the interface. At the application level, we design a novel heuristic strategy to control specialized behaviors via user-defined schemes, including chemical potential, density curve, and so on. We exhibit a set of numerous experimental results consisting of challenging scenarios to validate the effectiveness and versatility of the new unified approach. This flexible and highly stable framework, founded upon the unified treatment and seamless coupling among various phases, and effective numerical discretization, has its unique advantage in animation creation toward novel phenomena heavily involving phase transitions with artistic creativity and guidance.