bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assisted Juvenile Recruitment Faces Barriers as a Mussel Restoration Technique
Authors: Toone Trevyn A. , Benjamin Emilee D. , Hillman Jenny R. , Jeffs Andrew
Published: December 2024

Coastal mussel populations have declined worldwide, largely due to overharvesting, water pollution, climate change, invasive species and other anthropogenic stressors. Mussel restoration projects have emerged to combat these declines, with restoration methods primarily prioritizing mussel transplantations from healthy populations into degraded areas. While this technique can be effective, it is also costly and often infeasible to upscale. One alternative restoration technique is assisted juvenile recruitment through plantigrade or spat provision, which has facilitated the creation of mussel reefs on small scales. This study assessed the effectiveness of upscaled assisted recruitment of juvenile mussels, specifically using plantigrades attached to macroalgae experimentally placed into restored mussel reefs and adjacent bare cobble habitat. Ultimately, low natural settlement of plantigrades to macroalgae (eight plantigrades per gram macroalgae) and high post‐settlement losses of plantigrades (> 99%) resulted in assisted recruitment being unsuccessful as very few juvenile mussels small enough to have originated from the plantigrade provision (0.6 juveniles/m2) were found in either habitat. These results demonstrate two key barriers limiting the success of assisted recruitment as a restoration technique: highly variable natural settlement processes to macroalgae and low successful progression from post‐settlement plantigrades to established juveniles due to mortality or emigration. Addressing these limitations will require assessing more reliable sources of plantigrades, such as hatcheries, and identifying the mechanisms currently impeding the transition of plantigrades to juvenile recruits.
Sustainable, Green, and Sensitive Spectrofluorimetric Approach for Pizotifen Maleate Detection in Tablets and Human Plasma via Photo‐Induced Electron Transfer Inhibition
Authors: Omar Mahmoud A. , Mohamed Abobakr A. , Alahmadi Yaser , Almaghrabi Mohammed , Bafail Rawan , Mostafa Islam M.
Published: December 2024

Pizotifen maleate (PZM) is an anti‐migraine drug. Effective treatment requires accurate measurement of PZM levels in patients and constant medication concentrations in tablets. This paper presents a new spectrofluorimetric approach for detecting PZM in tablets and human blood plasma (spiked with PZM). The detection mechanism depends on the inhibition of the PZM molecule's photoinduced electron transfer (PET), resulting in a bright fluorescent intensity from PZM. Acetic acid (2.0 M) acidifies the reaction environment and causes PET inhibition. This approach detects PZM at concentrations ranging from 100 to 700 ng mL−1. Furthermore, the approach has outstanding detection and quantification limits of 30.95 and 93.78 ng mL−1, respectively. Also, the approach accurately measured PZM content homogeneity in each tablet and spiked human plasma samples without any interference. This new strategy represents a new and sensitive method for accurate PZM monitoring in different samples. Furthermore, the established fluorimetric method's greenness was evaluated.
Extensive Subcutaneous Emphysema Following Emergency Tracheostomy in a High‐Risk Patient With Advanced Supraglottic Carcinoma: Navigating Complexity
Authors: Chaudhary Rahul Kumar , Khan Sajjad Ahmed , Gautam Sakshyam
Published: December 2024

In high‐risk patients undergoing emergency tracheostomy, especially with advanced malignancies and comorbidities, vigilant monitoring and immediate management of complications like extensive subcutaneous emphysema are crucial. Prompt intervention and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to optimize outcomes and effectively address severe postoperative issues.
Diagnostic Challenges due to a Germline Missense MSH2 Variant in a Patient With Immunotherapy‐Responsive Locally Advanced Rectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Evaristo Gertruda , Harmath Carla , Segal Jeremy P. , Shergill Ardaman , Setia Namrata
Published: December 2024

Background

Rapid and accurate identification of mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency and Lynch syndrome is critical in the prognostication and clinical management of patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Case Description

We describe here a young woman who developed a locally aggressive rectal adenocarcinoma with intact MMR protein expression by immunohistochemistry and absence of histologic evidence of MMR deficiency‐associated increased tumoral immune response. Germline DNA‐targeted sequencing identified MSH2 variant p.R711P, initially classified as a variant of undetermined significance. Somatic tumoral DNA analysis revealed the identical MSH2 variant, high tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite instability, in addition to superimposed alterations in β2‐microglobulin gene, possibly explaining the altered intratumoral immunity. Consequently, the patient was started on immunotherapy, leading to successful disease control (33 month follow‐up).

Conclusion

The findings emphasize the utility of an integrative approach in the assessment of MMR status for determining candidacy for immunotherapy, especially in the setting of missense variants in MMR genes.
Quantifying Biomass and Visualizing Cell Coverage on Fibrous Scaffolds for Cultivated Meat Production
Authors: Li Xinxin , Lwin Khin Thu , Kumarasinghe Hirunika U. , Iglesias‐Ledon Lilianne , Bethi Eesha , Wang Yushu , Fennelly Colin , Sylvia Ryan , Hatz Sonja , Olsen Timothy , Herget Thomas , Chen Ying , Kaplan David
Published: December 2024

Cultivated meat represents a transformative solution to environmental and ethical concerns of traditional meat industries, replicating livestock meat's texture and sensory attributes in vitro with a focus on cost, safety, and nutritional quality. Central to this process are biomaterial scaffolds that support tissue development from isolated animal cells grown in or on these matrices. Understanding scaffold interactions with cells, including scaffold degradation and biomass production, is crucial for process design and for scaling‐up goals. In this article, we outline comprehensive methods to quantify scaffold‐cell interactions for such scenarios, focusing on biomaterial scaffold degradation and changes in cell biomass [measured by cell weight, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and cell coverage] during cell culture. We introduce two methodologies for assessing cell coverage: fixation and staining for detailed imaging analysis, and non‐invasive, real‐time evaluation across scaffolds. Here we focus on fiber‐based scaffolds, while the assessments can be extrapolated to 2‐dimensional (2D; films), and in part to 3‐dimensional (3D; sponge) systems. Utilizing the C2C12 mouse myoblast cell line as a gold standard, the protocols deliver precise, step‐by‐step instructions for preparing fiber scaffolds (using silk proteins here), seeding cells, and monitoring key parameters for cultivated meat production, providing a framework for advancing cellular agriculture techniques. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Fabrication and preparation of silk fiber scaffolds for cell seeding

Support Protocol 1: Cultivation of C2C12 cells and seeding onto fibrous scaffolds

Basic Protocol 2: Quantification of decellularized yarn scaffold degradation during cell culture

Basic Protocol 3: Quantification of biomass variation and ECM deposition on yarn scaffolds during C2C12 cell culture

Basic Protocol 4: Visualization of cell‐laden yarn scaffolds and determination of cell coverage ratio using confocal microscopy

Support Protocol 2: Real‐time imaging of cell‐laden yarn scaffolds using Celigo system

Support Protocol 3: Applying green CellTracker fluorescent probes to C2C12 cells seeded on yarn scaffolds
Isolation, Purification, and Comprehensive Flow Cytometry Assessment of Lung Stromal Cells
Authors: Rottmann Sophia , Lukacs‐Kornek Veronika
Published: December 2024

Stromal cells are non‐hematopoietic cells that consist of endothelial cells and various mesenchymal cell populations. The composition of the stromal cell compartment is diverse in different organs. Numerous recent studies demonstrated that the lung environment contains heterogeneous mesenchymal stromal cell populations with distinctive genomic signatures and location preferences. Besides their role in supporting organ structure and remodeling tissue, mesenchymal stromal cells fulfill critical immune functions. These stromal cells show alterations during lung fibrosis and infectious disorders like COVID‐19 or flu infection.

To date, their identification and isolation were challenging, and most information about their heterogeneity was derived from scRNAseq data. In this protocol, we describe an isolation, comprehensive flow cytometry assessment, and purification strategy for murine lung stromal cells. The described method is optimized for minimizing cell death while keeping a high level of cell purity. This protocol can be also used for ex‐vivo analysis of these cells in downstream functional assays. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of stromal cells from murine lung tissue

Basic Protocol 2: Flow cytometry assessment of lung stromal populations

Basic Protocol 3: Purification of lung fibroblastic stromal cells

Alternate Protocol: Positive selection of fibroblastic stromal cells
Improved Deep Reinforcement Learning With Faster Graph Recurrent Convolutional Neural Network‐Enabled Adaptive Network Slicing for Tailored Service Delivery in NextGen Networks
Authors: Sugapriya S. , Vijayabhasker R.
Published: December 2024

Many new use cases and a broad spectrum of vertical businesses are expected to be supported by next‐generation wireless networks. Network slicing has been implemented to suit the stringent requirements of different services. By dividing the infrastructure network into several logical networks, this technology enables resource allocation based on services. In dynamic and unpredictable situations, managing resources across several domains and dimensions for end‐to‐end (E2E) slicing still presents difficulties. Tenant satisfaction requires striking a balance between the trade‐off between revenue and the expense of resource allocation. Network slicing has emerged as a fundamental paradigm in next‐generation networks to meet the diverse service requirements of various applications and users. However, the dynamic nature of network conditions and service demands poses challenges in efficiently allocating network resources to meet performance objectives. In this paper, a faster graph recurrent convolutional neural network (FGRCNN) with improved deep reinforcement learning (IDRL) is proposed to learn traffic behavior from link and node properties in addition to network structure. To train the FGRCNN model in the IDRL framework without requiring a labeled training dataset, employ the Deep Q‐learning technique. This allows the framework to swiftly adjust to changes in traffic dynamics. A system is proposed to analyze real‐time network and service data enabling dynamic adaptation of network slices for changing traffic patterns and service requirements. A comprehensive framework is presented that integrates deep learning models with network slicing orchestration mechanisms to achieve tailored service delivery. Through extensive simulations and experiments, the effectiveness approach in optimizing resource utilization is demonstrated, improving service quality and enabling agile network management in next‐gen networks. Results highlight the potential of deep learning‐enabled adaptive network slicing to support diverse and evolving service demands in future network environments.
Recent insights into the transformative role of Graphene‐based/TiO2 electron transport layers for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Sewela T. , Ocaya R. O. , Malevu T. D.
Published: December 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) hold great promise for cost‐effective and high‐efficiency solar energy conversion. However, in practice, they face practical limitations due to suboptimal electron transport, inadequate hole‐suppression, photocatalytic instability, and susceptibility to other environmental factors. Many transition metal oxides such as ZnO and TiO2 have important excitonic properties that make them good electron transport layer (ETL) materials in PSCs. However, many of the PS limitations arise from inherent issues with these oxides. The high interest in TiO2 is due to its low toxicity, chemical stability, and the potential to enhance its excitonic performance through doping with many materials. The main limitations of TiO2 are its poor visible‐light response by virtue of its wide bandgap of ~3.2 eV, and its high electron‐hole (e‐h) recombination rates, which are directly responsible for its low current densities. Transition metal oxide enhancements occur using either internal doping or surface sensitization. Of the added materials, graphene has exceptional electrical conductivity, high electron mobility, large surface area, and excellent mechanical properties, making it a near‐ideal candidate to improve the performance of TiO2. This review examines the important advances in graphene‐TiO2 (g‐TiO2) composites for ETL application. By forming a composite with TiO2, graphene can significantly enhance electron transport, reduce recombination losses, and improve the overall stability of PSCs. We present the detailed rationale for and analysis of g‐TiO2 for improved electron transport efficiency, enhanced stability, and boosted overall PSC performance with the objective of providing an authoritative resource for the field.
Managers and internationalization decisions: An affect‐enacted model
Authors: Grego Marica , Buckley Peter J. , Munjal Surender , Voss Hinrich , Wang Elizabeth Yi
Published: December 2024

Research Summary

This paper identifies a critical gap in foundational assumptions between traditional International Business (IB) theories (e.g., internalization theory and Uppsala model) and empirical individual‐level research. Traditional theories, rooted in assumptions of bounded rationality, tend to overlook the influence of affective cognition in shaping managerial decisions. In contrast, our systematic review of individual‐level IB research reveals that empirical studies recognize the influence of affective cognition in decision‐making but have only extended mainstream theories in fragmented ways, leaving room for a comprehensive theoretical revision. We propose an affect‐enacted model of internationalization decision‐making, showing how affective cognition critically shapes IB decisions. Our findings have important implications for IB theorization, advocating for the integration of both affective and non‐affective cognition into a unified framework.

Managerial Summary

Managers assess risks as part of their decision‐making process for firm internationalization. Traditional theories suggest that managers, as boundedly rational actors, are imperfect agents influenced primarily by analytical considerations. However, our systematic review of over two decades of empirical research reveals instead that managers are complex agents that rely on both affective and non‐affective processes to inform their judgments. We present an affect‐enacted model of internationalization decisions, showing how these processes combine to shape knowledge, experience, attitudes, and risk evaluations, ultimately guiding their internationalization decisions. Contrary to the traditional view, our findings suggest that internationalization decisions are deeply influenced by affective cognition reflecting a complex interplay of intra‐ and interpersonal dynamics.
Intuitive eating predictors and outcomes in people with severe mental illness participating in a lifestyle intervention
Authors: Henry Irene , Korman Nicole , Johnston Donni , Teasdale Scott , Rocks Tetyana , Childs Sarah , Russell Anneliese , Chapman Justin
Published: December 2024

Issue Addressed

People with severe mental illness (SMI) are at higher risk of preventable diseases than the general population; poor diet contributes to heightened risk. Adaptive approaches designed to improve intuitive eating may improve dietary behaviours in people with SMI. Aims of this study were to investigate predictors of, and assess the impact of a nutrition program on, intuitive eating in people with SMI.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of an exercise and nutrition program for people with SMI. The primary outcome was intuitive eating assessed using the Intuitive Eating Scale 2 (IES2); psychological distress was measured using the Kessler‐6 scale. Regression analyses were conducted on baseline data; change in intuitive eating was assessed using Wilcoxon tests.

Results

A total of 93 participants had complete data for regression analyses, and 32 completed pre/post‐assessments. The most common mental health diagnosis was psychotic disorder (35%); 74% had BMI > 25 kg/m2. The regression model significantly predicted total IES2 score and three intuitive eating domains. Body mass index (BMI) was negatively associated with these outcomes (β = −0.234 to −0.248; p < 0.05). Both BMI and psychological distress were negatively associated with body‐food choice congruence (B‐FCC), and only B‐FCC was improved at post‐intervention.

Conclusions

Higher BMI and psychological distress were associated with lower intuitive eating in people with SMI. Nutrition interventions may improve B‐FCC in people with SMI.

So What?

Given the interrelatedness of BMI and psychological distress with psychosocial stressors, nutritional interventions should be implemented alongside holistic approaches to improve health equality.
Planning Matters: A Document Analysis of 24 Portuguese Health Programmes
Authors: Costa Soraia , Morais Vilaça Inês , Lima Daniela , Pinheiro‐Guedes Lara , Barbosa Suzana , Salvador Sílvia , Barbabela Rachel , Carvalho Ana Cristina , Oliveira Paula , Chaves Ana Cecília , Teixeira Margarida , Caveiro Diogo , Vieira Alexandre , Leão Teresa
Published: December 2024

Background

Health planning is essential for effective public health interventions and optimal resource utilisation. The Portuguese Directorate‐General of Health has a long history of developing health plans and programmes, for communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and their determinants. This study aimed to review the current 24 programmes and assess the adequacy of their structure and content.

Methods

A document analysis was conducted using a programme assessment matrix developed by the research group. Two independent researchers evaluated each programme, scoring items as ‘absent’, ‘present’, or ‘not applicable’. A quantitative analysis was employed to analyse compliance scores between priority and non‐priority programmes and across the year of publication.

Results

Priority programs demonstrated higher and more consistent compliance scores compared to non‐priority programs. Compliance scores ranged from 19% in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme to 100% in the Healthy Eating Programme. The item least commonly present was ‘updated time scope’, in only 21% of the programmes. Most recently published programmes were more likely to have a higher compliance score (Β = 0.76, 95% CI: [0.46, 1.05]). Not all programmes were publicly available in the same digital location.

Conclusions

There was heterogeneity in the 24 health promotion programmes in terms of structure, content, timeliness, and accessibility. A standardised structure could enhance their quality and ease their interpretation and dissemination.
Dynamics of Myopia Progression in Ghana—Evidence From Clinical Practice: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kyei Samuel , Avornyo Godwin , Asiamah Randy , Boadi‐Kusi Samuel B. , Kwarteng Michael Agyemang
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim

To investigate the pattern of progression of myopia among a Ghanaian clinical cohort.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis of a clinical data set of all healthy myopic participants attending a tertiary eye care center was performed. Participants' biennial refraction examinations were tracked for refractive changes 4 years after the date of the first visit. This covered the period from January 2015 to December 2019. Myopia progression was defined as a difference in spherical equivalent between consecutive biennial visits equal to, or greater than −0.50 D of myopia.

Results

The medical records of 169 myopic participants were reviewed, with the majority (53.8%) being female. Most of the participants (51.4%) were younger than 36 years, and at the end of the study period, 96 participants (56.8%), who made up the majority, showed progression of myopia Univariate regression revealed that the 36–59‐year‐old age range is associated with a 60% [cOR = 0.40, 95% CI: –0.17, 0.97; p = 0.04] reduced likelihood compared to those belonging to the 0–17‐year‐old age group, and the Mole‐Dagbon ethnicity is associated with an almost fourfold [cOR = 3.80; 95% CI: –1.40, 10.316; p = 0.01] increased likelihood of experiencing myopia progression compared to those of Ga‐Adangbe ethnicity. Multivariate regression revealed that the Mole‐Dagbon ethnicity is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing myopia progression 4 years after their initial visit [aOR = 3.49; 95% CI: –1.27, 9.63; p = 0.02] compared to those of Ga‐Adangbe ethnicity.

Conclusion

Our study provides important insights into myopia progression in Ghana, with findings that are consistent with global trends. The association of myopia progression with age, place of residence, degree of myopia, and ethnicity highlights the need for tailored interventions to manage this growing public health concern in African populations.
Understanding Telerehabilitation Factors and Videoconference Usage in Physiotherapy: A Protocol for a Mixed‐Methods Project
Authors: Gómez‐Molina Nuria , Salinas‐Bueno Iosune , Moreno‐Mulet Cristina
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

The rapid evolution of healthcare technology introduced telerehabilitation (TR) as a novel intervention model. TR employs information and communication technologies for remote healthcare delivery. The COVID‐19 pandemic prompted a significant increase in TR usage, notably videoconferencing, among physiotherapists in Spain, offering a safe and viable alternative during mobility restrictions and temporary closure of physiotherapy centers. The aim of this study is to collect data on the use and frequency of outpatient TR and its intended purposes among physiotherapists from the pre‐COVID‐19 era to the present, as well as to examine the perspectives, facilitators, and barriers related to videoconferencing among physiotherapists, patients, and managers.

Methods

A convergent two‐phase mixed‐methods project was designed. The first phase employs a quantitative methodology to explore how the frequency and purpose of physiotherapist TR usage changed from before the pandemic until the present, where 90% works at private practice and 10% at public services, using a retrospective online survey. Second, we focus on understanding videoconference usage through qualitative methodologies, which include focus groups with patients and physiotherapists and semi‐structured interviews with managers.

Results

The expected results will be adoption and cessation of technology/ICT usage, changes in frequency and purpose of use; acceptance, satisfaction, and future expectations of videoconferencing by physiotherapists, patients, and managers.

Conclusions

This project can be used to investigate how different telemedicine technologies have progressed in a region over a period and why healthcare professionals, patients, and managers embrace these technologies. As a result of this research, it will be possible to improve the implementation of these technologies, as well as professional training and educational programs.
The Association Between Social Media Addiction and Aggressive Behaviors: A Longitudinal and Gender‐Specific Analysis
Authors: Lin S. , Fabris M. A. , Longobardi C. , Mastrokoukou S.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Recent evidence demonstrates an association between social media addiction (SMA) and aggressive behaviors; however, the longitudinal relationship between these two variables remains not fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationship between SMA and aggressive behaviors (overt and relational aggression) in early adolescence and to identify gender differences in this relationship.

Methods

A sample of 568 Italian early adolescents (52.3% girls; Mage = 12.59, SD = 0.87) attending middle schools in northern Italy was recruited from different schools. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire to assess SMA and the perpetration of overt and relational aggressive behaviors. The questionnaire was completed twice with a 1‐year intervals (T1 and T2).

Results

The findings showed that females were at higher risk of SMA and relational aggression, whereas males exhibited higher levels of overt aggression at both time points (T1 and T2). Longitudinal analyses revealed that SMA at T1 was associated with higher likelihoods of both overt and relational aggression at T2 across both genders and that only in females was relational aggression at T1 associated with higher levels of SMA at T2.

Conclusions

The study suggests a relationship between SMA and aggressive behaviors and reveals gender differences in this pattern. Limitations, future directions, and practical implications of the research are discussed.
Beyond Hunger: A Connection Between Diet and Gonadal Development of a Ladybird Beetle
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Jattan Deeksha , Yadav Tripti , Mishra Geetanjali , Omkar
Published: December 2024

Food availability shapes morphology, physiology, growth, reproduction, and overall fitness of insects. Countless research in coccinellids reported the effect of diet in terms of quality and quantity on reproductive output. But fewer studies have reported the direct effects of food on the gonadal development in both sexes. In nature, ladybird beetle Cheilomenes sexmaculata exhibit food preference, favouring Aphis craccivora (nutritious prey) over Aphis nerii (poor prey). We hypothesized that beetles consuming nutritious prey in abundant quantity will have larger and heavier gonads. The current study assessed the effect of food preferred and its fluctuations on the gonadal development of C. sexmaculata. First instars were collected randomly from experimental stock and reared on two different diet regimes for a lifetime. After eclosion, beetles from each dietary regime were dissected daily to assess gonadal development until maturity. Here, we documented total developmental duration, body weight, weight of gonads, GSI, total area of gonads, length, and number of testicular lobules/ovarioles across different treatments. Both quality and quantity of diet significantly affected development period, body weight, and gonadal parameters in both sexes except for GSI in males and number of ovarioles in females that reared on varied diet quality, which were found to be similar. Aphis craccivora in abundant supply positively affected the growth and development of the gonads in C. sexmaculata. Beetles reared on the abundant supply of nutritious prey with larger and heavier gonads than those reared on limited supply or poor prey. This study improves our understanding of the development of gonads in ladybird beetles, which may be helpful in improving the mass rearing of ladybird beetles.
Global Origin and Spatiotemporal Spread of Hepatitis C Virus Epidemic Genotypes/Subtypes: A Complete Genome‐Based Phylodynamic and Phylogeographic Analyses
Authors: Kamboj Sakshi , Kumar Manoj
Published: December 2024

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a pathogenic virus of global health concern. The phylodynamics of HCV genotypes/subtypes 1a, 1b, 2, and 3 are explored only for specific geographic regions. However, their genome based global origin and detailed spatiotemporal spread, have yet to be extensively studied. To study the global evolution of “epidemic” HCV genotypes/subtypes, we screened all available HCV complete genome sequences (n = 2744) from 27 countries worldwide for over four decades. We used representative sequences (n = 516) for phylodynamic and phylogeographic analyses, examining HCV worldwide origin, transmission, and spatiotemporal spread. We are the first to study the global phylogeography of genotype 2. The evolutionary rates for genotype/subtype 1a, 1b, 2, and 3 are 1.109 × 10‐3, 1.096 × 10‐3, 5.013 × 10‐3 and 1.483 × 10‐3 substitutions/site/year respectively. We deduced tMRCAs and origin location of respective HCV genotype/subtype as 1909.21 (United States), 1893.36 (Japan), 981.76 (France), and 1714.89 (India). We estimated their migration pattern with time to and from different continents. The origin location of genotype 2 was estimated to be France instead of previous postulated African origin. This can be related to slave trade, French colonization, and previous studies on specific geographic regions only. HCV genotypes/subtypes showed transmission and expansion due to factors like World War II, iatrogenic infections, “baby boomer” population, inefficient medical screening, intravenous drug use, decline due to antiviral therapy introduction. Our study provides novel and extensive information about the evolutionary history and spatiotemporal spread of the HCV genotypes responsible for most infections worldwide.
Innovation intermediation in supply networks: Addressing shortfalls in buyer and supplier capabilities for collaborative innovation
Authors: Selviaridis Kostas , Spring Martin
Published: December 2024

We investigate how innovation intermediaries address shortfalls in the capabilities that buyers and suppliers must have to access each other's knowledge for innovation purposes, also referred to as indirect capabilities. Prior research on supplier‐enabled innovation has identified various capabilities that buyers need in order to collaborate with innovative suppliers. It recognizes that suppliers also require capabilities to access buyer knowledge. However, we still know little about the role of innovation intermediaries—actors who are neither buyers nor suppliers, but still influence innovation processes and outcomes in supply networks. Our case‐based research shows that intermediaries create workspaces for R&D and experimentation, help to refine definitions of requirements and de‐risk novel solutions, support contracting, and facilitate solution implementation. We contribute to research on supplier innovation by developing a model of intermediaries' activities and underlying capabilities, and their impact on innovation sourcing outcomes. We elaborate the indirect capabilities theoretical perspective by introducing additional types of indirect capabilities for collaborative innovation in supply chains, and showing how these capabilities interrelate. We furthermore extend the literature on innovation intermediaries by elucidating hitherto unexplored capabilities for intermediation and adding insights regarding the contribution of intermediaries to open innovation processes.
Targeting nucleus pulposus cell death in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Sun Hong , Guo Jiajie , Xiong Zhilin , Zhuang Yong , Ning Xu , Liu Miao
Published: December 2024

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a progressive age‐related disorder characterized by the reduction in the number of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby leading to chronic pain and disability. The pathogenesis of IDD is multifaceted, and current therapeutic strategies remain limited. The nucleus pulposus (NP), primarily composed of NPCs, proteoglycans, and type II collagen, constitutes essential components for maintaining intervertebral disc (IVD) function and spinal motion. The disturbed homeostasis of NPCs is closely associated with IDD. Accumulating evidence increasingly suggests the crucial role of programmed cell death (PCD) in regulating the homeostasis of NPCs.

Aims

This review aimed to elucidate various forms of PCD and their respective roles in IDD, and investigate diverse strategies targeting the cell death of NPCs for IDD treatment.

Materials & Methods

We collected the relevant literature regarding PCD and their roles in the development of IDD. Subsequently, we comprehensively summarized the intricate association between PCD and IDD, and also explored the potential and application of cell therapy and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the prevention and treatment of IDD.

Results

Current literature indicated that the PCD of NPCs was closely associated with the pathogenesis of IDD. Additionally, the development of targeted pharmaceuticals based on the mechanisms of PCD could effectively impede the loss of NPCs.

Conclusion

This review demonstrated that targeting the PCD of NPCs may be a promising strategy for the treatment of IDD.
pH: A major player in degenerative intervertebral disks
Authors: Trone Matthew A. R. , Stover Joshua D. , Almarza Alejandro , Bowles Robert D.
Published: December 2024

Chronic lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, generating a socioeconomic cost of over $100 billion annually in the United States. Among the prominent causes of low back pain (LBP) is degeneration of the intervertebral disk (IVD), a condition known as degenerative disk disease (DDD). Despite the prevalence of DDD and multiple studies demonstrating its relationship with LBP, the mechanisms by which it contributes to pain remain unknown. Previous studies have identified potential causes for this pain, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown, changes in biomechanics, and pro‐inflammatory signals. Possible pain treatments targeting these factors have been developed but with limited effects. However, low pH in DDD is a potential pain generator whose role has largely been unexplored and underappreciated. This review highlights hyperacidity's effects on the IVD, such as catabolism of disk cells and ECM, neoinnervation, altered mechanical signaling, and expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and ion channels. This review aims to discuss what is known about the contributions of acidity to DDD pain, identify the knowledge gaps on this topic, and propose what research can be conducted to fill these gaps. We must better understand the underlying mechanisms of DDD and the interaction between hyperacidity and nociception to develop better therapeutics for this disease.
Cutaneous Immune Responses to Ablative Fractional Laser, Heat‐ and Cold‐Based Dermatological Procedures
Authors: Christensen Rikke L. , Son Heehwa G. , Zhou Eray Yihui , Olesen Uffe H. , Garibyan Lilit , Farinelli William A. , Sakamoto Fernanda H. , Rox Anderson R. , Haedersdal Merete , Demehri Shadmehr
Published: December 2024

Objective

Physical treatment modalities, such as ablative fractional laser (AFL), electrocautery, and cryotherapy, are extensively used in the field of dermatology. This study aimed to characterize the short‐term innate and adaptive immune responses induced by AFL compared with heat‐ and cold‐based procedures.

Materials and Methods

Innate (CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophils) and adaptive (CD8+CD3+ T cells) immune cell infiltration and histopathological changes were examined in murine skin on Days 1 and 7, following AFL, monopolar‐electrocautery (RF), thermocautery, and cryotherapy. Interventions were standardized to reach the reticular dermis. Clinical skin reactions were photo‐documented daily. As a comparator, the adaptive immune response was examined in murine basal cell carcinomas (BCC) on Day 7 after AFL exposure.

Results

Baseline histopathology confirmed immediate deep dermal tissue impact by all procedures. Immune cell dynamics varied across treatments throughout the progression of clinical and histopathological responses. On Day 1, AFL and heat‐based procedures triggered an innate immune response, characterized by CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophil cell infiltration that correlated with histopathological findings and immediate onset of clinical skin reactions. In addition, heat‐based procedures led to an increase in overall dermal CD45+ cells (Day 1), which continued to rise for AFL and RF‐electrocautery at Day 7 posttreatment. On the contrary, cryotherapy did not induce immediate (Day 1) innate immune responses, but instead a delayed increase in neutrophil and CD45+ cell infiltration (Day 7), which coincided with the late onset of clinical reaction. CD3+ T cells and CD8+CD3+ T cells demonstrated a similar pattern, with an increase observed for heat‐based procedures on Day 1 and a delayed increase for cryotherapy on Day 7. Distinctive for AFL‐treated skin, the level of dermal CD3+ T cells increased over time, significant by Day 7, and AFL‐treated mouse BCCs responded with increased CD8+ T cell infiltration at Day 7 posttreatment.

Conclusion

Heat‐ and cold‐based procedures developed distinct cutaneous immune responses, with cryotherapy resulting in a delayed response compared to immediate immune responses from heat‐based procedures. The substantial T cell response induced by AFL in the skin and BCC tumors indicates a potential for AFL as an adjuvant in immunotherapeutic treatments of keratinocyte cancers.
CerM and Its Antagonist CerN Are New Components of the Quorum Sensing System in Cereibacter sphaeroides, Signaling to the CckA/ChpT/CtrA System
Authors: Hernández‐Valle José , Vega‐Baray Benjamín , Poggio Sebastián , Camarena Laura
Published: December 2024

Cereibacter sphaeroides has a quorum sensing (QS) system that has been partially characterized. Using a bioinformatic approach, six LuxR homologs and one homolog of the acylhomoserine lactone synthase were identified in this bacterium, including the previously characterized CerR and CerI proteins. This study focused on determining the roles of two LuxR homologs, CerM and CerN. CerN lacks the HTH domain and, together with CerM, controls the expression of ctrA, which is part of the TCS CckA/ChpT/CtrA. CtrA is widely conserved in alpha‐proteobacteria and regulates flagellar motility and other cellular processes. Genetic and biochemical data suggest that CerM indirectly represses ctrA expression, which is counteracted by its interaction with CerN‐AHL. A transcriptomic study identified 181 genes regulated by CerM/CerN, with a conserved sequence in their regulatory regions likely indicating the CerM binding site. This hypothesis was supported by in vitro and in vivo DNA–protein interaction assays. Our results identified a transcription factor that could connect the QS system with the regulation of the two‐component system CckA/ChpT/CtrA.
Genetic Analysis of GCA Repeats in the GLS Gene: Implications for Undiagnosed Ataxia and Spinocerebellar Ataxia 3 in Mainland China
Authors: Lei Lijing , Peng Linliu , Wan Linlin , Chen Zhao , Wang Chunrong , Peng Huirong , Qiu Rong , Tang Beisha , Jiang Hong
Published: December 2024

Background

Recent studies have reported that expanded GCA repeats in the GLS gene can cause glutaminase deficiency with ataxia phenotype. However, to data, no studies have investigated the distribution and role of GCA repeats in the GLS gene of Chinese individuals.

Objective

The aim was to investigate the distribution of GCA repeats in Chinese individuals, including undiagnosed ataxia patients for identifying causal factors, healthy controls for determining the normal range, and ATX−ATXN3 (spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, SCA3) patients for exploring genetic modifiers.

Methods

We combined whole‐genome sequencing (WGS), repeat‐primed polymerase chain reaction, capillary electrophoresis (RP−PCR/CE), and ExpansionHunter to screen the GCA repeats in the GLS gene of 349 undiagnosed ataxia individuals, 1505 healthy controls, and 1236 ATX−ATXN3 (SCA3) patients from mainland China.

Results

No expanded GCA repeats in the GLS gene were detected across any of the samples. The average number of GCA repeats was 11 (range: 8–31), 12 (range: 6–33), and 11 (range: 6–33) for undiagnosed ataxia patients, healthy controls, and SCA3 patients, respectively. The intermediate repeat size (9 < repeat size ≤ 13) of the nonexpanded GCA allele in the GLS gene was associated with later disease onset in ATX−ATXN3 (SCA3) patients.

Conclusions

Abnormal expansions of GLS GCA repeats are rare in the Chinese population. However, intermediate‐length normal GCA repeat sizes may influence the age at onset (AAO) in ATX‐ATXN3 (SCA3) patients. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Spatiotemporally Modulated Array Antenna Featuring Nonreciprocal Radiation Beam
Authors: Zang Jiawei , Wang Shouyuan , Wang Ziren , Ji Rui , Pan Juan
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes a nonreciprocal array antenna based on spatiotemporal modulation. This approach relies on the drastically different phase response during the frequency conversion processes in the time‐modulated antenna element. A prototype linear array composed of a pair of resonant patches is designed and fabricated for proof‐of‐concept validation. Measured results are in good agreement with simulation. The results show that the proposed array antenna is capable of providing versatile radiation performance for transmission and reception, including reciprocal transmission and reception radiation beams, nonreciprocal symmetric transmission and reception radiation beams, and nonreciprocal asymmetric transmission and reception radiation beams, by manipulating the RF signal phase and modulation signal phase.
An Analysis of Publicly Available National Health Service Information Leaflets for Patients With Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lalande Stacey , Moffatt Maria , Smith Toby , Aggarwal Vrinda , Littlewood Chris
Published: December 2024

Background

Shoulder osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain, disability and difficulty sleeping. Patient information leaflets are produced by NHS Trusts with the aim of informing patients about their diagnosis and available treatment options.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify and describe the non‐surgical management of people with shoulder osteoarthritis according to publicly available information leaflets produced by NHS Trusts.

Methods

One reviewer undertook an electronic search using Google to identify publicly available patient‐facing information leaflets (PIL) produced by NHS Trusts which detailed non‐surgical management strategies for people with shoulder osteoarthritis. Relevant data were extracted by one reviewer and verified by two reviewers.

Results

Seventeen PILs from 17 different UK NHS Trusts were identified ranging from December 2016 to February 2024. Information provided in the PIL varied, with topics including general osteoarthritis management, exercise, analgesia, injections, and surgical indications. No PIL covered all areas recommended in the NICE Osteoarthritis Management guidelines.

Conclusion

PILs developed and published by NHS Trusts are variable in content and do not fully reflect current clinical guidelines. High‐quality research to inform consistent, clinically, and cost‐effective treatment pathways, including information provision, for patients with shoulder osteoarthritis is needed.
Methacrylamide‐substituted para‐aramid as an innovative sizing agent for improving the mechanical properties of carbon fiber/vinyl ester resin composites
Authors: Yu Boshi , Zhang Yiwei , Liu Yue , Jin Yewei , Song Yihu , Peng Mao
Published: December 2024

Carbon fiber‐reinforced resin composites (CFRCs) utilizing vinyl ester (VE) resin as the matrix have found extensive applications in military equipment, transportation, sports and entertainment, wind power generation, and various other fields. However, the inherent inertness of the carbon fiber (CF) surfaces makes it difficult to form covalent bonds between VE resin and CFs, thereby limiting the application of CFs/VE composites. The sizing process is an effective method for the surface modification of CFs that improves the final mechanical properties of CFRCs. In this study, a novel organo‐soluble methacrylamide‐substituted para‐aramid, poly(p‐methacrylamino‐phenylene methacrylamino‐terephthalamide) (mPPTA), characterized by methacrylamide side groups attached to the phenyl moieties of its rigid‐rod‐like backbone, was used as a novel sizing agent for the surface modification of CFs in the fabrication of CFRCs via vacuum‐assisted resin infusion (VARI). CF fabrics were coated with mPPTA through solution impregnation. The CF‐matrix interfacial bonding was evaluated using a transverse fiber bundle tensile test, which indicated a 51.1% enhancement in interfacial bonding strength due to mPPTA. The application of merely 0.281 mg/cm2 of mPPTA on each CF sheet resulted in significant improvements in flexural strength, flexural fracture total energy, interlaminar shear strength, and mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of the composites, with increases of 75%, 156.3%, 85.1%, and 90.1%, respectively. These enhancements surpass those reported for CFRCs modified using other sizing agents or matrix reinforcements. This method presents a new opportunity for fabricating of high‐performance VE resin‐based CFRCs using VARI.

Highlights

A novel methacrylamide‐substituted rigid‐rod para‐aramid (mPPTA) was synthesized.

mPPTA was synthesized by reacting methacryloyl chloride with aminated PPTA.

mPPTA serves as a novel sizing agent for producing VE/CF composites through VARI.

mPPTA significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the VE/CF composites.
Enhanced poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) composite films reinforced with nano‐calcium carbonate modified by a comb‐like polyacrylic superdispersant
Authors: Li Zhengxiao , Sun Yuemeng , Liang Linzhi , Lu Zhenliang , Xie Yanlin , Dong Beibei , Qu Xiongwei , Chen Shengli
Published: December 2024

A comb‐like polyacrylic superdispersant (CPS) consisting of polyacrylic acid‐co‐poly(isobutyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) (PBAT) was synthesized as a dispersant for preparing nano‐calcium carbonate/PBAT (nano‐CaCO3/PBAT) composite through internal mixing. Chemical structure analysis revealed that CPS adsorbed onto the surface of nano‐CaCO3 via coordination between carboxyl groups and calcium ions, effectively dispersing particles using a comb‐shaped side chain and electrostatic repulsion. This improved compatibility between nano‐CaCO3 and PBAT resulted in enhanced crystallinity, tensile stress, and elongation at break. By incorporating only 0.4 wt% CPS into 10 wt% nano‐CaCO3 (based on PBAT weight), the dispersion of nano‐CaCO3 was significantly improved, leading to a superior two‐phase interface in the composite material. Consequently (in the film's machine direction), elongation at break increased from 882 ± 49% to 1047 ± 31%, while tensile strength increased from 22.10 ± 2.06 MPa to 26.70 ± 1.14 MPa. These findings facilitate the production of high‐performance PBAT composites suitable for blow molding into biodegradable films.

Highlights

Comb‐like polyacrylic superdispersant synthesized by aqueous polymerization.

Nano‐CaCO3 modified via the adsorption and dispersion of CPS.

Stress and elongation of PBAT composite reinforced by CPS‐modified nano‐CaCO3.

CPS‐modified nano‐CaCO3/PBAT composite films processed through blow molding.

Enhancement by coordination, hydrogen‐bond action, and microphase separation.