bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LncRNA MIR600HG inhibits laryngeal cancer development by mediating the miR‐424‐5p/BTG2 axis
Authors: Zhu Xiaowen , Zhong Min , Wang Qingdong , Zhang MeiJia
Published: December 2024

Laryngeal carcinoma is the predominant kind of tumor seen under the category of head and neck malignancies. LncRNA MIR600HG affects tumor morphology in numerous cancer types. However, the function of MIR600HG in laryngeal cancer remains unclear. Protein and gene expressions were analyzed by using western blot and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. Cells proliferation and migration were evaluated by EdU and transwell assays. Flow cytometry was performed to detect cells apoptosis. The interaction between MIR600HG or B‐cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) and miR‐424‐5p was analyzed by dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. The expression of MIR600HG in laryngeal cancer tissues was lower than that in normal tissues, and low expression of MIR600HG was associated with poor prognosis in laryngeal cancer. Furthermore, overexpression of MIR600HG resulted in a reduction in cellular proliferation and the promotion of apoptosis in both HEp‐2 and Tu‐212. Mechanically, miR‐424‐5p was a direct target of MIR600HG, and overexpression of MIR600HG reduced miR‐424‐5p expression. Furthermore, BTG2 was a target gene of miR‐424‐5p and miR‐424‐5p upregulation suppressed the expression of BTG2. In addition, overexpression of BTG2 inhibited laryngeal cancer progression, whereas MIR600HG knockdown or miR‐424‐5p overexpression reversed the role of BTG2. This work suggested that MIR600HG represses laryngeal tumor development by regulating the miR‐424‐5p/BTG2 axis, which provides new molecules for early diagnosis of laryngeal cancer in the future.
Relationship Between Body Composition and Insulin Resistance Evaluated by the TyG Index: A Retrospective Study Among Chinese Population
Authors: Luo Yufang , Liu Lei , Liu Min , Tang Chenyi , Liu Hong , Wang Meng , Feng Guo , Wu Jinru , Wu Wei
Published: December 2024

Objective

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, a novel and easily obtained marker of insulin resistance (IR), has been shown to predict metabolic diseases. Monitoring body composition is crucial in assessing disease states. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body composition and IR as assessed by the TyG index.

Methods

Between January 2018 and December 2021, 12,186 individuals were initially enroled, with 4061 adults were ultimately included. Body composition, including fat mass (FM), fat mass index (FMI), fat‐free mass (FFM), fat‐free mass index (FFMI), and percent body fat (PBF), was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Spearman analysis assessed correlations between body composition indices and the TyG index. Binary logistic regression identified independent predictors of IR.

Results

Older women (≥ 50 years old) showed significantly higher BMI, PBF, FM, FMI, FFMI, HOMA‐IR, and the TyG index, but lower FFM compared to younger women; Older men exhibited significantly lower BMI, FM, FFM, FFMI, HOMA‐IR, and the TyG index than the younger men. FM, FMI, FFM, FFMI, and PBF were positively correlated with the TyG index. FFMI and PBF significantly predicted IR in both genders. Combined FFMI and PBF yielded an area under the ROC curves of 0.718 in women and 0.661 in men for IR diagnosis.

Conclusion

The TyG index correlates with body composition parameters of FFMI and PBF as well as HOMA‐IR potentially making it a convenient marker of metabolic risk.
Accumulation of ether phospholipids in induced pluripotent stem cells and oligodendrocyte‐lineage cells established from patients with Sjögren‐Larsson syndrome
Authors: Yamaguchi Yu , Okuno Hironobu , Tokuoka Suzumi , Kita Yoshihiro , Sanosaka Tsukasa , Kohyama Jun , Kurosawa Kenji , Sakai Norio , Miya Fuyuki , Takahashi Takao , Kosaki Kenjiro , Okano Hideyuki
Published: December 2024

Sjögren‐Larsson syndrome (SLS) is an autosomal recessive leukodystrophy characterized by ichthyosis, intellectual disability, and progressive spastic paralysis caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the ALDH3A2 gene that encodes the fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase, fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH); FALDH catalyzes several metabolic reactions involved in fatty aldehyde oxidation. Only a few studies have been performed to determine the lipid profile of patients with SLS. In a previous postmortem study of the brain of a 65‐year‐old patient with SLS, lipidomic analysis revealed an accumulation of long‐chain unsaturated ether lipid species in the white matter and gray matter. In the present study, we established a disease model using patient‐derived neuronal and oligodendrocyte lineage cells to analyze the lipid metabolism and gene expression profiles in SLS. To achieve this, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from two patients with the SLS phenotype carrying previously known ALDH3A2 pathogenic variants: One was a compound heterozygote (c.1339A>G:p.(Lys447Glu) and c.57_132dup:p.(Ile45Serfs*34)) and the other was a homozygote (c.1339A>G: p.(Lys447Glu)). The FALDH activity was almost zero in the SLS‐iPSC lines established from both patients. Phospholipid analysis of neurospheres, and oligospheres (spheres enriched with oligodendrocyte‐lineage cells) derived from the iPSCs by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry showed accumulation of ether phospholipids in the Sjögren‐Larsson patient‐derived neurospheres and oligospheres. The results are consistent with the previously reported accumulation of ether lipids in the postmortem brain tissue of an SLS patient. Therefore, iPSCs and iPSC‐derived neurospheres and oligospheres established from SLS patients can be useful tools for future pathological analysis of the central nervous system pathophysiology in SLS.
A nationwide snapshot study on outcomes one year after surgery for chronic pilonidal sinus disease
Authors: Huurman Eleonora A. , de Raaff Christel A.L. , van den Berg Rosaline , Baart Sara J. , Wijnhoven Bas P. L. , Schouten Ruben , Furnée Edgar J. B. , Smeenk Robert M. , Toorenvliet Boudewijn R. ,   the PITS collaborative study group
Published: December 2024

Aim

Managing pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) remains challenging due to high recurrence rates and morbidity associated with treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes one year after surgical treatment for chronic PSD in the Netherlands.

Method

Patients with PSD who underwent surgical treatment between March 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021, at 36 participating hospitals were included in a prospective observational cohort study. For the present study, only patients with chronic PSD were included for analysis.

One‐year after surgical treatment for PSD, all patients received questionnaires on wound healing, quality of life (QoL), and patient reported experience measures (PREMs). Primary outcome was recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes included QoL and PREMs.

Results

Of 681 included patients, 405 patients presented with chronic PSD and underwent surgical treatment. One‐year questionnaires were completed by 289 out of 405 patients (71.4%). Patients underwent either excision with secondary wound healing (ESW, n = 73), excision with midline closure (EMC, n = 21), off‐midline closure (OMC, n = 17), or a minimally invasive technique (MIT, n = 178). Patient‐reported recurrence rates after ESW, EMC, OMC and MIT were 21.5%, 25%, 6.7% and 30.6%, respectively. Pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression were the most frequently reported problems affecting QoL. Patients that underwent OMC were satisfied the most with the care provided.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates variation in recurrence rates among surgical procedures for PSD. The highest rates were observed in the MIT and EMC group, while the OMC group exhibited the lowest rate. QoL outcomes differed among the surgical techniques. Patient satisfaction appears highest in the OMC group.
Evolving alterations of structural organization and functional connectivity in feedforward neural networks after induced P301L tau mutation
Authors: Weir Janelle S. , Hanssen Katrine Sjaastad , Winter‐Hjelm Nicolai , Sandvig Axel , Sandvig Ioanna
Published: December 2024

Reciprocal structure–function relationships underlie both healthy and pathological behaviours in complex neural networks. Thus, understanding neuropathology and network dysfunction requires a thorough investigation of the complex interactions between structural and functional network reconfigurations in response to perturbation. Such adaptations are often difficult to study in vivo. For example, subtle, evolving changes in synaptic connectivity, transmission and the electrophysiological shift from healthy to pathological states, for example alterations that may be associated with evolving neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's, are difficult to study in the brain. Engineered in vitro neural networks are powerful models that enable selective targeting, manipulation and monitoring of dynamic neural network behaviour at the micro‐ and mesoscale in physiological and pathological conditions. In this study, we engineered feedforward cortical neural networks using two‐nodal microfluidic devices with controllable connectivity interfaced with microelectrode arrays (mMEAs). We induced P301L mutated tau protein to the presynaptic node of these networks and monitored network dynamics over three weeks. Induced perturbation resulted in altered structural organization and extensive axonal retraction starting in the perturbed node. Perturbed networks also exhibited functional changes in intranodal activity, which manifested as an overall decline in both firing rate and bursting activity, with a progressive increase in synchrony over time and a decrease in internodal signal propagation between pre‐ and post‐synaptic nodes. These results provide insights into dynamic structural and functional reconfigurations at the micro‐ and mesoscale as a result of evolving pathology and illustrate the utility of engineered networks as models of network function and dysfunction.
TRIM2: a double‐edged sword preventing apoptosis
Authors: Hollemann Thomas
Published: December 2024

TRIM2 belongs to the TRIM‐NHL class of ubiquitin E3‐ligases and inhibits apoptosis by a dual function. Liao et al. reported in the recent issue that under glutamine deprivation, TRIM2 transcription is activated by ATF4 to increase the uptake of long fatty acids into mitochondria. Here, TRIM2 acts as a direct activator of CPT1 independent of its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and prevents apoptosis otherwise triggered by starvation. On the contrary, TRIM E3‐ubiquitin ligase has been described to ubiquitinate and thus target proapoptotic BIM for its degradation in the proteasome. Thus, TRIM2 inhibits apoptosis classically via its ligase activity but also independent of this stimulating energy metabolism.
Preliminary safety and in vivo efficacy of Acmella oleracea extract‐loaded glycolipid emulsion serum—Effects on ocular irritation, dermal absorption, and facial skin biophysical and microrelief properties
Authors: Savic Sanela M. , Cekic Nebojsa D. , Ilic Tanja M. , Markovic Bojan D. , Savic Sasa R. , Petrovic Sanja M. , Savic Snezana D.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Substantial efforts have been progressively devoted to developing innovative, safe, and effective topical anti‐aging products that not only improve the appearance of aged skin but also prioritize environmental sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources. Thus, the current study targeted to evaluate novel, natural emulsion/serum comprising new glycolipid emulsifier (lauryl glucoside/myristyl glucoside/polyglyceryl‐6 laurate) and Acmella oleracea plant extract as a model active.

Methods

The developed serum was assessed concerning its stability (freeze–thaw test, accelerated study), safety (in vitro screening of eye irritation potential, dermal absorption study) and efficacy (randomized, active/reference‐controlled, half‐face, in vivo study). Changes in skin biophysical properties, microrelief, roughness, texture, surface, and volume parameters were assessed in the periocular and perioral areas of human volunteers after 2 weeks of product application, utilizing several bioengineering and topography techniques.

Results

The stability study demonstrated favourable stability profile of the developed serum, with practically unaffected stability‐indicating parameters (apparent viscosity, yield, flow point, storage and loss moduli, loss factor, pH, electrical conductivity) during freeze–thaw cycling and after 3 months of storage at 45°C. The hen's egg test on the chorioallantoic membrane of fertilized chicken eggs confirmed the absence of ocular irritation potential of investigated serum; no effects of haemorrhage, lysis or coagulation were occurred. Skin permeation study using diffusion cells revealed no permeation of spilanthol from the tested A. oleracea extract‐loaded serum through the pig ear skin into the receptor medium, thus suggesting no absorption into systemic circulation. In vivo efficacy study corroborated beneficial effects of evaluated serum on the condition/appearance of facial skin, at both periocular and perioral areas—significant (p < 0.05) increase in skin hydration (10%–40%) and smoothness (~15%); significant (p < 0.05) decrease in roughness (20%–30%), scaliness (~30%), and wrinkles (~15%)—implying more hydrated, smoother, visibly milder skin.

Conclusion

The present findings confirmed the stability, preliminary safety (no ocular irritation, no dermal absorption, and good skin tolerability), and efficacy (improved skin hydration and microrelief) of the A. oleracea extract‐loaded, glycolipid‐based serum, supporting its potential as a safe and effective topical anti‐aging product.
Living in micro‐networks: Korean migrants' social networking practices in Canadian cities
Authors: Yoon Kyong
Published: December 2024

Drawing on qualitative interviews with South Korean (Korean hereinafter) migrants in Western Canada, this study examines the migrants' sense of belonging and social networking practices during their post‐migration settlement and adaptation, including during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The study focuses on a relatively recent cohort of Korean labour migrants whose main motivation for migration was to explore flexible and relaxed ways of living in the host society. Through an analysis of these migrants' lived experiences, the study examines how they have managed various forms of social networking and developed particular senses of social belonging. The study reveals the migrants' lack of a sense of social belonging and tendency to pursue individualized micro‐networks, which were particularly challenged during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Female Literacy and Crime Against Women in India: Complex Trajectories and Correlations
Authors: Košir Suzana , Lakshminarayanan Radhika
Published: December 2024

Gender equality remains a recurrent goal of governments across the world, yet discrimination and abuse continue to impede the progress of women. Within India's patriarchal society, women continue to be viewed through a stereotypical lens. Despite greater focus on female literacy and enactment of legislations that seek to protect women's rights, the safety of women from crime remains tenuous. This research explores trajectories of female literacy and crimes against women (CAW) in India to find possible correlations. Data from the Ministry of Statistics, the National Crime Record Bureau, National Census records and official sample surveys were obtained from government databases. Further, bivariate regression analysis was used to validate the hypothesis. The results indicate a clear correlation between female literacy and CAW, although other factors may be considered to explain certain anomalies.
Evaluation of Community‐Based Mental Health Services in the Framework of SWOT Analysis From the Perspective of Health Providers and Service Recipients: A Case Study
Authors: Mansuroğlu Sercan , Davut Özge Eri̇ş
Published: December 2024

Aim

This study is a case study that aims to evaluate community‐based mental health services from the perspective of health providers and service recipients through SWOT analysis.

Methods

This qualitative case study was conducted through in‐depth interviews with five healthcare providers providing services in a community mental health centre and five individuals with severe mental disorders receiving services. The data were analysed by content analysis.

Findings

As a result of the content analysis of the data, subthemes were identified under the main themes of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. For service recipients; under the theme of strengths, the subthemes of multidimensional support systems and treatment adherence, and under the theme of weaknesses, the subthemes of insufficient physical environment and insufficient attention were identified. Under the theme of opportunities, the subthemes of awareness, self‐confidence, employment/financial gain, sharing/socialization and problem solving were identified, while under the theme of threats, the subthemes of economic constraints and feeling uncomfortable were revealed. For health providers; under the theme of strengths, the subthemes of holistic approach, early intervention and stigma prevention, under the theme of weaknesses, the subthemes of lack of resources, lack of standards, unqualified team members, inadequate professional/in‐service trainings were revealed. Under the theme of opportunities, the subthemes of autonomous working environment, support systems and aids, and training programmes were identified, while under the theme of threats, the subthemes of economic constraints, stigma exposure, political deficiencies, staff reluctance/burnout, negative perceptions about the centre, and gettıng complacent were identified.

Conclusion

Community‐based mental health services contain strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats according to the views of both health providers and service recipients, and the views of the groups overlap with each other within the supply‐demand mechanism. It can be said that the effectiveness of community‐based mental health services will increase by preventing threats by improving weaknesses and increasing the visibility of opportunities by recognizing strengths.
Multilayer Ultratranslucent Monolithic Zirconia Crowns Treated With Multimode Universal Adhesive System Containing Zirconia Primer: A Clinical Report
Authors: de Miranda Larissa Mendonça , da Silva Sarah Emille Gomes , Santos João Vitor do Nascimento , Souza Rodrigo Othávio de Assunção e
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Ultratranslucent zirconia combines high mechanical strength and esthetics, making it ideal for monolithic restorations. This case report describes a total rehabilitation of the upper dental arch with single‐unit crowns made of multilayer ultratranslucent zirconia (Prettau 4 Anterior, Zirkonzahn), as well as the use of a simplified adhesive cementation protocol for this type of ceramic.

Materials and Methods

A 64‐year‐old female patient sought rehabilitative treatment, after planning in a semi‐adjustable articulator, interim prostheses, from tooth 2 to 15, were installed to restore occlusal vertical dimension and esthetics. After all surgical, periodontal, and endodontic procedures, impressions of the upper and lower arches were taken. In the maxilla, 14 zirconia crowns with a color gradient were fabricated and cemented, with their internal surface treated with a multimode adhesive system containing zirconia primer (Single Bond Universal, 3M ESPE). The same adhesive system was applied to the preparations, and the crowns were cemented with dual resin cement (RelyX Ultimate, 3M ESPE).

Results

After the crowns exhibited excellent esthetic results, with only a minor fracture observed on the palatal cusps of the right first upper premolars.

Conclusions

Thus, ultratranslucent zirconia appears to be a viable option for oral rehabilitation with single‐unit crowns due to its excellent clinical performance.

Clinical Significance

Monolithic ultratranslucent zirconia crowns are able to reproduce the natural characteristics of dental elements. Additionally, the application of 10‐methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate‐based primer has proven to be an efficient surface treatment for adhesive cementation of UT zirconia.
Understanding modifiable barriers to human milk donation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Brown Amy , Jones Sara , Griffiths Catrin , Jones Wendy , Weaver Gillian , Shenker Natalie
Published: December 2024

Background

When premature infants cannot receive their own mother's milk, donor human milk (DHM) is the first‐line recommended option, with growing demand for DHM use outside of neonatal units. To meet the potential need, we need to consider whether DHM supply can increase. This study aimed to explore the reasons that prevent women who wish to donate their milk in the United Kingdom from doing so to understand which barriers may be modifiable.

Methods

Women who wanted to donate their milk but did not do so completed an online survey. Open and closed questions examined the response they received, their reasons for not donating and what they did with any milk that they had already stored.

Results

Out of 732 mothers, 391 (53.4%) did not enquire as they did not think it was possible for them, 218 (29.8%) enquired but were told that they could not donate, 59 (8.1%) enquired but decided not to proceed and 64 (8.7%) received no response. Reasons for being told they could not donate included the use of certain medications, infant age, inadequate staffing, geographic barriers and incorrect storage. Process aspects (e.g., blood tests, practicalities) and lifestyle limitations led mothers to decide not to donate.

Conclusions

Although some women will be prevented from donating due to medication or health issues, investment in milk banking staffing and infrastructure and awareness campaigns could increase DHM supply, enabling guidelines to extend eligibility criteria for receiving DHM such as for late preterm infants, gestational diabetes or to support low maternal milk supply.
Digit‐in‐Noise Test as a Hearing Screening Test for Individuals With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Shmerler Noa , Fostick Leah , Saban‐Bezalel Ronit
Published: December 2024

Background

Diagnosis of intellectual disability (ID) may overshadow, or co‐occur with, hearing impairment, but screening is frequently inaccessible due to various factors that prevent successful test execution. There is a pressing need for easily, locally administered hearing tests. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the digit‐in‐noise (DIN) test, as well as three variations of it, as a hearing screening for individuals with mild to moderate ID. Additionally, we explored correlations between participant characteristics and cognitive‐linguistic abilities, with DIN test performance.

Method

Forty participants with ID aged 21–40 were recruited from two supported employment centres, 31 of whom met full inclusion criteria. Controls were 20 typically developed (TD) participants, aged 21–40. The original DIN test (DIN(3)) was administered, and those unable to recall the three digits were administered a version with two digits (DIN(2)). Participants unable to successfully complete DIN(3) or DIN(2) were administered versions with added visual and verbal performance feedback.

Results

A significant difference in speech receptive threshold in noise (SRTn) between DIN(2) and DIN(3) was only present for the ID group. A moderate negative relationship between DIN(2) SRTn and vocabulary and a positive relationship with age was found for the ID group; no correlation was found with digit span or matrices. The DIN(2) SRTn was correlated with the average hearing level of pure tones measured by audiometry.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the DIN(2) as the most effective version, as its signal‐to‐noise ratio (SRTn) threshold was closest to the typically developed (TD) control group. This study is the first step towards developing a hearing screening test for individuals with ID who are at elevated risk of impairment and who have insufficient evaluation access. Our findings suggest that adults with mild to moderate ID can sufficiently perform the adapted DIN(2) as a hearing screening test.
Living the popular solidarity economy as an entrepreneurial bureaucrat: Creating and reinforcing ethical frameworks through middle‐class consumption
Authors: D'Aloia Alexander Emile
Published: December 2024

This article examines how middle‐class bureaucrats in Ecuador create and reinforce particular ethical frameworks through their work, their consumption, and their “side hustles.” Having been tasked with growing and strengthening an alternative economy to capitalism, these government functionaries find it important to engage in productive and consumptive practices to help them experience the correct feelings to be able to promote the Popular Solidarity Economy and avoid being disenchanted bureaucrats. Due to the precarious context in which they work, however, these practices are generally reflective of and idealize entrepreneurial logics. I contribute to an expanding literature on the importance of affect to bureaucrats as well as putting that literature in conversation with authors writing about entrepreneurial self‐making. In doing so, I demonstrate how entrepreneurial logics spread into alternative economy space by responding to the very real material and affective needs of government workers in circumstances of precarious employment.
The Macro‐Economic Effects of a European Deposit (Re‐)Insurance Scheme
Authors: CLEMENS MARIUS , GEBAUER STEFAN , KÖNIG TOBIAS
Published: December 2024

Recent proposals for a European deposit insurance scheme (EDIS) favor a reinsurance framework. In this paper, we use a regime‐switching open‐economy DSGE model with bank defaults to assess the relative efficiency of such a scheme. We find that reinsurance by EDIS is more effective in stabilizing real activity, credit, and welfare than a national fiscal backstop. We demonstrate that risk‐weighted contributions to EDIS are welfare‐beneficial for depositors and discuss trade‐offs policymakers face during the implementation of EDIS. We also find that macroprudential regulation and EDIS can complement each other and that EDIS can prevent bank runs under certain conditions.
News‐Driven Household Macroeconomic Expectations: Regional vs. National Telecast Information
Authors: GUILLOCHON JUSTINE
Published: December 2024

Using variations in the human‐annotated topic content of national and regional telecasts, I explore the link between aggregated daily news and household unemployment, inflation, and economic situation expectations in France. Beyond the information included in national statistics, household expectations embody news information on topics related to the state of the economy, such as deficit, living cost, and economic crisis. Inflation expectations additionally incorporate news on taxes, energy, and especially oil. Distinguishing regional from national television broadcasts reveals that household expectations incorporate both regional and national news, with news on local labor market conditions having a prominent role.
A land plant‐specific VPS13 mediates polarized vesicle trafficking in germinating pollen
Authors: Tangpranomkorn Surachat , Kimura Yuka , Igarashi Motoko , Ishizuna Fumiko , Kato Yoshinobu , Suzuki Takamasa , Nagae Takuya , Fujii Sota , Takayama Seiji
Published: December 2024

Pollen has an extraordinary ability to convert from a dry state to an extremely rapidly growing state. During pollination, pollen receives water and Ca2+ from the contacting pistil, which will be a directional cue for pollen tube germination. The subsequent rapid activation of directional vesicular transport must support the pollen tube growth, but the molecular mechanism leading to this process is largely unknown.

We established a luciferase‐based pollination assay to screen genetic mutants defective in the early stage after pollination. We identified a plant‐specific VPS13, Arabidopsis thaliana VPS13a as important for pollen germination, and studied its molecular function.

AtVPS13a mutation severely affected pollen germination and lipid droplet discharge from the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Cellular accumulation patterns of AtVPS13a and a secretory vesicle marker were synchronized at the polarized site, with a slight delay to the local Ca2+ elevation. We found a brief Ca2+ spike after initiation of pollen hydration, which may be related to the directional cues for pollen tube emergence. Although this Ca2+ dynamics after pollination was unaffected by the absence of AtVPS13a, the mutant suffered reduced cell wall deposition during pollen germination.

AtVPS13a mediates pollen polarization, by regulating proper directional vesicular transport following Ca2+ signaling for directional tube outgrowth.
Climb forest, climb: diverse disperser communities are key to assist plants tracking climate change on altitudinal gradients
Authors: Mendes Sara Beatriz , Nogales Manuel , Vargas Pablo , Olesen Jens M. , Marrero Patrícia , Romero Javier , Rumeu Beatriz , González‐Castro Aarón , Heleno Ruben
Published: December 2024

Climate change is forcing species to shift their distribution ranges. Animal seed dispersers might be particularly important in assisting plants tracking suitable climates to higher elevations. However, this role is still poorly understood due to a lack of comprehensive multi‐guild datasets along elevational gradients.

We compiled seed dispersal networks for the five altitudinal vegetation belts of the Tenerife Island (0–3718 m above sea level) to explore how plant and animal species might facilitate the mutual colonisation of uphill habitats under climate change.

The overall network comprised 283 distinct interactions between 73 plant and 27 animal species, with seed dispersers offering viable pathways for plants to colonise upper vegetation belts. A pivotal role is played by a lizard as island‐level hub, while four birds and one introduced mammal (rabbit) are also important connectors between belts. Eleven plant species were empirically found to be actively dispersed to elevations beyond their current known range, with observed vertical dispersal distances largely surpassing those required to escape climate change. Furthermore, over half of the plants arriving at higher elevations were exotic.

Functionally diverse disperser communities are crucial for enabling plants tracking climate change on mountains, but exotic plants might particularly benefit from this upward lift.
Innovative 3D Navigation Module for Precise Unilateral Pedicle Screw Combined with Contralateral Translaminar Facet Screw Placement in Lumbar Spine Surgery
Authors: Chen Xu , Dai Hanhao , Luo Jun , Zhang Huaizhi , Song Chao , Deng Zhibo , Zhang Yanyan , Li Xing , Dai Jianhui , Xu Jie
Published: December 2024

Objective

The incidence of degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine has increased in recent years. Unilateral pedicle screw combined with contralateral translaminar facet screw fixation offers the advantages of less trauma, better stability, and fewer complications. However, the surgical difficulty and suboptimal pinning accuracy of translaminar facet screw placement in clinical practice limit its use. Therefore, in this study, we designed a novel suspended 3D‐printed navigation module to facilitate fast and accurate intraoperative screw placement. The aim of this study is to investigate the digital design, precise implementation, and evaluation methods for placing unilateral pedicle screws in the lumbar spine combined with translaminar facet screw placement using a new suspended 3D navigation module.

Methods

This retrospective study included 46 patients with single‐level lumbar lesions who underwent spine surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University between June 2022 and December 2023. The suspended navigation module was designed digitally. Preoperative screw placement was simulated using 3D printed models, followed by an intraoperative accurate screw placement facilitated by the navigation module and a postoperative evaluation of the accuracy of screw placement. The absolute difference in three‐dimensional coordinates of the inlet and outlet points of the preoperative design and the postoperative screw‐nail channel served as the precision index.

Results

In a study involving 46 patients, surgery was successful with 92 pedicle screws and 46 translaminar facet screws placed without any penetration of the cortex. The difference in coordinates before and after screw insertion was minimal, with entry points varying between 1.21 to 1.36 mm and exit points between 1.97 to 2.46 mm. When screw accuracy met certain thresholds, there was no significant difference between preoperative design and postoperative coordinates, indicating precise replication of the surgical plan.

Conclusion

The new suspended 3D navigation module enables the precise placement of unilateral pedicle screws in the lumbar spine combined with translaminar pedicle screws for precise surgery.
Autopsy case of a stillbirth with transient abnormal myelopoiesis associated with Down syndrome: Immunohistochemical demonstration of GATA1 mutation in placental tissues
Authors: Yamazaki Sanae , Miyauchi Jun , Sato Hideaki , Takahashi Yuko , Amikura Takayuki
Published: December 2024

Transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM) in neonates with Down syndrome (DS) exhibits hematological features that are indistinguishable from those of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia. However, TAM typically resolves spontaneously within several months postnatally. Some patients with TAM, however, develop severe clinical manifestations, which can lead to an unfavorable prognosis. TAM originates in utero through the acquisition of somatic GATA1 mutations, resulting in the loss of the full‐length GATA1 protein and excessive production of the N‐terminal truncated short isoform of the GATA1 protein (GATA1s). Herein, we report the pathological findings from an autopsy of a female stillbirth with TAM and DS, including an examination of her placental tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of GATA1s, but not full‐length GATA1, in CD42b‐positive atypical immature megakaryocytes and blasts in the placental blood vessels. This confirms the diagnosis of TAM and suggests the utility of placental tissue for histological diagnosis. Additional unique findings from the autopsy specimens are discussed.
Integrated Community‐Based Reporting and Field Diagnostics for Improved Rabies Surveillance in Rural Laikipia, Kenya
Authors: Odinga Christian O. , Thomas Lian F. , Wambugu Evalyne , Ferguson Adam W. , Fèvre Eric M. , Gibson Andy , Hassell James M. , Muloi Dishon M. , Murray Suzan , Surmat Andrea , Mwai Peter M. , Woodroffe Rosie , Ngatia Dedan , Gathura Peter M. , Waitumbi John , Worsley‐Tonks Katherine E. L.
Published: December 2024

Rabies vaccination in domestic dog populations has increased globally in a bid to protect human health. Surveillance efforts, however, are inconsistent in endemic regions such as in sub‐Saharan Africa, due to fragmented reporting and limited diagnostic capacity for suspected cases, limiting successful monitoring and evaluation of vaccination campaigns. Here, we conducted a pilot study aiming to strengthen rabies surveillance by combining community‐based surveillance with field‐based diagnostic testing in pastoral and agro‐pastoral communities in central Kenya; communities which are frequently marginalised from health systems. During the 6‐month pilot study, there were 14 alerts of suspected rabid dogs in the community, of which eight were tested and five diagnostically confirmed as rabid. Two positive samples processed successfully for whole genome sequencing indicated that the rabies variant circulating in central Kenya during the study period belonged to the Africa 1b subclade, which is similar to variants identified in eastern Kenya and Tanzania, suggesting regional transmission. This pilot study indicates that rabies continues to circulate in the region and that community‐based surveillance, when combined with enhanced diagnostic testing, can help alleviate underreporting and guide vaccination campaigns.
A CFD-FEA Co-Simulation Study of Thermal Barrier Coatings for Gasoline Compression Ignition
Authors: Gainey Brian , Koirala Prakash , Sellnau Mark , Filipi Zoran , Lawler Benjamin
Published: December 2024

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) applied to combustion chamber surfaces aim to increase engine efficiency by reducing heat transfer via elevated surface temperatures during combustion. This work presents a computational study of TBCs in the partially premixed compression ignition-diffusion concept of gasoline compression ignition (GCI) using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-finite element analysis (FEA) co-simulation. The in-cylinder processes are simulated in CFD and the predicted heat flux is passed to FEA to resolve the spatially and temporally varying surface temperature profile of the TBC-coated engine parts. This surface temperature profile is subsequently passed back to CFD in an iterative process until convergence is achieved. The results indicate that performing a CFD-FEA co-simulation is critical to accurately predict the heat transfer, and by extension the efficiency, of an engine cycle operating in a mixing controlled mode of combustion compared to using an assumed constant piston temperature. Even an uncoated metal piston displays significant spatial variation of the piston surface temperature as well as the heat flux. The results also indicate that the 250 micron Gadolinium Zirconate Oxide (GZO) coating experienced an average temperature swing of > 100 K at 10 bar IMEPn, while high heat flux areas under the plume experienced a local temperature swing of up to 300 K. This led to an efficiency improvement of ∼0.4 percentage points, agreeing with experiments. When the simulation was performed at 15 bar IMEPn, a substantial efficiency benefit of 1.4 percentage points was observed, while the experimental results indicated a slight indicated efficiency penalty. The only apparent explanation of this discrepancy is the occurrence of a convection vive effect, which is not captured by the CFD simulation. Small combustion chamber height in a light-duty engine exacerbates the effect, due to the close proximity of the burning jet to the piston and head surfaces throughout combustion.
Experimental Investigation of Particulate Emissions From An Ammonia-Fueled Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Patil Tejashri , Reggeti Shawn , Kane Seamus P. , Northrop William F.
Published: December 2024

Ammonia combustion is a topic of active research due to the need for fuel decarbonization. Although ammonia does not contain carbon, its use in internal combustion (IC) engines may still form nitrogen-containing ultrafine particulate matter. This work investigates particulate emissions from NH3-H2-air combustion in a single-cylinder Waukesha Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) octane engine under a range of hydrogen blending and engine load. Particle size distributions were quantified using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS). A dual-stage dilution sampling system was used to reduce unburned ammonia concentration and maintain particle concentration within the instrument limits. The engine was motored to measure crankcase particle emissions from lubricant oil atomization. Additionally, 100% hydrogen-fueled experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of combustion on particulate emissions from lubricant oil atomization without NH3-based particulate formation. Various ammonia-hydrogen fuel blends were tested to quantify the contribution of ammonia-based particulate matter in the exhaust. The elevated particle number concentration as the ammonia fraction rises suggests that combustion with ammonia leads to higher particulate emissions compared to hydrogen combustion at the equivalent peak in-cylinder pressure. Additionally, the presence of both unburned ammonia and NO2 in the exhaust indicate that the measured particles may consist of ammonium nitrate based on known chemical mechanisms. Modeling suggests that NH3 and NO2 found in cold regions of the combustion chamber have the potential to form gas-phase ammonium nitrate that later condenses to form particles in the exhaust system.
Numerical Investigation into the Characteristics of Fuel-Borne Nitrogen Pollutants in Ammonia-Diesel Dual Fuel Engines through Implementing Atmospheric Nitrogen Unreactivity
Authors: Yang Ruomiao , Liu Junheng , Liu Zhentao , Liu Jinlong
Published: December 2024

Amidst the global trend towards decarbonization, ammonia-diesel dual-fuel engines, which utilize ammonia port fuel injection and diesel direct injection to ignite ammonia-air premixed combustion, emerge as a viable option for heavy-duty applications. However, the characteristics of nitrogen-based pollutants in such engines are not well understood, largely due to the introduction of nitrogen-based fuels that enhance nitrogen reactivity during combustion. Since nitrogen-based pollutant emission features are governed by the fuel-borne nitrogen mechanism, this study investigates fuel-borne nitrogen pollutants in ammonia-diesel dual-fuel engines by rendering atmospheric nitrogen unreactive in the chemical mechanism of a three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. Simulation results indicate that unburned ammonia is the primary nitrogen-based pollutant, with ammonia slip resulting from larger regions unreachable by the diesel diffusion flame and higher concentrations of ammonia in these areas. Additionally, concentrations of nitrous oxide (N2O) are found to be comparable to those of nitrogen oxides (NOx), primarily because the formed NOx is reduced by amino groups, while N2O continues to be produced during the late oxidation stage. Consequently, ammonia-diesel dual-fuel operation yields lower NOx concentrations compared to pure diesel operation, and an increased ammonia energy ratio further reduces NOx emissions. Among NOx species, nitric oxide (NO) concentrations remain predominant; however, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) plays a crucial role in the diesel auto-ignition process. The concentration of NO2 in the exhaust gases exhibits limited sensitivity to changes in the ammonia energy ratio. Despite these findings being derived from CFD simulations that deactivate nitrogen kinetics in the air, they help in understanding the nitrogen-based emission features of ammonia-diesel dual-fuel engines. Moreover, these findings underscore the complexity of nitrogen-based pollutant emissions in ammonia-diesel dual-fuel engines compared to traditional petroleum-fueled engines, highlighting the need for further fundamental research to develop effective control strategies for nitrogen-based pollutants and facilitate the market introduction of ammonia-diesel dual-fuel engines.
Experimental Investigation Into the Combustion Characteristics of Biodiesel Fuel in a 4-Stroke Locomotive Engine
Authors: Ewphun Pop-Paul , Biruduganti Munidhar , El-Hannouny Essam , Longman Douglas , Vojtech Ryan , Svoboda Kathryn , Blase James
Published: December 2024

The leaders of the Departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency released the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the landmark interagency framework of strategies and actions to remove all emissions from the transportation sector by 2050. As a result, the transportation industry is encouraged to reduce its carbon footprint by using low-carbon-intense fuel. The rail transportation sector has expressed interest in electrification as a solution for locomotive engines running on short line rails. However, the long-haul locomotive is still difficult to electrify and locomotive engines are expected to operate for a long lifetime. Because of these challenges, the rail industry must look for a short-term solution to reduce its carbon footprint. One promising solution is using net-zero and/or low-carbon fuels, such as biodiesel. Previous research on other internal combustion engines has shown that biodiesel has the potential to reduce emissions, especially particulate matter emissions. This paper investigates the combustion characteristics of plant-based biodiesel. The experiment was carried out on a 4-stroke single-cylinder locomotive engine under various speed load conditions. The combustion characteristics were investigated by using heat release rate analysis and exhaust emissions measurement. The higher cetane number of biodiesel fuel is effective in shortening the ignition delay. Moreover, using biodiesel significantly reduced soot emissions and decreased CO and CO2 emissions.
Multi-Dimensional Modeling of Mixture Formation in a Hydrogen-Fueled Heavy-Duty Optical Engine With Direct Injection
Authors: Wang Yiqing , Scarcelli Riccardo , Bestel Diego , Demir Sinan , Srna Aleš
Published: December 2024

Hydrogen (H2), as a carbon-free fuel, is considered as one of the most promising solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of hard-to-decarbonize energy and transportation sectors. As such, hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines (H2 ICEs) have recently been receiving increasing attention, particularly in applications such as on-road/off-road heavy-duty transport and combined heat and power. The direct injection (DI) of gaseous hydrogen into the combustion chamber offers great potential for achieving high power density and high engine efficiency, while mitigating the risk of backfire and reducing pre-ignition. However, the numerical simulation of H2 DI system remains a formidable challenge associated with the high computational cost of reproducing compressible supersonic flow and shocks in narrow injector passages and in near-nozzle regions. In general, there is a lack of well-established and validated practices for the modeling of high-pressure H2 DI in large-bore engines. To this end, this study focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of the mixture formation process in a heavy-duty optical engine employing a medium-pressure H2 DI system. Both Large Eddy Simulations (LES) and Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations are performed and evaluated against optical data. Gaseous hydrogen is injected into the combustion chamber via a centrally located outward opening hollow-cone injector at a pressure of 40 bar. Simulations are carried out for two injection timings, namely, −120 and −60°CA. The numerical predictions for H2 distribution in different horizontal and vertical planes during the compression stroke are systematically compared against optical data obtained through planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) measurements. Overall, the LES approach using the Dynamic Structure model is found to have good predictive capabilities for the early jet penetration in terms of length and shape, as well as the later H2 distributions. However, the unsteady RANS approach with the renormalization group (RNG) k-ϵ model, which is widely used by industry to model heavy-duty ICEs, significantly underpredicts the H2 mixing, even at similar mesh resolution to that used in LES. These results indicate that there is a need for the improvement of mixing sub-models within the RANS approach when applied to H2 DI simulations.