bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoimmunity and epithelial dysplasia in patients with oral lichenoid diseases
Authors: Kang Jeong‐Hyun , Kwon Ji Eun
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to explore relationship between autoimmunity and epithelial dysplasia in patients with oral lichenoid diseases.

Materials and Methods

A total of 66 patients with oral lichen planus (OLP), 35 with oral lichenoid lesion (OLL), and 85 with oral lichenoid drug reaction (OLDR) were enrolled. OLP, OLL, and OLDR were diagnosed following the definitions of the modified World Health Organization criteria, except for the absence of epithelial dysplasia. All patients underwent diagnostic incisional biopsy and adjunctive direct immunofluorescence assays. An indirect immunofluorescence assay was conducted to determine the antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity.

Results

OLP and OLDR patients with epithelial dysplasia demonstrated higher prevalence of serum ANA positivity compared to those without epithelial dysplasia. Elevated serum levels of high sensitivity‐C reactive proteins were observed in the OLP, OLL, and OLDR patients with epithelial dysplasia. In the DIF analysis, patients with epithelial dysplasia in the OLP exhibited a higher prevalence of C3 deposition in the basement membrane zone.

Conclusions

This study proposed that autoimmunity may contribute to elevating levels of focal and chronic systemic inflammation, potentially influencing abnormal wound healing and development of dysplastic changes in the oral epithelium among patients with oral lichenoid disease.
Multi‐level framework to assess social variation in response to ecological and social factors: modeled with coral gobies
Authors: Froehlich Catheline Y. M. , Heatwole Siobhan J. , Selma Klanten O. , Hing Martin L. , Hildebrandt Courtney A. , Smith Jemma O. , Wong Marian Y. L.
Published: May 2024

Understanding variation in social organization that lacks a strong phylogenetic signal represents a key focus of research in behavioural ecology. Accordingly, we established a framework that identifies whether a range of ecological and social factors are affecting the social maintenance of taxa across multiple categories of social variation (ranging from large to fine‐scale): 1) forms of sociality, 2) degree of sociality, 3) social plasticity and 4) hierarchy maintenance. Each category of variation can then be assessed in combination to provide an outlook for social maintenance in light of predictor factors. We modelled this framework by quantifying each category over time, space and disturbance regime using multiple species of coral‐dwelling gobies, genus Gobiodon. Gobies are an interesting model system as they vary in social structure, have within‐group cooperation, and form mutualisms with coral hosts, which are vulnerable to climatic disturbances. We found that gobies varied in forms of sociality – from being more solitary or pair‐forming in high disturbance regimes, versus group‐forming in moderate disturbance regimes at some locations. Only low or moderate degrees of sociality were observed in gobies, with location or disturbance regime affecting some species. The size of coral hosts influenced the social plasticity of gobies, which was affected by climatic disturbances. Gobies did not exhibit direct changes to hierarchy maintenance, as location and disturbance regime did not affect their size‐based hierarchies. Lastly, by combining the four categories of variation, we found a high loss of sociality in coral‐dwelling gobies due to environmental disturbances, which likely affects overall goby survival as group‐forming can improve survival and fitness. By using our structured framework, we identified which categories of social variation were influenced by ecological factors like location and disturbance. This framework therefore provides an excellent tool for predicting future responses of animal societies to environmental stressors.
Posterior Corrective Surgery for Type II Congenital Kyphosis: SRS‐Schwab Grade 4 Osteotomy or Vertebral Column Resection?
Authors: Ma Hongru , Shi Benlong , Liu Dun , Liu Wanyou , Mao Saihu , Liu Zhen , Sun Xu , Zhu Zezhang , Qiu Yong
Published: May 2024

Objective

Surgical decision‐making for congenital kyphosis (CK) with failure of anterior segmentation (type II) has been contradictory regarding the trade‐off between the pursuit of correction rate and the inherent risk of the osteotomy procedure. This study was designed to compare the clinical and radiographic measurement in type II CK underwent SRS‐Schwab Grade 4 osteotomy and vertebral column resection (VCR), the most‐adapted osteotomy techniques for CK, and to propose the strategy to select between the two procedures.

Methods

This retrospective observational comparative study evaluated surgical outcomes in type II CK patients underwent VCR or SRS‐Schwab Grade 4 osteotomy at our institution between January 2015 and January 2020. Patients operated with VCR and SRS‐Schwab Grade 4 osteotomy were allocated to Group 1 and Group 2 respectively. Radiographic parameters and SRS‐22 quality of life metrics were assessed at pre‐operation, post‐operation, and during follow‐up visits for both groups, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of surgical outcomes.

Results

Thirty‐one patients (19 patients in Group 1 and 12 patients in Group 2) aged 16.3 ± 10.4 years were recruited. Correction of segmental kyphosis was similar between groups (51.1 ± 17.6° in Group 1 and 48.4 ± 19.8° in Group 2, p = 0.694). Group 1 had significantly longer operation time (365.9 ± 81.2 vs 221.4 ± 78.9, p < 0.001) and more estimated blood loss (975.2 ± 275.8 ml vs 725.9 ± 204.3 mL, p = 0.011). Alert event of intraoperative sensory and motor evoked potential (SEP and MEP) monitoring was observed in 1 patient of Group 2. Both groups had 1 transient post operative neurological deficit respectively.

Conclusion

SRS‐Schwab Grade 4 osteotomy was suitable for kyphotic mass when its apex is the upper unsegmented vertebrae or the neighboring disc, or when the apical vertebrae with an anterior/posterior (A/P) height ratio of vertebral body higher than 1/3. VCR is suitable when the apex is located within the unsegmented mass with its A/P height ratio lower than 1/3. Proper selection of VCR and SRS‐Schwab Grade 4 osteotomy according to our strategy, could provide satisfying radiographic and clinical outcomes in type II CK patients during a minimum of 2 years follow‐up. Patients undergoing VCR procedure might have longer operation time, more blood loss and higher incidence of peri‐ and post‐operative complications.
Efficacy and Safety of Orally and Intravenously Administration of Tranexamic Acid in Patients with Elderly Femoral Neck Fracture
Authors: Zhao Ya‐kuan , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Yuan‐wei , Li Ru‐ya , Xie Tian , Bai Li‐yong , Chen Hui , Rui Yun‐feng
Published: May 2024

Objective

For elderly femoral neck fracture patients, anemia is one of the most common complications, increasing the risk of postoperative adverse events. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely applied to the perioperative blood management. However, the optimal route of TXA administration in elderly femoral neck fracture remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral and intravenous (IV) application of TXA in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA).

Methods

All elderly patients aged over 65 years old diagnosed with femoral neck fracture admitted to the trauma orthopedics from August 1, 2020 to February 28, 2022 were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Participants were divided into three groups: oral group: TXA 2g orally 2 h before incision; IV group: intravenous infusion of TXA 1g 15 min before incision; and control group: usual hemostatic method. The primary outcomes were total blood loss, allogeneic transfusion rate, and postoperative thromboembolic events. SPSS 23.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 100 patients were enrolled, including 32 cases in the oral group, 34 cases in the IV group and 34 cases in the control group. Compared with the control group, the total perioperative blood loss in the oral and IV groups was significantly decreased (763.92 ± 358.64 mL vs 744.62 ± 306.88 mL vs 1250.60 ± 563.37 mL, p = 0.048). No significant difference was identified between the oral and IV groups (p = 0.970). The rate of allogeneic transfusion was lower in the oral and IV groups than in the control group, but the difference had no statistical significant (6 vs 5 vs 12, p = 0.108), However, subgroup analysis showed that the IV and oral groups in patients who underwent THA have significant lower transfusion rate compared with the control group (1 vs 3 vs 7, p = 0.02). During 6 months follow‐up, no thromboembolic events were identified. Two patients (one from the oral group and one from the control group) died of respiratory failure. The cost of blood management from the oral group was significantly lower than IV (p < 0.001) and control groups (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Elderly patients with femoral neck fracture undergoing THA can benefit from both IV and oral administration of tranexamic acid. The results of these two administration routes are similar in safety and effectiveness. A similar tendency was observed in patients undergoing HA. Oral TXA is more cost–benefit compared with intravenous applications.
The Comparison between Spinal Facet Joint Toothed Plate and Traditional Pedicle Screw‐rod on Reduction of Thoracolumbar Fracture
Authors: Qiu Cheng , Cheng Lin , Liu Jingwei , Ding Zhiguo , Sun Musen , Yu Yanyong , An Dingling , Wang Lianlei , Gao Xianlei , Pan Xin , Liu Xinyu , Wang Songgang
Published: May 2024

Objective

Thoracolumbar fractures are one of the most common fractures in clinical practice. Surgical intervention is recommended to restore spinal alignment or decompress the nerves when there are unstable fractures or neurological injuries. However, after excessive forward thrust force restoration, facet joint dislocation often occurs between the upper vertebra and the fractured vertebra, which usually leads to unsatisfactory reduction outcomes. Herein, we propose a novel spinal facet joint toothed plate to assist in fracture reduction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the new spinal facet joint toothed plate in preventing facet joint dislocation, and its advantages compared to traditional pedicle screw‐rod decompression.

Methods

A total of 26 patients in the toothed plate group and 93 patients in the traditional group who experienced thoracolumbar fracture with reduction were retrospectively included. Relevant patients' information and clinical parameters were collected. Furthermore, visual analogue scores (VAS) scores and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were also collected. Moreover, imaging parameters were calculated based on radiographs. Correlated data were analyzed by χ2 test and t test.

Results

All patients in this study had no postoperative complications. Postoperative VAS scores and ODI scores (p < 0.001) were statistically significant (p < 0.001) in both groups compared with preoperative scores and further decreased (p < 0.001) at final follow‐up. In addition, the postoperative vertebral margin ratio (VMR) (p < 0.001) and vertebral angle of the injured vertebrae (p < 0.001) were significantly improved compared with the preoperative period. There were no significant differences in postoperative VAS scores and ODI scores between the two groups. However, toothed plate reduction significantly improved the VMR (p < 0.05) and vertebral angle (p < 0.05) compared with conventional reduction. Ultimately, the total screw accuracy was 98.72% (sum of levels 0 and I), with 100% screw accuracy in the segment related to the tooth plate in the tooth plate group. The dislocation rate was higher in the conventional group (6.45%) than in the new serrated plate repositioning group (0.00%).

Conclusion

The facet toothed plate assisted reduction method prevents facet joint dislocation and improves fracture reduction compared to traditional reduction technique, hence it could be considered as a novel surgical strategy for thoracolumbar fracture reduction.
Radiological Verification for the Suitability of Using the Quadriceps Angle to Represent Orientation of the Quadriceps Femoris
Authors: Wu Chi‐Chuan
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The orientation of the quadriceps femoris can be represented by the quadriceps angle (Q‐angle) has not yet been approved because of the high incidence of patellar instability. In this study, the correlations among components of the quadriceps femoris and the Q‐angle using the plain radiographic technique were assessed. This retrospective study aims to use the radiographic technique to clarify these doubts from anatomic viewpoints.

Methods

One hundred consecutive young adult patients (50 men and 50 women; aged, 34 ± 5 and 33 ± 6 years, respectively) who sustained chronic unilateral lower extremity injuries (unilateral femoral, tibial nonunions or malunions) were enrolled. The contralateral intact lower extremity was used for the study. The full‐length standing scanogram (FLSS) was used to evaluate the rectus Q‐angle (R‐Q angle), vastus Q‐angle (V‐Q angle), and clinical Q‐angle (C‐Q angle; i.e., known as the Q‐angle). The three Q‐angles were compared statistically. The Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used for comparison among groups. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the degree of relationship between two groups.

Results

The C‐Q angle or the V‐Q angle was statistically different from the R‐Q angle (p < 0.001). The C‐Q angle between sexes was not different (p = 0.25). High correlation occurred among the C‐Q angle, the R‐Q angle, and the V‐Q angles (correlation coefficient, 0.886–0.979). The multiple linear regression revealed of C‐Q angle = 0.72; R‐Q angle, p < 0.001 + 0.21; and V‐Q angle, (p = 0.009) + 2.61° in 100 patients.

Conclusion

Orientation of the quadriceps femoris can be represented by the Q‐angle. Compared to the rectus femoris, the three vastus muscles of the quadriceps femoris are more correlated to the Q‐angle.
Strategies for choosing the best living donor: A review of the literature and a proposal of a decision‐making paradigm
Authors: Charnaya Olga , Van Arendonk Kyle , Segev Dorry L.
Published: May 2024

Transplantation remains the gold‐standard treatment for pediatric end‐stage kidney disease. While living donor transplant is the preferred option for most pediatric patients, it is not the right choice for all. For those who have the option to choose between deceased donor and living donor transplantation, or from among multiple potential living donors, the transplant clinician must weigh multiple dynamic factors to identify the most optimal donor. This review will cover the key considerations when choosing between potential living donors and will propose a decision‐making algorithm.
Changes in nutritional status and the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome following pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Sill J. , Lukich S. , Alejos A. , Lim H. , Chau P. , Lowery R. , McCormick A. , Peng D. M. , Yu S. , Schumacher K. R.
Published: May 2024

Background

Nutritional status in pediatric patients undergoing heart transplantation (HT) is frequently a focus of clinical management and requires high resource utilization. Pre‐operative nutrition status has been shown to affect post‐operative mortality but no studies have been performed to assess how nutritional status may change and the risk of developing nutritional comorbidities long‐term in the post‐transplant period.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective chart review of patients ≥2 years of age who underwent heart transplantation between 1/1/2005 and 4/30/2020 was performed. Patient data were collected at listing, time of transplant, 1‐year, and 3‐year follow‐up post‐transplant. Nutrition status was classified based on body mass index (BMI) percentile in the primary analysis. Alternative nutritional indices, namely the nutrition risk index (NRI), prognostic nutrition index (PNI), and BMI z‐score, were utilized in secondary analyses.

Results

Of the 63 patients included, the proportion of patients with overweight/obese status increased from 21% at listing to 41% at 3‐year follow‐up. No underweight patients at listing became overweight/obese at follow‐up. Of patients who were overweight/obese at listing, 88% maintained that status at 3‐year follow‐up. Overweight/obese status at listing, 1‐year, and 3‐year post‐transplantation were significantly associated with developing metabolic syndrome. In comparison to the alternative nutritional indices, BMI percentile best predicted post‐transplant metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

The results suggest that pediatric patients who undergo heart transplantation are at risk of developing overweight/obesity and related nutritional sequelae (ie, metabolic syndrome). Improved surveillance and interventions targeted toward overweight/obese HT patients should be investigated to reduce the burden of associated comorbidities.
Alemtuzumab induction is associated with decreased hospitalization rates in pediatric kidney transplant: A UNOS data review for safety and outcomes with common induction regimens
Authors: Aydin‐Ghormoz Emmanuel , Ortiz Jorge , Koizumi Naoru , Li Meng‐Hao , Faddoul Geovani
Published: May 2024

Background

We hypothesized that alemtuzumab use is safe in pediatric kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with equivalent long‐term outcomes compared to other induction agents.

Methods

Using pediatric kidney transplant recipient data in the UNOS database between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2022, multivariate logistic regression, multivariable Cox regression, and survival analyses were utilized to estimate the likelihoods of 1st‐year and all‐time hospitalizations, acute rejection, CMV infection, delayed graft function (DGF), graft loss, and patient mortality among recipients of three common induction regimens (ATG, alemtuzumab, and basiliximab).

Results

There were no differences in acute rejection or graft failure among induction or maintenance regimens. Basiliximab was associated with lower odds of DGF in deceased donor recipients (OR 0.77 [0.60–0.99], p = .04). Mortality was increased in patients treated with steroid‐containing maintenance (HR 1.3 [1.005–1.7] p = .045). Alemtuzumab induction correlated with less risk of CMV infection than ATG (OR 0.76 [0.59–0.99], p = .039). Steroid‐containing maintenance conferred lower rate of PTLD compared to steroid‐free maintenance (HR 0.59 [0.4–0.8] p = .001). Alemtuzumab was associated with less risk of hospitalization within 1 year (OR 0.79 [0.67–0.95] p = .012) and 5 years (HR 0.54 [0.46–0.65] p < .001) of transplantation. Steroid maintenance also decreased 5 years hospitalization risk (HR 0.78 [0.69–0.89] p < .001).

Conclusions

Pediatric KTRs may be safely treated with alemtuzumab induction without increased risk of acute rejection, DGF, graft loss, or patient mortality. The decreased risk of CMV infections and lower hospitalization rates compared to other agents make alemtuzumab an attractive choice for induction in pediatric KTRs, especially in those who cannot tolerate ATG.
The role of donor type and pre‐transplant immunosuppression on outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and young adults with severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Kashif Reema , Horn Biljana , Milner Jordan , Joyce Michael , Dalal Mansi , Lee Jin‐Ju , McNerney Kevin , Cline Jessica , Fort John , Castillo Paul , Galvez Jorge , Alperstein Warren , Ligon John , Ziga Edward , Crawford David , Chellapandian Deepak
Published: May 2024

Background

The goal of this study was to assess the effect of donor type and pre‐transplant immunotherapy (IST) on outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for children and young adults with severe aplastic anemia (SAA).

Methods

This retrospective, multi‐center study included 52 SAA patients, treated in 5 pediatric transplant programs in Florida, who received HSCT between 2010 and 2020 as the first‐ or second‐line treatment.

Results

The median age at HSCT for all 52 patients was 15 years (range 1–25). The 3‐year overall survival (OS) by donor type were as follows: 95% [95% CI 85.4–99] for matched related donors (MRD) (N = 24), 84% [95% CI 63.5–99] for haploidentical (N = 13), and 71% [95% CI 36–99] for matched unrelated donors (MUD) (N = 7). The 3‐year OS was 81% [95% CI 69.7‐99] for all patients, 90.5% [95% CI 79.5‐99] for non‐IST patients (N = 27), and 70% [95% CI 51–99] for IST patients (N = 24) (log‐rank p = .04). Survival of haploidentical HSCT (haplo‐HSCT) recipients with post‐transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) (N = 13) was excellent for both groups: 100% for non‐IST patients (N = 3) and 80% for IST patients (N = 10). The 3‐year OS for patients with previous IST by donor type in groups where >5 patients were available was 78.8% [95% CI 52.3–99] for haplo‐HSCT (N = 10) and 66.7% [95% CI 28.7–99] for MUD (N = 6). Although it appears that patients receiving HSCT ≥6 months after the start of IST had worse survival, the number of patients in each category was small and log‐rank was not significant(p = .65).

Conclusions

Patients receiving MUD and haplo‐HSCT with PTCy had similar outcomes, suggesting that haplo‐HSCT with PTCy could be included in randomized trials of upfront IST versus alternative donor HSCT.
Safety and infectious outcomes in pediatric kidney transplant recipients after COVID‐19 vaccination: A pediatric nephrology research consortium study
Authors: Churilla Travis , Crane Clarkson , Sreedharan Rajasree , Alzarka Bakri J. , Charnaya Olga , Jain Namrata G. , Pizzo Helen , Mansuri Asifhusen , Jain Amrish , Grewal Manpreet , Fishbein Joseph D. , Kula Alexander J. , Heald‐Sargent Taylor , Matossian Debora , Verghese Priya S.
Published: May 2024

Background

Adult kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) fully vaccinated against COVID‐19 have substantial morbidity and mortality related to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection compared with the general population. However, little is known regarding the safety and efficacy of the COVID‐19 vaccination series in pediatric KTRs.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective observational study was performed across nine pediatric transplantation centers. Eligible KTRs fully vaccinated against COVID‐19 were enrolled and data were collected pertaining to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection incidence and severity, graft outcomes and post‐vaccination safety profile, as well as overall patient survival.

Results

A total of 247 patients were included in this investigation with a median age at transplantation of 11 years (IQR 5–15). SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was observed in 30/110 (27.27%) of fully vaccinated patients, tested post‐transplant, within the defined follow‐up period. Of these patients, 6/30 (18.18%) required hospitalization and 3/30 (12.12%) required reduction in immunosuppression, with no reported deaths. De novo donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) were found in 8/86 (9.30%) of DSA‐tested patients with two experiencing rejection and subsequent graft loss. The overall incidence of rejection and graft loss among the total cohort was 11/247 (4.45%) and 6/247 (3.64%), respectively. A 100% patient survival was observed.

Conclusions

Observationally, infectious outcomes of SARS‐CoV‐2 in fully vaccinated pediatric KTRs are excellent, with a low incidence of infection requiring hospitalization and no associated deaths. Though de novo DSAs were observed, there was minimal graft rejection and graft loss reported in the total cohort.
Animal models for partial heart transplantation
Authors: Yerger Julia , Hill Morgan A. , Fitzgerald David C. , Rajab Taufiek K.
Published: May 2024

Background

Partial heart transplantation delivers growing heart valve implants by transplanting the part of the heart containing the necessary heart valve only. In contrast to heart transplantation, partial heart transplantation spares the native ventricles. This has important implications for partial heart transplant biology, including the allowable ischemia time, optimal graft preservation, primary graft dysfunction, immune rejection, and optimal immunosuppression.

Aims

Exploration of partial heart transplant biology will depend on suitable animal models. Here we review our experience with partial heart transplantation in rodents, piglets, and non‐human primates.

Materials & Methods

This review is based on our experience with partial heart transplantation using over 100 rodents, over 50 piglets and one baboon.

Results

Suitable animal models for partial heart transplantation include rodent heterotopic partial heart transplantation, piglet orthotopic partial heart transplantation, and non‐human primate partial heart xenotransplantation.

Discussion

Rodent models are relatively cheap and offer extensive availability of research tools. However, rodent open‐heart surgery is technically not feasible. This limits rodents to heterotopic partial heart transplant models. Piglets are comparable in size to children. This allows for open‐heart surgery using clinical grade equipment for orthoptic partial heart transplantation. Piglets also grow rapidly, which is useful for studying partial heart transplant growth. Finally, nonhuman primates are immunologically most closely related to humans. Therefore, nonhuman primates are most suitable for studying partial heart transplant immunobiology and xenotransplantation.

Conclusions

Animal research is a privilege that is contingent on utilitarian ethics and the 3R principles of replacement, reduction and refinement. This privilege allows the research community to seek fundamental knowledge about partial heart transplantation, and to apply this knowledge to enhance the health of children who require partial heart transplants.
Exploring the impact of solar radiation on skin microbiome to develop improved photoprotection strategies
Authors: Gilaberte Yolanda , Piquero‐Casals Jaime , Schalka Sergio , Leone Giovanni , Brown Anthony , Trullàs Carles , Jourdan Eric , Lim Henry W. , Krutmann Jean , Passeron Thierry
Published: May 2024

The skin microbiome undergoes constant exposure to solar radiation (SR), with its effects on health well‐documented. However, understanding SR's influence on host‐associated skin commensals remains nascent. This review surveys existing knowledge on SR's impact on the skin microbiome and proposes innovative sun protection methods that safeguard both skin integrity and microbiome balance. A team of skin photodamage specialists conducted a comprehensive review of 122 articles sourced from PubMed and Research Gateway. Key terms included skin microbiome, photoprotection, photodamage, skin cancer, ultraviolet radiation, solar radiation, skin commensals, skin protection, and pre/probiotics. Experts offered insights into novel sun protection products designed not only to shield the skin but also to mitigate SR's effects on the skin microbiome. Existing literature on SR's influence on the skin microbiome is limited. SR exposure can alter microbiome composition, potentially leading to dysbiosis, compromised skin barrier function, and immune system activation. Current sun protection methods generally overlook microbiome considerations. Tailored sun protection products that prioritize both skin and microbiome health may offer enhanced defense against SR‐induced skin conditions. By safeguarding both skin and microbiota, these specialized products could mitigate dysbiosis risks associated with SR exposure, bolstering skin defense mechanisms and reducing the likelihood of SR‐mediated skin issues.
Sink or swim in the R&D pool: the relationship between peer density and streamlining
Authors: Pan Xin , Chen Xuanjin , Qiu Shumin
Published: May 2024

Our study explores the strategic reduction of firms' R&D investment, focusing on ‘peer R&D density’ as a main factor. This concept reflects the level of R&D engagement among competing firms. Based on organisational ecology theory, we find a U‐shaped relationship between peer R&D density and R&D streamlining, driven by legitimacy and competition resulting from high peer density. Furthermore, we examine how state ownership moderates this relationship. Using data from Chinese listed firms between 2006 and 2018, our analysis sheds light on the drivers R&D reduction and the impact of ownership structures on these dynamics. Our findings enhance the understanding of corporate survival and adaptation in research‐intensive industries, highlighting the interplay between state and market logics.
Gradient‐based approach to sufficient dimension reduction with functional or longitudinal covariates
Authors: Huang Ming‐Yueh , Chan Kwun Chuen Gary
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we focus on the sufficient dimension reduction problem in regression analysis with real‐valued response and functional or longitudinal covariates. We propose a new method based on gradients of the conditional distribution function to estimate the sufficient dimension reduction subspace. While existing inverse‐regression‐type methods relies on a linearity condition, our method is based on the gradient of conditional distribution function and its validity only requires smoothness conditions on the population parameters. Practically, the proposed estimator can be obtained by standard algorithm of functional principal component analysis. The proposed method is demonstrated through extensive simulations and two empirical examples.
Neural Network-Based Modeling of Diffusion-Induced Stress in a Hollow Cylindrical Nano-Electrode of Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Li Yong , Wu Yunhao , Huang He , Zhang Kai , Yang Fuqian
Published: May 2024

Understanding the interaction between mechanical deformation and mass transport, such as diffusion-induced stress, is crucial in the development of advanced battery materials and electrochemical devices. Mathematical modeling and solving the related coupling problems have played important roles in advancing the understanding of the interaction between mechanical deformation and mass transport. As the complexity of mathematical modeling continues to increase, numerical methods used to solve the related coupling problems are likely to encounter significant challenges. This work explores the feasibility of designing a neural network specifically for solving diffusion-induced stress in the electrode of lithium-ion battery via deep learning techniques. A loss function is constructed from the spatiotemporal coordinates of sampling points within the solution domain, the overall structure of the system of partial differential equations, boundary conditions, and initial conditions. The distributions of stress and lithium concentration in a hollow-cylindrical nanoelectrode are obtained. The high degree of conformity between the numerical results and those from the finite element method is demonstrated.
Application of Mechano-Luminescence-Optoelectronic Composites for Delamination Detection in Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: Mongare Alfred
Published: May 2024

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have attracted significant attention from the aerospace industry in recent years. FRP composites have the advantage of being light weight, high strength, and resistant to corrosion making them an attractive option for various applications in the aerospace industry. However, FRP composites are prone to delamination which can eventually compromise structural integrity leading to sudden failure. An effective damage detection methodology is therefore necessary to monitor delamination in structures. In this study, mechano-luminescence-optoelectronic (MLO) composites were integrated with FRP composites to create MLO-FRP test coupons for delamination detection. The MLO composites were prepared by coupling a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-based sensor with a copper dopped zinc sulfide (ZnS:Cu) composite. MLO composites were attached to the surface of FRP composites to create MLO-FRP test coupons. The MLO-FRP test coupon was mounted on a 3-point bending load frame and subjected to cyclic loading and unloadings at various displacements with the first displacement starting from zero to 5 mm, the second displacement starting from zero to 6 mm, and so on. A direct current (DC) voltage was recorded from the MLO composites at a constant loading rate to validate its DC-based strain sensing capability. Other parameters such as applied load, strain energy release rate, and strain were also obtained with the aim of tracking delamination propagation in FRP composites. Results showed that MLO composites were sensitive to delamination propagation highlighting their potential to be used in structures for health monitoring.
Thermodynamic Performance Investigation of Environmentally Friendly Working Fluids in a Geothermal Integrated Pumped Thermal Energy Storage System
Authors: Mwesigye Aggrey
Published: May 2024

Among the available energy storage technologies, pumped thermal energy storage (PTES) is emerging as a potential solution for large-scale electrical energy storage with high round-trip efficiencies and no geographical limitations. However, PTES requires a low-cost, high-temperature heat source to achieve reasonable round-trip efficiencies. Moreover, organic Rankine cycle-based PTES systems require high-performance and environmentally friendly working fluids. In this study, the thermodynamic performance of a geothermal integrated PTES system using environmentally friendly working fluids is investigated. The mathematical model of the geothermal integrated PTES system is developed using the first and second laws of thermodynamics and implemented in Engineering Equation Solver (EES). With the developed model, the thermodynamic performance of the PTES system for different working fluids, including butene, cyclopentane, isobutene, R1233zd(E), R1234ze(Z), R1224yd(Z), HFO1336mzz(Z), n-hexane, and n-pentane was investigated. For geothermal fluid outlet temperatures between 60 °C and 120 °C and geothermal fluid inlet and outlet temperature differences across the evaporator between 20 °C and 60 °C, the net power ratio, i.e., the ratio of the electrical energy discharged to the electrical energy used to run the charging cycle, is between 0.25 and 1.40. This shows that the system has the potential to give back more than 100% of the electrical energy used during charging under certain conditions. High net power ratios are obtained for a combination of high source temperatures and low geothermal fluid inlet and outlet temperature differences.
An Improved Positive Displacement Pump Model Accounting for Suction Cavitation
Authors: Rizzuto Francesco , Corney Jonatan , Dempster William , Tijsseling Arris
Published: May 2024

Positive displacement (PD) pumps are widely employed in industrial settings due to their inherent simplicity and reliability, serving a variety of applications from slurry transport to jet washing. Although their operational principles are straightforward, the fluid dynamics of the pumped medium exhibit nontrivial characteristics, including intricate transient phenomena. Consequently, a comprehensive fluid dynamic description, such as a three-dimensional fluid analysis, presents challenges due to its demanding computational requirements. While simpler analytical PD pump models are available, they often fail to adequately represent the primary system behaviors, particularly when dealing with cavitation. Motivated by these challenges, this study aims to develop a novel one-dimensional model for PD pumps, offering a representation of essential fluid phenomena without imposing significant computational burdens. After assessing the relative importance of the fluid dynamic behaviors that the model must capture, we construct a pump model based on a one-dimensional fluid description and solve it using a second-order in time and space monotone upwind scheme for conservative law and total variation diminishing (MUSCL-TVD) scheme. The model's validity is confirmed by its application to both single-chamber and three-chamber diaphragm PD pumps, which are instrumented for experimental validation. The results of the one-dimensional model exhibit strong agreement with physical experiments, both in controlled laboratory environments and field conditions. This success suggests a promising approach for industrial applications.
On the linear viscoelastic behavior of semidilute polydisperse bubble suspensions in Newtonian media
Authors: Mitrou Stamatina , Migliozzi Simona , Mazzei Luca , Angeli Panagiota
Published: May 2024

In this work, we investigated the linear viscoelasticity of semidilute polydisperse bubble suspensions via small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) tests performed in a rheo-optical setup. For all tested suspensions, the measured viscoelastic moduli (G′, G″) aligned with the theoretical predictions of the Jeffreys model for average dynamic capillary numbers (⟨Cd⟩) greater than unity. But at lower ⟨Cd⟩ values, experimental G′ values exceeded theoretical predictions. To investigate this, we considered the effects of suspension polydispersity and various SAOS measurement artifacts, including bubble rise, coalescence, and changes in suspension microstructure over time. Polydispersity could not cause the observed deviation, because the viscoelastic trends deviate from those of classic single-mode relaxation only for bimodal bubble size distributions with equal volume fractions of very small and very large bubbles; in any other case, the polydisperse suspension behaves as monodisperse with a bubble radius equal to the volume-weighted mean radius. Furthermore, bubble rise proved to play a minor role, while SAOS rheo-optical experiments revealed that bubble size and organization varied negligibly during our measurements. The G′ deviation at low ⟨Cd⟩ values was linked to bubble fluid dynamic interactions induced by the bubble spatial distribution. Image analysis showed that at low bubble volume fractions, stronger and prolonged preshearing reduces these interactions by increasing the average interbubble distance. But this effect is negligible in denser suspensions, which show similar G′ trends for any applied preshearing. Finally, a multimode Jeffreys model fitted to the experimental data showed that bubble interactions complicate the relaxation process, introducing multiple relaxation modes.
Improving nitrofurantoin resistance prediction in
Escherichia coli
from whole-genome sequence by integrating NfsA/B enzyme assays
Authors: Dulyayangkul Punyawee , Sealey Jordan E. , Lee Winnie W. Y. , Satapoomin Naphat , Reding Carlos , Heesom Kate J. , Williams Philip B. , Avison Matthew B.
Published: May 2024

Nitrofurantoin resistance in
Escherichia coli
is primarily caused by mutations damaging two enzymes, NfsA and NfsB. Studies based on small isolate collections with defined nitrofurantoin MICs have found significant random genetic drift in
nfsA
and
nfsB
, making it extremely difficult to predict nitrofurantoin resistance from whole-genome sequence (WGS) where both genes are not obviously disrupted by nonsense or frameshift mutations or insertional inactivation. Here, we report a WGS survey of 200
oqxAB
-negative
E. coli
from community urine samples, of which 34 were nitrofurantoin resistant. We characterized individual non-synonymous mutations seen in
nfsA
and
nfsB
among this collection using complementation cloning and NfsA/B enzyme assays in cell extracts. We definitively identified R203C, H11Y, W212R, A112E, and A112T in NfsA and R121C, Q142H, F84S, P163H, W46R, K57E, and V191G in NfsB as amino acid substitutions that reduce enzyme activity sufficiently to cause resistance. In contrast, E58D, I117T, K141E, L157F, A172S, G187D, and A188V in NfsA and G66D, M75I, V93A, and A174E in NfsB are functionally silent in this context. We identified that 9/166 (5.4%) nitrofurantoin-susceptible isolates were “pre-resistant,” defined as having loss of function mutations in
nfsA
or
nfsB
. Finally, using NfsA/B enzyme assays and proteomics, we demonstrated that 9/34 (26.5%)
ribE
wild-type nitrofurantoin-resistant isolates also carried functionally wild-type
nfsB
or
nfsB
/
nfsA
. In these cases, NfsA/B activity was reduced through downregulated gene expression. Our biological understanding of nitrofurantoin resistance is greatly improved by this analysis but is still insufficient to allow its reliable prediction from WGS data.
Type I toxin-antitoxin systems in bacteria: from regulation to biological functions
Authors: Shore Selene F. H. , Leinberger Florian H. , Fozo Elizabeth M. , Berghoff Bork A.
Published: May 2024

Toxin-antitoxin systems are ubiquitous in the prokaryotic world and widely distributed among chromosomes and mobile genetic elements. Several different toxin-antitoxin system types exist, but what they all have in common is that toxin activity is prevented by the cognate antitoxin. In type I toxin-antitoxin systems, toxin production is controlled by an RNA antitoxin and by structural features inherent to the toxin messenger RNA. Most type I toxins are small membrane proteins that display a variety of cellular effects. While originally discovered as modules that stabilize plasmids, chromosomal type I toxin-antitoxin systems may also stabilize prophages, or serve important functions upon certain stress conditions and contribute to population-wide survival strategies. Here, we will describe the intricate RNA-based regulation of type I toxin-antitoxin systems and discuss their potential biological functions.
S309-CAR-NK cells bind the Omicron variants
in vitro
and reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in humanized ACE2-NSG mice
Authors: Ma Minh Tuyet , Jiang Qingkui , Chen Chih-Hsiung , Badeti Saiaditya , Wang Xuening , Zeng Cong , Evans Deborah , Bodnar Brittany , Marras Salvatore A. E. , Tyagi Sanjay , Bharaj Preeti , Yehia Ghassan , Romanienko Peter , Hu Wenhui , Liu Shan-Lu , Shi Lanbo , Liu Dongfang
Published: May 2024

Recent progress on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells has shown promising results in treating CD19-positive lymphoid tumors with minimal toxicities [including graft versus host disease (GvHD) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in clinical trials. Nevertheless, the use of CAR-NK cells in combating viral infections has not yet been fully explored. Previous studies have shown that CAR-NK cells expressing S309 single-chain fragment variable (scFv), hereinafter S309-CAR-NK cells, can bind to SARS-CoV-2 wildtype pseudotyped virus (PV) and effectively kill cells expressing wild-type spike protein
in vitro
. In this study, we further demonstrate that the S309-CAR-NK cells can bind to different SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the B.1.617.2 (Delta), B.1.621 (Mu), and B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variants
in vitro
. We also show that S309-CAR-NK cells reduce virus loads in the NOD/SCID gamma (NSG) mice expressing the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor challenged with SARS-CoV-2 wild-type (strain USA/WA1/2020). Our study demonstrates the potential use of S309-CAR-NK cells for inhibiting infection by SARS-CoV-2 and for the potential treatment of COVID-19 patients unresponsive to otherwise currently available therapeutics.

IMPORTANCE

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells can be “off-the-shelf” products that treat various diseases, including cancer, infections, and autoimmune diseases. In this study, we engineered natural killer (NK) cells to express S309 single-chain fragment variable (scFv), to target the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, hereinafter S309-CAR-NK cells. Our study shows that S309-CAR-NK cells are effective against different SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the B.1.617.2 (Delta), B.1.621 (Mu), and B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variants. The S309-CAR-NK cells can (i) directly bind to SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped virus (PV), (ii) competitively bind to SARS-CoV-2 PV with 293T cells expressing the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor (293T-hACE2 cells), (iii) specifically target and lyse A549 cells expressing the spike protein, and (iv) significantly reduce the viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 wild-type (strain USA/WA1/2020) in the lungs of NOD/SCID gamma (NSG) mice expressing hACE2 (hACE2-NSG mice). Altogether, the current study demonstrates the potential use of S309-CAR-NK immunotherapy as an alternative treatment for COVID-19 patients.
Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus complement control protein (KCP) and glycoprotein K8.1 are not required for viral infection
in vitro
or
in vivo
Authors: Muniraju Murali , Mutsvunguma Lorraine Z. , Reidel Ivana G. , Escalante Gabriela M. , Cua Simeon , Musonda Webster , Calero-Landa Jonathan , Farelo Mafalda A. , Rodriguez Esther , Li Zhou , Ogembo Javier Gordon
Published: May 2024

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus-8, is the causal agent of Kaposi sarcoma, a cancer that appears as tumors on the skin or mucosal surfaces, as well as primary effusion lymphoma and KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman disease, which are B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Effective prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against KSHV infection and its associated diseases are needed. To develop these strategies, it is crucial to identify and target viral glycoproteins involved in KSHV infection of host cells. Multiple KSHV glycoproteins expressed on the viral envelope are thought to play a pivotal role in viral infection, but the infection mechanisms involving these glycoproteins remain largely unknown. We investigated the role of two KSHV envelope glycoproteins, KSHV complement control protein (KCP) and K8.1, in viral infection in various cell types
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Using our newly generated anti-KCP antibodies, previously characterized anti-K8.1 antibodies, and recombinant mutant KSHV viruses lacking KCP, K8.1, or both, we demonstrated the presence of KCP and K8.1 on the surface of both virions and KSHV-infected cells. We showed that KSHV lacking KCP and/or K8.1 remained infectious in KSHV-susceptible cell lines, including epithelial, endothelial, and fibroblast, when compared to wild-type recombinant KSHV. We also provide the first evidence that KSHV lacking K8.1 or both KCP and K8.1 can infect human B cells
in vivo
in a humanized mouse model. Thus, these results suggest that neither KCP nor K8.1 is required for KSHV infection of various host cell types and that these glycoproteins do not determine KSHV cell tropism.

IMPORTANCE

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic human gamma-herpesvirus associated with the endothelial malignancy Kaposi sarcoma and the lymphoproliferative disorders primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman disease. Determining how KSHV glycoproteins such as complement control protein (KCP) and K8.1 contribute to the establishment, persistence, and transmission of viral infection will be key for developing effective anti-viral vaccines and therapies to prevent and treat KSHV infection and KSHV-associated diseases. Using newly generated anti-KCP antibodies, previously characterized anti-K8.1 antibodies, and recombinant mutant KSHV viruses lacking KCP and/or K8.1, we show that KCP and K8.1 can be found on the surface of both virions and KSHV-infected cells. Furthermore, we show that KSHV lacking KCP and/or K8.1 remains infectious to diverse cell types susceptible to KSHV
in vitro
and to human B cells
in vivo
in a humanized mouse model, thus providing evidence that these viral glycoproteins are not required for KSHV infection.