bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D in Type 2 Diabetes and Its Correlation With Heat Shock Protein 70, Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma, Advanced Oxidation Protein Products and Advanced Glycation End Products
Authors: Hashemi Nazanin , Karimpour Reyhan Sahar , Qahremani Reihane , Seifouri Kiana , Tavakoli Meraj , Seyedi Seyed Arsalan , Ghaemi Farahnaz , Abbaszadeh Mahsa , Esteghamati Alireza , Nakhjavani Manouchehr , Mirmiranpour Hossein , Rabizadeh Soghra
Published: July 2024

Aim

To investigate the association between vitamin D3 level and oxidative stress biomarkers such as Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Method

In this cross‐sectional study, 54 patients including 32 females and 22 males with a mean age of 54.92 ± 11.37 years with T2D attending the diabetes clinic from 2021 to 2022 were included. According to the average level of vitamin D in this population (14.91), they were divided into two groups with vitamin D ≤15 ng/mL and vitamin D >15 ng/mL. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D and AOPP, HSP and FRAP parameters. The correlation between vitamin D and other variables was evaluated via the Pearson correlation test.

Result

Vitamin D level had a positive relation with FRAP (β = 0.32, p = 0.017) and HSP (β = 0.39, p = 0.003), but had a negative relation with AOPP (β = −0.30, p = 0.02). The level of 2hPP also had a negative relation with the level of vitamin D (β = −0.33, p = 0.03). There was not any relationship between the level of vitamin D and AGEs or other variables. After adjusting for multiple confounders for the multivariate regression model, HSP remained significant.

Conclusion

This research indicates the relationship between vitamin D levels and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Enhanced Passivation Effect of Tunnel Oxide Prepared by Ozone‐Gas Oxidation (OGO) for n‐Type Polysilicon Passivated Contact (TOPCon) Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Lei , Ou Yali , Lv Xiang , Lin Na , Zeng Yuheng , Hu Zechen , Yuan Shuai , Ye Jichun , Yu Xuegong , Yang Deren
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, a stack of heavily doped polysilicon (poly‐Si) and tunnel oxide (SiOx) is widely employed to improve the passivation performance in n‐type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) silicon solar cells. In this case, it is critical to develop an in‐line advanced fabrication process capable of producing high‐quality tunnel SiOx. Herein, an in‐line ozone‐gas oxidation (OGO) process to prepare the tunnel SiOx is proposed to be applied in n‐type TOPCon solar cell fabrication, which has obtained better performance compared with previously reported in‐line plasma‐assisted N2O oxidation (PANO) process. In order to explore the underlying mechanism, the electrical properties of the OGO and PANO tunnel SiOx are analyzed by deep‐level transient spectroscopy technology. Notably, continuous interface states in the band gap are detected for OGO tunnel SiOx, with the interface state densities (Dit) of 1.2 × 1012–3.6 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1 distributed in Ev + (0.15–0.40) eV, which is significantly lower than PANO tunnel SiOx. Furthermore, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicate that the percentage of SiO2 (Si4+) in OGO tunnel SiOx is higher than which in PANO tunnel SiOx. Therefore, we ascribe the lower Dit to the good inhibitory effects on the formation of low‐valent silicon oxides during the OGO process. In a nutshell, OGO tunnel SiOx has a great potential to be applied in n‐type TOPCon silicon solar cell, which may be available for global photovoltaics industry.
Network dynamics of self‐compassion, anxiety, and depression during eating disorder therapy
Authors: Kopland Maren C. G. , Vrabel KariAnne , Landt Margarita Slof‐Op 't , Hoffart Asle , Johnson Sverre Urnes , Giltay Erik J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Recovery processes during residential treatment for eating disorders, especially in patients with a history of maltreatment, are insufficiently understood. This study aimed to explore the temporal relationships among comorbid factors, including depression, anxiety, and self‐compassion, with the influence of childhood maltreatment.

Method

Using Dynamic Time Warp (DTW), weekly scores from the Symptom Checklist‐5, Eating Disorder Examination, and Self‐Compassion Scale were analysed over 12 weeks. The study generated undirected and directed networks to identify influential symptoms in a transdiagnostic sample, comparing patients with and without childhood maltreatment.

Results

The study included 124 patients with eating disorders (ED) (97% women), mean age of 30.9 years (SD = 9.7, range 18–61 years). Diagnoses included anorexia nervosa (26%), bulimia nervosa (38%), and other specified feeding and eating disorders (36%). The directed DTW network showed that hopelessness, worrying, and restlessness had the highest out‐strength, predicting changes in self‐compassion and ED behaviour. In maltreatment cases, hopelessness and low acceptance predicted changes, while worry, restlessness, and nervousness were predictive in non‐maltreatment cases.

Conclusion

Temporal network analyses suggest that a change in hopelessness, worrying, and restlessness drives symptom improvement in ED behaviour and the development of self‐compassion during residential treatment. These processes vary between patients with and without a history of childhood maltreatment separately, indicating the need for further analyses.
The astrocyte α1A‐adrenoreceptor is a key component of the neuromodulatory system in mouse visual cortex
Authors: Wahis Jérôme , Akkaya Cansu , Kirunda Andre M. , Mak Aline , Zeise Karen , Verhaert Jens , Gasparyan Hayk , Hovhannisyan Sargis , Holt Matthew G.
Published: July 2024

Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) is known to modulate many physiological functions and behaviors. In this study, we tested to what extent astrocytes, a type of glial cell, participate in noradrenergic signaling in mouse primary visual cortex (V1). Astrocytes are essential partners of neurons in the central nervous system. They are central to brain homeostasis, but also dynamically regulate neuronal activity, notably by relaying and regulating neuromodulator signaling. Indeed, astrocytes express receptors for multiple neuromodulators, including noradrenaline, but the extent to which astrocytes are involved in noradrenergic signaling remains unclear. To test whether astrocytes are involved in noradrenergic neuromodulation in mice, we employed both short hairpin RNA mediated knockdown as well as pharmacological manipulation of the major noradrenaline receptor in astrocytes, the α1A‐adrenoreceptor. Using acute brain slices, we found that the astrocytic α1A‐adrenoreceptor subtype contributes to the generation of large intracellular Ca2+ signals in visual cortex astrocytes, which are generally thought to underlie astrocyte function. To test if reduced α1A‐adrenoreceptor signaling in astrocytes affected the function of neuronal circuits in V1, we used both patch‐clamp and field potential recordings. These revealed that noradrenergic signaling through the astrocyte α1A‐adrenoreceptor is important to not only modulate synaptic activity but also to regulate plasticity in V1, through the potentiation of synaptic responses in circuits involved in visual information processing.
Dye‐based recombinase‐aided amplification assay with enhanced sensitivity and specificity
Authors: Zhao Zijin , You Yanbo , Hua Shaowei , Shen Xinxin , Li Lingjun , Ma Xuejun
Published: July 2024

Background

Fluorescent recombinase‐aided amplification (RAA) assays are increasingly being used in the detection of a variety of pathogens and have the advantages of rapidity and simplicity and similar sensitivity and specificity, compared with real‐time PCR (qPCR) assays, but they require a complex probe design. To eliminate the addition of fluorescent probes for RAA, an EvaGreen dye‐based recombinase‐aided amplification (EvaGreen‐RAA) assay using self‐avoiding molecular recognition system (SAMRS) primers was developed.

Methods

The SAMRS primers effectively avoided the production of primer dimers, thus improving the detection sensitivity, while EvaGreen dye was used to quantitatively measure the amplified products in real time. Using Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Listeria monocytogenes (LM) as examples, EvaGreen‐RAA with SAMRS primers was developed. As a reference and comparison, a traditional fluorescence probe RAA method and a RAA with SAMRS primers (SAMRS‐RAA) for detecting SA and LM were also investigated. Serial dilutions of recombinant plasmids were used to evaluate the sensitivity of the assays. Unenriched and enriched simulated milk samples were used to evaluate the limits of detection (LOD) of these methods. Using high‐resolution melting (HRM) was used to explore the sensitivity of the dual EvaGreen‐RAA assay.

Results

The sensitivity of the fluorescent RAA method for detecting SA and LM was 10 copies/μL using plasmids and the sensitivity of the SAMRS‐RAA and EvaGreen‐RAA for detecting SA and LM plasmids was 1 copies/μL. The LOD values of the EvaGreen‐RAA for SA and LM in unenriched simulated milk samples were 100 and 50 CFU/mL, respectively, and the LOD value for both SA and LM using enriched simulated milk samples was 10 CFU/mL. EvaGreen‐RAA had linear amplification in real time in the range of 1–105 copies/μL of the plasmids of SA and LM. The sensitivity of the dual EvaGreen‐RAA assay for SA and LM was estimated to be 102 CFU/mL.

Conclusion

A real‐time quantitative EvaGreen‐RAA method for detecting SA and LM was developed, which eliminates the need to design complex RAA probes. This dye‐based RAA with SARMS primers provides a new strategy for simplifying fluorescence probe RAA and allowing the detection of multiple pathogens, which has many potential applications.
Chromosome numbers of Australian Liliaceae
Authors: Keighery G. J.
Published: July 2024

Chromosome numbers of 195 populations of 93 species of Australian Liliaceae are given. New records for 14 genera are listed, and comments made on the taxonomie significance of these counts.
Some Rivulariaceae Rabenh. from paddy fields of Kaira District, Gujarat, India
Authors: Mahajan A. D. , Patel R. I.
Published: July 2024

While exploring the blue green algae from the paddy fields of Kaira district, Gujarat, the authors collected 11 taxa of' the genus Calothrix Ag. and 4 taxa of the genus Rivularia (Roth) Ag. from Limbasi and Navagam, the maximum rice growing region of the district. All the taxa are addition to algal flora of Gujarat ecxept Rivularia aquatica De Wilde and R. hansgirgi Schmidle. Calothrix clavata West. G. S. is reported for the first time from India.
Vegetation of inland desert wadis in Egypt V. Edaphic characteristics of plant communities in wadi systems east of “Minya” Province
Authors: El‐Sharkawi H. M. , Ramadan A. A.
Published: July 2024

The edaphic characteristics that might be influencing the distribution of four commmunities, previously recognized in the area, were studied. This included soil particle size (texture), organic carbon, total soluble salts and major soluble anions and cations. Besides definite phytosociological identity of the communities identified, the edaphic characteristics of their habitats seem to be likewise recognizable. Certain specific chemical status in the habitats of these communities are identifiable at either the wet or dry seasons. Each community has certain distinguishable edaphic characteristics, which is quite indicative of their ecological identity, despite the rigorous disturbance of such habitats by torrential rains the area has been subject to about two years before this investigation was carried out.
Species novae Bromeliacearum V
Authors: Weber Wilhelm
Published: July 2024

Einige neue Bromliaccae der Gattungen Aechmea, Billbergia, Canistrum, Cryplanthus, Neoregelia, Nidularium, Orthophylum, Pitcairnia, Puya, Tillandsia und Vriesca ans Argentinien, Bolivien, Brasilien, Columbrien und Peru werden beschrieben.
Viburnum colinifolium D. Don and two new infraspecific taxa
Authors: Dudley T.R.
Published: July 2024

Vihurnum cotinifolium D. Don, demonstrates two very well distinguished variants in Eastern Asia, which are described herein as var. lacei var. nov. from Pakistan and var. wallichii var. nov. from Nepal. A series of collections from Pakistan's Northeast Frontier Province and Punjab Province are recognized as intermediate between var. lacei and var. wallichii.
A nickel hyperaccumulating species of Alyssum (Cruciferae) from Spain: A. malacitanum (Rivas Goday) T. R. Dudley, comb. & stal. nov.
Authors: Dudley T. R.
Published: July 2024

There are two serpentinophilous and nickel‐hyperaccumulating taxa within the Alyssum serpyllifolium complex in Europe – A. pinlodasilvae T. R. Dudley from Portugal, and A. serpyllifolium subspecics malacitanam Rivas Goday from Spain. The latter is raised to full specific status as A. mulucitanum (Rivas Goday) T. R Dudley, comb. & stat. nov. on the basis of demonstrating a different nickel‐accumulation capability at 0.6% tissue concentration on dry wight basis, in comparison with the 1.44% of A. pintodasilvae and the 0.0065% of A. serpyllifolium. In conjunction with the differential and diagnostic nickel content, numerous discontinuous morphological characters clearly distinguish A. malacitilanum from the taxa of closest affinity.
Taxonomie studies in Solanum L. (and related genera) 4. Cyphomandra casana Child sp. nov. and Solanum sect. Glaucophyllum Child sect. nov.
Authors: Child Alan
Published: July 2024

A new species of tree tomato, Cyphomandra (Section Cyphomandra) casana Child sp. nov. from near Loja, Ecuador is diagnosed and described on the basis of material grown in the New Zealand Crop Introduction Schemne (D. S. I. R.).

A new infragenerie taxon for Solanum, Section Glaucophyllum Child sect. nov. is proposed to accommodate the well known and ornamental S. American species S. glaucophyllum Dunal (= S. malacoxylon Sendt.) which has hitherto been of uncertain position within the Subgenus Solanum.
Untersuchungen über fossile Buchenhölzer Beiträge zu einer Monographie der Gattung Fagoxylon Stopes & Fujii
Authors: Süss Herbert
Published: July 2024

Für die Gattung Fagoxylon Stopes & Fujii (1911) wird eine neugeafaβte und erweiterte Diagnose aufgestellt. Nach vorliegendem Material werden vier Arten von Fagoxylon teils erstmals, teils auf Grund einer Nachuntersuchung älteren Materials nou beschrieben. Die Funde stammen aus der UdSSR, der VR Ungarn, der VR Polen und aus Island und sind eozänen bzw. miozänen Alters. Nach einer zusammenfassenden Diskussion über die holzanatomischen Eigenschaften der fossilen Buchen wird eine kritische Übersicht über alle bisher bekannten, mit der Gattung Fagns verglichenen Holzfossilien gegeben.
A survey of the ruderal plant communities of Western Slovakia. II1
Authors: Eltáš Pavol
Published: July 2024

Short characteristics of the plant nitrophilous communities occurring in Western Slovakia, Czeehoslovakia, are presented in the form of the syntaxonomical survey. This second part of the survey contains about 100 ruderal associations belonging to the classes Polygono‐Chenopodietea (Lohmeyer, J. et R. Tx.) Eltáš 1984, Meliloto‐Artemisietea absinthii Eltáš 1980, Artemisietea vulgaris Lohmeyer, Preising et Tx. in Tx, 1950 om. Eltáš 1981 Agropyretea repentis Oberdorfer, Th. Müller et Görs in Oberd. et al. 1967, Polygono‐Poetea annuae Rivas‐Martínez 1975 and Molinio‐Arrhenatheretea Tx. 1937 em. 1970.

Zusammen fassung

In Form einer syntaxonomischen Übersieht werden kurze synmorphologisehe, synökologische und syngonetische Charakteristiken der nitrophilen Pflanzengesellsehaften und Angabon über ihre Verbreitung in der Westslowakei eingeführt. Der vorliegende zweite Teil der Übersicht enthält etwa 100 Assoziationen die zu den Klassen Polygono‐Chenopodietea (Lohmeyer, J. et R. Tx.) Eltáš 1984, Meliloto‐Artemisietea absinthii Eltáš 1980, Artemisietea vulgaris Lohmeyer, Preising et Tx. in Tx. 1950 em. Eltáš 1981, Agropyretea repentis Oberdorfer, Th. Müller et Görs in Oberd. et al. 1967, Polygono‐Poetea annuae Rivas‐Martínez 1975 und Molinio‐Arrhenatheretea Tx. 1937 em. 1937 gehören.
Beitrag zur Kenntnis der anthropogenen Vegetation der Tropenstadt Puerto Maldonado (Peru)
Authors: Gutte P. , Müller G. K.
Published: July 2024

In this publication the authors give a description of the ruderal plant communities of the tropical City of Puerto Maldonado (Dpt. Madre de Dios, Peru) and some floristical remarks to the vegetation of the “matorral” (anthropogenous bush).
Vegetation between Taif and El‐Shafa highland (Asir mountains, Saudi Arabia)
Authors: Zayed K. M. , El‐Karemy A. R.
Published: July 2024

This study reports on a survey of the vegetation between Taif and El‐Shafa highland (Asir mountains — Saudi Arabia), a distance of about 45 km with a sharp rise from 1630 to 2085 m above sea level. Climatic data of the area are presented. Thirteen plant communities in four distinguished sectors are identified. These are: 1) Low land sector with communities of Verbesina encelioides, Acacia gerrardii, A. tortilis — A. ehrenbergiana and Commicarpus grandiflorus; 2) Gentle sloped sector with four communities of Publicaria crispa — Euryops arabicus, Indigofera spinosa — Lavandula pubescens, Dodonaea viscosa — Psiadia punctulata and Clutea myricoides —‐ Olea chrysophylia; 3) subsumit sector with 2 communities namely: Acacia gerrardii — Olea chrysophylla and Juniperus excelsa — Olea chrysophylia; 4) Summit sector with 3 communities: Juniperus excelsa, Juniperus excelsa — Acacia negrii and Tarconanthus camphoratus — Juniperus excelsa. 128 species of vascular plants, belonging to 42 families, are recorded. Relations between the different sectors and their communities are explored.
A new species of Salvia from Iraq1
Authors: Al‐Musawi A. H. E. , Weinert E.
Published: July 2024

Salvia arabica Al‐Musawi et Weinert spec. nov. is distinctive on account of its wide, cordate, subcircular leaves; white, creamy, large and very conspicuous bracts; long and short, glandular and eglandular, dense hairs and pale yellow corollas with their ventricose throats. The species is native on the hill sides in eastern Iraq, S. W. Asia.
Study of some taxa from the range of Chenopodium ficifolium Sm.
Authors: Dvořák F.
Published: July 2024

Chromosome sets of Chenopodium ficifolium Sm. differ in chromosome number (2n = 18, 36) and in the confidence interval of the mean length of one chromosome.

Chenopodium ficifolium Sm., grown in populations out of the seeds of Chenopodium ficifolium × suecicum (2n = 18, 36) and Chenopodium fallax × ficifolium (2n = 54, 54 + 1), has evidently after a backcrossing an introgression of genes of another species.
Die Verbreitung des Wermuts (Artemisia absinthium L.) und einige phytogeographische Beobachtungen in bezug zur frühhistorischen Besiedlung Böhmens
Authors: Toman M.
Published: July 2024

In der Arbeit wird der Bezug zwischen den frühhislorischen Siedlungsregionen und der Verbreitung des Wermuts (Artemisia absinthium) innerhalb der Gemeinden beschrieben. Es wurde die Verbreitung der Art auf diesen Fundplätzen in Böhmen festgestellt Auf dieser Basis wurde eine Revision der frühhistorischen Besiedlung Böhmens vorgenommen.

In Böhmen wurden 14 oder 15 frühhistorische Stammesgebiete nachgewiesen. Es wurde begründet, warum diese Anzahl wahrscheinlich endgültig ist. Zugleich wurde die spezifische Funktion des böhmischen Xerothermgebiets bei der Besiedlung sowie die Besiedlungsfeindlichkeit einer Landschaft mit dem Vorkommen obligater Halophyten geschildert. Mittels Vergleich über weitere Beobachtungen wurde abgeleitet, daß einige Siedlungsenklaven wohl bereits in vorslawischer Zeit entstanden sind (die ursprünglichen Einwohner wurden slawisiert), andere hingegen wurden erst mit der Zuwanderung der slawischen Stämme gegründet. Der Wald More wurde lokalisiert.
CircCUL1 inhibits trophoblast cell migration and invasion and promotes cell autophagy by sponging hsa‐miR‐30e‐3p in fetal growth restriction via the ANXA1/PI3K/AKT axis
Authors: Yang Tong , Hu Jianguo , Zhang Lei , Liu Li , Pan Xin , Zhou Yanqiu , Wu Yi , Shi Xian , Obiegbusi Chidera N. , Dong Xiaojing
Published: July 2024

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) severely affects the health outcome of newborns and represents a major cause of perinatal morbidity. The precise involvement of circCULT1 in the progression of FGR remains unclear. We performed next‐generation sequencing and RT‐qPCR to identify differentially expressed circRNAs in placental tissues affected by FGR by comparing them with unaffected counterparts. Edu, flow cytometry, and transwell assay were conducted to detect HTR8/SVneo cell's function in regard to cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The interaction between circCUL1 and hsa‐miR‐30e‐3p was assessed through dual‐luciferase reporter assays, validation of the interaction between circCUL1 and ANXA1 was performed using RNA pulldown and immunoprecipitation assays. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate protein levels of autophagy markers and components of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. A knockout (KO) mouse model was established for homologous mmu‐circ‐0001469 to assess fetal mouse growth and development indicators. Our findings revealed an upregulation of circCUL1 expression in placental tissues from patients with FGR. We found that suppression of circCUL1 increased the trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, circCUL1 could interact with hsa‐miR‐30e‐3p. Further, circCUL1 stimulated autophagy, modulating trophoblast cell autophagy via the ANXA1/PI3K/AKT pathway, and a notable disparity was observed, with KO mice displaying accelerated embryo development and exhibiting heavier placentas in comparison to wild‐type C57BL/6 mice. By modulating the ANXA1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through the interaction with hsa‐miR‐30e‐3p, circCUL1 promotes autophagy while concurrently suppressing trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. These findings offer novel insights into potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for FGR research.
A new computed tomography‐based approach to quantify swallowing muscle volume by measuring tongue muscle area in a single slice
Authors: Hurtado‐Oliva Javier , Zwart Aniek T. , Vister Jeroen , van der Hoorn Anouk , Steenbakkers Roel J.H.M. , Wegner Inge , Halmos Gyorgy B.
Published: July 2024

Background

Measuring the swallowing muscle mass with volume measurements is complex and time intensive; therefore, it is not used in clinical practice. However, it can be clinically relevant, for instance, in the case of sarcopenic dysphagia. The aim of the study was to develop a feasible and clinically applicable method to measure swallowing muscle mass.

Methods

Data from 10 head and neck cancer patients were collected from the Oncological Life Study data‐biobank of the University Medical Center Groningen. The pharyngeal constrictor, genioglossus, mylohyoid and geniohyoid complex muscles, as well as the tongue complex muscles, were delineated manually on routinely performed head and neck computed tomography scans. Axial and sagittal planes were used for volume and area measurements, respectively. Muscle density measurements were performed with and without Hounsfield unit thresholding. Correlations were assessed by Pearson correlation coefficients, and interobserver reliability was measured using intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results

Significant differences were observed between sagittal area measurements with and without Hounsfield unit thresholds for pharyngeal constrictor, tongue complex and the sum of the swallowing muscles (t > 6; P‐value < 0.001). Stronger correlations emerged without Hounsfield unit thresholding. Strong positive and significant correlations were found between the total swallowing muscle mass volume and the sagittal area of the tongue complex muscles (r = 0.87, P‐value < 0.05) and the sum of the sagittal areas of the pharyngeal constrictor and tongue complex muscles (r = 0.85, P‐value < 0.05). The use of the Hounsfield unit threshold weakened correlations. Interobserver reliability was assessed and found to be fair to good for the pharyngeal constrictor muscle (ICC = 0.68, P‐value < 0.05), excellent for the tongue complex muscles (ICC = 0.98, P‐value < 0.05) and excellent for the total swallowing muscle area (ICC = 0.96, P‐value < 0.05).

Conclusions

Single‐slice delineation of the sagittal area of tongue complex muscle and pharyngeal constrictor muscle is a promising, fast, simple and clinically applicable method for measuring the total volume of the swallowing muscle mass in head and neck cancer patients without Hounsfield unit thresholding. These advancements and findings would help in the early and accurate diagnosis of definitive sarcopenic dysphagia.
Fetal thymus size in pregnant women with Hashimoto disease
Authors: Kasap Esin , Saglam Ceren , Torun Raziye , Turkler Can , Gur Esra Bahar , Güleç Ebru Sahin , Bozgeyik Mehmet Bora
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study compared fetal thymic‐thoracic ratios and fetal thymus transverse diameter measurements in pregnant women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and non‐immune hypothyroidism.

Methods

The study included a total of 141 pregnant women in three groups: 41 with HT, 50 with non‐immune hypothyroidism, and 50 healthy individuals. Fetal thymus transverse diameter and thymic‐thoracic ratio were compared between these groups.

Results

The mean fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio was greater in pregnant women with HT than in the healthy controls (p = 0.031). Mean fetal thymus transverse diameter showed no statistically significant difference between the groups.

Conclusions

Maternal HT was associated with an increased fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio. More comprehensive studies are needed on this subject.
Framework for managing inappropriate behavior in clinical dental learning environments
Authors: Al‐Jewair Thikriat , Scates Jessica , Stephan Eugena , Chin Kit‐Wells Meelin D.
Published: July 2024

Background

Workplace violence (WPV), such as physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening behavior, commonly occurs within healthcare settings including dentistry. The objective of this study was to analyze the behavioral and environmental factors contributing to WPV, determine its prevalence within one dental institution, and develop a WPV prevention and management protocol that is dental specific.

Methods

To identify factors that impact WPV occurrence, the PRECEDE–PROCEED planning model was employed. A pilot cross‐sectional survey was then conducted among faculty, staff, and dental learners (students/residents) to evaluate the prevalence of WPV incidents experienced and witnessed over the past year. The survey also assessed the locations where incidents took place, their type, and the strategies employed to manage them. A comprehensive protocol aimed at preventing and managing WPV in dental settings was subsequently developed.

Results

Multiple factors influence the occurrence of WPV. The prevalence of experienced and witnessed WPV incidents was 22% and 24% among faculty/staff and 7% and 5% among learners, respectively. Verbal aggression was the most common type of WPV. Most respondents lacked awareness of the available reporting mechanisms for WPV. A WPV prevention and management protocol was developed, consisting of five steps: intervene, report, document, access support services, and resolve (IRDAR).

Conclusions

Administrators must have a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of violence in their workplace and the underlying factors that contribute to it in order to take appropriate action. IRDAR is a clearly defined and easily implemented protocol designed for preventing and managing WPV in dental learning environments.
A rare pediatric patient of anti‐IgLON5 encephalitis with epileptic seizures as the first symptom
Authors: Xue Jiao , Song Zhenfeng , Zhao Hongshan , Yi Zhi , Li Fei , Yang Chengqing , Liu Kaixuan , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2024

Background

Anti‐IgLON5 encephalitis was a rare neurological and heterogeneous disorder, which was mainly found in adults. Epileptic seizures related to anti‐IgLON5 disease were rarely reported.

Methods

Neural antibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were tested using cell‐based assays (CBA) with immunofluorescence double staining. The antibodies in serum were further confirmed by tissue‐based assay (TBA) with rat brain and kidney tissue.

Results

We reported a pediatric case presented with epileptic seizures, cognitive impairments, and sleep disorders. Autoantibody screening showed anti‐IgLON5 antibody IgG (1:100+) and anti‐NMDAR antibody IgG (1:10+) in the serum. She was diagnosed as anti‐IgLON5 encephalitis. Her conditions improved rapidly by treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and high dose intravenous methylprednisolone.

Conclusion

We described the second pediatric case with anti‐IgLON5 encephalitis, who was also the first presented with epileptic seizures as the initial presentation. Anti‐IgLON5 encephalitis might have mild manifestations. For patients with new onset seizures associated with cognitive impairments and sleep disturbances, anti‐IgLON5 antibody should be tested as early, even in children.
Cancer EV stimulate endothelial glycolysis to fuel protein synthesis via mTOR and AMPKα activation
Authors: Beaumont Joël E. J. , Barbeau Lydie M. O. , Ju Jinzhe , Savelkouls Kim G. , Bouwman Freek G. , Zonneveld Marijke I. , Bronckaers Annelies , Kampen Kim R. , Keulers Tom G. H. , Rouschop Kasper M. A.
Published: July 2024

Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumours and activates adaptation mechanisms in cancer cells that induce therapy resistance and has profound effects on cellular metabolism. As such, hypoxia is an important contributor to cancer progression and is associated with a poor prognosis. Metabolic alterations in cells within the tumour microenvironment support tumour growth via, amongst others, the suppression of immune reactions and the induction of angiogenesis. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EV) have emerged as important mediators of intercellular communication in support of cancer progression. Previously, we demonstrated the pro‐angiogenic properties of hypoxic cancer cell derived EV. In this study, we investigate how (hypoxic) cancer cell derived EV mediate their effects. We demonstrate that cancer derived EV regulate cellular metabolism and protein synthesis in acceptor cells through increased activation of mTOR and AMPKα. Using metabolic tracer experiments, we demonstrate that EV stimulate glucose uptake in endothelial cells to fuel amino acid synthesis and stimulate amino acid uptake to increase protein synthesis. Despite alterations in cargo, we show that the effect of cancer derived EV on recipient cells is primarily determined by the EV producing cancer cell type rather than its oxygenation status.
Characterisation of LPS+ bacterial extracellular vesicles along the gut‐hepatic portal vein‐liver axis
Authors: Jain Heetanshi , Kumar Ashish , Almousa Sameh , Mishra Shalini , Langsten Kendall L. , Kim Susy , Sharma Mitu , Su Yixin , Singh Sangeeta , Kerr Bethany A. , Deep Gagan
Published: July 2024

Gut microbiome dysbiosis is a major contributing factor to several pathological conditions. However, the mechanistic understanding of the communication between gut microbiota and extra‐intestinal organs remains largely elusive. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), secreted by almost every form of life, including bacteria, could play a critical role in this inter‐kingdom crosstalk and are the focus of present study. Here, we present a novel approach for isolating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+ bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVLPS) from complex biological samples, including faeces, plasma and the liver from lean and diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice. bEVLPS were extensively characterised using nanoparticle tracking analyses, immunogold labelling coupled with transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, super‐resolution microscopy and 16S sequencing. In liver tissues, the protein expressions of TLR4 and a few macrophage‐specific biomarkers were assessed by immunohistochemistry, and the gene expressions of inflammation‐related cytokines and their receptors (n = 89 genes) were measured using a PCR array. Faecal samples from DIO mice revealed a remarkably lower concentration of total EVs but a significantly higher percentage of LPS+ EVs. Interestingly, DIO faecal bEVLPS showed a higher abundance of Proteobacteria by 16S sequencing. Importantly, in DIO mice, a higher number of total EVs and bEVLPS consistently entered the hepatic portal vein and subsequently reached the liver, associated with increased expression of TLR4, macrophage markers (F4/80, CD86 and CD206), cytokines and receptors (Il1rn, Ccr1, Cxcl10, Il2rg and Ccr2). Furthermore, a portion of bEVLPS escaped liver and entered the peripheral circulation. In conclusion, bEV could be the key mediator orchestrating various well‐established biological effects induced by gut bacteria on distant organs.
The Association Between Tumor Radiomic Analysis and Peritumor Habitat‐Derived Radiomic Analysis on Gadoxetate Disodium‐Enhanced MRI With Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Cheng , Wu Fei , Wang Fang , Chong Huan‐Huan , Sun Haitao , Huang Peng , Xiao Yuyao , Yang Chun , Zeng Mengsu
Published: July 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis, often characterized by microvascular invasion (MVI). Radiomics and habitat imaging offer potential for preoperative MVI assessment.

Purpose

To identify MVI in HCC by habitat imaging, tumor radiomic analysis, and peritumor habitat‐derived radiomic analysis.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Three hundred eighteen patients (53 ± 11.42 years old; male = 276) with pathologically confirmed HCC (training:testing = 224:94).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T, T2WI (spin echo), and precontrast and dynamic T1WI using three‐dimensional gradient echo sequence.

Assessment

Clinical model, habitat model, single sequence radiomic models, the peritumor habitat‐derived radiomic model, and the combined models were constructed for evaluating MVI. Follow‐up clinical data were obtained by a review of medical records or telephone interviews.

Statistical Tests

Univariable and multivariable logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration, decision curve, Delong test, K‐M curves, log rank test. A P‐value less than 0.05 (two sides) was considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results

Habitat imaging revealed a positive correlation between the number of subregions and MVI probability. The Radiomic‐Pre model demonstrated AUCs of 0.815 (95% CI: 0.752–0.878) and 0.708 (95% CI: 0.599–0.817) for detecting MVI in the training and testing cohorts, respectively. Similarly, the AUCs for MVI detection using Radiomic‐HBP were 0.790 (95% CI: 0.724–0.855) for the training cohort and 0.712 (95% CI: 0.604–0.820) for the test cohort. Combination models exhibited improved performance, with the Radiomics + Habitat + Dilation + Habitat 2 + Clinical Model (Model 7) achieving the higher AUC than Model 1–4 and 6 (0.825 vs. 0.688, 0.726, 0.785, 0.757, 0.804, P = 0.013, 0.048, 0.035, 0.041, 0.039, respectively) in the testing cohort. High‐risk patients (cutoff value >0.11) identified by this model showed shorter recurrence‐free survival.

Data Conclusion

The combined model including tumor size, habitat imaging, radiomic analysis exhibited the best performance in predicting MVI, while also assessing prognostic risk.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Restoration of sleep–wake behavior following short photoperiod exposure in ventral subicular lesioned male Wistar rats: A 24‐h sleep–wake electroencephalographical study
Authors: Prem Neethi , Sasidharan Arun , Srikumar Bettadapura N. , Rao Byrathnahalli S. Shankaranarayana , Kutty Bindu M.
Published: July 2024

The ventral subiculum regulates emotion, stress responses, and spatial and social cognition. In our previous studies, we have demonstrated anxiety‐ and depression‐like symptoms, deficits in spatial and social cognition in ventral subicular lesioned (VSL) rats, and restoration of affective and cognitive behaviors following photoperiod manipulation (short photoperiod regime, SPR; 6:18 LD cycle). In the present study, we have studied the impact of VSL on sleep–wake behavioral patterns and the effect of SPR on sleep–wakefulness behavior. Adult male Wistar rats subjected to VSL demonstrated decreased wake duration and enhanced total sleep time due to increased non‐rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) and rapid eye movement sleep (REMS). Power spectral analysis indicated increased delta activity during NREMS and decreased sigma band power during all vigilance states. Light is one of the strongest entrainers of the circadian rhythm, and its manipulation may have various physiological and functional consequences. We investigated the effect of 21‐day exposure to SPR on sleep–wakefulness (S–W) behavior in VSL rats. We observed that SPR exposure restored S–W behavior in VSL rats, resulting in an increase in wake duration and a significant increase in theta power during wake and REMS. This study highlights the crucial role of the ventral subiculum in maintaining normal sleep–wakefulness patterns and highlights the effectiveness of photoperiod manipulation as a non‐pharmacological treatment for reversing sleep disturbances reported in mood and neuropsychiatric disorders like Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, which also involve alterations in circadian rhythm.
Scene‐content‐sensitive real‐time adaptive foveated rendering
Authors: Shen Chuanyu , Chen Chunyi , Hu Xiaojuan
Published: July 2024

In recent years, techniques for accelerating rendering by exploiting the limitations of the human visual system have become increasingly prevalent. The foveated rendering method significantly reduces the computational requirements during rendering by reducing image quality in peripheral regions. In this paper, we propose a scene‐content‐sensitive real‐time adaptive foveated rendering method. First, we pre‐render the three‐dimensional (3D) scene at a low resolution. Then, we utilize the low‐resolution pre‐rendered image as input to extract edge, local contrast, and color features. Subsequently, we generate a screen‐space region division map based on the gaze point position. Next, we calculate the visual importance of each 16 × 16 pixel tile based on edge, local contrast, color, and screen‐space region. We then map the visual importance to the shading rate to generate a shading rate control map for the current frame. Finally, we complete the rendering of the current frame based on variable rate shading technology. Experimental results demonstrate that our method effectively enhances the visual quality of images near the foveal region while generating high quality foveal region images. Furthermore, our method can significantly improve performance compared to per‐pixel shading method and existing scene‐content‐based foveated rendering methods.
Impact of hepatic steatosis on risk of acute liver injury in people with chronic hepatitis B and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Chung Matthew S. H. , Wong Carlos K. H. , Li Xue , Lai Francisco T. T. , Wan Eric Y. F. , Chui Celine S. L. , Cheng Franco W. T. , Chan Esther W. , Cheung Ching Lung , Xiong Xi , Li Lanlan , Seto Wai Kay , Yuen Man‐Fung , Mak Lung‐Yi , Wong Ian C. K.
Published: July 2024

Background

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was known to be associated with higher risk of liver impairment in people with chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB). However, evidence regarding the impact of concomitant hepatic steatosis (HS) on the risk of liver disease among people with CHB and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is lacking. We investigated the impact of concomitant HS on people with CHB suffering from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was performed using an electronic health database for people in Hong Kong with CHB and confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection between 21 January 2020 and 31 January 2023. People with HS diagnosis (HS + CHB + COVID‐19) were identified and matched 1:1 by propensity score with those without (CHB + COVID‐19). Each person was followed up until death, outcome event, or 31st January 2023. Study outcome was incidence of acute liver injury (ALI) within first 28 days since COVID‐19 diagnosis. Severity of ALI and comparison of ALI risk stratified by the presence of CHB infection and HS were also analysed. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated by Poisson regression models.

Results

Of 52 259 COVID‐19 patients with CHB infection in the cohort, 15 391 people with HS + CHB + COVID‐19 and 15 391 people with CHB + COVID‐19 were included after matching. HS + CHB + COVID‐19 was associated with increased risk of ALI (IRR: 1.41, 95% CI:1.05–1.90, p = 0.023), compared to CHB + COVID‐19. Over 99% ALI cases were mild to moderate severity, and there were no differences in the severity of ALI between HS + CHB + COVID‐19 and CHB + COVID‐19 (p = 0.127).

Conclusions

Concomitant HS was associated with increased risk of ALI among people with CHB infection suffering from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
DNMT3A dysfunction promotes neuroinflammation and exacerbates acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Lyu Tian‐Jie , Qiu Xin , Wang Yubo , Zhang Ling , Dai Yalun , Wang Xuechun , Zhao Shunying , Xiang Meilin , Cui Lu , Cheng Si , Liu Yang , Gu Hongqiu , Jiang Yong , Meng Xia , Wang Yilong , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Xianwei , Li Qian , Wang Meng , Jiang Yingyu , Xu Zhe , Huang Xinying , Li Hao , Wang Yongjun , Li Zixiao
Published: July 2024

Somatic mutations related to clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) are risk factors for stroke. The impact of DNMT3A, the most mutated gene in CHIP, on clinical functional outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains unclear. In a well‐characterized cohort of 8524 ischemic stroke patients, we demonstrated that DNMT3A‐driven CHIP was significantly associated with neurological disability in these patients. With a stroke mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), we demonstrated that DNMT3A protein levels in the brain penumbra increased. The DNMT3A inhibitor RG108 administration amplified neutrophil proliferation in the blood, promoted neutrophil infiltration into the brain penumbra, and exaggerated proinflammatory activation in tMCAO male mice. DNMT3A inhibition also significantly increased infarct volume and worsened neurobehavioral function in tMCAO male mice. In conclusion, DNMT3A somatic mutations are associated with worsened neurological disability in some patients with AIS, potentially through increased neutrophil proliferation and infiltration in the ischemic brain region. These findings suggest a possible mechanism for proinflammatory activation and tissue damage in the affected brain tissue, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
Smartphone Voice Calls Provide Early Biomarkers of Parkinsonism in Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Illner Vojtěch , Novotný Michal , Kouba Tomáš , Tykalová Tereza , Šimek Michal , Sovka Pavel , Švihlík Jan , Růžička Evžen , Šonka Karel , Dušek Petr , Rusz Jan
Published: July 2024

Background

Speech dysfunction represents one of the initial motor manifestations to develop in Parkinson's disease (PD) and is measurable through smartphone.

Objective

The aim was to develop a fully automated and noise‐resistant smartphone‐based system that can unobtrusively screen for prodromal parkinsonian speech disorder in subjects with isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) in a real‐world scenario.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study assessed regular, everyday voice call data from individuals with iRBD compared to early PD patients and healthy controls via a developed smartphone application. The participants also performed an active, regular reading of a short passage on their smartphone. Smartphone data were continuously collected for up to 3 months after the standard in‐person assessments at the clinic.

Results

A total of 3525 calls that led to 5990 minutes of preprocessed speech were extracted from 72 participants, comprising 21 iRBD patients, 26 PD patients, and 25 controls. With a high area under the curve of 0.85 between iRBD patients and controls, the combination of passive and active smartphone data provided a comparable or even more sensitive evaluation than laboratory examination using a high‐quality microphone. The most sensitive features to induce prodromal neurodegeneration in iRBD included imprecise vowel articulation during phone calls (P = 0.03) and monopitch in reading (P = 0.05). Eighteen minutes of speech corresponding to approximately nine calls was sufficient to obtain the best sensitivity for the screening.

Conclusion

We consider the developed tool widely applicable to deep longitudinal digital phenotyping data with future applications in neuroprotective trials, deep brain stimulation optimization, neuropsychiatry, speech therapy, population screening, and beyond. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Phase stabilization with motion compensated diffusion weighted imaging
Authors: Hannum Ariel J. , Cork Tyler E. , Setsompop Kawin , Ennis Daniel B.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Diffusion encoding gradient waveforms can impart intra‐voxel and inter‐voxel dephasing owing to bulk motion, limiting achievable signal‐to‐noise and complicating multishot acquisitions. In this study, we characterize improvements in phase consistency via gradient moment nulling of diffusion encoding waveforms.

Methods

Healthy volunteers received neuro () and cardiac () MRI. Three gradient moment nulling levels were evaluated: compensation for position (), position + velocity (), and position + velocity + acceleration (). Three experiments were completed: (Exp‐1) Fixed Trigger Delay Neuro DWI; (Exp‐2) Mixed Trigger Delay Neuro DWI; and (Exp‐3) Fixed Trigger Delay Cardiac DWI. Significant differences () of the temporal phase SD between repeated acquisitions and the spatial phase gradient across a given image were assessed.

Results

moment nulling was a reference for all measures. In Exp‐1, temporal phase SD for diffusion encoding was significantly reduced with (35% of t‐tests) and (68% of t‐tests). The spatial phase gradient was reduced in 23% of t‐tests for and 2% of cases for . In Exp‐2, temporal phase SD significantly decreased with gradient moment nulling only for (83% of t‐tests), but spatial phase gradient significantly decreased with only (50% of t‐tests). In Exp‐3, gradient moment nulling significantly reduced temporal phase SD and spatial phase gradients (100% of t‐tests), resulting in less signal attenuation and more accurate ADCs.

Conclusion

We characterized gradient moment nulling phase consistency for DWI. Using M1 for neuroimaging and M1 + M2 for cardiac imaging minimized temporal phase SDs and spatial phase gradients.
Micronutrient supplementation in patients with malabsorptive conditions
Authors: Gardner Gabriela
Published: July 2024

Patients with malabsorptive conditions can develop micronutrient deficiencies, even if they receive vitamins, minerals, or trace elements through their enteral or parenteral nutrition. Additionally, clinicians have faced challenges with micronutrient supplementation during parenteral product shortages and when transitioning patients from parenteral to enteral/oral nutrition. Evaluating micronutrient deficiencies through laboratory markers has various limitations, including that many are acute phase reactants, may not reflect storage status, or may not be readily available in clinical practice. Furthermore, clinicians can become overwhelmed with the variety of vitamin and mineral products available, the differences in dosages and ingredients in these products, and lastly, the inherent challenges associated with an impaired gastrointestinal tract. The current review will discuss some challenges clinicians may encounter in clinical practice during the evaluation, assessment, and prescription of micronutrient supplementation in patients with malabsorptive conditions.