bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Vitamin D Status and IL-10 Gene Promoter Polymorphism (rs1800871) on Plasma IL-10 Levels in Apparently Healthy Individuals from Southern India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Xavier Alphienes Stanley , Goud Alladi Charanraj , Das Saibal , Behera Sapan Kumar , Selvarajan Sandhiya
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a major anti-inflammatory cytokine, which plays an important role in regulating inflammatory responses of the immune system. Changes in IL-10 level and its function can cause an imbalance in immune response, which can be associated with various disease conditions. Aim: To study the influence of vitamin D status and IL-10 gene promoter polymorphism (rs1800871) on circulating IL-10 cytokine levels in apparently healthy South Indian population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, JIPMER, Puducherry, India from January 2016 to December 2017. Apparently healthy South Indian volunteers (N=101) of either sex, age more than 18 years, were recruited for the study, after obtaining written informed consent. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and plasma IL-10 levels were measured by using Chemiluminescence and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), respectively. IL-10 rs1800871 genotyping was performed by Real Time-polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Values were expressed as median, Interquartile Range (IQR) and proportions were described as number with percentage. Results: The median serum vitamin D and plasma IL-10 levels observed among the study population were 18.21 ng/ mL IQR, 11.3-23.08 ng/mL) and 9.04pg/mL (IQR, 7.75, 11.34 pg/mL) respectively. The genotype and allele frequencies of rs1800871 were consistent with that of the African, South Asian population of 1000 genome project. Plasma IL-10 levels were not significantly different across genotypes (p-value=0.091), even though the median level among homozygous mutant (TT) volunteers was observed to be less (8.35 pg/mL vs 9.69 pg/mL, 9.83 pg/mL). The correlation between vitamin D and IL-10 levels was observed to be insignificant (p-value=0.143). Conclusion: The present study has reported the rs1800871 genotype frequency, circulating serum vitamin D levels and plasma IL-10 levels in the apparently healthy South Indian population. IL-10 cytokine levels were not significant across the different genotype and vitamin D status groups. No significant correlation was observed between the IL-10 and vitamin D levels among the sample studied.
Type I Segmental Darier’s Disease: Successful Treatment with Oral Acitretin- A Case Report
Authors: Kumar Shanmugam Reddy Praveen , Suparna MY , Ramani Varsha , Sumathy Tharayil Kunneth
Published: May 2023

Unilateral type I segmental Darier’s Disease (DD) is a rare variant of DD. It is characterised by eruptions which are erythematous and keratotic papules. The authors, hereby reporting a case of an 18-year-old male patient, who presented with waxy hyperpigmented keratotic papules on the right-side of the trunk and lower limb and was confirmed by histopathology and treated with oral acitretin, 25 mg once a day, which showed a marked clinical improvement within four months.
ХАРАКТЕР ДЕГРАДАЦИИ ЭЛЕКТРИЧЕСКОГО ОТКЛИКА ЭЛЕМЕНТА ХРАНЕНИЯ FeRAM НА ОСНОВЕ ТОНКИХ СЛОЕВ ДИОКСИДА ГАФНИЯ, "Электронная техника. Серия 3. Микроэлектроника"
Authors: Итальянцев А.Г. , Захаров П.С. , Нагнойный В.А. , Скворцов Е.Б. , Шульга Ю.В.
Published: May 2023

Рассмотрены механизмы деградации характеристик элементов хранения сегнетоэлектрической памяти на основе тонких слоев тройных соединений на базе диоксида гафния HfO. К таким механизмам относятся накопление у отрицательно заряженной поверхности сегнетоэлектрика паразитных положительных зарядов, не связанных с поляризацией, а также перераспределение доменов по их подвижности за время выдержки элементов хранения при повышенных температурах. На основе модельных представлений и экспериментальных данных рассмотрена динамика изменения электрического отклика в цепи элемента хранения в состоянии логической «1» при его чтении, в том числе после длительной выдержки при повышенных температурах.
VACUUM UNIT WITH ELECTRON-BEAM EVAPORATOR AND VACUUM LOADING OF GROUP SUBSTRATE HOLDERS, "Электронная техника. Серия 3. Микроэлектроника"
Authors: Khoshev A.V. , Averyanov E.V. , Odinokov V.V. , Kostyukov D.A. , Ovtsyn A.A.
Published: May 2023

A new vacuum unit (ELU TM 1Sh) with mult-crucible electron beam evaporation (EBE) and lock loading of group substrate holders for 100-150 mm wafers has been developed. The unit is intended mainly for deposition of single-layer or multilayer films in explosive photolithography technology.
ОРГАНОМИНЕРАЛЬНЫЕ НАНОКОМПОЗИТЫ ГИДРОКСИАПАТИТ КАЛЬЦИЯ – ФИБРОИН ШЕЛКА КАК МАТЕРИАЛЫ ДЛЯ БИОЭЛЕКТРОНИКИ, "Электронная техника. Серия 3. Микроэлектроника"
Authors: Захаров Н.А. , Бокарев В.П. , Шелехов Е.В. , Матвеев В.В. , Алиев А.Д. , Киселев М.Р. , Коваль Е.М. , Захарова Т.В. , Гоева Л.В.
Published: May 2023

Синтезированы органоминеральные композиционные материалы (ОМК) на основе биосовместимого гидроксиапатита кальция Ca(PO)(OH) (ГА) и природного биополимера фиброина шелка (ФШ) в ходе осаждения из водных растворов в системе Ca(NO)–(NH)HPO–NH–HO–ФШ. ОМК ГА/ФШ на основе нанокристаллического ГА (НКГА) и ФШ с содержанием 2; 5 и 10 масс.% ФШ идентифицированы методами рентгенофазового (РФА) и термогравиметрического (ТГА, ДТА) анализа, инфракрасной спектроскопии (ИКС), сканирующей электронной микроскопии (СЭМ) и электронной спектроскопии для химического анализа (ЭСХА). Определено влияние состава и условий получения ОМК ГА/ФШ на морфологию НКГА в составе ОМК ГА/ФШ и эксплуатационные характеристики ОМК. Проведена оценка возможности использования таких материалов в качестве элементов биоэлектронных устройств (БЭУ).
Explicit and Differentiated Phonics Instruction on Pupils’ Literacy Skills in Gambian Lower Basic Schools
Authors: Olagbaju Oladotun Opeoluwa , Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji
Published: May 2023

Instructional procedures in literacy skills in Gambian classrooms often adopt the conventional direct approach which includes spelling-reading-dictation without due attention to the sound/letter connection. Although literacy skills in English remain the fundamental proof of formal education in the Gambia, proficiency in reading and writing skills is very low among most pupils in the lower basic schools. Phonics instruction reinforces the letter-sound relationship and improves literacy skills and spelling. Although phonics instruction has been found to be effective for teaching literacy skills to EFL students, there has not been much research on phonics instruction in Gambian classrooms. This study investigated the effects of explicit and differentiated phonics instructional strategies on achievement in literacy skills. The moderating effect of parental involvement was equally examined. The study adopted a pretest-posttest, control group quasi-experimental design using 164 pupils from four randomly selected schools, and treatment lasted six weeks. The result showed a significant main effect of treatment on pupils’ achievement in writing (F (2; 125) = 65.485) and reading (F (2; 125) = 26.67). Participants in explicit phonics instruction obtained the highest achievement score (x = 28.4), differentiated phonics instruction (x =16.3), and control (x = 13.03). Parental involvement had no significant main effect on pupils’ achievement in literacy skills. The two-way interaction effect was not significant. Therefore, language teachers should adopt these strategies to improve the quality of instruction and proficiency in literacy skills in Gambian lower basic schools.
Isolation Characterization and Diversity of Indigenous Pesticide Degrading Microbes from Selected Agro Ecological Zones of Malawi
Authors: Mwafulirwa Samuel
Published: May 2023

Pesticide xenobiotics have a great impact on bio argumentation, bio-magnification, and environment degradation regardless of being adopted by green revolution technologies. Bioremediation is widely accepted because it’s cheap, practical at the same time environmentally friendly. Bioremediation advocates indigenous microbes use to degrade pesticides, therefore a study has been performed to show prospects of degrading microorganisms. The study isolated microbes from different agro ecological zones to assess their capacity to utilize some pesticide as sole carbon source complimented by the presence of laccase gene. Biochemical test and genetic characterization using 16S rDNA genes were used in identification. Diversified species and strains of genus Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Pantoea and Leclercia, were found to degrade cypermethrin and acetochlor but no microbe was found to degrade dimethoate. The study adds new strain of microbes involved in degradation of cypermethrin and acetochlor and also strains that that can degrade both. The study puts proposition that pest infestation in fields is a result of abundance of xenobiotic degrading microbes due to natural selection pressure not pesticide resistance of the pest.
Effects of Colored Polymer Light and Feed Forms on the Performance of Broiler Chickens in the Humid Tropical Climate
Authors: Adegbenro M. , Jongbo A. O. , Akinfenwa R. O. , Adeyeye O. A. , Fajemisin A. N.
Published: May 2023

Aims: The colours of the polymer used during brooding could impair the vision of the chicks. For chicks reared in the dark environment, they have limited access to daylight and find it difficult to gain access to feed and water. Therefore, for better understanding of the effect of the polymer colours on broiler production in the humid tropical climate, a study was carried out to evaluate the effect of coloured polymer light filter and feed forms on performance of broiler chickens.

Methodology: A total of two hundred and forty (240) chicks were allocated in 2 × 4 factorial arrangements with two feed forms (mash and pellet). The chicks were reared under four (4) different coloured polymer light filter, namely; white (T1), blue (T2), black (T3), and green (T4) and an incandescent bulb (100 Watts) each.

Results: The results showed that the birds reared under the white polymer light filter had the highest weight gain (1565.28 g), while the least weight gain (1469.72 g) was observed in birds reared under black polymer light filter. For rectal temperature of the birds, it was discovered that broiler chicken reared under white polymer light filter had the highest rectal temperature (39.63°C), while the least rectal temperature of 39.33°C was observed in the chicken reared                           under black polymer light filter. The highest environmental temperature (34.03°C) was observed in birds reared under black polymer light filter, while the least environmental temperature (30.03°C) was observed in birds reared under white polymer light filter. The results further showed                      that birds fed with pelletized feed form had the highest weight gain than the birds fed with mashed feed form.

Conclusions: From the findings of this study, it is certain that polymer light filter and feed forms are important factors that could influence birds’ performance.
Protein S100B and Amplitude-Integrated EEG as Early Predictive Methods for Brain Injury and Seizures in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Elsheikh Hager Mohammed , El-Sheikh Mai Rabie , Algohary Tarek Mohammed , Elmashad Abd-Elrahman Mohammed
Published: May 2023

Background: Neonatal brain injury (NBI) is a serious adverse outcome in premature neonates. The most common form of neonatal brain injury (NBI) are intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Improved survival of preterm infants leads to short- and long-term hazards of neurological, cognitive, respiratory, digestive, renal, cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and psychosocial disturbances. We sought to determine the levels and prognostic value of serum S100B and the role of aEEG during the first three days of life in premature neonates (< 37 weeks) that later developed NBI in the form of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or neonatal seizures to rule out the sensitivity and specificity of them in early detection of brain lesions in preterm neonates.

Aim of the Study: To evaluate the role of Protein S100B as an early predictor for neonatal brain injury in preterm neonates and the predictive and prognostic value of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography for neonatal brain injury susceptibility and severity.

Subject and Methods: This study was carried out on 50 preterm neonate (less than 37 weeks GA) who were divided according to presence or absence of brain injury into case and control groups. They were admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Tanta University Hospital during the period from March 2021 to March 2022.serum S100B at (Day 1 and Day 3), serial trans-cranial sonar and aEEG were done for all patients.

Results: Neonates with NBI, had significantly higher S100B concentration during the first three days of life, its level was higher in the third day than the first day, the cut-off value >810.4 ng/ml serum S100B performed a sensitivity of 72.7%and a specificity of 71.4% to predict adverse neonatal outcome. 60% neonates had normal aEEG and 40% had abnormal aEEG.72.7% of neonates with NBI had abnormal aEEG interpretation. There was a significant relationship between the electrografic seizures on aEEG and occurrence of clinical seizures as 96.7% of neonates who had abnormal aEEG suffered of clinical convulsion.

Conclusion: Protein S100B has a good predictive value regarding NBI in premature neonates and aEEG has a great role in monitoring neonatal brain function and early detection of neonatal seizures.
Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Spontaneously Fermented Kunun-Zaki
Authors: Aderolake A. Daniel , Adeola O. Egbebi , Amos A. Onasanya
Published: May 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the probiotic properties of twenty lactic acid bacteria (LAB) previously isolated and identified from naturally fermented kunun-zaki (a Nigerian fermented cereal beverage). The probiotic properties of the twenty lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates were assessed using different standard methods and agar well diffusion method. The results showed that most of the isolates tolerated acidic pH and survived at 30-40oC. All the tested LAB isolates grew at 1% NaCl concentration and remarkably, six LAB isolates {L. brevis (3) and L. plantarum (3)} exhibited good growth at higher NaCl concentrations (10-15%). The highest percentage of cellular auto-aggregation was observed in L plantarum (84.86%) and the lowest was obtained in L. brevis (27.44%). All the twenty LAB isolates tested in-vitro in this study grew in bile salt; fermented glucose; produced good aroma; produced no hemolysis revealing they were not pathogenic and produced antagonistic activity against selected pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella. dysenteriae and Escherichia coli) which made them suitable and safe for human consumption as potential probiotics and for industrial purposes.
DESEMPENHO DO SETOR DE FRANQUIAS NO BRASIL
Authors: Carvalho Patrícia Lacerda , Freitas Deborah Chaussê , Silva Lizandra Ferreira , Da silva Maria Natalice Francelino , Callado Aldo Leonardo Cunha
Published: May 2023

O artigo analisou o desempenho financeiro do Setor de Franquias no Brasil com base no seu faturamento, investimento e payback médios. Os dados foram coletados através da Associação Brasileira de Franchising. Realizou-se uma verificação quantitativa por meio de um modelo de regressão múltipla. Em uma análise descritiva inicial observou-se que, no universo de 196 franquias, os seguimentos “serviços educacionais”, “alimentação”, “saúde, beleza e bem-estar”, e “moda” constituíram os mais representativos dentre os onze pesquisados. Em relação ao faturamento, no período de 2010 a 2016, esta atividade apresentou um desempenho crescente e contínuo. NA análise quantitativa os resultados indicaram que o valor do investimento, do payback e do faturamento não crescem nas mesmas proporções, porém pode-se perceber que o comportamento do investimento explica o faturamento, diferentemente da variável payback que não se mostrou significativa. Com a pesquisa foi possível obter uma maior compreensão sobre as nuances desta atividade no Brasil.
Governança Corporativa e Desempenho Econômico de Empresas Brasileiras em período de Crise e Prosperidade Econômica
Authors: Soschinski Caroline Keidann , Kroenke Adriana
Published: May 2023

Esta pesquisa objetivou analisar a influência da governança corporativa (GC) no desempenho econômico de empresas brasileiras, durante período de crise e de prosperidade econômica. Para tanto, foram analisadas quantitativamente 56 empresas, nos anos de 2010 a 2016. O resultado referente a influência da dimensão geral da GC (composta por mecanismos relacionados a gestão, aos acionistas e as estratégias de integração) no desempenho econômico se mostrou positiva, somente em períodos de crise. Ao analisar a influência isolada das dimensões de GC, observou-se que os mecanismos relacionados a estratégias de integração influenciam positivamente o desempenho, tanto em períodos de crise como de prosperidade econômica, enquanto que os mecanismos relacionados a gestão influenciam positivamente o desempenho das firmas somente em período de recessão econômica. Esta pesquisa fornece indícios às empresas e demais partes interessadas de que diferentes mecanismos de GC podem contribuir para a maximização do desempenho econômico, em períodos economicamente diferentes.
Prevalence of Mental Health Diagnoses in Commercially Insured Children and Adolescents in the US Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Straub Loreen , Bateman Brian T. , Vine Seanna , Huybrechts Krista F.
Published: May 2023

This cross-sectional study examines trends in the prevalence of various mental health diagnoses in children and adolescents in the US, stratified by age and sex, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
'The world needs science, and science needs women'…but what do women in science need? – interviews and panel discussion with 5 outstanding female scientists
Authors: Arseni Lavinia
Published: May 2023

Despite great progress in recent years, gender equity in science is still missing. Women are underrepresented in senior/leadership positions and struggle to be funded and awarded. Social norms, gender bias, stereotypes in education, and lack of support for the family are just some of the issues that need to be addressed to revert this trend. Historically, many women have been overshadowed by their men colleagues. Although it is hard to give the deserved credit to all women who went unnoticed for centuries, it is time to properly recognize the growing number of them who succeded in science despite the challenges. These women can inspire many more who intend to make of science their future.
Neurodegenerative disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in metachromatic leukodystrophy
Authors: Al‐Saady Murtadha , Beerepoot Shanice , Plug Bonnie C. , Breur Marjolein , Galabova Hristina , Pouwels Petra J. W. , Boelens Jaap‐Jan , Lindemans Caroline , van Hasselt Peter M. , Matzner Ulrich , Vanderver Adeline , Bugiani Marianna , van der Knaap Marjo S. , Wolf Nicole I.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Metachromatic leukodystrophy is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficient arylsulfatase A. It is characterized by progressive demyelination and thus mainly affects the white matter. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may stabilize and improve white matter damage, yet some patients deteriorate despite successfully treated leukodystrophy. We hypothesized that post‐treatment decline in metachromatic leukodystrophy might be caused by gray matter pathology.

Methods

Three metachromatic leukodystrophy patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with a progressive clinical course despite stable white matter pathology were clinically and radiologically analyzed. Longitudinal volumetric MRI was used to quantify atrophy. We also examined histopathology in three other patients deceased after treatment and compared them with six untreated patients.

Results

The three clinically progressive patients developed cognitive and motor deterioration after transplantation, despite stable mild white matter abnormalities on MRI. Volumetric MRI identified cerebral and thalamus atrophy in these patients, and cerebellar atrophy in two. Histopathology showed that in brain tissue of transplanted patients, arylsulfatase A expressing macrophages were clearly present in the white matter, but absent in the cortex. Arylsulfatase A expression within patient thalamic neurons was lower than in controls, the same was found in transplanted patients.

Interpretation

Neurological deterioration may occur after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in metachromatic leukodystrophy despite successfully treated leukodystrophy. MRI shows gray matter atrophy, and histological data demonstrate absence of donor cells in gray matter structures. These findings point to a clinically relevant gray matter component of metachromatic leukodystrophy, which does not seem sufficiently affected by transplantation.
Natural Bio‐additive Chlorophyll Derivative Enables 17.30% Efficiency Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Duan Shengnan , Sasaki Shin‐ichi , Han Deman , Zhang Guangquan , Li Dengfeng , Feng Chunbao , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Tamiaki Hitoshi , Chung Sein , Cho Kilwon , Li Gang , Lu Shirong
Published: May 2023

Additive‐assisted donor and acceptor domain regulation is regarded as an effective strategy to further release the potential photovoltaic performance of the existing organic solar cells (OSCs). Meanwhile, it is also critical to find high‐efficient, stable, non‐toxic, and low‐cost biological materials as bio‐additives to replace the traditional toxic halogen‐based additives. In this study, bio‐additives derived from a natural chlorophyll pigment named as ZnChl and H2Chl are employed to optimize the morphology and molecular stack of the PM6:Y6 active layer. The eutectic molecular stack of the blends is more ordered and tighter after introducing the bio‐additive chlorophyll derivatives to the system compared to the pristine PM6:Y6 blends. Owing to such a fine‐tuned donor‐acceptor microstructure network, the photovoltaic performance of the H2Chl bio‐additive‐based OSC achieves a 17.30% PCE and ZnChl‐based device obtains an efficiency of 16.61%, which is much higher than that of the control device with a 15.97% PCE. The result proves the feasibility of introducing environmental‐ and eco‐friendly chlorophyll derivatives as bio‐additives to further improve the photovoltaic performance of the OSCs.
Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Methane by Cu Complex‐Derived Catalysts in Non‐Aqueous Media
Authors: Kim Kyuman , Wagner Pawel , Wagner Klaudia , Mozer Attila J.
Published: May 2023

Electrochemical CO2 reduction using Cu complex catalysts in non‐aqueous media leads exclusively to carbon monoxide or formic acid. This study reports highly selective electrochemical CO2 reduction to methane using a 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline Cu2+ complex in dimethylformamide. XRD reveals the formation of a Cu complex‐derived catalyst during the electrochemical testing, containing Cu and an organic phase when the electrolyte contained tetrabutylammonium cations. Insulating carbonates were preferentially deposited when the electrolyte contained alkali metal cations, leading to low Faradaic efficiency for methane. The dramatic electrolyte dependence is explained by the relative solubility of deposits in dimethylformamide under reductive potentials. The Faradaic efficiency for methane production varied from sample to sample, with underlaying variation in the morphology of the catalyst. Selective methane production using Cu complex‐derived catalysts in non‐aqueous media is intriguing, opening the possibility of combinatorial studies of the effect of ligand structures on product selectivity by involving ligands not soluble in water.
First person profile: Mary‐Ellen Taplin, MD
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: May 2023

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, how Dr Mary‐Ellen Taplin’s history in genitourinary cancer research and her focus on offering excellent clinical care has made her a favorite among researchers and patients alike. In addition, patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer may have a new standard of care with trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab, and most patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may not need opioids to manage their postoperative pain.
Case report: Primary adenocarcinoma NOS of the thymus and cytological features
Authors: Willner Jonathan , Hernandez Osvaldo , Azour Lea , Moreira Andre L.
Published: May 2023

Aspirates of mediastinal neoplasms pose a unique diagnostic challenge due to the overlapping histologic characteristics of mediastinal lesions and the morphologic similarities between mediastinal neoplasms and those originating at other sites. Presented here is the first reported description of the cytomorphologic features of adenocarcinoma NOS of the thymus in aspirate and pleural effusion specimens. The morphologic similarities between thymic and metastatic adenocarcinomas and variable immunohistochemical staining patterns of thymic epithelial neoplasms underscore the importance of pathology‐radiology correlation and the careful consideration of the clinical context in the interpretation of cytology specimens.
Animal and plant‐based proteins have different postprandial effects on energy expenditure, glycemia, insulinemia, and lipemia: A review of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Dehnavi Zahra , Barghchi Hanieh , Esfehani Ali Jafarzadeh , Barati Mehdi , Khorasanchi Zahra , Farsi Farima , Ostad Andisheh Norouzian , Ranjbar Golnaz , Rezvani Reza , Gorgani Mitra Rezaie , Safarian Mohammad
Published: May 2023

Dietary proteins have been shown to stimulate thermogenesis, increase satiety, and improve insulin sensitivity in the short and long term. Animal‐based proteins (AP) and plant‐based proteins (PP) have different amino acid profiles, bioavailability, and digestibility, so it seems to have various short‐ and long‐term effects on metabolic responses. This review aimed to compare the findings of controlled clinical trials on postprandial effects of dietary Aps versus PPs on energy expenditure (EE), lipemia, glycemia, and insulinemia. Data are inconclusive regarding the postprandial effects of APs and PPs. However, there is some evidence indicating that APs increase postprandial EE, DIT, and SO more than PPs. With lipemia and glycemia, most studies showed that APs reduce or delay postprandial glycemia and lipemia and increase insulinemia more than PPs. The difference in amino acid composition, digestion and absorption rate, and gastric emptying rate between APs and PPs explains this difference.
Clinical characteristics of palmoplantar discoid lupus erythematosus: A multicenter retrospective review of 43 patients
Authors: Shaw Katharina , Pan Catherina , Sanchez‐Melendez Stephanie , Taylor Dustin , Shahriari Neda , Duncan Lyn , LaChance Avery , Vleugels Ruth Ann
Published: May 2023

Background

Palmoplantar discoid lupus erythematosus (ppDLE) is a rare manifestation of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus that can result in painful, hyperkeratotic, and/or erosive lesions on the palms and soles. Despite this penchant to cause significant morbidity, the natural history of ppDLE and its response to conventional treatment approaches remain poorly understood.

Objectives

To characterize the initial presentation, treatment response, and association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) of ppDLE.

Methods

We performed an International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐9 and ICD‐10) code and natural‐language query for medical records from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital to identify all cases of ppDLE based on biopsy and/or expert opinion from January 2000 through October 2022. Demographics, clinical features, and treatment data were analysed.

Results

Forty‐three patients (median age, 29.5 years [range, 8−70 years]; 36 female [83.7%]) with ppDLE were identified. Mean time from initial clinical presentation of ppDLE symptoms to diagnosis was 14.5 months (n = 34). Of the 43 patients, 74.4% developed coexistent SLE. A mean of 5.9 (standard deviation, 2.7) lines of therapy were required to achieve control of ppDLE, with the majority of patients requiring the initiation of at least two concomitant systemic medications.

Conclusions

Herein, we present the largest cohort of patients with ppDLE in the literature to date. Despite a high incidence of coexistent SLE, patients experienced lengthy diagnostic delays. Even with appropriate diagnosis, an overwhelming trend towards treatment‐refractory disease was observed.
Weyl families of transformed boundary pairs
Authors: Juršėnas Rytis
Published: May 2023

Let be an isometric boundary pair associated with a closed symmetric linear relation T in a Krein space . Let be the Weyl family corresponding to . We cope with two main topics. First, since need not be (generalized) Nevanlinna, the characterization of the closure and the adjoint of a linear relation , for some , becomes a nontrivial task. Regarding as the (Shmul'yan) transform of induced by Γ, we give conditions for the equality in to hold and we compute the adjoint . As an application, we ask when the resolvent set of the main transform associated with a unitary boundary pair for is nonempty. Based on the criterion for the closeness of , we give a sufficient condition for the answer. From this result it follows, for example, that, if T is a standard linear relation in a Pontryagin space, then the Weyl family corresponding to a boundary relation Γ for is a generalized Nevanlinna family; a similar conclusion is already known if T is an operator. In the second topic, we characterize the transformed boundary pair with its Weyl family . The transformation scheme is either or with suitable linear relations V. Results in this direction include but are not limited to: a 1‐1 correspondence between and ; the formula for , for an ordinary boundary triple and a standard unitary operator V (first scheme); construction of a quasi boundary triple from an isometric boundary triple with and (second scheme, Hilbert space case).
Molecular mechanisms of regulation by a β‐alanine‐responsive Lrp‐type transcription factor from Acidianus hospitalis
Authors: Bernauw Amber J. , Crabbe Vincent , Ryssegem Fraukje , Willaert Ronnie , Bervoets Indra , Peeters Eveline
Published: May 2023

The leucine‐responsive regulatory protein (Lrp) family of transcriptional regulators is widespread among prokaryotes and especially well‐represented in archaea. It harbors members with diverse functional mechanisms and physiological roles, often linked to the regulation of amino acid metabolism. BarR is an Lrp‐type regulator that is conserved in thermoacidophilic Thermoprotei belonging to the order Sulfolobales and is responsive to the non‐proteinogenic amino acid β‐alanine. In this work, we unravel molecular mechanisms of the Acidianus hospitalis BarR homolog, Ah‐BarR. Using a heterologous reporter gene system in Escherichia coli, we demonstrate that Ah‐BarR is a dual‐function transcription regulator that is capable of repressing transcription of its own gene and activating transcription of an aminotransferase gene, which is divergently transcribed from a common intergenic region. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) visualization reveals a conformation in which the intergenic region appears wrapped around an octameric Ah‐BarR protein. β‐alanine causes small conformational changes without affecting the oligomeric state of the protein, resulting in a relief of regulation while the regulator remains bound to the DNA. This regulatory and ligand response is different from the orthologous regulators in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and Sulfurisphaera tokodaii, which is possibly explained by a distinct binding site organization and/or by the presence of an additional C‐terminal tail in Ah‐BarR. By performing site‐directed mutagenesis, this tail is shown to be involved in ligand‐binding response.
Theory of the remission process of schizophrenia (Nakai)
Authors: Sugibayashi Minoru
Published: May 2023

Hisao Nakai (1934–2022) surprised many experts with his prolific publication of papers ranging from meticulous therapeutic engagement and observations to original research. The “theory of the remission process of schizophrenia” is a representative example of Nakai's research and theories. The significance of Nakai's theory of the remission process is that it let the world know about the existence of schizophrenia's remission process, which had not been previously recognised. Additionally, Nakai's discovery of the “critical period” was significant and his detailed description of the same, which marks the beginning of the remission process, is widely considered to be fundamental. Nakai closely followed common phenomena that appeared accidentally, and he plotted the reactions of the autonomic nervous system, patient's dream content, and drawing content on a chart to show, for the first time, the clear emergence of a “critical period,” and demonstrated the crucial role of the remission process. Nakai explained how the process progresses sequentially from the “critical period” to the “early remission period” and the “late remission period.” He identified many specific indicators and discovered a great significance in innovative therapeutic engagement in each of these periods. Nakai's findings are supported by meticulous clinical observations and are free from simplifications that stem from simple theorization. In particular, close observation of the remission process was conducted with full engagement and concern of the therapist, without which, the remission process would not have been visible.
Exploration of high‐throughput data for heat tolerance selection in Capsicum annuum
Authors: Fumia Nathan , Kantar Michael , Lin Ya‐ping , Schafleitner Roland , Lefebvre Véronique , Paran Ilan , Börner Andreas , Diez Maria José , Prohens Jaime , Bovy Arnaud , Boyaci Filiz , Pasev Gancho , Tripodi Pasquale , Barchi Lorenzo , Giuliano Giovanni , Barchenger Derek W.
Published: May 2023

Recently, there has been a substantial increase in high‐throughput technologies that generate highly complex large datasets for use in the sciences. Plant breeding and genetics have benefited from this data explosion where many public and private institutions now implement genomic and phenomic data to predict performance thus informing germplasm selection. However, the multitude of methodologies and data generates a situation of strategic uncertainty. We set out to compare different methods of genomic and phenomic selection in the Capsicum core collection, developed through the G2P‐SOL project, producing a combination of unique and similar selected genotypes for heat tolerance. Combined, the methods tested identified a total of 33 genotypes that show tremendous promise for use as parents in heat tolerance breeding: with 13 of these being present in more than 1 selection method. Combining classical and multispectral phenotyping methods produced better selection results than either method alone. When each method was conducted without being informed by the other, similar results were obtained. Our weighted rank‐sum selection index identified 10 entries across environments that show heat tolerance, 8 of which are also selected within heat environments. This suggests that different breeding programs can reach similar results despite having different logistical constraints. Our case study within pepper germplasm using phenomic and genomic data exhibits the potential to compensate for the dearth of germplasm knowledge with high‐throughput data as well as the converse, to compensate for logistical or financial constraint to new technologies with breeder knowledge.
PEG‐Sheddable Nanodrug Remodels Tumor Microenvironment to Promote Effector T Cell Infiltration and Revise Their Exhaustion for Breast Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Huang Tao , Zhang Qiaoyun , Yi Jing , Wang Rongze , Zhang Zekun , Luo Pin , Zeng Rong , Wang Yong , Tu Mei
Published: May 2023

Low infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and their exhaustion manifest the two concurrent main hurdles for achieving effective tumor immunotherapy of triple‐negative breast cancer. It is found that Galectin‐9 blockage can revise the exhaustion of effector T cells, meanwhile the repolarization of protumoral M2 tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) into tumoricidal M1‐like ones can recruit effector T cells infiltrating into tumor to boost immune responses. Herein, a sheddable PEG‐decorated and M2‐TAMs targeted nanodrug incorporating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 6 inhibitor (AS) and anti‐Galectin‐9 antibody (aG‐9) is prepared. The nanodrug responds to acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) with the shedding of PEG corona and the release of aG‐9, exerting local blockade of PD‐1/Galectin‐9/TIM‐3 interaction to augment effector T cells via exhaustion reversing. Synchronously, targeted repolarization of M2‐TAMs into M1 phenotype by AS‐loaded nanodrug is achieved, which promotes tumor infiltration of effector T cells and thus synergizes with aG‐9 blockade to boost the therapeutic efficacy. Besides, the PEG‐sheddable approach endows nanodrug with stealth ability to reduce immune‐related adverse effects caused by AS and aG‐9. This PEG sheddable nanodrug holds the potential to reverse the immunosuppressive TME and increase effector T cell infiltration, which dramatically enhances immunotherapy in highly malignant breast cancer.
Palladium Enhanced Iron Active Site – An Efficient Dual‐Atom Catalyst for Oxygen Electroreduction
Authors: Li Qi , Luo Liangmei , Xu Chenqi , Song Shizhu , Wang Yanqing , Zhang Lifang , Tang Yanfeng , Texter John
Published: May 2023

Metal–nitrogen–carbon (M–C/N) electrocatalysts have been shown to have satisfactory catalytic activity and long‐term durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here, a strategy to prepare a new electrocatalyst (Fe&Pd–C/N) using a unique metal‐containing ionic liquid (IL) is exploited, in which Fe & Pd ions are positively charged species atomically dispersed by coordination to the N of the N‐doped C substrate, C/N. X‐ray absorption fine structure, XPS and aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy results verified a well‐defined dual‐atom configuration comprising Fe+2.x–N4 coupled Pd2+–N4 sites and well‐defined spatial distribution. Electronic control of a coupled Fe–Pd structure produces an electrocatalyst that exhibits superior performance with enhanced activity and durability for the ORR compared to that of commercial Pt/C (20%, Johnson Matthey) in both alkaline and acid media. Density functional theory calculations indicate that Pd atom can enhance the catalytic activity of the Fe active sites adjacent to Pd sites by changing the electronic orbital structure and Bader charge of the Fe centers. The excellent catalytic performance of the Fe&Pd–C/N electrocatalyst is demonstrated in zinc–air batteries and hydrogen–air fuel cells.
Clinical and imaging features of presumptive congenital pulmonary underdevelopment with complications in two dogs
Authors: Hwang Jaewoo , Jeong Jimo , Lee Jumjae , Choi Jihye , Yoon Junghee
Published: May 2023

Congenital pulmonary underdevelopment is classified into three types as agenesis, aplasia and hypoplasia. The case records of the complications in two dogs diagnosed with presumptive congenital pulmonary underdevelopment were reviewed. Computed tomography scans revealed congenital lesions including pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary aplasia in two dogs. The respiratory signs intensified with the complications of congenital pulmonary underdevelopment, such as inflammatory lung disease, bronchiectasis and pulmonary hypertension. These complications were followed up long‐term and evaluated by various imaging modalities. The results of this case report suggest that careful monitoring of complications and long‐term follow‐up, including regular imaging tests for dogs with congenital pulmonary underdevelopment, could be helpful in patient management.
Self-Harm Becomes Epidemic: Mental Health (1959) and Suicide (1961) Acts
Authors: Millard Chris
Published: May 2023

At the end of Stengel’s 1952 paper, ‘Enquiries into attempted suicide’, he speculates about the potential scale of this behaviour:

[I]f the appeal character is such an important feature of the suicidal attempt as we have made it out to be, is there not a likelihood that this powerful and dangerous appeal will be used more and more, especially in a society which has made every individual’s welfare its collective responsibility? I think that this danger can easily be overestimated. ‘Attempted suicide’ is a behaviour pattern which is at the disposal of only a limited group of personalities.1
Technological diversity of quantum computing providers: a comparative study and a proposal for API Gateway integration
Authors: Alvarado-Valiente Jaime , Romero-Álvarez Javier , Moguel Enrique , García-Alonso José , Murillo Juan M.
Published: May 2023

After decades of advances, mainly theoretical, in recent years quantum computing has begun to show its first practical applications. This new and revolutionary technology aims to enhance essential areas such as cybersecurity, financial services, or medicine. The growth of this technology has encouraged different research centers and big companies such as IBM, Amazon, and Google to dedicate considerable efforts to developing new technologies that bring quantum computing to the market. However, these technologies are not yet mature and create a significant vendor lock-in problem. Therefore, new tools are needed that facilitate access to this technology and that allow developers to increase the abstraction level at which they work. Given that the integration of quantum software should not be very different from that of classical services, we can take advantage of the knowledge acquired and use current techniques of service-oriented computing. In this work, we have carried out a technical comparison between different quantum computing service providers using a case study, by performing empirical tests based on the Travelling Salesman Problem. This study highlights the differences between the main providers. To address these differences and reduce the vendor lock-in effect, we propose an extension of the Quantum API Gateway to support the different providers and the casuistry that each one presents. This would allow programmers to deploy quantum code without vendor-specific knowledge of the major providers, which would facilitate access and simplify the development of quantum applications.
Factors affecting local control of bone metastases from radioresistant tumors treated with palliative external beam radiotherapy
Authors: Makita Kenji , Hamamoto Yasushi , Kanzaki Hiromitsu , Nagasaki Kei , Takata Noriko , Tsuruoka Shintaro , Uwatsu Kotaro , Kido Teruhito
Published: May 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the factors that affect the local control (LC) of bone metastases from radioresistant carcinomas (renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], and colorectal carcinoma [CRC]) treated with palliative external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT).

Methods and materials

Between January 2010 and December 2020, 211 bone metastases in 134 patients were treated with EBRT in two hospitals (a cancer center and university hospital). Based on follow-up CT, these cases were reviewed retrospectively to evaluate LC at the EBRT site.

Results

The median EBRT dose (BED10) was 39.0 Gy (range, 14.4–66.3 Gy). The median follow-up time of the imaging studies was 6 months (range, 1–107 months). The 0.5-year overall survival and LC rates of the EBRT sites were 73% and 73%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the primary sites (HCC/CRC), low EBRT dose (BED10) (≤ 39.0 Gy), and non-administration of post-EBRT bone modifying agents (BMAs) and/or antineoplastic agents (ATs) were statistically significant factors that negatively affected the LC of EBRT sites. In the absence of BMAs or ATs, the EBRT dose (BED10) escalation from 39.0 Gy improved the LC of EBRT sites. Based on ATs administration, the LC of EBRT sites was significantly affected by tyrosine kinase inhibitors and/or immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Conclusions

Dose escalation improves LC in bone metastases from radioresistant carcinomas. Higher EBRT doses are needed to treat patients for whom few effective systemic therapies remain available.
Multivariate Lévy-type drift change detection and mortality modeling
Authors: Krawiec Michał , Palmowski Zbigniew
Published: May 2023

In this paper we give a solution to the quickest drift change detection problem for a multivariate Lévy process consisting of both continuous (Gaussian) and jump components in the Bayesian approach. We do it for a general 0-modified continuous prior distribution of the change point as well as for a random post-change drift parameter. Classically, our criterion of optimality is based on a probability of false alarm and an expected delay of the detection, which is then reformulated in terms of a posterior probability of the change point. We find a generator of the posterior probability, which in case of general prior distribution is inhomogeneous in time. The main solving technique uses the optimal stopping theory and is based on solving a certain free-boundary problem. We also construct a Generelized Shiryaev-Roberts statistic, which can be used for applications. The paper is supplemented by two examples, one of which is further used to analyze Polish life tables (after proper calibration) and detect the drift change in the correlated force of mortality of men and women jointly.
On Error-Based Step Size Control for Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for Compressible Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Ranocha Hendrik , Winters Andrew R. , Castro Hugo Guillermo , Dalcin Lisandro , Schlottke-Lakemper Michael , Gassner Gregor J. , Parsani Matteo
Published: May 2023

We study a temporal step size control of explicit Runge-Kutta (RK) methods for compressible computational fluid dynamics (CFD), including the Navier-Stokes equations and hyperbolic systems of conservation laws such as the Euler equations. We demonstrate that error-based approaches are convenient in a wide range of applications and compare them to more classical step size control based on a Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) number. Our numerical examples show that the error-based step size control is easy to use, robust, and efficient, e.g., for (initial) transient periods, complex geometries, nonlinear shock capturing approaches, and schemes that use nonlinear entropy projections. We demonstrate these properties for problems ranging from well-understood academic test cases to industrially relevant large-scale computations with two disjoint code bases, the open source Julia packages Trixi.jl with OrdinaryDiffEq.jl and the C/Fortran code SSDC based on PETSc.