bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role for CCN1 in lysophosphatidic acid response in PC‐3 human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Balijepalli Pravita , Knode Brianna K. , Nahulu Samuel A. , Abrahamson Emily L. , Nivison Mary P. , Meier Kathryn E.
Published: February 2024

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) are bioactive phospholipids that act as mitogens in various cancers. Both LPA and S1P activate G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). We examined the role of CCN1/CYR61, an inducible matricellular protein, in LPA‐induced signal transduction in PC‐3 human prostate cancer cells. We found that both LPA and S1P induced expression of CCN1 and CCN2 within 2–4 h. CCN1 was induced by 18:1‐LPA, but not by 18:0‐, 18:2‐, or 18:3‐LPAs. A free fatty acid receptor‐4 agonist inhibited LPA‐induced CCN1 induction. CCN1 appeared in the ECM within 2 h after LPA addition. LPA caused biphasic activation of Erk MAPK, with an initial peak at 10–20 min followed by a later phase after 6 h. LPA increased adhesion of PC‐3 cells to culture substrates (standard culture plates, fibronectin, or extracellular matrix) at 2 h, an intermediate event between early and late LPA signals. Knockdown of CCN1 suppressed LPA‐induced adhesion to ECM or fibronectin. ECM from CCN1 knockdown cells was a poor substrate for adhesion, as compared to ECM from control cells. These results suggest that CCN1 contributes to LPA responses in the tumor microenvironment. The LPA‐CCN1 axis holds promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies in cancer.
Nutrients from spawning salmon influence leaf area, tissue density, and nitrogen‐15 in riparian plant leaves
Authors: Dennert Allison M. , Elle Elizabeth , Reynolds John D.
Published: February 2024

Nutrient subsidies have significant impacts on ecosystems by connecting disjunct habitats, often through long‐distance animal migrations. Salmon migrations on the North Pacific coasts provide these kinds of nutrient subsidies from senescent fish at the end of their life cycle, which can have significant ecological effects on terrestrial species. This can include impacts on individuals, populations, and communities, where shifts in community composition towards plant species that indicate nitrogen‐rich soils have been documented. We investigated the effects of variation in salmon spawning density on the leaf traits of four common riparian plant species on the central coast of British Columbia, Canada. We found that all plant species had higher foliar salmon‐derived nitrogen on streams with a higher spawning density. Three of the four species had larger leaves, and one species also had higher leaf mass per area on streams with more salmon. However, we found no differences in leaf greenness or foliar percent nitrogen among our study streams. These results demonstrate that nutrient subsidies from spawning salmon can have significant impacts on the ecology, morphology, and physiology of riparian plants, which lends support to a mechanism by which certain plants are more common on productive salmon streams.
FERPA and coaches 1
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: February 2024

A college registrar recently posted on a professional discussion listserv that he had just found out a staff member had added a coach and the athletic director as academic advisors to student athletes in the college's student information system. The registrar was concerned that this meant that these two individuals would have “constant access” to the student athletes’ records which included updates on their current classes, grades, and ACT scores, plus most of the information the college had collected about the students from the time they submitted their college applications. So, the registrar wanted to know if other colleges allowed similar access for their coaches and athletics departments.
Jellyfish stings‐induced cardiac failure was ameliorated through AAG‐mediated glycogen‐driven ATP production
Authors: Qin Zhen , Chen Jinhong , Liu Fang , Li Bingbing , Zhang Chenchen , Wang Xiuxiu , Liu Lin , Wang Mingke , Wang Tingfang , Wang Su , Yu Feifei , Wang Shifeng , Yang Jishun
Published: February 2024

Jellyfish stings have become a common injury among fishermen and divers. Severe jellyfish stings could worsen cardiac function and even cause cardiac complications, ultimately leading to cardiac failure (CF). Currently, there are no effective drugs available. Single cell sequencing revealed alpha‐1 acid glycoprotein (AAG), an energy regulatory protein targeting to glycogen, was highly expressed in jellyfish stings‐induced CF patients. However, the mechanism remains elusive. It is postulated that AAG could increase glycogen metabolism, protecting against jellyfish stings‐induced CF. AAG deletion exacerbated CF, while exogenous and endogenous AAG ameliorated CF. AAG also rescued the decline triggered by the AAG knockout (KO). Intriguingly, AAG improved cardiac function and metabolic adaptation by glycogen‐driven ATP production, shifting mitochondrial/glycolytic ATP production towards glycolysis. Sorted by single‐cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcription technology, CC‐chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) and Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator‐1alpha (PGC‐1α) were differentially expressed. Mechanistically, CCR5 inhibitor MVC abolished AAG's protective effect and PGC‐1α overexpression. Collectively, jellyfish stings‐induced CF was ameliorated through AAG‐mediated glycogen‐driven ATP production, promoting glycolytic/mitochondrial metabolic switches to rely energetically primarily on glycolysis, which might serve as a therapeutic target of CF.
Deep learning‐based BMI inference from structural brain MRI reflects brain alterations following lifestyle intervention
Authors: Finkelstein Ofek , Levakov Gidon , Kaplan Alon , Zelicha Hila , Meir Anat Yaskolka , Rinott Ehud , Tsaban Gal , Witte Anja Veronica , Blüher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Shelef Ilan , Shai Iris , Riklin Raviv Tammy , Avidan Galia
Published: February 2024

Obesity is associated with negative effects on the brain. We exploit Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to explore whether differences in clinical measurements following lifestyle interventions in overweight population could be reflected in brain morphology. In the DIRECT‐PLUS clinical trial, participants with criterion for metabolic syndrome underwent an 18‐month lifestyle intervention. Structural brain MRIs were acquired before and after the intervention. We utilized an ensemble learning framework to predict Body‐Mass Index (BMI) scores, which correspond to adiposity‐related clinical measurements from brain MRIs. We revealed that patient‐specific reduction in BMI predictions was associated with actual weight loss and was significantly higher in active diet groups compared to a control group. Moreover, explainable AI (XAI) maps highlighted brain regions contributing to BMI predictions that were distinct from regions associated with age prediction. Our DIRECT‐PLUS analysis results imply that predicted BMI and its reduction are unique neural biomarkers for obesity‐related brain modifications and weight loss.
Association between reproductive factors with lung cancer incidence and mortality: A pooled analysis of over 308,000 females in the Asia cohort consortium
Authors: Yin Xin , Kishida Rie , Abe Sarah Krull , Islam Md. Rashedul , Rahman Md. Shafiur , Saito Eiko , Lan Qing , Blechter Batel , Merritt Melissa , Choi Ji‐Yeob , Shin Aesun , Katagiri Ryoko , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Sawada Norie , Tamakoshi Akiko , Koh Woon‐Puay , Tsuji Ichiro , Nagata Chisato , Park Sue K. , Kweon Sun‐Seog , Gao Yu‐Tang , Tsugane Shoichiro , Kimura Takashi , Yuan Jian‐Min , Lu Yukai , Kanemura Seiki , Sugawara Yumi , Wada Keiko , Shin Min‐Ho , Ahsan Habibul , Boffetta Paolo , Chia Kee Seng , Matsuo Keitaro , Qiao You‐Lin , Rothman Nathaniel , Zheng Wei , Inoue Manami , Kang Daehee , Seow Wei Jie
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have investigated the association between reproductive factors and lung cancer risk; however, findings have been inconsistent. In order to assess this association among Asian women, a total of 308,949 female participants from 11 prospective cohorts and four Asian countries (Japan, Korea, China, and Singapore) were included. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 3,119 primary lung cancer cases and 2247 lung cancer deaths were identified with a mean follow‐up of 16.4 years. Parous women had a lower risk of lung cancer incidence and mortality as compared with nulliparous women, with HRs of 0.82 (95% CI = 0.70–0.96) and 0.78 (95% CI = 0.65–0.94). The protective association of parity and lung cancer incidence was greater among ever‐smokers (HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49–0.87) than in never‐smokers (HR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.74–1.09) (P‐interaction = 0.029). Compared with age at first delivery ≤20 years, older age at first delivery (21–25, ≥26 years) was associated with a lower risk of lung cancer incidence and mortality. Women who ever used hormone replacements had a higher likelihood of developing non‐small cell lung cancer (HR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.02–1.68), compared to those who never used hormone replacements. Future studies are needed to assess the underlying mechanisms, the relationships within these female reproductive factors, and the potential changes in smoking habits over time.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and improper storage conditions influence the performance of 1,3‐β‐d‐glucan in diagnosis of invasive fungal infections
Authors: Wei Zilan , Xu Jie , Yuan Fang , Fang Wendong , Wu Jiahui , Wang Youliang , Chen Shuiping
Published: February 2024

Background

The association between 1,3‐β‐d‐glucan (BDG) levels and infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the stability of BDG under different storage conditions are unclear.

Methods

Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. pneumoniae were grown in medium and human serum. The BDG concentrations in culture supernatants were measured. The specificity and stability of BDG were also evaluated.

Results

P. aeruginosa produced high levels of BDG in Luria–Bertani medium (>4 × 104 pg/mL) and human serum (527.0 pg/mL), whereas S. pneumoniae produced low levels of BDG in THY medium (175.6 pg/mL) and human serum (78.3 pg/mL). The BDG produced by these two bacteria was specifically degraded by 1,3‐β‐d‐glucanase. BDG was degraded when stored at different temperatures, decreasing by 22.5% and 9.3% at −20°C and −70°C, respectively, for 63 days; by 30.7% at 4°C for 12 days; and by 12.6% and 22.0% at 37°C for 6 and 12 h.

Conclusion

BDG false‐positivity must be considered in patients with bacteremia caused by P. aeruginosa when diagnosing invasive fungal infection. Human serum samples for the BDG test in medical facilities should be tested as soon as possible or stored at low temperatures before testing.
Intestinal Neuronal Dysplasia in Twins
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Mahomed Anies , Puri Prem
Published: February 2024

Intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND) has been described proximal to the aganglionic segment in Hirschsprung's disease and less frequently as an isolated condition. Familial occurrence of IND is rare. We report a case of monozygotic twins affects with IND. One‐year‐old male monozygotic twins presented with a history of chronic constipation and abdominal distension since birth. At presentation, both twins had fecal impaction with palpable fecal‐filled loops of bowel. Barium enema in both patients showed gross fecal loading of the sigmoid colon and rectum. Delayed films taken at 48 h showed marked barium retention. Suction rectal biopsy specimens examined by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry in both patients showed moderately increased AChE‐positive nerve fibers in the lamina propria, muscularis mucosae, and around submucosal blood vessels, as well as hyperplasia of submucous plexus with formation of giant ganglia. Both children underwent extended internal sphincter myectomy. Six months later, both patients had normal bowel function. The occurrence of IND in twins suggests that genetic factors are involved in the etiology of this disease.
Intestinal Brush‐Border Membrane Enzyme Activities and Transport Functions during Prenatal Development of Pigs
Authors: Buddington Randal K. , Malo Christiane
Published: February 2024

Enzyme activities and rates of leucine and glucose uptake were measured using brush‐border membrane vesicles prepared from the small intestine of 7‐, 8‐, 10‐, and 12‐week fetal (43, 49, 61, and 74% of gestation) and unsuckled, neonatal pigs. Lactase was detected in 7‐week fetuses, with a large increase in activity between 10 weeks of gestation and birth. γ‐Glutamyltranspeptidase activity was stable throughout gestation, whereas sucrase activity was not detected. Active L‐leucine uptake was already present at 7 weeks of gestation, with an increasing distal‐to‐proximal gradient observed at birth. D‐glucose uptake was low at 7 weeks, but by 8 weeks it exhibited a typical overshoot phenomenon and established a decreasing proximal‐to‐distal gradient by 12 weeks. D‐glucose uptake at all ages was directly related to incubation temperature, but less so for 7‐ and 10‐week fetuses. By 12 weeks strict Na+‐dependency of D‐glucose uptake was observed along the entire length of the small intestine. Kinetic analysis of Na+‐D‐glucose cotransport showed a shift from the presence of both high‐ and low‐ affinity systems at 8 weeks of gestation to a single high‐affinity Michaelian component at birth. In light of similarities with human fetuses, the pig may be a valuable model for studying development of intestinal transport during gestation, particularly during the final trimester, when availability of human tissue is limited.
Evaluation of Bone Density in Newborn Infants by Computed X‐ray Densitometry
Authors: Hayashi Tomoyasu , Satoh Hiroyuki , Soga Takashi , Tanaka Daisuke , Itabashi Kazuo , Okuyama Kazuo
Published: February 2024

We evaluated bone density in term and preterm infants using computed x‐ray densitometry, which permits measurement of bone density with minimal disturbance to the infants in their incubators. Bone density, bone width, and bone length of the right radius were determined in 155 infants of appropriate weights for their gestational ages (23 to 41 weeks). A curve for intrauterine bone growth was extrapolated from these data. The mean coefficients of variations for intra‐ and interobserver error for all measurements were <3.5%. In 18 infants, measurements of the right forearm were obtained in two positions to confirm the validity of densitometric measurements. The mean coefficients of variation were 3.42% for bone density, 3.48% for bone width, and 0.21% for bone length. Bone density was significantly correlated with gestational age (r = 0.924) and birth weight (r = 0.921). Bone width and length were also correlated with gestational age (r = 0.866 and 0.937) and birth weight (r = 0.878 and 0.954). Our results suggest that computed x‐ray densitometry is a useful method for evaluation of bone density in preterm infants, including those in an intensive care environment.
Effect of Thyroxine on Pancreatic Digestive Enzymes and Ornithine Decarboxylase Gene Expression in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Lin Chuan‐Hao , Moshier Jeffrey A. , Luk Gordon D. , Lee Ping‐Cheung , Majumdar Adhip P. N.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Thyroxine has been shown to play a role in the development of exocrine pancreatic enzymes in neonatal rats.

Methods:

To further evaluate the regulatory mechanisms for thyroxine in pancreatic development, we examined the changes in the expression of pancreatic enzymes (amylase and trypsinogen) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) genes following daily injection of thyroxine for 5 and 10 days to neonatal rats (5 days old).

Results:

Total pancreatic proteins and DNA contents as well as the activity of ODC and exocrine enzymes were significantly increased after 5 and 10 days of thyroxine treatment. These increases were associated with parallel alterations (to three to fourfold rise) in steady‐state mRNA levels of both amylase and trypsinogen. In contrast, thyroxine only produced a 57‐68% increase in steady‐state ODC mRNA levels.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that thyroxine stimulated the express of amylase and trypsinogen genes partly due to increased transcriptional rate and/or decreased mRNA turnover. Thyroxine also stimulated ODC gene expression. However, the stimulatory mechanisms may involve transnational or posttranslational regulation of ODC and are independent of thyroxine effects.
Developmental Gene Expression of Trypsinogen and Lipase in Human Fetal Pancreas
Authors: Moriscot Christine , Renaud Wanda , Carrère Jacqueline , Figarella‐Branger Dominique , Figarella Catherine , Guy‐Crotte Odette
Published: February 2024

Background:

Very few studies have been reported on the expression of human pancreatic genes during fetal development. We have shown very low lipase immunoreactivity compared with elevated trypsinogen immunoreactivity in a previous immunohistological study of human fetal pancreas during development.

Methods:

The expression of these two selectively expressed genes of the exocrine pancreas, trypsinogen and lipase were investigated. The developmental profiles of the corresponding mRNA's were determined from the 13th gestational week.

Results:

For the two genes, fetal mRNA levels throughout gestation remained significantly lower than the corresponding adult levels. No correlation was found between trypsinogen and lipase gene expression in the fetal pancreas, whereas such a correlation was present in adult pancreas. This may be explained by differences in maturity of the pancreas.
Effect of Pancreatic Enzymes on Zinc Absorption in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Easley David , Krebs Nancy , Jefferson Mary , Miller Leland , Erskine Jamie , Accurso Frank , Hambidge K. Michael
Published: February 2024

Background:

The trace metal zinc has a wide range of important physiologic roles. Indirect evidence suggests that fat malabsorption is associated with malabsorption of zinc. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pancreatic enzyme replacement on zinc absorption in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

Methods:

Subjects were four boys and four girls ranging in age from 7 to 17 years of age. All were pancreatic insufficient. Stable isotope labels, 70Zn and67 Zn, were administered orally in divided doses on consecutive days with meals. Meals were identical on the first 2 study days. Subjects were randomized to have pancreatic enzyme replacement withheld on the first or second day. All fecal samples were collected quantitatively for 10 days after label administration and were analyzed individually for total zinc and isotopic enrichment using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, respectively. Fractional absorption of zinc was calculated from cumulative fecal excretion of unabsorbed label.

Results:

Fractional absorption while receiving enzymes was 0.50 ± 0.29 versus 0.38 ± 0.24 while not taking enzymes (p = 0.05).

Conclusions:

These results indicate that fractional absorption of zinc is impaired by pancreatic insufficiency in patients with cystic fibrosis, and is improved by exocrine pancreatic enzyme replacement.
Acute Pancreatitis After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Children: Incidence, Contributing Factors, and Outcome
Authors: Tissières Pierre , Simon Lionel , Debray Dominique , Branchereau Sophie , Soubrane Olivier , Gauthier Frédéric , Devictor Denis
Published: February 2024

Background:

Acute pancreatitis after orthotopic liver transplantation is a well‐known complication in adults that has never been described in children. In adults, end‐stage liver disease related to hepatitis B, intraoperative pancreatic injury caused by extensive peripancreatic dissection, the type of biliary anastomosis performed, and numerous drugs, have all been described as predisposing factors in acute pancreatitis after liver transplantation. The current retrospective review was undertaken to identify the incidence, the contributing factors, and the outcome of acute pancreatitis after liver transplantation in children.

Methods:

During a 10‐year period, 375 children underwent 434 liver transplantations in the authors' institution. In seven patients (1.9%), clinical acute pancreatitis developed after orthotopic liver transplantation. Indication for initial liver transplantation was biliary atresia (n = 3), acute liver failure (n = 3), and type 1 Crigler‐Najjar syndrome. In all seven patients, liver graft function was initially adequate. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was based on clinical, biochemical, ultrasonographic, and surgical signs.

Results:

In six patients, acute pancreatitis appeared within the first week after transplantation. The diagnosis was confirmed by abdominal laparotomy in five children. In the current series, emergency liver transplantation (p< 0.001), retransplantations (p < 0.001), and infectious peritonitis (p < 0.001) were contributing factors. Despite supportive measures, three patients died (43%) because of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Conclusions:

Acute pancreatitis is an uncommon but life‐threatening complication after liver transplantation in children. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of infectious complications are major elements in the management of acute pancreatitis after liver transplantation.
Selenium Deficiency in Tissue Culture: Implications for Oxidative Metabolism
Authors: Baker Robert D. , Baker Susan S. , Rao Radhakrishna
Published: February 2024

Background:

Selenium is located at the catalytic site of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, and with selenium deficiency the activity of glutathione peroxidase is decreased. Cell culture is an important tool for studying oxidative processes‐‐that is generation and metabolism of oxygen‐derived metabolites in the gastrointestinal system. Cell culture is also used to understand the mechanisms of cell injury by oxygen‐derived metabolites.

Methods:

To assess the importance of the selenium content of cell culture media, Caco‐2 cells and the hepatoma‐derived cell lines, Hep3B and HepG2, were grown to confluence and placed in media with various concentrations of selenium. After 7 to 14 days, cells were harvested and assayed for glutathione peroxidase, lactate dehydrogenase, and protein content.

Results:

Cells maintained in media unsupplemented with selenium demonstrated a progressive decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity. Cells maintained in media supplemented with various concentrations of selenium demonstrated a dose‐dependent increase in glutathione peroxidase until a plateau was reached. The plateau was reached at approximately 400 times the selenium concentration routinely used in cell culture. In the Caco‐2 and hepatoma cells, no toxicity was observed at selenium supplementation five times the lowest concentration needed to reach a plateau.

Conclusions:

Cell culture media are routinely deficient in selenium, and cells that are cultured in this medium are deficient in glutathione peroxidase activity. Studies of oxidative metabolism based on cultures deficient in selenium may yield results that could be falsely interpreted. The addition of 1 nM selenium is sufficient for these cell lines to reach a plateau for intracellular glutathione peroxidase activity. These observations may have important ramifications for the study of reactive oxygen metabolite injury in cell culture.
Anatomic Variability of Rejection in Intestinal Allografts After Pediatric Intestinal Transplantation
Authors: Sigurdsson Luther , Reyes Jorge , Todo Saturo , Putnam Philip E. , Kocoshis Samuel A.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Rejection of the allograft is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in children who undergo a small intestinal transplant. Operational definitions for histologic rejection have been established, but little is known about the anatomic variability of the histologic abnormalities.

Study Design:

Biopsy reports were reviewed retrospectively from more than 1200 endoscopies performed on the 41 children who received intestinal transplantation between 1990 and 1995.

Results:

Biopsies were performed in the proximal jejunum and distal ileum allograft simultaneously on 248 occasions. In 168 biopsies, neither site was histologically abnormal; in 80, rejection was found. In 42, both regions were abnormal; however, in 17 only the jejunum was involved and in 21 the rejection exclusively involved the ileum. Among children whose allograft included colon, rejection was absent in colon and ileum in 34 biopsies, involved both in 6, involved ileum but not colon in another 6 and involved colon but not ileum in only one. When the allograft included stomach, rejection was absent in the stomach and jejunum 39 times, involved both sites 8 times, involved jejunum and not the stomach 10 times, but involved the stomach and not jejunum only once. Endoscopic appearance correctly predicted histologic rejection 63% of the time.

Conclusion:

Anatomic variability may exist in the rejection process. Sampling the jejunum and ileum seems to have similar sensitivity in detecting rejection, whereas sampling stomach and the colon is less sensitive. When allograft rejection is suspected on clinical grounds, sampling more than one area of the graft may be necessary for histologic confirmation.
Topical ruxolitinib 1.5% (JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor) improves clinical and patient‐reported outcomes in moderate to severe chronic hand dermatitis: Data from a small open‐label trial
Authors: Smith Hannah D. , Lally Jag S. , Moy Alison , Ryan‐Wolf Julie , De Benedetto Anna
Published: February 2024

Background

Chronic hand dermatitis (CHD) has suboptimal treatments and a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). Topical ruxolitinib, a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, is approved for vitiligo and mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis, but has not previously been studied specifically for CHD.

Objectives

Evaluate the impact of ruxolitinib in CHD.

Methods

A 12‐week, investigator‐initiated, open‐label trial evaluated ruxolitinib 1.5% in 15 adults with recalcitrant moderate‐to‐severe CHD. Primary outcomes included the proportion of patients: (1) achieving an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) treatment success (0 or 1 score with a two‐step improvement) (2) a Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI)‐75 improvement at 12 weeks. Additional outcomes: clinical improvement at 4 and 8 weeks, improvement in itch (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS]) and QoL outcomes (i.e., Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI] and Skindex‐Mini).

Results

At 12 weeks, 13/15 participants (86%) achieved a HECSI‐75, 12/15 participants (80%) had a two‐point reduction in IGA and 8/15 participants (53%) achieved an IGA treatment success. Both atopic dermatitis (AD; n = 7) and non‐AD (n = 8) CHD participants had clinical improvement in HECSI at 12 weeks (p < 0.01). 10/12 participants with baseline NRS ≥ 2 (83%) achieved a ≥ 2 point reduction on average itch at 12 weeks. 9/10 with baseline NRS ≥ 4 (90%) achieved a ≥4‐point itch reduction by 4 and 12 weeks. A significant decline in self‐reported daily itch (average and worst) was observed within the first week of treatment (p < 0.001). By CHD subtype, AD‐CHD had greater itch at baseline compared to non‐AD CHD (p < 0.01), consequently itch reduction was greater in AD‐subtype. Improvement in QoL (DLQI, Skindex‐Mini) was achieved at 4 weeks maintained to 12 weeks (p < 0.01). No treatment‐related adverse events were reported during the study and no rescue medications were used.

Conclusions

Ruxolitinib may be a promising treatment for CHD, improving clinical outcomes, itch and QoL. Significant improvement was achieved at 4 weeks and maintained through 12 weeks of treatment.
Inverse Design of Photonic Systems
Authors: MacLellan Benjamin , Roztocki Piotr , Belleville Julie , Romero Cortés Luis , Ruscitti Kaleb , Fischer Bennet , Azaña José , Morandotti Roberto
Published: February 2024

Inverse design methods use optimization and learning algorithms to pair desired functionalities with the corresponding high‐performing systems. Such methods have significant potential for discovering novel photonics solutions, with inverse design techniques already mediating significant milestones in nanophotonics, quantum optics, and lens systems. However, while computational tools for identifying optimal system parameters (i.e., component settings) have reached significant maturity, the identification of suitable system topologies (i.e., component choice and arrangement) has remained challenging, especially for the design of complex photonic schemes. Here, a framework for the inverse design of practical photonic systems is presented, capable of efficiently and automatically searching for high‐performance topologies and their associated operational parameters. It is demonstrated that the approach can aid in the discovery of practical photonic systems, that are both physically feasible and non‐trivial, by leveraging system‐level automatic differentiation and discrete topological changes. The versatility of the platform is supported with example designs for waveform generation, noise suppression, and sensing, among others.
Total positivity and high relative accuracy for several classes of Hankel matrices
Authors: Mainar E. , Peña J.M. , Rubio B.
Published: February 2024

Gramian matrices with respect to inner products defined for Hilbert spaces supported on bounded and unbounded intervals are represented through a bidiagonal factorization. It is proved that the considered matrices are strictly totally positive Hankel matrices and their catalecticant determinants are also calculated. Using the proposed representation, the numerical resolution of linear algebra problems with these matrices can be achieved to high relative accuracy. Numerical experiments are provided, and they illustrate the excellent results obtained when applying the theoretical results.
In vivo activities of heparan sulfate differentially modified by NDSTs during development
Authors: Nakato Eriko , Baker Sarah , Kinoshita‐Toyoda Akiko , Knudsen Collin , Lu Yi‐Si , Takemura Masahiko , Toyoda Hidenao , Nakato Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) serve as co‐receptors for growth factor signaling during development. It is well known that the level and patterns of sulfate groups of heparan sulfate (HS) chains, or HS fine structures, have a major impact on HSPG function. On the other hand, the physiological significance of other structural features of HS, including NS/NA domain organization, remains to be elucidated. A blueprint of the HS domain structures is mainly controlled by HS N‐deacetylase/N‐sulfotransferases (NDSTs). To analyze in vivo activities of differentially modified HS, we established two knock‐in (KI) Drosophila strains with the insertion of mouse Ndst1 (mNdst1) or Ndst2 (mNdst2) in the locus of sulfateless (sfl), the only Drosophila NDST. In these KI lines, mNDSTs are expressed from the sfl locus, in the level and patterns identical to the endogenous sfl gene. Thus, phenotypes of Ndst1 KI and Ndst2KI animals reflect the ability of HS structures made by these enzymes to rescue sfl mutation. Remarkably, we found that mNdst1 completely rescued the loss of sfl. mNdst2 showed a limited rescue ability, despite a higher level of HS sulfation compared to HS in mNdst1 KI. Our study suggests that independent of sulfation levels, additional HS structural features controlled by NDSTs play key roles during tissue patterning.
Fliegende Kreisel
Authors: Mathelitsch Leopold , Thaller Sigrid
Published: February 2024

Seit der Antike ist das Werfen eines scheibenförmigen Objekts, des Diskus, olympische Disziplin. Im 20. Jahrhundert kam das Frisbee auf. Aus dem anfänglichen Freizeitspaß entwickelten sich verschiedene Sportarten. Die Flugbahnen solcher kreiselnden Scheiben werden von Gravitation, Luftwiderstand, aerodynamischem Auftrieb und Drehimpuls bestimmt. Der relativ schwere Diskus wird in einer Drehbewegung geschleudert. Der aerodynamische Auftrieb ist zwar wichtig für die Maximalweite, spielt jedoch im Vergleich zum wesentlich leichteren Frisbee eine deutlich geringere Rolle. Bei den Frisbee‐Sportarten geht es überwiegend um Zielgenauigkeit, nicht um maximale Weite.
Tracheobronchial abnormalities on computed tomography angiography in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Bhatia Harsimran , Bhatia Anmol , Mathew Joseph L. , Saxena Akshay K. , Kumar Praveen , Nallasamy Karthi , Tao Ting , Sodhi Kushaljit S.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the assortment of tracheobronchial abnormalities on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

In this study approved by the Institute ethics committee, CTA studies of 182 children (age range: 2 days–8 years) with CHD, performed from July 2021 to March 2023 were analyzed. Two pediatric radiologists independently assessed the tracheobronchial airways (from the trachea to lobar bronchi) for developmental and branching anomalies and airway compromise (narrowing). In cases which demonstrated airway compromise, the extent and the cause of airway narrowing were evaluated, and the etiology were divided into extrinsic and intrinsic causes. Interobserver agreement between the two radiologists was calculated using kappa statistics.

Results

One hundred children demonstrated normal airway anatomy and no luminal narrowing. Airway narrowing was observed in 63 (34.6%) children (κ: 0.954), and developmental airway anomalies were seen in 32 (17.5%) children (κ: 0.935). Of the 63 children with airway narrowing, 47 (25.8%) children had extrinsic cause for narrowing, 11 (6%) children had intrinsic causes for narrowing, and 5 (2.7%) children had both intrinsic and extrinsic causes attributing to airway compromise. Significant airway narrowing (>50% reduction) was seen in 35 (19.2%) children (κ: 0.945).

Conclusion

Tracheobronchial airway abnormalities are frequently associated in children with CHD and need to be appraised preoperatively. Cross‐sectional imaging with CTA provides excellent information on tracheobronchial airway anatomy and caliber as well as delineates the possible etiology of airway narrowing, thus accurately diagnosing airway anomalies.
Lethal and sublethal effects of fluralaner on the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor)
Authors: Ren Yiting , Dou Wei , Wang Jin‐Jun , Yuan Guorui
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor) is a globally distributed agricultural pest. Of late, resistance to common acaricides has raised concerns that chemical control of P. citri is an inefficient means of control. Fluralaner, a highly toxic isoxazoline insecticide used to treat various ectoparasites, presents one potential alternative. However, little information has been reported about the effect of fluralaner on the citrus red mite. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity, sublethal and transgenerational effects of fluralaner on P. citri.

RESULTS

In both laboratory and field populations of P. citri, we found fluralaner to be more toxic than conventional alternatives, including fenpropathrin, bifenazate, azocyclotin and chlorpyrifos. Interestingly, fluralaner proved more toxic to female adults than to the eggs of P. citri, with median lethal concentrations (LC50) of 2.446 and 122.7 mg L−1, respectively. Exposure to sublethal concentrations of fluralaner (LC10, LC20 and LC30) significantly reduced the fecundity and longevity of female adults P. citri individuals. Although concentrations of fluralaner applied to the parental female adults (F0) led to some changes in the developmental parameters, there were no significant changes in most of the life table parameters or population growth of the F1 generation.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that fluralaner is highly toxic to P. citri, and a significant sublethal effect on F0 could suppress the population growth of P. citri, but not for F1. Fluralaner may be considered as a pesticide for the future management of the citrus red mite. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A linear matrix inequality approach to optimal reset control design for a class of nonlinear systems
Authors: Shahbazzadeh Majid , Sadati S. Jalil , HosseinNia S. Hassan
Published: February 2024

In this article, the problem of the optimal reset control design for Lipschitz nonlinear systems is addressed. The reset controller includes a base linear controller and a reset law that enforces resets to the controller states. The reset law design is strongly dependent on the appropriate design of the base controller. For this reason, in this article, the base controller and reset law are simultaneously designed. More precisely, an optimal dynamic output feedback is considered as the base controller which minimizes the upper bound of a quadratic performance index, and a reset law is used to improve the transient response of the closed‐loop system. This design is done in a full offline procedure. The problem is transformed into a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), and the reset controller is obtained by solving an offline LMI optimization problem. Finally, two examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and validity of the proposed method.
Learning likelihood ratios with neural network classifiers
Authors: Rizvi Shahzar , Pettee Mariel , Nachman Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The likelihood ratio is a crucial quantity for statistical inference in science that enables hypothesis testing, construction of confidence intervals, reweighting of distributions, and more. Many modern scientific applications, however, make use of data- or simulation-driven models for which computing the likelihood ratio can be very difficult or even impossible. By applying the so-called “likelihood ratio trick,” approximations of the likelihood ratio may be computed using clever parametrizations of neural network-based classifiers. A number of different neural network setups can be defined to satisfy this procedure, each with varying performance in approximating the likelihood ratio when using finite training data. We present a series of empirical studies detailing the performance of several common loss functionals and parametrizations of the classifier output in approximating the likelihood ratio of two univariate and multivariate Gaussian distributions as well as simulated high-energy particle physics datasets.
A simple QP modification of the OC update to permit treatment of the topology design problem of self-weight
Authors: Munro Dirk
Published: February 2024

This note communicates a simple modification of the optimality criteria (OC) design update—as found in well-known Matlab implementations of the classical topology design problem—to an update based on a quadratic program (QP) with a single linear constraint. This QP update is a special case of the dual of Falk, which in general accommodates multiple constraints, as discussed in the Appendix. It is demonstrated that the topology design problem of self-weight may be treated with judicious selection of the adaptive curvature term in the QP, without resorting to more sophisticated algorithms or material interpolation schemes. Theory is recited and an accordingly modified version of the canonical Matlab implementation is provided as supplementary material.
Electronic cigarettes and cardiovascular disease: epidemiological and biological links
Authors: Zong Huiqi , Hu Zhekai , Li Weina , Wang Mina , Zhou Qi , Li Xiang , Liu Hongxu
Published: February 2024

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), as alternative nicotine delivery methods, has rapidly increased among youth and adults in recent years. However, cardiovascular safety is an important consideration regarding e-cigarettes usage. e-cigarette emissions, including nicotine, propylene glycol, flavorings, nitrosamine, and metals, might have adverse effects on cardiovascular health. A large body of epidemiological evidence has indicated that e-cigarettes are considered an independent risk factor for increased rates of cardiovascular disease occurrence and death. The incidence and mortality of various types of cardiovascular disease, such as cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, acute coronary syndromes, and heart failure, have a modest growth in vapers (users of e-cigarettes). Although the underlying biological mechanisms have not been fully understood, studies have validated that oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, hemodynamic effects, and platelet function play important roles in which e-cigarettes work in the human body. This minireview consolidates and discusses the epidemiological and biological links between e-cigarettes and various types of cardiovascular disease.
Risk factors for poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in patients with initial favorable neurological status
Authors: Lenkeit Annika , Oppong Marvin Darkwah , Dinger Thiemo Florin , Gümüs Meltem , Rauschenbach Laurèl , Chihi Mehdi , Ahmadipour Yahya , Uerschels Anne-Kathrin , Dammann Philipp , Deuschl Cornelius , Wrede Karsten H. , Sure Ulrich , Jabbarli Ramazan
Published: February 2024

Background

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains a devastating diagnosis. A poor outcome is known to be highly dependent on the initial neurological status. Our goal was to identify other parameters that favor the risk of complications and poor outcome in patients with aSAH and initially favorable neurologic status.

Methods

Consecutive aSAH cases treated at our hospital between 01/2003 and 06/2016 with the initial World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grades I–III were included. Data on demographic characteristics, previous medical history, initial aSAH severity, and functional outcome after aSAH were collected. The study endpoints were the occurrence of cerebral infarcts, in-hospital mortality, and unfavorable outcome at 6 months after aSAH (modified Rankin scale > 3).

Results

In the final cohort (n= 582), the rate of cerebral infarction, in-hospital mortality, and unfavorable outcome was 35.1%, 8.1%, and 17.6% respectively. The risk of cerebral infarction was independently related to the presence of acute hydrocephalus (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.33, p<0.0001), aneurysm clipping (aOR=1.78, p=0.003), and use of calcium channel blockers concomitant to nimodipine (aOR=2.63, p=0.002). Patients’ age (>55 years, aOR=4.24, p<0.0001), acute hydrocephalus (aOR=2.43, p=0.036), and clipping (aOR=2.86, p=0.001) predicted in-hospital mortality. Baseline characteristics associated with unfavorable outcome at 6 months were age (aOR=2.77, p=<0.0001), Fisher grades III–IV (aOR=2.81, p=0.016), acute hydrocephalus (aOR=2.22, p=0.012), clipping (aOR=3.98, p<0.0001), admission C-reactive protein>1mg/dL (aOR=1.76, p=0.035), and treatment intervals (aOR=0.64 per-5-year-intervals, p=0.006).

Conclusions

Although cerebral infarction is a common complication in aSAH individuals with favorable initial clinical condition, >80% of these patients show favorable long-term outcome. The knowledge of outcome-relevant baseline characteristics might help to reduce the burden of further complications and poor outcome in aSAH patients who tolerated the initial bleeding event well.
Using positioning theory to think about mathematics classroom talk
Authors: Drageset Ove Gunnar , Ell Fiona
Published: February 2024

This article aims to connect two research areas by using positioning theory to review the literature on talk moves, teacher interactions, and discourse patterns in mathematics education. First, a conceptual review identified 44 articles with 94 concepts describing interactions and discourse patterns. Similar concepts were grouped in a process that developed five categories, each describing one teacher position (a teacher who tells, a teacher who supports, a teacher who uses students’ ideas to create learning, a teacher who orchestrates, and a teacher who participates). Related to each position, we describe rights, duties, and communication acts. We suggest that these five teacher positions represent three transcendent storylines (teachers are providers of insight, teachers are facilitators of learning, and teachers are participants in learning). Using positioning theory enables us to understand the underlying powers that shape the classroom in relation to transcendent storylines, rights, and duties. We use this to explore what the implications are of these storylines and positions for equity and access to important mathematical ideas. This article contributes to our understanding of the complexity of classroom interactions and how transcendent storylines might play a role in subverting or promoting particular classroom communication patterns.
Interrater reliability of photographic assessment of thyroid eye disease using the VISA classification
Authors: Boynes Antony C. , Enright Nicholas J. , Hardy Thomas G. , Khong Jwu Jin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To determine the interrater reliability (IRR) of thyroid eye disease (TED) photographic assessment using the VISA classification. To assess whether a VISA grading atlas improves ophthalmology trainees’ performance in photographic assessment of TED.

Methods

A prospective, partially randomized, international study conducted from September 2021 to May 2022. Online study invitation was emailed to a volunteer sample group of 68 ophthalmology college accredited consultants and trainees, and 6 were excluded from the study. Participants were asked to score 10 patient photographs of TED using only the inflammation and motility restriction components of the VISA classification. IRR was compared between groups of practitioners by their level of experience. A clinical activity grading atlas was randomized to 50% of the ophthalmology trainees.

Results

Overall rater ICC was 0.96 for inflammation and 0.99 for motility restriction. No statistically significant difference in IRR between rater groups was identified. Trainees with a grading atlas had the highest IRR for inflammation (ICC = 0.95). Each subcomponent of the inflammation and motility restriction components of VISA classification had an ICC considered good to excellent. The mean overall rater score was 4.6/9 for inflammation and 3.5/12 for motility restriction. For motility restriction there was a reduced mean score variance among all raters when scoring photographs with more severe motility restriction.

Conclusion

IRR using the inflammation and motility restriction components of the VISA classification was excellent. A VISA grading atlas improved trainee performance in grading inflammation.
Well-established carbon nanomaterials: modification, characterization and dispersion in different solvents
Authors: Theodorakopoulos George V. , Karousos Dionysios S. , Benra Jan , Forero Stefan , Hammerstein Ruben , Sapalidis Andreas A. , Katsaros Fotios K. , Schubert Tim , Favvas Evangelos P.
Published: February 2024

Three different types of carbon nanomaterials, SWCNTs, MWCNTs and GNPs were prepared, modified, characterized, and their dispersibility behavior in three different solvents was evaluated. The carbon nanotubes were synthesized by using the well-known chemical vapor deposition method and the graphene nanoplatelets by wet physicochemical treatment techniques. Their characterization was accomplished by using various advanced techniques, such as powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and N2 adsorption at 77 K. Furthermore, the carbon nanostructures were modified via plasma treatment and wet chemical surface modification in order to enhance their dispersion characteristics, for achieving more homogenous suspensions and therefore to be remained dispersed over a reasonable period of time without any sedimentation. The effect of treatment parameters and the use of different solvents were thoroughly studied mainly by optical methods, but also by using the DIN/EN classified ISO method of oil absorption and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The enhanced dispersion rate is observed in both CNTs and GNPs materials following their surface treatment, especially when using the solvent n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The aforementioned studied nanomaterials are perfect candidate fillers for preparing polymeric mixed matrix membranes.

Graphical abstract