bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D metabolism in living kidney donors before and after organ donation
Authors: Enko Dietmar , Meinitzer Andreas , Zelzer Sieglinde , Herrmann Markus , Artinger Katharina , Rosenkranz Alexander R. , Zitta Sabine
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Living kidney donors provide a unique setting to study functional and metabolic consequences after organ donation. Since the lack of data of the homoeostasis of numerous vitamin D metabolites in these healthy subjects, the aim of this study was to assess the vitamin D metabolism before and after kidney donation.

Methods

We investigated the 25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 (25[OH]D2), 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D3), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25[OH]2D3), 25,26-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (25,26[OH]2D3), and the native vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in a well characterized study cohort of 32 healthy living kidney donors before and after organ donation.

Results

Thirty-two healthy subjects after kidney donation had significantly lower median (interquartile range) 1,25(OH)2D3 serum concentrations (88.6 [62.6–118.8] vs. 138.0 [102.6–152.4] pmol/L, p<0.001) and significantly higher median 25(OH)D2 serum levels (1.80 [1.19–2.19] vs. 1.11 [0.74–1.59] nmol/L, p=0.019) than before donation. Similar serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3 and 25,26(OH)2D3 were observed before and after donation. The 24,25(OH)2D3 blood levels distinctly decreased after organ donation (4.1 [2.3–5.3] vs. 5.3 [2.2–6.9] nmol/L, p=0.153). Native vitamin D2 (0.10 [0.08–0.14] vs. 0.08 [0.06–0.12] nmol/L, p=0.275) was slightly increased and vitamin D3 (1.6 [0.6–7.2] vs. 2.5 [0.9–8.6] nmol/L, p=0.957) decreased after kidney donation.

Conclusions

Living kidney donors were found with decreased 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3, increased 25(OH)D2 and consistent 25(OH)D3 and 25,26(OH)2D3 serum concentrations after organ donation. The current study advances the understanding on vitamin D metabolism suggesting that altered hydroxylase-activities after donation is accompanied by compensatory elevated dietary-related 25(OH)D2 blood concentrations.
Novel multilayer antenna array with metamaterial structures for 5G applications
Authors: Jadidi Iman , Honarvar Mohammad Amin
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a 2×2 multi-layer array antenna based on the metamaterial concept is proposed at 28 GHz for 5-Generation (5G) applications. The feed network is designed in the first layer. This network feeds the rectangular patch located in the first layer using four shorted-pins (SPs). To realize the metamaterial environment, a novel unit-cell was designed. In the first layer between the two dielectrics, 2 unit-cell rows are used. In the second layer and adjacent to the patches, 4 rows of metamaterial unit-cells are loaded. Each of the metamaterial rows contains 6 unit-cells. As such, the antenna gain has increased more than 10 dB from the prototype without any metamaterial structures. The final dimensions of the proposed array antenna are 30×35.2×0.508 mm3. To prove the design, the proposed antenna was fabricated. The simulated and measured maximum gain at 28 GHz are 18.28 and 17.91 dB, respectively.
Place uniformity and drift in the Suzhounese fricative and apical vowels
Authors: Faytak Matthew
Published: May 2022

Suzhounese exhibits an unusual place anteriority contrast between rounded and unrounded dorso-palatal high front vowels, postalveolar fricative vowels, and apico-alveolar apical vowels. This arrangement is vulnerable to loss under intensifying contact with Standard Mandarin. Using acoustic and tongue ultrasound data, we investigated the phonetic implementation of place in the Suzhounese fricative and apical vowels and the similarity of place targets with the apico-alveolar and alveolo-palatal fricative consonants /s/ and /ɕ/, and the front vowel /i/. Two age cohorts differing in their acquisition history and usage of Standard Mandarin were investigated. The younger cohort, who had earlier and likely more intense exposure to Standard Mandarin, exhibited a subphonemic shift in the fricative vowels toward less anterior, more /i/-like constrictions. Due to this shift, implementation of place targets among vowels and consonants was less uniform for the younger cohort, particularly in acoustic terms, but articulatory target uniformity among the vowels at each place was robust for both cohorts regardless of the degree of shift. We discuss possible contact-based mechanisms for the observed changes, as well as implications of the observed interactions between L1–L2 transfer and L1-internal structural cohesion.
Primat und Synodalität neu gedacht, oder Mut zur Utopie
Authors: Briskina-Müller Anna
Published: May 2022

2018 erschien die innovative Studie des Gemeinsamen orthodox-katholischen Arbeitskreises St. Irenäus zum Verhältnis von Primat und Synodalität. Es ist offensichtlich, dass diese Frage nicht nur für die aktuelle Debatte innerhalb der Römisch-katholischen Kirche von großer Bedeutung ist, sondern auch für die innerorthodoxen Konflikte der Gegenwart zunehmend an Gewicht gewinnt. Der Artikel geht auf einzelne Schlussfolgerungen der Studie aus dieser zweifachen Perspektive ein.
Legal aspects of newborn screening
Authors: Rosenau Henning , Steffen Felicia
Published: May 2022

Newborn screening is used for the early detection of diseases in newborns and enables rapid intervention to prevent serious consequences, including infant death. Since the Genetic Diagnostics Act came into force in 2010, the rules of the Act have applied to newborn screening. Over the years since the Act came into force, some legal issues have been resolved, but new legal aspects have also arisen for which the Act does not yet provide a solution.
Population-based screening in children for early diagnosis and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia: design of the VRONI study
Authors: Sanin Veronika , Schmieder Raphael , Ates Sara , Schlieben Lea Dewi , Wiehler Jens , Sun Ruoyu , Decker Manuela , Sander Michaela , Holdenrieder Stefan , Kohlmayer Florian , Friedmann Anna , Mall Volker , Feiler Therese , Dreßler Arne , Strom Tim M. , Prokisch Holger , Meitinger Thomas , von Scheidt Moritz , Koenig Wolfgang , Leipold Georg , Schunkert Heribert
Published: May 2022

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most frequent monogenic disorder (prevalence 1:250) in the general population. Early diagnosis during childhood enables pre-emptive treatment, thus reducing the risk of severe atherosclerotic manifestations later in life. Nonetheless, FH screening programs are scarce.

VRONI offers all children aged 5–14 years in Bavaria a FH screening in the context of regular pediatric visits. LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) is measured centrally, followed by genetic analysis for FH if exceeding the age-specific 95th percentile (130 mg/dl, 3.34 mmol/l). Children with FH pathogenic variants are treated by specialized pediatricians and offered a FH-focused training course by a qualified training center. Reverse cascade screening is recommended for all first-degree relatives.

VRONI aims to prove the feasibility of a population-based FH screening in children and to lay the foundation for a nationwide screening program.
Crystal structure of 1,2-bis(4,5-dinitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethane, C8H6N8O8
Authors: Yong Wang , Bingheng Wu , Jun Yuan , Duanlin Cao , Jianlong Wang , Lizhen Chen
Published: May 2022

C8H6N8O8, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 6.7563(9) Å, b = 7.2512(12) Å, c = 25.884(3) Å, V = 1268.1(3) Å3, β = 90°, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0473, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1170, T = 170 K.
PVDF green nanofibers as potential carriers for improving self-healing and mechanical properties of carbon fiber/epoxy prepregs
Authors: Naga Kumar C. , Prabhakar M. N. , Jung-il Song
Published: May 2022

The novel aligned polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) green core–shell nanofibers were reinforced to carbon fiber/epoxy prepregs and were manufactured through the vacuum bagging technique. Aligned nanofibers were achieved by suspending a grounded needle between the nozzle and the collector of electrospinning. The self-healing properties were tested through a periodic three-point bending test at an interval of 24 h at room temperature. The healing behavior was further confirmed through field-emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and an electrical conductivity test. The self-healing prepregs (1038.42 MPa) regained 66% of their original strength (1577.85 MPa) after the initial damage. EDX analysis confirmed the elements of the resin (VE (C, O)) and hardener (MEKP (C, O), CN (C, O, Co)) from the ruptured healing carriers. The damaged carbon prepregs healed by showing electrical conductivity of around 83%. The mechanical properties of self-healing composites were tested by tensile, flexural, and Izod impact tests and showed an increment in both flexural (7–12%) and impact strength (5–7%) with the addition of nanofibers. Overall, the research findings provided a design of eco-friendly carriers for carbon fiber-reinforced composites to obtain decent self-healing properties without deteriorating the mechanical strength.
Voltage regulation and power-saving method of asynchronous motor based on fuzzy control theory
Authors: Guo Chunjing
Published: May 2022

The load rate of asynchronous motors is low, the operation efficiency is low, and the waste of electric energy is very serious. Therefore, a voltage regulation and electricity saving method for asynchronous motors based on fuzzy control theory is proposed. According to the principle of voltage regulation and power saving of asynchronous motor, the stator current and its variation of are selected as input variables, the deviation of current variation is selected as output variable, and a two-dimensional fuzzy control algorithm model is constructed. Fuzzy control theory is used for voltage regulation and power saving of asynchronous motors. The simulation results show that the proposed method is based on fuzzy control theory for voltage regulation and electricity saving of asynchronous motors; after the voltage regulation and electricity saving control, the phase current of the motor is lower, and the active power and reactive power of the motor are reduced. The power factor of the motor is higher, and the power-saving effect is remarkable.
Discovery and characterization of naturally occurring chalcones as potent inhibitors of bile salt hydrolases
Authors: Li Chun-Yu , Wang Hao-Nan , Zhu Guang-Hao , Song Li-Lin , Hou Xu-Dong , Huo Peng-Chao , Hou Jie , Ge Guang-Bo
Published: May 2022

Bile salt hydrolases (BSHs) play crucial roles in the deconjugation of conjugated bile acids and therefore are key targets for modulating bile acid metabolism. This study aimed to identify efficacious BSH inhibitors from a natural compound library and to characterize their inhibitory mechanisms. The inhibitory potential of more than 100 natural compounds against BSH produced by Lactobacillus salivarius (lsBSH) was assayed, and several chalcones with strong or moderate lsBSH inhibitory activity were identified. Of all tested chalcones, licochalcone C and isobavachalcone showed the most potent lsBSH inhibitory activity (IC50 < 1 μM). Inhibition kinetic analyses demonstrated that both licochalcone C and isobavachalcone reversibly inhibited lsBSH-catalyzed CA-AMCA hydrolysis via a mixed manner. Docking simulations suggested that they bind lsBSH at two distinct sites mainly via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Additionally, licochalcone C and isobavachalcone were found to inhibit various BSHs and decrease the total BSH activity in mouse feces, thus suggesting that these agents are broad-spectrum BSH inhibitors. Collectively, our findings revealed that licochalcone C and isobavachalcone are naturally occurring inhibitors of BSH, which may serve as promising lead compounds in the development of more efficacious BSH inhibitors for modulating bile acid metabolism.
Restarting at Midlife
Authors: Wu Judy Tzu-Chun
Published: May 2022

As the first woman of color in the U.S. House of Representatives and the namesake for Title IX, Patsy Takemoto Mink served in Washington, D.C., from 1965 to 1977 and again from 1990 to 2002. In between, when Mink was in her fifties and sixties, she continued her political advocacy at the federal and local levels. This essay reflects on two aspects of Mink’s political career during the period between her terms of service in the U.S. Congress. The first is how she explored the personal and the political through her experience of being subjected to reproductive medical experimentation. The second is her engagement with the Honolulu City Council, which reveals her deep commitment to transparent, democratic governance and her belief that a responsible state can address the needs of marginalized communities. Mink’s time away from Congress reveals the consistency of her intersectional feminist political vision.
Validation of three novel clinical prediction tools for primary aldosteronism subtyping
Authors: Kocjan Tomaž , Vidmar Gaj , Popović Peter , Stanković Milenko
Published: May 2022

The 20-point clinical prediction SPACE score, the aldosterone-to-lowest potassium ratio (APR), aldosterone concentration (AC) and the AC relative reduction rate after saline infusion test (SIT) have recently been proposed for primary aldosteronism (PA) subtyping prior to adrenal vein sampling (AVS). To validate those claims, we performed a retrospective cross-sectional study that included all patients at our center who had positive SIT to confirm PA and were diagnosed with either bilateral disease (BPA) according to AVS or with lateralized disease (LPA) if biochemically cured after adrenalectomy from November 2004 to the end of 2019. Final diagnoses were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of proposed clinical prediction tools. Our cohort included 144 patients (40 females), aged 32–72 years (mean 54 years); 59 with LPA and 85 with BPA. The originally suggested SPACE score ≤8 and SPACE score >16 rules yielded about 80% positive predictive value (PPV) for BPA and LPA, respectively. Multivariate analyses with the predictors constituting the SPACE score highlighted post-SIT AC as the most important predictor of PA subtype for our cohort. APR-based tool of <5 for BPA and >15 for LPA yielded about 75% PPV for LPA and BPA. The proposed post-SIT AC <8.79 ng/dL criterion yielded 41% sensitivity and 90% specificity, while the relative post-SIT AC reduction rate of >33.8% criterion yielded 80% sensitivity and 51% specificity for BPA prediction. The application of any of the validated clinical prediction tools to our cohort did not predict the PA subtype with the high diagnostic performance originally reported.
We mind your step: understanding and preventing drop-out in the transfer from paediatric to adult tertiary endocrine healthcare
Authors: Davidse Kirsten , van Staa Anneloes , Geilvoet Wanda , van Eck Judith P , Pellikaan Karlijn , Baan Janneke , Hokken-Koelega Anita C S , van den Akker Erica L T , Sas Theo , Hannema Sabine E , van der Lely Aart Jan , de Graaff Laura C G
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Transition from paediatric to adult endocrinology can be challenging for adolescents, their families and healthcare professionals. Previous studies have shown that up to 25% of young adults with endocrine disorders are lost to follow-up after moving out of paediatric care. This poses a health risk for young adults, which can lead to serious and expensive medical acute and long-term complications.

Methods

In order to understand and prevent dropout, we studied electronic medical records of patients with endocrine disorders. These patients were over 15 years old when they attended the paediatric endocrine outpatient clinic (OPC) of our hospital in 2013–2014 and should have made the transfer to adult care at the time of the study.

Results

Of 387 adolescents, 131 had an indication for adult follow-up within our university hospital. Thirty-three (25%) were lost to follow-up. In 24 of them (73%), the invitation for the adult OPC had never been sent. We describe the failures in logistic processes that eventually led to dropout in these patients.

Conclusion

We found a 25% dropout during transfer from paediatric to adult tertiary endocrine care. Of all dropouts, 73% could be attributed to the failure of logistic steps. In order to prevent these dropouts, we provide practical recommendations for patients and paediatric and adult endocrinologists.
Two miRNAs enriched in plasma extracellular vesicles are potential biomarkers for thyroid cancer
Authors: Delcorte Ophélie , Craps Julie , Mahibullah Siam , Spourquet Catherine , D’Auria Ludovic , Van Der Smissen Patrick , Dessy Chantal , Marbaix Etienne , Mourad Michel , Pierreux Christophe E
Published: May 2022

Differential diagnosis of thyroid cancer and benign nodules is still one of the most challenging issues in the field of endocrinology. To overcome overdiagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) and the consecutive overtreatment of multinodular diseases, the search for easily accessible, sensitive and accurate biomarkers is critical. Several micro-RNAs (miRNAs) freely circulating in peripheral blood or enclosed in extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been proposed as potential biomarkers from non-invasive liquid biopsies. However, protocols are rarely comparable and conflicting data exist in the literature. In this work, we aimed to assess the diagnostic value of six micro-RNAs by comparing their expression in thyroid tissue to their abundance in bulk plasma and in plasma-EVs, before and after thyroid surgery. Plasma-EVs were isolated using a sequential density- and size-based fractionation, followed by in-depth characterization, confirming EV purity. Micro-RNA levels were measured by RT-qPCR in thyroid tissue, plasma and plasma-EVs. Among the six candidates, only miR-146b-5p and miR-21a-5p displayed a significant differential abundance in purified plasma-derived EVs from patients with PTC and benign disease. However, no difference could be demonstrated in bulk plasma through our cohort of patients. Overall, our work supports the use of a well-defined protocol of plasma-EV miRNAs purification for biomarker discovery, rather than the use of freely circulating miRNAs in bulk plasma. Our work also demonstrates that standardized pre-analytical and analytical procedures as well as optimized EV-miRNAs detection methods are essential.
Improvement in thyroid ultrasound report quality with radiologists’ adherence to 2015 ATA or 2017 TIRADS: a population study
Authors: Hu X Y , Wu J , Seal P , Ghaznavi S A , Symonds C , Kinnear S , Paschke R
Published: May 2022

Objectives

There has been slow adoption of thyroid ultrasound guidelines with adherence rates as low as 30% and no population-based studies investigating adherence to guideline-based malignancy risk assessment. We therefore evaluated the impact of adherence to the 2015 ATA guidelines or 2017 ACR-TIRADS guidelines on the quality of thyroid ultrasound reports in our healthcare region.

Methods

We reviewed 899 thyroid ultrasound reports of patients who received fine-needle aspiration biopsy and were diagnosed with Bethesda III or IV nodules or thyroid cancer. Ultrasounds were reported by radiology group 1, group 2, or other groups, and were divided into pre-2018 (before guideline adherence) or 2018 onwards. Reports were given a utility score (0–6) based on how many relevant nodule characteristics were included.

Results

Group 1 had a pre-2018 utility score of 3.62 and 39.4% classification reporting rate, improving to 5.77 and 97.0% among 2018-onwards reports. Group 2 had a pre-2018 score of 2.8 and reporting rate of 11.5%, improving to 5.58 and 93.3%. Other radiology groups had a pre-2018 score of 2.49 and reporting rate of 32.2%, improving to 3.28 and 61.8%. Groups 1 and 2 had significantly higher utility scores and reporting rates in their 2018-onward reports when compared to other groups’ 2018-onward reports, pre-2018 group 1 reports, and pre-2018 group 2 reports.

Conclusions

Dedicated adherence to published thyroid ultrasound reporting guidelines can lead to improvements in report quality. This will reduce diagnostic ambiguity and improve clinician’s decision-making, leading to overall reductions in unnecessary FNA biopsy and diagnostic surgery.
Temporal regulation of interferon signalling in human EndoC-βH1 cells
Authors: Dhayal Shalinee , Leslie Kaiyven Afi , Baity Mohammad , Akhbari Pouria , Richardson Sarah J , Russell Mark A , Morgan Noel G
Published: May 2022

During the development of type 1 diabetes, interferons (IFN) are elaborated from islet-infiltrating immune cells and/or from virally infected β-cells. They act via specific receptors to increase, acutely, the phosphorylation of the transcription factors STAT1 and 2. However, the longer-term impacts of chronic IFN stimulation are poorly understood and were investigated in the current study. Human EndoC-βH1 cells were treated with IFNα, IFNγ or IFNλ either acutely (<2 h) or chronically (≥24 h) and STAT phosphorylation, expression and activity were assessed by Western blotting and transcriptional reporter assays. Exposure of β-cells to IFNα or IFNλ induced a swift increase in the phosphorylation of both STAT1 and STAT2, whereas IFNγ increased only pSTAT1. Over more extended periods (≥24 h), STAT phosphorylation declined but STAT1 and STAT2 expression were enhanced in a sustained manner. All IFNs stimulated ISRE transcriptional activity (but with different time courses), whereas GAS activity was responsive only to IFNγ. The re-addition of a second bolus of IFNα, 24 h after an initial dose, failed to cause renewed STAT1/2 phosphorylation. By contrast, when IFNγ was added 24 h after exposure to IFNα, rapid STAT1 phosphorylation was re-initiated. Exposure of β-cells to IFNs leads to rapid, transient, STAT phosphorylation and to slower and more sustained increases in total STAT1/2 levels. The initial phosphorylation response is accompanied by marked desensitisation to the cognate agonist. Together, the results reveal that the response of β-cells to IFNs is regulated both temporally and quantitatively to achieve effective signal integration.
Going viral in the islet: mediators of SARS-CoV-2 entry beyond ACE2
Authors: Rangu Rohita , Wander Pandora L , Barrow Breanne M , Zraika Sakeneh
Published: May 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Following initial infection of airway epithelia, SARS-CoV-2 invades a wide range of cells in multiple organs, including pancreatic islet cells. Diabetes is now recognised as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalisation and death. Additionally, COVID-19 is associated with a higher risk of new-onset diabetes and metabolic complications of diabetes. One mechanism by which these deleterious outcomes may occur is via the destruction of insulin-producing islet β cells, either directly by SARS-CoV-2 entry into β cells or indirectly due to inflammation and fibrosis in the surrounding microenvironment. While the canonical pathway of viral entry via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been established as a major route of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lung, it may not be solely responsible for viral entry into the endocrine pancreas. This is likely due to the divergent expression of viral entry factors among different tissues. For example, expression of ACE2 has not been unequivocally demonstrated in β cells. Thus, it is important to understand how other proteins known to be highly expressed in pancreatic endocrine cells may be involved in SARS-CoV-2 entry, with the view that these could be targeted to prevent the demise of the β cell in COVID-19. To that end, this review discusses alternate receptors of SARS-CoV-2 (CD147 and GRP78), as well as mediators (furin, TMPRSS2, cathepsin L, ADAM17, neuropilin-1, and heparan sulphate) that may facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry into pancreatic islets independent of or in conjunction with ACE2.
The Chd4 subunit of the NuRD complex regulates Pdx1-controlled genes involved in β-cell function
Authors: Davidson Rebecca K , Weaver Staci A , Casey Nolan , Kanojia Sukrati , Hogarth Elise , Schneider Aguirre Rebecca , Sims Emily K , Evans-Molina Carmella , Spaeth Jason M
Published: May 2022

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with loss of transcription factors (TFs) from a subset of failing β-cells. Among these TFs is Pdx1, which controls the expression of numerous genes involved in maintaining β-cell function and identity. Pdx1 activity is modulated by transcriptional coregulators and has recently been shown, through an unbiased screen, to interact with the Chd4 ATPase subunit of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex. Chd4 contributes to the maintenance of cellular identity and functional status of numerous different cell types. Here, we demonstrated that Pdx1 dynamically interacts with Chd4 under physiological and stimulatory conditions within islet β-cells and established a fundamental role for Chd4 in regulating insulin secretion and modulating numerous Pdx1-bound genes in vitro, including the MafA TF, where we discovered Chd4 is bound to the MafA region 3 enhancer. Furthermore, we found that Pdx1:Chd4 interactions are significantly compromised in islet β-cells under metabolically induced stress in vivo and in human donor tissues with T2D. Our findings establish a fundamental role for Chd4 in regulating insulin secretion and modulating Pdx1-bound genes in vitro, and disruption of Pdx1:Chd4 interactions coincides with β-cell dysfunction associated with T2D.
Metabolism of fatty acids in follicular cells, oocytes, and blastocysts
Authors: Shi Meihong , Sirard Marc-André
Published: May 2022

Fatty acids (FA) are one of the substrates that can be oxidized for energy production. The blood concentration of all types of FA varies according to different nutrition conditions, and follicular fluid levels are generally in line with serum levels. Elevated levels of FA, especially non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), are commonly found in females with metabolic issues, which are often related to subfertility in many species including humans, pigs, cattle, and mice. Long-time exposure to an excessive quantity of fatty acids impairs the cell structure and functions causing injuries in tissues and organs, resulting in lipotoxicity and eventually hampering health and fertility. High levels of saturated NEFA can have detrimental effects on granulosa cells, oocyte quality, and embryo development. Although the harmful effects of FA are established in reproductive tissues, how granulosa cells and cumulus cells respond and cooperate with oocytes when exposed to NEFA requires further understanding. This review provides a summary of the adverse impacts of exposure to NEFA during in vitro maturation on oocytes, follicular cells, and embryos. A comprehensive understanding of the effects of NEFA on oocytes in vitro would improve our understanding of the impacts of natural exposure in vivo.

Lay summary

Exposure to excess FAs affects the health of eggs, early embryos, and children born from these. The way different cell types react to excess FAs has not been studied very extensively, especially in pigs which provide a good model to investigate the impact of nutrition on the ovaries in humans. This review also looks at the way cells surrounding the egg react to FAs to help our understanding of the impact of excess fatty acids on female fertility.
Three-dimensional analysis and in vivo imaging for sperm release and transport in the murine seminiferous tubule
Authors: Kanazawa Yuta , Omotehara Takuya , Nakata Hiroki , Hirashima Tsuyoshi , Itoh Masahiro
Published: May 2022

In Brief

Spermatozoa are released from Sertoli cells and flow in the seminiferous tubule to the rete testis. Our results suggest that the luminal flow in the tubules is repeatedly reversed and that this physical force helps spermatozoa release from the Sertoli cells.

Spermatozoa released from Sertoli cells must be transported to the epididymis. However, the mechanism of the luminal flow in seminiferous tubules has remained unclear to date. Therefore, in this study, we investigated luminal flow and movements in the seminiferous tubules by three-dimensional analysis and in vivo imaging. Serial 5-μm-thick mouse testicular sections at 50-µm-intervals were prepared and stained by Periodic Acid-Schiff-hematoxylin. After three-dimensional reconstruction of the seminiferous tubules, the localization of the released spermatozoa and the stages observed in the sections were recorded in each reconstructed tubule. Luminal movements in the seminiferous tubules were observed by in vivo imaging using a fluorescent-reporter mouse and two-photon excitation microscopy system. Spermatozoa without contact to the seminiferous epithelium were not accumulated toward the rete testis. Additionally, such spermatozoa were found on their way not only to the most proximal rete testis but also a more distant rete testis from any stage VIII seminiferous epithelia. In vivo imaging demonstrated that the direction of the flagella of spermatozoa attached to the seminiferous epithelium was repeatedly reversed. The epithelium at the inner curve of the seminiferous tubule was shaken more actively and had fewer spermatozoa attached compared with the epithelium at the outer curve. Our results hence suggest that the luminal flow in the seminiferous tubules is repeatedly reversed and that this physical force helps spermatozoa to be released from Sertoli cells.
Intussusception and COVID-19 in Infants: Evidence for an Etiopathologic Correlation
Authors: Scottoni Federico , Giobbe Giovanni Giuseppe , Zambaiti Elisa , Khalaf Sahira , Sebire Neil J , Curry Joe , De Coppi Paolo , Gennari Fabrizio
Published: May 2022

Nonrespiratory conditions related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections have been largely described. Ileocolic intussusception has been reported in association with SARS-CoV-2 infection in 10 children, raising the possibility of an etiopathologic role for the virus, but none of these cases documented tissue pathology that would have supported SARS-CoV-2 intestinal inflammation. We report 2 cases of intussusception in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who were treated at different pediatric tertiary centers in Europe and provide evidence of the presence of the virus in mesenteric and intestinal tissues of the patients.
Gastrostomy Tube Use in Pediatrics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Berman Loren , Baird Robert , Sant’Anna Ana , Rosen Rachel , Petrini Maria , Cellucci Michael , Fuchs Lynn , Costa Joanna , Lester Jennifer , Stevens Jenny , Morrow Michele , Jaszczyszyn Danielle , Amaral Joao , Goldin Adam
Published: May 2022

CONTEXT

Despite frequency of gastrostomy placement procedures in children, there remains considerable variability in preoperative work-up and procedural technique of gastrostomy placement and a paucity of literature regarding patient-centric outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This review summarizes existing literature and provides consensus-driven guidelines for patients throughout the enteral access decision-making process.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and Scopus.

STUDY SELECTION

Included studies were identified through a combination of the search terms “gastrostomy,” “g-tube,” and “tube feeding” in children.

DATA EXTRACTION

Relevant data, level of evidence, and risk of bias were extracted from included articles to guide formulation of consensus summaries of the evidence. Meta-analysis was conducted when data afforded a quantitative analysis.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

Four themes were explored: preoperative nasogastric feeding tube trials, decision-making surrounding enteral access, the role of preoperative imaging, and gastrostomy insertion techniques. Guidelines were generated after evidence review with multidisciplinary stakeholder involvement adhering to GRADE methodology.

RESULTS

Nearly 900 publications were reviewed, with 58 influencing final recommendations. In total, 17 recommendations are provided, including: (1) tTrial of home nasogastric feeding is safe and should be strongly considered before gastrostomy placement, especially for patients who are likely to learn to eat by mouth; (2) rRoutine contrast studies are not indicated before gastrostomy placement; and (3) lLaparoscopic placement is associated with the best safety profile.

LIMITATIONS

Recommendations were generated almost exclusively from observational studies and expert opinion, with few studies describing direct comparisons between GT placement and prolonged nasogastric feeding tube trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional patient- and family-centric evidence is needed to understand critical aspects of decision-making surrounding surgically placed enteral access devices for children.
Frame-Based Representation of the Concept “Digital Economy” in the Russian-Language Discursive Practice
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Yudina Natalya , Kalugina Olga ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: May 2022

The article presents the primary structure of the concept "digital economy". The research material is comprised of lexical units and word combinations that verbalize this concept and are included in electronic dictionaries and scientific publications on the relevant topics, selected by the keyword method. Frame analysis clarified that the concept "digital economy" in its cognitive structure reflects a hierarchy of cognitive layers that includes artificial intelligence and data subframes, which are distributed into several interconnected slots, including development, information, ICT, technology. A number of typical thematic categories and morphological-and-syntactic constructions were revealed in the structure of the concept digital economy. The application of linguacultural approach resulted in the thematic categorization of units, which represent the concept under study. The linguistic and cognitive approach has enabled part-of-speech categorization of the concept representatives. It is revealed that thematically the concept "digital economy" is represented by the following categories: tools and means, processes, goods and services. By means of the morphological-and-syntactic categorization of the language units, the dominance of the "Adjective + Noun" model was identified, the attributes informational, digital, electronic are found to be most frequent; they reflect the processes and categories of digitalization and informatization in the modern linguistic world image.
Analytical Review of Innovations of the IEEE 802.11ax Standard
Authors:   Volgograd State University, Tyukhtyaev Dmitry , Morozov Dmitry ,   Volgograd State University
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, due to the rapid development of small-scale wireless networks, the increase in the amount of the traffic consumption (due to the pandemic and the transfer of employees to remote work), the increase in the number of wireless devices and the requirements for the bandwidth of communication channels and different delays arising in them, characteristics of the 802.11ac standard the bandwidth described in this standard were no longer enough. To eliminate these shortcomings, the IEEE 802.11ax standard was introduced in 2019, and finally approved on February 1, 2021. This standard is commercially known as Wi-Fi 6. In the 802.11ax standard, developers focused on energy efficiency, capacity and bandwidth of the communication channel. Improving these parameters resulted in a quadruple increase in the average throughput per user and improved customer experience. These improvements are relevant for both external and internal subscribers. The article presented new technologies used in the IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard, such as MU-MIMO, OFDMA, Color Code BSS and Beamforming. MU-MIMO allows providers to simultaneously transmit different data to multiple subscriber stations. OFDMA technology allows providers to increase the bandwidth of the communication channel. The Color Code BSS technology allows us to identify the network as a “friend” or a “foe” when exchanging data between the router and other devices within the 802.11ax standard Wi-Fi network.
DO PROJETO PEDAGÓGICO À SALA DE AULA: A INTERDISCIPLINARIDADE NO CONTEXTO DO CURSO BC&T
Authors: Guimarães Patricia Baldow , Oliveira Altamir Fernandes de
Published: May 2022

Este estudo objetivou caracterizar a interdisciplinaridade no âmbito do curso Bacharelado Interdisciplinar em Ciência e Tecnologia - BC&T de uma universidade federal localizada no estado de Minas Gerais, com base no proposto pelos Referenciais Orientadores para os Bacharelados Interdisciplinares e Similares e respaldado em obras de autores como: Lenoir (1998), Japiassu (1976), Coimbra (2000), Fazenda(2010), Fortunato e Confortin (2013), Tosta (2011), Almeida (2010) e Morin (2003). Propôs verificar se o curso, através  do  seu  Projeto Pedagógico e  das  ações didático-pedagógicas,  encontra-se  em consonância com as diretrizes e princípios norteadores dos Bacharelados Interdisciplinares - BIs em relação à interdisciplinaridade. Para isso, foi desenvolvido estudo de cunho qualitativo e quantitativo com a realização de pesquisa bibliográfica, pesquisa documental e estudo de campo, este último com a utilização de questionários aplicados a alunos do quinto e sexto períodos e realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas com professores. Em resposta à questão principal da pesquisa foi verificado que, de um modo geral, no contexto do curso não é adotada metodologia interdisciplinar conforme previsto nas diretrizes e princípios norteadores dos BIs. Com base na análise dos dados e apoiados no aporte teórico dos autores consultados, foram apresentadas propostas que visam contribuir para a difusão da interdisciplinaridade no processo de ensino e aprendizagem dos BIs. Além disso, previu contribuir para o desenvolvimento científico da temática de modo a possibilitar novas discussões que visem garantir a efetividade de ações interdisciplinares nas instituições educacionais.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome and AKI: Beyond Crystal Mechanisms
Authors: Arnaud Marine , Loiselle Maud , Vaganay Camille , Pons Stéphanie , Letavernier Emmanuel , Demonchy Jordane , Fodil Sofiane , Nouacer Manal , Placier Sandrine , Frère Perrine , Arrii Eden , Lion Julien , Mooney Nuala , Itzykson Raphael , Djediat Chakib , Puissant Alexandre , Zafrani Lara
Published: May 2022

Significance Statement

The pathophysiology of AKI during tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is not fully understood. We aimed to decipher crystal-dependent and crystal-independent mechanisms of TLS-induced AKI. Analyzing urine and blood from patients with TLS provided data on crystal-independent mechanisms of the pathogenesis of AKI during TLS. We also explored mechanisms of TLS-induced AKI in vitro and in vivo in a murine model of TLS (syngeneic mice with acute myeloid leukemia receiving chemotherapy). We found that extracellular histones released in huge amounts during TLS profoundly alter the endothelium. Nonanticoagulant heparin mitigated AKI in this model.

Background

The pathophysiology of AKI during tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is not well understood due to the paucity of data. We aimed to decipher crystal-dependent and crystal-independent mechanisms of TLS-induced AKI.

Methods

Crystalluria, plasma cytokine levels, and extracellular histones levels were measured in two cohorts of patients with TLS. We developed a model of TLS in syngeneic mice with acute myeloid leukemia, and analyzed ultrastructural changes in kidneys and endothelial permeability using intravital confocal microscopy. In parallel, we studied the endothelial toxicity of extracellular histones in vitro.

Results

The study provides the first evidence that previously described crystal-dependent mechanisms are insufficient to explain TLS-induced AKI. Extracellular histones that are released in huge amounts during TLS caused profound endothelial alterations in the mouse model. The mechanisms of histone-mediated damage implicates endothelial cell activation mediated by Toll-like receptor 4. Heparin inhibits extracellular histones and mitigates endothelial dysfunction during TLS.

Conclusion

This study sheds new light on the pathophysiology of TLS-induced AKI and suggests that extracellular histones may constitute a novel target for therapeutic intervention in TLS when endothelial dysfunction occurs.
Explaining variance in writers’ use of demonstratives: A corpus study demonstrating the importance of discourse genre
Authors: Maes Alfons , Krahmer Emiel , Peeters David
Published: May 2022

Demonstratives such as this and that are among the most frequently used words in texts. But what are the factors that determine whether a writer uses one demonstrative form (proximal this) or another (distal that)? Here we report a large-scale corpus analysis in three written genres to empirically contrast theories based on differences in referent activation and prominence with a recent proposal suggesting that genre is the main driver of written demonstrative variance. We consistently observe that discourse genre is indeed the main predictor of writers’ demonstrative variation in English text. More specifically, a clear preference for distal demonstratives is found when the addressee is considered more prominent in the given discourse setting (as in news reports), whereas an overall preference for proximal demonstratives is observed when the knowledgeable writer feels more responsibility for the produced discourse themselves, as in an expository context (e.g. wikipedia texts). In such expository contexts, proximal demonstratives hence indicate that the referent is psychologically situated near the writer, whereas in interactional and narrative discourse the writer uses distal demonstratives to reach out to the addressee. These findings shed new theoretical light on some of the most frequently used and studied words in human language.
Modern Indian Utopian Art and Literature: An Introduction
Authors: Bagchi Barnita , Chatterjee Sukla
Published: May 2022

This is an editorial introduction to the Open Library of Humanities Special Collection on Utopian Art and Literature from Modern India, which has a major focus on literary and filmic imaginings of utopia and dystopia, with the majority of articles examining texts from the period before the Partition and independence of India in 1947. We show how the collection is part of the current scholarly endeavour to recognize the wealth of non-Eurocentric utopian and dystopian texts in literature. The introduction captures key themes such as the rural and the urban, discussed in the collection, and points out the scholarly innovation of paying sustained attention to literature written in bhashas (vernacular Indian languages) in both utopian and dystopian modes, and of analysing the work of classic Modernist writers from 20th-century India, such as Satinath Bhaduri and Tarasankar Bandopadhyay.
Rehabilitation interventions for impaired handwriting in people with Parkinson’s disease: a protocol for a scoping review v1
Authors: Gardoni Andrea , Sarasso Elisabetta , Agosta Federica , Filippi Massimo , Corbetta Davide
Published: May 2022

Handwriting abnormalities in people with Parkinson’s disease include several dynamic and kinematic features such as increased writing stroke duration, reduced velocity and altered fluency of the writing strokes. “Dysgraphia” is a term that includes all the possible handwriting alterations and the “micrographia”, that defines an impairment of a fine motor skill manifesting mainly as a progressive or stable reduction in amplitude during a writing task, is only one of the characteristics of parkinsonian handwriting. Few studies investigated the effects of a rehabilitative training on handwriting or used measures of handwriting as an outcome in people with PD. We aim to conduct a scoping review to answer the following question: “What are the effects of a rehabilitative program on handwriting in people with PD?”
Superior Nutra Keto (Shark Tank Pros Cons Side Effect) Shocking Results Reviews 2022 v1
Authors: not provided officialsuperior
Published: May 2022

Superior Nutra Keto is the advanced weight-reducing advanced solution that is trending. This formula’s agenda is to promote ketosis which proffers faster fat loss from the body
UNIFICATION OF NORMS IN THE FIELD OF INTERNATIONAL LEGAL REGULATION OF LABOUR
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Andriiv V.
Published: May 2022

The article examines the peculiarities of the unification of norms in the field of international labour regulation based on the analysis of international legal acts at the universal and regional levels, as well as related problems and characteristics. The methodological basis of the study were general and special methods of cognition. The dialectical method examines the problems of unification of regulation of international employment norms, along with the problems of labour migration management and their relationship with a number of trends that have different effects on international labour law. Formal and logical together with systematic methods were used in the study of the content of international legal acts that establish international labour standards, basic rights and guarantees in the field of labour and employment. The main result of the study is the regulation of the main trends in the process of unification of norms in the field of international labour law, as well as the conclusions and proposals aimed at improving the effectiveness of legal regulation of international labour law. Emphasis is also placed on the content, meaning and features of general substantive law, which enshrine international labour standards, basic rights and guarantees of migrant workers. Keywords: efficiency of legal regulation, unification of norms, international agreement, guarantees of rights