bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shifts of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal functioning along a simulated nitrogen deposition gradient
Authors: Wang Jian , Yang Chenxi , Zhang Haiou , Chen Tianqing
Published: April 2024

The deposition of atmospheric nitrogen can significantly boost the amount of nitrogen available in various ecosystems, potentially altering the mutualistic association between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and their host plants. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms and the degree to which externally induced nitrogen‐related changes in AMF functionality might impact Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, a plant known for its high mycorrhizal colonization, remains unclear. In this study, the mycorrhizal response affected by environmental N enrichment was addressed by conducting a glasshouse experiment, and four fertilization treatments (N1, N2, N3, and N4, 0, 15, 30, and 60 kg N hm−1 a−1, respectively) were used to simulate N deposition differences over the mycorrhizal response. The changes in mycorrhizal colonization and plant variables during different AMF and N fertilizer applications were investigated. When the gradient's nitrogen levels increased, the mycorrhizal growth response and mycorrhizal nitrogen response showed a pattern of first dropping and then increasing. N‐induced changes in the mycorrhizal response were associated with vesicular colonization, arbuscular colonization, and root‐length colonization. The variation in the mycorrhizal response over the N concentration gradient highlights the critical role of AMF in agroecosystems.
Isolation and identification of non‐Saccharomyces yeasts and their flavour characteristics while brewing Yinhong plum wine
Authors: Lei Yu , Li Tian , Chen Li , Deng Meng‐Sheng , Jin Lei , Li Yu‐Hao , Li Dong
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study was to screen non‐Saccharomyces yeast suitable for enhancing the aroma of Yinhong plum wine. Five non‐Saccharomyces yeasts with strong ester‐producing ability, namely, Wa3 (Wickerhamomyces anomalus), Hu12 (Hanseniaspora uvarum), Pk2A2, PkW2 and PkY2 (Pichia kluyveri), were selected from various naturally fermented fruit juices for molecular biological identification, analyses of physiological characteristics and tolerance and determination of their effects on the flavour of Yinhong plum wine. Analysis of brewing characteristics showed that they differed in their abilities of producing acetic acid, hydrogen sulfide, killer activity and tolerance. Among them, Wa3 showed the best tolerance to high concentrations of alcohol, sugar and SO2. Compared to the control Saccharomyces cerevisiae FX10, Yinhong plum wine fermented with non‐Saccharomyces yeast exhibited a decrease in alcohol content, while residual sugar, glycerol content and the types and quantities of volatile compounds all showed an increase. Among the fermented wines, PkY2 generated the highest content of ester compounds in the fermented wine, which was 5.66 times higher than that generated by the control. The compounds produced by PkY2 were closely related to various ethyl and acetate odour‐active compounds (odour‐active value >1), which could impart a rich floral and fruity aroma to Yinhong plum wine. Sensory analysis revealed that both floral and fruity aromas were significantly increased in Yinhong plum wine fermented by non‐Saccharomyces yeasts, with the highest scores of floral and fruity aromas for PkY2. In conclusion, a Pichia kluyveri strain, PkY2, with excellent brewing characteristics and potential for enhancing the aroma of Yinhong plum wine was identified.
An extended discontinuous Galerkin shock tracking method
Authors: Vandergrift Jakob , Kummer Florian
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we introduce a novel high‐order shock tracking method and provide a proof of concept. Our method leverages concepts from implicit shock tracking and extended discontinuous Galerkin methods, primarily designed for solving partial differential equations featuring discontinuities. To address this challenge, we solve a constrained optimization problem aiming at accurately fitting the zero iso‐contour of a level set function to the discontinuities. Additionally, we discuss various robustness measures inspired by both numerical experiments and existing literature. Finally, we showcase the capabilities of our method through a series of two‐dimensional problems, progressively increasing in complexity.
Biochemical profile of Dunaliella isolates from different regions of Iran with a focus on pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential applications
Authors: Araj‐Shirvani Maryam , Honarvar Masoud , Jahadi Mahshid , Mizani Maryam
Published: April 2024

This study was conducted to evaluate three species of Dunaliella microalgae (Dunaliella salina, Dunaliella viridis, and Dunaliella sp.) indigenous to Iran as new sources of natural chemical and bioactive compounds for exploring pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential applications. The results showed that the fat, carbohydrate (mono‐ and di‐saccharide), dietary fiber, and protein content of Dunaliella were in the range of 13.19–25.02, 7.59–12.37, 42.10–48.82, and 17.68–22.50 (%), respectively. Dunaliella salina contained a pigment fraction of 11.50%, which was largely composed of carotenoid (7.41%) and chlorophyll (4.09%). Antioxidant capacity and inhibition of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) of Dunaliella salina were 34.54 mg/1000 g and 55.63%, respectively. The lipid profile also revealed that three isolated Dunaliella are remarkable sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (25.42%–40.13%). Further, the ratios of ∑n‐3/∑n‐6 (2.79%), docosahexaenoic acid (6.15%), and eicosapentaenoic acid (11.26%) were the highest in Dunaliella salina. The results, thus, proved that Dunaliella spp., especially Dunaliella salina (IBRC‐M 50030), which originates from a lake in Semnan province, Iran, has potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its appropriate biopigment, protein, lipid, antioxidant activity, long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid.
Textural, rheological, and structural properties of turkey and chicken gelatins from mechanical deboning residues
Authors: Kurt Abdullah , Toker Omer Said , Akbulut Mehmet , Coklar Hacer , Ozmen Duygu , Ozcan Yilmaz , Hosseini Said Reza , Saricaoglu Furkan Turker , Demir Guntac , Argun Mustafa Samil
Published: April 2024

Large amounts of collagen‐rich by‐products are generated in poultry processing. In particular, gelatin from the by‐products of turkey processing is limited. Gelatin extraction from turkey and chicken MDRs (mechanically deboning residue) was the purpose of this study. Both materials were modified at the highest swelling pH for chemical denaturation of collagen and hot water extraction of gelatin was performed at the optimum temperature–time, which was determined to be pH 1.0 and 80°C–6 h, respectively. In these conditions, yields of 9.90% turkey gelatin (TG) and 13.85% chicken gelatin (CG) were produced. They demonstrated similar viscosity, gel strength, and lightness values of 72–73 g, 2.5–2.7 mPas, and 31, respectively. These results are close to those of bovine gelatin (BG). TG with 239.78 g Bloom exhibited higher strength than CG (225.27 g) and BG (220.00 g). The melting and gelation temperatures of CG and BG were 21 and 30°C, respectively, while those of TG were 19 and 28°C. Imino acids (proline + hydroxyproline) of TG (22.82%) were higher than those of CG (20.73%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed secondary structure and functional groups of CG and TG similar to those of BG. CG displayed a higher thermal transition temperature than BG, while TG exhibited the highest temperature sensitivity, according to the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. In conclusion, TG showed higher potential for effective utilization with higher bloom and imino acids. Overall, turkey and chicken MDRs are a promising and potential alternative source to produce gelatin with comparable properties to bovine gelatin for intended food applications as well as for pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields.
Penthorum chinense Pursh extract ameliorates hepatic steatosis by suppressing pyroptosis via the NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD pathway
Authors: Luo Ruixi , Hu Yudie , Wang La , Ke Zunli , Wang Wenjia , Wang Ping , Tian Weiyi
Published: April 2024

The primary catalyst for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is widely recognized as the induction of lipotoxicity in hepatocytes by an excess of fatty acids. In China, Penthorum chinense Pursh (PcP) is commonly employed as a functional food due to its known hepatoprotective properties. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of PcP extract on in vivo and in vitro models of NAFLD. We found that PcP extract can attenuate palmitic acid (PA)‐induced lipotoxicity in HepG2 cells. PA was observed to trigger pyroptosis, as indicated by the increased expression of NLRP3 and GSDMD/N, activation of Caspase‐1, and subsequent release of IL‐1β and IL‐18. However, these changes were reversed after PcP was administered. Furthermore, the application of an NLRP3 agonist inhibited the protective effects of PcP on lipotoxicity, indicating that PcP decreased lipotoxicity by inhibiting the NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD pathway. Ultimately, we established a rat model of NAFLD through the administration of a high‐fat diet (HFD), followed by the oral delivery of PcP extracts. The results demonstrated that the administration of PcP extract effectively decreased dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis, which coincided with a decrease in hepatic pyroptosis through modulation of the NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD pathway in liver tissues. Overall, our findings provide insight into the mechanism by which PcP extracts alleviate hepatic steatosis, highlighting the potential significance of modulating the NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD pathway in the context of pyroptosis.
Magma intrusion and migration under the continental large igneous provinces
Authors: Liang Zhiqing , Liao Jie , Li Lun
Published: April 2024

Large igneous provinces (LIPs) are often the surface expressions of mantle plume process. Intensive magma could occur in the continental crust when a mantle plume penetrates the Moho. How magmas migrate in the crust, forming LIPs, remains debated. In this study, we employ 2D thermo‐mechanical numerical modelling to study the dynamics of magma intrusion and migration within the continental crust affected by a mantle plume. Our results suggest that (1) lateral magma migration dominates crustal deformation, promoting the possible formation of metamorphic core complexes; (2) two distinct crustal deformation modes are recognized regarding the presence or absence of crustal break‐up, affected by whether a significant vertical magma migration occurs; (3) the crustal thickness, Moho temperature and the length of the preset weak crust–mantle decoupling zone are the three key parameters controlling crustal magma migration. This study highlights the importance of lateral magma migration in the lower crust and provides physical mechanisms for the interpretation of magma migration under LIPs.
Efficacy of 400 mg albendazole against soil‐transmitted helminthes among Salgy Primary School Children, Dembia district, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. “Uncontrolled experimental study”
Authors: Assefa Adane , Damtie Demekech , Abeje Getu , Almaw Andargachew , Berhan Ayenew , Debsh Habtu , Getie Molla
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Soil‐transmitted helminths are one of the most prevalent causes of both intellectual and physical disability in the world. Albendazole (ALB) is a drug recommended for mass treatment of the high burden of soil‐transmitted helminths in schoolchildren, particularly in developing countries. However, some researchers have reported that the efficacy of albedazole against soil‐transmitted helminths is inconsistent. Monitoring the programs is crucial to evaluating the effectiveness of 400 mg of ALB against soil‐transmitted helminths, as well as any changes in its therapeutic efficacy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate ALB effectiveness in treating soil‐transmitted helminthes in Salgy Primary School Children.

Methods

An uncontrolled experimental study was conducted at Salgy Primary School Children, Northwest Ethiopia, from March to May 2020. A total of 439 schoolchildren were enrolled and screened for soil‐transmitted helminths by stratified proportionate systematic random sampling to get 228 positive schoolchildren. Students in grades one through eight were grouped based on their educational attainment. Using the Kato‐Katz thick smear technique, the selected stool sample collected from school children was examined using the Kato‐Katz thick smear technique to determine the cure and egg reduction rates. The statistical package for social science software, version 20, was used to analyze the data. To determine the relationship between CR (cure rate) and ERR (egg reduction rate) by age, a chi‐square test (X2) was employed and significance was considered at A 95% confidence interval and p Value (p < 0.05).

Results

A 400 mg single dosage of ALB showed a 99.35% CR and a 97.30% egg reduction rate against Ascaris lumibricoides. Additionally, a 400 mg dose of ALB showed a 95.75% CR and an 82.07% egg reduction rate, suggesting questionable effectiveness against hookworm infections. Trichuris trichiura showed a decreased efficacy, with a 43.53% CR and a 23.12% egg reduction rate.

Conclusion

A single dose of 400 mg ALB is effective (satisfactory), doubtful, and unsatisfactory against Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and T. trichiura infections, respectively. Further studies using different brands, doses, and routes will be needed to treat hookworm and T. trichiura infections successfully by using a larger sample size.
Monocyte HLA‐DR level on admission predicting in‐hospital mortality rate in exertional heatstroke: A 12‐year retrospective study
Authors: Wang Fanfan , Gong Fanghe , Shi Xuezhi , Yang Jiale , Qian Jing , Wan Lulu , Tong Huasheng
Published: April 2024

Background

Exertional heatstroke (EHS), a fatal illness, pronounces multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and high mortality rate. Currently, no ideal factor prognoses EHS. Decreased monocyte human leukocyte‐DR antigen (mHLA‐DR) has been observed in critically ill individuals, particularly in those with sepsis. While most research focus on the pro‐inflammatory response exploration in EHS, there are few studies related to immunosuppression, and no report targeted on mHLA‐DR in EHS. The present study tried to explore the prognostic value of mHLA‐DR levels in EHS patients.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective study. Clinical data of EHS patients admitted to the intensive care unit of the General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2020, were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Seventy patients with 54 survivors and 16 nonsurvivors were ultimately enrolled. Levels of mHLA‐DR in the nonsurvivors (41.8% [38.1–68.1]%) were significantly lower than those in the survivors (83.1% [67.6–89.4]%, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that mHLA‐DR (odds ratio [OR] = 0.939; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.892–0.988; p = 0.016) and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores (OR = 0.726; 95% CI: 0.591–0.892; p = 0.002) were independent risk factors related with in‐hospital mortality rate in EHS. A nomogram incorporated mHLA‐DR with GCS demonstrated excellent discrimination and calibration abilities. Compared to the traditional scoring systems, the prediction model incorporated mHLA‐DR with GCS had the highest area under the curve (0.947, 95% CI: [0.865–0.986]) and Youden index (0.8333), with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83.33%, and a greater clinical net benefit.

Conclusion

Patients with EHS were at a risk of early experiencing decreased mHLA‐DR early. A nomogram based on mHLA‐DR with GCS was developed to facilitate early identification and timely treatment of individuals with potentially poor prognosis.
Effects of oropharyngeal administration of own mother's milk on oral microbial colonization in very low birth weight infants fed by gastric tube: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Xiyang , Zhao Qian , Mu Xiaohe , Yang Chuanzhong , Ning Yan , Xiong Xiaoyun , Qin Xiaoling , Chen Lilian
Published: April 2024

Aims

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of oropharyngeal mother's milk administration on oral microbial colonization in infants fed by gastric tube at different time points.

Methods

Infants (n = 116) with birth weight <1500 g were randomly allocated into two groups which both received breast milk for enteral nutrition. The control group (n = 51) accepted oropharyngeal normal saline administration. The experimental group (n = 53) accepted oropharyngeal mother's milk administration before fed by gastric tube once every 3 h over 21 days after birth. We analyzed the oral microbiota at initiation and 7 and 14 and 21 days later using 16S DNA amplicon sequencing.

Results

There were no difference in oral microbial diversity between the two groups at any time point, but diversity decreased significantly over time in both groups. On the first day of life, the oral microbiota of the infant in the experimental and control groups consisted mainly of Firmicutes (7.75%, 6.18%) and Proteobacteria (68.65%, 68.69%), respectively. As time increases to 21 days after birth, Firmicutes (77.67%, 77.66%) had replaced Proteobacteria (68.65%, 68.69%) as the predominant phylum.

Discussion

From birth to 21 days after birth, oropharyngeal mother's milk administration did not change the diversity and structural composition of the oral microbiota. The oral microbial diversity of infants declined significantly over time. Firmicutes had replaced Proteobacteria as the predominant phylum.
Preparation of BiOBrxCl1‐x solid solution photocatalyst with oxygen vacancies for degradation of methyl orange under simulated sunlight
Authors: Ren Kunhua , Shao Fubo , Li Hui , Mao Xiqiang , Yang Jian , Fan Ximei
Published: April 2024

BiOBrxCl1‐x solid solution with oxygen vacancies was synthesized using a simple one‐step hydrothermal method. The sample was characterized using comprehensive characterization techniques, and the results showed that the solid solution material was successfully prepared. Adjusting the relative proportion of halogens in BiOBrxCl1‐x solid solution has a significant impact on the morphology, optical properties, and photocatalytic activity of the sample, and oxygen vacancies are introduced into the material. The presence of oxygen vacancies improves the separation efficiency of charge carriers and facilitates the activation of oxygen molecules into superoxide radicals. Among them, BiOBr0.2Cl0.8 showed flower‐like microspheres morphology and exhibited the best photocatalytic activity. After 30 min of dark adsorption and 1 h of simulated sunlight exposure, the removal rate of methyl orange (MO) was 92.5%, which was 2.38 times higher than that of pure BiOBr (38.9%) and 2.09 times higher than that of pure BiOCl (44.3%), respectively.
Highly efficient recovery of vanadium from Abu Zeneima ferruginous siltstone, Southwestern Sinai, Egypt, by a novel polyimine‐based chelating ligand
Authors: Atia Bahig M. , Radwan Hend A. , Kassab Walaa A. , Sarhan Hazem K. A. , Gado Mohamed A. , Goda Adel E.
Published: April 2024

To extract V5+ ions from the ferruginous siltstone in the Abu Zeneima region of Southwestern Sinai, Egypt, a chelating polyimine ligand (PVAm‐Ben) was synthesized via a condensation reaction involving polyvinyl amine and α‐hydroxy ketone (Benzoin). The structure of PVAm‐Ben underwent comprehensive characterization employing various techniques, namely; FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and GC/MS analyses. Experimental factors controlling such as pH, time, initial concentration, dosage, temperature, and stripping, were systematically optimized to enhance measurement accuracy. Under conditions of 25°C, 0.015 mol/L, and 30 minutes, PVAm‐Ben/C2H4Cl2 exhibited remarkable retention capacity at pH 3. Linear regression analysis results suggested the release of a mole of H+ during the extraction process. The stability constant (log β = 2.1882) of the PVAm‐Ben/V5+ complex was determined, yielding a value of 154.24. The stoichiometry mechanism between PVAm‐Ben and V5+ ions displayed a linear correlation (slope: 0.9922), signifying 1 mole of PVAm‐Ben reacting with 1 mole of vanadium. The pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model indicated an exothermic, spontaneous, and advantageous extraction process at low temperatures. Efficient stripping of PVAm‐Ben/C2H4Cl2 loaded with vanadium was achieved using 0.05 M NaOH with a 99% efficiency rate. Ultimately, enhanced variables were employed to yield a V2O5 concentrate with a vanadium content of 55% and a purity level of 98.21%.
The generalization‐across‐dimensions model applied to conditional temporal discrimination
Authors: Davison Michael , Cowie Sarah
Published: April 2024

Can simple choice conditional‐discrimination choice be accounted for by recent quantitative models of combined stimulus and reinforcer control? In Experiment 1, two sets of five blackout durations, one using shorter intervals and one using longer intervals, conditionally signaled which subsequent choice response might provide food. In seven conditions, the distribution of blackout durations across the sets was varied. An updated version of the generalization‐across‐dimensions model nicely described the way that choice changed across durations. In Experiment 2, just two blackout durations acted as the conditional stimuli and the durations were varied over 10 conditions. The parameters of the model obtained in Experiment 1 failed adequately to predict choice in Experiment 2, but the model again fitted the data nicely. The failure to predict the Experiment 2 data from the Experiment 1 parameters occurred because in Experiment 1 differential control by reinforcer locations progressively decreased with blackout durations, whereas in Experiment 2 this control remained constant. These experiments extend the ability of the model to describe data from procedures based on concurrent schedules in which reinforcer ratios reverse at fixed times to those from conditional‐discrimination procedures. Further research is needed to understand why control by reinforcer location differed between the two experiments.
Enhancing intersex healthcare: A qualitative study of parental perspectives on the role of genetics
Authors: Horowitz Kayla , Zayhowski Kimberly , Palmour Nicole , Haghighat Darius , Joly Yann
Published: April 2024

Intersex individuals, encompassing people with diverse sex characteristics that do not fit binary frameworks of sex, have long faced a history of medical secrecy, discrimination, and societal stigma, contributing to their limited social visibility. In recent years, increased awareness of intersex issues and a robust advocacy movement have drawn significant attention to the experiences of intersex individuals and their families. This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the experiences and needs of parents of intersex individuals within genetic healthcare systems, bridging a critical gap, and advocating for more comprehensive and supportive healthcare practices. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 14 parents of intersex individuals, and reflexive thematic analysis was used to inductively generate four major themes. Themes highlighted the need for improved accessibility of intersex healthcare, the importance of multidisciplinary healthcare teams, and the significance of clinical diagnosis provided by genetics professionals. Furthermore, the study highlighted the necessity of a thoughtful approach to information provision and the impact of genetic investigations on family dynamics. Genetics professionals can play a pivotal role in raising awareness about intersex variations, improving diagnostic processes, collaborating within healthcare teams, and providing specialized support to address psychosocial concerns. The study underscores the importance of treating families as a collective entity and addressing the impact of genetic investigations on the family unit. By addressing the challenges and implementing the recommendations outlined, healthcare institutions can create a more compassionate, inclusive, and effective healthcare environment for the intersex community.
Social and structural drivers of HIV vulnerability among a respondent‐driven sample of feminine and non‐feminine presenting transgender women who have sex with men in Zimbabwe
Authors: Parmley Lauren E. , Miller Sophia S. , Chingombe Innocent , Mapingure Munyaradzi , Mugurungi Owen , Rogers John H. , Musuka Godfrey , Samba Chesterfield , Hakim Avi J. , Harris Tiffany G.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

We sought to characterize social and structural drivers of HIV vulnerability for transgender women (TGW) in Zimbabwe, where TGW are not legally recognized, and explore differences in vulnerability by feminine presentation.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted with a sub‐sample of participants recruited from a 2019 respondent‐driven sampling survey that comprised men who have sex with men, TGW and genderqueer individuals assigned male sex at birth, from two cities in Zimbabwe. Survey questionnaires captured information related to socio‐demographics, sexual and substance use behaviours, and social and structural barriers to HIV services. Secondary analyses were restricted to participants who identified as female, transfemale or transwomen (236/1538) and were unweighted. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate sample estimates and chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess differences in vulnerability by feminine presentation.

Results

Among 236 TGW, almost half (45.3%) presented as feminine in the 6 months preceding the survey and 8.5% had ever used hormones to affirm their gender identities. Median age among TGW was 23 years (interquartile range: 20–26). Feminine presenting TGW in our sample had higher prevalence of arrest (15.9% vs. 3.9%), rejection by family/friends (38.3% vs. 14.0%), employment termination (11.2% vs. 3.9%), employment refusal (14.0% vs. 3.9%), denial of healthcare (16.8% vs. 2.3%), physical, sexual or verbal harassment or abuse (59.8% vs. 34.1%), alcohol dependence (32.7% vs. 12.4%), recent transactional sex with a male or TGW partner (30.8% vs. 13.3%) and recent non‐injection drug use (38.3% vs. 20.2%) than non‐feminine presenting TGW (all p‐value <0.05).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that TGW, particularly feminine presenting TGW, experience social and structural inequities which may contribute to HIV vulnerability. Interventions aimed at addressing inequities, including trans competency training for providers and gender‐affirming, psychosocial and legal support services for TGW, might mitigate risk.
Enasidenib‐induced hepatitis in an individual with Type II D2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria
Authors: Gold Jessica I. , Stefanatos Arianna K. , Fraser Jamie L. , Vanderver Adeline , Cuddapah Sanmati
Published: April 2024

Type II D‐2‐Hydroxyglutaric aciduria (T2D2HGA) is caused by a gain‐of‐function pathogenic variant in Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2). Patients with T2D2HGA commonly present with developmental delay, seizures, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. The recently approved IDH2‐inhibitor Enasidenib targets the p.Arg140Gln pathogenic IDH2 variant and decreases production of D2HGA. We present a 7‐year‐old female with T2D2HGA due to the p.Arg140Gln variant. She was diagnosed at 3‐years‐old after presenting with global developmental delay, leukoencephalopathy, communicating hydrocephalus, seizures, and dilated cardiomyopathy. At age 3 years 11 months, 50 mg Enasidenib daily was initiated. Primary outcomes included seizure frequency, hospital admissions, development, and cardiac structure. Laboratories were monitored biweekly for common Enasidenib side effects. Our patient tolerated Enasidenib well. Urine 2‐HGA decreased significantly from 244 mg/g creatinine to undetectable within 2 weeks of treatment. Inpatient admissions decreased from 8 during the 2 years preceding treatment to 1 during treatment. She has been seizure‐free since Enasidenib initiation. Echocardiography showed improvement in dilated cardiomyopathy with normal left ventricular systolic function. Developmental assessment demonstrated improvements in gross motor, fine motor, language, and socialization domains. Treatment was complicated by mild elevations in alanine transaminase (118 IU/L, range 0–28) and creatine kinase (334 U/L, range 45–198) that resolved by decreasing Enasidenib dosing frequency to three times weekly. Enasidenib is a viable treatment for Type II D2HGA with benefits including developmental gains, fewer acute medical interventions, and cardiomyopathy improvement. While drug‐induced hepatitis is a novel adverse effect of Enasidenib, it can be ameliorated by decreasing dose frequency.
Study on single‐mode transmission in non‐radiative dielectric waveguide
Authors: Kazama Keisuke , Patwary Md. Iquebal Hossain , Iguchi Akito , Tsuji Yasuhide
Published: April 2024

In order to develop millimeter‐wave integrated circuits, low‐loss and compact waveguide devices have been intensively investigated in recent years. Non‐radiative dielectric waveguide (NRD guide) is expected to be a platform for millimeter‐wave and THz‐wave circuits because of its non‐radiative nature. However, conventional NRD guides support and modes simultaneously and mode conversion between these modes often occurs at bends and discontinuities. Therefore, circuit devices have to be carefully designed not to excite unwanted mode. In this paper, we propose a sub‐wavelength grating NRD guide (SWG‐NRD guide) to achieve single‐mode transmission band of mode. SWG structure can easily control dispersion property of transmission modes and cut‐off frequency of mode can be greatly shifted to higher frequency side. The designed SWG‐NRD guide achieves a wide transmission band of 20 GHz with a central frequency of 60 GHz. We also propose a taper waveguide to connect SWG‐NRD guide with the conventional NRD guide with low reflection. Finally, we present the propagation characteristics of the SWG‐NRD guide bend. The proposed SWG‐NRD guide shows high transmission efficiency and overcomes the problems of mode conversion in NRD guides.
Enhanced gelling property and freeze–thaw stability of potato, tapioca and corn starches modified by mild heating in aqueous ethanol solution
Authors: Park Han‐Jun , Cho Dong‐Hwa , Chung Hyun‐Jung , Lim Seung‐Taik
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Physically modified starches can be classified as natural ingredients on food labels and clean label products. Thus, the market demand for physically modified starch is increasing. Potato, tapioca and corn starches were physically modified by mild heat treatment in an alcoholic solution to enhance their gelling property and freeze–thaw stability.

RESULTS

During mild heating of starch suspension (40% w/w) in 10% ethanol solution at the onset gelatinization temperature, granular swelling of starch occurred, followed by amylose leaching with medication of the surface structure of the starch granules. All treated starches exhibited increased gelatinization and pasting temperatures and decreased breakdown for pasting as a result of improved stability against shear and heat. The treated starches had higher hardness, cohesiveness and springiness of gel than the respective native starches, and these gel properties were more pronounced in potato starch than in tapioca and corn starches. The treated starches showed substantially reduced gel syneresis during freeze–thawing.

CONCLUSION

Physical modification of starch by mild heat treatment in an alcoholic solution substantially improved its gelation ability and freeze–thaw stability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Apigetrin alleviates intervertebral disk degeneration by regulating nucleus pulposus cell autophagy
Authors: Xu Tao , Zhao Hongqi , Li Jian , Fang Xuan , Wu Hua , Hu Weihua
Published: April 2024

Background

Intervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD) is a common spine disease, and inflammation is considered to be one of its main pathogenesis. Apigetrin (API) is a natural bioactive flavonoid isolated from various herbal medicines and shows attractive anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative properties; whereas, there is no exploration of the therapeutic potential of API on IVDD. Here, we aim to explore the potential role of API on IVDD in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

In vitro, western blotting, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence analysis were implemented to explore the bioactivity of API on interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β)‐induced inflammatory changes in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). In vivo, histological staining and immunohistochemistry were employed to investigate the histological changes of intervertebral disk sections on puncture‐induced IVDD rat models.

Results

In vitro, API played a crucial role in anti‐inflammation and autophagy enhancement in IL‐1β‐induced NPCs. API improved inflammation by inhibiting the nuclear factor‐kappaB and mitogen‐activated protein kinas pathways, whereas it promoted autophagy via the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/AKT/mammalian target of the rapamycin pathway. Furthermore, in vivo experiment illustrated that API mitigates the IVDD progression in puncture‐induced IVDD model.

Conclusions

API inhibited degenerative phenotypes and promoted autophagy in vivo and in vitro IVDD models. Those suggested that API might be a potential drug or target for IVDD.
Automatic grading of intervertebral disc degeneration in lumbar dog spines
Authors: Niemeyer Frank , Galbusera Fabio , Beukers Martijn , Jonas René , Tao Youping , Fusellier Marion , Tryfonidou Marianna A. , Neidlinger‐Wilke Cornelia , Kienle Annette , Wilke Hans‐Joachim
Published: April 2024

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration is frequent in dogs and can be associated with symptoms and functional impairments. The degree of disc degeneration can be assessed on T2‐weighted MRI scans using the Pfirrmann classification scheme, which was developed for the human spine. However, it could also be used to quantify the effectiveness of disc regeneration therapies. We developed and tested a deep learning tool able to automatically score the degree of disc degeneration in dog spines, starting from an existing model designed to process images of human patients.

Methods

MRI midsagittal scans of 5991 lumbar discs of dog patients were collected and manually evaluated with the Pfirrmann scheme and a modified scheme with transitional grades. A deep learning model was trained to classify the disc images based on the two schemes and tested by comparing its performance with the model processing human images.

Results

The determination of the Pfirrmann grade showed sensitivities higher than 83% for all degeneration grades, except for grade 5, which is rare in dog spines, and high specificities. In comparison, the correspondent human model had slightly higher sensitivities, on average 90% versus 85% for the canine model. The modified scheme with the fractional grades did not show significant advantages with respect to the original Pfirrmann grades.

Conclusions

The novel tool was able to accurately and reliably score the severity of disc degeneration in dogs, although with a performance inferior than that of the human model. The tool has potential in the clinical management of disc degeneration in canine patients as well as in longitudinal studies evaluating regenerative therapies in dogs used as animal models of human disorders.
Assessment of atopic dermatitis in all phototypes using line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM)
Authors: Ouellette Samantha , Truong Thu Minh , Khan Samavia , Ragi Sara , Razi Shazli , Rao Babar
Published: April 2024

Background

Theclinical presentation of atopic dermatitis (AD) varies in different skin phototypes and has been evaluated previously using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) is a new noninvasive imaging modality with additional capabilities.

Objectives

This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the capabilities of LC‐OCT and RCM in visualizing and quantifying microscopic features of AD lesions.

Methods

Ten patients with clinically diagnosed AD and visible active lesions were included in the study. LC‐OCT and RCM imaging were performed on lesional and perilesional skin during routine dermatology visits. Image analysis included quantitative measurements of living and total epidermal thickness and dermo‐epidermal junction (DEJ) undulation using LC‐OCT, as well as visual assessment of characteristic features such as spongiosis, exocytosis, perivascular inflammation, and atypical blood vessels using both LC‐OCT and RCM.

Results

LC‐OCT provided precise measurements of epidermal landmarks and shared similar microscopic features compared to RCM. AD lesions exhibited increased stratum corneum thickness, living epidermis thickness, total epidermis thickness, and DEJ undulation compared to clinically normal skin. Spongiosis, exocytosis, perivascular inflammation, blood vessel proliferation, and dilation were prominent features observed in AD lesions on both LC‐OCT and RCM images. Interestingly, some inflammatory features were also detected in the visually normal skin of AD patients.

Conclusions

LC‐OCT showed potential as a fast and noninvasive imaging tool for assessing inflammatory skin pathologies, including AD. Its ability to visualize microscopic features and quantify epidermal changes may aid in diagnosis and treatment monitoring. These findings suggest that LC‐OCT could provide valuable insights, particularly for patients with darker skin types where clinical severity assessment may be challenging. Further studies are warranted to explore the full potential of LC‐OCT and its integration into clinical practice.
Effects of tendon elongation on plantar pressure and clinical outcomes: A comparative analysis between open repair and minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Karlidag Taner , Bingol Olgun , Kulakoglu Burak , Keskin Omer Halit , Durgal Atahan , Ozdemir Guzelali
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess whether variances in Achilles tendon elongation are linked to dissimilarities in the plantar pressure distribution following two different surgical approaches for an Achilles tendon rupture (ATR).

Methods

All patients who were treated with open or minimally invasive surgical repair (MIS) and were over 2 years post their ATR were eligible for inclusion. A total of 65 patients with an average age of 43 ± 11 years were included in the study. Thirty‐five patients were treated with open repair, and 30 patients were treated with MIS. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and ATR Score (ATRS). Achilles tendon elongation was measured using axial and sagittal magnetic resonance imaging scans. Plantar pressure measurements for the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot during gait were divided into percentages based on total pressure, measured in g/cm2 for each area.

Results

The average AOFAS score was found ‘excellent’ (93 ± 2.8) in the MIS group, while it was found ‘good’ (87.4 ± 5.6) in the open repair group. In addition, the MIS group showed significantly superior ATRS scores (78.8 ± 7.4) compared to the open repair group (56.4 ± 15.4) (p < 0.001). The average tendon elongation in the MIS group was 11.3 ± 2 mm, while it was 17.3 ± 4.3 mm (p < 0.001) in the open repair group. While the open repair group showed significantly higher plantar pressure distribution in the initial contact and preswing phases compared to uninjured extremities, there was no significant difference between the uninjured extremities and the MIS group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrated that minimally invasive surgery was associated with less tendon elongation, more proximity to the plantar pressure distributions of the uninjured extremity and superior clinical outcomes compared to open surgical repair. Therefore, minimally invasive surgery may be considered a more suitable option for acute Achilles tendon repair to achieve overall better outcomes.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Revegetation of disturbed land reclaimed with suboptimal topsoil replacement depth and organic amendments
Authors: Nawu Takudzwa , Zvomuya Francis , Adesanya Theresa , Renault Sylvie , Amarakoon Inoka , Bekele Asfaw
Published: April 2024

Successful reclamation and revegetation of disturbed sites depends on the availability of sufficient topsoil. Current regulations in western Canada require the replacement of ≥80% of the original topsoil depth (TRD) to restore pre‐disturbance productivity. However, salvaged topsoil at many legacy and other disturbed sites is often insufficient to achieve the 80% TRD (TRD80). This 5‐year study examined vegetation responses to 50% TRD without organic amendment (TRD50) or amended with either peat (PTRD50) or biochar (BTRD50), relative to the TRD80 treatment, following borrow site reclamation in northeastern Alberta, Canada. Amendments were applied once at rates calculated to bring organic carbon in the topsoil to concentrations approximating those in the TRD80 treatment. Tree and shrub seedling mixes were transplanted following amendment application and vegetation attributes were measured annually thereafter. Results showed that PTRD50 performed as well as TRD80 and outperformed BTRD50 with respect to native species' canopy cover and tree seedling height. Canopy covers of forb and non‐native species decreased significantly whereas those of graminoid and native species increased over time for all treatments. Across treatments, native plant species richness increased by 5% per year while non‐native species richness decreased by 19% per year. Overall, peat showed a satisfactory rate of recovery and a trajectory toward the natural boreal forest, indicating its potential to improve reclamation success at disturbed boreal sites where salvaged soil is insufficient to attain equivalent land capability. This finding will provide an additional tool for regulators seeking to refine land reclamation guidelines for such sites in boreal forest regions.
Dynamics of resource allocation–firm performance relationship: Panel autoregressive distributed lag approach
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Singh Balwinder
Published: April 2024

The present study aims to unravel the intricacies of the resource allocation–firm performance relationship by examining the impact of resource allocation to research and development (R&D), advertising, inventories, and wages and salaries on firm performance, considering both short‐term and long‐term dynamics This work is conducted using a sample of 240 listed Indian manufacturing firms over a time span of 18 years, that is, from 2006 to 2023. Based on the empirical findings from the dynamic panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, it is revealed that, in the short term, allocating resources to areas such as R&D, advertising, inventories, and wages and salaries has a detrimental effect on sales. However, in the long term, these resource allocations show a positive impact on sales. Regarding stock market performance, both R&D and advertising exert a negative influence on Tobin's Q in the short term, but their impact becomes positive in the long term. In the case of inventories and wages and salaries, their effects evolve over time: Initially, in the short term, both have a positive impact on Tobin's Q, but this effect switches to negative and becomes significant in the long term. The key contribution of this study revolves around a model‐driven approach aimed at tackling the complex issue of resource allocation and its dynamic impact on performance outcomes.
Applying Lin's method to constructing heteroclinic orbits near the heteroclinic chain
Authors: Long Bin , Yang Yiying
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we apply Lin's method to study the existence of heteroclinic orbits near the degenerate heteroclinic chain under
‐dimensional periodic perturbations. The heteroclinic chain consists of two degenerate heteroclinic orbits
and
connected by three hyperbolic saddle points
. Assume that the degeneracy of the unperturbed heteroclinic orbit
is
, the splitting index is
. By applying Lin's method, we construct heteroclinic orbits connected
and
near the unperturbed heteroclinic chain. The existence of these orbits is equivalent to finding zeros of the corresponding bifurcation function. The lower order terms of the bifurcation function is the map from
to
. Using the contraction mapping principle, we provide a detailed analysis on how zeros can exist based on different cases of splitting indices
,
and then obtain the existence of the heteroclinic orbits which backward asymptotic to
and forward asymptotic to
.
Factors promoting and hindering resilience in youth with inflammatory bowel disease: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: You Lili , Wang Siyao , Wang Yangyang , Zhu Lingling , Wang Tiantian , Yu Xiang , Dong Jing , Guan Yuxia
Published: April 2024

Aim

To explore factors promoting and hindering resilience in youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) based on Kumpfer's resilience framework.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study design with an interpretative approach was used.

Methods

Participants consisted of 10 youths with IBD from a tertiary hospital in Beijing (China) recruited using the purposive sampling method. Data were collected by semi‐structured interviews from December 2020 to March 2021. The directed content analysis was performed for data analysis.

Results

Both promoting factors and hindering factors could be divided into personal factors and environmental factors. Thirteen themes were identified. The promoting factors included acceptance of illness, strict self‐management, previous treatment experience, life goals, family support, medical support and peer encouragement. Stigma, lack of communication, negative cognition, societal incomprehension, economic pressure and academic and employment pressure were hindering factors.

Conclusion

Health care professionals need to develop greater awareness of factors, stemming from both the individual and the outside world, that hinder or promote resilience in order to aid young patients with IBD. Building targeted nursing measures to excavate the internal positive quality of patients, provide external support and promote the development of resilience.
Portrait of a Surgeon: Artificial Intelligence Reflections
Authors: Farlow Janice L. , Abouyared Marianne , Rettig Eleni M. , Kejner Alexandra , Edwards Heather A. , Patel Rusha
Published: April 2024

Text‐to‐image artificial intelligence (AI) programs are popular public‐facing tools that generate novel images based on user prompts. Given that they are trained from Internet data, they may reflect societal biases, as has been shown for text‐to‐text large language model programs. We sought to investigate whether 3 common text‐to‐image AI systems recapitulated stereotypes held about surgeons and other health care professionals. All platforms queried were able to reproduce common aspects of the profession including attire, equipment, and background settings, but there were differences between programs most notably regarding visible race and gender diversity. Thus, historical stereotypes of surgeons may be reinforced by the public's use of text‐to‐image AI systems, particularly those without procedures to regulate generated output. As AI systems become more ubiquitous, understanding the implications of their use in health care and for health care‐adjacent purposes is critical to advocate for and preserve the core values and goals of our profession.