bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower Locus Coeruleus Integrity Signals Elevated Entorhinal Tau and Clinical Progression in Asymptomatic Older Individuals
Authors: Engels‐Domínguez Nina , Riphagen Joost M. , Van Egroo Maxime , Koops Elouise A. , Smegal Lindsay F. , Becker J. Alex , Prokopiou Prokopis C. , Bueichekú Elisenda , Kwong Kenneth K. , Rentz Dorene M. , Salat David H. , Sperling Reisa A. , Johnson Keith A. , Jacobs Heidi I.L.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Elevated entorhinal cortex (EC) tau in low beta‐amyloid individuals can predict accumulation of pathology and cognitive decline. We compared the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐derived locus coeruleus integrity, neocortical beta‐amyloid burden by positron emission tomography (PET), and hippocampal volume in identifying elevated entorhinal tau signal in asymptomatic individuals who are considered beta‐amyloid PET‐negative.

Methods

We included 188 asymptomatic individuals (70.78 ± 11.51 years, 58% female) who underwent 3T‐MRI of the locus coeruleus, Pittsburgh compound‐B (PiB), and Flortaucipir (FTP) PET. Associations between elevated EC tau and neocortical PiB, hippocampal volume, or locus coeruleus integrity were evaluated and compared using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses in the PiB− sample with a clinical dementia rating (CDR) of 0. Associations with clinical progression (CDR‐sum‐of‐boxes) over a time span of 6 years were evaluated with Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

We identified 26 (21%) individuals with high EC FTP in the CDR = 0/PiB− sample. Locus coeruleus integrity was a significantly more sensitive and specific predictor of elevated EC FTP (area under the curve [AUC] = 85%) compared with PiB (AUC = 77%) or hippocampal volume (AUC = 76%). Based on the Youden‐index, locus coeruleus integrity obtained a sensitivity of 77% and 85% specificity. Using the resulting locus coeruleus Youden cut‐off, lower locus coeruleus integrity was associated with a two‐fold increase in clinical progression, including mild cognitive impairment.

Interpretation

Locus coeruleus integrity has promise as a low‐cost, non‐invasive screening instrument to detect early cortical tau deposition and associated clinical progression in asymptomatic, low beta‐amyloid individuals. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:650–661
Cancer Frequency in MuSK Myasthenia Gravis and Histological Evidence of Paraneoplastic Etiology
Authors: Falso Silvia , Gessi Marco , Marini Sofia , Benvenuto Roberta , Sabatelli Eleonora , D'Amati Antonio , Marini Martina , Evoli Amelia , Iorio Raffaele
Published: July 2024

Cancer frequency in muscle‐specific kinase myasthenia gravis (MuSK‐MG) has not yet been explored and the mechanisms leading to the formation of MuSK IgG remain elusive. We aimed to explore cancer frequency in MuSK‐MG patients and to assess MuSK expression in cancer cells from 2 tumors occurred in this cohort. Immunohistochemistry on tumor specimens revealed the expression of MuSK in the cancer cells from primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma and endometrial carcinoma. Twenty‐one males and 73 females were enrolled. Fifteen cancers occurred in 13 of 94 patients (13.8%). Patients with cancer were significantly older at time of MuSK‐MG onset. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:1020–1025
Effect of Presodiation Additive on Structural and Interfacial Stability of Hard Carbon | P2‐Na0.66Mn0.75Ni0.2Mg0.05O2 Full Cell
Authors: Sbrascini Leonardo , Sarapulova Angelina , Gauckler Cornelius , Gehrlein Lydia , Jeschull Fabian , Akçay Tolga , Mönig Reiner , Marinaro Mario , Nobili Francesco , Dsoke Sonia
Published: July 2024

The compatibility between a corncob‐derived hard carbon anode and a layered oxide cathode (Na0.66Mn0.75Ni0.2Mg0.05O2), as well as the effect of presodiation via cathode additive (Na2C4O4), are investigated in a sodium‐ion full cell. Extensive physicochemical and electrochemical characterizations are performed to deeply investigate the structural and interfacial evolution of the materials in the presodiated cell, either within the single cycle or upon long‐term cycling. The use of sacrificial cathode additives is generally regarded as a method to improve full cell performance, especially when using sodium‐deficient materials. However, undesired effects upon decomposition of the sacrificial salt may arise due to the complexity of the system. In this study, it is evidenced that the presodiation changes the properties of the electrodes causing a worsening of the electrochemical performance of the cell during long‐term cycling. The surface morphology of the cathode is negatively affected by the formation of holes/cracks, while redox processes associated with structural transformations are suppressed in the voltage window of interest, with partial structural deformations occurring during activation cycles. The SEI and CEI are also affected by the formation of insulating organic species, which lead to an increased thickness and interphase resistance hampering the charge transfer kinetics of the cell.
The Combinatory Effects of Essential Oil from Lippia macrophylla on Multidrug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolates
Authors: da Silva Cirino Isis Caroline , de Santana Caroline Ferreira , Vasconcelos Rocha Igor , de Souza Larissa Isabela Oliveira , Silva Marcia Vanusa , Bressan Queiroz de Figueiredo Regina Celia , Coutinho Henrique D. M. , Leal‐Balbino Tereza Cristina
Published: July 2024

To assess the antibacterial effectiveness of Lippia macrophylla essential oil (LMEO) against multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with conventional antibiotics. LMEO demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of A. baumannii, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) below 500 μg/mL. Notably, LMEO was capable of reversing the antibiotic resistance of clinical isolates or reducing their MIC values when used in combination with antibiotics, showing synergistic (FICI≤0.5) or additive effects. The combination of LMEO and imipenem was particularly effective, displaying synergistic interactions for most isolates. Ultrastructural analyses supported these findings, revealing that the combination of LMEO+ceftazidime compromised the membrane integrity of the Acb35 isolate, leading to cytoplasmic leakage and increased formation of Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs). Taken together our results point for the use of LMEO alone or in combination as an antibacterial agent against A. baumannii. These findings offer promising avenues for utilizing LMEO as a novel antibacterial strategy against drug‐resistant infections in healthcare settings, underscoring the potential of essential oils in enhancing antibiotic efficacy.
Chrysin attenuates epithelial prostatic hyperplasia in the ventral prostate of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Santos Nathany R. L. dos , de Sousa Gessica C. , Lima Phâmella N. , Medeiros Bárbara C. M. , Manso Luana A. , Silva Cinthia R. B. , Silveira Carla C. R. da , Ghedini Paulo C. , Campos Hericles M. , Costa Matheus S. , Fernandes Isadora G. , Mendes Elizabeth P. , Taboga Sebastião R. , de Castro Carlos H. , Santos Fernanda C. A. dos , Biancardi Manoel F.
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chrysin on the ventral prostate of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Ten‐week‐old male Wistar and SHR rats received 100 mg/kg/day of chrysin (TW and TSHR) or 200 µL/day of the dilution vehicle (CW and CSHR) for 70 days. After the treatment, the animals were euthanized and the prostates were dissected out, fixed, and processed for further morphological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses. Blood was collected for serological analysis. Chrysin did not interfere with the blood pressure. Morphologically, the epithelial height increased in TW and decreased in TSHR. Stereology showed an increase in the epithelial and stromal relative frequency, and a decrease in the lumen of TW, whereas the epithelium in TSHR was reduced. Normal alveoli decreased, and hyperplastic alveoli had an increment in TW, whereas in TSHR normal alveoli increased and intense hyperplasia decreased. The secretion area was reduced in TW. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a smaller number of PCNA‐positive cells in TW. Finally, the biochemical analysis showed a reduction in malondialdehyde, carbonylated proteins, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in TW and TSHR. We concluded that the chrysin effect is dependent on the context in which this flavonoid is employed. In normal conditions, the anabolic potential of the chrysin was favored, disrupting the morphology of the prostate. However, when used in animals predisposed to develop hyperplasia, this flavonoid attenuates the hyperplastic status, improving the morphology of the gland.
Luminescent Platinum(II) Complexes with Stimuli‐Responsive Flexible Lewis Pair Ligands: Spectroscopic and Computational Studies
Authors: Tong Ka‐Ming , Toigo Jessica , Kamal Saeid , Patrick Brian O. , Wolf Michael O.
Published: July 2024

A series of new luminescent bimetallic platinum(II) complexes with stimuli‐responsive flexible Lewis pair (FlexLP) ligands are described. The FlexLP ligands consist of a dimesitylboron Lewis acid and diphenylphosphine oxide Lewis base which are in equilibrium between the unbound open form and the Lewis adduct, controlled by the hydrogen bond donating strength of the solvent. Spectroscopic techniques and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to interpret the photophysics of the platinum(II) complexes. All complexes exhibit tunable absorption in the region of 300–500 nm and green to orange photoluminescence, depending on the ratio of weak (THF) to strong (MeOH) hydrogen bond donating solvent employed. Spectroscopic and computational data shows that phosphine and peripheral acetylide ligands on the platinum(II) centers have limited influence on the emission energy, indicating the emission originates from the FlexLP‐dominated fluorescence. Using time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy it is shown that the complexes undergo intersystem crossing (ISC) to the triplet excited state upon photoexcitation, and the ISC efficiency is affected by the peripheral acetylide ligands. The triplet excited state lifetime can also be manipulated by the state of the FlexLP ligand, with the closed form complexes having longer lifetimes than the open form complexes.
Carbonylation Reactions of a Metallapentalyne: Synthesis of Its Ester and Amide Derivatives
Authors: Zhu Yongfa , Chen Dafa , Luo Ming , Xia Haiping
Published: July 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Carbonylation reactions are a valuable synthetic method to construct carbonyl compounds and carbonylation reactions of aryl halides stand out as a highly significant tool for generating carbonyl substituted arenes. However, the important reactions have never been realized in aromatic metallacycles. Herein, we present the first carbonylation reactions of metallaaromatics, specifically alkoxycarbonylation and aminocarbonylation reactions of an osmapentalyne. During the carbonylation process, the electronic and steric properties of nucleophiles are regarded as critical factors. The alcohols with bulky substituents (isopropanol) require more reaction time and tert‐butyl alcohol is inert in the reaction. Comparatively, amines, being stronger nucleophiles, exhibit divergent behaviors. Bulky amines undergo aminocarbonylation, whereas small amines prefer direct nucleophilic additions. Control experiments revealed that the intermediate derived from coupling of metal carbyne with CO plays a significant role in the carbonylation reaction. According to these observations, a divergent pathway for the reaction is proposed. Furthermore, the photophysical properties of these carbonyl‐functionalized osmapentalene complexes are studied, and the maximum absorption peak of compound with a carboxylic group exhibits a significant red‐shift due to the smaller HOMO‐LUMO gap. These findings contribute to expanding the reactivity of metallaaromatics and offer new opportunities for the synthesis of carbonyl‐functionalized metallacycles.
The Rivalry between Intramolecular Tetrel Bonds and Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonds in (O−Si) Chelates of N‐Silylmethylamides and ‐ureas. A Theoretical Study
Authors: Chipanina Nina N. , Shainyan Bagrat A. , Oznobikhina Larisa P. , Lazareva Nataliya F.
Published: July 2024

The comparison of the results of theoretical calculations of (O−Si) chelates of N‐silylmethylated amides and ureas with the axial chlorine or fluorine atom at silicon to the data of X‐ray analysis of related compounds revealed the formation of covalent O−Si tetrel bonds (TB) or noncovalent O⋅⋅⋅Si tetrel bonds (NTB). The nature of the formed tetrel bond depends on the substituents at silicon and the polarity of the medium. The competition between the intramolecular TB and intermolecular hydrogen bonds (HB) with proton donors depends on the center of basicity involved in the formation of HB, which could be either oxygen or halogen. The hydrogen bonding can result in changing the nature of the tetrel bonds from covalent to noncovalent and vice versa by varying their lengths and energies. The O−Si bond energies estimated by QTAIM analysis of N‐[(chlorodimethylsilyl)methyl]‐N‐methylacetamide and its H‐complexes vary within the range of 7.2 and 12 kcal/mol in gas and solution, respectively, and correlate with the O−Si bond lengths.
Tailoring the Oxidizing Intermediate in the Fenton Reaction, OH⋅ or FeIV=Oaq, by Modifying the pKa of the (H2O)5FeII(H2O2) Complex, and the Case of PDS – a DFT Study
Authors: Meyerstein Dan , Stanbury David M. , Kornweitz Haya
Published: July 2024

A DFT analysis of the Fenton and Fenton‐like reactions points out that the pH effect on the nature of the oxidizing intermediate formed is due to a pKa of the peroxide when hydroperoxides are used. When S2O82− is used, the pH effect is due to the pKa of one of the water ligands of the central iron cation. The results suggest that the choice of the hydroperoxide and the ligands present affects the pH at which the transition from the formation of hydroxyl radicals to the formation of FeIV=Oaq occurs.
SBA‐15 Supported Ni‐Cu Catalysts for Hydrodeoxygenation of m‐cresol to Toluene
Authors: Deplazes Roger , Teles Camila Abreu , Ciotonea Carmen , Simon Pardis , El Rassi Elias , Dhainaut Jérémy , Marinova Maya , Canilho Nadia , Richard Frédéric , Royer Sébastien
Published: July 2024

Amidst concerns over fossil fuel dependency and environmental sustainability, the utilization of biomass‐derived aromatic compounds emerges as a viable solution across diverse industries. In this scheme, the conversion of biomass involves pyrolysis, followed by a hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) step to reduce the oxygen content of pyrolysis oils and stabilize the end products including aromatics. In this study, we explored the properties of size controlled NiCu bimetallic catalysts supported on ordered mesoporous silica (SBA‐15) for the catalytic gas‐phase HDO of m‐cresol, a lignin model compound. We compared their performances with monometallic Ni and Cu catalysts. The prepared catalysts contained varying Ni to Cu ratios and featured an average particle size of approximately 2 nm. The catalytic tests revealed that the introduction of Cu alongside Ni enhanced the selectivity for the direct deoxygenation (DDO) pathway, yielding toluene as the primary product. Optimal performance was observed with a catalyst composition comprising 5 wt.% Ni and 5 wr.% Cu, achieving 85 % selectivity to toluene. Further increasing the Cu content improved turnover frequency (TOF) values, but reduced DDO selectivity. These findings underscore the importance of catalyst design in facilitating biomass‐derived compound transformations and offer insights into optimizing catalyst composition for more selective HDO reactions.
Subjective hearing and memory problems are associated with dementia and cognition in later life
Authors: Stevenson‐Hoare Joshua , Stocker Hannah , Trares Kira , Holleczek Bernd , Brenner Hermann
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

Subjective hearing and memory problems are detectable earlier than objective measures of sensory loss and cognitive decline, which are known to be related to an increased risk of dementia in later life.

METHODS

Using a population‐representative cohort of 6006 individuals (aged 50–75) we examined whether participants who self‐reported hearing and short‐term memory issues showed greater rates of dementia within 17 years of follow‐up. A sub‐cohort was tested for audiometric threshold and cognition after 14 years.

RESULTS

Hearing and memory problems were associated with a greater risk of dementia (hazard ratios [HRs] = 1.42 [95% confidence interval: 1.11–1.81], 1.57 [1.30–1.90]), and poorer cognition 14 years later. The risk was greatest in those reporting both problems (HR = 1.99 [1.42–2.80]). At follow‐up, the level of hearing loss was associated with lower cognitive scores.

DISCUSSION

Self‐reports of hearing and short‐term memory problems are associated with poorer cognitive performance and a greater risk of dementia. Subjective assessments may have predictive power over more than a decade.

Highlights

In a sample of older adults subjective hearing and memory problems were associated with dementia risk.

Cross‐sectionally, the audiometric screening threshold was associated with cognitive test scores.

Subjective sensory and memory loss questions are easy to implement and show good predictive power.
Detection of the GH analog somatrogon in sports drug testing: Immunological approaches and LC‐HRMS/MS
Authors: Walpurgis Katja , Thomas Andreas , Sato Mitsuhiko , Okano Masato , Geyer Hans , Thevis Mario
Published: July 2024

Due to the presumed lipolytic and anabolic properties, the misuse of human growth hormone (hGH) and its synthetic analogs in sports is prohibited both in‐ and out‐of‐competition. Within this research project, the detectability of somatrogon, a recombinant fusion glycoprotein of 22 kDa hGH and the C‐terminal peptide (CTP) of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) β‐subunit, with current WADA‐approved doping control assays for hGH and hCG was investigated. For that purpose, cross‐reactivity tests and a somatrogon administration study were conducted, and only “Kit 2” of the GH isoform differential immunoassays proved applicable to the detection of somatrogon administration in serum. In urine, the immunoassay specific for total hCG yielded presumptively positive findings for several post‐administration samples, which can probably be attributed to the presence of an immunoreactive fragment of the hCG β‐subunit. As the detectability of somatrogon with these approaches was found to be limited, a highly specific detection assay (LOD: 10 ng/mL) for the drug in serum samples was developed by using affinity purification with GH receptor (GHR)‐conjugated magnetic beads, proteolytic digestion, and liquid chromatography high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS/MS). Following optimization, the approach was comprehensively characterized, and authentic post‐administration serum samples were successfully analyzed as proof‐of‐concept, indicating a detection window of at least 96 h. Consequently, the presented method can be employed to confirm the presence of somatrogon in serum samples, where only “Kit 2” of the currently used immunoassay kits yielded an abnormally high Rec/Pit ratio.
Evaluation of stream ordering systems in the context of topography and open‐source data
Authors: Pareta Kuldeep , Pareta Upasana
Published: July 2024

Satellite‐derived digital elevation models (DEMs) and geographic information systems (GIS) offer effective means for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of drainage networks within watersheds. An extensive review of various stream order systems reveals their outdated nature, given advancements in digital technology and the availability of fine to coarse resolutions data. Analysis of open‐source DEMs with resolutions ranging from 12.5 to 225 m, along with topographical maps at scales of 1:50 000 and 1:250 000, was conducted across four physiographically distinct micro‐watersheds of approximately equal size (~300 km2). The steepest descent algorithm (D8) was utilized to derive raster stream networks, applying a channel initiation threshold (CIT) of 900 m2 as a criterion. It was observed that stream order numbers are influenced by map scale, leading to variability in mainstream order extraction across different DEM datasets and topographic maps. To address this issue, an innovative stream order system was proposed to ensure consistent mainstream order regardless of the spatial resolution of DEM data or map scale. Correlation analysis highlighted the importance of considering both spatial resolution and topographic variability in stream order analysis, underscoring the significance of accurate DEM data and landscape characteristics in understanding stream network dynamics. This method of classifying stream orders is recognized by scientists in geography, geology, hydrology and geomorphology for providing crucial information about the size and strength of waterways within stream networks, contributing to effective water management strategies.
Syringaldehyde‐DOPO derivative for enhancing flame retardancy and mechanical properties of epoxy resin
Authors: Chen Zhengpeng , He Xin , Cao Zhengshuai , Li Yunfan , Chen Denglong , Yang Zhiwang , Lei Ziqiang
Published: July 2024

With the wide application of epoxy resins in adhesives, electronic packaging materials, and aerospace fields, it is necessary to prepare high‐performance flame‐retardant epoxy resins to reduce the fire risk caused by their flammability. In this study, the rigid structure intermediate Schiff base (DMDA‐SH) was synthesized by condensation reaction of syringaldehyde (SH) with O‐Tolidine (DMDA). Then, DMDA‐SH‐DOPO, a novel P/N‐structured biobased flame‐retardant curing agent, was synthesized by addition reaction with 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxaza‐10‐phosphame‐10‐oxide (DOPO) and was applied to the preparation of intrinsic flame‐retardant epoxy resin. As expected, DMDA‐SH‐DOPO has good flame‐retardant properties due to the synergistic action of N/P elements. Epoxy resin with only 2.5% DMDA‐SH‐DOPO (P = 0.16%) can pass the UL‐94 V‐0 test. Compared with DGEBA/DDM, DMDA‐SH‐DOPO‐7.5's (P = 0.49%) peak heat release rate was reduced by 48.4% and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) reached 27%, making it a flame‐retardant material. From the point of view of carbonaceous residue performance, the expansion height of carbon residue after DMDA‐SH‐DOPO‐7.5 combustion is significantly increased, and the amount of carbon residue at 800°C is increased by 36.4%. In addition, appropriate DMDA‐SH‐DOPO can effectively improve the bending property of epoxy resin. This study provides a new idea for preparing renewable high‐performance intrinsic flame‐retardant epoxy resin.
A welfare analysis of Medicaid and recidivism
Authors: Aslim Erkmen G. , Mungan Murat C. , Yu Han
Published: July 2024

We present conservative estimates for the marginal value of public funds (MVPF) associated with providing Medicaid to inmates exiting prison. The MVPF measures the ratio between a policy's social benefits and its governmental costs. Our MVPF estimates suggest that every additional $1 the government spends on providing inmates exiting prison with Medicaid coverage can result in social benefits ranging between $3.45 and $10.62. A large proportion of the benefits we consider stems from the reduced future criminal involvement among former inmates who receive Medicaid. Employing a difference‐in‐differences approach, we find that Medicaid expansions reduce the average number of times a released inmate is reimprisoned within 1 year by approximately 11.5%. By combining this estimate with key values reported elsewhere (e.g., victimization costs, data on victimization and incarceration), we quantify specific benefits arising from the policy. These encompass diminished criminal harm due to lower reoffense rates, direct benefits to former inmates through Medicaid coverage, increased employment opportunities, and reduced loss of liberty resulting from fewer future reimprisonments. Net‐costs consist of the cost of providing Medicaid net of changes in the governmental cost of imprisonment, changes in the tax revenue due to increased employment, and changes in spending on other public assistance programs. We interpret our estimates as conservative since we deliberately err on the side of under‐estimating benefits and over‐estimating costs when data on specific items are imprecise or incomplete. Our findings align closely with others in the sparse literature investigating the crime‐related welfare impacts of Medicaid access, underscoring the substantial indirect benefits public health insurance programs can offer through crime reduction, in addition to their direct health‐related advantages.
Heads up on concussion: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' knowledge and understanding of mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: McCausland Kahlia , Thomas Elizabeth , Bullen Jonathan , Hill‐Wall Trish , Norman Richard , Cowen Gill
Published: July 2024

Issue Addressed

Concussion awareness and knowledge among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples residing in Perth, Western Australia and factors preventing presentation at a health service for assessment after such an injury.

Methods

Qualitative study with participants aged between 18 and 65 years. Recruitment was by Facebook advertising and snowball sampling. A semi‐structured topic yarning guide was used to guide conversations through 1:1, multi‐person or group yarns. Yarns were audio‐recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

Twenty‐four participants were recruited. A good knowledge of modes of concussion injury was identified in these participants. However, they identified difficulty differentiating this injury from other injuries or medical conditions. Multiple factors contributed to a reluctance to seek assessment and further management of a potential concussion. Multiple strategies to enhance education and presentation for assessment were suggested by participants.

Conclusions

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander‐owned and led concussion education is the first step in enhancing understanding of this condition. Education must be coupled with improvements in the cultural safety of healthcare services, as without this, patients will continue to fail to present for assessment and management.

So What?

It is recommended that concussion education focuses on the differentiation of concussion as a diagnosis from other injuries. Information regarding where and when to seek medical assessment is recommended, and this must be in a culturally safe environment. Typical recovery and potential sequelae must be explored, in programs led and devised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples engaged with the community for which the education is proposed.
Association of HLA‐DQ4/5 genotype polymorphisms with celiac disease in a group of children in Southwest Iran: A case‐control study
Authors: Keshtkari Ali , Danaei Marzieh , Mollaali Milad
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim

Celiac disease (CD) has proinflammatory and pathogenic immune responses to gluten in intestinal tissue, leading to structural changes in the mucosa of the small intestine. The association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQ2 and DQ8 genotypes with CD has been previously reported. This test has a negative predictive value close to 100%, so its main purpose is to rule out the detection of CD completely or almost completely. There is limited information regarding HLA‐DQ4/5 in CD. This study was conducted to determine the HLA‐DQ4/5 genotypes in a group of Southwestern Iranian children with CD.

Methods

We conducted a case‐control study in Southwest Iran involving 100 participants, employing a nonprobabilistic sampling method. Samples were taken from participants' oral buccal mucosa at Imam Sajjad Hospital of Yasuj, Iran. Then DNA was extracted from these samples and used to determine the frequency of HLA‐DQ4/5 genotypes through Sequence‐Specific Primer‐Polymerase Chain Reaction assay. SPSS 20 was utilized for statistical analyses.

Results

Fifty diagnosed patients with CD (high anti‐tissue transglutaminase [tTG]‐IgA level [upper limit of normal] with pathological findings of Marsh III) and 50 non‐CD individuals (normal anti‐tTG‐IgA level and normal total IgA level) were enrolled in the study from August 5, 2022 to October 15, 2023. Findings showed that the DQ4a*4b allele has the highest frequency in the CD samples (78%, p < 0.01) followed by the DQ5a*5b allele (12%, p < 0.01). Additionally, there was a higher prevalence of DQ4/DQ5 in patients with CD compared to controls (odds ratio = 6.5, confidence interval = 0.84 to 69.46, p < 0.01). Furthermore, a significant association was found among HLA DQ4/5 genotype, age (>9.5) (p < 0.01), and gender (female) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The observed significant differences among HLA‐DQ4 and HLA‐DQ5 in Iranian CD samples against controls and the high value of the relative risks showed the significant function of the studied alleles in the prevalence of CD in Iranian patients.
Physical and chemical characterization of remote coastal aquifers and submarine groundwater discharge from a glacierized watershed
Authors: Russo A. A. , Jenckes J. , Boutt D. F. , Munk J. , Kirshen A. , Munk L. A.
Published: July 2024

Coastal aquifers play an important role in marine ecosystems by providing high fluxes of nutrients and solutes via submarine groundwater discharge pathways. The physical and chemical characterization of these dynamic systems is foundational to understanding the extent and magnitude of hydrogeologic processes and their subsequent contributions to the marine environment. We describe a km‐scale experimental field site located in a glaciofluvial delta entering Kachemak Bay, Alaska. Our characterization applies geophysical (ERT and HVSR), hydrogeologic (grain size analyses, slug tests and tidal response analyses) and geochemical (major ions and stable water isotopes) methods to describe the complexity of coastal aquifers in proglacial environments currently experiencing rapid transformations. The hydrogeologic and geophysical techniques revealed thick (20–84 m) sediments dominated by sands and gravels and delineated zones of freshwater, brackish water and saltwater at both high and low tides within the subterranean estuary. Estimates of hydraulic conductivities via multiple approaches ranged from 2 to 250 m d−1, with means across the four methods within the same order of magnitude. Tidal response analyses highlighted a coastal aquifer in strong connection with the sea as evidenced by clear spring‐ and neap‐tidal signals within a proximal piezometric hydrograph. Geochemical sampling revealed coastal groundwaters as substantially enriched in solutes compared to proximal river samples with limited variability across seasons. A clear connection between the Wosnesenski River and the adjacent aquifer was also observed, with concentrated recharge from the river corridor during the meltwater season. This combination of approaches provides the basis for a conceptual model for coastal aquifer systems within the Gulf of Alaska and an upscaled mean daily yield of freshwater and solutes from the delta subsurface. Our findings are critical for subsequent numerical simulations of groundwater flow, tidal pumping and chemical reactions and transport in these understudied environments. This approach may be applied for low‐cost, large‐scale hydrogeologic investigations in coastal areas and may be particularly useful for remote sites where access and mobility are challenging.
Dermatomyositis in a young patient: A rare paraneoplastic syndrome of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: André Margarida , Macedo Alexandre , Metrogos Vanessa , Moreira Luísa , Pereira José , Figueira Nuno , Rosa João Paulo , Carvalho Miguel
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Paraneoplastic syndromes are frequent in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Dermatomyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy that may be associated with neoplasms. This case aims to describe the rare association of dermatomyositis with renal cell carcinoma and to increase clinical suspicion of this neoplasm when systemic rheumatologic symptoms are present.

Case presentation

A 35‐year‐old female developed severe rheumatologic symptoms (progressive muscle weakness, heliotrope rash, and Gottron's papules). Clinical and laboratory findings indicated dermatomyositis. During the investigation, computed tomography revealed a left kidney solid mass. She underwent a left radical nephrectomy, and histology confirmed renal cell carcinoma. After 3 months, dermatomyositis manifestations disappeared and the patient withdrawn steroid therapy.

Conclusion

Most paraneoplastic syndromes associated with renal cell carcinoma are only cured with nephrectomy. We highlight the potential role of surgery in dermatomyositis caused by renal cell carcinoma. The recurrence of symptoms related to the syndrome should alert for disease progression.
Emphysematous hepatitis: A rare fatal case
Authors: Tekinhatun Muhammed , Yavaş Hüseyin Gökhan
Published: July 2024

Emphysematous hepatitis (EH) is a rare, insidious, rapidly progressing, and often fatal liver infection characterized by diffuse air in the liver parenchyma. While infectious parenchymal diseases can affect many intra‐abdominal organs such as the kidney, urinary bladder, gall bladder, stomach, and pancreas, liver involvement is uncommon. Few cases of EH have been reported in the literature, with only four successfully treated. Diagnosis involves patient history, clinical and laboratory findings, and computed tomography. Treatment is challenging and requires close monitoring. This case report aims to enhance the understanding of EH's diagnosis and treatment in medical literature.
Early life thermal conditioning alters heat‐shock protein expression in response to an adult thermal stressor
Authors: Hoffman Alexander J. , Finger John W. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Wada Haruka
Published: July 2024

Developmental environmental stressors can have instructive effects on an organism's phenotype. This developmental plasticity can prepare organisms for potentially stressful future environments, circumventing detrimental effects on fitness. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying such adaptive plasticity are understudied, especially in vertebrates. We hypothesized that captive male zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis) exposed to a mild heat conditioning during development would acquire a persisting thermotolerance, and exhibit increased heat‐shock protein (HSP) levels associated with a decrease in oxidative damage when exposed to a high‐intensity stressor in adulthood. To test this, we exposed male finches to a prolonged mild heat conditioning (38°C) or control (22°C) treatment as juveniles. Then in a 2 × 2 factorial manner, these finches were exposed to a high heat stressor (42°C) or control (22°C) treatment as adults. Following the adult treatment, we collected testes and liver tissue and measured HSP70, HSP90, and HSP60 protein levels. In the testes, finches exhibited lower levels of HSP90 and HSP60 when exposed to the high heat stressor in adulthood if they were exposed to the mild heat conditioning as juveniles. In the liver, finches exposed to the high heat stressor in adulthood had reduced HSP90 and HSP60 levels, regardless of whether they were conditioned as juveniles. In some cases, elevated testes HSP60 levels were associated with increased liver oxidative damage and diminishment of a condition‐dependent trait, indicating potential stress‐induced tradeoffs. Our results indicate that a mild conditioning during development can have persisting effects on HSP expression and acquired thermotolerance.
Future change of humid heat extremes and population exposure in Turkey
Authors: Donmez Berkay , Donmez Kutay , Sonuç Cemre Yürük , Unal Yurdanur
Published: July 2024

Global climate projections show that humid heat extremes will expand toward the higher latitudes, making the midlatitudes hotspots for these extremes. Therefore, a thorough explanation of their regional characteristics becomes crucial, given that the changes in these extremes can potentially render a large proportion of the global population at risk. Here, we perform the first analysis of historical and projected changes in the intensity and frequency of humid heat extremes and quantify the population exposure to these extremes in Turkey, using long‐term simulations from the non‐hydrostatic mesoscale model of Consortium for Small‐scale Modeling (COSMO‐CLM) under the RCP8.5 emission scenario. We portray not only the nationwide changes in the humid heat extremes and population exposure but also their regional aspects by exploiting the K‐means clustering algorithm. Our results suggest significant future increases in the intensity and frequency of these extremes over a wide geographical area, which includes the surroundings of Adana, Antalya, Izmir, Sakarya, Ordu and Diyarbakir, most of which are coastal locations. Over most of these regions, severe humid heat stress is expected to last nearly a month every year, with almost 56% of the land area is projected to experience local historical upper tail heat stress conditions for at least an additional 10 consecutive hours. Further, we explicate a significant rise in the number of people exposed to severe humid heat stress, concentrated along most coastal regions, by as much as 1.6 million person‐days. More than 20% of Turkey's population may confront severe humid heat stress for at least 1 h, with that percentage falling to 4.15% for at least five consecutive hours, which indicates that people will not only endure more intense humid heat stress but also be exposed to these conditions consecutively over a period of many hours.
An algorithm to analyse long‐term tendencies of pressure systems over Europe
Authors: Varga‐Balogh Adrienn , Leelőssy Ádám , Varga László , Mészáros Róbert
Published: July 2024

Climate change is associated with the modification of the polar jet stream, cyclone tracks and corresponding circulation patterns over midlatitudes. To apply these synoptic changes on regional climate, the changing sensitivity of a specific location to different pressure centre regions must be studied. An automated, objective circulation pattern detection method was developed to investigate the evolution of cyclonic and anticyclonic influence at any specific point within the European domain. The algorithm was used to assign each location to influencing low‐ or high‐pressure centres within the domain. Pressure centre displacements and the frequency redistribution among different centres were studied for each location. The 180‐year (January 1836–December 2015) mean sea level pressure dataset on the European domain with a 0.703° × 0.702° spatial and daily temporal resolution was obtained from NOAA 20th Century Reanalysis project. The presented method can apply the continental‐scale changes to specific locations. A significant increase of anticyclonic influence was found in southern and central Europe, in line with the northward displacement of Atlantic cyclones. Hundred and eighty year (180‐year) change of the number of days with anticyclonic versus cyclonic influence was found to be between +10% and 15% in the Mediterranean and +2% and 10% in most of Europe. The increasing anticyclonic influence in central Europe was strongest in the spring and the winter and was most attributable to the eastern European anticyclone. Results highlight the importance of research on the dynamical climate response of anticyclonic pressure systems.
Primary hyperoxaluria: Long‐term outcomes of isolated kidney versus simultaneous liver/kidney transplant
Authors: Habash Nawras W. , Jaoudeh Rasha A. R. A. , Hentz Roland C. , Sas David J. , Ibrahim Samar H. , Hassan Sara
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To compare long‐term transplant outcomes (organ rejection and retransplant) of simultaneous liver/kidney transplant (SLK) versus isolated kidney transplant (IK) for patients with primary hyperoxaluria (PH).

Methods

The Rare Kidney Stone Consortium PH registry was queried to identify patients with PH who underwent SLK or IK from 1999 to 2021. Patient characteristics and long‐term transplant outcomes were abstracted and analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed with Kaplan–Meier plots and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

We identified 250 patients with PH, of whom 35 received care at Mayo Clinic and underwent SLK or IK. Patients who underwent SLK as their index transplant had lower odds of kidney rejection than did those who underwent IK (hazard ratio [HR], 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08–0.99; p = .048). The immunoprotective effect of concomitant liver and kidney transplant appeared to enhance outcomes for patients with PH. Additionally, the odds of retransplant were significantly lower for patients who underwent SLK as their index transplant than for those who underwent IK (HR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.02–0.42; p = .003). Of five patients who underwent IK and had maintained graft function for at least 5 years after transplant, three (60%) had documented vitamin B6 responsiveness.

Conclusions

Patients with PH who underwent SLK had a lower risk of kidney rejection and retransplant than those who underwent IK. Accurate genetic assessment for vitamin B6 responsiveness may optimize IK allocation. Novel therapeutics, such as lumasiran, have been introduced as promising agents for the management of PH.
Identification of floral aroma components and molecular regulation mechanism of floral aroma formation in Phalaenopsis
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Gong Zihui , Zhu Zhiqi , Sun Jixia , Guo Wenjiao , Zhang Jingwei , Ding Pengsong , Liu Minxiao , Gao Zhihong
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Most Phalaenopsis cultivars have almost no aroma, with a few exceptions. Phalaenopsis presents significant challenges in fragrance breeding due to its weak aroma and low fertility. It is therefore necessary to identify the aroma components and key regulatory genes in Phalaenopsis cultivars like ‘Orange Beauty’, ‘Brother Sara Gold’, ‘Purple Martin’, ‘H026’, ‘SK16’, ‘SX098’, and ‘SH51’, to improve the aroma of the common Phalaenopsis.

RESULTS

Floral aroma components were tested on nine Phalaenopsis species, using smell identification and headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The result showed that alcohols, esters, and alkenes were the key specific components in the different species and cultivar aromas and the aroma intensity and component content of cultivars with different colors were different. The main components of the floral aromas in Phalaenopsis were alcohols (including eucalyptol, linalool, citronellol, and 1‐hexanol), esters (including hexyl acetate, leaf acetate, and dibutyl phthalate), alkenes (including pinene and sabinene) and arenes (like fluorene). The transcriptome of flowers in the bud stage and bloom stage of P. ‘SH51’ was sequenced and 5999 differentially expressed genes were obtained. The contributions of the phenylpropionic acid/phenyl ring compound and the terpene compound to the aroma were greater. Sixteen genes related to phalaenopsis aroma were found. TC4M, PAL, CAD6, and HR were related to phenylpropanoid synthesis pathway. SLS, TS10, and P450 were related to the synthesis pathway of terpenes. TS10 and YUCCA 10 were involved in tryptophan metabolism.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on the floral aroma components and regulatory genes in Phalaenopsis. The proposed method and research data can provide technical support for Phalaenopsis breeding. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Automated magnetic resonance imaging‐based grading of the lumbar intervertebral disc and facet joints
Authors: Nikpasand Maryam , Middendorf Jill M. , Ella Vincent A. , Jones Kristen E. , Ladd Bryan , Takahashi Takashi , Barocas Victor H. , Ellingson Arin M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Degeneration of both intervertebral discs (IVDs) and facet joints in the lumbar spine has been associated with low back pain, but whether and how IVD/joint degeneration contributes to pain remains an open question. Joint degeneration can be identified by pairing T1 and T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with analysis techniques such as Pfirrmann grades (IVD degeneration) and Fujiwara scores (facet degeneration). However, these grades are subjective, prompting the need to develop an automated technique to enhance inter‐rater reliability. This study introduces an automated convolutional neural network (CNN) technique trained on clinical MRI images of IVD and facet joints obtained from public‐access Lumbar Spine MRI Dataset. The primary goal of the automated system is to classify health of lumbar discs and facet joints according to Pfirrmann and Fujiwara grading systems and to enhance inter‐rater reliability associated with these grading systems.

Methods

Performance of the CNN on both the Pfirrmann and Fujiwara scales was measured by comparing the percent agreement, Pearson's correlation and Fleiss kappa value for results from the classifier to the grades assigned by an expert grader.

Results

The CNN demonstrates comparable performance to human graders for both Pfirrmann and Fujiwara grading systems, but with larger errors in Fujiwara grading. The CNN improves the reliability of the Pfirrmann system, aligning with previous findings for IVD assessment.

Conclusion

The study highlights the potential of using deep learning in classifying the IVD and facet joint health, and due to the high variability in the Fujiwara scoring system, highlights the need for improved imaging and scoring techniques to evaluate facet joint health. All codes required to use the automatic grading routines described herein are available in the Data Repository for University of Minnesota (DRUM).
Prediction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with machine learning algorithms using brain volumetric measurements
Authors: Payas Ahmet , Kocaman Hikmet , Yıldırım Hasan , Batın Sabri
Published: July 2024

Background

It is known that neuroanatomical and neurofunctional changes observed in the brain, brainstem and cerebellum play a role in the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This study aimed to investigate whether volumetric measurements of brain regions can be used as predictive indicators for AIS through machine learning techniques.

Methods

Patients with a severe degree of curvature in AIS (n = 32) and healthy individuals (n = 31) were enrolled in the study. Volumetric data from 169 brain regions, acquired from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of these individuals, were utilized as predictive factors. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using the twelve most prevalent machine learning algorithms, encompassing thorough parameter adjustments and cross‐validation processes. Furthermore, the findings related to variable significance are presented.

Results

Among all the algorithms evaluated, the random forest algorithm produced the most favorable results in terms of various classification metrics, including accuracy (0.9083), AUC (0.993), f1‐score (0.970), and Brier score (0.1256). Additionally, the most critical variables were identified as the volumetric measurements of the right corticospinal tract, right corpus callosum body, right corpus callosum splenium, right cerebellum, and right pons, respectively.

Conclusion

The outcomes of this study indicate that volumetric measurements of specific brain regions can serve as reliable indicators of AIS. In conclusion, the developed model and the significant variables discovered hold promise for predicting scoliosis development, particularly in high‐risk individuals.