bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐7 concentrations in chronic heart failure: Results from the EMPEROR programme
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Packer Milton , Sattar Naveed , Butler Javed , González Maldonado Sandra , Panova‐Noeva Marina , Sumin Mikhail , Masson Serge , Pocock Stuart J. , Anker Stefan D. , Zannad Faiez , Januzzi James L.
Published: April 2024

Aims

Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐7 (IGFBP7) is a biomarker of tissue senescence with a role in cardio‐renal pathophysiology. The role of IGFBP7 as a prognostic biomarker across the full ejection fraction (EF) spectrum of heart failure (HF) remains less well understood. We examined associations between IGFBP7 and risk of cardio‐renal outcomes regardless of EF and the effect of empagliflozin treatment on IGFBP7 concentrations among individuals with HF.

Methods and results

IGFBP7 was measured in 1125 study participants from the EMPEROR‐Reduced and EMPEROR‐Preserved trials. Cox regression was used to study associations with outcomes. Study participants with IGFBP7 levels in the highest tertile had a higher‐risk clinical profile. In Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for clinical variables, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T, baseline IGFBP7 values in the highest tertile predicted an increased risk of HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death (hazard ratio [HR] 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–3.10, p = 0.002, p for trend <0.001) and higher risk of the renal composite endpoint (HR 4.66, 95% CI 1.61–13.53, p = 0.005, p for trend = 0.001), regardless of EF. Empagliflozin reduced risk for cardiovascular death/HF hospitalization irrespective of baseline IGFBP7 (p for trend across IGFBP7 tertiles = 0.26). Empagliflozin treatment was not associated with meaningful change in IGFBP7 at 12 or 52 weeks.

Conclusion

Across the entire left ventricular EF spectrum in the EMPEROR Programme, concentrations of the senescence‐associated biomarker IGFBP7 were associated with higher risk clinical status and predicted adverse cardio‐renal outcomes even in models adjusted for conventional biomarkers. Empagliflozin did not significantly affect IGFBP7 levels over time.
Immune quorum sensing dictates IFN‐I response dynamics in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Van Eyndhoven Laura C. , Vreezen Cherise C. , Tiemeijer Bart M. , Tel Jurjen
Published: April 2024

Type I interferons (IFN‐Is) are key in fighting viral infections, but also serve major roles beyond antiviral immunity. Crucial is the tight regulation of IFN‐I responses, while excessive levels are harmful to the cells. In essence, immune responses are generated by single cells making their own decisions, which are based on the signals they perceive. Additionally, immune cells must anticipate the future state of their environment, thereby weighing the costs and benefits of each possible outcome, in the presence of other potentially competitive decision makers (i.e., IFN‐I producing cells). A rather new cellular communication mechanism called quorum sensing describes the effect of cell density on cellular secretory behaviors, which fits well with matching the right amount of IFN‐Is produced to fight an infection. More competitive decision makers must contribute relatively less and vice versa. Intrigued by this concept, we assessed the effects of immune quorum sensing in pDCs, specialized immune cells known for their ability to mass produce IFN‐Is. Using conventional microwell assays and droplet‐based microfluidics assays, we were able the characterize the effect of quorum sensing in human primary immune cells in vitro. These insights open new avenues to manipulate IFN‐I response dynamics in pathological conditions affected by aberrant IFN‐I signaling.
Immobilization of Prussian Blue Nanoparticles Onto Au‐Modified ZnIn2S4 Photoanode for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Lipeng , Zheng Mengjiao , Lai Longjie , Wang Rui , Qian Tongton , Zhang Li , Younas Waqar , Mao Guobing , Liu Qi
Published: April 2024

ZnIn2S4 has been regarded as a promising photoanode material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, its severe charge recombination and low carrier transport efficiency limit practical applications in PEC water splitting. A novel ZnIn2S4/Au/PB photoanode was prepared by using the in‐situ photodeposition of Au nanoparticles and electrodeposition of Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles onto ZnIn2S4 nanosheets. The photocurrent density of the prepared ternary photoanode reached 0.42 mA/cm2 at 1.23 VRHE, which is 6 times higher than pure ZnIn2S4. The introduction of Au nanoparticles remarkably improved the efficiency of carrier transport and separation. Additionally, the application of PB onto ZnIn2S4 resulted in an extended spectrum of light absorption. The incident photon‐to‐current efficiency (IPCE) value recorded was 24.6 % at 350 nm. This improvement can be attributed to the formation of a Z‐type heterojunction.
Hypersensitive Inhibition of Organocatalysts by Halide Salts: Are Two Catalysts Involved in the Mannich Reaction?
Authors: Leino Teppo O. , Noutsias Dimitris , Helttunen Kaisa , Moilanen Jani O. , Tarkkonen Eeki , Kalenius Elina , Kiesilä Anniina , Pihko Petri M.
Published: April 2024

Conformationally flexible tertiary amine – thiourea−urea catalysts 1 and 2 for the Mannich reaction between imines and malonate esters are efficiently inhibited by quaternary ammonium halides. NMR titrations, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and NOE experiments showed that the catalysts bind chloride and bromide ions with relatively high affinities (K=103–105 M−1 in acetonitrile). The halide ions not only block the active site of the catalysts, but they also induce refolding into catalytically inactive conformations upon complexation in an allosteric‐like event. At substoichiometric inhibitor:catalyst ratios, the catalysts displayed hypersensitivity to the inhibitors, with overall rates that were lower than those expected from simple 1st order kinetics and 1 : 1 inhibitor:catalyst stoichiometry. To rationalize the observed hypersensitivity, different kinetic scenarios were examined. For catalyst 2 and the Takemoto catalyst (6), the data is consistent with 2nd order dependency on catalyst concentration, suggesting that a mechanism involving only a single catalyst in the catalytic cycle is not operative. For catalyst 1, an alternative scenario involving 1st order in catalyst and catalyst poisoning at low concentrations of 1 could also rationalize the hypersensitivity. Interestingly, inhibition of catalysts 1 and 2 by halide salts led to significant loss of enantioselectivity, in contrast to the Takemoto catalyst 6 which was inhibited but with essentially no change in enantioselectivity.
A controversial question: Can morphometry and clinical history be enough to diagnose hippocampal dysplasia?
Authors: Arruda Ianne Lucena , Arruda Rivus Ferreira , da Silveira Rayanne Maria Brandão , Duarte Jeana Torres Corso , Guaranha Mirian Salvadori Bittar , Guilhoto Laura Maria , Carrete Júnior Henrique , Stavale Joao Norberto , Centeno Ricardo Silva , Yacubian Elza Marcia Targas , Peixoto‐Santos Jose Eduardo
Published: April 2024

The presence of dysmorphic neurons with strong cytoplasmatic accumulation of heavy non‐phosphorylated neurofilament is crucial for the diagnostics of focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII). While ILAE's classification describes neocortical dysplasias, some groups have reported patients with mesial t abnormal neurons in the hippocampus of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Here we report a patient with such abnormal neurons in the hippocampus and compared it with previous reports of hippocampal dysplasia. Finally, we discuss the need for diagnostic criteria of hippocampal dysplasia.
Characterization of important odorants from Persian silk tree flowers, Albizia julibrissin
Authors: Nguyen Thien , Dein Melissa , Trudelle Danielle , Munafo John P.
Published: April 2024

The Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) has delicate flowers with a pleasant aroma profile, displaying notes of hyacinth and rose with subtle nuances of citrus, coconut and spice. In this study, a total of 29 odorants were identified in the flowers from a single A. julibrissin selection by the application of a cold‐solvent extraction (CSE), followed by solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Subsequently, nine odorants with flavour dilution (FD) factors ≥16 were quantitated by stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA), and odour activity values (OAVs) were calculated. Odorants with OAV ≥1 included 2‐phenylacetaldehyde (OAV 3638), linalool (OAV 797), eugenol (OAV 231), geraniol (OAV 161), 1H‐indole (OAV 93), β‐ionone (OAV 31), 2‐phenylethanol (OAV 11) and γ‐octalactone (OAV 1). An aroma simulation model was prepared based on the quantitation data, and it closely matched the aroma of the flower isolate. Chiral chromatography was performed, and (S)‐(+)‐linalool was the only enantiomer detected. This study advances our understanding of A. julibrissin flower aroma chemistry and lays the groundwork for future investigations for the development of delicate floral aromas for flavour and fragrance applications.
Effect of dawri‐damaa (Pentas schimperiana) leaf meal supplementation on performances, carcass characteristics, and economic feasibility of sheep fed native grass hay
Authors: Dillo Gubil Bekele , Tolemariam Taye , Amejo Asrat Guja
Published: April 2024

With a growing export and local market, sheep farming is critical to the economy of smallholder farmers; however, indigenous sheep breeds usually exhibit low carcass output and live weight due to nutritional constraints. The study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementing local sheep with dawri‐damaa leaf meal (DDLM) on their performance, carcass characteristics, and profitability when fed native grass hay. The research used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to administer four feeding treatments (T1, T2, T3, and T4 at 0%, 30%, 50%, and 70% DDLM, respectively) to 20 local uncastrated male lambs having an average 23.72 ± 0.73 kg body weight and average age of 11.72 ± 0.74 months. Greater doses of DDLM in the diet resulted in greater average daily gain (ADG) of 51.4–83.8 g/day and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of 0.066–0.089 in lambs, compared to 15.0 g/day ADG and 0.025 FCE in lambs under control diet (T1). Additionally, the lambs had increased slaughter body weight (SBW), empty body weight (EBW), and hot carcass weight (HCW) in T4 and T3 compared to other treatments (p < .05). There were no significant differences in dressing percentages (DPs) across any treatment group. The study also discussed the economic viability of supplementing with DDLM, suggesting that feeding 70% daily dry matter of DDLM at 2.5% live weight might be beneficial depending on availability, access, and cost factors. In conclusion, feeding DDLM up to 70% has improved the performance of sheep and is economically feasible. Further research might be required to discover whether such levels of inclusion are harmful and apply different processing methods for feeding animals.
Impact on help‐seeking behaviours of a campaign perceived to decrease stigma and increase openness around mental health
Authors: Donovan Robert J. , Drane Catherine F. , Santini Ziggi I. , Jalleh Geoffrey
Published: April 2024

Issue Addressed

There is considerable evidence that public stigma around mental illness inhibits help‐seeking for mental health problems. Hence there have been many interventions and campaigns designed to reduce stigma around mental illness. However, as far as could be ascertained, none of these stigma reduction interventions has reported any substantial impact of reducing stigma on people's mental health help‐seeking behaviours. The aim of this paper is to report on the impact of the Act‐Belong‐Commit positive mental health promotion Campaign on help‐seeking via increasing perceived openness around mental health and reducing perceived stigma around mental illness.

Methods

State‐wide computer assisted telephone interviews (CATIs) of the general adult population were undertaken in 2018 and 2019 (N = 600 adults per year). The questionnaire included measures of respondents' awareness of the Act‐Belong‐Commit Campaign, their beliefs about the Campaign's impact on mental illness stigma and openness around mental health issues, and whether they had sought help for or information about a mental health problem as a result of their exposure to the Campaign.

Results

Those who believed the Act‐Belong‐Commit Campaign increased openness around mental health issues were significantly more likely than those not holding this belief to have sought information about mental health and to have sought help for a mental health problem as a result of their exposure to the Campaign. Those who believed the Act‐Belong‐Commit Campaign decreased stigma around mental illness versus those not holding this belief were significantly more likely to have sought information, and more likely, but not significantly so, to have sought help as a result of their exposure to the Campaign. Overall, the effect was slightly greater for increased openness.

Conclusion

As far as we are aware, these are the first reported findings of a positive impact on mental health help‐seeking behaviours as a result of a population‐wide mental health promotion Campaign being seen to have increased openness around mental health and decreased stigma around mental illness.

So What?

These findings suggest that accompanying specific stigma reduction interventions with a broad‐based, population‐wide, positive mental health promotion Campaign such as the Act‐Belong‐Commit campaign, could amplify these interventions' impact on help‐seeking by increasing openness about mental health issues.
Process evaluation of a maintenance pulmonary rehabilitation trial for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Lopez Derrick , Jenkins Susan , Cecins Nola , Strange Cecily , Cockram Joanne , Collins Anna , Landers Holly , Nattabi Barbara
Published: April 2024

Background

The ComEx3 community‐based extended maintenance pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to determine the optimal strategy for maintaining the benefits of exercise for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We conducted a process evaluation of this RCT to determine if the trial was implemented per protocol, and to explore the barriers and facilitators of the trial, and mechanisms of impact.

Methods

This was a mixed methods study consisting of analysis of PR class records, study diaries and interviews of those involved in the trial. We developed a reporting framework from available literature and performed a content analysis.

Results

Eleven of the 12 participants in the intervention group attended ≥70% of available classes before the trial was terminated due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Analysis of the study diaries found that adherence to the home exercise program was higher in the intervention than the control group. Analyses of interviews (n = 21) highlighted the complexity of standardising the processes across multiple sites, but revealed behaviour change amongst class physiotherapists who were able to conform with the required processes. Facilitators of participation included the desire to improve function and quality of life, while barriers included illnesses and lack of motivation. Mechanisms of impact included confidence in exercising and benefits from the education sessions.

Conclusions

The ComEx3 RCT was implemented as planned largely due to commitment by the research team and the desire by patients to improve their quality of life by attending a PR program that they are familiar with. Successful implementation of PR RCTs requires good organisational skills, clear and consistent trial documentation, broad understanding of participant needs while being conscious of challenges experienced by people with COPD, and dedication by everyone involved in the RCT.

So What?

This article shows the importance of running a process evaluation alongside an RCT. Although this RCT did not progress to completion, this process evaluation which was guided by a robust framework, will provide guidance for future interventions in this area.
Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic versus abdominal and laparoscopic myomectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Weiqi , Ma Jun , Yang Zhao , Han Xiao , Hu Chenyang , Wang Huai , Peng Ying , Zhang Lei , Jiang Bin
Published: April 2024

Background

Myomectomy is the preferred treatment for women with uterine fibroids and fertility requirements. There are three modalities are used in clinical practice for myomectomy: abdominal myomectomy (AM), laparoscopic myomectomy (LM), and robot‐assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RLM).

Objectives

To compare the perioperative and postoperative outcomes of RLM, AM, and LM.

Search Strategy

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Clinical Trials for relevant literature published between January 2000 and January 2023.

Selection Criteria

We included all studies reporting peri‐ and postoperative outcomes of myomectomy in patients with uterine myomas. Surgical treatments were classified as RLM, LM, or AM.

Data Collection and Analysis

Two or more authors selected studies independently, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. We derived mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each outcome, subgrouping trials by the patient characteristics and myoma characteristics. We used the I2 statistic to quantify heterogeneity and the random‐effects model for meta‐analysis when appropriate. We used the funnel plot to assess the publication bias.

Main Results

A total of 32 studies with 6357 patients were included, of which 1982 women had undergone RLM. The operating time was significantly longer (MD = 43.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 25.22–61.93, P < 0.001), and the incidence of cesarean section after myomectomy was significantly lower (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.10–0.78, P = 0.02) in RLM than in LM. Compared with AM, the operation time, blood loss, blood transfusion rate, complication rate, total cost, length of hospital stay, and pregnancy rate of patients with RLM were significantly different.

Conclusions

The safety and effectiveness of RLM are superior to those of AM but inferior to those of LM.
An integrated waveform design method for underwater acoustic detection and communication
Authors: Cui Xuerong , Cai Yue , Li Juan , Li Lei , Jiang Bin , Liu Liya
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the integrated system for underwater detection and communication (ISUDC) has become one of the important research directions. At present, the efficiency of the existing shared signals carrying communication information is low, and the synchronization performance needs to be further improved. So, this paper proposes an integrated waveform design scheme for ISUDC based on the carrier with good detection performance and binary phase shift differential keying (DBPSK). In this scheme, the signal with better underwater detection performance (e.g. Linear Frequency Modulation, LFM) is selected as the carrier, and DBPSK is used as the modulation mode to modulate the communication symbols into the carrier. However, the correlation of the detection signal will be destroyed. Thus, the down‐frequency detection signal (e.g. ngLFM) is superimposed into the signal to form a shared signal (LFM‐DBPSK‐ng, LDN). The detection performance, synchronization performance and communication performance of the shared signal are analyzed by ambiguity function, cross‐correlation and BER, respectively. In addition, according to the proposed scheme, the shared signal HFM‐DBPSK‐ng (HDN) is generated by using HFM as carrier. The comparative simulation experiments are carried out with the existing LFM‐BPSK signals. Experiments show that both LDN and HDN have better performance compared to the other shared signals, which proves the effectiveness of the integrated waveform design scheme for ISUDC proposed in this paper.
Community exposure to gun homicide and adolescents' educational aspirations
Authors: Bruns Angela , Aubel Amanda J. , Zhang Xiaoya , Buggs Shani A. , Kravitz‐Wirtz Nicole
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Witnessing violence and violent victimization have detrimental effects on adolescents' emotional functioning and ability to envision and plan for their futures. However, research is limited on the impact of violence that occurs in adolescents' communities—whether or not it was witnessed or experienced firsthand. This paper investigated the associations between community exposure to gun homicide and adolescents' high school and college graduation aspirations.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 3031), a cohort study of children born 1998–2000 in 20 large US cities, merged with incident‐level data on deadly gun violence from the Gun Violence Archive (2014–2017). Outcomes were reported by adolescents (girls and boys) during wave 6 (2014–2017) of the study, conducted when the children were 15 years of age. We employed ordinary least squares regression, ordered logistic regression, and multilevel stratification to examine the average and heterogeneous impacts of community exposure to gun homicide on adolescents' educational aspirations.

Results

Community exposure to gun homicide was associated with reduced high school graduation aspirations, particularly among adolescents with the lowest risk of exposure to gun homicide. Gun homicide exposure was also associated with increased college graduation aspirations; this association was concentrated among adolescents with moderate‐high risk of exposure.

Conclusions

Given the importance of education for job opportunities and the better health that accompanies education and occupational attainment, preventing early exposure to gun violence and providing institutional supports to help adolescents facing adversity realize their goals is essential to their long‐term health and success.
Synthesis, molecular docking analysis, drug‐likeness evaluation, and inhibition potency of new pyrazole‐3,4‐dicarboxamides incorporating sulfonamide moiety as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Authors: Özkul Şüheda , Tunca Ekrem , Mert Samet , Bayrakdar Alpaslan , Kasımoğulları Rahmi
Published: April 2024

A series of novel pyrazole‐dicarboxamides were synthesized from pyrazole‐3,4‐dicarboxylic acid chloride and various primary and secondary sulfonamides. The structures of the new compounds were confirmed by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and HRMS. Then the inhibition effects of newly synthesized molecules on human erythrocyte hCA I and hCA II isoenzymes were investigated. Ki values of the compounds were in the range of 0.024−0.496 µM for hCA I and 0.006−5.441 µM for hCA II. Compounds 7a and 7i showed nanomolar level of inhibition of hCA II, and these compounds exhibited high selectivity for this isoenzyme. Molecular docking studies were performed between the most active compounds 7a, 7b, 7i, and the reference inhibitor AAZ and the hCAI and hCAII to investigate the binding mechanisms between the compounds and the isozymes. These compounds showed better interactions than the AAZ. ADMET and drug‐likeness analyses for the compounds have shown that the compounds can be used pharmacologically in living organisms.
Extraction and separation of potassium, zinc and manganese issued from spent alkaline batteries by a three‐unit hydrometallurgical process
Authors: García Noelia Muñoz , Delgado Cano Beatriz , Valverde José Luis , Heitz Michèle , Avalos Ramirez Antonio
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Batteries play a vital role in meeting global energy needs. When their life cycle concludes, improperly discarded spent batteries can pose environmental risks primarily due to their metal content. In this sense, the recycling of metals contained in spent batteries could mean a huge advantage if they are extracted and purified using environmentally friendly processes.

RESULTS

In this study, the recovery of potassium (K), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) from alkaline batteries was performed using a hydrometallurgical process consisting of neutral, acid and acid reductive leaching steps at room temperature and atmospheric pressure to extract K, Zn and Mn. In the neutral leaching step, 76.8 ± 3.4 (wt. %) of the K present in the spent batteries was extracted. Thus, in the acid leaching step, 90.9 ± 0.1 (wt. %) of the initial Zn and 36.7 ± 0.4 (wt. %) of the initial Mn was extracted using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) 2 M. In a subsequent acid reductive leaching step using H2SO4 2 M and oxygen peroxide (H2O2) 0.8 M as reducing agent, 8.7 ± 0.1 (wt. %) of the initial Zn and up to 49.4 ± 0.2 (wt. %) of the initial Mn were extracted.

CONCLUSION

The three‐unit process led to an overall extraction of 99.6 ± 0.3 (wt. %) of Zn and 86.1 ± 0.1 (wt. %) of Mn. Regarding the latter step, the extraction was not 100% because Mn complexes which are nearly insoluble were generated. This shows that extraction of valuable minerals from industrial residues is possible by hydrometallurgical processes. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Gut—brain barrier dysfunction bridge autistic‐like behavior in mouse model of maternal separation stress: A behavioral, histopathological, and molecular study
Authors: Rowshan Negin , Anjomshoa Maryam , Farahzad Anahita , Bijad Elham , Amini‐Khoei Hossein
Published: April 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a fast‐growing neurodevelopmental disorder throughout the world. Experiencing early life stresses (ELS) like maternal separation (MS) is associated with autistic‐like behaviors. It has been proposed that disturbance in the gut–brain axis‐mediated psychiatric disorders following MS. The role of disruption in the integrity of gut–brain barrier in ASD remains unclear. Addressing this knowledge gap, in this study we aimed to investigate role of the gut–brain barrier integrity in mediating autistic‐like behaviors in mouse models of MS stress. To do this, mice neonates are separated daily from their mothers from postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 14 for 3 hours. During PND58–60, behavioral tests related to autistic‐like behaviors including three‐chamber sociability, shuttle box, and resident‐intruder tests were performed. Then, prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and colon samples were dissected out for histopathological and molecular evaluations. Results showed that MS is associated with impaired sociability and social preference indexes, aggressive behaviors, and impaired passive avoidance memory. The gene expression of CLDN1 decreased in the colon, and the gene expression of CLDN5, CLDN12, and MMP9 increased in the PFC of the MS mice. MS is associated with decrease in the diameter of CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus. In addition, MS led to histopathological changes in the colon. We concluded that, probably, disturbance in the gut–brain barrier integrities mediated the autistic‐like behavior in MS stress in mice.
Long term survival in patients with classic infantile Pompe disease reveals a spectrum with progressive brain abnormalities and changes in cognitive functioning
Authors: van den Dorpel J. J. A. , Mackenbach M. J. , Dremmen M. H. G. , van der Vlugt W. M. C. , Rizopoulos D. , van Doorn P. A. , van der Ploeg A. T. , Muetzel R. , van der Beek N. A. M. E. , van den Hout J. M. P.
Published: April 2024

The aim of this longitudinal cohort study, is to provide more insight into the pattern of brain abnormalities, and possible consequences for cognitive functioning, in patients with classic infantile Pompe disease. We included 19 classic infantile Pompe patients (median age last assessment 8.9 years, range 1.5–22.5 years; 5/19 CRIM negative), treated with ERT. Using MR imaging of the brain (T1, T2, and FLAIR acquisitions), we classified progression of brain abnormalities on a 12‐point rating scale at multiple time points throughout follow‐up. Additionally we noted specific white matter patterns and examined atrophy. Cognitive development was studied using Wechsler IQ assessments obtained by certified neuropsychologists. The association between age and cognitive functioning, and MRI ratings and cognitive functioning was assessed by linear regression models. All but one patient developed brain abnormalities. The abnormalities progressed in a similar pattern throughout the brain, with early involvement of periventricular white matter, later followed by subcortical white matter, gray matter structures, and juxtacortical U‐fibers. We found a significant decline (p < 0.01), with increasing age for full scale IQ, performance IQ and processing speed, but not for verbal IQ (p = 0.17). Each point increment in the 12‐point MRI rating scale was associated with a significant decline (3.1–6.0 points) in all the IQ index scores (p < 0.05). The majority of long‐term surviving patients in our cohort develop incremental brain MRI abnormalities and decline in cognitive functioning. This highlights the need for new therapies that can cross the blood–brain barrier in order to treat this CNS phenotype.
Evaluation of serum Epstein–Barr virus envelope glycoproteins antibodies and their association with systemic autoimmune diseases
Authors: Li Hui‐Lan , Zhong Lan‐Yi , Kang Yin‐Feng , Yang Yan‐Lan , Shi Liang , Zhai Ai‐Xia , Wu Chao , Zeng Mu‐Sheng , Zhu Qian‐Ying
Published: April 2024

Systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) are a growing spectrum of autoimmune disorders that commonly affect multiple organs. The role of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection or reactivation as a trigger for the initiation and progression of SADs has been established, while the relationship between EBV envelope glycoproteins and SADs remains unclear. Here, we assessed the levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM against EBV glycoproteins (including gp350, gp42, gHgL, and gB) in serum samples obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and found that RA and SLE patients exhibited a statistically significant increase in the levels of 8 and 11 glycoprotein antibodies, respectively, compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). The LASSO model identified four factors as significant diagnostic markers for RA: gp350 IgG, gp350 IgA, gHgL IgM, and gp42 IgA; whereas for SLE it included gp350 IgG, gp350 IgA, gHgL IgA, and gp42 IgM. Combining these selected biomarkers yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.749 for RA and 0.843 for SLE. We subsequently quantified the levels of autoantibodies associated with SADs in mouse sera following immunization with gp350. Remarkably, none of the tested autoantibody levels exhibited statistically significant alterations. Elevation of glycoprotein antibody concentration suggests that Epstein–Barr virus reactivation and replication occurred in SADs patients, potentially serving as a promising biomarker for diagnosing SADs. Moreover, the absence of cross‐reactivity between gp350 antibodies and SADs‐associated autoantigens indicates the safety profile of a vaccine based on gp350 antigen.
A method for homogenization of complex daily mean temperature data: Application at Beijing Observatory (1915–2021) and trend analysis
Authors: Chen Jing , Hu Tianjie , Wang Ji , Yan Zhongwei , Li Zhen
Published: April 2024

A homogenized daily mean temperature series from 1915 to 2021 at Beijing Observatory (BO) has been developed. A thorough investigation of observation records and historical metadata was carried out to identify specific non‐climatic biases. The inhomogeneities were detected and adjusted with the optimally selected reference stations using a statistical reduction methodology. The results indicated three types of non‐climatic biases in temperature records: the first was the relocation of BO from suburban to urban, which caused positive shifts in temperature records, especially for wintertime; the second arose from different methods for calculating daily mean temperature, which caused different sign biases varying with months; and the last was caused by the transition from manual to automatic measurements with site‐specific biases. The corresponding adjustments due to three type biases ranged from −1.13 to 0.63, −0.29 to 0.23 and −0.13 to 0.00°C, respectively. The new homogenized annual mean temperature series showed a warming trend of 0.199°C/decade during 1915–2021. The trend was more pronounced in winter than in the other three seasons. The warming trend in the new series is greater than those in the previous homogenized series (0.136–0.177°C/decade), primarily due to the more effective adjustment associated with the site relocation, particularly for more urban locations.
Determination of preoperative risk factors for iliopsoas tendonitis after total hip arthroplasty: A simulation study
Authors: Hardwick‐Morris Max , Twiggs Joshua , Miles Brad , Al‐Dirini Rami M. A. , Taylor Mark , Balakumar Jitendra , Walter William L.
Published: April 2024

This study aims to identify preoperative risk factors for iliopsoas tendonitis after total hip arthroplasty, a complication typically attributed to acetabular cup position and orientation, using a validated iliopsoas impingement detection simulation. Analyzing CT scans and X‐rays of 448 patients using a validated preoperative planning protocol, patients were simulated for iliopsoas impingement and categorized into at‐risk and not at‐risk groups based on a prior validation study, with a 23% at‐risk incidence. Implementing a propensity score matching algorithm to reduce covariate imbalance, we identified factors that may exacerbate risk of iliopsoas tendonitis. Parameters that were investigated included standing pelvic tilt, functional femoral rotation, and the difference between the planned acetabular cup diameter and native femoral head diameter (ΔC‐NFH). Comparing pelvic tilt, we found a significant difference between the groups (at‐risk: −6.0°, not at‐risk: −0.7°; p << 0.01). A similar trend was noted for ΔC‐NFH (at‐risk: +5.7 mm, not at‐risk: +5.1 mm; p = 0.01). Additional simulations of at‐risk patients indicated increased anteversion of the acetabular cup reduces impingement risk more effectively than medialisation. These findings suggest that spinopelvic parameters may exacerbate iliopsoas irritation risk, underscoring their importance in preoperative planning and patient expectation management. Similar findings of a greater than 6 mm difference between cup size and native femoral head diameter being a significant risk for iliopsoas tendonitis have been observed before, underscoring its potential veracity. These results may provide surgeons with a simple threshold that can be used in determining a cup size to reduce the risk of iliopsoas tendonitis.
Mineral supplementation for very preterm infants fed fortified human milk
Authors: Simonsen Marie Bendix , Kappel Susanne Soendergaard , Aunsholt Lise , Möller Sören , Sangild Per Torp , Zachariassen Gitte
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The safety and feasibility of human milk fortification with bovine colostrum (BC) were investigated in very preterm infants (FortiColos trial, NCT03537365). The BC product contained lower calcium, phosphate, and iron levels compared to the conventional fortifier (CF). We tested whether fortification with BC plus extra phosphate was sufficient to support the infants' mineral status assessed by blood biochemistry.

Methods

In a randomised controlled trial (FortiColos, NCT03537365), mineral status was compared after fortification with BC versus CF. Blood calcium, phosphate, and haemoglobin were determined before and up to 3 weeks after the start of fortification (at the mean age of 8–9 days). The maximum supplemental doses of calcium, phosphate, and iron given were retrieved from patient medical records. Results were adjusted for gestational age, birth weight, and enteral nutrition with the mother's own milk and/or donor human milk.

Results

Blood values of calcium, phosphate, and haemoglobin were similar between groups. Infants in both groups required supplementation with calcium and phosphate, but infants fed BC required higher maximum doses of phosphate and calcium (p < 0.05) to maintain acceptable blood values. Regardless of fortification groups, the most immature (<29 weeks of gestation) and small for gestational age infants showed a higher risk for requiring additional phosphate (odds ratio [OR]: 3.9, p < 0.001; OR: 2.14, p = 0.07, respectively).

Conclusions

The use of BC as a fortifier for human milk requires additional phosphate and calcium relative to a CF. Regardless of the fortification product, the most immature and small infants require additional mineral supplementation.
Out‐of‐pocket expenses and parent reported quality of life in children with cow's milk protein allergy in Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Fakih‐Botero Isabella , Cerchiaro‐Mejia Maria Camila , Rusinque Maria Juliana , Palacios‐Ariza María Alejandra , Plata‐Garcia Clara Eugenia , Peña‐Hernández Stephania
Published: April 2024

Objective

To identify the out‐of‐pocket expenses and parent‐reported quality of life (QoL) of children with a diagnosis of cow's milk protein allergy between the ages of 0 and 5 using the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire – Parent Form.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in two tertiary care centers in Bogotá. Demographic, medical information, and QoL scores were collected by parental interview. We carried out a cost‐of‐illness analysis based on self‐reported out‐of‐pocket expenses attributed to the treatment as a whole and the family's monthly income. Exploratory analyses used the QoL scores and the percentage of out‐of‐pocket expenses attributable to treatment as outcomes.

Results

122 families were analyzed. Median subject age was 17 months (Q1–Q3: 11–26.75 months) and female subjects made up 71% of the sample. The median QoL score was 3.21 points (Q1–Q3: 2.43–4.34) and only differed by age groups and personal history of other food allergies. The median out‐of‐pocket treatment related costs was 300,000 Colombian pesos (COP) (Q1–Q3: 280,000–340,000 COP). About 17% of the families had to pay over 15% of their monthly income to purchase food and dietary products. Out‐of‐pocket treatment related costs differed depending on whether the treatment included formulas (Mann–Whitney test p < 0.001). Out‐of‐pocket treatment expenses were uncorrelated with the QoL scores.

Conclusion

Food allergy related QoL scores were not associated with out‐of‐pocket expenses as a whole or as a fraction of monthly income but were higher in children with additional food allergies and in older age groups, suggesting a lower QoL.
The roles of seagrass litter decomposition in determining blue carbon sink capacity
Authors: Suonan Zhaxi , Kim Seung Hyeon , Yue Shidong , Jo Eunhye , Zhang Fei , Kim Hyegwang , Qin Le‐Zheng , Cha Jaeho , Zhou Yi , Lee Kun‐Seop
Published: April 2024

Seagrass litter is a crucial autochthonous source of sediment organic carbon (Corg) that contributes to Corg storage in coastal ecosystems. However, our understanding of seagrass litter decomposition effects on sediment Corg sequestration and the factors influencing the capacity for autochthonous carbon sequestration remains limited. We investigated Zostera marina litter decomposition dynamics in eelgrass meadows along the Korean coast by monitoring changes in the remaining litter mass and autochthonous Corg during the decomposition process. We used a double‐component exponential decay models to characterize the decomposition dynamics and estimate the autochthonous Corg remaining. We also identified potential factors affecting litter decay and Corg accumulation in sediments by examining site‐specific physicochemical properties. Our findings revealed that double‐component models effectively characterized litter decomposition dynamics and indicated greater preservation of litter‐derived slowly degrading Corg in sediments. The reduced decomposition of litter materials owing to low oxygen availability in the muddy sediments led to greater retention of litter mass and litter‐derived Corg in sediments. The anoxic conditions of below‐ground litterbags, compared with above‐ground litterbags, could be alleviated by the oxygen transport through fresh Z. marina roots, thereby potentially stimulating the microbial decomposition of Z. marina below‐ground litter materials at these sites. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding litter decomposition dynamics to accurately assess the carbon sink capacity of seagrass meadows, and demonstrate that physicochemical properties can influence seagrass litter decomposition.
Quantum Cascade Surface Emitting Lasers
Authors: Stark David , Kapsalidis Filippos , Markmann Sergej , Bertrand Mathieu , Marzban Bahareh , Gini Emilio , Beck Mattias , Faist Jérôme
Published: April 2024

A low‐cost single frequency laser, emitting in the mid‐infrared spectral region and dissipating minimal electrical power, is a key ingredient for the next generation of portable gas sensors for high‐volume applications involving chemical sensing of important greenhouse and pollutant gases. Herein, a Quantum Cascade Surface Emitting Laser (QCSEL) is proposed, which is implemented as a short linear cavity with high reflectivity coated end‐mirrors to suppress any edge emission and employs a buried semiconductor diffraction grating to extract the light from the surface. By wafer‐level testing, the cavity length scaling is investigated, mirror reflectivities larger than 0.9 are extracted, and a pulsed threshold power dissipation of 237 mW for an emission wavelength near 7.5 µm is achieved. Finally, single‐mode emission with a side‐mode suppression ratio larger than 33 dB is demonstrated for a 248 µm short cavity, which is mounted with the epitaxial layer up and operated in continuous wave at 20 .
Improved Amplified Spontaneous Emission in Polycrystalline Perovskite Films by the Dual‐Site Synergistic Passivation Effects of ZnS
Authors: Zhu Liangliang , Huang Shuai , Liu Yue , Li Ruixuan , Zhang Guangyin , Chen Yanzhong , Dong Guifang , Zhang Xinping , Guan Baolu
Published: April 2024

Halide perovskite materials are considered a promising optical gain medium for stimulated emission and have aroused tremendous interest in the field of laser research. The development of low‐threshold optically pumped amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) is critical for the advancement of continuous wave (CW) and electrically pumped micro‐nano lasers. In this work, an efficient ZnS additive is incorporated into the FA0.85MA0.15PbI2.55Br0.45 perovskite films to diminish the ASE threshold and extend the photostability by the dual‐site synergistic passivation. The experimental measurements and first‐principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) are employed to elucidate the doping mechanism. The designed ZnS‐based perovskite films yield a mitigated ASE threshold of 8.5 µJ cm−2 with an elevated optical gain coefficient of 109.06 cm−1, which outperform those of the control films (12.7 µJ cm−2 and 74.10 cm−1). The in‐depth experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations have corroborated that the improvement of ASE performance can be ascribed to the dual‐site synergistic passivation effects of Zn2+ and S2−, which reduces the surface defects of perovskite films, suppresses the nonradiative charge recombination and improves the optical stability. This work provides a resultful strategy to construct the solution‐processed perovskite lasers with low thresholds and superior stability.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Orthostatic Tremor: An Observational Study
Authors: Babeliowsky Wietske A. , Bot Maarten , Potters Wouter V. , van den Munckhof Pepijn , Blok Edwin R. , de Bie Rob M.A. , Schuurman Rick , van Rootselaar Anne‐Fleur
Published: April 2024

Background

Primary orthostatic tremor (OT) can affect patients’ life. Treatment of OT with deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim) is described in a limited number of patients. The Vim and posterior subthalamic area (PSA) can be targeted in a single trajectory, allowing both stimulation of the Vim and/or dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRT). In essential tremor this is currently often used with positive effects.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of Vim/DRT‐DBS in OT‐patients, based on standing time and Quality of Life (QoL), also on the long‐term. Furthermore, to relate stimulation of the Vim and DRT, medial lemniscus (ML) and pyramidal tract (PT) to beneficial clinical and side‐effects.

Methods

Nine severely affected OT‐patients received bilateral Vim/DRT‐DBS. Primary outcome measure was standing time; secondary measures included self‐reported measures, neurophysiological measures, structural analyses, surgical complications, stimulation‐induced side‐effects, and QoL up to 56 months. Stimulation of volume of tissue activated (VTA) were related to outcome measures.

Results

Average maximum standing time increased from 41.0 s ± 51.0 s to 109.3 s ± 65.0 s after 18 months, with improvements measured in seven of nine patients. VTA (n = 7) overlapped with the DRT in six patients and with the ML and/or PT in six patients. All patients experienced side‐effects and QoL worsened during the first year after surgery, which improved again during long‐term follow‐up, although remaining below age‐related normal values. Most patients reported a positive effect of DBS.

Conclusion

Vim/DRT‐DBS improved standing time in patients with severe OT. Observed side‐effects are possibly related to stimulation of the ML and PT.
The clinical value of optical genome mapping in the rapid characterization of RB1 duplication and 15q23q24.2 triplication, for more appropriate prenatal genetic counselling
Authors: Bouassida Malek , Molina‐Gomes Denise , Koraichi Fairouz , Hervé Bérénice , Lhuilier Morgane , Duvillier Clémence , Le Gall Jessica , Gauthier‐Villars Marion , Serazin Valérie , Quibel Thibaud , Dard Rodolphe , Vialard François
Published: April 2024

Background

Despite recent advances in prenatal genetic diagnosis, medical geneticists still face considerable difficulty in interpreting the clinical outcome of copy‐number‐variant duplications and defining the mechanisms underlying the formation of certain chromosomal rearrangements.

Optical genome mapping (OGM) is an emerging cytogenomic tool with proved ability to identify the full spectrum of cytogenetic aberrations.

Methods

Here, we report on the use of OGM in a prenatal diagnosis setting. Detailed breakpoint mapping was used to determine the relative orientations of triplicated and duplicated segments in two unrelated foetuses harbouring chromosomal aberrations: a de novo 15q23q24.2 triplication and a paternally inherited 13q14.2 duplication that overlapped partially with the RB1 gene.

Results

OGM enabled us to suggest a plausible mechanism for the triplication and confirmed that the RB1 duplication was direct oriented and in tandem. This enabled us to predict the pathogenic consequences, refine the prognosis and adapt the follow‐up and familial screening appropriately.

Conclusion

Along with an increase in diagnostic rates, OGM can rapidly highlight genotype–phenotype correlations, improve genetic counselling and significantly influence prenatal management.