bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic use of low‐dose urodilatin for prevention of renal impairment following liver transplantation: a randomized placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Langrehr Jan M. , Kahl Andreas , Meyer Markus , Neumann Ulf , Knoop Michael , Jonas Sven , Steinmüller Thomas , Bechstein Wolf Otto , Frei Ulrich , Forssmann Wolf‐Georg , Neuhaus Peter
Published: October 2024

Many therapeutic measures have been employed to prevent or at least ameliorate postoperative renal impairment following liver transplantation. Recent clinical phase II studies have demonstrated that the new natriuretic peptide urodilatin has beneficial effects on renal function following heart and liver transplantation. The present study reports the first prospective randomized placebo‐controlled trial of prophylactic urodilatin administration following liver transplantation.

Seventy consecutive recipients of primary liver transplants were included in the study following randomization, and 33 patients continuously received urodilatin at a dose of 20 ng/kg/min for 7 d. The remaining 37 patients received a placebo infusion for the same time period. The course of serum creatinine and urea did not differ between the two groups nor did the daily urine production. However, the urodilatin group showed a higher preoperative median serum creatinine and a significant reduction on days 1 and 2, whereas this observation was not made in the placebo group. Furthermore, less furosemide was administered to the patients in the urodilatin group during the first 2 d. The incidence of postoperative hemodialysis and the number of treatments did not differ between the groups either (urodilatin group 4, vs. placebo group 6 and 22 for both groups, respectively). Side effects of the urodilatin therapy were not detected.

The prophylactic low‐dose urodilatin administration resulted in a trend towards amelioration of the renal function, but did not result in significant differences between the two experimental groups. Further studies, using higher doses, will be required to define the value of urodilatin for prevention of renal impairment after liver transplantation.
Hyperfiltration, creatinine clearance and chronic graft loss
Authors: Heaf J. G. , Ladefoged J.
Published: October 2024

Chronic graft loss (CGL) may be caused by immunologicalor hyperfiltration‐mediated tissue destruction. If the hyperfiltration theory is correct, grafts from female donors given to heavy recipients. and having a relatively poor initial function, should suffer an accelerated rate of loss of function. 590 renal transplantations surviving more than 1 yr, including 171 cases of (CGL), were reviewed to identify causes of CGL. No overall influence of recipient or donor sex was found, but female donation resulted in lower acute graft loss and higher CGL. Warm ischemia affected CGL marginally, but cold ischemia 12 h (excluding living donors) reduced CGL (35 vs. 53% at 10 yr, p<0.05) and delayed function increased CGL (38% vs. 56% p<0.001). Patients with a high urea production had high CGL (43%) vs. 77%, p<0.02). No overall effect of recipient weight was found: however 7 patients weighing >90 kg all had CGL within 10 yr. Creatinine clearance was increasingly correlated to recipient weight (r = 0.23 at 1 yr, 0.38 at 10 yr, p<0.001). For all years, change in creatinine clearance correlated with change in weight (p<0.001). The most important factor predicting CGL was creatinine clearance, (>80 ml/min: 6% at 10 yr; 20‐40 ml/min 53%). However, at any level of creatinine clearance, patients with late CGL had a slower loss of renal function. Rate of change of renal function was proportional to creatinine clearance, but only for grafts surviving > 6 yr. Creatinine clearance rose between 3 mths and 2 yr; this rise indicated a good prognosis, was related to recipient weight and weight increase, and was reduced in older donors and cyclosporine treated patients. For patients with low clearance (<60 ml/min), the increased CGL seen in patients with previous rejection episodes could be explained by their consequent lower clearance, but above this level, rejection episodes had an independent deleterious effect. These findings are compatible with hyperfiltration being the major cause of CGL after 6 yr. Before this immunological factors dominate. Good quality grafts respond to the increased protein load of heavy recipients with an increased GFR. Thus at any time. graft GFR is a function of protein‐induced hyperfiltration, immunological graft destruction and hyperfiltration‐mediated damage. Hyperfiltration‐mediated renal damage is not a problem if the creatinine clearance is greater than 60 ml/min.
Itraconazole for the treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Nanas John N. , Saroglou George , Anastasiou‐Nana Maria I. , Kostis Evagelos B. , Petrochilou‐Paschou Vasiliki P. , Kontoyannis Dimitris A. , Stamatelopoulos Stamatis F. , Moulopoulos Spyridon D.
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of itraconazole as a first choice drug in the treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis in heart transplant recipients. Heart transplant recipients suffering from invasive pulmonary aspergillosis were included in this study. Group 1 included 4 patients treated with IV itraconazole (Janssen Pharmaceutica) 400 mg daily, as a first choice drug for 28 d. Itraconazole was discontinued and amphotericin‐B was started before the 28th day if clinical or radiographic worsening was observed. Group 2 included 3 patients treated with amphotericin‐B as a first choice drug. Itraconazole was discontinued in all patients of Group 1 after 12‐26 d of treatment because of radiographic worsening (n = 3) or combined. clinical and radiographic worsening (n = 1). Subsequent treatment with amphotericin‐B resulted in improvement of all patients. On a 5‐yr follow‐up period no relapse of aspergillosis was observed in 3 of them. The fourth patient expired from cerebral hemorrhage. The 3 patients of Group 2 treated with amphotericin‐B showed a gradual improvement, and all were doing well on a 2‐yr follow‐up. In conclusion, in our study population consisted of heart transplant recipients amphotericin‐ B was superior to itraconazole in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
Post kidney transplant quality of life prediction models
Authors: Hathaway Donna K , Winsett Rebecca P , Johnson Cheryl , Tolley Elizabeth A , Hartwig Mary , Milstead Jean , Wicks Mona N , Gaber A Osama
Published: October 2024

Quality of life (QoL) is generally found to improve for renal transplant recipients, although some patients continue to experience health‐related problems. It was within this context that we undertook our investigation which focused on identifying the factors predictive of QoL following kidney transplantation.

Methods. The sample included 91 non‐diabetic patients of which 69 provided 6‐month data and 68 provided 12‐month data. Three QoL questionnaires were administered to capture as many QoL dimensions as possible. Repeated measure analyses of variance with multiple post hoc comparisons of LS means was conducted to determine how QOL outcomes differed over time. Correlational analyses were performed on the 12‐month dataset to determine which variables to include in the modeling process. Multiple stepwise regression with forward and backward entry were used in the prediction modeling.

Results: Essentially all patients experienced a significant improvement in QoL and the improvement occurred early and appeared to be sustained. Five separate prediction models were constructed, each including number of hospital days in first 6 months, employment, and social support.

Conclusions. The similarity of the five models is of note. It is not necessarily these specific variables per se that predict QoL outcomes, but rather what they conceptually represent. These findings provide direction for interventions designed to enhance post‐transplant QoL.
Effects of low‐dose dopamine on urine output in oliguric, critically ill, renal transplant patients
Authors: Flancbaum Louis , Dick Michael , Choban Patricia S , Dasta Joseph P
Published: October 2024

Low‐dose dopamine (LD‐DA) has been used extensively to increase urine output (UO) in critically ill patients. These effects have recently been documented in patients with normal and mildly abnormal. renal function. The purpose of this study was to quantitate the effects of LD‐DA on UO and urineNa. (UNa) excretion in renal transplant (RT) patients, and thereby evaluate the effects of LD‐DA on the denervated kidney. Methods. Five RT patients and 7 non‐transplant controls, hospitalized in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU), with serum creatinine (serum Cr) <2 mg/dL who were oliguric (UO <0.5 mL/kg/h), received LD‐DA (2.5 ug/kg/min). None received other diuretics within 12 h, and all had pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) > 10 mmHg and CI > 3.0 L/min/m2. UO was measured hourly and averaged for 2 h pre and 6 h during LD‐DA. All data are mean ± SD. Results. APACHE II (14±4), CI (4.11.2 L/min/m2), PAOP (15±4 mmHg), HR (9816/min), and MAP (83 10 mmHg) were similar between groups and did not change during LD‐DA therapy. Initial serum Cr in the RT group (1.6±0.4 mg/dL) was greater than that in controls (0.90.24 mg/dL), p<0.05. Initial UO [0.26±0.10 mL/kg/h (RT) and 0.31 0.12 mL/kg/h (controls)] and initial UNa. [8±62 meq/L (RT) and 5428 meq/L (controls)] were not different. Urine output increased significantly compared with baseline in both groups [final UO 0.55 ± 0.14 mL/kg/h (RT) and 0.96 ± 0.41 mL/kg/h (controls)]. Final UNa [72 37 meq/L (RT) and 99 ± 56 meq/L (controls)] were not different from each other or from baseline. Conclusions. LD‐DA increases UO, but not UNa excretion, in RT patients with oliguria, comparably to controls. These data suggest that this effect is predominantly mediated by dopaminergic receptors, since the transplanted kidney is denervated and there were no significant associated changes in hemodynamic parameters during the study.
Suggested guidelines for the use of tacrolimus in pancreas/kidney transplantation
Authors: Gruessner Rainer WG , Bartlett Stephen T , Burke George W , Stock Peter G
Published: October 2024

As experience with tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf®) accumulates. and reduced rejection rates are increasingly demonstrated, some transplant centers are adopting tacrolimus‐based primary immunosuppressive regimens for their patients undergoing pancreas/kidney transplantation. The guidelines provided in this article based on the experience of four major US transplant centers, cover issues related to dosing, blood levels, concomitant use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), antifungal and antiviral prophylaxis, and drug interactions. For post‐transplant immunosuppression some centers initiate oral tacrolimus administration on postoperative day 1, 2, or 3, while others wait until day 6 or 7, when renal or gastrointestinal function has resumed. Most centers endeavor to achieve higher target trough levels (~10‐20 ng/mL, but not higher) in the first 3 months post‐transplant, reducing levels thereafter. Several centers are now using MMF instead of azathioprine as an adjunct to tacrolimus. Conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus during maintenance therapy is often considered in the event of rejection or when adverse events do not respond to dosage reduction.
Liver transplantation in hyponatremic patients with emphasis on central pontine myelinolysis
Authors: Abbasoglu Osman , Goldstein Robert M , Vodapally Mohan S , Jennings Linda W , Levy Marlon F , Husberg Bo S , Klintmalm Goran B
Published: October 2024

Patients awaiting liver transplantation may suffer from severe hyponatremia. It has been suggested that hyponatremia or its treatment. might be associated with central pontine myelinolysis (CPM), a serious complication that can be seen after orthotopic liver transplantation. (OLT). We undertook this study to assess the outcome of hyponatremic patients after OLT and to evaluate the risk factors in the development of CPM. A total of 379 adult OLT performed in 347 patients between March 1993 and December 1995 was studied using a prospectively‐collected data base and retrospective chart review. The following risk factors for the development of CPM were analyzed: primary liver disease, nutritional status, alcoholism, diuretic use, hepatic encephalopathy, United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) status, preoperative serum sodium, magnesium and cholesterol levels, increase in serum sodium concentration during surgery, and immunosuppressive treatment. Overall 12 patients (3.5%) underwent OLT in a hyponatremic state (serum sodium 127 meq/L). At a median follow‐up of 14 months, 8 patients were alive without any neurological sequel. Six of the 12 patients developed neurological complications in the early postoperative period including CPM in 3, confusion in 2, and seizure in 1. The 3 patients who developed CPM expired within 3 months of OLT. The changes in serum sodium concentration during OLT in patients with and without CPM were 20.78.1 and 7.0 5.1 meq/L, respectively (p = 0.005). No other risk factor could be identified in the development of CPM. It is concluded that prognosis of hyponatremic patients after OLT is poor if they develop CPM. Slow correction of hyponatremia perioperatively may be critical in preventing this devastating complication.
The Rat Subcutaneous Air Sac Model: A New and Simple Method for in vivo Screening of Antiangiogenesis
Authors: Lichtenberg Jens , Hansen Christian Abildgaard , Skak‐Nielsen Tine , Bay Claus , Mortcnsen Jens Thing , Binderup Lise
Published: October 2024

An experimental rat model, the Subcutaneous Air Sac (SAS) model, was developed to provide an animal model in which neo‐vascularization can be easily assessed in situ and quantified using a radiolabelled plasma marker. The SAS model was designed to replace a previous model where neovascularization was induced by chemical injury of rat or rabbit cornea or by implantation of tumour cells intracorneally, a methodology which is believed to cause severe pain to the animals. In the SAS model the air sac replaces the cornea as a transparent avascular substratum in which vascularization can be observed. The air sac is induced by injection of air subcutaneously on the back of the animal. After 8 to 10 days a sufficient air sac has been established. The animal is anaesthesized and by a minor operation the cellulose sponge is implanted upon the air sac under the skin. The vasoproliferativc effect of the cellulose sponge causes formation of new vessels which are macroscopically visible 10 days after implantation. The ability of the in vivo SAS model to show an anti‐angiogenic effect of a systemically applied test compound was investigated using the fumagillin analogue TNP‐470 (ochloro‐acetylcarbamoyl)‐fumagillol) as a positive control at dose levels of 0, 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg/day given subcutaneously for 10 days. The neo‐angiogenesis was scored both in situ using a subjective point system and by measuring the 125I‐activity of the implant and the membrane after an intravenous injection of 125I‐labelled antibodies. The neo‐angiogenesis was reduced by approximately 45‐50% in animals treated with 5 or 10 mg/kg/day of TNP‐470 compared to animals treated with the vehicle. The animals treated with 10 mg/kg/day TNP‐470 showed signs of toxicity. The SAS model is considered highly relevant for in vivo testing of potential antiangiogenic drugs on humane grounds. The high reproducibility, the low cost and the technical simplicity of the method makes it attractive.
Field‐effect modulated water‐splitting by photoinduced charge carriers on BiFeO3 film
Authors: Tan Kah Hui , Liu Heng‐Jui , Yang Jan‐Chi , Karel Julie , Chang Wei Sea
Published: October 2024

In this study, the field‐effect generated by illuminated p‐type ferroelectric bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3 or BFO) semiconductor film is utilized to modulate the water‐splitting performance of a system with a macroscopic spatial separation between the anode and cathode. When the BFO film in contact with an electrolyte is illuminated with a light of sufficiently high frequency, an electrolytic conducting channel is formed due to the field effect induced by photoexcited charge carriers in the BFO film, which in turn alters the water‐splitting pathway and the reaction mechanism. The field effect can be modulated by changing the orientation of the ferroelectric polarization in the BFO film. With a BFO film of 4.5 mm channel length and an overall upward ferroelectric polarization direction, a ∼30% increase in water‐splitting performance in a neutral‐pH electrolyte is achieved in the presence of field‐effect induced by a 20 mW 405 nm light source. The mechanism behind the field‐effect modulation is also further verified by monitoring the pH of the electrolyte during the water‐splitting process and conducting thresholding analysis on the recorded data. The field‐effect modulation described in this study can potentially be used to enhance the performance of a photoelectrochemical water‐splitting system by taking advantage of the presence of light illumination in the system or be utilized in electrochemical sensing applications.
Influence of V substitutions on sintering behaviors and microwave dielectric properties of Ba4LiNb3O12 ceramic
Authors: Tian Yulong , Wang Wei , Wang Xin , Li Jie , Zhou Di
Published: October 2024

In this study, a series of Ba4Li(Nb1‐xVx)3O12 (x = 0.05∼0.3) ceramics were synthesized using the solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that the composite ceramics contain both Ba4LiNb3O12 and Ba3(VO4)2 phases, without any other phases present. The grains consist of Ba4LiNb3O12 and Ba3(VO4)2, as illustrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Additionally, with the increase of V content, the grain size decreases, and the (microwave dielectric constant) decreases, the (resonant frequency temperature coefficient) value decreases, and the value increases (where  = quality factor = 1 / dielectric loss, and  = resonant frequency). The densest Ba4Li(Nb0.7V0.3)3O12, with a of 31.3, of + 70 ppm/°C, and high of 42 850 GHz, was obtained at a sintering temperature of 1350°C. Furthermore, the addition of 5 wt.% BaCu(B2O5) (BCB) into Ba4Li(Nb0.7V0.3)3O12 resulted in obtaining dense ceramics at a sintering temperature of 925°C, with a of 23.5, a high value of 14 370 GHz, and of + 88 ppm/°C. Further investigations have shown that Ba4Li(Nb1‐xVx)3O12 ceramics are chemically compatible with Ag, suggesting its potential use in low‐temperature cofired ceramics technology.
Emodin combined with 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy inhibits condyloma acuminate angiogenesis by targeting SerRS
Authors: Lu Hongyan , Peng Zhangsong , Luo Yingrui , Zheng Zhaohui , Li Changxing , Wang Qi , Han Chao , Wang Youyi , Liang Liuping , Zeng Kang , Chen Yuxiang
Published: October 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can cause condyloma acuminatum (CA), which is characterized by a high incidence and a propensity for recurrence after treatment. Angiogenesis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of CA. Seryl‐tRNA synthetase (SerRS) is a newly identified, potent anti‐angiogenic factor that directly binds to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) promoter, thereby suppressing its transcription. Emodin is a natural anthraquinone derivative that can promote SerRS expression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of emodin on CA and explore combined treatment strategies. The HPV‐infected cell line SiHa was treated with either DMSO, emodin, ALA‐PDT or a combination of emodin and ALA‐PDT. We observed the effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis and the SerRS‐VEGFA pathway. Our findings demonstrated that emodin targets angiogenesis through the SerRS‐VEGFA pathway, resulting in the inhibition of SiHa cell proliferation and promotion of apoptosis (p < 0.001). To verify the therapeutic effect of emodin combined with ALA‐PDT on HPV‐associated tumours in vivo, we established an animal xenograft model by subcutaneously inoculating mice with SiHa cells (n = 4). The results showed that the combination of emodin and ALA‐PDT significantly inhibited the expression of VEGFA to inhibit angiogenesis (p < 0.001), thus showing an inhibitory effect on tumour (p < 0.001). Furthermore, we determined that the mechanism underlying the decrease in VEGFA expression after emodin combined with ALA‐PDT in CA may be attributed to the promotion of SerRS expression (p < 0.001). The combination of emodin and ALA‐PDT holds promise as a novel therapeutic target for CA by targeting neovascularization in condyloma tissues.
Metformin represses the carcinogenesis potentially induced by 50 Hz magnetic fields in aged mouse fibroblasts via inhibition of NF‐kB
Authors: Soydas Tugba , Yenmis Guven , Tuncdemir Matem , Kalkan Mustafa Tunaya , Sarac Elif Yaprak , Bilir Ayhan , Sultuybek Gonul Kanigur
Published: October 2024

Aging is a risk factor for various human disorders, including cancer. Current literature advocates that the primary principles of aging depend on the endogenous stress‐induced DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species 50 Hz low‐frequency magnetic field was suggested to induce DNA damage and chromosomal instability. NF‐kB, activated by DNA damage, is upregulated in age‐related cancers and inhibition of NF‐kB results in aging‐related delayed pathologies. Metformin (Met), an NF‐kB inhibitor, significantly reduces both NF‐kB activation and expression in aging and cancer. This in vitro study, therefore, was set out to assess the effects of 5mT MF in 50 Hz frequency and Met treatment on the viability and proliferation of aged mouse NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and expression of RELA/p65, matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9, and E‐cadherin (CDH1) genes. The trypan blue exclusion assay was used to determine cell viability and the BrdU incorporation assay to determine cell proliferation. The MMP‐2/9 protein analysis was carried out by immunocytochemistry, NF‐kB activity by ELISA and the expressions of targeted genes by qRT–PCR methods. Four doses of Met (500 uM, 1 mM, 2 mM and 10 mM) suppressed both the proliferation and viability of fibroblasts exposed to the MF in a dose‐dependent pattern, and the peak inhibition was recorded at the 10 mM dose. Met reduced the expression of NF‐kB, and MMP2/9, elevated CDH1 expression and suppressed NF‐kB activity. These findings suggest that Met treatment suppresses the carcinogenic potential of 50 Hz MFs in aged mouse fibroblasts, possibly through modulation of NF‐kB activation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition modulation.
It is time to eliminate unnecessary iatrogenic hypoglycemia in older adults
Authors: Ouslander Joseph G.
Published: October 2024

See related article by Cohen et al. in this issue.
Combined additive effects of neuronal membrane glycoprotein GPM6a and the intercellular cell adhesion molecule ICAM5 on neuronal morphogenesis
Authors: Gutiérrez Fuster R. , León A. , Aparicio G. I. , Brizuela Sotelo F. , Scorticati C.
Published: October 2024

The mechanisms underlying neuronal development and synaptic formation in the brain depend on intricate cellular and molecular processes. The neuronal membrane glycoprotein GPM6a promotes neurite elongation, filopodia/spine formation, and synapse development, yet its molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Since the extracellular domains of GPM6a (ECs) command its function, we investigated the interaction between ICAM5, the neuronal member of the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) family, and GPM6a's ECs. Our study aimed to explore the functional relationship between GPM6a and ICAM5 in hippocampal culture neurons and cell lines. Immunostaining of 15 days in vitro (DIV) neurons revealed significant co‐localization between endogenous GPM6a clusters and ICAM5 clusters in the dendritic shaft. These results were further corroborated by overexpressing GPM6a and ICAM5 in N2a cells and hippocampal neurons at 5 DIV. Moreover, results from the co‐immunoprecipitations and cell aggregation assays prove the cis and trans interaction between both proteins in GPM6a/ICAM5 overexpressing HEK293 cells. Additionally, GPM6a and ICAM5 overexpression additively enhanced neurite length, the number of neurites in N2a cells, and filopodia formation in 5 DIV neurons, indicating their cooperative role. These findings highlight the dynamic association between GPM6a and ICAM5 during neuronal development, offering insights into their contributions to neurite outgrowth, filopodia formation, and cell–cell interactions.

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The role of NMDA receptors in fish stress response: Assessments based on physiology of the caudal neurosecretory system and defensive behavior
Authors: Qin Yeyang , Shi Mengmeng , Wei Yanyan , Lu Weiqun
Published: October 2024

Stress strongly influences the physiology and behavior of animals, and leads into a pathological condition and disease. NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play a crucial role in the modulation of neural activity. To understand the role of NMDARs in fish stress response, we used NMDARs agonist aspartate to test the functional role of its input on the Dahlgren cell population in the caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) of the olive flounder. In addition, the effect of the NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5 on the expression of genes of the main secretory products of the CNSS after stress was investigated by using qPCR technology and the effect of the NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5 on post‐stress behavior was explored by behavioral methods. Ex vivo electrophysiological experiments showed that the NMDARs agonist aspartate enhanced the firing frequency of Dahlgren cells. Additionally, aspartate treatment increased the incidence of cells exhibiting bursting firing pattern, this result is corroborated by the observed upregulation in the expression of ion channels and major hormone genes in the CNSS. Furthermore, the excitatory influence of aspartate was effectively counteracted by NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5. Interestingly, NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5 treatment also significantly decreased the plasma cortisol levels and the expression of CRH, UI, and UII in CNSS after acute stress. Treatment with D‐AP5 effectively attenuated the stress response, as evidenced by alterations in respiratory metabolism, sand‐burying behavior, swimming distance, simulated capture, and escape response. In conclusion, modulation of Dahlgren cell excitability in the CNSS by NMDARs contributes to the regulation of the stress response, NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5 can effectively suppress stress response in flounder by regulating the stress hormone expression and secretion.

Clinical Trial Registration

Project code SHOU‐DW‐2022‐032.
Local quadratic spectral and covariance matrix estimation
Authors: McElroy Tucker , Politis Dimitris N.
Published: October 2024

The problem of estimating the spectral density matrix of a multi‐variate time series is revisited with special focus on the frequencies and . Recognizing that the entries of the spectral density matrix at these two boundary points are real‐valued, we propose a new estimator constructed from a local polynomial regression of the real portion of the multi‐variate periodogram. The case is of particular importance, since is associated with the large‐sample covariance matrix of the sample mean; hence, estimating is crucial to conduct any sort of statistical inference on the mean. We explore the properties of the local polynomial estimator through theory and simulations, and discuss an application to inflation and unemployment.
Relationship Between Resultant Force Vector Acting on Human Organs From Food Bolus and the Bolus Configuration During Swallowing Using Numerical Swallowing Simulation With Moving Particle Simulation Method
Authors: Kamiya Tetsu , Toyama Yoshio , Hanyu Keigo , Kikuchi Takahiro , Michiwaki Yukihiro
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the forces exerted on organs during swallowing, specifically focusing on identifying forces other than those resulting from direct organ contact. Using a swallowing simulator based on the moving particle method, we simulated the swallowing process of healthy individuals upon the ingestion of thickened foods, which were simulated as shear‐thinning flow without yield stress. We extracted the resultant force vectors acting on the organs and shape of the bolus at each time interval. The simulation results confirmed that the bolus originates from tongue movement and is transferred between the oral cavity and pharynx, with each organ's coordinated movements with the tongue occurring at their respective positions, as indicated by the balance of the resultant force vectors. Utilizing the information about the resultant force vectors obtained through simulations, we calculated the physical parameters of impulse, energy, and power. The variations in these physical parameters were aligned with the behaviors of both the biological system and the food bolus during swallowing. The force values calculated from the simulations closely approximate the theoretical values. Furthermore, the forces calculated from the simulations were relatively smaller than the force values derived from pressure information, such as that from high‐resolution manometry and tongue pressure sensors. This difference can be attributed to the simulations extracting only the forces exerted on the organ by the food bolus. Force information on organs has the potential to provide a new interpretation of conventional mechanical indicators such as manometry and tongue pressure sensors.
Autophagy plays an antiviral defence role against tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus and is counteracted by viral effector NSs
Authors: Zhang Xingwang , Hong Hao , Yan Jiaoling , Yuan Yulong , Feng Mingfeng , Liu Qinhai , Zhao Yanxiao , Yang Tongqing , Huang Shen , Wang Chunli , Zhao Ruizhen , Zuo Wenyu , Liu Suyu , Ding Zixuan , Huang Changjun , Zhang Zhongkai , Kundu Jiban Kumar , Tao Xiaorong
Published: October 2024

Autophagy, an intracellular degradation process, has emerged as a crucial innate immune response against various plant pathogens, including viruses. Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) is a highly destructive plant pathogen that infects over 1000 plant species and poses a significant threat to global food security. However, the role of autophagy in defence against the TSWV pathogen, and whether the virus counteracts this defence, remains unknown. In this study, we report that autophagy plays an important role in antiviral defence against TSWV infection; however, this autophagy‐mediated defence is counteracted by the viral effector NSs. Transcriptome profiling revealed the up‐regulation of autophagy‐related genes (ATGs) upon TSWV infection. Blocking autophagy induction by chemical treatment or knockout/down of ATG5/ATG7 significantly enhanced TSWV accumulation. Notably, the TSWV nucleocapsid (N) protein, a major component of the viral replication unit, strongly induced autophagy. However, the TSWV nonstructural protein NSs was able to effectively suppress N‐induced autophagy in a dose‐dependent manner. Further investigation revealed that NSs inhibited ATG6‐mediated autophagy induction. These findings provide new insights into the defence role of autophagy against TSWV, a representative segmented negative‐strand RNA virus, as well as the tospoviral pathogen counterdefence mechanism.
A case of primary ciliary dyskinesis with DRC1 deletion and literature review: Additional evidence on the founder effect
Authors: Ohya Ayami , Tomomasa Dan , Sakura Fumiaki , Asano Takaki , Arisaka Atsuko , Akashi Takumi , van Zelm Menno C. , Morio Tomohiro , Okada Satoshi , Kanegane Hirokazu
Published: October 2024

Background

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disease caused by defects in various genes affecting ciliary function. It is currently unclear why DRC1 gene variants are a relatively frequent cause of disease in Japanese and Korean patients.

Methods

A 12‐year‐old Japanese girl with bronchiectasis was suspected of PCD and examined using whole‐exome sequencing (WES). The breakpoint region was confirmed by Sanger sequencing and evaluation of transposable elements.

Results

Whole‐exome sequencing revealed a deletion of DRC1 exons 1–4 in the patient, followed by validation with Sanger sequencing. A DRC1 exon 1–4 deletion is recurrently observed in Japanese and Korean patients with PCD. All reported patients carry the same breakpoint region, which shows signs of Alu‐mediated recombination. Intriguingly, common haplotypes were observed around the DRC1 gene in Japanese and Korean patients.

Conclusion

The recurrent DRC1 exon 1–4 deletion is therefore likely to be a founder variant and should be considered a major genetic cause of PCD in Japanese and Korean patients with PCD.
Ontology After Folk Psychology; or, Why Eliminativists Should Be Mental Fictionalists
Authors: Parent Ted
Published: October 2024

Mental fictionalism holds that folk psychology should be regarded as a kind of fiction. The present version gives a Lewisian prefix semantics for mentalistic discourse, where roughly, a mentalistic sentence “p” is true iff “p” is deducible from the folk psychological fiction. An eliminativist version of the view can seem self‐refuting, but this charge is neutralized. Yet a different kind of “self‐effacing” emerges: Mental fictionalism appears to be a mere “parasite” on a future science of cognition without contributing anything substantial. The paper then rebuts the objection, illustrating that prefix semantics resolves a lingering problem for eliminativism from Boghossian. The problem is that eliminativists seem unable to adopt realism about neuroscience, for such realism implies that neuroscientific statements represent reality accurately. However, a deflationary version of prefix semantics allows the eliminativist to draw an ontologically relevant distinction (roughly) between truths that have a storytelling prefix and those that do not. (Deflationism means there is no implication that the unprefixed sentences robustly represent reality). The overarching lesson is that eliminativists need to approach ontology carefully so as to avoid self‐refutation; however, prefix‐semantical mental fictionalism provides the resources for them to do so.
The multifunctional roles of the extracellular matrix in the sessile life of the zygnematophyte Penium margaritaceum: stick, glide and cluster
Authors: LoRicco Josephine G. , Sun Li , Bauer Lindsay , Sgambettera Gabriel , Epstein Ruby , Bagdan Kaylee , Winegrad Aaron , Palacio‐Lopez Kattia , Hao Pengfei , Sørensen Iben , Bacic Antony , Rose Jocelyn K. C. , Doblin Monika S. , Domozych David S.
Published: October 2024

Adhesion and consequent adoption of a sessile habit is a common feature of many green algae and was likely a key mechanism in terrestrialization by an ancient zygnematophyte (i.e., the Zygnematophyceae, the group of algae ancestral to land plants). Penium margaritaceum is a unicellular zygnematophyte that exhibits a multistep adhesion mechanism, which leads to the establishment of the sessile habit. Based on microscopic and immunological data, a dense aggregate of fibrils containing arabinogalactan‐protein (AGP)‐like components covers the cell surface and is responsible for initial adhesion. The AGP‐like fibrils are 20 μm in diameter and possess chemical profiles similar to land plant AGPs. The fibrils attach to the inner cell wall layers and are very likely connected to the plasma membrane as glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) lipid‐anchored proteins, as they are susceptible to phospholipase C treatment. The presence of GPI‐anchored AGPs in Penium is further supported by the identification of putative Penium homologs of land plant AGP genes responsible for GPI‐anchor synthesis. After adhesion, cells secrete a complex heteropolysaccharide‐containing extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) that facilitates gliding motility and the formation of cell aggregates. Fucoidan‐like polymers, major components of brown algal CWs, are a major constituent of both the EPS and the adhesive layer of the CW and their role in the adhesion process is still to be examined.
Wild mungbean resistance to the nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii involves the induction of phenylpropanoid metabolism and lignification
Authors: Lee Sook‐Kuan , Liao Pin‐Zhe , Lin Chih‐Yu , Chen Hung‐Wei , Hsieh Meng‐Shan , Lin Ya‐Ping , Chen Yi‐Ju , Hong Jia‐Heng , Chiang Yi‐Ling , Cheng Chiu‐Ping , Chen Pei‐Chen Janet , Lee Cheng‐Ruei , Yang Jiue‐In , Ting Hieng‐Ming
Published: October 2024

Root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are plant parasites causing annual economic losses amounting to several billion US dollars worldwide. One of the most aggressive species is M. enterolobii, a growing threat to agriculture due to its broad host range and ability to overcome many known resistance genes. Mungbean, a nutritionally and economically valuable crop, is particularly vulnerable to nematodes and pathogens. However, research focusing on mungbean resistance to M. enterolobii is scarce, and the corresponding defense mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we screened mungbean accessions and identified an accession strongly resistant to M. enterolobii. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2730 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in this resistant accession (CPI106939) compared to 1777 in the susceptible accession (Crystal) 7 days after nematode inoculation. The gene ontology (GO) upregulated in CPI106939 with functions related to plant‐pathogen interactions, plant hormone signaling, oxidative stress, and plant immunity. Plant defense‐related genes (WRKY, PAL, MAPK, POD and PR) were also significantly induced in CPI106939. Metabolome analysis showed that four secondary metabolites related to phenylpropanoid metabolism and lignification were significantly enriched in CPI106939. The induced immune response and secondary metabolites may underpin the enhanced resistance to M. enterolobii, providing insight into the resistance mechanisms in accession CPI106939 as well as candidate genes controlling the interaction between mungbean and its nematode parasite. Our study therefore provides foundations for the breeding of new varieties with intrinsic M. enterolobii resistance.
Students or prisoners: Contrasting approaches to rural economic development
Authors: Chalmers Katherine , Wilcox Raleigh
Published: October 2024

Objective

We examine the economic consequences of choosing between higher education and correctional facilities for rural communities seeking economic development. Because rural areas have lagged behind urban areas in their pursuit of economic development, some areas rely on the employment boost from attracting prisons and other incarceration facilities, while others try to attract or expand facilities of higher learning.

Methods

Using Census and QCEW data, we employ a quasi‐experimental analysis to examine the relative merits of both approaches for economic development for rural California. Evaluating average wage per worker along with industrial diversity and employment measures, we compare rural California counties that have prisons to those that have higher education versus a control group without such public investments.

Results

Our results show that while correctional facilities can generate regional growth, the economic development offered by higher education appears to have more substantive long‐term benefits stemming from larger population growth, wealthier proprietorships, and a decline in a county's dependence upon government as a source of its income.

Conclusions

We conclude that universities help build regional coalitions and linkages that reenforce economic development for a rural community as well as providing a skilled labor force and cultural opportunities that a rural prison does not.
Correlation of the Transfusion Camp knowledge assessment test with clinical transfusion practice
Authors: Tordon Bryan , Meirovich Harley , Malkin Amie , Pavenski Katerina , Moorehead Amy , Ginsborg Lette , Saeed Samia , Shehata Nadine , Callum Jeannie , Cserti‐Gazdewich Christine , Lieberman Lani , Pendergrast Jacob , Lin Yulia
Published: October 2024

Background

It is uncertain how transfusion knowledge translates to practice. The purpose of the study was to determine if higher scores on a validated Transfusion Camp knowledge assessment test were associated with transfusion order appropriateness.

Study Design and Methods

Eligible participants included postgraduate trainees and faculty physicians who had prescribed at least four transfusion orders in the preceding 6 months at two hospitals. Participant data and knowledge were collected using a web‐based questionnaire with a validated Transfusion Camp knowledge assessment tool. The most recent 4–10 consecutive transfusion orders per prescriber were independently dually adjudicated for appropriateness based on published criteria. The primary outcome was the correlation between the score on six questions on red blood cells (RBCs), platelets (PLTs), and plasma from the validated test and the percentage order appropriateness. Generalized linear regression was conducted to determine if factors (sex, specialty, participation in Transfusion Camp, previous transfusion education, self‐rated knowledge) were associated with appropriate orders.

Results

Seventy‐four participants (45 trainees, 29 faculty; 31 females, 43 males) completed the test. Median score was 66.7% (interquartile range [IQR]: 50.0, 83.3) for six questions on RBCs, PLTs, and plasma transfusions. Of 546 transfusion orders adjudicated, appropriateness was 90.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 87.9%–93.0%). The correlation between prescriber test scores and order appropriateness was very weak (r = −.08). In multivariable analysis, female prescribers (p = .02) and beginner (vs. intermediate) self‐rated knowledge (p = .01) were associated with higher transfusion appropriateness.

Conclusion

Transfusion knowledge test scores did not correlate with order appropriateness. Factors other than knowledge are key to understanding how to improve appropriate blood use.
Reconstruction of deep and perforating corneal defects in dogs—A review (Part I/III): Autogenous ocular tissues, donor tissues, and corneal clarity scoring
Authors: Sanchez Rick F. , Ledbetter Eric C. , Leiva Marta
Published: October 2024

Corneal reconstruction is a key part of veterinary ophthalmic practice and numerous reconstructive techniques have been described for use in small animals in the peer‐reviewed veterinary literature written in English. Despite the evidence accrued over the last six decades in over 40 clinical articles and numerous other publications on ocular surface health, several key areas require further study. The comparison between studies is difficult due to elements that go beyond common factors, such as the indication for surgery, the reconstructive technique preferred by the surgeon or the availability of reconstructive materials. However, the differences in reporting style adopted by different authors between similar studies and the lack of data found in retrospective studies add to this complexity. The present review is divided into three parts. One covers the use of autologous materials for reconstruction and corneal transplants, as well as corneal clarity. A second part focuses on biomaterials and keratoprosthetics, while the third part focuses on the use of corneal sutures and report of ocular discomfort/pain in the veterinary literature. The review focuses on the main findings of each reconstruction technique. It aims to identify areas where key information about common procedures is missing so that general guidelines may be provided for the planning of patient record keeping and future retrospective or prospective studies, while it also aims to highlight the presence of knowledge gaps that deserve further attention.
Superimposed squeeze and rotational flows of Newtonian and power-law fluids
a)Dedicated to Nicolás M. Páez-Flor, Ph.D. In memoriam (1983–2023).
Authors: Rubio-Hernández F. J. , Velázquez-Navarro J. F. , Rodríguez-Lara M.
Published: October 2024

This study theoretically predicted the response of superimposed squeeze and rotational flows (SSRF) of fluids with different viscous behaviors (i.e., Newtonian, shear-thinning, and shear-thickening fluids). The theoretical predictions were verified using the plate-plate geometry for the SSRF measurements with the Newtonian and power-law fluids. In all the cases, the squeeze force increased as the gap decreased, but the response was very different for each rheological behavior. The variation in the squeeze force with the gap was not affected by the superimposed rotational shear stress value, owing to the nondependency of the viscosity on the shear for Newtonian fluids. However, for the power-law fluids, the squeeze force variation with the gap value was based on the value of the superimposed shear stress value. The decrease and increase in the viscosity with the shear stress for the shear-thinning and shear-thickening fluids, respectively, resulted in opposite trends of the squeeze force with the gap value variation. For the shear-thinning fluids, the squeeze force for each gap value decreased with increasing superimposed rotational shear stress. The opposite trend was observed for the shear-thickening fluid. In the absence of wall slip, the theoretical predictions well agreed with the experimental results.
Administering Internships in Sport Management: Comparing Practices in the Discipline
Authors: Odio Michael A. , Coble Cassandra J. , Padgett Plunkett Emily
Published: October 2024

This study examined how academic programs administrate their internships, including implementing and executing their philosophy and internship rationale, and connecting with and managing relationships with internship agencies while accounting for contextual information (e.g., geography, size, and research vs. teaching focus). Using a case-study methodology, 12 sport management programs’ internship approaches were analyzed, leading to several cross-case themes and larger interpretations useful for advancing future research and practice related to internships. Several commonalities and differences were observed that offer insight important for interpreting existing research and recommending practices across programs.
Amyloid-β oligomers trigger sex-dependent inhibition of GIRK channel activity in hippocampal neurons in mice
Authors: Luo Haichang , Marron Fernandez Ezequiel , Gansemer Benjamin , Frederick McKinzie , Aguado Carolina , Luján Rafael , Thayer Stanley A. , Wickman Kevin
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by amyloid plaques and cognitive decline, the latter of which is thought to be driven by soluble oligomeric amyloid-β (oAβ). The dysregulation of G protein–gated inwardly rectifying K
+
(GIRK; also known as Kir3) channels has been implicated in rodent models of AD. Here, seeking mechanistic insights, we uncovered a sex-dependent facet of GIRK-dependent signaling in AD-related amyloid pathophysiology. Synthetic oAβ
1–42
suppressed GIRK-dependent signaling in hippocampal neurons from male mice, but not from female mice. This effect required cellular prion protein, the receptor mGluR5, and production of arachidonic acid by the phospholipase PLA
2
. Although oAβ suppressed GIRK channel activity only in male hippocampal neurons, intrahippocampal infusion of oAβ or genetic suppression of GIRK channel activity in hippocampal pyramidal neurons impaired performance on a memory test in both male and female mice. Moreover, genetic enhancement of GIRK channel activity in hippocampal pyramidal neurons blocked oAβ-induced cognitive impairment in both male and female mice. In APP/PS1 AD model mice, GIRK-dependent signaling was diminished in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons from only male mice before cognitive deficit was detected. However, enhancing GIRK channel activity rescued cognitive deficits in older APP/PS1 mice of both sexes. Thus, whereas diminished GIRK channel activity contributes to cognitive deficits in male mice with increased oAβ burden, enhancing its activity may have therapeutic potential for both sexes.