bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of anti-zonae pellucidae antibodies following a single inoculation of porcine zonae pellucidae in the domestic equine
Authors: Liu I K M , Turner J W , Van Leeuwen E M G , Flanagan D R , Hedrick J L , Murata K , Lane V M , Morales-Levy M P
Published: February 2005

In this study of equids, we investigated the antibody response and the effect on the estrous cycle following a single inoculation of porcine zonae pellucidae (pZP) employing controlled-release methodology. We also investigated the use of two different water-soluble adjuvants as an alternative to oil-based adjuvants. Twenty-seven domestic mares were inoculated with various formulations of pZP and adjuvant. We showed that the anti-pZP antibodies generated as a result of the inoculations persisted for at least 43 weeks (length of the study). Of the various formulations used in the study, pZP and QS-21 water-soluble adjuvant, administered in combination with an emulsified preparation of pZP and Freund’s Complete Adjuvant generated a significantly (P < 0.05) higher titer of anti-pZP antibodies when compared with other formulations employing the water-soluble adjuvant, Carbopol. Hormone analyses for cyclicity indicated a high incidence and extended duration of persistent corpora lutea among the treated mares. The positive control group of mares receiving two standard inoculations of pZP and Freund’s Complete and Incomplete Adjuvants, as well as the placebo group of mares injected with QS-21 only, also exhibited high incidences of persistent corpora lutea. However, all mares eventually returned to normal cyclicity. The basis for the high incidence and extended duration of persistent corpora lutea was unexplained. The results demonstrate for the first time the persistent generation of anti-pZP antibodies following a single inoculation of pZP incorporated into a controlled-released preparation in the horse. This study further suggests that a single inoculation of pZP sequestered in a controlled-release lactide-glycolide polymer may serve as an alternative to traditional two-inoculation protocols for contraception investigations in the equine.
Impact of maternal undernutrition and fetal number on glucocorticoid, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor receptor mRNA abundance in the ovine fetal kidney
Authors: Brennan K A , Gopalakrishnan G S , Kurlak L , Rhind S M , Kyle C E , Brooks A N , Rae M T , Olson D M , Stephenson T , Symonds M E
Published: February 2005

Epidemiological and animal studies strongly indicate that the environment experienced in utero determines, in part, an individual’s likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease in later life. This risk has been further linked to impaired kidney function, as a result of compromised development during fetal life. The present study therefore examined the influence of maternal nutrient restriction (NR), targeted at specific periods of kidney development during early to mid gestation, on the mRNA abundance of receptors for glucocorticoid (GCR), growth hormone (GHR) and insulin-like growth factors-I (IGF-IR) and -II (IGF-IIR), and the IGF-I and -II ligands. This was undertaken in both singleton and twin fetuses. At conception ewes were randomly allocated to either an adequately fed control group or one of four nutrient-restricted groups that were fed half the control amount from 0 to 30, 31 to 65, 66 to110 or 0 to110 days gestation. At 110 days gestation all ewes were humanely euthanased and fetal kidneys and surrounding adipose tissue sampled. There was no effect of NR or fetal number on kidney weight, shape or nephron number, but the surrounding fat mass was increased in singleton fetuses exposed to NR for 110 days. An increase in kidney mRNA abundance with NR only occurred in singleton fetuses where IGF-IR mRNA was enhanced with NR from 66–110 days gestation. In twin fetuses, NR had no effect on mRNA abundance. However, for all genes examined mRNA expression was lower in the kidneys of twin compared with singleton fetuses following NR, and the magnitude of the effect was dependent on the timing of NR. In conclusion, the abundance of mRNA for receptors which regulate fetal kidney development are lower in twin animals compared with singletons following periods of nutrient deficiency. This may impact on later kidney development and function.
Epigenetics and the germline
Authors: Allegrucci Cinzia , Thurston Alexandra , Lucas Emma , Young Lorraine
Published: February 2005

Epigenetic processes affect three stages of germline development, namely (1) specification and formation of primordial germ cells and their germline derivatives through lineage-specific epigenetic modifications, in the same manner as other embryonic lineages are formed, (2) a largely genome-wide erasure and re-establishment of germline-specific epigenetic modifications that only occurs in the embryonic primordial germ cell lineage, followed by re-establishment of sex-specific patterns during gametogenesis, and (3) differential epigenetic modifications to the mature male and female gamete genomes shortly after fertilisation. This review will detail current knowledge of these three processes both at the genome-wide level and at specific imprinted loci. The consequences of epigenetic perturbation are discussed and newin vitromodels which may allow further understanding of a difficult developmental period to study, especially in the human, are highlighted.
Disruption of nuclear maturation and rearrangement of cytoskeletal elements in bovine oocytes exposed to heat shock during maturation
Authors: Roth Z , Hansen P J
Published: February 2005

Meiotic maturation in mammalian oocytes is a complex process which involves extensive rearrangement of microtubules, actin filaments and chromosomes. Since cytoskeletal elements are sensitive to disruption by heat shock, a series of experiments were performed to determine whether physiologically relevant heat shock disrupts the progression of the oocyte through meiosis, fertilization and zygote formation. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were cultured at 38.5, 40.0 or 41.0 °C for the first 12 h of maturation. Incubation during the last 10 h of maturation and 18 h after fertilization was at 38.5 °C and in 5% (v/v) CO2for both treatments. Examination of the cytoskeleton and the chromosome organization in matured oocytes revealed that oocytes matured at 38.5°C were mostly at metaphase II (MII) stage, while the majority of heat-shocked oocytes were blocked at the first metaphase (MI), first anaphase or first telophase stages. A subset of heat-shocked oocytes possessed misshapen MI spindles with disorganized microtubules and unaligned chromosomes. A higher percentage of TUNEL-positive oocytes was noted for oocytes matured at 41.0 °C. Addition of 50 nmol/l sphingosine 1-phosphate to maturation medium blocked the effect of heat shock on progression through meiosis and apoptosis and increased the proportion of oocytes matured at 41.0 °C that were at MII. Following insemination, a high percentage of heat-shocked oocytes were unfertilized, while the majority of the control zygotes were fertilized and had two visible pronuclei. In conclusion, heat shock disrupts nuclear maturation and induces apoptosis. These alterations are likely to be involved in the mechanism underlying heat-shock-induced disruption of oocyte capacity for fertilization and subsequent development.
The involvement of protein kinase C and actin filaments in cortical granule exocytosis in the rat
Authors: Eliyahu E , Tsaadon A , Shtraizent N , Shalgi R
Published: February 2005

Mammalian sperm–egg fusion results in cortical granule exocytosis (CGE) and resumption of meiosis. Studies of various exocytotic cells suggest that filamentous actin (F-actin) blocks exocytosis by excluding secretory vesicles from the plasma membrane. However, the exact function of these microfilaments, in mammalian egg CGE, is still elusive. In the present study we investigated the role of actin in the process of CGE, and the possible interaction between actin and protein kinase C (PKC), by using coimmunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. We identified an interaction between actin and the PKC alpha isoenzyme in non-activated metaphase II (MII) eggs and in eggs activated by phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). F-actin was evenly distributed throughout the egg’s cytosol with a marked concentration at the cortex and at the plasma membrane. A decrease in the fluorescence signal of F-actin, which represents its depolymerization/reorganization, was detected upon fertilization and upon parthenogenetic activation. Exposing the eggs to drugs that cause either polymerization or depolymerization of actin (jasplakinolide (JAS) and cytochalasin D (CD) respectively) did not induce or prevent CGE. However, CD, but not JAS, followed by a low dose of TPA doubled the percentage of eggs undergoing complete CGE, as compared with TPA alone. We further demonstrated that myristoylated alanin-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS), a protein known to cross-link F-actin in other cell types, is expressed in rat eggs and is colocalized with actin. In view of our results, we suggest that the cytoskeletal cortex is not a mere physical barrier that blocks CGE, but rather a dynamic network that can be maneuvered towards allowing CGE by activated actin-associated proteins and/or by activated PKC.
Expression of connexin 43 and gap junctional intercellular communication in the cumulus–oocyte complex in sheep
Authors: Pant Disha , Reynolds Lawrence P , Luther Justin S , Borowicz Pawel P , Stenbak Tande M , Bilski Jerzy J , Weigl Robert M , Lopes Flavia , Petry Kimberly , Johnson Mary Lynn , Redmer Dale A , Grazul-Bilska Anna T
Published: February 2005

To evaluate the effects of FSH, LH and/or cAMP on expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in the ovine cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) of cumulus cells, two experiments were carried out. In experiment 1, Cx43 was immunodetected in the COC, before or after maturation, obtained from non-treated or FSH-treated ewes. The expression of Cx43 in the COC was greater (P< 0.01) on day 16 than on day 15 of the estrous cycle.In vivoFSH treatment decreased (P< 0.02) Cx43 expression on day 16 but not on day 15 of the estrous cycle. In experiment 2, intact COCs or isolated cumulus cells obtained from small and large follicles from FSH-treated ewes were cultured with or without FSH, LH or cAMP agonist and evaluated for GJIC by laser cytometry. For large follicles, the basal rate of GJIC was greater (P< 0.01) for cumulus cells in intact COCs than for isolated cumulus cells. FSH increased (P< 0.04) GJIC in cumulus cells in intact COCs and tended to increase (P< 0.1) GJIC in isolated cumulus cells from small follicles but decreased (P< 0.01) GJIC in cumulus cells in intact COCs from large follicles. LH also increased (P< 0.01) GJIC in isolated cumulus cells from small follicles but decreased GJIC in intact COCs (P< 0.01) and isolated cumulus cells (P< 0.02) from large follicles. cAMP increased (P< 0.01) the GJIC in both intact COCs and cumulus cells from small and large follicles. These results indicate that day of estrous cycle, stage of maturation and duration of FSH treatment affect expression of Cx43 in ovine COCs. In intact COCs, GJIC in cumulus cells was enhanced, probably due to the presence of the oocyte. In addition, the effects of FSH and LH, but not cAMP, on GJIC of cumulus cells depended on the stage of follicular development and on the presence of the oocyte.
A Threefold Genetic Allee Effect
Authors: Willi Yvonne , Van Buskirk Josh , Fischer Markus
Published: February 2005

A decline in population size can lead to the loss of allelic variation, increased inbreeding, and the accumulation of genetic load through drift. We estimated the fitness consequences of these processes in offspring of controlled within-population crosses from 13 populations of the self-incompatible, clonal plant Ranunculus reptans. We used allozyme allelic richness as a proxy for long-term population size, which was positively correlated with current population size. Crosses between plants of smaller populations were less likely to be compatible. Inbreeding load, assessed as the slope of the relationship between offspring performance and parental kinship coefficients, was not related to population size, suggesting that deleterious mutations had not been purged from small populations. Offspring from smaller populations were on average more inbred, so inbreeding depression in clonal fitness was higher in small populations. We estimated variation in drift load from the mean fitness of outbred offspring and found enhanced drift load affecting female fertility within small populations. We conclude that self-incompatibility systems do not necessarily prevent small populations from suffering from inbreeding depression and drift load and may exacerbate the challenge of finding suitable mates.
Molecular Characterization and Chromosomal Distribution of Galileo, Kepler and Newton, Three Foldback Transposable Elements of the Drosophila buzzatii Species ComplexSequence data from this article have been deposited in the EMBL/GenBank Data Libraries under accession nos. AY756161, AY756162, AY756163, AY756164, AY756165, AY756166, AY756167, AY756168, AY756169, AY756170.
Authors: Casals Ferran , Cáceres Mario , Manfrin Maura Helena , González Josefa , Ruiz Alfredo
Published: February 2005

Galileo is a foldback transposable element that has been implicated in the generation of two polymorphic chromosomal inversions in Drosophila buzzatii. Analysis of the inversion breakpoints led to the discovery of two additional elements, called Kepler and Newton, sharing sequence and structural similarities with Galileo. Here, we describe in detail the molecular structure of these three elements, on the basis of the 13 copies found at the inversion breakpoints plus 10 additional copies isolated during this work. Similarly to the foldback elements described in other organisms, these elements have long inverted terminal repeats, which in the case of Galileo possess a complex structure and display a high degree of internal variability between copies. A phylogenetic tree built with their shared sequences shows that the three elements are closely related and diverged ∼10 million years ago. We have also analyzed the abundance and chromosomal distribution of these elements in D. buzzatii and other species of the repleta group by Southern analysis and in situ hybridization. Overall, the results suggest that these foldback elements are present in all the buzzatti complex species and may have played an important role in shaping their genomes. In addition, we show that recombination rate is the main factor determining the chromosomal distribution of these elements.
Systematic Repeat Addition at a Precise Location in the Coding Region of the Involucrin Gene of Wild Mice Reveals Their PhylogenySequence data from this article have been deposited with the EMBL/GenBank data libraries under accession nos. AY898707, AY898708, AY898709, AY898710, AY898711, AY898712, AY898713, AY898714, AY898715, AY898716, AY898717, AY898718, AY898719, AY898720, AY898721, AY898722, AY898723, AY898724, AY898725, AY898726.
Authors: Djian Philippe , Delhomme Brigitte
Published: February 2005

The involucrin gene encodes a protein of terminally differentiated keratinocytes. Its segment of repeats, which represents up to 80% of the coding region, is highly polymorphic in mouse strains derived from wild progenitors. Polymorphism includes nucleotide substitutions, but is most strikingly due to the recent addition of a variable number of repeats at a precise location within the segment of repeats. Each mouse taxon examined showed consistent and distinctive patterns of evolution of its variable region: very rapid changes in most M. m. domesticus alleles, slow changes in M. m. musculus, and complete arrest in M. spretus. We conclude that changes in the variable region are controlled by the genetic background. One of the M. m. domesticus alleles (DIK-L), which is of M. m. musculus origin, has undergone a recent repeat duplication typical of M. m. domesticus. This suggests that the genetic background controls repeat duplications through trans-acting factors. Because the repeat pattern differs in closely related murine taxa, involucrin reveals with greater sensitivity than random nucleotide substitutions the evolutionary relations of the mouse and probably of all murids.
Increased Virulence and Competitive Advantage of a/α Over a/a or α/α Offspring Conserves the Mating System of Candida albicans
Authors: Lockhart Shawn R , Wu Wei , Radke Joshua B , Zhao Rui , Soll David R
Published: February 2005

The majority of Candida albicans strains in nature are a/α and must undergo homozygosis to a/a or α/α to mate. Here we have used a mouse model for systemic infection to test the hypothesis that a/α strains predominate in nature because they have a competitive advantage over a/a and α/α offspring in colonizing hosts. Single-strain injection experiments revealed that a/α strains were far more virulent than either their a/a or α/α offspring. When equal numbers of parent a/α and offspring a/a or α/α cells were co-injected, a/α always exhibited a competitive advantage at the time of extreme host morbidity or death. When equal numbers of an engineered a/a/α2 strain and its isogenic a/a parent strain were co-injected, the a/a/α2 strain exhibited a competitive advantage at the time of host morbidity or death, suggesting that the genotype of the mating-type (MTL) locus, not associated genes on chromosome 5, provides a competitive advantage. We therefore propose that heterozygosity at the MTL locus not only represses white-opaque switching and genes involved in the mating process, but also affects virulence, providing a competitive advantage to the a/α genotype that conserves the mating system of C. albicans in nature.
Aging, non‐ergodicity, and lévy statistics for blinking nanocrystals
Authors: Barkai Eli , Margolin Gennady
Published: February 2005

We briefly review phenomenological properties of the intermittency behavior of blinking nanocrystals (i.e., quantum dots). Special emphasis is given to the properties of intensity correlation function that exhibit behaviors mentioned in the title. We discuss models which can be used to explain the strange kinetics of the blinking nanocrystals.
Asymmetry as a Measure of Embryological Stress in Golden Shiners
Authors: Green Chris C , Lochmann Steve E
Published: February 2005

Recent changes in techniques for producing farm-raised baitfish include spawning and hatching indoors, advances that provide better control over these steps during the production cycle. However, developing embryos experience different conditions indoors than in the traditional outdoors pond production technique. Stress during embryological development can result in small random differences between the left and right sides of a bilateral trait. For characters influenced by the environment, the degree of asymmetry can be a measure of the level of stress experienced during embryological development. Asymmetry was compared in morphological characters between two groups of golden shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas representing indoor and outdoor spawning and hatching techniques. Relative weight was also compared in fingerlings produced by the two techniques. There were no differences in asymmetry between the two groups for seven characters. Two characters were significantly more asymmetric in the group produced indoors, but one character was significantly more asymmetric in the group produced outdoors. Relative weight did not differ between the two groups. Based on the assumption that these characters are influenced by the environment and on observed similarities in asymmetry and relative weight, no consistent differences in embryological stress resulting from the two different production techniques were found.
Husbandry Notes on the Lesser Electric Ray
Authors: Dean Mason N , Nietfeld Theresa E , Conklin Daniel S
Published: February 2005

The lesser electric ray Narcine brasiliensis is a small member of the electric ray order Torpediniformes (Elasmobranchii: Batoidea). Although common circumglobally in the wild, this genus does not traditionally fare well in captivity. This study expands on methods previously published for captive maintenance of the lesser electric ray in large recirculating systems and outlines the husbandry of this species in displays equivalent to those in public aquaria. Once conditioned, rays will feed readily on polychaetes and shrimp; however, this species is prone to monogenean infestation and subsequent bacterial infections. As a result of parasitic infestation, these rays must be monitored carefully for anorexia. Common warning signs and administration of medication are outlined. Prophylactic treatment with the antihelminthic Praziquantel is required if the animals are to be maintained for any length of time in a closed recirculating system. To reduce ventral abrasion and facilitate capture of natural prey (in which polychaetes are excavated with the jaws), we recommend using fine sand or silt sediment for aquaria substrate.
An Extender Solution for the Short-Term Storage of Sturgeon Semen
Authors: Park Chulhong , Chapman Frank A
Published: February 2005

An extender solution was developed to prolong the time that semen from sturgeons could be stored in the refrigerator, thus greatly improving the artificial propagation of these species for purposes of conservation and commercial aquaculture. Semen from Gulf of Mexico sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi and shortnose sturgeon A. brevirostrum was used to develop the extender media. Fresh semen from sturgeon is traditionally stored whole and undiluted in the refrigerator along with pure oxygen. The fertilizing capacity of semen stored in this manner is usually maintained for 12– 36 h. The mixing of fresh semen with an artificial extender solution significantly (P < 0.05) prolonged the refrigerated storage time of spermatozoa and maintained sperm motility for up to 21–28 d at 4°C. No significant differences in fertilization capacity were observed between fresh semen and semen diluted with the extender and stored from 3 to 18 d.
The Effects of Size Grading on Production Efficiency and Growth Performance of Yellow Perch in Earthen Ponds
Authors: Wallat G K , Tiu L G , Wang H P , Rapp D , Leighfield C
Published: February 2005

The culture of yellow perch Perca flavescens has received considerable interest in the Midwest and elsewhere in the USA as a result of the decline of wild populations and their high market demand. In this study, the effects of size-grading on the production efficiency and growth performance of food-sized yellow perch were determined in six 0.1-ha ponds by grading fingerlings into three size-groups (mean initial size): small (5.3 g), large (18.3 g), and unsorted (11.3 g). The mean percentage of marketable production from large-group ponds was significantly greater than that from the small- and ungraded-group ponds. The final biomass of large size-groups was 77% and 27% greater than that of small and ungraded groups, respectively, although no significant differences in total production were detected among the three size-groups. Size-sorting of fingerling yellow perch did not result in improved growth of the small-fish group. No significant differences in growth rates among the three groups were detected in either the first half-year (winter–spring) or the second half-year (summer–fall) period. The growth performance of the three groups indicates that yellow perch populations under culture conditions experience a bimodal growth pattern, with two distinct size-groups. The coefficient of variation (CV) in both weight and length for the small-group fish increased about 80%, whereas the CV in the ungraded and large groups showed some reduction. The results indicate that grading by size should be advantageous to those wishing to culture yellow perch to food fish size in the second year. The significantly different results for the percentage of fish reaching market size among the large (65%), ungraded (53%), and small (35%) groups suggest that perch should be selectively graded by at least the end of one year of intensive culture to increase the number of individuals with the potential to reach market size.
A Simple Assay to Compare Zeolite Ammonia Control Properties
Authors: Mitchell Andrew J
Published: February 2005

Zeolites purchased from aquaculture industry suppliers vary in their ability to remove ammonia, and little information is provided about their origin, type, and purity. To evaluate them, a simplified method for comparing their ammonia control properties was developed. Ammonia levels from water treated with five different zeolites were effectively measured and compared with two different inexpensive total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) test kits using the same procedure. I found that 10 g of a zeolite added to and stirred in an ammonia solution (0.1 g of ammonium sulfate dissolved in 1 L water) for 20 min produced TAN levels within the readable ranges for the Hach Model NI-8 and NI-SA ammonia nitrogen test kits; a 1:6 dilution of the ammonia test solution was made just before the TAN analysis. The TAN readings after the addition of the five zeolites ranged from 1.2 to 2.6 mg/L (multiplying by 7 to get actual TAN readings is not necessary to compare zeolites) for the Model NI-8 kit. The Model NI-SA kit gave the same relative results but had readings that were 0.5–0.7 mg/L lower; in the case of these kits the obtained precision was more important than their accuracy.
A Simple Isolation Incubator for Specialized Rearing of Salmonid Eggs and First-Feeding Fry
Authors: Heindel Jeff A , Baker Danny J , Johnson Keith A , Kline Paul A , Redding Jeremy J
Published: February 2005

The construction of an isolation incubator for small-scale fish culture and research is described. The simple, inexpensive (US$5) isolation incubator is routinely used to incubate as many as 100 green eggs of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka and Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha through the first-feeding fry stage of development at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Eagle Fish Hatchery. The incubator is small (2.5-L volume) and portable, requires a small amount of water per individual unit (500–1,200 mL/min), and provides a way to incubate multiple rearing groups in a quarantine environment through the early stages of fish development. Although these incubators have been used exclusively for incubation of salmonid eggs and fry, we expect this design can be used to successfully incubate eggs of other fish species.
Bacterial Numbers from Landlocked Fall Chinook Salmon Eyed Eggs Subjected to Various Formalin Treatments as Determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Bacteriological Culture Methods
Authors: Barnes Michael E , Bergmann David , Stephenson Hans , Gabel Mark , Cordes Rick J
Published: February 2005

This study compared two methods of enumerating bacteria adhered to the external membrane of eggs of landlocked fall Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha that were subjected to different formalin treatment regimes from egg eye-up to fry hatch. Bacterial numbers were recorded by either directly counting bacteria via a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or via established bacterial culture methods that provided the number of colony-forming units. Treatment regimes consisted of a daily 15-min exposure to formalin at either 500 mg/L or 1,667 mg/ L or no formalin initially followed by exposure to a 1,667-mg/L dose starting 7 d after eye-up. A control group did not receive any formalin treatments throughout the experiment. No significant correlation was observed between the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) per square millimeter of egg membrane determined by plate culture and the number of bacteria per square millimeter counted with the SEM. Bacterial numbers determined by the SEM were 40–120 times greater than those obtained by plate culture. The SEM numbers were correlated to embryo survival, but CFU numbers were not. For both counting methods, bacterial numbers among the untreated controls increased over time. Of the three species of bacteria identified in cultures (Flavobacterium columnare, Sphingobacterium spp., and Pseudomonas spp.), F. columnare was predominant. Embryo survival in the trays that did not receive any formalin was significantly less than that in all of the other treatments, but there was no significant difference in survival among any of the three formalin treatment regimes.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Adults With Chronic Respiratory Disease
Authors: Pandya Krishna , Davis Andrew M. , Anderson Michaela R.
Published: February 2025

This JAMA Clinical Guidelines Synopsis summarizes the American Thoracic Society’s 2023 guidelines on pulmonary rehabilitation for adults with chronic respiratory disease.
Real‐world clinical experience with serum MOG and AQP4 antibody testing by live versus fixed cell‐based assay
Authors: Said Yana , Filippatou Angeliki , Tran Conlan , Rezavi LuAnn , Guo Kai , Smith Matthew D. , Resto Yasmin , Chen John J. , Calabresi Peter A. , Caturegli Patrizio , Pittock Sean J. , Flanagan Eoin P. , Sotirchos Elias S.
Published: February 2025

Objective

To assess the real‐world performance of a live (LCBA) versus a fixed (FCBA) cell‐based assay for the detection of serum antibodies directed against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG‐IgG) and aquaporin‐4 (AQP4‐IgG).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients evaluated at a single tertiary academic referral center, with serum testing performed clinically for AQP4‐IgG and/or MOG‐IgG by FCBA and LCBA on the same day. Additionally, frozen banked sera from the same day for patients tested only by one assay were retrieved and tested by the other assay. FCBA was performed by the Johns Hopkins Immunology Laboratory using Euroimmun kits with detection by indirect immunofluorescence (FCBA‐IF), whereas LCBA was performed by the Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology Laboratory with detection by flow cytometry (LCBA‐FACS).

Results

Of 594 specimens with paired MOG‐IgG testing, 500 were negative by both assays, 33 were positive by both assays, 56 were positive exclusively by LCBA‐FACS, and 5 were only positive by FCBA‐IF. Overall, MOG‐IgG LCBA‐FACS exhibited 95.1% sensitivity and 97.7% specificity, whereas MOG‐IgG FCBA‐IF had 45.7% sensitivity and 99.8% specificity. Of 577 specimens with paired AQP4‐IgG testing, 503 were negative by both assays, 51 were positive by both assays, 21 were positive exclusively by LCBA‐FACS, and 2 were only positive by FCBA‐IF. Overall, AQP4‐IgG LCBA‐FACS exhibited 97.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity, whereas AQP4‐IgG FCBA‐IF had 71.6% sensitivity and 100% specificity.

Interpretation

LCBA‐FACS for both MOG‐IgG and AQP4‐IgG had markedly better sensitivity than FCBA‐IF, with similar specificity. The use of FCBA‐IF may result in underrecognition of both MOG antibody‐associated disease (MOGAD) and AQP4‐IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).
Right‐sided vagus nerve stimulation: Worldwide collection and perspectives
Authors: Zanello Marc , Voges Berthold , Chelvarajah Ramesh , Sen Arjune , Petelin Gadže Željka , Penchet Guillaume , De Benedictis Alessandro , Fornaro Riccardo , Iwasaki Masaki , Iijima Keiya , Jiltsova Elena , Mrak Goran , Barrit Sami , Moiraghi Alessandro , Landi Andrea , Neale Marcus , Magdum Shailendra , Caire François , Godet Bertrand , Domenech Philippe , Gaillard Raphael , Guenot Marc , Labuschagne Jason , Rainha Campos Alexandre , Rooijakkers Herbert , El Tahry Riëm , Von Hertwig Fernandes De Oliveira Tatiana , Alvarez‐Sala Amelia , Torres Cristina V. , Vale Fernando , Pallud Johan , Carron Romain
Published: February 2025

Objective

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established therapy for drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) and is indicated for implantation on the left vagus nerve‐only. In rare cases right‐sided VNS may be the only option. With only seven published cases in the literature, data on safety and effectiveness of right‐sided VNS is very limited.

Methods

An anonymous 38‐item questionnaire was sent to expert surgeons implanting VNS for DRE. The questions covered demographics and clinical characteristics, the reason for right‐sided implantation and both neurological and surgical outcomes of right‐sided VNS.

Results

The survey captured 38 cases of right‐sided VNS (18 females, mean age at surgery of 28.0 ± 16.3 years). Right‐sided VNS was performed because of VNS lead deficiency (n = 20), anatomical constraints (n = 8), infection of a left‐sided VNS site (n = 9), and presence of a left ventricular shunt (n = 1). Thirty‐two patients (84%) had a preoperative cardiac assessment. Three patients presented postoperative cardiac side‐effects. Right‐sided VNS was stopped at last follow‐up in three patients: due to deep infection (n = 1), due to dyspnea (n = 1), and due to sleep apnea syndrome (n = 1). Twenty‐one patients (55%) were responders to right‐sided VNS and the mean reduction of seizure frequency under right‐sided VNS was 56.2 ± 18.8%. Focusing on seizure frequency reduction between right‐sided VNS and left‐sided VNS: 20 patients experienced similar effectiveness, 1 experienced lesser effectiveness, and 2 patients experienced greater effectiveness with right‐sided VNS.

Interpretation

This multicenter case series significantly augments the available literature on right‐sided VNS. This suggests comparable effectiveness to left‐sided VNS but potentially lower tolerability. Further studies are warranted to better evaluate safety and efficacy of right‐sided VNS.
Nonlinear Optimal Control of an H‐Type Gantry Crane Driven by Dual PMLSMs
Authors: Rigatos G. , Abbaszadeh M. , Siano P. , Pomares J. , AL‐Numay M.
Published: February 2025

Gantry cranes of the H‐type with dual electric‐motor actuation are widely used in industry. In this article, the control problem of an H‐type gantry crane which is driven by a pair of linear permanent magnet synchronous motors (dual PMLSMs) is considered. The integrated system that comprises the H‐type gantry crane and its two LPMSMs is proven to be differentially flat. The control problem for this robotic system is solved with the use of a nonlinear optimal control method. To apply the nonlinear optimal control method, the dynamic model of the H‐type gantry crane with dual LPMSM undergoes approximate linearization at each sampling instant with the use of first‐order Taylor series expansion and through the computation of the associated Jacobian matrices. The linearization point is defined by the present value of the system's state vector and by the last sampled value of the control inputs vector. To compute the feedback gains of the optimal controller an algebraic Riccati equation is repetitively solved at each time‐step of the control algorithm. The global stability properties of the nonlinear optimal control method are proven through Lyapunov analysis. The proposed control scheme achieves stabilization of the H‐type gantry crane with dual LPMSMs without the need of diffeomorphisms and complicated state‐space model transformations.
The Rise of Colloidal Quantum Well Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Gao Huayu , Luo Dongxiang , Ren Yunfei , Fang Wenhui , Zhou Yubu , Liao Jingyan , Yu Junhong , Liao Shaolin , Ng Kar Wei , Wang Shuang‐Peng , Liu Baiquan
Published: February 2025

Colloidal quantum wells (CQWs) recently become one of the most fascinating optoelectronics and microelectronics materials because of their outstanding properties, including ultranarrow emissions, high photoluminescence quantum efficiencies, and large exciton binding energies. Being a significant CQW application, CQW‐based light‐emitting diode (CQW‐LED) exhibits numerous merits such as extremely high color purity, high device efficiency, solution‐processable preparation, adjustable emission, and excellent compatibility with applied electronics. Herein, the progress of high‐performance CQW‐LEDs is insightfully reviewed, where the innovation of CQW materials as well as the optimization of device engineering are systematically summarized. First, the fundamental concepts in CQW‐LEDs are described, including how to realize CQW emitters, construct CQW‐LED architectures, and understand working mechanisms. Subsequently, various state‐of‐the‐art strategies for developing CQW‐LEDs are highlighted, where material optimizations, charge dynamics (e.g., charge injection, transport, and balance), and exciton behaviors (e.g., exciton generation and recombination) have an important effect on device performances. In the end, current challenges as well as future development opportunities are discussed. This work will present deep insights into achieving high‐performance CQW‐LEDs for next‐generation display, lighting, and optical communication technologies.
Photo‐ and Thermo‐Responsive Switchable Smart Windows Developed by the Control of 3D Molecular Orientation of Chiral Liquid Crystals with Azobenzene Molecular Engineering
Authors: Yoon Won‐Jin , Lim Seok‐In , Rim Minwoo , Koo Jahyeon , Ko Hyeyoon , Jang Junhwa , Oh Mintaek , De Sio Luciano , Choi Yu‐Jin , Jeong Kwang‐Un
Published: February 2025

This study introduces a passive smart window whose state can be adjusted based on external stimuli, such as light and heat, by controlling the 3D molecular orientation of chiral liquid crystals (LCs). The 3D molecular orientation of chiral LCs is automatically controlled by azobenzene‐based molecular engineering of the surface (AZ‐COOH) and bulk molecular alignment (B1AZ) in the host LC (HLC). The resulting chiral LC (3D‐ALC) smart windows are transparent under ambient conditions because of the vertically aligned HLC in the chiral smectic A (SmA*) monodomain. When exposed to UV light at room temperature, the 3D‐ALC smart windows become opaque. This change occurs because the photoisomerization of the azobenzene‐based alignment molecules transforms the SmA* monodomains into randomly dispersed multidomains. Above 35 °C (TNI of HLC), the HLC phase transforms into a focal conic state, resulting in an opaque state, regardless of UV light irradiation. The newly developed photo‐ and thermo‐responsive smart window offers a new energy‐saving window for maintaining comfortable indoor environments in automobiles and buildings.
Glepaglutide‐Loaded Foam for the Induction of Mucosal Healing in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Zhang Wunan , Van den Bossche William , Yagoubi Hafsa , Kambale Espoir K , Wahni Khadija , Saxena Tanya , Guilbaud Léo , Moreels Tom G. , Messens Joris , Beloqui Ana
Published: February 2025

Glucagon‐like peptide 2 (GLP‐2) stimulates intestinal growth, repairs mucosa, and enhances epithelial integrity but has a short half‐life (7 min). Glepaglutide (GL), a GLP‐2 analog with an extended half‐life (50 h), is currently undergoing clinical trials for patients with short bowel syndrome. GL requires subcutaneous injection, which poses challenges for potential patient compliance. To address this challenge, GL was loaded into a rectal foam formulation using CO2 as a permeation enhancer to combine both the local and systemic effects of the GLP‐2 analog. In a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis model, the GL‐loaded foam (GLF) significantly mitigated the severity of colitis. GLF facilitated mucosal healing, as evidenced by colonoscopy images, increased plasma markers of mucosal healing, and increased crypt depth. To evaluate GL absorption in the colon, fluorescein dextran 4K (FD 4K) was employed. The foam formulation improved macromolecule absorption in the colon, with fast recovery of enhanced permeation that dissipated after 4 h. This study highlights GLF as a promising formulation for GL administration, balancing systemic and local anti‐inflammatory effects.
Incompatible Geometry Regulation of Nanowire Assemblies Enabled Light‐Driven Shape Morphing and Motions
Authors: Chen Hong , Qin Haili , Yao Xin , Cong Huai‐Ping , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: February 2025

Photoresponsive shape‐changing materials have significant applications in miniaturized smart robotics and biomedicine powered in a remote and wireless manner. Existing light‐fuelled soft materials suffer from limited continuous shape manipulation and constrained mobility and locomotive modes. One promising solution is developing a hierarchical structure design approach to integrate rapid, reversible photoactive molecular alignment and mechanically incompatible geometry in a macroscopic system. Here, a nanowire assemblies‐induced geometry engineering method is reported for the fabrication of silver nanowire‐incorporated nematic liquid crystalline elastomers with prominent anisotropic structures at multi‐length scales and incompatible elasticity that show sharp morphological transitions among the rings, helicoids, and spirals with diverse helical configurations. The engineered composite films can realize complex light‐driven motions including rotating, rolling, and jumping with the controlled directionality and magnitude that are pre‐encoded in their both molecular and macroscopic configurations. Owing to the great controllability of multimodal locomotion, a spiral robot can undertake task‐specific configuration to climb up complex terrains. The complete regulatory relationship among molecular orientation, shape geometry, and light‐driven motions is also established. This study may open an avenue for elaborate design and precise fabrication of novel shape‐morphing materials for future applications in intelligent robotic systems.
Tailoring Buried Interface and Minimizing Energy Loss Enable Efficient Narrow and Wide Bandgap Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells by Aluminum Glycinate Based Organometallic Molecule
Authors: Cheng Minghui , Duan Yuwei , Zhang Dexin , Xie Zhuang , Li Hongxiang , Cao Qiuyan , Qiu Zeliang , Chen Yu , Peng Qiang
Published: February 2025

Rational regulation of Me‐4PACz/perovskite interface has emerged as a significant challenge in the pursuit of highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, an organometallic molecule of aluminum glycinate (AG) that contained amine (‐NH2) and aluminum hydroxyl (Al‐OH) groups is developed to tailor the buried interface and minimize interface‐driven energy losses. The Al‐OH groups selectively bonded with unanchored O═P‐OH and bare NiO‐OH to optimize the surface morphology and energy levels, while the ‐NH2 group interacted specifically with Pb2+ to retard perovskite crystallization, passivate buried Pb‐related defects, and release residual interface stress. These interactions facilitate the interface carrier extraction and reduce interface‐driven energy losses, thereby realizing a balanced charge carrier transport. Consequently, AG‐modified narrow bandgap (1.55 eV) PSC demonstrates an efficiency of 26.74% (certified 26.21%) with a fill factor of 86.65%; AG‐modified wide bandgap (1.785 eV) PSC realizes 20.71% champion efficiency with excellent repeatability. These PSCs maintain 91.37%, 91.92%, and 92.00% of their initial efficiency after aging in air atmosphere, the nitrogen‐filled atmosphere at 85 °C, and continuously tracking at the maximum power‐point under one‐sun illumination (100 mW cm−2) for 1200 h, respectively.
A Stimulus‐Responsive Optoelectronic Skin From Photonic Crystal
Authors: Xu Jie , Li Yanyan , Yao Yuge , Ding Yanjun , Tan Yaying , Hu Gaoji , Zhang Shiming , Zeng Lintao
Published: February 2025

In nature, the ability to regulate and transmit color signals is fundamental to the adaptive survival of many organisms. A key aspect of this adaptability is the autonomous detection of chromatic changes in color‐displaying structures, facilitating precise color matching with environmental stimuli. However, conventional mechanochromic materials rely on a single mechanical force feedback channel, lacking the ability to continuously monitor their color state in real‐time. In this work, a novel approach is presented that integrates ZnS@SiO2 photonic crystals and LiCl into a TEMPO‐Oxidized cellulose nanofibers‐polyacrylamide hydrogel matrix (PAM‐TOCNF hydrogel), which successfully endow conductivity variation into this mechanochromic hydrogel. This system mimics the chameleonic mechanism by coupling mechanical force with ion conduction to achieve responsive color changes and real‐time color process monitoring. These findings establish a new paradigm for optoelectronic systems with stimulus‐responsive capabilities, paving the way for future advancements in bio‐inspired, adaptive technologies.
Biomimetic Orthogonal Removal of Arylacyl Protecting Groups from the C‐Terminus of Substituted Amino Acids and Oligopeptides via Flavin N(5)‐iminium Covalent Adducts
Authors: Pavlovska Tetiana , Havlík Martin , Labíková Magdalena , Cibulka Radek
Published: February 2025

Flavin co‐factors and other flavin derivatives are traditionally associated with one‐ or two‐electron redox reactions. Flavins also form covalent intermediates with a variety of substrates. While extensive attention has focused on reactions at the C(4a) position of the flavin ring, recent interest has shifted toward the dynamic potential of the N(5) atom. In our study, we demonstrate the formation of artificial flavin N(5)‐iminium covalent adducts via nucleophilic attack by enolates derived from arylacyl esters at the flavin N(5) position. This interaction mimics the biosynthesis of ether phospholipids catalysed by alkyl‐dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase via an N(5)‐FAD iminium adduct formation and fatty acid release. Accordingly, we developed a method for the selective removal of phenacyl and 2‐naphthylacetyl protecting groups from the C‐terminus of α‐amino acids and di‐ and tripeptides using biomimetic flavin organocatalysis. Although many approaches are currently available for protection of C‐terminus of peptides, their removal often requires harsh conditions, which cause racemization and the loss of optical purity, together with other side reactions. Our method is versatile, mild, orthogonal to most functional and protecting groups and maintains optical purity of α‐amino acids. From general point of view, the method signifies the groundbreaking application of the non‐canonical reactivity of flavins in organic synthesis.
Eltrombopag Inhibited Liver Cancer by Enhancing SMYD4 Protein Degradationvia TRIP12 Ubiquitinase
Authors: Li Jiale , Zhang Qiqiang , Wang Chunyan , Liu Shupeng
Published: February 2025

According to prior studies, SET and MYND domain‐containing protein 4 (SMYD4) is involved in tumor progression and metastasis, representing a potential therapeutic target for tumors. However, no specific inhibitors or drugs targeting SMYD4 are currently available. In this study, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to screen small molecule lead compounds binding to SMYD4 protein. CCK8 assay, colony formation assay, EdU assay were used to analyze the viability and proliferation of tumor cells. Flow cytometric analysis was used to evaluate cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Clorazepate, Ativan, Darifenacin and Eltrombopag were found to bind with SMYD4 with the highest probability and to meet the five principles of the drug class. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that Eltrombopag had the strongest binding capacity to SMYD4 protein. The functional analysis showed that Eltrombopag inhibited hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in vivo and in vitro at low density. Moreover, Eltrombopag enhanced ubiquitination of SMYD4 protein and promoted its degradation via thyroid hormone receptor interactor 12(TRIP12). These findings suggest that Eltrombopag is a potential inhibitor of SMYD4 protein, representing a novel leading compound for SMYD4 and applied for tumor treatment.