bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Local Nicotinic Activation of the Superior Colliculus on Saccades in Monkeys
Authors: Watanabe Masayuki , Kobayashi Yasushi , Inoue Yuka , Isa Tadashi
Published: September 2004

To examine the role of competitive and cooperative neural interactions within the intermediate layer of superior colliculus (SC), we elevated the basal SC neuronal activity by locally injecting a cholinergic agonist nicotine and analyzed its effects on saccade performance. After microinjection, spontaneous saccades were directed toward the movement field of neurons at the injection site (affected area). For visually guided saccades, reaction times were decreased when targets were presented close to the affected area. However, when visual targets were presented remote from the affected area, reaction times were not increased regardless of the rostrocaudal level of the injection sites. The endpoints of visually guided saccades were biased toward the affected area when targets were presented close to the affected area. After this endpoint effect diminished, the trajectories of visually guided saccades remained modestly curved toward the affected area. Compared with the effects on endpoints, the effects on reaction times were more localized to the targets close to the affected area. These results are consistent with a model that saccades are triggered by the activities of neurons within a restricted region, and the endpoints and trajectories of the saccades are determined by the widespread population activity in the SC. However, because increased reaction times were not observed for saccades toward targets remote from the affected area, inhibitory interactions in the SC may not be strong enough to shape the spatial distribution of the low-frequency preparatory activities in the SC.
Cross-Correlation and Joint Spectro-Temporal Receptive Field Properties in Auditory Cortex
Authors: Tomita Masahiko , Eggermont Jos J.
Published: September 2004

Recordings were made from the right primary auditory cortex in 17 adult cats using two eight-electrode arrays. We recorded the neural activity under spontaneous firing conditions and during random, multi-frequency stimulation, at 65 dB SPL, from the same units. Multiple single-unit (MSU) recordings (281) were stationary through 900 s of silence and during 900 s of stimulation. The cross-correlograms of 545 MSU pairs with peak lag times within 10 ms from zero lag time were analyzed. Stimulation reduced the correlation in background activity, and as a result, the signal-to-noise ratio of correlated activity in response to the stimulus was enhanced. Reconstructed spectro-temporal receptive fields (STRFs) for coincident spikes showed larger STRF overlaps, suggesting that coincident neural activity serves to sharpen the resolution in the spectro-temporal domain. The cross-correlation for spikes contributing to the STRF depended much stronger on the STRF overlap than the cross-correlation during either silence or for spikes that did not contribute to the STRF (OUT-STRF). Compared with that for firings during silence, the cross-correlation for the OUT-STRF spikes was much reduced despite the unchanged firing rate. This suggests that stimulation breaks up the large neural assembly that exists during long periods of silence into a stimulus related one and maybe several others. As a result, the OUT-STRF spikes of the unit pairs, now likely distributed across several assemblies, are less correlated than during long periods of silence. Thus the ongoing network activity is significantly different from that during stimulation and changes afterng arousal during stimulation.
Visuotopic Mapping Through a Multichannel Stimulating Implant in Primate V1
Authors: Bradley D. C. , Troyk P. R. , Berg J. A. , Bak M. , Cogan S. , Erickson R. , Kufta C. , Mascaro M. , McCreery D. , Schmidt E. M. , Towle V. L. , Xu H.
Published: September 2004

We report on our efforts to establish an animal model for the development and testing of a cortical visual prostheses. One-hundred-fifty-two electrodes were implanted in the primary visual cortex of a rhesus monkey. The electrodes were made from iridium with an activated iridium oxide film, which has a large charge capacity for a given surface area, and insulated with parylene-C. One-hundred-fourteen electrodes were functional after implantation. The activity of small (2–3) neuronal clusters was first recorded to map the visually responsive region corresponding to each electrode. The animal was then trained in a memory (delayed) saccade task, first with a visual target, then to a target defined by direct cortical stimulation with coordinates specified by the stimulating electrode's mapped receptive field. The SD of saccade endpoints was ∼2.5 larger for electrically stimulated versus visual saccades; nevertheless, when trial-to-trial scatter was averaged out, the correlation between saccade end points and receptive field locations was highly significant and approached unity after several months of training. Five electrodes were left unused until the monkey was fully trained; when these were introduced, the receptive field-saccade correlations were high on the first day of use ( R = 0.85, P = 0.03 for angle, R = 0.98, P < 0.001 for eccentricity), indicating that the monkey had not learned to perform the task empirically by memorizing reward zones. The results of this experiment suggest the potential for rigorous behavioral testing of cortical visual prostheses in the macaque.
Topical Colchicine Selection of Keratinocytes Transduced with the Multidrug Resistance Gene (MDR1) Can Sustain and Enhance Transgene Expression in vivo
Authors: Pfützner Wolfgang , Vogel Jonathan C.
Published: September 2004

In gene therapy, a clinically relevant therapeutic effect requires long-term expression of the desired gene at a level sufficient to correct or at least alleviate the underlying gene defect. One approach to achieve persistent as well as high-level transgene expression in a significant percentage of target cells would be to select cells expressing both the desired transgene and a linked selectable gene – such as the human multi-drug resistance (MDR1) gene – in a bicistronic vector. Because of its accessibility, the skin is a very attractive target tissue to select genetically modified cells, allowing topical application of a selecting agent, thus minimizing potential toxic side effects. Among the potential selecting drugs, agents that block cell division, such as colchicine, are of particular interest because the use of anti-mitotic drugs takes advantage of the rapid keratinocyte (KC) turnover in the epidermis and the need for continued proliferation to substitute the KC lost due to selection. Before assessing the therapeutic benefit of such an approach, several key questions need to be answered in preclinical models: (1) Does topical colchicine application achieve the desired in vivo effect by blocking KC mitosis without eliciting unwanted toxic side effects? (2) Are MDR-transduced (MDR+) human KC still able to proliferate and differentiate when treated with colchicine? (3) Can MDR+ KC be enriched by topical selection? (4) Does topical selection result in persistent transgene expression by selecting KC stem cells expressing MDR? To answer these questions and to test the feasibility of such an approach both an in vitro skin equivalent and an in vivo human skin graft model were developed in which MDR+ KC were treated with different dosages of colchicine. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of MDR expression in human KC showed that topical colchicine treatment selects high-level transgene expression in a high percentage of KC. Moreover, determination of transgene copy numbers demonstrated that MDR+ KC progenitor cells were enriched by topical selection resulting in long-term expression of the transgene in the skin. Thus, in summary, these models demonstrate that topical selection of MDR+ KC is a safe approach to efficiently enhance long-term gene expression in the skin and holds future promise for clinical gene therapy applications.
Xeroderma pigmentosum: From Symptoms and Genetics to Gene-Based Skin Therapy
Authors: Magnaldo Thierry , Sarasin Alain
Published: September 2004

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare, recessively inherited genodermatosis prone to ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin neoplasms from keratinocyte origin, i.e. basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Cells from classic XP patients fail to properly eliminate UV-induced DNA lesions by the nucleotide excision repair (NER) mechanism. A variant form of XP, called XP-V suffers from faulty translesion synthesis. We review here recent data on XP gene products whose alterations affect NER and result in one of the 7 complementation groups of XP. Encouraging results of retrovirus-based genetic correction of XP keratinocytes are summarized and support realistic prospects of gene therapy for the XP-C complementation group.
Safety of Transvenous Temporary Cardiac Pacing in Patients with Accidental Digoxin Overdose and Symptomatic Bradycardia
Authors: Chen Ju-Yi , Liu Ping-Yen , Chen Jyh-Hong , Lin Li-Jen
Published: September 2004

Background: Patients with digoxin intoxication may need transvenous temporary cardiac pacing (TCP) when symptomatic bradyarrhythmias are present. However, it has been reported that TCP might be associated with fatal arrhythmias in patients with acute digitalis intoxication caused by attempted suicide. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of TCP in patients with accidental digoxin-related symptomatic bradyarrhythmias. Materials and Methods: Seventy patients (30 men; age 74 ± 12 years) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 with TCP and group 2 without TCP. A digoxin overdose was defined as a serum digoxin level higher than 2.0 ng/ml combined with the presence of digoxin-related symptoms. Detailed clinical characteristics were reviewed on the basis of the medical records. Results: Group 1 included 24 patients (34.3%, 10 men). The rhythms prior to pacemaker insertion in group 1 included sinus arrest with junctional bradyarrhythmias (n = 9), atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular rate (n = 11), and high-degree atrioventricular block (n = 4). The mean duration of pacemaker implantation was 5.8 ± 2.9 days (2–12 days). There was no major arrhythmic event or mortality after TCP in group 1. Two patients in group 2 (4%) died of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Group 1 had a higher level of blood urea nitrogen (45.1 ± 26.0 vs. 33.4 ± 19.3 mg/dl), of left ventricular ejection fraction (68 vs. 56%), and of digoxin (4.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 1.3 ng/ml) but a lower serum calcium level (8.7 ± 0.6 vs. 9.1 ± 0.8 mg/dl). Conclusion: TCP was safe for patients with a digoxin overdose complicated by symptomatic bradycardia and should be recommended in such situations. However, this conclusion does not apply to acute digoxin intoxication as a result of attempted suicide.
Effect of Withdrawal of Statin on C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Lee Kun-Tai , Lai Wen-Ter , Chu Chin-Sheng , Tsai Li-Yu , Yen Hsueh-Wei , Voon Wen-Choi , Sheu Sheng-Hsiung
Published: September 2004

Background: C-reactive protein is considered a risk factor for coronary artery disease. In addition to its lipid-lowering properties, statin decreases the level of C-reactive protein. Abrupt cessation of statin therapy during treatment could increase the incidence of cardiac events in patients with atherosclerotic heart disease. The changes of C-reactive protein after withdrawal of statin therapy are still unknown. Methods: Twenty patients with hyperlipidemia received statin (atorvastatin, 10 mg/day) therapy for 3 months. The levels of lipid profiles and C-reactive protein were assessed before receiving the statin therapy, immediately after 3 months of therapy, and on the 3 consecutive days after withdrawal of statin treatment. Results: After 3 months of statin therapy, the total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-chol), and C-reactive protein were significantly reduced (264.94 ± 16.23 vs. 183.44 ± 16.34 mg/dl, 183.17 ± 34.56 vs. 122.00 ± 17.66 mg/dl, and 2,309.00 ± 437.85 vs. 1,257.95 ± 207.99 ng/ml, respectively). The level of C-reactive protein increased on the second day after withdrawal of statin therapy (2,590.14 ± 1,045.05 vs. 1,257.95 ± 207.99 ng/ml); however, the total cholesterol and LDL-chol did not increase during the 3-day period after withdrawal of statin therapy. Conclusions: The increase in the level of C-reactive protein after withdrawal of statin therapy may be a contributing factor to the increased incidence of cardiac events in patients who have abruptly stopped statin therapy.
Differential Effects of Cooked Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and Lentil (Lens esculenta puyensis) Feeding on Protein and Nucleic Acid Contents in Intestines, Liver and Muscles in Rats
Authors: Pirman Tatjana , Combe Etiennette , Patureau Mirand Philippe , Stekar Jasna , Orešnik Andrej
Published: September 2004

Aim: Our aim was to investigate the influence of legume feeding on the protein and nucleic acid content of intestinal tissues and muscles. Methods: Growing male Wistar rats were fed ad libitum on balanced diets containing cooked common bean or lentil as the unique protein source (180 g·kg–1 dry matter) for 20 days. The control group was pair-fed with an iso-energetic, iso-nitrogenous balanced casein diet. Results: Intestinal tissues were heavier in the legume-fed groups and higher relative mass (g per 100 g body mass) of protein, RNA and DNA were found in these tissues as compared to those of the control groups. In liver protein and RNA masses were significantly lower in the bean group than in the control group but the DNA content was not different in the legume and in the control groups. In gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, there was no significant effect of legume feeding on the fresh mass and on the protein and RNA contents, but the DNA content of the m. gastrocnemius was significantly lower in both legume groups than in their control group. The ribosomal capacity of intestines, liver and muscles was not significantly affected by legume feeding. Conclusion: Legume feeding had a trophic effect on both proximal and distal intestinal tissues; dietary fiber appears to be the main cause of this effect.
Single-Step Maternal Serum Screening for Trisomy 21 in the Era of Combined or Integrated Screening
Authors: Gyselaers Wilfried J.A. , Vereecken Annie J. , van Herck Erik , Straetmans Dany P.L. , de Jonge Eric T.M. , Ombelet Willem U.A.M. , Nijhuis Jan G.
Published: September 2004

Single-step maternal serum screening (MSS) in the first (1MSS) or second (2MSS) trimester at maternal age ≧35 years was evaluated in the North Belgian region Flanders, where difficulties are encountered in the general introduction of combined or integrated screening algorithms. The fetal aneuploidy screening database of General Medical Laboratory AML in Antwerp was searched for 2MSS tests between 1992 and 1999 (α-fetoprotein, β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) and unconjugated estriol, cut-off 1:300) and for 1MSS tests between 1999 and 2003 (free β-HCG and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, cut-off 1:85). At ≧35 years, the detection rate for trisomy 21 (DR) was 93.8% (15/16) for 2MSS and the screen-positive rate (SPR) was 24.5% (504/2061). For 1MSS, these figures were 85.7% (6/7) and 17.7% (109/615) respectively. To detect one trisomy 21, missed by MSS at ≧35 years of age, an additional number of 1,557 and 506 primary invasive procedures would be needed for 2MMS and 1MSS respectively. We conclude that the performance of bothsingle-step 1MSS and 2MSS at maternal age ≧35 years in Flanders is excellent, even without the combination with ultrasound parameters or integration of first and second trimester parameters. The simplicity of both methods allows to consider them valuable options for fetal aneuploidy screening at advanced maternal age, until high quality combined or integrated screening is accessible to all pregnant women in Belgium.
Perceptions of Accident Foreseeability and Stress and Coping During the Evacuation Period of Technological Disaster
Authors: Lange Lori J. , Toussaint Loren L. , Fleming Raymond
Published: September 2004

The public depends on experts to manage risks of technologies and to prevent or warn of a possible mishap. Perceptions of experts’ ability to predict accidents were investigated in evacuees and controls during the threat of explosion from the derailment of a train carrying liquid propane. Evacuees showed elevated stress response levels compared to controls across psychological, behavioral, and physiological modalities. Perceptions of transportation accident foreseeability moderated physiological stress for evacuees, with stronger perceptions of accident predictability associated with lower stress hormone levels. Perceptions of transportation accident foreseeability also were associated with a reactance-style response to the disaster and problem-solving coping style in evacuees. Perceptions associated with greater secondary predictability moderated the physiological stress effects of the accident on evacuees during the acute phase of the disaster and furthermore, was associated with more efforts to regain control through more active coping.
Sodium nitroprusside and peroxynitrite effect on hepatic DNases: an in vitro and in vivostudy
Authors: Kocic Gordana , Pavlovic Dusica , Pavlovic Radmila , Nikolic Goran , Cvetkovic Tatjana , Stojanovic Ivana , Jevtovic Tatjana , Kocic Radivoj , Sokolovic Dusan
Published: September 2004

Background

It has been documented that nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and authentic peroxynitrite are capable of promoting apoptosis in a number of different cell types. Various endonucleases have been proposed as candidates responsible for the internucleosomal cleavage of the genomic DNA observed during apoptosis, but the main effect is attributed to the alkaline-DNases (Mg2+- and caspase-dependent) and acid-DNase. The aim of this study was to examine an in vivo and in vitro possibility for alkaline- and acid-DNases to be activated by SNP and peroxynitrite.

Results

The effect on liver tissue alkaline and acid DNase activity together with the markers of tissue and plasma oxidative and nitrosative stress (lipid peroxidation, SH group content, carbonyl groups and nitrotyrosine formation) was investigated in plasma and liver tissue. The activity of liver alkaline DNase increased and that of acid DNase decreased after in vivo treatment with either SNP or peroxynitrite. A difference observed between the in vivo and in vitro effect of oxide donor (i.e., SNP) or peroxynitrite upon alkaline DNase activity existed, and it may be due to the existence of the "inducible" endonuclease. After a spectrophotometric scan analysis of purified DNA, it was documented that both SNP and peroxynitrite induce various DNA modifications (nitroguanine formation being the most important one) whereas DNA fragmentation was not significantly increased.

Conclusion

Alkaline DNase activation seems to be associated with the programmed destruction of the genome, leading to the fragmentation of damaged DNA sites. Thus, the elimination of damaged cells appears to be a likely factor in prevention against mutation and carcinogenesis.
Recurrence of primary extramedullary plasmacytoma in breast both simulating primary breast carcinoma
Authors: Kaviani Ahmad , Djamali-zavareie Mansoor , Noparast Maryam , Keyhani-Rofagha Sedigheh
Published: September 2004

Background

Extramedullary myelomas (plasmacytoma) are malignant proliferations of plasma cells in the absence of bone involvement. When they occur in the soft tissue they usually involve the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity. Extramedullary plasmacytomas of breast are uncommon.

Case presentation

A 70 year-old woman with bilateral breast masses underwent excisional biopsy for suspected primary carcinoma that subsequently proved to be a recurrence from extramedullary plasmacytoma of the mediastinum. This was diagnosed and treated 5-years prior to appearance of breast lumps.

Conclusion

Though uncommon, considering the possibility of metastatic carcinoma and primary, secondary or recurrent lymphoproliferative disease presenting as a breast mass may avoid unnecessary surgeries.
A log-linear approach for modelling ordinal paired comparison data on motives to start a PhD programme
Authors: Dittrich Regina , Hatzinger Reinhold , Katzenbeisser Walter
Published: September 2004

The purpose of this paper is to propose an alternative log-linear representation of an adjacent categories (AC) paired comparison (PC) model. The AC model is well suited for modelling ordinal PC data by postulating a power relationship between the response category and the probability of preferring one object over another object. The model is applied to data collected on the motivation of Vienna students to start a doctoral programme of study.
Mouse amnionless, which is required for primitive streak assembly,mediates cell-surface localization and endocytic function of cubilin on visceral endoderm and kidney proximal tubules
Authors: Strope Sharon , Rivi Roberta , Metzger Thomas , Manova Katia , Lacy Elizabeth
Published: September 2004

Impaired primitive streak assembly in the mouse amnionless(amn) mutant results in the absence of non-axial trunk mesoderm, a derivative of the middle region of the primitive streak. In addition, the epiblast of amn mutants fails to increase significantly in size after E7.0, indicating that middle primitive streak assembly is mechanistically tied to the growth of the embryo during gastrulation. Amn, a novel transmembrane protein, is expressed exclusively in an extra-embryonic tissue, visceral endoderm (VE), during the early post-implantation stages. We show that Amn is also expressed in kidney proximal tubules (KPT) and intestinal epithelium,which, like the VE, are polarized epithelia specialized for resorption and secretion. To explore whether Amn participates in the development or function of KPT and intestinal epithelia and to gain insight into the function of Amn during gastrulation, we constructed Amn-/- ES cell↔+/+blastocyst chimeras. While chimeras form anatomically normal kidneys and intestine, they exhibit variable, selective proteinuria, a sign of KPT malfunction. In humans, AMN has been genetically connected to Cubilin(CUBN), a multi-ligand scavenger receptor expressed by KPT, intestine and yolk sac. Loss of CUBN, the intestinal intrinsic factor (IF)-vitamin B12 receptor, results in hereditary megaloblastic anemia (MGA1), owing to vitamin B12 malabsorption. The recent report of MGA1 families with mutations in AMN suggests that AMN functions in the same pathway as CUBN. We demonstrate that Cubn is not properly localized to the cell surface in Amn-/- tissues in the embryo and adult mouse, and that adult chimeras exhibit selective proteinuria of Cubn ligands. This study demonstrates that Amn is an essential component of the Cubn receptor complex in vivo and suggests that Amn/Cubn is required for endocytosis/transcytosis of one or more ligands in the VE during gastrulation to coordinate growth and patterning of the embryo. Furthermore, as AMN is apparently not required for gastrulation in humans, the developmental requirements for Amn/Cubn function may not be evolutionarily conserved, possibly reflecting differences between species in the role and organization of extra-embryonic tissues.
Dysregulation of ferroportin 1 interferes with spleen organogenesis in polycythaemia mice
Authors: Mok Henry , Mendoza Miriam , Prchal Josef T. , Balogh Péter , Schumacher Armin
Published: September 2004

Regulatory interferences at the iron transporter ferroportin 1 (Fpn1) cause transient defects in iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis in polycythaemia(Pcm) mutant mice. The present study identified decreased Fpn1 expression in placental syncytiotrophoblast cells at late gestation as the mechanism of neonatal iron deficiency in Pcm mutants. Tissue specificity of embryonic Fpn1 dysregulation was evident from concomitant decreases in Fpn1 mRNA and protein expression in placenta and liver, as opposed to upregulation of Fpn1 protein despite decreased transcript levels in spleen, implicating post-transcriptional regulation of Fpn1. Dysregulation of Fpn1 and decreased iron levels in Pcm mutant spleens correlated with apoptotic cell death in the stroma, resulting in a semidominant spleen regression. At 7 weeks of age, a transient increase in spleen size in Pcm heterozygotes reflected a transient erythropoietin-mediated polycythemia. Structurally, Pcm mutant spleens displayed a severe defect in red pulp formation, including disruption of the sinusoidal endothelium, as well as discrete defects in white pulp organization during postnatal development. Reduced functional competence of the Pcmmutant spleen was manifested by an impaired response to chemically induced hemolytic anemia. Thus, aberrant Fpn1 regulation and iron homeostasis interferes with development of the spleen stroma during embryogenesis,resulting in a novel defect in spleen architecture postnatally.
Canonical WNT signaling promotes mammary placode development and is essential for initiation of mammary gland morphogenesis
Authors: Chu Emily Y. , Hens Julie , Andl Thomas , Kairo Alladin , Yamaguchi Terry P. , Brisken Cathrin , Glick Adam , Wysolmerski John J. , Millar Sarah E.
Published: September 2004

Mammary glands, like other skin appendages such as hair follicles and teeth, develop from the surface epithelium and underlying mesenchyme; however,the molecular controls of embryonic mammary development are largely unknown. We find that activation of the canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in the embryonic mouse mammary region coincides with initiation of mammary morphogenesis, and that WNT pathway activity subsequently localizes to mammary placodes and buds. Several Wnt genes are broadly expressed in the surface epithelium at the time of mammary initiation, and expression of additional Wnt and WNT pathway genes localizes to the mammary lines and placodes as they develop. Embryos cultured in medium containing WNT3A or the WNT pathway activator lithium chloride (LiCl) display accelerated formation of expanded placodes, and LiCl induces the formation of ectopic placode-like structures that show elevated expression of the placode marker Wnt10b. Conversely, expression of the secreted WNT inhibitor Dickkopf 1 in transgenic embryo surface epithelium in vivo completely blocks mammary placode formation and prevents localized expression of all mammary placode markers tested. These data indicate that WNT signaling promotes placode development and is required for initiation of mammary gland morphogenesis. WNT signals play similar roles in hair follicle formation and thus may be broadly required for induction of skin appendage morphogenesis.
Climate Change, Migration, and Health Disparities at and Beyond the US-Mexico Border
Authors: Méndez Michael , Pastor Manuel , Lesaca Angelu C.
Published: February 2024

This JAMA Insights in the Climate Change and Health series discusses the increase in extreme weather events caused by climate change and how these events bring about increased migration due to effects on water availability, food access, and rates of endemic diseases.
Risk of Stroke and Myocardial Infarction Among Initiators of Triptans
Authors: Petersen Christian Lund , Hougaard Anders , Gaist David , Hallas Jesper
Published: February 2024

Importance

Triptans are contraindicated in patients with ischemic heart disease or previous myocardial infarction, and caution is advised when prescribing these drugs to patients with vascular risk factors. However, controlled observational studies have either shown no association or an apparent lower risk, possibly owing to a channeling of triptans to individuals at low risk of cardiovascular outcomes, and it remains unclear whether avoiding triptan treatment for these patients is meaningful.

Objective

To establish whether an association between triptans and ischemic events could be demonstrated using a self-controlled design because this type of design is robust to the previously mentioned type of confounding.

Design, Setting, and Participants

All people in nationwide Danish registries who were initiating triptans and all the ischemic events that they experienced were identified. A case-crossover design was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for associations between first-ever triptan use and ischemic outcomes, comparing triptan exposure in the 2-week period up to the event with four 2-week reference periods. Data were obtained for the period January 1995 to August 2022. Included from the population of Denmark were individuals redeeming a prescription for any triptan and experiencing at least 1 of 3 predefined ischemic outcomes. No one was excluded.

Exposure

Initiation of any triptan.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or nonspecified stroke.

Results

Identified were a total of 429 612 individuals (median [IQR] age, 38 [28-48] years; 325 687 female [75.8%]) who redeemed a first prescription for a triptan in the study period. Of these patients, 11 (0.003%) had a myocardial infarction with the first triptan prescription in either a focal or referent window (odds ratio [OR], 3.3; 95% CI, 1.0-10.9), 18 (0.004%) had ischemic stroke (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3-8.1), and 35 (0.008%) had ischemic/nonspecified stroke (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.5-5.9). Case patients had a median age of approximately 60 years and had a high-risk cardiovascular profile.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this case-crossover study suggest that triptan initiation was associated with higher risk of ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. For the individual patient with low background cardiovascular risk, the risk of an ischemic event after triptan initiation was very low.
Survey of Neonatal Management After Amnioinfusion for Anhydramnios
Authors: Bendel-Stenzel Ellen M. , Keiser Amaris M. , McKenna Kristin J. , Chock Valerie Y. , Lopez Suzanne , Miller Jena L. , Atkinson Meredith A.
Published: February 2024

This survey study reports on use of renal replacement therapy, hemodynamic support, sedation, neuroimaging, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy trial sites for neonates with either bilateral renal agenesis or fetal kidney failure.
Spontaneous Topological (Anti)meron Chains in the Domain Walls of Centrosymmetric Rare‐Earth Magnet
Authors: Xu Jiawang , Wang Liming , Xi Lei , Gao Yang , Gao Yawei , Wang Dingsong , Huang He , Zheng Xinqi , Zhang Jingyan , Yang Mengmeng , Ma Tianping , Yang Hongxin , Zhang Ying , Shen Baogen , Wang Shouguo
Published: February 2024

Exploration and manipulation of topological protected magnetic swirls, such as skyrmion, antiskyrmion, meron, and vortex, holds significance for fundamental research and practical applications in high‐density magnetic information storage and spintronics because of their high storage density and low driven current. This study unveils the existence of field‐free spontaneous (anti)meron chains with a topological charge of ±1/2 in the centrosymmetric rare‐earth magnet Tb6Co2.17Si2.5 via in situ real‐space observation. The spin reorientation transition from in‐plane to uniaxial anisotropy contributes to the spontaneous transformation from straight domain walls to topological (anti)meron chains and to stripe domains along the [110] zone axis during in situ cooling. The study further confirms the critical role of the noncollinear magnetic structure of Tb atoms in the formation of topological (anti)meron chains via real‐space observations, first‐principles calculations, and micromagnetic simulations. The spontaneous topological magnetic texture is strongly correlated with the 4f electrons of rare‐earth atoms, enriching and stimulating alternative generation mechanisms of topological spin textures from emerging rare‐earth magnets, and further applications in spintronics.
Hetero MOF‐On‐MOF of Ni‐BDC/NH2‐MIL‐88B(Fe) Enables Efficient Electrochemical Seawater Oxidation
Authors: Bao Yanji , Ru Haifeng , Wang Yifeng , Zhang Kexi , Yu Rentong , Wu Qiang , Yu Aimin , Li Dong‐Sheng , Sun Chenghua , Li Weiwei , Tu Jinchun
Published: February 2024

Seawater electrolysis is a sustainable technology for producing hydrogen that would neither cause global freshwater shortages nor create carbon emissions. However, this technology is severely hampered by the insufficient stability and the competition from the chlorine evolution reaction (ClER) in actual application. Herein, a metal–organic framework (MOF)‐on‐MOF heterojunction (Ni‐BDC/NH2‐MIL‐88B(Fe)) denoted as (Ni‐BDC/NM88B(Fe)) is synthesized as an effective oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst for high‐performance seawater electrolysis, which exhibits a long stability of 200 h and low overpotentials of 232 and 299 mV at 100 mA cm−2 in alkaline freshwater and seawater solution, respectively. The exceptional performance is attributed to the rapid self‐reconstruction of Ni‐BDC/NM88B(Fe) to produce NiFeOOH protective layer, thereby avoiding ClER‐induced dissolution. Moreover, the interface interaction between Ni‐BDC and NM88B(Fe) could form the Ni─O─Fe bonds in Ni‐BDC/NM88B(Fe) to promote the electron transfer and lower the energy barrier of the rate‐determining step, thereby accelerating the OER. These electrochemical properties make it intriguing candidate as an efficient electrocatalyst for practical alkaline seawater electrolysis.
A 3D Phosphorescent Supramolecular Organic Framework in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yin Chenjia , Yan Zi‐Ang , Yan Ruijian , Xu Chen , Ding Bingbing , Ji Yuanhui , Ma Xiang
Published: February 2024

Supramolecular organic framework (SOF) has recently garnered significant research interest in the field of luminescent materials. However, SOF with room‐temperature phosphorescence emission in solution is very rare due to the quenching of dissolved oxygen and free molecular motions, which would lead to nonradiative deactivation of triplet exciton in liquid state. In this work, a 3D cationic phosphorescent SOF is synthesized through host‐guest interaction between CB[8] and a tetrahedral monomer TBBP, which can rapidly adsorb anionic guests in solution. When anionic dyes are introduced, triplet to singlet Förster resonance energy transfer (TS‐FRET) in solution can be achieved, and delayed fluorescence with large Stokes shift can be realized. Additionally, when anionic drugs are introduced, the phosphorescence of TBBP‐CB[8] can be quenched due to charge transfer, enabling the detection of drugs through phosphorescence signals. Taking advantage of the fast adsorption property of 3D SOF, an INHIBIT logic gate with three inputs and two outputs is constructed. These findings provide a novel method to prepare phosphorescent functional materials and a new pathway to construct TS‐FRET system in solution.
Halide Ion Mobility in Paired 2D Halide Perovskites: Ruddlesden–Popper Versus Dion–Jacobson Phases
Authors: Min Seonhong , Cho Junsang
Published: February 2024

2D lead halide perovskites with tunable optoelectronic properties through modulating inorganic components and organic spacer ligands represent a promising candidate in perovskite optoelectronics. However, an intrinsic soft lattice of perovskites gives rise to a vacancy‐mediated halide ion migration, which further affects the long‐term stability of materials as well as devices. Here, halide ion mobility is evaluated using two different 2D perovskites yielded with butylammonium (BA) for the Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) phase and butane‐1,4‐diamine (BDA) for the Dion–Jacobson (DJ) phase, respectively. By probing the halide ion migration kinetics in the physically paired 2D bromide and iodide perovskite films, the softer lattice (RP) shows a lower activation energy of 50.9 kJ mol−1 as compared to that of more rigid lattice (DJ) of 60.8 kJ mol−1. Given similar halide diffusion pathlength and halide mixing chemical potential, the binding mode (RP and DJ) can indeed dictate the overall halide ion stability. Understanding such halide ion mobility is important in designing perovskites with increased stability and performances at material and device levels.
Low‐Frequency Ultrasound Sensitive Piezo1 Channels Regulate Keloid‐Related Characteristics of Fibroblasts
Authors: Jiang Zixi , Chen Ziyan , Xu Yantao , Li Hui , Li Yixin , Peng Lanyuan , Shan Han , Liu Xin , Wu Huayi , Wu Lisha , Jian Dan , Su Juan , Chen Xiang , Chen Zeyu , Zhao Shuang
Published: February 2024

Keloids are benign fibroproliferative tumors that severely diminish the quality of life due to discomfort, dysfunction, and disfigurement. Recently, ultrasound technology as a noninvasive adjuvant therapy is developed to optimize treatment protocols. However, the biophysical mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, it is proposed that piezo‐type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1) plays an important role in low‐frequency sonophoresis (LFS) induced mechanical transduction pathways that trigger downstream cellular signaling processes. It is demonstrated that patient‐derived primary keloid fibroblasts (PKF), NIH 3T3, and HFF‐1 cell migration are inhibited, and PKF apoptosis is significantly increased by LFS stimulation. And the effects of LFS is diminished by the application of GsMTx‐4, the selective inhibitor of Piezo1, and the knockdown of Piezo1. More importantly, the effects of LFS can be imitated by Yoda1, an agonist of Piezo1 channels. Establishing a patient‐derived xenograft keloid implantation mouse model further verified these results, as LFS significantly decreased the volume and weight of the keloids. Moreover, blocking the Piezo1 channel impaired the effectiveness of LFS treatment. These results suggest that LFS inhibits the malignant characteristics of keloids by activating the Piezo1 channel, thus providing a theoretical basis for improving the clinical treatment of keloids.
Mfn2/Hsc70 Complex Mediates the Formation of Mitochondria‐Lipid Droplets Membrane Contact and Regulates Myocardial Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Hu Lang , Tang Daishi , Qi Bingchao , Guo Dong , Wang Ying , Geng Jing , Zhang Xiaoliang , Song Liqiang , Chang Pan , Chen Wensheng , Fu Feng , Li Yan
Published: February 2024

The heart primarily derives its energy through lipid oxidation. In cardiomyocytes, lipids are stored in lipid droplets (LDs) and are utilized in mitochondria, although the structural and functional connections between these two organelles remain largely unknown. In this study, visible evidence have presented indicating that a complex is formed at the mitochondria‐LD membrane contact (MLC) site, involving mitochondrion‐localized Mfn2 and LD‐localized Hsc70. This complex serves to tether mitochondria to LDs, facilitating the transfer of fatty acids (FAs) from LDs to mitochondria for β‐oxidation. Reduction of Mfn2 induced by lipid overload inhibits MLC, hinders FA transfer, and results in lipid accumulation. Restoring Mfn2 reinstates MLC, alleviating myocardial lipotoxicity under lipid overload conditions both in‐vivo and in‐vitro. Additionally, prolonged lipid overload induces Mfn2 degradation through the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway, following Mfn2 acetylation at the K243 site. This leads to the transition from adaptive lipid utilization to maladaptive lipotoxicity. The experimental findings are supported by clinical data from patients with obesity and age‐matched non‐obese individuals. These translational results make a significant contribution to the molecular understanding of MLC in the heart, and offer new insights into its role in myocardial lipotoxicity.
Revealing the Lattice Carbonate Mediated Mechanism in Cu2(OH)2CO3 for Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to C2H4
Authors: Gao Yugang , Xiao Difei , Wang Zeyan , Zheng Zhaoke , Wang Peng , Cheng Hefeng , Liu Yuanyuan , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao
Published: February 2024

Understanding the CO2 transformation mechanism on materials is essential for the design of efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction. In aconventional adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM), the catalysts encounter multiple high‐energy barrier steps, especially CO2 activation, limiting the activity and selectivity. Here, lattice carbonate from Cu2(OH)2CO3 is revealed to be a mediator between CO2 molecules and catalyst during CO2 electroreduction by a 13C isotope labeling method, which can bypass the high energy barrier of CO2 activation and strongly enhance the performance. With the lattice carbonate mediated mechanism (LCMM), the Cu2(OH)2CO3 electrode exhibited ten‐fold faradaic efficiency and 15‐fold current density for ethylene production than the Cu2O electrode with AEM at a low overpotential. Theoretical calculations and in situ Raman spectroscopy results show that symmetric vibration of carbonate is precisely enhanced on the catalyst surface with LCMM, leading to faster electron transfer, and lower energy barriers of CO2 activation and carbon–carbon coupling. This work provides a route to develop efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction based on lattice‐mediated mechanism.
Can corporate environmental, social, and governance performance influence foreign institutional investors to hold shares? Evidence from China
Authors: Feng Juzhang , Tang Sha , Zhong Junhao
Published: February 2024

With the rise of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment concepts, foreign institutional investors have become increasingly concerned about corporate ESG performance. Based on data of China's A‐share listed companies from 2011 to 2021, we empirically find that corporate ESG performance enhances foreign institutional investors to hold shares. Economic policy uncertainty significantly reduces the impact of corporate ESG performance on foreign institutional investors' shareholdings. The mechanism analyses show that information asymmetry and corporate reputation are the two transmission channels for corporate ESG performance that influence foreign institutional investors to hold shares. Further analysis shows that companies with good ESG performance are prone to become heavy investments and long‐term shareholdings for foreign institutional investors. The heterogeneity analyses show that the effect of ESG performance on foreign institutional investors' shareholdings is more significant among firms that are not state‐owned, with high business risk and in heavily polluting industries.
Genomic heterogeneity of multiple synchronous lung cancers in Chinese population
Authors: Zhao Lei , Wang Jin , Zhang Yixiang , Wang Peng , Lv Changsheng , Zhao Shilei , Guo Tao , Li Fengzhou , Gu Chundong , Zhu Yuntao
Published: February 2024

Introduction

It is clinically challenging to infer the phylogenetic relationship between different tumor lesions of patients with multiple synchronous lung cancers (MSLC), whether these lesions are the result of independently evolved tumor or intrapulmonary metastases.

Methods

We used the Illumina X10 platform to sequence 128 stage I lung cancer samples collected from 64 patients with MSLC. All samples were analyzed for mutation spectra and phylogenetic inference.

Results

We detected genetic aberrations within genes previously reported to be recurrently altered in lung adenocarcinoma including, EGFR, ERBB2, TP53, BRAF, and KRAS. Other putative driver mutations identified were enriched in RTK‐RAS signaling, TP53 signaling, and cell cycle. Also, we found some interesting cases, two cases that carried EGFR L858R and T790M co‐mutation in one tumor and another tumor with only EGFR 19del, and 1 case with two KRAS hotspots in the same tumor. Due to the short follow‐up time and early stage, further investigation is needed to determine whether this unique mutation profile will affect their progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Regarding genetic evolution analysis among 64 tumor samples, 50 of them display distinct mutational profiles, suggesting these are independently evolved tumors, which is consistent with histopathological assessment. On the other hand, six patients were identified to be intrapulmonary metastasis as the mutations harbored in different lesions are clonally related.

Conclusion

In summary, unlike intrapulmonary metastases, patients with MSLC harbor distinct genomic profiles in different tumor lesions, and we could distinguish MSLC from intrapulmonary metastases via clonality estimation.
Hearing preservation after stereotactic radiosurgery for sporadic intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas classified as Koos grade 1
Authors: Kang Ho , Ji So Young , Kim Chae‐Yong , Koo Ja‐Won , Song Jae‐Jin , Choi Byung Yoon , Hwang Kihwan , Han Jung Ho
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The mechanism of hearing loss following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for vestibular schwannomas (VSs) remains unclear. There is conflicting evidence regarding cochlear nerve damage by transient volume expansion of VSs after radiosurgery and radiation‐induced cochlear damage. This study aimed to investigate whether there is a specific patient population that can achieve definite hearing preservation after SRS for VSs.

Methods

A total of 37 consecutive patients with sporadic unilateral intracanalicular VSs and serviceable hearing (Gardner‐Roberson [G‐R] class I or II) were treated with SRS from 2009 to 2023. This is a retrospective study. Survival analysis with Cox regression for hearing deterioration was performed.

Results

The median age was 55 years old. The median tumor volume was 0.089 cm3, and the median marginal dose was 12.0 Gy. Nonserviceable hearing deterioration occurred in 9 patients (24.3%), with a median onset of 11.9 months after SRS. The actuarial rates of serviceable hearing preservation were 86%, 82%, and 70% at 1, 2, and 3 years after SRS, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, only baseline pure tone average > 30 dB increased the risk of nonserviceable hearing deterioration with significant hazard ratio. There were 13 patients with petit VSs whose tumor volume was smaller than 0.05 cm3, and 11 of them were treated by a 4‐mm single shot with a marginal dose of 12 Gy. None of the 13 patients had nonserviceable hearing deterioration.

Conclusions

Petit VSs that can be treated with 4‐mm single or double shots with a marginal dose of 12 Gy may achieve hearing preservation after SRS.
Patient's experiences of coughing after lung cancer surgery: A multicenter qualitative study
Authors: Zhou Xiangxi , Lei Cheng , Wei Xing , Dai Wei , Xu Wei , Ao Yongping , Li Xianglin , Qiao Guibin , Shi Qiuling
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Cough is one of the most common symptoms after lung cancer surgery, which seriously affects the quality of life. Little research has been conducted on patient's experiences of cough following lung surgery. This study aimed to elucidate the experience of coughing after lung cancer surgery from the patient's perspective regarding symptoms and their impacts on daily life, as well as triggers and dealing strategies.

Methods

Between June 2023 and July 2023, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with patients from outpatient clinics of two hospitals who were pathologically diagnosed with lung cancer and experienced cough after surgery through convenience sampling. The interview recordings were transcribed and analyzed by two researchers. The traditional content analysis and thematic analysis were used to identify the common codes, subthemes, and themes.

Results

A total of 28 participants were interviewed. The mean age of the participants was 55.21 years (range: 36–75 years), and 21 participants were female. Most patients (75%) were interviewed within 6 months of surgery. We identified five themes (accompanying symptoms, incentives, effects, solution, and information sources) and 12 subthemes (local symptoms, systemic symptoms, personal factors, external factors, emotion, relationship with others, reduced quality of life, medical measures, nonmedical measures, no measures, relatives and friends, and the Internet). Patients with lung cancer may experience various cough symptoms after surgery, which a variety of internal and external factors can trigger. The coughing imposes a double burden on the physical and psychological due to the negative emotions it provokes.

Conclusion

We generated a concept framework of cough after lung cancer surgery, providing a basis for further development of measurement tools from the patients' perspective. The lack of knowledge related to coughing highlights the need for adequate and timely health education and professional medical care.