bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of T cell stimulated agonistic autoantibodies to the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1‐AA) in mediating multiorgan dysfunction in IL‐17 induced hypertension during pregnancy
Authors: Hogg James P. , Campbell Nathan , Deer Evangeline , Fitzgerald Sarah , Cornelius Denise , Hoang Ngoc , Turner Ty , Amaral Lorena , Lemon James P. , Ibrahim Tarek , LaMarca Babbette
Published: April 2024

Problem

Preeclampsia (PE), new‐onset hypertension during pregnancy accompanied by organ dysfunction, is associated with chronic inflammation including elevated IL‐17, CD4+ T cells, B cells and natural killer (NK) cells. IL‐17 can serve as a signal for either the adaptive or innate immune activation. We have previously shown that IL‐17 contributes to increased blood pressure in association with elevated TH17 cells, NK cells and B cells secreting angiotensin II type 1 receptor agonistic autoantibodies (AT1‐AA) during pregnancy. Moreover, we have shown an important role for CD4+T cells and AT1‐AA in multiorgan dysfunction as measured by mitochondrial oxidative stress (mt ROS). However, we do not know the role of adaptive immune cells such as T cells or B cells secreting AT1‐AA in mediating the PE phenotype in response to elevated IL‐17.

Method of study

In order to answer this question, we infused IL‐17 (150 pg/day i.p.) into either Sprague Dawley (SD) or athymic nude rats via mini‐osmotic pump from gestational day (GD) 14–19 of pregnancy. On GD 19, blood pressure was determined and NK cells, mtROS and respiration and AT1‐AA production from B cells were measured.

Results

Infusion of IL‐17 increased blood pressure in the presence or absence of T cells. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased with IL‐17 from 98 ± 2 mm Hg (n = 12) to 114 ± 2 (n = 12) in SD rats and from 99 ± 4 mm Hg (n = 7) versus 115 ± 2 mm Hg (n = 7) in athymic nude rats. Similar trends were seen in NK cells and placental mt ROS. Knowing that IL‐17 stimulates AT1‐AA in SD pregnant rats, we included a group of SD and athymic nude pregnant rats infused with IL‐17 and the AT1‐AA inhibitor peptide (‘n7AAc’). The inhibitor attenuated blood pressure (104.9 ± 3.2, p = .0001) and normalized NK cells and mt function in SD pregnant rats. Importantly, the AT1‐AA was not produced in pregnant nude IL‐17 treated rats, nor did ‘n7AAc’ effect MAP, in nude athymic rats.

Conclusion

These findings suggest two conclusions; one is that IL‐17 causes hypertension and multiorgan dysfunction in the absence of T cells and AT1‐AA, possibly through its activation of innate cells and secondly, in the presence of T cells, blockade of the AT1‐AA attenuates the effect of IL‐17. This study indicates the critical effects of elevated IL‐17 during pregnancy and suggest treatment modalities to consider for PE women.
Beyond open access: Book publishing in a metric culture
Authors: Wilmott Clancy
Published: April 2024

This short commentary responds to Gandy's (2023) piece ‘Books under threat: Open access publishing and the neo‐liberal academy’. It argues that the requirement for open access in UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) grants does not mark a major turning point in academic publishing, but rather is simply the latest trend in a series of changes which have seen academic inequalities redistributed under a metric culture.
From mutation to management: Advancing Langerhans cell histiocytosis treatment through combination therapies
Authors: Diamond Akiva
Published: April 2024

The treatment landscape for relapsed Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is fraught with uncertainty due to a scarcity of data. Karri et al.'s study provides promising evidence that combining MAPK pathway inhibitors with chemotherapy could improve outcomes, even for patients with multiple relapses. Although larger studies are needed, this approach suggests a shift towards more aggressive, potentially curative strategies in the management of LCH.

Commentary on: Karri et al. Clinical, radiological and molecular responses to combination chemotherapy with MAPK pathway inhibition in relapsed and refractory Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Br J Haematol 2024;204:1882‐1887.
Severe manifestation of Rauch‐Azzarello syndrome associated with biallelic deletion of CTNND2
Authors: Pauly Melissa , Krumbiegel Mandy , Trumpp Sandra , Braig Sonja , Rupprecht Thomas , Kraus Cornelia , Uebe Steffen , Reis André , Vasileiou Georgia
Published: April 2024

CTNND2 encodes δ‐catenin, a component of an adherens junction complex, and plays an important role in neuronal structure and function. To date, only heterozygous loss‐of‐function CTNND2 variants have been associated with mild neurodevelopmental delay and behavioral anomalies, a condition, which we named Rauch‐Azzarello syndrome. Here, we report three siblings of a consanguineous family of Syrian descent with a homozygous deletion encompassing the last 19 exons of CTNND2 predicted to disrupt the transcript. All presented with severe neurodevelopmental delay with absent speech, profound motor delay, stereotypic behavior, microcephaly, short stature, muscular hypotonia with lower limb hypertonia, and variable eye anomalies. The parents and the fourth sibling were heterozygous carriers of the deletion and exhibited mild neurodevelopmental impairment resembling that of the previously described heterozygous individuals. The present study unveils a severe manifestation of CTNND2‐associated Rauch‐Azzarello syndrome attributed to biallelic loss‐of‐function aberrations, clinically distinct from the already described mild presentation of heterozygous individuals. Furthermore, we demonstrate novel clinical features in homozygous individuals that have not been reported in heterozygous cases to date.
The Role of Attention in Category Representation
Authors: Gao Mengcun , Turner Brandon M. , Sloutsky Vladimir M.
Published: April 2024

Numerous studies have found that selective attention affects category learning. However, previous research did not distinguish between the contribution of focusing and filtering components of selective attention. This study addresses this issue by examining how components of selective attention affect category representation. Participants first learned a rule‐plus‐similarity category structure, and then were presented with category priming followed by categorization and recognition tests. Additionally, to evaluate the involvement of focusing and filtering, we fit models with different attentional mechanisms to the data. In Experiment 1, participants received rule‐based category training, with specific emphasis on a single deterministic feature (D feature). Experiment 2 added a recognition test to examine participants’ memory for features. Both experiments indicated that participants categorized items based solely on the D feature, showed greater memory for the D feature, were primed exclusively by the D feature without interference from probabilistic features (P features), and were better fit by models with focusing and at least one type of filtering mechanism. The results indicated that selective attention distorted category representation by highlighting the D feature and attenuating P features. To examine whether the distorted representation was specific to rule‐based training, Experiment 3 introduced training, emphasizing all features. Under such training, participants were no longer primed by the D feature, they remembered all features well, and they were better fit by the model assuming only focusing but no filtering process. The results coupled with modeling provide novel evidence that while both focusing and filtering contribute to category representation, filtering can also result in representational distortion.
Valence‐Dependent Implicit Action Generalization Among Group Members
Authors: Huangliang Jiecheng , Hu Yinfeng , Zheng Xutao , Xu Zikai , Zhou Wenying , Yin Jun
Published: April 2024

People implicitly generalize the actions of known individuals in a social group to unknown members. However, actions have social goals and evaluative valences, and the extent to which actions with different valences (helpful and harmful) are implicitly generalized among group members remains unclear. We used computer animations to simulate social group actions, where helping and hindering actions were represented by aiding and obstructing another's climb up a hill. Study 1 found that helpful actions are implicitly expected to be shared among members of the same group but not among members of different groups, but no such effect was found for harmful actions. This suggests that helpful actions are more likely than harmful actions to be implicitly generalized to group members. This finding was replicated in Study 2 by increasing the group size from three to five. Study 3 found that the null effect for generalizing harmful actions among group members is not due to the difficulty of detecting action generalization, as both helpful and harmful actions are similarly generalized within particular individuals. Moreover, Study 4 demonstrated that weakening social group information resulted in the absence of implicit generalization for helpful actions, suggesting the specificity of group membership. Study 5 revealed that the generalization of helping actions occurred when actions were performed by multiple group members rather than being repeated by one group member, showing group‐based inductive generalization. Overall, these findings support valence‐dependent implicit action generalization among group members. This implies that people may possess different knowledge regarding valenced actions on category‐based generalization.
Cutaneous crystal storing histiocytosis: A case series with review of literature
Authors: Homsi Haya A. , Knapp Calvin , Agrawal Shruti , Bhavsar Shweta , Ko Jennifer S. , Billings Steven D. , Ronen Shira
Published: April 2024

Crystal‐storing histiocytosis (CSH) is a rare condition in which crystals accumulate in the cytoplasm of histiocytes and is usually associated with a lymphoplasmacytic neoplasm. Cutaneous CSH is extraordinarily rare and limited to case reports in the literature. We report two cases of this disease with cutaneous involvement. Case 1 was a 65‐year‐old male with a 4‐month history of a pruritic eruption that started as a solitary pink to skin‐colored indurated plaque on the anterior neck before progressing to involve the whole neck, chest wall, and face. Case 2 was a 54‐year‐old woman with a history of unspecified “lymphoma” who presented with a soft nodule on the forearm. Biopsies from both cases had similar findings and showed a proliferation of epithelioid cells with pink cytoplasm and intracellular crystalline structures infiltrating the dermis and subcutaneous fat. In the first case, the cells were positive for CD43, CD45, CD68, and IgG kappa, and in the second case, the crystals were positive for IgG lambda. Based on these findings, the patients were diagnosed with cutaneous CSH. We highlight this rare diagnosis and the importance of investigating an underlying lymphoplasmacytic neoplasm.
Treatment of post‐treatment Lyme disease symptoms—a systematic review
Authors: Dersch Rick , Torbahn Gabriel , Rauer Sebastian
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

Residual symptoms after treatment of Lyme disease, sometimes called post‐treatment Lyme disease symptoms (PTLDs), are a matter of ongoing controversy. To guide treatment recommendations, a systematic review was performed of the available literature on specific treatment for PTLDs.

Methods

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE and CENTRAL was performed. No restrictions on case definitions, study types or specific interventions were applied to enable a comprehensive overview of the available literature. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tools for randomized controlled trials. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Outcomes of interest were quality of life, fatigue, depression and cognition as well as adverse events.

Results

After screening 1274 records, eight eligible randomized controlled trials were included. Heterogeneity was observed regarding inclusion criteria, intervention, length of treatment and outcome measures. For efficacy outcomes, results are presented narratively due to heterogeneity. Eligible studies show no statistically significant difference between antibiotics and placebo regarding quality of life, cognition and depression. Results for fatigue were inconsistent whilst studies with low risk of bias showed no statistically significant difference between antibiotics and placebo. Meta‐analysis of safety outcomes showed statistically significantly more adverse events for antibiotics compared to placebo.

Conclusions

Available literature on treatment of PTLDs is heterogeneous, but overall shows evidence of no effect of antibiotics regarding quality of life, depression, cognition and fatigue whilst showing more adverse events. Patients with suspected PTLDs should not be treated with antibiotics.
Genetic consequences of improved river connectivity in brown trout (Salmo trutta L.)
Authors: Moccetti Paolo , Dodd Jamie R. , Joyce Domino A. , Nunn Andy D. , Gillespie Ben , Bolland Jonathan D.
Published: April 2024

Fragmentation of watercourses poses a significant threat to biodiversity, particularly for migratory fish species. Mitigation measures such as fishways, have been increasingly implemented to restore river connectivity and support fish migration. The effects of such restoration efforts are typically tested using telemetry and fisheries methods, which do not fully capture the broader population movements that may have important consequences for population viability. We performed a before‐and‐after control‐impact (BACI) study using genetic tools (SNPs) to investigate the effect of a newly implemented fishway, aiming to enhance upstream spawning migration of brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus) in a reservoir with two headwater tributaries fragmented by man‐made weirs. Another reservoir with two barrier‐free tributaries was also analysed as a control. Our results showed that the isolated brown trout population was spawning in the reservoir before the installation of the fishway, and we found genetic structuring and differentiation between fragmented headwater tributaries before the fishway construction, but not in the control reservoir. Unexpectedly, after the fishway construction we observed signals consistent with increased genetic differentiation between populations of newly recruited juvenile fish in the reservoir tributary and fish in the reservoir. We propose this was caused by newly enabled philopatric behaviour of brown trout to their natal spawning tributary. In contrast, we did not find any genetic changes in the tributary without a fishway or in the barrier‐free reservoir system. Given the scarcity of similar studies, we advocate for an increased use of genetic analyses in BACI studies to monitor and evaluate the effect of efforts to restore habitat connectivity and inform future management strategies.
Cultural adaptation of an intervention for caregivers of young autistic children: Community members' perspectives
Authors: Terol Adriana Kaori , Meadan Hedda , Gómez Laura R. , Magaña Sandy
Published: April 2024

Caregivers of autistic children in low‐to‐middle‐income countries experience many barriers to access resources to support their child's development. Caregiver training is considered an evidence‐based practice and may be a cost‐effective way to support caregivers of autistic children in such settings. This study focuses on the cultural adaptation of Parents Taking Action (PTA; Magaña et al., Family Process, 56, 57–74, 2017) to support caregivers of autistic children in Paraguay. We conducted focus groups and individual interviews with 28 caregivers, autistic individuals, and professionals in Paraguay to understand caregivers' needs and to explore needed cultural adaptations of PTA to achieve contextual fit. Participants identified caregivers' need for accurate and reliable information, strategies to support children's growth, and emotional support and strategies to manage stress. Additionally, participants provided recommendations for adapting PTA considering the dimensions within the Cultural Adaptation Checklist (Lee et al., International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 2023). This study is the first step in the iterative process of culturally adapting an intervention and the process described in this study may be appropriate for culturally adapting other interventions.
Thermophysical–mechanical properties evaluations of porous geomaterials by CT images and digital–virtual modeling
Authors: Zhao Zhi , Berto Filippo , Zou Yu‐Lin , Li Zheng , Zhou Xiao‐Ping
Published: April 2024

In this work, the color difference phase separation (CDPS) approach is proposed to segment the solid and pore phases. Pore‐scale variables are defined to describe the microstructural characteristics. Novel relations to quickly determine the deformation moduli and thermal conductivity are established. Digital–virtual modeling to investigate the mechanical and thermal properties is addressed. The correlation between pore‐scale variables and the mechanical and thermal properties is investigated. Results show that the calculated shear and Young's moduli decrease and the computed Poisson's ratio increases as porosity increases. The deformation moduli and thermal conductivity increase with increasing pore radius for different types of rocks. Excellent consistencies are found between the digital–virtual and realistic experimental results. The proposed method provides useful tools to fast and accurately determine the deformation moduli and thermal conductivity, which is helpful for the underground space and deep energy resource explorations.
EVERYDAY UTOPIAS: RE‐NEGOTIATIONS OF BELONGING AND IDENTITY IN TOMER GARDI'S BROKEN GERMAN AND SASHA MARIANNA SALZMANN'S AUßER SICH
Authors: Jochens Vivian
Published: April 2024

This article explores the concept of utopia in the context of current re‐negotiations of belonging and identity in Germany. Examining Tomer Gardi's broken german (2016) and Sasha Marianna Salzmann's novel Außer sich (2017), I explore how and to what extent literature can help us to develop new frameworks for negotiating difference and diversity. I argue that the texts complicate ideas of linguistic and gendered belonging and monolithic identity, and demonstrate how they imagine everyday utopias that represent alternative approaches to community and subjectivity.
Mental health impact on healthcare workers from COVID‐19 in Vietnam: Suggestions for a preventive program
Authors: Ha Do Thi , Son Huynh Tan , Hiep Nguyen Thanh , Linh Tran Thuy Khanh
Published: April 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health of healthcare workers participating in the prevention and control of the pandemic, thereby reducing their quality of life and affecting the quality of patient outcomes. This study aims to explore and deeply understand the mental health problems among healthcare workers participating in the prevention and control of COVID‐19 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A mixed methods study was undertaken with a descriptive cross‐sectional survey of 2870 healthcare workers who have been participating in the prevention and control of COVID‐19 in Ho Chi Minh City in 2021, followed by a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study comprised of in‐depth interviews with a purposively sampled subset of 40 healthcare workers. Results showed that of the 2870 survey participants, the majority (60.6%) were female, and the average age was 35.1 (SD = 8.6). The prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression was 17.2%, 20.8%, and 17.6%, respectively. The findings from in‐depth interviews revealed that the participants were under extreme mental health issues such as worries, stress, and negative emotions. The worrying was related to risk of infection, being shunned, stigmatised, or assaulted by the community. Stress was due to excessive pressure from work. Negative emotions were identified as sadness, self‐pity, feelings of loneliness, entrusting fate, feelings of guilt, anxiety, confusion, obsession, disorientation, physical and mental exhaustion. Promoting mental health among healthcare workers who participated in the crisis is necessary and urgent.
Establishment of a real‐time fluorescence and visual colorimetric detection method for Staphylococcus aureus based on loop‐mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Cui Xinping , Guo Jianping , Wang Zuwei , Lu Zhaoxin , Meng Fanqiang , Bie Xiaomei
Published: April 2024

A loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method combined with calcein was established for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus. LAMP primers were designed targeting the ASL18_04625 species‐specific gene screened through bioinformatics and PCR analysis. The target gene and detection method demonstrated 100% specificity for S. aureus and no cross‐reactions with other pathogens. For LAMP reactions, the results could be directly observed with the naked eye or evaluated by S‐shaped amplification curves of fluorescence signals. The assay's detection limit was 3.395 × 10−4 ng/μL genomic DNA or 3.21 CFU/mL pure bacterial culture. Furthermore, the target bacteria of 8.5 × 105–8.5 × 100 CFU/mL could be accurately detected in spiked milk samples, and the overall detection process could be completed within 40 min. This method improved the accuracy and convenience for S. aureus detection and provied a dependable tool for the rapid screening of S. aureus.
Development of multilayer films based on PLA/PBAT and sodium alginate for active packaging
Authors: Yutong Chen , Yana Li
Published: April 2024

In this study, polylactic acid (PLA) and polyadipic acid/butylene terephthalate (PBAT) blend polymer were used as matrix to prepare PLA/PBAT substrate film by twin‐screw extruder. A series of multilayer films were prepared by starch‐based adhesive by loading 1% chitosan (CS), 1% zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) or 1% silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with sodium alginate (SA) as three different coatings. Compared with PLA/PBAT, the combination of adhesive and SA‐based antibacterial coating significantly improved the water vapor barrier, oxygen barrier and mechanical properties of the film, regardless of the type of antibacterial agent. The water vapor transmission of SA‐based AgNPs coating film decreased from the original 5.77 × 10−14 to 3.41 × 10−14 g·cm·cm−2·Pa−1·s−1. The oxygen permeability of SA‐based chitosan coating decreased from the original 74.35 × 10−14 to 6.40 × 10−14 cm3·cm·cm−2·Pa−1·s−1. The tensile strength of the SA‐based AgNPs coating film increased from the original 264.79 to 286.22 MPa. The film is yellow and has good ultraviolet absorption capacity. Membranes doped with CS, ZnONPs or AgNPs inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Among them, chitosan doped membrane has weak antibacterial activity, AgNPs doped membrane has the best antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, and has potential application prospects in active packaging.
Surface passivation and functionalisation for mass photometry
Authors: Sülzle Jenny , Elfeky Laila , Manley Suliana
Published: April 2024

Interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy enables the label‐free observation of biomolecules. Consequently, single‐particle imaging and tracking with the iSCAT‐based method known as mass photometry (MP) is a growing area of study. However, establishing reliable cover glass passivation and functionalisation methods is crucial to reduce nonspecific binding and prepare surfaces for in vitro single‐molecule binding experiments. Existing protocols for fluorescence microscopy can contain strongly scattering or mobile components, which make them impractical for MP‐based microscopy. In this study, we characterise several different surface coatings using MP. We present approaches for cover glass passivation using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and polyethylene glycol (PEG, 2k) along with functionalisation via a maleimide‐thiol linker. These coatings are compatible with water or salt buffers, and show low background scattering; thus, we are able to measure proteins as small as 60 kDa. In this technical note, we offer a surface preparation suitable for in vitro experiments with MP.
Structure and scaling of the middle ear in domestic dog breeds
Authors: Mason Matthew J. , Lewis Madaleine A.
Published: April 2024

Although domestic dogs vary considerably in both body size and skull morphology, behavioural audiograms have previously been found to be similar in breeds as distinct as a Chihuahua and a St Bernard. In this study, we created micro‐CT reconstructions of the middle ears and bony labyrinths from the skulls of 17 dog breeds, including both Chihuahua and St Bernard, plus a mongrel and a wolf. From these reconstructions, we measured middle ear cavity and ossicular volumes, eardrum and stapes footplate areas and bony labyrinth volumes. All of these ear structures scaled with skull size with negative allometry and generally correlated better with condylobasal length than with maximum or interaural skull widths. Larger dogs have larger ear structures in absolute terms: the volume of the St Bernard's middle ear cavity was 14 times that of the Chihuahua. The middle and inner ears are otherwise very similar in morphology, the ossicular structure being particularly well‐conserved across breeds. The expectation that larger ear structures in larger dogs would translate into hearing ranges shifted towards lower frequencies is not consistent with the existing audiogram data. Assuming that the audiograms accurately reflect the hearing of the breeds in question, oversimplifications in existing models of middle ear function or limitations imposed by other parts of the auditory system may be responsible for this paradox.
Mortality in the neonatal intensive care setting: Do benchmarks tell the whole story?
Authors: Cain Madeleine‐Rose , de Waal Koert
Published: April 2024

Aim

Australian neonatal mortality data are collected and shared within collaborative networks. Individual unit outcomes are benchmarked between units and presented in quarterly or yearly reports. Low mortality is commonly interpreted as optimal performance. However, current collected data do not differentiate between death due to severe illness and death following treatment limitation. This study aims to explore the physiological condition immediately before death, and the proportion of deaths attributed to treatment limitation.

Methods

This retrospective single centre study of 100 consecutive deaths classified the physiological condition 12 h prior to death as stable or unstable using a clinical illness score based upon pH, oxygen saturation index, medications and blood product use. Documented discussions regarding expected outcomes and goals of management were reviewed for agreed upon treatment limitations and analysed against physiological stability.

Results

Causes of death were sepsis (n = 24), congenital anomalies (n = 20), extreme prematurity (n = 19), hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (n = 18), intraventricular haemorrhage (n = 11) and other (n = 8). Forty‐eight infants were physiologically stable at 12 h before death. In infants classified as physiologically stable, 90% of deaths were in a scenario where palliative care was discussed and intensive care treatment was ceased. These deaths accounted for 43% of total mortality in our unit.

Conclusion

A large portion of mortality in our unit could be attributed to treatment limitations in physiologically stable infants with high risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. Our study emphasises the need to consider the physiological status around time of death for optimal benchmarking of mortality between neonatal units.
Donation barriers, enablers, patterns and predictors of milk bank donors in the United States and United Kingdom
Authors: dos Santos Bruna Gutierrez , Shenker Natalie , Weaver Gillian , Perrin Maryanne T.
Published: April 2024

Pasteurised donor human milk is recommended for very low birthweight infants who do not have access to their mother's milk. Although the use of donor milk continues to increase, little is known about the donation experiences of milk bank donors. We aimed to describe and compare enablers, barriers and patterns of human milk donation and identify factors predicting donation volume in a convenience sample of approved milk bank donors in the United Kingdom and the United States. A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted from August 2022 to December 2022. Approved milk bank donors (n = 556) from three milk banks in the United States (n = 369, Mothers' Milk Bank of Florida, Mother's Milk Bank of North Texas and Northwest Mothers Milk Bank) and one milk bank in the United Kingdom (n = 187, Hearts Milk Bank) completed the survey. A substantial portion of donors in both settings reported participating in other forms of milk exchange (51% of U.S. donors vs. 39% of UK donors, p = 0.009). Top donation barriers reported in both settings were completing the serological screening and having enough space to store collected milk. Most donors started donating when their infant was 3 months old or older and reported donating mature milk. The most common source of information related to milk banking in each setting was the internet (United Kingdom–70% vs. United States ‐ 63%, p = 0.112). Variables that predicted lifetime donation volume differed between the United States and the United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of setting‐specific milk banking research.
Physicians' lifelong learning journeys: A narrative analysis of continuing professional development struggles
Authors: Allen Louise M. , Balmer Dorene , Varpio Lara
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Despite tenacious efforts of continuing professional development (CPD) developers and educators, physician engagement in CPD is fraught with challenges. Research suggests that these educational interventions and the maintenance of professional competence systems that mandate them are often seen as impractical, decontextualized and check‐box activities by participants. This study explores physicians' learning post graduate medical education (GME) training across their CPD journey to understand how they (a) conceive of themselves as learners and (b) engage in lifelong learning across the course of their professional careers.

Methods

Using narrative inquiry and holistic narrative analysis situated within a social constructivist orientation, we carried out individual interviews with physicians from across a large children's hospital network including academic hospitals, community hospitals and primary care practices. Timelines and story arcs were used to support the narrative analysis's re‐storying.

Results

Twelve physicians from six different sub‐specialties were interviewed. We identified three noteworthy challenges as particularly salient across participants' re‐storied narratives: (i) train‐on‐a‐track to treading water, (ii) learning takes a backseat, and (iii) learning through foraging or hunting and gathering. Participants described significant change when transitioning from GME to CPD learning. While participants identified as learners, they described the disorienting impact of losing GME's formal supports and structures. They articulated that patient care trumped learning as their top priority. They lamented having limited insight into their learning needs (e.g. little feedback data) and so resorted to engaging in CPD activities that were readily at hand—but not necessarily relevant—and to finding learning resources that might not be formally recognised for CPD credit.

Conclusions

Physicians' learning journeys post‐GME are challenging, and the systems created to support that learning are ill equipped to meet the needs of physicians transitioning from GME to CPD. To encourage meaningful learning, the complex interplay of factors impeding CPD engagement should inform future innovations.
Qaddafi's Hidden History? The Libyan World Islamic Call Society's Editions and Translations of the Qur'an
Authors: Yakubovych Mykhaylo
Published: April 2024

One of the most important developments in modern Islamic missionary activism was the establishment in 1972 of the Libya‐based World Islamic Call Society (WICS, originally the Islamic Call Society) which acted as a leading think tank advocating Muslim unity and Pan‐Arabism throughout the Qaddafi era. Despite the severe challenges facing post‐revolutionary Libya, WICS remains active today, albeit with reduced global visibility. This article demonstrates the ways that WICS's endeavors in publishing were innovative in the Northern African Arabic context, notably when it comes to the al‐Muṣḥaf al‐Jamāhīriyya (1983) and the various Qur'an translations it produced, and argues that its activities are a neglected yet critical aspect of modern Islamic missionary endeavors at the nexus of Pan‐Islamism and Pan‐Arabism. Through exploring WICS's historical background, the individual actors affiliated with it, and its primary publishing projects, the current study sheds light on an overlooked chapter in modern Islamic missionary activity. It also explores the contextual factors that have influenced the success of its Qur'an translations beyond issues of religious identity, offering new insights into the intersection of politics and religion that underlie many modern translations of the Qur'an.
Rates of pulmonary vein reconnection at repeat ablation for recurrent atrial fibrillation and its impact on outcomes among females and males
Authors: Zhang Ruina , Malkani Kabir V. , Gabriels James K. , Reznik Elizabeth , Li Han A. , Mandler Ari G. , Qu Veronica , Ip James E. , Thomas George , Liu Christopher F. , Markowitz Steven M. , Lerman Bruce B , Cheung Jim W.
Published: April 2024

Background

Several studies have demonstrated that females have a higher risk of arrhythmia recurrence after pulmonary vein (PV) isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF). There are limited data on sex‐based differences in PV reconnection rates at repeat ablation. We aimed to investigate sex‐based differences in electrophysiological findings and atrial arrhythmia recurrence after repeat AF ablation

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 161 consecutive patients (32% female, age 65 ± 10 years) who underwent repeat AF ablation after index PV isolation between 2010 and 2022. Demographics, procedural characteristics and follow‐up data were collected. Recurrent atrial tachycardia (AT)/AF was defined as any atrial arrhythmia ≥30 s in duration.

Results

Compared to males, females tended to be older and had a significantly higher prevalence of prior valve surgery (10 vs. 2%; P = .03). At repeat ablation, PV reconnection was found in 119 (74%) patients. Males were more likely to have PV reconnection at repeat ablation compared to females (81 vs. 59%; P = .004). Excluding repeat PV isolation, there were no significant differences in adjunctive ablation strategies performed at repeat ablation between females and males. During follow‐up, there were no significant differences in freedom from AT/AF recurrence between females and males after repeat ablation (63 vs. 59% at 2 years, respectively; P = .48).

Conclusions

After initial PV isolation, significantly fewer females have evidence of PV reconnection at the time of repeat ablation for recurrent AF. Despite this difference, long‐term freedom from AT/AF was similar between females and males after repeat ablation.
Flavin‐containing monooxygenases FMOGS‐OXs integrate flowering transition and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhao Haiyan , Li Dong , Liu Yuqi , Zhang Tianqi , Zhao Xiaofei , Su Hongzhu , Li Jing
Published: April 2024

Salt stress substantially leads to flowering delay. The regulation of salt‐induced late flowering has been studied at the transcriptional and protein levels; however, the involvement of secondary metabolites has rarely been investigated. Here, we report that FMOGS‐OXs (EC 1.14.13.237), the enzymes that catalyze the biosynthesis of glucosinolates (GSLs), promote flowering transition in Arabidopsis thaliana. It has been reported that WRKY75 is a positive regulator, and MAF4 is a negative regulator of flowering transition. The products of FMOGS‐OXs, methylsulfinylalkyl GSLs (MS GSLs), facilitate flowering by inducing WRKY75 and repressing the MAS‐MAF4 module. We further show that the degradation of MS GSLs is involved in salt‐induced late flowering and salt tolerance. Salt stress induces the expression of myrosinase genes, resulting in the degradation of MS GSLs, thereby relieving the promotion of WRKY75 and inhibition of MAF4, leading to delayed flowering. In addition, the degradation products derived from MS GSLs enhance salt tolerance. Previous studies have revealed that FMOGS‐OXs exhibit alternative catalytic activity to form trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) under salt stress, which activates multiple stress‐related genes to promote salt tolerance. Therefore, FMOGS‐OXs integrate flowering transition and salt tolerance in various ways. Our study shed light on the functional diversity of GSLs and established a connection between flowering transition, salt resistance, and GSL metabolism.
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Authors: Maeda Kazuhisa , Zhou Zheng , Guo Miao , Zhang Jinlong , Chen Lang , Yang Fan
Published: April 2024

Background

It is known that heparinoid, a mucopolysaccharide polysulfate, is effective in improving rough skin and promoting blood circulation as medicines for diseased areas. However, heparinoid has a molecular weight of more than 5000 and cannot penetrate healthy stratum corneum.

Objective

We tested the efficacy of sulfated oligosaccharides with a molecular weight of less than 2000 on the human skin barrier function and moisturizing function.

Methods

We measured the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of a three‐dimensional human epidermis model cultured for 3 days after topical application of sulfated oligosaccharides, then observed the effects on TEWL suppression. The mRNA levels of proteins involved in intercellular lipid transport and storage in the stratum corneum, and moisture retention were measured using RT‐qPCR.

Results

An increase in the mRNA levels of the ATP‐binding cassette subfamily A member 12 (ABCA12), which transports lipids into stratum granulosum, was confirmed. Increases were also observed in the mRNA levels of filaggrin (FLG), which is involved in the generation of natural moisturizing factors, and of caspase‐14, calpain‐1 and bleomycin hydrolase, which are involved in the degradation of FLG. Antibody staining confirmed that the application of sodium trehalose sulfate to 3D model skin resulted in more ABCA12, ceramide, transglutaminase1, and FLG than those in controls. In a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study, participants with low stratum corneum water content applied a lotion and emulsion containing sodium trehalose sulfate to their faces for 4 weeks. Sodium trehalose sulfate decreased the TEWL and increased the stratum corneum water content.

Conclusion

These results suggest that cosmetics containing sodium trehalose sulfate act on the epidermis by increasing barrier factors and moisturizing factors, thereby ameliorating dry skin.
Maternal tadalafil treatment does not increase uterine artery blood flow or oxygen delivery in the pregnant ewe
Authors: Darby Jack R. T. , Flouri Dimitra , Cho Steven K. S. , Williams Georgia K. , Holman Stacey L. , Meakin Ashley S. , Wiese Michael D. , David Anna L. , Macgowan Christopher K. , Seed Mike , Melbourne Andrew , Morrison Janna L.
Published: April 2024

Increasing placental perfusion (PP) could improve outcomes of growth‐restricted fetuses. One way of increasing PP may be by using phosphodiesterase (PDE)‐5 inhibitors, which induce vasodilatation of vascular beds. We used a combination of clinically relevant magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to characterize the impact that tadalafil infusion has on maternal, placental and fetal circulations. At 116–117 days’ gestational age (dGA; term, 150 days), pregnant ewes (n = 6) underwent fetal catheterization surgery. At 120–123 dGA ewes were anaesthetized and MRI scans were performed during three acquisition windows: a basal state and then ∼15–75 min (TAD 1) and ∼75–135 min (TAD 2) post maternal administration (24 mg; intravenous bolus) of tadalafil. Phase contrast MRI and T2 oximetry were used to measure blood flow and oxygen delivery. Placental diffusion and PP were assessed using the Diffusion‐Relaxation Combined Imaging for Detailed Placental Evaluation—‘DECIDE’ technique. Uterine artery (UtA) blood flow when normalized to maternal left ventricular cardiac output (LVCO) was reduced in both TAD periods. DECIDE imaging found no impact of tadalafil on placental diffusivity or fetoplacental blood volume fraction. Maternal‐placental blood volume fraction was increased in the TAD 2 period. Fetal and were not affected by maternal tadalafil administration. Maternal tadalafil administration did not increase UtA blood flow and thus may not be an effective vasodilator at the level of the UtAs. The increased maternal–placental blood volume fraction may indicate local vasodilatation of the maternal intervillous space, which may have compensated for the reduced proportion of UtA .
Deterministic storage and retrieval of telecom light from a quantum dot single-photon source interfaced with an atomic quantum memory
Authors: Thomas Sarah E. , Wagner Lukas , Joos Raphael , Sittig Robert , Nawrath Cornelius , Burdekin Paul , de Buy Wenniger Ilse Maillette , Rasiah Mikhael J. , Huber-Loyola Tobias , Sagona-Stophel Steven , Höfling Sven , Jetter Michael , Michler Peter , Walmsley Ian A. , Portalupi Simone L. , Ledingham Patrick M.
Published: April 2024

A hybrid interface of solid-state single-photon sources and atomic quantum memories is a long sought-after goal in photonic quantum technologies. Here, we demonstrate deterministic storage and retrieval of light from a semiconductor quantum dot in an atomic ensemble quantum memory at telecommunications wavelengths. We store single photons from an indium arsenide quantum dot in a high-bandwidth rubidium vapor–based quantum memory, with a total internal memory efficiency of (12.9 ± 0.4)%. The signal-to-noise ratio of the retrieved light field is 18.2 ± 0.6, limited only by detector dark counts.
The potassium transporter TaNHX2 interacts with TaGAD1 to promote drought tolerance via modulating stomatal aperture in wheat
Authors: Li Jinpeng , Liu Xingbei , Chang Shumin , Chu Wei , Lin Jingchen , Zhou Hui , Hu Zhuoran , Zhang Mancang , Xin Mingming , Yao Yingyin , Guo Weilong , Xie Xiaodong , Peng Huiru , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin , Long Yu , Hu Zhaorong
Published: April 2024

Drought is a major global challenge in agriculture that decreases crop production. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) interfaces with drought stress in plants; however, a mechanistic understanding of the interaction between GABA accumulation and drought response remains to be established. Here we showed the potassium/proton exchanger TaNHX2 functions as a positive regulator in drought resistance in wheat by mediating cross-talk between the stomatal aperture and GABA accumulation. TaNHX2 interacted with glutamate decarboxylase TaGAD1, a key enzyme that synthesizes GABA from glutamate. Furthermore, TaNHX2 targeted the C-terminal auto-inhibitory domain of TaGAD1, enhanced its activity, and promoted GABA accumulation under drought stress. Consistent with this, the
tanhx2
and
tagad1
mutants showed reduced drought tolerance, and transgenic wheat with enhanced
TaNHX2
expression had a yield advantage under water deficit without growth penalty. These results shed light on the plant stomatal movement mechanism under drought stress and the TaNHX2-TaGAD1 module may be harnessed for amelioration of negative environmental effects in wheat as well as other crops.
Cortico-cerebellar coordination facilitates neuroprosthetic control
Authors: Abbasi Aamir , Rangwani Rohit , Bowen Daniel W. , Fealy Andrew W. , Danielsen Nathan P. , Gulati Tanuj
Published: April 2024

Temporally coordinated neural activity is central to nervous system function and purposeful behavior. Still, there is a paucity of evidence demonstrating how this coordinated activity within cortical and subcortical regions governs behavior. We investigated this between the primary motor (M1) and contralateral cerebellar cortex as rats learned a neuroprosthetic/brain-machine interface (BMI) task. In neuroprosthetic task, actuator movements are causally linked to M1 “direct” neurons that drive the decoder for successful task execution. However, it is unknown how task-related M1 activity interacts with the cerebellum. We observed a notable 3 to 6 hertz coherence that emerged between these regions’ local field potentials (LFPs) with learning that also modulated task-related spiking. We identified robust task-related indirect modulation in the cerebellum, which developed a preferential relationship with M1 task–related activity. Inhibiting cerebellar cortical and deep nuclei activity through optogenetics led to performance impairments in M1-driven neuroprosthetic control. Together, these results demonstrate that cerebellar influence is necessary for M1-driven neuroprosthetic control.
Pseudo-spin switches and Aharonov-Bohm effect for topological boundary modes
Authors: Kawaguchi Yuma , Smirnova Daria , Komissarenko Filipp , Kiriushechkina Svetlana , Vakulenko Anton , Li Mengyao , Alù Andrea , Khanikaev Alexander B.
Published: April 2024

Topological boundary modes in electronic and classical-wave systems exhibit fascinating properties. In photonics, topological nature of boundary modes can make them robust and endows them with an additional internal structure—pseudo-spins. Here, we introduce heterogeneous boundary modes, which are based on mixing two of the most widely used topological photonics platforms—the pseudo-spin–Hall-like and valley-Hall photonic topological insulators. We predict and confirm experimentally that transformation between the two, realized by altering the lattice geometry, enables a continuum of boundary states carrying both pseudo-spin and valley degrees of freedom (DoFs). When applied adiabatically, this leads to conversion between pseudo-spin and valley polarization. We show that such evolution gives rise to a geometrical phase associated with the synthetic gauge fields, which is confirmed via an Aharonov-Bohm type experiment on a silicon chip. Our results unveil a versatile approach to manipulating properties of topological photonic states and envision topological photonics as a powerful platform for devices based on synthetic DoFs.
Episodic magmatism of the Gongga batholith (eastern Tibet) revealed by detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology: Insights into phased Xianshuihe fault activity and plateau growth
Authors: Zhao Yanglin , Shen Xiaoming , He Zhiyuan , Yuan Xiaoping , Ge Yukui , Wang Shiguang , Wu Lin , Jia Yingying , Tang Xiudang
Published: April 2024

Understanding the onset and episodes of magmatism is essential for comprehending tectonic history, crustal extension, and geodynamic processes. However, due to physical constraints, many places have remained unexplored, which makes it difficult to understand their geological evolution. Following thorough sedimentary provenance analysis, the chronology and periods of magmatism within a drainage area can be revealed through the detrital zircon U-Pb dating method. Here, we present detrital zircon U-Pb ages (n = 1429) obtained from sediments in modern rivers of the Gongga batholith in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Our results reveal five major magmatic episodes since the early Mesozoic. Three episodes of magmatism occurred in the early to middle Mesozoic (ca. 230–200 Ma, ca. 200–180 Ma, and ca. 180–160 Ma), followed by a protracted period of magmatic quiescence. During the Cenozoic, there were two main periods of magmatism at ca. 50–25 Ma and ca. 25–5 Ma. This is consistent with bedrock geochronological data acquired previously. We propose that the Mesozoic magmatism was most likely caused by postcollisional extension after the closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. The two Cenozoic magmatic episodes are coeval with the progressive intensification of Xianshuihe fault activity. Consequently, these episodes highlight two significant phases of plateau growth in the eastern Tibetan Plateau: the northward push of the Indian plate and “lateral extrusion,” which is consistent with the ongoing subduction of the Indian plate beneath the Eurasian plate.