bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leptin signalling altered in infantile nephropathic cystinosis‐related bone disorder
Authors: Cheung Wai W. , Zhou Ping , Zheng Ronghao , Gertler Arieh , Oliveira Eduardo A. , Mak Robert H. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe CTNS gene mutation causes infantile nephropathic cystinosis (INC). Patients with INC develop Fanconi syndrome and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with significant bone deformations. C57BL/6 Ctns−/− mice are an animal model for studying INC. Hyperleptinaemia results from the kidney's inability to eliminate the hormone leptin in CKD. Ctns−/− mice have elevated serum leptin concentrations. Leptin regulates bone metabolism through its receptor that signals further via the hypothalamic melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R). Leptin signalling may affect bone health in Ctns−/− mice.MethodsWe first defined the time course of bone abnormalities in Ctns−/− mice between 1 and 12 months of age. We used both genetic and pharmacological approaches to investigate leptin signalling in Ctns−/− mice. We generated Ctns−/−Mc4r−/− double knockout mice. Bone phenotype of Ctns−/−Mc4r−/− mice, Ctns−/− mice and wild type (WT) mice at 1, 4, and 9 months of age were compared. We then treated 12‐month‐old Ctns−/− mice and WT mice with a pegylated leptin receptor antagonist (PLA) (7 mg/kg/day, IP), a MC4R antagonist agouti‐related peptide (AgRP) (2 nmol, intracranial infusion on days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27), or vehicle (normal saline), respectively, for 28 days. Whole‐body (BMC/BMD, bone area) and femoral bone phenotype (BMC/BMD, bone area, length and failure load) of mice were measured by DXA and femoral shaft biochemical test. We also measured lean mass content by EchoMRI and muscle function (grip strength and rotarod activity) in mice. Femur protein content of JAK2 and STAT3 was measured by ELISA kits, respectively.ResultsBone defects are present in Ctns−/− mice throughout its first year of life. The deletion of the Mc4r gene attenuated bone disorder in Ctns−/− mice. Femoral BMD, bone area, length, and strength (failure load) were significantly increased in 9‐month‐old Ctns−/−Mc4r−/− mice than in age‐matched Ctns−/− mice. PLA and AgRP treatment significantly increased femoral bone density (BMC/BMD) and mechanical strength in 12‐month‐old Ctns−/− mice. We adopted the pair‐feeding approach for this study to show that the protective effects of PLA or AgRP on bone phenotype are independent of their potent orexigenic effect. Furthermore, an increase in lean mass and in vivo muscle function (grip strength and rotarod activity) are associated with improvements in bone phenotype (femoral BMC/BMD and mechanical strength) in Ctns−/− mice, suggesting a muscle‐bone interplay. Decreased femur protein content of JAK2 and STAT3 was evident in Ctns−/− mice. PLA or AgRP treatment attenuated femur STAT3 content in Ctns−/− mice.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a significant role for dysregulated leptin signalling in INC‐related bone disorder, either directly or potentially involving a muscle‐bone interplay. Leptin signalling blockade may represent a novel approach to treating bone disease as well as muscle wasting in INC.
Exploring fundamental engineering course instructors' test usage beliefs and behaviors: A multicase study
Authors: Chew Kai Jun , Matusovich Holly M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundTests are commonly and heavily used in fundamental engineering courses (FECs) to assess student learning of concepts. With existing literature presenting mixed benefits and disadvantages of testing to students' motivation to learn and documenting widely alternative assessments, the lack of questioning of heavy and common test usage must be addressed to diversify classroom assessment and promote intentionality in test usage.Purpose/HypothesisThis study begins to address the lack of questioning by exploring and uncovering test usage beliefs and behaviors of seven FEC instructors from two engineering departments in a land‐grant, public, Research 1 universityDesign/MethodGrounded in the Situated Expectancy–Value Theory (SEVT), we conducted a multicase study. Data include two interviews, course syllabi, and sample tests provided by the participants, and public documents from the institution and departments. We conducted a priori and emergent coding and thematic analysis to identify the beliefs and behaviors before developing individual case summaries for cross‐case analysis to identify groupings.ResultsThree test usage groups emerged: enthusiastic, default, and questioning. All test usage groups featured tests heavily in their FECs, resulting in varying alignment between these participants' test usage beliefs and behaviors.ConclusionsOur findings reveal the various factors that can shape FEC instructors' test usage beliefs and behaviors, and the complexity in terms of alignment. This work lays important implications, including laying the foundations for future scholarship on testing in engineering education research and leveraging findings to begin efforts in diversifying assessment approaches and promoting intentional test usage in FECs.
Reveal of relationship between microscopy architecture and mechanical performance of Y/Bi substituted Bi‐2212 engineering ceramics
Authors: Yilmaz Tolgahan , Kurtul Gülnur , Ülgen Asaf Tolga , Erdem Ümit , Mercan Ali , Turgay Tahsin , Yildirim Gürcan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study aims to find out how the crystallinity quality, surface morphology, and mechanical performances change with the substitution of yttrium (Y) for bismuth (Bi) impurity within molar ratios of 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.12 in the Bi2.0−xYxSr2.0Ca1.1Cu2.0Oy (Bi‐2212) cuprates to reveal the dependence of micro surface topology on the substitution mechanism and achieve a strong relation between the impurity ions and crystallization mechanism. The materials are prepared by ceramic method. It is found that all the experimental findings improve remarkably with increasing yttrium impurity molar ratio of x = 0.01. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicate that the optimum Y ions strengthen the formation of flaky adjacent stacked layers due to the changes of thermal expansion, vibration amplitude of atoms, heat capacitance, reaction kinetics, activation energy, nucleation temperature, thermodynamic stability, and intermolecular forces. Besides, new engineering novel compound produced by optimum Y ions presents the best crystallinity quality, uniform surface view, greatest coupling interaction between grains, largest particle size distributions/orientations, and densest/smoothest surface morphology. Hardness measurement results totally support the surface morphology view. Moreover, mechanical design properties and durability of the tetragonal phase improve significantly with increasing replacement level of x = 0.01 due to the induction of new surface residual compressive stress areas, slip systems, and chemical bonding between the foreign and host atoms. Besides, the same sample exhibits the maximum strength and minimum sensitivity to loads depending on reduction of stored internal strain energy and degree of granularity. Consequently, cracks tend to propagate predominantly within the transcrystalline regions. Furthermore, each material investigated exhibits the characteristic behavior of the indentation size effect. In summary, the optimum Y‐doped Bi‐2212 sample paves the way for the expanded use of engineering ceramics across various applications based on the enhanced service life.Research Highlights
The presence of the optimum yttrium impurity significantly decreases the Ea value.
As the Y/Bi replacement increases up to the molar substitution level of x = 0.01, the mechanical design properties and durability of the tetragonal phase enhance significantly.
Fighting sepsis‐induced liver damage with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Marey Amal M. , Dkhil Mohamed A. , Abdel Moneim Ahmed A. , Santourlidis Simeon , Abdel‐Gaber Rewaida , Alquraishi Mohammed I. , Abdalla Mohga S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSepsis is a potentially fatal disease that arises from an infection and is characterized by an uncontrolled immune system reaction. Global healthcare systems bear a heavy financial burden from treating sepsis. This study aimed to provide information on the effective properties of silver nanoparticles derived from pomegranate peel extract (P‐AgNP) against sepsis‐induced hepatic injury. P‐AgNPs were spherical with a diameter of ~19 nm. The animals were placed into four groups, each with seven rats. Group 1 functioned as the control group, receiving only saline for 7 days. Group 2 received only P‐AgNPs at a dose of 20 mg/kg. To induce sepsis, groups 3 and 4 were given an intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/mL cecal slurry. Sixty min later, group 4 was given 20 mg/kg of P‐AgNPs daily for 7 days. The concentrations of reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide dismutase in liver homogenate were measured to determine the oxidative status. In addition, enzyme activities (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase, and alkaline phosphatase) were measured. Furthermore, we investigated the histological changes, immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor‐κB, and mRNA levels of IL1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, Bax, BCl2, and Casp‐3. P‐AgNPs functioned as regulators in a sepsis model, successfully controlling altered gene expression. Following treatment, P‐AgNPs improved tion and oxidative state, indicating a role in sepsis management.Based on our findings, we conclude that P‐AgNPs have antioxidant activity and may be useful in preventing sepsis‐induced liver inflammation, oxidative damage, and apoptosis.Research Highlights
Pomegranate peel‐derived silver nanoparticles (P‐AgNPs) enhanced liver function and oxidative state in rats with sepsis‐induced hepatic damage.
P‐AgNPs reduced oxidative stress and liver inflammation via regulating inflammatory and apoptotic gene expression.
P‐AgNPs enhanced liver enzyme activities, histological structure, and immunohistochemistry expression of nuclear factor‐κB.
Spatial heterogeneity in sediment phosphorus pools and phosphatase activity in a eutrophic reservoir
Authors: Pruitt Abagael N. , Wahwahsuck Kynser , Thomas Samantha G. , Burgin Amy J. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAgriculture is necessary for food production, but agricultural inputs of phosphorus (P) to waterways can lead to harmful algal blooms in downstream reservoirs. Some of the P that enters these water bodies can be stored in reservoir sediments and later contribute to internal P loading, supplementing external P loads carried in from rivers. Increased P can lead to harmful algal blooms. However, how P is cycling in the sediment of these water bodies varies spatially and temporally has been relatively unstudied. Our objective was to understand how P concentration and form vary spatiotemporally, as well as how P is processed in the sediment of the reservoir. We sampled 30 locations in both August and October 2018 around Milford Reservoir (Kansas), a man‐made eutrophic reservoir with frequent harmful algal blooms. We collected water chemistry samples, field measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH, and sediment samples to analyze for P chemical speciation and phosphatase enzyme activity. We show that P release by phosphatase activity was higher under anaerobic and basic conditions, which subsequently affects spatiotemporal variation in sediment P pools. We found that low oxygen positively influenced phosphatase activity and sediment P pools, and may drive high internal P loading and harmful algal blooms in the summer months. This research increased our understanding of P cycling in a reservoir highly impacted by agricultural inputs and contributed to a small but growing body of research on internal P loading in midwestern reservoirs.
Differential diagnosis on measles and rubella discarded cases highlights a sharp increase in parvovirus B19 infections in Milan, Northern Italy, in the first months of 2024
Authors: Fappani Clara , Gori Maria , Bianchi Silvia , Senatore Sabrina , Colzani Daniela , Faccini Marino , Cereda Danilo , Vezzosi Luigi , Canuti Marta , Amendola Antonella 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn line with European trends, since 2023 Lombardy (Northern Italy) is experiencing a resurgence of measles and an increased number of reported cases of fever and rash. Measles discarded cases observed in our region within the context of measles and rubella surveillance from the first few months of 2024 (N = 30) were investigated for parvovirus B19 (B19V) and other rash‐associated viruses. Thirteen cases tested positive for B19V DNA, representing a significant increase from previous years (on average 3 cases per year, p < 0.001) and ~40% of all B19V DNA‐positive patients we detected since 2017. In 2024, B19V DNA‐positive subjects spanned all ages, and the virus was predominant among adolescents and adults (84.6%). Two B19V infected patients were hospitalised, and likely cross‐reacting anti‐measles virus IgM were found in both. Our data align with the recent reports from the ECDC and various European countries, which are experiencing a surge in B19V infections, and underline the importance of comprehensive measles and rubella surveillance systems that can adapt to changing epidemiological trends.
Efficacy of molnupiravir and interferon for the treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2 in golden Syrian hamster
Authors: Liu Danlei , Leung Ka‐Yi , Zhang Ruiqi , Lam Hoi‐Yan , Fan Yujing , Xie Xiaochun , Chan Kwok‐Hung , Hung Ivan Fan‐Ngai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe mortality and hospitalization rate by COVID‐19 dropped significantly currently, but its seasonal outbreaks make antiviral treatment still vital.The mortality and hospitazation rate by COVID‐19 dropped significantly currently, but its seasonal ourbreaks make antiviral treatment still vital. In our study, syrian golden hamsters were treated with molnupiravir and interferons (IFNs) after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Their weight changes, pathological changes, virus replication and inflammation levels were evaluated. In the IFNs single treatment, only IFN‐α group reduced viral load (p < 0.05) and virus titer in hamster lungs. The TNF‐α expression decreased significantly in both IFNs treatment at 2dpi. Histological and immunofluorescence results showed lung damage in the IFNs groups were milder at 4dpi. In the molnupiravir/IFN‐α combination treatment, weight loss and virus replication in lung were significantly decreased in the mono‐molnupiravir group and combination group (p < 0.05), the expression of IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β and MIP‐1α also decreased significantly (p < 0.05), but the combination treatment was not more effective than the mono‐molnupiravir treatment. Histological and immunofluorescence results showed the lung damage and inflammation in mono‐molnupiravir and combination groups were milder. In summary, IFNs treatment had anti‐inflammatory effect against SARS‐CoV‐2, only IFN‐α showed a weak antiviral effect. Molnupiravir/IFN‐α combination treatment was effective against SARS‐CoV‐2 but was not superior to mono‐molnupiravir treatment. IFN‐α could be considered for immunocompromised patients to stimulate and activate early immune responses.
Cholecystitis due to gallbladder volvulus in a child
Authors: Prien Christopher , Ostrovetsky Olga , Wetzler Graciela , Glithero Kyle , Hechtman Daniel , Model Lynn 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGallbladder volvulus (GV) involves the rotation of the gallbladder along its axis, resulting in torsion. This pathology is rare, more commonly found in elderly females, but can occasionally occur in pediatric patients. Diagnosis is challenging due to often atypical symptoms, with imaging and laboratory findings typically nonspecific. Prompt surgical intervention is necessary when GV is suspected to prevent significant systemic illness. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has proven to be safe and effective in pediatric cases. In this report, we present a pediatric case of GV, initially misdiagnosed as viral‐induced acalculous cholecystitis, which was effectively managed using laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Effects of release strategy, source population, and age on reintroduced scaled quail reproduction
Authors: Ruzicka Rebekah E. , Rollins Dale , Kendall William L. , Doherty Paul F. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTranslocation is one strategy to reestablish populations of scaled quail (Callipepla squamata). Initial reproductive success post‐translocation is important for establishing short‐lived species such as quail, but factors influencing reproductive success are poorly understood. We evaluated the effect of source population and variation in delayed release strategy (1−9 weeks) on nest initiation and nest survival of wild‐caught, translocated scaled quail. We trapped and translocated scaled quail in 2016–2017 from source populations in the Edwards Plateau and Rolling Plains ecoregions of Texas, USA, to a large contiguous (>40,000 ha) release site in Knox County, Texas. We used a multi‐state mark‐recapture model with state uncertainty to test for effects of release treatment, source population, age, release location, and year on nest initiation and survival. Increased length of holding time decreased re‐nesting effort. Yearlings were more likely to initiate nests than adults and the probability of re‐nesting was lower during the year with drought conditions. There was no effect of source population on any of the parameters we evaluated. Future scaled quail reintroduction efforts may benefit from prioritizing translocation of yearlings and conducting translocations when drought conditions are not forecasted.
CD276 is a promising biomarker for the prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yu Yan‐Hang , Xu Jian‐Hao , Chen Hao , Lin Yu‐Xin , Ou‐Yang Jun , Zhang Zhi‐Yu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the role of cluster of differentiation 276 (CD276) in evaluating the prognosis of clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) and to build a nomogram for predicting ccRCC progression post‐surgery. Using data downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we constructed a Kaplan–Meier (KM) curve depicting the relationship between CD276 expression levels and the progression‐free interval (PFI) in 539 ccRCC cases. We further validated this by plotting a KM curve of the relationship between CD276 expression levels and PFI in 116 ccRCC patients from our hospital. Using clinical data collected from 116 patients, we identified independent risk factors affecting postoperative PFI in patients with ccRCC through univariate and multivariate COX analyses and created a nomogram for visual representation. Both TCGA and clinical data revealed a negative correlation between the expression levels of CD276 and PFI (p < 0.05). Univariate COX analysis revealed that the prognostic nutritional index, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, systemic inflammatory index, World Health Organization grading, tumor diameter, CD276 expression levels, T stage, and N stage were related to PFI (p < 0.05). Furthermore, multivariate COX analysis indicated that tumor diameter and CD276 expression levels were independent risk factors for postoperative PFI in patients with ccRCC (p < 0.05). The calibration curve of the established nomogram exhibited a slope close to 1, with a Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness‐of‐fit test result of 2.335 and a p‐value of 0.311. In patients with ccRCC, a negative correlation was noted between tumor CD276 expression and PFI. The larger the tumor diameter and the higher the tumor CD276 expression level, the shorter is the PFI.
Scintigraphic Imaging of Extra‐Esophageal Manifestation of Gastresophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Van der Wall Hans , Burton Leticia , Cooke Michelle , Falk Gregory L. , Tovmassian David , Conway James J. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesThere is currently no reference standard test for the detection of the extra‐esophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The current suite of diagnostic tests principally assesses reflux events in the esophagus. A new scintigraphic technique has been developed and validated against reference standards. It allows direct visualization of refluxate in the laryngopharynx and lungs.MethodsFifty patients were assessed by scintigraphy before and after fundoplication at a single nuclear medicine facility. Standardized reflux symptom indices (RSIs) were obtained from each patient before and after surgery. Patients were scanned after oral 99 m technetium Fyton administration with early dynamic images and delayed SPECT/CT images of the head, neck, and lungs. ANOVA, Spearman correlation, and the Student's t‐test were utilized for analysis.ResultsThe study population (35F, 15 M) had a mean age of 63.9 years. Mean BMI was 26.8 with 67% being overweight or obese. All patients had significant reflux. SPECT/CT showed LPR events in 45/50 and pulmonary micro‐aspiration (PMA) in 45/50 preoperatively and in 36/50 and 20/50 postoperatively, respectively. The RSI, cough, and throat clearing indices showed a significant fall postoperatively (p < 0.001). Frequency of scintigraphic reflux events was reduced from a mean of 4.5 in 30 min to 2.9 (t = 9.1, p = 0.004).ConclusionThe novel scintigraphic test detects esophageal and extra‐esophageal reflux events and permits direct visualization of refluxate in the head and neck structures and lungs. It correlates well with symptoms of reflux in the esophagus and extra‐esophageal structures and the response to therapy.Level of EvidenceAlthough prospective, the study did not randomize patients and in effect each patient became their own control following an intervention (fundoplication). Thus, the study is Level 3 evidence Laryngoscope, 2024
Defining the early career researcher: A study of publication‐based definitions
Authors: Frandsen Tove Faber , Nicolaisen Jeppe 
Published: August 2024

AbstractStudies of early career researchers need to define and operationalize what qualifies as an early career researcher. Regrettably, consensus on this matter remains elusive, leading to the emergence of diverse approaches in the literature. This study provides an overview of the various ways this concept has been defined and operationalized in previous studies. Four publication‐based approaches are identified and tested with the purpose of exploring the possible consequences arising from different publication‐based definitions for early career researchers. The four proxies for defining an early career researcher are tested using two samples of authors having published in the fields of library and information science (LIS) and economics. The share of early career researchers seems to be decreasing over time although it depends on the field and definition. The four approaches return quite different results. In LIS, the four different definitions are highly correlated and therefore depict similar pictures over time. This is not the case in Economics, indicating that the choice of approach when defining an early career researcher may have an impact on the results of the analysis in this field. Defining early career researchers through proxies may influence the outcomes of the study, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful consideration when formulating the definition.