Family functioning in adolescents and young adults with differences of sex development.

Objective: Family functioning influences various psychosocial outcomes for individuals with pediatric chronic health conditions (e.g., Leeman, J.

Estimating the generation time for influenza transmission using household data in the United States.

The generation time, representing the interval between infections in primary and secondary cases, is essential for understanding and predicting the transmission dynamics of seasonal influenza, including the real-time effective reproduction number (Rt). However, comprehensive generation time estimates for seasonal influenza, especially since the 2009 influenza pandemic, are lacking. We estimated the generation time utilizing data from a 7-site case-ascertained household study in the United States over two influenza seasons, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023.

A comparative life cycle analysis of Sol-Char and anaerobic digestion sanitation systems.

In this study, we compared the Sol-Char sanitation system with an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) system using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate their environmental impacts. Since both systems offer opportunities for human waste treatment and resource recovery, understanding their performance is crucial. This comparison aims to determine their environmental impacts while considering diverse factors, such as energy production and nutrient recovery.

Asymptomatic female softball pitchers have altered hip morphology and cartilage composition.

Few studies have explored hip morphology and cartilage composition in female athletes or the impact of asymmetric repetitive loading, such as occurs during softball pitching. The current cross-sectional study assessed bilateral bony hip morphology on computed tomography imaging in collegiate-level softball pitchers ('Pitch1', n = 25) and cross-country runners ('Run', n = 13). Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess cartilage relaxation times in a second cohort of pitchers ('Pitch2', n = 10) and non-athletic controls ('Con', n = 4).

Mapping organism-wide single cell mRNA expression linked to extracellular vesicle biogenesis, secretion and cargo.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are functional lipid-bound nanoparticles trafficked between cells and found in every biofluid. It is widely claimed that EVs can be secreted by every cell, but the quantity and composition of these EVs can differ greatly among cell types and tissues. Defining this heterogeneity has broad implications for EV-based communication in health and disease.

Challenges for complement functional assays in the clinical laboratory: From test validation to clinical interpretation.

Complement functional assays are essential first-tier tests for a gamut of disorders spanning from inborn errors of the immune system which lead to recurrent severe infections, to angioedema attacks, presentation of autoimmune disease, thrombotic microangiopathies and rare kidney disorders. These assays evaluate the activity of the three complement pathways and specific complement components, which helps in differential diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. The rising use of complement inhibitors for treating complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathies has heightened the demand for personalized treatment plans and laboratory assessment of complement blockage.

Mechanisms of dual modulatory effects of spermine on the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex.

The mitochondrial Ca uniporter is the Ca channel responsible for mitochondrial Ca uptake. It plays crucial physiological roles in regulating oxidative phosphorylation, intracellular Ca signaling, and cell death. The uniporter contains the pore-forming MCU subunit, the auxiliary EMRE protein, and the regulatory MICU1 subunit, which blocks the MCU pore under resting cellular Ca concentrations.

TARGETING LUNG HEME IRON BY AEROSOL HEMOPEXIN ADMINSTRATION IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE PULMONARY HYPERTENSION.

Lung tissue from human patients and murine models of sickle cell disease pulmonary hypertension (SCD-PH) show perivascular regions with excessive iron accumulation. The iron accumulation arises from chronic hemolysis and extravasation of hemoglobin (Hb) into the lung adventitial spaces, where it is linked to nitric oxide depletion, oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue hypoxia, which collectively drive SCD-PH. Here, we tested the hypothesis that intrapulmonary delivery of hemopexin (Hpx) to the deep lung is effective at scavenging heme-iron and attenuating the progression of SCD-PH.

Assembly and Annotation of the Tetraploid Salsola tragus (Russian thistle) Genome.

This report presents two phased chromosome-scale genome assemblies of allotetraploid Salsola tragus (2n=4x=36) and fills the current genomics resource gap for this species. Flow cytometry estimated 1C genome size was 1.319 Gbp.

Co-Infection of Mosquitoes with Rift Valley Fever Phlebovirus Strains Results in Efficient Viral Reassortment.

Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne pathogen endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula which causes Rift Valley fever in ruminant livestock and humans. Co-infection with divergent viral strains can produce reassortment among the L, S, and M segments of the RVFV genome. Reassortment events can produce novel genotypes with altered virulence, transmission dynamics, and/or mosquito host range.

Image-Driven Hybrid Structural Analysis Based on Continuum Point Cloud Method with Boundary Capturing Technique.

Conventional approaches for the structural health monitoring of infrastructures often rely on physical sensors or targets attached to structural members, which require considerable preparation, maintenance, and operational effort, including continuous on-site adjustments. This paper presents an image-driven hybrid structural analysis technique that combines digital image processing (DIP) and regression analysis with a continuum point cloud method (CPCM) built on a particle-based strong formulation. Polynomial regressions capture the boundary shape change due to the structural loading and precisely identify the edge and corner coordinates of the deformed structure.

Spatial Characterization of Woody Species Diversity in Tropical Savannas Using GEDI and Optical Data.

Developing the capacity to monitor species diversity worldwide is of great importance in halting biodiversity loss. To this end, remote sensing plays a unique role. In this study, we evaluate the potential of Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) data, combined with conventional satellite optical imagery and climate reanalysis data, to predict in situ alpha diversity (Species richness, Simpson index, and Shannon index) among tree species.

Colorimetric Detection of Dopamine Based on Peroxidase-like Activity of β-CD Functionalized AuNPs.

Catalytically active nanomaterials, or nanozymes, have gained significant attention as alternatives to natural enzymes due to their low cost, ease of preparation, and enhanced stability. Because of easy preparation, excellent biocompatibility, and unique optoelectronic properties, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have attracted increasing attention in many fields, including nanozymes. In this work, we demonstrated the applicability of beta-cyclodextrin functionalized gold nanoparticles (β-CD-AuNPs) as enzyme mimics for different substances, including TMB and DA.

Novel Approaches to Monitor Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism of Gemcitabine-Ibandronate Conjugate in Mice and Dogs.

Background: The use of the bone-seeking properties of bisphosphonates (BPs) to target the delivery of therapeutic drugs is a promising approach for the treatment of bone metastases. Currently, the most advanced example of this approach is a gemcitabine-ibandronate conjugate (GEM-IB), where the bone-targeting BP ibandronate (IB) is covalently linked to the antineoplastic agent gemcitabine (GEM) via a spacer phosphate group. In the present study, we describe the development of a new analytical platform to evaluate the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of GEM-IB in mice and dogs and the results of proof-of-concept studies assessing the pharmacokinetics of GEM-IB in dogs and mice.

A Real-Time PCR Assay for Detecting Codling Moth on Material Intercepted at U.S. Ports of Entry-A Valuable Tool for Specimen Identification.

Codling moth is well established nearly everywhere apples are grown. Due to this almost global distribution, larvae are often intercepted at U.S.

Clinical and Genomic Features of Androgen Indifferent Prostate Cancer.

Androgen-indifferent prostate cancer (AIPC) is increasingly common and particularly lethal. Data describing these tumors are sparse, and AIPC remains a poorly understood malignancy. Utilizing the Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN) database, we enriched for tumors with features of AIPC using previously described characteristics.

VX-770, C-A1, and Increased Intracellular cAMP Have Distinct Acute Impacts upon CFTR Activity.

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an anion channel that is dysfunctional in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). The permeability of CFTR can be experimentally manipulated though different mechanisms, including activation via inducing the phosphorylation of residues in the regulatory domain as well as altering the gating/open probability of the channel. Phosphorylation/activation of the channel is achieved by exposure to compounds that increase intracellular cAMP, with forskolin and IBMX commonly used for this purpose.

The Identification of Auxin Response Factors and Expression Analyses of Different Floral Development Stages in Roses.

() are important in plant growth and development, especially flower development. However, there is limited research on the comprehensive identification and characterization of genes in roses. We employed bioinformatics tools to identify the genes of roses.

Supporting Holistic Health and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Risk Reduction Among Young Native Females Prior to Pregnancy: A Qualitative Exploration.

AI/AN communities are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Decreasing the risk of GDM can interrupt the intergenerational cycle of diabetes in AI/AN families, and can decrease diabetes-related health disparities. The goal of this study was to explore ways of supporting holistic health and reducing the risk of GDM among young American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) females prior to pregnancy.

A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial of ketamine in Rett syndrome.

Background: Preclinical studies and anecdotal case reports support the potential therapeutic benefit of low-dose oral ketamine as a treatment of clinical symptoms in Rett syndrome (RTT); however, no controlled studies have been conducted in RTT to evaluate safety, tolerability and efficacy.

Design: This was a sequentially initiated, dose-escalating cohort, placebo-controlled, double blind, randomized sequence, cross-over study of oral ketamine in 6-12-year-old girls with RTT to evaluate short-term safety and tolerability and explore efficacy.

Methods: Participants were randomized to either five days treatment with oral ketamine or matched placebo, followed by a nine-day wash-out period and then crossed-over to the opposite treatment.

Unraveling complexity and leveraging opportunities in uncommon breast cancer subtypes.

Special histologic subtypes of breast cancer (BC) exhibit unique phenotypes and molecular profiles with diagnostic and therapeutic implications, often differing in behavior and clinical trajectory from common BC forms. Novel methodologies, such as artificial intelligence may improve classification. Genetic predisposition plays roles in a subset of cases.

Selective Isolation of Surface Grain Boundaries by Oxide Dielectrics Improves Cd(Se,Te) Device Performance.

Cd(Se,Te) photovoltaics (PV) are the most widely deployed thin-film solar technology globally, yet continued efficiency improvements are stymied by challenges at the device hole contacts. The inclusion of solution-processed oxide layers such as AlGaO in the contact stack has yielded improved device open-circuit voltages () and fill factors (FF). However, contradictory mechanisms by which these layers improve the device properties have been proposed by the research community.

Detection of selected vector-borne pathogens in domestic animals, ectoparasites, and their owners in a rural community in Southwest Guatemala.

Vector-borne pathogens, which are transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods to animals and people, are common in tropical regions where, combined with economic factors, can cause significant public health burden. A community-level study was undertaken in southwestern Guatemala to assess the presence of vector-borne pathogens in blood samples from humans (n = 98), their animals (n = 90), and ectoparasites (n = 83) over a period of 2 weeks. Human capillary blood was collected from participant's index finger, and animal venous blood (chickens, pigs, dogs, and cats) was collected from the jugular or cephalic veins at the enrollment period of a concurrent study.

Phospho-flow cytometry assays for diagnostic use - A discussion of assay utility and assay development and validation challenges.

Detection of changes in phosphorylation of cell signaling molecules using flow cytometry is termed "phosphoflow" or "phospho-flow cytometry". Phosphoflow has wide application for basic research into the mechanics of cell signaling, for evaluating aberrant signaling in cancerous cells and tissues, for studying efficacy or off-target effects during drug and vaccine development, and for functional assessment of pathogenic variants of genes that are known to play a role in development or function of the immune system. Phosphoflow has not been widely adopted in clinical laboratories owing to the challenges with developing and validating robust assays consistent with clinical laboratory regulatory standards.

Mixed Methods RCT comparing quality of life for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes using Hybrid Closed-Loop (HCL) to Sensor-Augmented Pump Therapy (SAPT).

Objectives: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in pregnancy is challenging. This study explores how assisted hybrid closed-loop (HCL) therapy versus sensor-augmented pump therapy (SAPT) impacts quality of life (QoL) in pregnancy.

Methods: We interviewed 22 of 24 participants randomized to HCL therapy or SAPT in the Pregnancy Intervention with a Closed-Loop System study.