Search

Objectives: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive diseases characterized by salt wasting or virilization. 21 hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) accounts for 90-95% of all cases of CAH and caused by the genetic defects of CYP21A2. Other forms include 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency, 11-β-hydroxylase deficiency (11β-OHD) (%5-8), 17-α-hydroxylase deficiency (17α-OHD), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) defects (congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia) with mutations in HSD3B2, CYP11B1, CYP17A1, and STAR, respectively. Objectives: Herein, we aimed to present the clinical and genetic features of 64 patients with various types of CAH. Methods: Sixty-four patients with CAH, monitored in the Izmir Dr. Behcet Uz Children Hospital Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, were retrospectively analyzed for the clinical, laboratory, and genetic data. Results: Fifty-six patients (87.5%) had 21-OHD and four patients (6.3%) had 17α-OHD, three patients (4.7%) had 11β-OHD, and one patient (1.5%) had STAR defect. The most common presenting features in 21-OHD were ambiguous genitalia. Patients with 21-OHD were diagnosed earlier than the rare groups. Disease-causing variants of CYP21A2 were identified in 46 patients. The most common mutations were IVS2, Q318X, I172N, and large deletions. Three patients with 11β-OHD were presented with enlargement of penis and early pubic hair at the median presenting age of 26 months. 17α-OHD deficiency was detected in 4 cases. Genetic analysis revealed two different homozygous CYP17A1 variants. The patient with STAR defect was presented with dehydration and cholestasis in 44 days of the life. Genetic analysis of patient with STAR deficiency revealed a novel homozygous variant. Conclusion: The current study reported a genotype-phenotype correlation consistent with literature data in CAH cases with 21-OHD. This study also reported novel homozygous variants in STAR and CYP17A1 genes that lead to rare types of CAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Citation analysis is a useful way of evaluating the impact, importance, and merit of articles within a medical specialty. Our study identified and analyzed the most-cited articles on ankle arthroplasty implants to evaluate their importance in the field of ankle arthroplasty research. Methods: Using the keywords "ankle arthroplasty" and "ankle replacement" and the search period 1970-2021, we found 3728 articles on ankle arthroplasty implants in the Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE/PubMed databases. We included original articles, reviews, clinical trials, and case reports in the study. We retrieved the 50 most-cited articles published during the time frame and then screened them for studies of specific ankle arthroplasty implants and their postoperative outcomes. We also recorded and analyzed the articles' subjects, authorship, journals, countries of origin, and years of publication. Results: The 50 most-cited articles were published between 1983 and 2014, with the majority (33) published between 2000 and 2010. They generated 9012 citations in the literature. The most-cited study accounted for 497 citations; the mean number of citations per article was 180.24 ± 76.24. Twenty-three (46%) of the articles addressed postoperative outcomes following a specific type of arthroplasty implant. Arthroplasty implant studies accounted for 4726 citations, or 52.4% of the citations of the 50 articles. The most frequently studied arthroplasty implant was STAR (15), followed by Agility (7), Buechel Pappas (5), and Salto (4). STAR accounted for 3311 citations, or 37% of the total citations of the 50 articles. Conclusion: Ankle arthroplasty research has made great progress in the past 2 decades, particularly in the area of postoperative outcomes of specific ankle implants, but continued research and publication on additional arthroplasty implants should become a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eight-year old South Asian boy presenting with progressive hyperpigmentation was found to have primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) in the form of isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. Follow up of this boy for nine years, until the age of 17 years showed normal pubertal onset and progression. Molecular evaluation, by targeted next generation sequencing of candidate genes linked to PAI revealed changes in two genes that are intricately linked in the early stages of steroid biosynthesis: compound heterozygous variants in STAR , c.465+1G>A and p.(E99K), plus a heterozygous rs6161 change in CYP11A1. No variants in other known causal genes were detected. The proband's mother was heterozygous for the c.465+1G>A STAR and rs6161 CYP11A1 variants, while the father was homozygous for the p.(E99K) alteration in STAR but wild-type for CYP11A1. Both parents had normal adrenal cortical function as revealed by short Synacthen tests. The STAR variant c.465+1G>A will lead to abnormal splicing of exon 4 in mRNA and the addition of the p.(E99K) variant, predicted damaging by SIFT and CADD, may be sufficient to cause PAI but this is by no means certain given that the unaffected father is homozygous for the latter change. The rs6161 CYP11A1 variant [c.940G>A, p.(E314K)] has recently been demonstrated to cause PAI in conjunction with a severe rare disruptive change on the other allele, however sequencing of the coding region of CYP11A1 revealed no further changes in this subject. We wondered whether the phenotype of isolated glucocorticoid deficiency had arisen in this child due to tri-allelic inheritance of a heterozygous CYP11A1 change along with the two STAR variants each of which contribute a partial loss-of-function burden that, when combined, is sufficient to cause PAI or if the loss-of-function c.465+1G>A combined with the presumed partial loss-of-function p.(E99K) in STAR could be causative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silica nanoparticles (SNPs) can cause abnormal spermatogenesis in male reproductive toxicity. However, the toxicity and toxicological mechanisms of SNPs in testosterone synthesis and secretion in Leydig cells are not well known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect and molecular mechanism of low doses of SNPs in testosterone production in Leydig cells. For this, mouse primary Leydig cells (PLCs) were exposed to 100 nm Stöber nonporous spherical SNPs. We observed significant accumulation of SNPs in the cytoplasm of PLCs via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays confirmed that low doses (50 and 100 μg/mL) of SNPs had no significant effect on cell viability and apoptosis, whereas high doses (more than 200 μg/mL) decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis in PLCs. Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining showed that SNPs caused the significant accumulation of autophagosomes in the cytoplasm of PLCs. SNPs activated autophagy by upregulating microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-II) and BCL-2-interacting protein (BECLIN-1) levels, in addition to downregulating sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/P62) level at low doses. In addition, low doses of SNPs enhanced testosterone secretion and increased steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression. SNPs combined with rapamycin (RAP), an autophagy activator, enhanced testosterone production and increased StAR expression, whereas SNPs combined with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ), autophagy inhibitors, had an opposite effect. Furthermore, BECLIN-1 depletion inhibited testosterone production and StAR expression. Altogether, our results demonstrate that low doses of SNPs enhanced testosterone secretion via the activation of autophagy in PLCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A claw is a star with three edges. The Kneser graph KGn,2 is the graph whose vertices are the 2-subsets of an n-set, in which two vertices are adjacent if and only if their intersection is empty. In this paper, we prove that KGn,2 is claw-decomposable, for all n ≥ 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eight-year old South Asian boy presenting with progressive hyperpigmentation was found to have primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) in the form of isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. Follow up of this boy for nine years, until the age of 17 years showed normal pubertal onset and progression. Molecular evaluation, by targeted next generation sequencing of candidate genes linked to PAI revealed changes in two genes that are intricately linked in the early stages of steroid biosynthesis: compound heterozygous variants in STAR, c.465+1G>A and p.(E99K), plus a heterozygous rs6161 change in CYP11A1. No variants in other known causal genes were detected. The proband’s mother was heterozygous for the c.465+1G>A STAR and rs6161 CYP11A1 variants, while the father was homozygous for the p.(E99K) alteration in STAR but wild-type for CYP11A1. Both parents had normal adrenal cortical function as revealed by short Synacthen tests. The STAR variant c.465+1G>A will lead to abnormal splicing of exon 4 in mRNA and the addition of the p.(E99K) variant, predicted damaging by SIFT and CADD, may be sufficient to cause PAI but this is by no means certain given that the unaffected father is homozygous for the latter change. The rs6161 CYP11A1 variant [c.940G>A, p.(E314K)] has recently been demonstrated to cause PAI in conjunction with a severe rare disruptive change on the other allele, however sequencing of the coding region of CYP11A1 revealed no further changes in this subject. We wondered whether the phenotype of isolated glucocorticoid deficiency had arisen in this child due to tri-allelic inheritance of a heterozygous CYP11A1 change along with the two STAR variants each of which contribute a partial loss-of-function burden that, when combined, is sufficient to cause PAI or if the loss-of-function c.465+1G>A combined with the presumed partial loss-of-function p.(E99K) in STAR could be causative.

ObjectiveTo assess whether the association between reperfusion and improved clinical outcomes after stroke differs depending on the site of the arterial occlusive lesion (AOL).MethodsWe pooled data from Solitaire With the Intention for Thrombectomy (SWIFT), Solitaire FR Thrombectomy for Acute Revascularisation (STAR), Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging Evaluation for Understanding Stroke Evolution Study 2 (DEFUSE 2), and Interventional Management of Stroke Trial (IMS III) to compare the strength of the associations between reperfusion and clinical outcomes in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA), proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) (M1), and distal MCA (M2/3/4) occlusions.ResultsAmong 710 included patients, the site of the AOL was the ICA in 161, the proximal MCA in 389, and the distal MCA in 160 patients (M2 = 131, M3 = 23, and M4 = 6). Reperfusion was associated with an increase in the rate of good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-2) in patients with ICA (odds ratio [OR] 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-7.2) and proximal MCA occlusions (OR 6.2, 95% CI 3.8-10.2), but not in patients with distal MCA occlusions (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.8-2.6). Among patients with M2 occlusions, a subset of the distal MCA cohort, reperfusion was associated with excellent functional outcome (mRS 0-1; OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0-4.7).ConclusionsThe association between endovascular reperfusion and better clinical outcomes is more profound in patients with ICA and proximal MCA occlusions compared to patients with distal MCA occlusions. Because there are limited data from randomized controlled trials on the effect of endovascular therapy in patients with distal MCA occlusions, these results underscore the need for inclusion of this subgroup in future endovascular therapy trials.

Background: Growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) belongs to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. To date, the expression of GDF-11 in the ovary and its role in regulating ovarian function are completely unknown. Ovarian granulosa cell-mediated steroidogenesis plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal female reproductive function. GDF-11 and GDF-8 share high sequence similarity and exhibit many similar features and functions. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) regulates the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis and its expression can be downregulated by GDF-8. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of female infertility. The expression levels of GDF-8 are upregulated in the human follicular fluid and granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells of PCOS patients. However, whether similar results can be observed for the GDF-11 needs to be determined. Methods: The effect of GDF-11 on StAR expression and the underlying molecular mechanisms were explored by a series of in vitro experiments in a primary culture of hGL cells obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Human follicular fluid samples were obtained from 36 non-PCOS patients and 36 PCOS patients. GDF-11 levels in follicular fluid were measured by ELISA. Results: GDF-11 downregulates StAR expression, whereas the expression levels of the P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) are not affected by GDF-11 in hGL cells. Using pharmacological inhibitors and a siRNA-mediated approach, we reveal that ALK5 but not ALK4 mediates the suppressive effect of GDF-11 on StAR expression. Although GDF-11 activates both SMAD2 and SMAD3 signaling pathways, only SMAD3 is involved in the GDF-11-induced downregulation of StAR expression. In addition, we show that SMAD1/5/8, ERK1/2, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are not activated by GDF-11 in hGL cells. RT-qPCR and ELISA detect GDF-11 mRNA expression in hGL cells and GDF-11 protein expression in human follicular fluid, respectively. Interestingly, unlike GDF-8, the expression levels of GDF-11 are not varied in hGL cells and follicular fluid between non-PCOS and PCOS patients. Conclusions: This study increases the understanding of the biological function of GDF-11 and provides important insights into the regulation of ovarian steroidogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research on consumers' web searches primarily examined the effect of web searches on product sales or the characteristics of the web searchers. Differing from prior research, we investigate the effect of marketing activities on web search volume. We selected 314 movies released in China whose box office revenues were greater than RMB 10,000. Then, we collected data points on web search volume and marketing activities from the Baidu, Sina Weibo, and Douban platforms from the 3 weeks prior to the release of each movie. Marketing activity data points were derived from three sources: news media, social network marketing, and film stars. Our data analysis of 6594 observations revealed two major findings. First, news media, social network marketing, and the effect of film stars increased the web search volumes of the films. In particular, social network marketing had the strongest impact on the web search volume. Second, the previous-day web search volume increased the present-day web search volume without marketing activities, suggesting a spillover effect. We discuss the academic contributions and managerial implications of our findings in the context of online marketing and new product launches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For given 3-uniform hypergraphs H and G , the Ramsey number R (H , G) is the smallest number N such that each red-blue coloring of the edges of the complete 3-uniform hypergraph K N 3 contains either a red copy of H or a blue copy of G . Let C n 3 , P n 3 and S n 3 denote the 3-uniform loose cycle, loose path and star with n edges, respectively. The 2-color Ramsey number of 3-uniform loose path and loose cycle has been determined completely by several researchers. In this paper, we prove that R (P m 3 , S n 3) = 2 n + 1 + m - 1 2 for all m, n with n ≥ 2 m ≥ 2 and R (P m 3 , S n 3) = 2 m + 1 for all m, n with m ≥ 9 4 n . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let F, G and H be graphs. A (G,H)-decomposition of F is a partition of the edge set of F into copies of G and copies of H with at least one copy of G and at least one copy of H. For R ⊆ F, a (G,H)-covering of F with padding R is a (G,H)-decomposition of F + E(R). A (G,H)-covering of F with the smallest cardinality is a minimum (G,H)-covering. This paper gives the solution of finding the minimum (Ck, Sk)-covering of the crown Cn,n-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inconsistencies have been reported on the effect of sex on aldos terone (ALDO) levels leading to clinical confusion. The reasons for these inconsistencies are uncertain but include estrogen and/or its receptor modulating target gene responses to mineralocorticoid receptor activation and ALDO secretagogues' levels. This study's goal was to determine whether ALDO's biosynthesis also differed by se x. Two approaches were used. First, plasma renin activity and aldosterone were measured in rats. Both were significantly higher in males. Secondly, using rat zona glo merulosa (ZG) cells, we assessed three ex vivo areas: (1) activity/levels of early steps in ALDO's biosynthesis (StAR and CYP11A1); (2) activity/levels of a late step (CYP11B2); and (3) the status of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)-mediated, ultrashort feedback loop. Females had higher expression of CYP11A1 and StAR and increased CYP11A1 activity (increased pregnenolone/corticosterone levels) but did not differ in CYP11B 2 expression or activity (ALDO levels). Activating the ZG's MR (thereby activating the u ltrashort feedback loop) reduced CYP11B2's activity similarly in both sexes. Ex vivo, these molecular effects were accompanied, in females, by lower ALDO basally but higher ALDO with angiotensin II stimulation. In conclusion, we documented that not only was there a sex-mediated difference in the activity of ALDO's biosynthesis but also these differences at the molecular level help explain the variable reports on ALDO's circulating levels. Basally, both in vivo and ex vivo, males had higher ALDO levels, likely secondary to higher ALDO secretagogue levels. However, in response to acute stimulation, ALDO levels are higher in females because of the greater levels and/or activity of their StAR/CYP11A1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and biologically active catechins extracted from green tea. The health benefits of EGCG have been extendedly studied. Ovarian steroidogenesis plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal reproductive function. Granulosa cells in the ovary are essential for steroid hormone production. To date, the effect of EGCG on steroidogenesis in human granulosa cells remains unclear. In the present study, we examine the physiological concentrations of EGCG on steroidogenesis in a steroidogenic human granulosa‐like tumor cell line, KGN. Our results demonstrate that treatment with EGCG upregulates steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression and increases progesterone (P4) production. EGCG does not affect the expression levels of other steroidogenesis‐related enzymes, such as P450 side‐chain cleavage enzyme, 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and aromatase. In addition, we identify the expression of 67‐kDa laminin receptor (67LR) in KGN cells. Moreover, EGCG‐induced StAR expression and P4 production require the 67LR‐mediated activation of the PKA‐CREB signaling pathway. These results provide a better understanding of the function of EGCG on ovarian steroidogenesis, which may lead to the development of alternative therapeutic approaches for reproductive disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• BPS treatment induces hypospermatogenesis. • BPS binds with steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein. • BPS cannot be considered as a safer alternative to BPA. A wide variety of environmental chemicals/xenobiotics including bisphenol A (BPA) has been shown to cause male reproductive dysfunctions and infertility. Recently, bisphenol S (BPS) replaces BPA, in several products, including foodstuffs, under the BPA-free label. However, several studies have raised inquietude about the potential adverse effects of BPS. The present study was conducted to evaluate sperm parameters, biochemical parameters, mitochondrial function, and histopathological patterns after post-lactation BPS exposure at a low dose. Male rats (21 days old) were exposed to water containing BPS at 50 μg/L in drinking water for 10 weeks. Results showed no significant alteration in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and relative reproductive organs weight. However, a significant reduction in epididymal sperm parameters (number, viability, and mobility) with morphological abnormalities were observed in the BPS group compared to control. An increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) level accompanied by antioxidant defense alteration particularly, in glutathione peroxidase activity, as well as a defective mitochondrial function were observed in testicular tissues of BPS treated rats. More importantly, in histopathological diagnosis, BPS treatment induces hypospermatogenesis and alteration in Sertoli cells. In silico docking studies illustrated BPS binds with steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein thereby affecting the transport of cholesterol into mitochondria resulting in decreased steroidogenesis. These results reflect a reprotoxic effect of BPS vould potentially lead to fertility reduction, in sexually maturity age. We highlighted that post-lactation exposure to BPS, equivalent in humans to the period covering childhood and adolescent stages, disrupt male reproduction function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let F,G and H be simple graphs. The notation F → (G,H) means that for any red-blue coloring on the edges of graph F, there exists either a red copy of G or a blue copy of H. A graph F is called a Ramsey (G,H)-minimal graph if it satisfies two conditions: (i) F → (G,H) and (ii) F - e → (G,H) for any edge e of F. In this paper, we give some finite and infinite classes of Ramsey (C4,K1,n)-minimal graphs for any n ℹ 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let the star in n vertices, namely K1,n-1 be denoted by Sn. If every two coloring of the edges of a complete balanced multipartite graph Kj×s there is a copy of Sn in the first color or a copy of Sm in the second color, then we will say Kj×s → (Sn, Sm). The size Ramsey multipartite number mj(Sn, Sm) is the smallest natural number s such that Kj×s → (Sn, Sm). In this paper, we obtain the exact values of the size Ramsey numbers mj(Sn, Sm) for n,m ≥ 3 and j ≥ 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let Pk+1 denote a path of length k, Sm denote a star with m edges, and Kn(λ) denote the complete multigraph on n vertices in which every pair of distinct vertices is joined by λ edges. In this paper, we have obtained the necessary conditions for a {Pk+1, Sm}-decomposition of Kn(λ) and proved that the necessary conditions are also sufficient when k = 6 and m = 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social network analysis is a advances from field of social networks. The structuring of social actors, with data models and involving intelligence abstracted in mathematics, and without analysis it will not present the function of social networks. However, graph theory inherits process and computational procedures for social network analysis, and it proves that social network analysis is mathematical and computational dependent on the degree of nodes in the graph or the degree of social actors in social networks. Of course, the process of acquiring social networks bequeathed the same complexity toward the social network analysis, where the approach has used the social network extraction and formulated its consequences in computing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let Sk and Kk respectively denote a path, a star and a complete graph on k vertices. By a -decomposition of a graph G, we mean a decomposition of G into r copies of and s copies of In this paper, it shown that the graph admits a -decomposition if and only if where denotes a tensor product of complete graphs. Also we extend the existence of such a decomposition in complete m-partite graphs.

Let Ck, Sk denote a cycle, star with k edges and let Km,n denotes a complete bipartite graph with m and n vertices in the parts. In this paper, we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a decomposition of complete bipartite graphs into cycles and stars with four edges.

Mohammed F Alotaibi,1 Fakhria Al-Joufi,2 Howida S Abou Seif,3 Mohammed A Alzoghaibi,1 Laiche Djouhri,4 Ahmad F Ahmeda,5 Ayman M Mahmoud6 1Physiology Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 2014, Saudi Arabia; 3Medical Physiology Department, Medical Research Branch, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt; 4Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; 5College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates; 6Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, EgyptCorrespondence: Ayman M MahmoudPhysiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, EgyptTel +201278355478Email ayman.mahmoud@science.bsu.edu.egIntroduction: Lead (Pb) is an environmental toxic metal that threatens human health. Umbelliferone (UMB) is a coumarin with known medicinal and protective properties against cytotoxicity. This study explored the ameliorative effect of UMB against Pb-induced testicular toxicity in rats, focusing on steroidogenesis, oxidative stress and inflammation.Materials and Methods: Rats received lead acetate (50 mg/kg) and UMB (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg) via oral gavage for 4 weeks.Results: Pb-intoxicated rats exhibited testicular tissue injury and decreased serum levels of LH, FSH and testosterone. The count, viability, motility and normal morphology of the sperms were decreased accompanied with downregulated steroidogenesis markers in Pb-induced group. UMB prevented testicular injury, increased serum levels of LH, FSH and testosterone, upregulated steroidogenesis markers and improved the semen quality. In addition, UMB attenuated oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage, downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and Bax, boosted antioxidant defenses and Bcl-2, and upregulated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in Pb-intoxicated rats.Conclusion: UMB prevents Pb-induced testicular injury by suppressing oxidative damage, inflammation and cell death, and boosting antioxidant defenses, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and pituitary-gonadal axis. Thus, UMB may represent a protective and cost-effective agent against Pb testicular toxicity, pending further investigations to elucidate other underlying mechanisms.Keywords: umbelliferone, StAR, oxidative stress, Nrf2, inflammation, pituitary-gonadal axis

Let H be a graph. A decomposition of H is a set of edge-disjoint subgraphs of H whose union is H. A Hamiltonian path (respectively, cycle) of H is a path (respectively, cycle) that contains every vertex of H exactly once. A k-star, denoted by Sk, is a star with k edges. In this paper, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for decomposing the complete graph into α copies of Hamiltonian path (cycle) and β copies of S3.

Alignment of scRNA-Seq data are the first and one of the most critical steps of the scRNA-Seq analysis workflow, and thus the choice of proper aligners is of paramount importance. Recently, STAR an alignment method and Kallisto a pseudoalignment method have both gained a vast amount of popularity in the single cell sequencing field. However, an unbiased third-party comparison of these two methods in scRNA-Seq is lacking. Here we conduct a systematic comparison of them on a variety of Drop-seq, Fluidigm and 10x genomics data, from the aspects of gene abundance, alignment accuracy, as well as computational speed and memory use. We observe that STAR globally produces more genes and higher gene-expression values, compared to Kallisto, as well as Bowtie2, another popular alignment method for bulk RNA-Seq. STAR also yields higher correlations of the Gini index for the genes with RNA-FISH validation results. Using 10x genomics PBMC 3K scRNA-Seq and mouse cortex single nuclei RNA-Seq data, STAR shows similar or better cell-type annotation results, by detecting a larger subset of known gene markers. However, the gain of accuracy and gene abundance of STAR alignment comes with the price of significantly slower computation time (4 folds) and more memory (7.7 folds), compared to Kallisto.

Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (CLAH) is one of the most fatal conditions caused by an abnormality of adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis. CLAH results from loss-of-function mutations of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (STAR) gene; the disease manifests with electrolyte imbalances and hyperpigmentation in neonates or young infants due to adrenocortical hormone deficiencies, and 46, XY genetic male CLAH patients can be phenotypically female. Meanwhile, some patients with STAR mutations develop hyperpigmentation and mild signs of adrenal insufficiency, such as hypoglycemia, after infancy. These patients are classified as having nonclassic CLAH (NCCLAH) caused by STAR mutations that retain partial activity of STAR. We present the case of a Korean boy with normal genitalia who was diagnosed with NCCLAH. He presented with whole-body hyperpigmentation and electrolyte abnormalities, which were noted at the age of 17 months after an episode of sepsis with peritonitis. The compound heterozygous mutations p.Gly221Ser and c.653C>T in STAR were identified by targeted gene-panel sequencing. Skin hyperpigmentation should be considered an important clue for diagnosing NCCLAH.

Burger and Vuuren defined the size multipartite Ramsey number for a pair of complete, balanced, multipartite graphs mj(Kaxb,Kcxd), for natural numbers a,b,c,d and j, where a,c >= 2, in 2004. They have also determined the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of size multipartite Ramsey numbers mj(Kaxb,Kcxd). Syafrizal et al. generalized this definition by removing the completeness requirement. For simple graphs G and H, they defined the size multipartite Ramsey number mj(G,H) as the smallest natural number t such that any red-blue coloring on the edges of Kjxt contains a red G or a blue H as a subgraph. In this paper, we determine the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of multipartite Ramsey numbers mj(G,H), where both G and H are non complete graphs. Furthermore, we determine the exact values of the size multipartite Ramsey numbers mj(K1,m, K1,n) for all integers m,n >= 1 and j = 2,3, where K1,m is a star of order m+1. In addition, we also determine the lower bound of m3(kK1,m, C3), where kK1,m is a disjoint union of k copies of a star K1,m and C3 is a cycle of order 3.

Introduction: The Direct Superior Approach (DSA) is a muscle-sparing hip approach that does not protect the piriformis and the other short external rotators. We present a DSA modification we named STAR (Superior Transverse Atraumatic Reconstruction), which has DSA advantages but always preserves piriformis. Our study compared the early postoperative, radiological, and functional results of patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) through the STAR approach with a matched DSA group performed by a senior surgeon. Methods: Each group, DSA, and STAR included 200 elective primary unilateral THAs performed by the surgeon between 2016–2017 and 2020–2021, respectively. Patients were included in both groups using the same inclusion criteria. Both groups were matched for age and sex. The same postoperative pain management, chemoprophylaxis, and physiotherapy protocols were followed in both groups. Two independent orthopaedic surgeons performed the clinical and radiological follow-up. Results: The STAR group had significantly lower mean incision length (p = 0.042) and hospital stay (p = 0.002) than the DSA group. The mean intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.085) and the need for blood transfusion (p = 0.228) were less for the STAR than the DSA group. The mean postoperative functional scores improvement was significantly higher for the STAR than the DSA group at the end of the first and third postoperative months. Conclusions: The STAR approach offers earlier functional improvement, shorter hospital stay and less transfusion need than DSA for patients undergoing primary THA. Both approaches showed a limited complication risk and an outstanding acetabular and femoral access enabling the procedure.

We report detailed polarization and single-pulse studies of PSR B0950+08 with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) at 1250 MHz. Significant bridge emission was observed between the inter-pulse and the main pulse and the height of the bridge decreased with increase in frequency. Our results support the interpretation that both the inter-pulse and the main pulse of this pulsar are from the same magnetic pole. From the relative peak flux density and the relative energy distribution, we conclude that no giant pulse was detected in PSR B0950+08. Our results provide opportunities to study the origin of the emission from PSR B0950+08 and offer new insights into the origins of pulsar emission and bridge emission.

[Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determine the size Ramsey number r ^ (P 3 , H) for all graphs H of order five. Thus, for the first time a complete column of the table of all size Ramsey numbers r ^ (G , H) where p (G) ≤ 5 and p (H) = 5 is obtained. In contrast, for the (vertex) Ramsey number r(G, H) all such exact results but two are already known. Furthermore, our results grant the opportunity to compare r ^ (P 3 , H) with the recently published corresponding restricted size Ramsey number r ^ ∗ (P 3 , H) for all connected graphs H of order five. In the course of our investigations we derive some new general results on the size Ramsey number r ^ (P 3 , H) , e.g. for some classes of almost complete graphs H. Additionally, minding that P 3 = K 1 , 2 is a star, we consider r ^ (K 1 , m , K 1 , n 1 ∪ K 1 , n 2 ) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose in this work an innovative hybrid auxetic metamaterial with a centersymmetric unit cell and tessellation topology similar to the one provided by the missing rib configuration. The tessellation proposed is applied to different core unit cells (star shape, cross-chiral shape with same dimensions, and reentrant). The effects of the geometric parameters of the cells on the in-plane mechanical properties of this hybrid auxetic metamaterial system are investigated via finite elements (FEMs). Representative unit cells (RUCs) with optimal mechanical behaviors are identified; those configurations exhibit the larger negative Poisson's ratios and enhanced specific moduli. Designs related to two groups of auxetic metastructures with cylindric and cubic shapes are then developed based on the optimized RUCs along x and y directions. The equivalent mechanical performance of these metastructures under internal pressure is evaluated from a numerical standpoint. Auxetic cylindrical metastructures can be tailored by adjusting the number of the optimized RUCs along the circumferential and longitudinal directions, together with the geometric parameters of the optimized RUC itself. These hybrid auxetic metamaterials and metastructures provide the potential for multifunctional applications in biomechanics, flexible electronics, and aerospace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let Sk denote a star with k edges. The line graph of the complete graph Kn is denoted by L(Kn). In this paper, we prove that the graph L(Kn) has an S4-decomposition if and only if n ≥ 6 and n ≡ n ≡ 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 (mod 8). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Production, marketability and consumer preference of red tilapia often depends upon the intensity of coloration. Hence, new approaches to develop coloration are now geared to improve market acceptability and profit. This study evaluated the effects of carotenoid-rich diets on the phenotypic coloration, carotenoid level, weight gain and expression of coloration-linked genes in skin, fin and muscle tissues. Carotenoids were extracted from dried Daucus carota peel, Ipomoea aquatica leaves, and Moringa oleifera leaves. Eighty (80) size-14 fish were fed with carotenoid-rich treatments twice a day for 120 days. The phenotypic effect of the carotenoid extracts was measured through a color chart. Skin carotenoid level was measured through UV-vis spectrophotometer. csf1ra, Bcdo2 and StAR expression analysis was done using qRT-PCR. Results: Treatments with carotenoid extracts yielded higher overall scores on phenotypic coloration and tissue carotenoid levels. Differential expression of carotenoid-linked genes such as the elevated expression in csf1ra and lower expression in Bcdo2b following supplementation of the enhanced diet supports the phenotypic redness and increased carotenoid values in red tilapia fed with D. carota peel and I. aquatica leaves. Conclusions: Overall improvement in the redness of the tilapia was achieved through the supplementation of carotenoid-rich diet derived from readily available plants. Differential expression of coloration-linked genes supports the increase in the intensity of phenotypic coloration and level of carotenoids in the tissues. The study emphasizes the importance of carotenoids in the commercial tilapia industry and highlights the potential of the plant extracts for integration and development of feeds for color enhancement in red tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testosterone is produced by Leydig cells (LCs) and undergoes diurnal changes in serum levels in rats, mice, and humans, but little is known in goats. The present study revealed that goat serum testosterone levels displayed diurnal rhythmic changes (peak time at ZT11.2). Immunohistochemical staining showed that BMAL1, a circadian clock protein, is highly expressed in goat LCs. ELISA revealed that both hCG (0–5 IU/ml) and 22R‐OH‐cholesterol (0–30 μM) addition stimulated testosterone synthesis in primary goat LCs in a dose‐dependent manner. Treating goat LCs with hCG (5 IU/ml) significantly increased intracellular cAMP levels. Additionally, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed that the circadian clock (BMAL1, PER1, PER2, DBP, and NR1D1) and steroidogenesis‐related genes (SF1, NUR77, StAR, HSD3B2, CYP17A1, CYP11A1, and HSD17B3) showed rhythmic expression patterns in goat LCs following dexamethasone synchronization. Several Bmal1‐Luc circadian oscillations were clearly observed in dexamethasone‐treated goat LCs transfected with the pLV6‐Bmal1‐Luc plasmid. BMAL1 knockdown significantly downregulated mRNA levels of PER2, NR1D1, DBP, StAR, HSD3B2, SF1, NUR77, and GATA4, and dramatically decreased StAR and HSD3B2 protein levels and testosterone production. In contrast, BMAL1 overexpression significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of StAR and HSD17B3 and enhanced testosterone production. Reporter assays revealed that goat BMAL1, or in combination with mouse CLOCK, activated goat HSD17B3 transcription in vitro. These data indicate that BMAL1 contributes to testosterone production by regulating transcription of steroidogenesis‐related genes in goat LCs, providing a basis for further exploring the underlying mechanism by which the circadian clock regulates ruminant reproductive capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we construct an algorithm for converting an acyclic digraph that defines the structure of a complex system into a class of cyclically equivalent vertices by adding several additional edges to the digraph. This addition of the digraph makes it possible to introduce negative feedbacks and, consequently, to stabilize the functioning of the complex system under consideration and so to increase its reliability.To do this, the original digraph is transformed into a bipartite undirected graph, in which only the input and output vertices and the edges between them remain. In the constructed bipartite undirected graph, we search for the minimal edge cover and restore the orientation of the edges in it. Next, we construct an algorithm for adding new edges, based on the search for Hamiltonian (or Eulerian) paths and turning the minimum edge cover into a class of cyclically equivalent vertices. The minimal number of edges to be added is not larger than the number of edges in the minimum edge cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholarship on Kathryn Bigelow contends that auteurist thinking struggles to accommodate her eclectic career. Though her work displays recurring characteristics, contradictions are also evident that mean she is challenging to situate theoretically. In addition, an ironic component to the discourse about Bigelow is that disproportionate focus on her appearance serves to bolster her position as a significant filmmaker. In some respects, she therefore aligns with the concept of 'the auteur as star', with her extratextual profile representing an important facet of her artistic standing. However, this model does not fully account for Bigelow's status, analysis of which provides the basis for a reframing of current auteur theory. After contextualising relevant discourses pertaining to auteurism and stardom, this article discusses Bigelow through a modified star studies framework. By analysing several aspects of her career in this manner, Bigelow emerges as a quintessential example of a new concept, the neo-star auteur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In simultaneous transmission and reception (STAR) MRI, along with the coupling of the excitation pulse to the received signal, noise, and undesired distortions (spurs) coming from the transmit chain also leak into the acquired signal and degrade image quality. Here, properties of this coupled noise and its relationship with the transmit amplifier gain, transmit chain noise density, isolation performance, and imaging bandwidth are analyzed. It is demonstrated that by utilizing a recently proposed STAR technique, the transmit noise can be reduced. The importance of achieving high isolation and careful selection of the corresponding parameters are demonstrated. Theory and Methods: A cancellation algorithm, together with a vector modulator, is used for transmit‐receive isolation. The scanner is modeled as a pipeline of blocks to demonstrate the noise contribution from each block. With higher isolation, coupled transmit noise can be reduced to the point that the dominant noise source becomes acquisition noise, as in the case for pulsed MRI. Amplifiers with different gain and noise properties are used in the experiments to verify the derived noise‐transmit parameter relation. Results: With the proposed technique, more than 80 dB isolation in the analog domain is achieved. The leakage noise and the spurs coupled from the transmit chain, are reduced. It is shown that the transmit gain plays the most critical role in determining sufficient isolation, whereas the amplifier noise figure does not contribute as much. Conclusion: The transmit noise and the spurs in STAR imaging are analyzed and mitigated by using a vector modulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a polarization measurement of inclusive J/ψ mesons in the di-electron decay channel at mid-rapidity at 2 < pT < 6 GeV/c in p + p collisions at √s = 200 GeV. Data were taken with the STAR detector at RHIC. The J/ψ polarization measurement should help to distinguish between the different models of the J/ψ production mechanism since they predict different pT dependences of the J/ψ polarization. In this analysis, J/ψ polarization is studied in the helicity frame. The polarization parameter λθ measured at RHIC becomes smaller towards high pT , indicating more longitudinal J/ψ polarization as pT increases. The result is compared with predictions of presently available models.