Bryon E Petersen

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This study looked at a 59-year-old woman with a weakened immune system due to cancer who developed a serious infection. Using a special DNA sequencing technique, doctors were able to quickly identify the infection in her tissue, which helped them decide how to treat her even before getting traditional test results. This is important because rapid diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with similar health challenges. Who this helps: Patients with weakened immune systems facing complex infections.

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This study focuses on a rare type of lymphoma called gray zone lymphoma (GZL), particularly in a patient with severe liver problems. Researchers treated a 37-year-old man with GZL using a drug called brentuximab vedotin (BV), which significantly improved his liver function and allowed him to successfully follow up with chemotherapy. As a result, he had almost all of his lymph node swelling go away, achieved full remission, and was able to return to work. Who this helps: This helps patients with gray zone lymphoma, especially those who have liver impairment.

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This study looks at a rare condition called neurolymphomatosis, where cancer affects the nerves, specifically focusing on a case involving a type of cancer known as extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma. The researchers discussed a unique patient who experienced symptoms due to this cancer affecting multiple cranial nerves, contributing to the very small number of documented cases—only 9 have been reported in total. Understanding this condition is important because it can be hard to diagnose, especially in patients who haven't had previous blood-related cancers, leading to quicker and more accurate treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with rare forms of lymphoma and doctors diagnosing nerve-related symptoms.

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This study focused on a rare type of cancer called HIV-negative plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL), which can be hard to diagnose because it shares traits with another similar disease, plasmablastic plasma cell myeloma. The researchers described a severe case of PBL and highlighted the difficulties in making an accurate diagnosis, as there is no standard treatment for this condition. Current recommendations for managing PBL include a specific chemotherapy regimen, which has shown some effectiveness in treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers who are diagnosing and treating patients with this rare form of lymphoma.

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This study investigated a protein called islet homeostasis protein (IHoP) that plays a role in type 1 diabetes by regulating glucagon, a hormone that can raise blood sugar levels. The researchers found that when they suppressed IHoP in diabetic mice, their blood sugar levels stayed normal, and even helped restore insulin-producing cells over time. They noted that this method not only prevented high blood sugar but also reduced inflammation in diabetes-affected tissues. Who this helps: This benefits patients with type 1 diabetes by potentially leading to new treatments that control their condition better.

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This study looked at how certain cells in the liver, called hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), help the liver heal after injury. Researchers found that when the usual liver cells can't replicate, these HPCs can take over and have the potential to become different types of liver cells. Understanding how these cells work is important because it could lead to new treatments for liver diseases related to scarring, which is a process that can worsen health over time. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic liver diseases.

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This study looked at how a small molecule called miR-133b affects the growth of liver cells, particularly in liver cancer. Researchers found that miR-133b levels were lower in liver cancer patients and that increasing its levels in lab tests and animal models reduced the growth and movement of liver cancer cells and other liver cell types involved in healing. These findings show that restoring miR-133b could be an important way to control liver cancer growth and improve liver repair processes. Who this helps: Patients with liver cancer.

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This study looked at two proteins, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and integrin αvβ6, and their roles in liver injury and diseases like biliary fibrosis, using mice as subjects. The researchers found that blocking CTGF or integrin αvβ6 led to less liver damage, fewer oval cells involved in repairing the liver, and decreased fibrosis markers, which means less scarring. Targeting these proteins could be a promising approach for treating liver diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver diseases, including cirrhosis and bile duct cancers.

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This study examined the role of a protein called ADAMTS7 in liver damage, specifically how it interacts with another protein known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). The researchers found that when ADAMTS7 is absent, there's increased activation of liver cells related to fibrosis, leading to more severe liver scarring. For instance, they observed higher levels of markers for liver injury and fibrosis in mice lacking ADAMTS7, indicating a connection between this protein's deficiency and worsening liver conditions. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with liver disease, providing insights that could lead to new treatments.

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This study looked at how a protein called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) interacts with other important growth factors in rabbit corneal fibroblast cells, specifically focusing on its effects on signaling pathways activated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B. The researchers found that CTGF binds much more strongly to VEGF-A than to PDGF-B, with a binding strength of 1.8 compared to 43 nmol/L for PDGF-B. This is significant because it suggests that CTGF enhances PDGF-B signaling, which could be crucial for understanding processes like wound healing in the eye. Who this helps: Patients with corneal injuries or diseases could benefit from treatments targeting this signaling pathway.

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This study looked at how a protein called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) affects the healing of corneal wounds in the eyes of mice and rabbits. Researchers found that when they removed the CTGF gene in mice, the rate of corneal healing dropped by 40%, meaning these mice healed significantly slower than normal mice. This matters because understanding how CTGF works in corneal healing could lead to better treatments for eye injuries. Who this helps: This helps patients with corneal injuries.

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This study examined a method for creating a scaffold from pig livers that could potentially be used to grow new liver tissue for patients with liver disease. Researchers successfully removed all cellular material from the pig livers while preserving important structures, and found that these scaffolds did not trigger a significant immune response in rats over 28 days. This is important because it shows that these pig liver scaffolds could be used safely in future experiments to create replacement liver tissues for people in need. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver disease seeking new treatment options.

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This study looked at how a specific molecule called microRNA (specifically miR-133b) affects healing and scarring in the cornea after laser surgery in rabbits. Researchers found that miR-133b levels decreased significantly, leading to larger increases in profibrotic genes related to scarring, such as CTGF, SMA, and COL1A1. These findings matter because targeting miR-133b might help reduce scarring and improve healing after eye surgeries. Who this helps: Patients undergoing eye surgery.

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This study looked at how a substance called somatostatin affects the movement of special liver cells (hepatic oval cells) in injured rat livers. The researchers found that somatostatin promotes these cells to migrate towards the injury site, and using a specific blocking agent reduced this movement. This is important because enhancing the movement of these cells could improve liver repair after injury. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver injuries or diseases.

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Researchers discovered a new protein called islet homeostasis protein (IHoP) that plays a crucial role in the functioning of cells in the pancreas, specifically those that produce glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. They found that when IHoP was blocked, glucagon production stopped, leading to lower blood sugar levels (between 63-85 mg/dL) and cell death in the pancreatic islets. This discovery matters because it reveals a potential target for treating diabetes, especially since IHoP was present in pre-diabetic patients but disappeared when the disease developed. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and their doctors in understanding disease mechanisms and potential treatments.

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This research focused on a protein called CCN2/CTGF, which plays a crucial role in the formation of new blood vessels. The study found that CCN2/CTGF binds effectively to several important proteins involved in blood vessel development, and when a modified version of CCN2/CTGF was tested in mice, it significantly reduced abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye by about 65% compared to untreated cases. This finding is important because it suggests a new approach to treatment for conditions involving excessive blood vessel growth, such as certain eye diseases and cancers. Who this helps: Patients with eye diseases and cancers related to abnormal blood vessel growth.

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This study looked into the use of liver progenitor cells as an alternative to liver transplants for patients with serious liver diseases like cirrhosis. The researchers found that targeting specific metabolic disorders with liver progenitor cells could be effective since only part of the liver needs to be healthy to improve function. Understanding how to encourage these cells to grow better might help develop successful therapies in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver diseases and their doctors.

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Researchers studied the role of a gene called TET2 in mice to understand its impact on blood cell health and related blood cancers. They found that when TET2 was deleted, the mice showed signs of blood cell problems and developed cancers similar to those seen in humans, with about 33% of the mice dying within a year due to these malignancies. This research matters because it highlights TET2 as a crucial protector against blood diseases, which can help in developing better treatments for these conditions. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with blood cancers and their doctors.

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This study looked at how a specific signaling pathway called Notch affects the liver's ability to heal itself after injury in rats. Researchers found that when Notch signaling was blocked, there was a delay in the liver cells' ability to mature properly, which could lead to impaired liver function. Specifically, while the oval cells were activated and responded well at first, the overall health and function of the liver cells were negatively affected over time. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver injuries by providing insights that could improve treatment strategies for liver regeneration.

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Researchers studied how a protein called IGFBP-3 affects liver repair by examining the behavior of liver stem cells known as oval cells in rats. They discovered that levels of IGFBP-3 increased when these oval cells were actively dividing and migrating, and when IGFBP-3 was reduced, it actually led to more oval cell growth and unusual structures developing in the liver. This research matters because understanding IGFBP-3's role can help scientists find ways to improve liver regeneration, especially following liver injuries or diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from liver damage.

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This study looked at how a group of proteins called Wnt affects liver regeneration in rats, focusing specifically on a protein named Wnt1. Researchers found that when Wnt1 was active, oval cells in the liver were more likely to develop into healthy liver cells, and without Wnt1, these cells failed to mature, leading to abnormal cell growth instead. This matters because understanding Wnt1's role could improve treatments for liver damage and diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver injuries or diseases.

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This study investigated how certain liver cells (hepatic stellate cells) affect the liver's ability to regenerate after damage. Researchers found that feeding rats a diet with L-cysteine, which prevents stellate cell activation, led to an 11-fold decrease in activated stellate cells and a more than fourfold reduction in the liver's oval cell response, indicating that active stellate cells are crucial for proper liver regeneration. These findings highlight the importance of targeting stellate cell activation in improving liver recovery after injury. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with liver diseases by informing potential treatments for liver regeneration.

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Researchers created a new method to remove all cells from whole rat livers while keeping their structure intact. This process allowed them to maintain important components of the liver's architecture, such as the extracellular matrix and blood vessel frameworks, which remain strong enough to deliver cells throughout the liver. These decellularized livers can be used as a natural foundation for developing artificial livers and improving liver treatments. Who this helps: This benefits researchers working on liver diseases and therapies.

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This research paper looks at how certain cells in the liver, called progenitor cells, work and how they can help the liver heal itself. The study highlights that understanding these cells better could lead to new treatments for liver diseases and other health issues. By examining how these cells operate and their connections to cancer, researchers aim to improve therapies for patients with liver conditions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver diseases and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how a compound called benfotiamine affects insulin-producing cells made from adult bone marrow and their ability to manage high blood sugar in mice. Researchers found that benfotiamine improves the cells' ability to produce insulin and process glucose effectively, leading to normal blood sugar levels in treated mice. Specifically, those treated with benfotiamine were able to normalize their blood glucose levels after exposure to high sugar, showing that it helps protect against the harmful effects of diabetes. Who this helps: This research helps diabetes patients by potentially improving their treatment options.

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Researchers studied how certain cells from bone marrow might influence the development of pancreatic cancer in rats. They found that while these bone marrow-derived cells didn't turn into cancer cells directly, they played a role in shaping the environment around tumors. Specifically, they observed changes related to tumor growth but didn't find direct evidence of these cells becoming part of the tumors themselves. Who this helps: This research could benefit cancer patients and doctors by improving understanding of how pancreatic cancer develops.

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This study focused on a type of genetic disorder called glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSDIa), which affects liver function and causes severe low blood sugar. Researchers created a special mouse model to better understand the disease and found that, once these mice survived their weak early months, their health significantly improved, with their size and energy levels becoming similar to healthy mice. However, the underlying liver problems did not get better with age. This research matters because these adult mice can be used to test new treatments that were not previously possible in the fragile younger mice. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors looking for effective therapies for patients with GSDIa.

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This study focused on finding and studying liver stem cells, known as "oval cells," in rat livers. The researchers developed effective methods to isolate these cells and found that using a surface marker called Thy-1 along with magnetic sorting made it easier to gather these cells for further testing. Their work is important because it opens up new possibilities for using liver stem cells in therapies for liver diseases. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on liver disease treatments.

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This study focused on creating cancer cell lines from liver tumors in rats to understand how specific growth factors, G-CSF and HGF, affect the growth and movement of these cells. Researchers successfully developed six cell lines from tumors and found that HGF helped the cancer cells survive, while G-CSF promoted their growth and movement. These findings are significant because they could lead to new treatments targeting these factors in liver cancer. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors looking for more effective therapies for liver cancer patients.

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This study looked at how a protein called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) helps liver cells called oval cells stick to surfaces and move during liver healing after injury. Researchers found that CTGF binds to another protein, fibronectin, which is important for this process. Specifically, CTGF's ability to bind to fibronectin made it easier for oval cells to attach and migrate, which is crucial for effective liver regeneration. Who this helps: Patients recovering from liver injuries.

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This study looked at a type of stem cell found in bone marrow, called Thy1-positive cells, to see if they can turn into liver cells. The researchers found that when they cultured these cells in the lab, they produced liver-specific proteins, and when they transplanted them into injured livers of rats, they transformed into mature liver cells within 60 days. This finding is important because it suggests that these specific stem cells could be used in future treatments for liver damage or disease. Who this helps: Patients with liver diseases or injuries.

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This study looked at a specific type of bacteria, Nocardia farcinica, found in the lungs of a child with cystic fibrosis. Previously, similar cases mostly involved a different type of Nocardia. This is important because it highlights a new potential infection risk for cystic fibrosis patients, indicating they may face various bacterial threats. Who this helps: This helps patients with cystic fibrosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether bone marrow cells can turn into liver cells during liver regeneration in rats that underwent a specific treatment. Researchers found that after certain procedures, about 20% of specialized liver cells expressed markers showing they came from the transplanted bone marrow and some even became functioning liver cells. This is important because it shows that bone marrow can play a role in liver repair, which might help in developing new therapies for liver diseases. Who this helps: Patients with liver diseases or injuries.

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This research looked at how stem cells behave and how they could be used for healing damaged tissues or fighting cancer. The study found that understanding the genes active in stem cells is crucial, as it can lead to better treatments for diseases, with analysis methods showing differences in gene activity among various stem cell types. This is important because it could lead to advancements in both regenerative medicine and cancer therapies. Who this helps: Patients needing regenerative treatments and those fighting cancer.

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This study looked at how a protein called granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) helps the liver repair itself, particularly by affecting special cells known as oval cells, which are like stem cells for the liver. The researchers found that giving G-CSF to rats increased the activity of oval cells and boosted the contribution of bone marrow cells to liver recovery. Specifically, G-CSF enhanced the oval cell response significantly, indicating that this treatment improves the liver's ability to heal. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver damage or disease by potentially improving treatment options for recovery.

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This study examined cancer stem cells (CSCs) in liver cancer to understand how they contribute to tumor growth and treatment resistance. Researchers found that CSCs not only help form most of the tumor but are also responsible for tumor regrowth after treatments fail. Understanding these cells can lead to more effective cancer therapies targeting them specifically, which is crucial because they play a significant role in the spread and persistence of cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer and other types of cancer by potentially improving treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at how mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from mouse bone marrow could turn into nerve cells. The researchers found that these stem cells naturally showed signs of becoming nerve cells while growing in the lab, without needing special conditions to trigger this change. When they were implanted into the brains of baby mice, the MSCs moved around and started turning into specific types of brain cells. This matters because it shows that these stem cells could be useful for treating brain disorders by potentially generating new nerve cells. Who this helps: This helps patients with neurological disorders.

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This study focused on a substance called somatostatin (SST) and its potential role in helping liver cells, known as hepatic oval cells (HOCs), move to where they're needed. The researchers found that SST promotes the movement of HOCs by working through a specific receptor called SSTR4, where blocking this receptor significantly reduced cell migration. This matters because understanding how SST influences liver cell movement could help in developing treatments for liver diseases and improving liver regeneration. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver diseases and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at a protein called BCRP, which is found in the liver and plays a role in how liver cells respond to diseases and medications. Researchers found that BCRP appears in various liver cells, especially in cases of chronic liver disease; in humans, it was present in the cells lining bile ducts and liver cells, while it wasn’t found in liver cells of rats. The study highlights the importance of BCRP in how liver cells might resist harmful substances, and it shows significant differences between human and rat livers that should be considered in future research. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver diseases and their doctors by providing insights into liver cell behavior and treatments.

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This study looked at how a protein called stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) affects liver repair in rats. Researchers found that reducing SDF-1 led to fewer oval cells, which are important for liver regeneration, and significantly decreased the levels of a protein called alpha-fetoprotein that indicates active liver repair. Overall, the results show that SDF-1 is crucial for helping the liver heal itself after injury. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver damage by providing insights into potential treatments for improving liver regeneration.

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Researchers studied a new substance called monocrotaline (MCT) as a potential alternative to retrorsine for liver cell transplants in rats. They found that administering MCT helped increase the growth of transplanted liver cells, achieving about 15.3% liver coverage within six weeks. This finding is significant because it could improve liver transplantation techniques, allowing for better outcomes in cell therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients needing liver transplants and doctors performing such procedures.

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This study looked at using cells derived from embryonic stem cells to treat type I diabetes, specifically by seeing if they could successfully produce insulin. The researchers found that while these cells could help lower blood sugar levels in diabetic mice for about three weeks, they caused the formation of teratomas, which are harmful tumors. This means that while the treatment showed potential, it can't be used safely until the risk of teratomas is removed. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on diabetes treatment solutions.

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This study looked at the role of a protein called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the regeneration of the liver in rats after a specific type of injury. Researchers found that after liver injury, CTGF levels increased significantly, which helped oval cells (a type of liver cell involved in regeneration) to grow and multiply. When they used a drug to block CTGF, the oval cell growth decreased significantly, showing that CTGF is crucial for effective liver recovery. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and scientists working on liver disease treatments and recovery strategies.

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This study examines the potential of using stem cells to treat diseases related to the liver and pancreas, like type 1 diabetes and liver failure. Researchers found that there's a shortage of available beta cells and liver cells for transplants, but recent advancements are being made in creating these cells from stem cells. Understanding this can help overcome challenges in turning scientific research into effective treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with type 1 diabetes and liver diseases.

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This research focused on finding out if liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) might start from liver stem cells, known as oval cells. The study found that these oval cells can indeed develop into tumors in experimental settings, and there are signs that liver cancer might behave like these stem cells, although there isn’t yet solid proof. Understanding this connection is important because it could lead to better treatments or prevention strategies for liver cancer. Who this helps: Patients at risk for or diagnosed with liver cancer.

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Researchers studied bone marrow cells to see if they could be transformed into insulin-producing cells, which are crucial for managing type 1 diabetes. They found that when cultured under specific conditions, these cells could indeed change into insulin-producing cells that formed clusters similar to insulin-producing areas in the pancreas. When these clusters were implanted into mice with high blood sugar, they significantly lowered blood glucose levels and maintained them for up to 90 days. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with type 1 diabetes looking for new treatment options.

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This study looked at using modified liver stem cells for treating liver diseases in mice. Researchers found that about 40% to 50% of the new liver tissue developed from these stem cells showed signs of being genetically altered to produce a protein called human alpha1-antitrypsin, which is important for liver function, and this production continued steadily for 18 weeks. This is significant because it suggests a new way to use gene therapy for conditions like alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency without the risk of the patient’s disease coming back. Who this helps: Patients with liver diseases, especially those with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.