bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earlier onset and slower heartwood investment in faster-growing trees of African tropical species
Authors: Kafuti Chadrack , Lehnebach Romain , Bourland Nils , Beeckman Hans , Van Acker Joris , Luambua Nestor K , Van den Bulcke Jan
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Heartwood plays an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of trees. Although its formation has long been thought to be driven solely by internal ageing processes, more recent hypotheses suggest that heartwood formation acts as a regulator of the tree water balance by modulating the quantity of sapwood. Testing both hypotheses would shed light on the potential ecophysiological nature of heartwood formation, a very common process in trees.

Methods

We measured quantities of heartwood and sapwood, xylem conduits and the width and number of growth rings on 406 stems of Pericopsis elata with ages ranging from 2 to 237 years. A subset of 17 trees with similar ages but varying growth rate were sampled in a shaded (slower-growth) site and a sun-exposed (faster-growth) site. We used regression analysis and structural equation modelling to investigate the dynamics and drivers of heartwood formation.

Key Results

We found a positive effect of growth rate on the probability of heartwood occurrence, suggesting an earlier heartwood onset in faster-growing stems. After this onset age, heartwood area increased with stem diameter and age. Despite the similar heartwood production per unit stem diameter increment, shaded trees produced heartwood faster than sun-exposed trees. Tree age and hydraulics showed similar direct effects on heartwood and sapwood area of sun-exposed trees, suggesting their mutual role in driving the heartwood dynamics of sun-exposed trees. However, for shaded trees, only tree hydraulics showed a direct effect, suggesting its prominent role over age in driving the heartwood dynamics in limited growing conditions. The positive relationship between growth rate and maximum stomatal conductance supported this conclusion.

Conclusions

Heartwood area increases as the tree ages, but at a slower rate in trees where water demand is balanced by a sufficient water supply. Our findings suggest that heartwood formation is not only a structural process but also functional.
Weak latitudinal trends in reproductive traits of Afromontane forest trees
Authors: Swart R C , Geerts S , Geldenhuys C J , Pauw J , Coetzee A
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Is the increase in species diversity patterns towards lower latitudes linked to reproductive traits? Plant reproductive organs influence reproductive isolation and hence species divergence. Abiotic differences between temperate and tropical regions can also directly impact on plant reproductive traits. Here we provide a novel overview of southern hemisphere, Afromontane forest tree taxonomical patterns and ask whether reproductive traits relate to latitude, while accounting for environmental (tree height) and evolutionary (biogeographical affinity) selective forces.

Methods

We compiled a novel dataset with (1) flower colour, size and pollination syndrome and (2) fruit colour, size and dispersal syndrome for 331 tree species found in six Afromontane forest regions. We categorized each species into latitudinal distribution using these six regions, spanning the southern Cape (34º S) to Mount Kenya (0º S). Additionally, we gathered maximum tree height (m) for each species and determined the global distribution of all 196 tree genera (Afrotropical, Palaeotropical or Pantropical).

Key Results

Species, genera and families showed a general decrease in richness away from tropical and subtropical forests towards warm temperate forests. Southern Afrotemperate forests (the furthest south) had the highest tree endemism. There was no relationship between latitude and the reproductive traits tested here. Biogeographical affinity related to fruit colour and dispersal syndrome, with palaeotropical genera showing relative increases in black-purple fruit colour compared with pantropical genera, and palaeotropical genera showing relative increases in biotic seed dispersal compared with Afrotropical genera, which showed higher relative abiotic seed dispersal. Taller trees had a higher chance to be wind or insect pollinated (compared with bird pollinated) and had larger fruits.

Conclusions

Latitude explained patterns in Afromontane tree taxonomic diversity; however, tree reproductive traits did not relate to latitude. We suggest that phylogenetic conservatism or convergence, or both, explain the reported patterns.
Integrating stay-green and PIN-FORMED genes: PIN-FORMED genes as potential targets for designing climate-resilient cereal ideotypes
Authors: Wong Albert Chern Sun , van Oosterom Erik J , Godwin Ian D , Borrell Andrew K
Published: July 2023

Plant architecture modification (e.g. short-stature crops) is one of the key outcomes of modern crop breeding for high-yielding crop varieties. In cereals, delayed senescence, or stay-green, is an important trait that enables post-anthesis drought stress adaptation. Stay-green crops can prolong photosynthetic capacity during grain-filling period under post-anthesis drought stress, which is essential to ensure grain yield is not impacted under drought stress conditions. Although various stay-green quantitative trait loci have been identified in cereals, the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating stay-green remain elusive. Recent advances in various gene-editing technologies have provided avenues to fast-track crop improvement, such as the breeding of climate-resilient crops in the face of climate change. We present in this viewpoint the focus on using sorghum as the model cereal crop, to study PIN-FORMED (PIN) auxin efflux carriers as means to modulate plant architecture, and the potential to employ it as an adaptive strategy to address the environmental challenges posed by climate uncertainties.
Brain MRI detects early-stage alterations and disease progression in Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Adanyeguh Isaac M , Joers James M , Deelchand Dinesh K , Hutter Diane H , Eberly Lynn E , Guo Bin , Iltis Isabelle , Bushara Khalaf O , Henry Pierre-Gilles , Lenglet Christophe
Published: July 2023

Friedreich ataxia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cerebellar and spinal atrophy. However, studies to elucidate the longitudinal progression of the pathology in the brain are somewhat inconsistent and limited, especially for early-stage Friedreich ataxia. Using a multimodal neuroimaging protocol, combined with advanced analysis methods, we sought to identify macrostructural and microstructural alterations in the brain of patients with early-stage Friedreich ataxia to better understand its distribution patterns and progression. We enrolled 28 patients with Friedreich ataxia and 20 age- and gender-matched controls. Longitudinal clinical and imaging data were collected in the patients at baseline, 12, 24 and 36 months. Macrostructural differences were observed in patients with Friedreich ataxia, compared to controls, including lower volume of the cerebellar white matter (but not cerebellar grey matter), superior cerebellar peduncle, thalamus and brainstem structures, and higher volume of the fourth ventricle. Diffusion tensor imaging and fixel-based analysis metrics also showed microstructural differences in several brain regions, especially in the cerebellum and corticospinal tract. Over time, many of these macrostructural and microstructural alterations progressed, especially cerebellar grey and white matter volumes, and microstructure of the superior cerebellar peduncle, posterior limb of the internal capsule and superior corona radiata. In addition, linear regressions showed significant associations between many of those imaging metrics and clinical scales. This study provides evidence of early-stage macrostructural and microstructural alterations and of progression over time in the brain in Friedreich ataxia. Moreover, it allows to non-invasively map such brain alterations over a longer period (3 years) than any previous study, and identifies several brain regions with significant involvement in the disease progression besides the cerebellum. We show that fixel-based analysis of diffusion MRI data is particularly sensitive to longitudinal change in the cerebellar peduncles, as well as motor and sensory white matter tracts. In combination with other morphometric measures, they may therefore provide sensitive imaging biomarkers of disease progression for clinical trials.
Twelve-year follow-up of bone marrow transplantation in congenital erythropoietic porphyria: lessons learned from a challenging case
Authors: Díaz-Calvillo Pablo , Rodríguez-Pozo Juan Ángel , Martínez-López Antonio , Aguilera-Peiró Paula , Díaz-de-Heredia Cristina , Arias-Santiago Salvador , Tercedor-Sánchez Jesus
Published: July 2023

The only curative treatment for congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) is bone marrow transplantation (BMT), but long-term data on this therapy in CEP are scarce. We present the evolution after 12 years of a case of CEP treated with BMT. The BMT has allowed the young patient to develop adequately and to avoid devastating consequences, but mild skin symptoms along with liver and kidney damage persist.
Differentiating between activation via the lectin or the classical complement pathway in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Larsen Mads Lamm , Troldborg Anne , Toonen Erik J M , Hurler Lisa , Prohaszka Zoltan , Cervenak László , Gudmann Hansen Annette , Thiel Steffen
Published: July 2023

Complement activation is a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and can proceed through the classical (CP), lectin (LP), or alternative pathway (AP). When managing SLE patients, pathway-specific complement activation is rarely monitored as clinical assays are unavailable. In this study, we aim to differentiate between CP- or LP-mediated complement activation in SLE patients by quantifying pathway-specific protein complexes, namely C1s/C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) (CP-specific activation) and MASP-1/C1-INH (LP-specific activation). Levels for both complexes were assessed in 156 SLE patients and 50 controls using two newly developed ELISAs. We investigated whether pathway-specific complement activation was associated with disease activity and lupus nephritis (LN). Disease activity stratification was performed using SLEDAI scores assessed at inclusion. C1s/C1-INH concentrations were significantly increased in active SLE patients (SLEDAI ≥6) when compared with SLE patients with low disease activity (SLEDAI <6, P < 0.01) and correlated with SLEDAI score (r = .29, P < 0.01). In active LN, MASP-1/C1-INH plasma concentrations were significantly increased compared with nonactive LN (P = 0.02). No differences in MASP-1/C1-INH plasma concentrations were observed between active SLE patients and patients with low disease activity (P = 0.11) nor did we observe a significant correlation with disease activity (r = 0.12, P = 0.15). Our data suggest that the CP and the LP are activated in SLE. The CP is activated in active SLE disease, whereas activation of the LP might be more specific to disease manifestations like LN. Our results warrant further research into specific complement pathway activation in SLE patients to potentially improve specific-targeted and tailored-treatment approaches.
Neural underpinnings of preferential pain learning and the modulatory role of fear
Authors: Forkmann Katarina , Wiech Katja , Schmidt Katharina , Schmid-Köhler Julia , Bingel Ulrike
Published: July 2023

Due to its unique biological relevance, pain-related learning might differ from learning from other aversive experiences. This functional magnetic resonance imaging study compared neural mechanisms underlying the acquisition and extinction of different threats in healthy humans. We investigated whether cue-pain associations are acquired faster and extinguished slower than cue associations with an equally unpleasant tone. Additionally, we studied the modulatory role of stimulus-related fear. Therefore, we used a differential conditioning paradigm, in which somatic heat pain stimuli and unpleasantness-matched auditory stimuli served as US. Our results show stronger acquisition learning for pain- than tone-predicting cues, which was augmented in participants with relatively higher levels of fear of pain. These behavioral findings were paralleled by activation of brain regions implicated in threat processing (insula, amygdala) and personal significance (ventromedial prefrontal cortex). By contrast, extinction learning seemed to be less dependent on the threat value of the US, both on the behavioral and neural levels. Amygdala activity, however, scaled with pain-related fear during extinction learning. Our findings on faster and stronger (i.e. “preferential”) pain learning and the role of fear of pain are consistent with the biological relevance of pain and may be relevant to the development or maintenance of chronic pain.
The coexistence of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy is associated with worse kidney outcomes
Authors: Bermejo Sheila , González Ester , López-Revuelta Katia , Ibernon Meritxell , López Diana , Martín-Gómez Adoración , Garcia-Osuna Rosa , Linares Tania , Díaz Montserrat , Martín Nàdia , Barros Xoana , Marco Helena , Navarro Maruja Isabel , Esparza Noemí , Elias Sandra , Coloma Ana , Robles Nicolás Roberto , Agraz Irene , Poch Esteban , Rodas Lida , Lozano Víctor , Fernández-Fernández Beatriz , Hernández Eduardo , Martínez Maria Isabel , Stanescu Ramona Ionela , Moirón José Pelayo , García-Fernández Núria , Goicoechea Marian , Calero Francesca , Bonet Josep , Liaño Fernando , Pascual Julio , Bestard Oriol , Praga Manuel , Fulladosa Xavier , Soler María José
Published: July 2023

Background

Up to 50–60% of patients with diabetes have non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD) on kidney biopsy. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes frequently associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN). The objective of the current study was to investigate the kidney outcomes and survival in patients with biopsy diagnoses of DN and NDKD according to the presence of DR.

Methods

We conducted an observational, multicentre and retrospective study of the pathological findings of renal biopsies from 832 consecutive patients with diabetes from 2002 to 2014 from 18 nephrology departments. The association of DR with kidney replacement therapy (KRT) or survival was assessed by Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses.

Results

Of 832 patients with diabetes and renal biopsy, 768 had a retinal examination and 221/768 (22.6%) had DR. During a follow-up of 10 years, 288/760 (37.9%) patients with follow-up data needed KRT and 157/760 (20.7%) died. The incidence of KRT was higher among patients with DN (alone or with NDKD) and DR [103/175 (58.9%)] than among patients without DR [88/216 (40.7%), P < .0001]. The incidence of KRT was also higher among patients with only NDKD and DR than among those without DR [18/46 (39.1%) versus 79/331 (23.9%), P < .0001]. In multivariate analysis, DR or DN were independent risk factors for KRT {hazard ratio [HR] 2.48 [confidence interval (CI) 1.85–3.31], P < .001}. DN (with or without DR) was also identified as an independent risk factor for mortality [HR 1.81 (CI 1.26–2.62), P = .001].

Conclusions

DR is associated with a higher risk of progression to kidney failure in patients with histological DN and in patients with NDKD.
Political Aspects of Full Employment in Retrospect
Authors: Toporowski Jan
Published: July 2023

Kalecki’s ‘Political Aspects of Full Employment’ is a classic work of political economy, showing how full employment may be obtained by fiscal policy. However, full employment challenges key institution of capitalism, in the labour market evoking resistance from business and finance and the possibility of a political business cycle. The paper compares Kalecki’s vision of full employment with that of Keynes and the contribution of mass unemployment to fascism. The paper argues that Kalecki saw full employment as a transition to socialism.
CropGF: a comprehensive visual platform for crop gene family mining and analysis
Authors: Xu Jingtian , Zhu Can , Su Minzeng , Li Sida , Chao Haoyu , Chen Ming
Published: July 2023

A gene family refers to a group of genes that share a common ancestry and encode proteins or RNA molecules with similar functions or structural features. Gene families play a crucial role in determining the traits of plants and can be utilized to develop new crop varieties. Therefore, a comprehensive database of gene family is significant for gaining deep insight into crops. To address this need, we have developed CropGF (https://bis.zju.edu.cn/cropgf), a comprehensive visual platform that encompasses six important crops (rice, wheat, maize, barley, sorghum and foxtail millet) and one model plant (Arabidopsis), as well as genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics data for gene family mining and analysis, covering a total of 314 611 genes and 4399 types of domains. CropGF provides a versatile search system that allows for the identification of gene families and their members in a single crop or multiple crops. Users can customize their search based on gene family domains and/or homology using keywords or BLAST. To enhance usability, we have collected the corresponding ID information from various public databases for both genes and domains. Furthermore, CropGF comprises numerous downstream analysis modules, such as ka/ks analysis, phylogenetic tree construction, subcellular localization analysis and more. These visually-displayed modules provide intuitive insights into gene expression patterns, gene family expansion and functional relationships across different molecular levels and different species. We believe that CropGF will be a valuable resource for deep mining and analysis in future studies of crop gene families.

Database URL https://bis.zju.edu.cn/cropgf
Practical guidance to reduce radiation exposure in electrophysiology applying ultra low-dose protocols: a European Heart Rhythm Association review
Authors: Sommer Philipp , Sciacca Vanessa , Anselmino Matteo , Tilz Roland , Bourier Felix , Lehrmann Heiko , Bulava Alan
Published: July 2023

Interventional electrophysiology offers a great variety of treatment options to patients suffering from symptomatic cardiac arrhythmia. Catheter ablation of supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia has globally evolved a cornerstone in modern arrhythmia management. Complex interventional electrophysiological procedures engaging multiple ablation tools have been developed over the past decades. Fluoroscopy enabled interventional electrophysiologist throughout the years to gain profound knowledge on intracardiac anatomy and catheter movement inside the cardiac cavities and hence develop specific ablation approaches. However, the application of X-ray technologies imposes serious health risks to patients and operators. To reduce the use of fluoroscopy during interventional electrophysiological procedures to the possibly lowest degree and to establish an optimal protection of patients and operators in cases of fluoroscopy is the main goal of modern radiation management. The present manuscript gives an overview of possible strategies of fluoroscopy reduction and specific radiation protection strategies.
Cis-regulatory Landscape Size, Constraint, and Tissue Specificity Associate with Gene Function and Expression
Authors: Benton Mary Lauren , Ruderfer Douglas M , Capra John A
Published: July 2023

Multiple distal cis-regulatory elements (CREs) often cooperate to regulate gene expression, and the presence of multiple CREs for a gene has been proposed to provide redundancy and robustness to variation. However, we do not understand how attributes of a gene's distal CRE landscape—the CREs that contribute to its regulation—relate to its expression and function. Here, we integrate three-dimensional chromatin conformation and functional genomics data to quantify the CRE landscape composition genome-wide across ten human tissues and relate their attributes to the function, constraint, and expression patterns of genes. Within each tissue, we find that expressed genes have larger CRE landscapes than nonexpressed genes and that genes with tissue-specific CREs are more likely to have tissue-specific expression. Controlling for the association between expression level and CRE landscape size, we also find that CRE landscapes around genes under strong constraint (e.g., loss-of-function intolerant and housekeeping genes) are not significantly smaller than other expressed genes as previously proposed; however, they do have more evolutionarily conserved sequences than CREs of expressed genes overall. We also show that CRE landscape size does not associate with expression variability across individuals; nonetheless, genes with larger CRE landscapes have a relative depletion for variants that influence expression levels (expression quantitative trait loci). Overall, this work illustrates how differences in gene function, expression, and evolutionary constraint are reflected in features of CRE landscapes. Thus, considering the CRE landscape of a gene is vital for understanding gene expression dynamics across biological contexts and interpreting the effects of noncoding genetic variants.
Physical Health Problems as a Suicide Precipitant: Associations With Other Risk Factors and Suicide Methods in Three Age Groups of Older Decedents
Authors: Choi Namkee G , Choi Bryan Y , Marti C Nathan
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives

Physical health problems are a significant late-life suicide precipitant. This study’s purpose was to examine differences in (i) other suicide precipitants and psychiatric/substance use problems, and (ii) suicide methods (firearms, hanging/suffocation, and poisoning) in 3 age groups (55–64, 65–74, and 75+) of older suicide decedents who had physical health problems as a suicide precipitant.

Research Design and Methods

Data came from the 2017–2019 U.S. National Violent Death Reporting System (N = 34,912; 27,761 males [79.5%] and 7,151 females [20.5%]). Generalized linear models for a Poisson distribution with a log link were used to examine the study questions.

Results

Physical health problems were a suicide precipitant for 25.8%, 41.9%, and 57.7% of the 55–64, 65–74, and 75+ age groups, respectively, and were associated with a higher likelihood of having had depressed mood (IRR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.33–1.43) and other substance use problems (IRR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.13–1.31). Interaction effects showed that when job/finance/housing problems, depressed mood, or any psychiatric disorders were co-present with physical health problems, the age group differences in the predicted rates of physical health problems were diminished. Physical health problems were also positively associated with firearm and poisoning use, but negatively associated with hanging/suffocation. Interaction effects indicated that the predicted rates of firearm and poisoning use significantly increased among those aged 55–64 with than without physical health problems.

Discussion and Implications

In all 3 age groups of older suicide decedents, physical health problems were the predominant suicide precipitant, and those with physical health problems had elevated depressed mood. Assessment of suicide risk, affordable and accessible health, and mental health services, restriction of access to lethal suicide methods, and policy-based suicide prevention approaches for older adults with physical health problems are needed.
A practical strategy to use the ICD-11 for morbidity coding in the United States without a clinical modification
Authors: Fung Kin Wah , Xu Julia , McConnell-Lamptey Shannon , Pickett Donna , Bodenreider Olivier
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to derive and evaluate a practical strategy of replacing ICD-10-CM codes by ICD-11 for morbidity coding in the United States, without the creation of a Clinical Modification.

Materials and Methods

A stepwise strategy is described, using first the ICD-11 stem codes from the Mortality and Morbidity Statistics (MMS) linearization, followed by exposing Foundation entities, then adding postcoordination (with existing codes and adding new stem codes if necessary), with creating new stem codes as the last resort. The strategy was evaluated by recoding 2 samples of ICD-10-CM codes comprised of frequently used codes and all codes from the digestive diseases chapter.

Results

Among the 1725 ICD-10-CM codes examined, the cumulative coverage at the stem code, Foundation, and postcoordination levels are 35.2%, 46.5% and 89.4% respectively. 7.1% of codes require new extension codes and 3.5% require new stem codes. Among the new extension codes, severity scale values and anatomy are the most common categories. 5.5% of codes are not one-to-one matches (1 ICD-10-CM code matched to 1 ICD-11 stem code or Foundation entity) which could be potentially challenging.

Conclusion

Existing ICD-11 content can achieve full representation of almost 90% of ICD-10-CM codes, provided that postcoordination can be used and the coding guidelines and hierarchical structures of ICD-10-CM and ICD-11 can be harmonized. The various options examined in this study should be carefully considered before embarking on the traditional approach of a full-fledged ICD-11-CM.
Detecting balling defects using multisource transfer learning in wire arc additive manufacturing
Authors: Shin Seung-Jun , Hong Sung-Ho , Jadhav Sainand , Kim Duck Bong
Published: July 2023

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) has gained attention as a feasible process in large-scale metal additive manufacturing due to its high deposition rate, cost efficiency, and material diversity. However, WAAM induces a degree of uncertainty in the process stability and the part quality owing to its non-equilibrium thermal cycles and layer-by-layer stacking mechanism. Anomaly detection is therefore necessary for the quality monitoring of the parts. Most relevant studies have applied machine learning to derive data-driven models that detect defects through feature and pattern learning. However, acquiring sufficient data is time- and/or resource-intensive, which introduces a challenge to applying machine learning-based anomaly detection. This study proposes a multisource transfer learning method that generates anomaly detection models for balling defect detection, thus ensuring quality monitoring in WAAM. The proposed method uses convolutional neural network models to extract sufficient image features from multisource materials, then transfers and fine-tunes the models for anomaly detection in the target material. Stepwise learning is applied to extract image features sequentially from individual source materials, and composite learning is employed to assign the optimal frozen ratio for converging transferred and present features. Experiments were performed using a gas tungsten arc welding-based WAAM process to validate the classification accuracy of the models using low-carbon steel, stainless steel, and Inconel.
The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in improving plant water status under drought
Authors: Abdalla Mohanned , Bitterlich Michael , Jansa Jan , Püschel David , Ahmed Mutez A
Published: July 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been presumed to ameliorate crop tolerance to drought. Here, we review the role of AMF in maintaining water supply to plants from drying soils and the underlying biophysical mechanisms. We used a soil–plant hydraulic model to illustrate the impact of several AMF mechanisms on plant responses to edaphic drought. The AMF enhance the soil’s capability to transport water and extend the effective root length, thereby attenuating the drop in matric potential at the root surface during soil drying. The synthesized evidence and the corresponding simulations demonstrate that symbiosis with AMF postpones the stress onset limit, which is defined as the disproportionality between transpiration rates and leaf water potentials, during soil drying. The symbiosis can thus help crops survive extended intervals of limited water availability. We also provide our perspective on future research needs and call for reconciling the dynamic changes in soil and root hydraulics in order to better understand the role of AMF in plant water relations in the face of climate changes.
Engineering xylose fermentation in an industrial yeast: continuous cultivation as a tool for selecting improved strains
Authors: Basso Thalita P , Procópio Dielle P , Petrin Thais H C , Giacon Thamiris G , Jin Yong-Su , Basso Thiago O , Basso Luiz C
Published: July 2023

Production of second-generation ethanol from lignocellulosic residues should be fueling the energy matrix in the near future. Lignocellulosic biomass has received considerable attention as an alternative renewable resource toward reducing the demand for fossil energy sources, contributing to a future sustainable bio-based economy. Fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates poses many scientific and technological challenges as the drawback of Saccharomyces cerevisiae’s inability in fermenting pentose sugars (derived from hemicellulose). To overcome the inability of S. cerevisiae to ferment xylose and increase yeast robustness in the presence of inhibitory compound-containing media, the industrial S. cerevisiae strain SA-1 was engineered using CRISPR-Cas9 with the oxidoreductive xylose pathway from Scheffersomyces stipitis (encoded by XYL1, XYL2, and XYL3). The engineered strain was then cultivated in a xylose-limited chemostat under increasing dilution rates (for 64 days) to improve its xylose consumption kinetics under aerobic conditions. The evolved strain (DPY06) and its parental strain (SA-1 XR/XDH) were evaluated under microaerobic in a hemicellulosic hydrolysate-based medium. DPY06 exhibited 35% higher volumetric ethanol productivity compared to its parental strain.
Micromorphological Sculptural Diversity in Foliar Epidermis and Trichomes Features among Invasive Species
Authors: Manzoor Ribaha , Zafar Muhammad , Yaqoob Tayyaba , Ahmad Mushtaq , Ramadan Mohamed Fawzy , Althobaiti Ashwaq T , Demirpolat Azize , Çobanoğlu Duygu Nur , Sultana Shazia , Makhkamov Trobjon , Mamarakhimov Oybek , Yuldashev Akramjon , Khakimova Dilabza , Nizomova Maxsuda , Ochilov Ulugbek , Majeed Salman
Published: July 2023

This study examines the role of light microscopic (LM) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) micromorphological traits of the epidermis in identifying and classifying invasive plants. SEM was conducted to increase our understanding of microscopic qualities that are not visible in light microscopy and to elucidate unclear affinities among invasive species. The study examines invasive species’ morphological and anatomical characteristics from the Pothohar Plateau of Pakistan for the first time. The results showed that various micromorphological features are very useful for species’ accurate identification. Adaxial and abaxial surfaces of leaves showed variations in subsidiary cells, glands, anticlinal wall patterns, stomata, and epidermal cells. Epidermal cell shapes observed were irregular, elongated, rectangular, and polygonal. Epidermal cells having maximum length were calculated in Stellaria media (126.3 μm) on adaxial side. On the abaxial surface, the minimum length was noticed in Eucalyptus camaldulensis (28.5 μm). Both glandular and nonglandular trichomes were examined, ranging from unicellular to multicellular. Most of the investigated specimens of leaves were amphistomatic, while some were hypostomatic, like Alternanthera pungens, Calotropis procera, Cannabis sativa, Lantana camara, and Thevetia peruviana. Leaf epidermal morphology contains numerous useful systematic features for accurate identifications of plant species. The micromorphological attributes under observation provide a standard criterion to the researcher for identifications of invasive flora in future morpho-taxonomic studies.
High-throughput quantum chemistry: empowering the search for molecular candidates behind unknown spectral signatures in exoplanetary atmospheres
Authors: Zapata Trujillo Juan C , Pettyjohn Maria M , McKemmish Laura K
Published: July 2023

The identification of molecules in exoplanetary atmospheres is only possible thanks to the availability of high-resolution molecular spectroscopic data. However, due to its intensive and time-consuming generation process, at present, only 100 molecules have high-resolution spectroscopic data available, limiting new molecular detections. Using routine quantum chemistry calculations (i.e. scaled harmonic frequency calculations using the B97-1/def2-TZVPD model chemistry with median errors of 10 cm−1), here we present a complementary high-throughput approach to rapidly generate approximate vibrational spectral data for 2743 molecules made from the biologically most important elements C, H, N, O, P, and S. Though these data are not accurate enough to enable definitive molecular detections and do not seek to replace the need for high-resolution data, it has powerful applications in identifying potential molecular candidates responsible for unknown spectral features. We explore this application for the $4.1\,\mu{\rm m}$ (2439 cm−1) feature in the atmospheric spectrum of WASP-39b, listing potential alternative molecular species responsible for this spectral line, together with SO2. Further applications of this big data compilation also include identifying molecules with strong absorption features that are likely detectable at quite low abundances and providing a training set for machine learning predictions of vibrational frequencies. Characterizing exoplanetary atmospheres through molecular spectroscopy is essential to understanding the planet’s physico-chemical processes and likelihood of hosting life. Our rapidly generated quantum chemistry big data set will play a crucial role in supporting this understanding by giving directions into possible initial identifications of the more unusual molecules to emerge.
Pattern breaking: a complex systems approach to psychedelic medicine
Authors: Hipólito Inês , Mago Jonas , Rosas Fernando E , Carhart-Harris Robin
Published: July 2023

Recent research has demonstrated the potential of psychedelic therapy for mental health care. However, the psychological experience underlying its therapeutic effects remains poorly understood. This paper proposes a framework that suggests psychedelics act as destabilizers, both psychologically and neurophysiologically. Drawing on the ‘entropic brain’ hypothesis and the ‘RElaxed Beliefs Under pSychedelics’ model, this paper focuses on the richness of psychological experience. Through a complex systems theory perspective, we suggest that psychedelics destabilize fixed points or attractors, breaking reinforced patterns of thinking and behaving. Our approach explains how psychedelic-induced increases in brain entropy destabilize neurophysiological set points and lead to new conceptualizations of psychedelic psychotherapy. These insights have important implications for risk mitigation and treatment optimization in psychedelic medicine, both during the peak psychedelic experience and during the subacute period of potential recovery.
On Debt and climate
Authors: Bolton Patrick , Buchheit Lee , Gulati Mitu , Panizza Ugo , di Mauro Beatrice Weder , Zettelmeyer Jeromin
Published: July 2023

This article discusses the links between climate and debt sustainability by focusing on how climate mitigation and adaptation are paid for, and who pays for it. This requires thinking about instruments such as sovereign bonds, carbon credits, conditional official grants and debt relief from both public and private sources. The article discusses the role of green bonds, carbon offsets, grants and debt relief. Among these solutions, no single instrument appears to be right for all countries or at all times. To move forward, we make six proposals and policy recommendations that can jointly address climate change and debt sustainability.
Negative expressions are shared more on Twitter for public figures than for ordinary users
Authors: Schöne Jonas P , Garcia David , Parkinson Brian , Goldenberg Amit
Published: July 2023

Social media users tend to produce content that contains more positive than negative emotional language. However, negative emotional language is more likely to be shared. To understand why, research has thus far focused on psychological processes associated with tweets' content. In the current study, we investigate if the content producer influences the extent to which their negative content is shared. More specifically, we focus on a group of users that are central to the diffusion of content on social media—public figures. We found that an increase in negativity was associated with a stronger increase in sharing for public figures compared to ordinary users. This effect was explained by two user characteristics, the number of followers and thus the strength of ties and the proportion of political tweets. The results shed light on whose negativity is most viral, allowing future research to develop interventions aimed at mitigating overexposure to negative content.
Exogenous hydrogen sulfide alleviates hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress via SIRT1/FoxO1/PCSK9 pathway in NAFLD
Authors: Cui Xiaomeng , Yao Menglin , Feng Yanjing , Li Chengjun , Li Yarui , Guo Dan , He Shuixiang
Published: July 2023

High‐fat‐induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been the main reason for the occurrence and development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) produces a marked effect on regulating lipid metabolism and antioxidation, whose effects on ER stress of NAFLD are still unclear. Here, we studied the influence of exogenous H2S on NAFLD and its potential mechanism. In vivo, NAFLD model was induced by high‐fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, followed by intraperitoneal injection of exogenous H2S intervention for 4 weeks. HepG2 cells exposure to lipid mixture (LM) were used as vitro model to explore the potential mechanism. We found exogenous H2S significantly inhibited the hepatic ER stress and improved the liver fat deposition of HFD‐fed mice. These similar results were also observed in HepG2 cells dealt with LM after exogenous H2S treatment. Further mechanism studies showed exogenous H2S strengthened the combination of FoxO1 with the PCSK9 promoter gene through SIRT1‐mediated deacetylation, thereby inhibiting the PCSK9 expression to relieve the hepatic ER stress. However, SIRT1 knockout eliminated the effects of exogenous H2S on FoxO1 deacetylation, PCSK9 inhibition, and remission of hepatic ER stress and steatosis. In conclusion, exogenous H2S improved NAFLD by inhibiting hepatic ER stress through SIRT1/FoxO1/PCSK9 pathway. Exogenous H2S and ER stress may be potential drug and target for the treatment of NAFLD, respectively.
A Case of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy after Dermal Burn on the Face and Hands
Authors: Kigure Ryuta , Akiyama Goh , Tosa Mamiko , Ogawa Rei
Published: July 2023

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome, generally has a good prognosis but occasionally causes serious complications. It is often triggered by physical and emotional stressors. Burns have been associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy in six cases in the literature. We report here the seventh case. The patient, an 86-year-old woman with burn injuries to her face and hands due to a fire in her home, developed takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The condition was suspected soon after presentation due to precautionary electrocardiogram and then laboratory findings of elevated myocardial biomarkers. The diagnosis was then confirmed by left ventriculography. The cardiomyopathy resolved spontaneously without complications. The burn in our patient affected only 5% of total body surface area, but its impact may have been augmented by emotional stress caused by the patient losing her home in the fire. Our review of the six burn-related takotsubo cardiomyopathy cases in the literature showed that two of the cases also had small burns in combination with severe emotional stress. Since all six cases developed serious complications, the possibility of takotsubo cardiomyopathy should be suspected, even with small burns.
Hardware Salvage in the Lower Extremity after Flap Coverage: 10-Year Single Center Outcomes Analysis
Authors: Mardourian Markos , Wiesemann Gayle S. , Sachse Caroline C. , Nichols David S. , Hagen Jennifer E. , Chim Harvey
Published: July 2023

Background:

An unanswered question with open tibial fractures is whether the type of flap used affects hardware retention. Flap survival may not equate hardware retention or limb salvage. In this study, we performed a 10-year single institution review and analysis of all patients who had placement of hardware for open tibial fractures followed by flap coverage.

Methods:

Inclusion criteria consisted of patients who underwent pedicled or free flap coverage of Gustilo IIIB or IIIC tibial fractures requiring open reduction and internal fixation. Outcomes and complications were statistically analyzed based on flap type. Flap type was stratified into free versus pedicled flaps and muscle versus fasciocutaneous flaps. Primary outcome measures included hardware failure and infection requiring hardware removal. Secondary outcome measures included limb salvage, flap success, and fracture union.

Results:

Overall primary outcome measures were better for pedicled flaps (n = 31), with lower rates of hardware failure and infection (25.8%; 9.7%) compared with free flaps (n = 27) (51.9%; 37.0%). Limb salvage and flap success was not different comparing pedicled and free flaps. There was no significant difference in outcomes between muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps. Multivariable analysis showed that patients who had free versus pedicled flaps or muscle versus fasciocutaneous flaps had a higher chance of hardware failure. A formal orthoplastic team was established in the period from 2017 to 2022, after which flap numbers were higher and hardware failure less for pedicled and fasciocutaneous flaps.

Conclusions:

Pedicled flaps were associated with lower rates of hardware failure and infection requiring hardware removal. A formal orthoplastic team improves hardware-related outcomes.
Abdominal Wall Incisional Hernia Repair with the Anterior Component Separation Technique and Reinforcement with an Anterior Rectus Abdominis Sheath Flap
Authors: Ishimoto Yuki , Otsuki Yuki , Nuri Takashi , Ueda Koichi
Published: July 2023

Mesh repair is currently the mainstay of treatment for abdominal wall incisional hernias and is considered the standard of care. However, if radiotherapy is used, the possibility of complications such as exposure or infection of the prosthesis after the surgery as a complication of the radiotherapy is a concern. The patient was a 51-year-old woman who underwent laparotomy by a mid-abdominal incision for ovarian tumors. Approximately 2 years later, the patient presented with a hypertrophic scar of the wound and mild pain in the scar. The hypertrophic scar was improved gradually by corticosteroid injection. However, she had a bulge on the left side of the umbilicus just below the hypertrophic scar. Computed tomography showed a 65 × 69 mm2 hernial orifice on the left side of the umbilical abdominal wall, and an abdominal wall incisional hernia was diagnosed. The patient underwent closure by the ACS technique and reinforcement by unilateral inversion of the anterior rectus abdominis sheath for the abdominal wall incisional hernia. No recurrence of the hypertrophic scar or abdominal wall incisional hernia was observed during the follow-up period. In the present case, the hernial orifice was closed by a modified ACS technique that was combined with the anterior rectus abdominis sheath turnover flap. This technique is likely a less invasive and relatively simple method resulting in a tighter repair of the abdominal hernia than the ACS method alone, without prostheses.
Budget Impact of Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatments of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Analysis of 6 States With Limited New Technology Coverage
Authors: Rojanasarot Sirikan , Baxter Julie , Suzuki Emi , Bresee James , Chughtai Bilal
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

Prostatic urethral lift (PUL) and water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) differ in treatment durability and cost of disposables, possibly leading to different long-term costs. This study compares the budget impact of PUL and WVTT for US payers in 6 states (Alabama, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington) over a 5-year time horizon.

Materials and Methods:

An Excel-based budget impact model was developed to estimate average total medical costs per patient of PUL and WVTT at years 1 and 5 for men with moderate-to-severe BPH. After undergoing an index procedure, men could experience adverse events (AEs) or retreatment while accumulating costs over time. Clinical inputs were derived from PUL and WVTT clinical trials while cost inputs were derived from 2021 Medicare reimbursement rates.

Results:

At year 1, per-patient costs of PUL ranged from $5690 (Alabama) to $7323 (New Jersey) compared with year 1 costs of WVTT that ranged from $1829 (Alabama) to $2330 (New Jersey). The lower year 1 costs of WVTT stemmed from both lower procedural costs relative to PUL and better durability (lower costs associated with fewer retreatments and AEs). The cost differences between the 2 treatments continued to diverge in years 2 to 5. Through year 5, the cost savings associated with WVTT vs PUL ranged from $4383 (Alabama) to $5649 (New Jersey).

Conclusions:

Compared with PUL, the use of WVTT could potentially allow payers to cover BPH treatments for more members without compromising clinical outcomes or increasing budgets.
Diabetes: A Transcultural History of a Disease Concept in the Late Qing and Republican China
Authors: Miao Peng
Published: July 2023

In the past few years, the medical knowledge transfer in a West-East direction has attracted increased scholarly attention from European and American historians, whereas studies on such “knowledge travels” conducted in the East Asian context focus mainly on political and socio-cultural concepts. To provide an alternative perspective on the travel of Western medicine to Chinese soil, a case study on “diabetes” is conducted, under the theoretical framework of “transcultural conceptual history”. This paper systematically analyses the standardization, popularization, politicization, and derivatizationof “diabetes”, calling for further attention to transcultural histories of medical concepts in modern China.
Personalized medicine in sarcoidosis: unravelling biomarkers for targeted care
Authors: Francesqui Joel , Marrades Pau , Sellares Jacobo
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

This review provides an assessment of biomarkers in sarcoidosis, aiming to address the need for improved diagnostic, prognostic and management tools. Sarcoidosis presents diagnostic challenges, necessitating the search for reliable biomarkers to guide clinical decisions.

Recent findings

Established biomarkers such as serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and serum interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) have limitations in sensitivity and specificity. FDG-PET/CT imaging shows promising results in assessing disease activity and guiding immunosuppression. Gene expression profiling studies reveal potential biomarkers, particularly involving TH1 immune response and IFN-γ-driven signalling pathways. The field of omics sciences offers opportunities for novel biomarker discovery.

These findings have implications for clinical practice and research. The limitations of established biomarkers underscore the need for improved diagnostic tools in sarcoidosis. The potential of FDG-PET/CT imaging requires further exploration. Gene expression profiling and omics sciences offer avenues for discovering novel biomarkers to enhance diagnosis and predict disease progression. Such advancements can facilitate personalized treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. Continued research is vital to validate the efficacy and clinical applicability of these biomarkers. Overall, this review emphasizes ongoing efforts to advance sarcoidosis biomarkers research and improve disease management.