bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dominated “Inheritance” of Endophytes in Grapevines from Stock Plants via In Vitro-Cultured Plantlets: The Dawn of Plant Endophytic Modifications
Authors: Xiang Si-Yu , Wang Yu-Tao , Chen Chun-Xiao , Liao Chang-Mei , Li Tong , Pan Xiao-Xia , Zhu Shu-Sheng , Yang Ming-Zhi
Published: February 2023

We hypothesize herein the “inheritance” of endophytes in grapevines through in vitro-culture plantlets (IVCPs) from a stock plant to established plants, and, subsequently, that endophytes can be modified at the IVCP stage to emphasize one or more of those “heritable” endophytes in later-developed plants. Using a DNA amplicon sequencing approach, we investigated the dynamic successions of endophytic communities in two taxonomically different varieties of grapevines from IVCPs (stage 1) to plants of later growth stages (stages 2–4). Despite the great alterations of endophytic amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) during the development of grapevines, our results demonstrated the dominant preservation of earlier-stage-acquired endophytic ASVs in grapevines of later stages. More importantly, we detected the dominant “inheritances” of the IVCP-borne ASVs, which succeeded from the stock grapevine throughout all growth stages of grapevines, with a few of these ASVs accounting for the major relative abundance (RA: 35–76%) in later-established grapevines. Notably, most of these dominantly “inherited” IVCP-borne endophytes belong to genera from which species have been frequently reported to have great agricultural and horticultural importance. In addition, horizontally transmitted endophytic (HTE) ASVs are able to dominate in later-developed grapevines. This work illustrates the evolution of endophytes from IVCPs to plants of later-growth stages. The results suggest a strategy to “breed” plant lines with certain beneficial endophytes at the IVCP stage, which has been termed herein as “plant endophytic modification”.
Design and Optimization of a Hybrid Solar–Wind Power Generation System for Greenhouses
Authors: Baxevanou Catherine , Fidaros Dimitrios , Papaioannou Chryssoula , Katsoulas Nikolaos
Published: February 2023

The climate crisis and energy price increases make energy supply a crucial parameter in the design of greenhouses. One way to tackle both these issues is the local production of energy from renewable sources. Since the permitted photovoltaic power installation on a greenhouse roof is limited by the need for an adequate amount of photosynthetically active radiation at the crop level, the necessity of designing a hybrid production system combining different renewable sources, storage systems, and conventional sources arises. The present work addresses the multifactorial problem of the optimal design (in terms of energy production quality, produced electricity price and CO2 emissions) of a hybrid power generation system (photovoltaics/wind turbine/accumulators/oil generating unit) to meet greenhouse needs. The design accounts for the needs of production (for tomato cultivation) for different combinations of production and energy equipment (for microclimate management). Extended parametric studies for available solar and wind potential and energy demand are used to generalize the conclusions. Special attention is given to the contribution of various wind turbine sizes. The effect of greenhouse orientation and of photovoltaic modules arrangement on arched roofs is also examined and the different greenhouse energy systems are assessed in terms of energy cost and environmental footprint.
Do Rootstocks Influence Global Fruit Quality, Postharvest Performance and Metabolite Profiles of Persea americana cv. Hass?
Authors: Hernández Ignacia , Molina Vitalia , Fuentealba Claudia , Alvaro Juan E. , Defilippi Bruno G. , Pedreschi Romina
Published: February 2023

The choice of rootstock has a significant impact, not only on fruit growth and development, but also on avocado fruit quality and postharvest performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare attributes related to the postharvest quality of Hass avocados from “Mexicola” and “Duke 7” rootstocks grown under similar conditions. This study included two harvests: early (23–26% dry matter) and middle (>26–30% dry matter) per season for the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons and two storage conditions (regular air (RA) at 5 °C and controlled atmosphere (CA) at 4 kPa O2 and 6 kPa CO2 at 5 °C) for 55 days. The results showed significant differences in firmness, color and vascular and flesh browning between storage conditions; in addition to these last three attributes, the rootstock played an important role. The fatty acid profile did not reveal significant differences between fruit from both rootstocks. Finally, the polar metabolite profiles revealed differences only for the storage condition, not associated to the rootstock, which could affect the postharvest performance of Hass avocado fruit. This study is one of the few available showing the interaction of rootstock/Hass cultivar on fruit quality and postharvest performance.
Professional Archaeology in the UK under COVID-19
Authors: Aitchison Kenneth R.
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic had serious effects on the delivery of commercial archaeology in the United Kingdom during 2020 and 2021. This article presents a contemporary history of two years of practice and political developments. Because of commercial archaeology’s place within the broader construction sector, it became a ‘protected’ industry, resulting in a massive increase in the amount of work undertaken. Archaeology adapted remarkably well to the difficult and dangerous conditions of the pandemic, while encountering new challenges in staff recruitment.
Classification and Secondary Metabolite-Biosynthetic Gene Clusters of Marine Streptomyces Strains Including a Lobophorin- and Divergolide-Producer
Authors: Komaki Hisayuki , Tamura Tomohiko , Igarashi Yasuhiro
Published: February 2023

Two Streptomyces strains, named N11-26 and DC10-5, were isolated from deep-sea and non-photosynthetic stony coral, respectively. Strain N11-26 produces lobophorin C and divergolides, which are antimicrobial substances. This study aimed to classify these strains and reveal their cryptic potential to synthesize other secondary metabolites, such as polyketides and nonribosomal peptides. Strains N11-26 and DC10-5 showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 100% and 99.9% to Streptomyces olivaceus NRRL B-3009T, respectively. By digital DNA–DNA hybridization using whole-genome sequences, these strains were classified as Streptomyces olivaceus. Strain N11-26 was closer to the type strain of S. olivaceus than strain DC10-5 and possessed 17 clusters of polyketide synthase (PKS) and/or nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) genes, whereas strain DC10-5 harbored 19 clusters. Putative products by these gene clusters were predicted by bioinformatic analyses. Although 15 clusters were conserved between the two strains, two and four clusters were specific in strains N11-26 and DC10-5, respectively. This represents a diversity of potential polyketide and nonribosomal peptide compounds between strains of S. olivaceus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report annotating all the PKS and NRPS gene clusters in S. olivaceus strains with their putative products to provide useful information for genome mining.
Precipitation, Vegetation, and Groundwater Relationships in a Rangeland Ecosystem in the Chihuahuan Desert, Northern Mexico
Authors: Ochoa Carlos G. , Villarreal-Guerrero Federico , Prieto-Amparán Jesús A. , Garduño Hector R. , Huang Feng , Ortega-Ochoa Carlos
Published: February 2023

For this study, conducted in a semiarid (318 mm) rangeland setting in the Chihuahuan Desert region in northern Mexico, we evaluated the seasonal and interannual variability of precipitation, vegetation, and groundwater relations. Between 2012 and 2014, a series of soil and water conservation practices (e.g., land imprinting, contour furrows, and planting of native shrub species) were conducted in several areas within the 2500 ha study site. Since 2014, the site has been gradually instrumented to monitor several hydrologic variables, including rainfall, soil water content, and groundwater. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Infrared Index (NDII) vegetation indices were used to evaluate vegetation conditions between 2007 and 2021, before and after the treatment. Soil water content and groundwater began to be monitored in 2014 and 2016, respectively. Study results show that NDVI and NDII values were higher in the years following the treatment. A negative trend in NDVI values was observed in the years before restoration and reversed in the post-treatment years. The relatively low levels of soil water content obtained every year followed a seasonal response to precipitation inputs characterized by a quick rise and decline at the 0.2 m depth and a more gradual rise and decline for sensors at 0.5 m and 0.8 m depths. A positive trend in groundwater levels has been observed since the onset of monitoring in 2016, with seasonal groundwater levels rising between 0.7 m and 1.3 m for most years, except for 2020, when levels dropped 1 m. The yearly recharge of the aquifer ranged between 102 mm and 197 mm. The conservation practices employed have positively affected the state of the rangeland ecosystem. The upward trends in NDVI, NDII, and groundwater levels observed in the post-treatment years were partly attributed to improved land conditions. The findings of this study contribute to the improved understanding of land use and environmental relations in summer precipitation-dominated rangeland ecosystems.
Presence and Persistence of Listeria monocytogenes in the Danish Ready-to-Eat Food Production Environment
Authors: Takeuchi-Storm Nao , Hansen Lisbeth Truelstrup , Nielsen Niels Ladefoged , Andersen Jens Kirk
Published: February 2023

Listeria monocytogenes is an ubiquitously occurring foodborne bacterial pathogen known to contaminate foods during the production processes. To assess the presence and persistence of L. monocytogenes in Danish ready-to-eat (RTE) food production companies in response to a Listeria awareness campaign, the production environment of selected companies were sampled in 2016 and in 2020. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to characterize the isolates (n = 50, plus 35 isolates obtained from the routine surveillance during 2016–2020), including investigation of the presence of virulence, persistence and resistance genes. The number of companies that tested positive by culture was 17/39 (43.6%) in 2016 and 11/34 (32.4%) in 2020, indicating a limited effect of the campaign. WGS analyses of the 85 isolates showed that the most common sequence types (STs) were ST8 and ST121. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis showed that isolates coming from the same company and belonging to the same ST exhibited <10 SNP differences regardless of the sampling year and whether the samples came from the environment or products, indicating the persistence of the specific STs. Several prevalent STs were found in clinical cases concurrently, including genetically similar isolates. This highlights the issue of persistent L. monocytogenes in the food production environment and the need for improved risk communication and mitigation strategies.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Emotion of People Living with and without HIV
Authors: Lusher Joanne , Abeldaño Zuñiga Roberto Ariel , Virtanen Jorma I. , Ellakany Passent , Yousaf Muhammad Abrar , Osamika Bamidele Emmanuel , Gaffar Balgis , Lawal Folake Barakat , Khalid Zumama , Aly Nourhan M. , Nguyen Annie Lu , Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic is a source of mental stress, particularly for special populations. The present study identified the associations between emotional distress and HIV status among adults in 152 countries during the first wave of the pandemic. This was a cross-sectional study that gathered data via an online survey carried out between July and December 2020. The dependent variable was emotional distress (frustration/boredom, anxiety, depression, loneliness, anger, or grief/feeling of loss), and the independent variable was HIV status (positive or negative). The confounding factors were sociodemographic variables (age, sex, education level, and employment status). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between the independent and dependent variables after adjusting for confounders. Of the 16,866 participants, 905 (5.4%) reported living with HIV. Of these, 188 (20.8%) felt frustrated/bored, 238 (26.3%) anxious, 160 (17.7%) depressed, 148 (16.4%) lonely, 84 (9.3%) angry, and 53 (5.9%) grief/a sense of loss. Individuals living with HIV had higher odds of feeling anxious (AOR:1.64), depressed (AOR:1.80), and lonely (AOR:1.35) when compared to people living without HIV. This study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic can exacerbate emotional stress for those living with HIV, and the system in which COVID-19 impacts emotional health among different sociodemographic groups introduces further complexities regarding this observed effect.
Latent Semantic Sequence Coding Applied to Taxi Travel Time Estimation
Authors: Zhao Zilin , Chi Yuanying , Ding Zhiming , Chang Mengmeng , Cai Zhi
Published: February 2023

Taxi travel time estimation based on real-time traffic flow collection in IoT has been well explored; however, it becomes a challenge to use the limited taxi data to estimate the travel time. Most of the existing methods in this scenario rely on shallow feature engineering. Nevertheless, they have limited performance in learning complex moving patterns. Thus, a Latent Semantic Pulse Sequence-based Deep Neural Network (LSPS-DNN) is proposed in this paper to improve the taxi travel time estimation performance by constructing a latent semantic propagation graph representing the latent path sequence. It first extracts the shallow modal features of trips, such as the time period and spatial location at different granularities. The representation of the pulse propagation graph is then extracted from shallow spatial features using a Pulse Coupled Neural Network (PCNN). Further, the propagation graph is encoded with negative sampling to obtain the embedding of deep propagation features between ODs. Meanwhile, we conduct deep network learning based on the Chengdu and NYC taxi datasets; our experimental evaluation results show it has a better performance compared to traditional feature construction methods.
Classification of Seismaesthesia Information and Seismic Intensity Assessment by Multi-Model Coupling
Authors: Lv Qingzhou , Liu Wanzeng , Li Ran , Yang Hui , Tao Yuan , Wang Mengjiao
Published: February 2023

Earthquake disaster assessment is one of the most critical aspects in reducing earthquake disaster losses. However, traditional seismic intensity assessment methods are not effective in disaster-stricken areas with insufficient observation data. Social media data contain a large amount of disaster information with the advantages of timeliness and multiple temporal-spatial scales, opening up a new channel for seismic intensity assessment. Based on the earthquake disaster information on the microblog platform obtained by the network technique, a multi-model coupled seismic intensity assessment method is proposed, which is based on the BERT-TextCNN model, constrained by the seismaesthesia intensity attenuation model, and supplemented by the method of ellipse-fitting inverse distance interpolation. Taking four earthquakes in Sichuan Province as examples, the earthquake intensity was evaluated in the affected areas from the perspective of seismaesthesia. The results show that (1) the microblog data contain a large amount of earthquake information, which can help identify the approximate scope of the disaster area; (2) the influences of the subjectivity and uneven spatial distribution of microblog data on the seismic intensity assessment can be reduced by using the seismaesthesia intensity attenuation model and the method of ellipse-fitting inverse distance interpolation; and (3) the accuracy of seismic intensity assessment based on the coupled model is 70.81%. Thus, the model has higher accuracy and universality. It can be used to assess seismic intensity in multiple regions and assist in the formulation of earthquake relief plans.
Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Substituted Derivatives of NCR169C Peptide
Authors: Howan Dian H. O. , Jenei Sándor , Szolomajer János , Endre Gabriella , Kondorosi Éva , Tóth Gábor K.
Published: February 2023

Medicago truncatula in symbiosis with its rhizobial bacterium partner produces more than 700 nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides with diverse physicochemical properties. Most of the cationic NCR peptides have antimicrobial activity and the potential to tackle antimicrobial resistance with their novel modes of action. This work focuses on the antibacterial activity of the NCR169 peptide derivatives as we previously demonstrated that the C-terminal sequence of NCR169 (NCR169C17–38) has antifungal activity, affecting the viability, morphology, and biofilm formation of various Candida species. Here, we show that NCR169C17–38 and its various substituted derivatives are also able to kill ESKAPE pathogens such as Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. The replacement of the two cysteines with serines enhanced the antimicrobial activity against most of the tested bacteria, indicating that the formation of a disulfide bridge is not required. As tryptophan can play role in the interaction with bacterial membranes and thus in antibacterial activity, we replaced the tryptophans in the NCR169C17–38C12,17/S sequence with various modified tryptophans, namely 5-methyl tryptophan, 5-fluoro tryptophan, 6-fluoro tryptophan, 7-aza tryptophan, and 5-methoxy tryptophan, in the synthesis of NCR169C17–38C12,17/S analogs. The results demonstrate that the presence of modified fluorotryptophans can significantly enhance the antimicrobial activity without notable hemolytic effect, and this finding could be beneficial for the further development of new AMPs from the members of the NCR peptide family.
Study of the Kinetics of Reduction of IrO2 on TiO2 (Anatase) by Temperature-Programmed Reduction
Authors: Batubara Shahad , Alrushaid Mogbel , Amtiaz Nadeem Muhammad , Idriss Hicham
Published: February 2023

The interaction between IrO2 and TiO2 (anatase) in non-isothermal reduction conditions has been studied by the temperature programmed reduction technique. IrO2 clusters are of sizes between 0.5 and 0.9 nm as determined from High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). Largely, two main regions for reduction were found and modeled at ca. 100 and 230 °C. The first region is attributed to the partial reduction of IrO2 clusters, while the second one is due to reduction of the formed crystalline (rutile IrO2), during TPR, to Ir metal. Two methods for calculating kinetic parameters were tested. First, by applying different ramping rates on a 3.5 wt.% IrO2/TiO2 using Kissinger’s method. The apparent activation energy values for the first and second reduction regions were found to be ca. 35 and 100 kJ/mol, respectively. The second method was based on fitting different kinetic models for the experimental results in order to extract qualitative information on the nature of interaction during the reduction process. It was found that the first reduction is largely due to the amount of IrO2 (reactant concentration) while the second one involved phase boundary effect as well as nucleation.
Genome Assembly and Comparative Analysis of the Egg Parasitoid Wasp Trichogramma dendrolimi Shed Light on the Composition and Evolution of Olfactory Receptors and Venoms
Authors: Zhang Xue , Jiang Zhuo , Jiao Xilin , Yu Yang , Wang Zhenan , Hou Yangyang , Duan Guohua , Du Wenmei , Ruan Changchun , Zhang Junjie , Hu Ying
Published: February 2023

Trichogramma dendrolimi is one of the most successfully industrialized Trichogramma species used to control agricultural and forestry pests in China. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its host recognition and parasitism remain largely unknown, partially due to the limited genome information of this parasitoid wasp. Here, we present a high-quality de novo assembly of T. dendrolimi through a combination of Illumina and PacBio sequencing technologies. The final assembly had a length of 215.2 Mb and contains 316 scaffolds with a scaffold N50 size of 1.41 Mb. Repetitive sequences with a length of 63.4 Mb and 12,785 protein-coding genes were identified. Significantly expanded gene families were identified to be involved in the development and regulatory processes, while remarkably contracted gene families were involved in the transport processes in T. dendrolimi. The olfactory and venom-associated genes were identified in T. dendrolimi and 24 other hymenopteran species, using uniform methods combining BLAST and HMM profiling. The identified venom genes of T. dendrolimi were enriched in antioxidant activity, tricarboxylic acid cycle, response to oxidative stress and cell redox homeostasis. Our study provides an important resource for comparative genomics and functional studies to interpret the molecular mechanisms underlying host recognition and parasitism of Trichogramma species.
A Deep-Learning-Based Detection Approach for the Identification of Insect Species of Economic Importance
Authors: Tannous Michael , Stefanini Cesare , Romano Donato
Published: February 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are fostering more sustainable and effective solutions for a wide spectrum of agricultural problems. Pest management is a major challenge for crop production that can benefit from machine learning techniques to detect and monitor specific pests and diseases. Traditional monitoring is labor intensive, time demanding, and expensive, while machine learning paradigms may support cost-effective crop protection decisions. However, previous studies mainly relied on morphological images of stationary or immobilized animals. Other features related to living animals behaving in the environment (e.g., walking trajectories, different postures, etc.) have been overlooked so far. In this study, we developed a detection method based on convolutional neural network (CNN) that can accurately classify in real-time two tephritid species (Ceratitis capitata and Bactrocera oleae) free to move and change their posture. Results showed a successful automatic detection (i.e., precision rate about 93%) in real-time of C. capitata and B. oleae adults using a camera sensor at a fixed height. In addition, the similar shape and movement patterns of the two insects did not interfere with the network precision. The proposed method can be extended to other pest species, needing minimal data pre-processing and similar architecture.
Characterization of Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) Isolates in Terms of Efficacy against Cereal Ground Beetle Zabrus tenebrioides (Coleoptera: Carabidae): Morphometry and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Matuska-Łyżwa Joanna , Wodecka Barbara , Kaca Wiesław
Published: February 2023

One of the most dangerous pests of cereals is Zabrus tenebrioides and, in Poland, it is becoming a serious pest. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) seem to be a very promising, biological control agent for this pest. Native EPN populations are well adapted to local environmental conditions. The current study characterized three Polish isolates of the EPN Steinernema feltiae, which differed in their effectiveness against Z. tenebrioides. In the field, isolate iso1Lon reduced the pest population by 37%, compared with 30% by isolate iso1Dan and 0% by the iso1Obl isolate; the number of plants damaged by Z. tenebrioides in the presence of the different isolates reflected the results in terms of the decrease in pest population size. After incubation in the soil for 60 days, recovered EPN juveniles of all three isolates were able to infect 93–100% of the test insects, with isolate iso1Obl again showing the lowest effectiveness. The juveniles of isolate iso1Obl were also morphometrically distinct from the other two isolates, as revealed by principal component analysis (PCA), which helped to distinguish the EPN isolates. These findings showed the value of using locally adapted isolates of EPNs; two of the three isolates randomly selected from Polish soil outperformed a commercial population of S. feltiae.
“Floating” Stent in a Coronary Aneurysm Presenting as ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: De Castro Daniel , García-Gómez Sergio , Domínguez Fernando , Arellano Carlos , Oteo Juan Francisco
Published: February 2023

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) presenting as an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represents a clinical challenge due to the technical difficulties in the percutaneous management of this specific situation. Appropriate treatment for CAA depends on the precise clinical situation and consists of medical management, surgical resection, or/and stent placement. The high rate of complications during percutaneous intervention (distal thrombus embolization, no-reflow phenomenon, stent malposition, or dissection) makes emergent surgery a frequent situation in these cases. We present the case of a 50-year-old man with a STEMI due to thrombotic occlusion of CAA. Specific angiographic techniques and intracoronary imaging help with the percutaneous management of acute thrombotic occlusions in CAA, providing a less invasive approach than emergent surgery.
The Response of Macrophages in Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: He Jiawei , Zhao Shen , Duan Meili
Published: February 2023

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (SAKI) is common in critically ill patients and often leads to poor prognosis. At present, the pathogenesis of SAKI has not been fully clarified, and there is no effective treatment. Macrophages are immune cells that play an important role in the pathogenesis of SAKI. The phenotype and role of macrophages can vary from early to later stages of SAKI. Elucidating the role of macrophages in SAKI will be beneficial to its diagnosis and treatment. This article reviews past studies describing the role of macrophages in SAKI, with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic targets.
Pilates Method and/or Photobiomodulation Therapy Combined to Static Magnetic Field in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: De Marchi Thiago , Ferlito João Vitor , Turra Ariane Cristina , Flamia Sheila , de Bispo Magro Franciele , Pavelecini Donida Maribel Luiza , Dilkin Michele , da Silva Djéssica , Massia Ribas Vanessa , Leal Junior Ernesto Cesar Pinto
Published: February 2023

This clinical trial aims to provide evidence about the effectiveness of the Pilates method on stress urinary incontinence (SUI), as well as to elucidate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy associated with static magnetic field (PBMT/sMF) alone or associated with the Pilates Method on Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) in women affected by SUI. For that, a three-arm, parallel randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted (NCT05096936). We recruited thirty-three women diagnosed with SUI, randomly allocated to three groups: placebo PBMT/sMF plus method Pilates, PBMT/sMF active plus method Pilates and only PBMT/sMF active. The evaluation consisted of anamnesis and physical examination, muscle strength, completion of the ICIQ-SF questionnaire, and urinary loss. The evaluation of muscle strength and filling the ICIQ-SF were performed on the first and last days, while the Pad test was applied in baseline, one month, two months, and three months of intervention. We observed an increase in strength (p < 0.01), tone (p < 0.01), and quality of life (p < 0.01), in addition to a decrease in urinary lost (p < 0.01) for all groups comparing the pre and post-intervention. The PBMT/sMF alone, the Pilates, and the combination of the two therapies proved to be effective in improving the signs and symptoms of women with SUI.
The Causal Association of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Multiple Disease Outcomes: A Phenome-Wide Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Li Chunyang , Chen Yilong , Chen Yi , Ying Zhiye , Hu Yao , Kuang Yalan , Yang Huazhen , Song Huan , Zeng Xiaoxi
Published: February 2023

Background: This study aimed to identify novel associations between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and a broad range of outcomes. Methods: In total, 346,352 white participants in the U.K. Biobank were randomly divided into two halves, in which a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of IBS and a polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis of IBS using GWAS summary statistics were conducted, respectively. A phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) based on the PRS of IBS was performed to identify disease outcomes associated with IBS. Then, the causalities of these associations were tested by both one-sample (individual-level data in U.K. Biobank) and two-sample (publicly available summary statistics) Mendelian randomization (MR). Sex-stratified PheWAS-MR analyses were performed in male and female, separately. Results: Our PheWAS identified five diseases associated with genetically predicted IBS. Conventional MR confirmed these causal associations between IBS and depression (OR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.01–1.14, p = 0.02), diverticular diseases of the intestine (OR: 1.13, 95%CI: 1.08–1.19, p = 3.00 × 10−6), gastro-esophageal reflux disease (OR: 1.09, 95%CI: 1.05–1.13, p = 3.72 × 10−5), dyspepsia (OR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.13–1.30, p = 9.28 × 10−8), and diaphragmatic hernia (OR: 1.10, 95%CI: 1.05–1.15, p = 2.75 × 10−5). The causality of these associations was observed in female only, but not men. Conclusions: Increased risks of IBS is found to cause a series of disease outcomes. Our findings support further investigation on the clinical relevance of increased IBS risks with mental and digestive disorders.
Emergency, ABO-Incompatible Living Donor Liver Re-transplantation for Graft Failure Complicated by Pneumonia-Associated Sepsis
Authors: Kim Seoung Hoon , Kim Young-Kyu
Published: February 2023

Although liver re-transplantation is the only therapeutic option for acute and chronic graft failure, few studies have addressed the use of ABO-incompatible living donors in the emergency setting. Here, based on our experience, we report a successful case of emergency, ABO-incompatible, adult-to-adult, living donor liver re-transplantation (LDLT) for late graft failure from chronic rejection complicated by pneumonia-related sepsis. A fifty-five-year-old man had undergone LDLT for hepatocellular carcinoma accompanied by hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis in 30 September 2013. The voluntary donor was his 56-year-old wife, who was also a carrier of HCV. The donor and recipient blood types were the same: O and Rh positive. She underwent a right hepatectomy and was discharged on postoperative day (POD) seven. The patient was also discharged without complications on POD eleven and was followed up with on an outpatient basis. Abdominal distension and jaundice were developed at 6 months after LDLT, when the serum total bilirubin level was 2.7 mg/dL. The serum total bilirubin levels increased rapidly to 22.9 mg/dL over the next 4 months. Chronic rejection was diagnosed via liver biopsy. On 3 October 2014, he developed pneumonia-related sepsis and showed the progressive deterioration of liver function. Liver re-transplantation using the right liver from his ABO-incompatible, 20-year-old nephew was performed as an emergency in 15 October 2014. The donor blood type was A and Rh positive. The resection of the failed graft and the implantation of a new graft was performed by the intragraft dissection technique to re-use previously transplanted graft vessels in order to cope with severe adhesions. The recipient went through a gradual recovery process and was finally discharged on POD 50 with normal liver function, while the donor had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on POD 7. Biloma due to bile leak was detected three months after re-transplantation and was cured by percutaneous interventional procedures. Since then, the postoperative course has been event-free at regular outpatient follow-ups. The patient has so far had normal laboratory findings and no signs of complications. It has been 98 months since the re-transplantation, and the recipient and two donors are still in good condition with normal liver function, having complete satisfaction with the results obtained from this re-transplantation. In conclusion, long-term, satisfactory outcomes can be achieved in emergency, ABO-incompatible, adult-to-adult, living donor liver re-transplantation for graft failure complicated by pneumonia-related sepsis in selected patients.
Comparative Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-Based Feature Tracking and Deep-Learning Strain Assessment in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Myocarditis
Authors: Urmeneta Ulloa Javier , Martínez de Vega Vicente , Álvarez Vázquez Ana , Andreu-Vázquez Cristina , Thuissard-Vasallo Israel , Recio Rodríguez Manuel , Pizarro Gonzalo , Cabrera José
Published: February 2023

This study sought to examine the correlation between left ventricular (LV) myocardial feature tracking (FT) and deep learning-based strain (DLS) analysis in the diagnostic (CMRd) and follow-up (CMRf) cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of patients with acute myocarditis. The retrospective study included 17 patients with acute myocarditis and 20 healthy controls. The CMRd took place within 14 days of symptom onset, while the CMRf took place at least 2 months after the event. The global-circumferential FT (FTc) and global-circumferential DLS (DLSc) were analyzed. The continuous variables were compared using paired t-tests or the Wilcoxon test, whereas Pearson’s test or Spearman’s test was used to evaluate the correlation between the continuous variables. The time between the CMRd and CMRf was 5 months [3–11]. The LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 55 ± 6 and 59 ± 4%, p = 0.008, respectively, and 94.1% of the patients showed late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and myocardial edema on the CMRd. Significantly lower FTc (−16.1 ± 2.2% vs. −18.9 ± 1.9%, p = 0.001) and DLSc (−38.1 ± 5.2% vs. −41.3 ± 4.5%, p = 0.015) were observed with respect to the controls. Significant increases in the FTc (−16.1 ± 2.2 vs. −17.5 ± 1.9%, p = 0.016) and DLSc (−38.1 ± 5.2 vs. −39.8 ± 3.9%, p = 0.049) were found between the CMRd and CMRf, which were unrelated to the LGE. The LVEF correlated well with the FTc (r = 0.840) and DLSc (r = 0.760). Both techniques had excellent reproducibility, with high intra- (FTc = 0.980, DLSc = 1.000) and inter-observer (FTc = 0.970, DLSc = 0.980) correlation. There was correlation between the LV DLSc/FTc and LVEF in the patients with acute myocarditis according to the CMRd and CMRf.
Real-World Data on Cabozantinib in Advanced Osteosarcoma and Ewing Sarcoma Patients: A Study from the Hellenic Group of Sarcoma and Rare Cancers
Authors: Kokkali Stefania , Kyriazoglou Anastasios , Mangou Elpida , Economopoulou Panagiota , Panousieris Michail , Psyrri Amanda , Ardavanis Alexandros , Vassos Nikolaos , Boukovinas Ioannis
Published: February 2023

Advanced osteosarcomas (OSs) and Ewing sarcomas (ESs) tend to have poor prognosis with limited therapeutic options beyond first-line therapy. Aberrant angiogenesis and MET signaling play an important role in preclinical models. The anti-angiogenic drug cabozantinib was tested in a phase 2 trial of advanced OS and ES and was associated with clinical benefits. We retrospectively analyzed the off-label use of cabozantinib in adult patients with advanced OS and ES/primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) in three centers of the Hellenic Group of Sarcoma and Rare Cancers (HGSRC). Between April 2019 and January 2022, 16 patients started taking 60 mg of cabozantinib for advanced bone sarcoma or PNET. Median age at cabozantinib initiation was 31 years (17–83). All patients had received peri-operative chemotherapy for primary sarcoma and between 0 and 4 lines of treatment (median; 2.5) for advanced disease. The most common adverse effects included fatigue, anorexia, hypertransaminasemia, weight loss, and diarrhea. One toxic death was noted (cerebral hemorrhage). Dose reduction to 40 mg was required in 31.3% of the patients. No objective response was noted, and 9/16 patients exhibited stable disease outcomes. Progression-free survival varied from 1 to 8 (median; 5) months. Our study demonstrates that cabozantinib has antitumor activity in this population. In the real-life setting, we observed similar adverse events as in the CABONE study and in other neoplasms.
Maternal Mental Health Care Matters: The Impact of Prenatal Depressive and Anxious Symptoms on Child Emotional and Behavioural Trajectories in the French EDEN Cohort
Authors: Kallas Kadri-Ann , Marr Ketevan , Moirangthem Simi , Heude Barbara , Koehl Muriel , van der Waerden Judith , Downes Naomi
Published: February 2023

Few studies have investigated longitudinal trajectories of child socioemotional and behavioural development in relation to maternal prenatal mental health exposure or taken into consideration of the potential buffering effects of psychological intervention during pregnancy. Using data from 1135 mother–child dyads from the EDEN cohort from the general French population, Group-based trajectory modelling was used to model trajectories of behavioural and emotional characteristics measured at four timepoints via a parent-administered Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Using propensity scores and inverse probability weighting to account for confounding factors, multinomial logistic regressions were used to quantify the associations with maternal symptoms of prenatal depression and anxiety. Stratified analyses were conducted by reporting psychologist and psychiatrist consultations during pregnancy. Compared to those without psychological problems, children of mothers with comorbid anxiety and depression retained a higher probability of following high and intermediate trajectories of emotional problems and a high trajectory of conduct problems throughout childhood. This increased risk was not present in the children of mothers who sought support through a prenatal psychologist or psychiatrist consultation. This article adds to a body of evidence underlining the importance of mental health care for expecting mothers.
Use of a Fibula Free Flap for Mandibular Reconstruction in Severe Craniofacial Microsomia in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Dowgierd Krzysztof , Pokrowiecki Rafał , Myśliwiec Andrzej , Krakowczyk Łukasz
Published: February 2023

This is a retrospective study describing a multi-stage protocol for the management of severe mandibular hypoplasia in craniofacial microsomia (CFM) with accompanying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients with severe mandibular hypoplasia require reconstruction functionality and esthetical features. In the cohort, reconstructions based on free fibular flaps (FFF) may be the most effective way. Patients aged 4–17 years with severe mandibular hypoplasia were treated with FFF, which initially improved the respiratory function assessed on polysomnography (AHI). In the next stages of treatment of cases with respiratory deterioration, it was indicated to perform distraction osteogenesis (DO) of the mandible and the structures reconstructed with FFF. All surgeries were planned in accordance with virtual surgery planning VSP. The aim of the study was to prospectively assess the effectiveness of multi-stage mandibular reconstruction in craniofacial microsomia with the use of a free fibula flap in terms of improving respiratory failure due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The FFF reconstruction method, performed with virtual surgical planning (VSP), is proving to be an effective alternative to traditional methods of mandibular reconstruction in patients with severe CFM with OSA.
Updates in Endoscopic Bariatric and Metabolic Therapies
Authors: Qureshi Hammad , Saeed Naba , Jovani Manol
Published: February 2023

The rising prevalence of obesity, and related morbidity and mortality, has necessitated the development of therapeutic weight loss strategies. Lifestyle modifications alone have only yielded modest benefit, and while bariatric surgery has shown significant short- and long-term results, only a minority of eligible patients end up receiving this treatment. Endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies (EBMTs) are a rapidly evolving field, which provides a less invasive middle ground treatment option for weight loss. Here we discuss the efficacy, as well as short- and long-term outcomes with restrictive, malabsorptive/metabolic and aspiration endoscopic techniques, and their effects on metabolic parameters.
Modified Carnoy’s Versus Carnoy’s Solution in the Management of Odontogenic Keratocysts—A Single Center Experience
Authors: Janas-Naze Anna , Zhang Wei , Szuta Mariusz
Published: February 2023

To date, few studies have been conducted to test the effectiveness of Carnoy’s (CS) versus modified Carnoy’s (MC) solution for preventing the recurrence of odontogenic keratocysts, which are potentially aggressive lesions. To evaluate the efficacy of MC application, we conducted a retrospective cohort study over an 18-year period, from October 2004 to October 2022, in 122 patients treated surgically with adjunctive chemical cautery, with either CS (n = 73; median age: 30 years) or MC (n = 49; median age: 42 years), by a single surgeon. The primary outcome variables were observed recurrence and interval to recurrence. Independent variables were demographics, location, clinical presentation at baseline, adjacent tooth extraction, and bone grafting. Males predominated in both groups. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two arms in terms of recurrences in particular months, with six patients (8.2%) in the CS arm and 5 (10.2%) in the MC arm. Of the 11 recurrences, 10 were observed within the first 2 years post-surgery, with only one occurring in the 7th year of follow-up. Thus, when used as adjunctive therapy, the application of MC has an efficiency comparable to that of CS for lowering the recurrence rate of odontogenic keratocysts.
Clinical and Quality of Life Benefits for End-Stage Workers’ Compensation Chronic Pain Claimants following H-Wave® Device Stimulation: A Retrospective Observational Study with Mean 2-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Trinh Alan , Williamson Tyler K. , Han David , Hazlewood Jeffrey E. , Norwood Stephen M. , Gupta Ashim
Published: February 2023

Previously promising short-term H-Wave® device stimulation (HWDS) outcomes prompted this retrospective cohort study of the longer-term effects on legacy workers’ compensation chronic pain claimants. A detailed chart-review of 157 consecutive claimants undergoing a 30-day HWDS trial (single pain management practice) from February 2018 to November 2019 compiled data on pain, restoration of function, quality of life (QoL), and polypharmacy reduction into a summary spreadsheet for an independent statistical analysis. Non-beneficial trials in 64 (40.8%) ended HWDS use, while 19 (12.1%) trial success charts lacked adequate data for assessing critical outcomes. Of the 74 final treatment study group charts, missing data points were removed for a statistical analysis. Pain chronicity was 7.8 years with 21.6 ± 12.2 months mean follow-up. Mean pain reduction was 35%, with 89% reporting functional improvement. Opioid consumption decreased in 48.8% of users and 41.5% completely stopped; polypharmacy decreased in 36.8% and 24.4% stopped. Zero adverse events were reported and those who still worked usually continued working. An overall positive experience occurred in 66.2% (p < 0.0001), while longer chronicity portended the risk of trial or treatment failure. Positive outcomes in reducing pain, opioid/polypharmacy, and anxiety/depression, while improving function/QoL, occurred in these challenging chronic pain injury claimants. Level of evidence: III
Greater Tuberosity Fractures after RTSA: A Matched Group Analysis
Authors: Selman Farah , Kriechling Philipp , Ernstbrunner Lukas , Wieser Karl , Borbas Paul
Published: February 2023

Periprosthetic fractures, such as acromial and spine fractures, are known complications following implantation of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). The entity of greater tuberosity fractures (GTF) has rarely been studied in the literature. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome of postoperative greater tuberosity fractures after RTSA compared to a matched control group. The main findings of this study are that a GTF after RTSA is associated with worse clinical outcome scores (mean absolute CS 50 ± 19 (p = 0.032); SSV 63% ± 26 (p = 0.022); mean force 1 kg ± 2 kg (p = 0.044)) compared with the control group (mean absolute CS 62 ± 21; SSV 77% ± 29; mean force 2 kg ± 2 kg). In terms of postoperative range of motion, the fracture group was significantly worse in terms of external rotation (17° ± 19° vs. 30° ± 19° (p = 0.029)). Internal rotation, flexion, as well as abduction of the shoulder appear to be unaffected (internal rotation GTF 4 ± 2, control group 5 ± 3 (p = 0.138); flexion GTF 102° ± 28°, control group 114° ± 27° (p = 0.160); abduction GTF 109° ± 42°, control group 120° ± 39° (p = 0.317)).
Efficacy of BCG Vaccination against COVID-19: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wen Jiayu , Liu Quanxian , Tang Daoyan , He Jian-Qing
Published: February 2023

Beneficial off-target effects of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination might offer general protection from respiratory tract infections. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to ascertain BCG vaccination effectiveness against COVID-19. We looked up English RCTs from 1 January 2019 to 15 November 2022 in Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Nine RCTs, including 7963 participants, were included. The infection rate of COVID-19 was not decreased in people who were vaccinated with BCG (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.82–1.13; I2 = 4%), and the BCG vaccination group did not have decreased COVID-19 related-hospitalization (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.37–1.18; I2 = 42%), admission to the ICU (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.05–1.18; I2 = 0%), and mortality (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.17–2.44; I2 = 0%) compared with the control group. There is not sufficient evidence to support the use of BCG vaccination in the prevention of COVID-19 infection and severe COVID-19 and avoid overstating the role of BCG vaccination leading to its misuse.
Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty
Authors: Wylęgała Adam , Roszkowska Anna M. , Kokot Joanna , Dobrowolski Dariusz , Wylęgała Edward
Published: February 2023

Background: To evaluate the clinical outcome, efficacy, and safety of femtosecond laser-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty. Material and Methods: In this prospective study, 21 males and 10 females aged from 15 to 62 years (mean 38.5) with different pathologies of the anterior corneal layers were enrolled for anterior lamellar keratoplasty using femtosecond laser VisuMax (Carl Zeiss, Germany). All patients were examined for uncorrected (UCVA) and best-corrected (BCVA) distance and near visual acuity, astigmatism, endothelial cell density, corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure. These examinations were performed before transplantation, at hospital discharge, and after 3 and 12 months. The mean follow-up time was 65.36 ± 28.54 months. Results: A statistically significant improvement of both UCVA and BCVA for distance and near vision was registered. BCVA improved from 0.11 preoperatively to 0.168 (p = 0.03), 0.267 (p < 0.01), and 0.472 (p < 0.01) on the hospital discharge day, three months, and 12 months respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in astigmatism, intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density, and corneal pachymetry as compared to preoperative and postoperative values. Six patients (19%) had a graft failure with a rate of 33% at 26 months. Conclusions: Femtosecond laser-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty is a safe and effective surgical method, providing satisfactory graft survival rates.