bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing multivariable models for predicting headache improvement in patients with acute post‐traumatic headache attributed to mild traumatic brain injury: A preliminary study
Authors: Mao Lingchao , Dumkrieger Gina , Ku Dohyun , Ross Katherine , Berisha Visar , Schwedt Todd J. , Li Jing , Chong Catherine D.
Published: January 2023

Objectives/Background

Post‐traumatic headache (PTH) is a common symptom after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Although there have been several studies that have used clinical features of PTH to attempt to predict headache recovery, currently no accurate methods exist for predicting individuals’ improvement from acute PTH. This study investigated the utility of clinical questionnaires for predicting (i) headache improvement at 3 and 6 months, and (ii) headache trajectories over the first 3 months.

Methods

We conducted a clinic‐based observational longitudinal study of patients with acute PTH who completed a battery of clinical questionnaires within 0–59 days post‐mTBI. The battery included headache history, symptom evaluation, cognitive tests, psychological tests, and scales assessing photosensitivity, hyperacusis, insomnia, cutaneous allodynia, and substance use. Each participant completed a web‐based headache diary, which was used to determine headache improvement.

Results

Thirty‐seven participants with acute PTH (mean age = 42.7, standard deviation [SD] = 12.0; 25 females/12 males) completed questionnaires at an average of 21.7 (SD = 13.1) days post‐mTBI. The classification of headache improvement or non‐improvement at 3 and 6 months achieved cross‐validation area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55 to 0.89) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.66 to 1.00). Sub‐models trained using only the top five features still achieved 0.72 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.90) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.52 to 1.00) AUC. The top five contributing features were from three questionnaires: Pain Catastrophizing Scale total score and helplessness sub‐domain score; Sports Concussion Assessment Tool Symptom Evaluation total score and number of symptoms; and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory score. The functional regression model achieved for modeling headache trajectory over the first 3 months.

Conclusion

Questionnaires completed following mTBI have good utility for predicting headache improvement at 3 and 6 months in the future as well as the evolving headache trajectory. Reducing the battery to only three questionnaires, which assess post‐concussive symptom load and biopsychosocialecologic factors, was helpful to determine a reasonable prediction accuracy for headache improvement.
Efficiency of emulsifier‐free emulsions in delivering caffeine and α‐tocopherol to human skin
Authors: Kichou Hichem , Caritá Amanda C. , Gillet Guillaume , Bougassaa Lahcen , Perse Xavier , Soucé Martin , Gressin Laurianne , Chourpa Igor , Bonnier Franck , Munnier Emilie
Published: January 2023

Objective

Increasing consumer demand for natural and environmentally friendly products is driving the cosmetic industry to seek greener and safer processes. High‐frequency ultrasound technology (HFUT) stabilizes emulsions without adding emulsifying surfactants (ES). In this work, the formulation characteristics of an HFUT‐treated emulsion and a Reference emulsion were compared for both caffeine and α‐tocopherol.

Methods

A comparison was made between ES‐free emulsions and the Reference emulsions based on droplet size, viscosity, pH and rheology behaviour for both active cosmetic ingredients. The permeation of caffeine and the skin retention of α ‐tocopherol were studied in vitro using Franz diffusion cells on human skin biopsies, considered the gold standard for permeation assays.

Results

The formulations developed were stable and showed suitable droplet size distribution. In the case of ES‐free emulsions, the average droplet size was inferior to 1.5 μm regardless of the polarity of the active. All formulations presented a shear‐thinning pseudoplastic behaviour, an attribute usually desired for cosmetic products. The skin permeation studies showed that in the case of caffeine (model hydrophilic molecule), the ES‐free emulsion presented a delivery capacity similar to that of the Reference emulsion. However, for α‐tocopherol (highly lipophilic model molecule), differences were observed in the distribution of the active in the stratum corneum with an advantage for the Reference emulsion, probably due to the impact of surfactants on the SC lipids.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates that HFUT is a reliable tool that is able to prepare stable ES‐free emulsions loaded with hydrophilic or lipophilic active ingredients. Skin permeation studies confirm that the emulsions produced by HFUT promote the delivery of the actives to the human skin. In the case of α‐tocopherol, the delivery efficiency was lower than with the Reference emulsion, especially in the SC layers, due to the absence of surfactants. Nevertheless, the ES‐free emulsion still represents a good compromise between efficacy and the need for green cosmetics in the market.
Safety protocols at the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Oral Clinical Examination during COVID‐19
Authors: Cully Jennifer L. , Tate Anupama R. , Brickhouse Tegwyn H. , Zhang Yin , Kerins Carolyn Ann
Published: January 2023

Background: There are continued concerns about holding large group gatherings with the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) made the decision to cancel the Oral Clinical Examination (OCE) in 2020 with a goal to host the exam in 2021. This cancellation postponed the board certification of over 400 pediatric dentists. There is limited published data on safety protocols for in‐person examinations.

Aim: To determine if safety protocols utilized in the administration of the 2021 ABPD Oral Clinical Examination (OCE) were reassuring to candidates and examiners, and effective at addressing prevention of COVID‐19 infection.

Design: An electronic survey was emailed to candidates and examiners following completion of the board examination process. The candidate survey had 784 and the examiner survey had 108 eligible participants. Eight questions overlapped between the two surveys. Descriptive statistics were utilized. p‐values  < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results: Three hundred ninety‐four candidates (response rate = 50.3%) and 97 examiners (response rate = 89.8%) completed their respective surveys. The majority of candidates (86.8%) and examiners (94.8%) felt safe participating the OCE, and found COVID‐19 protocols reassuring, 69.3% and 89.7%.

Conclusions: Participants agreed that safety protocols enacted by the ABPD kept everyone safe and led to a successful and safely conducted high‐stakes oral clinical examination during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Estimating optimal objective values for the TSP, VRP, and other combinatorial problems using randomization
Authors: Kou Shuhan , Golden Bruce , Poikonen Stefan
Published: January 2023

Approximation of the optimal tour length in a Euclidean traveling salesman problem (TSP) has been studied by many researchers. In a previous study, we used the standard deviation in random tour lengths to approximate the optimal tour length in both Euclidean and non‐Euclidean TSPs and we obtained good estimates. In this paper, we show that the strong power‐law relationship between the standard deviation in random feasible solution values and the optimal solution value also holds for other Euclidean and near‐Euclidean combinatorial optimization problems like the minimum spanning tree (MST) and maximum weight matching (MWM) problems. We then enhance the estimation ability of the model by considering a second predictor: the mean in random feasible solution values. Experimental results show that by using the mean, standard deviation, and randomization, we can accurately predict the optimal solution values for the TSP, MST, MWM, and the capacitated vehicle routing problem (VRP).
Effects of exercise in treating patients with venous leg ulcers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Qianting , Lu Ling , Song Jia lin , Wang Lu
Published: January 2023

To determine the effects of exercise on VLU healing and exercise adherence, and to provide evidence for clinical practice and scientific investigation. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched from inception to 31st March, 2022. Pooled relative risks (RRs), standardised mean differences (SMDs), adherence rate with respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Quality assessment of included studies were performed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias evaluation. Heterogeneity between enrolled studies was evaluated. We identified eight randomised control studies (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria. The pooled RR for healing rate was 1.38 (95% CI: 1.14 to 1.66; P = 0.0008) with no significant heterogeneity between component studies (I2 = 0%, P = 0.96). SMD for differences of total range of ankle joint motion (ROAM) at the end and at the initiation of follow‐up in the intervention and control groups was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.22, 1.52; P = 0.0091), no significant heterogeneity was detected (I2 = 59%, P = 0.0622). Pooled adherence rate was 64% (95% CI: 53%, 75%) with no significant heterogeneity. Exercise manifested positive effects on VLU healing, range of ankle mobility compared with the control group. Patients' adherence to the exercise regimens was favourable.
Rheological, mechanical, and electrical properties of Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 modified BaTiO3 ceramic and its composites
Authors: Yan Yan , Zeng Xinyu , Deng Tao , Chen Fukang , Yang Lishun , He Zhanbing , Jin Li , Liu Gang
Published: January 2023

Porous BaTiO3‐based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics with lamellar structure were achieved by ice templating method, and the rheological properties of ceramic slurry for freeze casting were deeply studied. Epoxy resin was then backfilled to generate ceramic–epoxy resin composites. Ceramic–epoxy composites with a lamellar structure were obtained when using a slurry with a ceramic content of 45 wt.%. The nanoindentation results showed that the introduction of ceramic materials into the epoxy resin can significantly improve the penetration resistance and hardness of the material. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the composites were also characterized. The interaction between the highly coupled dipoles in the polymers results in a decrease in the breakdown field strength of the composite. The dielectric constant reached up to ∼800. At 220 kV/cm, Wrec = 0.62 J/cm3, and η was ∼80%. At low frequencies, Wrec was ∼0.16 J/cm3, which indicated good stability.
A novel practical algorithm using machine learning to differentiate outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia origins
Authors: Shimojo Masafumi , Inden Yasuya , Yanagisawa Satoshi , Suzuki Noriyuki , Tsurumi Naoki , Watanabe Ryo , Nakagomi Toshifumi , Okajima Takashi , Suga Kazumasa , Tsuji Yukiomi , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Diagnosis of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia (OTVA) localization by an electrocardiographic complex is key to successful catheter ablation for OTVA. However, diagnosing the origin of OTVA with a precordial transition in lead V3 (V3TZ) is challenging. This study aimed to create the best practical electrocardiogram algorithm to differentiate the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) of OTVA origin with V3TZ using machine learning.

Methods

Of 498 consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for OTVA, we included 104 patients who underwent ablation for OTVA with V3TZ and identified the origin of LVOT (n = 62) and RVOT (n = 42) from the results. We analyzed the standard 12‐lead electrocardiogram preoperatively and measured 128 elements in each case. The study population was randomly divided into training group (70%) and testing group (30%), and decision tree analysis was performed using the measured elements as features. The performance of the algorithm created in the training group was verified in the testing group.

Results

Four measurements were identified as important features: the aVF/II R‐wave ratio, the V2S/V3R index, the QRS amplitude in lead V3, and the R‐wave deflection slope in lead V3. Among them, the aVF/II R‐wave ratio and the V2S/V3R index had a particularly strong influence on the algorithm. The performance of this algorithm was extremely high, with an accuracy of 94.4%, precision of 91.5%, recall of 100%, and an F1‐score of 0.96.

Conclusions

The novel algorithm created using machine learning is useful in diagnosing the origin of OTVA with V3TZ.
Pirfenidone suppressed triple‐negative breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting the activity of the TGF‐β/SMAD pathway
Authors: Luo Daiqin , Zeng Xianlin , Zhang Shuling , Li Daohong , Cheng Zhimei , Wang Yun , Long Jinhua , Hu Zuquan , Long Shiqi , Zhou Jing , Zhang Shuai , Zeng Zhu
Published: January 2023

Among breast cancer patients, metastases are the leading cause of death. Despite decades of effort, little progress has been made to improve the treatment of breast cancer metastases, especially triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). The extracellular matrix plays an important role in tumour growth and metastasis by causing its deposition, remodelling, and signalling. As we know, the process of fibrosis results in excessive amounts of extracellular matrix being deposited within the cells. So, it will be interesting to study if the use of anti‐fibrotic drugs in combination with conventional chemotherapy drugs can produce synergistic antitumor effects. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of Pirfenidone (PFD), an FDA‐approved medication for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, on TNBC cells as well as its anti‐tumour effects in xenograft tumour model. PFD inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoted their apoptosis in vitro. PFD also suppressed TGF‐β‐induced activation of Smad signalling pathway and expression level of EMT‐inducing transcription factors (e.g. SNAI2, TWIST1, ZEB1) as well as the mesenchymal genes such as VIMENTIN and N‐Cadherin. On the contrary, the expression level of epithelial marker gene E‐Cadherin was up‐regulated in the presence of PFD. In vivo, PFD alone exerted a milder but significant anti‐tumour effect than the chemotherapy drug nanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel (nab‐PTX) did in the breast cancer xenograft mouse model. Interestingly, PFD synergistically boosted the cancer‐killing effect of nab‐PTX. Furthermore, Our data suggest that PFD suppressed breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting the activity of the TGFβ/SMAD pathway.
Estimands for atopic dermatitis clinical trials: Expert opinion on the importance of intercurrent events
Authors: Bissonnette R. , Eichenfield L. F. , Simpson E. , Thaçi D. , Kabashima K. , Thyssen J. P. , Guttman‐Yassky E. , Nunes F. P. , Gamalo M. , Ahmad F. , Kuligowski M. , Sun K. , Pipper C. , Christensen A. W. , D'Angelo P. , Milutinovic M. , Guettner A. , Silverberg J. I.
Published: January 2023

Despite the emergence of novel targeted treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD), there is a lack of guidelines on standardizing analysis of clinical trial data. To define and estimate meaningful treatment comparisons, several factors, including intercurrent events, must be taken into account. Intercurrent events are defined as events occurring after treatment initiation that affect either the interpretation or existence of the measurements associated with clinical questions of interest. Due to the relapsing, unpredictable nature of AD, intercurrent events frequently occur in AD trials, such as use of rescue therapy for intense itch and sleep deprivation. Despite the impact of intercurrent events in AD, they are often handled in an inconsistent manner across trials, which limits results interpretation. The estimand framework is increasingly used to estimate treatment effects while accounting for intercurrent events. This review explores how guidance from the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) on the use of estimands can be applied to support AD clinical trial design and analysis. We propose that estimands are used in AD trials and defined early during trial design. The use of estimands can provide clinicians with interventional trial results that are more reflective of clinical practice, help facilitate comparisons across clinical trials, and are more informative to enable improved treatment selection for patients.
Impact of peri‐implant soft tissue characteristics on health and esthetics
Authors: Monje Alberto , González‐Martín Oscar , Ávila‐Ortiz Gustavo
Published: January 2023

Objective

To review the impact of key peri‐implant soft tissue characteristics on health and esthetics.

Main Considerations

The keratinized mucosa width (KMW), the mucosal thickness (MT), and the supracrestal tissue height (STH) are essential components of the peri‐implant soft tissue phenotype. An inadequate KMW (<2 mm) has been associated with local discomfort upon oral hygiene performance and increased risk for the onset of peri‐implant diseases. A minimum buccal MT (≥2 mm) is generally required to prevent esthetic issues related to the effect of transmucosal prosthetic elements on the color of the mucosa and can also contribute to long‐term mucosal stability. STH is directly related to marginal bone remodeling patterns during the early healing process that follows the connection of transmucosal prosthetic components. Short STH, generally defined as <3 mm, has been consistently associated with marginal bone loss resulting from the physiologic establishment of the mucosal seal. Insufficient STH may also derive into the fabrication of unfavorable transmucosal prosthetic contours, which frequently results in unpleasing esthetic outcomes and predisposes to submarginal biofilm accumulation. Peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscences (PISTDs) are a type of peri‐implant deformity that are associated with esthetic issues and often occur in sites presenting KMW, MT, and/or STH deficiencies. PISTDs should be correctly diagnosed and treated accordingly, usually by means of multidisciplinary therapy.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of different dimensional and morphologic features of the peri‐implant mucosa on health and esthetic outcomes is fundamental to make appropriate clinical decisions in the context of tooth replacement therapy with implant‐supported prostheses.
Lesion‐symptom mapping of language impairments in people with brain tumours: The influence of linguistic stimuli
Authors: Ntemou Effrosyni , Rybka Lena , Lubbers Jocelyn , Tuncer Mehmet Salih , Vajkoczy Peter , Rofes Adrià , Picht Thomas , Faust Katharina
Published: January 2023

People with tumours in specific brain sites might face difficulties in tasks with different linguistic material. Previous lesion‐symptom mapping studies (VLSM) demonstrated that people with tumours in posterior temporal regions have more severe linguistic impairments. However, to the best of our knowledge, preoperative performance and lesion location on tasks with different linguistic stimuli have not been examined. In the present study, we performed VLSM on 52 people with left gliomas to examine whether tumour distribution differs depending on the tasks of the Aachen Aphasia Test. The VLSM analysis revealed that single‐word production (e.g. object naming) was associated with the inferior parietal lobe and that compound and sentence production were additionally associated with posterior temporal gyri. Word repetition was affected in people with tumours in inferior parietal areas, whereas sentence repetition was the only task to be associated with frontal regions. Subcortically, word and sentence production were found to be affected in people with tumours reaching the arcuate fasciculus, and compound production was primarily associated with tumours affecting the inferior longitudinal and inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus. Our work shows that tasks with linguistic stimuli other than single‐word naming (e.g. compound and sentence production) relate to additional cortical and subcortical brain areas. At a clinical level, we show that tasks that target the same processes (e.g. repetition) can have different neural correlates depending on the linguistic stimuli used. Also, we highlight the importance of left temporoparietal areas.
Fostering the Diffusion of General Purpose Technologies: Evidence from the Licensing of the Transistor Patents*
Authors: Nagler Markus , Schnitzer Monika , Watzinger Martin
Published: January 2023

How do licensing and technology transfer influence the spread of General Purpose Technologies? To answer this question, we analyze the diffusion of the transistor, one of the most important technologies of our time. We show that the transistor diffusion and cross‐technology spillovers increased dramatically after AT&T began licensing its transistor patents along with symposia to educate follow‐on inventors in 1952. Both these symposia and the licensing of the patents itself played important roles in the diffusion. A subsequent reduction in royalties did not lead to further increases, suggesting that licensing and technology transfer were more important than specific royalty rates.
Two‐year evaluation of porcelain laminate veneers using FDI criteria
Authors: Yıldırım Bengisu , Recen Duygu , Paken Gamze
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The use of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) is a minimally invasive technique that is often used in restorative dentistry due to esthetic considerations. The aim of this study was to evaluate PLVs according to the Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI) World Dental Federation clinical criteria.

Materials and methods

This clinical study included 11 patients (7 female and 4 male) who had been admitted to the Uşak University Faculty of Dentistry between February 2019 and February 2021. Before taking part in the study, patients were informed about alternative treatment procedure options. A total of 30 PLVs were fabricated and cemented, and patients were evaluated according to the FDI criteria (with a follow‐up after 2 years).

Results

Restorations were evaluated by two trained researchers. During the follow‐up evaluation, no fractures or cracks were observed in any restoration. Further, 73% (n = 22) of the PLVs had perfect marginal adaptation and only 27% (n = 8) had small marginal fractures that could be removed by polishing. Moreover, 57% (n = 17) of the PLVs were evaluated as a good color match (no difference in shade and/or translucency), whereas 33% (n = 13) had only minor deviations. In periodontal examinations, 23% (n = 7) of the PLVs had no plaque, inflammation, or pockets, whereas 77% (n = 23) had minor plaque inflammation and no pocket development.

Conclusions

As there were no fractures, fails, or need for removal of the restorations after 2 years, PLVs showed clinically satisfactory performance. The performance of PLVs can be considered highly favorable due to the minimally invasive and periodontally‐compatible nature, with a good color match when carefully planned.
Political selection when uncertainty is high
Authors: Baskaran Thushyanthan , Hessami Zohal , Khasanboev Temurbek
Published: January 2023

Do voters place their trust in tried and tested leaders when uncertainty is high or do they prefer a new slate of leaders who are arguably more competent? To study this question, we make use of hand‐collected data on 402,385 candidates who competed in open‐list local council elections (1996–2020) in Bavaria. The 2020 elections took place at the dawn of the Covid‐19 pandemic, a time of high uncertainty about the future course of events. Using local heterogeneity in Covid‐19 outbreaks and related school/daycare closures to proxy the degree of perceived uncertainty across Bavarian municipalities, we show with a difference‐in‐differences design that councilors' incumbency advantage declined more in exposed municipalities. This decrease in the incumbency advantage is limited to male and non‐university educated incumbents, resulting in shifted patterns of political selection. Overall, we conclude that voters select more competent politicians when they face uncertainty about the future.
Integrating top‐down and bottom‐up approaches to understand the genetic architecture of speciation across a monkeyflower hybrid zone
Authors: Stankowski Sean , Chase Madeline A. , McIntosh Hanna , Streisfeld Matthew A.
Published: January 2023

Understanding the phenotypic and genetic architecture of reproductive isolation is a long‐standing goal of speciation research. In several systems, large‐effect loci contributing to barrier phenotypes have been characterized, but such causal connections are rarely known for more complex genetic architectures. In this study, we combine “top‐down” and “bottom‐up” approaches with demographic modelling toward an integrated understanding of speciation across a monkeyflower hybrid zone. Previous work suggests that pollinator visitation acts as a primary barrier to gene flow between two divergent red‐ and yellow‐flowered ecotypes ofMimulus aurantiacus. Several candidate isolating traits and anonymous single nucleotide polymorphism loci under divergent selection have been identified, but their genomic positions remain unknown. Here, we report findings from demographic analyses that indicate this hybrid zone formed by secondary contact, but that subsequent gene flow was restricted by widespread barrier loci across the genome. Using a novel, geographic cline‐based genome scan, we demonstrate that candidate barrier loci are broadly distributed across the genome, rather than mapping to one or a few “islands of speciation.” Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping reveals that most floral traits are highly polygenic, with little evidence that QTL colocalize, indicating that most traits are genetically independent. Finally, we find little evidence that QTL and candidate barrier loci overlap, suggesting that some loci contribute to other forms of reproductive isolation. Our findings highlight the challenges of understanding the genetic architecture of reproductive isolation and reveal that barriers to gene flow other than pollinator isolation may play an important role in this system.
Fungal community composition and genetic potential regulate fine root decay in northern temperate forests
Authors: Argiroff William A. , Zak Donald R. , Upchurch Rima A. , Pellitier Peter T. , Belke Julia P.
Published: January 2023

Understanding how genetic differences among soil microorganisms regulate spatial patterns in litter decay remains a persistent challenge in ecology. Despite fine root litter accounting for ~50% of total litter production in forest ecosystems, far less is known about the microbial decay of fine roots relative to aboveground litter. Here, we evaluated whether fine root decay occurred more rapidly where fungal communities have a greater genetic potential for litter decay. Additionally, we tested if linkages between decay and fungal genes can be adequately captured by delineating saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal fungal functional groups based on whether they have genes encoding certain ligninolytic class II peroxidase enzymes, which oxidize lignin and polyphenolic compounds. To address these ideas, we used a litterbag study paired with fungal DNA barcoding to characterize fine root decay rates and fungal community composition at the landscape scale in northern temperate forests, and we estimated the genetic potential of fungal communities for litter decay using publicly available genomes. Fine root decay occurred more rapidly where fungal communities had a greater genetic potential for decay, especially of cellulose and hemicellulose. Fine root decay was positively correlated with ligninolytic saprotrophic fungi and negatively correlated with ECM fungi with ligninolytic peroxidases, likely because these saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal functional groups had the highest and lowest genetic potentials for plant cell wall degradation, respectively. These fungal variables overwhelmed direct environmental controls, suggesting fungal community composition and genetic variation are primary controls over fine root decay in temperate forests at regional scales.
Positive psychological well‐being: A novel concept for improving symptoms, quality of life, and health behaviors in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Madva Elizabeth N. , Harnedy Lauren E. , Longley Regina M. , Rojas Amaris Alexandra , Castillo Crystal , Bomm Marie D. , Burton Murray Helen , Staller Kyle , Kuo Braden , Keefer Laurie , Huffman Jeff C. , Celano Christopher M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Though a growing body of research suggests that greater positive psychological well‐being in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be protective, existing brain–gut behavior therapies primarily target negative psychological factors. Little is known about how positive psychological factors in IBS relate to IBS symptoms, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), or adherence to key health behaviors, such as physical activity and diet modification. Accordingly, per the ORBIT model of behavioral treatment development for chronic diseases, we explored potential connections between psychological constructs and IBS symptoms, health behavior engagement (physical activity and dietary modification), and HRQoL in a qualitative study to inform the development of a novel brain–gut behavior therapy.

Methods

Participants with IBS completed self‐report assessments and semi‐structured phone interviews about relationships between positive and negative psychological constructs, IBS symptoms, health behavior engagement, and HRQoL.

Key Results

Participants (n = 23; 57% female) ranged in age from 25 to 79 (mean age = 54). IBS subtypes were similarly represented (IBS‐diarrhea [n = 8], IBS‐constipation [n = 7], and IBS‐mixed [n = 8]). Participants described opposing relationships between positive and negative psychological constructs, IBS symptoms, health behavior engagement, and HRQoL, respectively, such that experiencing positive constructs largely mitigated IBS symptoms, boosted health behavior participation, and improved HRQoL, and negative constructs exacerbated symptoms, reduced health behavior participation, and worsened HRQoL.

Conclusions and Inferences

Participants with IBS linked greater positive psychological well‐being to moderated IBS symptoms and better HRQoL and health behavior participation. An intervention to cultivate greater well‐being may be a novel way to mitigate IBS symptoms, boost health behavior participation, and improve HRQoL in IBS.
Leaf decomposition and flammability are largely decoupled across species in a tropical swamp forest despite sharing some predictive leaf functional traits
Authors: Rahman Nur E. B. , Smith Stuart W. , Lam Weng Ngai , Chong Kwek Yan , Chua Matthias S. E. , Teo Pei Yun , Lee Daniel W. J. , Phua Shi Yu , Aw Cheryl Y. , Lee Janice S. H. , Wardle David A.
Published: January 2023

Decomposition and fire are major carbon pathways in many ecosystems, yet potential linkages between these processes are poorly understood. We test whether variability in decomposability and flammability across species are related to each other and to key plant functional traits in tropical swamp forests, where habitat degradation is elevating decomposition and fire regimes.

Using senesced and fresh leaves of 22 swamp tree species in Singapore, we conducted an in situ decomposition experiment and a laboratory flammability experiment. We analysed 16 leaf physical and biochemical traits as predictors of decomposability and components of flammability: combustibility, ignitability and sustainability.

Decomposability and flammability were largely decoupled across species, despite some shared predictive traits such as specific leaf area (SLA). Physical traits predicted that thicker leaves with a smaller SLA and volume decomposed faster, while various cation concentrations predicted flammability components, particularly ignitability.

We show that flammability and decomposability of swamp forest leaves are decoupled because flammability is mostly driven by biochemical traits, while decomposition is driven by physical traits. Our approach identifies species that are slow to decompose and burn (e.g. Calophyllum tetrapterum and Xanthophyllum flavescens), which could be planted to mitigate carbon losses in tropical swamp reforestation.
Cenozoic migration of a desert plant lineage across the North Atlantic
Authors: Denk Thomas , Bouchal Johannes M. , Güner H. Tuncay , Coiro Mario , Butzmann Rainer , Pigg Kathleen B. , Tiffney Bruce H.
Published: January 2023

Previous paleobotanical work concluded that Paleogene elements of the sclerophyllous subhumid vegetation of western Eurasia and western North America were endemic to these disjunct regions, suggesting that the southern areas of the Holarctic flora were isolated at that time. Consequently, molecular studies invoked either parallel adaptation to dry climates from related ancestors, or long‐distance dispersal in explaining disjunctions between the two regions, dismissing the contemporaneous migration of dry‐adapted lineages via land bridges as unlikely.

We report Vauquelinia (Rosaceae), currently endemic to western North America, in Cenozoic strata of western Eurasia. Revision of North American fossils previously assigned to Vauquelinia confirmed a single fossil‐species of Vauquelinia and one of its close relative Kageneckia.

We established taxonomic relationships of fossil‐taxa using diagnostic character combinations shared with modern species and constructed a time‐calibrated phylogeny.

The fossil record suggests that Vauquelinia, currently endemic to arid and subdesert environments, originated under seasonally arid climates in the Eocene of western North America and subsequently crossed the Paleogene North Atlantic land bridge (NALB) to Europe. This pattern is replicated by other sclerophyllous, dry‐adapted and warmth‐loving plants, suggesting that several of these taxa potentially crossed the North Atlantic via the NALB during Eocene times.
Keep in contact: multiple roles of endoplasmic reticulum–membrane contact sites and the organelle interaction network in plants
Authors: Wang Pengwei , Duckney Patrick , Gao Erlin , Hussey Patrick J. , Kriechbaumer Verena , Li Chengyang , Zang Jingze , Zhang Tong
Published: January 2023

Functional regulation and structural maintenance of the different organelles in plants contribute directly to plant development, reproduction and stress responses. To ensure these activities take place effectively, cells have evolved an interconnected network amongst various subcellular compartments, regulating rapid signal transduction and the exchange of biomaterial. Many proteins that regulate membrane connections have recently been identified in plants, and this is the first step in elucidating both the mechanism and function of these connections. Amongst all organelles, the endoplasmic reticulum is the key structure, which likely links most of the different subcellular compartments through membrane contact sites (MCS) and the ER–PM contact sites (EPCS) have been the most intensely studied in plants. However, the molecular composition and function of plant MCS are being found to be different from other eukaryotic systems. In this article, we will summarise the most recent advances in this field and discuss the mechanism and biological relevance of these essential links in plants.
SUMOylation regulates low‐temperature survival and oxidative DNA damage tolerance in Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Shao Wenyong , Sun Kewei , Ma Tianling , Jiang Huixian , Hahn Matthias , Ma Zhonghua , Jiao Chen , Yin Yanni
Published: January 2023

SUMOylation as one of the protein post‐translational modifications plays crucial roles in multiple biological processes of eukaryotic organisms. Botrytis cinerea is a devastating fungal pathogen and capable of infecting plant hosts at low temperature. However, the molecular mechanisms of low‐temperature adaptation are largely unknown in fungi.

Combining with biochemical methods and biological analyses, we report that SUMOylation regulates pathogen survival at low temperature and oxidative DNA damage response during infection in B. cinerea. The heat shock protein (Hsp70) BcSsb and E3 ubiquitin ligase BcRad18 were identified as substrates of SUMOylation; moreover, their SUMOylation both requires a single unique SUMO‐interacting motif (SIM).

SUMOylated BcSsb regulates β‐tubulin accumulation, thereby affecting the stability of microtubules and consequently mycelial growth at low temperature. On the contrary, SUMOylated BcRad18 modulates mono‐ubiquitination of the sliding clamp protein proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), which is involved in response to oxidative DNA damage during infection.

Our study uncovers the molecular mechanisms of SUMOylation‐mediated low‐temperature survival and oxidative DNA damage tolerance during infection in a devastating fungal pathogen, which provides novel insights into low‐temperature adaptation and pathogenesis for postharvest pathogens as well as new targets for inhibitor invention in disease control.
Mid‐ toLong‐TermClinical Outcomes of Cartilage Restoration of Knee Joint with AllogenicNext‐Generation Matrix‐InducedAutologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI)
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Ma Ning , Zhao Zhe , Guo Quanyi
Published: January 2023

Objective

Cartilage defect is a common pathology still lacking a unified treating option. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and clinical and radiological outcome of cartilage restoration of knee joint with allogenic next‐generation Matrix‐Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) for the first time, as well as the correlation between postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes and preoperative patient history and demographics.

Methods

From July 2014 to August 2020, 15 patients who went through cartilage restoration with allogenic next‐generation MACI were included in this study. Patient demographics and PROM including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, Lysholm score, Tegner Activity Scale (TAS), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were obtained preoperatively, at 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively and the last follow‐up using an online questionnaire platform. MOCART 2.0 score was calculated at the last follow‐up. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare PROM pre‐ and post‐operation, with two‐tailedp < 0.05 defined as statistical significant. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate correlation between the PROM and MOCART 2.0 score at the last follow‐up with patients demorgraphics.

Results

All patients were followed for an average of 66.47 ± 24.15 months (range, 21–93). All patients were satisfied with the outcome of the surgery and no complication was reported at the end of the study. No significant improvement was observed until 1 year after the implantation, except for IKDC score at 6 months. All PROM showed significant improvement 1 year post‐op except for Lysholm score and TAS, which also increased significantly at the time of the last follow‐up. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that the size of the defect, before or after debridement, was significantly negatively correlated with final KOOS‐Pain (before debridement:r = −0.57,p < 0.05; after debridement:r = −0.54,p < 0.05) and KOOS‐Symptoms score (before debridement:r = −0.66,p < 0.05; after debridement:r = −0.67,p < 0.05). The MOCART 2.0 score was found significantly and negatively correlated with BMI (r = −0.60,p < 0.05), and significantly and positively correlated with Lysholm score (r = 0.70,p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The next generation MACI with autologous chondrocyte and allogenic chondrocyte ECM scaffold could be used to treat focal articular cartilage defect in the knee joint safely and efficiently with lasting promising outcomes for more than 5 years. The size of the defects should be considered the most negatively correlated parameters influencing the postoperative clinical outcomes.
Use of organs from increased infectious risk deceased donors in pediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Papadakis Georgios , Kallath Sruthi , Marks Stephen D. , Callaghan Chris
Published: January 2023

Living donors are the main source of transplanted kidneys for children and young people in many countries, but there still remains a significant need for deceased donor kidney transplantation. Given the waiting times associated with deceased donor kidney transplantation and the morbidity or mortality that can occur in those on the waiting list, it is essential that the utilization of kidneys from deceased donors is optimized. The use of organs from deceased donors at increased risk of transmitting human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, or hepatitis C virus is relatively common in adults, but far less so in children. The risks and benefits of the use of kidneys from increased infectious risk donors (IIRD) are discussed. The variation of definitions of IIRD between countries is explored as is the need for pediatric nephrologists and transplant surgeons to have an understanding of the prevalence of viral diseases within the country in which they work. The role of screening tests such as nucleic acid tests is examined, along with the concept of residual risk. Finally, considerations in acquiring informed consent in the use of kidneys from IIRDs in children and young people are discussed.
Pediatric renal transplantation—A UNOS database analysis of donor–recipient size mismatch
Authors: Kostakis Ioannis D. , Chandak Pankaj , Assia‐Zamora Sergio , Gogalniceanu Petrut , Loukopoulos Ioannis , Calder Francis , Stojanovic Jelena , Kessaris Nicos
Published: January 2023

Background

We used the BSAi (Donor BSA/Recipient BSA) to assess whether transplanting a small or large kidney into a pediatric recipient relative to his/her size influences renal transplant outcomes.

Methods

We included 14 322 single‐kidney transplants in pediatric recipients (0–17 years old) (01/2000–02/2020) from the United Network for Organ Sharing database. We divided cases into four BSAi groups (BSAi ≤ 1, 1 < BSAi ≤ 2, 2 < BSAi ≤ 3, BSAi > 3).

Results

There were no differences concerning delayed graft function (DGF) or primary non‐function (PNF) rates, whether the grafts were from living or brain‐dead donors. In both transplants coming from living donors and brain‐dead donors, cases with BSAi > 3 and cases with 2 < BSAi ≤ 3 had similar graft survival (p = .13 for transplants from living donors, p = .413 for transplants from brain‐dead donors), and both groups had longer graft survival than cases with 1 < BSAi ≤ 2 and cases with BSAi ≤ 1 (p < .001). The difference in 10‐year graft survival rates between cases with BSAi > 3 and cases with BSAi ≤ 1 reached around 25% in both donor types. The better graft survival in transplants with BSAi > 2 was confirmed in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

There is no significant impact of donor‐recipient size mismatch on DGF and PNF rates in pediatric renal transplants. However, graft survival is significantly improved when the donor's size is more than twice the pediatric recipient's size.
Interactions between epiphytes during canopy soil formation: an experiment in a lower montane cloud forest of southeast Mexico
Authors: Victoriano‐Romero E. , Valencia‐Díaz S. , García‐Franco J. G. , Mehltreter K. , Toledo‐Hernández V. H. , Flores‐Palacios A.
Published: January 2023

In several montane forests around the world, epiphytes coexist in mats, sharing the rhizosphere and forming histosol‐type soils rich in nutrients. The role of these epiphytes in the formation of canopy soil and the fitness costs that epiphytes face when cohabiting in these mats are unknown.

In a lower montane cloud forest in central Veracruz, Mexico, a 2‐year factorial experiment was carried out with the presence/absence of ramets of Phlebodium areolatum (Polypodiaceae), Tillandsia kirchhoffiana, T. multicaulis and T. punctulata (Bromeliaceae). We examined (i) which epiphyte species contribute to the formation of canopy soil, (ii) the role of epiphyte composition in the soil nutrient composition, and (iii) the fitness costs faced by epiphytes when cohabiting.

Canopy soil formation highest when P. areolatum is present. Soil nutrient content does not change with epiphyte composition, is influenced by the microbiota, and P content decreases with the presence of epiphytes. The fitness costs show that the species compete, decreasing their survival and growth, but the competitive capacity differs between the species.

We conclude that P. areolatum is an ecosystem engineer that promotes the creation of canopy soil but is a poor competitor. The results coincide with the model of succession by facilitation. Canopy soil is a slow‐created component whose nutrient content does not depend on the epiphytic flora. In epiphyte mats, the dominant interactions are competitive, but there is also facilitation.
Effects of land‐use changes on soil organic nitrogen fractions in the black soil region of Northeast China
Authors: He Youyou , Zhang Chen , Xue Tingting , Chen Xiangwei , Fu Yu
Published: January 2023

Soil organic nitrogen (SON) accounts for more than 90% of the total nitrogen (TN) in black soil and is one of the most important indicators of soil fertility. However, the effect of land‐use changes on SON fractions is still unclear in black soil. Hence, natural grassland (uncultivated), farmland (converted from natural grassland), and artificial forestland (grain plots converted into forests) in the black soil region of Northeast China were selected for research. TN, available nitrogen (AN) and SON fractions (ammonia nitrogen (AMN), amino acid nitrogen (AAN), hydrolysable unknown nitrogen (HUN), acid insoluble nitrogen (AIN)) in the topsoil (0–20 cm), and subsoil (20–40 cm) were analysed and compared with elucidate the effects of land‐use changes on SON fractions. The results showed that compared with natural grasslands, the contents of TN and AN in farmlands were 49.1%–67.4% and 48.0%–67.7% less, respectively, and the content of AAN decreased the most in SON fractions, by 52.2%–76.7%, followed by the content of AMN, which decreased by 46.9%–70.7%. The contents of TN and AN in the artificial forestland increased by 18.8% and 30.6%, respectively, compared with those in the farmland. Other than AAN, the content of the SON fractions in the artificial forestland soils was greater than that of the farmland, and the content of HUN increased the most in the SON fractions, by 29.6%, followed by the content of AIN, which increased by 25.8%. The proportions of AMN and AAN in the TN of the natural grassland were 1.2 and 1.7 times those of the artificial forestland, respectively. In conclusion, after natural grassland is converted to farmland, it will destroy the original soil structure, change the physical and chemical properties of the soil, significantly reduce the soil nitrogen supply potential, and significantly decrease nitrogen accumulation. The conversion of grain plots into forestland significantly improved the soil nitrogen storage capacity, but the potential nitrogen supply did not reach the levels of the uncultivated lands. Changes in land use types lead to changes in soil structure and vegetation cover, which in turn alter soil nitrogen cycling. These results provide a scientific basis for evaluating the nitrogen supply capacity of different land‐use types. The study suggests that the land use structure in the area should be properly matched to restore soil nitrogen reservoirs and maintain and improve soil fertility, taking into account local environmental conditions.
Disintegrations of non‐hyperbolic ergodic measures along the center foliation of DA maps
Authors: Tahzibi Ali , Zhang Jinhua
Published: January 2023

We show that each non‐hyperbolic ergodic measure of a partially hyperbolic diffeomorphism on which is homotopic to Anosov admits a full measure subset which intersects each center leaf in at most two points.