bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N34 Transition of Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients from pediatric to adult Care: A single-center ten-years experience
Authors: Onidi F M , Mocci G , Elisei W , Corpino M , Orru' G , Marongiu A , Argiolas G , Runfola M , Locci G , Tamponi E , Zolfino T , Usai Satta P , Muscas A , Congia M , Savasta S
Published: January 2024

Background

Transition of adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to adult care is a challenge for patients, families, and healthcare providers. Considering that ~ 25% of IBD patients are diagnosed before the age of 16 years, and that these patients are at higher risk for poorer clinical disease outcomes. interest in the transition of care has been increasing considerably in the last decade.To assess the main clinical and epidemiological features of peadiatric IBD patients in a single pediatric center in Sardinia, Italy, at diagnosis and at the time of transition to the adult center

Methods

From January 2014 to June 2023 we performed a multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study that included pediatric patients with IBD enrolled in the only pediatric IBD reference center in Sardinia. Data were obtained from the patients’ medical records and from a questionnaire administered at the inclusion visit.

Results

Sixty-five IBD patients were enrolled (UC 40, CD 25, M 32, F 33). Median age at diagnosis was 13 years (IQR 2-18). After a median disease duration of 8 years (IQR: 1-25), no UC patients experienced proximal estension of proctitis or left-sided colitis, and no CD patients experienced new localizations of disease.

Fifteen patients developed extraintestinal manifestations. No significant difference was found in median diagnostic delay (DD) between UC [4 months (IQR: 1-84)] and CD patients [4,5 months (IQR: 1-48)].

At the transition visit, overall, twenty-nine patients (44,6%) were exposed to one biologic agent (vs 3% at baseline; p<0.02); 0 patients (0%) were exposed to two biologic agents. 4,6% of patients (3/ 65) underwent surgery

Conclusion

Our results provide important insights into the clinical and epidemiological features of pediatric IBD population, and while waiting for a nation Italian registry, present eligible data on the IBD population in Sardinia
‘All These Unimportant Details’: John Ashbery at home
Authors: Norris Paul
Published: January 2024

John Ashbery is a domestic poet. He recognizes that the home contains and organizes a plurality of objects, but also a plurality of thoughts, experiences, and social roles. The domesticity of Ashbery’s poetry materializes many of the contradictory abstractions of modern life, and gives them a place, even if their relationship with each other remains obscure. His poetic homes are microcosms of America, macrocosms of the mind, and material languages. The suburban home is defined in opposition to everything chaotic, decentred, and unstable: rapidly advancing technology, the cyclical renewals of nature, a carnivorous economy, the expanse of air and sky. Paradoxically, the home depends on these opposing forces, even incorporating them into itself, because for Ashbery the domestic is the conscious frame within which things are understood. His image for this kind of domestic perception is the houseboat: homely, comfortable, anchored between nature and civilization, and always in flux.
Magmatic priming of a phreatic eruption sequence: the 2012 Te Maari eruptions at Mt Tongariro (New Zealand) imaged by magnetotellurics and seismicity
Authors: Heise Wiebke , Bannister Stephen , Williams Charles A , McGavin Peter , Caldwell T Grant , Bertrand Edward A , Usui Yoshiya , Kilgour Geoff
Published: January 2024

Magnetotelluric data from Mount Tongariro have been analysed using an unstructured tetrahedral finite-element inversion code that incorporates topography, which was not included in previous analysis of these data. Incorporating topography adds information, which stabilizes the resistivity inversion modelling, and for the first time allows details of the shallow hydrothermal system and its relationship with the underlying magmatic system to be resolved. Specifically, an electrically conductive zone between 4 and 12.5 km depth marks the underlying magmatic system, which is shown to directly connect via conductive pathways to the area where the most recent phreatic eruptions at Tongariro occurred in 2012. The resultant phreatic eruptions in 2012 August and November showed no new magmatic component to the eruption deposits. Nevertheless, by combining the magnetotelluric resistivity image with relocated seismicity, we can see that seismicity (a proxy for magma ascent) migrated from the top of the magmatic system into the hydrothermal system in the months preceding these eruptions. Magmatic interaction with the extant hydrothermal system likely caused the over pressurization for the phreatic eruption. This work highlights the utility of combining geophysical methods and petrological data to constrain phreatic eruption processes.
Improved beamforming schemes for estimation of multimode surface wave dispersion curves from seismic noise with reducing effect of the irregular array geometry and/or anisotropic source distribution
Authors: Qin Tongwei , Lu Laiyu
Published: January 2024

Dense array observation and seismic interferometry have revolutionized the imaging schemes of the earth structure. It is becoming possible to directly obtain the lateral variation of the earth's structure by applying array-based methods such as the cross-correlation beamforming (CBF) of the ambient noise to the subsets of the dense array, without tomography. CBF has been proven to extract the azimuth-averaged multimode surface wave dispersion curves. However, the resolution of the dispersion image generated by conventional CBF is low at high frequencies in the frequency–velocity (f-v) domain. Moreover, the irregular array geometry and uneven source distribution would bias the result of CBF, especially for the estimation of azimuth-dependent velocity. In this paper, two beamforming (BF) es are suggested to improve the resolution of multimode dispersion images in the f-v domain. First, the geometrical spreading of the wavefield is corrected to enhance the amplitude at high frequency (or large distance) and thereby improve the resolution of the dispersion image at high frequency. We call this scheme weighted correlation beamforming (WCBF). The azimuth-averaged velocity can be estimated with sufficient resolution using WCBF by stacking the BF output at each azimuth. We show that WCBF is the 2-D Fourier transform of the spatial wavefield from the viewpoint of the wavefield transform. Secondly, a modified beamforming scheme (MCBF) is suggested to reduce the effect of uneven source and/or irregular array geometry. The delay and summation in MCBF are performed only for plane waves incident from the stationary phase region. The azimuth-dependent velocity can therefore be estimated by MCBF with less dependence on the array geometry, as well as on the uneven source distribution. In terms of the estimation of azimuth-averaged phase velocity, we show the F-J method, another array-based method for extracting multimode surface waves from ambient noise using the Fourier–Bessel transform, is the azimuth-averaged version of WCBF. The reliability of WCBF and MCBF is verified based on the synthetic and field data using the array with different geometry. The dispersion image of multimode Rayleigh wave phase velocity at local and regional scales can be generated by WCBF or MCBF with high resolution. In particular, multimode dispersion curves at the local scale can be measured by MCBF with sufficient accuracy using quite short recordings from hours to days. This offers the possibility of a rapid assessment of the media properties.
ppmFixer: a mass error adjustment for pGlyco3.0 to correct near-isobaric mismatches
Authors: Adams Trevor M , Zhao Peng , Kong Rui , Wells Lance
Published: January 2024

Modern glycoproteomics experiments require the use of search engines due to the generation of countless spectra. While these tools are valuable, manual validation of search engine results is often required for detailed analysis of glycopeptides as false-discovery rates are often not reliable for glycopeptide data. Near-isobaric mismatches are a common source of misidentifications for the popular glycopeptide-focused search engine pGlyco3.0, and in this technical note we share a strategy and script that improves the accuracy of the search utilizing two manually validated datasets of the glycoproteins CD16a and HIV-1 Env as proof-of-principle.
A purified diet affects intestinal epithelial proliferation and barrier functions through gut microbial alterations
Authors: Shiratori Hiroaki , Hattori Kisara M , Nakata Kazuaki , Okawa Takuma , Komiyama Seiga , Kinashi Yusuke , Kabumoto Yuma , Kaneko Yuria , Nagai Motoyoshi , Shindo Tomoko , Moritoki Nobuko , Kawamura Yuki I , Dohi Taeko , Takahashi Daisuke , Kimura Shunsuke , Hase Koji
Published: January 2024

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining epithelial barrier function. Although multiple studies have demonstrated the significance of dietary factors on the gut microbiota and mucosal barrier function, the impact of a purified diet, which has long been used in various animal experiments, on intestinal homeostasis remains to be elucidated. Here, we compared the impact of two different types of diets, a crude diet and an AIN-93G-formula purified diet, on epithelial integrity and the gut microbiota. Purified diet-fed mice exhibited shorter villi and crypt lengths and slower epithelial turnover, particularly in the ileum. In addition, antimicrobial products, including REG3γ, were substantially decreased in purified diet-fed mice. Purified diet feeding also suppressed α1,2-fucosylation on the epithelial surface. Furthermore, the purified diet induced metabolic rewiring to fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of the ileal contents and mucus layer revealed distinct gut microbiota compositions between the purified and crude diet-fed mice. Purified diet feeding reduced the abundance of segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), which potently upregulate REG3γ and fucosyltransferase 2 (Fut2) by stimulating group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) to produce IL-22. These observations illustrate that the intake of a crude diet secures epithelial barrier function by facilitating SFB colonization, whereas a purified diet insufficiently establishes the epithelial barrier, at least partly owing to the loss of SFB. Our data suggest that the influence of purified diets on the epithelial barrier integrity should be considered in experiments using purified diets.
Civilizational Politics at the Commonwealth Games: Identity, Coloniality and LGBTIQ+ Inclusion
Authors: Vernon Patrick J
Published: January 2024

In 2022, the United Kingdom hosted the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, with this games featuring a pride programme that promoted LGBTIQ+ inclusion around the Commonwealth. With British colonial norms and laws often providing the origins of homophobic and transphobic policies in Commonwealth member states, this paper sees LGBTIQ+ inclusivity narratives at the games as a significant object of study. Focusing on the theme of “welcoming,” the paper interrogates the various welcomes that were extended to different communities at the games; welcoming athletes from around the Commonwealth to Birmingham, welcoming queer people into the world of sport, and welcoming Commonwealth citizens into the LGBTIQ+ framework. Encapsulating these welcomes, it argues, was a liberal progress narrative that ignores ongoing British colonial violence, for example through the United Kingdom’s carceral border policy, or through culture war debates that demonize trans women. Contesting depictions of British democracy as the zenith of human development, this paper highlights the inconsistency of this with the UK Government’s politics of exclusion and the ways in which civilizationist agendas detract attention from the ongoing operation of coloniality. It also reflects on opportunities for resisting colonial violence in complex socio-political contexts.
Pleomorphic viruses establish stable relationship with marine hyperthermophilic archaea
Authors: Baquero Diana P , Bignon Eduardo A , Krupovic Mart
Published: January 2024

Non-lytic viruses with enveloped pleomorphic virions (family Pleolipoviridae) are ubiquitous in hypersaline environments across the globe and are associated with nearly all major lineages of halophilic archaea. However, their existence in other ecosystems remains largely unknown. Here, we show that evolutionarily-related viruses also infect hyperthermophilic archaea thriving in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Archaeoglobus veneficus pleomorphic virus 1 (AvPV1), the first virus described for any member of the class Archaeoglobi, encodes a morphogenetic module typical of pleolipoviruses, including the characteristic VP4-like membrane fusion protein. We show that AvPV1 is a non-lytic virus chronically produced in liquid cultures without substantially affecting the growth dynamics of its host with a stable virus-to-host ratio of ~1. Mining of genomic and metagenomic databases revealed broad distribution of AvPV1-like viruses in geographically remote hydrothermal vents. Comparative genomics, coupled with phylogenetic analysis of VP4-like fusogens revealed deep divergence of pleomorphic viruses infecting halophilic, methanogenic, and hyperthermophilic archaea, signifying niche separation and coevolution of the corresponding virus-host pairs. Hence, we propose a new virus family, “Thalassapleoviridae,” for classification of the marine hyperthermophilic virus AvPV1 and its relatives. Collectively, our results provide insights into the diversity and evolution of pleomorphic viruses beyond hypersaline environments.
Climate acts as an environmental filter to plant pathogens
Authors: Caballol Maria , Redondo Miguel Ángel , Catalán Núria , Corcobado Tamara , Jung Thomas , Marçais Benoît , Milenković Ivan , Nemesio-Gorriz Miguel , Stenlid Jan , Oliva Jonàs
Published: January 2024

Climate shapes the distribution of plant-associated microbes such as mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi. However, the role of climate in plant pathogen community assembly is less understood. Here, we explored the role of climate in the assembly of Phytophthora communities at >250 sites along a latitudinal gradient from Spain to northern Sweden and an altitudinal gradient from the Spanish Pyrenees to lowland areas. Communities were detected by ITS sequencing of river filtrates. Mediation analysis supported the role of climate in the biogeography of Phytophthora and ruled out other environmental factors such as geography or tree diversity. Comparisons of functional and species diversity showed that environmental filtering dominated over competitive exclusion in Europe. Temperature and precipitation acted as environmental filters at different extremes of the gradients. In northern regions, winter temperatures acted as an environmental filter on Phytophthora community assembly, selecting species adapted to survive low minimum temperatures. In southern latitudes, a hot dry climate was the main environmental filter, resulting in communities dominated by drought-tolerant Phytophthora species with thick oospore walls, a high optimum temperature for growth, and a high maximum temperature limit for growth. By taking a community ecology approach, we show that the establishment of Phytophthora plant pathogens in Europe is mainly restricted by cold temperatures.
The impact of source and consumption of news on mental distress among inflammatory bowel disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shaffer Seth R , Dolovich Casandra , El-Gabalawy Renée , Graff Lesley A , Singh Harminder , Jackson Gia L , Chochinov Sydney , Shaw Souradet , Bernstein Charles N
Published: January 2024

Background

We sought to understand the trends in media use, and how consumption and source affected mental health of persons with inflammatory bowel disease during the early parts of the pandemic. Dissemination of news during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was integral to educating the public but also could be harmful if constantly consumed, leading to worsening anxiety.

Methods

We performed a survey study in autumn 2020 during the second wave of COVID-19 in Manitoba. The survey included questions on consumption of COVID-19 news, along with validated measures of perceived stress, generalized anxiety, health anxiety, and depression. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess trusted sources of news as a predictor of clinically significant mental health symptoms.

Results

Of the 2940 participants in the registry, 1384 (47.1%) persons responded. The most trusted sources of news were television (64.2%), internet (46.1%), newspaper (27.6%), friends/family (21.7%), social media (16.9%), and radio (16.6%). Those who trusted social media had higher odds of depression (aOR 1.52, 95%CI 1.04-2.22), and perceived stress (aOR 2.56, 95%CI 1.09-2.21). Persons who reported extreme difficulty limiting their time-consuming news about COVID-19 and who spent more than 1 h daily consuming information on COVID-19 both had increased odds of any clinically significant mental health symptoms.

Conclusions

It is unknown if consumption of COVID-19 news led to heightened mental health symptoms or if increasing anxieties and concerns led to consuming more news. Further research is needed to assess whether these elevated mental health symptoms led to worse disease outcomes.
Effects of nonnutritive sugar inclusion in laboratory diets and attracticidal spheres on survivorship and mobility of 2 Dipteran species, Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Nixon Laura J , Douglas Morgan , Ibrahim Aya , Jones Sharon , Piñero Jaime C , Leskey Tracy C
Published: January 2024

Native apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella, and invasive spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, are key pests of apple and small fruit, respectively, in the United States. Both species are typically managed with standard insecticide applications. However, interest in alternative strategies that result in insecticide reductions has led to evaluations of nonnutritive sugars as toxicants for Drosophila species and development of attracticidal spheres for both species. Here, we evaluated the survivorship of R. pomonella and D. suzukii when provided with standard diets that substituted saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, erythritol, dextrose, or mannitol for the sucrose component and compared them with standard diets and water-only controls for up to 15 days. Presence of erythritol and mannitol significantly decreased survivorship of R. pomonella and erythritol significantly decreased the survivorship of D. suzukii. However, mobility trials following a 2 h exposure to aqueous solutions of each sugar treatment resulted in no strong impact on either species. Survivorship after 30 min exposure to erythritol or mannitol alone, or in combination with varying concentrations of sucrose (serving as a phagostimulant) at 30 min and 24 h were evaluated for both species. Only D. suzukii survivorship was affected with decreased survivorship on erythritol:sucrose solutions of 20:0% and 15:5% for 24 h. Based on all results, erythritol appeared most promising, and was integrated into attracticidal spheres as a toxicant but even at the highest concentration, survivorship remained unaffected for either species, thus making this nonnutritive sugar impractical and ineffective as a toxicant substitute in attracticidal spheres.
Using proxy pattern-mixture models to explain bias in estimates of COVID-19 vaccine uptake from two large surveys
Authors: Andridge Rebecca R
Published: January 2024

Recently, attention was drawn to the failure of two very large internet-based probability surveys to correctly estimate COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the U.S. in early 2021. Both the Delphi-Facebook COVID-19 Trends and Impact Survey (CTIS) and Census Household Pulse Survey (HPS) overestimated uptake substantially, by 17 and 14 percentage points in May 2021, respectively. These surveys had large numbers of respondents but very low response rates (<10%), thus, nonignorable nonresponse could have had substantial impact. Specifically, it is plausible that ‘anti-vaccine’ individuals were less likely to participate given the topic (impact of the pandemic on daily life). In this article, we use proxy pattern-mixture models (PPMMs) to estimate the proportion of adults (18 +) who received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, using data from the CTIS and HPS, under a nonignorable nonresponse assumption. Data from the American Community Survey provide the necessary population data for the PPMMs. We compare these estimates to the true benchmark uptake numbers and show that the PPMM could have detected the direction of the bias and provide meaningful bias bounds. We also use the PPMM to estimate vaccine hesitancy, a measure for which we do not have a benchmark truth, and compare to the direct survey estimates.
O-GlcNAcylation orchestrates porcine oocyte maturation through maintaining mitochondrial dynamics and function
Authors: Xiong Wen-Jie , Lai Xin-Le , Lu Jie , Li Li-Shu , Zhang Jin-Xin , Duan Xing
Published: January 2024

O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification exists widely in cells, playing a crucial role in the regulation of important biological processes such as transcription, translation, metabolism, and the cell cycle. O-GlcNAc modification is an inducible reversible dynamic protein post-translational modification, which regulates complex cellular activities through transient glycosylation and deglycosylation. O-GlcNAc glycosylation is specifically regulated by O-GlcNAc glycosyltransferase (O-GlcNAc transferase, OGT) and O-GlcNAc glycoside hydrolase (O-GlcNAcase). However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of O-GlcNAc modification on the female reproductive system, especially oocyte quality, remain unclear. Here, we found that after OGT was inhibited, porcine oocytes failed to extrude the first polar body and exhibited abnormal actin and microtubule assembly. Meanwhile, the mitochondrial dynamics and function were also disrupted after inhibition of OGT function, resulting in the occurrence of oxidative stress and autophagy. Collectively, these results inform our understanding of the importance of the glycosylation process for oocyte maturation, especially for the maturation quality of porcine oocytes, and the alteration of O-GlcNAc in oocytes to regulate cellular events deserves further investigation.
Effect modification of time spent outdoors on the association between early childhood overweight and myopia: a one-year follow-up study
Authors: Yang Jin-Liu-Xing , Li Dan-Lin , Chen Jun , Wang Jing-Jing , Du Lin-Lin , Liu Si-Chen , He Xian-Gui , Pan Chen-Wei
Published: January 2024

Background

This study examined the moderating role of outdoor time on the relationship between overweight and myopia.

Methods

The data for this study was obtained from a prospective study in Shanghai, where non-myopic children wore wristwear and were followed up for 1 year. Eye examinations were performed at each visit. The modification effect was assessed on the additive scale using multivariable logistic regression, and relative excess risk due to interaction was used to calculate the modification effect.

Results

A total of 4683 non-myopic children were included with 32.20% being overweight at baseline. Following a 1-year period, 17.42% of children had myopia. When compared to those who spent <90 minutes outdoors, children who spent >120 had a relative risk of myopia onset that was reduced to 0.61. As time spent outdoors decreased, more risks of myopia onset were identified among overweight children than among normal children, the modification effect on the additive scale was −0.007, with ~70% of this effect attributed to the modifying influence of outdoor time.

Conclusions

Increasing outdoor time can reduce myopia more among overweight children than normal. Future interventions should focus on outdoor activities among overweight children to reduce myopia risks.
Relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and erectile dysfunction: a 2-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Dawei , Chen Cheng , Wu Ziliang , Li Huakang , Tang Bo
Published: January 2024

Background

Observational studies have indicated a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but a definitive causal relationship remains unestablished.

Aim

The primary aim of this study was to assess the potential causal relationship between IBD and ED using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

We obtained statistical data for 2 subtypes of IBD, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), as well as for ED, from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Subsequently, a 2-sample MR analysis was conducted using these datasets. The primary MR analysis utilized the inverse variance–weighted (IVW) method, complemented by secondary analyses employing MR-Egger and weighted median methods. Furthermore, we assessed heterogeneity using Cochran's Q test and evaluated pleiotropy with the MR-Egger intercept test. To identify potential influential single nucleotide polymorphisms, we employed a leave-one-out analysis. Additionally, outliers were identified using the MR-PRESSO method.

Outcomes

The study outcomes encompassed results from 3 MR analyses, namely IVW, MR-Egger, and weighted median, along with sensitivity analyses involving Cochran's Q test, the MR-Egger intercept test, leave-one-out analysis, and the MR-PRESSO method.

Results

There was no causal effect of UC and CD on ED in the MR analysis (IVW P > .05). Results of complementary methods were consistent with those of the IVW method. The results of sensitivity analyses supported our conclusion, and no directional pleiotropy was found.

Clinical Implications

Genetically, despite the absence of a causal link between IBD and ED according to MR analysis, we must emphasize the elevated ED prevalence among IBD patients in observational studies, with particular consideration for the influence of negative emotions on erectile function.

Strengths & Limitations

This study is the inaugural application of a 2-sample MR analysis using extensive GWAS datasets to evaluate the causal relationship between IBD and ED, effectively mitigating biases stemming from confounding factors and reverse causality often present in observational studies. Nevertheless, it is imperative to exercise caution when drawing conclusions due to inherent limitations in GWAS data, encompassing factors like samples overlap, gender categorization, population ancestry, and the persistent ambiguity surrounding the precise functionality of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Conclusions

MR analysis did not provide genetic-level evidence supporting a direct causal relationship between IBD (UC and CD) and ED.
Na2CO3-responsive mechanism insight from quantitative proteomics and SlRUB gene function in Salix linearistipularis seedlings
Authors: Song Yingying , Zhang Heng , Liu Shijia , Chang Yu , Zhang Yongxue , Feng Huiting , Zhang Xuebin , Sun Meihong , Sha Wei , Li Ying , Dai Shaojun
Published: January 2024

Mongolian willow (Salix linearistipularis) is a naturally occurring woody dioecious plant in the saline soils of north-eastern China, which has a high tolerance to alkaline salts. Although transcriptomics studies have identified a large number of salinity-responsive genes, the mechanism of salt tolerance in Mongolian willow is not clear. Here, we found that in response to Na2CO3 stress, Mongolian willow regulates osmotic homeostasis by accumulating proline and soluble sugars and scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) by antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Our quantitative proteomics study identified 154 salt-sensitive proteins mainly involved in maintaining the stability of the photosynthetic system and ROS homeostasis to cope with Na2CO3 stress. Among them, Na2CO3-induced rubredoxin (RUB) was predicted to be associated with 122 proteins for the modulation of these processes. The chloroplast-localized S. linearistipularis rubredoxin (SlRUB) was highly expressed in leaves and was significantly induced under Na2CO3 stress. Phenotypic analysis of overexpression, mutation and complementation materials of RUB in Arabidopsis suggests that SlRUB is critical for the regulation of photosynthesis, ROS scavenging and other metabolisms in the seedlings of Mongolian willow to cope with Na2CO3 stress. This provides more clues to better understand the alkali-responsive mechanism and RUB functions in the woody Mongolian willow.
Unravelling cryptic diversity in the Paratrichodorus allius-group species complex to resolve eight new species of the genus and new insights on the molecular phylogeny (Nematoda: Trichodoridae)
Authors: Decraemer Wilfrida , Archidona-Yuste Antonio , Clavero-Camacho Ilenia , Vovlas Alessio , Cantalapiedra-Navarrete Carolina , Ruiz-Cuenca Alba N , Castillo Pablo , Palomares-Rius Juan E
Published: January 2024

The stubby-root nematode genus Paratrichodorus comprises species of plant polyphagous ectoparasitic nematodes distributed worldwide and a few of them are plant virus-vectors (tobravirus). This is one of the most difficult nematode genera in terms of species identification, since it is phenotypically conserved with closely related species and is highly sensitive to the specimen fixation and preservation processes. Using an integrative and multidisciplinary taxonomy framework, we determined species boundaries among the Paratrichodorus populations from a P. allius species-complex sampled in cultivated and natural ecosystems across Spain. We support the hypothesis that nematode diversity of the P. allius species-complex remains underestimated and describe here a total of eight new species on the basis of detailed morphological and molecular characterization of 16 Paratrichodorus populations: Paratrichodorus asidonaensis sp. nov., Paratrichodorus benalupensis sp. nov., Paratrichodorus hinogerus sp. nov., Paratrichodorus litoralis sp. nov., Paratrichodorus paraallius sp. nov., Paratrichodorus rocianerus sp. nov., Paratrichodorus tarifaensis sp. nov., and Paratrichodorus uliaensis sp. nov. This study emphasizes the importance of properly applying a broad taxonomic framework in plant-parasitic nematodes. It is also relevant for plant health, since it correctly delimits species morphologically closed to the virus vector nematode, P. allius, and gives proper molecular markers for its unequivocal identification.
Microneedling in Abdominal Scarring after DIEP-flap Breast Reconstruction to Improve Scar Quality: A Randomized Controlled Split Scar Trial
Authors: Everaars Kristel E. , Meulendijks Audrey M. , Tjin Esther P.M. , Eskes Anne M. , Hummelink Stefan , de Laat Erik H. , Ulrich Dietmar J.O.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction leads to large scars in the breast and abdominal region. Common symptoms related to abdominal scarring include changes in color, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity of the skin. The aim of this study was to examine whether microneedling improves the abdominal scar quality after DIEP-flap breast reconstruction.

Methods:

A prospective randomized controlled within subject comparison design (N = 30) was used to study the effect of microneedling treatments on the abdominal scar, versus no treatment. Three electrically powered microneedling sessions were performed every 4 weeks on one side of the abdominal scar. Abdominal scar assessment was performed at baseline and 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-up using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Treated and untreated sides were compared using a t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test in case the data were not normally distributed.

Results:

Twenty-seven women completed the study. Microneedling treatment led to lower POSAS scores compared with the untreated scar side after the 3- and 9-month follow-up. At the 9-month follow-up, the POSAS total score (Mdn = 17, interquartile range = 18.3 versus Mdn = 21.4, interquartile range = 17.5) was statistically lower for the treated side compared with the untreated side, implying a better-appraised scar quality. The observer POSAS total score was statistically lower for the treated side compared with the untreated side.

Conclusions:

Based on patient and observer ratings, overall abdominal scars after DIEP-flap surgery improve significantly after microneedling treatment. Scar symptoms reduce faster under the influence of microneedling treatment compared with no treatment.
A Multicenter Pilot Study of a Novel Allograft Adipose Matrix in Malar and Prejowl Volume Restoration
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Fagien Steven , Rohrich Rod J.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Allograft adipose matrix (AAM) offers a novel, off-the-shelf, and readily available natural option in the treatment of facial soft tissue volume and reconstructive deficits. AAM is a natural soft tissue supplement or replacement that can support cushioning and volume correction. A prospective multicenter pilot study evaluated AAM in facial volume restoration.

Methods:

Eleven women (mean age of 55.8 ± 10.9 y) with midface volume deficit were followed up for 24 weeks after AAM treatment in this institutional review board–approved multicenter pilot study. The clinical safety and efficacy of the AAM treatment were evaluated using clinical scales and three-dimensional quantitative facial photography.

Results:

AAM was safe to address facial volume deficits, with minor site-related adverse events and discomfort that resolved within 2–4 weeks. Observations also revealed facial volume improvements throughout the study with 91% positive responders. At week 24, the subject facial satisfaction scores revealed an 86% increase compared to baseline, along with a statistically significantly improved midface fullness compared to baseline.

Conclusion:

AAM offers a natural and safe option for midface volume restoration and supports overall satisfaction and volume improvements.
The Impact of Tuberous Breast on Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Donnenfield Jonah I. , Nuzzi Laura C. , McNamara Catherine T. , White Ava G. , Labow Brian I.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Tuberous breast deformity is a nondiagnostic, descriptive term for a congenital breast difference that becomes apparent at puberty. Although the negative physical and psychosocial effects of macromastia and breast asymmetry are established, no studies to date have explored the impact of tuberous breasts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes using a robust sample size.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, HRQoL surveys were administered to adolescent women with tuberous breasts and healthy female controls, aged 12–21 years. Surveys included the Short-Form 36v2, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Eating Attitudes Test-26. Demographics were compared, and linear regressions were fit to determine the effect of tuberous breast deformity on survey scores, with body mass index (BMI) category as a covariate.

Results:

Thirty-four patients with tuberous breasts and 264 controls participated. Patients with tuberous breasts had higher mean BMI than controls (P < 0.05). After adjusting for differences in BMI category, patients with tuberous breasts scored lower than controls on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and in Short-Form 36v2 domains related to physical and psychological health (P < 0.05, all). Compared with controls, patients with tuberous breasts had a higher mean score on the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Tuberous breast deformity may negatively impact patients’ physical and psychosocial HRQoL and increase their risk for disordered eating and higher BMIs. It is imperative that healthcare providers and third-party payors understand tuberous breast deformity is not just a cosmetic issue and tailor care and coverage policies accordingly.
Neutrophil extracellular traps promote MASH fibrosis by metabolic reprogramming of HSC
Authors: Xia Yujia , Wang Yu , Xiong Qi , He Jiayi , Wang Han , Islam Mozaffarul , Zhou Xinyu , Kim Alex , Zhang Hongji , Huang Hai , Tsung Allan
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims:

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) fibrosis is a reversible stage of liver disease accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. Neutrophils extrude a meshwork of chromatin fibers to establish neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which play important roles in inflammatory response regulation. Our previous work demonstrated that NETs promote HCC in MASH. However, it is still unknown if NETs play a role in the molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis.

Approach and Results:

Following 12 weeks of Western diet/carbon tetrachloride, MASH fibrosis was identified in C57BL/6 mice with increased NET formation. However, NET depletion using DNase I treatment or mice knocked out for peptidyl arginine deaminase type IV significantly attenuated the development of MASH fibrosis. NETs were demonstrated to induce HSCs activation, proliferation, and migration through augmented mitochondrial and aerobic glycolysis to provide additional bioenergetic and biosynthetic supplies. Metabolomic analysis revealed markedly an altered metabolic profile upon NET stimulation of HSCs that were dependent on arachidonic acid metabolism. Mechanistically, NET stimulation of toll-like receptor 3 induced cyclooxygenase-2 activation and prostaglandin E2 production with subsequent HSC activation and liver fibrosis. Inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 with celecoxib reduced fibrosis in our MASH model.

Conclusions:

Our findings implicate NETs playing a critical role in the development of MASH hepatic fibrosis by inducing metabolic reprogramming of HSCs through the toll-like receptor 3/cyclooxygenase-2/cyclooxygenase-2 pathway. Therefore, NET inhibition may represent an attractive treatment target for MASH liver fibrosis.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Two-center Experience
Authors: Kurz Herbert , Sever-Yildiz Gulsen , Kocsisek Corinna V. , Resch Elisabeth , Großschädl Clara , Totschnig Leonie , Resch Bernhard
Published: January 2024

Background:

The aim of the study was to determine the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza disease during the COVID-19 pandemic at 2 Austrian urban pediatric centers between October 1, 2019 and April 30, 2022.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective observational 2-center study on RSV- and influenza virus-associated hospitalizations in infants and children up to 18 years at the University Hospital of Graz and the Clinic Donaustadt of Vienna from October 1, 2019 to April 30, 2022. Hospitalization had to be associated with the infectious disease, proven by polymerase chain reaction, including presence of respiratory symptoms. Demographic data including underlying diseases and treatment strategies were compared between centers and diseases, respectively.

Results:

There were 826 cases in Graz and 379 in Vienna with significant more RSV cases in Graz and more influenza cases in Vienna (RSV: 76% vs. 59%, influenza: 24% vs. 41%; both P < 0.001). One death occurred in Graz due to RSV and another due to influenza in Vienna. Seasonality only slightly differed between centers and severity of diseases was not aggravated when measured by pediatric intensive care unit admission rates, need for supplemental oxygen and respiratory support between first and last seasons. Treatment regimen differed regarding higher use of antibiotics and rates of intravenous fluids in Vienna compared to higher rates of bronchodilators, corticosteroids and nose drops in Graz.

Conclusions:

We observed higher numbers of hospitalizations due to both viruses after the lockdown but not increased severity of the diseases; and mortality remained extremely low. Preventive measures should be implemented with high priority especially focused on infants with underlying diseases.
Easily applicable predictive score for MPR based on parameters before neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in operable NSCLC: a single-center, ambispective, observational study
Authors: Hu Mingming , Li Xiaomi , Lin Haifeng , Lu Baohua , Wang Qunhui , Tong Li , Li Hongxia , Che Nanying , Hung Shaojun , Han Yi , Shi Kang , Li Chenghai , Zhang Hongmei , Liu Zhidong , Zhang Tongmei
Published: January 2024

Background:

Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NACI) is promising for resectable nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but predictive biomarkers are still lacking. The authors aimed to develop a model based on pretreatment parameters to predict major pathological response (MPR) for such an approach.

Methods:

The authors enrolled operable NSCLC treated with NACI between March 2020 and May 2023 and then collected baseline clinical-pathology data and routine laboratory examinations before treatment. The efficacy and safety data of this cohort was reported and variables were screened by Logistic and Lasso regression and nomogram was developed. In addition, receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis were used to assess its power. Finally, internal cross-validation and external validation was performed to assess the power of the model.

Results:

In total, 206 eligible patients were recruited in this study and 53.4% (110/206) patients achieved MPR. Using multivariate analysis, the predictive model was constructed by seven variables, prothrombin time (PT), neutrophil percentage (NEUT%), large platelet ratio (P-LCR), eosinophil percentage (EOS%), smoking, pathological type, and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression finally. The model had good discrimination, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.775, 0.746, and 0.835 for all datasets, cross-validation, and external validation, respectively. The calibration curves showed good consistency, and decision curve analysis indicated its potential value in clinical practice.

Conclusion:

This real world study revealed favorable efficacy in operable NSCLC treated with NACI. The proposed model based on multiple clinically accessible parameters could effectively predict MPR probability and could be a powerful tool in personalized medication.
Comparison of contraction-type and noncontraction-type lymphatic vessels in lymphaticovenous anastomosis for cancer-related unilateral lower limb lymphedema: a retrospective cohort propensity-score-matched outcome analysis
Authors: Knoz Martin , Wang Yu-Ming , Luo Sheng-Dean , Wu Shao-Chun , Lin Wei-Che , Tsai Pei-Yu , Chien Peng-Chen , Hsieh Ching-Hua , Yang Johnson Chia-Shen
Published: January 2024

Background:

Contraction-type lymphatic vessels (LV) are considered suboptimal for lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). However, despite these pathological changes, their functionality and link to outcomes have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the impact on outcomes when contraction-type LVs were used for LVA compared to the noncontraction-type (normal + ectatic) counterpart for treating lower limb lymphedema.

Study design:

Eighty-three patients with gynecologic cancer-related unilateral lower-limb lymphedema who underwent LVA as their primary treatment were enrolled in this study. The study group included 20 patients who used only contraction-type LVs. An additional 63 patients (control group) received noncontraction-type LVs only. Patients with a history of LVA, liposuction, or excisional therapy were excluded. Patient characteristics, intraoperative findings, functional parameters, and pre-LVA and post-LVA volume changes were recorded and matched using propensity scores. The primary endpoint was the volume change at 6/12 months after LVA.

Results:

After matching, 20 patients were included in each group. All parameters were matched, except that the study group still had a significantly inferior indocyanine green (ICG)-positive ratio, lymph flow-positive ratio, and washout-positive ratios (P<0.001, P=0.003, and P<0.001, respectively) when compared to the control group after matching. However, at 1-year follow-up, the postoperative percentage volume reduction was comparable between the groups (P=0.619).

Conclusion:

The use of contraction-type LVs for LVA is encouraged when no other LVs are available.
Immediate impacts of COVID-19 vaccination on glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lamichhane Pratik , Khalid Hussain , Siviyachan Cijoy Kanatte , Zafar Summiya , Prasanth Mahesh , Khanal Kapil , Agrawal Anushka , Kaur Jhajj Loveleen
Published: January 2024

Objective:

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended in diabetic patients since diabetes is associated with worse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 infection. The safety profile of different types of COVID-19 vaccines, especially on glycemic control, can be explored due to availability of data from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar was conducted using a search strategy for studies published till January 2023 in English language. Comparative observational studies reporting glycemic control obtained from CGM before and after COVID-19 vaccination in T1DM patients were included. The primary outcome was time in range (TIR) metric of proportion of glucose results falling within the range: 3.9–10 mmol/l. Other outcomes were time above range (TAR) (>10 mmol/l), time below range (TBR) (<3.9 mmol/l), coefficient of variation (CV), and mean blood glucose levels. The pooled outcomes were compared pre-vaccination and post-vaccination using Hedges’ g (HG) with 95% CI.

Results:

A total of seven studies (632 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. COVID-19 vaccination caused small and statistically insignificant decrease in TIR after both the first (HG = 0.21, 95% CI: −0.02 to 0.44, P=0.07) and second dose (HG = 0.09, 95% CI: −0.04 to 0.21, P = 0.19). Likewise, TAR was not affected after neither first (HG = −0.09, 95% CI: −0.22 to 0.03, P = 0.12) nor second vaccine dose (HG = −0.07, 95% CI: −0.21 to 0.06, P = 0.30). Likewise, TBR, mean blood glucose levels, and CV were not significantly altered following uptake of either of the doses.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 vaccination has an excellent safety profile in T1DM patients owing to its minimal impacts on immediate glycemic control.
Surgical team member’s application of personal protective equipment: an observational study
Authors: Diress Fikadu Tadesse , Fentie Demeke Yilkal , Endalew Nigussie Simeneh , Admass Biruk Adie
Published: January 2024

Background:

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a term used to refer to clothing or equipment that creates a barrier to protect an individual from work-place hazards, thereby protecting the worker against work-related injuries and illnesses. This study was aimed at determining the compliance of application of personal protective equipment against the standards.

Methods:

One hundred surgical personnel were included in this study from 21 March 2023 to 23 April 2023. Data were collected through direct observation. The standards were directly changed into question forms with two integral checking components, “Yes”, and “No”. Data were entered and analyzed by statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 25.

Result:

A total of 100 surgical personnel involved in surgical procedures were assessed for how they applied PPE. Majority of healthcare workers, 61.2%, were compliant with the communicable disease control standard on the application of PPE. The highest compliance rate was observed for the put-on gloves over the gown, while the lowest compliance rate was observed for wearing eye protection.

Conclusion and recommendation:

The practice of PPE usage by surgical personnel was suboptimal. Healthcare facilities can better protect their staff and patients from the spread of infections and other hazards through PPE use protocols. Donning and doffing must always be methodical and supervised by another staff member, especially during surgical emergencies. PPE should be used in accordance with infection prevention and control guidelines and the level of risk involved in the specific procedure.