bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of cholesterol on proinflammatory monocyte production by the bone marrow
Authors: Stiekema Lotte C A , Willemsen Lisa , Kaiser Yannick , Prange Koen H M , Wareham Nicholas J , Boekholdt S Matthijs , Kuijk Carlijn , de Winther Menno P J , Voermans Carlijn , Nahrendorf Matthias , Stroes Erik S G , Kroon Jeffrey
Published: July 2021

Aim

Preclinical work indicates that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) not only drives atherosclerosis by directing the innate immune response at plaque level but also augments proinflammatory monocyte production in the bone marrow (BM) compartment. In this study, we aim to unravel the impact of LDL-C on monocyte production in the BM compartment in human subjects.

Methods and results

A multivariable linear regression analysis in 12 304 individuals of the EPIC-Norfolk prospective population study showed that LDL-C is associated with monocyte percentage (β = 0.131 [95% CI: 0.036–0.225]; P = 0.007), at the expense of granulocytes (β = −0.876 [95% CI: −1.046 to −0.705]; P < 0.001). Next, we investigated whether altered haematopoiesis could explain this monocytic skewing by characterizing CD34+ BM haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) of patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and healthy normocholesterolaemic controls. The HSPC transcriptomic profile of untreated FH patients showed increased gene expression in pathways involved in HSPC migration and, in agreement with our epidemiological findings, myelomonocytic skewing. Twelve weeks of cholesterol-lowering treatment reverted the myelomonocytic skewing, but transcriptomic enrichment of monocyte-associated inflammatory and migratory pathways persisted in HSPCs post-treatment. Lastly, we link hypercholesterolaemia to perturbed lipid homeostasis in HSPCs, characterized by lipid droplet formation and transcriptomic changes compatible with increased intracellular cholesterol availability.

Conclusions

Collectively, these data highlight that LDL-C impacts haematopoiesis, promoting both the number and the proinflammatory activation of circulating monocytes. Furthermore, this study reveals a potential contributory role of HSPC transcriptomic reprogramming to residual inflammatory risk in FH patients despite cholesterol-lowering therapy.
Host species shape the community structure of culturable endophytes in fruits of wild berry species (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Empetrum nigrum L. and Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)
Authors: Nguyen Minh-Phuong , Lehosmaa Kaisa , Martz Françoise , Koskimäki Janne J , Pirttilä Anna Maria , Häggman Hely
Published: July 2021

Wild berries are interesting research subjects due to their rich sources of health-beneficial phenolic compounds. However, the internal microbial communities, endophytes, associated with the wild berry fruits are currently unknown. Endophytes are bacteria or fungi inhabiting inside plant tissues, and their functions vary depending on the host species and environmental parameters. The present study aimed to examine community composition of fungal and bacterial endophytes in fruits of three wild berry species (bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus L., lingonberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. and crowberry Empetrum nigrum L.) and the effects of host plant species and their growth sites on shaping the endophytic communities. We found that the endophytic community structures differed between the berry species, and fungi were predominant over bacteria in the total endophytic taxa. We identified previously unknown endophytic fungal taxa including Angustimassarina, Dothidea, Fellozyma, Pseudohyphozyma, Hannaella coprosmae and Oberwinklerozyma straminea. A role of soluble phenolic compounds, the intracellular components in wild berry fruits, in shaping the endophytic communities is proposed. Overall, our study demonstrates that each berry species harbors a unique endophytic community of microbes.
Apt interpretation of comprehensive lipoprotein data in large-scale epidemiology: disclosure of fundamental structural and metabolic relationships
Authors: Ala-Korpela Mika , Zhao Siyu , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Mäkinen Ville-Petteri , Ohukainen Pauli
Published: July 2021

Background

Quantitative lipoprotein analytics using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is currently commonplace in large-scale studies. One methodology has become widespread and is currently being utilized also in large biobanks. It allows the comprehensive characterization of 14 lipoprotein subclasses, clinical lipids, apolipoprotein A-I and B. The details of these data are conceptualized here in relation to lipoprotein metabolism with particular attention on the fundamental characteristics of subclass particle numbers, lipid concentrations and compositional measures.

Methods and Results

The NMR methodology was applied to fasting serum samples from Northern Finland Birth Cohorts 1966 and 1986 with 5651 and 5605 participants, respectively. All results were highly consistent between the cohorts. Circulating lipid concentrations in a particular lipoprotein subclass arise predominantly as the result of the circulating number of those subclass particles. The spherical lipoprotein particle shape, with a radially oriented surface monolayer, imposes size-dependent biophysical constraints for the lipid composition of individual subclass particles and inherently restricts the accommodation of metabolic changes via compositional modifications. The new finding that the relationship between lipoprotein subclass particle concentrations and the particle size is log-linear reveals that circulating lipoprotein particles are also under rather strict metabolic constraints for both their absolute and relative concentrations.

Conclusions

The fundamental structural and metabolic relationships between lipoprotein subclasses elucidated in this study empower detailed interpretation of lipoprotein metabolism. Understanding the intricate details of these extensive data is important for the precise interpretation of novel therapeutic opportunities and for fully utilizing the potential of forthcoming analyses of genetic and metabolic data in large biobanks.
Estimated Prevalence and Number of Persons With Isolated Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen and Associated Occult Hepatitis B, United States, 2001–2018
Authors: Spradling Philip R , Xing Jian , Harris Aaron M , Ly Kathleen N
Published: July 2021

Persons with isolated antibody to hepatits B virus (HBV) core antigen (IAHBc) may have occult HBV infection (OBI), which is associated with reactivation and potential risk for hepatocellular carcinoma and HBV transmission. We used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to estimate US IAHBc prevalence and published studies of IAHBc-associated OBI prevalence to estimate OBI burden. During 2001−2018, the prevalence of IAHBc was 0.8% (approximately 2.1 million persons), and the OBI burden range was 35 500–83 600 persons. These data support the need for more robust estimates of IAHBc-associated OBI prevalence in the general US population.
Scaling and Structural Properties of Juvenile Bull Kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana)
Authors: Dobkowski Katie A , Crofts Stephanie B
Published: July 2021

Synopsis

Bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana), the only canopy-forming kelp in the Salish Sea, provides primary production in the nearshore subtidal environment and serves as an important habitat for economically and ecologically important species. An annual species, each year juvenile bull kelp sporophytes must grow from the hydrodynamically more benign benthos to the water column, where they experience substantial drag at the surface. Because of the differences in morphology and ecology across life stages, and the fact that previous work has focused mainly on adult bull kelp, we tested whether morphology and structural properties change with stipe length, investigating scaling of both juvenile (stipe length < 40 cm) and mature (stipe length > 40 cm) kelp, and testing how juvenile stipes fail. Juvenile bull kelp grow proportionally (isometric growth) when young, but lengthen more quickly than would be predicted by bulb size (negative allometry) at maturity. Based on our data, the predicted breakpoint between isometric and allometric growth occurred at about 33 cm, likely approximately one to two weeks of growth. Cross-sectional area of the stipe, force to failure, work to failure, and stiffness (Young's modulus) all grow more slowly than would be predicted based on length, while maximum stress and toughness increase more quickly than predicted. There is no change in extensibility over the size range we tested, suggesting that this material property does not change with stipe length. The differences in biomechanics between juvenile and adult kelp are likely a response to the varied hydrodynamic environments experienced during the annual life cycle, which highlights the importance of studying organisms across life stages.
Overcoming gaps: regional collaborative to optimize capacity management and predict length of stay of patients admitted with COVID-19
Authors: Usher Michael G , Tourani Roshan , Simon Gyorgy , Tignanelli Christopher , Jarabek Bryan , Strauss Craig E , Waring Stephen C , Klyn Niall A M , Kealey Burke T , Tambyraja Rabindra , Pandita Deepti , Baum Karyn D
Published: July 2021

Objective

Ensuring an efficient response to COVID-19 requires a degree of inter-system coordination and capacity management coupled with an accurate assessment of hospital utilization including length of stay (LOS). We aimed to establish optimal practices in inter-system data sharing and LOS modeling to support patient care and regional hospital operations.

Materials and Methods

We completed a retrospective observational study of patients admitted with COVID-19 followed by 12-week prospective validation, involving 36 hospitals covering the upper Midwest. We developed a method for sharing de-identified patient data across systems for analysis. From this, we compared 3 approaches, generalized linear model (GLM) and random forest (RF), and aggregated system level averages to identify features associated with LOS. We compared model performance by area under the ROC curve (AUROC).

Results

A total of 2068 patients were included and used for model derivation and 597 patients for validation. LOS overall had a median of 5.0 days and mean of 8.2 days. Consistent predictors of LOS included age, critical illness, oxygen requirement, weight loss, and nursing home admission. In the validation cohort, the RF model (AUROC 0.890) and GLM model (AUROC 0.864) achieved good to excellent prediction of LOS, but only marginally better than system averages in practice.

Conclusion

Regional sharing of patient data allowed for effective prediction of LOS across systems; however, this only provided marginal improvement over hospital averages at the aggregate level. A federated approach of sharing aggregated system capacity and average LOS will likely allow for effective capacity management at the regional level.
PCYT2 synthesizes CDP-glycerol in mammals and reduced PCYT2 enhances the expression of functionally glycosylated α-dystroglycan
Authors: Imae Rieko , Manya Hiroshi , Tsumoto Hiroki , Miura Yuri , Endo Tamao
Published: July 2021

α-Dystroglycan (α-DG) is a highly glycosylated cell-surface protein. Defective O-mannosyl glycan on α-DG is associated with muscular dystrophies and cancer. In the biosynthetic pathway of the O-mannosyl glycan, fukutin (FKTN) and fukutin-related protein (FKRP) transfer ribitol phosphate (RboP). Previously, we reported that FKTN and FKRP can also transfer glycerol phosphate (GroP) from CDP-glycerol (CDP-Gro) and showed the inhibitory effects of CDP-Gro on functional glycan synthesis by preventing glycan elongation in vitro. However, whether mammalian cells have CDP-Gro or associated synthetic machinery has not been elucidated. Therefore, the function of CDP-Gro in mammals is largely unknown. Here, we reveal that cultured human cells and mouse tissues contain CDP-Gro using liquid chromatography tandem–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). By performing the enzyme activity assay of candidate recombinant proteins, we found that ethanolamine-phosphate cytidylyltransferase (PCYT2), the key enzyme in de novo phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis, has CDP-Gro synthetic activity from glycerol-3-phosphate (Gro3P) and CTP. In addition, knockdown of PCYT2 dramatically reduced cellular CDP-Gro. These results indicate that PCYT2 is a CDP-Gro synthase in mammals. Furthermore, we found that the expression of functionally glycosylated α-DG is increased by reducing PCYT2 expression. Our results suggest an important role for CDP-Gro in the regulation of α-DG function in mammals.
Improving C4 photosynthesis to increase productivity under optimal and suboptimal conditions
Authors: Sales Cristina R G , Wang Yu , Evers Jochem B , Kromdijk Johannes
Published: July 2021

Although improving photosynthetic efficiency is widely recognized as an underutilized strategy to increase crop yields, research in this area is strongly biased towards species with C3 photosynthesis relative to C4 species. Here, we outline potential strategies for improving C4 photosynthesis to increase yields in crops by reviewing the major bottlenecks limiting the C4 NADP-malic enzyme pathway under optimal and suboptimal conditions. Recent experimental results demonstrate that steady-state C4 photosynthesis under non-stressed conditions can be enhanced by increasing Rubisco content or electron transport capacity, both of which may also stimulate CO2 assimilation at supraoptimal temperatures. Several additional putative bottlenecks for photosynthetic performance under drought, heat, or chilling stress or during photosynthetic induction await further experimental verification. Based on source–sink interactions in maize, sugarcane, and sorghum, alleviating these photosynthetic bottlenecks during establishment and growth of the harvestable parts are likely to improve yield. The expected benefits are also shown to be augmented by the increasing trend in planting density, which increases the impact of photosynthetic source limitation on crop yields.
Mapping the Galactic centre’s dark cluster via resonant relaxation
Authors: Tep Kerwann , Fouvry Jean-Baptiste , Pichon Christophe , Heißel Gernot , Paumard Thibaut , Perrin Guy , Vincent Frederic
Published: July 2021

Supermassive black holes in the centre of galaxies dominate the gravitational potential of their surrounding stellar clusters. In these dense environments, stars follow nearly Keplerian orbits, which get slowly distorted as a result of the potential fluctuations generated by the stellar cluster itself. In particular, stars undergo a rapid relaxation of their eccentricities through both resonant and non-resonant processes. An efficient implementation of the resonant diffusion coefficients allows for detailed and systematic explorations of the parameter space describing the properties of the stellar cluster. In conjunction with recent observations of the S-cluster orbiting SgrA*, this framework can be used to jointly constrain the distribution of the unresolved, old, background stellar cluster and the characteristics of a putative dark cluster. Specifically, we show how this can be used to estimate the typical mass and cuspide exponent of intermediate-mass black holes consistent with the relaxed state of the distribution of eccentricities in the observed S-cluster. This should prove useful in constraining supermassive black hole formation scenarios.
Dissecting theGaiaHR diagram within 200 pc
Authors: Dal Tio Piero , Mazzi Alessandro , Girardi Léo , Barbieri Mauro , Zaggia Simone , Bressan Alessandro , Chen Yang , Costa Guglielmo , Marigo Paola
Published: July 2021

We analyse the high-quality Hertzsprung–Russell diagram (HRD) derived from Gaia data release 2 for the Solar Neighbourhood. We start building an almost complete sample within 200 pc and for |b| > 25○, so as to limit the impact of known errors and artefacts in the Gaia catalogue. Particular effort is then put into improving the modelling of population of binaries, which produce two marked features in the HRD: the sequence of near-equal mass binaries along the lower main sequence, and the isolated group of hot subdwarfs. We describe a new tool, BinaPSE, to follow the evolution of interacting binaries in a way that improves the consistency with PARSEC evolutionary tracks for single stars. BinaPSE is implemented into the TRILEGAL code for the generation of ‘partial models’ for both single and binary stellar populations, taking into account the presence of resolved and unresolved binaries. We then fit the Gaia HRD via Markov chain Monte Carlo methods that search for the star formation history and an initial binary fraction (by mass) that maximize the likelihood. The main results are (i) the binary fraction derived from the lower MS is close to 0.4, while twice larger values are favoured when the upper part of the HRD is fitted; (ii) present models predict the observed numbers of hot subdwarfs to within a factor of 2; and (iii) irrespective of the prescription for the binaries, the star formation rate peaks at values $\sim \!1.5\times 10^{-4}{\rm{M}_{\odot }}\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$ at ages slightly above 2 Gyr, and then decreases to $\sim \!0.8\times 10^{-4}{\rm{M}_{\odot }}\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$ at very old ages.
The frequency by mass of Galactic carbon stars inferred from Gaia measurements of star cluster members
Authors: Pal Tathagata , Worthey G
Published: July 2021

We investigate the frequency of occurrence of Galactic carbon stars as a function of progenitor mass using Gaia data. Small number statistics limit fidelity, but C-star frequency agrees with that observed in the Magellanic Clouds (MCs) down to m ≈ 1.67 M⊙. At m ≈ 1.38 M⊙, the frequency rises by a factor of three even though the frequency appears to drop to zero for the MCs. In fact this is due to a lack of clusters at the key age range in the MCs. At m ≈ 1.24 M⊙ and below, no C-stars are observed, corresponding to ages older than 4 Gyr. Within uncertainties, C-star frequency in M 31 is consistent with that of the Galaxy and the MCs. We find an ambiguous C-star candidate at ∼7 M⊙.
HR-pypopstar: high-wavelength-resolution stellar populations evolutionary synthesis model
Authors: Millán-Irigoyen I , Mollá M , Cerviño M , Ascasibar Y , García-Vargas M L , Coelho P R T
Published: July 2021

We present the HR-pyPopStar model, which provides a complete set (in ages) of high-resolution (HR) spectral energy distributions of Single Stellar Populations. The model uses the most recent high-wavelength-resolution theoretical atmosphere libraries for main-sequence, post-AGB/planetary nebulae and Wolf–Rayet stars. The spectral energy distributions are given for more than a hundred ages ranging from 0.1 Myr to 13.8 Gyr, at four different values of the metallicity (Z = 0.004, 0.008, 0.019, and 0.05), considering four different IMFs. The wavelength range goes from 91 to $24\, 000$ Å in linear steps δλ = 0.1 Å, giving a theoretical resolving power $R_{{\rm th},5000} \sim 50\, 000$ at 5000 Å. This is the main novelty of these spectra, unique for their age and wavelength ranges. The models include the ionizing stellar populations that are relevant at both young (massive hot stars) and old (planetary nebulae) ages. We have tested the results with some examples of HR spectra recently observed with MEGARA at GTC. We highlight the importance of wavelength resolution in reproducing and interpreting the observational data from the last and forthcoming generations of astronomical instruments operating at 8–10 m class telescopes, with higher spectral resolution than their predecessors.
The flare-activity of 2MASS J16111534–1757214 in the upper Scorpius association
Authors: Guenther E W , Wöckel D , Chaturvedi P , Kumar V , Srivastava M K , Muheki P
Published: July 2021

Flares are known to play an important role for the evolution of the atmospheres of young planets. In order to understand the evolution of planets, it is thus important to study the flare-activity of young stars. This is particularly the case for young M-stars, because they are very active. We study photometrically and spectroscopically the highly active M-star 2MASS J16111534–1757214. We show that it is a member of the Upper Sco OB association, which has an age of 5–10 Myrs. We also re-evaluate the status of other bona-fide M-stars in this region and identify 42 members. Analyzing the K2-light curves, we find that 2MASS J16111534–1757214 has, on average, one super-flare with $\rm E\ge 10^{35}$ erg every 620 h, and one with $\rm E\ge 10^{34}$ erg every 52 h. Although this is the most active M-star in the Upper Sco association, the power-law index of its flare-distribution is similar to that of other M-stars in this region. 2MASS J16111534–1757214 as well as other M-stars in this region show a broken power-law distribution in the flare-frequency diagram. Flares larger than $\rm E \ge 3\, 10^{34}$ erg have a power-law index $\rm \beta =-1.3\pm 0.1$ and flares smaller than that $\rm \beta =-0.8\pm 0.1$. We furthermore conclude that the flare-energy distribution for young M-stars is not that different from solar-like stars.
Two extreme steep-spectrum, polarized radio sources towards the Galactic bulge
Authors: Hyman S D , Frail D A , Deneva J S , Kassim N E , Giacintucci S , Kooi J E , Lazio T J W , Joyner I , Peters W M , Gajjar V , Siemion A P V
Published: July 2021

From an on-going survey of the Galactic bulge, we have discovered a number of compact, steep spectrum radio sources. In this study, we have carried out more detailed observations for two of these sources, located 43 arcmin and 12${_{.}^{\circ}}$7 from the Galactic Centre. Both sources have a very steep spectrum (α ≃ − 3) and are compact, with upper limits on the angular size of 1–2 arcsec. Their flux densities appear to be relatively steady on time-scales of years, months, and hours, with no indications of rapid variability or transient behaviour. We detect significant circularly polarized emission from both sources, but only weak or upper limits on linear polarization. Neither source has a counterpart at other wavelengths and deep, high-frequency searches fail to find pulsations. We compare their source properties with other known compact, non-thermal source populations in the bulge (e.g. X-ray binaries, magnetars, the Burper, and cataclysmic variables). Our existing data support the hypothesis that they are scatter broadened millisecond or recycled pulsars, either at the bulge or along the line of sight. We also consider the possibility that they may be a new population of Galactic radio sources which share similar properties as pulsars but lack pulsations; a hypothesis that can be tested by future large-scale synoptic surveys.
TSMiner: a novel framework for generating time-specific gene regulatory networks from time-series expression profiles
Authors: Han Mingfei , Liu Xian , Zhang Wen , Wang Mengnan , Bu Wenjing , Chang Cheng , Yu Miao , Li Yingxing , Tian Chunyan , Yang Xiaoming , Zhu Yunping , He Fuchu
Published: July 2021

Time-series gene expression profiles are the primary source of information on complicated biological processes; however, capturing dynamic regulatory events from such data is challenging. Herein, we present a novel analytic tool, time-series miner (TSMiner), that can construct time-specific regulatory networks from time-series expression profiles using two groups of genes: (i) genes encoding transcription factors (TFs) that are activated or repressed at a specific time and (ii) genes associated with biological pathways showing significant mutual interactions with these TFs. Compared with existing methods, TSMiner demonstrated superior sensitivity and accuracy. Additionally, the application of TSMiner to a time-course RNA-seq dataset associated with mouse liver regeneration (LR) identified 389 transcriptional activators and 49 transcriptional repressors that were either activated or repressed across the LR process. TSMiner also predicted 109 and 47 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways significantly interacting with the transcriptional activators and repressors, respectively. These findings revealed the temporal dynamics of multiple critical LR-related biological processes, including cell proliferation, metabolism and the immune response. The series of evaluations and experiments demonstrated that TSMiner provides highly reliable predictions and increases the understanding of rapidly accumulating time-series omics data.
Workplace cardiovascular risk reduction by healthcare professionals—a systematic review
Authors: Zusman E Z , Kapanen A I , Klaassen A , Reardon J
Published: July 2021

Background

Cardiovascular disease has a significant impact on public health and is largely preventable by addressing modifiable risk factors. As most adults spend on average half of their waking hours at work, this provides a significant opportunity to address modifiable risk factors through health promotion interventions. Healthcare professionals have the knowledge and skills to provide workplace interventions aimed at cardiovascular risk reduction.

Aims

This study was aimed to assess the literature regarding the effect of workplace interventions led by healthcare professionals on cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched from inception to March 2021. Included studies evaluated impact of workplace interventions by healthcare professionals on cardiovascular health. Data on study design, baseline characteristics, interventions, outcomes and conclusions were extracted and qualitatively analysed.

Results

Forty-five studies representing 77 633 participants were included in the analysis. Healthcare professionals involved included: nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, physician assistants, medical technicians/emergency medical technicians and physiotherapists. Workplace interventions by healthcare professionals generally improved surrogate markers of cardiovascular health. Success varied based on provider and nature of the intervention. Addressing motivation and including follow-up were key factors for successful intervention to reduce cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

Workplace health promotion initiatives delivered by healthcare professionals may improve cardiovascular risk markers if they are evidence based and customized for target populations. More research is needed to determine clinical relevance of interventions and ideal interventions for specific employee groups.
Components and Functional Diversification of Florigen Activation Complexes in Cotton
Authors: Liu Hui , Huang Xianzhong , Ma Bin , Zhang Tingting , Sang Na , Zhuo Lu , Zhu Jianbo
Published: July 2021

In shoot apex cells of rice, a hexameric florigen activation complex (FAC), comprising flowering locus T (FT), 14-3-3 and the basic leucine zipper transcription factor FD, activates downstream target genes and regulates several developmental transitions, including flowering. The allotetraploid cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) contains only one FT locus in both of the A- and D-subgenomes. However, there is limited information regarding cotton FACs. Here, we identified a 14-3-3 protein that interacts strongly with GhFT in the cytoplasm and the nuclei, and five FD homoeologous gene pairs were characterized. In vivo, all five GhFD proteins interacted with Gh14-3-3 and GhFT in the nucleus. GhFT, 14-3-3 and all the GhFDs interacted in the nucleus as well, suggesting that they formed a ternary complex. Virus-induced silencing of GhFD1, -2 and -4 in cotton delayed flowering and inhibited the expression of floral meristem identity genes. Silencing GhFD3 strongly decreased lateral root formation, suggesting a function in lateral root development. GhFD overexpression in Arabidopsis and transcriptional activation assays suggested that FACs containing GhFD1 and GhFD2 function mainly in promoting flowering with partial functional redundancy. Moreover, GhFD3 was specifically expressed in lateral root meristems and dominantly activated the transcription of auxin response factor genes, such as ARF19. Thus, the diverse functions of FACs may depend on the recruited GhFD. Creating targeted genetic mutations in the florigen system using Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and their associated proteins (Cas) genome editing may fine-tune flowering and improve plant architecture.
Intraplate Basalt Alkalinity Modulated by a Lithospheric Mantle Filter at the Dunedin Volcano (New Zealand)
Authors: Pontesilli A , Brenna M , Ubide T , Mollo S , Masotta M , Caulfield J , Le Roux P , Nazzari M , Scott J M , Scarlato P
Published: July 2021

Systematic variations in the crystal cargo and whole-rock isotopic compositions of mantle-derived basalts in the intraplate Dunedin Volcano (New Zealand) indicate the influence of a complex mantle-to-crust polybaric plumbing system. Basaltic rocks define a compositional spectrum from low-alkali basalts through mid-alkali basalts to high-alkali basalts. High-alkali basalts display clinopyroxene crystals with sector (hourglass) and oscillatory zoning (Mg#61–82) as well as Fe-rich green cores (Mg#43–69), whereas low-alkali basalts are characterized by clinopyroxenes with unzoned overgrowths (Mg#69–83) on resorbed mafic cores (Mg#78–88), coexisting with reversely zoned plagioclase crystals (An43–68 to An60–84 from core to rim). Complex magma dynamics are indicated by distinctive compositional variations in clinopyroxene phenocrysts, with Cr-rich zones (Mg#74–87) indicating continuous recharge by more mafic magmas. Crystallization of olivine, clinopyroxene and titanomagnetite occurred within a polybaric plumbing system extending from upper mantle to mid-crustal depths (485–1059 MPa and 1147–1286°C), whereas crystallization of plagioclase with subordinate clinopyroxene and titanomagnetite proceeded towards shallower crustal levels. The compositions of high-alkali basalts and mid-alkali basalts resemble those of ocean island basalts and are characterized by FOZO-HIMU isotopic signatures (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70277–0.70315, 143Nd/144Ndi = 0.51286–0.51294 and 206Pb/204Pb = 19.348–20.265), whereas low-alkali basalts have lower incompatible element abundances and isotopic compositions trending towards EMII (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70327–70397, 143Nd/144Ndi = 0.51282–0.51286 and 206Pb/204Pb = 19.278–19.793). High- and mid-alkali basalt magmas mostly crystallized in the lower crust, whereas low-alkali basalt magma recorded deeper upper mantle clinopyroxene crystallization before eruption. The variable alkaline character and isotope composition may result from interaction of low-alkaline melts derived from the asthenosphere with melts derived from lithospheric mantle, possibly initiated by asthenospheric melt percolation. The transition to more alkaline compositions was induced by variable degrees of melting of metasomatic lithologies in the lithospheric mantle, leading to eruption of predominantly small-volume, high-alkali magmas at the periphery of the volcano. Moreover, the lithosphere imposed a filtering effect on the alkalinity of these intraplate magmas. As a consequence, the eruption of low-alkali basalts with greater asthenospheric input was concentrated at the centre of the volcano, where the plumbing system was more developed.
Cordierite-Bearing Orbicules Record Bulk Assimilation and the Pulsating Nature of Magma Ascent: The Lafaye Orbicular Granite (France)
Authors: Barbey Pierre , Grandprat Michel , Faure François
Published: July 2021

The Lafaye orbicular body was emplaced in the Villatange tonalite-granodiorite unit of the Guéret magmatic complex (Massif Central, France). It consists of plagioclasic orbicules (4–35 cm diameter) embedded in homogeneous cordierite granodiorite. Orbicule cores consist mostly of residual metasedimentary xenoliths or autolithic plagioclasic cumulates. Rims (0.7–8 cm thickness) are single- or multi-layered; layers, mostly comb-textured, comprise alternating sheets dominated by cordierite (XFe = 0.32–0.37) or plagioclase (mostly An25–30). Additional mineral phases are minor biotite (XFe = 0.52; AlVI = 0.58–0.92 atoms per formula unit) and interstitial quartz. Plagioclase and cordierite morphologies (needle-like, skeletal, branching or fan-shaped) indicate growth under high initial supersaturation. However, the final polyhedral shapes and primary zoning of many individual plagioclase crystals, as well as evidence of partial recrystallization, imply significant textural maturation. Whole-rock major and trace element data (A/CNK = 1.12–1.46) and Sr and Nd isotopic compositions (εNd(355 Ma)  = −8.6 to −7.4; 87Sr/86Sr(355 Ma) = 0.7110–0.7147) suggest that the parental magma of the orbicules resulted from bulk assimilation of aluminous metasediments by a Villatange-type granodioritic magma. Heterogeneous nucleation and growth of plagioclase and cordierite around xenoliths/autoliths are interpreted in terms of (1) adiabatic decompression of magma pulses ascending in dykes leading to superheating and resorption of early solids, and (2) volatile exsolution, inducing undercooling, supersaturation, and rim crystallization. The variability of layers (number, thickness, mineral distribution, and texture) is considered to result from oscillatory crystallization combined with variable plagioclase growth rates linked to changes in the degree of supersaturation as a function of the extent of melt degassing, itself linked to magma transfer dynamics.
Membrane nanodomains and transport functions in plant
Authors: Martinière Alexandre , Zelazny Enric
Published: July 2021

Far from a homogeneous environment, biological membranes are highly structured with lipids and proteins segregating in domains of different sizes and dwell times. In addition, membranes are highly dynamics especially in response to environmental stimuli. Understanding the impact of the nanoscale organization of membranes on cellular functions is an outstanding question. Plant channels and transporters are tightly regulated to ensure proper cell nutrition and signaling. Increasing evidence indicates that channel and transporter nano-organization within membranes plays an important role in these regulation mechanisms. Here, we review recent advances in the field of ion, water, but also hormone transport in plants, focusing on protein organization within plasma membrane nanodomains and its cellular and physiological impacts.
Measuring the Volatility of the Political agenda in Public Opinion and News Media
Authors: Camargo Chico Q , John Peter , Margetts Helen Z , Hale Scott A
Published: July 2021

Recent election surprises, regime changes, and political shocks indicate that political agendas have become more fast-moving and volatile. The ability to measure the complex dynamics of agenda change and capture the nature and extent of volatility in political systems is therefore more crucial than ever before. This study proposes a definition and operationalization of volatility that combines insights from political science, communications, information theory, and computational techniques. The proposed measures of fractionalization and agenda change encompass the shifting salience of issues in the agenda as a whole and allow the study of agendas across different domains. We evaluate these metrics and compare them to other measures such as issue-level survival rates and the Pedersen Index, which uses public-opinion poll data to measure public agendas, as well as traditional media content to measure media agendas in the UK and Germany. We show how these measures complement existing approaches and could be employed in future agenda-setting research.
OCCUPATIONAL DOSE ASSESSMENT FOR NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND RADIOTHERAPY TECHNOLOGISTS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: Alashban Yazeed , Shubayr Nasser
Published: July 2021

This study estimated the occupational radiation dose received by nuclear medicine and radiotherapy technologists in Saudi Arabia. A retrospective analysis of personal dosemetry data of 1243 nuclear medicine and radiotherapy technologists from 28 medical centers across Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2019 was conducted. Thermoluminescent dosemeters were employed to monitor the occupational radiation dose. For the study period, the average annual values for nuclear medicine and radiotherapy technologists were found to be 1.22 mSv (SD = 1.00 mSv) and 0.73 mSv (SD = 0.40 mSv) for Hp(10) and 1.23 mSv (SD = 1.07 mSv) and 0.72 mSv (SD = 0.41 mSv) for Hp(0.07), respectively. The work routines of nuclear medicine technologists cause them to be exposed to higher radiation doses than radiotherapy technologists. The occupational doses for all technologists were found to be below the annual dose limits, which indicates satisfactory working conditions in terms of radiation protection.
Evaluation of Therapies for Peripheral and Neuraxial Opioid-induced Pruritus based on Molecular and Cellular Discoveries
Authors: Nguyen Eileen , Lim Grace , Ross Sarah E.
Published: July 2021

Opioids are a mainstay of treatment for pain worldwide. Pruritus, a common side effect of opioids, is a patient dissatisfier that limits their use in many clinical settings. Both parenteral and neuraxial administration of opioids frequently evoke pruritus. The ability of opioids to suppress pain while causing itch continues to perplex clinicians and researchers alike. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how opioids can give rise to pruritus, but specific knowledge gaps perpetuate debate. This review summarizes the clinical burden of opioid-induced pruritus and emphasizes recent discoveries of peripheral and central mechanisms for opioid-induced pruritus, particularly with respect to scientific and conceptual advances in spinal cord circuitry and mast cell biology. The mechanisms and effectiveness of existing medications used for clinical management of pruritus will be evaluated, and we will highlight the emerging preclinical utility of selective κ-opioid receptor agonists, such as nalfurafine, for the management of opioid-induced pruritus.
Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block Does Not Provide Superior Pain Control after Hip Arthroscopy: A Double-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Haskins Stephen C. , Tseng Audrey , Zhong Haoyan , Mamic Marko , Cheng Stephanie I. , Nejim Jemiel A. , Wetmore Douglas S. , Coleman Struan H. , Ranawat Anil S. , Nawabi Danyal H. , Kelly Bryan T. , Memtsoudis Stavros G.
Published: July 2021

Background

Hip arthroscopy is associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain. This prospective, randomized, double-blinded study investigates the clinically analgesic effect of anterior quadratus lumborum block with multimodal analgesia compared to multimodal analgesia alone. The authors hypothesized that an anterior quadratus lumborum block with multimodal analgesia would be superior for pain control.

Methods

Ninety-six adult patients undergoing ambulatory hip arthroscopy were enrolled. Patients were randomized to either a single-shot anterior quadratus lumborum block (30 ml bupivacaine 0.5% with 2 mg preservative-free dexamethasone) or no block. All patients received neuraxial anesthesia, IV sedation, and multimodal analgesia (IV acetaminophen and ketorolac). The primary outcome was numerical rating scale pain scores at rest and movement at 30 min and 1, 2, 3, and 24 h.

Results

Ninety-six patients were enrolled and included in the analysis. Anterior quadratus lumborum block with multimodal analgesia (overall treatment effect, marginal mean [standard error]: 4.4 [0.3]) was not superior to multimodal analgesia alone (overall treatment effect, marginal mean [standard error]: 3.7 [0.3]) in pain scores over the study period (treatment differences between no block and anterior quadratus lumborum block, 0.7 [95% CI, –0.1 to 1.5]; P = 0.059). Postanesthesia care unit antiemetic use, patient satisfaction, and opioid consumption for 0 to 24 h were not significantly different. There was no difference in quadriceps strength on the operative side between groups (differences in means, 1.9 [95% CI, –1.5 to 5.3]; P = 0.268).

Conclusions

Anterior quadratus lumborum block may not add to the benefits provided by multimodal analgesia alone after hip arthroscopy. Anterior quadratus lumborum block did not cause a motor deficit. The lack of treatment effect in this study demonstrates a surgical procedure without benefit from this novel block.

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Exponential growth of social media utilization among orthopaedic surgery residency programs: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rodkey Daniel L. , Nelson Sarah Y. , Lundy Alexander E. , Helgeson Melvin D.
Published: July 2021

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which orthopaedic training programs utilize social media for education, recruitment, and engagement.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of Instagram utilization by orthopaedic surgery residency programs that were accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education was performed from September 27, 2020 to October 7, 2020. If an account existed, engagement metrics including account type, number of posts, post types, number of followers, and number of accounts being followed were identified. Programs were also evaluated for US News and World Report rank, Doximity rank, program size, board pass rates, gender diversity, and years since accreditation. Accounts were analyzed using Student t-test, Spearman correlation, and regression analysis.

Results:

Of 201 accredited programs, 11 were either military or unaffiliated with the Association of American Medical Colleges. From the 190 remaining eligible programs, 91 (47.9%) had an active Instagram account. The number of programs with an account exhibited exponential growth over the past year (R2=0.93). The median number of posts was 22 (range 1 to 272), the median number of followers was 773 (range 99 to 2882), and the median number of following was 158 (range 6 to 740). Fifteen of 89 program accounts (16.9%) had a live story posted within 24 hr of review.

Conclusions:

The use of Instagram as a social media channel for orthopaedic residency programs has demonstrated exponential growth over the past year. These accounts offer unique and convenient ways to showcase a residency program. The development of a national or academy guidelines for use and content is recommended.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Treatment of Recalcitrant Nonunion of the Radius With Posterior Interosseous Bone Flap in Children
Authors: Kamrani Reza S. , Jehanno Pascal , Arabzadeh Aidin , Nabian Mohammad H. , Farhoud Amir R.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Forearm nonunion is a rare condition in children, and its treatment is usually successful. However, nontraumatic nonunion can be resistant to treatment. Although the vascularized fibular bone graft has been frequently used for complex forearm nonunion, there is no consensus on the best treatment method. In this study, we aimed to investigate the outcome of the antegrade posterior interosseous bone flap (PIBF) in treating children with complex radius nonunion.

Methods:

The participants consisted of 3 girls and 1 boy ranging from 31 months to 9 years of age. They were treated with PIBF surgery, and the nonunion of the radius was fixed with a plate or an external fixator. The nonunion was due to congenital pseudoarthrosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, or infantile osteomyelitis. All patients were evaluated for a clinical and radiologic union.

Results:

The radiologic union was achieved 2 to 3 months after the surgery in all cases. The functional recovery of the elbow, forearm, and wrist was satisfactory except for 1 patient who experienced donor site fracture, and finally radioulnar synostosis accompanied by radial head dislocation.

Conclusion:

Because of the simplicity of its technique and short duration of surgery, PIBF can be a reliable and less-demanding alternative to vascularized fibular bone graft in the treatment of complex forearm nonunion in children.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Development and validation of prognostic implications of chromosome abnormalities algorithm for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Luo Tiancheng , Qiang Wanting , Lu Jing , He Haiyan , Liu Jin , Li Lu , Jiang Hua , Fu Weijun , Du Juan
Published: July 2021

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) evaluation is essential for initial risk stratification in multiple myeloma (MM). The presence of specific cytogenetic abnormalities (CA) confers a heterogeneity impact on prognosis. However, the cutoff values among different centers are not uniform. Therefore, we conduct this study to better predict the prognosis of newly diagnosed MM patients based on FISH results. The Kaps method was used to calculate the chromosomal abnormal cutoff values. A total of 533 participants were included in the study. The best cutoff value of overall survival were as follows: 17p− 20.1%, 13q− 85%, 1q21+ 39%, t(11;14) 55.5%, t(14;16) 87%, and t(4;14) 53.5%. The survival analysis showed that 17p− and 1q21+ were the independent factors affecting both OS and progress free survival (PFS) among CA. The analysis based on the cutoff value obtained by Kaps suggested that 13q−, t(14;16), 17p−, and 1q21+ were independent factors affecting OS among CA; t(14;16), 17p−, and 1q21+ were independent factors affecting PFS among CA. The prognostic model was constructed by the Kaps method with the Harrell concordance index (c-index) at 0.719 (95% CI, 0.683–0.756; corrected 0.707), which was higher than that calculated by the European Myeloma Network criteria (0.714; 95% CI, 0.678–0.751; corrected 0.696). In conclusion, chromosomal abnormalities in different proportions and combinations can affect the prognosis of MM patients. Therefore, effective criteria should be formulated to evaluate the prognosis of MM patients better.
Colony-stimulating factor 3 receptor (CSF3R) M696T mutation does not impact on clinical outcomes of a Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient
Authors: Chen Xin , Wang Bichen , Pang Aiming , Yuan Weiping , Jiang Erlie , Chu Yajing , Feng Sizhou , Han Mingzhe
Published: July 2021

Colony-stimulating factor 3 receptor (CSF3R) mutations have been identified in a variety of myeloid disorders. Although CSF3R point mutations (eg, T618I) are emerging as key players in chronic neutrophilic leukemia/atypical chronic myelogenous leukemia , the significance of rarer CSF3R mutations is unknown. Here, we report a 32-year-old female who was diagnosed as Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) with the CSF3R M696T mutation and was undergone unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The patient achieved complete remission with chemotherapy in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and long-term survival by unrelated donor transplantation. Meanwhile, we performed a series of experiments using murine interleukin 3 (IL-3)-dependent Ba/F3 cell line to evaluate the transforming capacity of the CSF3R M696T mutation. We confirmed the presence of a CSF3R M696T germline mutation in this patient which was inherited from her mother. The in vitro experiment results showed that the CSF3R M696T mutation contributes marginally to the tumor transformation of Ba/F3 cells, indicating that CSF3R M696T mutation was neutral in tumor transformation ability. We concluded that TKI is effective in patients with the CSF3R M696T mutation in Ph+ ALL and donors with CSF3R M696T mutation might still be selected as the candidate for transplantation.