bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competing-risk nomogram for predicting survival in patients with advanced (stage III/IV) gallbladder cancer: A SEER population-based study
Authors: Wang Jian , Yang Yi , Pan Junjie , Qiu Yiwen , Shen Shu , Wang Wentao
Published: December 2021

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to assess the cumulative incidence of cause-specific mortality (CSM) and other cause-specific mortality (OCSM) for patients with advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC), and then to develop a nomogram based on competing-risk analysis to forecast CSM.

Methods

We identified the patients with GBC with specific screening criteria and from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. We calculated the cumulative incidence function for CSM and OCSM, and constructed a competing-risk nomogram based on the Fine and Gray’s proportional subdistribution hazard regression model to forecast the probability of CSM of these patients. In addition, the concordance index and calibration plot were performed to validate the novel established model.

Results

A total of 1411 patients were included in this study. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall cumulative mortalities were 46.2, 62.2, and 69.6% for CSM, respectively, while they were 6.2, 8.7, and 10.4% for OCSM. Additionally, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year estimates of overall survival were 47.6, 29.1, and 19.9% for above these patients, respectively. We also developed a competing-risk nomogram to estimate the CSM. The concordance index was 0.775 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.750–0.800) in the training set and that was 0.765 (95% CI: 0.730–0.800) in the internal validation set, which suggests the robustness of the novel established model. Furthermore, the calibration curves and concordance index demonstrated that the nomogram was well-calibrated and demonstrated good discriminative ability.

Conclusions

The ample sample allowed us to develop a reliable model which demonstrated better calibration and discrimination for predicting the probability of CSM of patients with advanced GBC.
Racial Disparities in Access to Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials: A County-Level Analysis
Authors: Wang Wei-Jhih , Ramsey Scott David , Bennette Caroline Savage , Bansal Aasthaa
Published: December 2021

Background

African American men have a higher burden of prostate cancer compared with other populations. We sought to determine if they experience disparities in access to prostate cancer clinical trials.

Methods

We created a database of all US counties by linking prostate cancer clinical trial data with county-level socioeconomic, demographic, and health-care facility data derived from several external data sources. Using this data linkage, we examined 2 potential access barriers. We investigated the relationship between the proportion of African Americans and access to cancer facilities, adjusting for county population size and other characteristics. Additionally, among counties with cancer facilities, we investigated the relationship between the proportion of African Americans and number of available prostate cancer trials per capita per year. We addressed these questions using logistic and negative binomial regression, respectively.

Results

Between 2008 and 2015, 613 prostate cancer trial sites were found among 3145 US counties. Counties with a higher proportion of African Americans were less likely to have cancer facilities (adjusted odds ratio = 0.85, 95% confidence interval = 0.78 to 0.92). Among counties with cancer facilities, those with a higher proportion of African Americans had statistically significantly fewer prostate cancer trials per capita per year (rate ratio per 10% increase in African Americans = 0.90, 95% confidence interval = 0.83 to 0.96).

Conclusions

Counties with higher proportions of African Americans seem less likely to have access to cancer facilities. Among counties with cancer facilities, those with higher proportions of African Americans appear to have fewer prostate cancer trials available per capita per year. Clinical trials in prostate cancer therapy should ensure adequate availability of enrollment sites in regions with high concentrations of African Americans.
When Tensions Become Opportunities: Managing Accountability Demands in Collaborative Governance
Authors: Lee Seulki
Published: December 2021

Accountability in collaborative governance comprises a tangled web of vertical and horizontal accountability relationships. Although different accountability mechanisms are apparently complementary, they also clash with each other, producing serious accountability tensions. This study explores how actors in collaborative governance experience and manage conflicting accountability demands in the context of a Korean interorganizational network. Using qualitative data based on in-depth interviews with 32 personnel across 10 organizations and document analysis, the study identifies different types of accountability tensions and actors’ strategic responses to them. The analysis reveals that accountability tensions vary across the sources of the demand, and they are more likely to emerge when there are gaps in procedural and institutional arrangements or differences in collaborators’ commitment levels. Findings suggest that accountability tensions inherent to collaborative networks, when harnessed and actively managed, may be viewed as opportunities for advancing the whole network’s mission and improving network accountability. Based on these findings, the study proposes a novel framework for accountability tensions in collaborative governance with propositions about the mechanisms through which accountability tensions emerge and are managed. The study provides insights into the complexities of maintaining accountability in cross-sector, multi-actor networks.
Genus Barleria L. (Acanthaceae): a review of its taxonomy, cytogenetics, phytochemistry and pharmacological potential
Authors: Lekhak Manoj M , Patil Suraj S , Deshmukh Pradip V , Lekhak Utkarsha M , Kumar Vijay , Rastogi Anshu
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Barleria, a large genus of the Acanthaceae family, comprises more than 300 species with diverse taxonomy, cytogenetics, phytochemistry and pharmacological potential. Therefore, the aim of this review is to critically assess the research on Barleria and provide guidance for future investigations.

Methods

The data were obtained from different sources, such as books, theses, journals and some of the websites and internet-based searches, published from 1901 to 2020. Data obtained from PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, online electronic journals, SpringerLink, Wiley, etc. have also been used.

Key findings

The species of this genus exhibit considerable medicinal properties. Cytogenetical data are scantily available with chromosome counts available for only 24 species. The most common chromosome number is 2n = 2x = 40. So far, 187 compounds are reported from Barleria species. The active principles, their uses, toxicity and pharmacological effects are discussed. Essential oils, flavones, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenes and terpenoids form the major compounds.

It is highly recommended that the pharmacological and economic potential of Barleria species should be exploited and more detailed studies and attention be geared towards its utilization and conservation. In addition, to ensure maximum pharmacological benefits and sustainable use, it is necessary to have empirical information explaining its ethnobotanical values as well as commercial potential.
China’s natural gas sector regulation in the context of pipeline restructuring: towards independent gas pipeline operation?
Authors: Zhang Hao
Published: December 2021

The establishment of China National Oil and Gas Pipeline Network Corporation (PipeChina) is one of the most ambitious reforms of China’s oil and gas industry to date. As a cleaner type of fossil fuel, natural gas is considered the preferred transition energy resource during China’s transformation from fossil fuel-intensive to renewable energy. The strategic choice is to increase the proportion of natural gas in China’s primary energy portfolio. The creation of PipeChina, through acquiring the pipeline assets from the national oil companies, is an essential part of the reform agenda to increase natural gas supply and consumption through a monopoly and independent midstream sector. Accompanying this change is the promulgation of two sets of regulations governing a new transmission tariff regime and third-party access, respectively. Given the nascency of China’s gas pipeline restructuring, this article critically examines the regulations that underpin the independent operation of PipeChina. It discovers that enforcement of third-party access contradicts the existing regulations on gas concession rights. PipeChina’s independent operation is also likely to be challenged by the regulatory uncertainties identified by this study. Therefore, the success of PipeChina to achieve the reform objectives largely depends on how these challenges can be addressed appropriately in the process of ongoing reform.
Observational hints on the torus obscuring gas behaviour through X-rays with NuSTAR data
Authors: Osorio-Clavijo N , González-Martín O , Sánchez S F , Esparza-Arredondo D , Masegosa J , Victoria-Ceballos C , Hernández-García L , Díaz Y
Published: December 2021

According to theory, the torus of active galactic nuclei (AGN) is sustained from a wind coming off the accretion disc, and for low efficient AGN, it has been proposed that such structure disappears. However, the exact conditions for its disappearance remain unclear. This can be studied throughout the reflection component at X-rays, which is associated with distant and neutral material at the inner walls of the torus in obscured AGN. We select a sample of 81 AGNs observed with NuSTAR with a distance limit of D< 200 Mpc and Eddington rate $\rm {\lambda _{Edd} \equiv L_{bol}/L_{Edd}\lt 10^{-3}}$. We fit the 3–70 keV spectra using a model accounting for a partial-covering absorber plus a reflection component from neutral material. We find that the existence of the reflection component spans in a wide range of black hole mass and bolometric luminosities, with only ∼13 per cent of our sample (11 sources) lacking of any reflection signatures. These sources fall in the region in which the torus may be lacking in the L-MBH diagram. For the sources with a detected reflection component, we find that the vast majority of them are highly obscured ($\rm {\log \ N_H \gt 23}$), with $\rm {\sim 20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}}$ being Compton-thick. We also find an increase in the number of unobscured sources and a tentative increase on the ratio between $\rm {FeK\alpha }$ emission line and Compton-hump luminosities toward $\rm {\lambda _{Edd}=10^{-5}}$, suggesting that the contribution of the $\rm {FeK\alpha }$ line changes with Eddington ratio.
Tetanus: A Rare Complication of Black Tar Heroin Use
Authors: Pichlinski Elisa M , Hoff Emily , Epperson Lindsey Claire , Morley Elizabeth , Cao James Dazhe , Thoppil Joby , Field Steven , Mehta Prayag , Good Daniel , Nijhawan Ank E
Published: December 2021

Tetanus is associated with high morbidity and mortality, although this is rarely encountered in high-income countries. We present a case of tetanus in an unvaccinated patient secondary to black tar heroin use that highlights the importance of considering tetanus in appropriate clinical contexts, harm reduction interventions, and universal tetanus vaccination campaigns.
Buddhist Ethics
Authors: Garfield Jay L.
Published: December 2021

This volume is one of a series of monographs on Buddhist philosophy for philosophers. It presents an outline of Buddhist ethical thought, presenting Buddhist ethical reflection as a distinct approach, or rather set of approaches, to moral philosophy. The book draws on a range of Buddhist philosophers to exhibit the internal diversity of the tradition as well as the lineaments that demonstrate its overarching integrity. This includes early Pāli texts, medieval Indian commentarial literature and philosophical treatises, Tibetan commentaries and treatises, and contemporary Buddhist literature. It argues that Buddhist ethics is best understood not as a species of any Western ethical tradition, but instead as a kind of moral phenomenology, and that it is particularist in its orientation. The book addresses both methodological and doctrinal issues and concludes with a study of the way that Buddhist ethical thought is relevant in the contemporary world.
Hα emission in the outskirts of galaxies atz= 0.4
Authors: Shimakawa Rhythm , Tanaka Masayuki , Kikuta Satoshi , Hayashi Masao
Published: December 2021

This paper reports detections of Hα emission and stellar continuum out to approximately 30 physical kiloparsecs, and Hα directionality in the outskirts of Hα-emitting galaxies (Hα emitters) at $z$ = 0.4. This research adopts narrow-band selected Hα emitters at $z$ = 0.4 from the emission-line object catalog by Hayashi et al. (2020, PASJ, 72, 86), which is based on data in the Deep and Ultradeep layers of the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program. Deep narrow- and broad-band images of 8625 Hα emitters across 16.8 deg2 enable us to construct deep composite emission-line and continuum images. The stacked images show diffuse Hα emission (down to ∼5 × 10−20 erg s−1 cm−2 arcsec−2) and stellar continuum (down to ∼5 × 10−22 erg s−1 cm−2 Å−1 arcsec−2), extending beyond 10 kpc at stellar masses >109 $M_\odot$, parts of which may originate from stellar halos. Those radial profiles are broadly consistent with each other. In addition, we obtain a dependence of the Hα emission on the position angle because relatively higher Hα equivalent width has been detected along the minor-axis towards galaxy disks. While the Hα directionality could be attributed to biconical outflows, further research with hydrodynamic simulations is highly demanded to pin down the exact cause.
Phytochrome B Conveys Low Ambient Temperature Cues to the Ethylene-Mediated Leaf Senescence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee June-Hee , Park Young-Joon , Kim Jae Young , Park Chung-Mo
Published: December 2021

Leaf senescence is an active developmental process that is tightly regulated through extensive transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming events, which underlie controlled degradation and relocation of nutrients from aged or metabolically inactive leaves to young organs. The onset of leaf senescence is coordinately modulated by intrinsic aging programs and environmental conditions, such as prolonged darkness and temperature extremes. Seedlings growing under light deprivation, as often experienced in severe shading or night darkening, exhibit an accelerated senescing process, which is mediated by a complex signaling network that includes sugar starvation responses and light signaling events via the phytochrome B (phyB)-PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR (PIF) signaling routes. Notably, recent studies indicate that nonstressful ambient temperatures profoundly influence the onset and progression of leaf senescence in darkness, presumably mediated by the phyB-PIF4 signaling pathways. However, it is not fully understood how temperature signals regulate leaf senescence at the molecular level. Here, we demonstrated that low ambient temperatures repress the nuclear export of phyB and the nuclear phyB suppresses the transcriptional activation activity of ethylene signaling mediator ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3), thus delaying leaf senescence. Accordingly, leaf senescence was insensitive to low ambient temperatures in transgenic plants overexpressing a constitutively nuclear phyB form, as observed in ein3 eil1 mutants. In contrast, leaf senescence was significantly promoted in phyB-deficient mutants under identical temperature conditions. Our data indicate that phyB coordinately integrates light and temperature cues into the EIN3-mediated ethylene signaling pathway that regulates leaf senescence under light deprivation, which would enhance plant fitness under fluctuating natural environments.
Arabidopsis CHROMATIN REMODELING 19 acts as a transcriptional repressor and contributes to plant pathogen resistance
Authors: Kang Huijia , Liu Yuhao , Fan Tianyi , Ma Jing , Wu Di , Heitz Thierry , Shen Wen-Hui , Zhu Yan
Published: December 2021

Chromatin remodelers act in an ATP-dependent manner to modulate chromatin structure and thus genome function. Here, we report that the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) remodeler CHROMATIN REMODELING19 (CHR19) is enriched in gene body regions, and its depletion causes massive changes in nucleosome position and occupancy in the genome. Consistent with these changes, an in vitro assay verified that CHR19 can utilize ATP to slide nucleosomes. A variety of inducible genes, including several important genes in the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) pathways, were transcriptionally upregulated in the chr19 mutant under normal growth conditions, indicative of a role of CHR19 in transcriptional repression. In addition, the chr19 mutation triggered higher susceptibility to the JA pathway-defended necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea, but did not affect the growth of the SA pathway-defended hemibiotrophic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Expression of CHR19 was tissue-specific and inhibited specifically by SA treatment. Such inhibition significantly decreased the local chromatin enrichment of CHR19 at the associated SA pathway genes, which resulted in their full activation upon SA treatment. Overall, our findings clarify CHR19 to be a novel regulator acting at the chromatin level to impact the transcription of genes underlying plant resistance to different pathogens.
Plant autoimmunity—fresh insights into an old phenomenon
Authors: Freh Matthias , Gao Jinlan , Petersen Morten , Panstruga Ralph
Published: December 2021

The plant immune system is well equipped to ward off the attacks of different types of phytopathogens. It primarily relies on two types of immune sensors—plasma membrane-resident receptor-like kinases and intracellular nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NLRs) receptors that engage preferentially in pattern- and effector-triggered immunity, respectively. Delicate fine-tuning, in particular of the NLR-governed branch of immunity, is key to prevent inappropriate and deleterious activation of plant immune responses. Inadequate NLR allele constellations, such as in the case of hybrid incompatibility, and the mis-activation of NLRs or the absence or modification of proteins guarded by these NLRs can result in the spontaneous initiation of plant defense responses and cell death—a phenomenon referred to as plant autoimmunity. Here, we review recent insights augmenting our mechanistic comprehension of plant autoimmunity. The recent findings broaden our understanding regarding hybrid incompatibility, unravel candidates for proteins likely guarded by NLRs and underline the necessity for the fine-tuning of NLR expression at various levels to avoid autoimmunity. We further present recently emerged tools to study plant autoimmunity and draw a cross-kingdom comparison to the role of NLRs in animal autoimmune conditions.
Aquaporin OsPIP2;2 links the H2O2 signal and a membrane-anchored transcription factor to promote plant defense
Authors: Zhang Mou , Shi Haotian , Li Ningning , Wei Nana , Tian Yan , Peng Jinfeng , Chen Xiaochen , Zhang Liyuan , Zhang Meixiang , Dong Hansong
Published: December 2021

To overcome pathogen infection, plants deploy a highly efficient innate immune system, which often uses hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a versatile reactive oxygen species, to activate downstream defense responses. H2O2 is a potential substrate of aquaporins (AQPs), the membrane channels that facilitate the transport of small compounds across plasma membranes or organelle membranes. To date, however, the functional relationship between AQPs and H2O2 in plant immunity is largely undissected. Here, we report that the rice (Oryza sativa) AQP OsPIP2;2 transports pathogen-induced apoplastic H2O2 into the cytoplasm to intensify rice resistance against various pathogens. OsPIP2;2-transported H2O2 is required for microbial molecular pattern flg22 to activate the MAPK cascade and to induce the downstream defense responses. In response to flg22, OsPIP2;2 is phosphorylated at the serine residue S125, and therefore gains the ability to transport H2O2. Phosphorylated OsPIP2;2 also triggers the translocation of OsmaMYB, a membrane-anchored MYB transcription factor, into the plant cell nucleus to impart flg22-induced defense responses against pathogen infection. On the contrary, if OsPIP2;2 is not phosphorylated, OsmaMYB remains associated with the plasma membrane, and plant defense responses are no longer induced. These results suggest that OsPIP2;2 positively regulates plant innate immunity by mediating H2O2 transport into the plant cell and mediating the translocation of OsmaMYB from plasma membrane to nucleus.
Modifying pH-sensitive PCSK9/LDLR interactions as a strategy to enhance hepatic cell uptake of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
Authors: Ben-Naim Lital , Khalaila Isam , Papo Niv
Published: December 2021

LDL-receptor (LDLR)-mediated uptake of LDL-C into hepatocytes is impaired by lysosomal degradation of LDLR, which is promoted by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Cell surface binding of PCSK9 to LDLR produces a complex that translocates to an endosome, where the acidic pH strengthens the binding affinity of PCSK9 to LDLR, preventing LDLR recycling to the cell membrane. We present a new approach to inhibit PCSK9-mediated LDLR degradation, namely, targeting the PCSK9/LDLR interface with a PCSK9-antagonist, designated Flag-PCSK9PH, which prevents access of WT PCSK9 to LDLR. In HepG2 cells, Flag-PCSK9PH, a truncated version (residues 53–451) of human WT PCSK9, strongly bound LDLR at the neutral pH of the cell surface but dissociated from it in the endosome (acidic pH), allowing LDLR to exit the lysosomes intact and recycle to the cell membrane. Flag-PCSK9PH thus significantly enhanced cell-surface LDLR levels and the ability of LDLR to take up extracellular LDL-C.
Emergence of new manifestations during infliximab treatment in Behçet’s syndrome
Authors: Tukek Nur Beyza , Esatoglu Sinem Nihal , Hatemi Gulen , Calıskan Elif Buse , Ozyazgan Yılmaz , Ucar Didar , Ozguler Yesim , Seyahi Emire , Melikoglu Melike , Uygunoglu Ugur , Siva Aksel , Kutlubay Zekayi , Hatemi İbrahim , Celik Aykut Ferhat , Ugurlu Serdal , Fresko Izzet , Yurdakul Sebahattin , Yazici Hasan , Hamuryudan Vedat
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Infliximab (IFX) is increasingly being used for the treatment of severe manifestations of Behçet’s syndrome (BS). However, emergence of new manifestations has also been occasionally reported during IFX treatment. We aimed to assess the frequency of new manifestations in our BS patients treated with IFX.

Methods

A chart review was conducted to identify all BS patients treated with IFX in our clinic between 2004 and 2020. Demographic data, indications for IFX initiation, concomitant treatments and outcomes were recorded. A new manifestation was defined as the emergence of a new organ involvement or mucocutaneous manifestation developing for the first time during IFX treatment or within 12 weeks after the last infusion of IFX.

Results

Among our 282 patients who used IFX, 19 (7%) patients had developed a total of 23 new manifestations during a mean follow-up of 20.0 (15.3) months. Patients with vascular involvement were more likely to develop a new manifestation (12/19, 63%). Initial manifestations that required IFX were in remission at the time of new manifestation in 14/19 patients. IFX treatment was intensified (n = 6) and/or glucocorticoids, immunosuppressives or colchicine was added to IFX (n = 21). IFX was switched to another agent for the remaining manifestations (n = 8). These treatment modifications led to remission in 17/19 patients.

Conclusion

New manifestations developed during IFX treatment in 7% of our patients with BS. They could be managed by intensifying IFX treatment or adding other agents in the majority of these manifestations.
Dynamic and Static Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder After the First Episode
Authors: Zanelli Jolanta , Reichenberg Abraham , Sandin Sven , Morgan Craig , Dazzan Paola , Pilecka Izabela , Marques Tiago Reis , Morgan Kevin , Young Allan H , Mollon Josephine
Published: December 2021

Few studies have comprehensively examined the profile of cognitive functioning in first episode psychosis patients throughout the lifespan, and from first episode to chronic stage. We assessed functioning in general and specific cognitive functions, comparing both schizophrenia (N = 64) and bipolar I (N = 19) patients to controls (N = 103). Participants were from a population-based, case-control study of first episode psychosis patients, who were followed prospectively up to 10 years post first admission. A cognitive battery was administered at baseline and follow-up. By combining longitudinal and cross-sectional data, we were able to examine the cognitive profile of patients and controls throughout the entire age range of our sample (16–65). Schizophrenia patients exhibited widespread declines in IQ, executive function, visual memory, language ability, and verbal knowledge. However, the ages at which these declines occurred differed between functions. Deficits in verbal memory, working memory, processing speed, and visuospatial ability, on the other hand, were present at the first episode, and remained relatively static thereafter. Bipolar I patients also showed declines in IQ, verbal knowledge, and language ability, albeit at different ages to schizophrenia patients and only in verbal functions. Deficits on measures of verbal memory, processing speed, and executive function remained relatively static. Thus, both schizophrenia and bipolar I patients experienced cognitive decline in general and specific functions after the first episode, but the age at which these declines occurred differed between disorder and function. Cognitive remediation efforts may be most fruitful when targeting individual functions during specific time periods throughout adulthood.
Evidence From Imaging Resilience Genetics for a Protective Mechanism Against Schizophrenia in the Ventral Visual Pathway
Authors: Hettwer Meike D , Lancaster Thomas M , Raspor Eva , Hahn Peter K , Mota Nina Roth , Singer Wolf , Reif Andreas , Linden David E J , Bittner Robert A
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Illuminating neurobiological mechanisms underlying the protective effect of recently discovered common genetic resilience variants for schizophrenia is crucial for more effective prevention efforts. Current models implicate adaptive neuroplastic changes in the visual system and their pro-cognitive effects as a schizophrenia resilience mechanism. We investigated whether common genetic resilience variants might affect brain structure in similar neural circuits.

Method

Using structural magnetic resonance imaging, we measured the impact of an established schizophrenia polygenic resilience score (PRSResilience) on cortical volume, thickness, and surface area in 101 healthy subjects and in a replication sample of 33 224 healthy subjects (UK Biobank).

Finding

We observed a significant positive whole-brain correlation between PRSResilience and cortical volume in the right fusiform gyrus (FFG) (r = 0.35; P = .0004). Post-hoc analyses in this cluster revealed an impact of PRSResilience on cortical surface area. The replication sample showed a positive correlation between PRSResilience and global cortical volume and surface area in the left FFG.

Conclusion

Our findings represent the first evidence of a neurobiological correlate of a genetic resilience factor for schizophrenia. They support the view that schizophrenia resilience emerges from strengthening neural circuits in the ventral visual pathway and an increased capacity for the disambiguation of social and nonsocial visual information. This may aid psychosocial functioning, ameliorate the detrimental effects of subtle perceptual and cognitive disturbances in at-risk individuals, and facilitate coping with the cognitive and psychosocial consequences of stressors. Our results thus provide a novel link between visual cognition, the vulnerability-stress concept, and schizophrenia resilience models.
Bradyrhizobium japonicum IRAT FA3 Alters Arabidopsis thaliana Root Architecture via Regulation of Auxin Efflux Transporters PIN2, PIN3, PIN7, and ABCB19
Authors: Schroeder Mercedes M. , Gomez Melissa Y. , McLain Nathan , Gachomo Emma W.
Published: December 2021

Beneficial rhizobacteria can stimulate changes in plant root development. Although root system growth is mediated by multiple factors, the regulated distribution of the phytohormone auxin within root tissues plays a principal role. Auxin transport facilitators help to generate the auxin gradients and maxima that determine root structure. Here, we show that the plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterial strain Bradyrhizobium japonicum IRAT FA3 influences specific auxin efflux transporters to alter Arabidopsis thaliana root morphology. Gene expression profiling of host transcripts in control and B. japonicum-inoculated roots of the wild-type A. thaliana accession Col-0 confirmed upregulation of PIN2, PIN3, PIN7, and ABCB19 with B. japonicum and identified genes potentially contributing to a diverse array of auxin-related responses. Cocultivation of the bacterium with loss-of-function auxin efflux transport mutants revealed that B. japonicum requires PIN3, PIN7, and ABCB19 to increase lateral root development and utilizes PIN2 to reduce primary root length. Accelerated lateral root primordia production due to B. japonicum was not observed in single pin3, pin7, or abcb19 mutants, suggesting independent roles for PIN3, PIN7, and ABCB19 during the plant–microbe interaction. Our work demonstrates B. japonicum’s influence over host transcriptional reprogramming during plant interaction with this beneficial microbe and the subsequent alterations to root system architecture.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
New Drug Treats Cervical Cancer
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: December 2021

Tisotumab vedotin-tftv (Tivdak) has received accelerated approval to treat adults with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy.

Ocular adverse effects occurred in 60% of patients in clinical trials. To minimize this risk, nurses should follow the guidelines for premedication and required eye care.
Addressing What Matters
Authors: Carbonell Ellen , Zonsius Mary C. , Rodriguez-Morales Grisel , Newman Michelle , Emery-Tiburcio Erin E.
Published: December 2021

This article is the second in a series, Supporting Family Caregivers in the 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System, published in collaboration with the AARP Public Policy Institute as part of the ongoing Supporting Family Caregivers: No Longer Home Alone series. The 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility) is an evidence-based framework for assessing and acting on critical issues in the care of older adults across settings and transitions of care. Engaging the health care team, including older adults and their family caregivers, with the 4Ms framework can help to ensure that every older adult gets the best care possible, is not harmed by health care, and is satisfied with the care they receive.

The articles in this series present considerations for implementing the 4Ms framework in the inpatient hospital setting and incorporating family caregivers in doing so. Resources for both nurses and family caregivers, including a series of accompanying videos developed by AARP and the Rush Center for Excellence in Aging and funded by The John A. Hartford Foundation, are also provided. Nurses should read the articles first, so they understand how best to help family caregivers. Then they can refer caregivers to the informational tear sheet—Information for Family Caregivers—and instructional videos, encouraging them to ask questions. For additional information, see Resources for Nurses.
National Evaluation of Social Determinants of Health in Orthopedic Fracture Care: Decreased Social Determinants of Health Is Associated With Increased Adverse Complications After Surgery
Authors: Kamalapathy Pramod N. , Dunne Patrick J. , Yarboro Seth
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

To assess the individual impact of social determinants of health disparities (SDHD) on surgical outcomes following orthopaedic trauma surgery.

Design:

Retrospective Cohort Study.

Setting:

Mariner Claims Database.

Patients:

Inclusion criteria were patients 18–85 years of age, undergoing surgery for hip fractures or ankle fractures from 2010 to 2018.

Intervention:

Patients were divided based on SDHD using International Classification of Diseases 9 and International Classification of Diseases 10 codes. Those with SDHD were propensity-score matched with those who did not have any disparities with respect to age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index, tobacco use, and obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2).

Outcomes:

Ninety-day major medical complications, infection, readmission, and revisions within 1 year.

Results:

Patients with educational deficiencies had increased rates of readmission and major complications compared with those without disparities following hip and ankle fracture management. Moreover, economic disparities were associated with an increased risk of readmission and revision following hip fracture surgery and infection and readmission following ankle fracture surgery.

Discussion/Conclusions:

This study emphasizes the large impact of SDHD on patients' outcomes following surgery and the importance of proper follow-up interventions to optimize patient care.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A Dutch Cross-sectional Population Survey to Explore Satisfaction of Women with their Breasts
Authors: Sadok Nadia , Jansen Liesbeth , de Zoete Martine D. , van der Lei Berend , Werker Paul M.N. , de Bock Geertruida H.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Little is known about how satisfied women are with their breasts and which factors influence breast satisfaction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate this by collecting data on breast satisfaction from the general population in relation to age, body mass index, lifestyle, psychological, and physical well-being.

Method:

This study was a cross-sectional population survey performed in 2019 in the north of the Netherlands, among randomly selected women between 20 and 80 years. Breast satisfaction was measured in the 1334 participants with the preoperative reconstruction BREAST-Q module. Other applied questionnaires were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Form Survey (SF-36), and a custom-made questionnaire on lifestyle and baseline characteristics. Representativeness was assessed by comparing the participants with Dutch normative data. Possible factors influencing “satisfaction with breasts” were analyzed using multivariate linear regression analyses.

Results:

The median (IQR) BREAST-Q score for “satisfaction with breasts” was mediocre: 63 (58–79) on a 0–100 scale. Higher age and higher SF-36 scores had a positive effect on breast satisfaction (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) and a higher body mass index, smoking and anxiety score greater than 8 were negatively associated (P < 0.001, P = 0.013 and P < 0.001 respectively, multivariate linear regression analyses).

Conclusion:

These data are the first European normative data and can serve as a reference in future population and patient-based studies regarding breast satisfaction.
New understandings of the pathway of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis
Authors: Brenna J. Thomas , Kothapalli Kumar S.D.
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review

Molecular studies have clarified the roles of the fatty acid desaturase (FADSx) and elongation of very long chain fatty acid (ELOVLx) genes, as well as acyl-coenzyme A synthase long-chain isoforms (ACSLx) required for entry to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) biosynthetic pathways.

Recent findings

FADS1 and FADS2 but not FADS3 are active toward PUFA. FADS1 is a Δ5-desaturase operating on five C20 PUFA, and is strongly regulated by human genetic polymorphisms, modulating circulating arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) levels. In contrast, FADS2 operates on at least 16 substrates, including five saturates, and catalyzes Δ6, Δ4, and Δ8 desaturation. FADS2 silencing in cancer cells leads to FADS1 synthesis of unusual fatty acids. ACSL6 and ACSL4 are required to maintain tissue 22:6n-3 and 20:4n-6, respectively. FADS2AT2, is the first transcript to differentially inhibit desaturation, attenuating 18:3n-3 but not 18:2n-6 desaturation. The PUFA elongases ELOVL5, 2, and 4 are implicated in cancer, age-related methylation, and retinal degeneration, respectively.

The mixture of fatty acids available to FADS2 in any tissue defines the product mixture available for further synthesis of membrane lipids and signaling molecules and may be relevant in many clinical conditions including cancer. Functional genetic variants define the levels of circulating arachidonic acid via FADS1 regulation; genotypes that drive high arachidonic acid may predispose to disease.
Physical activity programmes for patients undergoing neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer
Authors: Latrille Marianne , Buchs Nicolas C. , Ris Frédéric , Koessler Thibaud
Published: December 2021

Background:

Patients diagnosed with localized rectal cancer should undergo Neoadjuvant Radio-Chemotherapy (NACRT) followed, a few weeks later, by surgical resection. NACRT is known to cause significant decline in the physical and psychological health of patients. This literature review aims to summarize the effects of a prehabilitation programme during and/or after NACRT but before surgery.

Methods:

Articles included in this review have been selected by two independent researchers on Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases with the following terms: “Rectal Cancer AND Physical Activity” and “Exercise AND Rectal Cancer.”

Results:

We obtained 560 articles. We selected 12 of these, representing 7 series but only one randomized study, constituting 153 patients in total. Most studies included have considerable variation in their prehabilitation programmes, in terms of supervision, training content, frequency, intensity, duration, and temporality, in regard to NACRT and surgery. Implementing a prehabilitation programme during NACRT seems feasible and safe, with adherence ranging from 58% to 100%. VO2max (maximal oxygen consumption during incremental exercise) was improved in three of the studies during the prehabilitation programme. No significant difference in the step count, 6-minute-walk test, or quality of life was seen.

Conclusions:

Prehabilitation programmes during NACRT for localized rectal cancer patients are safe and feasible; however, due to considerable variation in the prehabilitation programmes and their small size, impact on fitness, quality of life, and surgical outcome are unknown. Larger randomized studies are needed.
Demarcation of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma during endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Li Jun , Shen Xiangguo , Geng Yangyang , Chen Jie , Shi Xingang , Liu Feng , Xu Can , Li Zhaoshen
Published: December 2021

Lugol's iodine staining (LIS) and narrow-band imaging (NBI) are currently the most common methods applied in demarcating early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (EESCCs) during endoscopic submucosal dissection. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects on clinical outcomes in comparison between LIS and NBI for the demarcation of EESCCs during endoscopic submucosal dissection.

This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study. A total of 172 patients were involved. 109 patients received demarcation of the lesion by LIS and 63 patients by NBI. Data on baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes and follow-up information were collected for analyses.

The mean diameter of the lesions was 3.9 ± 1.5 cm. R0 resection rate was 89.5%. The rate of total and in-hospital adverse events was 25.6% and 9.3%. The cumulative recurrence rate was 2.9% and 3-year disease-specific survival rate was 98.3%. Compared to patients of the LIS group, patients of the NBI group showed significantly shorter procedure time (44.8 ± 32.2 v.s.57.0 ± 40.6, P = .044), lower rate of using of scopolamine butylbromide (19.0% vs 35.8%, P = 0.021), reduced number of clips used (1.3 ± 1.2  vs 1.8 ± 1.5, P = .017) and alleviated discomfort evaluated by visual analog system score after operation (4.7 ± 0.8 vs 5.5 ± 1.0, P < .001). There was no significant difference of R0 resection rate, margin status, adverse events, cumulative recurrence rate and 3-year disease-specific survival rate between the two groups.

Demarcation of EESCCs by NBI could achieve comparable accuracy and clinical outcomes with more convenience and safety compared with demarcation by LIS.
A clinical protocol for the effect of acupuncture combined with qianliean suppository on inflammatory factors in patients with chronic prostatitis
Authors: Lei Yi , Du Hong-hong
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Chronic prostatitis (CP) is a common genitourinary disorder in adult men. It has a high incidence, a complex disease, and a lingering course, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. For the treatment of CP, the currently available treatment methods are limited and patients are not satisfied with the treatment results. Therefore, more effective treatment options need to be further explored.

Methods:

The study is a single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled clinical trial consisting of a 4-to-6-week treatment period and a 6-month follow-up period. Included participants will be randomized into three groups and given a treatment regimen of acupuncture, qianliean suppository, respectively. Patients in each group will be treated for 1 month as a course of treatment. The clinical efficacy and changes in inflammatory factor levels in each group will be assessed at the end of treatment.

Discussion:

The trial aims to promote a more effective, standardized, and efficacious treatment protocol for CP in the clinical setting.
Buspirone in the management of refractory irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Karim Mustafa Abdul , Al-Baz Nadeen , Haddad Peter M. , Reagu Shuja M. , Alabdulla Majid
Published: December 2021

Rationale:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic and debilitating functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract manifested by abdominal pain and bowel habit dysregulation. The pathophysiology is complex and management targets symptom resolution. Therapeutic interventions range from dietary modification, psychological interventions, exercise, to the use of antispasmodics, antibiotics, and antidepressants. Anecdotal reports have suggested that buspirone may be beneficial in the treatment of functional dyspepsia and IBS and its physiological effect of reducing gastric tone provides a rational for its benefit.

Patient concerns:

A 28-year-old man with unremarkable past medical and psychiatric history presented with worsening abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel movement dysregulation of over 6-year duration.

Diagnoses:

Physical examination revealed mild distension and discomfort on deep palpation. Thorough blood investigations, stool analysis and culture, and imaging were unremarkable except for the detection of mucus with stool. The patient was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome with mixed habits.

Interventions:

Dietary adjustment and a range of medications (mebeverine, simethicone, loperamide, rifaximin, sertraline and amitriptyline) yielded unsatisfactory response of were not tolerated. Buspirone was eventually introduced.

Outcomes:

Buspirone was associated with a significant and sustained improvement in IBS symptoms and quality of life.

Lessons:

This case suggests that buspirone was effective in treating refractory IBS. Further research is needed to assess the role of buspirone in IBS management.
Choroidal metastasis with retinal detachment
Authors: Lin Shu-Hua , Xu Yong-Gen , Zhao Jing-Hua , Cui Hong , Jin Hua , Jia Yu-Jie , Zhao Jian , Li Ying-Jun
Published: December 2021

Rationale:

Breast carcinoma is the most common primary source of choroidal metastasis (CM). In the present case, esophageal cancer was the primary tumour, brain metastasis occurred, and CM occurred later in the left eye with 2 retinal detachments, which is very rare.

Patient concerns:

A 62-year-old man complained of a sudden decrease in visual acuity consisting of a small shadow in front of his left eye with a sensation of covered vision after 1 cycle of systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy for resected esophageal cancer with brain metastasis. Fundus examination revealed exudative retinal detachment without retinal tears. CM with exudative retinal detachment was also considered. The patient refused further treatment. After the second cycle of chemotherapy, there were no significant changes in the retina and visual acuity improved. However, after craniocerebral surgery for brain metastasis, the visual acuity decreased again and showed 3 choroidal masses with macular involvement and retinal detachment but without retinal tears.

Diagnosis:

The final diagnosis was CM with retinal detachment.

Interventions:

The patient was advised to undergo enucleation of the left eye during the second retinal detachment, but he refused.

Outcomes:

Two months after the second retinal detachment, the patient died of systemic metastases.

Lessons:

It is important to consider CM when the first retinal detachment and known cancer are diagnosed. At present, it is necessary to develop a standardised treatment plan as well as a multidisciplinary approach to early diagnosis, combined treatment, and timely intervention for such cases.
Effects of high-flow nasal cannula with oxygen on self-paced exercise performance in COPD
Authors: Chao Ke-Yun , Liu Wei-Lun , Nassef Yasser , Tseng Chi-Wei , Wang Jong-Shyan
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Studies have demonstrated that noninvasive ventilation improves exercise intolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The role of heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy in patients with COPD on self-paced exercise performance remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine whether HFNC-aided supplemental oxygen during a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) would change self-paced exercise performance and cardiopulmonary outcomes in patients with stable COPD.

Methods:

A single-site, cross-over trial was conducted in a pulmonary rehabilitation outpatient department. This study enrolled 30 stable COPD patients without disability. The participants with and without HFNC performed 6MWTs on 2 consecutive days. Outcomes were the distance walked in the 6MWT, physiological, and cardiopulmonary parameters.

Results:

Those performing HFNC-aided walking exhibited a longer walking distance than those performing unaided walking. The mean difference in meters walked between the HFNC-aided and unaided walking scenarios was 27.3 ± 35.6 m (95% CI: 14.4–40.5 m). The energy expenditure index was significantly lower when walking was aided by HHHNFC rather than unaided (median: 1.21 beats/m walked vs median: 1.37 beats/m walked, P < .001). However, there were no differences in transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension between HHHNFC and non-HHHNFC patients.

Conclusion:

Walking distance and arterial oxygen saturation improved in stable COPD patients receiving HFNC with additional oxygen support. However, HFNC did not affect transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension and the self-reported dyspnea score during the walking test. The present study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of using HFNC in self-paced exercise.

Trial registration:

NCT03863821