bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of diabetic patients with end‐stage heart failure listed for heart transplantation: A propensity‐matched analysis
Authors: Akintoye Emmanuel , Alvarez Paulino , Salih Mohamed , Sellke Frank , Briasoulis Alexandros
Published: January 2022

Background

We investigated the current trends and outcomes of diabetic patients listed for heart transplants in the U.S. and provided a method for risk‐stratification.

Methods

Using data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), we identified heart failure patients listed for heart transplants between 2010 and 2019. Diabetic patients were propensity‐matched with non‐diabetics, and waitlist mortality as well as post‐transplant graft survival were compared between the two groups. Further risk‐stratification of diabetic patients was done based on the risk factors that independently predict graft failure.

Results

28,928 adult patients (30% diabetic) with end‐stage heart failure were added to the waitlist over the study period. In the propensity‐matched cohort, waitlist mortality was higher in diabetic patients compared to non‐diabetics (HR = 1.13 (95% CI = 1.04‐1.22, P = .002). Over the study period, 5739 patients with diabetes were transplanted. In the propensity‐matched cohorts of transplant recipients, the rate of graft failure was significantly higher for diabetic patients (23.3%) compared to non‐diabetics (20.4%); HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.08‐1.26, P < .001. We identified 12 risk factors of graft failure among diabetic patients and developed a risk score that further risk‐stratify these patients. Diabetic patients at low risk (score≤4) had similar graft survival as patients without diabetes (HR = .91, 95% CI = .82‐1.01, P = .06). On the other hand, high‐risk diabetic patients had worse graft survival compared to non‐diabetics (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.38‐1.67, P < .001).

Conclusion

Among patients with end‐stage heart failure, pre‐existing diabetes was associated with higher waitlist mortality and worse graft survival. However, with careful patient selection, graft survival is similar to those without diabetes.
Cutaneous Gamna‐Gandy bodies: An unusual case of dystrophic calcification
Authors: Sanford Jeffrey A. , Strausborger Stacy L. , Lewin‐Smith Michael R. , Royer Michael C.
Published: January 2022

Dystrophic calcification is a common histopathologic finding that can be concomitant with a plethora of diseases, ranging from self‐limited infections to insidious malignancies. Gamna‐Gandy bodies (GGBs) are a form of dystrophic calcification associated with chronic hemolysis and are typically observed in the spleen. In this report, we present the case of a 92‐year‐old man who presented with a 4‐mm blue papule that was biopsied given the concern for a blue nevus. The subsequent histopathologic examination of the biopsy specimen showed a dermal organizing hematoma adjacent to pale‐yellow to brown, refractile material within fibrotic collagen consistent with GGBs. Scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive x‐ray analysis (SEM/EDXA) revealed that the structures were composed of carbon (39%), oxygen (32%), iron (16%), phosphorus (7%), calcium (5%), and sodium (1%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy identified amorphous calcium phosphate. GGBs have not been previously described in the skin and have been rarely characterized with SEM/EDXA in other sites.
Economic sanctions and shared supply chains: A firm‐level study of the contagion effects of smart sanctions on the performance of nontargeted firms
Authors: Sun Jie , Makosa Lewis , Yang Jinkun , Darlington Makosa , Yin Fangyuan , Jachi Moses
Published: January 2022

We examine the effects of targeted economic sanctions on the performance of nontargeted firms sharing a common supply chain with targeted firms. We build on sanctions literature and contagion theory to develop a conceptual model that encapsulates the nexus between targeted sanctions, supply chains, and firm performance. Drawing on data from Zimbabwe, we find that nontargeted firms in the same supply chain as sanctioned firms perform poorly compared with other non‐sanctioned firms, signaling the effects of contagion. The mediation test indicates that economic sanctions reduce the performance of nontargeted supply chain member firms through reducing sales and increasing the cost of products, showing significant mediating effects. We also show that exports greatly affect nontargeted firms that depend heavily on targeted firms, whereas imports have a relatively low impact. The results of this study extend previous research on the adverse consequences of economic sanctions and supply chain networks and provide important guiding significance for firm managers, investors and policymakers on how to respond to smart sanctions.
Maladaptive motor cortical excitability and connectivity in polyneuropathy with neuropathic pain
Authors: Chiang Ming‐Chang , Hsueh Hsueh‐Wen , Yeh Ti‐Yen , Cheng Ya‐Yin , Kao Yi‐Hui , Chang Kai‐Chieh , Feng Fang‐Ping , Chao Chi‐Chao , Hsieh Sung‐Tsang
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose

Sensory symptoms, especially neuropathic pain, are common in polyneuropathy. Conventional diagnostic tools can evaluate structural or functional impairment of nerves but cannot reveal mechanisms of neuropathic pain. Changes in the brain after polyneuropathy may play roles in the genesis of neuropathic pain.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study investigated changes of cortical excitability within left primary motor cortex (M1) by measuring resting motor thresholds, short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF), and afferent inhibition between polyneuropathy patients and controls, and investigated the correlates of these parameters with neuropathic pain and M1 structural and functional connectivity assessed by diffusion tractography imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Thirty‐three painful and 15 nonpainful neuropathic patients and 21 controls were enrolled. There were no differences in intraepidermal nerve fiber density, nerve conduction studies, thermal thresholds, or autonomic functional tests between patients with and without neuropathic pain. Compared to controls, neuropathic patients exhibited similar resting motor thresholds or afferent inhibition, but attenuated SICI and augmented ICF, especially in painful patients. Changes of intracortical excitability in neuropathic patients were correlated with intensities of neuropathic pain, and different presentations of SICI and ICF were noted between patients with and without thermal paresthesia. Additionally, short‐latency afferent inhibition at an interstimulus interval of 20 ms was associated with structural connectivity of left M1 with brain areas associated with pain perception.

Conclusions

Maladaptive cortical excitability with altered structural connectivity in left M1 developed after peripheral nerve degeneration and was associated with neuropathic pain and sensory symptoms in polyneuropathy.
Rare variants in TP73 in a frontotemporal dementia cohort link this gene with primary progressive aphasia phenotypes
Authors: Tábuas‐Pereira Miguel , Santana Isabel , Almeida Maria Rosário , Durães João , Lima Marisa , Duro Diana , Kun‐Rodrigues Célia , Bras Jose , Guerreiro Rita
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose

TP73 was recently reported to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are considered to form part of a continuum. We aimed to investigate whether TP73 variants may be associated with FTD.

Methods

We studied a thoroughly investigated cohort of 65 Portuguese patients with frontotemporal dementia using whole‐exome sequencing. The patients had no other known genetic cause for their disease (C9orf72 expansion was also excluded).

Results

Of the 65 patients studied, two had rare variants in TP73 (p.Gly605Ser and p.Arg347Trp). Both variants had minor allele frequency <0.001 and were predicted to be pathogenic in silico. The two patients displayed a phenotype that included predominant language impairment, suggestive of non‐fluent progressive aphasia.

Conclusion

We show that two thoroughly studied patients without other known genetic changes harbored TP73 rare variants, which are pathogenic in silico. This adds evidence to support the role of TP73 in the ALS–FTD spectrum, especially in primary progressive aphasia cases.
Spatiotemporal expression of NRAS and occurrence of giant congenital melanocytic nevi
Authors: Aimaier Rehanguli , Chung Manhon , Zhu Hainan , Yu Qingxiong
Published: January 2022

The mechanism underlying giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) formation is not fully understood. According to recent research, NRAS gene mutation is the main driving factor in GCMN. Melanocytic precursor cells proliferate during the embryonic stage after acquiring NRAS mutations. However, why GCMN undergoes intense proliferation in the embryonic stage and then stops postnatally remains unknown. The current theory for this phenomenon is that the GCMN undergoes oncogene‐induced senescence. However, there is not enough evidence to indicate that senescence induces growth arrest in GCMN. In this study, we hypothesized that the expression level of the NRAS gene changes dynamically during the development and differentiation of neural crest cells into melanocytes and that the NRAS expression level determines whether the cell proliferates or becomes quiescent.
Impact of orthogeriatric care management by orthopedic surgeons and physicians on in‐hospital clinical outcomes: A difference‐in‐difference analysis
Authors: Ogawa Takahisa , Schermann Haggai , Khadka Aayush , Moross Janelle , Moriwaki Mutsuko , Fushimi Kiyohide , Fujiwara Takeo , Yoshii Toshitaka , Okawa Atsushi , Shirasawa Shinichi
Published: January 2022

Aim

The orthopedic surgery unit in our suburb serves a large elderly trauma population in addition to providing elective surgeries. As patients with hip fractures have become older and at higher risk of medical complications, our hospital has initiated integrated co‐management of these patients by orthopedic surgeons and geriatricians from the point of hospital admission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the hospital policy change on hip fracture management and clinical outcome indicators.

Methods

Using the difference‐in‐difference approach, in total, 288 consecutive patients with hip fractures treated during the 1 year before and 2 years after transition to orthogeriatric care from a geriatric consultation model to integrated orthogeriatric care model were compared with 576 patients from other local hospitals.

Results

Despite a seasonal trend toward increased length of hospital stay in winter, the intervention significantly reduced the change in mean length of stay (mean difference [95% confidence interval], −12.9 days [−21.5 to −4.3]; P = 0.007) and discharge to home tended to change less frequently (−12.6%; P = 0.10). There was no significant reduction in mean time to surgery (−0.2 days; P = 0.83), mortality (−0.8%; P = 0.62), or complications (−1.0%; P = 0.85).

Conclusions

Changing our hip fracture service from a geriatric consultation model of care to an integrated orthogeriatric model significantly reduced length of hospital stay probably due to a lower chance of discharge to home. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Japan to compare two orthogeriatric care models considering the nationwide improvement in hip fracture management. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 138–144.
The evolution of service systems to service ecosystems: A literature review
Authors: Brozović Danilo , Tregua Marco
Published: January 2022

High academic interest and numerous theoretical and practical studies on service systems and service ecosystems, paired with the accelerated evolution of the service (eco) system concept, have resulted in complex research in this field. Multiple perspectives from which service systems were studied added to this complexity and inadvertently produced conceptual confusion regarding service (eco) systems. This literature review addresses this confusion by focusing on the evolution of service systems to service ecosystems to consolidate and clarify the field. Therefore, this article's purpose is to systematise the extant research on service (eco) systems and indicate future research directions based on the analysis. Specifically, the article systematically reviews 770 publications on service (eco) systems from 2020 and earlier and identifies the main research topics (focusing on service [eco] systems’ constituent elements, inherent processes, and outcomes), theoretical perspectives, and bridging elements, and suggests future research based on the review results. The article concludes by providing a foundation for continued research emerging from the analysis, with emphasis on five aspects that may stimulate new avenues of research: service ecospheres, service ecosystem simplicity, failures of service ecosystems, paradox in service ecosystems, and panarchy and service ecosystems.
Clean intermittent catheterization in long‐term management of neurogenic bladder in spinal cord injury: Patient perspective and experiences
Authors: Joshi Ameya Deepak , Shukla Aradhana , Chawathe Vivek , Gaur Anil Kumar
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Bladder dysfunction due to spinal cord injury has a significant impact on the overall health and quality of life of an individual. Clean intermittent catheterization is the gold standard for bladder management and is recommended due to having the lowest complication rate. Transitions from intermittent catheterization to other less optimal strategies, such as indwelling catheter, are quite common. However, the research documenting patient perspectives, and epidemiological and demographic factors related to such transition is limited.

Methods

Data from patients with spinal cord injury rehabilitated with clean intermittent catheterization were collected. Demographic and epidemiological details of the patients were documented from the inpatient records. Appropriate statistical tests were applied to the values.

Results

Among the 45 participants, 68.89% continued clean intermittent catheterization. In those who discontinued clean intermittent catheterization, the median duration of practicing clean intermittent catheterization was 3.5 months. The commonest difficulty among compliant patients was carrying out clean intermittent catheterization in outdoor environments due to the unavailability of toilet facilities. Urinary tract infection was the most common (17.78%) complication noted. Dependence (20.00%) was a major procedural difficulty followed by pain. Adaptations to remain continent in special conditions were diapers and condom catheters. The duration of clean intermittent catheterization practiced influenced discontinuation of clean intermittent catheterization. With an increase in the duration of clean intermittent catheterization practiced after discharge, the risk of discontinuation of clean intermittent catheterization decreased with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.773 (95% confidence interval 0.609–0.982).

Conclusions

People with spinal cord injury have many challenging issues in the regulation of bladder function at their level inclusive of procedural difficulties, environmental barriers and medical complications, and understanding of which will help to establish a comprehensive and a holistic program to provide remote/community care.
Legal segmentation in China, India, Malaysia and Viet Nam
Authors: COONEY Sean
Published: January 2022

This article applies a qualitative approach to the legal segmentation analysis developed by Dingeldey et al. (2021), considering exclusion from, and hierarchies of, worker protection. Examining the cases of China, India, Malaysia and Viet Nam, the author finds that several factors distinguish these countries from those in the global North and produce distinct labour market outcomes, namely: in terms of the relative size of the workforce operating outside the effective coverage of employment regulation; legal terminology that is not readily translated into Western languages; and legal history, especially as regards the mismatch between statutory frameworks and the labour market resulting from colonialism.
Local search algorithms for the composite retrieval problem
Authors: Moyano Mauricio , Zabala Paula , Gatica Gustavo , Cabrera‐Guerrero Guillermo
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we address a problem arising in information retrieval (IR) called composite retrieval problem (CRP) of diverse and complementary bundles. The CRP aims to group items into bundles and then select a subset of such bundles, so that we can maximise the similarity of the items within a bundle and, simultaneously, can maximise the complementarity of the selected bundles. To this end, the CRP approach considers the existing relations among items' attributes, leading to the selection of bundles that satisfy users' expectations without the needing for any refining query and, thus, improving the searching experience, with respect to traditional IR approaches. In this study, we propose three efficient yet straightforward algorithms, namely Local Search, Iterative Local Search and Variable Neighbourhood Search. Further, two different neighbourhood moves are evaluated at each algorithm. Although the first neighbourhood move is focused on the exploitation of the nearby search space, the second one is focused on the exploration of larger portions of the search space. All these algorithms are applied to two real‐world publicly available instances and compared to the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in CRP. Obtained results suggest that combining both neighbourhood moves leads to better results in terms of both, the complementarity of the bundles and similarity of the items. Further, results show that, after statistical analysis, the proposed algorithms are significantly better, for the vast majority of the experiments performed in this study, when compared to the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in CRP.
A machine learning algorithm for early detection of heel deep tissue injuries based on a daily history of sub‐epidermal moisture measurements
Authors: Lustig Maayan , Schwartz Dafna , Bryant Ruth , Gefen Amit
Published: January 2022

Sub‐epidermal moisture is an established biophysical marker of pressure ulcer formation based on biocapacitance changes in affected soft tissues, which has been shown to facilitate early detection of these injuries. Artificial intelligence shows great promise in wound prevention and care, including in automated analyses of quantitative measures of tissue health such as sub‐epidermal moisture readings acquired over time for effective, patient‐specific, and anatomical‐site‐specific pressure ulcer prophylaxis. Here, we developed a novel machine learning algorithm for early detection of heel deep tissue injuries, which was trained using a database comprising six consecutive daily sub‐epidermal moisture measurements recorded from 173 patients in acute and post‐acute care settings. This algorithm was able to achieve strong predictive power in forecasting heel deep tissue injury events the next day, with sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 80%, respectively, revealing the clinical potential of artificial intelligence‐powered technology for hospital‐acquired pressure ulcer prevention. The current work forms the scientific basis for clinical implementation of machine learning algorithms that provide effective, early, and anatomy‐specific preventive interventions to minimise the occurrence of hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers based on routine tissue health status measurements.
Characteristics and time course of acute and chronic myocardial lesion formation after electroporation ablation in the porcine model
Authors: Neven Kars , van Driel Vincent J. H. M. , Vink Aryan , du Pré Bastiaan C. , van Wessel Harry , Füting Anna , Doevendans Pieter A. , Wittkampf Fred H. M. , van Es René
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Electroporation ablation creates deep and wide myocardial lesions. No data are available on time course and characteristics of acute lesion formation.

Methods

For the acute phase of myocardial lesion development, seven pigs were investigated. Single 200 J applications were delivered at four different epicardial right ventricular sites using a linear suction device, yielding a total of 28 lesions. Timing of applications was designed to yield lesions at seven time points: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min, with four lesions per time point. After killing, lesion characteristics were histologically investigated. For the chronic phase of myocardial lesion development, tissue samples were used from previously conducted studies where tissue was obtained at 3 weeks and 3 months after electroporation ablation.

Results

Acute myocardial lesions induce a necrosis pattern with contraction band necrosis and interstitial edema, immediately present after electroporation ablation. No further histological changes such as hemorrhage or influx of inflammatory cells occurred in the first hour. After 3 weeks, the lesions consisted of sharply demarcated loose connective tissue that further developed to more fibrotic scar tissue after 3 months without additional changes. Within the scar tissue, arteries and nerves were unaffected.

Conclusion

Electroporation ablation immediately induces contraction band necrosis and edema without additional tissue changes in the first hour. After 3 weeks, a sharply demarked scar has been developed that remains stable during follow‐up of 3 months. This is highly relevant for clinical application of electroporation ablation in terms of the electrophysiological endpoint and waiting period after ablation.
Some physical, chemical, and germination properties of Peganum harmala L. seeds
Authors: Ertuğrul Ömer , Yılar Melih , Kır Hakan , Kömekçi Ceren
Published: January 2022

In this study, the aim was to determine some physical and chemical properties of the seeds of Peganum harmala, known as rue or harmel, and to determine the effects of some implementations to break the seed dormancy. The mean length, width, thickness, and surface area values for the P. harmala seeds were 4.78 mm, 1.81 mm, 1.53 mm, and 14.14 mm2, respectively. Linked to the dimensions, the arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, and sphericity values were calculated as 2.71 mm, 2.34 mm, and 0.50. The bulk density and true density values were measured as 0.5379 and 1.015 g cm−3, respectively, and the porosity value calculated linked to these values was 46.98%. The static friction angles on two different surfaces of galvanized metal and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were measured as 15.67° and 17.67°, and the static friction coefficient values linked to these angles were 0.28 for galvanized metal and 0.32 for PVC. Terminal velocity experiments determined the velocity for P. harmala seeds was 5.03 ms−1. According to analysis results for the chemical structure of P. harmala, dry matter ratio was 89.7%, crude ash ratio was 11.0%, crude protein was 10.3%, crude fiber was 42.0%, and crude oil ratio was 10.8%. In seed dormancy studies, the effects of sulfuric acid, precooling, soaking in water, and mechanical scarification (sanding) applications were determined. Accordingly, the most effective method for germination of P. harmala seeds was sanding with 84.0% germination rate. This was followed by soaking in water (78.0%) and 5 min H2SO4 (75.0%) applications.

Practical Applications

Turkey is a country with a current account deficit in the seed import–export balance. Therefore, the efficient use of seeds in each step of farming and postharvest operations is essential to reduce the seed waste. Determining the engineering properties of seeds will help to provide more efficient systems. The physical properties of seeds are important to design, develop, and adjustment of planters, storage structures, transporting systems, and postharvest systems. Chemical properties are essential to determine the optimum storage conditions and postharvest chemical processes for optimum utilization of seeds as foods or as raw materials for medicinal and industrial purposes. Seed dormancy‐breaking features will be useful to determine optimum presowing conditions and breeding conditions of the seeds.
Drying kinetics and effective moisture diffusivity of pomelo albedo under vacuum‐assisted microwave drying and its semi‐product
Authors: Nguyen Ha Le , Le Tuan Quoc
Published: January 2022

The five different microwave power levels (800, 640, 480, 320, and 160 W) assisted with the vacuum of 40 kPa were investigated for the drying kinetics, effective moisture diffusivity and rehydration ratio of the dried pomelo albedo. The comparison of some product quality indicators after production and 6 months of storage was also taken place in this study. The higher microwave power levels provided the shorter drying times, the higher moisture diffusion and the drying rates. Drying time at 160 W needed more than 120 min while the rest needed less than 25 min to reach the moisture content below 8% (dry basis). By basing on χ2 and root mean square error and R2, experimental drying data were best performed for the Page equations compared to other eight models (Diffusion approach, Two term exp, Henderson and Pabis, Lewis, Logarithmic, Vermar, Two modified compartment, Wang and Singh). The effective moisture diffusivity coefficient determined by Fick's second law was varied from 1.0 × 10−5 to 6.52 × 10−7 m2/s. The developed models describing the relationship between different drying parameters in this study can be used for optimizing the parameters in the drying process at a larger scale. The microwave power level of 480 or 640 W and the sample weight of 50 g were recommended for the drying of the pomelo albedo. Under these conditions, the dried albedo product possesses high quality. Most of the characteristic quality indicators changed insignificantly as compared after production and stored for 6 months at room temperature (25–28°C).

Practical Applications

The albedo layer consists of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin which can be used as an ingredient in many foods. Microwave vacuum drying in food processing offers several advantages rather than microwave drying and other traditional drying methods. The combination results in a rapid drying rate, which is one of the desired characteristics for rehydrated products. This combined dying technology becomes well‐known nowadays, which can promise in use at the commercial level in product quality.
Combinatory statuses of tumor stromal percentage and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes as prognostic factors in stage III colorectal cancers
Authors: Jin Hye‐Yeong , Yoo Seung‐Yeon , Lee Ji‐Ae , Wen Xianyu , Kim Younghoon , Park Hye Eun , Kwak Yoonjin , Cho Nam‐Yun , Bae Jeong Mo , Kim Jung Ho , Lee Hye Seung , Kang Gyeong Hoon
Published: January 2022

Background and Aim

Tumor stroma and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are major constituents of the tumor microenvironment, although they have different effects on the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Combinatory statuses of tumor‐stromal percentage (TSP) and TILs are expected to provide more powerful prognostic information but have never been studied in CRCs.

Methods

Stage III CRCs from patients (n = 487) treated with adjuvant chemotherapy were assessed for their TSP and CD3‐TIL or CD8‐TIL densities using computer‐aided methodology. With cut‐off values set at median values for intraepithelial TIL (iTIL) and stromal TIL (sTIL) densities, CRCs were sorted into low and high iTIL or sTIL groups. CRCs were classified into five quintile (Q1–Q5) groups according to their TSP and divided into high TSP (Q5) and low TSP (Q1–4) groups.

Results

The combination of CD8 iTIL density and TSP was found to be an independent prognostic parameter in multivariate survival analysis in terms of cancer‐specific survival and recurrence‐free survival. CRCs with low CD8 iTIL density and high TSP showed the worst survival. The combinatory status showed more prognostic power than CD8 iTIL density or TSP alone. Multivariate survival analysis in an independent cohort of stage III CRC validated the prognostic power of the combinatory statuses.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the combinatory status might serve as a prognostic parameter in stage III CRCs. Further research in a large‐scale cohort of patients with stage III CRC is needed to validate the prognostic power of the combinatory status.
Origin and evolution of green plants in the light of key evolutionary events
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Ma Xiaoya , Liu Yannan , Yang Lingxiao , Shi Xuan , Wang Hao , Diao Runjie , Zhong Bojian
Published: January 2022

Green plants (Viridiplantae) are ancient photosynthetic organisms that thrive both in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, greatly contributing to the changes in global climates and ecosystems. Significant progress has been made toward understanding the origin and evolution of green plants, and plant biologists have arrived at the consensus that green plants first originated in marine deep‐water environments and later colonized fresh water and dry land. The origin of green plants, colonization of land by plants and rapid radiation of angiosperms are three key evolutionary events during the long history of green plants. However, the comprehensive understanding of evolutionary features and molecular innovations that enabled green plants to adapt to complex and changeable environments are still limited. Here, we review current knowledge of phylogenetic relationships and divergence times of green plants, and discuss key morphological innovations and distinct drivers in the evolution of green plants. Ultimately, we highlight fundamental questions to advance our understanding of the phenotypic novelty, environmental adaptation, and domestication of green plants.
Auxin signaling: Research advances over the past 30 years
Authors: Yu Zipeng , Zhang Feng , Friml Jiří , Ding Zhaojun
Published: January 2022

Auxin, one of the first identified and most widely studied phytohormones, has been and will remain a hot topic in plant biology. After more than a century of passionate exploration, the mysteries of its synthesis, transport, signaling, and metabolism have largely been unlocked. Due to the rapid development of new technologies, new methods, and new genetic materials, the study of auxin has entered the fast lane over the past 30 years. Here, we highlight advances in understanding auxin signaling, including auxin perception, rapid auxin responses, TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE 1 and AUXIN SIGNALING F‐boxes (TIR1/AFBs)‐mediated transcriptional and non‐transcriptional branches, and the epigenetic regulation of auxin signaling. We also focus on feedback inhibition mechanisms that prevent the over‐amplification of auxin signals. In addition, we cover the TRANSMEMBRANE KINASE‐mediated non‐canonical signaling, which converges with TIR1/AFBs‐mediated transcriptional regulation to coordinate plant growth and development. The identification of additional auxin signaling components and their regulation will continue to open new avenues of research in this field, leading to an increasingly deeper, more comprehensive understanding of how auxin signals are interpreted at the cellular level to regulate plant growth and development.
Efficacy and safety of two hyaluronic acid fillers with different injection depths for the correction of moderate‐to‐severe nasolabial folds: A 52‐week, prospective, randomized, double‐blinded study in a Chinese population
Authors: Hu Yifan , Liu Zhiyu , Wang Yao , Yu Qian , Gong Yu , Diao Hongyue , Jin Yi , Zhang Shuqin , Shi Yuling
Published: January 2022

Background

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are known to be effective for the correction of facial wrinkles and folds, but there is no clinical study that compares the efficacy of small‐to‐medium‐particle HA fillers and large‐particle HA fillers for the correction of nasolabial folds (NLFs). Moreover, injection depth also plays an important role in the correction of NLFs as well as improvement of facial aesthetics.

Objectives

To assess the efficacy, safety, and durability of a small‐to‐medium‐particle HA filler, Restylane, and a large‐particle HA filler, Yishumei, as well as the effect of injection depth in the correction of moderate‐to‐severe NLFs and facial aesthetics in a Chinese population.

Methods

This 52‐week, prospective, randomized, double‐blind study enrolled 100 participants with moderate‐to‐severe NLFs. The participants were randomized to receive either Restylane (Group A) or Yishumei (Group B). Group A and Group B were further randomly divided into a superficial injection group (Group A1 & B1) and a deep injection group (Group A2&B2) according to injection depth. Improvement in the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) score and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and participants’ satisfaction were evaluated as endpoints. All adverse events were monitored throughout the study.

Results

The treatments were well tolerated by all the participants. All four groups showed a reduction in their mean WSRS scores and GAIS scores by week 12. At week 24, the WSRS and GAIS scores did not change in Group A1 and A2, while participants in Group B1 and Group B2 had higher WSRS and GAIS scores than those in the previous weeks. By week 52, the WSRS scores in all the groups returned to almost baseline levels. The mean FACE‐Q scores increased compared with the baseline scores in all groups through week 24. Most participants were satisfied with their treatment, and no meaningful differences were found between the fillers in terms of participant satisfaction. The most common adverse events were swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection site, but they resolved spontaneously without treatment.

Conclusion

The two HA fillers had good therapeutic effect on NLFs in the early stage of treatment, but Restylane had a more prolonged effect. Moreover, compared with the superficial injection, the deep injection provided slight midface lifting and improved facial aesthetics.
Primary Sjögren's syndrome: Longitudinal real‐world, observational data on health‐related quality of life
Authors: Tarn Jessica , Lendrem Dennis , McMeekin Peter , Lendrem Clare , Hargreaves Ben , Ng Wan‐Fai
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic inflammatory condition, which presents with symptoms of dryness, pain, fatigue and often symptoms of anxiety and depression. Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is significantly reduced in pSS and the direct and indirect health costs of pSS are substantial. This study aims to determine how symptom burden, disease activity and demographics associate with HRQoL longitudinally over a median of 24‐month follow‐up period in pSS.

Methods

Longitudinal EuroQoL‐5 dimension (EQ‐5D)–3L data from the Newcastle pSS cohort (n = 377) were evaluated using a survival analysis strategy. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analysis were performed using baseline Newcastle Sjogren's Stratification Tool (NSST) subgroup, EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), disease duration, age and sex as covariates including polypharmacy and comorbidity score, where data were available (n = 191).

Results

Of the 377 pSS participants analysed in this study, 16% experienced a decline in HRQoL to a health state comparable to or worse than death. NSST subgroup and ESSPRI score had a significant relationship with time to ‘EQ‐5D event’, whereas baseline ESSDAI, age, disease duration and sex did not.

Conclusion

In pSS, symptom burden and to a great extent NSST subgroup, rather than systemic disease activity, has a significant relationship with HRQoL longitudinally. Improvements in symptom burden have the potential to produce significant impacts on long‐term HRQoL in pSS.
Imaging features of laryngeal chondrosarcomas: A case series and systematic review
Authors: Baba Akira , Kurokawa Ryo , Kurokawa Mariko , Ota Yoshiaki , Lobo Remy , Srinivasan Ashok
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose

To comprehensively summarize the characteristics of radiological findings of laryngeal conventional chondrosarcomas.

Methods

We included patients with pathologically proven laryngeal conventional chondrosarcomas with CT and /or MRI, including 41 cases from 31 publications recruited after a systematic review and 14 cases from our institution. Two board‐certified radiologists reviewed and evaluated all the radiological images. The relationship between pathological grade and radiological findings was analyzed.

Results

The median long diameter of the lesion was 3.1 cm (range, 1.5‐8.5 cm). The most common location was the cricoid (74.5%), followed by the thyroid (12.7%), cricoid and thyroid (7.3%), and arytenoid (5.5%). All lesions showed well‐defined margins. Cortical defect/expansion (98.0%), internal low density (89.6%), and calcification (95.8%) with homogeneous and scarce contrast enhancement on contrast‐enhanced CT (85.3%) were frequently observed. All cases showed high signal on T2‐weighted imaging, low signal on T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI), and heterogeneous and mild contrast enhancement on postcontrast T1WI. No significant differences were found between the pathological grades and radiological findings.

Conclusions

In our summary of comprehensive CT and MRI findings of laryngeal conventional chondrosarcomas, we found that the knowledge of these radiological features may facilitate prompt diagnosis and appropriate management.
Morphological and molecular characterization, pathogenicity and sexual reproduction of Ascochyta rabiei isolates of chickpea fields in Argentina
Authors: Crociara Clara , Valetti Lucio , Bernardi Lima Nelson , Iglesias Juliana , Pastor Silvina
Published: January 2022

Ascochyta blight is one of the most devastating foliar diseases of chickpea. The causal agent, Ascochyta rabiei, is a heterothallic ascomycete and its sexual reproduction depends on the proximate presence of both mating types, MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2. Since its first detection in Argentina in 2011, very few studies have been carried out and information on local isolates remains unknown. In this work, 12 isolates were obtained from the northern, central and southern regions of Córdoba province, Argentina. First, isolates were tentatively identified as A. rabiei based on their colony and conidial characteristics. Identity was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, β‐tubulin and D1/D2 loci. Morphology, cultural characteristics and pathogenic variability of the isolates were compared. Likewise, 27 crosses were made to demonstrate possible sexual reproduction between the strains. The isolates showed differences in morphology (shape, texture, conidial size, colony colour, growth rate) and aggressiveness from a susceptible cultivar. All crosses were fertile and produced pseudothecia, asci and ascospores. This work is the first in Latin America to characterize isolates of A. rabiei morphologically and molecularly, examine their pathogenic variability and demonstrate the sexual reproduction between isolates carrying different mating‐type idiomorphs. New levels of aggressiveness in A. rabiei or adaptive changes like resistance to fungicides or breakdown of host resistance are a distinct possibility in the future.
Elder’s life course theory and person‐centered research: A lens for conducting ethical nursing research and mental health nursing practice with older adults aging with the diagnosis of schizophrenia
Authors: Walker Verónica García
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia are a vulnerable population owing to the manifestations of their illness, which can include decreased reality orientation, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions. This paper presents ethical principles of vulnerability, veracity, non‐maleficence and autonomy for person‐centered care in mental health nursing research and practice, focused with the lens of Elder's life course theory (LCT).

Aim

To present Elder's LCT as an ethical lens for person‐centered care as nurses engage with older adults aging with the diagnosis of schizophrenia in clinical practice and/or research.

Method

Four ethical principles fundamental to nursing research and mental health practice are presented, with Elder's LCT as a theoretical lens for person‐centered care.

Results

A model for ethical research and mental health practice with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Discussion

Nursing research and mental health nursing practice with an ethical LCT lens for person‐centered can help nurses envision, explore and generate interventions to address the special needs of older adults aging with schizophrenia.

Implications for Practice

The use of a LCT lens for person‐centered care can encourage nurses in research and mental health practice to seek information collaboratively with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia in a thoughtful, ethical manner, to inform the improvement of their health outcomes and health policy.
Low cardiopulmonary fitness is associated with higher liver fat content and higher gamma‐glutamyltransferase concentrations in the general population – “The Sedentary’s Liver”
Authors: Zinterl Ines , Ittermann Till , Schipf Sabine , Gross Stefan , Anspieler Henryke , Kim Simon , Ewert Ralf , Bülow Robin , Kühn Jens‐Peter , Lerch Markus M. , Völzke Henry , Felix Stephan Burkhard , Bahls Martin , Targher Giovanni , Dörr Marcus , Markus Marcello Ricardo Paulista
Published: January 2022

Background

We investigated the association between low cardiorespiratory fitness and liver fat content (LFC) in the general population.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated data from 2151 adults (51.1% women) from two population‐based cohorts of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP‐2 and SHIP‐TREND‐0). We analysed the cross‐sectional associations of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) with LFC, assessed by magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction, as well as serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) and aminotransferase concentrations by multivariable regression models.

Results

We observed significant inverse associations of VO2peak with LFC and serum GGT, but not with serum aminotransferase levels. Specifically, a 1 L/min lower VO2peak was associated with a 1.09% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45‐1.73; P = .002) higher LFC and a 0.18 μkatal/L (95% CI: 0.09‐0.26; P < .001) higher GGT levels. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the risk of prevalent hepatic steatosis (HS) by a 1 L/min decrease in VO2peak was 1.61 (95% CI: 1.22‐2.13; P = .001). Compared to subjects with high VO2peak, obese and overweight individuals with low VO2peak had 1.78% (95% CI: 0.32‐3.25; P = .017) and 0.94% (95% CI: 0.15‐1.74; P = .021) higher mean LFC, respectively. Compared to those with high VO2peak, low VO2peak was independently associated with a higher risk of prevalent HS in the obese (adjusted‐OR 2.29, 95% CI=1.48‐3.56; P < .001) and overweight (adjusted OR 1.57, 95% CI=1.16‐2.14; P = .04) groups.

Conclusions

Lower VO2peak was significantly associated with greater LFC and higher serum GGT levels in a population‐based cohort of adult individuals. Our results suggest that low VO2peak might be a risk factor for HS.
Exposure to multiple mycotoxins, environmental enteric dysfunction and child growth: Results from the AflaCohort Study in Banke, Nepal
Authors: Andrews‐Trevino Johanna , Webb Patrick , Shrestha Robin , Pokharel Ashish , Acharya Sudikshya , Chandyo Ram , Davis Dale , Baral Kedar , Wang Jia‐Sheng , Xue Kathy , Ghosh Shibani
Published: January 2022

Evidence of the impact of exposure to multiple mycotoxins and environment enteric dysfunction (EED) on child growth is limited. Using data from a birth cohort study, the objectives of this study were to (a) quantify exposure to multiple mycotoxins (serum aflatoxin [AFB1] and ochratoxin A [OTA], urinary fumonisin [UFB1] and deoxynivalenol [DON]), as well EED (lactulose:mannitol [L:M] ratio); (b) examine the potential combined effects of multiple mycotoxin exposure and EED on growth. Multivariate regressions were used to identify associations between growth measurements (length, weight, anthropometric z‐scores, stunting and underweight) at 24–26 months of age and exposure to mycotoxins and EED at 18–22 months (n = 699). Prevalence of AFB1, DON, OTA and UFB1 exposure ranged from 85% to 100%; average L:M ratio was 0.29 ± 0.53. In individual mycotoxin models, AFB1 exposure was negatively associated with weight, WAZ, increased odds of stunting (odds ratio [OR]: 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08, 1.52; p = 0.004) and underweight (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.38; p = 0.046). Irrespective of other mycotoxin exposure and presence of EED, AFB1 was negatively associated with length, weight, head circumference, LAZ and WAZ, and with increased odds of stunting and underweight, UFB1 was associated with increased odds of underweight, and DON was negatively associated with head circumference. EED was associated with the impaired length and weight. These findings suggest that certain mycotoxins and EED may have independent impacts on different facets of growth and that aflatoxin dominates such impacts. Thus, programs reducing exposure to mycotoxin and EED through multi‐sectoral nutrition‐sensitive interventions have the potential to improve child growth.
To die or not to die: Programmed cell death responses and their interactions with Coxiella burnetii infection
Authors: Osbron Chelsea A. , Goodman Alan G.
Published: January 2022

Coxiella burnetii is a Gram‐negative, obligate intracellular, macrophage‐tropic bacterium, and the causative agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever. The epidemiology of Q fever is associated with the presence of infected animals; sheep, goats, cattle, and humans primarily become infected by inhalation of contaminated aerosols. In humans, the acute phase of the disease is characterized primarily by influenza‐like symptoms, and approximately 3%–5% of the infected individuals develop chronic infection. C. burnetii infection activates many types of immune responses, and the bacteria’s genome encodes for numerous effector proteins that interact with host immune signaling mechanisms. Here, we will discuss two forms of programmed cell death, apoptosis, and pyroptosis. Apoptosis is a form of non‐inflammatory cell death that leads to phagocytosis of small membrane‐bound bodies. Conversely, pyroptosis results in lytic cell death accompanied by the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Both apoptosis and pyroptosis have been implicated in the clearance of intracellular bacterial pathogens, including C. burnetii. Finally, we will discuss the role of autophagy, the degradation of unwanted cellular components, during C. burnetii infection. Together, the review of these forms of programmed cell death will open new research questions aimed at combating this highly infectious pathogen for which treatment options are limited.
A pericycle‐localized silicon transporter for efficient xylem loading in rice
Authors: Huang Sheng , Yamaji Naoki , Sakurai Gen , Mitani‐Ueno Namiki , Konishi Noriyuki , Ma Jian Feng
Published: January 2022

Rice is able to accumulate high concentrations of silicon (Si) in the shoots, and this ability is required for the mitigation of abiotic and biotic stresses. Although transporters for Si uptake have been identified, a transporter for the xylem loading of Si has not been found.

We functionally characterized a Si transporter, OsLsi3, in terms of tissue‐specific localization, knockout line phenotype and mathematic simulation.

OsLsi3 was shown to be an efflux Si transporter. OsLsi3 was mainly expressed in the mature root region, and its expression was downregulated by Si. Immunostaining with a specific antibody showed that OsLsi3 was localized to the pericycle in the roots, without polarity. However, when it was expressed under the control of the OsLsi2 promoter, OsLsi3 became polarly localized to the proximal side of both the exodermis and endodermis. Knockout of this gene resulted in decreased Si uptake and concentration in the xylem sap under low Si supply, but not under high Si supply. Mathematical modeling showed that localization of OsLsi3 to the pericycle accounts for c. 30% of the total Si loading to the xylem under low Si concentrations.

In summary, OsLsi3 was involved in the xylem loading of Si in rice roots, which is required for the efficient root‐to‐shoot translocation of Si.