bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra-chloroplast proteases: A holistic network view of chloroplast proteolysis
Authors: van Wijk Klaas J
Published: June 2024

Different proteases and peptidases are present within chloroplasts and nonphotosynthetic plastids to process precursor proteins and to degrade cleaved chloroplast transit peptides and damaged, misfolded, or otherwise unwanted proteins. Collectively, these proteases and peptidases form a proteolysis network, with complementary activities and hierarchies, and build-in redundancies. Furthermore, this network is distributed across the different intra-chloroplast compartments (lumen, thylakoid, stroma, envelope). The challenge is to determine the contributions of each peptidase (system) to this network in chloroplasts and nonphotosynthetic plastids. This will require an understanding of substrate recognition mechanisms, degrons, substrate, and product size limitations, as well as the capacity and degradation kinetics of each protease. Multiple extra-plastidial degradation pathways complement these intra-chloroplast proteases. This review summarizes our current understanding of these intra-chloroplast proteases in Arabidopsis and crop plants with an emphasis on considerations for building a qualitative and quantitative network view.
Antifungal Activity and Possible Mechanism of Streptomyces nojiriensis 9-13 Against Mycogone sp., Causing Wet Bubble Disease on Agaricus bisporus
Authors: Shi Niuniu , Chen Furu , Wen Zhiqiang , Yang Jun , Zhang Nan , Yin Yue , Lu Zhenghui , Lin Ronghua , Du Yixin
Published: June 2024

Wet bubble disease (WBD) in Agaricus bisporus caused by Mycogone species imposes a substantial economic loss to mushroom production in China. Currently, fungicide application is the main method to control WBD. However, excessive use of fungicides is challenged by the appearance of resistance and food safety. Therefore, it is necessary to explore safe and efficient strategies to control WBD. Strain 9-13, isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Taxus chinensis, showed strong inhibitory activity against three Mycogone species. According to morphological and biochemical characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analysis, the strain was identified as Streptomyces nojiriensis. In addition, strain 9-13 extracts significantly inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination of M. perniciosa, M. rosea, and M. xinjiangensis in vitro. Strain 9-13 and its extracts also exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activities against 12 selected plant pathogenic fungi. Scanning electron microscopic observations showed that the extracts destroyed mycelial structure, inducing mycelia to twist and shrink. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy revealed that the extracts resulted in severe plasmolysis, rupture of the cell membrane, and a decrease in cell inclusions, and the cell wall had a rough and uneven surface. Notably, the extracts obviously reduced disease severity and incidence of WBD by from 83.85 to 87.32% in fruiting bodies and 77.36% in mushroom beds and maintained fruiting time and color on harvested mushrooms. Collectively, these results clearly indicate that S. nojiriensis 9-13 is a promising biocontrol agent to control WBD on A. bisporus.
A Draft Genome Resource for the Cacao Thread Blight-Causing Fungal Pathogen Marasmiellus scandens
Authors: Baruah Indrani K. , Leung Jason , Amoako-Attah Ishmael , Bukari Yahaya , Meinhardt Lyndel W. , Bailey Bryan A. , Cohen Stephen P.
Published: June 2024

Members of the Marasmiinaea suborder of basidiomycetous fungi cause thread blight disease (TBD) in cacao, Theobroma cacao, and are a threat to chocolate production worldwide. The most cited causal agent of TBD is Marasmiellus scandens; however, among recent TBD-causing Marasmiinaea isolations in Ghana, only 8% were M. scandens. Nonetheless, owing to the emerging threat of TBD to cacao, generating a high-quality genome assembly of the pathogen M. scandens is of considerable importance. This announcement describes our assembly, annotation, and release of a draft nuclear genome for M. scandens strain GH-19 using a hybrid assembly approach combining long- and short-read sequencing data.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
A Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Versus Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty for Multilevel Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Lee Yunsoo , Trenchfield Delano , Berthiaume Emily , Tomlak Alexa , Narayanan Rajkishen , Brush Parker , Heard Jeremy , Maddy Krisna , Issa Tariq , Lambrechts Mark , Kaye Ian David , Mangan John , Grasso Giovanni , Canseco Jose , Vaccaro Alexander , Kepler Christopher , Schroeder Gregory , Hilibrand Alan
Published: June 2024

Study Design:

Retrospective Cohort.

Objective:

To compare patient-reported outcomes and surgical outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) versus cervical laminoplasty for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Background:

Treatment options for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy include ACDF and cervical laminoplasty. Given that the literature has been mixed regarding the optimal approach, especially in patients without kyphosis, there is a need for additional studies investigating outcomes between ACDF and cervical laminoplasty.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of adult patients undergoing 3 or 4-level surgery. Patients with preoperative kyphosis based on C2–C7 Cobb angles were excluded. The electronic medical record and institutional databases were reviewed for baseline characteristics, surgical outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes.

Results:

A total of 101 patients who underwent ACDF and 52 patients who underwent laminoplasty were included in the study. The laminoplasty cohort had a higher overall Charlson Comorbidity Index (3.10 ± 1.43 vs 2.39 ± 1.57, P = 0.011). Both groups had a comparable number of levels decompressed, C2–C7 lordosis, and diagnosis of myelopathy versus myeloradiculopathy. Patients who underwent laminoplasty had a longer length of stay (2.04 ± 1.15 vs 1.48 ± 0.70, P = 0.003) but readmission, complication, and revision rates were similar. Both groups had similar improvement in myelopathy scores (∆modified Japanese Orthopedic Association: 1.11 ± 3.09 vs 1.06 ± 3.37, P = 0.639). ACDF had greater improvement in Neck Disability Index (∆Neck Disability Index: −11.66 ± 19.2 vs −1.13 ± 11.2, P < 0.001), neck pain (∆Visual Analog Scale–neck: −2.69 ± 2.78 vs −0.83 ± 2.55, P = 0.003), and arm pain (∆Visual Analog Scale–arm: −2.47 ± 3.15 vs −0.48 ± 3.19, P = 0.010). These findings persisted in multivariate analysis except for Neck Disability Index.

Conclusion:

ACDF and cervical laminoplasty appear equally efficacious at halting myelopathic progression. However, patients who underwent ACDF had greater improvements in arm pain at 1 year postoperatively. Longitudinal studies evaluating the efficacy of laminoplasty to mitigate adjacent segment disease are indicated to establish a robust risk-benefit assessment for these 2 procedures.

Level of Evidence:

III.
Endometriosis in Patients Undergoing Plastic Surgical Procedures: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Harrah Payden C. , Deering Augustine J. , Chung Michael T. , Hughes Kenneth , Hosein Rayaad C.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder described as the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which can also be found in extrapelvic locations. Although patients seeking treatment for endometriosis usually present to gynecologists, there are rare cases of endometriosis encountered by plastic surgeons in routine practice, either incidentally or as a concomitant finding.

Methods:

We present a rare case of a 36-year-old woman with symptoms of panniculitis desiring panniculectomy. During surgery, an abdominal mass was excised and confirmed by pathological analysis to be endometriosis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed search engine of the National Institutes of Health to identify cases of endometriosis in plastic surgery. Following screening of the results, 14 articles were included in this analysis that fit the criteria of our search.

Results:

Of the 14 articles reviewed, cutaneous endometriosis was the most common subtype found in plastic surgery. None of the studies described findings of endometriosis in routine panniculectomies. Several identified endometriosis discovered during cosmetic abdominoplasties.

Conclusions:

Endometriosis encountered in plastic surgery is a rare but clinically important occurrence, with the cutaneous subtype representing the majority of cases. Endometriosis should always be on the differential diagnosis when an abdominal mass is found in a patient with a history of abdominal surgery. Abdominal masses found during routine aesthetic or reconstructive surgery should be submitted for tissue analysis to guide possible secondary treatments.
Characterization of Immune Cell Infiltration and Collagen Type III Disorganization in Human Secondary Lymphedema: A Case-control Study
Authors: Spörlein Andreas , Hirche Christoph , Berner Juan Enrique , Kneser Ulrich , Will Patrick A.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Secondary lymphedema (SL) affects 120 million people globally, posing a lifelong burden for up to 37% of cancer survivors. Chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis are key drivers of SL, yet detailed characterization of immune cell subpopulations across lymphedema stages is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the immunologic profile of lymphedematous skin and its association with extracellular matrix changes, which could serve as clinical biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

Methods:

This case-control study analyzed the skin from 36 patients with and without SL, using immunofluorescence to quantify T cells, B cells, macrophages, and their subpopulations. Collagen quantity and composition were examined using picrosirius red staining, and mast cell infiltration was assessed with toluidine blue staining. Early and late SL stages were compared to identify histomorphological and immunologic correlates of stage progression.

Results:

We found a predominance of CD4+ T cells and mast cells in SL skin (1.4/mm² versus 1.0/mm², P < 0.01; 1.2/mm² versus 0.2/mm², P < 0.0001) and a higher ratio of collagen III to collagen I fibers (51.6% versus 75.0%, P < 0.001). M2 macrophages were more abundant in late-stage than in early-stage lymphedema (1.7/mm² versus 1.0/mm², P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated a shift toward CD4+ T cell and mast cell infiltration in SL skin, correlating with extracellular matrix disorganization and an altered collagen III/I ratio. These findings enhance our understanding of the cellular and morphological changes in SL, potentially guiding future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Redesigning Continuous Professional Development: Aligning Learning Needs With Clinical Practice
Authors: Hammoud Maya M. , Schoppen Zachary , Berkowitz Lori R. , Marzano David
Published: June 2024

Continuous professional development (CPD) in health care refers to the process of lifelong learning including the acquisition of new competencies, knowledge, and professional growth throughout the career of a health care professional. Since implementation, there has seen little change or innovation in CPD. This perspective will review the current state of CPD, including the challenges in traditional CPD models, foundations and strategies for redesign to meet the needs of current and future physicians, and suggestions for changes to modernize CPD. Precision education and the use of technology, including artificial intelligence, and their application to CPD will be discussed.
Prediction Model for Defects in Lead and Lead-free Aprons
Authors: Kellens Pieter-Jan , De Hauwere An , Bayart Sandrine , Bacher Klaus , Loeys Tom
Published: June 2024

Personal radiation protective equipment (PRPE) is prone to defects in the attenuating layers, resulting in inadequate protection. Hence, quality control (QC) of PRPE is needed to assess its integrity. Unfortunately, QC of PRPE is laborious and time consuming. This study aimed to predict the QC outcome of PRPE without x-ray imaging based on readily available predictors. PRPE QC data of a general hospital from 2018 to 2023 was used for both prediction models based on logistic regression and random forests (RF). The data were divided into a training set containing all data from 2018 to 2022 and a holdout set containing the data from 2023. The predictors were brand, age, size, type, visual defects, and department. The prediction performances were compared using confusion matrices and visualized with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Prediction accuracies of at least 80% were achieved. Further model tuning especially improved the RF model to a precision up to 97% with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 86%. All predictors, except visual defects, significantly impacted the probability of passing. The predictor brand had the largest contribution to the predictive performance. The difference in pass probability between the best-performing and the worst-performing brand was 35.1%. The results highlight the potential of predicting PRPE QC outcome without x rays. The proposed prediction approach is a significant contribution to an effective QC strategy by reducing time consuming x-ray QC tests and focusing on garments with higher probability of being defective. Further research is recommended.
Augmented renal clearance in neurocritical care patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ramírez-Guerrero Gonzalo , Vera-Calzaretta Aldo , Torres-Cifuentes Vicente , Sandoval Rosa , Lucero Cristian , Villagrán-Cortés Francisco , Hauway Ernesto , Garay Osvaldo
Published: June 2024

Background:

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) in critical patients is concerning because it is associated with subtherapeutic antimicrobial or antiepileptic drug concentrations, increased length of stay, and possibly higher mortality. This study aimed to describe the characteristics between ARTIC score and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the neurocritical care population.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the neurocritical care unit. Patients admitted to the neurocritical care unit between 2016 and 2018 with a stay longer than 48 h were retrospectively analyzed regarding the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of ARC.

Results:

An ARTIC score of 6 or higher was present in 54.2% of patients, and 5.0% met the criteria for ARC due to eGFRCKD-EPI. The incidence of AKI was 23.5%. Polyuria was observed in 50.0% of patients, and hyponatremia and hypernatremia were observed in 16.9% and 40.9% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

ARC is a common phenomenon in the neurocritical care unit, especially in younger patients without cardiovascular comorbidities, and was associated with less acute kidney injury and less mortality.
Climate change and its implications for kidney health
Authors: Goldfarb David S. , Patel Anuj A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

Extremes of weather as a result of climate change are affecting social, economic and health systems. Kidney health is being threatened by global warming while treatment of kidney disease is contributing to increasing resource utilization and leaving a substantial carbon footprint. Improved physician awareness and patient education are needed to mitigate the risk.

Recent findings

Rising temperatures are changing kidney disease patterns, with increasing prevalence of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and kidney stones. These issues disproportionately affect people suffering from social inequality and limited access to resources.

In this article, we review the effects of climate change on kidney stones, and acute and chronic kidney injury. Finally, we discuss the impact of renal replacement therapies on the environment and proposed ways to mitigate it.
Emerging liver infection of Veillonella parvula associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case report
Authors: Malkoc Aldin , Mamoun Lana , Cremat Danielle , Barmanwalla Amira , Phan Alexander , Daoud Amanda , Perez Kevin , Woodward Brandon
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Veillonella parvula is a bacteria that can be found in normal oral and gastrointestinal flora. Veillonella infection is rare in immunocompetent patients but is known to cause periorbital cellulitis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis and bacteremia; however, its association with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has not been previously documented.

Case presentation:

A 36-year-old female with no known history who presented with right-sided chest, flank and upper abdominal pain after a motor vehicle accident. Computed tomography showed multiple right rib fractures, small right pneumothorax, and a grade 4 liver laceration with active extravasation of the posterior aspect of the right liver lobe. Over the hospital course, the patient developed ARDS and was intubated for hypoxemia. A right posterior liver abscess was percutaneously drained, with a copious amount of air and ~30 ml turbid fluid aspirated. Cultures from the liver abscess grew Veillonella parvula. She was treated with Micafungin, Levofloxacin, and Metronidazole for the hepatic abscess, and was discharged home with outpatient follow-up.

Discussion:

The authors present one of the first reported cases of a V. parvula infected liver abscess associated with ARDS in an immunocompetent patient.

Conclusion:

These clinical findings are unique due to the nature of our patient’s ARDS onset and the dearth of similar cases in the literature. The favorable outcome of our patient was due to a multidisciplinary and early identification of a V. parvula hepatic abscess. The authors’ findings contribute to the future management of V. parvula and a greater understanding of its disseminating effects and presentation in immunocompetent patients.
Clinical Recommendations for Improving Palliative Nursing Care for Patients With a Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: DiMauro Pierce K.
Published: June 2024

Nurses who care for patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are highly skilled clinicians who manage unique technological demands and complex complications within this specialized patient population. There is a demonstrated need and benefit for palliative care for patients with a LVAD, yet palliative consults are often underused, and the quality of consultation for these patients is poorly understood. Rarely, if at all, do nurses receive formal training on how to navigate the palliative care needs of patients with a LVAD, which includes preparedness planning, caregiver support, device/body image acceptance, and end-of-life care. In addition, there is a need for literature to address specifically how nurses in their role and scope of practice can improve palliative care for patients with a LVAD. The purpose of this article was to present recommendations to equip palliative care nurses to best serve the needs of patients with a LVAD, wherein they can partner with and advance their colleagues in cardiology to improve their delivery of primary palliative care.
Associations Between PrEP Stigma, PrEP Confidence, and PrEP Adherence: Conditional Indirect Effects of Anticipated HIV Stigma
Authors: Yigit Ibrahim , Budhwani Henna , Rainer Crissi B. , Claude Kristina , Muessig Kathryn E. , Hightow-Weidman Lisa B.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Research has linked stigma surrounding preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to poor HIV prevention outcomes, including PrEP adherence. However, there remains a limited understanding of the mechanisms through which PrEP stigma affects PrEP adherence, specifically among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth. In this study, we aimed to investigate the indirect effect of PrEP stigma on PrEP adherence through PrEP confidence and the moderating role of anticipated HIV stigma.

Methods:

Participants included 235 SGM youth, assigned male sex at birth, aged 16–24, and self-reported HIV-negative, with an active PrEP prescription from the Prepared, Protected, emPowered randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited from 9 clinics in the United States between 2019 and 2021. Using baseline data, we tested cross-sectional indirect and conditional indirect effects using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Process with confidence intervals and 2000 resamples.

Results:

We found significant indirect effects, suggesting that PrEP stigma was negatively associated with PrEP confidence, which in turn resulted in both monthly and weekly optimal PrEP adherence (Indirect effects: B = −0.11, Standard Error [SE] = 0.05, CI: [−0.244 to −0.032]; B = −0.09, SE = 0.04, CI: [−0.191 to −0.014], respectively). Anticipated HIV stigma moderated these indirect effects (B = −0.11, SE = 0.08, CI: [−0.315 to −0.001]; B = −0.09, SE = 0.06, CI: [−0.245 to −0.001], respectively), suggesting that the conditional indirect effects were significant at high but not low levels of anticipated HIV stigma.

Conclusion:

Results suggest that SGM youth who are on PrEP anticipating HIV stigma experience a compounding effect of PrEP stigma on PrEP confidence, consequently leading to suboptimal adherence. Interventions addressing the intersectionality of PrEP and HIV stigmas and enhancing confidence could improve PrEP adherence, particularly among SGM youth.
Use of Lean Management Methodology to Reduce the Rate of Unfinished Nursing Care in the Emergency Observation Room: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Yang Lixia , Zhen Cuixiang , Yao Yao
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives:

The integration of lean management in optimizing nursing workflow necessitates the careful examination of several factors, including nurses’ work efficiency, patient experience, and health outcomes. To evaluate the extent of unfinished nursing care and patient satisfaction, we have incorporated the lean management approach into our quality improvement efforts. This proactive measure aims to address potential adverse outcomes, such as subpar inpatient experiences, escalated occurrence of adverse events, and decreased job satisfaction among nursing staff.

Methods:

We utilized the lean management methodology of value stream mapping in a specific facility between February and August 2021, aiming to pinpoint the crucial areas for enhancing nurses’ workflow. By employing fishbone diagrams, we thoroughly analyzed the underlying causes, and subsequently employed the Plan-Do-Study-Act model to execute interventions devised based on these identified causes. Interventions included: (1) specifying the time of doctors’ conventional rounds; (2) changing unreasonable scheduling; (3) employing 5S management to manage nursing supplies; and (4) eliminating duplicate papers and electronic reports.

Results:

After implementing these interventions, the rate of unfinished nursing reduced from 73.4% to 39.6%, and that of finished nursing care during the shift increased from 38.6% to 71.4%. Overtime was reduced from 37.2 ± 22.4 minutes to 14.1 ± 3.6 minutes. The total patient satisfaction score for the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire short-form increased (P < .05).

Conclusions:

The lean management of quality improvement methodologies provides effective enhancement to the work efficiency of nurses.
Geographic Disparities and Payment Variation for Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction in Massachusetts
Authors: Yang Alan Z. , Hyland Colby J. , Thomas Charlotte , Miller Amitai S. , Malek Andrew J. , Broyles Justin M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Little is known about practice patterns and payments for immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR). This study aims to evaluate trends in ILR delivery and billing practices.

Methods

We queried the Massachusetts All-Payer Claims Database between 2016 and 2020 for patients who underwent lumpectomy or mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection for oncologic indications. We further identified patients who underwent lymphovenous bypass on the same date as tumor resection. We used ZIP code data to analyze the geographic distribution of ILR procedures and calculated physician payments for these procedures, adjusting for inflation. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify variables, which predicted receipt of ILR.

Results

In total, 2862 patients underwent axillary lymph node dissection over the study period. Of these, 53 patients underwent ILR. Patients who underwent ILR were younger (55.1 vs 59.3 years, P = 0.023). There were no significant differences in obesity, diabetes, or smoking history between the two groups. A greater percentage of patients who underwent ILR had radiation (83% vs 67%, P = 0.027). In multivariable regression, patients residing in a county neighboring Boston had 3.32-fold higher odds of undergoing ILR (95% confidence interval: 1.76–6.25; P < 0.001), while obesity, radiation therapy, and taxane-based chemotherapy were not significant predictors. Payments for ILR varied widely.

Conclusions

In Massachusetts, patients were more likely to undergo ILR if they resided near Boston. Thus, many patients with the highest known risk for breast cancer–related lymphedema may face barriers accessing ILR. Greater awareness about referring high-risk patients to plastic surgeons is needed.
Is There a Direct Effect Between the Plication of the Myoaponeurotic Layer and the Force of Inspiratory and Expiratory Muscles After Abdominoplasty?
Authors: de Abranches Oliveira Santos Filho Ivan Dunshee , Rodrigues Maria Amélia , Ferreira Lydia Masako , Nahas Fabio Xerfan
Published: June 2024

Objective

Abdominoplasty may generate an increase in the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and consequently an alteration in the pulmonary ventilation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential alterations in the maximal static inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal static expiratory pressure (MEP) after abdominoplasty.

Methods

Thirty-three female patients, aged between 18 and 60, with type III/B Nahas abdominal deformity that underwent abdominoplasty with plication of the anterior rectus and external oblique aponeurosis were selected. The MIP and MEP were measured using a mouthpiece. This is a simple way to indirectly gauge inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength. Measurements were performed before surgery and on the 2nd, 7th, 15th, and 180th postoperative day. In addition, IAP was measured before abdominoplasty and after the placement of compression garment. The MIP and MEP were compared using analysis of variance, followed by the Bonferroni multiple comparison test pairing the different points in time. Paired Student's t test was used for comparing IAP measurements. Pearson's correlation test was used to compare MIP and MEP variations with IAP variation. Results were considered statistically significant when P ≤ 0.05.

Results

A decrease was observed in MEP on the 2nd day, with a return close to normal values on the 15th day. In opposition MIP had a surprisingly increase on the 15th postoperative day (129 cmH2O), normalizing 180 days after the operation. A leap in IAP values was revealed at the end of the surgical procedure. It was not possible to establish a positive correlation between the increase of IAP and the alterations of MIP and MEP.

Conclusions

There is a decrease in maximum expiratory pressure on the very early postoperative day (2nd postoperative day) and an increase in maximum inspiratory pressure on the 15th postoperative day in patients who underwent abdominoplasty. There was no correlation between the IAP and maximum respiratory pressure variations, both inspiratory and expiratory.
Instrumental Analysis of Retaining Ligaments and Literature Review. What Can We Deduce?
Authors: Distefano Antonio , Dotto Andrea , Garlaschi Alessandro , Colombo Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Objective:

This article aimed to review systematically the literature to better characterize retaining ligaments of the face and their changes correlated to facial aging. The authors have investigated the retaining ligament dimensions in 2 different cohorts of patients.

Background:

Osteocutaneous facial retaining ligaments play an important role in the aging face. With the advancement of techniques and technologies used in procedures of facial rejuvenation, several structures of the face must be highlighted to obtain clinical success as the facial retaining ligaments. It is known that classic characteristics of the aged face imply in the retaining ligaments, the intimate relationship of the ligaments with the cutaneous tissue can be modified by structural and functional changes.

Methods:

Sixty patients, divided into 2 different cohorts age correlated, have undergone soft tissue ultrasound echography to measure the dimensions (length and thickness) of 2 retaining ligaments (zygomatic cutaneous ligament and mandibular ligament).

Results:

No significant differences in age correlation have been found in the dimensions of the 2 major retaining ligaments of the face.

Conclusion:

Retaining ligaments do not undergo substantial time-correlated changes to absolve their retentive function, unlike other facial layers (bone and fat compartments). This observation suggests that retaining ligaments must be preserved during sub–superficial musculoaponeurotic system dissection in a facelift procedure.
Single-stage Auricular Reconstruction in Hemifacial Microsomia With Low Hairline by Using Temporoparietal Fascia Flap
Authors: Gao Dejin , Sun Qing , Chen Xueying , Wang Bingqing , Liu Tun
Published: June 2024

Background:

Auricular reconstruction is one of the most complicated operations in plastic surgery and is more difficult for patients with a low hairline due to limited skin availability. In traditional operations, the skin of the mastoid area was used to cover the front of the ear scaffold, and the retroauricular fascia, combined with a free skin graft, was used to cover the back of the ear framework. This may cause problems such as inadequate skin coverage and affecting the shape of the reconstructed ear when the hairline is low.

Methods:

Hemifacial microsomia patients with low hairline have little skin flap to perform the ear reconstruction, and we refined a single-stage ear reconstruction surgery to solve the problem. The temporoparietal fascia is used to cover the entire costal cartilage scaffold, and its surface is covered with a free split-thickness skin taken from the chest wall, thigh, and other parts.

Results:

From December 2019 to December 2020, 12 patients with hemifacial microsomia underwent single-stage reconstruction with temporoparietal fascia. The duration of patient follow-up was 6 to 24 months. The application of this technique can solve the problem of insufficient available skin flap, complete the ear reconstruction through 1 operation, reduce the treatment cycle, achieve a good shape of the reconstructed ear, and the postoperative effect is satisfactory.

Conclusion:

According to the characteristics of the HFM patients with low hairline, we recommend this new, improved single-stage auricular reconstruction using the temporoparietal fascia for these patients. This method is a suitable choice for HFM patients with low hairline.

Level of Evidence: Level—IV, Cases Study.
Quantitative Assessment of Condylar Remodeling After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation in Mandibular Condylar Head Fractures
Authors: Park Hojin , Ahn Sihyun , Lee Byung-il
Published: June 2024

Open reduction and internal fixation (OR/IF) and closed treatments are viable options, with OR/IF gaining popularity in mandibular condylar head fracture (CHF). Sufficient research is lacking on long-term condylar morphologic changes. This study quantitatively evaluated the morphologic changes in the condylar head in patients who underwent OR/IF for CHF without the removal of osteosynthesis material. A retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent OR/IF for CHF between November 2010 and August 2022. The transverse/lateral condyle width and condyle height were radiologically analyzed using panoramic and reverse Towne view x-ray images at immediate (T0), short-term (T1), and long-term (T2) postoperative periods. The study involved 29 patients with 32 surgically treated CHF. Long-term condyle height decreased significantly from 18.9±0.8 mm at T0 to 18.1±0.8 mm at T1 (P=0.042), and further to 17.3±0.7 mm at T2 (P=0.034). Transverse width slightly reduced from 18.7±0.7 mm at T0 to 17.9±0.8 mm at T1 (P=0.001) but remained stable from T1 to T2 (17.6±1.0 mm, P=0.756). Following surgery, maximal mouth opening averaged 39.5±6.1 mm, with one case of chin deviation and three cases of joint pain. The condyle undergoes long-term shortening without altering its width. Nevertheless, patients experience favorable functional outcomes, including satisfactory mouth opening and occlusion. In addition, it is advisable not to remove the osteosynthesis material, as the remaining material causes minimal functional impairment and bone resorption.
Circulating MicroRNA as a Potential Biomarker for Skeletal Disease in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Wachtel Heather , Ermer Jae P. , Fraker Douglas L. , Kelz Rachel R. , Kelly Thomas L.A. , Hackl Matthias , Levine Michael A.
Published: June 2024

Objective:

The goal of this study was to characterize the microRNA (miRNA) expression signatures in patients with Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and identify miRNA biomarkers of bone homeostasis.

Background:

PHPT is associated with increased bone turnover and decreased bone mass. miRNA are markers of bone remodeling.

Methods:

We performed a prospective case-control study of postmenopausal females with PHPT and control subjects matched for race, age, and bone mineral density (BMD). We collected clinical and biochemical data, assessed BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and measured 27 serum miRNAs related to bone remodeling. We used linear regression to assess the correlation between miRNA levels, conventional biochemical markers, and BMD.

Results:

A total of 135 subjects were evaluated, including 49 with PHPT (discovery group), 47 control patients without PHPT, and an independent validation cohort of 39 PHPT patients. Of 27 miRNAs evaluated, 9 (miR-335-5p, miR-130b-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-152-3p, miR-582-5p, miR-144-5p, miR-320a, and miR-19b-3p) were differentially expressed in PHPT compared with matched control subjects. All 9 differentially expressed miRNAs significantly correlated with levels of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 8 of the 9 correlated with calcium levels. No differentially expressed miRNAs were consistently correlated with markers of BMD. Subjects with PHPT segregate from controls based on the signature of these 9 miRNAs on principle component analysis.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that PHPT is characterized by a unique miRNA signature that is distinct from postmenopausal and idiopathic osteoporosis. Levels of specific miRNAs significantly correlate with PTH, suggesting that bone remodeling in PHPT may be mediated in part by PTH-induced changes in miRNA.
Niabella defluvii sp. nov., isolated from influent water of a wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Min Jihyeon , Son Yongjun , Park Yerim , Park Woojun
Published: June 2024

Strain I65T (=KACC 22647T=JCM 35315T), a novel Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, and orange-pigmented bacterium was isolated from influent water of a wastewater treatment system after treatment with several antibiotics, such as meropenem, gentamicin, and macrolide. The newly identified bacterial strain I65T exhibits significant multi-drug and heavy metal resistance characteristics. Strain I65T was grown in Reasoner's 2A medium [0 %–2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %), pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), and 20–45°C (optimum, 30 °C)]. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that strain I65T was closely related to Niabella yanshanensis CCBAU 05354T (99.56 % sequence similarity), Niabella hibiscisoli THG-DN5.5T (97.51 %), and Niabella ginsengisoli GR10-1T (97.09 %). Further analysis of the whole-genome sequence confirmed that the digital DNA–DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity, and average amino acid identity values between strain I65T and N. yanshanensis CCBAU 05354T were 23.4, 80.7, and 85.0 %, respectively, suggesting that strain I65T is distinct from N. yanshanensis. The genome size of strain I65T was 6.1 Mbp, as assessed using the Oxford Nanopore platform, and its genomic DNA G+C content was 43.0 mol%. The major fatty acids of strain I65T were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 1 G, and the major respiratory quinone was MK-7. Moreover, the major polar lipid of strain I65T was phosphatidylethanolamine. Based on genotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotype data, strain I65T represents a novel species belonging to the genus Niabella, for which the name Niabella defluvii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is I65T (=KACC 22647T=JCM 35315T).
Single-cell analysis of ovarian myeloid cells identifies aging associated changes in macrophages and signaling dynamics
Authors: Zhang Zijing , Huang Lu , Brayboy Lynae , Birrer Michael
Published: June 2024

The aging of mammalian ovary is accompanied by an increase in tissue fibrosis and heightened inflammation. Myeloid cells, including macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, and neutrophils, play pivotal roles in shaping the ovarian tissue microenvironment and regulating inflammatory responses. However, a comprehensive understanding of the roles of these cells in the ovarian aging process is lacking. To bridge this knowledge gap, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and flow cytometry analysis to functionally characterize CD45+CD11b+myeloid cell populations in young (3 months old) and aged (14-17 months old) murine ovaries. Our dataset unveiled the presence of five ovarian macrophage subsets, including aCx3cr1lowCd81hisubset unique to the aged murine ovary. Most notably, our data revealed significant alterations in ANNEXIN and TGFβ signaling within aged ovarian myeloid cells, which suggest a novel mechanism contributing to the onset and progression of aging-associated inflammation and fibrosis in the ovarian tissue.
Towards a standard benchmark for phenotype-driven variant and gene prioritisation algorithms: PhEval - Phenotypic inference Evaluation framework
Authors: Bridges Yasemin , de Souza Vinicius , Cortes Katherina G , Haendel Melissa , Harris Nomi L , Korn Daniel R , Marinakis Nikolaos M , Matentzoglu Nicolas , McLaughlin James A , Mungall Christopher J , Odell Aaron , Osumi-Sutherland David , Robinson Peter N , Smedley Damian , Jacobsen Julius OB
Published: June 2024

Background

Computational approaches to support rare disease diagnosis are challenging to build, requiring the integration of complex data types such as ontologies, gene-to-phenotype associations, and cross-species data into variant and gene prioritisation algorithms (VGPAs). However, the performance of VGPAs has been difficult to measure and is impacted by many factors, for example, ontology structure, annotation completeness or changes to the underlying algorithm. Assertions of the capabilities of VGPAs are often not reproducible, in part because there is no standardised, empirical framework and openly available patient data to assess the efficacy of VGPAs - ultimately hindering the development of effective prioritisation tools.

Results

In this paper, we present our benchmarking tool, PhEval, which aims to provide a standardised and empirical framework to evaluate phenotype-driven VGPAs. The inclusion of standardised test corpora and test corpus generation tools in the PhEval suite of tools allows open benchmarking and comparison of methods on standardised data sets.

Conclusions

PhEval and the standardised test corpora solve the issues of patient data availability and experimental tooling configuration when benchmarking and comparing rare disease VGPAs. By providing standardised data on patient cohorts from real-world case-reports and controlling the configuration of evaluated VGPAs, PhEval enables transparent, portable, comparable and reproducible benchmarking of VGPAs. As these tools are often a key component of many rare disease diagnostic pipelines, a thorough and standardised method of assessment is essential for improving patient diagnosis and care.
A SUMO interacting motif in the Replication initiator protein of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus is required for viral replication
Authors: Gaertner Nicolas Frédéric , Maio Francesca , Arroyo-Mateos Manuel , Luna Ana P. , Sabarit Blanca , Kwaaitaal Mark , Eltschkner Sandra , Prins Marcel , Bejarano Eduardo R. , van den Burg Harrold A.
Published: June 2024

CRESS-DNA viruses form a diverse group of viruses that use rolling-circle replication to replicate their genomes. They infect organisms in almost all branches of the eukaryotic tree of life. All CRESS-DNA viruses have one protein in common, the Replication initiator protein (Rep), which orchestrates viral replication using the host DNA replication machinery. In the case of the plant-infectingGeminiviridae, this multifunctional protein both recruits the host DNA replication machinery and manipulates posttranslational modification including Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) conjugation. In fact, Rep from two different geminiviruses, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and Tomato golden mosaic virus (TGMV), was shown to interact with the SUMO conjugating enzyme SCE1. Here, we demonstrate that also TYLCV Rep interacts with Arabidopsis SUMO1 and report on a SUMO interacting motif (SIM) in the SF3 helicase domain of Rep. Remarkably, an intact SIM proved to be important for the interaction of Rep with both SUMO1 and SCE1. The same motif was also essential for viral replication and Rep ATPase activity. Our findings thus connect the interaction between Rep and the SUMO machinery with viral replication of TYLCV.

Importance

The identification of a non-canonical SUMO-interacting motif (SIM) within the Rep protein of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) reveals a connection between viral replication and a protein modification, SUMOylation. Importantly, the motif was found to be conserved between Rep proteins from different geminiviruses. Functionally, the motif was critical for the interaction of Rep with proteins of the SUMO machinery, viral DNA replication, and Rep ATPase acitvity. In particular, the third position of the motif was important for each of these activities. We thus uncover a novel mechanism on how geminiviruses recruit the SUMO machinery likely to their own need.
Human transcription factor combinations mapped by footprinting with deaminase
Authors: He Runsheng , Dong Wenyang , Ma Wenping , Wang Zhi , Gao Long , Xie Chen , Li Dubai , Shen Ke , Jian Fanchong , Zhang Jiankun , Yuan Yuan , Wang Xinyao , Pang Yuxuan , Zhang Zhen , Zheng Yinghui , Liu Shuang , Luo Cheng , Chai Xiaoran , Ren Jun , Zhu Zhanxing , Xie Xiaoliang Sunney
Published: June 2024

An individual’s somatic cells have the same genome but exhibit cell-type-specific transcriptome regulated by a combination of transcription factors (TFs) for each gene. Mapping of TF sites on the human genome is critically important for understanding functional genomics. Here we report a novel technique to measure human TFs’ binding sites genome-wide with single-base resolution by footprinting with deaminase (FOODIE). Single-molecule sequencing reads from thousands of cells afterin situdeamination yielded site-specific TF binding fractions and the cooperativity among adjacent TFs. In a human lymphoblastoid cell line, we found that genes in a correlated gene module (CGM) share TF(s) in theircis-regulatory elements to participate a particular biological function. Finally, single-cell resolved experiments (scFOODIE) allow cell-type-specific TF footprinting in heterogeneous brain tissues.
Effect of resistant compartment on pathogen strategy in partially migratory populations
Authors: Shao Cynthia , Torstenson Martha , Shaw Allison K.
Published: June 2024

Migration, the recurring movement of animals between habitats, can exert pressures on the pathogens they host. Properties of host populations can determine pathogen strategy (e.g. virulence) to increase pathogen fitness. To study the effect of adding a resistant compartment on virulence evolution, we developed an SIRS model and examined the winning pathogen strategy across different rates of recovery and of immunity loss. We find that when hosts spend a relatively long time in the resistant class, a more virulent pathogen evolves. These results have implications in conservation of migratory animal populations afflicted by disease.
Structural variants contribute to phenotypic variation in maize
Authors: Catlin Nathan S , Agha Husain I , Platts Adrian E , Munasinghe Manisha , Hirsch Candice S , Josephs Emily B
Published: June 2024

Comprehensively identifying the loci shaping trait variation has been challenging, in part because standard approaches often miss many types of genetic variants. Structural variants (SVs), especially transposable elements (TEs), are likely to affect phenotypic variation but we lack methods that can detect polymorphic structural variants and TEs using short-read sequencing data. Here, we used a whole genome alignment between two maize genotypes to identify polymorphic structural variants and then genotyped a large maize diversity panel for these variants using short-read sequencing data. After characterizing SV variation in the panel, we identified SV polymorphisms that are associated with life history traits and genotype-by-environment (GxE) interactions. While most of the SVs associated with traits contained TEs, only two of the SVs had boundaries that clearly matched TE breakpoints indicative of a TE insertion, while the other polymorphisms were likely caused by deletions. One of the SVs that appeared to be caused by a TE insertion had the most associations with gene expression compared to other trait-associated SVs. All of the SVs associated with traits were in linkage disequilibrium with nearby single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), suggesting that the approach used here did not identify unique associations that would have been missed in a SNP association study. Overall, we have created a technique to genotype SV polymorphisms across a large diversity panel using support from genomic short-read sequencing alignments and connecting this presence/absence SV variation to diverse traits and GxE interactions.