bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synovial tissue‐derived extracellular vesicles induce chondrocyte inflammation and degradation via NF‐κB signalling pathway: An in vitro study
Authors: Chen Pu , Zhou Jun , Ruan Anmin , Guan Hua , Xie Jiewei , Zeng Lingfeng , Liu Jun , Wang Qingfu
Published: February 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a whole‐joint disease characterized by synovial inflammation and cartilage degeneration. However, the relationship between synovial inflammation and cartilage degeneration remains unclear. The modified Hulth's method was adopted to establish a knee OA (KOA) rabbit model. Synovial tissue was collected after 8 weeks, and synovial tissue‐derived extracellular vesicles (ST‐EVs) were extracted by filtration combined with size exclusion chromatography (SECF), followed by identification through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracer analysis (NTA) and Western blot (WB). The collagenase digestion method was used to extract normal rabbit chondrocytes, which were then treated with the SF‐EVs to observe the effect and mechanism of SF‐EVs on chondrocytes. The morphology, particle size and labelled protein marker detection confirmed that SECF successfully extract ST‐EVs. The ST‐EVs in the KOA state significantly inhibited chondrocyte proliferation and promoted chondrocytes apoptosis. Moreover, the ST‐EVs also promoted the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α and COX‐2) and cartilage degradation‐related enzymes (MMP13, MMP9 and ADAMTS5) in the chondrocytes. Mechanistically, the ST‐EVs significantly promoted the activation of NF‐κB signalling pathway in chondrocytes. Inhibition the activation of the NF‐κB signalling pathway significantly rescued the expression of inflammatory cytokines and cartilage degradation‐related enzymes in the ST‐EVs–induced chondrocytes. In conclusion, the ST‐EVs promote chondrocytes inflammation and degradation by activating the NF‐κB signalling pathway, providing novel insights into the occurrence and development of OA.
Radiation‐induced C‐reactive protein triggers apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells through ROS interfering with the STAT3/Ref‐1 complex
Authors: Ryu Je‐Won , Jung In‐Hye , Park Eun‐Young , Kim Kang‐Hyun , Kim Kyunggon , Yeom Jeonghun , Jung Jinhong , Lee Sang‐wook
Published: February 2022

Damage to normal tissue can occur over a long period after cancer radiotherapy. Free radical by radiation can initiate or accelerate chronic inflammation, which can lead to atherosclerosis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferate in response to JAK/STAT3 signalling. C‐reactive protein (CRP) can induce VSMCs apoptosis via triggering NADPH oxidase (NOX). Apoptotic VSMCs promote instability and inflammation of atherosclerotic lesions. Herein, we identified a VSMCs that switched from proliferation to apoptosis through was enhanced by radiation‐induced CRP. NOX inhibition using lentiviral sh‐p22phox prevented apoptosis upon radiation‐induced CRP. CRP overexpression reduced the amount of STAT3/Ref‐1 complex, decreased JAK/STAT phosphorylation and formed a new complex of Ref‐1/CRP in VSMC. Apoptosis of VSMCs was further increased by CRP co‐overexpressed with Ref‐1. Functional inhibition of NOX or p53 also prevented apoptotic activity of the CRP‐Ref‐1 complex. Immunofluorescence showed co‐localization of CRP, Ref‐1 and p53 with α‐actin‐positive VSMC in human atherosclerotic plaques. In conclusion, radiation‐induced CRP increased the VSMCs apoptosis through Ref‐1, which dissociated the STAT3/Ref‐1 complex, interfered with JAK/STAT3 activity, and interacted with CRP‐Ref‐1, thus resulting in transcription‐independent cell death via p53. Targeting CRP as a vascular side effect of radiotherapy could be exploited to improve curability.
Biotyping reveals loss of motility in two distinct Yersinia ruckeri lineages exclusive to Norwegian aquaculture
Authors: Riborg Andreas , Colquhoun Duncan J. , Gulla Snorre
Published: February 2022

Non‐motile strains of Yersinia ruckeri, known as Y. ruckeri biotype 2, now dominate amongst clinical isolates retrieved from rainbow trout internationally. Due to an acute increase in the number of yersiniosis cases in Norway in recent years, followed by introduction of widespread intraperitoneal vaccination against the disease, an investigation on the prevalence of Y. ruckeri biotype 2 in Norwegian aquaculture was conducted. We biotyped 263 Y. ruckeri isolates recovered from diseased salmonids in Norway between 1985 and 2020. A total of seven biotype 2 isolates were identified, four of which were collected between 1985 and 1987, and three of which belong to the current epizootic clone, isolated from two different sea‐farms in 2017. Whole‐genome sequencing revealed single non‐synonymous nucleotide polymorphisms in the flagellar genes flhC in isolates from the 1980s, and in fliP in isolates from 2017. In both variants, motility was restored both by complementation with wild‐type alleles in trans and via spontaneous mutation‐driven reversion following prolonged incubation on motility agar. While biotype 2 strains do not yet seem to have become broadly established in Norwegian aquaculture, the seven isolates described here serve to document a further two independent cases of Y. ruckeri biotype 2 emergence in salmonid aquaculture.
Recognizing strawberry appearance quality using different combinations of deep feature and classifiers
Authors: Li Xuchen , Cai Changlong , Zheng Hao , Zhu Hongfei
Published: February 2022

The quality of the strawberry appearance is the most important indicator for consumers and modern fruit process engineering, which is closely associated with the ripeness and diseases. The continuous development of profound deep learning has greatly helped the recognition of strawberry appearance quality, granting a vigorous tool of relative precise outcomes, but the better performance of deep learning requires more time and more computation for training. This paper analysis the efficiency of different combination models that utilize deep feature plus classifiers for recognizing strawberry. The six convolutional neural networks are used to extract the deep feature and then the feature is imported into eight classifiers for classification. The average accuracy of six combination models is 1.53% higher than transfer learning. Besides, a method combining ResNet101 plus linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is proposed. The results show that the accuracy of the proposed method is 96.55%, which is superior to the transfer learning. Moreover, the training time of the method is 57.70 s faster than transfer learning. Therefore, this method has positive significance for the development of recognizing strawberry appearance quality.

Practical Applications

The goal of our study is to make it easier for farmers to accurately classify the appearance of strawberries in real situations. This paper analysis the efficiency of different combination models that utilize deep feature plus classifiers for recognizing strawberry. Meanwhile, we have proposed a method combining ResNet101 with linear discriminant analysis (LDA), which obtain the classification task more accurate and efficient. This method has an important role in recognizing strawberry, which will facilitate the development of efficient sorting equipment and provide a viable strategy for future smart sorting methods. Therefore, this work has practical application value.
Potential food safety hazards in fermented and salted fish in Egypt (Feseekh, Renga, Moloha) as case studies and controlling their manufacture using HACCP system
Authors: Farag Mohamed A. , Zain Aya Ehab , Hariri Mohamad Louai , el Aaasar Reem , Khalifa Ibrahim , Elmetwally Farah
Published: February 2022

The consumption of raw fish has significantly increased worldwide over the last decade. Fermented and salted fish (FSF), such as feseekh, moloha, and renga, have a great popularity in Egypt, where they are considered the main dishes in different social events and festivities. Although FSF‐dishes are popular, they present several health hazards including biological and chemical ones. These hazards are contaminants that might be present in the fish tissues and to be transmitted to humans causing food‐borne illnesses, that is, botulism intoxication. For the sake of public health, methods of detecting and controlling these contaminants have been employed to regulate and control fish's safety and quality prior to consumption to ensure their safety and best quality. We highlighted the hazards, detection methods, critical control points, and control measures involved in the production of main Egyptian FSF. In this review, we also compile the research findings from the available literatures, with future perspectives related to the quality needed for producing a safe FSF. Our review concluded that hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) system could also be utilized as a preventive measure likewise to guarantee FSF's safety to consumers. Future experiments are needed to determine the underlying mechanisms of microbial impact on the quality of FSF and the optimization of the fermentation process.
ENETS standardized (synoptic) reporting for endoscopy in neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Borbath Ivan , Pape Ulrich‐Frank , Deprez Pierre H. , Bartsch Detlef Klaus , Caplin Martyn , Falconi Massimo , Garcia‐Carbonero Rocio , Grozinsky‐Glasberg Simona , Jensen Robert T. , Arnold Rudolf , Ruszniewski Philippe , Toumpanakis C. , Valle Juan W. , O´Toole Dermot ,   for the Members of the Advisory Board of the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS)
Published: February 2022

Despite efforts from various endoscopy societies, reporting in the field of endoscopy remains extremely heterogeneous. Harmonisation of clinical practice in endoscopy has been highlighted by application of many clinical practice guidelines and standards pertaining to the endoscopic procedures and reporting are underlined. The aim of the proposed “standardised reporting” is to (1) facilitate recognition of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) on initial endoscopy, (2) to enable interdisciplinary decision making for treatment by a multidisciplinary team, (3) to provide a basis for a standardised endoscopic follow‐up which allows detection of recurrence or progression reliably, (4) to make endoscopic reports on NEN comparable between different units, and (5) to allow research collaboration between NEN centres in terms of consistency of their endoscopic data. The ultimate goal is to improve disease management, patient outcome and reduce the diagnostic burden on the side of the patient by ensuring the highest possible diagnostic accuracy and validity of endoscopic exams and possibly interventions.
Ablative effect of the interstitial laser setting in the human placental model
Authors: Nawapun Katika , Hunsawongsakul Daungporn , Phithakwatchara Nisarat , Hanamornroongruang Suchanan , Viboonchart Sommai , Jaingam Suparat , Wataganara Tuangsit
Published: February 2022

Aim

To assess the impact of laser power and time on interstitial ablation generated by neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) and diode laser in the human placental model.

Methods

The experiment was carried out in a simulation model of interstitial laser ablation on ex‐vivo placental tissue. One‐hundred and forty‐four pieces of fresh placentae were interstitially ablated with Nd:YAG or diode laser at various power (15, 20, 25, 30 W)‐time (5, 10, 15 s) combinations. The ablation tissues were evaluated using both sonographic and histopathologic measurements.

Results

Laser generator, power, and time significantly affected the ablation size (p < 0.001). The coagulation zone continuously increased with extending time at the power of 15, 20, and 25 W. When adjusting to the power of 30 W, increased time from 10 to 15 s did not induce the larger coagulation diameter. The maximal diameter was obtained at the laser power of 20 W for 15 s. The ablation from the diode laser was greater than that from Nd:YAG laser. The sonographic evaluation overestimated the ablation size by an average of 24%.

Conclusion

Diode laser destroys greater tissue than Nd:YAG laser. Different power settings of interstitial laser ablation produce diverse patterns of correlation between laser time and coagulation size.
Association of maternal and umbilical cord blood asprosin with excessive gestational weight gain
Authors: Behrasi Fatemeh , Karajibani Mansour , Khayat Samira , Fanaei Hamed , Montazerifar Farzaneh
Published: February 2022

Maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) may have persistent effects on offspring obesity and be risk factors for both mother and child. Studies have reported that asprosin concentration is associated with metabolism and weight changes during pregnancy. This study therefore evaluated the association of maternal and newborn asprosin with normal weight gain and EGWG and nutritional intake in pregnancy. The study included 30 pregnant women with normal weight gain and 30 women with EGWG referred to Ali ibn Abi Talib Hospital in Zahedan, Iran, September 2020 to June 2021. A demographic questionnaire and neonatal complications checklist were completed. Asprosin concentrations at the time of delivery in maternal venous blood samples and umbilical vein blood samples were measured by ELISA technique. Macronutrient and energy intake were assessed by a 24‐h dietary recall questionnaire and compared with standard Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and Dietary References Intake (DRI) values. Asprosin levels were significantly higher in the EGWG group's umbilical cord blood than in the control group but there was no difference in maternal asprosin concentrations between the two groups. The Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity and Respiration (Apgar) score was significantly lower in the EGWG group than in the control group, although there was no difference in birthweight between the groups. Weight gain during pregnancy, energy intake and protein and carbohydrate consumption were significantly higher in the EGWG group than in the control group (p < 0.05). It seems that differences in asprosin secretion do not mediate an imbalance in energy intake and other macronutrients during pregnancy that affect pregnancy weight gain and birthweight. However, excessive gestational weight gain was associated with neonatal asprosin levels and newborn Apgar scores.
Conservation and architecture of housekeeping genes in the model marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana
Authors: Li Zhengke , Zhang Yong , Li Wei , Irwin Andrew J. , Finkel Zoe V.
Published: February 2022

Housekeeping genes (HKGs) are constitutively expressed with low variation across tissues/conditions. They are thought to be highly conserved and fundamental to cellular maintenance, with distinctive genomic features.

Here, we identify 1505 HKGs in the unicellular marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana based on an RNA‐seq analysis of 232 samples taken under 12 experimental conditions over 0–72 h. We identify promising internal reference genes (IRGs) for T. pseudonana from the most stably expressed HKGs.

A comparative analysis indicates < 18% of HKGs in T. pseudonana have orthologs in other eukaryotes, including other diatom species. Contrary to work on human tissues, T. pseudonana HKGs are longer than non‐HKGs, due to elongated introns. More ancient HKGs tend to be shorter than more recent HKGs, and expression levels of HKGs decrease more rapidly with gene length relative to non‐HKGs.

Our results indicate that HKGs are highly variable across the tree of life and thus unlikely to be universally fundamental for cellular maintenance. We hypothesize that the distinct genomic features of HKGs of T. pseudonana may be a consequence of selection pressures associated with high expression and low variance across conditions.
CULTURAL HYBRIDIZATION IN THE AEGEAN EARLY BRONZE AGE: THE POTTERY FROM AIGION IN ACHAEA
Authors: Michalopoulos Panagiotis
Published: February 2022

Around the middle of the third millennium BC drastic changes occur in the Aegean in several aspects of material life. One such important change is the introduction of Anatolianizing shapes and features into the ceramic traditions of the Cyclades and the southern east‐central Greek Mainland. In this article, I use the ceramic assemblage from the Minasian plot at Aigion to explore these ceramic changes in the southern Greek mainland (Peloponnese) within the framework of cultural hybridization theory. By focusing on the specific example of Aigion, I discuss the multiple factors which contribute to ceramic hybridization, while I explore their impact on our understanding of broader cultural change at Aigion at this time.
Cytokine profiles in cord blood in relation to prenatal traffic‐related air pollution: The NELA cohort
Authors: García‐Serna Azahara M. , Martín‐Orozco Elena , Jiménez‐Guerrero Pedro , Hernández‐Caselles Trinidad , Pérez‐Fernández Virginia , Cantero‐Cano Esther , Muñoz‐García María , Molina‐Ruano María Dolores , Rojo‐Atenza Encarna , García‐Marcos Luis , Morales Eva ,   the NELA Study Group
Published: February 2022

Background

Outdoor air pollution may disturb immune system development. We investigated whether gestational exposure to traffic‐related air pollutants (TRAP) is associated with unstimulated cytokine profiles in newborns.

Methods

Data come from 235 newborns of the NELA cohort. Innate response–related cytokines (IL‐6, IFN‐α, IL1‐β, and TNF‐α), Th1‐related (IFN‐γ and IL‐2), Th2‐related (IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13), Th17‐related (IL‐17 and IL‐23), and immunomodulatory cytokine IL‐10 were quantified in the supernatant of unstimulated whole umbilical cord blood cells after 7 days of culture using the Luminex technology. Dispersion/chemical transport modeling was used to estimate long‐term (whole pregnancy and trimesters) and short‐term (15 days before delivery) residential exposures to traffic‐related nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and ozone (O3). We fitted multivariable logistic regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models.

Results

NO2 during the whole pregnancy increased the odds of detection of IL‐1β (OR per 10 µg/m3 increase = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.02, 1.85) and IL‐6 (OR per 10 µg/m3 increase = 1.32; 95% CI 1.00, 1.75). Increased odds of detected concentrations of IL‐10 was found in newborns exposed during whole pregnancy to higher levels of NO2 (OR per 10 µg/m3 increase = 1.30; 95% CI 0.99, 1.69), PM10 (OR per 10 µg/m3 increase = 1.49; 95% CI 0.95, 2.33), and PM2.5 (OR per 5 µg/m3 increase = 1.56; 95% CI 0.97, 2.51). Exposure to O3 during the whole pregnancy increased the odds of detected IL‐13 (OR per 10 µg/m3 increase = 1.22; 95% CI 1.01, 1.49). WQS model revealed first and third trimesters of gestation as windows of higher susceptibility.

Conclusions

Gestational exposure to TRAP may increase detection of pro‐inflammatory, Th2‐related, and T regulatory cytokines in newborns. These changes might influence immune system responses later in life.
Considerations in permanent implantation of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for chronic neuropathic pain: An international cross‐sectional survey of implanters
Authors: Li Alice H. , Gulati Amitabh , Leong Michael S. , Aggarwal Anuj K. , Salmasi Vafi , Spinner David , Ottestad Einar
Published: February 2022

Aim

Novel minimally invasive short‐term and long‐term peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) systems have revolutionized targeted treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. We present an international survey of PNS‐implanting pain physicians to assess what factors they consider when offering permanent PNS.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study consisted of a survey (Qualtrics) that was distributed to PNS‐implanting physicians in a device supplier's entire email database on November 13, 2020, with 3 weeks of response time. Physicians’ contact information in the form of their email addresses had been previously collected by the supplier upon device distribution with permission to use survey responses for research.

Results

Of 2032 database physicians, 40 physicians representing 37 institutions responded to the survey. The most common application of PNS was mononeuropathic pain (57%). The most frequently targeted nerve was the suprascapular nerve (29%). 14% of physicians reported 81–100% of their implants were dual‐lead. The representative physicians ranged broadly in their most frequently targeted nerves. Although mononeuropathic pain was the most common indication for PNS, there was still varied response regarding other indications such as CRPS and post‐surgical chronic pain.

Conclusion

In context of a low response rate, identifying such factors can help update the prevailing treatment algorithm for interventional therapies, assist pain physicians in better identifying which patients are the best candidates for PNS, and inform future clinical trial design on PNS efficacy.
Propranolol therapy for hemangiomas in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome may produce intolerable side effects
Authors: Twist Joanna , Chen Anthony , Poffenberger Paige , Zinn Zachary
Published: February 2022

We report three infants with infantile hemangioma who experienced severe agitation and diarrhea following propranolol administration. Propranolol, a non‐selective β‐adrenergic receptor blocker, is the first‐line treatment for infantile hemangiomas. All three infants were exposed to opioids in utero and experienced neonatal abstinence syndrome at birth. We hypothesize that chronic opioid exposure in utero may cause protracted upregulation of β2‐adrenergic receptors in the central nervous system, resulting in increased susceptibility to adverse reactions to propranolol.
Cellular neurothekeoma occurring at the site of radiation therapy in a child with medulloblastoma
Authors: Zhao Zitong , Koh Mark Jean Aan
Published: February 2022

Cellular neurothekeoma is a rare, benign cutaneous neoplasm. We report a case of cellular neurothekeoma arising on the mid‐back of a 10‐year‐old boy within the previous radiation therapy field for medulloblastoma. Clinical features of cellular neurothekeoma in children are similar to those in adults, except that there have been no reports of local recurrence in children following surgical excision, and the presence of atypical histological features does not predict clinical behavior. Recognition of this entity in children is important to avoid misdiagnosis and overly aggressive treatments.
Value of a café‐au‐lait macules screening clinic: Experience from The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto
Authors: Albaghdadi Mohammed , Berseneva Maria , Pennal Alexandra , Wan Stephanie , Matviychuk Diana , Shugar Andrea , Kannu Peter , Lara‐Corrales Irene
Published: February 2022

Background/Objectives

Café‐au‐lait macules (CALMs) are a characteristic feature of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), but also occur in other genetic disorders. Differential diagnosis of CALMs remains challenging and can be stressful for families. We sought to examine the role of an established CALMs screening clinic in diagnosing CALMs‐related disorders.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed patients seen between July 2012 and January 2019 in a CALMs screening clinic at The Hospital for Sick Children, a tertiary pediatric hospital in Toronto, Canada. Pediatric patients were referred because of multiple CALMs or suspected NF1. Selection was based on a chronological referral sample with no exclusions. A pediatric dermatologist examined all patients for CALMs and NF1 manifestations. Genetic testing was offered to confirm a clinical diagnosis or when clinical findings were inconclusive.

Results

Three hundred patients, of which 152 (50.7%) were female and had a mean age of 5.6 ± 4.8 years were seen during the study period. NF1 was diagnosed in 76 (25.3%) patients, mosaic NF1 in 38 (12.7%) patients, and 8 (2.7%) patients received other genetic diagnoses. One hundred and twelve (37.3%) patients were diagnosed with isolated CALMs not associated with an underlying genetic disease. Furthermore, 36 (12%) of our patients did not have CALMs.

Conclusions

The CALMs screening clinic aided in the early diagnosis of genetic disorders such as NF1 and distinguished CALMs from other hyperpigmented lesions. We encourage the adoption of this clinic model in referral centers to streamline and optimize care of patients with presumptive diagnosis of CALMs.
Rejection surveillance in pediatric heart transplant recipients: Critical reflection on the role of frequent and long‐term routine surveillance endomyocardial biopsies and comprehensive review of non‐invasive rejection screening tools
Authors: Power Alyssa , Baez Hernandez Nathanya , Dipchand Anne I.
Published: February 2022

Background

Despite significant medical advances in the field of pediatric heart transplantation (HT), acute rejection remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) remains the gold‐standard method for diagnosing rejection but is an invasive, expensive, and stressful process. Given the potential adverse consequences of rejection, routine post‐transplant rejection surveillance protocols incorporating EMB are widely employed to detect asymptomatic rejection. Each center employs their own specific routine rejection surveillance protocol, with no consensus on the optimal approach and with high inter‐center variability. The utility of high‐frequency and long‐term routine surveillance biopsies (RSB) in pediatric HT has been called into question.

Methods

Sources for this comprehensive review were primarily identified through searches in biomedical databases including MEDLINE and Embase.

Results

The available literature suggests that the diagnostic yield of RSB is low beyond the first year post‐HT and that a reduction in RSB intensity from high‐frequency to low‐frequency can be done safely with no impact on early and mid‐term survival. Though there are emerging non‐invasive methods of detecting asymptomatic rejection, the evidence is not yet strong enough for any test to replace EMB.

Conclusion

Overall, pediatric HT centers in North America should likely be doing fewer RSB than are currently performed. Risk factors for rejection should be considered when designing the optimal rejection surveillance strategy. Noninvasive testing including emerging biomarkers may have a complementary role to aid in safely reducing the need for RSB.
First report of coriander leaf blight diseases caused by Cladosporium tenuissimum in China and analysis of metabolic alterations related to pathogenic processes
Authors: Zhou You , Guo Lijia , Liang Changcong , Liu Lei , Wang Jun , Yang Laying , Huang Junsheng
Published: February 2022

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a medicinal and aromatic plant. From November 2017 to March 2020, leaf blight disease on coriander plants was frequently observed in commercial coriander cultivated fields of Haikou, Sanya and Wanning City, Hainan Province, China. Leaves with symptoms showed irregular chlorotic to dark brown necrotic lesions at the edges of leaves, and the leaves were curled and covered with a layer of grey mould. Based on morphological characteristics, pathogenicity testing and concatenated sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), actin (ACT) and translation elongation factor‐1α (TEF) genes, the pathogen was identified as Cladosporium tenuissimum. Untargeted metabolomes of the coriander leaves were analysed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Score plots of principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) showed clear discrimination between infected and control treatments. The levels of l‐threonic acid, hexadecanoic acid and myo‐inositol in the control treatment were 3.45‐, 1.81‐ and 2.44‐fold, respectively, those in the infected treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. tenuissimum causing coriander leaf blight disease in China. Furthermore, this study indicates that C. tenuissimum infection of coriander causes a significant decrease in l‐threonic acid, hexadecanoic acid and myo‐inositol levels, indicating that these metabolites may be involved in the plant's response to coriander leaf blight disease.
Alveolar crystal burden in stone workers with artificial stone silicosis
Authors: Apte Simon H. , Tan Maxine E. , Lutzky Viviana P. , De Silva Tharushi A. , Fiene Andreas , Hundloe Justin , Deller David , Sullivan Clair , Bell Peter T. , Chambers Daniel C.
Published: February 2022

Background and objective

An epidemic of silicosis has emerged due to a failure to control risks associated with exposure to high‐silica content respirable dust generated while working with artificial stone products. Methods for quantification of alveolar crystal burden are needed to advance our understanding of the pathobiology of silica‐related lung injury as well as assisting in the diagnosis, clinical management and prognostication of affected workers. The objective of this study was to develop and validate novel methods to quantify alveolar crystal burden in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from patients with artificial stone silicosis.

Methods

New methods to quantify and analyse alveolar crystal in BAL from patients with artificial stone silicosis were developed. Crystals were isolated and counted by microscopy and alveolar crystal burden was calculated using a standard curve generated by titration of respirable α‐Quartz. The utility of the assay was then assessed in 23 patients with artificial stone silicosis.

Results

Alveolar crystal burden was greater in patients with silicosis (0.44 picograms [pg]/cell [0.08–3.49]) compared to patients with other respiratory diagnoses (0.057 pg/cell [0.01–0.34]; p < 0.001). Alveolar crystal burden was positively correlated with years of silica exposure (ρ = 0.49, p = 0.02) and with decline in diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (ρ = −0.50, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Alveolar crystal burden quantification differentiates patients with silicosis from patients with other respiratory disorders. Furthermore, crystal burden is correlated with the rate of decline in lung function in patients with artificial stone silicosis.
Predicting malignant pleural effusion during diagnostic pleuroscopy with biopsy: A prospective multicentre study
Authors: Grosu Horiana B. , Kern Ryan , Maldonado Fabien , Casal Roberto , Andersen Clark R. , Li Liang , Eapen Georgie , Ost David , Jimenez Carlos , Frangopoulos Frangiskos , Sabath Bruce , Vakil Erik , Schwalk Audra , Marcoux Mathieu , Sagar Ala Eddin , Nasim Faria , Lin Julie , Salahudin Moiz , Arain Hasan Muhammad , Noor Laila , Montanez Diana , Stewart John , Mullon John , Michael Michalis , Porfyridis Ilias
Published: February 2022

Background and objective

Pleuroscopy with pleural biopsy has a high sensitivity for malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Because MPEs tend to recur, concurrent diagnosis and treatment of MPE during pleuroscopy is desired. However, proceeding directly to treatment at the time of pleuroscopy requires confidence in the on‐site diagnosis. The study's primary objective was to create a predictive model to estimate the probability of MPE during pleuroscopy.

Methods

A prospective observational multicentre cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing pleuroscopy was conducted. We used a logistic regression model to evaluate the probability of MPE with relation to visual assessment, rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) of touch preparation and presence of pleural nodules/masses on computed tomography (CT). To assess the model's prediction accuracy, a bootstrapped training/testing approach was utilized to estimate the cross‐validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

Of the 201 patients included in the study, 103 had MPE. Logistic regression showed that higher level of malignancy on visual assessment is associated with higher odds of MPE (OR = 34.68, 95% CI = 9.17–131.14,p < 0.001). The logistic regression also showed that higher level of malignancy on ROSE of touch preparation is associated with higher odds of MPE (OR = 11.63, 95% CI = 3.85–35.16,p < 0.001). Presence of pleural nodules/masses on CT is associated with higher odds of MPE (OR = 6.61, 95% CI = 1.97–22.1,p = 0.002). A multivariable logistic regression model of final pathologic status with relation to visual assessment, ROSE of touch preparation and presence of pleural nodules/masses on CT had a cross‐validated AUC of 0.94 (95% CI = 0.91–0.97).

Conclusion

A prediction model using visual assessment, ROSE of touch preparation and CT scan findings demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy for MPE. Further validation studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Asymmetric information, quality, and regulations
Authors: Macedoni Luca
Published: February 2022

The author presents a model of international trade that features heterogeneous firms and asymmetric information on the quality of products, which is known to producers but unknown to consumers. The presence of asymmetric information leads to adverse selection whereby high‐quality firms exit and only low‐quality firms survive. The model shows that adverse selection also affects export participation as only firms with the lowest quality are able to export. For this reason, trade can lead to a reduction in welfare if it causes an average product quality reduction that is too substantial. The author studies the effects of two instruments: minimum quality standards, which force out firms with the lowest quality, and quality certifications, which allow firms to signal to consumers that their quality is higher than a certain threshold, upon payment of a fixed cost. Both instruments can improve welfare if the increase in prices associated with the higher‐quality goods is small enough. Furthermore, the author studied how the two instruments interact with countries' openness.
Dense sampling of taxa and characters improves phylogenetic resolution among deltocephaline leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)
Authors: Cao Yanghui , Dietrich Christopher H. , Zahniser James N. , Dmitriev Dmitry A.
Published: February 2022

We analysed a phylogenomic dataset comprising 730 terminal taxa and >160,000 nucleotide positions obtained using anchored hybrid enrichment of genomic DNA for a sample of deltocephaline leafhoppers and outgroups. Maximum likelihood analyses of concatenated nucleotide and amino acid sequences as well as coalescent gene tree analysis, yielded well‐resolved phylogenetic estimates that were highly congruent with most branches receiving maximum support. Some topological incongruence occurs among the trees resulting from different analyses, mainly distributed among very short branches at intermediate levels in the phylogeny, pertaining to relationships among some tribes and multi‐tribe lineages restricted to particular continents. Coalescent gene tree analysis revealed extensive gene tree conflict at these nodes, suggesting that certain relationships may remain difficult to resolve consistently even with genome‐scale datasets and dense taxon sampling. Ancestral character state reconstruction of feeding preference indicates that grass specialization has been acquired three or fewer times in some highly diverse but relatively derived lineages. Molecular divergence time estimation suggests that the earliest divergences in the subfamily occurred during the Cretaceous but that most modern tribes did not appear until after the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary and that grass specialist lineages generally diversified and spread at the same time as grasslands were becoming widespread globally. These analyses also show a high level of global biogeographic structure, with several large lineages of primarily arboreal deltocephalines restricted to particular regions or continents and long‐distance dispersal among continents occurring primarily among grass‐specialist lineages. The results represent a major improvement over previous analyses of this diverse subfamily, which were based on 152 or fewer taxa and data from morphology and partial sequences of two genes.
Discovery of the novel HLA‐A*11:417N allele in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Li Chi‐Cheng , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: February 2022

One nucleotide deletion at position 61 of HLA‐A*11:01:01:01 results in the novel allele HLA‐A*11:417N.
Changes to blood parameters after postparturient hemoglobinuria in 11Holstein‐Friesiancows
Authors: Abramowicz Beata , Kurek Łukasz , Chałabis‐Mazurek Agnieszka , Lutnicki Krzysztof
Published: February 2022

This study reviewed a case series of 11 Holstein‐Friesian (HF) cows with postpartum hemoglobinuria (PPH) from one dairy herd. The first clinical signs of PPH appeared in the animals during the second or third lactation, between 21 and 30 days after calving. The clinical signs, including depression, diminished appetite, a dark red to brown color in the urine, pale mucous membranes, and a decrease in milk yields were observed in these 11 animals. Three of the cows developed jaundice of the mucous membranes and five had dry, parched feces. PPH was confirmed on laboratory test results of blood and urine samples. Anemia, serum hypophosphatemia (Pi = 0.79 mmoL/L), and increased liver function analytes (total bilirubin, total protein, and urea concentrations) were observed in all animals. Animals were treated with intravenous phosphorus supplementations for the first 2 days after clinical signs were noted, and then oral supplementations were administered. After the clinical signs resolved and the treatments were discontinued, the animals still had mild anemia; however, the phosphorus concentration increased to 1.40 mmoL/L. Gamma‐glutamyltransferase activity increased compared with activities measured before treatments and total bilirubin concentrations decreased slightly; however, the concentrations were still more than twice the upper limit of the normal RI. These animals were diagnosed with liver damage that had developed over the course of PPH, indicating the need for the further monitoring and treatment of cows during the postparturient period, even if clinical signs are no longer present.
Increased temperature at the healed area detected by thermography predicts recurrent pressure ulcers
Authors: Oohashi Fumiya , Ogai Kazuhiro , Takahashi Natsuki , Arisandi Defa , Urai Tamae , Sugama Junko , Oe Makoto
Published: February 2022

Preventing recurrent pressure ulcers is an important challenge in healthcare. One of the reasons for the high rate of recurrent pressure ulcers is the lack of assessment methods for their early detection. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the thermographic characteristics of the healed area and to consider the predictive validity of thermographic images for recurrent pressure ulcers within a 2‐week period. This observational study was conducted at a long‐term care facility in Japan between July 2017 and February 2019 among patients whose pressure ulcers had healed. Thermographic images of the healed area were recorded once a week until recurrence or until the end of the study. We enrolled 30 participants, among whom 8 developed recurrent pressure ulcers. The generalised estimation equation revealed that the thermographic finding of increased temperature at the healed area compared to that of the surrounding skin was significantly associated with recurrent pressure ulcers (odds ratio: 101.13, 95% confidence interval: 3.60–2840.77, p = .007); the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio for recurrent pressure ulcers within 2 weeks were 0.80, 0.94, 0.62, 0.97, 12.9 and 0.2, respectively. Our thermographic findings revealed that the temperature of the healed area was higher than that of the surrounding skin; this could be a useful predictor of pressure ulcer recurrence within 2 weeks, even in the absence of macroscopic changes.
Flow-Independent Liquid Jet-in-Crossflow Injection Using Physical Obstructions
Authors: Clark Charles R. , Tonarely Michael E. , Morales Anthony J. , Reyes Jonathan , Ahmed Kareem
Published: February 2022

The present work explores a novel flow-independent liquid injection scheme, incorporating solid obstructions to alter the key mechanisms controlling the liquid breakup and trajectory. These obstructions, designated pintiles, minimize the variability of fuel injection dynamics over a range of operational conditions. To better understand these mechanisms, a variety of solid pintile obstructions are designed and incorporated into a liquid jet in crossflow experiment. The design parameters of interest include the fraction of the liquid jet orifice blocked by the pintile (orifice coverage), the vertical height of the pintile in the liquid stream, and the angle of the obstruction with respect to the injection plate. All pintiles are tested at non-reacting ambient temperature and pressure conditions over a range of engine relevant Reynolds numbers (Re = 171,500–343,000), momentum flux ratios (Q = 4–45), and Weber numbers (We = 20–80) to understand the leading order effects the solid–liquid–gas interaction has on the liquid breakup and trajectory control. The results demonstrate that the most consistent jet trajectories are achieved with pintiles with a high orifice coverage, a large height, and an angle of 45 deg. Other parameters, such as the transverse spread of the liquid jet and droplet size distributions, are quantified to ensure that consistent jet trajectories can be achieved without imparting adverse effects on other relevant combustion characteristics. The results provide a foundational, first-order understanding on how to minimize variability of liquid injection across engine relevant Reynolds numbers, Weber numbers, and momentum flux ratios.
Fabrication of black GaAs by maskless inductively coupled plasma etching in Cl2/BCl3/O2/Ar chemistry
Authors: Bao Yidi , Liu Wen , Zhao Yongqiang , Wei Lei , Chen Xiaoling , Yang Fuhua , Wang Xiaodong
Published: February 2022

Textured GaAs surfaces with near-zero reflectance are promising for the antireflective application of photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. Such surfaces can be described as “black GaAs” attributing to their superior light-trapping capability. In this paper, black GaAs with grasslike nanowire bunches was fabricated in a maskless inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching manner. Cl2/BCl3/O2/Ar chemistry was selected as the feed gas in the ICP system. Undoped black GaAs with solar-weighted reflectance (SWR) of 1.01% and doped black GaAs with SWR of 2.56% were obtained. In the study, the surface morphology and antireflection behavior of the textured GaAs were found to vary at different etching time, power conditions, and O2 contents. Combined with the surface element analyses, the etching mechanism of the maskless process was proposed. It is considered as a competing mechanism for the removal of the GaAs material by Cl-based gases and the passivation of the surface by O radicals. This maskless texturing method has the advantages of simplicity, scalability, and efficiency. The black GaAs of such patterns has prospects in photodetectors, solar cells, and flexible devices.
Geologic and geomorphic evidence for multi-phase history of strands of the San Andreas fault through the San Gorgonio Pass structural knot, southern California
Authors: Kendrick Katherine J. , Matti Jonathan C. , Barth Nicolas C.
Published: February 2022

The San Gorgonio Pass region of southern California is a locus of extensive Quaternary deformation within a multi-strand section of the San Andreas fault zone. The geomorphology of the San Gorgonio Pass region reflects the complicated history of geologic events in the formation of this structurally complex region. We define fault-bounded blocks in San Gorgonio Pass and focus on two that are characterized by extensive crystalline bedrock outcrops with similar bedrock lithologies. These two blocks are separated by the San Bernardino strand of the San Andreas fault. Morphometric variables, including local relief, slope, slope distribution, and surface roughness, consistently demonstrate distinctions between the bedrock upland regions of the two blocks. Geologic observations of the region highlight differences in Quaternary units within the two blocks, reflective of the differing surficial processes active in each block. Within the Kitching Peak block, the morphology highlights a lineament that we informally name the Lion Canyon lineament. This boundary more clearly differentiates the two regions, as compared to the mapped San Bernardino strand, and may represent the previously active strand or bounding structure in this section. The distinction in morphology and surficial processes leads to our interpretation that the Kitching Peak and Pisgah Peak blocks have experienced different uplift histories. This further leads to the conclusion that the San Bernardino strand, broadly defined, has been integrated, at some point in the past, with the Banning strand, allowing for through-going rupture along the fault system. This connectivity may have occurred along the Burro Flats section of the San Bernardino strand or the Lion Canyon lineament. The fault connection along the mapped trace of the San Bernardino strand is not currently evident at the surface, however, suggesting that the integration has been disrupted. We propose this is due to intervals of N-S compression in the region, manifest as slip along the San Gorgonio Pass fault zone and other regional faults. We present evidence for lateral displacement along the San Bernardino and Banning strands of the San Andreas fault, discuss the implications of these displacements, and propose a sequence of fault activity, including multiple phases of activity along the San Bernardino and Banning strand pathway to account for the structural complexity and lack of surficial fault continuity.
Winters are changing: snow effects on Arctic and alpine tundra ecosystems
Authors: Rixen Christian , Høye Toke Thomas , Macek Petr , Aerts Rien , Alatalo Juha M. , Anderson Jill T. , Arnold Pieter A. , Barrio Isabel C , Bjerke Jarle W. , Björkman Mats P. , Blok Daan , Blume-Werry Gesche , Boike Julia , Bokhorst Stef , Carbognani Michele , Christiansen Casper T. , Convey Peter , Cooper Elisabeth J. , Cornelissen J. Hans C. , Coulson Stephen J. , Dorrepaal Ellen , Elberling Bo , Elmendorf Sarah C. , Elphinstone Cassandra , Forte T’ai G.W. , Frei Esther R. , Geange Sonya R. , Gehrmann Friederike , Gibson Casey , Grogan Paul , Halbritter Aud Helen , Harte John , Henry Gregory H.R. , Inouye David W. , Irwin Rebecca E. , Jespersen Gus , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg Svala , Jung Ji Young , Klinges David H. , Kudo Gaku , Lämsä Juho , Lee Hanna , Lembrechts Jonas J. , Lett Signe , Lynn Joshua Scott , Mann Hjalte M.R. , Mastepanov Mikhail , Morse Jennifer , Myers-Smith Isla H. , Olofsson Johan , Paavola Riku , Petraglia Alessandro , Phoenix Gareth K. , Semenchuk Philipp , Siewert Matthias B. , Slatyer Rachel , Spasojevic Marko J. , Suding Katharine , Sullivan Patrick , Thompson Kimberly L. , Väisänen Maria , Vandvik Vigdis , Venn Susanna , Walz Josefine , Way Robert , Welker Jeffrey M. , Wipf Sonja , Zong Shengwei
Published: February 2022

Snow is an important driver of ecosystem processes in cold biomes. Snow accumulation determines ground temperature, light conditions, and moisture availability during winter. It also affects the growing season’s start and end, and plant access to moisture and nutrients. Here, we review the current knowledge of the snow cover’s role for vegetation, plant-animal interactions, permafrost conditions, microbial processes, and biogeochemical cycling. We also compare studies of natural snow gradients with snow experimental manipulation studies to assess time scale difference of these approaches. The number of tundra snow studies has increased considerably in recent years, yet we still lack a comprehensive overview of how altered snow conditions will affect these ecosystems. Specifically, we found a mismatch in the timing of snowmelt when comparing studies of natural snow gradients with snow manipulations. We found that snowmelt timing achieved by snow addition and snow removal manipulations (average 7.9 days advance and 5.5 days delay, respectively) were substantially lower than the temporal variation over natural spatial gradients within a given year (mean range 56 days) or among years (mean range 32 days). Differences between snow study approaches need to be accounted for when projecting snow dynamics and their impact on ecosystems in future climates.