bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycosynthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles diminish brown rot of apple whilst maintaining composition and pertinent organoleptic properties
Authors: Akbar Mahnoor , Haroon Urooj , Ali Musrat , Tahir Kinza , Chaudhary Hassan Javed , Munis Muhammad Farooq Hussain
Published: February 2022

Aims

Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) were mycosynthesized using Trichoderma harzianum and applied to control brown rot of apple. The influence of Fe2O3 NPs on the quality of fruit was also studied.

Methods and Results

Diseased apple fruits with brown rot symptoms were collected, and the disease-causing pathogen was isolated and identified as Fusarium oxysporum. To control this disease, mycosynthesis of Fe2O3 NPs was executed using T. harzianum. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the occurrence of stabilizing and reducing agents on NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis determined their average size (17.78 nm) and crystalline nature. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) showed strong signals of iron, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) displayed a high degree of polydispersity of synthesized NPs. Foliar application of NPs significantly reduced brown rot and helped fruits to maintain biochemical and organoleptic properties. Firmness and higher percentage of soluble solids, sugars and ascorbic acid depicted its good quality.

Conclusion

Environment-friendly mycosynthesized Fe2O3 NPs can be effectively used to control brown rot of apple.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Trichoderma harzianum is a famous biocontrol agent, and the synthesis of NPs in its extract is an exciting avenue to control fungal diseases. Due to its nontoxic nature to human gut, it can be applied on all edible fruits.
Advanced practice nurse work environments and job satisfaction and intent to leave: Six‐state cross sectional and observational study
Authors: Poghosyan Lusine , Kueakomoldej Supakorn , Liu Jianfang , Martsolf Grant
Published: February 2022

Aims

To explore the relationship between nurse practitioner work environment and nurse practitioner outcomes (job satisfaction and intent to leave) in the United States.

Design

The study used a cross‐sectional survey design to collect survey data from primary care nurse practitioners in six states in the United States.

Methods

We sent mail surveys to 5689 eligible nurse practitioners in Arizona, New Jersey, Washington, Pennsylvania, California and Texas. The mail also contained an online link. Participants could complete either the paper or online questionnaire. In total, 1244 participants completed the survey in 2018–2019. The work environment was measured using the Nurse Practitioner‐Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire comprised of four subscales: Nurse Practitioner‐Administration Relations, Nurse Practitioner‐Physician Relations, Independent Practice and Support and Professional Visibility. Global items measured job satisfaction and intent to leave. We used mixed‐effect proportional‐odds cumulative logit models to assess the association between work environment and job satisfaction and intent to leave.

Results

Overall, 90% of participants were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their job and 22% reported intent to leave their job in 1 year. With a one‐unit increase in the organizational‐level Nurse Practitioner‐Administration Relations score, the odds of having a higher job satisfaction level increased by about four times and the odds of intent to leave job decreased by about 60%. A higher organizational‐level Nurse Practitioner‐Physician Relations score was significantly associated with higher job satisfaction and lower odds of intent to leave.

Conclusion

Improvements in work environments may improve nurse practitioner job satisfaction and retention.

Impact

This study examined the relationship between work environment, job satisfaction and turnover intention of nurse practitioners. Better work environment is associated with higher job satisfaction and lower turnover intention. Findings have implications for clinical leadership who can take actions to create better work environments to increase the nurse practitioner workforce capacity.
Confronting sexism: Identifying dimensions and exploring impact
Authors: Dray Kelly K. , Sabat Isaac E.
Published: February 2022

Although the effects of confronting sexism have been examined in the past, no research to date has demonstrated the most common dimensions along which confrontations of workplace sexism differ. Furthermore, previous research has not fully examined how different forms of sexism confrontations differentially impact the workplace experiences of targets experiencing these sexist actions. Thus, these two studies examine how confrontations of workplace sexism commonly differ and the workplace implications of these differences. In Study 1, data were collected from individuals who had witnessed a sexist encounter in the workplace that was subsequently confronted. Using a content analysis approach, we found that the most common differences in confrontations of workplace sexism included the identity of the confronter, the tone of the confrontation, the location of the confrontation, the number of confronters, and the timing of the confrontation. In Studies 2 and 3, we examined how these differences impacted job stress, turnover intentions, perceived organizational support, job satisfaction, and workplace diversity climate of women targets. In Study 2, analysis of survey data from women employees determined that workplace confrontations of workplace sexism of any form are equally beneficial for women targets. Study 3, an experimental vignette study, provided support for the Study 2 findings. This study aids researchers in understanding the dimensionality of sexism confrontations as well as the relationships between these dimensions and important workplace outcomes. This study will also prove useful for practitioners intent on educating allies and targets on when and how they should confront sexism at work.
Relationship of coffee consumption with a decline in kidney function among patients with type 2 diabetes: The Fukuoka Diabetes Registry
Authors: Komorita Yuji , Ohkuma Toshiaki , Iwase Masanori , Fujii Hiroki , Ide Hitoshi , Oku Yutaro , Higashi Taiki , Oshiro Ayaka , Sakamoto Wakako , Yoshinari Masahito , Nakamura Udai , Kitazono Takanari
Published: February 2022

Aims/Introduction

The evidence regarding the effects of coffee consumption on incident chronic kidney disease is inconclusive, and no studies have investigated the relationship in patients with diabetes. We aimed to prospectively investigate the relationship between coffee consumption and the decline in estimated glomerular function rate (eGFR) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

A total of 3,805 patients (2,112 men, 1,693 women) with type 2 diabetes (mean age 64.2 years) and eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were followed (completion of follow up, 97.6%; median 5.3 years). Coffee consumption was assessed at baseline. The end‐point was a decline in eGFR to <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 during the follow‐up period.

Results

During follow up, 840 participants experienced a decline in eGFR to <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Higher coffee consumption reduced the risk of decline in eGFR. Compared with no coffee consumption, the multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.77 (0.63–0.93) for less than one cup per day, 0.77 (0.62–0.95) for one cup per day and 0.75 (0.62–0.91) for two or more cups per day (P for trend 0.01). This trend was unaffected by further adjustment for baseline eGFR and albuminuria. The mean eGFR change per year was −2.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 with no coffee consumption, −1.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 with less than one cup per day, −1.80 mL/min/1.73 m2 with one cup per day and −1.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 with two or more cups per day (P for trend 0.03).

Conclusions

Coffee consumption is significantly associated with a lower risk of decline in eGFR in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Understanding the trophic relationships amongst arthropods in olive grove by δN15and δC13stable isotope analysis
Authors: Morente Marina , Ruano Francisca
Published: February 2022

So far the limited knowledge about the diet of omnivores and generalist predators in olive groves has not allowed the clarification of their role as natural enemies. Stable isotope (δN15and δC13) analysis is a useful tool for predicting the trophic position of a high number of species, the variety of basal resources and the flux of energy in the food web. We have explored the possible consumers of two important pests in the olive grove: adults ofPrays oleaeBern (Lepidoptera: Praydidae) during its anthophagous generation and the pupae ofBactrocera oleae(Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae). In addition, we have included in the study the adult instar of the secondary pestEuphyllura olivina(Costa) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). These arthropods were clustered in isotopic groups according to their similarities in δN15and δC13content assuming that, in this case, they shared similar feeding habits. Using this criterion, we obtained eight isotopically different groups of predators and eleven groups of phytophagous insects. We have used Bayesian mixing models in order to identify the potential predators of the different pests included in our study and the proportion that each pest occupied in the diet of the identified predators. Different taxa of spiders andAnthocoris nemoralis(Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) have emerged as potential predators ofB. oleae. Moreover, Gnaphosidae (Araneae) showed suitable isotopic characteristics to be identified as potential predator ofP. oleaeandA. nemoralishas been confirmed as a predator ofE. olivina. The presence ofE. olivinaas an abundant resource encourages the settlement of natural enemies in olive orchards which feed on this secondary pest, but are also ready to feed on any insect outbreak, for exampleP. oleae.
Three‐dimensional architecture of Cyrilia lignieresi gametocyte‐stage development inside red blood cells
Authors: Turiel‐Silva Maíra , Wendt Camila , Silva Edilene O. , Rodrigues Ana Paula Drummond , de Souza Wanderley , Miranda Kildare , Diniz José A. P.
Published: February 2022

The Haemogregarinidae family (Apicomplexa: Adeleina) comprises hemoprotozoa that infect mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, and reptiles. Some morphological characteristics of the Cyrilia lignieresi have been described previously, but the parasite–erythrocyte relationship is still poorly understood. In order to understand the structural architecture of C. lignieresi‐infected red blood cells, electron microscopy‐based three‐dimensional reconstruction was carried out using TEM as well as FIB‐SEM tomography. Results showed that development of the macrogametocyte‐stage inside the red blood cell is related to an increase in cleft‐like structures in the host cell cytoplasm. Furthermore, other aspects related to parasite intraerythrocytic development were explored by 3D visualization techniques. We observed the invagination of a large extension of the Inner Membrane Complex (IMC) on the parasite body, which results from or induces a folding of the posterior end of the parasite. Small tubular structures were seen associated with areas related to IMC folding. Taken together, results provide new information on the remodeling of erythrocytes induced by the protozoan C. lignieresi.
Asymmetric competition over space use and territory between native brown trout (Salmo trutta) and invasive brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: Lovén Wallerius Magnus , Moran Vilhem , Závorka Libor , Höjesjö Johan
Published: February 2022

Interference competition over food and territory can shape population structure and habitat use within and between species. The introduction of invasive species often leads to novel competitive interactions over shared resources and invaders can eventually exclude the native species from preferred habitats. Invasive brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) introduced to northern Europe have excluded native brown trout (Salmo trutta) from numerous headwater streams. The fact that invasive brook trout can displace the more aggressive brown trout is puzzling. However, the earlier spawning and hatching of brook trout, compared to brown trout, may lead to unequal competition due to size advantage and prior resident status of brook trout at the fry stage. In this study, we examine the effect of competition between brown trout and brook trout using the natural size distribution of the two species. In two consecutive experiments, we first measured space use and feeding of a fry (age 0+) in the presence of a juvenile (age 1+). In experiment 2, we assessed territorial interactions between the species at the fry stage (age 0+) and if smaller brown trout could compensate the disadvantage by manipulating residence duration. Fry of brook trout feed sooner and spend more time close to the larger individual than brown trout fry. We also found that brook trout fry won most territorial contests against brown trout, and that increased residence duration led to longer and more aggressive interactions. The results suggest that smaller brown trout are displaced to suboptimal habitats in the presence of a larger brook trout. Therefore, the later emergence from gravel beds resulting in the naturally occurring size disadvantage of brown trout at the fry stage may lead to unequal territorial interactions that could explain why brown trout are displaced from preferred habitats in sympatry with brook trout.
Endo‐wing versus transparent hood‐assisted colonoscopy for colorectal adenoma detection: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Miyaguchi Kazuya , Tsuzuki Yoshikazu , Hirooka Nobutaka , Shiomi Rie , Ohgo Hideki , Nakamoto Hidetomo , Imaeda Hiroyuki
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim

This study aimed to compare the mean number of adenomas in patients undergoing Endo‐wing‐assisted colonoscopy (EAC) and transparent hood‐assisted colonoscopy (TAC).

Methods

Patients undergoing colonoscopy for positive fecal immunochemical tests, colon polyp surveillance, and evaluation of abdominal symptoms at a single institution were randomly assigned to the EAC or TAC group. The mean number of adenomas per patient, adenoma detection rate, cecal intubation time, withdrawal time, mean number of adenomas per location, and adenoma size were compared.

Results

Overall, 800 patients were enrolled. The EAC and TAC groups comprised 372 and 393 patients, respectively. The groups did not significantly differ with respect to cecal intubation and withdrawal times. The mean number of adenomas per patient was significantly higher in the EAC group (1.13 vs 0.90, P = 0.04), particularly in the sigmoid colon (0.54 [201/372] vs 0.38 [149/393], P = 0.04). The adenoma detection rates were 48.1% and 45.0% in the EAC and TAC groups, respectively, albeit without significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.393). The total number of sessile‐type adenomas (0.73 [270/372] vs 0.47 [183/393], P < 0.0001) and small polyps (≤ 5 mm) (0.53 [198/372] vs 0.41 [159/393], P = 0.016) was significantly higher in the EAC group.

Conclusion

Endo‐wing‐assisted colonoscopy is significantly superior to TAC in terms of the mean number of adenomas per patient.
Accelerometer‐based estimation of oxygen uptake in adults with Down syndrome: vector magnitude vs. vertical axis
Authors: Ballenger B. K. , Schultz E. E. , Driskill M. , Richardson S. , Du Q. , Motl R. W. , Agiovlasitis S.
Published: February 2022

Background

Triaxial accelerometer output [vector magnitude (VM) counts] may better estimate physical activity intensity as reflected in the rate of oxygen uptake (V̇O2) than the traditional vertical axis (VA) counts in adults with Down syndrome (DS). This study examined the accuracy of VM vs. VA counts in estimating V̇O2 in adults with and without DS across different physical activities and sedentary behaviours.

Methods

Sixteen adults with DS (10 men and 6 women; 31 ± 15 years) and 19 adults without DS (10 men and 9 women; 24 ± 5 years) performed 12 tasks. V̇O2 was measured by portable spirometer (K4b2, Cosmed) and VM and VA with an accelerometer (wGT3X‐BT, Actigraph).

Results

Vector magnitude and VA were significant predictors of V̇O2 in adults with DS (P < 0.001; R2 = 0.74 and 0.65, respectively) and adults without DS (P < 0.001; P < 0.001; R2 = 0.75 and 0.61, respectively). Absolute error of prediction was significantly smaller for VM than VA for sitting, playing app, drawing, sweeping, standing and basketball (P ≤ 0.005), but smaller for VA than VM for walking at 0.8 m·s−1 (P = 0.005). Bland–Altman plots for adults with and without DS indicated narrower limits of agreement for VM than VA (−5.57 to 5.57 and −6.44 to 6.44 mL·kg−1·min−1; −6.21 to 6.17 and −7.75 to 7.74 mL·kg−1·min−1, respectively).

Conclusions

Vector magnitude and VA are significant predictors of V̇O2 in adults with and without DS, yet VM more accurately estimated V̇O2 than VA for most tasks. Development of accelerometer‐based prediction of physical activity levels in adults with and without DS may improve by utilising VM counts.
Serial coping to anxiety under a pandemic and subsequent regulation of vice food and beverage consumption among young adults
Authors: Jaud David A. , Lunardo Renaud
Published: February 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has prompted great anxiety for most people worldwide. Building on the coping literature and two studies, this research examines the effect of such anxiety on young (18–35 years old) adults' consumption of vice food and beverages. Specifically, in an online experiment using a UK sample (N = 211), we first identify the feeling of helplessness as the reason why anxious people accept a situation less and reinterpret it less positively. Then, in a large study in France (N = 1006), we show that these coping mechanisms of acceptance and positive reinterpretation explain why individuals engage in unhealthy consumption as a response to their anxiety. From this serial coping explanation of the effects of anxiety, this article then offers implications for social marketers and public policymakers, particularly with respect to young people's well‐being and physical health.
Parents' employment, income, and finances before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Garrison Selena T. , Rampold Shelli D. , Vasquez Katherine , Gillen Martie , Baker Lauri M.
Published: February 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic brought grave financial concerns for families in the United States as they attempted to navigate the multifaceted impacts of the pandemic. The present descriptive study examined Florida families' employment characteristics, credit card debt, savings characteristics, use of savings based on employment and income variables, and patterns of use of the first 2020 economic impact payment during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Responses to an online questionnaire were collected from 526 Florida residents, age 18 or older, who were parents of minor children during the time the study was conducted. Findings are indicative of varying financial impacts on families based on gender, marital status, income level, and employment status related to COVID‐19. Implications are presented for employers, educators, researchers, policymakers, and families.
Comparison between “5% minoxidil plus 2% flutamide” solution vs. “5% minoxidil” solution in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Faghihi Gita , Iraji Fariba , Siadat Amir Hossein , Saber Mina , Jelvan Minoo , Hoseyni Maedeh Sadat
Published: February 2022

Background

Androgenetic alopecia is defined as a patterned hair loss resulting from the effect of androgen on hair follicles and characterized by non‐scarring, progressive miniaturization of the hair follicles. Minoxidil and finasteride are regarded as the first‐line treatments with antiandrogens and flutamide are considered as the alternative choices. In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of combination therapy with topical 2%flutamide plus 5% minoxidil vs. %5 minoxidil alone in the treatment of the androgenetic alopecia.

Material and Methods

This was a randomized, double‐blinded clinical trial in 40 patients with androgenetic alopecia. Patients were randomized to receive either topical minoxidil vs. topical flutamide plus minoxidil for 6 months. At the end of study, patients were compared regarding mean hair density and mean hair thickness and patient's satisfaction. Collected data were analyzed using t‐test, Ki square, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests.

Results

Topical flutamide plus minoxidil solution was significantly more effective than minoxidil in terms of hair density, hair thickness, and patient's satisfaction (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Topical hydroalcoholic solution of flutamide plus minoxidil may be promising treatment for the androgenetic alopecia. To better evaluate the efficacy of topical flutamide, more prolonged studies with higher number of patients and use of different vehicles and different ingredients are recommended.
Intralesional vitamin D3 in treatment of alopecia areata: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Rashad Amira Fathy , Elgamal Emadeldin , Fouda Ibrahim
Published: February 2022

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common non‐scarring, inflammatory type of hair loss that affects people of all ages and genders.

Aims

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional vitamin D3 injection in the treatment of alopecia areata.

Patients and Methods

A randomized controlled clinical trial included a total of 60 adult patients with localized alopecia areata were randomly assigned into two groups. Group I consisted of thirty patients who received 1ml of intralesional injection of vitamin D3 every 4 weeks for a maximum of 3 sessions. Group II consisted of thirty patients who received intralesional injection of normal saline 0.9% every 4 weeks for 3 sessions as a control group. All patients had their serum levels of 25‐hydroxy vitamin D, TSH, antithyroglobulin, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies estimated before starting treatment. The 5‐point semiquantitative regrowth score (RGS) and dermoscopy were used to evaluate the therapeutic response.

Results

There was statistically significant difference with p‐value <0.001 between two study groups regarding degree of improvement. Dermoscopic findings that explain signs of activity were decreased, and signs of improvement were appeared after the third months of treatment being better in intralesional vitamin D group. The adverse effects were negligible and transient, and there was no recurrence of lesions.

Conclusion

Intralesional vitamin D3 is an effective treatment option for localized patchy (not more than 40% of scalp distribution) alopecia areata. There is no relation between serum vitamin D3 and efficacy of treatment, so measuring vitamin D3 before starting treatment is not advised.
The formation mechanism of the bilayer capsular contracture after an augmentation mammoplasty with a rough‐surface prosthesis and its prevention and treatment
Authors: Chen Bao‐Feng , Chi Gang‐Yi , Li Ning , Mo Si‐Hui
Published: February 2022

Background

The present study aimed to explore the formation mechanism of the bilayer capsular contracture after augmentation mammoplasty with a rough‐surface prosthesis and its prevention and treatment.

Methods

The nursing process, clinical signs, intraoperative findings, and pathological data after an augmentation mammoplasty with rough‐surface prosthesis were observed and collected, the formation mechanism of the bilayer capsular contracture was analyzed, and the prevention and treatment were also discussed.

Results

A total of 18 patients were included into the present study, among which 15 patients underwent capsule relaxation plus secondary augmentation mammoplasty and three patients encountered a single‐layer capsular contracture after the operation; the recurrence rate was 16%. All patients were followed up for 1–13 years without a presentation of recurrence.

Conclusions

The formation of the bilayer capsular contracture after augmentation mammoplasty is correlated with the formation of the inner capsule, inadequate separation of cavities, foreign body reaction, and an improper massage of the breasts, and the effective preventive measures include removing new cavities, resecting the capsular contracture capsule, stopping bleeding, replanting a rough‐surface or smooth prosthesis, and correcting breast massaging.
Immunohistochemical expression of regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25+ bright FOXP3+) in pemphigus patients
Authors: Abd El‐Magid Wafaa Mohamed , Ahmed Sheren FM , Assaf Hanan , Abd Elkhalek Reham Ebraheem , Mohamed Marwa
Published: February 2022

Background

Pemphigus is a series of autoimmune skin disorders caused by IgG. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of CD4+ T cells that mostly block pathogenic immune responses mediated by self‐reactive cells; therefore, a lack of Tregs or a malfunction in their activity could lead to a loss of tolerance and the development of autoimmunity.

Aims

To evaluate the expression of lesional and perilesional Treg markers (CD4+ CD25+ bright FOXP3+) in pemphigus patients.

Patients and methods

Twenty‐three pemphigus patients and 20 healthy controls were included in this study. The expression of CD4, CD25, and Foxp3 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

There was statistically significant increase in CD4+ T lymphocytes in lesional skin of pemphigus compared to perilesional skin and control group (p‐value: 0.001). There was statistically significant decrease in CD25+ and Foxp3+ cells in lesional skin compared to perilesional and control group (p‐value: <0.001, 0.025, respectively).

Conclusion

The reduction of lesional skin Tregs may play an important role in the pemphigus pathogenesis.
Efficacy of botulinum toxin in masseter muscle hypertrophy for lower face contouring
Authors: Kundu Nisha , Kothari Rohit , Shah Nimish , Sandhu Sunmeet , Tripathy Durga Madhab , Galadari Hassan , Gold Michael H. , Goldman Mitchel P. , Kassir Martin , Schepler Hadrian , Grabbe Stephan , Goldust Mohamad
Published: February 2022

Background

Masseter muscle hypertrophy (MMH) usually presents with cosmetic concerns as it may lead to widening of the lower face. Apart from the traditional surgical approaches, botulinum toxin type A (BTA) injection is a non‐invasive treatment option available. There are no standard guidelines for this procedure.

Objectives

To study the efficacy of botulinumtoxin A in MMH for lower face contouring.

Methodology

The Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, Google‐scholar, Science‐Direct database, and ResearchGate from inception until September 2021 were searched using the keywords “botulinumtoxin type A,” “masseter muscle hypertrophy,” “lower face contouring,” and “masseter botox.” All available retrospective and prospective studies, case‐series, case‐reports, and expert reviews were included with an emphasis on efficacy of BTA in MMH and units injected into the muscle, points of placement, adverse events, and the duration of its effect. Reference lists of the resultant articles, as well as relevant reviews, were also searched.

Result

40 articles were shortlisted for the review, of which 14 studies with sample‐size ≥10 in accordance with the study requirements were summarized in a tabular form for analysis and easy comparison and reference.

Conclusion

BTA injection is a non‐invasive, safe, and effective treatment for MMH. The optimum number of BTA units could not be ascertained due to wide variability in the studies as well as ethnicity of patients and extent or some measurement of MMH. The points of placement of injection should be well within the boundaries of the masseter muscle. The maximum effect of BTA after a single injection session is usually seen in ~3 months, and the duration may last for 6–12 months. Multiple injection sessions may be required to maintain a long‐term effect. Injection technique and total number of injection units of neuromodulator must be individualized for each patient.
Pregnancy‐induced hemorrhagic degeneration of adenomyosis
Authors: Nakanishi Megumi , Iriyama Takayuki , Sayama Seisuke , Hanaoka Shouhei , Toshimitsu Masatake , Seyama Takahiro , Sone Kenbun , Kumasawa Keiichi , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Osuga Yutaka
Published: February 2022

Uterine fibroids are known to degenerate during pregnancy, but it is unknown if similar pathologic condition occurs in adenomyosis. A 38‐year‐old para 1 woman exhibited uterine tenderness and a markedly elevated inflammatory response at 22 weeks of gestation. Based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings indicative of hemorrhagic components in an adenomyosis lesion, we judged these features resulted from degeneration of adenomyosis after excluding the possibility of underlying infection by amniocentesis. Although these symptoms improved with conservative management, nonreassuring fetal status prompted an emergency cesarean section at 27 weeks of gestation. MRI performed 4 months postpartum revealed the degeneration had completely disappeared. The present case confirms the presence of a pathologic condition—transient degeneration in adenomyosis—which is triggered by pregnancy.
It’s About Time Black Lives Matter: The Urgency of Research on Black Youth Development
Authors: Smith‐Bynum Mia A.
Published: February 2022

The events of the past decade underscore with withering banality the depth of American racism and the disturbing normalcy of racial trauma Black adolescents endure every day. I comment on the significance of the timing and scope of the Special Issue. I also highlight the contributions that push new boundaries on established topics such as ethnic‐racial identity, racial socialization, emotional development, gender, and via application intersectionality theory. These articles illuminate the multilayered, textured lives of Black adolescents in the early 21st century. The commentary concludes with a call for researchers to leverage the findings from empirical studies on Black adolescents to foster anti‐racist institutional change.
Long‐term renal safety between patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving tenofovir vs. entecavir therapy: A multicenter study
Authors: Chon Young Eun , Park Soo Young , Kim Seung Up , Hong Han Pyo , Lee Jae Seung , Lee Hye Won , Kim Mi Na , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Beom Kyung
Published: February 2022

Renal safety is a critical issue in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving long‐term entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disofuroxil fumarate (TDF) therapy. We investigated their effects on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Treatment‐naive CHB patients receiving ETV or TDF for ≥1 year were recruited. The eGFR was assessed using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. We calculated average annual percent change (AAPC) in eGFR using Joinpoint regression. At the beginning of the observation, the ETV group had more unfavorable conditions than the TDF group: lower eGFR and higher FIB‐4 and APRI than the TDF group (all p < .001). After 6 years of antiviral therapy, the mean eGFR in the ETV group (n = 1793) was maintained (96.0 at first year to 95.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 at sixth year; AAPC −0.09%; p = .322), whereas that in the TDF group (n = 1240) significantly decreased annually (101.9 at first year to 96.9 ml/min/1.73 m2 at sixth year; AAPC −0.88%; p < .001). Notably, in the TDF group, even patients without diabetes (AAPC −0.80%; p = 0.001) or hypertension (AAPC −0.87%; p = .001) experienced significant decrease in eGFR. Expectably, accompanying diabetes (AAPC −1.59%; p = .011) or hypertension (AAPC −1.00%; p = .002) tended to accelerate eGFR decrease. TDF treatment (odds ratio 1.66, p < .001), along with eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m2, serum albumin<3.5 mg/dl, and hypertension, were independently associated with ongoing renal dysfunction, defined as a negative slope of the mean eGFR change. In conclusion, compared with ETV, long‐term TDF treatment induced slow, but progressive renal dysfunction. Although the annual eGFR change by TDF was small, careful monitoring is necessary, especially in patients requiring life‐long therapy.
Risk of hepatic and extrahepatic cancer in NAFLD: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Björkström Karl , Widman Linnea , Hagström Hannes
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

Individuals with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may be at greater risk of cancer. This study aimed to investigate the risk of hepatic and extrahepatic cancer compared to the general population in a population‐based cohort of patients with NAFLD.

Methods

We used the Swedish National Patient Registry from 1987 to 2016 to identify patients with a NAFLD diagnosis and no prior cancer. All patients with NAFLD were compared to up to 10 controls matched for age, sex and living location. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of any cancer as ascertained from national registries. As secondary outcomes, we analysed the risk of pre‐specified cancer subtypes. Cox regression models, adjusted for baseline diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were applied.

Results

We identified 8415 patients with NAFLD. Over a median follow‐up of 6.0 years (IQR 2.5–11.2 years), an increased risk for any cancer was found in patients with NAFLD compared to controls (9.7 vs. 8.6 cases per 1000 person‐years): hazard ratio (HR) = 1.22 (95% confidence interval, CI = 1.12–1.33). The risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was particularly high (adjusted HR, aHR = 12.18, 95% CI = 7.15–20.79). The risk for some other cancer subtypes increased (colorectal [aHR 1.38], kidney [aHR 2.12], bladder [aHR 2.51] and uterine [aHR 1.78]), but was low in absolute terms.

Conclusion

In this population‐based cohort, NAFLD was associated with an increased risk of developing cancer (especially HCC). The absolute risk for other forms of cancer was generally comparable to the control population.
Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging‐based prognostic model for mass‐forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Rhee Hyungjin , Choi Sang Hyun , Park Ji Hoon , Cho Eun‐Suk , Yeom Suk‐Keu , Park Sumi , Han Kyunghwa , Lee Seung Soo , Park Mi‐Suk
Published: February 2022

Background & Aims

As most staging systems for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) are based on pathological results, preoperative prognostic prediction is limited. This study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model for the overall survival of patients with mass‐forming iCCA (MF‐iCCA) using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical findings.

Methods

We enrolled a total of 316 patients who underwent preoperative MRI and surgical resection for treatment‐naive MF‐iCCA from six institutions, between January 2009 and December 2015. The subjects were randomly assigned to a training set (n = 208) or validation set (n = 108). The MRIs were independently reviewed by three abdominal radiologists. Using MRI and clinical findings, an MRI prognostic score was established. We compared the discrimination performance of MRI prognostic scores with those of conventional pathological staging systems.

Results

We developed an MRI prognostic score consisting of serum CA19‐9 and three MRI findings (tumour multiplicity, lymph node metastasis and bile duct invasion). The MRI prognostic score demonstrated good discrimination performance in both the training set (C‐index, 0.738; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.698–0.780) and validation set (C‐index, 0.605; 95% CI, 0.526–0.680). In the validation set, MRI prognostic score showed no significant difference with AJCC 8th TNM stage, MEGNA score and Nathan’s stage.

Conclusions

Our MRI prognostic score for overall survival of MF‐iCCA showed comparable discriminatory performance with pathological staging systems and might be used to determine an optimal treatment strategy.
Deep connections: Divergence histories with gene flow in mesophotic Agaricia corals
Authors: Prata Katharine E. , Riginos Cynthia , Gutenkunst Ryan N. , Latijnhouwers Kelly R. W. , Sánchez Juan A. , Englebert Norbert , Hay Kyra B. , Bongaerts Pim
Published: February 2022

Largely understudied, mesophotic coral ecosystems lie below shallow reefs (at >30 m depth) and comprise ecologically distinct communities. Brooding reproductive modes appear to predominate among mesophotic‐specialist corals and may limit genetic connectivity among populations. Using reduced representation genomic sequencing, we assessed spatial population genetic structure at 50 m depth in an ecologically important mesophotic‐specialist species Agaricia grahamae, among locations in the Southern Caribbean. We also tested for hybridisation with the closely related (but depth‐generalist) species Agaricia lamarcki, within their sympatric depth zone (50 m). In contrast to our expectations, no spatial genetic structure was detected between the reefs of Curaçao and Bonaire (~40 km apart) within A. grahamae. However, cryptic taxa were discovered within both taxonomic species, with those in A. lamarcki (incompletely) partitioned by depth and those in A. grahamae occurring sympatrically (at the same depth). Hybrid analyses and demographic modelling identified contemporary and historical gene flow among cryptic taxa, both within and between A. grahamae and A. lamarcki. These results (1) indicate that spatial connectivity and subsequent replenishment may be possible between islands of moderate geographic distances for A. grahamae, an ecologically important mesophotic species, (2) that cryptic taxa occur in the mesophotic zone and environmental selection along shallow to mesophotic depth gradients may drive divergence in depth‐generalists such as A. lamarcki, and (3) highlight that gene flow links taxa within this relativity diverse Caribbean genus.
Selection in space and time: Individual tree growth is adapted to tropical forest gap dynamics
Authors: Schmitt Sylvain , Tysklind Niklas , Heuertz Myriam , Hérault Bruno
Published: February 2022

Tropical forest dynamics are driven by growth and survival strategies of tree species in relation to treefall gaps; however, the ecological and evolutionary roles of intraspecific variation in the response to forest gaps remain unexplored. Here, we associated genomic data of three related tree species of the genus Symphonia in a French Guiana forest with (1) each individual tree's growth potential, and (2) with its light and competition environment estimated based on 33 years of forest monitoring in plots covering 120 ha. We show that individual trees within species have genetically determined growth strategies that are adapted to the local light and competition environments, which are shaped by the time since the last treefall. Within species, fast‐growing genotypes are more frequent in light‐enriched environments and slow‐growing genotypes in more shaded environments. Forest gap dynamics is thus a strong selection driver that shapes adaptive strategies and maintains genetic variation within tropical tree species.
Polygenic routes lead to parallel altitudinal adaptation in Heliosperma pusillum (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Szukala Aglaia , Lovegrove‐Walsh Jessica , Luqman Hirzi , Fior Simone , Wolfe Thomas M. , Frajman Božo , Schönswetter Peter , Paun Ovidiu
Published: February 2022

Understanding how organisms adapt to the environment is a major goal of modern biology. Parallel evolution—the independent evolution of similar phenotypes in different populations—provides a powerful framework to investigate the evolutionary potential of populations, the constraints of evolution, its repeatability and therefore its predictability. Here, we quantified the degree of gene expression and functional parallelism across replicated ecotype formation in Heliosperma pusillum (Caryophyllaceae), and gained insights into the architecture of adaptive traits. Population structure analyses and demographic modelling support a previously formulated hypothesis of parallel polytopic divergence of montane and alpine ecotypes. We detect a large proportion of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) underlying divergence within each replicate ecotype pair, with a strikingly low number of shared DEGs across pairs. Functional enrichment of DEGs reveals that the traits affected by significant expression divergence are largely consistent across ecotype pairs, in strong contrast to the nonshared genetic basis. The remarkable redundancy of differential gene expression indicates a polygenic architecture for the diverged adaptive traits. We conclude that polygenic traits appear key to opening multiple routes for adaptation, widening the adaptive potential of organisms.
Distinct microbiota composition and fermentation products indicate functional compartmentalization in the hindgut of a marine herbivorous fish
Authors: Pardesi Bikiran , Roberton Anthony M. , Lee Kevin C. , Angert Esther R. , Rosendale Douglas I. , Boycheva Svetlana , White William L. , Clements Kendall D.
Published: February 2022

Many marine herbivorous fishes harbour diverse microbial communities in the hindgut that can play important roles in host health and nutrition. Kyphosus sydneyanus is a temperate marine herbivorous fish that feeds predominantly on brown seaweeds. We employed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and gas chromatography to characterize microbial communities and their metabolites in different hindgut regions of six K. sydneyanus. Measurements were confined to three distal sections of the intestine, labelled III, IV and V from anterior to posterior. A total of 625 operational taxonomic units from 20 phyla and 123 genera were obtained. Bacteroidota, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the major phyla in mean relative abundance, which varied along the gut. Firmicutes (76%) was the most dominant group in section III, whereas Bacteroidota (69.3%) dominated section V. Total short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration was highest in sections IV and V, confirming active fermentation in these two most distal sections. The abundance of Bacteroidota correlated with propionate concentration in section V, while Firmicutes positively correlated with formate in sections III and IV. Acetate levels were highest in sections IV and V, which correlated with abundance of Bacteroidota. Despite differences in gut microbial community composition, SCFA profiles were consistent between individual fish in the different hindgut regions of K. sydneyanus, although proportions of SCFAs differed among gut sections. These findings demonstrate functional compartmentalization of the hindgut microbial community, highlighting the need for regional sampling when interpreting overall microbiome function. These results support previous work suggesting that hindgut microbiota in marine herbivorous fish are important to nutrition in some host species by converting dietary carbohydrates into metabolically useful SCFAs.
Genomic analysis of a parasite invasion: Colonization of the Americas by the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Platt Roy N. , Le Clec'h Winka , Chevalier Frédéric D. , McDew‐White Marina , LoVerde Philip T. , Ramiro de Assis Rafael , Oliveira Guilherme , Kinung'hi Safari , Djirmay Amadou Garba , Steinauer Michelle L. , Gouvras Anouk , Rabone Muriel , Allan Fiona , Webster Bonnie L. , Webster Joanne P. , Emery Aidan M. , Rollinson David , Anderson Timothy J. C.
Published: February 2022

Schistosoma mansoni, a snail‐borne, blood fluke that infects humans, was introduced into the Americas from Africa during the Trans‐Atlantic slave trade. As this parasite shows strong specificity to the snail intermediate host, we expected that adaptation to South American Biomphalaria spp. snails would result in population bottlenecks and strong signatures of selection. We scored 475,081 single nucleotide variants in 143 S. mansoni from the Americas (Brazil, Guadeloupe and Puerto Rico) and Africa (Cameroon, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda), and used these data to ask: (i) Was there a population bottleneck during colonization? (ii) Can we identify signatures of selection associated with colonization? (iii) What were the source populations for colonizing parasites? We found a 2.4‐ to 2.9‐fold reduction in diversity and much slower decay in linkage disequilibrium (LD) in parasites from East to West Africa. However, we observed similar nuclear diversity and LD in West Africa and Brazil, suggesting no strong bottlenecks and limited barriers to colonization. We identified five genome regions showing selection in the Americas, compared with three in West Africa and none in East Africa, which we speculate may reflect adaptation during colonization. Finally, we infer that unsampled populations from central African regions between Benin and Angola, with contributions from Niger, are probably the major source(s) for Brazilian S. mansoni. The absence of a bottleneck suggests that this is a rare case of a serendipitous invasion, where S. mansoni parasites were pre‐adapted to the Americas and able to establish with relative ease.
Microbiota composition and diversity of multiple body sites vary according to reproductive performance in a seabird
Authors: Leclaire Sarah , Pineaux Maxime , Blanchard Pierrick , White Joël , Hatch Scott A.
Published: February 2022

The microbiota is suggested to be a fundamental contributor to host reproduction and survival, but associations between microbiota and fitness are rare, especially for wild animals. Here, we tested the association between microbiota and two proxies of breeding performance in multiple body sites of the black‐legged kittiwake, a seabird species. First we found that, in females, nonbreeders (i.e., birds that did not lay eggs) hosted different microbiota composition to that of breeders in neck and flank feathers, in the choanae, in the outer‐bill and in the cloacae, but not in preen feathers and tracheae. These differences in microbiota might reflect variations in age or individual quality between breeders and nonbreeders. Second, we found that better female breeders (i.e., with higher body condition, earlier laying date, heavier eggs, larger clutch, and higher hatching success) had lower abundance of severalCorynebacteriaceaein cloaca than poorer female breeders, suggesting that these bacteria might be pathogenic. Third, in females, better breeders had different microbiota composition and lower microbiota diversity in feathers, especially in preen feathers. They had also reduced dispersion in microbiota composition across body sites. These results might suggest that good breeding females are able to control their feather microbiota—potentially through preen secretions—more tightly than poor breeding females. We did not find strong evidence for an association between reproductive outcome and microbiota in males. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that natural variation in the microbiota is associated with differences in host fitness in wild animals, but the causal relationships remain to be investigated.