bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of body mass index with post‐liver transplant outcomes
Authors: Ruck Jessica M. , Shui Amy M. , Jefferis Alexis A. , Duarte Rojo Andres , Rahimi Robert S. , Ganger Daniel R. , Verna Elizabeth C. , Kappus Matthew , Ladner Daniela P. , Segev Dorry L. , Volk Michael , Tevar Amit , King Elizabeth A. , Lai Jennifer C.
Published: December 2023

Background

Patients with obesity have inferior outcomes after general surgery procedures, but studies evaluating post‐liver transplant (LT) outcomes have been limited by small sample sizes or lack of granularity of outcomes. We evaluated the relationship between obesity and post‐LT outcomes, including those observed in other populations to be obesity‐related.

Methods

Included were 1357 LT recipients prospectively enrolled in the ambulatory pre‐LT setting at 8 U.S. centers. Recipient were categorized by body mass index (BMI, kg/m2): non‐obese (BMI < 30), class 1 obesity (BMI 30–<35), and classes 2–3 obesity (BMI ≥ 35). Post‐transplant complications were compared by BMI using Chi‐square and rank‐sum testing, logistic regression, Kaplan‐Meier curves, and Cox regression.

Results

Classes 2–3 obesity was associated with higher adjusted odds than non‐obesity of venous thrombosis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.06, 95% CI 1.01–4.23, p = .047] and wound dehiscence (aOR 2.45, 95% CI 1.19–5.06, p = .02). Compared with non‐obese recipients, post‐LT hospital stay was significantly longer for recipients with classes 2–3 obesity [p = .01; median (Q1–Q3) 9 (6–14) vs. 8 (6–12) days) or class 1 obesity [p = .002; 9 (6–14) vs. 8 (6–11) days].  Likelihood of ICU readmission, infection, discharge to a non‐home facility, rejection, 30‐day readmission, and 1‐year readmission were similar across BMI categories (all p > .05).

Conclusion

Compared to non‐obese recipients, obese recipients had similar post‐LT survival but longer hospital stay and higher likelihood of wound dehiscence and venous thrombosis. These findings underscore that obesity alone should not preclude LT, but recipients with obesity should be monitored for obesity‐related complications such as wound dehiscence and venous thrombosis.
Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of postoperative stroke in combined heart‐lung transplantation: A retrospective cohort study of the UNOS registry
Authors: Akbar Armaan F. , Shou Benjamin L. , Casillan Alfred J. , Kilic Ahmet , Bush Errol L. , Whitman Glenn , Cho Sung‐Min
Published: December 2023

Stroke is a well‐characterized complication of isolated heart and lung transplantation, but has not been described in combined heart‐lung transplantation (HLTx). We retrospectively reviewed national U.S. data to describe the incidence, risk factors, and impact of postoperative stroke in HLTx recipients. Of 871 heart‐lung recipients between 1994–2022, 35 (4.0%) experienced stroke, and the incidence increased over time, trending toward significance (p‐trend = .07). After adjustment, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.63, 95%CI = [1.13–6.11]) and pre‐transplant implantable defibrillator (aOR = 2.86, 95%CI = [1.20–6.81]) were independent risk factors for stroke. Postoperative stroke is common and is increasing in an era where organ allocation is driven by mechanical circulatory support (MCS) bridging.
A comparison between patients with various etiologies of cirrhosis and examination of cardiac risk factors limiting survival to liver transplantation
Authors: Delicce Michael J. , Mauch Joseph , Sims Omar T. , Lyu Ruishen , Kren Heather , Bartow Rose , Ferchill Donna , Joseph Abel , Fares Maan , Wakim‐Fleming Jamile
Published: December 2023

Background & Aims

Objectives of this retrospective cohort study were to assess differences in patient survival between etiologies of cirrhosis while on the waitlist for liver transplantation (LT), and to identify cardiac risk factors that predict survival failure while on the waitlist for LT.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective cohort design included adult patients who were listed for LT at a tertiary academic hospital with a high‐volume liver transplant center.

Results

Of the 653 patients listed for LT during the study period, 507 (77.6%) survived to transplant and 146 (22.4%) died or clinically deteriorated prior to transplant. Cumulative incidence of death or clinical deterioration did not differ statistically between patient groups (log rank p = .11). In multivariate analysis, compared to patients with NAFLD, there were no significant differences between patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (HR .95, 95%, CI, .62–1.45), cryptogenic cirrhosis (HR 1.31, 95%, CI, .77–2.23), or hepatitis C cirrhosis (HR 1.12, 95%, CI, .66–1.90). However, higher MELD scores (HR = 1.52, 95% CI, 1.12–1.19), severe coronary artery disease (HR = 2.09 95% CI, 1.23–3.55), and tricuspid regurgitation (HR = 2.62, 95% CI, 1.31–5.26) were independently associated with increased risk for survival failure to LT.

Conclusions

The presence of severe coronary artery disease and tricuspid regurgitation at the time of listing for transplant are associated with survival failure while on the LT waitlist across etiologies of liver disease. Diagnostic assessment of coronary and valvular disease should be considered in all patients undergoing evaluation for LT, such as cardiac catheterization and/or stress echocardiogram.
Severe hepatic encephalopathy with mechanical ventilation may inform waitlist priority in acute liver failure: A UNOS database analysis
Authors: Ma Jiayi , Slaven James E. , Nephew Lauren , Patidar Kavish R. , Desai Archita P. , Orman Eric , Kubal Chandrashekhar , Chalasani Naga , Ghabril Marwan
Published: December 2023

Background & Aims

Patients with acute liver failure (ALF) awaiting liver transplantation (LT) may develop multiorgan failure, but organ failure does not impact waitlist prioritization. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of organ failure on waitlist mortality risk and post LT outcomes in patients with ALF.

Methods

We studied adults waitlisted for ALF in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database (2002–2019). Organ failures were defined using a previously described Chronic Liver Failure modified sequential organ failure score assessment adapted to UNOS data. Regression analyses of the primary endpoints, 30‐day waitlist mortality (Competing risk), and post‐LT mortality (Cox‐proportional hazards), were performed. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to determine the organ failures most closely associated with 30‐day waitlist mortality.

Results

About 3212 adults with ALF were waitlisted, for hepatotoxicity (41%), viral (12%) and unspecified (36%) etiologies. The median number of organ failures was three (interquartile range 1–3). Having ≥3 organ failures (vs. ≤2) was associated with a sub hazard ratio (HR) of 2.7 (95%CI 2.2–3.4)) and a HR of 1.5 (95%CI 1.1–2.5)) for waitlist and post‐LT mortality, respectively. LCA identified neurologic and respiratory failure as most impactful on 30‐day waitlist mortality. The odds ratios for both organ failures (vs. neither) were higher for mortality 4.5 (95% CI 3.4–5.9) and lower for delisting for spontaneous survival .5 (95%CI .4–.7) and LT .6 (95%CI .5–.7).

Conclusion

Cumulative organ failure, especially neurologic and respiratory failure, significantly impacts waitlist and post‐LT mortality in patients with ALF and may inform risk‐prioritized allocation of organs.
Climate change threatens the future viability of translocated populations
Authors: Bellis Joe M. , Maschinski Joyce , Bonnin Noémie , Bielby Jon , Dalrymple Sarah E.
Published: December 2023

Aim

The dynamic nature of climate change diminishes the effectiveness of static approaches to nature conservation. Areas that were once suitable for species may no longer be suitable, and areas that are suitable now, may be unsuitable in the future. Despite increasing global awareness of the threats posed by climate change, it remains poorly accounted for in conservation programmes, such as translocation. In this study, we project changes in climate suitability for populations of ectothermic species that have been successfully established through translocation efforts.

Location

Biogeographical realms: Australasia, Holarctic, Palearctic and Nearctic.

Methods

We use species distribution models (SDMs) to project changes in macroclimatic suitability across 65 translocation recipient sites involving 38 ectothermic species. We consider optimistic (SSP126) and pessimistic (SSP370) scenarios of climate change for five general circulation models spanning three time horizons from 2021–2040 up to 2061–2080.

Results

Our models predict that at least 74% of recipient sites are projected to decline in climate suitability, regardless of the SSP scenario or time horizon. While recipient site suitability, scaled from 0 to 1 (low–high), was typically very high (>0.75, 39% of sites) under baseline climate conditions (1960–2010), models project a marked shift towards low suitability climates (<0.25, 40% of sites) by the middle of the century (2041–2060) onwards under the more pessimistic scenario. Relative to species' ranges, recipient sites located closer to the equator are projected to experience the most significant declines in suitability.

Main Conclusions

Our results call for greater consideration of spatiotemporal factors during the recipient site selection process, so that translocated populations are more strategically placed for long‐term persistence under climate change.
Human blood metabolites and risk of sepsis: A Mendelian randomization investigation
Authors: Shang Weifeng , Qian Hang , Zhang Sheng , Yuan Mingyang , Pan Xiaojun , Huang Sisi , Liu Jiao , Chen Dechang
Published: December 2023

Background

Evidence supports the observational correlations between human blood metabolites and sepsis. However, whether these associations represent a causal relationship is unknown. In this study, we applied two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causality between genetically proxied 486 blood metabolites and sepsis risk.

Methods

We used summary data from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) on 486 metabolites involving 7824 individuals as exposure and a sepsis GWAS including 11,643 cases and 474,841 controls as the outcome. The inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) was the primary method to estimate the causal relationship between exposure and outcome, with MR‐Egger and weighted median serving as supplements. Sensitivity analyses were implemented with Cochrane's Q test, MR‐Egger intercept, MR‐PRESSO and leave‐one‐out analysis. In addition, we performed replication MR, meta‐analysis, Steiger test, linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) regression and multivariable MR (MVMR) to thoroughly verify the causation.

Results

We identified that genetically determined high levels of 1‐oleoylglycerophosphoethanolamine (odds ratio (OR) = .52, 95% confidence interval (CI): .31–.87, p = .0122), alpha‐glutamyltyrosine (OR = .75, 95% CI: .60–.93, p = .0102), heptanoate (7:0) (OR = .51, 95% CI: .33–.81, p = .0041) and saccharin (OR = .84, 95% CI: .74–.94, p = .0036) were causally associated with a lower risk of sepsis. MVMR analysis demonstrated the independent causal effect of these metabolites on sepsis.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that four blood metabolites have a protective impact on sepsis, thus providing novel perspectives into the metabolite‐mediated development mechanism of sepsis by combining genomics and metabolomics.
Developmental and environmental plasticity in opsin gene expression in Lake Victoria cichlid fish
Authors: Irazábal‐González Lucia , Wright Daniel S. , Maan Martine E.
Published: December 2023

In many organisms, sensory abilities develop and evolve according to the changing demands of navigating, foraging, and communication across different environments and life stages. Teleost fish inhabit heterogeneous light environments and exhibit a large diversity in visual system properties among species. Cichlids are a classic example of this diversity; visual system variation is generated by different tuning mechanisms that involve both genetic factors and phenotypic plasticity. Here, we document the developmental progression of visual pigment gene expression in Lake Victoria cichlids and test if these patterns are influenced by variation in light conditions. We reared two sister species of Pundamilia to adulthood in two distinct visual conditions that resemble the light environments that they naturally inhabit in Lake Victoria. We also included interspecific first‐generation hybrids. We focused on the four opsins that are expressed in Pundamilia adults (using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR)) (SWS2B, SWS2A, RH2A, and LWS) at 17 time points. We find that opsin expression profiles progress from shorter‐wavelength sensitive opsins to longer‐wavelength sensitive opsins with increasing age, in both species and their hybrids. The developmental trajectories of opsin expression also responded plastically to the visual conditions. Developmental and environmental plasticity in opsin expression may provide an important stepping stone in the evolution of cichlid visual system diversity.
Degree of cure of orthodontic composite attachments underneath aligners
Authors: Lasance Sandrine Janine , Koletsi Despina , Eliades George , Eliades Theodore
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the percentage degree of cure (DC%) of 2‐mm‐thick resin composite attachments used for aligner treatment. Three types of aligner – two thermoformed aligners (Clear Aligner [CLA], polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified; and Invisalign [INV], polyester urethane) and a three‐dimensional‐printed aligner (Graphy TC‐85DAC [GRP], an acrylate‐methacrylate copolymer) – were selected, along with two universal resin composites (3M Filtek Universal [FTU] and Charisma Topaz ONE [CTO]). Samples of each composite were placed under each aligner, and the degree of cure of each composite was evaluated on the top (facing the aligner) and the bottom (facing the substrate) attachment surfaces after curing. Five specimens were used per combination of aligner and composite, and an additional group of composites irradiated without aligners served as the control. The DC% measurements were performed using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. The DC% across the aligners were (median values) 33.8%–44.8% for CLA, 33.6%–40.8% for INV, 32.8%–40.6% for GRP, and 40.0%–51.7% for the control group. The DC% values of the attachments cured under any aligner were significantly lower than that of the corresponding control, with the values recorded on the top surfaces being 6% higher than those on the bottom surfaces after adjusting for aligner group and composite type.
Microbial amyloids in neurodegenerative amyloid diseases
Authors: Sampson Timothy
Published: December 2023

Human‐disease associated amyloidogenic proteins are not unique in their ability to form amyloid fibrillar structures. Numerous microbes produce amyloidogenic proteins that have distinct functions for their physiology in their amyloid form, rather than solely detrimental. Emerging data indicate associations between various microbial organisms, including those which produce functional amyloids, with neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review some of the evidence suggesting that microbial amyloids impact amyloid disease in host organisms. Experimental data are building a foundation for continued lines of enquiry and suggest that that direct or indirect interactions between microbial and host amyloids may be a contributor to amyloid pathologies. Inhibiting microbial amyloids or their interactions with the host may therefore represent a tangible target to limit various amyloid pathologies.
Identifying locally actionable strategies to increase participant acceptability and feasibility to participate in Phase I cancer clinical trials
Authors: Staras Stephanie A. S. , Wollney Easton N. , Emerson Lisa E. , Silver Natalie , Dziegielewski Peter T. , Hansen Marta D. , Sanchez Gabriela , D'Ingeo Dalila , Johnson‐Mallard Versie , Renne Rolf , Fredenburg Kristianna , Gutter Michael , Zamojski Kendra , Vandeweerd Carla , Bylund Carma L.
Published: December 2023

Background

Recruitment of cancer clinical trial (CCT) participants, especially participants representing the diversity of the US population, is necessary to create successful medications and a continual challenge. These challenges are amplified in Phase I cancer trials that focus on evaluating the safety of new treatments and are the gateway to treatment development. In preparation for recruitment to a Phase I recurrent head and neck cancer (HNC) trial, we assessed perceived barriers to participation or referral and suggestions for recruitment among people with HNC and community physicians (oncologist, otolaryngologist or surgeon).

Methods

Between December 2020 and February 2022, we conducted a qualitative needs assessment via semistructured interviews with a race and ethnicity‐stratified sample of people with HNC (n = 30: 12 non‐Hispanic White, 9 non‐Hispanic African American, 8 Hispanic and 1 non‐Hispanic Pacific Islander) and community physicians (n = 16) within the University of Florida Health Cancer Center catchment area. Interviews were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach to describe perspectives and identify relevant themes.

Results

People with HNC reported thematic barriers included: concerns about side effects, safety and efficacy; lack of knowledge and systemic and environmental obstacles. Physicians identified thematic barriers of limited physician knowledge; clinic and physician barriers and structural barriers. People with HNC and physicians recommended themes included: improved patient education, dissemination of trial information and interpersonal communication between community physicians and CCT staff.

Conclusions

The themes identified by people with HNC and community physicians are consistent with research efforts and recommendations on how to increase the participation of people from minoritized populations in CCTs. This community needs assessment provides direction on the selection of strategies to increase CCT participation and referral.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study focused on people with HNC and community physicians' lived experience and their interpretations of how they would consider a future Phase I clinical trial. In addition to our qualitative data reflecting community voices, a community member reviewed the draft interview guide before data collection and both people with HNC and physicians aided interpretation of the findings.
Thrombin generation assay in platelet‐poor plasma in children with iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Özdöl Umur , Özdemir Zeynep Canan , Töret Ersin , Özen Hülya , Bör Özcan
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common type of anemia in childhood and it leads to a hypercoagulable state. We investigated endogenous thrombin production in platelet‐poor plasma before and after oral iron replacement in children with IDA using the thrombin generation assay (TGA).

Methods

A total of 72 children diagnosed with IDA (IDA group) and 60 healthy children (control group) were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from the patients before and 1 month after oral iron replacement. TGA parameters [lag time, time to peak, peak height, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP)] were studied.

Results

In the IDA group, the lag time and time to peak decreased by 8.3% and 10.6%, respectively, and the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak height both increased by 30% compared to those of the control group. Compared to the values before iron replacement, 1 month after iron replacement, the lag time and time to peak increased by 8.7% and 5%, respectively, and the ETP and peak height decreased by 31% and 31.3%, respectively, and became similar to those of the control group.

Conclusion

Children with IDA have increased endogenous thrombin production in platelet‐poor plasma and a tendency for hypercoagulability. These changes are reversible, and the ETP values become similar to those of healthy children 1 month after iron replacement.
Multi‐drug resistance pattern and genome‐wide SNP detection in levofloxacin‐resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains
Authors: Okumura Kayo , Kaido Masako , Muratani Tetsuro , Yamasaki Eiki , Akai Yasumasa , Kurazono Hisao , Yamamoto Shingo
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Antibiotic treatment is extremely stressful for bacteria and has profound effects on their viability. Such administration induces physiological changes in bacterial cells, with considerable impact on their genome structure that induces mutations throughout the entire genome. This study investigated drug resistance profiles and structural changes in the entire genome of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains isolated from six adapted clones that had evolved under laboratory conditions.

Methods

Eight UPEC strains, including two parental strains and six adapted clones, with different fluoroquinolone resistance levels originally isolated from two patients were used. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 28 different antibiotics including levofloxacin was determined for each of the eight strains. In addition, the effects of mutations acquired with increased drug resistance in the levofloxacin‐resistant strains on expression of genes implicated to be involved in drug resistance were examined.

Results

Of the eight UPEC strains used to test the MIC of 28 different antibiotics, two highly fluoroquinolone‐resistant strains showed increased MIC in association with many of the antibiotics. As drug resistance increased, some genes acquired mutations, including the transcriptional regulator acrR and DNA‐binding transcriptional repressor marR. Two strain groups with genetically different backgrounds (GUC9 and GFCS1) commonly acquired mutations in acrR and marR. Notably, acquired mutations related to efflux pump upregulation also contributed to increases in MIC for various antibiotics other than fluoroquinolone.

Conclusions

The present results obtained using strains with artificially acquired drug resistance clarify the underlying mechanism of resistance to fluoroquinolones and other types of antibiotics.
Performance‐related pay and the UK gender pay gap
Authors: Jones Melanie , Kaya Ezgi
Published: December 2023

Applying decomposition methods to data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, we highlight the importance of performance‐related pay to the contemporary UK gender pay gap. We find that the lower probability of females being employed in performance‐related pay jobs explains a sizeable proportion of the gender pay gap, particularly at the top end of the annual earnings distribution. The latter is driven by its influence within the private sector.
Towards self‐organizing logistics in transportation: a literature review and typology
Authors: Gerrits Berry , van Heeswijk Wouter , Mes Martijn
Published: December 2023

Deploying self‐organizing systems is a way to cope with the logistics sector's complex, dynamic, and stochastic nature. In such systems, automated decision‐making and decentralized or distributed control structures are combined. Such control structures reduce the complexity of decision‐making, require less computational effort, and are therefore faster, reducing the risk that changes during decision‐making render the solution invalid. These benefits of self‐organizing systems are of interest to many practitioners involved in solving real‐world problems in the logistics sector. This study, therefore, identifies and classifies research related to self‐organizing logistics (SOL) with a focus on transportation. SOL is an interdisciplinary study across many domains and relates to other concepts, such as agent‐based systems, autonomous control, and decentral systems. Yet, few papers directly identify this as self‐organization. Hence, we add to the existing literature by conducting a systematic literature review that provides insight into the field of SOL. The main contribution of this paper is two‐fold: (i) based on the findings from the literature review, we identify and synthesize 15 characteristics of SOL in a typology, and (ii) we present a two‐dimensional SOL framework alongside the axes of autonomy and cooperativity to position and contrast the broad range of literature, thereby creating order in the field of SOL and revealing promising research directions.
Iron supplementation in the diets of hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus × I. furcatus) juveniles affected haematocrit levels and potentially decreased disease resistance to Edwardsiella ictaluri
Authors: Yamamoto Fernando Y. , Griffin Matt J. , Richardson Bradley M. , Stilwell Justin M. , Romano Nicholas , Goodman Penelope M. , Reifers J. Grant , Wise David J.
Published: December 2023

To prevent catfish idiopathic anaemia, diets fortified with iron have been adopted as a regular practice on commercial catfish farms to promote erythropoiesis. However, the effects of prolonged exposure of excess dietary iron on production performance and disease resistance for hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus × I. furcatus) remains unknown. Four experimental diets were supplemented with ferrous monosulphate to provide 0, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg of iron per kg of diet. Groups of 16 hybrid catfish juveniles (~22.4 g) were stocked in each of 20, 110‐L aquaria (n = 5), and experimental diets were offered to the fish to apparent satiation for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, production performance, survival, condition indices, as well as protein and iron retention were unaffected by the dietary treatments. Blood haematocrit and the iron concentration in the whole‐body presented a linear increase with the increasing the dietary iron. The remaining fish from the feeding trial was challenged with Edwardsiella ictaluri. Mortality was mainly observed for the dietary groups treated with iron supplemented diets. The results for this study suggest that iron supplementation beyond the required levels does affect the blood production, and it may increase their susceptibility to E. ictaluri infection.
Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in clear aligner patients using orthodontic intermaxillary elastics assessed with diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) axis II evaluation: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Uzunçıbuk Hande , Marrapodi Maria Maddalena , Meto Aida , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Cicciù Marco , Minervini Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Background

The objective of this investigation is to assess the relationship between the utilisation of orthodontic intermaxillary elastics and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms in clear aligner patients and to examine the correlation between the elastic usage time with the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD)—Axis II Evaluation Forms.

Methods

This study was carried out on a total of 40 clear aligner patients using intermaxillary elastics in the experimental group and 30 clear aligner patients who did not use any intermaxillary elastics in the control group. The data were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U, chi‐square, Fisher's exact chi‐square, and Fisher Freeman Halton exact chi‐square tests.

Results

The characteristic pain intensity, mastication, mobility, communication, global and PHQ‐9 scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < .05). The characteristic pain intensity score, interference score and chronic pain grade score of patients using Class III elastics were statistically significantly higher than those of patients using Class II elastics (p < .05). Patients who used elastics for less than 6 months had statistically significantly higher PHQ‐9 scores than those who used elastics for more than 6 months (p < .05).

Conclusions

Orthodontic treatment may affect occlusion, bite force and jaw movement, which may cause or worsen TMD symptoms, and the DC/TMD questionnaires can determine if orthodontic patients acquire TMD by assessing their psychosocial state and pain‐related problems.
High glucose impairs human periodontal ligament cells migration through lowered microRNAs 221 and 222
Authors: Monteiro Mariana Marin , Gomes Cibele Crastequini , Cruz Mario Costa , Horliana Anna Carolina R. Tempestini , Hamassaki Dânia Emi , Lima Cilene Rebouças , Santos Marinilce F.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate the effects of miR‐221 and miR‐222 and high glucose on human periodontal ligament (PL) cells morphology, cytoskeleton, adhesion, and migration.

Background

Chronic hyperglycemia is common in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) and plays a central role in long‐term DM complications, such as impaired periodontal healing. We have previously shown that high glucose increases apoptosis of human PL cells by inhibiting miR‐221 and miR‐222 and consequently augmenting their target caspase‐3. However, other effects of miR‐221/222 downregulation on PL cells are still unknown.

Methods

Cells from young humans' premolar teeth were cultured for 7 days under 5 or 30 mM glucose. Directional and spontaneous migration on fibronectin were studied using transwell and time‐lapse assays, respectively. F‐actin staining was employed to study cell morphology and the actin cytoskeleton. MiR‐221 and miR‐222 were inhibited using antagomiRs, and their expressions were evaluated by real‐time RT‐PCR.

Results

High glucose inhibited PL cells early adhesion, spreading, and migration on fibronectin. Cells exposed to high glucose showed reduced polarization, velocity, and directionality. They formed several simultaneous unstable and short‐lived protrusions, suggesting impairment of adhesion maturation. MiR‐221 and miR‐222 inhibition also reduced migration, decreasing cell directionality but not significantly cell velocity. After miR‐221 and miR‐222 downregulation cells showed morphological resemblance with cells exposed to high glucose.

Conclusion

High glucose impairs human PL cells migration potentially through a mechanism involving reduction of microRNA‐221 and microRNA‐222 expression. These effects may contribute to the impairment of periodontal healing, especially after surgery and during guided regeneration therapies.
The ClpX chaperone and a hypermorphic FtsA variant with impaired self‐interaction are mutually compensatory for coordinating Staphylococcus aureus cell division
Authors: Henriksen Camilla , Bæk Kristoffer T. , Wacnik Katarzyna , Gallay Clement , Veening Jan‐Willem , Foster Simon J. , Frees Dorte
Published: December 2023

Bacterial cell division requires the coordinated assembly and disassembly of a large protein complex called the divisome; however, the exact role of molecular chaperones in this critical process remains unclear. We here provide genetic evidence that ClpX unfoldase activity is a determinant for proper coordination of bacterial cell division by showing the growth defect of a Staphylococcus aureus clpX mutant is rescued by a spontaneously acquired G325V substitution in the ATP‐binding domain of the essential FtsA cell division protein. The polymerization state of FtsA is thought to control initiation of bacterial septum synthesis and, while restoring the aberrant FtsA dynamics in clpX cells, the FtsAG325V variant displayed reduced ability to interact with itself and other cell division proteins. In wild‐type cells, the ftsAG325V allele shared phenotypes with Escherichia coli superfission ftsA mutants and accelerated the cell cycle, increased the risk of daughter cell lysis, and conferred sensitivity to heat and antibiotics inhibiting cell wall synthesis. Strikingly, lethality was mitigated by spontaneous mutations that inactivate ClpX. Taken together, our results suggest that ClpX promotes septum synthesis by antagonizing FtsA interactions and illuminates the critical role of a protein unfoldase in coordinating bacterial cell division.
Super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy for investigating bacterial cell biology
Authors: Carsten Alexander , Wolters Manuel , Aepfelbacher Martin
Published: December 2023

Super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy technologies developed over the past two decades have pushed the resolution limit for fluorescently labeled molecules into the nanometer range. These technologies have the potential to study bacterial structures, for example, macromolecular assemblies such as secretion systems, with single‐molecule resolution on a millisecond time scale. Here we review recent applications of super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy with a focus on bacterial secretion systems. We also describe MINFLUX fluorescence nanoscopy, a relatively new technique that promises to one day produce molecular movies of molecular machines in action.
Effects of RNA silencing during antagonism between citrus exocortis viroid and citrus bark cracking viroid in Etrog citron (Citrus medica)
Authors: Qiu Yuanjian , Wang Yafei , Wu Yujiao , Yang Han , Yang Mengxue , Zhou Changyong , Cao Mengji
Published: December 2023

Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) and citrus bark cracking viroid (CBCVd) are two important viroids that infect citrus plants and frequently occur as mixed infections in orchards. However, the mechanism of antagonism between the two viroids in mixed infections remains unclear. The CEVd/CBCVd–citron system and small RNA sequencing (sRNA‐seq) were used to study the antagonism. When CBCVd was inoculated before CEVd, the CEVd titre was significantly reduced and the symptoms were attenuated. Viroid‐derived sRNAs (vd‐sRNAs) from CEVd and CBCVd were predominantly 21‐nucleotide (nt) and 22‐nt in length and had similar 5′ base biases. Homologous sequences of the two viroids in the terminal right (TR) region are rich in vd‐sRNAs, and the high frequency vd‐sRNAs selected from the CBCVd TR region can be used to degrade the transcripts of CEVd in vivo directly. These results suggest that RNA silencing may play an important role in the antagonism of the two viroids, thus deepening our understanding of the molecular interaction of long noncoding RNAs in woody plants.
An electrogram‐guided transvenous temporary pacemaker implant simulator
Authors: Klemz Fábio Kadratz , Amaral Sérgio Augusto Gonçalves , Santos Marcos Victor Almeida dos , Pinheiro Helder Henrique Costa , Júnior Antônio Pereira , Furtado Júlio Cézar Costa , Caldas Ivete Furtado Ribeiro , Chaves Rafael Oliveira
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Transvenous temporary pacemaker (TvTP) implantation is a critical procedure often performed under time limitations, playing a crucial role in patient survival. However, the amount of training provided for resident cardiologists is variable, due to the availability of patients. Thus, the use of simulators for this cardiologic procedure could be used as training tools.

Objective

The present study aimed to develop a simulator system for TvTP implantation based on electrograms, called ETTIS (Electrogram‐guided Transvenous Temporary‐pacemaker Implantation Simulator), and to evaluate its educational potential and cardiology residents' perceived learning efficacy as a training tool.

Methodology

The development of the ETTIS involved three stages: (1) Adaptation of an anatomical mannequin; (2) Design and manufacture of electronic circuits and software capable of identifying the catheter contact site within the heart chambers and reproducing electrograms in both surfaces (mode‐on) and intracavitary (mode‐off); (3) To evaluate its educational potential, a modified Likert questionnaire was administered to nine cardiology experts. Additionally, to evaluate the perceived learning efficacy, another modified Likert questionnaire was given to six cardiology residents both before and after training with the ETTIS. Descriptive statistics with measures of position and dispersion were employed, and the weighted Kappa test was used for agreement analysis.

Results

A high rate of acceptance (over 90%) was found among experts who evaluated the ETTIS. The cardiology residents showed significant self‐perceived learning gains, as evidenced by a lack of agreement between their responses to a questionnaire before and after training.

Conclusion

The ETTIS is a promising tool for medical training, displaying both educational potential and efficacy. It has been shown to be effective in learning a variety of skills, including cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology. Additionally, the ETTIS is highly engaging and allows cardiology residents to practice in a safe and controlled environment.
Fecal calprotectin: A novel predictor of ulcerated esophageal injury after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation
Authors: Wang Yun‐He , Tang Xiao‐Mei , Jiang Ru‐Hong , Sun Ya‐Xun , Liu Qiang , Zhang Pei , Yu Lu , Lin Jian‐Wei , Cheng Hui , Chen Shi‐Quan , Zhang Zu‐Wen , Sheng Xia , Lin Ne , Chen Xiao‐Li , Fu Guo‐Sheng , Jiang Chen‐Yang
Published: December 2023

Background

Atrial esophageal fistula (AEF) is a lethal complication that can occur post atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Esophageal injury (EI) is likely to be the initial lesion leading to AEF. Endoscopic examination is the gold standard for a diagnosis of EI but extensive endoscopic screening is invasive and costly. This study was conducted to determine whether fecal calprotectin (Fcal), a marker of inflammation throughout the intestinal tract, may be associated with the existence of esophageal injury.

Methods

This diagnostic study was conducted in a cohort of 166 patients with symptomatic AF undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation from May 2020 to June 2021. Fcal tests were performed 1–7 days after ablation. All patients underwent endoscopic ultrasonography 1 or 2 days after ablation.

Results

The levels of Fcal were significantly different between the EI and non‐EI groups (404.9 µg/g (IQR 129.6–723.6) vs. 40.4 µg/g (IQR 15.0–246.2), p < .001). Analysis of ROC curves revealed that a Fcal level of 125 µg/g might be the optimal cut‐off value for a diagnosis of EI, giving a 78.8% sensitivity and a 65.4% specificity. The negative predictive value of Fcal was 100% for ulcerated EI.

Conclusions

The level of Fcal is associated with EI post AF catheter ablation. 125 µg/g might be the optimal cut‐off value for a diagnosis of EI. Negative Fcal could predict the absence of ulcerated EI, which could be considered a precursor to AEF.
Retrograde thoracic spinal cord stimulation paddle placement for complex persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2
Authors: de Monaco Bernardo Assumpcao , Piedade Guilherme Santos , Doomi Ahmed , Jagid Jonathan R. , Almeida Timoteo , Cordeiro Joacir Graciolli
Published: December 2023

Background

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a cost‐effective option for treating refractory persistent spinal pain syndrome type‐2 (PSPS‐2). For patients with extensive spine instrumentation including the thoraco‐lumbar junction, percutaneous placement of SCS leads is usually not an option being paddle leads typically implanted anterograde. Paddle lead placement will be particularly challenging in more complex cases when the instrumentation covers the targeted level. To overcome this barrier, we studied using a retrograde approach to reach the sweet spot, facilitate the placement, and reduce associated risks.

Objectives

To study the use of retrograde SCS paddle as a placement method to optimize the spinal cord target and reduce the risks of conventional placement in complex cases.

Study Design

Case series and technical note.

Methods

We present three cases of thoracic retrograde SCS paddle lead placement cases, detailing patient selection, operative technique, and outcome. All the cases had extensive instrumentation to the thoraco‐lumbar spine, and one had additional spinal canal stenosis. The surgical procedure entailed a retrograde midthoracic inter‐laminar approach, flavectomy, and caudal placement of the paddle lead with intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) guidance for functional midline determination.

Results

All the cases had a successful lead placement over the sweet spot without complications. The same approach was used to decompress a focal spinal stenosis in one case. One case had significantly improved pain and hence underwent a pulse generator implant. The other cases had non‐satisfactory pain control and were explanted.

Limitations

These case description could guide technical procedural steps, however, a larger number of such cases would be needed to describe further technical nuances.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that placing SCS paddle leads via retrograde midthoracic approach with IONM guidance is safe. This procedure should be an option for SCS paddle implants in patients with posterior spinal fusion encompassing the intended targeted spinal stimulation level.
Soil legacies of tree species richness in a young plantation do not modulate tree seedling response to watering regime
Authors: Dhiedt E. , Baeten L. , De Smedt P. , Verheyen K.
Published: December 2023

Trees have a strong and species‐specific influence on biotic and abiotic properties of the soil. Even after the vegetation is removed, the effect can persist to form so‐called soil legacies. We investigated the effects of soil legacies of tree species richness on the emergence and growth of tree seedlings, and how these legacy effects modulate the seedling responses to irrigation frequency.

We used a 9‐year‐old tree plantation on former agricultural land in Belgium, which is part of a biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning experiment (FORBIO). Soil originating from monocultures and four‐species plots, with different species combinations, was translocated to a greenhouse. Five tree species (Betula pendula, Fagus sylvatica, Pinus sylvestris, Quercus robur, and Tilia cordata) were sown and grown for one growing season in these soils. We performed a watering treatment (low and high irrigation frequency) to measure any potential interaction effects between the soil legacies and irrigation frequency.

There was no evidence for soil legacy effects of species richness on plant performance or their response to the irrigation frequency. However, the effect of irrigation frequency was dependent on species identity of the tree seedlings. Despite the lack of clear legacy effects, performance measures did show correlated responses that are likely due to species composition effects.

We ascribe these patterns to the young age of the forest and the agricultural past land use. At this early stage in forest development, the land‐use history likely has a more important role in shaping soil characteristics that affect plant growth and their response to drought, than species diversity.
Concurrent attention to hetero‐depth surfaces in 3‐D visual space is governed by theta rhythm
Authors: Deng Hongyu , Gao Yuan , Mo Lei , Mo Ce
Published: December 2023

When simultaneously confronted with multiple attentional targets, visual system employs a time‐multiplexing approach in which each target alternates for prioritized access, a mechanism broadly known as rhythmic attentional sampling. For the past decade, rhythmic attentional sampling has received mounting support from converging behavioral and neural findings. However, so compelling are these findings that a critical test ground has been long overshadowed, namely the 3‐D visual space where attention is complicated by extraction of the spatial layout of surfaces extending beyond 2‐D planes. It remains unknown how attentional deployment to multiple targets is accomplished in the 3‐D space. Here, we provided a time‐resolved portrait of the behavioral and neural dynamics when participants concurrently attended to two surfaces defined by motion–depth conjunctions. To characterize the moment‐to‐moment attentional modulation effects, we measured perceptual sensitivity to the hetero‐depth surface motions on a fine temporal scale and reconstructed their neural representations using a time‐resolved multivariate inverted encoding model. We found that the perceptual sensitivity to the two surface motions rhythmically fluctuated over time at ~4 Hz, with one's enhancement closely tracked by the other's diminishment. Moreover, the behavioral pattern was coupled with an ongoing periodic alternation in strength between the two surface motion representations in the same frequency. Together, our findings provide the first converging evidence of an attentional “pendulum” that rhythmically traverses different stereoscopic depth planes and are indicative of a ubiquitous attentional time multiplexor based on theta rhythm in the 3‐D visual space.
Role of bottom water chemistry in the formation of fibrous magnesium calcite at methane seeps in the Black Sea
Authors: Lu Yang , Mihailova Boriana , Malcherek Thomas , Paulmann Carsten , Smrzka Daniel , Zwicker Jennifer , Lin Zhiyong , Bohrmann Gerhard , Peckmann Jörn
Published: December 2023

Climate change poses a significant challenge for life on Earth. Different climate modes have been shown to come along with changes of the magnesium/calcium (Mg/Ca) ratio of seawater, and such changes are believed to control the primary mineral phase of marine authigenic carbonates. However, factors controlling marine carbonate phases other than seawater Mg/Ca ratios exist. Fibrous cements forming at methane seeps in the Black Sea provide new insight into the factors governing elemental and mineral phase compositions of fibrous carbonates. In this study, the distribution of aragonite and fibrous Mg calcite cements from three seep sites in the Black Sea is described as a function of water depth. The Mg/Ca ratio of seawater, as well as the ratio in shallow pore water, is close to four at the examined sites. Fibrous Mg calcite post‐dated aragonite cement in seep carbonates from shallow water depth of 120 to 190 m, whereas Mg calcite is the only cement at a greater depth of ca 2000 m. The primary formation of fibrous Mg calcite is confirmed by its zonation under cathodoluminescence, crystal morphologies agreeing with competitive growth, uniformly distributed MgCO3 contents and precipitation in equilibrium with local conditions calculated from δ18O values. The MgCO3 contents (4.5 to 12.2 mol%) are negatively correlated with δ13C values, indicating that the incorporation of Mg into the calcite crystal structure was favoured by high concentrations of sulphide generated by sulphate‐driven anaerobic oxidation of methane. Unlike open oceanic basins, stratification in the Black Sea leads to euxinic conditions in the deeper water column, favouring fibrous Mg calcite formation. This observation is consistent with sulphide catalysis as a critical agent for the formation of low‐Mg calcite to very high‐Mg calcite at high Mg/Ca ratios and is possibly relevant to carbonate cements forming during times of oceanic euxinia.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A*03:453 allele in a Chinese blood donor
Authors: He Yanmin , Wu Zhipan , He Ji , Zhang Wei , Zhu Faming
Published: December 2023

HLA‐A*03:453 differs from HLA‐A*03:02:01:01 by one single nucleotide substitution at position 376 G > A.
Do birds play a role in the transmission of Toscana virus? Initial isolation results from birds in northernmost Türkiye
Authors: Hacioglu Sabri , Ozkul Aykut
Published: December 2023

Aims

Recent research has prioritized emerging and re‐emerging diseases that affect human and animal health, particularly to describe how these diseases enter countries and determine their transmission cycles. Given that migratory birds play a significant role in spreading infections, the present study analysed their migration paths and specimens to investigate Orthoflavivirus, Orthonairovirus, Alphavirus and Phlebovirus in birds in Samsun province, Türkiye.

Methods and Results

For these viruses, 312 samples from 56 birds were analysed using RT‐PCR and qRT‐PCR. Toscana virus (TOSV) was identified in 14 birds (four mallards, five partridges, four quails and one pigeon), representing 25% of the birds sampled. Genotype B was reported in all 14 birds. After inoculating the positive tissues in cell cultures, TOSV was isolated from the organs of pigeons, mallards and partridges.

Conclusions

This is the first time TOSV has been isolated in cell culture from birds and indicates that they may play a role in spreading TOSV in Türkiye. The results also suggest that TOSV might be carried between countries by migratory birds.