bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Germline progenitors and oocyte production in the honeybee queen ovary
Authors: Cullen Georgia , Gilligan Joshua B , Guhlin Joseph G , Dearden Peter K
Published: July 2023

Understanding the reproduction of honeybee queens is crucial to support populations of this economically important insect. Here we examine the structure of the honeybee ovary to determine the nature of the germline progenitors in the ovary. Using a panel of marker genes that mark somatic or germline tissue in other insects we determine which cells in the honeybee ovary are somatic and which germline. We examine patterns of cell division and demonstrate that, unlike Drosophila, there is no evidence of single germline stem cells that provide the germline in honeybees. Germline progenitors are clustered in groups of 8 cells, joined by a polyfusome, and collections of these, in each ovariole, appear to maintain the germline during reproduction. We also show that these 8-cell clusters can divide and that their division occurs such that the numbers of germline progenitors are relatively constant over the reproductive life of queen honeybees. This information helps us to understand the diversity of structures in insect reproduction, and provide information to better support honeybee reproduction.
Frailty Among Sexual and Gender Minority Older Adults: The All of Us Database
Authors: Wong Chelsea N , Wilczek Michael P , Smith Louisa H , Bosse Jordon D , Richard Erin L , Cavanaugh Robert , Manjourides Justin , Orkaby Ariela R , Olivieri-Mui Brianne
Published: July 2023

Background

Despite known disparities in health status among older sexual and gender minority adults (OSGM), the prevalence of frailty is unknown. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a deficit-accumulation frailty index (AoU-FI) for the All of Us database to describe and compare frailty between OSGM and non-OSGM participants.

Methods

Developed using a standardized approach, the AoU-FI consists of 33 deficits from baseline survey responses of adults aged 50+. OSGM were self-reported as “not straight” or as having discordant gender and sex assigned at birth. Descriptive statistics characterized the AoU-FI. Regression was used to assess the association between frailty, age, and gender. Validation of the AoU-FI used Cox proportional hazard models to test the association between frailty categories (robust <0.15, 0.15 ≤ pre-frail ≤ 0.25, frail >0.25) and mortality.

Results

There were 9 110 OSGM and 67 420 non-OSGM with sufficient data to calculate AoU-FI; 41% OSGM versus 50% non-OSGM were robust, whereas 34% versus 32% were pre-frail, and 26% versus 19% were frail. Mean AoU-FI was 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.187, 0.191) for OSGM and 0.168 (95% CI: 0.167, 0.169) for non-OSGM. Compared to robust, odds of mortality were higher among frail OSGM (odds ratio [OR] 6.40; 95% CI: 1.84, 22.23) and non-OSGM (OR 3.96; 95% CI: 2.96, 5.29).

Conclusions

The AoU-FI identified a higher burden of frailty, increased risk of mortality, and an attenuated impact of age on frailty among OSGM compared to non-OSGM. Future work is needed to understand how frailty affects the OSGM population.
Bidirectional Association Between Multimorbidity and Frailty and the Role of Depression in Older Europeans
Authors: Feng Zhaolong , Ma Ze , Hu Wei , He Qida , Li Tongxing , Chu Jiadong , Chen Xuanli , Han Qiang , Sun Na , Shen Yueping
Published: July 2023

Background

Although previous studies have reported an association between multimorbidity and frailty, its direction and mechanism remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the direction of this association, as well as the role of depression among older Europeans.

Methods

We used a cross-lagged panel design to evaluate the temporal relationship between multimorbidity and frailty and the role of depression. Multimorbidity status was assessed by the self-reporting of 14 chronic diseases. Frailty was assessed based on the frailty phenotype. The European-Depression Scale (EURO-D) was used to assess depression.

Results

There was a bidirectional relationship between frailty and multimorbidity. More severe multimorbidity predicted greater frailty (β = 0.159; p < .001) and vice versa (β = 0.107; p < .001). All paths from multimorbidity to frailty were stronger than the paths from frailty to multimorbidity (b1–a1: β = 0.051; p < .001). Likewise, early multimorbidity change was a significant predictive factor for late frailty change (β = 0.064; p < .001) and vice versa (β = 0.048; p < .001). Depression in Wave 5 (T5) mediated the association between frailty in Wave 4 (T4) and multimorbidity in Wave 6 (T6; indirect effect: β = 0.004; bootstrap 95% confidence interval: 0.003, 0.006).

Conclusions

A positive, bidirectional association was observed between multimorbidity and frailty. Depression may be a potential cause of an increased risk of multimorbidity later in life in frail older adults. Early monitoring of frailty and depression may slow the progression of multimorbidity, thereby interrupting the vicious cycle.
Flow evaporation heat transfer of liquefied natural gas in a spiral pipe based on fluid coupling
Authors: Liu Zhongfei , Ding Yang , Wang Fang , Ding Shumin , Wang Shiyuan , Zhang Zhenzhen , Li Yunding , Guo Wenliang
Published: July 2023

In the extraction and usage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) cold energy, the heat transfer research of cryogenic fluid in spiral coil is mostly under the simplified condition of constant boundary temperature or constant heat flux density. This paper focuses on the actual situation of fluid–fluid coupling heat transfer in spiral coil. Under the condition of variable physical parameters, computational fluid dynamics numerical analysis is carried out on the non-customized numerical model through the Realizable k-ε turbulence model, and the influence of LNG flow and evaporation heat transfer characteristics in spiral coil is studied by changing the heat transfer structure. The results show that the heat transfer under non-constant boundary conditions is more in line with the actual heat transfer, and the spiral radius has the greatest influence on the heat transfer coefficient. When the spiral radius increases from 40 to 100 mm, the heat transfer coefficient decreases by 60.14%.
Role Theory in Practice: US–Turkey Relations in Their Worst Decade
Authors: Özdamar Özgür
Published: July 2023

Academic and policy debates on alliances are yet to incorporate insights from foreign policy analysis (FPA) literature. Generally, bilateral relations between allies are either analyzed with insights from traditional IR theories (such as realism) or with policy-oriented work that does not engage any scholarly literature (focusing on only the day-to-day issues of international politics). I argue that FPA theories that make linkages between scholarly work and policy-oriented questions in an evidence-based and analytical fashion are capable of accounting for the most significant policy questions of modern international politics. This article analyzes US–Turkey relations in, arguably, their worst decade, with a role theoretic outlook. I claim that despite being close political and military allies since the 1940s, US–Turkey bilateral relations are witnessing their worst decade since the Arab uprisings in the MENA, due mostly to ideational factors that shape foreign policy. The conflictual relations originate from a change in US and Turkish foreign policy-makers’ role conceptualizations vis-à-vis their countries’ roles in the MENA region after the Arab uprisings and the role conflict this has caused with one another. Misaligned interests during the Arab uprisings, especially after 2014 in the Syrian civil war, have exacerbated the bilateral ties further. Drawing insights from elite interviews conducted in Turkey (2014–2016), Washington DC, and Ankara (2018–2020), I explain the sources of conflict in US–Turkey relations with a role theory perspective and offer policy prescriptions in conclusion.
Non-State Participation in International Organizations 1998–2017: Introducing a New Dataset
Authors: Vikberg Carl
Published: July 2023

In recent decades, one of the most prominent trends in global governance has been the increasing openness of international organizations (IOs) toward non-state actors (NSAs). As participants in the policymaking bodies of IOs, NSAs have become important actors in global governance, providing policy-relevant information to decision makers, representing constituency interests, and ultimately, influencing policies. Yet to date, we have little systematic comparative knowledge about the NSAs that participate in IO bodies. This article introduces the Non-State Participation in International Organizations (N-PINION) dataset, which maps NSA participant populations across eighty one policymaking bodies in twenty four global IOs between 1998 and 2017. The dataset provides indicators on the density, diversity, and volatility of NSA populations, available yearly across IO bodies. These indicators provide potential dependent and independent variables for scholars interested in a wide variety of research questions relating to the drivers, consequences, and normative merits of NSA participation in IOs.
How Religious Are “Religious” Conflicts?
Authors: Tabaar Mohammad Ayatollahi , Huang Reyko , Chandra Kanchan , Finkel Evgeny , Nielsen Richard A , Revkin Mara Redlich , Vogt Manuel , Wood Elisabeth Jean
Published: July 2023

Despite significant advances in our understanding of the politics of religious ideology and identity across time and space, scholars disagree on how to conceptualize “religious” conflicts and “religious” actors, and how to infer religious motivations from actors’ behavior. This Forum brings together scholars with diverse research agendas to weigh in on conceptual, methodological, and ethical questions surrounding the study of contemporary religious conflicts. We ask: How do we know when individuals and groups are acting on religious, as opposed to other, motivations? To what extent can analysts rely on actors’ own claims about their motivations? How does the “secular bias” affect scholarly research on religion and conflict? Is there a bias over which conflicts and actors come to be labeled and coded as “religious” by scholars, policymakers, and the media? The Forum fosters a debate aimed at identifying gaps within and between academic research and policy as well as media analyses on religion and political violence. The contributors examine contradictory conclusions by academics and policy analysts rooted in diverging assumptions and arguments about “religious” actors, “religious” motivations, and “religious” conflicts. The Forum proposes some ways for scholars to overcome these challenges as well as offers implications for policymakers and journalists who shape the public discourse.
Effects of different host plants on the growth, development, and fecundity of Phthorimaea absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): an evaluation based on the age-stage two-sex life table
Authors: Jiang Zhengxiong , Yang Guiqun , Zhang Jinlong , Chen Guohua , Hu Changxiong , Chen Heng , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate the growth and development parameters of Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) population at each stage when feeding on 4 host plants: Lycopersicon esculentum, Solanum tuberosum, Solanum melongena, and Nicotiana tabacum. The objective was to predict population dynamics and develop appropriate control strategies. The age-stage sex-life table was used to evaluate survival rate, fecundity, life expectancy, reproductive value, population parameters, and population growth prediction of P. absoluta after feeding on the 4 Solanaceae plants. The results showed significant variations in the fecundity parameters of P. absoluta among the different host plants. The L. esculentum population exhibited the highest average egg-laying period (13.17 ± 0.61 days) and average egg production (219.31 ± 21.02 eggs), while N. tabacum had the lowest values (4.56 ± 0.26 days and 26.08 ± 2.53 eggs, respectively). The gross reproduction rate of P. absoluta feeding on L. esculentum was 146.43 ± 21.00, which was 1.80, 3.77, and 6.39 times higher compared to S. tuberosum, S. melongena, and N. tabacum, respectively. The average age period and population doubling time of P. absoluta feeding on L. esculentum were lower than those of the other 3 host plants. These results indicated that while P. absoluta can complete a generation on L. esculentum, S. tuberosum, S. melongena, and N. tabacum, L. esculentum is the most suitable host for its growth and development. Therefore, in the occurrence and adjacent areas of P. absoluta, relevant authorities should promptly monitor and control its population in the planting areas of Solanaceae plants to prevent further spread.
Pandit Radheshyam’s Ramayan: A sourcebook for Ramlila scripts in the orbit of Bareilly
Authors: Lothspeich Pamela
Published: July 2023

This essay recognizes the critical but largely unacknowledged role of the Radheshyam Ramayan in the theatre of Ramlila, which enacts the story of Ram in an annual, multi-day fall festival. Further, this essay illustrates the range of ways the text has been incorporated into Ramlila productions in the orbit of Bareilly, the homeland of the author, Pandit Radheshyam Kathavachak (1890–1963). Since the work was first published serially circa 1908-1924, Ramlila organisers have often turned to it for stirring dialogues, and a narrative template for the plotting of their productions. Based on the author’s participant observation and extensive interviews conducted between 2006 and 2019, this essay argues that the dialogues and plotting in Ramlila productions in the vicinity of Bareilly often owe more to Pandit Radheshyam’s Ramayan than to any other source, including Tulsidas’s sixteenth-century Rāmcaritmānas, despite the fact that the Radheshyam Ramayan was composed for the medium of Vaishnav kathā (devotional storytelling), not Ramlila.
Image response regression via deep neural networks
Authors: Zhang Daiwei , Li Lexin , Sripada Chandra , Kang Jian
Published: July 2023

Delineating associations between images and covariates is a central aim of imaging studies. To tackle this problem, we propose a novel non-parametric approach in the framework of spatially varying coefficient models, where the spatially varying functions are estimated through deep neural networks. Our method incorporates spatial smoothness, handles subject heterogeneity, and provides straightforward interpretations. It is also highly flexible and accurate, making it ideal for capturing complex association patterns. We establish estimation and selection consistency and derive asymptotic error bounds. We demonstrate the method’s advantages through intensive simulations and analyses of two functional magnetic resonance imaging data sets.
How transnational rules can contribute to the improvement of the Brazilian regulatory system for unitization—an analysis under the transnational legal order perspective
Authors: Braga Luciana Palmeira , Pinto Helder Queiroz , David Olavo Bentes
Published: July 2023

Unitization is the most effective method to avoid irrational, wasteful and environmentally unsustainable production of oil and natural gas. Therefore, it is important to notice that unitization is a complex practice. It is effective for the equitable production division of a deposit shared by different owners. However, compulsory membership can result in costly negotiation and make exploration and production projects less attractive. In the pre-salt, the most productive Brazilian oil province, unitization processes are common and even more complex due to the following factors: (i) there are three different tax regimes in the pre-salt polygon; (ii) when the reservoir is shared with an area not granted yet (referred to as an open area), the Brazilian regulation establishes that the unitization process must be carried out with the public company, Pré-sal Petróleo S.A., representing the Government; (iii) moreover, due to the high productivity of the pre-salt layer, the financial values involved in this process are substantial, even with a participation of less than 1 per cent in the shared reservoir. Brazil established a robust regulation on unitization in 2013, which was amended in 2017 and, again, in 2020. This demonstrates that the regulatory improvement process, in the search for a more efficient regulation—that balances the attraction of investments and protection of the public interest—is continuous. This article proposes that in this process of regulatory improvement, good international petroleum industry practices (good practices), contractual models drawn up by industry associations and codes of conduct shall be used as a reference. These non-state rules, which are the result of self-regulation by the upstream sector of the oil industry, will be considered in this article as transnational rules, following the approach of Halliday and Shaffer, who propose the existence of a transnational legal order.
YLC-assembly: large DNA assembly via yeast life cycle
Authors: He Bo , Ma Yuan , Tian Fangfang , Zhao Guang-Rong , Wu Yi , Yuan Ying-Jin
Published: July 2023

As an enabling technique of synthetic biology, the scale of DNA assembly largely determines the scale of genetic manipulation. However, large DNA assembly technologies are generally cumbersome and inefficient. Here, we developed a YLC (yeast life cycle)-assembly method that enables in vivo iterative assembly of large DNA by nesting cell-cell transfer of assembled DNA in the cycle of yeast mating and sporulation. Using this method, we successfully assembled a hundred-kilobase (kb)-sized endogenous yeast DNA and a megabase (Mb)-sized exogenous DNA. For each round, over 104 positive colonies per 107 cells could be obtained, with an accuracy ranging from 67% to 100%. Compared with other Mb-sized DNA assembly methods, this method exhibits a higher success rate with an easy-to-operate workflow that avoid in vitro operations of large DNA. YLC-assembly lowers the technical difficulty of Mb-sized DNA assembly and could be a valuable tool for large-scale genome engineering and synthetic genomics.
Characterization of RNA driven structural changes in full length RIG-I leading to its agonism or antagonism
Authors: Sikorska Justyna , Hou Yan , Chiurazzi Paul , Siu Tony , Baltus Gretchen A , Sheth Payal , McLaren David G , Truong Quang , Parish Craig A , Wyss Daniel F
Published: July 2023

RIG-I (retinoic acid inducible gene-I) can sense subtle differences between endogenous and viral RNA in the cytoplasm, triggering an anti-viral immune response through induction of type I interferons (IFN) and other inflammatory mediators. Multiple crystal and cryo-EM structures of RIG-I suggested a mechanism in which the C-terminal domain (CTD) is responsible for the recognition of viral RNA with a 5′-triphoshate modification, while the CARD domains serve as a trigger for downstream signaling, leading to the induction of type I IFN. However, to date contradicting conclusions have been reached around the role of ATP in the mechanism of the CARD domains ejection from RIG-I’s autoinhibited state. Here we present an application of NMR spectroscopy to investigate changes induced by the binding of 5′-triphosphate and 5′-OH dsRNA, both in the presence and absence of nucleotides, to full length RIG-I with all its methionine residues selectively labeled (Met-[ϵ-13CH3]). With this approach we were able to identify residues on the CTD, helicase domain, and CARDs that served as probes to sense RNA-induced conformational changes in those respective regions. Our results were analyzed in the context of either agonistic or antagonistic RNAs, by and large supporting a mechanism proposed by the Pyle Lab in which CARD release is primarily dependent on the RNA binding event.
Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Severe Outcomes Among People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Cohort Study
Authors: Hanna John J , Geresu Liyu B , Diaz Marlon I , Ho Milan , Casazza Julia A , Pickering Madison A , Lanier Heather D , Radunsky Alexander P , Cooper Lauren N , Saleh Sameh N , Bedimo Roger J , Most Zachary M , Perl Trish M , Lehmann Christoph U , Turer Robert W , Chow Jeremy Y , Medford Richard J
Published: July 2023

Background

Studies on COVID-19 in people with HIV (PWH) have had limitations. Further investigations on risk factors and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection among PWH are needed.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study leveraged the national OPTUM COVID-19 data set to investigate factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity among PWH and risk factors for severe outcomes, including hospitalization, intensive care unit stays, and death. A subset analysis was conducted to examine HIV-specific variables. Multiple variable logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates.

Results

Of 43 173 PWH included in this study, 6472 had a positive SARS-CoV-2 result based on a polymerase chain reaction test or antigen test. For PWH with SARS-CoV-2 positivity, higher odds were found for those who were younger (18–49 years), Hispanic White, African American, from the US South, uninsured, and a noncurrent smoker and had a higher body mass index and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index. For PWH with severe outcomes, higher odds were identified for those who were SARS-CoV-2 positive, older, from the US South, receiving Medicaid/Medicare or uninsured, a current smoker, and underweight and had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index. In a subset analysis including PWH with HIV care variables (n = 5098), those with unsuppressed HIV viral load, a low CD4 count, and no antiretroviral therapy had higher odds of severe outcomes.

Conclusions

This large US study found significant ethnic, racial, and geographic differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection among PWH. Chronic comorbidities, older age, lower body mass index, and smoking were associated with severe outcomes among PWH during the COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with severe outcomes, but once we adjusted for HIV care variables, SARS-CoV-2 was no longer significant; however, low CD4 count, high viral load, and lack of antiretroviral therapy had higher odds of severe outcomes.
Estimating body weight and body condition score of mature beef cows using depth images
Authors: Xiong Yijie , Condotta Isabella C F S , Musgrave Jacki A , Brown-Brandl Tami M , Mulliniks J Travis
Published: July 2023

Obtaining accurate body weight (BW) is crucial for management decisions yet can be a challenge for cow–calf producers. Fast-evolving technologies such as depth sensing have been identified as low-cost sensors for agricultural applications but have not been widely validated for U.S. beef cattle. This study aimed to (1) estimate the body volume of mature beef cows from depth images, (2) quantify BW and metabolic weight (MBW) from image-projected body volume, and (3) classify body condition scores (BCS) from image-obtained measurements using a machine-learning-based approach. Fifty-eight crossbred cows with a mean BW of 410.0 ± 60.3 kg and were between 4 and 6 yr of age were used for data collection between May and December 2021. A low-cost, commercially available depth sensor was used to collect top-view depth images. Images were processed to obtain cattle biometric measurements, including MBW, body length, average height, maximum body width, dorsal area, and projected body volume. The dataset was partitioned into training and testing datasets using an 80%:20% ratio. Using the training dataset, linear regression models were developed between image-projected body volume and BW measurements. Results were used to test BW predictions for the testing dataset. A machine-learning-based multivariate analysis was performed with 29 algorithms from eight classifiers to classify BCS using multiple inputs conveniently obtained from the cows and the depth images. A feature selection algorithm was performed to rank the relevance of each input to the BCS. Results demonstrated a strong positive correlation between the image-projected cow body volume and the measured BW (r = 0.9166). The regression between the cow body volume and the measured BW had a co-efficient of determination (R2) of 0.83 and a 19.2 ± 13.50 kg mean absolute error (MAE) of prediction. When applying the regression to the testing dataset, an increase in the MAE of the predicted BW (22.7 ± 13.44 kg) but a slightly improved R2 (0.8661) was noted. Among all algorithms, the Bagged Tree model in the Ensemble class had the best performance and was used to classify BCS. Classification results demonstrate the model failed to predict any BCS lower than 4.5, while it accurately classified the BCS with a true prediction rate of 60%, 63.6%, and 50% for BCS between 4.75 and 5, 5.25 and 5.5, and 5.75 and 6, respectively. This study validated using depth imaging to accurately predict BW and classify BCS of U.S. beef cow herds.
Fungal Pathogens Associated with Almond Decline Syndrome, an Emerging Disease Complex in Intensive Almond Crops in Southern Spain
Authors: Antón-Domínguez Begoña I. , López-Moral Ana , Raya María Carmen , Lovera María , Melgar Samara , Roca Luis F. , Arquero Octavio , Trapero Antonio , Agustí-Brisach Carlos
Published: July 2023

In 2016, an almond (Prunus dulcis) decline syndrome (ADS) emerged in intensive almond plantations in the Andalusia region (southern Spain), showing branch dieback, gummosis, and general tree decline. The aim of this work was to elucidate the etiology of this disease complex. For this purpose, surveys were conducted across the Andalusia region, and a wide collection of fungi was recovered from wood samples showing gum and internal discoloration. Representative isolates were selected and identified by sequencing ITS, TEF1, TUB, ACT, LSU, and/or RPB2 genes. The following fungal species were identified to be associated with the disease: Botryosphaeria dothidea, Diplodia corticola, Di. seriata, Dothiorella iberica, Lasiodiplodia viticola, Macrophomina phaseolina, Neofusicoccum mediterraneum, N. parvum, N. vitifusiforme, Diaporthe neotheicola, Dia. rhusicola, Dia. ambigua, Eutypa lata, E. tetragona, Eutypella citricola, Eu. microtheca, Fusarium oxysporum s.l., Pleurostoma richardsiae, Phaeoacremonium iranianum, Pm. krajdenii, Pm. parasiticum, and Cytospora sp. All isolates were tested for pathogenicity by inoculating detached or attached almond shoots. Di. corticola and N. parvum were the most aggressive species, showing the largest lesions and most gummosis in attached shoots. The results suggest that the species belonging to Botryosphaeriaceae play a key role in disease development, while the remaining identified species may act as secondary pathogens or endophytes. However, further research to determine the interaction between all these fungal species and other biotic and abiotic factors in the ADS progress is needed.
First Report of Phytophthora citrophthora Causing Leaf Necrosis and Terminal Shoot Dieback on Asimina triloba (Pawpaw) in a Virginia Floodplain Forest
Authors: Bily Devin , Gyatso Tashi
Published: July 2023

Asimina triloba (pawpaw) is a shade-tolerant, understory, deciduous tree in the family Annonaceae that is native to 26 states in the Eastern United States, with a range from the Florida panhandle to New York, west to Iowa and Nebraska, and south to Texas. On 12 June 2022, in a floodplain forest along the James River near Richmond, Virginia, a group of three A. triloba saplings about 1.0 to 1.5 m tall were observed with leaf necrosis, terminal shoot dieback, and leaf drop. Symptomatic tissue was cultured on selective media, and isolate DB22-4 was identified as Phytophthora citrophthora using morphological and molecular methods. Segments of the ITS and COX1 loci were deposited in the GenBank database under accession numbers OQ703042 and OQ834750, respectively. Koch's postulates were fulfilled in an unwounded, attached-leaf assay by inoculating 20 leaves on five healthy saplings. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of P. citrophthora causing terminal necrosis and leaf drop on A. triloba in a nursery or a natural ecosystem. Additional studies are needed to understand which Phytophthora spp. cause disease on A. triloba, as well as the environmental and physiological factors that favor infection in the forest under natural conditions.
Inoculum Sources of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici for Stripe Rust Epidemics on the Eastern Coast of China
Authors: Liu Bofan , Ma Mengjie , Liu Xinyun , Wang Jianfeng , Zhong Mingjuan , Feng Yaoxuan , Huang Lili , Kang Zhensheng , Zhan Gangming
Published: July 2023

Stripe rust, a fungal disease caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici ( Pst), is one of the most destructive diseases affecting wheat production areas worldwide. In recent years in China, wheat stripe rust has caused huge yield losses throughout the vast Huang-Huai-Hai region, including the eastern coast regions, especially Shandong province. The aim of the present study was to explore the population structure and potential inoculum sources of the pathogen in this region. A total of 234 Pst isolates in 2021 were collected and isolated from seven provinces and identified for virulence phenotypes using 19 Chinese differentials and for genotypes using 17 single-nucleotide polymorphism-based Kompetitive allele-specific PCR markers. The virulence phenotype tests identified predominant races CYR34 (18.0%) and CYR32 (16.0%) in Shandong, which were similar to the results in Henan province, also with the predominant races CYR34 (21.9%) and CYR32 (18.8%). Based on the virulence data of phenotyping, the Pst populations in Shandong, Hubei, and Henan were similar. The genotypic analysis revealed remarkable gene flows among the Shandong, Hubei, Henan, Yunnan, and Guizhou populations, showing a migration of Pst from the southwestern oversummering regions to Shandong through the winter spore production regions. Genetic structure analysis also indicated an additional migration route from the northwestern oversummering regions through winter spore production regions to Shandong. The results are useful for understanding stripe rust epidemiology in the eastern coast region and improving control of the disease throughout the country.
Multiple sclerosis
Authors: McGuire Jocelyn , Muto Carole , Marcello Christine
Published: July 2023

Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. It contributes to a variety of symptoms affecting different areas of the body. The primary care NP must be familiar with the disease, therapies, and social impact to provide proper care to affected patients.
Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Deletion to Modulate Kynurenine Pathway and to Prevent Brain Injury after Cardiac Arrest in Mice
Authors: Magliocca Aurora , Perego Carlo , Motta Francesca , Merigo Giulia , Micotti Edoardo , Olivari Davide , Fumagalli Francesca , Lucchetti Jacopo , Gobbi Marco , Mandelli Alessandra , Furlan Roberto , Skrifvars Markus B. , Latini Roberto , Bellani Giacomo , Ichinose Fumito , Ristagno Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

Background

The catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan to kynurenine is emerging as a potential key pathway involved in post–cardiac arrest brain injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the modulation of kynurenine pathway on cardiac arrest outcome through genetic deletion of the rate-limiting enzyme of the pathway, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase.

Methods

Wild-type and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase–deleted (IDO−/−) mice were subjected to 8-min cardiac arrest. Survival, neurologic outcome, and locomotor activity were evaluated after resuscitation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences was performed, together with microglia and macrophage activation and neurofilament light chain measurements.

Results

IDO−/− mice showed higher survival compared to wild-type mice (IDO−/− 11 of 16, wild-type 6 of 16, log-rank P = 0.036). Neurologic function was higher in IDO−/− mice than in wild-type mice after cardiac arrest (IDO−/− 9 ± 1, wild-type 7 ± 1, P = 0.012, n = 16). Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase deletion preserved locomotor function while maintaining physiologic circadian rhythm after cardiac arrest. Brain magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor imaging showed an increase in mean fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum (IDO−/− 0.68 ± 0.01, wild-type 0.65 ± 0.01, P = 0.010, n = 4 to 5) and in the external capsule (IDO−/− 0.47 ± 0.01, wild-type 0.45 ± 0.01, P = 0.006, n = 4 to 5) in IDO−/− mice compared with wild-type ones. Increased release of neurofilament light chain was observed in wild-type mice compared to IDO−/− (median concentrations [interquartile range], pg/mL: wild-type 1,138 [678 to 1,384]; IDO−/− 267 [157 to 550]; P < 0.001, n = 3 to 4). Brain magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging revealed restriction of water diffusivity 24 h after cardiac arrest in wild-type mice; indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase deletion prevented water diffusion abnormalities, which was reverted in IDO−/− mice receiving l-kynurenine (apparent diffusion coefficient, μm2/ms: wild-type, 0.48 ± 0.07; IDO−/−, 0.59 ± 0.02; IDO−/− and l-kynurenine, 0.47 ± 0.08; P = 0.007, n = 6).

Conclusions

The kynurenine pathway represents a novel target to prevent post–cardiac arrest brain injury. The neuroprotective effects of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase deletion were associated with preservation of brain white matter microintegrity and with reduction of cerebral cytotoxic edema.

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Evidence of Vestibular and Balance Dysfunction in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bosmans Joyce , Gommeren Hanne , Gilles Annick , Mertens Griet , Van Ombergen Angelique , Cras Patrick , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Vereeck Luc , Lammers Marc J.W. , Van Rompaey Vincent
Published: July 2023

Objectives:

Given the expected rise in dementia prevalence, early diagnosis is vital. As a growing body of literature has identified a potential association between vestibular function and cognition, vestibular assessment may aid in early screening. The aim of the study was to better comprehend the proposed association between vestibular function and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by comparing vestibular parameters (vestibular function testing and clinical balance measures) between a group with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), AD, and healthy controls with age-normal cognition.

Design:

Cross-sectional analysis of the GECkO study, an ongoing prospective single-center longitudinal cohort study. This study included 100 older adults (55 to 84 years). A total of 33 participants with MCI, 17 participants with AD, and 50 participants of age, sex, and hearing-matched healthy controls were included.

Results:

Participants with AD demonstrated a delayed latency of the p13 component measured by cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) compared with healthy controls and participants with MCI. Other measures including n23 latency, presence of intact responses, rectified amplitude, mean rectified voltage (measured by cVEMP) and lateral vestibulo-ocular reflex gain (measured by video Head Impulse Test [vHIT]) did not differ between groups. The Timed Up and Go (TUG), Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment—Balance subscale (POMA-B), and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) differed significantly between the three groups. Here, more cognitively impaired groups were associated with worse clinical balance scores.

Conclusions:

Vestibular and balance deficits were more prevalent in groups with increasing cognitive decline. Regarding vestibular function testing, p13 latency as measured by cVEMP was delayed in participants with AD. Other cVEMP or vHIT measures did not differ between groups. All three clinical balance assessments (TUG, POMA-B, and FGA) resulted in worse scores along the AD continuum. Future research integrating vestibular parameters that add value (including otolith function testing, balance, and spatial navigation) is recommended to validate the association between vestibular function and cognition while avoiding redundant testing.
Effect of Computerized Tomography on Assessment and Surgical Planning for Olecranon Fractures
Authors: Hill J. Ryan , Bechtold Daniel A. , Gibian Joseph T. , Kuhn Andrew W. , Hong Zachery , Tatman Lauren M. , Aleem Alexander W. , Berkes Marschall B. , Zmistowski Benjamin M.
Published: July 2023

Objectives:

1) Determine effects of computed tomography (CT) on reproducibility of olecranon fracture classification. 2) Determine effects of CT utilization on inter-observer agreement regarding management of olecranon fractures. 3) Evaluate factors associated with articular impaction.

Methods:

Seven surgeons retrospectively evaluated radiographs of 46 olecranon fractures. Each fracture was classified according to Colton, Mayo, OTA/AO systems. Observers determined if articular impaction was present and provided treatment plans. This was repeated at minimum six weeks with addition of CT. Descriptive and comparative statistics were performed and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) calculated.

Results:

Inter-rater agreement was near-perfect for all classifications using radiographs (ICC 0.91, 0.93, 0.89 for Colton, Mayo, OTA/AO) and did not substantially change with CT (ICC 0.91, 0.91, 0.93). Agreement was moderate regarding articular impaction using radiographs (ICC 0.44); this improved significantly with CT (ICC 0.82). Articular impaction was significantly associated with OTA/AO classification, with high prevalence of impaction in OTA/AO 2U1B1e (p<0.03). Agreement was substantial for chosen fixation construct using radiographs (ICC 0.71); this improved with CT (ICC 0.79). Utilization of CT changed fixation plans in 25% of cases. Agreement regarding need for void filler was fair using radiographs (ICC 0.37); this notably improved with CT (ICC 0.64).

Conclusions:

Utilization of CT for evaluating olecranon fractures led to significant improvements in inter-observer agreement for presence of articular impaction. Impaction was significantly associated with fracture pattern but not with patient-related factors. Addition of CT improved agreement regarding fixation construct and led to notable improvement in agreement regarding need for void filler.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Psychosocial Effect of Brace Treatment in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Bae Byeong Hoon , Ham Chang Hwa , Patel Udit , Suh Yunsun
Published: July 2023

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To evaluate psychosocial effect of brace treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using EuroQoL 5-dimension (EQ-5D) depression and anxiety category.

Background:

AIS is a structural abnormality of the spine often affecting patients during the puberty, a critical period of developing psychosocial problems. Many questionnaires had been adapted to evaluate mental health and health-related quality of life of AIS patients. However, these questionnaires are often time consuming and difficult to obtain. Therefore, a simpler substitute—EQ-5D—was evaluated.

Methods:

This is a single-center retrospective cohort analysis of adult idiopathic scoliosis patients aged between 8 and 19, visiting outpatient’s clinic. Beck’s depression inventory, EQ-5D and EuroQoL visual assessment scale, and Objectified Body Consciousness Scale for Youth were compared between brace group and non-brace group of AIS patients. Furthermore, difference between male and female were evaluated within brace group.

Results:

None of the questionnaire showed significant difference between brace and non-brace group. However, when male and female patients were compared within brace group, female patients were significantly more susceptible to depression and anxiety based on EQ-5D and body consciousness. Furthermore, depression and anxiety according to both BDI and EQ-5D were significantly correlated to health-related quality of life.

Conclusion:

During brace treatment of female AIS patients, psychosocial status played a significant role in health-related quality of life. EQ-5D is a simple way to monitor the mental health status.
A Surgical Treatment Algorithm for Restoring Pelvic Balance and Health-related Quality of Life in High-grade Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Mac-Thiong Jean-Marc , Hresko M Timothy , Alzakri Abdulmajeed , Parent Stefan , Sucato Dan J. , Lenke Lawrence G. , Marks Michelle , Goulet Julien , Labelle Hubert
Published: July 2023

Study Design:

Retrospective multicenter cohort-study.

Objective:

We propose an evidence-based surgical algorithm for achieving normal pelvic balance while optimizing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in high-grade spondylolisthesis.

Summary of Background Data:

The principles of surgical treatment for young patients with high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis remain unclear. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the central role of pelvic balance in the postural control and biomechanics of subjects with high-grade spondylolisthesis.

Methods:

This retrospective study assessed a multicenter cohort of 61 patients with high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to identify objective criteria associated with pelvic balance and HRQoL after surgery.

Results:

The most important predictor of a postoperative balanced pelvis was a postoperative L5 incidence ≤63.5 degrees. With postoperative L5 incidence ≤63.5 degrees,a residual slip percentage 9% and performing an L5-S1 posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) increased the likelihood of achieving a balanced pelvis postoperatively. When L5 incidence was 63.5 degrees,a balanced pelvis was most likely achieved with fusion limited to L5 proximally, residual slip percentage ≤40%, and residual lumbosacral angle 98 degrees. Predictors of postoperative HRQoL were the preoperative HRQoL score, L5 incidence and slip percentage.

Conclusions:

A surgical algorithm is proposed to achieve normal pelvic balance, while optimizing HRQoL. The first step during surgery is to assess L5 incidence and if L5 incidence is <65 degrees, the next step depends on the pelvic balance. With a preoperative balanced pelvis, it is important not to reduce completely the slip percentage by leaving a slip percentage ≥10%. When the preoperative pelvis is unbalanced, a TLIF/PLIF at L5-S1 is recommended to facilitate correcting the angular deformity at L5-S1. If L5 incidence is ≥65 degrees,a TLIF/PLIF at L5-S1 should be performed to correct the angular deformity at L5-S1, and fusion should ideally end at L5 proximally, in addition to performing gradual reduction of the slip percentage. If fusion up to L4 is required, a lumbosacral angle ≥100 degrees is key.
Short-Term and Mid-Term Outcomes of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging Guided Laparoscopic Right-Sided Colectomy: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Daibo Susumu , Watanabe Jun , Suwa Hirokazu , Sato Seiya , Suwa Yusuke , Ozawa Mayumi , Ishibe Atsushi , Endo Itaru
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

With the use of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging, intraoperative lymphatic flow assessment is possible. However, there is no report which indicates mid-term outcomes of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging guided laparoscopic right-sided colectomy.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to examine the mid-term outcomes of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging guided laparoscopic right-sided colectomy.

DESIGN:

This was a retrospective, multi-institutional study with propensity score matching.

SETTINGS:

We conducted this study within the framework of the Yokohama Clinical Oncology Group in Japan.

PATIENTS:

A total of 921 patients who underwent laparoscopic right-sided colectomy with lymph node dissection for colon cancer with clinical stage I to III between January 2009 and December 2020 were included. The patients were divided into two groups: 233 patients who underwent the lymphatic flow evaluation (indocyanine green group) and 688 patients who did not undergo lymphatic flow evaluation (non-indocyanine green group).

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES:

The 3-year relapse-free survival after laparoscopic right-sided colectomy with and without indocyanine green fluorescence imaging were compared.

RESULTS:

After propensity score matching, 231 patients were matched in each group. The numbers of dissected central lymph nodes (6 vs 4, p < 0.001), and intermediate lymph nodes (7 vs 6, p = 0.03), and the total number of dissected lymph nodes (31 vs 27, p = 0.047) were significantly higher in the indocyanine green group. The median follow-up was 36.9 months. The estimated respective 3-year relapse-free survival and overall survival rates were 88.8% and 94.5% in the indocyanine green group and 89.4% and 94.7% in the non-indocyanine green group (p = 0.721 and 0.300), with no difference between the two groups.

LIMITATIONS:

The limitations of this study include its retrospective design.

CONCLUSIONS:

Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging guided laparoscopic right-sided colectomy could increase the number of totals, intermediate and central lymph nodes. However, there was no difference in mid -term outcomes.
Multimodal Imaging in Non-Exudative Choroidal Neovascularization: a Pilot Study of Status of Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: Maltsev Dmitrii S. , Kulikov Alexei N. , Perminova Sophia M. , Burnasheva Maria A. , Vasiliev Alexander S.
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

To study the status of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in non-exudative and active choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods:

Only treatment-naïve nAMD patients were enrolled in this prospective case-control study, including 17 eyes with non-exudative CNV (six males and 11 females, 74.9 ± 10.0 years) and 28 eyes with active CNV (eight males and 20 females, 69.3 ± 6.8 years). All patients received a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), dark-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (DF-SLO), and fundus autofluorescence (FAF). The status of RPE was assessed with ImageJ software as the brightness of the CNV region on transillumination OCT, DF-SLO, and FAF images. CNV vessel density was measured based on OCT angiography.

Results:

The brightness of CNV region in non-exudative CNV was statistically significantly lower than in active CNV with both OCT transillumination (p = 0.004) and DF-SLO (p = 0.0015). No difference in brightness of CNV region between non-exudative and active CNV was found based on FAF (p = 0.44). The vessel density of non-exudative CNV was statistically significantly higher than that of active CNV with a median value of 64.5% (95% confidential interval (CI) 53.4 – 79.0 %) and 55.3% (95% CI 52.2 – 60.0%), respectively (p = 0.05).

Conclusion:

Multimodal imaging revealed substantial alteration of RPE in active CNV but not in non-exudative CNV which correlates with the higher vessel density of non-exudative CNV.