bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequent EGFR exon 20 insertion in the so‐called peripheral‐type squamous cell neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential: a variant of bronchiolar adenoma or under‐recognised entity?
Authors: Zheng Qiang , Hou Likun , Shang Guoguo , Qi Xiaowei , Zhang Mengmeng , Jin Yan , Wang Yue , Xue Qianqian , Wu Chunyan , Li Yuan
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Herein we describe a series of rare peripheral pulmonary neoplasms temporarily termed “peripheral type squamous cell neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (PSCN‐UMP)” and investigate their relationship to bronchiolar adenoma (BA) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Materials and Methods

The histologic and immunohistochemical features of 10 PSCN‐UMPs and six BAs were compared. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatics analysis were performed to further compare the genetic features of PSCN‐UMPs, BAs, and NSCLCs.

Results

All PSCN‐UMPs were peripherally located and histologically characterised by the lepidic, nested, and papillary proliferation of relatively bland squamous cells, accompanied by entrapped hyperplastic reactive pneumocytes. The basal squamous cells coexpressed TTF1 and squamous markers. Both cellular components exhibited bland morphology and a low proliferative activity. The six BAs met the morphologic and immunophenotypic features of proximal‐type BA. Genetically, driver mutations, including frequent EGFR exon 20 insertions, were found in PSCN‐UMPs, while the KRAS mutation, BRAF mutation, and ERC1::RET fusion were detected in BAs. PSCN‐UMPs also shared some alterations with BAs in mutational signatures, while copy number variants (CNV) were enriched in MET and NKX2‐1 in PSCN‐UMP and MCL1, MECOM, SGK1, and PRKAR1A in BA.

Conclusion

PSCN‐UMPs exhibited the proliferation of bland squamous cells accompanied by entrapped pneumocytes and frequent EGFR exon 20 insertions, which showed distinct features from BAs and SCCs. Recognition of this specific entity will help to expand the morphologic and molecular spectrum of peripheral lung squamous neoplasms.
Mechanical and tribological properties of SiC whisker‐reinforced SiC composites via oscillatory pressure sintering
Authors: Yang Yifan , Zhu Tianbin , Sun Nanjie , Liang Xiong , Li Yawei , Wang Heng , Xie Zhipeng , Sang Shaobai , Dai Jinning
Published: February 2023

SiC whisker (SiCw)‐reinforced SiC composites were prepared by an oscillatory pressure sintering (OPS) process, and the effects of SiCw content on the microstructure and mechanical and tribological properties of such composites were investigated. The addition of SiCw could promote the formation of long columnar α‐SiC, and the aspect ratio of α‐SiC grains first increased and then decreased with the increase of SiCw content. When the SiCw content was 5.42 wt%, the relative density of the SiC–SiCw composite reached up to 99.45%. The SiC–5.42 wt% SiCw composite possessed the highest Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, and flexural strength of 30.68 GPa, 6.66 MPa·m1/2, and 733 MPa, respectively. In addition, the SiC–5.42 wt% SiCw composite exhibited the excellent wear resistance when rubbed with GCr15 steel balls, with a friction coefficient of .76 and a wear rate of 4.12 × 10−7 mm3·N−1·m−1. This could be ascribed to the improved mechanical properties of SiC–SiCw composites, which enhanced the ability to resist peeling and micro‐cutting, thereby enhancing the tribological properties of the composites.
Prevalence of low and high BMI during the first 3 years of life: using New Zealand national electronic health data
Authors: Daniels Lisa , Haszard Jillian J. , Taylor Rachael W. , Taylor Barry J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Data on body mass index (BMI) in infants and toddlers worldwide are lacking, relative to older age groups.

Objectives

To describe the growth (weight, length/height, head circumference, and BMI z‐score) of New Zealand children under the age of 3 years, and examine differences by sociodemographic characteristics (sex, ethnicity, and deprivation).

Methods

Electronic health data were collected by Whānau Āwhina Plunket, who provide free ‘Well Child’ services for approximately 85% of newborn babies in New Zealand. Data from children under the age of 3, who had their weight and length/height measured between 2017 and 2019, were included. The prevalence of BMI (WHO child growth standards) ≤2nd, ≥85th, and ≥95th percentiles were determined.

Results

Between 12 weeks and 27 months of age, the percentage of infants ≥85th BMI percentile increased from 10.8% (95% CI, 10.4%–11.2%) to 35.0% (34.2%–35.9%). The percentage of infants with high BMI (≥95th percentile) also increased, particularly between 6 months (6.4%; 95% CI, 6.0%–6.7%) and 27 months (16.4%; 15.8%–17.1%). By contrast, the percentage of infants with low BMI (≤2nd percentile) appeared steady between 6 weeks and 6 months, and declined at older ages. The prevalence of infants with a high BMI appears to increase substantially from 6 months across sociodemographic characteristics, with a widening prevalence gap by ethnicity occurring from 6 months, mirroring that of infants with a low BMI.

Conclusions

The number of children with high BMI increases rapidly between 6 months and 27 months of age, suggesting this is an important timeframe for monitoring and preventive action. Future work should investigate the longitudinal growth trajectories of these children to determine if any particular patterns predict later obesity and what strategies could effectively change them.
WEIRDness abounds! Sample characteristics, restricted variance, and why they matter for international selection and assessment research
Authors: Alley Leah , Cortina Jose M.
Published: February 2023

There is increasing awareness that reliance on samples from Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic (WEIRD) countries may have skewed our view of human phenomena. Nowhere is this more true than in international selection and assessment (ISA) research. In the present paper, we describe a way of understanding the impact of WEIRDness on ISA phenomena: restricted variance (RV). The WEIRDness problem is usually one of cross level interactions in which a country‐level variable (e.g., individualism/collectivism) might moderate the relationship between two individual‐level variables. RV can help to see not only where such cross level interactions might exist, but also provide a specific, mathematical reason for their existence. We use several examples from IJSA and related sources to illustrate the role of RV in ISA‐based WEIRDness.
Modeling and optimization of moisture diffusion of paddy and brown rice during thermal soaking
Authors: Rattanamechaiskul Chaiwat , Junka Nittaya , Prakotmak Preeda
Published: February 2023

In this study, a method involving soaking paddy and brown rice in hot water at different durations and temperatures is investigated. Data are acquired to develop a mathematical model to determine the most appropriate soaking conditions through simulation. Results show that higher soaking temperature at 60 °C yield higher moisture diffusion than lower temperature at 40 °C. The soaking times of paddy until the final moisture was attained at temperatures of 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C were 10, 8, and 6 h, respectively. The dehusking process from paddy to brown rice can decrease soaking time to 7, 5, and 3 h, respectively, compared with that of paddy at the same temperature. The mathematical modeling can reveal the diffusion mechanism inside the grain and accurately predict the suitable soaking condition by brown rice at soaking temperature of 60 °C for 1.5 h. When this condition is used, the specific energy consumption of the soaking process can be reduced to 0.295 kWh kg−1 which is the lowest value in the scope of study. After steaming by commercial process, soaked brown rice is completely generated starch gelatinization as parboiled rice.

Practical applications

Soaking is one of the most important procedures in the production of parboiled rice. It requires a significant amount of time as well as affects the specific energy consumption (SEC) and product quality at the final stage. Experiment results are used to develop a mathematical model to determine the most appropriate soaking condition. The shortest time possible to achieve the appropriate grain moisture while maintaining the lowest SEC is desired. Data are acquired to devise methods for reducing the time and energy required to produce parboiled rice.
A metagenomic study identifies a Prevotella copri enriched microbial profile associated with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in subjects with obesity
Authors: Moran‐Ramos Sofía , Cerqueda‐García Daniel , López‐Contreras Blanca , Larrieta‐Carrasco Elena , Villamil‐Ramírez Hugo , Molina‐Cruz Selene , Torres Nimbe , Sánchez‐Tapia Mónica , Hernández‐Pando Rogelio , Aguilar‐Salinas Carlos , Villarreal‐Molina Teresa , Canizales‐Quinteros Samuel
Published: February 2023

Background and Aim

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease. Increasing evidence indicates that the gut microbiota can play an important role in the pathophysiology of NAFLD. Recently, several studies have tested the predictive value of gut microbiome profiles in NAFLD progression; however, comparisons of microbial signatures in NAFLD or non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have produced discrepant results, possibly due to ethnic and environmental factors. Thus, we aimed to characterize the gut metagenome composition of patients with fatty liver disease.

Methods

Gut microbiome of 45 well‐characterized patients with obesity and biopsy‐proven NAFLD was evaluated using shot‐gun sequencing: 11 non‐alcoholic fatty liver controls (non‐NAFL), 11 with fatty liver, and 23 with NASH.

Results

Our study showed that Parabacteroides distasonis and Alistipes putredenis were enriched in fatty liver but not in NASH patients. Notably, in a hierarchical clustering analysis, microbial profiles were differentially distributed among groups, and membership to a Prevotella copri dominant cluster was associated with a greater risk of developing NASH. Functional analyses showed that although no differences in LPS biosynthesis pathways were observed, Prevotella‐dominant subjects had higher circulating levels of LPS and a lower abundance of pathways encoding butyrate production.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a Prevotella copri dominant bacterial community is associated with a greater risk for NAFLD disease progression, probably linked to higher intestinal permeability and lower capacity for butyrate production.
Association between handgrip strength, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, advanced hepatic fibrosis and its modifiers: Evidence from the NHANES database of the USA
Authors: Zhao Xiaohong , Shi Xuexue , Gu Haifeng , Zhou Wenjing , Zhang Qin
Published: February 2023

Background and Aim

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and advanced hepatic fibrosis (AHF) have been associated with sarcopenia. However, modifiers of this association have been less studied.

Methods

This study used data from the NHANES database 2011–2014 of the USA. Adults aged 18 years or older, had complete information of handgrip strength test and NAFLD and AHF status were eligible for inclusion. NAFLD was defined using the Fatty Liver Index (FLI). AHF was defined using the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine the associations between the study variables and prevalent NAFLD and AHF.

Results

A total of 19 931 participants were selected from the 2011–2014 NHANES database. The multivariate analysis showed that stronger grip strength was significantly and independently associated with decreased odds for NAFLD (tertile 2: adjusted odd ratio [aOR]: 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29–0.59; tertile 3: aOR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.05–0.24) and AHF (tertile 2: aOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46–0.94; tertile 3: aOR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12–0.63). In stratified analyses, strongest grip strength was significantly associated with reduced odds for NAFLD regardless of age, body mass index, and having diabetes or not. Strongest grip strength was associated with reduced odds for NAFLD in individuals who had moderate to ideal physical activity (aOR: 0.31).

Conclusions

Grip strength has an inverse association with prevalent NAFLD and AHF in the US population, which appears to be modified by physical activity level. Future prospective cohort studies are needed to clarify the role of physical activity in modifying the risks.
Nrf2 is expressed more extensively in neurons than in astrocytes following an acute epileptic seizure in rats
Authors: Sandouka Sereen , Saadi Aseel , Olowe Rhoda , Singh Prince Kumar , Shekh‐Ahmad Tawfeeq
Published: February 2023

The modulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐like 2 (Nrf2) activity has been reported to be implicated in the pathology of various neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Previous studies have demonstrated that Nrf2 is activated in the post‐status epilepticus rat model; however, the spatiotemporal as well as cell type‐specific expression of Nrf2 following brief epileptic seizures remains unclear. Here, we evaluated how an acute epileptic seizure affected the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream genes in the rats' cortex and the hippocampus up to 1 week following the induced seizure. We found that after a pentylenetetrazol‐induced seizure, Nrf2 significantly increased at 24 h at the mRNA level and 3 h at the protein level in the cortex. In the hippocampus, the Nrf2 mRNA level peaked at 3 h after the seizure, and no significant changes were observed in the protein level. Interestingly, the mRNA level of Nrf2 downstream genes peaked at 3–6 h after seizure in both the cortex and the hippocampus. A significant increase in the expression of Nrf2 was observed in the neuronal population of CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus, as well as in the cortex. Moreover, we observed no change in the co‐localization of Nrf2 with astrocytes neither in the cortex nor in CA1 and CA3. Our results revealed that following a brief acute epileptic seizure, the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream genes is transiently increased and peaked at early timepoints after the seizure predominantly in the hippocampus, and this expression is restricted to the neuronal population.

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Survival experience of patients undergoing oesophagectomy during the recovery period: A meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Ma Xuanxuan , Ge Hui , Zhang Xue , Li Shuwen
Published: February 2023

Aims and Objective

To systematically review and synthesise existing qualitative research evidence describing the survival experience of patients undergoing oesophagectomy during recovery.

Background

Patients with oesophageal cancer undergoing surgical treatment have severe physical and psychological burdens during the recovery period. Qualitative studies on the survival experience of patients undergoing oesophagectomy are increasing annually, but there is no integration of qualitative evidence.

Design

A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies were conducted following the ENTREQ.

Methods

Five English (CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library) and three Chinese (Wanfang, CNKI and VIP) databases were searched for literature on the survival of patients undergoing oesophagectomy during the recovery period from its establishment in April 2022. The quality of the literature was evaluated by the ‘Qualitative Research Quality Evaluation Criteria for the JBI Evidence‐Based Health Care Centre in Australia’, and the data were synthesised by the thematic synthesis method of Thomas and Harden.

Results

A total of 18 studies were included, and four themes were identified: physical and mental dual challenges, impaired social functioning, efforts to return to normal life, lack of knowledge and skills in post‐discharge care, and thirst for external support.

Conclusions

Future research should focus on the problem of reduced social interaction during the recovery of patients with oesophageal cancer, formulating individualised exercise intervention programs and establishing a sound social support system.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The results of this study provide evidence‐based support for nurses to carry out targeted interventions and reference methods for patients with oesophageal cancer to rebuild their lives.

No Patient or Public Contribution

The report was a systematic review and did not involve a population study.
Long‐term health consequences of COVID‐19 in survivors hospitalised at a tertiary care hospital and their correlation with acute COVID‐19 severity and associated risk factors
Authors: Jain Vineet , Nabi Nusrat , Aggarwal Sanjana , Alam Zaara , Chandra Kailash , Singh Dharmander , Kashyap Varun , Islam Farzana , Kohli Sunil
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To determine post‐COVID syndromes in the Indian population, correlating a wide spectrum of post‐COVID manifestations with acute disease severity and associated risk factors.

Background

Post‐COVID Syndrome (PCS) is defined as signs and symptoms that develop during or after acute COVID‐19 infection.

Design of Study

This is a prospective observational cohort with repetitive measurements.

Methods

The study followed RT‐PCR confirmed COVID‐19‐positive survivors discharged from HAHC Hospital, New Delhi, for a period of 12 weeks. The patients were interviewed over the phone at 4 weeks and 12 weeks from the onset of symptoms for evaluation of clinical symptoms and health‐related quality of life parameters.

Results

A total of 200 patients completed the study. At the baseline, 50% of the patients were categorised as severe based on their acute infection assessment. At 12 weeks after symptom onset, fatigue (23.5%), hair loss (12.5%) and dyspnea (9%) were the main persistent symptoms. The incidence of hair loss (12.5%), memory loss (4.5%) and brain fog (5%) were found to be increased as compared to the acute infection period. Severity of the acute COVID infection behaved as an independent predictor for the development of PCS, with high odds of experiencing persistent cough (OR = 13.1), memory loss (OR = 5.2) and fatigue (OR = 3.3). Further, 30% of subjects in the severe group experienced statistically significant fatigue at 12 weeks (p < .05).

Conclusion

From the results of our study, it can be concluded that there is a huge disease burden of post‐COVID Syndrome (PCS). The PCS comprised multisystem symptoms ranging from serious complaints of dyspnea, memory loss and brain fog to non‐serious complaints of fatigue and hair loss. Severity of the acute COVID infection behaved as an independent predictor for the development of PCS. Our findings strongly recommend vaccination against COVID‐19, for protection from disease severity as well as prevention of PCS.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The findings of our study support the multidisciplinary approach required for the management of PCS with a team comprising of physicians, nurses, physiotherapists and psychiatrists working in close coordination for the rehabilitation of these patients. As nurses are considered the most trusted professionals in the community and the class of health workers associated with rehabilitation, focus should be given to educating them on PCS, which would prove to be an important strategy for efficient monitoring and long‐term management of COVID‐19 survivors.
Usefulness of newly devised food intake score in removable denture wearers
Authors: Yokoyama Masaoki , Shiga Hiroshi , Uesugi Hanako , Sano Mako , Nakajima Kunihisa
Published: February 2023

Background

Although the food intake score (FIS) from conventional food intake questionnaires is widely used, the evaluation method, number of foods and food selection used in the questionnaire can be improved.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a newly devised FIS in removable denture wearers.

Methods

A total of 219 removable denture wearers were asked about their food intake, and three types of FIS (FIS1, FIS2 and FIS3) were calculated as subjective parameters. FIS1 and FIS2 are conventional FISs, while FIS3 is the FIS devised in this study. The amount of glucose extracted (AGE) when participants chewed gummy jelly was used as an objective parameter. The relationship between the three FISs and that between each FIS and AGE were investigated. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed with AGE as the dependent variable and age, sex and FIS as independent variables.

Results

The three types of FISs were positively correlated. A positive correlation was also found between FIS and AGE. The correlation coefficient was the largest in FIS2 and decreased in the order of FIS3 > FIS1; however, the values of FIS2 > FIS3 were similar. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sex and FIS were significantly associated with AGE.

Conclusion

For denture wearers, the newly devised FIS3 was useful and evaluated masticatory performance, as well as or better than FIS1 and FIS2.
Investing in resources: An interaction model of personal resources, commitment, and work achievement
Authors: Neveu Jean‐Pierre , Khan Rahman , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: February 2023

Objective

Management practice commonly assumes that the value of a work‐goal dictates the nature of motivation processes. We investigate instead how individuals invest resources from the perspective of their own value system. Drawing from Conservation of Resources theory, we explore the valuation process by testing a reciprocal model between work‐goal attainment, goal commitment, and personal resources, including self‐efficacy, optimism, and subjective well‐being.

Method

Data were collected in a two‐wave longitudinal study among sales professionals (n = 793) from France (F), Pakistan (P), and the United States (U).

Results

Multi‐group cross‐lagged path analysis confirmed the reciprocal model across all three countries. Time 1 resources and goal commitment predicted work goal attainment (F = 0.24; P = 0.37; U = 0.39) and (F = 0.31; P = 0.40; U = 0.36) respectively. T1 level of goal attainment also fuelled T2 resources and goal commitment (F = 0.30; P = 0.29; U = 0.34) and (F = 0.33; P = 0.32; U = 0.29).

Conclusions

Our reciprocal findings suggest a revised approach on the nature of targets and goals. They indicate an alternative to linear path modeling, as the role of goal commitment is not necessarily that of an intermediary stage linking antecedent resources to attainment purposes. Furthermore, cultural values play a differentiating role in the goal‐attainment process.
Activity patterns of the marsh deer: Effects of proxies of human movement, cattle presence, and moon phases on its behavior
Authors: Guerisoli M. M. , Fergnani D. M. , Fracassi N. G. , Thompson J. , Pereira J. A.
Published: February 2023

Activity is an important aspect of animal behavior. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors can shape species activity patterns, which can alter and reshape several ecological aspects of the species. Human disturbance is known to modify the activity patterns of various species. The Marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) is the largest Neotropical cervid, and has its southernmost distribution located in the wetlands of the lower Delta of the Paraná river, an area characterized by forestry plantations. We studied how the activity patterns of the marsh deer are affected by proxies of human movement, cattle presence, and moon phases in Argentina. We found that marsh deer presented activity peaks during crepuscular hours and moderate levels of activity during the entire night period. The majority of the independent camera‐trapping events of marsh deer occurred during the first quarter and last quarter phases, and the species was more active on sites far from rivers, which could infer an avoidance of human disturbances. In order to comprehend more deeply the variable effects on the activity patterns of marsh deer in this area, further analyses are needed, particularly using movement data of marked individuals.
The private sector's role in and contribution to the Pacific Alliance, 2012–2021
Authors: Giacalone Rita
Published: February 2023

The Pacific Alliance deviates from other Latin American integration agreements due to its close association between governments and the private sector. Analysts have assessed the agreement as a pragmatic experience of regional integration to facilitate the free movement of production factors, a “tail moves dog” project, or an example of deep integration to diffuse liberal normative principles. This article analyzes the Pacific Alliance Business Council discourse to identify how the private sector perceives its role in the agreement and expresses it in the group's external negotiations, for example, Pacific Alliance–Mercosur, before contrasting its self‐defined role with those assumed by interpretations in the literature. We argue that the private sector sees its role as multifaceted, and this self‐perception escapes the limits of normative deep integration notions, allowing business to adapt to changes in internal and external factors. Business self‐perception contributes to enhance Pacific Alliance pragmatism and the application of an inductive micro‐negotiation methodology, but transversality may also influence the Business Council to support normative issues.
Transcriptomics confirm the establishment of a liver‐immune dual‐humanized mouse model after transplantation of a single type of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell
Authors: Sun Suwan , Yang Hui , Xin Jiaojiao , Yao Heng , Yuan Lunzhi , Ren Keke , Jiang Jing , Shi Dongyan , Li Jun , Zhou Qian , An Zhanglu , Guo Beibei , Chen Jiaxian , He Lulu , Liang Xi , Cheng Tong , Xia Ningshao , Li Jun
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) are important for developing a dual‐humanized mouse model to clarify disease pathogenesis. We aimed to elucidate the characteristics of hBMSC transdifferentiation into liver and immune cells.

Methods

A single type of hBMSCs was transplanted into immunodeficient Fah−/− Rag2−/− IL‐2Rγc−/− SCID (FRGS) mice with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Liver transcriptional data from the hBMSC‐transplanted mice were analysed to identify transdifferentiation with traces of liver and immune chimerism.

Results

Mice with FHF were rescued by implanted hBMSCs. Human albumin/leukocyte antigen (HLA) and CD45/HLA double‐positive hepatocytes and immune cells were observed in the rescued mice during the initial 3 days. The transcriptomics analysis of liver tissues from dual‐humanized mice identified two transdifferentiation phases (cellular proliferation at 1–5 days and cellular differentiation/maturation at 5–14 days) and ten cell lineages transdifferentiated from hBMSCs: human hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, stellate cells, myofibroblasts, endothelial cells and immune cells (T/B/NK/NKT/Kupffer cells). Two biological processes, hepatic metabolism and liver regeneration, were characterized in the first phase, and two additional biological processes, immune cell growth and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation, were observed in the second phase. Immunohistochemistry verified that the ten hBMSC‐derived liver and immune cells were present in the livers of dual‐humanized mice.

Conclusions

A syngeneic liver‐immune dual‐humanized mouse model was developed by transplanting a single type of hBMSC. Four biological processes linked to the transdifferentiation and biological functions of ten human liver and immune cell lineages were identified, which may help to elucidate the molecular basis of this dual‐humanized mouse model for further clarifying disease pathogenesis.
When does early‐life telomere length predict survival? A case study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eastwood Justin R. , Dupoué Andréaz , Delhey Kaspar , Verhulst Simon , Cockburn Andrew , Peters Anne
Published: February 2023

Suboptimal conditions during development can shorten telomeres, the protective DNA caps on the end of chromosomes. Shorter early‐life telomere length (TL) can indicate reduced somatic maintenance, leading to lower survival and shorter lifespan. However, despite some clear evidence, not all studies show a relationship between early‐life TL and survival or lifespan, which may be due to differences in biology or study design (e.g., survival period measured). In superb fairy‐wrens (Malurus cyaneus), we assessed whether early‐life TL predicts mortality across different life‐history stages (fledgling, juvenile, adult). However, in contrast to a similar study on a congener, early‐life TL did not predict mortality across any life stage in this species. We then performed a meta‐analysis including 32 effect sizes from 23 studies (15 birds and three mammals) to quantify the effect of early‐life TL on mortality whilst taking into consideration potential sources of biological and methodological variation. Overall, the effect of early‐life TL on mortality was significant, corresponding to a 15% reduction in mortality risk with each standard deviation increase in TL. However, the effect became weaker when correcting for publication bias. Contrary to our predictions, there was no evidence that effects of early‐life TL on mortality varied with species lifespan or the period over which survival was measured. However, negative effects of early‐life TL on mortality risk were pervasive throughout life. These results imply that effects of early‐life TL on mortality are more likely to be context‐dependent than age‐dependent, although substantial power and publication bias issues highlight the need for more research.
Progress in pathogenesis research of Ustilago maydis, and the metabolites involved along with their biosynthesis
Authors: Yu Chunyan , Qi Jianzhao , Han Haiyan , Wang Pengchao , Liu Chengwei
Published: February 2023

Ustilago maydis is a pathogenic fungus that causes corn smut. Because of its easy cultivation and genetic transformation, U. maydis has become an important model organism for plant‐pathogenic basidiomycetes. U. maydis is able to infect maize by producing effectors and secreted proteins as well as surfactant‐like metabolites. In addition, the production of melanin and iron carriers is also associated with its pathogenicity. Here, advances in our understanding of the pathogenicity of U. maydis, the metabolites involved in the pathogenic process, and the biosynthesis of these metabolites, are reviewed and discussed. This summary will provide new insights into the pathogenicity of U. maydis and the functions of associated metabolites, as well as new clues for deciphering the biosynthesis of metabolites.
From MIA to FIFA: The vicious matrix of frailty, inflammation, fluid overload and atherosclerosis in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Chan Gordon Chun‐Kau , Fung Winston Wing‐Shing , Szeto Cheuk‐Chun , Ng Jack Kit‐Chung
Published: February 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Two decades ago, the common co‐existence of malnutrition and systemic inflammation PD patients with atherosclerosis and CVD led to the proposed terminology of ‘malnutrition‐inflammation‐atherosclerosis (MIA) syndrome’. Although the importance of malnutrition is well accepted, frailty represents a more comprehensive assessment of the physical and functional capability of the patient and encompasses the contributions of sarcopenia (a key component of malnutrition), obesity, cardiopulmonary as well as neuropsychiatric impairment. In recent years, it is also increasingly recognized that fluid overload is not only the consequence but also play an important role in the pathogenesis of CVD. Moreover, fluid overload is closely linked with the systemic inflammatory status, presumably by gut oedema, gastrointestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and leakage of bacterial fragments to the systemic circulation. There are now a wealth of published evidence to show intricate relations between frailty, inflammation, fluid overload and atherosclerotic disease in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those on PD, a phenomenon that we propose the term ‘FIFA complex’. In this system, frailty and atherosclerotic disease may be regarded as two patient‐oriented outcomes, while inflammation and fluid overload are two inter‐connected pathogenic processes. However, there remain limited data on how the treatment of one component affect the others. It is also important to define how treatment of fluid overload affect the systemic inflammatory status and to develop effective anti‐inflammatory strategies that could alleviate atherosclerotic disease and frailty.
Phagocytosis underpins the biotrophic lifestyle of intracellular parasites in the class Phytomyxea (Rhizaria)
Authors: Garvetto Andrea , Murúa Pedro , Kirchmair Martin , Salvenmoser Willibald , Hittorf Michaela , Ciaghi Stefan , Harikrishnan Srilakshmy L. , Gachon Claire M. M. , Burns John A. , Neuhauser Sigrid
Published: February 2023

Phytomyxea are intracellular biotrophic parasites infecting plants and stramenopiles, including the agriculturally impactfulPlasmodiophora brassicaeand the brown seaweed pathogenMaullinia ectocarpii. They belong to the clade Rhizaria, where phagotrophy is the main mode of nutrition. Phagocytosis is a complex trait of eukaryotes, well documented for free‐living unicellular eukaryotes and specific cellular types of animals. Data on phagocytosis in intracellular, biotrophic parasites are scant. Phagocytosis, where parts of the host cell are consumed at once, is seemingly at odds with intracellular biotrophy.

Here we provide evidence that phagotrophy is part of the nutritional strategy of Phytomyxea, using morphological and genetic data (including a novel transcriptome ofM. ectocarpii). We document intracellular phagocytosis inP. brassicaeandM. ectocarpiiby transmission electron microscopy and fluorescentin situhybridization.

Our investigations confirm molecular signatures of phagocytosis in Phytomyxea and hint at a small specialized subset of genes used for intracellular phagocytosis. Microscopic evidence confirms the existence of intracellular phagocytosis, which in Phytomyxea targets primarily host organelles.

Phagocytosis seems to coexist with the manipulation of host physiology typical of biotrophic interactions. Our findings resolve long debated questions on the feeding behaviour of Phytomyxea, suggesting an unrecognized role for phagocytosis in biotrophic interactions.
SHOU4/4L link cell wall cellulose synthesis to pattern‐triggered immunity
Authors: Wang Weibing , Fei Yue , Wang Yongjin , Song Beibei , Li Lin , Zhang Wenjing , Cheng Hangyuan , Zhang Xiaojuan , Chen She , Zhou Jian‐Min
Published: February 2023

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are plasma membrane‐localised proteins that sense molecular patterns to initiate pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI). Receptor‐like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) function downstream of PRRs to propagate signal transduction via the phosphorylation of substrate proteins. The identification and characterisation of RLCK‐regulated substrate proteins are critical for our understanding of plant immunity.

We showed that SHOU4 and SHOU4L are rapidly phosphorylated upon various patterns elicitation and are indispensable for plant resistance to bacterial and fungal pathogens. Protein–protein interaction and phosphoproteomic analysis revealed that BOTRYTIS‐INDUCED KINASE 1, a prominent protein kinase of RLCK subfamily VII (RLCK‐VII), interacted with SHOU4/4L and phosphorylated multiple serine residues on SHOU4L N‐terminus upon pattern flg22 treatment. Neither phospho‐dead nor phospho‐mimic SHOU4L variants complemented pathogen resistance and plant development defect of the loss‐of‐function mutant, suggesting that reversible phosphorylation of SHOU4L is critical to plant immunity and plant development.

Co‐immunoprecipitation data revealed that flg22 induced SHOU4L dissociation from cellulose synthase 1 (CESA1) and that a phospho‐mimic SHOU4L variant inhibited the interaction between SHOU4L and CESA1, indicating the link between SHOU4L‐mediated cellulose synthesis and plant immunity.

This study thus identified SHOU4/4L as new components of PTI and preliminarily revealed the mechanism governing SHOU4L regulation by RLCKs.
Left ventricular summit premature ventricular contractions treated by venous ethanol infusion: Scar assessment by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Limite Luca Rosario , Laborie Guillaume , Constantin Justine , Maubon Antoine , Arcari Luca , Hebert Caroline , Bortone Agustín
Published: February 2023

Left ventricular (LV) summit premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are often unresponsive to radiofrequency (RF) ablation. Retrograde venous ethanol infusion (RVEI) can be a valuable alternative in this scenario. A 43‐year‐old woman without structural heart disease presented with LV summit PVCs unresponsive to RF ablation because of their deep‐seated origin. Unipolar pace mapping performed through a wire inserted into a branch of the distal great cardiac vein (GCV) demonstrated 12/12 concordance with the clinical PVCs thus indicating close proximity to PVCs’ origin. RVEI abolished the PVCs without complications. Subsequently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidenced an intramural myocardial scar produced by ethanol ablation. In conclusion, RVEI effectively and safely treated PVC arising from a deep site in the LVS. The scar provoked by chemical damage was well characterized by MRI imaging.
Deep haplotype analyses of target‐site resistance locus ACCase in blackgrass enabled by pool‐based amplicon sequencing
Authors: Kersten Sonja , Rabanal Fernando A. , Herrmann Johannes , Hess Martin , Kronenberg Zev N. , Schmid Karl , Weigel Detlef
Published: February 2023

Rapid adaptation of weeds to herbicide applications in agriculture through resistance development is a widespread phenomenon. In particular, the grass Alopecurus myosuroides is an extremely problematic weed in cereal crops with the potential to manifest resistance in only a few generations. Target‐site resistances (TSRs), with their strong phenotypic response, play an important role in this rapid adaptive response. Recently, using PacBio's long‐read amplicon sequencing technology in hundreds of individuals, we were able to decipher the genomic context in which TSR mutations occur. However, sequencing individual amplicons are costly and time‐consuming, thus impractical to implement for other resistance loci or applications. Alternatively, pool‐based approaches overcome these limitations and provide reliable allele frequencies, although at the expense of not preserving haplotype information. In this proof‐of‐concept study, we sequenced with PacBio High Fidelity (HiFi) reads long‐range amplicons (13.2 kb), encompassing the entire ACCase gene in pools of over 100 individuals, and resolved them into haplotypes using the clustering algorithm PacBio amplicon analysis (pbaa), a new application for pools in plants and other organisms. From these amplicon pools, we were able to recover most haplotypes from previously sequenced individuals of the same population. In addition, we analysed new pools from a Germany‐wide collection of A. myosuroides populations and found that TSR mutations originating from soft sweeps of independent origin were common. Forward‐in‐time simulations indicate that TSR haplotypes will persist for decades even at relatively low frequencies and without selection, highlighting the importance of accurate measurement of TSR haplotype prevalence for weed management.
Cross‐market information transmission along the supply chain network
Authors: Fang Ruirui , Hu Nan , Liang Peng , Liu Ling
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we investigate whether and how investors of suppliers learn from the private information embedded in the customer credit default swap (CDS) market prior to customer earnings announcements. We find that investors of suppliers indeed incorporate the customer private information revealed in the CDS market into the supplier valuation, thereby leading to significant changes in suppliers’ future stock prices. Moreover, such price discovery effect is more pronounced when: (i) the level of customer private information revealed in the CDS market is more prominent; (ii) the customer bond market is more illiquid; (iii) the customers are expected to report bad earnings news or experience deteriorated credit conditions; (iv) the strength of the supplier–customer economic bond is stronger. Our results remain robust when we control for the supplier's own CDS market price discovery effect or conduct matched sample analyses. Finally, utilizing the passage of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd–Frank Act) as an exogenous shock, we show that the effect of customer CDS trading on suppliers’ future stock prices is less pronounced after the Dodd–Frank Act due to more explicit regulation on informed trading activities. Overall, our study documents significant cross‐market information transmission along the supply chain network (i.e., from the customer derivative market to the supplier equity market).
Efficient computation of discrete games: Estimating the effect of Apple on market structure
Authors: Chung Doug J. , Seo Kyoungwon , Song Reo
Published: February 2023

Discrete games provide the means to analyze market dynamics with limited data. However, computing such games with many players—especially in a complete information setting—is computationally infeasible because the strategy space increases exponentially with the number of players. This study presents a novel and practical method to compute and estimate discrete games. To do so, the study introduces two methodological innovations. First, we develop an efficient simulator that requires fewer random draws to evaluate the likelihood of discrete games with multiple equilibria. The augmented simulator avoids random draws that are not compatible with the observed equilibrium outcome and, thus, efficiently uses all draws to evaluate the likelihood. Second, we utilize general‐purpose computing on graphics‐processing unit (GPGPU), using multiple processing cores in a graphics‐processing unit, to increase computational speed. The two features allow us to estimate the model significantly faster compared to traditional methods. The study's empirical application examines the effect of Apple's company‐owned stores on the retail market structure. The results show that agglomeration effects exist between Apple and upscale firms. The presence of an Apple store attracts high‐income customers, promoting the entry of upscale firms and the exit of discount firms.
Rodents and reptiles as bioindicators for assessing coastal dune restoration success following invasive acacia removal
Authors: Shacham Boaz , Bar Shmuel Nitsan , Manor Regev , Malihi Yariv , Avidan Yael , Cohen Oded
Published: February 2023

Although there is adequate knowledge on restoring many invaded habitats, information regarding faunal recovery is still lacking, particularly regarding sandy coastal ecosystems. An important challenge for assessing restoration effectiveness is the selection of an appropriate bioindicator. The current study examined the recovery of psammophilic rodents and reptiles following the removal of Acacia saligna from Mediterranean coastal dunes. Rodents and reptiles were monitored for 3 years after the tree removal. Rodent sampling included live trapping; reptile sampling included pitfall traps, track transect trails and transect walks (daylight and dark). Removing the invasive plants improved the recovery conditions for psammophilic reptiles and rodents, including endemic and threatened species. However, reptiles differ from rodents in their physiological and behavioral mechanisms, including thermoregulation, diet and territorial behavior, allowing them to respond to habitat changes quicker than rodents. Within the reptile group, faster recovery was observed for nonterritorial species than for territorial species. It is necessary to consider the suitable taxa, method, and time for evaluation of habitat recovery. Our study demonstrates that monitoring reptiles by combining three methods (1) pitfall traps, (2) track transect trails, and (3) transect walks during daylight and dark provides a more complete picture, which is difficult to achieve from a single method. Furthermore, in the case of invasive transformer plants such as A. saligna, which cause long‐term effects, we conclude that monitoring both taxonomic groups is advantageous, as this provides a more reliable picture of ecological functioning and faunistic recovery (compared to monitoring only one of the taxa).
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cooked (tandoori) chicken and associated health risk
Authors: Singh Lochan , Agarwal Tripti
Published: February 2023

Tandoori cooking is a popular food preparation method in India involving a unique combination of grilling, baking, barbecuing, and roasting processes. This study determined the levels of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tandoori chicken and assessed the associated health risk. The sum of 16 PAHs concentration ranged from 25.4 to 3733 μg/kg with an average of 440 ± 853 μg/kg. Analyzed samples demonstrated major contribution of 2, 3, and 4 ring PAHs. Diagnostic ratios identified combustion and high‐temperature processes as the main source favoring PAHs generation in these samples. Benzo(a)pyrene equivalents and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) estimates for different population groups (boys, girls, adult males, adult females, elderly males, elderly females) associated with dietary intake of these products ranged from 6.88E‐05 to 4.13E‐03 and 1.63E‐08 to 1.72E‐06, respectively. Since the ILCR values fell within the safe limits (1E‐06, i.e., nonsignificant), the consumption of tandoori chicken may be considered as safe. The study emphasizes the need for extensive studies on PAHs formation in tandoori food products.
Effects of task types and time interval conditions on age‐related decline in verbal working memory
Authors: Jo Eunha , Choi Sujin , Sung Jee Eun
Published: February 2023

Age‐related differences in working memory (WM) components were investigated by manipulating the time interval and interference effects between phonological and semantic judgment tasks to identify tasks to best discriminate between younger and older groups. The 96 participants (young = 48; old = 48) prospectively performed two task types of WM, with phonological and semantic judgment tasks, which were administered while varying the three interval conditions: 1‐s unfilled (UF), 5‐s UF, and 5‐s filled (F). The main effect for age was significant in the semantic judgment task but not in the phonological judgment task. The main effect for the interval conditions were significant in both tasks. A 5‐s UF condition applied to a semantic judgment task could significantly differentiate the older group from the younger group. Differential effects of time interval manipulation in semantic and phonological processing are involved in WM resources. The older group could be differentiated by varying the task types and interval conditions, indicating that the semantic‐related WM burdens may contribute to a superior differential diagnosis of aging‐related WM decline.