bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: Effects of evidence‐based nursing on surgical site wound infections in patients undergoing surgery for liver cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Shi Yong‐Hong , Wang Qing‐Ju , Huang Li‐Zhen , Li Na , Ren Xin‐Ting , Bi Shu‐Min
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of evidence‐based nursing (EBN) on perioperative wound infections and postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of EBN on patients receiving LIHC surgery were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang, China Biomedical Literature Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from the inception of each database to September 2023. Studies were screened and evaluated by two investigators based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted from the final included literature. RevMan 4.0 was used for data analysis. Overall, 15 RCTs involving 1374 patients with LIHC were included, with 687 in the EBN group and 687 in the conventional care group. The analysis revealed that the incidence of wound infections (odds ratio [OR] = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18–0.56, p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.15–0.31, p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the EBN group than in the conventional care group. The available evidence suggests that nursing strategies for EBN applied in the perioperative period in patients with LIHC receiving surgery can effectively reduce the incidence of wound infections and postoperative complications and promote postoperative recovery.
Response to heat stress and glutenins allelic variation effects on quality traits in durum wheat
Authors: Tabbita Facundo , Ammar Karim , Ibba María Itria , Andrade Francisco , Maccaferri Marco , Sanguineti Maria Corinna , Tuberosa Roberto , Guzmán Carlos
Published: January 2024

In the context of climate change, high temperature is one of the main abiotic stresses hampering durum wheat production. Through the characterization of an international panel of 271 genotypes, this study investigates the effects of heat stress on quality traits and identifies which glutenins (Glu‐1, Glu‐2 and Glu‐3 loci) alleles are the most important to obtain high gluten strength under optimal and high temperature conditions. In parallel with the wide variability observed in the panel, the genotype and environmental effects, including their interaction, showed highly significant effect on test weight, thousand kernel weight, grain protein content (GPC), sodium dodecyl sulphate sedimentation volume (SDSS) and SDSS index. Only one genotype maintained test weight and thousand kernel weight under heat‐stress conditions whereas for GPC, SDSS and SDSS index, most genotypes increased values. All Glu loci had significant effects on grain protein content (with the exception of Glu‐B2), SDSS and SDSS Index. None of the Glu loci interacted with the environment or years under study. Among the identified alleles, Glu‐A1b, Glu‐B1an, Glu‐B1a, Glu‐B2a, Glu‐A3a.x, Glu‐A3d, Glu‐B3a and Glu‐B3ax (including the LMW‐2 pattern) were associated with high values for SDSS and SDSS Index. Genotypes identified in this study, with good performances under optimal and high temperature growing conditions, could be useful for breeding programs. The non‐interaction of the Glu loci with the environment facilitates the introgression of desired alleles regardless of high growing temperatures.
Redistribution of dopants between amorphous and crystalline phases in ZrO2–SiO2 nanoceramics
Authors: Fu Le , Yu Wenjun , Wang Bohan , Deng Ying
Published: January 2024

Extensive efforts have been devoted to investigate the distribution of dopants in ceramics. However, one critical question remained barely explored, which is the redistribution of dopants between amorphous and crystalline phases during fast sintering of ceramics. Here we address this gap by observing the redistribution of five selected dopants (Y, Ce, Yb, Hf, and Ta) in ZrO2–SiO2 nanoceramics during sintering. We designed two groups of experiments: In group one, dual‐phase amorphous particles were sintered with multicomponent crystalline ones. The former particles were ZrO2–SiO2 glass, whereas the latter ones consisted of ZrO2 solid‐solution nanocrystallites (SSNCs) embedded in an oxide glass containing Zr, Si, Y, Ce, Hf, Yb, and Ta. In group two, dual‐phase crystalline particles were sintered with multicomponent amorphous ones. The former particles were composed of ZrO2 nanocrystallites (NCs) embedded in an amorphous SiO2 matrix, whereas the latter ones were oxide glass containing Zr, Si, Y, Ce, Hf, Yb, and Ta. Redistribution of the dopants from the glass to ZrO2 NCs occurred in the two groups, that is, the five dopants migrated from the glass matrix into the ZrO2 NCs, forming ZrO2 SSNCs. The redistribution of the dopants not only increased the configuration entropy of the ZrO2 NCs but also benefited the network structure integrity of SiO2 glass. The dopant redistribution process was driven by the minimization of the studied material's free energy. The reported results are important for understanding the redistribution behaviors of dopants and are expected to provide new insights to design new ceramics via the multielement co‐doping strategy.
Synthesis of foamed glass–ceramics from high‐titanium blast furnace slag using Na3PO4·12H2O as a foam stabilizer
Authors: Zhou Hongling , Feng Keqin , Sun Yihong
Published: January 2024

We report the effects of sodium phosphate dodecahydrate (Na3PO4·12H2O) as a foam stabilizer on the crystalline phases, microstructure, and properties of foamed glass–ceramics derived from solid industrial wastes. Our findings reveal that Na3PO4·12H2O acts as a pore structure stabilizer, enhancing pore uniformity by releasing P2O5 during decomposition. Additionally, it lowers the softening temperature and viscosity by supplying Na2O. X‐ray diffraction analysis demonstrates that Na3PO4·12H2O does not alter the primary crystal types but does influence the crystallinity and morphology. With an increase in Na3PO4·12H2O content, the porosity and water absorption improve, but the bulk density, thermal conductivity, and compressive strength decrease. The optimal properties are achieved with 4 wt% Na3PO4·12H2O, resulting in significantly higher compressive strength compared to foamed glass–ceramics prepared from other solid wastes. This study provides valuable guidelines for effectively reusing solid industrial wastes to fabricate foamed glass–ceramics.
Cerrado bat community assembly is determined by both present‐day and historical factors
Authors: Silva D. C. , Oliveira H. F. M. , Domingos F. M. C. B.
Published: January 2024

Aim

To investigate the influence of ecological factors, geologic and climatic history on current diversity patterns of bat communities. We predicted that (i) our three different biodiversity dimensions (species richness, functional and phylogenetic diversity) will have a positive relationship with habitat heterogeneity; (ii) variation in phylogenetic diversity will be positively influenced by elevation; (iii) biodiversity dimensions will be influenced by climatic stability, with less diversity in regions with higher climatic instability.

Location

Neotropical Savannah (Cerrado).

Methods

We calculated nine metrics: species richness, functional diversity, phylogenetic diversity, mean paired functional distance (MFD) and phylogenetic distances (MPD), richness‐corrected functional diversity (SES‐FD), richness‐corrected phylogenetic diversity (SES‐PD) and richness‐corrected mean functional and phylogenetic distances (SES.MFD and SES.MPD) using distribution records for 111 bat species. Habitat heterogeneity, climatic variables, elevation, floristic and climatic stability were used as independent variables. We used hierarchical Bayesian models to spatialise biodiversity dimensions based on the best predictors.

Results

Cerrado habitat heterogeneity is important for phylogenetic diversity and mean functional and paired phylogenetic distances. Precipitation, temperature, elevation, habitat heterogeneity, and climatic stability were the most important predictors of Cerrado bat biodiversity. Species richness is inversely related to climatic instability, which is the best predictor of this metric. There is a decline in species richness in regions where the floristic composition has been more altered during the last 30,000 years, mainly in southern Cerrado.

Main Conclusions

Present‐day and historical factors simultaneously explain the biodiversity dimensions of bat communities in the Cerrado. Habitat heterogeneity is a major driver of phylogenetic diversity of Cerrado bats, and species of closely related lineages share habitats with homogeneous vegetation. Cerrado climatic changes and geologic history influenced the observed diversity metrics (PD and FD) and the ones corrected for species richness (SES‐PD and SES‐FD) in opposite ways. Species richness corrected metrics (SES‐PD and SES‐FD) indicate that species filtered by adaptive traits mainly occupied regions of climatic instability.
Clinical outcomes of the over‐the‐scope clip closure after duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Fukui Hayato , Dohi Osamu , Hirose Takashi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Tashima Tomoaki , Tada Naoya , Ichinona Takumi , Asai Satoshi , Kobara Hideki , Itoh Yoshito
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

Prophylactic closure with the over‐the‐scope clip (OTSC) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of superficial non‐ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) has been reported to reduce postoperative adverse events (AEs). However, there are few evidences regarding AEs‐associated factors and long‐term outcomes of OTSCs.

Methods

From January 2011 to December 2020, 139 consecutive patients with SNADETs who underwent ESD followed by OTSC closure in five institutions were extracted in this retrospective study. The primary endpoint was the rate of postoperative AEs after prophylactic OTSC closure. The secondary endpoints were the complete closure rate, residual rate, and long‐term AEs associated with residual OTSCs.

Results

The rate of complete closure of the mucosal defect was 97.3% (142) in 146 SNADETs, which were completely resected by ESD. Postoperative AEs, including delayed bleeding, delayed perforation, and localized peritonitis, occurred in 6.2%, 3.4%, and 2.1% of patients, respectively; however, all of the cases improved without surgical treatment. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the use of two or more OTSCs was a significant independent risk factor for postoperative AEs (odds ratio, 2.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–8.46; P = 0.046). The residual OTSC rate was 46.4% at 1 year postoperatively, and long‐term AEs included duodenal erosions and ulcers associated with residual OTSCs.

Conclusions

Prophylactic closure with OTSCs after duodenal ESD can provide acceptable short‐and long‐term outcomes for preventing postoperative AEs. However, multiple OTSCs were the independent risk factors of postoperative AEs due to the gaps between and near the OTSCs.
Clinical outcomes after transplantation of domino grafts or standard deceased donor livers: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Parente Alessandro , Milana Flavio , Hajibandeh Shahin , Hajibandeh Shahab , Tirotta Fabio , Cho Hwui‐Dong , Kasahara Mureo , Kim Ki‐Hun , Schlegel Andrea
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

Domino liver transplantation (DLT) utilizes otherwise discarded livers as donor grafts for another recipients. It is unclear whether DLT has less favorable outcomes compared to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). We aimed to assess the outcomes of DLT compared to DDLT.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science database were searched to identify studies comparing outcomes after DLT with DDLT. Data were pooled using random‐effects modeling, evaluating odds ratios (OR) or mean difference (MD) for outcomes including waiting list time, severe hemorrhage, intensive care unit (ICU), length hospital stay (LOS), rejection, renal, vascular, and biliary events, and recipient survival at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years.

Results

Five studies were identified including 945 patients (DLT = 409, DDLT = 536). The DLT recipients were older compared to the DDLT group (P = 0.04), and both cohorts were comparable regarding lab MELD, hepatocellular carcinoma, and waitlist time. There were no differences in vascular (OR: 1.60, P = 0.39), renal (OR: 0.62, P = 0.24), biliary (OR: 1.51, P = 0.21), severe hemorrhage (OR: 1.09, P = 0.86), rejection (OR: 0.78, P = 0.51), ICU stay (MD: 0.50, P = 0.21), or LOS (MD: 1.68, P = 0.46) between DLT and DDLT. DLT and DDLT were associated with comparable 1‐year (78.9% vs 80.4%; OR: 1.03, P = 0.89), 3‐year (56.2% vs 54.1%; OR: 1.35, P = 0.07), and 10‐year survival (6.5% vs 8.5%; OR: 0.8, P = 0.67) rates. DLT was associated with higher 5‐year survival (41.6% vs 36.4%; OR: 1.70; P = 0.003) compared to DDLT, which was not confirmed at sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis of the best available evidence (Level 2a) demonstrated that DLT and DDLT have comparable outcomes. As indications for liver transplantation expand, future high‐quality research is encouraged to increase the DLT numbers in clinical practice, serving the growing waiting list candidates, with the caveat of uncertain de novo disease transmission risks.
Remote assessment of the Penn computerised neurocognitive battery in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: White L. K. , Hillman N. , Ruparel K. , Moore T. M. , Gallagher R. S. , McClellan E. J. , Roalf D. R. , Scott J. C. , Calkins M. E. , McGinn D. E. , Giunta V. , Tran O. , Crowley T. B. , Zackai E. H. , Emanuel B. S. , McDonald‐McGinn D. M. , Gur R. E. , Gur R. C.
Published: January 2024

Background

Neurocognitive functioning is an integral phenotype of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome relating to severity of psychopathology and outcomes. A neurocognitive battery that could be administered remotely to assess multiple cognitive domains would be especially beneficial to research on rare genetic variants, where in‐person assessment can be unavailable or burdensome. The current study compares in‐person and remote assessments of the Penn computerised neurocognitive battery (CNB).

Methods

Participants (mean age = 17.82, SD = 6.94 years; 48% female) completed the CNB either in‐person at a laboratory (n = 222) or remotely (n = 162).

Results

Results show that accuracy of CNB performance was equivalent across the two testing locations, while slight differences in speed were detected in 3 of the 11 tasks.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the CNB can be used in remote settings to assess multiple neurocognitive domains.
Prescriptive Authority for Direct Entry Midwives in Washington State: Increasing Client Access to Contraception
Authors: Zell Britney , Effland Kristin , Snyder Mercedes , Hays Karen , Gordon Wendy
Published: January 2024

Improving health and achieving health equity includes access to sexual and reproductive health care for all populations, especially those most in need. However, access to life‐saving and life‐affirming contraception with an individual's chosen perinatal provider can be impeded by restrictive regulations that limit scope and practice authority. This is especially true for the majority of community and direct entry midwives in the United States who have historically been unable to legally provide effective contraceptive methods. Recently, licensed midwives in Washington state were the first in the nation to achieve prescriptive authority, enabling their clients to directly obtain contraception and access to medications for common prenatal and postpartum conditions. Sustained advocacy efforts in the state's capitol enabled the Midwives’ Association of Washington State to build relationships over time with legislators and government agencies to achieve this long‐term goal. We present a successful midwifery‐led innovation that achieved scope expansion for licensed midwives whose practice authority was limited by restrictive laws. Lessons learned are described and strategies offered to aid midwives and their advocates in other locales who want to improve health equity and access to contraception. Midwives are well positioned to provide this essential care to individuals living in underserved rural and urban areas and those from historically marginalized communities, but their ability to do so is limited by restrictive legislation.
Ernst Cassirer and the Symbolic Foundation of Institutions
Authors: Meyer Renate E. , Leixnering Stephan , Kornberger Martin , Jancsary Dennis , Höllerer Markus A.
Published: January 2024

In this Counterpoint, we introduce a conceptualization of the symbol that constructively contrasts the ideas presented by Phillips and Moser. We do not see the need to mobilize ideas and vocabularies from evolutionary biology, as they do, but instead propose to return to cultural approaches to the symbol that resonate more deeply and profoundly within our discipline. Specifically, we revisit the work of German philosopher Ernst Cassirer on the symbolic foundation of culture and society. To fully harness the potential of such a renewed approach in organization research, we encourage a conversation with foundational and more recent work in institutional organization theory. The aims of our article are to (a) offer an alternative understanding of the symbol; and (b) elaborate how such understanding can reinvigorate organizational and institutional analysis.
Do consumer perceptions of a product category relate to their sensory properties? A case study on energy bars with consumers of high and low familiarity
Authors: Schoonbrood Daniel , Delarue Julien
Published: January 2024

Goods in a market are typically presented in discrete categories so that consumers can easily find their way among the myriad of products available. However, sub‐categorical distinctions are often less clear. This study aimed to explore how consumer perceptions of products within a category relate to their sensory properties. By analyzing how consumers sorted energy bars and the vocabulary used to describe the resulting clusters, we found that consumers generally agree on how they perceive bars high in protein. However, energy bar consumers with high familiarity demonstrated greater levels of differentiation between clusters compared to energy bar consumers with low familiarity. They were also more consensual in their sorting. Furthermore, sensory properties were found to play a larger role in determining product clusters for consumers with high familiarity than with low familiarity. These findings shed light on the factors influencing consumer perception of energy bars. Additionally, this approach offers a simple way to investigate consumer perception of a product category and could be useful to marketers and product developers who wish to refine their offerings to better meet consumer expectations.

Practical Applications

The method for category appraisal described in this paper emphasizes consumer perception of products and factors, such as sensory properties and nutrition facts, that influence these perceptions. It departs from traditional approaches that focus on individual product descriptions and instead focuses on product groupings perceived by consumers. This approach allows for deeper insights to be obtained about product categories as a whole, which can inform effective marketing strategies and efficient product development.
The effects of partial sleep restriction and subsequent caffeine ingestion on neurovascular coupling
Authors: Lester Alice B. , Buckingham Gavin , Bond Bert
Published: January 2024

Habitual poor sleep is associated with cerebrovascular disease. Acute sleep deprivation alters the ability to match brain blood flow to metabolism (neurovascular coupling [NVC]) but it is not known how partial sleep restriction affects NVC. When rested, caffeine disrupts NVC, but its effects in the sleep‐restricted state are unknown. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of partial sleep restriction and subsequent caffeine ingestion on NVC. A total of 17 adults (mean [standard deviation] age 27 [5] years, nine females) completed three separate overnight conditions with morning supplementation: habitual sleep plus placebo (Norm_Pl), habitual sleep plus caffeine (Norm_Caf), and partial (50% habitual sleep) restriction plus caffeine (PSR_Caf). NVC responses were quantified as blood velocity through the posterior (PCAv) and middle (MCAv) cerebral arteries using transcranial Doppler ultrasound during a visual search task and cognitive function tests, respectively. NVC was assessed the evening before and twice the morning after each sleep condition—before and 1‐h after caffeine ingestion. NVC responses as a percentage increase in PCAv and MCAv from resting baseline were not different at any timepoint, across all conditions (p > 0.053). MCAv at baseline, and PCAv at baseline, peak, and total area under the curve were lower 1‐h after caffeine in both Norm_Caf and PSR_Caf as compared to Norm_Pl (p < 0.05), with no difference between Norm_Caf and PSR_Caf (p > 0.14). In conclusion, NVC was unaltered after 50% sleep loss, and caffeine did not modify the magnitude of the response in the rested or sleep‐deprived state. Future research should explore how habitual poor sleep affects cerebrovascular function.
Topographic conditions as governing factors of mire vegetation types analyzed from drone‐based terrain model
Authors: Kaneko Kazuhiro , Yokochi Minoru , Inoue Takashi , Kato Yukie , Fujita Hiroko
Published: January 2024

Questions

Previous studies have shown that mire vegetation responds to fine‐scale differences in topography; however, very few studies have examined the relationship between multiple topographic conditions and vegetation distribution patterns by using topographic information with a resolution finer than microtopographic patches of sub‐meter scale in mires. Is it possible to predict vegetation distribution patterns in a mire using topographic information derived from drone imagery? How do topographic conditions affect the emergence of vegetation types?

Location

3 km2 of sloping mire in eastern Hokkaido, northern Japan.

Methods

Digital surface models (DSMs) and orthomosaics were created using an affordable drone (Phantom3 advanced) and photogrammetry. We calculated 23 variables reflecting topographic conditions from DSMs. The locations of four vegetation types (Moliniopsis japonica–Eriophorum vaginatum, ME; Moliniopsis japonica–Carex lasiocarpa, MC; Sphagnum fuscum–Ledum palustre, SL; and Carex lyngbyei–Thelypteris palustris, CT) were recorded by field survey and orthomosaics. Random forest models that predicted vegetation types from topographic variables were created and we evaluated the prediction accuracy, importance of variables and effect of variables on the occurrence probability of the vegetation types.

Results

All predictive indicators (recall, precision, overall accuracy, kappa) were very high (>0.9). Important variables for modeling were altitude, relative height to the surroundings, slopes at a scale of several 10 m, soil wetness index and terrain ruggedness. Each vegetation type appeared under different topographic conditions; altitude was a key factor in ME and MC, and slope in CT. SL showed patchy distribution predictions on hummocks.

Conclusions

Vegetation distribution in the mire was strongly related to topographic information based on the DSMs. Analysis of the variable effects indicates that the emergence of the vegetation types was explained by a combination of multiple topographic conditions. This approach has the outstanding advantages of obtaining many survey points quickly and retrieving topographic conditions difficult to measure using on‐ground field surveys.
Extrahepatic malignancies in metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Park Min Kyung , Hur Moon Haeng , Moon Hye‐Sung , Shin Hyunjae , Chung Sung Won , Won Sungho , Lee Yun Bin , Cho Eun Ju , Lee Jeong‐Hoon , Yu Su Jong , Yoon Jung‐Hwan , Kim Yoon Jun
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) encompasses heterogeneous fatty liver diseases associated with metabolic disorders. We aimed to evaluate the association between MAFLD and extrahepatic malignancies based on MAFLD subtypes.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study included 9 298 497 patients who participated in a health‐screening programme of the National Health Insurance Service of Korea in 2009. Patients were further classified into four subgroups: non‐MAFLD, diabetes mellitus (DM)‐MAFLD, overweight/obese‐MAFLD and lean‐MAFLD. The primary outcome was the development of any primary extrahepatic malignancy, while death, decompensated liver cirrhosis and liver transplantation were considered competing events. The secondary outcomes included all‐cause and extrahepatic malignancy‐related mortality.

Results

In total, 2 500 080 patients were diagnosed with MAFLD. During a median follow‐up of 10.3 years, 447 880 patients (6.0%) with extrahepatic malignancies were identified. The DM‐MAFLD (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aSHR] = 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–1.14; p < .001) and the lean‐MAFLD (aSHR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.10–1.14; p < .001) groups were associated with higher risks of extrahepatic malignancy than the non‐MAFLD group. However, the overweight/obese‐MAFLD group exhibited a similar risk of extrahepatic malignancy compared to the non‐MAFLD group (aSHR = 1.00; 95% CI = .99–1.00; p = .42). These findings were reproduced in several sensitivity analyses. The DM‐MAFLD was an independent risk factor for all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.40–1.43; p < .001) and extrahepatic malignancy‐related mortality (aHR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.17–1.23; p < .001).

Conclusion

The diabetic or lean subtype of MAFLD was associated with a higher risk of extrahepatic malignancy than non‐MAFLD. As MAFLD comprises a heterogeneous population, appropriate risk stratification and management based on the MAFLD subtypes are required.
Natural history of Wolcott‐Rallison syndrome: A systematic review and follow‐up study
Authors: Aldrian Denise , Bochdansky Clemens , Kavallar Anna M. , Mayerhofer Christoph , Deeb Asma , Habeb Abdelhadi , Romera Rabasa Andrea , Khadilkar Anuradha , Uçar Ahmet , Knoppke Birgit , Zafeiriou Dimitrios , Lang‐Muritano Mariarosaria , Miqdady Mohamad , Judmaier Sylvia , McLin Valerié , Furdela Viktoriya , Müller Thomas , Vogel Georg F.
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

To systematically review the literature for reports on Wolcott‐Rallison syndrome, focusing on the spectrum and natural history, genotype‐phenotype correlations, patient and native liver survival, and long‐term outcomes.

Methods

PubMed, Livio, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched. Data on genotype, phenotype, therapy, cause of death and follow‐up were extracted. Survival and correlation analyses were performed.

Results

Sixty‐two studies with 159 patients met the inclusion criteria and additional 30 WRS individuals were collected by personal contact. The median age of presentation was 2.5 months (IQR 2) and of death was 36 months (IQR 50.75). The most frequent clinical feature was neonatal diabetes in all patients, followed by liver impairment in 73%, impaired growth in 72%, skeletal abnormalities in 59.8%, the nervous system in 37.6%, the kidney in 35.4%, insufficient haematopoiesis in 34.4%, hypothyroidism in 14.8% and exocrine pancreas insufficiency in 10.6%. Episodes of acute liver failure were frequently reported. Liver transplantation was performed in six, combined liver‐pancreas in one and combined liver‐pancreas‐kidney transplantation in two individuals. Patient survival was significantly better in the transplant cohort (p = .0057). One‐, five‐ and ten‐year patient survival rates were 89.4%, 65.5% and 53.1%, respectively. Liver failure was reported as the leading cause of death in 17.9% of cases. Overall survival was better in individuals with missense mutations (p = .013).

Conclusion

Wolcott‐Rallison syndrome has variable clinical courses. Overall survival is better in individuals with missense mutations. Liver‐ or multi‐organ transplantation is a feasible treatment option to improve survival.
Cardiac glycosides protect wormseed wallflower (Erysimum cheiranthoides) against some, but not all, glucosinolate‐adapted herbivores
Authors: Younkin Gordon C. , Alani Martin L. , Páez‐Capador Anamaría , Fischer Hillary D. , Mirzaei Mahdieh , Hastings Amy P. , Agrawal Anurag A. , Jander Georg
Published: January 2024

The chemical arms race between plants and insects is foundational to the generation and maintenance of biological diversity. We asked how the evolution of a novel defensive compound in an already well‐defended plant lineage impacts interactions with diverse herbivores. Erysimum cheiranthoides (Brassicaceae), which produces both ancestral glucosinolates and novel cardiac glycosides, served as a model.

We analyzed gene expression to identify cardiac glycoside biosynthetic enzymes in E. cheiranthoides and characterized these enzymes via heterologous expression and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout. Using E. cheiranthoides cardiac glycoside‐deficient lines, we conducted insect experiments in both the laboratory and field.

EcCYP87A126 initiates cardiac glycoside biosynthesis via sterol side‐chain cleavage, and EcCYP716A418 has a role in cardiac glycoside hydroxylation. In EcCYP87A126 knockout lines, cardiac glycoside production was eliminated. Laboratory experiments with these lines revealed that cardiac glycosides were highly effective defenses against two species of glucosinolate‐tolerant specialist herbivores, but did not protect against all crucifer‐feeding specialist herbivores in the field. Cardiac glycosides had lesser to no effect on two broad generalist herbivores.

These results begin elucidation of the E. cheiranthoides cardiac glycoside biosynthetic pathway and demonstrate in vivo that cardiac glycoside production allows Erysimum to escape from some, but not all, specialist herbivores.
Tobacco‐enhanced biofilm formation by Porphyromonas gingivalis and other oral microbes
Authors: Tan Jinlian , Lamont Gwyneth J. , Scott David A.
Published: January 2024

Microbial biofilms promote pathogenesis by disguising antigens, facilitating immune evasion, providing protection against antibiotics and other antimicrobials and, generally, fostering survival and persistence. Environmental fluxes are known to influence biofilm formation and composition, with recent data suggesting that tobacco and tobacco‐derived stimuli are particularly important mediators of biofilm initiation and development in vitro and determinants of polymicrobial communities in vivo. The evidence for tobacco‐augmented biofilm formation by oral bacteria, tobacco‐induced oral dysbiosis, tobacco‐resistance strategies, and bacterial physiology is summarized herein. A general overview is provided alongside specific insights gained through studies of the model and archetypal, anaerobic, Gram‐negative oral pathobiont, Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Species traits related to the invasion of woody plants in Patagonian deciduous forests
Authors: Lediuk K. D. , Svriz M. , Puntieri J. G. , Damascos M. A.
Published: January 2024

The comparison of ecological, phenological, morphological and developmental traits between exotic invasive species and coexisting native species contributes to understand the driving mechanisms of successful invasions. This study aimed to examine which of these traits are related to the invasion of woody plants in the understory of deciduous North Patagonian forests of Argentina.

We compared the phenology, shoot growth rate, number of leaves, biomass allocation, leaf herbivory, and recruitment type of two exotic deciduous trees, Crataegus monogyna and Sorbus aucuparia, with those of four coexisting native woody species (one deciduous, one semi‐deciduous, and two evergreen species).

Spring shoot growth took place several weeks earlier in both exotic species and in the deciduous native species than in the other native species; growth rates were higher in the exotics. Compared to coexisting native species, both exotic species developed shoots that were as long as or longer, had lower biomass allocation to leaves and higher allocation to roots, suffered lower leaf damage by herbivores and exhibited higher seed than vegetative recruitment.

This study supports the idea that a combination of phenological, growth rate and mass allocation traits allow exotic species to preempt resources, thus favouring invasion processes.
Genetic structure and ecological niche space of lentil's closest wild relative, Lens orientalis (Boiss.) Schmalh.
Authors: Guerra‐García A. , Trněný O. , Brus J. , Renzi J. P. , Kumar S. , Bariotakis M. , Coyne C. J. , Chitikineni A. , Bett K. E. , Varshney R. , Pirintsos S. , Berger J. , von Wettberg E. J. B. , Smýkal P.
Published: January 2024

Crops arose from wild ancestors and to understand their domestication it is essential to compare the cultivated species with their crop wild relatives. These represent an important source of further crop improvement, in particular in relation to climate change. Although there are about 58,000 Lens accessions held in genebanks, only 1% are wild.

We examined the geographic distribution and genetic diversity of the lentil's immediate progenitor L. orientalis. We used Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) to identify and characterize differentiation among accessions held at germplasm collections. We then determined whether genetically distinct clusters of accessions had been collected from climatically distinct locations.

Of the 195 genotyped accessions, 124 were genuine L. orientalis with four identified genetic groups. Although an environmental distance matrix was significantly correlated with geographic distance in a Mantel test, the four identified genetic clusters were not found to occupy significantly different environmental space. Maxent modelling gave a distinct predicted distribution pattern centred in the Fertile Crescent, with intermediate probabilities of occurrence in parts of Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Morocco, and the south of the Iberian Peninsula with NW Africa. Future projections did not show any dramatic alterations in the distribution according to the climate change scenarios tested.

We have found considerable diversity in L. orientalis, some of which track climatic variability. The results of the study showed the genetic diversity of wild lentil and indicate the importance of ongoing collections and in situ conservation for our future capacity to harness the genetic variation of the lentil progenitor.
Analysis of Rice Blast Resistance Dominant Genes and their Combinations in Japonica Rice
Authors: Fengshun Song , Ran Zhou , Hassan Muhammad Ahmad , Quan Gan , Cuixiang Lin , Bin Ten , Kang Li , Dahu Ni
Published: January 2024

Rice blast is a disastrous fungal disease affecting rice (Oryza sativa L.) and undermines world food security. Different ecological conditions and genetic backgrounds altered the effectiveness of rice blast resistance genes. Anhui (China) is a high‐incidence area and has long been affected by rice blast. Despite chemical or other control methods of rice blast, analyzing the effects of specific rice blast resistance genes within the Anhui region, identifying favorable genes (combinations), and incorporating them into the process of new variety selection and breeding programs are effective ways to improve rice blast resistance. This research study examined the distribution of 16 rice blast resistance genes (i.e., Pi‐ta, Pi5, Pi1, Pia, etc.) in a recombinant self‐cross population of japonica rice and analyzed their correlation to panicle neck blast resistance. Five genes, Pit, Pi‐ta, Pik, Pb1, and Pi54, were identified and evaluated as dominant genes to improve panicle neck blast resistance. Further comparisons of the neck blast resistance levels between various gene combinations revealed that Pi54, when combined with Pb1/Pi‐ta (Pi54 + Pb1, Pi54 + Pi‐ta), could further increase resistance to panicle neck blast; and the highest resistance level was found with the three‐gene combination of Pi54 + Pi‐ta + Pb1. Meanwhile, the neck blast resistance capacity of Pi54 and Pb1 was significantly improved after polymerization with Pit and Pik (Pik + Pi54, Pit + Pi54, Pit + Pb1). Therefore, gene polymerization is widely regarded as a successful strategy to breed varieties with long‐lasting and broad‐spectrum resistance. It is anticipated that rice blast tolerance capacity will be considerably improved by gene polymerization of dominant genes.
Asymptotic spatial behavior for the heat equation on noncompact regions
Authors: Knops Robin J. , Quintanilla Ramon
Published: January 2024

We consider the isotropic initial boundary value problem for the heat equation on open regions with noncompact boundary and construct differential inequalities for a generalized heat flow measure defined over a spherical cross section. Under suitable assumptions, integration of the differential inequality leads to spatial growth and decay rate estimates for mean‐square cross‐sectional measures of the time‐weighted temperature spatial gradient. The estimates are then used to obtain similar results for the time‐weighted temperature. In particular, when the base heat flow measure is positive, the time‐weighted temperature becomes pointwise unbounded at large spatial distance.
Spontaneous tendon or ligament ruptures in patients undergoing dialysis: First pediatric case report and literature review
Authors: Huseynli Behruz , Büyükkaragöz Bahar , Leventoğlu Emre , Fidan Kibriya , Bakkaloğlu Sevcan A. , Öztürk Akif Muhtar , Söylemezoğlu Oğuz
Published: January 2024

Spontaneous tendon or ligament ruptures are quite rare and mostly associated with chronic systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, we present the first documented case of a spontaneous rupture of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) in a pediatric patient. The patient was undergoing long‐term peritoneal dialysis (PD) and had a history of severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. Additionally, we discussed spontaneous tendon and ligament ruptures associated with CKD or dialysis through a comprehensive literature review. This case report highlights the importance of recognizing that spontaneous tendon or ligament injuries are not exclusive to adults; children with CKD can also be affected. Several factors including poor parathyroid hormone (PTH) and metabolic acidosis control, prolonged CKD duration and presence of malnutrition play role in the pathogenesis. Early diagnosis is crucial as it allows for timely surgical intervention and leads to a favorable functional recovery.
Next‐generation sequencing identifies two novel HLA class II alleles: HLA‐DRB1*12:107 and HLA‐DQB1*06:476
Authors: Loginova Maria , Obukhov Ivan , Paramonov Igor
Published: January 2024

We identified two novel HLA class II alleles by next‐generation sequencing, HLA‐DRB1*12:107 and HLA‐DQB1*06:476.
Development, implementation and impact of an immunoglobulin stewardship programme in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Sarker Kinsuk , Vanstone Jason R. , Adigun Oluwaferanmi , Boutilier Brad , Comeau Jessica , Degelman Michelle L. , Gottselig Paul , Berry Warren E. , Milne Ardyth , Van Vliet Paula , Harding Sheila Rutledge
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is one of the most costly and limited‐supply blood products. Judicious use of this therapy is important to ensure a continued supply is available for patients in need. The Saskatchewan IG Stewardship Program was initiated to monitor and reduce inappropriate IG use.

Materials and Methods

The Program was developed and implemented through the collaborative efforts of a multidisciplinary, inter‐organizational team. Funding was provided from provincial organizations to create new positions within the Program and to support stakeholder engagement throughout the process of implementation. Data were collected from local and national databases regarding the amount of IVIG used and appropriateness of orders based on published criteria.

Results

Over 20 months, the Program helped to reduce unnecessary IVIG use from pre‐intervention levels by more than 20%. Interventions from nurse navigators alone reduced inappropriate IVIG use by 2.6%. During the 20‐month period following Program initiation, more than 4 million CAD less was spent on IVIG compared with the previous 20 months.

Conclusion

The Saskatchewan IG Stewardship Program has led to more appropriate IVIG use across the province, more effective preservation of this limited healthcare resource, and cost savings that more than cover the cost of administering the Program.
Equine subchondral lucencies: Knowledge from the medial femoral condyle
Authors: Santschi Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2024

Equine subchondral lucencies (SCL) have been described since the first availability of suitable radiographic equipment. The initial clinical sign can be lameness, but SCLs are often first found on surveys of juvenile horses and are primarily a radiographic concern for public auctions. When lameness is present, it varies from subtle to obvious and can be intermittent. Some SCLs heal spontaneously, and some remain blemishes, but when the SCL and lameness are persistent, further damage to the joint and limitations to an athletic career are likely. SCLs were initially described in the distal limb followed by the stifle, and the medial femoral condyle (MFC) is now considered the most common location. The aim of this review is to highlight the initial pathology and discuss the clinical and experimental information available on equine SCLs. SCL treatment has evolved from rest alone and has progressed to debridement, grafting, intralesional injection, and most recently, transcondylar screw and absorbable implant placement. Comparison of success rates between techniques is difficult due to variations in follow‐up and outcome measures, and no single technique is best for all SCLs. Treatment appears to increase success by 15%–20% over rest alone, but the method chosen depends on many factors. This review emphasizes the need for further work to fully understand SCL formation and all aspects of trabecular bone healing to optimize surgical therapy and improve treatment success.
Surge-Elimination Strategy for Aero-Engine Transient Control
Authors: Wang Yong , Fang Juan , Song Weifeng , Ji Chuang , Zhang Haibo , Zhao Qijun
Published: January 2024

The fundamental principle of the transient state control method for turbofan engines, which is based on the acceleration ratio of high-pressure rotational speed (N-dot), involves sacrificing a portion of the safety margin to obtain satisfactory acceleration performance. However, it could induce surge in the engine's compressor. To prevent the destructive damage caused by surge to both the engine and its components, a surge-elimination control strategy for the engine based on an N-dot controller is proposed. First, the engine mathematical model, which incorporates the effects of engine volumetric dynamics, stall zone characteristics, and combustion chamber flameout characteristics, is established to simulate surge mechanism. Subsequently, the acceleration schedule of the N-dot is calculated by employing sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm to solve the multiconstraint optimization problem, while designing the transition state controller of N-dot based on a high-order filter. Finally, the surge detection logic and surge-elimination strategy based on the μ-correction method are proposed and designed to realize active control of surge elimination. The simulation results demonstrate that the N-dot control method offers significant advantages in mitigating the steady-state errors resulting from inevitable engine degradations. The surge state is effectively suppressed by the proposed surge-elimination control method, and the surge duration is significantly shorten during the acceleration phases. Furthermore, compared to the one without any surge-elimination control, the proposed method decreases the acceleration time by 5.53%.
Osteocyte mitochondria inhibit tumor development via STING-dependent antitumor immunity
Authors: Zhou Hao , Zhang Wenkan , Li Hengyuan , Xu Fan , Yinwang Eloy , Xue Yucheng , Chen Tao , Wang Shengdong , Wang Zenan , Sun Hangxiang , Wang Fangqian , Mou Haochen , Yao Minjun , Chai Xupeng , Zhang Jiahao , Diarra Mohamed Diaty , Li Binghao , Zhang Changqing , Gao Junjie , Ye Zhaoming
Published: January 2024

Bone is one of the most common sites of tumor metastases. During the last step of bone metastasis, cancer cells colonize and disrupt the bone matrix, which is maintained mainly by osteocytes, the most abundant cells in the bone microenvironment. However, the role of osteocytes in bone metastasis is still unclear. Here, we demonstrated that osteocytes transfer mitochondria to metastatic cancer cells and trigger the cGAS/STING-mediated antitumor response. Blocking the transfer of mitochondria by specifically knocking out mitochondrial Rho GTPase 1 (
Rhot1
) or mitochondrial mitofusin 2 (
Mfn2
) in osteocytes impaired tumor immunogenicity and consequently resulted in the progression of metastatic cancer toward the bone matrix. These findings reveal the protective role of osteocytes against cancer metastasis by transferring mitochondria to cancer cells and potentially offer a valuable therapeutic strategy for preventing bone metastasis.
Genetic history of Cambridgeshire before and after the Black Death
Authors: Hui Ruoyun , Scheib Christiana L. , D’Atanasio Eugenia , Inskip Sarah A. , Cessford Craig , Biagini Simone A. , Wohns Anthony W. , Ali Muhammad Q.A. , Griffith Samuel J. , Solnik Anu , Niinemäe Helja , Ge Xiangyu Jack , Rose Alice K. , Beneker Owyn , O’Connell Tamsin C. , Robb John E. , Kivisild Toomas
Published: January 2024

The extent of the devastation of the Black Death pandemic (1346–1353) on European populations is known from documentary sources and its bacterial source illuminated by studies of ancient pathogen DNA. What has remained less understood is the effect of the pandemic on human mobility and genetic diversity at the local scale. Here, we report 275 ancient genomes, including 109 with coverage >0.1×, from later medieval and postmedieval Cambridgeshire of individuals buried before and after the Black Death. Consistent with the function of the institutions, we found a lack of close relatives among the friars and the inmates of the hospital in contrast to their abundance in general urban and rural parish communities. While we detect long-term shifts in local genetic ancestry in Cambridgeshire, we find no evidence of major changes in genetic ancestry nor higher differentiation of immune loci between cohorts living before and after the Black Death.