bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological principles to guide the development of crop variety mixtures
Authors: Kopp Emanuel B , Niklaus Pascal A , Wuest Samuel E
Published: May 2023

Crop variety mixtures can provide many benefits, including pathogen suppression and increased yield and yield stability. However, these benefits do not necessarily occur in all mixtures, and the benefits of diversity may be compromised by disadvantages due to increased crop heterogeneity. In-field development of mixtures by assembling many combinations of crop genotypes without prior expectation about which genotypes need to be combined to produce well-performing mixtures results in prohibitively large designs. Therefore, effective tools are required to narrow down the number of promising variety mixtures, and to then identify in experiments which of these deliver the highest benefits. Here, we first review current knowledge about the mechanisms underlying effects in ecological diversity experiments and in current agricultural applications. We then discuss some of the principal difficulties arising in the application of this knowledge to develop good variety mixtures. We also discuss non-conventional approaches to solve some of these issues. In particular, we highlight the potential and limitations of trait-based methods to determine good variety mixing partners, and argue that nontraditional traits and trait-derived metrics may be needed for the trait-based approach to deliver its full potential. Specifically, we argue that good mixing partners can be identified using modern genetic and genomic approaches. Alternatively, good mixtures may be obtained by combining varieties that respond differently to environmental variation; such varieties could easily be identified in standard variety testing trials. Preliminary analyses show that niche differences underlying the different environmental responses can indicate functional complementarity and promote mixture yield and yield stability.
A rare case of positional vertebrobasilar ischemia with the retrograde flow of the vertebral artery
Authors: Kawahira Toshihiro , Morimoto Hiroki
Published: May 2023

Positional vertebrobasilar ischemia, also known as Bow hunter stroke, is typically caused by mechanical compression of the vertebral artery (VA). On the other hand, subclavian steal syndrome is incidentally detected by vertigo, syncope or loss of consciousness due to the steal phenomenon. A 61-year-old man suffered from near syncope when he turned his head to the left side. Although asymmetric arm blood pressure of the right dominant was observed, arm claudication was not detected. Computed tomographic angiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed total occlusion of the left subclavian artery, hypoplasia of the right VA and an incomplete circle of Willis. Furthermore, carotid Doppler ultrasonic echography revealed retrograde blood flow of the left VA. It means that head rotation might occur in the left VA ischemia. An axillary-axillary bypass surgery was performed and ultrasonic echography showed anterograde effective blood flow of the left VA after the procedure.
Gallbladder torsion with gangrenous cholecystitis: a case report
Authors: Daly Tessa , Byrne Jim , Aftab Fuad
Published: May 2023

A woman in her nineties presented with a 7-day history of right upper quadrant pain, nausea and anorexia. Examination findings included tenderness in the right upper quadrant and a positive Murphy’s sign. Laboratory studies were unremarkable with normal white cell count, C-reactive protein and liver functions tests. Ultrasound of the abdomen, however, demonstrated a distended gallbladder containing sludge and a thickened gallbladder wall. The patient’s symptoms worsened with associated elevation of inflammatory markers despite initial treatment with intravenous antibiotics for 24 h. It was decided to proceed to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intraoperatively, 360° clockwise torsion of a gangrenous gallbladder on an elongated mesentery was noted. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was completed without complication and the patient was discharged home after completion of a course of intravenous antibiotics. Histopathological examination demonstrated acute cholecystitis with extensive mural necrosis.
On Choice and Freedom in Transnational Migrations: The Soviet Jewish Migrants in Europe Who Were Left Behind
Authors: Kozlov Denis
Published: May 2023

This article discusses the experiences of several thousand Jewish migrants from the Soviet Union who failed to adapt to life in Israel and moved to Western Europe during the 1970s and 1980s in an attempt to gain immigrant admission to Western countries. The difficult multi-year sojourn of these people in Europe (mainly in the Roman Metropolitan Area in Italy) highlights the nonlinear and precarious trajectories of emigration from the USSR as well as the political controversies that accompanied this population movement. At the center of analysis are the activities of Western and Israeli government agencies and international organizations that tried to restrict and inhibit the unexpected abandonment of the Israeli destination by ex-Soviet Jewish migrants. The article focuses on a contrast between the ideology and practice of transnational migrations in a divided world. Although the concepts of freedom, legality, and individual choice rhetorically framed the act of leaving the Soviet Union during the Cold War, in practice those benefits were not available to many migrants. Agencies routinely handled migrations on grounds of political calculation, in which the rights, freedoms, and well-being of the migrant were subordinated to policy objectives and institutional priorities, often without much regard for the law. The article pays special attention to the values, language, and mechanisms of political action that the former Soviet people employed in order to reach their goals in the unfamiliar Western world.
Integrating biophysical crop growth models and whole genome prediction for their mutual benefit: a case study in wheat phenology
Authors: Jighly Abdulqader , Weeks Anna , Christy Brendan , O’Leary Garry J , Kant Surya , Aggarwal Rajat , Hessel David , Forrest Kerrie L , Technow Frank , Tibbits Josquin F G , Totir Radu , Spangenberg German C , Hayden Matthew J , Munkvold Jesse , Daetwyler Hans D
Published: May 2023

Running crop growth models (CGM) coupled with whole genome prediction (WGP) as a CGM–WGP model introduces environmental information to WGP and genomic relatedness information to the genotype-specific parameters modelled through CGMs. Previous studies have primarily used CGM–WGP to infer prediction accuracy without exploring its potential to enhance CGM and WGP. Here, we implemented a heading and maturity date wheat phenology model within a CGM–WGP framework and compared it with CGM and WGP. The CGM–WGP resulted in more heritable genotype-specific parameters with more biologically realistic correlation structures between genotype-specific parameters and phenology traits compared with CGM-modelled genotype-specific parameters that reflected the correlation of measured phenotypes. Another advantage of CGM–WGP is the ability to infer accurate prediction with much smaller and less diverse reference data compared with that required for CGM. A genome-wide association analysis linked the genotype-specific parameters from the CGM–WGP model to nine significant phenology loci including Vrn-A1 and the three PPD1 genes, which were not detected for CGM-modelled genotype-specific parameters. Selection on genotype-specific parameters could be simpler than on observed phenotypes. For example, thermal time traits are theoretically more independent candidates, compared with the highly correlated heading and maturity dates, which could be used to achieve an environment-specific optimal flowering period. CGM–WGP combines the advantages of CGM and WGP to predict more accurate phenotypes for new genotypes under alternative or future environmental conditions.
Character and Distribution of Geometrically Necessary Dislocations in Polycrystalline Tantalum
Authors: Hansen Landon T , Carroll Jay D , Homer Eric R , Wagoner Robert H , Zhou Guowei , Fullwood David T
Published: May 2023

Geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) play a key role in accommodating strain incompatibility between neighboring grains in polycrystalline materials. One critical step toward accurately capturing GNDs in deformation models involves studying the microstructural features that promote GND accumulation and the resulting character of GND fields. This study utilizes high-resolution electron backscatter diffraction to map GND populations in a large polycrystalline sample of pure tantalum, under simple tension. A total of 1,989 grains, 3,518 grain boundaries (GBs), and 3,207 triple junctions (TJs) were examined in a subsurface region of the sample. Correlations between GND density and GB character, and to some extent, TJ character, are investigated. Statistical geometrical relationships between these entities are quantified, and also visualized, using a novel application of two-point statistics. The nature of GNDs across the sample is also visualized and assessed using a recently developed method of mapping the local net Burgers vectors. The different approaches to characterizing GND distribution are compared in terms of how they quantify the size of near boundary gradient zones.
Introducing a Dynamic Reconstruction Methodology for Multilayered Structures in Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Hatzoglou Constantinos , Da Costa Gérald , Wells Peter , Ren Xiaochen , Geiser Brian P , Larson David J , Demoulin Remi , Hunnestad Kasper , Talbot Etienne , Mazumder Baishakhi , Meier Dennis , Vurpillot François
Published: May 2023

Atom probe tomography (APT) is a powerful three-dimensional nanoanalyzing microscopy technique considered key in modern materials science. However, progress in the spatial reconstruction of APT data has been rather limited since the first implementation of the protocol proposed by Bas et al. in 1995. This paper proposes a simple semianalytical approach to reconstruct multilayered structures, i.e., two or more different compounds stacked perpendicular to the analysis direction. Using a field evaporation model, the general dynamic evolution of parameters involved in the reconstruction of this type of structure is estimated. Some experimental reconstructions of different structures through the implementation of this method that dynamically accommodates variations in the tomographic reconstruction parameters are presented. It is shown both experimentally and theoretically that the depth accuracy of reconstructed APT images is improved using this method. The method requires few parameters in order to be easily usable and substantially improves atom probe tomographic reconstructions of multilayered structures.
More relaxed intracluster gas than galaxies in clusters in quasi-equilibrium
Authors: Yuan Z S , Han J L , Böhringer H , Wen Z L , Chon G
Published: May 2023

During cluster mergers, the intracluster gas and member galaxies undergo dynamic evolution, but at different time-scales and reach different states. We collect 24 galaxy clusters in quasi-equilibrium state as indicated by the X-ray image, and calculate the cluster orientations and three kinds of dynamical parameters, i.e. the normalized centroid offset, the sphere index, and the ellipticity, for these clusters from the distributions of member galaxies and also the intracluster gas. We find consistent alignments for the orientations estimated from the two components. However, the three kinds of dynamical parameters indicated by member galaxies are systematically larger than those derived from the gas component, suggesting that the gas component is more relaxed than member galaxies. Differences of dynamical features between the intracluster gas and member galaxies are independent of cluster mass and concentration. We conclude that the intracluster gas reaches the dynamic equilibrium state earlier than the almost-collisionless member galaxies.
V618 Sgr: galactic eclipsing symbiotic nova detected in repeated outbursts
Authors: Merc J , Gális R , Velez P , Charbonnel S , Garde O , Le Dû P , Mulato L , Petit T , Bohlsen T , Curry S , Love T , Barker H
Published: May 2023

V618 Sgr was previously classified as an R CrB-type variable and later as a possible symbiotic star. Our study aims to analyse the nature of this target, which is currently undergoing significant brightening in properties similar to those of known symbiotic novae. We analyse literature information, photometric observations, and 35 new optical spectra. Our findings strongly suggest that V618 Sgr is an eclipsing symbiotic nova currently in outburst. Additionally, since the star has demonstrated at least two similar brightenings in the past, we propose that V618 Sgr could be the first known galactic symbiotic nova observed in repeated outbursts of this type and may host a relatively massive white dwarf.
Interaction effect of psoriasis and chronic kidney disease on the risk of all-cause mortality: a prospective cohort study of NHANES data
Authors: Lu Jian , Li Han , Wang Shixiang
Published: May 2023

Background

The association between psoriasis, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and mortality remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the combined impact of psoriasis and CKD on mortality in a representative sample of US adults.

Methods

The data for this analysis came from 13 208 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2003–06 and 2009–14. Psoriasis was determined through self-reported questionnaire data, while CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥30 mg/g. A four-level variable was created using the information on psoriasis and CKD, and survival probability was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The survival analysis was conducted using weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

In a 9.83-year average follow-up period, 539 deaths occurred, with a prevalence of psoriasis in CKD at 2.94% and an all-cause mortality rate of 33.30%. In the multivariable analyses, individuals with both psoriasis and CKD had hazard ratios (HRs) of 5.38 (95% CI 2.43–11.91) for all-cause mortality compared with those with neither psoriasis nor CKD. Participants with both psoriasis and low eGFR had an HR of 6.40 (95% CI 2.01–20.42), while those with both psoriasis and albuminuria had an HR of 5.30 (95% CI 2.24–12.52). A significant interaction between psoriasis, CKD and all-cause mortality was found in the fully adjusted model (P = .026), and a significant synergistic effect between psoriasis and albuminuria was discovered (P = .002). However, the interaction effects between psoriasis, low eGFR and all-cause mortality were only observed in the unadjusted model (P = .036).

Conclusions

Screening for psoriasis in individuals at risk for developing CKD may help in risk stratification for all-cause mortality related to psoriasis. The assessment of UACR may be useful in identifying psoriasis at increased risk for all-cause mortality.
Zooplankton community size structure across lakes within a semi-arid landscape: the effect of temperature and salinity
Authors: Mariani Matías , Vignatti Alicia , Echaniz Santiago , Cueto Gerardo , Zagarese Horacio , Diovisalvi Nadia
Published: May 2023

Body size is a master trait controlling biological communities and ecosystem functioning. Mean population size not only depends on the size of individuals, but also on the size distribution of individuals within the population. Mean community size is additionally influenced by the composition of species (larger- or smaller-sized species). Shallow lakes within semi-arid landscapes are prone to experience large changes in temperature and salinity, which affect the zooplankton size structure. Higher temperatures are expected to result in smaller average body size, while the effect of salinity appears to depend on the range under study. Here we analyze zooplankton body size patterns across shallow lakes from the semi-arid central region of Argentina. All community size descriptors point to decreasing size and a narrow size range at higher temperatures. On the other hand, the maximum average community body size occurred at intermediate (~30 gL−1) salinity levels. The combined effect of both variables resulted in a bell-shaped pattern, with maximum community body size toward lower temperatures and intermediate salinities. Based on future temperature scenarios, one may anticipate an overall decrease in community body size. But such prediction is strongly conditioned by regional and local trends in salinity.
Bilateral Trade Imbalances
Authors: Cuñat Alejandro , Zymek Robert
Published: May 2023

If sectoral trade flows obey structural gravity, countries’ bilateral trade imbalances are the result of macro trade imbalances, “triangular trade”, or pairwise asymmetric trade barriers. Using data for 40 major economies and the Rest of the World, we show that large and pervasive asymmetries in trade barriers are required to account for most of the observed variation in bilateral imbalances. A dynamic quantitative trade model suggests that eliminating these asymmetries would significantly reduce bilateral (but not macro) imbalances and have sizeable impacts on welfare. We provide evidence that the asymmetries we measure are in part related to the policy environment: trade inside the European Single Market appears to be subject to more bilaterally symmetric frictions. Extending the same symmetry to all parts of the global economy would give a large boost to the real incomes of several non-E.U. countries.
ESTABLISHMENT OF LOCAL DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS FOR PAEDIATRIC ABDOMINAL-PELVIS AND CHEST-ABDOMINAL-PELVIS COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN MOROCCO: SUGGESTS THE NEED FOR IMPROVED OPTIMIZATION EFFORTS
Authors: Benmessaoud Mounir , Dadouch Ahmed , Maghnouj Abdelmajid , Lemmassi Assiya , Tahiri Maroine , El-ouardi Youssef , Ait Ouaggou Ibrahim
Published: May 2023

The purpose of the current study was to derive the local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) for paediatric abdominal-pelvis (AP) and chest-abdominal-pelvis (CAP) computed tomography in Morocco. The data were gathered retrospectively from two hospitals for 6 months. The LDRLs were defined by volume CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP) per sequence, DLP per procedure and size-specific dose estimates (SSDE). The SSDE assessment was based on the effective diameters of patients scanned. A total of 630 CT examinations were collected involving 324 AP and 306 CAP scans. The proposed LDRLs for AP, in terms of CTDIvol (mGy), were 6.9, 8.5, 8.5 and 8.5 for < 1, 1 to < 5, 5 to < 10 and 10 to < 15 y age groups, respectively. In terms of DLP (mGy.cm) per procedure, they were 436.3, 534.5, 687.9 and 961.7. In terms of SSDE (mGy), thet were 16.73, 16.83, 17.5 and 15.8 for < 1, 1 to < 5, 5 to < 10 and 10 to < 15 y, respectively. The corresponding LDRLs for CAP, in terms of CTDIvol (mGy), were 7.3, 7.3, 7.3 and 10.35. In terms of DLP (mGy.cm) per procedure, they were 531, 622.5, 705 and 936. In terms of SSDE (mGy), they were 16.22, 15.05, 14.47 and 15.2, respectively, for the four age groups. The derived dose levels were mostly higher than those found in other studies, which demonstrates the need for dose optimization and paediatric protocol standardization as well as the timeliness of the intent to establish not only local DRLs but national ones in the near future.
Analysis of COVID-19 recovery and resilience policy in Finland: a transformative policy mix approach
Authors: Kivimaa Paula , Lukkarinen Jani , Lazarevic David
Published: May 2023

Transformative innovation policy (TIP) implies not only new directionality for innovation policy but also rethinking its means and scope. This requires further investigation into the role of horizontal and cross-sectoral policy programmes that may be relevant for upscaling innovation and destabilising regimes. This paper studies the national implementation, in Finland, of the European Union (EU) programme for COVID-19 recovery, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), as an example of a cross-sectoral policy programme. It is of interest, because the EU has set certain conditions related to sustainability transitions for the RRF. Using a transformative policy mix approach, the paper finds that the Finnish RRF Programme lists many policy measures that can be regarded as having a transformative intent. These include upscaling innovative sustainability niches and destabilising existing practices. Yet, we also found that there is a risk that cross-sectoral programmes fail to find overall transformative visions and fund multiple potentially competing technological pathways instead.
Disentangling the local context—imagined communities and researchers’ sense of belonging
Authors: Horbach Serge P J M , Sørensen Mads P , Allum Nick , Reid Abigail-Kate
Published: May 2023

It is generally agreed that researchers’ ‘local context’ matters to the successful implementation of research integrity policies. However, it often remains unclear what the relevant local context is. Is it the institutions and immediate working surroundings of researchers? Or, do we need to pay more attention to researchers’ epistemic communities if we want to understand their ‘local context’? In this paper, we examine this question by using the International Research Integrity Survey with more than 60,000 respondents. Survey responses indicate that academics identify with both their geographical local units (‘polis’) and their more transnational epistemic or scholarly communities (‘cosmos’). Identification with scholarly communities tends to be strongest. We embed the survey results in the academic literature by proposing a theoretical understanding of academics’ ‘local context’ based on Beck’s notion of cosmopolitanism and Durkheim’s concept of solidarity. We conclude with considerations on how to successfully implement research integrity policies.
Representations of Western Opium Consumption in China: Informal Empire, Medicine and Modernity, 1840–1930
Authors: Sweeney L J V
Published: May 2023

Opium was of central importance to the expansion of western informal empire in China, and became a cipher for contested questions of moral authority, racial hierarchy, scientific knowledge, civilisation and modernity. Westerners involved in the opium trade were imbued with an ethos of ‘distancing’ from Chinese culture and lifestyles, including the smoking of opium, and it has been assumed that westerners largely adhered to these boundaries. However, a small minority of westerners did smoke opium in China, notably medical professionals and other elites. The nature of, and response to, these transgressions is highly revealing of the era’s shifting conceptions of racial hierarchy, medical science, religious morality and ultimately the advent of modernity.
Charitable trusts and cryptoassets: opportunity, or the asset of discord?
Authors: Brown Lloyd
Published: May 2023

In written evidence submitted to Parliament in 2022, the Charity Commission for England and Wales outlined three types of “cryptoasset-related risk exposure” that can directly affect charitable trusts. These include: (i) fundraising donations; (ii) moving funds internationally; and (iii) investment. This article’s purpose is to demonstrate that, out of these forms of risk exposure, “investment” is currently the greatest issue for charities. Charity trustees possess a broad investment power and may be tempted to invest in crypto to financially benefit their funds. However, extreme caution should be heeded before investing in cryptoassets, given their complexity and volatility.
Beneficial Rhizobacterium Triggers Induced Systemic Resistance of Maize to Gibberella Stalk Rot via Calcium Signaling
Authors: Cao Yu , Wang Yinying , Gui Cuilin , Nguvo Kilemi Jessee , Ma Liang , Wang Qing , Shen Qirong , Zhang Ruifu , Gao Xiquan
Published: May 2023

Gibberella stalk rot (GSR) caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum is a devastating disease of maize ( Zea mays L.), but we lack efficient methods to control this disease. Biological control agents, including beneficial microorganisms, can be used as an effective and eco-friendly approach to manage crop diseases. For example, Bacillus velezensis SQR9, a bacterial strain isolated from the rhizosphere of cucumber plants, promotes growth and suppresses diseases in several plant species. However, it is not known whether and how SQR9 affects maize resistance to GSR. In this study, we found that treatment with SQR9 increased maize resistance to GSR by activating maize induced systemic resistance (ISR). RNA-seq and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and plant-pathogen interaction pathways were enriched in the root upon colonization by SQR9. Also, several genes associated with calcium signaling pathways were up-regulated by SQR9 treatment. However, the calcium signaling inhibitor LaCl3 weakened the SQR9-activated ISR. Our data suggest that the calcium signaling pathway contributes to maize GSR resistance via the activation of ISR induced by SQR9.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Identification and Fungicide Control of Bipolaris sorokiniana Causing Leaf Spot and Blight on Common Hop (Humulus lupulus) in Korea
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Park Sanghoon , Sang Hyunkyu
Published: May 2023

Hop (Humulus lupulus) is a perennial herbaceous vine belonging to the family Cannabaceae. This crop is commercially grown for the brewing industry for its bitter and aromatic flavor, as well as its antiseptic properties. In June 2021, leaf spot and blight was observed on common hop plants in Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. The typical symptoms were small to large, dark-brown, necrotic lesions with yellow halos on the leaves. This study aimed to clarify the causal agent of this disease. Two fungal species, Alternaria alternata and Bipolaris sorokiniana, were isolated from the diseased leaf samples and identified by combining morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis using sequence datasets of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), Alt a1, rpb2, endoPG, and OPA10-2; and ITS, gpd, and tef1, respectively. Pathogenicity of the fungal isolates on detached leaves and living plants revealed that B. sorokiniana is the causal pathogen of this disease, while A. alternata is potentially a saprophyte. Fungicide sensitivity of the pathogen B. sorokiniana was further estimated in vitro using three classes of fungicides represented by fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin, and hexaconazole. The effective concentrations that inhibited 50% of spore germination (EC50) were 0.72, 1.90, and 0.68 μg ml−1, respectively. Moreover, all of these fungicides were able to control B. sorokiniana on detached common hop leaves at their recommended concentrations. In conclusion, this study reports leaf spot and blight of common hop caused by B. sorokiniana for the first time and proposes potential fungicides for this disease.
Post‐inflammatory administration of N‐acetylcysteine reduces inflammation and alters receptor levels in a cellular model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kaya Zeynep Bengisu , Karakoc Elif , McLean Pamela J. , Saka Esen , Atilla Pergin
Published: May 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease with a prevalence of 1% over the age of 55. Neuropathological hallmarks of PD include the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the accumulation of Lewy bodies that contain a variety of proteins and lipids including alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn). Although the formation of α‐syn occurs intracellularly, it can also be found in the extracellular space where it can be taken up by neighboring cells. Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) is an immune system receptor that has been shown to recognize extracellular α‐syn and modulate its uptake by other cells. Lymphocyte‐activation gene 3 (LAG3), an immune checkpoint receptor, has also been proposed to play a role in extracellular α‐syn internalization; however, a recent study has disputed this role. Internalized α‐syn can trigger expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, and IL‐6 and induce neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and mitophagy that results in cellular death. In this study, we tested if N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), an anti‐inflammatory and anti‐carcinogenic drug, can circumvent the detrimental effects of neuroinflammation and induce an anti‐inflammatory response by modulating transcription and expression of TLR2 and LAG3 receptors. Cells overexpressing wild‐type α‐syn were treated with TNF‐α to induce inflammation followed by NAC to inhibit the deleterious effects of TNF‐α‐induced inflammation and apoptosis. SNCA gene transcription and α‐syn protein expression were validated by q‐PCR and Western blot (WB), respectively. Cell viability was measured, and apoptosis was evaluated by WB and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick end labeling methods. Alterations in LAG3 and TLR2 receptor levels were evaluated by immunofluorescent labeling, WB, and q‐PCR. TNF‐α not only increased inflammation but also increased endogenous and overexpressed α‐syn levels. NAC treatment decreased expression of TLR2 and increased transcription of LAG3 receptor and diminished inflammation‐mediated toxicity and cell death. Here, we demonstrate that NAC can reduce neuroinflammation that occurs as a result of alpha‐synuclein overexpression, via a TLR2‐associated pathway, making it a promising candidate for therapeutic intervention. Further studies are needed to elucidate molecular mechanisms and pathways related to neuroinflammation in PD and to develop possible new therapeutic approaches to slow the clinical progression of PD.
Order Set Usage is Associated With Lower Hospital Mortality in Patients With Sepsis
Authors: Dale Christopher R. , Schoepflin Sanders Shelley , Chang Shu Ching , Pandhair Omar , Diggs Naomi G. , Woodruff Whitney , Selander David N. , Mark Nicholas M. , Nurse Sarah , Sullivan Mark , Mezaraups Liga , O’Mahony D. Shane
Published: May 2023

IMPORTANCE:

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends standard operating procedures for patients with sepsis. Real-world evidence about sepsis order set implementation is limited.

OBJECTIVES:

To estimate the effect of sepsis order set usage on hospital mortality.

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS:

Fifty-four acute care hospitals in the United States from December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2022 involving 104,662 patients hospitalized for sepsis.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:

Hospital mortality.

RESULTS:

The sepsis order set was used in 58,091 (55.5%) patients with sepsis. Initial mean sequential organ failure assessment score was 0.3 lower in patients for whom the order set was used than in those for whom it was not used (2.9 sd [2.8] vs 3.2 [3.1], p < 0.01). In bivariate analysis, hospital mortality was 6.3% lower in patients for whom the sepsis order set was used (9.7% vs 16.0%, p < 0.01), median time from emergency department triage to antibiotics was 54 minutes less (125 interquartile range [IQR, 68–221] vs 179 [98–379], p < 0.01), and median total time hypotensive was 2.1 hours less (5.5 IQR [2.0–15.0] vs 7.6 [2.5–21.8], p < 0.01) and septic shock was 3.2% less common (22.0% vs 25.4%, p < 0.01). Order set use was associated with 1.1 fewer median days of hospitalization (4.9 [2.8–9.0] vs 6.0 [3.2–12.1], p < 0.01), and 6.6% more patients discharged to home (61.4% vs 54.8%, p < 0.01). In the multivariable model, sepsis order set use was independently associated with lower hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.70; 95% CI, 0.66–0.73).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:

In a cohort of patients hospitalized with sepsis, order set use was independently associated with lower hospital mortality. Order sets can impact large-scale quality improvement efforts.
Radiation issue in clinical nuclear molecular imaging
Authors: Chiu Chuang-Hsin , Yeh Skye Hsin-Hsien , Chen Ming-Rong , Peng Nan-Jing , Huang Wen-Sheng
Published: May 2023

Radiation is ubiquitous in nature, and radiation is also widely used in various fields of medicine, agriculture, and industry. Current biological doses below 100 mSv are called low-dose radiation (LDR). Scientists have no consensus of effects on humans below this dose, so a variety of dose-response curve theories have been derived. This approach makes the public believe that even a small dose of radiation has adverse side effects, and overreact to refuse the related medical procedures for fear of radiation. The linear non-threshold (LNT) model has been used in radiation protection for over 40 years however, adverse effects from low dose, low-dose rate (LDDR) exposures are not detectable. Nuclear molecular imaging is LDR, using different radionuclides or combining with specific ligands (carries) to form “radiopharmaceuticals” for functional or pathological evaluations of diseases. As an integral part of patient care, nuclear medicine is used in the diagnosis, management, treatment, follow-up, and prevention of diseases. Therefore, this paper discusses literature review and provides appropriate scientific data and communication to help the peers and the public understand its advantage and disadvantage.
Risk analysis of subsequent therapies after first-line chemotherapy in advanced testicular cancer patients
Authors: Yen Tsung-Han , Wang Shian-Shiang , Yang Cheng-Kuang , Lu Kevin , Chen Chuan-Shu , Cheng Chen-Li , Hung Sheng-Chun , Chiu Kun-Yuan , Chen Chun Pen , Yang Chi-Rei , Li Jian-Ri
Published: May 2023

Background:

Testicular cancer is the most common solid cancer diagnosed among young men. Despite good response to chemotherapy and a high survival rate, subsequent salvage therapies may still be required for some patients in advanced stages. The predictive and prognostic markers are crucial unmet needs.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed advanced testicular cancer patients who had received first-line chemotherapy between January 2002 and December 2020. The associations between baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results:

Of the 68 included patients, the median age was 29 years. Among them, 40 patients received only first-line chemotherapy while the remaining 28 received subsequent chemotherapy or surgeries. Data reveal that 82.5% (33/40) of the patients in the chemotherapy-only group were recorded as a good prognostic risk using the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group classification when compared with 35.7% (10/28) in the second-line therapy group. In the chemotherapy-only group, 53.8% of patients were presented with lymph node metastasis compared with 78.6% in the second-line therapy group (p = 0.068). Fifteen percent of patients (6/40) were recorded as S stage 2–3 in the chemotherapy-only group, whereas 85.2% (23/28) were recorded as such in the second-line therapy group (p < 0.001). The 5-year overall survival estimation was 92.9% in the chemotherapy-only group and 77.3% in the second-line therapy group. Univariate analysis for overall survival revealed that those patients at the S 2–3 stage and those receiving second-line therapies showed a trend of having an increased death risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.26, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.99-68.67, p = 0.051; HR = 7.76, 95% CI, 0.93-64.99, p = 0.059, respectively). The S 2–3 stage was also independently associated with the risk of subsequent therapy (HR = 33.13; 95% CI, 2.55-430.64, p = 0.007).

Conclusion:

Our real-world data show the predictive role of serum tumor marker stage 2–3 to be associated with any subsequent therapies after first-line chemotherapy. This can facilitate clinical decision making during the testicular cancer treatment process.
Neovaginoplasty With Nile Tilapia Skin: Cytological and Microbiota Evaluation
Authors: Teófilo Cristiana Rodrigues , Peixoto Raquel Autran Coelho , Eleutério Renata Mirian Nunes , Lima Junior Edmar Maciel , de Moraes Filho Manoel Odorico , Bezerra Leonardo Robson Pinheiro Sobreira , Bruno Zenilda Vieira
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To study the clinical, cytological, and vaginal microbiota findings in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome who underwent neovaginoplasty using Nile tilapia fish skin.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study with 7 cisgender women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome who had previously undergone neovagina reconstruction using Nile tilapia fish skin at a university hospital. Local institutional review board approval and written permission from the patient were obtained. Between August 2019 and November 2021, within 12 to 24 months after surgery, vaginal specimens were obtained for conventional oncotic and hormonal cytology, and for Gram staining. The Nugent scores were calculated. Colposcopy was also performed.

Results

Squamous cells without atypia were found in all patients. Five patients had intermediate vaginal microbiota (Nugent score of 4), which was determined by the presence of few lactobacilli on Gram staining. In hormonal cytology, 4 patients presented with findings compatible with menacme. No colposcopic change was observed. When postsurgical dilation was performed correctly, a mean vaginal length of 8.3 cm was maintained after 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusions

Squamous cells without atypia were present in neovaginas with Nile tilapia fish skin. Most vaginal contents revealed intermediate microbiota and hormonal results compatible with menacme. Studies with a greater number of patients are necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of the microbiome in neovaginas with this new technique, thereby providing support for the treatment and prevention of associated pathologies.
Expanding Public and Private Partnerships to Improve Food Access for Families Enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Programs
Authors: Kielb Elizabeth I. , Mendoza Ivan D. , Morales-Juárez Analí , Conzelmann Lena , Velasquez Juan A. , Savaiano Dennis A.
Published: May 2023

Food insecurity in the United States is a public health crisis and particularly impacts individuals in rural areas.1 Efforts to improve food access, including pilot programs to increase online ordering, have reduced food insecurity and improved diet quality for participants enrolled in supplemental nutrition programs.3,4 We discuss the nutritional and economic benefits of public and private partnerships that enhance the supplemental nutrition programs of the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (eg, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and propose the expansion of technology and transportation resources through public and private partnerships to better address rural food insecurity.
“Anatomy of the superficial radial nerve and its target nerves for targeted muscle reinnervation: an anatomical cadaver study”
Authors: Langeveld Mirte , Bruin Luca L. , Hundepool Caroline A. , Power Dominic , Duraku Liron S. , Zuidam J. Michiel
Published: May 2023

Background:

Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) is a surgical procedure for treating symptomatic neuroma, in which the neuroma is removed and the proximal nerve stump is coapted to a donor motor branch innervating a nearby muscle. This study aimed to identify optimal motor targets for TMR of the Superficial Radial Nerve (SRN).

Methods:

Seven cadaveric upper limbs were dissected to describe the course of the SRN in the forearm and motor nerve supply – number, length, diameter, and entry points in muscle of motor branches - for potential recipient muscles.

Results:

The radial nerve provided three (3/6), two (2/6) or one (1/6) motor branches to the brachioradialis (BR) muscle, entering the muscle 21.7±17.9 to 10.8±15 mm proximal to the lateral epicondyle. One (1/7), two (3/7), three (2/7) or four (1/7) motor branches innervated the extensor carpi radialis longus (ERCL) muscle, with entry points 13.9±16.2 to 26.3±14.9 mm distal from the lateral epicondyle. In all specimens the posterior interosseous nerve gave off one motor branch to the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), which divided in two or three secondary branches. The distal anterior interosseus nerve (AIN) was assessed as potential recipient for TMR coaptation and had a freely transferable length of 56.4±12.7 mm.

Conclusions:

When considering TMR for neuromas of the SRN in the distal third of the forearm and hand, the distal AIN is a suitable donor target. For neuromas of the SRN in the proximal two thirds of the forearm, the motor branches to the ERCL, ERCB, and BR are potential donor targets.
Comparing Trends in Medicare Reimbursement and Inflation within Plastic Surgery Subspecialties”
Authors: Stoffel Victoria , Shim Jalene Y , Pacella Salvatore J. , Gosman Amanda A , Reid Chris M
Published: May 2023

Background

Over the past decade across multiple surgical specialties, Medicare reimbursement rates have remained stagnant failing to keep pace with inflation. An internal comparison of subspecialties within plastic surgery has not yet been attempted. The goal of this study is to investigate the trends in reimbursement from 2010 to 2020 and compare across the subspecialties of plastic surgery.

Methods

The Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary (PSPS) was used to extract the annual case volume for the top 80% most-billed CPT codes within plastic surgery. Codes were defined into the following subspecialties: microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, breast surgery, hand surgery, and general plastic surgery. The Medicare physician reimbursement was weighted by case volume. The growth rate and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) were calculated and compared against an inflation-adjusted reimbursement value.

Results

On average, inflation-adjusted growth in reimbursement for the procedures analyzed in this study was (-13.5%). The largest decrease in growth rate was within the field of Microsurgery (-19.2%), followed by Craniofacial surgery (-17.6%). These subspecialties also had the lowest CAGR (-2.11% and -1.91%, respectively). For case volumes, Microsurgery increased case volumes by an average of 3% per year, while craniofacial surgery increased case volumes by an average of 5% per year.

Conclusion

After adjusting for inflation, all subspecialties had a decrease in growth rate. This was particularly evident in the fields of craniofacial surgery and microsurgery. Consequently, practice patterns and patient access may be negatively affected. Further advocacy and physician participation in reimbursement rate negotiation may be essential to adjust for variance and inflation.
“ ” Codes
Authors: Zhou Feng , Gong Lunli , Zhang Jun , Wang Guobao , Khan Aawrish , Gao Qiuni , Qi Lili , Cui Haiyan
Published: May 2023

We have summarized a simple and effective method of filler injection for facial rejuvenation in Chinese patients and named it “ ” Codes. It is simple and easy to operate, which worth clinical promotion and application.
Evaluation of Blepharoptosis in Patients With Refractory Blepharospasm by VISA—Video Recordings, Idiosyncratic Expressions, Sensory Tricks, and Ancillary Procedures
Authors: Lai Chung-Sheng , Ramachandran Savitha , Lee Chia-Chen , Lai Ya-Wei , Chang Yang-Pei , Huang Shu-Hung
Published: May 2023

Background

How to evaluate blepharoptosis concomitantly presented with refractory and uncontrollable blepharospasm? To date, there is a paucity of publications on the ideal evaluation methods. An innovative method—video recordings, idiosyncratic facial expressions, sensory tricks, and ancillary procedures (VISA)—is developed for preoperative evaluation, and the surgical outcomes are demonstrated.

Methods

A retrospective study using VISA for blepharoptosis evaluation was conducted on 51 patients with refractory blepharospasm. Based on the evaluation, patients underwent blepharoptosis correction simultaneously besides the selective myectomy and myotomy in situ of the eyelid protractors for blepharospasm. Preoperative and postoperative palpebral fissure height, margin reflex distance 1, ptosis severity, and levator function were assessed to identify the effectiveness of VISA. All the procedures were performed by the senior author C.-S.L.

Results

There were 42 patients diagnosed with essential blepharospasm and 9 patients with Meige syndrome. Forty-one patients (82/102 eyelids [80.4%]) had concomitant blepharoptosis and blepharospasm. Ptosis severity was mild in 21 eyelids (25.6%), moderate in 12 eyelids (14.6%), and severe in 49 eyelids (59.8%). Preoperative/postoperative (6 months) values of palpebral fissure height, margin reflex distance 1, and levator function were 4.70 ± 2.45 mm/8.35 ± 1.33 mm (P < 0.05), −0.30 ± 3.19 mm/3.73 ± 1.05 mm (P < 0.05), and 13.07 ± 2.56 mm/13.68 ± 2.34 mm (P < 0.05), respectively. Undercorrection and revision rate reported 9.8% and 3.7%, individually.

Conclusions

VISA approach overcomes the difficulty of blepharoptosis assessment in patients with refractory blepharospasm. It provides useful preoperative information required for adequate blepharoptosis correction in blepharospasm surgery and yielded desirable outcomes.
Cystofilobasidium josepaulonis sp. nov., a novel basidiomycetous yeast species
Authors: Zhu Hai-Yan , Wei Xu-Yang , Liu Xin-Zhan , Bai Feng-Yan
Published: May 2023

A yeast strain belonging to the basidiomycetous yeast genus Cystofilobasidium was isolated from a marine sediment sample collected in an intertidal zone in Shandong province, PR China. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S ribosomal RNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicate that this strain, together with three other strains isolated from basal ice collected in Norway, the gut of an insect and an alga collected in Russia, represent a novel species of the genus, for which the name Cystofilobasidium josepaulonis sp. nov. (holotype strain CGMCC 2.6672T) is proposed. The novel species differs from the known species of the genus Cystofilobasidium by 1.7 %–4.1 and 11.3 %–17.1 % mismatches in the D1/D2 domain and the ITS region, respectively. This species forms teliospores on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and 10 % V8 juice agar, but teliospore germination with basidia was not observed.
Laser patterning bioprinting using a light sheet-based system equipped with light sheet imaging produces long-term viable skin constructs
Authors: Hafa Levin , Breideband Louise , Posada Lucas Ramirez , Torras Núria , Martinez Elena , Stelzer Ernst H.K. , Pampaloni Francesco
Published: May 2023

This research introduces a new 3D bioprinter that incorporates live imaging of the bioprinted tissue with high resolution and high-speed capabilities. The printer employs a light sheet-based system to photocrosslink polymers into hydrogels at a printing speed of up to 0.66 mm³/s with a resolution of 15.7 µm. A significant advancement of this bioprinter is its ability to track cells and bioink during crosslinking, which enables real- time evaluation of the 3D-bioprinted structure’s quality. Fibroblast cells were encapsulated using this method, and the viability was evaluated directly after bioprinting and seven days after encapsulation, which was found to be high (83% ± 4.34%). Furthermore, a full- thickness skin construct was bioprinted and maintained in culture for 6 weeks, demonstrating the long-term viability and physiological relevance of the bioprinted tissue. The usage of solid-state laser beam scanning devices could enhance bioprinting’s speed and precision. This fast and accurate light-based bioprinter offers a promising platform for generating customizable 3D-printed structures with viable long-term cultures.

Teaser

A novel bioprinter with live imaging capability using light sheet microscopy produces viable long-term cultures with high-resolution structures.

Graphical abstract

General workflow of bioprinting skin constructs using light sheet bioprinting.