bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FibroScan compared to liver biopsy for accurately staging recurrent hepatic steatosis and fibrosis after transplantation for MASH
Authors: Martínez‐Arenas Laura , Vinaixa Carmen , Conde Isabel , Lorente Sara , Díaz‐Fontenla Fernando , Marques Patrice , Pérez‐Rojas Judith , Montalvá Eva , Carvalho‐Gomes Ângela , Berenguer Marina
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) seems unavoidable and gradual. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy in the post‐LT setting of patients transplanted for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) of recurrent hepatic steatosis and fibrosis identified with FibroScan, compared to biopsy findings.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included adults transplanted for MASH between 2010 and 2022 in three LT centres in Spain who underwent FibroScan and biopsy at least 1‐year after LT.

Results

In total, 44 patients transplanted for MASH after LT were included. The median time from LT to biopsy and FibroScan was 24.5 (interquartile range [IQR]:16–46) and 26.0 (IQR: 16.8–41.5) months, respectively. The median time between biopsy and FibroScan was 2.0 (IQR: 0–5) months. On FibroScan, significant steatosis was diagnosed in about half of the patients (n = 21, 47.7%), yet advanced fibrosis in only two cases (4.6%). On biopsy, a quarter of biopsied patients (n = 11, 25%) had a MASH diagnosis, two (4.6%) with significant fibrosis and one (2.3%) with cirrhosis. All patients with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) values <8 kPa (n = 35, 79.5%) had a fibrosis stage ≤F1 (negative predictive value = 100%). The combination of post‐LT hypertension (odds ratio [OR]: 12.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8–80.4, p = .010) and post‐LT dyslipidaemia (OR: 7.9, 95% CI: 1.3–47.1, p = .024) with LSM (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.8, p = .030) was independently associated with MASLD.

Conclusions

Although biopsy remains the gold standard for detecting fibrosis, our results suggest that LSM values <8 kPa after LT for MASH are strongly correlated with absence of significant/advanced fibrosis.
High‐resolution versus conventional manometry for the diagnosis of small bowel motor dysfunction
Authors: Alcala‐Gonzalez L. G. , Nieto A. , Accarino A. , Azpiroz F. , Malagelada C.
Published: September 2024

Background

The diagnosis of small bowel motility disorders is performed by manometric evaluation of the contractile patterns of the small intestine. Conventional intestinal manometry systems include few pressure sensors at relatively long intervals. We have recently shown that high‐resolution jejunal manometry, with multiple closely spaced recording sites, allows the analysis of propagation patterns of intestinal motility in healthy subjects that cannot be detected with conventional manometry. The objective of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility and diagnostic value of high‐resolution intestinal manometry in patients with suspected small bowel dysmotility.

Methods

Prospective pilot study evaluating intestinal motility patterns in 16 consecutive patients (16–61 years; 11 women) with severe, chronic digestive symptoms referred for the evaluation of intestinal motility and in 18 healthy controls (21–38 years; 8 women). A 36‐channel high‐resolution manometry catheter was orally placed under radiological guidance in the jejunum. Intestinal motility was continuously recorded for 3 h fasting and 2 h after a 450 kcal meal. The manometric recordings were analyzed in two formats: (a) with the high‐resolution data from 34 channels and (b) showing only the recordings from 5 channels separated by 7 cm intervals, mimicking a conventional manometry recording.

Key Results

In the analysis mimicking conventional manometry, abnormal motility criteria were detected in six patients and in no healthy subject [bursts (n = 3), postprandial minute rhythm (n = 1) and myopathic pattern (n = 2)]. These classical dysmotility criteria were also detected by high‐resolution manometry. High‐resolution analysis detected one or more abnormal findings in seven additional patients that were not observed in any healthy subject, specifically: (a) abnormal propagation of Phase III (n = 3); (b) reduced propagated activity during Fasting Phase II (n = 4); (c) increased propagated activity during Fasting Phase II and postprandial phase (n = 1).

Conclusions and Inferences

This pilot study suggests that high‐resolution intestinal manometry may improve the sensitivity of conventional manometry in the detection of intestinal motor dysfunction.
Somatic, emotional, and gastrointestinal symptom severity are increased among children and adolescents with COVID‐19
Authors: Wechsler Joshua B. , Berken Jonathan A. , Keeley Kaitlyn , Singer Wolfgang , Jhaveri Ravi , Katz Ben Z. , Fortunato John E. , Saps Miguel
Published: September 2024

Background

Post‐infectious disorders of gut‐brain interaction (PI‐DGBI) have significant impact on children and adolescents. The effect of COVID‐19 on PI‐DGBI‐associated symptoms in this population, however, is unknown.

Methods

We performed electronic medical record searches to identify patients 8–17 years old with a SARS‐CoV2 PCR test at Lurie Children's Hospital between November 2020 and March 2021 (cohort 1) and April–October 2021 (cohort 2). Questionnaires were administered to assess symptoms prior to and 3 months following the test. This included the Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Symptom Score (PEESS), questionnaire of pediatric gastrointestinal symptoms—Rome IV, Nausea Profile (NP), dyspepsia symptom survey (DSS), nausea severity profile (NSP), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). We grouped patients based on the presence of symptoms prior to COVID‐19 test or the test result.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐six parent(s) or guardian(s) in cohort 1 and 274 in cohort 2 completed surveys and self‐reported their child's COVID‐19 result. Cohort 1 had increased PEESS and DSS scores, lower PedsQL scores, and increased frequency of abdominal pain disorders among patients with symptoms prior to COVID‐19 testing. Both cohorts had increased NP and NSP scores among patients with symptoms prior to COVID‐19 testing that was highest among patients with a positive COVID‐19 test. Abdominal pain and diarrhea prior to COVID‐19 testing predicted higher NP scores.

Conclusions

Among symptomatic COVID‐19 tested children, we found increased severity of nausea‐associated somatic, emotional, and gastrointestinal symptoms in the 3 months following the test that was most increased among patients with a positive COVID‐19 test.
Transcriptomics reveal a mechanism of niche defense: two beneficial root endophytes deploy an antimicrobial GH18‐CBM5 chitinase to protect their hosts
Authors: Eichfeld Ruben , Mahdi Lisa K. , De Quattro Concetta , Armbruster Laura , Endeshaw Asmamaw B. , Miyauchi Shingo , Hellmann Margareta J. , Cord‐Landwehr Stefan , Peterson Daniel , Singan Vasanth , Lail Kathleen , Savage Emily , Ng Vivian , Grigoriev Igor V. , Langen Gregor , Moerschbacher Bruno M. , Zuccaro Alga
Published: September 2024

Effector secretion is crucial for root endophytes to establish and protect their ecological niche.

We used time‐resolved transcriptomics to monitor effector gene expression dynamics in two closely related Sebacinales, Serendipita indica and Serendipita vermifera, during symbiosis with three plant species, competition with the phytopathogenic fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana, and cooperation with root‐associated bacteria.

We observed increased effector gene expression in response to biotic interactions, particularly with plants, indicating their importance in host colonization. Some effectors responded to both plants and microbes, suggesting dual roles in intermicrobial competition and plant–microbe interactions. A subset of putative antimicrobial effectors, including a GH18‐CBM5 chitinase, was induced exclusively by microbes. Functional analyses of this chitinase revealed its antimicrobial and plant‐protective properties.

We conclude that dynamic effector gene expression underpins the ability of Sebacinales to thrive in diverse ecological niches with a single fungal chitinase contributing substantially to niche defense.
Meiosis requires m6A modification for selection of targets in plants
Authors: Wang Cong , Wang Yingxiang
Published: September 2024

This article is a Commentary on Xue et al. (2024), 244: 2326–2342.
Effectiveness of cold plasma application in oral wound healing process: A scoping review
Authors: Shoorgashti Reyhaneh , Nikmaram Reza , Azimi Yasaman , Rouientan Abdolreza , Ebrahimi Homan , Lesan Simin
Published: September 2024

Objective

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has shown an ability to promote wound healing by modulating biological processes without causing thermal damage. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CAP application in the oral wound healing process.

Design

An electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and grey literature (Google Scholar). The search included all articles published up to October 11, 2023. Only studies focusing on the different CAP types' effects on oral cavity wounds or cells were included in the review.

Results

This review analyzed 13 studies including seven cell culture studies, one animal study, and five human studies (three in vivo and two ex vivo). The findings from the reviewed articles suggest that CAP may have therapeutic potential. It can maintain cell viability and influence gene expression, accelerate wound healing, and modulate inflammation‐related cytokines. DBD plasma exhibited time‐sensitive effects on cellular behavior and microplasma irradiation positively impacted cell count, biochemical profiles, and cellular migration.

Conclusion

The application of CAP has been shown to have a positive impact on the healing of oral wounds in cell culture, animal, and human studies.
Effect of Sclerosis Bands in Femoral Head Necrosis on Non‐Vascularized Fibular Grafting—A Finite Element Study
Authors: Yixuan Huang , Xinwei Yuan , Feifei Gao , Jianbin Mai , Mingbin Guo , Hongzhong Xi , Wei Song , Xin Liu , Bin Du
Published: September 2024

Objective

Femoral head necrosis is a challenging condition in orthopaedics, and the occurrence of collapse is an important factor affecting the prognosis of femoral head necrosis. Sclerosis bands are known to influence the collapse of the femoral head, yet there is a lack of research on the biomechanical role of sclerosis bands in non‐vascularized fibular grafting surgery. This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical impact of sclerosis bands in femoral head necrosis and their role in non‐vascularized fibular grafting surgery (NVFG) using finite element analysis.

Methods

We constructed 11 finite element models based on CT scan data of a normal hip joint, simulating different sclerosis band thicknesses and defect scenarios. The models were analyzed for changes in femoral head displacement and von Mises stress. We constructed a hip joint model based on CT data from a normal hip joint, and after reconstruction, assembly, and optimization using 3‐matic. We created five groups consisting of 11 finite element analysis models of the hip joint. Mesh partitioning and mechanical parameter settings were performed in ANSYS. The changes and differences in femoral head displacement and von Mises stress of these models were analyzed.

Results

Increasing sclerosis band thickness led to reduced peak displacement of the femoral head by 28.6%, 42.9%, and 47.6%, and increased surface von Mises stress by 28.3%, 13.8%, and 13.0%, respectively. Post‐surgery, peak displacement decreased in all groups compared to pre‐surgery levels. Increasing sclerosis band thickness post‐surgery resulted in decreased maximum von Mises stress of the femoral head by 13.9%, 3.0%, and 8.1%. Defect volume in the defect groups correlated with increased peak displacement of the femoral head by 10.0%, 30.0%, and 100.0%, and increased surface maximum von Mises stress of the femoral head by 9.3%, 14.0%, and 15.1%.

Conclusion

Sclerosis band formation exacerbates von Mises stress concentration on the femoral head surface. However, thicker sclerosis bands improve post‐NVFG stability and mechanical performance. Larger anterior lateral sclerosis band defects significantly compromise postoperative stability, increasing the risk of collapse. Protecting the anterior lateral sclerosis band during NVFG surgery is crucial.
Progress in Computer‐Assisted Navigation for Total Knee Arthroplasty in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis with Extra‐Articular Deformity
Authors: Meng Chen , Li Chuan , Xu Yongqing
Published: September 2024

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well‐established treatment for end‐stage knee osteoarthritis. However, in patients with concomitant extra‐articular deformities, conventional TKA techniques may lead to unsatisfactory outcomes and higher complication rates. This review summarizes the application of navigated TKA for treating knee osteoarthritis with extra‐articular deformities. The principles and potential benefits of computer navigation systems, including improved component alignment, soft tissue balancing, and restoration of mechanical axis, are discussed. Research studies demonstrate that navigated TKA can effectively correct deformities, relieve pain, and improve postoperative joint function and quality of life compared with conventional methods. The advantages of navigated TKA in terms of surgical precision, lower complication rates, and superior functional recovery are highlighted. Despite challenges like the learning curve and costs, navigated TKA is an increasingly indispensable tool for achieving satisfactory outcomes in TKA for knee osteoarthritis patients with extra‐articular deformities.
Different de novo mutations in the NF1 gene in a family with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: García‐Díaz Juan de Dios , Balsa‐Vázquez Javier , Rodríguez‐Villa Ana , Férriz Esther
Published: September 2024

The criteria for clinical diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are not sensitive in young children. Recognition is easier when one of their parents has been diagnosed with this condition, and the causal mutation is known. We present a case of a girl with isolated café‐au‐lait spots, whose father was diagnosed with NF1. However, both were found to carry different de novo mutations in the NF1 gene. This possibility has significant implications for the diagnostic process and genetic counseling.
Reticulated pigmentary changes and Terry's nails in a patient with a TERT variant‐associated telomere biology disorder
Authors: Noveir Sasan D. , Galamgam Jayden , Pithadia Deeti , Truong Amanda , Hogeling Marcia , Cheng Carol E.
Published: September 2024

Telomere biology disorders (TBD) are a complex set of inherited illnesses characterized by short telomeres. Dyskeratosis congenita (DC), which is now considered a severe TBD phenotype, is characterized by reticulated pigmentary changes, nail dystrophy, premalignant oral leukoplakia, and systemic involvement. This case describes a 2‐year‐old female with reticulated pigmentary changes and Terry's nails who was found to have a TERT variant and short telomeres; she lacked other mucocutaneous and systemic features of TBD. This report describes a unique clinical presentation of TBD and highlights the importance of upholding suspicion for TBD in individuals with limited or subtle features of classic DC.
Pediatric Organ Donation: 16‐Year Experience of PICU/ICU of a Third Level Hospital in Portugal, 2006–2021
Authors: Rodrigues Sara Sofia S. , Silva André Costa e , Rios Margarida , Grilo Marta , Ribeiro Augusto
Published: September 2024

Background

Pediatric organ donors represent a small but important portion of the deceased donor pool, helping both children and adults in the transplant waitlist. Despite this, pediatric donation remains an overlooked subject of research.

Methods

Retrospective, single‐center, descriptive study. All brain death patients under 18 years old who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between January 1st, 2006, and December 31st, 2021, and who were eligible for organ donation were included.

Results

Between January 2006 and December 2021, 200 children/adolescent died in the ICU. From those, 62 patients (31%) were considered eligible for organ donation. The mean age of the donors at the time of death was 8.8 years. Sixty‐three per cent were male. The most frequent cause of death was traumatic brain injury (n = 36). Two hundred and fifty organs were collected benefitting 202 persons with a recipient/donor ratio of 3.3. Kidneys were the most frequent organ donated (n = 116), followed by liver (n = 56) and heart (n = 34). The median number of organs donated per child was four, with a minimum of 1 organ and maximum of 8.

Conclusions

Pediatric organ donation represents a small proportion of overall organ donation, but children and adolescents have important impact on the lives they save. The field of pediatric organ donation needs more research to better understand the contribution of the pediatric population to both adults and children who wait for an organ.
Naked statistical evidence and verdictive justice
Authors: Roush Sherrilyn
Published: September 2024

What is it for the verdict of a criminal trial to be just? It is widely agreed that a Guilty verdict is just only if the defendant did the relevant deed, and only if his rights were not violated in the process of apprehending, charging, and convicting him. I argue that more is required: he must be found Guilty because he is guilty, and not solely for other reasons. The conviction must be based on the guilt. I argue that many rules of evidence and procedural rules designed to protect a defendant's rights also encourage fulfillment of this basing condition and that the condition helps to explain how an erroneous conviction involving no misconduct can nevertheless be a moral wrong. I argue that the condition also gives an explanation (among others) of why a naked statistic is insufficient for a just conviction.
Mobile genetic elements of Xylella fastidiosa and their contribution to pathogenicity
Authors: Jimenez Dennis , Beltran Diego , Castillo José A.
Published: September 2024

Xylella fastidiosa is a destructive bacterial plant pathogen affecting hundreds of plant families, including important crops such as olive and citrus trees and vines. The pathogenicity of this bacterium rests in a group of genes that encode toxins, enzymes, fimbrial/afimbrial adhesins, cell–cell aggregation proteins and other virulence factors. We investigated the contribution of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) to the pathogenicity of X. fastidiosa. Using computational tools, we analysed 94 X. fastidiosa genomes corresponding to the three most important subspecies to identify insertion sequences (ISs) and prophages. Results indicate that the distribution and diversity of ISs are modest, with a few families widespread throughout the subspecies of X. fastidiosa. The prophages are abundant, and play a more significant role in the pathogenicity of X. fastidiosa. Prophages are common in the subspecies of X. fastidiosa and contribute to numerous genes related to pathogenicity. The phylogenetic analyses suggest that prophages are recently acquired and that the rearranging of pathogenicity genes triggered by them could generate strains with new pathogenic capacities. Finally, the contribution of MGEs to the pathogenesis of X. fastidiosa was evidenced by determining their association with virulence genes using a Bayesian framework for phylogenetic analysis of character evolution.
Pre‐pregnancy substance use and first trimester cardiovascular health among nulliparous pregnant people: The nuMoM2b Study
Authors: Marshall Elly M. , Bhandari Ruchi , Haas David M. , Catov Janet M. , Umer Amna , Silver Robert M. , Barone Gibbs Bethany
Published: September 2024

Background

Suboptimal pre‐pregnancy health, including substance use and cardiovascular risk factors, is associated with higher risks of maternal‐foetal morbidity and mortality.

Objective

To determine if pre‐pregnancy substance use is associated with early pregnancy cardiovascular health (CVH). It is hypothesised that pre‐pregnancy use of substances is associated with worse CVH in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis from the 2010–2015 United States nuMoM2b cohort (n = 9895). Pre‐pregnancy alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and illicit substance use were assessed through questionnaires. Latent class analysis categorised participants based on their 3‐month pre‐pregnancy or ever(*) substance use: (1) Illicit substances*, marijuana*, and alcohol use (n = 1234); (2) marijuana* and alcohol use (n = 2066); (3) tobacco and alcohol use (n = 636); and (4) alcohol only use (n = 3194). The referent group reported no pre‐pregnancy substance use (n = 2765). First trimester CVH score from 0 (least healthy) to 100 (most healthy) was calculated using a modified American Heart Association Life's Essential 8 framework and included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood glucose, non‐HDL cholesterol, diet, sleep, and physical activity. Multiple linear regression evaluated the relationship between pre‐pregnancy substance use classes and CVH scores.

Results

CVH score varied by class: No substance use (mean: 65, SD: ±1.3), illicit substances*, marijuana*, and alcohol use (68 ± 1.3), marijuana* and alcohol use (67 ± 1.3), tobacco and alcohol use (62 ± 1.4), and alcohol only use (67 ± 1.3). In adjusted models, those who used tobacco and alcohol compared to the no substance use class had a lower CVH score (−2.82); other classes had scores ranging from 1.81 to 2.44 points higher than the no substance use class. Individual CVH component scores followed similar patterns.

Conclusions

All groups, but most markedly those who used tobacco and alcohol prior to pregnancy, began pregnancy with only moderate CVH and may benefit from CVH promotion efforts along with substance use treatment.
SUPERMAN genes: uncovering a new function in the development of complex inflorescences
Authors: Roque Edelín , Rodas Ana Lucía , Beltrán José Pío , Gómez‐Mena Concepción , Cañas Luis A.
Published: September 2024

The Arabidopsis SUPERMAN (SUP) gene and its orthologs in eudicots are crucial in regulating the number of reproductive floral organs. In Medicago truncatula, in addition to this function, a novel role in controlling meristem activity during compound inflorescence development was assigned to the SUP‐ortholog (MtSUP). These findings led us to investigate whether the role of SUP genes in inflorescence development was legume‐specific or could be extended to other eudicots. To assess that, we used Solanum lycopersicum as a model system with a cymose complex inflorescence and Arabidopsis thaliana as the best‐known example of simple inflorescence. We conducted a detailed comparative expression analysis of SlSUP and SUP from vegetative stages to flower transition. In addition, we performed an exhaustive phenotypic characterisation of two different slsup and sup mutants during the plant life cycle. Our findings reveal that SlSUP is required for precise regulation of the meristems that control shoot and inflorescence architecture in tomato. In contrast, in Arabidopsis, SUP performs no meristematic function, but we found a role of SUP in floral transition. Our findings suggest that the functional divergence of SUP‐like genes contributed to the modification of inflorescence architecture during angiosperm evolution.
Legacy effects of Phragmites australis and herbicide treatments can reduce survival but do not prevent native plant establishment
Authors: Bowe Audrey , Simek Zachary , Dávalos Andrea , Blossey Bernd
Published: September 2024

Introduced Phragmites australis represents a widespread threat to North American wetlands. Management agencies invest millions of dollars annually to manage the species, mostly by applying herbicides, to mitigate and prevent negative impacts. The often temporary reduction of P. australis rarely increases native diversity, and long‐term legacy effects of P. australis and repeat herbicide treatments are unknown. We used a coordinated management program targeting mostly small P. australis populations in the Adirondack Park in New York State, United States, to assess the potential for such legacy effects. We planted individuals of three native species as sentinels into treated and untreated, uninvaded reference wetlands after unassisted succession had occurred in treatment areas. Sentinel plants survived and grew in treated areas, suggesting legacy of P. australis and its management did not permanently limit establishment of native plants. However, responses were variable among sentinel species, with negative or neutral impacts on survival rates and neutral or positive effects on growth. Species‐specific responses and large variation in survival rates between sites and sentinels indicate that site factors are a dominant influence on survival and growth. Importantly, as treatment frequency increased, survival of one sentinel species decreased significantly, indicating a potential for long‐term negative impacts of repeated herbicide applications. Additional replanting after P. australis treatment and initial unassisted plant succession may enable more diverse plant communities to return, including species not able to recruit from local seed banks or seed sources. However, it remains unclear if active transplanting will enable more long‐term suppression of P. australis.
Financial technocrats as competitive regime creators: The founding and design of the Network for Greening the Financial System
Authors: Helleiner Eric , DiLeo Monica , van 't Klooster Jens
Published: September 2024

Why did a group of eight central bankers and financial supervisors from across the globe create a Network for Greening the Financial System in 2017? Why did they design this network as they did? The founders were an uncommon coalition, led by French financial authorities working closely with their Dutch, British, and Chinese counterparts, and backed by others from Germany, Mexico, Singapore, and Sweden. They were engaged in an unusual act of competitive regime creation at a moment when the United States was abandoning global leadership vis‐a‐vis climate change. This purpose led them to create a financial transgovernmental network that was distinctive in its roles, membership, and governance. Addressing these questions not only improves understanding of a body that has emerged as a leading voice in global discussions about the environmental aspects of financial policy. It also contributes to wider scholarship on financial transgovernmental networks and the greening of central banks.
Characterisation of the novel HLA‐DQB1*05:305 allele using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Chen Nanying , He Yizhen , Dong Lina , Zhang Wei , Zhu Faming
Published: September 2024

HLA‐DQB1*05:305 shows one single nucleotide substitution at position 664 compared with HLA‐DQB1*05:03:01:01.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DQA1*03:79 allele in a candidate bone marrow donor by next generation sequencing
Authors: Gaballa Ahmed , Lundin Nina , Eich Torsten
Published: September 2024

A single nucleotide mismatch within exon 3 of HLA‐DQA1 differentiates the novel allele DQA1*03:79 from DQA1*03:15.
Donor‐derived infections—Insights from Singapore, Japan, and Thailand
Authors: Tan Sophie Seine Xuan , Phoompoung Pakpoom , Okamoto Koh , Chayakulkeeree Methee , Koh Xiu Xian , Tan Chee‐Kiat , Kong Sally Nyuk Min , Tan Thuan Tong , Chung Shimin Jasmine , Tan Ban Hock
Published: September 2024

Background

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) has expanded significantly in Asia over past few decades. Donor‐derived infections (DDIs) remain a significant concern as they may adversely impact transplant outcomes. We aim to review the existing regulatory frameworks, screening protocols, and management practices for DDIs in Asia.

Methods

We reached out to transplant infectious diseases experts in Asia to provide standardized data on annual SOT numbers, incidence of DDIs, regulatory frameworks, donor and recipient screening protocols, and DDI surveillance measures. We present the data from Singapore, Japan, and Thailand.

Results

Donor screening for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis is mandatory in all countries. Additionally, Japan screens for HTLV‐1 antibody due to its endemicity. We also reviewed the protocols for screening and prevention of endemic infections in Asia. Singapore is the only country implementing universal screening for all donors for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya via blood and urine RT‐PCR. Strongyloidiasis screening is not routinely done, although some transplant centers empirically give ivermectin prophylaxis to organ recipients. Tuberculosis screening with a donor questionnaire and chest radiograph is common for deceased donors, and some centers do Interferon Gamma Release Assay test for living donors. We also found a significant gap in the surveillance and reporting of potential DDIs in Asia and the overall incidence of DDIs in Asia is unknown and likely underreported.

Conclusion

The experiences of Singapore, Japan, and Thailand offer valuable insights into current practices and the unmet needs regarding a DDI registry and call for coordinated efforts to address this critical issue in the region.

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RNA–protein interactions reveals the pivotal role of lncRNA1840 in tomato fruit maturation
Authors: Zhu Guoning , Li Ran , Zhang Lingling , Ma Liqun , Li Jinyan , Chen Jieyin , Deng Zhiping , Yan Shijie , Li Tao , Ren Huazhong , Cui Kaicheng , Qu Guiqin , Zhu Benzhong , Fu Daqi , Luo Yunbo , Zhu Hongliang
Published: September 2024

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in various biological processes in plants. However, the functional mechanism of lncRNAs in fruit ripening, particularly the transition from unripe to ripe stages, remains elusive. One such lncRNA1840, reported by our group, was found to have important role in tomato fruit ripening. In the present study, we gain insight into its functional role in fruit ripening. CRISPR‐Cas9 mediated lncRNA1840 mutants caused the delayed tomato fruit ripening. Notably, loss function of lncRNA1840 did not directly impact ethylene signaling but rather delay ethylene synthesis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differences in the expression of ripening related genes in lncRNA1840 mutants, suggesting that it is involved in gene regulation of fruit ripening. We used Chromatin Isolation by RNA Purification (ChIRP)‐Seq to identify lncRNA1840 binding sites on chromatin. ChIRP‐seq suggested that lncRNA1840 had occupancy on 40 genes, but none of them is differentially expressed genes in transcriptomic analysis, which indicated lncRNA1840 might indirectly modulate the gene expression. ChIRP‐mass spectrometry analysis identified potential protein interactors of lncRNA1840, Pre‐mRNA processing splicing factor 8, highlighting its involvement in post‐transcriptional regulatory pathways. In summary, lncRNA1840 is key player in tomato plant growth and fruit ripening, with multifaceted roles in gene expression and regulatory networks.
Temperature change regulates pollen fertility of a PTGMS rice line PA64S by modulating the ROS homeostasis and PCD within the tapetum
Authors: Sun Yujun , Ang Yina , Fu Ming , Bai Yunxiu , Chen Jiasheng , He Ying , Zeng Hanlai
Published: September 2024

Photoperiod and temperature‐sensitive male sterility rice is an important line for two‐line hybrid rice, and the changes in the cultivation temperature strictly control its pollen fertility. However, the mechanism by which temperature variation regulates pollen fertility is still unclear. This study obtained stable fertile PA64S(F) and sterile PA64S(S) rice from PA64S by controlling temperature changes. PA64S(F) shows a normal anther development and fertile pollen under low temperature (21°C), and PA64S(S) shows delayed degradation of the tapetum cells, leading to abnormal pollen wall formation and ubisch development under normal temperature (28°C). The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) positively correlates with the programmed cell death (PCD) process of tapetum cells. The delayed accumulation of ROS in the PA64S(S) tapetum at early stages leads to a delayed initiation of the PCD process. Importantly, we localized ascorbic acid (ASA) accumulation in the tapetum cells and determined that ASA is a major antioxidant for ROS homeostasis. ROS‐inhibited accumulation plants (PA64S‐ASA) demonstrated pollen sterility, higher ASA and lower ROS accumulation in the tapetum, and the absence of PCD processes in the tapetum cell. Abnormal changes in the tapetum of PA64S(S) rice disrupted metabolic pathways such as lipid metabolism, cutin and wax synthesis, sugar accumulation, and phenylpropane, affecting pollen wall formation and substance accumulation, suggesting that the timely accumulation of ROS is critical for male fertility. This study highlights the central role of ROS homeostasis in fertility alteration and also provides an avenue to address the effect of environmental temperature changes on pollen fertility in rice.
Chinese currency exceptionalism: The curious internationalisation of the renminbi
Authors: Balmas Paolo , Howarth David
Published: September 2024

The People's Republic of China (PRC) lacks the macroeconomic conditions to internationalise its currency, the renminbi (RMB). Despite tight controls on capital markets in China, the international use of the RMB has increased significantly with the RMB becoming the fifth most used currency in global trade and financial markets. We argue that the internationalisation of the RMB has followed an unusual process, differing from the more typical features depicted in the literature on currency internationalisation. The RMB has internationalised despite the reluctance of the Chinese government to liberalise the country's current and capital accounts and its financial market. We argue that the investment role of money—overlooked or downplayed in this literature—is the main driver of RMB internationalisation. The Chinese government has created specific investment channels for non‐Chinese investors that allow a controlled flow of capital to enter China's securities markets. The major players promoting the international use of the RMB are Western banks, the investment fund industry and financial services firms that have included Chinese securities in their indices. In the absence of structural conditions to expand the RMB's international use, we suggest that agents matter the most in this phase of limited RMB internationalisation.
Test–retest reliability of Doppler ultrasound‐based leg blood flow assessments during exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Mohammad Milan , Hartmann Jacob P. , Andersen Amalie B. , Hartmeyer Helene L. , Iepsen Ulrik W. , Berg Ronan M. G.
Published: September 2024

Doppler ultrasound may be used to assess leg blood flow (), but the reliability of this method remains unexplored in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where between‐subject variability may be larger than healthy due to peripheral vascular changes. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of Doppler ultrasound in quantifying during single‐leg knee‐extensor exercise (KEE) in COPD patients compared with those obtained from healthy matched controls. In this case–control study, 16 participants with COPD were matched based on sex and age with 16 healthy controls. All participants underwent measurement of using Doppler ultrasound in a KEE set‐up at various intensities on two separate visits. Confounding factors on were controlled for, and the ultrasound scans were consistently performed by the same sonographer. During exercise, smallest real difference (SRD) ranged from 367 mL to 583 mL in COPD and 438 mL to 667 mL in the control group. The coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 7.9% to 14.3% in COPD and 9.4% to 10.4% in the control group. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.75 to 0.92 in COPD and 0.67 to 0.84 in the control group. CV was lower in the control group during exercise at 0 W, but apart from that, reliability was not different between groups during exercise. Doppler ultrasound showed nearly equal reliability when evaluating in COPD patients and healthy individuals with a CV below 15% during exercise for both groups.

Highlights

What is the central question of this study?

What is the between‐day reliability of Doppler ultrasound when quantifying leg blood flow during single‐leg knee‐extensor exercise in COPD patients compared to healthy matched controls?

What is the main finding and its importance?

This study demonstrates a coefficient of variation ranging from 7.9 to 14.3% during single‐leg knee‐extensor exercise for between‐day reliability when applying Doppler ultrasound to assess leg blood flow in patients with COPD. Furthermore, it offers insights into the peripheral circulatory constraints in COPD, as evidenced by diminished leg blood flow. This study is the first of its kind to evaluate the reliability of Doppler ultrasound in the assessment of the peripheral circulation during exercise in COPD.
Semi-Closed Oxy-Combustion Combined Cycles for Combined Heat and Power Applications
Authors: Zelaschi Andrea , Giostri Andrea , Chiesa Paolo , Martelli Emanuele
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on the design and comparison of three utility-scale combined heat and power (CHP) cycles with carbon capture and storage (CCS): (i) a CHP semi-closed oxy-combustion combined cycle (SCOC-CC), (ii) a CHP natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) with postcombustion CCS, and (iii) a CHP NGCC with postcombustion CCS and supplementary firing. Performance evaluations are conducted at the design point and partial load (gas turbine at 30%) for different exports of high-temperature pressurized steam. The comparison is extended against two reference separate production systems with CCS, one based on postcombustion technologies, and another based on oxy-combustion. Simulations of the H-class gas turbines are performed using gas steam (GS), a specific in-house validated software, while the heat recovery steam cycle is modeled using Thermoflex. The CO2 capture processes employ validated models in Aspen Plus. The results highlight the suitability of the SCOC-CC for CHP applications, demonstrating superior performance and flexibility compared to CHP postcombustion technologies at both nominal and minimum loads. The SCOC cycle achieves a maximum first-law efficiency of 65.95%, outperforming CCS technologies that generate electricity and heat separately and enabling fuel savings up to 9.2%.
RANS Capabilities for Transonic Axial Compressor: A Perspective From GPPS Computational Fluid Dynamics Workshop
Authors: He Xiao , Klausmann Fabian
Published: September 2024

Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations currently serve as the prevailing industrial method for simulating axial compressor flows, and this status is expected to persist in the foreseeable future. To evaluate the capabilities of contemporary RANS solvers for compressors, this article presents a statistical analysis of RANS simulation results submitted to the first and the second Global Power and Propulsion Society (GPPS) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) workshops, where blind tests on the TUDa-GLR-OpenStage transonic axial compressor were performed. The workshops were held online in December 2021 and in a hybrid format at Chania, Greece, in September 2022, which are the first primary turbomachinery CFD workshops following the 1994 International Gas Turbine Institute (IGTI) CFD blind test event on NASA Rotor 37. A total of 35 submissions were received from 12 distinct RANS solvers, contributed by 14 participants affiliated with 11 organizations across 5 countries. Participants include academic researchers, engineers from the turbomachinery industry, and developers of commercial CFD solvers. First, the grid convergence behavior exhibited by various solvers employing different turbulence models is examined. Afterward, the prediction accuracy of the ensemble of the simulation results is evaluated, and the representative simulation results are compared and analyzed in detail. The key factors that improve the prediction accuracy are identified. These results foster improved usage and further development of turbomachinery RANS solvers.
Aerodynamic Performance Prediction for Wide-Incidence Turbines Using Graph Neural Network Models Driven by Small-Scale Experimental Data
Authors: Chen Tianyou , Cai Le , Zeng Jun , Zhang Weitao , Wang Songtao
Published: September 2024

To rapidly and accurately predict turbine rotor blade losses within a wide range of incidences (−50–30 deg), graph neural networks (GNNs) are utilized to predict the aerodynamic parameters of two-dimensional turbine blades based on a small-scale experimental dataset. By comparing the backpropagation neural network (BPnn) model and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results, it is demonstrated that GNNs with appropriately designed graph structures can accurately and quickly predict high-fidelity aerodynamic parameters based on limited experimental data. Unlike traditional data-driven modeling approaches, two innovative methods for improving blade profiles into graph structures are proposed. Relatively few input features are used to comprehensively and effectively represent the turbine blade profile by applying blade profile features in the GNN. The research findings indicate that due to the graph structure, which divides the turbine blade profile into five nodes based on five key points, coupled with high-fidelity experimental data and the unique weight updating mechanism of the graph attention network (GAT) model, the GAT-5 model exhibits the best performance among the studied models. Additionally, when assessing unknown validation blade profiles, the GAT-5 model maintains an absolute error below 6% at an incidence angle of 30 deg compared to the experimental results.
Heterogeneity of
Salmonella enterica
lipopolysaccharide counteracts macrophage and antimicrobial peptide defenses
Authors: Heffernan Linda M. , Lawrence Anna-Lisa E. , Marcotte Haley A. , Sharma Amit , Jenkins Aria X. , Iguwe Damilola , Rood Jennifer , Herke Scott W. , O'Riordan Mary X. , Abuaita Basel H.
Published: September 2024

S
almonella enterica
is comprised of over 2,500 serovars, in which non-typhoidal serovars (NTS), Enteritidis (SE), and Typhimurium (STM) are the most clinically associated with human infections. Although NTS have similar genetic elements to cause disease, phenotypic variation including differences in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) composition may control immune evasion. Here, we demonstrate that macrophage host defenses and LL-37 antimicrobial efficacy against SE and STM are substantially altered by LPS heterogeneity. We found that SE evades macrophage killing by inhibiting phagocytosis while STM survives better intracellularly post-phagocytosis. SE-infected macrophages failed to activate the inflammasomes and subsequently produced less interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, and interferon λ. Inactivation of LPS biosynthesis genes altered LPS composition, and the SE LPS-altered mutants could no longer inhibit phagocytosis, inflammasome activation, and type II interferon signaling. In addition, SE and STM showed differential susceptibility to the antimicrobials LL-37 and colistin, and alteration of LPS structure substantially increased susceptibility to these molecules. Collectively, our findings highlight that modification of LPS composition by
Salmonella
increases resistance to host defenses and antibiotics.
Neu5Gc binding loss of subtype H7 influenza A virus facilitates adaptation to gallinaceous poultry following transmission from waterbirds
Authors: Guan Minhui , DeLiberto Thomas J. , Feng Aijing , Zhang Jieze , Li Tao , Wang Shuaishuai , Li Lei , Killian Mary Lea , Praena Beatriz , Giri Emily , Deliberto Shelagh T. , Hang Jun , Olivier Alicia , Torchetti Mia Kim , Tao Yizhi Jane , Parrish Colin , Wan Xiu-Feng
Published: September 2024

Between 2013 and 2018, the novel A/Anhui/1/2013 (AH/13)-lineage H7N9 virus caused at least five waves of outbreaks in humans, totaling 1,567 confirmed human cases in China. Surveillance data indicated a disproportionate distribution of poultry infected with this AH/13-lineage virus, and laboratory experiments demonstrated that this virus can efficiently spread among chickens but not among Pekin ducks. The underlying mechanism of this selective transmission remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated the absence of Neu5Gc expression in chickens across all respiratory and gastrointestinal tissues. However, Neu5Gc expression varied among different duck species and even within the tissues of the same species. The AH/13-lineage viruses exclusively bind to acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), in contrast to wild waterbird H7 viruses that bind both Neu5Ac and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). The level of Neu5Gc expression influences H7 virus replication and facilitates adaptive mutations in these viruses. In summary, our findings highlight the critical role of Neu5Gc in affecting the host range and interspecies transmission dynamics of H7 viruses among avian species.

IMPORTANCE

Migratory waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds are natural reservoirs for influenza A viruses (IAVs) that can occasionally spill over to domestic poultry, and ultimately humans. This study showed wild-type H7 IAVs from waterbirds initially bind to glycan receptors terminated with N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) or N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). However, after enzootic transmission in chickens, the viruses exclusively bind to Neu5Ac. The absence of Neu5Gc expression in gallinaceous poultry, particularly chickens, exerts selective pressure, shaping IAV populations, and promoting the acquisition of adaptive amino acid substitutions in the hemagglutinin protein. This results in the loss of Neu5Gc binding and an increase in virus transmissibility in gallinaceous poultry, particularly chickens. Consequently, the transmission capability of these poultry-adapted H7 IAVs in wild water birds decreases. Timely intervention, such as stamping out, may help reduce virus adaptation to domestic chicken populations and lower the risk of enzootic outbreaks, including those caused by IAVs exhibiting high pathogenicity.
The epidemic characteristics of
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
infection among children in Anhui, China, 2015–2023
Authors: Chen Bing , Gao Ling-yu , Chu Qiu-ju , Zhou Ting-dong , Tong Yang , Han Ning , Wang Ai-hua , Zhou Qiang
Published: September 2024

The number of pediatric respiratory tract infection cases in China has significantly increased this year, and
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
is one of the main pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of
M. pneumoniae
in children in the Anhui region and to provide evidence for the prevention and control strategies of
M. pneumoniae
in children in this region. A total of 66,488 pediatric patients with respiratory tract infection were enrolled from January 2015 to November 2023 in this study. The results of this study exhibited that
M. pneumoniae
infection in the Anhui region was characterized by a high positive rate during 2021–2023, especially this year is considered a year of pandemic for
M. pneumoniae
infection. Moreover, the positive rate of
M. pneumoniae
in female children is significantly higher than in male children, and the infection rate of
M. pneumoniae
in children increases significantly with age, particularly in school-aged children.

IMPORTANCE

The number of pediatric respiratory tract infection cases in China has significantly increased this year, and
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
is one of the main pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of
M. pneumoniae
in children in the Anhui region and provide evidence for the prevention and control strategies of
M. pneumoniae
in children in this region.