bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sphingolipid-Induced Programmed Cell Death is a Salicylic Acid and EDS1-Dependent Phenotype in Arabidopsis Fatty Acid Hydroxylase (Fah1, Fah2) and Ceramide Synthase (Loh2) Triple Mutants
Authors: König Stefanie , Gömann Jasmin , Zienkiewicz Agnieszka , Zienkiewicz Krzysztof , Meldau Dorothea , Herrfurth Cornelia , Feussner Ivo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Ceramides (Cers) and long-chain bases (LCBs) are plant sphingolipids involved in the induction of plant programmed cell death (PCD). The fatty acid hydroxylase mutant fah1 fah2 exhibits high Cer levels and moderately elevated LCB levels. Salicylic acid glucoside level is increased in this mutant, but no cell death can be detected by trypan blue staining. To determine the effect of Cers with different chain lengths, fah1 fah2 was crossed with ceramide synthase mutants longevity assurance gene one homologue1-3 (loh1, loh2 and loh3). Surprisingly, only triple mutants with loh2 show cell death detected by trypan blue staining under the selected conditions. Sphingolipid profiling revealed that the greatest differences between the triple mutant plants are in the LCB and LCB-phosphate (LCB-P) fraction. fah1 fah2 loh2 plants accumulate LCB d18:0, LCB t18:0 and LCB-P d18:0. Crossing fah1 fah2 loh2 with the salicylic acid (SA) synthesis mutant sid2-2 and with the SA signaling mutants enhanced disease susceptibility 1-2 (eds1-2) and phytoalexin deficient 4-1 (pad4-1) revealed that lesions are SA- and EDS1-dependent. These quadruple mutants also confirm that there may be a feedback loop between SA and sphingolipid metabolism as they accumulated less Cers and LCBs. In conclusion, PCD in fah1 fah2 loh2 is a SA- and EDS1-dependent phenotype, which is likely due to accumulation of LCBs.
Functions of Melatonin during Postharvest of Horticultural Crops
Authors: Aghdam Morteza Soleimani , Mukherjee Soumya , Flores Francisco Borja , Arnao Marino B , Luo Zisheng , Corpas Francisco J 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMelatonin, a tryptophan-derived molecule, is endogenously generated in animal, plant, fungal and prokaryotic cells. Given its antioxidant properties, it is involved in a myriad of signaling functions associated with various aspects of plant growth and development. In higher plants, melatonin (Mel) interacts with plant regulators such as phytohormones, as well as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). It shows great potential as a biotechnological tool to alleviate biotic and abiotic stress, to delay senescence and to conserve the sensory and nutritional quality of postharvest horticultural products which are of considerable economic importance worldwide. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the biochemistry of Mel, whose endogenous induction and exogenous application can play an important biotechnological role in enhancing the marketability and hence earnings from postharvest horticultural crops.
Heterologous expression of Bixa orellana cleavage dioxygenase 4–3 drives crocin but not bixin biosynthesis
Authors: Frusciante Sarah , Demurtas Olivia Costantina , Sulli Maria , Mini Paola , Aprea Giuseppe , Diretto Gianfranco , Karcher Daniel , Bock Ralph , Giuliano Giovanni 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Annatto (Bixa orellana) is a perennial shrub native to the Americas, and bixin, derived from its seeds, is a methoxylated apocarotenoid used as a food and cosmetic colorant. Two previous reports claimed to have isolated the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) responsible for the production of the putative precursor of bixin, the C24 apocarotenal bixin dialdehyde. We re-assessed the activity of six Bixa CCDs and found that none of them produced substantial amounts of bixin dialdehyde in Escherichia coli. Unexpectedly, BoCCD4-3 cleaved different carotenoids (lycopene, β-carotene, and zeaxanthin) to yield the C20 apocarotenal crocetin dialdehyde, the known precursor of crocins, which are glycosylated apocarotenoids accumulated in saffron stigmas. BoCCD4-3 lacks a recognizable transit peptide but localized to plastids, the main site of carotenoid accumulation in plant cells. Expression of BoCCD4-3 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves (transient expression), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves (chloroplast transformation, under the control of a synthetic riboswitch), and in conjunction with a saffron crocetin glycosyl transferase, in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits (nuclear transformation) led to high levels of crocin accumulation, reaching the highest levels (&gt;100 µg/g dry weight) in tomato fruits, which also showed a crocin profile similar to that found in saffron, with highly glycosylated crocins as major compounds. Thus, while the bixin biosynthesis pathway remains unresolved, BoCCD4-3 can be used for the metabolic engineering of crocins in a wide range of different plant tissues.
Cervical Alignment and Proximal and Distal Junctional Failure in Posterior Cervical Fusion
Authors: Pinter Zachariah W. , Karamian Brian , Bou Monsef Jad , Mao Jennifer , Xiong Ashley , Bowles Daniel R. , Conaway William K. , Reiter David M. , Honig Rachel , Currier Bradford , Nassr Ahmad , Freedman Brett A. , Bydon Mohamad , Elder Benjamin D. , Kaye Ian D. , Kepler Christopher , Schroeder Gregory , Vaccaro Alexander , Wagner Scott , Sebastian Arjun S. 
Published: December 2021

Study Design:
This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical and radiographic outcomes of patients undergoing posterior cervical fusion (PCF) with constructs extending from C2 to T2 to patients with constructs extending from C3 to T1.

Summary of Background Data:
Limited evidence exists regarding the appropriate level of proximal and distal extension of PCF constructs.

Methods:
A multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent PCF between 2012 and 2020 was performed. Surgical and radiographic outcomes were compared between those who had C3–T1 or C2–T2 constructs.

Results:
A total of 155 patients were included in the study (C2–T2: 106 patients, C3–T1: 49 patients). There were no significant differences in demographics or preoperative symptoms between cohorts. Fusion rates were significantly higher in the C2–T2 (93%) than the C3–T1 (80%, P=0.040) cohort. When comparing the C2–T2 to the C3–T1 cohort, the C3–T1 cohort had a significantly greater rate of proximal junctional failure (2% vs. 10%, P=0.006), distal junctional failure (1% vs. 20%, P<0.001) and distal screw loosening (4% vs. 15%, P=0.02). Although ∆C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis increased significantly in both cohorts (C2–T2: 6.2 mm, P=0.04; C3–T1: 8.4 mm, P<0.001), correction did not significantly differ between groups (P=0.32). The C3–T1 cohort had a significantly greater increase in ∆C2 slope (8.0 vs. 3.1 degrees, P=0.03) and ∆C0–C2 Cobb angle (6.4 vs. 1.2 degrees, P=0.04).

Conclusion:
In patients undergoing PCF, a C2–T2 construct demonstrated lower rates of pseudarthrosis, distal junctional failure, proximal junctional failure, and compensatory upper cervical hyperextension compared with a C3–T1 construct.
Does Cigarette Smoking Affect Cervical Laminoplasty Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes?
Authors: Liu Gabriel , Tan Jun-Hao , Tan Joshua , Ng Jing Han , Chua Jasline , Chan Yiong Huak , Riew K. Daniel 
Published: December 2021

Study design:
Retrospective review.

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate if smokers have both poorer early clinical and radiologic outcomes in cervical laminoplasty when compared with nonsmokers.

Summary of Background Data:
Cigarette smoking had been reported to increase rates of pseudoarthrosis following spinal instrumentation with fusion.

Methodology:
A retrospective review of all patients who underwent open-door cervical laminoplasty was performed. Nurick, neck pain visual analog scale, and neck disability index scores were reviewed. Cervical lordosis, range of motion (ROM), and intervertebral disc height were measured. The rates and reasons for revision surgery were recorded and classified according to the etiology of laminoplasty revision surgery.

Results:
Sixty patients were recruited, of which 20 patients (18 males, 2 females) were smokers and 40 patients (27 males, 13 females) were nonsmokers. There was no statistically significant difference between smokers and nonsmokers in preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale, neck disability index, and Nurick scores. A trend was noted toward a greater postoperative reduction in cervical lordosis (13±8 vs. 11±11 degrees). Furthermore, 41% of smokers versus 30% in nonsmokers had >10% loss of postoperative ROM, and 59% smokers versus 50% nonsmokers had >5% loss of postoperative ROM.
Postoperative complications and intervertebral disc deterioration were similar in both groups. A higher reoperation rate was noted in smokers with 6 smokers (30%) as compared with 4 nonsmokers (10%), although this did not reach statistical significance. Among the smokers, 4 (20%) were because of cervical disease progression while 2 were technique related. In nonsmokers, all 4 (10%) were because of cervical disease progression.

Conclusion:
This study showed that while there was a nonstatistically significant trend noted toward higher rates of revision surgery in smokers, the laminoplasty outcomes were not significantly poorer in smokers. In heavy smokers with multilevel cervical myelopathy, laminoplasty may be the treatment of choice over anterior spinal decompression and fusion where a high risk of pseudoarthrosis is anticipated.
Comparison of Outcomes Including or Excluding the Level of Listhesis After ACDF in the Setting of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Karamian Brian A. , Mao Jennifer Z. , Fried Tristan B. , Robinson William A. , Canseco Jose A. , Bowles Daniel R. , Semenza Nicholas C. , Reiter David M. , Lee Joseph K. , Rihn Jeffery A. , Hilibrand Alan S. , Kaye I. David , Kepler Christopher K. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Schroeder Gregory D. 
Published: December 2021

Study Design:
This was a retrospective cohort study.

Objective:
The goal of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of patients with cervical degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), specifically comparing surgeries that include versus exclude the DS level.

Summary of Background Data:
DS has been extensively studied in the lumbar spine associated with both back and leg pain leading to worse patient quality of life measures. Conversely, there is a relative dearth of literature regarding surgical and clinical outcomes in the setting of cervical DS.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 315 patients undergoing ACDF between 2014 and 2018 with minimum of 1-year postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-six patients were found to have DS and were categorized based on whether an ACDF was performed at the same level (SL) or at a different level (DL) than the spondylolisthesis. Patient demographics, surgical parameters, preoperative and postoperative radiographs, and PROMs were compared between groups.

Results:
Of the 315 patients, a total of 46 met the inclusion criteria including 21 SL and 25 DL patients. There were no significant differences in patient demographics between the groups. The SL cohort had a significantly worse preoperative sagittal vertical axis (SL: 34.4 vs. 26.1, P=0.025) but no difference in postoperative or delta sagittal vertical axis. Both patient cohorts reported significant postoperative improvement in all PROMs, except Short-Form 12 Mental Component Score in the SL group. There were no differences between the groups regarding Visual Analog Scale Neck, Visual Analog Scale Arm, Neck Disability Index, or Short-Form 12 Physical Component Score. Regression analysis demonstrated SL to be a significant negative predictor for improvement in Short-Form 12 Mental Component Score (β: −11.27, P=0.10).

Conclusion:
Patients treated only at their neurologically symptomatic levels, excluding asymptomatic listhesis in their construct, can expect equivalent radiographic as well as physical function, disability, and pain outcomes 1 year after ACDF compared with patients whose listhetic level was included in their construct.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Endothelial Dysfunction and 6-Year Risk of Mortality in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Langberg Nina Elisabeth , Jenssen Trond G. , Haugen Anders J. , Mjøen Geir , Birkeland Kåre I. , Åsberg Anders , Hartmann Anders , Dahle Dag Olav 
Published: December 2021

Background.
Endothelial dysfunction is an early and potentially reversible stage in the atherosclerotic process. We assessed endothelial dysfunction noninvasively in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and evaluated the association with mortality and graft outcomes.

Methods.
Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured in arteria brachialis by ultrasound, with baseline diameters obtained at rest and maximal diameters obtained during reactive hyperemia occurring after 5 min of forearm occlusion. FMD% is the percentage difference of flow-mediated dilation relative to baseline. Endpoints on mortality and graft outcomes were collected from The Norwegian Renal Registry. The distribution of risk according to FMD levels was assessed in Cox regression using a restricted cubic spline function. FMD was dichotomized using receiver operating characteristic analysis to identify optimal cut points at maximal sensitivity and specificity.

Results.
From a total of 269 KTRs in 2012, 152 (56.5%) were eligible and examined 10 wk after transplantation, and 145 had successful FMD measurements. During a mean follow-up of 6.5 y, 26 patients died, 11 lost their graft, and 34 experienced either graft loss or death. Mortality increased with lower FMD levels until about 5% dilation and did not change with further reduction in FMD% (P for nonlinearity <0.01). An optimal cut point of FMD ≤5.36% defined impaired endothelial function and FMD% below this level, was associated with fatal outcome, hazard ratio (HR), 9.80 (1.29–74.62), P = 0.03, uncensored graft loss, HR, 7.80 (1.83–33.30), P = 0.01, but an association with death-censored graft loss was lost after adjusting for pulse pressure, HR, 4.58 (0.55–37.92), P = 0.16.

Conclusions.
We found that impaired FMD is strongly associated with mortality in KTRs.
Registration and medical certification of deaths in the Indian States: A comparative analysis of data of CRS and MCCD reports (2010-2019)
Authors: Pandey Anuj Kumar , Gautam Diksha , Thomas M Benson , Kharakwal Yogita 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe medical certification of cause of death (MCCD) under Civil Registration System (CRS) has been implemented in the States/UTs in a phased manner to provide data on cause of death but due to incomplete coverage and inadequate quality of civil registration data and medically certified data system, use of this data has been compromised. The completeness of registration of death (CoRD) and completeness of medically certified deaths were assessed from 2010 to 2019 at state level to understand their current status and trend over time and also to identify gaps in data to improve data quality.MethodsCoRD and CoMeRD for each year for each state was calculated from the CRS reports and MCCD reports respectively for the period 2010-2019. Data were analyzed nationally as per geographical region and individual state. Union Territories excluding Delhi and Telangana have not been considered in this analysis.ResultsThe CoRD in India have increased in the CRS from 66.9% in 2010 to 92 percent in 2019, a significant increase of 37.7% over 9 years (P<0.001) whereas India has not witnessed a substantial increase in the CoMeRD in MCCD which has increased from 17.1% in 2010 to only 20.6% in 2019. Among the 29 States, 18 (62%) had CoRD >95 percent in 2019, with 15 states recording 100 percent of CoRD however just 3 states (10.3%) have CoMeRD more than 50% namely Goa (100%), Manipur (67.3%) and Delhi (61.7%).Interpretation & conclusionsDespite the significant progress made in CoRD in India, importance of medical certification cannot be undermined; critical differences between the States within the CRS and MCCD remain a cause of concern. Concentrated efforts to assess the strengths and weaknesses at the State level of the MCCD and CRS processes, quality of data and plausibility of information generated are needed in India.
Predicted Symptomatic Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 Vaccine Against Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Volkov Oleg 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis paper presents predictions of the symptomatic effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 (Comirnaty) vaccine against Omicron B.1.1.529, the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern. They were obtained assuming fold decreases in Omicron neutralisation by vaccine-induced antibodies versus neutralisation of the virus Wild Type. A 25-fold decrease was assumed based on Omicron pseudovirus neutralisation study by Pfizer and BioNTech; a 94-fold, based on live-Omicron neutralisation study in South Africa; and 40, 80 and 120 folds, hypothesised based on genetic information. The effectiveness of two vaccine doses was predicted as 66% (42, 86), 48% (25, 72) and 42% (20, 66) for up to five months starting 2-4 weeks after the second dose, for the 25, 80 and 120 folds, respectively. The effectiveness of booster vaccination was predicted under a highly conservative assumption that the third dose would increase neutralisation by only 3.3 folds compared to the second dose. The predictions of effectiveness for up to five months, starting 2-4 weeks after the third dose, were 81% (59, 95), 67% (43, 87) and 61% (37, 82) for the 25, 80 and 120 folds, respectively. Despite the large fold decreases considered, the vaccine could still provide substantial protection, particularly after a booster and against severe disease. The paper is accompanied by free software which can be used to predict the symptomatic effectiveness of Comirnaty against Omicron under different neutralisation folds, including those obtained experimentally.
Incidence rates and symptomatology of community infections with SARS-CoV-2 in children and parents: The CoKids longitudinal household study
Authors: de Hoog MLA , Sluiter-Post JGC , Westerhof I , Fourie E , Heuvelman VD , Boom TT , Euser SM , Badoux P , Reusken C , Bont LJ , Sanders L , Jaddoe VWV , Herpers BL , Eggink D , Wildenbeest JG , Duijts L , van Houten MA , Bruijning-Verhagen PCJL 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTAIMThe CoKids study aimed to estimate the community incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 in children and parents and to assess the symptomatology of SARS-COV-2 infections relative to SARS-CoV-2 negative respiratory episodes.METHODSIn this prospective study, households with at least one child <18 years were recruited from three existing Dutch cohorts. Participation included SARS-CoV-2 screening at 4-6 weeks intervals for all household members during 23 weeks of follow-up and active reporting of new onset respiratory symptoms until July 1st 2021. Follow-up was temporarily intensified following new onset respiratory symptoms in a household member or a SARS-CoV-2 positive screening test and included daily symptom recording, repeated PCR testing (nose-throat, saliva and fecal samples) and SARS-CoV-2 antibody measurement (paired dried blood spots) in all household members. Age-stratified incidence rates for SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative episodes were calculated. Symptomatology and disease burden of respiratory episodes were compared by SARS-CoV-2 status and age.RESULTSIn total 307 households were enrolled including 1209 subjects. We detected 64 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 118 SARS-CoV-2 negative respiratory outbreaks. The highest incidence rate was found in children <12 years for SARS-CoV-2 negative episodes (0.93/ person-year (PY); 95%CI: 0.88-0.96). The SARS-CoV-2 incidence in this age-group was 0.21/PY for confirmed only, and 0.41/PY if probable cases were included. SARS-CoV-2 incidence did not differ by age group (p>0.27). Nasal congestion/runny nose, with or without cough and fatigue were the three most prevalent symptom clusters for both SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative respiratory episodes. Among children, no differences were observed in the symptomatology and severity of SARS-CoV-2 positive versus negative respiratory episodes, whereas among adults, SARS-CoV-2 positive episodes had a higher number and severity of symptoms and with a longer duration p<0.001).CONCLUSIONUsing active, longitudinal household follow up, we detected a high incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 infections in children that was similar to adults. The findings suggest that after 20 months of COVID-19 pandemic, up to 2/3 of Dutch children < 12 years have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Symptomatology and disease severity of SARS-CoV-2 in children is similar to respiratory illness from other causes. In adults, SARS-COV-2 positive episodes are characterized by more and prolonged symptoms, and higher severity. These findings may assist decisions on COVID-19 policies targeting children.
High visit-to-visit cholesterol variability predicts heart failure and adverse cardiovascular events: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Kai Chan Jeffrey Shi , Satti Danish Iltaf , Athena Lee Yan Hiu , Ho Hui Jeremy Man , Loy Lee Teddy Tai , Chou Oscar Hou In , Chung Wai Abraham Ka , Ciobanu Ana , Liu Ying , Liu Tong , Zhang Qingpeng , Yung Cheung Bernard Man , Zhou Jiandong , Tse Gary 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundDyslipidaemia is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, the long-term prognostic value of visit-to-visit cholesterol variability for the risks of heart failure (HF) is uncertain. We investigated the associations between cholesterol variability and the risk of HF and adverse cardiovascular events.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients attending family medicine clinics in Hong Kong during 2000-2003 with follow-up until 2019. Patients with at least three sets of blood cholesterol (low-density (LDL-C) and high-density (HDL-C) lipoprotein cholesterol) levels available at different visits were included. Patients with prior HF, myocardial infarction (MI), use of HF medications, and pregnancy were excluded. Visit-to-visit variability was calculated using standard deviation and coefficient of variation (CV). The primary outcome was HF. The secondary outcomes were cardiovascular mortality, and myocardial infarction.ResultsA total of 5662 patients were included (2152 males; mean age 63.3±12.4 years; mean follow-up 15.3±4.6 years). Higher variability of HDL-C (hazard ratio (HR) for CV: 13.757 [6.261, 30.226], p<0.0001) predicted new-onset HF. Higher variability of LDL-C (HR for CV: 3.885 [1.942, 7.775], p=0.0001) and HDL-C (HR for CV: 39.118 [13.583, 112.657], p<0.0001) predicted higher risk of MI, but not cardiovascular mortality. These associations remained significant in patients without baseline usage of lipid-lowering medication(s) (N=4068), but were all insignificant in patients with baseline usage of lipid-lowering medication(s) (N=1594).ConclusionHigher visit-to-visit cholesterol variability was varyingly associated with significantly increased long-term risks of HF and adverse cardiovascular events. Such associations may be negated by using lipid-lowering medication(s).