bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Changes in ELF Score Predict Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Receiving Antiviral Treatment
Authors: Liang Lilian Yan , Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Lai Jimmy Che‐To , Lam Amy Shuk‐Man , Tse Yee‐Kit , Hui Vicki Wing‐Ki , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTEnhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score is a noninvasive assessment for liver fibrosis. We aimed to evaluate the performance of changes in ELF score 3 years apart in combination with liver stiffness measurement (LSM)‐hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) score to predict HCC in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. This is a prospective cohort study. Patients who underwent transient elastography (TE) examinations and at intermediate or high risk of HCC defined by LSM‐HCC score were invited to repeat the examination about 3 years later. Their serum samples at these two time points were retrieved to assess the ELF score changes. The primary endpoint was HCC. There were 445 CHB patients (males: 73.9%; mean age: 51.6 ± 10.3 years) who received two TE examinations and ELF scores. Among them, 252 (56.6%) and 193 (43.4%) patients were at intermediate and high HCC risk at first assessment defined by LSM‐HCC score, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the changes in ELF score could stratify the HCC risk in both intermediate‐ and high‐risk patients defined by LSM‐HCC score (p < 0.001 for intermediate‐risk group; p = 0.011 for high‐risk group). Patients remained having mild or moderate fibrosis at both assessments had the lowest risk of HCC (4.0%), followed by patients with fibrosis regressed (11.3%; p = 0.014) during a mean follow‐up of 163 months. Patients remained having or progressed to severe fibrosis were at highest risk of HCC (> 20%). Consistent findings were demonstrated in patients at both intermediate and high risk of HCC defined by LSM‐HCC score. Dynamic changes in ELF score provided additional value to LSM‐HCC score for stratifying HCC risk in CHB patients.
Root‐knot nematodes exploit the catalase‐like effector to manipulate plant reactive oxygen species levels by directly degrading H2O2
Authors: Zhu Zhaolu , Dai Dadong , Zheng Mengzhuo , Shi Yiling , Siddique Shahid , Wang Feifan , Zhang Shurong , Xie Chuanshuai , Bo Dexin , Hu Boyan , Chen Yangyang , Peng Donghai , Sun Ming , Zheng Jinshui 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPlants produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon infection, which typically trigger defence mechanisms and impede pathogen proliferation. Root‐knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne spp.) represent highly detrimental pathogens capable of parasitizing a broad spectrum of crops, resulting in substantial annual agricultural losses. The involvement of ROS in RKN parasitism is well acknowledged. In this study, we identified a novel effector from Meloidogyne incognita, named CATLe, that contains a conserved catalase domain, exhibiting potential functions in regulating host ROS levels. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CATLe is conserved across RKNs. Temporal and spatial expression assays showed that the CATLe gene was specifically up‐regulated at the early infection stages and accumulated in the subventral oesophageal gland cells of M. incognita. Immunolocalization demonstrated that CATLe was secreted into the giant cells of the host plant during M. incognita parasitism. Transient expression of CATLe significantly dampened the flg22‐induced ROS production in Nicotiana benthamiana. In planta assays confirmed that M. incognita can exploit CATLe to manipulate host ROS levels by directly degrading H2O2. Additionally, interfering with expression of the CATLe gene through double‐stranded RNA soaking and host‐induced gene silencing significantly attenuated M. incognita parasitism, highlighting the important role of CATLe. Taken together, our results suggest that RKNs can directly degrade ROS products using a functional catalase, thereby manipulating host ROS levels and facilitating parasitism.
The Growth Effect of State Capacity Revisited
Authors: Vu Trung V. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractI provide new empirical estimates of the effect of state capacity on economic development across countries over the period 1960–2022. Specifically, I construct a comprehensive state capacity index based on six different dimensions of effective state institutions available in the Varieties of Democracy (V‐Dem) dataset. Then, I estimate heterogeneous parameter models under a common factor framework. My empirical strategy explicitly allows the growth effect of state capacity to differ across countries and accounts for unobserved common factors. My preferred estimates indicate that a one‐standard‐deviation increase in the V‐Dem‐based state capacity index predicts a rise in income per person by roughly 6%–7%. The magnitude of such impact equates to less than half of that implied by conventional estimates obtained under highly restrictive assumptions of slope homogeneity and cross‐sectional independence. Furthermore, I provide partial evidence suggesting that worldwide heterogeneity in the economic importance of state capacity is deeply rooted in prehistorically determined population diversity, state history, long‐term relatedness between countries, and interpersonal trust.
Three‐Dimensional Printing Technology Based on Digital Orthopedics: 5‐Point Positioning Point‐Contact Pedicle Navigation Template in the Case of Scoliosis and Complex Pedicle
Authors: Chen Qiling , Luo Chunshan , Lu Tingsheng , Yao Shudan , Pu Xingwei , Yang Minglu , Chen Lu , Wang Lihang 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveImperfect fitting of the navigation template leads to prolonged surgery time and increased blood loss. These problems have not been effectively addressed in previous research. This study explores the efficacy of a novel 5‐point positioning point‐contact pedicle navigation template in complex pedicle situations in scoliosis.MethodsThis study employed a retrospective controlled design. From November 2019 to November 2023, 28 patients with scoliosis and complex pedicle were selected and underwent scoliosis correction surgery. A 5‐point positioning point‐contact pedicle navigation template was used intraoperatively to guide pedicle screw placement. Matched with 56 historical cases as a control group. The analysis included screw placement time, screw placement bleeding volume, fluoroscopy frequency, manual repositioning frequency, screw placement accuracy and grade, screw placement complications, and main curve correction rate. Continuous variables were compared using the independent samples t‐test. Categorical data were analyzed with the chi‐square test.ResultsAll 28 patients successfully underwent surgery, with a total of 268 pedicle screws placed. The surgery duration ranged from 220 to 410 min, with an average of (283.16 ± 51.26) min. Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 630 to 1900 mL, with an average of (902.17 ± 361.25) mL. Pedicle screw placement time ranged from 60 to 130 min, with an average of (85.24 ± 24.65) min. Pedicle screw placement bleeding volume ranged from 40 to 180 mL, with an average of (76.47 ± 42.65) mL. Fluoroscopy frequency ranged from 3 to 7 times, with an average of (4.31 ± 1.14) times. Manual repositioning frequency ranged from 0 to 2 times, with an average of (0.46 ± 0.58) times. Pedicle screw placement grades: Grade I: 237 screws; Grade II: 25 screws; Grade III: 6 screws; Grade IV: 0 screws. There were no screw‐related complications. The correction rate ranged from 46% to 68%, with an average of (55.83 ± 9.22)%. Compared to the experienced screw group, the differences in screw placement time, screw placement bleeding volume, fluoroscopy procedures, and manual redirections were statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe 5‐point positioning point‐contact pedicle navigation template features a claw‐like structure that securely adapts to various deformed vertebral facet joints, avoiding drift phenomena and ensuring accurate screw placement. Its pointed contact structure with the lamina of the spine avoids extensive and complete detachment of posterior structures, reducing blood loss, surgery time, and trauma. Predesigned pedicle screw entry points and directions reduce fluoroscopy frequency and surgery time.
How to Set Working Cannula in Endoscopic‐Assisted Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Morphometric Analysis Based on Computed Tomography
Authors: Zhou Conghui , Lou Junsheng , Fan Yunpeng , Guo Ziyi , Shen Honghao , Jin Mengran , Wu Junsong 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesThere is a high risk of nerve root injury during endoscopic‐assisted transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo‐TLIF). This study used computed tomography (CT) imaging to assess the relationship between the exiting nerve root and its surroundings, and the corresponding intervertebral disc. We also measured the approximate position and angle for the placement of the working cannula to reduce the risk of nerve root injury during Endo‐TLIF procedures in the Chinese population.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at our institution between December 2021 and December 2022. A total of 115 patients suffering from low back pain were recruited for the study. For each participant, three‐dimensional (3D) vertebral models of the lumbar segments from L3 to S1 were constructed based on their CT images. The nerve root–disc distance, cannula insertion bypass distance and angle, foraminal height and width, exiting nerve root height, and nerve root–pedicle distance were measured. A paired t‐test was used to compare measurements between the left and right sides, while inter‐ and intraobserver reproducibility was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsFrom L3/4 to L5/S1 segments, the ideal cannula insertion distance range was 37.51 ± 4.91–120.38 ± 37.71 mm at L3/4; 42.38 ± 5.29–116.25 ± 27.22 mm at L4/5; and 37.78 ± 4.86–69.26 ± 12.64 mm at L5/S1. The appropriate cannula insertion angle range was 30.86° ± 5.05°–62.59° ± 6.66° at L3/4; 34.30° ± 4.73°–60.88° ± 7.34° at L4/5; and 35.89° ± 4.18°–47.65° ± 7.38° at L5/S1. The height of the intervertebral foramen (IVF) gradually decreased, and the width steadily increased. The exiting nerve root height and the nerve root–pedicle distance slightly decreased caudally.ConclusionFrom L3/4 to L5/S1, the range of working cannula insertion distance and angle gradually decreased, and the exiting nerve root height occupying the IVF gradually increased. Our measurement can reduce the risk of nerve root injury caused by inserting the working cannula during Endo‐TLIF.
Spatial and Temporal Freezing Dynamics of Leaves Revealed by Time‐Lapse Imaging
Authors: Kane Cade N. , McAdam Scott A. M. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTFreezing air temperatures kill most leaves, yet the leaves of some species can survive these events. Tracking the temporal and spatial dynamics of freezing remains an impediment to characterizing frost tolerance. Here we deploye time‐lapse imaging and image subtraction analysis, coupled with fine wire thermocouples, to discern the in situ spatial dynamics of freezing and thawing. Our method of analysis of pixel brightness reveals that ice formation in leaves exposed to natural frosts initiates in mesophyll before spreading to veins, and that while ex situ xylem sap freezes near 0°C, in situ xylem sap has a freezing point of −2°C in our model freezing‐resistant species of Lonicera. Photosynthetic rates in leaves that have been exposed to a rapid freeze or thaw do not recover, but leaves exposed to a slow, natural freezing and thawing to −10°C do recover. Using this method, we are able to quantify the spatial formation and timing of freezing events in leaves, and suggest that in situ and ex situ freezing points for xylem sap can differ by more than 4°C depending on the rate of temperature decline.
Non‐specific Phospholipase C4 Improves Phosphorus Remobilization From Old to Young Leaves in Camelina
Authors: Li Jianwu , Yao Shuaibing , Jonas Marissa , Kim Sang Chul , Wang Xuemin 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTCamelina sativa is regarded as a low‐input oilseed crop for versatile food, biofuels and industrial applications with potential production on marginal lands, whereas phosphate (Pi) deficiency greatly reduces camelina seed production. To improve camelina resilience to low P conditions, here we overexpressed the Pi deficiency–induced non‐specific phospholipase C4 (NPC4) to test its effect on camelina seed production under different levels of Pi availability. NPC4–overexpressing (OE) plants displayed increased seed yield and oil production, with a greater magnitude of increases under Pi‐deficient than Pi‐sufficient conditions. NPC4‐OE camelina had a higher level of total P and free Pi in young leaves but a lower level in old leaves than in wild‐type plants. More Pi was moved from old leaves to young leaves in NPC4‐OE than in wild‐type plants. NPC4‐OE increased the expression of Pi transporter genes, and the increase was greater in old leaves and under Pi‐deficient conditions. These data indicate that NPC4 improves camelina growth by promoting Pi remobilization from old to young tissues, revealing a mechanism by which NPC4 mediates plant response to Pi deficiency.
Functional and Structural Analysis Reveals Distinct Biological Roles of Plant Synaptotagmins in Response to Environmental Stress
Authors: García‐Hernández Selene , Rubio Lourdes , Rivera‐Moreno María , Pérez‐Sancho Jessica , Morello‐López Jorge , Esteban del Valle Alicia , Benítez‐Fuente Francisco , Beuzón Carmen R. , Macho Alberto P. , Ruiz‐López Noemi , Albert Armando , Botella Miguel A. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTEndoplasmic reticulum–plasma membrane contact sites (ER–PM CSs) are evolutionarily conserved membrane domains found in all eukaryotes, where the ER closely interfaces with the PM. This short distance is achieved in plants through the action of tether proteins such as synaptotagmins (SYTs). Arabidopsis comprises five SYT members (SYT1–SYT5), but whether they possess overlapping or distinct biological functions remains elusive. SYT1, the best‐characterized member, plays an essential role in the resistance to abiotic stress. This study reveals that the functionally redundant SYT1 and SYT3 genes, but not SYT5, are involved in salt and cold stress resistance. We also show that, unlike SYT5, SYT1 and SYT3 are not required for Pseudomonas syringae resistance. Since SYT1 and SYT5 interact in vivo via their SMP domains, the distinct functions of these proteins cannot be caused by differences in their localization. Interestingly, structural phylogenetic analysis indicates that the SYT1 and SYT5 clades emerged early in the evolution of land plants. We also show that the SYT1 and SYT5 clades exhibit different structural features in their SMP and Ca2+ binding of their C2 domains, rationalizing their distinct biological roles.
Revisiting Citrus Rootstocks Polyploidy as a Means to Improve Drought Resilience: Sometimes Less Is More
Authors: da Silva Costa Lucas , Coelho Filho Maurício Antonio , Araújo da Silva Monique Ayala , Moreira Alécio Souza , dos Santos Soares Filho Walter , Freschi Luciano , da Silva Gesteira Abelmon 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTPolyploid varieties have been suggested as an alternative approach to promote drought tolerance in citrus crops. In this study, we compared the responses of diploid and tetraploid Sunki ‘Tropical’ rootstocks to water deficit when grafted onto ‘Valencia’ sweet orange trees and subjected to water withholding in isolation or competition experiments under potted conditions. Our results revealed that, when grown in isolation, tetraploid rootstocks took longer to show drought symptoms, but this advantage disappeared when grown in competition under the same soil moisture conditions. The differences in drought responses were mainly associated with variations in endogenous leaf levels of abscisic acid (ABA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and carbohydrates among treatments. Overall, tetraploids were more affected by drought in individual experiments, showing higher H₂O₂ production, and in competition experiments, rapidly increasing ABA production to regulate stomatal closure and reduce water loss through transpiration. Therefore, our results highlight the crucial importance of evaluating diploid and tetraploid rootstocks under the same soil moisture conditions to better simulate field conditions, providing important insights to improve selection strategies for more resilient citrus rootstocks.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Utilization of Mediator Subunits for Crop Improvement
Authors: Zhao Haohao , Shin Doosan , Zhu Yingfang , Kim Jeongim 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe Mediator complex is a multisubunit transcription coregulator that transfers regulatory signals from different transcription factors to RNA polymerase II (Pol II) to control Pol II‐dependent transcription in eukaryotes. Studies on Arabidopsis Mediator subunits have revealed their unique or overlapping functions in various aspects of plant growth, stress adaptation and metabolite homeostasis. Therefore, the utilization of the plant Mediator complex for crop improvement has been of great interest. Advances in genome editing and sequencing techniques have expedited the characterization of Mediator subunits in economically important crops such as tomato, rice, wheat, soybean, sugarcane, pea, chickpea, rapeseed and hop. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of how the Mediator complex regulates crop growth, development and adaptation to environmental stress. We also discuss the conserved and diverse functions of the Mediator complex in different plant species. In addition, we propose several future research directions to deepen our understanding of the important roles of Mediator subunits and their interacting proteins, which would provide promising targets for genetic modification to develop new cultivars with desirable agronomic traits.
PlWRKY47 Coordinates With Cytosolic Glyceraldehyde‐3‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase 2 Gene to Improve Thermotolerance Through Inhibiting Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in Herbaceous Peony
Authors: Zhao Daqiu , Cheng Zhuoya , Qian Yi , Hu Ziao , Tang Yuhan , Huang Xingqi , Tao Jun 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAlthough WRKY transcription factors play crucial roles in plant responses to high‐temperature stress, little is known about Group IIb WRKY family members. Here, we identified the WRKY‐IIb protein PlWRKY47 from herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.), which functioned as a nuclear‐localized transcriptional activator. The expression level of PlWRKY47 was positively correlated with high‐temperature tolerance. Silencing of PlWRKY47 in P. lactiflora resulted in the decreased tolerance to high‐temperature stress by accumulating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overexpression of PlWRKY47 improved plant high‐temperature tolerance through decreasing ROS accumulation. Moreover, PlWRKY47 directly bound to the promoter of cytosolic glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase 2 (PlGAPC2) gene and activated its transcription. PlGAPC2 was also positively regulated high‐temperature tolerance in P. lactiflora by increasing NAD+ content to inhibit ROS generation. Additionally, PlWRKY47 physically interacted with itself to form a homodimer, and PlWRKY47 could also interact with one Group IIb WRKY family member PlWRKY72 to form a heterodimer, they all promoted PlWRKY47 to bind to and activate PlGAPC2. These data support that the PlWRKY47‐PlWRKY47 homodimer and PlWRKY72‐PlWRKY47 heterodimer can directly activate PlGAPC2 expression to improve high‐temperature tolerance by inhibiting ROS generation in P. lactiflora. These results will provide important insights into the plant high‐temperature stress response by WRKY‐IIb transcription factors.
Catalytic selectivity and evolution of cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in monoterpene indole alkaloids biosynthesis
Authors: Liu Zhan , Pang Jing , Li Yi , Wei Daijing , Yang Jing , Wang Xuefei , Luo Yinggang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP)‐catalyzed functional group transformations are pivotal in the biosynthesis of metabolic intermediates and products, as exemplified by the CYP‐catalyzed C7‐hydroxylation and the subsequent C7‐C8 bond cleavage reaction responsible for the biosynthesis of the well‐known antitumor monoterpene indole alkaloid (MIA) camptothecin. To determine the key amino acid residues responsible for the catalytic selectivity of the CYPs involved in MIA biosynthesis, we characterized the enzymes CYP72A728 and CYP72A729 as stereoselective 7‐deoxyloganic acid 7‐hydroxylases (7DLHs). We then conducted a comparative analysis of the amino acid sequences and the predicted structures of the CYP72A homologs involved in camptothecin biosynthesis, as well as those of the CYP72A homologs implicated in the pharmaceutically significant MIAs biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus. The crucial amino acid residues for the catalytic selectivity of the CYP72A‐catalyzed reactions were identified through fragmental and individual residue replacement, catalytic activity assays, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulations analysis. The fragments 1 and 3 of CYP72A565 were crucial for its C7‐hydroxylation and C7‐C8 bond cleavage activities. Mutating fragments 1 and 2 of CYP72A565 transformed the bifunctional CYP72A565 into a monofunctional 7DLH. Evolutionary analysis of the CYP72A homologs suggested that the bifunctional CYP72A in MIA‐producing plants may have evolved into a monofunctional CYP72A. The gene pairs CYP72A728‐CYP72A610 and CYP72A729‐CYP72A565 may have originated from a whole genome duplication event. This study provides a molecular basis for the CYP72A‐catalyzed hydroxylation and C‐C bond cleavage activities of CYP72A565, as well as evolutionary insights of CYP72A homologs involved in MIAs biosynthesis.
Tackling toxins: Case studies of industrial pollutants and implications for climate policy
Authors: Bartley Tim , Fairbrother Malcolm 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAs scholars race to address the climate crisis, they have often treated the problem as sui generis and have only rarely sought to learn from prior efforts to make industrial operations greener. In this paper, we consider what can be learned from other shifts away from polluting substances. Drawing on literatures on corporate regulatory strategies and evolving regulatory interactions, we argue for a focus on configurations of regulatory scrutiny and industrial reform, which we then consider through case studies of several major industrial pollutants. We consider the phaseout of ozone‐depleting substances, which has often been cited as a model for mitigating climate change, plus three other cases: per‐ and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), leaded fuel, and mercury. We highlight four configurations of regulatory scrutiny and industrial reform: (1) progressive substitution (of ozone‐depleting substances); (2) regrettable substitution (in the first waves of PFAS regulation); (3) knock‐on substitution (in the phaseout of leaded fuel); and (4) narrow substitution (in the case of mercury). These configurations, and the processes that generated them, provide novel lenses for understanding climate mitigation and confronting obstructionism. They point to the diversity of positions that corporate actors may take in the face of potential or actual public regulation, and the possibility of notable divides across and within given industries, which can facilitate meaningful reforms.