bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular vesicles of Norway spruce contain precursors and enzymes for lignin formation and salicylic acid
Authors: Kankaanpää Santeri , Väisänen Enni , Goeminne Geert , Soliymani Rabah , Desmet Sandrien , Samoylenko Anatoliy , Vainio Seppo , Wingsle Gunnar , Boerjan Wout , Vanholme Ruben , Kärkönen Anna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Lignin is a phenolic polymer in plants that rigidifies the cell walls of water-conducting tracheary elements and support-providing fibers and stone cells. Different mechanisms have been suggested for the transport of lignin precursors to the site of lignification in the cell wall. Extracellular vesicle (EV)-enriched samples isolated from a lignin-forming cell suspension culture of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) contained both phenolic metabolites and enzymes related to lignin biosynthesis. Metabolomic analysis revealed mono-, di-, and oligolignols in the EV isolates, as well as carbohydrates and amino acids. In addition, salicylic acid (SA) and some proteins involved in SA signaling were detected in the EV-enriched samples. A proteomic analysis detected several laccases, peroxidases, β-glucosidases, putative dirigent proteins, and cell wall-modifying enzymes, such as glycosyl hydrolases, transglucosylase/hydrolases, and expansins in EVs. Our findings suggest that EVs are involved in transporting enzymes required for lignin polymerization in Norway spruce, and radical coupling of monolignols can occur in these vesicles.
Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma is more aggressive in children than in adults
Authors: Tirelli Francesca , Zanatta Elisabetta , Moccaldi Beatrice , Binda Marco , Martini Giorgia , Giraudo Chiara , Vittadello Fabio , Meneghel Alessandra , Zulian Francesco 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To compare the clinical and laboratory features of paediatric SSc sine scleroderma (ssJSSc) with adult-onset ssSSc.

Methods
Demographic, clinical and laboratory data of ssJSSc, retrospectively retrieved from our hospital medical records, case reports from the literature and from the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society JSSc registry, were compared with the Padua cohort of adult patients with ssSSc. Patients were defined as having ssSSc if they never had skin involvement but all the following features: (i) RP and/or digital vasculopathy, (ii) positive ANA, (iii) internal organs involvement typical of scleroderma and (iv) no other defined CTD.

Results
Eighteen juvenile and 38 adult-onset ssSSc patients, mean disease duration 5.8 and 9.7 years, respectively, entered the study. The frequency of females affected was significantly lower in ssJSSc (38.9% vs 89.5%, P &lt; 0.0001). When compared with adults, ssJSSc displayed fewer SSc-specific capillaroscopy abnormalities (68.8% vs 94.7%, P = 0.02) while having significantly higher vascular (digital pitting scars, ulcers 35.3% vs 10.5%, P = 0.042), respiratory (50.0% vs 23.7%, P = 0.02) and cardiac (50.0% vs 2.6%, P &lt; 0.0001) involvement. The outcome was significantly worse in ssJSSc as six patients (33%) died (n = 3) or reached an end-stage organ failure (n = 3) in comparison with only two deaths (5.3%) in the adult cohort. ACA were significantly lower in children (20.0% vs 68.4%, P = 0.001) while no difference was noted for other SSc-specific autoantibodies.

Conclusion
Compared with adults where ssSSc generally has an indolent course, children present with aggressive disease that heralds a worse prognosis characterized by high cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality.
Navigating the ‘moral hazard’ argument in synthetic biology’s application
Authors: Lean Christopher Hunter 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Synthetic biology has immense potential to ameliorate widespread environmental damage. The promise of such technology could, however, be argued to potentially risk the public, industry or governments not curtailing their environmentally damaging behavior or even worse exploit the possibility of this technology to do further damage. In such cases, there is the risk of a worse outcome than if the technology was not deployed. This risk is often couched as an objection to new technologies, that the technology produces a moral hazard. This paper describes how to navigate a moral hazard argument and mitigate the possibility of a moral hazard. Navigating moral hazard arguments and mitigating the possibility of a moral hazard will improve the public and environmental impact of synthetic biology.
The inner ear and stapes of the basal mammaliaform Morganucodon revisited: new information on labyrinth morphology and promontorial vascularization
Authors: Hoffmann Simone , Malik Ramza Shahid , Vidyasagar Arjun , Gill Pamela 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Based on high-resolution computed tomography scanning, we provide new insights into the inner ear and stapedial morphology of Morganucodon from the Early Jurassic of St Brides. At the base of mammaliaforms, Morganucodon plays a pivotal role in understanding the sequence of character acquisition from basal cynodonts to mammals, including the detachment of the middle ear and the evolution of high-frequency hearing. Advancements in imaging technology enabled us to revise or newly describe crucial anatomy that was not accessible for the original description of Morganucodon. Based on 37 petrosals, we can confirm that the apex of the cochlear canal is expanded in Morganucodon, suggestive of a lagena macula. A gently raised crest along the abneural margin is reminiscent of (although much shallower than) the secondary lamina base of other Mesozoic mammaliaforms. The venous circum-promontorial plexus, which surrounded the inner ear in several basal mammaliaforms, was connected to the cochlear labyrinth in Morganucodon through numerous openings along the secondary lamina base. Two petrosals contain fragmentary stapes, which differ substantially from previously described isolated stapes attributed to Morganucodon in having peripherally placed crura and an oval and bullate footplate. Based on the revised stapedial morphology, we question the traditional view of an asymmetrical bicrural stapes as the plesiomorphic condition for Mammaliaformes.
Genome Sequence Resource of Bacillus velezensis Strain HC-5, Revealing Its Potential as a Native Biological Control Agent Against Ginger Bacterial Wilt
Authors: He Pengjie , Wang Wenjia , Zhang Jiajia , Zhang Yuanju , Cui Wenyan 
Published: May 2024

The Bacillus velezensis strain HC-5, isolated from rhizosphere soil of ginger, exhibits effective biocontrol activity against ginger bacterial wilt. However, its genomic information has remained unexplored. This study presents the complete genome sequence of B. velezensis HC-5. The genome spans 4,237,244 bp and consists of 4,258 genes, with a total GC content of 45.85%. The HC-5 genome comprises 4,058 coding genes, 86 transfer RNAs, 27 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 19 small RNAs (sRNAs), 70 interspersed repeats, and 74 tandem repeats. Moreover, we identified 10 gene clusters responsible for the biosynthesis of antibiotic compounds and 28 two-component systems associated with the bacterium's environmental adaptability. This genome sequence of B. velezensis HC-5 enhances our understanding of its biocontrol mechanisms and supports its potential development as an effective biocontrol agent for managing bacterial wilt in ginger production. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Minimally Invasive Versus Open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Obese Patients
Authors: Quek Clara X. , Goh Graham S. , Tay Adriel Y. , Soh Reuben Chee Cheong 
Published: May 2024

Study Design.
Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Objectives.
This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of obese patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and open TLIF.

Summary of Background Data.
The perioperative benefits of minimally invasive surgery in obese patients have been described. However, there is limited literature on the patient-reported outcomes (PROs), satisfaction and return to work following MIS-TLIF and open TLIF in this subgroup of patients.

Materials and Methods.
Obese patients (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2) who underwent a primary, one-level to two-level open and MIS-TLIF were stratified and matched using propensity scoring. Operative time, length of stay, and perioperative outcomes were recorded. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including Oswestry disability index, Short Form-36 physical component score, mental component score, visual analogue scale for back pain and leg pain were compared at each postoperative time point. Achievement of minimal clinically important difference (MCID), patient satisfaction and return to work were also assessed. Revision procedures were recorded at mean 10±3.3 years follow-up.

Results.
In total, 236 obese patients were included: 118 open TLIF and 118 MIS-TLIF. Length of stay was longer in the open TLIF cohort and there was a trend toward a higher complication rate. However, there was no difference in operative time, transfusions, or readmissions. Patients who underwent open TLIF reported worse ODI (P=0.043) and VAS leg pain at two years, although the latter did not reach statistical significance (P=0.095). Achievement of MCID for each PRO, patient satisfaction, and return to work were also comparable.

Conclusions.
Obese patients who underwent MIS-TLIF had a shorter length of stay and improved functional disability at two years compared those who underwent open TLIF. However, a similar proportion achieved a clinical meaningful improvement. Patient satisfaction and return to work were also comparable at two years.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Dilip’s Transmucosal Internal Sphincterotomy: A Simplified Approach to Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy for Fissure in Ano
Authors: Pathak Dilip Umakant 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:
Fissure in ano is a prevalent and painful condition, typically treated by lateral internal sphincterotomy after conservative measures fail. Dilip’s transmucosal internal sphincterotomy introduces a simplified approach that reduces the risk of damaging the external sphincter, making it particularly suitable for less experienced surgeons. This innovation offers a less invasive method with minimal risk of incontinence, providing a safer, more accessible option.

IMPACT OF INNOVATION:
Transmucosal internal sphincterotomy simplifies the internal sphincterotomy process, offering a tailored approach that eliminates the need for extensive dissection. This method allows surgeons complete control over the internal sphincter bundle, facilitating a precise, customizable cut without the risks associated with traditional internal sphincterotomy, especially in obese patients where the intersphincteric groove is not visible, leading to potentially harmful blind incisions.

TECHNOLOGY, MATERIALS, AND METHODS:
The procedure is performed under saddle block anesthesia with the patient in the lithotomy position. A distinctive approach involving the use of retractors and stay sutures allows the internal sphincter to be made prominent and secured without extensive dissection. The division of the internal sphincter is achieved through a minimal mucosal incision, requiring no closure and significantly reducing postoperative pain and complications.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS:
Between December 2020 and February 2022, 124 patients received transmucosal internal sphincterotomy, showing significant benefits with a median operative time of 7 minutes and low postoperative pain. With a 2.5% infection rate effectively managed and a 3% transient incontinence rate, the majority healed within 9 weeks. Recurrence was rare at 1.6%.

CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS:
Transmucosal internal sphincterotomy presents significant advantages over traditional internal sphincterotomy, including reduced pain, lower risk of complications, such as hematoma, abscess, or fistula formation, and the absence of painful postoperative nodules. The success of transmucosal internal sphincterotomy suggests that it should be incorporated into surgical education, offering a less daunting and more reproducible method for treating fissure in ano that is especially beneficial for junior surgeons and improving patient outcomes.
Supervision Unveiled: Navigating the Supervision Landscape in Medical Spas
Authors: Almukhtar Rawaa M. , Aigen Alyx Rosen , Loyal Jameson , Mishra Vineet 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUNDThere is an ongoing increase in the demand for injectable procedures and an increase in the number of medical spas across the United States State regulations significantly vary regarding level of supervision at these medical spas.OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to determine who performs cosmetic procedures, provides medical supervision, and who is being informed of complications.METHODSDescriptive study based on a standardized telephone interview performed by a prospective patient for injectable treatments performed at medical Spas in Las Vegas. Data were then extracted and analyzed.RESULTSOf 63 medical spas reviewed, most of the injectable treatments (73%) were performed by nonphysicians. An onsite physician who supervised or personally performed the cosmetic procedures was present in only 38.1% of the spas surveyed. Only 46% of surveyed medical spas notify a medical director/supervising physician in the event of a complication and only 39.7% of surveyed spas had a number to call after regular business hours.CONCLUSIONThe majority of treatments are performed by nonphysicians in the spas surveyed. Physician supervisors are not on site in most of the spas and about half of spas do not inform the medical director in the event of a complication.
Effects of Recall and Selection Biases on Modeling Cancer Risk From Mobile Phone Use: Results From a Case–Control Simulation Study
Authors: Bouaoun Liacine , Byrnes Graham , Lagorio Susanna , Feychting Maria , Abou-Bakre Abdellah , Béranger Rémi , Schüz Joachim 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The largest case–control study (Interphone study) investigating glioma risk related to mobile phone use showed a J-shaped relationship with reduced relative risks for moderate use and a 40% increased relative risk among the 10% heaviest regular mobile phone users, using a categorical risk model based on deciles of lifetime duration of use among ever regular users.

Methods:
We conducted Monte Carlo simulations examining whether the reported estimates are compatible with an assumption of no effect of mobile phone use on glioma risk when the various forms of biases present in the Interphone study are accounted for. Four scenarios of sources of error in self-reported mobile phone use were considered, along with selection bias. Input parameters used for simulations were those obtained from Interphone validation studies on reporting accuracy and from using a nonresponse questionnaire.

Results:
We found that the scenario simultaneously modeling systematic and random reporting errors produced a J-shaped relationship perfectly compatible with the observed relationship from the main Interphone study with a simulated spurious increased relative risk among heaviest users (odds ratio = 1.91) compared with never regular users. The main determinant for producing this J shape was higher reporting error variance in cases compared with controls, as observed in the validation studies. Selection bias contributed to the reduced risks as well.

Conclusions:
Some uncertainty remains, but the evidence from the present simulation study shifts the overall assessment to making it less likely that heavy mobile phone use is causally related to an increased glioma risk.
Human Conjunctival Transcriptome in Acanthamoeba Keratitis: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Seitzman Gerami D. , Keenan Jeremy D. , Lietman Thomas M. , Ruder Kevin , Zhong Lina , Chen Cindi , Liu YuHeng , Yu Danny , Abraham Thomas , Hinterwirth Armin , Doan Thuy ,   on behalf of the capriCORN (Comprehensive Analysis of Pathogens, Resistomes, and Inflammatory markers in the CORNea) Study Group
Published: May 2024

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to identify conjunctival transcriptome differences in patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis compared with keratitis with no known associated pathogen.

Methods:
The host conjunctival transcriptome of 9 patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is compared with the host conjunctival transcriptome of 13 patients with pathogen-free keratitis. Culture and/or confocal confirmed Acanthamoeba in 8 of 9 participants with AK who underwent metagenomic RNA sequencing as the likely pathogen. Cultures were negative in all 13 cases where metagenomic RNA sequencing did not identify a pathogen.

Results:
Transcriptome analysis identified 36 genes differently expressed between patients with AK and patients with presumed sterile, or pathogen-free, keratitis. Gene enrichment analysis revealed that some of these genes participate in several biologic pathways important for cellular signaling, ion transport and homeostasis, glucose transport, and mitochondrial metabolism. Notable relatively differentially expressed genes with potential relevance to Acanthamoeba infection included CPS1, SLC35B4, STEAP2, ATP2B2, NMNAT3, and AKAP12.

Conclusions:
This research suggests that the local transcriptome in Acanthamoeba keratitis may be sufficiently robust to be detected in the conjunctiva and that corneas infected with Acanthamoeba may be distinguished from the inflamed cornea where no pathogen was identified. Given the low sensitivity for corneal cultures, identification of differentially expressed genes may serve as a suggestive transcriptional signature allowing for a complementary diagnostic technique to identify this blinding parasite. Knowledge of differentially expressed genes may also direct investigation of disease pathophysiology and suggest novel pathways for therapeutic targets.
Evaluation of Anterior Scleral Thickness and Angle Parameters in Eyes with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Glaucoma
Authors: Alpogan Oksan , Un Yasemin , Tekcan Hatice , Kose Alev Ozcelik , Bolac Ruveyde 
Published: May 2024

Précis:
The relationship between anterior scleral thickness (AST) and scleral spur (SS) length was disrupted in eyes with pseudoexfoliation (PX), and SS length was shorter in eyes with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG).

Objectives:
To evaluate AST in eyes with PX and to examine the relationship between AST and Schlemm canal (SC), trabecular meshwork (TM), and SS.

Patients and Methods:
Thirty-eight patients with PX syndrome (PXS), 38 patients with PXG, and 38 healthy patients were included in the study. Using sweep source anterior segment optical coherence tomography, AST (0, 1, 2, and 3 mm from the SS), SC, and TM were visualized in the nasal and temporal areas, and measurements were compared between groups. The relationships between corneal thickness, TM, SS, SC, and AST were then evaluated.

Results:
In all groups, the AST, SC, and TM measurements were similar (P > 0.05). In the PXG group, SS lengths in the temporal area were shorter than those in the control and PXS groups (P = 0.012). There were significant correlations between TM length and AST in the PXG group (P < 0.05). The SS length exhibited moderately positive correlations with SC length and mean TM thickness in the PXG (P < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between AST0 and SS in healthy eyes (P < 0.05), but not in other eyes.

Conclusions:
The shorter SS length observed in eyes with PXG may be a sign of structural changes. In addition, disruption of the relationship between AST and SS may be an early sign of pathologic processes, especially in eyes with PXS, and may require closer follow-up of these eyes.
From Entry to Evasion: A Comprehensive Analysis of Host-Virus Interactions for Monkeypox
Authors: Sofiani Vahideh Hamidi , Rukerd Mohammad Rezaei Zadeh , Charostad Javad , Pardeshenas Mohammad , Ghazi Reza , Arefinia Nasir , Shafieipour Sara , Salajegheh Faranak , Nakhaie Mohsen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Monkeypox (Mpox) has posed a novel challenge and emerged as a threat to global public health since the onset of its outbreak in 2022. Mpox is spreading throughout the world in both endemic and non-endemic countries, indicating that its behavior is evolving. The prevalence of Mpox and the risk of a global pandemic necessitate a better understanding of Mpox virus replications and interactions with the host. Here, we attempted to provide a detailed comprehensive review of Mpox virus behavior at the molecular level from the entry level to the establishment of a successful infection, including attachment and entry, DNA replication, protein expression and viron assembly and egress. This review also describes its strategies to evade host immune responses and inhibit apoptosis, and uncovers underlying molecular mechanisms such as subverted signaling pathways and cellular factors behind host-viral interactions.
Teprotumumab-Related Hearing Loss: A Large-Scale Analysis and Review of Voluntarily Reported Patient Complaints to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Authors: McGwin Gerald , Owsley Cynthia , Vicinanzo Matthew G. 
Published: May 2024

Purpose:
Accumulating case reports and series have suggested that teprotumumab may significantly increase the risk of hearing impairment that, in some cases, does not resolve. This study investigates the association between hearing impairment and teprotumumab use.

Methods:
A disproportionality analysis was conducted using the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System, a publicly accessible database used for postmarketing surveillance and research. All adverse event reports containing the terms “teprotumumab” or “Tepezza” and a similar comparison group from all patients with the same indications for teprotumumab use (e.g., autoimmune thyroiditis, endocrine ophthalmopathy, and hyperthyroidism) but who had not received the drug were selected. Hearing impairment events were identified using the hearing impairment Standardized MedDRA Query.

Results:
A total of 940 teprotumumab-associated adverse events were identified, including 84 hearing-related adverse events, with the first reported to the Food and Drug Administration in April 2020. A comparison group of 32,794 nonteprotumumab adverse events was identified with 127 hearing-related adverse events reported. Use of teprotumumab in patients with thyroid conditions was associated with a nearly 24-fold (proportional reporting ratio [PRR] 23.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.1–30.8) increased likelihood of any hearing disorder (p value <0.0001). The association was specifically elevated for a variety of deafness conditions (e.g., bilateral deafness [PRR: 41.9; 95% CI: 12.8–136.9]), Eustachian tube disorders (PRR: 34.9; 95% CI: 4.9–247.4), hypoacusis (PRR: 10.1; 95% CI: 7.6–13.3), and tinnitus (PRR: 8.7; 95% CI: 6.2–12.1).

Conclusions:
Patients treated with teprotumumab should receive warnings regarding the increased risk of hearing-related impairments and receive audiometry before, during, and after treatment.