bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular basis of CONSTANS oligomerization in FLOWERING LOCUS T activation
Authors: Zeng Xiaolin , Lv Xinchen , Liu Rui , He Hang , Liang Shiqi , Chen Lixian , Zhang Fan , Chen Liu , He Yuehui , Du Jiamu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe transcription factor CONSTANS (CO) integrates day‐length information to induce the expression of florigen FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) in Arabidopsis. We recently reported that the C‐terminal CCT domain of CO forms a complex with NUCLEAR FACTOR‐YB/YC to recognize multiple cis‐elements in the FT promoter, and the N‐terminal tandem B‐box domains form a homomultimeric assembly. However, the mechanism and biological function of CO multimerization remained unclear. Here, we report that CO takes on a head‐to‐tail oligomeric configuration via its B‐boxes to mediate FT activation in long days. The crystal structure of B‐boxesCO reveals a closely connected tandem B‐box fold forming a continuous head‐to‐tail assembly through unique CDHH zinc fingers. Mutating the key residues involved in CO oligomerization resulted in a non‐functional CO, as evidenced by the inability to rescue co mutants. By contrast, a transgene encoding a human p53‐derived tetrameric peptide in place of the B‐boxesCO rescued co mutant, emphasizing the essential role of B‐boxesCO‐mediated oligomerization. Furthermore, we found that the four TGTG‐bearing cis‐elements in FT proximal promoter are required for FT activation in long days. Our results suggest that CO forms a multimer to bind to the four TGTG motifs in the FT promoter to mediate FT activation.
Life‐Sustaining Treatment Decision in Palliative Care Based on Electronic Health Records Analysis
Authors: Kim Sanghee , Lim Arum , Jang Hyoeun , Jeon Misun 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAims and objectivesThis study sought to explore the present status of life‐sustaining treatment decisions in a tertiary hospital to improve the life‐sustaining treatment decision‐making process.BackgroundLife‐sustaining treatment decisions are crucial for palliative care because they encompass decisions to withdraw treatments when patients cannot articulate their values and preferences. However, surrogate decisions have settled many life‐sustaining treatment cases in South Korea, and this trend is prevalent.DesignWe conducted a retrospective, descriptive study employing a review of electronic health records.MethodsWe extracted and analysed electronic health records of a tertiary hospital. Our inclusion criteria included adult patients who completed life‐sustaining treatment forms in 2019. A total of 2,721 patients were included in the analysis. We analysed the decision‐maker, the timing of the decision, and patients’ health status a week before the decision. We followed the STROBE checklist.ResultsAmong 1,429 deceased patients, those whose families had made life‐sustaining treatment decisions totalled 1,028 (70.6%). The median interval between life‐sustaining treatment documentation completion to death was three days, more specifically, two days in the family decision group and 5.5 days in the patient decision group. As the decision day neared, there were marked changes in patients’ vital signs and laboratory test results, and the need for nursing care increased.ConclusionsLife‐sustaining treatment decisions were made when death was imminent, suggesting that the time required to discuss end‐of‐life care was generally insufficient among patients, family, and healthcare professionals in Korea.Relevance to clinical practiceMonitoring changes in laboratory test results and symptoms could help screen the patients who need the life‐sustaining treatment discussion. As improving the quality of death is imperative in palliative care, institutional efforts, such as clinical ethics support services, are necessary to improve the life‐sustaining treatment decision‐making process for patients, families, and healthcare providers.
Annual report of the Committee on Gynecologic Oncology, the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Annual Patient Report for 2018 and Annual Treatment Report for 2013
Authors: Nagase Satoru , Ohta Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Fumiaki , Yamagami Wataru , Yaegashi Nobuo ,   Board Members of the 2020 Committee on Gynecologic Oncology of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Published: January 2022

AbstractTo provide information including the trend of gynecological malignancies in Japan, we hereby present the Annual Patient Report for 2018 and the Annual Treatment Report for 2013, on the outcomes of patients who started treatment in 2013. The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology maintains an annual tumor registry, where information on gynecological malignancies from various participating institutions is gathered. The data of patients whose treatment with gynecologic malignancies was initiated in 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Survival of the patients who started treatment with cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer in 2013 was analyzed by using the Kaplan–Meier, log‐rank, and Wilcoxson tests. Treatment was initiated in 2018 for 7304 patients with cervical cancer; 11 230 with endometrial cancer; 7031 with ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal cancer; 2072 with ovarian borderline tumors; and with the others (222 vulvar cancer, 159 vaginal cancer, 413 uterine sarcoma, 54 uterine adenosarcoma, and 135 trophoblastic diseases). This clinicopathological information was summarized as the Patient Annual Report. The 5‐year survival rates of the patients with cervical cancer were 93.1%, 75.9%, 59.1%, and 31.2% for Stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with endometrial cancer were 94.1%, 89.2%, 73.6%, and 25.8% for Stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with ovarian cancer (surface epithelial‐stromal tumors) were 89.7%, 76.8%, 49.1%, and 32.4% for Stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The annual report is important to provide knowledge on gynecological malignancy trends in Japan.
Principal component analysis denoising improves sensitivity of MR diffusion to detect white matter injury in neuroHIV
Authors: Bell Ryan P. , Meade Christina S. , Gadde Syam , Towe Sheri L. , Hall Shana A. , Chen Nan‐kuei 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and PurposeDiffusion‐weighted imaging is able to capture important information about cerebral white matter (WM) structure. However, diffusion data can suffer from MRI and biological noise that degrades the quality of the images and makes finding important features difficult. We investigated how effectively local and nonlocal denoising increased the sensitivity to detect differences in cerebral WM in neuroHIV.MethodsWe utilized principal component analysis (PCA) denoising to detect WM differences using fractional anisotropy. Local and nonlocal PCA denoising paradigms were implemented that varied in search area and number of components. We examined different‐sized WM tracts that consistently show differences between people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (PWH) and HIV‐negative individuals (corpus callosum, forceps minor, and right uncinate fasciculus), and size‐matched tracts not typically associated with HIV‐related differences (spinothalamic, right medial lemniscus, and left occipitopontine). We first conducted a full sample comparison of WM differences between groups, and then randomly reduced the sample to the point where we still found differences in WM.ResultsNonlocal PCA denoising allowed us to detect differences after a sample reduction of 35% in the forceps minor, 17% in the right uncinate fasciculus, and 6% in the corpus callosum.ConclusionsPCA denoising had a beneficial effect on detecting significant differences in PWH after sample size reduction. The smaller forceps minor tract and right uncinate fasciculus showed greater sensitivity to PCA denoising than the larger corpus callosum. These results show the importance of identifying the most effective PCA denoising strategy when investigating WM in PWH.
Can alcohol control policies reduce cirrhosis mortality? An interrupted time‐series analysis in Lithuania
Authors: Tran Alexander , Jiang Huan , Lange Shannon , Manthey Jakob , Štelemėkas Mindaugas , Badaras Robertas , Petkevičienė Janina , Radišauskas Ričardas , Room Robin , Rehm Jürgen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsThe relationship between alcohol consumption and cirrhosis is well established. Policies that can influence population‐level use of alcohol should, in turn, impact cirrhosis. We examined the effect of population‐level alcohol control policies on cirrhosis mortality rates in Lithuania – a high‐income European Union country with high levels of alcohol consumption.MethodsAge‐standardized, monthly liver mortality data (deaths per 100,000 adults, aged 15+) from Lithuania were analysed from 2001 to 2018 (n = 216 months) while controlling for economic confounders (gross domestic product and inflation). An interrupted time‐series analysis was conducted to estimate the effect of three alcohol control policies implemented in 2008, 2017 and 2018 and the number of cirrhosis deaths averted.ResultsThere was a significant effect of the 2008 (P < .0001) and 2017 (P = .0003) alcohol control policies but a null effect of the 2018 policy (P = .40). Following the 2008 policy, the cirrhosis mortality rate dropped from 4.93 to 3.41 (95% CI: 3.02‐3.80) deaths per 100,000 adults, which equated to 493 deaths averted. Further, we found that following the 2017 policy, the mortality rate dropped from 2.85 to 2.01 (95% CI: 1.50‐2.52) deaths per 100,000 adults, corresponding to 245 deaths averted.ConclusionsOur findings support the hypothesis that alcohol control policies can have a significant, immediate effect on cirrhosis mortality. These policy measures are cost‐effective and aid in reducing the burden of liver disease.
Multicategory damage detection and safety assessment of post‐earthquake reinforced concrete structures using deep learning
Authors: Zou Dujian , Zhang Ming , Bai Zhilin , Liu Tiejun , Zhou Ao , Wang Xi , Cui Wei , Zhang Shaodong 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEarthquake damage investigation is critical to post‐earthquake structural recovery and reconstruction. In this study, a method of assessing the component failure mode and damage level was established based on object detection and recognition. A quantitative structural damage level assessment method was developed based on the type and extent of damage to the components. A You Only Look Once v4 (YOLOv4) network was used to detect multicategory damage (fine crack, wide crack, concrete spalling, exposed rebar and buckled rebar). Depthwise separable convolution was introduced into YOLOv4 to decrease the computation cost without reducing accuracy. Finally, the damage detection method and assessment method were integrated within a graphical user interface (GUI) to facilitate the post‐earthquake reinforced concrete (RC) structural damage assessment. The test results by GUI indicate that the improved object network can get accurate detection results, and the preliminary safety assessment method can judge the damage level and failure mode. The present study shows high potential for estimating the seismic damage states of RC structures.
Timing is everything – obtaining accurate measures of plant uptake of amino acids
Authors: Svennerstam Henrik , Jämtgård Sandra 
Published: January 2022

Summary

Plants are known to have the capacity to take up and utilise amino acids for growth. The significance of this uptake, however, remains elusive, partly due to methodological challenges and biological implications associated with acquiring and interpreting data.

This study compared bulk stable isotope analysis and compound‐specific liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, two established methods for determining amino acid uptake. Root amino acid uptake was assayed using U‐13C5‐15N2‐l‐glutamine and axenically grown Arabidopsis thaliana.

After 15–120 min of exposure, the content of intact glutamine measured in the roots was constant, whilst the 15N and 13C content increased over time, resulting in very different estimated uptake rates. The 13C : 15N ratio in roots declined with time, suggesting a loss of glutamine carbon of up to 15% within 120 min.

The results presented indicate that, regardless of method used, time is a crucial factor when determining plant amino acid uptake. Due to post‐uptake metabolism, compound‐specific methods should primarily be used in experiments with a time frame of minutes rather than hours or days. Post‐uptake metabolism in plants may account for significant loss of carbon, suggesting that it is not just pre‐uptake metabolism by microbes that accounts for the 15N–13C mismatch reported in ecological studies, but also post‐uptake metabolism in the plant.
The compensation effect between safety and efficiency in xylem and role in photosynthesis of gymnosperms
Authors: Wang Zhongyuan , Ding Xiaoran , Li Yan , Xie Jiangbo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe classical theory of safety–efficiency trade‐off is a common theme in plant sciences. Despite safety and efficiency partly compensating for each other physiologically (namely, there is a compensation effect, CE, among traits from the “whole” organism perspective), they are always mathematically described as a trade‐off against one another. However, the compensation effect has never been defined and quantified, let alone its role in the xylem water transport and subsequently photosynthesis. Here, we developed an alternative theory to define the CE as a positive relationship between safety and efficiency, and further define a new trade‐off index, SETO, that is expressed as CE multiplied by a trade‐off factor (differing from the classical average trade‐off value). Then, we tested SETO‐ and CE‐photosynthetic rate relationships across different levels based on a common garden experiment using nine conifers and published data for gymnosperms. The results demonstrated that the compensation effect in xylem functions was the dominant force in facilitating photosynthetic rates from species‐ to phylum‐scale. By integrating the compensation effect into the xylem hydraulic functional strategy, our study clearly indicated that the compensation effect is the evolutionary basis for the coordination of xylem hydraulic and photosynthesis physiology.
Modification of storage proteins in the barley grain increases endosperm zinc and iron under both normal and elevated atmospheric CO2
Authors: Gao Yajie , Persson Daniel P. , Vincze Eva , Schjoerring Jan K. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIncreasing atmospheric CO2 concentration is expected to enhance the grain yield of C3 cereal plants, while at the same time reducing the concentrations of minerals and proteins. This will lead to a lower nutritional quality and increase global problems associated with micronutrient malnutrition. Among the barley grain storage proteins, the C‐hordein fraction has the lowest abundance of sulfur (S) containing amino acids and is poorest in binding of zinc (Zn). In the present study, C‐hordein‐suppressed barley lines with reduced C‐hordein content, obtained by use of antisense or RNAi technology, were investigated under ambient and elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration. Grains of the C‐hordein‐suppressed lines showed 50% increase in the concentrations of Zn and iron (Fe) in the core endosperm relative to the wild‐type under both ambient and elevated atmospheric CO2. Element distribution images obtained using laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry confirmed the enrichment of Fe and Zn in the core endosperm of the lines with modified storage protein composition. We conclude that modification of grain storage proteins may improve the nutritional value of cereal grain with respect to Zn and Fe under both normal and future conditions of elevated atmospheric CO2.
Cuticular lipids and associated gene expression analysis under NaCl stress in Thellungiella salsuginea
Authors: Zhang Pengyao , Zou Yanli , Song Buerbatu , Zhou Minqi , He Junqing , Chen Yuan , Zhou Yijun , Xu Xiaojing 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCuticular lipids, including wax and cutin, protect plants against external environmental stress. The relationship between the cuticle properties and salt tolerance is not clear. In this article, photosynthetic and physiological characteristics related to water use and cuticle permeability were assessed in the leaves of Thellungiella salsuginea under NaCl stress. The chemical composition of wax and cutin monomers, and the expression of cuticle‐associated genes were also analyzed. The results showed that the net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance in the leaves of T. salsuginea decreased, and the water use efficiency increased with increasing NaCl concentration. Salt stress caused a significant increase in total wax, but total cutin monomers only increased under high salt. Transcriptome sequencing and lipid metabolism pathway analysis were performed on rosette leaves of T. salsuginea after 24 h of NaCl treatment. We analyzed the expression of 42 genes involved in cuticle lipid metabolism, and found that most of them exhibited higher expression levels at 0.15 mol L−1 NaCl, but lower expression levels at 0.3 mol L−1 NaCl. The expression of 12 of these genes was further detected by qRT‐PCR after 1 week of NaCl treatment: most of them were upregulated both under low and high NaCl stress. Hence, we speculate that the cuticle acts as an adaptive trait in T. salsuginea in salty environments.
Short‐term lung function changes predict mortality in patients with fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Macaluso Claudio , Boccabella Cristina , Kokosi Maria , Sivarasan Nishanth , Kouranos Vasilis , George Peter M. , Margaritopoulos George , Molyneaux Philip L. , Chua Felix , Maher Toby M. , Jenkins Gisli R. , Nicholson Andrew G. , Desai Sujal R. , Devaraj Anand , Wells Athol U. , Renzoni Elisabetta A. , Stock Carmel J. W. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and objectiveA proportion of patients with fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (fHP) follow a progressive disease course despite immunosuppressive treatment. Little is known about predictors of mortality in fHP. We aimed to investigate the impact of short‐term lung function changes in fHP on mortality.MethodsBaseline demographics for 145 consecutive patients with a multi‐disciplinary team diagnosis of fHP, as well as baseline and 1‐year follow‐up of lung function, baseline echocardiographic findings, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cellularity and all‐cause mortality were recorded. Changes in forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥ 5% and ≥10%, and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) ≥ 10% and ≥15% at 1 year were calculated. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to test for associations with mortality.ResultsBaseline lung function severity, age, presence of honeycombing on computed tomography (CT) and echocardiographic pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) ≥ 40 mm Hg were associated with early mortality, while BAL lymphocytosis was associated with improved survival. A decline in FVC ≥ 5% (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.10, 95% CI: 2.00–4.81, p < 0.001), FVC ≥ 10% (HR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.94–4.99, p < 0.001), DLCO ≥ 10% (HR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.78–4.42, p < 0.001) and DLCO ≥ 15% (HR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.18–4.72, p < 0.001) at 1 year was associated with markedly reduced survival on univariable and multivariable analyses after correcting for demographic variables, disease severity, honeycombing on CT and treatment, as well as BAL lymphocytosis and PASP ≥ 40 mm Hg on echocardiography, in separate models.ConclusionWorsening in FVC and DLCO at 1 year, including a marginal decline in FVC ≥ 5% and DLCO ≥ 10%, is predictive of markedly reduced survival in fHP.
Bifurcation analysis of an extended Klausmeier–Gray–Scott model with infiltration delay
Authors: Li Jing , Sun Gui‐Quan , Guo Zun‐Guang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractGiven that the precipitation infiltrates into the soil at the cost of time, we establish an extended vegetation–water model with infiltration delay based on generalized Klausmeier–Gray–Scott model. Moreover, considering that the precipitation in a certain region is basically balanced, the vegetation mortality is selected as the key parameter. By dynamical theory analysis, the number of vegetation‐existence steady states varies from two to one, and then to none with the increase of vegetation mortality, but the bare‐soil state always exists. The infiltration delay of water and spatial factor have no effect on stable feature of the bare‐soil state, but it induces occurrence of the periodic oscillation pattern of nonspatial and spatial systems at the vegetation‐existence steady state compared with ODE system. Furthermore, the introduction of spatial factors makes the saddle node stable. The increase of relevant spatial factors can enlarge the bistable region, namely, coexistence of the vegetation‐existence and bare‐soil steady states, which increases the possibility of sustainable existence of the vegetation. The results obtained are helpful to understand significant influence of vegetation mortality on vegetation system, and then provide some theoretical basis for the study of interaction between the vegetation and water and evolution development of the vegetation system.
COVID‐19 and the impact on blood availability and transfusion practices in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Barnes Linda S. , Al‐Riyami Arwa Z. , Ipe Tina S. , Bloch Evan M. , Sibinga Cees Smit , Eichbaum Quentin G. ,   the AABB Global Transfusion Forum
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground/Case StudiesThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic disrupted the global blood supply. Low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) already experienced blood supply deficits that preceded the pandemic. We sought to characterize the challenges experienced during the pandemic, and adaptations, such as COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP).Study Design/MethodsA cross‐sectional survey explored blood availability, challenges, and adaptations. The survey contained 31 questions, e‐mailed in English, French, or Spanish, to selected LMIC blood transfusion practitioners. Data acquisition occurred between October 28 and December 28, 2020. A mixed methods analysis followed.Results/FindingsA total of 31 responses from 111 invitations represented 26 LMIC countries. Languages included English (22, 71%), Spanish (7, 22.6%), and French (2, 6.4%). Most respondents (29/31, 93.5%) collected blood; 58% also transfused blood (18/31). The supply of blood came from hospital‐based blood donations (61%, 11/18); blood suppliers (17%, 3/18); and both sources (22%, 4/18). Collectively, 77.4% (24/31) of respondents experienced a decline in blood availability, ranging from 10% to 50%. Contributing factors included public fear of COVID‐19 (21/24); stay‐at‐home measures (18/24); logistics (14/24); and canceled blood drives (16/24). Adaptations included increased collaboration within and between institutions (17/27), donor eligibility changes (21/31); social media or phone promotion (22/39); and replacement donation (3/27). Fifteen of 31 responses reported CCP donation (48.4%); CCP transfusion occurred in 6 (19.4%). The primary barrier was engaging recovered patients for donation (7/15).ConclusionOur survey describes challenges experienced by LMIC blood systems during the COVID‐19 pandemic. While the decline in blood supplies was severe, adaptive measures included collaboration, outreach, and CCP programs.