Major environmental drivers determining life and death of cold-water corals through time.

Cold-water corals (CWCs) are the engineers of complex ecosystems forming unique biodiversity hotspots in the deep sea. They are expected to suffer dramatically from future environmental changes in the oceans such as ocean warming, food depletion, deoxygenation, and acidification. However, over the last decades of intense deep-sea research, no extinction event of a CWC ecosystem is documented, leaving quite some uncertainty on their sensitivity to these environmental parameters. Paleoceanographic reconstructions offer the opportunity to align the on- and offsets of CWC proliferation to environmental parameters. Here, we present the synthesis of 6 case studies from the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, revealing that food supply controlled by export production and turbulent hydrodynamics at the seabed exerted the strongest impact on coral vitality during the past 20,000 years, whereas locally low oxygen concentrations in the bottom water can act as an additional relevant stressor. The fate of CWCs in a changing ocean will largely depend on how these oceanographic processes will be modulated. Future ocean deoxygenation may be compensated regionally where the food delivery and food quality are optimal.

Sarcopenia Index Predicts Short-Term Prognosis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

The sarcopenia index (SI), calculated as [(serum creatinine/serum cystatin C) × 100], maybe a simpler alternative for measuring muscle mass than computed tomography (CT) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). We enrolled 112 patients with head and neck cancers (HNC). The correlation of the SI with muscle surface area measured by CT (CTMSA, n = 82) and muscle mass by BIA (BIA-MM, n = 41) was tested. Cutoff values were set for SI, CTMSA, and BIA-MM. Overall survival (OS) was compared between the high- and low-SI/CTMSA/BIA-MM groups. The SI was correlated with CTMSA (r = 0.43) and BIA-MM (r = 0.52). The optimal cutoff values of SI, CTMSA, and BIA-MM were 76.1 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.67), 129.2 (AUC = 0.59), and 46.1 (AUC = 0.62), respectively. OS was significantly lower in the low-SI group (78% at 1 year and 69% at 2 years) than in the high-SI group (94% at 1 year and 86% at 2 years; p = 0.006). There was no significant difference in OS between the low-and high-CTMSA and -BIA-MM groups. The SI, which only requires a blood sample, is a useful marker of muscle mass that correlates with short-term prognosis in patients with HNC.

Rapid glaciation and a two-step sea level plunge into the Last Glacial Maximum.

The approximately 10,000-year-long Last Glacial Maximum, before the termination of the last ice age, was the coldest period in Earth's recent climate history1. Relative to the Holocene epoch, atmospheric carbon dioxide was about 100 parts per million lower and tropical sea surface temperatures were about 3 to 5 degrees Celsius lower2,3. The Last Glacial Maximum began when global mean sea level (GMSL) abruptly dropped by about 40 metres around 31,000 years ago4 and was followed by about 10,000 years of rapid deglaciation into the Holocene1. The masses of the melting polar ice sheets and the change in ocean volume, and hence in GMSL, are primary constraints for climate models constructed to describe the transition between the Last Glacial Maximum and the Holocene, and future changes; but the rate, timing and magnitude of this transition remain uncertain. Here we show that sea level at the shelf edge of the Great Barrier Reef dropped by around 20 metres between 21,900 and 20,500 years ago, to -118 metres relative to the modern level. Our findings are based on recovered and radiometrically dated fossil corals and coralline algae assemblages, and represent relative sea level at the Great Barrier Reef, rather than GMSL. Subsequently, relative sea level rose at a rate of about 3.5 millimetres per year for around 4,000 years. The rise is consistent with the warming previously observed at 19,000 years ago1,5, but we now show that it occurred just after the 20-metre drop in relative sea level and the related increase in global ice volumes. The detailed structure of our record is robust because the Great Barrier Reef is remote from former ice sheets and tectonic activity. Relative sea level can be influenced by Earth's response to regional changes in ice and water loadings and may differ greatly from GMSL. Consequently, we used glacio-isostatic models to derive GMSL, and find that the Last Glacial Maximum culminated 20,500 years ago in a GMSL low of about -125 to -130 metres.

Safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cetuximab for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: As a substantial waiting time is usually required for radical surgery, safe and effective preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is desired for the treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the significance of NAC in advanced HNSCC is still unclear. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of NAC using the paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cetuximab (PCE) regimen. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the background characteristics, incidence of adverse events, overall response rate (ORR), pathological response, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) in 26 patients. Patients receiving the PCE regimen were further divided into two groups based on the number of chemotherapy cycles (one cycle or more) and eligibility for cisplatin. Patients aged ≥ 75 years and those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min were classified as ineligible for cisplatin. RESULTS: The median age was 70 (27-81) years. The median eGFR at treatment initiation was 63.2 (41.1-89.7) mL/min. Fourteen (53.8%) patients were ineligible for cisplatin. Grade 3 or higher neutropenia was observed in 11 of 25 (42.3%) patients. No delay in or withdrawal from surgery was observed. The ORR was 65.4%. The 2-year RFS and OS were 61.5% and 76.7%, respectively. No significant differences in safety and efficacy between the number of chemotherapy cycles and cisplatin eligibility were observed. CONCLUSION: NAC using the PCE regimen for patients with locally advanced HNSCC, including cisplatin-ineligible patients, has acceptable toxicity and favorable efficacy.

Multicenter prospective phase II trial of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly low-dose carboplatin for cisplatin-ineligible patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The optimal chemotherapy regimen in concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for cisplatin-ineligible head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has not been established. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of CCRT with weekly low-dose carboplatin for the treatment of advanced HNSCC in patients who are cisplatin-ineligible. METHODS: This prospective phase II study enrolled adult patients (age ≥ 20 years) with HNSCC receiving whole-neck irradiation including bilateral levels II-IV and who were aged (≥ 75-year-old patients with 40 mL/min estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] or better) or had renal dysfunction (< 75-year-old patients with 30-60 mL/min eGFR). Carboplatin was administered weekly (area under the plasma concentration-time curve = 2.0) for up to seven cycles during concurrent radiotherapy (70 Gy/35 Fr). The primary endpoint was the completion rate of CCRT. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Among the 30 patients enrolled, 28 were men. The median age was 73.5 years. Seventeen patients were < 75 years whereas 13 were ≥ 75 years old. The completion rate of CCRT was 90%. The overall response rate was 90%. Grade 3 adverse events that occurred in 10% or more patients were oral/pharyngeal mucositis (47%), leukocytopenia (20%), and neutropenia (10%). Grade 4 adverse events occurred in one patient (elevation of alanine aminotransferase level). No treatment-related deaths occurred. CONCLUSION: CCRT with weekly low-dose carboplatin is a promising treatment option, with favorable feasibility, efficacy, and acceptable toxicity, for patients who are cisplatin-ineligible with advanced HNSCC. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: jRCTs031190028.

Assessing the Frequency and Effectiveness of Various Arthroscopic Treatments in the Management of Symptomatic Isolated Medial Meniscus Injuries Including Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study.

The use of various strategies for arthroscopic meniscal repairs to save the meniscus and prevent the progression of knee osteoarthritis has gradually increased. We investigated the frequency of various arthroscopic treatments and the short-term clinical outcomes of symptomatic isolated medial meniscus (MM) injuries. This retrospective observational study included 193 patients (197 knees) who underwent arthroscopic meniscal treatment for isolated MM injuries between January 2016 and April 2019. Arthroscopic meniscal repairs were divided into two groups: transtibial pullout repairs of MM posterior root tears (MMPRTs) and arthroscopic meniscal repairs for other types of MM injuries. MMPRT pullout repair, other meniscal repairs, and partial meniscectomy were performed in 71.0%, 16.8%, and 12.2% of the knees, respectively. The ratio of women to men and the patient age were higher in the pullout-repair group than the meniscal-repair group. The Preoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscale (as an index of daily living activities) was significantly lower in the pullout-repair group than the meniscus-repair group. However, no significant differences were observed in these scores among the two groups postoperatively. Our results suggest that familiarity with the diagnosis and treatment of MMPRTs is necessary for orthopedic surgeons to manage isolated MM injuries.

Aortic rupture following acute aortitis in a patient with head and neck carcinoma treated with nivolumab: a rare but severe immune-related adverse event.

INTRODUCTION: Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) due to immune checkpoint inhibitors may lead to discontinuation and treatment-related death. Acute aortitis is a rare but severe irAE. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old man with recurrent lower gingival carcinoma received nivolumab therapy. Twenty-three months later, he experienced chest compression, which resulted in syncope. Following a whole-body computed tomography (CT) scanning, which revealed diffuse thickening of the aorta, and systemic assessments of the causes of aortitis, he was diagnosed with acute aortitis due to irAE. Nivolumab discontinuation and oral steroids improved CT findings. However, 11 months after nivolumab discontinuation, he developed an aortic aneurysmal rupture. Endovascular aortic repair rescued him. A durable anti-cancer response was still observed 4 months after the aortic rupture. CONCLUSION: Although severe irAE, such as acute aortitis, occurred, the patient may still achieve a durable response. A broad examination and prompt treatment of irAE can help improve the patient's survival.

Weight loss enhances meniscal healing following transtibial pullout repair for medial meniscus posterior root tears.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the impact of weight change on the success of transtibial pullout repair for medial meniscus (MM) posterior root tears (MMPRTs). METHODS: The study included 129 patients diagnosed with MMPRTs who had undergone transtibial pullout repair. The patients were screened between July 2018 and November 2021. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). MM extrusion (MME) and ΔMME (postoperative MME - preoperative MME) were calculated preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Patients were divided into weight loss (body mass index [BMI] decrease of at least 0.5 kg/m2 after primary repair; n = 63) and weight gain (BMI increase of at least 0.5 kg/m2 ; n = 66) groups. Both groups had similar demographic variables and preoperative clinical scores; patient-reported outcomes significantly improved postoperatively. The weight loss group had significantly greater improvement in KOOS-quality of life (weight loss, 29.4 ± 23.7; weight gain, 23.9 ± 27.6; p = 0.034), lower postoperative MME (weight loss, 3.9 ± 1.7 mm; weight gain, 4.2 ± 1.2 mm; p = 0.043) and lower ΔMME (weight loss, 0.8 ± 0.8 mm; weight gain, 1.2 ± 0.9 mm; p = 0.002) than the weight gain group. Total arthroscopic healing scores (weight loss, 7.6 ± 1.0; weight gain, 7.2 ± 1.5; p = 0.048) and associated subscales, including anteroposterior bridging tissue width (weight loss, 4.0 ± 0.0; weight gain, 3.8 ± 0.7; p = 0.004) and MM posterior root stability (weight loss, 2.6 ± 0.7; weight gain, 2.4 ± 0.7; p = 0.041), significantly differed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss was associated with better meniscal healing and less MME progression after MMPRT repair, highlighting the significance of weight management in individuals undergoing meniscal surgery. These findings provide valuable insights into the clinical significance of weight loss in the success of transtibial pullout repair for MMPRTs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Accurate tibial tunnel position in transtibial pullout repair for medial meniscus posterior root tears delays the progression of medial joint space narrowing.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the progression of medial joint space (MJS) narrowing, medial meniscus extrusion (MME) and clinical scores and the tibial tunnel position in pullout repairs for medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs). METHODS: This retrospective study examined 54 patients. Changes in MJS (ΔMJS), MME (ΔMME) and clinical scores and their relationship with the tibial tunnel position were evaluated using correlation coefficients. The distance from the anatomical to technical attachment position in the tibial tunnel position was measured in the anterior and medial directions, and the direct distance was measured using the Pythagorean theorem. RESULTS: The mean ΔMJS and ΔMME were 0.6 ± 0.8 and 1.3 ± 1.3 mm, respectively, and the mean anterior, medial and direct distances were 1.4 ± 2.3, 2.2 ± 1.7 and 3.4 ± 1.7 mm, respectively. ΔMJS had a significant positive correlation with the medial (r = 0.580, p < 0.001) and direct (r = 0.559, p < 0.001) distances, while ΔMME had a significant positive correlation with direct distance (r = 0.295, p = 0.030). Several clinical scores were significantly negatively correlated with these distances. CONCLUSION: In transtibial pullout repair for MMPRTs, accurate tibial tunnel position delayed the progression of MJS narrowing and MME, leading to improved clinical outcomes. The progression of MJS narrowing was associated with the mediolateral direction of the tibial tunnel position, while the clinical scores were associated with the anteroposterior direction of the tibial tunnel position. These findings indicate the need to orient the tip of the guide in a more posterolateral direction when creating the tibial tunnel. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Meniscal healing status after medial meniscus posterior root repair negatively correlates with a midterm increase in medial meniscus extrusion.

PURPOSE: The second-look arthroscopic score of pullout repair for medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) is associated with contemporaneous clinical scores and progression of cartilage damage. However, the relationship among these scores, midterm clinical scores and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations is unknown. The relationship between the second-look arthroscopic score at 1 year and the clinical scores or MRI at 3 years was evaluated. METHODS: Sixty-three patients were included. Medial meniscus extrusion (MME) was evaluated preoperatively and at 3 years postoperatively. Clinical scores were evaluated preoperatively, and 1 and 3 years postoperatively. Meniscal healing status was assessed using the semiquantitative second-look arthroscopic score at 1 year postoperatively. Correlation coefficients between patient characteristics, postoperative clinical scores or second-look arthroscopic score and the change in MME (ΔMME) were evaluated. Multiple regression analysis was performed on the ΔMME to evaluate the effects of patient characteristics and second-look arthroscopic scores. RESULTS: No significant correlation was observed between patient characteristics and ΔMME. In contrast, a significant correlation was found between the second-look arthroscopic score and ΔMME (p < 0.001) and visual analogue scale pain score (p = 0.016) at 3 years postoperatively. In the subitems of the second-look arthroscopic score, width (p < 0.001) and stability (p = 0.009) scores also showed significant correlations with ΔMME. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant association between the second-look arthroscopic score and ΔMME (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The second-look arthroscopic score at 1 year postoperatively correlated with the ΔMME and clinical score at 3 years postoperatively. Second-look arthroscopic scores predict midterm meniscal function after pullout repair of MMPRTs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Intercondylar notch width and osteophyte width impact meniscal healing and clinical outcomes following transtibial pullout repair of medial meniscus posterior root tears.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between intercondylar notch width (ICNW), osteophyte width (OW), and the healing of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) following arthroscopic pullout repair. METHODS: The study included 155 patients diagnosed with MMPRTs who underwent transtibial pullout repair. Meniscal healing status was evaluated on second-look arthroscopy using a previously reported meniscus healing score. Patients were divided into two groups based on this score: the high healing score (group HH, healing score ≥ 8 points) and suboptimal healing score (group SO, healing score ≤ 6 points) groups. Computed tomography scans were performed on patients 1 week postsurgery. ICNW and OW widths were measured and relatively evaluated based on their ratio to the intercondylar distance (ICD), represented as the ICNW/ICD ratio (%) and OW/ICD ratio (%), respectively. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed preoperatively and on second-look arthroscopy using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: There were no significant demographic differences between the SO and HH group (n = 35 and 120 patients, respectively). Regarding radiographic measurements, significant differences were observed in the ICNW/ICD ratio (group SO, 24.2%; group HH, 25.2%; p = 0.024), OW (group SO, 2.6 mm; group HH, 2.0 mm; p < 0.001), and OW/ICD ratio (group SO, 3.5%; group HH, 2.7%; p < 0.001). Both groups had similar preoperative clinical scores, but postoperative clinical scores, including KOOS-activities of daily living (group SO, 83.4; group HH, 88.7; p = 0.035) and VAS (group SO, 19.1; group HH, 11.3; p = 0.005), were significantly better in group HH. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that ICNW and OW may play a crucial role in MMPRT healing following arthroscopic pullout repair, as evidenced by the worse clinical outcomes associated with a narrower ICNW and wider OW. These findings highlight the potential significance of ICNW and OW assessments when evaluating meniscal repair indications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Longitudinal changes in medial meniscus extrusion and clinical outcomes following pullout repair for medial meniscus posterior root tears: a 3-year evaluation.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the longitudinal changes in medial meniscus extrusion (MME) and clinical scores at multiple time points up to 3 years after pullout repair for medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs). METHODS: This retrospective case series study included 64 patients who underwent pullout repair for MMPRTs and four MRI evaluations (preoperatively and at 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years postoperatively). MME was measured during the same time points. Clinical scores were assessed four times: preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively. Additionally, a multivariate analysis was performed on the change in MME (ΔMME) from the preoperative measurement point to 3 years postoperatively. RESULTS: The ΔMME per month from the preoperative measurement point to 3 months postoperatively, from 3 months to 1 year postoperatively, and from 1 to 3 years postoperatively were 0.30, 0.05, and 0.01 mm/month, respectively. All clinical scores significantly improved 3 years postoperatively (p < 0.001). In a multiple regression analysis for ΔMME from the preoperative measurement point to 3 years postoperatively, sex significantly affected the outcome (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Following pullout repair for MMPRTs with well-aligned lower extremities, although MME progression could not be entirely prevented, the rate of progression decreased over time, and clinical scores improved. In particular, MME progressed markedly during the first 3 months postoperatively. Additionally, sex had a significant influence on MME progression, suggesting that males may be able to expand the indications of pullout repair for MMPRTs.

Elevated dust depositions in West Asia linked to ocean-atmosphere shifts during North Atlantic cold events.

Rapid North Atlantic cooling events during the last deglaciation caused atmospheric reorganizations on global and regional scales. Their impact on Asian climate has been investigated for monsoonal domains, but remains largely unknown in westerly wind-dominated semiarid regions. Here we generate a dust record from southeastern Iran spanning the period 19 to 7 cal. ka B.P. We find a direct link between frequent occurrences of dust plumes originating from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa and rapid southward shifts of the westerlies associated with changes of the winter stationary waves during Heinrich Stadial 1, the Younger Dryas, the Preboreal Oscillation, and the 8.2-ka event. Dust input rises and falls abruptly at the transitions into and out of these cooling events, which we attribute to changes in the ocean circulation strength that are modulated by the North Atlantic winter sea-ice cover. Our findings reveal that waxing and waning of North American ice sheets have a stronger influence than those of European ice sheets on the winter climate over West Asia.

Increased quadriceps muscle strength after medial meniscus posterior root repair is associated with decreased medial meniscus extrusion progression.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess quadriceps muscle strength after medial meniscus (MM) posterior root repair and determine its relationship with clinical scores and MM extrusion (MME). METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent pullout repair for MM posterior root tear and were evaluated for quadriceps muscle strength preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively were included in this study. Quadriceps muscle strength was measured using the Locomo Scan-II instrument (ALCARE, Tokyo, Japan). MME and clinical scores (i.e., Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and visual analog scale pain score) were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively, and second-look arthroscopy was performed at 1 year postoperatively. Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was used to compare each measure pre- and postoperatively. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation with quadriceps muscle strength values. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the change in MME (ΔMME). RESULTS: Second-look arthroscopy confirmed continuity of the posterior root in all patients. The quadriceps muscle strength measured at 1 year postoperatively (355.1 ± 116.2 N) indicated significant improvement relative to the quadriceps muscle strength measured preoperatively (271.9 ± 97.4 N, p < 0.001). The MME at 1 year postoperatively (4.59 ± 1.24 mm) had progressed significantly relative to the MME preoperatively (3.63 ± 1.01 mm, p < 0.001). The clinical scores at 1 year postoperatively were improved significantly relative to the scores preoperatively (p < 0.001). The postoperative quadriceps muscle strength was correlated with ΔMME (correlation coefficient = -0.398, p = 0.030), and the change in quadriceps muscle strength was correlated with the KOOS-Quality of Life (correlation coefficient = 0.430, p = 0.018). Multiple regression analysis showed that the postoperative quadriceps muscle strength had a significant effect on ΔMME even when the body mass index and time from injury to surgery were included. CONCLUSIONS: After MM posterior root repair, patients with greater quadriceps muscle strength showed less MME progression. In addition, patients with greater improvement in quadriceps muscle strength had better clinical scores; therefore, continued rehabilitation aimed at improving quadriceps muscle strength after MM posterior root repair is recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The clinical and radiographic outcomes of type 2 medial meniscus posterior root tears following transtibial pullout repair.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of different subtypes of type 2 medial meniscus posterior root tears following transtibial pullout repair. METHODS: In total, 147 patients (mean age: 66.2 ± 8.3 years) who were diagnosed with type 2 medial meniscus posterior root tears and underwent transtibial pullout repair were included. Patients were divided into 2A (n = 31), 2B (n = 90), and 2C (n = 26) groups according to tear type. Clinical outcomes were assessed pre-operatively and at second-look arthroscopy using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. The meniscal healing status was evaluated at second-look arthroscopy. Medial meniscus extrusion was calculated using magnetic resonance imaging pre-operatively and at second-look arthroscopy. RESULTS: No significant differences in pre-operative or post-operative clinical scores were observed between each subtype, although clinical scores improved post-operatively for each subtype. Significant differences were noted in the anteroposterior width of the bridging tissues at second-look arthroscopy (2A, 7.1 ± 1.2; 2B, 6.2 ± 1.7; and 2C, 6.2 ± 1.7 mm; p = 0.045); type 2A tears were the widest. There was a significant difference in post-operative medial meniscus extrusion (2A, 3.2 ± 0.9; 2B, 4.0 ± 1.2; and 2C, 4.0 ± 1.4 mm; p = 0.004) and its progression (2A, 0.7 ± 0.6; 2B, 1.2 ± 0.8; and 2C, 1.2 ± 0.8 mm; p = 0.008), and type 2A tears were the shortest. CONCLUSION: Although there was no significant difference in the post-operative clinical scores among different type 2 tears in the short term, type 2A tears showed better healing and medial meniscus extrusion progression prevention, thus indicating the usefulness of classifying tear type in estimating post-operative outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Medial joint space narrowing progresses after pullout repair of medial meniscus posterior root tear.

PURPOSE: The extent to which arthropathic changes progress after medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) repair remains controversial. This retrospective study assessed medial joint space (MJS) narrowing progression after pullout repair for MMPRT and identified the correlating factors. METHODS: We included 56 patients who underwent pullout repair for MMPRT. The MJS of the bilateral knees was assessed with radiography using the fixed-flexion view. A second-look arthroscopy was performed one year post-operatively for all patients. The baseline characteristics, clinical scores, Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade, and medial meniscus extrusion (MME) were identified. Statistical comparisons and correlation analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The MJS narrowing width was significantly larger in MMPRT knees than in contralateral knees (0.51 ± 0.85 mm vs. 0.09 ± 0.49 mm, p < 0.001). KL grade progression was observed in 23.2% (13/56) of patients. There was a significant difference between pre- and post-operative MME values, indicating MME progression (p < 0.001). Each clinical score showed significant improvement one year post-operatively (p < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between MJS narrowing and pre-operative MJS (coefficient = 0.510, p < 0.001), rate of change in MJS (coefficient = 0.929, p < 0.001), and increase in MME (ΔMME) (coefficient = 0.506, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Knees that underwent pullout repair for MMPRT showed progression of MJS narrowing by 0.51 mm at one year post-operatively, although clinical scores markedly improved. Correlating factors for MJS narrowing were pre-operative MJS, rate of change in MJS, and ΔMME. Preventing MME progression is essential for preventing arthropathic changes.

A20 (Tnfaip3) expressed in CD4+ T cells suppresses Th2 cell-mediated allergic airway inflammation in mice.

A20 (Tnfaip3), a ubiquitin-editing enzyme, inhibits NF-κB signaling pathways in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines. Previous studies have proved the anti-inflammatory roles of A20 in various cell types, including T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, and intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, recent studies have shown that A20 expressed in lung epithelial cells is required for LPS-induced protection from asthma. In humans, a single-nucleotide polymorphism in TNFAIP3 is associated with asthma risk. However, the role of A20 expressed in T cells in asthmatic responses has not been elucidated. We addressed this point by generating mice lacking A20 expression in T cells (CD4-CreA20 fl/fl mice). We found that house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic airway inflammation, mucus production, airway hyperresponsiveness, and Th2 cytokine production were significantly exacerbated in CD4-CreA20 fl/fl mice compared with those in control A20 fl/fl mice. In vitro differentiation of Th2 cells but not of Th1 cells or Th17 cells was enhanced in CD4+ T cells by the absence of A20. Consistently, enforced expression of A20 inhibited the differentiation of Th2 cells but not of Th1 cells or Th17 cells. Notably, the expression of GATA3 was significantly enhanced in A20-deficient CD4+ T cells, and the enhanced GATA3 expression was partly canceled by IL-2 neutralization. These results suggest that A20 functions as a stabilizing factor maintaining GATA3 levels during the induction of Th2 cells to prevent excessive Th2 cell differentiation.

Correction to: Populus alba cationic cell-wall-bound peroxidase (CWPO-C) regulates the plant growth and affects auxin concentration in Arabidopsis thaliana.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s12298-022-01241-0.].

Populus alba cationic cell-wall-bound peroxidase (CWPO-C) regulates the plant growth and affects auxin concentration in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The poplar cationic cell-wall-bound peroxidase (CWPO-C) mediates the oxidative polymerization of lignin precursors, especially sinapyl alcohols, and high molecular weight compounds that cannot be oxidized by other plant peroxidases, including horseradish peroxidase C. Therefore, CWPO-C is believed to be a lignification-specific peroxidase, but direct evidence of its function is lacking. Thus, the CWPO-C expression pattern in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) was determined using the ß-glucuronidase gene as a reporter. Our data indicated that CWPO-C  was expressed in young organs, including the meristem, leaf, root, flower, and young xylem in the upper part of the stem. Compared with the wild-type control, transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing CWPO-C had shorter stems. Approximately 60% of the plants in the transgenic line with the highest CWPO-C content had curled stems. These results indicate that CWPO-C plays a role in cell elongation. When plants were placed horizontally, induced CWPO-C expression was detected in the curved part of the stem during the gravitropic response. The stem curvature associated with gravitropism is controlled by auxin localization. The time needed for Arabidopsis plants overexpressing CWPO-C placed horizontally to bend by 90° was almost double the time required for the similarly treated wild-type controls. Moreover, the auxin content was significantly lower in the CWPO-C-overexpressing plants than in the wild-type plants. These results strongly suggest that CWPO-C has pleiotropic effects on plant growth and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) accumulation. These effects may be mediated by altered IAA concentration due to oxidation. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01241-0.

Initial measurement of beryllium-9 using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry allows for more precise applications of the beryllium isotope system within the Earth Sciences.

RATIONALE: Precise and accurate determination of the ratio of the cosmogenic nuclide 10 Be to the stable isotope 9 Be (10 Be/9 Be) is needed across multiple fields of research within the Earth Sciences. Current techniques used to measure the 9 Be content of geological materials generally require a large amount of sample or solution aliquot and present a large range of analytical precisions. METHODS: A range of geological reference materials underwent whole-rock dissolution and "strong" (0.04 M NH2 OH.HCl in 25% acetic acid) and "weak" (0.02 M NH2 OH.HCl in 10% acetic acid) leaching to represent a range of potential applications within the geosciences. After treatment, the 9 Be and major element (Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Al and Ti) content of sample solutions were determined by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) using a Thermo® ELEMENT XR instrument. RESULTS: The 9 Be concentration of whole-rock and leaching solutions displayed a wide range of values within each geological reference material, generally following a uniform relationship implying a potential kinetic control on NH2 OH leaching, as suggested by major element profiles. A precision of 0.1 to 1.4% is achieved independent of sample size or leaching strength. CONCLUSIONS: Initial results suggest that the use of HR-ICP-MS improves the precision of 9 Be analysis for a range of geological reference materials. A high precision is maintained despite reducing the sample size or strength of leaching solution. This has implications for the use of the Be isotope system within the Earth Sciences by reducing the propagated uncertainty of 10 Be/9 Be ratios or the mass of sample or 9 Be aliquot used.