bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Take my breath away: studying pathogen invasion of the human lung using primary tissue models
Authors: L. Dragan Amanda , E. Voth Daniel
Published: March 2021

The human pulmonary environment is complex, containing a matrix of cells, including fibroblasts, epithelial cells, interstitial macrophages, alveolar macrophages and neutrophils. When confronted with foreign material or invading pathogens, these cells mount a robust response. Nevertheless, many bacterial pathogens with an intracellular lifecycle stage exploit this environment for replication and survival. These include, but are not limited to, Coxiella burnetii, Legionella pneumophila, Yersinia pestis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus. Currently, few human disease-relevant model systems exist for studying host–pathogen interactions during these bacterial infections in the lung. Here, we present two novel infection platforms, human alveolar macrophages (hAMs) and human precision-cut lung slices (hPCLS), along with an up-to-date synopsis of research using said models. Additionally, alternative uses for these systems in the absence of pathogen involvement are presented, such as tissue banking and further characterization of the human lung environment. Overall, hAMs and hPCLS allow novel human disease-relevant investigations that other models, such as cell lines and animal models, cannot completely provide.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe KAT5 contributes to resection and repair of a DNA double-strand break
Authors: Li Tingting , Petreaca Ruben C , Forsburg Susan L
Published: March 2021

Chromatin remodeling is essential for effective repair of a DNA double-strand break (DSB). KAT5 (Schizosaccharomyces pombe Mst1, human TIP60) is a MYST family histone acetyltransferase conserved from yeast to humans that coordinates various DNA damage response activities at a DNA DSB, including histone remodeling and activation of the DNA damage checkpoint. In S. pombe, mutations in mst1+ causes sensitivity to DNA damaging drugs. Here we show that Mst1 is recruited to DSBs. Mutation of mst1+ disrupts recruitment of repair proteins and delays resection. These defects are partially rescued by deletion of pku70, which has been previously shown to antagonize repair by homologous recombination (HR). These phenotypes of mst1 are similar to pht1-4KR, a nonacetylatable form of histone variant H2A.Z, which has been proposed to affect resection. Our data suggest that Mst1 functions to direct repair of DSBs toward HR pathways by modulating resection at the DSB.
Gateway to Global Aging Data: Resources for Cross-National Comparisons of Family, Social Environment, and Healthy Aging
Authors: Lee Jinkook , Phillips Drystan , Wilkens Jenny ,   Gateway to Global Aging Data Team
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The Gateway to Global Aging Data (Gateway; g2aging.org) is a data and information platform developed to facilitate cross-country analyses on aging, especially those using the international family of Health and Retirement studies. We provide a brief introduction to the Gateway to Global Aging Data, discussing its potential for cross-national comparisons of family, social environment, and healthy aging.

Methods

We summarize the survey metadata, study characteristics, and harmonized data available from the Gateway, describing the population represented in each study. We portray cohort characteristics and key measures of health and social environment from 37 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia using harmonized data.

Results

Significant cross-country heterogeneity was observed in many measures of family, social environment, and healthy aging indicators. For example, there was a threefold difference in coresidence with children, ranging from 14% in Sweden to over 46% in Spain and Korea in 2014. From 2002 to 2014, the difference between informal care receipt in individuals of low and high wealth decreased by 6% in the United States and remained unchanged in England. The percentage of individuals aged 50–59 living alone in 2012 varied 15-fold, from a low of 2% in China to a high of 30% in Mexico.

Discussion

By partnering with nationally representative studies around the globe, the Gateway to Global Aging Data facilitates comparative research on aging through the provision of easy-to-use harmonized data files and other valuable tools.
Functional decline in emergency department patients with dyspnea: a register-based cohort
Authors: Larsen Karoline Stentoft Rybjerg , Lisby Marianne , Kirkegaard Hans , Petersen Annemette Krintel
Published: March 2021

Background

Functional decline is associated with frequent hospital admissions and elevated risk of death. Presumably, patients acutely admitted to hospital with dyspnea have a high risk of functional decline.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe patient characteristics, hospital trajectory and use of physiotherapy services by dyspneic patients in an emergency department. The study also wanted to compare readmission and death among patients with and without a functional decline and to identify predictors of functional decline.

Methods

Data originated from a historic cohort of patients admitted to a Danish Emergency Department using prospectively collected electronic patient record data from a Business Intelligence Registry of the Central Denmark Region. The study included adult patients who were treated at the emergency department (ED) for dyspnea in 2015. The main outcome measures were readmission, death and functional decline.

Results

In total, 2048 dyspneic emergency treatments were registered. Within 30 days after discharge, 20% was readmitted and 3.9% had died. Patients with functional decline had a higher rate of 30-day readmission (31.2% vs. 19.1%, P < 0.001) and mortality (9.3% vs. 3.6%, P = 0.009) as well as mortality within 1 year (36.1% vs. 13.4%, P < 0.001). Predictors of functional decline were age ≥60 years and hospital stay ≥6 days.

Conclusion

Patients suffering from acute dyspnea are seen at the ED at all hours. In total, one in five patients were readmitted and 3.9% died within 30 days. Patients with a functional decline at discharge seem to be particularly vulnerable.
AACC Guidance Document on Laboratory Investigation of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: El-Khoury Joe M , Hoenig Melanie P , Jones Graham R D , Lamb Edmund J , Parikh Chirag R , Tolan Nicole V , Wilson F Perry
Published: March 2021

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden episode of kidney damage or failure affecting up to 15% of hospitalized patients and is associated with serious short- and long-term complications, mortality, and health care costs. Current practices to diagnose and stage AKI are variable and do not factor in our improved understanding of the biological and analytical variability of creatinine. In addition, the emergence of biomarkers, for example, cystatin C, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2, and electronic notification tools for earlier detection of AKI, highlights the need for updated recommendations to address these developments.

Content

This AACC Academy guidance document is intended to provide laboratorians and clinicians up-to-date information regarding current best practices for the laboratory investigation of AKI. Topics covered include: clinical indications for further investigating potential AKI, analytical considerations for creatinine assays, the impact of biological variability on diagnostic thresholds, defining “baseline” creatinine, role of traditional markers (urine sodium, fractional excretion of sodium, fractional excretion of urea, and blood urea-to-creatinine ratio), urinary microscopic examination, new biomarkers, improving AKI-associated test utilization, and the utility of automated AKI alerts.

The previous decade brought us a significant number of new studies characterizing the performance of existing and new biomarkers, as well as potential new tools for early detection and notification of AKI. This guidance document is intended to inform clinicians and laboratorians on the best practices for the laboratory investigation of AKI, based on expert recommendations where the preponderance of evidence is available.
Validation of the PhageDx™ Listeria Assay for Detection of Listeria Spp. on Stainless Steel and Ceramic Environmental Surfaces AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 102005
Authors: Nguyen Minh M , Gil Jose , Hahn Wendy , Dong Thai , Paulson John , Stevens Dustin , Zahn Henriett , Zimmer Brinna , Erickson Stephen
Published: March 2021

Background

The PhageDx™ Listeria Assay is a simple, specific, and sensitive assay based on the infection of Listeria spp. by selected bacteriophages and the resultant expression of a luciferase reporter gene. Results are generated in as little as 24.5 h for stainless steel and ceramic environmental surfaces.

Objective

An AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) study was conducted to validate the PhageDx Listeria Assay for the detection of Listeria on stainless steel and ceramic surfaces.

Method

The performance of the PhageDx method was compared to that of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bacterial Analytical Manual (BAM) Ch. 10. Inclusivity/exclusivity, product consistency and stability, and robustness testing also were conducted.

Results

Inclusivity testing demonstrated that the reporter bacteriophages were specific for Listeria ssp. and detected 58/61 Listeria strains tested, including all 34 L. monocytogenes strains. The reporter bacteriophage also was shown to not detect 46/47 non-Listeria bacteria in exclusivity testing. Robustness testing showed that the method performed well with specific deviations from the standard protocol. Consistency and stability testing demonstrated that the recombinant phage gave consistent results across three production lots and was stable when stored under appropriate conditions for at least 6 months. Matrix studies on stainless steel and ceramic surfaces showed that there was no significant difference between the PhageDx Listeria Assay and the FDA/BAM Chapter 10 reference method.

Conclusions and Highlights

The validation study demonstrates that the PhageDx Listeria Assay is an effective method for the detection of Listeria spp. on stainless steel and ceramic environmental surfaces and meets the qualifications for AOAC PTM status.
iSAM2 using CUR matrix decomposition for data compression and analysis
Authors: Jang Wangseok , Kim Tae-wan
Published: March 2021

We introduce a factorization method to increase the calculation speed of incremental smoothing and mapping using Bayes tree (iSAM2), which is used in the back-end stage of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), and to analyse the cause of the associated estimation error. iSAM2 is the method most commonly used to increase the accuracy of SLAM and shorten the calculation time required in real dense situations. In this paper, we describe the application of CUR matrix decomposition to iSAM2’s sparse linear system solver. CUR matrix decomposition is one of the low-rank matrix decomposition methods. It consists of matrices C and R, which are sets of columns and rows of the original matrix, and matrix U, which approximates the original matrix. Because of the characteristics of CUR matrix decomposition, it is possible to effectively approximate the sparse information matrix. Also, using principal component analysis, it is possible to identify the factors that increase or decrease the estimation error. We confirmed the feasibility of the proposed analysis method by applying it to real datasets and obtaining estimation errors similar to those obtained with iSAM2.
Quantitative calculation method of the collision risk for collision avoidance in ship navigation using the CPA and ship domain
Authors: Ha Jisang , Roh Myung-Il , Lee Hye-Won
Published: March 2021

Collision risk (CR) assessment is necessary for avoiding collisions with other ships. The CR can be used to make decisions on collision avoidance. In this respect, the ship domain and the closest point of approach (CPA)-based methods have been proposed to assess the CRs. However, the ship domain method is limited in terms of the quantitative calculation of the CR, whereas the CPA-based method does not guarantee reliable collision avoidance. In this study, an improved method is proposed for the quantitative calculation of the CR in ship navigation that combines the advantages of two existing methods. The proposed method calculates the CR using the CPA and defines the ship domain as a critical value of the CR to ensure reliable collision avoidance. In this process, the CR value of another ship on the boundary of the ship domain is calculated as 1, which implies that collision occurs, and the coefficients for the CR calculation are adjusted considering the distance from the ship domain. Furthermore, the manoeuvring performance and the heading angle of the ships are considered in the calculation of the CR. To evaluate the proposed method, it is applied to various examples, including a comparison with previous methods. The results show that the proposed method can be used to obtain a quantitative CR for collision avoidance.
Bernat Klein and High Sunderland: Displacement, Design and the Meanings of Home
Authors: Anderson Fiona
Published: March 2021

This article presents an up-to-date account of the life and work of the Yugoslavian textile designer and design consultant Bernat Klein (1922–2014). In the 1960s, he became internationally successful, because of his innovative use of colour in textiles for fashion and interiors. Based in part upon oral history interviews with Klein, the article helps us better understand him, not only as a foreigner in Mandatory Palestine and the UK, but also as a particular type of modernist. It pays focused attention to the house known as High Sunderland that was commissioned by Klein and his wife and designed by the British modernist architect Peter Womersley (1923–1993), including examining internal changes made as the Klein family lived in it. This essay engages and contrasts with the limited number of scholarly publications on this house, which have tended to take a singular view of it as an important example of British post-war domestic modernist architecture. It analyses the complex interconnections between High Sunderland as a modernist space reflecting Womersley and Klein’s shared aesthetic values, and as a family home that Klein was deeply attached to, emotionally and psychologically.
An improved LTI algorithm for multiphase raytracing in undulating surface model
Authors: Wang Huaming , Wang Di , Bai Chaoying
Published: March 2021

Based on the linear traveltime interpolation (LTI) algorithm, we propose an improved LTI (referred as ILTI) algorithm for multiphase seismic ray tracing, which uses a velocity node in model parameterization and introduces secondary nodes between adjacent velocity nodes. To better fit the undulating surface model, an irregular velocity node is used in near the irregular interface, and regular velocity nodes are still used in the region far away from the irregular interface. We derive an iterative fixed-point formula for calculating traveltime. By combining multistage computational technology and wavefront narrowband expansion technology, the proposed ILTI algorithm can efficiently trace the multiphase seismic raypath and compute the corresponding traveltime field. Through comparison and analysis with the traditional LTI algorithm, its computational accuracy can be highlighted by at least one order of magnitude. Compared with the popular fast marching method (FMM) and irregular shortest-path (ISPM) algorithms, it also has the advantages in terms of computational accuracy and efficiency. Numerical simulations in the Marmousi model show that the algorithm is also suitable for tracking multiphase seismic rays in the complex velocity model.
Progression of Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) Dieback and Mortality in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Poole Emilee M , Ulyshen Michael D , Horn Scott , Anderson Patrick , Bates Chip , Barnes Chris
Published: March 2021

The southeastern United States has been experiencing unexplained sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) mortality for over a decade, representing one of the most severe and widespread Celtis mortality episodes ever reported from North America. Here we describe external symptoms, progression of mortality, and the known geographic extent of the problem. More than half of all trees monitored at one site within the affected area died over five years of observation. Although many trees died within a year of first exhibiting symptoms (e.g., small yellow leaves, branch dieback, premature leaf fall), many others continued living for years after becoming symptomatic. A preliminary insecticide trial found no improvements in survivorship among trees treated with insecticides, emamectin benzoate and imidacloprid, relative to control trees. Our findings suggest the problem will likely continue and become more widespread in the coming years.
Complete resection of a huge parapharyngeal lesion without neurovascular injuries poses a big challenge
Authors: Hammed Ali , Alassaf Areeg , Hammed Salah , Issa Hala
Published: March 2021

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common salivary gland neoplasm, accounting for 63% of all parotid gland tumors.

Most tumors originate in the superficial lobe but, more rarely, these tumors may involve the deep lobe of the parotid gland, growing medially and occupying the parapharyngeal space (PPS).

Our case presents a 48-year-old man with an extremely huge recurrent parapharyngeal lesion that bulging in the nasopharynx and the oropharynx and significantly comprised the airways.

Surgery was planned to approach the deeper lobe of parotid gland and para-pharyngeal mass by transparotid, transmandibular swing approach.

Histopathological examination revealed the features suggestive of pleomorphic adenoma. The patient was discharged after 9 days with no facial nerve deficit.

Management of these tumors is more challenging due to the anatomical location of the para-pharyngeal space.

Preoperative definitive diagnosis, with tumor typing, is less important, and incisional biopsy of any PPS mass should definitely be avoided, in order not to run the risk of a significantly higher rate of recurrence.
Strong low-frequency radio flaring from Cygnus X-3 observed with LOFAR
Authors: Broderick J W , Russell T D , Fender R P , Trushkin S A , Green D A , Chauhan J , Nizhelskij N A , Tsybulev P G , Bursov N N , Shevchenko A V , Pooley G G , Williams D R A , Bright J S , Rowlinson A , Corbel S
Published: March 2021

We present Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) 143.5-MHz radio observations of flaring activity during 2019 May from the X-ray binary Cygnus X-3. Similar to radio observations of previous outbursts from Cygnus X-3, we find that this source was significantly variable at low frequencies, reaching a maximum flux density of about 5.8 Jy. We compare our LOFAR light curve with contemporaneous observations taken at 1.25 and 2.3 GHz with the RATAN-600 telescope, and at 15 GHz with the Arcminute Microkelvin Imager (AMI) Large Array. The initial 143.5-MHz flux density level, ∼2 Jy, is suggested to be the delayed and possibly blended emission from at least some of the flaring activity that had been detected at higher frequencies before our LOFAR observations had begun. There is also evidence of a delay of more than 4 d between a bright flare that initially peaked on May 6 at 2.3 and 15 GHz, and the corresponding peak (≳ 5.8 Jy) at 143.5 MHz. From the multifrequency light curves, we estimate the minimum energy and magnetic field required to produce this flare to be roughly 1044 erg and 40 mG, respectively, corresponding to a minimum mean power of ∼1038 erg s−1. Additionally, we show that the broadband radio spectrum evolved over the course of our observing campaign; in particular, the two-point spectral index between 143.5 MHz and 1.25 GHz transitioned from being optically thick to optically thin as the flare simultaneously brightened at 143.5 MHz and faded at GHz frequencies.
WISDOM project – VII. Molecular gas measurement of the supermassive black hole mass in the elliptical galaxy NGC 7052
Authors: Smith Mark D , Bureau Martin , Davis Timothy A , Cappellari Michele , Liu Lijie , Onishi Kyoko , Iguchi Satoru , North Eve V , Sarzi Marc , Williams Thomas G
Published: March 2021

Supermassive black hole (SMBH) masses can be measured by resolving the dynamical influences of the SMBHs on tracers of the central potentials. Modern long-baseline interferometers have enabled the use of molecular gas as such a tracer. We present here Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array observations of the elliptical galaxy NGC 7052 at 0${^{\prime\prime}_{.}}$11 ($37\,$pc) resolution in the 12CO(2-1) line and $1.3\,$ mm continuum emission. This resolution is sufficient to resolve the region in which the potential is dominated by the SMBH. We forward model these observations, using a multi-Gaussian expansion of a Hubble Space Telescope F814W image and a spatially constant mass-to-light ratio to model the stellar mass distribution. We infer an SMBH mass of $2.5\pm 0.3\times 10^{9}\, \mathrm{M_\odot }$ and a stellar I-band mass-to-light ratio of $4.6\pm 0.2\, \mathrm{M_\odot /L_{\odot ,I}}$ (3σ confidence intervals). This SMBH mass is significantly larger than that derived using ionized gas kinematics, which however appears significantly more kinematically disturbed than the molecular gas. We also show that a central molecular gas deficit is likely to be the result of tidal disruption of molecular gas clouds due to the strong gradient in the central gravitational potential.
Dynamics of Adaptation During Three Years of Evolution Under Long-Term Stationary Phase
Authors: Katz Sophia , Avrani Sarit , Yavneh Meitar , Hilau Sabrin , Gross Jonathan , Hershberg Ruth
Published: March 2021

Many bacterial species that cannot sporulate, such as the model bacterium Escherichia coli, can nevertheless survive for years, following exhaustion of external resources, in a state termed long-term stationary phase (LTSP). Here we describe the dynamics of E. coli adaptation during the first three years spent under LTSP. We show that during this time, E. coli continuously adapts genetically through the accumulation of mutations. For nonmutator clones, the majority of mutations accumulated appear to be adaptive under LTSP, reflected in an extremely convergent pattern of mutation accumulation. Despite the rapid and convergent manner in which populations adapt under LTSP, they continue to harbor extensive genetic variation. The dynamics of evolution of mutation rates under LTSP are particularly interesting. The emergence of mutators affects overall mutation accumulation rates as well as the mutational spectra and the ultimate spectrum of adaptive alleles acquired under LTSP. With time, mutators can evolve even higher mutation rates through the acquisition of additional mutation rate–enhancing mutations. Different mutator and nonmutator clones within a single population and time point can display extreme variation in their mutation rates, resulting in differences in both the dynamics of adaptation and their associated deleterious burdens. Despite these differences, clones that vary greatly in their mutation rates tend to coexist within their populations for many years, under LTSP.
Horizontal Gene Transfer and Gene Duplication of β-Fructofuranosidase Confer Lepidopteran Insects Metabolic Benefits
Authors: Dai Xiangping , Kiuchi Takashi , Zhou Yanyan , Jia Shunze , Xu Yusong , Katsuma Susumu , Shimada Toru , Wang Huabing
Published: March 2021

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a potentially critical source of material for ecological adaptation and the evolution of novel genetic traits. However, reports on posttransfer duplication in organism genomes are lacking, and the evolutionary advantages conferred on the recipient are generally poorly understood. Sucrase plays an important role in insect physiological growth and development. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of insect β-fructofuranosidase transferred from bacteria via HGT. We found that posttransfer duplications of β-fructofuranosidase were widespread in Lepidoptera and sporadic occurrences of β-fructofuranosidase were found in Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. β-fructofuranosidase genes often undergo modifications, such as gene duplication, differential gene loss, and changes in mutation rates. Lepidopteran β-fructofuranosidase gene (SUC) clusters showed marked divergence in gene expression patterns and enzymatic properties in Bombyx mori (moth) and Papilio xuthus (butterfly). We generated SUC1 mutations in B. mori using CRISPR/Cas9 to thoroughly examine the physiological function of SUC. BmSUC1 mutant larvae were viable but displayed delayed growth and reduced sucrase activities that included susceptibility to the sugar mimic alkaloid found in high concentrations in mulberry. BmSUC1 served as a critical sucrase and supported metabolic homeostasis in the larval midgut and silk gland, suggesting that gene transfer of β-fructofuranosidase enhanced the digestive and metabolic adaptation of lepidopteran insects. These findings highlight not only the universal function of β-fructofuranosidase with a link to the maintenance of carbohydrate metabolism but also an underexplored function in the silk gland. This study expands our knowledge of posttransfer duplication and subsequent functional diversification in the adaptive evolution and lineage-specific adaptation of organisms.
Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Adult Patients Hospitalized due to COVID-19 in a Rural/Suburban Integrated Health System in Southcentral Pennsylvania, March Through May 2020
Authors: Bohrn Michael A , Benenson Ronald , Bush Chelsea M , Bell Theodore , Black Cassandra , Doan Binh , Green Cindy , Mass Matthew M , Newell Jacklyn A , Rowe Jessica , Schlenker Melissa K , Schuchardt-Peet Claudia , Sullivan Jennifer , Zaman Homaira T , Tirupathi Raghavendra
Published: March 2021

Existing characterizations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admissions have occurred primarily in urban settings. This report describes demographic and clinical characteristics of the first COVID-19 patients presenting to a 6-hospital integrated health care system in rural/suburban southcentral Pennsylvania. Medical records of adult patients admitted with COVID-19 between March and May of 2020 were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, symptomatology, imaging, and lab values. Results were largely consistent with previous studies, although gastrointestinal manifestations were more prevalent, with diarrhea reported in 25.4% of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. Nursing home patients represented 10.1% of admissions but accounted for 35.5% of total deaths in our sample. Patients self-identifying as Hispanic were disproportionately affected. Although Hispanic ethnicity was self-reported in only 9% of the community population, Hispanic patients accounted for 34% of admissions. Our data provide a unique focused review of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in a rural/suburban setting.
Managing osteoarthritis pain with smart technology: a narrative review
Authors: Johnson Alisa J , Palit Shreela , Terry Ellen L , Thompson Osheeca J , Powell-Roach Keesha , Dyal Brenda W , Ansell Margaret , Booker Staja Q
Published: March 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition worldwide. More than 300 million individuals are affected by OA, and pain is the most common and challenging symptom to manage. Although many new advances have led to improved OA-related pain management, smart technology offers additional opportunities to enhance symptom management. This narrative review identifies and describes the current literature focused on smart technology for pain management in individuals with OA. In collaboration with a health sciences librarian, an interdisciplinary team of clinician-scientists searched multiple databases (e.g. PubMed, CINAHL and Embase), which generated 394 citations for review. After inclusion criteria were met, data were extracted from eight studies reporting on varied smart technologies, including mobile health, wearables and eHealth tools to measure or manage pain. Our review highlights the dearth of research in this crucial area, the implications for clinical practice and technology development, and future research needs.
Narrowing Racial Differences in Trust: How Discrimination Shapes Trust in a Racialized Society
Authors: Evangelist Michael
Published: March 2021

In the United States, survey research and qualitative studies consistently find that people of color—and Blacks in particular—report substantially lower levels of trust than do whites. These racial differences in trust pervade a range of social contexts, from interpersonal relationships with friends, family, and neighbors to interactions with the health care and criminal justice systems. Scholars often attribute racial differences in trust to historical and contemporary forms of discrimination, yet few studies have assessed the relationship among race, discrimination, and trust in the context of the United States. Using the Chicago Community Adult Health Study, I examine how the experience of discrimination relates to generalized trust, trust in neighbors, and trust in community police. Findings reveal that personal experience with discrimination contributes modestly to racial differences in trust. In fact, the negative association between discrimination and generalized trust appears strongest for whites. These findings suggest that understanding distrust requires a richer conceptual framework that moves beyond personal experience with discrimination. I argue that the theory of systemic racism provides a framework for understanding distrust as a consequence of countervailing efforts to uphold and contest the racial hierarchy.
Evaluation of Enogen Feed Corn on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs
Authors: Ochonski Patricia , Wu Fangzhou , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Dritz Steve S , Goodband Robert D , Woodworth Jason C , Lattimer James M
Published: March 2021

Enogen Feed Corn (EFC; Syngenta Seeds, LLC, Downers Grove, IL) hybrids contain a trait for expression of heat-stable α-amylase in the grain. α-Amylase is an enzyme responsible for breakdown of starch in the small intestine; supplementation of exogenous α-amylase to pigs may result in greater starch digestibility and thus improved gain efficiency. A total of 288 pigs (Line 600 × 241, DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 41.6 kg) were utilized in an 82-d trial to determine if replacing conventional yellow dent corn (CONV) with EFC in diets with or without distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) influences growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments balancing for initial body weight. There were nine pens per treatment with eight pigs per pen (an equal number of barrows and gilts per pen). Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of corn source (CONV or EFC) and DDGS (0% or 25%). Experimental diets were fed in meal form in three phases: days 0 to 29, 29 to 47, and 47 to 82. Pigs were weighed approximately every 2 wk and at the beginning of each phase. On day 82, pigs were transported to a commercial abattoir for processing and carcass data collection. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit. There were no corn source by DDGS interactions (P > 0.05) observed for overall performance or carcass characteristics. Overall, average daily gain (ADG) was marginally greater (P < 0.089) for pigs fed EFC than CONV with no evidence (P > 0.196) for difference in average daily feed intake (ADFI), gain:feed ratio (G:F), hot carcass weight (HCW), or other carcass traits. Addition of DDGS decreased (P < 0.047) overall ADG and G:F. Pigs fed DDGS had marginally lower (P < 0.071) HCW, less (P < 0.050) backfat depth, greater (P < 0.026) loin depth, and greater (P < 0.020) percentage lean and carcass fat iodine value (IV). In summary, addition of 25% DDGS to the diet decreased ADG and increased carcass fat IV. Pigs fed EFC tended to have improved overall ADG; however, G:F and carcass characteristics were not different between corn sources. These results suggest that EFC, although not beneficial, may be used as a substitute for CONV without any deleterious effects on growth performance. Further research should be conducted to understand whether addition of EFC to swine diets could be beneficial in younger pigs exhibiting decreased pancreatic α-amylase secretion following weaning or whether heat treatment of diets, such as pelleting, may influence the response to EFC.
hnRNP K supports the maintenance of RORγ circadian rhythm through ERK signaling
Authors: Kwon Paul Kwangho , Kim Hyo‐Min , Kang Byunghee , Kim Sung Wook , Hwang Sung‐Min , Im Sin‐Hyeog , Roh Tae‐Young , Kim Kyong‐Tai
Published: March 2021

Retinoic acid‐related orphan receptor γ (RORγ) maintains the circadian rhythms of its downstream genes. However, the mechanism behind the transcriptional activation of RORγ itself remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that transcription of RORγ is activated by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) via the poly(C) motif within its proximal promoter. Interestingly, we confirmed the binding of endogenous hnRNP K within RORγ1 and RORγ2 promoter along with the recruitment of RNA polymerase 2 through chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Furthermore, an assay for transposase accessible chromatin (ATAC)‐qPCR showed that hnRNP K induced higher chromatin accessibility within the RORγ1 and RORγ2 promoter. Then we found that the knockdown of hnRNP K lowers RORγ mRNA oscillation amplitude in both RORγ and RORγ‐dependent metabolic genes. Moreover, we demonstrated that time‐dependent extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) activation controls mRNA oscillation of RORγ and RORγ‐dependent metabolic genes through hnRNP K. Taken together, our results provide new insight into the regulation of RORγ by hnRNP K as a transcriptional activator, along with its physiological significance in metabolism.
Macrophages augment the skeletal muscle proinflammatory response through TNFα following LPS‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Bivona Joseph J. , Crymble Hanna M. , Guigni Blas A. , Stapleton Renee D. , Files D. Clark , Toth Michael J. , Poynter Matthew E. , Suratt Benjamin T.
Published: March 2021

Muscle may contribute to the systemic inflammatory environment during critical illness, but leukocyte interaction and cytokine influence on muscle and its response has not been fully explored in this context. Using an in vivo model of intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (IT LPS)‐induced acute lung injury, we show that skeletal muscle rapidly responds with expression of proinflammatory genes, which may be explained by migration of LPS into the circulation. Treatment of mature C2C12 myotubes with LPS at a level achieved in the circulation following IT LPS elicited a proinflammatory cytokine expression profile similar to that of in vivo murine muscle following IT LPS. Stimulation with toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 and 3 agonists provoked comparable responses in C2C12 myotubes. Additionally, co‐cultures of C2C12 myotubes and bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDM) identified the capacity of macrophages to increase myotube proinflammatory gene expression, with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) gene and protein expression largely attributable to BMDM. To investigate the contribution of TNFα in the synergy of the co‐culture environment, C2C12 myotubes were treated with recombinant TNFα, co‐cultures were established using TNF‐deficient BMDM, and co‐cultures were also depleted of TNFα using antibodies. To determine whether the in vitro observations were relevant in vivo, mice received intramuscular administration of LPS ± TNFα or TNFα‐neutralizing antibodies and showed that TNFα is both sufficient and necessary to induce synergistic cytokine release from muscle. Taken together, these data demonstrate how skeletal muscle tissue may contribute proinflammatory cytokines following acute endotoxin injury and the potential of leukocytes to augment this response via TNFα secretion.
RNA‐Seq analysis of knocking out the neuroprotective proton‐sensitive GPR68 on basal and acute ischemia‐induced transcriptome changes and signaling in mouse brain
Authors: Zhou Guokun , Wang Tao , Zha Xiang‐ming
Published: March 2021

Brain acid signaling plays important roles in both physiological and disease conditions. One key neuronal metabotropic proton receptor in the brain is GPR68, which contributes to hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) and mediates neuroprotection in acidotic and ischemic conditions. Here, to gain greater understanding of GPR68 function in the brain, we performed mRNA‐Seq analysis in mice. First, we studied sham‐operated animals to determine baseline expression. Compared to wild type (WT), GPR68−/− (KO) brain downregulated genes that are enriched in Gene Ontology (GO) terms of misfolding protein binding, response to organic cyclic compounds, and endoplasmic reticulum chaperone complex. Next, we examined the expression profile following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). tMCAO‐upregulated genes cluster to cytokine/chemokine‐related functions and immune responses, while tMCAO‐downregulated genes cluster to channel activities and synaptic signaling. For proton‐sensitive receptors, tMCAO downregulated ASIC1a and upregulated GPR4 and GPR65, but had no effect on ASIC2, PAC, or GPR68. GPR68 deletion did not alter the expression of these proton receptors, either at baseline or after ischemia. Lastly, we performed GeneVenn analysis of differential genes at baseline and post‐tMCAO. Ischemia upregulated the expression of three hemoglobin genes, along with H2‐Aa, Ppbp, Siglece, and Tagln, in WT but not in KO. Immunostaining showed that tMCAO‐induced hemoglobin localized to neurons. Western blot analysis further showed that hemoglobin induction is GPR68‐dependent. Together, these data suggest that GPR68 deletion at baseline disrupts chaperone functions and cellular signaling responses and imply a contribution of hemoglobin‐mediated antioxidant mechanism to GPR68‐dependent neuroprotection in ischemia.
Local Delivery of Therapeutic Boron for Bone Healing Enhancement
Authors: Hadidi Lina , Ge Susan , Comeau-Gauthier Marianne , Ramirez-Garcia Luna Jose , Harvey Edward J. , Merle Geraldine
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

To evaluate if local delivery of boron can accelerate bone healing and examine if the bioactive salt impacts the osteogenic response of bone-derived osteoclasts and osteoblasts by the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Methods:

Bilateral femoral cortical defects were created in 32 skeletally mature C57 mice. On the experimental side, boric acid (8 mg/kg concentration) was injected locally, whereas on the control side, saline was used. Mice were euthanized at 7, 14, and 28 days. MicroCT was used to quantify bone regeneration at the defect. Histological staining for alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase was used to quantify osteoblast and osteoclast activity, respectively. Immunohistochemical antibodies, β-catenin, and CD34 were used to quantify active β-catenin levels and angiogenesis, respectively.

Results:

The boron group exhibited higher bone volume and trabecular thickness at 28 days on microCT. Both alkaline phosphatase activity and β-catenin activity was significantly higher in the boron group at 7 days. In addition, CD34 staining revealed increased angiogenesis at 14 days in boron-treated groups. We found boron to have no association with osteoclast activity.

Conclusions:

This study shows that local delivery of boron is associated with an increase in osteoblast activity at early phases of healing. The corresponding increase in β-catenin likely supports that boron increases osteoblast activity by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Increased angiogenesis at 14 days could be a separate mechanism of increasing bone formation that is independent of Wnt/β-catenin activation.
Mapping of Posterior Talar Dome Access Through Posteromedial Versus Posterolateral Approaches
Authors: DeKeyser Graham J. , Sripanich Yantarat , O'Neill Dillon C. , Lenz Amy L. , Haller Justin M. , Saltzman Charles L. , Barg Alexej
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the accessible area of the talar dome through 2 standard posterior approaches [posteromedial (PM) and posterolateral (PL)] with and without distraction.

Methods:

A standard PM or PL approach was performed with and without external fixator distraction on 12 through-knee cadaveric legs (6 matched pairs). The accessible area of the talar dome was outlined and imaged in a microcomputed tomography scanner to achieve 3D reconstructions of the accessible surface area. The study outcomes were accessible surface area of the talar dome in (1) total surface area and (2) sagittal plane distance of the talar dome at predetermined intervals.

Results:

The PM approach provided significantly more access to the talar dome than did the PL approach both with and without distraction (P < 0.001). The PM approach allowed access to 15.8% (SD = 4.7) of the talar dome without distraction and 26.4% (SD = 8.0, P < 0.001) of the talar dome with distraction. The PL approach provided access to 6.69% (SD = 2.69, P = 0.006 compared with PM) and 14.6% (SD = 6.24, P = 0.006 compared with PM) of the talar dome surface area without and with distraction. At the difficult to access posterocentral region (L50) of the talus, the PM approach without and with distraction allowed 26.7% (SD = 4.1) and 38.6% (SD = 5.6, P < 0.001) sagittal plane access compared with 18.7% (SD = 5.61, P = 0.03) and 27.5% (SD = 7.11, P = 0.003) through a PL approach.

Conclusion:

The PM approach provides greater access to the posterocentral and PM talus. Using an external fixator for distraction can improve intraoperative visualization by at least 40%. This study provides a roadmap that can help guide talar dome surgical access for treatment of posterior talus fractures and help determine when an approach that includes an osteotomy can be avoided.
Chest Masculinization Technique and Outcomes in 72 Double-incision Chest-contouring Procedures with Free Nipple Grafting
Authors: Naides Alexandra I. , Schultz Jerette J. , Shulzhenko Nikita O. , Keith Jonathan D.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Chest masculinization for gender affirmation is the removal of breast tissue and excess skin, often with repositioning of the nipple areola complexes to achieve a male-appearing chest. A double-incision technique with free nipple grafting (FNG) is the preferred method for trans men with large, ptotic breasts. The authors present the outcomes of 72 consecutive chest masculinization cases using this technique.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed between 2015 and 2020 on all patients who underwent chest masculinization surgery for gender dysphoria by the senior author (JDK). Patients who underwent masculinization by concentric circle or liposuction-only techniques were excluded. Potential risk factors for complications were analyzed with Chi-square and logistic regression techniques. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Seventy-two patients underwent bilateral mastectomy with free nipple grafting. There were 6 major complications resulting in return to operating room, re-admission, or need for interventional procedure. These included 4 hematomas, 1 infection, and 1 hospital admission for shortness of breath and pain.

Minor complications treated conservatively included 3 seromas, 1 instance of delayed wound healing, 1 case of superficial thrombophlebitis, and 4 hypertrophic scars. Eleven patients experienced nipple areolar complex complications. Four patients underwent revision surgery. Nicotine use was associated with a higher rate of hematoma (χ2: 9.95, P = 0.007). Later operative date, a surrogate for experience, was associated with decreased return to the operating room (Odds ratio: 0.99, P = 0.025).

Conclusion:

Double-incision chest contouring with free nipple grafting provides good chest contour for transgender men,

with low complication rates.
A Magnetized Brace Designed to Elevate the Extremity after Hand Trauma and Surgery
Authors: Miller Travis J.
Published: March 2021

Hand elevation is a common recommendation for the treatment of hand injuries to combat development of painful swelling. However, noncompliance with elevation after hand procedures is common, and this is due in part to the lack of acceptable orthotics to assist in this elevation. Conventional slings are often not recommended due to potential shoulder morbidity. Additionally, the standard sling design allows for the hand to fall in a dependent position below the level of the heart. Herein described is a brace that uses magnetic technology designed to provide support for hand elevation that is intuitive to use. The simple design promotes elevation and also allows patients to easily exit the elevated position for shoulder ranging and activities of daily living with the hand as needed. Patient satisfaction data are presented. This brace may increase compliance for elevation after hand injuries and surgical procedures.
Is Increased Kicking Leg Iliopsoas Muscle Tightness a Predictive Factor for Developing Spondylolysis in Adolescent Male Soccer Players?
Authors: Takei Seira , Torii Suguru , Taketomi Shuji , Iwanuma Soichiro , Tojima Michio , Otomo Mana , Iizuka Satoshi , Tanaka Sakae
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To identify predictive risk factors of lumbar stress (LS) fracture developing from an asymptomatic stress reaction of the pedicle among adolescent male soccer players.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Amateur Japanese adolescent male soccer team.

Participants:

Japanese adolescent male soccer players (n = 195) aged 12 to 13 years.

Assessment of Risk Factors (Independent Variables):

Height, body weight, body mass index, muscle tightness of both lower extremities (iliopsoas, hamstrings, and quadriceps), lumbar bone mineral content, developmental age, and lumbar lordosis angle were measured as baseline measurements.

Main Outcome Measures (Dependent Variable):

Players who were diagnosed with an asymptomatic stress reaction of the lumbar spine pedicle at baseline were followed; extension-based lumbar pain was defined 1 year after the baseline. The players were assigned to the LS fracture or control (CON) group at follow-up.

Results:

At baseline, 40 boys were diagnosed with an asymptomatic stress reaction of the lumbar spine pedicle. The difference in muscle tightness between the kicking leg and supporting leg was significantly different (P = 0.012) between the LS (n = 16) and CON (n = 22) groups. Increase in iliopsoas muscle tightness in the kicking leg was a predictive risk factor of developing extension-based lumbar pain after adjusting for developmental age and body mass index (odds ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.27).

Conclusions:

Development of extension-based lumbar pain from an asymptomatic stress reaction of the pedicle among adolescent male soccer players was associated with increased iliopsoas muscle tightness of the kicking leg relative to that of the supporting leg.