bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A National Survey of School Counselors’ Experiences With Student Death by Suicide
Authors: Stickl Haugen Jaimie , Waalkes Phillip L. , Lambie Glenn W.
Published: February 2021

We examined school counselors’ experiences with student’s suicide. Our quantitative findings identified that encountering the death of a student by suicide is common for school counselors during their careers. School counselors reported a range of personal and professional reactions and relied on different sources of support following students’ deaths. School counselors who experienced student’s death by suicide had higher self-efficacy scores related to suicide interventions than those who had not experienced a student’s suicide.
Directionality of Atmospheric Water in Chinese: A Lexical Semantic Study Based on Linguistic Ontology
Authors: Dong Sicong , Yang Yike , Ren He , Huang Chu-Ren
Published: February 2021

Why are fog, dew, and frost said to “fall” in some languages when they don’t in the physical world? We explore this seeming infelicity to study the nature of linguistic conceptualization. We focus on variations and changes of the morphosemantic behaviors of weather words in Mandarin and other Sinitic languages with an interdisciplinary approach to establish links between linguistic expressions and scientific facts. We propose that this use of directionality is the result of conventionalization of Chinese people’s inference from shared daily experience, and is well motivated in terms of a linguistic ontology that reflects a scientific account of natural phenomena. We further demonstrate that the semantically relevant orthography shared by Chinese speakers can be directly mapped to Hantology, a formal linguistic ontology based on Suggested Upper Merged Ontology (SUMO). In this mapping, the radical 雨 yǔ “rain,” derived from the ideograph of “rain” to represent atmospheric water, provides crucial clues to the use of directional verbs and the parts of speech of weather words. Our findings also lend support to language-based reconstruction of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and lay foundation for TEK research in the Sinosphere.
What Inspired That Tweet: A Comparative Analysis of Official and Stakeholder-Enacted Crisis Responses During the Urban Meyer/Zach Smith Scandal
Authors: Brown-Devlin Natalie , Brown Kenon A. , Britt Brian C. , Adamson Alyssa C.
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the relationship between stakeholder enacted crisis communication and organizational crisis response. Through textual analysis, the reputation repair strategies that head coach Urban Meyer utilized in his four public statements regarding the Zach Smith scandal were identified. Next, 10,000 tweets from Ohio-based stakeholders were content analyzed to examine the extent to which stakeholders mirror the selected strategies employed by an individual enveloped in a crisis and amplify them through their own social media networks. Results showed that stakeholders engaged in three primary behaviors: rallying together by using the ingratiation and reminder strategies; mirroring some of Meyer’s official strategies; and utilizing their own strategies to attribute blame to other, external parties. Implications regarding how stakeholders utilize Twitter, itself, during a crisis were also proffered.
Racial Discrimination Predicts Mental Health Outcomes Beyond the Role of Personality Traits in a Community Sample of African Americans
Authors: Mekawi Yara , Hyatt Courtland S. , Maples-Keller Jessica , Carter Sierra , Michopoulos Vasiliki , Powers Abigail
Published: February 2021

Despite a consistent body of work documenting associations between racial discrimination and negative mental health outcomes, the utility and validity of these findings have recently been questioned because some authors have posited that personality traits may account for these associations. To test this hypothesis in a community sample of African Americans ( n = 419, age: M = 43.96 years), we used bivariate relations and hierarchical regression analyses to determine whether racial discrimination accounted for additional variance in depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms beyond the role of personality. Bivariate relations between personality traits and racial discrimination were small and positive (i.e., rs ≈ .10). Regression results demonstrated that racial discrimination accounted for variance in depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress independent of personality traits ( ps < .01). These results suggest that personality traits do not fully explain associations between racial discrimination and negative mental health outcomes, further supporting the detrimental impact of racial discrimination on the mental health of African Americans.
Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery Is a Feasible Option for Management of Idiopathic Scoliosis and Has Equivalent Outcomes to Open Surgery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alhammoud Abduljabbar , Alborno Yahya , Baco Abdul Moeen , Othman Yahya Azhar , Ogura Yoji , Steinhaus Michael , Sheha Evan D. , Qureshi Sheeraz A.
Published: February 2021

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Objective:

To compare outcomes between minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (MISS) and traditional posterior instrumentation and fusion in the correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods:

A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Google scholar and Cochrane databases, including studies reporting outcomes for both MISS and open correction of AIS. Study details, demographics, and outcomes, including curve correction, estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time, postoperative pain, length of stay (LOS), and complications, were collected and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 4 studies met the selection criteria and were included in the analysis, totaling 107 patients (42 MIS and 65 open) with a mean age of 16 years. Overall there was no difference in curve correction between MISS (73.2%) and open (76.7%) cohorts. EBL was significantly lower in the MISS (271 ml) compared to the open (527 ml) group, but operative time was significantly longer (380 min for MISS versus 302 min for open). There were no significant differences between the approaches in pain, LOS, complications, or reoperations.

Conclusion:

MISS was associated with less blood loss but longer operative times compared to traditional open fusion for AIS. There was no difference in curve correction, postoperative pain, LOS, or complications/reoperations. While MISS has emerged as a feasible option for the surgical management of AIS, further research is warranted to compare these 2 approaches.
Vertebral Coplanar Alignment Technique Versus Bilateral Apical Vertebral Derotation Technique in Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Authors: Weissmann Karen A. , Barrios Carlos , Lafage Virginie , Lafage Renaud , Costa Marcelo A. , Álvarez Diego , Huaiquilaf Carlos M. , Ang Bryan , Schulz Ronald G.
Published: February 2021

Study Design:

Single-center retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Objective:

Our aim was to compare the correction capacity in 3 planes of the VCA technique versus the AD technique in neuromuscular scoliosis patients.

Methods:

We analized patients with neuromuscular scoliosis that underwent posterior spinal fusion from 2013 to 2017 using 2 different techniques for correction: vertebral coplanar alignment (VCA) that takes into consideration the fact that the medial cortex is more resistant than the lateral cortex, with more anchor points for better distribution of forces and ligamentotaxis and the more widely spread apical derotation (AD) technique. Clinical, surgical, and radiographic information of patients operated on with the AD technique were compared to those operated on with the VCA technique in the coronal, sagittal and axial plane at pre-op, immediate post-op, and 2 year follow-up.

Results:

64 patients met inclusion criteria, 34 patients underwent the VCA technique and 30 patients underwent the AD technique. The 2 cohorts did not differ in terms of demographics, clinical presentation or preoperative alignment. There were no significant differences in the correction ability between both techniques regarding curve magnitude, apical vertebral rotation, or pelvic obliquity. There was a significant decrease in thoracic kyphosis in the AD group compared to the VCA group in the immediate postop period (4.2 ± 26.6º for VCA and 13.2 ± 21.3º for AD (p = 0.048)).

Conclusion:

Both apical derotation technique and vertebral coplanar alignment allow for correction in the 3 planes for patients with neuromuscular scoliosis. VCA is a less hypokyphosing technique than AD.
Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in Cervical Spine and Its Association With Ossified Lesions in the Whole Spine: A Cross-Sectional Study of 2500 CT Scans
Authors: Singh Neerav Anand , Shetty Ajoy Prasad , Jakkepally Sridhar , Kumarasamy Dinesh , Kanna Rishi Mukesh , Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan
Published: February 2021

Study Design:

A retrospective study.

Objective:

To identify the prevalence and characteristics of ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the cervical spine and its association with other spinal ligament ossifications.

Method:

This study is a retrospective review of whole spine CT scans of polytrauma patients from 2009 to 2018. Patients were screened for cervical OPLL (C-OPLL), thoracolumbar OPLL, thoracic ossified ligamentum flavum (OLF), cervical and thoracolumbar ossified anterior longitudinal ligament (C-OALL AND T-L OALL), ossified nuchal ligament (ONL) and, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) using CT scans. Their prevalence and distributions were assessed using statistical tools. Chi-square tests were used to determine statistical association between the categorical parameters.

Results:

Out of 2500 patients, 128 had C-OPLL with a prevalence rate of 5.12% with mean age of 55.89 year. The most commonly affected level was C5, followed by C6, and C4. The segmental OPLL was highest in number (77.7%), followed by localized type (14.8%). While the prevalence rate of thoracic OPLL was 0.56%, OLF was 9.9%. Ossifications that coexisted along with C-OPLL were thoracic OPLL (7.81%), thoracic OLF (36.71%), cervical OALL (29.68%), thoracolumbar OALL (37.5%), DISH (27.34%) and, ONL (7.03%).

Conclusion:

Our study indicated a prevalence rate of 5.12% for C-OPLL with a predominance of segmental OPLL (77.7%). Among these patients, approximately 36% had coexisting thoracic OLF. In patients with symptomatic OPLL induced cervical myelopathy, MRI analysis of whole spine with relevant CT correlation may help in detecting additional ossification sites of compression.
Levels of evidence backing the AAOS clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Reddy Arjun K , Scott Jared , Checketts Jake X , Fishbeck Keith , Boose Marshall , Stallings Landon , Vassar Matt
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons produces clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of orthopedic injuries. We examined the strength of the evidence underlying these recommendations in order to answer the following questions: (1) Have AAOS work groups improved guideline creation practices to locate evidence to generate strong recommendations? (2) Is there variability in the available evidence based on anatomic site or stage of care? (3) Has the level of evidence supporting improved over time?

Methods:

Twenty-two current guidelines of the Academy were examined which yielded 408 individual recommendations. These recommendations were assigned one of five strength of evidence ratings (strong, moderate, limited, inconclusive, consensus) by the guideline panel, based on the availability and quality of the supporting evidence. From these guidelines, we extracted all of the recommendations and their corresponding evidence ratings. We then classified the recommendations by stage of care, year, and anatomical site.

Results:

The distribution of the levels of evidence was as follows: 77 (18.9%) were based on consensus; 53 (13.0%) were inconclusive; 93 (22.8%) were based on limited evidence; 112 (27.5%) were based on moderate evidence; and 73 were based on (17.9%) strong evidence. Strong strength of evidence was found in 45.2% of the recommendations for preventive/screening/diagnostic care, 41.1% of nonsurgical treatment, 45.1% of surgical treatment, 51.1% of rehabilitation/postoperative treatment, and 45.5% of the recommendations that had mixed stages of care. Inconclusive strength of evidence was found to be prevalent from 2009–2013, but was eliminated starting in 2014.

Conclusions:

Only 73 (17.9%) recommendations generated by the Academy in its 22 clinical practice guidelines are based on a “strong” strength of evidence. More robust research is needed in orthopedics to bolster confidence in the recommendations in future guideline updates.
Gender Stereotypes and Their Impact on Women’s Career Progressions from a Managerial Perspective
Authors: Tabassum Naznin , Nayak Bhabani Shankar
Published: February 2021

Gender stereotypes continue to exist and are transmitted through media, and through social, educational and recreational socialization, which promote gender prejudice and discrimination. This paper argues that contemporary management culture does not critically engage with the social theories of gender studies, which could help in developing gender-neutral affirmative action-oriented managerial perspectives. The paper outlines different aspects of gender stereotyping and their impact on women’s career progressions from a managerial perspective, which engages with the critical theories of gender studies. The paper contributes to existing literature by identifying the antecedents of gender stereotypes and their impacts on the career progressions of women in management. It advances theoretical understanding of three clear conceptual shifts, that is, (a) Women in Management, (b) Women and Management and (c) Gender and Management. The theoretical transition from Women in Management to Women and Management led to progressive conceptual shifts in management literature but gender stereotypes continue to exist in society.
Surgical management for primary osteoarthritis of the elbow
Authors: Kwak Jae-Man , Jeon In-Ho
Published: February 2021

The objective of this review is to summarize the surgical options for primary osteoarthritis of the elbow, reported clinical outcomes, and suggested indications in previous literatures. The surgical management of primary elbow arthritis has evolved because of an improved understanding of pathologic mechanisms and manifestations as well as the development of novel surgical techniques and devices. Osteocapsular arthroplasty (OCA), elbow debridement, distraction arthroplasty, and total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) have been employed for managing elbow osteoarthritis. Elbow debridement and OCA can be helpful in most cases of symptomatic elbow arthritis. TEA is usually recommended for end-stage arthritis in elderly patients after prosthetic implants have been in place for long periods or after complications. Distraction arthroplasty might find a place in the treatment of younger, active patients with end-stage arthritis.
Risk Factors for Rapid Chondrolysis After Partial Lateral Meniscectomy: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Pioger Charles , Saithna Adnan , Kandhari Vikram , Thaunat Mathieu , Vieira Thais D. , Freychet Benjamin , Franck Florent , Sonnery-Cottet Bertrand
Published: February 2021

Background:

The occurrence of rapid chondrolysis after partial lateral meniscectomy is rare. The pathophysiology, risk factors, and outcomes of treatment have not been established.

Purpose:

The primary aim of this study was to perform a scoping review of the literature to determine the potential risk factors and pathogenesis of rapid chondrolysis. The secondary objective was to report outcomes of treatment.

Study Design:

Systematic (scoping) review.

Methods:

A scoping review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the framework of Arksey and O’Malley. A search strategy based on the terms “chondrolysis” AND “knee,” “chondrolysis” AND “meniscus,” and “chondral damage” AND “lateral meniscus” was applied to the PubMed database on March 31, 2020. All relevant studies were included. Patient demographics and clinical data were extracted from these studies and analyzed in order to investigate the potential risk factors, pathogenesis, and outcomes of treatment for rapid chondrolysis.

Results:

Five articles (22 cases) featuring rapid chondrolysis in the lateral compartment after partial lateral meniscectomy were identified and included. The condition occurred most frequently in patients who were young (mean age, 25.6 years), male (20/22 cases; 91%), and participating in high-intensity sports (19/22 cases; 86.4%) within 1 year of the index procedure. Half of the included study population underwent surgery for a radial tear. All professional athletes (13/13) returned to the preinjury level of sport. All authors of included studies suggested that the main causal risk factor was mechanical focal cartilage overload in the lateral compartment of the knee.

Conclusion:

Rapid chondrolysis after partial lateral meniscectomy is a rare condition that typically occurs within 12 months of the index procedure. Younger age, male sex, high-intensity sports participation, and some meniscal tear patterns (eg, radial tear) are potentially important risk factors. Return-to-sport rates at short-term follow up are high, but no long-term studies were identified. The pathogenesis of rapid chondrolysis seems to relate to mechanical focal cartilage overload.
Count Models Analysis of Factors Associated with Under-Five Mortality in Ethiopia
Authors: Woldeamanuel Berhanu Teshome , Aga Merga Abdissa
Published: February 2021

Background. Under-five mortality has continued a key challenge to public health in Ethiopia, and other sub-Saharan Africa countries. The threat of under-five mortality is incessant and more studies are needed to generate new scientific evidence. This study aimed to model the number of under-five deaths a mother has experienced in her lifetime and factors associated with it in Ethiopia. Method. A retrospective cross-sectional study based on data obtained from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), 2016 was used. The response variable was the total number of under-five children died per mother in her lifetime. Variables such as maternal socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, health, and environmental factors were considered as risk factors of under-five mortality. Hurdle negative binomial (HNB) regression analysis was employed to determine the factors associated with under-five mortality. Results. The data showed that 27.2% (95%CI: 0263, 0.282) of women experienced under-five deaths. The study revealed the age of mother at first birth, the age of mother at the time of under-five mortality occurred, number of household members, household access to electricity, region, educational level of the mother, sex of household head, wealth index, mother residing with husband/partner at the time of under-five mortality occurred as factors associated with under-five mortality. Age of mother at first birth 18 to 24 (IRR = .663; 95%CI: 0.587, 0.749), 25 or higher years old (IRR = 0.424; 95%CI: 0.306, 0.588), access to electricity (IRR = 0.758; 95%CI: 0.588, 0.976), primary education level of the mother (IRR = 0.715; 95%CI: 0.584, 0.875) and the richer wealth index (IRR = 0.785; 95%CI: 0.624, 0.988) were associated with reduced incidence of under-five mortality controlling for other variables in the model. Whereas older age of mother 35 to 39 (IRR = 5.252; 95%CI: 2.992, 9.218), 40 to 44 (IRR = 7.429; 95%CI: 4.188, 13.177), 45 to 49 (IRR = 8.697; 95%CI: 4.853, 15.585), being a resident of the Benishangul-gumuz region (IRR = 1.781; 95%CI: 1.303, 2.434), female household head (IRR = 1.256; 95%CI: 1.034, 1.525) were associated with an increased incidence of under-five mortality. Conclusion. The findings suggested that early age of mothers’ at first birth and old ages of mothers’, female household head and being uneducated were found to increase the incidence of the under-five mortality, whereas access to electricity and living with husband was statistically associated with reduced incidence of under-five mortality. The implication of this study is that policymakers and stakeholders should provide health education for mothers not to give birth at an earlier age and improve living standards to achieve sustainable development goals.
Missing Pieces in the Discussion on Climate Change and Risk: Intersectionality and Compounded Vulnerability
Authors: Versey H. Shellae
Published: February 2021

Assessing the impact of climate change requires analyzing humans generally, as well as identifying unique and elevated risks among subgroups. Incorporating intersectional approaches (e.g., those focused on issues of poverty, place, and race) into public policy may highlight how communities and individuals with fewer resources experience compounded vulnerability to climate-related risks. An intersectional framework yields implications for research and policy in two ways, both broadly and specifically for marginalized groups. First, climate change research and policy would benefit from a more active articulation of intersectionality in its models of adaptation and vulnerability by recognizing groups at high risk for negative outcomes, including distress and displacement. Second, as psychologists document mental health outcomes associated with climate change, engaging in cross-disciplinary discussions will strengthen strategies aimed at reducing mental health disparities.
Multiple foci of commitment and employee silence: A role theory perspective
Authors: Qian Si , Schreurs Bert , Jawahar IM “Jim”
Published: February 2021

Voice enhances whereas employee silence compromises organizational effectiveness and efficiency. We assert that individuals with different foci of commitment vary in their conceptualization of voice behaviors as integral to their roles, which in turn, influences voice behaviors. Integrating silence and voice literatures under the overarching framework of role theory, we investigated the mediating role of voice role conceptualization in the relationship between multiple foci of commitment and employee silence and whether this mediation was moderated by perceptions of organizational politics. Data collected from 437 working adults from United States and China were used to test our moderated mediation model. Results indicated support for mediation and moderated mediation for the team commitment and silence relationship through its impact on voice role conceptualization, controlling for career commitment, and organizational commitment. We discuss implications of results for theory and practice, and offer suggestions for future research.
Trends in Craniofacial Injuries Associated with the Introduction of Electric Scooter Sharing Services
Authors: Boudiab Elizabeth M. , Zaikos Thomas D. , Issa Christopher , Chaiyasate Kongkrit , Lu Stephen M.
Published: February 2021

Electric scooters are an increasingly common and convenient mode of transportation worldwide and have effectively revolutionized the shared micromobility industry. As electric scooter sharing companies have increased in popularity there has been a concomitant increase in the frequency of all electric scooter-related injuries. The purpose of this study is to describe the most up-to-date trends in craniofacial fractures and lacerations related to electric scooter use among all age groups. We queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) for craniofacial fractures and lacerations related to e-scooters between 2010 and 2019. We then compared injury trends over time and between time periods before and after 2017 when electric scooter share apps revolutionized micromobility. We compared incidence of injury overall and by day of the week, patient demographics, and case severity based on clinical disposition. We identified an increase in the frequency of craniofacial lacerations and fractures in the 3 years following the introduction of electric scooter share services in 2017 (2017 and 2019), compared to the 3 years before this time (2014-2016). Young adults (18-39 years) were the age group with the greatest interval increase in craniofacial injuries. There was also an increase in number of craniofacial injuries occurring on Mondays and a decrease number occurring on Fridays in the later time period. Finally, patients who presented with electric scooter-related craniofacial injuries in this later time period showed a higher frequency of overnight observation and hospital admission for their injuries. The number of craniofacial injuries secondary to electric scooter use has increased dramatically since the introduction of share services. Craniofacial fractures and lacerations are a common reason for craniofacial or maxillofacial surgery consultation and understanding these patterns of injury will help prepare surgeons for patient care, preventative education, and public advocacy.
Reference states of forest ecosystem types and feasibility of biocenotic indication of ecological soil condition as part of ecosystem integrity and services assessment
Authors: Jenssen Martin , Nickel Stefan , Schütze Gudrun , Schröder Winfried
Published: February 2021

Background

Structures and functions of ecosystems and, subsequently, their services for human societies may be influenced by climate change and atmospheric deposition. Jenssen et al. (UBA Texte 87/2013: 1–381, 2013) developed a spatially explicit evaluation system enabling the evaluation of ecosystems’ integrity. This methodology is based on a spatially explicit ecosystem classification of forests. Based on the six ecological functions, the methodology enables to compare the ecosystem type-specific integrity at different levels of ecological hierarchy for a reference state (1961–1990) with the further development of the forest ecosystem types as measured for the years 1991–2010 and as modelled for the period 2011–2070. The present study aimed at deepening the methodology and developing it into a practical system for assessing and mapping forest ecosystem integrity and services. The objectives of this advanced investigation were: (1) to quantify the reference conditions for a total of 61 forest ecosystem types; (2) to test the possibility of supplementing the quantification of ecosystem integrity by information on soil biocenoses as yielded by soil monitoring; (3) to model chemical soil indicators and to compare the respective results with those derived by Ellenberg’s indicator values for nutrient state; and (4) to verify the indicator modelling.

Results

Reference states related to the time prior to 1991 have been quantified for a total of 61 forest ecosystem types covering 85% (81,577 km2) of the mapped forest area of Germany. The reference states comprise statistical indicators for the plant-species diversity (habitat function), for nutrient and water balances and further ecological information as net-primary production and carbon storage. The assignment of lumbricide communities as soil biocenosis indicators was attempted but not succeeded because of insufficient data availability. The nutrient cycle types of the elaborated reference states were characterized by humus form, C/N ratio in topsoil and N indicator values according to Ellenberg et al. (Scr Geobot 18:1–262, 2001). Applying the developed methodology, for 83 out of 105 study plots the reference states prior to 1991 could be determined.

Conclusions

For complementing forest ecosystem reference states by soil biocenosis indicators it is necessary to further evaluate the primary literature looking for missing observation data. The W.I.E. indicator value applied in this paper to determine topsoil C/N ratios in forests is well suited for area-covering mapping of both near-natural forest–soil states and deposition-induced disharmonic state changes, in which C/N value and base saturation are no longer correlated.
A graph-based algorithm for detecting rigid domains in protein structures
Authors: Dang Truong Khanh Linh , Nguyen Thach , Habeck Michael , Gültas Mehmet , Waack Stephan
Published: February 2021

Background

Conformational transitions are implicated in the biological function of many proteins. Structural changes in proteins can be described approximately as the relative movement of rigid domains against each other. Despite previous efforts, there is a need to develop new domain segmentation algorithms that are capable of analysing the entire structure database efficiently and do not require the choice of protein-dependent tuning parameters such as the number of rigid domains.

Results

We develop a graph-based method for detecting rigid domains in proteins. Structural information from multiple conformational states is represented by a graph whose nodes correspond to amino acids. Graph clustering algorithms allow us to reduce the graph and run the Viterbi algorithm on the associated line graph to obtain a segmentation of the input structures into rigid domains. In contrast to many alternative methods, our approach does not require knowledge about the number of rigid domains. Moreover, we identified default values for the algorithmic parameters that are suitable for a large number of conformational ensembles. We test our algorithm on examples from the DynDom database and illustrate our method on various challenging systems whose structural transitions have been studied extensively.

Conclusions

The results strongly suggest that our graph-based algorithm forms a novel framework to characterize structural transitions in proteins via detecting their rigid domains. The web server is available at http://azifi.tz.agrar.uni-goettingen.de/webservice/.
Avian eggshell biomineralization: an update on its structure, mineralogy and protein tool kit
Authors: Gautron J. , Stapane L. , Le Roy N. , Nys Y. , Rodriguez-Navarro A. B. , Hincke M. T.
Published: February 2021

The avian eggshell is a natural protective envelope that relies on the phenomenon of biomineralization for its formation. The shell is made of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite, which contains hundreds of proteins that interact with the mineral phase controlling its formation and structural organization, and thus determine the mechanical properties of the mature biomaterial. We describe its mineralogy, structure and the regulatory interactions that integrate the mineral and organic constituents. We underline recent evidence for vesicular transfer of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), as a new pathway to ensure the active and continuous supply of the ions necessary for shell mineralization. Currently more than 900 proteins and thousands of upregulated transcripts have been identified during chicken eggshell formation. Bioinformatic predictions address their functionality during the biomineralization process. In addition, we describe matrix protein quantification to understand their role during the key spatially- and temporally- regulated events of shell mineralization. Finally, we propose an updated scheme with a global scenario encompassing the mechanisms of avian eggshell mineralization. With this large dataset at hand, it should now be possible to determine specific motifs, domains or proteins and peptide sequences that perform a critical function during avian eggshell biomineralization. The integration of this insight with genomic data (non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms) and precise phenotyping (shell biomechanical parameters) on pure selected lines will lead to consistently better-quality eggshell characteristics for improved food safety. This information will also address the question of how the evolutionary-optimized chicken eggshell matrix proteins affect and regulate calcium carbonate mineralization as a good example of biomimetic and bio-inspired material design.
A randomized placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial to evaluate the immunomodulatory activities of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC. in healthy Thai subjects
Authors: Kulma Inthuon , Panrit Luxsana , Plengsuriyakarn Tullayakorn , Chaijaroenkul Wanna , Warathumpitak Siriprapa , Na-Bangchang Kesara
Published: February 2021

Background

Atractylodes lancea(Thunb) DC. (AL) and bioactive compounds β-eudesmol and atractylodin have been demonstrated in the in vitro and in vivo studies for their potential clinical use in cholangiocarcinoma. The study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of AL in human subjects.

Methods

The modulatory effects of AL and β-eudesmol and atractylodin on TNFα and IL6 expression in PBMCs were measured using real-time PCR. Blood samples were collected from forty-eight healthy subjects following oral administration of a single or multiple dosing of capsule formulation of the standardized AL extract or placebo. Serum cytokine profiles, lymphocyte subpopulations (B lymphocytes, CD8+cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CD4+T-helper lymphocytes, and NK cells), and cytotoxic activity of PBMCs against the cholangiocarcinoma cell line CL-6 were evaluated using cytometric bead array (CBA) with flow cytometry analysis.

Results

AL extract at almost all concentrations significantly inhibited both TNFα and IL6 expression in Con A-mediated inflammation in PBMCs. β-Eudesmol at all concentrations significantly inhibited only IL6 expression. Atractylodin at the lowest concentration significantly inhibited the expression of both cytokines, while the highest concentration significantly inhibited only IL6 expression. The administration of AL at a single oral dose of 1000 mg appeared to decrease IFNγ and IL10 and increase B cell, while significantly increase NK and CD4+and CD8+cells. A trend of increasing (compared with placebo) in the cytotoxic activity of PBMCs at 24 h of dosing was observed. AL at multiple dosing of 1000 mg for 21 days tended to decrease the production of all cytokines, while significantly inhibited IL17A production at 24 h of dosing. In addition, a significant increase in CD4+and CD8+cells was observed. A trend of increase in the cytotoxic activity of PBMCs was observed at 24 h but terminated at 48 h of dosing.

Conclusions

The results confirm the immunomodulatory activity of AL in humans. This activity, in complementary with the direct action of AL on inducing cholangiocarcinoma cell apoptosis, suggests its potential role for CCA control.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered on 17 October 2020 [Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR:www.clinicaltrials.in.th) NumberTCTR20201020001#].
Quantification of arterial, venous, and cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics by magnetic resonance imaging under simulated micro-gravity conditions: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zahid Arslan M. , Martin Bryn , Collins Stephanie , Oshinski John N. , Ethier C. Ross
Published: February 2021

Background

Astronauts undergoing long-duration spaceflight are exposed to numerous health risks, including Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), a spectrum of ophthalmic changes that can result in permanent loss of visual acuity. The etiology of SANS is not well understood but is thought to involve changes in cerebrovascular flow dynamics in response to microgravity. There is a paucity of knowledge in this area; in particular, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics have not been well characterized under microgravity conditions. Our study was designed to determine the effect of simulated microgravity (head-down tilt [HDT]) on cerebrovascular flow dynamics. We hypothesized that microgravity conditions simulated by acute HDT would result in increases in CSF pulsatile flow.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, we measured flow in major cerebral arteries, veins, and CSF spaces in fifteen healthy volunteers using phase contrast magnetic resonance (PCMR) before and during 15° HDT.

Results

We found a decrease in all CSF flow variables [systolic peak flow (p = 0.009), and peak-to-peak pulse amplitude (p = 0.001)]. Cerebral arterial average flow (p = 0.04), systolic peak flow (p = 0.04), and peak-to-peak pulse amplitude (p = 0.02) all also significantly decreased. We additionally found a decrease in average cerebral arterial flow (p = 0.040). Finally, a significant increase in cerebral venous cross-sectional area under HDT (p = 0.005) was also observed.

Conclusions

These results collectively demonstrate that acute application of −15° HDT caused a reduction in CSF flow variables (systolic peak flow and peak-to-peak pulse amplitude) which, when coupled with a decrease in average cerebral arterial flow, systolic peak flow, and peak-to-peak pulse amplitude, is consistent with a decrease in cardiac-related pulsatile CSF flow. These results suggest that decreases in cerebral arterial inflow were the principal drivers of decreases in CSF pulsatile flow.
Tibial component coverage affects tibial bone resorption and patient-reported outcome measures for patients following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Changquan , Zhao Guanglei , Chen Kangming , Lyu Jinyang , Chen Jie , Shi Jingsheng , Huang Gangyong , Chen Feiyan , Wei Yibing , Wang Siqun , Xia Jun
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of tibial component coverage (over-hang and under-hang) and the alignment of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components 1 week after surgery. We select patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) (the Knee Society score (KSS score) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index-pain score (WOMAC pain score)) and tibial bone resorption (TBR) 2 years after surgery as the end points.

Methods

The study retrospectively analyzed 109 patients undergoing TKA (fixed-bearing prosthesis with asymmetrical tibial tray) from January 2014 to December 2017 in Huashan Hospital. By using standard long-leg X-rays, anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-rays of the knee, tibial component coverage (under-hang or over-hang), AP tibial-femoral anatomical angle (AP-TFA), AP femoral angle (AP-FA), AP tibial angle (AP-TA), and lateral tibial angle (L-TA) were measured at 1 week after surgery, while TBR was measured through postoperative 1-week and 2-year AP and lateral radiographs of the knee on three sides (medial side, lateral side on AP radiograph, and anterior side on lateral radiograph). The Pearson correlation analysis, simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, the Student’sttest, and one-way ANOVA together with Tukey’s post hoc test (or Games-Howell post hoc test) were used in the analyses.

Results

Tibial under-hang was more likely to appear in our patients following TKA (42%, medially, 39%, laterally, and 25%, anteriorly). In multivariate linear regression analysis of TBR, tibial under-hang (negative value) 1 week after surgery was positively correlated with TBR 2 years later on the medial (p= 0.003) and lateral (p= 0.026) side. Tibial over-hang (positive value) 1 week after surgery on the medial side was found negatively related with KSS score (p= 0.004) and positively related with WOMAC pain score (p= 0.036) 2 years later in multivariate linear regression analysis of PROMS. Both scores were better in the anatomically sized group than in the mild over-hang group (or severe over-hang) (p< 0.001). However, no significant relationship was found between the alignment of TKA components at 1 week after surgery and the end points (TBR and PROMS) 2 years later.

Conclusion

Under-hang of the tibial component on both the medial and lateral sides can increase the risk of TBR 2 years later. Over-hang of tibial component on the medial side decreases the PROMS (KSS score and WOMAC pain score) 2 years later. An appropriate size of tibial component during TKA is extremely important for patient’s prognosis, while the alignment of components might not be as important.
Huanglian Jiedu decoction remodels the periphery microenvironment to inhibit Alzheimer’s disease progression based on the “brain-gut” axis through multiple integrated omics
Authors: Gu Xinru , Zhou Junyi , Zhou Yanyan , Wang Hongjie , Si Nan , Ren Wei , Zhao Wei , Fan Xiaorui , Gao Wenya , Wei Xiaolu , Yang Jian , Bian Baolin , Zhao Haiyu
Published: February 2021

Background

In recent years, excellent results have suggested an association between the “brain-gut” axis and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression, yet the role of the “brain-gut” axis in AD pathogenesis still remains obscure. Herein, we provided a potential link between the central and peripheral neuroinflammatory disorders in AD progression.

Methods

The Morris water maze (MWM) test, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, ProcartaPlex Multiplex immunoassay, multiple LC-MS/MS methods, and the V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA genes were applied to explore potential biomarkers.

Results

In Tg-APP/PS1 mice, gut dysbiosis and lipid metabolism were highly associated with AD-like neuroinflammation. The combination of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and INF-γ), phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and SCFA-producing bacteria were expected to be early diagnostic biomarkers for AD. Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HLJDD) suppressed gut dysbiosis and the associated Aβ accumulation, harnessed neuroinflammation and reversed cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Together, our findings highlighted the roles of neuroinflammation induced by gut dysbiosis and lipid metabolism disorder in AD progression. This integrated metabolomics approach showed its potential to understand the complex mechanisms of HLJDD in the treatment of AD.
Circular RNA TTC3 regulates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and neural stem cells by miR-372-3p/TLR4 axis in cerebral infarction
Authors: Yang Bo , Zang Li’e , Cui Jingwen , Wei Linlin
Published: February 2021

Background

Stroke serves as a prevalent cerebrovascular disorder with severe cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CIR) injury, in which neural stem cells (NSCs) play critical roles in the recovery of cerebral function. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been widely found to participate in stroke and NSC modulation. However, the role of circRNA TTC3 (circTTC3) in the regulation of CIR injury and NSCs remains elusive. Here, we aimed to explore the impact of circTTC3 on CIR injury and NSCs.

Methods

The middle cerebral artery occlusion/repression (MCAO/R) model was established in C57BL/6J mice. The primary astrocytes were isolated from the cerebellum from C57BL/6J mice. The primary NSCs were obtained from rat embryos. The effect of circTTC3 on CIR injury and NSCs was analyzed by TTC staining, qPCR, Western blot, LDH colorimetric kits, MTT assays, Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit, luciferase reporter gene assays, and others in the system.

Results

Significantly, the expression of circTTC3 was elevated in the MCAO/R mice and oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated astrocytes. The depletion of circTTC3 attenuated cerebral infarction, neurological score, and brain water content. The OGD treatment induced apoptosis and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the astrocytes, in which circTTC3 depletion reduced this phenotype in the system. Moreover, the depletion of circTTC3 promoted the proliferation and upregulated the nestin and β-tubulin III expression in NSCs. Mechanically, circTTC3 was able to sponge miR-372-3p, and miR-372-3p can target Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in NSCs. The miR-372-3p inhibitor or TLR4 overexpression could reverse circTTC3 depletion-mediated astrocyte OGD injury and NSC regulation.

Conclusion

Thus, we conclude that circTTC3 regulates CIR injury and NSCs by the miR-372-3p/TLR4 axis in cerebral infarction. Our finding presents new insight into the mechanism by which circTTC3 modulates CIR injury and NSC dysfunction. CircTTC3, miR-372-3p, and TLR4 may serve as potential targets for the treatment of CIR injury during stroke.
Influence of Meloidogyne javanica parasitism on soybean development and chemical composition
Authors: Castanheira Carla Marcondes , Dias-Arieira Claudia Regina , Ida Elza Iouko , Falcão Heloísa Gabriel , Barros Beatriz Cervejeira Bolanho
Published: February 2021

Background

Soybean is a major economic crop worldwide, but its yield and quality are greatly affected by root-knot nematode infection. This study aimed to assess the effects of Meloidogyne javanica parasitism on soybean growth, yield, and quality. Soybean plants were inoculated with 0, 1000, 2000, or 4000 eggs + second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. javanica and evaluated for vegetative and nematode parameters. Grains from each treatment were analyzed for yield, proximate composition, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, isoflavone profile, and antioxidant capacity.

Results

Plants free of nematodes had lower vegetative growth and higher yield than nematode-infected plants. The maximum estimated reproduction factor was 34.85, achieved by inoculation of 2433 eggs + J2. Moisture, fiber, and protein contents decreased with increasing inoculum levels. Lipid content increased with inoculum level until reaching 22.59 g 100 g−1 of sample. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents decreased with increasing inoculum level up to about 2000 eggs + J2 and then increased until reaching 219.20 mg gallic acid equivalents 100 g−1 of sample and 121.67 mg quercetin equivalent 100 g−1 of sample, respectively, at 4000 eggs + J2. A similar behavior was observed for antioxidant capacity determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. The highest contents of malonylgenistin (539 mmol g−1), acetylglycitin (106 mmol g−1), and genistin (87 mmol g−1) were found in grains from plants inoculated with 4000 eggs + J2.

Conclusions

M. javanica inoculum level affected soybean development, grain production, yield, composition, and antioxidant capacity.
Long‐term monitoring of common spadefoot toad activity in a European steppe using barn owl pellets
Authors: Landler Lukas , Stefke Katharina
Published: February 2021

Background

One third of the worldwide amphibian species are threatened, therefore, efficient monitoring efforts are needed. Amphibians which adopt a hidden lifestyle, such as the common spadefoot toad, are often missed with standard surveying efforts. Spadefoot toads can be identified in regurgitated pellets of the barn owl, which provides an effective way to estimate toad activity. In our study we analyzed frequency of spadefoot toad remains from 2004 to 2016 in a steppe landscape in eastern Austria.

Methods

We used an automated model selection procedure together with a GLM analysis using a zero inflated error Poisson distribution, to analyze the presence ofPelobates fuscusin barn owl pellets. All analyses were done in the statistical software R, and the scripts to reproduce our results are available within this publication. Our approach may provide a template for other researchers to use for their own pellet data.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggested that activity of the common spadefoot toad is mainly influenced by rainfalls, while time of the year and temperature had small but significant effects. Interestingly, our data confirmed the possibility of a second breeding period in summer, triggered by heavy rainfalls. There were no indications for a population decrease in the observed years and locations. Our study shows that barn owl pellets can be used effectivley to assess pelobatid activity in an area. This might constitute a useful monitoring tool for conservation management for amphibians.