bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rare Transient Infantile Hypertriglyceridemia with Hypoglycemia and Insulin Resistance Caused by a Novel GPD1 Mutation
Authors: Tan Yanfang , Ouyang Wenxian , Ma Yuting , Jiang Tao , Tang Lian , Zhang Hui , Kang Zhen , Qin Xiaomei , Yu Ying , Li Shuangjie
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Transient infantile hypertriglyceridemia (HTGTI) is a rare autosomal recessive disease. At present, only 20 cases of HTGTI have been reported worldwide. Hence, it is necessary to further assess the phenotypic and genetic variation spectra of HTGTI. Case Presentation: A 10-month-old male infant was diagnosed with hypertriglyceridemia, hepatomegaly, liver injury, fasting hypoglycemia, and insulin resistance. Trio-whole exome sequencing (trio-WES) was performed on the patient and his parents. Bioinformatics software was used to analyze the suspected genes and potential pathogenicity of the resulting mutant proteins. The results of trio-WES demonstrated that the patient was homozygous for a novel mutation in the GPD1 gene (NM_005276.3; c.805C>T/p.Arg269Trp), whereas his parents were heterozygous for the same mutation. Bioinformatics prediction results demonstrated that the mutation might affect the protein function, and crystal simulation results showed that the mutation might affect the protein-binding ability of the enzyme. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the novel homozygous mutation in GPD1 could be the pathogenic factor in the patient. Our report highlights the value of genome sequencing in the diagnosis of infant liver disease with low phenotypic heterogeneity.
Muscle LIM Protein Force-Sensing Mediates Sarcomeric Biomechanical Signaling in Human Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Park Jinkyu , Sewanan Lorenzo R. , Ren Yongming , Schwan Jonas , Das Subhash K. , Pomianowski Pawel T. , Huang Yan , Ellis Matthew W. , Luo Jiesi , Liu Juli , Song Loujin , Chen I-Ping , Qiu Caihong , Yazawa Masayuki , Tellides George , Hwa John , Young Lawrence H. , Yang Lei , Marboe Charles C. , Jacoby Daniel L. , Campbell Stuart G. , Qyang Yibing
Published: April 2022

Background:

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiac disease and is typically caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins that regulate cardiac contractility. HCM manifestations include left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure, arrythmias, and sudden cardiac death. How dysregulated sarcomeric force production is sensed and leads to pathological remodeling remains poorly understood in HCM, thereby inhibiting the efficient development of new therapeutics.

Methods:

Our discovery was based on insights from a severe phenotype of an individual with HCM and a second genetic alteration in a sarcomeric mechanosensing protein. We derived cardiomyocytes from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells and developed robust engineered heart tissues by seeding induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes into a laser-cut scaffold possessing native cardiac fiber alignment to study human cardiac mechanobiology at both the cellular and tissue levels. Coupled with computational modeling for muscle contraction and rescue of disease phenotype by gene editing and pharmacological interventions, we have identified a new mechanotransduction pathway in HCM, shown to be essential in modulating the phenotypic expression of HCM in 5 families bearing distinct sarcomeric mutations.

Results:

Enhanced actomyosin crossbridge formation caused by sarcomeric mutations in cardiac myosin heavy chain (
MYH7
) led to increased force generation, which, when coupled with slower twitch relaxation, destabilized the MLP (muscle LIM protein) stretch-sensing complex at the Z-disc. Subsequent reduction in the sarcomeric muscle LIM protein level caused disinhibition of calcineurin–nuclear factor of activated T-cells signaling, which promoted cardiac hypertrophy. We demonstrate that the common muscle LIM protein–W4R variant is an important modifier, exacerbating the phenotypic expression of HCM, but alone may not be a disease-causing mutation. By mitigating enhanced actomyosin crossbridge formation through either genetic or pharmacological means, we alleviated stress at the Z-disc, preventing the development of hypertrophy associated with sarcomeric mutations.

Conclusions:

Our studies have uncovered a novel biomechanical mechanism through which dysregulated sarcomeric force production is sensed and leads to pathological signaling, remodeling, and hypertrophic responses. Together, these establish the foundation for developing innovative mechanism-based treatments for HCM that stabilize the Z-disc MLP-mechanosensory complex.
Pollen and seed micro-morphology of the genus Polygala (Polygalaceae) in Iran
Authors: SARVI ALI , FAGHIR MARZIEH BEYGOM , SHAVVON ROBABEH SHAHI
Published: April 2022

Pollen and seed micro-morphological features of six species of Polygala distributed in Iran were examined using light (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show a great pollen morphological variation, which provides helpful data for species delimitation in Polygala. The pollen grains are monad, radially symmetrical, isopolar, polyzonocolporate, medium to large, oblate-spheroidal to prolate-spheroidal in shape. We observed four types of surface sculpture (psilate, psilate to granulate, rugulate-granulate and rugulate) and four types of apocolpial area (psilate with small lumina, reticulate with large lumina, micro-perforate and coarsely regulate and gemmate or granulate with lumina). Moreover, the importance of seed micro-morphological traits in species delimitation have demonstrated based on elaiosome appendages size, number of lobes and their sculpture, seed surface sculpture and trichome type.
A new Paypayrola (Violaceae) from Panama, with notes about the species complexes for the genus
Authors: BALLARD HARVEY E. (JR.)
Published: April 2022

A new species of Paypayrola is described from multiple exsiccatae from west-central and east-central Panama. Paypayrola panamensis sp. nov. is represented by dozens of herbarium specimens from 26 putatively distinct populations located at lower elevations on the northern slope, in wet evergreen tropical forest on slopes and ridgetops, as well as along streams and rivers. By in its moderately short-petiolate leaves and yellow corollas, the new species resembles northern South American P. guianensis and P. hulkiana. It differs from P. guianensis in its proportionally longer leaf blades, subsessile to short-pedunculate, short inflorescences, and puberulent sepals longer than broad. It differs from P. hulkiana in its proportionally broader leaf blades, and proportionally broader elliptical to suborbicular sepals, commonly with two (rarely four) distinct lateral nerves besides the medial nerve, and a broadly rounded to frequently truncate or retuse apex. The new species also differs from both in its larger leaf blades with more lateral nerves, tapering to a narrowly rounded or weakly subattenuate apex, and a more densely flowered inflorescence. A key differentiating it from other species of Paypayrola is provided. In discussing the genus, three species complexes are well separated based on corolla color and inflorescence features.
Adorador, J.T. & Fernando, E.S. (2022) Pinanga leonardcoi (Arecaceae), a new species from Mt. Cagua in northeast Luzon, Philippines. Phytotaxa 536 (2): 183–189 (ERRATUM)
Authors: ADORADOR JIRO T. , FERNANDO EDWINO S.
Published: April 2022

Erratum
A new species of Unachionaspis MacGillivray, 1921 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) from China
Authors: TIAN FENG , XING JICHUN
Published: April 2022

A new armoured scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) species, Unachionaspis multiglandularis sp. n., is described and illustrated; it was found on Chimonobambusa spp. (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) in Guizhou Province, China. An updated description of Unachionaspis tenuis (Maskell 1897) is given, based on samples collected in Guizhou, China. Habitat photographs and illustrations for both species are provided. The type specimens of U. multiglandularis and Chinese study material of U. tenuis are deposited at the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China. An identification key to separate the four species in Unachionaspis, based on the morphology of adult females, is provided.
Recognition of the genera Igutettix Matsumura and Vilbasteana Anufriev (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae), with discovery of a new related genus from Japan
Authors: OHARA NAOMICHI , HAYASHI MASAMI
Published: April 2022

The dikraneurine genus Igutettix Matsumura and its allies are revised. The definition of Igutettix is corrected and newly proposed on the basis of the true I. pulverosus Matsumura, resurrected from the synonymy with Dikraneura oculata Lindberg. Accordingly, the genus Vilbasteana Anufriev established for the latter species is resurrected as an independent valid genus. The genera Vikabara Dworakowska and Paraafrakra Chiang, Hsu et Knight, are newly synonymized under Igutettix and Vilbasteana, respectively. Igutettix is composed of three species, I. pulverosus Matsumura sp. rev., I. ater (Dworakowska) comb. nov. and I. glossatus (Dworakowska) comb. nov. Vilbasteana comprises two species, V. oculata (Lindberg) comb. rev. and V. fulva (Chiang, Hsu et Knight) comb. nov. Furthermore, a new genus, Cornicola gen. nov. related to Igutettix is described for a new species C. mizuki sp. nov. from Japan.
Sweat-Based Glucose Sensor Based on a Graphene/Au Composite Electrode
Authors: Li Xingyang , Deng Haijing , Wu Kaiqiang
Published: April 2022

In the present study, an integrated and flexible device was designed for the electrochemical analysis of biomarkers in human sweat, providing a new method for non-invasive glucose monitoring. At present, sweat-based glucose monitoring still faces many challenges. For example, changes
in the environmental temperature can cause changes in glucose oxidase activity. This device uses multiple sensors for glucose sensing based on the real-time correction of pH and temperature measurement values, which can improve the accuracy of the detection results. Moreover, the efficiency
of the sweat sensing process can be improved through the miniaturization of the sensor. This device provides a novel solution for the non-invasive sweat-based and real-time monitoring of glucose.
Thermal Analysis of a New Heat-Resistant Energetic Material
Authors: Yanwu Yu , Hui Ma , Jiahu Guo , Jingwei Meng , Suming Jing , Guimin Cheng , Zihui Wei
Published: April 2022

4,4′-Dichloro-2,2′,3,3′,5,5′,6,6′-octanitroazobenzene (DCONAB) is a kind of new heat-resistant energetic material. In the paper, its thermal decomposition kinetics was investigated by means of the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal
analysis (DTA). The properties of the DCONAB, such as geometry, theoretical density, enthalpy of formation, detonation parameters, were studied by using the density universal culvert theory at the B3LYP/6-31+G (d, p) level. The results indicated that the density distribution of the DCONAB
was up to 1.99 g/cm3 and its detonation rate was close to 8851 m/s. We obtained thermal analysis curves of the DCONAB at different heating rates and we analyzed the kinetic parameters such as activation energy (Ea) and exponential factor (A) with Kissinger and
Flynn-Wall-Ozawa methods. Meanwhile, we investigated the decomposition mechanism of the DCONAB with the Satava-Sestak method. The results indicated that the thermal decomposition mechanism of the DCONAB related to nucleation and growth, with the reaction order n being 1. The integral form
of the kinetic function was g(α) = α. The activation energy was 131 kJ/mol and the pre-exponential factor 1.375×1012 min−1.
Anti-Esophageal Cancer Activity of H-28A Extracted from Populus angustifolia and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Yin Yong , Li Ping
Published: April 2022

In the digestive system, esophageal cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors. It one of the major killers along with breast, prostate, and lung cancers. Thus, new candidates for the treatment of esophageal cancer need to be studied. In this work, H-28A was extracted from
Populus angustifolia and structurally identified. Then, its anti-esophageal cancer activity was evaluated. The inhibitory activity of H-28A against esophageal cancer was examined through the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Additionally, the influence of H-28A against the invasion and migration
capabilities existed in esophageal cancer cells was determined through transwell assays. Then, P. angustifolia was subjected to neighbor-joining phylogenetic analysis.
Effect of Hericium Evimaccus Alcohol Extracts on the Expression of Gastrin 17 and PKM2, and Cell Apoptosis in Rats with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Li Na , Jia Mingxuan , Yin Ce , Feng Ge
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to study the effects of hericium evimaccus alcohol extracts on the expression of gastrin 17 and PKM2, and cell apoptosis in rats with gastric cancer. We selected 75 healthy ACL female rats, 15 healthy group, 15 gastric cancer group, 15 capecitabine group (drug
control), 15 low-dose group (20 mg/kg), and high-dose group (40 mg/kg) of 15 rats, 2–4 months old, with body weight of 210–225 g, at average (213.25±12.37) g. Immunohistochemical staining was used to measure the pathological tissue morphology of gastric mucosa. MTT measured
proliferation of gastric mucosa tissue cells, while flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis. ELISA was used to detect the levels of motilin and gastrin, while Immunoblotting was used to detect the protein expression of PKM2, Caspase-3, PI3K, and AKT. The gastric mucosal tissue in the
healthy group was normal, and cells were arranged in orderly and complete manner. The gastric mucosal tissues from rats in the gastric cancer group and low-dose group were infiltrated with inflammatory cells, which were arranged in disorderly manner. The infiltration of gastric mucosal cells
in the high-dose group and capecitabine group were reduced, and their arrangement was more orderly. Compared with gastric cancer group, cell proliferation decreased and apoptosis increased in the low-dose group (P <0.05). Compared with low-dose group, the highdose group decreased
proliferation and increased apoptosis (P <0.05). In comparison with high-dose group, the capecitabine group had increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis (P < 0.05). In comparison with healthy group, PKM2, Caspase-3, PI3K, and AKT increased, and levels of motilin
and gastrin 17 decreased (P <0.05). In comparison with gastric cancer group, the PKM2, Caspase-3, PI3K, and AKT in the low-dose group decreased, and levels of motilin and gastrin 17 increased (P <0.05). In comparison with low-dose group, PKM2, Caspase-3, PI3K, and AKT in
the high-dose group decreased, while levels of motilin and gastrin 17 increased (P <0.05). In comparison with high-dose group, KM2, Caspase-3, PI3K, and AKT in the capecitabine group increased, and levels of motilin and gastrin 17 decreased (P <0.05). The hericium evimaccus
alcohol extract inhibited the expression of PKM2 protein by promoting the level of gastrin 17, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells and promoting apoptosis.
Two Transition Metal Coordination Polymers: Application Values in Treatment and Clinical Nursing Against Glioma
Authors: Du Yan , Li Li , Zhao Teng , Gao Fengquan
Published: April 2022

In this paper, by employing the 4-(1H-2-methylimidazol-1-yl)benzoic acid (HMIBA) ligand featuring both imidazole and carboxylic acid groups, two novel coordination polymers (CPs) based on Cu(II) and Co(II), namely, [Cu(MIBA)2]n (2) and [Co2(MIBA)4(H2O)6]n
(1), were synthesized by a reaction between HMIBA and corresponding metal salts in distinct solvent systems. Their application value on the treatment and clinical nursing against gliomas was discussed, and the associated mechanism was investigated. First, the suppression activity on
the proliferation of cancer cells was examined. Second, RT-PCR was accomplished for testing the activation levels of signaling pathways of p53 and Rb in cancer cells.
Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Analysis of the Human Cancer Cell Lines; Breast Michigan Cancer Foundation 7, LS-174T Colon and HePG2 Liver in Response to the Methanolic and Butanolic Extracts ofProsopis juliflora
Authors: Abbas Ahmed M. , Ng Khuen Yen , Al-Kahtani Mohammed A. , Alfaifi Mohammad Y. , Alrumman Sulaiman A. , Elbehairi Serag Eldin I. , Alalmie Ali Yahya A. , Soliman Wagdi Saber , Novak Stephen J. , Ahmed Ahmed Ezzat
Published: April 2022

The phreatophytic tree;Prosopis juliflora(P. juliflora), of the Fabaceae family is a widespread invasive plant. The present study aimed to examine the characteristics of the anti-cancer effects potentially induced byP. julifloraleaves extracts, and to compare the bioactivity of its chemical composition in methanolic and butanolic solvents. MCF-7/breast, LS-174T/colorectal, and HepG2/liver, cancer cell lines were cultivated and incubated with various concentrations of the methanolic and butanolic extracts of the plant leaves, and hence the impact on cell viability, proliferation, and cell cycle stages have been investigated. Both extracts ofP. julifloraleave induced concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against the previously mentioned cancer cell lines. The calculated IC50 averaged 16.7, 18.04 and, 8.10μg/ml for methanolic extract, and 12.5, 32.8 and 5.17μg/ml for butanolic extract ofP. julifloraleaves on MCF-7, LS-174T and, HePG2, respectively. Detailed cellular analyses revealed that the cytotoxic action ofP. julifloraextracts was mainly via apoptosis but not necrosis for MCF7 in both extracts, either. However, apoptosis and necrosis reciprocally detected for LS-174T and HePG2 in response to the methanolic and butanolic extracts, either. The DNA-flow cytometry analysis showed cells specific antiproliferative action and cell cycle stages arrest in the tested cancer cell lines. The antiproliferative action has detected mostly at the G0/G1 rather than the S-phase of the cell cycle in both extracts. For identifying the chemical composition of the plant and evaluating the anticancer potency, both the methanolic and butanolic extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Betaine and nicotinamide were the major constituents detected for both extracts showing potential anti-cancer effects against breast, hepatic, and colorectal cancerous cells.
In Silico Approach in Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Virus Protein Mpro Using Fungal Metabolites
Authors: Shaikh Ibrahim Ahmed , Muddapur Uday M. , Srikanth B. , Kulkarni Madhura Ashwin , Krithika C. , Mahnashi Mater H. , Mannasaheb Basheerahmed Abdulaziz , Alsaikhan Fahad , Khan Aejaz Abdullatif , Iqubal S. M. Shakeel , Bahafi Amal
Published: April 2022

To find a cure for Covid-19 has been a constant struggle, and one field that goes unexplored is the possibility of using fungal metabolites as a remedy. As fungal metabolites are known to showcase a wide range of biological activities, with this set insight, the present research goes
on to explore fungal metabolites as a means to find a drug for treating Covid-19. With protease enzyme as the main focus, many antiviral compounds/metabolites from various fungal species were screened, then made to undergo various In Silico activities. In this study, 18 fungal metabolites
with antiviral properties were extracted from the antibiotic database and then put through molecular docking with the help of software such as AutoDock Vina and PyRx. The drug-likeness properties were analyzed using pkCSM. There were five likely chemicals against the Mpro enzyme of COVID-19,
which are (Chromophilone I, iso, F13459, Stachyflin, acetyl, Chromophilone II, iso and A-108836). Molecular Dynamics simulations helped achieve a hit, Chromophilone I. Naturally obtained Phyto-compounds will help establish a dependable medication or support lead identification, which was achieved
by utilizing existing strategies. In Vitro and in Vivo studies can be conducted to analyze further the effectiveness of the identified hit against Covid-19.
Curcumin Boosts Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Impeding Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Androgen Receptor/UL16 Binding Protein-2 Signal
Authors: Shen Qi , Hang Meng , Shi Yifang
Published: April 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is hardly curable with present treatment modalities, especially for those in advanced disease stage. Several chronic hepatic disorders, including alcoholic liver disease, cirrhotic and viral hepatitis, can ultimately lead to occurrence of HCC. This study investigated the effects of curcumin on natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies being applied to restrain the progress of HCC, and disclose valid message for better clinical application of curcumin. After receiving curcumin treatment, the HCC cells were co-cultured with NK cells to study cytotoxicity of NK cells. After thein vitrocytotoxicity assay, we determined the function of curcumin in modulating the cytotoxicity of NK cells. Additionally, the mechanism of curcumin on HCC cells was investigated by utilizing the following techniques: lentiviral infection/transfection, qPCR and Western-blot, thereby exploring the genetic alterations of differently treated HCC cells. HCC cell lines (SK-Hep1 and SUN423) were studied, and findings confirmed that curcumin significantly strengthened the cytotoxic NK cells to kill HCC cells. This effect was mainly achieved through regulating androgen receptor (AR)/UL162 signal, which led to efficacy enhancement of NK cell-based immunotherapy. Moreover, secretion of interferon-γwhich is an immunoregulator executing an anti-tumor effect was also elevated. In addition, curcumin strengthened the expression of ULBP2 in SK-Hep1 and SUN423 cells, while relatively weakening the expression of androgen receptor. The findings from this study can provide a theoretical base for further research and development of curcumin as a beneficial suppressor of HCC progression. We found that the cytotoxicity of NK cells towards HCC cells was gradually elevated as the HCC cells were treated with increased concentration of curcumin. Meanwhile, the secretion of interferon-γ, which was an immunoregulator exerting an anti-tumor effect, was also gradually elevated. In addition, the expression levels of ULBP2 in SK-Hep1 and SUN423 cells were continuously enhanced with increased concentration of curcumin in the pre-treatment of HCC cells, while the expression of androgen receptor was relatively weakened. Similar results were also obtained after the overexpression or knockdown of androgen receptor (AR) gene in SK-Hep1 and SUN423 cells. Therefore, this study found that curcumin can boost the NK cell-based immunotherapy in impeding progression of HCC through the androgen receptor/ULBP2 signal.
Comparative Genomes Analysis of Aflatoxin B1-Degrading Pseudomonas Strains with Different Degradation Abilities
Authors: Tang Jiahong , Wang Yongfei , Song Maopeng , Ma Sanmei , Deng Dun
Published: April 2022

Pseudomonas spp. had rich biological functions, including the degradation of mycotoxins. In this study, to reveal the reasons for the different AFB1 degradation abilities, three pseudomonas strains with distinct AFB1 degradation abilities were isolated and
their genomes were sequenced and annotated. COG (Clusters of Orthologous Groups) and GO (Gene Ontology) annotations of the protein-coding genes show a conservation of genomewide protein functions in genus Pseudomonas. However, the AFB1-degrading strains HAI2 and HT3 harbor much
more genes belonged to the pathway of xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism than non-degrading strain 48. Besides, the enzyme families potentially involved in the AFB1 degradation of bacteria are more abundant in the two AFB1-degrading strains. A pan-genome profile
was then formed by comparing the genomes against other reference genomes of the corresponding Pseudomonas species. Accordingly, a total of 1,528 genes were found to be specific in AFB1-degrading strains, and 65 genes of them are related to oxidoreductase activity. The two AFB1-degrading
Pseudomonas strains HAI2 and HT3 harbor additional peroxidases compared to strain 48. However, none of these oxidoreductase activity-related genes is shared by all three AFB1-degrading strains. High AFB1-degrading strain HT3 is more diverse than those of strains 48 and
HAI2 and harbored two cytochrome P450 genes, but homologous sequences could not be found in the other two strains. Moreover, the numbers of peroxidase in HT3 and strain HAI2 are higher than strain 48. These findings indicate that different Pseudomonas strains might earn the ability to degrade
AFB1 by independently acquiring different catalytic proteins rather than sharing some core proteins. Differences in some oxidoreductases, such as P450 and Peroxidase, may be responsible for this difference in degradation ability in Pseudomonas strains.
Extensive Droughts in the Conterminous United States during Multiple Centuries
Authors: McCabe Gregory J. , Wolock David M.
Published: April 2022

Extensive and severe droughts have substantial effects on water supplies, agriculture, and aquatic ecosystems. To better understand these droughts, we used tree-ring-based reconstructions of the Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) for the period 1475–2017 to examine droughts that covered at least 33% of the conterminous United States (CONUS). We identified 37 spatially extensive drought events for the CONUS and examined their spatial and temporal patterns. The duration of the extensive drought events ranged from 3 to 12 yr and on average affected 43% of the CONUS. The recent (2000–08) drought in the southwestern CONUS, often referred to as the turn-of-the-century drought, is likely one of the longest droughts in the CONUS during the past 500 years. A principal components analysis of the PDSI data from 1475 through 2017 resulted in three principal components (PCs) that explain about 48% of the variability of PDSI and are helpful to understand the temporal and spatial variability of the 37 extensive droughts in the CONUS. Analyses of the relations between the three PCs and well-known climate indices, such as indices of El Niño–Southern Oscillation, indicate statistically significant correlations; however, the correlations do not appear to be large enough (all with an absolute value less than 0.45) to be useful for the development of drought prediction models.

Significance Statement

To better understand the variability of spatially extensive U.S. droughts through time and across space, we examined tree-ring-based reconstructions of a relative dryness/wetness index for the period 1475–2017. We identified 37 extensive drought events with durations that ranged from 3 to 12 years and that on average affected 43% of the conterminous United States. Also, three of the seven longest droughts occurred after 1900. Because associations between indices of climatic conditions and drought are weak, use of climatic indices for predictive models of drought seems tenuous.
The Past, Present, and Future of the Markan Community: A Socio-rhetorical Approach to the Gospel of Mark 14:51–52; 16:5–7
Authors: Lee Wookyoung
Published: April 2022

This article analyzes Mark 14:51–52 and 16:5–7, in which a young man (νεανίσκος) appears who is only mentioned in the Gospel of Mark, through a socio-rhetorical approach, and argues that the texts are self-descriptions of the Markan community. Mark 14:51a represents the ideal past of the Markan community when a young man wears a blanket around his bare body and follows Jesus. Mark 14:51b–52 represents the present appearance of the Markan community in crisis when the young man abandons the blanket and flees from Jesus. Moreover, Mark 16:5–7 represents the hopeful future of the Markan community when the young man wears white and commands the women from the right of the place where Jesus lay.
Does the Fading Affect Bias Vary by Memory Type and a Parent’s Risk of Physically Abusing a Child? A Replication and Extension
Authors: Skowronski John J. , Crouch Julie L. , Milner Joel S.
Published: April 2022

Research described in the present article assessed (a) whether a fading affect bias (FAB) occurred in parent memories of a child as well as parent general personal memories and (b) whether either or both of these FAB effects was moderated by a parent’s risk of physically abusing a child. A FAB effect, unmoderated by parents’ abuse risk status, emerged for parents’ general personal memories. In contrast, the FAB was muted when high abuse risk parents remembered child-related events: High abuse risk parents seemed unable to “let go” of negative affect prompted by recall of negative events involving their children. This finding replicates and extends findings reported in prior research. However, this significant moderation effect occurred for only one event memory collection method. This methodological dependence is unusual: the FAB effect is typically impervious to methodological variations. Implications of these results, as well as suggestions for future research, are discussed.
Asian Americans’ Perceived Knowledge of State Vocational Rehabilitation Services for People With Mental Illness
Authors: Park Jinhee , Lee Eun-Jeong , Chun Jina , Roberts Kaycee
Published: April 2022

Given the significant role of employment on independent living and well-being among individuals with disabilities, such as those with mental illness, it is important to examine the experiences of racially and ethnically diverse cultural groups, including Asian Americans. However, little research has focused on Asian Americans with disabilities in the rehabilitation counseling field. This study examined knowledge of state vocational rehabilitation (VR) services and the perceived importance and likeliness of receiving VR services in a sample of 315 Asian Americans. Survey questions were developed to ask participants’ perceived importance of receiving various VR services provided within state VR agencies and the likeliness of receiving or recommending each service if they or their family members had a mental illness. The results showed that most participants were not familiar with state VR services. Although slightly different patterns were identified in the participants’ importance and likeliness ratings, the top important and preferable service was diagnosis and treatment. The information gathered in this study has important implications for crafting culturally sensitive and effective outreach and marketing strategies in Asian American communities.
The Development and Psychometric Validation of the Brief Disability-Related Stress Scale in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Lee Beatrice , Chan Fong
Published: April 2022

Disability-related stress is the unique stressful experiences and challenges people with disabilities encounter. The goal of the study was to develop and validate the Brief Disability-Related Stress Scale (BDRSS) in a sample of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Findings demonstrated that the BDRSS is unidimensional and has good psychometric properties (internal consistency reliability coefficient [Cronbach’s α = .86]). The BDRSS was also found to correlate with the Perceived Stress Scale–10 (PSS-10; r = .69). Results of this study suggested the potential clinical utility of incorporating the BDRSS in rehabilitation, mental health, and neuropsychology settings to assess stressors experienced by people with MS.
Vocational Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Era: The Importance of Supervision
Authors: Levine Allison , Rumrill Phillip D. , Espinosa Christina , Sheppard-Jones Kathy
Published: April 2022

The rehabilitation counseling profession, as an essential career, has been facing unforeseen and unprecedented complications as a result of the coronavirus-19 pandemic. As practitioners were required to begin completing their work virtually or using telehealth modalities, it became apparent that may be gaps in preparation for such a shift. It is as yet unknown what implication these changes have on employment rates of people with disabilities, in addition to other markers for independence (e.g., independent living). Implications of the sudden shift to virtual practice are especially of interest following the changes to the comprehensive system of personnel development legislated by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act reauthorization of 2014. Decreased educational requirements may lead vocational rehabilitation (VR) employees to navigate a national crisis without the essential knowledge domains required for qualified provider status. The current study asked VR personnel to indicate their comfort and preparedness in various areas, in light of the pandemic and virtual service provision ( N = 88). Items were assessed at three levels: Counselor, Agency, and Client. Taken together, the results indicate that the sample feels able to maintain evidence-based services, and that supervisors have been regularly available during this uncertain time. Implications for rehabilitation researchers, supervisors, and educators are discussed.
The Link Between Conscription Experience and Conscripts’ Attitude Toward National Military Service at the End of Training: An Example from Estonia
Authors: Parmak Merle , Tyfa David A.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between the experience of conscripts in their training period and their subsequent attitude toward national military service immediately after training. Self-report questionnaire is used to measure the experiences of Estonian conscripts ( n = 518) in three categories: perceived stress, applied coping strategies, and evaluation of training as important. Attitude toward national military service is measured as a critical versus neutral/positive answer to an open-ended question. We found that a perceived reduction in general quality of life, concerns about what is happening at home, and experiencing/expressing negative emotions were associated with a critical attitude. In contrast, taking a proactive outlook toward training and finding military-specific aspects personally important were associated with a more neutral/positive attitude. Our findings emphasize the importance of improving the conscription training experience in order to foster less critical attitudes toward service and are discussed from a person-environment perspective.
Aggressive Tax Planning and Labor Investments
Authors: Traini Simone , Goldman Nathan C. , Lewellen Christina M.
Published: April 2022

We examine the association between aggressive tax planning and labor investment efficiency among U.S. firms. Labor is an important input to production that is material to many firms, and prior research suggests that inefficient labor investments can negatively affect future profitability and growth. We provide evidence that firms engaging in aggressive tax planning are associated with deviations from expected labor investments, which is indicative of labor investment inefficiency. We find that our results are concentrated in labor underinvestment, consistent with risks and uncertainties from aggressive tax planning making firms more cautious when investing. Our findings are strongest among firms with greater tax risk, higher labor costs, and weaker corporate governance. Our study contributes to the literature examining tax planning consequences by providing evidence that a tradeoff exists between aggressive tax planning and investments in labor. Therefore, our results suggest that managers should carefully consider the cash flow benefits of tax planning in conjunction with the potential effects of lower labor investments to ensure that the overall long-term effect of the tax strategy is value-increasing.
Neurocognition and Metacognition in Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Vishwanathan Ashwini , Kashyap Himani , Reddy Rajakumari P. , Philip Mariamma , Thippeswamy Harish , Desai Geetha
Published: April 2022

Background:

Neurocognitive deficits are noted in anxiety disorders (ADs), albeit with several inconsistencies. The relationship between neurocognition and metacognition may have potential implications for understanding cognitive dysfunction but is poorly understood in ADs. This study aimed to examine the relationship between neurocognition and metacognition in ADs, with a cross-sectional design.

Methods:

The sample included ADs ( n = 25) and nonclinical ( n = 25) groups matched on age, gender, and education. Neurocognition was assessed using tests for intelligence, attention, working memory, fluency, flexibility, set-shifting, inhibition, planning, and memory; and metacognition using Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) and Metacognitive Awareness and Regulation Scale (MARS).

Results:

Compared to comparison/normative scores, the anxiety group showed significantly poorer performance on zoo map test (low demand trial; P = 0.007), rule shift cards 1 (P ≤ 0.001), rule shift cards 2 (P ≤ 0.001), and logical memory immediate recall (P ≤ 0.001) and delayed recall (P ≤ 0.001); greater negative beliefs about worry (P = 0.005), and poorer metacognitive awareness and regulation (P = 0.01). Greater cognitive self-consciousness was correlated with better planning (Spearman’s rho = −0.509, P = 0.009).

Conclusions:

Individuals with ADs show neurocognitive difficulties in planning, set-shifting, and logical memory, dysfunctional metacognition, and reduced metacognitive awareness and regulation. Cognitive self-consciousness is linked to better planning. The interrelationships between neurocognition and metacognition may have potential implications for clarifying inconsistent findings and designing novel cognitive interventions in ADs.
Understanding social class in place: Responding to supergentrification in Aspen, Colorado
Authors: Stuber Jenny , Paulsen Krista E
Published: April 2022

Existing research portrays elite places as prone to exclusion, welcoming of upscaling, and focused on protecting their economic self-interests. This paper provides nuance to this research by exploring how stakeholders understand and respond to supergentrification. During the fall of 2016, a group of citizen activists in the exclusive community of Aspen, Colorado, initiated an ordinance seeking to limit the expansion of luxury chain stores. Drawing on qualitative data related to this case, we show that how communities respond to supergentrification depends on locally specific understandings of place and social class, and how class interests have been institutionalized in local policies. In Aspen, residents opposed luxury chain stores by marshaling narratives that foreground the community's history of class mixing and the significance of working locals. Elected officials responded by taking account of the political power of local residents as well as the city's dependence on tax revenues from affluent visitors and second homeowners. Our findings extend and complicate understandings of how power works in elite places, highlighting both the potential for, and limitations of, efforts to thwart supergentrification and associated dislocation.
Return to Work After Primary Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Blaeser Anna M. , Mojica Edward S. , Mannino Brian J. , Youm Thomas
Published: April 2022

Background:

Hip arthroscopy is a procedure commonly performed to correct various hip pathologies such as femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears. These hip pathologies commonly affect young, otherwise healthy patients. The recovery after hip arthroscopy can prevent patients from returning to work and impair performance levels, having significant economic repercussions. To date, there has been no cumulative analysis of the existing literature on return to work after hip arthroscopy.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the existing literature regarding return to work after hip arthroscopy and analysis of factors associated with the ability to return to work and time to return to work.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was performed based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies assessing functional outcomes and return to work, including return to military duty, after hip arthroscopy were included. Patients’ ability to return to work, as well as time to return, was compared between selected studies. Where available, workers’ compensation status as well as type of work was compared. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, Version 22. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Twelve studies with 1124 patients were included. Patients were followed for an average of 17.6 months. Using weighted means, the average rate of return to work was 71.35%, while full return to previous work duties was achieved at a rate of 50.89%. Modification to work duties was required at a rate of 15.48%. On average, the time to return to work was 115 days (range, 17-219 days). Rate of return by patients with workers’ compensation status was found to be 85.15% at an average of 132 days (range, 37-211 days). Rate of return to work in workers performing professions reported as strenuous vs light (ie, mostly sedentary) jobs showed a statistically higher return to work in light professions (risk ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.41-0.69).

Conclusion:

After hip arthroscopy, there is a high rate of return to work at an average of 115 days after surgery. However, full return to work was achieved by only half of patients upon final follow–up.
One in Three Patients With Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability Has a Cartilage Lesion
Authors: Wijnhoud Emma J. , Rikken Quinten G.H. , Dahmen Jari , Sierevelt Inger N. , Stufkens Sjoerd A.S. , Kerkhoffs Gino M.M.J.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) is associated with the presence or development of intra-articular pathologies such as chondral or osteochondral lesions, or (O)CLs. Currently, the incidence of (O)CLs in patients with CLAI is unknown.

Purpose:

To determine the incidence of (O)CLs in patients with CLAI.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted in the PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane databases for articles published from January 2000 until December 2020. Two authors independently screened the search results and conducted the quality assessment using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria. Clinical studies were included that reported findings on the presence of ankle (O)CLs based on pre- or intraoperative diagnostic measures in patients with CLAI (>6 months of symptoms). Patient and lesion characteristics were pooled using a simplified method. Lesion characteristics included localization and chondral and osteochondral involvement. The primary outcome was the incidence of (O)CLs in ankles with CLAI. A random-effects model with 95% CIs was used to analyze the primary outcome. The distribution of (O)CLs in the ankle joint was reported according to talar or tibial involvement, with medial and lateral divisions for talar involvement.

Results:

Twelve studies were included with 2145 patients and 2170 ankles with CLAI. The pooled incidence of (O)CLs in ankles with CLAI was 32.2% (95% CI, 22.7%-41.7%). Among all lesions, 43% were chondral and 57% were osteochondral. Among all (O)CLs, 85% were located on the talus and 17% on the distal tibia. Of the talar (O)CLs, 68% were located medially and 32% laterally.

Conclusion:

(O)CLs were found in up to 32% of ankles with CLAI. The most common location was the talus (85%). Furthermore, most lesions were located on the medial talar dome (68%). These findings will aid physicians in the early recognition and treatment of ankle (O)CLs in the context of CLAI.
Examining the Bone Bruise Patterns in Multiligament Knee Injuries With Peroneal Nerve Injury
Authors: Moran Jay , Schneble Christopher A. , Katz Lee D. , Fosam Andin , Wang Annie , Li Don T. , Kahan Joseph B. , McLaughlin William M. , Jokl Peter , Hewett Timothy E. , LaPrade Robert F. , Medvecky Michael J.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Tibiofemoral bone bruise patterns seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with ligamentous injuries in the acutely injured knee. Bone bruise patterns in multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) and particularly their association with common peroneal nerve (CPN) injuries are not well described.

Purpose:

To analyze the tibiofemoral bone bruise patterns in MLKIs with and without peroneal nerve injury.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified 123 patients treated for an acute MLKI at a level 1 trauma center between January 2001 and March 2021. Patients were grouped into injury subtypes using the Schenck classification. Within this cohort, patients with clinically documented complete (motor and sensory loss) and/or partial CPN palsies on physical examination were identified. Imaging criteria required an MRI scan on a 1.5 or 3 Tesla scanner within 30 days of the initial MLKI. Images were retrospectively interpreted for bone bruising patterns by 2 board-certified musculoskeletal radiologists. The location of the bone bruises was mapped on fat-suppressed T2-weighted coronal and sagittal images. Bruise patterns were compared among patients with and without CPN injury.

Results:

Of the 108 patients with a MLKI who met the a priori inclusion criteria, 26 (24.1%) were found to have a CPN injury (N = 20 complete; N = 6 partial) on physical examination. For CPN-injured patients, the most common mechanism of injury was high-energy trauma (N = 19 [73%]). The presence of a grade 3 posterolateral corner (PLC) injury (N = 25; odds ratio [OR], 23.81 [95% CI, 3.08-184.1]; P = .0024), anteromedial femoral condyle bone bruising (N = 24; OR, 21.9 [95% CI, 3.40-202.9]; P < .001), or a documented knee dislocation (N = 16; OR, 3.45 [95% CI, 1.38-8.62]; P = .007) was significantly associated with the presence of a CPN injury. Of the 26 patients with CPN injury, 24 (92.3%) had at least 1 anteromedial femoral condyle bone bruise. All 20 (100%) patients with complete CPN injury also had at least 1 anteromedial femoral condyle bone bruise on MRI. In our MLKI cohort, the presence of anteromedial femoral condyle bone bruising had a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 64.6% for the presence of CPN injury on physical examination.

Conclusion:

In our MLKI cohort, the presence of a grade 3 PLC injury had the greatest association with CPN injury. Additionally, anteromedial femoral condyle bone bruising on MRI was a highly sensitive finding that was significantly correlated with CPN injury on physical examination. The high prevalence of grade 3 PLC injuries and anteromedial tibiofemoral bone bruising suggests that these MLKIs with CPN injuries most commonly occurred from a hyperextension-varus mechanism caused by a high-energy blow to the anteromedial knee.
Depression After Parkinson’s Disease: Treated Differently or Not At All?
Authors: DeMarco Elisabeth C. , Zhang Zidong , Al-Hakeem Haider , Hinyard Leslie
Published: April 2022

Depression is a common, potentially debilitating non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease which may manifest at any time and can respond to treatment. Although depression is a known primary mediator of health-related quality of life, it is currently unknown whether the timing of depression diagnosis relative to PD diagnosis affects receipt of depression treatment. Electronic health record data were examined to explore differences in depression treatment among patients diagnosed with depression before or after PD diagnosis. Compared to PD patients diagnosed with depression prior to PD, those diagnosed with depression following PD are less likely to receive any treatment, either pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic, indicating a temporal association between the time of PD diagnosis and receipt of depression treatment. This highlights a potentially substantial treatment gap, despite the existence of efficacious treatment. Diagnosis with PD appears to alter depression treatment and further research is warranted to determine potential causes and effective interventions.