bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Listening Behaviors and Musical Coordination in Collective Free Improvisation
Authors: Faraco Arthur , Schwarz Armand , Vincent Coralie , Susini Patrick , Ponsot Emmanuel , Canonne Clément
Published: May 2024

While empirical studies on joint music-making have shed light on many aspects of ensemble performance in the past few decades, the role of auditory attention in such a context has remained strikingly understudied. We draw here on a self-annotation methodology to investigate musicians’ listening behaviors in freely improvised performances. Six trios of professional musicians were asked to freely improvise in a recording studio, hearing each other only through headphones. While they were playing, the loudness of each musician as sent to the other two musicians’ headphones was covertly increased/decreased during random periods of time in order to enhance its relative saliency within the musical scene. Immediately after each improvisation, musicians were asked to listen to the improvisation that they had just performed and to continuously indicate, using a specific application, where their listening focus was as they were performing. The results demonstrated that during periods of loudness manipulation, musicians’ attention was significantly drawn to the musician who had been made more salient. Two follow-up studies then investigated the extent to which joint auditory attention correlated with perceived togetherness, as well as whether improvisers’ auditory attention during the performance aligned with that of external listeners attending to the recording of the performance. Taken together, our results suggest that, beyond the effects of saliency, musicians also tend to strategically adapt their listening behavior to the specificities of the interactional context and that musicians’ collective listening behaviors have an impact on the performance, both at an acoustic level and at a perceptual level. By relying on attentional patterns that dynamically emerged from complex, ecological musical interactions, our studies provide a first attempt at assessing the effects of auditory attention on coordination and contribute to establishing sonic interactions as a promising setting for the study of the effects of joint attention.
Distinguishing Intuitive and Deliberative Reasoning Regarding Different Aspects of Science Classroom Discourse
Authors: Soysal Yilmaz
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The current study aimed to identify the distances between a science teacher's intuitive reasoning and researchers’ systematic analysis of various aspects of science classroom discourse. An expert science teacher, given the pseudonym Jake, engaged in self-reflective processes regarding different aspects of classroom discussions to assess the variations and similarities between the teacher's intuitive estimations and the researchers’ data-based reasoning.

Design/Approach/Methods

Data collection involved in-depth interviews and video recording. Six aspects of science classroom discourse were considered to elucidate the distances: structure, interactional pattern, verbal sequence, typology, cognitive demand, and communicative approaches.

Findings

The quantitative distances between Jake's estimations and systematic observations of the six aspects of science classroom discourse varied across different aspects of the observed science lesson. While no consistent pattern was observed in the distances, there were increasing and decreasing gaps between the different aspects of science classroom discourse.

Originality/Value

Considering the contemporary arguments on human cognition and the professional development of science teachers, potential reasons for the differences were explored. Educational recommendations were provided, particularly regarding supporting science teachers’ journey toward becoming reflective inquirers or researcher-teachers.
Research on the Rural Revitalization Process Driven by Human Capital: Based on Farmers’ Professionalization Perspective
Authors: Bin Miao , Qiong He
Published: May 2024

This study examines the logical connection and articulation mechanism between rural human capital and rural revitalization from the perspective of farmers’ professionalization. Utilizing panel data spanning 2011 to 2020, collected from 31 provinces in China, a comprehensive index framework for rural revitalization was constructed, and a fixed-effect model was used for empirical analysis. It is found that: firstly, rural human capital strongly drives rural revitalization, and the professionalization of farmers has a converging influence on rural revitalization as well as a favorable moderating influence on the convergence of rural human capital on rural revitalization. Secondly, the harmonized progress of urban and rural regions is a significant interface mechanism between rural human capital and rural revitalization. Therefore, to facilitate rural revitalization, the government should provide educational opportunities, make investments in rural human capital through policies, and emphasize the value of talents and industrial resources in integrating the urban and rural.
Negotiating Stigma: How Adolescents of Sex Workers Growing Up in Red-light Areas of Kolkata Understand Stigma
Authors: Chatterjee Anuneeta
Published: May 2024

Adolescents growing up in red-light areas contend with a large set of challenges ranging from their physical safety to the way they are socialised and consequently how it leads to their identity formation. This study finds that adolescents of sex workers negotiate not only with the stigma of their mothers’ profession but also with the stigma attached to the location of the red-light area in which they grow up. The adolescents also discuss a multitude of stigmas attached to their identity, ranging from the unconventional family structures to the stigmas within the sex work community. The study concludes by analysing how these adolescents manage stigma and how it weaves into their identity formation.
A lexical and contrastive analysis of zì字
Authors: Bottéro Françoise
Published: May 2024

Today, one of the most essential Chinese linguistic terms related to writing, zì 字, is translated into English and other western languages as “character”. This article points out the terminological and conceptual problem related to this translation as soon as one is entering the field of precise linguistic analysis. By analysing the lexical development of the term from pre-Qin documents, the Shuō wén jiě zì dictionary, to modern times and the introduction of cí “word”, it shows that zì 字 was never limited to graphs nor graphemes. It introduces the way zì 字 was used to describe the Indian writing systems around the fifth century, and how it was understood outside China: in Asia, by those who borrowed the Chinese writing, and in Europe, by the first missionaries.
Mitochondria-Associated MicroRNAs and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Aaluri Gayatri Reddy , Choudhary Yashmit , Kumar Subodh
Published: May 2024

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) occurs as a result of the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra causing motor and non-motor symptoms and has become more prevalent within the last several decades. With mitochondria being essential to cellular survival, mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the disease progression by increasing neuron loss through (1) insufficient ATP production and (2) reactive oxygen species generation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules located throughout cells that regulate gene expression, particularly mitochondrial function. Through their own dysregulation, miRNAs offset the delicate balance of mitochondrial function by altering or dysregulating the expression of proteins, increasing neuroinflammation, increasing retention of toxic substances, limiting the removal of reactive oxygen species, and preventing mitophagy. Improper mitochondrial function places cells at increased risk of apoptosis, a major concern in individuals with PD due to their reduced number of dopaminergic neurons. This article has identified the 17 most promising mitochondrial associated miRNAs within PD: hsa-miR-4639-5p, miR-376a, miR-205, miR-421, miR-34b/c, miR-150, miR-7, miR-132, miR-17-5p, miR-20a, miR-93, miR-106, miR-181, miR-193b, miR-128, miR-181a, and miR-124-3p. These miRNAs alter mitochondrial function and synaptic energy by impeding normal gene expression when up or downregulated. However, there is limited research regarding mitochondria-localized miRNAs that are typically seen in other diseases. Mitochondria-localized miRNA may have a greater impact on mitochondrial dysfunction due to their proximity. Further research is needed to determine the location of these miRNAs and to better understand their regulatory capabilities on mitochondrial and synaptic function within PD.
Mapping the wax and wane of a ‘creative capital’: A personal reflection on 20 years of researching music making in Wellington, Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Stahl Geoff
Published: May 2024

This paper offers an overview of nearly 20 years of researching music making in Wellington, Aotearoa/New Zealand. This is a critical commentary that engages with the musical life of the city as it has waxed and waned over that period of time. In reflecting on this, the discussion will engage with the ways in which the ‘creative capital’ of New Zealand has put into various policies that have, over time, cemented its status as a neoliberal, entrepreneurial city, while also noting the ways in which music makers have found ways to work within and without these policy frameworks.
Theuerdankite, Ag3AsO4, a new mineral from the Alter Theuerdank Mine, St. Andreasberg, Germany
Authors: Plášil Jakub , Sejkora Jiří , Dolníček Zdeněk , Petříček Václav , Désor Joy , Majzlan Juraj , Gross Manfred , Möhn Gerhard , Schürmann Christian
Published: May 2024

The new mineral theuerdankite, ideally Ag3AsO4, was found in the Alter Theuerdank Mine, Beerberg, St. Andreasberg, Goslar District, Lower Saxony, Germany. Theuerdankite occurs as aggregates of anhedral grains up to 3 mm in size, growing in cavities of strongly supergene-weathered material consisting of native silver and chlorargyrite (but with calcite present). It is dark violet, changing to reddish and black when exposed to the air and light. It has a grey to violet grey streak; when readily fresh, its streak is brownish-red. The Mohs hardness is ~2. It is brittle with no observable cleavage or parting and with a conchoidal fracture. The calculated density is 6.620 g⋅cm–3. In reflected light, theuerdankite is dark grey with a pinkish tint, with no observable bireflectance, pleochroism, or anisotropy. It shows dark red internal reflections. The reflectance values for wavelengths recommended by the Commission on Ore Mineralogy of the International Mineralogical Association are (R, %): 13.3 (470 nm), 12.8 (546 nm), 12.7 (589 nm) and 12.5 (650 nm). The empirical formula (based on 4 apfu) is Ag3.00As1.00O4. Theuerdankite is cubic, space group P$\bar{4}$3n, a = 6.144(2) Å, V = 231.93(13) Å3 and Z = 2. The six strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs in Å, (I) hkl]: 3.0736, (22) 200; 2.7502, (100) 210; 2.5106, (55) 211; 1.7050, (36) 320; 1.6249, (44) 321; and 1.3412, (17) 421. The crystal structure of theuerdankite (R1 = 1.69% for 519 reflections having I > 3σ(I)), is isotypic to those of synthetic Ag3AsO4 and Ag3PO4. The Gram–Charlier development describing the higher-order tensors representing the atomic displacement parameters of the silver atom was implemented, documenting that silver tends to behave anharmonically in the theuerdankite structure at room temperature.
Cellular therapies for bone repair: current insights
Authors: Rodham Paul , Khaliq Farihah , Giannoudis Vasileos , Giannoudis Peter V.
Published: May 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells are core to bone homeostasis and repair. They both provide the progenitor cells from which bone cells are formed and regulate the local cytokine environment to create a pro-osteogenic environment. Dysregulation of these cells is often seen in orthopaedic pathology and can be manipulated by the physician treating the patient. This narrative review aims to describe the common applications of cell therapies to bone healing whilst also suggesting the future direction of these techniques.
Native shrub densities predict burrow co-occurrence patterns in Central California Drylands
Authors: Owen Ethan , Lortie Christopher J. , Zuliani Mario
Published: May 2024

Ecological resource availability is crucial for the persistence and survival of local desert animal communities. Dryland resources such as shrubs and burrows positively benefit animal species by mitigating harsh abiotic factors and providing habitat. Understanding the role of native shrubs, many of which serve as foundation species within desert regions, as well as the function of underground burrows as resources, provides insights into habitat utilization. In this study, we seek to better understand the co-occurrence of these two resources as a first step in quantifying key patterns locally and regionally in drylands. We tested whether the presence of burrows increased with the density of foundational shrubs near the burrows at two scales—within a 5 m radius of every burrow recorded and at the site level—defined as discrete ecological areas. We performed fieldwork across 31 sites within the arid and semiarid regions of Central California. We used a combination of burrow field surveys and satellite imagery to document both vertebrate animal burrow frequencies and shrub densities. Additionally, the accuracy of the shrub data was verified through ground truthing. Both fine-scale and site-level shrub densities positively predicted the relative likelihood of burrows and the frequency of burrows, respectively. The existence of two highly utilized dryland resources and the relationship between them signal that areas abundant in both resources will likely better support resident animal species. This finding underscores the significance of incorporating both shrub density and burrow frequency in studies of habitat interconnectivity and quality. The co-occurrence patterns of these resources will support novel habitat management and conservation strategies designed around both conservation and restoration efforts.
Early-life circumstances and late life loneliness trajectories among Finnish older adults
Authors: Tiilikainen Elisa , Aartsen Marja , Kraav Siiri-Liisi
Published: May 2024

Background

Later life loneliness has become a significant public health concern worldwide. Research has focused on the prevalence, risk factors and consequences of loneliness in different age groups. This study aimed to advance the understanding of the impact of early-life circumstances on later life loneliness by examining the associations between adversities in childhood and youth and loneliness trajectories in Finnish older adults.

Methods

The data were derived from the 10-year follow-up survey study Good Aging in the Lahti Region (n = 1552, mean age 64.89 years). The baseline study was conducted in 2002 with a regionally and locally stratified random sample of older persons living in the Lahti Region located in southern Finland. The follow-up surveys were carried out in 2005, 2008 and 2012. Loneliness was measured using a single question at the three follow-ups. Childhood conditions were retrospectively assessed at baseline with questions regarding the death of parents, household affection, relocation, and fear of a family member. Latent class growth analysis with time invariant covariates was used to identify loneliness trajectories and to examine the associations between loneliness trajectories and adverse circumstances in childhood and youth.

Results

The results identified three distinct loneliness trajectories: low, moderate, and severe, including 36%, 50% and 14%, respectively, of the study population. The non-significant slopes of the three trajectories indicate that trajectories were stable during the seven years of follow-up. Being afraid of a family member, having a cold childhood, and death of a father or mother in childhood or youth significantly increased the odds of having a severe loneliness trajectory as compared to low loneliness trajectory. None of the early-life circumstances differentiated between severe and moderate levels of loneliness.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that some adverse early-life circumstances increase the odds of an unfavorable loneliness trajectory in later life. The results highlight the need to recognize the role of diverse life-course adversities in loneliness research and interventions. The study also underscores the importance of identifying individuals who are at risk of long-term and severe loneliness and providing them with appropriate support to decrease and/or prevent the negative health consequences of loneliness in old age.
Interpretable machine learning models for predicting the incidence of antibiotic- associated diarrhea in elderly ICU patients
Authors: Cui Yating , Zhou Yibo , Liu Chao , Mao Zhi , Zhou Feihu
Published: May 2024

Background

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) can prolong hospitalization, increase medical costs, and even lead to higher mortality rates. Therefore, it is essential to predict the incidence of AAD in elderly intensive care unit(ICU) patients. The objective of this study was to create a prediction model that is both interpretable and generalizable for predicting the incidence of AAD in elderly ICU patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from the First Medical Center of the People’s Liberation Army General Hospital (PLAGH) in China. We utilized the machine learning model Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Shapley’s additive interpretation method to predict the incidence of AAD in elderly ICU patients in an interpretable manner.

Results

A total of 848 adult ICU patients were eligible for this study. The XGBoost model predicted the incidence of AAD with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of 0.917, sensitivity of 0.889, specificity of 0.806, accuracy of 0.870, and an F1 score of 0.780. The XGBoost model outperformed the other models, including logistic regression, support vector machine (AUC = 0.809), K-nearest neighbor algorithm (AUC = 0.872), and plain Bayes (AUC = 0.774).

Conclusions

While the XGBoost model may not excel in absolute performance, it demonstrates superior predictive capabilities compared to other models in forecasting the incidence of AAD in elderly ICU patients categorized based on their characteristics.
Characteristics and outcomes of people living with HIV hospitalised at tertiary healthcare institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico City
Authors: Caro-Vega Yanink , Guerrero-Torres Lorena , Cárdenas-Ortega Andrea , Martin-Onraët Alexandra , Rodríguez-Zulueta Patricia , Romero-Mora Karla , Schjetnan María Gómez-Palacio , Piñeirúa-Menéndez Alicia
Published: May 2024

Background

While existing research on people living with HIV (PWH) during the COVID-19 pandemic primarily focused on their clinical outcomes, a critical gap remains in understanding the implications of COVID-19 delivery of in-hospital care services to PWH. Our study aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of PWH hospitalised during 2020 in Mexico City, comparing patients admitted due to COVID-19 vs. patients admitted due to other causes.

Methods

All PWH hospitalised for ≥ 24 h at four institutions in Mexico City from January 1st to December 31st, 2020 were included. Patients were classified into two groups according to the leading cause of their first hospitalisation: COVID-19 or non-COVID-19. Characteristics among groups were compared using chi-square and Kruskal tests. A Cox model was used to describe the risk of death after hospitalisation and the characteristics associated with this outcome. Mortality and hospitalisation events were compared to data from 2019.

Results

Overall, we included 238 PWH hospitalised in 2020. Among them, 42 (18%) were hospitalised due to COVID-19 and 196 (82%) due to non-COVID-19 causes, mainly AIDS-defining events (ADE). PWH hospitalised due to COVID-19 had higher CD4 + cell counts (380 cells/mm3 [IQR: 184–580] vs. 97 cells/mm3 [IQR: 34–272], p < 0.01) and a higher proportion of virologic suppression (VS) compared to those hospitalised due to non-COVID-19 causes (92% vs. 55%, p < 0.01). The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for AIDS was 3.1 (95%CI: 1.3–7.2). COVID-19 was not associated with death (aHR 0.9 [95%CI: 0.3–2.9]). Compared to 2019, mortality was significantly higher in 2020 (19% vs. 9%, p < 0.01), while hospitalisations decreased by 57%.

Conclusions

PWH with COVID-19 had higher VS and CD4 + cell counts and lower mortality compared to those hospitalised due to non-COVID-19-related causes, who more often were recently diagnosed with HIV and had ADEs. Most hospitalisations and deaths in 2020 in PWH were related to advanced HIV disease. The increased mortality and decreased hospitalisations of PWH during 2020 evidence the impact of the interruption of health services delivery for PWH with advanced disease due to the pandemic. Our findings highlight the challenges faced by PWH during 2020 in a country where advanced HIV remains a concern.
What are the differences in paraspinal muscle morphometry among degenerative spondylolisthesis patients, isthmic spondylolisthesis patients, and healthy individuals? A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Li Xing-Bin , Wang Lu , Deng Qian , Wang Bang , Wang Zhao-Rui , Zhao Chun-Ming , Li Xiao-Jing , Huang Ai-Bing
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To compare the morphometry of paraspinal muscles in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS), isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS), and healthy individuals.

Methods

Thirty-seven pairs of DS patients were selected using propensity score matching with IS patients, while 37 healthy individuals matched for age, sex, and BMI were selected as controls. The relative cross-sectional area (rCSA), and relative functional cross-sectional area (rfCSA) of paraspinal muscles were measured, and the degree of fatty infiltration (FI) was calculated. Based on occupational differences, the patients were also divided into worker and farmer groups, and the same measurements were taken on them.

Results

At the L3/L4 level, the multifidus (MF) FI was greater in the DS and IS groups than in the control group, the erector spinae (ES) rfCSA was higher in the IS group than in the DS and control groups. At the L4/L5 level, MF rfCSA was smaller in the DS and IS groups than in the control group; ES rfCSA was higher in the IS group than in the DS and control groups. At the L5/S1 level, MF rfCSA was smaller in the DS and IS groups than in the control group; ES rfCSA was higher in the IS group than in the DS group. At the L3/L4, L4/L5 level, MF rfCSA were higher in the worker group than in the farmer group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The morphological changes in paraspinal muscles in patients with DS were dominated by selective atrophy of the MF, while in patients with IS, the morphological changes in paraspinal muscle showed selective atrophy of the MF accompanied by compensatory hypertrophy of the ES. The surgeon should consider the morphological differences in paraspinal muscle between different types of lumbar spondylolisthesis when establishing the appropriate surgical program.
The efficacy of virtual reality for upper limb rehabilitation in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Soleimani Mohsen , Ghazisaeedi Marjan , Heydari Soroush
Published: May 2024

Background

Stroke frequently gives rise to incapacitating motor impairments in the upper limb. Virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation has exhibited potential for augmenting upper extremity recovery; nonetheless, the optimal techniques for such interventions remain a topic of uncertainty. The present systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to comprehensively compare VR-based rehabilitation with conventional occupational therapy across a spectrum of immersion levels and outcome domains.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, IEEE, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycNET databases to identify randomized controlled trials about upper limb rehabilitation in stroke patients utilizing VR interventions. The search encompassed studies published in the English language up to March 2023. The identified studies were stratified into different categories based on the degree of immersion employed: non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully-immersive settings. Subsequent meta-analyses were executed to assess the impact of VR interventions on various outcome measures.

Results

Of the 11,834 studies screened, 55 studies with 2142 patients met the predefined inclusion criteria. VR conferred benefits over conventional therapy for upper limb motor function, functional independence, Quality of life, Spasticity, and dexterity. Fully immersive VR showed the greatest gains in gross motor function, while non-immersive approaches enhanced fine dexterity. Interventions exceeding six weeks elicited superior results, and initiating VR within six months post-stroke optimized outcomes.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that adjunctive VR-based rehabilitation enhances upper limb motor recovery across multiple functional domains compared to conventional occupational therapy alone after stroke. Optimal paradigms likely integrate VR’s immersive capacity with conventional techniques.

Trial registration

This systematic review and meta-analysis retrospectively registered in the OSF registry under the identifier [https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/YK2RJ].
Turnover intention and its associated factors among nurses in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Elfios Eshetu , Asale Israel , Merkine Merid , Geta Temesgen , Ashager Kidist , Nigussie Getachew , Agena Ayele , Atinafu Bizuayehu , Israel Eskindir , Tesfaye Teketel
Published: May 2024

Background

Nurses turnover intention, representing the extent to which nurses express a desire to leave their current positions, is a critical global public health challenge. This issue significantly affects the healthcare workforce, contributing to disruptions in healthcare delivery and organizational stability. In Ethiopia, a country facing its own unique set of healthcare challenges, understanding and mitigating nursing turnover are of paramount importance. Hence, the objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to determine the pooled proportion ofturnover intention among nurses and to identify factors associated to it in Ethiopia.

Methods

A comprehensive search carried out for studies with full document and written in English language through an electronic web-based search strategy from databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar and Ethiopian University Repository online. Checklist from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used to assess the studies’ quality. STATA version 17 software was used for statistical analyses. Meta-analysis was done using a random-effects method. Heterogeneity between the primary studies was assessed by Cochran Q and I-square tests. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out to clarify the source of heterogeneity.

Result

This systematic review and meta-analysis incorporated 8 articles, involving 3033 nurses in the analysis. The pooled proportion of turnover intention among nurses in Ethiopia was 53.35% (95% CI (41.64, 65.05%)), with significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 97.9, P = 0.001). Significant association of turnover intention among nurses was found with autonomous decision-making (OR: 0.28, CI: 0.14, 0.70) and promotion/development (OR: 0.67, C.I: 0.46, 0.89).

Conclusion and recommendation

Our meta-analysis on turnover intention among Ethiopian nurses highlights a significant challenge, with a pooled proportion of 53.35%. Regional variations, such as the highest turnover in Addis Ababa and the lowest in Sidama, underscore the need for tailored interventions. The findings reveal a strong link between turnover intention and factors like autonomous decision-making and promotion/development. Recommendations for stakeholders and concerned bodies involve formulating targeted retention strategies, addressing regional variations, collaborating for nurse welfare advocacy, prioritizing career advancement, reviewing policies for nurse retention improvement.
Comparison of plasma substance P concentrations in the blood of healthy male and female German Simmental calves
Authors: Landinger Anna , Zablotski Yury , Knubben-Schweizer Gabriela , Tschoner Theresa
Published: May 2024

Background

The recognition of pain is a major problem in cattle, as they are stoic animals which strongly mask their pain. Among objective parameters to assess pain in cattle is substance P (SP), a neurotransmitter which is involved in the pain pathways. Research about SP concentration in calves focus on painful procedures, such as castration and dehorning. Basic research work is lacking; evaluation of SP concentrations in healthy calves and possible differences between sexes have not been published yet. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe SP concentrations in healthy male and female calves of the German Simmental breed to establish benchmarks of orientation, (2) compare SP concentrations between male and female calves, and (3) assess differences in SP concentrations between calves and adult cows. A total of 44 male and 49 female calves aged 14 to 21 days (17.1 ± 2.2 days) were included in this study. Blood samples were taken at 06:00 a.m. from the jugular vein, followed by a clinical examination. SP concentrations were analyzed using a commercial ELISA kit. Differences in SP concentrations according to laboratory parameters, and correlation of SP concentrations with different parameters were assessed.

Results

Median SP concentrations in the blood plasma were 516 pg/ml (Interquartile Range 320 pg/ml, range 229–1615 pg/ml) in calves. Median SP concentrations differed significantly between male and female calves (554 pg/ml for male, and 489 pg/ml for female calves, respectively). There was no significant difference in animals with laboratory findings within reference ranges and those with mild deviations from reference ranges. There was a positive correlation between SP concentrations and leucocyte count, which was significant. SP concentrations were significantly lower in calves compared with a dataset of adult cows, which has been published previously.

Conclusion

Due to the high interindividual differences in SP concentrations, it is hard to establish benchmarks for orientation. Sex has a significant influence on SP concentrations. Research work should preferably be done in animals of the same sex. Also, animals should be within the same age range (adults or calves), as age seems to have an influence on SP concentrations.
A study on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on hematological parameters and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D in healthy dogs
Authors: Shahraki Reza Gholipour , Shomali Tahoora , Taherianfard Mahnaz , Derakhshandeh Nooshin , Nazifi Saeed , Abhaji Ebrahim
Published: May 2024

Background

Limited studies are available on vitamin D supplementation in dogs. This study evaluates the effect of a commercial vitamin D3 supplement on serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D as well as selected biochemical and hematological parameters in healthy dogs. Eight intact male adult dogs with a mean body weight of 20 kg from mixed breeds were included in the study. After adaptation period, dogs received vitamin D3 supplement at the dose of 50 IU/kg body weight per day. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 14, 28 and 42 of supplementation. Food was used for analysis of vitamin D3 content.

Results

Significant increase in serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 was detected since day 14 of supplementation. Changes in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 concentration during time showed an upward significance (p < 0.05). Vitamin D3 content of the food was 2900 IU/kg dry matter. Changes in serum phosphorus levels were upward significant. No dog showed calcium or phosphorus levels above the highest reference level. Liver and kidney parameters remained in the reference range during the experiment. A gradual significant increase was observed in hemoglobin and hematocrit which was started from day 14. Vitamin D3 supplementation had no significant effect on neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes percent during the study.

Conclusions

Vitamin D3 supplementation at 50 IU/kg BW daily, increases serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in healthy dogs fed with a diet containing proper amount of this vitamin. It also increases hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in a time dependent manner without inducing adverse effects.
Intracellular removal of acetyl, feruloyl and p-coumaroyl decorations on arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides imported from lignocellulosic biomass degradation by Ruminiclostridium cellulolyticum
Authors: Liu Nian , Odinot Elise , David Hélène , Vita Nicolas , Otalvaro Felipe Mejia , Parsiegla Goetz , Denis Yann , Faulds Craig , Fierobe Henri-Pierre , Perret Stéphanie
Published: May 2024

Background

Xylans are polysaccharides that are naturally abundant in agricultural by-products, such as cereal brans and straws. Microbial degradation of arabinoxylan is facilitated by extracellular esterases that remove acetyl, feruloyl, and p-coumaroyl decorations. The bacterium Ruminiclostridium cellulolyticum possesses the Xua (xylan utilization associated) system, which is responsible for importing and intracellularly degrading arabinoxylodextrins. This system includes an arabinoxylodextrins importer, four intracellular glycosyl hydrolases, and two intracellular esterases, XuaH and XuaJ which are encoded at the end of the gene cluster.

Results

Genetic studies demonstrate that the genes xuaH and xuaJ are part of the xua operon, which covers xuaABCDD’EFGHIJ. This operon forms a functional unit regulated by the two-component system XuaSR. The esterases encoded at the end of the cluster have been further characterized: XuaJ is an acetyl esterase active on model substrates, while XuaH is a xylan feruloyl- and p-coumaryl-esterase. This latter is active on oligosaccharides derived from wheat bran and wheat straw. Modelling studies indicate that XuaH has the potential to interact with arabinoxylobiose acylated with mono- or diferulate. The intracellular esterases XuaH and XuaJ are believed to allow the cell to fully utilize the complex acylated arabinoxylo-dextrins imported into the cytoplasm during growth on wheat bran or straw.

Conclusions

This study reports for the first time that a cytosolic feruloyl esterase is part of an intracellular arabinoxylo-dextrin import and degradation system, completing its cytosolic enzymatic arsenal. This system represents a new pathway for processing highly-decorated arabinoxylo-dextrins, which could provide a competitive advantage to the cell and may have interesting biotechnological applications.
Chondrocyte-targeted exosome-mediated delivery of Nrf2 alleviates cartilaginous endplate degeneration by modulating mitochondrial fission
Authors: Lin Zhidi , Xu Guangyu , Lu Xiao , Liu Siyang , Zou Fei , Ma Xiaosheng , Jiang Jianyuan , Wang Hongli , Song Jian
Published: May 2024

Background

Cartilaginous endplate (CEP) degeneration, which is an important contributor to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), is characterized by chondrocyte death. Accumulating evidence has revealed that dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission and dysfunction lead to apoptosis during CEP degeneration and IVDD. Exosomes are promising agents for the treatment of many diseases, including osteoporosis, osteosarcoma, osteoarthritis and IVDD. Despite their major success in drug delivery, the full potential of exosomes remains untapped.

Materials and methods

In vitro and in vivo models of CEP degeneration were established by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We designed genetically engineered exosomes (CAP-Nrf2-Exos) expressing chondrocyte-affinity peptide (CAP) on the surface and carrying the antioxidant transcription factor nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The affinity between CAP-Nrf2-Exos and CEP was evaluated by in vitro internalization assays and in vivo imaging assays. qRT‒PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were performed to examine the expression level of Nrf2 and the subcellular localization of Nrf2 and Drp1. Mitochondrial function was measured by the JC-1 probe and MitoSOX Red. Mitochondrial morphology was visualized by MitoTracker staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). After subendplate injection of the engineered exosomes, the degree of CEP degeneration and IVDD was validated radiologically and histologically.

Results

We found that the cargo delivery efficiency of exosomes after cargo packaging was increased by surface modification. CAP-Nrf2-Exos facilitated chondrocyte-targeted delivery of Nrf2 and activated the endogenous antioxidant defence system in CEP cells. The engineered exosomes inhibited Drp1 S616 phosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation, thereby preventing mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction. LPS-induced CEP cell apoptosis was alleviated by CAP-Nrf2-Exo treatment. In a rat model of CEP degeneration, the engineered exosomes successfully attenuated CEP degeneration and IVDD and exhibited better repair capacity than natural exosomes.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings showed that exosome-mediated chondrocyte-targeted delivery of Nrf2 was an effective strategy for treating CEP degeneration.

Graphic abstract CAP-Nrf2-Exos delivered Nrf2 into CEP cells and alleviated LPS-induced apoptosis by inhibiting Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission
Short cell-penetration peptide conjugated bioreducible polymer enhances gene editing of CRISPR system
Authors: Wang Xiaobo , Cai Chengyuan , Lv Weiqi , Chen Kechen , Li Jiaxin , Liao Kaitong , Zhang Yanqun , Huang Hongxin , Lin Ying , Rong Zhili , Duan Xiaopin
Published: May 2024

CRISPR-based gene therapy offers precise targeting and specific editing of disease-related gene sequences, potentially yielding long-lasting treatment effects. However, efficient delivery remains a significant challenge for its widespread application. In this study, we design a novel short peptide-conjugated bioreducible polymer named TSPscp as a safe and effective delivery vector for the CRISPR system. Our results show that TSPscp markedly boosts transcriptional activation and genome editing activities of multiple CRISPR systems as confirmed by decomposition-seq and Deep-seq, which is resulted from its capability in facilitating delivery of plasmid DNA by promoting cellular uptake and lysosomal escape. Additionally, TSPscp further enhances genome editing of CRISPR by delivery of minicircle DNA, a condensed form of regular plasmid DNA. More importantly, TSPscp significantly improves delivery and genome editing of CRISPR system in vivo. In summary, our study highlights TSPscp as a promising delivery tool for CRISPR applications in vivo.

Graphical Abstract
Horizontal mitochondrial transfer as a novel bioenergetic tool for mesenchymal stromal/stem cells: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential in a variety of diseases
Authors: Iorio Roberto , Petricca Sabrina , Mattei Vincenzo , Delle Monache Simona
Published: May 2024

Intercellular mitochondrial transfer (MT) is a newly discovered form of cell-to-cell signalling involving the active incorporation of healthy mitochondria into stressed/injured recipient cells, contributing to the restoration of bioenergetic profile and cell viability, reduction of inflammatory processes and normalisation of calcium dynamics. Recent evidence has shown that MT can occur through multiple cellular structures and mechanisms: tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), via gap junctions (GJs), mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) and other mechanisms (cell fusion, mitochondrial extrusion and migrasome-mediated mitocytosis) and in different contexts, such as under physiological (tissue homeostasis and stemness maintenance) and pathological conditions (hypoxia, inflammation and cancer). As Mesenchimal Stromal/ Stem Cells (MSC)-mediated MT has emerged as a critical regulatory and restorative mechanism for cell and tissue regeneration and damage repair in recent years, its potential in stem cell therapy has received increasing attention. In particular, the potential therapeutic role of MSCs has been reported in several articles, suggesting that MSCs can enhance tissue repair after injury via MT and membrane vesicle release. For these reasons, in this review, we will discuss the different mechanisms of MSCs-mediated MT and therapeutic effects on different diseases such as neuronal, ischaemic, vascular and pulmonary diseases. Therefore, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of MT and demonstrating its efficacy could be an important milestone that lays the foundation for future clinical trials.
Vertebral hemangiomas: a review on diagnosis and management
Authors: Kato Kyle , Teferi Nahom , Challa Meron , Eschbacher Kathryn , Yamaguchi Satoshi
Published: May 2024

Background

Vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) are the most common benign tumors of the spinal column and are often encountered incidentally during routine spinal imaging.

Methods

A retrospective review of the inpatient and outpatient hospital records at our institution was performed for the diagnosis of VHs from January 2005 to September 2023. Search filters included “vertebral hemangioma,” "back pain,” “weakness,” “radiculopathy,” and “focal neurological deficits.” Radiographic evaluation of these patients included plain X-rays, CT, and MRI. Following confirmation of a diagnosis of VH, these images were used to generate the figures used in this manuscript. Moreover, an extensive literature search was conducted using PubMed for the literature review portion of the manuscript.

Result

VHs are benign vascular proliferations that cause remodeling of bony trabeculae in the vertebral body of the spinal column. Horizontal trabeculae deteriorate leading to thickening of vertical trabeculae which causes a striated appearance on sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), “Corduroy sign,” and a punctuated appearance on axial imaging, “Polka dot sign.” These findings are seen in “typical vertebral hemangiomas” due to a low vascular-to-fat ratio of the lesion. Contrarily, atypical vertebral hemangiomas may or may not demonstrate the “Corduroy” or “Polka-dot” signs due to lower amounts of fat and a higher vascular component. Atypical vertebral hemangiomas often mimic other neoplastic pathologies, making diagnosis challenging. Although most VHs are asymptomatic, aggressive vertebral hemangiomas can present with neurologic sequelae such as myelopathy and radiculopathy due to nerve root and/or spinal cord compression. Asymptomatic vertebral hemangiomas do not require therapy, and there are many treatment options for vertebral hemangiomas causing pain, radiculopathy, and/or myelopathy. Surgery (corpectomy, laminectomy), percutaneous techniques (vertebroplasty, sclerotherapy, embolization), and radiotherapy can be used in combination or isolation as appropriate. Specific treatment options depend on the lesion's size/location and the extent of neural element compression. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment plan for symptomatic vertebral hemangioma patients, although management algorithms have been proposed.

Conclusion

While typical vertebral hemangioma diagnosis is relatively straightforward, the differential diagnosis is broad for atypical and aggressive lesions. There is an ongoing debate as to the best approach for managing symptomatic cases, however, surgical resection is often considered first line treatment for patients with neurologic deficit.
Two-year post-distraction cartilage-related structural improvement is accompanied by increased serum full-length SIRT1
Authors: Marco Miya , Jansen Mylène , van der Weiden Goran , Reich Eli , Maatuf Yonathan H. , Mastbergen Simon C. , Dvir-Ginzberg Mona
Published: May 2024

Background

Previously, fragments from Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) were identified in preclinical and clinical samples to display an increase in serum levels for N-terminal (NT) SIRT1 vs. C-terminal (CT) SIRT1, indicative of early signs of OA. Here we tested NT/CT SIRT1 levels as well as a novel formulated sandwich assay to simultaneously detect both domains of SIRT1 in a manner that may inform us about the levels of full-length SIRT1 in the circulation (flSIRT1) of clinical cohorts undergoing knee joint distraction (KJD).

Methods

We employed an indirect ELISA assay to test NT- and CT-SIRT1 levels and calculated their ratio. Further, to test flSIRT1 we utilized novel antibodies (Ab), which were validated for site specificity and used in a sandwich ELISA method, wherein the CT-reactive served as capture Ab, and its NT-reactive served as primary detection Ab. This method was employed in human serum samples derived from a two-year longitudinal study of KJD patients. Two-year clinical and structural outcomes were correlated with serum levels of flSIRT1 compared to baseline.

Results

Assessing the cohort, exhibited a significant increase of NT/CT SIRT1 serum levels with increased osteophytes and PIIANP/CTX-II at baseline, while a contradictory increase in NT/CT SIRT1 was associated with less denuded bone, post-KJD. On the other hand, flSIRT1 exhibited an upward trend in serum level, accompanied by reduced denuded bone for 2-year adjusted values. Moreover, 2 year-adjusted flSIRT1 levels displayed a steeper linear regression for cartilage and bone-related structural improvement than those observed for NT/CT SIRT1.

Conclusions

Our data support that increased flSIRT1 serum levels are a potential molecular endotype for cartilage-related structural improvement post-KJD, while NT/CT SIRT1 appears to correlate with osteophyte and PIIANP/CTX-II reduction at baseline, to potentially indicate baseline OA severity.