bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
30-Day Post-Operative Complications of Facial Fracture Repairs: A United States Database Study
Authors: Rich Matthew D. , Jungbauer W. Nicholas , Schubert Warren
Published: September 2022

Study Design

Cross-sectional database analysis.

Objective

To define post-operative complication rates in facial fracture repair and to assess this data for patient characteristics which may be associated with post-operative complications.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. All patients included in this study sample must have (a) been ≥18 years old and (b) underwent surgical repair of a facial fracture during the study period by a plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist. Adverse outcomes at 30 days were characterized into four groups: superficial surgical site infection (SSI), deep SSI, organ space infection, and wound disruption.

Results

In total, 2481 patients met the primary outcome of facial fracture. Among the four fracture types assessed, 1090 fractures (43.9%) were mandibular, 721 were zygomatic (29.1%), 638 were orbital (25.7%), and 32 (1.3%) were Lefort. Of the entire cohort, 25 patients (1.01%) experienced a superficial SSI, 14 patients (.56%) presented with a deep SSI, 25 fractures (1.01%) returned with an organ space infection, and 23 patients (.93%) experienced some type of wound disruption. Smokers had a significantly higher risk of superficial SSIs ( P < .05) and organ space infections ( P < .05).

Conclusions

The majority of facial fracture patients do not experience post-operative complications. However, smokers and patients with diabetes mellitus were shown to be at an elevated risk of developing complications. Future research should further investigate this relationship and focus on developing interventions to improve post-operative outcomes.
Minimum 5-Year Outcomes of Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation with a Concomitant High Tibial Osteotomy for Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee with a Large Lesion
Authors: Kumagai Ken , Yamada Shunsuke , Nejima Shuntaro , Sotozawa Masaichi , Inaba Yutaka
Published: September 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term clinical outcomes of osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) with concomitant high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) with a large lesion.

Design

A total of 48 knees of 48 consecutive patients with SONK (lesion size ≥4 cm2, no age criteria) who underwent opening wedge HTO and concomitant OAT were retrospectively investigated, and those who were followed up postoperatively for at least 5 years were included in this case series study. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using knee and function scores of Knee Society Score, radiographic outcomes were evaluated using the anatomical femorotibial angle (FTA), and these outcomes were compared between patients aged ≥70 years and <70 years.

Results

Of the 48 cases, a total of 43 cases were available for review at a minimum of 5 years, and 5 cases were excluded from the analysis. Overall, the mean knee score improved from preoperative 48.8 ± 13.3 to postoperative 87.9 ± 8.6 at 1 year ( P < 0.05) and 85.0 ± 10.4 at final follow-up ( P < 0.05 vs. preop., N.S. vs. 1 year). The mean function score also improved from preoperative 60.1 ± 10.9 to postoperative 87.3 ± 12.2 at 1 year ( P < 0.05) and 84.2 ± 12.4 at final follow-up ( P < 0.05 vs. preop., N.S. vs. 1 year). The mean standing FTA was corrected significantly from 181.1° ± 2.7° preoperatively to 169.7° ± 2.4° at 1 year ( P < 0.05) and 169.4° ± 3.1° at final follow-up ( P < 0.05 vs. preop., N.S. vs. 1 year). There were no significant differences in clinical and radiographic outcomes between patients aged ≥70 years and <70 years. There were 4 cases of lateral hinge fracture around the osteotomy site and 1 case of delayed union. None of the patients underwent revision surgery during the follow-up period (survival rate of 100%).

Conclusions

Mid-term clinical outcomes of patients with SONK who underwent HTO and OAT with a relatively large lesion were good.
Pain management for people with dementia: a cross-setting systematic review and meta-ethnography
Authors: Smith Toby O , Lockey Dawn , Johnson Helen , Rice Lauren , Heard Jay , Irving Lisa
Published: September 2022

Background

Pain management for people with dementia is challenging. There is limited understanding on the experiences of pain management from people with dementia, but also from those who support them. This study synthesised the qualitative evidence to explore the perspectives of people with dementia, their family, friends, carers and healthcare professionals to pain management.

Methods

A systematic literature review was undertaken of published and unpublished literature databases (to 01 November 2021). All qualitative research studies reporting the perspectives of people with dementia, their family, friends, carers and healthcare professionals to managing pain were included. Eligible studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative appraisal tool. A meta-ethnography analysis approach was adopted, with findings assessed against the GRADE-CERQual framework.

Results

Of the 3994 citations screened, 33 studies were eligible. Seven themes were identified from the data. There was moderate evidence from six studies indicating inequity of pain management for people with dementia. There was moderate evidence from 22 studies regarding anxieties on cascading pain information. There was moderate evidence from nine studies that familiarisation of the person with pain, their preferences, routines and behaviours were key factors to better pain management. Consistently, carers and healthcare professionals had a low opinion of the management of pain for people with dementia, with tensions over the ‘best’ treatment options to offer. This was associated with poor training and understanding on how pain ‘should’ be managed.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the challenges faced by people with dementia and pain, and those who support them. Improvements in education for people who support these individuals would be valuable across health and social care pathways. Supporting family members and relatives on pain experiences and treatment options could improve awareness to improve quality of life for people with dementia and pain and those who support them.
Intra-articular osteoma in the stifle joint of a cat
Authors: Jaenich Sebastian , Klass Grace , Bosch Beate , Unger Martin , Slunsky Pavel
Published: September 2022

Case summary

A 13-year-old male castrated cat was referred to our clinic for a 2-month history of right hindlimb lameness. Radiographs and CT showed a solid bony mass within the stifle joint. The mass was resected by arthrotomy and osteotomy of the tibial tuberosity. Histopathological examination revealed the diagnosis of osteoma. Recovery from surgery was uneventful. At the 8-week follow-up examination, the cat was free of clinical signs.

Relevance and novel information

Feline osteomas are rare; only few cases have been reported. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an intra-articular osteoma in the stifle joint of a cat and description of its surgical resection.
Cerebral meningioma associated with extensive calvarium osteolysis and presumed intratumoral carcinoma metastasis in a cat
Authors: Dussaux Alice , Gomes Eymeric , Hurion Murielle , Rattez Elise , Mayousse Vincent
Published: September 2022

Case summary

A 10-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat presented with a 3-month history of weight loss, dysorexia and lethargy. Neurological examination revealed decreased mentation, absent menace response bilaterally and proprioceptive deficits affecting all four limbs; these findings were consistent with a forebrain disorder. Brain CT revealed an extensive asymmetric permeative osteolysis destroying two-thirds of the circumference of the calvarium and involving the right frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital bones, as well as the left parietal bone. This extensive bone lysis was associated with a large ‘plaque-like’ extra-axial subdural/pachymeningeal lesion extending within the soft tissues surrounding the calvarium. The cat was humanely euthanased. Post-mortem MRI was performed, which revealed a T2-weighted (T2W) hypointense subdural lesion and a T2W hyperintense circumferential extracranial lesion lining the right calvarium and left parietal bone. Histopathological analysis on a post-mortem sample of the lesion revealed a fibroblastic subtype of meningioma. Epithelial neoplastic cells were observed scattered through the meningioma, calvarium and surrounding muscular tissues, corresponding with presumed metastatic carcinoma.

Relevance and novel information

To our knowledge, this is the first report of an intracranial meningioma associated with such an extensive and diffuse calvarial osteolysis in veterinary medicine. This is also the first description of presumed metastatic inclusions (adenocarcinoma in this case) inside an intracranial feline meningioma, which is a rare phenomenon known as tumour-to-tumour metastasis in human medicine.
A discussion of some controversies in mixed methods research for emerging researchers
Authors: Adu Joseph , Owusu Mark Fordjour , Martin-Yeboah Ebenezer , Pino Gavidia Lisbeth Alexandra , Gyamfi Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Mixed methods research has become an important approach to research worldwide. The combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods has made it possible for a deeper and broader understanding of multifaceted phenomena, thereby offering readers more confidence in research findings and conclusions. The use of mixed method designs became more established in the 1980s and early 1990s, but some controversies surrounding the approach remain. Nonetheless, experts in the field of mixed methods research have continued to work on the central premise that the use of qualitative and quantitative approaches, in combination, provides a better understanding of research problems than either approach alone. This concept paper discusses some of the known controversies around mixed methods with the aim of providing useful insights to emerging researchers interested in learning the methodology.
What Makes Indonesians Satisfied With Their Health? A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Susanti Susanti , Pierewan Adi Cilik , Kismiantini Kismiantini , Aripin Sofjan
Published: September 2022

National governments are increasingly exploring how the routine collection of subjective well-being data can be a valuable tool for improving public policy. In particular, health satisfaction is an indicator of subjective well-being which can be helpful in evaluating and improving of health policy. This study aimed to examine patterns and determinants of health satisfaction across provinces, considering how its measurement can help governments to deliver more effective health policy. We used secondary data using Happiness Level Assessment Survey conducted by the Central Statistics Agency of Indonesia involved respondents aged 18 to 98 with response rate in 2014 was 94.2%, while in 2017 was 96.4%. To this end, an analysis was performed on 45,881 responses to the 2014 and 2017 Happiness Level Assessment Survey performed by the Central Agency of Statistics. The results showed that there was a significant difference in health satisfaction in 2017 compared with 2014, with health satisfaction in 2017 is higher than that in 2014. Overall, 12 out of 34 provinces experienced a substantial rise in health satisfaction. Subsequently, multi-level modeling was used to explore the extent to which health satisfaction was associated with different individual-level and provincial-level explanatory variables. Here, the analyses showed that health satisfaction among Indonesians is associated with whether individuals live in urban or rural areas, demographic factors, health-related factors, social capital, and leisure time. Overall, the study helps to illuminate the status of health satisfaction across Indonesia, leading to numerous suggestions for improving health policy.
Specifying the Domineering Role of Governance in the Long Term Environmental Excellence: A Case Study of Pakistan
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Chenghu Zhang , Olah Judit , Shehzad Khurram , Ahmad Mahmood
Published: September 2022

Pakistan is facing massive issues such as political instability, weak law enforcement, and corruption, leading to poor implementation of environmental policies. This research investigates the nexus among CO2 emissions, energy consumption, financial development, governance index, and economic growth under the framework of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Moreover, the investigation also explores the impact of government effectiveness, voice and accountability, and regulatory quality from 1996Q4 to 2018Q4. The empirical statistics indicate that financial development and energy consumption incline environmental degradation, while the governance index negatively affects CO2 emission. The results validate the presence of the EKC hypothesis in Pakistan. Besides, political stability, control of corruption, and Government effectiveness assist in curbing environmental degradation. Our findings suggest that there is a need to strengthen the institutions, and the Government of Pakistan should control the corrupt practices related to environmental policy implementation and strictly monitor the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PAK-EPA).
Effects of Industrial Policy on Firms’ Innovation Outputs: Evidence From China
Authors: Yan Yanyang , Wang Juan , Qiao Sijia
Published: September 2022

In the past two decades, China has implemented various industrial policies involving all aspects of national economic development. At the same time, the number of patent applications in China has rapidly grown to become the largest in the world. Is industrial policy the one force of China’s patent explosion? We investigate the influence of industrial policy on firm innovation outputs using data from the text of Five-Year Plan and Chinese listed firms during 2008 to 2020. Based on the negative binomial regression model, we find that industrial policy has a positive effect on the number of patent applications. Further tests show the varying relationship between industrial policy and firm innovation with industry heterogeneity. We also find that industrial policy increases the number of patent applications by easing financing constraints and strengthening competition. Conclusion of this study provides corresponding theory and decision basis for the implementation of industrial policy in emerging markets.
Determinants of Job Dissatisfaction and Its Impact on the Counterproductive Work Behavior of University Staff
Authors: Yean Tan Fee , Johari Johanim , Yahya Khulida Kirana , Chin Tay Lee
Published: September 2022

The employee behavior literature is very much dominated by studies on “good” or “positive” behaviors, but relatively little has been researched on the negative attitudes and behaviors of people within the workplace, in particular, job dissatisfaction and counterproductive work behavior (CWB). Therefore, the present study is intended to (1) investigate the influence of job stressors (i.e., role overload, role conflict, role ambiguity, and organizational constraints) on job dissatisfaction among university staff and (2) examine the influence of job dissatisfaction on university staff’s CWB. Data was gathered through 266 questionnaires and tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results revealed that organizational constraints, role overload, and role ambiguity are significant stressors that increase job dissatisfaction, which in turn, increase CWB. Thus, the findings highlight the vital role of specific job stressors (i.e., role overload, role ambiguity, and organizational constraints) in causing job dissatisfaction and CWB among university staff. The findings contribute to the stressor-emotion model and Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Validity and Reliability Evidence for Use of the Teacher-Rated Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale with Transition-Age Students
Authors: Lambert Matthew C. , Sinclair James , Martin Jodie R. , Epstein Michael H.
Published: September 2022

Identifying student strengths is central to transition planning. However, school personnel use few assessments that operationalize behavioral and emotional strengths, and the psychometric functioning of those measures have not been established with transition-age students. In this two-part study, we used a national sample of transition-age students to examine validity evidence for scores from the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale-3: Teacher Rating Scale (BERS-3 TRS). Study 1 evaluated the internal structure and test score reliability of the scores for 275 students with exceptionalities. Study II used a sample of 566 students to examine differences in scores between students with and without exceptionalities. Findings from these studies represent evidence for the validity and interpretation of scores for transition-age students with exceptionalities.
You Gotta Be There: A Thematic Content Analysis of the Historically Black College and University Sporting Experience
Authors: Foster Sayvon JL.
Published: September 2022

The college sport landscape is a unique arena where institutional and social norms merge with an erratic, but highly-traditioned, sporting space. While the broader scope of college sport is framed through a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) lens, the context of differing institutions is often forgotten or misunderstood. This process is primarily evident with Minority-Serving Institutions. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are educational spaces that leverage their historical foundations and missions in an effort to create safe and equitable spaces for Black students and community members. Traditionally, scholarly inquiries about HBCUs have focused primarily on exploring and understanding institutional missions and culture. The dynamic and complex relationships that exist between HBCUs and their collegiate sporting teams continues to be understudied. This study uses a Black Liberatory Fantasy lens to analyze tweets posted by HBCU students, alumni, and media members from 2013 to 2020. A thematic content analysis of tweets discovered five (5) emergent themes that highlight the unique contributions of the HBCU sporting space: (1) shifting HBCU narratives, (2) the communal culture of HBCU sport, (3) the HBCU sporting sanctuary, (4) enrichment within the HBCU sporting space, and 5) the Black Oppressive Nightmare. Implications of this study highlight institutionally and culturally-specific approaches towards marketing, fan experience, and broader social discourse.
Emerging Adulthood Uses and Gratifications of Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Study Among Filipino College Students
Authors: Cleofas Jerome V. , Albao Blulean T. , Dayrit Julienne Celina S.
Published: September 2022

This exploratory mixed methods study examines how the emerging adulthood development tasks of autonomy, intimacy, and identity are reflected in the social media (SM) uses and gratifications during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research draws its analysis from qualitative and quantitative data from an online survey of 1003 Filipino college students aged 18–29. Convenient sampling was done via online recruitment on social media sites. Qualitative findings reveal subcategories characterizing how respondents use social media to meet three developmental needs of EA: (1) autonomy, by practicing informational control and performing adulthood-related tasks; (2) intimacy, by maintaining relationships with peers and family; and (3) identity, by engaging in educational experiences and in entertainment and self-expression. Quantitative strand results suggest that sex, household income, Instagram and Tiktok use, and the number of active SM sites are significantly associated with the use of SM for at least one emerging adulthood development task ( p < 0.05).
Qualitative Oral-Presentation Feedback: Comparisons from Business Professionals, Instructors, and Student Peers
Authors: Baker Matthew J. , Baker William H.
Published: September 2022

Previous studies compare quantitative feedback ratings of student peers and instructors, but new presentation-feedback technologies enable qualitative-feedback comparison. This study extends previous research by comparing qualitative feedback and business professionals’ feedback. Compared to the professionals, the instructors provided similar feedback types and sentiment; students, however, de-emphasized message delivery and made fewer suggestions for improvement. The results suggest that students may need additional practice in critiquing message delivery and in suggesting needed improvements in their peers’ oral presentations. The study also provides a methodology using the new technologies for instructors to calibrate their own and their students’ feedback with professionals’ feedback.
Predicting onset risk of COVID-19 symptom to support healthy travel route planning in the new normal of long-term coexistence with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Tong Chengzhuo , Shi Wenzhong , Zhang Anshu , Shi Zhicheng
Published: September 2022

Due to the increased outdoor transmission risk of new SARS-COV-2 variants, the health of urban residents in daily travel is being threatened. In the new normal of long-term coexistence with SARS-CoV-2, how to avoid being infected by SARS-CoV-2 in daily travel has become a key issue. Hence, a spatiotemporal solution has been proposed to assist healthy travel route planning. Firstly, an enhanced urban-community-scale geographic model was proposed to predict daily COVID-19 symptom onset risk by incorporating the real-time effective reproduction numbers, and daily population variation of fully vaccinated. On-road onset risk predictions in the next following days were then extracted for searching healthy routes with the least onset risk values. The healthy route planning was further implemented in a mobile application. Hong Kong, one of the representative highly populated cities, has been chosen as an example to apply the spatiotemporal solution. The application results in the four epidemic waves of Hong Kong show that based on the high accurate prediction of COVID-19 symptom onset risk, the healthy route planning could reduce people’s exposure to the COVID-19 symptoms onset risk. To sum, the proposed solution can be applied to support the healthy travel of residents in more cities in the new normalcy.
Lymphadenopathy subsequent to Covishield (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) Corona virus vaccine: ultrasound findings and clinical implications
Authors: Sahoo Soumya Swaroop , Kaur Navdeep , Kaur Amandeep , Garg Shivane
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

Post anti-COVID-19 vaccine lymphadenopathies have been recently described in literature, from different parts of the world. Although there have been studies on lymphadenopathy following mRNA vaccines, there is a paucity of studies on lymphadenopathy following inactivated viral vaccines, such as Covishield.

Aim:

In this study, we explored lymphadenopathy subsequent to Covishield vaccine in terms of its various ultrasound parameters in the Indian population.

Methods:

This hospital-based longitudinal study was conducted among 50 adult beneficiaries of Covishield vaccine. Sociodemographic details and relevant clinical history were recorded using a semi-structured performa. Detailed ultrasound (USG) examination of the bilateral axillae was done on the day of vaccination and after 6–12 days post vaccination. Vaccine beneficiaries were evaluated for the presence of any vaccine-associated lymphadenopathy and described the presence, number, size, morphology, cortical thickness, and presence or absence of echogenic hilum.

Results:

Out of total (63) lymph nodes evaluated sonologically, majority (80.9%) of lymph nodes showed the features of benign lymphadenopathy. However, 12.6% (8/63) lymph nodes showed diffusely thickened cortex with preserved central echogenic hilum, 4.76% (3/63) lymph nodes showed eccentric cortical thickness with preserved hilar pattern, while only one lymph node showed diffuse cortical thickening with loss of central echogenic hilum.

Conclusion:

With an increase in vaccination coverage, clinicians are likely to confront increasing cases of vaccine-associated axillary lymphadenopathy. Therefore, they should exercise care, that contemporary anti-COVID-19 vaccination can present an aetiology of axillary lymph nodes with suspicious USG features.
Managing risk in the ‘danger zone’: Defensive infrastructure and public safety discourses on the north-east coast of England during the First World War
Authors: Reeve Michael
Published: September 2022

This article explores the development of nascent civil defence efforts during the First World War in Britain, through the use of urban case studies from the north-east coast of England. Whilst pre-war defence planning by central government and military authorities had been primarily concerned with the building of coastal gun batteries and strengthening the Royal Navy – in response to looming fears of invasion by a foreign foe – the war itself saw thousands of civilians on the ‘home front’ affected by war violence. Though they were many miles away from the conventional theatres of war, from late 1914, British civilians began to be killed and injured on their own soil by hostile battleships and aircraft. The largely improvised and dynamic multi-level response of central government, local authorities, the police and civilians indicated shifting relations between the national, local and individual. Fundamentally, early forms of civil defence were devised with pre-war notions of public safety in mind, while in the war context, these discourses were used to promote non-combatant resilience, particularly in urban coastal areas.
Ceftriaxone 1 g Versus 2 g Daily for the Treatment of Enterobacterales Bacteremia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Baalbaki Nadeem , Blum Sharon , Akerman Meredith , Johnson Diane
Published: September 2022

Background: Ceftriaxone is a commonly used antibiotic for the treatment of susceptible Enterobacterales infections. There is currently limited clinical data on the optimal dose of ceftriaxone for Enterobacterales bacteremia. Objectives: To evaluate the rate of clinical failure of ceftriaxone 1 g versus 2 g daily in patients with Enterobacterales bacteremia. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to any of the 3 New York University Hospitals: Long Island, Tisch, or Brooklyn, with ceftriaxone-susceptible Enterobacterales bacteremia, receiving ceftriaxone 1 or 2 g daily from October 2019 to September 2020. The primary outcome was 90-day rate of clinical failure. Clinical failure was defined as escalation of therapy, relapse of infection, or all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 124 patients, 58% in the 1-g group and 42% in the 2-g group, were included. There was no statistically significant difference found in the primary outcome. The 90-day rate of clinical failure was 16.7% versus 9.6%, P = 0.260. There were no statistically significant secondary outcomes, although infection relapse rates at 90 days were numerically greater in the 1-g group (11.1% vs 1.9%, P = 0.078). Hypoalbuminemia was the only variable associated with an increased risk of clinical failure (odds ratio = 4.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-14.50, P = 0.033). Conclusion: In our exploratory findings, there was no statistically significant difference with the 90-day rate of clinical failure between ceftriaxone 1 g versus 2 g daily, although there was a numeric trend toward an increased rate of infection relapse within the 1-g group. Hypoalbuminemia was associated with an increased risk of clinical failure. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Preliminary results of two novel devices for epiphysiodesis in the reduction of excessive predicted final height in tall stature
Authors: Laufer Andrea , Toporowski Gregor , Gosheger Georg , von der Heiden Ava , Rölfing Jan Duedal , Frommer Adrien , Rachbauer Anna , Antfang Carina , Rödl Robert , Vogt Bjoern
Published: September 2022

Background

In the treatment of tall stature, the reduction of excessive predicted final height can either be achieved by hormonal treatment or surgically by temporary (tED) or permanent (pED) epiphysiodesis. The present study evaluates the preliminary results of two novel devices for tED and pED around the knee to reduce the predicted final height.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome after bilateral epiphysiodesis for the treatment of tall stature. A cohort of 34 patients (16 girls, 18 boys) who underwent either tED or pED between 2015 and 2020 were eligible for analysis based on the electronic patient records and picture archiving and communication system of our orthopaedic teaching hospital. tED was conducted in 11 patients (32%) through bilateral implantation of four RigidTacks™ (Merete, Berlin, Germany) around the knee. Twenty-three patients (68%) received pED, performed with an EpiStop™ trephine (Eberle, Wurmberg, Germany). The mean overall follow-up time was 2.9 years.

Results

The mean age at surgery was 12.3 years in girls and 13.2 years in boys. Patients had a mean body height of 175.2 cm in girls and 184.7 cm in boys at surgery. The mean predicted final height was 191.4 cm in girls and 210.4 cm in boys. At the last follow-up, 26 patients (76.5%) had achieved skeletal maturity. The mean height of skeletally mature patients was 187.2 cm in girls and 198.5 cm in boys. A mean reduction of the predicted final height of 5.9 cm in girls and 8.7 cm in boys was achieved, corresponding to a reduction in remaining growth of 46% in girls and 38% in boys. Secondary frontal plane deformities of the knee were detected in 5/11 patients (45.5%) in the tED group and 1/23 treatments (4.3%) in the pED group.

Conclusions

tED and pED have both proven to be efficient at achieving growth inhibition to reduce excessive predicted height. However, tED has been associated with an increased risk of secondary angular deformities of the knee. Furthermore, the risk of implant-related complications and the necessity of a subsequent surgical intervention for implant removal have led our study group to abandon tED when treating tall stature. Long-term results of both procedures are pending.

Level of evidence

4.
The effect of exercise modality on age-related changes observed during running
Authors: Borgia Brianne , Dufek Janet S. , Radzak Kara N. , Freedman Silvernail Julia
Published: September 2022

Introduction

With the increase in participation by older adults in endurance events, research is needed to evaluate how exercising throughout the lifespan can affect the aging process regarding gait and mobility. The purpose of this study was to determine how the type of exercise modality one participates in will affect age-related declines observed during running.

Methods

Fifty-six individuals between the ages of 18–65 who considered running, resistance training or cycling/swimming as their primary form of activity participated in this study. Kinematics were captured using a 10-camera motion capture system while participants ran at a controlled pace of 3.5 m/s (± 5%) over a 10-m runway with force platforms collecting kinetic data. Eight successful trials were chosen for analysis. A one-way ANOVA assessed differences in mean kinematic and kinetic variables of interest between physical activity groups (α = 0.05).

Results

Older resistance trainers exhibited greater maximal knee power compared to older runners. No other group differences were observed.

Conclusion

Despite type of exercise modality, regularly participating in exercise has positive effects. This is evident through the preservation of the function of the lower extremity with age, specifically function of the ankle, and its contribution to healthy movement patterns.
Performance Analyses of Photonic-Crystal Surface-Emitting Laser: Toward High-Speed Optical Communication
Authors: Peng Chun-Yen , Cheng Hao-Tien , Hong Yu-Heng , Hsu Wen-Cheng , Hsiao Fu-He , Lu Tien-Chang , Chang Shu-Wei , Chen Shih-Chen , Wu Chao-Hsin , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: September 2022

This study conducts comprehensive performance analyses of a commercial photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) via small-signal measurement and the bit-error-rate test. Meanwhile, the radio frequency characteristics of the PCSEL are unveiled for the first time. Compared to the vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, the PCSEL shows great potential for a broader optical bandwidth that is benefited from the high optical-confinement factor. A maximum bandwidth of around 2.32 GHz is experimentally observed when the PCSEL was biased at 340 mA. Moreover, a theoretical calculation was applied to shed light on the characteristics of the small-signal measurement, providing a deep insight into the corresponding intrinsic response model. The signal transmission capability of the PCSEL was investigated as well. The maximum bit rate and corresponding rise time transmitted at 500 Mbps are 1.2 Gbps and 186.16 ps, respectively. Thus, a high-speed PCSEL can be realised with a shrunk form factor, serving as a promising candidate for the next-generation light sources in high-speed optical communication.
Comparative genome analysis of commensal segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) from turkey and murine hosts reveals distinct metabolic features
Authors: Hedblom Grant A. , Dev Kamal , Bowden Steven D. , Baumler David J.
Published: September 2022

Background

Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are intestinal commensal microorganisms that have been demonstrated to induce the innate and adaptive immune responses in mouse and rat hosts. SFB are Gram-positive, spore-forming bacteria that fail to grow optimally under in vitro conditions due to unique metabolic requirements. Recently, SFB have been implicated in improved health and growth outcomes in commercial turkey flocks. To assess the nature and variations in SFB of turkeys and how they may differ from mammalian-associated SFB, the genome of turkey-associated SFB was compared with six representative genomes from murine hosts using an in silico approach.

Results

The SFB-turkey genome is 1.6 Mb with a G + C content of 26.14% and contains 1,604 coding sequences (CDS). Comparative genome analyses revealed that all the seven SFB strain possesses a common set of metabolic deficiencies and auxotrophies. Specifically, the inability of all the SFB strains to synthesize most of the amino acids, nucleotides and cofactors, emphasizing the importance of metabolite acquisition from the host intestinal environment. Among the seven SFB genomes, the SFB-turkey genome is the largest and contains the highest number of 1,604 predicted CDS. The SFB-turkey genome possesses cellular metabolism genes that are absent in the rodent SFB strains, including catabolic pathways for sucrose, stachyose, raffinose and other complex glycans. Other unique genes associated with SFB-turkey genome is loci for the biosynthesis of biotin, and degradation enzymes to recycle primary bile acids, both of which may play an important role to help turkey associated SFB survive and secure mutualism with its avian host.

Conclusions

Comparative genomic analysis of seven SFB genomes revealed that each strain have a core set of metabolic capabilities and deficiencies that make these bacteria challenging to culture under ex vivo conditions. When compared to the murine-associated strains, turkey-associated SFB serves as a phylogenetic outgroup and a unique member among all the sequenced strains of SFB. This turkey-associated SFB strain is the first reported non-mammalian SFB genome, and highlights the impact of host specificity and the evolution of metabolic capabilities.
GBP2 acts as a member of the interferon signalling pathway in lupus nephritis
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Liao Yinping , Hang Qing , Sun Dong , Liu Ya
Published: September 2022

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common and serious clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the pathogenesis of LN is not fully understood. The currently available treatments do not cure the disease and appear to have a variety of side effects in the long term. The purpose of this study was to search for key molecules involved in the LN immune response through bioinformatics techniques to provide a reference for LN-specific targeted therapy. The GSE112943 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and 20 of the samples were selected for analysis. In total, 2330 differentially expressed genes were screened. These genes were intersected with a list of immune genes obtained from the IMMPORT immune database to obtain 128 differentially expressed immune-related genes. Enrichment analysis showed that most of these genes were enriched in the interferon signalling pathway. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the sample was significantly enriched for expression of the interferon signalling pathway. Further analysis of the core gene cluster showed that nine genes, GBP2, VCAM1, ADAR, IFITM1, BST2, MX2, IRF5, OAS1 and TRIM22, were involved in the interferon signalling pathway. According to our analysis, the guanylate binding protein 2 (GBP2), interferon regulatory factor 5 and 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) genes are involved in three interferon signalling pathways. At present, we do not know whether GBP2 is associated with LN. Therefore, this study focused on the relationship between GBP2 and LN pathogenesis. We speculate that GBP2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of LN as a member of the interferon signalling pathway. Further immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of GBP2 was increased in the renal tissues of LN patients compared with the control group, confirming this conjecture. In conclusion, GBP2 is a member of the interferon signalling pathway that may have implications for the pathogenesis of LN and serves as a potential biomarker for LN.
Individual competence predominates over host nutritional status in Arabidopsis root exudate-mediated bacterial enrichment in a combination of four Burkholderiaceae species
Authors: Cillero Javier Ignacio , Henríquez Pablo Andrés , Ledger Thomas Warwick , Ruz Gonzalo Andrés , González Bernardo
Published: September 2022

Background

Rhizosphere microorganisms play a crucial role in plant health and development. Plant root exudates (PRE) are a complex mixture of organic molecules and provide nutritional and signaling information to rhizosphere microorganisms. Burkholderiaceae species are non-abundant in the rhizosphere but exhibit a wide range of plant-growth-promoting and plant-health-protection effects. Most of these plant-associated microorganisms have been studied in isolation under laboratory conditions, whereas in nature, they interact in competition or cooperation with each other. To improve our understanding of the factors driving growth dynamics of low-abundant bacterial species in the rhizosphere, we hypothesized that the growth and survival of four Burkholderiaceae strains (Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN, Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34, C. pinatubonensis JMP134 and C. taiwanensis LMG19424) in Arabidopsis thaliana PRE is affected by the presence of each other.

Results

Differential growth abilities of each strain were found depending on plant age and whether PRE was obtained after growth on N limitation conditions. The best-adapted strain to grow in PRE was P. phytofirmans PsJN, with C. pinatubonensis JMP134 growing better than the other two Cupriavidus strains. Individual strain behavior changed when they succeeded in combinations. Clustering analysis showed that the 4-member co-culture grouped with one of the best-adapted strains, either P. phytofirmans PsJN or C. pinatubonensis JMP134, depending on the PRE used. Sequential transference experiments showed that the behavior of the 4-member co-culture relies on the type of PRE provided for growth.

Conclusions

The results suggest that individual strain behavior changed when they grew in combinations of two, three, or four members, and those changes are determined first by the inherent characteristics of each strain and secondly by the environment.
Neutralization of the Staphylococcus aureus Panton-Valentine leukocidin by African and Caucasian sera
Authors: Grebe Tobias , Rudolf Viktoria , Gouleu Christiane Sidonie , Löffler Bettina , Adegnika Ayola Akim , Shittu Adebayo Osagie , Deinhardt-Emmer Stefanie , Niemann Silke , Schaumburg Frieder
Published: September 2022

Background

The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus isolates carrying the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene is higher in Africa (≈50%) compared to Europe (< 5%). The study aimed to measure anti-PVL-antibodies in Africans and Germans in a multi-center study and to test whether detected antibodies can neutralize the cytotoxic effect of PVL on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs).

Methods

Sera from asymptomatic Africans (n = 22, Nigeria, Gabon) and Caucasians (n = 22, Germany) were used to quantify antibody titers against PVL and α-hemolysin (in arbitrary units [AU]) by ELISA. PMNs from one African and German donor were exposed to 5 nM recombinant PVL to measure the neutralizing effect of serial dilutions of pooled sera from African and Caucasian participants, or donor sera at 0.625 and 2.5% (v/v).

Results

Anti-PVL-antibodies were significantly higher in Africans than in Germans (1.9 vs. 0.7 AU, p < 0.0001). The pooled sera from the study participants neutralized the cytotoxic effect of PVL on African and German PMNs in a dose dependent manner. Also, neutralization of PVL on PMNs from the African and German donors had a stronger effect with African sera (half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 0.27 and 0.47%, respectively) compared to Caucasian sera (IC50 = 3.51 and 3.59% respectively).

Conclusion

Africans have higher levels of neutralizing anti-PVL-antibodies. It remains unclear if or at what level these antibodies protect against PVL-related diseases.
Comparative analysis of stress-induced calcium signals in the crop species barley and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Giridhar Maya , Meier Bastian , Imani Jafargholi , Kogel Karl-Heinz , Peiter Edgar , Vothknecht Ute C. , Chigri Fatima
Published: September 2022

Background

Plants are continuously exposed to changing environmental conditions and biotic attacks that affect plant growth. In crops, the inability to respond appropriately to stress has strong detrimental effects on agricultural production and yield. Ca2+ signalling plays a fundamental role in the response of plants to most abiotic and biotic stresses. However, research on stimulus-specific Ca2+ signals has mostly been pursued in Arabidopsis thaliana, while in other species these events are little investigated .

Results

In this study, we introduced the Ca2+ reporter-encoding gene APOAEQUORIN into the crop species barley (Hordeum vulgare). Measurements of the dynamic changes in [Ca2+]cyt in response to various stimuli such as NaCl, mannitol, H2O2, and flagellin 22 (flg22) revealed the occurrence of dose- as well as tissue-dependent [Ca2+]cyt transients. Moreover, the Ca2+ signatures were unique for each stimulus, suggesting the involvement of different Ca2+ signalling components in the corresponding stress response. Alongside, the barley Ca2+ signatures were compared to those produced by the phylogenetically distant model plant Arabidopsis. Notable differences in temporal kinetics and dose responses were observed, implying species-specific differences in stress response mechanisms. The plasma membrane Ca2+ channel blocker La3+ strongly inhibited the [Ca2+]cyt response to all tested stimuli, indicating a critical role of extracellular Ca2+ in the induction of stress-associated Ca2+ signatures in barley. Moreover, by analysing spatio-temporal dynamics of the [Ca2+]cyt transients along the developmental gradient of the barley leaf blade we demonstrate that different parts of the barley leaf show quantitative differences in [Ca2+]cyt transients in response to NaCl and H2O2. There were only marginal differences in the response to flg22, indicative of developmental stage-dependent Ca2+ responses specifically to NaCl and H2O2.

Conclusion

This study reveals tissue-specific Ca2+ signals with stimulus-specific kinetics in the crop species barley, as well as quantitative differences along the barley leaf blade. A number of notable differences to the model plants Arabidopsis may be linked to different stimulus sensitivity. These transgenic barley reporter lines thus present a valuable tool to further analyse mechanisms of Ca2+ signalling in this crop and to gain insights into the variation of Ca2+-dependent stress responses between stress-susceptible and -resistant species.
Key factors for differential drought tolerance in two contrasting wild materials of Artemisia wellbyi identified using comparative transcriptomics
Authors: Liu Huan , Wang Qiyu , Wang Jinglong , Liu Yunfei , Renzeng Wangdui , Zhao Guiqin , Niu Kuiju
Published: September 2022

Background

Drought is a significant condition that restricts vegetation growth on the Tibetan Plateau. Artemisia wellbyi is a unique semi-shrub-like herb in the family Compositae, which distributed in northern and northwest of Tibetan Plateau. It is a dominant species in the community that can well adapt to virous environment stress, such as drought and low temperature. Therefore, A. wellbyi. has a potential ecological value for soil and water conservation of drought areas. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of A. wellbyi. that defense drought stress can acquire the key genes for drought resistance breeding of A. wellbyi. and provide a theoretical basis for vegetation restoration of desertification area. However, they remain unclear. Thus, our study compared the transcriptomic characteristics of drought-tolerant “11” and drought-sensitive “6” material of A. wellbyi under drought stress.

Results

A total of 4875 upregulated and 4381 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were induced by drought in the tolerant material; however, only 1931 upregulated and 4174 downregulated DEGs were induced by drought in the sensitive material. The photosynthesis and transcriptional regulation differed significantly with respect to the DEGs number and expression level. We found that CDPKs (calmodulin-like domain protein kinases), SOS3 (salt overly sensitive3), MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades), RLKs (receptor like kinase), and LRR-RLKs (repeat leucine-rich receptor kinase) were firstly involved in response to drought stress in drought tolerant A. wellbyi. Positive regulation of genes associated with the metabolism of ABA (abscisic acid), ET (ethylene), and IAA (indole acetic acid) could play a crucial role in the interaction with other transcriptional regulatory factors, such as MYBs (v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog), AP2/EREBPs (APETALA2/ethylene-responsive element binding protein family), WRKYs, and bHLHs (basic helix-loop-helix family members) and receptor kinases, and regulate downstream genes for defense against drought stress. In addition, HSP70 (heat shock protein70) and MYB73 were considered as the hub genes because of their strong association with other DEGs.

Conclusions

Positive transcriptional regulation and negative regulation of photosynthesis could be associated with better growth performance under drought stress in the drought-tolerant material. In addition, the degradation of sucrose and starch in the tolerant A. wellbyi to alleviate osmotic stress and balance excess ROS. These results highlight the candidate genes that are involved in enhancing the performance of drought-tolerant A. wellbyi and provide a theoretical basis for improving the performance of drought-resistant A. wellbyi.