bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlations between environmental salinity levels, blood biochemistry parameters, and steroid hormones in wild juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Faulkner Patricia C. , Elsey Ruth M. , Hala David , Petersen Lene H. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAmerican alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) inhabit freshwater wetlands that are vulnerable to salinization caused by anthropogenic alterations to freshwater flow, in addition to storm surges, sea level rise, and droughts. Salinization of coastal freshwater habitats is a growing concern in a changing climate due to increased frequency and intensity of storm surges and drought conditions. This study opportunistically sampled juvenile male and female wild alligators in various salinities each month excluding November, December, and January for one year at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in coastal Louisiana. Blood plasma biochemistry parameters including electrolyte levels were subsequently measured. In addition, levels of various renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system hormones, glucocorticoids, androgens, estrogens, and progestogens were analyzed using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Only males were sampled in hyperosmotic environments (> 10‰) during dry conditions in late summer 2018. In juvenile males, plasma Na+, Cl−, and the progestogen 17α,20β-dihydroxypregnenone were significantly and positively correlated with environmental salinity. However, variation in glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens were not associated with hypersaline water while sex steroids showed significant seasonal variation. This study demonstrated significant correlation of environmental salinity with electrolyte levels and a sex steroid in wild juvenile alligators, and to our knowledge represents the first measurement of 17α,20β-dihydroxypregnenone in alligators.
Role of cholesterol in substrate recognition by $$\gamma$$-secretase
Authors: Nierzwicki Łukasz , Olewniczak Michał , Chodnicki Paweł , Czub Jacek 
Published: July 2021

Abstract$$\gamma$$
γ
-Secretase is an enzyme known to cleave multiple substrates within their transmembrane domains, with the amyloid precursor protein of Alzheimer’s Disease among the most prominent examples. The activity of $$\gamma$$
γ
-secretase strictly depends on the membrane cholesterol content, yet the mechanistic role of cholesterol in the substrate binding and cleavage remains unclear. In this work, we used all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to examine the role of cholesterol in the initial binding of a direct precursor of $$\beta$$
β
-amyloid polypeptides by $$\gamma$$
γ
-secretase. We showed that in cholesterol-rich membranes, both the substrate and the enzyme region proximal to the active site induce a local membrane thinning. With the free energy methods we found that in the presence of cholesterol the substrate binds favorably to the identified exosite, while cholesterol depletion completely abolishes the binding. To explain these findings, we directly examined the role of hydrophobic mismatch in the substrate binding to $$\gamma$$
γ
-secretase, showing that increased membrane thickness results in higher propensity of the enzyme to bind substrates. Therefore, we propose that cholesterol promotes substrate binding to $$\gamma$$
γ
-secretase by increasing the membrane thickness, which leads to the negative hydrophobic mismatch between the membrane and binding partners.
Impact of anticoagulation and antiplatelet drugs on surgery rates and mortality in trauma patients
Authors: Bläsius Felix M. , Laubach Markus , Andruszkow Hagen , Lübke Cavan , Lichte Philipp , Lefering Rolf , Hildebrand Frank , Horst Klemens 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPreinjury anticoagulation therapy (AT) is associated with a higher risk for major bleeding. We aimed to evaluated the influence of preinjury anticoagulant medication on the clinical course after moderate and severe trauma. Patients in the TraumaRegister DGU ≥ 55 years who received AT were matched with patients not receiving AT. Pairs were grouped according to the drug used: Antiplatelet drugs (APD), vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). The primary end points were early (< 24 h) and total in-hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints included emergency surgical procedure rates and surgery rates. The APD group matched 1759 pairs, the VKA group 677 pairs, and the DOAC group 437 pairs. Surgery rates were statistically significant higher in the AT groups compared to controls (APD group: 51.8% vs. 47.8%, p = 0.015; VKA group: 52.4% vs. 44.8%, p = 0.005; DOAC group: 52.6% vs. 41.0%, p = 0.001). Patients on VKA had higher total in-hospital mortality (23.9% vs. 19.5%, p = 0.026), whereas APD patients showed a significantly higher early mortality compared to controls (5.3% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.011). Standard operating procedures should be developed to avoid lethal under-triage. Further studies should focus on detailed information about complications, secondary surgical procedures and preventable risk factors in relation to mortality.
Choroidal microvasculature dropout is spatially associated with optic nerve head microvasculature loss in open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Song Min Kyung , Shin Joong Won , Lee Jin Yeong , Hong Ji Wook , Kook Michael S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe presence of parapapillary choroidal microvasculature dropout (CMvD) may affect optic nerve head (ONH) perfusion in glaucoma patients, since parapapillary choroidal vessels provide vascular supply to the neighboring ONH. However, it remains to be determined whether the presence of parapapillary CMvD is associated with diminished perfusion in the nearby ONH. The present study investigated the spatial relationship between CMvD and ONH vessel density (ONH-VD) loss in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). This study included 48 OAG eyes with a single localized CMvD confined to the inferotemporal parapapillary sector and 48 OAG eyes without CMvD, matched for demographic and ocular characteristics. Global and regional ONH-VD values were compared between eyes with and without CMvD. The relationships between ONH-VD outcomes and clinical variables were assessed. ONH-VDs at the inferotemporal ONH sectors corresponding to the CMvD location were significantly lower in eyes with compared to those without CMvD. Multivariable linear regression analyses indicated that a lower inferotemporal ONH-VD was independently associated with CMvD presence and a greater CMvD angular extent (both P < 0.05). The localized presence of parapapillary CMvD in OAG eyes is significantly associated with ONH-VD loss in the neighboring ONH location, with a spatial correlation.
Cuticular hydrocarbons are associated with mating success and insecticide resistance in malaria vectors
Authors: Adams Kelsey L. , Sawadogo Simon P. , Nignan Charles , Niang Abdoulaye , Paton Douglas G. , Robert Shaw W. , South Adam , Wang Jennifer , Itoe Maurice A. , Werling Kristine , Dabiré Roch K. , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Catteruccia Flaminia 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAnopheles coluzzii females, important malaria vectors in Africa, mate only once in their lifetime. Mating occurs in aerial swarms with a high male-to-female ratio, where traits underlying male mating success are largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) influence mating success in natural mating swarms in Burkina Faso. As insecticides are widely used in this area for malaria control, we also determined whether CHCs affect insecticide resistance levels. We find that mated males have higher CHC abundance than unmated controls, suggesting CHCs could be determinants of mating success. Additionally, mated males have higher insecticide resistance under pyrethroid challenge, and we show a link between resistance intensity and CHC abundance. Taken together, our results suggest that CHC abundance may be subject to sexual selection in addition to selection by insecticide pressure. This has implications for insecticide resistance management, as these traits may be sustained in the population due to their benefits in mating even in the absence of insecticides.
Membrane interaction and disulphide-bridge formation in the unconventional secretion of Tau
Authors: Hellén Marianna , Bhattacharjee Arnab , Uronen Riikka-Liisa , Huttunen Henri J. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Misfolded, pathological tau protein propagates from cell to cell causing neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. The molecular mechanisms of this process have remained elusive. Unconventional secretion of tau takes place via several different routes, including direct penetration through the plasma membrane. Here, we show that tau secretion requires membrane interaction via disulphide bridge formation. Mutating residues that reduce tau interaction with membranes or formation of disulphide bridges decrease both tau secretion from cells, and penetration through artificial lipid membranes. Our results demonstrate that tau is indeed able to penetrate protein-free membranes in a process independent of active cellular processes and that both membrane interaction and disulphide bridge formation are needed for this process. QUARK-based de novo modelling of the second and third microtubule-binding repeat domains (MTBDs), in which the two cysteine residues of 4R isoforms of tau are located, supports the concept that this region of tau could form transient amphipathic helices for membrane interaction.
Admissions Type and Cultural Competency in Graduate Speech-Language Pathology Curricula: A National Survey Study
Authors: Guiberson Mark , Vigil Debra C. 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This research describes the results of survey questions designed to establish how cultural competency is taught in graduate speech-language pathology programs with a view on how to increase cultural competency in practicing professionals.

Method

One hundred ten department chairs or designees of university programs with graduate speech-language pathology programs participated in this study. Participants were asked questions to better understand how programs included cultural competency content for teaching purposes in program curricula. Respondents were sorted into groups by admission practices
(traditional admissions, some holistic measures,
or
holistic review
). We provide a description of responses, including which cultural competency topics are included in curricula, and we compare programs' composite cultural competency by admission type.

Results
Programs that used some holistic measures or holistic review had had significantly more content that focused on cultural competency than the traditional group, and also used a wider range of pedagogical approaches used to teach this content. Programs that employed some holistic measures or holistic review also covered a wider range of topics, including learning the importance of listening nonjudgmentally to clients' disability/health beliefs and valuing curiosity, empathy, and respect for others. Less than 30% of the traditional admissions programs reported that students were taught about institutional biases or the value of eliminating disparities, and less than 40% reported that students are comfortable talking about culture openly or are able to discuss their own cultural backgrounds or biases. The authors discuss implications and recommendations for enhancing cultural competence in graduate speech-language pathology programs.
What's in a Photograph? The Perspectives of Composition Experts on Factors Impacting Visual Scene Display Complexity for Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Strategies for Improving Visual Communication
Authors: Pitt Kevin M. , McCarthy John W. 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
Visual scene displays (VSDs) can support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) success for children and adults with complex communication needs. Static VSDs incorporate contextual photographs that include meaningful events, places, and people. Although the processing of VSDs has been studied, their power as a medium to effectively convey meaning may benefit from the perspective of individuals who regularly engage in visual storytelling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of individuals with expertise in photographic and/or artistic composition regarding factors contributing to VSD complexity and how to limit the time and effort required to apply principles of photographic composition.

Method
Semistructured interviews were completed with 13 participants with expertise in photographic and/or artistic composition.

Results
Four main themes were noted, including (a) factors increasing photographic image complexity and decreasing cohesion, (b) how complexity impacts the viewer, (c) composition strategies to decrease photographic image complexity and increase cohesion, and (d) strategies to support the quick application of composition strategies in a just-in-time setting. Findings both support and extend existing research regarding best practice for VSD design.

Conclusions
Findings provide an initial framework for understanding photographic image complexity and how it differs from drawn AAC symbols. Furthermore, findings outline a toolbox of composition principles that may help limit VSD complexity, along with providing recommendations for AAC development to support the quick application of compositional principles to limit burdens associated with capturing photographic images.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.15032700
Auditory Feedback Is Used for Adaptation and Compensation in Speech Timing
Authors: Karlin Robin , Naber Chris , Parrell Benjamin 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
Real-time altered feedback has demonstrated a key role for auditory feedback in both online feedback control and in updating feedforward control for future utterances. The aim of this study was to examine adaptation in response to temporal perturbation using real-time perturbation of ongoing speech.

Method
Twenty native English speakers with no reported history of speech or hearing disorders participated in this study. The study consisted of four word blocks, using the phrases “a capper,” “a gapper,” “a sapper,” and “a zapper” (due to issues with the implementation of perturbation, “gapper” was excluded from analysis). In each block, participants completed a baseline phase (30 trials of veridical feedback), a ramp phase (feedback perturbation increasing to maximum over 30 trials), a hold phase (60 trials with perturbation held at maximum), and a washout phase (30 trials, feedback abruptly returned to veridical feedback). Word-initial consonant targets (voice onset time for /k, g/ and fricative duration for /s, z/) were lengthened, and the following stressed vowel (/æ/) was shortened.

Results
Overall, speakers did not adapt the production of their consonants but did lengthen their vowel production in response to shortening. Vowel lengthening showed continued aftereffects during the early portion of the washout phase. Although speakers did not adapt absolute consonant durations, consonant duration was reduced as a proportion of the total syllable duration. This is consistent with previous research that suggests that speakers attend to proportional durations rather than absolute durations.

Conclusion
These results indicate that speakers actively monitor proportional durations and update the temporal dynamics of planning units extending beyond a single segment.
Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) in Previously Vitrectomized Eyes: Complications and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Aljundi Wissam , Abdin Alaadin , Suffo Shady , Seitz Berthold , Daas Loay 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the results and complications of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in previously vitrectomized eyes.
Design Retrospective study of 35 eyes that had undergone DMEK, due to Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), at our department with a follow-up after 6 months postoperatively. We compared the intraoperative procedure, complications, and results of DMEK between 14 previously vitrectomized pseudophakic eyes (group 1) and a control group of 21 pseudophakic non-vitrectomized eyes (group 2).
Results The unfolding time (in minutes) was significantly longer in group 1 than in group 2 (10.5 ± 6.4 vs. 3.2 ± 1.5, p < 0.01). A single re-bubbling was needed in 8 patients in group 1 (57.1%) and in 3 patients in group 2 (14.2%) (p < 0.01). Repeated re-bubbling (≥ 1 time) was performed in only 5 patients of group 1 (35.7%). There was significant postoperative improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, in LogMAR) in both groups (p = 0.04 in group 1 and p < 0.01 in group 2). The central corneal thickness (CCT, in µm) did not differ significantly between the two groups preoperatively (p = 0.4) or postoperatively (p = 0.1). However, the CCT decreased significantly postoperatively in both groups (p < 0.01 in both groups). The postoperative endothelial cell density (ECD in cell/mm²) was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.03).
Conclusion DMEK in previously vitrectomized eyes presents a surgical challenge, which requires special, and sometimes unpredictable, intraoperative maneuvers, but good functional and morphological results can be achieved. The use of the endothelial Descemet membrane lamellae (EDML) of older donors might be recommended to facilitate the intraoperative unfolding process.
Selbsteinschätzung der funktionellen Leistungsfähigkeit (SELF): Messeigenschaften in der beruflich orientierten medizinischen Rehabilitation
Authors: Bühne David , Alles Torsten , Hetzel Christian , Froboese Ingo , Trippolini Maurizio 
Published: July 2021

Zusammenfassung
Ziel Ermittlung der konkurrenten, diskriminanten und prognostischen Validität der Selbsteinschätzung der funktionellen Leistungsfähigkeit (SELF) bei orthopädischen Patienten der beruflich orientierten medizinischen Rehabilitation.
Material und Methoden In einer prospektiven Kohortenstudie wurden Patienten aus vier Einrichtungen mit beruflich orientierter medizinischer Rehabilitation rekrutiert. Als Außenkriterien für die Überprüfung der konkurrenten Validität dienten der Work Ability Score (WAS) und die Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)-basierte Einschätzung der zulässigen Arbeitsschwere nach REFA. Für die diskriminante Validität wurde das Ultra-Kurz-Screening (UKS) verwendet. Die a priori definierten Hypothesen wurden anhand von bivariaten und partiellen Korrelationsmaßen überprüft. Die prognostische Validität wurde mittels logistischer Regressionsmodelle berechnet. Zielgröße war die Rückkehr in Arbeit (RTW) drei Monate nach Reha-Ende.
Ergebnisse Die Daten von 227 rekrutierten Probanden wurden analysiert. Hinsichtlich der konkurrenten Validität bestätigten sich die a priori definierten Hypothesen (0,4≤r≤0,6) zum WAS (r=0,41) und der zulässigen Arbeitsschwere (r=0,50). Der Zusammenhang mit dem UKS lag erst nach Kontrolle der derzeitigen Schmerzen (r=−0,24) im erwarteten Bereich (−0,1≤r≤−0,3). Zur Überprüfung der prognostischen Validität wurden die von 127 Probanden verfügbaren Nachbefragungsdaten ausgewertet. Ein Anstieg des SELF um einen Punkt war nach Kontrolle der Arbeitsschwere der Tätigkeit mit einer 1,07-fach (p<0,001) höheren RTW-Chance assoziiert.
Schlussfolgerung Die konkurrente und diskriminante Validität des SELF wurde bei orthopädischen Patienten der beruflich orientierten medizinischen Rehabilitation bestätigt. Das Instrument erwies sich darüber hinaus als prognostisch valide. Die Anpassungsgüte des ausschließlich auf dem SELF basierenden Modells war jedoch gering.
Hepcidin inhibition improves iron homeostasis in ferrous sulfate and LPS treatment model in mice
Authors: Patel Vishal , Joharapurkar Amit , Kshirsagar Samadhan , Patel Maulik , Patel Hiren , Savsani Hardikkumar , Jain Mukul 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground Hepcidin, a liver-derived peptide, regulates the absorption, distribution, and circulation of iron in the body. Inflammation or iron overload stimulates hepcidin release, which causes the accumulation of iron in tissues. The inadequate levels of iron in circulation impair erythropoiesis. Inhibition of hepcidin may increase iron in circulation and improve efficient erythropoiesis. Activin-like kinase (ALK) inhibitors decrease hepcidin.Methods In this work, we have investigated an ALK inhibitor LDN193189 for its efficacy in iron homeostasis. The effect of LDN193189 treatment was assessed in C57BL6/J mice, in which hepcidin was induced by either ferrous sulfate or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection.Results After two hours of treatment, ferrous sulfate increased serum and liver iron, serum hepcidin, and liver hepcidin expression. On the other hand, LPS reduced serum iron in a dose-related manner after six hours of treatment. LDN193189 treatment increased serum iron, decreased spleen and liver iron, decreased serum hepcidin and liver hepcidin expression in ferrous sulfate-treated mice, and increased serum iron in LPS-induced hypoferremia. We observed that ferrous sulfate caused a significantly higher increase in liver iron, serum hepcidin, and liver hepcidin than turpentine oil or LPS in mice. Iron dextran (intraperitoneal or intravenous) increased serum iron, but LDN193189 did not show hyperferremia with iron dextran stimulus.Conclusion Ferrous sulfate-induced hyperferremia can be a valuable and rapid screening model for assessing the efficacy of hepcidin inhibitors.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Predictors of Adverse Outcomes in Neonates with Bacterial Meningitis: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital of Northern India
Authors: Lal Sandeep N. , Maria Arti , Bandyopadhyay Tapas 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to determine antimicrobial resistance pattern and predictors of adverse outcome in neonatal meningitis. A retrospective study by analyzing case files of 134 cases of neonatal meningitis. We noted an alarming degree of multidrug resistance (MDR) among both gram-negative (Klebsiella
spp., 50%; Escherichia coli, 100%; and and Acinetobacter
spp., 50%), as well as positive (Enterococcus, 100%) isolates in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture. The incidence rate of adverse outcome (i.e., mortality and abnormal neurological examination at discharge) was 8.2 and 17.2%, respectively. On univariate analysis, delayed seeking of medical care, bulging anterior fontanelle, vomiting, positive sepsis screen, shock during hospital course, ventriculitis, diversion procedures for raised intracranial pressure, central line placement, low CSF sugar, and failed hearing screening test at discharge were associated with increased risk of adverse outcome. Further, delayed seeking of medical care, shock during hospital course, positive sepsis screen, thrombocytopenia, and MDR infections were independently found to be associated with adverse outcomes. An alarming degree of antimicrobial resistance among the CSF isolates necessitates the need to understand the pathogenesis of resistance and curtail the irrational prescription of antibiotics in neonatal meningitis. Further, delayed seeking of medical care, shock during hospital course, positive sepsis screen, thrombocytopenia, and MRD infection may have prognostic value in neonatal meningitis