bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between radiographic features, clinical features and ultrasound of thumb‐base osteoarthritis: A secondary analysis of the COMBO study
Authors: Shi Ying , Fu Kai , Oo Win Min , Deveza Leticia A. , Wang Xia , Duong Vicky , Robbins Sarah R. , Hunter David J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate the associations of ultrasound and radiographic features of thumb‐base osteoarthritis (OA) with thumb‐base pain and hand function at baseline and 12 weeks.MethodData from a randomized controlled trial conducted in participants with symptomatic radiographic thumb‐base OA were analyzed. Participants who finished follow up were included in this secondary analysis. Pain and hand function were assessed using self‐reported measures. All participants underwent ultrasound examinations for synovitis, power Doppler signal (PDS), and osteophytes, and underwent radiography for osteophytes, joint space narrowing (JSN), and subchondral bone sclerosis at baseline. Hand pain and function were reassessed after the 12‐week follow up. The associations of ultrasound and radiographic findings with clinical features were further evaluated, using linear regression analyses, after adjustment for relevant confounding factors.ResultsA total of 166 participants (average age 66.2 years; 76.5% female) were included. At baseline, radiographic JSN and subchondral bone sclerosis were associated with hand function. There was a significant association between ultrasound‐detected PDS and patient's global assessment (PGA) at baseline. Baseline radiographic JSN was significantly associated with the changes in stiffness and PGA from baseline to 12 weeks. There was no association between ultrasound features and changes in the clinical outcomes over 12 weeks.ConclusionThis study indicates that radiographic features significantly correlate with hand function, and ultrasound PDS is closely related to the PGA at baseline in thumb‐base OA. Radiographic JSN may be a predictor for stiffness and PGA in thumb‐base OA.
An Overview of the Literature on Upper Echelons*
Authors: Liu Ming , Ji Duan 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTThis paper reviews the literature pertaining to the effects of the characteristics of top executives on firms' decisions and outcomes. We focus particularly on research related to executives' individual characteristics, including their demographic, psychological, and other characteristics. Thereafter, we discuss the literature related to the relationship among executives, particularly the CEO and the CFO, which may affect corporate performance and accounting outcomes. Finally, we identify the gaps in the literature and provide directions for future research.
Nogo receptor impairs the clearance of fibril amyloid‐β by microglia and accelerates Alzheimer’s‐like disease progression
Authors: Wang Jianing , Qin Xiaoying , Sun Hao , He Meijun , Lv Qunyu , Gao Congcong , He Xinran , Liao Hong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the progressive accumulation of β‐amyloid (Aβ)‐containing amyloid plaques, and microglia play a critical role in mediating Aβ clearance. Mounting evidence has confirmed that the ability of microglia in clearing Aβ decreased with aging and AD progress, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Previously, we have demonstrated that Nogo receptor (NgR), a receptor for three axon growth inhibitors associated with myelin, can decrease adhesion and migration of microglia to fibrils Aβ with aging. However, whether NgR expressed on microglia affect microglia phagocytosis of fibrils Aβ with aging remains unclear. Here, we found that aged but not young microglia showed increased NgR expression and decreased Aβ phagocytosis in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. NgR knockdown APP/PS1 mice showed simultaneous reduced amyloid burden and improved spatial learning and memory, which were associated with increased Aβ clearance. Importantly, Nogo‐P4, an agonist of NgR, enhanced the protein level of p‐Smad2/3, leading to a significant transcriptional inhibition of CD36 gene expression, which in turn decreased the microglial phagocytosis of Aβ. Moreover, ROCK accounted for Nogo‐P4‐induced activation of Smad2/3 signaling. Finally, the decreasing effect of NgR on microglial Aβ uptake was confirmed in a mouse model of intra‐hippocampal fAβ injection. Our findings suggest that NgR may play an important role in the regulation of Aβ homeostasis, and has potential as a therapeutic target for AD.
Phenotype correlations reveal the relationships of physiological systems underlying human ageing
Authors: Hao Meng , Zhang Hui , Hu Zixin , Jiang Xiaoyan , Song Qi , Wang Xi , Wang Jiucun , Liu Zuyun , Wang Xiaofeng , Li Yi , Jin Li 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAgeing is characterized by degeneration and loss of function across multiple physiological systems. To study the mechanisms and consequences of ageing, several metrics have been proposed in a hierarchical model, including biological, phenotypic and functional ageing. In particular, phenotypic ageing and interconnected changes in multiple physiological systems occur in all ageing individuals over time. Recently, phenotypic age, a new ageing measure, was proposed to capture morbidity and mortality risk across diverse subpopulations in US cohort studies. Although phenotypic age has been widely used, it may overlook the complex relationships among phenotypic biomarkers. Considering the correlation structure of these phenotypic biomarkers, we proposed a composite phenotype analysis (CPA) strategy to analyse 71 biomarkers from 2074 individuals in the Rugao Longitudinal Ageing Study. CPA grouped these biomarkers into 18 composite phenotypes according to their internal correlation, and these composite phenotypes were mostly consistent with prior findings. In addition, compared with prior findings, this strategy exhibited some different yet important implications. For example, the indicators of kidney and cardiovascular functions were tightly connected, implying internal interactions. The composite phenotypes were further verified through associations with functional metrics of ageing, including disability, depression, cognitive function and frailty. Compared to age alone, these composite phenotypes had better predictive performances for functional metrics of ageing. In summary, CPA could reveal the hidden relationships of physiological systems and identify the links between physiological systems and functional ageing metrics, thereby providing novel insights into potential mechanisms underlying human ageing.
Persistent myelin abnormalities in a third trimester‐equivalent mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Authors: Newville Jessie , Howard Tamara A. , Chavez Glenna J. , Valenzuela Carlos Fernando , Cunningham Lee Anna 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundAbnormal diffusion within white matter (WM) tracts has been linked to cognitive impairment in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Whether changes to myelin organization and structure underlie the observed abnormal diffusion patterns remains unknown. Using a third trimester‐equivalent mouse model of alcohol exposure, we previously demonstrated acute loss of oligodendrocyte lineage cells with persistent loss of myelin basic protein and lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in the corpus callosum (CC). Here, we tested whether these WM deficits are accompanied by changes in: (i) axial diffusion (AD) and radial diffusion (RD), (ii) myelin ultrastructure, or (iii) structural components of the node of Ranvier.MethodsMouse pups were exposed to alcohol or air vapor for 4 h daily from postnatal day (P)3 to P15 (BEC: 160.4 ± 12.0 mg/dl; range = 128.2 to 185.6 mg/dl). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and histological analyses were performed on brain tissue isolated at P50. Diffusion parameters were measured with Paravision™ 5.1 software (Bruker) following ex vivo scanning in a 7.0 T MRI. Nodes of Ranvier were identified using high‐resolution confocal imaging of immunofluorescence for Nav1.6 (nodes) and Caspr (paranodes) and measured using Imaris™ imaging software (Bitplane). Myelin ultrastructure was evaluated by calculating the G‐ratio (axonal diameter/myelinated fiber diameter) on images acquired using transmission electron microscopy.ResultsConsistent with our previous study, high resolution DTI at P50 showed lower FA in the CC of alcohol‐exposed mice (p = 0.0014). Here, we show that while AD (diffusion parallel to CC axons) was similar between treatment groups (p = 0.30), RD (diffusion perpendicular to CC axons) in alcohol‐exposed subjects was significantly higher than in controls (p = 0.0087). In the posterior CC, where we identified the highest degree of abnormal diffusion, node of Ranvier length did not differ between treatment groups (p = 0.41); however, the G‐ratio of myelinated axons was significantly higher in alcohol‐exposed animals than controls (p = 0.023).ConclusionsHigh resolution DTI revealed higher RD at P50 in the CC of alcohol‐exposed animals, suggesting less myelination of axons, particularly in the posterior regions. In agreement with these findings, ultrastructural analysis of myelinated axons in the posterior CC showed reduced myelin thickness in alcohol‐exposed animals, evidenced by a higher G‐ratio.
Community‐based naloxone coverage equity for the prevention of opioid overdose fatalities in racial/ethnic minority communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Authors: Nolen Shayla , Zang Xiao , Chatterjee Avik , Behrends Czarina N. , Green Traci C. , Kumar Aranshi , Linas Benjamin P. , Morgan Jake R. , Murphy Sean M. , Walley Alexander Y. , Yan Shapei , Schackman Bruce R. , Marshall Brandon D. L. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsOpioid‐related overdose death rates continue to rise in the United States, especially in racial/ethnic minority communities. Our objective was to determine if US municipalities with high percentages of non‐white residents have equitable access to the overdose antidote naloxone distributed by community‐based organizations.MethodsWe used community‐based naloxone data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Rhode Island non‐pharmacy naloxone distribution program for 2016–18. We obtained publicly available opioid‐related overdose death data from Massachusetts and the Office of the State Medical Examiners in Rhode Island. We defined the naloxone coverage ratio as the number of community‐based naloxone kits received by a resident in a municipality divided by the number of opioid‐related overdose deaths among residents, updated annually. We used a Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations to analyze the relationship between the municipal racial/ethnic composition and naloxone coverage ratio. To account for the potential non‐linear relationship between naloxone coverage ratio and race/ethnicity we created B‐splines for the percentage of non‐white residents; and for a secondary analysis examining the percentage of African American/black and Hispanic residents. The models were adjusted for the percentage of residents in poverty, urbanicity, state and population size.ResultsBetween 2016 and 2018, the annual naloxone coverage ratios range was 0–135. There was no difference in naloxone coverage ratios among municipalities with varying percentages of non‐white residents in our multivariable analysis. In the secondary analysis, municipalities with higher percentages of African American/black residents had higher naloxone coverage ratios, independent of other factors. Naloxone coverage did not differ by percentage of Hispanic residents.ConclusionsThere appear to be no municipal‐level racial/ethnic inequities in naloxone distribution in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, USA.
Ocular microscopy of Bradypus variegatus
Authors: Sena Caroline da Silva Pamplona de , Freire Elisa Carla Barra , Giese Elane Guerreiro , Mesquita Ellen Yasmin Eguchi , Galvão Gilvando Rodrigues , Perlmann Eduardo , Branco Érika , Lima Ana Rita 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBradypus variegatus, popularly known as common sloth or brown‐throated sloth, is a species with wide geographical distribution in Brazil. Expand on the literature about the species, we aimed to describe the morphology of its eye and its main annexes. For this study, six frozen specimens donated to the Animal Morphological Research Laboratory of the Federal Rural University of Amazonia were used. The specimens were fixed in a 10% aqueous solution of formaldehyde. The structures that constitute the ocular apparatus were identified and described after dissection and histological analysis using light microscopy. The bulbar conjunctiva presented a stratified cuboidal epithelium, with a considerable number of serous glands. The stroma layer and the posterior limiting lamina were found well defined in the species. The corneoscleral meshwork possessed a large opening for drainage of aqueous humour, followed by a wide retinal region, in which a layer of photoreceptors was visualized. Cones and rods could not be discriminated from each other. Microscopy of the medial angle of the eye revealed the cartilage and glands of the third eyelid, and a well‐developed lacrimal gland structure. Bradypus variegatus distinguishing features and similarities in comparison with other domestic and wild mammal and bird species already described were investigated, which expounded the limited knowledge that is presently available on the morphology of wild fauna. The data extend the limited knowledge that are presently available on the ocular histology of B. variegatus.
International trade and standards harmonization: The case of tractors and the OECD Tractor Codes
Authors: McFadden Jonathan R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAlthough the trade effects of public and private standards—particularly for food safety and environmental quality—in agricultural markets have been well documented, much less is known about standards harmonization and international trade in tractors, a crucial input to agricultural production in most countries. We analyze the trade impacts of the long‐lived OECD Tractor Codes—an integrated system of standardized tractor tests for performance and safety, certification, and mutual recognition agreements established in 1959. We hypothesize that this system increases tractor trade between members and possibly among members and nonmembers because it: (1) reduces duplication of tests across import markets, (2) lowers transaction costs of tractor trade disputes, (3) enhances manufacturers' risk management, and (4) boosts farmer demand through greater trust resulting from intergovernmental organization certification. Using bilateral COMTRADE data for 1962–2018, we estimate a structural gravity equation using Poisson pseudo‐maximum likelihood methods to account for zero trade. After controlling for economic integration agreements and OECD membership, our benchmark analysis suggests trade is roughly one‐third larger if both partners are members, a finding that is robust to considerations of gradual adjustment costs and reverse causality. We further find that this effect varies by countries' timing of accession and, to a lesser extent, level of economic development, though trade creation effects are inconclusive. A counterfactual analysis indicates that manufacturers and farmers in nonmember countries, including several middle‐income and low‐income countries, would benefit from membership. Our results have important implications for standards harmonization and international trade in agricultural machinery.
Effect of diabetes mellitus comorbidity on outcomes in stages II and III colorectal cancer
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Yao , Lin Chien‐Liang , Huang Wen‐Tsung , Peng Cheau‐Jane , Su Shih‐Bin , Guo How‐Ran 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimThe effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the outcomes of colorectal cancer (CRC) are controversial. This retrospective study evaluated the effects of DM on American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC, 7th) Stages II and III CRC patients who received curative surgery.MethodsWe reviewed the records of CRC patients who were treated from January 2008 to December 2014 and identified the presence of DM and hypertension prior to CRC diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards analyses were used for prognostic factor determination, and survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method with the log‐rank test.ResultsTotal of 1066 consecutive eligible patients with stage II/III CRC were enrolled. There were 326 (30.6%) patients diagnosed with DM, and 311 (29.2%) CRC patients had recurrence. Patients with DM did not have a higher recurrence risk (p = 0.183) but had higher mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.381; 95% conference interval [CI], 1.069–1.782). In addition, HbA1c (≥7 vs. <7) was not associated with recurrence (p = 0.365). Patients with DM had more hypertension than patients without DM (69.1% vs. 37.6%, p < 0.001). A lower recurrence risk was noted in patients with hypertension (p = 0.002), but the overall survival (OS) did not reach statistical significance (aHR = 0.910; 95% CI, 0.707–1.169).ConclusionIn our study, DM was a poor prognostic factor for survival in curative CRC patients. More studies are required to elucidate the effects that DM and other metabolic disorders, such as hypertension, have on the prognosis of patients with CRC.
Upregulation of O‐GlcNAc transferase is involved in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: He Na , Ma Daoxin , Tan Yanjie , Liu Min 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. Patients have a low survival rate and a high recurrence rate, and AML is a highly heterogeneous disease without an effective and specific targeted therapy.AimsTherefore, it is urgent to explore new AML markers to enable early diagnosis and find drug targets for individualized treatment.ResultsHerein, we demonstrate that O‐linked‐N‐acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) is significantly upregulated in AML tissues compared with normal tissues. The high level of OGT expression is significantly related to poor overall survival (OS) in AML. Inhibition of OGT can inhibit AML cell proliferation and promote AML cell apoptosis.ConclusionThese results suggest that OGT plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AML, and may become a potential biomarker and molecular drug target for precision therapy for AML.
Clinical significance of different atlas of intracavitary electrocardiogram for PICC localization in 961 cases
Authors: Dong Hui‐Min , Zhu Yu‐Xin , Yin Xin‐Xin , Zhang Xin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPurposeTo explore the application of ECG‐guided localization technology in PICC catheterization and the clinical significance of different maps of intracavitary ECG in PICC tip localization.MethodsIn the process of catheter placement under the guidance of ultrasound, the technique of intracavitary ECG location was used. The length of the catheter was measured on the body's surface. The amplitude of the P‐wave and the QRS‐wave groups of electrocardiograms before and during catheter placement was recorded. Nine hundred sixty‐one patients who underwent X‐ray chest film examination after catheterization were imaged on the chest film at the tip of the catheter.ResultsEight hundred four cases had a characteristic P wave, 83.66%, of which, 331 cases (50% < P/R ≤80%) had 99.09%; 425 cases (80% < P/R ≤100%) had 99.29%; 48 cases (P/R >100%) had 100%. One hundred eighteen cases of non‐specific P wave accounted for 12.28% and 79.66% of chest radiographs, of which 72 cases of P/R <50% were 100%; 46 cases of unchanged P wave were 47.83%; 34 cases of special cases accounted for 3.54% and 55.88% of chest radiographs; five cases of interference wave accounted for 0.25%, and the chest radiographs were self‐control. The in‐place rate of the body contrast catheter was 80%.ConclusionsThe accuracy of the ECG characteristic map in guiding the location of the PICC tip is higher than that of the non‐characteristic P wave, and it has more clinical significance in locating the best position of the PICC tip.
Pharmacological prevention of renal ischemia–reperfusion injury in a rat model
Authors: Deng Yi , Li Rachel W. , Yang Yong Liang , Weiss Steven , Smith Paul N. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionRenal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. It remains a leading cause of acute kidney injury and is therefore an important issue in trauma and renal transplant surgery. Various pharmaceutical agents have been used in an attempt to dampen the harmful effects of IRI but few have been shown to be useful clinically. Riluzole, Lidocaine and Lamotrigine have been demonstrated to show anti‐ischaemic properties in other organs; however, their use has not been tested in the kidneys. We investigated Riluzole, Lidocaine and Lamotrigine for their preventive effects of renal IRI using a rat model.MethodsWinstar rats (n = 48) were divided into four groups (n = 12 per group)—three treatment groups and one control group. Riluzole, Lidocaine and Lamotrigine were given prior to renal ischemia only (IO) or IRI. The degree of ischemia was measured by glutathione levels and a TUNEL assay was used to measure DNA fragmentation.ResultsRiluzole, Lidocaine and Lamotrigine pre‐treatment each resulted in statistically higher glutathione levels compared to controls (P = 0.002; P = 0.007 and P = 0.005, respectively). Riluzole and Lidocaine were also effective at preventing depletion of glutathione following IO (P = 0.007 and P = 0.014 respectively), while Lamotrigine was ineffective in IO (P = 0.71). The degree of DNA fragmentation seen on the TUNEL assay was markedly reduced in all three‐drug groups in both IO and IRI.DiscussionRiluzole, Lidocaine and Lamotrigine all have anti‐ischaemic effects in the rat kidney and can have potential therapeutic implications.
Skin‐sparing approach in the management of Fournier's gangrene: the initial histological evidence and results of a tertiary health‐care center
Authors: Alyanak Ahmet , Cakici Ozer Ural , Turkmen Yesim Atak 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo report the initial histological evidence on the feasibility of the skin‐sparing approach in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and the tissue blocks obtained from patients who had undergone debridement in a tertiary healthcare center by a urologist and a general surgeon.ResultsThe histological review revealed the prevalence of the intact epidermal layers in the debrided tissues involving necrosed subcutaneous parts. Clinical results of our cohort were compatible with the contemporary series.ConclusionWe can propose that the skin parts without macroscopic necrosis can be spared in the initial debridement in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene, at least in the first debridement. The skin‐sparing approach may provide easier and primary closure of the wound without compromising surgical safety in Fournier's gangrene treatment.