bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Horizontal Gene Transfer and Gene Duplication of β-Fructofuranosidase Confer Lepidopteran Insects Metabolic Benefits
Authors: Dai Xiangping , Kiuchi Takashi , Zhou Yanyan , Jia Shunze , Xu Yusong , Katsuma Susumu , Shimada Toru , Wang Huabing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a potentially critical source of material for ecological adaptation and the evolution of novel genetic traits. However, reports on posttransfer duplication in organism genomes are lacking, and the evolutionary advantages conferred on the recipient are generally poorly understood. Sucrase plays an important role in insect physiological growth and development. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of insect β-fructofuranosidase transferred from bacteria via HGT. We found that posttransfer duplications of β-fructofuranosidase were widespread in Lepidoptera and sporadic occurrences of β-fructofuranosidase were found in Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. β-fructofuranosidase genes often undergo modifications, such as gene duplication, differential gene loss, and changes in mutation rates. Lepidopteran β-fructofuranosidase gene (SUC) clusters showed marked divergence in gene expression patterns and enzymatic properties in Bombyx mori (moth) and Papilio xuthus (butterfly). We generated SUC1 mutations in B. mori using CRISPR/Cas9 to thoroughly examine the physiological function of SUC. BmSUC1 mutant larvae were viable but displayed delayed growth and reduced sucrase activities that included susceptibility to the sugar mimic alkaloid found in high concentrations in mulberry. BmSUC1 served as a critical sucrase and supported metabolic homeostasis in the larval midgut and silk gland, suggesting that gene transfer of β-fructofuranosidase enhanced the digestive and metabolic adaptation of lepidopteran insects. These findings highlight not only the universal function of β-fructofuranosidase with a link to the maintenance of carbohydrate metabolism but also an underexplored function in the silk gland. This study expands our knowledge of posttransfer duplication and subsequent functional diversification in the adaptive evolution and lineage-specific adaptation of organisms.
Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Adult Patients Hospitalized due to COVID-19 in a Rural/Suburban Integrated Health System in Southcentral Pennsylvania, March Through May 2020
Authors: Bohrn Michael A , Benenson Ronald , Bush Chelsea M , Bell Theodore , Black Cassandra , Doan Binh , Green Cindy , Mass Matthew M , Newell Jacklyn A , Rowe Jessica , Schlenker Melissa K , Schuchardt-Peet Claudia , Sullivan Jennifer , Zaman Homaira T , Tirupathi Raghavendra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Existing characterizations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admissions have occurred primarily in urban settings. This report describes demographic and clinical characteristics of the first COVID-19 patients presenting to a 6-hospital integrated health care system in rural/suburban southcentral Pennsylvania. Medical records of adult patients admitted with COVID-19 between March and May of 2020 were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, symptomatology, imaging, and lab values. Results were largely consistent with previous studies, although gastrointestinal manifestations were more prevalent, with diarrhea reported in 25.4% of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. Nursing home patients represented 10.1% of admissions but accounted for 35.5% of total deaths in our sample. Patients self-identifying as Hispanic were disproportionately affected. Although Hispanic ethnicity was self-reported in only 9% of the community population, Hispanic patients accounted for 34% of admissions. Our data provide a unique focused review of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in a rural/suburban setting.
Managing osteoarthritis pain with smart technology: a narrative review
Authors: Johnson Alisa J , Palit Shreela , Terry Ellen L , Thompson Osheeca J , Powell-Roach Keesha , Dyal Brenda W , Ansell Margaret , Booker Staja Q 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition worldwide. More than 300 million individuals are affected by OA, and pain is the most common and challenging symptom to manage. Although many new advances have led to improved OA-related pain management, smart technology offers additional opportunities to enhance symptom management. This narrative review identifies and describes the current literature focused on smart technology for pain management in individuals with OA. In collaboration with a health sciences librarian, an interdisciplinary team of clinician-scientists searched multiple databases (e.g. PubMed, CINAHL and Embase), which generated 394 citations for review. After inclusion criteria were met, data were extracted from eight studies reporting on varied smart technologies, including mobile health, wearables and eHealth tools to measure or manage pain. Our review highlights the dearth of research in this crucial area, the implications for clinical practice and technology development, and future research needs.
Narrowing Racial Differences in Trust: How Discrimination Shapes Trust in a Racialized Society
Authors: Evangelist Michael 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn the United States, survey research and qualitative studies consistently find that people of color—and Blacks in particular—report substantially lower levels of trust than do whites. These racial differences in trust pervade a range of social contexts, from interpersonal relationships with friends, family, and neighbors to interactions with the health care and criminal justice systems. Scholars often attribute racial differences in trust to historical and contemporary forms of discrimination, yet few studies have assessed the relationship among race, discrimination, and trust in the context of the United States. Using the Chicago Community Adult Health Study, I examine how the experience of discrimination relates to generalized trust, trust in neighbors, and trust in community police. Findings reveal that personal experience with discrimination contributes modestly to racial differences in trust. In fact, the negative association between discrimination and generalized trust appears strongest for whites. These findings suggest that understanding distrust requires a richer conceptual framework that moves beyond personal experience with discrimination. I argue that the theory of systemic racism provides a framework for understanding distrust as a consequence of countervailing efforts to uphold and contest the racial hierarchy.
Evaluation of Enogen Feed Corn on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs
Authors: Ochonski Patricia , Wu Fangzhou , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Dritz Steve S , Goodband Robert D , Woodworth Jason C , Lattimer James M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Enogen Feed Corn (EFC; Syngenta Seeds, LLC, Downers Grove, IL) hybrids contain a trait for expression of heat-stable α-amylase in the grain. α-Amylase is an enzyme responsible for breakdown of starch in the small intestine; supplementation of exogenous α-amylase to pigs may result in greater starch digestibility and thus improved gain efficiency. A total of 288 pigs (Line 600 × 241, DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 41.6 kg) were utilized in an 82-d trial to determine if replacing conventional yellow dent corn (CONV) with EFC in diets with or without distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) influences growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments balancing for initial body weight. There were nine pens per treatment with eight pigs per pen (an equal number of barrows and gilts per pen). Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of corn source (CONV or EFC) and DDGS (0% or 25%). Experimental diets were fed in meal form in three phases: days 0 to 29, 29 to 47, and 47 to 82. Pigs were weighed approximately every 2 wk and at the beginning of each phase. On day 82, pigs were transported to a commercial abattoir for processing and carcass data collection. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit. There were no corn source by DDGS interactions (P &gt; 0.05) observed for overall performance or carcass characteristics. Overall, average daily gain (ADG) was marginally greater (P &lt; 0.089) for pigs fed EFC than CONV with no evidence (P &gt; 0.196) for difference in average daily feed intake (ADFI), gain:feed ratio (G:F), hot carcass weight (HCW), or other carcass traits. Addition of DDGS decreased (P &lt; 0.047) overall ADG and G:F. Pigs fed DDGS had marginally lower (P &lt; 0.071) HCW, less (P &lt; 0.050) backfat depth, greater (P &lt; 0.026) loin depth, and greater (P &lt; 0.020) percentage lean and carcass fat iodine value (IV). In summary, addition of 25% DDGS to the diet decreased ADG and increased carcass fat IV. Pigs fed EFC tended to have improved overall ADG; however, G:F and carcass characteristics were not different between corn sources. These results suggest that EFC, although not beneficial, may be used as a substitute for CONV without any deleterious effects on growth performance. Further research should be conducted to understand whether addition of EFC to swine diets could be beneficial in younger pigs exhibiting decreased pancreatic α-amylase secretion following weaning or whether heat treatment of diets, such as pelleting, may influence the response to EFC.
hnRNP K supports the maintenance of RORγ circadian rhythm through ERK signaling
Authors: Kwon Paul Kwangho , Kim Hyo‐Min , Kang Byunghee , Kim Sung Wook , Hwang Sung‐Min , Im Sin‐Hyeog , Roh Tae‐Young , Kim Kyong‐Tai 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRetinoic acid‐related orphan receptor γ (RORγ) maintains the circadian rhythms of its downstream genes. However, the mechanism behind the transcriptional activation of RORγ itself remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that transcription of RORγ is activated by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) via the poly(C) motif within its proximal promoter. Interestingly, we confirmed the binding of endogenous hnRNP K within RORγ1 and RORγ2 promoter along with the recruitment of RNA polymerase 2 through chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Furthermore, an assay for transposase accessible chromatin (ATAC)‐qPCR showed that hnRNP K induced higher chromatin accessibility within the RORγ1 and RORγ2 promoter. Then we found that the knockdown of hnRNP K lowers RORγ mRNA oscillation amplitude in both RORγ and RORγ‐dependent metabolic genes. Moreover, we demonstrated that time‐dependent extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) activation controls mRNA oscillation of RORγ and RORγ‐dependent metabolic genes through hnRNP K. Taken together, our results provide new insight into the regulation of RORγ by hnRNP K as a transcriptional activator, along with its physiological significance in metabolism.
Macrophages augment the skeletal muscle proinflammatory response through TNFα following LPS‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Bivona Joseph J. , Crymble Hanna M. , Guigni Blas A. , Stapleton Renee D. , Files D. Clark , Toth Michael J. , Poynter Matthew E. , Suratt Benjamin T. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMuscle may contribute to the systemic inflammatory environment during critical illness, but leukocyte interaction and cytokine influence on muscle and its response has not been fully explored in this context. Using an in vivo model of intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (IT LPS)‐induced acute lung injury, we show that skeletal muscle rapidly responds with expression of proinflammatory genes, which may be explained by migration of LPS into the circulation. Treatment of mature C2C12 myotubes with LPS at a level achieved in the circulation following IT LPS elicited a proinflammatory cytokine expression profile similar to that of in vivo murine muscle following IT LPS. Stimulation with toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 and 3 agonists provoked comparable responses in C2C12 myotubes. Additionally, co‐cultures of C2C12 myotubes and bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDM) identified the capacity of macrophages to increase myotube proinflammatory gene expression, with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) gene and protein expression largely attributable to BMDM. To investigate the contribution of TNFα in the synergy of the co‐culture environment, C2C12 myotubes were treated with recombinant TNFα, co‐cultures were established using TNF‐deficient BMDM, and co‐cultures were also depleted of TNFα using antibodies. To determine whether the in vitro observations were relevant in vivo, mice received intramuscular administration of LPS ± TNFα or TNFα‐neutralizing antibodies and showed that TNFα is both sufficient and necessary to induce synergistic cytokine release from muscle. Taken together, these data demonstrate how skeletal muscle tissue may contribute proinflammatory cytokines following acute endotoxin injury and the potential of leukocytes to augment this response via TNFα secretion.
RNA‐Seq analysis of knocking out the neuroprotective proton‐sensitive GPR68 on basal and acute ischemia‐induced transcriptome changes and signaling in mouse brain
Authors: Zhou Guokun , Wang Tao , Zha Xiang‐ming 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBrain acid signaling plays important roles in both physiological and disease conditions. One key neuronal metabotropic proton receptor in the brain is GPR68, which contributes to hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) and mediates neuroprotection in acidotic and ischemic conditions. Here, to gain greater understanding of GPR68 function in the brain, we performed mRNA‐Seq analysis in mice. First, we studied sham‐operated animals to determine baseline expression. Compared to wild type (WT), GPR68−/− (KO) brain downregulated genes that are enriched in Gene Ontology (GO) terms of misfolding protein binding, response to organic cyclic compounds, and endoplasmic reticulum chaperone complex. Next, we examined the expression profile following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). tMCAO‐upregulated genes cluster to cytokine/chemokine‐related functions and immune responses, while tMCAO‐downregulated genes cluster to channel activities and synaptic signaling. For proton‐sensitive receptors, tMCAO downregulated ASIC1a and upregulated GPR4 and GPR65, but had no effect on ASIC2, PAC, or GPR68. GPR68 deletion did not alter the expression of these proton receptors, either at baseline or after ischemia. Lastly, we performed GeneVenn analysis of differential genes at baseline and post‐tMCAO. Ischemia upregulated the expression of three hemoglobin genes, along with H2‐Aa, Ppbp, Siglece, and Tagln, in WT but not in KO. Immunostaining showed that tMCAO‐induced hemoglobin localized to neurons. Western blot analysis further showed that hemoglobin induction is GPR68‐dependent. Together, these data suggest that GPR68 deletion at baseline disrupts chaperone functions and cellular signaling responses and imply a contribution of hemoglobin‐mediated antioxidant mechanism to GPR68‐dependent neuroprotection in ischemia.
Local Delivery of Therapeutic Boron for Bone Healing Enhancement
Authors: Hadidi Lina , Ge Susan , Comeau-Gauthier Marianne , Ramirez-Garcia Luna Jose , Harvey Edward J. , Merle Geraldine 
Published: March 2021

Objectives:
To evaluate if local delivery of boron can accelerate bone healing and examine if the bioactive salt impacts the osteogenic response of bone-derived osteoclasts and osteoblasts by the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Methods:
Bilateral femoral cortical defects were created in 32 skeletally mature C57 mice. On the experimental side, boric acid (8 mg/kg concentration) was injected locally, whereas on the control side, saline was used. Mice were euthanized at 7, 14, and 28 days. MicroCT was used to quantify bone regeneration at the defect. Histological staining for alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase was used to quantify osteoblast and osteoclast activity, respectively. Immunohistochemical antibodies, β-catenin, and CD34 were used to quantify active β-catenin levels and angiogenesis, respectively.

Results:
The boron group exhibited higher bone volume and trabecular thickness at 28 days on microCT. Both alkaline phosphatase activity and β-catenin activity was significantly higher in the boron group at 7 days. In addition, CD34 staining revealed increased angiogenesis at 14 days in boron-treated groups. We found boron to have no association with osteoclast activity.

Conclusions:
This study shows that local delivery of boron is associated with an increase in osteoblast activity at early phases of healing. The corresponding increase in β-catenin likely supports that boron increases osteoblast activity by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Increased angiogenesis at 14 days could be a separate mechanism of increasing bone formation that is independent of Wnt/β-catenin activation.
Mapping of Posterior Talar Dome Access Through Posteromedial Versus Posterolateral Approaches
Authors: DeKeyser Graham J. , Sripanich Yantarat , O'Neill Dillon C. , Lenz Amy L. , Haller Justin M. , Saltzman Charles L. , Barg Alexej 
Published: March 2021

Objective:
To evaluate the accessible area of the talar dome through 2 standard posterior approaches [posteromedial (PM) and posterolateral (PL)] with and without distraction.

Methods:
A standard PM or PL approach was performed with and without external fixator distraction on 12 through-knee cadaveric legs (6 matched pairs). The accessible area of the talar dome was outlined and imaged in a microcomputed tomography scanner to achieve 3D reconstructions of the accessible surface area. The study outcomes were accessible surface area of the talar dome in (1) total surface area and (2) sagittal plane distance of the talar dome at predetermined intervals.

Results:
The PM approach provided significantly more access to the talar dome than did the PL approach both with and without distraction (P < 0.001). The PM approach allowed access to 15.8% (SD = 4.7) of the talar dome without distraction and 26.4% (SD = 8.0, P < 0.001) of the talar dome with distraction. The PL approach provided access to 6.69% (SD = 2.69, P = 0.006 compared with PM) and 14.6% (SD = 6.24, P = 0.006 compared with PM) of the talar dome surface area without and with distraction. At the difficult to access posterocentral region (L50) of the talus, the PM approach without and with distraction allowed 26.7% (SD = 4.1) and 38.6% (SD = 5.6, P < 0.001) sagittal plane access compared with 18.7% (SD = 5.61, P = 0.03) and 27.5% (SD = 7.11, P = 0.003) through a PL approach.

Conclusion:
The PM approach provides greater access to the posterocentral and PM talus. Using an external fixator for distraction can improve intraoperative visualization by at least 40%. This study provides a roadmap that can help guide talar dome surgical access for treatment of posterior talus fractures and help determine when an approach that includes an osteotomy can be avoided.
Chest Masculinization Technique and Outcomes in 72 Double-incision Chest-contouring Procedures with Free Nipple Grafting
Authors: Naides Alexandra I. , Schultz Jerette J. , Shulzhenko Nikita O. , Keith Jonathan D. 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Chest masculinization for gender affirmation is the removal of breast tissue and excess skin, often with repositioning of the nipple areola complexes to achieve a male-appearing chest. A double-incision technique with free nipple grafting (FNG) is the preferred method for trans men with large, ptotic breasts. The authors present the outcomes of 72 consecutive chest masculinization cases using this technique.

Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed between 2015 and 2020 on all patients who underwent chest masculinization surgery for gender dysphoria by the senior author (JDK). Patients who underwent masculinization by concentric circle or liposuction-only techniques were excluded. Potential risk factors for complications were analyzed with Chi-square and logistic regression techniques. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:
Seventy-two patients underwent bilateral mastectomy with free nipple grafting. There were 6 major complications resulting in return to operating room, re-admission, or need for interventional procedure. These included 4 hematomas, 1 infection, and 1 hospital admission for shortness of breath and pain.
Minor complications treated conservatively included 3 seromas, 1 instance of delayed wound healing, 1 case of superficial thrombophlebitis, and 4 hypertrophic scars. Eleven patients experienced nipple areolar complex complications. Four patients underwent revision surgery. Nicotine use was associated with a higher rate of hematoma (χ2: 9.95, P = 0.007). Later operative date, a surrogate for experience, was associated with decreased return to the operating room (Odds ratio: 0.99, P = 0.025).

Conclusion:
Double-incision chest contouring with free nipple grafting provides good chest contour for transgender men,
with low complication rates.
A Magnetized Brace Designed to Elevate the Extremity after Hand Trauma and Surgery
Authors: Miller Travis J. 
Published: March 2021

Summary
Hand elevation is a common recommendation for the treatment of hand injuries to combat development of painful swelling. However, noncompliance with elevation after hand procedures is common, and this is due in part to the lack of acceptable orthotics to assist in this elevation. Conventional slings are often not recommended due to potential shoulder morbidity. Additionally, the standard sling design allows for the hand to fall in a dependent position below the level of the heart. Herein described is a brace that uses magnetic technology designed to provide support for hand elevation that is intuitive to use. The simple design promotes elevation and also allows patients to easily exit the elevated position for shoulder ranging and activities of daily living with the hand as needed. Patient satisfaction data are presented. This brace may increase compliance for elevation after hand injuries and surgical procedures.
Is Increased Kicking Leg Iliopsoas Muscle Tightness a Predictive Factor for Developing Spondylolysis in Adolescent Male Soccer Players?
Authors: Takei Seira , Torii Suguru , Taketomi Shuji , Iwanuma Soichiro , Tojima Michio , Otomo Mana , Iizuka Satoshi , Tanaka Sakae 
Published: March 2021

Objective:
To identify predictive risk factors of lumbar stress (LS) fracture developing from an asymptomatic stress reaction of the pedicle among adolescent male soccer players.

Design:
Prospective cohort study.

Setting:
Amateur Japanese adolescent male soccer team.

Participants:
Japanese adolescent male soccer players (n = 195) aged 12 to 13 years.

Assessment of Risk Factors (Independent Variables):
Height, body weight, body mass index, muscle tightness of both lower extremities (iliopsoas, hamstrings, and quadriceps), lumbar bone mineral content, developmental age, and lumbar lordosis angle were measured as baseline measurements.

Main Outcome Measures (Dependent Variable):
Players who were diagnosed with an asymptomatic stress reaction of the lumbar spine pedicle at baseline were followed; extension-based lumbar pain was defined 1 year after the baseline. The players were assigned to the LS fracture or control (CON) group at follow-up.

Results:
At baseline, 40 boys were diagnosed with an asymptomatic stress reaction of the lumbar spine pedicle. The difference in muscle tightness between the kicking leg and supporting leg was significantly different (P = 0.012) between the LS (n = 16) and CON (n = 22) groups. Increase in iliopsoas muscle tightness in the kicking leg was a predictive risk factor of developing extension-based lumbar pain after adjusting for developmental age and body mass index (odds ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.27).

Conclusions:
Development of extension-based lumbar pain from an asymptomatic stress reaction of the pedicle among adolescent male soccer players was associated with increased iliopsoas muscle tightness of the kicking leg relative to that of the supporting leg.