bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EphB2 knockdown decreases the formation of astroglial‐fibrotic scars to promote nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Wu Jian , Lu Bing , Yang Riyun , Chen Ying , Chen Xue , Li Yi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsAt the beginning of spinal cord injury (SCI), the expression of EphB2 on fibroblasts and ephrin‐B2 on astrocytes increased simultaneously and their binding triggers the formation of astroglial‐fibrotic scars, which represent a barrier to axonal regeneration. In the present study, we sought to suppress scar formation and to promote recovery from SCI by targeting EphB2 in vivo.MethodsThe female rats SCI models were used in vivo experiments by subsequently injecting with EphB2 shRNA lentiviruses. The effect on EphB2 knockdown was evaluated at 14 days after injury. The repair outcomes were evaluated at 3 months by electrophysiological and morphological assessments to regenerated nerve tissue. The EphB2 expression and TGF‐β1 secretion were detected in vitro using a lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐induced astrocyte injury model.ResultsRNAi decreased the expression of EphB2 after SCI, which effectively inhibited fibroblasts and astrocytes from aggregating at 14 days. The expression of EphB2 in activated astrocytes, in addition to fibroblasts, was significantly increased after SCI in vivo, in line with upregulated expression of EphB2 and increased secretion of TGF‐β1 in astrocyte culture treated with LPS. Compared to the scramble control, RNAi targeting with EphB2 could promote more nerve regeneration and better myelination.ConclusionsEphB2 knockdown may effectively inhibit the formation of astroglial‐fibrotic scars at the beginning of SCI. It is beneficial to eliminate the barrier of nerve regeneration.
L‐Se‐methylselenocysteine sensitizes lung carcinoma to chemotherapy
Authors: Ma Jia , Huang Jing , Sun Jinli , Zhou Yanfeng , Ji Xiaoyuan , Guo Daoxia , Liu Chang , Li Jiyu , Zhang Jiye , Song Haiyun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesOrganic Selenium (Se) compounds such as L‐Se‐methylselenocysteine (L‐SeMC/SeMC) have been employed as a class of anti‐oxidant to protect normal tissues and organs from chemotherapy‐induced systemic toxicity. However, their comprehensive effects on cancer cell proliferation and tumour progression remain elusive.Materials and MethodsCCK‐8 assays were conducted to determine the viabilities of cancer cells after exposure to SeMC, chemotherapeutics or combined treatment. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and lipid peroxidation levels were assessed via fluorescence staining. The efficacy of free drugs or drug‐loaded hydrogel against tumour growth was evaluated in a xenograft mouse model.ResultsAmong tested cancer cells and normal cells, the A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells showed higher sensitivity to SeMC exposure. In addition, combined treatments with several types of chemotherapeutics induced synergistic lethality. SeMC promoted lipid peroxidation in A549 cells and thereby increased ROS generation. Significantly, the in vivo efficacy of combination therapy was largely potentiated by hydrogel‐mediate drug delivery.ConclusionsOur study reveals the selectivity of SeMC in the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and develops an efficient strategy for local combination therapy.
Depth and breadth relevance in citation metrics
Authors: Stern David I. , Tol Richard S. J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe Euclidean length of a citation list is “depth relevant”: the metric increases when citations are transferred from less to more cited papers. We introduce “breadth relevance,” which favors consistent achievers over one‐hit wonders. The exponent of the CES aggregator then is less than unity rather than greater than unity, as for depth relevance. Using two datasets on citations of economists for the top 50 US and global universities, simply counting citations maximizes the correlation between the citation metrics of researchers and the peer‐reviewed rank of their department. However, citation depth may explain the allocation of researchers across lower‐ranked departments.
Coexisting Lewy body disease and clinical parkinsonism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Forrest Shelley L. , Kim Jordan Hanxi , De Sousa Clair , Cheong Rosie , Crockford Daniel R. , Sheedy Donna , Stevens Julia , McCrossin Toni , Tan Rachel H. , McCann Heather , Shepherd Claire E. , Rowe Dominic B. , Kiernan Matthew C. , Halliday Glenda M. , Kril Jillian J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is associated with a range of clinical phenotypes and shows progressive degeneration of upper and/or lower motor neurons, and phosphorylated 43 kDa TAR DNA‐binding protein (pTDP‐43) inclusions in motor and non‐motor pathways. Parkinsonian features have been reported in up to 30% of ALS patients, and Lewy bodies, normally associated with Lewy body disease (LBD), have been reported in a small number of ALS cases, with unknown clinical relevance. This study investigates the prevalence of clinically relevant LBD in a prospectively studied ALS cohort to determine whether concomitant pathology contributes to the clinical heterogeneity.MethodsAll ALS cases held by the New South Wales Brain Bank (n = 97) were screened for coexisting LBD consistent with clinical disease (Braak ≥ stage IV). Relevant clinical and genetic associations were determined.ResultsSix cases had coexisting LBD Braak ≥ stage IV pathology. The age at symptom onset (69 ± 7 years) and disease duration (4 ± 3 years) in ALS cases with coexisting LBD did not differ from ALS cases. Three patients had lower limb onset and two patients had bulbar onset. Two patients developed the clinical features of Parkinson's disease, with one receiving a dual diagnosis. All cases had no known relevant family history or genetic abnormalities.ConclusionThe prevalence of clinically relevant LBD pathology in ALS is higher than in the general population, and has implications for clinical and neuropathological diagnoses and the identification of biomarkers.
Cross‐sectional area reference values for peripheral nerve ultrasound in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis—Part II: Lower extremity nerves
Authors: Fisse Anna Lena , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Gold Ralf , Krogias Christos , Pitarokoili Kalliopi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeMeasurement of the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of peripheral nerves using ultrasound is useful in the evaluation of focal lesions such as entrapment syndromes and inflammatory polyneuropathies. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published CSA reference values for lower extremity nerves.MethodsWe included available‐to‐date nerve ultrasound studies on healthy adults and provide meta‐analysis for CSA of the following nerves: fibular nerve at fibular head, popliteal fossa; tibial nerve at popliteal fossa, malleolus; and sural nerve at the level of the two heads of gastrocnemius muscle. We report regression and correlation analyses for age, gender distribution, height, weight, and geographic continent.ResultsWe included 16 studies with 1001 healthy volunteers (mean age = 47.9 years) and 4023 examined nerve sites. Calculated mean pooled CSA of fibular nerve at fibular head was 8.4 mm2 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.8–9.9 mm2, n = 1166), at popliteal fossa was 7.9 mm2 (95% CI = 6.6–9.2 mm2, n = 995), of tibial nerve at popliteal fossa was 25.9 mm2 (95% CI = 17.5–34.4 mm2, n = 771), at malleolus was 10.0 mm2 (95% CI = 7.7–12.4 mm2, n = 779), and of sural nerve was 2.4 mm2 (95% CI = 1.7–3.1 mm2, n = 312). Substantial heterogeneity across studies (I2 > 50%) was found only for tibial nerve at popliteal fossa. Subgroup analysis revealed a lower CSA of tibial nerve at popliteal fossa and sural nerve in studies conducted in Europe than in North America and New Zealand.ConclusionsWe provide the first meta‐analysis on CSA reference values for the lower extremities with no or low heterogeneity of reported CSA values in all nerve sites except tibial nerve at popliteal fossa. Our data facilitate the goal of an international standardized evaluation protocol.
The impact of trading behavioral biases on market liquidity under different volatility levels: Evidence from the Chinese commodity futures market
Authors: Liu Qingfu , Tse Yiuman , Zheng Kaixin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates a sample of 15 Chinese commodity futures to examine the impact of trading behavioral biases on market liquidity under different volatility levels. We construct a measure of shocks driven by news on market fundamentals to capture rational trading behavior and a measure of irrational trading behavior from excess skewness, excess kurtosis, and excess turnover. We find that herding causes deterioration in liquidity mainly by affecting order imbalance, whereas overtrading improves market liquidity by increasing market depth. The disposition effect is identified only when volatility is higher, after a distinction is made between up and down markets.
Female board directors' resilience against gender discrimination
Authors: Goyal Rita , Kakabadse Nada , Kakabadse Andrew , Talbot Danielle 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDespite regulatory efforts to promote gender diversity on boards, women are still severely underrepresented in board leadership in the UK, beyond FTSE 100 companies. Evidence suggests that women, when poorly represented in the workplace, are more likely to suffer discrimination. In this study, we report the first‐hand experiences of gender discrimination suffered by female directors and present the process of how they build resilience through developing coping strategies. Such resilience‐building processes seem to vary with the length of board experience of female directors. At the outset of their board journey, they adopt avoidant coping strategies of denial and disengagement. However, with experience in boards, they gain the confidence to pursue the active coping strategy of seeking and extending support. This qualitative study is based on 42 elite interviews of board directors and is guided by the resilience theory, in the context of top FTSE boards. The article also discusses the contribution of the study to theory, praxis, and policy.
Career resilience of female professionals in the male‐dominated IT industry in Sweden: Toward a process perspective
Authors: Tokbaeva Dinara , Achtenhagen Leona 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSweden is known to be one of the most gender‐equal societies in the world. Thus, it remains as an enigma why a large discrepancy continues to exist regarding the gender balance in career choice and progression in many professions. Drawing on Hirdman's (1988) theory of gendered systems, in this paper, we explore the role of career resilience in the career progression of women who choose to work in the male‐dominated IT sector. We draw attention to how the day‐to‐day process of practicing career resilience in a gendered workplace tends to evolve as women progress in their careers. Based on an interview study with 50 female IT professionals as well as a discourse analysis of 502 newspaper articles on women in this sector, we develop a process model of career resilience in gendered professions, outlining different coping strategies that allow women to develop and enhance such resilience over time. We conclude the paper by providing some practical recommendations.
A mapping and synthesis of tools for stakeholder and community engagement in quality improvement initiatives for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health
Authors: Spencer Jessie , Gilmore Brynne , Lodenstein Elsbet , Portela Anayda 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundStakeholder and community engagement promotes collaboration and gives service users an opportunity to actively participate in the care they receive. Recognizing this potential, The Network for Improving Quality of Care for maternal, newborn and child health aimed to identify tools and operational guidance to integrate stakeholder and community engagement into quality improvement (QI) implementation.MethodsA mapping, consisting of a literature review and an open call through email and listservers, for implementation tools was conducted. Materials were included if they provided guidance on stakeholder and community engagement aligned to the Network's QI framework comprising seven phases. Screening of tools was done by two reviewers.ResultsThe literature search and the call for tools returned 197 documents with 70 tools included after screening. Most included tools (70%) were published after 2010. International organizations were the most frequently cited authors of tools. Only 15 tools covered all seven phases of the QI framework; few tools covered the more ‘technical’ phase of the QI framework: adapting standards and refining strategies.ConclusionThe quantity of tools and their varied characteristics including types of stakeholder and community engagement processes across the QI framework confirms that engagement cannot be captured in a ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ formula. Many tools were designed with a generic focus to allow for adaption and use in different settings and sectors. Country programmes looking to strengthen engagement approaches can take advantage of available tools through an online portal on the WHO website and adapt them to meet their specific needs and context.Public InvolvementProgramme implementers provided tools and resources during data collection.
Predictors of in‐hospital mortality among HIV‐positive patients presenting with an acute illness to the emergency department
Authors: Laher AE , Paruk F , Venter WDF , Ayeni OA , Richards GA 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesDespite better access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) over recent years, HIV remains a major global cause of mortality. The present study aimed to identify predictors of in‐hospital mortality among HIV‐positive patients presenting to an emergency department (ED).MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, HIV‐positive patients presenting to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital adult ED between 07 July 2017 and 18 October 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Data were compared between participants who survived to hospital discharge and those who died. The data were further subjected to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to determine variables that were associated with in‐hospital mortality.ResultsOf a total of 1224 participants, the in‐hospital mortality was 13.6% (n = 166). On multivariate analysis, respiratory rate > 20 breaths/min [odds ratio (OR) = 1.90, P = 0.012], creatinine > 120 μmol/L (OR = 1.97, P = 0.006), oxygen saturation < 90% (OR = 2.09, P = 0.011), white cell count < 4.0 × 109/L (OR = 2.09, P = 0.008), ART non‐adherence or not yet on ART (OR = 2.39, P = 0.012), Glasgow Coma Scale < 15 (OR = 2.53, P = 0.000), albumin < 35 g/L (OR = 2.61, P = 0.002), lactate > 2 mmol/L (OR = 4.83, P = 0.000) and cryptococcal meningitis (OR = 6.78, P = 0.000) were significantly associated with in‐hospital mortality.ConclusionsRoutine clinical and laboratory parameters are useful predictors of in‐hospital mortality in HIV‐positive patients presenting to the ED with an acute illness. These parameters may be of value in guiding clinical decision‐making, directing the appropriate use of resources and influencing patient disposition, and may also be useful in developing an outcome prediction tool.
Suicidal behaviour and the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic: Insights from Durkheim's sociology of suicide
Authors: Khan Anisur Rahman , Shimul S.M. Anowarul Kayes , Arendse Najuwa 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWhilst suicide is well established as a critical global public health burden causing around 800,000 deaths annually along with many more attempts, there is a concern that the impact of the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic might intensify suicidality. The purpose of this study is to draw attention to the budding correlation between the COVID‐19 pandemic and suicidality from the theoretical perspective of Emile Durkheim's sociology of suicide. A review of online newspaper databases (1 January to 30 April 2020) that reported suicide cases and attempts triggered as a result of the disruptions caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic were included and analysed. Out of the 28 identified cases, there were three suicide attempts, one homicide‐suicide/pact‐suicide, and 24 suicides spanning 10 countries. Durkheim explained the social causation of suicide and provided a four‐fold suicide typology. The cases were analysed according to their appropriate typology, and classified as egoistic (9), altruistic (3), anomic (8), and fatalistic (8). Durkheim suggests that the rise and fall of suicide rates will depend on the nature of social change. As society is undergoing massive social disruption resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic, suicide rates may increase unless suicide prevention measures align with the current social reconstruction process.
Pyridoxamine ameliorates methylglyoxal‐induced macrophage dysfunction to facilitate tissue repair in diabetic wounds
Authors: Jiang Minfei , Yakupu Aobuliaximu , Guan Haonan , Dong Jiaoyun , Liu Yingkai , Song Fei , Tang Jiajun , Tian Ming , Niu Yiwen , Lu Shuliang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMethylglyoxal (MGO) is a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound formed during hyperglycaemia. MGO combines with proteins to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs), leading to cellular dysfunction and organ damage. In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the higher the plasma MGO concentration, the higher the lower extremity amputation rate. Here, we aimed to identify the mechanisms of MGO‐induced dysfunction. We observed that the accumulation of MGO‐derived AGEs in human diabetic wounds increased, whereas the expression of glyoxalase 1 (GLO1), a key metabolic enzyme of MGO, decreased. We show for the first time that topical application of pyridoxamine (PM), a natural vitamin B6 analogue, reduced the accumulation of MGO‐derived AGEs in the wound tissue of type‐2 diabetic mice, promoted the influx of macrophages in the early stage of tissue repair, improved the dysfunctional inflammatory response, and accelerated wound healing. In vitro, MGO damaged the phagocytic functions of M1‐like macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but not those of M0‐like macrophages induced by PMA or of M2‐like macrophages induced by interleukins 4 (IL‐4) and 13 (IL‐13); the impaired phagocytosis of M1‐like macrophages was rescued by PM administration. These findings suggest that the increase in MGO metabolism in vivo might contribute to macrophage dysfunction, thereby affecting wound healing. Our results indicate that PM may be a novel therapeutic approach for treating diabetic wounds. MGO forms protein adducts that cause macrophage dysfunction. These adducts cause cell and organ dysfunction that is common in diabetes. Pyridoxamine scavenges MGO to ameliorate this dysfunction, promoting wound healing. Pyridoxamine could be used therapeutically to treat non‐healing diabetic wounds.
The ROX index can be a useful tool for the triage evaluation of COVID‐19 patients with dyspnoea
Authors: Zaboli Arian , Ausserhofer Dietmar , Pfeifer Norbert , Sibilio Serena , Tezza Giovanna , Ciccariello Laura , Turcato Gianni 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimTo assess whether the application of a non‐invasive tool, such as ratio of oxygen saturation (ROX) index, during triage can identify patients with COVID‐19 at high risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).DesignA multi‐centre, observational, retrospective study.MethodsOnly COVID‐19 positive patients who required an emergency department evaluation for dyspnoea were considered. The primary objective of the study was to compare the ROX value obtained during triage with the medical diagnosis of ARDS and intubation in 72 h of the triage evaluation. The ROX index value was also compared with objective outcomes, such as the pressure of arterial O2 (PaO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio and the lung parenchyma volume involved in COVID‐19‐related inflammatory processes, based on 3D reconstructions of chest computed tomography (CT).ResultsDuring the study period, from 20 March 2020 until 31 May 2020, a total of 273 patients with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were enrolled. The predictive ability of ROX for the risk of developing ARDS in 72 h after triage evaluation was associated with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.845 (0.797–0.892, p < 0.001), whereas the AUROC value was 0.727 (0.634–0.821, p < 0.001) for the risk of intubation. ROX values were strongly correlated with PaO2/FiO2 values (r = 0.650, p < 0.001), decreased ROX values were associated with increased percentages of lung involvement based on 3D CT reconstruction (r = −0.371, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe ROX index showed a good ability to identify triage patients at high evolutionary risk. Correlations with objective but more invasive indicators (PaO2/FiO2 and CT) confirmed the important role of ROX in identifying COVID‐19 patients with extensive pathological processes.ImpactDuring the difficult triage evaluation of COVID‐19 patients, the ROX index can help the nurse to identify the real severity of the patient. The triage systems could integrate the ROX in the rapid patient assessment to stratify patients more accurately.
Lemon sole Microstomus kitt in the northern North Sea: a multidisciplinary approach to the early life‐history dynamics
Authors: Geffen Audrey J. , Albretsen Jon , Huwer Bastian , Nash Richard D. M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLemon sole Microstomus kitt is a commercially valuable flatfish species that occurs in shelf waters around the northeast Atlantic. Only the most basic life‐history information is available for the North Sea. Spawning is generally assumed to occur between early May and October, with a peak between May and August. Lemon sole larvae have been found in the water column in the northern North Sea in winter during standard surveys. Larvae captured in November/December 2016 and January/February 2017 using the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas standard 2 m Midwater Ring trawls (MIK) were analysed to gain a better understanding of the pelagic early life‐history stages of lemon sole, especially in relation to the timing of spawning and the dispersal of overwintering larvae. Larval age was estimated from sagittal otolith primary increment counts. The larvae caught in November/December ranged in nominal age from 4 to 45 days post‐hatching which suggests that spawning continues into late October and November. Most, but not all, of the larvae caught in January/February were post metamorphosis, and the difference in age between the two sampling dates was consistent with the elapsed time between samplings. The estimated hatching dates confirm that lemon sole spawning extends into late autumn in the northern North Sea, with overwintering larvae in all developmental stages. Drift modelling of eggs and larvae released at historically documented spawning grounds in the northern North Sea suggests that these grounds are also the source for all of the larvae sampled during the 2016–2017 surveys.