bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex- and Age-Specific Centile Curves and Downloadable Calculator for Clinical Muscle Strength Tests to Identify Probable Sarcopenia
Authors: Warden Stuart J , Liu Ziyue , Moe Sharon M 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objective
Identifying muscle weakness and probable sarcopenia using strength tests requires reference data. This study aimed to provide age- and sex-specific normative data for grip strength and common variations of the Sit-to-Stand (STS) test: time to complete 5 stands (5x-STS) and number of stands completed in 30 seconds (30s-STS). Predictors of test performance were also explored.

Methods
Dominant hand grip strength was assessed in adults (age = 18–80 years) using a digital dynamometer, and 5x-STS and 30s-STS performance were assessed synchronously during a single 30-second test. Sex-specific centile curves were generated using the lambda-mu-sigma method.

Results
Data from 2301 participants (female = 1682, male = 619) were included. Peak median grip strength occurred in female participants at 33.9 years of age (27.9 kg) and in male participants at 37.6 years of age (47.2 kg). 5x-STS and 30s-STS performance peaked at the youngest age (18.0 years) in both female participants (8.16 seconds and 17.2 repetitions) and male participants (8.02 seconds and 17.7 repetitions). Test performances were lowest for all tests at the oldest age in the database. Predictors of better test performance included lower age and higher self-reported physical functioning and appendicular skeletal muscle mass, to name a few. White participants had better performance than Black participants on the STS tests.

Conclusion
The generated centile curves reveal the pattern of change in muscle strength for tests recommended to identify probable sarcopenia. The curves can be used in rehabilitation to assess an individual’s performance relative to sex- and age-specific norms. To aid use of the data, a downloadable Excel-based calculator is provided to compute participant-specific percentiles, z scores, and t scores for each outcome and plot performance on the centile curves.

Impact
Physical therapists have an important role in identifying and treating individuals with sarcopenia and other causes of muscle weakness. The reference data provided for common clinical muscle strength tests provide therapists an ability to assess an individual’s relative performance.

Lay Summary
Knowing the normal or expected strength for an individual’s age and sex is essential to identifying muscle weakness. This study provides age- and sex-specific normal values for hand grip strength and sit-to-stand tests in adults aged 18 to 80 years.
Effects of Different Static Progressive Stretching Durations on Range of Motion, Myofibroblasts, and Collagen in a Posttraumatic Knee Contracture Rat Model
Authors: Wang Lu , Cui Jian-Bo , Xie Hui-Min , Zuo Xiu-Qin , He Jia-Le , Jia Zi-Shan , Zhang Li-Ning 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different durations of static progressive stretching (SPS) on posttraumatic knee contracture in rats, including range of motion (ROM), gait analysis, myofibroblast proliferation, and collagen regulation.MethodsThe posttraumatic knee contracture model was established, and male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the 20-minute SPS treatment, 30-minute SPS treatment (S30), 40-minute SPS treatment, untreated, immobilization, and control groups. At Week 1, 2, and 4 of treatment intervention, joint ROM and gait were measured and compared. Knee joint samples stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome were used to observe alterations in pathological structures. Collagen density and cell numbers in the posterior joint capsule were used to assess joint capsule fibrosis and inflammation. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect type I collagen and α-smooth muscle actin expression.ResultsThe S30 group improved the most; ROM, stance, mean intensity, print area, and stride length were 115 (SD = 5) degrees, 0.423 (SD = 0.074) seconds, 156.020 (SD = 7.952), 2.116 (SD = 0.078) cm2, and 11.758 (SD = 0.548) cm, respectively. The numbers of myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells decreased, and collagen proliferation was significantly suppressed in the S30 group compared with the other groups.ConclusionS30 significantly improved posttraumatic knee contracture in rats, with reduced type I collagen and α-smooth muscle actin expression, decreased the numbers of myofibroblasts and inflammatory cells, suppressed fibrotic and inflammatory changes in the joint capsule, and increased joint mobility. This study provided basic evidence for an optimal standard-of-care treatment approach for posttraumatic knee joint contracture in rats, which may have significance for humans.
Precarious Professionals: Layoffs and Gender Inequality in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Bosky Amanda , Muller Chandra , Williams Christine L 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As mass layoffs, downsizing, and corporate restructuring have become standard organizational practices, professional work is becoming less stable. We examine the effects of this turbulence on gender inequality through a case study of layoffs in the oil and gas industry. Using a longitudinal survey that followed a cohort of recently hired scientists and engineers at a multinational oil and gas company from 2012–2016, we find that a major reduction-in-force during our study resulted in significant gender disparities in firm departures. Results indicate that about seventy percent of the gender gap in departures can be explained by underlying gender differences in the formal layoff criteria and workers’ experiences in the firm prior to layoffs, pointing to formal organizational processes as insidious mechanisms driving inequality. The firm stated that layoffs were determined by performance and skill set, but the actual attributes for surviving layoffs turned out to be more malleable and open to bias. Results suggest that the firm’s performance rating system may provide a pathway through which women’s relational disadvantages became formalized in seemingly bureaucratically neutral ways. Our findings illustrate how increasing insecurity in professional careers may disadvantage women and shed light on the organizational mechanisms that reproduce gender inequality in professional work today.
Metaplastic breast cancers and triple-negative breast cancers of no special type: are they prognostically different? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Corso Giovanni , D’Ecclesiis Oriana , Magnoni Francesca , Mazzotta Erica , Conforti Fabio , Veronesi Paolo , Sajjadi Elham , Venetis Konstantinos , Fusco Nicola , Gandini Sara 
Published: December 2021

Background and aims
Metaplastic breast cancer (MBC) and triple-negative (TN) BC of no special type are often confounded with each other in terms of survival and prognosis. In this systematic study and meta-analysis, we evaluated the prognosis of each of these two different diagnoses.

Methods
We conducted a systematic literature search and review using the MOOSE guidelines, through PUBMED database, the Ovid MEDLINE database, and the ISI Web of Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI Expanded). Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were the main outcomes considered.

Results
Our review eventually selected six independent studies, with a total of more than 59 519 patients. MBC was found to associate with worse OS compared to TNBC of no special type, with a significant 40% increased risk of death [summary hazard ratio (SHR) = 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30–1.50]. We found neither heterogeneity (I
2 = 0%) nor evidence of publication bias (P = 0.82 and P = 0.49 by Begg’s and Egger’s test, respectively) between studies. No statistically significant difference was found between MBC and TNBC of no special type in terms of DFS (SHR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.80–1.71).

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that TNBC of no special type and MBC have comparable DFS, although the latter presents a significantly worse prognosis in terms of OS. Despite DFS being similar in both subtypes, this did not result in significant OS benefits, with MBC score being the worse of the two diseases.
Bidirectional associations between cognitive functions and walking performance among middle-aged women
Authors: Tirkkonen Anna , Kekäläinen Tiia , Aukee Pauliina , Kujala Urho M. , Laakkonen Eija K. , Kokko Katja , Sipilä Sarianna 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objective:
This study investigated whether (1) cognitive functions change after the transition from the perimenopausal to the postmenopausal stage, (2) cognitive functions and walking are associated in middle-aged women, and (3) cognitive functions assessed in perimenopause are associated with walking after reaching the postmenopause or vice versa.

Methods:
In total, 342 women, categorized as early (n = 158) or late perimenopausal (n = 184), were included in the study and followed up until postmenopausal. Psychomotor speed, executive functions related to set-shifting and updating, working memory, and visual memory were assessed. Walking was assessed with walking speed, walking distance, and dual-task cost in walking speed. Data was analyzed using the paired-samples t test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, multiple linear regression analysis, and structural equation modeling.

Results:
We found small but significant improvements in psychomotor speed (P = 0.01) and working memory (P < 0.001) among early perimenopausal and in psychomotor speed (P = 0.001), set-shifting (P = 0.02), visual memory (P = 0.002), and working memory (P < 0.001) among late perimenopausal women after the transition from peri- to postmenopause. Walking speed (β = 0.264, P = 0.001) and dual-task cost (β = 0.160, P = 0.03) were associated with updating, and walking distance was associated with updating and set-shifting (β = 0.198, P = 0.02, β=−0.178 P = 0.04 respectively) among the late perimenopausal women. We found no longitudinal associations between cognitive functions and walking.

Conclusion:
Cognitive performance remained unchanged or improved after reaching postmenopause. Cognitive functions and walking were associated during the late perimenopause, but the association depended on the cognitive process and nature of the physical task. Cognitive performance was not associated with walking after reaching postmenopause or vice versa.
Examination of social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation on health and life satisfaction in community-dwelling adults with dysvascular lower limb loss
Authors: Hitzig Sander L. , Dilkas Steven , Payne Michael W. , MacKay Crystal , Viana Ricardo , Devlin Michael , Cimino Stephanie R. , Guilcher Sara J.T. , Mayo Amanda L. 
Published: December 2021

Background:
People with physical disabilities are at risk for social isolation, which has been shown to negatively influence health and well-being.

Objective(s):
The purpose of this study was to examine the association of social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation (PSI) on health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and life satisfaction in adults with dysvascular lower extremity amputation (LEA).

Study Design:
Cross-sectional survey.

Methods:
Data were collected from community-dwelling adults with dysvascular major LEA (N = 231). The main outcome measures were the Short-Form 36 and the Life Satisfaction-11. Other measures were used to quantify comorbidities/secondary health conditions, PSI, social disconnectedness, self-efficacy, social support, and social engagement. Three hierarchical regression models were conducted to predict (1) physical HrQoL, (2) mental HrQoL, and (3) life satisfaction.

Results:
Approximately one-third of the sample had high levels of social disconnectedness and PSI. The regression model predicting physical HrQoL accounted for 47% of the variance and only found that higher levels of mobility, lower perceived impact of comorbidities/conditions, and higher levels of social engagement and self-efficacy were associated with better physical HrQoL. A model predicting mental HrQoL accounted for 36% of the variance, with older age, lower PSI, and higher levels of self-efficacy being significant predictors. Finally, the model predicting life satisfaction accounted for 56% of the variance, with older age, lower perceived impact of comorbidities/conditions, and higher self-efficacy remaining as significant predictors.

Conclusions:
These findings highlight that one-third of our sample were at risk for being socially isolated and that PSI was influential on mental HrQoL and life satisfaction. There is a need for approaches to address social isolation for people with dysvascular LEA living in the community to optimize their long-term health and well-being.
The incidence and trend of geriatric amputations in Taiwan from 1996 to 2013
Authors: Huang Ya-Ling , Ho Wei-Te , Wu Chun-Chieh , Li Tung-Chou 
Published: December 2021

Background:
There has been a reported reduction in the incidence of amputation, but it is unclear whether the number of amputations has decreased in the elderly, a cohort that typically has the largest proportion of amputees.

Objectives:
To investigate the incidence proportion and time trends of amputation in patients aged ≥ 65 years in Taiwan.

Study design:
A retrospective cohort study from a large national database.

Methods:
The records of patients who underwent an amputation were collected from a nationally representative sample of 1,000,000 enrollees of Taiwan's National Health Insurance program during 1996–2013. The patients were divided into four age groups: ≤64, 65–74, 75–84, and ≥85 years. Joinpoint regression was performed with adjustment for age and sex to identify changes in incidence proportion by year.

Results:
During the 18 years, the incidence of upper and lower limb amputation decreased significantly in the total population, with the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of −6.1 and −1.8, respectively. However, in the elderly population over 65 years, the incidence did not decrease significantly for upper minor amputation, lower minor amputation, and major amputation with the AAPC of −1.1, −0.1, and −0.4, respectively. Although not significant, the incidence of major and minor lower limb amputation in the population over 85 years old showed an increasing trend, with the AAPC of 1.2 and 3.2, respectively.

Conclusion:
During the study period, although the incidence of amputation of the overall population decreased in Taiwan, this trend was not simultaneously observed in the elderly and hence, it should not be ignored.
Prosthetic walking after bilateral transfemoral amputation in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Kanata Yoshihiro , Ito Tomoyuki , Yoshida Takuya , Koyama Tetsuo , Mikami Yasuo , Domen Kazuhiza 
Published: December 2021

In this study, we present a case of a 14-year-old adolescent boy who developed rhabdomyolysis and underwent bilateral transfemoral amputation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest because of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Patients with bilateral transfemoral amputation have slower walking velocity and greater oxygen consumption during walking. Rehabilitation of such patients may be demanding especially if they have DCM, one of the major causes of advanced heart failure.
The patient was admitted to our hospital on postoperative day (POD) 206. At first, we started with residuum compression. Simultaneously, resistance training and range-of-motion exercise were performed. He started the walking training with short stubbies prostheses on POD 262. Then, we used two types of knee joint prostheses, microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee (MPK) and non-MPK. We chose MPK for his bilateral knee joints because it was easier for him to walk with MPK than with non-MPK. MPK also has the advantage of high stability and less burden on the heart.
He achieved to walk with the prosthesis using T-canes with both hands on POD 374. Furthermore, he was able to return to school after discharge.
In patients with transfemoral amputations and DCM with exercise restrictions, MPK is preferred because it reduces cardiac load during physical activity.
The Effect of Bone Density Measured by Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Implant Dimensions on the Stability of Dental Implants
Authors: Noaman Ali Tareef , Bede Salwan Y. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bone density value in Hounsfield unit derived from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and implant dimensions in relation to implant stability parameters namely the resonance frequency analysis and the insertion torque (IT) value. It included 24 patients who received 42 dental implants (DI). The bone density of the planned implant site was preoperatively measured using cone beam computed tomography. The implant stability was measured using Osstell implant stability quotient (ISQ). The ISQ values were recorded immediately postoperatively and after 16 weeks. The IT value was categorized as 35 N/cm or > 35 N/cm. The mean (standard deviation) primary stability was 79.58 (5.27) ISQ, which was significantly higher than the secondary stability 74.31 (6.34) ISQ (P < 0.0001). There was a significant moderate positive correlation of bone density with primary stability (r = 0.4, P = 0.0099) and no correlation with secondary stability (r = 0.003, P = 0.9867). The bone density of DI with 35 N/cm IT was significantly lower than with > 35 N/cm IT (P = 0.0390). Better stability was recorded with wider implants. Whereas the length of the DI showed a nonsignificant correlation with primary and secondary stability (P = 0.7633 and 0.4670, respectively). The DI dimensions showed a nonsignificant correlation with the IT. Cone beam computed tomography may be considered as a reliable method to assess bone density and predict the implant stability. The diameter of DI affected the implant stability favorably, whereas DI length showed no effect.
ACE2-independent SARS-CoV-2 infection and mouse adaption emerge after passage in cells expressing human and mouse ACE2
Authors: Yan Kexin , Dumenil Troy , Tang Bing , Le Thuy T. , Bishop Cameron , Suhrbier Andreas , Rawle Daniel J. 
Published: December 2021

SUMMARYHuman ACE2 (hACE2) is the key cell attachment and entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, with the original SARS-CoV-2 isolates unable to use mouse ACE2 (mACE2). Herein we describe a new system for generating mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 in vitro by serial passaging virus in co-cultures of cell lines expressing hACE2 and mACE2. Mouse-adapted viruses emerged with up to five amino acid changes in the spike protein, all of which have been seen in human isolates. Mouse-adapted viruses replicated to high titers in C57BL/6J mouse lungs and nasal turbinates, and caused severe lung histopathology. One mouse-adapted virus was also able to replicate efficiently in ACE2-negative cell lines, with ACE2-independent entry by SARS-CoV-2 representing a new biology for SARS-CoV-2 that has potential widespread implications for disease and intervention development.
Spatial and temporal requirement of Mlp60A isoforms during muscle development and function in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Wishard Rohan , Jayaram Mohan , Ramesh S. R. , Nongthomba Upendra 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMany myofibrillar proteins undergo isoform switching in a spatio-temporal manner during muscle development. The biological significance of the variants of several of these myofibrillar proteins remains elusive. One such myofibrillar protein, the Muscle LIM Protein (MLP), is a vital component of the Z-discs. In this paper, we show that one of the Drosophila MLP encoding genes, Mlp60A, gives rise to two isoforms: a short (279 bp, 10 kDa) and a long (1461 bp, 54 kDa) one. The short isoform is expressed throughout development, but the long isoform is adult-specific, being the dominant of the two isoforms in the indirect flight muscles (IFMs). A concomitant, muscle-specific knockdown of both isoforms leads to late pupal lethality, with the surviving flies being majorly flight defective. Mlp60A null flies show developmental lethality, and muscle defects in the individuals surviving till the third instar larval stage. This lethality could be rescued partially by muscle-specific overexpression of the short isoform. Almost 90% of the long isoform-specific P-element insertion mutant flies show a compromised flight ability and have reduced sarcomere length. Hence, our data shows that the two Mlp60A isoforms are functionally specialized, to ensuring normal embryonic muscle development and adult flight muscle function.
Neutrophil Profiles of Pediatric COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
Authors: Boribong Brittany P. , LaSalle Thomas J. , Bartsch Yannic C. , Ellett Felix , Loiselle Maggie E. , Davis Jameson P. , Gonye Anna L. K. , Hajizadeh Soroush , Kreuzer Johannes , Pillai Shiv , Haas Wilhelm , Edlow Andrea , Fasano Alessio , Alter Galit , Irimia Daniel , Sade-Feldman Moshe , Yonker Lael M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMultisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a delayed-onset, COVID-19-related hyperinflammatory systemic illness characterized by SARS-CoV-2 antigenemia, cytokine storm and immune dysregulation; however, the role of the neutrophil has yet to be defined. In adults with severe COVID-19, neutrophil activation has been shown to be central to overactive inflammatory responses and complications. Thus, we sought to define neutrophil activation in children with MIS-C and acute COVID-19. We collected samples from 141 children: 31 cases of MIS-C, 43 cases of acute pediatric COVID-19, and 67 pediatric controls. We found that MIS-C neutrophils display a granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell (G-MDSC) signature with highly altered metabolism, which is markedly different than the neutrophil interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) response observed in pediatric patients during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, we identified signatures of neutrophil activation and degranulation with high levels of spontaneous neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in neutrophils isolated from fresh whole blood of MIS-C patients. Mechanistically, we determined that SARS-CoV-2 immune complexes are sufficient to trigger NETosis. Overall, our findings suggest that the hyperinflammatory presentation of MIS-C could be mechanistically linked to persistent SARS-CoV-2 antigenemia through uncontrolled neutrophil activation and NET release in the vasculature.One Sentence SummaryCirculating SARS-CoV-2 antigen:antibody immune complexes in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) drive hyperinflammatory and coagulopathic neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and neutrophil activation pathways, providing insight into disease pathology and establishing a divergence from neutrophil signaling seen in acute pediatric COVID-19.
Socialization of Providencia stuartii enables resistance to environmental insults
Authors: Lopes Julie , Tetreau Guillaume , Pounot Kevin , El Khatib Mariam , Colletier Jacques-Philippe 
Published: December 2021

AbstractProvidencia stuartii is a highly-social pathogen responsible for nosocomial chronic urinary tract infections. The bacterium indeed forms floating communities of cells (FCC) besides and prior-to canonical surface-attached biofilms (SAB). Within P. stuartii FCC, cells are riveted one to another owing to by self-interactions between its porins, viz. Omp-Pst1 and Omp-Pst2. In pathophysiological conditions, P. stuartii is principally exposed to high concentrations of urea, ammonia, bicarbonate, creatinine and to large variations of pH, questioning how these environmental cues affect socialization, and whether formation of SAB and FCC protects cells against those. Results from our investigations indicate that FCC and SAB can both form in the urinary tract, endowing cells with increased resistance and fitness. They additionally show that while Omp-Pst1 is the main gateway allowing penetration of urea, bicarbonate and ammonia into the periplasm, expression of Omp-Pst2 enables resistance to them.