bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of Gestational Weight Gain on Maternal Glucose Metabolism in Women with GDM and Normal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Alvarado Fernanda L , O’Tierney-Ginn Perrie , Catalano Patrick
Published: December 2020

Context

Efforts to decrease the risk of developing metabolic complications of pregnancy such as gestational diabetes (GDM) through lifestyle intervention (decreasing excessive gestational weight gain (GWG)) during pregnancy have met with limited success.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the longitudinal changes in weight/body composition and insulin sensitivity and response in women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and those who developed GDM.

Design

We conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort developed before conception and again at 34 to 36 weeks gestation. A total of 29 NGT and 17 GDM women were evaluated for longitudinal changes in insulin sensitivity/response using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and an IV-glucose tolerance test. Body composition was estimated using hydrodensitometry. Both absolute change (Δ) and relative change (%Δ) between these 2 time points were calculated. We performed simple and multiple linear regression analysis to assess the relationship between GWG and measures of glucose metabolism, ie, insulin sensitivity and response.

Results

Based on the primary study design there was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between women with NGT and those developing GDM. Prior to pregnancy, women who developed GDM had lower insulin sensitivity levels (P = 0.01) compared with NGT women. Absolute change and %Δ in insulin sensitivity/insulin response and body weight/body composition were not significantly different between NGT and GDM women. Changes in body weight contributed to only 9% of the Δ in insulin sensitivity both in women developing GDM and NGT women.

Conclusions

These data suggest that other factors—such as maternal pre-pregnancy insulin sensitivity and placental derived factors affecting insulin sensitivity—rather than maternal GWG account for the changes in glucose metabolism during human pregnancy.
Genome-wide association study of terpenoids in resin reveals candidate genes for resin yield in Pinus massoniana
Authors: Bai Qingsong , Zhang Qian , Cai Yanling , Lian Huiming , Liu Wanchuan , Luo Min , Zeng Linghai , He Boxiang
Published: December 2020

Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) is an important species for resin tapping in China. Molecular assisted selection (MAS) has been gradually introduced in to the selection and breeding of masson pine. Until now, the lack of connection between genome information and phenotypic data has hindered the breeding and selection of important chemical compounds of xylem resin. In this study, gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC-MS) was employed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical compounds of resin collected from 69 masson pine germplasm resources. Then, genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted for the terpenoids with higher heritability. A total of 15 primary compounds, including six diterpenes and nine monoterpenes/sesquiterpenes, were detected from xylem resin. By using five GWAS methods, 42 associated SNPs were identified from these masson pines. The P. taeda genome database was used for detecting candidate genes related to the associated SNPs. By using transcriptome data, several members of PKc_like super family, Cytochrome P450, AP2-EFR, F-box, and ABC transporter were found to be highly expressed in the masson pines with higher resin-yielding capacity. The terpenoids associated SNPs can be directly used for MAS. These candidate genes, especially the two F-box members, will contribute to the study of terpenoid biosynthesis mechanisms in the future.
Once the First Button is Put Wrong… An Assessment of A Study by Judith Pfeiffer on Kashf al-asrār fī ilzām al-Yahūd wa-l-aḥbār by Yūsuf Ibn Abī ʿAbd al-Dayyān
Authors: Aydın Fuat
Published: December 2020

Refutations by native or converted Muslims to reject religions other than Islam have been produced for ages, including during the Ottoman era. However, studies about such refutations have mainly focused on the Ottoman world from the 19th century until the 2000s. One of the exceptions is Judith Pfeiffer’s study on Kashf al-asrār fī ilzām al-Yahūd wa-l-aḥbār by Yūsuf Ibn Abī ʿAbd al-Dayyān. This paper intends to demonstrate that the conclusion reached by Pfeiffer, i.e., that the text, which she dates to 17th century within the context of the Qāḍīzādelis-Sivāsīs debate and uses as a reference, is actually a tract called al-Radd ʿalá l-Yahūd by Ṭāshkuprīzādah, is not accurate. This paper also aims to demonstrate that Ibn Abī ʿAbd al-Dayyān actually lived in the 16th century and wrote this work in relation to the Jews who had become gradually more visible in the social and cultural life of Istanbul following their migration from Spain and that the use of the reference is actually the use of the book of Ibn Abī ʿAbd al-Dayyān by Ṭāshkuprīzādah.
An Analysis on the Operations and Functions of a Sharīʿah Court: the Case of Ottoman Üsküdar (1547-1551)
Authors: Çelik Faika
Published: December 2020

Through a close reading of a single register found in the sixteenth-century court record series of Üsküdar, this article introduces the reader to the operations of the Sharīʿah court of Üsküdar and its records from 1547 to 1551. By approaching the court records as both “text” and “document,” it explores the functions of the court, identifies the court officials, defines their roles, and delineates the role played by the qāḍī, his court and the local community in the administration of justice. This article can be read as a contribution to the newly emerging literature on variations in the Sharīʿah courts in the Ottoman Empire in terms of their operations. As the recent literature including this present study demonstrates, the duties of the local Sharīʿah court in the Ottoman Empire are neither singular nor monolithic. While some of the courts provided notarial and administrative services primarily, others acted as significant sites for dispute resolution. Hence their operations were primarily judicial. What emerges from this study is that the court of Üsküdar in the very middle of the sixteenth century primarily functioned as a “public registry.”
Non-herbicidal Weed and Organic Nutrient Management in Maize under Rainfed Maize-Sesamum Cropping Sequence
Authors: Sunep Moa , J.K. Choudhary , Ezung Khumdemo
Published: December 2020

During 2013 and 2014, a field experiment was performed in the Instructional-Cum-Research Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat to study the effect of weed and nutrient management in maize on weeds and maize, sesamum yield. The field experiment was conducted in split plot design (SPD) and the treatments comprised of fertility management (F0 - control, F1 - 2.5 t/ha enriched compost and F2 - 5.0 t/ha enriched compost) as the main factor and weed management (W0-no weeding, W1- hand hoeing and earthing up 20 and 50 days after sowing,W2-in situ cowpea mulching upto 50 days after sowing and W3- in situ blackgram mulching upto 50 days after sowing) as the sub factor in maize and its residual effects tested in subsequent sesamum crop. It was found that W1 resulted in the least weed NPK content (%) at 60 days after sowing (DAS). In case of NPK uptake (kg/ha), W1 resulted in the least at 60 DAS and harvest. It was also noticed that W2 caused the least weed NPK content (%) at harvest during both the years. Organic nutrition had no effect on the above mentioned parameters. The residual effect of weed management and organic nutrition in the subsequent sesamum crop was nil in terms of weed suppression. It was found that W1, F2 and W1F2 resulted in significantly the best LAI of maize for both the years. Treatments W1 (3014.59 kg/ha and 2849.24 kg/ha in 2013 and 2014, respectively), F2 (2322.33 kg/ha and 2178.29 kg/ha during 2013 and 2014, respectively) and W1F2 (4723.81 kg/ha and 4507.24 kg/ha during 2013 and 2014, respectively) too resulted in significantly the highest grain yield of maize. No residual effect of weed management was found while organic nutrition had residual effect in sesamum crop. The best LAI in sesamum was due to fertility management, F2 during both the years while F1 and F2 both at par resulted in the least number of days needed for 50% flowering in sesamum. In sesamum, significant interaction effect was found only during 2014 for LAI, days to 50% flowering and yield. In terms of seed yield of sesamum, F2 (589.08 kg/ha) and F1 (556.28 kg/ha) being at par were better than F0 in 2013 while in 2014, F2 (402.78 kg/ha) was the best treatment. More benefit: cost ratio (2.56 and 2.16 during 2013 and 2014, respectively) of the maize-sesamum cropping sequence was due to F1W1.
The Impact of Political Risk and Institutions on Food Security
Authors: Abdullah Abdullah , Qingshi Wang , Awan Muhammad Akbar , Ashraf Junaid
Published: December 2020

The most challenging problem in today’s world is food insecurity, an estimated approximately 832 million people around the world suffer from a lack of adequate and healthy food on a regular basis for their life. This problem is likely to intensify around the world due to high political risk and weak institutions. Hence, this study utilizes the country-level data, covering 124 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean between 1984-2018 to examine the impact of political risk and institutions on food security, proxied by Dietary energy supply (DES). We have finalized the System-GMM from Pooled-OLS, Fixed-effect, Difference-GMM, and System-GMM, to recover the potential endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity of the independent variables. Our outcomes provide supportive evidence that internal and external conflicts, socioeconomic conditions, corruption, military in politics, religious tensions, ethnicity tensions, and poor quality of bureaucracy worsen food security in developed and developing countries. While government stability, the role of law and order, democratic accountability, and investment profile affect the food supply positively and significantly.
COMPOSIÇÃO FLORÍSTICA E FITOSSOCIOLÓGICA EM AMBIENTE DE CAATINGA NA ESTAÇÃO ECOLÓGICA CURRAL DO MEIO, ALAGOAS
Authors: Santos Geovânia Ricardo dos , Santos Jardel Estevam Barbosa dos , Araujo Kallianna Dantas , Costa João Gomes da
Published: December 2020

A riqueza da Caatinga é amplamente variada, muitas espécies desses ambientes são endêmicas, e pouco se sabe da sua composição, o que aumenta a necessidade de pesquisa nesse bioma. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se avaliar a composição florística e a estrutura fitossociológica da Caatinga, em um fragmento de vegetação, na Estação Ecológica Curral do Meio, Semiárido de Alagoas. Para a realização dos estudos florísticos e fitossociológicos foi delimitada uma área de 1 ha, subdivididas em 100 parcelas de 10 m x 10 m. Cada indivíduo amostrado foi anotado a espécie e circunferência de altura a base (CAB) ≥ 9 cm e altura ≥ 1,0 m. Foram calculados os parâmetros fitossociológicos e a similaridade das comunidades pelo agrupamento de Jaccard. O agrupamento das espécies na área amostral é homogêneo e com variados arranjos e distâncias próximas, indicando a similaridade das espécies. As famílias com maior número de espécies são Mimosaceae e Fabaceae, sendo que Fabaceae é a que apresenta maior número de indivíduos. As espécies com maior valor de importância são Aspidosperma pyrifolium, Bauhinia cheilantha e Anadenanthera colubrina. Na área de Caatinga estudada o maior número de espécies ocorre nas menores alturas e diâmetros, demostrando que o ambiente está em processo de regeneração.
DEFINIÇÃO DAS UNIDADES FISIOGRÁFICAS DO MUNICÍPIO DE SÃO FRANCISCO DE ASSIS, COM APLICAÇÕES DE SIG
Authors: Robaina Luís Eduardo De Souza , Trentin Romario
Published: December 2020

A compartimentação fisiográfica tem como base os elementos do ambiente que definem a composição das encostas (litologia e solos) e a forma (relevo). Neste trabalho, utilizou-se os elementos do ambiente combinados com Sistemas de Informações Geográficas e árvores de decisão no intuito de descrever, classificar e compartimentar o município de São Francisco de Assis, localizado na Bacia do rio Ibicuí, na porção Oeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram definidos oito unidade fisiográficas, sendo que seis delas são constituídas por subunidades: Unidade Beluno, composta por duas subunidades representa 14,7% do total da área do município apresenta o relevo mais movimentado do município; Unidade do Chapadão, composta por duas subunidades, ocupa 3,67%, formado por relevo suave entre escarpas; Unidade Vales Fluviais com 10,32% da área, ocorre como rampas junto aos rios Ibicuí e Jaguari. Unidade Cerros representa o recuo do Planalto, por ação erosiva e ocorre em 1,51% da área, com duas subunidades; Unidade Santa Rosa marca as áreas de nascentes da bacia do rio Itu, com área de 6,95%; Unidade São Francisco de Assis, com 50,23% da área, é composta por quatro subunidades, constituindo um relevo suave de colinas, com substrato é de rochas sedimentares areníticas e solos arenosos, por vezes gerando campos de areia; Unidade Serra dos Canários, com 5,77% da área, é composta por  duas subunidades, formando as áreas nas maiores altitudes do município; Unidade Vila Kramer, com 6,84% da área, formando solos, bem desenvolvidos com presença de argila devido a alteração das porções de topo com material vítreo dos derrames. O trabalho de compartimentação permite compreender os processos superficias atuantes e auxilia em trabalhos de planejamento.
ALTERNATIVA DA CAPTAÇÃO DE ÁGUA DA CHUVA: QUALIDADE DA ÁGUA ARMAZENADA EM CISTERNAS E EM TANQUES NATURAIS
Authors: Almeida Hermes Alves de , Viriato Crislânne Lemos , Sampaio Erandi Andrade de Moura
Published: December 2020

A baixa quantidade de chuva associada à elevada irregularidade espacial e temporal no semiárido paraibano são as principais responsáveis pela insegurança hídrica. Diante disto, procurou-se estimar o potencial de captação de água da chuva e a qualidade da água armazenada nos tanques naturais, no Sítio Olho d’água, Pocinhos, PB, e nas cisternas, na zona rural de Barra de São Miguel, sendo essas determinações os objetivos principais. Séries pluviais mensais das respectivas localidades, cedidas pela Agência Executiva de Gestão das Águas da Paraíba, foram analisadas usando-se critérios da estatística climatológica, sendo estabelecidos o regime pluvial e os volumes de captação de água da chuva. As análises da qualidade da água nos tanques naturais e cisternas foram estabelecidas de acordo com a Portaria nº 518/04 do Ministério da Saúde. Os principais resultados indicaram que o regime pluvial é irregular, assimétrico e o potencial de captação de água da chuva é a principal alternativa hídrica para o semiárido nordestino. Os indicadores de qualidade da água armazenadas nos tanques de pedras e nas cisternas foram maiores que os valores estabelecidos pela Portaria do Mistério da Saúde e, portanto, não são potáveis. Além disso, a maioria da água (das cisternas) está contaminada com bactérias heterotróficas.
REPENSANDO AS RELAÇÕES URBANO-RURAIS NO ENSINO ESCOLAR: um diálogo entre professores
Authors: Rua João , De Simoni Joana Cruz
Published: December 2020

Este artigo considera as possibilidades de pesquisas geográficas sobre as relações urbano-rurais e seus desdobramentos no ensino de Geografia nas escolas. Diversas disciplinas têm discutido as características formais dos espaços rurais (várias delas baseadas na visão dicotômica das relações urbano-rurais), bem como os conceitos adequados para estudar sua reconfiguração. Pode-se argumentar que uma importante influência da urbanidade contemporânea pode agora ser encontrada nas áreas rurais. Assim, sugerimos a noção de “urbanidades no rural”, consideradas como manifestações de espaços híbridos, nos quais o urbano e o rural se entrecruzam e interagem em muitas formas de combinações. Essa abordagem pode representar alternativas analíticas – e atenuar as limitações de algumas perspectivas. A partir desse debate, o artigo visa construir um diálogo entre professores de Geografia acerca das relações urbano-rurais, apresentando contribuições das noções expostas (e seus desdobramentos) para o ensino de Geografia e, em específico, de Geografia Rural – partindo da perspectiva de um espaço integrado e multidimensional.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, Quantum Chemical Study and Antimicrobial Study of (2e) -3-(2, 6-Dichlorophenyl) -1-(4-Fluoro) -Prop-2-En-1-One
Authors: V.Sadgir Nutan , L.Dhonnar Sunil , Jagdale Bapu , Waghmare Bhagyashri , Sadgir Chetan
Published: December 2020

The ethanol containing vertical storage column is typically a leak proof tank which is used to store the liquid and fine powder. To exploit the storing capability, these columns are generally precise high normally above 27meters with a circular cross section. The task arranged is that the agitator and the vertical pole are necessary to be on the equal podium. Due to this the pole is predisposed to vibrations from the Campaigner. This was needed to optimize the natural frequency of the column. Stiffeners /Support are fond of to the column plate to reinforce the column counter to pressure force, to minimize the vibrations of the plate and to become rigid plate against buckling. Stiffeners must be set apart at some suitable positioning so that plate stress is low than permissible stress. If column panel tallness or breadth is less than acceptable plate span then according to assumption column doesn’t requires stiffeners/support. Though if column lifted or handles in one piece then, some stiffening may be required to keep column shape. Rise the stiffness by growing stiffeners/supports leads to load increase so no actual variance in rate of recurrence. By reducing mass of column and that can be possible only by selecting proper material. The objective of entire effort is to design of the vertical column in such a way that the natural frequency of the column can be optimized. As number of supports (horizontal) are increasing the natural frequency of column is also increasing, but at same time weight is also increased. So in order to optimize design the weight of column provided by support must be reduced. After optimize the structure of support and carrying out pre stressed modal analysis the targeted natural frequencies (>16 Hz) is obtained in the structure.
Can an outpatient risk assessment tool predict who needs postoperative haemoglobin monitoring?
Authors: Nikolaus Oliver B. , Rowe Taylor , Springer Bryan D. , Fehring Thomas K. , Martin John R.
Published: December 2020

Aims

Recent improvements in surgical technique and perioperative blood management after total joint replacement (TJR) have decreased rates of transfusion. However, as many surgeons transition to outpatient TJR, obtaining routine postoperative blood tests becomes more challenging. Therefore, we sought to determine if a preoperative outpatient assessment tool that stratifies patients based on numerous medical comorbidities could predict who required postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) measurement.

Methods

We performed a prospective study of consecutive unilateral primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) and total hip arthroplasties (THAs) performed at a single institution. Prospectively collected data included preoperative and postoperative Hb levels, need for blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and Outpatient Arthroplasty Risk Assessment (OARA) score.

Results

A total of 504 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age at time of arthroplasty was 65.3 years (SD 10.2). Of the patients, 216 (42.9%) were THAs and 288 (57.1%) were TKAs. Six patients required a blood transfusion postoperatively (1.19%). Transfusion after surgery was associated with lower postoperative day 1 Hb (median of 8.5 (interquartile range (IQR) 7.9 to 8.6) vs 11.3 (IQR 10.4 to 12.2); p < 0.001), longer length of stay (1 day (IQR 1 to 1) vs 2 days (IQR 2 to 3); p < 0.001), higher OARA score (median of 60.0 (IQR 40 to 75) vs 5.0 (IQR 0-35); p = 0.001), and total hip arthroplasty (p < 0.001). All patients who received a transfusion had an OARA score > 34; however, this did not reach statistical significance as a screening threshold.

Conclusion

Risk of blood transfusion after primary TJR was uncommon in our series, with an incidence of 1.19%. Transfusion was associated with OARA scores > 60. The OARA score, not American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, reliably identified patients at risk for postoperative blood transfusion. Selective Hb monitoring may result in substantial cost savings in the era of cost containment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):65–70.
The role of Denosumab in joint preservation for patients with giant cell tumour of bone
Authors: Perrin David Louis , Visgauss Julia D. , Wilson David A. , Griffin Anthony M. , Abdul Razak Albiruni R. , Ferguson Peter C. , Wunder Jay S.
Published: December 2020

Aims

Local recurrence remains a challenging and common problem following curettage and joint-sparing surgery for giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB). We previously reported a 15% local recurrence rate at a median follow-up of 30 months in 20 patients with high-risk GCTB treated with neoadjuvant Denosumab. The aim of this study was to determine if this initial favourable outcome following the use of Denosumab was maintained with longer follow-up.

Methods

Patients with GCTB of the limb considered high-risk for unsuccessful joint salvage, due to minimal periarticular and subchondral bone, large soft tissue mass, or pathological fracture, were treated with Denosumab followed by extended intralesional curettage with the goal of preserving the joint surface. Patients were followed for local recurrence, metastasis, and secondary sarcoma.

Results

A total of 25 patients with a mean age of 33.8 years (18 to 67) with high-risk GCTB received median six cycles of Denosumab before surgery. Tumours occurred most commonly around the knee (17/25, 68%). The median follow-up was 57 months (interquartile range (IQR) 13 to 88). The joint was salvaged in 23 patients (92%). Two required knee arthroplasty due to intra-articular fracture and arthritis. Local recurrence developed in 11 patients (44%) at a mean of 32.5 months (3 to 75) following surgery, of whom four underwent repeat curettage and joint salvage. One patient developed secondary osteosarcoma and another benign GCT lung metastases.

Conclusion

The use of Denosumab for joint salvage was associated with a higher than expected rate of local recurrence at 44%. Neoadjuvant Denosumab for joint-sparing procedures should be considered with caution in light of these results. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):184–191.
The effect of antibiotic-loaded bone cement on risk of revision following hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Farhan-Alanie Muhamed M. , Burnand Henry G. , Whitehouse Michael R.
Published: December 2020

Aims

This study aimed to compare the effect of antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) versus plain bone cement (PBC) on revision rates for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and all-cause revisions following primary elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies comparing ALBC versus PBC, reporting on revision rates for PJI or all-cause revision following primary elective THA or TKA. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO ID CRD42018107691).

Results

Nine studies and one registry report were identified, enabling the inclusion of 371,977 THA and 671,246 TKA. Pooled analysis for THA demonstrated ALBC was protective against revision for PJI compared with PBC (relative risk (RR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 to 0.77; p < 0.001), however, no differences were seen for all-cause revision rate (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.09; p = 0.100). For TKA, there were no significant differences in revision rates for PJI or all causes between ALBC and PBC (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.45; p = 0.730, and RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.02; p = 0.060, respectively).

Conclusion

ALBC demonstrated a protective effect against revision for PJI compared with PBC in THA with no difference in all-cause revisions. No differences in revision rates for PJI and all-cause revision between ALBC and PBC for TKA were observed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):7–15.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in hip fracture
Authors: Craxford Simon , Marson Ben Arthur , Oderuth Eshan , Nightingale Jessica , Agrawal Yuvraj , Ollivere Benjamin
Published: December 2020

Aims

Infection after surgery increases treatment costs and is associated with increased mortality. Hip fracture patients have historically had high rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and surgical site infection (SSI). This paper reports the impact of routine MRSA screening and the “cleanyourhands” campaign on rates of MRSA SSI and patient outcome.

Methods

A total of 13,503 patients who presented with a hip fracture over 17 years formed the study population. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors for MRSA and SSI. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modelling adjusted for temporal trends in rates of MRSA. Kaplan-Meier estimators were generated to assess for changes in mortality.

Results

In all, 6,189 patients were identified before the introduction of screening and 7,314 in the post-screening cohort. MRSA infection fell from 69 cases to 15 in the post-screening cohort (p < 0.001). The ARIMA confirmed a significant reduction in MRSA SSI post-screening (p = 0.043) but no significant impact after hand hygiene alone (p = 0.121). Overall SSI fell (2.4% to 1.5%), however deep infection increased slightly (0.89% to 1.06%). ARIMA showed neither intervention affected overall SSI (“cleanyourhands” -0.172% (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.39% to 0.21); p = 0.122, screening -0.113% per year, (95% CI -0.34 to 0.12); p = 0.373). One-year mortality after deep SSI was unchanged after screening (50% vs 45%; p = 0.415). Only warfarinization (OR 3.616 (95% CI 1.366 to 9.569); p = 0.010) and screening (OR 0.189 (95% CI 0.086 to 0.414); p < 0.001) were significant covariables for developing MRSA SSI.

Conclusion

While screening and decolonization may reduce MRSA-associated SSI, the benefit to patient outcome remains unclear. Overall deep SSI remains an unsolved problem that has seen little improvement over time. Preventing other hospital-associated infections should not be forgotten in the fight against MRSA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):170–177.
Patients with no recurrence of infection five years after two-stage revision hip arthroplasty may be classified as periprosthetic infection ‘in remission’
Authors: Slullitel Pablo A. , Oñativia José I. , Cima Ignacio , Zanotti Gerardo , Comba Fernando , Piccaluga Francisco , Buttaro Martin A.
Published: December 2020

Aims

We aimed to report the mid- to long-term rates of septic and aseptic failure after two-stage revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 96 cases which met the Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria for PJI. The mean follow-up was 90 months (SD 32). Septic failure was assessed using a Delphi-based consensus definition. Any further surgery undertaken for aseptic mechanical causes was considered as aseptic failure. The cumulative incidence with competing risk analysis was used to predict the risk of septic failure. A regression model was used to evaluate factors associated with septic failure. The cumulative incidence of aseptic failure was also analyzed.

Results

There were 23 septic failures at final follow-up, with a cumulative incidence of 14% (95% confidence interval (CI) 8% to 22%) at one year, 18% (95% CI 11% to 27%) at two years, 22% (95% CI 14% to 31%) at five years, and 23% (95% CI 15% to 33%) at ten years. Having at least one positive culture (hazard ratio (HR) 2.38 (interquartile range (IQR) 1.19 to 4.74); p = 0.013), or a positive intraoperative frozen section (HR 2.55 (IQR 1.06 to 6.15); p = 0.037) was significantly associated with septic failure after reimplantation. With dislocation being the most common cause of aseptic revision (5.2%), the cumulative incidence of aseptic failure was 1% (95% CI 0% to 5%) at one year, 6% (95% CI 1% to 8%) at five years, and 8% (95%CI 3% to 17%) at ten years.

Conclusion

If there is no recurrent infection in the five years following reimplantation, the chances of further infection thereafter are remote. While the results of a frozen section may be a reliable guide to the timing of reimplantation, intraoperative culture has, currently, only prognostic value. Surgeons should be aware that instability remains a potential indication for further revision surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):79–86.
Clinical implications of lumbar developmental spinal stenosis on back pain, radicular leg pain, and disability
Authors: Lai Marcus Kin Long , Cheung Prudence Wing Hang , Samartzis Dino , Karppinen Jaro , Cheung Kenneth Man Chee , Cheung Jason Pui Yin
Published: December 2020

Aims

To study the associations of lumbar developmental spinal stenosis (DSS) with low back pain (LBP), radicular leg pain, and disability.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 2,206 subjects along with L1-S1 axial and sagittal MRI. Clinical and radiological information regarding their demographics, workload, smoking habits, anteroposterior (AP) vertebral canal diameter, spondylolisthesis, and MRI changes were evaluated. Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-squared tests were conducted to search for differences between subjects with and without DSS. Associations of LBP and radicular pain reported within one month (30 days) and one year (365 days) of the MRI, with clinical and radiological information, were also investigated by utilizing univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

Results

Subjects with DSS had higher prevalence of radicular leg pain, more pain-related disability, and lower quality of life (all p < 0.05). Subjects with DSS had 1.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0 to 2.1; p = 0.027) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.3 to 2.6; p = 0.001) times higher odds of having radicular leg pain in the past month and the past year, respectively. However, DSS was not associated with LBP. Although, subjects with a spondylolisthesis had 1.7 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.5; p = 0.011) and 2.0 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.2; p = 0.008) times greater odds to experience LBP in the past month and the past year, respectively.

Conclusion

This large-scale study identified DSS as a risk factor of acute and chronic radicular leg pain. DSS was seen in 6.9% of the study cohort and these patients had narrower spinal canals. Subjects with DSS had earlier onset of symptoms, more severe radicular leg pain, which lasted for longer and were more likely to have worse disability and poorer quality of life. In these patients there is an increased likelihood of nerve root compression due to a pre-existing narrowed canal, which is important when planning surgery as patients are likely to require multi-level decompression surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):131–140.
Remodelling of femoral head deformity after hip reconstructive surgery in patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Min Jae Jung , Kwon Soon-Sun , Sung Ki Hyuk , Lee Kyoung Min , Chung Chin Youb , Park Moon Seok
Published: December 2020

Aims

Hip displacement, common in patients with cerebral palsy (CP), causes pain and hinders adequate care. Hip reconstructive surgery (HRS) is performed to treat hip displacement; however, only a few studies have quantitatively assessed femoral head sphericity after HRS. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess improvement in hip sphericity after HRS in patients with CP.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed hip radiographs of patients who had undergone HRS because of CP-associated hip displacement. The pre- and postoperative migration percentage (MP), femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA), and sphericity, as determined by the Mose hip ratio (MHR), age at surgery, Gross Motor Function Classification System level, surgical history including Dega pelvic osteotomy, and triradiate cartilage status were studied. Regression analyses using linear mixed model were performed to identify factors affecting hip sphericity improvement.

Results

A total of 108 patients were enrolled. The mean preoperative MP was 58.3% (SD 31.7%), which improved to 9.1% (SD 15.6%) at the last follow-up. NSA and MHR improved from 156.5° (SD 11.5°) and 82.3% (SD 8.6%) to 126.0° (SD 18.5°) and 89.1% (SD 9.0%), respectively. Factors affecting the postoperative MHR were preoperative MP (p = 0.005), immediate postoperative MP (p = 0.032), and history of Dega osteotomy (p = 0.046).

Conclusion

We found that hip sphericity improves with HRS. Preoperative MP, reduction quality, and acetabular coverage influence femoral head remodelling. We recommend that surgeons should consider intervention early before hip displacement progresses and that during HRS, definite reduction and coverage of the femoral head should be obtained. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):198–203.
The extensor efficiency of unicompartmental, bicompartmental, and total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Garner Amy , Dandridge Oliver , Amis Andrew A. , Cobb Justin P. , van Arkel Richard J.
Published: December 2020

Aims

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and bicompartmental knee arthroplasty (BCA) have been associated with improved functional outcomes compared to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in suitable patients, although the reason is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to measure how the different arthroplasties affect knee extensor function.

Methods

Extensor function was measured for 16 cadaveric knees and then retested following the different arthroplasties. Eight knees underwent medial UKA then BCA, then posterior-cruciate retaining TKA, and eight underwent the lateral equivalents then TKA. Extensor efficiency was calculated for ranges of knee flexion associated with common activities of daily living. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance (α = 0.05).

Results

Compared to native, there were no reductions in either extension moment or efficiency following UKA. Conversion to BCA resulted in a small decrease in extension moment between 70° and 90° flexion (p < 0.05), but when examined in the context of daily activity ranges of flexion, extensor efficiency was largely unaffected. Following TKA, large decreases in extension moment were measured at low knee flexion angles (p < 0.05), resulting in 12% to 43% reductions in extensor efficiency for the daily activity ranges.

Conclusion

This cadaveric study found that TKA resulted in inferior extensor function compared to UKA and BCA. This may, in part, help explain the reported differences in function and satisfaction differences between partial and total knee arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(1):1–9.
APPLICATION OF DOSES OF FREEZE-DRIED EXTRACT FROM MORINGA OLEIFERA SEEDS IN WATER TREATMENT
Authors: Silva Semirames do Nascimento Silva , Gomes Josivanda Palmeira , Silva Polyana Barbosa , Barroso Antonio Jackson Ribeiro , Siqueira Eliezer da Cunha , Filho Francisco de Sales Oliveira
Published: December 2020

Despite the proven performance and cost-effectiveness of chemical coagulants, natural coagulants are being studied. Among them, Moringa oleifera has been investigated more intensively as it contains proteins that are efficient in the alternative treatment of water for human consumption. The objective of the research was to use water with pH, turbidity and apparent color with levels above that allowed by Brazilian legislation and to treat it with freeze-dried extract of moringa seeds in different doses, selecting the best one for each parameter studied. The study was conducted at the Laboratory for Processing and Storing of Agricultural Products, at the Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. The extract was obtained as a result of the freeze-drying method. Three water quality parameters were evaluated: pH, turbidity and apparent color. Doses of 12, 16, 18 and 24 g/500 mL of freeze-dried extract of moringa seeds were used. Jar tests were performed at 160 rpm. The application of different doses of the freeze-dried extract resulted in pH according to the limits required by Brazilian legislation for drinking water. Based on the best efficiencies in pH, reduction of turbidity and color, doses of 24 g/500 mL were selected for pH and turbidity and 16 g/500 mL g for the apparent color.
Ten quick tips for making things findable
Authors: Lin Sarah , Ali Ibraheem , Wilson Greg
Published: December 2020

The distribution of scholarly content today happens in the context of an immense deluge of information found on the internet. As a result, researchers face serious challenges when archiving and finding information that relates to their work. Library science principles provide a framework for navigating information ecosystems in order to help researchers improve findability of their professional output. Here, we describe the information ecosystem which consists of users, context, and content, all 3 of which must be addressed to make information findable and usable. We provide a set of tips that can help researchers evaluate who their users are, how to archive their research outputs to encourage findability, and how to leverage structural elements of software to make it easier to find information within and beyond their publications. As scholars evaluate their research communication strategies, they can use these steps to improve how their research is discovered and reused.
Ash1 and Tup1 dependent repression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae HO promoter requires activator-dependent nucleosome eviction
Authors: Parnell Emily J. , Parnell Timothy J. , Yan Chao , Bai Lu , Stillman David J.
Published: December 2020

Transcriptional regulation of theSaccharomyces cerevisiae HOgene is highly complex, requiring a balance of multiple activating and repressing factors to ensure that only a few transcripts are produced in mother cells within a narrow window of the cell cycle. Here, we show that the Ash1 repressor associates with two DNA sequences that are usually concealed within nucleosomes in theHOpromoter and recruits the Tup1 corepressor and the Rpd3 histone deacetylase, both of which are required for full repression in daughters. Genome-wide ChIP identified greater than 200 additional sites of co-localization of these factors, primarily within large, intergenic regions from which they could regulate adjacent genes. Most Ash1 binding sites are in nucleosome depleted regions (NDRs), while a small number overlap nucleosomes, similar toHO. We demonstrate that Ash1 binding to theHOpromoter does not occur in the absence of the Swi5 transcription factor, which recruits coactivators that evict nucleosomes, including the nucleosomes obscuring the Ash1 binding sites. In the absence of Swi5, artificial nucleosome depletion allowed Ash1 to bind, demonstrating that nucleosomes are inhibitory to Ash1 binding. The location of binding sites within nucleosomes may therefore be a mechanism for limiting repressive activity to periods of nucleosome eviction that are otherwise associated with activation of the promoter. Our results illustrate that activation and repression can be intricately connected, and events set in motion by an activator may also ensure the appropriate level of repression and reset the promoter for the next activation cycle.
Genomic and transcriptomic landscape of conjunctival melanoma
Authors: Cisarova Katarina , Folcher Marc , El Zaoui Ikram , Pescini-Gobert Rosanna , Peter Virginie G. , Royer-Bertrand Beryl , Zografos Leonidas , Schalenbourg Ann , Nicolas Michael , Rimoldi Donata , Leyvraz Serge , Riggi Nicolò , Moulin Alexandre P. , Rivolta Carlo
Published: December 2020

Conjunctival melanoma (CJM) is a rare but potentially lethal and highly-recurrent cancer of the eye. Similar to cutaneous melanoma (CM), it originates from melanocytes. Unlike CM, however, CJM is relatively poorly characterized from a genomic point of view. To fill this knowledge gap and gain insight into the genomic nature of CJM, we performed whole-exome (WES) or whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of tumor-normal tissue pairs in 14 affected individuals, as well as RNA sequencing in a subset of 11 tumor tissues. Our results show that, similarly to CM, CJM is also characterized by a very high mutation load, composed of approximately 500 somatic mutations in exonic regions. This, as well as the presence of a UV light-induced mutational signature, are clear signs of the role of sunlight in CJM tumorigenesis. In addition, the genomic classification of CM proposed by TCGA seems to be well-applicable to CJM, with the presence of four typical subclasses defined on the basis of the most frequently mutated genes: BRAF, NF1, RAS, and triple wild-type. In line with these results, transcriptomic analyses revealed similarities with CM as well, namely the presence of a transcriptomic subtype enriched for immune genes and a subtype enriched for genes associated with keratins and epithelial functions. Finally, in seven tumors we detected somatic mutations in ACSS3, a possible new candidate oncogene. Transfected conjunctival melanoma cells overexpressing mutant ACSS3 showed higher proliferative activity, supporting the direct involvement of this gene in the tumorigenesis of CJM. Altogether, our results provide the first unbiased and complete genomic and transcriptomic classification of CJM.
Molecular asymmetry in the cephalochordate embryo revealed by single-blastomere transcriptome profiling
Authors: Lin Che-Yi , Lu Mei-Yeh Jade , Yue Jia-Xing , Li Kun-Lung , Le Pétillon Yann , Yong Luok Wen , Chen Yi-Hua , Tsai Fu-Yu , Lyu Yu-Feng , Chen Cheng-Yi , Hwang Sheng-Ping L. , Su Yi-Hsien , Yu Jr-Kai
Published: December 2020

Studies in various animals have shown that asymmetrically localized maternal transcripts play important roles in axial patterning and cell fate specification in early embryos. However, comprehensive analyses of the maternal transcriptomes with spatial information are scarce and limited to a handful of model organisms. In cephalochordates (amphioxus), an early branching chordate group, maternal transcripts of germline determinants form a compact granule that is inherited by a single blastomere during cleavage stages. Further blastomere separation experiments suggest that other transcripts associated with the granule are likely responsible for organizing the posterior structure in amphioxus; however, the identities of these determinants remain unknown. In this study, we used high-throughput RNA sequencing of separated blastomeres to examine asymmetrically localized transcripts in two-cell and eight-cell stage embryos of the amphioxusBranchiostoma floridae. We identified 111 and 391 differentially enriched transcripts at the 2-cell stage and the 8-cell stage, respectively, and usedin situhybridization to validate the spatial distribution patterns for a subset of these transcripts. The identified transcripts could be categorized into two major groups: (1) vegetal tier/germ granule-enriched and (2) animal tier/anterior-enriched transcripts. Using zebrafish as a surrogate model system, we showed that overexpression of one animal tier/anterior-localized amphioxus transcript,zfp665, causes a dorsalization/anteriorization phenotype in zebrafish embryos by downregulating the expression of the ventral gene,eve1, suggesting a potential function ofzfp665in early axial patterning. Our results provide a global transcriptomic blueprint for early-stage amphioxus embryos. This dataset represents a rich platform to guide future characterization of molecular players in early amphioxus development and to elucidate conservation and divergence of developmental programs during chordate evolution.
Plasmodium knowlesi infecting humans in Southeast Asia: What’s next?
Authors: Jeyaprakasam Nantha Kumar , Liew Jonathan Wee Kent , Low Van Lun , Wan-Sulaiman Wan-Yusoff , Vythilingam Indra
Published: December 2020

Plasmodium knowlesi, a simian malaria parasite, has been in the limelight since a large focus of human P. knowlesi infection was reported from Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) in 2004. Although this infection is transmitted across Southeast Asia, the largest number of cases has been reported from Malaysia. The increasing number of knowlesi malaria cases has been attributed to the use of molecular tools for detection, but environmental changes including deforestation likely play a major role by increasing human exposure to vector mosquitoes, which coexist with the macaque host. In addition, with the reduction in human malaria transmission in Southeast Asia, it is possible that human populations are at a greater risk of P. knowlesi infection due to diminishing cross-species immunity. Furthermore, the possibility of increasing exposure of humans to other simian Plasmodium parasites such as Plasmodium cynomolgi and Plasmodium inui should not be ignored. We here review the current status of these parasites in humans, macaques, and mosquitoes to support necessary reorientation of malaria control and elimination in the affected areas.
Pathophysiology of ocular toxoplasmosis: Facts and open questions
Authors: Greigert Valentin , Bittich-Fahmi Faiza , Pfaff Alexander W.
Published: December 2020

Infections with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii are frequent, but one of its main consequences, ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), remains poorly understood. While its clinical description has recently attracted more attention and publications, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are only sparsely elucidated, which is partly due to the inherent difficulties to establish relevant animal models. Furthermore, the particularities of the ocular environment explain why the abundant knowledge on systemic toxoplasmosis cannot be just transferred to the ocular situation. However, studies undertaken in mouse models have revealed a central role of interferon gamma (IFNγ) and, more surprisingly, interleukin 17 (IL17), in ocular pathology and parasite control. These studies also show the importance of the genetic background of the infective Toxoplasma strain. Indeed, infections due to exotic strains show a completely different pathophysiology, which translates in a different clinical outcome. These elements should lead to more individualized therapy. Furthermore, the recent advance in understanding the immune response during OT paved the way to new research leads, involving immune pathways poorly studied in this particular setting, such as type I and type III interferons. In any case, deeper knowledge of the mechanisms of this pathology is needed to establish new, more targeted treatment schemes.