bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein as a novel target for pathogenic autoimmunity in the CNS
Authors: Gerhards Ramona , Pfeffer Lena Kristina , Lorenz Jessica , Starost Laura , Nowack Luise , Thaler Franziska S. , Schlüter Miriam , Rübsamen Heike , Macrini Caterina , Winklmeier Stephan , Mader Simone , Bronge Mattias , Grönlund Hans , Feederle Regina , Hsia Hung-En , Lichtenthaler Stefan F. , Merl-Pham Juliane , Hauck Stefanie M. , Kuhlmann Tanja , Bauer Isabel J. , Beltran Eduardo , Gerdes Lisa Ann , Mezydlo Aleksandra , Bar-Or Amit , Banwell Brenda , Khademi Mohsen , Olsson Tomas , Hohlfeld Reinhard , Lassmann Hans , Kümpfel Tania , Kawakami Naoto , Meinl Edgar
Published: November 2020

Autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) comprise a broad spectrum of clinical entities. The stratification of patients based on the recognized autoantigen is of great importance for therapy optimization and for concepts of pathogenicity, but for most of these patients, the actual target of their autoimmune response is unknown. Here we investigated oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (OMGP) as autoimmune target, because OMGP is expressed specifically in the CNS and there on oligodendrocytes and neurons. Using a stringent cell-based assay, we detected autoantibodies to OMGP in serum of 8/352 patients with multiple sclerosis, 1/28 children with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and unexpectedly, also in one patient with psychosis, but in none of 114 healthy controls. Since OMGP is GPI-anchored, we validated its recognition also in GPI-anchored form. The autoantibodies to OMGP were largely IgG1 with a contribution of IgG4, indicating cognate T cell help. We found high levels of soluble OMGP in human spinal fluid, presumably due to shedding of the GPI-linked OMGP. Analyzing the pathogenic relevance of autoimmunity to OMGP in an animal model, we found that OMGP-specific T cells induce a novel type of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis dominated by meningitis above the cortical convexities. This unusual localization may be directed by intrathecal uptake and presentation of OMGP by meningeal phagocytes. Together, OMGP-directed autoimmunity provides a new element of heterogeneity, helping to improve the stratification of patients for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Potential risk factors for early and late dental implant failure: a retrospective clinical study on 9080 implants
Authors: Staedt Henning , Rossa Martin , Lehmann Karl Martin , Al-Nawas Bilal , Kämmerer Peer W. , Heimes Diana
Published: November 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze potential risk factors for early and late dental implant failure (DIF) in a clinical cohort trial.

In a private practice, 9080 implants were inserted during a period of 10 years. In case of DIF, data were classified into early and late DIF and compared to each other in regard of gender, age, site of implantation, implant geometry, and patients’ systemic diseases.

Results

Three hundred fifty-one implants failed within the observation period (survival rate: 96.13%). Early DIF occurred in 293 implants (83.48%) compared to late DIF in 58 implants (16.52%). Significant earlier DIF was seen in the mandible (OR = 3.729,p< 0.001)—especially in the posterior area—and in younger patients (p= 0.017), whereas an increased likelihood of late DIF was associated with maxillary implants (OR = 3.729,p< 0.001) and older patients.

Conclusions

Early DIF is about twice as common as late DIF. Main risk factors for early DIF are implant location in the (posterior) mandible as well as younger age. On contrary, late DIF is rather associated with older patients, cancellous bone quality, and longer implants.
Maxillary sinus lift response to platelet-rich plasma associated with autogenous bone, ceramic biphasic HA/β-TCP (70:30), or deproteinized bovine bone
Authors: Rocha Caroline Andrade , Arantes Ricardo Vinicius Nunes , Cestari Tania Mary , Santos Paula Sanches , Assis Gerson Francisco , Taga Rumio
Published: November 2020

Background

This study evaluated the long-term effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on bone formation and regeneration when associated with autogenous bone graft (AB), porous biphasic calcium phosphate (pBCP), or deproteinized bovine bone (DBB) in maxillary sinus augmentation (MSA) of rabbit.

Methods

In 54 rabbits, bilateral MSA procedure was performed and randomly one sinus was filled with 200 mm3 material plus blood clot (AB/clot, DBB/clot, and pBCP/clot) and other with the same graft plus PRP (AB/PRP, DBB/PRP, and pBCP/PRP). After 30, 60, and 180 days, microtomographic were performed to analyze the three-dimensional MSA volume and histomorphometric analyses for the percentage of bone and soft tissues ingrowth. Data were compared by two-way ANOVA and the means were compared by the Tukey test, at p < 0.05.

Results

The percentage of pBCP and DBB were nearly unchanged throughout the whole period and bone formation occurred in the spaces between particles. The MSA volume filled with DBB and pBCP agglutinated with clot and PRP maintained constant during all experimental periods (147.2 mm3 and 154.9 mm3, respectively, p = 0.7377), and no significant changes in the new formatted bone and soft tissue were observed between treatments. In AB/clot and AB/PRP, the MSA volume was similar at 30 days (140.3 mm3 and 137.9 mm3, respectively), but a higher and gradual reduction was observed until 180 days. In the AB/PRP, this reduction was significantly higher (44.2%) than AB/clot (22.5%) (p = 0.01792). Histologically, the addition of PRP to AB accelerated the new bone formation/remodeling maintaining the percentage of new bone similar to AB/clot during all experimental volume (p = 0.6406), while the AB particles showed a higher resorption in AB/PRP than AB/clot until 60 days (mean of 7.8% and 15.1%, respectively, p = 0.0396).

Conclusion

The association of PRP with the autogenous graft accelerates the process of bone formation/remodeling in MSA, but not had influence on the pBCP and DBB groups.
Gene expression, immunohistochemical and microarchitectural evaluation of bone formation around two implant surfaces placed in bone defects filled or not with bone substitute material
Authors: dos Santos Trento Guilherme , Hassumi Jaqueline Suemi , Buzo Frigério Paula , Farnezi Bassi Ana Paula , Okamoto Roberta , Gabrielli Marisa Aparecida Cabrini , Pereira-Filho Valfrido Antonio
Published: November 2020

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate through gene expression, immunohistochemical and microtomographic (micro-CT) analysis the response of peri-implant bone tissue around titanium implants with different surface treatments, placed in bone defects filled or not with bone substitute materials. In addition, to investigate the hypothesis that porous-hydrophilic surface induces a faster bone formation.

Materials and methods

Twenty-six animals were divided into two groups according to implant surface treatment. In each tibia, a bone defect was created followed by the placement of one implant. On the left tibia, the defect was filled with blood clot (BC), and on the right tibia, the defect was filled with biphasic hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium-phosphate (HA/TCP) generating four subgroups: BC-N: bone defect filled with blood clot and porous surface titanium implant installed; BC-A: bone defect filled with blood clot and porous-hydrophilic surface titanium implant installed; HA/TCP-N: bone defect filled with bone substitute material and porous surface titanium implant installed; and HA/TCP-A: bone defect filled with bone substitute material and porous-hydrophilic surface titanium implant installed. The animals were submitted to euthanasia at 15, 30, and 60 days after implant installation. The expression of two genes was evaluated: RUNX2 and BSP. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed for detection of RUNX2, OPN, OCN, OPG, and RANKL antibodies and bone matrix proteins. Finally, four parameters were chosen for micro-CT analysis: trabecular number, separation and thickness, and connectivity density.

Results

Descriptive analysis showed similar findings among the experimental groups. Moreover, porous-hydrophilic surfaces presented a higher expression of RUNX2, which is probably an indicative of better osteogenesis; although the data from this study may be considered an insufficient support for a concrete statement.

Conclusion

Porous hydrophilic surface can improve and accelerate protein expression and bone formation.
Feasibility study and process evaluation of MRI plus physiotherapy vs. physiotherapy alone in non-specific chronic low back pain among patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhowimel Ahmed , Alotiabi Mazyad , Coulson Neil , Radford Kathryn
Published: November 2020

Aim

To determine the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomised control trial (RCT) to answer the following questions: (1) Is early physiotherapy treatment acceptable and feasible for patients and direct healthcare providers? and (2) Is early physiotherapy intervention associated with better disability and psychosocial outcomes compared with the practice of routine MRIs?

Methods

In a feasibility RCT in Riyadh City from 01 March 2018 until 29 July 2018, chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients presenting to spine clinics were randomised to receive an MRI (intervention) plus physiotherapy rehabilitation or physiotherapy alone (control group). The acceptability of randomisation to the control group (non-MRI) was tested during the recruitment by qualitatively interviewing study participants and referring physicians. Moreover, interviews with study participants explored the broader social, political, economic, and environmental (context) aspects that may influence trial delivery and intervention implementation.

Results

The recruitment target was not met: 16/24 (66%) participants were recruited in 4 months (12.4% of those screened); 33% declined. The process evaluation identified numerous factors that may affect the success of a definitive RCT in Saudi Arabia. These were research resources, the lack of research infrastructure to support recruitment to trials, limited research capacity in terms of knowledge and skills of the healthcare team, and limited funding.

Conclusion

A definitive RCT to test the influence of MRI diagnosis on the psychosocial and disability outcomes in people with CLBP treated with physiotherapy in Saudi Arabia is feasible. However, the lack of research infrastructure, research capacity, the impact of MRI on patient outcomes, and a lack of clinical equipoise in the treatment and management of CLBP in Saudi Arabia pose major barriers to clinical trials.
Computational evaluation of potent 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl) pyridine derivatives as potential V600E-BRAF inhibitors
Authors: Umar Abdullahi Bello , Uzairu Adamu , Shallangwa Gideon Adamu , Uba Sani
Published: November 2020

Background

V600E-BRAF is a major protein target involved in various types of human cancers. However, the acquired resistance of the V600E-BRAF kinase to the vemurafenib and the side effects of other identified drugs initiate the search for efficient inhibitors. In the current paper, virtual docking screening combined with drug likeness and ADMET properties predictions were jointly applied to evaluate potent 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl) pyridines as V600E-BRAF kinase inhibitors.

Results

Most of the studied compounds showed better docking scores and favorable interactions with theiV600E-BRAF target. Among the screened compounds, the two most potent (14 and 30) with good rerank scores (−124.079 and − 122.290) emerged as the most effective, and potent V600E-BRAF kinase inhibitors which performed better than vemurafenib (−116.174), an approved V600E-BRAF kinase inhibitor. Thus, the docking studies exhibited that these compounds have shown competing inhibition of V600E-BRAF kinase with vemurafenib at the active site and revealed better pharmacological properties based on Lipinski’s and Veber’s drug-likeness rules for oral bioavailability and ADMET properties.

Conclusion

The docking result, drug-likeness rules, and ADMET parameters identified compounds (14 and 30) as the best hits against V600E-BRAF kinase with better pharmacological properties. This suggests that these compounds may be developed as potent V600E-BRAF inhibitors.
Rational in silico drug design of HIV-RT inhibitors through G-QSAR and molecular docking study of 4-arylthio and 4-aryloxy-3-iodopyridine-2(1-H)-one derivative
Authors: Panigrahi Debadash , Mishra Amiyakanta , Sahu Susanta Kumar
Published: November 2020

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Antiretroviral therapy (ART) against HIV infection offers the promise of controlling disease progression and prolonging the survival of HIV-infected patients. Reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors remain the cornerstone of the drug regimen to treat AIDS. In this direction, by using group-based QSAR study (G-QSAR), identification of the structural need for the development of lead structure with reverse transcriptase inhibition on 97 reported structures was carried out. Docking analysis was performed further and suggested the structural properties required for binding affinity with the receptor. The molecules in the data set were fragmented into six (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6) by applying the fragmentation pattern. Three G-QSAR models were selected based on the statistical significance of the model. The molecular docking study was performed to explain the structural properties required for the design of potent HIV-RT inhibitors.

Results

The statistically validated QSAR models reveal the presence of higher hydrophobic groups containing single-bonded –Br atom, 2 aromatic bonded –NH group with less electronegativity, and entropic interaction fields at R2 essential for better anti-HIV activity. The presence of a lipophilic group at R3, oxygen and sulfur connected with two aromatic bonds at R4, and –CH3 group at R5 was fruitful for reverse transcriptase inhibition. Docking studies of the selected inhibitors with the active site of reverse transcriptase enzyme showed hydrogen bond, Van der Waal’s, charge, aromatic, and π–π interactions with residues present at the active site.

Conclusion

The results of the generated models provide significant site-specific insight into the structural requirements for reverse transcriptase inhibition during the design and development of novel anti-HIV compounds. Molecular docking study revealed the binding interaction between the ligand and the receptor which gave insight towards the structure-based design for the discovery of more potent compounds with better activity against HIV infection.
History of the In-Between: World Literature and the Contemporary African Novel
Authors: Coundouriotis Eleni
Published: November 2020

The African novel has had an uneasy relationship with world literature, but a way to locate the historical novel in world literature lies in the emphatic turn of African fiction to the historical novel. Positing a temporality of a decolonization not yet achieved, the contemporary African novel returns to the particulars of national histories to explain change that has remained unacknowledged or misrepresented for political reasons. It grapples with the writing of history as a conscious process of what Edward W. Said describes as “textualization”: a narration that stresses voice and style in order to convey the particularity of historical circumstance, not as reportage but as lived experience. The world making of world literature comes into play as historical becoming revealed in the retrospective account conscious of the conditions of its own telling.
An image analysis method to survey the dynamics of polar protein abundance in the regulation of tip growth
Authors: Taheraly Sarah , Ershov Dmitry , Dmitrieff Serge , Minc Nicolas
Published: November 2020

Tip growth is critical for the lifestyle of many walled cells. In yeast and fungi, this process is typically associated with the polarized deposition of conserved tip factors, including landmarks, Rho GTPases, cytoskeleton regulators, and membrane and cell wall remodelers. Because tip growth speeds may vary extensively between life cycles or species, we asked whether the local amount of specific polar elements could determine or limit tip growth speeds. Using the model fission yeast, we developed a quantitative image analysis pipeline to dynamically correlate single tip elongation speeds and polar protein abundance in large data sets. We found that polarity landmarks are typically diluted by growth. In contrast, tip growth speed is positively correlated with the local amount of factors related to actin, secretion or cell wall remodeling, but, surprisingly, exhibits long saturation plateaus above certain concentrations of those factors. Similar saturation observed for Spitzenkörper components in much faster growing fungal hyphae suggests that elements independent of canonical surface remodelers may limit single tip growth. This work provides standardized methods and resources to decipher the complex mechanisms that control cell growth.

This article has an associated First Person interview with Sarah Taheraly, joint first author of the paper.
The influence of sagittal trunk leans on uneven running mechanics
Authors: AminiAghdam Soran , Blickhan Reinhard , Karamanidis Kiros
Published: November 2020

The role of trunk orientation during uneven running is not well understood. This study compares the running mechanics during the approach step to and the stepdown of a 10-cm expected drop, positioned halfway through a 15-m runway, with that of the level step in twelve participants at a speed of 3.5 m/s while maintaining self-selected (17.7±4.2°; mean±S.D.), posterior (1.8±7.4°) and anterior (26.6±5.6°) trunk leans from the vertical. Our findings reveal that the global (i.e., the spring-mass model dynamics and centre-of-mass height) and local (i.e., knee and ankle kinematics and kinetics) biomechanical adjustments during uneven running are specific to the step nature and trunk posture. Unlike the anterior-leaning posture, running with a posterior trunk lean is characterized with increases in leg angle, leg compression, knee flexion angle and moment, resulting in a stiffer knee and a more compliant spring-leg compared with self-selected condition. In the approach versus level step, reductions in the leg length and stiffness through the ankle stiffness yield lower leg force and centre-of-mass position. Contrariwise, significant increases in the leg length, angle and force, and the ankle moment, reflect in a higher centre-of-mass position during the stepdown. Plus, the ankle stiffness significantly decreases, owing to a substantially increased leg compression. Overall, the stepdown appears to be dominated by centre-of-mass height changes, regardless of having a trunk lean. Observed adjustments during uneven running can be attributed to anticipation of changes to running posture and height. These findings highlight the role of trunk posture in human perturbed locomotion relevant for design and development of exoskeleton or humanoid bipedal robots.
Respiratory sinus arrhythmia and submersion bradycardia in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Blawas Ashley M. , Nowacek Douglas P. , Allen Austin S. , Rocho-Levine Julie , Fahlman Andreas
Published: November 2020

Among the many factors that influence the cardiovascular adjustments of marine mammals is the act of respiration at the surface, which facilitates rapid gas exchange and tissue re-perfusion between dives. We measured heart rate (fH) in six adult male bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) spontaneously breathing at the surface to quantify the relationship between respiration and fH, and compared this with fH during submerged breath-holds. We found that dolphins exhibit a pronounced respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) during surface breathing, resulting in a rapid increase in fH after a breath followed by a gradual decrease over the following 15–20 s to a steady fH that is maintained until the following breath. RSA resulted in a maximum instantaneous fH (ifH) of 87.4±13.6 beats min−1 and a minimum ifH of 56.8±14.8 beats min−1, and the degree of RSA was positively correlated with the inter-breath interval (IBI). The minimum ifH during 2 min submerged breath-holds where dolphins exhibited submersion bradycardia (36.4±9.0 beats min−1) was lower than the minimum ifH observed during an average IBI; however, during IBIs longer than 30 s, the minimum ifH (38.7±10.6 beats min−1) was not significantly different from that during 2 min breath-holds. These results demonstrate that the fH patterns observed during submerged breath-holds are similar to those resulting from RSA during an extended IBI. Here, we highlight the importance of RSA in influencing fH variability and emphasize the need to understand its relationship to submersion bradycardia.
Competition and Entry in Agricultural Markets: Experimental Evidence from Kenya
Authors: Bergquist Lauren Falcao , Dinerstein Michael
Published: November 2020

African agricultural markets are characterized by low farmer revenues and high consumer food prices. Many have worried that this wedge is partially driven by imperfect competition among intermediaries. This paper provides experimental evidence from Kenya on intermediary market structure. Randomized cost shocks and demand subsidies are used to identify a structural model of market competition. Estimates reveal that traders act consistently with joint profit maximization and earn median markups of 39 percent. Exogenously induced firm entry has negligible effects on prices, and low take-up of subsidized entry offers implies large fixed costs. We estimate that traders capture 82 percent of total surplus. (JEL L13, O13, Q11, Q12, Q13)
Detecting Potential Overbilling in Medicare Reimbursement via Hours Worked: Reply
Authors: Fang Hanming , Gong Qing
Published: November 2020

Matsumoto (2020) pointed out data and coding errors in Fang and Gong (2017). We show that these errors have limited impacts: all qualitative findings remain after correcting them. Matsumoto also discussed potential service overcounting in the aggregated utilization data we used to illustrate our method, and then quantified the extent of overcounting with a sample of Medicare claims. We acknowledge the issue but discuss the noise and the bias in his quantification. Overall, our proposed method remains useful, as regulators who are interested in applying the method are unlikely to be subject to the data limitations. (JEL H51, I13, I18, J22, J44)
Τα βασικά σημεία της φιλοσοφίας του Επίκουρου και των Στωικών
Authors: Βαγενά Δήμητρα
Published: November 2020

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη
Η έννοια της ευθανασίας στον Ευγένιο Βούλγαρη
Authors: Κρανιδιώτης Γεώργιος Παντελεήμων
Published: November 2020

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη
Ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα και ψυχική ασθένεια: τα όρια της ελευθερίας του ψυχικά ασθενούς
Authors: Παρασκευοπούλου Σταυρούλα
Published: November 2020

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη
Delegation to a Group
Authors: Fehrler Sebastian , Janas Moritz
Published: November 2020

We study the choice of a principal to either delegate a decision to a group of careerist experts or to consult them individually and keep the decision-making power. Our model predicts a trade-off between information acquisition and information aggregation. On the one hand, the expected benefit from being informed is larger in case the experts are consulted individually. Hence, the experts either acquire the same or a larger amount of information, depending on the cost of information, than in case of delegation. On the other hand, any acquired information is better aggregated in the case of delegation, in which experts can deliberate secretly. To test the model’s key predictions, we run an experiment. The results from the laboratory confirm the predicted trade-off despite some deviations from theory on the individual level.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, decision analysis.
Should 15° of valgus coronal-plane deformity be the upper limit for a total ankle arthroplasty?
Authors: Halai Mansur M. , Pinsker Ellie , Mann Matthew A. , Daniels Timothy R.
Published: November 2020

Aims

Preoperative talar valgus deformity ≥ 15° is considered a contraindication for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). We compared operative procedures and clinical outcomes of TAA in patients with talar valgus deformity ≥ 15° and < 15°.

Methods

A matched cohort of patients similar for demographics and components used but differing in preoperative coronal-plane tibiotalar valgus deformity ≥ 15° (valgus, n = 50; 52% male, mean age 65.8 years (SD 10.3), mean body mass index (BMI) 29.4 (SD 5.2)) or < 15° (control, n = 50; 58% male, mean age 65.6 years (SD 9.8), mean BMI 28.7 (SD 4.2)), underwent TAA by one surgeon. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) pain and disability and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) version 2 scores were collected prospectively. Ancillary procedures, secondary procedures, and complications were recorded.

Results

At mean 5.1 years follow-up (SD 2.6) (valgus) and 6.6 years (SD 3.3) (controls), mean AOS scores decreased and SF-36 scores increased significantly in both groups. Improvements in scores were similar for both groups – AOS pain: valgus, mean 26.2 points (SD 24.2), controls, mean 22.3 points (SD 26.4); AOS disability: valgus, mean 41.2 points (SD 25.6); controls, mean 34.6 points (SD 24.3); and SF-36 PCS: valgus, mean 9.1 points (SD 14.1), controls, mean 7.4 points (SD 9.8). Valgus ankles underwent more ancillary procedures during TAA (40 (80%) vs 13 (26%)) and more secondary procedures postoperatively (18 (36%) vs 7 (14%)) than controls. Tibiotalar deformity improved significantly (p < 0.001) towards a normal weightbearing axis in valgus ankles. Three valgus and four control ankles required subsequent fusion, including two for deep infections (one in each group).

Conclusion

Satisfactory mid-term results were achieved in patients with preoperative valgus malalignment ≥ 15°, but they required more adjunctive procedures during and after TAA. Valgus coronal-plane deformity ≥ 15° is not an absolute contraindication for TAA if associated deformities are addressed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1689–1696.
Prospective cohort study of surgical outcome for spinal metastases in patients aged 70 years or older
Authors: Kanda Yutaro , Kakutani Kenichiro , Sakai Yoshitada , Yurube Takashi , Miyazaki Shingo , Takada Toru , Hoshino Yuichi , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: November 2020

Aims

With recent progress in cancer treatment, the number of advanced-age patients with spinal metastases has been increasing. It is important to clarify the influence of advanced age on outcomes following surgery for spinal metastases, especially with a focus on subjective health state values.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed 101 patients with spinal metastases who underwent palliative surgery from 2013 to 2016. These patients were divided into two groups based on age (< 70 years and ≥ 70 years). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), Barthel index (BI), and EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) score were assessed at study enrolment and at one, three, and six months after surgery. The survival times and complications were also collected.

Results

In total, 65 patients were aged < 70 years (mean 59.6 years; 32 to 69) and 36 patients were aged ≥ 70 years (mean 75.9 years; 70 to 90). In both groups, the PS improved from PS3 to PS1 by spine surgery, the mean BI improved from < 60 to > 80 points, and the mean EQ-5D score improved from 0.0 to > 0.7 points. However, no significant differences were found in the improvement rates and values of the PS, BI, and EQ-5D score at any time points between the two groups. The PS, BI, and EQ-5D score improved throughout the follow-up period in approximately 90% of patients in each group. However, the improved PS, BI, and EQ-5D scores subsequently deteriorated in some patients, and the redeterioration rate of the EQ-5D was significantly higher in patients aged ≥ 70 than < 70 years (p = 0.027).

Conclusion

Palliative surgery for spinal metastases improved the PS, activities of daily living, and quality of life, regardless of age. However, clinicians should be aware of the higher risk of redeterioration of the quality of life in advanced-age patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1709–1716.
Outcomes following operatively managed acetabular fractures in patients aged 60 years and older
Authors: Navarre Pierre , Gabbe Belinda J. , Griffin Xavier L. , Russ Matthias K. , Bucknill Andrew T. , Edwards Elton , Esser Max P.
Published: November 2020

Aims

Acetabular fractures in older adults lead to a high risk of mortality and morbidity. However, only limited data have been published documenting functional outcomes in such patients. The aims of this study were to describe outcomes in patients aged 60 years and older with operatively managed acetabular fractures, and to establish predictors of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, registry-based study of 80 patients aged 60 years and older with acetabular fractures treated surgically at The Alfred and Royal Melbourne Hospital. We reviewed charts and radiological investigations and performed patient interviews/examinations and functional outcome scoring. Data were provided by the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR). Survival analysis was used to describe conversion to THA in the group of patients who initially underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with conversion to THA.

Results

Seven patients (8.8%) had died at a median follow-up of 18 months (interquartile range (IQR) 12 to 25), of whom four were in the acute THA group. Eight patients (10%) underwent acute THA. Of the patients who underwent ORIF, 17/72 (23.6%) required conversion to THA at a median of 10.5 months (IQR 4.0 to 32.0) . After controlling for other factors, transport-related cases had an 88% lower rate of conversion to THA (hazard ratio (HR) 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02 to 0.91). Mean standardized Physical Component Summary Score (PCS-12) of the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) was comparable with the general population (age-/sex-matched) by 12 to 24 months. Over half of patients working prior to injury (14/26) returned to work by six months and two-thirds of patients (19/27) by 12 months.

Conclusion

Patients over 60 years of age managed operatively for displaced acetabular fractures had a relatively high mortality rate and a high conversion rate to THA in the ORIF group but, overall, patients who survived had mean PCS-12 scores that improved over two years and were comparable with controls. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1735–1742.
Development and external validation of nomograms to predict sarcoma-specific death and disease progression after surgical resection of localized high-grade conventional primary central chondrosarcoma and dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma
Authors: Tsuda Yusuke , Tsoi Kim , Stevenson Jonathan D. , Laitinen Minna , Ferguson Peter C. , Wunder Jay S. , Griffin Anthony M. , van de Sande Michiel A. J. , van Praag Veroniek , Leithner Andreas , Fujiwara Tomohiro , Yasunaga Hideo , Matsui Hiroki , Parry Michael C. , Jeys Lee M.
Published: November 2020

Aims

Our aim was to develop and validate nomograms that would predict the cumulative incidence of sarcoma-specific death (CISSD) and disease progression (CIDP) in patients with localized high-grade primary central and dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma.

Methods

The study population consisted of 391 patients from two international sarcoma centres (development cohort) who had undergone definitive surgery for a localized high-grade (histological grade II or III) conventional primary central chondrosarcoma or dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. Disease progression captured the first event of either metastasis or local recurrence. An independent cohort of 221 patients from three additional hospitals was used for external validation. Two nomograms were internally and externally validated for discrimination (c-index) and calibration plot.

Results

In the development cohort, the CISSD at ten years was 32.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 19.8% to 38.4%). Age at diagnosis, grade, and surgical margin were found to have significant effects on CISSD and CIDP in multivariate analyses. Maximum tumour diameter was also significantly associated with CISSD. In the development cohort, the c-indices for CISSD and CIDP at five years were 0.743 (95% CI 0.700 to 0.819) and 0.761 (95% CI 0.713 to 0.800), respectively. When applied to the validation cohort, the c-indices for CISSD and CIDP at five years were 0.839 (95% CI 0.763 to 0.916) and 0.749 (95% CI 0.672 to 0.825), respectively. The calibration plots for these two nomograms demonstrated good fit.

Conclusion

Our nomograms performed well on internal and external validation and can be used to predict CISSD and CIDP after resection of localized high-grade conventional primary central and dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas. They provide a new tool with which clinicians can assess and advise individual patients about their prognosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1752–1759.
Single- versus double-incision technique for the treatment of distal biceps tendon rupture
Authors: Castioni Davide , Mercurio Michele , Fanelli Daniele , Cosentino Orlando , Gasparini Giorgio , Galasso Olimpio
Published: November 2020

Aims

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate differences in functional outcomes and complications between single- (SI) and double-incision (DI) techniques for the treatment of distal biceps tendon rupture.

Methods

A comprehensive search on PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central databases was conducted to identify studies reporting comparative results of the SI versus the DI approach. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used for search strategy. Of 606 titles, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria; methodological quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Random- and fixed-effects models were used to find differences in outcomes between the two surgical approaches. The range of motion (ROM) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, as well as neurological and non-neurological complications, were assessed.

Results

A total of 2,622 patients were identified. No significant differences in DASH score were detected between the techniques. The SI approach showed significantly greater ROM in flexion (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.508; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.904 to -0.112) and pronation (SMD -0.325, 95% CI -0.637 to -0.012). The DI technique was associated with significantly less risk of lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve damage (odds ratio (OR) 4.239, 95% CI 2.171 to 8.278), but no differences were found for other nerves evaluated. The SI group showed significantly fewer events of heterotopic ossification (OR 0.430, 95% CI 0.226 to 0.816) and a lower reoperation rate (OR 0.503, 95% CI 0.317 to 0.798).

Conclusion

No significant differences in functional scores can be expected between the SI and DI approaches after distal biceps tendon repair. The SI approach showed greater flexion and pronation ROM and a lower risk of heterotopic ossification and reoperation. The DI approach was favourable in terms of lower risk of neurological complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1608–1617.
Protection of historic stained glass
Authors:   The Cathedral Studios, Strobl S.
Published: November 2020

The process of deterioration of a stained glass window, more precisely of its component glass, lead and paint pigments, has in recent decades been researched thoroughly and is now well understood. The need for the protection in particular of the potash window glasses of the middle ages therefore is widely accepted but not the means of how to achieve this aim. Early attempts such as coatings applied on the glass or the sandwich process, known as Jacobi–Process, have failed for a variety of reasons and with disastrous consequences. Short of removing the windows to safe storage, the only response currently available is the creation of a museum like condition on site in the form of the introduction of an isothermal glazing system. Despite its unquestioned merits, the isothermal glazing system is still in dispute mainly because of its interference with a given historic setting. A variety of designs for the isothermal glazing will be discussed, all aimed at minimising their physical and visual impact on the building, making a strong case in favour of this important protective measure.
Cost-Effective Method of Optimization of Stacking Sequences in the Cylindrical Composite Shells Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Daneshkhah Ehsan , Jafari Nedoushan Reza , Shahgholian Davoud , Sina Nima
Published: November 2020

Buckling is one of the common destructive phenomena, which occurs in composite cylinders subjected to external pressure. In this paper, different methods to optimize stacking sequence of these cylinders are investigated. A finite element model is proposed in order to predict critical buckling pressure and the results are validated with previous experimental data. Theoretical analysis based on NASA SP‐8007 solution and the simplified equation for cylinder buckling of ASME RD-1172 are presented and discussed. The results of theoretical and finite element analysis and experimental tests are compared for both glass and carbon epoxy cylinders. Using NASA and ASME formulations, optimal laminations of cylinders in order to maximize buckling pressure, are obtained by genetic algorithm method. Suggested laminations and the values of corresponding critical buckling pressure calculated by finite element analysis, are presented and compared in various states. Obtained results show that while predicted buckling loads of finite element analysis are reliable, NASA formulation can be used in a very cost-effective method to optimize the buckling problems.
Multimode-based polarization independent WDM devices using different order modes for TE and TM polarizations
Authors: Onawa Yosuke , Okayama Hideaki , Shimura Daisuke , Yaegashi Hiroki , Sasaki Hironori , Kashima Masayuki
Published: November 2020

Multimode based polarization independent (PI) wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) devices are proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The key concept is to utilize two different order modes for the orthogonal polarizations, ith-order mode for TE and jth-order mode for TM (i ≠ j) polarization respectively to extend the flexibility for designing devices. PI coupler composed of a multimode directional coupler and mode converters is introduced as a basic device. Then, we apply PI coupler to Mach Zehnder interferometer (MZI) and Bragg grating bandpass filters. PI MZI is achieved by optimizing the combination of two phase shifters in the interferometer arms. PI bandpass uses 3dB-PI coupler and polarization rotate Bragg gratings that induce mode coupling between the polarizations. Each device showed good matching in the spectrum between TE and TM polarizations in term of operation wavelength. The proposed concept can be a promising approach to realize PI WDM functions without introducing polarization diversity scheme in which a polarization beam splitter, two devices designed for each polarization and a polarization beam combiner are required.
Silicon-photonic laser emitting tunable dual wavelengths with highly correlated phase noise
Authors: Huang Xue , Doerr Christopher R. , Qin Chuan , Heanue John , Zhu Ninghui , Ton Dinh , Guan Binbin , Zhang Shaoliang , Zhao Ying
Published: November 2020

A silicon-photonic tunable laser emitting two tunable wavelengths simultaneously is demonstrated. The laser consists of a single semiconductor optical amplifier that provides shared gain and a silicon-photonic chip that provides wavelength selections. A total optical power of 29.3 mW is shown, with 300 mA of gain current at 40°C. Continuous tuning of frequency spacing from 69.5 GHz to 114.1 GHz is demonstrated. The two simultaneous laser channels show highly correlated phase noise, with a phase noise correlation coefficient of 90.7%.
Slow light mediated by mode topological transitions in hyperbolic waveguides
Authors: Pujol-Closa Pilar , Gomis-Bresco Jordi , Mukherjee Samyobrata , Gómez-Díaz J. Sebastián , Torner Lluis , Artigas David
Published: November 2020

We show that slow light in hyperbolic waveguides is linked to topological transitions in the dispersion diagram as the film thickness changes. The effect appears in symmetric planar structures with type II films, whose optical axis (OA) lies parallel to the waveguide interfaces. The transitions are mediated by elliptical mode branches that coalesce along the OA with anomalously ordered hyperbolic mode branches, resulting in a saddle point. When the thickness of the film increases further, the merged branch starts a transition to hyperbolic normally ordered modes propagating orthogonally to the OA. In this process, the saddle point transforms into a branch point featuring slow light for a broad range of thicknesses, and a new branch of ghost waves appears.
Broadband negative group velocity dispersion in all-dielectric metamaterial and its role in supercontinuum generation
Authors: Vaity Pravin , Sagar Rishav , Dharmadhikari J. A. , Dharmadhikari A. K. , Dutta Gupta S. , Gopal Achanta Venu
Published: November 2020

All-dielectric metamaterials conforming to an optical reflectionless potential (ORP) offer broadband, omni-directional suppression of reflection. Though they are predicted to possess broadband negative group velocity dispersion (GVD), ultrashort pulse propagation through such materials has not been studied so far, to the best of our knowledge. In this work, we demonstrate negative GVD and group delay dispersion over broadband covering visible to near-infrared wavelengths. We investigate the role of ORP in supercontinuum generation (SC), which is observed to be polarization independent. The negative GVD in ORPs is interesting for pulse compression, phase compensation, dispersion engineering, and controlled SC generation.
On-chip programmable optical switch based on CdS multibranched nanowire arrays
Authors: Li Wei , He Yage , Guo Shuai , Kong Denan , Ding Chunjie , Wang Xianshuang , Xin Ye , Qiu Suling , Ma Xiao , Wazir Nasrullah , Liu Ruibin
Published: November 2020

Micro/nano optoelectronic devices are widely studied as basic building blocks for on-chip integrated microsystem and multichannel logic units with excellent optoelectronic properties that are especially important part for interconnection route construction. Here, based on anisotropic waveguides, an optical switch with an on/off ratio of 2.14 is built up in a 2D CdS branched nanowire array. Because the branches are obliquely distributed at the same side of the trunk in a highly ordered form, the guided photoluminescence (PL) intensity from the trunk into the branch tightly relates to its angle. Based on the different intensity of the guided PL emitted from the end of each branch, the position of the incident spot in the backbone area can be identified accurately, making a feasible construction of an on-chip position-sensitive detector to realize an all-optical information process.
Demonstration of a kilowatt average power, 1 J, green laser
Authors: Chi Han , Wang Yong , Davenport Aaron , Menoni Carmen S. , Rocca Jorge J.
Published: November 2020

A

λ
=
515

n
m

laser generating joule-level pulses at 1 kHz repetition rate was demonstrated by frequency doubling 1.2 J, 2 ns temporally shaped square pulses from a cryogenically cooled Yb:YAG laser in an LBO crystal. A doubling efficiency of 78% resulted in 0.94 J second-harmonic pulses at 1 kHz. The unconverted light interacted with a second LBO crystal to generate

>

100

m
J

second-harmonic pulses to reach a total green average power of 1.04 kW. A conversion efficiency of 89% was achieved for 0.58 J green pulses at 1 kHz. These results open the possibility to pump high energy femtosecond lasers at kilohertz repetition rates.
Efficient grating couplers on a thin film lithium niobate–silicon rich nitride hybrid platform
Authors: Liu Yang , Huang Xingrui , Li Zezheng , Guan Huan , Wei Qingquan , Fan Zhongchao , Han Weihua , Li Zhiyong
Published: November 2020

A grating coupler on a thin film

x

-cut lithium niobate–silicon rich nitride hybrid platform is proposed and demonstrated. An inverse taper is applied to suppress higher-order mode excitation. A coupling efficiency of

−

5.82

d
B

and 3 dB bandwidth of 57 nm are obtained near the wavelength of 1550 nm between the standard single-mode fiber (SMF-28) and sub-micrometer waveguides.
Propagation-dependent evolution of interfering multiple beams and kaleidoscopic vortex lattices
Authors: Chen Y. F. , Tu Y. C. , Li S. C. , Hsieh M. X. , Yu Y. T. , Liang H. C. , Huang K. F.
Published: November 2020

In this Letter, we experimentally explore the propagation-dependent evolution of generating the pseudo-nondiffracting quasi-crystalline (crystalline) beams based on the multibeam interference. We originally derived an analytical formula to exactly manifest the propagation evolution of interfering multiple beams. With the analytical formula, the formation of quasi-crystalline structures in the focal plane can be explicitly verified. Furthermore, the distance of the effective propagation-invariant region can be verified in terms of experimental parameters. More importantly, we employed the developed formula to confirm the formation of kaleidoscopic vortex lattices by means of numerically computing the propagation-dependent phase singularities.
Looking through diffusers by phase correction with lensless digital holography
Authors: Tabata Soichiro , Arimoto Hidenobu , Watanabe Wataru
Published: November 2020

Optical imaging through diffusive or scattering media has attracted a great deal of attention. Lensless digital holography is used to reconstruct the intensity and phase of an object located behind a diffuser. For this study, we propose a method of reconstructing the object's intensity by compensating the complex amplitude of the diffuser by lensless digital holography. A priori information is necessary to obtain the complex amplitude of the diffuser, and we investigated the image quality of reconstructed images through diffusers. Our method does not use approximations to describe the propagation of the object light and the wavefronts disturbed by diffusers, and thus provides a more rigorous description of lightwave propagation. The image quality of the reconstructed images was dependent on the distance between the diffuser and the image sensor or between the diffuser and the sample. We investigated the image contrast of reconstructed images under different conditions.