bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergy in the heart: RV systolic function plays a key role in optimizing LV performance during exercise
Authors: Ruijsink B. , Velasco Forte M. N. , Duong P. , Asner L. , Pushparajah K. , Frigiola A. , Nordsletten D. , Razavi R.
Published: August 2020

The right ventricle appears to have an important impact on maintaining systemic cardiac function and delivering stroke volume. However, its exact role in supporting left ventricular function has so far been unclear. This study demonstrates a new mechanism of ventricular interaction that provides mechanistic understanding of the key importance of the right ventricle in driving cardiac performance.
Enhanced dimethylarginine degradation improves coronary flow reserve and exercise tolerance in Duchenne muscular dystrophy carrier mice
Authors: Garbincius Joanne F. , Merz Lauren E. , Cuttitta Ashley J. , Bayne Kaitlynn V. , Schrade Sara , Armstead Emily A. , Converso-Baran Kimber L. , Whitesall Steven E. , D’Alecy Louis G. , Michele Daniel E.
Published: August 2020

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) carriers are at risk for cardiomyopathy. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is released from damaged muscle in DMD and impairs exercise performance. Transgenic expression of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase to degrade ADMA prevents cardiac hypertrophy, improves cardiac function, and improves exercise tolerance in DMD carrier mice. These findings highlight the relevance of ADMA to muscular dystrophy and have important implications for therapies targeting nitric oxide in patients with DMD and DMD carriers.
SDF2L1 Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Liqian , Zhang Zunni , Qin Liuqun , Shi Xiang , Su Qisheng , Mo Wuning
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between stromal cell‐derived factor 2‐like 1 (SDF2L1) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). 12 NPC tissues and 12 chronic nasopharyngitis tissues were involved in our study. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and Western Blot were utilized to detect the expression of SDF2L1. Besides, immunofluorescence analysis was utilized to determine the protein expression of 97 paraffin‐embedded NPC tissues and 58 nasopharyngitis tissues. Biological functional experiment included Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay, cell clone formation assay, cell scratch migration assay, Transwell migration assay, and Transwell invasion assay. All data were analyzed by SPSS. Results showed that downexpression of SDF2L1 was prominently present in NPC tissues and cells. Furthermore, silencing the expression of SDF2L1 promoted NPC proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, while overexpression of SDF2L1 has the opposite effect. In conclusion, SDF2L1 may act as a cancer suppressor gene, play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of NPC, and be a new therapeutic target or prognostic indicator for NPC.
Neuropsychological and Emotional Functioning in Patients with Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Na Sabrina , Fernandes Mary A. , Ioachimescu Adriana G. , Penna Suzanne
Published: August 2020

Patients with Cushing’s syndrome (CS) frequently report impairments in cognitive and emotional functioning. Given neuroimaging research that implicates alterations in structure and function in the brain in this population, goals of this study were to investigate neuropsychological and emotional functioning, with particular emphasis on complex attention and memory. In a clinical sample of 18 adults with CS referred for neuropsychological evaluation (age 41.6±10.6, 72% Caucasian), patients’ most common subjective complaints were in attention and increased irritability. On objective testing, patients exhibited significant declines in the consistency of their sustained attention and visual-spatial functioning compared to normative peers. Patients exhibited on average significantly reduced initial learning following first exposure to visual and verbal stimuli but intact retention of information learned. Patients with CS endorsed highly elevated levels of somatization, depression, and anxiety, and 59% of them scored in the clinically elevated range for somatization and depressive symptomatology. Exploratory analyses suggested that the 11 patients with active Cushing’s exhibited lower processing speed, poorer sustained attention, naming, and cognitive flexibility compared to the 7 patients who achieved biochemical remission. Patients with active Cushing’s also reported higher levels of somatization and anxiety compared to patients in biochemical remission. Overall, this study provides new insights into complex attention and memory deficits in patients with CS and concern regarding cognitive and emotional issues despite resolution of hypercortisolism. Our study opens several avenues for further exploration.
Changes in Ganglion Cell Complex and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer after Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Compared to Manual Phacoemulsification in Patients Receiving a Trifocal Intraocular Lens
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Carmen , Rementería-Capelo Laureano A. , Carrillo Virginia , Pérez-Lanzac Juan , Contreras Inés
Published: August 2020

Introduction. During femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), there is a significant increase in intraocular pressure, which might lead to ganglion cell damage. We aimed to determine whether there were differences in the changes produced in the ganglion cell complex (GCC) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, as evaluated with optical coherence tomography (OCT), between phacoemulsification and FLACS, after implantation of a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL). Methods. Patients with no coexistent pathologies undergoing cataract surgery with implantation of a PanOptix IOL were explored with the Cirrus-OCT before and three months after surgery. GCC values were obtained from the built-in software. The differences between pre- and postoperative GCC and pRNFL thicknesses after phacoemulsification were compared to differences after FLACS. Results. A total of 171 eyes were included, 74 undergoing FLACS and 97 phacoemulsification. For both groups, there was a statistically significant increase in GCC values after cataract surgery, except for the inferior and inferonasal sectors. There were no statistically significant differences between FLACS and phacoemulsification. Mean change in average GCC and minimum GCC were 1.08 ± 1.40 µm (range −1 to +6 µm) and 1.69 ± 2.54 µm (range −3 to +11 µm) after FLACS and 0.99 ± 1.67 µm (range −5 to +6 µm) and 2.02 ± 3.54 µm (−6 to +18 µm) after phacoemulsification. These values are similar to those previously reported after phacoemulsification with monofocal IOL implantation. No significant changes after surgery were detected for the pRNFL, with no differences between groups. Discussion. There were no differences in the changes produced by FLACS and phacoemulsification in either GCC or pRNFL values. Although mean change was small, the range of variation was wide. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a new baseline for GCC and pRNFL thicknesses after cataract surgery in order to monitor any subsequent changes.
A Smart Agent Design for Cyber Security Based on Honeypot and Machine Learning
Authors: El Kamel Nadiya , Eddabbah Mohamed , Lmoumen Youssef , Touahni Raja
Published: August 2020

The development of Internet and social media contributes to multiplying the data produced on the Internet and the connected nodes, but the default installation and the configuration of variety of software systems represent some security holes and shortcomings, while the majority of Internet users have not really set up safety awareness, leading to huge security risks. With the development of network attack techniques, every host on the Internet has become the target of attacks. Therefore, the network information security cannot be ignored as a problem. To deal with 0-day and future attacks, the honeypot technique can be used not only passively as an information system, but also to reinforce the traditional defense systems against future attacks. In this paper, we present an introduction of machine learning and honeypot systems, and based on these technologies, we design a smart agent for cyber-attack prevention and prediction.
Congenital Anomalies in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Chung Sung-Hoon , Kim Chae Young , Lee Byong Sop ,   and the Korean Neonatal Network
Published: August 2020

Background: Management of newborn infants with congenital anomalies is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The prevalence of congenital anomalies in very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs; birth weight <1,500 g) has been rarely reported. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of congenital anomalies in VLBWIs and the association with early mortality and major morbidities. Study Design: A prospective cohort study was performed using data collected from 70 centers registered in the Korean Neonatal Network. Data from the VLBWIs with major congenital anomalies (n = 289) and the controls (n = 867), selected by 1:3 frequency matching for gestational age, were compared. Results: The overall prevalence of major congenital anomalies in VLBWIs was 34.9 per 1,000 live births (289/8,156). The top 2 ranked subgroups of congenital anomalies were the digestive system (31.7%) and congenital heart defects (27.7%), followed by chromosomal anomalies, genitourinary tract defect, central nervous system, other anomalies, undefined, and respiratory system. The group with congenital anomalies had a higher mortality (40.7%) than the control group (11.1%). Each subgroup of congenital anomalies, except for chromosomal anomalies, increased the risk of mortality, with the highest odds ratio associated with “other” anomalies, which includes hydrops fetalis and congenital diaphragmatic hernia. In the multivariate analysis, congenital anomaly was a risk factor for mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and severe-grade intraventricular hemorrhage. VLBWIs with congenital anomaly demonstrated impaired in-hospital growth as compared with the control group. Conclusion: Congenital anomaly increased the risk of in-hospital mortality and was associated with short-term neonatal morbidities in the VLBWIs.
An Abnormal Precone Endocervical Curettage Result Is an Independent Risk Factor for Positive Margins in Conization Specimens
Authors: An Jian , Lei Huifang , Xie Xiaoyan , Sun Pengming
Published: August 2020

Objective: This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the presence of positive surgical margins in cervical conization specimens. Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of data from women who had undergone conization for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) from 2012 to 2018 at Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital. Factors extracted from the database included age, gravidity, parity, menopausal status, precone Thinprep cytology test, human papillomavirus (HPV) test, precone biopsy, precone endocervical curettage (ECC) result, conization method, operating surgeon, cone dimension, and pathology of the conization specimen, including grade of CIN, margin status and glandular involvement. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with positive margins. Results: Data from 495 women were analysed. The proportion of positive margins was 24.85% overall, which varied according to the conization method (27.22% for loop electrosurgical excision procedure vs. 18.52% for cold-knife conization, p = 0.047) and was increased as the severity of the treated lesion increased (10.07% for CIN2 vs. 30.62% for CIN3, p < 0.001). HPV-16 genotype infection, abnormal precone ECC result, higher grade of biopsy, larger cone length and volume, and glandular involvement were significantly associated with positive margins on univariable analysis. After logistic regression analysis, only an abnormal precone ECC result (odds ratio 1.952; 95% confidence interval 1.037–3.676; p = 0.038) remained significant. Conclusions: In the present study, an abnormal precone ECC result was identified as an independent risk factor for positive margins in cervical conization specimens. More aggressive treatment may be considered in patients with abnormal precone ECC results in clinical practice.
Intraoperative Assessment of Gastric Sleeve Oxygenation Using Hyperspectral Imaging in Esophageal Resection: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Schwandner Frank , Hinz Sebastian , Witte Maria , Philipp Mark , Schafmayer Clemens , Grambow Eberhard
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Sufficient tissue oxygenation is essential for anastomotic healing in visceral surgery. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a noncontact, noninvasive technique for clinical assessment of tissue oxygenation in real time. Methods: In this case series, HSI was used in 4 patients who were admitted for either esophageal cancer or cardiac carcinoma (AEG type I or II). Thoraco-abdominal surgical esophageal resection was performed after staging and neoadjuvant therapy. Intraoperative oxygenation of superficial (StO2) and underlying tissue (NIR perfusion index) of the gastric sleeve were studied intrathoracic by means of the TIVITA® Tissue HSI camera. This was performed prior to esophagogastric anastomosis. The postoperative course, especially in view of surgical complications, was recorded. Results: Assessment of StO2 and NIR perfusion index was performed in 4 regions of interest per gastric sleeve, aboral and oral of the clinically determined resection line. It allowed the fast quantification of gastric oxygenation prior gastroesophageal anastomosis. Median StO2 aboral of the determined resection line was 69%, while median StO2 in the oral part of the gastric sleeve was found at 53%. In contrast, the median NIR perfusion index was similar aboral (80) and oral (82) of the resection line. In none of the 4 studied patients, an anastomotic failure appeared. Discussion/Conclusion: This report suggests that HSI is a feasible technique for intraoperative assessment of tissue oxygenation before gastroesophageal anastomosis and might reduce the incidence of anastomotic failure in the gastrointestinal tract.
Preoperative Optical Coherence Tomography Findings of Foveal-Splitting Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Mané Valérie , Chehaibou Ismael , Lehmann Mathieu , Philippakis Elise , Rothschild Pierre-Raphaël , Bousquet Elodie , Tadayoni Ramin
Published: August 2020

Purpose: To assess preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of foveal-splitting retinal detachment (RD) and determine postoperative outcomes. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent RD surgery over a 1-year period were included. Patients diagnosed with a detachment extending to the edge of the fovea on fundus examination (i.e., macula-On/Off) underwent macular OCT scanning. Visual acuity (VA) after 1 year of macula-On/Off, macula-On, and macula-Off eyes was compared. Results: A total of 85 eyes were included, 8 of which had a macula-On/Off RD. On preoperative OCT, all macula-On/Off RD eyes had foveal detachment extending beyond the foveal center over a median distance of 632 µm. Mean VA of the macula-On/Off eyes had improved from 20/160 to 20/40 at 1 year postoperatively (p = 0.035). The preoperative VA of macula-On/Off eyes was significantly better than macula-Off eyes (p = 0.032) and lower than macula-On eyes (p = 0.004). At 1 year, the VA of macula-On/Off eyes was no different from that of the macula-On eyes (p = 0.320), and tended to be better than that of the macula-Off eyes (p = 0.062). Conclusion: Preoperative OCT revealed a shallow RD extending beyond the foveal center in eyes with clinical foveal-splitting RD. These eyes, termed macula-On/Off RD eyes, had a preoperative VA between macula-On and macula-Off eyes, while their final VA was close to those with macula-On RD.
Optical Coherence Tomography-Angiography in Geographic Atrophy
Authors: Müller Philipp L. , Pfau Maximilian , Schmitz-Valckenberg Steffen , Fleckenstein Monika , Holz Frank G.
Published: August 2020

Geographic atrophy (GA) represents the non-exudative late stage of age-related macular degeneration and constitutes a leading cause of legal blindness in the developed world. It is characterized by areas of loss of outer retinal layers including photoreceptors, degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium, and rarefication of the choriocapillaris. As all three layers are functionally connected, the precise temporal sequence and relative contribution of these layers towards the development and progression of GA is unclear. The advent of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) has allowed for three-dimensional visualization of retinal blood flow. Using OCT-A, recent studies have demonstrated that choriocapillaris flow alterations are particularly associated with the development of GA, exceed atrophy boundaries spatially, and are a prognostic factor for future GA progression. Furthermore, OCT-A may be helpful to differentiate GA from mimicking diseases. Evidence for a potential protective effect of specific forms of choroidal neovascularization in the context of GA has been reported. This article aims to give a comprehensive review of the current literature concerning the application of OCT-A in GA, and summarizes the opportunities and limitations with regard to pathophysiologic considerations, differential diagnosis, study design, and patient assessment.
Proposta de instrumento para autoavaliação de projetos de pesquisa envolvendo seres humanos
Authors: Dias Ernandes Gonçalves
Published: August 2020

O presente relato resulta da proposta de um instrumento para autoavaliação de projetos de pesquisa que envolvem seres humanos. Foi elaborado, essencialmente, a partir da reflexão e experiência do autor em orientações de projetos de pesquisa na área de conhecimento de ciências da saúde e usado como piloto por um grupo de orientandos de um curso de graduação em Enfermagem de uma faculdade privada do Norte de Minas Gerais, no primeiro semestre de 2019. Objetiva ser uma ferramenta para diagnóstico de fragilidades em projetos de pesquisa previamente à avaliação por uma banca ou Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, a fim de sanar eventuais problemas do projeto e favorecer a obtenção de pareceres favoráveis à realização da pesquisa. Sugere-se que o instrumento seja adotado por pesquisadores iniciantes, orientandos e orientadores de projetos de pesquisa da área de ciências sociais, humanas e da saúde, para orientar a escrita de projetos de pesquisas que envolvem seres humanos.
Métodos alternativos no processo de ensino-aprendizagem em embriologia comparativa: desafios e perspectivas
Authors: Assunção Marcos Paulo Batista de , Miglino Maria Angelica
Published: August 2020

A embriologia comparativa é de extrema importância no processo de formação de profissionais da área da saúde, da biologia e até mesmo das agrárias. No campo macro e microscópico, observam-se estímulos para o desenvolvimento de novos métodos com a aplicação de diferentes abordagens pedagógicas. Nos cursos de graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Ciências Biológicas e até mesmo na Medicina Humana, o método tradicional de ensino vem passando por inovações semestre após semestre. O presente relato aborda os desafios e perspectivas no processo de ensino-aprendizagem acerca da embriologia comparativa e os novos possíveis métodos alternativos de inclusão neste ensino, verificadas por meio de uma revisão crítica. Desse modo, é possível verificar a partir da literatura consultada que o uso de recursos extras no processo de ensino-aprendizagem mostrase essencial e de fato mais eficaz para a aquisição de conhecimentos, mas, tendo em vista sua complexidade, é necessária uma abordagem de forma multidisciplinar.
Explorando a formação médica em hanseníase pela aplicação da taxonomia de Bloom
Authors: Gonçalves Aguinaldo , Bórnea Eloá Rondi , Padovani Carlos Roberto
Published: August 2020

Visto que o Brasil é o país com o segundo maior número de casos de hanseníase no mundo e o ensino deficiente na matéria é considerado um dos fatores mais relevantes de tal realidade, pretendeu-se explorar as causas dessa deficiência junto a estudantes de Medicina, utilizando um instrumento construído segundo a Taxonomia de Bloom, classificação temática e grau de dificuldade. Metodologia: Em ensaio observacional transversal descritivo de retroanálise, aplicou-se uma bateria de 25 testes de múltipla escolha a 78 internos de sexto ano de um curso de Medicina. Os dados foram informatizados através do programa de computador SPSS, e foram obtidos resultados descritivos sob forma tabular; como abordagem analítica utilizou-se o teste de Goodman. Resultados: Houve média de acertos de 68% e 100% em quatro das seis categorias da referida escala. Discussão e Conclusão: Analisando-se respectivos aspectos positivos e negativos, contemplam-se fatores mais amplos envolvidos.
Stakeholder Perspectives on IPS for Employment: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chen Ningru , Lal Shalini
Published: August 2020

Background.

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) has demonstrated effectiveness in achieving competitive employment for people with severe mental illness. Yet limited efforts have been made to synthesize the literature pertaining to the experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders regarding IPS, which could be helpful for occupational therapists, given their role in vocational rehabilitation.

Purpose.

To synthesize qualitative literature to understand how stakeholders (including occupational therapists) experience and perceive IPS and consider the implications for future occupational therapy practice and research.

Method.

A scoping review methodology guided our review. We conducted an electronic search of qualitative and mixed-method studies on IPS.

Findings.

Twenty-six articles were retrieved. Most studies sought clients’ perspectives ( n = 15), followed by practitioners (mostly employment specialists; n = 10) and only one with employers.

Implications.

There is a need for research targeting practitioners and employers which will help improve the nature of the collaboration between mental health teams, vocational teams, and employers.
Proposing Core Practices for Social Studies Teacher Education: A Qualitative Content Analysis of Inquiry-Based Lessons
Authors: Cuenca Alexander
Published: August 2020

As states, school districts, and teachers continue to adopt the inquiry-based principles of the College, Career, and Civic (C3) Framework, social studies teacher education must engage in a concomitant instructional shift to focus its efforts on preparing inquiry-based educators. One possible approach is to organize social studies teacher education around core practices. In this study, I attempt to surface the core practices found in social studies classrooms through a qualitative content analysis of the lessons using the Inquiry Design Model (IDM), an instructional design process based on the elements of the C3 Framework. Seven core practices to organize social studies teacher education are proposed: (a) establishing social studies academic language, (b) helping students recognize the interdisciplinary nature of social studies phenomena, (c) using interpretive questions, (d) helping students organize inquiries, (e) connecting inquiries to students’ lives, (f) structuring opportunities for discussion, and (g) extending inquiry into the civic lives of students.
Retained biliary plastic stents – lest we forget
Authors: Jaleel Rajeeb , Simon Ebby G , Gupta Piyush , Patnaik Itish , David Deepu , Chowdhury Sudipta D
Published: August 2020

Prolonged indwelling of endoscopically placed biliary plastic stents may lead to complications. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreaticography (ERCP) at our centre in 2017 and were noted to have retained biliary plastic stents ( > 3 months after an index ERCP). A total of 127 patients had previously placed biliary plastic stents, out of which 45 (35.4%) were retained. The median age of the latter was 52 years (range = 22–79 years) with 27 (60%) patients being men. The median duration of the retained stents was 144 days (range = 94–3292 days). The majority of the patients were asymptomatic. However, 9 (20%) patients had cholangitis, 2 (4.4%) had choledocholithiasis, 2 (4.4%) had cholangitic abscess and 1 (2.2%) developed septicaemia. Fortunately, all these complications could be managed medically and endoscopically. Retention of biliary plastic stents is a problem often overlooked and underestimated in clinical practice. Various measures need to be instituted to create awareness of this entity to prevent undesirable outcomes.
Middle East experience from the Asia And Latin America Fracture Observational Study (ALAFOS): Baseline characteristics of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis using teriparatide
Authors: Elsalmawy Abdul Aziz , Al-Ali Nadia S. , Yaghi Yasser , Assaggaf Hussein , Maalouf Ghassan , Sadat-Ali Mir , Zaher Essam , Saghieh Said , Mahmoud Ahmed , Taher Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Objective

We aimed to describe the baseline clinical characteristics and fracture history of patients taking teriparatide in routine clinical practice in the Middle East (ME) subregional cohort of the Asia and Latin America Fracture Observational Study (ALAFOS).

Methods

Herein, we report baseline clinical characteristics of patients who were prescribed teriparatide (20 µg/day, subcutaneous injection) in four participant ME countries (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Lebanon).

Results

The ME cohort included 707 patients mean (SD) age 69.3 (11.6) years. Mean (SD) bone mineral density (BMD) T-scores at baseline were −3.13 (1.28) for lumbar spine, −2.88 (0.94) for total hip, and −2.65 (1.02) for femoral neck. Osteoporotic fractures after age 40 years were reported in 45.8% (vertebral fracture 14.4%, hip fracture 18.4%) and comorbidities in 57.4% of patients. Before starting teriparatide, 19.9% of patients took other osteoporosis medications. The median (Q1; Q3) EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level visual analog scale score for perceived overall health status was 70 (50; 80). Mean (SD) worst back pain in the previous 24 hours was 4.0 (3.2) using a 10-point numeric rating scale.

Conclusion

This analysis indicated that in ME countries, teriparatide is usually prescribed to patients with low BMD and high comorbidities, with prior fractures.
Association between ABC family variants rs1800977, rs4149313, and rs1128503 and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Yan Ruicheng , Luo Jianfei , He Xiaobo , Li Shijun
Published: August 2020

Objective

To investigate the association between three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) gene family and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Chinese Han population.

Methods

A total of 1086 type 2 diabetes patients and 1122 healthy controls were included in this retrospective study. Three genetic variants, rs1800977 and rs4149313 in ABCA1, and rs1128503 in ABCB1 were included in the study. Susceptibility to type 2 diabetes was evaluated under three genetic models.

Results

A significant association between rs1800977 and type 2 diabetes was identified in three different genetic models (TT vs CC, odds ratio [OR] = 0.611 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.469–0.798]; T vs C, OR = 0.841 [95% CI, 0.745–0.950]; and the recessive model, OR = 0.606 [95% CI, 0.474–0.774]). Additionally, a significant association between rs4149313 and type 2 diabetes was identified in three different genetic models (AA vs GG, OR = 0.467 [95% CI, 0.326–0.670]; A vs G, OR = 0.819 [95% CI, 0.717–0.935]; and the recessive model, OR = 0.478 [95% CI, 0.336–0.680]).

Conclusion

We found that SNPs rs1800977 and rs4149313 in ABCA1 are significantly associated with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population, although this should be confirmed in a larger study.
Patellofemoral Cartilage Degeneration After Closed- and Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy With Large Alignment Correction
Authors: Song Sang Jun , Yoon Kyoung Ho , Park Cheol Hee
Published: August 2020

Background:

Previous studies have reported patellofemoral cartilage degeneration and analyzed the factors affecting degeneration after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). However, no studies have evaluated patellofemoral cartilage degeneration or examined the factors affecting degeneration after closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (CWHTO).

Purpose:

To investigate and compare patellofemoral cartilage degeneration after CWHTO and OWHTO via arthroscopic evaluation and to analyze the factors affecting the degeneration.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 54 CWHTOs and 50 OWHTOs were performed with first-look arthroscopy between 2013 and 2017 at one institution. Hardware removal and second-look arthroscopy were performed, on average, 30.2 months after CWHTO and 26.8 months after OWHTO ( P = .178). Patient characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups. Radiographically, the mechanical axis, posterior tibial slope, and modified Blackburne-Peel ratio were evaluated. Arthroscopically, the percentage of patient with patellofemoral cartilage degeneration was evaluated according to the International Cartilage Repair Society grading system. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting patellofemoral cartilage degeneration in terms of demographics and the change of mechanical axis (correction angle), tibial posterior slope angle, and modified Blackburne-Peel ratio. The Anterior Knee Pain Scale was used for clinical comparison between the patellofemoral degenerative and nondegenerative groups.

Results:

No significant differences were observed in pre- and postoperative radiographic results between the CWHTO and OWHTO groups, except that the postoperative modified Blackburne-Peel ratio was significantly smaller among the OWHTOs. The percentage of patients with patellofemoral cartilage degeneration were 29.6% in the CWHTO group and 44% in the OWHTO group ( P = .156) at second-look arthroscopy. The correction angle was the only significant factor affecting cartilage degeneration in the CWHTO group (odds ratio, 2.324; P = .013; cutoff value, 9.6°) and the OWHTO group (odds ratio, 1.440; P = .041; cutoff value, 10.1°). The postoperative Anterior Knee Pain Scale score was significantly lower in the patellofemoral degenerative group as compared with the nondegenerative group among the OWHTO group (81.6 vs 76.4; P = .039); among the CWHTO group, there was a lower tendency in the degenerative group, but this was without significance (81.1 vs 79.6; P = .367).

Conclusion:

Patellofemoral cartilage degeneration progressed after CWHTO and OWHTO with large alignment correction. High tibial osteotomy should be selected with careful consideration of the osteoarthritic status of the patellofemoral joint and required correction angle, regardless of applying a closed- or open-wedge technique.
Why the Victims of Bullying Are More Likely to Avoid Involvement When Witnessing Bullying Situations: The Role of Bullying Sensitivity and Moral Disengagement
Authors: Jiang Shuyang , Liu Ru-De , Ding Yi , Jiang Ronghuan , Fu Xinchen , Hong Wei
Published: August 2020

Recent studies have suggested a link between bullying victimization and passive bystander behaviors, such as more outsider behaviors and fewer defender behaviors. However, little is known about the internal mechanism underpinning this relation. The present study aimed to examine the direct and indirect relationships between bullying victimization and two types of bystander behaviors (defender behavior and outsider behavior), considering the possible mediator role of bullying sensitivity and moral disengagement among Chinese adolescents. Participants were 435 primary school students aged from 11 to 13 years ( M = 12.27, SD = 0.69) who completed measurements of bullying victimization, bullying sensitivity, moral disengagement, and bystander behaviors. The results of the total effect model indicated that bullying victimization was positively related to outsider behavior and negatively related to defender behavior. The results from the structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis showed that bullying sensitivity mediated the relationship between bullying victimization and defender behavior. The relationship between bullying victimization and outsider behavior was mediated by moral disengagement, as well as the multiple mediation of bullying sensitivity and moral disengagement. These results highlight the roles of bullying sensitivity and moral disengagement in explaining the relation between bullying victimization and bystander behavior among adolescent students. The findings provide important implications for developing intervention programs aiming at school bullying prevention.
Chaotic motion of a nonlinear near resonance centrifuge
Authors: Guo Feng , Li Na
Published: August 2020

The equilibrium point and stability of the motion equation of the nonlinear near resonance centrifuge is studied, and the critical conditions for chaotic motions of the system under external excitation are studied by Melnikov method. The expression of Melnikov function and the boundary value between chaotic and non-chaotic regions are given. According to the range of parameters, the numerical simulations are carried out. The results show that the critical parameters of chaotic motion determined using Melnikov method are consistent with that obtained by the numerical simulation. This method effectively judges the occurrence of chaotic motion.
Multidisciplinary Approach for Reestablishing Function and Aesthetic of Unilateral Cleft Lip Defect: A Case Report
Authors: Cumerlato Catarina Borges da Fonseca , Santos Cinthia Studzinski dos , Santos Mateus Bertolini Fernandes dos , Bergoli César Dalmolin , Boscato Noéli
Published: August 2020

Cleft lip and/or cleft palate defects often result in a functional deficiency in the patient’s chewing, speech ability, and aesthetic appearance, usually demanding multidisciplinary effort for addressing the aesthetic and functional patient’s requirements. This clinical report describes the planned oral rehabilitation of a 46-year-old woman with unilateral cleft lip defect based on the patient’s peculiarities and age. Due to limitations concerning bone grafts and implant procedures, as well as orthodontic treatment, the prosthodontic rehabilitation using the metal-ceramic fixed partial denture was chosen. The treatment adequately reestablished the aesthetic and functional activities, positively impacting the patient’s quality of life.
Is the Vineland-3 Comprehensive Interview Form a Multidimensional or Unidimensional Scale? Structural Analysis of Subdomain Scores Across Early Childhood to Adulthood
Authors: Farmer Ryan L. , Floyd Randy G. , McNicholas Patrick J.
Published: August 2020

As the Vineland Scales are among the most relevant, well-developed, and popular measures of adaptive behavior available for use, this study evaluated the factor structure and dimensionality of the Vineland-3 Comprehensive Interview Form. Drawing data from 2,560 participants in the norming sample, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were completed across two independent samples from four age-groups ranging from preschool-age children to adults. Results from exploratory factor analysis revealed evidence for a unidimensional model across age-groups, but results from confirmatory factor analysis indicated that multidimensional models were better fitting than unidimensional models for each age-group. Discussion focuses on whether the Vineland-3 Comprehensive Interview Form is truly a unidimensional or multidimensional measure.
Telemedicine in orthopaedics during COVID-19 and beyond: A systematic review
Authors: Haider Zakir , Aweid Bashaar , Subramanian Padmanabhan , Iranpour Farhad
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Telemedicine is the delivery of healthcare across a distance using some form of communication technology. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased adoption of telemedicine with national orthopaedic governing bodies advocating its use, as evidence suggests that social distancing maybe necessary until 2022. This systematic review aims to explore evidence for telemedicine in orthopaedics to determine its advantages, validity, effectiveness and utilisation.

Methods

Databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL were systematically searched and articles were included if they involved any form of telephone or video consultation in an orthopaedic population. Findings were synthesised into four themes: patient/clinician satisfaction, accuracy and validity of examination, safety and patient outcomes and cost effectiveness. Quality assessment was undertaken using Cochrane and Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools.

Results

Twenty-one studies were included consisting of nine randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Studies revealed high patient satisfaction with telemedicine for convenience, less waiting and travelling time. Telemedicine was cost effective particularly if patients had to travel long distances, required hospital transport or time off work. No clinically significant differences were found in patient examination nor measurement of patient-reported outcome measures. Telemedicine was reported to be a safe method of consultation.

Discussion

Evidence suggests that telemedicine in orthopaedics can be safe, cost effective, valid in clinical assessment and with high patient/clinician satisfaction. However, more high-quality RCTs are required to elucidate long-term outcomes. This systematic review presents up-to-date evidence on the use of telemedicine and provides data for organisations considering its use during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Theorizing the drop in white-collar crime prosecutions: An ecological model
Authors: McGrath Joe , Healy Deirdre
Published: August 2020

This article theorizes prosecutorial decision-making using an ecological model which proposes that prosecutorial outcomes are shaped by four inter-related and intersecting systems: (a) macro-level, or societal, factors such as crime rates (b) meso- and exo-level factors, such as organisational culture, (c) micro-level factors, such as interactions between prosecutors, and (d) individual-level factors, such as victim and perpetrator characteristics. While the model is designed to explain prosecutorial decision-making in general, it also accounts for the paradoxical trends observed in the US since the financial crash in 2008 when the number of prosecutions fell despite a heating up of political rhetoric around white-collar crime. The utility of the model is explored through a critical reading of the extant literature and an analysis of relevant qualitative and quantitative data. The discussion shows that, while each set of factors shapes prosecutorial outcomes to some extent, two explanations are particularly convincing. First, the data suggest that the dip in prosecutions may be explained by prosecutors focusing limited resources on more serious (albeit fewer) cases. Second, delays in case processing emerged sometime between 2011 and 2012 due to bottlenecks in the criminal justice process and coincided with the fall in prosecutions. While the roles played by some of the factors considered in this article are already well-known, the contributions of systemic delays and the shift towards more resource intensive cases represent new findings.
‘Not the Real Me’: Social Imaginaries of Personal Data Profiling
Authors: Lupton Deborah
Published: August 2020

In this article, I present findings from my Data Personas study, in which I invited Australian adults to respond to the stimulus of the ‘data persona’ to help them consider personal data profiling and related algorithmic processing of personal digitised information. The literature on social imaginaries is brought together with vital materialism theory, with a focus on identifying the affective forces, relational connections and agential capacities in participants’ imaginaries and experiences concerning data profiling and related practices now and into the future. The participants were aware of how their personal data were generated from their online engagements, and that commercial and government agencies used these data. However, most people suggested that data profiling was only ever partial, configuring a superficial and static version of themselves. They noted that as people move through their life-course, their identities and bodies are subject to change: dynamic and emergent. While the digital data that are generated about humans are also lively, these data can never fully capture the full vibrancy, fluidity and spontaneity of human experience and behaviour. In these imaginaries, therefore, data personas are figured as simultaneously less-than-human and more-than-human. The implications for understanding and theorising human-personal data relations are discussed.
A successfully treated primary tracheal synovial sarcoma
Authors: Abdul Hamid Mohamed Faisal , Wahab Sopian , Nik Abeed Nik Nuratiqah , Hau Ng Boon , Ban Yu-Lin Andrea
Published: August 2020

Primary tracheal synovial sarcoma is a rare malignancy and is usually found incidentally. Tumours can present with cough, dyspnoea, stridor and intermittent haemoptysis. The diagnosis is challenging because it is rare, and the symptoms may mimic other diseases of airway obstruction. A previously well 53-year-old man presented with an eight-month history of cough. He had a history of minimal haemoptysis a few months prior to presentation. Spirometry showed an obstructive pattern, and a computed tomography scan of the thorax revealed an intraluminal tracheal mass. This case highlights that a thorough initial evaluation, including spirometry, leads to an earlier diagnosis and successful treatment of this rare sarcoma.
Perioperative outcome of severe rigid idiopathic scoliosis: Single-staged posterior spinal fusion utilizing a dual attending surgeon strategy. A report of 41 patients
Authors: Chan Chris Yin Wei , Chung Weng Hong , Mihara Yuki , Lee Sin Ying , Ch’ng Pei Ying , Hasan Mohd Shahnaz , Chiu Chee Kidd , Kwan Mun Keong
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

Various surgical strategies including combined approach and spinal osteotomies in severe rigid scoliosis had been reported with significant perioperative complication rates. The use of single-staged posterior spinal fusion (PSF) utilizing a dual attending surgeon strategy for severe rigid scoliosis has not been widely reported.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study aimed to evaluate the perioperative outcome of single-staged PSF in severe rigid idiopathic scoliosis patients (Cobb angle ≥90° and ≤30% flexibility). Forty-one patients with severe rigid idiopathic scoliosis who underwent single-staged PSF were included. The perioperative outcome parameters were operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin, transfusion rate, patient-controlled anesthesia morphine usage, length of postoperative hospital stay, and perioperative complications. Radiological parameters included preoperative and postoperative Cobb angle, correction rate, side-bending flexibility, and side-bending correction index.

Results:

The mean age was 16.9 ± 5.6 years. The mean preoperative Cobb angle was 110.8 ± 12.1° with mean flexibility of 23.1 ± 6.3%. The mean operation duration was 215.5 ± 45.2 min with mean blood loss of 1752.6 ± 830.5 mL. The allogeneic blood transfusion rate was 24.4%. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 76.9 ± 26.7 h. The mean postoperative Cobb angle and correction rate were 54.4 ± 12.8° and 50.9 ± 10.1%, respectively. The readmission rate in this cohort was 2.4%. Four perioperative complications were documented (9.8%), one somatosensory evoke potential signal loss, one superficial infection, one lung collapse, and one superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

Conclusions:

Severe rigid idiopathic scoliosis treated with single-staged PSF utilizing a dual attending surgeon strategy demonstrated an average correction rate of 50.9%, operation duration of 215.5 min, and postoperative hospital stay of 76.9 h with a 9.8% perioperative complication rate.
Salmonella enteritis spondylitis of thoracic spine: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Chen Mengmeng , Wang Ruideng , Shan Jianlin , Tang Hai
Published: August 2020

Background

Spondylitis is a very common back problem in orthopedics, but is rarely caused by Salmonella enteritidis. We herein reported an uncommon case of thoracic spondylitis caused by Salmonella enteritidis.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old man with high fever was diagnosed as salmonella septicemia initially. His condition was improved after antibacterial treatment. But the symptom of pyrexia was recurred after some days. He was then diagnosed with thoracic spondylitis caused by salmonella enteritidis. After that, he was put on strict antibiotic treatment, and underwent intervertebral lesion debridement, partial rib resection, intervertebral bone fusion and pedicle screw internal fixation. Subsequently, the patient had a significant relief in pain, temperature remained normal, and had no severe complications.

Conclusions

Special attention should be paid to systemic pain and remain cautious to the occurrence of osteomyelitis in patients with Salmonella septicemia. Moreover, the treatment time for using sensitive antibiotics should be sufficient. Surgical treatment should be considered if strict conservative treatment is failed.
Sonic hedgehog signalling as a potential endobronchial biomarker in COPD
Authors: Ancel Julien , Belgacemi Randa , Perotin Jeanne-Marie , Diabasana Zania , Dury Sandra , Dewolf Maxime , Bonnomet Arnaud , Lalun Nathalie , Birembaut Philippe , Polette Myriam , Deslée Gaëtan , Dormoy Valérian
Published: August 2020

Background

The hedgehog (HH) pathway has been associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in genome-wide association studies and recent studies suggest that HH signalling could be altered in COPD. We therefore used minimally invasive endobronchial procedures to assess activation of the HH pathway including the main transcription factor, Gli2, and the ligand, Sonic HH (Shh).

Methods

Thirty non-COPD patients and 28 COPD patients were included. Bronchial brushings, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and bronchial biopsies were obtained from fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Characterization of cell populations and subcellular localization were evaluated by immunostaining. ELISA and RNAseq analysis were performed to identify Shh proteins in BAL and transcripts on lung tissues from non-COPD and COPD patients with validation in an external and independent cohort.

Results

Compared to non-COPD patients, COPD patients exhibited a larger proportion of basal cells in bronchial brushings (26 ± 11% vs 13 ± 6%; p < 0.0001). Airway basal cells of COPD subjects presented less intense nuclear staining for Gli2 in bronchial brushings and biopsies (p < 0.05). Bronchial BALF from COPD patients contained lower Shh concentrations than non-COPD BALF (12.5 vs 40.9 pg/mL; p = 0.002); SHH transcripts were also reduced in COPD lungs in the validation cohort (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the feasibility of assessing HH pathway activation in respiratory samples collected by bronchoscopy and identifies impaired bronchial epithelial HH signalling in COPD.