bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of the CRISPR/Cas9 System in the Treatment of Hepatitis B Liver Cancer
Authors: Lv Wei , Li Tao , Wang Shanshan , Wang Huihui , Li Xuemei , Zhang Shubing , Wang Lianzi , Xu Yuanhong , Wei Wei
Published: October 2021

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system was originally discovered in prokaryotes and functions as part of the adaptive immune system. The experimental research of many scholars, as well as scientific and technological advancements, has allowed prokaryote-derived CRISPR/Cas genome-editing systems to transform our ability to manipulate, detect, image, and annotate specific DNA and RNA sequences in the living cells of diverse species. Through modern genetic engineering editing technology and high-throughput gene sequencing, we can edit and splice covalently closed circular DNA to silence it, and correct the mutation and deletion of liver cancer genes to achieve precise in situ repair of defective genes and prohibit viral infection or replication. Such manipulations do not destroy the structure of the entire genome and facilitate the cure of diseases. In this review, we discussed the possibility that CRISPR/Cas could be used as a treatment for patients with liver cancer caused by hepatitis B virus infection, and reviewed the challenges incurred by this effective gene-editing technology.
arhomme: An implementation of the Arellano and Bonhomme (2017) estimator for quantile regression with selection correction
Authors: Biewen Martin , Erhardt Pascal
Published: October 2021

Despite constituting a major theoretical breakthrough, the quantile selection model of Arellano and Bonhomme (2017, Econometrica 85: 1–28) based on copulas has not found its way into many empirical applications. We introduce the command arhomme, which implements different variants of the estimator along with standard errors based on bootstrapping and subsampling. We illustrate the command by replicating parts of the empirical application in the original article and a related application in Arellano and Bonhomme (2018, Handbook of Quantile Regression, chap. 13).
kinkyreg: Instrument-free inference for linear regression models with endogenous regressors
Authors: Kripfganz Sebastian , Kiviet Jan F.
Published: October 2021

In models with endogenous regressors, a standard regression approach is to exploit just-identifying or overidentifying orthogonality conditions by using instrumental variables. In just-identified models, the identifying orthogonality assumptions cannot be tested without the imposition of other nontestable assumptions. While formal testing of overidentifying restrictions is possible, its interpretation still hinges on the validity of an initial set of untestable just-identifying orthogonality conditions. We present the kinkyreg command for kinky least-squares inference, which adopts an alternative approach to identification. By exploiting nonorthogonality conditions in the form of bounds on the admissible degree of endogeneity, feasible test procedures can be constructed that do not require instrumental variables. The kinky least-squares confidence bands can be more informative than confidence intervals obtained from instrumental-variables estimation, especially when the instruments are weak. Moreover, the approach facilitates a sensitivity analysis for standard instrumental-variables inference. In particular, it allows the user to assess the validity of previously untestable just-identifying exclusion restrictions. Further instrument-free tests include linear hypotheses, functional form, heteroskedasticity, and serial correlation tests.
Discharges With Triphasic Morphology as Marker of the Risk of Death in Acute Encephalopathy
Authors: Merchán-del-Hierro Xavier , Persi Gabriel , Vulycher María C. , Chicco Carla , Gatto Emilia M. , Pereira-de-Silva Nahuel
Published: October 2021

Introduction. In clinical practice, it is difficult to define the prognosis of patients with acute encephalopathy; a syndrome characterized by cognitive dysfunction and altered sensorium. Discharges with triphasic morphology (DTM) are an electroencephalographic pattern that might be useful to establish the risk of death. The aim of this study was to define the prognostic value of DTM regarding mortality in patients with acute encephalopathy. Methods. We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study including patients with acute encephalopathy with and without DTM paired by age and gender in a 1:2 ratio. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) to determine the association between DTM and mortality. In addition, we calculated sensibility, specificity, and predictive values. Results. We included 72 patients, 24 with DTM and 48 without DTM. Mortality was higher in patients with DTM (41.6% vs 14.5%, P  =  .01). Factors associated with a higher risk of death were DTM (OR  =  4.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-13, P  =  .01) and sequential organ failure assessment score (OR  =  1.3, 95% CI 1.04-1.67, P  =  .02). A higher Glasgow coma scale score was associated with a lower risk of death (OR  =  0.65, 95% CI 0.51-0.83, P  =  .001). The sensibility and specificity of DTM were 59% and 75%, respectively. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 2.36 and 0.55. Discussion. Our results revealed high mortality in patients with acute encephalopathy and DTM. This electroencephalographic pattern was associated with 4 times higher risk of death. However, its usefulness for predicting death was limited.
Music-reading expertise associates with face but not Chinese character processing ability
Authors: Chen Jie , Yuan Panpan , Li Hong , Chen Changming , Jiang Yi , Lee Kang
Published: October 2021

A growing number of behavioural and neuroimaging studies have investigated the cognitive mechanisms and neural substrates underlying various forms of visual expertise, such as face and word processing. However, it remains poorly understood whether and to what extent the acquisition of one form of expertise would be associated with that of another. The current study examined the relationship between music-reading expertise and face and Chinese character processing abilities. In a series of experiments, music experts and novices performed discrimination and recognition tasks of musical notations, faces, and words. Results consistently showed that musical experts responded more accurately to musical notations and faces, but not to words, than did musical novices. More intriguingly, the music expert’s age of training onset could well predict their face but not word processing performance: the earlier musical experts began musical notation reading, the better their face processing performance. Taken together, our findings provide preliminary and converging evidence that music-reading expertise links with face, but not word, processing, and lend support to the notion that the development of different types of visual expertise may not be independent, but rather interact with each other during their acquisition.
Not just form, not just meaning: Words with consistent form-meaning mappings are learned earlier
Authors: Cassani Giovanni , Limacher Niklas
Published: October 2021

By leveraging Phonology-to-Semantics Consistency (PSC), which quantifies form-meaning systematicity as the semantic similarity between a target word and its phonological nearest neighbours, we document a unique effect of systematicity on Age of Acquisition (AoA). This effect is also found after controlling for the effect of neighbourhood density measured for word forms and lexical semantics and several other standard predictors of AoA. Moreover, we show that the effect of systematicity is not reducible to iconicity. Finally, we extensively probe the reliability of this finding by testing different statistical models, analysing systematicity in phonology and orthography and implementing random baselines, reporting a robust, unique negative effect of systematicity on AoA, such that more systematic words tend to be learned earlier. We discuss the findings in the light of studies on non-arbitrary form-meaning mappings and their role in language learning, focusing on the analogical process at the interface of form and meaning upon which PSC is based and how it could help children infer the semantics of novel words when context is scarce or uninformative, ultimately speeding up word learning.
‘The instinct of resistance to evil’: Postmemory and the Ukrainian national imaginary in Oksana Zabuzhko’s novel The Museum of Abandoned Secrets
Authors: Kazanova Yuliya
Published: October 2021

Building on Marianne Hirsch’s concept of postmemory, this article examines Oksana Zabuzhko’s latest novel The Museum of Abandoned Secrets as postmemorial fiction, which articulates the trauma of Soviet political repressions in the post–World War II period and in the 1970s via the perception of the second and third generation. The affiliative postmemory about World War II in Ukraine from the viewpoint of Ukrainian Insurgent Army partisans is emplotted via an original generic combination of contemporary Holocaust fiction and romances of the archive. Postmemory is used in the novel to shape a mythologised alternative historical narrative that reconceptualises the country’s difficult past as a story of heroic resistance.
Encouraging outcomes of stemless ceramic head anatomic shoulder arthroplasty in severe primary osteoarthritis (Walch type B glenoids)
Authors: Edwards Gray Alexander , Coghlan Jennifer , Hughes Jeff , Wright Warwick , Dallalana Richard , Bell A/Prof Simon Nicolas
Published: October 2021

Background: We report the radiological and functional outcomes at five years in patients with severe osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint and a Walch type B glenoid who have undergone stemless anatomic total shoulder replacement. Methods: A retrospective analysis of case notes, computed tomography scans and plain radiographs of patients undergoing anatomic total shoulder replacement for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis were performed. Patients were grouped by the severity of their osteoarthritis using the modified Walch classification, glenoid retroversion and posterior humeral head subluxation. An evaluation was made using modern planning software. Functional outcomes were assessed using the American shoulder and elbow surgeons score, shoulder pain and disability index and visual analogue scale. Annual Lazarus scores were reviewed as regard to glenoid loosening. Results: Thirty patients were reviewed at 5 years. Analysis of all patient-reported outcome measures demonstrated significant improvement at 5-year review, American shoulder and elbow surgeons ( p = <0.0001), shoulder pain and disability index ( p = 0.0001), visual analogue scale ( p = 0.0001). Radiological associations between Walch scores and Lazarus scores were not statistically significant ( p = 0.1251) at 5 years. There were no associations between features of glenohumeral osteoarthritis and patient-reported outcome measures. Discussion: The severity of osteoarthritis did not show any association with glenoid component survivorship or with patient-reported outcome measures at 5 years review. Level of evidence: IV.
An Indigenous Perspective of the Australasian Marketing Academy
Authors: Raciti Maria
Published: October 2021

This paper is a provocation, and its purpose is to give voice and visibility to Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples in the Australasian marketing academy. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Australians and, like other marginalised groups, are largely invisible in marketing’s discourse. This paper is unapologetic in its truth-telling. The marketing academy in Australia is monocultural. In pursuit of generalisability, marketing research has silenced those outside of the ‘mainstream’; relegating articles by, with and for Indigenous peoples to special section enclaves (like this) at best, but it is more likely editors direct such papers to non-mainstream outlets because they cannot find reviewers with expertise outside of the dominant culture. These practices in and of themselves speak volumes of the Northern/Western knowledge system that dominates marketing. It exemplifies epistemicide, being the non-inclusion or dismissing of Indigenous knowledges and perspectives and foregrounds the need for the decolonisation of marketing in Australia. This paper asks you, the reader, to become uncomfortable and be brutally honest, if only with yourself, as to your blind spots, assumptions, avoidance, rhetoric and essentialist understandings of Australia’s First Nation peoples that furnish your professional perspective and practice. Furthermore, this paper challenges the ANZMAC Executive Committee, Fellows and community to elevate their professional practice voluntarily and authentically with regards to Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples.
Sulfated Modification, Characterization and Potential Bioactivities of Polysaccharide From Ziziphus jujuba cv. Jinsixiaozao
Authors: Feng Run-Fang , Wang Na , Kou Jing-Jing , An Xiao-Wen , Meng Feng-Hua , Zheng Xiao-Jing , Wang Wei-Wei , Wang Li-Li , Wang Ze-He , Liu Meng-Jun , Ao Chang-Wei , Zhao Zhi-Hui
Published: October 2021

In this study, jujube polysaccharide (JP) was extracted from Ziziphus jujuba cv. Jinsixiaozao and sulfated JP (SJP) was prepared. The optimum preparation conditions were as follows: reaction temperature 75°C, reaction time 1 h, ratio of chlorosulfonic acid-to-pyridine ( VCSA/ VPyr) 1. The degree of substitution of SJP was 0.664 ± 0.014. JP and SJP were typical heteropolysaccharides, which were composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose, and galactose, but the molar ratio of monosaccharides was different. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that JP was sulfated successfully. Compared with JP, the molecular weight of SJP increased to 3.17 × 105 Da, its water solubility increased significantly, and its viscosity decreased significantly. When the microstructure of SJP was examined, it was found that the surface of the polysaccharides became loose and porous after sulfation. SJP had a higher hydroxyl radical scavenging activity than the unsulfated polysaccharide. Moreover, sulfation enhanced the antibacterial activity of the polysaccharides against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Therefore, sulfation is an effective way to improve the biological activity of the polysaccharide, and SJP can be used as a potential antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in the field of food and medicine.
The Impact of COVID-19 Disruptions and Perceived Discrimination on Well-Being and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Testing the Moderating Role of Exercise Among African American and Asian American Emerging Adults
Authors: Williams Chelsea Derlan , Hood Kristina B. , Moreno Oswaldo , Chartier Karen G. , Johnson Kaprea F. , Townsend Tiffany G. , Kuo Sally I-Chun ,   The Spit for Science Working Group, Vassileva Jasmin L. , Dick Danielle M. , Amstadter Ananda B.
Published: October 2021

The current study tested whether COVID-19 disruptions and perceived discrimination were related to mental health (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms and emotional, psychological, and social well-being), and whether exercise moderated relations. Additionally, we tested whether findings varied by ethnicity/race. Participants were 368 African American and Asian American emerging adults ( Mage = 19.92, SD = .34). Findings did not vary by ethnicity/race. COVID-19 disruptions predicted poorer emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and more PTSD symptoms. Discrimination predicted more PTSD symptoms. Exercise was associated with better emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and moderated the relation between COVID-19 disruptions and emotional well-being. At low levels of exercise, COVID-19 disruptions predicted poorer emotional well-being, but this relation was not significant at high levels of exercise. Findings highlight that discrimination and disruptions during the pandemic negatively affect African American and Asian American emerging adults’ mental health, but that exercise plays an important protective role.
Aesthetic Typography of Packaging Design and Purchase Intention: A Study of Women Shoppers of Beauty Products in Oman Under ‘View’ Model
Authors: Khan Zaheer Ahmed , Kamran Hyder , Bino Ermal , Mahmood Mudassar
Published: October 2021

The visibility, information, emotional appeal and practicability (VIEW) model describes the major dimensions of the package to influence the intention to purchase. The main objective of the research study was to analyse the effect of the elements of the VIEW model to purchase under the moderating effect of familiarity with the brand. Using convenience sampling, primary data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire of 252 female consumers in Oman. The results of the statistical analysis indicated that three elements of the VIEW model (i.e., visibility, emotional appeal and workability) significantly affected the purchase intention, and printed information did not influence purchase intention. The moderating effect of brand familiarity on the relationship between the elements of the VIEW model and the intended purchase was not significant. Overall, the results of the study support the theory that packaging and aesthetics have an exceptional role in promoting consumer purchasing intentions. The results of the research study highlight the key aspects of cosmetics marketing in Oman and guide marketers on the effects of VIEW’s psychological impact. Consequently, the findings of this research study will inform future research studies to explore the phenomenon under the influence of other variables.
The Double Life of Dissent: Art, Politics and the Predicaments of Democracy in India
Authors: Maheshwari Malvika
Published: October 2021

The article focuses on two moments in India’s political history, in which out-rightly expressed dissent underlines analytical shifts in the nature and course of the country’s democracy. It asks two questions: First, what does a self-proclaimed, democratic state do with peaceful dissenting artists? The second question follows from this. If indeed the state stigmatizes and suppresses that dissent, what does the artist do? By foregrounding the relationship between the dissent and offence-taking, the article shows the increasingly complex changes in the nature of the democratic state, role of the art market therein, the dynamic patterns of dissent itself, which underline the cyclic outbursts of violence against artists.
The Injured Shoulder in High-Level Male Gymnasts, Part 1: Epidemiology and Pathoanatomy of Surgically Treated Lesions
Authors: Gendre Patrick , Boileau Pascal
Published: October 2021

Background:

Weightbearing and traction-suspension movements with the upper limbs put considerable demands upon the shoulder region of high-level gymnasts. The diagnosis of instability in these gymnasts may be difficult because voluntary inferior shoulder subluxation is part of their training and is needed to perform some acrobatic figures.

Purpose:

To (1) assess the epidemiology of shoulder lesions requiring surgery, (2) describe the types of injuries and assess which maneuvers and equipment put the gymnast most at risk, and (3) present a pathoanatomic classification of the injured shoulder in high-level male gymnasts.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Over a 20-year period (1994-2014), 26 high-level male gymnasts (30 shoulders; mean age, 22 years; range, 16-33 years) were referred to our surgical center for shoulder pain or instability. Four gymnasts underwent surgery on both shoulders. All shoulders were evaluated clinically, radiologically, and arthroscopically. An independent observer evaluated the circumstances in which these lesions occurred, including the apparatus used and the maneuvers performed.

Results:

The mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 8 months (range, 6-24 months). Eighteen injured shoulders (60%) had chronic overuse injuries. In 27 shoulders (90%), the mechanism of injury was traction of the arm in forced flexion-rotation while using suspension equipment with locked hands on the bars or the rings. In the remaining 3 shoulders, the traumatic position was one of an isometric muscle contraction against gravity, sustained while performing strength-and-hold positions on the rings. Based on the main presenting symptoms (pain and/or instability) and main anatomic lesions found during arthroscopy, the injured gymnasts’ shoulders were classified into 2 categories: painful shoulders (n = 13) with no clinical, radiological, or arthroscopic findings of instability (mainly superior cuff and biceps anchor lesions) and unstable shoulders (n = 17) with isolated inferior capsule labral tears or mixed lesions (tendinous and capsulolabral). Some gymnasts with inferior labral tears had no recall of having suffered a dislocation or subluxation.

Conclusion:

The majority of injuries requiring surgery in this population occurred during traction in forced flexion-rotation using suspension equipment. Injured shoulders were classified as either painful or unstable shoulders.
The Injured Shoulder in High-Level Male Gymnasts, Part 2: Can Athletes Return to Competition After Surgery?
Authors: Gendre Patrick , Boileau Pascal
Published: October 2021

Background:

The results of surgical treatment of shoulder injuries in high-level male gymnasts have not yet been documented.

Purpose:

To evaluate the functional and subjective results after surgical treatment of shoulder injuries in high-level gymnasts and the possibilities to return to sport at the same level.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Over a 20-year period (1994-2014), 23 high-level male gymnasts (26 shoulders) underwent surgery by a single experienced shoulder surgeon. At the time of surgery, 7 gymnasts competed at the international level, 12 at the national elite level, and 4 at the regional level. According to symptoms and anatomic lesions, the shoulders were classified into 2 groups: painful shoulders (n = 11) and unstable shoulders (n = 15). Fifteen capsulolabral repairs, 10 cuff debridements, 1 cuff repair, 4 SLAP (superior labral anterior and posterior) repairs, and 8 suprapectoral biceps tenodesis were performed. Twelve shoulders (46%) had >1 procedure performed. Outcomes assessment was performed by an independent observer at a mean of 5 years (range, 2-15 years) postoperatively. In addition, patients completed the Subjective Shoulder Value (range, 0%-100%).

Results:

After shoulder surgery, 21 (91%) of the 23 gymnasts returned to competitive gymnastics, and 20 gymnasts (87%) regained their preinjury level of sport. All international-level gymnasts returned to their preinjury level of sport. Three athletes (13%) underwent revision surgery, and 1 athlete (4%) ended his career without returning to competition. The postoperative period before resumption of competitive gymnastics was 9 ± 3.5 months (mean ± SD). Of the 15 gymnasts treated for shoulder instability with arthroscopic stabilization, 12 were able to return to their previous level of sport. All 8 gymnasts who had arthroscopic biceps tenodesis were able to return to their previous level of sport, as opposed to only 2 of 4 gymnasts treated with SLAP repair. The gymnastics-specific Subjective Shoulder Value score was 80% ± 11%.

Conclusion:

Most gymnasts who required surgical treatment for a shoulder injury were able to return to competition at their previous level, although there was a considerable postoperative recovery period. Current arthroscopic reconstruction techniques were effective for treating structural lesions and allowing return to high-level gymnastics.
For political geographies of fertilities
Authors: Coddington Kate
Published: October 2021

Debates ranging from parental leave within universities to abortion rights, ‘anchor babies,’ racialized maternal mortality, and the continued disproportionate role of indigenous children within foster care systems demonstrate the wide range of politics informed by fertility. In this paper, I aim to prompt further academic research and personal reflection about the politics that underpin questions about fertility and the life course. There is an analytic potential and political urgency to understand these debates under the conceptual umbrella of ‘political geographies of fertility,’ as matters of fertility cross disciplinary and subdisciplinary boundaries and are – literally – matters of life and death. In this paper, I argue for framing fertility as a continued state of being, an anticipatory weight, that influences lives, behaviors, and politics at a variety of scales, from the border and the nation-state to academic workplaces and the body. By considering the range of spaces and scales where the politics of fertility take shape, I hope to encourage future researchers to devote attention to what gets made political through fertility – including but not limited to the biological events of reproduction.
Parametric studies on laser additive manufacturing of copper on stainless steel
Authors: Yadav S. , Paul C. P. , Rai A. K. , Jinoop A. N. , Nayak S. K. , Singh R. , Bindra K. S.
Published: October 2021

Laser additive manufacturing using directed energy deposition (LAM-DED) technique is one of the recent techniques for fabricating engineering components directly from 3D CAD model data using high power lasers. In this respect, LAM-DED of copper (Cu) and stainless steel (SS) is an enduring research area. However, LAM-DED of Cu is challenging due to higher thermal conductivity, lower absorption to infrared radiation and oxide formation tendency. The present work reports an experimental investigation to evaluate the effect of process parameters on the track geometry, contact angle, inter-diffusion and micro-hardness of Cu tracks deposited on SS 304L substrate using LAM-DED. Analysis of variance is used to estimate the contribution percentage of process parameters on the track geometry. Further, Cu bulk structures are deposited at an identified combination of process parameters and they are subjected to optical microscopy for microstructural characterisation. Further, finite-element-based numerical simulation is performed to understand the temperature distribution during the processing of Cu bulk structures on SS304L and the temperature results are co-related with the microstructural transformation during the processing. This investigation paves a way to understand the effect of processing parameters for building Cu bulk structures on SS Substrate using LAM-DED.
ACL Repair of Femoral Osseous Avulsion in a 13-Year-Old Using Suture Pullout Technique
Authors: Moore Andrew , Rames Jess , McGurk Kathy , Slone Harris
Published: October 2021

Background:

The incidence of pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries has been increasing over the past 20 years, with the majority comprised of mid substance tears or tibial eminence avulsion fractures. Pediatric femoral sided osseous avulsion is rarely reported in orthopedic literature and specific surgical indications and contraindications, as well as recommended surgical techniques and postoperative rehabilitation protocols, are underdefined.

Indications:

The surgical indications for femoral-sided repair of ACL osseous avulsion includes a displaced osseous fragment and ligamentous laxity on physical examination. There was no concomitant midsubstance tear necessitating reconstruction.

Technique Description:

Two sutures piercing the proximal ligamentous bony junction of the ACL were fed through 2.4-mm transphyseal tunnels and secured with cortical button and backup fixation with a 3.9-mm swivel lock anchor in the proximal lateral femoral metaphysis. The patient was immobilized in a hinged-knee brace locked in extension during ambulation and limited to 90 degrees of flexion while nonweightbearing for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Standard ACL protocol was followed thereafter.

Results:

Successful fixation and restoration of ligamentous tension and impingement-free range of motion were achieved without complication. There was stable Lachman, negative pivot shift, 125 degrees of knee flexion, and evidence of early healing at 3 months follow-up.

Discussion/Conclusion:

This report demonstrates successful reduction and fixation of proximal bony avulsion of the ACL. Although this patient exhibits stable physical examination and undisturbed growth at early follow-up, more research is required to establish treatment and rehabilitation guidelines for this rare injury.
Normal seminal plasma could preserve human spermatozoa against cryopreservation damages in Oligozoospermic patients
Authors: Eini Fatemeh , kutenaei Maryam Azizi , Shirzeyli Maryam Hosseinzadeh , Dastjerdi Zeinolabedin Sharifian , Omidi Mahmoud , Novin Marefat Ghaffari
Published: October 2021

Background

Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa has been identified as an efficient procedure to preserve fertility in men before any cancer therapy or surgical infertility treatment. Despite the benefits of the procedure, the deleterious effects of cryopreservation have been proven on sperm structure and function. This study aimed to evaluate seminal plasma effects on human sperm characteristics after cryopreservation, and compare the addition of normozoospermic and oligozoospermic seminal plasma in the prepared oligozoospermic samples. Semen samples were collected from fifty-five oligozoospermic men and the twenty fertile individuals who referred to the infertility center. At first, a semen analysis was carried out on each neat ejaculate, and then some were cryopreserved. The remainder of the semen was divided into two, one for seminal plasma removal and the other for sperm preparation. Then, the prepared spermatozoa were cryopreserved in three groups: one with, and another without the addition of oligozoospermic seminal plasma, and still another with the addition of normal seminal plasma. After thawing, sperm DNA integrity, viability, motility, and morphology were determined.

Results

The percentages of all parameters were significantly lower after cryopreservation in all groups compared to the fresh sample. However, this reduction was lower in the oligozoospermic samples cryopreserved with normal seminal plasma.

Conclusion

The results indicated that seminal plasma in oligozoospermic patients could not support sperm against cryo-injuries, an indication likely due to insufficient antioxidants and other protective components in oligozoospermic patients. However, normal seminal plasma could slightly preserve sperm characteristics after cryopreservation in oligozoospermic patients.
Exon and intron sharing in opposite direction-an undocumented phenomenon in human genome-between Pou5f1 and Tcf19 genes
Authors: Mehravar Majid , Ghaemimanesh Fatemeh , Poursani Ensieh M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Overlapping genes share same genomic regions in parallel (sense) or anti-parallel (anti-sense) orientations. These gene pairs seem to occur in all domains of life and are best known from viruses. However, the advantage and biological significance of overlapping genes is still unclear. Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) analysis enabled us to uncover an overlapping gene pair in the human genome.

Results

By using in silico analysis of previous experimental documentations, we reveal a new form of overlapping genes in the human genome, in which two genes found on opposite strands (Pou5f1andTcf19), share two exons and one intron enclosed, at the same positions, between OCT4B3 and TCF19-D splice variants.

Conclusions

This new form of overlapping gene expands our previous perception of splicing events and may shed more light on the complexity of gene regulation in higher organisms. Additional such genes might be detected by ESTs analysis also of other organisms.
The risk of chronic kidney disease in relation to anthropometric measures of obesity: A Swedish cohort study
Authors: Memarian Ensieh , Nilsson Peter M. , Zia Isac , Christensson Anders , Engström Gunnar
Published: October 2021

Background

It has been shown that individuals with obesity have a higher risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is unclear which measure of obesity is most useful for prediction of CKD in the general population. The aim of this large prospective study was to explore the association between several anthropometric measures of obesity, i. e., body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist circumference to height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), percentage of body fat (BF%), weight, height and incidence of hospitalizations due to CKD, in a population-based cohort study.

Methods

The ‘Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (MDCS)’ cohort in Sweden was examined during 1991 to 1996. A total of 28,449 subjects underwent measurement of anthropometric measures and blood pressure and filled out a questionnaire. Incidence of in- and outpatient hospital visits for CKD was monitored from the baseline examination over a mean follow-up of 18 years. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to explore the association between anthropometric measures and incidence of CKD, with adjustments for risk factors.

Results

The final study population included 26,723 subjects, 45-73 years old at baseline. Higher values of BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR and weight were associated with an increased risk of developing CKD in both men and women. Only in women, higher values of BF% was associated with higher risk of CKD. Comparing the 4th vs 1st quartile of the obesity measure, the highest hazard ratio (HR) for CKD in men was observed for BMI, HR 1.51 (95% CI: 1.18-1.94) and weight (HR 1.52 (95% CI: 1.19-1.94). For women the highest HR for CKD was observed for BF%, HR 2.01 (95% CI: 1.45-2.78).

Conclusions

In this large prospective study, all anthropometric measures of obesity were associated with a substantially increased incidence of CKD, except for BF% in men. Some measures were slightly more predictive for the risk of CKD than others such as BMI and weight in men and BF% in women. In clinical daily practice use of all anthropometric measures of obesity might be equally useful to assess the risk of developing CKD. This study supports the strong evidence for an association between obesity and CKD.
Serum bilirubin levels are associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack
Authors: Ouyang Quping , Wang Anxin , Tian Xue , Zuo Yingting , Liu Zhimeng , Xu Qin , Meng Xia , Chen Pan , Li Hao , Wang Yongjun
Published: October 2021

Background

The prognostic value of serum bilirubin in stroke is controversial, since bilirubin has both neuroprotective and neurotoxic properties. We aimed to investigate the association between serum bilirubin, including total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL) and indirect bilirubin (IBIL) and poor functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Methods

All patients with AIS or TIA were recruited from the Third China National Stroke Registry. The poor functional outcomes included modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 2–6 and 3–6 at 3 months and 1 year. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the associations of TBIL, DBIL, and IBIL with poor functional outcomes.

Results

Among 11,121 enrolled patients, the median (interquartile range) of TBIL, DBIL, and IBIL was 13.30 (9.90–17.70), 3.80 (2.70–5.30), and 9.30 (6.70–12.80) µmol/L. After adjustment for conventional confounding factors, patients in the highest TBIL quartile had the highest proportion of mRS score 2–6 at 3 months (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.19–1.59) and 1 year (OR, 1.31; 95 % CI, 1.13–1.52), and mRS score 3–6 at 3 months (OR, 1.33; 95 % CI, 1.11–1.59) and 1 year (OR, 1.28; 95 % CI, 1.07–1.53), when compared to patients in the lowest TBIL quartile. Similar results were observed for DBIL and IBIL. We also found J-shaped associations between serum bilirubin levels and each outcome.

Conclusions

Elevated levels of serum bilirubin were significantly associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with AIS or TIA at 3 months and 1 year.
HIV stigma in the teaching hospitals in Sana’a, Yemen: a conflict and low-resource setting
Authors: Attal Bothaina Ahmed , Al-Rowaishan Kowthar Mohammed , Akeel Alaa Abdulbaset , AlAmmar Fawziah Kassim
Published: October 2021

Background

HIV stigma undermines a person’s wellbeing and quality of life and hinders HIV control efforts. This study examined the extent and drivers of HIV stigma in the teaching hospitals in Sana’a City, Yemen. The country has low HIV prevalence (4000 (2000-11,000) per 100,000) and limited HIV control funds, worsened by a long conflict and an economic crisis.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 320 Yemeni health professionals in all the four teaching hospitals in Sana’a City. Data were collected anonymously, using an adapted self-completed Arabic version of the Health Policy Project HIV Stigma tool. The questionnaire covered the respondents’ background, the stigmatising practices, and potential personal and professional drivers of stigma.

Results

The majority of the participants were: females (68%), 20–39 years old (85%), nurses (84%), and holding a nursing diploma (69%) or a bachelor’s degree (27%). None of the hospitals had institutional policies against HIV stigma, and 93% of the participants believed the current infection control measures were inadequate. Less than half of the participants provided care for people living with HIV (PLHIV) (45%), had received HIV training (33%), and were confident that their HIV knowledge was adequate (23%). The majority indicated a preference to test patients for HIV prior to surgical procedures (77%) and disclose positive HIV results to others (99%) without prior knowledge or consent. All the participants had exhibited a form of HIV-related stigmatization, such as avoiding physical contact with PLHIV (87%) or wearing gloves throughout the consultation (96.5%). These practices were significantly correlated with the fear of infection, high perceived risk of infection, and poor work environment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

PLHIV face widespread stigmatizing behaviour in the teaching hospitals in Sana’a City, consistent with the higher level of stigma in low HIV prevalence countries and its links to the fear of infection, poor HIV knowledge, and limited funding for HIV control. Stigma reduction interventions are required at institutional and individual levels. In addition, anti-discrimination policies and structural adjustments are needed, in combination with training on HIV and universal precautions, and action to tackle negative attitudes towards PLHIV and key populations.
Finnish paramedics’ professional quality of life and associations with assignment experiences and defusing use – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ericsson Christoffer R. , Nordquist Hilla , Lindström Veronica , Rudman Ann
Published: October 2021

Background

Paramedics experience traumatic events and social emergencies during assignments while also being subjected to verbal and physical threats. Consequently, they are at risk for burnout and secondary traumatic stress, factors inherent to professional quality of life. Defusing and peer-support potentially decrease such symptoms; however, perceived defusing needs and use are not always balanced. Our aim was to explore Finnish paramedics’ professional quality of life, using the Professional Quality of Life Scale, with associations to EMS assignment experiences as well as formal and informal defusing need and use over a 12-month period.

Methods

A quantitative study of 257 Finnish paramedics using a cross-sectional design. Study outcomes were secondary traumatic stress (STS), compassion satisfaction (CS), and burnout (BO) scores using the modified 9-item Short Professional Quality of Life scale (ProQOL). Likert-type scales were used to collect participants’ recollections of assignment experiences and defusing from a 12-month period. Associations were explored using Spearman’s correlation coefficients.

Results

Short ProQOL score medians were STS 4.00 (IQR 3), BO 6.00 (IQR 3) and CS 13.00 (IQR 3). STS and BO correlated to experiences of social emergencies and traumatic events while BO correlated to experiences of threat situations (r = 0.206, p = .001). Paramedics perceived a need for defusing in general associated with STS (r = 0.178, p < .001) and participated in informal defusing. Participation in defusing of any form did not associate with ProQOL scores.

Conclusions

Finnish paramedics’ more frequent experiences of social emergencies, traumatic events, and paramedic-directed threat situations were associated with higher levels of STS and BO. STS was also associated with paramedics’ increased need for defusing and use of informal peer defusing, although neither STS, BO or CS scores associated to any defusing form. Managing paramedics STS and BO, while fostering CS, could therefore be a future research focus.
Extrusion of the medial meniscus is a potential predisposing factor for post-arthroscopy osteonecrosis of the knee
Authors: Yamaguchi Jun , Yasuda Kazunori , Kondo Eiji , Kaibara Takuma , Ueda Daisuke , Yabuuchi Koji , Onodera Jun , Iwasaki Norimasa , Saito Mitsuru , Yagi Tomonori
Published: October 2021

Background

Post-arthroscopic osteonecrosis of the knee (PAONK) is a rare condition. No studies have analyzed the relationship between the meniscus extrusion and PAONK. The purpose of this retrospective study is to test a hypothesis that the degree of the medial meniscus (MM) extrusion might be significantly greater in the knees with PAONK than in the matched control knees both before and after the meniscectomy.

Methods

Ten knees with PAONK were detected out of a total of 876 knees which had undergone arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of the MM. Ten matched control knees were randomly selected out of the remaining 866 knees without PAONK. The clinical data of these 20 patients were retrospectively collected from the medical records. To evaluate the location of the menisci on the joint line, Extrusion width and Inner width were defined on a coronal section of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The intra- and inter-rater reliability was evaluated by calculating the intra- and inter-class coefficients. Statistical comparisons between the 2 groups were made using the 3 non-parametric tests.

Results

Before the meniscectomy, the Extrusion width of the MM (mean 4.7 ± 1.4 mm) was significantly greater than that (3.0 ± 1.3 mm) in the Control group (P = 0.0195). In the MRI taken in a range from 3 to 50 weeks after the meniscectomy, the Extrusion width of the MM (5.9 ± 1.1 mm) in the PAONK group was significantly greater than that (3.4 ± 1.4 mm) in the Control group (P = 0.0009), and the Inner width of the MM (0.6 ± 1.7 mm) in the PAONK group was significantly less than that (3.9 ± 1.0 mm) in the Control group (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

A significant relationship was found between the degree of the MM extrusion and the onset of PAONK. This study suggested that the extrusion of the MM is a potential predisposing factor for PAONK.
Efficacy of threading lasso fixation in repairing partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion lesions: a retrospective study
Authors: Chen Sun-Yu , Xiao Zhan-Hao , Wang Jian-Kun
Published: October 2021

Background

The partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesion repair remains a topic of debate. We have performed in situ repair of PASTA lesions using a potentially viable threading lasso fixation technique. This retrospective case series aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of PASTA lesion repair using threading lasso fixation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to review this technique and its outcomes in terms of pain and upper extremity function.

Methods

Twenty-five patients with PASTA lesions who were treated with threading lasso fixation were reviewed. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Preoperative and follow-up data were retrospectively collected and reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed to evaluate the efficacy of the surgery.

Results

There were no postoperative complications. The average follow-up period was 25.7 (22–27) months. At the last follow-up, all patients underwent follow-up magnetic resonance imaging; only two cases showed a partially healed tendon and no case converted to full-thickness tear. Furthermore, shoulder pain decreased and mobility was recovered, with statistically significant differences in all scoring measures. Specifically, the mean visual analog scale score decreased from 5.4 ± 1.2 before surgery to 1.1 ± 0.8 at the last follow-up (t = 14.908, P < 0.01), and the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Assessment Form score improved significantly from 51.6 ± 6.4 to 89.3 ± 5.2 (t = 22.859, P < 0.01). Additionally, the mean University of California Los Angeles score improved from 17.8 ± 3.5 preoperatively to 32.3 ± 1.4 (t = 19.233, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Arthroscopic repair using threading lasso fixation is a novel transtendinous technique for patients with partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion. Tendon integrity is preserved with this method, which may result in improved function. Overall, threading lasso fixation technique is an effective treatment.
Free thoracodorsal artery polyfoliate perforator flaps for repairing multiple soft tissue defects in the hand
Authors: Ding Wenquan , Xue Jianbo , Zhou Yingling , He Lingfeng , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: October 2021

Background

Hand injury is commonly associated with multiple soft tissue defects. Polyfoliate flaps grafting is the optimal approach for multiple wounds.The feasibility of clinical using of free thoracodorsal artery polyfoliate perforator flaps for repairing multiple soft tissue defects in the hand needs to be confirmed in clinical practice.

Methods

Fifteen patients with hand soft tissue defects that were repaired using free thoracodorsal artery polyfoliate perforator flaps from January 2015 to February 2018 was retrospectively analysed. The survival rate, the operative time, the appearance and sensory recovery of the flaps, and hand function were evaluated.

Results

The flaps of all 15 patients survived. Vascular crisis occurred in one patient, and the flap was saved after exploratory operation. The 15 patients were followed up for 12–26 months. Sensation in the flaps was partially recovered in all 15 patients. The wound in the donor area was closed directly with sutures. Mean score of scars at the donor site were assessed using the modified Vancouver scar scale (VSS) was 2.7. A puffed appearance in the recipient area was noted in four patients. To obtain a more satisfactory appearance, revision of the flap was performed once in these four patients. The Total Active Movement (TAM) evaluation system was used to assess the results, which were considered excellent in seven patients, good in six patients, fair in two patients, and poor in none of the patients. Ten of the 15 patients returned to their primary jobs.

Conclusion

Free thoracodorsal artery polyfoliate perforator flaps are appropriate for repairing multiple soft tissue defects in the hand, offer a satisfactory appearance, require a short operative time, and have little impact on the function and aesthetics of the donor site.