bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frozen Shoulder
Authors: Jump Christopher M. , Duke Kathryn , Malik Rayaz A. , Charalambous Charalambos P.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Frozen shoulder is a common, poorly understood condition affecting the shoulder joint, with poor long-term outcomes in some in relation to pain and mobility. Understanding the pathophysiology of frozen shoulder at a cellular level and a molecular level may help in the development of novel treatments. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of studies examining the cellular, molecular, and metabolic findings in frozen shoulder.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted using Embase, CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and PubMed using relevant terms. Studies were included if they assessed cellular, molecular, or metabolic alterations in tissue or blood samples of patients with frozen shoulder.

Results:

Of 4,794 studies identified, 25 were included for analysis. Histological findings included nonspecific chronic inflammation and the proliferation of fibroblasts, adipocytes, and blood vessels. Molecular studies showed increased pro-inflammatory mediators, reduced matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and increased activity of factors promoting fibroblast activation and nerve growth. Metabolic alterations included an increase in blood lipids.

Conclusions:

Frozen shoulder is thought to occur after a primary insult to the shoulder triggers a complex cascade and upregulation of growth factors and cytokines with an increased turnover of the extracellular matrix, activation of myofibroblasts with deposition of collagen, and reduced matrix degradation. The presence of a background pro-inflammatory state (e.g., patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia) may exacerbate these abnormalities. Further work assessing patients in early stages of the disease and comparing the inflammatory or fibrogenic characteristics of the shoulder capsule with those of the other joints may help to determine the initiating factors and to explain the predisposition of the shoulder to stiffness.

Clinical Relevance:

Our findings may form the basis for identifying new targets for the clinical management of frozen shoulder.
Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty Is Not Associated with Increased Infection Rates
Authors: O’Connor Casey M. , Anoushiravani Afshin A. , Acosta Ernesto , Davidovitch Roy I. , Tetreault Matthew W.
Published: January 2021

Background:

The direct anterior approach (DAA) for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has recently increased in popularity. Recent evidence has raised concerns about whether use of the DAA is associated with increased rates of superficial and deep infection. The aim of this study was to systematically assess the literature and comparatively evaluate the rate of superficial and deep infection following primary THA using the DAA and non-direct anterior (non-DAA) approaches.

Methods:

This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. Primary outcome measures evaluated were rates of superficial and deep infection in patients undergoing DAA and non-DAA primary THA.

Results:

A total of 1,872 studies were identified in the original search, of which 15 studies satisfied inclusion criteria. Our analysis evaluated 120,910 primary THAs, including 14,908 DAA and 106,002 non-DAA. The rate of superficial infection was 1.08% for DAA compared with 1.24% for non-DAA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79 to 1.30, p = 0.921). The rate of deep infection was 0.73% for DAA compared with 0.51% for non-DAA (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.80 to 1.32, p = 0.831).

Conclusions:

This study found no difference in the rate of superficial or deep infection after primary THA using the DAA versus other surgical approaches. Our results suggest that comparative infection risk need not be a primary driver in the choice of surgical approach.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Artificial Neural Network Models and Predicts Reservoir Parameters
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: January 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper IPTC 19854, “Modeling and Prediction of Resistivity, Capillary Pressure, and Relative Permeability Using Artificial Neural Network,” by Mustafa Ba alawi, SPE, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals; Salem Gharbi, SPE, Saudi Aramco; and Mohamed Mahmoud, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, prepared for the 2020 International Petroleum Technology Conference, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, 13–15 January. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2020 International Petroleum Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

Capillary pressure and relative permeability are essential measurements that affect multiphase fluid flow in porous media directly. The processes of measuring these parameters, however, are both time-consuming and expensive. Artificial-intelligence methods have achieved promising results in modeling extremely complicated phenomena in the industry. In the complete paper, the authors generate a model by using an artificial-neural-network (ANN) technique to predict both capillary pressure and relative permeability from resistivity.

Capillary Pressure and Resistivity

Capillary pressure and resistivity are two of the most significant parameters governing fluid flow in oil and gas reservoirs. Capillary pressure, the pressure difference over the interface of two different immiscible fluids, traditionally is measured in the laboratory. The difficulty of its calculation is related to the challenges of maintaining reservoir conditions and the complexity of dealing with low-permeability and strong heterogeneous samples. Moreover, unless the core materials are both available and representative, a restricted number of core plugs will lead to inadequate reservoir description. On the other hand, resistivity can be obtained by either lab-oratory analysis or through typical and routine well-logging tools in real time. Both parameters have similar attributes, given their dependence on wetting-phase saturation. Despite many studies in the literature that are reviewed in the complete paper, improvement of capillary pressure and resistivity modeling remains an open research area.

Artificial Intelligence in Petroleum Engineering

In addition to labor and expense concerns, conventional methods to measure resistivity, capillary pressure, and relative permeability depend primarily, with the exception of resistivity from well logs, on the availability of core samples of the desired reservoir. The literature provides several attempts to model these parameters in order to avoid many of the requirements of measurement. However, the performance of many of these models is restricted by assumptions and constraints that require further processing. For example, the accuracy of prediction of capillary pressure from resistivity is highly dependent on the tested core permeability, which requires measuring it as well to achieve the full potentiality of the model.
Effects of social network incentives and financial incentives on physical activity and social capital among older women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yamashita Ryo , Sato Shinji , Akase Ryoichi , Doi Tatsuo , Tsuzuku Shigeki , Yokoi Toyohiko , Otsuki Shingo , Harada Eisaku
Published: January 2021

Background: Financial incentives have been used to increase physical activity. However, the benefit of financial incentives is lost when an intervention ends. Thus, for this study, we combined social network incentives that leverage the power of peer pressure with financial incentives. Few reports have examined the impact of physical activity on social capital. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to ascertain whether a combination of two incentives could lead to more significant changes in physical activity and social capital during and after an intervention.Methods: The participants were 39 older women over 65 years of age in Kumamoto, Japan. The participants were randomly divided into a financial incentive group (FI group) and a social network incentive plus financial incentive group (SNI+FI group). Both groups underwent a three-month intervention. Measurements of physical activity and social capital were performed before and after the intervention. Additionally, the effects of the incentives on physical activity and social capital maintenance were measured six months postintervention. The financial incentive group received a payment ranging from US$4.40 to US$6.20 per month, depending on the number of steps taken during the intervention. For the other group, we provided a social network incentive in addition to the financial incentive. The SNI+FI group walked in groups of three people to use the power of peer pressure.Results: A two-way ANOVA revealed that in terms of physical activity, there was a statistically significant interaction between group and time (p=0.017). The FI group showed no statistically significant improvement in physical activity during the observation period. The FI group showed no statistically significant improvement in physical activity during the observation period. In terms of social capital, the change in trust approached significance (p=0.08).Conclusion: Our results suggest that social network incentives, in combination with financial incentives, are more effective for promoting physical activity than financial incentives alone among older women and that these effects can continue after an intervention. In the meantime, further studies should be conducted on the effect of physical activity on social capital.
Costing Electronic Private Sector Malaria Surveillance in the Greater Mekong Subregion
Authors: Levin Ann , Potter Rebecca , Tesfazghi Kemi , Phanalangsy Saysana , Keo Phally , Filip Elijah , Phone Si Hein , Eliades M. James
Published: January 2021

Background: Private sector malaria programs contribute to government-led malaria elimination strategies in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar by increasing access to quality malaria services and surveillance data. However, reporting from private sector providers remains suboptimal in many settings. To support surveillance strengthening for elimination, a key program strategy is to introduce electronic surveillance tools and systems to integrate private sector data with national systems, and enhance the use of data for decision-making. During 2013-2017, an electronic surveillance system based on open source software, District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2), was implemented as part of a private sector malaria case management and surveillance program. The electronic surveillance system covered 16,000 private providers in Myanmar (electronic reporting conducted by 200 field officers with tablets), 710 in Cambodia (585 providers reporting through mobile app), and 432 in Laos (250 providers reporting through mobile app).Methods: We conducted a study to document the costs of introducing electronic surveillance systems and mobile reporting solutions in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar, comparing the cost in different operational settings, the cost of introduction and maintenance over time, and assessing the affordability and financial sustainability of electronic surveillance. The data collection methods included extracting data from PSI’s financial and operational records, collecting data on prices and quantities of resources used, and interviewing key informants in each setting. The costing study used an ingredients-based approach and estimated both financial and economic costs.Results: Annual economic costs of electronic surveillance systems were $152,805 in Laos, $263,224 in Cambodia, and $1,310,912 in Myanmar. The annual economic cost per private provider surveilled was $82 in Myanmar, $371 in Cambodia, and $611 in Laos. Cost drivers varied depending on operational settings and number of private sector outlets covered in each country; whether purchased or personal mobile devices were used; and whether electronic (mobile) reporting was introduced at provider level or among field officers who support multiple providers for case reporting. Conclusion: The study found that electronic surveillance comprises about 0.5-1.5% of National Malaria Strategic Plan cost and 7%-% of surveillance budgets and deemed to be affordable and financially sustainable.
Improved access in minimally invasive temporomandibular joint surgery through a novel endaural template.
Authors: Krause Matthias , Kamal Mohammad , Kruber Daniel , Halama Dirk , Hierl Thomas , Lethaus Bernd , Bartella Alexander K.
Published: January 2021

BackgroundDigitally designed surgical templates for minimally invasive temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery (MITMJS) are a promising tool for improving the safety of these procedures. Given the TMJ anatomy, the template fitting and intraoperative overview are the most important issues for a safe surgery. This article is a technical advance article that aims to describe an endaural surgical template based on the Moses approach as a possible solution in TMJ surgery.Methods:Three patients with internal derangement were treated with the guidance of a MITMJS template based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a surface imprint of the periauricular region. None of the patients needed an additional open surgical procedure. Fitting of the templates was judged in terms of position and rotational stability. Surgical side effects and complications were recorded for each patient.Results:The template design and clinical use were satisfactory for MITMJS. The templates showed satisfying fit and good visibility. In the study cohort, no bleeding, facial nerve injury, or other complications occurred after the procedure, and no visible scars were noted postoperatively.Conclusion:Our feasibility report on template-guided MITMJS shows a promising new application of templates. It points to improved access in arthroscopy or arthrocentesis of TMJ surgery through endaural access with an increased level of safety during surgery.
Short-chain fatty acids can improve lipid and glucose metabolism independently of the pig gut microbiota
Authors: Zhou Hua , Yu Bing , Sun Jing , Liu Zuohua , Chen Hong , Ge Liangpeng , Chen Daiwen
Published: January 2021

Background: Previous studies have shown that exogenous short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) introduction attenuated the body fat deposition in conventional mice and pigs. However, limited studies have evaluated the effects of exogenously introduced SCFAs on the lipid and glucose metabolism independently of the gut microbiota. This study was to investigate the effects of exogenous introduction of SCFAs on the lipid and glucose metabolism in a germ-free (GF) pig model. Methods: Twelve hysterectomy-derived newborn pigs were reared in six sterile isolators. All pigs were hand-fed with sterile milk powder for 21 d, then the sterile feed was introduced to pigs for another 21 d. In the second 21-d period, six pigs were orally administrated with 25 mL/kg sterile saline per day and considered as the GF group, while the other six pigs were orally administrated with 25 mL/kg SCFAs mixture (acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, 45, 15, and 11 mmol/L, respectively) per day and regarded as FA group.Results: Orally administrated with SCFAs tended to increase the adiponectin concentration in serum, enhance the CPT-1 activity in longissimus dorsi, and upregulate the ANGPTL4 mRNA expression level in colon (P < 0.10). Meanwhile, the mRNA abundances of ACC, FAS, and SREBP-1C in liver and CD36 in longissimus dorsi of the FA group were decreased (P < 0.05) compared with those in the GF group. Besides, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α in liver and LPL in longissimus dorsi tended to (P < 0.10) upregulate and downregulate respectively in the FA group. Moreover, oral administration of SCFAs tended to increase the protein level of GPR43 (P < 0.10) and decrease the protein level of ACC (P < 0.10) in liver. Also, oral administration of SCFAs upregulated the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio and the mRNA expressions of GLUT-2 and GYS2 in liver (P < 0.05). In addition, the metabolic pathway associated with the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids was most significantly promoted (P < 0.05) by oral administration of SCFAs.Conclusions: Exogenous introduction of SCFAs might attenuate the fat deposition and to some extent improve the glucose control in the pig model, which occurred independently of the gut microbiota.
Modulation of gastrointestinal bacterial in chronic atrophic gastritis model rats by Chinese and west medicine intervention
Authors: Huang Minghan , Li Sihan , He Youcheng , Lin Cuili , Sun Yueming , Li Mingzhu , Zheng Rong , Xu Ruoying , Lin Ping , Ke Xiao
Published: January 2021

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is well-known related with multiple pathogenic factors and normally therapies comprised by western or Chinese medicines. The present study was designed to identify the bacterial community characterized by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and determine the modulate affection of bacterial composition response western and Chinese medicine Qinghuayin (QHY) as well as antibiotic on model rats. The result shown the overall structure alteration of bacterial appeared under medicine intervened, antibiotic caused a marked depletion in bacterial diversity and richness. The enrichments of Firmicutes (85.1-90.7%) in antibiotic-free converts into Bacteroidetes (30.7-34.6%) in antibiotic-added model rat were demonstrated. Firmicutes as the most dominant phylum in antibiotic-free treatments and significantly decreased till 21.9%-68.5% in antibiotic-added treatments. Especially QHY-treated rats showed highest RA of Firmicutes (90.7%) and the amelioration of CAG using QHY attributed by beneficial bacterial enrichment, especially Ruminococcus, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. In addition, alpha and beta diversity analysis also demonstrated the clear dispersion and aggregation that revealed the alteration and steady of bacterial community structures. In summary, QHY has potential application value in the treatment of CAG, which attributed to close relation with the modulatory of internal bacterial communities.
Finite element analysis of different locking-plate fixation methods for the treatment of ulnar head fracture
Authors: Zhang Yue , Shao Qin , Yang Chensong , Ai Changqing , Zhou Di , Yu Yang , Sun Guixin
Published: January 2021

Background: Ulnar head fractures are increasingly higher with the growing proportion of the elderly people. Failure to achieve a stable anatomic reduction of ulna head fracture may lead to a distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dysfunction and nonunion of the distal radius. Due to the lack of the postoperative reporting outcomes and the biomechanical studies, it has not been well established about the optimal management of the comminuted distal ulna head fracture. Hence, the purpose of this study is to use finite element analysis to explain the advantages and disadvantages of ulnar-side locking plate fixation compared with dorsal-side locking plate fixation and its screw arrangement in the treatment of ulnar head fractures.Methods: FE models of the ulnar head fracture and the models of ulnar-side locking plate and dorsal-side plate with two or three distal screws was constructed. In order to simulate forces acting on the ulnar and the osteosynthesis material during daily-life activity in subjects who underwent reconstructive surgery, we applied three loading conditions to each model, viz. 20 N axial compression, 50 N axial compression, 1 N∙m torsion moment, 1 N∙m lateral bending moments, and 1 N∙m extension bending moments. Under these conditions, values of the von Mises stress (VMS) distribution of the implant, peak VMS, the relative displacement of the head and shaft fragments between the fracture ends and the displacement and its direction of the models were investigated. Results: The stress values of ulnar-side plates were lower than those of dorsal-side plates. And the ulnar-plate fixation system also has smaller maximum displacement and relative displacement. When adding a screw in the middle hole of the ulnar head, the values of model displacement and the peak stress in fixation system are lower, but it may evidently concentrate the stress on the middle screw. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study indicated that ulnar-side locking plates resulted in a lower stress distribution in the plate and better stability than dorsal-side locking plates for ulnar head fracture fixation. Adding an additional screw to the ulnar head could increase the stability of the fixation system and provide an anti-torsion function. This study requires clinical confirmation of its practicality in the treatment of ulnar head fractures. This study requires clinical confirmation as to its practicality in the treatment of ulnar head fracture.
Intestinal AMPK modulation of microbiota mediates cross-talk with brown fat to control thermogenesis
Authors: Huang Wendong , Zhang Eryun , JIN Lihua , Wang Yangmeng , Tu Jui , Ding Lili , Fang Zhipeng , Fan Mingjie , Al-Abdullah Ismail , Natarajan Rama , Ma Ke , Wang Zhengtao , Riggs Arthur , Yang Li
Published: January 2021

The energy-dissipating capacity of brown adipose tissue through thermogenesis can be targeted to improve energy balance. Mammalian 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key nutrient sensor for maintaining cellular energy status, is a known therapeutic target for glucose control in Type II diabetes (T2D). Despite current understandings of its well-established roles in regulating glucose metabolism in various tissues, the functions of AMPK in the intestine, an organ for nutrient processing, remain largely unexplored. Using an intestinal epithelium-specific AMPK-null (AMPK-IKO) mouse model, we demonstrated that AMPK in the intestine communicated with brown adipose tissue (BAT) to promote thermogenesis. Mechanistically, we uncovered a novel link between intestinal AMPK activation and BAT thermogenic regulation through modulating the anti-microbial peptide (AMP)-controlled gut microbiota and the metabolites. Our findings identified a new AMPK-mediated mechanism of intestine-BAT communication that may partially underlie the therapeutic effects of AMPK activator metformin (N, N-dimethylbiguanide).
Value of 3D Preoperative Planning for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Based on Artificial Intelligence Technology
Authors: Huo Jiabang , Huang Guangxin , Han Dong , Wang Xinjie , Bu Yufan , Chen Ya , Cai DaoZhang , Zhao Chang
Published: January 2021

Background: Accurate preoperative planning is an important step for accurate reconstruction in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Presently, preoperative planning is completed using either a two-dimensional (2D) template or three-dimensional (3D) mimics software. With the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, AI HIP, a planning software based on AI technology can quickly and automatically identify acetabular and femur morphology, and automatically match the optimal prosthesis size. However, the accuracy and feasibility of its clinical application still needs to be further verified. The purposes of this study were to investigate the accuracy and time efficiency of AI HIP in preoperative planning for primary THA, compared with 3D mimics software and 2D digital template; and further analyze the factors that influence the accuracy of AI HIP.Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 53 consecutive patients (59 hips) undergoing primary THA with cementless prostheses in our department. All preoperative planning was completed using AI HIP as well as 3D mimics and 2D digital template. The predicted component size and the actual implantation results were compared to determine the accuracy. The templating time was compared to determine the efficiency. Furthermore, the potential factors influencing the accuracy of AI HIP were analyzed including sex, body mass index (BMI), and hip dysplasia.Results: The accuracy of predicting the size of acetabular cup and femoral stem was 74.58% and 71.19%, respectively, for AI HIP; 71.19% (P = 0.743) and 76.27% (P = 0.468), respectively, for 3D mimics; 40.68% (P < 0.001) and 49.15% (P = 0.021), respectively, for 2D digital templating. The templating time using AI HIP was 3.91±0.64 min, which was equivalent to 2D digital templates (2.96±0.48 min, P < 0.001), but shorter than 3D mimics (32.07±2.41 min, P < 0.001). Acetabular dysplasia(P = 0.021), rather than sex and BMI, was an influential factor in the accuracy of AI HIP templating. Compared to patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), the accuracy of acetabular cup in the non-DDH group was better (P = 0.021), but the difference in the accuracy of the femoral stem between the two groups was statistically insignificant (P = 0.062).Conclusion: AI HIP showed excellent reliability for component size in THA. Acetabular dysplasia may affect the accuracy of AI HIP templating.
Effect of 150 kHz Electromagnetic Radiation on the Development of Polycystic Ovaries Induced by Estradiol Valerate in Sprague Dawley Rats.
Authors: Mohammed Stephanie , Sundaram Venkatesan , Zyuzikov Nikolay
Published: January 2021

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common complex endocrine disorder affecting approximately 2-20% of reproductive aged females. Tumour Treating Fields (100-300 kHz) is a recent innovative, non-invasive therapeutic approach to cancer therapy. This frequency as an alternative therapy for the management of polycystic ovaries has not yet been explored. Objectives: To explore the effect of full-body exposure of 150 kHz Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR), on the development of polycystic ovaries in an estradiol valerate-induced PCO rat model. Method: Twenty-one female adult rats were divided into three groups (n=7 each): control, Estradiol Valerate (EV) and EV + EMR groups. The EV + EMR group was subjected to full body exposure at 150 kHz EMR continuously for eight consecutive weeks. Estradiol valerate was administered orally to induce polycystic ovaries in EV and EV+EMR groups. Body and ovarian weights were recorded and analysed. The regularity of the estrous cycle was assessed in all three groups. The histological study of ovarian tissue was carried out by haematoxylin and eosin staining. The serum concentration levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and testosterone were measured using the ELISA method. Results: The body and ovary weights did not differ significantly between the EV and EV + EMR groups. The estrous cycle was found to be irregular in both the EV and EV + EMR groups. Ovarian histology revealed near normal morphology with little or no degenerative and morphological changes in developing follicles in the exposed group. Histometrical analysis showed an increased number of developing follicles and a significant reduction in the number and size of follicular cysts (p < 0.05) in the EV+EMR group. Hormonal analysis revealed no significant difference in the testosterone and FSH levels between the EV+EMR and EV groups. However, the LH, LH/FSH ratio decreased significantly in the EV+EMR group compares to the EV group. Conclusion: The 150 kHz EMR appear to have little or no degenerative and morphological changes in the developing follicles, an increased number of typical developing follicles and a significant reduction in the number and size of the follicular cysts (p < 0.05).
Awake prone positioning in non-intubated patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pavlov Ivan , He Hangyong , McNicholas Bairbre , Perez Yonatan , Tavernier Elsa , Trump Matthew W. , Jackson Julie A. , Zhang Wei , Rubin Daniel S. , Spiegel Thomas , Hung Anthony , Estrada Miguel Ángel Ibarra , Roca Oriol , Vines David L. , Cosgrave David , Mirza Sara , Laffey John G. , Rice Todd W. , Ehrmann Stephan , Li Jie
Published: January 2021

Background: Awake prone positioning (APP) has been advocated to improve oxygenation and prevent intubations of patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This paper aims to synthesize the available evidence on the efficacy of APP.Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to compare oxygenation parameters in-hospital intubation rate in patients treated with APP or with standard care.Results: A total of 46 published and 4 unpublished observational studies that included 2994 patients were included. APP was associated with significant improvement of various oxygenation parameters in 19 studies (n=381) that reported this outcome. The intubation rate was 27% (95%CI, 19 to 37%) in the 870 patients treated with APP, as compared to 30% (95%CI, 20 to 42%) in the 852 patients treated with usual care (p=0.71).Conclusions: On the basis of the available evidence, it is not possible to demonstrate efficacy of APP for patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory failure, as assessed by the need for invasive ventilation. Routine implementation of APP outside of a clinical trial is not supported by current evidence. Randomized controlled clinical studies are urgently needed to definitively assess the utility of APP in these patients.Registered on PROSPERO on August 3d, 2020, CRD42020201947.
High flow nasal oxygen in patients with COVID-19 associated acute respiratory failure
Authors: Artigas Ricard Mellado , Ferreyro Bruno L. , Angriman Federico , Hernández-Sanz María , Arruti Egoitz , Torres Antoni , Villar Jesús , Brochard Laurent , Ferrando Carlos
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Whether the use of high-flow nasal oxygen in adult patients with COVID-19 associated acute respiratory failure improves clinically relevant outcomes remains unclear. We thus sought to assess the effect of high-flow nasal oxygen on ventilator-free days, compared to early initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation, on adult patients with COVID-19.Methods: We conducted a multicentre cohort study using a prospectively collected database of patients with COVID-19 associated acute respiratory failure admitted to 36 Spanish and Andorran intensive care units (ICUs). Main exposure was the use of high-flow nasal oxygen (conservative group), while early invasive mechanical ventilation (within the first day of ICU admission; early intubation group) served as the comparator. The primary outcome was ventilator-free days at 28 days. ICU length of stay and all-cause in-hospital mortality served as secondary outcomes. We used propensity score matching to adjust for measured confounding.Results: Out of 468 eligible patients, a total of 122 matched patients were included in the present analysis (61 for each group). When compared to early intubation, the use of high-flow nasal oxygen was associated with an increase in ventilator-free days (mean difference: 8.0 days; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.4 to 11.7 days), and a reduction in ICU length of stay (mean difference: -8.2 days; 95% CI -12.7 to -3.6 days). No difference was observed in all-cause in-hospital mortality between groups (odds ratio: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.64).Conclusions: The use of high-flow nasal oxygen upon ICU admission in adult patients with COVID-19 related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure may lead to an increase in ventilator-free days and a reduction in ICU length of stay, when compared to early initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation. Future studies should confirm our findings.
Osthole enhances the bone mass of senile osteoporosis and stimulates the expression of osteoprotegerin by activating β-catenin signaling
Authors: Jin Zhen-Xiong , Liao Xin-Yuan , Da Wei-Wei , Zhao Yong-Jian , Li Xiao-Feng , Tang Dezhi
Published: January 2021

Introduction Osthole has a potential therapeutic application for anti-osteoporosis. The present study verified whether osthole downregulates osteoclastogenesis via targeting OPG. Methods In vivo, 12-month-old male mice were utilized to evaluate the effect of osthole on bone mass. In vitro, bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated and extracted from 3-month-old OPG-/- mice and the littermates of OPG+/+ mice. calvaria osteoblasts were extracted from 3-day-old C57BL/6J mice or 3-day-old OPG-/- mice and the littermates of OPG+/+ mice.Results Osthole significantly increased the gene and protein levels of OPG in primary BMSCs in a dose-dependent manner. The deletion of the OPG gene did not affect β-catenin expression. The deletion of the β-catenin gene inhibited OPG expression in BMSCs, indicating that osthole stimulates the expression of OPG via activation of β-catenin signaling.Conclusion Osthole attenuates osteoclast formation by stimulating the activation of β-catenin-OPG signaling and could be a potential drug for the senile osteoporosis.
Study of induced gravity and correlation theory analysis of nuclear Synthesis chemical elements
Authors: Bingxiong Wen
Published: January 2021

Modern aerodynamics is the dynamics of gas propulsion. It requires precise data, material resources, manpower, and time. It is urgent to find a more suitable power source. Based on the gravitational effects of dark energy and dark matter, the cyclic process of cosmic physics black holes to odd black holes and dark energy black holes, special fusion and fission phenomena are common in the universe, and theoretical studies such as Einstein's general theory of relativity are no exception. Through the study of the source of cosmic elements, the formation environment of stellar elements, the theory and method of modern physical artificial elements，as well as atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs, and nuclear reactors to precipitate elemental products，we have designed a device which can synthesize physically stable elements and discover new chemical elements. A device capable of synthesizing physically stable elements and discovering new chemical elements is designed.
Sustainability of Lower Disease Activity Levels in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient´s Cohort Maintaining High Adherence to Appointments and Treatment
Authors: Santos-Moreno Pedro , Alvis-Estrada Juan , Villarreal Laura , Carrasquilla-Sotomayor Maria , Valencia Omaira , Rodriguez-Florido Fernando , Alviz-Zakzuk Nelson
Published: January 2021

Objective: To describe sustainability of low disease activity levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were followed-up in a specialized center based on a healthcare model maintaining adherence to appointments and treatment.Material and methods: As part of a comprehensive RA healthcare model, services related to care like rheumatology, physiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, and psychology can be found in the specialized center. Patients with RA are followed-up at least six times a year to ensure retention in care model and adherence to the treatment. Using this approach, a cohort of RA patients were followed-up during 2018. Demographical and clinical data were extracted retrospectively from the electronic health records. The association between clinical and demographic variables was studied by means of the Chi-square test and analyzed using the McNemar test for changes in disease activity levels. Results: 2,239 RA patients were followed-up, 82.76% were women. The average disease duration was eight years (IQR: 3-18 years). During the follow-up year, 91.62% of patients with conventional therapy had at least six rheumatology appointments, while for those who received biological therapy 81.51%. For the ones treated with biological therapy, there were no significant changes for each level of disease activity during study period; nevertheless, in patients who received conventional therapy there was a significant increase of patients in remission (p-value = 0.004).Conclusions: The results evidence that the model used guarantees high levels of adherence for medical appointments and keeps remission levels for RA under control.
Building Capacity for Implementation – The KT Challenge
Authors: Black Agnes , Steinberg Marla , Chisholm Amanda , Coldwell Kristi , Hoens Alison , Koh Jiak Chin , LeBlanc Allana , MacKay Martha , Salmon Amy , Snow M Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

Background The KT Challenge program supports health care professionals to effectively implement evidence-based practices. Unlike other knowledge translation (KT) programs, this program is grounded in capacity building, focuses on health care professionals (HCPs), and uses a multi-component intervention. This study presents the evaluation of the KT Challenge program to assess the impact on uptake, KT capacity and practice change. MethodsThe evaluation used a mixed-methods, time-series design involving surveys and review of documents such as teams’ final reports. Online surveys collecting both quantitative and qualitative data were deployed at four time points (after both workshops, six months into implementation, and at the end of the two-year funded projects) to measure KT capacity ( knowledge, skills and confidence), and impact on practice change. Qualitative data was analyzed using a general inductive approach and quantitative data was analysed using non-parametric statistics. ResultsParticipants reported statistically significant increases in knowledge and confidence across both workshops, at the 6-month mark of their projects, and at the end of their projects. In addition, at the 6-month check-in, practitioners reported statistically significant improvements in their ability to implement practice changes. In the first cohort of the program, of the teams who were able to complete their projects, half were able to show demonstrable practice changes. ConclusionsThe KT Challenge was successful in improving the capacity of HCPs to implement evidence-based practice changes and has begun to show demonstrable improvements in a number of practice areas. The program is relevant to a variety of HCPs working in diverse practice settings and is relatively inexpensive to implement. Like all practice improvement programs in health care settings, a number of challenges emerged stemming from the high turnover of staff and the limited capacity of some practitioners to take on anything beyond direct patient care. Efforts to address these challenges have been added to subsequent cohorts of the program and ongoing evaluation will examine if they are successful. The KT Challenge program has continued to garner great interest among practitioners, even in the midst of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and shows promise for organizations looking for better ways to mobilize knowledge to improve patient care and empower staff. This study contributes to the implementation science literature by providing a description and evaluation of a new model for embedding KT practice skills in health care settings.
On Estimating Survival and Hazard Ratios Using One Time-Scale When Cohort Data Have Multiple Time-Scales: A Simulation Study
Authors: Batyrbekova Nurgul , Bower Hannah , Dickman Paul , Szulkin Robert , Lambert Paul C. , Andersson Therese M-L.
Published: January 2021

Background: When estimating survival functions and hazard ratios during theanalysis of cohort data, we often choose one time-scale, such as time-on-study, asthe primary time-scale, and include a xed covariate, such as age at entry, in themodel. However, we rarely consider the possibility of simultaneous effects ofmultiple time-scales on the hazard function. Methods: In a simulation study, within the framework of exible parametricmodels, we investigate whether relying on one time-scale and xed covariate asproxy for the second time-scale is sucient in capturing the true survivalfunctions and hazard ratios when there are actually two underlying time-scales. Result: We demonstrate that the one-time-scale survival models appeared toapproximate well the survival proportions, however, large bias was observed in thelog hazard ratios if the covariate of interest had interactions with the secondtime-scale or with both time-scales. Conclusion: We recommend to exercise caution and encourage tting modelswith multiple time-scales if it is suspected that the cohort data have underlyingnon-proportional hazards on the second time-scale or both time-scales.
The budding yeast protein Chl1p is required for delaying progression through G1/S phase after DNA damage.
Authors: N. Katheeja Muhseena , Das Shankar Prasad , Laha Suparna
Published: January 2021

Background: The helicase Chl1p is a nuclear protein required for sister-chromatid cohesion, transcriptional silencing, rDNA recombination, ageing and plays an instrumental role in chromatin remodeling. This budding yeast protein is known to preserve genome integrity and spindle length in S-phase. Here we show additional roles of Chl1p at G1/S phase of the cell cycle following DNA damage. Results: G1 arrested cells when exposed to DNA damage are more sensitive and show bud emergence with a faster kinetics in chl1 mutants compared to wild-type cells. This role of Chl1p in G1 phase is Rad9p dependent and independent of Rad24 and Rad53. rad9chl1 shows similar bud emergence as the single mutants chl1 and rad9 whereas rad24chl1 and rad53chl1 shows faster bud emergence compared to the single mutants rad24 , rad53 and chl1 . In case of damage induced by genotoxic agent like hydroxyurea, Chl1p acts as a checkpoint at G1/S. The faster movement of DNA content through G1/S phase and difference in phosphorylation profile of Rad53p in wild type and chl1 cells confirms the checkpoint defect in chl1 mutant cells. Further we have observed that the checkpoint defect is synergistic with the replication checkpoint Sgs1p and functions in prallel to the checkpoint pathway of Rad24p. Conclusion: Chl1p shows Rad53p independent bud emergence and Rad53p dependent checkpoint, confirms its requirement in two different pathways to maintain the G1/S arrest when cells are exposed to damaging agents. The bud emergence kinetics and DNA segregation were similar to wild type when given the same damage in nocodazole treated chl1 cells which establishes the absence of any role of Chl1p at the G2/M phase. The novelty of this paper lies in revealing the versatile role of Chl1p in checkpoints as well as repair towards regulating G1/S transition. Chl1 thus regulates the G1/S phase by affecting the G1 replication checkpoint pathway and shows an additive effect with Rad24p as well as Rad53p activation when damaging agents perturbs the DNA.
Rhodosporidium Sp. DR37: A Novel Strain For Production of Squalene in Optimized Cultivation Conditions
Authors: Shakeri Shahryar , Khoshbasirat Farshad , Maleki Mahmood
Published: January 2021

Background: Rhodosporidium strain, a well-known oleaginous yeast, has been widely used as a platform for lipid and carotenoid production. However, the production of squalene for application in lipid-based biofuels is not reported in this strain. Here, we isolated and identified newly strain of Rhodosporidium sp. DR37 and investigated its potential for production of squalene under various cultivation conditions.Results: In the present study, Rhodosporidium sp. DR37 was isolated from mangrove ecosystem and its potential for squalene production was assessed. When Rhodosporidium sp. DR37 was cultivated on non-optimized medium (20 g/L glucose, 5 g/L peptone, 5 g/L YE, 15 g/L agar, seawater (50% v/v), pH 7, 30 °C), 64 mg/L of squalene was produced. Significantly, use of optimized medium (20 g/L sucrose, 5 g/L peptone, seawater (20 % v/v), pH 7, 25 °C) allowed highest squalene accumulation in Rhodosporidium sp. DR37 (619 mg/L). The maximum squalene content was obtained as 21.6% of total lipid in comparison to the non-optimized medium (13.9% of total lipid).Conclusions: This study is the first report to employ marine oleaginous Rhodosporidium sp. DR37 for accumulation of squalene in optimized medium. Our findings provide the potential of Rhodosporidium sp. DR37 for production of squalene as well as lipid and carotenoids for biofuel applications in large scale.
Isolation and Screening of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains With Antibacterial Properties From The Vagina of Healthy Cows
Authors: Cheng Chao , Zhang Linchong , Fu Yanru , Li Yanzhong , Ma Xiaohong , Wang Haixia , Liu Zhi-Guo
Published: January 2021

Background Lactic acid bacteria with probiotic and antibacterial properties were isolated from the vagina of healthy cows. The purpose of the study is to isolation and screening of lactic acid bacteria strains with antibacterial properties from the vagina of healthy cows, which could be used to treat cow vaginal inflammation. Results Isolation and identification of eight dominant lactic acid bacteria strains from 55 isolates was performed using classic microbiology methods and fermentation engineering. Eight strains were selected that had no spores and capsules, exhibited strong acid production capacity (pH <4.5) and had a rapid acid production (time ≤12 h) at the lowest pH. These strains were screened using fermentation engineering, pharmacology, cell biology and molecular biology methods. Lactobacillus johnsonii (SQ0048) had the lowest pH (4.32) and shortest acid-producing time (8 h). L. johnsonii (SQ0048) could produce hydrogen peroxide, inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and adhere to the vaginal epithelial cells of cows. The average number adhering to each cell was 304±2.67. Bacteriocin genes were detected in L. johnsonii (SQ0048), and the bacteriocin gene of a positive clone of this strain was 100% similar to that of Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC 533 (NC_005362.1). Expression of the bacteriocin genes had inhibitory activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Conclusions These advantages indicate that SQ0048 is a promising candidate for use in antimicrobial preparations.
Total SOFA and SOFA Kidney are Associated with Short Term and Long term Outcoming of Sepsis-Associated Liver Injury
Authors: Miao He , Liang Hong , Ma Yuteng , Tian Cong , Ma Yanan , Ma Xiaochun , Ding Renyu
Published: January 2021

Background: Liver injury is considered as a common complication of sepsis. However, there are still few studies on short-term and long-term prognostic factors of sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI). The objective of our study is to conduct a large sample data cohort study to explore the risk factors for short-term and long-term prognosis of SALI.Methods: Data from a public, US-based, critical-care database (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III [MIMIC-III]) was used. Septic patients who met the definition of acute liver injury were enrolled. Variables extracted from MIMIC-III were used to evaluate patient demographics, clinical characteristics on Day 1 of intensive care unit admission, and clinical outcomes. The Logistic regression models were used to calculate risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjusting for potential factors. Results: Among the 14687 participants in our study, there were 3140 (21.38%) with SALI. SALI was significantly positively associated with ICU mortality (RR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.32, 1.79), 28-day mortality (RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.11, 1.45) and 1-year mortality (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06, 1.34) after adjusting confounding factors. Stratified by SOFA, there was a positive association between SALI and ICU mortality (RR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.64, 2.80), 28-day mortality (RR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.28, 1.99), 1-year mortality (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.48) after adjusting confounding factors among people with sofa score ≤ 5. Similar results were also obtained between SALI and ICU mortality (RR,1.40; 95% CI, 1.17, 1.67), 28-day mortality (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.99, 1.38), 1-year mortality (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02, 1.38) after adjusting confounding factors among people with sofa score> 5. Compared with SOFA renal> 1, SALI had a stronger positive correlation with ICU mortality (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.84), 28-day mortality (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.91, 1.56), 1-year mortality (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.88, 1.41) after adjusted confounding factors among people with SOFA renal ≤ 1.Conclusions: SALI was an independent risk factor for ICU mortality, 28-day mortality and 1-year mortality. And there is a close association between liver and kidney in sepsis, but the mechanism is still unclear and requires further study.