bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-Dispersal Seed Removal in a Large-Seeded Palm by Frugivore Mammals in Western Ecuador
Authors: Escobar Sebastián , Razafindratsima Onja H. , Montúfar Rommel , Balslev Henrik
Published: July 2020

Post-dispersal seed removal by ground-foraging frugivores promotes secondary dispersal of large seeds, reducing seed predation and increasing recruitment and regeneration. We studied how habitat disturbance influences seed removal patterns in the large-seeded palm Phytelephas aequatorialis within three habitats forming a continuum of disturbance (agroforestry system, disturbed forest, and less-disturbed forest) using seed removal experiments and camera trapping. We tested whether seed removal rates, and both richness and composition of seed remover communities varied between the habitats. On average, 15 seeds were removed under each tree in the agroforestry system over seven days, which was significantly lower compared to the disturbed forest (18) and the less-disturbed forest (19). Eight mammal species were identified removing seeds in the three habitats. On average, one mammal species removed seeds at each station in the agroforestry system, which was significantly lower than the two species observed in the two forests. The composition of seed remover communities was significantly different between the three habitats. Our results suggest that the loss of forest cover in the agroforestry system has reduced the richness of seed removers, which subsequently caused decreased removal rates. Nevertheless, this habitat could still maintain effective seed dispersal events because spiny rats were important seed removers. Our camera trap data should be taken as preliminary because we could only identify less than half of the animals responsible for seed removal. This study highlights the importance of medium- and large-sized rodents for the removal and effective dispersal of large seeds in disturbed tropical habitats.
Cruising in the Research Field: Queer, Feminist, and Cyber Autoethnography
Authors: Atuk Tankut
Published: July 2020

This essay is based on a cyber autoethnographic research I have conducted on Hornet, a geosocial networking application (GNA) created for gay and bisexual men, without establishing a clear-cut distinction between my identity as a user and that as a researcher. Here I discuss how feminist and queer autoethnography in and of cybercultures can refrain from objectifying or exploiting others by enabling research relations that (a) are not hierarchical, (b) disturb the researcher/researched binary, (c) embrace the impersonal ethics of cruising, and (d) do not shy away from recognizing the role of the researcher’s body unlike the conventional (masculine) researcher who allegedly has no emotional, erotic, or bodily presence within the field or in the research. I also address cruising as a queer autoethnographic method, while uncovering the methodological and ethical implications of doing autoethnography in a cyberfield that is libidinally invested.
Personal Values and Moral Foundations: Examining Relations and Joint Prediction of Moral Variables
Authors: Feldman Gilad
Published: July 2020

I examined the relationship between personal values and moral foundations by conducting a mini meta-analysis of the values–foundations links in five large-scale cross-cultural samples (overall N = 32,492). I further tested whether the two theories predicted unique variance in moral variables. I found support for values and foundations as unique constructs with consistent and theoretically meaningful relationships. Broadly, self-transcendence versus self-enhancement values dimensions were associated with individualizing foundations, whereas conservation versus openness-to-change values dimensions were associated with binding foundations. Links between values and foundations categories followed the expected theoretical values theory circumplex structure sinusoidal pattern. Dimensions of the two theories predicted unique variance in morality attitudes, behavior, and individual differences. All materials, data sets, and code are available on https://osf.io/6qs5g/ .
Comparison of long-term efficacy and safety between cilostazol and clopidogrel in chronic ischemic stroke: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lee Tsong-Hai , Lin Yu-Sheng , Liou Chia-Wei , Lee Jiann-Der , Peng Tsung-I , Liu Chi-Hung
Published: July 2020

Background:

Previous clinical trials showed a significant difference in efficacy and safety among antiplatelets in acute ischemic stroke (IS). The present study wished to compare the efficacy and safety head-to-head between cilostazol and clopidogrel in chronic IS.

Methods:

This open prospective cohort study recruited chronic IS patients with an index hospitalization between 2001 and 2013 from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. In the 504,191 hospitalized patients, patients who had missing information and history of atrial fibrillation or rheumatic heart disease, received mechanical valve replacement or anticoagulants, expired during the index hospitalization, received follow-up ⩽6 months, or had recurrent stroke within 6 months after index stroke were excluded.

Results:

Among the 15,968 eligible patients, 502 patients who consistently received either cilostazol or clopidogrel from the 7th month after the index stroke were included for analysis after propensity score matching. The 3-year primary outcomes showed similar frequency of recurrent IS, all-cause mortality, and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and similar frequency of intracerebral hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and major bleeding between the cilostazol and clopidogrel groups. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with a history of hypertension or gastrointestinal bleeding had a trend of having lower frequency of recurrent IS or major bleeding, respectively, in the cilostazol group.

Conclusion:

The present real-world study demonstrated no significant difference in efficacy and safety between cilostazol and clopidogrel in chronic IS. However, cilostazol might be better than clopidogrel in patients with a history of hypertension or gastrointestinal bleeding.
ABIN1 alleviates inflammatory responses and colitis via facilitating A20 activity
Authors: Pu Tian , Liu Wenzheng , Wu Yijun , Zhao Ye
Published: July 2020

Background:

Macrophages-mediated inflammation is involved in the progress of colitis. The present study aims to explore the roles of A20-binding inhibitor of NF-κB (ABIN1) in the macrophages and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

ABIN1 myeloid cell-conditional transgenic mice were established and genotyped by PCR and immunoblotting assays. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was applied to pre-treat bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) in the presence of lipopolysaccharide. The mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis was established to determine the effects of ABIN1 on the survival time, body weight, colon length, and colon histopathological changes. Western blotting was applied to determine the expressions of signaling proteins.

Results:

ABIN1 overexpression did not affect cell populations of macrophages and neutrophils in mice. Its overexpression reduced the productions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in BMDMs and ameliorated survival rate and colitis symptoms in the DSS-induced mouse model. The underlying mechanisms revealed that ABIN1 impaired macrophages-mediated inflammatory responses, in part by regulating the NF-κB signal pathway, and its ameliorated effects on the symptoms of DSS-induced colitis were associated with A20/tumor necrosis factor α-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3).

Conclusion:

ABIN1 attenuated inflammatory responses and colitis by regulating A20/TNFAIP3 activities.
Increases in tumor markers are associated with primary Sjögren’s syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Shi Lei , Han Xiao-Lei , Guo Hong-Xia , Wang Jia , Tang Yu-Ping , Gao Chong , Li Xiao-Feng
Published: July 2020

Aims:

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most common type of pulmonary involvement of extraglandular complication in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), but the diagnosis of pSS-associated ILD (pSS-ILD) is still challenging. This study aimed to investigate the levels of serum tumor markers in pSS patients with or without ILD (pSS-non-ILD) and explore its diagnostic value for pSS-ILD.

Methods:

A total of 168 pSS-ILD patients and age- and sex-matched 538 pSS-non-ILD were recruited. The levels of peripheral tumor markers, including carbohydrate antigen (CA)153, CA125, CA19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), β-human chorionic gonadotropin, alpha fetoprotein, CA724, and complexed prostate specific antigen, the clinical manifestations, and general laboratory indicators were measured and collected.

Results:

Compared with pSS-non-ILD, pSS-ILD patients had higher levels of disease activity indicators, such as EULAR Sjögren’s syndrome disease activity index, ESR, and CRP, and elevated serum levels of tumor markers: NSE, CEA, CA125, and CA153. The serum levels of CA153 [odds ratio (OR) = 4.521, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.871, 10.928)] and CEA [OR = 2.879, 95% CI = (1.305, 6.353)] were significantly correlated with the onset of SS-ILD. CA153 was the only tumor marker with area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) over 0.7 [AUC = 0.743, 95% CI = (0.70, 0.79)].

Conclusion:

Tumor markers increased in serum of pSS-ILD patients. Higher CA153 levels are significantly correlated to the increased risk of ILD in patients with pSS and may be directly involved in the pathogenesis of pSS-ILD. Serum CA153 had the best diagnostic value in those tumor markers for pSS-ILD without malignancy.
A cycling and education intervention for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis: A quality improvement replication programme
Authors: Wainwright Thomas W , Burgess Louise C , Immins Tikki , Cowan Neil , Middleton Robert G
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

The Cycling against Hip Pain programme is a 6-week exercise and education treatment pathway for people with hip osteoarthritis. Preliminary results of the Cycling against Hip Pain programme found significant improvements in clinical and patient-reported outcome measures for patients referred from primary care. This article evaluates the effectiveness of the changes made to the pathway in a quality improvement replication programme.

Methods:

The replicated Cycling against Hip Pain programme was delivered between February 2018 and September 2019 in a region of England with a high percentage of adults aged over 65 years. All participants were referred from the orthopaedic outpatient department of the funding hospital (secondary care). The programme was delivered at a local leisure centre and combined 30 min of education on osteoarthritis with 30 min of progressive static cycling, once a week for 6 weeks.

Results:

The participants on the replicated Cycling against Hip Pain programme did not differ from the original cohort in terms of age or pre-programme weight, however, presented with worse hip symptoms at baseline. Consistent with the findings from the original cohort, participants demonstrated significant improvements to their Oxford Hip Score, 30-s chair stand performance, Timed Up and Go score, Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score function and pain, EQ5D health rating, EQ5D-5L score and pain at rest and on weight bearing. In addition, participants reported an increase in knowledge, confidence and motivation to exercise.

Conclusion:

A 6-week cycling and education intervention for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis provided benefits to function, pain and quality of life for patients referred from secondary care. These results are consistent with findings from patients who were referred from primary care and further support the potential of the pathway in the conservative management of hip osteoarthritis.
Updated GMC guidance on decision-making and consent: implications for urologists
Authors: Duffy Siobhan , Barlow Catriona , Underwood Mark , Day Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

We summarise the updated General Medical Council guidance on consent and decision-making. We explore the emphasis on enabling supported decision-making and the implications this has in day to day urological practice. In particular, we address some of the issues encountered in one-stop clinics, on pooled elective lists and with pre-written consent forms. The new guidance will emphasise the importance of sharing information relevant to your patient in light of the Montgomery ruling. Every decision is unique. We must appreciate the importance of the process of decision-making and understand our role as the clinician. Here we suggest some practical considerations to address the updated General Medical Council guidance.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Non-communicable Diseases—A Wake-up Call for Primary Health Care System Strengthening in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kraef Christian , Juma Pamela , Kallestrup Per , Mucumbitsi Joseph , Ramaiya Kaushik , Yonga Gerald
Published: July 2020

Strengthening Primary Health Care Systems is the most effective policy response in low-and middle-income countries to protect against health emergencies, achieve universal health coverage, and promote health and wellbeing. Despite the Astana declaration on primary health care, respective investment is still insufficient in Sub-Sahara Africa. The SARS-CoV-2019 pandemic is a reminder that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are increasingly prevalent in Sub-Sahara Africa, are closely interlinked to the burden of communicable diseases, exacerbating morbidity and mortality. Governments and donors should use the momentum created by the pandemic in a sustainable and effective way by pivoting health spending towards primary health care.
Commodifying Black Expressivity: Race and the Representational Politics of Streetball
Authors: Wallace Brandon
Published: July 2020

The distinct style of basketball popularly termed “streetball” is inextricably linked to Black bodies, spaces, and forms of expression. Although streetball operates as a Black cultural repertoire constituted in response to historical marginalization, I demonstrate how representations of streetball in mainstream media are underpinned by, and thus reify, harmful racial logics that circulate throughout even purportedly innocuous forms of popular culture in the “colorblind” neoliberal moment. Through a textual analysis of three of the most culturally renowned media representations of streetball—the television show AND1 Mixtape Tour, the video game series NBA Street, and the film Uncle Drew—I argue that streetball is depicted as illustrative of the perceived pathological and inferior nature of Blackness; romanticized and divorced from the structural contexts of its production; and materially and symbolically exploited by corporate commercial entities. I conclude by reflecting on how mediated commodification often participates in reproducing, trivializing, and concealing the effects of structural racism and suggest that critical analyses of the politics of popular culture must inform anti-racist objectives.
Across the Spectrum from Borderline Dysplasia to Global Pincer Femoroacetabular Impingement: Arthroscopic Outcomes from a Large Hip Arthroscopy Study Group
Authors: Kivlan Benjamin , Nho Shane , Wolff Andrew , Salvo John , Christoforetti John , Ellis Thomas , Carreira Dominic , Matsuda Dean
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

Outcomes from hip arthroscopy for dysplasia and global pincer FAI have fallen short of those for patients with normal acetabular coverage, but no study has investigated arthroscopic outcomes across the spectrum of acetabular coverage. Our objective is to report comparative hip arthroscopic outcomes of patients with low (borderline dysplasia), normal, and high (global pincer FAI) lateral acetabular coverage.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of prospectively-collected data from a large multi-center registry (seven United States centers) was performed. Primary hip arthroscopy patients were assigned to one of three groups based on preoperative lateral center-edge angle (LCEA): borderline dysplasia (≤25°), normal (26-38°), and pincer FAI (≥39°). Repeated measures ANOVA compared pre-operative to 2-year minimum post-operative iHOT-12 scores. Subsequent ANOVA determined the effect of acetabular coverage on magnitude of change in scores.

Results:

Of 437 patients, the only statistical difference between groups was lower prevalence of acetabuloplasty in the borderline dysplasia group (p=0.001). A significant improvement in the pre-operative to post-operative iHOT-12 scores for patients with normal acetabular coverage, acetabular undercoverage, and acetabular overcoverage was observed; F(1, 339)=311.06; p<0.001, with no statistical differences in pre-operative (p=0.505) and post-operative (p<0.488) iHOT-12 scores when comparing the groups based on acetabular coverage. Mean iHOT-12 scores increased from 37.3 pre-operatively to 68.7 postoperatively, p<0.001, in the borderline dysplasia group, from 34.4 to 72, p<0.001, in the normal coverage group, and from 35.3 to 69.4, p<0.001, in the pincer group. These pre-operative scores increased by 31.4, 37.8, and 34.1, respectively, with no effect for acetabular coverage on the magnitude of change from pre-operative to post-operative iHOT-12 scores, F(2,339) =1.18; p=0.310. 10 subjects (2.3%) underwent conversion arthroplasty and 19 patients (4.4%) underwent revision arthroscopy with no significant effect of acetabular coverage on the incidence of revision or conversion surgery, X2 (6,433)=11.535, P = 0.073.

Conclusion:

Lateral acetabular coverage did not influence outcomes from primary hip arthroscopy performed in patients with low (borderline dysplasia), normal, and high (global pincer FAI) LCEA. Borderline dysplasia and moderate global pincer FAI with no or minimal osteoarthritis do not compromise successful 2-year minimum outcomes or survivorship following primary hip arthroscopy when performed by experienced surgeons.
Combined subcritical thresholds of glenoid and humeral sided bone loss are predictive of failure after arthroscopic Bankart repair
Authors: Kane Gillian , Golan Elan , Wilson Kevin , Lesniak Bryson , Lin Ryan Li Albert
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

Glenoid and humeral sided bone loss are both independent risk factors for failure after arthroscopic Bankart repair. The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effect of subcritical levels of humeral and glenoid sided bone loss on failure after arthroscopic Bankart repair.

Methods:

171 individuals with minimum 2 years follow up who underwent primary arthroscopic Bankart repair between 2007-2015 were included in this study. Glenoid and humeral sided bone loss were measured using the glenoid track model. Cases were defined as individuals who sustained a subluxation or dislocation event after the index procedure, while controls were defined as individuals who did not. Subjects were stratified by age (20+ versus < 20 years). Receiver operating curves (ROC) were generated to determine the threshold of glenoid and humeral sided bone loss that could best predict failure.

Results:

There were 53 cases and 118 controls. Increased glenoid (p < .001) and humeral-sided (p = .013) bone loss independently predicted failure. ROC analysis demonstrated that threshold values of 12% glenoid (AUC = 0.62) and 13 mm humeral (AUC = 0.60) bone loss were predictive of failure. Combined subcritical thresholds of 10% glenoid and 10 mm humeral sided bone loss successfully predicted outcomes of 49/56 (87.5%) individuals over age 20 and 79/117 (67.5%) individuals under age 20. Humeral and glenoid sided bone loss had an additive effect on risk of failure in older individuals while glenoid sided bone loss was primarily responsible for failure in younger individuals.

Conclusion:

Both glenoid and humeral sided bone loss are predictive of failure after arthroscopic Bankart repair. Combined subcritical thresholds of glenoid and humeral sided bone loss accurately predict failure, particularly in individuals over the age of 20. These results suggest that individuals with subcritical bipolar lesions may be at higher risk of failure after arthroscopic Bankart repair than previously thought. [Table: see text]
Return to Sport Rates and Functional Outcomes Following Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy in High-Level Athletes
Authors: Domb Benjamin , Kyin Cynthia , Shapira Jacob , Maldonado David , Lall Ajay , Rosinsky Philip
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

To determine the rate of return to sport (RTS) in high-level athletes undergoing bilateral hip arthroscopy and report minimum 1-year patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for this cohort. We hypothesized that RTS rates, as well as sport-specific PROs, will be lower than the rates and scores previously reported in the literature for unilateral hip arthroscopy.

Methods:

Data were prospectively collected on all patients undergoing hip arthroscopy at our institution from November 2011 to July 2018. Patients were included if they underwent bilateral hip arthroscopy and were either a high school, collegiate, or professional athlete prior to their first surgery. RTS was defined as a patient’s return to competitive participation in their respective sport. Additional PROs, including modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), nonarthritic hip score (NAHS), and Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), as well as complication rates and future surgeries were documented and compared for all patients.

Results:

A total of 87 patients met inclusion criteria, for which follow-up was available for 82 (94.3%). At latest follow-up, 44 (53.7%) patients returned to sport. Of patients returning, 56% did so at the same level or higher. The most common reasons for not returning to sport were due to graduation/lifestyle change (47.4%) and hip symptoms (44.7%). Patients returning to sport had significantly higher PROs at latest follow-up relative to those who did not return, including for mHHS (93.7 vs. 87.5), NAHS (94.4 vs. 88.2), HOS-SSS (90.9 vs. 78.2) (P < 0.05). Rates of achieving PASS and MCID for mHHS were not significantly different. However, for HOS-SSS, patients who returned had significantly higher rates of achieving the MCID and PASS.

Conclusion:

Rates of RTS after bilateral hip arthroscopy are lower than those after unilateral hip arthroscopy. When comparing patients that returned to sports and those who did not return, we show that although both groups show a significant improvement in PROs following surgery, those that returned to sport achieved significantly higher scores in all outcome measures. In addition, patients returning to sports showed a significantly higher rate of attaining MCID and PASS scores for the HOS-SSS, possibly attesting to the validity of this score and its thresholds.
Kinematic evaluation of isolated and combined medial patellofemoral and patellotibial ligament reconstruction to address lateral patellar instability
Authors: Aman Zachary , Brady Alex , Rosenberg Sam , Turnbull Travis , Storaci Hunter , Dornan Grant , LaPrade Robert , Grantham William
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

The roles of the medial patellofemoral and patellotibial ligaments in patellofemoral kinematics have been previously reported. However, the effect of isolated and combined surgical reconstruction of these ligaments to restore native patellofemoral kinematics is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the isolated and combined effects of medial patellofemoral and patellotibial ligament deficiency and reconstruction on patellofemoral kinematics.

Methods:

Sixteen matched-paired female, fresh-frozen, cadaveric knee specimens with a mean age of 53.5 years (range, 26-65) were used. Specimens were tested in five conditions; 1) intact, 2) MPFL or MPTL cut, 3) MPFL and MPTL combined cut, 4) MPFL or MPTL reconstruction, and 5) MPFL and MPTL combined reconstruction. Dynamic testing was performed by taking the knees through range of motion from 0° to 90° of knee flexion at 60 mm/min using a dynamic tensile testing machine by applying a force through the quadricep tendon. Following dynamic testing, knees were tested statically using a lateral load of 45 N applied to the patella at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion. In both dynamic and static loading tests, a motion capture system detected patellar position for each testing state to distinguish changes in patellar kinematics. Linear mixed effects modeling was performed to compare testing states.

Results:

Isolated MPFL deficiency created the greatest lateral translation of the patella at all knee flexion angles (p<0.001). MPTL deficiency alone did not create significant patella instability (p=0.68 or greater), but further increased instability when the MPFL was deficient (p<0.001). Isolated MPFL and combined MPFL and MPTL reconstruction decreased lateral patella translation (p<0.001). Native patella tracking was best recreated with combined ligament reconstruction while MPFL reconstruction alone over constrained the patella in extension and under constrained in flexion.

Conclusions:

The MPFL plays the greatest role in medial patellar stability, but the MPTL appears to have a large influence on patella tracking. The MPTL may be most important in preventing patellofemoral osteoarthritis following patella dislocation. Further investigation is needed to evaluate patellofemoral contact pressure following medial patellar ligament reconstruction.
Prognostic Factors Influencing Outcomes of High Tibial Osteotomy in The Varus Knee: The Role of The Deformity
Authors: Pilone Carola , Verdone Federico , Rossi Roberto , Bonasia Davide , Rosso Federica
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) is widely performed to treat early arthiritis in the varus knee. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate different prognostic factors affecting the outcomes of HTO and, with special attention to the role of the site of deformity.

Methods:

231 Opening Wedge HTO (OWHTO) were performed in 202 patients and included in the study. Inclusion criteria were: 1) age > 18 years, 2) no major associated procedures (i.e. ACL reconstruction, major cartilage procedure, 3) only OWHTO, 4) pre-operative complete clinical and radiological evaluation available. Patients were evaluated with (1) the Knee Society score (KSS), (2) the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, (3) another self-evaluation scale, (4) long-leg radiographs, and (5) plain radiographs. On the x-ray different angles were evaluated, including Join Line Congruence Angle. Furthermore, the location of deformity was established. Three main outcomes were identified: Indication to Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), KSS poor or fair and WOMAC < 76 points), and different prognostic factors were identified (Fig. 1). All the variables were firstly tested in a single regression model to evaluate the association with each outcome. All the variables with p<0.1 were re-tested in a multiple regression model.

Results:

32 patients were lost to follow-up and 31 patients did not meet the inclusion criteria, leaving 139 patients (156 OWHTOs) for the study. The average age was 52.9 ± 9.6 years, and the average follow-up was 97.7 ± 42.8 months. Post-operatively there was a significant improvement in both the KSS and WOMAC score compared to the pre-operative period (p<0.0001). The only variable related to TKA indication was a pre-operative JLCA ≥5° (OR=24.3, p=0.0483). Conversely, different variables were related to a worse KSS, including pre-operative BMI >30 Kg/m2 (OR=78.9, p=0.0028), pre-operative ROM <120° of flexion (OR=40.8, p=0.0421), pre-operative mLDFA ≥91° (OR=36,6,p=0.0401) and femoral pre-operative CORA ≥3° of varus (OR=39,9 p=0.0269). Furthermore, a pre-operative BMI >30 Kg/m2 (OR=29,5, p=0.0314) was associated to a worse WOMAC score. Conversely, patients with a pre-operative mMPTA ≤84° had lower risk to obtain a worse KSS oe WOMAC score (respectively OR= 0,2 p=0.0364 and OR=0,3 p=0.0071). The cumulative survivorship was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and it resulted equal to 98.6% at 5 years and decreased to 85.5% at 10 years.

Conclusion:

OWHTO is a good treatment for early arthritis in the varus knee if the correct indications are applied. The outcomes can be considered good, with 85% of 10-year survivorship. It is mandatory to correctly address the location of the deformity, because the presence of a femoral varus deformity is related to worse outcomes. Similarly, presence of a pre-operative JLCA ≥5° is the only factor associated to TKA indication. [Table: see text]
Role of pre-operative PROMIS scores in predicting post-operative outcomes and likelihood of achieving MCID following arthroscopic meniscus surgery
Authors: Kuhlmann Noah , Franovic Sreten , Moutzouros Vasilios , Makhni Eric
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement and Information System computer-adaptive test (PROMIS-CAT) forms in patients undergoing meniscus surgery remains unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine changes of PROMIS t-scores in meniscus surgery patients, as well as to determine the MCID in PROMIS scores for these patients. Secondarily, we sought to determine factors that predicted achievement of this MCID.

Methods:

Patients undergoing meniscal surgery (medial and/or lateral meniscectomy or meniscus repair) by one of two orthopaedic surgeons were asked to complete three PROMIS-CAT forms preoperatively, and at various postoperative visits. The three administered forms were as follows: PROMIS Physical Function (PROMIS-PF), PROMIS Pain Interference (PROMIS-PI), and PROMIS Depression (PROMIS-D). Average t-scores were analyzed across the time points within each domain. Additionally, the MCID for each PROMIS domain was calculated. Finally, predictive preoperative score cutoffs were determined for each domain with respect to MCID.

Results:

Average PROMIS t-score improved significantly in each domain from the preoperative to 6 weeks postoperative timepoint (38.6 ± 6.9 v 44.0 ± 3.5, 63.3 ± 6.1 v 55.3 ± 3.0, and 48.2 ± 9.6 v 44.2 ± 4.8) for PROMIS PF, PI, and D, respectively (Figure I). MCID values were calculated following a distribution-based methodology. These values were 3.48, 3.09, and 4.82, respectively. Of patients undergoing meniscus surgeries, 71.0%, 80.2% and 58.8% of patients achieved MCID respectively. After construction of prognostic preoperative score cutoffs in each PROMIS domain, 96.3%, 94.7% and 91.7% of patients meeting the prognostic cutoff scores achieved MCID, respectively (Table I).

Conclusion:

With respect to PROMIS CAT forms, significant improvement was detected at 6 weeks postoperatively in each of three domains, suggesting these surgeries are effective. Additionally, our results suggest that preoperative PROMIS scores can predict operative success in the form of achieving MCID. [Figure: see text][Table: see text]
Urban decline and residential preference: The effect of vacant lots on housing premiums
Authors: Noh Youngre , Newman Galen , Lee Ryun Jung
Published: July 2020

Vacant land is a ubiquitous urban phenomenon. The existence of vacant land in a neighborhood can either lower or heighten nearby housing values, depending on its relative development potential. However, this condition has rarely been examined longitudinally, nor has it been examined thoroughly across different socioeconomic conditions. This research examines the impact of vacant lots on housing premiums using 2006–2015 single-family home sale transactions in the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The study area was divided into low-, middle-, and high-income levels. The results show that vacant lands have negative impacts on nearby single-family houses and these impacts differ by income level per neighborhood. The study sheds light on how planners and researchers should conceive vacant lands differently in various surroundings and conditions.
Seismic characterization of steel special moment frames subjected to megathrust earthquakes
Authors: Medalla Miguel , Lopez-Garcia Diego , Zareian Farzin
Published: July 2020

Current seismic design requirements were established considering mainly (almost exclusively) ground motions caused by shallow crustal earthquakes, hence they might lead to different-from-intended risk levels when applied at locations prone to large-magnitude subduction (i.e. megathrust) earthquakes. In this study, the seismic behavior of 40 modern steel special moment frames (SSMFs) subjected to both megathrust and crustal ground motions is evaluated. Three analyses are performed: (1) a hazard-consistent analysis; (2) a comparative collapse risk evaluation; and (3) a performance evaluation following the approach indicated in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) P695. Results indicate that the collapse probability of mid- and high-rise SSMFs subjected to megathrust ground motions is indeed larger than that under crustal ground motions. Modifications to the current design criteria are then suggested, intended not only for United States but also for countries, such as Ecuador, where the US seismic design requirements for steel structures were adopted and seismic ground motions are actually caused by megathrust earthquakes.
Trib1 promotes acute myeloid leukemia progression by modulating the transcriptional programs of Hoxa9
Authors: Yoshino Seiko , Yokoyama Takashi , Sunami Yoshitaka , Takahara Tomoko , Nakamura Aya , Yamazaki Yukari , Tsutsumi Shuichi , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Nakamura Takuro
Published: July 2020

The pseudokinase Trib1 functions as a myeloid oncogene that recruits the E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 to C/EBPα and interacts with MEK1 to enhance extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. A close genetic effect of Trib1 on Hoxa9 has been observed in myeloid leukemogenesis, where Trib1 overexpression significantly accelerates Hoxa9-induced leukemia onset. However, the mechanism underlying how Trib1 functionally modulates Hoxa9 transcription activity is unclear. Herein, we provide evidence that Trib1 modulates Hoxa9-associated super-enhancers. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis identified increased histone H3K27Ac signals at super-enhancers of the Erg, Spns2, Rgl1, and Pik3cd loci, as well as increased messenger RNA expression of these genes. Modification of super-enhancer activity was mostly achieved via the degradation of C/EBPα p42 by Trib1, with a slight contribution from the MEK/ERK pathway. Silencing of Erg abrogated the growth advantage acquired by Trib1 overexpression, indicating that Erg is a critical downstream target of the Trib1/Hoxa9 axis. Moreover, treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells with the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 showed growth inhibition in a Trib1/Erg-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo. Upregulation of ERG by TRIB1 was also observed in human AML cell lines, suggesting that Trib1 is a potential therapeutic target of Hoxa9-associated AML. Taken together, our study demonstrates a novel mechanism by which Trib1 modulates chromatin and Hoxa9-driven transcription in myeloid leukemogenesis.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of extranodal stage I diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the rituximab era
Authors: Bobillo Sabela , Joffe Erel , Lavery Jessica A. , Sermer David , Ghione Paola , Noy Ariela , Caron Philip C. , Hamilton Audrey , Hamlin Paul A. , Horwitz Steven M. , Kumar Anita , Matasar Matthew J. , Moskowitz Alison , Owens Collette N. , Palomba M. Lia , Batlevi Connie L. , Straus David , von Keudell Gottfried , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Yahalom Joachim , Dogan Ahmet , Seshan Venkatraman E. , Younes Anas
Published: July 2020

This retrospective study aimed to better define the characteristics and outcomes of extranodal stage I diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the rituximab era. Patients diagnosed with stage I DLBCL from 2001 to 2015 treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (R-CHOP) or R-CHOP–like regimens with or without radiation (RT) were included. We identified 1955 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL, of whom 341 had stage I and were eligible for this analysis. Extranodal presentation was observed in 224 (66%) patients, whereas 117 (34%) had nodal involvement. The most common extranodal sites were as follows: bone, 21%; stomach, 19%; testis, 9%; intestine, 8%; breast, 8%. Overall, 69% extranodal patients and 68% nodal patients received RT. Median follow-up was 5.5 years (interquartile range, 4.3-8.2). Ten-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival were 77% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67%-83%) and 77% (95% CI, 68%-85%). In the multivariable analyses, extranodal involvement was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.44; 95% CI, 1.05-11.30) and progression-free survival (PFS; HR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.08-9.72) compared with nodal involvement. Consolidation RT was associated with better OS (HR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.12-0.49) and PFS (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.18-0.69) in the extranodal population; however, the benefit was no longer observed in patients that were positron emission tomography (PET) negative at the end of immunochemotherapy. Relapses occurred usually late (median, 37 months), and the most common sites were the lymph nodes (31%) and the central nervous system (27%). Extranodal stage I DLBCL had a worse outcome than nodal stage 1 DLBCL. End of immunochemotherapy PET results may help select extranodal patients for consolidation RT.
Identification of asthma phenotypes based on extrapulmonary treatable traits
Authors: Freitas Patricia Duarte , Xavier Rafaella França , McDonald Vanessa Marie , Gibson Peter Gerard , Cordova-Rivera Laura , Furlanetto Karina Couto , de Oliveira Joice Mara , Carvalho-Pinto Regina Maria , Cukier Alberto , Stelmach Rafael , Carvalho Celso Ricardo Fernandes
Published: July 2020

Asthma is a heterogeneous and complex disease, and a description of asthma phenotypes based on extrapulmonary treatable traits has not been previously reported.

The objective of this study was to identify and characterise clusters based on clinical, functional, anthropometrical and psychological characteristics in participants with moderate-to-severe asthma.

This was a cross-sectional multicentre study involving centres from Brazil and Australia. Participants (n=296) with moderate-to-severe asthma were consecutively recruited. Physical activity and sedentary time, clinical asthma control, anthropometric data, pulmonary function and psychological and health status were evaluated. Participants were classified by hierarchical cluster analysis and the clusters compared using ANOVA, Kruskal­–Wallis and Chi-squared tests. Multiple logistic and linear regression models were performed to evaluate the association between variables.

We identified four clusters: 1) participants with controlled asthma who were physically active; 2) participants with uncontrolled asthma who were physically inactive and more sedentary; 3) participants with uncontrolled asthma and low physical activity, who were also obese and experienced anxiety and/or depression symptoms; and 4) participants with very uncontrolled asthma who were physically inactive, more sedentary, obese and experienced anxiety and/or depression symptoms. Higher levels of sedentary time, female sex and anxiety symptoms were associated with increased odds of exacerbation risk, while being more active showed a protective factor for hospitalisation. Asthma control was associated with sex, the occurrence of exacerbation, physical activity and health status.

Physical inactivity, obesity and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression were associated with worse asthma outcomes, and closely and inextricably associated with asthma control. This cluster analysis highlights the importance of assessing extrapulmonary traits to improve personalised management and outcomes for people with moderate and severe asthma.
Exhaled breath analysis by use of eNose technology: a novel diagnostic tool for interstitial lung disease
Authors: Moor Catharina C. , Oppenheimer Judith C. , Nakshbandi Gizal , Aerts Joachim G.J.V. , Brinkman Paul , Maitland-van der Zee Anke-Hilse , Wijsenbeek Marlies S.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Early and accurate diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) remains a major challenge. Better noninvasive diagnostic tools are much needed. We aimed to assess the accuracy of exhaled breath analysis using eNose technology to discriminate between ILD patients and healthy controls, and to distinguish ILD subgroups.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, exhaled breath of consecutive ILD patients and healthy controls was analysed using eNose technology (SpiroNose). Statistical analyses were done using partial least square discriminant analysis and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Independent training and validation sets (2:1) were used in larger subgroups.

Results

A total of 322 ILD patients and 48 healthy controls were included: sarcoidosis (n=141), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (n=85), connective tissue disease-associated ILD (n=33), chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (n=25), idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (n=10), interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (n=11) and other ILDs (n=17). eNose sensors discriminated between ILD and healthy controls, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 1.00 in the training and validation sets. Comparison of patients with IPF and patients with other ILDs yielded an AUC of 0.91 (95% CI 0.85–0.96) in the training set and an AUC of 0.87 (95% CI 0.77–0.96) in the validation set. The eNose reliably distinguished between individual diseases, with AUC values ranging from 0.85 to 0.99.

Conclusions

eNose technology can completely distinguish ILD patients from healthy controls and can accurately discriminate between different ILD subgroups. Hence, exhaled breath analysis using eNose technology could be a novel biomarker in ILD, enabling timely diagnosis in the future.
Fine mapping of the BnUC2 locus related to leaf up-curling and plant semi-dwarfing in Brassica napus
Authors: Huang Chengwei , Yang Mao , Shao Danlei , Wang Yangming , Wan Shubei , He Jianbo , Meng Zuqing , Guan Rongzhan
Published: July 2020

Background

Studies of leaf shape development and plant stature have made important contributions to the fields of plant breeding and developmental biology. The optimization of leaf morphology and plant height to improve lodging resistance and photosynthetic efficiency, increase planting density and yield, and facilitate mechanized harvesting is a desirable goal in Brassica napus.

Results

Here, we investigated a B. napus germplasm resource exhibiting up-curled leaves and a semi-dwarf stature. In progeny populations derived from NJAU5737 and Zhongshuang 11 (ZS11), we found that the up-curled leaf trait was controlled by a dominant locus, BnUC2. We then fine mapped the BnUC2 locus onto an 83.19-kb interval on chromosome A05 using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We further determined that BnUC2 was a major plant height QTL that explained approximately 70% of the phenotypic variation in two BC5F3 family populations derived from NJAU5737 and ZS11. This result implies that BnUC2 was also responsible for the observed semi-dwarf stature. The fine mapping interval of BnUC2 contained five genes, two of which, BnaA05g16700D (BnaA05.IAA2) and BnaA05g16720D, were revealed by comparative sequencing to be mutated in NJAU5737. This result suggests that the candidate gene mutation (BnaA05g16700D, encoding Aux/IAA2 proteins) in the conserved Degron motif GWPPV (P63S) was responsible for the BnUC2 locus. In addition, investigation of agronomic traits in a segregated population indicated that plant height, main inflorescence length, and branching height were significantly reduced by BnUC2, whereas yield was not significantly altered. The determination of the photosynthetic efficiency showed that the BnUC2 locus was beneficial to improve the photosynthetic efficiency. Our findings may provide an effective foundation for plant type breeding in B. napus.

Conclusions

Using SNP and SSR markers, a dominant locus (BnUC2) related to up-curled leaves and semi-dwarf stature in B. napus has been fine mapped onto an 83.19-kb interval of chromosome A05 containing five genes. The BnaA05.IAA2 is inferred to be the candidate gene responsible for the BnUC2 locus.
Molecular characterization of B. anthracis isolates from the anthrax outbreak among cattle in Karnataka, India
Authors: Roonie Akanxa , Majumder Saugata , Kingston Joseph J. , Parida Manmohan
Published: July 2020

Background

Anthrax, a zoonotic disease is caused by the Gram positive bacteriumBacillus anthracis. During January 2013, an anthrax outbreak among cattle was reported in Gundlupet Taluk, neighboring Bandipur National Park and tiger reserve, India. The present study aims at the molecular identification and characterization of 12B. anthracisisolates from this outbreak by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, screeningB. anthracisspecific prophages and chromosomal markers, protective antigen (pag) gene and canonical single nucleotide polymorphism (canSNP) analysis to subtype the isolates into one of the twelve globally identified clonal sub-lineages ofB. anthracis.

Results

These isolates had identical 16S rDNA nucleotide sequences withB. anthracisspecific dual peaks showing mixed base pair R (G/A) at position 1139 with visual inspection while the automated basecaller software indicated a G. Alternatively the nucleotide A at 1146 position was indicative of the 16S rDNA type 7. Multiple sequence alignment with additional 170 (16S rDNA) sequences ofB. cereussensulatogroup from GenBank database revealed 28 new 16S types in addition to eleven 16S types reported earlier. The twelveB. anthracisisolates were found to harbor the fourB. anthracisspecific prophages (lambdaBa01, lambdaBa02, lambdaBa03, and lambdaBa04) along with its four specific loci markers (dhp 61.183, dhp 77.002, dhp 73.019, and dhp 73.017). Thepaggene sequencing identified the isolates as protective antigen (PA) genotype I with phenylalanine-proline-alanine phenotype (FPA phenotype). However, sequence clustering with additional 34pagsequences from GenBank revealed two additional missense mutations at nucleotide positions 196 bp and 869 bp of the 2294 bppagsequence among the 5B. cereusstrains with pXO1 like plasmids. The canSNP analysis showed that the isolates belong to A.Br.Aust94 sub-lineage that is distributed geographically in countries of Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia.

Conclusions

The analysis of 16S rDNA sequences reiterated the earlier findings that visual inspection of electropherogram for position 1139 having nucleotide R could be used forB. anthracisidentification and not the consensus sequence from base caller. The canSNP results indicated that the anthrax outbreak among cattle was caused byB. anthracisof A.Br.Aust94 sub-lineage.