bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of cotton germplasm for morphological and biochemical host plant resistance traits against sucking insect pests complex
Authors: RIZWAN Muhammad , ABRO Saifullah , ASIF Muhammad Usman , HAMEED Amjad , MAHBOOB Wajid , DEHO Zaheer Ahmed , SIAL Mahboob Ali
Published: July 2021

Background

Sucking insect pests cause severe damage to cotton crop production. The development of insect resistant cotton cultivars is one of the most effective measures in curtailing the yield losses. Considering the role of morphological and biochemical host plant resistance (HPR) traits in plant defense, 12 cotton genotypes/varieties were evaluated for leaf area, leaf glanding, total soluble sugars, total soluble proteins, total phenolics, tannin and total flavonoids against fluctuating populations of whitefly, thrips and jassid under field conditions.

Results

The population of these insects fluctuated during the growing season and remained above threshold level (whitefly > 5, thrips > (8–10), or jassid > 1 per leaf) during late June and early July. Strong and negative association of whitefly (r = − 0.825) and jassid (r = − 0.929) with seed cotton yield was observed. Mean population of insects were the highest in Glandless-1 followed by NIA-82 and NIA-M30. NIAB-Kiran followed by NIAB-878 and Sadori were the most resistant, with the mean population of 1.41, 1.60, 1.66 (whitefly); 2.24, 2.32, 2.53 (thrips) and 0.37, 0.31, 0.36 (jassid), respectively. The resistant variety NIAB-Kiran showed less soluble sugars (8.54 mg·g− 1), soluble proteins (27.11 mg·g− 1) and more phenolic (36.56 mg·g− 1) and flavonoids (13.10 mg·g− 1) as compared with the susceptible check Glandless-1. Moreover, all insect populations were positively correlated with total soluble sugars and proteins. Whitefly populations exhibited negative response to leaf gossypol glands, total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids. The thrips and jassid populations had a significant and negative correlation with these four biochemical HPR traits.

Conclusion

The identified resistant resources and HPR traits can be deployed against sucking insect pests’ complex in future breeding programs of developing insect resistant cotton varieties.
VAECGAN: a generating framework for long-term prediction in multivariate time series
Authors: Yin Xiang , Han Yanni , Xu Zhen , Liu Jie
Published: July 2021

Long-term prediction is still a difficult problem in data mining. People usually use various kinds of methods of Recurrent Neural Network to predict. However, with the increase of the prediction step, the accuracy of prediction decreases rapidly. In order to improve the accuracy of long-term prediction,we propose a framework Variational Auto-Encoder Conditional Generative Adversarial Network(VAECGAN). Our model is divided into three parts. The first part is the encoder net, which can encode the exogenous sequence into latent space vectors and fully save the information carried by the exogenous sequence. The second part is the generator net which is responsible for generating prediction data. In the third part, the discriminator net is used to classify and feedback, adjust data generation and improve prediction accuracy. Finally, extensive empirical studies tested with five real-world datasets (NASDAQ, SML, Energy, EEG,KDDCUP)demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our proposed approach.
Combined markers for predicting cognitive deficit in patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Hussen Dalia Farouk , Hussein Ayat Allah Farouk , Monzer Mahmoud Abdel Moety , Hammad Saida Ali
Published: July 2021

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most widely recognized type of dementia. It is associated with cell cycle abnormalities including genomic instability and increased micronuclei (MNi) which usually evolve many years before the appearance of the clinical manifestations. Digital electroencephalogram (EEG) has a role in perceiving brain changes in dementia and in early detection of cognitive decline. This study aimed to assess the competency of using neurophysiological markers including absolute power of alpha waves and a cytogenetic marker which comprises scoring of MNi as a step toward early and preclinical diagnosis of AD. The study was conducted on 27 subjects; they were 15 patients diagnosed as sporadic AD and a group of 12 age and sex-matched controls. All subjects were subjected to Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), conventional EEG, digital EEG, and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) in peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Results

Conventional EEG showed a normal background activity with no abnormal epileptogenic discharges in both groups. Digital EEG showed significant reduction of the absolute power of alpha waves for AD patients as compared to the control group (P < 0.0001). Score of MNi showed statistical significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.0001). By linking scores of both cognitive state using MMSE and MNi among the group of patients, a significant negative correlation was detected (r = −0.6066). The correlations between cognitive state and the absolute power of alpha wave among the patients revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.2235).

Conclusions

The combination of both cytogenetic and neurophysiological markers can be beneficial for early detection of cognitive decline and may lead to preclinical identification of individuals at increased risk for AD, where at this stage treatment is constructive. The negative correlation between the scores of MNi and MMSE is suggestive for the impact of genomic instability on the cognitive state.
A descriptive study of agoraphobic situations and correlates on panic disorder
Authors: Barzegar Habibeh , Farahbakhsh Mostafa , Azizi Hosein , Aliashrafi Sepideh , Dadashzadeh Hossein , Fakhari Ali
Published: July 2021

Background

We aimed to identify the distribution and effective factors of agoraphobic situations and how they relate to panic disorder. We included confirmed 61 patients with agoraphobia in Bozorgmehr Psychiatric Clinic of Tabriz. Multiple logistic regression was used to measure panic disorder, agoraphobia, and effective factors.

Results

The average age of participants was 37.26 (SD 10.9), including 68.85% female and 31.15% male. Out of those, around three-fourths, 45 (73.7%), had panic disorder or comorbidity at least by one psychiatric disorder. Among various types of agoraphobia situations, leaving 34.63% and being 32.63% home alone had the most occurrences. A trend was observed between the rising of agoraphobia situations and panic risk. The final analysis was found a significant relationship between being bathroom alone (OR = 1.3; CI 1.12–1.56), having more than one psychiatric disorder (AOR = 8.25; CI 1.12–27.17), and panic risk.

Conclusions

We found leaving home alone, being home alone, being in a crowd, and standing in line as the most common agoraphobic situations. There appears agoraphobia and panic disorders are poorly understood in primary mental health care systems. The screening and treating programs are needed for increasing the quality of life and early identification of these disorders.
Anti-angiogenesis in cancer therapeutics: the magic bullet
Authors: Oguntade Ayodipupo S. , Al-Amodi Faez , Alrumayh Abdullah , Alobaida Muath , Bwalya Mwango
Published: July 2021

Background

Angiogenesis is the formation of new vascular networks from preexisting ones through the migration and proliferation of differentiated endothelial cells. Available evidence suggests that while antiangiogenic therapy could inhibit tumour growth, the response to these agents is not sustained. The aim of this paper was to review the evidence for anti-angiogenic therapy in cancer therapeutics and the mechanisms and management of tumour resistance to antiangiogenic agents. We also explored the latest advances and challenges in this field.

Main body of the abstract

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for publications on antiangiogenic therapy in cancer therapeutics from 1990 to 2020. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the master effector of the angiogenic response in cancers. Anti-angiogenic agents targeting the VEGF and HIF-α pathways include monoclonal antibodies to VEGF (e.g. bevacizumab), small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) e.g. sorafenib, decoy receptor or VEGF trap e.g. aflibercept and VEGFR2 inhibitors (e.g. ramucirumab). These classes of drugs are vascular targeting which in many ways are advantageous over tumour cell targeting drugs. Their use leads to a reduction in the tumour blood supply and growth of the tumour blood vessels. Tumour resistance and cardiovascular toxicity are important challenges which limit the efficacy and long-term use of anti-angiogenic agents in cancer therapeutics. Tumour resistance can be overcome by dual anti-angiogenic therapy or combination with conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Emerging nanoparticle-based therapy which can silence the expression of HIF-α gene expression by antisense oligonucleotides or miRNAs has been developed. Effective delivery platforms are required for such therapy.

Short conclusion

Clinical surveillance is important for the early detection of tumour resistance and treatment failure using reliable biomarkers. It is hoped that the recent interest in mesenchymal cell-based and exosome-based nanoparticle delivery platforms will improve the cellular delivery of newer anti-angiogenics in cancer therapeutics.
Does gender diversity on firm’s board affect dividend payouts? Evidence from India
Authors: Mulchandani Kalyani , Mulchandani Ketan , Jasrotia Sahil Singh
Published: July 2021

This study attempts to determine whether gender diversity on the firm's board affects the dividend payout ratio concerning firms listed on Nifty 50 in India. Multiple regression analysis and the logit model have been employed. The dependent variable is the dividend payout policy of the firm, and the independent variable is gender diversity. The regression model incorporated control variables that have been popularly listed in the extant literature. The robustness of the results has also been tested. It was found that there exists a positive association between the percentage of female directors and the dividend payout ratio. Results also found that there is a positive impact of the number of female directors on the dividend to total assets. This implies that gender diversity on board positively affects the payout ratio of firms. This study is the first of its kind to investigate the association of gender diversity on the firm's board and dividend payout ratio.
Probiotic therapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: does it have a real role?
Authors: Fawzy Iman Mohamed , ElGindy Eman Mohamed , Abdel-Samie Omar , Aly Heba
Published: July 2021

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). There is good evidence that microbiota plays a predominant role in the IBS pathophysiology. The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of probiotics in improvement of IBS symptoms via IBS-symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS Arabic version) and improvement of quality of life via irritable bowel syndrome-quality of life survey (IBS-QOL).

Results

This double-armed comparative trial was conducted on IBS patients, who fulfill ROME IV criteria and the IBS diagnostic questionnaire between August and December 2019. Ninety patients were followed up for 4 weeks from the first visit. The first group was prescribed probiotics (10 billion colony of Lactobacillus delbruekii and Lactobacillus fermentum) and itopride hcl 50 mg three times daily, while the second group received only itopride hcl 50 mg by the same dose for 4 weeks. There was a highly significant improvement in the IBS-SSS score in group 1 after 4 weeks of treatment than in group 2 (137.56±67.53 vs 258.44±34.18) (p=0.001). Also, there was a highly significant improvement in the overall QOL terms in group 1 in comparison with baseline QOL score [with overall mean score (60.64±7.77) at baseline vs (81.54±7.87) at 4 weeks (p value <0.001)].

Conclusion

Probiotics are useful for the improvement of IBS symptoms and quality of life of the studied patients. Larger multicenter studies are needed in the future.
Generative models for the transfer of knowledge in seismic interpretation with deep learning
Authors: Durall Ricard , Tschannen Valentin , Ettrich Norman , Keuper Janis
Published: July 2021

Interpreting seismic data requires the characterization of a number of key elements such as the position of faults and main reflections, presence of structural bodies, and clustering of areas exhibiting a similar amplitude versus angle response. Manual interpretation of geophysical data is often a difficult and time-consuming task, complicated by lack of resolution and presence of noise. In recent years, approaches based on convolutional neural networks have shown remarkable results in automating certain interpretative tasks. However, these state-of-the-art systems usually need to be trained in a supervised manner, and they suffer from a generalization problem. Hence, it is highly challenging to train a model that can yield accurate results on new real data obtained with different acquisition, processing, and geology than the data used for training. In this work, we introduce a novel method that combines generative neural networks with a segmentation task in order to decrease the gap between annotated training data and uninterpreted target data. We validate our approach on two applications: the detection of diffraction events and the picking of faults. We show that when transitioning from synthetic training data to real validation data, our workflow yields superior results compared to its counterpart without the generative network.
Natural Language Processing for Patient Selection in Phase I or II Oncology Clinical Trials
Authors: Delorme Julie , Charvet Valentin , Wartelle Muriel , Lion François , Thuillier Bruno , Mercier Sandrine , Soria Jean-Charles , Azoulay Mikael , Besse Benjamin , Massard Christophe , Hollebecque Antoine , Verlingue Loic
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE

Early discontinuation affects more than one third of patients enrolled in early-phase oncology clinical trials. Early discontinuation is deleterious both for the patient and for the study, by inflating its duration and associated costs. We aimed at predicting the successful screening and dose-limiting toxicity period completion (SSD) from automatic analysis of consultation reports.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrieved the consultation reports of patients included in phase I and/or phase II oncology trials for any tumor type at Gustave Roussy, France. We designed a preprocessing pipeline that transformed free text into numerical vectors and gathered them into semantic clusters. These document-based semantic vectors were then fed into a machine learning model that we trained to output a binary prediction of SSD status.

RESULTS

Between September 2012 and July 2020, 56,924 consultation reports were used to build the dictionary and 1,858 phase I or II inclusion reports were used to train (72%), validate (14%), and test (14%) a random forest model. Preprocessing could efficiently cluster words with semantic proximity. On the unseen test cohort of 264 consultation reports, the performances of the model reached: F1 score 0.80, recall 0.81, and area under the curve 0.88. Using this model, we could have reduced the screen fail rate (including dose-limiting toxicity period) from 39.8% to 12.8% (relative risk, 0.322; 95% CI, 0.209 to 0.498; P < .0001) within the test cohort. Most important semantic clusters for predictions comprised words related to hematologic malignancies, anatomopathologic features, and laboratory and imaging interpretation.

CONCLUSION

Machine learning with semantic conservation is a promising tool to assist physicians in selecting patients prone to achieve SSD in early-phase oncology clinical trials.
Solid-in-Oil-in-Water Emulsion: An Innovative Paradigm to Improve Drug Stability and Biological Activity
Authors: Sawant Anali , Kamath Seema , KG Hemanth , Kulyadi Girish Pai
Published: July 2021

An emulsion is a biphasic dosage form comprising of dispersed phase containing droplets that are uniformly distributed into a surrounding liquid which forms the continuous phase. An emulsifier is added at the interface of two immiscible liquids to stabilize the thermodynamically unstable emulsion. Various types of emulsions such as water-in-oil (w-o), oil-in-water (o-w), microemulsions, and multiple emulsions are used for delivering certain drugs in the body. Water (aqueous) phase is commonly used for encapsulating proteins and several other drugs in water-in-oil-in-water (w-o-w) emulsion technique. But this method has posed certain problems such as decreased stability, burst release, and low entrapment efficiency. Thus, a novel “solid-in-oil-in-water” (s-o-w) emulsion system was developed for formulating certain drugs, probiotics, proteins, antibodies, and tannins to overcome these issues. In this method, the active ingredient is encapsulated as a solid and added to an oil phase, which formed a solid-oil dispersion. This dispersion was then mixed with water to form a continuous phase for enhancing the drug absorption. This article focuses on the various studies done to investigate the effectiveness of formulations prepared as solid-oil-water emulsions in comparison to conventional water-oil-water emulsions. A summary of the results obtained in each study is presented in this article. The s-o-w emulsion technique may become beneficial in near future as it has shown to improve the stability and efficacy of the entrapped active ingredient.

Graphical abstract
Unlocking the Mystery of the Origins of John von Neumann’s Growth Model
Authors: Carvajalino Juan
Published: July 2021

In his famous “A Model of General Economic Equilibrium”, von Neumann wrote that it was “obvious to what kind of theoretical models [his] assumptions correspond.” To date, however, his sources of economic insights about the functioning of the continuously growing price-economy that he modeled have remained a total mystery. Based on archival material, this mystery is solved in this account by making visible the specific influences from economics and mathematics that inspired him. I argue that von Neumann’s 1937 paper resulted from a deep engagement with economics as it was emerging at the beginning of the 1930s and that this happened as he was travelling and crossing national boundaries while bridging distinct branches of mathematics with different local perspectives in economics. His encounters with Jacob Marschak in Berlin, Nicolas Kaldor in Budapest, and Frank Graham in Princeton as well as his reading of Walras’s, Wicksell’s and Cassel’s work would be key. I also explain how he came to realize that there existed a formal analogy between systems of linear equations and inequalities with which he characterized (stationary and dynamic) economies and the minimax theorem for two-person zero-sum games that he had conceived and proved in 1928.
Meade, Phillips, and the Two-Country Model
Authors: Danby Colin
Published: July 2021

James Meade played an important role in the 1951 development of the “Mark II” Newlyn-Phillips machine, including making it fit for connection to a mirror-image machine so that policy interactions between two countries could be demonstrated. In 1952 Phillips built, for Meade, a “foreign exchange market” to link two machines. This article reconstructs the linking device from archival evidence, and places the resulting two- country model in the context of Meade’s thought.
Modulation of mitochondrial nucleoid structure during aging and by mtDNA content in Drosophila
Authors: Wang Li-jie , Hsu Tian , Lin Hsiang-ling , Fu Chi-yu
Published: July 2021

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes gene products that are essential for oxidative phosphorylation. They organize as higher order nucleoid structures (mtNucleoids) that were shown to be critical for the maintenance of mtDNA stability and integrity. While mtNucleoid structures are associated with cellular health, how they change in situ under physiological maturation and aging requires further investigation. In this study, we investigated the mtNucleoid assembly at an ultrastructural level in situ using the TFAM-Apex2 Drosophila model. We found that smaller and more compact TFAM-nucleoids are populated in the mitochondria of indirect flight muscle of aged flies. Furthermore, mtDNA transcription and replication were cross-regulated in the mtTFB2-knockdown flies as in the mtRNAPol-knockdown flies that resulted in reductions in mtDNA copy numbers and nucleoid-associated TFAM. Overall, our study reveals that the modulation of TFAM-nucleoid structure under physiological aging, which is critically regulated by mtDNA content.
Early perturbation of Wnt signaling reveals patterning and invagination-evagination control points in molar tooth development
Authors: Kim Rebecca , Yu Tingsheng , Li Jingjing , Prochazka Jan , Sharir Amnon , Green Jeremy B. A. , Klein Ophir D.
Published: July 2021

Tooth formation requires complex signaling interactions both within the oral epithelium and between the epithelium and the underlying mesenchyme. Previous studies of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway have shown that tooth formation is partly inhibited in loss-of-function mutants, and gain-of-function mutants have perturbed tooth morphology. However, the stage at which Wnt signaling is first important in tooth formation remains unclear. Here, using an Fgf8-promoter-driven, and therefore early, deletion of β-catenin in mouse molar epithelium, we found that loss of Wnt/β-catenin signaling completely deletes the molar tooth, demonstrating that this pathway is central to the earliest stages of tooth formation. Early expression of a dominant-active β-catenin protein also perturbs tooth formation, producing a large domed evagination at early stages and supernumerary teeth later on. The early evaginations are associated with premature mesenchymal condensation marker, and are reduced by inhibition of condensation-associated collagen synthesis. We propose that invagination versus evagination morphogenesis is regulated by the relative timing of epithelial versus mesenchymal cell convergence regulated by canonical Wnt signaling. Together, these studies reveal new aspects of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in tooth formation and in epithelial morphogenesis more broadly.
Cinnamon extract effects on insulin resistance, metabolic factors, and menstrual cyclicity of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wahyuningtyas Riska , Sa'adi Ashon
Published: July 2021

Background: Cinnamon is a herbal medicine that is supposed to improve the metabolic disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but there is still no data about the effectiveness and efficacy of this herbal medicine for the metabolic parameters of PCOS. This study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of cinnamon extract on improving insulin resistance, lipid profile and regularity of menstruation in PCOS women.

Methods: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies. We searched the MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases to identify relevant studies using cinnamon extract effects on insulin resistance, metabolic factors, and menstrual cyclicity of PCOS women.

Results: Five RCTs consisting of 206 women were included in the meta-analysis. Significant differences were found in fasting blood glucose (FBG) (mean difference (MD)= -4.8 mg/dL, 95% CI: -8.04 to -1.57, p=0.004; 143 participants), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol, HDL-C) (MD= -27.24 mg/dL, 95% CI: -32.62 to -21.85, p< 0.00001; 143 participants, Insulin level (MD = -2.20 mIU/dL, 95% CI: -4.17 to -0.23, p=0.03; 143 participants), and menstrual cyclicity in six months (MD= 2.28, 95% CI: 1.83 to 2.73, p< 0.00001; 33 participants) were obtained.

Conclusion: Cinnamon can be a potential supplementary therapy agent for PCOS women as it improves fasting blood glucose, insulin level, HDL–cholesterol and menstrual cyclicity in PCOS women.
Photophysical study and in vitro approach against Leishmania panamensis of dicloro-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-bromophenyl)porphyrinato Sn(IV)
Authors: Espitia-Almeida Fabián , Diaz-Uribe Carlos , Vallejo William , Gómez-Camargo Doris , Romero Bohórquez Arnold R. , Linares-Flores Cristian
Published: July 2021

Background:Photodynamic therapy activity against different biological systems has been reported for porphyrins. Porphyrin modifications through peripheral groups and/or by metal insertion inside the ring are main alternatives for the improvement of its photo-physical properties. In this study, we synthesized and characterized 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-bromophenyl)porphyrin and the dicloro-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-bromophenyl)porphyrinato Sn(IV).

Methods:Metal-free porphyrin was synthesized using the Alder method, while the Sn(IV)-porphyrin complex was prepared by combining metal-free porphyrin with stannous chloride in DMF; the reaction yields were 47% and 64% respectively. Metal-free porphyrin was characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, ESI-mass spectrometry and13C-NMR. Additionally, the Sn(IV) -porphyrin complex was characterized using UV-Vis and FT-IR. Cyclic voltammetry tests in four different solvents. The fluorescence quantum yield (Φf) was measured using fluorescein as a standard, the singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦD) was estimated using the standard 5,10,15,20-(tetraphenyl)porphyrin (H2TPP) and the quencher of singlet oxygen 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF).

Results:UV-Vis assay showed typical Q and Soret bands for porphyrin and its metallo-porphyrin complex. Compounds showed photoluminescence at the visible range of electromagnetic spectrum. The inclusion of the metal in the porphyrin core changed the Φffrom 0.15 to 0.05 and the ΦDincreased from 0.55 to 0.59. Finally, the effect of the compounds on the viability ofL. panamensiswas evaluated by means of the MTT test. The results showed that both compounds decreased the viability of the parasite; this inhibitory activity was greater under light irradiation; the porphyrin compound had IC50of 16.5 μM and the Sn(IV)-porphyrin complex had IC50of 19.2 μM.

Conclusion:The compounds were synthesized efficiently, their characterization was carried out by different spectroscopy techniques and their own signals were evidenced for both structures, both compounds decreased the cell viability ofL. panamensis.
Increase of SARS-CoV-2 RNA load in faecal samples prompts for rethinking of SARS-CoV-2 biology and COVID-19 epidemiology
Authors: Petrillo Mauro , Brogna Carlo , Cristoni Simone , Querci Maddalena , Piazza Ornella , Van den Eede Guy
Published: July 2021

Background

Scientific evidence for the involvement of human microbiota in the development of COVID-19 disease has been reported recently. SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence in human faecal samples and SARS-CoV-2 activity in faeces from COVID-19 patients have been observed.

Methods

Starting from these observations, an experimental design was developed to cultivate in vitro faecal microbiota from infected individuals, to monitor the presence of SARS-CoV-2, and to collect data on the relationship between faecal bacteria and the virus.

Results

Our results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 replicates in vitro in bacterial growth medium, that the viral replication follows bacterial growth and it is influenced by the administration of specific antibiotics. SARS-CoV-2-related peptides have been detected in 30-day bacterial cultures and characterised.

Discussion

Our observations are compatible with a ‘bacteriophage-like’ behaviour of SARS-CoV-2, which, to our knowledge has not been observed or described before. These results are unexpected and hint towards a novel hypothesis on the biology of SARS-CoV-2 and on the COVID-19 epidemiology. The discovery of possible new modes of action of SARS-CoV-2 has far-reaching implications for the prevention and the treatment of the disease.
GARCOM: A user-friendly R package for genetic mutation counts
Authors: Sariya Sanjeev , Tosto Giuseppe
Published: July 2021

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has enabled analysis of rare and uncommon variants in large study cohorts. A common strategy to overcome these low frequencies and/or small effect sizes relies on collapsing strategies, i.e. to bin variants within genes/regions. Several tools are now available for advanced statistical analyses however, tools to perform basic tasks such as obtaining allelic counts within defined genetics boundaries are unavailable or require complex coding. GARCOM library, an open-source freely available package in R language, returns a matrix with allelic counts within defined genetic boundaries. GARCOM accepts input data in PLINK or VCF formats, with additional options to subset data for refined analyses.
More than Valley Fever: Pulmonary Actinomycosis and Coccidioidomycosis Co-infection in a Patient
Authors: Asif Abuzar , Roy Moni , Ahmad Sharjeel
Published: July 2021

Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis and pulmonary actinomycosis are unheard of as co-pathogens. Infection with these organisms on their own can mimic lung cancer, thus presenting a diagnostic challenge. We present the case of a 75-year-old woman presenting with haemoptysis with a chest CT chest finding of a lung mass suggestive of lung cancer. A diagnosis of concomitant infection by Coccidioides posadasii/immitis and Actinomyces odontolyticus was made based on culture and histopathology results. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of antifungal and antibacterial therapy. This is the first reported case of co-infection by these two microorganisms.
Cement Chemisrty: Hydration of Ca2-Xsrxsio4 Compound
Authors: Prodjosantoso Antikolonial , Widiyati Wahyu , Wafin Wafin , Widyawati Ani , Utomo Maximus Pranjoto
Published: July 2021

Dicalcium silicate (Ca2SiO4) isan importantcomponent of cement. The compound ofCa2-xSrxSiO4 can be formed if the Sr containing precursorsare used to synthesize the cement. The presence of Sr may alter the hydrationof the product. The hydration chemistry ofCa2-xSrxSiO4 compounds is reported.
The hydration of Ca2-xSrxSiO4was conducted uder nitrogen atmosphere for about 6 months. The dry samples were characterized usingXRD, FTIR, TGA-DSC, andSEM-EDXmethods.
It is confirmed that the hydration ofCa2-xSrxSiO4produces mainlyCa3Si2O7.3H2O and Ca(OH)2. However, the Sr doped Ca3Si2O7.3H2O andCa(OH)2 are possibly formed.The compound of CaCO3,as the result ofinteractions between Ca(OH)2 and atmospheric CO2gas during the sample handling,is also observed.
Clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of posterior-only three-column osteotomy in congenital kyphosis
Authors: Garg Bhavuk , Bansal Tungish , Mehta Nishank
Published: July 2021

Aims

To describe the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes in patients with isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis who were treated with three-column osteotomy by posterior-only approach.

Methods

Hospital records of 27 patients with isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis undergoing surgery at a single centre were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent deformity correction which involved a three-column osteotomy by single-stage posterior-only approach. Radiological parameters (local kyphosis angle (KA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), C7 sagittal vertical axis (C7 SVA), T1 slope, and pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL)), functional scores, and clinical details of complications were recorded.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 13.9 years (SD 6.4). The apex of deformity was in thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar spine in five, 14, and eight patients, respectively. The mean operating time was 178.4 minutes (SD 38.5) and the mean operative blood loss was 701.8 ml (SD 194.4). KA (preoperative mean 70.8° (SD 21.6°) vs final follow-up mean 24.7° (SD 18.9°); p < 0.001) and TK (preoperative mean -1.48° (SD 41.23°) vs final follow-up mean 24.28° (SD 17.29°); p = 0.005) underwent a significant change with surgery. Mean Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22r) score improved after surgical correction (preoperative mean 3.24 (SD 0.37) vs final follow-up mean 4.28 (SD 0.47); p < 0.001) with maximum improvement in self-image and mental health domains. The overall complication rate was 26%, including two neurological and five non-neurological complications. Permanent neurological deficit was noted in one patient.

Conclusion

Deformity correction employing three-column osteotomies by a single-stage posterior-only approach is safe and effective in treating isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1309–1316.
Spinopelvic mobility affects accuracy of acetabular anteversion measurements on cross-table lateral radiographs
Authors: Bracey Daniel N. , Hegde Vishal , Shimmin Andrew J. , Jennings Jason M. , Pierrepont Jim W. , Dennis Douglas A.
Published: July 2021

Aims

Cross-table lateral (CTL) radiographs are commonly used to measure acetabular component anteversion after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The CTL measurements may differ by > 10° from CT scan measurements but the reasons for this discrepancy are poorly understood. Anteversion measurements from CTL radiographs and CT scans are compared to identify spinopelvic parameters predictive of inaccuracy.

Methods

THA patients (n = 47; 27 males, 20 females; mean age 62.9 years (SD 6.95)) with preoperative spinopelvic mobility, radiological analysis, and postoperative CT scans were retrospectively reviewed. Acetabular component anteversion was measured on postoperative CTL radiographs and CT scans using 3D reconstructions of the pelvis. Two cohorts were identified based on a CTL-CT error of ≥ 10° (n = 11) or < 10° (n = 36). Spinopelvic mobility parameters were compared using independent-samples t-tests. Correlation between error and mobility parameters were assessed with Pearson’s coefficient.

Results

Patients with CTL error > 10° (10° to 14°) had stiffer lumbar spines with less mean lumbar flexion (38.9°(SD 11.6°) vs 47.4° (SD 13.1°); p = 0.030), different sagittal balance measured by pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch (5.9° (SD 18.8°) vs -1.7° (SD 9.8°); p = 0.042), more pelvic extension when seated (pelvic tilt -9.7° (SD 14.1°) vs -2.2° (SD 13.2°); p = 0.050), and greater change in pelvic tilt between supine and seated positions (12.6° (SD 12.1°) vs 4.7° (SD 12.5°); p = 0.036). The CTL measurement error showed a positive correlation with increased CTL anteversion ( r = 0.5; p = 0.001), standing lordosis ( r = 0.23; p = 0.050), seated lordosis ( r = 0.4; p = 0.009), and pelvic tilt change between supine and step-up positions ( r = 0.34; p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Differences in spinopelvic mobility may explain the variability of acetabular anteversion measurements made on CTL radiographs. Patients with stiff spines and increased compensatory pelvic movement have less accurate measurements on CTL radiographs. Flexion of the contralateral hip is required to obtain clear CTL radiographs. In patients with lumbar stiffness, this movement may extend the pelvis and increase anteversion of the acetabulum on CTL views. Reliable analysis of acetabular component anteversion in this patient population may require advanced imaging with a CT scan. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7 Supple B):59–65.
Outcomes of simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty for 256 selected patients in a single surgeon’s practice
Authors: Inoue Daisuke , Grace Trevor R. , Restrepo Camilo , Hozack William J.
Published: July 2021

Aims

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the direct anterior approach (DAA) is undertaken with the patient in the supine position, creating an opportunity to replace both hips under one anaesthetic. Few studies have reported simultaneous bilateral DAA-THA. The aim of this study was to characterize a cohort of patients selected for this technique by a single, high-volume arthroplasty surgeon and to investigate their early postoperative clinical outcomes.

Methods

Using an institutional database, we reviewed 643 patients who underwent bilateral DAA-THA by a single surgeon between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2018. The demographic characteristics of the 256 patients (39.8%) who underwent simultaneous bilateral DAA-THA were compared with the 387 patients (60.2%) who underwent staged THA during the same period of time. We then reviewed the length of stay, rate of discharge home, 90-day complications, and readmissions for the simultaneous bilateral group.

Results

Patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral DAA-THA had a 3.5% transfusion rate, a 1.8 day mean length of stay, a 98.1% rate of discharge home, and low rates of 90-day infection (0.39%), dislocation (0.39%), periprosthetic fracture (0.77%), venous thromboembolism (0%), haematoma (0.39%), further surgery (0.77%), and readmission (0.77%). These patients were significantly younger (mean 58.2 years vs 62.5 years; p < 0.001), more likely to be male (60.3% vs 46.5%; p < 0.001), and with a trend towards having a lower mean BMI (27.8 kg/m2 vs 28.4 kg/m2; p = 0.071) than patients who underwent staged bilateral DAA-THA.

Conclusion

Patients selected for simultaneous bilateral DAA-THA in a single surgeon’s practice had a 3% rate of postoperative transfusion and a low rate of complications, readmissions, and discharge to a rehabilitation facility. Simultaneous bilateral DAA-THA appears to be a reasonable and safe form of treatment for patients with bilateral symptomatic osteoarthritis of the hip when undertaken by an experienced arthroplasty surgeon with appropriate selection criteria. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7 Supple B):116–121.
The 30-day survival and recovery after hip fracture by timing of mobilization and dementia
Authors: Goubar Aicha , Martin Finbarr C. , Potter Chris , Jones Gareth D. , Sackley Catherine , Ayis Salma , Sheehan Katie J.
Published: July 2021

Aims

The aim of this study to compare 30-day survival and recovery of mobility between patients mobilized early (on the day of, or day after surgery for a hip fracture) and patients mobilized late (two days or more after surgery), and to determine whether the presence of dementia influences the association between the timing of mobilization, 30-day survival, and recovery.

Methods

Analysis of the National Hip Fracture Database and hospital records for 126,897 patients aged ≥ 60 years who underwent surgery for a hip fracture in England and Wales between 2014 and 2016. Using logistic regression, we adjusted for covariates with a propensity score to estimate the association between the timing of mobilization, survival, and recovery of walking ability.

Results

A total of 99,667 patients (79%) mobilized early. Among those mobilized early compared to those mobilized late, the weighted odds ratio of survival was 1.92 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.80 to 2.05), of recovering outdoor ambulation was 1.25 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.51), and of recovering indoor ambulation was 1.53 (95% CI 1.32 to 1.78) by 30 days. The weighted probabilities of survival at 30 days post-admission were 95.9% (95% CI 95.7% to 96.0%) for those who mobilized early and 92.4% (95% CI 92.0% to 92.8%) for those who mobilized late. The weighted probabilities of regaining the ability to walk outdoors were 9.7% (95% CI 9.2% to 10.2%) and indoors 81.2% (95% CI 80.0% to 82.4%), for those who mobilized early, and 7.9% (95% CI 6.6% to 9.2%) and 73.8% (95% CI 71.3% to 76.2%), respectively, for those who mobilized late. Patients with dementia were less likely to mobilize early despite observed associations with survival and ambulation recovery for those with and without dementia.

Conclusion

Early mobilization is associated with survival and recovery for patients (with and without dementia) after hip fracture. Early mobilization should be incorporated as a measured indicator of quality. Reasons for failure to mobilize early should also be recorded to inform quality improvement initiatives. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1317–1324.
Early outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty with use of a smartphone-based care platform: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Crawford David A. , Lombardi Adolph V. , Berend Keith R. , Huddleston James I. , Peters Christopher L. , DeHaan Alexander , Zimmerman Erin K. , Duwelius Paul J.
Published: July 2021

Aims

The purpose of this study is to evaluate early outcomes with the use of a smartphone-based exercise and educational care management system after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and demonstrate decreased use of in-person physiotherapy (PT).

Methods

A multicentre, prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate a smartphone-based care platform for primary THA. Patients randomized to the control group (198) received the institution’s standard of care. Those randomized to the treatment group (167) were provided with a smartwatch and smartphone application. PT use, THA complications, readmissions, emergency department/urgent care visits, and physician office visits were evaluated. Outcome scores include the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS, JR), health-related quality-of-life EuroQol five-dimension five-level score (EQ-5D-5L), single leg stance (SLS) test, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

Results

The control group was significantly younger by a mean 3.0 years (SD 9.8 for control, 10.4 for treatment group; p = 0.007), but there were no significant differences between groups in BMI, sex, or preoperative diagnosis. Postoperative PT use was significantly lower in the treatment group (34%) than in the control group (55.4%; p = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in complications, readmissions, or outpatient visits. The 90-day outcomes showed no significant differences in mean hip flexion between controls (101° (SD 10.8)) and treatment (100° (SD 11.3); p = 0.507) groups. The HOOS, JR scores were not significantly different between control group (73 points (SD 13.8)) and treatment group (73.6 points (SD 13); p = 0.660). Mean 30-day SLS time was 22.9 seconds (SD 19.8) in the control group and 20.7 seconds (SD 19.5) in the treatment group (p = 0.342). Mean TUG time was 11.8 seconds (SD 5.1) for the control group and 11.9 (SD 5) seconds for the treatment group (p = 0.859).

Conclusion

The use of the smartphone care management system demonstrated similar early outcomes to those achieved using traditional care models, along with a significant decrease in PT use. Noninferiority was demonstrated with regard to complications, readmissions, and ED and urgent care visits. This technology allows patients to rehabilitate on a more flexible schedule and avoid unnecessary healthcare visits, as well as potentially reducing overall healthcare costs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7 Supple B):91–97.
The association between cannabis use disorder and the outcome following primary total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Vakharia Rushabh M. , Mannino Angelo , Salem Hytham S. , Roche Martin W. , Wong Che Hang J. , Mont Michael A.
Published: July 2021

Aims

Although there is increasing legalization of the use of cannabis in the USA, few well-powered studies have evaluated the association between cannabis use disorder and outcomes following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether patients who use cannabis and undergo primary THA have higher rates of in-hospital length of stay (LOS), medical complications, implant-related complications, and costs.

Methods

Using an administrative database, patients with cannabis use disorder undergoing primary THA were matched to a control group in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and various medical comorbidities. This yielded 23,030 patients (3,842 in the study group matched with 19,188 in the control group). The variables which were studied included LOS, 90-day medical complications, two-year implant-related complications, and 90-day costs of care. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare LOS and costs. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) of developing complications.

Results

We found that patients in the study group had a significantly longer mean LOS compared with the controls (four days vs three days; p < 0.0001).The study group also had a significantly higher incidence and odds of developing medical (23.0 vs 9.8%, OR 1.6; p < 0.0001) and implant-related complications (16 vs 7.4%, OR 1.6; p < 0.0001) and incurred significantly higher mean 90-day costs ($16,938.00 vs $16,023.00; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

With the increasing rates of cannabis use, these findings allow orthopaedic surgeons and other healthcare professionals to counsel patients with cannabis use disorder about the possible outcomes following their THA, with increased hospital stays, complications, and costs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7 Supple B):111–115.
Total hip arthroplasty using highly cross-linked polyethylene in patients aged 50 years and younger
Authors: Roedel Gordon G. , Kildow Beau J. , Sveom Daniel S. , Garvin Kevin L.
Published: July 2021

Aims

Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) has greatly improved the durability of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in young patients because of its improved wear characteristics. Few studies have followed this population into the second decade, and therefore the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the clinical outcome for THA patients 50 years of age and younger at a minimum of 15 years postoperatively. The second purpose was to evaluate the radiological findings secondary to wear or mechanical failure of the implant.

Methods

Between October 1999 and December 2005, 105 THAs were performed in 95 patients (53 female, 42 male) aged 50 years and younger (mean 42 years (20 to 50)). There were 87 patients (96 hips) that were followed for a minimum of 15 years (mean 17.3 years (15 to 21)) for analysis. Posterior approach was used with cementless fixation with a median head size of 28 mm. HXLPE was the acetabular bearing for all hips. Radiographs were evaluated for polyethylene wear, radiolucent lines, and osteolysis.

Results

Clinical outcomes showed significant improvement of mean Harris Hip Scores from 52.8 (SD 13.5) preoperatively to 94.8 (SD 7.6) postoperatively. One hip was revised for recurrent instability, and there were no infections. No hips were revised for mechanical loosening or osteolysis. Mean polyethylene linear wear was 0.04 mm/year and volumetric wear was 6.22 mm3/year, with no significant differences between head size or material. Osteolysis was not present in any of the hips.

Conclusion

The use of HXLPE in THA for patients aged 50 years and younger has performed exceptionally well without evidence of significant wear causing mechanical loosening or necessitating revision. The radiolucent lines of the acetabular component must be followed to determine the prognostic significance. This investigation represents the longest clinical follow-up of a large, consecutive cohort of patients aged 50 years or younger with THA using HXLPE. This long-term analysis found negligible polyethylene wear, no incidence of aseptic loosening, and excellent clinical outcomes at and beyond 15 years of follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7 Supple B):78–83.