bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 promoter methylation and peripheral pain sensitivity in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Gombert Sara , Rhein Mathias , Winterpacht Andreas , Münster Tino , Hillemacher Thomas , Leffler Andreas , Frieling Helge
Published: December 2019

Background

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract associated with abdominal pain and diarrhea. Pain caused by Crohn’s disease likely involves neurogenic inflammation which seems to involve the ion channel transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). Since the promoter methylation of TRPA1 was shown to influence pain sensitivity, we asked if the expression of TRPA1 is dysregulated in patients suffering from Crohn’s disease.

The methylation rates of CpG dinucleotides in the TRPA1 promoter region were determined from DNA derived from whole blood samples of Crohn patients and healthy participants. Quantitative sensory testing was used to examine pain sensitivities.

Results

Pressure pain thresholds were lower in Crohn patients as compared to healthy participants, and they were also lower in females than in males. They correlated inversely with the methylation rate at the CpG − 628 site of the TRPA1 promoter. This effect was more pronounced in female compared to male Crohn patients. Similar results were found for mechanical pain thresholds. Furthermore, age-dependent effects were detected. Whereas the CpG − 628 methylation rate declined with age in healthy participants, the methylation rate in Crohn patients increased. Pressure pain thresholds increased with age in both cohorts.

Conclusions

The TRPA1 promoter methylation appears to be dysregulated in patients suffering from Crohn’s disease, and this effect is most obvious when taking gender and age into account. As TRPA1 is regarded to be involved in pain caused by neurogenic inflammation, its aberrant expression may contribute to typical symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Newborn and childhood differential DNA methylation and liver fat in school-age children
Authors: Geurtsen Madelon L. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Salas Lucas A. , Santos Susana , Felix Janine F.
Published: December 2019

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common chronic liver disease in children in western countries. Adverse early-life exposures are associated with higher liver fat percentages in children. Differential DNA methylation may underlie these associations. We aimed to identify differential DNA methylation in newborns and children associated with liver fat accumulation in childhood. We also examined whether DNA methylation at 22 cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites (CpGs) associated with adult non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with liver fat in children. Within a population-based prospective cohort study, we analyzed epigenome-wide DNA methylation data of 785 newborns and 344 10-year-old children in relation to liver fat fraction at 10 years. DNA methylation was measured using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (Illumina). We measured liver fat fraction by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Associations of single CpG DNA methylation at the two-time points with liver fat accumulation were analyzed using robust linear regression models. We also analyzed differentially methylation regions using the dmrff package. We looked-up associations of 22 known adult CpGs at both ages with liver fat at 10 years.

Results

The median liver fat fraction was 2.0% (95% range 1.3, 5.1). No single CpGs and no differentially methylated regions were associated with liver fat accumulation. None of the 22 known adult CpGs were associated with liver fat in children.

Conclusions

DNA methylation at birth and in childhood was not associated with liver fat accumulation in 10-year-old children in this study. This may be due to modest sample sizes or DNA methylation changes being a consequence rather than a determinant of liver fat.
Targeting soluble tumor necrosis factor as a potential intervention to lower risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes
Authors: De Sousa Rodrigues Maria Elizabeth , Houser Madelyn C. , Walker Douglas I. , Jones Dean P. , Chang Jianjun , Barnum Christopher J. , Tansey Malú G.
Published: December 2019

Background

Insulin impairment and inflammation are two features common to type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease; however, the molecular and signaling interactions underlying this relationship are not well understood. Mounting evidence point to the associations between the disruption of metabolite processing in insulin impairment and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Although the brain depends partially on metabolites processed in the periphery, to date, little is known about how soluble tumor necrosis factor signaling (solTNF) impacts integrated peripheral immune and metabolic feedback signals in states of energy overload and insulin insensitivity.

Methods

C57Bl/6J mice were fed a high-fat high-carbohydrate diet (HFHC) for 14 weeks. The brain-permeant biologic XPro1595® was used to block solTNF-dependent pathways. Metabolic and immune alterations were evaluated in the gut, liver, and brain. Behavioral tests were performed. Untargeted metabolomics was carried out in the plasma and liver.

Results

HFHC diet promotes central insulin impairment and dysregulation of immune-modulatory gene expressed in the brain. Alteration of metabolites associated with type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s such as butanoate, glutamate, biopterin, branched-chain amino acids, purines, and proteoglycan metabolism was observed in HFHC-fed mice. solTNF inhibition ameliorates hepatic metabolic disturbances and hepatic and intestinal lipocalin-2 levels, and decreases insulin impairment in the brain and behavioral deficits associated with HFHC diet.

Conclusions

Our novel findings suggest that HFHC diet impacts central insulin signaling and immune-metabolic interactions in a solTNF-dependent manner to increase the risk for neurodegenerative conditions. Our novel findings indicate that selective solTNF neutralization can ameliorate peripheral and central diet-induced insulin impairment and identify lipocalin-2 as a potential target for therapeutic intervention to target inflammation and insulin disturbances in obesogenic environments. Collectively, our findings identify solTNF as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory states and insulin disturbances in obesogenic environments to lower risk for AD.
Optimization and scale-up production of Zika virus ΔNS1 in Escherichia coli: application of Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Kanno Alex Issamu , Leite Luciana Cezar de Cerqueira , Pereira Lennon Ramos , de Jesus Mônica Josiane Rodrigues , Andreata-Santos Robert , Alves Rúbens Prince dos Santos , Durigon Edison Luiz , Ferreira Luís Carlos de Souza , Gonçalves Viviane Maimoni
Published: December 2019

Diagnosing Zika virus (ZIKV) infections has been challenging due to the cross-reactivity of induced antibodies with other flavivirus. The concomitant occurrence of ZIKV and Dengue virus (DENV) in endemic regions requires diagnostic tools with the ability to distinguish these two viral infections. Recent studies demonstrated that immunoassays using the C-terminal fragment of ZIKV NS1 antigen (ΔNS1) can be used to discriminate ZIKV from DENV infections. In order to be used in serological tests, the expression/solubility of ΔNS1 and growth of recombinant E. coli strain were optimized by Response Surface Methodology. Temperature, time and IPTG concentration were evaluated. According to the model, the best condition determined in small scale cultures was 21 °C for 20 h with 0.7 mM of IPTG, which predicted 7.5 g/L of biomass and 962 mg/L of ΔNS1. These conditions were validated and used in a 6-L batch in the bioreactor, which produced 6.4 g/L of biomass and 500 mg/L of ΔNS1 in 12 h of induction. The serological ELISA test performed with purified ΔNS1 showed low cross-reactivity with antibodies from DENV-infected human subjects. Denaturation of ΔNS1 decreased the detection of anti-ZIKV antibodies, thus indicating the contribution of conformational epitopes and confirming the importance of properly folded ΔNS1 for the specificity of the serological analyses. Obtaining high yields of soluble ΔNS1 supports the viability of an effective serologic diagnostic test capable of differentiating ZIKV from other flavivirus infections.
Drive for muscularity behaviors in male bodybuilders: a trans-contextual model of motivation
Authors: Chaba Lisa , d’Arripe-Longueville Fabienne , Lentillon-Kaestner Vanessa , Scoffier-Mériaux Stéphanie
Published: December 2019

Background

The drive for muscularity behaviors are very common in male athletes, especially in male bodybuilders. Studies have related drive for muscularity behaviors to body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia.

Methods

This study applied the trans-contextual model of motivation to the drive for muscularity behaviors of male bodybuilders at risk of developing muscle dysmorphia. The relationships between self-determination theory constructs and drive for muscularity behaviors, via the theory of planned behavior variables (i.e., attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention) were examined. A total of 175 Swiss male bodybuilders (Mage = 27.34; SDage = 7.53) completed measures on motivation for sport, theory of planned behavior variables, and drive for muscularity behaviors. They practiced bodybuilding from three to 24 h per week (Mhours per week = 6.59; SDhours per week = 3.45) and had done so for 7.19 years on average (SDnumber of years = 6.91). Using bootstrapped maximum likelihood estimation with the AMOS 7.0 program, a series of confirmatory factor analyses was performed on each subscale and a series of path analyses was performed to determine the final model.

Results

The fit indices of the final model were satisfactory: χ2 (11) = 13.81; p = .244; TLI = .98; CFI = .99; RMSEA = .04. The model explained 29% of the variance of drive for muscularity behaviors. The final path analysis supported the motivational sequence, with autonomous motivation for sport showing a positive, significant and indirect association with the drive for muscularity behaviors via perceived behavioral control and intention to gain muscle mass, and controlled motivation for sport showing a positive association with the drive for muscularity behaviors both directly and via attitude and intention to gain muscle mass.

Conclusions

It was concluded that the trans-contextual model of motivation applies only partially to the drive for muscularity behaviors in male bodybuilders.

Perspective

The motivational mechanisms explaining the development of drive for muscularity behaviors might be better understood through complementary analyses of motivational profiles. Such investigations would guide the design of programs to lower the risks associated with these behaviors.
Difference between the biologic and chronologic age as an individualized indicator for the skin care intensity selection: skin topography and immune system state studies, parameter correlations with age difference
Authors: Sukhovei Yurij , Kostolomova Elena , Unger Irina , Koptyug Andrey , Kaigorodov Denis
Published: December 2019

Background

Present research addresses the issue of skin aging and corresponding skin treatment individualization. Particular research question was on the developing of simplified criterion supporting patient-specific decision on the necessity and intensity of skin treatment. Basing on the published results and a wide pool of experimental data, we have formulated a hypothesis that a difference between biologic and chronologic age can be used as an express criterion of skin aging.

Methods

In present paper, we report the results of studies with 80 volunteers between 15 and 65 years of age, linking parameters reflecting immune state, skin state, and topography to the difference between biologic and chronologic age. Facial skin topography, skin moisture, sebum level, and skin elasticity were studied using commercial devices. Blood immunology studies were performed using venous blood samples. Correlations between all measured parameters and age difference were calculated. Also, cross correlations between skin cell profile and blood immune profile parameters, and skin roughness parameters were calculated.

Results

Age dependencies of the blood immunological parameters on the biologic and chronologic age difference are less pronounced as compared to the changes in skin cell profile parameters. However, the changes in the tendencies when biologic age becomes equal to chronologic one are visible for all studied parameters.

All measured skin roughness parameters show correlations with age difference, but average skin roughness and depth of the deepest profile valley have the largest correlation coefficient values. Many of the measured skin cell profile and blood immunology parameters show strong correlations with average skin roughness and deepest profile valley, with some of the coefficients exceeding 0.5–0.6.

Conclusions

Basing on own experiments and published research results, it is possible to suggest using the difference between calculated biologic age and chronologic age as an individualized criterion supporting decisions on skin treatment strategy. Further research involving larger numbers of participants and aiming on optimizing the expressions for calculating biologic age could lead to reliable and easily available express criterion supporting the decision making for an individualized skin treatment.
Blood biomarkers for stroke: the role of thioredoxin in diagnosis and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Oraby Mohammed I. , Rabie Radwa A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of acute ischemic stroke. Thioredoxin exists and released from cells during inflammation and oxidative stress and was recognized as an oxidative-stress marker.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the role of thioredoxin as an oxidative stress biomarker in diagnosis and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke in a sample of patients recruited from Beni-Suef Governorate, north Upper Egypt.

Methods

A case control study included 100 subjects; 50 patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke presented within 24 h from the onset and 50 healthy volunteers as a control. Clinical, functional, and radiological evaluation was done for the patients, and all patients and control were subjected to routine laboratory tests and assessment of serum level of thioredoxin by solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Thioredoxin was significantly higher in acute stroke patients compared to control group (p value = 0.001). Thioredoxin level was significantly higher in hypertensive patients (p value = 0.007), patients who had carotid stenosis ≥50% (p value = 0.001), patients with poor outcome (p value = 0.009), and in patients with cardio-embolic stroke (p value = 0.001).

Significant positive correlation was found between thioredoxin level and volume of infarction (r = 0.501 and p = 0.001), stroke severity at presentation (r = 0.503 and p = 0.021) and clinical outcome after 3 months (r = 0.551 and p value = 0.001).

Conclusion

Thioredoxin as a marker of oxidative stress can be used as a new diagnostic and prognostic blood biomarker for stroke.
A hospital-based study of post-stroke aphasia: frequency, risk factors, and topographic representation
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , Abbass Mohamed A. , Soliman Radwa K. , Zaki Ahmed F. , Gamea Aymen , El-Fetoh Noha Abo , Abdel-Aaal Mahmoud A.
Published: December 2019

Background and objective

The crude prevalence rate of stroke in Qena, Egypt, is high (922/100,000). For the first time, we estimate the frequency of aphasia following the first-ever ischemic stroke and its relationship to the site of lesion in Arabic-speaking countries.

Methods

The study was conducted on 180 acute or subacute ischemic stroke patients. Aphasia was diagnosed with the short form of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination after establishment of the cases (at least 10 days of stroke onset). Computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging were performed for topographic localization of stroke, and routine laboratory investigations were done to evaluate the possible stroke risk factors.

Results

The frequency of post-stroke aphasia was recorded in 20%, and atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a high-risk factor for ischemic stroke with aphasia. The following categories were observed: global aphasia in 50%, motor aphasia in 27.7%, sensory aphasia in 11.1%, nominal aphasia in 2.8%, and conductive aphasia in 8.3%. Global aphasia was mainly associated with complete middle cerebral artery (MCA) territories infarction. Motor aphasia was associated mainly with frontal or frontoparietal operculum lesions as well as basal ganglionic lesions. Sensory aphasia was associated with temporal lobe lesions, inferior parietal lobe, and basal ganglia. Conductive aphasia showed lesions in the deep white matter of the frontal and parietal lobes. Anomic aphasia was associated with inferior parietal lobe lesion.

Conclusion

Our data are consistent with other reports as regards the frequency and risk factors of post-stroke aphasia. Atrial fibrillation represents a high-risk factor for ischemic strokes with aphasia. Global and motor aphasia are the major subtypes. The lesion locations are predictive of aphasia subtypes.
Physiological and biochemical responses of soybean (Glycine max L.) to cysteine application under sea salt stress
Authors: Sadak Mervat Sh. , Abd El-Hameid Asmaa R. , Zaki Faten S. A. , Dawood Mona G. , El-Awadi Mohamed E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Shortage of water is a major problem facing Egypt; thus, it becomes necessary to use non-traditional sources of water such as saline water in irrigation. Overcoming the adverse effects of saline water and enhancing plant tolerance to salinity stress is the main challenge for increasing plant growth and productivity. Using a natural compound such as cysteine amino acid has an important effect in alleviating the adverse effect of salinity stress on different plant crops.

Materials and methods

Two pot experiments were carried out during two successive summer seasons to study the beneficial role of cysteine (0, 20, and 40 mg/l) in enhancing growth, some metabolic process, and seed yield quality and quantity of soybean plant grown under salinity stress (0, 3000, and 6000 mg/l).

Results

Salinity stress (3000 and 6000 mg/l) caused decreases in soybean growth criteria (plant height, number of branches and leaves/plant, dry weight of leaves and stem/plant), photosynthetic pigments and some element contents (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)), and seed yield and yield components (number of pods/plant, weight of pods/plant and number of seeds/plant) as well as oil%. Meanwhile, proline, H2O2 and MDA contents, and superoxide dismutase activity were gradually increased by increasing salinity level. On the other hand, cysteine treatments improved growth and yield of soybean plant either irrigated with tap water or saline water. Cysteine treatments could alleviate the adverse effect of salinity stress on growth and yield of soybean plant through increasing photosynthetic pigments; proline content; N, P, and K contents; superoxide dismutase and catalase activities; and oil% accompanied by decreases in H2O2 and MDA contents as compared with their corresponding controls. In addition, cysteine treatments and/or salinity stress exhibited differences in protein pattern from 112 to 19 kD molecular weight. The appearance of new protein bands reflected the expression of cysteine treatments and salinity stress.

Conclusion

Cysteine treatments had a beneficial role in alleviating the adverse effect of salinity stress on soybean plant. Forty milligrams per liter of cysteine was the most effective treatment in enhancing salinity tolerance of soybean plant.
Antibacterial effect of metallic nanoparticles on Streptococcus mutans bacterial strain with or without diode laser (970 nm)
Authors: Sadony Doaa M. , Abozaid Hanan El-sayed
Published: December 2019

Background

The main etiological agent for dental caries is Streptococcus mutans bacterial strain. Recently, metallic nanoparticles and diode laser have been introduced as a new method in bacterial decontamination. Nanoparticles have very small particles size that has greater surface area and exert their antimicrobial effect by interacting with the negatively charged bacterial cell wall, while lasers have become increasingly popular in dentistry due to their multiple uses, and one such important application is tooth disinfection.

Objective

Present study was conducted to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with and without diode laser (970 nm, 15 Hz, 100 mJ, 2 W, each cycle was 10 s and repeated 6 times with intervals of 5 s for each sample) irradiation against experimentally inoculated S. mutans bacteria in the samples.

Material and methods

Thirty freshly a traumatically extracted premolars human tooth were collected, and cylindrical cavity in crowns with 4 mm diameter and 5 mm depth was prepared and inoculated with S. mutans for 24 h. The tooth were randomlly divided into equal expermintal groups (6 each): group 1, positive control group by S. mutans bacterial strain; group 2, irrigation with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for 3 min; group 3, irrigation with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for 3 min; group 4, 3 ml AgNPs + irradiation with diode laser for 60 s; and group 5, 3 ml AuNPs + irradiation with diode for 60 s. The specimens were collected from the teeth sample, and colony-forming units (CFU’s) were observed by counting the bacteria colony on plates.

Results

A significant difference was found among all the groups in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). The greatest reduction in CFU’s was observed in combination of AgNPs with diode laser group.

Conclusions

The NPs in combination with diode laser irradiation has the potential to be used as dentine disinfectant.
The aerobic capacity in patients with antisynthetase syndrome and dermatomyositis
Authors: dos Santos Alexandre Moura , Missé Rafael Giovani , Borges Isabela Bruna Pires , Shinjo Samuel Katsuyuki
Published: December 2019

Background

This study was aimed at evaluating the aerobic capacity of patients with antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) and dermatomyositis (DM) and analyzing possible relationships between aerobic capacity and disease status, cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors.

Methods

The study was a cross-sectional, single-center study that assessed the aerobic capacity of 22 women (13 with DM and 9 with ASS) who were matched by age and body mass index to 17 healthy women (control group). The aerobic capacity (oxygen uptake [VO2 peak], anaerobic threshold, respiratory compensation point and time-to-exhaustion) was evaluated using the cardiopulmonary treadmill test. Disease status was assessed using International Myositis Assessment & Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) set scores.

Results

The patients had low IMACS parameters that showed low or absent disease activity. The distribution of cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors was similar between the patients and the control group (P >  0.05) at the time of the analysis. The patients with DM and the control group had similar aerobic capacity. However, the patients with ASS exhibited significantly reduced aerobic capacity (relative VO2 peak, anaerobic threshold, respiratory compensation point and time to exhaustion) when compared to the control group. In addition, patients with ASS had a lower anaerobic threshold compared to the DM group. There were no significant relationships between the aerobic capacity and disease status, cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors.

Conclusion

In contrast to DM patients and healthy individuals, patients with stable ASS have significantly impaired aerobic capacity, which is unlikely to be totally explained by traditional cardiovascular diseases, their risk factors and disease status. Further studies are needed to corroborate our data and to clarify the cause of this reduced aerobic capacity in ASS.
Outcomes and component-positioning in total knee arthroplasty may be comparable between supervised trained surgeons and their supervisor
Authors: Goto Kazumi , Katsuragawa Yozo , Miyamoto Yoshinari
Published: December 2019

Purpose

There are concerns that malalignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) occurs with less experienced surgeons. This study investigates the influence of surgical experience on TKA outcomes.

Materials and methods

Nineteen patients (38 knees) who underwent bilateral TKA between 2011 and 2015 were included. A supervisor performed knee replacements associated with lower Knee Society Scores (KSS); trainee surgeons operated on the other knee. Knees were categorized into two groups: operations by the supervisor (group S) versus operations by trainee surgeons (group T). Range of motion (ROM), KSS, operative time, hip–knee–ankle angle, and femoral and tibial component angle were evaluated.

Results

The mean operative time was 92.5 min in group S and 124.2 min in group T (p < 0.01). The mean postoperative maximal flexion was 113.2° in group S and 114.2° in group T (not significant). The mean postoperative KSS was 92.9 in group S and 93.9 in group T (not significant). No significant differences between groups in terms of proportion of inliers for the hip–knee–ankle angle, femoral component angle, or tibial component angle were observed.

Conclusions

Although operative time was significantly longer for trainee surgeons versus the supervisor, no significant differences in ROM, KSS, or component positioning between supervisor and trainee surgeons were observed.

Level of evidence

IV (retrospective case series design).
Correlation between meniscal extrusion and symptom duration, alignment, and arthritic changes in medial meniscus posterior root tear: research article
Authors: Kim Dong Hwi , Lee Gwang Chul , Kim Hyun Hak , Cha Dong Hyuk
Published: December 2019

Background

Medial meniscus posterior root tear can result in medial meniscus extrusion. However, the severity of medial meniscus extrusion is different in each root tear patient. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that contribute to the severity of medial meniscus extrusion with medial meniscus posterior root tear, such as duration of disease, the degree of arthritis—chondral wear, subchondral edema, osteophyte size, and Kellgren–Lawrence (K/L) grade—and mechanical alignment for appropriate treatment method.

Methods

From January 2009 to August 2014, we retrospectively analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and simple x-ray of 99 patients with medial meniscus posterior root tear. The duration of the disease was identified through retrospective chart review. The severity of medial meniscus extrusion, the presence of subchondral edema, the degree of chondral wear, and the size of the osteophyte were measured on MRI. K/L grade was confirmed on simple x-ray, and the mechanical axis was measured on whole extremity radiographs. Statistical analysis was performed by using bivariate correlation analysis and one-way analysis of variance.

Results

The mean medial meniscus extrusion was 4.61 mm, and the mean duration of the disease was 15.52 months. The mean degree of chondral wear was 25.8%, and 63 out of 99 cases showed subchondral edema. The average alignment was 4.30 degrees, and the average size of the osteophyte was 1.48 mm. There were 40 cases (40.4%) with K/L grade I, 48 cases (48.5%) with grade II, 11 cases (11.1%) with grade III, and no cases with grade IV. In the group mean analysis between the K/L grade and the severity of medial meniscus extrusion, the average medial meniscus extrusions were 3.97 mm in grade I, 4.93 mm in grade II, and 5.59 mm in grade III. There was a statistical significance between the size of the osteophyte and the severity of medial meniscus extrusion (P = 0.000), K/L grade, and the severity of medial meniscus extrusion (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The severity of medial meniscus extrusion with medial meniscus posterior horn root tear is associated with the size of the osteophyte and K/L grade.
Short knee radiographs can be inadequate for estimating TKA alignment in knees with bowing
Authors: Oh Sung-Mok , Bin Seong-Il , Kim Jae-Young , Lee Bum-Sik , Kim Jong-Min
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the discrepancy of alignment categorization in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between the anatomical femorotibial angle (aFTA) measured on short knee radiographs and the mechanical hip–knee–ankle axis angle (mHKA) measured on full-length radiographs in knees with and without bowing.

Methods

From January 2014 to June 2017, 107 of 526 osteoarthritic knees at our hospital were found to have femoral or tibial bowing. Bowing was defined as a femoral bowing angle (FBA) > 3° or < − 3° or a tibial bowing angle (TBA) > 2° or < − 2° in full-length preoperative radiographs. Among 419 knees without bowing, we selected 107 knees as a control group using propensity-score matching. Postoperative alignments were categorized by aFTA in short knee radiographs and mHKA in full-length radiographs into neutral (2° ≤ aFTA≤7°, − 3° ≤ mHKA≤3°), varus (aFTA< 2°, mHKA<− 3°), and valgus (aFTA> 7°, mHKA> 3°) alignments. We compared the categorization of alignments between knees with and without bowing using the McNemar test and used logistic regression to find factors for the alignment discordance.

Results

Coronal alignment was discordant in 26.2% of the knees with bowing and 13.1% of the knees without bowing (p < 0.001). FBAs were a significant factor affecting the discordance of alignment categorization (OR = 1.152, 95%CI 1.038–1.279, p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Short knee radiographs are insufficient for estimating coronal alignment after TKA, particularly in knees with femoral bowing.

Level of evidence: III

Retrospective comparative study.
Association between calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) R990G, CaSR A986S, and CaSR Q1011E gene polymorphisms and the risk of urolithiasis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Daryanto Besut , Purnomo Basuki Bambang , Gunawan Atma , Tamara Fredo , Hutama Saga Aditya , Mayasari Ema Dianita , Kusumaningrum Arum Gladys , Fajar Jonny Karunia
Published: December 2019

Backgrounds

In the last two decades, studies have been widely carried out to assess the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) gene in exon 7 and the risk of urolithiasis. However, inconsistency across the studies was reported. Therefore, our current study aimed to perform a meta-analysis concerning the association between the risk of urolithiasis and the gene polymorphisms of CaSR R990G, CaSR A986S, and CaSR Q1011E.

Methods

Published papers from PubMed, Embase, Cohcrane, and Web of science were included for the study, and they were analyzed using fixed or random effect model.

Results

A total of 11 papers consisting of eight papers evaluating CaSR R990G, nine papers evaluating CaSR A986S, and five papers evaluating CaSR Q1011E were included in our analysis. Our pooled calculation found that protective effect against urolithiasis was observed in R allele and RR genotype of CaSR R990G and A allele and AA genotype of CaSR A986S. Conversely, increased susceptibility to urolithiasis was found in G allele and RG genotype of CaSR R990G and S allele of CaSR A986S. Interestingly, our findings in sub-group analysis confirmed that the correlation between CaSR R990G and urolithiasis was found in Caucasian population. Meanwhile, in Asian population, the association was observed in CaSR A986S.

Conclusions

CaSR R990G and CaSR A986S, but not CaSR Q1011E, are associated with the risk of urolithiasis.
Groin Injuries in Soccer: Investigating the Effect of Age on Adductor Muscle Forces
Authors: DUPRÉ THOMAS , LYSDAL FILIP GERTZ , FUNKEN JOHANNES , MORTENSEN KRISTIAN R. L. , MÜLLER RALF , MAYER JAN , KRAHL HARTMUT , POTTHAST WOLFGANG
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The sudden rise in the injury incidence during adolescence is also evident in soccer-related injuries to the groin. Submaximal passing applies high stress on the adductor muscles and pubic symphysis and is therefore likely to be connected to the occurrence of groin injuries. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to compare hip joint kinematics and adductor muscle forces of different adolescent age groups during submaximal soccer passing.

Methods

Sixty participants, in four groups, younger than 12, 15, 16. and 23 yr (U12, U15, U16, U23), were analyzed. A Footbonaut, equipped with a 3D motion capture system consisting of 16 cameras, was used to capture kinematic data of short passes. Inverse dynamic analysis was performed to calculate muscle forces of 10 passes of each subject.

Results

The U15 group showed reduced angular velocities. A rise in hip adductor muscle forces was evident from the youngest group up to the oldest groups. The largest increase (49%) was found between U12 and U15. Lower-limb mass was identified as the best predictor for the increasing adductor force.

Conclusions

The reduced angular velocities of the U15 and the increase in muscle forces between all age groups were attributed to the increasing segment masses and length. This increases the moments of inertia of the leg segments thereby demanding higher forces to accelerate the segments. Most likely, the stress put upon the adductors apophyses increases during adolescence, as tendons are known to adapt slower than muscles, increasing the risk for overuse injuries. Coaches could use lower-limb mass as an indicator for fast increases in the force demand to identify players who would benefit from a reduced training volume.
The Common People and Material Relics of Antiquity the Afterlife of Ancient Coins in the Territory of Present-Day Poland in the Medieval and Modern Periods
Authors: Bogucki Mateusz , Dymowski Arkadiusz , Śnieżko Grzegorz
Published: December 2019

Ancient coinage, almost exclusively Roman denarii from the 1st or 2nd century AD, constitutes a small percentage of hoards and other assemblages dated (with the latest coins present) to either the Middle Ages or to the modern period in the territory of present-day Poland. Such finds can be seen as strongly indicating that ancient coinage did function as means of payment at that time. This hypothesis is further supported by written sources. Moreover, ancient coins have also been recorded at other sites in medieval and modern period contexts e.g. in burial sites, which are less easy to interpret than hoards. Finds often include pierced coins and others showing suspension loops, which suggests they may have been used as amulets, jewellery or devotional medals. Other finds, such as Roman coins placed in alms boxes in modern period churches in Silesia, also point to a religious context. At the same time, written sources attest that at least since the Late Middle Ages, Roman denarii were known to common people as ‘St John’s pennies’. The name is associated with a Christian interpretation of the image of the emperor’s head on the coin, resembling that of John the Baptist on a silver platter.
"Commentatio tertia, nummaria" by Johann Peter Titius. A Contribution to the Knowledge of Ancient Greek and Roman Coins in the 17th-century Gdańsk Academic Gymnasium
Authors: Awianowicz Bartosz
Published: December 2019

Johann Peter Titz (Lat. Titius, 1619-1689), a professor of rhetoric at the Gdańsk Academic Gymnasium is known as an author of speeches, poems, rhetorical and historical writings. However, in 1676 he published an important (though less known) work on numismatics: Commentatio tertia, nummaria, de pecunia vetere ac nova, abaco tabulisque exhibita (Third, Monetary Commentary, on Old and New Money, Presented on a Plate and in Tables) as a signifcant part (320 pages) of a collection of treatises of more than 1,000 pages entitled Manuductio ad excerpendum. The aim of the paper is to present the content of the Commentatio tertia, nummaria and its ancient and early modern sources. The overall approach to the Titius’ study shows its practical nature (almost a third of the entire argument is devoted to attempts to reconcile the values of various ancient denominations and accounting units with contemporary coins) which seems to suggest that it might have been used by students viewing the coin collection in the Gdańsk library. A more thorough examination of the Commentatio alongside an analysis of the accounts of the seventeenth-century Gdańsk writer’s numismatic collection may contribute to determining to what extent numismatics were a permanent feature in the gymnasium curriculum in Gdańsk in the latter seventeenth century, and to what extent the youth (juventus) of the Academic Gymnasium, to whom Titius was addressing his work, really wanted to and could identify ancient Greek, Roman and Jewish coins.
Climate change and the impact on young people: Part two
Authors: Enson Stephanie
Published: December 2019

The environmental challenges and uncertainties facing children and young people can have a profound impact on their mental health and wellbeing. In the second of this two-part mini-series, Stephanie Enson looks at climate activism, education and the importance of maintaining hope.
Kitlesel Açık Çevrimiçi Ders Yoluyla Yabancı Dil Olarak Türkçe Öğrenenlerin Profili
Authors: OZAN Özlem , ÖZARSLAN Yasin
Published: December 2019

Bu çalışmada Türkçe
Öğreniyorum kitlesel açık çevrimiçi dersine (Massive Open Online Course: MOOC)
kayıtlı yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğrenmek isteyen 104 ülkeden ve 136
milliyetten 6254 öğrenenin; Türkçe öğrenme nedenleri, anadilleri, milliyetleri
ve yaşadıkları ülkeler, eğitim seviyeleri, çalışma durumları, bildikleri
yabancı diller, internet kullanım alışkanlıkları ve ilgi alanlarına dair
dağılımların ve bunlar aralarındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Yabancılara
Türkçe öğretimi alanyazınında hem yurtiçindeki ve yurtdışındaki yabancıları hem
de böyle büyük ve çeşitlilik arz eden bir örneklemi kapsayan başka bir yayın
henüz yer almamaktadır. Bu nedenle çalışma, Türkçe öğrenmek isteyen
yabancıların demografik özelliklerini ortaya koyarak genel bir bakış açısı
sunması ve program geliştiricilere politika oluşturma süreçlerinde yol
gösterici bilgi sağlaması bakımından önemlidir. Araştırmada, kesitsel tarama
modeli kullanılmıştır. Veriler, öğrenme yönetim sistemi için özelleştirilen Kayıt
Formu üzerinden toplanmıştır. Analiz sonuçlarına göre yabancı dil öğrenmek
isteyenlerin çoğunluğu Türkiye’de yaşamaktadır (n = 4158, %
66.49). Yarıdan fazlası ikinci bir dil deneyimine sahip değildir (n = 3796,
% 60.70). Büyük çoğunluğunun anadili Arapçadır (n = 5100, %
81.55). Yarıya yakını önlisans veya lisans eğitim seviyesine sahiptir (n = 2782,
% 44.48), yine yarıya yakını çalışmaktadır (n = 2769, %
44.28). Öğrenenlerin yaklaşık dörtte üçünün çevrimiçi bir ders deneyimi
bulunmadığı (n = 4617, % 73.82)ve yarıdan fazlasının (n = 4253,
% 68.00) sosyal ağları
kullandığı belirlenmiştir.
Recent Developments in Weinreb Synthesis and Their Applications
Authors: Khalid Maher , Mohammedand Amin Kalo Shireen
Published: December 2019

N-methoxy-N-methyl amides or Weinreb amides are worthy embranchment of amide group and their rich functional groups in organic synthesis become a strong else unfeasible conversion. Weinreb amides are produced as an intermediate product of the reaction of carboxylic acids, acid chloride or esters with organometallic reagents, which was first uncovered in 1981. The direct conversion of carboxylic acids or acid chlorides or esters to ketones or aldehydes using organometallic reagents do not lead in high yields, because the intermediate ketones are still highly reactive toward the organometallic reagent. However, after derivatization to the corresponding Weinreb Amide, reaction with organometallics does give the desired ketones, as the initial adduct is stabilized and doesn't undergo further reactions. A nucleophilic addition to the Weinreb amides results in a unique and stable five-membered cyclic tetrahedral intermediate which protects the over-addition, leading to a selective conversion.
A Comparative Study of the Chemical Composition of the Extracts from Leaves, Stem Bark, and Root Bark of Cassia sieberiana: Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Kpegba Kafui , Eloh Kodjo , Evenamede Kodjo Selom , Afanyibo Yaovi-Gameli , Elomri Abdelhakim , Simalou Oudjaniyobi , Boyode Pakoupati , Agbonon Amegnona , Seguin Elisabeth
Published: December 2019

In Togo, the abusive use of the root of Cassia sieberiana D.C. in traditional medicine, contributes gradually to the rarefaction of the species. The general objective of this study is to promote the use of vital organs of Cassia sieberiana in traditional medicine in Togo. The identification of secondary metabolites of the extracts (cyclohexane, dichloromethane and methanol) was carried out by GC-MS and by CL-MS / MS. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed according to the well diffusion method and the MICs and MBCs according to the tube dilution method. Compounds such as sitosterol α-acetate, β-sitosterol, emodin, chaetochromine, luteolin, (±) -catechin, naringenin 5-O-rhamnoside, guibourtinidol- (4 alpha-> 6) -catechin and (-) - epiafzelechin are found in the root and in the stem bark. The identified molecules give the different methanolic extracts, an antibacterial effect on all the germs tested. At the end of this study, it appears that the chemical composition of the stem bark is almost similar to that of the root bark. The leaves would be better placed for the treatment of bacteria tested.
Heavy Metals Contamination of an Aquatic Environment and Health Risks Assessment in Two Fish Species: Case of the Guessabo Lake, Western Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Benoit Kouamé Kouakou , Séraphin Konan Kouakou , Félix Konan Koffi , Charles Boussou Koffi , Lazare Kouassi Kouakou
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contamination by heavy metals and the health risks of the residents of a watershed of the Sassandra river. Water and fish samples were taken from Guessabo Lake during the dry season and the rainy season. The average Hg, Pb, Cd and Zn concentrations in the water samples decreased during the rainy season by 20.51%, 80%, 18, 26% and 61.4%, respectively. In contrast, the average concentrations of As, Cu, Mn and Fe increased by 10%, 84.3%, 48.98% and 11.45%, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals in water samples follow the trend: Fe> Cu> Mn> Pb> As> Zn> Hg> Cd. All metals except Fe were within permitted limits for drinking water quality at all stations during both seasons. The increase of As, Mn and Fe in water samples during rainy season was inversely proportional to their covalent index. The average heavy metal pollution index (HPI) for each sampling station showed higher pollution at the G2 station. The average Heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) of dry season (28) decreased relatively after the rainy season (21). Pearson's analysis showed that cadmium correlates strongly with HPI (r = 0.896) and HEI (r = 0.95) and iron is also highly correlated with HPI (r = 0.961) and HEI (r = 0.999). The concentration of trace metals obtained in the muscles of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (demersal) and Tilapia spp (benthopelagic) showed that Tilapia spp concentrated more non-essential metals (Hg, Cd and As) than Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus. Human health risks of trace metals in fish muscle and water were low, but among the selected metals, As and Hg are the non-essential elements contributing more to the cumulative hazard quotient of HI (0.845) for children and (0.39) for adults.
Development of Stability Indicating, Validated Liquid Chromatographic Method for Estimation of Sarecycline in its Formulations
Authors: Unissa Azmath , Koneru Anupama , Khan M. Mushraff Ali , Varanasi Murali Balaram , Syed Imam Pasha
Published: December 2019

A stability indicating HPLC method was developed and for the estimation of Sarecycline Hydrochloride in tablet dosage form using C18 column with a mobile phase composition of 0.1M Na2PO4 and Acetonitrile in the ratio of 50:50 v/v . The detection wave maxima and retention time were found to 242nm and 3.876min respectively. The method validation was carried out according to International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines and the parameters namely; precision, accuracy, specificity, stability, robustness, linearity, limit of quantitation (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) are evaluated. The present developed RP-HPLC method shows the purity angle of peaks is less than their threshold angle, signifying that it to be suitable for stability studies. Hence, the developed method can be used for the successful estimation of Sarecycline in the pharmaceutical dosage formulations.
Woodcast versus standard casting material for the immobilization of nonoperatively treated distal radial fractures
Authors: Gwilym Stephen , Sansom Lucy , Rombach Ines , Dutton Susan J. , Achten Juul , Costa Matthew L.
Published: December 2019

Aims

Distal radial fractures are the most common fracture sustained by the adult population. Most can be treated using cast immobilization without the need for surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a definitive trial comparing the commonly used fibreglass cast immobilization with an alternative product called Woodcast. Woodcast is a biodegradable casting material with theoretical benefits in terms of patient comfort as well as benefits to the environment.

Methods

This was a multicentre, two-arm, open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled feasibility trial. Patients with a fracture of the distal radius aged 16 years and over were recruited from four centres in the UK and randomized (1:1) to receive a Woodcast or fibreglass cast. Data were collected on participant recruitment and retention, clinical efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability.

Results

Over an eight-month period, 883 patients were screened, 271 were found to be eligible, and 120 were randomized. Patient-reported outcome measures were available for 116 (97%) of participants at five weeks and 99 (83%) at three months. Clinical outcomes and patient acceptability were similar between the two interventions and no serious adverse events were reported in either intervention arm.

Conclusion

Both interventions were deemed efficacious and safe in the cohort studied. This study showed that a definitive study comparing Woodcast and fibreglass was feasible in terms of patient recruitment and retention. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):48–54