bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognition in Schizophrenia: Modeling the Interplay between Interleukin-1β C-511T Polymorphism, Metabolic Syndrome, and Sex
Authors: Bosia Marta , Spangaro Marco , Sapienza Jacopo , Martini Francesca , Civardi Serena , Buonocore Mariachiara , Bechi Margherita , Lorenzi Cristina , Cocchi Federica , Bianchi Laura , Guglielmino Carmelo , Cavallaro Roberto
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Cognitive deficits and metabolic disturbances are among the main determinants of functional impairment and reduced life expectancy in patients with schizophrenia, and they may share underlying biological mechanisms. Among these, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a key mediator of inflammatory response, is of particular interest. IL-1β C-511T polymorphism has been associated with neuropsychiatric conditions and, in the general population, with cognitive and metabolic alterations. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the IL-1β C-511T polymorphism on both cognition and metabolic syndrome in a sample of patients affected by schizophrenia, with a focus on sex differences. Methods: 138 patients with schizophrenia were assessed for metabolic parameters and neurocognitive measures by means of the Brief Assessment of Cognition Scale. The effects of IL-1β C-511T polymorphism on cognition and metabolic syndrome were evaluated in the context of general linear models. Results: The analysis showed a significant interaction between IL-1β genotype and sex on 2 core cognitive domains. In detail, among CC homozygous, females outperformed males on processing speed, while among T carriers, males outperformed females on executive functions. A significant interaction also emerged between metabolic syndrome, sex, and IL-1β genotype for executive functions, with worse performance for T carrier females with metabolic syndrome. No significant direct effect was observed for metabolic syndrome on cognition. Conclusion: These findings support the hypothesis that IL-1β polymorphism could play a key role in mediating the complex and refined relationship between metabolic syndrome and cognitive performance.
S100P Expression via DNA Hypomethylation Promotes Cell Growth in the Sessile Serrated Adenoma/Polyp-Cancer Sequence
Authors: Takahashi Sayo , Okamoto Koichi , Tanahashi Toshihito , Fujimoto Shota , Nakagawa Tadahiko , Bando Masahiro , Ma Beibei , Kawaguchi Tomoyuki , Fujino Yasuteru , Mitsui Yasuhiro , Kitamura Shinji , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Sato Yasushi , Muguruma Naoki , Bando Yoshimi , Sato Toshiro , Fujimori Takahiro , Takayama Tetsuji
Published: January 2021

Background/Aims: Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps) are a putative precursor lesion of colon cancer. Although the relevance of DNA hypermethylation in the SSA/P-cancer sequence is well documented, the role of DNA hypomethylation is unknown. We investigated the biological relevance of DNA hypomethylation in the SSA/P-cancer sequence by using 3-dimensional organoids of SSA/P. Methods: We first analyzed hypomethylated genes using datasets from our previous DNA methylation array analysis on 7 SSA/P and 2 cancer in SSA/P specimens. Expression levels of hypomethylated genes in SSA/P specimens were determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. We established 3-dimensional SSA/P organoids and performed knockdown experiments using a lentiviral shRNA vector. DNA hypomethylation at CpG sites of the gene was quantitated by MassARRAY analysis. Results: The mean number of hypomethylated genes in SSA/P and cancer in SSA/P was 41.6 ± 27.5 and 214 ± 19.8, respectively, showing a stepwise increment in hypomethylation during the SSA/P-cancer sequence. S100P, S100α2, PKP3, and MUC2 were most commonly hypomethylated in SSA/P specimens. The mRNA and protein expression levels of S100P, S100α2, and MUC2 were significantly elevated in SSA/P compared with normal colon tissues, as revealed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Among these, mRNA and protein levels were highest for S100P. Knockdown of the S100P gene using a lentiviral shRNA vector in 3-dimensional SSA/P organoids inhibited cell growth by >50% (p < 0.01). The mean diameter of SSA/P organoids with S100P gene knockdown was significantly smaller compared with control organoids. MassARRAY analysis of DNA hypomethylation in the S100P gene revealed significant hypomethylation at specific CpG sites in intron 1, exon 1, and the 5′-flanking promoter region. Conclusion: These results suggest that DNA hypomethylation, including S100P hypomethylation, is supposedly associated with the SSA/P-cancer sequence. S100P overexpression via DNA hypomethylation plays an important role in promoting cell growth in the SSA/P-cancer sequence.
Nonhormonal Treatment for Endometriosis Focusing on Redox Imbalance
Authors: Nagayasu Mika , Imanaka Shogo , Kimura Mai , Maruyama Sachiyo , Kobayashi Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

The aim of this review is to investigate the oxidant/antioxidant status and its regulatory mechanisms in patients with endometriosis and to summarize the antioxidant therapy as an alternative to hormonal therapy for endometriosis. Each keyword alone or in combination was used to search from PubMed and Embase by applying the filters of the title and the publication years between January 2000 and March 2020. Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by repeated episodes of hemorrhage. Methemoglobin in repeated hemorrhage produces large amounts of superoxide anion via the autoxidation of hemoglobin. Excessive free-radical production causes redox imbalance, leading to inadequate antioxidant defenses and damage to endometrial cells, but may contribute to endometrial cell growth and survival through activation of various signaling pathways. In addition, to overcome excessive oxidative stress, estradiol participates in the induction of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase in mitochondria. Several antioxidants that suppress free radicals may be effective in endometriosis-related pain. We searched for 23 compounds and natural substances that could reduce the pain caused by superoxide/reactive oxygen species in basic research and animal models. Next, we built a list of 16 drugs that were suggested to be effective against endometriosis other than hormone therapy in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Of the 23 and 16 drugs, 4 overlapping drugs could be potential candidates for clinically reducing endometriosis-related pain caused by superoxide anion/reactive oxygen species. These drugs include polyphenols (resveratrol and polydatin), dopamine agonists (cabergoline), and statins (simvastatin). However, no randomized controlled trials have evaluated the efficacy of these drugs. In conclusion, this review summarizes the following 2 points: superoxide anion generation by methemoglobin is enhanced in endometriosis, resulting in redox imbalance; and some compounds and natural substances that can suppress free radicals may be effective in endometriosis-related pain. Further randomized clinical trials based on larger series are mandatory to confirm the promising role of antioxidants in the nonhormonal management of endometriosis.
Turismo Sustentáve e indicadores econômicos e visuais da paisagem
Authors: Aráujo Wilson Alves de , Gonçalves Carina de Farias , Lins Ittana de Oliveira , Costa Pollyanna Alves Dias
Published: January 2021

A atividade turística apresenta-se como uma das indústrias mais importantes em todo o mundo e desempenha papel fundamental no desenvolvimento de muitas regiões. Observa-se, também, que tem adquirido importância nos debates atuais sobre desenvolvimento sustentável. Portanto, o presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar e discorrer sobre as abordagens conceituais e metodológicas dos principais indicadores utilizados na literatura para avaliar e monitorar a qualidade da paisagem. Destacam-se os indicadores econômicos da paisagem no contexto do desenvolvimento do turismo sustentável. Nesse sentido, do ponto de vista metodológico, desenvolve-se uma pesquisa explicativa e bibliográfica, mediante uma revisão de material já publicado; e, como base empírica, realizam-se estudos referentes à análise de paisagens turísticas, realizados no Brasil. Subsídios conceituais e metodológicos para a aplicação de indicadores econômicos e visuais da paisagem na atividade turística foram apresentados ao longo do trabalho. Os resultados observados nos referidos estudos apontam no sentido de considerar relevante a utilização de indicadores econômicos da paisagem com o propósito de mitigar os impactos ambientais nesses destinos turísticos.
Thiazide-Sensitive NCC (Sodium-Chloride Cotransporter) in Human Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Preston Richard A. , Afshartous David , Caizapanta Evelyn V. , Materson Barry J. , Rodco Rolando , Alonso Eileen , Alonso Alberto B.
Published: January 2021

The thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC;SLC12A3) is central to sodium and blood pressure regulation. Metabolic syndrome induces NCC upregulation generating sodium-sensitive hypertension in experimental animal models. We tested the role of NCC in sodium sensitivity in hypertensive humans with metabolic syndrome. Conversely, oral potassium induces NCC downregulation producing potassium-induced natriuresis. We determined the time course and magnitude of potassium-induced natriuresis compared with the natriuresis following hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) as a reference standard. We studied 19 obese hypertensive humans with metabolic syndrome during 13-day inpatient confinement. We determined sodium sensitivity by change in 24-hour mean systolic pressure by automated monitor from days 5 (low sodium) to 10 (high sodium). We determined NCC activity by standard 50 mg HCTZ sensitivity test (day 11). We determined potassium-induced natriuresis following 35 mmol KCl (day 13). We determined (1) whether NCC activity was greater in sodium-sensitive versus sodium-resistant participants and correlated with sodium sensitivity and (2) time course and magnitude of potassium-induced natriuresis following 35 mmol KCl directly compared with 50 mg HCTZ. NCC activity was not greater in sodium-sensitive versus sodium-resistant humans and did not correlate with sodium sensitivity. Thirty-five-millimoles KCl produced a rapid natriuresis approximately half that of 50 mg HCTZ with a greater kaliuresis. Our investigation tested a key hypothesis regarding NCC activity in human hypertension and characterized potassium-induced natriuresis following 35 mmol KCl compared with 50 mg HCTZ. In obese hypertensive adults with metabolic syndrome ingesting a high-sodium diet, 35 mmol KCl had a net natriuretic effect approximately half that of 50 mg HCTZ.
Blood Pressure and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in UK Biobank
Authors: Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Fung Wing Tung , Schooling C. Mary , Au Yeung Shiu Lun , Kwok Man Ki , Yu Esther Yee Tak , Wang Yuan , Chan Esther Wai Yin , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen
Published: January 2021

This study aims to evaluate the causal association of blood pressure (BP) with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Two-sample Mendelian randomization was performed using a large genome-wide association study (n=299 024) and the UK Biobank cohort (n=375 256). We identified 327 and 364 single-nucleotide polymorphisms strongly and independently associated with systolic BP and diastolic BP, respectively, as genetic instruments to assess the causal association of BP with total CVD, CVD mortality, and 14 cardiovascular conditions. Nonlinearity was examined with nonlinear instrumental variable assumptions. Genetically predicted BP was significantly positively associated with total CVD (systolic BP, per 10 mm Hg: odds ratio [OR], 1.32 [95% CI, 1.25–1.40]; diastolic BP, per 5 mm Hg: OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.15–1.26]). Similar positive causal associations were observed for 14 cardiovascular conditions including ischemic heart disease (systolic BP, per 10 mm Hg: OR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.24–1.41]; diastolic BP, per 5 mm Hg: OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.14–1.27]) and stroke (systolic BP, per 10 mm Hg: OR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.24–1.48]; diastolic BP, per 5 mm Hg: OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.12–1.28]). Nonlinearity Mendelian randomization test demonstrated linear causal association of BP with these outcomes. Consistent estimates were observed in sensitivity analyses, suggesting robustness of the associations and minimal horizontal pleiotropy. The linear positive causal association of BP and CVD was consistent with previous findings that lower BP is better, thus consolidating clinical knowledge on hypertension management in CVD risk reduction.
Interlaboratory Application of Raman CO2 Densimeter Equations: Experimental Procedure and Statistical Analysis Using Bootstrapped Confidence Intervals
Authors: Remigi Samantha , Mancini Tullio , Ferrando Simona , Frezzotti Maria Luce
Published: January 2021

Raman spectroscopy has been used extensively to calculate CO2 fluid density in many geological environments, based on the measurement of the Fermi diad split (Δ; cm–1) in the CO2 spectrum. While recent research has allowed the calibration of several Raman CO2 densimeters, there is a limit to the interlaboratory application of published equations. These calculate two classes of density values for the same measured Δ, with a deviation of 0.09 ± 0.02 g/cm3 on average. To elucidate the influence of experimental parameters on the calibration of Raman CO2 densimeters, we propose a bottom-up approach beginning with the calibration of a new equation, to evaluate a possible instrument-dependent variability induced by experimental conditions. Then, we develop bootstrapped confidence intervals for density estimate of existing equations to move the statistical analysis from a sample-specific to a population level. We find that Raman densimeter equations calibrated based on spectra acquired with similar spectral resolution calculate CO2 density values lying within standard errors of equations and are suitable for the interlaboratory application. The statistical analysis confirms that equations calibrated at similar spectral resolution calculate CO2 densities equivalent at 95% confidence, and each Raman densimeter does have a limit of applicability, statistically defined by a minimum Δ value, below which the error in calculated CO2 densities is too high.
Stigma Resistance and Well-Being in the Context of the Mental Illness Identity
Authors: Marcussen Kristen , Gallagher Mary , Ritter Christian
Published: January 2021

We use a perceptual control model of identity to examine the relationship between stigmatized appraisals (from self and other) and well-being among individuals with serious mental illness. We also examine the role of stigma resistance strategies in the identity process. Using in-depth interviews with active clients of a community mental health center (N = 156), we find that deflection, or distancing oneself from mental illness, is associated with greater self-esteem and fewer depressive symptoms. Challenging others through education is associated with higher self-esteem, and challenging stigma through activism is associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Activism also moderates the relationship between identity discrepancy (the difference between appraisals from self and other) and well-being; however, the extent to which activism is helpful or harmful depends on whether appraisals from others are more or less stigmatizing than self-views. We discuss the implications of these findings for identity and stigma research.
“He should so be in jail”: An Empirical Study on Preverbal So in American English
Authors: Stange Ulrike
Published: January 2021

This paper explores the use of so-called GenX so as a modifier of verb phrases, as exemplified in “He should so be in jail” (SOAP, DAYS, 2005). Drawing on over 1350 relevant tokens retrieved from the Corpus of American Soap Operas (SOAP) (Davies 2011-, 100 million words from 2001-2012), the main purpose of the present study is to provide robust empirical evidence for various findings yielded by small-scale studies and by introspection. The results corroborate some of the previous findings, while others, particularly those based on introspection, are challenged in light of empirical (counter)evidence. The data show that preverbal so is very flexible in that it can occur in various syntactic slots and with a large number of different verbs (wide collocational range) and with different kinds of verbs (full, modal, auxiliary). In a large data set (such as that from SOAP), GenX so is even attested in questions, before auxiliaries in affirmative uses, and after the negator not. Moreover, preverbal so is expanding its functional range from intensification to emphasis.
Looking for truth in absurdity: Humour as community-building and dissidence against authoritarianism
Authors: Korkut Umut , McGarry Aidan , Erhart Itir , Eslen-Ziya Hande , Jenzen Olu
Published: January 2021

What makes humour an honest and a direct communication tool for people? How do social networking and digital media transmit user-generated political and humorous content? Our research argues that the way in which humour is deployed through digital media during protest action allows protestors to assert humanity and sincerity against dehumanising political manipulation frameworks. Humorous content, to this extent, enables and is indicative of independent thinking and creativity. It causes contemplation, confronts the hegemonic power of the oppressor, and challenges fear and apathy. In order to conduct this research, we collected and analysed tweets shared during the Gezi Park protests. Gezi Parkı was chosen as the keyword since it was an unstructured and neutral term. Among millions of visual images shared during the protests, we concentrate on those that depict humour both in photography and video formats.
Dynastic rule in Syria and North Korea: Nepotism, succession, and sibling rivalry
Authors: Yates Douglas A
Published: January 2021

Dynastic rule in republics is a global trend. Using a qualitative life-story-and-family-history method to compare two republican dynasties – the Assads of Syria and Kims of North Korea – this article examines how ruthless kin groups establish themselves in power, practice nepotism and corrupt republican institutions of government with dynastic succession. Focusing on sibling rivalry, a potentially destructive threat to dynasties, it contributes to an emerging political science literature on republican political families by exploring five factors that shape sibling conflict and cooperation.
Prognostic value of advanced lung cancer inflammation index in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases undergoing surgery
Authors: Pian Guangzhe , Hong Sung Yeon , Oh Seung Yeop
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Recently, a new inflammatory marker, the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI), was reported as a prognostic marker in patients with several cancers. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of ALI in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLM) undergoing surgery.

Methods:

From June 2009 to June 2018, 141 patients underwent a surgery for CLM at Ajou University Hospital, of whom 132 without extrahepatic metastases, systemic inflammatory diseases, or immune system diseases were enrolled in this study. The ALI was calculated using the following formula: ALI = body mass index × serum albumin/neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The patients were divided into high (n = 32) and low (n = 100) ALI groups according to the preoperative optimal cutoff value of 70.40 that was determined by X-tile software.

Results:

Patients with low ALI had a significantly worse overall survival (OS) compared to the high ALI group ( p = 0.010). Multivariate analysis showed that ALI and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were independently associated with OS ( p = 0.009 and p = 0.042, respectively). Among the patients with CEA >5 ng/mL, the low ALI group had a significantly worse OS compared to the high ALI group ( p = 0.013).

Conclusion:

Preoperative ALI was a prognostic factor in patients with CLM undergoing surgery. In particular, the prognostic impact of ALI was more prominent in the patients with CEA >5 ng/mL.
The comparison between traditional spark ignition and micro flame ignition in gasoline high dilution combustion
Authors: Feng Yifang , Chen Tao , Xu Kang , Wang Xinyan , Xie Hui , Zhao Hua
Published: January 2021

Gasoline spark ignition (SI) – Controlled auto-ignition (CAI) hybrid combustion had previously been shown to expanding the operational range of high-efficiency low-temperature combustion and reducing fuel consumption. However, the spark ignition became ineffective when the mixture became highly diluted and the large cyclic variation and even misfire would occur. To achieve high-efficiency combustion in extended engine operational range and overcome the limitation of SI-CAI hybrid combustion, Micro Flame Ignition (MFI) was proposed and researched as a mean to providing multiple auto-ignition sites to initiate the combustion process of the diluted mixture. In this research, both engine experiments and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out to study the MFI combustion and SI-CAI hybrid combustion in a single-cylinder optical engine. Compared to the SI-CAI hybrid combustion, the flame propagation in MFI hybrid combustion was initiated by a large number of reaction fronts produced by the DME auto-ignition at multiple sites. MFI was found to deliver substantially more heat and ignition energy to the premixed mixture than the single spark ignition, enabling much faster initial heat release. However, the flame front expansion speed of MFI hybrid combustion dropped significantly to a similar value to that of the SI-CAI case because of the slower flame speed of diluted gasoline mixture. The MFI combustion exhibited three phases of autoignition stage, flame propagation stage and fast heat release stage. It is characterized by a higher peak heat release rate and shorter duration of the main combustion than those of the SI-CAI combustion. Besides, the use of spark ignition in the MFI operation promoted the autoignition of DME, leading to a shorter combustion duration and faster combustion than the MFI combustion without spark ignition. As a result, the spark assisted MFI strategy could be used to control the combustion phasing and optimize the MFI combustion process.
Survival of the cryptic: Tracing technological imaginaries across ideologies, infrastructures, and community practices
Authors: West Sarah Myers
Published: January 2021

This article explores an inflection point for a community of cryptography advocates as they grappled with a series of cascading failures. Drawing on 3 years of ethnographic observation and interviews at conferences devoted to building privacy systems, I consider how a determinist conception of encryption technologies inhibited the widespread adoption of privacy technologies. I develop the frame of “survival of the cryptic” to call attention to the way this conception fails to acknowledge how power shapes the conditions of surveillance: that race and racism, gender and misogyny affect not only who is most impacted by surveillance but also how the encryption technologies developed to inhibit surveillance were designed—and, as importantly, who they were designed for. I conclude by offering a new imaginary for encryption that draws on queer, black and feminist thought by centering the need to create safe and autonomous spaces for collective survival under conditions of mass surveillance.
Are we ready? Labour market transit to the digital economy
Authors: Didier Nicolás
Published: January 2021

Industrialised countries are currently facing the knowledge-to-digital economy transition. That transition is strictly defined by how the labour market is organised and operates in the national economy. Some old to new phenomena are determinants of those dimensions, such as educational mismatch, credential inflation, and job polarisation. These phenomena affect the relationship between schooling and earnings, carrying consequences for social mobility, household welfare, and an individual's social progression perspective. Those phenomena remain understudied in the context of Latin America. Chile's case has gained relevance in the region due to the highly deregulated organisation of its educational market, the quality increase in its higher education institutions, and its funding policies for higher education. This work attempts to provide an extended diagnosis of the Chilean labour market, considering the impact of these emerging issues on the educational market and policymaking. The results show that 83.6% of Chilean employees experience an educational mismatch (overeducation and undereducation); credential inflation has depreciated the value of education over five of the six occupational categories – besides the polarisation index for industrialised countries such as the United Kingdom.
Plantar Skin Defect Reconstruction: A Large Series With a 15-Year Follow-up
Authors: Nazerani Shahram , Nazerani Tina , Keramati Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2021

Extensive plantar skin defects pose a difficult situation for reconstructive surgeon, but the decision of reconstruction with multiple operations or primary below knee amputation is still open to discussion. Sole of the foot is a specialized tissue; it is important to reconstruct “like for like,” that is, a kind of tissue that can endure the wear and tear of daily life and this description fits only “foot skin”; in other words, there is no better substitute for weight-bearing plantar skin, heel and forefoot, except the plantar skin itself. In this article, we present our 25 years’ experience of the plantar skin defect surgery with long-term follow-up. Our long-term poor results of foot reconstruction with skin and/or muscle flaps is compared with the durable and ulcer-free midsole flap reconstructions. In a total of 22 patients, 8 latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps, 11 mid sole flaps, and 1 groin flap, 1 reverse sural flap, and 1 free rectus muscle flap were used to resurface the plantar area. The patients underwent mid sole flap were satisfied with their results; however, the patients underwent latissimus dorsi flap were not completely satisfied and 2 of these patients had below knee amputation due to recurrent ulcerations and osteomyelitis. We recommend free vascularized or pedicled plantar skin flaps as the best choice for small, less than two thirds of plantar skin, heel and forefoot defects, and in extensive defects, and for defects of more than two thirds of plantar skin, amputation might be the better solution.
Platelet storage pool disorder in pregnancy: Utilising thromboelastography to guide a risk-based delivery plan
Authors: Snow Timothy AC , Abdul-Kadir Rezan A , Gomez Keith , England Adrian
Published: January 2021

We present a case of a 33-year-old woman in her third pregnancy diagnosed with platelet storage pool disorder who had previously suffered two postpartum major obstetric haemorrhages. Platelet storage pool disorder is a rare bleeding disorder where the platelet count is normal but platelet function is impaired due to deficiency of dense granules. A peripartum plan devised by an extensive multi-disciplinary team using principles for managing other bleeding and platelet function disorders helped minimise her risk of major haemorrhage. We also describe how point-of-care thromboelastography can help guide management and enable an individualised risk-benefit discussion with the woman about her anaesthetic choices.
Operative Treatment of Bipartite Patella in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes: A Retrospective Comparison With a Nonoperatively Treated Cohort
Authors: Kallini Jennifer , Micheli Lyle J. , Miller Patricia E. , Kramer Dennis E. , Kocher Mininder S. , Heyworth Benton E.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Bipartite patella (BPP) is a developmental anomaly that forms when incomplete patellar ossification leaves a residual fibrocartilaginous synchondrosis between ossification centers. Repetitive traction forces across the synchondrosis can cause knee pain, most commonly presenting in adolescence. Symptoms frequently resolve with nonoperative management. Few surgical case series exist to guide treatment approaches for refractory pain.

Purpose:

To investigate the clinical features, surgical techniques, and outcomes associated with operative treatment of symptomatic BPP in pediatric and adolescent athletes and to compare features of the series with a large control group managed nonoperatively.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective medical record review was conducted of all patients aged ≤20 years who were diagnosed with symptomatic, radiologically confirmed BPP between 2003 and 2018 at a single tertiary-care pediatric hospital (N = 266). Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed, and additional radiologic and perioperative variables were collected for the surgical subcohort.

Results:

Of the 266 patients included, 27 were treated operatively (10.2%). When compared with those treated nonoperatively (with rest, physical therapy, cryotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications), the operatively managed group experienced a longer duration of symptoms before first presentation (21.5 vs 7.6 months; P < .001) and were more likely to be older (mean age, 15.4 vs 12.4 years; P < .001), female (59.3% vs 35.6%; P = .03), and competitive athletes (100% vs 84.5%; P = .02). In the 27 patients treated operatively, procedures were categorized as isolated fragment excision (n = 9), fragment excision with lateral release (n = 8), isolated lateral release (n = 5), fragment screw fixation (n = 4), and synchondrosis drilling (n = 1). The mean time between surgery and return to sports was 2.2 months. Four patients (14.8%) reported residual symptoms requiring secondary surgery, including lateral release (n = 1), excision of residual fragment (n = 1), and fixation screw removal (n = 2).

Conclusion:

BPP can cause knee pain in adolescent athletes and is generally responsive to nonoperative treatment. Patients undergoing surgical treatment—most commonly female competitive athletes with prolonged symptoms—represented 10% of cases. A variety of surgical techniques may be effective, with a 15% risk of persistent or recurrent symptoms warranting reoperation. Prospective multicenter investigations are needed to identify optimal candidates for earlier interventions and the optimal operative treatment technique.
An Overview of Self-piercing Riveting Process with Focus on Joint Failures, Corrosion Issues and Optimisation Techniques
Authors: Ang Hua Qian
Published: January 2021

Self-piercing riveting (SPR) is a cold forming technique used to fasten together two or more sheets of materials with a rivet without the need to predrill a hole. The application of SPR in the automotive sector has become increasingly popular mainly due to the growing use of lightweight materials in transportation applications. However, SPR joining of these advanced light materials remains a challenge as these materials often lack a good combination of high strength and ductility to resist the large plastic deformation induced by the SPR process. In this paper, SPR joints of advanced materials and their corresponding failure mechanisms are discussed, aiming to provide the foundation for future improvement of SPR joint quality. This paper is divided into three major sections: 1) joint failures focusing on joint defects originated from the SPR process and joint failure modes under different mechanical loading conditions, 2) joint corrosion issues, and 3) joint optimisation via process parameters and advanced techniques.
Direct and cross price elasticities of demand for gasoline, diesel, hybrid and battery electric cars: the case of Norway
Authors: Fridstrøm Lasse , Østli Vegard
Published: January 2021

Aim

The primary goals of this research is (i) to derive direct and cross demand market response functions for automobile powertrains and their energy carriers and (ii) to assess how CO2 emissions from automobiles depend on vehicle and energy prices

Methods

The market demand for automobiles with differing powertrains is studied by means of a discrete choice model. Statistically precise coefficient estimates are calculated by means of a highly disaggregate data set consisting of virtually all 1.8 million new passenger car transactions in Norway during 2002–2016. Having estimated the model, we derive market response parameters in the form of direct and cross price elasticities of demand for gasoline, diesel, ordinary hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric cars.

Results

The own-price elasticity of gasoline driven cars is estimated at −1.08, and those of diesel driven, battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric cars at –0.99, −1.27 and −1.72, respectively, as of 2016 in Norway. The cross price elasticities of demand for gasoline cars with respect to the price of diesel cars, and vice versa, are estimated at 0.64 and 0.51, while the cross price elasticities of demand for battery electric cars with respect to the prices of gasoline and diesel driven cars come out at 0.36 and 0.48, respectively. A 1 % increase in the price of liquid fuel in general is found to reduce the average type approval rate of CO2 emission from new passenger cars by an estimated 0.19%.

Conclusion

Fiscal policy measures affecting the prices of vehicles and fuel have a considerable potential for changing the long term composition of the vehicle fleet and its energy consumption, climate footprint and general environmental impact.
Alternative adjustment for seasonality and long-term time-trend in time-series analysis for long-term environmental exposures and disease counts
Authors: Kim Honghyok , Lee Jong-Tae , Fong Kelvin C. , Bell Michelle L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Time-series analysis with case-only data is a prominent method for the effect of environmental determinants on disease events in environmental epidemiology. In this analysis, adjustment for seasonality and long-term time-trend is crucial to obtain valid findings. When applying this analysis for long-term exposure (e.g., months, years) of which effects are usually studied via survival analysis with individual-level longitudinal data, unlike its application for short-term exposure (e.g., days, weeks), a standard adjustment method for seasonality and long-term time-trend can extremely inflate standard error of coefficient estimates of the effects. Given that individual-level longitudinal data are difficult to construct and often available to limited populations, if this inflation of standard error can be solved, rich case-only data over regions and countries would be very useful to test a variety of research hypotheses considering unique local contexts.

Methods

We discuss adjustment methods for seasonality and time-trend used in time-series analysis in environmental epidemiology and explain why standard errors can be inflated. We suggest alternative methods to solve this problem. We conduct simulation analyses based on real data for Seoul, South Korea, 2002–2013, and time-series analysis using real data for seven major South Korean cities, 2006–2013 to identify whether the association between long-term exposure and health outcomes can be estimated via time-series analysis with alternative adjustment methods.

Results

Simulation analyses and real-data analysis confirmed that frequently used adjustment methods such as a spline function of a variable representing time extremely inflate standard errors of estimates for associations between long-term exposure and health outcomes. Instead, alternative methods such as a combination of functions of variables representing time can make sufficient adjustment with efficiency.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that time-series analysis with case-only data can be applied for estimating long-term exposure effects. Rich case-only data such as death certificates and hospitalization records combined with repeated measurements of environmental determinants across countries would have high potentials for investigating the effects of long-term exposure on health outcomes allowing for unique contexts of local populations.
Severe Guillain-Barré syndrome after surgery for multiple fractures: a rare case report with a 5-year follow-up and a brief review of the literature
Authors: Chen Jian , Ma Jian-xiong , Zuo Cai-hong , Zhang Qing , Chen Heng-ting , Ma Xin-long
Published: January 2021

Background

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most common and serious acute paralytic neuropathy and is usually caused by infection. It is thought to be the result of an aberrant response of the immune system. To our knowledge, GBS, especially severe GBS, after orthopaedic surgery has rarely been reported.

Case presentation

We herein report the case of a 58-year-old man who developed quadriplegia and respiratory failure on the 6th day after surgery for multiple fractures. The patient had no symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal tract infection within 4 weeks before the onset. The white blood cell count was normal, and there was no redness, swelling, heat or pain in the surgical incision. Brain, cervical and thoracic magnetic resonance imaging were normal, albuminocytological dissociation was found on cerebrospinal fluid examination, and electrophysiological examination showed that sensory and motor nerve evoked potentials could not be elicited. A diagnosis of post-traumatic GBS was made, and the patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange, as well as supportive care and rehabilitation exercise. The length of stay was 18 months, and the in-hospital-related costs amounted to $127,171. At the last follow-up, the patient had recovered only grade 3 power in the upper limbs and grade 2 power in the lower limbs.

Conclusions

Severe GBS is a rare complication after orthopaedic surgery. When progressive weakness occurs in trauma patients, the possibility of GBS should be considered, and cerebrospinal fluid and electrophysiological examinations should be performed in a timely manner. For patients with severe GBS after trauma, the treatment costs may be high, and the prognosis may be poor.
Construction and prognostic analysis of miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in liver metastasis from colorectal cancer
Authors: Cai Ruyun , Lu Qian , Wang Da
Published: January 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, and liver metastasis is the leading cause of colorectal cancer-related deaths. However, the mechanism of liver metastasis in CRC has not been clearly elucidated.

Methods

Three datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were subjected to functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction analysis. Subsequently, mRNA-miRNA network was constructed, and the associated DEGs and DEMs were performed for prognostic analysis. Finally, we did infiltration analysis of growth arrest specific 1 (GAS1)-associated immune cells.

Results

We obtained 325 DEGs and 9 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between primary CRC and liver metastases. Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interactions (PPI) further revealed the involvement of DEGs in the formation of the inflammatory microenvironment and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during the liver metastases process in CRC. Survival analysis demonstrated that low-expressed GAS1 as well as low-expressed hsa-miR-33b-5p was a favorable prognostic indicator of overall survival. Further exploration of GAS1 revealed that its expression was interrelated with the infiltration of immune cells in tumor tissues.

Conclusions

In summary, DEGs, DEMs, and their interactions found in liver metastasis of CRC may provide a basis for further understanding of the mechanism of CRC metastasis.
Dynamic changes of region-specific cortical features and scalp-to-cortex distance: implications for transcranial current stimulation modeling
Authors:   for the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies, Lu Hanna , Li Jing , Zhang Li , Chan Sandra Sau Man , Lam Linda Chiu Wa
Published: January 2021

Background

Transcranial current stimulation in rehabilitation is a fast-growing field featured with computational and biophysical modeling. Cortical features and scalp-to-cortex distance (SCD) are key variables for determining the strength and distribution of the electric field, yet longitudinal studies able to capture these dynamic changes are missing. We sought to investigate and quantify the ageing effect on the morphometry and SCD of left primary motor cortex (M1) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in normal ageing adults and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) converters.

Methods

Baseline, 1-year and 3-year follow-up structural magnetic resonance imaging scans from normal ageing adults (n = 32), and MCI converters (n = 22) were drawn from the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies. We quantified the changes of the cortical features and SCDs of left M1 and DLPFC, including grey matter volume, white matter volume, cortical thickness, and folding. Head model was developed to simulate the impact of SCD on the electric field induced by transcranial current stimulation.

Results

Pronounced ageing effect was found on the SCD of left DLPFC in MCI converters. The SCD change of left DLPFC from baseline to 3-year follow-up demonstrated better performance to discriminate MCI converters from normal ageing adults than the other morphometric measures. The strength of electric field was consequently decreased with SCD in MCI converters.

Conclusion

Ageing has a prominent, but differential effect on the region-specific SCD and cortical features in older adults with cognitive impairments. Our findings suggest that SCD, cortical thickness, and folding of the targeted regions could be used as valuable imaging markers when conducting transcranial brain stimulation in individuals with brain atrophy.
Portals to frailty? Data-driven analyses detect early frailty profiles
Authors: Bohn Linzy , Zheng Yao , McFall G. Peggy , Dixon Roger A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Frailty is an aging condition that reflects multisystem decline and an increased risk for adverse outcomes, including differential cognitive decline and impairment. Two prominent approaches for measuring frailty are the frailty phenotype and the frailty index. We explored a complementary data-driven approach for frailty assessment that could detect early frailty profiles (or subtypes) in relatively healthy older adults. Specifically, we tested whether (1) modalities of early frailty profiles could be empirically determined, (2) the extracted profiles were differentially related to longitudinal cognitive decline, and (3) the profile and prediction patterns were robust for males and females.

Methods

Participants (n = 649; M age = 70.61, range 53–95) were community-dwelling older adults from the Victoria Longitudinal Study who contributed data for baseline multi-morbidity assessment and longitudinal cognitive trajectory analyses. An exploratory factor analysis on 50 multi-morbidity items produced 7 separable health domains. The proportion of deficits in each domain was calculated and used as continuous indicators in a data-driven latent profile analysis (LPA). We subsequently examined how frailty profiles related to the level and rate of change in a latent neurocognitive speed variable.

Results

LPA results distinguished three profiles: not-clinically-frail (NCF; characterized by limited impairment across indicators; 84%), mobility-type frailty (MTF; characterized by impaired mobility function; 9%), and respiratory-type frailty (RTF; characterized by impaired respiratory function; 7%). These profiles showed differential neurocognitive slowing, such that MTF was associated with the steepest decline, followed by RTF, and then NCF. The baseline frailty index scores were the highest for MTF and RTF and increased over time. All observations were robust across sex.

Conclusions

A data-driven approach to early frailty assessment detected differentiable profiles that may be characterized as morbidity-intensive portals into broader and chronic frailty. Early inventions targeting mobility or respiratory deficits may have positive downstream effects on frailty progression and cognitive decline.
Dermal immune responses against Psoroptes ovis in two cattle breeds and effects of anti-inflammatory dexamethasone treatment on the development of psoroptic mange
Authors: Chen Zhenzhen , Claerebout Edwin , Chiers Koen , Pas Mathilde , Pardon Bart , van Mol Wouter , Casaert Stijn , De Wilde Nathalie , Duchateau Luc , Geldhof Peter
Published: January 2021

Psoroptic mange is a common disease of livestock, caused byPsoroptes ovis. Compared to Holstein–Friesian (HF) cattle, the Belgian Blue (BB) cattle breed is highly susceptible to the infestation. However, the mechanism for this difference is still unclear. To determine the factors responsible for this breed susceptibility, the immune response toP. oviswas studied in experimentally infested BB and HF cattle, using clinical signs, histology, immunohistochemical profiling and gene expression analysis of skin biopsies. The mite numbers and lesion area of BB cattle were greater than in HF during the whole study period. Significant influxes of eosinophils in the epidermis and dermis were detected in comparison with the pre-infestation samples in both breeds, with significantly higher eosinophils in BB at 6 weeks post infestation (wpi). Mast cell numbers were unaffected at all stages of infestation in HF, but were significantly elevated relative to pre-infestation in BB cattle at 2 and 6 wpi. The more pronounced cutaneous eosinophilia and higher IL-4 levels at 6 wpi in BB cattle suggest that a Th2-type immune response is underlying the higher susceptibility of the BB breed. In naturally infested BB cattle, development of the psoroptic mange lesions and eosinophils and CD3+ T cell areas were severely depressed after anti-inflammatory treatment with dexamethasone. Together, these results suggest that a stronger Th2-type immune response toP. oviscauses the skin lesions in psoroptic mange in BB cattle and that local anti-inflammatory treatment could potentially be an alternative to control the pathology caused by this parasite.
Systemic and intestinal porcine epidemic diarrhea virus-specific antibody response and distribution of antibody-secreting cells in experimentally infected conventional pigs
Authors: Suda Yuto , Miyazaki Ayako , Miyazawa Kohtaro , Shibahara Tomoyuki , Ohashi Seiichi
Published: January 2021

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is a coronavirus disease characterized by the rapid spread of severe diarrhea among pigs. PED virus (PEDV) infects and replicates mainly in the epithelial cells of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon. Serum or mucosal IgA antibody levels have been used to predict both vaccine efficacy and the level of protective immunity to enteric infectious diseases in individuals or herds. Details of the B-cell immune response upon PEDV infection, such as the systemic and mucosal PEDV IgA antibody response, the distribution of IgA antibody-secreting cells (ASCs), and their role in virus clearance are not yet clear. In this experimental infection study, we observed similar fluctuations in PEDV IgA antibody levels in serum and intestinal contents of the upper and lower jejunum and ileum, but not fecal samples, over the 4-week experimental course. ASCs that actively secrete PEDV IgA antibody without in vitro stimulation were distributed mainly in the upper jejunum, whereas memory B cells that showed enhanced PEDV IgA antibody production upon in vitro stimulation were observed in mesenteric lymph nodes and the ileum. Our findings will contribute to the development of effective vaccines and diagnostic methods for PEDV.
Dunkl-type generalization of the second kind beta operators via $(p,q)$-calculus
Authors: Nasiruzzaman Md. , Alotaibi Abdullah , Mursaleen M.
Published: January 2021

The main purpose of this research article is to construct a Dunkl extension of$(p,q)$(p,q)-variant of Szász–Beta operators of the second kind by applying a new parameter. We obtain Korovkin-type approximation theorems, local approximations, and weighted approximations. Further, we study the rate of convergence by using the modulus of continuity, Lipschitz class and Peetre’s K-functionals.