bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental evidence for opposing effects of high deer density on tick-borne pathogen prevalence and hazard
Authors: Gandy Sara , Kilbride Elizabeth , Biek Roman , Millins Caroline , Gilbert Lucy
Published: September 2021

Background

Identifying the mechanisms driving disease risk is challenging for multi-host pathogens, such asBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato (s.l.), the tick-borne bacteria causing Lyme disease. Deer are tick reproduction hosts but do not transmitB. burgdorferis.l., whereas rodents and birds are competent transmission hosts. Here, we use a long-term deer exclosure experiment to test three mechanisms for how high deer density might shapeB. burgdorferis.l. prevalence in ticks: increased prevalence due to higher larval tick densities facilitating high transmission on rodents (M1); alternatively, reducedB. burgdorferis.l. prevalence because more larval ticks feed on deer rather than transmission-competent rodents (dilution effect) (M2), potentially due to ecological cascades, whereby higher deer grazing pressure shortens vegetation which decreases rodent abundance thus reducing transmission (M3).

Methods

In a large enclosure where red deer stags were kept at high density (35.5 deer km−2), we used an experimental design consisting of eight plots of 0.23 ha, four of which were fenced to simulate the absence of deer and four that were accessible to deer. In each plot we measured the density of questing nymphs and nymphal infection prevalence in spring, summer and autumn, and quantified vegetation height and density, and small mammal abundance.

Results

Prevalence tended to be lower, though not conclusively so, in high deer density plots compared to exclosures (predicted prevalence of 1.0% vs 2.2%), suggesting that the dilution and cascade mechanisms might outweigh the increased opportunities for transmission mechanism. Presence of deer at high density led to shorter vegetation and fewer rodents, consistent with an ecological cascade. However, Lyme disease hazard (density of infectedI. ricinusnymphs) was five times higher in high deer density plots due to tick density being 18 times higher.

Conclusions

High densities of tick reproduction hosts such as deer can drive up vector-borne disease hazard, despite the potential to simultaneously reduce pathogen prevalence. This has implications for environmental pathogen management and for deer management, although the impact of intermediate deer densities now needs testing.

Graphical abstract
Association of LRRK2 rs11564258 single nucleotide polymorphisms with type and extent of gastrointestinal mycobiome in ulcerative colitis: a case–control study
Authors: Sharifinejad Niusha , Mozhgani Seyed Hamidreza , Bakhtiyari Mahmood , Mahmoudi Elaheh
Published: September 2021

Background

Recently, the role of endogenous microbiota and the genotype-microbiota correlation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis have been highlighted. However, fungi, as the second most prevalent residents of the intestine, and their primary receptor, Dectin-1, are underrated. Thus, we conducted the first human study investigating the association of Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) polymorphism (rs11564258) with type and the extent of intestinal fungi in IBD patients.

Material and methods

A case–control study was performed on 79 ulcerative colitis (UC)-patients (case group) and 58 healthy subjects (HS group). DNA was extracted from blood samples of both groups and amplified with the primers designed for the specific locus containing the LRRK2 polymorphism (rs11564258) and then sequenced. Dectin-1 and LRRK2 mRNA expression levels were also determined. Furthermore, the type and prevalence of fecal yeast species were surveyed in case and control groups.

Results

A positive correlation was observed between rs11564258 polymorphism and UC susceptibility (p = 0.008 vs. HS). Patients with active UC had the highest rate of isolated fungal colonies (50.41%), followed by patients with non-active UC (24.6%) and HS (25%). These results showed a relationship between UC severity with the increased fungal load. Candida albicans had the highest prevalence in both UC (78.7%) and HS groups (55.8%). Whereas Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the second most common species detected in HS (15.23%), it was significantly reduced in the UC patient group (1.68%) (P = 0.0001). On the other hand, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, rs11564258) was not correlated with the increased fungal flora in the UC patients. The expression of LRRK2 and Dectin-1 mRNA detected in blood samples was notably higher in the UC patients (P < 0.01) than in the HS group, without being affected by rs11564258 polymorphism.

Conclusions

Here, we disclosed that LRRK2 mediates Dectin-1 signaling pathway activation and subsequent inflammation in the UC patients without being affected by the presence of SNP rs11564258. Our data showed an increased global fungal load in the UC patients along with elevated UC susceptibility in cases carrying rs11564258 polymorphism. However, more clinical investigations, particularly in larger populations with different ethnic groups, are required to support this conclusion.
On generalized Bessel–Maitland function
Authors: Zayed Hanaa M.
Published: September 2021

An approach to the generalized Bessel–Maitland function is proposed in the present paper. It is denoted by$\mathcal{J}_{\nu , \lambda }^{\mu }$Jν,λμ, where$\mu >0$μ>0and$\lambda ,\nu \in \mathbb{C\ }$λ,ν∈Cget increasing interest from both theoretical mathematicians and applied scientists. The main objective is to establish the integral representation of$\mathcal{J}_{\nu ,\lambda }^{\mu }$Jν,λμby applying Gauss’s multiplication theorem and the representation for the beta function as well as Mellin–Barnes representation using the residue theorem. Moreover, themth derivative of$\mathcal{J}_{\nu ,\lambda }^{\mu }$Jν,λμis considered, and it turns out that it is expressed as the Fox–Wright function. In addition, the recurrence formulae and other identities involving the derivatives are derived. Finally, the monotonicity of the ratio between two modified Bessel–Maitland functions$\mathcal{I}_{\nu ,\lambda }^{\mu }$Iν,λμdefined by$\mathcal{I}_{\nu ,\lambda }^{\mu }(z)=i^{-2\lambda -\nu }\mathcal{J}_{ \nu ,\lambda }^{\mu }(iz)$Iν,λμ(z)=i−2λ−νJν,λμ(iz)of a different order, the ratio between modified Bessel–Maitland and hyperbolic functions, and some monotonicity results for$\mathcal{I}_{\nu ,\lambda }^{\mu }(z)$Iν,λμ(z)are obtained where the main idea of the proofs comes from the monotonicity of the quotient of two Maclaurin series. As an application, some inequalities (like Turán-type inequalities and their reverse) are proved. Further investigations on this function are underway and will be reported in a forthcoming paper.
Estimating thigh skeletal muscle volume using multi-frequency segmental-bioelectrical impedance analysis
Authors: Taniguchi Masashi , Yamada Yosuke , Yagi Masahide , Nakai Ryusuke , Tateuchi Hiroshige , Ichihashi Noriaki
Published: September 2021

Background

The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether using the extracellular water/intracellular water (ECW/ICW) index and phase angle combined with segmental-bioimpedance analysis (BIA) improved the model fitting of skeletal muscle volume (SMV) estimation. The secondary aim was to compare the accuracy of segmental-BIA with that of ultrasound for estimating the quadriceps SMV measured with MRI.

Methods

Seventeen young men (mean age, 23.8 ± 3.3 years) participated in the study. The T-1 weighted images of thigh muscles were obtained using a 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Thigh and quadriceps SMVs were calculated as the sum of the products of anatomical cross-sectional area and slice thickness of 6 mm across all slices. Segmental-BIA was applied to the thigh region, and data on the 50-kHz bioelectrical impedance (BI) index, ICW index, ECW/ICW index, and phase angle were obtained. The muscle thickness index was calculated as the product of the mid-thigh muscle thickness, determined using ultrasound, and thigh length. The standard error of estimate (SEE) of the regression equation was calculated to determine the model fitting of SMV estimation and converted to %SEE by dividing the SEE values by the mean SMV.

Results

Multiple regression analysis indicated that the combination of 50-kHz BI and the ECW/ICW index or phase angle was a significant predictor when estimating thigh SMV (SEE = 7.9 and 8.1%, respectively), but were lower than the simple linear regression (SEE = 9.4%). The ICW index alone improved the model fitting for the estimation equation (SEE = 7.6%). The model fitting of the quadriceps SMV with the 50-kHz BI or ICW index was similar to that with the skeletal muscle thickness index measured using ultrasound (SEE = 10.8, 9.6 and 9.7%, respectively).

Conclusions

Combining the traditionally used 50-kHz BI index with the ECW/ICW index and phase angle can improve the model fitting of estimated SMV measured with MRI. We also showed that the model suitability of SMV estimation using segmental-BIA was equivalent to that on using ultrasound. These data indicate that segmental-BIA may be a useful and cost-effective alternative to the gold standard MRI for estimating SMV.
Bacterial mutagenicity test data: collection by the task force of the Japan pharmaceutical manufacturers association
Authors: Hakura Atsushi , Awogi Takumi , Shiragiku Toshiyuki , Ohigashi Atsushi , Yamamoto Mika , Kanasaki Kayoko , Oka Hiroaki , Dewa Yasuaki , Ozawa Shunsuke , Sakamoto Kouji , Kato Tatsuya , Yamamura Eiji
Published: September 2021

Background

Ames test is used worldwide for detecting the bacterial mutagenicity of chemicals. In silico analyses of bacterial mutagenicity have recently gained acceptance by regulatory agencies; however, current in silico models for prediction remain to be improved. The Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) organized a task force in 2017 in which eight Japanese pharmaceutical companies had participated. The purpose of this task force was to disclose a piece of pharmaceutical companies’ proprietary Ames test data.

Results

Ames test data for 99 chemicals of various chemical classes were collected for disclosure in this study. These chemicals are related to the manufacturing process of pharmaceutical drugs, including reagents, synthetic intermediates, and drug substances. The structure-activity (mutagenicity) relationships are discussed in relation to structural alerts for each chemical class. In addition, in silico analyses of these chemicals were conducted using a knowledge-based model of Derek Nexus (Derek) and a statistics-based model (GT1_BMUT module) of CASE Ultra. To calculate the effectiveness of these models, 89 chemicals for Derek and 54 chemicals for CASE Ultra were selected; major exclusions were the salt form of four chemicals that were tested both in the salt and free forms for both models, and 35 chemicals called “known” positives or negatives for CASE Ultra. For Derek, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 65% (15/23), 71% (47/66), and 70% (62/89), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 50% (6/12), 60% (25/42), and 57% (31/54) for CASE Ultra, respectively. The ratio of overall disagreement between the CASE Ultra “known” positives/negatives and the actual test results was 11% (4/35). In this study, 19 out of 28 mutagens (68%) were detected with TA100 and/or TA98, and 9 out of 28 mutagens (32%) were detected with either TA1535, TA1537, WP2uvrA, or their combination.

Conclusion

The Ames test data presented here will help avoid duplicated Ames testing in some cases, support duplicate testing in other cases, improve in silico models, and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of mutagenesis.
Brain White Matter Microstructure as a Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline After Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: de Ruiter Michiel B. , Reneman Liesbeth , Kieffer Jacobien M. , Oldenburg Hester S. A. , Schagen Sanne B.
Published: September 2021

PURPOSE

Cognitive decline is frequently observed after chemotherapy. As chemotherapy is associated with changes in brain white matter microstructure, we investigated whether white matter microstructure before chemotherapy is a risk factor for cognitive decline after chemotherapy.

METHODS

Neuropsychologic tests were administered before and 6 months (n = 49), 2 years (n = 32), and 3 years (n = 32) after chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy (BC + CT group), at matched intervals to patients with BC who did not receive systemic therapy (BC – CT group: n = 39, 23, and 19, respectively) and to no-cancer controls (NC group: n = 37, 29, and 28, respectively). Using multivariate normative comparison, we evaluated to what extent the cognitive profiles of patients deviated from those of controls. Fractional anisotropy (FA), derived from magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging, was used to measure white matter microstructure before treatment. FA was evaluated as a risk factor for cognitive decline, in addition to baseline age, fatigue, cognitive complaints, and premorbid intelligence quotient. We subsequently ran voxel-wise diffusion tensor imaging analyses to investigate white matter microstructure in specific nerve tracts.

RESULTS

Low FA independently predicted cognitive decline early (6 months, P = .013) and late (3 years, P < .001) after chemotherapy. FA did not predict cognitive decline in the BC – CT and NC groups. Voxel-wise analysis indicated involvement of white matter tracts essential for cognitive functioning.

CONCLUSION

Low FA may reflect low white matter reserve. This may be a risk factor for cognitive decline after chemotherapy for BC. If validated in future trials, identification of patients with low white matter reserve could improve patient care, for example, by facilitating targeted, early interventions or even by influencing choices of patients and doctors for receiving chemotherapy.
Genomic Profiling of Lung Adenocarcinoma in Never-Smokers
Authors: Devarakonda Siddhartha , Li Yize , Martins Rodrigues Fernanda , Sankararaman Sumithra , Kadara Humam , Goparaju Chandra , Lanc Irena , Pepin Kymberlie , Waqar Saiama N. , Morgensztern Daniel , Ward Jeffrey , Masood Ashiq , Fulton Robert , Fulton Lucinda , Gillette Michael A. , Satpathy Shankha , Carr Steven A. , Wistuba Ignacio , Pass Harvey , Wilson Richard K. , Ding Li , Govindan Ramaswamy
Published: September 2021

PURPOSE

Approximately 10%-40% of patients with lung cancer report no history of tobacco smoking (never-smokers). We analyzed whole-exome and RNA-sequencing data of 160 tumor and normal lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) samples from never-smokers to identify clinically actionable alterations and gain insight into the environmental and hereditary risk factors for LUAD among never-smokers.

METHODS

We performed whole-exome and RNA-sequencing of 88 and 69 never-smoker LUADs. We analyzed these data in conjunction with data from 76 never-smoker and 299 smoker LUAD samples sequenced by The Cancer Genome Atlas and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium.

RESULTS

We observed a high prevalence of clinically actionable driver alterations in never-smoker LUADs compared with smoker LUADs (78%-92% v 49.5%; P < .0001). Although a subset of never-smoker samples demonstrated germline alterations in DNA repair genes, the frequency of samples showing germline variants in cancer predisposing genes was comparable between smokers and never-smokers (6.4% v 6.9%; P = .82). A subset of never-smoker samples (5.9%) showed mutation signatures that were suggestive of passive exposure to cigarette smoke. Finally, analysis of RNA-sequencing data showed distinct immune transcriptional subtypes of never-smoker LUADs that varied in their expression of clinically relevant immune checkpoint molecules and immune cell composition.

CONCLUSION

In this comprehensive genomic and transcriptome analysis of never-smoker LUADs, we observed a potential role for germline variants in DNA repair genes and passive exposure to cigarette smoke in the pathogenesis of a subset of never-smoker LUADs. Our findings also show that clinically actionable driver alterations are highly prevalent in never-smoker LUADs, highlighting the need for obtaining biopsies with adequate cellularity for clinical genomic testing in these patients.
How to Design and Analyze Persistent Phosphors?
Authors: Ueda Jumpei
Published: September 2021

Persistent phosphors show contentious luminescence even after ceasing excitation light. This unique phenomenon is caused by several processes such as carrier generation, trapping and detrapping. Based on the mechanism, persistent luminescence can be designed by controlling the carrier transportation. By utilizing the vacuum referred binding energy diagram of lanthanoid and transition metal ions for the prediction of the trap levels in host compounds, new persistent phosphors have been developed successfully. This design guides for persistent phosphors are introduced, and the analyzing methods for persistent phosphors are also explained.
Assortative Matching or Exclusionary Hiring? The Impact of Employment and Pay Policies on Racial Wage Differences in Brazil
Authors: Gerard François , Lagos Lorenzo , Severnini Edson , Card David
Published: September 2021

We measure the effects of firm policies on racial pay differences in Brazil. Non-Whites are less likely to be hired by high-wage firms, explaining about 20 percent of the racial wage gap for both genders. Firm-specific pay premiums for non-Whites are also compressed relative to Whites, contributing another 5 percent for that gap. A counterfactual analysis reveals that about two-thirds of the underrepresentation of non-Whites at higher-wage firms is explained by race-neutral skill-based sorting. Non-skill-based sorting and differential wage setting are largest for college-educated workers, suggesting that the allocative costs of discriminatory hiring and pay policies may be relatively large in Brazil. (JEL J15, J24, J31, J41, J46, J71, O15)
Large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears: a protocol for a systematic review investigating the effectiveness of exercise therapy on pain, disability and quality of life
Authors: Fahy Kathryn , Galvin Rose , Lewis Jeremy , McCreesh Karen
Published: September 2021

Background: Chronic non-traumatic rotator cuff tendon tears are inextricably linked with the natural process of aging often resulting in severe disability, poor quality of life and an added burden to the health care system. The occurrence of rotator cuff tendon tears increases exponentially with every decade of life to approximately 60% in individuals over 80 years of age. Exercise is a commonly prescribed intervention although research on its efficacy is in its infancy and often conflicting. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of exercise interventions for people diagnosed with large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears.

Methods: This systematic review will adhere to the PRISMA reporting guidelines. A comprehensive search of five databases will be conducted. Randomised clinical trials (RCT) or quasi-randomised control trials will be included if they evaluate exercise as the core intervention or as part of the intervention in the management of large to massive rotator cuff tears. To quantify response to treatment we will compare changes in pain, disability and quality of life (QoL). The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) will be used to characterise the different types of exercise intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool will be used to assess study quality.

A narrative synthesis with meta-analysis will be performed, and the certainty of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.

Discussion: This review will synthesise the totality of GRADE A and B evidence on the effectiveness of exercise for large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears. It will provide clinically important information and guidance for immediate implementation by clinicians, health policymakers and may be used to guide future research.

PROSPERO registration: 244502 (24/03/2021)
Psychometric properties of the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire (CECA.Q) in a sample of individuals with schizophrenia from Poland
Authors: Kasznia Justyna , Stańczykiewicz Bartłomiej , Pytel Aleksandra , Szczygieł Krzysztof , Misiak Błażej
Published: September 2021

Aim of the study: The Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire (CECA.Q) is a semi-structured self-report that has been developed to record a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Moreover, the CECA.Q has been widely used in subjects with psychotic disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate psychometric properties of the Polish version of the CECA.Q in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Material and methods: The CECA.Q was administered to 127 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (aged 39.1 ± 13.8 years, 48.0% males). Internal consistency was assessed using the Cronbach’s  and polychoric correlations. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed using the unweighted least squares estimation method.
Results: The Cronbach’s  was as follows: 0.835 for mother antipathy, 0.780 for mother neglect, 0.845 for father antipathy, 0.849 for father neglect, 0.787 for mother physical abuse, 0.831 for father physical abuse and 0.870 for sexual abuse, indicating acceptable-to-good internal consistency. Correlations of single item scores with the total scores of specific categories of ACEs were significant. The CFA confirmed factorial structure of the CECA.Q with acceptable goodness-of-fit indices.
Conclusions: The present study indicates good psychometric properties of the CECA.Q in subjects with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This self-report can be implemented by studies investigating ACEs in this clinical population in Poland.
Editorial for the Special Section on Humans, Algorithms, and Augmented Intelligence: The Future of Work, Organizations, and Society
Authors: Jain Hemant , Padmanabhan Balaji , Pavlou Paul A. , Raghu T. S.
Published: September 2021

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have increased interest in combining AI with human intelligence to develop superior systems that augment human and artificial intelligence. In this paper, augmented intelligence informally means computers and humans working together, by design, to enhance one another, such that the intelligence of the resulting system improves. Intelligence augmentation (IA) can pool the joint intelligence of humans and computers to transform individual work, organizations, and society. Notably, applications of IA are beginning to emerge in several domains, such as cybersecurity, privacy, counterterrorism, and healthcare, among others. We provide a brief summary of papers in this special section that represent early attempts to address some of the rapidly emerging research issues. We also present a framework to guide research on IA and advocate for the important implications of IA for the future of work, organizations, and society. We conclude by outlining promising research directions based on this framework for the information systems and related disciplines.
Cutaneous adverse food reactions in the dog and cat – what's new?
Authors: Paterson Susan
Published: September 2021

Cutaneous adverse food reactions are common in both dogs and cats, as well as humans. Reactions can be severe and, in some cases, life-threatening. Strategies to manage cutaneous adverse food reactions are important and include ways to prevent the development of allergy and effective methods of diagnosing the problem, together with a range of effective therapies. This paper discusses recent advances in human medicine towards preventing the development of cutaneous adverse food reactions and considers how that knowledge could be applied to dogs and cats. New therapeutic strategies involving immunotherapy are also discussed. Information on the best diagnostic tests for cutaneous adverse food reactions is highlighted, alongside the advantages and disadvantages of different exclusion diets.
Early outcomes after robotic arm-assisted bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty compared with total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Blyth Mark J. G. , Banger Matthew S. , Doonan James , Jones Bryn G. , MacLean Angus D. , Rowe Philip J.
Published: September 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of robotic arm-assisted bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (bi-UKA) with conventional mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) during the first six weeks and at one year postoperatively.

Methods

A per protocol analysis of 76 patients, 43 of whom underwent TKA and 34 of whom underwent bi-UKA, was performed from a prospective, single-centre, randomized controlled trial. Diaries kept by the patients recorded pain, function, and the use of analgesics daily throughout the first week and weekly between the second and sixth weeks. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were compared preoperatively, and at three months and one year postoperatively. Data were also compared longitudinally and a subgroup analysis was conducted, stratified by preoperative PROM status.

Results

Both operations were shown to offer comparable outcomes, with no significant differences between the groups across all timepoints and outcome measures. Both groups also had similarly low rates of complications. Subgroup analysis for preoperative psychological state, activity levels, and BMI showed no difference in outcomes between the two groups.

Conclusion

Robotic arm-assisted, cruciate-sparing bi-UKA offered similar early clinical outcomes and rates of complications to a mechanically aligned TKA, both in the immediate postoperative period and up to one year following surgery. Further work is required to identify which patients with osteoarthritis of the knee will derive benefit from a cruciate-sparing bi-UKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1561–1570.
Clinical validation of the Oswestry-Bristol Classification as part of a decision algorithm for trochlear dysplasia surgery
Authors: Sharma Nikhil , Rehmatullah Nader , Kuiper Jan Herman , Gallacher Peter , Barnett Andrew J.
Published: September 2021

Aims

The Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC) is an MRI-specific assessment tool to grade trochlear dysplasia. The aim of this study is to validate clinically the OBC by demonstrating its use in selecting treatments that are safe and effective.

Methods

The OBC and the patellotrochlear index were used as part of the Oswestry Patellotrochlear Algorithm (OPTA) to guide the surgical treatment of patients with patellar instability. Patients were assigned to one of four treatment groups: medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLr); MPFLr + tibial tubercle distalization (TTD); trochleoplasty; or trochleoplasty + TTD. A prospective analysis of a longitudinal patellofemoral database was performed. Between 2012 and 2018, 202 patients (233 knees) with a mean age of 24.2 years (SD 8.1), with recurrent patellar instability were treated by two fellowship-trained consultant sports/knee surgeons at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. Clinical efficacy of each treatment group was assessed by Kujala, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) scores at baseline, and up to 60 months postoperatively. Their safety was assessed by complication rate and requirement for further surgery. The pattern of clinical outcome over time was analyzed using mixed regression modelling.

Results

In all, 135 knees (mean age 24.9 years (SD 9.4)) were treated using a MPFLr. Ten knees (7.4%) required additional surgery. A total of 50 knees (mean age 24.4 years (SD 6.3)) were treated using MPFLr + TTD. Ten (20%) required additional surgery. A total of 20 knees (mean age 19.5 years (SD 3.0)) were treated using trochleoplasty + TTD. Three patients (15%) required additional surgery. In each treatment group, there was a significant improvement in Kujala, IKDC, and EQ-5D at one year postoperatively (p < 0.001) with a recognized level of overall complication rate.

Conclusion

The OBC is a valid assessment tool to grade patients with trochlear dysplasia and, when used as part of the OPTA, helps to determine treatments that are safe and effective. This fulfils the requirements for its application in mainstream clinical practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1586–1594.
Oral tranexamic acid for an additional 24 hours postoperatively versus a single preoperative intravenous dose for reducing blood loss in total knee arthroplasty: results of a randomized controlled trial (TRAC-24)
Authors: Magill Paul , Hill Janet C. , Bryce Leeann , Martin Una , Dorman Al , Hogg Rosemary , Campbell Christina , Gardner Evie , McFarland Margaret , Bell Jennifer , Benson Gary , Beverland David
Published: September 2021

Aims

In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), blood loss continues internally after surgery is complete. Typically, the total loss over 48 postoperative hours can be around 1,300 ml, with most occurring within the first 24 hours. We hypothesize that the full potential of tranexamic acid (TXA) to decrease TKA blood loss has not yet been harnessed because it is rarely used beyond the intraoperative period, and is usually withheld from ‘high-risk’ patients with a history of thromboembolic, cardiovascular, or cerebrovascular disease, a patient group who would benefit greatly from a reduced blood loss.

Methods

TRAC-24 was a prospective, phase IV, single-centre, open label, parallel group, randomized controlled trial on patients undergoing TKA, including those labelled as high-risk. The primary outcome was indirect calculated blood loss (IBL) at 48 hours. Group 1 received 1 g intravenous (IV) TXA at the time of surgery and an additional 24-hour postoperative oral regime of four 1 g doses, while Group 2 only received the intraoperative dose and Group 3 did not receive any TXA.

Results

Between July 2016 and July 2018, 552 patients were randomized to either Group 1 (n = 241), Group 2 (n = 243), or Group 3 (n = 68), and 551 were included in the final analysis. The blood loss did differ significantly between the two intervention groups (733.5 ml (SD 384.0) for Group 1 and 859.2 ml (SD 363.6 ml) for Group 2; mean difference -125.8 ml (95% confidence interval -194.0 to -57.5; p < 0.001). No differences in mortality or thromboembolic events were observed in any group.

Conclusion

These data support the hypothesis that in TKA, a TXA regime consisting of IV 1 g perioperatively and four oral 1 g doses over 24 hours postoperatively significantly reduces blood loss beyond that achieved with a single IV 1 g perioperative dose alone. TXA appears safe in patients with history of thromboembolic, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular disease. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1595–1603.
Implant brand portfolios, the potential for camouflage of data, and the role of the Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Phillips Jonathan Robert Anthony , Tucker Keith
Published: September 2021

Aims

Knee arthroplasty surgery is a highly effective treatment for arthritis and disorders of the knee. There are a wide variety of implant brands and types of knee arthroplasty available to surgeons. As a result of a number of highly publicized failures, arthroplasty surgery is highly regulated in the UK and many other countries through national registries, introduced to monitor implant performance, surgeons, and hospitals. With time, the options available within many brand portfolios have grown, with alternative tibial or femoral components, tibial insert materials, or shapes and patella resurfacings. In this study we have investigated the effect of the expansion of implant brand portfolios and where there may be a lack of transparency around a brand name. We also aimed to establish the potential numbers of compatible implant construct combinations.

Methods

Hypothetical implant brand portfolios were proposed, and the number of compatible implant construct combinations was calculated.

Results

A simple knee portfolio with cemented cruciate-retaining (CR) and posterior-stabilized (PS) components, with and without a patella, has four combinations. If there are two options available for each component, the numbers double for each option, resulting in 32 combinations. The effect of adding a third option multiplies the number by 1.3. Introducing compatible uncemented options, with the effect of hybrids, multiplies the number by 4. An implant portfolio with two femoral components (both in CR and PS), with two insert options and a patella, all in cemented and uncemented versions leads to 192 possible compatible implant construct combinations. There are implant brands available to surgeons with many more than two options.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the addition of multiple variants within a knee brand portfolio leads to a large number (many hundreds) of compatible implant construct combinations. Revision rates of implant combinations are not currently reviewed at this level of granularity, leading to the risk of camouflage of true outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1555–1560.
The influence of hospital-level variables on hip fracture outcomes
Authors: Farrow Luke , Hall Andrew J. , Ablett Andrew D. , Johansen Antony , Myint Phyo K.
Published: September 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of hospital-level service characteristics on hip fracture outcomes and quality of care processes measures.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of publicly available audit data obtained from the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) 2018 benchmark summary and Facilities Survey. Data extraction was performed using a dedicated proforma to identify relevant hospital-level care process and outcome variables for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was adjusted 30-day mortality rate. A random forest-based multivariate imputation by chained equation (MICE) algorithm was used for missing value imputation. Univariable analysis for each hospital level factor was performed using a combination of Tobit regression, Siegal non-parametric linear regression, and Mann-Whitney U test analyses, dependent on the data type. In all analyses, a p-value < 0.05 denoted statistical significance.

Results

Analyses included 176 hospitals, with a median of 366 hip fracture cases per year (interquartile range (IQR) 280 to 457). Aggregated data from 66,578 patients were included. The only identified hospital-level variable associated with the primary outcome of 30-day mortality was hip fracture trial involvement (no trial involvement: median 6.3%; trial involvement: median 5.7%; p = 0.039). Significant key associations were also identified between prompt surgery and presence of dedicated hip fracture sessions; reduced acute length of stay and both a higher number of hip fracture cases per year and more dedicated hip fracture operating lists; Best Practice Tariff attainment and greater number of hip fracture cases per year, more dedicated hip fracture operating lists, presence of a dedicated hip fracture ward, and hip fracture trial involvement.

Conclusion

Exploratory analyses have identified that improved outcomes in hip fracture may be associated with hospital-level service characteristics, such as hip fracture research trial involvement, larger hip fracture volumes, and the use of theatre lists dedicated to hip fracture surgery. Further research using patient level data is warranted to corroborate these findings. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1627–1632.
Changing Climatic Conditions Affect Surface Water Quality in Southwestern Louisiana in the United States
Authors: Eddings Katherine , Poudel Durga D. , Duex Timothy W. , Miller Robert , Berry J. Calvin
Published: September 2021

Climate change impacts on rising temperatures, changes on rainfall patterns,drought, flooding, sea level rise, glacier melts, and incidence of diseases andparasites are reported worldwide in recent decades. This study investigatesthe effects of changing climatic conditions – particularly air temperature andprecipitation, on surface water temperatures and other water quality param-eters, such as the conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and turbidity.A statistical analysis was performed on air temperature and precipitationdata from 1980 to 2005 to determine the changing climatic conditions. Thewater quality data for four waterbodies in southwestern Louisiana was also analyzed to examine trends between the air temperature and surface watertemperatures, precipitation and surface water temperatures, and precipitationand water quality parameters. There was an unexpected increase in surfacewater temperature with an increase in precipitation. As the precipitation andair temperature increased, so did the surface water temperature. This increasein surface water temperature was correlated with decrease in DO levels. Theincrease in precipitation also correlated with an increase in pH and turbidityin Bayou Plaquemine Brule. This study’s findings could be utilized in adynamic climate modeling system to provide more accurate predictions ofclimate change in southwestern Louisiana.
Editorial Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment: Theories, Practice and the Future
Authors: Bhandari Medani P.
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the importance of strategic planningin general and its application in energy and the environment in particular.In the contemporary world, planning is so common that we cannot evenmanage everyday life without plan. Strategic planning is a formalized, struc-tured, planned way to manage planning from formulation to implementation,evaluation, and control. When we talk about energy, we mostly talk about thevarious forms (physical) of energy such as nuclear, thermal, chemical, electri-cal, or other forms which create and transform energy. The sources of energycan be solar, wind, water, nuclear, electromagnetism or related to fossil – coal,gas, petroleum etc. The world rarely has sufficient energy therefore, strategicplanning for energy is essential to sustain and maintain the energy supply anddemand. The environment is our entire surroundings including the land, air,water, or the combination of all biotic and abiotic factors of the planet. Wehave ample evidence that anthropogenic disturbances have already destroyedthe balance of nature, as a result the global climatic pattern is changed, andthere has been unprecedented damage to our ecosystem. Such severe impacts due to global environmental change mean that it is extremely urgent that weformulate a strategic plan (or plans) to protect the environment. There areas yet no alternatives for Planet Earth, therefore we need planned strategiesto minimize the environmental problems. This review outlines why strategicplanning is so important for the future of energy and the environment sincethey go hand in hand Strategic planning, climate change, energy, environment, devel-opment, united nations, environmental problems, epistemology, knowl-edge gap.
Dynamic mode-switchable and wavelength-tunable Brillouin random fiber laser by a high-order mode pump
Authors: Xu Jiangtao , Wang Longtao , Zhang Longkun , Teng Linping , Zhang Zhengwei , Berko Richard Roy , Zhang Liang , Pang Fufei , Zeng Xianglong
Published: September 2021

We experimentally investigate two schemes of Brillouin random fiber laser (RFL) by using high-order-mode (HOM) pump in a few-mode fiber (FMF). The core-mode conversion between LP01 and LP11 modes is obtained in the FMF by cascading long period fiber gratings (LPFG) working at the same wavelength region. Different transversal modes of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) can be implemented based on broadband long period fiber gratings (LPFG) and acoustically induced fiber gratings (AIFG). The RFL base on two broadband LPFGs can obtain high purity LP11 mode operating in the range of 1543 nm to 1565 nm. Moreover, the output mode can be dynamically switched between LP01 mode, LP11a mode and LP11b mode by modulating frequency shift keying (FSK) signal of the AIFG. This work has potential application prospects in the fields of mode division multiplexing systems, speckle-free imaging, free-space optical communication, laser material processing.
Single-shot multiple-depth macroscopic imaging by spatial frequency multiplexing
Authors: Kang Munkyu , Woo Sungsoo , Choi Wonjun , Kang Pilsung , Hoang Tran Dinh , Koo Jungsik , Choi Youngwoon , Choi Wonshik
Published: September 2021

We present a low-coherence interferometric imaging system designed for 3-dimensional (3-D) imaging of a macroscopic object through a narrow passage. Our system is equipped with a probe-type port composed of a bundle fiber for imaging and a separate multimode optical fiber for illumination. To eliminate the need for mechanical depth scanning, we employ a spatial frequency multiplexing method by installing a 2-D diffraction grating and an echelon in the reference arm. This configuration generates multiple reference beams, all having different path lengths and propagation directions, which facilitates the encoding of different depth information in a single interferogram. We demonstrate the acquisition of 9 depth images at the interval of 250 μm for a custom-made cone and a plaster teeth model. The proposed system minimizes the need for mechanical scanning and achieves a wide range of depth coverage, significantly increasing the speed of 3-D imaging for macroscopic objects.
Unsupervised hyperspectral stimulated Raman microscopy image enhancement: denoising and segmentation via one-shot deep learning
Authors: Abdolghader Pedram , Ridsdale Andrew , Grammatikopoulos Tassos , Resch Gavin , Légaré François , Stolow Albert , Pegoraro Adrian F. , Tamblyn Isaac
Published: September 2021

Hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy is a label-free technique for biomedical and mineralogical imaging which can suffer from low signal-to-noise ratios. Here we demonstrate the use of an unsupervised deep learning neural network for rapid and automatic denoising of SRS images: UHRED (Unsupervised Hyperspectral Resolution Enhancement and Denoising). UHRED is capable of “one-shot” learning; only one hyperspectral image is needed, with no requirements for training on previously labelled datasets or images. Furthermore, by applying a k-means clustering algorithm to the processed data, we demonstrate automatic, unsupervised image segmentation, yielding, without prior knowledge of the sample, intuitive chemical species maps, as shown here for a lithium ore sample.
Heterodimer-heterotetramer formation mediates enhanced sensor activity in a biophysical model for BMP signaling
Authors: Karim Md. Shahriar , Madamanchi Aasakiran , Dutko James A. , Mullins Mary C. , Umulis David M.
Published: September 2021

Numerous stages of organismal development rely on the cellular interpretation of gradients of secreted morphogens including members of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) family through transmembrane receptors. Early gradients of BMPs drive dorsal/ventral patterning throughout the animal kingdom in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Growing evidence in Drosophila, zebrafish, murine and other systems suggests that BMP ligand heterodimers are the primary BMP signaling ligand, even in systems in which mixtures of BMP homodimers and heterodimers are present. Signaling by heterodimers occurs through a hetero-tetrameric receptor complex comprising of two distinct type one BMP receptors and two type II receptors. To understand the system dynamics and determine whether kinetic assembly of heterodimer-heterotetramer BMP complexes is favored, as compared to other plausible BMP ligand-receptor configurations, we developed a kinetic model for BMP tetramer formation based on current measurements for binding rates and affinities. We find that contrary to a common hypothesis, heterodimer-heterotetramer formation is not kinetically favored over the formation of homodimer-tetramer complexes under physiological conditions of receptor and ligand concentrations and therefore other mechanisms, potentially including differential kinase activities of the formed heterotetramer complexes, must be the cause of heterodimer-heterotetramer signaling primacy. Further, although BMP complex assembly favors homodimer and homomeric complex formation over a wide range of parameters, ignoring these signals and instead relying on the heterodimer improves the range of morphogen interpretation in a broad set of conditions, suggesting a performance advantage for heterodimer signaling in patterning multiple cell types in a gradient.
Allele frequency divergence reveals ubiquitous influence of positive selection in Drosophila
Authors: Bertram Jason
Published: September 2021

Resolving the role of natural selection is a basic objective of evolutionary biology. It is generally difficult to detect the influence of selection because ubiquitous non-selective stochastic change in allele frequencies (genetic drift) degrades evidence of selection. As a result, selection scans typically only identify genomic regions that have undergone episodes of intense selection. Yet it seems likely such episodes are the exception; the norm is more likely to involve subtle, concurrent selective changes at a large number of loci. We develop a new theoretical approach that uncovers a previously undocumented genome-wide signature of selection in the collective divergence of allele frequencies over time. Applying our approach to temporally resolved allele frequency measurements from laboratory and wild Drosophila populations, we quantify the selective contribution to allele frequency divergence and find that selection has substantial effects on much of the genome. We further quantify the magnitude of the total selection coefficient (a measure of the combined effects of direct and linked selection) at a typical polymorphic locus, and find this to be large (of order 1%) even though most mutations are not directly under selection. We find that selective allele frequency divergence is substantially elevated at intermediate allele frequencies, which we argue is most parsimoniously explained by positive—not negative—selection. Thus, in these populations most mutations are far from evolving neutrally in the short term (tens of generations), including mutations with neutral fitness effects, and the result cannot be explained simply as an ongoing purging of deleterious mutations.