bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The three-year survivorship of robotically assisted versus non-robotically assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: St Mart Jean-Pierre , de Steiger Richard N. , Cuthbert Alana , Donnelly William
Published: February 2020

Aim

There has been a significant reduction in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) procedures recorded in Australia. This follows several national joint registry studies documenting high UKA revision rates when compared to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). With the recent introduction of robotically assisted UKA procedures, it is hoped that outcomes improve. This study examines the cumulative revision rate of UKA procedures implanted with a newly introduced robotic system and compares the results to one of the best performing non-robotically assisted UKA prostheses, as well as all other non-robotically assisted UKA procedures.

Methods

Data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Arthroplasty Registry (AOANJRR) for all UKA procedures performed for osteoarthritis (OA) between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed. Procedures using the Restoris MCK UKA prosthesis implanted using the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted System were compared to non-robotically assisted Zimmer Unicompartmental High Flex Knee System (ZUK) UKA, a commonly used UKA with previously reported good outcomes and to all other non-robotically assisted UKA procedures using Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) and Kaplan-Meier estimates of survivorship.

Results

There was no difference in the rate of revision when the Mako-assisted Restoris UKA was compared to the ZUK UKA (zero to nine months: HR 1.14 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.83; p = 0.596) vs nine months and over: HR 0.66 (95% CI 0.42 to 1.02; p = 0.058)). The Mako-assisted Restoris had a significantly lower overall revision rate compared to the other types of non-robotically assisted procedures (HR 0.58 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42 to 0.79); p < 0.001) at three years. Revision for aseptic loosening was lower for the Mako-assisted Restoris compared to all other non-robotically assisted UKA (entire period: HR 0.34 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.65); p = 0.001), but not the ZUK prosthesis. However, revision for infection was significantly higher for the Mako-assisted Restoris compared to the two comparator groups (ZUK: entire period: HR 2.91 (95% CI 1.22 to 6.98; p = 0.016); other non-robotically assisted UKA: zero to three months: HR 5.57 (95% CI 2.17 to 14.31; p < 0.001)).

Conclusion

This study reports comparable short-term survivorship for the Mako robotically assisted UKA compared to the ZUK UKA and improved survivorship compared to all other non-robotic UKA. These results justify the continued use and investigation of this procedure. However, the higher rate of early revision for infection for robotically assisted UKA requires further investigation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):319–328
The PAT randomized clinical trial
Authors: Joseph Michelle N. , Achten Juul , Parsons Nick R. , Costa Matthew L. ,   On behalf of the PAT Trial Collaborators
Published: February 2020

Aims

A pragmatic, single-centre, double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in a NHS teaching hospital to evaluate whether there is a difference in functional knee scores, quality-of-life outcome assessments, and complications at one-year after intervention between total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) in patients with severe isolated patellofemoral arthritis.

Methods

This parallel, two-arm, superiority trial was powered at 80%, and involved 64 patients with severe isolated patellofemoral arthritis. The primary outcome measure was the functional section of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were the full 24-item WOMAC, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), American Knee Society Score (AKSS), EuroQol five dimension (EQ-5D) quality-of-life score, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Physical Activity Rating Scale, and complication rates collected at three, six, and 12 months. For longer-term follow-up, OKS, EQ-5D, and self-reported satisfaction score were collected at 24 and 60 months.

Results

Among 64 patients who were randomized, five patients did not receive the allocated intervention, three withdrew, and one declined the intervention. There were no statistically significant differences in the patients’ WOMAC function score at 12 months (adjusted mean difference, -1.2 (95% confidence interval -9.19 to 6.80); p = 0.765). There were no clinically significant differences in the secondary outcomes. Complication rates were comparable (superficial surgical site infections, four in the PFA group versus five in the TKA group). There were no statistically significant differences in the patients’ OKS score at 24 and 60 months or self-reported satisfaction score or pain-free years.

Conclusion

Among patients with severe isolated patellofemoral arthritis, this study found similar functional outcome at 12 months and mid-term in the use of PFA compared with TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):310–318
The changing incidence of arthroscopic subacromial decompression in Scotland
Authors: Jenkins Paul J. , Stirling Paul H. C. , Ireland Jill , Elias-Jones Cameron , Brooksbank Andrew J.
Published: February 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the recent trend in delivery of arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) in Scotland and to determine if this varies by geographical location.

Methods

Scottish Morbidity Records were reviewed retrospectively between March 2014 and April 2018 to identify records for every admission to each NHS hospital. The Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS-4) surgical codes were used to identify patients undergoing primary ASD. Patients who underwent acromioclavicular joint excision (ACJE) and rotator cuff repair (RCR) were identified and grouped separately. Procedure rates were age and sex standardized against the European standard population.

Results

During the study period the number of ASDs fell by 649 cases (29%) from 2,217 in the first year to 1,568 in the final year. The standardized annual procedure rate fell from 41.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 39.9 to 43.4) to 28.9 (95% CI 27.4 to 30.3) per 100,000. The greatest reduction occurred between 2017 and 2018. The number of ACJEs rose from 41 to 188 (a 3.59-fold increase). The number of RCRs fell from 655 to 560 (-15%). In the year 2017 to 2018 there were four (28.6%) Scottish NHS board areas where the ASD rate was greater than 3 standard deviations (SDs) from the national average, and two (14.3%) NHS boards where the rate was less than 3 SDs from the national average.

Conclusion

There has been a clear decline in the rate of ASD in Scotland since 2014. Over the same period there has been an increase in the rate of ACJE. The greatest decline occurred between 2017 and 2018, corresponding to the publication of epidemiological studies demonstrating a rise in ASD, and awareness of studies which questioned the benefit of ASD. This paper demonstrates the potential impact of information from epidemiological studies, referral guidelines, and well-designed large multicentre randomized controlled trials on clinical practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):360–364
Treatment and outcomes of Vancouver type B periprosthetic femoral fractures
Authors: Zheng Hanlong , Gu Hangyu , Shao Hongyi , Huang Yong , Yang Dejin , Tang Hao , Zhou Yixin
Published: February 2020

Aims

Vancouver type B periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) are challenging complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA), and some treatment controversies remain. The objectives of this study were: to evaluate the short-to-mid-term clinical outcomes after treatment of Vancouver type B PFF and to compare postoperative outcome in subgroups according to classifications and treatments; to report the clinical outcomes after conservative treatment; and to identify risk factors for postoperative complications in Vancouver type B PFF.

Methods

A total of 97 consecutive PPFs (49 males and 48 females) were included with a mean age of 66 years (standard deviation (SD) 14.9). Of these, 86 patients were treated with surgery and 11 were treated conservatively. All living patients had a minimum two-year follow-up. Patient demographics details, fracture healing, functional scores, and complications were assessed. Clinical outcomes between internal fixation and revisions in patients with or without a stable femoral component were compared. Conservatively treated PPFs were evaluated in terms of mortality and healing status. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for complications.

Results

In surgically treated patients, all fractures united and nine complications were identified. The mean postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain was 1.5 (SD 1.3), mean Parker Mobility Score (PMS) was 6.5 (SD 2.4), and mean Harris Hip Score (HHS) was 79.4 (SD 16.2). Among type B2 and type B3 fractures, patients treated with internal fixation had significantly lower PMS (p = 0.032) and required a longer time to heal (p = 0.012). In conservatively treated patients, one-year mortality rate was 36.4% (4/11), and two patients ultimately progressed to surgery. Young age (p = 0.039) was found to be the only risk factor for complications.

Conclusion

The overall clinical outcome among Vancouver type B PFF was satisfactory. However, treatment with internal fixation in type B2 and B3 fractures had a significantly longer time to heal and lower mobility than revision cases. Conservative treatment was associated with high rates of early mortality and, in survivors, nonunion. This probably reflects our selection bias in undertaking surgical intervention. In our whole cohort, younger patient age was a risk factor for postoperative complications in Vancouver type B PFF. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):293–300
Patient-specific planning in shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Min Kyong S. , Fox Henry M. , Bedi Asheesh , Walch Gilles , Warner Jon J. P.
Published: February 2020

Aims

Patient-specific instrumentation has been shown to increase a surgeon’s precision and accuracy in placing the glenoid component in shoulder arthroplasty. There is, however, little available information about the use of patient-specific planning (PSP) tools for this operation. It is not known how these tools alter the decision-making patterns of shoulder surgeons. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PSP, when compared with the use of plain radiographs or select static CT images, influences the understanding of glenoid pathology and surgical planning.

Methods

A case-based survey presented surgeons with a patient’s history, physical examination, and, sequentially, radiographs, select static CT images, and PSP with a 3D imaging program. For each imaging modality, the surgeons were asked to identify the Walch classification of the glenoid and to propose the surgical treatment. The participating surgeons were grouped according to the annual volume of shoulder arthroplasties that they undertook, and responses were compared with the recommendations of two experts.

Results

A total of 59 surgeons completed the survey. For all surgeons, the use of the PSP significantly increased agreement with the experts in glenoid classification (x2= 8.54; p = 0.014) and surgical planning (x2= 37.91; p < 0.001). The additional information provided by the PSP also showed a significantly higher impact on surgical decision-making for surgeons who undertake fewer than ten shoulder arthroplasties annually (p = 0.017).

Conclusions

The information provided by PSP has the greatest impact on the surgical decision-making of low volume surgeons (those who perform fewer than ten shoulder arthroplasties annually), and PSP brings all surgeons in to closer agreement with the recommendations of experts for glenoid classification and surgical planning. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):365–370
Hip displacement and dislocation in a total population of children with cerebral palsy in Scotland
Authors: Wordie Sarah J. , Robb James E. , Hägglund Gunnar , Bugler Kate E. , Gaston Mark S.
Published: February 2020

Aims

The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of hip displacement and dislocation in a total population of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Scotland before and after the initiation of a hip surveillance programme.

Patients

A total of 2,155 children with CP are registered in the Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway Scotland (CPIPS) surveillance programme, which began in 2013. Physical examination and hip radiological data are collected according to nationally agreed protocols.

Methods

Age, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, subtype of CP, migration percentage (MP), and details of hip surgery were analyzed for all children aged between two and 16 years taken from a time of census in March 2019 and compared to the same data from the initial registration of children in the CPIPS. Displacement of the hip was defined as a MP of between 40% and 99%, and dislocation as a MP of 100%.

Results

A total of 1,646 children were available for analysis at the time of the census and 1,171 at their first registration in CPIPS. The distribution of age, sex, and GMFCS levels were similar in the two groups. The prevalence of displacement and dislocation of the hip before surveillance began were 10% (117/1,171) and 2.5% (29/1,171) respectively, and at the time of the census were 4.5% (74/1,646) and 1.3% (21/1,646), respectively. Dislocation was only seen in GMFCS levels IV and V and displacement seen in 90.5% (67/74) of these levels and 9.5% (7/74) in levels I to III. In total, 138 children had undergone hip surgery during the study period. The hip redisplaced after the initial surgery in 15 children; seven of these had undergone a second procedure and at the time of the census the hips in all seven had a MP < 40.

Conclusion

Hip surveillance appears to be effective and has reduced the prevalence of hip displacement by over half and dislocation almost by half in these children. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):383–387
Alignment in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Oussedik Sam , Abdel Matthew P. , Victor Jan , Pagnano Mark W. , Haddad Fares S.
Published: February 2020

Dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty is a well-documented phenomenon. Although many factors have been implicated, including modifiable and nonmodifiable patient factors, emphasis over the past decade has been on implant alignment and stability as both a cause of, and a solution to, this problem. Several alignment targets have evolved with a proliferation of techniques following the introduction of computer and robotic-assisted surgery. Mechanical alignment targets may achieve mechanically-sound alignment while ignoring the soft tissue envelope; kinematic alignment respects the soft tissue envelope while ignoring the mechanical environment. Functional alignment is proposed as a hybrid technique to allow mechanically-sound, soft tissue-friendly alignment targets to be identified and achieved.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):276–279.
Vortex nematicons in planar cells
Authors: Laudyn Ula A. , Kwaśny Michal , Karpierz Miroslaw A. , Assanto Gaetano
Published: February 2020

We provide experimental evidence that stable vortex-solitons in nematic liquid crystals, termed vortex nematicons, can be generated in planar cells without any external biases, neither electric nor magnetic. We report on nonlinear vortices with extraordinary-wave beams in various undoped samples, pin-pointing how material nonlocality and birefringence aid their stable propagation. Finally, we also demonstrate confinement and waveguiding of an incoherent co-polarized probe signal by the nonlinear vortex.
Monotonicity analysis of absolute phase unwrapping by geometric constraint in a structured light system
Authors: Lv Shenzhen , Sun Qiang , Zhang Yuyuan , Wang Jian , Jiang Yang
Published: February 2020

The monotonicity of depth in a geometric constraint based absolute phase unwrapping is analyzed and a monotonic discriminant of Δ(uc,vc) is presented in this paper. The sign of the discriminant determines the distance selection for the virtual plane to create the artificial absolute phase map for a given structured light system. As Δ(uc,vc) ≥ 0 at an arbitrary point on the CCD pixel coordinates the minimum depth distance is selected for the virtual plane, and the maximum depth distance is selected as Δ(uc,vc) ≤ 0. Two structured light systems with different signs of the monotonic discriminant are developed and the validity of the theoretical analysis is experimentally demonstrated.
Polarization beam splitter based on extremely anisotropic black phosphorus ribbons
Authors: Dong Daxing , Liu Youwen , Fei Yue , Fan Yongqing , Li Junsheng , Fu Yangyang
Published: February 2020

Properly designed black phosphorus (BP) ribbons exhibit extreme anisotropic properties, which can be used to fabricate a high-efficiency transmitter or reflector depending on the linear polarization of excitation. In this study, we design a highly efficient and broad-angle polarization beam splitter (PBS) based on extremely anisotropic BP ribbons around the mid-infrared frequency region with an ultra-thin structure, and study its performance by using transfer matrix calculation and finite element simulation. In the broad frequency range of 80.4 terahertz - 85.0 terahertz (THz) and an wide angle range of more than 50°, the reflectivity and transmissivity of the designed PBS are both larger than 80% and the polarization extinction ratios are higher than 25.50 dB for s-polarization light and 20.40 dB for p- polarization light, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of incident angle and device parameters on the behavior of the proposed PBS is examined. Finally, we show that the operation frequency of this PBS can be tuned by the electron concentration of BP, which can facilitate some practical applications such as tunable polarization splitters or filters, and mid-infrared sensors.
Optical characterisation of micro-fabricated Fresnel zone plates for atomic waveguides
Authors: Henderson V. A. , Johnson M. Y. H. , Kale Y. B. , Griffin P. F. , Riis E. , Arnold A. S.
Published: February 2020

We optically assess Fresnel zone plates (FZPs) that are designed to guide cold atoms. Imaging of various ring patterns produced by the FZPs gives an average RMS error in the brightest part of the ring of 3% with respect to trap depth. This residue is attributed to the imaging system, incident beam shape and FZP manufacturing tolerances. Axial propagation of the potentials is presented experimentally and through numerical simulations, illustrating prospects for atom guiding without requiring light sheets.
Holographic waveguide based optometer for the quantitative monitoring of ocular refractive error
Authors: Son Taeyoon , Liu Lei , Toslak Devrim , Liu Juan , Yao Xincheng
Published: February 2020

Oculomotor disorders are known to have profound impacts on a patients’ quality of life. However, current clinical practice lacks the capability to provide simultaneous assessment of three tightly coupled oculomotor control components, i.e. eye movement, lens accommodation, and pupil response. In this study, a holographic waveguide (HW) based benchtop optometer was constructed and evaluated with a model eye. Experimental result and quantitative analysis indicate that a HW can convey high quality retinal images to a camera at an illumination level safe for human subjects and support high accuracy measurements of ocular refractive error over a wide range. Further development of a HW-based system promises a wearable, see-through device for comprehensive assessment of oculomotor control components while the subject is engaged in normal daily activities and thus enable advanced research and clinical management of oculomotor disorders.
Genetic polymorphism of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in type 2 diabetes and in combination with arterial hypertension among Dagestan inhabitants
Authors: Saidov Marat Z. , Mammaev Suleiman N. , Magadova Halina M. , Balamirzoeva Rita Maratovna , Magomedova Zulfia Sh. , Magomedova Zarema S. , Gamzaeva Aishat U.
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension are frequent comorbidities under which activation the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is important pathogenetic link. The functional state of the RAAS is genetically determined. Genetic polymorphisms of the RAAS system associated with the development of both type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension have been identified and mapped. Associations of polymorphic variants of the RAAS genes with type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension among the inhabitants of Dagestan have not been studied.
AIM: Studying the association of the most relevant polymorphic variants of the C521T and T704C AGT gene, as well as the A1166C AGTR1 gene with type 2 diabetes and when combining type 2 diabetes with arterial hypertension among Dagestan inhabitants.
METHODS: We examined 16 patients with type 2 diabetes, 59 patients with type 2 diabetes combined with arterial hypertension and 51 patients with arterial hypertension, all residents of Dagestan. The control group included 47 healthy persons of the same age group. SNP polymorphisms were investigated by the method of allele-specific Real-Time PCR. The C521T and T704C polymorphisms of the AGT gene and the A1166C polymorphism of the AGTR1 gene were studied.
RESULTS: In the group of patients with a combination type 2 diabetes with arterial hypertension, the genotype CT of the C521T polymorphism of the AGT gene is less common compared to the control (23% vs. 43%, 2 = 3,868, p = 0,049), OR score 0,4 (0,2-0,9 ). The situation is similar with the TC genotype of the T704C polymorphism of the AGT gene (39% versus 61%, 2 = 4,282, p = 0,039). OR was 0,4 (0,20,8).On the contrary, in the same patients, but the carriers of the homozygous CC genotype of the T704C polymorphism of the AGT gene, OR exceeded one and made 2.5 (1.02-5.9), the frequency of occurrence was 42% vs. 23%, 2 = 3,363, p = 0,05. The frequency of the mutant allele C of the A1166C polymorphism of the AGTR1 gene in patients with arterial hypertension alone was 31% vs. 14%, 2 = 5.496, p = 0,019, OR 2,5 (1,2-5,0). The frequency of the wild allele A in these same patients was 69% versus 84%, 2 = 5,496, p = 0,019, OR 0,4 (0,2-0,8). A similar situation is determined with the AA genotype (52% versus 73%, 2 = 3,609, p = 0,05), OR = 0,4 (0,1-0,9).
CONCLUSIONS: The association of the C521T and T704C polymorphisms, as well as the A1166C candidate genes AGT and AGTR1 with type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension, is an important component in assessing the susceptibility to the development of these diseases in Dagestan residents.
The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of hypogonadism in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mel'nichenko Galina A. , Shestakova Marina V. , Rozhivanov Roman V.
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND: Male hypogonadism is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2; therefore, a study of its clinical and epidemiological characteristics is of interest.
AIMS: Assessment of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of hypogonadism in men with diabetes mellitus type 2.
METHODS: A full-design, cross-sectional, screening, multicenter, non-interventional study included men with diabetes mellitus type 2. The study was conducted from November 2017 to January 2019.Medical history assessment, sexological testing, estimation of luteinizing hormone (LH), sex hormone-binding globulin; total testosterone and glycated hemoglobin were performed. Free testosterone was calculated by the Vermeullen method. Comparison of groups was carried out using Yatess corrected version of chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Spearmans rank correlation method was also used. Differences were considered statistically significant with p 0,05.
RESULTS: The age of 554 men included in the study was 55 [50; 58] years, total testosterone level was 12,5 [9,1; 16,4] nmol/L; free testosterone was 0,266 [0,205; 0,333] nmol/L; HbA1c 7,2 [6,2; 8,9] %. Hypogonadism syndrome was detected in 181 men (32,7%). Total testosterone level in these patients was 7,8 [6,5; 9,4] nmol/L, and free testosterone level was 0,182 [0,152; 0,217] nmol/L. In patients without hypogonadism, these parameters were 14,7 [12,4; 18,0] nmol/L and 0,308 [0,265; 0,362] nmol/L, respectively. In most cases, patients with hypogonadism had normal, but lower LH levels of 3,3 [2,2; 4,9] U/L compared with patients without hypogonadism 3,8 [2,7; 4,9], p = 0,022. Most often, normogonadotropic hypogonadism was detected (89,5%). Statistically significant negative correlations were found between total testosterone levels and body mass index (r = -0,24; p 0,001), and waist circumference (r = -0,21; p0,001). The prevalence of decreased libido in patients with hypogonadism (66,8%) is statistically significantly higher than that in men without hypogonadism (56,3%, p = 0,022).
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypogonadism syndrome in men with diabetes mellitus type 2 is 32,7%. This type of hypogonadism is characterized by normal LH values.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patterns of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Klimontov Vadim V. , Korbut Anton I. , Fazullina Olga N. , Vinogradov Ilya V. , Romanov Vyacheslav V.
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence demonstrates increasing prevalence of normoalbuminuric chronic kidney disease (NA-CKD) in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D), while proportion of albuminuric pattern is decreasing.
AIMS: To determine the clinical and laboratory parameters associated with different patterns of CKD in patients with T2D.
METHODS: This observational, single-center, cross-sectional study included 360 patients with T2D duration 10 years. Patients with urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) 3 mg/mmol and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were classified as no-CKD group (n=89). Patients with UACR 3 mg/mmol and eGFR 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 formed NA-CKD group (n=111). Individuals with eGFR 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and UACR mg/mmol 3 were recorded as albuminuric with preserved renal function (A-CKD, n=87). Patients with eGFR 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and UACR mg/mmol 3 mg/mmol were considered as albuminuric CKD group (A-CKD+, n=73). Urinary nephrin and podocin, the podocyte injury markers, and whey acidic protein four-disulfide core domain protein 2 (WFDC-2), a marker of tubulointerstitial involvement, was assessed by ELISA and compared to control (20 non-diabetic subjects).
RESULTS: Age 65 years (p=0.0001), duration of T2D 15 years (p=0.0009), female sex (p=0.04), and therapy with diuretics (p=0.0005) were found as risk factors for NA-CKD. The risk factors for A-CKD were male sex (p=0.01), smoking (p=0.01), waist-to-hip ratio 1 (p=0.01) and HbA1c levels 8% (p=0.005). The duration of T2D 15 years (p=0.01) and the use of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (p=0.01) were associated with A-CKD+. In T2D groups, the urinary excretion of nephrin and podocin was increased (all p0.001), more markedly in albuminuric individuals (p0.01 vs. NA-CKD). WFDC-2 excretion was increased in men from all diabetic groups (p0.05) and in women with decreased eGFR only (p0.05 vs. the control and NA-CKD).
CONCLUSIONS: The CKD patterns in T2D are heterogeneous according to their clinical and laboratory characteristics. The changes in the excretion of nephrin and podocin indicate the association of albuminuric patterns with podocyte injury. A decrease in eGFR in women with T2D is associated with an increase in urinary excretion of WFDC-2, tubulointerstitial fibrosis marker.
Phenotypes of prediabetes: pathogenesis and consequences for prediction and prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Stefan Norbert
Published: February 2020

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing world-wide. Thus, it is necessary to better understand its pathogenesis, the risk of diabetes-associated complications and effective treatment strategies. Because type 2 diabetes is a very heterogenous disease, both, related to its pathogenesis and risk of complications, phenotyping strategies in diabetes may help to tailor the preventive strategies based on the individuals risk. As the the hyperglycemic state of prediabetes is already associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases it is necessary to investigate the impact of phenotypes for predictive and preventive outcomes already in this early state of hyperglycemia. In this review artice I discuss how important phenotypes of prediabetes, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, visceral obesity, insulin secretion defect and insulin resistance can be used to improve the prediction and prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Das Recht in der
Kritik der reinen Vernunft
Authors: Brandt Reinhard
Published: February 2020

Recent publications (Henrich, Seeberg) claim that Kant has been profoundly influenced by contemporary publications on juridical deductions. I try to show, that this cannot be right. The introductory note of the “Transcendental Deduction” (Critique of Pure Reason A 84) poses two questions: “quid facti?” and “quid juris?”. The first is answered by the demonstration of the possibility of relations between pure concepts and pure intuition und sensations, the second by the implicit refutation of David Hume. Kant and his interpreters sustain the possibility of using juridical concepts, that are neither related to real juridical facts nor are only metaphers, but have a special philosophical signification. But what should that be?
UPLC-MS/MS method for determination of retinol and α-tocopherol in serum using a simple sample pretreatment and UniSpray as ionization technique to reduce matrix effects
Authors: Peersman Nele , Elslande Jan Van , Lepage Yannick , De Amicis Samira , Desmet Koenraad , Vermeersch Pieter
Published: February 2020

Background

Our goal was to develop a simple, rapid and precise ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of retinol and α-tocopherol in serum. Currently published LC-MS/MS methods either require complex extraction procedures (liquid-liquid or solid-phase) or do not meet desirable specifications for imprecision in serum (coefficient of variation [CV] <6.8% and 6.9%, respectively).

Methods

Sample preparation consisted of a simple protein precipitation with ethanol and acetonitrile. Stable isotope-labeled internal standards (IS) and a homemade calibration curve were used for quantification. The analysis was performed using an Acquity I-class Xevo TQ XS LC-MS/MS. Chromatographic runtime was 6.0 min using a reversed phase gradient elution. UniSpray (US) as an ionization technique was compared to electrospray ionization (ESI). Analytical validation included matrix effect, recovery and trueness compared to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards and United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service (UK NEQAS) samples.

Results

Intra- and inter-run CVs were <4.9% for retinol and <1.7% for α-tocopherol, both complying with desirable specifications for imprecision. Bias compared to NIST standards was <3.1% for both compounds. The method was linear over the entire tested range. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) with US was lower than with ESI for both retinol (0.022 vs. 0.043 mg/L) and α-tocopherol (0.22 vs. 0.87 mg/L). Matrix effects were not significant (<15%) for retinol. However, for α-tocopherol matrix effects of on average 54.0% were noted using ESI, but not with US.

Conclusions

We developed a fast, precise and accurate UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of retinol and α-tocopherol in human serum using a single-step sample pretreatment. Ionization using US eliminated the matrix effects for α-tocopherol.
Challenges of LC-MS/MS ethyl glucuronide analysis in abstinence monitoring of liver transplant candidates
Authors: Heinemann Mitja L. , Elsing Louis , Kaiser Thorsten , Boettcher Michael , Herber Adam , Seehofer Daniel , Berg Thomas , Ceglarek Uta
Published: February 2020

Background

Urinary ethyl glucuronide (EtG) has emerged as the biomarker of choice for alcohol abstinence monitoring in forensic toxicology and is now used in the listing decision process for liver transplantations (LTs) in the German transplant program. However, EtG analysis in this patient group is challenging due to severely impaired liver function, renal failure, co-morbidities and multidrug regimens. The aim of our study was to evaluate liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based EtG analysis for a precise abstinence monitoring in transplant candidates.

Methods

EtG and ethyl sulfate (EtS) were analyzed by a commercial LC-MS/MS assay in 1787 spot urine samples of 807 patients (>85% from the Department of Hepatology) using a combination of quantifier and two qualifier mass transitions for each analyte. Influences of bacterial contamination, kidney and liver function were investigated.

Results

Two hundred and sixty-four urine samples had elevated (≥0.5 mg/L) EtG concentrations when only analyzing one quantifier mass transition. Eleven results (4.2%) were found to be false positive after combining three mass transitions for EtG quantification and verification with parallel analysis of EtS. Decreased kidney function was associated with a significantly higher rate of positive EtG samples. One of the false positive results was caused by bacterial metabolism.

Conclusions

Multimorbid pre-transplant patients have a high risk of individual analytical disturbances of EtG results obtained by LC-MS/MS. Therefore, EtG and EtS should always be measured by a combination of one quantifier and two qualifiers each and evaluated together.
Women’s Activism in Pakistan: Role of Religious Nationalism and Feminist Ideology Among Self-Identified Conservatives and Liberals
Authors: Anjum Gulnaz
Published: February 2020

This paper explores women’s activism and political engagement in contemporary Pakistan. In this exploration with self-identified liberal and conservative groups of women, emerged their experiences and narratives about Feminism and Nationalism with a common moderator being religious affiliations. In this qualitative and phenomenological exploration, the informants belonged to various self-identified liberal and conservative women-led organizations. To this end, 20 women (age-range 23-48 years) were interviewed. Results indicated that gender roles and feminism were seen very differently between the two groups; gender and national identity were closely associated with Islamic values and there was a negative association between nationalism and feminist ideology. Women from liberal organizations, mostly feminists, emphasized pro-public-sphere engagement of women, rebelling against religious fundamentalism. On the contrary, many self-reported conservative women proclaimed nationalist, anti-feminists (they did not identify as Islamic feminists) and pro-private-sphere engagement of women. Many of the liberal informants complained about Pakistan’s misogynistic society and hurdles they faced in demanding equal opportunities for women. This research has implications for gender equality and female identity in the context of nationalism, women’s mobility and entitlement to the public sphere. The study also has applied significance for prejudices and stereotypes that make it difficult for women, to break away from fixed categories of gender role expectations. This paper informs academics and practitioners on socially and politically engaged Pakistani women’s views regarding these narratives. The study concluded that women’s activism is influenced by their religious views and their religious interpretation of feminism and nationalism in Pakistani society.
Provenance and tectonic significance of the Zhongwunongshan Group from the Zhongwunongshan Structural Belt in China: insights from zircon geochronology
Authors: Peng Yuan , Zhang Yongsheng , Xing Eenyuan , Wang Linlin
Published: February 2020

The Zhongwunongshan Structural Belt (ZWSB) locates between the Olongbruk Microblock of North Qaidam and the South Qilian Block in China, and it has important implication for understanding the tectonic significance of North Qaidam. Nowadays, there are few discussion on the Caledonian tectonothermal events of the Zhongwunongshan Structural Belt, and there exist different opinions on provenance and tectonic environment of the Zhongwunongshan Group in the ZWSB and its adjacent North Qaidam. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of the detrital zircon geochronological research was carried out on the Zhongwunongshan Group. The detrital zircon U-Pb dating results showed two major populations. The first was Neoproterozoic (966-725 Ma) with a∈Hf(t) = −15.9 to 9.5, and the other was late Early Paleozoic (460-434Ma) with a∈Hf(t) = −9.6 to −3.1. In combination with previous research, the dominated provenances were found to be the Neoproterozoic granitic gneiss of the Yuqia-Shaliuhe HP-UHP metamorphic belt and the late Early Paleozoic granite of the Tanjianshan ophiolite-volcanic arc belt in North Qaidam. The Zhongwunongshan Group was deposited in the back-arc sedimentary basin related to the Caledonian collisional orogeny during Middle Silurian-Early Devonian (434-407.9 Ma).
Effects of extractives on mechanical properties and durability of rubberwood-HDPE composites
Authors: Wang Zilun , Hu Chuanshuang , Gu Jin , Cherdchim Banyat , Tu Dengyun , Guan Litao
Published: February 2020

In this study, the effects of rubberwood extractives on the mechanical properties and fungal decay resistance of rubberwood-based wood plastic composites (WPCs) were explored. Three different solvents, benzene-ethanol, methanol, and deionized water, were used to remove the extractives of the rubberwood flour (RWF). The surface topographies of the prepared rubberwood-based WPC and the rubberwood itself were characterized using digital instruments and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the mechanical properties of the WPC prepared using extracted RWF were higher than those of the WPC prepared with unextracted RWF. The sequences of resistance to the growth of mold on the surface of the WPC were ranked as follows: deionized-water-extracted WPC > methanol-extracted WPC > benzene-ethanol-extracted WPC > unextracted WPC. The WPC made with extracted RWF had better brown-rot resistance and worse white-rot resistance than the unextracted WPC. These results demonstrate that the removal of rubberwood extractives has a positive effect on the mechanical properties and mold and fungal decay resistance of rubberwood-based WPCs.
Effect of Competitive Adsorbates on the Catalytic Activity of H3PMo12O40@C in the Oxidation of NMST to NMSBA
Authors: Liu Hua-jie , Fang Zhou-wen , Zhou Xin-zhi , Long Xiang-li
Published: February 2020

The effect of competitive adsorption on the catalytic performance of H3PMo12O40@C catalyst for producing 2-nitro-4-methylsulfonylbenzoic acid (NMSBA) from the oxidation of 2-nitro-4- methylsulfonyltoluene (NMST) by oxygen in acetic acid has been investigated. Six kinds of acids were added into the impregnation solution as competitive adsorbates for phosphomolybdic acid in the preparation of H3PMo12O40@C catalyst. H2SO4, HCl, HNO3, CH3COOH and H2C2O4are beneficial to improving the catalytic activity of the H3PMo12O40@C catalyst. The corresponding optimum impregnation concentrations for H2SO4, HCl, HNO3, CH3COOH and H2C2O4are 0.4, 0.3, 0.3, 1.0 and 0.3 mol L−1, respectively. The addition of H3PO4exerts a negative effect on the catalytic capability of H3PMo12O40@C catalyst. The results of TEM characterization show that good dispersion of H3PMo12O40on the surface of the H3PMo12O40@C catalyst is beneficial to ameliorating the catalytic ability of H3PMo12O40@C catalyst in the production of NMSBA from NMST by oxygen in acetic acid. The results of NH3-TPD indicate that the acidity of the H3PMo12O40@C also favors the improvement of the catalytic capability of H3PMo12O40@C in the oxidation of NMST to NMSBA.
Effect of Konjac Glucomannan on Sensory, Physical and Thermal Properties of Mochi
Authors: Ren Bingxi , Xie Hongchen , Guo Lulu , Zhong Kai , Huang Yina , Gao Hong
Published: February 2020

Mochi is a popular snack in Asia, but few studies explored applications of konjac glucomannan (KGM) combined with mochi. The textural and thermal properties, sensory and microstructural changes were measured from mochi, which performed mainly from glutinous rice flour and KGM blends of which KGM shared 1–5 %. About 1–3 % KGM substitution could improve sensory qualities of mochi. The color of mochi with different KGM concentration could be distinguished by the naked eye. The variants with 4–5 % KGM concentration exhibited high hardness, stickiness of texture parameters, and obvious changes in temperature peak of thermodynamic parameters. The reticular gelatinized microstructures of mochi showed increased aperture of cavities with enhanced matrix surrounded. These changes could be due to high water binding capacity of KGM. In general, 3 % KGM concentration could lead to desirable sensory and textural properties of mochi, indicating a potential of KGM for widespread usage in glutinous rice starch-based foods industry.
Vitamin D status and its relation to insulin resistance in a Mexican pediatric population
Authors: Flores Ruelas Yunue , Del Toro Equihua Mario , Alejandra Jiménez Solís Norma , Baltazar Rodríguez Luz Margarita , Delgado Enciso Ivan , Sánchez Ramírez Carmen Alicia
Published: February 2020

Background

Obesity in children and adolescents has increased alarmingly, placing them at a higher risk for impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has increased as well. Vitamin D is critical for glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion. Studies on adults have reported an inverse association between vitamin D levels and insulin resistance (IR), but the results in children are inconsistent. The aim of our study was to determine the association between IR and serum vitamin D levels in obese Mexican children and adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed on 227 children and adolescents between 6 and 19 years of age. Obesity was diagnosed through body mass index (BMI) for age, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (2007). 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) was measured using an immunoassay technique and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated using the Matthews equation. Student’s t-test was carried out.

Results

The mean serum 25(OH)D level was 35.80 ng/mL, and 55.1% of the subjects had levels classified as sufficient, 33.5% as insufficient, and 11.5% as deficient. The mean level of HOMA-IR was 3.16, and 70% of the subjects were diagnosed with IR. Fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR were significantly different in adolescents with hypovitaminosis, compared with adolescents in the vitamin D sufficiency group (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions

The insulin levels and HOMA-IR were higher in adolescents with hypovitaminosis. The girls presented higher levels of insulin and HOMA-IR than the boys.
Structure, Function, and Tort Law
Authors: Priel Dan
Published: February 2020

A popular view among tort theorists is that an explanation of tort law must take account its “structure,” since this structure constitutes the law’s “self-understanding.” This view is used to both criticize competing functional accounts of tort law, especially economic ones, that are said to ignore tort law’s structure, and, more constructively, as a basis for explaining various tort doctrines. In this essay, I consider this argument closely and conclude that it is faulty. To be valid, one needs a non-question begging way of identifying the essence of tort law. I argue that law’s “self-understanding” can only make sense if it means the understanding of certain people. Examining those, I conclude that the claim of structuralists is false, for there are many people who take its function to be central. I then further show that if one wishes to understand the development of tort law’s doctrine one must take both structure and function into account. I demonstrate this claim by examining the development of the doctrine dealing with causal uncertainty and vicarious liability.
Croft’s cycle in Arabic: The negative existential cycle in a single language
Authors: Wilmsen David
Published: February 2020

The negative existential cycle has been shown to be operative in several language families. Here it is shown that it also operates within a single language. It happens that the existentialfīthat has been adduced as an example of a type A in the Arabic of Damascus, Syria, negated with the standard spoken Arabic verbal negatormā, does not participate in a negative cycle, but another Arabic existential particle does. Reflexes of the existential particlešay(y)/šē/šī/šiof southern peninsular Arabic dialects enter into a type A > B configuration as a univerbation betweenmāand the existential particlešiin reflexes ofmaši. It also enters that configuration in others as a univerbation betweenmā, the 3rd-person pronounshūorhī, and the existential particlešīin reflexes ofmahūš/mahīš. At that point, the existential particlešīloses its identity as such to be reanalyzed as a negator, with reflexes ofmahūš/mahīšnegating all manner of non-verbal predications except existentials. As such, negators formed of reflexes ofšīskip a stage B, but they re-enter the cycle at stage B > C, when reflexes ofmahūš/mahīšbegin negating some verbs. The consecutive C stage is encountered only in northern Egyptian and southern Yemeni dialects. An inchoate stage C > A appears only in dialects of Lower Egypt.
A Bayesian procedure for bandwidth selection in circular kernel density estimation
Authors: Bedouhene Kahina , Zougab Nabil
Published: February 2020

A Bayesian procedure for bandwidth selection in kernel circular density estimation is investigated, when the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling algorithm is utilized for Bayes estimates.
Under the quadratic and entropy loss functions, the proposed method is evaluated through a simulation study and real data sets, which were already discussed in the literature.
The proposed Bayesian approach is very competitive in comparison with the existing classical global methods, namely plug-in and cross-validation techniques.
Bioinformatics Analysis of the Expression of ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 3 (ABCC3) in Human Glioma
Authors: Sun Zelin , Qi Xiaoyuan , Zhang Yan
Published: February 2020

Objective

To investigate the expression of the ABCC3 gene in human glioma and its correlation with the patient’s prognosis.

Methods

The cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database was used to analyze the differential expression of the ABCC3 gene in human glioma. The STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the ABCC3 gene coding protein. The co-expression genes relevant to the ABCC3 gene were analyzed by the Pearson correlation test. A log-rank test was used to analyze the difference of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between the high and low ABCC3 gene expression groups.

Results

The expression level of the ABCC3 gene in glioma tissues was lower than that of corresponding normal brain tissues. The PPI network contains 51 nodes with the average node degree of 13.3 and the local clustering coefficient of 0.72 which indicated that the PPI enrichment was significant (p<0.001). Ten hub genes (ABCC3,NR1I2,NR1H4,-CYP7A1,SLC10A1,CYP3A4,UGT1A1,UGT1A8,UGT1A6 and ALB) were identified by the cytoscape software. The KEGG analysis was enriched in drug metabolism - cytochrome P450 and PPAR signaling pathway. CFI gene expression level was positive correlated with the ABCC3 expression level (r=0.71, p<0.05). And the CNRIP1 gene expressed was negative correlated with ABCC3 expression (r=-0.43, p<0.05). The overall survival (HR=2.8, P<0.05) and disease-free survival rates (HR=2.0, P<0.05) of patients with ABCC3 low expression glioma were significantly higher than those of patients with high expression of ABCC3. Conclusion The expression level of the ABCC3 gene in glioma was decreased compared to normal brain tissue. The overall survival and disease-free survival of in the ABCC3 low-expression group was significant decreased.