bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Wakefield’s laboratory: Tangata Whenua into property/labour in Te Waipounamu
Authors: Barber Simon
Published: January 2020

This article follows the alchemical political economy of Edward Gibbon Wakefield for whom Kāi Tahu whenua served as a laboratory. Wakefield’s clever formula for the transubstantiation of an incendiary social situation in Britain into new terrain for capital was designed to secure the transplantation of English economic and social relations to the colonies to ensure the persistence of a landless class compelled to sell their labour for wages. Ingeniously, the transport of that labour to the colonies was to be paid for by the market in land in the new colony: Kāi Tahu would be made to fund their own colonisation. I track the fate of capital’s settler dream for ready land and labour as it was brought into being by the New Zealand Company, subsequently taken over by the Crown, and as it continues into our present. The argument is divided into two parts. The first is the classical moment of primitive accumulation, clearing people from the land to provide a market in land and labour, ‘legal’ dispossession, and commodification. The second is the more recent continuation of the initial processes of dispossession and commodification as these assert themselves in processes of redress and as they are expressed in the corporatisation of Ngāi Tahu.
Effect of advanced injection angle on diesel engine shaft torsional vibration
Authors: Ni Shiwei , Guo Yibin , Li Wanyou , Wang Donghua , Shuai Zhijun , Yu Donghai
Published: January 2020

In this article, a coupling model of shafting torsional vibration with advanced injection angle is proposed to study the effect of advanced injection angle on shaft torsional vibration. Using Simulink, a model shaft system of a 4190ZL_C medium-speed diesel engine is created to study the effect. The proposed coupling model, the traditional simulation method and the test are conducted on the torsional vibration of the 4190ZL_C medium-speed diesel engine, separately. The results show that the spectrum from the coupling vibration model is more abundant than from the traditional vibration model. Hence, considering the effect of advanced injection angle on shaft torsional vibration, the proposed coupling model can improve the modeling accuracy of shaft torsional vibration. It provides a new approach in engine design.
Grave Goods
Authors: Sherry John F.
Published: January 2020

Arts-based research challenges inquirers into marketplace behavior to address the ontological turn in the social sciences by representing their understanding of consumption in an aesthetic key. Unfolding from the premise that experience is an assemblage, this short story examines the phenomenon of vibrant matter through an exploration of entangled objects. The account is set in the context of death rituals in a consumer culture and scrutinizes the process of disposition long neglected in the marketing literature. The transubstantiation of assemblage components is captured in kairos-moment ruptures of chronos-baseline flow.
Young Adults in the Justice System: The Interplay between Scientific Insights, Legal Reform and Implementation in Practice in The Netherlands
Authors: Schmidt Eva P. , Rap Stephanie E. , Liefaard Ton
Published: January 2020

In recent years, there has been increased attention for the position of adolescents and young adults in the justice system. The Netherlands implemented the Act on Adolescent Criminal Law in 2014, making it possible to sentence young adults up to the age of 23 at the time of the offence as juveniles. This article addresses the most recent Dutch reforms in order to identify key challenges to consider when accommodating young adults in the justice system. It is aimed to highlight the important lessons to be learned from the Dutch experience with a flexible approach to sentencing adolescents and young adults.
Practicing youth participatory action research for school equity: A pedagogical model
Authors: Gonell Eliaquin , Smith Lance C , Garnett Bernice , Clements Elizabeth
Published: January 2020

The application of emancipatory pedagogical methods such as youth participatory action research may serve as a valuable practice for addressing educational inequity. This article presents educational leaders, teachers, researchers, and youth advocates with a description of applicable pedagogical methods that comprised the implementation of a youth participatory action research seminar at the middle school level. The authors describe a seminar that incorporated tenets of critical pedagogy and radical healing to maximize student engagement and enhance the impact of student voice in a project to expand school equity. Also provided is a course outline highlighting topics covered and activities implemented throughout the 12-week seminar. Important considerations and lessons learned are also discussed.
Faded Bedtime Intervention for Delayed Sleep Onset in an Adolescent With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Luiselli James K. , Harper Jill M. , Shlesinger Andrew , Murphy Kerrianne J. , Luke Katherine
Published: January 2020

We report the case of an 18-year-old girl who had autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and demonstrated persistent delayed sleep onset after going to bed in her group home at a residential school. Intervention consisted of a faded bedtime in which her customary time to bed was extended later into the night, then gradually made earlier as she started falling asleep more rapidly over the course of many weeks. By conclusion of the study and at a 1-month follow-up, the girl was falling asleep in less than 30 min after going to bed and sleeping an average of 8.4 hr each night. Compared with previous research with children in inpatient and home environments, the study found positive effects from a faded bedtime intervention without additional procedures, targeted an adolescent with ASD, and was conducted by care providers in a novel residence setting.
Novel Trocar-Free Elastic Liver Retractor in Bariatric Surgery Patients: Comparison of a Standard Laparoscopic Retraction With the First Series Using the LiVac Sling System
Authors: Bures Claudia , Seika Philippa , Fiorelli Rossano Alvim Keppler , Kröll Dino , Zorron Ricardo
Published: January 2020

During upper gastrointestinal surgery, retraction of the liver plays an essential role in the visualization and creation of an optimal surgical field. Liver retraction may be problematic, particularly in obese patients. The use of conventional liver retractors requires additional skin incision and has the potential to cause pain as well as liver injuries. The present study is the first to evaluate the performance and safety of the LiVac Sling (Livac Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia) trocar-free retractor system in bariatric surgery patients. In this retrospective study, data from laparoscopic primary or revisional bariatric surgeries that were performed with the LiVac Sling system and a standard retractor between May 2017 and December 2017 were collected. Demographic data, body mass index, type of surgery, number and indication of LiVac Sling system used, surgery time, and complications were analyzed. In total, 51 procedures were included. Twenty Sling devices have been used in 17 patients (13 female; 75%). The distribution of baseline characteristics was similar between the standard retractor group and LiVac Sling retractor group. In the LiVac Sling group, the number of trocars used was significantly reduced over the study period. Within 30 days postoperatively, no complications could be identified, and no device-related adverse events were reported. In this bariatric population, the use of the LiVac Sling for liver retraction was safe. No device-related adverse events were registered, and compared with standard retraction, the number of trocars used could be reduced by one.
Endoscopic Tricuspid Valve Surgery is a Safe and Effective Option
Authors: Abdelbar Abdelrahman , Niranjan Gunaratnam , Tennyson Charlene , Saravanan Palanikumar , Knowles Andrew , Laskawski Grzegorz , Zacharias Joseph
Published: January 2020

Objective

Isolated tricuspid surgery through median sternotomy can be associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Reports of minimally invasive isolated tricuspid valve operations are rare, but the outcomes are encouraging. We present our experience of endoscopic isolated tricuspid valve surgery.

Methods

In our institution, 452 patients underwent endoscopic minimal access cardiac surgery between August 2008 and December 2018. A total of 90 patients underwent tricuspid valve surgery whether isolated or with other cardiac procedure. We further selected patients who had isolated tricuspid valve surgery ( n = 24). Of these patients, 13 (54%) had more than one previous sternotomy.

Results

Tricuspid repair was performed in 18 patients (75%) with the remaining 6 (25%) having bioprosthetic tricuspid replacement. Three (12.5%) were performed with a beating heart, the remaining with endoaortic clamping and cardioplegia. There were no conversions to sternotomy. None of the patients had reoperation for bleeding, tamponade, or valve issues. Three patients (12.5%) required blood transfusion, 3 patients (12.5%) required renal dialysis, and 7 patients (29%) had respiratory complications such as chest infection, requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with 2 being re-intubated. One patient (4.1%) died within 30 days from chest sepsis leading to multi-organ failure. Mean hospital stay was 11.1 ± 8.9 days (median of 8). All patients had mild or less regurgitation on follow-up echo at 6 months.

Conclusions

Isolated tricuspid valve surgery can be performed through an endoscopic minimally access approach, with good results. It appears to provide better results than a sternotomy approach. A high repair rate can be achieved, and the procedure is particularly valuable in redo-surgery with low mortality and morbidity compared to historical sternotomy case series.
Contemporary Status of Percutaneous Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair: Is It a Complement or Replacement to Mitral Surgery?
Authors: Shim Hunbo , Percy Edward , Hirji Sameer , Kaneko Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2020

Transcatheter mitral valve repair devices borrow from the concept of surgical edge-to-edge approximation and are becoming increasingly used in patients with both primary and functional mitral regurgitation. The application of these new devices is expanding globally; however, debates between which patients are amenable to surgery vs. percutaneous approaches are ongoing. As new trials and regulatory approvals have evolved, the indications for transcatheter approaches have expanded, in a way that is complementaty to existing indications for surgical repair. In general, the treatment of mitral regurgitation should be stratified based on underlying pathophysiology and anatomy by a multidisciplinary team including cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists. This review aims to provide practical approaches to patient selection and treatment strategies for mitral regurgitation based on historical data and recently published trials, with a focus on the distinction between surgical and transcatheter mitral therapies.
Estimation of leg stiffness using an approximation to the planar spring–mass system in high-speed running
Authors: Guo Wei , Cai Changrong , Li Mantian , Zha Fusheng , Wang Pengfei , Jiang Zhenyu
Published: January 2020

Leg stiffness plays a critical role in legged robots’ speed regulation. However, the analytic solutions to the differential equations of the stance phase do not exist, of course not for the exact analytical solution of stiffness. In view of the challenge in dealing with every circumstance by numerical methods, which have been adopted to tabulate approximate answers, the “harmonic motion model” was used as approximation of the stance phase. However, the wide range leg sweep angles and small fluctuations of the “center of mass” in fast movement were overlooked. In this article, we raise a “triangle motion model” with uniform forward speed, symmetric movement, and straight-line center of mass trajectory. The characters are then shifted to a quadratic equation by Taylor expansion and obtain an approximate analytical solution. Both the numerical simulation and ADAMS-Matlab co-simulation of the control system show the accuracy of the triangle motion model method in predicting leg stiffness even in the ultra-high-speed case, and it is also adaptable to low-speed cases. The study illuminates the relationship between leg stiffness and speed, and the approximation model of the planar spring–mass system may serve as an analytical tool for leg stiffness estimation in high-speed locomotion.
Vehicle pose estimation algorithm for parking automated guided vehicle
Authors: Ning Zhixiong , Wang Xin , Wang Jun , Wen Huafeng
Published: January 2020

Parking automated guided vehicle is more and more widely used for efficient automatic parking and one of the tough challenges for parking automated guided vehicle is the problem of vehicle pose estimation. The traditional algorithms rely on the profile information of vehicle body and sensors are required to be mounted at the top of the vehicle. However, the sensors are always mounted at a lower place because the height of a parking automated guided vehicle is always beyond 0.2mm, where we can only get the vehicle wheel information and limited vehicle body information. In this article, a novel method is given based on the symmetry of wheel point clouds collected by 3-D lidar. Firstly, we combine cell-based method with support vector machine classifier to segment ground point clouds. Secondly, wheel point clouds are segmented from obstacle point clouds and their symmetry are corrected by iterative closest point algorithm. Then, we estimate the vehicle pose by the symmetry plane of wheel point clouds. Finally, we compare our method with registration method that combines sample consensus initial alignment algorithm and iterative closest point algorithm. The experiments have been carried out.
Design and kinematics analysis of the executing device of heavy-duty casting robot
Authors: Wang Chengjun , Xu Chengke , Li Long , Hu Haixia , Guo Yongcun
Published: January 2020

Aim to the problems of low load and precision of the serial manipulator used in casting operation. Casting execution equipment based on 2UPR-2RPU mechanism was designed. A prototype of heavy-duty casting robot has been proposed and developed. Based on the theory of robot topology, the mechanism constraint relation of the casting execution equipment was analyzed, and it is concluded that the casting actuator has three degrees of freedom. Both the inverse position equation of the casting execution equipment and axial velocity equation of branch chain were established. In this article, kinematics simulation of the casting execution equipment based on ADAMS software was presented, and its kinematics characteristics of each parallel branch chain were analyzed. The validity of this kinematics model of casting actuator was verified. Based on the working space analysis method for parallel mechanism, the working space range of casting execution equipment was simulated by the MATLAB software. This research provides a reference for expanding the application of hybrid structural robot in casting field and developing casting heavy-duty casting robotic products.
Passive impact/vibration control and isolation performance optimization for space noncooperative target capture
Authors: Sun Chong , Hou Xiaolei
Published: January 2020

On-orbit capture is an important technique for the space debris removal, refueling, or malfunction satellite repairing. While due to the uncertainty of the motion parameters of the space noncooperative target, the impact between the capture device and the noncooperative target during the capturing process is inevitable, which may bring strong vibration perturbation to the base satellite, and potentially alter the position and the attitude of the servicing spacecraft, or even cause failure of on-orbit tasks. This article presents a new and alternative method for passive suppression of spacecraft impact and perturbation during noncooperative spacecraft capture. The passive device based on bioinspired X-shape is installed between the satellite and the capture device. In the capture process, nonlinear damping of the passive isolation structure can significantly reduce impact/vibration perturbation. For performance analysis, dynamic equations of the isolation system are established. Based on which, the relationship between structure parameters and isolation performance is systematically analyzed. Experiments are conducted for verification of the effectiveness of the proposed method. Moreover, an optimal process using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II optimization method is developed to minimize impact/vibration perturbation effect, and optimal solutions can provide useful reference for the passive isolation system design.
Does bottom-line pressure make terrorism coverage more negative? Evidence from a twenty-newspaper panel study
Authors: Hoffman Aaron M , Jengelley Dwaine HA
Published: January 2020

Existing research suggests that journalists who work at newspapers that emphasize profitability increase the negativity of their terrorism reporting in response to declining revenues. Many journalists, however, dispute the connection between the sale of news and the coverage of news. The authors address this debate using an original panel dataset of articles about terrorism between 1997 and 2014, published by 20 of the top circulating newspapers in the United States. The results show that the negativity of coverage is influenced by the profit orientations of newspaper owners rather than the success that news organizations have in selling the news. The deadliness of terrorist attacks, the post-9/11 media environment, and public distrust of the news media also influence the tone of terrorism coverage.
Can a modified theory of planned behavior explain the effects of empowerment education for people with type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Lin Chung-Ying , Cheung Mike K. T. , Hung Anchor T. F. , Poon Peter K. K. , Chan Sam C. C. , Chan Chetwyn C. H.
Published: January 2020

Background:

The effectiveness of the Patient Empowerment Program (PEP) has been demonstrated in people with diabetes mellitus (DM); however, the underlying reasons for its effectiveness remain unclear. To improve effectiveness, we need to study the psychological mechanism(s) of PEP to understand why it is effective. This study hypothesized that the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), modified specifically for people with DM, could describe the mechanism explaining PEP effects.

Methods:

A longitudinal design was used. Patients with type 2 DM ( n = 365; 151 males; mean age = 62.9 ± 9.6 years) received two education sessions (i.e. seminars delivered by registered nurses to provide disease-specific knowledge), and some ( n = 210) further enrolled afterwards in five empowerment sessions (i.e. small-group interactive workshops conducted by social workers to practice action planning, problem solving, and experience sharing). Validated questionnaires were used to measure risk perception, health literacy, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention on diabetes self-care behaviors, and four diabetes self-care behaviors (diet control, exercise, blood glucose monitoring, and foot care) at baseline. Three months later (i.e. at the end of PEP), all participants completed the behavioral intention and diabetes self-care behaviors measures again. Attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and diabetes self-care behaviors were assessed to represent the TPB constructs. Risk perception and health literacy elements relevant to people with DM were assessed and added to modify the TPB.

Results:

The behavioral intention was associated with three diabetes self-care behaviors: exercise, blood glucose monitoring, and foot care. The behavioral intention was found to be a significant mediator in the following relationships: empowerment session participation and exercise (β = 0.045, p = 0.04), and empowerment session participation and foot care (β = 0.099, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The effects of enrollment of empowerment sessions in PEP on exercise and foot care were likely to be mediated through behavioral intention.
Demystifying the Aspect of Quality in Higher Education: Insights From Saudi Arabia
Authors: Allam Zafrul
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors of quality in higher education in the eyes of stakeholders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A total of 151 respondents were taken for this scientific research. Biographical Information Blank and Quality in Higher Education questionnaires were administered to the respondents to explore prevailing factors in higher education to maintain the realm of quality. Through factor analysis, the investigation revealed six factors that the stakeholders perceived as contributory factors existing in terms of quality in the higher education. It is suggested that leaders and policymakers of higher education in the Kingdom must focus on six factors obtained in the current investigation to enhance the effectiveness of quality in the higher education.
Quality and Safety Improvement in Spine Surgery
Authors: Jiang Fan , Wilson Jamie R. F. , Badhiwala Jetan H. , Santaguida Carlo , Weber Michael H. , Wilson Jefferson R. , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: January 2020

Study Design:

Review article.

Objectives:

A narrative review of the literature on the current advances and limitations in quality and safety improvement initiatives in spine surgery.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was performed using Ovid MEDLINE focusing on 3 preidentified concepts: (1) quality and safety improvement, (2) reporting of outcomes and adverse events, and (3) prediction model and practice guidelines. The search was conducted under appropriate subject headings and using relevant text words. Articles were screened, and manuscripts relevant to this discussion were included in the narrative review.

Results:

Quality and safety improvement remains a major research focus attracting investigators from the global spine community. Multiple databases and registries have been developed for the purpose of generating data and monitoring the progress of quality and safety improvement initiatives. The development of various prediction models and clinical practice guidelines has helped shape the care of spine patients in the modern era. With the reported success of exemplary programs initiated by the Northwestern and Seattle Spine Team, other quality and safety improvement initiatives are anticipated to follow. However, despite these advancements, the reporting metrics for outcomes and adverse events remain heterogeneous in the literature.

Conclusion:

Constant surveillance and continuous improvement of the quality and safety of spine treatments is imperative in modern health care. Although great advancement has been made, issues with reporting outcomes and adverse events persist, and improvement in this regard is certainly needed.
Surgical Site Infection Prevention Following Spine Surgery
Authors: Aleem Ilyas S. , Tan Lee A. , Nassr Ahmad , Riew K. Daniel
Published: January 2020

Study Design:

Literature review.

Objectives:

Surgical site infection (SSI) following spine surgery leads to significant patient morbidity, mortality, and increased health care costs. The purpose of this article is to identify risk factors and strategies to prevent SSIs following spine surgery, with particular focus on avoiding infections in posterior cervical surgery.

Methods:

We performed a literature review and synthesis to identify methods that can be used to prevent the development of SSI following spine surgery. Specific pearls for preventing infection in posterior cervical spine surgery are also presented.

Results:

SSI prevention can be divided into patient and surgeon factors. Preoperative patient factors include smoking cessation, tight glycemic control, weight loss, and nutrition optimization. Surgeon factors include screening and treatment for pathologic microorganisms, skin preparation using chlorhexidine and alcohol, antimicrobial prophylaxis, hand hygiene, meticulous surgical technique, frequent irrigation, intrawound vancomycin powder, meticulous multilayered closure, and use of closed suction drains.

Conclusion:

Prevention of SSI following spine surgery is multifactorial and begins with careful patient selection, preoperative optimization, and meticulous attention to numerous surgical factors. With careful attention to various patient and surgeon factors, it is possible to significantly reduce SSI rates following spine surgery.
A Brief History of Quality Improvement in Health Care and Spinal Surgery
Authors: Hines Kevin , Mouchtouris Nikolaos , Knightly John J. , Harrop James
Published: January 2020

While medical and technological advances continue to shape and advance health care, there has been growing emphasis on translating these advances into improvement in overall health care quality outcomes in the United States. Innovators such as Abraham Flexner and Ernest Codman engaged in rigorous reviews of systems and patient outcomes igniting wider spread interest in quality improvement in health care. Codman’s efforts even contributed to the founding of the American College of Surgeons. This society catalyzed a quality improvement initiative across the United States and the formation of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals. Since that time, those such as Avedis Donabedian and the Institute of Medicine have worked to structure the process of improving both the quality and delivery of health care. Significant advances include the defining of minimum standards for hospital accreditation, 7 pillars of quality in medicine, and the process by which quality in medicine is evaluated. All of these factors have affected current practice more each day. In a field such as spinal surgery, cost and quality measures are continually emphasized and led to large outcome databases to better evaluate outcomes in complex, heterogeneous populations. Going forward, these databases will be instrumental in developing practice patterns and improving spinal surgery outcomes.
The Use of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring in Spine Surgery
Authors: Charalampidis Anastasios , Jiang Fan , Wilson Jamie R. F. , Badhiwala Jetan H. , Brodke Darrel S. , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: January 2020

Study Design:

Narrative review.

Objective:

To summarize relevant studies regarding the utilization of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) techniques in spine surgery implemented in recent years.

Methods:

A literature search of the Medline database was performed. Relevant studies from all evidence levels have been included. Titles, abstracts, and reference lists of key articles were included.

Results:

Multimodal intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (MIONM) has the advantage of compensating for the limitations of each individual technique and seems to be effective and accurate for detecting perioperative neurological injury during spine surgery.

Conclusion:

Although there are no prospective studies validating the efficacy of IONM, there is a growing body of evidence supporting its use during spinal surgery. However, the lack of validated protocols to manage intraoperative alerts highlights a critical knowledge gap. Future investigation should focus on developing treatment methodology, validating practice protocols, and synthesizing clinical guidelines.
Early Surgery for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Wilson Jefferson R. , Witiw Christopher D. , Badhiwala Jetan , Kwon Brian K. , Fehlings Michael G. , Harrop James S.
Published: January 2020

Study Design:

Narrative review.

Objective:

There is a strong biological rationale to perform early decompression after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). With an enlarging clinical evidence base, most spine surgeons internationally now favor early decompression for the majority of SCI patients; however, a number of pertinent questions remain surrounding this therapy.

Methods:

A narrative review evaluating the status of early surgery for SCI. In particular, we addressed the following questions: (1) Which patients stand to benefit most from early surgery? 2) What is the most appropriate time threshold defining early surgery?

Results:

Although heterogeneity exists, the evidence generally seems to support early surgery. While the best evidence exists for cervical SCI, there is insufficient data to support a differential effect for early surgery depending on neurological level or injury severity. When comparing thresholds to define early versus late surgery—including a later threshold (48-72 hours), an earlier threshold (24 hours), and an ultra-early threshold (8-12 hours)—the 2 earlier time points seem to be associated with the greatest potential for improved outcomes. However, existing prehospital and hospital logistics pose barriers to early surgery in a significant proportion of patients. An overview of recommendations from the recent AOSpine guidelines is provided.

Conclusion:

In spite of increasing acceptance of early surgery post SCI, further research is needed to (1) identify subgroups of patients who stand to derive particular benefit—in particular to develop more evidence-based approaches for central cord syndrome and (2) investigate the efficacy and feasibility of ultra-early surgery targeting more aggressive timelines.
Factors associated with postoperative acute kidney injury after hip fractures in elderly patients
Authors: Kang Joon Soon , Moon Kyoung Ho , Youn Yung Hun , Park Jun Sung , Ko Sang Hyun , Jeon Yoon Sang
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a rare but serious complication after hip fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and the risk factors of postoperative AKI after hip fractures.

Methods:

From January 2011 to December 2016, 550 patients who underwent surgery of hip fractures at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. AKI was defined and classified by AKI Network (AKIN) Classification/Staging System. The incidence, mortality, and risk factors of postoperative AKI were investigated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the ability of markers in predicting AKI.

Results:

The incidence of postoperative AKI was 4.4% (25 cases). The mean onset of postoperative AKI was 8.0 ± 5.3 days and recovered after 7.0 ± 4.2 days after the occurrence of AKI. Of 25 patients with AKI, 6 patients (24.0%) died within 1 year after surgery. The independent risk factors for postoperative AKI are the estimated blood loss (EBL) (odds ratio (OR) 1.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–2.58; p < 0.01) and postoperative level of albumin (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.52–2.74; p < 0.01). The cutoff value of the serum albumin was <2.8 g/dL with a sensitivity of 88.0% and a specificity of 77.1%. The cutoff value of EBL was <766.5 mL with a sensitivity of 84.0% and a specificity of 66.3%.

Conclusion:

Postoperative AKI after hip fractures had low incidences (4.4%) but high mortality (24.0%). The postoperative AKI was correlated with blood loss and low postoperative albumin levels.
Results of primary THA using 36 mm femoral heads on first-generation highly cross-linked polyethylene in patients less than 60 years of age: Minimum 10-year follow-ups
Authors: Cho Myung-Rae , Jun Chung-Mu , Kim Kyung-Tae , Song Suk Kyun , Choi Won-Kee
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

Long-term results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) and metal femoral head with more than 10 years of follow-up have already been reported. However, most studies included results with a head size of 28 mm that could affect wear rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of 36-mm metallic femoral heads on first-generation HXLPE in patients less than 60 years of age with a minimum follow-up of 10 years.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis included 54 cases from 47 patients. The mean age at the time of surgery was 47.22 years and the mean follow-up period was 131.04 months. Porous-coated cementless acetabular cups (Trilolgy®; Zimmer Inc., Warsaw, Indiana, USA) and HXLPE acetabular liners (Longevity®; Zimmer Inc.) were used for all cases. Acetabular cup abduction angles, anteversion angles, and wear rates of liner were measured using polyWare pro 3D distal version 5.10.

Results:

The average modified Harris hip score at the final follow-up was 88.48 (range 80–96). Average Merle d’Aubigne and Postel score was 15.57 (range 14–18). There was no acetabular cup or femoral stem failing due to aseptic loosening. The average steady-state wear rate determined using radiographs taken at 1 year postoperatively and at the latest follow-up was 0.053 ± 0.025 mm/year. There were no statistically significant differences in liner wear rate with respect to age, variety of the femoral stem, or liner thickness.

Conclusion:

Results of THA with 36-mm metallic femoral heads on first-generation HXLPE in patients less than 60 years of age were satisfactory.
Circulating biomarkers of systemic sclerosis – interstitial lung disease
Authors: Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria , Fretheim Håvard , Meier Chantal , Maurer Britta
Published: January 2020

Interstitial lung disease is a frequent organ manifestation in systemic sclerosis and is associated with high mortality. It is crucial to diagnose interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis and to assess severity and identify patients prone to progression at an early stage to ultimately decrease organ damage and improve outcome. Circulating anti-topoisomerase-I autoantibodies have long been associated with the presence and development of systemic sclerosis – interstitial lung disease, evidence on their potential to further predict the clinical course of systemic sclerosis is however conflicting. C-reactive protein is a marker of infection and systemic inflammation with widespread clinical application and is elevated in systemic sclerosis with a tendency towards higher abundancy in patients with early disease. The role of other circulating biomarkers is promising but hampered by the lack of standardized criteria and guidelines for sample/data collection, analyses, reporting and validation and has not reached prime time for clinical application. However, epithelial markers including Krebs von den Lungen-6 and surfactant protein D and several cytokines and chemokines including CCL2 and CCL18 for severity assessment of systemic sclerosis – interstitial lung disease patients at the time of interstitial lung disease diagnosis and to predict interstitial lung disease progression have been reported and seem to be promising candidate biomarkers in the future.
Genetic diversity of a widespread annual killifish from coastal Tanzania
Authors: Bartáková Veronika , Nagy Béla , Polačik Matej , Blažek Radim , Lamtane Hieromin , Reichard Martin
Published: January 2020

Background

African annual killifishes (Nothobranchiusspp.) are adapted to seasonally desiccating habitats (ephemeral pools), surviving dry periods as dormant eggs. Given their peculiar life history, geographic aspects of their diversity uniquely combine patterns typical for freshwater taxa (river basin structure and elevation gradient) and terrestrial animals (rivers acting as major dispersal barriers). However, our current knowledge on fine-scale inter-specific and intra-specific genetic diversity of African annual fish is limited to a single, particularly dry region of their distribution (subtropical Mozambique). Using a widespread annual killifish from coastal Tanzania and Kenya, we tested whether the same pattern of genetic divergence pertains to a wet equatorial region in the centre ofNothobranchiusdistribution.

Results

In populations ofNothobranchius melanospilusspecies group across its range, we genotyped a part of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene (83 individuals from 22 populations) and 10 nuclear microsatellite markers (251 individuals from 16 populations). We found five lineages with a clear phylogeographic structure but frequent secondary contact. Mitochondrial lineages were largely congruent with main population genetic clusters identified on microsatellite markers. In the upper Wami basin, populations are isolated as a putativeNothobranchius prognathus, but include also a population from a periphery of the middle Ruvu basin. Other four lineages (including putativeNothobranchius kwalensis) coexisted in secondary contact zones, but possessed clear spatial pattern. Main river channels did not form apparent barriers to dispersal. The most widespread lineage had strong signal of recent population expansion.

Conclusions

We conclude that dispersal of aNothobranchiusspecies from a wet part of the genus distribution (tropical lowland) is not constrained by main river channels and closely related lineages frequently coexist in secondary contact zones. We also demonstrate contemporary connection between the Ruvu and Rufiji river basins. Our data do not provide genetic support for existence of recently described cryptic species fromN. melanospiluscomplex, but cannot resolve this issue.
Genetic diversity and population structure of black cottonwood (Populus deltoides) revealed using simple sequence repeat markers
Authors: Chen Cun , Chu Yanguang , Ding Changjun , Su Xiaohua , Huang Qinjun
Published: January 2020

Background

Black cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is one of the keystone forest tree species, and has become the main breeding parents in poplar hybrid breeding. However, the genetic diversity and population structure of the introduced resources are not fully understood.

Results

In the present study, five loci containing null alleles were excluded and 15 pairs of SSR (simple sequence repeat) primers were used to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of 384 individuals from six provenances (Missouri, Iowa, Washington, Louisiana, and Tennessee (USA), and Quebec in Canada) ofP. deltoides. Ultimately, 108 alleles (Na) were detected; the expected heterozygosity (He) per locus ranged from 0.070 to 0.905, and the average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.535. The provenance ‘Was’ had a relatively low genetic diversity, while ‘Que’, ‘Lou’, and ‘Ten’ provenances had high genetic diversity, with Shannon’s information index (I) above 1.0. The mean coefficient of genetic differentiation (Fst) and gene flow (Nm) were 0.129 and 1.931, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 84.88% of the genetic variation originated from individuals. Based on principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and STRUCTURE cluster analysis, individuals distributed in the Mississippi River Basin were roughly classified as one group, while those distributed in the St. Lawrence River Basin and Columbia River Basin were classified as another group. The cluster analysis based on the population level showed that provenance ‘Iow’ had a small gene flow and high degree of genetic differentiation compared with the other provenances, and was classified into one group. There was a significant relationship between genetic distance and geographical distance.

Conclusions

P. deltoidesresources have high genetic diversity and there is a moderate level of genetic differentiation among provenances. Geographical isolation and natural conditions may be the main factors causing genetic differences among individuals. Individuals reflecting population genetic information can be selected to build a core germplasm bank. Meanwhile, the results could provide theoretical support for the scientific management and efficient utilization ofP. deltoidesgenetic resources, and promote the development of molecular marker-assisted breeding of poplar.
Genetic regulatory networks for salt-alkali stress in Gossypium hirsutum with differing morphological characteristics
Authors: Xu Yanchao , Magwanga Richard Odongo , Yang Xiu , Jin Dingsha , Cai Xiaoyan , Hou Yuqing , Wei Yangyang , Zhou Zhongli , Wang Kunbo , Liu Fang
Published: January 2020

Background

Cotton grows in altering environments that are often unfavorable or stressful for its growth and development. Consequently, the plant must cope with abiotic stresses such as soil salinity, drought, and excessive temperatures. Alkali-salt stress response remains a cumbersome biological process and is regulated via a multifaceted transcriptional regulatory network in cotton.

Results

To discover the molecular mechanisms of alkali-salt stress response in cotton, a comprehensive transcriptome analysis was carried out after alkali-salt stress treatment in three accessions ofGossypium hirsutumwith contrasting phenotype. Expression level analysis proved that alkali-salt stress response presented significant stage-specific and tissue-specific. GO enrichment analysis typically suggested that signal transduction process involved in salt-alkali stress response at SS3 and SS12 stages in leaf; carbohydrate metabolic process and oxidation-reduction process involved in SS48 stages in leaf; the oxidation-reduction process involved at all three phases in the root. The Co-expression analysis suggested a potentialGhSOS3/GhCBL10-SOS2network was involved in salt-alkali stress response. Furthermore, Salt-alkali sensitivity was increased inGhSOS3andGhCBL10Virus-induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) plants.

Conclusion

The findings may facilitate to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of alkali-salt stress response and provide an available resource to scrutinize the role of candidate genes and signaling pathway governing alkali-salt stress response.
Genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1161, a PAO1 derivative with the ICEPae1161 integrative and conjugative element
Authors: Kawalek Adam , Kotecka Karolina , Modrzejewska Magdalena , Gawor Jan , Jagura-Burdzy Grazyna , Bartosik Aneta Agnieszka
Published: January 2020

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosais a cause of nosocomial infections, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis and burn wounds. PAO1 strain and its derivatives are widely used to study the biology of this bacterium, however recent studies demonstrated differences in the genomes and phenotypes of derivatives from different laboratories.

Results

Here we report the genome sequence ofP. aeruginosaPAO1161 laboratory strain, aleu-, RifR, restriction-modification defective PAO1 derivative, described as the host of IncP-8 plasmid FP2, conferring the resistance to mercury. Comparison of PAO1161 genome with PAO1-UW sequence revealed lack of an inversion of a large genome segment between rRNA operons and 100 nucleotide polymorphisms, short insertions and deletions. These included a change inleuA, resulting in E108K substitution, which caused leucine auxotrophy and a mutation inrpoB, likely responsible for the rifampicin resistance. Nonsense mutations were detected in PA2735 and PA1939 encoding a DNA methyltransferase and a putative OLD family endonuclease, respectively. Analysis of revertants in these two genes showed that PA2735 is a component of a restriction-modification system, independent of PA1939. Moreover, a 12 kb RPG42 prophage and a novel 108 kb PAPI-1 like integrative conjugative element (ICE) encompassing a mercury resistance operon were identified. The ICEPae1161 was transferred toPseudomonas putidacells, where it integrated in the genome and conferred the mercury resistance.

Conclusions

The high-qualityP. aeruginosaPAO1161 genome sequence provides a reference for further research including e.g. investigation of horizontal gene transfer or comparative genomics.

The strain was found to carry ICEPae1161, a functional PAPI-1 family integrative conjugative element, containing loci conferring mercury resistance, in the past attributed to the FP2 plasmid of IncP-8 incompatibility group. This indicates that the only known member of IncP-8 is in fact an ICE.
Topology and expressed repertoire of the Felis catus T cell receptor loci
Authors: Radtanakatikanon Araya , Keller Stefan M. , Darzentas Nikos , Moore Peter F. , Folch Géraldine , Nguefack Ngoune Viviane , Lefranc Marie-Paule , Vernau William
Published: January 2020

Background

The domestic cat (Felis catus) is an important companion animal and is used as a large animal model for human disease. However, the comprehensive study of adaptive immunity in this species is hampered by the lack of data on lymphocyte antigen receptor genes and usage. The objectives of this study were to annotate the feline T cell receptor (TR) loci and to characterize the expressed repertoire in lymphoid organs of normal cats using high-throughput sequencing.

Results

TheFelis catusTRG locus contains 30 genes: 12 TRGV, 12 TRGJ and 6 TRGC, the TRB locus contains 48 genes: 33 TRBV, 2 TRBD, 11 TRBJ, 2 TRBC, the TRD locus contains 19 genes: 11 TRDV, 2 TRDD, 5 TRDJ, 1 TRDC, and the TRA locus contains 127 genes: 62 TRAV, 64 TRAJ, 1 TRAC. Functional feline V genes form monophyletic clades with their orthologs, and clustering of multimember subgroups frequently occurs in V genes located at the 5′ end of TR loci. Recombination signal (RS) sequences of the heptamer and nonamer of functional V and J genes are highly conserved. Analysis of the TRG expressed repertoire showed preferential intra-cassette over inter-cassette rearrangements and dominant usage of the TRGV2–1 and TRGJ1–2 genes. The usage of TRBV genes showed minor bias but TRBJ genes of the second J-C-cluster were more commonly rearranged than TRBJ genes of the first cluster. The TRA/TRD V genes almost exclusively rearranged to J genes within their locus. The TRAV/TRAJ gene usage was relatively balanced while the TRD repertoire was dominated by TRDJ3.

Conclusions

This is the first description of all TR loci in the cat. The genomic organization of feline TR loci was similar to that of previously described jawed vertebrates (gnathostomata) and is compatible with the birth-and-death model of evolution. The large-scale characterization of feline TR genes provides comprehensive baseline data on immune repertoires in healthy cats and will facilitate the development of improved reagents for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative diseases in cats. In addition, these data might benefit studies using cats as a large animal model for human disease.
Preliminary investigation demonstrating the GHITM gene probably involved in apoptosis and growth of the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata)
Authors: Yu Wenchao , Zhang Baolu , Song Hongce , Zhan Rui , Li Lingling , He Cheng , Jiang Qiuyun , Wang Xiaona , Wei Lei , Zhao Nannan , Guo Wen , Wang Xiaotong
Published: January 2020

Background

Growth hormone inducible transmembrane protein (GHITM) is a highly conserved transmembrane protein. This study was conducted to investigate the role of GHITM gene in the apoptosis and growth of the golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculate.

Results

The complete cDNA of this gene was cloned using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method and subjected to bioinformatics analysis. The full-length cDNA was 2242 bp, including an open reading frame of 1021 bp that encoded a protein of 342 amino acid residues. The mRNA expression profiles of GHITM gene in different tissues (liver, kidney, gonad and foot) and different growth phases (6-months old and 2-years old) showed that it was expressed in various tissues and different growth phases. Silencing of the GHITM gene by RNAi (RNA interference) experiments revealed that the GHITM gene possibly plays a role in inhibiting apoptosis through detecting the Caspase (Cysteine-requiring Aspartate Protease)-3 activity. In addition, the aperture width and body whorl length of the snail was significantly affected by RNAi, suggesting that this gene plays a significant role in promoting the growth of the organism.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that the GHITM gene was involved in apoptosis and growth in golden apple snail.