bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of suture bridge technique in the treatment of acute patellar ligament injury
Authors: Zhou Ming , Zou Wen
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

The patellar ligament, as a knee extensor, plays an important role in knee movement. Patellar ligament tear completely divided into acute and chronic, acute general mishandling lead to fracture again, chronic patellar ligament rupture, need surgery to restore again and device, the integrity of the patellar ligament rupture time more than 2 weeks or more, it’s easy to have a different degree of scar healing, a normal tendinous portion elasticity and tension were significantly decreased, eventually leading to knee disorders. If scar tissue is removed by surgery and sutured again, the required strength of the patellar ligament cannot be provided, resulting in long postoperative recovery time, knee joint dysfunction, muscle atrophy, joint degeneration and other problems.

Hypotheses:

To explore the method and clinical effect of suture bridge technique in the treatment of acute patellar ligament injury.

Methods:

From January 2016 to October 2018, 13 patients with Acute injury of patellar ligament insertion were treated with suture bridge technique.Among them, there were 11 males and 2 females, aged from 17 to 35 years, with an average age of 26.3 years.The average time from injury to operation was from 3 to 5 days, with an average day of 3.5 days.Thirteen patients all suffered from closed injury at the inferior end of patella. Among them, 8 had no fracture at the inferior end of patella, 5 had bone fragments and none had avulsion at the tibial end.Thirteen patients all suffered from closed injury at the inferior end of patella. Among them, 8 had no fracture at the inferior end of patella, 5 had bone fragments and none had avulsion at the tibial end.Suture bridge technique was used in 13 cases.Postoperative knee function was assessed by Lysholm score

Results:

All patients were followed up for 7 to 15 months, with an average of 11.2 months.All incisions healed well, and there were no complications such as infection and re-rupture of patellar ligament.At 6-12 weeks after operation, the range of motion of 13 patients reached the level of uninjured side.According to Lysholm scoring criteria, knee joint function was excellent in 9 cases and good in 4 cases

Conclusion:

Suture bridge technique in the treatment of acute patellar ligament injury has the characteristics of firm fixation, fewer complications, quick recovery and avoidance of second operation.
Machine learning predicts rate of cartilage loss: data from the osteoarthritis initiative (OAI) and the multicenter osteoarthritis (most) studies
Authors: Paixão T. , DiFranco M. , Goetz C. , Ljuhar R. , Meier P. , Nehrer S.
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Loss of cartilage is one of the hallmark radiographic symptoms of osteoarthritis and the direct cause of much of the disability directly related to OA. The rate of cartilage loss can range from a slow deterioration process, lasting decades, to a very rapid deterioration leading to complete loss in as little as 24 months 1. In fact, evidence has been gathering that a subset of OA patients develops an “accelerated” form of knee osteoarthritis 2.

Hypotheses:

The rate of cartilage loss can vary widely between patients at risk of or suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA) but its causes remain unknown. We investigate prediction of future joint space width (JSW) loss from single time point quantitative and semi-quantitative radiographic features.

Methods:

Bilateral knee radiographs acquired at several time points in the context of the MOST study from 2651 patients (1079 female, 1572 male) were collected. Joint space narrowing (JSN), osteophyte and sclerosis OARSI grades, as well as Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade and joint space width were obtained from each image using an automated software algorithm. Individuals were classified as fast progressors if the rate of JSW loss, measured via linear regression, was above 10% baseline JSW. Fast progressors were predicted using a logistic regression model trained with KL and OARSI grades at baseline as independent variables. Independent validation was performed on 1900 individuals (1079 female, 821 male) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) study. Performance was characterized by the area under the ROC curve (ROC-AUC). Confidence intervals were calculated by bootstrapping.

Results:

AUCs of 0.84 (0.82; 0.87) were achieved for classifying individual knees as fast progressors on the validation dataset (OAI). KL and sclerosis OARSI grades were the main predictors of rapid cartilage loss.

Conclusion:

We demonstrate prediction of future rapid cartilage loss from a single plain radiograph with validation on an independent dataset. Sclerosis OARSI grade, but not osteophytes OARSI grade, was a predictor of rapid cartilage loss, suggesting a non-canonical mode of OA progression.
Effect of tranexamic acid on ischemia － reperfusion injury caused by application of tourniquet in the surgery of total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Xiaofei Luo , Xuan Wie , Jinliang Wang
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Tranexamic acid can effectively reduce the amount of perioperative bleeding in artificial joint replacement surgery, but some reports showing that the application of tranexamic acid in cardiac surgery can reduce the ischemia-reperfusion injury. Does tranexamic acid reduce the tourniquet Ischemia-reperfusion injury in the surgery of toutal knee arthroplasty is unclear.

Hypotheses:

To observe the effect of intravenous combined local tranexamic acid on the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in peripheral blood and drainage fluid of patients with tourniquet in primary total knee arthroplasty

Methods:

Sixty patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected from 2017-07 to 2018-06 to proceed primary knee arthroplasty in our hospital. The random digital table was used to divide them into tranexamic acid group and normal saline group, with 30 cases in each group. In the tranexamic acid group, tranexamic acid 1g in 100ml normal saline was infused intraoperatively and at 3 h after operation. After incision, the infusion of tranexamic acid 1g in 100ml normal saline was performed. The saline group only 100 ml of physiological saline was infused during the same period of time, and 100 ml of physiological saline was locally perfused. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and drainage volume at 24 hours after operation were compared. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the drainage fluid before and after surgery were compared between the two groups.

Results:

The drainage volume of tranexamic acid group was lower than that of normal saline group (P < 0.05). The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were lower than those in normal saline group at 24h and 72h after operation. The difference was statistically significant. (P < 0.05); the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in the drainage fluid was significantly lower than that in the saline group at 24 hours after surgery (P < 0.05)

Conclusion:

Combined use of tranexamic acid can effectively reduce the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in local drainage fluid and peripheral serum after TKA in patients with TKA, thus reducing the local and systemic inflammatory response.
Effect of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and high tibial osteotomy with tomofix internal fixation in the treatment of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Hou Yingzhou , Wang Shaohua , Wang Aiguo
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Knee osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease in the elderly clinically. Cartilage damage, osteophyte formation, joint space narrowing and bone exposure are the main pathological changes, mainly manifested as joint cartilage degeneration [1]. Since the knee joint load of normal people is mainly conducted through the medial side of the knee joint, it is easy to cause degeneration of the medial compartment and then narrow the joint space, which leads to the medial deviation of the lower limb line and the varus deformity of the knee joint. For patients aged 55-65 years with unilateral ventricular osteoarthritis of the knee, the current surgical methods are mostly high tibial osteotomy (HTO) or unicomartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA)[2,3]. HTO always thought to improve lower limb power line to correct deformities, effectively relieve pain and improve function, is an effective method for treatment of osteoarthritis knee inside, high cut bone is typically used in younger patients and patients from physical activity, can effectively reduce the load and delay of knee joint cartilage lesion replacement time, while UKA is more suitable for old age is not active, activity, and patients needs more intense in terms of pain relief.

Hypotheses:

To investigate the clinical effect of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with tomofix internal fixation in the treatment of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis.

Methods:

60 patients with unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis and varus deformity of the knee joint were randomly divided into two groups: the UKA group (30 cases) and the HTO group (30 cases). The average follow-up time was 6 months, Scores preoperative and postoperative knee joint function, postoperative complications and postoperative pain satisfaction were compared.

Results:

The scores of HSS, VAS, femorotibial angle(FTA) and active range of motion(ROM) were 82.6 ± 12.9, 1.9 ± 0.8,173.2 ± 1.4,135.2 ± 1.6 in the group of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA);The scores of HSS, VAS(Visual Analogue Score), femorotibial angle(FTA) and active range of motion(ROM) after tomofix internal fixation used in the group of high tibial osteotomy (HTO)were 81.9 ± 14.3, 1.8 ± 0.9, 174.5 ± 1.8 and 121.1 ± 2.7 . There was no significant difference between the UKA group and HTO group in the scores of HSS, VAS and femorotibial angle(FTA) (P > 0.05). The active range of motion(ROM) of the HTO group was better than that of UKA group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Both unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with tomofix internal fixation can improve the knee joint function and symptoms in the treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis, but the active range of motion(ROM) in HTO group is better than UKA group.
The effect of combined cryotherapy/compression versus cryotherapy following ACL recon in return-to-sports after 3 months
Authors: Terai Sozaburo , Zantop Christian , Zantop Thore
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Morbidity following ACL reconstruction may be a key factor contributing to muscular dysfunction and influencing physical activity. While intra-operative details have been the focus of standardization within the last years, strategies reducing the morbidity such as postoperative cryotherapy have been investigated less. Goal of this study was to compare subjective and objective patient outcomes following ACL reconstruction with combined compression and cryotherapy compared with traditional cryotherapy alone.

Hypotheses:

We hypothesized that cryotherapy/compression will show significantly better results three months after ACL reconstruction compared to cryotherapy alone.

Methods:

A total of 40 Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction are prospectively randomized to be treated with cryotherapy/compression device (GameReady, CA/USA, group 1) or a cryotherapy device (Aircast Cryocuff, DJO CA/USA, group 2). ACL reconstructions were performed by a single surgeon with semitendinosus graft and standardized rehabilitation protocol. Patients were instructed to use the ice therapy devices 4 times per day for 30min. Pain management directly postoperatively was analyzed as recorded during clinical records and VAS. Follow-up was performed at 12 weeks postoperatively using visual analog scale (VAS), Lysholm knee score, Short Form 36 (SF36), and Tegner acitiy score. Additionally, a functional “return-to-sports” analysis including isokinetic strength measurements (BTE-primus), proprioceptive tests (MTF tests) and a 3d-motion analysis (myomotion, Noraxon) during bilateral drop jumps and single leg hop tests was performed.

Results:

VAS and comparison of the administrated painkillers showed no significant differences between the two groups. Both groups used the cryotherapy/compression device and the cryotherapy device as determined by the study protocol. At 12 weeks, there was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to Lysholm score, Tegner score, and SF-36, however there was a trend towards better scores in group 1. The was a higher range of motion in group 1 compared to group 2. Functional analysis with isokinetic strength measurements, proprioceptive test and a 3d-motion analysis revealed better functional results in patients of the group cryotherapy/compression device compared to cryotherapy alone.

Conclusion:

This prospective analysis of 40 patients following semitendinosus ACL reconstruction with one single surgeon implicates that the use of a cryotherapy/compression device (GameReady) showed significantly better objective patient outcomes following ACL reconstruction compared to cryotherapy alone.
Functional outcome in patients following cartilage regeneration outcome at minimum follow-up of 12 months
Authors: Liefke Christian , Zantop Christian , Terai Shozaburo , Zantop Thore
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Several studies have focused on the return to play rate after ACL reconstruction. Whereas most studies just report the rate as a result, only few studies evaluate specific parameters and tests to further investigate the conditions of when the patients should return to sports.

Hypotheses:

Aim of this study was to compare the return to competition rate of patients 12 months after ACL reconstruction and correlate the rate and re-rupture fate to the assessed multifactorial “return-to-sports” test 3 months after ACL reconstruction at our institution.

Methods:

A total of 51 Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction are prospectively evaluated using a “return-to-sports” test 3 months following ACL reconstruction. Inclusion criteria was isolated ACL rupture, Level 1 sports participation, free range of motion at FU 3 months, age >18 and <50, no associated ligamentous or meniscal injury influencing the rehab protocol and intact contralateral leg. ACL reconstructions were performed by a single surgeon with semitendinosus graft and standardized rehabilitation protocol. Follow-up at 3 months postoperatively was performed using a functional analysis including isokinetic strength measurements (BTE-primus), proprioceptive tests (MTF tests) and a 3d-motion analysis (myomotion, Noraxon) during bilateral drop jumps and single leg hop tests. To evaluate the return to play rate and recurrent instability problems a survey was used at timepoint 12 months postoperatively (n=43 at abstract submission).

Results:

At timepoint 12 months following ACL reconstruction 6 of 43 currently evaluated patients did not return to competition (6/43). A total of 5 patients were evaluated as moderate to high risk for ACL recurrent instability in the return-to-sports analysis at three months whereas one patient not returning to competition showed a not elevated risk for ACL recurrent instability in the analysis. The was a high correlation of patients revealing better functional results in the functional analysis (isokinetic strength, proprioceptive test and a 3d-motion analysis) and returning to sports. A total of 8 patients (4/43) suffered a recurrent instability after returning to sports.

Conclusion:

This prospective analysis of patients following semitendinosus ACL reconstruction with one single surgeon implicates that the rate of returning to sports in patients using a multifactorial “return-to-sports” analysis at 3 months postoperatively is higher compared to the rate of patients without such an analysis in the literature. We found a high correlation between better functional results and return to play rate as well as a re-rupture rate of 10% in patients after returning to sports.
Revising Diabetes Programming for Black Men and Their Families
Authors: Hurt Tera R. , Francis Sarah L. , Seawell Asani H. , Krisco Mary P. , Flynn Markus H. , O’Connor Margaret C. , Rudolph Catherine S. , Hill April
Published: September 2020

Type-2 diabetes has increased 160% for African American males in the United States. This two-part study’s purpose was to apply social marketing theory to understand the Type-2 diabetes education needs of men in Iowa. Study One was a preference assessment of Type-2 diabetes education strategies. Four African American men participated in a series of four focus groups and indicated that they were interested in diabetes prevention programming with their families but not in having it labeled as diabetes education. Participating men would rather increase their physical activity as opposed to tracking their food intake. As a follow-up to this study, nine other African American males took part in Study Two, which used cooking demonstrations and recipe taste-testing with the men to examine their relationship to food in the context of managing their Type-2 diabetes. The findings of both studies, which provided insight into these African American men’s lifestyle as related to their Type-2 diabetes, could be useful for nursing professionals who have a critical role in navigating cultural, gender, and family norms while developing care plans, offering patient education, and promoting quality of life.
Suicide Leap of an 11-Year-Old Girl with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Takahashi Yuki , Mikami Katsunaka , Akama Fumiaki , Onishi Yuichi , Yamamoto Kenji , Matsumoto Hideo
Published: September 2020

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been linked with risk of suicide, and several cases of suicide attempts by adolescents with ASD have been reported. However, there is scant research on therapeutic approaches to prevent suicide re-attempts by children with ASD who have already attempted suicide. We report our experience of treating an 11-year-old girl with adjustment disorder comorbid with ASD who was transported to our hospital after sustaining injuries from the suicide leap. Initially, she was diagnosed with adjustment disorder brought on by poor interpersonal relationships at school, and, upon reviewing the patient’s personal history, her underlying ASD characteristics became apparent. To prevent a re-attempt, it was crucial to reduce her risk factors and enhance her protective factors. To reduce her risk factors, we manipulated the environmental factor that triggered the patient’s suicide attempt. In addition, to reinforce her protective factors, we intervened in the parent-child relationship and addressed her hesitation to ask for help, which we identified as a predisposing factor since early childhood. Over the course of her treatment, she did not exhibit suicidal ideation or re-attempt suicide.
Go to the forest! Exploring the orderings of Swedish Nature-Based Integration
Authors: Singleton Benedict E.
Published: September 2020

‘Nature-Based Integration’ (NBI) has been proposed as a solution to two prominent issues in contemporary Nordic societies: increasing separation from nature among ‘modern’ societies; and the need to ‘integrate’ groups of diverse newcomers. This article examines NBI activities in Örebro County, central Sweden, exploring how these practices seek to bring immigrants into a shared Swedish experiential landscape that forms part of the work of ordering Sweden as a community. These activities form part of an ordering project, within which ‘Swedes’ and ‘newcomers’ are situated, drawing on extant nationalist orderings. Likewise, it represents part of an effort to enact a sustainable Sweden in an international world. Drawing on research on environmental racism and (in)justice, this article homes in on the norms implicit and explicit to this ordering. It then discusses the implications of this, highlighting (arguably unavoidable) coercive elements. Furthermore, the long history of outdoor lifestyle as a pillar of Swedish nationalism and the embracing of such activities by the Swedish far right highlight that nature may also become a site of conflict as much as conciliation. Finally, the article considers the types of environmental action arising from the NBI orderings and the likelihood of meaningful environmental change.
Investigations on flexible pad polishing for nano-finishing of freeform optics mold
Authors: Mishra Vinod , Burada Dali R. , Karar Vinod , Manna Alakesh , Jha Sunil , Khan Gufran Sayeed
Published: September 2020

The need for freeform surfaces are widely recognized in the optical, aerospace, biomedical, and automotive industries. However, the fabrication of freeform surfaces is very difficult and expensive because of the involvement of advanced, multi-axis, dedicated machining processes. In many applications, the machining surface needs further polishing to reduce the surface roughness. The main aim of this work is to investigate the flexible pad polishing process for the finishing of the freeform surface. To achieve this, a flexible pad polishing setup is developed in two-axis configuration that can be integrated with a diamond turning machine or any other computer numerical control (CNC) machine and capable to polish the conventional rotationally symmetric surfaces as well as freeform surfaces. The polishing parameters for the developed polishing head are optimized for the nano-finishing of the freeform mold surface of Stavax ESR steel. The effectiveness of the current polishing setup is demonstrated by measuring the improvement in surface roughness height and profile. Test results reveal that the improvement on the freeform surface is significant, that is, surface roughness ( Ra) reduces from 220 nm to 25 nm while keeping the profile within the desired tolerance.
Modeling spatial cross-correlation of multiple ground motion intensity measures (SAs, PGA, PGV, Ia, CAV, and significant durations) based on principal component and geostatistical analyses
Authors: Du Wenqi , Ning Chao-Lie
Published: September 2020

Ground motion intensity measures (IMs) were observed to be spatially correlated during past earthquakes. In this article, a new spatial cross-correlation model for a vector-IM, which consists of spectral acceleration (SA) ordinates at 17 periods and six non-SA IMs (e.g. peak ground velocity, Arias intensity, cumulative absolute velocity, and significant durations), is proposed using principal component analysis (PCA) and geostatistical analysis. A total of 3797 ground motion records are selected from the NGA-West2 database for such analyses. PCA is used to transform the spatially correlated within-event residuals into uncorrelated principal components; a permissible function is then proposed to fit the empirical semivariograms calculated by the principal components. It is evident that the proposed model performs well in capturing the spatial variability characteristics of the multiple ground motion IMs. A simple example is presented to illustrate the use of the proposed model in realizing spatially correlated ground motion residuals of multiple IMs. The model developed enables one to simulate spatially cross-correlated IMs over a large area in a rapid way.
Do the human gut metagenomic species possess the minimal set of core functionalities necessary for life?
Authors: Soverini Matteo , Rampelli Simone , Turroni Silvia , Brigidi Patrizia , Biagi Elena , Candela Marco
Published: September 2020

Background

Advances in bioinformatics recently allowed for the recovery of ‘metagenomes assembled genomes’ from human microbiome studies carried on with shotgun sequencing techniques. Such approach is used as a mean to discover new unclassified metagenomic species, putative biological entities having distinct metabolic traits.

Results

In the present analysis we compare 400 genomes from isolates available on NCBI database and 10,000 human gut metagenomic species, screening all of them for the presence of a minimal set of core functionalities necessary, but not sufficient, for life. As a result, the metagenome-assembled genomes resulted systematically depleted in genes encoding for essential functions apparently needed to support autonomous bacterial life.

Conclusions

The relevant degree of lacking core functionalities that we observed in metagenome-assembled genomes raises some concerns about the effective completeness of metagenome-assembled genomes, suggesting caution in extrapolating biological information about their metabolic propensity and ecology in a complex environment like the human gastrointestinal tract.
A network approach to investigating the key microbes and stability of gut microbial communities in a mouse neuropathic pain model
Authors: Brandon-Mong Guo-Jie , Shaw Grace Tzun-Wen , Chen Wei-Hsin , Chen Chien-Chang , Wang Daryi
Published: September 2020

Background

Neuropathic pain is an abnormally increased sensitivity to pain, especially from mechanical or thermal stimuli. To date, the current pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain are still unsatisfactory. The gut microbiota reportedly plays important roles in inducing neuropathic pain, so probiotics have also been used to treat it. However, the underlying questions around the interactions in and stability of the gut microbiota in a spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain model and the key microbes (i.e., the microbes that play critical roles) involved have not been answered. We collected 66 fecal samples over 2 weeks (three mice and 11 time points in spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain and Sham groups). The 16S rRNA gene was polymerase chain reaction amplified, sequenced on a MiSeq platform, and analyzed using a MOTHUR- UPARSE pipeline.

Results

Here we show that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain alters gut microbial diversity in mice. We successfully constructed reliable microbial interaction networks using the Metagenomic Microbial Interaction Simulator (MetaMIS) and analyzed these networks based on 177,147 simulations. Interestingly, at a higher resolution, our results showed that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain altered both the stability of the microbial community and the key microbes in a gut micro-ecosystem.Oscillospira, which was classified as a low-abundance and core microbe, was identified as the key microbe in the Sham group, whereasStaphylococcus, classified as a rare and non-core microbe, was identified as the key microbe in the spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain group.

Conclusions

In summary, our results provide novel experimental evidence that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain reshapes gut microbial diversity, and alters the stability and key microbes in the gut.
The evaluation of red blood cell folate and methotrexate levels during protocol M in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Oosterom N. , Fiocco M. , Kloos R. Q. H. , van der Sluis I. M. , Pieters R. , van Zelst B. D. , Smith D. E. C. , van den Heuvel-Eibrink M. M. , de Jonge R. , Heil S. G.
Published: September 2020

Background

After High-Dose Methotrexate (HD-MTX), folinic acid rescue therapy (Leucovorin) is administered to reduce side effects in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. Leucovorin and MTX are structural analogues, possibly competing for cellular transport and intracellular metabolism. We hypothesize that Leucovorin accumulates during consecutive courses, which might result in a lower MTX uptake.

Methods

We prospectively measured red blood cell (RBC) folate and MTX levels during four HD-MTX and Leucovorin courses in 43 patients treated according the DCOG ALL-11 protocol with 2-weekly HD-MTX (5 g/m2/dose) and Leucovorin (15 mg/m2/dose) using LC-MS/MS. We estimated a linear mixed model to assess the relationship between these variables over time.

Results

Both RBC MTX-PG and folate levels increased significantly during protocol M. MTX-PG2–5 levels increased most substantially after the first two HD-MTX courses (until median 113.0 nmol/L, IQR 76.8–165.2) after which levels plateaued during the 3d and 4th course (until median 141.3 nmol/L, IQR 100.2–190.2). In parallel, folate levels increased most substantially after the first two HD-MTX courses (until median 401.6 nmol/L, IQR 163.3–594.2) after which levels plateaued during the 3d and 4th course (until median 411.5 nmol/L, IQR 240.3–665.6). The ratio folate/MTX-PG decreased significantly over time, which was mostly due to the relatively higher increase (delta) of MTX-PG.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the increase in RBC folate levels does not seem to have a large effect on RBC MTX levels. Future studies, assessing competition of Leucovorin and MTX on other cellular mechanisms which might negatively affect treatment efficacy, are necessary.
Development and validation of a screening instrument for borderline personality disorder (SI-Bord) for use among university students
Authors: Lohanan Trustsavin , Leesawat Thanakorn , Wongpakaran Tinakon , Wongpakaran Nahathai , Karawekpanyawong Nuntaporn , Oon-Arom Awirut , Kuntawong Pimolpun
Published: September 2020

Background

The screening instrument for borderline personality disorder (SI-Bord) consists of a 5-item self-reported questionnaire on the key features of BPD from the DSM-5 using a 5-point Likert scale. This study investigated its validity and reliability in screening for BPD in university students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of university students in Thailand between November and December 2019. An online assessment gathered demographic data and results from the SI-Bord, the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Participants whose SI-Bord scores were ≥ 1 were randomly selected to be interviewed and assessed for a BPD diagnosis by four psychiatrists using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID-II) as a reference point. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.925 (95% CI, 0.805–0.979) ensured inter-rater reliability between the four psychiatrists. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the SI-Bord, as compared to that of the SCID-II, were determined to indicate the cut-off score. The Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) was analyzed to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy.

Results

The study included 342 students aged 18–25 years (the mean age was 20.25 ± 1.4 years), 80.4% of whom were female. Among the 68 participants selected for an online interview, 16 were diagnosed with BPD. The cut-off score of the SI-Bord was > 9, as suggested by the Youden index, yielding a sensitivity of 56.3% and a specificity of 92.3%. It had a positive predictive value of 69.2% and negative predictive value of 87.3%. The SI-Bord had adequate discriminative power between cases and non-cases of BPD, with the area under the ROC curve being 0.83. Cronbach’s alpha for the SI-Bord was 0.76, indicating acceptable internal consistency. The SI-Bord score was positively correlated to PHQ-9 and PSS-10 scores (r = 0.67 and r = 0.69, p < 0.001, respectively) and negatively correlated to MSPSS (r = − 0.50, p < 0.001). The prevalence of BPD in the sample was 6.4%, according to the cut-off score > 9.

Conclusion

The SI-Bord demonstrated good reliability and validity for screening BPD in university students. However, a study in non-Thai and other population groups should be warranted.
Traumatic avulsion of the anterior medial meniscus root combined with PCL injury: a case report
Authors: Wang Anqi , Lu Hongzhang
Published: September 2020

Background

Avulsion of the anterior medial meniscus root (AMMR) has a low incidence rate, especially when it is combined with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury, which hasn’t been reported in any literature to date. The aim of this study was to share our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with traumatic avulsion of AMMR combined with PCL injury.

Case presentation

This article reports a 26-year-old male patient diagnosed with traumatic avulsion of the AMMR with PCL injury. After arthroscopic surgery, he achieved remission of symptoms and recovery of functions.

Conclusions

Anterior meniscus root injuries are relatively rare. Its diagnosis can be made preliminarily based on clinical manifestations, physical examinations, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and then confirmed by arthroscopic exploration. Arthroscopic suture anchor fixation of the injured anterior meniscus horn shows a good therapeutic effect.
Sperm impairing microbial factor: potential candidate for male contraception
Authors: Chauhan Aditi , Thaper Deepali , Prabha Vijay
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite significant advances in contraceptive options for women, vasectomy and condoms are the only options available for male contraception. Due to this limitation, the burden of contraception resides on the shoulders of females only. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a safe, effective and reversible method of contraception for men. Amongst the alternative approaches, microbial derived products are gaining attention of the scientific world to combat unintended pregnancies. Earlier in our laboratory, sperm impairing microbial factor (Sperm immobilization factor) isolated fromStaphylococcus aureushas shown excellent contraceptive efficacy in female mice. Keeping this in mind, the present study was carried out to exploit the sperm immobilization factor (SIF) as potential male contraceptive using vas deferens for administration in mouse model.

Methods

SIF (10, 50, 100 or 200 μg) was inoculated in the lumen of right vas deferens whereas the left vas deferens served as control. The mice were sacrificed at Day 3, 7, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60 and 90 after inoculation and the results in terms of change in body weight, seminal parameters, Tissue somatic indices (TSI), haematological parameters, serum level of testosterone, lipid peroxidation and histology were studied. In order to ratify the SIF induced azoospermia SIF (200 μg) was administered with different doses viz. 100, 200, 300, 400 or 500 μg of SIF binding receptor extracted from mouse spermatozoa.

Results

The weight profile studies of all the experimental groups showed no significant change in the initial and final body weight. In case of seminal parameters, the results revealed that right vas deferens treated with SIF showed azoospermia and with 200 μg of SIF it persisted up to 90 days. TSI of reproductive organs and non-reproductive organs showed no significant change in all the experimental groups. The haematological indices were found to be unaltered throughout the course of investigation however significant decrease in testosterone level was observed in the treated mice. The treatment also affected the oxidative status of the testis. Further, histological studies revealed hypospermatogenesis and late maturation arrest on treated side whereas the left side which served as control showed normal tissue histology. SIF induced azoospermia was ameliorated when administered with 400 μg of SIF binding receptor from mouse spermatozoa.

Conclusion

SIF, when administered via intra vas deferens route, could lead to complete azoospermia. Therefore, it could be considered as a potential male contraceptive.
Nature of, and responses to key sexual and reproductive health challenges for adolescents in urban slums in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Wado Yohannes Dibaba , Bangha Martin , Kabiru Caroline W. , Feyissa Garumma T.
Published: September 2020

Background

Addressing adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) requires an understanding of the socio-cultural and spatial settings within which they live. One setting of particular importance is the informal settlements or ‘slums’ that are gradually dominating the urban space. We undertook a scoping review and synthesis of existing evidence on adolescent SRHR in slums in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) focusing on the characteristics and nature of existing evidence.

Methods

The scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O’Malley framework and in accordance with the guidance on scoping reviews from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and using PRISMA reporting guidelines for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search was undertaken in PubMed, POPLINE, African Journals Online (AJOL), Bioline International and Google Scholar. The search was confined to studies published in peer reviewed journals and reports published online between January 2000 and May 2019. Studies were included in the review if they addressed SRHR issues among adolescents living in urban slums in SSA.

Results

The review included a total of 54 studies. The majority (79.5%) of studies were quantitative. The bulk of studies (85.2%) were observational studies with only eight intervention studies. While half (27) of the studies focused exclusively on adolescents (10–19 years), 12 studies combined adolescents with other young people (10–24 years). The studies were skewed towards sexual behavior (44%) and HIV/AIDS (43%) with very few studies focusing on other SRHR issues such as contraception, abortion, gender-based violence and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV. Most of the studies highlighted the significantly higher risks for poor SRHR outcomes among adolescents in slums as compared to their peers in other settlements.

Conclusion

Young people growing up in slums face tremendous challenges in relation to their SRHR needs resulting in poor outcomes such as early and unintended pregnancy, STIs, and sexual violence. The results of this review point to several potential target areas for programming, policy, and research aimed at improved adolescent SRHR in slums in SSA.
Low high-density lipoprotein and increased risk of several cancers: 2 population-based cohort studies including 116,728 individuals
Authors: Pedersen Kasper Mønsted , Çolak Yunus , Bojesen Stig Egil , Nordestgaard Børge Grønne
Published: September 2020

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) may play a role in cancer development. We tested the hypothesis that low HDL levels are associated with increased risk of cancer.

Methods

Individuals from two population-based cohorts, the Copenhagen General Population Study (2003–2015, N = 107 341), and the Copenhagen City Heart Study (1991–1994, N = 9387) were followed prospectively until end of 2016 to assess low plasma HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 as risk factors for cancer using Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

During up to 25 years follow-up, we observed 8748 cancers in the Copenhagen General Population Study and 2164 in the Copenhagen City Heart Study. In the Copenhagen General Population Study and compared to individuals with HDL cholesterol ≥ 2.0 mmol/L (≥ 77 mg/dL), multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for any cancer were 1.13 (95% confidence interval 1.04–1.22) for individuals with HDL cholesterol of 1.5–1.99 mmol/L (58–77 mg/dL), 1.18 (1.08–1.30) for HDL cholesterol of 1.0–1.49 mmol/L (39–58 mg/dL), and 1.29 (1.12–1.48) for individuals with HDL cholesterol < 1.0 mmol/L (< 39 mg/dL). Correspondingly, compared to individuals with apolipoprotein A1 ≥ 190 mg/dL, HRs for any cancer were 1.06 (0.96–1.17) for individuals with apolipoprotein A1 of 160–189 mg/dL, 1.18 (1.07–1.30) for apolipoprotein A1 of 130–159 mg/dL, and 1.28 (1.13–1.46) for individuals with apolipoprotein A1 < 130 mg/dL. Among 27 cancer types, low HDL cholesterol and/or apolipoprotein A1 were associated with increased risk of multiple myeloma, myeloproliferative neoplasm, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, and nervous system cancer. Results were overall similar in women and men separately, and in the Copenhagen City Heart Study.

Conclusions

Low HDL levels were associated with increased risk of several cancers. Increased risk was most pronounced for hematological and nervous system cancer, and to a minor extent for breast and respiratory cancer.
Mustache: multi-scale detection of chromatin loops from Hi-C and Micro-C maps using scale-space representation
Authors: Roayaei Ardakany Abbas , Gezer Halil Tuvan , Lonardi Stefano , Ay Ferhat
Published: September 2020

We presentMustache, a new method for multi-scale detection of chromatin loops from Hi-C and Micro-C contact maps.Mustacheemploys scale-space theory, a technical advance in computer vision, to detect blob-shaped objects in contact maps.Mustacheis scalable to kilobase-resolution maps and reports loops that are highly consistent between replicates and between Hi-C and Micro-C datasets. Compared to other loop callers, such as HiCCUPS and SIP,Mustacherecovers a higher number of published ChIA-PET and HiChIP loops as well as loops linking promoters to regulatory elements. Overall,Mustacheenables an efficient and comprehensive analysis of chromatin loops. Available at:https://github.com/ay-lab/mustache.
Correction to: The absence of the drhm gene is not a marker for human-pathogenicity in European Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains
Authors: Langenwalder Denis B. , Schmidt Sabine , Silaghi Cornelia , Skuballa Jasmin , Pantchev Nikola , Matei Ioana A. , Mihalca Andrei D. , Gilli Urs , Zajkowska Joanna , Ganter Martin , Hoffman Tove , Salaneck Erik , Petrovec Miroslav , von Loewenich Friederike D.
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Immunomodulatory sphingosine-1-phosphates as plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: Chua Xin Ying , Chai Yuek Ling , Chew Wee Siong , Chong Joyce R. , Ang Hui Li , Xiang Ping , Camara Kaddy , Howell Amy R. , Torta Federico , Wenk Markus R. , Hilal Saima , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Chen Christopher P. , Herr Deron R. , Lai Mitchell K. P.
Published: September 2020

Background

There has been ongoing research impetus to uncover novel blood-based diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and related cerebrovascular disease (CEVD)-associated conditions within the spectrum of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Sphingosine-1-phosphates (S1Ps) are signaling lipids which act on the S1PR family of cognate G-protein-coupled receptors and have been shown to modulate neuroinflammation, a process known to be involved in both neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the status of peripheral S1P in AD and VCI is at present unclear.

Methods

We obtained baseline bloods from individuals recruited into an ongoing longitudinal cohort study who had normal cognition (N = 80); cognitive impairment, no dementia (N = 160); AD (N = 113); or VaD (N = 31), along with neuroimaging assessments of cerebrovascular diseases. Plasma samples were processed for the measurements of major S1P species: d16:1, d17:1, d18:0, and d18:1, along with pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Furthermore, in vitro effects of S1Ps on cytokine expression were also studied in an astrocytoma cell line and in rodent primary astrocytes.

Results

Of the S1Ps species measured, only d16:1 S1P was significantly reduced in the plasma of VaD, but not AD, patients, while the d18:1 to d16:1 ratios were increased in all cognitive subgroups (CIND, AD, and VaD). Furthermore, d18:1 to d16:1 ratios correlated with levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF. In both primary astrocytes and an astroglial cell line, treatment with d16:1 or d18:1 S1P resulted in the upregulation of mRNA transcripts of pro-inflammatory cytokines, with d18:1 showing a stronger effect than d16:1. Interestingly, co-treatment assays showed that the addition of d16:1 reduced the extent of d18:1-mediated gene expression, indicating that d16:1 may function to “fine-tune” the pro-inflammatory effects of d18:1.

Conclusion

Taken together, our data suggest that plasma d16:1 S1P may be useful as a diagnostic marker for VCI, while the d18:1 to d16:1 S1P ratio is an index of dysregulated S1P-mediated immunomodulation leading to chronic inflammation-associated neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular damage.
Correction to: Ochratoxigenic fungi and Ochratoxin A determination in dried grapes marketed in Tunisia
Authors: Chebil Samir , Rjiba-Bahri Wafa , Oueslati Souheib , Ben Ismail Hanen , Ben-Amar Anis , Natskoulis Pantelis
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Dealing with PET
radiometabolites
Authors: Ghosh Krishna Kanta , Padmanabhan Parasuraman , Yang Chang-Tong , Mishra Sachin , Halldin Christer , Gulyás Balázs
Published: September 2020

Positron emission tomography (PET) offers the study of biochemical,
physiological, and pharmacological functions at a cellular and molecular level.
The performance of a PET study mostly depends on the used radiotracer of
interest. However, the development of a novel PET tracer is very difficult, as
it is required to fulfill a lot of important criteria. PET radiotracers usually
encounter different chemical modifications including redox reaction, hydrolysis,
decarboxylation, and various conjugation processes within living organisms. Due
to this biotransformation, different chemical entities are produced, and the
amount of the parent radiotracer is declined. Consequently, the signal measured
by the PET scanner indicates the entire amount of radioactivity deposited in the
tissue; however, it does not offer any indication about the chemical disposition
of the parent radiotracer itself. From a radiopharmaceutical perspective, it is
necessary to quantify the parent radiotracer’s fraction present in the tissue.
Hence, the identification of radiometabolites of the radiotracers is vital for
PET imaging. There are mainly two reasons for the chemical identification of PET
radiometabolites: firstly, to determine the amount of parent radiotracers in
plasma, and secondly, to rule out (if a radiometabolite enters the brain) or
correct any radiometabolite accumulation in peripheral tissue. Besides,
radiometabolite formations of the tracer might be of concern for the PET study,
as the radiometabolic products may display considerably contrasting distribution
patterns inside the body when compared with the radiotracer itself. Therefore,
necessary information is needed about these biochemical transformations to
understand the distribution of radioactivity throughout the body. Various
published review articles on PET radiometabolites mainly focus on the sample
preparation techniques and recently available technology to improve the
radiometabolite analysis process. This article essentially summarizes the
chemical and structural identity of the radiometabolites of various radiotracers
including [11C]PBB3,
[11C]flumazenil,
[18F]FEPE2I, [11C]PBR28,
[11C]MADAM, and
(+)[18F]flubatine. Besides, the importance of
radiometabolite analysis in PET imaging is also briefly summarized. Moreover,
this review also highlights how a slight chemical modification could reduce the
formation of radiometabolites, which could interfere with the results of PET
imaging.

Graphical abstract