bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Focal Cartilage Defects of the Lateral Compartment do Influence the Outcome After High Tibial Valgus Osteotomy
Authors: Heinz Tizian , Reppenhagen Stephan , Horas Konstantin , Ohlmeier Malte , Schäfer Thomas , Rudert Maximilian , Barthel Thomas , Weißenberger Manuel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHigh tibial medial open-wedge valgus osteotomy (HTO) is a well-established procedure for unicompartimental medial osteoarthritis of the young and active patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of asymptomatic mild to moderate cartilage lesions of the lateral tibiofemoral compartment on the clinical outcome after HTO. MethodsFrom 2005 to 2012 a total of 63 patients underwent HTO for medial osteoarthritis of the knee at a single university orthopaedic center. Baseline data as well as intraoperative findings including the grade and location of cartilage lesions were evaluated retrospectively. Two groups were formed regarding the integrity of the lateral tibiofemoral compartment as measured by the Outerbridge score (group A: no lateral cartilage defects, group B: mild to moderate lateral cartilage defects). Functional outcome was assessed using the Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) including its five subscores. ResultsComparing pre- and postoperative data, we identified an overall benefit of the HTO procedure as measured by the KOOS. Group A (no lateral cartilage defects) showed an increase in all five KOOS subscores (p=0.00 – 0.01), whereas for group B (mild to moderate lateral cartilage defects) only two KOOS subscores revealed a significant increase (p=0.03 – 0.04). There was also a statistically significant difference of the total KOOS score with higher values for group A at the postoperative visit. Cartilage defects with a higher Outerbridge score were associated with lower postoperative KOOS subscores. ConclusionsMild to moderate cartilage defects of the lateral compartment humble the total outcome after HTO procedure. Thus, indication for HTO should be made very carefully, if any degree of lateral cartilage degeneration is present.
Theoretical Prediction System of Stabilization Complex Conformation of DNA Binding Protein and the Binding Affinity for Each DNA Sequence
Authors: Koseki Jun , Hirose Haruka , Konno Masamitsu , Asai Ayumu , Ohshiro Takahito , Taniguchi Masateru , Shimamura Teppei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Theoretical methods such as molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics are very useful in understanding the fundamentals of life sciences. We have established a procedure to predict the structure of a complex of p53 with an arbitrary DNA complex, and have made it possible to predict the binding energy of p53 to DNA from the configuration of molecular dynamics simulations of the complex structure. We performed validation studies using FTD, an anti-tumor drug that exerts its pharmacological effect by incorporation into DNA, and confirmed that the binding affinity of the p53-binding BAX sequence to the p53 tetramer was increased by FTD incorporation. This indicates that FTD tends to interact strongly with DNA-binding proteins when incorporated into DNA. On the other hand, the binding affinity of FTD-containing DNA was greatly reduced in p53-binding sequences extracted from FTD-resistant cells compared to that of normal DNA. In other words, it was suggested that randomly substituted thymidine for FTDs in resistant cells may have acquired resistance by entering positions that prevented binding to DNA-binding proteins. We believe that this procedure is a versatile procedure that can take into account the binding energies of not only the p53 protein, but also other DNA-binding proteins and other biomolecules, thus increasing the importance of computational science in the life sciences.
Performance of Logistic Regression, Propensity Scores, and Instrumental Variable for Estimating Their True Target Odds Ratios in the Absence and Presence of Unmeasured Confounder
Authors: Yu Tianqi , Ke Chengyu , Xu Wentao , Li Jing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: A lot of studies have compared the ability of statistical methods to control for confounding. However, a majority of studies mistakenly assumed these methods estimate the same effect. The aim of this study was to use Monte Carlo simulations to compare logistic regression, propensity scores and instrumental variable analysis for estimating their true target odds ratios in terms of bias and precision in the absence and presence of unmeasured confounder. Methods: We established the formula allowing us to compute the true odds ratio of each method. We varied the instrument’s strength and the unmeasured confounder to cover a large range of scenarios in the simulation study. We then use logistic regression, propensity score matching, propensity score adjustment and two-stage residual inclusion to obtain estimated odds ratios in each scenario. Results: In the absence of unmeasured confounder, instrumental variable without direct effect on the outcome could produce unbiased estimates as propensity score did, but the mean square errors of instrumental variable were greater. When unmeasured confounder existed, no other method could produce unbiased estimation except instrumental variable, provided that the proposed instrument is not directly related to the outcome. Using the defined instrument, which affected the outcome directly, resulted in positive biased estimation of the treatment effect and this bias was greater compared to that from other methods. Conclusions: Overall, with good implementation, instrumental variable can lead to unbiased results. However, the bias caused by violating the required assumptions of instrumental variable can overweigh the positive effect of its ability to control for unmeasured confounder.
The Evolutionary Rate Variation Among Genes of MVA and MEP Pathways in Plant Terpenoid Biosynthesis
Authors: Mao Ji-peng , Huang Lin-wang , Hao Jing , Liu Tian-yi , Huang Shao-wei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Terpenoids are one of the most important compounds in plants, play an significant biological defense and developmental roles in numerous plant species, and widely used for industrial chemicals. Many previous studies have completed the identification of terpenoid biosynthetic pathway and related genes. However, few studies have focused on the molecular evolution analysis of terpenoid pathway genes in plants. In this study, we researched the evolutionary rate variation pattern of 16 terpenoid pathway genes in 12 species with a broad taxonomic span. Results: We retrieved 14 genes in MVA and MEP pathways and 2 extra genes from 12 species, respectively. The evolutionary parameters dN values and dN/ dS ratios are varied significantly among genes, and the dN/ dS ratios of most genes are varied substantially among lineages. The MVA and MEP pathways genes have different evolutionary rate variation pattern, although no significant difference in dN/ dS ratios between two pathways genes. For MVA pathway, the downstream genes exhibits the greater dN/ dS ratio than upstream genes. For MEP pathway, the three midstream genes evolves more rapidly than other genes, and most of MEP pathway genes were detected the signature of positive selection under random sites models. Moreover, the dN/ dS ratios of MVA and MEP pathways genes are negatively correlated with pathway position and PPI, and coding sequence length, respectively. Conclusions: Taken together, the results indicated that the evolutionary rate variation of MVA pathway genes is mainly attributed to differential selective constraint rather than the positive selection. However, the differential selective constraint relaxation and positive selection collectively shaped the evolutionary rate heterogeneity of MEP pathway genes.
Risk Factors and Mortality of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae Bloodstream Infection in a Tertiary-Care Hospital in China: An Eight-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Jie , Ma Hua , Li Yongfeng , Mastalerz Michal , Sheng Ting , Xie Xiaoting , Huang Xiaoming , Sroks Vidya , Niu Ruichao , Pan Pinhua 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia bloodstream infection (CRKP-BSI) is increasing worldwide. CRKP-BSI is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality due to limited antibiotic choices. Here, we aim to identify the prevalence and risk factors for infection and mortality of CRKP BSI. Methods: This was a retrospective study of the past data from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2019 of adult patients with KP-BSI in Xiangya Hospital, China. Data from Demographic and clinical findings were retrieved from medical records. Results: Among the 706 incidences included in this study, 27.4% of them (212 / 753) being CR-KP strains. The occurrence of CRKP-BSI was increased from 20.69 to 37.40% from 2012 to 2019. Hematologic malignancies (P<0.001 , odds ratio [OR] 4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3–9.4) and ICU acquired infection (P=0.003 , OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.3–3.4) were identified to be substantial risk factors of carbapenem resistance. The overall 28-day mortality rates of CRKP-BSI patients was significantly higher than that of CSKP-BSI (P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified severe sepsis or septic shock incidents (OR, 8.44; 95% CI, 1.85–38.39), inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy (OR, 15.01; 95% CI, 3.70–60.79) and corticosteroids use preceding infection onset (OR, 6.45; 95% CI, 1.12–37.08) as the independent predictors of 28-day mortality of CRKP-BSI patients. However, high dose carbapenem combination therapy was identified as anticipated factors of low 28-day mortality (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03–0.51).Conclusion: The occurrence of CRKP-BSI was significantly increased during the study period. Hematologic malignancies and ICU acquired infection were associated with the development of CRKP BSI. Severe sepsis or septic shock incidents, inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy and corticosteroids use preceding infection onset caused significant increase of mortality rates in CRKP-BSI patients. High dose carbapenem combination therapy was associated with better outcome.
Heat Transfer Analysis in Cavity of Scroll Compressor Under Clearance Leakage Flow Based on Symlet Wavelet Finite Element Method
Authors: Zhao Bin , Song Haoyang , Gao Diankui , Xu Lizhi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In order to improve the computational precision and efficiency of heat transfer of cavity medium of scroll compressor, the Symlet wavelet 10 finite element model is constructed by using the Symlet wavelet 10 function as interpolation function. The heat transfer model of cavity medium of scroll compressor under leakage flow is constructed based on large eddy simulation technology. Heat transfer analysis of cavity medium of scroll compressor is analyzed based on theoretical and experimental analysis. Results show that the Symlet wavelet 10 finite element model has higher precision and higher efficiency than the other two simulations. In addition, the influences of axis meshing clearance and radial meshing clearance on temperature of cavity medium of scroll compressor are discussed, the temperature of cavity medium of scroll compressor increases with axis meshing clearance and radial meshing clearance. The theoretical results can provide the favorable guidance for optimal design and operation of scroll compressor.
Participatory Action Research with Daddiri and Ganma: Methodology Co-Design with Aboriginal Community members.
Authors: Sharmil Hepsibah , Kelly Janet , Bowden Margaret , Cairney Imelda , Else Joanne , Galletly Cherrie , Hahn Lisa , Liu Dennis , Wilson Coral Sharmil , de Crespigny Charlotte 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: This paper discusses the process of co-design of a de-colonising participatory methodology that enabled an international PhD student to work respectfully with Aboriginal community members and Elders, health professionals and consumers, and non-Indigenous service providers in a drug and alcohol and mental health comorbidity project in Adelaide, South Australia. The Comorbidity Action in the North project sought to redesign services to better meet the needs of local people affected by drug, alcohol, and mental health comorbidity. This arm of the study focused on the needs of Indigenous peoples. Methods: The PhD student, Aboriginal Elder mentor, Aboriginal Working Party and supervisors (the research team) sought to co-design a methodology that could address the following challenges: many Aboriginal people deeply distrust Western research due to past poor practices and a lack of implementation of findings into practice; Aboriginal people often remain unheard, unacknowledged and unrecognised in research projects; drug and alcohol and mental health comorbidity experiences are often distressing for Aboriginal community members and their families; attempts to access comorbidity care often result in limited or no access; Aboriginal community members experience acts of racism and discrimination as health professionals and consumers of health and support services; and, the PhD student was an international student with no existing relationship with local Aboriginal community members. The research team considered deeply how knowledge is shared, interpreted, owned and controlled, by whom and how, within research, co-morbidity care and community settings. The PhD student was supported to co-design a methodology that was equitable, democratic, liberating and life-enhancing, with real potential to develop feasible solutions. Results: The resulting combined Participatory Action Research (PAR)-Dadirri-Ganma methodology sought to create a bridge across Western and Aboriginal knowledges, understanding and experiences. Combined mentoring by senior Elders, Indigenous methodologies Dadirri (deep listening) and Ganma (two-way knowledge sharing), and Western PAR.Conclusions: Concepts within this paper are shared from the perspective of the PhD student with the permission and support of local Elders and Working Group members. The intention is to share what was learned for the benefit other students, research projects and community members who are beginning a similar journey.
Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil Under Acacia Senegal (L) Willd Plantation in Sahel Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Ampitan Titus Ayodele 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAcacia senegal (L) Wild known as gum Arabic tree, is a nitrogen fixing tree and a drought resistant species with potentials to improve infertile soils is planted in Sahel zone of Jigawa State, Nigeria for the production of gum arabic. However, there is dearth of information on the soil physico-chemical properties under plantation. MethodsSoil samples were collected from four 30 x 30m plots in the plantation and another plot in open woodland (control). In each plot, three replicate soil samples were taken from 0-15cm, 15-30cm and 30-60cm soil depths analyzed for micro and macronutrients, while soil acidity was determined both in water and 0.01M CaCl2.ResultsThe general soil texture of the plantation is loamy sand but with slight textural differentiation under the open woodland. Results indicated that physico-chemical properties of soils under the plantation were significantly different at P < 0.05 compared with the control. The mean soil bulk density ranged from 1.6g/cm3 in the plantation to 1.8g/cm3 in the open woodland. The high values of soil bulk density might be ascribed to loss of organic matter as a result of soil erosion and animal grazing which are common occurrences. ConclusionFrom the result of the study soil physico-chemical properties under the plantation are high and have more beneficial effects on the trees unlike the open woodland.
The Role of Prophylactic Antibiotics In Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Liu Xiaoqin , Zhang Xueyun , Ying Yue , Zheng Jianming , Sun Jian , Zhang Wenhong , Zhang Jiming , Huang Yu-xian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by an excessive systemic inflammatory response and organ failure and has high mortality. Bacterial infections (BIs) worsen the clinical course of ACLF and carry a poor prognosis in ACLF patients. The efficacy of third-generation cephalosporins has been challenged in recent years. The aim of this study was to characterize the difference between ACLF patients with and without BIs and to provide a reference for medical intervention.Methods: A total of 147 patients with hepatitis B virus-related ACLF (HBV-ACLF) hospitalized at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University (Shanghai, China) between May 2013 and January 2020 were enrolled. Mann‐Whitney U test was used to compare the baseline characteristics of HBV-ACLF patients with and without BIs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to find predictors of BIs. The characteristics of BIs and the role of prophylactic antibiotics were profiled.Results: A total of 104 episodes of BIs occurred in HBV-ACLF patients either at admission or during hospitalization. Patients with and without BIs differed in clinical characteristics. The incidence of BIs showed a positive correlation with the ACLF grade (P < 0.001) and the clinical course (P < 0.001). The 90-day transplant-free survival of patients with BIs was lower than those without BIs (P < 0.0001). Patients administered prophylactic antibiotics showed a lower incidence of BIs and had a higher transplant-free survival probability than those patients there were not administered prophylactic antibiotics (P = 0.038). No statistical differences in antibiotic efficacy between third-generation and other antibiotics were observed (P = 0.108).Conclusions: BIs affected the clinical course and prognosis of patients with HBV-ACLF. Prophylactic antibiotics were of potential clinical importance in the prevention of BIs and improving the clinical course and prognosis in HBV-ACLF patients. Third-generation cephalosporins were qualified for use in antibiotic prophylaxis.
Determinants of Household Catastrophic Costs for Drug Sensitive Tuberculosis Patients in Kenya
Authors: Kirubi Beatrice Wangari , Ong’ang’o Jane , Nguhiu Peter , Lönnroth Knut , Rono Aiban , Annerstedt Kristi Sidney 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite free diagnosis and treatment for Tuberculosis (TB), the costs during treatment impose a significant financial burden on patients and their households.Aim: The study sought to identify the determinants for catastrophic costs among patients with drug-sensitive TB (DSTB) and their households in Kenya.Methods: The data was collected during the 2017 Kenya national patient cost survey from a nationally representative sample (n=1071). Treatment related costs and productivity losses were estimated. Total costs exceeding 20% of household income were defined as catastrophic and used as the outcome. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis was performed to measure the association between selected individual, household and disease characteristics and occurrence of catastrophic costs. A deterministic sensitivity analysis was carried using different thresholds and the significant predictors were explored.Results: The proportion of catastrophic costs among DSTB patients was 27% (n=294). Patients with catastrophic costs had higher median productivity losses, 39 hours interquartile range (IQR) 20-104, and total median costs of USD 567 (IQR 299-1,144). The incidence of catastrophic costs had a dose response with household expenditure. The poorest quintile was 6.2 times (95% CI 4.0-9.7) more likely to incur catastrophic costs compared to the richest. The prevalence of catastrophic costs decreased with increasing household expenditure quintiles (proportion of catastrophic costs: 59.7%, 32.9%, 23.6%, 15.9%, and 9.5%) from the lowest quintile (Q1) to the highest quintile (Q5). Other determinants included hospitalization: PR=2.8, (95% CI 1.8-4.5) and delayed treatment: PR=1.5 (95% CI 1.3-1.7). Protective factors included receiving care at a public health facility: PR= 0.8 (95% CI 0.6-1.0), and a higher Body Mass Index (BMI): PR= 0.97 (95% CI 0.96-0.98). Pre TB expenditure, hospitalization and BMI were significant predictors in all sensitivity analysis scenarios.Conclusion: There are significant inequities in the occurrence of catastrophic costs. Social protection interventions in addition to existing medical and public health interventions are important to implement for patients most at risk of incurring catastrophic costs.
Profiles of Amino Acids and Acylcarnitines Related with Deltamethrin Resistance in Aedes Albopictus
Authors: Huang Lianfen , Li Jun , Su Xinghua , Xie Ruili , Peng Lilan , Tang Chenfang , Xu Jiabao , Huang Yonglan , Yan Hui , Chen Xiao-Guang , Li Hua 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Fast emerging and increasing insecticide resistance in Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus brings alarm to the dengue epidemic over the world. The genetic and transcriptional sequencing has greatly advanced our understanding of the molecular basis for this crucial adaptation, but less is known about the regulation of insecticide resistance physiology at the metabolomic level. Methods: We captured the relative abundance of 17 amino acids and 34 AcylCNs in the 3rd to 4th instar larvae of three geographically close strains of Ae. albopictus, including a laboratory insecticide susceptible strain (Foshan) and two field deltamethrin-resistant strains (Yuexiu/Baiyun), as well as a laboratory induced deltamethrin-resistant (R18) and its parental insecticide susceptible strains (R0) to characterize their amino acids and acylcarnitines (AcylCNs) profiles by LC-MS/MS spectrometry. Results: Heatmap and PCA analysis of amino acids and AcylCNs profile indicated a clear separation of Foshan from Yuexiu/Baiyun populations, as well as a partly overlapping between Yuexiu and Baiyun populations. All strains were abundant in five amino acids (Pro, Val, Arg, Glu, His) and two AcylCNs (C0, C2). Five amino acids (Tyr, Cit, Pro, Thr, Gly) were significantly higher, while four amino acids (His, Val, Glu, Ala) were obviously lower in Yuexiu strain than Baiyun population. R18 displayed a differential amino acid and AcylCNs profile from its parental R0 strain. Conclusion: This study displayed a distinction of amino acids and AcylCNs profiles between insecticide-resistant and geographically or genetically-close insecticide-susceptible strain of Ae. albopictus, suggesting a possible application of amino acids and AcylCNs profiles for rapid diagnosis of deltamethrin resistance in Ae. albopictus in the future.