bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer-Assisted femoral head reduction osteotomies: An approach for anatomic reconstruction of severely deformed Legg-Calvé-Perthes hips. A pilot study of six patients
Authors: Fürnstahl Philipp , Casari Fabio A. , Ackermann Joëlle , Marcon Magda , Leunig Michael , Ganz Reinhold 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Legg–Calvé–Perthes (LCP) is a common orthopedic childhood disease that causes a deformity of the femoral head and to an adaptive deformity of the acetabulum. The altered joint biomechanics can result in early joint degeneration that requires total hip arthroplasty. In 2002, Ganz et al. introduced the femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) as a direct joint-preserving treatment. The procedure remains one of the most challenging in hip surgery. Computer-based 3D preoperative planning and patient-specific navigation instruments have been successfully used to reduce technical complexity in other anatomies. The purpose of this study was to report the first results in the treatment of 6 patients to investigate whether our approach is feasible and safe.Methods In this retrospective pilot study, 6 LCP patients were treated with FHRO in multiple centers between May 2017 and June 2019. Based on patient-specific 3D-models of the hips, the surgeries were simulated in a step-wise fashion. Patient-specific instruments tailored for FHRO were designed, 3D-printed and used in the surgeries for navigating the osteotomies. The results were assessed radiographically [diameter index, sphericity index, Stulberg classification, extrusion index, LCE-, Tönnis-, CCD-angle and Shenton line] and the time and costs were recorded. Radiologic values were tested for normal distribution using the Shapiro–Wilk test and for significance using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.Results The sphericity index improved postoperatively by 20% (p = 0.028). The postoperative diameter of the femoral head differed by only 1.8% (p = 0.043) from the contralateral side and Stulberg grading improved from poor coxarthrosis outcome to good outcome (p = 0.026). All patients underwent acetabular reorientation by periacetabular osteotomy. The average time (in minutes) for preliminary analysis, computer simulation and patient-specific instrument design was 63 (±48), 156 (±64) and 105 (±68.5), respectively.Conclusion The clinical feasibility of our approach to FHRO has been demonstrated. The results showed significant improvement compared to the preoperative situation. All operations were performed by experienced surgeons; nevertheless, three complications occurred, showing that FHRO remains one of the most complex hip surgeries even with computer assistance. However, none of the complications were directly related to the simulation or the navigation technique.
Patterns of coronal and sagittal deformities in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Mak Trixie , Cheung Prudence Wing Hang , Zhang Teng , Cheung Jason Pui Yin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Thoracic scoliosis has been shown to be associated with hypokyphosis in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, the relationship of sagittal spino-pelvic parameters with different coronal curve patterns and their influence on patient-perceived quality of life is unknown. This study aims to determine the association between coronal and sagittal malalignment in patients with AIS and to determine their effects on SRS-22r scores. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1054 consecutive patients with AIS. The coronal Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), PI-LL mismatch (PI-LL), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS) were measured on standing radiographs. The coronal Cobb angle (mild: 10-20°; moderate: >20-40°; severe: >40°) and PI (low: <35°; average: 35-50°; high: >50°) were divided into 3 sub-groups for comparison. Relationship between coronal curve magnitudes and sagittal parameters was studied as was their association with SRS-22r scores. Results: Low PI had smaller SS (30.1±8.3° vs 44.8±7.7°; p<0.001), PT (-0.3±8.1° vs 14.4±7.5°; p<0.001), and LL (42.0±13.2° vs 55.1±10.6°; p<0.001), negative PI-LL mismatch (-12.1±13.1° vs 4.1±10.5°; p<0.001) as compared to large PI. There were no significant relationships with PI and TK (p=0.905) or curve magnitude (p=0.431). No differences in sagittal parameters were observed for mild, moderate or severe coronal Cobb angles. SRS-22r scores only correlated with coronal Cobb angle and larger Cobb angles were negatively correlated with the function, appearance and pain domains. Conclusions: The sagittal profile for AIS is associated with the pelvic parameters especially PI but not with the coronal curve pattern. All patients have a similar TK regardless of coronal curve type. However, it appears that the coronal deformity is a greater influence on quality of life outcomes especially those >40°.
Exercise-therapy and education for individuals one year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Patterson Brooke , Barton Christian , Culvenor Adam , Cooper Randall , Crossley Kay 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Guided rehabilitation beyond 6-months is rare following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), despite high prevalence of unacceptable symptoms and quality of life (QoL). Our primary aim was to determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating a physiotherapist-guided intervention for individuals 1-year post-ACLR with persistent symptoms. Our secondary aim was to determine if a worthwhile treatment effect could be observed for the lower-limb focussed intervention (compared to the trunk-focussed intervention), for improvement in knee-related QoL, symptoms, and function. Design: Participant- and assessor-blinded, pilot feasibility RCT.Methods: Participant eligibility criteria: i) 12-15 months post-ACLR; ii) <87.5/100 on the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) QoL subscale; and either a one-leg rise test <22 repetitions, single-hop <90% limb symmetry; or Anterior Knee Pain Scale <87/100. Participants were randomised to lower-limb or trunk-focussed focussed exercise and education.. Both interventions involved 8 face-to-face physiotherapy sessions over 16-weeks. Feasibility was assessed by eligibility rate (>1 in 3 screened), recruitment rate (> 4 participants/month), retention (<20% drop-out), physiotherapy attendance and unsupervised exercise adherence (>80%). Between-group differences for knee-related QoL (KOOS-QoL, ACL-QoL), symptoms (KOOS-Pain, KOOS-Symptoms), and function (KOOS-Sport, functional performance tests) were used to verify that the worthwhile effect (greater than the minimal detectable change for each measure) was contained within the 95% confidence interval. Results: 47% of those screened were eligible, and 27 participants (3 participants/month; 48% men, 34±12 years) were randomised. Two did not commence treatment, and two were lost to follow-up (16% drop-out). Physiotherapy attendance was >80% for both groups but reported adherence to unsupervised exercise was low (<55%). Both interventions had potentially worthwhile effects for KOOS-QoL and ACL-QoL, while the lower-limb focussed intervention had potentially greater effects for KOOS-Sport, KOOS-Pain, and functional performance.Conclusions: A larger-scale RCT is warranted. All feasibility criteria were met, or reasonable recommendations could be made to achieve the criteria in future trials. Strategies to increase recruitment rate and exercise adherence are required. The potential worthwhile effects for knee-related QoL, symptoms, and function indicates a fully-powered RCT may detect a clinically meaningful effect.Trial Registration: Prospectively registered (ACTRN12616000564459).
Unplanned hospital readmission after surgical treatment for thoracic spinal stenosis: incidence and causative factors
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Longjie , Sun Zhuoran , Jiang Shuai , Li Weishi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background To assess the incidence and causative factors of unplanned hospital readmission within 90 days after surgical treatment of thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS).Methods Hospital administrative database was queried to identify patients who underwent surgical treatment of TSS from July 2010 through December 2017. All unplanned readmissions within 90 days of discharge were reviewed for causes and the rate of unplanned readmissions was calculated. Patients of unplanned readmission were matched 1:3 to a control cohort without readmission.Results Twenty-one patients (incidence of 1.7% in 1239 patients) presented unplanned hospital readmission within a 90-day period and enrolled as the study group, 63 non-readmission patients (a proportion of 1: 3) were randomly selected as the control group. Causes of readmission include CSF cyst (8 patients; 38%), CSF leakage combined with poor incision healing (6 patients; 29%), wound dehiscence (2 patient; 9%), surgical site infection (2 patients; 9%), spinal epidural hematoma (1 patient; 5%), inadequate original surgical decompression (2 patients; 9%). Mean duration from re-admission to the first surgery was 39.6±28.2 days, most of the patients readmitted at the first 40 days (66.7%, 14/21 patients). When compared to the non-readmitted patients, diagnosis of OPLL+OFL, circumferential decompression, dural injury, long hospital stay were more to be seen in readmitted patients.Conclusions The incidence of 90-day unplanned hospital readmission after surgical treatment of TSS is 1.7%, the peak period of readmission occurred from 10 to 40 days after surgery, CSF leakage and CSF cyst were the most common causes of unplanned hospital readmission.
The feasibility of anterior transpedicle screw fixation in lumbosacral spine: a radiographic and cadaveric study
Authors: Xu Wei-Xing , Xu Bin , Ding Wei-Guo , Sheng Hong-Feng , Lu Di , Hu Tian-Hong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The anterior transpedicle screw technique for L5 and S1 is crucial for proper anterior lumbar interbody fusion. This study aimed to determine the projection, screw trajectory angle, and bone screw passageway length (BSPL) of the anterior transpedicle screw in L5 and S1, as well as the screw’s insertion regularity and the operating area that is safe for its insertion.Methods: Forty patients with low back pain, all of whom had lumbar computed tomography scans available, were included in a retrospective analysis. Radiographic parameters were measured, including the distances from the projection to the upper endplate, lower endplate, and midline; the transverse and sagittal screws’ angles; and the BSPL. Ten fresh adult cadaveric lumbosacral spine segments were chosen to determine the safe anatomical area at which to operate. Finally, anterior transpedicle screws were inserted in L5 and S1 to determine the regularity of anterior pedicle screw insertion.Results: We measured the anterior projection parameters, including the distances to the upper endplate (L5:12.5 ± 1.3 mm; S1: 4.54 ± 0.87 mm), lower endplate (L5: 17.3 ± 1.6 mm), and midline (L5: 6.6 ± 0.7 mm; S1: 6.6 ± 0.6 mm); the screw trajectory angle, including the transverse screw angle (L5: 25.3° ± 2.8°; S1: 25.7° ± 2.6°), sagittal screw angle (L5: 17.1° ± 1.7°; S1: 22.4° ± 1.1°); and the BSPL (L5: 48.6 ± 3.5 mm; S1: 48.0 ± 3.5 mm). We then identified the safe operating area and the regularity of L5 and S1 anterior pedicle screw insertions.Conclusions: We determined the projection, screw trajectory angle, and BSPL of anterior transpedicle screws in L5 and S1, their insertion regularity, and the area in which the operation could be safely performed.
CIPK11: a calcineurin B-like protein-interacting protein kinase from Nitraria tangutorum, confers tolerance to salt and drought in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lu Lu , Chen Xinying , Wang Pengkai , Lu Ye , Zhang Jingbo , Yang Xiuyan , Cheng Tielong , Shi Jisen , Chen Jinhui 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
The CIPKs are a group of plant-specific Ser/Thr protein kinases acting in response to calcium signaling, which plays an important role in the physiological and developmental adaptation of plants to adverse environments. However, the functions of halophyte-derived CIPKs are still poorly understood, that limits a potential application of CIPKs from halophytes for improving the tolerance of glycophytes to abiotic stresses.
Results
In this study, we characterized the NtCIPK11 gene from the halophyte Nitraria tangutorum and subsequently analyzed its role in salt and drought stress tolerance using transgenic experiments with Arabidopsis. NtCIPK11 expression was upregulated in N. tangutorum root, stem and blade tissues after salt or drought treatment. Overexpressing NtCIPK11 in Arabidopsis improved seed germination on medium containing different levels of NaCl. Moreover, the transgenic plants grew more vigorously under salt stress and developed longer roots under salt or drought conditions than the WT plants. Furthermore, NtCIPK11 overexpression altered transcription of genes encoding key enzymes involved in proline metabolism in Arabidopsis exposed to salinity.
Conclusions
We conclude that NtCIPK11 promotes plant growth and mitigates damage associated with salt stress by regulating the expression of genes controlling proline accumulation. These results extend our understanding on the function of halophyte-derived CIPK genes and suggest that NtCIPK11 can serve as a candidate gene for improving the salt and drought tolerance of glycophytes through genetic engineering.
Description of Heterodera microulae sp. n. (Nematoda: Heteroderinae) from China – a new cyst nematode in the Goettingiana group
Authors: Li Wenhao , Li Huixia , Ni Chunhui , Peng Deliang , Liu Yonggang , Luo Ning , Xu Xuefen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
A new cyst-forming nematode, Heterodera microulae sp. n., was isolated from the roots and rhizosphere soil of Microula sikkimensis in China. Morphologically, the new species is characterized by lemon-shaped body with an extruded neck and obtuse vulval cone. The vulval cone of the new species appeared to be ambifenestrate without bullae and a weak underbridge. The second-stage juveniles have a longer body length with four lateral lines, strong stylets with rounded and flat stylet knobs, tail with a comparatively longer hyaline area, and a sharp terminus. The phylogenetic analyses based on ITS-rDNA, D2-D3 of 28S rDNA, and COI sequences revealed that the new species formed a separate clade from other Heterodera species in Goettingiana group, which further support the unique status of H. microulae sp. n. Therefore, it is described herein as a new species of genus Heterodera; additionally, the present study provided the first record of Goettingiana group in Gansu Province, China.
Nematode trophic structure in the phytotelma of Neoregelia cruenta (Bromeliaceae) in relation to microenvironmental and climate variables
Authors: Almeida Alexandre M. , Souza Ricardo M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The term phytotelma (pl. phytotelmata) designates a plant-associated reservoir of fresh water and organic debris. Phytotelmata in tank bromeliads are abundant in tropical forests, and they provide shelter, food, and water for many metazoans. Among the invertebrates known to inhabit phytotelmata, nematodes are the least studied, despite their important role in nutrient and energy cycles in freshwater ecosystems. This study was conceived to characterize the nematode trophic structure in the phytotelma of the bromeliad N. cruenta, and to identify climate and microenvironmental variables that impact it. Nematode abundance (total and per trophic group), rainfall, air temperature, the amount of organic debris fallen into the phytotelma, and eight physico-chemical properties (PCPs) of the water retained in the bromeliad tank – volume; temperature; pH; dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and solids; and electrical conductivity – were monitored during two years in a natural reserve in Brazil. Bacterial and hyphal feeder nematodes predominated over other trophic groups. Nematode abundance (total and per trophic group) was not impacted by fluctuations in rainfall or air temperature. The amount of organic debris fallen into the phytotelma correlated positively with nematode abundance (total and per trophic group). Regarding the PCPs of water, the only significant correlation – positive – was between the amount of dissolved oxygen and the abundance of hyphal feeder nematodes. These results bring a clearer understanding of the ecology of nematodes inhabiting phytotelmata, which are peculiar and understudied freshwater ecosystems.
Kinetic and Thermodynamic Study of Plantaricin IIA-1A5, a Bacteriocin Produced by Indonesian Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5
Authors: Arifin Muhamad , Budiman Cahyo , Fujiyama Kazuhito , Arief Irma Isnafia 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Plantaricin IIA-1A5 is a bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5, a locally isolat-ed probiotic from Indonesia. Plantaricin IIA-1A5 exhibits antibacterial activity against wide spectrum of pathogenic bacte-ria, thus promising to be applied in various food products. Nevertheless, thermal stability of this bacteriocin remains to be fully investigated.

Objective:
This study aims to determine thermal stability of plantaricin IIA-1A5 through kinetic and thermodynamic param-eters.

Method:
To address, plantaricin IIA-1A5 was purified from Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5, which was growth under whey media, using ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by ion-exchange chromatography. Purified plantaricin IIA-IA5 was then subjected to analysis of its bacteriocin activity. The thermal inactivation of bacteriocin from L. plantarum IIA-1A5 was calculated by incubating the bacteriocin at different temperatures ranging from 60-80 °C for 30 to 90 min, which was then used to calculate its kinetic and thermodynamic parameters.

Results:
The result showed the inactivation rates (k-value) were ranging from 0.008 to 0.013 min-1. Heat resistance of plantaricin IIA-1A5 (D-value) at constant heating temperature of 60, 65, 70, 75, and 80°C were 311.6, 305.9, 294.5, 198.9, and 180.2 min, which indicated a faster inactivation at higher temperatures. D-value sensitivity for temperature changes (z-value) was calculated to be 75.76°C. Further, thermodynamic analysis suggested that plantaricin IIA-1A5 is thermostable, with activation energy (Ea) of 29.02 kJ mol-1.

Conclusion:
This result showed that plantaricin IIA-1A5 is considerably more heat-stable than plantaricin members and promises to be applied in food industries where heat treatments are applied. Furthermore, a possible mechanism by which plantaricin IIA-1A5 maintains its stability was also discussed by referring to its thermodynamic parameters.
Computer-aided Structural and Molecular Insights into the Mechanisms by which Pseudouridimycin (PUM) Disrupts Cleft Extension in Bacterial RNA Polymerase to Block DNA Entry and Exit
Authors: Rabbad Ali H. , Olotu Fisayo A. , Soliman Mahmoud E. 
Published: November 2020

Background:
The ability of Pseudouridimycin (PUM) to occupy the nucleotide addition
site of bacterial RNA Polymerase (RNAP) underlies its inhibitory potency, as previously reported.
PUM has gained high research interest as a broad-spectrum nucleoside analog that has demonstrated
exciting potentials in treating drug-resistant bacterial infections.

Objective:
Herein, we identified, for the first time, a novel complementary mechanism by which
PUM elicits its inhibitory effects on bacterial RNAP.

Methods:
The dynamic binding behavior of PUM to bacterial RNAP was studied
using various dynamic analysis approaches.

Results:
Findings revealed that in addition to occupying the nucleotide addition site, PUM also
interrupts the unimpeded entry and exit of DNA by reducing the mechanistic extension of the
RNAP cleft and perturbing the primary conformations of the switch regions. Moreover, PUM binding
reduced the distances between key residues in the β and β’ subunits that extend to accommodate
the DNA.

Conclusion:
This study’s findings present structural insights that would contribute to the structurebased
design of potent and selective PUM inhibitors.
A Novel Quinoline Derivative for Selective and Sensitive Visual Detection of PPB Level Cu2+ in an Aqueous Solution
Authors: Das Nilimesh , Khan Tanmoy , Das Aritra , Jain Vipin Kumar , Acharya Joydev , Faizi Md. Serajul Haque , Daniel Joseph , Sen Pratik 
Published: November 2020

Aim:Selective and sensitive visual detection of Cu2+in aqueous solution at PPB level using easily synthesized compound.Background:The search for a chemosensor that can detect Cu2+ is very long owing to the fact that an optimum level of Cu2+ is required for human health and the recommended amount of Cu2+ in drinking water is set to be 1-2 mgL-1 . Thus, it is very important to detect Cu2+ even at a very low concentration to assess the associated health risks.Objective:We are still seeking for the easiest, cheapest, fastest and greenest sensor that can selectively, sensitively and accurately detect Cu2+ with lowest detection limit. Our objective of this work is to find one such Cu2+ sensor.Methods:We have synthesized a quinoline derivative following very easy synthetic procedures and characterize the compound by standard methods. For sensing study, we used steady state absorption and emission spectroscopy.Results:Our sensor can detect Cu2+ selectively and sensitively in aqueous solution instantaneously even in the presence of excess amount of other salts. The pale-yellow color of the sensor turns red on the addition of Cu2+ . There is no interference from other cations and anions. A 2:1 binding mechanism of the ligand with Cu2+ is proposed using Jobs plot with binding constant in the order of 109 M-2 . We calculated the LOD to be 18 ppb, which is quite low than what is permissible in drinking water.Conclusion:We developed a new quinoline based chemo-sensor following straightforward synthetic procedure from very cheap starting materials that can detect Cu2+ visually and instantaneously in aqueous solution with ppb level sensitivity and zero interference from other ions.
Coccidioidomycosis Resulting in a Prosthetic Joint Infection in an Immunocompetent
Patient after a Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report and Review
of the Literature
Authors: Shah Sidra , Haq Syed , Antony Suresh J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract::
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection that is a rare cause of prosthetic joint infection
(PJI) in patients. This case report describes an immunocompetent patient who had a right total hip
arthroplasty (THA) complicated with Coccidioidomycosis. This patient is the 9th reported case of
Coccidioidomycosis, causing a PJI and only the second case to be reported in a THA. Once progressed,
it can be difficult to treat, often reoccurring and requiring repeat surgical and prolonged
therapy. This study discusses the clinical presentation in this patient and reviews the literature on
the currently published cases.