bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is coracoclavicular reconstruction necessary in hook plate fixation for acute unstable acromioclavicular dislocation?
Authors: Chen Yu-Ta , Wu Kuan-Ting , Jhan Shun-Wun , Hsu Shan-Ling , Liu Hao-Chen , Wang Ching-Jen , Ko Jih-Yang , Chou Wen-Yi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is a relatively common shoulder injury. For the treatment of cases of severe ACJ dislocation (Rockwood type III–V), hook plate fixation is a neasy-to-master and minimally-invasive approach to surgical intervention. Over stress on the acromion following hook plate fixation often leads to acromial complications such as osteolysis and loss of reduction. We hypothesized that suspensory reconstruction a longside hook plate fixation might provide a superior stability and reduce complications as compared with hook plate fixation alone. The purpose of the study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of these two surgical modalities.Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 49 patients with acute ACJ dislocation from May 2010 to December 2018. Among them, nineteen patients received hook plate fixation only (HP group), and 19 underwent concomitant hook plate fixation and loop suspension fixation with two mersilene sutures (HM group). The demographic data of the patients were recorded and analyzed. All patients underwent a shoulder x-ray initially, immediately postoperatively, and at 1, 3, 6 and12 months to measure the relative coracoclavicular distance (rCCD). Clinical assessment of shoulder function outcome was conducted using the Constant Murley Score (CMS); the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score was also measured at the latest follow-up.Results: There were no significant differences in the demographic data between the two groups. With regards to the CMS and the UCLA score, the HM group and HP group both had excellent outcomes, and no significant differences in scores were observed between groups (CMS: 93.90±6.16 versus 94.47±7.26, p=0.47; UCLA score: 32.84±2.91 versus 34.32±1.16, p=0.07). However, the HM group demonstrated substantial superiority in terms of maintenance of the rCCD over the HP group (91.47±27.47 versus 100.75±48.70, p=0.015). In addition, there was less subacromial osteolysis in the HM group than the HP group (52.6% versus 15.8%, p=0.038).Conclusion: Both fixations yielded excellent functional outcomes. However, concomitant hook plate fixation with loop suspensory reconstruction demonstrated the fewer acromion complications and statistical differences in reduction maintenance with less clinical significance.
Anxiety amongst physicians during COVID-19: Cross-sectional study in Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood Qaisar Khalid , Jafree Sara Rizvi , Jalil Aisha , Nadir Syed Mujtaba Hasnain , Fischer Florian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Ensuring safety and wellbeing of healthcare providers is crucial, particularly during times of a pandemic. In this study, we aim to identify the determinants of anxiety in physicians on duty in coronavirus wards or quarantine centers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative survey with an additional qualitative item. Five constructs of workload, exhaustion, family strain, feeling of protection, and anxiety were measured using items from two validated tools. Modifications were made for regional relevance. Factor analysis was performed showing satisfactory Cronbach alpha results. Overall, 103 physicians completed the questionnaire. Results: T-test results revealed significant associations between gender and anxiety. Structural equation modeling identified that high workload contributed to greater exhaustion (β=0.41, R2=0.17, p<0.001) and greater family strain (β=0.47, R2=0.22, p<0.001). Exhaustion (β=0.17, p<0.005), family strain (β=0.34, p<0.001), and feelings of protection (β=-0.30, p<0.001) significantly explained anxiety (R2=0.28). Qualitative findings further identified specific needs of physicians with regard to protective equipment, compensation, quarantine management, resource allocation, security and public support, governance improvement, and health sector development. Conclusions: It is imperative to improve governmental and social support for physicians and other healthcare providers during the corona pandemic. Immediate attention is needed to reduce anxiety, workload, and family strain in frontline practitioners treating coronavirus patients, and to improve their (perceptions of) protection. This is a precondition for patient safety.
Effectiveness of the Close Collaboration with Parents intervention on parent-infant closeness in NICU
Authors: He Felix , Axelin Anna , Ahlqvist-Björkroth Sari , Raiskila Simo , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Lehtonen Liisa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Parent-infant closeness during hospital care of newborns has many benefits for both infants and parents. We developed an educational intervention for neonatal staff, Close Collaboration with Parents, to increase parent-infant closeness during hospital care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on parent-infant closeness in nine hospitals in Finland.Methods Parents of hospitalized infants were recruited in the hospitals during 3-month periods before and after the Close Collaboration with Parents intervention. The data were collected using daily Closeness diaries. Mothers and fathers separately filled in the time they spent in the hospital and the time of skin-to-skin contact with their infant during each hospital care day until discharge. Statistical analyses were done using a linear model with covariates.Results Diaries were kept before and after the intervention by a total of 170 and 129 mothers and 126 and 84 fathers, respectively. Either parent was present on average 453 minutes per day before the intervention and 620 minutes after the intervention in the neonatal unit. In the adjusted model, the increase was 99 minutes per day (p=0.0007). The infants were in skin-to-skin contact on average 76 minutes per day before the intervention and 114 minutes after the intervention. In the adjusted model, skin-to-skin contact increased by 24 minutes per day (p=0.0405).Conclusion The Close Collaboration with Parents intervention increased parents’ presence and skin-to-skin contact in nine hospitals. This study suggests that parent-infant closeness may be one mediating factor explaining benefits of parenting interventions. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04635150. Retrospectively registered on November 18, 2020.
Ethnobotanical characterization of medicinal plants used in Kisantu and Mbanza-Ngungu territories, Kongo-Central Province in DR Congo
Authors: Kembelo Pathy Kibungu , Bakwaye Favien Nzuki , Katula Honoré Belesi , Vanhove Wouter , Damme Patrick Van 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The phytotherapeutic knowledge of the Kongo people in the territories of Kisantu and Mbanza-Ngungu in Kongo-Central Province (DR Congo) is rapidly eroding. To document the remaining knowledge, we conducted an ethnobotanical survey on the most important medicinal plant species and diseases treated with them, as well as plants with therapeutic potential. We also checked for the cultural similarity in medicinal plant knowledge between the two territories and how knowledge about Kongo medicinal plants differs between different social groups.Methods: From June 2017 until February 2018 and from February 2019 until April 2019, we conducted a survey with 188 phytotherapists, selected using the snowball method and surveyed using semi-structured interviews. Voucher specimens were taken for identification. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using medicinal Use Value (UVs), Informant Agreement Ratio (IARs), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Species Therapeutic Potential (STP). Rahman’s similarity index was used for ethno-cultural comparison of medicinal plant knowledge between the two communities. Medicinal knowledge between different social groups was analyzed using non parametric tests and Poisson regression.Results: A total of 231 plants (i.e. 227 botanical species, representing 192 genera and 79 families) were reportedly used to treat 103 diseases. Most abundant taxa were reported for the Fabaceae family (including 11.9 % of species and 10.9% of genera). Most reported species (45.0%) were from anthropized areas. Leaves (39.4%), herbs (37.1%), decoction (41.7%) and oral ingestion (72%) were the most frequently cited plant part, botanical form, preparation and administration method, respectively. Four of all inventoried species showed high UVS (> 0.05), whereas eight had an IAR of one. According to ICF, 31 diseases were mentioned. Highest ICF (≥ 0.4) was observed for hemorrhoids (0.44), amoebiasis (0.43) and itchy rash (0.42). Fifty-four plant species were identified as likely possessing an interesting therapeutic potential. Low ethno-cultural similarity in medicinal knowledge (RSI = 16.6%) was found between the two territories. Analysis of the Kongo medicinal plant knowledge showed that the mean number of reported species and diseases vary considerably depending on gender, type and residence of therapists (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Results prove that the Kongo phytopharmacopoeia makes use of interesting medicinal plant species that could be further studied for conservation and pharmacological applications.
Land use mix and physical activity in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal study examining changes in land use mix in two Dutch cohorts
Authors: Noordzij J. Mark , Beenackers M.A. , Groeniger J. Oude , Timmermans E.J. , Motoc I. , Huisman M. , Lenthe F.J. van 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUNDWith urbanization and aging increasing in coming decades, societies face the challenge of keeping aging populations active. Land use mix (LUM) has been associated with cycling and walking, but whether changes in LUM relate to changes in cycling/walking is less known. OBJECTIVESOur objective was to study the effect of LUM on cycling/walking in two Dutch aging cohorts using data with 10 years of follow-up. METHODSData from 1,183 respondents from the Health and Living Conditions of the Population of Eindhoven and Surroundings (GLOBE) study and 918 respondents from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were linked to LUM in 1000-meter sausage network buffers at three time-points. Cycling/walking outcomes were harmonized to include average minutes spent cycling/walking per week. Data was pooled and limited to respondents that did not relocate between follow-up waves. Associations between LUM and cycling/walking were estimated using a Random Effects Within-Between (REWB) model that allows for the estimation of both within and between effects. Sensitivity analyses were performed on smaller (500-meter) and larger (1600-meter) buffers. RESULTSWe found evidence of between-individual associations of LUM in 1000-meter buffers and walking (β: 11.10, 95% CI: 0.08 ; 21.12), but no evidence of within-associations in 1000-meter buffers. Sensitivity analyses using 500-meter buffers showed similar between-associations, but negative within-associations (β: -35.67, 95% CI: -68.85 ; -2.49). We did not find evidence of between-individual associations of LUM in any buffer size and cycling, but did find evidence of negative within-associations between LUM in 1600-meter buffers and cycling (β: -7.49, 95% CI: -14.31 ; -0.66). DISCUSSIONOur study found evidence of positive associations between LUM and average walking time, but also some evidence of negative associations between a change in LUM and cycling/walking. LUM appears to be related to cycling/walking, but the effect of changes in LUM on cycling/walking is unclear.
Uridine Diphosphate (UDP) Promotes Rheumatoid Arthritis Through P2Y6 Activation
Authors: Wang Hongxing , Wu Hui , Fang Kehua , Chang Xiaotian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Uridine diphosphate (UDP) is an extracellular nucleotide signaling molecule implicated in diverse biological processes via specific activation of pyrimidinergic receptor P2Y, G Protein-Coupled, 6 (P2Y6). There is very little knowledge about the function and mechanism of UDP in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods: This study used a quasi-targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approach to investigate the unique expression of metabolites in RA synovial fluids (SF) (n = 10) with samples from osteoarthritis (OA) as controls (n = 10). RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) were collected from synovial tissues (n = 5) and cultured with UDP or MRS2578, a P2Y6 antagonist, and FLSs from OA were used as controls (n = 5). Rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were injected with UDP, MRS2578 or both (n = 9 for each group). P2Y6 expression was examined using real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration of RA FLSs were measured using CCK-8 assay, real-time cell analysis, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The UDP levels in the culture medium, synovial fluid (n = 36) and peripheral blood (n = 36) of RA and CIA rats were measured using a Transcreener UDP Assay. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines were measured using a flow assay. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured using ELISA and flowResults：LC-MS analysis detected significantly increased UDP levels in RA SF compared with OA SF, and the level was positively correlated with anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) levels in RA. The increased UDP concentration was verified in the blood and synovial fluids of RA patients compared with samples from OA patients and healthy volunteers, respectively. UDP stimulated cell proliferation, migration and IL-6 secretion in RA FLSs and inhibited their apoptosis in culture, and MRS2578 inhibited these effects of UDP. UDP injection accelerated CIA and stimulated IL-6 production rather than other proinflammatory cytokines in the rat model, but simultaneous injection of MRS2578 suppressed these effects and alleviated CIA. P2Y6 expression was increased in RA and CIA synovial tissues.Conclusion: These results suggest that UDP is highly expressed in RA and stimulates RA pathogenesis by promoting P2Y6 activities to increase IL-6 production.
Additive-Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V/Polyetheretherketone Composite Porous Cage for Interbody Fusion: Bone Growth and Biocompatibility Evaluation in a Porcine Model
Authors: Tsai Pei-I , Wu Meng-Huang , Li Yen-Yao , Lin Tzu-Hung , Tsai Jane SC , Huang Hsin-I , Lai Hong-Jen , Lee Ming-Hsueh , Chen Chih-Yu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: We developed a porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite interbody cage by utilizing the advantages of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium alloy (Ti alloy) in combination with additive manufacturing technology. Methods: Porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite cages were manufactured using various controlled porosities. Anterior intervertebral lumbar fusion and posterior augmentation were performed at three vertebral levels on 20 female pigs. Each level was randomly implanted with one of the five cages that were tested: a commercialized pure PEEK cage, a Ti alloy/PEEK composite cage with nonporous Ti alloy endplates, and three composite cages with porosities of 40%, 60%, and 80%, respectively. Micro-computed tomography (CT), backscattered-electron SEM (BSE-SEM), and histological analyses were performed. Results: Micro-CT and histological analyses revealed improved bone growth in high-porosity groups. Micro-CT and BSE-SEM demonstrated that structures with high porosities, especially 60% and 80%, facilitated more bone formation inside the implant but not outside the implant. Histological analysis also showed that bone formation was higher in Ti alloy groups than in the PEEK group. Conclusion: The composite cage presents the biological advantages of Ti alloy porous endplates and the mechanical and radiographic advantages of the PEEK central core, which makes it suitable for use as a single implant for intervertebral fusion.
Policy and Weather Influences on Mobility during the Early U.S. COVID-19 Pandemic&nbsp;
Authors: Wu Yihan , Mooring Todd , Linz Marianna 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
As the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 continues to proliferate across the globe, it is a struggle to predict and prevent its spread. The successes of mobility interventions demonstrate how policies can help limit the person-to-person interactions that are essential to infection. With significant community spread, experts predict this virus will continue to be a threat until a safe and effective vaccine has been developed and widely deployed.3 We aim to understand mobility changes during the first major quarantine period in the United States, measured via mobile device tracking, by assessing how people changed their behavior in response to policies and to weather. Here we show that consistent national messaging was associated with consistent national behavioral change, regardless of local policy. Furthermore, while behavior changed with weather conditions, generally the changes did not increase encounters between people. The independence of encounters and temperatures suggests that behavioral changes may have at most a limited impact relative to any direct physical modulation of transmission by weather. Both of these results are encouraging for the potential of clear national messaging to help contain any future pandemics, and possibly to help contain COVID-19.
Impact of COVID-19 on Health-related Quality of Life in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: a Multi-ethnic Asian Study
Authors: Lim Shir Lynn , Woo Kai Lee , Lim Eleanor , Ng Faclin , Chan Mark YY , Gandhi Mihir 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLittle is known about the impact of the global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), the biggest global killer and major risk factor for severe COVID-19 infections. We aim to explore the indirect consequences of COVID-19 on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with CVD.MethodsEighty-one adult outpatients with CVD were assessed using the EQ-5D, a generic health status instrument with five dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression), before and during the pandemic. Changes in the EQ-5D dimensional responses were compared categorically as well as using the dimension-specific sum-score (range 1 to 3, with a higher score indicating worse health). The responses and sum-score were compared using the exact test of symmetry and the paired t-test, respectively.ResultsThese patients [mean age (SD) 59.8 (10.5); 92.6% males; 56% New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I] had coronary artery disease (69%), heart failure (28%), or arrhythmias (15%). None experienced change in NYHA class between assessments.About 30% and 38% of patients reported problems with at least one of the EQ-5D dimensions pre-pandemic and during the pandemic, respectively. The highest increase in health problems was reported for anxiety/depression (12.5% pre-pandemic vs 23.5% during pandemic; p = 0.035) with mean domain-specific score from 1.12 (SD 0.33) to 1.25 (SD 0.46) (standardized effect size=0.373, p = 0.012). There was no meaningful change in other dimensions as well as overall HRQoL.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a significant worsening of the mental health of patients with CVD.
Analysis of serum levels of organochlorine pesticides and related factors in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Xu Shaoqing , Yang Xiaodong , Qian Yiwei , Wan Dayong , Sun Fenghua , Luo Qian , Song Yanyan , Xiao Qin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: There is evidence that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pesticides are a class of environmental toxins that are linked to increased risk of PD. However, few studies have investigated the interaction between specific pesticides and genetic variants related to PD in the Chinese population.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 19 serum levels of pesticides were measured. In addition, we also analyzed the interaction between specific pesticides and candidate genetic variants for PD. Finally, we investigated the mechanistic basis for the association between pesticides and increased risk of PD.Results: Serum levels of organochlorine pesticides including α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH), β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH, propanil, heptachlor, dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene, p,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p’-DDE) and o,p’-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (o,p’-DDT) were higher in PD patients than in controls. α-HCH and propanil levels were associated with increased PD risk. Serum levels of dieldrin were associated with Hamilton Depression Scale and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores in PD patients. Interactions between high pesticide levels and polymorphisms in rs11931074 and rs16940758 (α-HCH or β-HCH interacted with TT genotype in rs11931074 and δ-HCH interacted with TT genotype in rs16940758) were associated with the risk of PD. In cell model, α-HCH and propanil increased the level of reactive oxygen species and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. Propanil but not α-HCH induced the aggregation of α-synuclein.Conclusions: Elevated serum levels of α-HCH and propanil are associated with increased risk of PD. Serum levels of dieldrin were associated with depression and cognitive function in PD patients. The interaction between genetic variants and pesticides also increased the risk of PD. Effects of genetic variants and pesticides on the risk of PD should be studied in more detail with a larger sample size to further understand the mechanisms involved.
Photoelectrical properties investigated on individual Si nanowires and their size dependence
Authors: Hu Xiaofeng , Li Shujie , Jiang Zuimin , Yang Xinju 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Periodically ordered arrays of vertically aligned Si nanowires (Si NWs) are successfully fabricated with controllable diameters and lengths. Their photoconductive properties are investigated by photoconductive atomic force microscopy (PCAFM) on individual nanowires. The results show that the photocurrent of Si NWs increases significantly with the laser intensity, indicating that Si NWs have good photoconductance and photoresponse capability. This photo-enhanced conductance can be attributed to the photo-induced Schottky barrier change, confirmed by I-V curve analyses. On the other hand, electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) results indicate that a large number of photo-generated charges are trapped in Si NWs under laser irradiation, leading to the lowering of barrier height. Moreover, the size dependence of photoconductive properties is studied on Si NWs with different diameters and lengths. It is found that the increasing magnitude of photocurrent with laser intensity is greatly relevant to the nanowires’ diameter and length. Si NWs with smaller diameters and shorter lengths display better photoconductive properties, which agrees well with the size-dependent barrier height variation induced by photo-generated charges. With optimized diameter and length, great photoelectrical properties are achieved on Si NWs. Overall, in this study the photoelectrical properties of individual Si NWs are systematically investigated by PCAFM and EFM, providing important information for the optimization of nanostructures for practical applications.