bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in functional outcome and quality of life (QoL) of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) requiring surgery
Authors: Ko Sangbong , Chae Seungbum , Choi Wonkee , Kwon Jaibum , Choi Je-Yong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Study design
This is a retrospective cohort comparative study.

Background
Vitamin D supplementation is considered to be associated with good functional outcome. Thus, a few studies have proposed vitamin D supplementation is benefit to the functional outcome in LSS requiring surgery. The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with LSS requiring surgery, and to compare the differences between the cases whether vitamin D is supplemented and vitamin D is not supplemented in terms of a QoL during postoperative 2 year.

Methods
All patients with LSS who underwent surgery from March 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016 were enrolled. Among them, 61 patients with vitamin D deficiency were divided into two groups (supplemented group (A) and non-supplemented group (B)). Functional outcomes using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Rolland Morris Disability Index (RMDQ) and QoL using SF-36 were evaluated at 12-month and 24-month follow-up periods. Differences in functional score and SF-36 between the vitamin D supplemented and non-supplemented group were compared.

Results
Among the total 102 patients, 78 patients (76.5%) had vitamin D deficiency. Of the 78 patients, 61 patients were included, 27 patients were group A and 27 patients were group B. There was no difference in age and 25-OHD level between the two groups (all 0 > 0.05). Group A were better functional outcomes at 2 years after surgery (p < 0.05). On the QoL, group A were higher score than group B from 12 month later after surgery (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in LSS patients (76.5%). Assessment of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is recommended in LSS needing surgical intervention and active treatment vitamin D supplementation and maintenance of normal range should be considered for better postoperative functional outcome and QoL.
Mid- to long-term results of modified non-vascularized allogeneic fibula grafting combined with core decompression and bone grafting for early femoral head necrosis
Authors: Changjun Chen , Donghai Li , Xin Zhao , Liyile Chen , Qiuru Wang , Pengde Kang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine mid-and-long term follow-up results of patients with early femoral head osteonecrosis who were treated by modified free vascularized fibular grafting combined with core decompression and bone grafting.

Methods
Forty-four patients at early ONFH were included in this study. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, range of hip motion (ROM), and Harris hip score (HHS) were recorded to assess the clinical outcome; Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) scores and Short Form 36 health survey (SF-36) were conducted to measure the living quality; X-ray film or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate radiographic progression; survivorship was defined as patients did not undergo the total hip arthroplasty (THA) or fusion at the last follow-up. Median follow-up was 7.4 years (6–8.2 years).

Results
The mean VAS score, ROM, and HHS were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared with preoperative values (p < 0.001). Health assessment including WOMAC scores and SF-36 were also better than those preoperatively (p < 0.001). Seven patients progressed to Ficat III and the four patients progressed to Ficat IV with osteoarthritis. Eight patients who cannot tolerate the pain and had poor living quality underwent THA.

Conclusion
Modified non-vascularized allogeneic fibula Grafting combined with core decompression and bone grafting could improve the clinical outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients with early ONFH.
Oligomannuronate prevents mitochondrial dysfunction induced by IAPP in RINm5F islet cells by inhibition of JNK activation and cell apoptosis
Authors: Liu Xi , Li Qiong , Cheng Xiaolei , Liu Zhichun , Zhao Xiaoliang , Zhang Shuai , Yu Guangli , Zhao Xia , Hao Jiejie 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundOligomannuronates (OM) are natural products from alginate that is frequently used as food supplement. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro protective effects of OM on RINm5F cells against human Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) induced mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as the underlying mechanisms.MethodsIn the present study, we obtained several kinds of OM with different molecular masses, and then we used RINm5F cells as a model to elucidate the involvement of JNK signal pathway in hIAPP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in pancreatic beta cells, and the protective effects of OM are associated with its ability to attenuate the mitochondrial dysfunction.ResultsOur results demonstrated that human IAPP induced mitochondrial dysfunction, as evidence by loss of ΔΨm and ATP content, and decrease in oxygen consumption and complex activities, was accompanied by JNK activation, changes in the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins, release of cytochrome c (Cyto-c) and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria into cytosol. Interestingly, the human IAPP induced damage in RINm5F cells were effectively restored by co-treatment of OM. Moreover, JNK activation was required for the OM mediated changes in RINm5F cells.ConclusionsOM prevented mitochondrial dysfunction induced by human IAPP in RINm5F islet cells through JNK dependent signaling pathways.
Oral health interventions for people living with mental disorders: protocol for a realist systematic review
Authors: Kenny Amanda , Dickson-Swift Virginia , Gussy Mark , Kidd Susan , Cox Dianne , Masood Mohd , Azul David , Chan Carina , Christian Bradley , Theobold Jacqui , Hodge Brad , Knevel Ron , McKinstry Carol , Couch Danielle , Hyett Nerida , Veginadu Prabhakar , Doroud Nastaran 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe increasing number of people who experience mental disorders is a global problem. People with mental disorders have high rates of co-morbidity and significantly poorer oral health outcomes than the general public. However, their oral health remains largely a hidden and neglected issue. A complex range of factors impact the oral health of this group. These include anxiety and dental phobia, dietary habits, including the heavy consumption of sugary drinks, substance misuse of tobacco, alcohol, and/or psychostimulants, the adverse orofacial side effects of anti-psychotic and anti-depression medications, and financial, geographic, and social barriers to accessing oral health care.MethodsThe aim of this realist systematic review is to (a) identify and synthesise evidence that explores oral health interventions for people living with mental disorders; (b) explore the context and mechanisms that have contributed to the success of interventions or the barriers and challenges; (c) produce program theories on causal, contextual and mechanistic factors to facilitate outcomes and (d) produce recommendations and guidelines to guide future oral health interventions for people with mental disorders at both the policy and practice level. Using a five-step process, that incorporates primary data collection from key stakeholders, a beginning theoretical framework will be developed to describe contextual and mechanistic factors and how they might impact on the success or failure of oral health interventions for people with mental disorders. Key database searches will be conducted, with data extraction focused on the factors that might have impacted on intervention implementation and outcomes. Quality appraisal of studies will occur, and the theoretical framework will be populated with extracted data. Stakeholder input will support the development and refinement of a theory on oral health interventions for people with mental disorders.DiscussionThis will be the first review to take a realist approach to explore the broad scope of causal factors that impact on the success or failure of oral health interventions for people with mental disorders. The approach includes extensive stakeholder engagement and will advance realist systematic review methodology. Review outcomes will be important in guiding policy and practice to ensure oral health interventions better meet the needs of people with mental disorders.Systematic review registrationThis review protocol is registered with PROSPERO (Number) 155969.
Constraints and advances in high-solids enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass: a critical review
Authors: da Silva Ayla Sant’Ana , Espinheira Roberta Pereira , Teixeira Ricardo Sposina Sobral , de Souza Marcella Fernandes , Ferreira-Leitão Viridiana , Bon Elba P. S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe industrial production of sugar syrups from lignocellulosic materials requires the conduction of the enzymatic hydrolysis step at high-solids loadings (i.e., with over 15% solids [w/w] in the reaction mixture). Such conditions result in sugar syrups with increased concentrations and in improvements in both capital and operational costs, making the process more economically feasible. However, this approach still poses several technical hindrances that impact the process efficiency, known as the “high-solids effect” (i.e., the decrease in glucan conversion yields as solids load increases). The purpose of this review was to present the findings on the main limitations and advances in high-solids enzymatic hydrolysis in an updated and comprehensive manner. The causes for the rheological limitations at the onset of the high-solids operation as well as those influencing the “high-solids effect” will be discussed. The subject of water constraint, which results in a highly viscous system and impairs mixing, and by extension, mass and heat transfer, will be analyzed under the perspective of the limitations imposed to the action of the cellulolytic enzymes. The “high-solids effect” will be further discussed vis-à-vis enzymes end-product inhibition and the inhibitory effect of compounds formed during the biomass pretreatment as well as the enzymes’ unproductive adsorption to lignin. This review also presents the scientific and technological advances being introduced to lessen high-solids hydrolysis hindrances, such as the development of more efficient enzyme formulations, biomass and enzyme feeding strategies, reactor and impeller designs as well as process strategies to alleviate the end-product inhibition. We surveyed the academic literature in the form of scientific papers as well as patents to showcase the efforts on technological development and industrial implementation of the use of lignocellulosic materials as renewable feedstocks. Using a critical approach, we expect that this review will aid in the identification of areas with higher demand for scientific and technological efforts.
Common occurrence of divergent Cryptosporidium species and Cryptosporidium parvum subtypes in farmed bamboo rats (Rhizomys sinensis)
Authors: Li Falei , Zhang Zhenjie , Hu Suhui , Zhao Wentao , Zhao Jianguo , Kváč Martin , Guo Yaqiong , Li Na , Feng Yaoyu , Xiao Lihua 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Bamboo rats are widely farmed in southern China for meat, but their potential in transmitting pathogens to humans and other farm animals remains unclear.

Methods
To understand the transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. in these animals, 709 fecal samples were collected in this study from Chinese bamboo rats (Rhizomys sinensis) on nine farms in Jiangxi, Guangxi and Hainan provinces, China. They were analyzed for Cryptosporidium spp. using PCR and sequence analyses of the small subunit rRNA gene. Cryptosporidium parvum, C. parvum-like and C. ubiquitum-like genotypes identified were subtyped by sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene.

Results
Altogether, Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 209 (29.5%) samples. The detection rate in samples from animals under two months of age (70.0%,105/150) was significantly higher than in samples from animals above 2 months (18.6%, 104/559; χ2 = 150.27, df = 1, P < 0.0001). Four Cryptosporidium species/genotypes were identified: C. parvum (n = 78); C. occultus (n = 1); a new genotype that is genetically related to C. ubiquitum (n = 85); and another new genotype that is genetically related to C. parvum (n = 44). Among them, C. parvum (27,610 ± 71,911 oocysts/gram of feces) and the C. parvum-like genotype (38,679 ± 82,811 oocysts/gram of feces) had higher oocyst shedding intensity than the C. ubiquitum-like genotype (2470 ± 7017 oocysts/gram of feces) and the C. occultus (1012 oocysts/gram of feces). The C. parvum identified belonged to three subtypes in two rare subtype families, including IIpA9 (n = 43), IIpA6 (n = 6) and IIoA15G1 (n = 9), while the C. parvum-like and C. ubiquitum-like genotypes generated very divergent gp60 sequences.

Conclusions
Results of the present study suggest that bamboo rats on the study farms were infected with diverse Cryptosporidium species and divergent C. parvum subtypes, which probably had originated from their native habitats. As similar C. parvum subtypes have been recently detected in humans and farmed macaques, attentions should be paid to the potential role of these new farm animals in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens.
Haemonchus contortus: siRNA mediated knockdown of matrix metalloproteinase 12A (MMP-12) results in reduction of infectivity
Authors: Naqvi Muhammad Ali-ul-Husnain , Li Hao , Gao Wenxiang , Naqvi Sana Zahra , Jamil Tahseen , Aimulajiang Kalibixiati , Xu Lixin , Song Xiaokai , Li Xiangrui , Yan Ruofeng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
RNA interference (RNAi) is an important tool to determine the role of genes. RNAi has been widely used to downregulate target molecules, resulting in the reduction of mRNA for protein expression. Matrix metalloprotease 12A (MMP-12) is known to have important roles during embryonic development, organ morphogenesis and pathological processes in animals. However, MMP-12 from Haemonchus contortus has not been characterized.

Methods
Haemonchus contortus MMP-12 gene was cloned and recombinant protein of MMP-12 (rHc-MMP-12) was expressed. Binding activities of rHc-MMP-12 to goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were assessed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and the immuno-regulatory effects of rHc-MMP-12 on cell proliferation and nitric oxide production were observed by co-incubation of rHc-MMP-12 with goat PBMCs. Furthermore, a soaking method was used to knockdown the expression of Hc-MMP12 gene using three siRNA, targeting different regions of the gene and infectivity of effective siRNA on the development of H. contortus was evaluated in goat.

Results
rHc-MMP-12 was successfully expressed in an expression vector as well as the tissues of the cuticle of adult H. contortus worms and a successful binding with PBMCs surface were observed. Increased cellular proliferation and nitric oxide production by goat PBMCs was observed in a dose-dependent manner. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) results confirmed the successful silencing of Hc-MMP-12 gene in siRNA of 1, 2 and 3 treated third-stage larvae (L3) of H. contortus in vitro. The most efficient qRT-PCR-identified siRNA template was siRNA-2, with a 69% suppression rate compared to the control groups. Moreover, in an in vivo study, silencing of the Hc-MMP-12 gene by siRNA-2 reduced the number of eggs (54.02%), hatchability (16.84%) and worm burden (51.47%) as compared to snRNA-treated control group. In addition, a shorter length of worms in siRNA-2-treated group was observed as compared to control groups.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that siRNA-mediated silencing of Hc-MMP-12 gene in H. contortus significantly reduce the egg counts, larval hatchability, and adult worm counts and sizes. The findings of the present study demonstrate important roles of Hc-MMP-12 in the development of H. contortus.
Resistance status of Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) to four commonly used insecticides for malaria vector control in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Chukwuekezie Okechukwu , Nwosu Emmanuel , Nwangwu Udoka , Dogunro Festus , Onwude Cosmas , Agashi Nneka , Ezihe Ebuka , Anioke Clementina , Anokwu Stephen , Eloy Emelda , Attah Peter , Orizu Francis , Ewo Sylvester , Okoronkwo Angela , Joseph Anumba , Ikeakor Ijeoma , Haruna Sylvester , Gnanguenon Virgile 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Progress made in the control of malaria vectors globally is largely due to the use of insecticides. However, success in the fight against malaria has slowed down or even stalled due to a host of factors including insecticide resistance. The greatest burden of the disease is felt in Africa, particularly Nigeria. Unfortunately, adequate information on insecticide resistance is lacking in many parts of the country, particularly the South-East Zone. Hence, this study aims to bridge the information gap in the Zone.

Methods
The study was conducted from April to December 2016. Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) larvae and pupae were collected from one community each, in the five states of the South-East Zone and reared to the adult stage. The adults were subjected to bioassays for insecticide resistance in accordance with the World Health Organization test procedures, across the four classes of insecticides used in public health. The mosquitoes were also subjected to molecular identification to the species level, and genotyped for West African knockdown resistance mutation (L1014F) and insensitive acetylcholinesterase-1 resistance mutation (G119S).

Results
The mosquitoes were susceptible (100%) to bendiocarb but resistant to pirimiphos-methyl (39.6%), deltamethrin (57%) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) (13%). Molecular analysis revealed that only An. gambiae (sensu stricto) was found in all the states except for Ebonyi, where only Anopheles coluzzii was present. High frequencies (0.6–0.9) of the L1014F mutation were found across the zone. The L1014F mutation was significantly higher in An. gambiae (s.s.) than in An. coluzzii (P < 0.0001). A relatively low frequency (0.2) of the G119S mutation was found in An. coluzzii, and only in Ebonyi State.

Conclusion
The results show that mosquitoes collected from the South-East Zone of Nigeria were resistant to all insecticides used, except for bendiocarb. The presence of L1014F and G119S resistance mutations reported in this study calls for urgent attention to stop the growing threat of insecticide resistance in the country.
Geodesy in Japan: legends and highlights
Authors: Heki Kosuke 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHere, I review modern history of geodesy and geodynamics in Japan, highlighting a few episodes during the last two centuries. The review starts with the first measurement of the meridional arc length in Japan by Tadataka Ino (1745–1818) early in the nineteenth century, done as a part of the mapping campaign of the country. Next, I mention the first international recognition of Japanese geodesy realized by the discovery of a new term in the Earth’s polar motion by Hisashi Kimura (1870–1943) at the beginning of the twentieth century. Finally, I review an unsuccessful campaign to detect present-day continental drift in Japan shortly before World War II, conducted by the Geodetic Committee of Japan being inspired by the hypothesis of active opening of the Sea of Japan by Torahiko Terada (1878–1935).
Lessons from April 6, 2009 L’Aquila earthquake to enhance microzoning studies in near-field urban areas
Authors: Vessia Giovanna , Rainone Mario Luigi , De Santis Angelo , D’Elia Giuliano 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study focuses on two weak points of the present procedure to carry out microzoning study in near-field areas: (1) the Ground Motion Prediction Equations (GMPEs), commonly used in the reference seismic hazard (RSH) assessment; (2) the ambient noise measurements to define the natural frequency of the near surface soils and the bedrock depth. The limitations of these approaches will be discussed throughout the paper based on the worldwide and Italian experiences performed after the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake and then confirmed by the most recent 2012 Emilia Romagna earthquake and the 2016–17 Central Italy seismic sequence. The critical issues faced are (A) the high variability of peak ground acceleration (PGA) values within the first 20–30 km far from the source which are not robustly interpolated by the GMPEs, (B) at the level 1 microzoning activity, the soil seismic response under strong motion shaking is characterized by microtremors’ horizontal to vertical spectral ratios (HVSR) according to Nakamura’s method. This latter technique is commonly applied not being fully compliant with the rules fixed by European scientists in 2004, after a 3-year project named Site EffectS assessment using AMbient Excitations (SESAME). Hereinafter, some “best practices” from recent Italian and International experiences of seismic hazard estimation and microzonation studies are reported in order to put forward two proposals: (a) to formulate site-specific GMPEs in near-field areas in terms of PGA and (b) to record microtremor measurements following accurately the SESAME advice in order to get robust and repeatable HVSR values and to limit their use to those geological contests that are actually horizontally layered.
Economic Development and Demographic Changes in the economy of Himachal Pradesh from 1980-81 to 2010-11
Authors: Latta Amar , Sharma Sunesh Kumar 
Published: March 2020

Development has been appropriately conceptualized as a process, which improves the quality of life of people. Economic planning has been used in the country as an instrument for bringing about uniform regional development because one of the main objectives of the developmental programmes has been a progressive reduction in regional disparities in the pace of development. The main objective of the paper is to study the Economic development and demographic changes in the economy of Himachal Pradesh. PCA and Coefficient of Variance methods has been used in the study. To classify the districts according to the category of economic development and demographic changes from 1980-81 to 2010-11 in the Economy of Himachal Pradesh. This paper is based on secondary data. The required data have been collected entirely from secondary sources. The analysis of economic development and demographic changes shows that Lahaul & Spiti and Kinnaur were very highly developed in the level of economic development and in the demographic changes. Three districts namely Lahaul & Spiti, Chamba and Hamirpur were very highly developed. In the economic development three districts namely Bilaspur, Solan, Hamirpur were situated in the category of highly developed and only one district Kinnaur positioned in the level of demographic changes. In 2010-11 two districts Lahaul & Spiti and Solan were very highly developed in economic developed and three districts Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti and Chamba were very high developed in the demographic changes. In the highly developed category four districts namely Kinnaur, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Chamba were highly developed in economic development, whereas, three districts namely Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Kullu were in the same category in the demographic changes.