bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Posterior Tibial Slope in Patients With Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A New Association
Authors: Green Daniel W. , Sidharthan Sreetha , Schlichte Lindsay M. , Aitchison Alexandra H. , Mintz Douglas N. 
Published: January 2020

Background:Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is a traction apophysitis of the tibial tubercle caused by repetitive strain and chronic avulsion from the patellar tendon. No widely accepted anatomic risk factors have been associated with OSD.Purpose:To determine if OSD is associated with increased posterior tibial slope (PTS).Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Forty knees with OSD and 32 control knees examined by the senior author between 2008 and 2019 were included. Patients 10 to 15 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of OSD and available lateral radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were eligible. Age- and sex-matched patients with a history of knee pain but no evidence of OSD on clinical examination and without significant pathology on lateral radiograph and MRI were included in the control group. PTS was defined as the angle between a reference line perpendicular to the proximal anatomic axis and a line drawn tangent to the uppermost anterior and posterior edges of the medial tibial plateau. Measurements were carried out in duplicate on true lateral radiographs by 2 blinded investigators. Interrater reliability of PTS measurements was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The independent samples t test was used to compare PTS between the OSD and control knees.Results:The mean age was 12.6 ± 1.6 years and 51% (37/72) of the knees were from male youth. There were no differences in age, sex, and laterality of knees between the OSD and control groups. The mean PTS was significantly higher in the OSD group (12.23°± 3.58°) compared with the control group (8.82°± 2.76°; P < .001). The ICC was 0.931 (95% CI, 0.890-0.957), indicating almost perfect interrater reliability.Conclusion:This study identifies an association between OSD and increased PTS. The clinical implications of this finding have not yet been elucidated. It may be speculated that in patients with OSD, stress from the extensor mechanism through the patellar tendon loads the anterior portion of the tibia disproportionately to the posterior segment, thereby resulting in asymmetric growth and an increased PTS.
Hemoperfusion with Cytosorb in pediatric patients with septic shock: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Bottari Gabriella , Guzzo Isabella , Marano Marco , Stoppa Francesca , Ravà Lucilla , Di Nardo Matteo , Cecchetti Corrado 
Published: January 2020

Objective: To determine the clinical effect of continuous hemoperfusion with Cytosorb associated with standard Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy on hemodynamics and on clinically relevant outcome parameters in children with septic shock. Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: Pediatric intensive care unit. Patients: Eight consecutive children with septic shock who received hemoperfusion with Cytosorb while on Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy. Interventions: Continuous hemoperfusion with Cytosorb (adsorber was changed every 24 h). Measurements and main results: Vasoactive-Inotropic Score was measured before and after the extracorporeal blood purification treatment. Bedside refractory septic shock score was calculated before the onset of the extracorporeal blood purification treatment. Time course of cytokines interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor–alpha was measured at Time 0, then every 12 h until the end of blood purification treatment (72 or 96 h). Pediatric intensive care unit survival in our cohort was 90%. Median bedside refractory septic shock score was 2.1. Patients showed improved Vasoactive-Inotropic Score following blood purification (pre: 40.00 post: 8.89 p = 0.0076). Measurement of cytokines level showed a significant reduction of interleukin-6 plasma levels (7977.27–210.18 pg/mL, p = 0.0077) and interleukin-10 plasma levels (from 687.19 to 36.95 pg/mL, p = 0.0180). In those patients with detectable tumor necrosis factor–alpha plasma level, its reduction was not significant ( p = 0.138). The median removal ratio was 80% for interleukin-6, 90% for interleukin-10, and 29% for tumor necrosis factor–alpha. Conclusion: The use of Cytosorb in combination with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy as blood purification strategy in pediatric septic shock is associated with a rapid hemodynamic stabilization in the first 48 h of treatment and a significant reduction of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Study of Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP) Policy Experiment in South Korea
Authors: Hong Philip Young P. , Choi Sangmi , Hong Rana 
Published: January 2020

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) study examined the efficacy of the Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP) program for low-income, low-skilled jobseekers in the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP) in South Korea. Method: A total of 169 participants in SSP regional centers were randomly assigned to the intervention group (104 participants) and the wait-list control group (65 participants). Employment hope, perceived employment barriers, economic self-sufficiency (ESS), self-esteem and self-efficacy were measured at two time points, and data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test and an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The TIP intervention group showed statistically significant increase in employment hope, ESS, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. The ANCOVA result indicated significant pre–post score differences in these variables between the TIP and the control groups. Discussion: TIP program can be effective in increasing psychological capital for low-income and low-skilled jobseekers. Further research ought to replicate the current RCT study to determine its application to other populations.
Evidence of Households’ Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Performance Improvement Following a WASH Education Program in Rural Dembiya, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gizaw Zemichael , Addisu Ayenew 
Published: January 2020

Background: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) promotion is a viable solution to prevent enteric infections. It focuses on hygiene education, where a number of theoretical models have emerged which attempt to guide behavior change interventions. This study was, therefore, conducted to evaluate the effectiveness WASH education program on households’ WASH performance in rural Dembiya, northwest Ethiopia. Method: An uncontrolled before-and-after intervention study was conducted. Baseline and endline surveys were done among 225 and 302 randomly selected households with under-5 children, respectively, using a structured questionnaire and observational checklists. Percent point change was used to see the effect of the intervention. Pearson χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to test for statistically significant percentage point changes on the basis of P < .05. Result: Access to adequate sanitation was significantly improved from 43.1% at the baseline to 50.7% at the endline ( P < .05). Access to protected water sources was high at the baseline (73.8%) and remained high (81.1%) at the endline ( P < .05). Significant proportion of households (58.3%) practiced good drinking water handling at the endline compared with the baseline (6.7%) ( P < .001). Practice of home-based water treatment was improved at the endline (47%) compared with the baseline (7.6%) ( P < .001). The general hygienic condition of children was significantly improved at the end of the intervention compared with the conditions before the intervention ( P < .05). At the end of the intervention, mothers’ hand washing practice was improved to 68.2% from 24.4% at the baseline ( P < .001). Moreover, 52.4% and 69.5% of the households at the baseline and endline, respectively, had good food safety practice ( P < .05). Conclusion: The proportion of households who practiced water safety, basic sanitation, good personal hygiene, and basic food safety measures significantly increased at the endline. This significant increment clearly showed that our WASH interventions were effective to improve households’ WASH performance in rural Dembiya. The local health office need, therefore, strengthens the WASH education program.
Role of Autophagy Biomarkers In Burn-Age Estimation and Progression
Authors: Yassa Heba A. , Hanna Randa T. , El Abdin Hala Zein 
Published: January 2020

Background: Determination of time passed since burn injury in the living is critical in forensic science. Autophagy biomarkers and vitronectin can play an important role in determination of the age of burn injuries through their levels in the tissue. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of autophagy biomarkers in dating burn injury and to correlate them with the histopathological effects of deep second-degree thermal burn. Method: Fifty-four male rats were used in this study after infliction of second-degree thermal burns to their skin. Samples were taken from them after 30 minutes and one, four, 24, 48, and 72 hours following burn to be examined histologically and also for autophagy biomarkers and vitronectin. Results: Significant reduction in the autophagy biomarkers (p < 0.001) over the first 24 hours then began to increase but still not reach the normal level up to 72 hours after burn. Vitronectin level increased after burn infliction 1.5-fold after first hour, then up to four-fold after four hours and after that began to decline but still did not reach the normal level up to 72 hours. Conclusion: Autophagy biomarkers can be used as a forensic tool in determination of the time passed since burn infliction in living.
Eccentric and Isometric Exercises in Achilles Tendinopathy Evaluated by the VISA-A Score and Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Gatz Matthias , Betsch Marcel , Dirrichs Timm , Schrading Simone , Tingart Markus , Michalik Roman , Quack Valentin 
Published: January 2020

Background: Apart from eccentric exercises (EE), isometric exercises (ISO) might be a treatment option for Achilles tendinopathy. Shear wave elastography (SWE) provides information for diagnosis and for monitoring tissue elasticity, which is altered in symptomatic tendons. Hypothesis: Isometric exercises will have a beneficial effect on patients’ outcome scores. Based on SWE, insertional and midportion tendon parts will differ in their elastic properties according to current symptoms. Study Design: Randomized clinical trial. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: Group 1 (EE; n = 20; 12 males, 8 females; mean age, 52 ± 8.98 years) and group 2 (EE + ISO; n = 22; 15 males, 7 females; mean age, 47 ± 15.11 years) performed exercises for 3 months. Measurement points were before exercises were initiated as well as after 1 and 3 months using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, and SWE (insertion and midportion). Results: Both groups improved significantly, but there were no significant interindividual differences (VISA-A; P = 0.362) between group 1 (n = 15; +15 VISA-A) and group 2 (n = 15; +15 VISA-A). The symptomatic insertion (symptomatic, 136.89 kPa; asymptomatic, 174.68 kPa; P = 0.045) and the symptomatic midportion of the Achilles tendon (symptomatic, 184.40 kPa; asymptomatic, 215.41 kPa; P = 0.039) had significantly lower Young modulus compared with the asymptomatic tendons. The midportion location had significantly higher Young modulus than the insertional part of the tendon ( P = 0.005). Conclusion: Isometric exercises do not have additional benefit when combined with eccentric exercises, as assessed over a 3-month intervention period. SWE is able to distinguish between insertional and midportion tendon parts in a symptomatic and asymptomatic state. Clinical Relevance: The present study shows no additional effect of ISO when added to baseline EE in treating Achilles tendinopathy. Different elastic properties of the insertional and midportion tendon have to be taken into consideration when rating a tendon as pathologic.
The Natural History of Ossification of Yellow Ligament of the Thoracic Spine on MRI: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Tang Chris Yuk Kwan , Cheung Kenneth Man Chee , Samartzis Dino , Cheung Jason Pui Yin 
Published: January 2020

Purpose: To assess the natural history of ossification of yellow ligament (OYL) in the thoracic spine and determine risk factors for progression based on a longitudinal population-based cohort. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal cohort study was performed on a population-based cohort of Southern Chinese volunteers. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used at baseline to identify any OYL and was verified with computed tomography. Follow-up MRI was performed 5 years later. Parameters under study included the size of OYL, levels of involvement, morphology (round, triangular, beak), whether it crossed the midline and any disc degeneration. Results: A total of 114 (6.1%) individuals were identified to have OYL at baseline out of the 1864 individuals. Size progression occurred predominantly at the lower thoracic region. Majority of the new OYL were also in the lower thoracic spine and was associated with higher body mass index (BMI). Smokers were associated with OYL size progression while patients with higher BMI tended to develop new OYL at follow-up. Progression commonly occurred at the lower thoracic levels and regression occurred mostly at the upper thoracic levels. Conclusions: This is the first population-based series addressing the natural history of OYL. Better understanding of the natural history of OYL may provide incentive to introduce preventive measures such as weight reduction and close monitoring for myelopathy development in those at-risk groups for progression. This is especially important for patients with lower thoracic OYL and who are smokers with higher BMI. Level of Evidence: 1 (prognostic study).
Transnational Entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Absorptive Capacity Theory of Knowledge Spillover Entrepreneurship Perspective
Authors: Marks Jonathan , Dawa Samuel , Kanyemba Shungu 
Published: January 2020

The study seeks to explain how migrants’ access, understand and recognise the value of new knowledge in enhancing transnational entrepreneurship. This is important as it provides insights into how knowledge is accessed and employed in different contexts to recognise entrepreneurial opportunities. Using the absorptive capacity theory of knowledge spillover entrepreneurship, this study contributes to previous research which has focussed on the scope and boundaries of this phenomenon at a firm or institutional level, but not at the level of the transnational entrepreneur (TE). Furthermore, this study contributes by examining the role of human capital and the prior knowledge and experience that migrants use and acquire in transnational entrepreneurship. A qualitative approach based on phenomenology was adopted in this research. A purposive sample of four TEs living in South Africa and running businesses in Zimbabwe were investigated. The results show that the possession of requisite human capital along with concern for the home country facilitates the acquisition of new knowledge. This new knowledge, when integrated with prior knowledge and cultural compatibility between home and host countries, influences the immigrant’s intention to form new ventures and return to the home country. This study explains the role of human capital and the mechanisms that are implemented in acquiring knowledge resources and their subsequent transformation into a business entity.
Cardioprotective effects of genetically engineered cardiac stem cells by spheroid formation on ischemic cardiomyocytes
Authors: Jeong Han Saem , Park Chi-Yeon , Kim Jong-Ho , Joo Hyung Joon , Choi Seung-Cheol , Choi Ji-Hyun , Lim I-Rang , Park Jae Hyoung , Hong Soon Jun , Lim Do-Sun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Sca-1+ cardiac stem cells and their limited proliferative potential were major limiting factors for use in various studies.

Methods
Therefore, the effects of sphere genetically engineered cardiac stem cells (S-GECS) inserted with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were investigated to examine cardiomyocyte survival under hypoxic conditions. GECS was obtained from hTERT-immortalized Sca-1+ cardiac stem cell (CSC) lines, and S-GECS were generated using poly-HEMA.

Results
The optimal conditions for S-GECS was determined to be 1052 GECS cells/mm2 and a 48 h culture period to produce spheroids. Compared to adherent-GECS (A-GECS) and S-GECS showed significantly higher mRNA expression of SDF-1α and CXCR4. S-GECS conditioned medium (CM) significantly reduced the proportion of early and late apoptotic cardiomyoblasts during CoCl2-induced hypoxic injury; however, gene silencing via CXCR4 siRNA deteriorated the protective effects of S-GECS against hypoxic injury. As downstream pathways of SDF-1α/CXCR4, the Erk and Akt signaling pathways were stimulated in the presence of S-GECS CM. S-GECS transplantation into a rat acute myocardial infarction model improved cardiac function and reduced the fibrotic area. These cardioprotective effects were confirmed to be related with the SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that paracrine factors secreted from transplanted cells may protect host cardiomyoblasts in the infarcted myocardium, contributing to beneficial left ventricle (LV) remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Analog Switching and Artificial Synaptic Behavior of Ag/SiOx:Ag/TiOx/p++-Si Memristor Device
Authors: Ilyas Nasir , Li Dongyang , Li Chunmei , Jiang Xiangdong , Jiang Yadong , Li Wei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this study, by inserting a buffer layer of TiOx between the SiOx:Ag layer and the bottom electrode, we have developed a memristor device with a simple structure of Ag/SiOx:Ag/TiOx/p++-Si by a physical vapor deposition process, in which the filament growth and rupture can be efficiently controlled during analog switching. The synaptic characteristics of the memristor device with a wide range of resistance change for weight modulation by implementing positive or negative pulse trains have been investigated extensively. Several learning and memory functions have been achieved simultaneously, including potentiation/depression, paired-pulse-facilitation (PPF), short-term plasticity (STP), and STP-to-LTP (long-term plasticity) transition controlled by repeating pulses more than a rehearsal operation, and spike-time-dependent-plasticity (STDP) as well. Based on the analysis of logarithmic I-V characteristics, it has been found that the controlled evolution/dissolution of conductive Ag-filaments across the dielectric layers can improve the performance of the testing memristor device.
Genome-wide association study on Fourier transform infrared milk spectra for two Danish dairy cattle breeds
Authors: Zaalberg R. M. , Janss L. , Buitenhuis A. J. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Infrared spectral analysis of milk is cheap, fast, and accurate. Infrared light interacts with chemical bonds present inside the milk, which means that Fourier transform infrared milk spectra are a reflection of the chemical composition of milk. Heritability of Fourier transform infrared milk spectra has been analysed previously. Further genetic analysis of Fourier transform infrared milk spectra could give us a better insight in the genes underlying milk composition. Breed influences milk composition, yet not much is known about the effect of breed on Fourier transform infrared milk spectra. Improved understanding of the effect of breed on Fourier transform infrared milk spectra could enhance efficient application of Fourier transform infrared milk spectra. The aim of this study is to perform a genome wide association study on a selection of wavenumbers for Danish Holstein and Danish Jersey. This will improve our understanding of the genetics underlying milk composition in these two dairy cattle breeds.

Results
For each breed separately, fifteen wavenumbers were analysed. Overall, more quantitative trait loci were observed for Danish Jersey compared to Danish Holstein. For both breeds, the majority of the wavenumbers was most strongly associated to a genomic region on BTA 14 harbouring DGAT1. Furthermore, for both breeds most quantitative trait loci were observed for wavenumbers that interact with the chemical bond C-O. For Danish Jersey, wavenumbers that interact with C-H were associated to genes that are involved in fatty acid synthesis, such as AGPAT3, AGPAT6, PPARGC1A, SREBF1, and FADS1. For wavenumbers which interact with –OH, associations were observed to genomic regions that have been linked to alpha-lactalbumin.

Conclusions
The current study identified many quantitative trait loci that underlie Fourier transform infrared milk spectra, and thus milk composition. Differences were observed between groups of wavenumbers that interact with different chemical bonds. Both overlapping and different QTL were observed for Danish Holstein and Danish Jersey.
Fermentation optimization and disease suppression ability of a Streptomyces ma. FS-4 from banana rhizosphere soil
Authors: Duan Yajie , Chen Jian , He Wei , Chen Jingjing , Pang Zhencai , Hu Huigang , Xie Jianghui 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Fusarium wilt of banana is one of the most destructive diseases in banana-growing regions worldwide. Soil-borne diseases and soil microbial communities are closely related. The screening of antagonistic bacteria from soil microorganisms in areas with Fusarium wilt of banana is of great practical significance for controlling this disease.

Results
A strain designated FS-4 was isolated from healthy banana rhizosphere soil in an area affected by Fusarium wilt. This strain exhibited a significant antagonistic effect on the pathogen. Pot experiments revealed that the fermentation broth of strain FS-4 not only decreased the incidence of banana Fusarium wilt, but also promoted the growth of banana seedlings. The strain was identified as Streptomyces ma. by its morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The culture and fermentation conditions for this strain were optimized by single-factor and response surface experiments. The optimum culture conditions for Streptomyces ma. FS-4 were as follows: peptone 0.5%, saccharose 2.4, 0.05% K2HPO4, 0.05% MgCl2, and 0.05% NaCl at an initial pH of 7.0; 180 g at 28 °C; and inoculation size of 6% for 62 h. The diameter of bacteriostasis circle for Bacillus subtilis reached 26.7 mm.

Conclusion
Streptomyces ma. FS-4 is an important microbial resource as a biological agent for the control of plant pathogenic fungi and can be used to promote banana growth.