bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of Total Wrist Arthrodesis or Reoperation Following 4-Corner Arthrodesis or Proximal Row Carpectomy for Stage-II SLAC/SNAC Arthritis
Authors: Garcia Brittany N. , Lu Chao-Chin , Stephens Andrew R. , Kazmers Nikolas H. , Chen Wei , Leng Jianwei , Li Liang , Sauer Brian C. , Tyser Andrew R. 
Published: March 2020

Background:
For stage-II scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) patterns of wrist arthritis, the optimal method of surgical treatment remains unclear. Previous literature has demonstrated similar clinical outcomes between proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and 4-corner arthrodesis (FCA), making the risk of reoperation a focus of particular interest. In the present study, the primary null hypothesis was that there would be no difference in the rate of conversion to total wrist arthrodesis between PRC and FCA. Additionally, we hypothesized that the rate of secondary surgical procedures would be similar between the 2 procedures.

Methods:
The national Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse was utilized to identify 2,449 patients who underwent either PRC or FCA between 1992 and 2016. With use of operative reports to identify the arthritis pattern, only cases of stage-II SLAC/SNAC were included. All complications and subsequent surgical procedures were confirmed by manual chart review. Propensity score analyses with matching weights were utilized to balance the PRC and FCA cohorts. The rates of conversion to wrist arthrodesis and secondary surgical procedures were calculated.

Results:
Of the 1,168 patients with stage-II SLAC/SNAC arthritis, 933 wrists underwent PRC and 257 wrists underwent FCA. Ten-year survival free of total wrist arthrodesis in the matching PRC (251 procedures) and FCA (251 procedures) cohorts was 94.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92.3% to 96.3%) and 94.1% (95% CI, 90.8% to 97.4%), respectively. Survival free of a secondary surgical procedure other than wrist arthrodesis was 99.7% (95% CI, 99.3% to 100.0%) for PRC and 83.5% (95% CI, 78.2% to 88.8%) for FCA.

Conclusions:
PRC and FCA demonstrated similarly low rates of conversion to total wrist arthrodesis. In contrast, the rate of secondary surgical procedures following FCA was significantly higher compared with PRC. Given the historically similar clinical outcomes between PRC and FCA, the results of the present study show that PRC may be a preferable treatment for stage-II SLAC/SNAC wrist arthritis.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
KTT in a Digital Age
Authors: Michelle Linington  
Published: March 2020

Since the dawn of agriculture there has been a need to communicate in order to optimize production and yields. Extension and Knowledge Technology and Transfer (KTT) has seen a lot of changes over the past 100 years. None of these were as great as in the introduction of the Internet and computer technology. With this rapid change in technology, KTT workers and consultants have to adapt how information is getting to producers.
Though majority of farms still prefer hard copies of publications and research, we are seeing an increase in the amount of material found online. We have also seen a shift away from demo days and on farm consultations, in order to use webinars, podcasts and social media. Farmers have a been labelled as 'slow to adapt', but this is not just a generational gap anymore. Herd size, producer personalities and delivery methods all effect how the producer wants to receive information.
Though the industry is good at producing information, it is important to get it into the producers hands. Until the digital space becomes the norm for all producers there is a need to view the trends in KTT and combine traditional and new age communication methods in order to reach all farmers. As technology continues to change there will be a constant need to change how we are reaching producers while continuing with the KTT methods that have worked in the past.
Educating Producers to Systematically Evaluate the Cows they are Culling
Authors: Allison Moorman  
Published: March 2020

Our research will assess the effectiveness of an effort to educate Ontario dairy producers to systematically evaluate the cows they plan to cull. Using a number of health and welfare-related criteria, our team aims to advance decision-making of producers regarding whether culled cows are fit for transport. Our goal is to educate dairy producers to eliminate the shipping of unfit cows, involve their veterinarians in the decision-making process, and to encourage development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for evaluating cull cows.
Currently, Ontario’s dairy industry lacks a systematic evaluation method to aid producers in the decision to remove and transport cows. Moreover, the dairy industry’s proAction initiative requires all farms to have a documented SOP regarding the shipping of cattle. Additionally the veterinary community is interested in being more involved in the SOP development and decision-making process on their client’s farms.
This pilot research project will run from January to April 2017, inclusive. Twenty bovine veterinarians have been recruited to each enrol 10 of their dairy clients. Veterinarians will provide their clients with a Pre-survey, Cull Cow Evaluation Forms, an information package, and a Post-survey. The Pre-survey is intended to gage the knowledge of dairy producers regarding culling and shipping cattle and assess their current attitudes and practices. The producers will then be asked to complete an Evaluation Form for every cow they cull from the milking herd during the study period. A Post-survey will then be sent to the producers to assess if their attitudes and practices have changed.
Busulfan systemic exposure and its relationship with efficacy and safety in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children: A meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Xinying , Wu Yunjiao , Zhang Jingru , Li Jiapeng , Zhu Guanghua , FAN Duanfang , Yang Changqing , Zhao Libo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Busulfan (Bu) is a key component of several conditioning regimens used before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, the optimum systemic exposure (expressed as the area under the concentration-time curve [AUC]) of Bu for clinical outcome in children is controversial. Methods: Research on pertinent literature was carried out at PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Library. Observational studies were included, which compared clinical outcomes above and below the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) cut-off value, which we set as 800, 900, 1000, 1125, 1350, and 1500 µM × min. The primary efficacy outcome was notable in the rate of graft failure. In the safety outcomes, incidents of veno-occlusive disease (VOD) were recorded, as well as other adverse events. Results: Thirteen studies involving 548 pediatric patients (aged 0.3-18 years) were included. Pooled results showed that, compared with the mean Bu AUC (i.e., the average value of AUC measured multiple times for each patient) of > 900 µM × min, the mean AUC value of <900 µM × min significantly increased the incidence of graft failure (RR=3.666, 95% CI:1.419, 9.467). The incidence of VOD was significantly decreased with the mean AUC <1350 µM × min (RR=0.370, 95% CI: 0.205-0.666) and <1500 µM × min (RR=0.409, 95% CI: 0182-0.920). Conclusions: In children, Bu mean AUC above the cut-off value of 900 µM × min (after every 6-hour dosing) was associated with decreased rates of graft failure, while the cut-off value of 1350 µM × min were associated with increased risk of VOD in children, particularly for the patients without VOD prophylaxis therapy. Further well-designed prospective and multi centric randomized controlled trials with larger sample size are necessary before putting our result into clinical practices.
A method for obtaining flexible broccoli varieties for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Ciancaleoni Simona , Negri Valeria 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The use of high inputs in agriculture resulted in few varieties (hybrids and pure lines) used in all agricultural systems. Also varieties of vegetables, including broccoli, for organic and low-input agriculture, are almost exclusively hybrids, since there are very few specific breeding programs and varieties for sustainable agriculture systems.A strategy to overcome this issue is the adoption of specific breeding programs for developing heterogeneous varieties (i.e. synthetics, open pollinated varieties, composite cross populations and mixtures). In fact, heterogeneous varieties are able to evolve and adapt to specific agro-climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to develop a method (an Evolutionary Breeding Program, EBP) for obtaining heterogeneous varieties of broccoli and test its efficiency in developing highly diverse varieties, as needed in sustainable agriculture. A synthetic variety originated from a landrace was multiplied in different environments for 3 cycles and morpho-phenological and genetic diversity of the derived populations were assessed.Results: The presented results are the first and unique indication about the efficiency of a short-time EBP for an allogamous species like broccoli. Few morphological changes were observed among varieties multiplied in different environments with different agro-climatic conditions. This could be probably due to the initial genetic diversity of the landrace from which the populations were selected and also to the great plasticity of the crop. However, SSR data highlighted a genetic differentiation among populations multiplied for two/three years across Europe and in Central Italy, that was not so evident when considering morphological data only.Conclusions: Few years of multiplication in different environments resulted in genetically differentiated broccoli populations that nonetheless preserved the original genetic diversity and productivity level and appear to evolve in relationship to different environments: the applied EBP is useful for developing heterogeneous materials for sustainable agriculture.
Treating periodontitis-A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing ultrasonic and manual subgingival scaling at different probing pocket depths.
Authors: Zhang Xin , Hu Zixuan , Zhu Xuesong , Li Wenjie , Chen Jun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Mechanical plaque removal has been commonly accepted to be the basis for periodontal treatment. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of ultrasonic and manual subgingival scaling at different initial probing pocket depths (PPD) in periodontal treatment. Methods: English-language databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Medline, and ClinicalTrials.gov, by January, 2019) were searched. Weighted mean differences in primary outcomes, PPD and clinical attachment loss (CAL) reduction, were estimated by random effects model. Secondary outcomes, bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival recession (GR), and post-scaling residual dental calculus, were analyzed by comparing the results of each study. The quality of RCTs was appraised with the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. The GRADE approach was used to assess quality of evidence. Results: Ten randomized controlled trials were included out of 1,434 identified. Initial PPD and follow-up periods formed subgroups. For 3-months follow-up: (1) too few shallow initial pocket studies available to draw a conclusion; (2) the heterogeneity of medium depth studies was so high that could not be merged to draw a conclusion; (3) deep pocket studies showed no statistical differences in PPD and CAL reduction between ultrasonic and manual groups. For 6-months follow-up: (1) too few shallow initial PPD studies to draw a conclusion; (2) at medium pocket depth, PPD reduction showed manual subgingival scaling better than ultrasound. No statistical differences were observed in CAL reduction between the two approaches; (3) for deep initial PPD studies, both PPD and CAL reduction showed manual subgingival scaling better. GR results indicated no statistical differences at medium and deep initial pocket studies between the two methods. BOP results showed more reduction at deep pocket depths with manual subgingival scaling. No conclusion could be drawn about residual dental calculus. Conclusion: When initial PPD was 4-6mm, PPD reduction proved manual subgingival scaling was superior, but CAL results showed no statistical differences between the two means. When initial PPD was ≥6mm, PPD and CAL reductions suggested that manual subgingival scaling was superior.
The reliability and validity of a novel Chinese version simplified modified Rankin scale questionnaire(2011)
Authors: yuan Junliang , wang yunxiao , Hu Wenli , Bruno Askiel 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is a key global outcome measure after stroke internationally. The latest English version of the simplified modified Rankin scale questionnaire (smRSq)(2011) is a reliable and valid tool in scoring the mRS after stroke. In order to use this tool in Chinese patients, we translated it into Chinese and tested its clinimetric properties.

Methods

The English version smRSq(2011) was translated into Chinese by a standard process. We recruited 300 consecutive hospitalized ischemic stroke patients in the department of neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital. Six randomly paired raters scored the conventional mRS, the novel Chinese version smRSq(2011), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and the Barthel index (BI) in-person. Inter-rater reliability and validity were assessed.

Results

Among the 300 ischemic stroke patients, mean age was 64.9±12.1 years, and 220 (73%) were male. For inter-rater reliability of the smRSq(2011), the percent agreement among the paired raters was 87%, the kappa ( κ) was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.79-0.88), and the weighted kappa ( κ w ) was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.95-0.98). The percent agreement between the smRSq(2011) scores and the conventional mRS scores was 55%, κ =0.47 (95% CI, 0.40-0.54), and κ w =0.91 (95% CI, 0.89-0.93). In construct validity testing, the Spearman’s correlation coefficients comparing the smRSq(2011) scores with the NIHSS and the BI scores were 0.83 ( P <0.001) and -0.86 ( P <0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

Our results show good to excellent clinimetric properties of the novel Chinese version smRSq(2011) in scoring the mRS in Chinese stroke patients. Further validation in other clinical settings, including in communities and by remote methods in China is warranted.
Branches of the brachiocephalic was an independent risk factor for hemorrhagic pulmonary sheath (HPS) patients with acute Stanford A aortic dissection
Authors: Xie Qiuxia , Qin Haoling , Lin Ling , Guan Jian , Zhou Xuhui 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: AAD refers to the blood flow into the middle membrane through the intimal rupture of the aorta. Hemorrhagic pulmonary sheath (HPS) is a common complication of Stanford-A AAD. The risk factors of HPS are remaining unclear
Methods: In this study, we have probed the potential risk factors of HPS patients with acute Stanford A aortic dissection. 18 HPS patients with acute Stanford A aortic dissection were selected as the case group. The age difference ± 5 years and the same sex are set as the matching principles. 36 patients with acute Stanford-A type AD who did not detect HPS in the same period were matched according to the ratio of 1:2. Demographic data, treatment methods, AD-related disease history, clinical symptoms and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) values of each patient were collected. Meanwhile, the values of the maximum diameter of ascending aorta (mm), aortic dissection range, and the main branch of the aorta, pleural effusion/blood, and pericardial effusion/blood were measured by two experienced cardiovascular radiological physicians. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis was used in this study.
Results: CCI value and the branches of the brachiocephalic in the case group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). Univariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed CCI and branches of the brachiocephalic were associated with HPS. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis suggested that branches of the brachiocephalic were an independent risk factor for HPS (OR=7.02, 95%CI=1.28-38.62, p=0.025).
Conclusions: Branches of the brachiocephalic were an independent risk factor for HPS.
PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression in the tumor microenvironment including peritumoral tissue in primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Furuse Motomasa , Kuwabara Hiroko , Ikeda Naokado , Hattori Yasuhiko , Ichikawa Tomotsugu , Kagawa Naoki , Kikuta Kenichiro , Tamai Sho , Nakada Mitsutoshi , Wakabayashi Toshihiko , Wanibuchi Masahiko , Kuroiwa Toshihiko , Hirose Yoshinobu , Miyatake Shin-Ichi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and PD-L2 expression on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) remains unclear. In the present study, we analyzed needle biopsy and craniotomy specimens of patients with PCNSL to compare the PD-L1 and PD-L2 levels in the tumor and surrounding (peritumoral) tissue. We also assessed the correlation between biological factors and the prognostic significance of PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 70 patients histologically diagnosed with PCNSL (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma). Immunohistochemistry for CD20, CD68, PD-L1, and PD-L2 was performed. In cases with specimens taken by craniotomy, the percentages of PD-L1- and PD-L2-positive macrophages were evaluated in both tumor and peritumoral tissue. The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model were used for survival analysis. Results: The tumor cells expressed little or no PD-L1 and PD-L2, but macrophages expressed PD-L1 and PD-L2 in most of the patients. The median percentage of PD-L2-positive cells was significantly higher among peritumoral macrophages (32.5%; 95%CI: 0–94.6) than intratumoral macrophages (27.5%; 95%CI: 0–81.1, p=0.0014). There was a significant correlation between the percentages of PD-L2-positive intratumoral macrophages and PD-L2-positive peritumoral macrophages (p=0.0429), with very low coefficient correlation (ρ=0.098535). PD-L1 expression on macrophages was significantly associated with biological factors (intratumoral macrophages: better KPS, p=0.0008; better MSKCC score, p=0.0103; peritumoral macrophages: low proportion of LDH elevation, p=0.0064) and longer OS (for intratumoral macrophages: high PD-L1=60 months, 95%CI=30–132.6; low PD-L1=24 months, 95%CI=11–48; p=0.032; for peritumoral macrophages: high PD-L1=60 months, 95%CI=30.7–NR; low PD-L1=14 months, 95%CI=3–26). PD-L1 expression on peritumoral macrophages was strongly predictive of a favorable outcome (HR=0.30, 95%CI=0.12–0.77, p=0.0129). Conclusions: Macrophages in intratumoral and peritumoral tissue expressed PD-L1 and PD-L2 at a higher rate than tumor cells. PD-L1 expression, especially on peritumoral macrophages, seems to be an important prognostic factor in PCNSL. Future comprehensive analysis of checkpoint molecules in the tumor microenvironment, including the peritumoral tissue, is warranted.
Leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein-1 upregulation in plasma and kidney of patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Yang Yi , Luo Ran , Cheng Yichun , Liu Tingting , Dai Wei , Li Yueqiang , Ge Shuwang , Xu Gang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Increased leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1) has been observed in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We aimed to explore the expression and role of LRG1 in lupus nephritis (LN). Methods Plasma LRG1 (pLRG1) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 101 patients with renal biopsy-proven LN and 21 healthy controls (HC). Relationships between pLRG1 and clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed. The expression of LRG1 in peripheral blood leukocytes and kidney was detected by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, respectively. Further cell experiments were focused on the role of LRG1. Results We found that LRG1 was expressed in plasma, some peripheral blood leukocytes, proximal tubule and several inflammatory cells. The levels of LRG1 in plasma, peripheral blood leukocytes and kidney were elevated in LN patients as compared to HC. Plasma expression levels of LRG1 correlated positively with renal function and renal disease activity, and reflect specific pathologic lesions in the kidneys of patients with LN. Interleukin-1β and interleukin-6, not tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon γ induced the LRG1 expression in human renal tubular epithelial cell line. Moreover, stimulation of recombinant human LRG1 could inhibit late apoptosis, promote proliferation and regulate expression of inflammatory factors and cytokines. Conclusions Plasma expression levels of LRG1 were associated with renal function, disease activity, and pathology in LN. It might also be involved in renal inflammation, proliferation and apoptosis of endothelial cells. LRG1 might be a potential prognosis novel predictor in LN patients.
Analysis of the role of TpUB05 antigen from Theileria parva in immune responses to malaria in humans compared to its homologue in Plasmodium falciparum; UB05 antigen
Authors: Dinga Jerome Nyhalah , Gamua Stanley Dobgima , Perimbie Stephanie Numenyi , Chuma Francis N. G. , Njimoh Dieudonné Lemuh , Djikeng Apollinaire , Pelle Roger , Titanji Vincent P. K. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
First-year drug therapy of new-onset rheumatoid and undifferentiated arthritis: A nationwide register-based study.
Authors: Muilu Paula , Rantalaiho Vappu , Kautiainen Hannu , Virta Lauri Juhani , Eriksson Johan , Puolakka Kari 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Backgroud: In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the drug therapies used for early rheumatoid (RA) and undifferentiated (UA) arthritis patients. Methods: From a nationwide register maintained by the Social Insurance Institution, information on sex, date of birth, and date of special medicine reimbursement decision for all new Finnish RA and UA patients between 2011-14 were collected, and their DMARD (Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drug) purchases during the first year after the diagnosis were analyzed. Results: A total of 7338 patients with early RA (67.3% female, 68.1% seropositive) and 2433 with early UA (67.8% female) were identified. DMARDs were initiated during the first month after the diagnosis to 92.0 % of the patients with seropositive RA, 90.3% with seronegative RA and to 87.7% with UA (p<0.001). Respectively, 72.1%, 63.4%, and 42.9% of the patients (p<0.001) purchased methotrexate; 49.8%, 35.9%, and 16.0% (p<0.001) as part of a DMARD combination during the first month. By the end of the first year after the diagnosis, self-injected biologics were purchased by 2.6%, 5.3% and 3.1% (p<0.001) of them. Only 1.4%, 2.6% and 3.0% (p<0.001) of the patients were not receiving any DMARDs. During the first year, 83.4% of the seropositive RA patients had purchased methotrexate, 50.4% sulfasalazine, 72.1% hydroxychloroquine, and 72.6% prednisolone. Conclusions: Currently, combination therapy including methotrexate is a common treatment strategy for early seropositive RA in Finland. Despite an easy access to biologics, these drugs are seldom needed during the first year after diagnosis.