bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimum 3.5-year outcomes of operative treatment for Achilles tendon partial tears in the midportion and retrocalcaneal area
Authors: Lohrer Heinz 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Achilles tendon partial tears are not easy to diagnose and to manage. Most frequently, they are located in the midportion and insertional area. These entities result from different pathologic pathways and different treatment strategies are applied. The outcome is rarely investigated.

Methods: This study includes patients who underwent surgery for partial tears in the midportion or retrocalcaneal Achilles tendon area between the years 2009 and 2015 by a single surgeon. Patients were prospectively assessed preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, using the VISA-A-G questionnaire. The final retrospective follow-up was performed after a minimum of 3.5 years postoperatively. Forty-eight Achilles tendon partial tears at the level of the retrocalcaneal bursa (impingement lesions) and 27 midportion Achilles tendon partial tears were identified. After applying rigorous exclusion criteria, 21 and 16 cases, respectively, remained for the final follow-up. Results were analysed by inferential and descriptive statistics.

Results: The VISA-A-G outcome scores improved significantly from preoperative to six months, 12 months, and final postoperative assessment. Preoperatively, the average VISA-A-G score was 42.1 (range, 18-73) for patients operated for Achilles tendon partial tears at the level of the retrocalcaneal bursa and 44.6 (range, 10-73) for the midportion Achilles tendon partial tear group, respectively. At final follow-up 88.8 (range, 15 to 100) and 96.9 (range, 71 to 100) were scored in the respective treatment groups.A repeated measures ANOVA determined that mean performance levels showed a statistically significant difference between measurements (p < 0.001). There was no systematic effect found between groups (p = 0.836).

Conclusions: In Achilles tendon partial tears recalcitrant to conservative treatment, operative intervention is highly successful in most cases, irrespective of the level of the injury. Results were statistically equal when comparing the midportion and retrocalcaneal Achilles tendon partial tear groups.
Methodological reporting quality of randomized controlled trials in three leading sports medicine journals over 10 years
Authors: Chen Qian , Zhou Qirong , Pan Sihua , Zhi Xin , Li Xiaoqun , Jiang Hao , Wang Yajun , Fang Chao , Zhuang Xinchen , Hu Yan , Cao Liehu , Cui Jin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard scientific testing for medical interventions. However, low-quality RCTs may provide misleading evidence. This research elucidated the methodological reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in three sports medicine journals over 10 years following the CONSORT statement.
Methods and Findings

In this study, we evaluated the methodological reporting quality of RCTs in three major sports medicine journals, including Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, British Journal of Sports Medicine and Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine from 2008 to 2017. The methodological reporting quality, including the allocation sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding, type of analysis, handling of dropouts were revealed. Number of patients, funding source, type of intervention and country were retrieved. The methodological reporting quality was descriptively reported. A total of 475 trials were involved and 166 (34.9%) trials reported adequate allocation generation, 124 (26.1%) trials reported adequate allocation concealment, 262(55.2%) trials reported adequate blinding, 122 (25.7%) trials reported type of analysis and 100 (21.1%) trials reported handling of dropouts.
Conclusions

This study shows that the methodological reporting quality of RCTs in the three major sports medicine journals were unsatisfactory and it can be further improved.
Laboratory investigation of earthquake lightning due to landslide
Authors: Enomoto Yuji , Yamabe Tsuneaki , Mizuhara Kazuyuki , Sugiura Shigeki , Kondo Hiroshi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Several laboratory experimental studies of photoemission characteristics of rocks as they fracture have been conducted to elucidate the mechanism of earthquake lightning (EQL). In most of these studies, granite, which exhibits remarkable photoemission, is widely used to explain the mechanism attributed to the piezoelectric effect or piezo-induced effect of quartz, a constituent mineral of granite. Photoemission induced by rock fracturing has been observed prominently during landslides caused by earthquakes. According to the literature on historical earthquakes, landslide-induced EQL was witnessed even at locations where quartz was not present. In this study, we therefore studied the physicochemical characteristics of photoemissions associated with impact shear fractures in various rocks, selected based on historical earthquake records of landslide EQL. As a result, we could highlight various physicochemical processes associated with the frictional heating generated during shear impacts between rocks.
Plasmodium falciparum genetic factors rather than the hosts' are likely to drive resistance to ACTs in Ghana
Authors: Hodoameda Peter , Duah-Quashie Nancy Odurowah , Hagan Charles Oheneba , Matrevi Sena , Abuaku Benjamin , Koram Kwadwo A , Quashie Neils B 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) partner drugs, currently used in Ghana are lumefantrine, amodiaquine, and piperaquine. Plasmodium falciparum isolates with reduced susceptibility to these partner drugs may affect treatment outcome. Mutations in Pfmdr1 gene is linked to reduced parasite susceptibility to amodiaquine and lumefantrine. In addition, the potency of the partner drugs in vivo depends on the metabolism by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme in the host. Mutations in the CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 genes are linked to reduced metabolism of amodiaquine and lumefantrine respectively in vitro. This study investigated the host and parasite genetic factors affecting the susceptibility of the malaria parasite to ACT partner drugs.Methods: Archived samples from 240 patients aged ≤9years participating in antimalarial drug resistance survey in of Ghana and given AL or AA were selected and analyzed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing was used to determine the polymorphisms in CYP2C8, CYP3A4, and Pfmdr1 genes. Results: For CYP3A4, all had wild type alleles suggesting that the hosts are good metabolizers of lumefantrine. For CYP2C8 60% had wild type alleles, 35% heterozygous and 5% homozygous recessive alleles suggesting efficient metabolism of amodiaquine by the hosts. For Pfmdr1 gene, at codon 86, 95% were wild type (N86) and 5% mutant (Y86). For codon 184, 36% were wild type (Y184) and 64% mutant (F184) while for codons 1034, 1042 and 1246, 100% (all) were wild type. The high prevalence of N86-F184-D1246 haplotype (NFD) suggest presence of parasites with reduced susceptibility to lumefantrine and not amodiaquine. Delayed clearance was observed in individuals with mutations in the Pfmdr1 gene and not Cytochrome 450 gene. Both synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations were observed in the Pfmdr1 at low prevalence. Conclusion: The outcome of this study indicates that parasite's genetic factors rather than the hosts' are likely to drive resistance to ACTs in Ghana.
Proteomic investigation of protein adsorption to cerebral microdialysis membranes in surgically treated intracerebral hemorrhage patients - a pilot study
Authors: Tobieson Lovisa , Czifra Zita , Wåhlén Karin , Marklund Niklas , Ghafouri Bijar 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Cerebral microdialysis (CMD) is a minimally invasive technique for sampling the interstitial fluid in human brain tissue. CMD allows monitoring the metabolic state of tissue, as well as sampling macromolecules such as proteins and peptides. Recovery of proteins or peptides can be hampered by their adsorption to the CMD membrane as has been previously shown in-vitro, however, protein adsorption to CMD membranes has not been characterized following implantation in human brain tissue. Methods: In this paper, we describe the pattern of proteins adsorbed to CMD membranes compared to that of the microdialysate and of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We retrieved CMD membranes from three surgically treated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients, and analyzed protein adsorption to the membranes using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) in combination with nano-liquid mass spectrometry. We compared the proteome profile of three compartments; the CMD membrane, the microdialysate and ventricular CSF collected at time of CMD removal. Results: We found unique protein patterns in the molecular weight range of 10-35 kDa for each of the three compartments. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of analyzing the membranes in addition to the microdialysate when using CMD to sample proteins for biomarker investigation.
Optimal Timing of Single-Stage Retrograde Endoscopic Common Bile Duct Stone Removal in Mild and Moderate Acute Cholangitis: A Prospective Trial
Authors: Liang Chih-Ming , Chiu Yi-Chun , Lu Lung-Sheng , Wu Cheng-Kun , Sou Fai-Meng , Huang Pao-Yuan , Ma Te-Ling , Kuo Chung-Huang , Chuah Seng-Kee , Kuo Chung-Mou 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of removing a single-stage, retrograde, endoscopic common bile duct stone in patients with mild and moderate acute cholangitis associated with choledocholithiasis.Methods: We enrolled 196 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-naïve patients diagnosed with acute cholangitis and choledocholithiasis between September 2018 and February 2020 at a single hospital. For eligible patients, single-stage treatment involved stone removal at initial ERCP. Early ERCP was defined as ERCP performed ≤ 72 hours following diagnosis in the emergency room.Results: The final analysis included 138 patients. The success rate of complete stone extraction was similar in patients with mild and moderate cholangitis (88.5% vs. 91.7%; p = 0. 536). Complication rates were also comparable between the two groups. In the moderate cholangitis group, the length of hospitalization declined significantly among patients who underwent early single-stage ERCP (10.6 ± 6.1 vs. 18.7 ± 12.5 days; p = 0.001) compared with patients treated with delayed ERCP. In the multivariate analysis, early ERCP indicated shorter hospitalization times (≤ 10 days) (odds ratio (OR), 7.689; p = 0.030), while endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage, for acute cholangitis only, indicated longer hospitalization times (OR, 0.358; p = 0.030). A stone size larger than 1.5 cm was an independent risk factor for stone extraction failure (OR, 24.507; p = 0.009).Conclusions: Single-stage, retrograde, endoscopic common bile duct stone removal may be safe and effective for patients with mild and moderate cholangitis. The benefit of early single-stage ERCP (≤ 72 hours) was reflected mainly by reduced hospitalization time and costs.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03754491.
Atorvastatin Promotes Bone Formation in Aged apoE–/– Mice through the Sirt1–Runx2 Axis
Authors: Hong Wei , Wei Zhanying , Qiu Zhaohui , Li Zheng , Fu Chensheng , Ye Zhibin , xu xiaoya 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Statins are the most widely used drugs in elderly patients, the most common clinical application of statins is in aged hyperlipemia patients. There are few studies on the effects and mechanisms of statins on bone in elderly mice with hyperlipemia. The study is to examine the effects of atorvastatin on bone phenotypes and metabolism in aged apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE–/–) mice, and the possible mechanisms involved in these changes. Methods: Twenty-four 60-week-old apoE–/– mice were randomly allocated to two groups. Twelve mice were orally gavaged with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg body weight/day) for 12 weeks; the others served as the control group. Bone mass and skeletal microarchitecture were determined using micro-CT. Bone metabolism was assessed by serum analyses, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from apoE–/– mice were differentiated into osteoblasts and treated with atorvastatin and Sirt1 inhibitor EX-527. Results: The results showed that long-term administration of atorvastatin increases bone mass and improves bone microarchitecture in trabecular bone but not in cortical bone. Furthermore, the serum bone formation marker osteocalcin (OCN) was ameliorated by atorvastatin, whereas the bone resorption marker tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (Trap5b) did not appear obviously changes after the treatment of atorvastatin. The mRNA expression of Sirt1, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and OCN in bone tissue were increased after atorvastatin administration. Western blot showed same trend in Sirt1 and Runx2. The in vitro study showed that when BMSCs from apoE–/– mice were pretreated with EX527, the higher expression of Runx2, ALP and OCN activated by atorvastatin decreased significantly or showed no difference compared with the control. The protein expression of Runx2 showed same trend. Conclusions: Accordingly, the current study validates the hypothesis that atorvastatin can increase bone mass and promote osteogenesis in aged apoE−/− mice by regulating the Sirt1–Runx2 axis.
Quantitative characteristics, regeneration status, Physicochemical soil properties within and at different distance of abandoned skid trails in the Hyrcanian forests.
Authors: Abbas-Panah Pouya , Mirkala Seyed Rostam Mousavi , Nikooy Mehrdad , Rad J.Eshaghi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
COVID-19: Famotidine, Histamine, Mast Cells, and Mechanisms
Authors: Malone Robert W. , Tisdall Philip , Fremont-Smith Philip , Liu Yongfeng , Huang Xi-Ping , White Kris M. , Miorin Lisa , Olmo Elena Moreno Del , Alon Assaf , Delaforge Elise , Hennecker Christopher D. , Wang Guanyu , Pottel Joshua , Bona Robert , Smith Nora , Hall Julie M. , Shapiro Gideon , Clark Howard , Mittermaier Anthony , Kruse Andrew C. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Roth Bryan L. , Glasspool-Malone Jill , Francone Victor , Hertzog Norbert , Fremont-Smith Maurice , Ricke Darrell O. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection is required for COVID-19, but many signs and symptoms of COVID-19 differ from common acute viral diseases. Currently, there are no pre- or post-exposure prophylactic COVID-19 medical countermeasures. Clinical data suggest that famotidine may mitigate COVID-19 disease, but both mechanism of action and rationale for dose selection remain obscure. We explore several plausible avenues of activity including antiviral and host-mediated actions. We propose that the principal famotidine mechanism of action for COVID-19 involves on-target histamine receptor H2 activity, and that development of clinical COVID-19 involves dysfunctional mast cell activation and histamine release.
RecA protein mediates fitness, virulence and DNA damage response (SOS response) in Riemerella anatipestifer
Authors: Ji Guo , Gong Xiaowei , Chen Qiwei , Liu Yongsheng , Zheng Fuying 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: DNA damage response (SOS response) refers to an important protective mechanism for bacteria to cope with genomic DNA damage. The RecA protein plays a key regulatory role in the induction of SOS responses in many bacteria, and its homologous proteins are widely present in various organisms. However, the biological functions of RecA protein of Riemerella anatipestifer have never been explored.In this work, we constructed the deletion strain RA-GDΔRecA and complemented strain RA-GD△RecA pCPRA::RecA, and the growth ability, drug sensitivity, virulence and SOS response of the parental RA-GD, RA-GDΔRecA and RA-GD△RecA pCPRA::RecA strains were detected. Results: The results showed that the RecA protein reduced the fitness of RA-GD strain, and decreased the resistance of cells to three antibiotics (tetracycline, oxytetracycline and gentamicin sulfate) and the virulence of the strain to ducklings. Within a certain range of ultraviolet irradiation (UV), the transcription level of RecA gene increased significantly with the prolongation of UV time. Furthermore, the deletion of RecA gene reduced significantly the integrity of genomic DNA of RA-GD, indicating that the RecA gene may play a positive regulate role in the SOS response of R. anatipestifer. However, Western blotting showed that the levels of RecA protein in parent strain had no significant change under the condition of UV treatment. Conclusion: This experiment demonstrated for the first time that RecA gene participated in the fitness, resistance, virulence and DNA SOS response in R. anatipestifer.
Surgical management of ulnar styloid fractures: comparison of fixation with anchor suture and tension band wire
Authors: Chen Alvin Chao-Yu , Lin Yi-Hsuan , Weng Chun-Jui , Cheng Chun-Ying 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Limited reference is available regarding surgical management in symptomatic ulnar styloid fractures with small bony avulsion. The study goal is to report the surgical outcomes using anchor suture fixation with comparison to traditional tension band wire fixation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records in patients who underwent surgical repair for unilateral ulnar styloid fractures with distal radioulnar instability between 2004 and 2017. A total of 31 patients were enrolled including two kinds of fixation methods. Anchor suture fixation plus distal radioulnar joint pinning was performed in ten patients with tiny avulsion bony fragments (group A); tension band wire fixation was performed in 21 patients with big styloid fracture fragments (group B). Patient characteristics and 2-year treatment outcomes were compared between two groups based on Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), visual analog scale (VAS) and surgical complication. Descriptive statistics were used for calculation of key variables; a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Based on Gaulke classification, there were five subtypes in group A and three subtypes in group B. Incidence of concomitant distal radius fractures was significantly higher in group B; other patient characteristics including age, sex, injury side, and time to surgery showed no significant difference. Outcome assessment regarding MMWS, QuickDASH and VAS was comparable between two groups. Bone-related complications including nonunion, DRUJ subluxation and styloid resorption were analyzed; the difference was not significant. Incidence of implant-related complications including migration and secondary removal surgery was significantly higher in group B (p = 0.021).

Conclusion

Surgical fixation in symptomatic ulnar styloid fractures yields comparable treatment outcomes in both fracture patterns. Implant-related complication with secondary removal surgery is more common in tension band wire group. Anchor suture fixation is a feasible option for tiny styloid avulsion fragments with limited surgical complication.
EgJUB1 and EgERF113 transcription factors as master regulators of defense response in Elaeis guineensis against the hemibiotrophic Ganoderma boninense
Authors: Sakeh Nurshafika Mohd , Abdullah Siti Nor Akmar , Bahari Mohammad Nazri Abdul , Azzeme Azzreena Mohamad , Shaharuddin Noor Azmi , Idris Abu Seman 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Hemibiotrophic pathogen such as the fungal pathogen Ganoderma boninense that is destructive to oil palm, manipulates host defense mechanism by strategically switching from biotrophic to necrotrophic phase. Our previous study revealed two distinguishable expression profiles of oil palm genes that formed the basis in deducing biotrophic phase at early interaction which switched to necrotrophic phase at later stage of infection.
Results
The present report is a continuing study from our previous published transcriptomic profiling of oil palm seedlings against G. boninense. We focused on identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding transcription factors (TFs) from the same RNA-seq data resulting in 106 upregulated and 108 downregulated TFs being identified. DEGs involved in four established defense-related pathways are presented which are responsible in cell wall modification, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated signaling, programmed cell death (PCD) and plant innate immunity. We discovered upregulation of JUNGBRUNNEN 1 (EgJUB1) during fungal biotrophic phase while Ethylene Responsive Factor 113 (EgERF113) demonstrated prominent upregulation when the palm switches to defense against necrotrophic phase. EgJUB1 was shown to have binding activity to a 19 bp palindromic SNBE1 element, WNNYBTNNNNNNNAMGNHW found in the promoter region of co-expressing EgHSFC-2b. Further in silico analysis of promoter regions revealed co-expression of EgJUB1 with TFs containing SNBE1 element with single nucleotide change at either the 5th or 18th position. Meanwhile, EgERF113 binds to both GCC and DRE/CRT elements promoting plasticity in upregulating the downstream defense-related genes. Both TFs were proven to be nuclear localized based on subcellular localization experiment using onion epidermal cells.
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrated unprecedented transcriptional reprogramming of specific TFs potentially to enable regulation of specific set of genes during different infection phases of this hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen. The results propose EgJUB1 and EgERF113 as key TFs in orchestrating the defense mechanisms during biotrophic and during the subsequent transition to necrotrophic phase, respectively. Identification of these phase-specific oil palm TFs is important in designing strategies to tackle or attenuate the progress of infection.
Application of 70kVp in abdominal CT angiography to reduce both radiation and contrast dosage and improve patient comfort for children
Authors: Sun Jihang , Li Haoyan , Yang Lixin , Li Jianying , Zhou Zuofu , Yang Wei , Peng Yun , Li Haiyun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective To evaluate the application of 70kVp in pediatric abdominal CT angiography (CTA) to reduce radiation and contrast dose and improve patient comfort. Methods Forty-six children needing abdominal CTA were enrolled in the study group using low-dose scanning protocol with 70kVp and 0.7-1.1ml/kg contrast dose, and reconstructed with 50%ASIR-V. They were compared with another 46 children (control group) with matching body weight who underwent conventional CT scans with 100kVp, 1.2-1.8ml/kg contrast dose and reconstructed using 50%ASIR. The image quality of large vessels was evaluated using a 5-point scale, and the number of superior mesenteric artery branches identifiable by CAD was recorded. The CT value and standard deviation of descending aorta (Ao) was measured, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) calculated. Radiation dose, contrast dose, the maximum injection pressure, correlation between flow rate and injection pressure were compared between the two groups. Results The score for displaying large vessels by 70kVp images was 3.91±0.28, and up to 3 superior mesenteric artery branches could be identified, all of which met the diagnostic requirements. The CT value of Ao was 390.87±86.79HU in the study group, higher than 343.93±49.94HU in the control group, while no difference in SNR and CNR between the two groups; the radiation dose, contrast dosage and injection pressure of the study group were 1.23±0.39mGy, 12.67±7.27ml and 43.83±17.16psi respectively, significantly lower than the 1.95±0.37mGy, 22.67±7.39ml, and 77.59±19.68psi of the control group. The correlation coefficients between flow rate and injection pressure were 0.82 and 0.86 in 70kVp group and 100kVp group. Conclusion 70kVp scanning meets the diagnostic requirements in pediatric abdominal CTA while providing significant radiation dose, contrast dose and injection pressure reduction.