bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of dry needling of myofascial trigger points on muscle stiffness and motoneuron excitability in healthy subjects
Authors: Jiménez-Sánchez Carolina , Gómez-Soriano Julio , Bravo-Esteban Elisabeth , Mayoral-del Moral Orlando , Herrero-Gállego Pablo , Ortiz-Lucas Maria 
Published: July 2021

Background: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are hypersensitive nodules in a taut band (TB) of skeletal muscle. Dry needling (DN) is an invasive technique recommended for the treatment of MTrPs. However, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated the influence of the DN technique on modification of muscle stiffness and neurophysiological properties of MTrPs. Objective: The objective was to examine the effect of DN on muscle stiffness and motoneuron excitability of a latent medial MTrP (nodule and TB) of the soleus muscle in non-injured subjects. Methods: A double-blinded randomised controlled trial of 46 subjects with latent medial MTrPs of the soleus was conducted, in which all received one session of DN. The intervention group (n = 23) were subjected to DN into the MTrP (the nodule), while the control group (n = 23) were subjected to DN into the TB. Assessment was carried out at baseline (pre-test), after the intervention (post-test) and 1 week after the intervention (follow-up). Biomechanical variables (muscle resistive force at 10°/s and 180°/s, muscle extensibility and strength), as measured with an isokinetic dynamometer, and neurophysiological variables (H-reflex), were recorded. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in biomechanical or neurophysiological assessments between groups. Considering the intra-group analysis, subjects in the intervention group exhibited increased maximal isometric voluntary force to ankle plantarflexion (MIVFp) at both post-intervention and follow-up assessment (p < 0.0125; 0.2 < d < 0.5), while no changes were found in the control group. Conclusion: One session of DN targeting latent MTrPs did not change muscle stiffness, muscle extensibility or motoneuron excitability. Further research on subjects with muscle tone disorders should be considered to better address the impact of DN on muscle tone. Trial registration number: NCT02575586 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Examining the Relationship Between Gastroschisis and Placental Fetal Vascular Malperfusion
Authors: Ruschkowski Brittany , Nasr Ahmed , Oltean Irina , Lawrence Sarah , El Demellawy Dina 
Published: July 2021

Introduction Gastroschisis is a congenital malformation characterized by intestinal herniation through an abdominal wall defect. Despite its unknown pathogenesis, known risk factors include maternal smoking, alcohol use, and young maternal age. Previous work has shown that gastroschisis is associated with placental delayed villous maturation, and the goal of this study was to assess for additional associated placental pathologies that may help clarify the pathogenesis of gastroschisis. Methods We conducted a retrospective slide review of 29 placentas of neonates with gastroschisis. Additionally, we reviewed pathology reports from one control group of 30 placentas with other congenital malformations. Gross and histological data were collected based on a standardized rubric. Results Gastroschisis was associated with increased placental fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) in 62% of cases (versus 0% of controls, p < 0.0001). It was also associated with increased placental villous maldevelopment in 76% of cases (versus 3% of controls, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Our study demonstrates an association between gastroschisis and FVM. While FVM could be the consequence of vascular disruption due to the ventral location of gastroschisis, it could also reflect estrogen-induced thrombosis in early pregnancy. Further research is needed to separate these possibilities and determine the cause of the placental FVM observed in gastroschisis.
Vitelline Vessel Remnant-Derived Funisitis Is a Sensitive and Specific Predictor of Histological Evidence of Amniotic Fluid Infection
Authors: De Guzman John Kemuel , Yu Weiming , Koning Lawrence de , Horn Christopher , Wright James R 
Published: July 2021

Background 4-11% of umbilical cords contain vitelline vessel remnants (VVRs). A recent study has described neutrophilic inflammation arising from VVRs and suggested an association with amniotic fluid infection (AFI). Methods During routine placental pathology sign-out over a six month period, we identified 70 cords with VVRs. HE-stained sections were re-examined for “VVR-derived funisitis,” which was classified as low or high grade/stage based upon whether neutrophils were present only in Wharton’s jelly near the VVRs or whether neutrophils were also present near the cord’s amniotic surface. The same placentas were also examined for histologic evidence of AFI (maternal response = acute chorionitis or chorioamnionitis vs. fetal response = chorionic vasculitis, umbilical vasculitis, or funisitis vs. both). Results Neutrophilic inflammation arising from VVRs was present in 54.3% (38/70); 15 and 23 lesions were low and high grade/stage, respectively. “VVR-derived funisitis” was strongly associated with histological evidence of AFI elsewhere in the placenta. Its overall sensitivity and specificity were 0.94 and 0.88; when VVR-derived funisitis was high grade/stage or diagnosed in the third trimester, specificity rose to 1.0. Conclusion “VVR-derived funisitis” has a strong association with histological evidence of AFI.
Feline cutaneous lymphoma: an evaluation of disease presentation and factors affecting response to treatment
Authors: Siewert Jacob , Pellin MacKenzie A , Husbands Brian D , Curran Kaitlin M , Scavelli Diane , Sampene Emmanuel 
Published: July 2021

Objectives The primary goal of this study was to characterize the clinical presentation of feline cutaneous lymphoma. The secondary aims included determining if treatment or initial response to treatment affected the overall survival of patients, and understanding if disease characteristics such as immunophenotype, cell size or the presence of epitheliotropism influenced response to treatment. Methods Veterinary medical oncologists at four academic veterinary teaching hospitals submitted cases of feline patients with cutaneous lymphoma diagnosed by histopathology or cytology. Signalment, feline leukemia virus (FeLV)/feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) status, physical examination findings, clinical signs, diagnostic tests, therapy, response and outcome, and necropsy findings, when available, were recorded. Results Forty-one patients were identified and described. The majority of patients were domestic shorthair cats (n = 29). The median age at diagnosis was 12.3 years. Males were over-represented in the population (n = 30). In the majority of patients (n = 33), the FIV/FeLV status was unknown. Twenty patients were fully staged. Thirty-four patients were treated with a variety of modalities, including surgery, radiation, single-agent or combination chemotherapy, or prednisolone only. In multiple patients, surgery or radiation was combined with a systemic therapy. Of 34 patients treated with some form of therapy, 20 responded (achieving either a partial response or complete remission). Conclusions and relevance Clinical signs and physical examination findings varied among patients. Response to therapy appeared to be associated with survival (P = 0.0025); however, this population was highly censored. Immunophenotype, cell size and the presence of epitheliotropism did not influence treatment response. Results were limited by small numbers of patients, heterogeneous disease manifestations and treatment protocols. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the effect of specific treatment modalities and disease subtype on prognosis.
Human Ectoparasites Are Highly Prevalent in the Rural Communities of Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gizaw Zemichael , Engdaw Garedew Tadege , Nigusie Adane , Gebrehiwot Mulat , Destaw Bikes 
Published: July 2021

Background: Ectoparasites are organisms which inhabit the skin or outgrowths of the skin of another organism (the host). Many ectoparasites are known to be vectors of pathogens, which the parasites typically transmit to hosts. Though, ectoparasites are common in the vulnerable groups and economically disadvantaged communities, there is limited evidence on its magnitude in Ethiopia. This community-based cross-sectional study was, therefore, conducted to assess the prevalence and associated factors of ectoparasites in the rural communities of northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design with structured observation was conducted among 1191 randomly selected rural households in northwest Ethiopia in May 2016. Data were collected using structured interviewer administered interview questionnaire and structured observation checklist. Prevalence of human ectoparasites in the rural communities was defined as the presence of one or more lice, fleas, bed bugs, mites, and ticks and the presence of these ectoparasites were observed by trained environmental health experts. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with prevalence of ectoparasites on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P values <.05. Results: Of a total of 1191 rural households, human or hair lice were observed in one or more of the family members in 186 (15.6%) rural households. Similarly, fleas were observed in more than half, 609 (51.1%) of rural households and bed bugs were observed in 441 (37%) rural households. Furthermore, mites and ticks were reported in 113 (9.5%) and 130 (10.9%) of the households respectively. Accordingly, one or more ectoparasites were observed in 865 of 1191 rural households. The presence of one or more ectoparasites was, therefore, found to be 72.6% (95% CI = 70%-75.1%). The prevalence of ectoparasites was statistically associated with educational status of the female head being not educated (AOR = 1.476, 95% CI = 1.001, 2.177) and absence close supervision by health extension workers (AOR = 2.151, 95% CI = 1.205, 3.843). Conclusion: The prevalence of one or more ectoparasites was high in the rural communities of northwest Ethiopia. The high prevalence was associated with education status of the female head and close supervision of households by health extension workers. Disseminating health information about intervention strategies of ectoparasites and closely supervising the rural households need to be considered.
Generational differences in the placement of clitic se in New York City Spanish
Authors: Viner Kevin Martillo 
Published: July 2021

Aims and objectives: This study analyzes the proclitic and enclitic positions of Spanish clitic se (e.g., ella se quería ir / ella quería irse ‘she wanted to go’) across two generations of Spanish speakers in New York City. In an effort to contribute to ongoing research aimed at better understanding Spanish in the US, the following questions are addressed. In syntactic environments that permit variation, does placement of Spanish se differ between the two generations? From the internal variables identified for this study (nonfinite verb type, finite verb, tense of finite verb, grammatical person, use of se, grammatical mood of finite verb, negation), which ones have a statistically significant effect on placement? From the external variables identified for this study (national origin, region, areal origins, sex, age, years in US, socioeconomic class, education, English skill, Spanish skill, general Spanish use), which ones have a statistically significant effect on placement? Design and data: This study is carried out within a variationist-sociolinguistic framework and the sample consists of 50 participants, 25 from the first generation (G1) and 25 from the second (G2). Analysis: Bivariate chi-square tests are performed in order to determine what internal and external variables constrain placement of the dependent variable (clitic se placement). Findings: Generation has a statistically significant effect on placement ( p = .016), wherein proclisis is more frequent amongst the G2 participants. These results corroborate previous research showing an overall preference for proclisis in both monolingual and bilingual/heritage speakers. Further, chi-square tests pinpoint five conditioning effects for G1 (nonfinite verb type, use of se, finite verb, years in US, and English skill), but only two for G2 (use of se and English skill). Originality and implications: The present study is the first to discover strong correlations between the proclitic position and the numerous internal and external variables quantitatively assessed. Future research is thus warranted.
Insulin Derived Fibrils Induce Cytotoxicity in vitro and Trigger Inflammation in Murine Models
Authors: Lewis Brianne E. , Mulka Adam , Mao Li , Sharafieh Roshanak , Qiao Yi , Kesserwan Shereen , Wu Rong , Kreutzer Don , Klueh Ulrike 
Published: July 2021

Background: Effective exogenous insulin delivery is the cornerstone of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus management. Recent literature indicates that commercial insulin-induced tissue reaction and cellular cytotoxicity may contribute to variability in blood glucose as well as permanent loss of injection or infusion site architecture and function. It is well accepted that insulin formulations are susceptible to mechanical and chemical stresses that lead to insulin fibril formation. This study aims to characterize in vitro and in vivo toxicity, as well as pro-inflammatory activity of insulin fibrils. Method: In vitro cell culture evaluated cytotoxicity and fibril uptake by macrophages and our modified murine air-pouch model quantified inflammatory activity. The latter employed FLOW cytometry and histopathology to characterize fibril-induced inflammation in vivo, which included fibril uptake by inflammatory phagocytes. Results: These studies demonstrated that insulin derived fibrils are cytotoxic to cells in vitro. Furthermore, inflammation is induced in the murine air-pouch model in vivo and in response, macrophages uptake fibrils both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: Administration of insulin fibrils can lead to cytotoxicity in macrophages. In vivo data demonstrate insulin fibrils to be pro-inflammatory which over time can lead to cumulative cell/tissue toxicity, inflammation, and destructive wound healing. Long term, these tissue reactions could contribute to loss of insulin injection site architecture and function.
Is Body Mass Index Related to Skin Reactivity to Histamine but not to Specific Allergens? A 2-Year Follow-up Study on Korean Children
Authors: Suh Michelle J. , Park Jin A. , Ko Hyekyung , Kang Minji , Kim Junhyeong , Lee Jiin , Kim Jueun , Baek Seungjae , Lee Keun-Hwa , Hong Sung-Chul , Kang Ju Wan 
Published: July 2021

Background Skin prick tests are widely used to diagnose allergic sensitization. The influence of obesity on the skin prick test result has not been clearly established, even though the association between allergic disease and obesity is relatively well known. Objective To determine whether a change in body mass index (BMI) contributes to skin reactivity to histamine and allergens in a skin prick test, we performed a 2-year follow-up study on Korean children. Methods Skin prick tests for common aeroallergens were performed on elementary school students from Jeju Island, Korea. BMI was calculated using weight and height after measuring both, and demographic characteristics were surveyed. The same tests were repeated after 2 years. Results The sensitization rate increased during the 2 years between tests and the children’s mean BMI also increased, along with their age. The wheal sizes induced by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Japanese cedar, and histamine were significantly increased during 2 years; however, only the histamine reaction associated with increased BMI had statistical significance. Furthermore, other variables—including the number of sensitized allergens—were not related to histamine skin reactivity. Conclusion Histamine skin reactivity increased in children over time and some allergens showed increased specific reactions; however, BMI gain is a specific predictor of histamine reactivity. Further studies are needed to elucidate the clinical significance of these changes.
Comparing Knee Laxity After Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Quadriceps Tendon Versus Semitendinosus Tendon Graft
Authors: Karpinski Katrin , Häner Martin , Bierke Sebastian , Diermeier Theresa , Petersen Wolf 
Published: July 2021

Background: The choice of graft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is still under discussion. The hamstrings are currently the most used grafts for primary ACL reconstruction in Europe. However, increased interest has arisen in the quadriceps tendon (QT) as an alternative autologous graft option for primary ACL reconstruction. Purpose: To evaluate knee stability and the subjective outcome after ACL reconstruction using either autologous QT graft in implant-free femoral press-fit fixation technique or semitendinosus tendon (ST) graft. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: We evaluated 50 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction, including 25 patients who received autologous ipsilateral QT graft (QT group) and 25 patients who received the ipsilateral ST graft (ST group). The follow-up for this prospective comparative study was at least 2 years after surgery, comprising KT-1000 arthrometer testing, pivot-shift test, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm score, and rerupture rate. Results: The mean patient age was 31.72 years (9 women, 16 men) in the QT group and 32.08 years (13 women, 12 men) in the ST group. The mean ± standard deviation postoperative side-to-side difference assessed using KT-1000 arthrometer was 1.56 ± 1.56 mm for the QT group and 1.64 ± 1.41 mm for the ST group, with no significant difference. No significant difference was found on any of the KOOS subscale scores ( P = .694) or the Lysholm score ( P = .682). No rerupture or positive pivot-shift test occurred during follow-up. No difference was found in donor-site morbidity between the study groups. Conclusion: Clinical outcomes were not significantly different between QT and ST grafts in the current study. Thus, the QT may serve as a good alternative graft for primary ACL reconstruction.
Comparison of Function- and Activity-Related Outcomes After Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair With 1 Versus 2 Suture Anchors
Authors: Zhou Yun-Feng , Zhang Hao-Zhi , Zhang Zheng-Zheng , Jiang Chuan , Chen Zhong , Zhang Cong-Da , Li Wei-Ping , Shen Hui-Yong , Song Bin 
Published: July 2021

Background: Few studies have compared the clinical outcomes of using 1 versus 2 suture anchors for anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair. Purpose: To compare the function and activity-related outcomes of arthroscopic ATFL repair using 1 versus 2 suture anchors. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This retrospective study involved 46 patients (22 patients in the 1-anchor group, 24 patients in the 2-anchor group) who underwent ATFL repair between January 2015 and December 2017. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, Karlsson and Peterson score, and Tegner activity level were evaluated preoperatively and ≥2.5 years postoperatively. At follow-up, patients were also asked about time to return to sport as well as level and intensity of physical fitness. Satisfaction was evaluated with the Sefton grading system. Results: After ≥2.5 years of follow-up (30 months in the 1-anchor group, 33 months in the 2-anchor group), patients in the 2-anchor group had a higher Tegner activity level than those in the 1-anchor group (mean ± SD, 4.75 ± 1.07 vs 4.05 ± 1.17; P = .039). As compared with patients in the 2-anchor group, fewer patients in the 1-anchor group returned to their preoperative activity level (54.2% vs 22.9%; P = .029); the rate of activity at the same or higher intensity as preinjury was also lower in the 1-anchor group (50% vs 79.2%; P = .038). However, there were no differences between the groups in terms of American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society and Karlsson and Peterson scores, time to return to work/sport, duration of activity participation, level of physical fitness, or satisfaction according to Sefton grading. Conclusion: Arthroscopic ATFL repair appears to be an effective treatment regardless of whether 1 or 2 suture anchors are used. The techniques had similar functional outcome scores, but 1-anchor repair produced inferior activity-related outcomes.
Prognostic value of minimal residual disease negativity in myeloma: combined analysis of POLLUX, CASTOR, ALCYONE, and MAIA
Authors: Cavo Michele , San-Miguel Jesus , Usmani Saad Z. , Weisel Katja , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Paiva Bruno , Bahlis Nizar J. , Plesner Torben , Hungria Vania , Moreau Philippe , Mateos Maria-Victoria , Perrot Aurore , Iida Shinsuke , Facon Thierry , Kumar Shaji , van de Donk Niels W. C. J. , Sonneveld Pieter , Spencer Andrew , Krevvata Maria , Heuck Christoph , Wang Jianping , Ukropec Jon , Kobos Rachel , Sun Steven , Qi Mia , Munshi Nikhil 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We explored minimal residual disease (MRD) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) and transplant-ineligible (TIE) newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) using data from 4 phase 3 studies (POLLUX, CASTOR, ALCYONE, and MAIA). Each study previously demonstrated that daratumumab-based therapies improved MRD negativity rates and reduced the risk of disease progression or death by approximately half vs standards of care. We conducted a large-scale pooled analysis for associations between patients achieving complete response or better (≥CR) with MRD-negative status and progression-free survival (PFS). MRD was assessed via next-generation sequencing (10−5 sensitivity threshold). Patient-level data were pooled from all 4 studies and for patients with TIE NDMM and patients with RRMM who received ≤2 prior lines of therapy (≤2 PL). PFS was evaluated by response and MRD status. Median follow-up (months) was 54.8 for POLLUX, 50.2 for CASTOR, 40.1 for ALCYONE, and 36.4 for MAIA. Patients who achieved ≥CR and MRD negativity had improved PFS vs those who failed to reach CR or were MRD positive (TIE NDMM and RRMM hazard ratio [HR] 0.20, P &lt; .0001; TIE NDMM and RRMM ≤2 PL HR 0.20, P &lt; .0001). This benefit occurred irrespective of therapy or disease setting. A time-varying Cox proportional hazard model confirmed that ≥CR with MRD negativity was associated with improved PFS. Daratumumab-based treatment was associated with more patients reaching ≥CR and MRD negativity. These findings represent the first large-scale analysis with robust methodology to support ≥CR with MRD negativity as a prognostic factor for PFS in RRMM and TIE NDMM. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02076009, #NCT02136134, #NCT02195479, and #NCT02252172.