bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment Strategies and Clinical Outcomes of Knee Osteoarthritis With Extra-Articular Deformity
Authors: Tao Mingzhen , Bu Yufan , Huo Jiabang , Wang Xinjie , Huang Guangxin , Zhang Haiyan , Zhao Chang , Cai Daozhang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the methods, indications, and efficacy of the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with extra-articular deformity. MethodsA retrospective study of eight patients (three males and five females) with knee osteoarthritis complicated with extra-articular femoral deformity from February 2011 to April 2019; with an average age of 62.9 years (range 57 to 70 years). There were eight cases of coronal malformation with a mean angle of 15.5° (range 5° to 24°), and three cases of sagittal deformity with a mean angle of 14.0° (range12–16°). All eight patients underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Three patients underwent femoral osteotomy and one-stage total knee arthroplasty, and one underwent femoral osteotomy and second-stage total knee joint replacement. ﻿ResultsThe mean follow-up time was 45.6 months (range 2 to 96 months). The average HSS score improved from 41.1 points (range, 28–53) preoperatively to 88.5 points (range, 71–95) at the time of the last follow-up. The average VAS score improved from 6.6 points (range, 3–10) preoperatively to 0.3 points (range, 0–1) at the time of the last follow-up. The average arc of knee motion improved from 66.3° (range 50° to 85°), preoperatively to 104.4°(range 95° to 120°) postoperatively. The average deviation of the mechanical axis of the knee improved from 17.3° (range 13° to 20°) preoperatively to 2.6°(range -6° to 6°) postoperatively. The differences between the preoperative data and postoperative follow-up data were statistically significant (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up visit, none of the eight patients had postoperative complications such as prosthesis loosening, infection, or deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs. No bone nonunion, delayed union, or other complications occurred in the four patients with osteotomy. ConclusionAlthough it is difficult and complex to perform TKA surgery in patients with extra-articular deformity, a preoperative surgical plan should be made individually according to the patient's condition, and if necessary, the mechanical axis of the lower limbs can be effectively restored with the help of computer navigation technology or 3D printing technology, to achieve satisfactory surgical results.
Process Optimization with Acid Functionalised Activated Carbon derived from Corncob for Production of 4-Hydroxymethyl-2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-Dioxolane and5-Hydroxy-2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-Dioxane
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Sarma Anil , Jha Prof Mithilesh K , Gera Poonam 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This study focuses on the application of the corncob derived base (NaOH) activated and acid (H2SO4) functionalized carbons for the glycerol valorization to produce 2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol (solketal), an oxygenated additive to fuel. The two derived catalysts viz., AAC-CC and AC-CC were subjected to various techniques for the determination of their structural properties and their comparison is made on the basis of characteristics and conversion into the final product. The conjugated boat structure of AAC-CC resulted very high surface area (779.8 m2/g) and higher pore volume (0.428cc/g) of AAC-CC that unveil its suitability as better among the two catalytic pathways during the solketal production. The acidic catalyst shows the highest catalytic activity as compared to basic due to the availability of the more active sites to the catalyst that will help in the reaction for higher conversion. The face cantered composite design (FCCD) of RSM was applied for the optimization of the reaction parameters for the ketalisation reaction. From the optimized results, the acidic catalyst AAC-CC gives higher glycerol conversion, i.e. 80.3% than the basic catalyst AC-CC i.e. 72.12% under the actual laboratory experiment. Moreover, the catalyst could be reused for three consecutive batch reactions without (< 5%) much reduction of activity and no distinctive structural deformity.
Small RNA proﬁling for identification of microRNAs involved in regulation of seed development and lipid biosynthesis in yellowhorn
Authors: Wang Li , Ruan Chengjiang , Bao Aomin , Li He 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium), an endemic woody oil-bearing tree, has become economically important and is widely cultivated in northern China for bioactive oil production. However, the regulatory mechanisms of seed development and lipid biosynthesis affecting oil production in yellowhorn are still elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in diverse aspects of biological and metabolic processes in seeds, especially in seed development and lipid metabolism. It is still unknown how the miRNAs regulate the seed development and lipid biosynthesis in yellowhorn.
Results

Here, based on investigations of differences in the seed growth tendency and embryo oil content between high-oil-content and low-oil-content lines, we constructed small RNA libraries from yellowhorn embryos at four seed development stages of the two lines and then profiled small RNA expression using high-throughput sequencing. A total of 249 known miRNAs from 46 families and 88 novel miRNAs were identified. Furthermore, by pairwise comparisons among the four seed development stages in each line, we found that 64 miRNAs (53 known and 11 novel miRNAs) were differentially expressed in the two lines. Across the two lines, 15, 11, 10, and 7 differentially expressed miRNAs were detected at 40, 54, 68, and 81 days after anthesis, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis was used to predict a total of 2,654 target genes for 141 differentially expressed miRNAs (120 known and 21 novel miRNAs). Most of these genes were involved in the fatty acid biosynthetic process, regulation of transcription, nucleus, and response to auxin. Using quantitative real-time PCR and an integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression, miRNA-target regulatory modules that may be involved in yellowhorn seed size, weight, and lipid biosynthesis were identified, such as miR172b-ARF2 (auxin response factor 2), miR7760-p3_1-AGL61 (AGAMOUS-LIKE 61), miR319p_1-FAD2-2 (omega-6 fatty acid desaturase 2–2), and miR5647-p3_1-DGAT1 (diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1).
Conclusions

This study provides new insights into the important regulatory roles of miRNAs in the seed development and lipid biosynthesis in yellowhorn. Our results will be valuable for dissecting the post-transcriptional and transcriptional regulation of seed development and lipid biosynthesis, as well as improving yellowhorn in northern China.
Magma Reservoir Beneath Azumayama Volcano, NE Japan as Inferred from Three-dimensional Electrical Resistivity Image by Magnetotellurics
Authors: Ichiki Masahiro , Kaida Toshiki , Nakayama Takashi , Miura Satoshi , Yamamoto Mare , Morita Yuichi , Uyeshima Makoto 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
An electrical resistivity image beneath Azumayama Volcano, NE Japan is modeled using magnetotellurics to probe the magma/hydrothermal fluid distribution. The 3-D inversion modeling images the conductive magma reservoir beneath Oana crater at depths of 3–15 km. The resolution scale for the conductor is 5 km by checkerboard resolution tests and the 67 % and 90 % confidential intervals of resistivity are 0.2–5 Ωm and 0.02–70 Ωm, respectively, for the region of less than 3 Ωm resistivity. The shallower part of the conductor is not explained by a water-saturated (5.5 wt %) dacitic melt, and the more probable interpretation is that it consists of a water-saturated, dacitic melt-silicic rock-hydrothermal fluid complex. The deeper part of the conductor is interpreted as a water-saturated (8 wt %) andesitic melt-mafic rock complex. The Mogi inflation source determined from GNSS and tilt data is located near the top boundary of the conductor at a depth of 2.7–3.7 km, which suggests that the ascent of hydrothermal fluids exsolved from the dacitic melt is interrupted by the impermeable wall and conduit. Assuming two phases of hydrothermal fluid and silicic rock, the resistivity at the inflation source, regarded as the upper bound resistivity of the conductor, is realized by the hydrothermal fluid fraction below the percolation threshold porosity in an effusive eruption. This indicates that the percolation threshold porosity in an effusive eruption characterizes the impermeable wall and conduit associated with the Mogi inflation source.
SARS-CoV-2 Quantitative Real Time PCR and Viral Loads Analysis Among Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Patients: an Observational Study on an Outbreak in Two Nursing Facilities in Campania Region (Southern Italy)
Authors: Cardillo Lorena , Martinis Claudio de , Viscardi Maurizio , Esposito Claudia , Sannino Emanuela , Lucibelli Gabriella , Limone Antonio , Pellicanò Roberta , Baldi Loredana , Galiero Giorgio , Fusco Giovanna 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In December 2019 an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 was first observed in Wuhan, China. The virus has spread rapidly throughout the world creating a pandemic scenario. Several risk factors have been identified, such as age, gender, concomitant diseases as well as viral load. One of the key questions since the beginning of the pandemic, is the role of asymptomatic people in spreading SARS-CoV-2. An observational study in Southern Italy was conducted in order to elucidate the possible role of asymptomatic individuals related to their viral loads in the transmission of the virus within two nursing facilities. Methods: oro-nasopharyngeal swabs from 179 nursing health care workers and patients were collected. SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR was performed and viral loads were calculated by using standard curve. For positive results, a statistical correlation between viral loads, the presence/absence of symptoms, age and gender variables was investigated. Results: SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed in the 50.8% (n=91) of the cases. Median age of positive individuals resulted higher than negative ones. A statistically significant difference (p <.001) was observed for age and gender variables and over 65 years individuals showed higher susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection than younger ones (OR=3.93) as well as female (OR=2.86). Among 91 tested positive, the 70.3% was symptomatic (n=64) whilst the 29.7% was asymptomatic (n=27). Median viral loads of asymptomatic individuals were found statistically significant higher than symptomatic ones (p=.001), while no influence was observed in age and gender variables.Conclusions: A range from 9.2% to 69% of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases remains asymptomatic, moreover, sporadic transmissions from asymptomatic people are reported, that makes their involvement an important issue to take into account in the spreading control of the virus. An asymptomatic clinical course was observed in the 29.7% of positive individuals, moreover, median viral loads resulted to be statistically significant when compared to symptomatic ones. Surely, such a relevant frequency should not be ignored in relation to the spread of the disease in an environment which has not only important intrinsic (age, gender, concomitant diseases) but also extrinsic factors such as high population density and close contacts.
Prognostic Significance of Preoperative Serum CA125, CA19-9, CA72-4, CEA, and AFP&nbsp;in Patients With Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Wang Zi-hao , Zhang Yun-zheng , Wu Qi-jun , Wang Yu-shan , Ma xiaoxin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: To determine the factors related to overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in endometrial cancer (EC) patients.Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study of 906 EC patients was conducted at Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University. Baseline information about the patients, tumor characteristics, and data on five serum biomarkers (CA125, CA19-9, CA72-4, CEA, and AFP) were collected. Groups and their survival rates were compared using log-rank tests and Kaplan-Meier analysis, respectively. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using univariate or multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. The outcome measures used were OS, defined as the time between surgery and death or last follow-up for surviving patients, and PFS, defined as the time from the completion of initial surgery to either first progression, disease recurrence, or death.Results: Multivariate analysis showed lower PFS associated with age ≥ 66 years (P < 0.001), type II histology (P = 0.015), low degree of tumor differentiation (P = 0.004), and FIGO stage III & IV (P = 0.002). Elevated CA125 (P = 0.042) and AFP (P = 0.016) were identified as independent biomarkers for PFS. Increased CA125 (P = 0.013), age ≥ 66 years (P < 0.001), type II histology (P＜0.001), and FIGO stage III & IV (P = 0.015) were independent factors associated with OS. Analysis of the CA125 sub-group showed that individuals with elevated CA125 andAFP (P = 0.049) had significantly lower PFS. Conclusion: This study suggests that CA125 and AFP are prognostic biomarkers for EC.
Catalytic Activity for Dye Degradation and Characterization of Silver/Silver Oxide Nanoparticles Green Synthesized by Aqueous Leaves Extract of Phoenix Dactylifera L.
Authors: Laouini Salah , Bouafia Abderrhmane , Tedjani Mohammed 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this study, green synthesis of silver /silver oxide nanoparticles was successfully prepared from Phoenix Dactylifera L aqueous leaves extract. The effect of different volume ratio (% v/v) (Plant extract / Precursor) on the nanoparticles silver /silver oxide nanoparticles formation, optical properties, and catalytic activity for dye degradation was studied. The obtained Ag/Ag2O nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, such as UV-Visible, FT-IR, XRD, SEM for this purpose. The UV-Vis spectrum shows the absorption at 430 nm associated with Ag/Ag2O NPs. The optical bandgap values were found to be in the range of 3.22 to 4.47 eV for the direct bandgap and 3.73 to 5.23 eV for the indirect bandgap. The functional groups present in plant extracts were studied by FTIR. XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of Ag / Ag2O NP, and its average particle size was between 28.66-39.40 nm. SEM showed that the green synthesized silver/silver oxide nanoparticles have a spherical shape. The purpose of this study, it highlights the high catalytic activity for dye degradation of Ag/Ag2O NPs green synthesized. As a result, the use of Phoenix Dactylifera L aqueous leaves extract offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly method.
First Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Norway
Authors: Madslien Knut , Moldal Torfinn , Gjerset Britt , Gudmundsson Sveinn , Follestad Arne , Tronerud Ole-Herman , Dean Katharine , Åkerstedt Johan , Jørgensen Hannah , Neves Carlos das , Rømo Grim 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Several outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) caused by influenza A virus of subtype H5N8 have been reported in wild birds and poultry in Europe during autumn 2020.Norway is one of the few countries in Europe that had not previously detected HPAI virus, despite widespread active monitoring of both domestic and wild birds since 2005.Results: We report detection of HPAI virus subtype H5N8 in a wild pink-footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus), and several other geese, ducks and a gull, from south-western Norway in November and December 2020. Despite previous reports of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), this constitutes the first detections of HPAI in Norway.Conclusions: The mode of introduction is unclear, but a northward migration of infected geese or gulls from Denmark or the Netherlands during the autumn of 2020 is currently our main hypothesis for the introduction of HPAI to Norway. Although HPAI of subtype H5N8 has been reported to have very low zoonotic potential, this is a reminder that HPAI with greater zoonotic potential in wild birds may pose a threat in the future.
Infectious Spondylodiscitis and Kyphosis Correction in an Infant: a Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Romano Sara , Vittoria Francesca , Cataruzzi Elisabetta , Barbi Egidio , Carbone Marco 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: neonatal infectious spondylodiscitis is a rare bony infection with atypical clinical presentation and non-specific systemic symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment are often delayed resulting in vertebral destruction and severe complications. We retrospectively reviewed the case of an infant with infectious spondylodiscitis resulting in T12 body destruction and marked angular kyphosis. Case-report: a four-week-old infant developed an infectious spondylodiscitis resulting in destruction of the T12 vertebral body and involvement of disc between T12 and L1. At 6 months of age, X-ray showed a marked thoracolumbar angular kyphosis above 50 Cobb degrees. Therefore, the patient underwent single time surgery with double anterior and posterior approach. At 9 years follow up, clinical and radiological findings show a stable correction with good aesthetic appearance. Conclusion: neonatal spondylodiscitis could lead to marked kyphosis similar to the congenital one. Since treatment with casts and tutors is often inefficacious, prompt surgery should be considered. The double anterior and posterior approach is the best option in this condition.
Thymosin β4 Protect Against LPS Induced Lung Injury and Inflammation and Subsequent Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Tian Zhen , Yao Naijuan , Wu Yuchao , Wang Fei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Inflammation plays a critical role in the progress ion of pulmonary fibrosis. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. Although the potent protective role of Tβ4 in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis has been validated, the mechanism is not clear, and its impact on LPS-induced lung injury/fibrosis has not been reported. Method: Expression of Tβ4 in fibrotic lung tissues was assessed by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RQ-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western Blotting. The effects of intraperitoneal adeno-associated virus-Tβ4 (AAV-Tβ4) on LPS-induced lung injury and fibrosis were observed through the evaluation of collagen deposition and α-SMA expression. In vitro tests with HPAEpiC and HLF-1 cells were performed to confirm the effects of Tβ4.Results: In this study, we evaluated the role of Tβ4 on pulmonary fibrosis and explored the possible underlying mechanisms. We found that Tβ4 was markedly upregulated in human or mouse fibrotic lung tissues. Adeno-associated virus-Tβ4 (AAV-Tβ4) markedly alleviated LPS-induced oxidative damage, lung injury, inflammation and fibrosis in mice. Our in vitro experiments also showed that LPS inhibited mitophagy and promoted inflammation via oxidative stress in HPAEpiC, and usage of Tβ4 significantly attenuated LPS-induced mitophagy inhibition, inflammasome activation and TGF-β1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HPAEpiC. Moreover, we found that Tβ4 suppressed the proliferation and attenuated the TGF-β1-induced activation of HLF-1 cells. Conclusions: In conclusion, Tβ4 alleviated LPS-induced lung injury, inflammation, and subsequent fibrosis in mice, suggesting a protective role of Tβ4 in disease pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Tβ4 may involve attenuating oxidative injury, promoting mitophagy, and then alleviating inflammation and fibrosis. Modulating of Tβ4 may be novel strategies for treating PF.
Epidemiological Characteristics and Mortality Risk Factors among COVID-19 Patients in Ardabil, Northwest of Iran
Authors: Adham Davoud , Habibzadeh Shahram , Ghobadi Hassan , jajin Shabnam Asghari , Abbasi-Ghahramanloo Abbas , Moradi-Asl Eslam 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease highly contagious, is prevalent in all age and sex groups infecting the respiratory system. The present study seeks to investigate the epidemiology and effective factors in mortality of patients with COVID-19 in Ardabil province, northwestern of Iran.Methods: In a retrospective study, the hospitalized patients with laboratory diagnosed COVID-19 between February to August, 2020 were enrolled. Data registration portal was designated according to WHO recommendation. In this portal, demographic information, clinical presentation, laboratorial and imaging data were registered for patients in all hospitals in the same format. The Hosmer-Lemeshow guideline was used for variable selection in a multiple model.Results: Of the patients involved 2812(50.3%) were male and 150 (2.7%) had a contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days. Pre-existing morbidity was reported in 1310 (23.4%) patients. Of all patients 477(8.5%) died due to COVID 19. The hospitalization in ICU had significant correlation with fever or chills, shortness of breath, aches and pains, runny nose and chest pain.Conclusions: Hospitalization had the strongest effect on mortality followed by hospitalization in ICU, and higher age. This study showed that having some symptoms like aches and pains and headache can serve as preventive factors of mortality.
Predicting Surgical Resource Consumption and In-hospital Mortality in Resource-scarce Conflict Settings: A Retrospective Database Study
Authors: Muhrbeck Måns , Osman Zaher , Von Schreeb Johan , Wladis Andreas , Andersson Peter 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In armed conflicts, civilian health care struggles to cope. Being able to predict what resources are needed is therefore vital. The International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC) implemented in the 1990s the Red Cross Wound Score (RCWS) for assessment of penetrating injuries. It is unknown to what extent RCWS or the established trauma scores ampala trauma Score (KTS) and revised trauma score (RTS) can be used to predict surgical resource consumption and in-hospital mortality.Methods: A retrospective study of routinely collected data on weapon-injured adults admitted to ICRC’s hospitals in Peshawar, 2009–2012 and Goma, 2012–2014. High resource consumption was defined as ≥3 surgical procedures, ≥3 blood-transfusions and/or amputation. The relationship between RCWS, KTS, RTS and resource consumption, in-hospital mortality was evaluated with logistic regression and adjusted receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). The impact of missing data was assessed with imputation. Model fit was compared with Akaike Information Criterion (AIC).Results: A total of 1564 patients were included, of these 834 patients had complete data. For high resource consumption AUC was significantly higher for RCWS (0.76) than for KTS (0.53) and RTS (0.51). Additionally, RCWS had lower AIC, indicating a better model fit. For in-hospital mortality AUC was significantly higher for RCWS (0.79) than for KTS (0.71) and RTS (0.70) for all patients, but not for patients with complete data.Conclusion: RCWS appears to predict surgical resource consumption better than KTS and RTS. RCWS may be a promising tool for planning and monitoring surgical care in resource-scarce conflict settings.