bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcome of Ti/PEEK Versus PEEK Cages in Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Yao Yu-Cheng , Chou Po-Hsin , Lin Hsi-Hsien , Wang Shih-Tien , Chang Ming-Chau 
Published: March 2021

Study Design: Retrospective case-control study. Objectives: This study aims to present the clinical and radiographical outcomes of the titanium-polyetheretherketone (Ti/PEEK) composite cage compared to those of the standard PEEK cage in patients receiving minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF). Methods: Patients receiving 1 level MI-TLIF between October 2015 and October 2017 were included with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The patients were segregated into 2 groups; Ti/PEEK group and PEEK group. Each patient was propensity-matched using preoperative age, sex, and body mass index. Early fusion rate was evaluated by computed tomography at postoperative 6 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. Results: After matching, there were 27 patients included in each group. The demographics, diagnosis, and surgical details were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The 6-month rate was 88.9% in Ti/PEEK group. The fusion rate and cage subsidence rate had no difference between the 2 groups. The complication rate in the Ti/PEEK group was comparable to that in the PEEK group. There was no difference in VAS and ODI scores during a 2-year follow-up period. Conclusions: The use of Ti/PEEK composite cage was as safe and effective as the use of PEEK cage in MI-TLIF. The 6-month fusion rate was 88.9%. Our finding revealed comparable clinical results for surgeons using Ti/PEEK composite cages in MI-TLIF compared to those using the PEEK cage.
Relationship Between Clinical Scapular Assessment and Scapula Resting Position, Shoulder Strength, and Baseball Pitching Kinematics and Kinetics
Authors: Bullock Garrett S. , Strahm Jeff , Hulburt Tessa C. , Beck Edward C. , Waterman Brian R. , Nicholson Kristen F. 
Published: March 2021

Background: Scapular assessment is important in examining overhead athletes, but there is inconsistency in scapular clinical assessment and its relation to pathology. Purpose: To determine the relationship between clinical scapular assessment and biomechanical scapula resting position, shoulder strength, and pitching shoulder kinematics and kinetics. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Two clinicians performed scapular assessments and graded the scapula as presence or absence of scapular dyskinesis. Shoulder external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) strength were collected. The 3-dimensional biomechanics of the scapula resting position (upward/downward rotation, IR/ER, and anterior/posterior tilt) were assessed while participants stood at rest, and pitching kinematics (maximum shoulder ER, shoulder abduction, shoulder horizontal abduction, shoulder rotation velocity) and kinetics (maximum shoulder distraction force) were assessed when participants pitched off the portable pitching mound that was engineered to meet major league specifications. Results: A total of 33 high school baseball pitchers (age, 16.3 ± 1.2 years; height, 184.0 ± 6.9 cm; weight, 76.8 ± 20.8 kg; hand dominance: left, 9 [27%]; right, 24 [73%]; pitch velocity, 34.7 ± 2.3 m/s) participated in this study. Of them, 15 participants had scapular dyskinesis, and 18 had normal scapulothoracic rhythm. No differences were observed for upward/downward rotation or anterior/posterior tilt, shoulder ER, shoulder abduction, or shoulder distraction force, based on the presence of scapular dyskinesis. Pitchers with scapular dyskinesis demonstrated significantly greater scapular resting IR position (effect size [ES], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.06 to 1.54; P = .020), greater nondominant shoulder ER to IR strength ratio (ES, 0.49; 95% CI, –0.02 to 1.00; P = .018), and decreased shoulder rotation velocity (ES, 14.66; 95% CI: 12.06 to 17.25; P = .016). Pitchers with greater anterior tilt demonstrated greater shoulder rotation velocity ( r = –0.48; P = .006). Conclusion: Pitchers with scapular dyskinesis had greater scapular IR, greater nondominant shoulder ER to IR strength ratio, and reduced shoulder rotation velocity. Clinical Relevance: Scapular assessment may be more influenced by differential IR than upward rotation or anterior tilt. Scapular dyskinesis has no competitive performance advantage among amateur athletes. Greater understanding is needed to decipher the critical threshold between beneficial and maladaptive scapular movement patterns.
Pleiotropic associations of heterozygosity for theSERPINA1Z allele in the UK Biobank
Authors: Fawcett Katherine A. , Song Kijoung , Qian Guoqing , Farmaki Aliki-Eleni , Packer Richard , John Catherine , Shrine Nick , Granell Raquel , Ring Sue , Timpson Nicholas J. , Yerges-Armstrong Laura M. , Eastell Richard , Wain Louise V. , Scott Robert A. , Tobin Martin D. , Hall Ian P. 
Published: March 2021

Homozygosity for theSERPINA1Z allele causes α1-antitrypsin deficiency, a rare condition that can cause lung and liver disease. However, the effects of Z allele heterozygosity on nonrespiratory phenotypes, and on lung function in the general population, remain unclear.We conducted a large, population-based study to determine Z allele effects on >2400 phenotypes in the UK Biobank (N=303 353).Z allele heterozygosity was strongly associated with increased height (β=1.02 cm, p=3.91×10−68), and with other nonrespiratory phenotypes including increased risk of gall bladder disease, reduced risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure, reduced risk of osteoarthritis and reduced bone mineral density, increased risk of headache and enlarged prostate, as well as with blood biomarkers of liver function. Heterozygosity was associated with higher height-adjusted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (β=19.36 mL, p=9.21×10−4) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (β=0.0031, p=1.22×10−5) in nonsmokers, whereas in smokers, this protective effect was abolished. Furthermore, we show for the first time that sex modifies the association of the Z allele on lung function.We conclude that Z allele heterozygosity and homozygosity exhibit opposing effects on lung function in the UK population, and that these associations are modified by smoking and sex. In exploratory analyses, heterozygosity for the Z allele also showed pleiotropic associations with nonrespiratory health-related traits and disease risk.
Effect of β-blockers on the risk of COPD exacerbations according to indication of use: the Rotterdam Study
Authors: Karimi Leila , Lahousse Lies , De Nocker Phebe , Stricker Bruno H. , Brusselle Guy G. , Verhamme Katia M.C. 
Published: March 2021

Observational studies report a reduction of COPD exacerbations in patients treated with β-blockers. In contrast, the Beta-Blockers for the Prevention of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (BLOCK COPD) randomised controlled trial which excluded COPD patients with cardiovascular conditions showed an increase in COPD exacerbations. It is unclear whether this discrepancy could be explained by underlying cardiovascular comorbidity. We examined whether the association between use of β-blockers and risk of COPD exacerbations differed between patients with and without a cardiovascular indication for β-blockers use.Within the Rotterdam Study, we followed COPD subjects until the first COPD exacerbation, or end of follow-up. Cardiovascular indication for β-blockers use was defined as a history of hypertension, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation and/or heart failure at baseline. The association between β-blockers use and COPD exacerbations was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, smoking, incident cardiovascular disease (i.e.heart failure, hypertension, atrial fibrillation and/or coronary heart disease during follow-up), respiratory drugs and nitrates.In total, 1312 COPD patients with a mean age of 69.7±9.2 years were included. In patients with a cardiovascular indication (n=755, mean age of 70.4±8.8 years), current use of cardioselective β-blockers was significantly associated with a reduced risk of COPD exacerbations (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57–0.85). In contrast, in subjects without a cardiovascular indication (n=557, mean age of 68.8±9.7 years), current use of cardioselective β-blockers was not associated with an altered risk of COPD exacerbations (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.55–1.62).Use of cardioselective β-blockers reduced the risk of exacerbations in COPD patients with concomitant cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the potential benefits of β-blockers might be confined to COPD patients with cardiovascular disease.
Classifying signals from a wearable accelerometer device to measure respiratory rate
Authors: Drummond Gordon B. , Fischer Darius , Lees Margaret , Bates Andrew , Mann Janek , Arvind D.K. 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundAutomatic measurement of respiratory rate in general hospital patients is difficult. Patient movement degrades the signal and variation of the breathing cycle means that accurate observation for ≥60 s is needed for adequate precision.MethodsWe studied acutely ill patients recently admitted to a teaching hospital. Breath duration was measured from a triaxial accelerometer attached to the chest wall and compared with a signal from a nasal cannula. We randomly divided the patient records into a training (n=54) and a test set (n=7). We used machine learning to train a neural network to select reliable signals, automatically identifying signal features associated with accurate measurement of respiratory rate. We used the test records to assess the accuracy of the device, indicated by the median absolute difference between respiratory rates, provided by the accelerometer and by the nasal cannula.ResultsIn the test set of patients, machine classification of the respiratory signal reduced the median absolute difference (interquartile range) from 1.25 (0.56–2.18) to 0.48 (0.30–0.78) breaths per min. 50% of the recording periods were rejected as unreliable and in one patient, only 10% of the signal time was classified as reliable. However, even only 10% of observation time would allow accurate measurement for 6 min in an hour of recording, giving greater reliability than nurse charting, which is based on much less observation time.ConclusionSignals from a body-mounted accelerometer yield accurate measures of respiratory rate, which could improve automatic illness scoring in adult hospital patients.
Bioanalytical screening of low levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in pig meat (pork) for checking compliance with EU maximum and action levels using highly sensitive “third generation” recombinant H4L7.5c2 rat hepatoma cells
Authors: Haedrich Johannes , Stumpf Claudia , Denison Michael S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundLow maximum and action levels set by the European Union for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in pig meat (pork) have led to a demand for reliable and cost-effective bioanalytical screening methods implemented upstream of gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry confirmatory technology, that can detect low levels of contamination in EU-regulated foods with quick turn-around times.ResultsBased on the Chemically Activated LUciferase gene eXpression (CALUX) bioassay, extraction and clean-up steps were optimized for recovery and reproducibility within working ranges significantly lower than in current bioassays. A highly sensitive “3rd generation” recombinant rat hepatoma cell line (H4L7.5c2) containing 20 dioxin responsive elements was exposed to pork sample extracts, and their PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs levels were evaluated by measuring luciferase activity. The method was validated according to the provisions of Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/644 of 5 April 2017 with spiking experiments performed selectively for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs and individual calibration for PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs and the calculated sum of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs. The resulting performance parameters met all legal specifications as confirmed by re-calibration using authentic samples. Cut-off concentrations for assessing compliance with low maximum levels and action levels set for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs within a range of 0.50–1.25 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat were derived, ensuring low rates of false-compliant results (ß-error < 1%) and keeping the rate of false-noncompliant results well under control (α-error < 12%).ConclusionsWe present a fast and efficient bioanalytical routine method validated according to the European Union’s legal requirements on the basis of authentic samples, allowing the analyst to reliably identify pork samples and any other EU-regulated foods of animal origin suspected to be noncompliant with a high level of performance and turn-around times of 52 h. This was facilitated in particular by a quick and efficient extraction step followed by selective clean-up, use of a highly sensitive “3rd generation” H4L7.5c2 recombinant rat hepatoma cell CALUX bioassay, and optimized assay performance with improved calibrator precision and reduced lack-of-fit errors. New restrictions are proposed for the calibrator bias and the unspecific background contribution to reportable results. The procedure can utilize comparably small sample amounts and allows an annual throughput of 840–1000 samples per lab technician. The described bioanalytical method contributes to the European Commission's objective of generating accurate and reproducible analytical results according to Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/644 across the European Union.
Chloroplast genome sequence of Chongming lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) and comparative analyses with other legume chloroplast genomes
Authors: Tian Shoubo , Lu Panling , Zhang Zhaohui , Wu Jian Qiang , Zhang Hui , Shen Haibin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is a member of subfamily Phaseolinae belonging to the family Leguminosae and an important source of plant proteins for the human diet. As we all know, lima beans have important economic value and great diversity. However, our knowledge of the chloroplast genome level of lima beans is limited.

Results
The chloroplast genome of lima bean was obtained by Illumina sequencing technology for the first time. The Cp genome with a length of 150,902 bp, including a pair of inverted repeats (IRA and IRB 26543 bp each), a large single-copy (LSC 80218 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC 17598 bp). In total, 124 unique genes including 82 protein-coding genes, 34 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes were identified in the P. lunatus Cp genome. A total of 61 long repeats and 290 SSRs were detected in the lima bean Cp genome. It has a typical 50 kb inversion of the Leguminosae family and an 70 kb inversion to subtribe Phaseolinae. rpl16, accD, petB, rsp16, clpP, ndhA, ndhF and ycf1 genes in coding regions was found significant variation, the intergenic regions of trnk-rbcL, rbcL-atpB, ndhJ-rps4, psbD-rpoB, atpI-atpA, atpA-accD, accD-psbJ, psbE-psbB, rsp11-rsp19, ndhF-ccsA was found in a high degree of divergence. A phylogenetic analysis showed that P. lunatus appears to be more closely related to P. vulgaris, V.unguiculata and V. radiata.

Conclusions
The characteristics of the lima bean Cp genome was identified for the first time, these results will provide useful insights for species identification, evolutionary studies and molecular biology research.
Risk definition and outcomes with the application of the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 trial inclusion criteria to a “real world” STEMI population: results from the Italian “CARDIO-STEMI SANREMO” registry
Authors: Sanchez Federico , Boasi Valentina , Vercellino Matteo , Tacchi Chiara , Cannarile Pierpaolo , Pingelli Nicoletta , Perri Dino , Gomez Laura , Cattunar Stefano , Mascelli Giovanni 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The PEGASUS-TIMI 54 trial inclusion criteria effectively identified high-risk patients with recent myocardial infarction (MI) who would benefit from continuing dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with ticagrelor for more than 12 months. It is unknown how many real-world patients meet these criteria during the acute phase of ST-elevation MI (STEMI), or the extent to which these criteria predict a patient's risk and prognosis. Study objectives were: (1) determine the proportion of PEGASUS-TIMI 54-like patients (PG-l) in a real-world cohort of patients hospitalized with STEMI and to assess their ischemic and hemorrhagic risk; (2) examine their ischemic and hemorrhagic in-hospital events (major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events [MACCE] and clinically relevant bleeding); (3) evaluate their long-term outcomes and the impact on the long-term prognosis of the type of DAPT prescribed at discharge.

Methods
This observational study was conducted in 1086 patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of STEMI between February 2011 and March 2018 and enrolled in the CARDIO-STEMI Sanremo registry. Patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics, procedural variables, and individual ischemic and hemorrhagic risk scores were assessed in-hospital. Four-year survival was also analyzed.

Results
The proportion of PG-I patients was 69.2%. Compared with non-PG-l patients, PG-l patients were older, had more multivessel disease and comorbidities, and experienced more frequent MACCE (8.3% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.005) and clinically significant bleeding events (6.7% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.008), a higher rate of in-hospital death (6.5% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001), and higher follow-up mortality rate (14.8% vs. 7.7%; p = 0.002). Four-year survival was significantly lower in the PG-l group (83.9% vs. 91.8%; Log-rank = 0.001) and was related to the cumulative number of concurrent risk factors. In the unadjusted analysis, survival was greater in patients discharged on ticagrelor than on another P2Y12 inhibitor (90.2% vs. 76.7%, Log-rank = 0.001), and the difference was particularly evident in PG-l patients.

Conclusions
The risk of MACCE for PG-l patients increased with the number of concurrent PEGASUS-TIMI 54 risk features. Treatment with ticagrelor on discharge was associated with improved survival rates during 4 years of follow-up.
Positive and negative ageing perceptions account for health differences between older immigrant and native populations in the Netherlands
Authors: Nieboer Anna P. , van den Broek Thijs , Cramm Jane M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
This study assessed the extent to which persistent differences in self-rated health (SRH) between older immigrants and natives are attributable to negative and positive ageing perceptions.

Methods
The study was conducted with three population groups in Rotterdam, the Netherlands: native Dutch people aged ≥70 years (n = 1150), Turkish immigrants aged ≥65 years (n = 680) and Moroccan immigrants aged ≥65 years (n = 292). To assess participants’ internal ageing representations, we used the short Aging Perceptions Questionnaire, which distinguishes negative (consequences, chronic and cyclical timeline awareness, and emotional representations) and positive (positive consequences, positive and negative control) dimensions and has been validated in native and immigrant populations. We analysed differences in ageing perceptions between immigrants and natives and the associations of ageing perceptions with SRH. We used Karlson–Holm–Breen decomposition to assess ageing perceptions’ mediation of the relationship between migration background and SRH.

Results
Older immigrants had stronger negative and weaker positive ageing perceptions (excepting the positive consequences of ageing) than did Dutch natives. Ageing perceptions mediated the relationship between migration background and SRH. SRH differences between Turkish immigrants and native Dutch older persons were explained mainly by differences in negative consequences and cyclical timeline awareness. SRH differences between Moroccan immigrants and native Dutch older persons were attributable mainly to differences in negative consequences and positive control.

Conclusions
Differences in positive and negative ageing perceptions between older immigrants and natives in the Netherlands largely explained SRH differences between these population groups.
Silencing of FTX suppresses pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and invasion by upregulating miR-513b-5p
Authors: Li Shan , Zhang Qian , Liu Wen , Zhao Chunbo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Abnormal expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FTX (five prime to Xist), which is involved in X chromosome inactivation, has been reported in various tumors. However, the effect of FTX on the development of pancreatic cancer (PC) has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible molecular mechanism of FTX in PC.

Methods
Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the expression levels of FTX and miR-513b-5p in PC cell lines. Proliferation and apoptosis of PC cells were determined by CCK-8, Edu assay, and flow cytometry. Invasion and migration ability of PC cells were detected by Transwell assay and scratch test. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter gene assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to verify the direct binding between FTX and miR-513b-5p. The xenotransplantation mouse model was established to explore the effect of FTX and miR-513b-5p on the PC tumor growth in vivo.

Results
The expression levels of FTX were increased in PC cell lines, and silencing of FTX remarkably suppressed the invasion ability and cell viability. Besides, FTX could bind to miR-513b-5p as a competitive endogenous RNA, thus promoting the invasion and proliferation ability of PC cells. Moreover, knockdown of FTX inhibited the tumor growth and increased the expression levels of miR-513b-5p and apoptosis-related proteins in vivo.

Conclusions
FTX could directly combine with miR-513b-5p as a competitive endogenous RNA, thus promoting the occurrence and development of PC in vitro and in vivo.