bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing Nonoperative Treatment, MPFL Repair, and MPFL Reconstruction for Patients With Patellar Dislocation: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Zhongcheng , Yi Qiong , He Liangzhi , Yao Changjiang , Zhang Lanfang , Lu Fan , Zhang Xiaohui , Wu Meng , Geng Bin , Xia Yayi , Jiang Jin 
Published: September 2021

Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, MPFL repair, and nonoperative treatment are important treatments for patients with patellar dislocation. However, it is unclear which treatment leads to better outcomes. Purpose: To determine the efficacy and safety of the 3 treatments in the treatment of patellar dislocation and compare the effect of MPFL reconstruction with MPFL repair, MPFL reconstruction with nonoperative treatment, and MPFL repair with nonoperative treatment. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to December 2020. Included were clinical studies that described the efficacy and safety of 2 of the 3 treatments, studies directly comparing the clinical effects of the 2 operative techniques, or studies comparing the effects of reconstruction or repair with nonoperative treatment. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the quality of the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. The outcomes evaluated were postoperative redislocation rate, revision rate, complications, and Kujala score. We used traditional direct pairwise meta-analysis as well as network meta-analysis for comprehensive efficacy of all 3 treatment measures. Results: Twelve studies were included: 5 compared MPFL reconstruction with MPFL repair, 2 compared MPFL reconstruction with nonoperative treatment, and 5 compared MPFL repair with nonoperative treatment. The risk of bias was serious in 4, moderate in 4 and low in 4 articles. MPFL reconstruction led to significantly reduced redislocation and improved Kujala scores compared with MPFL repair and nonoperative treatment. MPFL repair led to reduced redislocation rates compared with nonoperative treatment but did not show an obvious benefit in primary dislocations. There was no significant difference among the 3 treatments in terms of revision rate and incidence of complications, although we found that treatment-related complications were least likely to occur in nonoperative treatment. Conclusion: The results of this review indicate that MPFL reconstruction decreases recurrent dislocation compared with MPFL repair or nonoperative treatment, but it has a higher possibility of complications. MPFL repair resulted in less postoperative redislocation than nonoperative treatment but did not show an obvious benefit in primary dislocation.
University Teachers’ Decisions on Post-retirement Employment: Do Demographic Variables Count?
Authors: Salifu Inusah , Odame Ebenezer D. , Abubakar Jibreel U. 
Published: September 2021

This research aimed to determine whether demographic characteristics of retiring university teachers were significantly associated with their post-retirement employment decisions, using three psychosocial theories–role theory, continuity theory and life course theory. The research used the cross-sectional survey design and relied on the simple random sampling technique to sample 235 participants who were left with 5 years or less to reach Ghana’s compulsory retirement age of 60 years. The participants were selected across 20 public universities in Ghana to complete a questionnaire. Based on a binary logistic regression analysis, the research found that, apart from the rank and health status of the participants, other variables such as gender, kind of university, family size, marital status and levels of involvement in university activities significantly determined the participants’ decisions regarding a working life after retirement. Against this backdrop, the research concluded that within the academic milieu, certain demographic factors were key determinants of post-retirement employment decisions.
Addressing the ‘hypoxia paradox’ in severe COVID-19: literature review and report of four cases treated with erythropoietin analogues
Authors: Begemann Martin , Gross Oliver , Wincewicz Dominik , Hardeland Rüdiger , Daguano Gastaldi Vinicius , Vieta Eduard , Weissenborn Karin , Miskowiak Kamilla W. , Moerer Onnen , Ehrenreich Hannelore 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Since fall 2019, SARS-CoV-2 spread world-wide, causing a major pandemic with estimated ~ 220 million subjects affected as of September 2021. Severe COVID-19 is associated with multiple organ failure, particularly of lung and kidney, but also grave neuropsychiatric manifestations. Overall mortality reaches > 2%. Vaccine development has thrived in thus far unreached dimensions and will be one prerequisite to terminate the pandemic. Despite intensive research, however, few treatment options for modifying COVID-19 course/outcome have emerged since the pandemic outbreak. Additionally, the substantial threat of serious downstream sequelae, called ‘long COVID’ and ‘neuroCOVID’, becomes increasingly evident.

Main body of the abstract
Among candidates that were suggested but did not yet receive appropriate funding for clinical trials is recombinant human erythropoietin. Based on accumulating experimental and clinical evidence, erythropoietin is expected to (1) improve respiration/organ function, (2) counteract overshooting inflammation, (3) act sustainably neuroprotective/neuroregenerative. Recent counterintuitive findings of decreased serum erythropoietin levels in severe COVID-19 not only support a relative deficiency of erythropoietin in this condition, which can be therapeutically addressed, but also made us coin the term ‘hypoxia paradox’. As we review here, this paradox is likely due to uncoupling of physiological hypoxia signaling circuits, mediated by detrimental gene products of SARS-CoV-2 or unfavorable host responses, including microRNAs or dysfunctional mitochondria. Substitution of erythropoietin might overcome this ‘hypoxia paradox’ caused by deranged signaling and improve survival/functional status of COVID-19 patients and their long-term outcome. As supporting hints, embedded in this review, we present 4 male patients with severe COVID-19 and unfavorable prognosis, including predicted high lethality, who all profoundly improved upon treatment which included erythropoietin analogues.

Short conclusion
Substitution of EPO may—among other beneficial EPO effects in severe COVID-19—circumvent downstream consequences of the ‘hypoxia paradox’. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial for proof-of-concept is warranted.
Testicular mass: a rare presentation of Richter's syndrome
Authors: Desouky Elsayed , Al-Salti Wassim , Khan Muhammad 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Richter’s syndrome is the transformation of indolent lymphoma into an aggressive form, most commonly diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Most patients are known to have chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Richter’s syndrome arises in the lymph nodes or bone marrow and rarely presents with extra nodal involvement.

Case presentation
Our patient presented with Richter’s syndrome at an extremely uncommon site, i.e., testis. This is the fourth case reported in literature. Moreover, our case represents the longest follow-up reported so far with recurrence-free survival of more than 2 years now.

Conclusion
Testicular mass in a patient with a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia should raise the clinical suspicion of Richter’s syndrome and accordingly the patient should be thoroughly investigated and treated. Treatment needs multidisciplinary team approach: urologist, pathologist and hematologist.
Primary bladder neck obstruction is one of the rare causes for renal failure in young adult males
Authors: Coguplugil Adem Emrah , Topuz Bahadir , Ebiloglu Turgay , Zor Murat , Gurdal Mesut 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) is one of the causes of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and rarely results in renal failure. We are presenting the clinical characteristics of young male patients with PBNO and renal failure.

Methods
Medical records of patients between 18 and 40 years old with PBNO and renal failure were retrospectively reviewed (2014–2020). Patients with anatomical cause of BOO, and any urological or systemic disease or previous history of any surgical procedure associated with renal failure and/or lower urinary tract dysfunction were excluded. Serum creatinine measurement, ultrasonography, uroflowmetry, cystoscopy, and videourodynamics were performed.

Results
Seven male patients were identified, and the mean age of the patients was 28.8 years. Symptom duration was > 5 years in all patients. Two patients presented with difficult voiding, and five patients presented with both storage and voiding lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Three patients were previously misdiagnosed as overactive bladder. At presentation, serum creatinine levels were between 1.7 and 2.4 mg/dl. One patient was under hemodialysis treatment and waiting for renal transplantation. Mean detrusor pressure at maximum measured flow rate, mean maximum flow rate (Qmax), and mean average flow rate (Qave) was 67.6 cm H2O, 9.5 ml/s, and 5.5 ml/s, respectively. With α-blocker treatment, serum creatinine levels were stable or decreased after 12 months follow-up and mean Qmax and Qave were increased to 14.8 ml/s and 10.1 ml/s, respectively.

Conclusions
PBNO is a common disease in young men presenting with a long history of LUTS. Videourodynamics is mandatory for accurate diagnosis, but having a high clinical suspicion for PBNO is key to ensure the diagnosis. Clinicians should pay more attention to PBNO in young male patients with a long history of LUTS to prevent misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, and possible decrease in renal function by years.
Bias, dispersion, and accuracy of genomic predictions for feedlot and carcase traits in Australian Angus steers
Authors: Alexandre Pâmela A. , Li Yutao , Hine Brad C. , Duff Christian J. , Ingham Aaron B. , Porto-Neto Laercio R. , Reverter Antonio 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Improving feedlot performance, carcase weight and quality is a primary goal of the beef industry worldwide. Here, we used data from 3408 Australian Angus steers from seven years of birth (YOB) cohorts (2011–2017) with a minimal level of sire linkage and that were genotyped for 45,152 SNPs. Phenotypic records included two feedlot and five carcase traits, namely average daily gain (ADG), average daily dry matter intake (DMI), carcase weight (CWT), carcase eye muscle area (EMA), carcase Meat Standard Australia marbling score (MBL), carcase ossification score (OSS) and carcase subcutaneous rib fat depth (RIB). Using a 7-way cross-validation based on YOB cohorts, we tested the quality of genomic predictions using the linear regression (LR) method compared to the traditional method (Pearson’s correlation between the genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) and its associated adjusted phenotype divided by the square root of heritability); explored the factors, such as heritability, validation cohort, and phenotype that affect estimates of accuracy, bias, and dispersion calculated with the LR method; and suggested a novel interpretation for translating differences in accuracy into phenotypic differences, based on GEBV quartiles (Q1Q4).

Results
Heritability (h2) estimates were generally moderate to high (from 0.29 for ADG to 0.53 for CWT). We found a strong correlation (0.73, P-value < 0.001) between accuracies using the traditional method and those using the LR method, although the LR method was less affected by random variation within and across years and showed a better ability to discriminate between extreme GEBV quartiles. We confirmed that bias of GEBV was not significantly affected by h2, validation cohort or trait. Similarly, validation cohort was not a significant source of variation for any of the GEBV quality metrics. Finally, we observed that the phenotypic differences were larger for higher accuracies.

Conclusions
Our estimates of h2 and GEBV quality metrics suggest a potential for accurate genomic selection of Australian Angus for feedlot performance and carcase traits. In addition, the Q1Q4 measure presented here easily translates into possible gains of genomic selection in terms of phenotypic differences and thus provides a more tangible output for commercial beef cattle producers.
Odorant-binding proteins in canine anal sac glands indicate an evolutionarily conserved role in mammalian chemical communication
Authors: Janssenswillen Sunita , Roelants Kim , Carpentier Sebastien , de Rooster Hilde , Metzemaekers Mieke , Vanschoenwinkel Bram , Proost Paul , Bossuyt Franky 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Chemical communication is an important aspect of the behavioural ecology of a wide range of mammals. In dogs and other carnivores, anal sac glands are thought to convey information to conspecifics by secreting a pallet of small volatile molecules produced by symbiotic bacteria. Because these glands are unique to carnivores, it is unclear how their secretions relate to those of other placental mammals that make use of different tissues and secretions for chemical communication. Here we analyse the anal sac glands of domestic dogs to verify the secretion of proteins and infer their evolutionary relationship to those involved in the chemical communication of non-carnivoran mammals.

Results
Proteomic analysis of anal sac gland secretions of 17 dogs revealed the consistently abundant presence of three related proteins. Homology searches against online databases indicate that these proteins are evolutionary related to ‘odorant binding proteins’ (OBPs) found in a wide range of mammalian secretions and known to contribute to chemical communication. Screening of the dog’s genome sequence show that the newly discovered OBPs are encoded by a single cluster of three genes in the pseudoautosomal region of the X-chromosome. Comparative genomic screening indicates that the same locus is shared by a wide range of placental mammals and that it originated at least before the radiation of extant placental orders. Phylogenetic analyses suggest a dynamic evolution of gene duplication and loss, resulting in large gene clusters in some placental taxa and recurrent loss of this locus in others. The homology of OBPs in canid anal sac glands and those found in other mammalian secretions implies that these proteins maintained a function in chemical communication throughout mammalian evolutionary history by multiple shifts in expression between secretory tissues involved in signal release and nasal mucosa involved in signal reception.

Conclusions
Our study elucidates a poorly understood part of the biology of a species that lives in close association with humans. In addition, it shows that the protein repertoire underlying chemical communication in mammals is more evolutionarily stable than the variation of involved glands and tissues would suggest.
The taxonomic distribution of histamine-secreting bacteria in the human gut microbiome
Authors: Mou Zhongyu , Yang Yiyan , Hall A. Brantley , Jiang Xiaofang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Biogenic histamine plays an important role in immune response, neurotransmission, and allergic response. Although endogenous histamine production has been extensively studied, the contributions of histamine produced by the human gut microbiota have not been explored due to the absence of a systematic annotation of histamine-secreting bacteria.

Results
To identify the histamine-secreting bacteria from in the human gut microbiome, we conducted a systematic search for putative histamine-secreting bacteria in 36,554 genomes from the Genome Taxonomy Database and Unified Human Gastrointestinal Genome catalog. Using bioinformatic approaches, we identified 117 putative histamine-secreting bacteria species. A new three-component decarboxylation system including two colocalized decarboxylases and one transporter was observed in histamine-secreting bacteria among three different phyla. We found significant enrichment of histamine-secreting bacteria in patients with inflammatory bowel disease but not in patients with colorectal cancer suggesting a possible association between histamine-secreting bacteria and inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusions
The findings of this study expand our knowledge of the taxonomic distribution of putative histamine-secreting bacteria in the human gut.
Accelerated hematopoietic mitotic aging measured by DNA methylation, blood cell lineage, and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Paul Kimberly C , Binder Alexandra M , Horvath Steve , Kusters Cynthia , Yan Qi , Rosario Irish Del , Yu Yu , Bronstein Jeff , Ritz Beate 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Aging and inflammation are important components of Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis and both are associated with changes in hematopoiesis and blood cell composition. DNA methylation (DNAm) presents a mechanism to investigate inflammation, aging, and hematopoiesis in PD, using epigenetic mitotic aging and aging clocks. Here, we aimed to define the influence of blood cell lineage on epigenetic mitotic age and then investigate mitotic age acceleration with PD, while considering epigenetic age acceleration biomarkers.

Results
We estimated epigenetic mitotic age using the “epiTOC” epigenetic mitotic clock in 10 different blood cell populations and in a population-based study of PD with whole-blood. Within subject analysis of the flow-sorted purified blood cell types DNAm showed a clear separation of epigenetic mitotic age by cell lineage, with the mitotic age significantly lower in myeloid versus lymphoid cells (p = 2.1e-11). PD status was strongly associated with accelerated epigenetic mitotic aging (AccelEpiTOC) after controlling for cell composition (OR = 2.11, 95 % CI = 1.56, 2.86, p = 1.6e-6). AccelEpiTOC was also positively correlated with extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration, a DNAm aging biomarker related to immune system aging (with cell composition adjustment: R = 0.27, p = 6.5e-14), and both were independently associated with PD. Among PD patients, AccelEpiTOC measured at baseline was also associated with longitudinal motor and cognitive symptom decline.

Conclusions
The current study presents a first look at epigenetic mitotic aging in PD and our findings suggest accelerated hematopoietic cell mitosis, possibly reflecting immune pathway imbalances, in early PD that may also be related to motor and cognitive progression.
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and other hematological parameters in psoriasis patients
Authors: Wang Wen-Ming , Wu Chao , Gao Yi-Meng , Li Feng , Yu Xiao-Ling , Jin Hong-Zhong 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Psoriasis is a chronic immune‐mediated skin disorder. Systemic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Methods
A total of 477 patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PsV, n = 347), generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP, n = 37), erythrodermic psoriasis (PsE, n = 45), arthritic psoriasis (PsA, n = 25) and mixed psoriasis (n = 23), and 954 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory information were collected and compared between subgroups.

Results
Compared with the healthy control group, patients with psoriasis had higher total white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, platelet counts, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), but lower hemoglobin (Hb) levels, lymphocyte and red blood cell (RBC) counts. NLR values in the PsV group were significantly lower than those in the GPP, PsE, and PsA groups, with GPP group being the highest. PLR values in the PsV group were significantly lower than those in the GPP, PsE, and PsA groups. There was no significant correlation between the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score and either the NLR or PLR in the PsV group.

Conclusions
Elevated NLR and PLR were associated with psoriasis and differed between subtypes, suggesting that they could be used as markers of systemic inflammation in psoriasis patients.
The effect of preventative cardiovascular therapies on coronary artery disease in people with and without type 2 diabetes: a propensity-matched score study
Authors: Kiburg Katerina V. , MacIsaac Andrew I. , McCluskey Georgia E. , Sundararajan Vijaya , MacIsaac Richard J. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Although it is known that patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are at an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), the actual coronary artery burden of atherosclerotic disease in patients with and without T2DM in a real-world setting and its possible modification by preventative therapies has not been extensively documented.

Methods
Merged coronary angiography and hospital discharge data between 2013 and 2019 were obtained for analysis and a random sub-sample of patient charts were reviewed for medication use. Propensity scores were estimated using logistic regression models and used to match patients, looking at the effect of severity of CAD over time in years in an ordinal logistic regression model. A separate propensity score was estimated and used to inverse probability weight the ordinal logistic regression looking at the effect of medication use on CAD severity in patients with and without T2DM.

Results
From 3,016 patients in the coronary angiography database, 1421 with T2DM and 1421 without T2DM were matched on propensity score. T2DM patients had more extensive CAD in 2018 compared to 2013 ((adjusted odds ratio) adjOR: 2.06 95% C.I. 1.38, 2.07), but this risk appeared to be attenuated in 2019. In contrast, there was no effect of time on CAD burden in patients without diabetes. In the sub-sample of 760 patients who underwent a chart review of their medication use, there were 367 (48%) with T2DM. For patients with T2DM 69.8% reported taking statins, 64.0% RAS inhibitors and 64.0% anti-platelet drugs. This was significantly higher than patients without diabetes of whom 46.6% reported taking statins, 49.0% RAS inhibitors and 49.9% anti-platelet drugs. As in the full matched sample, patients with diabetes had more extensive CAD (adjOR: 1.32 95% CI: 1.01, 1.74). However, after adjustment for the use of RAS inhibitors, statins and anticoagulants there was no difference in extent of CAD between patients with and without diabetes (adjOR: 1.14 95% CI: 0.85, 1.53).

Conclusions
Although patients with diabetes have a greater extent of CAD in comparison to those without T2DM, preventative medication use decreases this CAD burden significantly.