bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability: analysis of outcomes and risk factors
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Oliva Francesco , Maffulli Gayle D. , Eschweiler Jörg , Knobe Matthias , Tingart Markus , Maffulli Nicola 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is always damaged after patellar dislocation. In selected patients, MPFL reconstruction is necessary to restore a correct patellar tracking. Despite the large number of different techniques reported to reconstruct the MPFL, there is no consensus concerning the optimal procedure, and debates is still ongoing. The present study analysed the results after isolated MPFL reconstruction in patients with patellofemoral instability. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis of patients presenting pathoanatomical risk factors was made.

Methods
In November 2020, the main electronic databases were accessed. All articles reporting the results of primary isolated MPFL reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability were considered for inclusion. Only articles reporting a minimum 12-month follow-up were eligible.

Results
Data from a total of 1777 knees were collected. The mean age of the patients involved was 22.8 ± 3.4 years. The mean follow-up was 40.7 ± 25.8 months. Overall, the range of motion (+ 27.74; P < 0.0001) and all the other scores of interests improved at last follow-up: Kujala (+ 12.76; P = 0.0003), Lysholm (+ 15.69; P < 0.0001), Tegner score (+ 2.86; P = 0.006). Seventy-three of 1780 patients (4.1%) showed a positive apprehension test. Thirty of 1765 patients (1.7%) experienced re-dislocations, while 56 of 1778 patients (3.2%) showed persisting joint instability. Twenty-five of 1786 patients (1.4%) underwent revision surgeries.

Conclusion
Isolated MPFL reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability provides reliable surgical outcomes. Patients with pathoanatomical predisposing factors reported worse surgical outcomes.
Risk factors of unintended return to the operating room in adult spinal deformity
Authors: Chan Lung , Li Yue , Hai Yong , Liu Yuzeng , Zhang Yangpu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the incidence and risk factors associated with unintended return to the operating room in adult spinal deformity after spinal deformity corrective surgery.

Methods
Retrospect of 141 adult spinal deformity patients in a single institution between January 2017 and December 2019. Inclusion criteria enrolled 18 to 80 years old patients who diagnosed with congenital/idiopathic/syndromic/acquired spinal deformity underwent posterior corrective spinal surgery. The surgical details and complications were recorded. The rate of unintended return to the operating room (UIROR) during hospitalization was examined, and the risk factors of unintended return to the operating room were investigated via multivariate analysis.

Results
This is a retrospective study. One hundred and forty-one patients who underwent spinal deformity surgery with a mean age of 31.8 years (range 18-69 years) were studied. The rate of unintended return to the operating room was 10.64% (15/141). Two of 15 patients had twice unintended surgery during hospitalization (13.33%). The most principal complication was neurologic deficit (73.3%); six of 15 postoperative present implants deviation causes severe lower limbs radiating pain (40%). The multivariate analysis shows higher apical vertebral rotation (AVR>grade II, odds ratio [OR] = 9.362; 95% CI= 1.930-45.420; P= .006), obesity (OR = 11.448; 95% CI= 1.320-99.263; P= .027), and previous neurological symptom (OR = 7.358; 95% CI= 1.798-30.108; P= .006) were independent predictors of unintended return to the operating room.

Conclusion
Postoperative neurologic deficit and short-term implant malposition are essential causes of unintended return to the operating room in adult spinal deformity patients. Preoperative factors such as higher AVR (> grade II), obesity, and previous neurological symptom may significantly increase the risk of morbidity in UIROR. Spine surgeons should be alert to these risk factors and require adequate preoperative evaluations to reduce the incidence of unintended return to the operating room.
Urinary phthalate exposures and risk of breast cancer: the Multiethnic Cohort study
Authors: Wu Anna H. , Franke Adrian A. , Wilkens Lynne R. , Tseng Chiuchen , Conroy Shannon M. , Li Yuqing , Polfus Linda M. , De Rouen Mindy , Caberto Christian , Haiman Christopher , Stram Daniel O. , Le Marchand Loïc , Cheng Iona 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The epidemiologic evidence from observational studies on breast cancer risk and phthalates, endocrine disrupting chemicals, has been inconsistent. In the only previous study based on pre-diagnostic urinary phthalates and risk of breast cancer, results were null in mostly white women.

Methods
We examined the association between pre-diagnostic urinary phthalates and breast cancer in a nested case-control study within the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) study, presenting the first data from five major racial/ethnic groups in the USA. We measured 10 phthalate metabolites and phthalic acid, using a sensitive liquid chromatography mass spectrometry assay on 1032 women with breast cancer (48 African Americans, 77 Latinos, 155 Native Hawaiians, 478 Japanese Americans, and 274 Whites) and 1030 matched controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine risk with individual metabolites and ratios of primary (MEHP, mono-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate) to secondary (MEHHP, mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl); MEOHP, mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexy)) metabolites of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a widely used plasticizer. In addition, we investigated risk associations with high (∑HMWP) and low molecular weight (∑LMWP) phthalates, as well as total phthalates which included high and low molecular weight phthalates with phthalic acid (∑LMHMPA) or without phthalic acid in molar ratios (∑LMHMmolar) and adjusted for creatinine and potential confounders.

Results
Among all women, breast cancer risk was higher for those in tertile 2 and tertile 3 of primary to secondary metabolites of DEHP (MEHP/(MEHHP + MEOHP)) in comparison to those in tertile 1; the respective odds ratios were 1.32 (95% CI 1.04–1.68) and 1.26 (95% CI 0.96–1.66) (Ptrend = 0.05). Risk among Native Hawaiian women increased with exposures to eight of ten individual phthalates and total phthalates (∑LMHMPA ORT3 vs T1 = 2.66, 95% CI 1.39–5.12, Ptrend = 0.001). In analysis by hormone receptor (HR) status, exposure above the median of ∑LMWP was associated with an increased risk of HR-positive breast cancer (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.05–1.60) while above the median exposure to phthalic acid was associated with an increased risk of HR-negative breast cancer (ORabove vs below median = 1.59, 95% CI 1.01–2.48).

Conclusions
Further investigations of suggestive associations of elevated breast cancer risk with higher ratios of primary to secondary metabolites of DEHP, and differences in risk patterns by race/ethnicity and HR status are warranted.
Interactive effects of biological, human and environmental factors on tick loads in Boran cattle in tropical drylands
Authors: Chepkwony Richard , van Bommel Severine , van Langevelde Frank 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a serious threat to humans, wildlife and livestock, and cause severe economic losses in many tropical drylands. The effective control of TBDs has been constrained by limited understanding of what determines tick loads in animals. We tested interactive effects of several biological factors (sex, age and body condition), one environmental factor (rainfall) and one human factor (management type) on tick loads in animals.

Methods
We collected ticks on animals at four sampling sites in the semi-arid savanna area of Laikipia County, Kenya, of which two are commercial ranches and the other two are open pastoral grazing areas. From 2017 to 2019, we collected a total of 2038 ticks from 619 domestic animals from various cattle and camel herds and from 79 tranquilised wild animals.

Results
Generally, wild herbivores (zebras, rhinos and elephants) had higher tick loads than domestic animals. As 83% of the tick samples were taken from Boran cattle, we analysed tick load in these cattle in more detail. Boran cattle had high tick loads in the wet season, especially those animals in poor condition. No differences were found between female and male cattle, regardless of season. The calves had high tick loads during both the wet and dry seasons, whereas the sub-adult and adult cattle had less ticks during the dry season. Cattle on the intensively managed ranches had lower tick load than those in the transhumant management system.

Conclusion
These findings highlight the importance of establishing effective control of ticks on domestic animals in transhumant management systems as tick loads were high on these animals in both the wet and dry season.

Graphic abstract
Vaccination against the brown stomach worm, Teladorsagia circumcincta, followed by parasite challenge, induces inconsistent modifications in gut microbiota composition of lambs
Authors: Rooney James , Cortés Alba , Scotti Riccardo , Price Daniel R. G. , Bartley Yvonne , Fairlie-Clarke Karen , McNeilly Tom N. , Nisbet Alasdair J. , Cantacessi Cinzia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundGrowing evidence points towards a role of gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasites of ruminants in modifying the composition of the host gut flora, with likely repercussions on the pathophysiology of worm infection and disease, and on animal growth and productivity. However, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms governing helminth-microbiota interactions and of their impact on host health and welfare relies on reproducibility and replicability of findings. To this aim, in this study, we analysed quantitative and qualitative fluctuations in the faecal microbiota composition of lambs vaccinated against, and experimentally infected with, the parasitic GI nematodeTeladorsagia circumcinctaover the course of two separate trials performed over two consecutive years.MethodsTwo trials were conducted under similar experimental conditions in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In each trial, lambs were randomly assigned to one of the following experimental groups: (i) vaccinated/infected, (ii) unvaccinated/infected and (iii) unvaccinated/uninfected. Faecal samples collected from individual animals were subjected to DNA extraction followed by high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and bioinformatics and biostatistical analyses of sequence data.ResultsSubstantial differences in the populations of bacteria affected by immunisation against and infection byT. circumcinctawere detected when comparing data from the two trials. Nevertheless, the abundance ofPrevotellaspp. was significantly linked to helminth infection in both trials.ConclusionsDespite the largely conflicting findings between the two trials, our data revealed that selected gut microbial populations are consistently affected byT. circumcinctainfection and/or vaccination. Nevertheless, our study calls for caution when interpreting data generated fromin vivohelminth-microbiome interaction studies that may be influenced by several intrinsic and extrinsic host-, parasite- and environment-related factors.Graphical Abstract
Sparse signal recovery from modulo observations
Authors: Shah Viraj , Hegde Chinmay 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe consider the problem of reconstructing a signal from under-determined modulo observations (or measurements). This observation model is inspired by a relatively new imaging mechanism called modulo imaging, which can be used to extend the dynamic range of imaging systems; variations of this model have also been studied under the category of phase unwrapping. Signal reconstruction in the under-determined regime with modulo observations is a challenging ill-posed problem, and existing reconstruction methods cannot be used directly. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to solving the signal recovery problem under sparsity constraints for the special case to modulo folding limited to two periods. We show that given a sufficient number of measurements, our algorithm perfectly recovers the underlying signal. We also provide experiments validating our approach on toy signal and image data and demonstrate its promising performance.
Optimization strategy of wireless charger node deployment based on improved cuckoo search algorithm
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Feifan , Zhu Yujun , Liu Yiyang , Zhao Chuanxin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn wireless rechargeable sensor network, the deployment of charger node directly affects the overall charging utility of sensor network. Aiming at this problem, this paper abstracts the charger deployment problem as a multi-objective optimization problem that maximizes the received power of sensor nodes and minimizes the number of charger nodes. First, a network model that maximizes the sensor node received power and minimizes the number of charger nodes is constructed. Second, an improved cuckoo search (ICS) algorithm is proposed. This algorithm is based on the traditional cuckoo search algorithm (CS) to redefine its step factor, and then use the mutation factor to change the nesting position of the host bird to update the bird’s nest position, and then use ICS to find the ones that maximize the received power of the sensor node and minimize the number of charger nodes optimal solution. Compared with the traditional cuckoo search algorithm and multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm, the simulation results show that the algorithm can effectively increase the receiving power of sensor nodes, reduce the number of charger nodes and find the optimal solution to meet the conditions, so as to maximize the network charging utility.
A multi-objective model-based vertical handoff algorithm for heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Wang Shumin , Deng Honggui , Xiong Rujing , Liu Gang , Liu Yang , Liu Hongmei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe emergence of 5G communication systems will not replace existing radio access networks but will gradually merge to form ultra-dense heterogeneous networks. In heterogeneous networks, the design of efficient vertical handoff (VHO) algorithms for 5G infrastructures is necessary to improve quality of service (QoS) and system resource utilization. In this paper, an optimized algorithm based on a multi-objective optimization model is proposed to solve the lack of a comprehensive consideration of user and network impacts during the handoff process in existing VHO algorithms. The Markov chain model of each base station (BS) is built to calculate a more accurate value of the network state that reflects the network performance. Then, a multi-objective optimization model is derived to maximize the value of the network state and the user data receiving rate. The multi-objective genetic algorithm NSGA-II is finally employed to turn the model into a final VHO strategy. The results of the simulation for the throughput and blocking rate of networks demonstrate that our algorithm significantly increases the system throughput and reduces the blocking rate compared to the existing VHO strategies.
Note on constructing a family of solvable sine-type difference equations
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed El-Sayed , Iričanin Bratislav , Kosmala Witold , Stević Stevo , Šmarda Zdeněk 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe obtain a family of first order sine-type difference equations solvable in closed form in a constructive way, and we present a general solution to each of the equations.
Association between visceral adiposity and DDX11 as a predictor of aggressiveness of small clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma: a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Park Jee Soo , Jang Won Sik , Kim Jongchan , Lee Seung Hwan , Rha Koon Ho , Ham Won Sik 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Visceral fat produces several hormones and cytokines associated with carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Herein, we investigated the association between visceral adiposity and target-gene mRNA expression in patients with localized small clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Methods
We included 200 patients with localized clinical T1a stage ccRCC who had undergone nephrectomy from November 2018 to November 2020 in a prospective clinical trial (NCT03694912). Visceral, subcutaneous, and total adipose tissue in these patients was measured via preoperative computerized tomography of the mid-third lumbar vertebra region. We then examined the association between adiposity and the mRNA levels of PBRM1, BAP1, SETD2, KDM5C, FOXC2, CLIP4, AQP1, DDX11, BAIAP2L1, and TMEM38B in matched frozen tumor tissues and plasma samples.

Results
Upon the stratification of patients into quartiles according to their relative visceral adiposity, high visceral adiposity was found to be significantly associated with low ISUP grade (P = 0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between frozen tissue DDX11 expression and high visceral adiposity (OR 0.676, 95% CI 0.587–0.779, P < 0.001). Moreover, frozen tissue DDX11 expression was significantly associated with high ISUP grade (OR 1.556, 95% CI 1.223–1.981, P < 0.001). The frozen tissue mRNA expression of DDX11 was identified as a biomarker for visceral adiposity and cancer aggressiveness.

Conclusions
The results obtained herein will aid in inferring the aggressiveness of small ccRCCs, represented by ISUP nuclear grade, in clinical practice. Our findings indicated that DDX11 and visceral fat play active roles in small ccRCC. These roles should be examined in future studies for the possible use of DDX11 and visceral fat as prognostic biomarkers in the treatment of patients with ccRCC.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03694912, Registered 3 October 2018.
Point-of-care detection of lactate in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Stephani C. , Choi A. H. K. , Moerer O. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Measurements of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate can aid in detecting infections of the central nervous system and surrounding structures. Neurosurgical patients with temporary lumbar or ventricular CSF drainage harbor an increased risk for developing infections of the central nervous system, which require immediate therapeutic responses. Since blood gas analyzers enable rapid blood-lactate measurements, we were interested in finding out if we can reliably measure CSF-lactate by this point-of-care technique.

Methods
Neurosurgical patients on our intensive care unit (ICU) with either lumbar or external ventricular drainage due to a variety of reasons were included in this prospective observational study. Standard of care included measurements of leucocyte counts, total protein and lactate measurements in CSF by the neurochemical laboratory of our University Medical Center twice a week. With respect to this study, we additionally performed nearly daily measurements of cerebrospinal fluid by blood gas analyzers to determine the reliability of CSF-lactate measured by blood gas analyzers as compared to the standard measurements with a certified device.

Results
62 patients were included in this study. We performed 514 CSF-lactate measurements with blood gas analyzers and compared 180 of these to the in-house standard CSF-lactate measurements. Both techniques correlated highly significantly (Pearson correlation index 0.94) even though lacking full concordance in a Bland–Altman plotting. Of particular importance, regular measurements enabled immediate detection of central infection in three patients who had developed meningitis during the course of their treatment.

Conclusion
Blood gas analyzers measure CSF-lactate with sufficient reliability and can help in the timely detection of a developing meningitis. In addition to and triggering established CSF diagnostics, CSF-lactate measurements by blood gas analyzers may improve surveillance of patients with CSF drainage.
This study was retrospectively registered on April 20th 2020 in the German trial register. The trial registration number is DRKS00021466.
Could contact lens dryness discomfort symptoms sometimes have a neuropathic basis?
Authors: McMonnies Charles W. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSymptoms of dryness discomfort in soft contact lens wearers frequently lead to discontinuation from wear. The negative influence of pre-fitting tear dysfunctions appears likely to be exacerbated by the challenges to tear homeostasis caused by contact lenses. The corneal mechanisms for symptoms in contact lens wearers are different to those for dry eye disease because the cornea is insulated by the lens from ambient conditions as well as from lid wiper friction during blinking. Symptoms of dryness discomfort might be the consequence of increased lid wiper friction during blinking when the lens front surface becomes soiled and dry and exhibits very rapid tear break up. It is possible that some cases of contact lens intolerance and discontinuation could be a function of lid wiper neuropathy. In relation to the possibility of corneal neuropathy, a stagnant post-lens tear pool with the possibility of increased concentrations of metabolic by-products, cellular debris, and bacterial exotoxins, might have the potential to disturb the corneal epithelial and sub-basal nerves. Contributions by contact lens-induced inflammation to any neuropathic changes may partly depend on the degree to which inflammatory mediators are concentrated in a stagnant post-lens tear pool. It does not appear to be known if corneal neuropathic changes could develop under these conditions. The chances of neuropathic involvement may be greater if discomfort develops after a significant period of successful wear and there is a history of comorbid pain conditions. Esthesiometry and in vivo confocal microscopy in discontinued contact lens wearers may support a diagnosis of contact lens-related corneal neuralgia.
Analysing spatial interdependence among the 2011 Thailand flood-affected small and medium enterprises for reduction of disaster recovery time period
Authors: Pathak Shubham , Olmo Jorge Chica 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNatural disasters have been a significant hurdle in the economic growth of middle-income developing countries. Thailand has also been suffering from recurring flood disasters and was most which are severely affected during the 2011 floods. This paper aims to identify the various factors that impact the speed of disaster recovery among the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) severely affected by the floods in Pathumthani province in central Thailand, and how it is related to its speed decision of neighbours SMEs. The methodology adopts a spatial econometric model, to analysis and understand each of the chosen factors’ impact. The findings include the impact of disaster resilience, mitigation and planning at the SME level as well as the government level. The absence of accurate perception of actual risk, flood insurance and disaster management planning before the 2011 floods had contributed to the severity of the impacts during the 2011 floods.