bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No clinically meaningful difference in 1-year patient-reported outcomes among major approaches for primary total hip arthroplasty
Authors:   The Cleveland Clinic OME Arthroplasty Group:, Bircher James B , Kamath Atul F , Piuzzi Nicolas S , Barsoum Wael K , Brooks Peter J , Hampton Robert J , Higuera Carlos A , Klika Alison , Krebs Viktor E , Mesko Nathan W , Molloy Robert M , Mont Michael A , Murray Trevor G , Muschler George F , Nickodem Robert J , Patel Preetesh D , Spindler Kurt P , Stearns Kim L , Strnad Gregory J , Suarez Juan C , Warren Jared A , Zajicheck Alexander , Bloomfield Michael R. 
Published: March 2021

Background: Debate continues around the most effective surgical approach for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study’s purpose was to compare 1-year patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of patients who underwent direct anterior (DA), transgluteal anterolateral (AL)/direct lateral (DL), and posterolateral (PL) approaches. Methods: A prospective consecutive series of primary THA for osteoarthritis ( n = 2390) were performed at 5 sites within a single institution with standardised care pathways (20 surgeons). Patients were categorised by approach: DA ( n = 913; 38%), AL/DL ( n = 505; 21%), or PL ( n = 972; 41%). Primary outcomes were pain, function, and activity assessed by 1-year postoperative PROMs. Multivariable regression modeling was used to control for differences among the groups. Wald tests were performed to test the significance of select patient factors and simultaneous 95% confidence intervals were constructed. Results: At 1-year postoperative, PROMs were successfully collected from 1842 (77.1%) patients. Approach was a statistically significant factor for 1-year HOOS pain ( p = 0.002). Approach was not a significant factor for 1-year HOOS-PS ( p = 0.16) or 1-year UCLA activity ( p = 0.382). Pairwise comparisons showed no significant difference in 1-year HOOS pain scores between DA and PL approach ( p  > 0.05). AL/DL approach had lower (worse) pain scores than DA or PL approaches with differences in adjusted median score of 3.47 and 2.43, respectively ( p  < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients receiving the AL/DL approach had a small statistical difference in pain scores at 1 year, but no clinically meaningful differences in pain, activity, or function exist at 1-year postoperative.
Chronic exposure of bisphenol S (BPS) affect hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular activities in adult male rats: possible in estrogenic mode of action
Authors: Ullah Hizb , Ullah Faizan , Rehman Owais , Jahan Sarwat , Afsar Tayyaba , Al-Disi Dara , Almajwal Ali , Razak Suhail 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The industrial revolution has resulted in increased synthesis and the introduction of a variety of compounds into the environment and their potentially hazardous effects have been observed in the biota. The present study was aimed to evaluate the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of chronic exposure to the low concentrations of bisphenol S (BPS) in male rats.

Methods
Weaning male Sprague-Dawley rats (22 days old) were either exposed to water containing 0.1% ethanol for control or different concentrations of BPS (0.5, 5, and 50 μg/L) in drinking water for 48 weeks in the chronic exposure study. After completion of the experimental period, animals were dissected and different parameters (hormone concentrations, histology of testis and epididymis, oxidative stress and level of antioxidant enzymes in the testis, daily sperm production (DSP), and sperm parameters) were determined.

Results
Results of the present study showed a significant alteration in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and relative reproductive organ weights. Oxidative stress in the testis was significantly elevated while sperm motility, daily sperm production, and the number of sperm in epididymis were reduced. Plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were reduced and estradiol levels were high in the 50 μg/L-exposed group. Histological observations involved a significant reduction in the epithelial height of the testis along with disrupted spermatogenesis, an empty lumen of the seminiferous tubules, and the caput region of the epididymis.

Conclusion
These results suggest that exposure to 5 and 50 μg/L of BPS for the chronic duration started from an early age can induce structural changes in testicular tissue architecture and endocrine alterations in the male reproductive system which may lead to infertility in males.
Stable and Novel Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Confer Narrow Root Cone Angle in an Aerobic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Production System
Authors: Vinarao Ricky , Proud Christopher , Zhang Xiaolu , Snell Peter , Fukai Shu , Mitchell Jaquie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Aerobic rice production (AP) may be a solution to the looming water crisis by utilising less water compared to traditional flooded culture. As such, development of genotypes with narrow root cone angle (RCA) is considered a key AP adaptation trait as it could lead to deeper rooting and ensure water uptake at depth. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genes associated with rooting angle have been identified in rice, but usually in conventional transplanted systems or in upland and drought conditions. This study aimed to identify QTL associated with RCA in AP systems using a recombinant inbred line population derived from IRAT109.

Results
Four experiments conducted in glasshouse and aerobic field conditions revealed significant genotypic variation existed for RCA in the population. Single and multiple QTL models identified the presence of eight QTL distributed in chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 11. Combined, these QTL explained 36.7–51.2% of the genotypic variance in RCA present in the population. Two QTL, qRCA1.1 and qRCA1.3, were novel and may be new targets for improvement of RCA. Genotypes with higher number of favourable QTL alleles tended to have narrower RCA. qRCA4 was shown to be a major and stable QTL explaining up to 24.3% of the genotypic variation, and the presence of the target allele resulted in as much as 8.6° narrower RCA. Several genes related to abiotic stress stimulus response were found in the qRCA4 region.

Conclusion
Stable and novel genomic regions associated with RCA have been identified. Genotypes which had combinations of these QTL, resulted in a narrower RCA phenotype. Allele mining, gene cloning, and physiological dissection should aid in understanding the molecular function and mechanisms underlying RCA and these QTL. Ultimately, our work provides an opportunity for breeding programs to develop genotypes with narrow RCA and deep roots for improved adaptation in an AP system for sustainable rice production.
Genome-wide association analysis identified both RNA-seq and DNA variants associated to paratuberculosis in Canadian Holstein cattle ‘in vitro’ experimentally infected macrophages
Authors: Ariel Olivier , Brouard Jean-Simon , Marete Andrew , Miglior Filippo , Ibeagha-Awemu Eveline , Bissonnette Nathalie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of paratuberculosis, or Johne’s disease (JD), an incurable bovine disease. The evidence for susceptibility to MAP disease points to multiple interacting factors, including the genetic predisposition to a dysregulation of the immune system. The endemic situation in cattle populations can be in part explained by a genetic susceptibility to MAP infection. In order to identify the best genetic improvement strategy that will lead to a significant reduction of JD in the population, we need to understand the link between genetic variability and the biological systems that MAP targets in its assault to dominate macrophages. MAP survives in macrophages where it disseminates. We used next-generation RNA (RNA-Seq) sequencing to study of the transcriptome in response to MAP infection of the macrophages from cows that have been naturally infected and identified as positive for JD (JD (+); n = 22) or negative for JD (healthy/resistant, JD (−); n = 28). In addition to identifying genetic variants from RNA-seq data, SNP variants were also identified using the Bovine SNP50 DNA chip.

Results
The complementary strategy allowed the identification of 1,356,248 genetic variants, including 814,168 RNA-seq and 591,220 DNA chip variants. Annotation using SnpEff predicted that the 2435 RNA-seq genetic variants would produce high functional effect on known genes in comparison to the 33 DNA chip variants. Significant variants from JD(+/−) macrophages were identified by genome-wide association study and revealed two quantitative traits loci: BTA4 and 11 at (P < 5 × 10− 7). Using BovineMine, gene expression levels together with significant genomic variants revealed pathways that potentially influence JD susceptibility, notably the energy-dependent regulation of mTOR by LKB1-AMPK and the metabolism of lipids.

Conclusion
In the present study, we succeeded in identifying genetic variants in regulatory pathways of the macrophages that may affect the susceptibility of cows that are healthy/resistant to MAP infection. RNA-seq provides an unprecedented opportunity to investigate gene expression and to link the genetic variations to biological pathways that MAP normally manipulate during the process of killing macrophages. A strategy incorporating functional markers into genetic selection may have a considerable impact in improving resistance to an incurable disease. Integrating the findings of this research into the conventional genetic selection program may allow faster and more lasting improvement in resistance to bovine paratuberculosis in dairy cattle.
microRNA-125b-5p is a promising novel plasma biomarker for alveolar echinococcosis in patients from the southern province of Qinghai
Authors: Deping Cao , Bofan Jiang , Yaogang Zhang , Mingquan Pang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by parasitic infection by Echinococcus multilocularis. Its diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms, ultrasound, and other imaging methods. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in disease processes and can exist in a highly stable cell-free form in body fluids. It is important to identify specific, sensitive diagnostic markers for early diagnosis and evaluation of AE. In this study, we examined hsa-miR-125b-5p as a potential plasma biomarker of E. multilocularis infection.

Methods
Plasma samples from patients with AE and healthy individuals were screened for the presence of five miRNAs using miRNA chips. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to measure miRNA expression levels in plasma and liver tissue samples from patients with AE.

Results
hsa-miR-125b-5p was stably upregulated in the plasma and liver tissue samples from patients with AE.

Conclusions
The results suggest that hsa-miR-125b-5p may be a promising biomarker for early, non-invasive diagnosis of AE.
The effects of physical activity on overall survival among advanced cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Takemura Naomi , Chan Siu Ling , Smith Robert , Cheung Denise Shuk Ting , Lin Chia-Chin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The survival rates of advanced cancer patients remain low despite clinical therapy advancements. However, physical activity showed promising effects in improving cancer outcomes. This review aimed to systematically evaluate and synthesize the effects on overall mortality of post-diagnosis physical activity in advanced cancer patients.

Methods
A systematic search of six English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SPORTDiscus) was conducted from their inception up to 3 February 2021. The association of physical activity with survival was evaluated by combining study-specific hazard ratios with random-effects meta-analysis models.

Results
Eleven studies were identified. Compared with the reference group, higher-level physical activity was not significantly associated with a lower risk of earlier mortality in advanced cancer patients (InHR = − 0.18, 95% CI, − 0.36 to 0.01). When separated by study type, a higher level of physical activity in non-randomised trials was significantly associated with reduced mortality risk (InHR = − 0.25, 95% CI: − 0.44, − 0.06). However, in randomised trials, engaging in exercise was not significantly associated with a lower mortality risk compared with the control group (InHR = 0.08, 95%CI: − 0.17, 0.32).

Conclusions
Discrepancies were uncovered in the effect of physical activity on overall survival in randomised and non-randomised trials. In non-randomised trials, a higher level of physical activity was significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality, whereas no significant effect on survival was observed during exercise interventions compared to the control in randomised trials. Considering the wider benefits of physical activity, exercise can still be recommended to improve outcomes for advanced cancer patients. Nevertheless, it might be too late for advanced cancer patients to start exercising for survival improvements, based on findings from randomised controlled trials.
Population-level indicators associated with hormonal contraception use: a register-based matched case–control study
Authors: Toffol Elena , Heikinheimo Oskari , But Anna , Latvala Antti , Partonen Timo , Haukka Jari 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundMonitoring factors related to hormonal contraception (HC) use is essential to evaluating public health strategies and promoting access to contraception. We aimed to examine municipal social and health indicators of HC use at the population level, and to identify patterns of inequality across Finnish municipalities.MethodsWe identified all women (15–49 years) with a redeemed HC prescription in Finland in 2017 (n = 294,445), and a control group of non-users. Municipal social and health indicators at the population level were retrieved from the nationwide Statistics and Indicator Bank. Differences between the groups across 309 municipalities were calculated, and associations of municipal-specific proportions of HC users with municipal-specific indicators were studied using LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) models.ResultsSociodemographic differences between HC users and non-users were non-homogenous across municipalities. Indicators positively associated with HC use included: larger population and higher proportions of population aged 16–24 years, of household-dwelling units with one person, of persons with higher education, and of divorces among those aged 25–64. Lower HC use was associated with higher proportions of Swedish-speaking population, of those aged 7–15 years, of young people not in education/training, and of household-dwelling units in overcrowded conditions. Lower HC use was also associated with indicators of outpatient and inpatient healthcare, and of municipal finances in welfare and healthcare.ConclusionsSociodemographic differences in relation to HC use exist across Finnish municipalities. Municipal indicators of social structure, health and welfare, and investment in and use of healthcare services are related to HC use.
Hypertension is associated with osteoporosis: a case-control study in Chinese postmenopausal women
Authors: Chai Hao , Ge Jirong , Li Li , Li Jianyang , Ye Yunjin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are age-related diseases. It is reported that patients with CVD have a higher risk of bone loss. This retrospective study sought to reveal the association between osteoporosis and CVD in Chinese women. Although epidemiological evidence has indicated a relationship between the two, clinical data in southeast China are lacking.

Methods
In total, 2873 participants completed the baseline survey from January 2007 to October 2019, and 2039 were included in this retrospective study. We divided all subjects into an osteoporosis group and a non-osteoporosis group based on their bone mineral density (BMD). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to examine BMD. The general information came from the questionnaire survey. Cardiovascular diseases were defined by asking participants at the first visit and checking relevant medical records if they had suffered from hypertension, coronary heart disease, or cerebral infarction.

Results
According to the criterion, the osteoporosis group had 678 subjects, and the non-osteoporosis group had 1361 subjects. Subjects in the osteoporosis group had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension and coronary heart disease. Besides, the proportion of subjects who drank tea and drank milk were relatively higher in the osteoporosis group. The odds ratio (OR) for suffering from osteoporosis was high if the patients had hypertension.

Conclusions
This study indicated that Chinese postmenopausal women with osteoporosis had a higher prevalence of hypertension. Hypertension was significantly associated with osteoporosis.
Circumcision and its alternatives in Germany: an analysis of nationwide hospital routine data
Authors: Oetzmann von Sochaczewski Christina , Gödeke Jan , Muensterer Oliver J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground/purposeCircumcisions are among the most frequent operations in children. Health service data on circumcision in the United States has documented an increase in neonatal circumcisions since 2012. We investigated whether a similar effect could be found in Germany, which does not endorse neonatal circumcision.MethodsWe analysed German routine administrative data for operations conducted on the preputium in order to analyse the frequency, age distribution, and time-trends in hospital-based procedures on a nationwide basis.ResultsThere were 9418 [95% confidence interval (CI) 8860–10,029] procedures per year, of which 4977 (95% CI 4676–5337) were circumcisions. Age distributions were highly different between both circumcisions (van der Waerden’s χ² = 58.744,df = 4,P < 0.0001) and preputium-preserving operations (van der Waerden’s χ² = 58.481,df = 4,P < 0.0001). Circumcisions were more frequent in the first 5 years of life and above 15 years of age, whereas preputium-preserving procedures were preferred in the age groups between 5 and 14 years of age. The number of circumcisions and preputium-preserving operations decreased in absolute and relative numbers.ConclusionsThe increasing trend towards neonatal circumcision observed in the United States is absent in Germany. The majority of patients were operated after the first year of life and absolute and relative numbers of hospital-based procedures were decreasing. Other factors such as increasing use of steroids for the preferred non-operative treatment of phimosis may play a role. As operations in outpatients and office-based procedures were not covered, additional research is necessary to obtain a detailed picture of circumcision and its surgical alternatives in Germany.Level of evidenceIII.
The impact of Dual Eligible Special Need Plan regulations on healthcare utilization
Authors: Narain Kimberly Danae Cauley , Harwood Jessica , Mangione Carol , Duru O. Kenrik , Ettner Susan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
To determine if requiring Dual Eligible Special Need Plans (D-SNPs) to receive approval from the National Committee of Quality Assurance and contract with state Medicaid agencies impacts healthcare utilization.

Methods
We use a Multiple Interrupted Time Series to examine the association of D-SNP regulations with dichotomized measures of emergency room (ER) and hospital utilization. Our treatment group is elderly D-SNP enrollees. Our comparison group is near-elderly (ages 60–64) beneficiaries enrolled in Medicaid Managed Care plans (N = 360,405). We use segmented regression models to estimate changes in the time-trend and slope of the outcomes associated with D-SNP regulations, during the post-implementation (2012–2015) period, relative to the pre-implementation (2010–2011) period. Models include a treatment-status indicator, a monthly time-trend, indicators and splines for the post-period and the interactions between these variables. We conduct the following sensitivity analyses: (1) Re-estimating models stratified by state (2) Estimating models including interactions of D-SNP implementation variables with comorbidity count to assess for differential D-SNP regulation effects across comorbidity level. (3) Re-estimating the models stratifying by race/ethnicity and (4) Including a transition period (2012–2013) in the model.

Results
We do not find any statistically significant changes in ER or hospital utilization associated with D-SNP regulation implementation in the broad D-SNP population or among specific racial/ethnic groups; however, we do find a reduction in hospitalizations associated with D-SNP regulations in New Jersey (DD level = − 3.37%; p = 0.02)/(DD slope = − 0.23%; p = 0.01) and among individuals with higher, relative to lower levels of co-morbidity (DDD slope = − 0.06%; p = 0.01).

Conclusions
These findings suggest that the impact of D-SNP regulations varies by state. Additionally, D-SNP regulations may be particularly effective in reducing hospital utilization among beneficiaries with high levels of co-morbidity.
Impact of seasonality and malaria control interventions on Anopheles density and species composition from three areas of Uganda with differing malaria endemicity
Authors: Mawejje Henry Ddumba , Kilama Maxwell , Kigozi Simon P. , Musiime Alex K. , Kamya Moses , Lines Jo , Lindsay Steven W. , Smith David , Dorsey Grant , Donnelly Martin J. , Staedke Sarah G. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are the malaria control interventions primarily responsible for reductions in transmission intensity across sub-Saharan Africa. These interventions, however, may have differential impact on Anopheles species composition and density. This study examined the changing pattern of Anopheles species in three areas of Uganda with markedly different transmission intensities and different levels of vector control.

Methods
From October 2011 to June 2016 mosquitoes were collected monthly using CDC light traps from 100 randomly selected households in three areas: Walukuba (low transmission), Kihihi (moderate transmission) and Nagongera (high transmission). LLINs were distributed in November 2013 in Walukuba and Nagongera and in June 2014 in Kihihi. IRS was implemented only in Nagongera, with three rounds of bendiocarb delivered between December 2014 and June 2015. Mosquito species were identified morphologically and by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).

Results
In Walukuba, LLIN distribution was associated with a decline in Anopheles funestus vector density (0.07 vs 0.02 mosquitoes per house per night, density ratio [DR] 0.34, 95% CI: 0.18–0.65, p = 0.001), but not Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) nor Anopheles arabiensis. In Kihihi, over 98% of mosquitoes were An. gambiae s.s. and LLIN distribution was associated with a decline in An. gambiae s.s. vector density (4.00 vs 2.46, DR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49–0.94, p = 0.02). In Nagongera, the combination of LLINs and multiple rounds of IRS was associated with almost complete elimination of An. gambiae s.s. (28.0 vs 0.17, DR 0.004, 95% CI: 0.002–0.009, p < 0.001), and An. funestus sensu lato (s.l.) (3.90 vs 0.006, DR 0.001, 95% CI: 0.0005–0.004, p < 0.001), with a less pronounced decline in An. arabiensis (9.18 vs 2.00, DR 0.15 95% CI: 0.07–0.33, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
LLIN distribution was associated with reductions in An. funestus s.l. in the lowest transmission site and An. gambiae s.s. in the moderate transmission site. In the highest transmission site, a combination of LLINs and multiple rounds of IRS was associated with the near collapse of An. gambiae s.s. and An. funestus s.l. Following IRS, An. arabiensis, a behaviourally resilient vector, became the predominant species, which may have implications for malaria vector control activities. Development of interventions targeted at outdoor biting remains a priority.