bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chondrocytes From Device-Minced Articular Cartilage Show Potent Outgrowth Into Fibrin and Collagen Hydrogels
Authors: Levinson Clara , Cavalli Emma , Sindi Dolman Mostafa , Kessel Benjamin , Zenobi-Wong Marcy , Preiss Stefan , Salzmann Gian , Neidenbach Philipp 
Published: September 2019

Background: Transplantation of autologous minced cartilage is an established procedure to repair chondral lesions. It relies on the migration of chondrocytes out of cartilage particles into a biomaterial. So far, there is no efficient way to finely mince cartilage. No consensus exists on the nature of the biomaterial to be used to promote chondrocyte migration. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study aimed to investigate the potential clinical use of a custom-made mincing device as well as a possible alternative biomaterial to fibrin glue. The device was tested for its effect on chondrocyte viability and on subsequent chondrocyte migration into either a fibrin or a collagen gel. We hypothesized that device mincing would allow finer cutting and consequently more cell migration and that the gelation mechanism of the collagen biomaterial, which uses the clotting of platelet-rich plasma, would enhance matrix production by outgrown chondrocytes. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Cartilage from 12 patients undergoing knee arthroplasty was taken from the femoral condyles and subsequently either hand minced or device minced. The viability and the degree of outgrowth were quantified with live/dead assay on the generated cartilage particles and on the gels in which these particles were embedded, respectively. Matrix deposition in the biomaterials by the outgrown cells was investigated with histology. Results: The device allowed rapid mincing of the cartilage and produced significantly smaller pieces than hand mincing. The initial chondrocyte viability in cartilage particles dropped by 25% with device mincing as compared with no mincing. However, the viability in hand-minced, device-minced, and unminced samples was no longer different after 7 and 28 days in culture. Outgrowth scores were similar among the 3 groups. Fibrin and collagen biomaterials equally supported chondrocyte outgrowth and survival, but neither promoted matrix deposition after in vitro culture. Conclusion: The outgrowth potential, the viability after 28 days in culture, and the matrix deposition were not different between the mincing techniques and the tested biomaterials, yet device mincing is faster and results in significantly smaller cartilage particles. Clinical Relevance: Device mincing could become the standard method to mince cartilage for second-generation cartilage repair techniques.
Lower limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail: a long-term follow-up study of 28 cases
Authors: Farsetti Pasquale , De Maio Fernando , Potenza Vito , Efremov Kristian , Marsiolo Martina , Caterini Alessandro , Ippolito Ernesto 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundLimb lengthening using an external fixator requires a long period of external fixation and may be associated with several complications such as axial deformity, fracture of the regenerated bone, and joint stiffness. With the goal of reducing the time of external fixation as well as some of these complications, we performed femoral or tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail, according to Paley’s technique, in 28 patients, followed up after a mean period of 8 years.Materials and methodsTwenty-eight patients treated for lower limb discrepancy by limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail were reviewed from 5 to 11 years after healing of regenerated bone. There were 20 femurs and 8 tibiae, with average age at surgery of 14.2 years and average length inequality of 6.1 cm for femurs and 5.3 cm for tibiae.ResultsThe mean lengthening was 5.8 cm for femurs and 4.8 cm for tibiae. The mean period of radiographic consolidation of the regenerated bone was 6 months for femoral lengthening and 4.5 months for tibial lengthening. At follow-up, we observed 8 excellent results, 15 good results, 4 fair results, and 1 poor result, based on Paley’s evaluation criteria. The main complications were one deep infection, one nonunion of the distracted segment, one breakage of the distal fiche of the external fixator, and one breakage of both distal locking screws of the intramedullary nail.DiscussionWe believe that limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail still represents a good method to treat limb length discrepancy because it reduces the time of external fixation, prevents axial deformities and fractures of regenerated bone, and allows early rehabilitation. The new intramedullary lengthening nails, which theoretically are the ideal device for treating limb length inequality, are still very expensive and need longer follow-up for definitive evaluation.Level of evidence4.
Walking with rollator: a systematic review of gait parameters in older persons
Authors: Mundt Marion , Batista Joao Pedro , Markert Bernd , Bollheimer Cornelius , Laurentius Thea 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The aging population increasingly needs assistive technologies, such as rollators, to function and live less dependently. Rollators are designed to decrease the risk of falls by improving the gait mechanics of their users. However, data on the biomechanics of rollator assisted gait of older adults are limited, or mostly derived from experiments with younger adults.

Methods and results
This review summarises the data from 18 independent studies on the kinematic and kinetic gait parameters of assisted gait of older persons. All of these studies evaluated spatio-temporal parameters, but not joint angles or moments.

Conclusion
Due to the limited research on rollator supported gait in older adults, the number of parameters that could be analysed in this systematic review was restricted. Further research in the analysis of spatio-temporal parameters and a higher standardisation in clinical research will be necessary.
Clinical trial readiness to solve barriers to drug development in FSHD (ReSolve): protocol of a large, international, multi-center prospective study
Authors:   on behalf of the ReSolve Investigators and the FSHD CTRN18, LoRusso Samantha , Johnson Nicholas E. , McDermott Michael P. , Eichinger Katy , Butterfield Russell J. , Carraro Elena , Higgs Kiley , Lewis Leann , Mul Karlien , Sacconi Sabrina , Sansone Valeria A. , Shieh Perry , van Engelen Baziel , Wagner Kathryn , Wang Leo , Statland Jeffrey M. , Tawil Rabi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundFacioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a dominantly-inherited progressive muscular dystrophy caused by de-repression of theDUX4gene, which causes disease by a toxic-gain-of-function. As molecularly targeted drugs move from preclinical testing into human trials, it is essential that we validate clinical trial tools and methodology to facilitate the drug development process.Methods/designThe primary goal of this study is to hasten drug development for FSHD by validating two novel clinical outcome assessments (COAs) and refining clinical trial strategies. We will perform an 18-month longitudinal study in 220 genetically confirmed and clinically affected participants using our FSHD Clinical Trial Research Network, comprised of 8 sites in the United States, and 3 collaborating sites in Europe. Visits occur at baseline and months 3, 12, and 18. At each visit we will collect: 1) a novel FSHD functional composite COA made up of 18 evaluator-administered motor tasks in the domains of shoulder/arm, hand, core/abdominal, leg, and balance function; and 2) electrical impedance myography as a novel muscle quality biomarker (US sites). Other COAs include 1) Domain 1 of the Motor Function Measure; 2) Reachable workspace; 3) orofacial strength using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument; 4) lean muscle mass using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA); 5) strength as measured by quantitative myometry and manual muscle testing; and 6) the FSHD Health Index and other patient-reported outcomes. Plasma, DNA, RNA, and serum will be collected for future biomarker studies. We will use an industry standard multi-site training plan. We will evaluate the test-retest reliability, validity, and sensitivity to disease progression, and minimal clinically important changes of our new COAs. We will assess associations between demographic and genetic factors and the rate of disease progression to inform refinement of eligibility criteria for future clinical trials.DiscussionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the largest collaborative study of patients with FSHD performed in the US and Europe. The results of this study will enable more efficient clinical trial design. During the conduct of the study, relevant data will be made available for investigators or companies pursuing novel FSHD therapeutics.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.govNCT03458832; Date of registration: 1/11/2018
The relevance of using in situ carbon and nitrogen data and satellite images to assess aboveground carbon and nitrogen stocks for supporting national REDD + programmes in Africa
Authors: Chabi Adéyèmi , Lautenbach Sven , Tondoh Jérôme Ebagnerin , Orekan Vincent Oladokoun Agnila , Adu-Bredu Stephen , Kyei-Baffour Nicholas , Mama Vincent Joseph , Fonweban John 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
To reduce the uncertainty in estimates of carbon emissions resulting from deforestation and forest degradation, better information on the carbon density per land use/land cover (LULC) class and in situ carbon and nitrogen data is needed. This allows a better representation of the spatial distribution of carbon and nitrogen stocks across LULC. The aim of this study was to emphasize the relevance of using in situ carbon and nitrogen content of the main tree species of the site when quantifying the aboveground carbon and nitrogen stocks in the context of carbon accounting. This paper contributes to that, by combining satellite images with in situ carbon and nitrogen content in dry matter of stem woods together with locally derived and published allometric models to estimate aboveground carbon and nitrogen stocks at the Dassari Basin in the Sudan Savannah zone in the Republic of Benin.

Results
The estimated mean carbon content per tree species varied from 44.28 ± 0.21% to 49.43 ± 0.27%. The overall mean carbon content in dry matter for the 277 wood samples of the 18 main tree species of the region was 47.01 ± 0.28%—which is close to the Tier 1 coefficient of 47% default value suggested by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The overall mean fraction of nitrogen in dry matter was estimated as 0.229 ± 0.016%. The estimated mean carbon density varied from 1.52 ± 0.14 Mg C ha−1 (for Cropland and Fallow) to 97.83 ± 27.55 Mg C ha−1 (for Eucalyptus grandis Plantation). In the same order the estimated mean nitrogen density varied from 0.008 ± 0.007 Mg ha−1 of N (for Cropland and Fallow) to 0.321 ± 0.088 Mg ha−1 of N (for Eucalyptus grandis Plantation).

Conclusion
The results show the relevance of using the in situ carbon and nitrogen content of the main tree species for estimating aboveground carbon and nitrogen stocks in the Sudan Savannah environment. The results provide crucial information for carbon accounting programmes related to the implementation of the REDD + initiatives in developing countries.
OPA1: 516 unique variants and 831 patients registered in an updated centralized Variome database
Authors: Le Roux Bastien , Lenaers Guy , Zanlonghi Xavier , Amati-Bonneau Patrizia , Chabrun Floris , Foulonneau Thomas , Caignard Angélique , Leruez Stéphanie , Gohier Philippe , Procaccio Vincent , Milea Dan , den Dunnen Johan T. , Reynier Pascal , Ferré Marc 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The dysfunction of OPA1, a dynamin GTPase involved in mitochondrial fusion, is responsible for a large spectrum of neurological disorders, each of which includes optic neuropathy. The database dedicated to OPA1 (
https://www.lovd.nl/OPA1
), created in 2005, has now evolved towards a centralized and more reliable database using the Global Variome shared Leiden Open-source Variation Database (LOVD) installation.

Results
The updated OPA1 database, which registers all the patients from our center as well as those reported in the literature, now covers a total of 831 patients: 697 with isolated dominant optic atrophy (DOA), 47 with DOA “plus”, and 83 with asymptomatic or unclassified DOA. It comprises 516 unique OPA1 variants, of which more than 80% (414) are considered pathogenic. Full clinical data for 118 patients are documented using the Human Phenotype Ontology, a standard vocabulary for referencing phenotypic abnormalities. Contributors may now make online submissions of phenotypes related to OPA1 mutations, giving clinical and molecular descriptions together with detailed ophthalmological and neurological data, according to an international thesaurus.

Conclusions
The evolution of the OPA1 database towards the LOVD, using unified nomenclature, should ensure its interoperability with other databases and prove useful for molecular diagnoses based on gene-panel sequencing, large-scale mutation statistics, and genotype-phenotype correlations.
Reproducible biomedical benchmarking in the cloud: lessons from crowd-sourced data challenges
Authors: Ellrott Kyle , Buchanan Alex , Creason Allison , Mason Michael , Schaffter Thomas , Hoff Bruce , Eddy James , Chilton John M. , Yu Thomas , Stuart Joshua M. , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Stolovitzky Gustavo , Boutros Paul C. , Guinney Justin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Challenges are achieving broad acceptance for addressing many biomedical questions and enabling tool assessment. But ensuring that the methods evaluated are reproducible and reusable is complicated by the diversity of software architectures, input and output file formats, and computing environments. To mitigate these problems, some challenges have leveraged new virtualization and compute methods, requiring participants to submit cloud-ready software packages. We review recent data challenges with innovative approaches to model reproducibility and data sharing, and outline key lessons for improving quantitative biomedical data analysis through crowd-sourced benchmarking challenges.
Complete oxidation of hydroxymethylfurfural to furandicarboxylic acid by aryl-alcohol oxidase
Authors: Serrano Ana , Calviño Eva , Carro Juan , Sánchez-Ruiz María I. , Cañada F. Javier , Martínez Angel T. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a highly valuable platform chemical that can be obtained from plant biomass carbohydrates. HMF can be oxidized to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), which is used as a renewable substitute for the petroleum-based terephthalic acid in polymer production.

Results
Aryl-alcohol oxidase (AAO) from the white-rot fungus Pleurotus eryngii is able to oxidize HMF and its derivative 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) producing formylfurancarboxylic acid (FFCA) thanks to its activity on benzylic alcohols and hydrated aldehydes. Here, we report the ability of AAO to produce FDCA from FFCA, opening up the possibility of full oxidation of HMF by this model enzyme. During HMF reactions, an inhibitory effect of the H2O2 produced in the first two oxidation steps was found to be the cause of the lack of AAO activity on FFCA. In situ monitoring of the whole reaction by 1H-NMR confirmed the absence of any unstable dead-end products, undetected in the HPLC analyses, that could be responsible for the incomplete conversion. The deleterious effect of H2O2 was confirmed by successful HMF conversion into FDCA when the AAO reaction was carried out in the presence of catalase. On the other hand, no H2O2 formation was detected during the slow FFCA conversion by AAO in the absence of catalase, in contrast to typical oxidase reaction with HMF and DFF, suggesting an alternative mechanism as reported in some reactions of related flavo-oxidases. Moreover, several active-site AAO variants that yield nearly complete conversion in shorter reaction times than the wild-type enzyme have been identified.

Conclusions
The use of catalase to remove H2O2 from the reaction mixture leads to 99% conversion of HMF into FDCA by AAO and several improved variants, although the mechanism of peroxide inhibition of the AAO action on the aldehyde group of FFCA is not fully understood.
Laboratory and field studies to investigate the efficacy of a novel, orally administered combination product containing moxidectin, sarolaner and pyrantel for the prevention of heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs
Authors: Kryda Kristina , Six Robert H. , Walsh Kelly F. , Holzmer Susan J. , Chapin Sara , Mahabir Sean P. , Myers Melanie , Inskeep Tammy , Rugg Jady , Cundiff Blair , Pullins Aleah , Ulrich Michael , McCall John W. , McTier Tom L. , Maeder Steven J. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundDirofilaria immitisis a filarial parasite of dogs that can cause serious or fatal cardiopulmonary disease. Three studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of monthly treatment with moxidectin in a chewable tablet product in combination with sarolaner and pyrantel to prevent heartworm disease in dogs after experimental challenge and in a clinical field study in the USA.MethodsIn two laboratory studies, dogs (8 per group) that had been inoculated 30 days prior with 50 third-stageD. immitislarvae were randomized to treatment on Day 0 with placebo or combination product, at the minimum dose of 24 µg/kg moxidectin, 2 mg/kg sarolaner and 5 mg/kg pyrantel (as pamoate salt). Study 2 also included groups treated with tablets containing moxidectin-alone (24 µg/kg) or sarolaner-alone (2 mg/kg). Efficacy was evaluated ~ 5 months after inoculation by adult heartworm counts at necropsy. In the field study, 410 dogs ≥ 8 weeks-old from 23 USA veterinary clinics were treated for 11 months with either combination product at 24–48 µg/kg moxidectin, 2–4 mg/kg sarolaner and 5–10 mg/kg pyrantel (n = 272) or Heartgard® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) at the label recommended dose rate (n = 138). Efficacy was evaluated on Day 330 using antigen and microfilaria testing to assess adult heartworm infection.ResultsIn the laboratory studies, there were no heartworms recovered from any dog treated with the combination product or moxidectin alone and all dogs treated with placebo or sarolaner-alone were infected with 20–44 adult heartworms. In the field study, all dogs treated with the combination product tested negative for heartworm infection on Day 330, whereas two dogs treated with Heartgard® Plus tested positive. The Heartgard® Plus-treated dogs that tested heartworm positive were from the lower Mississippi River Valley region, where heartworm resistance has been confirmed to occur. The combination product was well tolerated in all studies.ConclusionsIn laboratory studies, no heartworms were recovered from dogs treated with a single dose of the novel combination product containing moxidectin, sarolaner and pyrantel. Additionally, in the field study no dog tested positive for adult heartworm infection when dosed with the combination product monthly for 11 months, while two dogs treated with Heartgard® Plus tested positive.
Can a Revolutionary Be Happy?
Authors: Larson Wendy 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
In 1963, China Youth published letters from youth on the topic of happiness. While some agreed that following the model of self-sacrifice exemplified by Lei Feng was the only way to be a happy revolutionary, others brought up contradictions in the approach to happiness promoted by the Chinese Communist Party. Through an investigation of happiness in Marxism and Maoism, the author analyzes the arguments put forward in the letters, concluding that by the early 1960s any notion of a unified revolutionary subjectivity was riddled with cracks. The young letter writers question the panreligious embrace of self-sacrifice, struggle, and misery, which can then be transformed into revolutionary happiness through willpower.
Of Lice and Men
Authors: Rojas Carlos 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Taking Jia Pingwa's 2013 novel Daideng 帶燈 (The Lantern Bearer) as its focal point, this article considers a series of allusions to insects in this and other works. The article takes these references to insects in Jia's literary publications as a starting point for reflecting on a set of parasitic or supplementary relationships as they relate to an interrelated set of sociopolitical, ecological, and literary concerns. Through this attention to parasitic relationships, the article uses Jia Pingwa's works to pursue a critical reassessment of the relationship between individual entities and the sociopolitical, ecological, and literary collectives they inhabit.
The Ocular Turn, Misty Poetry, and a Postrevolutionary Imagination
Authors: Tang Xiaobing 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
“The Answer,” a poem by Bei Dao first published in 1978, marks the emergence of a defiant voice in contemporary Chinese poetry and asserts skepticism as the political stance of a young generation in post–Cultural Revolution China. It also heralds a historic transition from an era of sonic agitation to an aesthetics based on visual perception and contemplation. This rereading of Bei Dao's canonical poem and other related texts goes back to the late 1970s, when the political implications of the human senses were firmly grasped and heatedly debated. The author shows that an ocular turn occurs in “The Answer” and drives the aesthetic as well as political pursuits of a new generation of poets. He further argues that, in a moment still enthralled with a revolutionary sonic culture, Misty poetry disavowed aural excitement and was part of the reconditioning of the human senses in preparation for a postrevolutionary order and sensibility.
Implantação de plano de incentivo às vendas em uma rede de drogarias
Authors: Gabriel Wagner Alexandre , Kawamoto Júnior Luiz Teruo , Ruggero Niube , Ianaguivara Eduardo Seige , Sanchez Wagner Marcelo 
Published: September 2019

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar a variação das vendas de medicamentos da classe de genéricos e similares em uma rede de drogarias, em relação ao fornecimento de incentivo cultural aos colaboradores. As lojas foram denominadas A, B, C e D. Aos funcionários da loja A foram dados dois ingressos de cinema para cada colaborador e foi pedido empenho nas vendas de medicamentos da classe genéricos e similares, mas sem uma meta. Aos funcionários da loja B, foram prometidos dois ingressos para cada colaborador caso houvesse aumento de vendas. As lojas D e C formaram o grupo-controle. Ao final, foi feita uma entrevista qualitativa exploratória com o proprietário das lojas. Os resultados mostraram que a loja A teve aumento de vendas em relação ao grupo-controle, mas a loja B não. O proprietário informou que existem vários outros fatores que influenciam as vendas.