bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vanadium dioxide-assisted broadband tunable terahertz metamaterial absorber
Authors: Liu Huan , Wang Zhi-Hang , Li Lin , Fan Ya-Xian , Tao Zhi-Yong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTunable terahertz (THz) functional devices have exhibited superior performances due to the use of active materials, such as liquid crystals, graphene, and semiconductors. However, the tunable range of constitutive parameters of materials is still limited, which leads to the low modulation depth of THz devices. Here, we demonstrate a broadband tunable THz absorber based on hybrid vanadium dioxide (VO2) metamaterials. Unlike other phase change materials, VO2 exhibits an insulator-to-metal transition characteristic and the conductivity can be increased by 4–5 orders of magnitude under external stimulus including electric fields, optical, and thermal pumps. Based on the unique transition character of VO2, the maximum tunable range of the proposed absorber can be realized from 5% to 100% by an external thermal excitation. Meanwhile, an absorption greater than 80% in a continuous range with a bandwidth about 2.0  THz can be obtained when VO2 is in its metal phase at high temperature. Furthermore, the absorber is insensitive to the incident angle up to 50° and such a broadband THz absorber can be used in applications including imaging, modulating, cloaking, and so on.
Genome-wide meta-analysis identifies multiple novel loci associated with serum uric acid levels in Japanese individuals
Authors: Nakatochi Masahiro , Kanai Masahiro , Nakayama Akiyoshi , Hishida Asahi , Kawamura Yusuke , Ichihara Sahoko , Akiyama Masato , Ikezaki Hiroaki , Furusyo Norihiro , Shimizu Seiko , Yamamoto Ken , Hirata Makoto , Okada Rieko , Kawai Sayo , Kawaguchi Makoto , Nishida Yuichiro , Shimanoe Chisato , Ibusuki Rie , Takezaki Toshiro , Nakajima Mayuko , Takao Mikiya , Ozaki Etsuko , Matsui Daisuke , Nishiyama Takeshi , Suzuki Sadao , Takashima Naoyuki , Kita Yoshikuni , Endoh Kaori , Kuriki Kiyonori , Uemura Hirokazu , Arisawa Kokichi , Oze Isao , Matsuo Keitaro , Nakamura Yohko , Mikami Haruo , Tamura Takashi , Nakashima Hiroshi , Nakamura Takahiro , Kato Norihiro , Matsuda Koichi , Murakami Yoshinori , Matsubara Tatsuaki , Naito Mariko , Kubo Michiaki , Kamatani Yoichiro , Shinomiya Nariyoshi , Yokota Mitsuhiro , Wakai Kenji , Okada Yukinori , Matsuo Hirotaka 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGout is a common arthritis caused by elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels. Here we investigated loci influencing SUA in a genome-wide meta-analysis with 121,745 Japanese subjects. We identified 8948 variants at 36 genomic loci (P<5 × 10–8) including eight novel loci. Of these, missense variants of SESN2 and PNPLA3 were predicted to be damaging to the function of these proteins; another five loci—TMEM18, TM4SF4, MXD3-LMAN2, PSORS1C1-PSORS1C2, and HNF4A—are related to cell metabolism, proliferation, or oxidative stress; and the remaining locus, LINC01578, is unknown. We also identified 132 correlated genes whose expression levels are associated with SUA-increasing alleles. These genes are enriched for the UniProt transport term, suggesting the importance of transport-related genes in SUA regulation. Furthermore, trans-ethnic meta-analysis across our own meta-analysis and the Global Urate Genetics Consortium has revealed 15 more novel loci associated with SUA. Our findings provide insight into the pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of hyperuricemia/gout.
Association between the UGT1A1*28 allele and hyperbilirubinemia in HIV-positive patients receiving atazanavir: a meta-analysis
Authors: Du Pengqiang , Wang Aifeng , Ma Yongcheng , Li Xingang 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Objectives The uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1)*28 allele in HIV-positive patients receiving atazanavir (ATV) might be associated with the risk of hyperbilirubinemia. Owing to mixed and inconclusive results, a meta-analysis was conducted to systematically summarize and clarify this association.
Methods Based on a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases, studies investigating the association between UGT1A1 alleles and hyperbilirubinemia was retrieved. We evaluated the strength of this relationship using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analysis was performed by removing each study one at a time and calculating the pooled ORs of the remaining studies to test the robustness of the meta-analysis results. The Q statistic and the I2 index statistic were used to assess heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using Orwin’s fail-safe N test.
Results A total of six individual studies were included in this meta-analysis. A significantly increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia was observed in HIV-positive patients receiving ATV with the UGT1A1*1/*28 or UGT1A1*28/*28 genotype, and the risk was higher with the UGT1A1*28/*28 genotype than with the UGT1A1*1/*28 genotype. (UGT1A1*28/*28 versus UGT1A1*1/*28: OR = 3.69, 95%CI = 1.82–7.49; UGT1A1*1/*28 versus UGT1A1*1/*1: OR = 3.50, 95%CI = 1.35–9.08; UGT1A1*28/*28 versus UGT1A1*1/*1: OR = 10.07, 95%CI = 4.39–23.10). All of the pooled ORs were not significantly affected by the remaining studies and different modeling methods, indicating robust results.
Conclusions This meta-analysis suggests that the UGT1A1*28 allele represents a biomarker for an increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia in HIV-positive patients receiving ATV.
HDL-Cholesterin aus einem anderen Blickwinkel
Authors: Herbosch Sus 
Published: April 2019

ZusammenfassungSeit Jahren finden sich in der Literatur genügend Argumente, dass das „böse“ Cholesterin (LDL-C) ein Märchen ist. Vielmehr gilt es als sicher, dass extrem tiefe LDL-C-Werte bei Patienten über 60 Jahren die kardiovaskuläre Mortalität erhöhen. Über die Folgen von extrem hohen „guten“ HDL-C-Werten wurde bisher kaum berichtet. Dabei kam es schon 2006 zu dem Torcetrapib-Debakel. Erst 11 Jahre später bestätigt eine Studie, dass extrem hohes HDL-C gefährlich sein kann. Diese Rolle des HDL-Cholesterins wird unter folgenden Gesichtspunkten dargestellt:▪ Lipide und Lipoproteine zeigen einen alters- und geschlechtsabhängigen Verlauf.▪ HDL-C hat einen abweichenden Verlauf und zeichnet sich durch seine Korrelation mit dem Nervensystem sowohl als Marker für Neurotoxizität (Alkohol) als auch für neuropsychische Probleme aus.▪ Beitrag des PROTEOMIS-Serumprofils.▪ Richtwerte für neuropsychische Indikatoren sowie therapeutische Maßnahmen.
Elevated C-reactive Protein Levels Independently Predict the Development of Prediabetes Markers in Subjects with Normal Glucose Regulation
Authors: Kato Katsuhito , Otsuka Toshiaki , Saiki Yoshiyuki , Kobayashi Nobuyuki , Nakamura Takayuki , Kon Yoichi , Kawada Tomoyuki 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Aims Prediabetes is a precursor of diabetes and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Individuals with prediabetes reportedly have higher C-reactive protein levels, which is a risk factor for diabetes, relative to individuals with normal glucose regulation. Inflammation may play a role in the very early-phase deterioration of glucose metabolism, although there is insufficient knowledge regarding this relationship. Thus, we examined the association between serum C-reactive protein level and the development of three prediabetes markers.
Methods This study included 743 subjects with normal glucose regulation at baseline who completed oral glucose tolerance tests at baseline and after approximately 5 years. Subjects with a history of cardiovascular disease were excluded.
Results During the 5-year follow-up, 55 subjects developed isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; 2h-plasma glucose levels of 7.8–11.0 mmol/L), 24 subjects developed isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG; fasting plasma glucose levels of 6.1–7.0 mmol/L), 3 subjects developed IFG plus IGT, and 53 subjects developed isolated elevated glycated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c; level of 41–47 mmol/mol). The multivariate analysis revealed that, relative to the lowest quartile, the highest serum C-reactive protein quartile was independently associated with an increased risk of developing isolated elevated HbA1c levels (odds ratio: 2.95, 95% confidence interval: 1.16–7.51, P=0.024) and marginally associated with an increased risk of developing impaired glucose tolerance plus diabetes. However, C-reactive protein levels were not associated with an increased risk of developing IFG.
Conclusions Elevated serum C-reactive protein levels independently predicted elevated HbA1c levels, but not IFG.
Effects of Insulin Therapy and Oral Hypoglycemic Agents on Glycemic Control for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in China–A Case Control Study
Authors: Zuo PanPan , Shi JianFeng , Yan Juan , Yang LiHong , Liu Chao , Yuan Li , Lou QingQing 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Objective The purpose of the study was to compare glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) receiving insulin therapy (IT) or oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA), and explore associations between treatment modality and pancreatic beta-cell function.
Methods A matched, case-control study was conducted from April, 2016 to November, 2016. 2 272 patients with T2DM were identified from electronic medical records at four academic hospitals in China. Based on 1 136 eligible patients using IT, eligible 1 136 OHA patients were matched by age and duration at a ratio of 1:1. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between IT and glycemic control. Multiple linear regression addressed impact factors of HOMA-β.
Results There was no significant difference between IT and OHA groups in gender, age, diabetes duration, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum lipids and smoking history (p>0.05). We stratified subjects by diabetes duration, only when the duration was less than 5 years, HbA1c in OHA group was superior to IT (P=0.017). There were no significant differences between groups in HbA1c when disease duration was≥5 years. Even in subjects with short diabetes duration (<5 years), IT did not significantly impact glycemic control (p=0.071, OR=0.577). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that IT (p=0.001), diabetes duration (p=0.038), BMI (P<0.001), sulfonylurea use (P=0.001) were significant and independent predictors of HOMA-β.
Conclusions In patients with short diabetes duration (<5 years), oral hypoglycemic therapy achieved better glycemic control than insulin therapy. Moreover, insulin use was not an impact factor of poor glycemic control. In addition, using insulin can protect beta-cell function.
Prevalence and Association of Congenital Anomalies According to the Maternal Body Mass Index: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Moraes Carolina Leão de , Mendonça Carolina Rodrigues , Melo Natália Cruz e , Amaral Waldemar Naves do 
Published: April 2019

Objective To evaluate and compare the prevalence of structural congenital anomalies (CAs) according to maternal body mass index (BMI).Methods The present cross-sectional study involved pregnant women with fetuses diagnosed with structural CAs through morphological ultrasonography between November 2014 and January 2016. The nutritional status of the pregnant women was classified according to the gross value of the body mass index. The pregnant women were categorized into four groups: low weight, adequate weight, overweight, and obesity. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata/SE version 12.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX), with values of p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.Results A total of 223 pregnant women had fetuses diagnosed with CAs. The prevalence of structural CAs in pregnant women with low weight was of 20.18%, of 43.50% in pregnant women with adequate weight, of 22.87% in pregnant women with overweight, and of 13.45% in pregnant women with obesity. The prevalence of central nervous system (CNS) anomalies and of genitourinary system anomalies was high for the four groups of pregnant women. A positive association was observed between multiple anomalies in pregnant women with adequate weight (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.65; p ≤ 0.004) and between anomalies of the lymphatic system in obese pregnant women (PR = 4.04, p ≤ 0.000).Conclusion The prevalence of CNS and genitourinary system anomalies was high in all of the BMI categories. Obese pregnancies were associated with lymphatic system anomalies. Therefore, screening and identification of the risk factors for CAs are important, regardless of the maternal BMI. Our findings reinforce the importance of discussing with pregnant women maternal nutrition and its effect on fetal development and on neonatal outcome.
Dialysis Is Not Associated with Increased Risk of Perioperative Complications in TKA Patients after Adjusting for Pertinent Confounders
Authors: Gwam Chukwuweike U. , Sultan Assem , Rosas Samuel , Sullivan Rashad , Seem Michael , Ohanale Chiemena , Plate Johannes F. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWith a growing prevalence for chronic renal failure, arthroplasty surgeons will find it more likely to have dialysis dependent patients present for knee replacement. Previous retrospective studies using a matched cohort of patients have reported worse perioperative outcomes for dialysis-dependent patients. However, many of these studies failed to control for pertinent confounders. This study aims to fill in that void. The present study compares lengths of stay, discharge status, and 30-day outcomes between dialysis-dependent TKA recipients and a matched cohort of nondialysis dependent TKA recipients. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify the study cohorts. Patients were propensity score matched based on patient-specific demographic variables, preoperative functional status, and preoperative laboratory values. Generalized regression models were conducted to assess the effects of dialysis dependency on perioperative outcomes. Dialysis dependent patients demonstrated longer mean lengths of stay (+1.14) and a lower likelihood for home discharge (odds ratio [OR] = 0.503). There was no increased risk of 30-day complications in dialysis dependent TKA patients. Our findings demonstrate no increased risk of 30-day complications after TKA when adjusting for pertinent confounders. This suggests TKA is safe for well optimized dialysis dependent patients prior to surgery.
Proprioception following the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Tibialis Anterior Tendon Allograft
Authors: Büyükafşar Enes , Başar Selda , Kanatli Ulunay 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAfter the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, a loss of proprioception is observed and it can continue years after the operation. The aim of this study is to evaluate proprioception in standing position at different knee flexion angles in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with tibialis anterior tendon allograft. The study included 34 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with tibialis anterior tendon allograft and 34 healthy individuals. Proprioception was evaluated in standing position at 15°, 30°, 60° flexion angles with the active joint position sense (AJPS) method using digital inclinometer. Proprioception deviation angle was found to be higher in the operated leg at 30° and 60° flexion angles in the patient group compared with the other leg (p < 0.05), the biggest proprioception difference was between the 15° and 60° flexion angles in both the patient and the control group (p < 0.05) that the difference between 15° and 30° flexion angles is lowest (p < 0.05), and that these differences are higher in the operated leg of the patient group compared with the other leg of the patient group and to the dominant leg of the control group (p < 0.05). As approximately 4 years after ACL reconstruction with tibialis anterior tendon allograft, loss of proprioception at 60° knee flexion continued, ACL injury related to loss of proprioception may occur at angles higher than 30° flexion. Thus, patients may be provided with proprioception-enhancing rehabilitation in the long term, particularly, at flexion angles above medium levels.
Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Patients
Authors: Roof Mackenzie A. , Anoushiravani Afshin A. , Chen Kevin K. , Moses Michael J. , Wolfson Theodore , Poultsides Lazaros , Schwarzkopf Ran 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSuccessful management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has lengthened the life expectancy of HIV-positive (HIV + ) patients; consequently, increasing numbers of this patient population are candidates for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study seeks to provide detailed results of TKA in HIV+ patients and compare them to an HIV-negative (HIV − ) cohort. We performed a multicenter retrospective case–control study comparing 25 HIV+ patients to 25 HIV− patients undergoing TKA. The analysis included a cohort and subgroup stratification based on the presence or absence of postoperative complications. Prior to TKA, all 25 patients had a documented history of HIV infection. No intraoperative complications were reported. Ninety-day postoperative complications included knee contracture (one HIV + , no HIV − , p = 0.3124), periprosthetic joint infection requiring revision (one HIV + , no HIV − , p = 0.3124), mechanical fall requiring incision and drainage (one HIV + , no HIV − , p = 0.3124), and death (one HIV + , no HIV − , p = 0.3124). The average follow-up was 18.80 months. HIV+ patients stayed in the hospital for an average of 3.8 days following surgery, which was significantly greater than HIV− patients (2.28 days; p = 0.0040). As the life expectancy for HIV+ patients improves, a greater number will be TKA candidates. This study has shown an acceptable postoperative complication risk in an HIV+ patient population undergoing TKA, albeit with a significantly increased hospital length of stay.
Soft Tissue Reconstruction for Deep Defects over a Complicated Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Coombs Demetrius M. , Churchill Jessica , Cartwright Paul , Chughtai Morad , Sultan Assem A. , Samuel Linsen T. , Moskal Joseph T. , Hendrickson Mark F. , Mont Michael A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDeep soft tissue defects after complicated primary or revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be devastating to the patient and technically challenging. The purpose of this review was to (1) discuss different methods used to provide coverage for deep defects of the knee following TKA, as well as to (2) report on their success rates. A comprehensive literature search was performed. Reports were only included if they (1) were case series, (2) were level III studies or above (including retrospective cohort studies and meta-analyses), (3) were in English, and (4) discussed the outcome of graft or flap coverage of soft tissue defects after total knee arthroplasty. A total of 28 case series and four retrospective comparative studies were retrieved. In 16 studies, 195 out of 241 patients who received gastrocnemius flaps (81%) experienced successful outcomes. In seven studies including 84 patients that underwent fasciocutaneous flap coverage, over 90% of patients experienced successful outcomes. In the four studies examining 144 patients with delayed versus prophylactic soft tissue reconstruction, up to 81% of patients experienced a successful outcome. Various factors must be taken into consideration when assessing full-thickness defects over a TKA and collaboration between plastic and orthopaedic surgeons is required to select the optimal approach.
Relationship of the Posterior Condylar Line and the Transepicondylar Axis: A CT-Based Evaluation
Authors: Fitz David W. , Johnson Daniel J. , Hartwell Matthew J. , Sullivan Ryan , Keller Tyler J. , Manning David W. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPosterior condylar referencing, a common method for determining femoral axial orientation during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), relies upon an assumed consistent relationship between the posterior condylar line (PCL) and the transepicondylar axis (TEA) of 3 degrees rotation. A total of 3,010 computed tomography (CT) scans and three-dimension (3D)-reconstructions for presurgical creation of patient-matched TKA instrumentation were analyzed. Demographic data and five anthropometric measurements (hip–knee angle [HKA], distal femoral angle [DFA], proximal tibial angle [PTA], tibial slope [TS], and PCL–TEA relationship) were recorded for each scan. A logistic regression model was fit to assess interaction between the PCL–TEA relationship and demographic and radiological variables. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) PCL–TEA was +2.9 degrees (0.8 degree). The range varied between +0.5 and +16.5 degrees. In 2,758 knees (91.6%), the PCL–TEA was within 3 ± 1 degrees, whereas 252 knees (8.4%) fell outside this range. There were no significant demographic or anthropometric differences between those knees with PCL–TEA relationship between 3 ± 1 degrees and those falling outside that range. The posterior condyles of diseased knees undergoing TKA can be reliably used to indirectly reference the TEA of the distal femur with an error of only 1 degree in 92% of patients.
Applying principles of metrology to historical Earth observations from satellites
Authors: Mittaz Jonathan , Merchant Christopher J , Woolliams Emma R 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Approaches from metrology can assist earth observation (EO) practitioners to develop quantitative characterisation of uncertainty in EO data. This is necessary for the credibility of statements based on Earth observations in relation to topics of public concern, particularly climate and environmental change. This paper presents the application of metrological uncertainty analysis to historical Earth observations from satellites, and is intended to aid mutual understanding of metrology and EO. The nature of satellite observations is summarised for different EO data processing levels, and key metrological nomenclature and principles for uncertainty characterisation are reviewed. We then address metrological approaches to developing estimates of uncertainty that are traceable from the satellite sensor, through levels of data processing, to products describing the evolution of the geophysical state of the Earth. EO radiances have errors with complex error correlation structures that are significant when performing common higher-level transformations of EO imagery. Principles of measurement-function-centred uncertainty analysis are described that apply sequentially to each EO data processing level. Practical tools for organising and traceably documenting uncertainty analysis are presented. We illustrate these principles and tools with examples including some specific sources of error seen in EO satellite data as well as with an example of the estimation of sea surface temperature from satellite infra-red imagery. This includes a simulation-based estimate for the error distribution of clear-sky infra-red brightness temperature in which calibration uncertainty and digitisation are found to dominate. The propagation of these errors to sea surface temperature is then presented, illustrating the relevance of the approach to derivation of EO-based climate datasets. We conclude with a discussion arguing that there is broad scope and need for improvement in EO practice as a measurement science. EO practitioners and metrologists willing to extend and adapt their disciplinary knowledge to meet this need can make valuable contributions to EO.