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Abstract Comparing genome scans among species is a powerful approach for investigating the patterns left by evolutionary processes. In particular, this offers a way to detect candidate genes that drive convergent evolution. We compared genome scan results to investigate if patterns of genetic diversity and divergence are shared among divergent species within the stickleback order (Gasterosteiformes): the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), ninespine stickleback (Pungitius pungitus), and tubesnout (Aulorhynchus flavidus). Populations were sampled from the southern and northern edges of each species’ range, to identify patterns associated with latitudinal changes in genetic diversity. Weak correlations in genetic diversity (FST and expected heterozygosity) and three different patterns in the genomic landscape were found among these species. Additionally, no candidate genes for convergent evolution were detected. This is a counterexample to the growing number of studies that have shown overlapping genetic patterns, demonstrating that genome scan comparisons can be noisy due to the effects of several interacting evolutionary forces.

Normalization is the first critical step in microbiome sequencing data analysis used to account for variable library sizes. Current RNA-Seq based normalization methods that have been adapted for microbiome data fail to consider the unique characteristics of microbiome data, which contain a vast number of zeros due to the physical absence or under-sampling of the microbes. Normalization methods that specifically address the zero-inflation remain largely undeveloped. Here we propose geometric mean of pairwise ratios—a simple but effective normalization method—for zero-inflated sequencing data such as microbiome data. Simulation studies and real datasets analyses demonstrate that the proposed method is more robust than competing methods, leading to more powerful detection of differentially abundant taxa and higher reproducibility of the relative abundances of taxa.

Abstract Background Knee patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are widely used in research in China, but there is limited evidence on the quality of cross-culturally adapted and original Chinese PROMs. We investigated Chinese language knee PROMs to provide evidence for clinicians on their quality and to guide PROM choices. Method A systematic literature search of databases: PUBMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, and CNKI, using adequate search strings and a three-step screen process identified relevant studies. An independent standardized assessment of the selected studies based on the Evaluating the Measurement of Patient-Reported Outcomes (EMPRO) tool was performed. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using intraclass coefficients (ICC). Results Thirty-three articles corresponding to 23 knee PROMs were evaluated with EMPRO global scores (100) ranging from 11.11 to 55.42. The attributes ‘reliability,’ ‘validity,’ and ‘cultural and language adaptation’ were significantly better evaluated compared to the attributes ‘responsiveness,’ ‘interpretability,’ and ‘burden’ (for all comparisons p 50/100). The osteoarthritis of knee and hip quality of life, the lower extremity function scale, and the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation tool ranked highest. Nevertheless, no single PROM had evidence encompassing all EMPRO attributes, necessitating further studies, especially on responsiveness, interpretability, and burden. We identified duplication of effort as shown by repeated translations of the same PROM; this inefficiency could be ameliorated by rapid approval of Chinese language PROMs documented on original PROM developers’ platforms.

Abstract Background Lumbar vertebroplasty via several different types of extrapedicular approach has been reported with acceptable clinical results yet the anatomical basis for its safety is not fully explored. Injury to the lumbar arteries (LAs) is one of the most important potential complications. However, anatomical research on the course and variability of this structure is lacking. To investigate the anatomical feasibility of percutaneous vertebroplasty for lumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures via a unilateral Extrapedicular approach. Methods A total of 300 LAs of 30 patients with non-spinal disorders were retrospectively analyzed by computed tomographic angiography (CTA). The lateral aspect of the vertebral body was divided into 9 zones of approximately equal area. The anatomy and orientation of LAs were analyzed in detail. Results LAs were most commonly found in the middle third of the body (zones 4, 5, and 6); the upper 1/3 of the vertebral body had LAs distributed only anteriorly and laterally (zones 1 and 2). No arteries were observed in the postero-superior segment (zone 3). From L1 to L3 an arched pattern predominated. At L4 an inferior oblique pattern (antero-superior to postero-inferior) predominated. Limited CTA visualization at L4 and particularly L5 as well as greater anatomical variation means that there is more uncertainty at these levels. Conclusion From L1 to L3, the posterior superior segment (zone 1) of the vertebral body appears to be a safe area with low risk of arterial injury. This has relevance for design of a safe lumbar vertebral extrapedicular approach.

Abstract Background Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are widely used in Europe and North America in a variety of areas including research, clinical governance, clinical registries and insurance ascertainment. The aim of this study was to assess commonly used knee and hip PROMs among Chinese surgeons and to gain an insight into their impact on evaluation of clinical outcomes. Methods 1. A systematic literature search of databases Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and CNKI was performed from the earliest records to 22/07/2020 for knee instruments and 22/08/2020 for hip instruments, to retrieve Chinese Mandarin cross culturally adapted and validated knee and hip PROMs. 2. An 11-item electronic questionnaire was then designed under four domain categories. The survey was distributed via a ubiquitous online social media platform to orthopaedic surgeons. Responses were collected and analyzed. Output from 1. was used to populate parts of the survey questionnaire. Results The systematic online search yielded a total of 41 evaluation instruments, (10 hip and 31 knee); all of which were incorporated as response options. 234 viable questionnaires were retrieved with the largest group representing attending surgeons. 59.0% were familiar with the concept of PROMs among which 78.4% reported to have used PROMs themselves. In order of frequency of use, PROMs were purposed for clinical assessment (55.6%), research (40.7%), health regulation policies (18.6%) and insurance service requirements (10.6%). Implementation was prompted by both departmental (43.4%) and institutional policy (34.5%). 89.4% of PROMs users reported difficulties in the use of PROMs, with major barriers including license fees, limited access, inadequate training and burden of fill-out time (all > 40%). Conclusion There is evidence of limited familiarity with knee and hip PROMs among orthopaedic surgeons. Barriers to their use are significant. Development of a Chinese language PROMs database would be helpful.

Abstract Background Ten years after the introduction of the Chinese Ministry of Health (MoH) version of Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) we wished to assess the ongoing influence of the World Health Organisation (WHO) SSC by observing all three checklist components during elective surgical procedures in China, as well as survey operating room staff and surgeons more widely about the WHO SSC. Methods A questionnaire was designed to gain authentic views on the WHO SSC. We also conducted a prospective cross-sectional study at five level 3 hospitals. Local data collectors were trained to document specific item performance. Adverse events which delayed the operation were recorded as well as the individuals leading or participating in the three SSC components. Results A total of 846 operating room staff and surgeons from 138 hospitals representing every mainland province responded to the survey. There was widespread acceptance of the checklist and its value in improving patient safety. 860 operations were observed for SSC compliance. Overall compliance was 79.8%. Compliance in surgeon-dependent items of the ‘time-out’ component reduced when it was nurse-led (p

Abstract Background The Oxford Elbow score (OES) is a patient-reported outcome measure designed to evaluate patients before and after elbow surgery. Although various translated versions of the score are available, there is no Chinese mandarin version. The aim of this study was to develop a Chinese language version of the OES and evaluate its psychometric properties for clinical use. Methods The English version of the OES was forward translated into Chinese, followed by a backward translation into English. Then a final Chinese version was produced following expert committee discussions and pilot study of 11 patients. A smart device compatible electronic version of the OES was designed and completed by 70 patients with elbow pathology alongside the Quick-Dash and the SF-36. Reliability was assessed by measuring intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for test-retest reliability and Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to test the construct validity. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to evaluate the 3-factor structure of the OES. Results The overall Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.906 and for the 3 different domains Function, Pain, and Social-psychological was 0.806, 0.796, and 0.776 respectively. The overall intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.764 and for the three different domains Function, Pain, and Social-psychological was 0.764, 0.624, and 0.590 respectively. The Spearman’s coefficient for correlation, between the QuickDASH and OES domains Function, Pain, and Social-psychological, was − 0.824, − 0.734, and − 0.622 respectively, showing strong correlation (r > 0.5; p < 0.01). There were moderate correlations between OES domains and the physical functioning, role physical, and strong correlations with bodily pain subscales of the PCS domain of the SF-36; results were insignificant for all other subscales. Conclusion Our translated Chinese mandarin OES version (mainland) was reliable and valid, suitable for evaluating elbow disorders in the Chinese population. Reliability was measured using both the Cronbach’s α for internal consistency and the intraclass correlation. Results were classified as “excellent” and were similar to results from the original OES. Electronic PROMs were used instead of the traditional paper-based PROMs for collection of data which was well tolerated by patients.

Abstract Background Different Chinese versions of the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) are available for knee arthritis assessment. These include the Malaysian, Hong Kong and Singaporean Chinese versions with slight variations in wordings and use of Cantonese in the Hong Kong Version. This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the different Chinese OKS versions in Mainland China. Methods One hundred ninety four China mainland-based patients participated in the study, each being diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. The patients were randomly assigned into 3 groups: Group A completed the Malaysian OKS; Group B completed the Singaporean OKS; Group C completed the Hong Kong OKS. Participants also completed the 36-item Short Form Survey (SF 36). The electronic versions of the questionnaires completed by the patients were sent to smart devices via a social media platform. Results Interclass coefficients for test-retest reliability of the groups were 0.917 in group A, 0.921 in group B, 0.824 in group C. Cronbach alpha results for internal consistency of the 3 groups were: 0.912 in group A, 0.896 in group B, 0.846 in group C. Spearson correlation results with individual SF-36 domains were as follows: Group A showed strong negative correlations with bodily pain and physical function domains; group B exhibited moderate negative correlations with the bodily pain and physical function domains; group C revealed strong negative correlations with the bodily pain and physical function domains and weak negative correlations with vitality domain. Conclusions Different Chinese versions of the OKS showed good reliability and convergent validity in mainland samples of patients with knee osteoarthritis, supporting their use in research and other related studies.

PurposeTo perform a systemic literature search to identify Chinese cross culturally adapted and new designed Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) used for hip assessment, then a standardized evaluation of available instruments in order to provide evidence of high-quality PROMs for clinical use and adoption in future hip registries.MethodsA Systematic Review of the following databases: PUBMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, CNKI was performed to identify relevant PROMs. Instruments underwent standardized assessment and scoring using the EMPRO tool by two independent reviewers. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC).Results2188 articles were retrieved, with seven articles fitting the inclusion criteria consisting of six hip PROMs. Five PROMs were cross culturally adapted and one was originally designed in Mandarin Chinese. Total scores (/100) after EMPRO evaluation: Osteoarthritis of Knee and Hip Quality of Life (OAKHQOL): 55; Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS): 52; International Hip Outcome Tool (SC-iHOT-33): 45; Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS): 37; Questionnaire on the Perceptions and Functions of Patients about Total Hip Arthroplasty (QPFPTHA): 36; Oxford Hip Score (OHS): 35. ICC values were 0.73 for the SC-iHOT-33 and ranged between 0.83-0.93 for the other PROMs indicating good to excellent inter-rater agreement.ConclusionAmong the commonly used hip-specific PROMs found in arthroplasty registries, none of the Chinese adapted versions evaluated by EMPRO is currently rated acceptable for clinical use. Only OAKHQOL and HAGOS reached acceptability threshold. Further research on the attributes of cross-cultural adaptation, interpretability and burden assessment would be helpful.