bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD147 mitochondria translocation induced airway remodeling in asthmatic mouse models by regulating M2 macrophage polarization via ANT1-mediated mitophagy
Authors: Zhu Guiyin , Yu Haiyang , Li Xiaoming , Ye Wenjing , Chen Xi , Gu Wen
Published: January 2025

The interaction between CD147 and ANT1 in M2 macrophages occurs via mitochondrial translocation, resulting in alterations in ANT1 expression levels. This, in turn, triggers the activation of the mitophagy pathway, leading to modifications in OXPHOS levels. Ultimately, these changes contribute to the enhancement of M2 polarization, thereby exacerbating airway remodeling in asthma.
Causal associations between sleep traits, sleep disorders, and glioblastoma: a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Yuan , Yu Wenjun , Huang Yang , Jiang Zijuan , Deng Juan , Qi Yujuan
Published: January 2025

This study employs a bidirectional Mendelian randomization approach to explore the causal relationship between various sleep traits, sleep disorders, and glioblastoma (GBM). We found that shorter sleep duration may increase GBM risk, while GBM may shift individuals toward an evening chronotype. No significant relationships were observed for other sleep traits or any of the sleep disorders. These findings illuminate the complex interplay between sleep and GBM, highlighting the need for further investigation into their correlations.
Node Configuration Algorithm of Energy Heterogeneous Sensor Networks
Authors: Sun Qian , Meng Xiangyue , Peng Xiao , Zhao Zhiyao , Xu Jiping , Zhang Huiyan , Wang Li , Yu Jiabin , Guo Xianglan
Published: January 2025

The performance of heterogeneous sensor networks is enhanced by high‐energy heterogeneous nodes. Determining the number and deployment of heterogeneous nodes is a significant research issue. A heterogeneous node configuration algorithm is presented in this paper, which can be used for overall network planning before the deployment of heterogeneous nodes. Subsequently, factors such as network performance and economic cost are comprehensively considered, and integrated into a single index using the entropy weighting method. The proportion of different indicators is then determined, and a formula for calculating the required number of heterogeneous nodes under various network conditions is derived by considering parameters such as network area size, node communication threshold distance, and the number of common nodes. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm not only reduces networks costs but also enhances overall networks performance.
Long-term Effectiveness and Safety of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy for Radiation-Induced Hyposalivation in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Phase II Trial
Authors: Fenger Carlander Amanda-Louise , Jakobsen Kathrine Kronberg , Todsen Tobias , Paaske Natasja , Østergaard Madsen Anne Kathrine , Bendtsen Simone Kloch , Kastrup Jens , Friborg Jeppe , Duch Lynggaard Charlotte , Hauge Anne Werner , Christensen Robin , Grønhøj Christian , von Buchwald Christian
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

The long-term effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASC) on restoring radiation-induced salivary gland hypofunction in patients with previous head and neck cancer has not been validated in larger settings.

Patients and Methods:

The study was a 12-month follow-up of a randomized trial, including patients with hyposalivation. Patients were randomized to receive allogeneic ASC or placebo in the submandibular glands. The primary endpoint was unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) followed by stimulated whole saliva, patient-reported outcomes (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, Head and Neck Module, and the xerostomia questionnaire), and safety.

Results:

Of the 120 enrolled patients, 117 (97.5%) were assessed at 12 months. Treatment with ASC did not increase UWS compared with placebo: Increase in UWS was 0.02 mL/minute [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01–0.04] in the ASC group and 0.02 mL/minute (95% CI, 0–0.03) in the placebo group (P = 0.56). ASC reduced the symptom burden for dry mouth with −10.07 units (95% CI, −13.39 to −6.75) compared with −4.15 units (95% CI, −7.46 to −0.84) in the placebo group (P = 0.01). Compared with placebo, ASC did not improve sticky saliva (−9.27 vs. −4.55 units; P = 0.13), swallowing (−4.50 vs. 3.49 units; P = 0.5), or xerostomia (−3.12 vs. −2.74 units; P = 0.82). Treatment was safe and associated with a transient immune response.

Conclusions:

Intraglandular ACS therapy in the submandibular glands significantly relieved subjective dry mouth symptoms. Both ASC and placebo increased UWS, but ASC did not prove superior to placebo in restoring salivary gland function, based on the salivary flow rate.
Association between the Fatty Liver Index, Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, and the Risk of Kidney Stones
Authors: Zhang Fan , Li Wenjian
Published: January 2025

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the potential association between the fatty liver index (FLI), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and the risk of kidney stones using large-scale population-based data. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing data from the 2007 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. A total of 24,342 participants were enrolled in the study, and fatty liver status was assessed by calculating the FLI. MASLD was diagnosed by FLI in conjunction with cardiometabolic criteria. Data on the history of kidney stones were obtained by self-report. We employed logistic regression models to analyze the association between FLI, MASLD, and kidney stone risk and constructed multivariable adjustment models to control for potential confounders. Furthermore, we used restricted cubic spline curve models to investigate the dose-response relationship between FLI and kidney stone risk and conducted subgroup and interaction analyses. Results: The study’s results indicate a strong correlation between increasing FLI quartiles and a notable rise in the prevalence of kidney stones. Specifically, the risk of developing kidney stones was 1.68 times higher among participants in the highest FLI quartile compared to those in the lowest. Furthermore, patients with MASLD exhibited a 1.35-fold increased risk of developing kidney stones compared to those with non-MASLD. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the correlation between MASLD and kidney stone risk was consistent across multiple subgroups. However, a significant interaction was observed in the subgroups of smoking status, physical activity level, and hypertension (interaction p < 0.05). The restricted cubic spline analysis did not yield a statistically significant nonlinear association between FLI and kidney stone risk. However, the study did identify inflection point values for FLI. Conclusion: This study demonstrated an association between FLI and MASLD and the risk of kidney stones. This suggests that these conditions may be pivotal risk factors for kidney stones. Further investigation is required to elucidate these associations’ underlying mechanisms and develop efficacious interventions to reduce the risk of kidney stones. Also, formulating personalized prevention and treatment strategies for different population subgroups is paramount.
Racial, Socioeconomic, and Geographic Disparities in Preamputation Vascular Care for Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia
Authors: Ramadan Omar I. , Yang Lin , Shultz Kaitlyn , Genovese Elizabeth , Damrauer Scott M. , Wang Grace J. , Secemsky Eric A. , Treat-Jacobson Diane J. , Womeodu Robin J. , Fakorede Foluso A. , Nathan Ashwin S. , Eberly Lauren A. , Julien Howard M. , Kobayashi Taisei J. , Groeneveld Peter W. , Giri Jay , Fanaroff Alexander C.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Black patients, those with low socioeconomic status (SES), and those living in rural areas have elevated rates of major lower extremity amputation, which may be related to a lack of subspecialty chronic limb-threatening ischemia care. We evaluated the association between race, rurality, SES, and preamputation vascular care.

METHODS:

Among patients aged 66 to 86 years with fee-for-service Medicare who underwent major lower extremity amputation for chronic limb-threatening ischemia from July 2010 to December 2019, we compared the proportion who received vascular care in the 12 months before amputation by race (Black versus White), rurality, and SES (dual eligibility for Medicaid versus no dual eligibility) using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for clinical and demographic covariates.

RESULTS:

Among 73 237 patients who underwent major lower extremity amputation, 40 320 (55.1%) had an outpatient vascular subspecialist visit, 60 109 (82.1%) had lower extremity arterial testing, and 28 345 (38.7%) underwent lower extremity revascularization in the year before amputation. Black patients were less likely to have an outpatient vascular specialist visit (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR], 0.87 [95% CI, 0.84–0.90]) or revascularization (adjOR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.86–0.93]) than White patients. Compared with patients without low SES or residing in urban areas, patients with low SES or residing in rural areas were less likely to have an outpatient vascular specialist visit (adjOR, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.60–0.64]; low SES versus nonlow SES; adjOR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.79–0.85]; rural versus urban), lower extremity arterial testing (adjOR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.75–0.81]; low SES versus nonlow SES; adjOR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.0.86–0.94]; rural versus urban), or revascularization (adjOR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.63–0.67]; low SES versus nonlow SES; adjOR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.86–0.93]; rural versus urban).

CONCLUSIONS:

Black race, rural residence, and low SES are associated with failure to receive subspecialty chronic limb-threatening ischemia care before amputation. To reduce disparities in amputation, multilevel interventions to facilitate equitable chronic limb-threatening ischemia care are needed.
Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy Performance and Procedures for High-Throughput δ18O and δ2H Measurement in Water Using “Express” Mode
Authors: Galili Nir , Blattmann Thomas M. , Somlyay Anna , Gallarotti Nora , Eglinton Timothy I. , Hemingway Jordon D.
Published: January 2025

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) is rapidly becoming an invaluable tool to measure hydrogen (δ²H) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopic compositions in water, yet the long-term accuracy and precision of this technique remain relatively underreported. Here, we critically evaluate one-year performance of CRDS δ²H and δ18O measurements at ETH Zurich, focusing on high throughput (~200 samples per week) while maintaining required precision and accuracy for diverse scientific investigations. We detail a comprehensive methodological and calibration strategy to optimize CRDS reliability for continuous, high-throughput analysis using Picarro’s “Express” mode, an area not extensively explored previously. Using this strategy, we demonstrate that CRDS achieves long-term precision better than ±0.5‰ for δ18O and ±1.0‰ for δ²H (±1σ) on three United States Geological Survey (USGS) reference materials treated as unknowns.18 Specifically, reported results for each reference material over this one-year period are: (i) USGS W-67444: [Formula: see text]H = [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]O = [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]), (ii) USGS W-67400: [Formula: see text]H = [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]O = [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]), and (iii) USGS-50: [Formula: see text]H = [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]O = [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]). We also address challenges such as aligning our analytical uncertainties with the narrower uncertainties of International Atomic Energy Agency reference materials, and mitigating inherent CRDS issues like memory and matrix effects when analyzing environmental samples. Our review provides a practical framework for CRDS applications in hydrology, paleoclimatology, and biogeochemistry, underscoring the importance of continuous evaluation and methodological refinement to ensure accuracy and precision in δ²H and δ18O analyses.18
Biodynamic Modeling and Analysis of Human-Exoskeleton Interactions in Simulated Patient Handling Tasks
Authors: Chen Yinong , Yin Wei , Zheng Liying , Mehta Ranjana , Zhang Xudong
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the biodynamics of human-exoskeleton interactions during patient handling tasks using a subject-specific modeling approach.

Background

Exoskeleton technology holds promise for mitigating musculoskeletal disorders caused by manual handling and most alarmingly by patient handling jobs. A deeper, more unified understanding of the biomechanical effects of exoskeleton use calls for advanced subject-specific models of complex, dynamic human-exoskeleton interactions.

Methods

Twelve sex-balanced healthy participants performed three simulated patient handling tasks along with a reference load-lifting task, with and without wearing the exoskeleton, while their full-body motion and ground reaction forces were measured. Subject-specific models were constructed using motion and force data. Biodynamic response variables derived from the models were analyzed to examine the effects of the exoskeleton. Model validation used load-lifting trials with known hand forces.

Results

The use of exoskeleton significantly reduced (19.7%–27.2%) the peak lumbar flexion moment but increased (26.4%–47.8%) the peak lumbar flexion motion, with greater moment percent reduction in more symmetric handling tasks; similarly affected the shoulder joint moments and motions but only during two more symmetric handling tasks; and significantly reduced the peak motions for the rest of the body joints.

Conclusion

Subject-specific biodynamic models simulating exoskeleton-assisted patient handling were constructed and validated, demonstrating that the exoskeleton effectively lessened the peak loading to the lumbar and shoulder joints as prime movers while redistributing more motions to these joints and less to the remaining joints.

Application

The findings offer new insights into biodynamic responses during exoskeleton-assisted patient handling, benefiting the development of more effective, possibly task- and individual-customized, exoskeletons.
Bringing Pandemic Science to the Classroom: Building Public Health Capacity at a Rural Kentucky High School
Authors: Alameh Sahar , Hoover Anna G. , Keck James W. , Berry Scott M. , Goodpaster Sagan , Tucker Savannah , Goodin Ashley
Published: January 2025

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a multidisciplinary team at the University of Kentucky developed an interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and environmental health unit—the Wastewater Assessment for Coronavirus in Kentucky: Implementing Enhanced Surveillance Technology (WACKIEST) Unit—for high school students in summer 2022. This case study outlines the WACKIEST Unit, which focused on wastewater surveillance and COVID-19, the obstacles faced during development and recruitment, and implementation of the WACKIEST Unit in conjunction with a rural wastewater surveillance initiative. The unit was implemented in spring 2023 at a rural high school in Kentucky, spanning 12 days and engaging 190 students. Lessons emphasized the importance of wastewater testing in public health decision-making, particularly in the context of COVID-19. A mobile laboratory provided students with hands-on experience in conducting preliminary analyses of wastewater, and a field trip to the local wastewater treatment plant allowed them to observe real-world wastewater management practices. At the unit’s conclusion, students created a public health report aligned with the Evidence-Informed Decision Making in Public Health model, reinforcing the goal of fostering community health resilience. The initiative’s success—measured by the unit’s completion and positive feedback from students and teachers—supports the creation of online modules for broader dissemination. This case study demonstrates how adaptable interdisciplinary approaches can integrate real-world scientific issues into secondary education, offering valuable insights for future efforts in public health education.
Perception of Socioeconomic Status: A Meta-Analysis of Manipulations
Authors: Tan Jacinth J. X. , Tai Amos Y. E.
Published: January 2025

The causal effects of one’s socioeconomic status (SES) on outcomes are typically examined by experimentally manipulating SES self-perceptions based on one of three SES dimensions—absolute resource, relative resource, and general social position. We investigated the efficacy of these manipulations by systematically meta-analyzing their effects on SES self-perceptions. Based on 107 eligible samples ( N = 26,203), manipulations of SES self-perceptions across the three SES dimensions were effective overall ( g = 0.56–0.95). Explicit priming of absolute resource and relative resource manipulations comparing high versus low SES were consistently effective—although bias-corrected effects were attenuated—suggesting the importance of salient SES information and social comparisons. Moderation tests revealed stronger manipulation effects on SES self-perceptions among samples at earlier life stages (university and younger samples) and with stronger interdependent orientation (lower independence and higher female composition). We discuss implications on understanding the determinants of SES self-perception and designing experimental studies on SES effects.
Challenges, perceptions and implications of AAC use in South African classrooms: An exploratory focus group study
Authors: Terblanche Camryn , Pascoe Michelle , Harty Michal
Published: January 2025

Communication partners are instrumental in the successful use and implementation of augmentative and alternative communication systems (AAC), especially in schools, but stakeholder views from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are not well represented in the literature. Focus group interviews with seven professionals and three caregivers from South Africa were conducted to understand their perceptions and experiences of AAC use and implementation. The results highlighted additional issues which practitioners in LMICs need to consider when implementing AAC in under-resourced schools for learners with special education needs. Although some challenges overlap with those experienced in high-income countries, such as support and training, high staff turnover and burnout, large caseloads and language and codeswitching differences, these challenges present differently in low-income contexts, requiring alternative solutions. High-income countries do not often need to consider the risk a high-tech AAC device places on the child and their family due to the risk of crime in low-income contexts, the device affordability, the device features and the range of accents available when introducing an AAC system. This exploratory study suggests that LMICs, like South Africa, could make great strides towards providing appropriate AAC technology for all if i) strategic partnerships between governmental and non-governmental groups were put in place, ii) appropriate communication, training and support systems were established, and iii) evidence-based core-language AAC systems were created.
Positive pulses in HiPIMS enhance Ti-PEEK interface formation
Authors: Cvrček Ladislav , Nehasil Václav , Buřil Matěj
Published: January 2025

The aim of the work was to verify the influence of positive pulses in the high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) method on the formation of the adhesion interface between the Ti coating and the polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Two variants of PEEK materials were tested, a non-conductive one in the basic state and a conductive one filled with carbon nanotubes. The depth profile of the chemical composition was tested using the XPS method with Ar + ion bombardment. A positive pulse applied to the non-conductive PEEK enables the implantation of Ti ions, but the depth of implantation is lower than for a combination of a positive pulse with a DC negative bias applied to the conductive PEEK. However, a positive pulse has a clear effect on the formation of a chemically pure interface without the formation of an atomic inter-mixed layer.
The interaction between nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and sirolimus: a case report of a kidney recipient with renal insufficiency and COVID-19
Authors: Gong Yinhua , Shen Dan , Shi Jinfang , Jiang Ye , Gao Jie
Published: January 2025

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is a novel drug combination authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This report describes the case of a patient with a prior history of kidney transplantation who received nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. In this case, sirolimus use was successfully stopped before nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment, and the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir trough concentration was determined. During nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment, the sirolimus trough concentration remained stable. This case highlights the risk associated with the concomitant administration of sirolimus and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Providers should therefore be cautious when prescribing nirmatrelvir/ritonavir to kidney transplant recipients currently receiving sirolimus, with caution exercised based on creatinine clearance.
Common Benign Bone Lesions and Return to Sports: A Case Report and Scoping Review
Authors: Kafchinski Lisa A. , Crawford Anna E. , Stolzenberg Laurence , Gould Sara J.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Benign bone lesions are a common incidental finding in athletes during workup for musculoskeletal complaints, and athletes are frequently advised to halt participation in contact sports. There are no current guidelines to assist clinicians in referring patients with these lesions to a subspecialist or in advising athletes on the safety of returning to sport.

Purpose:

To assist sports medicine physicians in appropriate referral for patients with benign bone lesions through presentation of a literature review and the case of an adolescent athlete with a benign bone lesion in a location with a significant fracture risk.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed database. Search terms included “enchondroma,”“unicameral bone cyst,”“UBC,”“simple bone cyst,”“SBC,”“aneurysmal bone cysts, “ABC,”“nonossifying fibroma,”“NOF,”“non-ossifying fibroma,”“chondroblastoma,”“osteochondroma,”“exostosis,”“chondromyxoid fibroma,”“periosteal chondroma,” and “fibrous dysplasia” combined with “fracture,”“sports,”“sport,”“contact sport,”“football,” or “rugby.” Randomized controlled trials, case series, and prospective and retrospective studies were all included. Abstracts were excluded.

Results:

In total, 42 separate articles were reviewed. The strength of evidence for each lesion was determined using the total number of patients described in the literature with the pathology. Unicameral bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts, and fibrous dysplasia, particularly in the spine, are associated with a high risk of fracture; therefore, subspecialist referral is warranted before returning to sport. Osteochondromas (exostosis), juxtacortical chondromas, nonossifying fibromas, chondromyxoid fibromas, and enchondromas were associated with low fracture risk, and decisions regarding referral can be made on a case-by-case basis.

Conclusion:

The presence of a benign bone lesion does not always necessitate immediate, absolute restriction from participation in contact sports. After appropriate workup and diagnosis, the risk of return to sport should be evaluated based on the pathology present, and the patient and clinician should engage in a shared decision-making process. The guidelines in this paper provide context for stratifying risk and the importance of specialist referral. For athletes with a confirmed diagnosis of an asymptomatic benign bone lesion with a low risk of fracture, return to play without restrictions or referral is often safe.
Epidemiology of Low Back Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Athletes: Results From the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program Between 2009-10 and 2018-19
Authors: Rao Neel , Boltz Adrian J. , Anderson Megan , Collins Christy L. , Chandran Avinash
Published: January 2025

Background:

Regular epidemiological investigations are needed to investigate factors associated with low back injuries (LBIs) in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports and to inform injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Purpose:

To describe the epidemiology of LBIs in NCAA sports.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Exposure and LBI data collected in the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program during the 2009-10 through 2018-19 academic years were analyzed. Injury counts, rates, and proportions were described by sport, sex, event type (competition, practice), season segment, time loss (>1 day), history (recurrent, new), chronicity, injury mechanism, diagnosis, and activity. Injury rate ratios (IRRs) were used to evaluate differential injury rates, and injury proportion ratios (IPRs) were used to assess differential injury distributions. Effect estimates (IRRs, IPRs) with 95% CIs excluding 1.0 were deemed statistically significant.

Results:

During the study period, 2629 LBIs from 12,213,285 athlete-exposures (AEs) were reported to the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (2.15 LBIs per 10,000 AEs). Rates were highest in women's gymnastics (5.39 per 10,000 AEs), men's tennis (3.39 per 10,000 AEs), and women's volleyball (3.38 per 10,000 AEs). Among sex-comparable sports, rates were higher in men's (compared with women’s) basketball and cross country. Competition injury rates were >2 times as high as practice rates in men's sports; no difference was found in injury rates by event type in women's sports. Chronic LBIs were more prevalent in women's sports (compared with men’s) (IPR = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.29-1.76), as were recurrent injuries (IPR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05-1.46).

Conclusion:

Overall, LBI rates were similar in men's sports and women's sports; injuries were most often attributed to noncontact and overuse. LBI rates across event type varied by sport, with notable differences in women's sports. Future research into LBI risk factors and prevention programs that emphasize proper technique, training, and recovery, especially in practice settings, could be beneficial to reducing the burden of lumbar spine injuries in NCAA athletes.
Patient-Reported Outcomes of Bicruciate Multiligament Versus Single Cruciate Multiligament Knee Injuries
Authors: Trøan Ingrid , Bere Tone , Holm Inger , LaPrade Robert F. , Engebretsen Lars , Moatshe Gilbert
Published: January 2025

Background:

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) are heterogeneous, and bicruciate knee ligament injuries are considered a serious form of this injury. The current literature tends not to distinguish between single and bicruciate MLKI when reporting outcomes.

Purpose:

To investigate patient-reported outcomes after surgical treatment of MLKI comparing single cruciate MLKI with bicruciate MLKI. The secondary aim was to investigate the influence of different factors on patient-reported outcomes after surgery.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This study was designed as a cross-sectional cohort study. Patients who underwent surgical treatment for MLKI at a single level 1 trauma center between January 2013 and December 2020 were included in this study. Patient-reported outcomes included the Tegner score, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Survey (KOOS), and a visual analog scale for pain.

Results:

Of the 191 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 124 (65%) agreed to participate and had a complete data set with a follow-up time at a mean 74 ± 27 months. Patients with single cruciate MLKI (type I) had significantly higher scores for IKDC ( P = .007), Lysholm ( P = .012), KOOS Pain ( P = .04), KOOS Activities of Daily Living ( P = .01), KOOS Sport and Recreation ( P = .005), KOOS Quality of Life ( P = .04), KOOS4 (which considers the subscales of Pain, Symptoms, Sport and Recreation, and Quality of Life) ( P = .01), Tegner ( P = .04), and visual analog scale for pain during activity ( P = .004) when compared with patients with bicruciate MLKI (type II-type IV). Furthermore, age was significantly associated with a lower IKDC ( P = .001), and an increased severity of injury was significantly associated with IKDC ( P = .015), KOOS4 ( P = .022), and Lysholm ( P = .029) scores.

Conclusion:

MLKIs involving a single cruciate ligament had significantly higher patient-reported postoperative outcome measures compared with bicruciate MLKIs. Age and type of injury were important predictors for outcomes. Patients presenting with dislocated knees had lower patient-reported outcomes; however, there was no significant difference in outcomes between bicruciate MLKIs and patients presenting with dislocated knees.
A Novel Proportional Method for the Simplified Assessment of Glenoid Bone Loss in Patients With Anterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Li Menglong , Fan Mingrui , Zhang Yuchen , Shao Pu , Liu Tong , Zuo Jianlin
Published: January 2025

Background:

Surgical planning for anterior shoulder instability (ASI) necessitates accurate measurements of glenoid bone defects, but current methods are either challenging or too complex for practical use. This underscores the need for a simplified, but precise, assessment technique for anterior glenoid bone defects.

Purpose:

To introduce a new measurement technique that requires only computed tomography (CT) of the affected shoulder joint and simultaneously simplifies the assessment of bone defects in the anterior glenoid.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

CT scans of the glenoid from 285 healthy participants and 43 patients with unilateral ASI were collected and reconstructed in 3 dimensions. Initially, we established the proportional relationship between the maximum height and width in the superior-inferior and anterior-posterior directions of the glenoid as well as the location of their intersection (point O) in healthy participants. Subsequently, glenoid bone defects in patients with ASI were measured using the contralateral comparison method, the best-fit circle method, the CT-specific formula method, and our novel proportional method. We analyzed the differences in defect ratios and sizes as well as glenoid track calculations among the 4 methods.

Results:

The mean width-to-height ratio of the glenoid was determined to be 0.69 ± 0.04, allowing for the simplification of the calculation to width = 0.7 × height for clinical convenience. Point O was consistently located at the lower one-third of the glenoid height. There was no statistical significance noted in the measurements of bone defect size and bone defect ratio when comparing the novel proportional method, the contralateral comparison method, and the best-fit circle method; however, a significant increase in bone defect size and bone defect ratio was estimated with the CT-specific formula method (defect size: F = 19.20, P < .0001; defect ratio: F = 15.99, P < .0001).

Conclusion:

We introduced a novel method for estimating the width of glenoid bone defects through the proportion of glenoid width to height, finding that 70% of the glenoid height at its lower one-third closely approximated its maximum width. This approach, requiring only CT data from the affected shoulder, simplified calculations and matched the accuracy of traditional methods. It offers potential clinical benefits in evaluating glenoid defects.
Correlation Between Radiological Measurements for Patellar Instability and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements in Adolescents: A Study From the Faroese Knee Cohort
Authors: Eysturoy Niclas H. , Husum Hans-Christen , Ingelsrud Lina H. , Blønd Lars , Barfod Kristoffer W.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Radiological measurements can predict patellar dislocation and are used to plan patella-stabilizing surgery in patients who have patellofemoral instability. However, it is unclear whether these measurements can predict subjective symptoms in patients without previous stabilizing surgery.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The purpose was to investigate the correlation between radiological measurements and subjective symptoms in individuals with previous patellar dislocation without previous patella-stabilizing surgery. It was hypothesized that this correlation would be negative.

Methods:

A national cohort of patients with previous patellar dislocation was created by inviting all inhabitants of the Faroe Islands aged 15 to 19 years to answer an online survey. All patients with previous patellar dislocation and no previous surgery to the knee were invited to undergo radiography and magnetic resonance imaging of both knees. The radiological measurements were the Dejour classification, lateral trochlear inclination angle, trochlear depth, Caton-Deschamps index, and tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance. The participants completed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), which were the Banff Patellar Instability Score 2.0, Kujala score, Marx score, and EQ-5D-5L score. Continuous data from each radiological measurement were plotted against each PROM to create scatter plots for visual inspection and analysis.

Results:

A total of 1714 (46%) invited individuals responded to the survey invitation, of whom 595 were excluded because of not answering at least 1 PROM. After exclusion of participants with previous knee surgery, 102 participants reported a history of patellar dislocation. Of these, 75 participants underwent radiography and magnetic resonance imaging of their knees and were included in the study for further analysis. Scatter plots and R2 values showed no correlation between radiological measurements and PROM scores.

Conclusion:

This study found no correlation between the most used radiological measurements in patellar instability and PROM scores. The results imply that radiological measurements are not indicative of subjective health and well-being of patients undergoing nonoperative management of patellar dislocations.
Longitudinal Assessment of Intersegmental Abnormalities in the Lumbar Spine of Adolescent Competitive Alpine Skiers Over 48 Months
Authors: Feuerriegel Georg C. , Meyer Daniela , Fitze Daniel P. , Hanimann Jonas , Stern Christoph , Schürmann Flavia , Fröhlich Stefan , Scherr Johannes , Spörri Jörg , Sutter Reto
Published: January 2025

Background:

Overuse-related intersegmental abnormalities in the spine of competitive alpine skiers are common findings. However, longitudinal changes in intersegmental abnormalities and symptoms throughout adolescence have not been assessed.

Purpose:

To longitudinally assess and compare overuse-related spinal intersegmental abnormalities in adolescent competitive alpine skiers over 48 months and to compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in asymptomatic and symptomatic skiers.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Adolescent competitive alpine skiers were prospectively recruited between November 2108 and February 2019 and underwent 3-T MRI of the lumbar spine at baseline and after 48 months. All MRI scans were assessed for intersegmental changes of the intervertebral disk, vertebral body, and facet joints. At both time points, athletes’ low back pain (LBP) symptoms were assessed via retrospective interviews relating to the 12-month period before the MRI study. Athletes were classified as symptomatic if at least 1 substantial episode of health problems related to back overuse had occurred in the 12 months before the MRI examination. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Pearson chi-square test were used to compare the measurements.

Results:

A total of 63 athletes (mean age at follow-up, 19.6 ± 1.2 years; 25 female) were included in the study. A significant increase in LBP affecting training and competition was observed at follow-up, with only 2 athletes reporting a history of spinal trauma (baseline, n = 13; follow-up, n = 20; P = .04). Of the athletes with LBP (n = 27), 59% (n = 16) reported recurrent LBP, 15% (n = 4) reported permanent LBP, and 26% (n = 7) reported 1-time LBP since baseline. Assessment of intersegmental changes revealed a significant increase in the number of athletes with disk signal reduction (baseline, n = 10; follow-up, n = 21; P = .001), disk bulging (baseline, n = 7; follow-up, n = 19; P = .002), or disk herniation (follow-up, n = 2; P = .04). Overall, intersegmental abnormalities did not correlate with LBP within the last year ( P = .53).

Conclusion:

Overuse-related intersegmental abnormalities of the lumbar spine are common in adolescent competitive alpine skiers and are often clinically silent at this age. These abnormalities may persist throughout skeletal maturation and even worsen during adolescence.
PLGA Conical Nail Fixation for Acetabular Chondrolabral Delamination in Femoroacetabular Impingement Promotes Cartilage and Labrum Regeneration in a Porcine Model
Authors: Du Cancan , Gao Guanying , Zhu Yichuan , Zhang Siqi , Zhang Yarui , Wang Jianquan , Liu Zhenlong , Xu Yan
Published: January 2025

Background:

Acetabular chondrolabral delamination (ACD) is one of the most common hip cartilage injuries. However, there are very limited clinical treatments for this injury.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effectiveness of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) conical nail fixation in the treatment of acute and chronic ACD in a porcine model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

In this study, 24 pigs underwent surgically induced delamination of the chondrolabral junction. Pigs were randomly divided into 3 groups: the control group (delaminated chondrolabral junction without treatment), ACD acute refixation (ACDA) group (delaminated chondrolabral junction fixed with a PLGA nail), and ACD chronic refixation (ACDC) group (placement of a nonabsorbable spacer at the stripped chondrolabral junction for 6 weeks before fixation with a PLGA nail). Porcine specimens underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hematoxylin and eosin staining, safranin O/fast green (SO/FG) staining, immunohistochemistry examination (collagen 1, collagen 2, and collagen 10), and immunofluorescence examination ( SOX9 and aggrecan) to evaluate the chondrolabral regeneration at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively.

Results:

MRI showed focal discontinuity of cartilage and fluid located between the acetabular cartilage and subchondral bone plate in the control group. The acetabular cartilage stained with SO/FG showed significantly more proteoglycan deposition at 12 weeks in the ACDA group than in the control group ( P = .0109) and ACDC group ( P = .0484). In accordance with the results of the SO/FG and collagen 10 staining, the aggrecan of the femoral head at 6 and 12 weeks was upregulated in the ACDA group ( P < .0001) and downregulated in the ACDC group ( P < .0001).

Conclusion:

PLGA conical nail fixation achieved a good treatment outcome on MRI and histological evaluations. Early treatment upregulated the expression levels of SOX9 and aggrecan and promoted proteoglycan deposition.

Clinical Relevance:

The PLGA conical nail fixation technique may be a viable and effective treatment approach for patients with ACD in clinical practice.
Injectable Fibrocartilage-Forming Cores Enhance Bone-Tendon Healing in a Rat Rotator Cuff Model
Authors: Yuan Yuhao , Mao Yiyang , Sun Buhua , Chen Can
Published: January 2025

Background:

After surgical repair of rotator cuff (RC) tears, the torn tendon heals unsatisfactorily to the greater tuberosity owing to limited regeneration of the bone-tendon (BT) insertion. This situation motivates the need for new interventions to enhance BT healing in the RC repair site.

Purpose:

To develop injectable fibrocartilage-forming cores by tethering fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) on acellular fibrocartilage matrix microparticles (AFM-MPs) and evaluate their efficacy on BT healing.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

We harvested normal fibrocartilage tissue from the porcine RC insertion, after which it was decellularized and then micronized for fabricating AFM-MPs. The collagen-binding domain was fused into the N-terminus of FGF18 to synthesize recombinant FGF18 (CBD-FGF18), which was tethered to the collagen fibers of AFM-MPs to prepare the injectable fibrocartilage-forming cores (CBD-FGF18@AFM-MPs). After examining the influence of the CBD-FGF18@AFM-MPs on the viability and chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro, we determined the function of the CBD-FGF18@AFM-MPs on BT healing in a rat RC tear model. A total of 80 Sprague-Dawley rats with RC injuries were randomly assigned to 4 supplemental treatments during RC repair: saline injection (control group), AFM-MPs injection, natural FGF18@AFM-MPs injection, and CBD-FGF18@AFM-MPs injection. At 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, the harvested RC specimens were evaluated via micro–computed tomography, histologic staining, and mechanical testing.

Results:

In vitro, the CBD-FGF18@AFM-MPs were highly biomimetic, suitable for cell growth and proliferation, and superior in stimulating chondrogenesis. In vivo micro–computed tomography results showed that the CBD-FGF18@AFM-MPs group had significantly more new bone formation and better bone remodeling than the other 3 groups. Histologically, at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, the CBD-FGF18@AFM-MPs group had the best continuity of the BT insertion with regular collagen alignment and extensive fibrocartilage regeneration. Importantly, at 8 weeks postoperatively, the RC specimens from the CBD-FGF18@AFM-MPs group presented the highest failure load and stiffness.

Conclusion:

The injectable fibrocartilage-forming cores provide a new biological intervention to promote RC healing.

Clinical Relevance:

The injectable fibrocartilage-forming cores may be a new complementary treatment for surgical repair of RC tears.
Sexual Freedom, Fertility, and Time Preferences: Panel Data Analysis From 1960 to 2010
Authors: Bose Feler , Jacob Jeffry
Published: January 2025

Standard economic theory offers a demand-and-supply view of fertility. With increasing economic development, higher income levels, dropping mortality rates, and increases in education levels resulting in increased female labor force participation, there is a decreased demand for children. These determinants of fertility could also be seen as “backward-looking” determinants since they deal with variables that have already happened to the person. Another theory for explaining decreased fertility could be the time preference theory, which is a “forward-looking” variable based on a person’s future expectations. Sexual freedom is seen as a measure of time preference and is expected to affect fertility. For this reason, we will study the impact of increasing sexual freedom on fertility, controlling for various state-level characteristics. To control for endogeneity between fertility and other explanatory variables, we will use fixed effects instrumental variable estimation.
Mechanical and wear performance of Al-, mica-, SiO2-filled glass fiber-reinforced composites and prediction of wear properties with artificial neural networks
Authors: Demir Mehmet Emin , Ergün Raşit Koray
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the effects of different categories of microparticles on the mechanical and tribological properties of glass fiber-reinforced composites. The tensile and wear properties of composites produced by hand lay-up technique, with Al, mica, and SiO2 added to epoxy matrix at 2, 4, and 6%, were determined. The average particle size ranges from 20 to 50 μm for Al, <15 μm for SiO2, and from 30 to 50 μm for mica. SiO2 particles have flaky shapes, and Al and mica particles have irregular shapes. The highest and lowest tensile strengths were obtained in the composites with 2% Al and 6% mica fillers, respectively. Increasing the filler content in all filled composites resulted in a decrease in mechanical properties. The best mechanical properties were observed at the 2% filler content. It was determined that SiO2, mica, and Al powders were the most effective filler types in reducing coefficient of friction of unfilled composites, in that order. An increase in filler content in the composites filled with Al and mica increased the wear rate. The lowest wear loss was observed in SiO2-filled composites. The damage mechanisms, matrix deformations, and fiber fractures of the composites after wear testing were identified through scanning electron microscopy imaging. An artificial neural network model was generated to estimate the wear rates of the filled composites, and the artificial neural network model was successful in validating the experimental results.
Research on hydraulic characteristics and parameter optimization of biomimetic nozzles
Authors: Shengqun Jiang , Jixiang Yue , Yangli Zhou , Yancong Liu
Published: January 2025

The biomimetic nozzle was designed based on the drag reduction properties of the earthworm’s non-smooth surface structure. The impact force of a submerged water jet and the velocity test using particle image velocimetry (PIV) were performed on nine different types of biomimetic nozzles. The impact force measurement test revealed that the highest water jet impact force was 1.67 kg. The impact force is influenced by four parameters: diameter (d) > groove width (P1) > groove depth (P2) > number (N). The PIV velocity monitoring test showed that the axial velocity at the spray center is relatively high, decreasing progressively toward the two edges. Submerged vertical jet's velocity component is primarily axial (U), with minimal radial component (V). The velocity component of the submerged vertical jet is mainly U, and V is very small. As the injection distance increased, U was distributed across the entire cross-section in a shape similar to a normal density function. In order to comprehend the drag reduction process of biomimetic nozzles, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were utilized to analyze the internal flow field properties of the nozzles. The velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, and shear stress distribution properties at the top and bottom of the grooves were compared and evaluated for nine biomimetic nozzles. No. 1, No. 4, and No. 7 have relatively strong overall drag reduction performance, which corresponds to greater levels of water jet impact force. Optimization of design variables using the response surface methodology (RSM) and multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) yielded the optimal combination: groove width P1 = 2.7 mm, groove depth P2 = 3.2 mm, and groove spacing P3 = 10.6 mm. Experimental verification showed that the optimized biomimetic nozzle has greatly enhanced hydraulic performance. This method introduces a new approach to optimizing nozzle parameters and provides theoretical support for engineering design applications.