bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Growing Mpox Infections by Clade I Variant in African Countries Is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern: A Narrative Review
Authors: Urmi Taslima Jamal , Islam Md. Rabiul 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimIn 2022, the monkeypox (mpox) outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern. The emergence of a new strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its identification with neighboring countries led to the declaration of a public health emergency in 2024. The objective is to focus on the recent outbreak that led to its declaration as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, assess the significant global public health threat posed by the newly identified class, and explore effective strategies to address this situation.MethodsThe present review searched information from databases (PubMed and Scopus), WHO, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The search methods followed database‐specific criteria. Key terms included mpox, prevalence, public health emergency, treatment, new variant, prevention, and strategy. We reviewed and extracted information from the relevant literature.ResultsMpox has been endemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over a decade, with a consistent annual rise in reported cases. In August 2024, at least 13 African countries have confirmed 2,863 cases and 517 fatalities. The recent emergence and transmission of a new strain, which appears to be predominantly spreading through sexual networks, along with its identification in neighboring countries, raises significant concerns for public health.ConclusionThe emergence of the new clade of mpox represents a critical public health challenge that necessitates immediate and coordinated global response efforts. By addressing the current outbreak comprehensively, we can mitigate its impact and safeguard public health across affected regions.
Exploring Prevalence and Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Smoking Among Malaysian Adults: A Cross‐ Sectional Study
Authors: Ja'afar Mohd Hasni , Ismail Rosnah , Md Isa Zaleha , Mohd Tamil Azmi , Ismail Noor Hassim , Mat Nasir Nafiza , Nasir Nik Munirah , Ab Razak Nurul Hafiza , Zainol Abidin Najihah , Mente Andrew , Yusof Khairul Hazdi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsThe Malaysian government has implemented various antismoking measures to reduce the incidence of unhealthy lifestyles within the population. This study analyzes the baseline data of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study to establish the prevalence of sociodemographic factors that are associated with smoking habits among Malaysian adults.MethodsThis study was carried out in urban and rural communities with adults aged between 35 and 70 years using purposive sampling. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess the smoking status and sociodemographic data of the participants. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were done to determine the association between smoking status and demographic characteristics among Malaysian adults.ResultsThe prevalence of smoking among adults is 23.2%. The sociodemographic factors significantly associated with active smoking status were being a younger adult (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.06–1.50), being male (AOR = 24.16, 95% CI: 20.58–28.36), being Malay (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.49–1.98), being a blue‐collar worker (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.48–2.06), having no formal education (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.56–2.53), being unmarried (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.02–1.48) and being of low socioeconomic status (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.14–1.84).ConclusionPublic health policies and actions on smoking reduction should emphasize those identified as high‐risk sub‐populations, particularly younger adults, males and those who are not yet married, have no formal education and are of low socioeconomic status.
Gut Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum protects against fat deposition by enhancing secondary bile acid biosynthesis
Authors: Zha Andong , Qi Ming , Deng Yuankun , Li Hao , Wang Nan , Wang Chengming , Liao Simeng , Wan Dan , Xiong Xia , Liao Peng , Wang Jing , Yin Yulong , Tan Bi'e 
Published: December 2024

AbstractGut microbiome is crucial for lipid metabolism in humans and animals. However, how specific gut microbiota and their associated metabolites impact fat deposition remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the colonic microbiome of lean and obese pigs differentially contributes to fat deposition, as evidenced by colonic microbiota transplantation experiments. Notably, the higher abundance of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum was significantly associated with lower backfat thickness in lean pigs. Microbial‐derived lithocholic acid (LCA) species were also significantly enriched in lean pigs and positively correlated with the abundance of B. pseudocatenulatum. In a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice model, administration of live B. pseudocatenulatum decreased fat deposition and enhances colonic secondary bile acid biosynthesis. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of the bile salt hydrolase (BSH), which mediates secondary bile acid biosynthesis, impaired the anti‐fat deposition effect of B. pseudocatenulatum in antibiotic‐pretreated, HFD‐fed mice. Furthermore, dietary LCA also decreased fat deposition in HFD‐fed rats and obese pig models. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the anti‐fat deposition role of B. pseudocatenulatum and identify BSH as a potential target for preventing excessive fat deposition in humans and animals.
Projected Climate Scenarios Reveal an Expanding Suitable Habitat for the Critically Endangered African White‐Backed Vulture Gyps africanus
Authors: Zvidzai Mark , Zengeya Fadzai M. , Masocha Mhosisi , Murwira Amon , Tagwireyi Paradzayi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTEstimating the potential distribution of climatically suitable habitats for different species is important for developing targeted and adaptable biodiversity conservation strategies. However, such crucial information remains limited for obligate scavengers such as the Critically Endangered (CE) African White‐backed Vulture (AWbVs) Gyps africanus. In this study, we applied two Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) algorithms, MaxEnt and BIOCLIM, within the Wallace interface to predict changes in the climatically suitable geographic ranges of the AWbVs under current, 2050, and 2070 climate scenarios in the Hwange ecosystem. Using 19 dynamic bioclimatic variables, five Global Circulation Models (GCMs), and two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), we modelled the potential impacts of climatic changes on AWbVs geographic ranges. This analysis incorporated 89,809 GPS occurrence data points collected from six AWbVs that were captured and tracked in Hwange National Park and its surrounding areas. Model performance was robust, with a high overall mean AUC of 0.89. Our results indicate that climatic suitability within protected areas is expected to remain stable under future climate change scenarios. In addition, models developed in this study suggest that suitable habitats for the AWbVs are expected to expand significantly by 2050 and 2070, extending towards human‐dominated landscapes. Given the critical conservation status of the AWbVs, these findings offer valuable insights that can inform current and future conservation strategies.
6‐Chloronicotinic Acid Induces Toxicity in Mouse Neural Stem Cells via the C3ar1 Signaling
Authors: He Min , Lin Yahang , Zhang Xiaojing , Wang Siyi , Yang Xinyu , Cui Fengzhen , Sheng Xia 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTNeural stem cells (NSCs) are essential for brain development due to their ability to proliferate and differentiate into various neural cell types. Neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs), which have replaced traditional pesticides, are now widely used and frequently detected in environmental and biological samples. Prenatal exposure to NNIs has been associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, yet the causal relationship and the underpinning mechanism remain to be clarified. As one of the primary metabolites of chloropyridinyl neonicotinoids, 6‐chloronicotinic acid (6‐ClNA) has been identified as a potential neurotoxin, though its effects on NSCs have not been fully explored. Here, we demonstrate that 6‐ClNA exposure significantly disrupted NSC proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that 6‐ClNA altered the expression of pathways related to proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation, with notable activation of the C3ar1/C1qa signaling axis. Genetic ablation of C3ar1 using siRNA markedly restored NSC proliferation and neurosphere formation, as well as reduced apoptosis, suggesting a central role of C3ar1/C1qa in mediating 6‐ClNA's neurotoxic effects. These findings imply that early‐life exposure to NNIs may affect the fitness and function of NSCs, wherein the C3ar1 pathway plays an indispensable role.
Improving surgical performance of free gingival graft harvesting through training and instruction
Authors: De Greef Alexander , Stankov Ventseslav , Siawasch Manoetjer , Teughels Wim , Temmerman Andy , Castro Ana 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe present study assessed the influence of training and instruction on fine motor skills in periodontal plastic surgery.MethodsUndergraduate dental students (n = 41) at the University of Leuven were randomly assigned to four different training groups, each with varying training intervals and total durations. These students were further categorized into two learning approaches: implicit (n = 21) and explicit (n = 20). Initially, the unexperienced participants were tasked with harvesting a free gingival graft on an apple with specified dimensions. They were evaluated on following parameters: surgical outcome, efficiency, and execution. After a 3‐week training period, participants repeated the technical test from baseline, with a surprise test featuring altered graft dimensions.ResultsAll proposed aspects of surgical performance improved during training, including graft volumetric precision (p = 0.14), completion time (p = 0.05), and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills scoring (p < 0.001). “Daily trainers” outperformed “weekly trainers,” followed by “one‐time trainers,” with “zero trainers” showing the least improvement. Regarding instruction, the implicit learning approach solely demonstrated significantly reduced task completion time during the surprise test (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThese findings highlighted the benefit of frequent training on surgical performance for novice trainees learning the execution of a specific periodontal procedure, while increased instruction intensity did not yield additional advantages.
Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction normalizes patellar kinematics but fails to predict cartilage contact area: A prospective 3D MRI study
Authors: Siegel Markus , Maier Philipp , Taghizadeh Elham , Meine Hans , Lange Thomas , Fuchs Andreas , Yilmaz Tayfun , Schmal Hagen , Izadpanah Kaywan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the main patellar stabilizer in low knee flexion degrees (0–30°). Isolated MPFL reconstruction (MPFLr) is therefore considered the gold standard of surgical procedures for low flexion patellofemoral instabilities (PFIs). Despite excellent clinical results, little is known about the effect of MPFLr on kinematic parameters (KPs) of the patellofemoral joint in vivo. This study investigates the effect of MPFLr on KP of patellofemoral articulation, using a three‐dimensional (3D) in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis at different flexion and loading positions, and analyzes the correlation of these parameters with the patellofemoral cartilage contact area (CCA).MethodsIn this prospective, matched‐pair cohort study of 30 individuals, 15 patients with low flexion PFI and 15 knee‐healthy individuals were included. Patients were analyzed pre and post‐operatively after MPFLr. MRI images were obtained at 0°, 15° and 30° with and without muscle activation, using a custom‐designed pneumatic loading device. Patellar shift, tilt and rotation were determined in 3D bone and cartilage models of each individual, guaranteeing the highest reliability. Subsequently, the KPs were correlated with patellofemoral CCA.ResultsPatients with low flexion PFI had a leg geometry of 0.5 ± 2.6° valgus and a TTTG of 11.4 ± 4.4 mm. Eleven patients had moderate (Type A/B) and 2 had severe (Type C/D) trochlear dysplasia. Without muscle activation, patients showed significantly increased patellar shift (0–30°; p0° = 0.011, p15° = 0.004 and p30° = 0.015) and tilt (15°; p15° = 0.041). Muscle activation did not compensate for maltracking in these patients, but even increased tilt and shift further in extension (p0° = 0.002 and p0° = 0.001). MPFLr statistically reduced patellofemoral tilt from 0° to 30° flexion during passive flexion and tended to approach the values of knee‐healthy individuals (pext = 0.008, p15° = 0.006 and p30° = 0.003). Post‐operatively, muscle activation led to comparable tilt and shift as in healthy individuals. Tilt, shift and rotation did not correlate with CCA neither in healthy individuals nor in pre‐ or post‐operative patients.ConclusionIsolated MPFLr can normalize patellar shift and tilt in patients with low flexion instability. Considering the influence of muscle activation, passive stabilization through MPFLr seems to be the basic precondition for physiologically active patella stabilization. The investigated KPs as easy‐to‐measure parameters in clinical practice cannot be used to assume normalized CCA for low flexion degrees. Therefore, methodologically demanding methods are still required to calculate the patellofemoral CCA.Level of EvidenceLevel II.
Preoperative difference between 2D and 3D planning correlates with difference between planned and achieved surgical correction in patient‐specific instrumented total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Pflüger Patrick , Pedrazzini Alberto , Jud Lukas , Vlachopoulos Lazaros , Hodel Sandro , Fucentese Sandro F. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeThe goals of this study were (1) to assess whether the preoperative difference between modalities and extent of deformity are associated with a higher difference between planned and achieved surgical correction and (2) if they yield a higher probability of intraoperative adjustments.MethodsRetrospective single‐centre analysis of patients undergoing patient‐specific instrumented (PSI) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Preoperative radiographic parameters were analysed on weightbearing (WB) long‐leg radiographs (LLR) and nonweightbearing (NWB) computed tomography (CT). The 2D/3D difference was calculated as the difference between preoperative WB‐LLR (2D) hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA), and NWB CT (3D) HKA. Surgical records were screened to retrieve intraoperative adjustments to the preoperative plan. Postoperative assessment was performed on WB LLR.ResultsTwo‐hundred‐eighty‐two knees of 263 patients were analysed. The difference of postoperative achieved to planned HKA (HKADifference) was 2.2° ± 1.7°. The preoperative 2D HKA showed the highest correlation with HKADifference (r = −0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.48 to −0.26, p < 0.001). Intraoperative adjustments were performed in 60% (n = 170) of all knees. Patients with a preoperative coronal deformity of >7.8° had 10.55 higher odds for an intraoperative coronal adjustment (95% CI: 4.60–24.20, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe extent of deformity is associated with residual coronal deformity following PSI‐TKA. Patients with extensive coronal malalignment may benefit from an adaptation of the preoperative surgical plan to avoid unintended postoperative coronal malalignment. Despite the advancements with 3D preoperative planning, intraoperative adjustments in PSI‐TKA are frequently performed, in particular in patients with a higher preoperative varus/valgus deformity.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Patient‐specific cutting guides allow 1° precision in asymmetric anterior closing‐wedge osteotomy
Authors: Leluc Julien , Mabrouk Ahmed , Hirth Jacob , Nawabi Danyal , Jacquet Christophe , Ollivier Matthieu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeAsymmetric anterior closing‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (ACWHTO) allows correction of both excessive posterior tibial slope (PTS) and varus deformity. However, the complexity of this surgery requires a high degree of accuracy, which is less likely to be achieved with standard instrumentations. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of 3D patient‐specific cutting guides (PSCGs) to provide the accurate planned correction in the frontal and sagittal planes.MethodsEight sawbones tibiae were identically printed from the same patient data. An ACWHTO with a PSCG was performed on each sawbone. Postoperative measurements of PTS, mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), hinge area and hinge–posterior cruciate ligament (hinge–PCL) distance were compared with the preoperative planned measurements. The precision was defined as the absolute difference (∆) between the target planned values and postoperative values.ResultsThe mean accuracy was 0.6° ± 0.74° for PTS, 0.8° ± 0.71° for mMPTA, 0.3 ± 0.2 cm2 for hinge area and 0.1 ± 0.06 mm for hinge–PCL distance.ConclusionIn the setting of sawbones, the use of PSCGs was a reliable and accurate method of achieving simultaneous correction in the frontal and sagittal planes during asymmetric ACWHTO.Level of EvidenceLevel V, basic science biomechanical laboratory study.
High incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in professional men's handball: Analysis of the ‘ACL registry in German Sports’ over seven consecutive seasons
Authors: Resch Tobias , Krutsch Werner , Weber Johannes , Krueckel Jonas , Hartz Frederik , Alt Volker , Achenbach Leonard , Szymski Dominik 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to generate knowledge about the epidemiology and risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in handball. It was hypothesised that the incidence of ACL injuries is high and comparable to other pivoting sports like football.MethodsThis study is based on the prospective ‘ACL registry in German Sports’ implemented in the 2016–2017 season. Professional (first and second leagues) male handball players were analysed regarding the incidence and risk factors for ACL injuries. Injuries were registered according to the direct reports of the injured players to the study office and double‐checked via media analysis. After injury registration, the players received a standardised questionnaire. Data were analysed from the 2016–2017 to the 2022–2023 season.ResultsA total of 84 ACL injuries were registered. 46.3% of ACL injuries were re‐ruptures. This represents a total incidence of 0.044 ACL injuries per 1000 h of exposure in training and matches per player over the study period. An increased incidence rate of 0.064/1000 h in the first league compared to 0.031/1000 h in the second league was reported (p ˂ 0.001). The mean number of injuries in the first division was 8.3, and in the second division, 6.6 ACL ruptures per season. Risk factors for ACL injury include previous knee injury and increased match exposure.ConclusionThe incidence of ACL injuries in professional handball is high and comparable to football with an increased risk in the first league compared to the second league in Germany. There was a high incidence of re‐injury. Other risk factors for ACL injuries include previous injuries to the affected knee in general as well as increased match exposure.Level of EvidenceLevel II prospective cohort study.
One‐Pot Sequential Four‐Component Reaction for the Synthesis of Novel Dihydro Oxaphospholo Pyrazole 2‐Oxides in Acetic Acid Medium
Authors: Wu Mingshu , Sun Zhengfan , Ning Rui , Yan Ziwen , Ma Junying , Fan Siqi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTA four‐component one‐pot sequential approach to five‐membered oxaphosphaheterocycles have developed. The method involves in situ generation of methylpyrazolin‐5‐one from ethyl acetoacetate and phenyl hydrazine. Further, a sequential reaction of methylpyrazolin‐5‐one with various aromatic aldehydes and phenyl dichloro phosphine afforded dihydro oxaphospholo pyrazole 2‐oxide derivatives.
Evaluating CMIP6 Global Climate Models Performances Over Nigeria: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Shiru Mohammed Sanusi , Kim Dongkyun , Chung Eun‐Sung 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe choice of global climate models (GCMs) for climate or hydrological studies remains a challenge due to their temporal and spatial variations and different performances in different parts of the globe. This study assesses the performances of 33 GCMs of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) for precipitation, maximum temperature and minimum temperature over Nigeria in order to select the best performing GCMs for aggregation into a multi model ensemble (MME). The study uses three statistical metrics (SM) and Random Forest (RF) machine learning method for the evaluation of the GCMs. In addition, the GCM performances were also estimated using spatial assessment, boxplots, scatter plots and mean monthly comparison at each grid point over the period 1985–2014. Finally, the average was used to generate variations of MMEs by increasing the number of models in the MME considering the inclusion of the better ranking ones first in order to determine the optimum MME for the variables. The highest ranking GCMs based on the average of the scores of the SM and RF were NESM3, CMCC‐ES, IPSL‐L‐R‐INCA and IPSL‐L‐R, MPI‐HAM and SAMO‐UNICON for precipitation; BCC‐C‐MR, MRI‐ESM, BCC‐ESM1, ACC‐ESM1‐5 and GISS‐E2‐CC for maximum temperature; and GFDL‐ESM, AWI‐C‐MR, IPSL‐L‐R, CAS‐ESM2 and AWI‐C‐LR for minimum temperature. The highest‐ranking model for all variables is ACC‐ESM1‐5, which ranked highest with a score of 0.6920 followed by BCC‐C‐MR with 0.6898, CAS‐ESM2 with 0.6597 and BCC‐ESM1 with 0.6545 score. The results of the spatial assessment, boxplots, scatter plots and the mean monthly comparison aligns with this. In the aggregation of MME for the three variables, the optimum number of models was obtained after averaging of the first four best ranking GCMs. This study presents a localised study, which is expected to reduce uncertainty in the projection of climate over Nigeria.