bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hallux Valgus Deformity and Postural Sway: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Omae Hiroaki , Ohsawa Takashi , Hio Naohiro , Tsunoda Kazuhiko , Omodaka Takuya , Hashimoto Shogo , Ueno Akira , Tajika Tsuyoshi , Iizuka Yoichi , Chikuda Hirotaka 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Hallux valgus deformity has been reported to be associated with increased postural sway. However, the direction and magnitude of postural sway associated with hallux valgus remain inconclusive. We assessed the association between hallux valgus deformity and postural sway using a force plate.Methods: The subjects were 169 healthy volunteers, >40 years old (63 males, 106 females, average age: 66.0 ± 12.4 years old), who took part in an annual medical examination. We investigated the photographic hallux valgus angle (°), total trajectory length of the gravity center fluctuation (mm), area of the center of pressure (mm2), mediolateral and anteroposterior postural sway (mm) in a standing position with 2-legged stance and eyes open, hallux pain (Numerical Rating Scale), trunk and lower limb muscle mass (kg). We classified the subjects into a hallux valgus group (n=44, photographic hallux valgus angle of 1 or both feet ≥20°) and a no hallux valgus group (n=125, photographic hallux valgus angle of both feet <20°) and analyzed the relationship between hallux valgus and postural sway. Results: The anteroposterior postural sway in the hallux valgus group (6.5 ± 2.8) was significantly greater than in the no hallux valgus group (5.4 ± 2.2, p=0.014), and the lower limb muscle mass in the hallux valgus group (12.4 ± 2.2) was significantly smaller than in the no hallux valgus group (13.5 ± 3.2, p=0.016). The total value of the photographic hallux valgus angle on both feet was positively correlated with the anteroposterior postural sway (p=0.021) and negatively correlated with the lower limb muscle mass (p=0.038). The presence of hallux valgus (p=0.024) and photographic hallux valgus angle were (p=0.008) independently related to the magnitude of anteroposterior postural sway. Conclusions: Hallux valgus deformity and its severity were positively associated with the magnitude of the anteroposterior postural sway. Trial registration: 2017-135. Registered 22 August 2017
The Tungsten Oxide Within Phosphate Glasses to Investigate the Structural, Optical and Shielding Properties Variations
Authors: sadeq mohammed , El-bashir B.O. , Almuqrin Aljawhara H. , Sayyed M.I. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We prepared a series of sodium phosphate glasses by changing WO3/P2O5 content and investigated structure optical and radiation shielding features as a function of glass composition. The average density (ρexp) and was found to increase gradually from 2.49 to 3.07 g/cm3 while the average molar volume values reduced from 47.37 to 44.28 cm3/mol with WO3 addition. Also, the average field strength was also computed and found to increase with increasing WO3. The study of optical absorption spectra reveals that, the absorption peaks in the visible region become higher compared to the peaks In the UV region. This observation is accompanied with a color transformation of glasses from light to dark blue color, with more WO3 adding. The existence of pentavalent tungsten state (W5+) is identified by this blue color. with WO3 addition an absorption band at around at 350–390 nm is appeared. Moreover, this band is overlapped with Urbach edge, which regularly produces an artificial edge-like feature at ~400 nm. A detailed deconvolution protocol is required for an appropriate understanding of these spectra and unravelling the hidden Urbach edge. Our analysis shows that, with increasing WO3/P2O5 content, the optical band gap decreases. This behavior can be elucidated in terms of lower band gap of W (2.7 eV) than that of P2O5 (8.5 eV) and the high polarizing power W. Further, the radiation shielding parameters were investigated for the prepared glasses. WO3 addition improves these shielding parameters against radiation. Where, upon the increase of WO3 concentration, the LAC of glass material increases which leads to a decrease in HVL value. Then it is deducible that the amount of WO3 in this glass sample has an important impact on the shielding capability at lower energy values and has a slight impact at higher energy values.
Meta-pangenomics Reveals Depth-dependent Shifts in Metabolic Potential for the Ubiquitous Marine Bacterial SAR324 Lineage
Authors: BOEUF Dominique , Eppley John M , Mende Daniel R , Malmstrom Rex R , Woyke Tanja , DeLong Edward F 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOceanic microbiomes play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle and are central to the transformation and recycling of carbon and energy in the ocean’s interior. SAR324 is a ubiquitous but poorly understood uncultivated clade of Deltaproteobacteria that inhabits the entire water column, from ocean surface waters to its deep interior. Although some progress has been made in elucidating potential metabolic traits of SAR324 in the dark ocean, very little is known about the ecology and the metabolic capabilities of this group in the euphotic and twilight zones. To investigate the comparative genomics, ecology and physiological potential of the SAR324 clade, we examined the distribution and variability of key genomic features and metabolic pathways in this group from surface waters to the abyss in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, one of the largest biomes on Earth.Results We leveraged a pangenomic ecological approach, combining spatio-temporally resolved single amplified genome, metagenomic and metatranscriptomic datasets. The data revealed substantial genomic diversity throughout the SAR324 clade, with distinct depth and temporal distributions that clearly differentiated ecotypes. Phylogenomic subclade delineation, environmental distributions, genomic feature similarities, and metabolic capacities revealed congruent groups that, when merged, form Operational Ecogenomic Units (OEUs). The four SAR324 OEUs delineated in this study revealed striking divergence from one another with respect to their habitat-specific metabolic potentials. The OEUs living in the dark or twilight oceans shared genomic features and metabolic capabilities consistent with a sulfur-based chemolithoautotrophic lifestyle. In contrast, those inhabiting the sunlit ocean displayed higher plasticity energy-related metabolic pathways, supporting a presumptive photoheterotrophic lifestyle. In epipelagic SAR324 OEUs, we observed the presence of two types of proton-pumping rhodopsins, as well as genomic, transcriptomic, and ecological evidence for active photoheterotrophy, based on xanthorhodopsin-like light-harvesting proteins.ConclusionsOur approach combining pangenomic and multi-omics profiling revealed a striking divergence in the vertical distribution, genomic composition, metabolic potential, and predicted lifestyle strategies of geographically co-located members of the SAR324 bacterial clade. The results highlight the utility of pangenomic approaches employed across environmental gradients, to decipher the properties and variation in function and ecological traits of specific phylogenetic clades within complex microbiomes.
Comparison of Hip Structure Analysis and Grip Strength Between Femoral Neck and Basicervical Fractures
Authors: Cha Yong-Han , Yoo Jun-Il 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze differences in the geometrical properties of the proximal femur and predict the occurrence of basicervical fractures through a comparative study of femoral neck and basicervical fractures in patients undergoing hip structural analysis (HSA). Methods: All patients with hip fractures who were at least 65 years old and admitted to our hospital between March 2017 and December 2019 were eligible for this study. During the study period, 149 femur neck fractures (FNF) and basicervical fractures (intertrochanteric fractures of A31.2) were included in the study. Fifty-nine people were included in the final analysis. The factors considered to be the most important confounders affecting the occurrence of basicervical hip fractures were chosen for propensity-score analysis. A logistic model with basicervical hip fractures as the outcome and age, sex, weight, spinal T-score, hip T-score, and vitamin D levels as confounders was used to estimate the propensity score.Results: The cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI) of the intertrochanter was significantly lower in the basicervical hip fracture (HF) patients than in the FNF patients (p = 0.045). However, there were no significant differences in any other HSA variable between the two groups. The results of ROC analysis showed that the cutoff points for HSA were 100 in hip axis length (HAL) (AUC = 0.659, p < 0.001) and 5.712 in the CSMI of the intertrochanter (AUC = 0.676, p < 0.001). After considering three variables, including HAL, the CSMI of intertrochanter, and handgrip strength, the results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were 104.8, 8.75, and 16.9 (AUC = 0.726, p < 0.001), respectively.Conclusion: Proximal femoral geometric analysis using HSA is a useful method for predicting the type of hip fracture. Additionally, a lower CSMI, shorter HAL, and lower grip strength are major predictors of basicervical fractures.
Association between choriocapillaris flow deficit and choroidal neovascularization activity in eyes with myopic choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Uematsu Sato , Sakaguchi Hirokazu , Sayanagi Kaori , Ikuno Yasushi , Yokoyama Ayako , Asai Tomoko , Fukushima Yoko , Hara Chikako , Sakimoto Susumu , Nishida Kohji 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Although choriocapillaris flow deficit (CFD) around choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is less associated with CNV activity in myopic eyes, there are no reports investigating its size as an indicator of CNV activity. We investigated the relationship between CFD and high myopia-related CNV. In this retrospective, observational study, patients underwent optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) with split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation angiography for diagnosing pathological myopic CNV (mCNV); CFD features around CNV margins were evaluated. Of the 33 eyes (30 patients), 11 (33.3%) had active mCNV, and 22 (66.7%) had inactive CNV. Five eyes (15.2%) were treatment-naïve, while the remainder previously underwent anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. On OCTA, blood flow signals were detected in CNV in the outer retinal layer in 28 (84.8%) eyes, including all active cases (11 cases) and 17 (77.3%) of 22 inactive cases. CNV flow signal size correlated significantly with activity (P = 0.002). CFD around CNV was observed in 18 eyes (54.5%), eight of which had active CNV. CFD size correlated significantly with CNV activity (P = 0.014). The size of both the CFD area around CNV and CNV flow signal area are useful indicators of CNV activity in eyes with mCNV, which may help determine treatment timing.
Study on the Safety and Effectiveness of Drug-coated Balloons in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hao Xiaojiao , Huang Damin , Wang Zhaoxia , Zhang Jinchun , Liu Hongqiang , lu yingmin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background：Drug-coated balloon (DCB) is a new technology that has emerged in recent years, and it has been proven to be effective and safe in the treatment of restenosis in the stent. The purpose of this article is to observe the safety and effectiveness of drug-coated balloons in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods: A total of 80 patients who were admitted to our department due to STEMI from January 2018 to December 2019 were selected. The subjects were randomly divided into drug-coated balloon treatment group (balloon group, n=38) and drug-eluting stent (DES) treatment group (stent group, n=42). The patients were followed up for 1 year to understand the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after operation. Coronary angiography was reexamined at 1 year after operation to understand the late lumen loss (LLL) of the two groups. Results: At the 1-year follow-up, the target lesion LLL in the balloon group was (−0.12±0.46) mm, while the target lesion in the stent group was (0.14±0.37) mm (P<0.05). Within 1 year, the incidence of MACEs in the balloon group was 11%, and the incidence of MACEs in the stent group was 12%. There was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: DCB therapy alone is safe and effective when PCI is performed for STEMI, and it shows good clinical results during the 1-year follow-up period.
hERG - Deficient Human Embryonic Stem Cell - Derived Cardiomyocytes for Modelling QT Prolongation
Authors: Chang Yun , Li Ya-nan , Bai Rui , Wu Fujian , Ma Shuhong , Saleem Amina , Zhang Siyao , Jiang Youxu , Dong Tao , Guo Tianwei , Hang Chengwen , Lu Wen-jing , Jiang Hongfeng , Lan Feng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Long-QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2) is common malignant hereditary arrhythmia. Due to the lack of suitable animal and human models, the pathogenesis of LQT2 caused by human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) deficiency is still unclear. In this study, we generated an hERG-deficient human cardiomyocyte (CM) model that simulates ‘human homozygous hERG mutations’ to explore the underlying impact of hERG dysfunction and the genotype–phenotype relationship of hERG deficiency.Methods: The KCNH2 was knocked out in the human embryonic stem cell (hESC) H9 line using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Using a chemically defined differentiation protocol, we obtained and verified hERG-deficient CMs. Subsequently, high-throughput microelectrode array (MEA) assays and drug interventions were performed to characterise the electrophysiological signatures of hERG-deficient cell lines.Results: Our results showed that KCNH2 knockout did not affect the pluripotency or differentiation efficiency of H9 cells. Using high-throughput MEA assays, we found that the electric field potential duration and action potential duration of hERG-deficient CMs were significantly longer than those of normal CMs. The hERG-deficient lines also exhibited irregular rhythm and some early afterdepolarisations. Moreover, we used the hERG-deficient human CM model to evaluate the potency of agents (Nifedipine and magnesium chloride) that may ameliorate the phenotype.Conclusions: We established an hERG-deficient human CM model that exhibited QT prolongation, irregular rhythm and sensitivity to other ion channel blockers. This model serves as an important tool that can aid in understanding the fundamental impact of hERG dysfunction, elucidate the genotype–phenotype relationship of hERG deficiency and facilitate drug development.
Association Between Plasma Homocysteine Levels and Cognitive Deficits in Han Chinese Patients with Schizophrenia across Age Groups
Authors: Zhou Sumiao , Huang Yuanyuan , Feng Yangdong , Li Hehua , Wu Kai , Yang Mingzhe , Wu Fengchun , Huang Xingbing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: It was still unclear how homocysteine (Hcy) levels and cognitive deficits change in patients with schizophrenia of various ages. The present article attempts to assess the relationship between Hcy levels and cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia across age groups, especially in young people.Methods: Totals of 103 patients and 122 healthy controls were included. All participants were stratified into four groups according to their age: 18-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, and 50-59 years. Clinical data, plasma Hcy levels, and cognitive function score were collected. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery of tests assessing speed of processing, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, working memory, and attention/vigilance.Results: Compared with the healthy group, Hcy levels increased significantly, and all the measured cognitive function score were significantly lower in all age groups of patients with schizophrenia (p < 0.001). Hcy levels were negatively associated with speed of processing (SoP), working memory (WM), and visual learning and memory (Vis Lrng) score in 18-29 years. Further multiple regression analysis showed that SoP were independently associated with Hcy levels in patients with schizophrenia aged 18-29 years (B = 0.61, t = 3.17, p = 0.013).Conclusions: Based on our results, patients with schizophrenia performed worse on cognitive assessments and Hcy levels were more closely related to cognition in young patients.
The long-term outcome of CyberKnife therapy for head and neck paraganglioma: Management suggestion from a single center experience
Authors: Hong Sukwoo , Kagawa Kenji , Sato Kengo , Ichi Shunsuke 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
To analyze the long-term follow-up data of CyberKnife treatment (CKT) for head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGs). Patients who received CKT to HNPGs from 2010 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 34 HNPGs from 29 patients were identified. The mean age was 50 (± 16) years old, and 15 patients (52%) were female. Previous operation was done in 15 patients (55%). Four cases (14%) were functional in hormone production. According to Fisch classification, one case (3%) was B, 12 (42%) were C, 14 (48%) were D, and two cases (7%) were out of classification. The median prescribed dose covered 95% of the planning target volume was 2500 (IQR 2100–2600) cGy and the median target volume was 10 (IQR 5.8–21.3) cm3. The local control rate was 97%. The median progression-free survival was 66 (IQR 28–95) months and 96% were free of tumor progression at eight years. During the follow-up, one case (3%) resulted in permanent facial nerve palsy (House-Brackmann grade II), and another case (3%) resulted in asymptomatic cerebellar radiation necrosis. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed no previous surgical history (OR 8.58, 95% CI 1.2–59.7, p = 0.03) was a positive predictor of symptom improvement. We devised a treatment flow-chart based on our finding. CKT for HNPGs was an effective treatment with little side effect over the long term and may have a role in the first-line therapy especially for symptomatic nonfunctional HNPGs for better symptom control.
Role of Radiofrequency Ablation and Cement Injection for Pain Control in Patients with Spinal Metastasis
Authors: Yildizhan Serhat , Boyaci Mehmet Gazi , Rakip Usame , Aslan Adem 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The study aimed to investigate the effects and reliability in the prevention of tumour spread of radiofrequency ablation or ablation with vertebroplasty simultaneously applied for pain in patients with painful spinal vertebra metastasis and the effect of preventing tumor spread in long-term follow-up.
Methods
Patients with painful vertebrae metastasis in the XXX Health Sciences University, Medical Faculty, Hospital Neurosurgery Clinic between 01.01.2015 and 01.02.2019 were recruited.
They were divided into groups according
to the surgical procedures applied.
Group 1 included 12 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation only, and group 2 included 16 patients who underwent vertebroplasty with radiofrequency ablation. The metastatic lesion, pain, and quality of life were evaluated with imaging, Visual Analog Scale, and Oswestry Disability Survey before and after the procedure.
Results
A total of 28 patients diagnosed with painful spinal metastasis were included in our study. The degree of collapse increased in five patients in group 1, leading to vertebroplasty. Simple polymethyl methacrylate leakage was observed in four patients in group 2 without spinal cord compression. Pain and quality of life improved significantly in both groups, with more being in Group 2, and analgesic use was significantly reduced. No tumor spread in the vertebrae was observed in any patient during follow-up.
Conclusion
According to our results, patients with painful vertebral metastases should receive vertebroplasty simultaneously with radiofrequency ablation for palliative pain control and prevention of tumour spread.
Wavelength Dependent Anisotropic Photo Sensing Activity of Zirconium Trisulfide Crystal
Authors: Patel Anand Chunilal , Patel Kunjal , Limberkar Chaitanya , Patel K. D. , Solanki G. K. , Pathak V. M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
According to the performance requirements, either bulk or nanocrystalline form of the material can be used for different types of device applications. In the present study, zirconium triselenide bulk crystals were grown by direct vapour transport technique. The as-grown crystals and powder have been examined under Carl Zeiss optical microscope and scanning electron microscope for morphological studies which revealed the evolution of crystalline phases of the material by the layered kind of growth mechanism. The energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) characterization confirms that no impurity is found in the resulting product except the desired material. To study the effect of different wavelength sources (Blue-470 nm, Green-540 nm, Red-670 nm) on bulk zirconium trisulfide photodetectors, pulsed photo response experiment was carried out. The anisotropic behaviour is also revealed using the same sources. Various device parameters like responsivity, sensitivity, detectivity and external quantum efficiency (EQE%) were calculated. The highest responsivity and detectivity of 81.7 µA/W and 3.56 × 1007 Jones were achieved for blue (470 nm) light source respectively.
Fivefold higher abundance of ticks (Acari: Ixodida) on the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) forest than field ecotypes
Authors: Opalińska Patrycja , Wierzbicka Anna , Asman Marek , Rączka Grzegorz , Dyderski Marcin K. , Nowak-Chmura Magdalena 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is the most common deer species in Europe. The species can be a reservoir of some tick-borne diseases (TBD) but it is primarily recognized for its contribution as an amplifier host. In Central Europe, two roe deer ecotypes are living in adjacent areas: field and forest. We investigated differences in tick load and species composition on these two ecotypes. We collected ticks from 160 (80 the forest ecotype and 80 the field ecotype) roe deer culled in Wielkopolska Region (West-Central Poland). The most common was Ixodes ricinus (n = 1610; 99%) followed by Ixodes hexagonus (n = 22; 1%). The dominant life stage of the ticks was female. Prevalence was higher for forest roe deer. Mean number of ticks found on the forest ecotype was almost fivefold higher than on the field ecotype (3.75±0.83 vs. 0.77±0.20 ticks). The mean probability of tick occurrence was threefold higher in the forest (0.915±0.050) than the field ecotype (0.279±0.125). 'The most infested body parts of roe deer from both ecotypes were the neck and the head.
Multi-Granularity Feasibility Evaluation Method of the Partial Destructive Disassembly for an End-of-Life Product
Authors: Guo Lei , ZHANG Xiufen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Partial destructive disassembly (PDD) is essential for end-of-life products to improve their automatic disassembly efficiency and reduce disassembly cost. A feasibility evaluation of the PDD is the key step to evaluate whether the PDD can be implemented. However, it has not been studied previously to our knowledge. To deal with this problem, a multi-granularity feasibility evaluation method is proposed. A multi-granularity feasibility evaluation model of the PDD was constructed based on the complex product’s hierarchical structure, which not only described the evaluation indices from the product level to the component level but also presented methods and rules to quantify them. 1Thus, disassembly entropy was introduced into the target group’s coarse granularity evaluation. The feasibility of the fine-grained index of the PDD for the component layer was constructed based on the product’s failure characteristic. The fine-grained index was calculated by the fuzzy trigonometric function and its weighting was obtained based on the structure entropy weight method. Thus, the results of the evaluation were used as feedback to guide the PDD process. Finally, a Passat engine case study illustrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the method.