bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modern Treatment of Hallux Rigidus by Cheilectomy: A Systematic Review of Minimally Invasive Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Semelsberger Scott D. , Lee Michael , Dobson Cale , Miller Christopher P. , Gianakos Arianna 
Published: December 2024

Category: Arthroscopy; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Hallux rigidus is a degenerative disorder of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Patients with this condition experience symptoms including pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion of the 1st MTP joint. Cheilectomy is a surgical treatment option that removes dorsal periarticular osteophytes to alleviate pain and improve range of motion. Minimally invasive cheilectomy is becoming a more prominent surgical approach due to its clinical benefits including smaller incisions, reduced complications, and faster return to function. This systematic review aims to analyze and present the current literature on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following MIS cheilectomy for mild to moderate hallux rigidus. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using articles pulled from PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scopus databases in December 2023 using the search term “cheilectomy.” ​​This systematic review was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered in Prospero (Blinded ID:XX). Articles were included in the systematic review if they reported on preoperative or postoperative patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive cheilectomy (MIS) in English. Minimally invasive was defined as an arthroscopic or percutaneous approach. The primary outcome measure was scored patient-reported outcomes. The secondary outcome measures included complications, secondary surgeries, surgical techniques, qualitative patient experiences, and grades of hallux rigidus. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and a total of 284 patients were evaluated. 130/284 underwent an MIS percutaneous approach with burr, 70/284 underwent arthroscopy with shaver, and 84/284 had a combination of both techniques. Most patients (79%) had Coughlin-Shurnas grade one or two hallux rigidus (range: 1-3). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scores improved from 57.7 (range: 43-71) to 90.1 (range: 87-97). The mean range of motion (dorsiflexion) improved from 28.5 (range: 8-42) to 49.5 (range: 30-73) degrees. Complication rates were low at 18/284 (6%). The most common complication was numbness, affecting 6/284 (2%) patients. Four out of eight articles reported zero complications. 113/125 (90.4%) patients would recommend the procedure. Conclusion: Treatment of hallux rigidus with MIS cheilectomy appears to result in favorable and safe outcomes when performed for patients with early degenerative disease who have failed conservative treatment. Patients reported high satisfaction rates, significant symptomatic improvements, and experienced low complication rates.
Natural Course of Long-Term Radiographic Indices in Primary Degenerative Ankle O.A
Authors: Kim Jinkyung , Lee HoSeong , Seo JaeHyeon , Shin MyoungYeol 
Published: December 2024

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: The prevalence of degenerative ankle arthritis is approximately 1% based on the population of patients visiting hospitals. When considering individuals with early-stage arthritis who may not exhibit any symptoms or only mild discomfort, this figure is likely even higher. Degenerative arthritis of the ankle, mainly secondary to fractures, is well-documented, while primary degenerative ankle arthritis is relatively rare, with limited reports on its etiology and natural course. However, in a disease like degenerative ankle arthritis, long-term follow-up of ten years or more is crucial, yet research on this subject remains scarce. This study analyzed the follow-up results of primary degenerative ankle O.A.(Takakura classification I,II,IIIA) patients without surgery for natural course. Methods: We retrospectively investigated 169 patients with degenerative arthritis who visited the hospital from May 2009 to November 2023. Among them, 32 patients, who did not undergo surgery and were followed up for a minimum of 10 years, underwent clinical and radiological examinations . Initial patients included those with Takakura classification stage IIIA or lower. The degree of Takakura classification stage change was compared between the first and final visits. Hindfoot views and whole lower extremity assessments were also conducted. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI) scale were measured, respectively. Results: Among the initial 169 patients, 32 patients(43 ankles) had completed ten years or more of follow-up. According to the Takakura classification, 5 ankles had no change in Stage I, while 1 ankle progressed to Stage II. In Stage II, 13 ankles had no change, and 2 ankles progressed to Stage IIIA. In Stage IIIA, 13 ankles showed no change, 7 ankles deteriorated to Stage IIIB, and 3 ankles progressed to Stage IV. Overall, out of 43 ankles, 31 remained unchanged, 10 deteriorated by one stage, and 2 deteriorated by two stages. At the initial visit and the final follow-up, the FFI scores were 57 and 51, VAS scores were 4.6 (1-9) and 3.5 (0-8). Conclusion: This study analyzed the long-term outcomes of patients with Takakura stage IIIA or lower degenerative ankle arthritis over a minimum of 10 years. The radiological progression was minimal, and most of cases were improvement in clinical pain and functional scores. Therefore, in primary degenerative arthritis of the ankle, it is essential to investigate whether ankle pain is due to arthritis then should be considered carefully in the surgical treatment of degenerative ankle arthritis.
Navigating Total Ankle Replacement: A Patient's Guide Through the Web
Authors: Van Vleet Jared , Shepard Samuel , Patel Amar , OBrien Cameron , Hughes Griffin 
Published: December 2024

Category: Ankle; Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: Ankle osteoarthritis, primarily posttraumatic, affects younger patients with extended life expectancies, significantly impacting their physical and mental quality of life. Surgical interventions, such as ankle fusion and ankle replacement, are crucial for managing end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. Ankle fusion has been the gold standard, providing consistent symptom relief, while total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has evolved with improved designs and biomechanical properties. Studies indicate a notable increase in TAA rates compared to total knee and hip arthroplasty. However, the debate continues regarding the long-term outcomes and risk-benefit analysis of TAA versus ankle fusion, with individual patient characteristics and functional demands playing a significant role in treatment decisions. Methods: We conducted a study to analyze information related to total ankle replacement procedures. Using Google searches and the SEO minion Chrome extension, we collected and categorized 100 FAQs from reliable sources. We used the Rothwell classification for FAQ transparency, evaluated source transparency using the JAMA benchmark tool, and assessed source quality with Brief DISCERN. Statistical analysis was performed in R(4.3.1) and RStudio, including descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test for JAMA Benchmark item presence, and the Kruksal-Wallis test for website category differences in Brief Discern Scores. Dunn’s test was used for post-hoc analysis with Holm correction for multiple comparisons. Results: Our Google search returned 100 unique FAQs after removing duplicates and unrelated FAQs. The majority were classified as fact-based questions (47/100, 47%), followed by value (30/100, 30%) and policy questions (23/100, 23%). Overall, the most common topic searched was related to the timeline of recovery (17/47, 36.2%). The frequent answer sources were medical practice/hospital (44/100, 44%), followed by academic (27/100, 27%) and government (24/100, 24%). The Kruksal-Wallis test revealed a significant difference in mean quality scores among the 4 source types (H(3) = 8.7445, p = 0.03) with medical practices/hospitals averaging the worst score (16/30) compared to academic sources which were found to have the highest score (22/30). Conclusion: When seeking online information regarding total ankle replacement surgery, patients using Google most often searched fact-based questions pertaining to the timeline of recovery. Medical practices and hospitals were the most common sources for this information but scored the lowest in quality and transparency. When publishing online information, sources should refer to established criteria such as the JAMA benchmark tool and Brief DISCERN. Based on our results physicians should be informed of the fact that patients do not commonly encounter high-quality information. This emphasizes the importance of well-informed, evidence-based patient counseling prior to treatment.
Association between cannabis use and clinical outcomes in patients with solid malignancies receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Hadid Tarik , Biedny Adam , Mamdani Hirva , Azmi Asfar , Kim Seongho , Jang Hyejeong , Uprety Dipesh , Al Hallak Mohammed Najeeb , Sukari Ammar 
Published: December 2024

Background: Cannabis (CAN) use has risen significantly over the last few decades. CAN has potent immunosuppressive properties, which could antagonize the effect of immunotherapy (IO). The impact of CAN use on clinical cancer outcomes remains unclear. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the clinical effect of CAN use on clinical outcomes among patients with solid malignancies receiving IO. Design: This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients with solid malignancies receiving IO between August 2014 and August 2018. Methods: Patients were stratified based on CAN use to CAN users and CAN non-users. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), and the secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and disease control rate (DCR). Univariable and multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to compare the outcomes between the two groups, adjusting for covariates. Results: The records of 106 patients were reviewed, 28 (26%) of whom were CAN users and 78 (74%) were CAN non-users. One patient was excluded. Most CAN users consumed dronabinol (82%). The median follow-up for OS and PFS was 29.2 months. Median OS in the CAN users was 6.7 months compared to 17.3 months in the CAN non-users (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.06–2.97; p = 0.029). The median PFS was 4.8 months in the CAN users compared to 9.7 months in the CAN non-users (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.09–2.79; p = 0.021). DCR was 11% among CAN users and 38% among CAN non-users (OR, 0.23; 95% CI; 0.06–0.68; p = 0.007). An exploratory racial disparity analysis showed that this negative impact of CAN was primarily seen in White patients. Conclusion: In this single institutional experience, CAN use was associated with worse OS, PFS, and DCR among cancer patients receiving IO. Prospective trials are needed to further study this potential antagonistic interaction between CAN and IO and explore the racial disparities related to CAN exposure.
Relationship between chronic endometritis and fallopian tube obstruction and its influence on pregnancy outcome after fallopian tubal recanalization
Authors: Sun Yu , Li Dongyan , Zhao Shuaihong , Yang Mukun , Cui Guangxia , Bai Wenpei 
Published: December 2024

Background: Chronic endometritis (CE), frequently asymptomatic, is associated with female infertility. Fallopian tube obstruction (FTO) is also one of the factors contributing to female infertility. More than 90% of cases of proximal FTO can be successfully treated after fallopian tubal recanalization (FTR) and the spontaneous pregnancy rate of treated women after FTR is only about 30%. Potential factors affecting the success rate of FTR remain unclear. We speculate that CE may be one of the reasons affecting the recanalization of the fallopian tubes. Objectives: To identify the correlation between CE and FTO, as well as the influence of CE on pregnancy outcomes following FTR. Design: Retrospective observational study. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 498 women of childbearing age who underwent laparoscopy and hysteroscopy surgery for infertility. Endometrial samples were collected during surgery for CD138 immunohistochemistry staining for the diagnosis of CE. Based on the results of the tubal patency test, they were divided into two groups: the fallopian tubal patency group and the proximal FTO group. The prevalence of CE was compared between these two groups. All women with FTO underwent FTR during the operation until successful treatment was achieved. Pregnancy outcomes were assessed after a 12-month follow-up period following the procedures. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors that might affect pregnancy after FTR. Results: The prevalence of CE in women with tubal obstruction was 30.5%, which was significantly higher than that in the fallopian tubal patency group (10.75%), p < 0.001. After FTR, the prevalence of CE in non-pregnant women was 40.18%, which was higher than that in pregnant women (40.18% vs 13.11%), and the difference was significant ( p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that CE was a significant risk factor for FTO (OR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.368–4.717, p < 0.05). In addition, CE was identified as a risk factor for infertility after FTR (OR: 4.730, 95% CI: 2.012–11.122). Conclusion: The presence of CE seems to decrease the likelihood of achieving spontaneous pregnancy following FTR. This observation underscores the clinical importance of early detection and treatment of CE, emphasizing the necessity for immediate intervention to prevent potential fertility complications.
Ternary geopolymer with calcined halloysite: impact on mechanical properties and microstructure
Authors: Yu Ting , Zhang Baifa , Chen Jiarong , Fahimizadeh Mohammad , Pantongsuk Thammaros , Zhou Xiang , Yuan Peng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
As a natural clay mineral, halloysite (Hal) possesses a distinctive nanotubular morphology and surface reactivity. Hal calcined at 750°C (Hal750°C; 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0 wt.%) was used to replace ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS; 50.0, 49.5, 49.0, 48.0, 47.0, 46.0 wt.%) and fly ash (FA; 50.0, 49.5, 49.0, 48.0, 47.0, 46.0 wt.%) for the preparation of geopolymer in this study. The effects of the replacement ratio of Hal750°C on setting time, compressive strength, flexural strength, chemical composition and microstructure of the geopolymer were investigated. The results indicated that Hal750°C did not significantly alter the setting time. The active SiO2 and Al2O3 generated from Hal750°C participated in the geopolymerization, forming additional geopolymer gel phases (calcium (aluminate) silica hydrate and sodium aluminosilicate hydrate), improving the 28 day compressive strength of the geopolymers. When the amount of Hal750°C was 2.0 wt.%, the 28 day compressive strength of the ternary (GGBFS-FA-Hal750°C-based) geopolymer was 72.9 MPa, 34.8% higher than that of the geopolymer without the addition of Hal750°C. The special nanotubular morphology of residual Hal750°C mainly acted like reinforcing fibres, supplementing the flexural strength of the geopolymer. However, excessive Hal750°C addition (>4.0 wt.%) reduced compressive and flexural strength values due to the low degrees of geopolymerization and the porous microstructure in the ternary geopolymer. These findings demonstrate that the appropriate addition of Hal750°C improved the compressive strength of geopolymers prepared using GGBFS/FA, which provides essential data for future research and supports the utilization of low-value Hal-containing clays in geopolymer preparation.
Importance of Ca-rich fluids for the formation of secondary Sc-minerals. An example from a metaluminous pegmatite Kožichovice II, Czech Republic
Authors: Výravský Jakub , Škoda Radek , Novák Milan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This work presents the results of an investigation of an assemblage of secondary Sc-minerals from the intraplutonic metaluminous pegmatite Kožichovice II, Třebíč Pluton, Czech Republic. The assemblage was formed by hydrothermally-induced dissolution of primary Sc-enriched (≈1.6 wt.% Sc2O3) columbite-(Mn) followed by in situ reprecipitation of volumetrically dominant fersmite (≈0.16 wt.% Sc2O3) and minor nioboheftetjernite (ScNbO4). Subsequent hydrothermal processes resulted in the formation of fluorcalciomicrolite + Sc-minerals (thortveitite + kristiansenite) + titanite. The mass balance calculations (based on EPMA-derived mineral compositions, mineral proportions obtained from TIMA automated mineralogy and textural observations) revealed that the amount of Sc released from the replaced mass of columbite-(Mn) is significantly higher than the amount of Sc incorporated in the mass of the secondary minerals. This indicates that part of the Sc was mobilised and released to the host rocks (pegmatite and granite). The secondary mineral assemblages indicate elevated Ca activity in the alteration fluids. Other occurrences of Sc-minerals in pegmatites (Baveno Pluton and Heftetjern pegmatite) show remarkable similarities in the paragenetic position of Sc-minerals (late hydrothermal/replacement minerals), including the high activity of Ca in fluids during their formation. The high activity of Ca in fluids during the metasomatic replacement of Sc-enriched precursors causes the formation of the volumetrically dominant Sc incompatible phases, followed by a local supersaturation of Sc resulting in the crystallisation of secondary Sc-minerals.
Exercise rehabilitation on patients with non-small cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xu Sheng-Hui , Xu Hong , Xiao Kai-Wen , Mao Su-Jie 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND
Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. As the disease progresses and due to the side effects of treatment, patients’ physical activity significantly decreases.
AIM
To systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of exercise rehabilitation on the physical activity of lung cancer patients and determine the best implementation methods to provide clinical guidance.
METHODS
Literature was searched through multiple electronic databases. A random effects model was used to combine effect sizes through standardized mean difference (SMD). The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of the literature, sensitivity analysis was used to ensure the robustness of the results, and Egger’s test was used to detect publication bias and asymmetry.
RESULTS
A total of 11 studies involving 541 patients were included in this study. The physical endurance, muscle function and cardiopulmonary function of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were evaluated. The overall effect size of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) was not statistically significant. However, subgroup analysis found that endurance significantly improved when exercise duration exceeded 0.5 hours (P ≤ 0.05). In terms of muscle function, the overall effect size was SMD = 0.619. Subgroup analysis showed that strength training, respiratory training, and cross-training (XT) significantly improved muscle function. Exercise rehabilitation significantly enhanced cardiopulmonary endurance (SMD = 0.856, P = 0.002), and the effect was better when the single exercise duration was more than 1 hour, age was over 65 years, and the intervention period was more than 3 months.
CONCLUSION
Exercise rehabilitation effectively improved muscle function in NSCLC patients, especially strength training, respiratory training, and cross-training. Cardiopulmonary function also showed improvement, particularly when exercise duration exceeded 1 hour, age was ≥ 65 years, and the intervention period was more than 3 months. A single exercise duration of more than 0.5 hours can enhance patients’ physical endurance. Appropriately increasing exercise duration and selecting suitable exercise forms can effectively improve the physical activity of NSCLC patients.
Treatment of thymoma with low-dose glucocorticoids before surgery for significant tumor shrinkage: A case report
Authors: Yao Jin-Kun , He Zi-Yi , Zhu Zheng , Huang Hai-Tao 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND
Thymic epithelial neoplasms are rare malignant neoplasms originating in the thymus gland. There have been case reports of patients with advanced thymomas treated with a methylprednisolone pulse or with glucocorticoid (GCs) shock before surgery, followed by surgical treatment, all of whom achieved good results. The effect of GCs on thymomas is related mainly to the action on GC receptors in thymic lymphocytes and epithelial cells. GC receptor expression has been associated with a better prognosis in patients with thymomas, including those with surgically removed thymomas.
CASE SUMMARY
We report a case of a patient with thymoma who had a significant response to preoperative low-dose GC therapy. A mediastinal tumor was detected in the patient via computerized tomography upon admission. The tumor was initially suspected to be a thymic tumor, but lymphoma could not be ruled out. The tumor shrank significantly after low-dose (5 mg/day) GC therapy. Thoracoscopic thymoma resection was performed after puncture pathology was confirmed. The patient recovered well after the operation and is currently performing well with no recurrence of the tumor.
CONCLUSION
This case highlights that low-dose GCs are effective in the treatment of thymomas, and we believe that GCs should be applied more frequently and studied more thoroughly in the treatment of thymomas.
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa caused by novel frameshift mutation in the COL7A1 gene: A case report
Authors: Yang Yan , Guan Zhi-Wei , Li Qin-Feng 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is characterized by fragile ulcerations of the skin caused by mutations in specific genes. However, genetic typing of this condition is rare.
CASE SUMMARY
An 11-year-old female suffered from recurrent fever, visible ulcerations of the entire skin, and severe malnutrition. Genetic testing revealed a frameshift mutation in the coding region 4047 of the 35th intron region of COL7A1 , and she was diagnosed as malnutrition-type epidermolysis bullosa. Drug therapy (immunoglobulin, fresh frozen plasma), topical therapy (silver ion dressing), fever reduction, cough relief, and promotion of gastrointestinal peristalsis are mainly used for respiratory and gastrointestinal complications. The patient’s condition improved after treatment.
CONCLUSION
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa caused by a new framework shift mutation in COL7A1 should be taken seriously.