bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does arthroscopic patellar denervation with high tibial osteotomy improve anterior knee pain?
Authors: Said Mohamed Kamel Mohamed , Said Hatem G. , Elkady Hesham , Said Mahmoud Kamel Mohamed , Ramadan Islam Karam-Allah , EL-Radi Mohamed Abd 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Patellofemoral (PF) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of anterior knee pain. Combined PF and medial tibiofemoral (TF) OA is common in older adults. We evaluated the effect of arthroscopic patellar denervation (PD) in patients with combined TF and PFOA after malalignment correction.

Methods
Forty-five patients [females/males, 27/18; age, 30–59 years (45.5 ± 8.50); mean body mass index, 25.15 ± 3.04 kg/m2] were treated in our department from March 2017 to March 2019. The patients were randomised into 2 groups: group A included 22 patients who underwent open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) and arthroscopic PD and group B included 23 patients who underwent OWHTO without denervation. The effect of denervation was statistically and clinically evaluated using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Kujala (anterior knee pain score) score.

Results
After 24 months, 40 patients were available for the final follow-up. The final values of KOOS and the Kujala score were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.001). For group A, the average KOOS improved from 42.73 to 72.38 (p < 0.001) and the Kujala score improved from 42 to 74.1 (p < 0.001), whereas in group B, the average KOOS improved from 39.22 to 56.84 (p < 0.001) and the Kujala score improved from 39.7 to 56.4 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Adding arthroscopic PD to OWHTO relieves anterior knee pain in patients with combined TF and PFOA and improves knee joint function and quality of life.

Level of evidence
Level I prospective randomised control clinical trial.
Detection of planktonic coenzyme factor 430 in a freshwater lake: small-scale analysis for probing archaeal methanogenesis
Authors: Urai Atsushi , Matsushita Makoto , Park Ho-Dong , Imachi Hiroyuki , Ogawara Miyuki , Iwata Hiroki , Kaneko Masanori , Ogawa Nanako O. , Ohkouchi Naohiko , Takano Yoshinori 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe present the first data describing molecular evidence of planktonic coenzyme factor 430 (hereafter referred to as F430), a key signature of methanogenic archaea, obtained from a water column sample in a freshwater lake in Japan. We report concentrations of native F430 ranging from 6.8–35 × 102 femto mol g-wet−1 and 8.5–86 × 102 femto mol g-wet−1 in the water column and core-top sediment, respectively. Among these profiles, the epimer F430 of the deactivated chemical formula was very low overall in both planktonic and benthic environments. Small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the planktonic microbial community was clearly different from that of the benthic sediment. Planktonic cyanobacteria (e.g., Microcystis) were predominant in the water column, whereas a wide variety of bacteria and archaea, including methanogens (e.g., Methanobacterium, Methanoregula, Methanothrix, Methanosarcina, and Methanocella), were observed in the core-top sediment. These results suggest that the planktonic cyanobacterial community may be rapidly degraded at the water–sediment interface driven by activated benthic microbial heterotrophic processes.
Graphic abstract
Building a culture of engagement at a research centre for childhood disability
Authors: Pozniak Kinga , Buchanan Francine , Cross Andrea , Crowson Jennifer , Galuppi Barb , Grahovac Danijela , Gorter Jan Willem , Hlyva Oksana , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Kraus de Camargo Olaf , Krpan Mesic Manda , Martens Rachel , McCauley Dayle , Nguyen Linda , Palisano Robert J. , Phoenix Michelle , Putterman Connie , Rosenbaum Peter , Sprung Jennifer , Strohm Sonya , Teplicky Rachel , Thomson Donna , Wright Marilyn 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundEngaging patients and family members as partners in research studies has become a widespread practice in healthcare. However, relatively little has been documented about what happens after the research study ends. For example, is patient and family engagement embedded in the wider infrastructure of organizations, and if so how? What are the long-term effects of engaging parents on research teams on the culture of how research is conducted? This study seeks to address these two gaps by examining how a culture of family engagement has been built over time at CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.MethodsThis study is based on ethnographic research methodology and combines elements of organizational ethnography, interviews, and collaborative auto-ethnography with parent partners, researchers, staff, and trainees.ResultsSince the inception of CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research at McMaster University in 1989, parents have been involved in research studies. Over time, this involvement evolved from being consulted on research studies to undertaking decision-making roles as partners and most recently as co-principal investigators. A growing infrastructure fosters a community of engagement that goes beyond the individual research study, and often beyond CanChild. This infrastructure consists of training, knowledge mobilization and social networking. In addition, the “softer” building blocks of CanChild’s culture of engagement are an openness to learning from others, a commitment to relationship building, and a drive to grow and improve. These values are espoused by the leadership and are instilled in the next generation of researchers to inform both research and clinical work. While some challenges should be acknowledged when researchers and family partners work together on research studies, we identify a number of strategies that we have used in our studies to foster authentic and meaningful family–researcher partnerships.ConclusionEngaging patients and families as partners in research constitutes a culture shift in health research, whereby studies about patients and families are carried out with them. Developing a community of engagement that transcends an individual research study is a step towards creating a culture of research that is truly shaped by the people about whom the research is being done.
Comparable prediction of breast cancer risk from a glimpse or a first impression of a mammogram
Authors: Raat E. M. , Farr I. , Wolfe J. M. , Evans K. K. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractExpert radiologists can discern normal from abnormal mammograms with above-chance accuracy after brief (e.g. 500 ms) exposure. They can even predict cancer risk viewing currently normal images (priors) from women who will later develop cancer. This involves a rapid, global, non-selective process called “gist extraction”. It is not yet known whether prolonged exposure can strengthen the gist signal, or if it is available solely in the early exposure. This is of particular interest for the priors that do not contain any localizable signal of abnormality. The current study compared performance with brief (500 ms) or unlimited exposure for four types of mammograms (normal, abnormal, contralateral, priors). Groups of expert radiologists and untrained observers were tested. As expected, radiologists outperformed naïve participants. Replicating prior work, they exceeded chance performance though the gist signal was weak. However, we found no consistent performance differences in radiologists or naïves between timing conditions. Exposure time neither increased nor decreased ability to identify the gist of abnormality or predict cancer risk. If gist signals are to have a place in cancer risk assessments, more efforts should be made to strengthen the signal.
Structural validity of the Arabic version of the disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) using Rasch measurement model
Authors: Alnahdi Ali H. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) is a commonly used region-specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that quantify upper extremity function (activity limitation) and symptoms. Current evidence suggests that measurement properties of the adapted versions of the DASH are not sufficiently examined. The Arabic DASH has evidence supporting its internal consistency, test–retest reliability, construct validity and responsiveness. On the other hand, the validity of the assumed unidimensionality of the Arabic DASH has not been examined previously. The aim of this study was to examine the structural validity of the Arabic DASH in patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders using Rasch measurement model.

Methods
Patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders were recruited and were asked to complete the Arabic DASH at their initial visit to physical therapy departments. The overall fit of the Arabic DASH to the requirement of the Rasch measurement model was examined using chi-square statistics for item-trait interaction, mean item and person fit residuals. The fit of individual items, thresholds ordering, local dependency, differential item functioning (DIF), and unidimensionality using the t-test approach were also examined.

Results
The Arabic DASH did not fit the Rasch measurement model initially (χ2 = 179.04, p < 0.001) with major breach of local item independence and a pattern of high residual correlations among the activity-related items and among the impairment-related items. Combining items into activity-limitation and impairment testlets accommodated the local dependency and led to satisfactory fit of the Arabic DASH to the requirement of the Rasch measurement model (χ2 = 3.99, p = 0.41).

Conclusions
Rasch measurement model supports the structural validity of the Arabic DASH as a unidimensional measure after the accommodation of local dependency.
Role of neuro-sonography of peripheral nerves as a diagnostic and a differentiation tool of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Mohamed Rana Zakaria Ahmed , Salem Haitham Hamdy , Sakr Hossam Moussa El-Sayed , Afifi Hossam-Eldin Mahmoud , Elsadek Ahmed Mohammed , Fahmy Nagia Aly 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Motor neuron disease is a heterogeneous group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders, most common of which is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). There are many clinical and radiological criteria to diagnose amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and to differentiate it from other motor neuron disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Neuro-sonography is one of the easily applied tools to diagnose and differentiate ALS. ALS diagnosis is delayed up to 3 years according to some authors due to the wide differential diagnosis, with cervical degeneration being a common misdiagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of neuro-sonography in diagnosis and differentiation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from other causes of progressive mixed upper and lower motor neuron lesion.

Results
A total neuro-sonography score at a cut-off point (≤ 127) predicted patients with ALS, with good (85%) accuracy, sensitivity = 73% and specificity = 83% (p < 0.01) and Lt median arm score at a cut-off point (≤ 6) predicted patients with ALS, with good (88%) accuracy, sensitivity = 86% and specificity = 86% (p < 0.01) and the median nerve at the arm level was the most sensitive and specific nerve to predict patients with ALS.

Conclusion
Neuro-sonography of peripheral nerves is a recent, noninvasive, accessible technique that can be used in early diagnosis of ALS.
Opportunities for winter prescribed burning in mixed conifer plantations of the Sierra Nevada
Authors: York Robert A. , Levine Jacob , Russell Kane , Restaino Joseph 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundYoung, planted forests are particularly vulnerable to wildfire. High severity effects in planted forests translate to the loss of previous reforestation investments and the loss of future ecosystem service gains. We conducted prescribed burns in three ~35-year-old mixed conifer plantations that had previously been masticated and thinned during February in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of winter burning, which is not common in the Sierra Nevada, California.ResultsOn average, 59% of fine fuels were consumed and the fires reduced shrub cover by 94%. The average percent of crown volume that was damaged was 25%, with no mortality observed in overstory trees 1 year following the fires. A plot level analysis of the factors of fire effects did not find strong predictors of fuel consumption. Shrub cover was reduced dramatically, regardless of the specific structure that existed in plots. We found a positive relationship between crown damage and the two variables ofPinus ponderosarelative basal area and shrub cover. But these were not particularly strong predictors. An analysis of the weather conditions that have occurred at this site over the past 20 years indicated that there have consistently been opportunities to conduct winter burns. On average, 12 days per winter were feasible for burning using our criteria. Windows of time are short, typically 1 or 2 days, and may occur at any time during the winter season.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that winter burning can be an important piece of broader strategies to reduce wildfire severity in the Sierra Nevada. Preparing forest structures so that they can be more feasible to burn and also preparing burn programs so that they can be nimble enough to burn opportunistically during short windows are key strategies. Both small landowners and large agencies may be able to explore winter burning opportunities to reduce wildfire severity.
Impacts of a single fire event on large, old trees in a grass-invaded arid river system
Authors: Schlesinger Christine A. , Westerhuis Erin L. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundLarge old trees are keystone structures of terrestrial ecosystems that provide unique habitat resources for wildlife. Their widespread decline worldwide has serious implications for biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. In arid regions, large trees are relatively uncommon and often restricted to areas with elevated soil moisture and nutrients. Introduced grasses, now pervasive in many dryland environments, also thrive in such areas and are promoting more frequent and intense fire, potentially threatening the persistence of large trees. Here we report on the impact of a single wildfire on large river red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensisDehnh.) in arid riparian woodland invaded by buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliarisL.), a serious invader of desert ecosystems worldwide. In 2018, 266 trees with > 80 cm equivalent trunk diameter were mapped at six sites to provide a ‘pre-fire’ baseline. Within a year, the sites were impacted by a large, unprecedented wildfire that burnt an area of 660 km2ha in 15 days. Sites were resurveyed in February 2019 to assess the fate of the trees. Reference to fire severity, calculated from remote-sensed imagery, is provided for additional context.ResultsIn total, 67 trees, 27% of all large trees at the sites were destroyed. If trees in unburnt patches are excluded, 54% of trees exposed to the fire were destroyed and the remainder lost on average 79% of their canopy.ConclusionsThis severe detrimental effect of a single fire, on trees estimated to be centuries old, is indicative of tree-loss occurring across remote arid Australia in habitats where fire is now fuelled predominantly by invasive grasses. Large volumes of novel grass fuels along creeklines in combination with extreme weather events were major factors driving the spread, extent and impacts of the wildfire we report on and are causing a shift from relatively uncommon and predictable, rainfall-dependent large wildfires to large, severe fires that can occur anytime. We predict further decline in the abundance of large trees from similar fires will occur widely throughout arid Australia over the next decade with substantial long-term impacts on multiple species. New strategies are urgently required to manage fire in invaded arid ecosystems to better protect large trees and the critical resources they provide.
Momordica charantia nanoparticles promote mitochondria biogenesis in the pancreas of diabetic-induced rats: gene expression study
Authors: Elekofehinti Olusola Olalekan , Ayodele Olusola Christianah , Iwaloye Opeyemi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Mitochondria dysfunction is one of the clinical features of diabetes mellitus (DM), which is a hallmark of insulin resistance (IR). This study investigates the therapeutic effect of Momordica charantia nanoparticles on mitochondria biogenesis in diabetic-induced rats. Forty-two adult wistar rats (average weight of 189 ± 10.32) were grouped as follows: STZ (65 mg/kg), control group, STZ + silver nitrate (10 mg/kg), STZ + M. charantia silver nanoparticles (50 mg/kg), STZ + metformin (100 mg/kg), and STZ + M. charantia aqueous extract (100 mg/kg). DM was induced intraperitoneal using freshly prepared solution of STZ (65 mg/kg), and rats with fasting blood sugar (FBS) above 250 mg/dl after 72 h of induction were considered diabetic. Treatment started after the third day of induction and lasted for 11 days. Effect of M. charantia nanoparticles on glucose level and pancreatic expression of genes involved in mitochondria biogenesis (PGC-1α, AMPK, GSK-3β, PPARϒ), inflammation (IL-1B, TNFα) and glucose sensitivity (PI3K, AKT, PTEN Insulin and Glut2) were quantified using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results
The results showed that M. charantia nanoparticles promote mitochondria biogenesis, glucose sensitivity and reverse inflammation in the pancreas of diabetes rat model through upregulation of PGC-1α, AMPK, PPARϒ, AKT, Insulin and Glut2 mRNA expression and downregulation of GSK-3β, PI3K, IL-1B and TNFα mRNA expression in the pancreas of diabetic rats.

Conclusion
This study thus concludes that M. charantia nanoparticles may provide effective therapeutics against mitochondria dysfunction in the pancreas of diabetic model.
Neuropathic pain in primary knee osteoarthritis patients: correlation with physical function, quality of life, disease severity, and serum beta nerve growth factor levels
Authors: Kamel Shereen R. , Ibrahim Radwa S. , Moens Hend M. , Mohammed Rania M. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Neuropathic mechanisms are thought to play a role in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) pain. Neuropathic pain questionnaires can promote diagnosis of a neuropathic component. Thus, we aimed to assess the frequency of neuropathic pain in primary KOA patients (using clinical questionnaires) and to investigate its correlation with socio-demographic factors, physical function, quality of life, disease severity, and serum beta nerve growth factor (β-NGF) levels.

Results
Seventy primary KOA patients were included. Neuropathic pain was detected in 52.9% of patients based on Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4) questionnaire and in 38.6% of patients based on Leeds assessment neuropathic pain symptoms and signs questionnaire (LANSS). Serum β-NGF levels were significantly higher in KOA patients than controls (P<0.0001), and in KOA patients with neuropathic pain compared with patients with non-neuropathic pain. DN4 score was positively correlated with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, stiffness, and physical function, and it was also negatively correlated with Osteoarthritis knee hip quality of life questionnaire (OAKHQOL) pain scores (rs=0.459, P<0.001; rs= 0.258, P= 0.031; rs= 0.307, P= 0.010; rs = −0.337, P= 0.004, respectively), while LANSS scale was positively correlated with symptom duration, WOMAC stiffness, Lequesne pain, and Lequesne index (rs= 0.260, P= 0.020; rs= 0.343, P= 0.004; rs= 0.344, P= 0.004; rs= 0.322, P= 0.007) and negatively correlated with OAKHQOL physical, OAKHQOL mental health, OAKHQOL social support, and total OAKHQOL scores (rs= −0.258, P= 0.031;rs= −0.254, P= 0.034; rs= −0.283, P= 0.018; rs= −0.261, P= 0.029 respectively).

Conclusions
Neuropathic pain symptoms are frequent in primary KOA patients. KOA patients with neuropathic pain have worse quality of life, extreme disability, and higher serum β-NGF levels. Nerve growth factor inhibitors could have a potential role for not only relieving pain in KOA patients but also improving functional disability and quality of life in these patients.
A review of epidemiology, clinical features and disease course, transmission dynamics, and neutralization efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Deb Paroma , Molla Md. Maruf Ahmed , Saif-Ur-Rahman KM , Das Manik Chandra , Das Debashish 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
After the first detection in November 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has spread rapidly over the continents and started the pandemic of the millennium. In addition to several novels and repurposed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as a therapeutic option against COVID-19, scientists from across the world have developed several candidate vaccines, developed mainly targeting the Wuhan strain, with very promising results to combat this pandemic. Unfortunately like any RNA viruses, SARS CoV-2 has also gone through the accumulation of hundreds and thousands of mutations in their genome lead to the development of several variants of concerns (VOC) and variants of interests (VOI), resulting in increased transmissibility and virulence of the virus, along with their capacity to escape cross-protection. Seemingly, the main hindrance of containing this pandemic right now is the effectiveness of currently available vaccines and mAbs against newly emerging variants. Therefore, it is important to monitor variants epidemiology, transmission dynamics, clinical characteristics, as well as their immune evasion capacity to implement appropriate vaccine strategy and other containment measures.

Body
In this review, we tried to focus on variants characteristics and to what extent they can escape immunity, provided by both available vaccinated sera and convalescent sera. A stringent literature review was performed using various databases, mentioned in the methodology portion. The current geographical distribution of these variants of SARS CoV-2 has been presented using a heat map. Findings from published articles comparing these variants, in terms of genome epidemiology, transmissibility, viral load dynamics, and association with different waves have been described briefly. Due strength was given while describing variants neutralization potency against current vaccines, mAbs, and also against convalescent sera. Data from both clinical trials and in vitro/ex-vivo studies have been discussed here. Comparative findings from several articles were brought into one concise paper. After careful reviewing of all the available data, it was clear that, without hesitation, we should strengthen our vaccination strategy, because the severity of COVID 19 is reasonably lower, irrespective of variants and vaccine used.

Conclusion
We hope that many falsified myths and beliefs regarding vaccine immunity and emerging variants will be clarified in light of this available evidence, which we summarized in our paper.