bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maintenance of Hallux Valgus Correction Treated with Modified Lapidus Procedure: Intermetatarsal Miniature Suture Button vs First Metatarsal to Intermediate Cuneiform Cross-Screw Fixation
Authors: Attia Ahmed Khalil , Austin Confidence Njoku , Clayton Elizabeth , Fogg David , Dalton Jonathan , Kline Alex , Hasselman Carl , Hogan Macalus V. 
Published: December 2024

Category: Bunion; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Over time our understanding of Hallux valgus deformity has continued to improve since Lapidus published his series in 1960, however, recurrence remains as high as 38%. Fixation of the first tarsometatarsal joint has been known to improve the rigidity of the construct and reduce recurrence. While some authors employ an inter-cuneiform screw between the medial and intermediate cuneiform others provide fixation using a suspensory fixation device (Arthrex mini tightrope). However, this is limited information comparing the modified Lapidus first metatarsal arthrodesis using the suture button fixation (MT1-2 SB) and the first metatarsal intermediate cuneiform screw (MT1C2 Screw). We hypothesize that the intermediate screw fixation would have better radiographic outcomes compared to the suture button fixation. Methods: This was a retrospective comparative study between patients who underwent surgical management of hallux valgus using the MT1-2 SB and the MT1C2 screw between January 2015 to January 2023. Exclusion criteria were as follows: revision or prior hallux valgus corrective surgery on the same foot, patients who received additional procedures (i.e. midfoot fusion, or flatfoot reconstruction), and incomplete medical records. Demographic variables including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), diabetes status, and smoking status were collected. Recurrence rate, union rate, hardware removal, infection rate, and patient-reported outcomes were also collected. The radiographic variables are first metatarsal declination angle (MTD), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), and sesamoid station. Results: We had a total of 269 patients in the MT1-2 SB cohort and 93 in the MT1C2 Screw cohort. The MT1-SB group achieved a better radiographic correction for IMA (5.37 +/- 3.21 vs 6.65 +/- 3.36, p= < 0.001), HVA (16.03 +/-7.89 vs 19.81 +/- 8.47, p= < 0.001), and sesamoid stations (0.52 +/- 0.81 vs 0.76 +/- 0.90, p= 0.19). MT1-SB had a better correction at final follow-up. Diabetes status was associated with greater postoperative pain, while smoking status was associated with worse postoperative FAAM ADL score (p= 0.011 and 0.003 respectively). Smoking was associated with a greater postoperative and final HVA in addition to an increased revision rate (15.8% vs 3.5%, p=0.037). A greater recurrence rate was also seen among smokers (15.8% vs 4.4%, p=0.061). Conclusion: Suture button fixation and first metatarsal intermediate cuneiform screw fixation demonstrated similar clinical outcomes, union rates, deformity correction, and maintenance of correction at the final follow-up. Smoking was associated with a higher rate of recurrence, revision, and worse patient-reported outcomes.
Medical Malpractice Litigation Following Hindfoot Arthrodesis
Authors: Megalla Martinus , Patel Seema M. , Anfuso Matthew , Hahn Alexander , Grace Zachary T. , Geaney Lauren E. 
Published: December 2024

Category: Hindfoot; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Given high patient expectations in the setting of complex surgeries, orthopedic surgeons are at risk of being subject to malpractice claims. Consequently, medical malpractice lawsuits can impose significant economic and psychological burden on orthopedic surgeons. This study aims to investigate malpractice claims against orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists performing hindfoot arthrodesis and determine factors associated with plaintiff verdicts and settlements using the Westlaw legal database. Methods: The Westlaw legal database was queried for all cases involving hindfoot arthrodesis using the terms “malpractice” and either “ankle fusion,” “arthrodesis,” “subtalar fusion,” “tibiotalar fusion,” “tibiotalocalcaneal fusion,” “TTC fusion,” or “tibiofibular fusion” from 1987 to present day. Data regarding patient demographics, causes cited for litigation, case outcomes, and indemnity settlements were collected. Cases were excluded if the defendant was not an orthopedic surgeon or a podiatrist, the procedure involved was not a hindfoot arthrodesis, or if the patient was a minor. Results: Forty-five cases of hindfoot arthrodesis met the inclusion criteria. The mean plaintiff age was 51.5 ± 13.8 years with 51.1% male. Thirty-three cases (73%) were in favor of the defendant, with an average inflation-adjusted payout of $853,863 (± 456,179). The most commonly alleged category of negligence was procedural/intraoperative error (75%) followed by post-surgical error (38%) and failure to inform (31%). The most common specific damages included functional/ROM limitation (49%), need for additional surgery (47%), continuing/worsened pain (27%), and nonunion/malunion (29%). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of effective communication with patients concerning potential postoperative complications, prognosis of their injury, and risks and benefits associated with each treatment modality. Given the frequency of hindfoot arthrodesis performed, it is imperative for orthopedic surgeons to prioritize surgical goals, patient expectations, and complication profiles to reduce the risk of malpractice litigation and improve patient outcomes.
Mid-Term Patient Reported Outcomes Following An Isolated Gastrocnemius Recession for Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Long Joseph M. , Rohl Matt , Brezovec Lexi , Whitehead Brent , Cheney Nicholas 
Published: December 2024

Category: Hindfoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: For most patients suffering from plantar fasciitis, nonoperative management can alleviate their symptoms. In a small subset of patients these modalities are unsuccessful, and invasive procedures can be recommended. With current studies supporting the use of this procedure with good short-term results and a low complication rate, we hypothesize that an isolated gastrocnemius recession for plantar fasciitis will demonstrate good midterm results. Methods: Eighty-eight patients underwent a gastrocnemius recession for isolated, recalcitrant plantar fasciitis between September 2014-June 2017, and were identified using procedural codes. Patients were then contacted via phone to obtain answers to Foot and Ankle Ability Measurement, and AAOS foot and ankle outcome scores. Patients were also asked questions about if they were satisfied with the procedure, would repeat the procedure, or would recommend it to a friend. Results: Fifty-two patients were contacted, nine declined participation. The group included 33 females and 10 males, 23 left and right feet (3 bilateral). Investigator follow up occurred at a mean time of 5.0±1.3 years. The average FAAM scores by category were ADL 92.0±15.0, daily function 91.0±19.8. On the FAAM rating of current function 30 rated themselves as normal, 8 near normal. The average AAOS foot and ankle scores were 93.9±11.4 (normative standard 50.9±9.8), shoe comfort 83.5±25.8 (normative standard 53.4±8.8). 41 patients rated themselves as satisfied with the procedure (95%), 40 would do it again (93%) and 39 would recommend the procedure to a friend with recalcitrant symptoms (91%). One patient required a revision gastrocnemius recession with relief of symptoms. No other complications were noted. Conclusion: he use of an isolated gastrocnemius recession for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis demonstrates a high rate of patient satisfaction and function in the midterm at 5 years. This study supports the use of this procedure in patients who fail non-operative regimens.
A retrospective study of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in the Khuzestan province of southwest Iran between 2002 and 2023
Authors: Hashemzadeh Mohammad , Dezfuli Aram Asareh Zadegan , Khosravi Nazanin Ahmad , Mehr Fatemeh Jahangiri 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) is among the most common causes of death. To our knowledge, there has been no study showing the prevalence of EPTB in Khuzestan province. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the prevalence of EPTB in patients with or without pulmonary TB in different cities of Khuzestan province from 2002 to 2023. Additionally, the correlation between patient’s gender, and age groups with the disease was also investigated.

Methods
In this retrospective study, the existing records in Tuberculosis Regional Reference Laboratory of Khuzestan province related to patients were used. The research was carried out by investigating the archive information in 19 years (from 1st January 2002 to December 30, 2023). All confirmed cases of EPTB and simultaneous EPTB and PTB, based on laboratory results and medical examination were included in the study. Patients with incomplete information and military TB were excluded from the study. Information collected from patients includes age, gender, involved organ, place of residence, and year of disease.

Results
A total of 12,900 EPTB-related medical records were extracted from Tuberculosis Regional Reference Laboratories in southwest Iran, Ahvaz. After excluding records, 12,836 clinically diagnosed or laboratory-confirmed tuberculosis patients were included in this study, including 5991 patients with simultaneous PTB and EPTB, and 6845 patients with EPTB only. The mean age of male EPTB patients was 37.5 years (SD ± 14.6), while the mean age of male patients with simultaneous PTB and EPTB was 45.8 years (SD ± 15.3). The mean age of female patients with EPTB only, and with simultaneous PTB and EPTB was 31.2 years (SD ± 12.6), and 31.5 years respectively.

Discussion
tuberculosis is a systemic disease with different clinical manifestations. This study described different epidemiologic patterns of concurrent EPTB. The proportion of different types of EPTB was simultaneously determined for a group of hospitalized patients and shown to be different with gender and age. This study will likely increase clinicians’ awareness of the disease and help them better address diagnostic challenges and improve treatment outcomes for patients with EPTB.
Current and future immunotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Heater Natalie K. , Warrior Surbhi , Lu Janice 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSubstantial therapeutic advancement has been made in the field of immunotherapy in breast cancer. The immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy received FDA approval for both PD-L1 positive metastatic and early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, while ongoing clinical trials seek to expand the current treatment landscape for immune checkpoint inhibitors in hormone receptor positive and HER2 positive breast cancer. Antibody drug conjugates are FDA approved for triple negative and HER2+ disease, and are being studied in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Vaccines and bispecific antibodies are areas of active research. Studies of cellular therapies such as tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, chimeric antigen receptor-T cells and T cell receptor engineered cells are promising and ongoing. This review provides an update of recent major clinical trials of immunotherapy in breast cancer and discusses future directions in the treatment of breast cancer.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of (E)-2-benzylidene-1-indanones derivatized by bioisosteric replacement of aurones
Authors: Lee Youngshim , Ahn Seunghyun , Jung Euitaek , Koh Dongsoo , Lim Yoongho , Lee Young Han , Shin Soon Young 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine derived from epithelial cells and plays an essential role in the onset and activation of Th2-derived allergic inflammatory conditions, including atopic dermatitis. Despite their potential as drug targets, well-defined small molecules that effectively block TSLP expression are still lacking. A plant-derived secondary metabolite, aurone, was derivatized based on bioisosteric replacement to identify compounds that inhibit the promoter activity of TSLP. Thirteen (E)-2-benzylidene-1-indanones were designed and synthesized, and their structures were identified using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Inhibition of the expression of TSLP triggered by interleukin-4 (IL-4) caused by (E)-2-benzylidene-1-indanones was measured using a TSLP gene promoter-reporter activity assay. Because compound 12, (E)-5-methoxy-2-(3-methoxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one, showed the best activity, further biological experiments, including RT-PCR analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, and inhibitory effects on IL-4-induced early growth response-1 (EGR-1) expression, EGR-1 DNA-binding activity, and IL-4-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade were performed. This study demonstrated that compound 12 acts on MAPK to block IL-4-triggered mRNA expression of TSLP via the MAPK-EGR-1 signaling pathway in HaCaT keratinocytes.
Hydrolysis of palm kernel meal fibre using a newly isolated Bacillus subtilis F6 with high mannanase activity
Authors: Ong Wei Li , Chan Kam Lock , Suwanto Antonius , Li Zhi , Ng Kian-Hong , Zhou Kang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPalm kernel meal (PKM) presents a challenge for non-ruminant livestock feeding due to its high fibre content predominantly in the form of mannan. Microbial fermentation offers a sustainable solution for fibre hydrolysis in lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, a Bacillus subtilis strain (F6), with high mannanase secretion capability, was isolated from the environment. Fermentation of PKM with B. subtilis F6 resulted in at least a 10% reduction in neutral detergent fibre, decreasing from 78.4 to 60.9% within 24 h. Notably, B. subtilis F6 rapidly responded to PKM, producing significant mannanase activity within 6 h, facilitating quick fibre degradation. Transcriptome analysis identified key enzymes involved in this process, with β-mannanase GmuG showing the highest increase in expression (45.2-fold) after fermentation. Purified recombinant GmuG exhibited strong PKM hydrolysis activity, primarily releasing mannobiose and mannotriose. Characterization of GmuG using locust bean gum as a substrate revealed an optimum temperature of 50–55 °C and pH optima at 5.0 and 9.0. This study highlights the potential of B. subtilis F6 and its mannanase GmuG for efficient PKM fibre hydrolysis, and provides insights into their application in the valorization of mannan-rich bioresources.
Graphical Abstract
A comprehensive review on microbial hyaluronan-degrading enzymes: from virulence factors to biotechnological tools
Authors: Jiang Jia-Yu , Xue Dai , Gong Jin-Song , Zheng Qin-Xin , Zhang Yue-Sheng , Su Chang , Xu Zheng-Hong , Shi Jin-Song 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHyaluronan (HA), a natural high molecular weight polysaccharide, has extensive applications in cosmetology and medical treatment. Hyaluronan-degrading enzymes (Hyals) act as molecular scissors that cleave HA by breaking the glucosidic linkage. Hyals are present in diverse organisms, including vertebrates, invertebrates and microorganisms, and play momentous roles in biological processes. In recent years, microbial Hyals (mHyals) have gained considerable attention for their exceptional performance in the production and processing of HA. Moreover, the applications of mHyals have been greatly extended to various biomedical fields. To explore the potential applications of mHyals, a thorough comprehension is imperative. In this context, this review systematically summarizes the sources, structures, mechanisms and enzymatic properties of mHyals and discusses their biological functions in host invasion, disease development, and regulation of intestinal flora. Furthermore, versatile applications inspired by their biological functions in medicine development, molecular biology, and industrial biotechnology are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, prospects are presented to emphasize the importance of exploration, expression and characterization of mHyals and the necessity of excavating their potential in biotechnological fields.
Graphical abstract
Microbial diversity and biogeochemical interactions in the seismically active and CO2- rich Eger Rift ecosystem
Authors: Lipus Daniel , Jia Zeyu , Sondermann Megan , Bussert Robert , Bartholomäus Alexander , Yang Sizhong , Wagner Dirk , Kallmeyer Jens 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Eger Rift subsurface is characterized by frequent seismic activity and consistently high CO2 concentrations, making it a unique deep biosphere ecosystem and a suitable site to study the interactions between volcanism, tectonics, and microbiological activity. Pulses of geogenic H2 during earthquakes may provide substrates for methanogenic and chemolithoautotrophic processes, but very little is currently known about the role of subsurface microorganisms and their cellular processes in this type of environment. To assess the impact of geologic activity on microbial life, we analyzed the geological, geochemical, and microbiological composition of rock and sediment samples from a 238 m deep drill core, running across six lithostratigraphic zones. We evaluated the diversity and distribution of bacterial and archaeal communities. Our investigation revealed a distinct low-biomass community, with a surprisingly diverse archaeal population, providing strong support that methanogenic archaea reside in the Eger subsurface. Geochemical analysis demonstrated that ion concentrations (mostly sodium and sulfate) were highest in sediments from 50 to 100 m depth and in weathered rock below 200 m, indicating an elevated potential for ion solution in these areas. Microbial communities were dominated by common soil and water bacteria. Together with the occurrence of freshwater cyanobacteria at specific depths, these observations emphasize the heterogenous character of the sediments and are indicators for vertical groundwater movement across the Eger Rift subsurface. Our investigations also found evidence for anaerobic, autotrophic, and acidophilic communities in Eger Rift sediments, as sulfur-cycling taxa like Thiohalophilus and Desulfosporosinus were specifically enriched at depths below 100 m. The detection of methanogenic, halophilic, and ammonia-oxidizing archaeal populations demonstrate that the unique features of the Eger Rift subsurface environment provide the foundation for diverse types of microbial life, including the microbial utilization of geologically derived CO2 and, when available, H2, as a primary energy source.
UDAP: ultra-lightweight dot product-based authentication protocol for RFID systems
Authors: Akiirne Ziad , Sghir Abdellah , Bouzidi Driss 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe emergence of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in the era of the Internet of Things represents a remarkable advancement, but also brings its own set of challenges. Low-cost RFID tags, key elements of this ecosystem, face major security and privacy issues due to their limited computational and memory capacities. To overcome these issues, we focused on the design of an ultralightweight RFID authentication protocol named UDAP, which incorporates simplified cryptographic techniques such as dot product, XOR, and left rotation. This approach aims to enhance the levels of security and confidentiality while concurrently minimizing the impact on the tag’s limited resources. Both informal and formal analysis of our protocol, including the use of the Scyther simulation tool, has demonstrated its effectiveness in countering the most known security attacks. To measure the efficiency of our proposed protocol, an Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementation was carried out, allowing for precise evaluation of the resource consumption of the key function used in our protocol. This implementation has shown that our protocol is not only secure but also utilizes minimal resource consumption, making it particularly suitable for resource constrained RFID tags.
Status and ecology of forest antelopes and other large mammals in the Ngoyla Faunal Reserve, Cameroon
Authors: Tene Romeo , Kobla Anne Stephanie , Fankem Oliver , Wacher Tim , Amin Rajan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Ungulates have undergone major declines in Central and West African forests as a result of bushmeat trade and habitat loss. Monitoring forest ungulate status is a critical conservation need. We undertook a systematic camera-trap survey of the Ngoyla Faunal Reserve within the ∼11,000 km2 Dja-Ngoyla Complex, part of the critical TRIDOM forest landscape in Central Africa. We deployed cameras at 36 sites over 2,734 camera-trap days. We recorded 3,307 independent detections of 12 species of forest ungulates. The Peters’ duiker and blue duiker were the most abundant, accounting for 71 % of all ungulate detections, both with occupancy >85 %. The black-fronted duiker and white-bellied duiker were relatively widespread but rare. There were very few detections of Bates’ pygmy antelope, sitatunga, forest buffalo, and bongo. These findings are similar to our baseline population estimates of ungulates in the neighbouring Dja World Heritage site. Our study provides further evidence of ecological partitioning among the more abundant duikers based on activity pattern and body size. The Dja-Ngoyla Complex is integral to the 178,000 km2 TRIDOM conservation landscape. The landscape is a global conservation priority for securing the future of great apes, forest elephant, a community of forest ungulates, and other threatened species in the region.
Impact of green absorptive capacity on corporate sustainability: a model for sustainable development
Authors: Martinez Minerva , Valdés Medina Filiberto E. , Jaramillo Benhumea Efraín 
Published: December 2024

All sectors of society have faced numerous economic, social, technological, competitive, and environmental changes in a dynamic and changing marketplace. The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship of the green absorptive capacity on the environmental integrity, economic prosperity, and social equity of sustainable development in the industrial context in Mexico. The research method was a quantitative cross-sectional design, with a sample size of 108, and the data analysis used PLS-SEM. The results showed a strong and significant relationship between green absorptive capacity with environmental integrity, economic prosperity, and social equity. The results of this research support to argue how to promote sustainable development, based on the pillars of Resource-Based Theory. This study fills a research gap, and provides new theoretical arguments. The world of business is increasingly challenging and dynamic, so the results could also help to solve practical problems.
KEYWORDS
Green absorptive capacity, sustainable development, environmental integrity, economic prosperity, social equity.