bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Facet Joint Block Reduces Pain After Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Noh Sung Hyeon , Lee Sang-Woo , Hwang Jong-moon , Jung JinWoo , Lee Eunyoung , Cho Dae-Chul , Kim Chi Heon , Kim Kyoung-Tae 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) results in less tissue damage than in other surgeries, but immediate postoperative pain occurs. Notably, facet joint widening occurs in the vertebral body after OLIF. We hypothesized that the application of a facet joint block to the area of widening would relieve facet joint pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effects of such injections on postoperative pain.

Methods:
This double-blinded, placebo-controlled study randomized patients into 2 groups. Patients assigned to the active group received an intra-articular injection of a compound mixture of bupivacaine and triamcinolone, whereas patients in the placebo group received an equivalent volume of normal saline solution injection. Back and dominant leg pain were evaluated with use of a visual analog scale (VAS) at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively with use of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and VAS for back and dominant leg pain.

Results:
Of the 61 patients who were included, 31 were randomized to the placebo group and 30 were randomized to the active group. Postoperative fentanyl consumption from patient-controlled analgesia was higher in the placebo group than in the active group at up to 36 hours postoperatively (p < 0.001) and decreased gradually in both groups. VAS back pain scores were significantly higher in the placebo group than in the active group at up to 48 hours postoperatively. On average, patients in the active group had a higher satisfaction score (p = 0.038) and were discharged 1.3 days earlier than those in the placebo group.

Conclusions:
The use of an intraoperative facet joint block decreased pain perception during OLIF, thereby reducing opioid consumption and the severity of postoperative pain. This effect was also associated with a reduction in the length of the stay.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Volume and Distribution of Early Knee Effusion After TKA with a PEEK-Based Knee Prosthesis
Authors: Lyu Zhuocheng , Yang Ke , Yuan Zhiguo , Long Teng , Qu Xinhua , Yue Bing , Liu Xiaolin , Wang You 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Early knee effusion is a common phenomenon after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), with potential clinical implications. Unlike traditional alloy knee prostheses, the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) knee system has radiographic transparency on magnetic resonance (MR) scans, which allows analysis of prosthetic knee effusion. We aimed to identify the distribution and volume of knee effusion after TKA with the PEEK prosthesis with use of MR imaging and to analyze whether dynamic changes in effusion were correlated with serum inflammatory marker changes and knee function recovery.

Methods:
Nine patients with osteoarthritis who were 59 to 74 years old underwent unilateral TKA with the PEEK prosthesis between June 2021 and August 2021. Dynamic early postoperative changes in the volume and distribution of knee effusion were evaluated with use of 3D MR stereoscopic images. Serum inflammatory markers were measured via blood tests, and joint function was evaluated with use of the subjective functional score of the Knee Society Score (KSS) and knee range of motion (ROM). Linear regression analyses were performed to assess for correlations between knee effusion volume and inflammatory markers and between knee effusion volume and joint function.

Results:
The mean serum inflammatory marker levels increased significantly at 1 week after TKA with the PEEK prosthesis and then gradually decreased with time from 1 to 6 months. The mean total knee effusion volume gradually decreased over time. Concurrently, the mean KSS subjective functional score and mean knee ROM improved with time. Total knee effusion volume was positively correlated with C-reactive protein level (R2 = 0.16; p = 0.007) and negatively correlated with the change in KSS score between the preoperative and postoperative time points (R2 = 0.19; p = 0.003). Using the 1-week total knee effusion volume as a reference, a positive correlation was observed between the reduction in total knee effusion volume and the actual value of the ROM (R2 = 0.36; p = 0.0001) from 3 to 24 months postoperatively.

Conclusions:
Through 3D MR imaging, the precise distribution and volume of, and dynamic changes in, knee effusion after TKA with the PEEK prosthesis were confirmed and were found to be correlated with inflammation and joint function in the early postoperative period. The results demonstrate the potential clinical benefit of the PEEK-based knee system for future use.

Level of Evidence:
Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Two Decades Since the Unequal Treatment Report
Authors: Thirukumaran Caroline P. , Cruse Jordan J. , Franklin Patricia D. , Ricciardi Benjamin F. , Suleiman Linda I. , Ibrahim Said A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract:
Published in 2003 by the Institute of Medicine, Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care placed an unprecedented spotlight on disparities in the U.S. health-care system. In the 2 decades since the publication of that landmark report, disparities continue to be prevalent and remain an important significant national concern. This article synthesizes the evolution, current state, and future of racial and ethnic disparities in the use of elective total joint replacement surgeries. We contextualize our impressions with respect to the recommendations of the Unequal Treatment Report.
Elevated TG/HDL-C Ratio as a Marker for NAFLD Risk and Severity: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Xuan Yanyan , Zhang Qin , Chu Jinguo , Li Tongyu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a prominent global health concern, affecting approximately 25% of adults. This study aimed to investigate the association between the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) and NAFLD.
Methods
In this cross-sectional analysis, data from the 2017 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were utilized to survey 4,763 individuals. Subgroup analyses, stratified by age and sex, were performed, along with adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses to evaluate the relationship between TG/HDL-C levels and the likelihood of NAFLD, liver steatosis, and hepatic fibrosis stage. Additionally, a novel curve-fitting approach, employing an expanded generalized additive model, was applied to explore the non-linear connection between TG/HDL-C and NAFLD.
Results
Among the 4,763 participants, 1,874 individuals were diagnosed with NAFLD. All three models consistently demonstrated a positive association between TG/HDL-C levels and NAFLD. In the sex-stratified subgroup analysis, a 1.240-fold increased risk was observed among men. Furthermore, significant variations in the associations between TG/HDL-C and NAFLD were observed across different age groups, with the 20–40 age group exhibiting a stronger positive correlation. Interestingly, the relationship between TG/HDL-C and the risk of NAFLD exhibited an inverse U-shaped pattern.
Conclusion
Elevated TG/HDL-C levels were independently associated with a heightened risk of NAFLD and increased severity of hepatic steatosis in the American population.
Methodological Considerations and Effectiveness for Ecologically Valid Mental Fatigue Inducement in Sports: a Systematic Review
Authors: Bian Chao , Russell Suzanna , Mali Ana , Lathouwers Elke , De Pauw Kevin , Habay Jelle , Bogataj Špela , Roelands Bart 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Mental fatigue (MF) in sports has developed from well-controlled laboratory-based studies to applied studies with greater ecological validity. Ongoing developments in the representativeness of MF inducement approaches, including the broad range of sport-specific motor tasks to simulated real-life scenarios, have shown methodological variability and inconsistent outcomes of effectiveness. Evaluating and comparing these approaches is essential to provide recommendations for designinginducement tasks in future research and considerations for practitioners. Therefore, the systematic review aimed to summarize more ecologically valid MF-inducing tasks in representative sports contexts and to evaluate the MF inducement effectiveness via manipulation check outcomes and potential aftereffects on subsequent sport-specific performance.
Methods: The review was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42024577183). PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus were searched until 21 August 2024 for studies that applied acute, more ecologically valid MF-inducing tasks within sports-specific contexts. The MF inducement task design and effectiveness across representative sports and participants were investigated.
Results: Twelve papers were included. Only a quarter of studies presented an overall low risk of bias. The 20-minute sports-specific motor tasks with cognitive demands and most 30-minute simulated real-life scenarios (i.e., social media use on smartphones, watching tactical videos, sports-themed videogame play) successfully induced MF in differing athlete samples. Ineffective MF inducement was attributed to shorter task duration, passive engagement with sparse cognitive demands, or the involvement of less susceptible participants.
Conclusions: This systematic review evaluated MF inducement methodologies with greater ecological validity to sporting contexts. The inducement effectiveness varied within four task types. Athletes and sports practitioners should carefully manage the modality and content of pre-competition activities to minimize MF. Future research should refine and co-design the MF-inducing task with practitioners based on multifaceted MF evidence from laboratory and real-life settings, create immersive scenarios that can better replicate the inducement process in specific contexts, and improve measurement tools, which will provide comprehensive evaluation and verification of the MF inducement.
Identification and genetic diversity analysis of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. populations based on the chloroplast genes rpoB and psbK-psbI
Authors: An Kelu , Yin Guangyao , Wang Xin , Shi Yue , Zhang Xiaoqin , He Gaojie , Amu Laha , Chen Wenqin , Wang Baowei , Hu Xiuhua , Wang Xiaohui , Wei Shengli 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Paeonia lactiflora Pall. is a species with significant medicinal and economic value. In this study, five complete chloroplast genome sequences of P. lactiflora samples originating from different regions in China were sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 4000 platform. All five P. lactiflora chloroplasts had a typical cyclic tetrameric structure with 130 genes annotated. Comparative genomic analysis indicated that rpoB and psbK-psbI function as potential specific DNA barcodes for intraspecific identification of P. lactiflora. PCR amplification of rpoB and psbK-psbI was performed on 246 samples from 7 production areas, achieving 100% amplification efficiency. Sequence analysis revealed that 5 and 10 haplotypes were identified based on rpoB and psbK-psbI, respectively. The joint analysis of two sequences identified 15 haplotypes named Hap1ཞHap15. Hap5 emerged as the most prevalent and geographically widespread haplotype across China. Haplotypic diversity (Hd) was 0.786, and nucleotide diversity was 0.00281, suggesting that P. lactiflora had high genetic diversity at the species level. The Neighbor-Joining tree showed that the 15 haplotypes were clustered into two branches, indicating extensive genetic exchange between clusters. The introduction of new individuals or rare genes into different clusters through gene flow increased genetic variation within clusters, enriching P. lactiflora genetic diversity. This study provides a foundation for identifying P. lactiflora, protecting and utilizing germplasm resources, and supporting molecular breeding efforts.
Characterization and Genomic Analysis of Cronobacter sakazakii phage JC03, a new member of genus Pseudotevenvirus
Authors: Jiang Jie , Sai Jingying , Huang Xin , Sun Lingling , Li Jinghua , Huang Honglan , Sun Yanbo , zhao chunyan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The Cronobacter sakasakii-infecting phage JC03 was isolated and characterized. The complete genome sequence analysis of phage JC03 revealed that its genome is composed of 177,089 bp of DNA, including 268 predicted open reading frames (ORFs) and 2 tRNAs, and it has a G + C content of 44.67%. The predicted ORFs were classified into functional groups, including DNA replication/modification, assembly /packaging, phage structure, host lysis, and hypothetical proteins; no gene was found to be related to antibiotic resistance and virulence. Based on the results of gene annotation, genome features and comparative genomics, we propose that JC03 is a new isolate of genus Pseudotevenvirus.
Prospective, randomized clinical trial evaluating the clinical performance of a new universal adhesive in Class I and Class II restorations
Authors: Perdigão Jorge , Chew Hooi Pin , Lee Ignatius K. , Woodis Kacie , Hatch Brain 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective This randomized controlled trial compared the 1-year clinical efficacy of Scotchbond Universal Adhesive Plus (SBU+) with that of its predecessor Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SBU) to restore Class I and Class II preparations using the self-etch strategy in adult patients.
Materials and methods - Fifty-one subjects participated in this study. Two posterior teeth in each subject were randomized to a restoration with SBU+ or to a restoration with SBU (control) using the self-etch strategy. Teeth were restored with Filtek Universal Restorative. Restorations were evaluated at baseline, 6 months and 1 year using the FDI criteria. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare outcomes.
Results - No restorations were graded as “Insufficient/Unsatisfactory” or “Poor” for any of the FDI criteria at the baseline, 6-month, or 1-year visits. At 1 year the retention rate was 100% for both SBU+ and SBU. For fracture of the restorative material 42/44 SBU+ restorations (95%) and 44/44 SBU restorations (100%) were graded “Excellent/Very Good” (p>0.05). All restorations were clinically acceptable for marginal adaptation at 1 year with no statistical differences between the two adhesive materials. There were no recurrent caries lesions at the 1-year visit.
Conclusions -The clinical efficacy of the SBU+ at 1-year was not different to that of its predecessor SBU in Class I and Class II restorations of adult patients using the self-etch strategy.
Clinical relevance– The two dental adhesives used in this clinical trial showed excellent results in posterior restorations at 1 year without using a separate phosphoric etching step.
Anatomy of a famine: using fuzzy cognitive mapping to understand the crisis in Ayod County, South Sudan, 2017
Authors: Day Matthew 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the limitations of current famine analysis methodologies and introduces Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) as a novel approach to understanding famine dynamics. Traditional methods, such as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), often fail to capture the complex, non-linear interactions among social, economic, political, and environmental factors that drive famine. These methods rely heavily on cross-sectional survey data and expert judgment, which are prone to errors and biases. This study demonstrates the utility of FCM in analyzing famine systems, using the 2017 Ayod County crisis in South Sudan as a case study. FCM integrates qualitative and quantitative data, enabling real-time analysis of dynamic systems with limited data availability. The results highlight how FCM can reveal critical linkages and feedback loops, offering a more nuanced understanding of famine trajectories and enhancing early warning systems. The paper argues for the adoption of FCM in humanitarian contexts to improve the timeliness and accuracy of famine response and prevention strategies.
Constructing food web of carnivorous fishes using multiple DNA barcoding markers of gut contents: A case from Bohai Bay, China
Authors: Pang Xiaoke , Guo Biao , Liu Kefeng , Han Chenglong , Zhao Yifan , Liu Yufei , Kinoshita Toshihisa , Yamashita Osamu , Wang Wenhui , Lu Xueqiang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology through barcoding of DNA in highly-digested diet samples has become a powerful tool for diet reconstruction in food webs. However, traditional single markers can only detect very few prey species, and the constructed food web cannot reflect all effective feeding information. Here, we used multi-locus NGS with COI-M, COI-m, 18S and 16S markers to analyze the feeding habits of carnivorous fishes in Bohai Bay, China. We compared the prey identification results of single markers and multiple markers on the gut content analysis, and integrated examined the feeding characteristics of carnivorous fishes to reconstruct the food web. Our findings revealed that a four-marker combination could detect up to 56 orders and 156 species of preys in the diets of these fishes, which are 1.5 − 6.2 and 1.7 − 9.2 times that of detected by single markers, respectively. Calanoida was detected as one of the primary food sources of carnivorous fishes expect for Gobiiformes and Decapoda at order level, contrasting with the previous researches. Network structure analyses showed significant modularity in the food web of carnivorous fishes and their preys. Species Scomberomorus niphonius, Odontamblyopus rubicundus, Chaeturichthys stigmatias, Platycephalus indicus and Cynoglossus joyneri were found to be divided into three different modules in the food web, indicating that specific and directional proliferation strategies should be advocated to be adopt for their population recoveries. This study reported a detailed trophic network of the carnivorous fishes, providing valuable insights for effective conservation and restoration strategies to enhance fisheries structure and stabilize the marine ecosystem.
The Impact of two kinds of Liuzijue Qigong on Respiratory and Motor Function in Early Stroke Recovery Patients
Authors: Bi yuqing , wang shuoshuo , Li meng , Ni wei dong , fan hang , wang furong , chen haiyun , ding shanshan , zhang ying 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aims to assess the impact of two kinds of Liuzijue Qigong on respiratory and motor functions of hemiplegic stroke patients with impaired balance and respiratory function in early-phase recovery rehabilitation.
Methods
66 Stroke patients were randomly divided into three groups: Liuzijue Qigong group (LG), ancient Liuzijue Qigong group (AG), and the control group (CG). The primary outcomes Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and secondary outcomes Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) Scale and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) will be measured at baseline (T0), after 2 weeks of treatment (T1), and after 4 weeks follow-up (T2).
Results
The within-group comparison results showed that compared to T0, all three groups of stroke patients had significant increases (P < 0.05) in TIS, MIP, MEP, FEV1, FVC and BBS at T1 and T2. CG and LG had significant increases (P < 0.05) in FMA-UE at T1 and T2, but AG had no statistically significant differences at T1 (P > 0.05). The intergroup comparison results showed that at T1-T0 and T2-T0, LQG had significantly higher TIS, MIP, MEP, FEV1, FVC and FMA-UE scores than AG and CG (P < 0.017). There were no statistically significant differences in the intergroup comparison of BBS at T1-T0 and T2-T0 (P > 0.017).
Conclusions
Both forms of Liuzijue Qigong resulted in notable enhancements in the respiratory and motor functions of hemiplegic stroke patients with respiratory and balance dysfunction.
Trial registration:
ChiCTR2100051325, Registered on September 20, 2021
Investigating the Influence of Salt Concentration in Drying Lake Urmia on Saline Water Intrusion in an Adjacent Aquifer
Authors: Ahmadi Hojjat 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Drying of Lake Urmia due to less water entry and evaporation leads to a rise in salt concentration as well as the saline water density. The declining saline water level and rising of its density have the opposite effect on the saltwater intrusion dynamic. In this study, based on the groundwater and lake water level fluctuations and density variation of Lake Urmia over two decades, the saltwater interaction in one of the coastal aquifers has been studied numerically using SEAWAT. The findings of the research have been approved by comparing the model results with the recorded data collected from the observation wells in the studied aquifer. The achieved results showed that in the case of constant lake water density saltwater wedge progresses slightly by the middle of the studied period and then recedes to the lakeside while considering the increasing density of the lake over 27 years showed that the length of the saltwater wedge in the field scale surprisingly has been expanded more than 250% during the shrinking period of the lake with more than 6 m dropping of water level. Overall, considering the behavior of the saltwater intrusion around the coastal area based on our findings would be conducive to the realistic management of the saline lakes and the implementation of any restoration program for drying lakes.
Non-damaging Retinal Laser Therapy in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa-Associated Cystoid Macular Edema
Authors: KAYA Seda CEVIK , CITIRIK Mehmet , YILMAZ Mevlut , SENSOY Eyupcan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the effects of non-damaging retinal laser therapy (NRT) on the visual and anatomic outcomes of retinitis pigmentosa-associated cystoid macular edema (RP-CME).
Methods
Forty eyes from 30 patients with RPE-CME were treated with NRT. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) of the subjects were analyzed 2 months after NRT treatment.
Results
The patients had a mean age of 35.82 years, and a 1:1 sex ratio. Before NRT, the mean BCVA was 0.43 LogMAR, and the mean CMT was 311.80 µm. After 2 months, CMT decreased by 79.7 µm (p < 0.001), and BCVA improved by 0.98 LogMAR (p < 0.001). Although 70% of eyes still had CME, complete resolution was observed in 30% of the eyes. Unilateral cases showed a greater reduction in CME thickness compared to bilateral cases (89.2 µm vs. 70.2 µm reduction, p < 0.05). However, recurrence of edema was observed in 21 eyes (52.5%) within six months.
Conclusion
Based on these results, NRT provided anatomical and functional improvements in patients with RP-associated CME. However, the high recurrence rate and the reproducibility of the treatment need to be further investigated.