bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of three different postoperative treatment options after interposition arthroplasty of the thumb. An observational study
Authors: Krasny Christian , Auerbach Melanie , Radda Christian , Schallmayer Daniel , Borchert Gudrun H. , Frauscher Barbara , Rampesreiter Manuela , Albrecht Christian , Wurnig Christian 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
In rhizarthrosis the saddle joint of the thumb is affected. Occupational therapy after interposition arthroplasty is of particular importance and a key factor for a successful outcome. Orthosis use and/or the timeline of using the orthosis is still under debate.
Research questions:
- In patients with rhizarthrosis after interposition arthroplasty, what is the effect of an orthotic thumb device compared with no orthotic thumb device during accompanying occupational therapy?
- In patients with rhizarthrosis after interposition arthroplasty, what is the effect of a long orthotic thumb device compared with a short orthotic thumb device during accompanying occupational therapy?
Methods:
42 patients with confirmed symptomatic rhizarthrosis after interposition arthroplasty by Weilby and 2 weeks cast fixation were randomly assigned to one of the following study arms: Group I: long orthotic thumb device, Group II: short orthotic thumb device, Group III without orthotic thumb device for 4 weeks, accompanied by 12 weeks postoperative occupational therapy. After 6 and 12 weeks, VAS-Pain-Score, Quick-DASH, pinch-grip-strength, and ROM were evaluated.
Results:
All groups improved in their hand functions 12 weeks after surgery. The VAS pain score improved by 5 points. The Quick-DASH score halved for patients with short or no orthotic thumb device. Patients with the short orthotic thumb device showed the highest rate of improvement (pain, QuickDASH, mobility of the carpometacarpal joint in abduction, interphalangeal joint mobility and thumb function) 12 weeks after surgery, followed by the non-orthotic thumb device-group. Non-orthotic thumb device patients did not show higher pain levels. Patients of the long orthotic thumb device-group showed more impairment of their function, especially for pain and grip- and pinch strength compared to the other groups, 12 weeks after surgery.
Conclusion:
After interposition arthroplasty of the thumb followed by two weeks cast fixation, a thermoplastic short orthotic thumb device should be used, which only restricts motion of the operated first carpometacarpal joint, leaving all other joints of the thumb moveable for 4 weeks, due to the best results obtained 12 weeks after surgery.
Trial registration:
not applicable because this is the publication following a thesis in Austria. At the time of the start of the study there was no need for registration for such studies in Austria.
Clinical characteristics and management of adipsic diabetes insipidus in children and adolescents with sellar germ cell tumors
Authors: Tong Tao , Xu Jian , Chen Han , Guo Ying , Mo Caiyan , Wang Yao , Zhong Liyong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Adipsic diabetes insipidus (ADI) is a rare, high-risk syndrome, particularly difficult to recognize and manage in children and adolescents. This investigation examined the clinical features and management of ADI in children and adolescents with sellar germ cell tumors (GCTs).
Methods
A retrospective survey was performed on 260 patients with sellar GCTs, categorized into ADI and non-ADI groups based on thirst presence. General characteristics, hypothalamic syndrome, pituitary function, metabolic indicators, and complications were compared. Biochemical indicator changes in the ADI group were analyzed after systematic management, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis established the optimum serum sodium cut-off for predicting the ADI.
Results
25 patients (9.6%) developed ADI. The ADI group had larger tumors with hypothalamic involvement and more surgical resections. They also demonstrated more hypothalamic syndrome, central adrenal insufficiency, central hypogonadism, and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels below norms. Furthermore, ADI patients exhibited significantly higher rates of hypernatremia (100% vs 20.9%, p < 0.001), hyperuricemia (60.0% vs 23.4%, p < 0.001), renal impairment (32.0% vs 1.7%, p < 0.001), and venous thrombosis (4.0% vs 0%, p = 0.002). Following systematic management, ADI patients experienced significant reductions in serum sodium, uric acid, and creatinine levels, although these remained higher than in the non-ADI group. ROC analysis indicated that a serum sodium level above 149.5 mmol/L predicted ADI.
Conclusion
Patients with ADI had more tumor involvement in the hypothalamic region, surgical resections, hypothalamic syndrome, hypopituitarism, and complications. Serum sodium levels above 149.5 mmol/L necessitated heightened vigilance for ADI. Early identification and systematic management reduced complications, though clinical management remained challenging.
Analysis of influencing factors of falls among rural elderly in China and construction of nomogram model
Authors: Zhao Yaodong , Wang Chi , Chen Yujie , Wan Pengcheng , Wang Haibo , Li Yi , Wang Hui , Ding Hong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
To explore the factors influencing falls among elderly individuals in rural China and to construct a nomogram model. This study aims to provide a scientific basis for identifying high-risk populations and implementing fall prevention interventions.
Methods
A multi-stage random sampling method was employed, selecting one city each from the northern, central, and southern regions of Anhui Province—Suzhou, Hefei, and Anqing, respectively. From each city, one county was randomly selected, and within these counties, a total of 18 villages were randomly chosen as survey sites. Elderly individuals from these villages constituted the study population, with a total of 1546 participants. These participants were randomly divided into a training set (1208 individuals) and a validation set (338 individuals) in an 8:2 ratio. Univariate analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test, while multivariate analysis employed binary logistic regression to identify influencing factors of falls in the training set of rural elderly. A nomogram model was subsequently developed based on these factors.
Results
From the univariate and multivariate analyses of the training set, five variables were identified: age, anxiety, frailty, living style, and frequency of coarse grain consumption. These variables were incorporated into the nomogram model, which exhibited an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.722, indicating good discriminative ability. The calibration curve demonstrated high calibration accuracy. Internal validation of the nomogram model using the validation set yielded an AUC of 0.703, reflecting high discriminative ability, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test result of P = 0.08 indicated high calibration accuracy.
Conclusion
Falls among the elderly in rural China are influenced by age, anxiety, frailty, living style, and coarse grain consumption frequency. The nomogram model can predict the probability of falls among rural elderly individuals based on these factors, providing significant value for identifying high-risk populations and offering targeted interventions to reduce the occurrence of falls among older adults, which can ultimately enhance the quality of life and well-being of elderly individuals in their later years.
Quantifying the technical-tactical diversity of elite tennis players during match-play
Authors: Zhao Zichen , Cui Yixong , Gomez Miguel-Angel , Zong Shouxin , Qi Bing 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The study aimed to model the diversity in technical-tactical performance among elite tennis players during matches in relation to match outcome and gender. Match performance data of 236 singles matches (136 for male and 130 for female) from the 2023 Australian Open and US Open were collected. Standard entropies were calculated for five technical-tactical performance indicators (shot type, forehand/backhand groundstroke direction, first/second serve distribution) to reflect each player’s technical-tactical diversity. The linear mixed model was used to examine the effects of match outcome and gender on each performance category. The results showed that there was no statistically significant interaction effect between match outcome and gender on the diversity of five performance indicators (p > 0.05). However, both match outcome and gender independently had significant main effects on shot type, forehand/backhand groundstroke direction, and first-serve distribution (p < 0.05, conditional R-squared = 0.17–0.70). Losing players showed higher diversity in shot type (ES = 0.33, small) compared to winning players. Male players generally showed greater diversity in shot type, and forehand groundstroke direction (ES = 0.63–0.97, moderate) than female players, but less diversity in backhand groundstroke direction and first-serve distribution (ES = 0.62–0.70, moderate). These findings suggest that (i) the technical-tactical diversity may help describe match styles of tennis players, instead of serving as a reliable indicator for assessing match outcome; (ii) the stability of technique usage is more crucial than the diversity of techniques used for elite players; and (iii) male players should focus on improving the attacking ability of their backhand to achieve higher rankings, while female players with exceptional serving abilities should prioritize the stability of their first serve.
Evaluation of Vertigo-Related Information from Artificial Intelligence Chatbot
Authors: Liu Xu , Shi Suming , Zhang Xin , Gao Qianwen , Wang Wuqing 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of an artificial intelligence chatbot and clinical experts in managing vertigo-related diseases and evaluate the ability of the AI chatbot to address vertigo-related issues.
Methods: 20 clinical questions about vertigo were input into ChatGPT-4o, and three otologists evaluated the responses using a 5-point Likert scale for accuracy, comprehensiveness, clarity, practicality, and credibility. Readability was assessed using Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formulas. The model and two otologists diagnosed 15 outpatient vertigo cases, and their diagnostic accuracy was calculated. Statistical analysis used ANOVA and paired t-tests.
Results: ChatGPT-4o scored highest in credibility (4.78). Repeated Measures ANOVA showed significant differences across dimensions (F=2.682, p=0.038). Readability analysis revealed higher difficulty in diagnostic texts. The model's diagnostic accuracy was comparable to a clinician with one year of experience but inferior to a clinician with five years of experience (p=0.04).
Conclusion: ChatGPT-4o shows promise as a supplementary tool for managing vertigo but requires improvements in readability and diagnostic capabilities.
Association between cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease and influencing factors of their comorbidity: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS)
Authors: Fu Zhike , Gui Chuying , Deng Weitian , Zhou Xiaoshan , Li Huijie , Zhang Di , Wang Zan , Deng Yueyi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and Hypothesis:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) are significant public health concerns with high morbidity and mortality rates. the relationship between CKD and CVD comorbidities and their influencing factors in Chinese middle-aged and elderly people remains underexplored. We hypothesize that some socio-demographic factors, lifestyle factors, and physical condition factors significantly influence the prevalence and comorbidity of CKD and CVD.
Methods
Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were used to perform logistic regression analyses on adults aged 45 and above. CKD stages were defined based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), while CVD status was determined through self-reported diagnosis. Factors considered in the analysis included socio-demographic variables (age, gender, household registration, education, marital status), lifestyle behaviors (smoking, drinking), and physical conditions (body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, serum uric acid).
Results
CVD risk begins in early stages of CKD. Factors such as hypertension, diabetes, non-rural household registration, abnormal BMI, and lower education levels were significantly associated with CKD prevalence and its comorbidity with CVD. Low BMI increased CKD progression, while high BMI elevated the risk of CKD and CVD comorbidities. Specifically, in CKD patients, lower BMI was linked to reduced CVD risk, suggesting a complex interplay between physical health metrics, such as BMI, in influencing health outcomes..
Conclusion
Socio-demographic factors and physical conditions are crucial in managing and preventing CKD and its comorbidity with CVD. Targeted public health strategies are needed for non-rural and lower-educated populations. Further research should explore underlying mechanisms and develop effective interventions.
Impact of Cr Doping on the Optical, and Photocatalytic Performances of TiO2 for Solar Drivin Wastewater Treatments
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Arif Umaima , Rehman Mubashra , Khursheed Nimra 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Commercially used chemical pollutants, such as methylene blue (MB) dye, are dumped into water reservoirs and can potentially harm both humans and aquatic life. To investigate the effect of Cr doping on the morphological, structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of TiO2, Cr-doped TiO2 nano photocatalysts were synthesized using a simple and cost-effective single-step sol-gel technique. XRD investigations revealed that all of the samples contain only the anatase phase, and the absence of any extra Cr peaks indicates successful Cr doping. Furthermore, Cr doping causes a considerable increase in the average crystallite size of TiO2 nanocrystal from 71.42 to 86.16 nm. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed the presence of functional groups (Ti-O and H-O) in all of the samples. UV absorbance spectra tauc plots showed that Cr doping caused the TiO2 band gap to shrink from 3.21 eV to 2.90 eV. In addition, the generated Cr-doped TiO2 nano photocatalysts were used to degrade MB dye under direct sunlight irradiation photocatalytically. At optimal conditions, the photo-degradation efficiency of MB dye achieved 21.24%, 31.18%, and 35.76%, for pure, 0.3%, and 0.5% Cr-doped TiO2 respectively. A high rate constant of 2.24 x 10− 3 min− 1 was observed for 0.5% Cr-doped TiO2 nano photocatalyst. An increased photocatalytic activity of Cr-doped TiO2 in visible light makes them ideal candidates for solar-powered water filtration systems.
Regular versus As-needed Treatments for Mild Asthma in Children, Adolescents, and Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Pornsuriyasak Prapaporn , Thadanipon Kunlawat , Sa-nguansai Sunatee , Numthavej Pawin , McKay Gareth J , Attia John , Thakkinstain Ammarin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are recommended treatment for mild asthma. We aimed to update the evidence on the efficacy and safety of ICS-containing regimens, leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA), and tiotropium relative to as-needed (AN) short-acting β2-agonists (SABA) in children (aged 6 − 11 years) and adolescents/adults.
Methods
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of regular and AN treatment for mild asthma was conducted. PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to 31st March 2024. RCTs in children or adolescents/adults with mild asthma were eligible if they compared any of the following treatments: ICS alone or in combination with fast-acting bronchodilators (FABA, i.e., formoterol or SABA) or long-acting β2-agonists (LABA), LTRA, tiotropium, and SABA alone, for the following outcomes: exacerbations, asthma symptoms, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), asthma-specific quality-of-life (QoL), or severe adverse events (SAEs). Network meta-analysis (NMA) was used to pool risk ratios (RR) or mean differences for treatment outcomes.
Results
Thirteen RCTs in children, and 29 in adolescents/adults were included. Regular ICS ranked best for preventing exacerbations and improving FEV1 in children. NMA of RCTs suggested regular ICS were better in preventing exacerbations than LTRA (RR [95% confidence intervals], (0.81[0.69,0.96]) and AN-SABA (0.61[0.48,0.78]), similar to AN-ICS (0.83[0.62,1.12]). In adolescents/adults, for preventing severe exacerbations, regular ICS outperformed AN-SABA (0.58[0.46,0.73]), but AN-ICS/FABA (0.73[0.54,0.97]), and regular ICS/LABA (0.68[0.48,0.97]) surpassed regular ICS. Symptom relief and improved FEV1 were similar among the ICS-containing regimens. Regular ICS ranked best for improved QoL and least likely for SAEs.
Conclusions
Regular ICS use ranked best for exacerbation prevention and increasing FEV1 in children with mild asthma. In adolescents/adults, ICS-containing regimens outperformed AN-SABA for exacerbation prevention. Severe exacerbation risk was lowered in regular ICS use than AN use in patients with low FEV1. Furthermore, regular ICS use enhances FEV1 and QoL more than AN-SABA and LTRA.
Histogram analysis of whole placental T2-weighted magnetic resonance image-derived in patients with Pre-eclampsia
Authors: Chen Yonglu , Deng Yamei , Tang Wenyan , LIU Yi , Liu Zhaoran , Huang Jianwei , Su Qun , Song Ting 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The placenta plays a pivotal role in the development of pre-eclampsia (PE). The purpose of this retrospective study was to distinguish the patients with PE from normal pregnant women using the whole placental T2-weighted image(T2W) histograms.
Methods
The clinical and prenatal pelvic MRI data of 22 patients with PE and 22 normal pregnant women were retrospectively analyzed. Histogram parameters including mean, variances, skewness, kurtosis, entropy, 10th percentile, 50th percentile, 90th percentile and 99th percentile were calculated from the whole-volume placental of T2W. The volume and thickness were recorded as the morphological parameters. Histological examinations of placenta were conducted following delivery. Student-t test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the continuous data between the two groups. Chi-square test was used to compare the categorical data. The diagnostic efficacy for PE with parameters was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC).
Results
The difference between the two groups in two histogram parameters (variance and 99th percentile) and one morphological parameter (volume) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The distinguishing ability of variances, 99th percentile and volume for PE was good, with area under the ROC (AUC) were 0.713, 0.693 and 0.709 respectively.The combined AUC value of the three parameters was higher than that of a single parameter (AUC = 0.899, P = 0.000), with sensitivity of 86.36% and specificity of 77.27%.
Conclusions
The histogram parameters of the whole placenta T2W have good diagnostic efficacy, which provides a novel method for distinguishing the patients with PE from the normal pregnant women.
Local halide heterogeneity drives surface wrinkling in mixed-halide wide-bandgap perovskites
Authors: Datta Kunal , Laar Simone van , Taddei Margherita , Hidalgo Juanita , Kodalle Tim , Aalbers Guus , Lai Barry , Li Ruipeng , Tamura Nobumichi , Frencken Jordi , Westbrook Robert , Graham Daniel , Sutter-Fella Carolin , Correa-Baena Juan-Pablo , Ginger David , Wienk Martijn , Janssen René 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Compositional heterogeneity in wide-bandgap (1.8 − 2.1 eV) mixed-halide perovskites is a key bottleneck in the processing of high-quality solution-processed thin films, and prevents their application in efficient multijunction solar cells. Notably, mixed-cation (formamidinium-methylammonium) wide-bandgap perovskite films are prone to form micrometer-scale wrinkles which can interfere with the smooth surfaces ideal for multijunction devices. Here, we study the formation dynamics of wrinkled mixed-halide perovskite films and its impact on the local composition and optoelectronic properties. We use in situ X-ray scattering during perovskite film formation to show that crystallization of bromide-rich perovskites precedes that of mixed-halide phases in wrinkled films cast using an antisolvent-based process. Using nanoscopic X­ray fluorescence and hyperspectral photoluminescence imaging, we also demonstrate the formation of iodide- and bromide-rich phases in the wrinkled domains. This intrinsic spatial halide segregation results in an increased local bandgap disorder and Urbach energy. Morphological and compositional heterogeneity also aggravate the formation of sub-bandgap electronic defects reducing photostability and accelerating light-induced segregation of iodide and bromide ions in thin films and solar cells.
Challenges in Diagnosing and Managing Disseminated Mycobacterium avium and Talaromyces marneffei Co-infection: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Hui-Hui , Zhao Yu-Kun , Lai Yun , Wan Chun-Lei , Liao Qiang , Zheng Yi-Hong , Lu Sha , Lu Jing-Fa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) is emerging as an opportunistic pathogen and has been grouped with the nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM). Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), primarily affects elderly individuals with chronic lung disease and remains one of the leading causes of death in many regions worldwide. Distinguishing between NTM infection and drug-resistant TB is challenging due to similar manifestations and resistance to conventional anti-tuberculosis therapies (ATT). Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei) is a pathogenic fungus causing devastating infection, primarily in immunocompromised individuals. Few reports describe disseminated co-infection of M. avium and T. marneffei in HIV-uninfected persons.
Case presentation:
Herein, we present a case study of an HIV-negative Chinese woman who initially presented with chronic cough, sputum production, and recurrent low-grade fever, which was initially diagnosed as TB. After three years of anti-TB treatment, her situation progressed, and she developed multiple subcutaneous abscesses throughout the body, including the brain. Subsequent bacterial culture and genetic analysis confirmed the presence of NTM specifically identified as M. avium. However, despite receiving anti-NTM treatment, it remained ineffective until co-infection with T. marneffei was eventually diagnosed.
Conclusions
Early utilization of genetic diagnostic methods is necessary to detect the possibility of NTM infections, especially when patients do not respond adequately to ATT. It is also crucial to remain vigilant for co-infections when the disease progresses despite ongoing anti-NTM treatment.