bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-guided Genicular Nerve Block in Comparison to Intra-articular Steroid Injection in Chronic Pain Due to Osteoarthritis Knee: A Double-blind Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Pushpakaran Kalaivani , Thomas Naveen Cherian , John Judy Ann , Kandagaddala Madhavi , Anitha S. , Vasanthan Lenny , Rebekah Grace , Keshava Shyamkumar Nidugala 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective:
The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound (USG)-guided genicular nerve block (GNB) using bupivacaine in comparison to intra-articular corticosteroid (IACS) injection in reducing pain and improving function in persons with osteoarthritis (OA) knee.

Design:
This was a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of the departments of physical medicine and rehabilitation and radiology in a tertiary care centre in South India. Participants (n = 50) with chronic pain due to OA knee were randomly assigned to two groups. Participants in the experimental group received USG-guided GNB using 0.5% bupivacaine and the control group received USG-guided IACS injection with 40 mg of Depo-Medrol + bupivacaine. Both the groups received exercises and education about joint protection measures. The primary outcome was assessed by mean change in knee pain by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and improvement in functional ability using the Lequesne’s Functional Index (LFI) at 12 weeks of intervention. The secondary outcome was to identify any adverse events following the intervention.

Results:
Twenty-five patients were allotted in each of the treatment arms. Significant reduction in VAS and improvement in LFI at 4 and 12 weeks in both the experimental and control groups when compared to baseline (P < 0.05) were noted. The difference in mean change of VAS and LFI between the experimental and control groups was not statistically significant. There were no adverse events reported with either of the interventions.

Conclusion:
Both USG-guided GNB and IACS injections were effective and similar in reducing pain and improving function in persons with OA knee.
Functional Rehabilitation of a Neglected Foot Deformity: An Interesting Case Report
Authors: Badhal Suman , Mathew Annie 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Equinocavovarus deformity is the most common foot and ankle deformity in patients suffering from Post Polio Residual Paralysis (PPRP). These deformities can lead to gait abnormalities, abnormal pressure areas, increased energy expenditure and joint arthritis which eventually hampers the quality of life. We reports case of a 30 year old female with PPRP, whose ambulation was severely affected by rigid ankle foot deformity. A patient tailored rehabilitation plan was provided which comprised of an accommodative Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO), exercise training and patient education on energy conservation techniques. Patient reported significant improvement in her ambulation and quality of life following rehabilitation.
Bethlem Myopathy Rehabilitation through Surgical Techniques
Authors: Debnath Anindya , Athani Badarinath , Das Jaya 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We describe a male patient in his early thirties exhibiting muscle weakness since childhood, which progressed slowly over time. Clinical examination revealed proximal muscle weakness and contractures in hip flexor, hip adductor and gastrosoleus muscles. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lower limbs revealed a specific pattern with peripheral fat infiltration. Genetic analysis through whole exome sequencing identified a heterozygous mutation in the exon 10 (COL6A1) and exon 7 (SPLTC2), linked to Bethlem myopathy. He underwent corrective surgery for hip and ankle deformities, followed by intensive rehabilitation. It resulted in improved mobility, gait and functional status, demonstrating the efficacy of surgical rehabilitation in enhancing his quality of life.
Assessing the Impact of Lower-Limb Muscle Strength Reduction on Joint Contact Forces During Squatting Using a Musculoskeletal Model
Authors: Kothurkar Rohan , Lekurwale Ramesh , Gad Mayuri 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Estimating joint contact forces (JCFs) is crucial for understanding osteoarthritis progression and optimising implant designs. However, existing musculoskeletal modelling approaches show variability in estimating JCFs during squatting. Reductions in muscle strength within specific groups are commonly observed due to factors such as ageing, certain physiological conditions or surgeries.

Aims and Objectives:
This study aims to assess the impact of reducing lower-limb muscle group strength on JCFs during squatting.

Materials and Methods:
Marker trajectories, ground reaction forces and in vivo knee JCFs (KJCFs) during squatting were obtained from an open-source dataset. The standard OpenSim pipeline of scaling, inverse kinematics, static optimisation and joint reaction analysis was used to quantify JCFs by reducing muscle group strengths (quadriceps, hamstrings, calf, knee-crossing and hip-crossing muscles).

Results:
The simulations revealed changes in knee and hip JCFs compared to the nominal model due to the reduction in muscle group strength. The research also found noticeable disparities between estimated and measured joint forces, even after a reduction in muscle strength of the musculoskeletal model.

Conclusion:
These findings underscore the challenges in accurately estimating JCFs and enhance our understanding of the intricate relationship between muscle group strength and JCFs during squatting. This research revealed that strengthening hip muscles can lower peak KJCFs without significantly increasing hip JCFs, while also guiding targeted rehabilitation and informing patient-specific implant design to improve joint health.
The lattice of C
$^*$
-covers of an operator algebra
Authors: Humeniuk Adam , Ramsey Christopher 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this article, it is shown that the lattice of C

$^*$

-covers of an operator algebra does not contain enough information to distinguish operator algebras up to completely isometric isomorphism. In addition, four natural equivalences of the lattice of C

$^*$

-covers are developed and proven to be distinct. The lattice of C

$^*$

-covers of direct sums and tensor products are studied. Along the way key examples are found of operator algebras, each of which generates exactly n C

$^*$

-algebras up to

$*$

-isomorphism, and a simple operator algebra that is not similar to a C

$^*$

-algebra.
Pursuing Osteopathic Recognition: A National Survey on US Program Director Perspectives
Authors: Dong Ting , Shapiro Marina , Soh Michael , Merkebu Jerusalem , Cervero Ronald , McClain Rance , Durning Steven J. 
Published: February 2025

Background Osteopathic Recognition (OR) by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education single accreditation system expanded almost 7-fold from 36 programs in 2015 to 259 in 2021 but has plateaued since then.
Objective To assess the interest to pursue OR, perceived barriers and values, and relationship between interest and program demographics in formerly US American Osteopathic Association (AOA)-accredited residency programs.
Methods We conducted a national survey in 2023 of all formerly AOA-accredited residency programs that had not applied for OR. The anonymous survey contained 20 five-point Likert scale questions, 11 short-answer demographic questions, and 1 open-ended resource question, was informed by prior work, and was pilot tested with a few program directors for clarity and content. The relationship between levels of interest in pursuing OR and perceived barriers, values, and demographics were analyzed via contingency table analysis. Thematic analysis was performed by 2 authors on the open-ended question.
Results Of 458 program directors, 178 (38.9%) responded to the survey, and the majority (103, 57.9%) expressed “Yes” or “Maybe” interest in obtaining OR. Thirteen barriers were important, including lack of interest and support from potential applicants or colleagues; lack of time, funding, or facility space; and uncertainty over administrative work; these showed differences among the groups of different levels of interest with medium to large effect sizes (0.24&lt;Cramer’s V&lt;0.35). The groups also showed differences in their perception of the value of pursuing OR (0.21&lt;Cramer’s V&lt;0.29).
Conclusions Program directors’ perceived available resources and the value of OR to attract applicants to a program influenced their level of interest in pursuing OR.
Residents Vote! A Framework and Toolkit to Improve Resident Voting Rates
Authors: Goyal Nikhil , Vohra Taher T. , Champagne Samuel 
Published: February 2025

Background Elections substantially impact health care, yet physicians vote less frequently compared to the general population. Engaging residents and fellows in elections, during training when professional identities are formed, may improve physician voting rates.
Objective To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a centralized, institution-wide approach to improve graduate medical education (GME) trainee awareness, registration, and participation in the electoral process.
Methods Our framework was implemented in academic year 2023-2024, leading up to the 2024 Michigan presidential primary election. It included: voter registration instruction during resident orientation; emails with election deadlines and nonpartisan voting information; distribution of wearable buttons displaying QR codes linking to information on voter registration, early voting, and mail-in ballots; and informational sessions with legislative experts. We created an open-access GME toolkit for other institutions. We measured trainee voting rates using a single text message question on election day.
Results Of 1041 trainees, 115 (11%) attended 4 informational sessions; informal feedback was positive. One hundred twenty-three of 826 trainees (15%) responded to the text message question: 35 of 81 (43%) eligible voters reported having voted or planning to do so that day (statewide rate=23%). No additional funding was required. The institutional GME office provided support for operationalization and wearable buttons. Henry Ford Health Government Affairs supported the informational sessions (held during routine didactic time).
Conclusions A series of interventions to improve GME trainees’ participation in elections appeared to enhance participation in a primary election with low effort and apparent acceptability. An online toolkit with reference data, tips, and tools was created to allow others to replicate this effort.
Phytochemical, acute toxicity, and anti- plasmodial potential of concomitant extracts of <i>Azadiralkta indila</i> and <i>Mangifera indila</i> on liver function and microscopic anatomy in Swiss mice
Authors: Udok M.I. , Edagha I.A. , Peter A.J. , Udotong I.U. , Ataben M.A. 
Published: February 2025

Introduction: In sub-saharan Africa, malaria is the predominant contributor to mortality and there is significant dependence on phytotherapy for its treatment. This study investigated comparative phytoconstituents, acute toxicity, anti-plasmodial activities on liver function and microanatomical perturbations following the concomitant administration of ethanol extracts of Azadiralkta indila leaves and Mangifera indila bark in Plasmodium bergkei-infected swiss mice.
Materials and Methods: sixty experimental mice were allotted into 12 groups (n = 5) and inoculated with 1 x 106 P. bergkei two weeks post- acclimatization. Group one served as the normal control; group two [parasitized-non-treated@ and groups 3 to 11 were low, medium, and high doses of the extracts singly and concomitantly, while group 12 received artemether-lumefantrine. All administrations were via oral route for three days, respectively. Phytochemical screening, parasite density, serum liver enzymes and microanatomical alterations were analyzed.
Results: Phytochemistry showed that A. indila possessed abundant alkaloids that were absent in M. indila. The median lethal dose (LD50) of A. indila leaf and M. indila bark extract was 3240.37 and 2738.61 mg/kg, respectively. The single administration of A. indila outperformed M. indila via mitigated parasite progression, reduced P. bergkei-induced hepatotoxicity and elevated liver enzymes.
conclusion: Azadiralkta indila surpasses Mangifera indila in alleviating hyperparasitemia, parasite- associated hepatotoxicity, and hepatic microanatomical changes in in vivo rodentia malaria model. A. indila also mild to moderately improved hepatic collagen and glycogen storage than M. indila. It possessed a better synergistic effect than M. indila alone.
Acquisition Of Size-Specific Dose Estimates For Abdominal Computed Tomography Examination In Nigeria: A Preliminary Study Using A Water Equivalent Diameter
Authors: Samuel Ibe Blessing , Egwu Egong Akpama , Egom Erim Akwa , Vincent Ukpong Ekaete , Eyo Archibong Bassey , Ijever Wueseter Andrew , Eusebius Dike Uchenna , Onen Egbe Nneoyi 
Published: February 2025

Background
Size-specific dose estimates is an important metric for personalizing dose measurements during abdominal computed tomography (CT) examination. This study aimed to establish patient size-specific dose data as a guide for dose monitoring of abdominal computed tomography examinations among Nigerians.
Methods
Abdominal CT images of adult subjects obtained from two CT scanners - a light speed VCT –ZTe; (GE Healthcare) 16 – Slice and a Brivo CT 385 series; (GC Healthcare) 16-slice scanners were used in the study. The estimated computed tomography dose index volume (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) were extracted from the CT dose report on the patients’ electronic Image folders. The effective size of the abdomen was obtained by using electronic caliper on the scanner console to measure the anterior-posterior and lateral dimensions at the level of the widest diameter on the image. With Table1A from the AAPM report 220, conversion factors were determined for a total of 264 abdominal CT images. The corresponding conversion factor was multiplied by the CTDIvol to obtain the size specific dose estimates (SSDE). The relationships between effective diameter (ED), CTDIVOL and age on SSDE were analyzed using minitab statistical software version 17.
Results
The mean CTDlvol was 6.94+ 1.63mGy, while SSDE was 9.76 + 2.56mGy. The SSDE decreased significantly with effective diameter, and increased significantly with the CTDI vol. The effective diameter measured between 8.72.90 and 37.70cm.
Conclusion
The study concludes that the CTDvol and patient’s abdominal size are determinant factors in the development of a size-specific radiation protection protocol and optimization of patient dose during abdominal CT examinations based on scanner output.
The Use Of A Two-Stage Cluster Sampling Technique In Identifying And Analyzing Several Factors Affecting Poultry Production In Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Catherine Shike Agbebia , Inyang Ikpan Okim 
Published: February 2025

This study analyzed the factors affecting poultry production in Cross River State, Nigeria. The objective was to establish how farm input factors like cost of feed, cost of drugs, farm size, credit facility, cost of labour etc, and socio-economic problems of the farmers like farming experience, level of education, age of farmer etc, affects poultry production in the study area. Also, the extent to which technology adaption, and availability of market, influence poultry production in the study area, was assessed. A sampling frame (i.e a record of registered farmers in the state) consisting of 1042 registered farmers was obtained from the Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture, from which samples were drawn using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. The first stage units (the primary sampling units) comprising of four Local Government Areas, were selected using probability proportional to size sampling technique. Also, the second stage sampling units (secondary sampling units) consisting of poultry farmers from each of the selected Local Government Area, were selected using simple random sampling technique. A total of 169 poultry farms were drawn. Multiple regression models and other descriptive statistical tools like percentages, frequency tables, mean etc, were used to reveal that factors such as the cost of feed, cost of drugs, farm size, farming experience and credit facilities were statistically significant factors affecting poultry production in the study area. While the cost of drugs, the farm size and farming experience were positively related to the output, the cost of feed and credit facilities were found to be negatively related factors to the output. It was also revealed that majority of the farmers in the study area were small-scale broiler farmers, who were in their active age of between 25 -40 years, have had more than five years of faming experience and were university graduates.
Impact of Learning Management System in Pharmacy Education in Selected Universities in Southern Nigeria and Contributing Factors
Authors: Irenitemi E.O. , Ola-Olorun O.J. , Jegede A.O. , Ighorodje A.E. 
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Information and communication technologies (ICT) continue to impact the learning landscape all over the world, particularly the use of learning management system (LMS.). The study assessed the impact of Learning Management System (LMS) in pharmacy education and explored factors influencing its adoption for learning in selected Universities in Southern Nigeria.
Method: The study samples consist of 66 pharmacy lecturers and 779 undergraduate pharmacy students, drawn from four universities, by employing a multistage sampling method and primary data sources. The instruments employed were two sets of questionnaires, one for each of the lecturers and students. Collected data were summarised using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, weighted averages (WA) and medians while inferential statistics namely independent samples t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed in answering research questions about variables at 5% level of significance.
Results: The results show that the impacts of LMS in pharmacy education include improving educational outcome, for lecturers (80.8%; WA 2.7) and for students (55.5%; WA 2.2); promoting collaborative learning, for lecturers (76.9%; WA = 2.7), and among students (59.2%, WA 2.4) and promoting students’ independent learning, for lecturers (92.3%; WA 3.0) and for students (68.3%; WA 2.6)). Factors reported as important in adoption of LMS technology are institutional support for technology tools (84.9%, WA = 3.7), electricity availability (93.9%, WA = 3.8), price of technology (62.1%; WA = 3.4) and internet access (87.9%, WA=3.7).
Conclusion: The study concludes that the impact of LMS technology in pharmacy education include promoting student’s independent learning, improving educational outcomes and promotion of collaborative learning among students; while the most important factors facilitating the adoption of technology for learning were electricity, availability of internet connectivity and institutional support for technology use.
Analysis of Spatial-Temporal Patterns of Wildfire Susceptibility in Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) - Uganda
Authors: Irumba Derrick Robert , Gidudu Anthony , Kayondo Lydia Mazzi 
Published: February 2025

This study determined the variability of wildfire susceptibility in Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) in space and time. QENP is a protected area in Western Uganda. MODIS and VIIRS data for a six-and-a-half-year period from January 2015 - June 2021 were obtained to create an inventory of past fires. From these fires, spatial and temporal patterns were derived from exploratory spatial data analyses. The Weights of Evidence (WOE) method, a Bayesian form of statistical modelling, was used to determine the relationship between fires and wildfire conditioning factors, as well as to model wildfire susceptibility. Results of the study showed that the occurrence of wildfires within the study area vary seasonally. Sixty-one percent (61%) of the fires were observed to occur in the first dry season of the year, while thirty-one percent (31%) of the fires were observed to occur in the second dry season. Among the wildfire conditioning factors, altitude, vegetation (as measured by NDVI), and proximity to lakes indicated the highest correlation with the occurrence of fires. These conditions were attributed to physiographic influences, water stress in vegetation, and the socio-economic activities of the fishing villages around the lakes respectively. From the derived wildfire susceptibility maps, varying levels of wildfire susceptibility were determined. Proportional values of 19% and 20% of the study area were classified with very high and high susceptibility levels respectively. The remaining 61% of the study area was covered by moderate, low, and very low susceptibility levels. The study results provided vital findings about the seasonal patterns of wildfire occurrence, factors influencing the occurrence of wildfires and the locations most susceptible to wildfires. This information will enable managers to allocate fire management resources optimally to efficiently mitigate against wildfires within QENP.
$\mathcal{S}$-adic characterization of minimal dendric shifts
Authors: Gheeraert France , Leroy Julien 
Published: February 2025

Dendric shifts are defined by combinatorial restrictions of the extensions of the words in their languages. This family generalizes well-known families of shifts such as Sturmian shifts, Arnoux-Rauzy shifts and codings of interval exchange transformations. It is known that any minimal dendric shift has a primitive $\mathcal{S}$-adic representation where the morphisms in $\mathcal{S}$ are positive tame automorphisms of the free group generated by the alphabet. In this paper we give an $\mathcal{S}$-adic characterization of this family by means of two finite graphs. As an application, we are able to decide whether a shift space generated by a uniformly recurrent morphic word is (eventually) dendric.Comment: 36 pages
Mutant p53R175H-Associated Protection of Ovarian Cancer Precursor Cells from Cisplatin Requires Expression of SLC6A6 Taurine Transporter
Authors: Polotaye Teagan , Centeno Daniel , Iwanicki Marcin 
Published: February 2025

Tumor suppressor gene TP53 is ubiquitously mutated in ovarian cancer precursor lesions that undergo pervasive accumulation of DNA damage. Prior literature provides evidence that the expression of mutant p53 protein in epithelial cells is associated with increased survival in response to DNA-damaging treatments. Hence, identification and understanding of the mechanisms that, in response to DNA damage accumulation, support survival of ovarian cancer precursor cells carrying p53 mutations might provide important information about the evolution of the disease. Here we used a combination of OC precursor cell models, biochemistry, microscopy, and flow cytometry to provide evidence that the taurine transporter, the SLC6A6 molecule, contributes to cell protection from DNA-damaging (cisplatin) treatment. We found that expression of mutant p53R175H in OC precursor cells, the fallopian tube non-ciliated epithelial (FNE) cells, induced resistance to the DNA-damaging agent cisplatin. Most importantly, shRNA-mediated targeting of SLC6A6 transcript re-sensitized FNE cells expressing mutant p53R175H to cisplatin treatment. Our studies are consistent with the model that the loss of SLC6A6 alters mechanisms involved in the regulation of cell survival in response to DNA damage.