bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of 114 bilateral total knee arthroplasty outcome in patients between over 80 years old and under 65 years in Chinese population
Authors: Jia Cheng-Qi , Gao Mei , Pan Hong-Fa , Wu Yu-Jie , Liu Kan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Since China's rapidly growing elderly population, we compared bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) outcome in patients between over 80 years and under 65 years for reliability, durability, and satisfaction.
Methods
Between March 2005 and January 2018, 114 patients (228 knees) received BTKA due to osteoarthritis met the inclusion criteria and were postoperatively followed-up ≥ three years. Patients included 83 BTKAs under 65 years (Group 1) and 31 BTKAs over 80 years (Group 2). The indexes included operative data, hemoglobin, Knee Society Score (KSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Range of Motion (ROM), “Forgotten Joint” Scale (FJS), crutches, patients’ satisfaction, and radiographic examinations.
Results
The clinical and functional KSS, VAS, and ROM in group 2 improved significantly less than that in group 1 from preoperative mean of 31, 26, 8 and 85° to latest follow-up of 87, 55, 0 and 93°, respectively (p < 0.05). The differences in blood loss and transfusion between two groups were correlated with stages, but not number of hospitalizations (p < 0.05). However, postoperative hemoglobin was correlated with number of hospitalizations, but not stages (p < 0.05). Thirteen patients still used crutches at last follow-up in group 2 (42%). The satisfaction rate in group 2 (90.3%) was lower than 99.4% in group 1 (p < 0.05). The proportion of FJS ≥ 50 was 96.4% in group 1 and 87.1% in group 2 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
BTKA was reliable, durable, and satisfied in patients over 80 years in Chinese population, and more blood transfusion should be prepared in patients over 80 years.
Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Impact of Park Redesign and Renovation on Children’s Quality of Life
Authors: Hong Houlin , Kodali Hanish , Dunlap Ann , Wyka Katarzyna , Thorpe Lorna E , Evenson Kelly R , Huang Terry T-K 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Despite increasing interest in the role of parks on children’s health, there has been little empirical research on the impact of park interventions. We used a quasi-experimental pre-post study design with matched controls to evaluate the effects of park redesign and renovation on children’s quality of life (QoL) in underserved neighborhoods in New York City, with predominantly Hispanic and Black populations. Utilizing longitudinal data from the Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces (PARCS) Study, we examined the parent-reported QoL of 201 children aged 3–11 years living within a 0.3-mile radius of 13 renovated parks compared to 197 children living near 11 control parks before and after the park intervention. QoL was measured using a modified version of the KINDL questionnaire, a health-related QoL scale that assessed children’s physical and emotional well-being, self-esteem, and well-being in home, peer, and school functioning. Linear mixed regression model was used to examine the difference in difference (DID) between the intervention vs. control group for QoL. We found a significant differential improvement in the physical well-being subscale of KINDL in the intervention vs. control group (DID = 6.35, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.85-11,85, p = 0.024). The effect was particularly strong among girls (DID = 7.88, p = 0.023) and children of the lowest socio-economic background (p < 0.05). No significant DID was found in other KINDL domains. Our study indicated a beneficial impact of improving park quality on the physical well-being of children residing in underserved neighborhoods. These findings lend support for investments in neighborhood parks to advance health equity.
Exploring the Link Between Sleep characteristics and Osteoarthritis: Evidence from NHANES and MR
Authors: Cao Dongdong , Chen Jixin , Yu Weijie , Yang Jialin , Guo Tianci , Zhang Yu , Liu Aifeng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Epidemiological studies indicate that sleep disturbances are risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder, yet its causal relationship with OA remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigates the causal relationship between three typical sleep characteristics of OSA and OA, aiming to provide theoretical support for clinical prevention and treatment strategies.
Methods
We used information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 2015–2018 to conduct a cross-sectional study. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between OSA and OA. We obtained genetic instruments from publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) databases for MR studies, with inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the primary method.
Results
After controlling for all confounding variables, multivariate logistic regression revealed an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.67 (95% CI: 1.44, 1.95) for OSA about OA, supporting the positive connection between the two conditions established in the cross-sectional analysis. MR analysis further suggested a causal link between snoring and daytime sleepiness, two primary OSA symptoms, and an increased risk of OA, with OR of 1.059 (95% CI: 1.020, 1.099) and 1.052 (95% CI: 1.013, 1.094), respectively.
Conclusion
Our study found that OSA may be a risk factor for the development or progression of OA. Therefore, we believe that OSA may be a new target for the prevention and treatment of OA. Future studies should focus on confirming these findings in different populations and elucidating the exact biological mechanisms behind the OSA-OA relationship.
Who benefits more from an expansion of Government Health Expenditures in Western China
Authors: Li Zhichun , Du Jinrui , Sun Yufeng , Fan Miao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Government health expenditures (GHE) is the most effective factor in improving social health conditions. States often allocate funds to the equity considerations to ensure that GHE is pro-poor and the subsidies are well targeted. This study aimed to interpret who acquires GHE benefit in Western China. Setting: The whole health care. Participants: in western China, there were 149 prefecture-level cities (districts) in 12 provinces and autonomous regions over a period of 11 years selected for analysis in this study. Primary and secondary outcome measures: The research applied the static BIA, the concentration index (CI) and marginal benefit model controlling fixed effects to calculate the benefit incidence equity of GHE. Results : The static BIA of GHE showed that the benefits of each group fluctuated in different years, with no consistent trend. However, the gaps among the three groups were becoming smaller and smaller, and the low group had a tendency to surpass the middle and high groups. The benefit equity analysis of GHE showed that the CI value was close to 0 and Kakwani index was negative, indicating good fairness. The marginal benefit analysis considering the time factor showed that, as time went by, the marginal benefit of GHE was more and more inclining to the middle and low groups, without obvious pro-rich. Consideration: In western China, the government's goal of equitable and accessible medical care was being achieved step by step.
A volumetric study of the choroid plexus in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Liu Hu , Liu Huiyang , Li Huanhuan , Tian Bailing , Sun Zhen , Xiong Wen , Li Zhenxing , Yang Pingting , Fan Guoguang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Much evidence suggests that the choroid plexus (CP) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but its imaging profile in neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) remains unexplored.
Purpose: To evaluate CP volume in NPSLE patients using MRI.
Materials and methods: This retrospective study evaluated patients with SLE who underwent MRI of the brain, including three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging. CP volumes were automatically segmented. CP volume was evaluated using multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, sex, and total intracranial volume among three groups: NPSLE group, non-NPSLE group, and healthy control group (HC). Correlation analysis was performed between CP volume and clinical variables in the patient group.
Results: A total of 138 patients with SLE were included in the analysis. It was found that the right CP volume was greater in NPSLE compared with non-NPSLE and HC. When stratified according to their diagnosed status, newly diagnosed NPSLE had significantly greater CP volumes bilaterally compared with HC. Right CP volume was positively associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores in the patient group. All statistical significance levels were p <0.05.
Conclusion: CP enlargement could reflect a neuroinflammatory response that occurs at NPSLE disease onset. CP volume may serve as a promising marker for SLE, especially for newly diagnosed NPSLE.
Spatiotemporal trajectory of life expectancy and its disparity in China 2000 - 2030：Modelling and prediction
Authors: Feng Yuqing , Wang Jinfeng , Guo Naliang , Cai Yue , Yin Qian , Wu Shiyong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Life expectancy (LE) is one of crucial metrics of human evolution. However, the evolutionary trajectories of LE in different regions of China and the regional inequalities expected in 2030 are still unclear yet.
Method
This study collected provincial LE data and relevant explanatory variables for the years of 2000, 2010, 2020 in China. The Geotree method was employed to reconstruct the evolution trajectories of LE, while a multilevel model was used to predict LEs at the provincial levels in the country for the year 2030.
Finding
: The LE in China exhibits significant geographical pattern, decreasing from the east to the west of the country. LE increases with the socio-economic development but is constrained by the natural environment. The physical limitation to LE is significant in western China but are being alleviated with the development of socio-economic conditions. LE will increase in all provinces by 2030, with the overall LE in China reaching 80.05 years (95% confidence interval: 78.93 ~ 81.28), and regional inequalities will diminish.
Conclusion
LE is increasing with the improvement of socioeconomic condition over time; the constraints imposed by the natural environment on LE are being overridden with the improvement of socio-economic conditions.
Associations between voluntary activation and difference in critical torque estimation between gold standard methods in untrained participants
Authors: Corre Antonin Le , Turpin Nicolas A. , Begue Jérémie , Chouchou Florian , Mariani Antoine , Caron Nathan , Dalleau Georges 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose. While motor unit recruitment may be impaired for some clinical populations, and while allout testing procedures involve repeated maximal contractions to accurately estimate critical torque (CT), no previous study has precisely examined the relationships between voluntary activation (VA) and difference in CT estimation according to gold-standards methods. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the level of VA influences the CT estimated according to the two reference methods.
Methods. In the present study, CT was estimated during a 5-min all-out test involving the plantar-flexor muscles in untrained participants, separated in two groups including subjects with low levels of VA (VALow; ), and high levels of VA (VAHigh; ). The participants performed 60 maximal isometric contractions (3s of contractions/2s of rest) and VA was estimated before, every six contractions and after the all-out test.
Results. The major findings were that participants in the VALow group had lower CT than VAHigh participants (p=0.02) and showed lower exponential curvature constant (τ; p<0.0001). Differences in CT estimation was accounted for by baseline VA and τ (~55% of variance).
Conclusion. The present study demonstrates the inconsistency between two standard CT estimation methods and show that the differences are linked to the ability to produce MVCs. While CT is an important parameter for quantifying neuromuscular fatiguability in clinical populations, the all-out test is limited in its current form. We suggest new ways for estimating CT that rely less heavily on VA capacity, which would therefore be more adapted to participants subject to neuromuscular deconditioning.
Antitumor effects of natural killer cells derived from gene-engineered human induced pluripotent stem cells on hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nakamura Mayuna , Tanaka Yuka , Hakoda Keishi , Ohira Masahiro , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Kurachi Kenji , Tamura Kouichi , Ohdan Hideki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Mortality and recurrence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain high despite the use of various treatment methods. Recently, cell-based immunotherapy using natural killer (NK) cells has attracted considerable attention in cancer immunotherapy. NK cells generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a new option for use as an NK cell resource. The eNK cells (HLCN061, developed by HEALIOS K.K.) are human iPSC-derived NK cells differentiated from clinical-grade iPSCs in which IL-15, CCR2B, CCL19, CD16a, and NKG2D have been introduced. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of eNK cell therapy for HCC treatment. The analysis of eNK cells for cell surface and intracellular molecules revealed that antitumor-related surface molecules (TRAIL, CD226, and CD16) and intracellular cytotoxic factors (perforin, granzyme B, TNFα, and IFNγ) were highly expressed. In addition, eNK cells exhibited high cytotoxicity against HCC cell lines (HepG2, HuH7, and SNU-423), which are sensitive to NKG2D, TRAIL, and CD226. The TRAIL and perforin/granzyme B pathways are largely involved in this cytotoxic mechanism, as indicated by the reduction in cytotoxicity induced by TRAIL inhibitory antibodies and concanamycin A, which inhibits perforin/granzyme B-mediated cytotoxicity. Our data suggest that eNK cells, whose functions have been enhanced by genetic engineering, have the potential to improve HCC treatment.
PURE-seq identifies Egr1 as a Potential Master Regulator in Murine Aging by Sequencing Long-Term Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Abate Adam , Pan Sixuan , Chang Kai-Chun , Fernández-Maestre Inés , Haver Stéphane , Wereski Matthew , Bowman Robert , Levine Ross 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Single-cell transcriptomics is valuable for uncovering individual cell properties, particularly in highly heterogeneous systems. However, this technique often results in the analysis of many well-characterized cells, increasing costs and diluting rare cell populations. To address this, we developed PURE-seq (PIP-seq for Rare-cell Enrichment and Sequencing) for scalable sequencing of rare cells. PURE-seq allows direct cell loading from FACS into PIP-seq reactions, minimizing handling and reducing cell loss. PURE-seq reliably captures rare cells, with 60 minutes of sorting capturing tens of cells at a rarity of 1 in 1,000,000. Using PURE-seq, we investigated murine long-term hematopoietic stem cells and their transcriptomes in the context of hematopoietic aging, identifying Egr1 as a potential master regulator of hematopoiesis in the aging context. PURE-seq offers an accessible and reliable method for isolating and sequencing cells that are currently too rare to capture successfully with existing methods.
Suboptimal access to ceftriaxone among adult postoperative patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda: Prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Edith Namakula , Mpirirwe Ruth , Ronald Kiguba 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background An estimated 4.95 million deaths associated with bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurred globally in 2019. Access to ceftriaxone is still low, causing 11.2% of patients not to complete their treatment in health facilities. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence and factors associated with suboptimal access to ceftriaxone among adult post-operative patients in Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda.Methods The study employed a cross-sectional design, and was conducted at Mulago National Referral Hospital, among 443 adult postoperative patients who received a prescription for ceftriaxone, from August to November 2023. Ethical approval was obtained from the Mulago Hospital Research and Ethics Committee (Ref: MHREC 2473), and permission was obtained from the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (ref number: HS2936ES). Suboptimal access was a state where a patient received less than 100% of the prescribed amount of ceftriaxone vails for all postoperative days, from the hospital pharmacy; measured using self-reports and chart reviews. Data were collected from systematically sampled and consented patient caretakers using questionnaires. Data were entered into Epidata software and exported into STATA software version 14.0 for analysis, using Modified Poisson regression.Results The median age of 443 patients was 38 years (IQR: 28–50), and 77.9% (345/443) were male. The prevalence of suboptimal access to ceftriaxone was 79% (350/443), and 61% (270/350) of these had no access at all. Factors associated with suboptimal access included; the gender of the patient, knowledge of the pharmacy location, dispensers’ availability, and pharmacy working hours.Conclusion Suboptimal access to ceftriaxone among postoperative patients was high. Knowledge of the pharmacy location, gender of the patient, pharmacy dispensers’ availability, and appropriateness of working hours were positive predictors of suboptimal access. Ward emergency drug cabins should be refilled routinely, and hospital pharmacies should open for 24 hours daily. The hospital medicines and supplies budget should be increased, and rational antibiotic use should be investigated.
Prevalence, Clinical Manifestations, and Treatment Outcomes of Intra-Abdominal Hydatid Cysts: Insights from a Single Center Study in Yemen
Authors: Nagmadden Abdulrahman Yahya , Obadiel Yasser Abdurabo , Al-Amdi Amat Alrahman , Jowah Haitham Mohammed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To analyze the demographic, clinical, and diagnostic characteristics of patients with intra-abdominal hydatid cysts, as well as their treatment outcomes, using data from a single-center study.
Patients and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with intra-abdominal hydatid cysts. Data were collected on patient demographics, clinical presentations, diagnostic imaging techniques, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant correlations between cyst localization and clinical outcomes.
Results
The study included 158 patients, with a higher prevalence in women (54.0%) than in men (46.0%). The most affected age group was 21–50 years. Abdominal pain was the predominant symptom (65.2%), with 34.8% of cases discovered incidentally. CT scans were the primary diagnostic tool (71.5%), followed by ultrasound (25.9%). Surgical intervention, particularly endocystectomy, was the main treatment approach (65.2%). Complications were infrequent but included fistula (0.9%), bile leaks (4.9%), and wound infections (41.8%), with one postoperative death due to heart disease. Significant correlations were found between cyst localization and clinical outcomes (p-value < 0.05).
Conclusion
Intra-abdominal hydatid cysts predominantly affect females and young to middle-aged adults. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom, and computed tomography (CT) is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Surgical intervention remains the cornerstone of treatment, with most patients experiencing complete symptom resolution. This study underscores the need for standardized diagnostic protocols, combined treatment approaches, and comprehensive posttreatment follow-up. Continued research and multidisciplinary collaboration are essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing the disease burden.
Classical Decomposition Time Series Predictive Model for the Forecast of Domestic Electric Energy Demand and Supply
Authors: Abubakar Ruhiya , Accra Ghana acakpovia@gmail.com Amevi Acakpovi , Agyare Micheal , Afoakwa Samuel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In modern technology and systems modeling, electric energy forecasting is extremely vital in gaining effective application of energy policies. This model is formulated after a thorough study of the power load conditions of Ghana as well as the factors that affect domestic electricity demand of supply in the Country was conducted. In Ghana, the LEAP (Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning) forecast model is officially applied for electricity demand and projection of power supply which comes with forecasting errors. Thus, there exists a crucial need to develop a forecasting model for the best energy policies formulation and consequent minimization of overall forecasting error compared to the LEAP model. Results from the quantitative classical multiplicative decomposition forecast model is comparatively precise with a reduced forecast error margin between − 5–4.5% compared to an existing prediction error margin viz., 1% to -11%.
By virtue of the proposed study, accurate forecasting of power loads, improvement in utilization of electrical equipment, economies of scale and reduction in production cost can be attained. It is also essential to optimize power system resources for the attainment of energy conservation and overall reduction in emissions.
From Professing to Doing: Mathematical Values Practices of Mathematics Teachers
Authors: Dorwu Esenam , Awuah Francis Kwadwo , Kyeremeh Patrick 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

There is a widespread belief that mathematics is the most value-free of all school subjects among stakeholders in mathematics education, especially teachers. However, some mathematics educators and researchers are convinced that mathematics is culture-embedded and, therefore, value-driven. This present study aimed at exploring senior high school (SHS) mathematics teachers’ teaching practices of mathematical values in a municipality in Ghana. In the quest to achieve the purpose of this study, we employed explanatory sequential mixed methods. In the quantitative study, a census was employed to include all 53 SHS mathematics teachers within the Tano South Municipality. For the qualitative phase, purposive sampling was used to select six SHS mathematics teachers recruited to complete the questionnaires in the quantitative phase to participate in interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics (percentage, frequency, mean, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (one-way between-groups analysis of variance [ANOVA]). The qualitative data also was analyzed using a thematic analysis. From the study’s findings, it was concluded that SHS mathematics teachers often practiced the mathematical values of objectism, control, progress, and openness. In contrast, other mathematical values, such as rationalism and mystery, were sometimes practiced. The mathematical values teaching practice among SHS mathematics teachers who teach at Basic 10, 11, and 12 were statistically significantly different. It is, therefore, recommended, among others, that teacher education institutions review their mathematics programs to promote values and valuing in mathematics education among pre-service mathematics teachers.