bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INFECTED CHARCOT ANKLE NEUROARTHROPATHY: ANY HOPE BEFORE AMPUTATION? A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Galhoum A.E. , Abd-Ella M.M. , ElGebeily M. , Rahman A.F. Abdel , Zahlawy H. El , Ramadan A. , Valderrbano V. 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundCharcot neuroarthropathy is a destructive disease characterized by progressive bony fragmentation as a result of the isolated or accumulative trauma in patients with decreased sensation that manifests as dislocation, periarticular fractures and instability. Although amputation can be a reasonable cost economic solution, many patients are willing to avoid that if possible. We explored here one of the salvage procedures.Methods23 patients with infected ulcerated unstable Charcot neuroarthropathy of the ankle were treated between 2012 and 2017. The mean age was 63.5 ±7.9 years; 16 males and 7 females. Aggressive open debridement of ulcers and joint surfaces, with talectomy in some cases, were performed followed by external fixation with an Ilizarov frame. The primary outcome was a stable plantigrade infection free foot and ankle that allows weight bearing in accommodative foot wear.ResultsLimb salvage was achieved in 91.3% of cases at the end of a mean follow up time of 25 months (range: 19–32). Fifteen (71.4%) solid bony unions were evident clinically and radiographically, while 6 (28.5%) patients developed stable painless pseudoarthrosis. Two patients had below knee amputations due to uncontrolled infection.ConclusionAggressive debridement and arthrodesis with ring external fixation can be used successfully to salvage severely infected Charcot arthropathy of the ankle. Pin tract infection, delayed wound healing and stress fracture may complicate the procedure but can be easily managed. Amputation may be the last resort in uncontrolled infection.
TRENDS IN TOTAL ANKLE ARTHROPLASTY IN SCOTLAND
Authors: Ha T.T. , Higgs Z. , Watling C. , Osam C.S. , Madeley N.J. , Kumar C.S. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionTotal ankle replacement (TAR) is performed for post-traumatic arthritis, inflammatory arthropathy, osteoarthritis and other indications. The Scottish Arthroplasty Project (SAP) began collection of data on TAR in 1997. In this study, using data from the SAP, we look at trends in the use and outcomes of TAR in Scotland.MethodsWe identified 499 patients from the SAP who underwent TAR between 1997 and 2015 with imaging available on the National Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). We identified, and looked at trends in, implant type over the following time periods: 1998–2005; 2006–2010 and 2011–2015. Age, gender, indication and outcomes for each time period were examined and also trends with implant type over time.ResultsThere were 499 primary TAR procedures with an overall incidence of 0.5/105 population per year. Eight different implants were identified with significant changes in the numbers of each type used over time. The peak incidence of TAR was in the 6th decade. The mean age of patients undergoing TAR from 59 years in 1997–2005, to 65 years in 2011–15 (p< 0.0001). The percentage of patients with inflammatory arthropathy was 52% in 1997–2005, compared with 10% in 2011–2015. Subsequent arthrodesis and infection rates appeared to be higher during the first time period. The female to male ratio also changed over time. The incidence of TAR increased overall during the study period (r= 0.9, p=< 0.0001). This may be due to a broadening range of indications and patient selection criteria, in turn due to increased surgeon experience and the evolution of implant design.ConclusionThis study examines a large number of TARs from an established arthroplasty registry. The rate of TAR has increased significantly in Scotland from 1997 to 2015. Indication and patient age has changed over time and this could potentially impact outcomes after ankle replacement.
THE HINTEGRA TOTAL ANKLE REPLACEMENT: SURVIVORSHIP, FAILURE MODES, AND PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES IN 70 CONSECUTIVE CASES WITH A MINIMUM FIVE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP
Authors: Clifton L. , Kingman A. , Rushton P. , Murty A. , Kakwani R. , Coorsh J. , Townshend D. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionWe report the functional outcome and survivorship of the Hintegra Total Ankle Replacement (TAR), in consecutive cases by multiple surgeons in a single UK institution. Between 2010–2014 the Hintegra TAR held 7.1% UK market share and surgeons should be aware of failure mechanisms.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data for 70 consecutive Hintegra TAR cases in a single institution between 2010–2014. Data collected included patient demographics, complications, reoperations, patient reported outcome measures (PROMS: AOS, MOX-FQ, pain VAS) and patient satisfaction.ResultsThe 70 patients (54 male/ 16 female) had an average age of 69 (range 48–84 years). Mean follow up was 76 months (range 60–04), 10 patients died during the follow up. Implant survivorship was 81.4% at most recent follow up. The commonest radiographic finding was periprosthetic cysts (n=28, 40%), size range (7–40mm), location of cysts: isolated talus (n=14), isolated tibia (n=6), mixed (n=8). 10 failed TARs were revised to Inbone TAR at a mean of 48 months (range 9–69). 3 Failed TARs were revised to arthrodesis (2 tibiotalar fusions, 1 hindfoot nail). 11 patients required reoperation with implant retention: 8 periprosthetic cyst debridement and grafting at a mean of 61 months (range 27–91), 1 lateral gutter debridement and 1 periprosthetic fracture ORIF. PROMS data was available for all patients. Overall patients showed marked improvement in functional outcome scores between pre-operative and final follow up questionnaires. Mean pre-op AOS: 62, MOX-FQ: 68 and pain VAS: 67.5 with mean final follow up scores of: AOS: 35, MOX-FQ: 36 and pain VAS: 30.ConclusionOur experience demonstrates improved PROMS following ankle arthroplasty for patients with a mean follow up of 6.4 years. Implant survivorship is similar to other TAR studies. We have identified a high incidence of periprosthetic cysts and would recommend ongoing surveillance of these patients.
Association between weight-adjusted-waist index and periodontitis risk: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Xinyu 
Published: May 2024

Background
There may be an association between obesity and periodontitis, yet no studies have investigated the correlation between the new obesity indicator, the weight-adjusted-waist Index (WWI), and periodontitis.

Objective
This study aims to investigate the association between the novel obesity index, weight-adjusted-waist index, and periodontitis.

Subjects and methods
WWI was utilized to assess obesity, through measuring waist circumference (WC) and body weight. We analyzed cross-sectional NHANES data from 2009 to 2014 (1) using multivariate logistic regression to explore WWI’s association with moderate/severe periodontitis; (2) conducting subgroup analyses and interaction tests; and (3) fitting smoothed curves to the age-stratified logistic regression model.

Results
The study involved 11,256 individuals, with 48.55% having moderate/severe periodontitis. Upon adjusting for all relevant variables, a significant correlation between WWI and moderate/severe periodontitis was observed (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.17). Compared to the lowest quartile of WWI, there was a significant increase in the likelihood of moderate/severe periodontitis in Quartile 2 (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06–1.39) and Quartile 3 (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07–1.42). Subgroup analyses for gender, age, education, smoking, and diabetes highlighted a positive association between WWI and moderate/severe periodontitis in all subgroups, except for the diabetic population and individuals aged 65 years and older.

Conclusion
The analysis revealed a positive correlation between WWI, a novel obesity index, and moderate/severe periodontitis prevalence through diverse modeling approaches.
Association of atherogenic indices with myocardial damage and mortality in COVID-19
Authors: Gunay-Polatkan Seyda , Caliskan Serhat , Sigirli Deniz 
Published: May 2024

Background
Lipoproteins in cell membranes are related to membrane stability and play a role against microorganisms. Patients with COVID-19 often experience myocyte membrane damage.

Objective
This study aimed to search the relationship of atherogenic indices with myocardial damage and mortality in COVID-19.

Methods
This was an observational, single-center, retrospective study. The study population was grouped according to in-hospital mortality. C-reactive protein (CRP), CRP to albumin ratio (CAR), monocyte to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were recorded. Atherogenic indices (plasma atherogenic index [AIP], atherogenic coefficient [AC], Castelli’s risk indices I and II [CRI I and II], triglyceride to HDLc ratio (THR) were calculated.

Results
A total of 783 patients were included. The mortality rate was 15.45% (n = 121). The median age of non-survivor group (NSG) was higher than survivor group (SG) [66.0 years (Q1 –Q3: 55.0–77.5) vs 54.0 years (Q1 –Q3: 43.0–63.0)] (p < 0.001). Study parameters which were measured significantly higher in the NSG were CRP, cTnI, triglyceride, CRI-I, CRI-II, AC, AIP, ferritin, CAR, MHR and THR. LDLc, HDLc, TC and albumin were significantly lower in NSG (p<0.001).

Conclusion
THR is positively correlated with myocardial damage and strongly predicts in-hospital mortality in COVID-19.
Cross-informant ratings on emotional and behavioral problems in Nepali adolescents: A comparison of adolescents’ self-reports with parents’ and teachers’ reports
Authors: Adhikari Sirjana , Ma Jasmine , Shakya Suraj , Brøndbo Per Håkan , Handegård Bjørn Helge , Javo Anne Cecilie 
Published: May 2024

Background
Studies on cross-informant agreement on adolescents’ emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) are sparse in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess parent-adolescent and teacher-adolescent agreement on EBPs and associated factors in Nepal.

Methods
This cross-sectional survey included 1904 school-going adolescents aged 11–18, enrolled in government and private schools located in sixteen districts of Nepal. The Nepali versions of the Youth Self Report, Child Behavior Checklist, and Teacher’s Report Form were administered to assess EBPs reported by adolescents, their parents, and teachers, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done to assess mean differences in problem scores. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess cross-informant agreement. Linear regression analysis was used to explore factors associated with cross-informant discrepancies in EBPs.

Results
Adolescents reported significantly more problems than their parents and teachers. Mean Total Problem scores for the 90 common items in the adolescents’ self-reports, parent reports, and teacher reports were 34.5 (standard deviation [SD]: 21.4), 24.1 (SD = 19.2), and 20.2 (SD = 17.5) respectively. Parent-adolescent agreement on Total Problems was moderate, whereas teacher-adolescent agreement was low. The parent-adolescent agreement was moderate to low for the two broadband scales and all syndrome scales, whereas the teacher-adolescent agreement was low for all scales. Female gender and ethnic minority status impacted both parent-adolescent and teacher-adolescent discrepancies. Family stress/conflicts impacted parent-adolescent discrepancies, while academic performance impacted teacher-adolescent discrepancies.

Conclusions
Nepali adolescents reported more EBPs than their parents and teachers. The agreement between adolescents’ self-reports and reports by their parents and teachers was moderate to low. Gender, caste/ethnicity, family stress/conflicts, and academic performance were associated with cross-informant discrepancies. It is crucial to collect information from different sources, consider context-specific needs, and discern factors influencing cross-informant discrepancies to accurately assess adolescents’ EBPs and develop personalized approaches to treatment planning.
Early emotional and behavioural problems predict use of habilitation services among children: Findings from a longitudinal follow-up study
Authors: Ashok Pavithra , Fäldt Anna , Dahlberg Anton , Durbeej Natalie 
Published: May 2024

Purpose
To explore the association between early emotional and behavioural problems and use of habilitation services among children in Sweden.

Methods
In this longitudinal cohort study, we used data on children, 3–5 years of age, whose mothers (n = 7343) and fathers (n = 6322) had responded to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for assessment of emotional and behavioural problems, and who were followed for approximately 6.5 years with regard to use of habilitation services. The relations between emotional and behavioural problems and use of habilitation services were explored through cox regression models.

Results
In unadjusted models, children with identified emotional and behavioural problems were more likely to utilise habilitation services compared to those with no identified problems. These associations were shown for both mothers’ (HR: 5.02) and fathers’ (HR: 4.25) SDQ ratings. In adjusted cox-regression models, the associations remained significant for both mothers’ (AHR: 4.24) and fathers’ (AHR: 4.03) ratings.

Conclusions
Early emotional and behavioural problems predict later habilitation service use among children in Sweden. Assessment of these problems in all children at child health services could facilitate early identification and timely interventions. Habilitation centres in Sweden could integrate mental health care into the standard treatment for children using these services.
Association of smoking cessation with airflow obstruction in workers with silicosis: A cohort study
Authors: Yang Shuyuan , Chan Chi Kuen , Wang Maggie Haitian , Leung Chi Chiu , Tai Lai Bun , Tse Lap Ah 
Published: May 2024

Background
Studies in general population reported a positive association between tobacco smoking and airflow obstruction (AFO), a hallmark of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, this attempt was less addressed in silica dust-exposed workers.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study consisted of 4481 silicotic workers attending the Pneumoconiosis Clinic during 1981–2019. The lifelong work history and smoking habits of these workers were extracted from medical records. Spirometry was carried out at the diagnosis of silicosis (n = 4177) and reperformed after an average of 9.4 years of follow-up (n = 2648). AFO was defined as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/force vital capacity (FVC) less than lower limit of normal (LLN). The association of AFO with smoking status was determined using multivariate logistics regression, and the effect of smoking cessation on the development of AFO was evaluated Cox regression.

Results
Smoking was significantly associated with AFO (current smokers: OR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.51–2.44; former smokers: OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.65–2.66). The risk of AFO significantly increased in the first 3 years of quitting smoking (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.02–1.47) but decreased afterwards with increasing years of cessation. Smoking cessation reduced the risk of developing AFO no matter before or after the confirmation of silicosis (pre-silicosis cessation: HR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.46–0.74; post-silicosis cessation: HR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.48–0.79).

Conclusions
Smoking cessation significantly reduced the risk of AFO in the workers with silicosis, although the health benefit was not observed until 3 years of abstinence. These findings highlight the importance of early and long-term smoking cessation among silicotic or silica dust-exposed workers.
Comparative analysis of mechanical conditions in bone union following first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with varied locking plate positions: A finite element analysis
Authors: Sabik Agnieszka , Daszkiewicz Karol , Witkowski Wojciech , Łuczkiewicz Piotr 
Published: May 2024

Background
First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis is a typical medical treatment performed in cases of arthritis or joint deformity. The gold standard for this procedure is arthrodesis stabilisation with the dorsally positioned plate. However, according to the authors’ previous studies, medially positioned plate provides greater bending stiffness. It is worth to compare the mechanical conditions for bone formation in the fracture callus for both placements of the locking plate.

Methods
Two finite element models of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with the dorsally and medially positioned plate were defined in the Abaqus software to simulate differentiation of the fracture callus. A simplified load application, i.e. one single step per each day and the diffusion of the mesenchymal stem cells into the fracture region were assumed in an iterative hardening process. The changes of the mesenchymal stem cells into different phenotypes during the callus stiffening were governed by the octahedral shear strain and interstitial fluid velocity according to Prendergast mechanoregulation theory. Basing on the obtained results the progress of the cartilage and bone tissues formation and their distribution within the callus were compared between two models.

Findings
The obtained results suggest that after 6 weeks of simulation the healing progress is in general comparable for both plates. However, earlier closing of external callus was observed for the medially positioned plate which had greater vertical bending stiffness. This process enables faster internal callus hardening and promotes symmetrical bridging.
impact of an educational intervention on fertility awareness of healthcare professionals
Authors: Petročnik Petra , Prosen Mirko , Žvanut Boštjan , Pucer Patrik , Mivšek Polona 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: With couples' increasing postponement of pregnancy to later in life and the associated rising infertility rates, healthcare professionals need to be proactive in counselling on the risk factors affecting reproduction. To do so, they need specific counselling skills and evidence-based information. The aim of this study was to assess and compare participants' knowledge of fertility issues before and after an educational intervention on preconception health care.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted, using the same questionnaire to assess the pre- and post-intervention status. The questionnaire was developed on the basis of a literature review on infertility risk factors. The survey was conducted in a conference setting. Participation in the survey was voluntary and confidentiality was assured to all participants (midwives, nurses and healthcare students). The differences in participants' pre- and post-intervention knowledge were calculated using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.Results: The results of our study show an improvement in participants' overall knowledge on infertility risk factors. These improvements were statistically significant in the sections of 'Age and Fertility' and 'Environmental Hazards', while in the sections 'Pre-existing Medical Conditions' and 'Lifestyle Factors Affecting Fertility', participants already possessed comprehensive knowledge prior to the educational intervention.Discussion and conclusion: Health professionals can improve their knowledge on preconception health through continuous education. Further studies need to test the long-term effects of different educational approaches.
Nuclear Challenges of Neglected Lessons of Chornobyl
Authors: Gardashuk Tetiana 
Published: May 2024

The article is dedicated to the analysis of new nuclear challenges resulting from Russia’s nuclear blackmail and attacks at civic nuclear facilities in Ukraine. It is shown that Russia’s actions concerning civic nuclear facilities correspond to the criteria of nuclear terrorism and demonstrate the violation of the internationally accepted principles of non-proliferation and nuclear taboo. This attitude to potentially dangerous objects and behavior is rooted in the non-acceptance of the post-Chornobyl safety culture. For the Russian Federation, it is the exploitation of human fears of new nuclear disasters and radiation pollution.
European and global communities in close cooperation with the Ukrainian authority, scientists, and civic society urgently need to work out efficient instruments to translate and convert nuclear fear and concern into efficient actions for the enforcement of international legislation in the sphere of nuclear safety and terrorism prevention and the empowerment of international institutions and organizations.
Translated article was published for Czech readers in Ekolist (with small changes): https://ekolist.cz/cz/publicistika/eseje/jaderne-vyzvy-a-ignorovani-zkusenosti-z-cernobylu
Eigenvalues of complex unit gain graphs and gain regularity
Authors: Brunetti Maurizio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
A complex unit gain graph (or

T

{\mathbb{T}}

-gain graph)

Γ
=

(

G
,
γ

)

\Gamma =\left(G,\gamma )

is a gain graph with gains in

T

{\mathbb{T}}

, the multiplicative group of complex units. The

T

{\mathbb{T}}

-outgain in

Γ

\Gamma

of a vertex

v
∈
G

v\in G

is the sum of the gains of all the arcs originating in

v

v

. A

T

{\mathbb{T}}

-gain graph is said to be an

a

a

-

T

{\mathbb{T}}

-regular graph if the

T

{\mathbb{T}}

-outgain of each of its vertices is equal to

a

a

. In this article, it is proved that

a

a

-

T

{\mathbb{T}}

-regular graphs exist for every

a
∈
R

a\in {\mathbb{R}}

. This, in particular, means that every real number can be a

T

{\mathbb{T}}

-gain graph eigenvalue. Moreover, denoted by

Ω

(

a

)

\Omega \left(a)

the class of connected

T

{\mathbb{T}}

-gain graphs whose largest eigenvalue is the real number

a

a

, it is shown that

Ω

(

a

)

\Omega \left(a)

is nonempty if and only if

a

a

belongs to

{

0

}

∪

[

1
,
+
∞

)

\left\{0\right\}\cup \left[1,+\infty )

. In order to achieve these results, non-complete extended

p

p

-sums and suitably defined joins of

T

{\mathbb{T}}

-gain graphs are considered.
Prager Hochzeit
Authors: Völlnagel Jörg 
Published: May 2024

In Karlsbad üben die kommunistischen Satellitenstaaten auf einer Konferenz den Schulterschluss. Bonn bereitet sich auf das Staatsbegräbnis von Konrad Adenauer vor. Die NASA-Sonde Surveyor 3 funkt Bilder vom Mond auf die Erde. Zwischen Himmel und Erde passiert an einem Tag im April 1967 vieles gleichzeitig, was unter dem Siegel der Aktualität am nächsten Tag Platz in der Zeitung beansprucht. Vor einem Ereignis aber verblassen am 24. April 1967 alle Nachrichten: Eine halbe Zeitungsseite ist mit einem roten Farbblock gestempelt, und quer zur Laufrichtung der Zeitungstexte wird darin mit grob ausgekerbten Buchstaben eine Hochzeit angekündigt (Abb.1): «SOŇA + MILAN WILL MARRY ON 7TH MAY 9,45 A.M.» Wer sind die beiden, die die gesammelten Nachrichten in den Hintergrund drängen für ihr Wedding Announcement? Wer reicht sich die Hände? Und welche Hierarchie der Ereignisse wird hier gestört?