bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Postoperative Radiographic Alignment and Component Position on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Agca Selahattin , Erduran Mehmet , Ozcan Mustafa , Kupeli Hilal , Aydemir Selahaddin , Acar Emre , Mukat Alaa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study focuses specifically on patients undergoing medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and aims to investigate the relationship between radiographic alignment and component position and their effects on midterm outcomes and functional capacity.
Materials and Methods
This study examined patients who underwent medial UKA due to medial osteoarthritis in our hospital between 2016 and 2021. 61 knees of 45 patients were examined. The mechanical tibiofemoral angle (MTFA), varus-valgus angle, and flexion-extension angle of the femoral and tibial implants were measured postoperatively in coronal and sagittal planes for each patient. The arrival times, patient age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded for the follow-up examinations. Scores for the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were obtained and compared with individual radiographic measurements.
Results
The follow-up time ranged from 2 to 6 years (mean 3.8 years). It was found that MTFA and component position had no significant impact on HSS knee score and VAS score. The patients whose sagittal plane tibial component inclination was closer to the neutral values (mean 7.1°) had significantly higher functional capacity and range of motion.
Conclusion
This study found that postoperative radiographic alignment differences had no significant impact on clinical outcomes and functional capacity in patients who underwent medial UKA. However, functional capacity significantly increased when the tibial component is placed near the neutral tilt in the sagittal plane.
Optimisation of animal handing and timing of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose PET tumour imaging in mice
Authors: Hesketh Richard Lindsay , Lewis David Yestin , Brindle Kevin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
In humans, 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) tumour-to-background contrast continues to increase long after a typical uptake period of 45–60 min. Similar studies have not been performed in mice and the static imaging time point for most studies is arbitrarily set at 30–60 min post-injection of [18F]FDG. Ideally, static PET imaging should be performed after the initial period of rapid uptake but this period has not been defined in mice, with previous dynamic studies in mice being limited to 60 min. This study aimed to define the kinetics of [18F]FDG biodistribution over periods of 3–4 h in different murine tumour models, both subcutaneous and autochthonous, and to further refine fasting and warming protocols used prior to imaging.
Procedures
Dynamic [18F]FDG PET-CT scans lasting 3 or 4 h were performed with C57BL/6J and Balb/c nude mice bearing subcutaneous EL4 murine T-cell lymphoma and Colo205 human colorectal tumours, respectively, and with transgenic Eµ-Myc lymphoma mice. Prior to [18F]FDG injection, four combinations of different animal handling conditions were used: warming for 1 h at 31°C; maintenance at room temperature (20–24°C), fasting for 6–10 h and a fed state.
Results
Tumour mean standardised uptake value (SUVmean) peaked at 147 ± 48 min post injection in subcutaneous tumours and 74 ± 31 min in autochthonous Eµ-Myc lymphomas. The tumour-to-blood ratio (TBR) peaked at 171 ± 57 and 83 ± 33 min in subcutaneous and autochthonous Eµ-Myc tumours, respectively. Fasting increased tumour [18F]FDG uptake and suppressed myocardial uptake in EL4 tumour-bearing mice. There was a good correlation between tumour SUVmean and Ki calculated using an input function (IDIF) derived from the inferior vena cava.
Conclusions
Delayed static [18F]FDG-PET imaging (> 60 min) in both autochthonous and subcutaneous tumours in improved tumour-to-background contrast and increased reproducibility.
A method for construction of baculovirus bacmids
Authors: Su Wujie , Gu Haoyi , Zhang Xiaoxia , Wang Wenbing , Li Fanchi , Li Bing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Baculovirus bacmids have been widely used in over-expression and gene deletion. Traditionally, baculovirus bacmids are developed by inserting an 8.6 kbp bacterial DNA cassette into baculovirus genomes either through homologous recombination in cultured cells or via in vitro cloning. In this study, by introducing Bsu36i-attached egfp to the 8.6 kbp bacterial DNA cassette, we develop a novel method for generating baculovirus bacmids. An 11.6 kbp bacterial DNA cassette containing the introduced egfp was used to generate an intermediate bacmid. With the EGFP reporter, purification was performed in cultured cells, increasing the proportions of recombinants. The intermediate bacmid containing the 11.6 kbp bacterial DNA cassette was obtained by transforming DH10B competent cells with viral DNA after 3 rounds of purification. The intermediate bacmid DNA was linearized by digestion with Bsu36i and then was co-transfected with the PCR-amplified 8.6 kbp bacterial cassette into BmN cells, where homologous recombination occurred between them. The final BmNPV bacmid was obtained by transforming DH10B competent cells with viral DNA. Capable of increasing the proportions of recombinants via purification and linearization, this method has great potential to be used for bacmid generation for baculoviruses, especially those that are not capable of producing high titers of viruses.
Effects of Kaiyin Xuanfei Manipulation Treatment on Patients with Dysarthria after Stroke: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Song Xiaolei , Zhang Yuhan , Zhao Wei , Su Kaiqi , Liu Hao , Feng Hongxia 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Dysarthria is one of the most common stroke complications. It seriously affects the patient’s ability to communicate with one another and their overall recovery. The priority therapeutic methods in treating dysarthria after stroke (DAS) are speech training, physical therapy, and traditional Chinese rehabilitation, but the overall outcomes are not optimal. This study combines proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and traditional chinese medicine (TCM) theory to design a kaiyin xuanfei manipulation (KYXF), which may improve the physiological function of vocal organs and improve speech intelligibility. However, there is still a lack of high-quality, large-sample clinical studies. The objective of this study is to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate KYXF's efficacy in the treatment of DAS.
Methods
Patients (N = 60) who meet the trial's inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into 2 groups in this prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial: speech training and speech training plus KYXF, with each group consisting of 30 patients. Both groups will undergo routine medical therapy, rehabilitation, and speech training. For 8 weeks, all treatments will be delivered 5 times per week. The Frenchay functional score will be used to evaluate all outcomes at baseline, week 4, week 8, and follow-up.
Discussion
This study will be the first prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of KYXF in patients with DAS. Furthermore, this trial is also expected to standardize and expand the clinical treatment of DAS using a combination of traditional chinese and western medicine.
Trial Registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, identifier: ChiCTR2100050343. Registered on 26 August 2021.
Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to ipsilateral primary motor cortex intercortical interactions during inhibitory control enhance response inhibition in open-skill athletes
Authors: Wang Yanqiu , Lin Yitong , Ran Qiuyan , Cao Na , Xia Xue , Wu Yin , Zhang Jian , Liu Ke , Liu Hui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Numerous studies have reported that long-term sports training can affect inhibitory control and induce brain functional alterations. However, the influence of environmental dynamics in sports training on inter-cortical connectivity has not been well studied. In the current study, we used twin-coil transcranial magnetic stimulation to investigate the functional connectivity between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and ipsilateral primary motor cortex (M1) during proactive and reactive inhibition in participants with sports skills in dynamic environment (open-skill experts, n=20), stable environment (closed-skill experts, n=20), and no sports skills (controls, n=20). Using a modified stop signal task, proactive inhibition was measured by the response delay effect (RDE) and reactive inhibition was measured by the stop-signal reaction time (SSRT). During the task, inter-hemispheric DLPFC-M1 interactions and single pulse motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were measured. Open-skill experts had larger RDE and shorter SSRT than non-athlete controls (p=0.024 and 0.028, respectively). Closed-skill and open-skill experts were faster than controls in choice reaction time (p=0.024 and <0.001). In early proactive inhibition, no significant neurophysiological results were found. In late proactive inhibition, open-skill experts had larger DLPFC-M1 facilitation compared with early reactive phase (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002) but not with baseline. In early reactive inhibition, open-skill experts had increased corticospinal excitability than baseline (ps<0.001). They also had more pronounced DLPFC-M1 inhibition than baseline (p=0.002). The correlational analysis showed the open-skill experts’ SSRTs were positively related to DLPFC-M1 inhibition in early reactive control (r=0.496, p=0.026). Our study suggests that DLPFC to ipsilateral M1 intercortical interactions during inhibitory control can enhance response inhibition in open-skill athletes. Such enhancement may be due to the combination of environmental complexity and physical fitness in long term training.
Investigating Potassium silicate efficacy for improving the strawberry agronomic traits and gray mold fungal resistance
Authors: Vennapusa Amaranatha R. , Battle Rosalyn D. , Limmada Venkata H. , Moore Michael , Elavarthi Sathya , Melmaiee Kalpalatha 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Strawberries are a high-value crop in the United States due to their increasing demand and nutritional benefits. However, strawberry plants are delicate and sensitive to abiotic and biotic factors and prone to gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea during harvest and post-harvest operations, leading to significant economic losses. Fungicides are effective but raise concerns about residues and the evolution of fungal resistance, limiting their use. Hence, developing alternative approaches is critical for improving the strawberry plant's resilience and solutions to combat gray mold fungus.
Methods: To assess the potassium silicate efficacy on agronomic traits, two strawberry cultivars (Flavorfest and Rutgers ScarletTM) growing under high tunnel conditions were foliar sprayed with different doses (0, 2, 3, and 4mL per gallon of water) in five applications in the fall of 2018 as well as in the spring of 2019. Silica accumulation in the plant samples was determined using Scanning Electron Microscope images coupled with an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (SEM-EDS) analysis and spectrophotometer method. An in-vitro experiment was used to determine antifungal activity against B. cinerea.
Results: Strawberry leaf samples treated with 2 mL per gallon had higher silica concentrations and phytolith production, which strengthened the aerial parts, reduced translocation to roots, and significantly boosted plant width and marketable yield compared to other treatments. Furthermore, treatment with 2 mL potassium silicate significantly reduced the growth of the B. cinerea.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that potassium silicate provides potential options to improve the agronomic traits in strawberries and preventative measures against B. cinerea.
Prescription patterns of antibiotics and associated factors among outpatients diagnosed with respiratory tract infections in Jinja City, Uganda, June 2022–May 2023
Authors: Igirikwayo Zablon K , Migisha Richard , Mukaga Humphreys , Kabakyenga Jerome 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Most respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are viral and do not require antibiotics, yet their inappropriate prescription is common in low-income settings due to factors like inadequate diagnostic facilities. This misuse contributes to antibiotic resistance. We determined antibiotic prescription patterns and associated factors among outpatients with RTIs in Jinja City, Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study at 11 public health facilities in Jinja City, Eastern Uganda, from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023. We abstracted all patient records with a diagnosis of RTIs from the outpatient registers for the period of June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023. An interviewer-administered questionnaire capturing data on prescribing practices and factors influencing antibiotic prescription was administered to drug prescribers in the health facilities. We used modified Poisson regression analysis to identify factors associated with antibiotic prescription.
Results
Out of 1,669 patient records reviewed, the overall antibiotic prescription rate for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) was 79.8%. For specific RTIs, rates were 71.4% for acute bronchitis, 93.3% for acute otitis media, and 74.4% for acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Factors significantly associated with antibiotic prescription included access to Uganda Clinical Guidelines [Adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.01–0.91] and Integrated Management of Childhood Illness guidelines [aPR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.12–0.87, P = 0.002], which reduced the likelihood of prescription. Prescribers without antibiotic training were more likely to prescribe antibiotics [aPR = 3.55, 95% CI = 1.92–3.98]. Patients with common cold [aPR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.04–0.20] and cough [aPR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.09–0.91] were less likely to receive antibiotics compared to those with pneumonia.
Conclusion
The study reveals a high rate of inappropriate antibiotic prescription for RTIs, highlighting significant challenges in adherence to treatment guidelines. This practice not only wastes national resources but also could contribute to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Targeted interventions, such as enforcing adherence to prescription guidelines, could improve prescription practices and reduce antibiotic misuse in this low-income setting.
Path planning and trajectory optimization based on an improved RRT algorithm
Authors: Teng Chaofan , Wang Luping 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study presents an enhanced motion planning and trajectory optimization algorithm for Rapidly-exploring Random Trees (RRT), addressing the issues of excessive randomness, unnecessary path segments, and discontinuities in the trajectory that are evident in conventional RRT path planning algorithms. Initially, a dynamic sampling strategy was developed to minimize the search's randomness by managing the generation location of random points. Subsequently, the artificial potential field method was incorporated into the RRT algorithm to enable nodes to account for the influence of obstacles and target points during expansion; thus, mitigating the search's aimlessness. Redundant sections were then eliminated, and the path distance was reduced, all the while maintaining a safe distance from obstacles. Finally, by employing the minimum snap method in conjunction with flight corridors and time reallocation, the trajectory was rendered smooth and continuous, ensuring that physical quantities remained within acceptable limits without encountering obstacles. The comparative simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm markedly decreases the number of nodes extended during the path search and reduces the search path length in comparison to the traditional RRT.
"One-stop" interventional therapy for quadricuspid aortic valve combined with severe coronary artery disease：a case report
Authors: Luo Cheng , Zheng Baoshi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Congenital Quadricuspid Aortic Valve (QAV) malformation is a relatively rare cardiac valve malformation, especially with abnormal coronary opening and severe stenosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The patient underwent "one-stop" interventional treatment with transcatheter aortic valve replacement and percutaneous coronary stent implantation. Follow up for 12-month with good outcomes.
Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli in childhood diarrhoea in Osun state, Nigeria
Authors: Olayinka Ademola A. , Oginni-Falajiki Ibukunoluwa O. , Okeke Iruka N. , Aboderin Aaron O. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Diarrhoea is a major public health concern in developing countries, usually exacerbated by poor water, sanitation and hygiene but it’s aetiology is under-studied, particularly away from capital cities. We identified diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) from stools collected in Ile-Ife and Ilesa, Osun state, Nigeria and determined their antibiotic resistance profiles.
Methods:
Stool samples from 167 children with diarrhoea and 334 controls under the age of 5 years were cultured for E. coli and Salmonella. Bacterial isolates were identified biochemically and DEC were identified by PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method in accordance with the CLSI guidelines. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.
Result:
Risk factors associated with diarrhoea included age under 12 months (p = 0.002), caregivers without at least primary school education (p = 0.006), breastfeeding for under 6 months (p˂0.001), and care-givers who were siblings (p = 0.004). DEC was detected in 69(41.3%) cases but only 86(25.7%) controls (p < 0.001) and more commonly recovered during wet season (p < 0.001). Enterotoxigenic E. coli (p = 0.031), enteropathogenic E. coli (p = 0.031) and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (p = 0.044) were recovered more commonly from cases than controls. DEC from patients with diarrhoea were commonly resistant to sulphonamides (91.3%), trimethoprim (82.6%), and ampicillin (78.3%) but were largely susceptible to quinolones (%) and carbapenems (%).
Conclusion:
Enteropathogenic, enterotoxigenic and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli are associated with diarrhoea in our setting, and show considerable resistance to first line antimicrobials. Risk factors for DEC diarrhoea include infancy, inadequate breast feeding and caregivers with education below primary school.
Comparative Review Between Massive, Sub-massive, and Non-Massive Pediatric Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review
Authors: Essam Dina , Ayyad Mohammed , Abdelgalil Mahmoud Shaban , Alsabri Mohammed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate the current evidence on the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) across varying severity classifications, including massive, submassive, and non-massive presentations.
Methods:A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases up to February 17, 2024. Eligible studies included pediatric and adolescent patients (≤ 21 years) with confirmed PE diagnosis, comparing different severities of the disease.
Results:Six studies involving 258 pediatric patients with massive, submassive, or non-massive PE were included. The majority of patients were adolescents, with varied presentations and risk factors such as obesity, oral contraception use, and thrombophilia. Diagnostic modalities included computed tomography pulmonary angiography, with differing rates of lobar, segmental, and subsegmental involvement. Management strategies ranged from anticoagulation therapy to aggressive interventions such as catheter-directed thrombolysis and surgical thrombectomy. Outcome measures included mortality, recurrence rate, complications, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Conclusion:Tailored risk stratification and management approaches for pediatric PE is crucial for prompt diagnosis and good prognosis. While most patients respond favorably to therapy, those with diagnostic delays or more severe disease have higher likelihood of morbidity and mortality. Future studies are needed to explore novel diagnostic modalities and to conduct comparative assessments of therapeutic interventions to optimize outcomes for pediatric PE patients (ID: CRD42024517245).
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: an altered central pain processing? A contact heat evoked potential study
Authors: Pessoa Bruno Lima , Davidovich Eduardo , Nascimento Osvaldo , Hauwanga Wilhelmina N , McBenedict Billy 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) may suffer neuropathic pain (NP) and central sensitization. Contact heat evoked potential (CHEP) is a reliable tool for evaluating pain pathways. CHEPs alteration in FBSS patients could identify pain pathway impairment and, therefore, contribute to a better understanding of the FBSS pathophysiology. Healthyparticipants and FBSS ones underwent CHEPs, being applied to the lumbar (L1) region, and recorded in Cz and Pz. We employed the neurological exam and DN4 (douleur neuropathique 4 questions) questionnaire to diagnose NP. FBSS patients demonstrated reduced amplitude and increased latencies in CHEPs at L1. CHEPs parameters were used to compare the lumbar region (L1) between both groups. Normal values and ROC curves were obtained. 36 normal individuals and 16 patients were enrolled in this study. Distinctive results were uncovered between both groups concerning N2-P2 amplitudes (p=0.025), N2 latencies (p= 0.008) and P2 latencies (0.005) at L1. The multivariate analyses showed a difference between the groups regarding the CHEPs parameters (p=0.003). Considering the normative values from the CHEPs data and values obtained as a cutoff in the ROC curves, such a method was able to diagnose spinothalamic impairment in 64 and 73% of the patients, respectively. Since the stimulus was applied at L1 and the patients suffered from pain at L4, L5, and, S1, these findings suggest that central sensitization occurs in FBSS. Therefore, CHEPs may be regarded as a valuable method to assess pain pathway impairment in patients with FBSS.
Multiple Mechanisms Contribute to Acquired TRAIL Resistance in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Ticona-Pérez Fany V. , Chen Xi , Pandiella Atanasio , Díaz-Rodríguez Elena 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Multiple Myeloma (MM) prognosis has recently improved thanks to the incorporation of new therapies to the clinic. Nonetheless, it is still a non-curable malignancy. Targeting cancer cells with agents inducing cell death has been an appealing alternative investigated over the years, as is the case of TRAIL, an agonist of DR4 and DR5 death receptors. This pathway, involved in apoptosis triggering, has demonstrated efficacy on MM cells. In this research, we have investigated the sensitivity of a panel of MM cells to this agent and generated TRAIL-resistant models by continuous culture of sensitive cells with this peptide. Using genomic and biochemical approaches, the mechanisms underlying resistance were investigated. In TRAIL-resistant cells, a strong reduction in cell-surface receptor levels was detected and impaired the apoptotic machinery to respond to the treatment, enabling cells to efficiently form the Death Inducing Signalling Complex. In addition, an upregulation of the inhibitory protein c-FLIP was detected. Even though the manipulation of these proteins was able to modify cellular responses to TRAIL, it was not complete, pointing to other mechanisms involved in TRAIL resistance.