bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of complications in 97 periprosthetic Vancouver B2 fractures treated either by internal fixation or revision arthroplasty
Authors: Eckardt H. , Windischbauer D. , Morgenstern M. , Stoffel K. , Clauss M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The treatment of Vancouver B2 periprosthetic fractures after hip arthroplasty is still a matter of debate. Revision Arthroplasty (RA) was long thought to be the treatment of choice, however several recent papers suggested that Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) is a viable option for selected B2 fractures. Complication rates of 14–26% have been reported following surgical treatment of B2 fractures. No significant difference between RA and ORIF in the complication rates nor in the functional outcome was observed.

Method
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 97 consecutive Vancouver B2 fractures treated according to the algorithm at our institution from 2007 to 2020 and recorded complications and patient specific data.

Result
From the 97 patient, 45 fractures were treated with RA while 52 fractures were treated with ORIF. Thirteen patients in the RA group had a complication that needed revision (28%) and 11 patients in the ORIF group needed revision (21%). There was no significant difference between complication rates. The reason for failure in the 13 RA patients were infection (n = 4), stem subsidence (n = 1), refracture after a new fall (n = 3), secondary dislocation of the greater trochanter (n = 1) and dislocation (n = 4). The reason for failure in the 11 ORIF patients that were revised were infection (n = 5), persistent symptomatic stem loosening (n = 3) and refracture (n = 3) after a new fall.

Conclusion
ORIF can be used to revise cemented and non-cemented shafts in more than half of Vancouver B2 fractures with no difference in complication rates when compared to RA. A periprosthetic fracture around the hip has a 21–28% risk of a re-operation after revision surgery with infection and re-fracture after a new fall being the most frequent cause of re-operation.
Use of a fluoroscopy-based robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty system produced greater improvements in patient-reported outcomes at one year compared to manual, fluoroscopic-assisted technique
Authors: Buchan Graham B.J. , Ong Christian B. , Hecht II Christian J. , DeCook Charles A. , Spencer-Gardner Luke S. , Kamath Atul F. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The adoption of new technology should be supported by improvements in patient-reported outcomes (PROMs). The purpose of this study was to assess the one-year PROMs of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a novel, fluoroscopy-based, robotic-assisted (RA-THA) system when compared to a manual, fluoroscopic-assisted technique (mTHA).

Materials and methods
A review of 91 consecutive mTHA and 85 consecutive RA-THA via a direct anterior approach was conducted. All cases were performed by the same surgeon at the same institution, for a pre-operative diagnosis of osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Outcomes included one-year Veterans RAND-12 (VR-12) Physical/Mental, Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome (HOOS) Pain/Physical Function/Joint Replacement, and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity scores, as well as the difference between pre-operative and one-year post-operative PROMs.

Results
Patients in the RA-THA cohort had lower pre-operative HOOS-JR scores compared to patients in the mTHA cohort (37.0 vs. 43.1; p = 0.031). Cohorts experienced similar one-year post-operative VR-12, HOOS, and UCLA Activity scores. Patients in the RA-THA cohort experienced greater improvements across all pre- and post-operative HOOS scores compared to patients in the mTHA cohort: Pain (+ 54.7 vs. +42.1; p = 0.009), Physical Function (-41.6 vs. -28.7; p = 0.007), and Joint Replacement (+ 46.6 vs. +33.0; p = 0.002). These differences exceeded minimum clinically important difference (MCID).

Conclusions
Both manual and robotic cohorts experienced benefit from THA at one-year post-operative. Importantly, the use of a novel, fluoroscopy-based robotic assistance system for primary THA resulted in greater improvements in PROMs at one-year relative to manual technique.
Improvement of fatigue in generalised myasthenia gravis with zilucoplan
Authors: Weiss Michael D. , Freimer Miriam , Leite M. Isabel , Maniaol Angelina , Utsugisawa Kimiaki , Bloemers Jos , Boroojerdi Babak , Howard Emily , Savic Natasa , Howard James F. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Fatigue is a debilitating symptom of myasthenia gravis (MG). The impact of fatigue on MG can be assessed by Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) Short Form Fatigue scale. Transformation of raw Neuro-QoL fatigue scores to T-scores is a known approach for facilitating clinical interpretation of clinically meaningful and fatigue severity thresholds.

Methods
In the Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled RAISE study (NCT04115293), adults with acetylcholine receptor autoantibody-positive generalised MG (MG Foundation of America Disease Class II–IV) were randomised 1:1 to daily subcutaneous zilucoplan 0.3 mg/kg or placebo for 12 weeks. Patients completing RAISE could opt to receive zilucoplan 0.3 mg/kg in an ongoing, open-label extension study, RAISE-XT (NCT04225871). In this post-hoc analysis, we evaluated the long-term effect of zilucoplan on fatigue in RAISE patients who entered RAISE-XT. We report change in Neuro-QoL Short Form Fatigue T-scores and fatigue severity levels from RAISE baseline to Week 60.

Results
Mean Neuro-QoL Short Form Fatigue T-scores improved from baseline to Week 12 in the zilucoplan group (n = 86) with a clinically meaningful difference versus placebo (n = 88; least squares mean difference: − 3.61 (nominal p-value = 0.0060]), and these improvements continued further to Week 60. At Week 12, more patients on zilucoplan (n = 34, 47.2%) experienced improvements in ≥ 1 fatigue severity level from baseline versus placebo (n = 23, 28.4%; p = 0.017). At Week 60, most (n = 55, 65.5%) patients had mild fatigue or none.

Conclusion
Treatment with zilucoplan demonstrated statistical and clinically meaningful improvements in fatigue scores and severity versus placebo during RAISE, which were sustained to Week 60 in RAISE-XT.
The secretome from human-derived mesenchymal stem cells augments the activity of antitumor plant extracts in vitro
Authors: Ramirez J. A. , Jiménez M. C. , Ospina V. , Rivera B. S. , Fiorentino S. , Barreto A. , Restrepo L. M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCancer is understood as a multifactorial disease that involve multiple cell types and phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The components of the TME can interact directly or via soluble factors (cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, extracellular vesicles, etc.). Among the cells composing the TME, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) appear as a population with debated properties since it has been seen that they can both promote or attenuate tumor progression. For various authors, the main mechanism of interaction of MSCs is through their secretome, the set of molecules secreted into the extracellular milieu, recruiting, and influencing the behavior of other cells in inflammatory environments where they normally reside, such as wounds and tumors. Natural products have been studied as possible cancer treatments, appealing to synergisms between the molecules in their composition; thus, extracts obtained from Petiveria alliacea (Anamu-SC) and Caesalpinia spinosa (P2Et) have been produced and studied previously on different models, showing promising results. The effect of plant extracts on the MSC secretome has been poorly studied, especially in the context of the TME. Here, we studied the effect of Anamu-SC and P2Et extracts in the human adipose-derived MSC (hAMSC)–tumor cell interaction as a TME model. We also investigated the influence of the hAMSC secretome, in combination with these natural products, on tumor cell hallmarks such as viability, clonogenicity, and migration. In addition, hAMSC gene expression and protein synthesis were evaluated for some key factors in tumor progression in the presence of the extracts by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Multiplex, respectively. It was found that the presence of the hAMSC secretome did not affect the cytotoxic or clonogenicity-reducing activities of the natural extracts on cancer cells, and even this secretome can inhibit the migration of these tumor cells, in addition to the fact that the profile of molecules can be modified by natural products. Overall, our findings demonstrate that hAMSC secretome participation in TME interactions can favor the antitumor activities of natural products.
Methodological considerations on near-infrared spectroscopy derived muscle oxidative capacity
Authors: Rasica Letizia , Inglis Erin Calaine , Mazzolari Raffaele , Iannetta Danilo , Murias Juan M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Different strategies for near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived muscle oxidative capacity assessment have been reported. This study compared and evaluated (I) approaches for averaging trials; (II) NIRS signals and blood volume correction equations; (III) the assessment of vastus lateralis (VL) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles in two fitness levels groups.

Methods
Thirty-six participants [18 chronically trained (CT: 14 males, 4 females) and 18 untrained (UT: 10 males, 8 females)] participated in this study. Two trials of twenty transient arterial occlusions were performed for NIRS-derived muscle oxidative capacity assessment. Muscle oxygen consumption ($$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2m) was estimated from deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), corrected for blood volume changes following Ryan (HHbR) and Beever (HHbB) equations, and from oxygen saturation (StO2) in VL and TA.

Results
Superimposing or averaging $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2m or averaging the rate constants (k) from the two trials resulted in equivalent k values [two one-sided tests (TOST) procedure with 5% equivalence margin—P < 0.001]. Whereas HHbR (2.35 ± 0.61 min−1) and HHbB (2.34 ± 0.58 min−1) derived k were equivalent (P < 0.001), StO2 derived k (2.81 ± 0.92 min−1) was greater (P < 0.001) than both. k values were greater in CT vs UT in both muscles (VL: + 0.68 min−1, P = 0.002; TA: + 0.43 min−1, P = 0.01).

Conclusion
Different approaches for averaging trials lead to similar k. HHb and StO2 signals provided different k, although different blood volume corrections did not impact k. Group differences in k were detected in both muscles.
A novel EIF3C-related CD8+ T-cell signature in predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Rui , Wang Yikai , Wen Xin , Cheng Binglin , Lv Ruxue , Chen Ruzhen , Hu Wen , Wang Yinglei , Liu Jingwen , Lin Bingyi , Zhang Haixiang , Zhang Enting , Tang XinRan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
At present, dysfunctional CD8+ T-cells in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) have caused unsatisfactory immunotherapeutic effects, such as a low response rate of anti-PD-L1 therapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify reliable markers capable of accurately predicting immunotherapy efficacy.

Methods
Utilizing various algorithms for immune-infiltration evaluation, we explored the role of EIF3C in the TIME. We next found the influence of EIF3C expression on NPC based on functional analyses and RNA sequencing. By performing correlation and univariate Cox analyses of CD8+ Tcell markers from scRNA-seq data, we identified four signatures, which were then used in conjunction with the lasso algorithm to determine corresponding coefficients in the resulting EIF3C-related CD8+ T-cell signature (ETS). We subsequently evaluated the prognostic value of ETS using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, Kaplan–Meier curves, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results
Our results demonstrate a significant relationship between low expression of EIF3C and high levels of CD8+ T-cell infiltration in the TIME, as well as a correlation between EIF3C expression and progression of NPC. Based on the expression levels of four EIF3C-related CD8+ T-cell marker genes, we constructed the ETS predictive model for NPC prognosis, which demonstrated success in validation. Notably, our model can also serve as an accurate indicator for detecting immunotherapy response.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that EIF3C plays a significant role in NPC progression and immune modulation, particularly in CD8+ T-cell infiltration. Furthermore, the ETS model holds promise as both a prognostic predictor for NPC patients and a tool for adjusting individualized immunotherapy strategies.
A maximum-entropy length-orientation closure for short-fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Mehta Alok , Schneider Matti 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe describe an algorithm for generating fiber-filled volume elements for use in computational homogenization schemes which accounts for a coupling of the fiber-length and the fiber-orientation. For prescribed fiber-length distribution and fiber-orientation tensor of second order, a maximum-entropy estimate is used to produce a fiber-length-orientation distribution which mimics real injection molded specimens, where longer fibers show a stronger alignment than shorter fibers. We derive the length-orientation closure from scratch, discuss its integration into the sequential addition and migration algorithm for generating fiber-filled microstructures for industrial volume fractions and investigate the resulting effective elastic properties. We demonstrate that accounting for the length-orientation coupling permits to match the measured Young’s moduli in principal fiber direction and transverse to it more accurately than for closure approximations ignoring the length-orientation coupling.
Robustness of design flood estimates under nonstationary conditions: parameter sensitivity perspective
Authors: Xiong Bin , Zheng Shuchen , Ma Qiumei , Fu Chun , Wen Tianfu , He Zhongzheng , Li Lingqi , Xu Chong-Yu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe changing frequency of flooding in global watersheds, driven by various human and natural factors like land use/cover changes and global warming, necessitates innovative approaches in flood frequency analysis and risk assessment. Nonetheless, the reliability of nonstationary frequency analysis models remains a concern given challenges in accurately measuring the uncertainty introduced by these methods and the impact on design flood values. In this study, deviation-based differential sensitivity indices, including single-parameter (SDDSI) and entire-parameter (EDDSI) measures were developed to assess the influence of parameter uncertainty in nonstationary models using Bayesian statistics and "equivalent reliability" nonstationary design. The Weihe River, the largest tributary of the Yellow River which is experiencing both climate change and heavy impact of human activities, is chosen to be the study area to investigate the impact of precipitation change and land use change on nonstationary flood frequency. Results show that in the One-At-A-Time (OAT) sensitivity analysis under a small uncertainty scenario (SUS) for parameter inputs, the shape parameter stands out as the most influential factor (SDDSI_SUS = 0.347) affecting the 100-year design flood in the Stationary Generalized Extreme Value (SGEV) model. For the Non-Stationary GEV (NGEV) models, the influence of this parameter is less pronounced, with SDDSI_SUS values of 0.095 and 0.093 for the SSP126 and SSP585 scenarios, respectively. Instead, attention turns to the regression coefficient of the grassland area, associated with the GEV scale parameter. In global sensitivity analysis under the posterior uncertainty scenario (PUS) for parameter inputs, the EDDSI_PUS values for SGEV, NGEV_SSP126, and NGEV_SSP585 models were 0.52, 1.41, and 1.30, respectively, inferring heightened sensitivity of NGEV models to perturbations from entire parameters. It is anticipated that incorporating additional evidence, such as historical flood data, is essential for accurate nonstationary hydrological design to mitigating the influence of parameter uncertainty. The sensitivity indices in this study provide significant insights for assessing the robustness of nonstationary hydrological design in flood risk management and applications.
It is not just about transcription: involvement of brain RNA splicing in substance use disorders
Authors: Carvalho Luana , Lasek Amy W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlternative splicing is a co-transcriptional process that significantly contributes to the molecular landscape of the cell. It plays a multifaceted role in shaping gene transcription, protein diversity, and functional adaptability in response to environmental cues. Recent studies demonstrate that drugs of abuse have a profound impact on alternative splicing patterns within different brain regions. Drugs like alcohol and cocaine modify the expression of genes responsible for encoding splicing factors, thereby influencing alternative splicing of crucial genes involved in neurotransmission, neurogenesis, and neuroinflammation. Notable examples of these alterations include alcohol-induced changes in splicing factors such as HSPA6 and PCBP1, as well as cocaine's impact on PTBP1 and SRSF11. Beyond the immediate effects of drug exposure, recent research has shed light on the role of alternative splicing in contributing to the risk of substance use disorders (SUDs). This is exemplified by exon skipping events in key genes like ELOVL7, which can elevate the risk of alcohol use disorder. Lastly, drugs of abuse can induce splicing alterations through epigenetic modifications. For example, cocaine exposure leads to alterations in levels of trimethylated lysine 36 of histone H3, which exhibits a robust association with alternative splicing and serves as a reliable predictor for exon exclusion. In summary, alternative splicing has emerged as a critical player in the complex interplay between drugs of abuse and the brain, offering insights into the molecular underpinnings of SUDs.
Rainfall-induced landslide prediction models, part ii: deterministic physical and phenomenologically models
Authors: Ebrahim Kyrillos M. P. , Gomaa Sherif M. M. H. , Zayed Tarek , Alfalah Ghasan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLandslides are frequent hillslope events that may present significant risks to humans and infrastructure. Researchers have made ongoing efforts to assess the potential danger associated with landslides, intending to ascertain the location, frequency, and magnitude of these events in a given area. This study is meant to supplement the previous study (Part I), which explored empirical and physically based causative thresholds. In this paper (Part II), a systematic review is used to conduct an in-depth study of existing research on prediction models. Deterministic physical approaches were investigated for local-scale landslides. Next, national-scale landslide susceptibility models are discussed, including qualitative and quantitative models. Consequently, key findings about rainfall-induced landslides are reviewed. The strategy selection is generally governed by data and input factors from a macroscopic perspective, while the better prediction model is defined by dataset quality and analysis model performance from a microscopic perspective. Physically based causative thresholds can be used with limited geotechnical or hydrological data; otherwise, numerical analysis provides optimal accuracy. Among all statistical models, the hybrid artificial intelligence model achieved the best accuracy. Finally, current challenges have concentrated on integrating AI and physical models to obtain high accuracy with little data, prompting research suggestions. Advanced constitutive models for real-time situations are lacking. Dynamic and spatiotemporal susceptibility maps are also used, although their subjectivity needs further research. This study analyses how to choose the best model and determine its key traits. This research provides valuable insights for scholars and practitioners seeking innovative approaches to lessen the severity of landslides.
Enhanced oxidative stress resistance in Ustilago maydis and its implications on the virulence
Authors: Cuamatzi-Flores Jorge , Colón-González Maritrini , Requena-Romo Fernanda , Quiñones-Galeana Samuel , Cervantes-Chávez José Antonio , Morales Lucia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis causes corn smut by suppressing host plant defenses, including the oxidative burst response. While many studies have investigated how U. maydis responds to oxidative stress during infection, the consequences of heightened resistance to oxidative stress on virulence remain understudied. This study aimed to identify the effects on virulence in U. maydis strains exhibiting enhanced resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).To achieve this, we exposed U. maydis SG200 to 20 escalating H2O2 shocks, resulting in an adapted strain resistant to concentrations as high as 60 mM of H2O2, a lethal dose for the initial strain. Genetic analysis of the adapted strain revealed five nucleotide substitutions, two minor copy number variants, and a large amplification event on chromosome nine (1–149 kb) encompassing the sole catalase gene. Overexpressing catalase increased resistance to H2O2; however, this resistance was lower than that observed in the adapted strain. Additionally, virulence was reduced in both strains with enhanced H2O2 resistance.In summary, enhanced H2O2 resistance, achieved through either continuous exposure to the oxidative agent or through catalase overexpression, decreased virulence. This suggests that the response to the oxidative stress burst in U. maydis is optimal and that increasing the resistance to H2O2 does not translate into increased virulence. These findings illuminate the intricate relationship between oxidative stress resistance and virulence in U. maydis, offering insights into its infection mechanisms.
Financial toxicity and patient experience associated with financial burden of molecular-targeted and immune therapies for cancer: an observational study under public health insurance
Authors: Yamamoto Sena , Kondoh Chiharu , Nakagoshi Hideko , Kakumen Mayuko , Yasuhara Kana , Nakai Mayumi , Kodani Naoko , Sunda Kazumi , Higashide Chizuru , Katayama Megumi , Arao Harue 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Financial burden of cancer treatment can negatively affect patients and their families. This study aimed to evaluate the financial toxicity of patients treated with molecular-targeted and immune therapies and explore the relationship between financial toxicity and patient experiences associated with the financial burden of cancer treatment.

Methods
This anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey conducted across nine hospitals in Japan included patients aged 20–60 years who were receiving molecular-targeted agents or immune checkpoint inhibitors for any type of cancer for ≥ 2 months. Financial toxicity was evaluated using the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST). Patient experience was examined using 11 items based on previous studies. Independent factors related to financial toxicity were explored using multiple regression analyses.

Results
The mean COST score was 17.0 ± 8.4, and 68 (49.3%) participants reported COST scores at or below the cutoff point. The factors contributing to financial toxicity were “hesitation regarding continuing treatment based on finances” (sβ = − 0.410, p < 0.001), “cutting through my deposits and savings” (sβ = − 0.253, p = 0.003), and “reducing spending on basics like food or clothing” (sβ = − 0.205, p = 0.046) along with comorbidities (sβ = − 0.156, p = 0.032).

Conclusion
Patients receiving molecular-targeted and immune therapies are at risk of experiencing profound financial toxicity and a reduced quality of life. The independently related factors that we identified have the potential to serve as indicators of profound financial toxicity and the need for specialized intervention.