bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
X‐ray with finite element analysis is a viable alternative for MRI to predict knee osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Mononen Mika E. , Liukkonen Mimmi K. , Turunen Mikael J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers superior soft tissue contrast compared to clinical X‐ray imaging methods, while also providing accurate three‐dimensional (3D) geometries, it could be reasoned to be the best imaging modality to create 3D finite element (FE) geometries of the knee joint. However, MRI may not necessarily be superior for making tissue‐level FE simulations of internal stress distributions within knee joint, which can be utilized to calculate subject‐specific risk for the onset and development of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Specifically, MRI does not provide any information about tissue stiffness, as the imaging is usually performed with the patient lying on their back. In contrast, native X‐rays taken while the patient is standing indirectly reveal information of the overall health of the knee that is not seen in MRI. To determine the feasibility of X‐ray workflow to generate FE models based on the baseline information (clinical image data and subject characteristics), we compared MRI and X‐ray‐based simulations of volumetric cartilage degenerations (N = 1213) against 8‐year follow‐up data. The results suggest that X‐ray‐based predictions of KOA are at least as good as MRI‐based predictions for subjects with no previous knee injuries. This finding may have important implications for preventive care, as X‐ray imaging is much more accessible than MRI.
Decreased grip strength is associated with paraspinal muscular oxidative stress in female lumbar degenerative disease patients
Authors: Takahashi Ryosuke , Nojiri Hidetoshi , Ohara Yukoh , Fujiwara Toshiyuki , Ishijima Muneaki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe aimed to investigate the relationship between superoxide dismutase 2‐related oxidative stress in the paraspinal muscles and spinal alignment, clinical skeletal muscle parameters, and mitochondrial function. Multifidus muscle samples from patients who underwent posterior lumbar surgery were analyzed. Patients with diseases affecting oxidative stress and spinal alignment were excluded. The superoxide dismutase 2 redox index was defined as the ratio of reactive oxygen species (superoxide) to antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase 2) and was used as an index of oxidative stress. Patients were divided into two groups based on the superoxide dismutase 2 redox index. Spinal alignment, clinical skeletal muscle parameters, and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) mean grayscale value were compared between the groups, with analyzes for both sexes. Multiple regression analyzes were used to adjust for the confounding effect of age on variables showing a significant difference between the two groups. Thirty‐five patients with lumbar degenerative diseases were included. No significant differences were observed between the two groups for any of the parameters in males; however, females with a higher superoxide dismutase 2 redox index had greater lumbar lordosis, lower grip strength, and higher SDH mean grayscale value than those with a lower index. Multiple regression analyzes revealed that the superoxide dismutase 2 redox index was an independent explanatory variable for lumbar lordosis, grip strength, and SDH mean grayscale value in female patients. In conclusion, superoxide dismutase 2‐related oxidative stress in the paraspinal muscles was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased grip strength in female lumbar degenerative disease patients.
Complementarity of nutrition screening with Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria for diagnosing malnutrition in critically ill patients: A comparison study of Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill Score
Authors: Foletto Estéfani , Bernardes Simone , Milanez Danielle Silla Jobim , Razzera Elisa Loch , Silva Flávia Moraes 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and AimCritical illness induces hypermetabolism and hypercatabolism, increasing nutrition risk (NR). Early NR identification is crucial for improving outcomes. We assessed four nutrition screening tools (NSTs) complementarity with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria in critically ill patients.MethodsWe conducted a comparative study using data from a cohort involving five intensive care units (ICUs), screening patients for NR using NRS‐2002 and modified‐NUTRIC tools, with three cutoffs (≥3, ≥4, ≥5), and malnutrition diagnosed by GLIM criteria. Our outcomes of interest included ICU and in‐hospital mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), and ICU readmission. We examined accuracy metrics and complementarity between NSTs and GLIM criteria about clinical outcomes through logistic regression and Cox regression. We established a four‐category independent variable: NR(−)/GLIM(−) as the reference, NR(−)/GLIM(+), NR(+)/GLIM(−), and NR(+)/GLIM(+).ResultsOf the 377 patients analyzed (median age 64 years [interquartile range: 54–71] and 53.8% male), NR prevalence varied from 87% to 40.6%, whereas 64% presented malnutrition (GLIM criteria). NRS‐2002 (score ≥4) showed superior accuracy for GLIM‐based malnutrition. Multivariate analysis revealed mNUTRIC(+)/GLIM(+) increased >2 times in the likelihood of ICU and in‐hospital mortality, ICU and hospital LOS, and ICU readmission compared with the reference group.ConclusionNo NST exhibited satisfactory complementarity to the GLIM criteria in our study, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive nutrition assessment for all patients, irrespective of NR status. We recommend using mNUTRIC if the ICU team opts for nutrition screening, as it demonstrated superior prognostic value compared with NRS‐2002, and applying GLIM criteria in all patients.
Study on the aggregation nature of sodium cocoyl glycinate and sodium hyaluronate mixture in aqueous and NaCl solutions
Authors: Wang Yuling , Guo Jixiang , Zan Min , Xu Songtang , Guo Xueping , Du Bo , Xu Hujun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe mixed system of sodium cocoyl glycinate and sodium hyaluronate (HA) with different mass concentrations and relative molecular weights was investigated by the surface tension method. All the curves of surface tension versus logarithm of concentration (γ‐lgc curves) of sodium cocoyl glycinate‐HA mixed system displayed the properties of double platform. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of sodium cocoyl glycinate was 1.690 g/L at 25°C. The two inflection points of the γ‐lgc curves corresponding to the cocoyl glycine‐HA mixed system were cac (the critical aggregation concentration) and cmce (the extended cmc of sodium cocoyl glycinate), and cac < cmce < cmc. With the change of the mass concentration and relative molecular weight of HA, the cac values were almost constant. However, cmce increased with the increase of the mass concentration of HA at the same HA molecular weight. For the HA of molecular weight of 800 and 260000 Da, the mass concentration of HA increased from 0.05 to 0.4 g/L, and the cmce value increased from 1.199 to 1.390 g/L and 1.102 to 1.330 g/L, respectively. When the mass concentration of HA remained the same, the change in the relative molecular weight of HA had little effect on the cmce value. For the mixed system of sodium cocoyl glycine −0.1 g/L HA, when the concentration of NaCl was 2 g/L, the salt enhancement effect was dominant. When the concentration of NaCl was 4 to 8 g/L, the salt weakening effect was dominant. It is indicated that HA can improve the chemical properties of sodium cocoyl glycinate at a certain concentration, thus improving the cleaning, foaming, and foam stability of sodium cocoyl glycinate.
Long head of biceps tendon augmentation for massive rotator cuff tears improves clinical results regardless of the number of tendons involved
Authors: Savarese Eugenio , Aicale Rocco , Torsiello Ernesto , Bernardini Giulio , Maffulli Nicola 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeManagement of massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) remains debated, and various arthroscopic and open techniques have been described for their management. Nevertheless, the optimal strategy remains unclear. The present study evaluated the clinical results in patients managed arthroscopically for MRCTs augmented with the long head biceps tendon (LHBT) at a minimum 1‐year follow‐up, considering different type of tears, demographic data and number of torn tendons.MethodsPatients treated in a secondary referral centre from January 2021 to April 2022 were enroled prospectively. Inclusion criteria were pain, inability to fully elevate the affected shoulder, irreparable tears and active and motivated patients. All patients were managed within 2 months from diagnosis in a single centre by the same surgeons. Preoperative shoulder radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were collected, and clinical assessment was also performed using the Numerical analogue scale (NAS), Constant score (CS) American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES). Tissue retraction and tendon fatty infiltration were evaluated using Patte and Fuchs scale, respectively. Clinical assessment was performed using the same scales at 3–6 months and 1‐year follow‐up.ResultsA total of 55 patients (31 female and 24 male) with a mean age of 60 ± 7.1 years were enroled for a mean follow‐up of 18.2 ± 4.3 months. The mean preoperative NAS was 7.8 ± 0.6, CS was 20.5 ± 7.6 and ASES was 22.6 ± 9.2, increasing, respectively, to 0.3 ± 0.6, 91.5 ± 6.9 and 94.2 ± 6.7. No adverse side effects (infection, rejection, allergy) were reported during the study period. All patients were evaluated after surgery at 3 and 6 months and 1 year with statistically significant improvement for each score at the first and last follow‐up (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe use of LHBT augmentation in patients with MRCTs in appropriately selected patients is safe and effective and can lead to pain relief and acceptable clinical outcomes. Furthermore, its use carries low donor site morbidity and is cost effective. Comparative studies, including randomised controlled trials, with other proposed techniques are needed to confirm these findings.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
Age and medial compartmental OA were important predictors of the lateral compartmental OA in the discoid lateral meniscus: Analysis using machine learning approach
Authors: Cho Joon Hee , Kim Myeongju , Nam Hee Seung , Park Seong Yun , Lee Yong Seuk 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeThe objective of this study was to develop a machine learning model that would predict lateral compartment osteoarthritis (OA) in the discoid lateral meniscus (DLM), from which to then identify factors contributing to lateral compartment OA, with a key focus on the patient's age.MethodsData were collected from 611 patients with symptomatic DLM diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging between April 2003 and May 2022. Twenty features, including demographic, clinical and radiological data and six algorithms were used to develop the predictive machine learning models. Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) analysis was performed on the best model, in addition to subgroup analyses according to age.ResultsExtreme gradient boosting classifier was identified as the best prediction model, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.968, the highest among all the models, regardless of age (AUROC of 0.977 in young age and AUROC of 0.937 in old age). In the SHAP analysis, the most predictive feature was age, followed by the presence of medial compartment OA. In the subgroup analysis, the most predictive feature was age in young age, whereas the most predictive feature was the presence of medial compartment OA in old age.ConclusionThe machine learning model developed in this study showed a high predictive performance with regard to predicting lateral compartment OA of the DLM. Age was identified as the most important factor, followed by medial compartment OA. In subgroup analysis, medial compartmental OA was found to be the most important factor in the older age group, whereas age remained the most important factor in the younger age group. These findings provide insights that may prove useful for the establishment of strategies for the treatment of patients with symptomatic DLM.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Spatial distribution of trace and rare earth elements of bottom sediments in Lake Ostrowite, Bory Tucholskie National Park, Poland
Authors: Sojka Mariusz , Choiński Adam , Siepak Marcin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLake pollution has attracted concerns worldwide; especially the excessive accumulation of trace elements (TEs) and rare earth elements (REEs) in bottom sediments can pose a serious threat to ecosystem health. However, there is still a knowledge gap on the level of sediment pollution in lakes isolated from the direct impact of pollution sources, their spatial variability, and also on the factors influencing this state. The aim of this study is to investigate the level and spatial variability of TEs and REEs concentrations, as well as to determine their source and the factors determining their distribution in the bottom sediments of Lake Ostrowite. Lake Ostrowite is the largest and deepest water body located in the Bory Tuholskie National Park (in northern Poland), which completely isolates the lake from the direct impact of pollution sources. The study covered analyses of 32 surface samples of bottom sediments. The concentrations of 24 TEs and 14 REEs were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐QQQ‐MS). The assessment of the enrichment of bottom sediments in TEs and REEs employed geochemical background values (GBV) that provided the basis for the calculation of relative concentrations and geochemical indices. The determination of their sources and supply routes was based on the cluster analysis and principal component analysis. The obtained results point to the enrichment of the bottom sediments with TEs and REEs. Relative concentration values of TEs and REEs in reference to geochemical background values were in ranges from 0.01 to 7.31, at an average of 0.99, and from 0.03 to 4.29, averaging 1.76, respectively. The enrichment factor values show moderately severe enrichment of sediments at the study sites. This was primarily determined by the concentrations of Ag (from the TEs group) and Lu (from the REEs group). The metal pollution index values showed an approximate spatial distribution of points in terms of the presence of TEs and REEs. The lowest concentrations of TEs and REEs occurred on the eastern shore of the western basin of Lake Ostrowite. TEs and REEs concentrations in sediments are positively correlated with the content of organic matter and depth and negatively correlated with distance of the sampling point from the river outflow from Lake Ostrowite. On the eastern shore of the western basin, TEs and REEs concentrations are additionally shaped by wind, predominantly from the western direction. With water wave action, organic matter is transported to the central part of the western basin, where it is accumulated. Since the lake is isolated from point and nonpoint pollution sources, relevant from a biogeochemical point of view are dry and wet depositions from the atmosphere as well as aquatic vegetation, shoreline vegetation, forest litter, soil, and groundwater.
Size Control and Antioxidant Properties of Sulfur‐Rich Polymer Colloids from Interfacial Polymerization
Authors: Jeon Yujin , Ahn Chi Sup , Char Kookheon , Lim Jeewoo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHigh sulfur content polymeric materials, known for their intriguing properties such as high refractive indices and high electrochemical capacities, have garnered significant interest in recent years for their applications in optics, antifouling surfaces, triboelectrics, and electrochemistry. Despite the high interest, most high sulfur‐content polymers reported to date are either bulk materials or thin films, and there is a general lack of research into sulfur‐rich polymer colloids. Water‐dispersed, sulfur‐rich particles are anticipated to broaden the range of applications for sulfur‐containing materials. In this study, the preparation and size control parameters are presented of an aqueous dispersion of sulfur‐rich polymers with the sulfur content of dispersed particles exceeding 75 wt%. Employing polymeric stabilizers with varying hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance (HLB), along with changing the rank of inorganic polysulfides, allow for the control of particle size in the range of 360 nm – 1.8 µm. The sulfur‐rich colloid demonstrates antioxidant properties in water, demonstrating the potential for the use of sulfur‐rich polymeric materials readily removable, heterogeneous radical scavengers.
Synthesis of Dendrimer‐Like Molecules with Partial Carbon Chain via Iterative Single Unit Monomer Insertions
Authors: He Xinying , Cui Yuru , Liu Guhuan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCarbon‐chain dendritic polymers hold unique properties and promising applications. However, synthesizing carbon‐chain dendrimers, beyond conjugated ones, remains a challenge. Here, the use of the iterative single unit monomer insertion technique for synthesizing 2.5 generation partial‐carbon‐chain dendrimers (G2.5) is described, utilizing bismaleimide as the core, a maleimide–trithiocarbonate conjugate as the branching unit, and indene as the spacer unit, following a divergent growth strategy. The optimized conditions for synthesizing the maleimide–trithiocarbonate branching unit are a bismaleimide to trithiocarbonate ratio of 5:1 and a reaction time of 30 min. The structures are verified using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectra. A four‐arm star polymer is then synthesized using the G2.5 as the core. This synthesis of a partial‐carbon‐chain dendrimer establishes a foundational step toward creating all‐carbon‐chain ones and may open new application avenues in material science.
The use of superficial circumflex iliac perforator (SCIP) pedicle vein for lymphovenous anastomosis to treat inguinal lymphatic fistula: A case report
Authors: Meroni Matteo , Scaglioni Mario F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe management of lymphatic fistulas following surgical procedures, in particular after inguinal lymphadenectomy, represents a significant clinical challenge. The current case report shows the novel use of the superficial circumflex iliac perforator (SCIP) pedicle vein for lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) to treat a chronic inguinal lymphatic fistula in a 58‐year‐old male patient. This patient had developed a persistent lymphorrhea and wound dehiscence after a right inguinal lymph node biopsy performed for oncological reasons 1.5 months before. Pre‐operative assessment with indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography confirmed a substantial lymphatic contribution to the wound discharge, thus guiding the surgical strategy. During the procedure, a pedicled tissue segment containing the SCIV was dissected and utilized to fill the wound's dead space and facilitate LVA with the leaking lymphatic vessel. Notably, a coupler device was employed for the anastomosis due to the large caliber of the lymphatic vessel involved, a technique not commonly reported in lymphatic surgeries. The result of the procedure was successful, with intra‐operative ICG imaging confirming the patency of the anastomosis. After surgery the wound healed without complications. This case illustrates the potential of SCIV employment in lymphatic fistula repair in the inguinal region. While further research is needed to validate these findings, this report provides an unconventional approach to a relatively common problem in clinical practice.
Performance of receive head arrays versus ultimate intrinsic SNR at 7 T and 10.5 T
Authors: Zhang Bei , Radder Jerahmie , Giannakopoulos Ilias , Grant Andrea , Lagore Russell , Waks Matt , Tavaf Nader , Van de Moortele Pierre‐Francois , Adriany Gregor , Sadeghi‐Tarakameh Alireza , Eryaman Yigitcan , Lattanzi Riccardo , Uğurbil Kamil 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeWe examined magnetic field dependent SNR gains and ability to capture them with multichannel receive arrays for human head imaging in going from 7 T, the most commonly used ultrahigh magnetic field (UHF) platform at the present, to 10.5 T, which represents the emerging new frontier of >10 T in UHFs.MethodsElectromagnetic (EM) models of 31‐channel and 63‐channel multichannel arrays built for 10.5 T were developed for 10.5 T and 7 T simulations. A 7 T version of the 63‐channel array with an identical coil layout was also built. Array performance was evaluated in the EM model using a phantom mimicking the size and electrical properties of the human head and a digital human head model. Experimental data was obtained at 7 T and 10.5 T with the 63‐channel array. Ultimate intrinsic SNR (uiSNR) was calculated for the two field strengths using a voxelized cloud of dipoles enclosing the phantom or the digital human head model as a reference to assess the performance of the two arrays and field depended SNR gains.ResultsuiSNR calculations in both the phantom and the digital human head model demonstrated SNR gains at 10.5 T relative to 7 T of 2.6 centrally, ˜2 at the location corresponding to the edge of the brain, ˜1.4 at the periphery. The EM models demonstrated that, centrally, both arrays captured ˜90% of the uiSNR at 7 T, but only ˜65% at 10.5 T, leading only to ˜2‐fold gain in array SNR in going from 7 to 10.5 T. This trend was also observed experimentally with the 63‐channel array capturing a larger fraction of the uiSNR at 7 T compared to 10.5 T, although the percentage of uiSNR captured were slightly lower at both field strengths compared to EM simulation results.ConclusionsMajor uiSNR gains are predicted for human head imaging in going from 7 T to 10.5 T, ranging from ˜2‐fold at locations corresponding to the edge of the brain to 2.6‐fold at the center, corresponding to approximately quadratic increase with the magnetic field. Realistic 31‐ and 63‐channel receive arrays, however, approach the central uiSNR at 7 T, but fail to do so at 10.5 T, suggesting that more coils and/or different type of coils will be needed at 10.5 T and higher magnetic fields.