bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical effects of Evans versus Hintermann osteotomy for treating adult acquired flatfoot deformity: a patient-specific finite element investigation
Authors: Xu Can , Liu Hua , Li Mingqing , Li Hui , Pan Chun’ang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Evans and Hintermann lateral column lengthening (LCL) procedures are both widely used to correct adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD), and have both shown good clinical results. The aim of this study was to compare these two procedures in terms of corrective ability and biomechanics influence on the Chopart and subtalar joints through finite element (FE) analysis.

Methods
Twelve patient-specific FE models were established and validated. The Hintermann osteotomy was performed between the medial and posterior facets of the subtalar joint; while, the Evans osteotomy was performed on the anterior neck of the calcaneus around 10 mm from the calcaneocuboid joint surface. In each procedure, a triangular wedge of varying size was inserted at the lateral edge. The two procedures were then compared based on the measured strains of superomedial calcaneonavicular ligaments and planter facia, the talus-first metatarsal angle, and the contact characteristics of talonavicular, calcaneocuboid and subtalar joints.

Results
The Hintermann procedure achieved a greater correction of the talus-first metatarsal angle than Evans when using grafts of the same size, indicating that Hintermann had stronger corrective ability. However, its distributions of von-Mises stress in the subtalar, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints were less homogeneous than those of Evans. In addition, the strains of superomedial calcaneonavicular ligaments and planter facia of Hintermann were also greater than those of Evans, but both generally within the safe range (less than 6%).

Conclusion
This FE analysis study indicates that both Evans and Hintermann procedures have good corrective ability for AAFD. Compared to Evans, Hintermann procedure can provide a stronger corrective effect while causing greater disturbance to the biomechanics of Chopart joints, which may be an important mechanism of arthritis. Nevertheless, it yields a better protection to the subtalar joint than Evans osteotomy.

Clinical relevance
Both Evans and Hintermann LCL surgeries have a considerable impact on adjacent joints and ligament tissues. Such effects alongside the overcorrection problem should be cautiously considered when choosing the specific surgical method.

Level of evidence
Level III, case–control study.
Differences and similarities in muscle architecture of fibularis longus and brevis—An observational descriptive cross-sectional and feasibility study
Authors: Sprinchorn Anna E. , Eizenberg Norman , Barker Priscilla J. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The fibularis longus (FL) muscle is larger in volume than fibularis brevis (FB) and is therefore claimed to be the stronger evertor of the two. Clinical observation of FL and FB tendon rupture show that injury to the FB has a serious negative effect on hindfoot eversion. This implies that the FB is the stronger and more important evertor. The strength of a muscle is not purely based on its volume, and the observed discrepancy between the FB and FL may be due to differences in muscle architecture. This study compares the muscle architecture of FL with FB.

Methods
Sixteen legs from eight formaldehyde-fixed human specimens, mean age 83 (range 72–89) years, were dissected. The volume, fibre lengths and fibre pennation angles for both muscles were measured and the physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) was calculated.

Results
The FL was always larger than the FB, with an individual difference in volume that varied from 1.4 to 4.6 times larger with a mean difference of 17 ml (95% CI 14–20; p < 0.001). Mean fibre lengths were 9 mm (95% CI 2–16; p = 0.015) longer in FL than in FB. The mean pennation angle was 9.6 degrees in FL and 8.8 degrees in FB, this difference was not significant (p = 0.32). The mean PCSA for FL was 3 cm2 (95% CI 2–4) larger than for FB (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
With our sample set, the hypothesis that the muscle architecture can explain the clinical discrepancy between the FL and FB, was not supported. The difference in hindfoot eversion might instead depend on the different moment arms of FL and FB and the effect forefoot abduction has on hindfoot eversion.
Bushenhuoluo Decoction improves polycystic ovary syndrome by regulating exosomal miR-30a-5p/ SOCS3/mTOR/NLRP3 signaling-mediated autophagy and pyroptosis
Authors: Huang Qun , Li Yuanbin , Chen Zhuang , Ou Huiping , Tan Yanjiao , Lin Hui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent and complicated endocrine disease that remains a major reason for infertility. Bushenhuoluo Decotion (BSHLD) has been validated to exhibit curative effects on PCOS. This study was aimed to explore the potential mechanism underlying the therapeutic action of BSHLD.

Methods
PCOS rat model was induced by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Serum hormone and cytokines levels and ovarian pathological alterations were measured to assess ovarian function. Exosomes (Exos) were identified by Transmission electron microscopy and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis. RT-qPCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect molecule expressions. Proliferation and pyroptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) were evaluated by CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The binding relationship between miR-30a-5p and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) was verified by dual luciferase reporter and RIP assays.

Results
BSHLD treatment improved serum hormone abnormality, insulin sensitivity, and ovarian morphologic changes of PCOS rats. Moreover, BSHLD treatment restrained the excessive autophagy and pyroptosis in ovarian tissues of PCOS rats. Moreover, BSHLD reduced the expression of miR-30a-5p in serum, serum-derived Exos, and ovarian tissues, thus inhibiting autophagy and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in GCs. Mechanistically, SOCS3 was proved as a target of miR-30a-5p and could activate mTOR/P70S6K pathway to repress autophagy. The inhibitory effect of miR-30a-5p deficiency on autophagy and pyroptosis of GCs was attenuated by rapamycin.

Conclusion
Collectively, BSHLD suppressed autophagy and pyroptosis to improve POCS by regulating exosomal miR-30a-5p/SOCS3/mTOR signaling.
Combining proteins with n-3 PUFAs (EPA + DHA) and their inflammation pro-resolution mediators for preservation of skeletal muscle mass
Authors: Blaauw Renée , Calder Philip C. , Martindale Robert G. , Berger Mette M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe optimal feeding strategy for critically ill patients is still debated, but feeding must be adapted to individual patient needs. Critically ill patients are at risk of muscle catabolism, leading to loss of muscle mass and its consequent clinical impacts. Timing of introduction of feeding and protein targets have been explored in recent trials. These suggest that “moderate” protein provision (maximum 1.2 g/kg/day) is best during the initial stages of illness. Unresolved inflammation may be a key factor in driving muscle catabolism. The omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are substrates for synthesis of mediators termed specialized pro-resolving mediators or SPMs that actively resolve inflammation. There is evidence from other settings that high-dose oral EPA + DHA increases muscle protein synthesis, decreases muscle protein breakdown, and maintains muscle mass. SPMs may be responsible for some of these effects, especially upon muscle protein breakdown. Given these findings, provision of EPA and DHA as part of medical nutritional therapy in critically ill patients at risk of loss of muscle mass seems to be a strategy to prevent the persistence of inflammation and the related anabolic resistance and muscle loss.
Leptin receptor deficiency impedes metabolic surgery related-weight loss through inhibition of energy expenditure in db/db mice
Authors: Tong Dan , Xiang Jie , Liu Wei , Sun Fang , Wang Lijuan , Mou Aidi , Cao Tingbing , Zhou Qing , You Mei , Liao Yingying , Gao Peng , Liu Daoyan , Lu Zongshi , Zhu Zhiming 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is an effective metabolic surgery against diabetes and obesity. Clinical evidence indicates that patients with severe obesity have a poor curative effect in losing weight if they suffer from leptin or its receptor deficiency, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we investigated the effect of leptin receptor deficiency on metabolic dysfunction in db/db mice treated by RYGB surgery.

Methods
The db/db mice and their heterozygote control db/m mice were subjected to RYGB or sham surgery. Body weight, blood glucose, food intake and glucose tolerance were evaluated. Micro-PET/CT and histological analysis were performed to examine the glucose uptake of tissues and the fat changes in mice. The key factors in glucose and fatty acid metabolism were detected by western blot analysis.

Results
Compared with the sham group, the db/db mice in the RYGB group showed more significant weight regain after surgical recovery and improvement in hyperinsulinemia and glucose tolerance. However, the total body fat and multiple organ lipid deposition of RYGB-treated db/db mice was increased. The underlying mechanism studies suggested that the activation of AMPK regulated GLUT4 to increase glucose uptake, but AMPK could not promote fatty acid oxidation through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway under leptin receptor deficiency in db/db mice.

Conclusion
We conclude that leptin receptor deficiency impedes the AMPK activation-mediated fat catabolism but does not affect AMPK-related glucose utilization after metabolic surgery in db/db mice. This result helps select surgical indications for patients with obesity and diabetes.
Development and validation of the Japanese version of the Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS-J)
Authors: Hazumi Megumi , Kawamura Aoi , Yoshiike Takuya , Matsui Kentaro , Kitamura Shingo , Tsuru Ayumi , Nagao Kentaro , Ayabe Naoko , Utsumi Tomohiro , Izuhara Muneto , Shinozaki Mio , Takahashi Eriya , Fukumizu Michio , Fushimi Momo , Okabe Satomi , Eto Taisuke , Nishi Daisuke , Kuriyama Kenichi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The average sleep duration of Japanese people is shorter than that of people from other countries, and bedtime procrastination is suspected to be one of the factors contributing to this issue. This study aimed to develop and validate the Japanese version of the Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS-J).

Methods
The BPS-J was developed through procedures including the translation and back-translation of the scale, cognitive interviews with 100 participants who reported having experiences of being diagnosed with insufficient sleep syndrome (ISS) or receiving treatment for ISS using open-ended online questionnaires, and expert checking. To investigate the scale’s validity and reliability, an online survey was conducted with daytime workers aged 20 − 65 years without a history of sleep disorders other than ISS. Half the participants were retested using the same survey after 14 days. Participants’ responses to the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS), General Procrastination Scale (GPS), and Munich ChronoType Questionnaire (MCTQ), and data on sleep-related variables such as sleep duration on workdays and the days per week of fatigue or sleep loss, sex, and age, were collected.

Results
We analyzed data from 574 participants to assess scale validity. We then analyzed data from 280 participants to determine test–retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the two-factor model without Item 2 was most suitable for the BPS-J, unlike other language versions. Regardless of the full-item model or the model with Item 2 eliminated, sufficient reliability and significant correlations with the BSCS, GPS, MCTQ, and sleep-related variables such as sleep duration per night on work days, days per week of feeling fatigued, and days per week of sleep loss were observed. Logistic and linear regressions showed that the relationships between the BPS-J, sleep-related variables, and MCTQ were maintained after adjusting for sex and age.

Conclusion
The BPS-J had sufficient validity and reliability. Further, eliminating Item 2 from the original version of the BPS strengthened the ability to survey Japanese daytime workers.
Dual channel and multi-scale adaptive morphological methods for infrared small targets
Authors: Liu Ying-Bin , Zeng Yu-Hui , Qin Jian-Hua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInfrared small target detection is a challenging task. Morphological operators with a single structural element size are easily affected by complex background noise, and the detection performance is easily affected by multi-scale background noise environments. In order to enhance the detection performance of infrared small targets, we propose a dual channel and multi-scale adaptive morphological method (DMAM), which consists of three stages. Stages 1 and 2 are mainly used to suppress background noise, while stage 3 is mainly used to enhance the small target area. The multi-scale adaptive morphological operator is used to enhance the algorithm’s adaptability to complex background environments, and in order to further eliminate background noise, we have set up a dual channel module. The experimental results indicate that this method has shown superiority in both quantitative and qualitative aspects in comparison methods, and the effectiveness of each stage and module has been demonstrated in ablation experiments. The code and data of the paper are placed in https://pan.baidu.com/s/19psdwJoh-0MpPD41g6N_rw.
An evaluation of pharmacists’ general attitudes, knowledge, and phobias regarding medications that include corticosteroids: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Barakat Muna , Thiab Samar , Farha Rana Abu , Alshweiki Anas O. , Thaher Roa’a , Alsughaier Asem , Malaeb Diana 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Corticosteroid-containing medications are widely accessible in various forms, including topical, injectable, and inhaled formulations. Due to uncertain safety profiles, healthcare providers, including pharmacists, often express apprehension when dispensing these drugs. This cross-sectional study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and phobia of Jordanian pharmacists regarding corticosteroid-containing medications.

Methods
Conducted through a self-administered online questionnaire.

Results
the study reveals that dermatological conditions and respiratory disorders are the primary indications for prescribing corticosteroid-containing drugs. The most reported side effects among pharmacists’ patients include increased appetite, diabetes, and skin thinning. Pharmacists generally exhibit acceptable knowledge, with a median score of 9.0 out of 11.0 (IQR = 3.0). Over two-thirds of pharmacists (69.9%) achieve a high knowledge score (Bloom’s cut-off point ≥ 8.8). However, only 55.7% are aware that corticosteroids may induce mood changes. High phobia scores, particularly concerning increased blood pressure and osteoporosis risks, indicate pharmacist reservations in corticosteroid dispensing. Interestingly, pharmacists in rural areas display lower knowledge scores, while those working outside community pharmacies exhibit lower phobia scores compared to their counterparts in urban areas and community pharmacies, respectively.

Conclusion
Despite generally good knowledge levels, the study underscores high phobia scores among Jordanian pharmacists regarding corticosteroid dispensing, particularly due to concerns about blood pressure elevation and osteoporosis risks. This suggests a potential need for targeted educational interventions and support systems to enhance pharmacist confidence and optimize corticosteroid usage while minimizing associated risks.
Public hospital pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices for antibiotic stewardship implementation in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Mthombeni Tiyani Comfort , Burger Johanita Riétte , Lubbe Martha Susanna , Julyan Marlene 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Hospital pharmacists are important in antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP), a global strategy to combat antibiotic resistance (ABR). South African public hospitals have limited ASP implementation. This study describes Limpopo Provincial Hospital pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward ASP implementation.

Method
A questionnaire to explore pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding ASP implementation comprised 43 questions hosted online. A link was sent by invitation e-mail to eligible respondents in November 2021. Five questions on respondents’ demographics, 15 questions on ASP knowledge, 10 Likert scale questions on attitude, and 13 on ASP practices were included. Mean (standard deviation (SD)) knowledge and attitude scores and a median (interquartile range (IQR)) practice score was calculated. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using chi-square/Fisher’s exact analysis (p < 0.05), with Cramér’s V as effect size.

Results
The survey yielded 35 responses (13.1%). Twenty (57.1%) respondents were female. Seventeen (48.6%) respondents were between the ages of 31 and 40 years. The mean knowledge score of respondents was 9.8 (2.6) (N = 34), with knowledge gaps on One Health and socioeconomic determinates of ABR. Ten (29.6%) respondents thought One Health discouraged multi-sector collaboration, and nineteen (55.9%) respondents thought ASP was the only strategic response to ABR. Sixteen (47.1%) respondents did not know that poor access to clean water accelerates ABR and seventeen (50.0%) did not know that poverty could be a determinant for antibiotic use. The mean respondent attitude score was 8.0 (1.7) (N = 28). Twenty-seven (96.4%) respondents agreed that ASP was necessary and agreed to participate in ASP respectively. All 28 (100.0%) respondents agreed to lead an ASP. The median (IQR) respondents’ practice score was − 2.0 (IQR: -6.0–5.8) (N = 16). Respondents were inconsistently (never, sometimes, every time) participating in multi-disciplinary forums (6/16, 37.5%) and expressed a desire for training (11/13, 84.6%) on ASP through in-service (7/27, 25.9%). Respondents thought ASP training should include medical officers (12/29, 41.4%) and nurses (9/29, 31.8%). Knowledge score was associated with gender (p = 0.048; V = 0.416) and attitude score (p = 0.013; V = 0.556).

Conclusion
Our study found pharmacists had good knowledge and a positive attitude toward ASP implementation but poor ASP practices. A multi-disciplinary in-service training could address identified knowledge and practice gaps.
Navigating the myriad of corporate quality standards: a CSR and stakeholder perspective
Authors: Ritchie William J. , Gallagher Scott , Melnyk Steven A. , Shahzad Ali 
Published: February 2024

AbstractQuality standards (QS) (e.g., ISO 9001) play an important role in assuring the quality of goods and services for organizational stakeholders on a global scale. Recent work has highlighted the role of QS in communicating corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices to a firm’s stakeholders making both the QS adoption decision and the timing of adoption of immense strategic importance to top managers. However, the types of QS and their intended and unintended beneficiaries vary widely, making it difficult for managers to choose QS that are in accord with their CSR goals. Further, current economic (cost/benefit) and institutionally-based theoretical approaches do not provide managers with adequate guidance in making strategic adoption decisions. Rapid developments in QS practices have also made it difficult for researchers to incorporate them into CSR theory. Drawing upon a literature review of QSs and stakeholder theory, this study presents a QS framework and taxonomy that integrates QS adoption timing and beneficiaries. The framework also presents four configurations of QS adopters and their associated beneficiary stakeholder groups, enabling both researchers and practitioners to more completely understand the complex nature of stakeholder pressures on organizations.
Exploring the efficacy of a Trichoderma asperellum-based seed treatment for controlling Fusarium equiseti in chickpea
Authors: Adnani Manal , El Hazzat Naila , Msairi Soukaina , El Alaoui Moulay Abdelaziz , Mouden Najoua , Selmaoui Karima , Benkirane Rachid , Ouazzani Touhami Amina , Douira Allal 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundChickpea plant (Cicer arietinumL.) is an important legume crop that is vulnerable to various fungal pathogens causing significant yield losses. Among them,Fusarium equisetiis a pathogen that has started to raise concern. In contrast,Trichodermaspecies have been explored for their ability to control such pathogens. In this study, the efficacy of a novel seed treatment formulation was explored for controllingF. equisetiin chickpea plants. The formulation was designated to enhance growth in chickpea plants as well as the ability to protect plants from infection. In addition, this formulation was tested for its effectiveness in maintaining the conidia of the antagonist in the soil after sowing.ResultsApplying theTrichoderma asperellum-based formulation promoted growth, as well as root and aerial biomass. In seedlings derived from treated seeds, the shoot length increased by 36.8%, and the average number of leaves also increased than the control. Following evaluation of disease severity and the foliar alteration index (FAI), a protective effect was noted, as the symptoms ofFusariumwere significantly reduced in treated plants than the infected control. Re-isolation from plants infected withF. equisetiwas successful in the roots (72.7%), root crown (84.5%), stem (64.4%), and even in petioles (36.1%).ConclusionsDue to both direct antagonist activity and indirect growth promotion ability, the findings suggested that tested formulation can be a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for managingF. equisetiin chickpea seeds.
Key transcription factors required for outburst of rice blast disease in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Wang Qing , Huang Zhicheng , Khan Irshad Ali , Li Yan , Wang Jing , Wang Jiaoyu , Liu Xiao-Hong , Lin Fucheng , Lu Jianping 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRice blast is a serious threat to the safe production of grain crops such as rice and wheat. Sporulation, appressorium formation, and invasive growth of Magnaporthe oryzae are the key stages of the development and spread of rice blast epidemics. M. oryzae is a hemibiotrophic fungus that undergoes changes in available carbon sources during the infection cycle. Lipid is a major storage for M. oryzae spores and a major carbon source used in glycerol synthesis and turgor pressure generation in appressoria. The formation of a dense cell wall melanin layer is necessary for an appressorium to produce turgor and to be pathogenic. The plant cell wall is an important carbon source during the infection stage of M. oryzae. Transcription factors regulate gene expression in fungi and are key intermediates between the reception of external environmental signals and the control of development and pathogenicity in M. oryzae. The disease cycle of M. oryzae is controlled by some key transcription factors, such as sporulation by Cos1 and Hox2, appressorium formation by Sfl1, Hox7, and Vrf1, invasive growth by Mst12 and Mig1, and resistance to host basal immunity by Ap1 and Atf1. This review focuses on describing the key transcription factors of M. oryzae that regulate sporulation, appressorium formation, invasive growth, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, melanin synthesis, oxidative response, and host basal immunity, as well as the working mechanism of the transcription factors.