bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
External Rotation Strength After TSA in Osteoarthritic Shoulders with Eccentric Deformity Is Not Impacted by Posterior Rotator Cuff Deficiency
Authors: Coats-Thomas Margaret S. , Marra Guido , Ludvig Daniel , Garg Ankur , Perreault Eric J. , Seitz Amee L. 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Patients with persistent glenohumeral osteoarthritis symptoms despite nonoperative management may pursue anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). TSA revision rates are higher in patients with preoperative eccentric (asymmetric posterior erosion) compared with concentric (symmetric) glenoid deformity. If posterior rotator cuff deficiency demonstrated preoperatively in patients with eccentric deformity persists after TSA, it may manifest as relative weakness in external compared with internal rotation secondary to deficient activity of the shoulder external rotator muscles. Persistent posterior rotator cuff deficiency is hypothesized to contribute to TSA failures. However, it remains unknown whether rotational strength is impaired after TSA in patients with eccentric deformity. Our goal was to determine if patients with eccentric deformity exhibit relative external rotation weakness that may be explained by posterior rotator cuff deficiency after TSA.

Methods:
Patients who were >1 year after TSA for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis and had had preoperative eccentric or concentric deformity were prospectively recruited. Torque was measured and electromyography was performed during maximal isometric contractions in 26 three-dimensional direction combinations. Relative strength in opposing directions (strength balance) and muscle activity of 6 shoulder rotators were compared between groups.

Results:
The internal (+) and external (−) rotation component of strength balance did not differ in patients with eccentric (mean internal-external rotation component of strength balance: −7.6% ± 7.4%) compared with concentric deformity (−10.3% ± 6.8%) (mean difference: 2.7% [95% confidence interval (CI), −1.3% to 6.7%]; p = 0.59), suggesting no relative external rotation weakness. Infraspinatus activity was reduced in patients with eccentric (43.9% ± 10.4% of maximum voluntary contraction [MVC]) compared with concentric (51.3% ± 10.4% of MVC) deformity (mean difference: −7.4% [95% CI, −13.4% to −1.4%] of MVC; p = 0.04).

Conclusions:
A relative external rotation strength deficit following TSA was not found, despite evidence of reduced infraspinatus activity, in the eccentric-deformity group. Reduced infraspinatus activity suggests that posterior rotator cuff deficiencies may persist following TSA in patients with eccentric deformities. Longitudinal study is necessary to evaluate muscle imbalance as a contributor to higher TSA failure rates.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Wrist Arthroplasty and Total Wrist Fusion
Authors: Clementson Martin , Larsson Sara , Abramo Antonio , Brogren Elisabeth 
Published: January 2024

Background:
The functional benefits of total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) over total wrist fusion (TWF) are unknown. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to compare TWA and TWF with respect to functional outcomes and activity limitations at up to 2 years postoperatively.

Methods:
Between 2015 and 2020, we enrolled all adult patients undergoing TWA or TWF for the management of symptomatic end-stage wrist arthritis at 1 hand surgery department. The primary outcome was the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). The secondary outcomes were the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at rest, on motion, and on loading; grip strength; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH); and range of motion. Patients completed questionnaires and were examined by the same physiotherapist at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Mixed-model analyses adjusting for age, diagnosis, the preoperative value of the dependent variable, and time since surgery were performed to compare differences in PRWE scores, VAS pain scores, and grip strength between TWA and TWF.

Results:
Of the 51 patients who had been included at baseline, 47 (18 in the TWA group and 29 in the TWF group) responded to questionnaires and underwent examinations at up to 2 years postoperatively. At baseline, the 2 groups did not differ in terms of age, sex, diagnosis (inflammatory or noninflammatory arthritis), PRWE score, VAS pain score, grip strength, DASH score, or range of motion. No differences between the groups were found for the PRWE (β, −0.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], −14 to 13; p = 0.99), VAS pain at rest (β, −3.3; 95% CI, −15 to 9; p = 0.58), VAS pain on loading (β, −5.3; 95% CI, −22 to 11; p = 0.52), or grip strength (β, −0.02; 95% CI, −0.18 to 0.14; p = 0.80) on the adjusted mixed-model analyses.

Conclusions:
Among patients with symptomatic end-stage wrist arthritis, those who underwent TWA did not demonstrate short-term outcomes, including patient-reported disability, pain, and grip strength, superior to those of patients who underwent TWF. These findings call into question the widespread use of TWA.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Radiologic Assessment of Interbody Fusion
Authors: Duits Anneli A.A. , van Urk Paul R. , Lehr A. Mechteld , Nutzinger Don , Reijnders Maarten R.L. , Weinans Harrie , Foppen Wouter , Oner F. Cuhmur , van Gaalen Steven M. , Kruyt Moyo C. 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Lumbar interbody fusion (IF) is a common procedure to fuse the anterior spine. However, a lack of consensus on image-based fusion assessment limits the validity and comparison of IF studies. This systematic review aims to (1) report on IF assessment strategies and definitions and (2) summarize available literature on the diagnostic reliability and accuracy of these assessments.

Methods:
Two searches were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Search 1 identified studies on adult lumbar IF that provided a detailed description of image-based fusion assessment. Search 2 analyzed studies on the reliability of specific fusion criteria/classifications and the accuracy assessed with surgical exploration.

Results:
A total of 442 studies were included for search 1 and 8 studies for search 2. Fusion assessment throughout the literature was highly variable. Eighteen definitions and more than 250 unique fusion assessment methods were identified. The criteria that showed most consistent use were continuity of bony bridging, radiolucency around the cage, and angular motion <5°. However, reliability and accuracy studies were scarce.

Conclusion:
This review highlights the challenges in reaching consensus on IF assessment. The variability in IF assessment is very high, which limits the translatability of studies. Accuracy studies are needed to guide innovations of assessment. Future IF assessment strategies should focus on the standardization of computed tomography–based continuity of bony bridging. Knowledge from preclinical and imaging studies can add valuable information to this ongoing discussion.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Experimental Study on Permeability and Gas Production Characteristics of Montmorillonite Hydrate Sediments Considering the Effective Stress and Gas Slippage Effect
Authors: Wu Zhaoran , Gu Qingkai , Wang Lei , Li Guijing , Shi Cheng , He Yufa , Li Qingping , Li Yanghui 
Published: January 2024

Summary
Gas permeability in hydrate reservoirs is the decisive parameter in determining the gas production efficiency and gas production of hydrate. In the South China Sea (SCS), the gas flow in tight natural gas hydrate (NGH) silty clay reservoirs is significantly affected by the gas slippage effect and the effective stress (ES) of overlying rock. To improve the effectiveness of hydrate exploitation, it is necessary to understand the influence of gas slippage in hydrate reservoirs on the permeability evolution law. For this paper, the gas permeability characteristics and methane production of hydrate montmorillonite sediments were studied at different pore pressures and ESs. Experimental data revealed that the gas permeability of montmorillonite samples before methane hydrate (MH) formation is seriously affected by the Klinkenberg effect. The gas permeability of montmorillonite sediments before hydrate formation is generally smaller than that after hydrate formation, and the gas slippage effect in the sediments after hydrate formation is weaker than that before hydrate formation. With the change in ES, the intrinsic permeability of sediment has a power law relationship with the simple ES. The ES law coefficient n was determined using the response surface method to eliminate the influence of gas slip on gas permeability. As pore pressure decreases and MH decomposes, montmorillonite swelling seriously affects gas permeability. However, the gas slippage effect has a good compensation effect on the permeability of montmorillonite sediments after MH decomposition under low pore pressure. The multistage depressurization-producing process of MH in montmorillonite sediments is mainly 3 MPa depressurization-producing stage and 2 MPa depressurization-producing stage. In this paper, the influence mechanism of gas slippage effect of hydrate reservoir is studied, which is conducive to improving the prediction accuracy of gas content in the process of hydrate exploitation and exploring the best pressure reduction method to increase the gas production of hydrate in the process of exploitation.
Temporally distributed parent body accretion in the C reservoir of the solar system
Authors: Neumann Wladimir , Ma Ning , Bouvier Audrey , Trieloff Mario 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Accretion processes in protoplanetary disks produce a diversity of small bodies that played a crucial role in potentially multiple reshuffling events throughout the solar system and in both early and late accretion of planets. Application of thermo-chronometers to meteorites provides precise dating of the formation age of various mineralogical components. Nucleosynthetic isotopic anomalies that indicate a dichotomy between non-carbonaceous (NC) and carbonaceous (C) meteorites and precise parent body chronology can be combined with planetesimal thermal evolution models to constrain the timescale of accretion and dynamical processes in the early solar system. Achondrite parent bodies are considered to have accreted early and mostly in the NC region. By contrast, late accretion in the C region produced mostly undifferentiated parent bodies, such as the parent body of CR chondrites that formed as late as 4 Ma after solar system formation. However, presence of more evolved CR-related meteorites suggests also an earlier accretion timing. We present modeling evidence for a temporally distributed accretion of parent bodies of CR-related meteorite groups that originate from a C reservoir and range from aqueously altered chondrites to highly equilibrated chondrites and partially differentiated primitive achondrites. The parent body formation times derived range from < 1 Ma to ≈ 4 Ma after solar system formation, with ≈ 3.7 Ma, ≈ 1.5−2.75 Ma, < 0.6 Ma, and < 0.7 Ma for CR1-3, Flensburg, NWA 6704, and NWA 011. This implies that accretion processes in the C reservoir started as early as in the NC reservoir and produced differentiated parent bodies with carbonaceous compositions in addition to undifferentiated C chondrite parent bodies. The accretion times correlate inversely with the degree of the meteorites’ alteration, metamorphism, or differentiation. The accretion times for the CI/CM, Ryugu, and Tafassites parent bodies of ≈ 3.75 Ma, ≈ 1 − 3 Ma, and 1.1 Ma, respectively, fit well into this correlation in agreement with the thermal and alteration conditions suggested by the meteorites.
Effect of high-dose N-acetylcysteine on exacerbations and lung function in patients with mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Ran Pixin , Zhou Yumin , Wu Fan , Shi Zhe , Cao Jie , Tian Jia , Yao Weimin , Wei Liping , Li Fenglei , Cai Shan , Shen Yao , Wang Zanfeng , Zhang Huilan , Chen Yanfang , Fu Yingyun , He Zhiyi , Chang Chun , Jiang Yongliang , Chen Shujing , Yang Changli , Yu Shuqing , Tian Heshen , Chen Qijian , Zhao Ziwen , Ying Yinghua , Zhou Yong , Liu Shengming , Deng Zhishan , Huang Peiyu , Zhang Yunzhen , Luo Xiangwen , Zhao Haiyan , Gui Jianping , Lai Weiguang , Hu Guoping , Liu Cong , Su Ling , Liu Zhiguang , Huang Jianhui , Zhao Dongxing , Zhong Nanshan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Evidence for the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is limited. The efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (an antioxidant and mucolytic agent) for patients with mild-to-moderate COPD is uncertain. In this multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned 968 patients with mild-to-moderate COPD to treatment with N-acetylcysteine (600mg, twice daily) or matched placebo for two years. Eligible participants were 40–80 years of age and had mild-to-moderate COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] to forced vital capacity ratio < 0.70 and an FEV1 ≥ 50% predicted value after bronchodilator use). The coprimary outcomes were the annual rate of total exacerbations and the between-group difference in the change from baseline to 24 months in FEV1 before bronchodilator use. COPD exacerbation was defined as the appearance or worsening of at least two major symptoms (cough, expectoration, purulent sputum, wheezing, or dyspnoea) persisting for at least 48 hours. Assessment of exacerbations was conducted every three months, and lung function was performed annually after enrolment. The differences between the N-acetylcysteine group and the placebo group in the annual rate of total exacerbations were not significant (0.65 vs. 0.72 per patient-year; relative risk [RR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80–1.02; P = 0.10). There was no significant difference in FEV1 before bronchodilator use at 24 months. Long-term treatment with high-dose N-acetylcysteine did not significantly reduce the annual rate of total exacerbations and did not improve lung function in patients with mild-to-moderate COPD. Chinese Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR-IIR-17012604.
Biopurification - using non-growing microorganisms to improve plant protein ingredients.
Authors: Bachmann Herwig , Nugroho Avis , Schalkwijk Saskia van , Cebeci Sabri , Jacobs Simon , Wesselink Wilma , Staring Guido , Goerdayal Soenita , Prodan Andrei , Stijnman Ann , Teuling Emma , Broersen Kerensa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Securing a sustainable global food supply for a growing population requires a shift toward a more plant-based diet. The application of plant-based proteins is therefore increasing, but unpleasant off-flavors complicate their use. Here, we screened 97 microorganisms for their potential to remove off-flavors in a process with limiting amounts of fermentable sugar. This allowed to produce a more neutral-tasting, purified food ingredient, while limiting microbial growth and the production of typical fermentation end products. We demonstrate that various lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts remove “green” aldehydes and ketones. This conversion can be carried out in less than one hour in almond, pea, potato, and oat proteins. Heterofermentative LAB were best at aldehyde and ketone neutralization with minimum de novo formation of microbial volatiles such as ethylacetate (sweet, fruity) or alpha-diketones (butter- and cheese-like). While sensory properties were improved, changes in protein solubility, emulsification, foaming, and in vitro digestibility were limited.
Morphometric Description of the Final Instar Nymphs and Exuviae of Odonata: Tramea limbata Des.
Authors: Paul Geetha , Suresh Priscilla , Philip Ninan Sajeeth 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Tramea limbata, commonly known as the Black marsh trotter, is a dragonfly species belonging to the genus Tramea in the family Libellulidae. It has a cosmopolitan distribution found in various regions, including the peninsular region of India. This medium-sized red hued dragonfly is characterised by its distinctively long anal appendages. One key distinguishing feature of Tramea limbata is the presence of a dark-brown hind-wing patch. Both males and females exhibit red colouration, although females may also have a yellowish hue. The nymphs of Tramea limbata are robust, greenish-yellow and translucent aquatic insects. The study describes the morphology and morphometric characteristics of the nymphs and their exuviae (shed exoskeletons). The significant identifying characteristics noted are premental setae on the underside of the head and the lack of spiniform setae in the dorsal regions of the abdominal segments, particularly segments 6 to 9, giving them a smooth appearance. Notably, the appendages exhibit distinct patterns. The femur bears spines, while the tibia and tarsus are adorned with comb-like tufts of setae. These features help to distinguish Tramea limbata nymphs from strikingly similar nymphs of other Tramea species.
A Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Different Shore Power Incentive Policies on Both Shore and Ship Sides based on System Dynamics and a Chinese Port Case
Authors: Gu Yimiao , YU Xinyi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Shore power (SP) is widely recognized as an efficient strategy for reducing air pollution in port areas. Unfortunately, the adoption of SP has been relatively low, resulting in limited emission reductions and financial losses. To address these challenges, this paper focuses on enhancing the utilization rate of SP. We propose a system dynamics model that assesses the impact of various incentive policies on the economic and environmental benefits of SP. The model considers the life cycle cost and comprises four subsystems. By conducting a case study on Nansha Port, we find that price subsidies are more effective than construction subsidies in overcoming economic barriers. Furthermore, we observe that the overall economic benefits only increase when the electricity price decreases. This is because lowering the electricity price enhances the profitability of ships without negatively affecting port revenue. Additionally, it is the proportion of the electricity price and service price that determines the overall economic benefits, rather than the SP price itself. Hence, it is recommended to provide preferential subsidies for the electricity price.
Mitigation of Water stress by Compost and Arginine application and its impacts on Barley production
Authors: Hellal Farid , Sayed Saied El , Basha Doaa M. R. Abo , Kader Hanan H. Abdel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Water-scarce locations necessitate the deployment of creative and sustainable techniques for managing water for agricultural production. Field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Research Farm of National Research Centre, Nubaria region, Egypt to alleviate the harmful effect of water stress on the yield of Mediterranean barley varieties (Giza 125, Tombari, Ksar Megrine and Tamellat) by compost (0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0-ton feddan− 1) and arginine application (0.00 and 1000 ppm) under deficit irrigation. The amounts of irrigation water applied were “900 and 450” m3 feddan− 1 to sufficient irrigation and deficit irrigation, respectively.
Results
The greatest and most significant values of the chlorophyll values and relative water content values obtained at the treatment supplied with 6.0-ton compost feddan− 1 and sprayed with Arginine. There was a significant dramatic decrease in proline content with increasing compost application rates and treated barley plants by Arginine for all the studied barley varieties under both studied irrigation treatments. Increasing compost application rate associated with significant increase in number of spike m− 2 without or with arginine. Barley Tombari variety received 6.0-ton compost fed− 1 gained greatest significant values of grain (ton feddan− 1) under sufficient irrigation and Tamellat under deficit irrigation situation. The increases in compost rate increment grain yield values with arginine application more than untreated one. The greatest and significant grain yield was found at the treatment received 6.0-ton compost fed− 1 with arginine foliar application.
Conclusion
Compost application has an important role in maintaining greatest water use efficiency for plant and arginine application reported to contribute in reduction of destructive effects of a biotic stress thus their importance in increasing the barley production under water stress
Carboxymethyl-imidazolium O-vanillin Schiff base grafted into NH2-tagged MIL-101 (Cr) for effective removal of cupric ions from aqueous effluents
Authors: Rizk Moustafa A. , Yahya Rana , Alsaiari Raiedhah A. , Alsaiari Mabkhoot A. , Shahat Ahmed , Elshaarawy Reda F. M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Due to the widespread presence of copper-containing contaminants, it is crucial to explore novel effective approaches to scavenging Cu(II) from potable water. To that end, a novel adsorbent (MIL-CMIVSB) was successfully fabricated by modification of H2N-MIL-101(Cr) with carboxymethyl-imidazolium O-vanillin Schiff base. The MIL-CMIVSB's physicochemical characteristics were examined using the pertinent characterization methods. Batch adsorption tests were performed to determine the optimal conditions for MIL-CMIVSB's adsorption capacity for cupric ions in aqueous solutions. The optimum conditions are 1 mg/mL of MIL-CMIVSB adsorbent, 46 min adsorption time, pH 7, 100 ppm initial cupric ion concentration, and 303 K temperature. By integrating adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm, and Van't Hoff models, the adsorption behavior was interpreted. It was found that MIL-CMIVSB removed Cu(II) more selectively and effectively (adsorption capacity 359.05 ± 12.06 mg/g). The non-linear Liu isotherm governed Cu(II) sorption performance on MIL-CMIVSB (R2 = 0.99892) and pseudo-2nd-order kinetically (R2 = 0.99721).
An empirical study of the effectiveness of information delivery in Metaverse: Does it motivate users to take action?
Authors: Lee Joong Ho 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The metaverse remains a vital subject even in post-COVID-19 due to its potential as an advanced communication platform. Gather.town stands out for its user-friendly interface, facilitating social interactions in a virtual context. This study investigated how users reacted when introduced to five new mobile apps through individual one-on-one interactions in Gather.town. We compared it with conventional social methods such as face-to-face meetings, Zoom, and Kakaotalk social messenger. In experiment 1, user satisfaction and intimacy were gauged through a questionnaire, revealing no substantial differences across conditions. However, experiment 2, conducted a few days later without advance notice, unveiled a notable distinction in users' active practice. Participants who were informed via Gather.town displayed a considerably lower rate of actual installations of introduced apps on their mobile phones than those informed via face-to-face conversations or Zoom meetings. While the metaverse showed promise during the COVID-19 era, a more precise assessment of information delivery efficacy is essential now that face-to-face interactions have resumed. Gaining a profound understanding of the distinct characteristics of virtual social interaction environments will enable us to explore the metaverse's unique and advantageous attributes effectively.