bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On fabrication of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-zirconium oxide composite feedstock for 3D printing-based rapid tooling applications
Authors: Ranjan Nishant , Tyagi Rashi , Kumar Ranvijay , Kumar Vinay 
Published: June 2023

The 3D-printed rapid tools are being used in finishing operations such as drilling, milling, broaching, roller burnishing, and other finishing operations that need anti-wear plastic composite materials. Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) is one of the ceramic materials which is highly appreciated due to its anti-wear properties. This study aims to develop the ZrO2 ceramic particles reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic composite feedstock filaments for 3D printing of rapid tools. In the first stage, the multiple numbers (as per Taguchi L9 orthogonal array (OA)) of ABS-ZrO2 feedstock filaments were developed by varying the loading of ZrO2 in ABS matrix (2 wt.%, 4 wt.%, and 6 wt.%), processing temperature (200, 205 and 210°C), and rotation speed of screw (4, 6 and 8 RPM). The optimum setting obtained for manufacturing ABS-ZrO2 composite feedstock filaments is the combination of 2% ZrO2 loading, 205°C processing temperature, and 6 RPM screw speed. In the next stage, fused filament fabrication (FFF) based 3D printing has been used to prepare the rapid tools. The wear test performed for 3D printed ABS-ZrO2 composites rapid tools shows only .62% weight loss which is lower as compared to virgin ABS (.91% weight loss). The results of the study are supported by fracture analysis, morphology, and mechanical properties.
Significant hypomethylation of MMP9 gene promoter in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ehtesham Naeim , Mosallaei Meysam , Zaboli Mahdiabadi Morteza , Kenarangi Taiebe , Farhadi Arezoo , Heidari Mohammad Foad , Soroush Mohsen , Nasrollahzadeh Sabet Mehrdad , Behroozi Javad 
Published: June 2023

Objective Scholars are exploring novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers with higher sensitivity and specificity for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this regard, DNA methylation alterations have aroused attention. The association between the dysfunction of MMP9 and TNFAIP3 genes and SLE has been previously demonstrated. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the methylation level of MMP9 and TNFAIP3 promoters in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SLE patients and healthy controls. Methods Eighty Iranian SLE patients and 77 healthy individuals were enrolled. The methylation quantification endonuclease-resistant DNA (MethyQESD) method was used to assess methylation levels of MMP9 and TNFAIP3 in extracted DNA of PBMCs. To quantify the diagnostic utility of the promoter methylation level of these genes, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed. Results MMP9 promoter was significantly hypomethylated in SLE patients compared with healthy people ( p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in terms of TNFAIP3 promoter methylation levels ( p = 0.167). Also, this differential MMP9 methylation was observed in patients with renal involvement and patients without renal involvement (42.07 ± 25.73 vs 56.74 ± 29.71, p = 0.007). ROC analyses indicated that the diagnostic power of the MMP9 promoter methylation level for SLE was 0.839 [95% CI (0.781–0.911)]. Moreover, MMP9 methylation level was negatively correlated with creatinine and anti-dsDNA concentration and positively correlated with C3 and C4 levels. Conclusion The results of this study highlight the application of MMP9 methylation level in PBMCs of SLE patients as a diagnostic biomarker.
Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Does Obesity Matter?
Authors: Kim Billy I. , Anastasio Albert T. , Wixted Colleen M. , DeOrio James K. , Nunley James A. , Easley Mark E. , Adams Samuel B. 
Published: June 2023

Background: There is limited data evaluating the effect of obesity on outcomes following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), especially in adequate sample sizes to detect impacts on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of obesity on complication rates and PROs. Methods: This was a single-institution, retrospective study of 1093 primary TAA performed between 2001 and 2020. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Patients were stratified by body mass index (BMI) into control (BMI = 18.5-29.9; n = 615), obesity class I (BMI = 30.0-34.9; n = 285), and obesity class II (BMI > 35.0; n = 193) groups. Patient information, intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, and PRO measures were compared between groups using univariable statistics. Multivariable Cox regression was performed to assess risk for implant failure. Mean follow-up was 5.6 years (SD: 3.1). Results: Compared to control and class I, class II patients had the lowest mean age ( P = .001), highest mean ASA score ( P < .001), and greatest proportion of female sex ( P < .001) and Black/African American race ( P = .005). There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications (infection, implant failure, or impingement) across the BMI classes ( P > .05). Preoperatively, class II had lower (worse) mean scores for Foot and Ankle Outcome Score pain and ADL subscales than controls (post hoc pairwise P < .001 for both). At final follow-up, both class II and class I had lower (worse) mean Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (post hoc pairwise P < .001 and P = .030, respectively) and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores (post hoc pairwise P < .001 and P = .005, respectively) than controls. Conclusion: At midterm follow-up, obesity was not associated with increased rates of complications after TAA. Patients with obesity reported worse musculoskeletal function and overall quality of life after TAA but there was no differential improvement in PROs across BMI classes. To our knowledge, this is the largest single-institution study to date examining the effect of obesity on outcomes after primary TAA. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Evaluation of potential cost savings through chemotherapy and biotherapy dose-rounding at a pediatric institution
Authors: Graff Justin M , Cramer Jesse , Kolb Lauren L , Agherrabi Zakari , Burgess McKenna 
Published: June 2023

Introduction Rapidly increasing costs of medication acquisition can pose a challenge for health-system pharmacy budgets. The impact of dose-rounding in a pediatric oncology population has not previously been well documented and a retrospective review was undertaken to quantify the potential cost benefits. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients with an oncologic diagnosis was performed for cytotoxic agents, asparaginase products, and biotherapy administered between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017. In the analysis, orders that could be rounded down to the nearest vial size by 5 or 10% were included. Medication pricing information was based on wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) and was provided by the Department of Pharmacy. Cost savings per medication were determined by multiplying the WAC of the medication by the number of vials saved. Results Over a 4-year span, 347 patients were evaluated and 552 out of a possible 3110 orders (17.7%) met criteria for a theoretical cost savings of approximately $1,126,000 (∼$3200 per patient). Rounding down doses by up to 5% resulted in a potential savings of about $529,000. When rounding was extended to 5–10% of the originally ordered dose, an additional $597,000 of approximate cost savings could have been realized. The medications with the largest impact on cost savings were rituximab, pegaspargase, and erwinia asparaginase. Conclusions For pediatric oncology patients, there exists a unique potential cost savings opportunity if doses are rounded down within 5 or 10% of the originally ordered weight-based or body surface area-calculated dose.
Indigenous Oral and Gut Phages Defeat the Deadly NDM-1 Superbug
Authors: Yadalam Pradeep Kumar , Anegundi Raghavendra Vamsi , Ramadoss Ramya , Saravanan M , Veeramuthu AshokKumar , Heboyan Artak 
Published: June 2023

Aim: Antibiotics treat various diseases by targeting microorganisms by killing them or reducing their multiplication rate. New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) is produced by bacteria possessing the resistance gene blaNDM-1, the enzyme that makes bacteria resistant to beta-lactams. Bacteriophages, especially Lactococcus, have shown their ability to break down lactams. Hence, the current study computationally evaluated the binding potential of Lactococcus bacteriophages with NDM using Molecular docking and dynamics. Methods: Modelling of NDM I-TASSER for Main tail protein gp19 OS=Lactococcus phage LL-H or Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis after downloading from UNIPROT ID- Q38344. Cluspro tool helps in Understanding cellular function and organization with protein-protein interactions. MD simulations(19) typically compute atom movements over time. Simulations were used to predict the ligand binding status in the physiological environment. Results: The best binding affinity score was found -1040.6 Kcal/mol compared to other docking scores. MD simulations show in RMSD values for target remains within 1.0 Angstrom, which is acceptable. The ligand-protein fit to receptor protein RMSD values of 2.752 fluctuates within 1.5 Angstrom after equilibration. Conclusions: Lactococcus bacteriophages showed a strong affinity to the NDM. Hence, this hypothesis, supported by evidence from a computational approach, will solve this life-threatening superbug problem.
Results of the Chimney Technique in a Community Hospital
Authors: Özdemir-van Brunschot Denise M. D. , Tevs Maria , Holzhey David 
Published: June 2023

Background The chimney technique, fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic repair are endovascular options in patients with a juxtarenal, suprarenal or type IV thoraco-abdominal aneurysm. The chimney technique has specific advantages and disadvantages. A retrospective single center study was performed to describe the results. Patients and methods All consecutive patients in whom the chimney technique was used between 1th January 2011 and 31th December 2020 were included. We excluded patients who needed a revision of an existing EVAR and patients with a para-anastomotic aneurysm. Outcomes were reported in accordance with the reporting standards. Results 38 Patients were included in the study, a total of 59 chimney grafts were deployed. At a median follow-up duration of 26.6 months, there were 9 patients with occlusion of the chimney graft. In 1 patient an iliac renal bypass was performed. In the other patients the renal function stabilized and no further therapy was necessary. All chimneys in the mesenteric arteries remained patent. Gutter endoleak was seen in 5 patients, 3 patients were successfully treated and in the other 2 patients the gutter endoleak disappeared spontaneously. Conclusions Conclusions should be drawn carefully as this is a retrospective non-comparative study. Results from 38 patients treated with the chimney technique are presented. Chimney graft occlusion rate was 15.3% at the end of follow-up. However, the majority (77.8%) of the occluded stents were self-expandable stents, stressing the importance of selecting the right devices.
Patient-Reported Outcomes in Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Patient Specific Versus Standard Instrumentation
Authors: Yau James , Emmerson Benjamin , Kakwani Rajesh , Murty Aradhyula N. , Townshend David N. 
Published: June 2023

Background Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) can now be performed using patient-specific instrumentation (PSI). Advantages include the ability to preoperatively plan and reduce the number of intraoperative surgical steps. The aim of this study was to compare PSI with standard instrumentation (SI) in a nonrandomized retrospective cohort study with respect to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Secondary aims were to compare complications, reoperations, tourniquet time, fluoroscopy time, and postoperative alignment. Methods In all, 159 patients (111 men, 48 women) undergoing a total of 168 Infinity TAA (Stryker, Memphis, TN) using PSI (Prophecy, Stryker, Memphis, TN) or SI between 2014 and 2021 were included with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The PROMs were obtained preoperatively and at 1 year, and included the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), and European Quality of Life 5 Dimension 3 Level (EQ-5D-3L). Coronal plane deformity correction was assessed using the midline tibiotalar angle (MTTA). Demographics, tourniquet time, and intraoperative fluoroscopy times were obtained from the hospital records. Results There were 61 TAAs in the PSI group and 107 TAAs in the SI group. There was no significant difference in total MOXFQ, AOS, or EQ-5D. There was a significantly reduced tourniquet time (PSI mean: 95.39 minutes, SI mean: 116.87 minutes, P < .001) and radiation exposure (PSI mean: 31 seconds, SI mean: 53 seconds, P < .001). Angular correction was more accurate in the PSI group (PSI mean: 1.29°, SI mean: 2.26°, P = .005). Conclusion This study supports the use of PSI to decrease operative time, reduce intraoperative fluoroscopy, improve accuracy of implantation, and improve postoperative alignment in TAA. There was a significant difference (P = .032) in favor of PSI in the walking/standing domain of the MOXFQ at 12 months but no significant difference in overall PROMs. Levels of Evidence Level III, Retrospective
Knee Osteoarthritis: Clinical and MRI Outcomes After Multiple Intra-Articular Injections With Expanded Autologous Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells or Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors: Khoury Miguel A. , Chamari Karim , Tabben Montassar , Alkhelaifi Khalid , Papacostas Emmanuel , Marín Fermín Theodorakys , Laupheimer Markus , D′Hooghe Pieter 
Published: June 2023

Objective To directly compare clinical and MRI outcomes of multiple intra-articular injections of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design We retrospectively compared 24-month outcomes in (1) 27 patients receiving 3-monthly intra-articular injections with a total of 43.8 million ASCs and (2) 23 patients receiving 3-monthly injections of 3-ml preparation of PRP. All patients had Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1, 2, or 3 knee OA with failed conservative medical therapy. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores; Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months after the first injection; and the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) at 12 and 24 months were considered as outcomes. Results No major complications occurred in any patient. Both groups significantly improved in pain NPRS score and KOOS at 6 months. At 12- and 24-month evaluations, the ASC group significantly decreased scores to a greater degree ( P < 0.001) than the PRP group. MOAKS scores indicated a decrease in disease progression in the ASC group. Conclusion Both ASCs and PRP were safe and resulted in clinical improvement in patients with knee OA at 6 months; however, at 12 and 24 months, ASCs outperformed leukocyte-poor PRP in clinical and radiological outcomes.
Hypogammaglobulinemia secondary to B-cell depleting therapies in neuroimmunology: Comparing management strategies
Authors: Kelly Hannah , Vishnevetsky Anastasia , Chibnik Lori B. , Levy Michael 
Published: June 2023

Background Anti-CD20 agents are commonly used in MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD. Few studies have compared strategies to address hypogammaglobulinemia. Objective To compare strategies to manage secondary hypogammaglobulinemia in neuroimmunology patients, including reducing anti-CD20 dose and dosing frequency, IVIG/SCIG, anti-CD20 cessation, and DMT switches. Methods All MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD patients at our institution with hypogammaglobulinemia on anti-CD20 agents from 2001 to 2022 were analyzed. The median change in IgG, infection frequency, and infection severity before and after the treatment was calculated. Results In total, 257 patients were screened, and 30 had a treatment for hypogammaglobulinemia. IVIG/SCIG yielded the largest increase in IgG per year (674.0 mg/dL), followed by B-cell therapy cessation (34.7 mg/dL), and DMT switch (5.9 mg/dL). Dose reduction had the largest decrease in yearly infection frequency (2.7 fewer infections), followed by IVIG/SCIG (2.5 fewer), DMT switch (2 fewer), and reduced dosing frequency (0.5 fewer). Infection grade decreased by 1.9 for reduced dosing frequency (less severe infections), by 1.3 for IVIG/SCIG, and by 0.6 for DMT switch. Conclusion This data suggests that IVIG/SCIG may yield the greatest recovery in IgG while also reducing infection frequency and severity. Stopping anti-CD20 therapy and/or switching DMTs also increase IgG and may lower infection risk.
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and its determinants among residents of Ambo Town, West Shewa, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: cross-sectional survey
Authors: Beressa Tamirat Bekele , Tafa Milkessa , Geresu Gudeta Duga , Bacha Amente Jorise , Gadisa Diriba Alemayehu 
Published: June 2023

Background: Vaccines against COVID-19 are critical for preventing and managing COVID-19 because immunization is one of the most active and cost-effective health strategies for infectious disease prevention. Knowing the community’s willingness and factors affecting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance will support the design of effective promotion strategies. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and its determinants among the Ambo Town community. Method: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaires from 1 to 28 February 2022. Four kebeles were selected randomly, and the systematic random sampling procedure was used to select the households. SPSS-25 software was used for data analysis. Ethical approval was received from the Institutional Review Committee of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences of Ambo University, and data were kept confidential. Result: Of the 391 participants, 385 (98.5%) of the respondents were not vaccinated for COVID-19, and around 126 (32.2%) of the respondents said that they would receive the vaccine if the government provided it. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that males were 1.8 times more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.074–3.156) as compared to females. The acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine was lower by 60% in those who tested for COVID-19 as compared to those who were not tested (AOR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.27–0.69). Moreover, the participants who had chronic diseases were two times more likely to accept the vaccine. Acceptance of the vaccine was reduced by half among those who believed that there was a scarcity of data on its safety (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.26–0.80). Conclusion: The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance was low. To enhance the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, the government and different stakeholders should strengthen public education using mass media about the advantages of getting the COVID-19 vaccination.
Lipid metabolism and antioxidant system contribute to salinity tolerance in halophytic grass seashore paspalum in a tissue-specific manner
Authors: Pan Ling , Hu Xu , Liao Li , Xu Tingchen , Sun Quanquan , Tang Minqiang , Chen Zhenbang , Wang Zhiyong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSoil salinization is a growing issue that limits agriculture globally. Understanding the mechanism underlying salt tolerance in halophytic grasses can provide new insights into engineering plant salinity tolerance in glycophytic plants. Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.) is a halophytic turfgrass and genomic model system for salt tolerance research in cereals and other grasses. However, the salt tolerance mechanism of this grass largely unknown. To explore the correlation between Na+ accumulation and salt tolerance in different tissues, we utilized two P. vaginatum accessions that exhibit contrasting tolerance to salinity. To accomplish this, we employed various analytical techniques including ICP-MS-based ion analysis, lipidomic profiling analysis, enzyme assays, and integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. Under high salinity, salt-tolerant P. vaginatum plants exhibited better growth and Na+ uptake compared to salt-sensitive plants. Salt-tolerant plants accumulated heightened Na+ accumulation in their roots, leading to increased production of root-sourced H2O2, which in turn activated the antioxidant systems. In salt-tolerant plants, metabolome profiling revealed tissue-specific metabolic changes, with increased amino acids, phenolic acids, and polyols in roots, and increased amino acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids in leaves. High salinity induced lipidome adaptation in roots, enhancing lipid metabolism in salt-tolerant plants. Moreover, through integrated analysis, the importance of amino acid metabolism in conferring salt tolerance was highlighted. This study significantly enhances our current understanding of salt-tolerant mechanisms in halophyte grass, thereby offering valuable insights for breeding and genetically engineering salt tolerance in glycophytic plants.
Insight into pathogenomics and phylogeography of hypervirulent and highly-lethal Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain cluster
Authors: Mokrousov Igor , Vyazovaya Anna , Shitikov Egor , Badleeva Maria , Belopolskaya Olesya , Bespiatykh Dmitry , Gerasimova Alena , Ioannidis Panayotis , Jiao Weiwei , Khromova Polina , Masharsky Aleksey , Naizabayeva Dinara , Papaventsis Dimitrios , Pasechnik Oksana , Perdigão João , Rastogi Nalin , Shen Adong , Sinkov Viacheslav , Skiba Yuriy , Solovieva Natalia , Tafaj Silva , Valcheva Violeta , Kostyukova Irina , Zhdanova Svetlana , Zhuravlev Viacheslav , Ogarkov Oleg 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing genotype is globally spread lineage with important medical properties that however vary among its subtypes. M. tuberculosis Beijing 14717-15-cluster was recently discovered as both multidrug-resistant, hypervirulent, and highly-lethal strain circulating in the Far Eastern region of Russia. Here, we aimed to analyze its pathogenomic features and phylogeographic pattern.

Results
. The study collection included M. tuberculosis DNA collected between 1996 and 2020 in different world regions. The bacterial DNA was subjected to genotyping and whole genome sequencing followed by bioinformatics and phylogenetic analysis. The PCR-based assay to detect specific SNPs of the Beijing 14717-15-cluster was developed and used for its screening in the global collections. Phylogenomic and phylogeographic analysis confirmed endemic prevalence of the Beijing 14717-15-cluster in the Asian part of Russia, and distant common ancestor with isolates from Korea (> 115 SNPs). The Beijing 14717-15-cluster isolates had two common resistance mutations RpsL Lys88Arg and KatG Ser315Thr and belonged to spoligotype SIT269. The Russian isolates of this cluster were from the Asian Russia while 4 isolates were from the Netherlands and Spain. The cluster-specific SNPs that significantly affect the protein function were identified in silico in genes within different categories (lipid metabolism, regulatory proteins, intermediary metabolism and respiration, PE/PPE, cell wall and cell processes).

Conclusions
. We developed a simple method based on real-time PCR to detect clinically significant MDR and hypervirulent Beijing 14717-15-cluster. Most of the identified cluster-specific mutations were previously unreported and could potentially be associated with increased pathogenic properties of this hypervirulent M. tuberculosis strain. Further experimental study to assess the pathobiological role of these mutations is warranted.