bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subchondral insufficiency fracture is a predictive factor of osteoarthritis progression and conversion to arthroplasty in non‐surgically treated medial meniscus root tear
Authors: Choi Byung Sun , Chung Jeehyeok , Kwak Junpyo , Han Hyuk‐Soo 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of non‐surgical treatment for medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT), and prognostic factors for osteoarthritis (OA) progression and clinical failure.MethodsA prospectively collected database was retrospectively reviewed for patients who were diagnosed with acute medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) between 2013 and 2021 and treated non‐surgically for more than 2 years. Patient demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes including pain numeric rating scale (NRS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity scale were evaluated. For radiographic evaluation, knee radiographs were obtained to assess the angle of knee alignment and Kellgren–Lawrence (K–L) grade during the first and annually follow‐up visits. Baseline magnetic resonance (MR) images were reviewed for the presence of medial meniscus extrusion, bone marrow edema, subchondral insufficiency fracture of medial femoral condyle, and cartilage lesion. The OA progression group was defined as patients who experienced a worsening of one or more grades in the K–L classification system. Prognostic factors were evaluated for OA progression and conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA).ResultsNinety‐four patients (90 female and 4 male) with a mean age of 67.0 ± 7.3 years (range, 53–83 years) were followed for a mean of 46.1 ± 22.1 months (range, 24.1–170.5). During the follow‐up period, no significant differences in clinical scores were observed, and there were also no significant differences between the groups with and without OA progression. Overall, 12 patients (13%) underwent TKA at a mean of 20.7 ± 16.5 months (range, 8–69 months) and 34 patients (36%) demonstrated OA progression at a mean time of 24 ± 15 months (range, 12–62). The subchondral insufficiency fracture was a prognostic factor for OA progression (p = 0.045 for knee radiograph and p = 0.019 for MR) and conversion to TKA (RR, 4.08 [95% CI 1.23–13.57]; p = 0.022).ConclusionsNon‐surgical treatment for acute medial meniscus posterior root tear did not result in any significant change in clinical outcomes from the initial to the final follow‐up. The rate of conversion to arthroplasty was 13%, and the rate of osteoarthritis progression was 36%. Furthermore, subchondral insufficiency fracture was found to be a concomitant prognostic factor correlated with OA progression and conversion to arthroplasty. This information can provide insights for physicians when discussing treatment options with patients, particularly regarding the use of non‐surgical treatment and may contribute as a source for future studies of medial meniscus posterior root tear.Level of evidenceIV.
Free tendon grafts for surgical management of chronic tears of the main body of the Achilles tendon: a systematic review
Authors: Maffulli Nicola , Bartoli Alessandro , Sammaria Giuliano , Migliorini Filippo , Karlsson Jon , Oliva Francesco 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeAfter four weeks from injury, tears of the Achilles tendon are considered chronic. Their management is challenging, and the use of a graft is suggested when the gap between proximal and distal stumps is greater than 6 cm. The present study systematically reviews the outcome of free tendon grafts in chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon, evaluating clinical outcomes, complications and return to sport.MethodsThe present study was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science databases were accessed in February 2023. All the published clinical studies reporting clinical outcome, return to sport and complications of free tendon grafts used the treatment of chronic rupture of the midportion of the Achilles Tendon were accessed. The mean CMS (Coleman Methodology Score) of 65.7 suggested an overall good quality of the available published articles, attesting to the low risk of bias.ResultsData from 22 articles (368 patients with a mean age of 47 years) were retrieved. The average time from rupture to surgery was 25.1 week. At last follow‐up, the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery) and ATRS (Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score) scores improved of 33.8 (P = 0.0004), and 45.1 points (P = 0.0001) respectively. Return to activity was reported in 105 patients, and 82 (78.1%) had no activity limitations, while 19 (18.1%) had limited recreational but not daily activity limitations, and 4 (3.8%) reported limitations in daily activities. Return to sport data was reported in six studies, and 45 of 93 (48.4%) patients returned to sport at an average of 22.6 weeks.ConclusionIn chronic tears of the Achilles tendon, with a gap of at least 6 cm, free tendon grafts allow predictable return to sport and acceptable recovery function.Level of evidenceLevel IV.
Experimental and simulated study of 3D-printed couplings’ suitability for industrial application
Authors: Baladés Nuria , Remigio Paula , Sales David L. , Moreno Daniel , López Jesús M. , Molina Sergio I. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This paper explores the possibility of applying reverse engineering to flexible coupling spare parts through additive manufacturing. Although couplings’ simplicity makes them go unnoticed, they connect elements that transmit power between two shafts, thus being an essential component for most of the machinery currently used in the industry. In this study, flexible couplings with different infill density (60% and 80%) were 3D printed by the fused filament fabrication technique. The original and the additive manufactured couplings were modelled to compare their compressive response and energy-absorbing characteristics, and experimental tests were performed to validate finite element analysis. To derive an optimal material distribution within coupling structure, a generative design approach was conducted through nTopology software. With this novel simulation-driven design, it is possible to reduce the weight of the redesigned part up to 15.8% by defining the wall thickness of the internal structure based on the results of finite element simulation, while maintaining its functionality. Moreover, an economic-environmental study was carried out. Results ensure that the 3D printed prototypes are suitable for replacing the original one under its current operating conditions. Additionally, the economic study shows that the redesigned couplings allow companies to save more than €2700 per coupling in relation to CO2 emission payments.
A review of current effective COVID-19 testing methods and quality control
Authors: Cheng Lijia , Lan Liang , Ramalingam Murugan , He Jianrong , Yang Yimin , Gao Min , Shi Zheng 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCOVID-19 is a highly infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which primarily affects the respiratory system and can lead to severe illness. The virus is extremely contagious, early and accurate diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to contain its spread, to provide prompt treatment, and to prevent complications. Currently, the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is considered to be the gold standard for detecting COVID-19 in its early stages. In addition, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LMAP), clustering rule interval short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA), computed tomography (CT), and electrochemical sensors are also common tests. However, these different methods vary greatly in terms of their detection efficiency, specificity, accuracy, sensitivity, cost, and throughput. Besides, most of the current detection methods are conducted in central hospitals and laboratories, which is a great challenge for remote and underdeveloped areas. Therefore, it is essential to review the advantages and disadvantages of different COVID-19 detection methods, as well as the technology that can enhance detection efficiency and improve detection quality in greater details.
Berberine attenuates uric acid-induced cell injury by inhibiting NLRP3 signaling pathway in HK-2 cells
Authors: Zheng Jingna , Gong Shiting , Wu Gong , Zheng Xiaohong , Li Jincan , Nie Juan , Liu Yanlu , Chen Baoyi , Liu Yuhong , Su Ziren , Chen Jiannan , Li Yucui 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHyperuricemia (HUA) is a common chronic metabolic disease that can cause renal failure and even death in severe cases. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid derived fromPhellodendri Cortexwith strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of berberine (BBR) against uric acid (UA)-induced HK-2 cells and unravel their regulatory potential mechanisms. The CCK8 assay was carried out to detect cell viability. The expression levels of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The expression of the apoptosis-related protein (cleaved-Caspase3, cleaved-Caspase9, BAX, BCL-2) was detected by western blot. The effects of BBR on the activities of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and the expression of the downstream genes were determined by RT-PCR and western blot in HK-2 cells. From the data, BBR significantly reversed the up-regulation of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-18) and LDH. Furthermore, BBR down-regulated protein expression of pro-apoptotic proteins BAX, cleaved caspase3 (cl-Caspase3), cleaved caspase9 (cl-Caspase9), and enhanced the expression of antiapoptotic protein BCL-2. Simultaneously, BBR inhibited the activated NLPR3 and reduced the mRNA levels of NLRP3, Caspase1, IL-18, and IL-1β. Also, BBR attenuated the expression of NLRP3 pathway-related proteins (NLRP3, ASC, Caspase1, cleaved-Caspase1, IL-18, IL-1β, and GSDMD). Furthermore, specific NLRP3-siRNA efficiently blocked UA-induced the level of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-18) and LDH and further inhibited activated NLRP3 pathway. Collectively, our results suggested that BBR can alleviate cell injury induced by UA. The underlying unctionary mechanism may be through the NLRP3 signaling pathway.
Excretion of glucose analogue with SGLT2 affinity predicts response effectiveness to sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Geist Barbara Katharina , Brath Helmut , Zisser Lucia , Yu Josef , Fueger Barbara , Nics Lukas , Patronas Eva Maria , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Hacker Marcus , Rasul Sazan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) regulation, developed as treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes, can be imaged with the glucose analogue alpha-methyl-4-deoxy-4-[18F]fluoro-d-glucopyranoside (Me4FDG), a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer with a high affinity for SGLT1 and SGLT2 proteins. With regard to therapy effectiveness, we aimed to investigate whether clinical parameters or Me4FDG excretion could predict response to SGLT2i in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
In a longitudinal, prospective study, 19 patients with type 2 diabetes underwent Me4FDG combined PET and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) scans at baseline and 2 weeks after initiation of therapy with SGLT2i, accompanied by the collection of blood and urine samples. Me4FDG-excretion was determined from the Me4FDG uptake in the bladder. Long-term response was determined by HbA1c level after 3 months; a strong response to the therapy was defined as a reduction of HbA1c by at least 10% from baseline.

Results
SGLT2i resulted in significantly increased Me4FDG excretion (4.8 vs. 45.0, P < 0.001) and urine glucose (56 vs. 2806 mg/dl, P < 0.001). Baseline urine glucose and baseline Me4FDG excretion correlated both with long-term decline in HbA1c with r = 0.55 (P < 0.05). However, only Me4FDG excretion was a predictor of a strong response to SGLT2i (P = 0.005, OR 1.9).

Conclusions
Using Me4FDG-PET, we demonstrated for the first time renal SGLT2-related excretion before and after short-term SGLT2i treatment. In contrary to other clinical parameters, SGLT2-related excretion before treatment was a robust predictor of long-term HbA1c response in patients with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that therapy effectiveness is only dependent of endogenous SGLT2 processes.
Safety and performance of MR-conditional pacing systems with automated MRI mode at 1.5 and 3 Tesla
Authors: Dacher Jean-Nicolas , Langguth Patrick , Adam David , Winkler Walther-Benedikt , Martí-Almor Julio , Prenner Günther , Trucco María Emilce , Kol Amir , Xiang Meixiang , Melissano Donato , Fawaz Hanan , Lau Dennis H. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate at 1.5 and 3 T MRI the safety and performance of trademarked ENO®, TEO®, or OTO® pacing systems with automated MRI Mode and the image quality of non-enhanced MR examinations.

Methods
A total of 267 implanted patients underwent MRI examination (brain, cardiac, shoulder, cervical spine) at 1.5 (n = 126) or 3 T (n = 141). MRI-related device complications, lead electrical performances stability at 1-month post-MRI, proper functioning of the automated MRI mode and image quality were evaluated.

Results
Freedom from MRI-related complications at 1 month post-MRI was 100% in both 1.5 and 3 T arms (both p < 0.0001). The stability of pacing capture threshold was respectively at 1.5 and 3 T (atrial:: 98.9% (p = 0.001) and 100% (p < 0.0001); ventricular: both 100% (p < 0001)). The stability of sensing was respectively at 1.5 and 3 T (atrial: 100% (p = 0.0001) and 96.9% (p = 0.01); ventricular: 100% (p < 0.0001) and 99.1% (p = 0.0001)). All devices switched automatically to the programmed asynchronous mode in the MRI environment and to initially programmed mode after the MRI exam. While all MR examinations were assessed as interpretable, artifacts deteriorated a subset of examinations including mostly cardiac and shoulder ones.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the safety and electrical stability of ENO®, TEO®, or OTO® pacing systems at 1 month post-MRI at 1.5 and 3 T. Even if artifacts were noticed in a subset of examinations, overall interpretability was preserved.

Clinical relevance statement
ENO®, TEO®, and OTO® pacing systems switch to MR-mode when detecting magnetic field and switch back on conventional mode after MRI. Their safety and electrical stability at 1 month post MRI were shown at 1.5 and 3 T. Overall interpretability was preserved.

Key Points
• Patients implanted with an MRI conditional cardiac pacemaker can be safely scanned under 1.5 or 3 Tesla MRI with preserved interpretability.
• Electrical parameters of the MRI conditional pacing system remain stable after a 1.5 or 3 Tesla MRI scan.
• The automated MRI mode enabled the automatic switch to asynchronous mode in the MRI environment and to initial settings after the MRI scan in all patients.
Modified—modified radical mastoidectomy
Authors: Dosemane Deviprasad , Khadilkar Meera Niranjan , Parvathareddy Navya 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
It is unusual to have communication from the external auditory canal (EAC) directly to the mastoid, totally sparing the tympanum. These patients need a different surgical approach, a modified canal wall-down procedure, to completely clear the disease but fully preserve the tympanum. We present one such exceptional case.

Case presentation
A 28-year-old lady presented with ear discharge for 1 year. Imaging confirmed the canal-mastoid fistula, but the entire tympanum was normal. We performed a modified-modified radical mastoidectomy.

Conclusions
Canal-mastoid fistula is an infrequent entity and may be idiopathic. Despite being evident on clinical examination, imaging aids in assessing size and location of the defect. Although EAC reconstruction may be attempted, the majority require a canal wall-down procedure.
Improving radiation dosimetry with an automated micronucleus scoring system: correction of automated scoring errors
Authors: Lee Younghyun , Jin Young Woo , Seong Ki Moon , Wilkins Ruth C. , Jang Seongjae 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRadiation dose estimations performed by automated counting of micronuclei (MN) have been studied for their utility for triage following large-scale radiological incidents; although speed is essential, it also is essential to estimate radiation doses as accurately as possible for long-term epidemiological follow-up. Our goal in this study was to evaluate and improve the performance of automated MN counting for biodosimetry using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. We measured false detection rates and used them to improve the accuracy of dosimetry. The average false-positive rate for binucleated cells was 1.14%; average false-positive and -negative MN rates were 1.03% and 3.50%, respectively. Detection errors seemed to be correlated with radiation dose. Correction of errors by visual inspection of images used for automated counting, called the semi-automated and manual scoring method, increased accuracy of dose estimation. Our findings suggest that dose assessment of the automated MN scoring system can be improved by subsequent error correction, which could be useful for performing biodosimetry on large numbers of people rapidly, accurately, and efficiently.
De novo MCM6 variants in neurodevelopmental disorders: a recognizable phenotype related to zinc binding residues
Authors: Smits Daphne J. , Schot Rachel , Popescu Cristiana A. , Dias Kerith-Rae , Ades Lesley , Briere Lauren C. , Sweetser David A. , Kushima Itaru , Aleksic Branko , Khan Suliman , Karageorgou Vasiliki , Ordonez Natalia , Sleutels Frank J. G. T. , van der Kaay Daniëlle C. M. , Van Mol Christine , Van Esch Hilde , Bertoli-Avella Aida M. , Roscioli Tony , Mancini Grazia M. S. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe minichromosome maintenance (MCM) complex acts as a DNA helicase during DNA replication, and thereby regulates cell cycle progression and proliferation. In addition, MCM-complex components localize to centrosomes and play an independent role in ciliogenesis. Pathogenic variants in genes coding for MCM components and other DNA replication factors have been linked to growth and developmental disorders as Meier–Gorlin syndrome and Seckel syndrome. Trio exome/genome sequencing identified the same de novo MCM6 missense variant p.(Cys158Tyr) in two unrelated individuals that presented with overlapping phenotypes consisting of intra-uterine growth retardation, short stature, congenital microcephaly, endocrine features, developmental delay and urogenital anomalies. The identified variant affects a zinc binding cysteine in the MCM6 zinc finger signature. This domain, and specifically cysteine residues, are essential for MCM-complex dimerization and the induction of helicase activity, suggesting a deleterious effect of this variant on DNA replication. Fibroblasts derived from the two affected individuals showed defects both in ciliogenesis and cell proliferation. We additionally traced three unrelated individuals with de novo MCM6 variants in the oligonucleotide binding (OB)-fold domain, presenting with variable (neuro)developmental features including autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and epilepsy. Taken together, our findings implicate de novo MCM6 variants in neurodevelopmental disorders. The clinical features and functional defects related to the zinc binding residue resemble those observed in syndromes related to other MCM components and DNA replication factors, while de novo OB-fold domain missense variants may be associated with more variable neurodevelopmental phenotypes. These data encourage consideration of MCM6 variants in the diagnostic arsenal of NDD.
Nasogastric tube feeding improves nutritional status and physical state in esophageal cancer patients during chemoradiotherapy: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Shu-an , Dai Wang-shu , Zhu Jia-yu , Gao Bo , Ren Wei , Chen Xiaotian 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objective
To compare the complication rates, nutritional status, and physical state between esophageal cancer (EC) patients managed by nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding versus those managed by oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) during chemoradiotherapy.

Methods
EC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy managed by nonintravenous nutritional support in our institute were retrospectively recruited and divided into an NGT group and an ONS group based on the nutritional support method. The main outcomes, including complications, nutritional status, and physical state, were compared between groups.

Results
The baseline characteristics of EC patients were comparable. There were no significant differences in the incidence of treatment interruption (13.04% vs. 14.71%, P = 0.82), death (2.17% vs. 0.00%, P = 0.84), or esophageal fistula (2.17% vs. 1.47%, P = 1.00) between the NGT group and ONS group. Body weight loss and decrease in albumin level were significantly lower in the NGT group than in the ONS group (both P < 0.05). EC patients in the NGT group had significantly lower Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS2002) and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) scores and significantly higher Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores than patients in the ONS group (all P < 0.05). The rates of grade > 2 esophagitis (10.00% vs. 27.59%, P = 0.03) and grade > 2 bone marrow suppression (10.00% vs. 32.76%, P = 0.01) were significantly lower in the NGT group than in the ONS group. There were no significant differences in the incidence of infection and upper gastrointestinal disorders or therapeutic efficacy between groups (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions
EN through NGT feeding leads to significantly better nutritional status and physical state in EC patients during chemoradiotherapy than EN via ONS. NGT may also prevent myelosuppression and esophagitis..
Can Self-affirmation Encourage HIV-Prevention? Evidence from Female Sex Workers in Senegal
Authors: Haire Sara , Lépine Aurélia , Effron Daniel A. , Treibich Carole 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe test an intervention aiming to increase condom usage and HIV testing in a stigmatized population at high risk of contracting HIV: female sex workers (FSWs) in Senegal. Some sex work is legal in Senegal, and condoms and HIV tests are freely available to registered FSWs—but FSWs may be reluctant to get tested and use condoms, in part because doing so would entail acknowledging their risk of contracting HIV and potentially expose them to stigma. Drawing on self-affirmation theory, we hypothesized that reflecting on a source of personal pride would help participants acknowledge their risk of HIV, intend to use condoms more frequently, and take an HIV test. Prior research suggests that similar self-affirmation interventions can help people acknowledge their health risks and improve their health behavior, especially when paired with information about effectively managing their health (i.e., self-efficacy information). However, such interventions have primarily been tested in the United States and United Kingdom, and their generalizability outside of these contexts is unclear. Our high-powered experiment randomly assigned participants (N = 592 FSWs; N = 563 in the final analysis) to a self-affirmation condition or a control condition and measured their risk perceptions, whether they took condoms offered to them, and whether (after randomly receiving or not receiving self-efficacy information) they took an HIV test. We found no support for any of our hypotheses. We discuss several explanations for these null results based on the stigma attached to sex work and HIV, cross-cultural generalizability of self-affirmation interventions, and robustness of previous findings.