bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Pregnancy and Lactation on Bone Microstructure and Material Properties in a Rat Model of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Couchot Malory , Schmitt Françoise , Mermet Morgane , Fassot Céline , Mabilleau Guillaume 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObesity is a major public health issue worldwide. Despite various approaches to weight loss, the most effective technique for reducing obesity, as well as diabetes and associated diseases, is bariatric surgery. Increasingly, young women without children are undergoing bariatric surgery, vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) being the most common procedure nowadays. However, despite several reports suggesting bone loss after VSG, little is known about the potential additive effects of gestation and lactation after VSG to bone health. This study investigated the combined effects of pre-gestational VSG and subsequent gestation/lactation on bone metabolism in a rat model fed a high fat high sugar (HFHS) diet, with a focus on bone biomechanics, mass, microarchitecture and material properties. Furthermore, bone mass and remodelling were followed longitudinally by microCT prior to surgery, 4 weeks post-surgery, after weaning and at sacrifice. Significant alterations in bone mass and microarchitecture, characterized by changes in trabecular thickness and number, as well as changes in bone formation and resorption were influenced by both surgery and reproductive demands. Mechanical testing at sacrifice demonstrated compromised long bone fragility, in rat with HFHS regardless of the surgical procedure (Sham or VSG). Furthermore, analysis of bone material properties highlighted potential disruptions in the pattern of bone mineralization in sham and VSG animals fed a HFHS diet. These findings underscore the complex interplay between pre-gestational VSG and subsequent gestation/lactation in modulating bone metabolism in the investigated rat model. The preclinical rat model may help with optimizing surgical strategies and developing targeted interventions to mitigate potential bone-related complications associated with VSG in reproductive-aged individuals.
Implant waste and associated costs in trauma and orthopaedic surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Ali Fizza , Sadiq Muhayman , Omran Yasser Al , Lewis Thomas , Bates Peter , Doyle Ruben , Musbahi Omar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) surgery relies on medical implants and materials, often resulting in metalwork wastage (prosthesis, screws, nails, and plates). This places an economic strain on healthcare services and the environment. Our primary outcome is to quantify the implant wastage across the literature, and secondarily investigate the associated costs in this specialty.

Methods
A literature search of three databases (Scopus, PubMed and Embase) was performed using MeSH terms relating to “implant waste” and “trauma and orthopaedic surgery”, from January 1980 to November 2023. We included any observational studies that reported patients undergoing T&O surgery, where the wastage or associated costs was reported.

Results
Our search returned 2,145 articles, of which 15 met the final inclusion criteria, encompassing 26,832 procedures. Nine studies reported the extent and cost of waste, six reported the weight of waste and ten concurrently reported the cost. Implant waste events occurred in up to 30% of all T&O procedures, being the most likely to occur in fracture fixation, and cost hospitals between $4,130 and $189,628.41 annually. Screws were the most wasted material, followed by plates and nails. Up to 95% of waste events were caused by human factors.

Conclusion
Despite the limited number of studies, there is an economic burden and environmental footprint in T&O surgery services. The main factors contributing to the waste was human error, and contamination. Further research is required to determine methods of mitigating and limiting implant waste in T&O Surgery.
Vitamin D status and its determinants in German elite athletes
Authors: Hacker Sebastian , Lenz Claudia , Reichert Lukas , Ringseis Robert , Zentgraf Karen , Krüger Karsten 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Purpose
This study investigated elite German athletes to (1) assess their serum 25(OH)D levels and the prevalence of insufficiency, (2) identify key factors influencing serum 25(OH)D levels, and (3) analyze the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and handgrip strength.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, a total of 474 athletes (231 female), aged 13–39 years (mean 19.3 years), from ten Olympic disciplines were included. Serum 25(OH)D levels were analyzed via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to vitamin D metabolism were determined using leukocyte DNA. Grip strength was measured unimanually using a hand-held dynamometer. Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the influence of SNPs, age, sex, season (summer vs. winter), and discipline (indoor vs. outdoor) on 25(OH)D status. Linear regression analyzed the relationship between handgrip strength and serum 25(OH)D levels.

Results
In total, 55.5% (n = 263) of athletes demonstrated insufficient serum 25(OH)D levels (< 30 ng/mL, < 75 nmol/L), with 16% (n = 76) showing levels below 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L). After correction for multiple testing, significant influences on 25(OH)D levels were observed for the C allele of VDBP rs7041 (AC Genotype: $$\widehat{\upbeta }$$

β
^

= 7.46, p < .001; CC Genotype: $$\widehat{\upbeta }$$

β
^

= 6.23, p = .001). Age (all p < .01) and discipline (indoor vs. outdoor; all p < .05) also influenced serum 25(OH)D levels. Furthermore, serum 25(OH)D was positively associated with handgrip strength ($$\widehat{\upbeta }$$

β
^

= 0.01, p < .001).

Conclusion
A high prevalence of insufficient 25(OH)D levels (< 30 ng/mL, < 75 nmol/L) was observed. We identified certain genetic variants as well as age and discipline as predictors of serum 25(OH)D levels. This knowledge may guide individualized diagnostic, nutritional, and supplementation strategies.
The impact of weight loss after bariatric surgeries on the patient’s body image, quality of life, and self-esteem
Authors: AboKhozima Ahmed , Zidan Mohamed H. , Altabbaa Hashem , Selim Aliaa , Alokl Mohammed , Mourad Mohamed , Elmagd Ahmed Abo , Elsayed Mohamed E. G. , Emara Ahmed F. , Eskander Georgette M. , Amer Samar A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Objectives
The objective of this web-based study is to analyze the attributes of bariatric surgery cases ensuing health implications. Additionally, the study seeks to delve into the factors influencing post-bariatric psychological evaluations and the impact of various bariatric surgeries on weight loss and psycho-social assessment scores for patients who had undergone bariatric surgeries within a specific bariatric surgery center in Egypt between January 2017 and January 2024.

Methods
An analytical cross-sectional study recruited 411 adults who had undergone different bariatric procedures by the same surgical team. We collected the data using a validated self-administered questionnaire that included the Body Image Scale (BIS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the quality-of-life score (QOLS), and the modified General Patient Satisfaction Score after Bariatric Surgeries (GSABS).

Results
The most commonly performed bariatric surgery was sleeve gastrectomy (SG), accounting for 82.7% of the procedures. The majority of the patients (78%) were female, with a mean age of 35.8. Among the participants, 32.4% reported experiencing complications, and 21.2% of those individuals were still experiencing complications at the time of assessment. The BIS had a mean score of 16.54 ± 6.27, indicating an average body image perception. The RSES yielded a mean score of 20.11 ± 4.63, indicating average self-esteem, while the GSABS had a mean score of 8.08 ± 2.39, indicating an overall average level of patient satisfaction. No statistically significant differences were found between the various types of bariatric surgeries in terms of total body weight loss percentage, excess body weight loss percentage, or the timing of the intervention. However, increased time intervals from surgeries noted a significant reduction in the BIS.

Conclusion
The majority of patients who underwent SG and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgeries exhibited high GSABS scores. SG patients also had high BIS scores. However, all other interventions showed normal GSABS and BIS scores. All types of surgeries resulted in normal RSES and QOLS. Furthermore, the BIS score increases with the intervention's recentness, but it significantly decreases after the second-year post-surgery. Conversely, the older the timing of the intervention, the higher the RSES score after surgery.
Mapping the neural substrate of high dual-task gait cost in older adults across the cognitive spectrum
Authors: Ali Pauline , Dinomais Mickaël , Labriffe Matthieu , Pieruccini-Faria Frederico , Montero-Odasso Manuel , Bartha Robert , Annweiler Cédric 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The dual task cost of gait (DTC) is an accessible and cost-effective test that can help identify individuals with cognitive decline and dementia. However, its neural substrate has not been widely described. This study aims to investigate the neural substrate of the high DTC in older adults across the spectrum of cognitive decline. A total of 336 individuals from the GAIT study cohort were analyzed, including cognitively healthy (N = 122, 71 ± 3.6 years), those with mild cognitive impairment (N = 168, 71 ± 5.3 years), and those with dementia (N = 46, 80 ± 5.7 years). A DTC of 20% or greater was considered to indicate a high level of slowing down while performing successively two verbal tasks (counting backwards task by ones and naming animals). Voxel-based morphometry was employed to investigate differences in gray matter volume (GMV) between groups, which were dichotomized according to the DTC. A high DTC in the whole population (N = 336) was associated with a smaller GMV in the bilateral temporal lobe across both dual-task conditions. A moderation analysis was employed to compare the neural substrate between cognitive status groups. This revealed that the dementia group exhibited an additional cluster located in the left precentral gyrus with GMV loss associated with a high naming animals DTC, in contrast to the other cognitive groups. These results provide new evidence on why dual-task gait capabilities deteriorate in normal and pathological cognitive aging. A more precise understanding of the neural substrate associated with high DTC and cognitive status would help elucidate its use in clinical and research settings.
The sarcoma ring trial: a case-based analysis of inter-center agreement across 21 German-speaking sarcoma centers
Authors: Roohani Siyer , Handtke Jolina , Hummedah Kamal , Albertsmeier Markus , Andreou Dimosthenis , Apostolidis Leonidas , Augustin Marinela , Bauer Sebastian , Billner Moritz , Bösch Florian , Deinzer Christoph K. W. , Deventer Niklas , Duprée Anna , Eckert Franziska , Engel Lars , Fechner Katja , Fritzsche Hagen , Gaidzik Verena , Ghani Saeed , Grützmann Robert , Guder Wiebke K. , Hamacher Rainer , Hecker Judith S. , Hendricks Anne , Hillmann Axel , Houben Philipp , Hübner Georg , Ivanyi Philipp , Jentsch Christina , Jordan Maren , Kappl Peter , Kaths Moritz , Kessler Torsten , Kirchberg Johanna , Knebel Carolin , Krempien Robert , Lehner Burkhard , Lenze Ulrich , Lindner Lars H. , Lörsch Alisa Martina , Maguire Nadia , Müller Sophie , Piso Pompiliu , Potkrajcic Vlatko , Reichardt Peter , Richter Stephan , Schewe Simone , Schiffmann Lars M. , Scholten Felicitas , Striefler Jana Käthe , Schwarzbach Matthias , Seidensaal Katharina , Semrau Sabine , Szkandera Joanna , Szuszies Christoph J. , Timmermann Beate , Tuscherer Armin , Wiegering Armin , Winkelmann Moritz T. , Kaul David , Jakob Jens 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
The management of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) at reference centers with specialized multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTB) improves patient survival. The German Cancer Society (DKG) certifies sarcoma centers in German-speaking countries, promoting high standards of care. This study investigated the variability in treatment recommendations for localized STS across different German-speaking tertiary sarcoma centers.

Methods
In this cross-sectional case-based survey study, 5 anonymized patient cases with imaging data of localized STS were presented to MTBs of 21 German-speaking tertiary referral hospitals. Centers provided recommendations on treatment sequence and modalities, along with the consensus level within their MTB. Agreement percentages were calculated, and consensus levels were rated on a scale of 1 to 10.

Results
Five patient cases were discussed resulting in 105 recommendations. Agreement percentages for case 1 to 5 were 14.3%, 61.9%, 33.3%, 52.4% and 9.3%, with a median agreement percentage of 33.3%. Grouping pre- and postoperative therapies as "perioperative" and including recommendations with and without regional hyperthermia raised the median agreement to 47.6%. The mean consensus level within each center across all 5 cases was 9.5.

Conclusion
This first case-based analysis of inter-center agreement for STS management in German-speaking countries reveals low inter-center agreement but high intra-center consensus. Our study includes nearly all tertiary sarcoma centers in German-speaking countries, affirming its strong external validity. These findings suggest potential and clinically very relevant differences in treatment standards among sarcoma centers. Enhanced case-based exchanges and collaborative efforts are needed to reduce discrepancies and standardize the management of STS patients.
Assessment of study conditions, needs for action and students’ mental health in Germany – results from the cross-sectional StudiBiFra study
Authors: Lehnchen Jennifer , Helmer Stefanie M. , Heinrichs Katherina , Burian Julia , Deptolla Zita , Heumann Eileen , Stock Christiane 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aim
The aim of this research is to describe students’ assessment of study conditions and needs for action from a students’ perspective, and to investigate the association of study conditions with students’ mental health.

Subject and methods
The cross-sectional StudiBiFra study includes data from 24,533 students of 13 universities in Germany. Data were collected between June 2021 and March 2023 using the “Bielefeld Questionnaire on Study Conditions and Mental Health”. Students rated 22 domains of study conditions, the urgency of needs for action, and four scales of mental health. T-tests and ANOVAs were used to examine differences between groups of students. Associations between satisfaction with study conditions and mental health were analysed using linear regression models.

Results
Students reported highest levels of satisfaction and lowest needs for action with lecturers’ support for writing a thesis, university culture, and the quality of students’ cooperation. Lowest satisfaction and highest needs for action were found in the support during final year of study, time requirements, examinations and academic achievements, and career prospects. Higher satisfaction with study conditions was overall associated with better mental health. The strongest associations with mental health outcomes were found for examinations and academic achievements, time requirements, fit of course content/competency development, and quality of students’ cooperation.

Conclusion
This study shows moderate to high associations of all study conditions under investigation with students’ mental health and provides detailed insights into study conditions relevant to mental health. Addressing these study conditions through institutional, data-supported preventive interventions should be prioritized to promote students’ mental health in a sustainable way.
Consumer preferences and valuation for sustainably produced rice in Ghana
Authors: Adabrah-Danquah Vera , Durand-Morat Alvaro , Nalley Lawton L. , Diagne Mandiaye , Frimpong Benedicta Nsiah , Yang Wei 
Published: January 2025

AbstractImproving the sustainability of rice, a global food staple with a significant environmental footprint, is of utmost importance, given the growing population and increased depletion of natural resources. The Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standard is the first globally recognized certification standard for sustainable rice production. SRP comprises 41 requirements structured under 12 indicators and 8 themes, through which farmers can receive SRP certification and use the SRP label. This study assesses consumers’ preferences for SRP-certified sustainable rice in Ghana. We surveyed 1168 consumers in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, the three largest cities in Ghana, to ascertain their preferences for each of the SRP sustainability themes and their willingness to pay (WTP) for SRP-certified sustainable rice using a choice experiment and double-bounded contingent valuation method. The results indicate that consumers’ preferences for SRP themes and WTP for sustainably produced rice are heterogeneous across locations. Across the three cities, consumers are willing to pay a premium for SRP-certified imported and domestic rice, except for consumers in Accra. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for the development of policy aimed at enhancing the sustainability of rice production in Ghana, linking production practices with consumer demand.
Factors Associated with Mother-infant Interaction on the Drakenstein Child Health Study
Authors: Koopowitz Sheri-Michelle , Stern Michelle , Hoffman Nadia , MacGinty Rae , Workman Lesley , Zar Heather J. , Stein Dan J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe quality of mother-child interactions can affect child developmental outcomes, both positively and negatively. Little research has examined the factors that influence the quality of mother-infant interactions, particularly in a low-middle income country. Therefore, we examined sociodemographic, maternal, and child variables, to determine whether these were associated with the quality of maternal-infant interactions. 256 mother-infant dyads enrolled in a South African birth cohort study, the Drakenstein Child Health Study, were assessed. A comprehensive battery of sociodemographic and psychosocial questionnaires was utilised. Video footage of interaction between mothers and infants at a 14-week postnatal visit was coded and assessed using the Global Rating Scale (GRS). Hierarchical multiple linear regression models were used to examine the factors associated with the GRS domains. The domains included: (1) maternal sensitivities (sensitivity, intrusiveness, remoteness, depressive mood), (2) infant behaviours (sensitivity, inertness, distress), and (3) maternal-infant interaction. Maternal childhood trauma and smoking during pregnancy were associated with lower domain scores for the maternal contribution. Higher birth weight and initiated breastfeeding were associated with higher domain scores for infant behaviours, while maternal IPV exposure, and smoking tobacco were associated with lower domain scores for infant behaviours. Infant weight-for-age at birth and initiated breastfeeding were positively associated with the dyadic interaction. Factors associated with early positive and negative mother-infant interaction identified in this research could potentially serve as targets for intervention, with the ultimate aim of improving child developmental outcomes. Notably, no psychosocial variables were significantly associated with the dyadic interactions, emphasising how strong such interactions can be in the face of multiple stressors.
Prediction of the reaction mechanisms of sesquiterpene coumarin synthases supports a direct evolutionary link with triterpene biosynthesis
Authors: Stephenson Michael J. , Brodelius Peter E. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSesquiterpene coumarins are primarily produced by plants of the Apiaceae and Asteraceae families. Farnesylation of 7-hydroxycoumarins such as umbelliferone, scopoletin or isofraxidin yield linear 7-farnesyloxycoumarins that are converted to various cyclic sesquiterpene coumarins by sesquiterpene coumarin synthases (cyclases). The terminal double bond of the linear 7-farnesyloxycoumarins is epoxidized by a sesquiterpene coumarin epoxidase. The diverse 7-(10′,11′-oxidofarnesyloxy)-coumarins produced are protonated by various sesquiterpene coumarin synthases to generate a carbocation that initiates cyclization of the farnesyl moiety (A process analogous to the carbocation cascades observed with sesquiterpene synthases and other cyclases involved in the biosynthesis of additional terpene classes, such as the triterpenes). These reaction mechanisms typically include Wagner-Meerwein rearrangements, such as hydride, methyl, and other alkyl shifts, but can also involve more complex processes including Grob fragmentations. Around 260 sesquiterpene coumarins based on 7-farnesyloxycoumarins have been described, but essentially nothing is known about the biosynthetic enzymes involved, i.e., farnesyltransferase, sesquiterpene coumarin epoxidase and synthase. In this review, putative reaction pathways for formation of the carbon skeletons of all known 7-farnesyloxycoumarins-derived sesquiterpene coumarins are presented.
Property Market Liquidity and Secured or Unsecured Debt
Authors: Downs David H , Zheng Chen , Zhu Bing 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWe examine whether property market liquidity impacts the choice between secured and unsecured debt. A sample of real estate investment trusts (REITs) allows us to estimate the market liquidity of a REIT’s underlying assets and the debt secured by those assets (or unsecured). Using an instrumental variables approach, we find a positive relationship between a REIT’s property market liquidity and its use of unsecured debt relative to secured debt - when a REIT has greater exposure to more liquid underlying property markets, it is more likely to rely on unsecured debt. We investigate several aspects of this relationship including the debt level, issuances, and property loan-to-value ratio. In each case, we find support for our main result. Likewise, our results are robust to (a) using alternative instruments; (b) controlling for REITs’ unencumbered assets, as well as asset quality and redeployability; (c) controlling for credit market conditions; (d) accounting for real estate market conditions; (e) excluding firms that focus on residential real estate; and (f) adding stock market liquidity. Our study highlights the importance of property market liquidity in the debt structure of REITs.