bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of deep learning approaches for fault diagnosis of rotational mechanical systems using vibration, sound, and acoustic emission signals
Authors: Praveen Kumar T , Buvaanesh R , Saimurugan M , Naresh G , Jenoris Muthiya Solomon , Basavanakattimath Murgayya
Published: May 2024

The present study emphasizes an optimized deep learning algorithm for gearbox fault detection using vibration, sound, and acoustic emission signals. Statistical and acoustic features are extracted from these signals, and various neural network algorithms are explored. The supervised deep feed forward neural network (DFFNN) demonstrates excellent performance with vibration signals but limited accuracy with sound and acoustic emission signals. To address this, unsupervised algorithms are optimized and compared with vibration-based classification. The findings show that unsupervised neural networks, particularly the auto-encoder and stacked auto-encoder architectures, achieve improved classification accuracy by leveraging the unique characteristics of acoustic emission signals. The unsupervised models also effectively overcome the vanishing gradient problem via regularization, enhancing their training efficiency. The stacked auto-encoder, with multiple layers of encoders and decoders, reduces computation time by 40% and memory consumption. These optimized algorithms hold promise for automated fault detection systems. The auto-encoder and stacked auto-encoder, utilizing vibration, sound, and acoustic emission signals, offer enhanced classification accuracy and can facilitate real-time monitoring of rotating mechanical systems. However, further optimization is needed to maximize their performance. In a nutshell, the supervised DFFNN excels in utilizing vibration signals for fault detection, while the unsupervised models exploit the distinctive characteristics of acoustic emission signals. Future research will focus on refining these algorithms to enhance their effectiveness. Implementing these optimized deep learning approaches can lead to autonomous fault detection systems, eliminating the need for continuous human supervision.
Exit strategy for solvent companies under Indian insolvency law
Authors: Narayan Shannu , Sinha Aryaman
Published: May 2024

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) was enacted with the objective to create robust ecosystem for entrepreneurship. One of the key features under this regime is availing exit strategies for business entities or corporate persons which may not be financially distressed or solvent but with non-viable businesses. The doctrinal legal research methodology is adopted with the help of cases to check the efficacy and purpose of the law. The articles test the two major theories on corporate insolvency and bankruptcy to derive on the theory which influences the Indian voluntary liquidation regime. The article attempts to compare voluntary liquidation proceedings of corporate person are dealt with under erstwhile Companies Act 1956 and 2013 with IBC 2016. The Current voluntary liquidation regime provides legal remedy for small yet solvent businesses to exit the market without acquiring financial burden, hence supporting entrepreneurship in India.
“Post-Pandemic Political Television and the End of One Day at a Time”
Authors: Llamas-Rodriguez Juan
Published: May 2024

This article analyzes “The Politics Episode” of One Day at a Time, an animated very special episode produced and aired during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. I focus on two aspects that prompt broader considerations about the role of scripted television in responding to pressing social issues. First, I demonstrate how the episode’s narrative structure appeals to democratic deliberation as an idealized form of conflict resolution. Second, I consider how its production and airing timeline responded to—and failed to account for—the current events its narrative attempted to incorporate. Although the disjuncture between these two elements demonstrate the pitfalls for fictional television to address social issues in a time of constant crisis, I conclude by proposing that these “failures” can also serve to illustrate a specific “post-pandemic” structure-of-feeling, one where futures are perpetually deferred and where dealing with new social realities requires constant speculative iterations.
Characterization of an Algorithm for Autonomous, Closed-Loop Neuromodulation During Motor Rehabilitation
Authors: Epperson Joseph D. , Meyers Eric C. , Pruitt David T. , Wright Joel M. , Hudson Rachael A. , Adehunoluwa Emmanuel A. , Nguyen-Duong Y-Nhy , Rennaker Robert L. , Hays Seth A. , Kilgard Michael P.
Published: May 2024

Background

Recent evidence demonstrates that manually triggered vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) combined with rehabilitation leads to increased recovery of upper limb motor function after stroke. This approach is premised on studies demonstrating that the timing of stimulation relative to movements is a key determinant in the effectiveness of this approach.

Objective

The overall goal of the study was to identify an algorithm that could be used to automatically trigger VNS on the best movements during rehabilitative exercises while maintaining a desired interval between stimulations to reduce the burden of manual stimulation triggering.

Methods

To develop the algorithm, we analyzed movement data collected from patients with a history of neurological injury. We applied 3 different algorithms to the signal, analyzed their triggering choices, and then validated the best algorithm by comparing triggering choices to those selected by a therapist delivering VNS therapy.

Results

The dynamic algorithm triggered above the 95th percentile of maximum movement at a rate of 5.09 (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.74) triggers per minute. The periodic algorithm produces stimulation at set intervals but low movement selectivity (34.05%, IQR = 7.47), while the static threshold algorithm produces long interstimulus intervals (27.16 ± 2.01 seconds) with selectivity of 64.49% (IQR = 25.38). On average, the dynamic algorithm selects movements that are 54 ± 3% larger than therapist-selected movements.

Conclusions

This study shows that a dynamic algorithm is an effective strategy to trigger VNS during the best movements at a reliable triggering rate.
An EEG-Based Neuroplastic Approach to Predictive Coding in People With Schizophrenia or Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Wynn Jonathan K. , Green Michael F.
Published: May 2024

Despite different etiologies, people with schizophrenia (SCZ) or with traumatic brain injury (TBI) both show aberrant neuroplasticity. One neuroplastic mechanism that may be affected is prediction error coding. We used a roving mismatch negativity (rMMN) paradigm which uses different lengths of standard tone trains and is optimized to assess predictive coding. Twenty-five SCZ, 22 TBI (mild to moderate), and 25 healthy controls were assessed. We used a frequency-deviant rMMN in which the number of standards preceding the deviant was either 2, 6, or 36. We evaluated repetition positivity to the standard tone immediately preceding a deviant tone (repetition positivity [RP], to assess formation of the memory trace), deviant negativity to the deviant stimulus (deviant negativity [DN], which reflects signaling of a prediction error), and the difference wave between the 2 (the MMN). We found that SCZ showed reduced DN and MMN compared with healthy controls and with people with mild to moderate TBI. We did not detect impairments in any index (RP, DN, or MMN) in people with TBI compared to controls. Our findings suggest that prediction error coding assessed with rMMN is aberrant in SCZ but intact in TBI, though there is a suggestion that severity of head injury results in poorer prediction error coding.
Collaborative Study of Thresholds for Mutagens: Adaptive Responses in the Micronucleus Test and Gene Induction by Mutagenic Treatments
Authors: Sutou Shizuyo , Koeda Akiko , Komatsu Kana , Shiragiku Toshiyuki , Seki Hiroshi , Kudo Toshiyuki ,   The Collaborative Study Group of Thresholds for Mutagens
Published: May 2024

Background

We have been conducting a collaborative study on the thresholds of mutagens. In our previous examinations of cell activity and cell proliferation as endpoints, both displayed hormesis. This time, we conducted experiments to determine thresholds using the micronucleus test as an endpoint.

Methods

The micronucleus test was conducted using Chinese hamster CHL/IU cells and mouse lymphoid L5178Y cells. Additionally, we conducted preliminary investigations into the gene expression using human TK6 cells.

Results

When adhesive CHL/IU cells were treated with mitomycin C (MMC), and the hormetic response was examined, hormesis was not observed clearly. When L5178Y cells were treated with methyl methanesulfonate (EMS), AF-2, MMC, and colchicine, all of them exhibited an adaptive response. Additionally, cross-adaptive responses using AF-2 and MMC or EMS and MMC were conducted, both combinations showed a cross-adaptive response. When the gene expression patterns of six genes were investigated by RT-PCR after treatment with MMC, EMS, and H2O2 using TK6 cells, two genes, GADD45 A and P21, were induced in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Adaptive responses arise from preconditioning. As hormesis is inherently linked to preconditioning, adaptive responses observed in this study strongly suggest that hormesis was induced, hence existence of thresholds.
The relationships among trait mindfulness, obsessive passion, and emotions in high school sport managers
Authors: Lee Ye Hoon , Cho Heetae
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Mindfulness emerges as a possible means to alleviate obsessive passion. Nevertheless, its application in sport leadership context remains understudied, despite the significant levels of stress and turnover that are common in this profession. This study aims to investigate the relationships among trait mindfulness, obsessive passion, and specific positive (e.g., happiness), neutral (e.g., calmness), and negative (e.g., anger) emotions in high school sport managers.

Method

In total, 358 high school sport managers ( Mage = 48.47, SD = 8.93) working in 46 states in the United States completed the online questionnaires measuring the proposed variables. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling were utilized to examine the hypotheses.

Result

The results showed that trait mindfulness negatively predicted obsessive passion. Additionally, obsessive passion negatively predicted the feelings of happiness and calmness, while it positively predicted anger. The mediation analysis revealed that obsessive passion fully mediated the relationships between trait mindfulness and the three types of emotion.

Conclusion

These findings are significant because they demonstrate the buffering role of trait mindfulness in obsessive passion. Furthermore, the study provides meaningful insights into sport managers’ emotional experiences, particularly by empirically examining the effect of obsessive passion on different emotions.
Early sport specialization impact on rates of injury in collegiate and professional sport participation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Adlou Bahman , Wilson Alan , Wilburn Christopher , Weimar Wendi
Published: May 2024

Early sport specialization (ESS) is prevalent among adolescent athletes aspiring for elite status. However, the impact of ESS on sports injury (SI) rates during their collegiate and professional careers remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the effect of ESS on SI rates during high-level sport participation. Data sources Search included PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, ERIC, and Medline. Study selection PRISMA guidelines were followed to identify peer-reviewed articles published until 01 August 2023. Eligible studies reported numbers of athletes in collegiate and professional teams, including national, in ESS and their counterpart category, along with the portion with at least one SI. Studies on concussion or non-contact injuries, or without explicit injury reports during elite sport participation were excluded. Of 526 studies, 13 met the criteria, and 5 were included in the quantitative analysis. These studies reported SIs on collegiate and professional athletes. A total of 3087 athletes were analyzed (ESS = 45%). The overall effect showed that ESS athletes had a lower odds ratio (OR = 0.7) of a SI during high-level sport participation, but this finding was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Results demonstrated that ESS athletes had a lower odds ratio (OR = 0.7) of a SI during elite sport participation, but the effect was not statistically significant. Articles with clear reports are scarce, and thus limit the impact of the findings in this study. High heterogeneity was evident in this analysis, largely due to lack of standardized terminology, evaluation, and data representation. Prospective studies that consider diverse athlete population of the same sport are warranted.
Neoliberal Feminism and Political Leadership: The Representation of Giorgia Meloni and Elly Schlein in Popular Culture
Authors: Ciarniello Noemi , De Blasio Emiliana , Selva Donatella
Published: May 2024

Building on a long tradition of studies on the intertwining of politics and popular culture, the article examines the representation of the two Italian political leaders of the moment, Giorgia Meloni and Elly Schlein, offered by women’s magazines. The study focuses in particular on two interrelated aspects: on the one hand, the extent to which the discursive strategies to talk about the leaders, their personal lives, careers and ideas contribute to strengthen the contemporary hegemony on feminism; on the other hand, the discursive strategies used to represent the leaders through a frame of competition typical of the neoliberalism. Indeed, we refer to the most recent trends in feminism research, contested among post-feminism, neoliberal feminism and celebrity feminism. Within this framework, we examined whether and how female political leaders can become icons of life, style and power in a way that is functional to the neoliberal narrative. The critical discourse analysis conducted on eight Italian women’s magazines over the course of a year makes it possible to highlight some results that contribute to the reflection on neoliberal feminism and female leadership. In particular, leaders are presented through argumentative strategies of genealogism, exceptionalism and compensation: the ways in which magazines justify their position of power refer to family relationships and character qualities, emphasizing the characteristics closest to the neoliberal model and overshadowing all others, including political ideas. Rather, leaders are deradicalized and depoliticized to favour instead a reassuring narrative in which women have broken the glass ceiling. In that way, women’s magazines renounce representing women leaders for their ideas and ideologies, and instead focus on their unique mark of difference: their gender.
Treatment of multiple myeloma: What is the impact on T-cell function?
Authors: Li Chenggong , Wang Xindi , Xu Jia , Liu Jiachen , Mei Heng
Published: May 2024

Treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has evolved remarkably over the past few decades. Autologous stem cell transplantation, as well as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and monoclonal antibodies, has substantially improved the prognosis of patients with MM. Novel therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, bispecific T-cell engagers, antibody-drug conjugates, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and nuclear export inhibitors, have provided more options. However, MM remains incurable. T cells are the principal weapons of antitumor immunity, but T cells display a broad spectrum of dysfunctional states during MM. The promising clinical results of T-cell-directed immunotherapies emphasize the significance of enhancing T-cell function in antimyeloma treatment. This review summarizes the potential effects of these antimyeloma agents on T-cell function and discusses possible optimized strategies for MM management by boosting T-cell immunity.
Associations of variability in body mass index with cardiovascular outcomes in the general population: A systematic review
Authors: Esfandiari Mohammad Ali , Kazemzadeh Kimia , Ansari Akram , Alishiri Goharsharieh , Afshari Shaghayegh , Daliri Sepand , Saleh Mohammadreza , Balanian Sahar , Tamannaeifar Rozhina , Niazi Alireza , Vosoughian Fatemeh , Abdi Amir , Mohebbi Mahnaz Bakhshi , hosseini Reza Shah , Foroughi Elaheh , Deravi Niloofar , Bafrani Melika Arab , Asadigandomani Hassan
Published: May 2024

In today's world, high variability of body mass index (BMI) is known as a significant global health problem that can lead to many negative impacts on the cardiovascular system, including atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary heart disease. The current systematic review aims to elucidate the effect of variability in BMI on the risk of cardiovascular outcomes. Four databases, including PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL, were searched. All related articles up to 10 June 2022, were obtained. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were reviewed. After screening abstracts and full texts, four articles were included in our study. In these four cohort studies, 7,038,873 participants from the USA and South Korea were involved. These articles generally considered the BMI and outcomes including cardiovascular disease, AF, and coronary heart disease. All these articles reported an association between the variability of BMI and increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes. Due to the negative impact of the high variability of BMI on the risk of cardiovascular outcomes, health policymakers and practitioners should pay more attention to the significant role of BMI in health problems and physicians might better check the variability of BMI visits to visit.
Presentation and diagnosis of neonatal tuberous sclerosis complex: A case report and literature review
Authors: Karki Susmin , Bhatta Pramish , Parajuli Asmita , Kumari Khusbu , Rijal Divas , Harrylal Kayleigh Anjali , Gautam Shristi , Sharma Arun Kumar
Published: May 2024

Tuberous sclerosis is an uncommon neurocutaneous syndrome characterized by hamartomatous growths with unpredictable progression. Diagnosing and managing neonatal tuberous sclerosis can be challenging. We report a rare case of a 30-day-old male born out of a non-consanguineous marriage who presented with poor suckling and persistent abnormal body movement, required prolonged intensive care, and was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis with multisystem involvement.
Novel use of structural equation modeling to examine the development of a framework of patient-centered two-way referral systems for building digital subjective well-being healthcare: A cross-sectional survey in Central China
Authors: Wen Xintong , Song Qingyuan , OuYang Shuang , Yao Zhiwei , Luo Ying
Published: May 2024

Background

Digital health technologies are progressively assuming significant roles in aspects encompassing in-hospital management, patient-centered design, and tiered referral systems. Nevertheless, current studies do not involve exploration into the potential value and mechanisms of digital health in a patient-centered context. This study aimed to explore the development of a framework of comprehensive, evidence-based digital health technologies for the construction of welfare-oriented healthcare.

Methods

From March to June 2023, a cross-sectional online study was performed, involving 335 respondents with prior referral experiences hailing from the Central China region. Data on welfare-oriented healthcare factors (clinical pathway management, medical structure configuration, healthcare service accessibility, two-way referrals) underwent factor analysis in advance, and correlation between these factors and their association with two-way referrals was evaluated by testing for direct and indirect (mediating) effects.

Results

Firstly, there existed a significant positive correlation between integrative medical indicators and welfare-centered healthcare ( β = 0.02–0.16, p < 0.05). Furthermore, two-way referral had an direct association with integrative medical parameters and the welfare healthcare service system ( β = 0.15–0.31, p < 0.05), but exerted a partial mediatory function in the welfare healthcare service system ( β = 0.005–0.021, α < 0.05). Two-way referrals partially mediate the integrated medical indicators, mainly through direct effects, while also providing complementary support. Clinical pathways, medical structure, and accessibility are closely linked to welfare healthcare and significantly influence healthcare quality. Thus, improving these factors should be prioritized.

Conclusion

This study proposes a method combining integrated evaluation indicators with pathway mechanism design. This pathway mechanism design includes key steps such as patient registration, information extraction, hospital allocation or referral, diagnosis and treatment, rehabilitation plan monitoring, service feedback, and demand resolution. This design aims to change patients’ intentions in seeking healthcare, thereby increasing their acceptance of bidirectional referrals, and ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and realization of welfare healthcare.
Governing the Resilient Self: Influencers’ Digital Affective Labor in Quarantine Vlogs
Authors: Yalın Alkım
Published: May 2024

This article explores quarantine vlogs on YouTube to examine the cultural production of influencers during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. By using a grounded theory approach to analyze 9 quarantine vlogs filmed by woman creators along with 480 user comments, this article argues that quarantine vlogs are shaped by influencers’ competing desires of (1) offering care and soothing content to the viewers and (2) instrumentalizing the discontents of the pandemic moment as a neoliberal device to preserve their aspirational self. In quarantine vlogs, influencers interact with their audiences by recognizing the emotional and mental strains of navigating the pandemic or their relative privilege, while they reframe the pandemic experience as an opportunity for productivity and self-growth. Consequently, influencers engage in significant affective labor and self-governance during a global health crisis to establish a resilient persona and maintain their online visibility.
Comparison of Heard and Imagined Blends of Instrumental Dyads
Authors: Zhu Linglan , McAdams Stephen
Published: May 2024

Timbral blend is fundamental in various musical activities for shaping sounds and musical intentions. Previous studies on blend perception have mostly focused on sounding blends, neglecting imagined blend made possible by inner hearing where sounds are imagined in the mind. Experiment 1 investigated how imagined blend compares to the perception of heard blend and whether musical background has an effect. Two groups of participants (musicians and nonmusicians; N = 31 per group) were presented with pairs of short instrument sounds in unison from 14 different instruments in two different experimental conditions. In the first condition, paired sounds were played sequentially, and participants were instructed to imagine them being played simultaneously and to rate their degree of blend. In the second condition, pairs of instrument sounds were played simultaneously, and participants were asked to rate the perceived degree of blend. Results showed significant interaction effects among the instrument pairs, presentation conditions, and musical backgrounds. Acoustic modeling and multidimensional scaling of blend ratings showed both varying and invariant roles of different acoustic features between the two types of blend perception. Imagining blend appears to be more sensitive to differences in brightness and richness of the high partial content between the blending sounds. Experiment 2 with 48 participants was conducted on the perception of dissimilarity between instruments, using the same stimuli as the previous experiment. Results from this experiment provided evidence that evaluating imagined blends is strongly informed by judging the dissimilarity of blending instruments. In practice, how the two types of blends differ is a result of complex interactions involving the specificity of blending instruments and listeners’ musical backgrounds.
Life Crafting and Self-Determination: An Intervention to Help Emerging Adults Create an Authentic and Meaningful Life
Authors: Napier Andrew D. , Slemp Gavin R. , Vella-Brodrick Dianne A.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we expand on the concept of life crafting and discuss how a life crafting intervention may be useful for emerging adults to help them live a more meaningful and authentic life. Combining self-determination, meaning-making, and life crafting theories, we propose an intervention that involves five components: values exploration, intrinsic interests, contribution to others, a coherent life narrative, and self-concordant goal-setting. First, we discuss the two conceptualisations of life crafting in the literature to date. Second, we explore the eudaimonic philosophy of self-determination theory and how this serves to guide the intervention. Finally, we propose our life crafting intervention and discuss how the components may be delivered to emerging adults to foster more meaning, authenticity, and psychological need satisfaction. Similarities and differences with other programs of research are discussed, as well as the unique contribution of this life crafting intervention.
Exploring Whether and How Teacher Residencies Offer a Different Kind of Preparation
Authors: Truwit Matthew , Ronfeldt Matthew , Bardelli Emanuele
Published: May 2024

The past two decades have seen the rise of the residency model, another nontraditional pathway to certification that offers an intensive, practice-based, context-specific preparation designed to address shortages in hard-to-staff districts. Although advocates call the model innovative, research examining residencies at scale warrants skepticism around whether they truly offer a distinctive preparation. Surveying all programs across Tennessee about their adoption of features that characterize the model, we find that residencies offer a unique pathway to teaching in some expected ways though not all. Specifically, residencies reported longer clinical placements, more financial support for residents, and higher rates of mentor training, though they mostly did not report unique practices of candidate recruitment, district partnership, mentor selection, or curricular design. Moreover, we see that the distinctiveness of the model is in decline, with evidence of its dilution among newer residencies and the spread of its features among traditional programs.
“I Like the Feeling of Connecting With People”: A Mixed-Methods Study of Nursing Assistants Experiences Across the Care Continuum
Authors: Miller Vivian J. , Bell Julia , Wagner Jennifer , Maziarz Lauren , Perry Kaley , Cooke Eric , Burek Melissa
Published: May 2024

Nursing assistants (NAs) are critical professionals across the long-term care continuum. Despite the demands of NAs, these frontline personnel experience workplace challenges and turnover at a disproportionate rate compared to other professionals. Much research has explored the experiences of nursing assistants using federal survey data and national datasets. Guided by a socio-ecological model and the job-demands resource model, this study utilized a sequential mixed-methods approach to uncover a more nuanced understanding of NA workplace experience. Results from this combined qualitative ( N = 17) and quantitative ( N = 354) study found that there are several workplace aspects, such as organizational culture and supervisor relationships, that contribute to NA experiences across system levels. Further exploration of direct care tasks directly from nursing assistants is necessary to understand full intentions.
Sacrifice as a Part of Medical Education: A Reflection on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aluri James T , Chisolm Margaret S , Liao Lester
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic demanded significant sacrifices from medical learners. We examine the meaning of sacrifice and frame it as a “side effect” of being dedicated to the good of the patient. We contend that sacrifice has played a central role in medicine, even before the pandemic, for professionals and learners alike. We identify three limits to the role of sacrifice in medical education and practice to separate healthy from harmful experiences of sacrifice. Developing an understanding of sacrifice in medical education and practice can help trainees and clinicians know when to marshal resilient responses to healthy sacrifices and reject harmful sacrifices encountered. Maintaining this balance requires a broader reflection on the nature of medical schools and their ability to support virtuous professional identity formation.
Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Education in Postgraduate Training Program—A Survey of Residents in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Najmi Yahya , Assiri Mousa , Aynusah Muntasir , Alqasmi Ibrahim
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE

To review the senior resident health trainee's perceived status and need for quality improvement and patient safety (QIPS) education in the residency training program of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

Residents of medical, dentistry, and pharmacy education were surveyed in 2023 by using pretested 10 QIPS questions. The median and interquartile range (IQR) of the score was correlated to gender, branch, and level of residency training.

RESULTS

We surveyed 202 senior residents. Males were 131 (64.9%). Residents of medical (126, 62.4%), dentistry (39, 19.3%), and pharmacy (37, 18.3%). The median score of responses to the QIPS survey was 7.0 (IQR 4.0, 11.6). The median score of residents of dentistry, medicine, and pharmacy were 10 (IQR 7.0, 12.5), 6.75 (IQR 4.0, 12.0), and 5.0 (IQR 2.5, 8.0) respectively, and was significantly different (Kruskal Wallis (KW) chi-square = 19.8, P = .001). The exposure to the QIPS project was significantly and positively associated with a high QIPS score (MW U P = .02). The variations in the score by gender (Mann Whitney P = .148) and the level of residency (KW P = .86) were not statistically significant. Three-fourths of participants feel the need for formal training about QIPS. Nearly half of the participants were not happy with the current method of QIPS training methodology. More than 40% of participants were not sure about questions about opportunities and mentorship of QIPS projects. One-third were involved in QIPS projects.

CONCLUSIONS

Although senior residents were interested in QIPS, they were dissatisfied with current methods and opportunities to execute supervised QIPS projects. Residents of dentistry and those having performed QIPS projects had higher QPIS knowledge and satisfaction with training.
A multimodal approach connecting cortical and behavioural responses to the visual continuity illusion
Authors: Bailey Matthew C. D. , du Hoffmann Johann F. , Dalley Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2024

In their recently published study, Gil, Valente and Shemesh combined behaviour, functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography and causal interventions to establish and validate a cortical processing substrate underlying the transition from static to dynamic visual states in the rat. Their research highlights the superior colliculus as the primary mediator of visual temporal discrimination by showing a direct correlation between behavioural and cortically derived flicker fusion frequency thresholds. This work provides the first empirical evidence addressing the previously established disparity between behavioural and cortically derived flicker fusion frequency thresholds. It demonstrates how important convergent multimodal approaches are to mapping and validating previously disputed cortical pathways. Here, we discuss and evaluate their work, suggesting possible future applications in the field of behavioural neuroscience.
The Outcomes of Isolated Tibiocalcaneal Arthrodesis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cossins Charlotte , George Ben , Talia Adrian J. , Loizou Constantinos , Kendal Adrian
Published: May 2024

Background:

Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis (TCA) can be achieved by internal fixation (intramedullary nail or plate), external fixation, or a combination. Evidence for the optimal approach is limited. This systematic review examines the outcomes of these different approaches to guide surgical management.

Methods:

A MEDLINE and Oxford SOLO search was performed using “tibiocalcaneal,” “ankle,” “fusion OR arthrodesis.” The primary outcome was union. Secondary outcomes included rates of postoperative complications, weightbearing status, rates of revision surgery, and PROMs. We included any studies with follow-up greater than 6 months that contained our primary outcome and at least 1 secondary outcome.

Results:

The initial search yielded 164 articles, of which 9 studies totaling 53 cases met the criteria. The majority of articles were excluded because they were nonsurgical studies, or were not about isolated TCA but were for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, more complex reconstructions (eg, Charcot), case reports, and/or did not include the predetermined outcome measures. TCA union rate was 86.2% following external fixation, 82.4% for intramedullary nail fixation, and 83.3% for plate fixation. One patient underwent a hybrid of external and internal fixation, and the outcome was nonunion. The rate of complications following TCA was 69.8%.

Conclusion:

There is limited evidence on the best operative approach for isolated tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis. Both external and internal fixation methods had comparable union rates. External fixation had frequent complications and a more challenging postoperative protocol. Novel techniques such as 3D-printed cages and talus replacement may become a promising alternative but require further investigation.
Patients’ Preferences Regarding Modes of Systemic Psoriasis Treatment – A Qualitative Study
Authors: Zaino Mallory , Parks Emily , McNeil Jasmine , Feldman Steven
Published: May 2024

Background

Treatment with pathogenesis-directed biologics and oral systemic drugs have made complete clearance of psoriasis a realistic expectation for many patients with psoriasis. Patients’ preferences among these treatments varies.

Objective

To understand factors impacting psoriasis patients’preferences for injection vs oral medication.

Methods

Psoriasis patients who receive systemic psoriasis treatment were asked to participate in a semi-structured interview. Sample size was based on achieving saturation with equal number of patients preferring oral vs injectable medications to ensure equal representation of both groups. Qualitative analysis was performed to interpret the results.

Results

Twenty-two patients participated in the study, 12 males and 10 females. Ten patients were receiving oral medication (apremilast or methotrexate) and 12 patients were receiving injectables (guselkumab, adalimumab, risankizumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, or tildrakizumab) due to self-reported preference. Five themes resulted from the analysis: patients receiving injectables more frequently discussed the positive impact of the medication on quality of life compared to patients on oral medication; fear of side effects, particularly fear of immunosuppression, is associated with injection medications; avoidance of needles drives patients away from injection medication and towards oral systemic medication; patients prioritize convenience when selecting systemic therapy, though the definition of convenience is subject to perception; and patients value the medication recommendation of the physician, regardless of the route of administration.

Conclusion

Improving medication adherence and disease outcomes through individualized treatment plans, with an emphasis on patients’ preferences using a shared decision-making approach, may be helpful.
Open Approach for Repair of Tibial PCL Avulsion
Authors: Newcomb Nicholas , Curtis William , Kurnik Christopher , Wharton Matthew , Treme Gehron , Shultz Christopher
Published: May 2024

Background:

Tibial avulsion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) often requires operative fixation, which frequently results in successful outcomes if identified acutely. Open or arthroscopic techniques are most commonly used.

Indications:

Primary surgical indications for open fixation include acute tibial avulsion of the PCL. Secondary indications include grade 2 to grade 3 posterior drawer test and radiographic posterior subluxation of the tibia. Ideally, the joint space and articular cartilage should be well preserved.

Technique Description:

In the simplified approach initially described by Burks and Schaffer, the patient is placed prone, and an inverted L-shaped incision is made over the posteromedial corner of the knee. A plane is developed between the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the semimembranosus down to the knee joint capsule. The gastrocnemius is retracted laterally to protect neurovascular structures and a vertical capsulotomy is performed. The tibial attachment of the PCL is reduced and held with K (Kirschner) wires and then fixated with screw and washer.

Results:

Six months post operation, our patient achieved full active and passive range of motion with a stable posterior drawer test. He returned to work without difficulty. Multiple studies have shown success with open PCL fixation and decreased rates of arthrofibrosis when compared with arthroscopic approach. In this case, the patient did not develop arthrofibrosis.

Discussion/Conclusion:

PCL tibial avulsions can be safely treated with an open approach. Contrary to other ligaments that favor reconstruction over repair, PCL avulsions may be better treated with early repair, so it is important to avoid delay in intervention. The most common complication in both open and arthroscopic approaches is arthrofibrosis, which is less common in the open approach. Early range of motion is encouraged to prevent arthrofibrosis.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Mass spectrometry–based assessment of M protein in peripheral blood during maintenance therapy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Kubicki Tadeusz , Dytfeld Dominik , Barnidge David , Sakrikar Dhananjay , Przybyłowicz-Chalecka Anna , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Robak Paweł , Czyż Jarosław , Tyczyńska Agata , Druzd-Sitek Agnieszka , Giannopoulos Krzysztof , Wróbel Tomasz , Nowicki Adam , Szczepaniak Tomasz , Łojko-Dankowska Anna , Matuszak Magdalena , Gil Lidia , Puła Bartosz , Szukalski Łukasz , Końska Agnieszka , Zaucha Jan Maciej , Walewski Jan , Mikulski Damian , Czabak Olga , Robak Tadeusz , Jiang Ken , Cooperrider Jennifer H. , Jakubowiak Andrzej J. , Derman Benjamin A.
Published: May 2024

Mass spectrometry (MS) can detect multiple myeloma–derived monoclonal proteins in the peripheral blood (PB) with high sensitivity, potentially serving as a PB assay for measurable residual disease (MRD). This study evaluated the significance of PB MS MRD negativity during posttransplant therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Serum samples from 138 patients treated in the phase 3 ATLAS trial of posttransplant maintenance with either carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone, or with lenalidomide alone were analyzed using EXENT MS methodology. We established feasibility of measuring MRD by MS in the PB in the posttransplant setting, despite unavailability of pretreatment calibration samples. There was high agreement between MRD by MS in the PB and paired bone marrow (BM) MRD results at the 10–5 threshold, assessed by either next-generation sequencing (NGS) or multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) (70% and 67%, respectively). Agreement between PB MS and both BM MRD methods was lowest early after transplant and increased with time. MS negativity was associated with improved progression-free survival (PFS), which, in landmark analysis, reached statistical significance after 18 cycles after transplant. Combined PB/BM MRD negativity by MFC or NGS was associated with superior PFS compared with MRD negativity by only 1 modality. Sustained MS negativity carried similar prognostic performance to sustained BM MRD negativity at the 10–5 threshold. Overall, posttransplant MS assessment was feasible and provided additional prognostic information to BM MRD negativity. Further studies are needed to confirm the role and optimal timing of MS in disease evaluation algorithms. The ATLAS trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02659293.
Blockage of BCL-XL overcomes venetoclax resistance across BCL2+ lymphoid malignancies irrespective of BIM status
Authors: Dolnikova Alexandra , Kazantsev Dmitry , Klanova Magdalena , Pokorna Eva , Sovilj Dana , Kelemen Cristina Daniela , Tuskova Liliana , Hoferkova Eva , Mraz Marek , Helman Karel , Curik Nikola , Machova Polakova Katerina , Andera Ladislav , Trneny Marek , Klener Pavel
Published: May 2024

Venetoclax (VEN), a B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitor, has a promising single-agent activity in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and large BCLs, but remissions were generally short, which call for rational drug combinations. Using a panel of 21 lymphoma and leukemia cell lines and 28 primary samples, we demonstrated strong synergy between VEN and A1155463, a BCL-XL inhibitor. Immunoprecipitation experiments and studies on clones with knockout of expression or transgenic expression of BCL-XL confirmed its key role in mediating inherent and acquired VEN resistance. Of note, the VEN and A1155463 combination was synthetically lethal even in the cell lines with lack of expression of the proapoptotic BCL2L11/BIM and in the derived clones with genetic knockout of BCL2L11/BIM. This is clinically important because BCL2L11/BIM deletion, downregulation, or sequestration results in VEN resistance. Immunoprecipitation experiments further suggested that the proapoptotic effector BAX belongs to principal mediators of the VEN and A1155463 mode of action in the BIM-deficient cells. Lastly, the efficacy of the new proapoptotic combination was confirmed in vivo on a panel of 9 patient–derived lymphoma xenografts models including MCL (n = 3), B-ALL (n = 2), T-ALL (n = 1), and diffuse large BCL (n = 3). Because continuous inhibition of BCL-XL causes thrombocytopenia, we proposed and tested an interrupted 4 days on/3 days off treatment regimen, which retained the desired antitumor synergy with manageable platelet toxicity. The proposed VEN and A1155463 combination represents an innovative chemotherapy-free regimen with significant preclinical activity across diverse BCL2+ hematologic malignancies irrespective of the BCL2L11/BIM status.
FTH1 overexpression using a dCasRx translation enhancement system protects the kidney from calcium oxalate crystal-induced injury
Authors: He Ziqi , Dong Caitao , Song Tianbao , Zhou Jiawei , Xu Tao , He Ruyuan , Li Sheng
Published: May 2024

The engineered clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system is currently widely applied in genetic editing and transcriptional regulation. The catalytically inactivated CasRx (dCasRx) has the ability to selectively focus on the mRNA coding region without disrupting transcription and translation, opening up new avenues for research on RNA modification and protein translation control. This research utilized dCasRx to create a translation-enhancement system for mammals called dCasRx-eIF4GI, which combined eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G (eIF4GI) to boost translation levels of the target gene by recruiting ribosomes, without affecting mRNA levels, ultimately increasing translation levels of different endogenous proteins. Due to the small size of dCasRx, the dCasRx-eIF4GI translation enhancement system was integrated into a single viral vector, thus optimizing the delivery and transfection efficiency in subsequent applications. Previous studies reported that ferroptosis, mediated by calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals, significantly promotes stone formation. In order to further validate its developmental potential, it was applied to a kidney stone model in vitro and in vivo. The manipulation of the ferroptosis regulatory gene FTH1 through single-guide RNA (sgRNA) resulted in a notable increase in FTH1 protein levels without affecting its mRNA levels. This ultimately prevented intracellular ferroptosis and protected against cell damage and renal impairment caused by CaOx crystals. Taken together, this study preliminarily validated the effectiveness and application prospects of the dCasRx-eIF4GI translation enhancement system in mammalian cell-based disease models, providing novel insights and a universal tool platform for protein translation research and future therapeutic approaches for nephrolithiasis.
A low dose of curcumin-PDA nanoparticles improves viability and proliferation in endoneurial fibroblasts and Schwann cell cultures
Authors: Vázquez Alberdi Lucia , Martínez-Busi Marcela , Arrarte Eloisa , Echeverry Carolina , Calero Miguel , Kun Alejandra
Published: May 2024

Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa’s roots. Low doses of curcumin are related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, while high doses are used for their lethality. This diversity of behaviors allows us to understand curcumin as a compound with hormetic action. Due to its strongly hydrophobic character, curcumin is often solubilized in organic compounds. In this way, we have recently reported the undesirable and occasionally irreversible effects of alcohol and DMSO on the viability of primary Schwann cell cultures. In this scenario, the use of nanoparticles as delivery systems has become a successful alternative strategy for these compounds. In the present work, we describe the structure of Polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles, loaded with a low dose of curcumin (Curc-PDA) without the use of additional organic solvents. We analyzed the curcumin released, and we found two different forms of curcumin. Small increased cell viability and proliferation were observed in endoneurial fibroblast and Schwann cell primary cultures when Curc-PDA was steadily supplied for 5 days. The increased bioavailability of this natural compound and the impact on cells in culture not only confirm the properties of curcumin at very low doses but also provide a glimpse of a possible therapeutic alternative for PNS conditions in which SCs are involved.
Synthesis mechanism from graphene quantum dots to carbon nanotubes by ion-sputtering assisted chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Ha Jun Mok , Lee Seoung Ho , Park Daehyeon , Yoon Young Jun , Yang In Mok , Seo Junhyeok , Hwang Yong Seok , Lee Chan Young , Suk Jae Kwon , Park Jun Kue , Yeo Sunmog
Published: May 2024

We present the first work of the synthesis mechanism from graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by an ion-sputtering assisted chemical vapor deposition. During the annealing process, a Pt thin film deposited by the ion-sputtering was dewetted and agglomerated to form many nanometer-sized particles, leading to Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) that can act as catalysts for creating carbon allotropes. The shape of the allotropes can be effectively tailored from GQDs to CNTs by controlling three key parameters such as the dose of catalytic ions (D), amounts of carbon source (S), and thermal energy (T). In our work, it was clearly proved that the growth control from GQDs to CNTs has a comparably proportional relationship with D and S, but has a reverse proportional relationship with T. Furthermore, high-purity GQDs without any other by-products and the CNTs with the cap of PtNPs were generated. Their shapes were appropriately controlled, respectively, based on the established synthesis mechanism.

Graphical abstract