bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of Cryptococcus neoformans isolates from HIV patients, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Authors: Sánchez Sunny , Zambrano Dolores , García Maylen , Bedoya César , Fernández Carlos , Illnait-Zaragozí María Teresa
Published: June 2017

Introducción. La neurocriptococosis es una infección fúngica oportunista que representa un alto costo en vidas humanas y para la economía de los países. Sus agentes causales, las especies del complejo Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii, tienen una fase sexuada y otra asexuada, cuatro serotipos principales y siete variedades moleculares con diferencias clínico-epidemiológicas, fenotípicas y de sensibilidad a los antifúngicos.Objetivo. Caracterizar molecularmente los aislamientos clínicos de C. neoformans de Guayaquil, Ecuador.Materiales y métodos. Se determinó el tipo de apareamiento, el serotipo y la variedad molecular mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa y análisis del polimorfismo de los fragmentos de restricción de 27 aislamientos levaduriformes previamente identificados como C. neoformans mediante métodos convencionales. Los aislamientos fueron recuperados del líquido cefalorraquídeo de pacientes con síndrome neurológico seropositivos para HIV, internados en el Hospital de Infectología “Dr. José Daniel Rodríguez Maridueña”, entre diciembre de 2013 y enero de 2015.Resultados. Se demostró el amplio predominio de C. neoformans del serotipo A, MATα y el genotipo VNI entre los aislamientos estudiados.Conclusiones. Estos datos son similares a los obtenidos en otros países y son los primeros de su tipo en Guayaquil, Ecuador, por lo cual constituyen un aporte importante al conocimiento de la criptococosis en esta ciudad.
Spotlight on Caroline Families First Wraparound Program: Lessons for Advancing Collaborative Family-Centred Care for Complex Child and Youth Mental Health
Authors: Olibris Brieanne , Mulvale Gillian , Carusone Soo Chan , Lin Elizabeth , Domonchuk-Whalen Michelle , Whittaker Kathleen
Published: June 2017

The Caroline Families First Wraparound Program operationalizes cross-sectoral collaboration and planning, family peer support, and family-directed care consistent with strategic directions within the Mental Health Strategy for Canada. In this spotlight article, we present findings from a case study that describes what makes the program work, the barriers and facilitators to its success, and draw conclusions about the lessons learned. For example, while family-directed care is a core and essential value of the program, unless well understood, it can create tensions within teams. Similarly, structural factors such as provider reimbursement can inhibit physician involvement. Suggestions about these and other contextual factors can inform other efforts to mobilize the Mental Health Strategy.
Description of the case mix experienced by chiropractic students during a clinical internship
Authors: Puhl Aaron A. , Reinhart Christine J , Injeyan H. Stephen , Tibbles Anthony
Published: June 2017

Objective:

The primary objective of this study was to describe the case mix experienced by chiropractic students during their clinical internship at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Secondary objectives were to characterize teaching clinic patient populations, assess the similarity to previously published data for practicing chiropractors, and describe the treatment plans being recommended by interns.

Methods:

A prospective, observational study was conducted using a convenience sample of 24 chiropractic interns. Data were collected by interns using a standardized form that was completed for each new patient and each new complaint examined during the 1-year internship. Standardized forms included data regarding patient demographics, complaint characteristics, and treatment recommendations.

Results:

Data were included for 23 of 24 participating interns, who described 828 patients and a total of 948 unique complaint presentations. Overall, 60% of patients were female, 86% were 18 to 64 years old, and 23% were naive to chiropractic care. Of all presenting complaints, 93% were pain-based, 67% were chronic, 65% included spinal complaints, and 7% presented with red flags; individual interns' experiences were variable and are described. On average, treatment recommendations called for 9.4 visits and often included multimodal treatment approaches, most commonly soft-tissue therapies (91%), home-based active care (84%), and spine manipulation (70%).

Conclusions:

The findings of this study suggest that patients presenting to CMCC teaching clinics are similar to those reported previously to attend private chiropractic clinics. While all participating interns encountered multiple complex clinical cases, very few had experience with pediatric populations. This study adds to the few that detail the characteristics of patients attending chiropractic teaching clinics; to our knowledge it is the first to describe average case loads of chiropractic interns.
Ranking attention multiple instance learning for lymph node metastasis prediction on multicenter cervical cancer MRI
Authors: Jin Shan , Xu Hongming , Dong Yue , Wang Xiaofeng , Hao Xinyu , Qin Fengying , Wang Ranran , Cong Fengyu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In the current clinical diagnostic process, the gold standard for lymph node metastasis (LNM) diagnosis is histopathological examination following surgical lymphadenectomy. Developing a non‐invasive and preoperative method for predicting LNM is necessary and holds significant clinical importance.

Methods

We develop a ranking attention multiple instance learning (RA‐MIL) model that integrates convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and ranking attention pooling to diagnose LNM from T2 MRI. Our RA‐MIL model applies the CNNs to derive imaging features from 2D MRI slices and employs ranking attention pooling to create patient‐level feature representation for diagnostic classification. Based on the MIL and attention theory, informative regions of top‐ranking MRI slices from LNM‐positive patients are visualized to enhance the interpretability of automatic LNM prediction. This retrospective study collected 300 female patients with cervical cancer who underwent T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning and histopathological diagnosis from one hospital (289 patients) and one open‐source dataset (11 patients).

Results

Our RA‐MIL model delivers promising LNM prediction performance, achieving the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.809 on the internal test set and 0.833 on the public dataset. Experiments show significant improvements in LNM status prediction using the proposed RA‐MIL model compared with other state‐of‐the‐art (SOTA) comparative deep learning models.

Conclusions

The developed RA‐MIL model has the potential to serve as a non‐invasive auxiliary tool for preoperative LNM prediction, offering visual interpretability regarding informative MRI slices and regions in LNM‐positive patients.
Assessing the Ecological Value: Monetizing Process Innovations in Tailored Forming
Authors: Schneider Jonas , Westing Jan , Schmidt Matthias , Nyhuis Peter , Kuprat Vivian Katharina
Published: October 2024

Companies must innovate to survive in competitive markets. The pressure to bring innovations to market faster and meet market and regulatory requirements challenges companies to assess early on whether an innovation delivers economic value added (EVA), even with a lack of quantification data. Sustainability, now a crucial industrial pillar, is integrated into this article's semiquantitative method for monetarily evaluating sustainable value drivers of innovations. The method is applied to the “Tailored Forming” innovation, developed in Collaborative Research Center 1153. The procedure employs an EVA driver tree to guarantee a net present value orientation within the innovation evaluation. A systematic literature review further systematizes the driver tree, thereby establishing a link between the sustainable value drivers of the EVA to develop a literature‐based impact model. A weighted scoring model (WSM) compensates for limited data, with interviews from CRC 1153 providing additional input. The data evaluation demonstrates that implementing Tailored Forming technology does not currently represent an effective strategy for achieving a higher EVA from a sustainability perspective, as evidenced by an increase in the WSM value. However, levers are being identified to facilitate the transfer of the Tailored Forming innovation into practice, reducing the WSM and positively influencing the EVA.
Tensile Properties and Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Fabricated IN718‐YSZ Compositionally Graded Composite
Authors: Parnaik Amey , Tiwari Jitendar Kumar , Chakkravarthy Vijayavarman , Wen Yaojie , Zhang Baicheng , Lakshmi Narayan Ramasubramanian
Published: October 2024

The microstructure, tensile properties, and thermal expansion characteristics of a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) manufactured compositionally graded composite with 0.5–8 wt% yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) reinforced Inconel 718 are investigated. Along the composition gradient, which is perpendicular to the build direction, in all cross sections, the YSZ segregates at the melt‐pool boundaries and the IN718 matrix has randomly oriented equiaxed grains. Cross sections with >2 wt% YSZ contain significant porosity (>2%) and solidification cracks, which reduces their strength and ductility significantly. In the section with 1.5 wt% YSZ, the YS, UTS, and ductility are 819 ± 30, 1008 ± 40, and 7.4 ± 0.4 MPa, which matches well with that of LPBF fabricated YSZ‐free IN718. Dilatometry measurements on sections with 0.5–1.5 wt% YSZ in the temperature range of 25–1200 °C indicate that their coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is intermediate to that of IN718 and YSZ. Finally, the variations in CTE with temperature are discussed in detail by considering the microstructural evolution in the composite with changes in temperature.
Revealing the Failure Mechanisms of Lithium Metal Solid‐State Batteries with Solid Inorganic Electrolytes by In situ Electron Microscopy
Authors: Zhang Xiuli , Gao Haowen , Wang Ming‐Sheng
Published: October 2024

Lithium metal solid‐state batteries (LMSSBs) are considered to be one of the ultimate choices for future energy storage systems because of their high theoretical energy density and enhanced safety. However, the development of LMSSBs has been seriously hindered by some practical issues, such as Li dendrite penetration in the solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) and uncontrolled interphase growth at the Li/SSE interface, which can cause severe battery degradation, failure, and even safety hazards. To construct safe high‐performance LMSSBs, it is crucial to gain an in‐depth understanding of the failure mechanisms induced by these challenges, especially through direct visualization of the failure processes. In this review, the recent progress on the mechanistic study of LMSSBs by in situ electron microscopy is summarized. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) offer an opportunity to probe the battery failure mechanism by observing the associated physical and chemical processes at nano/atomic resolution. The failure causes of Li dendrites growth and interphase formation are classified and discussed, followed by the corresponding solutions to address these issues. Additionally, the emerging perspectives on future research directions in this field are also summarized.
Considerations for widespread implementation of blood‐based biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mielke Michelle M. , Anderson Matthew , Ashford J. Wesson , Jeromin Andreas , Lin Pei‐Jung , Rosen Allyson , Tyrone Jamie , VandeVrede Lawren , Willis Deanna , Hansson Oskar , Khachaturian Ara S. , Schindler Suzanne E. , Weiss Joan , Batrla Richard , Bozeat Sasha , Dwyer John R. , Holzapfel Drew , Jones Daryl Rhys , Murray James F. , Partrick Katherine A. , Scholler Emily , Vradenburg George , Young Dylan , Braunstein Joel B. , Burnham Samantha C. , de Oliveira Fabricio Ferreira , Hu Yan Helen , Mattke Soeren , Merali Zul , Monane Mark , Sabbagh Marwan Noel , Shobin Eli , Weiner Michael W. , Udeh‐Momoh Chinedu T.
Published: October 2024

Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses significant challenges to health care, often resulting in delayed or inadequate patient care. The clinical integration of blood‐based biomarkers (BBMs) for AD holds promise in enabling early detection of pathology and timely intervention. However, several critical considerations, such as the lack of consistent guidelines for assessing cognition, limited understanding of BBM test characteristics, insufficient evidence on BBM performance across diverse populations, and the ethical management of test results, must be addressed for widespread clinical implementation of BBMs in the United States. The Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease BBM Workgroup convened to address these challenges and provide recommendations that underscore the importance of evidence‐based guidelines, improved training for health‐care professionals, patient empowerment through informed decision making, and the necessity of community‐based studies to understand BBM performance in real‐world populations. Multi‐stakeholder engagement is essential to implement these recommendations and ensure credible guidance and education are accessible to all stakeholders.
The origins of ADNI
Authors: Potter William Z. , Buckholtz Neil S. , Paul Steven M.
Published: October 2024

A brief history of events surrounding the conceptualization and original implementation of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) as a public–private partnership (PPP) is provided from the perspective of three individuals directly involved from the outset. Potential barriers and how they were addressed are summarized, especially the decision to make all data freely accessible in real‐time. Decisions made at the beginning of ADNI are revisited in light of what has been learned over the past 20 years, especially the importance of the investment in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood measures and the commitment to data sharing. The key elements of ADNI's success from the authors’ perspective are also summarized.

Highlights

Informal interactions among colleagues were the beginning of something big.

An NIH Director's personal decision on open data sharing has had perhaps the greatest impact of any single decision in the past several decades in terms of advancing clinical biomarker research.

After 20 years, blood‐based biomarkers of brain disease may soon take the place of brain imaging for purposes of diagnosis and drug development.
Synergistic Dual Activation Catalysis by Saccharin‐Based Ionic Liquids for Diastereoselective Synthesis of Ferrocene‐Appended Furopyranones, Furochromenones, and Benzofuranones
Authors: Srivastava Suman
Published: October 2024

A practical and straightforward strategy for the synthesis of ferrocene appended furopyranone, furochromenone, and benzofuranone via a metal‐free annulation reaction of imidazolium ylide with enone mediated by saccharin‐based ionic liquid has been reported. The mechanistic studies show an approach through synergistic dual activation of enone and imidazolium ylide via cation and anion of ionic liquid, respectively. This operationally simple protocol offers an easy and rapid access to a library of ferrocene appended furopyranone, furochromenone, and benzofuranone in moderate to good yields through the involvement of a six‐membered transition state.
The food industry supply chain: Synergy of environmental orientation and collaboration in implementing circularity
Authors: Varma Soumya , Patra Pradipta , Shankar Ravi
Published: October 2024

Circularity within supply chains can be realized through the seamless integration of ecological concerns into business strategies, coupled with stakeholder collaboration throughout the supply chain. A study of a supply chain aiming for circularity was conducted in a real setting for a renowned multinational company in the food processing industry to explore how environmental orientation shapes collaborative practices. The model was applied to reveal the significance of the circular practices that supply chain members follow within the case company. The interpretive ranking process (IRP) was further applied to rank the stakeholders in the supply chain of this company. Results reveal that raw material suppliers, farmers, customers, and volunteers occupy a significant position in implementing circularity in this supply chain. It is essential to provide incentives to suppliers in order to encourage them to adopt practices that promote circular supply chains. Simultaneously, local communities need to play an active role in implementing effective waste management practices. This case study underscores the critical imperative of nurturing a pro‐environmental mindset while fostering synergetic collaboration among stakeholders, thereby paving the path towards achieving circularity.
Advancing interactive evidence maps: Visualising service commissioning options alongside research
Authors: Burchett Helen , Stansfield Claire , Macdowall Wendy , Richardson Michelle , Dick Samantha , Dickson Kelly , D'Souza Preethy , Khouja Claire , Kwan Irene , Raine Gary , Sowden Amanda , Sutcliffe Katy , Thomas James
Published: October 2024

Background

Interactive evidence maps typically visualise characteristics of research evidence, and gaps in evidence, in a particular field.

Aims, Materials & Methods

Here we present an example of an evidence map on digital drug and alcohol interventions in which the research evidence is supplemented with information about interventions in use (or available for use) in England. We used systematic review methods to identify systematic reviews of intervention effectiveness and an online survey to identify interventions in England.

Results

Eighteen reviews and 40 interventions were included in the online map.

Discussion & Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first map to juxtapose research and practice in this way. By extending evidence maps to include data on service provision, it becomes easier to see whether research and practice are aligned and where gaps in either evidence or practice (or both) exist.
Dietary quality and chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy in colon cancer
Authors: Compton Stephanie L. E. , Yang Shengping , Madere Joseph , Weltzien Erin K. , Caan Bette J. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Brown Justin C.
Published: October 2024

Background

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and dose‐limiting chemotoxicity caused by oxaliplatin. This study investigated the relationship between dietary quality and the development of moderate and/or severe CIPN in colon cancer survivors using data from the Focus on Reducing Dose‐Limiting Toxicities in Colon Cancer with Resistance Exercise trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03291951).

Methods

Diet quality was collected using a 127‐item food‐frequency questionnaire and was scored using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (AHEI‐2010). CIPN was assessed with the Patient‐Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events at each chemotherapy cycle. The association of dietary quality with time to the first moderate‐to‐severe (moderate‐severe) or severe event of CIPN was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Only participants who received oxaliplatin were included in this analysis (n = 132).

Results

Seventy‐four participants (56.1%) reported moderate‐severe CIPN. Higher dietary quality was associated with a significantly decreased risk of moderate‐severe CIPN (hazard ratio [HR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93–0.99) and severe CIPN (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85–0.98). Consumption of red and processed meat (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.07–2.83) and sugar‐sweetened beverages (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.10–1.59) was associated with an increased risk of moderate‐severe CIPN. Consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages also was associated with an increased risk of severe CIPN (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.14–2.18), whereas vegetable consumption was associated with a reduced risk of severe CIPN (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.09–0.73).

Conclusions

Among patients with colon cancer who received oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy, higher baseline dietary quality was associated with a reduced risk of moderate‐severe CIPN.
The optimal surgical treatment for canal‐wall‐up mastoidectomy of external auditory canal cholesteatoma
Authors: Pan Xiaodan , Gu Qin , Sun Xuan , Zhao Yahan , Liu Dongxin , Li Yi
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To explore the optimal surgical excision treatment for external auditory canal (EAC) cholesteatoma involving the posterior wall and partial mastoid process.

Methods

This study included 115 inpatients (152 ears) diagnosed with EAC cholesteatoma involving posterior wall and partial mastoid from April 2022 to April 2024. Each patient underwent a canal‐wall‐up mastoidectomy, canaloplasty, and tympanoplasty. Preoperative clinical symptoms and hearing were compared with postoperative outcomes during follow‐ups.

Results

All patients achieved a dry‐ear status and remained relapse‐free over the 0.5–2 years' follow‐ups. The most salient improvements were observed in hearing loss, oltagia, and aural fullness after the surgical intervention.

Conclusion

For EAC cholesteatoma with the posterior canal wall and partial mastoid invasion, canal‐wall‐up mastoidectomy with reconstruction of the posterior canal wall is preferable, provided there are no severely extensive cholesteatomas present in the mastoid.
High malignancy rate in IgE‐deficient children
Authors: Uygun Dilara Fatma Kocacik , Uygun Vedat , Başaran Ayşen , Kocatepe Gaye , Kazlı Tuğba , Bingöl Ayşen
Published: October 2024

Recent epidemiological studies have increasingly highlighted the antitumor efficacy of IgE owing to the increased malignancy rate in IgE‐deficient patients. The purpose of this study, the largest for children, was to determine whether malignant diagnoses in children are associated with IgE deficiency (IgE <2.5 kIU/L). A total of 6821 pediatric patients were reviewed, focusing on patients with IgE below 2.5 kIU/L (n = 599). The causes of IgE testing were evaluated by categorizing them as having cancer, allergies, suspected or diagnosed immunodeficiency, and other conditions. In all but one patient with malignancy, IgE levels were measured after the diagnosis of the disease. Malignancies were observed much more frequently in the low IgE group than in the normal group (10/599, 1.7% and 7/6222, 0.11%; OR = 15.07; 95% CI: 5.72–39.75; p <.0001). According to our analysis, 70% of the patients had leukemia/lymphoma, which is consistent with studies showing that hematologic malignancies are the most frequent cancers linked to IgE deficiency. No increase in the prevalence of cancer was observed in IgE‐deficient patients with suspected or diagnosed immunodeficiency. In conclusion, we observed a higher rate of previous malignancy (particularly hematologic cancer) in children with low serum IgE levels. Larger investigations would offer insightful information about the function of low IgE levels in predicting malignancy risk and improving the present diagnostic procedures.
Does scaffold enhancement show significant superiority over microfracture alone for treating knee chondral defects? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Pałka Karol , Kubisa Marta , Akbas Anna , Kubisa Michał , Dobrakowski Michał
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Chondral and osteochondral lesions in the knee are common conditions that significantly impair individuals' well‐being and can lead to osteoarthritis, imposing substantial burdens on healthcare systems. The limited natural healing capacity of articular cartilage necessitates innovative treatment strategies. Microfracture (MF) is a widely used technique for knee chondral defects, but its long‐term efficacy is often inadequate. Although recent randomised controlled trials have compared microfractures with scaffold‐enhanced therapies, a comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis are lacking.

Methods

An extensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and EMBASE databases following PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria focused on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing microfractures alone to matrix‐induced chondrogenesis for knee chondral defects with at least a 12‐month follow‐up. Ten randomised controlled trials conducted between 2013 and 2024, enroling 378 patients, were included.

Results

The meta‐analysis showed no significant superiority of scaffolds over MF (p > 0.05) in International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome, Visual Analog Scale, and Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue scores at 12 and 24 months. However, individual studies suggested the potential benefits of scaffolds, especially in long‐term outcomes. Clinical improvements from MF typically decline after 2–3 years, underscoring the need for long‐term follow‐up in future research.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis shows no significant difference between MF and MF with scaffold in treating knee cartilage defects, though some long‐term RCTs demonstrate statistically significant differences. The absence of a universally accepted algorithm for analysing knee chondral defects limits this study. Establishing reliable guidelines and standardised study protocols is essential to improve long‐term patient outcomes and the quality of future papers.

Level of Evidence

Level I
The impact of generative AI on the scholarly communications of early career researchers: An international, multi‐disciplinary study
Authors: Nicholas David , Swigon Marzena , Clark David , Abrizah Abdullah , Revez Jorge , Herman Eti , Rodríguez Bravo Blanca , Xu Jie , Watkinson Anthony
Published: October 2024

The Harbingers study of early career researchers (ECRs), their work life and scholarly communications, began by studying generational—Millennial—change (c.2016), then moved to pandemic change (c.2020) and is now investigating another potential agent of change: artificial intelligence (2024–). We report here on a substantial scoping pilot study that looks at the impact of AI on the scholarly communications of international ECRs and, extends this to the arts and humanities. It aims to fill the knowledge gap concerning ECRs whose millennial mindset may render them especially open to change and, as the research workhorses they are, very much in the frontline. The data was collected via in‐depth interviews in China, Malaysia, Poland, Portugal, Spain and (selectively) the United Kingdom/United States. The data show ECRs to be thinking, probing and, in some cases, experimenting with AI. There was a general acceptance that AI will be responsible for the growth of low‐quality scientific papers, which could lead to a decline in the quality of research. Scholarly integrity and ethics were a big concern with issues of authenticity, plagiarism, copyright and poor citation practices raised. The most widespread belief was AI would prove to be a transformative force and would exacerbate existing scholarly disparities and inequalities.
Field‐specific gold open access dynamics in the Chinese mainland: Overviews, disparities, and strategic insights
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: October 2024

Gold Open Access (OA) journals are crucial for scholarly communication, highlighting the need for a thorough evaluation of their academic influence on different research fields. This study leverages the InCites platform to examine article‐level characteristics relating to 22 Essential Science Indicators (ESI) research fields, with a focus on the dynamics of gold OA articles, including gold OA uptake in the Chinese mainland and gold OA adoption in the domestic English‐language academic journal publishing of the Chinese mainland. The findings reveal that disparities in gold OA adoption across 22 ESI fields are more pronounced in the Chinese mainland compared with the world scenario. In the Chinese mainland, there is a significant polarization in gold OA publishing volumes across different ESI fields, particularly in Chemistry, Clinical Medicine, and Engineering. This study builds on the understanding of OA citation advantage (OACA) by incorporating gold OA publishing volume into a two‐dimensional framework, resulting in the development of a “distance” metric. It further categorizes gold OA citation effects into four quadrants: positive citation effects (quadrants A and B) and negative citation effects (quadrants C and D), based on category normalized citation impact (CNCI) and journal normalized citation impact (JNCI) indicators from the InCites database. The findings underscore the importance of developing tailored strategies to address field‐specific challenges and promote gold OA dynamics in the Chinese mainland; while prioritizing high‐quality gold OA journals is essential for fostering gold OA development in the rest of the world.
Isotopic signature of N2O produced during sulfur‐ and thiosulfate‐driven chemoautotrophic denitrification in freshwaters
Authors: Li Shengjie , Wang Shuo , Pang Yunmeng , Ji Guodong
Published: October 2024

Chemoautotrophic denitrification plays an important role in nitrogen removal and the formation of a greenhouse gas (N2O) in aquatic environments. Natural stable isotopes support the tracing of nitrogen sources and the identification of biogeochemical processes in field research. However, the isotopic characteristics of N2O produced during chemoautotrophic denitrification have not been investigated so far. In this study, we analyzed isotopic signatures of nitrate and N2O in sulfur‐ and thiosulfate‐dependent denitrifying enrichments obtained from freshwater lakes. Chemoautotrophic denitrification exhibited a nitrate isotope pattern similar to heterotrophic denitrification: the 18ε/15ε‐nitrate followed a ratio close to 1. However, chemoautotrophic denitrification produced N2O with lower δ15N, δ18O, and higher site preference (SP = δ15Nα‐δ15Nβ) values, compared to heterotrophic denitrification. The SP value, approximately 5.1‰, was characteristic in detecting chemoautotrophic denitrification driven by different sulfur forms. δ18O varied with specific electron donors, around 20‰ and 40‰ during sulfur‐ and thiosulfate‐dependent denitrification, respectively. The unique N2O isotope characteristics were likely regulated by nitric oxide reductases of Burkholderiaceae populations during sulfur‐dependent denitrification and Sulfurovum during thiosulfate‐dependent denitrification. These findings improve our understanding of N2O production processes and have important implications for predicting N2O emissions at a greater spatial and temporal resolution.
Response of a patchy intertidal mudflat‐marsh transition zone to a typhoon
Authors: Xue Liming , Shi Benwei , Schoutens Ken , Li Tianyou , Sun Jianxiong , Ma Yuxi , Hu Yang , Liu Zhenqiao , Wang Dawei , Xing Fei , Li Xiuzhen , Temmerman Stijn
Published: October 2024

While tidal marshes are valued for their ability to reduce the impact of storm waves on shores, there is still more limited understanding of how storm waves impact the integrity of tidal marshes, particularly in mudflat‐marsh transition zones with patchy vegetation cover. This study aims to investigate changes in hydrodynamics, sediment bed elevation, and patchy vegetation cover along the sea‐to‐land elevation gradient in response to super typhoon IN‐FA, making landfall in 2021 in a mudflat‐marsh transition zone of the Yangtze Estuary (China). Utilizing in‐situ measurements and drone surveys, our results show: (1) A landward decrease in storm‐induced wave energy, flow velocities, turbulence, and erosion across a 200‐m mudflat‐marsh transition zone; (2) Elevation‐dependent spatial reconfiguration of marsh vegetation patches in response to the storm; (3) Different marsh response below and above an elevation threshold where a shift between marsh gain and marsh loss occurred. The observed landward decrease in storm‐induced marsh loss is attributed to a trade‐off between reduced disturbances due to landward increasing friction from the sediment bed and vegetation, and the landward increasing capacity of the vegetation to cope with disturbances. Our findings provide new insights relevant to the response of marsh systems to storms, and highlight the importance of the gradual and adequately wide sea‐to‐land gradient in delivering marsh resistance to extreme events.
Does pigmentation provide protection to bdelloid rotifers in a high ultraviolet B environment?
Authors: Baeza Maribel J. , Walsh Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2024

Aquatic species found in habitats with limited shade and little dissolved organic carbon (DOC) have increased vulnerability to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) damage. Pigmentation is a common mechanism used by animals for protection from UVR. A pigmented bdelloid rotifer, Philodina, occurs in high densities in shallow rock pools in El Paso Co., TX, and is subject to repeated desiccation and high UVR. To understand the roles of DOC, pigmentation, and dormancy in reducing the effects of UVR exposure in these rotifers: (1) DOC levels in rock pools were measured before and after the summer monsoon season and (2) hydrated or dormant bdelloids (desiccated for 0, 1, 7, or 32 d) that differed in degree of pigmentation (highly, moderately, lightly, and none) were exposed to three intensities of UVB radiation (low, mid, or high) and monitored for survival after 48 h. Pigmented bdelloids were found in rock pools with lower DOC concentrations. Logistic regression analysis indicated that pigmentation level, desiccation time, and UVB intensity all affected survival. Bdelloids in the dormant form for 1 d were more resistant to UVB exposure at all pigmentation levels. However, as desiccation time increased, the odds of surviving decreased. Hydrated highly pigmented bdelloids were three times more likely to survive desiccation, UVB radiation, and their combined effects. Prolonged periods of drought due to the changing climate will alter DOC concentrations, causing photoprotection to become an increasingly important survival strategy for aquatic invertebrates, especially those inhabiting shallow waters.
Estimation of Staphylococcus total viable count in different contamination states of central venous catheters in hemodialysis centers based on tunable diode laser wavelength‐modulation spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Xueli , Li Qi , Chen Jia , Chen Qiaoyan , Yu Meifang
Published: October 2024

The surveillance and assessment of the total viable count (TVC) of Staphylococcus under different levels of catheter contamination are crucial for the prevention and evaluation of catheter‐related infections in hemodialysis (HD). This paper demonstrates the noninvasive and accurate measurement of the TVC of Staphylococcus using wavelength‐modulated tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (WMAS). The tunable distributed feedback laser with a central wavelength of 2004 nm was employed and the detection limit of 22.5 ppm for carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis was obtained. The growth of Staphylococcus under different medium concentrations was studied, and the results indicated a strong correlation between the growth rate and final TVC of S. epidermidis with the medium concentration. When the degree of catheter contamination was low, resulting in minimal residual nutrient concentration within the catheter, the bacterial growth rate and TVC were effectively suppressed. Therefore, it is proven that WMAS is a user‐friendly, noninvasive, and high signal‐to‐noise ratio technique for monitoring Staphylococcus, making it an effective tool for assessing Staphylococcus growth in HD catheter surveillance.
A flexible tri‐band impedance transformer for frequency‐dependent complex impedances with simple structure
Authors: Huang Zigang , Liu Qiang , Liu Wang , Du Guangxing , Li Guolin , Cheng Dong
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a simple tri‐band impedance transformer for frequency‐dependent complex impedances. The proposed transformer is a cascade of a π‐model transformer, three series transmission lines, and a tri‐band susceptance stub network, the structure is simple, and the matching sequence of the three frequencies can be changed. All parameters of the design can be obtained from the derived analytical formulas, and the process of the design is elaborated. Two design examples demonstrate the proposed design method, and a prototype is fabricated for verification. Good agreement between the simulated results and measured results is obtained. Compared with the existing works, the transformer features a simple structure, offering flexibility to match frequency‐dependent complex impedances, and a simple method. Additionally, it features a very short total electrical length and wider bandwidth. Therefore, the proposed transformer is suitable for the tri‐band active circuits and wireless communication systems.
The Role of Connexin26 and Connexin30 in the Mouse Cochlea of Noise‐Induced Hearing Loss
Authors: Sun Tao , Li Wenzhen , Shi Ke , Zhao Yue , Guo Dan , Wang Dongming
Published: October 2024

Objective

We aimed to explore the role of connexin26 (Cx26) and connexin30 (Cx30) in the cochlea in noise‐induced permanent threshold shifts (PTS) and temporary threshold shift (TTS).

Study Design

Prospective, controlled.

Setting

Laboratory.

Methods

A mouse model of noise‐induced PTS and TTS was constructed. Western blots were used to detect the expression of Cx26 and Cx30 in the cochlea. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were used to assess the potential biological pathways.

Results

Both the expression of Cx26 and Cx30 showed a trend of first rising and then falling in noise‐induced PTS. The expression of Cx26 increased greatly in the 24 hours noise exposure (P < .05) and reached the highest level in the 4 hours after noise exposure (P < .05), then decreased gradually and returned to the control level on the seventh day after the noise exposure, when compared with the control group. The expression of Cx30 showed a similar trend in noise‐induced PTS. However, both the expression of Cx26 and Cx30 showed a trend of first falling and then rising in noise induced TTS. The expression of Cx26/Cx30 reached its lowest level in the 4 hours after noise exposure (P < .05), and then increased to the control level on the second day after noise exposure (P > .05), compared with the control group. The first KEGG and GO pathway may be related with oxidative phosphorylation.

Conclusion

Cx26 and Cx30 may have an effect in noise induced PTS and TTS. Future studies are needed to confirm the results.
Consequences of NICU Intubations: Incidence, Identifications, and Interventions
Authors: Stoler Nicole A. , Segada Nicole W. , Varghese Varsha , Gowda Sharada H. , Mehta Deepak K.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Prolonged intubation often leads to laryngeal injuries such as subglottic stenosis (SGS), especially in neonates with prematurity and congenital defects key for tissue healing. Recognizing at risk patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is not well studied. The study's goals were to determine intubation risk factors, characterize laryngeal injuries, and calculate the incidence of intervention.

Study Design

Retrospective case review.

Setting

Quaternary pediatric referral center.

Methods

This retrospective study included all intubated patients in the NICU from April 1, 2020 to 2023. Electronic records were reviewed for demographics and intubation details. Patients were categorized to into intubation only or intervention groups, including direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (DLB) and tracheostomy history.

Results

A total of 441 patients were identified with 94 (21%) neonates undergoing DLB. Characteristics impacting intervention included older gestational age, genetic syndromes, and congenital heart disease. Significant risk factors were older age at first intubation, recurrent intubation events, longer intubation duration, and larger endotracheal tube (ETT) diameter, but not birth weight or intubation attempts. Otolaryngology was more likely to intubate the intervention cohort. SGS overall incidence was 2.95% with balloon dilation in 6.4%. Two‐thirds of neonates with DLB ultimately required tracheostomy, in which all variables remained significant risk factors except for gestational age.

Conclusion

Older age at first intubation, more intubation events, longer intubation duration, and larger ETT increased risk for future DLB and tracheostomy but not birth weight or number of intubation attempts. Most NICU patients selected for DLB ultimately required further procedures.
Radiographic Estimation of Superior Canal Dehiscence Area in a Prediction Model of Surgical Outcome
Authors: Yang Hong‐Ho , Yang Isaac , Gopen Quinton S.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the temporal bone constitutes an integral element in the diagnostic workup of superior canal dehiscence (SCD). This study explores the utility of a clinically efficient method of manually estimating SCD size on CT imaging in predicting surgical outcomes.

Study Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary center.

Methods

Consecutive middle fossa repairs of SCD between 2011 and 2022 were included. Measurements of approximate dehiscence area (ADA), a previously established estimation method, on temporal bone CT imaging were performed by trained raters blind to clinical information. Surgical outcomes, evaluated with symptom resolution and audiometric improvement following repair, were assessed in multivariable regression models with ADA as the primary predictor and patient demographics and other history factors as covariates.

Results

Among 311 cases included, mean ADA was 2.68 mm2, and 71% of cases achieved overall symptom improvement (OSI). Every 1 mm2 rise in ADA predicted on average 3 dB greater narrowing of low‐frequency air‐bone gap (β 95% confidence interval, CI [−5.4, −0.7]) but 50% lower odds of OSI (adjusted odds ratio: 95% CI [0.32, 0.78]) among unilateral SCD cases. A model incorporating ADA, patient demographics, and history factors predicted OSI with a sensitivity, specificity combination as high as 85%, 73% and a positive predictive value, negative predictive value combination as high as 85%, 82% (area under the curve: 95% CI: 0.76‐0.93).

Conclusion

Increased ADA predicts more pronounced audiometric improvement but poorer symptomatic response among unilateral SCD cases. ADA is an efficient and practical method of estimating SCD size and demonstrated clinical utility in accurately predicting surgical outcomes.
Gender, Racial, and Academic Authorship Diversity in the Otolaryngology Clinical Trial Literature
Authors: Yang Hong‐Ho , Huynh Jeffrey D. , Moffatt Clare , Evans Lauran K. , Bommakanti Krishna , Wong Emily , John Maie St.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To investigate the state and trajectory of gender, racial, and academic authorship diversity in the otolaryngology clinical trial literature over the past 2 decades.

Study Design

Bibliometric analysis.

Setting

Otolaryngology clinical trial literature.

Methods

Clinical trials published in the 9 major otolaryngology journals between 2000 and 2020 were included. The gender, race, and academic seniority of the first, senior, and corresponding authors were recorded for each trial. Multivariable regression models assessed the temporal trajectory of authorship diversity over time and the disparity in citations across author characteristics. Models adjusted for relevant confounders pertaining to publication environment and study design.

Results

Among 2117 trials, first, senior, and corresponding authors have been predominantly White (60%‐64%), male (76%‐80%), and attending physicians (63%‐69%). Trials led by Black (<1%) and Hispanic (<5%) authors were severely underrepresented. Over time, the representation of female (adj. β 0.8%, 95% CI [0.5%, 1.1%] per year), Asian (1.0% [0.7%, 1.3%] per year), and MD resident (0.4% [0.1%, 0.7%] per year) first authorship increased, but representation of female (0.2% [−0.1%, 0.5%] per year), Black (0% [−0.03%, 0.02%] per year), Hispanic (−0.2% [−0.33%, −0.02%] per year) senior authorship remained persistently low. Asian‐led trials were cited significantly less compared to White‐led trials even after adjusting for study design and publication year (aIRR 0.82 [0.73, 0.92]).

Conclusions

Despite promising signs of improving authorship diversity over time, persistent underrepresentation of female, Black, Hispanic senior authorship underscore the need for additional efforts to diversify the otolaryngology clinical science workforce.
Impact of Cochlear Implant Electrode Array Design on Post‐Op Speech Perception
Authors: Pennington‐FitzGerald William , Waring Nicholas A. , Hamiter Mickie , Kuhlmey Megan , Kim Ana H.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Electrode array design may impact hearing outcomes in patients who receive cochlear implants. The goal of this work was to assess differences in post operative speech perception among patients who received cochlear implants of differing designs and lengths.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary Care Hospital.

Methods

Patients (n = 129) received 1 of 9 electrode arrays, which were categorized by design: Lateral wall electrodes (n = 36) included CI522, CI622 (Cochlear Americas), Flex24, and Flex28 (Med El). Midscala electrodes (n = 16) included HiRes Ultra 3D (Advanced Bionics). Perimodiolar electrodes (n = 77) included CI512, CI532, CI612, and CI632 (Cochlear Americas). Speech perception was evaluated using consonant‐nucleus‐consonant (CNC) tests and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postimplantation.

Results

Perimodiolar electrodes showed significantly higher CNC scores compared to lateral wall electrodes at 6 and 24 months. Perimodiolar electrodes also outperformed midscala electrodes at 12 months. An inverse relationship was observed between electrode length and CNC scores noted at 6, 12, and 24 months.

Conclusion

Perimodiolar electrode arrays, which tend to be shorter, demonstrated better speech perception outcomes compared to the longer lateral wall and midscala arrays at some timepoints. These findings suggest a potential advantages of perimodiolar electrodes for optimizing hearing outcomes.
Understanding the Representation of Asians and Asian Americans Within Academic Otolaryngology Leadership
Authors: Lin Matthew E. , Razura Diego E. , Luu Neil N. , Yu Alison J. , Kim Ian , Kwon Daniel I. , Chambers Tamara N.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Elucidate the representation of Asian and Asian Americans in academic otolaryngology and the influence of race on promotion and leadership opportunities.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of the Association of American Medical Colleges Faculty Administrative Management Online User System.

Setting

Full‐time otolaryngology faculty from all US medical schools from 2020 to 2023.

Methods

Faculty demographics, tenure, and rank were collected. Descriptive statistics, Fischer's exact test, Rank Equity Index (REI), and multivariable logistic and ordinal regressions were used to characterize our cohort and assess the impact of race on academic advancement and leadership, defined as promotion to tenure or full professorship.

Results

Asians comprised 20.53% of 9056 faculty over 4 years. Asians were most likely to hold tenure‐eligible positions (n = 600, 30.74%) but were significantly less likely than non‐Asians to be tenured (43.00% vs 48.65%, P = .015). Asians were slightly above parity in promotion from assistant to associate professor (REI = 1.09) but below parity in promotion from associate professor to professor (REI = 0.78). Relative to whites, Hispanics, and African Americans, Asians reported the lowest associate/professor and assistant/professor REIs. On multivariable regressions, Asian race was not associated with decreased odds of tenure‐eligible positions but was associated with decreased odds of tenure (odds ratio [OR] = 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.64‐0.93]) and rank promotion (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = [0.74‐0.90]).

Conclusion

Despite strong overall representation in otolaryngology, Asians are less likely to receive promotion, tenure, or full professorship relative to other racial groups. Future efforts should emphasize equitable advancement opportunities to ensure a diverse otolaryngology leadership.