bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edge-enhanced Graph Attention Network for driving decision-making of autonomous vehicles via Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Qiang Yuchuan , Wang Xiaolan , Liu Xintian , Wang Yansong , Zhang Weiwei
Published: January 2024

Despite the rapid advancement in the field of autonomous driving vehicles, developing a safe and sensible decision-making system remains a challenging problem. The driving decision-making module is one of the most essential sections of the entire autonomous driving system, and the decision generated from it can significantly impinge the lives and property of passengers. Complicated interactions among traffic participants have the most profound impact on the decision-making process, yet the interactions are often simplified or overlooked due to their complexity and implicit nature. To address this issue, this work proposes an Edge-Enhanced Graph Attention Reinforcement Learning (EGARL) framework that aims to make rational driving decisions by comprehensively modeling the interactions among agents. EGARL comprises three core components: a graphical representation of the traffic scenario that covers both topological and interactive information; an Edge-enhanced Graph Attention Network (E-GAT) that utilizes the graphical representation to extract interactive features by comprehensively considering nodes and edges of the graph; and a deep reinforcement learning method that generates driving decisions based on the current state and features extracted from E-GAT. Experimental results demonstrate the satisfying performance of EGARL. Our proposed framework can contribute to the development of intelligent transportation systems, enhancing the safety and efficiency of driving.
Process parameters for three-dimensional specimens made of Ti6Al4V materials using additive manufacturing: A review
Authors: Marimuthu Marichamy , Kunjan Chockalingam
Published: January 2024

The Ti6Al4V alloy is highly mechanical, corrosion-resistant, low-specific weight, and biocompatible. Several high-performance applications are ideal for technical uses in the auto, aerospace, and medical sectors. The recent process parameters for Ti6Al4V, manufactured using additive manufacturing methods, are reviewed in this article for the past 20 years. It is possible to link processing parameters with fundamental information. This review finds that the process parameters in additive manufacturing are laser power, scanning speed, layer thickness, and hatch distance. In addition, this reviewed the presence of processes in the additive manufacturing of Ti6Al4V components and their impact on mechanical performance and microstructure analysis. In the additive manufacturing process, the reviewed parameter is the additive manufacturing component that has reduced the defects of microstructural evaluation, residual stress, porosity, compression, and corrosion behaviour of the study.
The safety and efficacy of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in outpatient surgical centers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fan Hua , Zhang Zhuang-Zhuang , Zhang Fu-Kang , Yang Xin , Zhang An-Ren , Yang Yong-Ze , Cheng Qing-Hao , Guo Hong-Zhang
Published: January 2024

Background

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an effective treatment method for knee osteoarthritis. With the development and implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery, UKA is now increasingly performed in outpatient surgical centers. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the safety and effectiveness of performing UKA in outpatient settings.

Methods

The search was performed to retrieve randomized controlled trials and cohort studies on outpatient UKA from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, and WanFangData databases. The search was conducted from the inception of the databases until August 31, 2023. After independent screening, data extraction, and risk of bias evaluation by two researchers, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results

A total of eight studies involving 18,411 patients were included. The results showed that the postoperative transfusion rate in the outpatient group was lower than that in the inpatient group [OR = 0.36, 95%CI (0.24, 0.54), p < 0.00001], and the difference was statistically significant. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of readmission rate, reoperation rate, surgical site infection, and periprosthetic fracture. The differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Compared to the traditional inpatient route, the blood transfusion rate for single-condyle replacement in the outpatient operation center is lower, and there is no significant difference in readmission rate, reoperation rate, surgical site infection, and periprosthesis fracture. The outpatient approach to UKA is safe, feasible, and highly satisfactory for patients. However, the results have certain limitations, and a rigorous preoperative complication risk assessment can minimize the risk of UKA in outpatient surgery centers.

Trial registration

PROSPERO number CRD42023405373.
Emerging Market Firms’ Internationalization Pricing Strategies: The Role of Country of Origin and Organizational Learning
Authors: Sainam Preethika , Bahadir S. Cem
Published: January 2024

Over the last decade there has been significant interest in international expansion of emerging market firms (EMFs) due to their distinctive patterns compared with developed market firms (DMFs). In this article, the authors develop an analytical model to generate prescriptive insights for pricing strategies when EMFs enter new foreign markets. Grounded in the international marketing and organizational learning literatures, the model accounts for local and multinational competition, the influence of country-of-origin effects, and the role of organizational learning in foreign markets. The results suggest that when an EMF enters a host market with a local competitor, it could generate higher profits even when charging a lower price than the local competitor. Additionally, the authors find that DMFs enjoy greater profitability than EMFs in foreign markets as a result of positive country-of-origin effects. Finally, the authors propose and validate the use of organizational learning as a process EMFs can use to surmount the negative impact of country-of-origin effects and achieve greater profitability than DMFs.
Cross-Cultural Adult ADHD Assessment in 42 Countries Using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener
Authors: Lewczuk Karol , Marcowski Przemysław , Wizła Magdalena , Gola Mateusz , Nagy Léna , Koós Mónika , Kraus Shane W. , Demetrovics Zsolt , Potenza Marc N. , Ballester-Arnal Rafael , Batthyány Dominik , Bergeron Sophie , Billieux Joël , Briken Peer , Burkauskas Julius , Cárdenas-López Georgina , Carvalho Joana , Castro-Calvo Jesús , Chen Lijun , Ciocca Giacomo , Corazza Ornella , Csako Rita I. , Fernandez David P. , Fujiwara Hironobu , Fernandez Elaine F. , Fuss Johannes , Gabrhelík Roman , Gewirtz-Meydan Ateret , Gjoneska Biljana , Grubbs Joshua B. , Hashim Hashim T. , Islam Md. Saiful , Ismail Mustafa , Jiménez-Martínez Martha C. , Jurin Tanja , Kalina Ondrej , Klein Verena , Költő András , Lee Sang-Kyu , Lin Chung-Ying , Lin Yi-Ching , Lochner Christine , López-Alvarado Silvia , Lukavská Kateřina , Mayta-Tristán Percy , Miller Dan J. , Orosová Oľga , Orosz Gábor ,   Sungkyunkwan University’s research team, Ponce Fernando P. , Quintana Gonzalo R. , Quintero Garzola Gabriel C. , Ramos-Diaz Jano , Rigaud Kévin , Rousseau Ann , Tubino Scanavino Marco De , Schulmeyer Marion K. , Sharan Pratap , Shibata Mami , Shoib Sheikh , Sigre-Leirós Vera , Sniewski Luke , Spasovski Ognen , Steibliene Vesta , Stein Dan J. , Ünsal Berk C. , Vaillancourt-Morel Marie-Pier , Claire Van Hout Marie , Bőthe Beáta
Published: January 2024

Objective:

We analyzed adult ADHD symptoms in a cross-cultural context, including investigating the occurrence and potential correlates of adult ADHD and psychometric examination of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener.

Method:

Our analysis is based on a large-scale research project involving 42 countries (International Sex Survey, N=72,627, 57% women, Mage=32.84; SDage=12.57).

Results:

The ASRS Screener demonstrated good reliability and validity, along with partial invariance across different languages, countries, and genders. The occurrence of being at risk for adult ADHD was relatively high (21.4% for women, 18.1% for men). The highest scores were obtained in the US, Canada, and other English-speaking Western countries, with significantly lower scores among East Asian and non-English-speaking European countries. Moreover, ADHD symptom severity and occurrence were especially high among gender-diverse individuals. Significant associations between adult ADHD symptoms and age, mental and sexual health, and socioeconomic status were observed.

Conclusions:

Present results show significant cross-cultural variability in adult ADHD occurrence as well as highlight important factors related to adult ADHD. Moreover, the importance of further research on adult ADHD in previously understudied populations (non-Western countries) and minority groups (gender-diverse individuals) is stressed. Lastly, the present analysis is consistent with previous evidence showing low specificity of adult ADHD screening instruments and contributes to the current discussion on accurate adult ADHD screening and diagnosis.
Association between demographics, socioeconomics, and disease-related factors and the perception of stigma in people with MS
Authors: Ghajarzadeh Mahsa , Fitzgerald Kathryn C , Mowry Ellen M , Nourbakhsh Bardia
Published: January 2024

Background:

Stigma is prevalent among individuals with chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and those with comorbid mental health disorders, but its associated factors are poorly understood.

Objective:

To investigate the prevalence and correlates of stigma in people living with MS.

Methods:

We analyzed data from the MS Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions (MS PATHS) network, which collected patient information and outcomes during routine clinic visits. We used a multinomial logistic regression model to examine the cross-sectional association between stigma and demographic, socioeconomics, and MS-related factors.

Results:

We included 11,634 participants. The mean Neuro-QoL stigma T-score was 47.2 ± 8.6, and 17.7% of participants were classified as having moderate to severe stigma using established cutoffs. Multinomial logistic regression models suggest that higher disability levels, progressive form of the disease, shorter duration of the disease, and unemployment were associated with higher stigma while being male, married, undergoing treatment with high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and being from European MS centers were associated with lower stigma perception. Disability levels, measured by Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS), had the strongest independent association with stigma.

Conclusion:

Stigma remains a relevant issue for people living with MS. Factors, such as physical and cognitive disability, DMT, and employment status may influence the severity of perceived stigma.
Work and depression: A meaning-making perspective
Authors: Bendassolli Pedro F
Published: January 2024

Depression is a mood disorder that affects millions of people and is one of the most prevalent mental health problems worldwide. Biological, social, and psychological factors are associated with the emergence of this disorder. Among social factors, work is an area of particular importance. Depression is one of the leading causes of time off work and performance problems. Work can also trigger depression. This paper explores the potential connection between work and depression. Specifically, it analyzes the relationship between the processes of signification at work, understood as composed of senses and meanings, and depressive symptoms. The main thesis underlying this paper is that impediments and blockages in the meaning-making process may play a role in the emergence of depressive symptoms, as they affect the psychological function of work. This function consists of the possibility for workers to build meaningful experiences of transformation of themselves and their material and social reality. When individuals are prevented from developing such experiences, human action becomes disconnected from its sense for the person. As such, depression emerges as a pathology of action and meaning-making capabilities, a state of emptying and abandonment of the power to act against external resistance, enabling people to transform themselves through work.
A social media analysis of quarantined passengers’ social-supported coping and resilience-building experiences
Authors: Su Lijuan , Liang Ruixin , Luo Qiuju , Liu-Lastres Bingjie
Published: January 2024

Cruise lines are adopting onboard quarantine as part of emergency response measures to the global pandemic. However, little is known about the social support embedded in the social-mediated communication process to assist passengers in coping and building resilience. Guided by the conservation of resource theory, this study adopted the netnography approach to analyze the online interactions between quarantined passengers on Diamond Princess and netizens. A qualitative approach was employed to analyze the content of a relational dataset consisting of 14 research subjects, 3,368 posts, and 67,964 comments. The results not merely showed the changing foci of the comments over time but also revealed the supporting role played by social media. The constant engagement with netizens provided passengers with information and social support, which contributed to their coping and resilience-building. These findings offer a new theoretical perspective on incorporating social media in tourism crisis management, as well as practical implications for cruise lines and tourism organizations to optimize their resource utilization for marketing recovery.
The diagnosis of cerebral palsy in two Danish national registries: a validation study
Authors: Larsen Mads L. , Hoei-Hansen Christina E. , Rackauskaite Gija
Published: January 2024

Aims:

To determine the quality of prospectively collected data from the highly specialized Danish Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Program (CPOP), and to establish the validity of a reported cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis in the Danish National Patient Registry (NPR), regularly used as a proxy for neurodevelopmental disorders in epidemiological research.

Methods:

We compared data from the two registries on children with registered CP, born in Denmark between 2008 and 2009, with information from medical records verified by two experienced physicians specializing in pediatric neurology. Data accuracy was estimated by completeness, correctness, and reliability. Completeness was calculated as the number of cases with correctly registered CP diagnoses divided by the total number of true CP diagnoses (similar to sensitivity). Correctness was calculated as the number of cases with correct registrations divided by the total number of cases (similar to positive predictive value). Reliability was estimated using kappa statistics.

Results:

Registered CP diagnoses in the CPOP had high accuracy, with 94% correctness and 91% completeness. Furthermore, most key variables in the CPOP showed excellent reliability, especially variables defining the severity of the condition. In the Danish NPR, only 225 of 348 children with a noted CP diagnosis fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for CP, resulting in 65% correctness.

Conclusions:

Danish CPOP data are a valid source for epidemiological research. Conversely, a noted CP diagnosis in the Danish NPR was, at best, correct in only two out of three patients.
Noticed and appreciated? The role of argument diversity in enhancing news credibility and reader satisfaction
Authors: Zerback Thomas , Schneiders Pascal
Published: January 2024

Although viewpoint diversity is a key value for audiences, journalism and media policy, not much is known about how audiences process and evaluate it. This is critical because any positive effect we might expect from a broad range of views (e.g., on opinion formation) requires that recipients recognize and appreciate it as a part of news content. The current study examines how news readers process and evaluate argument diversity as a specific aspect of viewpoint diversity. In a 2 × 2 × 2 between-subject experiment, 1363 subjects were exposed to news reports containing a diverse or homogenous set of arguments in the context of two currently debated issues (artificial intelligence and immigration). Reports were either published by a single or multiple media outlets to determine potential differences between internal and external argument diversity. We find that readers not only recognize the presence of argument diversity, but that it leads to an increase in overall news satisfaction. This increase can be attributed to a higher credibility of news reports with diverse arguments.
Engaging Participants Through Hybrid Community-Centered Approaches: Lessons Learned During the COVID CommUNITY Public Health Research Program
Authors: Kandasamy Sujane , Chabrotra Riddhi , Khan Zainab , Rana Dania , Suddle Noor , Desai Dipika , Khan Farah , Nocos Rochelle , Lear Scott A. , Anand Sonia S.
Published: January 2024

Community-centered research studies can improve trust, cultural appropriateness, and accurate findings through meaningful, in-depth engagement with participants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers shifted to implement pandemic-specific guidelines on top of already existing safety practices; these adjustments gave insight into bettering the structure of forthcoming research studies. At the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI)/McMaster University, the COVID CommUNITY study staff took field notes from their experience at the Ontario (ON) and British Columbia (BC) sites navigating an observational prospective cohort study during the pandemic. These field notes are outlined below to provide insight into culturally responsive, trust-centered, and communication-focused strategies used to improve hybrid research. A significant challenge the team overcame was obtaining blood sample collections by executing socially distanced sample collections outside of participants’ homes, coined “Porch Pickups.” Data collection was made more accessible through phone surveys and frequent virtual contact. To enhance recruitment strategies for sub-communities of the South Asian population, staff focused on cultural interests and “gift-exchange” incentives. Cultural awareness was prioritized through correct name pronunciation, conducting data collection in participant preferred languages, and using flexible approaches to data collection. These strategies were developed through weekly team meetings where improvement strategies were discussed, and concerns were addressed in real-time.
Poverty and Wealth without a Ladder? An Appraisal of the Stages of Progress Method among Agro–Pastoralists in Ethiopia’s Lower Omo Valley
Authors: Stevenson Edward G. J. , Molenaar Jil , Pertaub David-Paul , Tekle Dessalegn
Published: January 2024

Is it possible to measure wealth and poverty across settings while being faithful to local understandings? The stages of progress method (SoP) attempts to do this by building ladders of wealth in locally relevant terms and using these in comparisons across groups. This approach is potentially useful among pastoralist populations where monetary income and standard asset inventories may be misleading, and where people are discriminated against by the state and neglected by formal systems of accounting. On the basis of fieldwork among Nyangatom agro–pastoralists in Ethiopia, we expose some problematic assumptions of the SoP method. Participants did not endorse ladder-like stages from poverty to wealth distinguished by material assets, nor did they reach consensus on the definition of a poverty line. We caution that the SoP method carries risks of facipulation, and instead we advocate for multidimensional measures of prosperity based on locally relevant forms of wealth.
Examining the Classroom Impact of the Bounce Back Trauma Intervention: Implications for Selecting Progress Monitoring Tools
Authors: Nygaard Malena A. , Ormiston Heather E. , Enderle Hallie
Published: January 2024

Limited research has examined the impact of Bounce Back (BB), a trauma-focused intervention for elementary-age students, on student academic engagement and daily classroom behavior. This study utilized both ongoing direct and indirect measures of student functioning to evaluate student progress and inform the implementation of BB. Participants were six U.S. students (four male and two female). We employed an AB single-subject design across cases with follow-up, and we collected data via the Direct Behavior Rating–Single Item Scale (DBR-SIS). We also employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener (SAEBRS), and mySAEBRS across raters before/after intervention implementation. We found either direct or indirect assessment could be used to monitor intervention effectiveness for youth who presented with some internalizing and externalizing problems, whereas indirect measures (i.e., rating scales) showed the primary effect for youth with solely internalizing problems, and direct assessment (i.e., DBR-SIS) showed the primary effect for youth with predominantly externalizing behaviors. Selecting progress-monitoring tools based on presenting concerns is important to adequately monitor the effectiveness of school-based mental health interventions. Implications for practice are discussed.
The Medial Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve Is a Low-Morbidity Alternative to the Standard Sural Nerve Autograft
Authors: Pripotnev Stahs , Pinni Sai L. , Zhou Suzanne , Skolnick Gary , Mackinnon Susan E.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Nerve interposition grafting is an important technique in nerve reconstructive surgery that is used when a primary repair is not feasible without significant tension. This study sought to evaluate the long-term morbidity of the medial antebrachial cutaneous (MABC) nerve as an alternative donor nerve in comparison with sural nerve harvest.

Methods:

A single surgeon and institution retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients who underwent nerve autografting using the sural and MABC as donor nerves between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2019. Surveys assessed overall patient satisfaction with surgery, as well as donor and recipient site morbidity, satisfaction, pain, numbness, and cold sensitivity.

Results:

Of the 73 patients contacted, 54 agreed to participate, and 43 of 73 (58.9%) ultimately completed the survey: 28 MABC (65.1%) and 15 sural (34.9%). There were no significant differences between the sural and MABC groups in overall satisfaction with surgery, donor and recipient site satisfaction, pain, cold sensitivity, and effect on quality of life. Even though 66.7% of sural donor sites and 75% of MABC donor sites had residual numbness, the effect this had on quality of life was very low (2 and 3, respectively).

Conclusion:

The MABC is a safe alternative to the traditional sural nerve autograft. A small subset of patients undergoing nerve autograft harvest will experience long-term morbidity in the form of pain. Conversely, the more common presence of numbness is not reported as bothersome.
Investigating Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinarity: How Meta-Ethnography Contributes to the Study of Collaborative Research Practices
Authors: Vienni-Baptista Bianca
Published: January 2024

Interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity are collaborative research modes that help advance science dealing with grand societal challenges. However, many factors still act as obstacles to high-impact research, showing disconnections between practices and policies. We can reasonably question whether we are still incapable of applying the correct methods to grasp interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary heterogeneity. This article aims to deepen the discussion of the methodological options for critically studying interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity. By applying meta-ethnography to the inter- and transdisciplinary academic literature, the paper inquires about the suitability of the method to study bodies of knowledge on interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity. Meta-ethnography is a seven-phase literature review type of meta-synthesis aimed at creating new understandings and theories from a body of work. Applying an autoethnographic approach, I show how meta-ethnography allows for the reconceptualisation of a disparate and dispersed body of literature, advancing current discussions on inter- and transdisciplinarity and their roles in science and policy. The approach outlined in the article is innovative because it contributes to two related realms: (i) it helps advance the field of inter- and transdisciplinary research and policy because it refines the methods available to study these multidimensional practices, and (ii) it offers an example of the further adaptability of meta-ethnography to new topics, such as the investigation of collaborative settings. I analyse six challenges in light of the scientific literature and conclude by focusing on the value meta-ethnography has for studying interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research and propose two methodological innovations.
Optimal burn-in for minimally repaired components from n subpopulations
Authors: Ling Xiaoliang , Yin Ruijie , Wang Liying
Published: January 2024

Burn-in is a widely used technique to screen out defective components before they are put into field operation. In this paper, we propose a burn-in policy for the components from a heterogeneous population composed of [Formula: see text] ordered subpopulations. Assume that components can be minimally repaired when the failure occurs. We consider the total number of minimal repairs observed during burn-in process as a screening rule to remove defective components with poor reliability performance. First, we carry out the probabilistic analysis of the screening policy to show the effectiveness of burn-in. Second, we obtain the optimal burn-in settings which minimize the mean total cost or maximize the probability of passing the mission period. Finally, we give an example to illustrate the proposed model.
Non-vascularized metatarsal transfer for thumb hypoplasia: a medium- to long-term retrospective study of 41 patients
Authors: Iigaya Ruriko , Takagi Takehiko , Seki Atsuhito , Takayama Shinichiro
Published: January 2024

We retrospectively reviewed 41 Manske type IIIB and IV hypoplastic thumbs reconstructed with non-vascularized fourth metatarsal transfers with a mean age of 3.1 years (range 2–7) at the time of operation. These patients were observed for at least 5 years postoperatively. Of the 41 hands, 13 developed complications: type IV patients had significantly more complications ( p = 0.014) although using an additional cerclage wire for bony fixation significantly reduced the complication rate ( p = 0.045). Of the 31 hands examined with regard to growth, eight exhibited early physeal arrest of bone graft within 5 years postoperatively. The growth rate of the reconstructed first metacarpal bone was significantly lower than that of the second metacarpal bone 10 years after surgery ( p = 0.041). Transfer of the non-vascularized fourth metatarsal remains an alternative for type IIIB and IV hypoplastic thumbs if parents desire to keep a five-fingered hand.

Level of evidence:

III
As simple as it sounds? The treatment of simple bone cysts in the proximal femur in children and adolescents: Retrospective multicenter EPOS study of 74 patients
Authors: van Geloven Thomas PG , van der Heijden Lizz , Laitinen Minna K , Campanacci Domenico A , Döring Kevin , Dammerer Dietmar , Badr Ismail T , Haara Mikko , Beltrami Giovanni , Hobusch Gerhard M , Kraus Tanja , Scheider Philipp , Soto-Montoya Camilo , Umer Masood , Saeed Javeria , Funovics Phillipp T , Fiocco Marta , van de Sande Michiel AJ , de Witte Pieter Bas
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

Simple bone cysts are among the most prevalent benign cystic tumor-like lesions in children. Proximal femoral simple bone cysts may require specific treatment because of increased fracture risk. With limited literature available on this specific localization, consensus regarding optimal treatment is lacking. We present a large international multicenter retrospective cohort study on proximal femoral simple bone cysts.

Methods:

All consecutive pediatric patients with proximal femoral simple bone cyst from 10 tertiary referral centers for musculoskeletal oncology were included (2000–2021). Demographics, primary treatment, complications, and re-operations were evaluated. Primary outcomes were time until full weight-bearing and failure-free survival.

Results:

Overall, 74 simple bone cyst patients were included (median age 9 years (range = 2–16), 56 (76%) male). Median follow-up was 2.9 years (range = 0.5–21). Index procedure was watchful waiting (n = 6), percutaneous procedure (n = 12), open procedure (n = 50), or osteosynthesis alone (n = 6). Median time until full weight-bearing was 8 weeks (95% confidence interval = 0.1–15.9) for watchful waiting, 9.5 (95% confidence interval = 3.7–15.3) for percutaneous procedure, 11 (95% confidence interval = −0.7 to 13.7) for open procedure, and 6.5 (95% confidence interval = 5.9–16.1) for osteosynthesis alone (p = 0.58). Failure rates were 33%, 58%, 29%, and 0%, respectively (p = 0.069). Overall failure-free survival at 1, 2, and 5 years was 77.8% (95% confidence interval = 68.2–87.4), 69.5% (95% confidence interval = 58.5–80.5), and 62.0% (95% confidence interval = 47.9–76.1), respectively.

Conclusion:

A preferred treatment for proximal femoral simple bone cysts remains unclear, with comparable failure rates and times until full weight-bearing. Watchful waiting may be successful in certain cases. If not feasible, osteosynthesis alone can be considered. Treatment goals should be cyst control, minimizing complications and swift return to normal activities. Therefore, an individualized balance should be made between undertreatment, with potentially higher complication risks versus overtreatment, resulting in possible larger interventions and accompanying complications.

Level of evidence:

Level IV, retrospective multicentre study
Experimental study of the low-velocity impact behavior of open-cell aluminum foam made by the infiltration method
Authors: Hajizadeh Mohsen , Yazdani Mojtaba , Khodarahmi Hosein
Published: January 2024

This study examined the behavior and energy absorption of open-cell aluminum foam under different loading conditions. The foam was made by infiltration, a low-cost method that produced a uniform pore distribution. The foam was compressed using two machines with varying impact velocities and weights. The stress–strain and energy absorption curves of the foam were measured and analyzed. The results showed that the strain rate and the impact weight affected the compressive properties and energy absorption of the foam. The strain rate up to 264 s−1 with constant mass did not affect the plateau stress, which was the constant stress in the plastic region. However, at 264 s−1, increasing the impact weight increased the plateau stress and the energy absorption of the foam, which showed that the strain rate sensitivity depended on the impact inertia. The study revealed the dynamic characteristics of open-cell aluminum foam made by infiltration and provided insights for its use in impact protection. The study also showed that infiltration was a reliable and consistent method for making open-cell aluminum foam. The study highlighted the important roles of plateau stress and hardening effect in influencing the energy absorption of the foam under dynamic loading. The study suggested that future studies should consider the impact inertia as a parameter that affects the strain rate sensitivity of the foam.
The Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) and safety management systems: An integrated approach to managing safety in healthcare
Authors: Back Jonathan , Owens Deinniol , Benneyworth Rosie
Published: January 2024

The Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) was established by the Health and Care Act 2022 as a new non-departmental arm's length body, replacing the former Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch. HSSIB exists to help reduce patient harm by understanding the complex interactions that exist within healthcare that may lead to patient safety events occurring. In other safety critical industries, a safety management system (SMS) approach is used to help enable proactive assessments of risks, specification of how risks should be managed, and set clear lines of accountability and responsibility in addressing risks. HSSIB has begun to explore how an SMS may operate in healthcare to help better equip the system to identify, respond, and proactively identify emerging and recurring concerns that may impact on the safety of patients.
Changes in care managers’ positive attitudes toward dying patients compared to that of nurses by one-day online advance care planning communication training
Authors: Oshiro Kyoko , Okochi Shozo , Nakashima Junko , Hirano Tomoko , Ohe Shuichi , Kojima Hideki , Nishikawa Mitsunori
Published: January 2024

Background:

Culturally appropriate communication training programs for a wide range of professions that can be used during infection epidemics are crucial for advance care planning implementation. Starting in 2018, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare made a major policy change, and doctors, nurses, and social workers, and care managers were identified in the guidelines as the professions that promote advance care planning. Motivated by the lack of online programs for Japanese care managers, we proposed a new one-day program.

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine the changes in the positive attitude of care managers toward dying patients compared to that of nurses, which has been used in past literature as an outcome of advance care planning educational interventions, after administering the program in Japan.

Design:

Before-after comparison study.

Methods:

Care managers were recruited through our website, ACP-Piece, http://plaza.umin.ac.jp/~acp-piece/piece.html . A questionnaire survey concerning positive attitudes toward dying patients was administered before and after the program on 28 August 2021. Sixty-six subjects participated in the training and 60 participants, including 14 care managers, consented to the study and completed the questionnaire surveys before and after the program.

Results:

The Frommelt attitude toward care of the dying scores for care managers increased after the program ( p-values, confidence intervals, and effect sizes: p < 0.001, −11.90 to −4.388, −1.252). After training, care managers had a significantly higher maximum score occurrence than nurses. Older care managers with advance care planning experience may have had a higher maximum score occurrence compared to younger, inexperienced participants.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first to demonstrate the increased positive attitude scores toward dying patients after online communication training for Japanese care managers. The limitations of this study include the lack of evidence regarding reasons for score changes, long-term score changes, and effectiveness for patients and their families.
Fixation in Maxillofacial Surgery—Past, Present and Future: A Narrative Review Article
Authors: Ahmad Wasim , Ganguly Akash , Hashmi Ghulam Sarwar , Ansari Md Kalim , Rahman Tabishur , Arman Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

The present review explores the existing documentation in the literature related to the fixation of mandibular fractures undertaken in maxillofacial surgery.

Methods:

English language articles were searched in various databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The keyword used for searching are “Mandible Fracture,” “Maxillomandibular fixation,” “Fixation” and “Recent Advancements.”

Results about the history of fixation:

Extended history into the pre-Christian era, early medieval, through the 17th, 18th and 19th, 20th, 21st centuries have been dealt in the narrative review. Emphasis on the present plating system with focus on present and future prospects like AI, virtual reality as well as Magnesium based plating systems have also been dealt here.

Conclusions:

The present review spotlights on understanding present, past, and future aspects of fixation of mandibular fractures. Currently, titanium plates are being used and the most popular materials though future holds good prospects for polymer based and magnesium based materials.
IELSG30 phase 2 trial: intravenous and intrathecal CNS prophylaxis in primary testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Conconi Annarita , Chiappella Annalisa , Ferreri Andrés J. M. , Stathis Anastasios , Botto Barbara , Sassone Marianna , Gaidano Gianluca , Balzarotti Monica , Merli Francesco , Tucci Alessandra , Vanazzi Anna , Tani Monica , Bruna Riccardo , Orsucci Lorella , Cabras Maria Giuseppina , Celli Melania , Annibali Ombretta , Liberati Anna Marina , Zanni Manuela , Ghiggi Chiara , Pisani Francesco , Pinotti Graziella , Dore Fausto , Esposito Fabiana , Pirosa Maria Cristina , Cesaretti Marina , Bonomini Luisella , Vitolo Umberto , Zucca Emanuele
Published: January 2024

Primary testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PTL) is characterized by high risk of contralateral testis and central nervous system (CNS) relapse. Chemoimmunotherapy with intrathecal (IT) CNS prophylaxis and contralateral testis irradiation eliminates contralateral recurrences and reduces CNS relapses. The IELSG30 phase 2 study investigated feasibility and activity of an intensified IT and IV CNS prophylaxis. Patients with stage I/II PTL who had not received treatment received 2 cycles of IV high-dose methotrexate (MTX) (1.5 g/m2) after 6 cycles of the R-CHOP regimen (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone, every 21 days). IT liposomal cytarabine was administered on day 0 of cycles 2 to 5 of 21-day R-CHOP regimen. Contralateral testis radiotherapy (25-30 Gy) was recommended. Fifty-four patients (median age: 66 years) with stage I (n = 32) or II (n = 22) disease were treated with R-CHOP, 53 received at least 3 doses of IT cytarabine, 48 received at least 1 dose of IV MTX, and 50 received prophylactic radiotherapy. No unexpected toxicity occurred. At a median follow-up of 6 years, there was no CNS relapse; 7 patients progressed, and 8 died, with 5-year progression-free and overall survival rates of 91% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79-96) and 92% (95% CI, 81-97), respectively. Extranodal recurrence was documented in 6 patients (in 2 without nodal involvement). In 4 cases, the relapse occurred >6 years after treatment. Causes of death were lymphoma (n = 4), second primary malignancy (n = 1), cerebral vasculopathy (n = 1), unknown (n = 2). Intensive prophylaxis was feasible and effective in preventing CNS relapses. Late relapses, mainly at extranodal sites, represented the most relevant pattern of failure. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00945724.
Dynamics and concordance alterations of regional brain function indices in vestibular migraine: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Xiong Xing , Dai Lingling , Chen Wen , Lu Jiajie , Hu Chunhong , Zhao Hongru , Ke Jun
Published: January 2024

Background

Prior MRI studies on vestibular migraine (VM) have revealed abnormalities in static regional intrinsic brain activity (iBA) and dynamic functional connectivity between brain regions or networks. However, the temporal variation and concordance of regional iBA measures remain to be explored.

Methods

57 VM patients during the interictal period were compared to 88 healthy controls (HC) in this resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. The dynamics and concordance of regional iBA indices, including amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo), were examined by utilizing sliding time-window analysis. Partial correlation analyses were performed between clinical parameters and resting-state fMRI indices in brain areas showing significant group differences.

Results

The VM group showed increased ALFF and ReHo dynamics, as well as increased temporal concordance between ALFF and ReHo in the bilateral paracentral lobule and supplementary motor area relative to the HC group. We also found decreased ReHo dynamics in the right temporal pole, and decreased ALFF dynamics in the right cerebellum posterior lobe, bilateral angular gyrus and middle occipital gyrus (MOG) in the VM group compared with the HC group. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between ALFF dynamics in the left MOG and vertigo disease duration across all VM patients.

Conclusion

Temporal dynamics and concordance of regional iBA indices were altered in the motor cortex, cerebellum, occipital and temporoparietal cortex, which may contribute to disrupted multisensory processing and vestibular control in patients with VM. ALFF dynamics in the left MOG may be useful biomarker for evaluating vertigo burden in this disorder.
Microglia TREM1-mediated neuroinflammation contributes to central sensitization via the NF-κB pathway in a chronic migraine model
Authors: Sun Songtang , Fan Zhenzhen , Liu Xuejiao , Wang Longde , Ge Zhaoming
Published: January 2024

Background

Neuroinflammation, mediated by the activation of microglia, contributes to central sensitization, which is associated with the development of chronic migraine (CM). TREM1 receptors amplify the inflammatory response. However, their relationship to CM is unclear. Thus, this study endeavoured to elucidate the exact role of TREM1 in CM.

Methods

Nitroglycerin (NTG) was repeatedly administered intraperitoneally to establish the CM model. Mechanical and thermal sensitivities were assessed using von Frey filaments and hot plate assays. Using Western blotting, TREM1, NF-κB pathway, NLRP3 inflammasome components, and proinflammatory cytokines were all detected. Immunofluorescence was used to examine the cellular distribution of TREM1 and NLRP3, the number of microglia, immunoreactivity, and morphological changes. We examined the effects of TREM1 antagonists (LR12) and NF-κB inhibitors (PDTC) on pain behaviour, as well as the production of c-fos and CGRP. Additionally, we investigated whether LR12 and PDTC affect the activation of microglia and the NLRP3 inflammasome. We synthesized siRNA and TREM1-overexpressing plasmids to transfect BV2 cells treated with LPS and normal BV2 cells and treated TREM1-overexpressing BV2 cells with PDTC. The NF-κB pathway, NLRP3 inflammasome components, and proinflammatory cytokines were quantified using Western blotting.

Results

Following NTG administration, the expression of TREM1 was significantly upregulated and exclusively localized in microglia in the TNC, and was well co-localized with NLRP3. Furthermore, activation of the classical NF-κB pathway was observed. Pre-treatment with LR12 and PDTC effectively attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity, suppressed the expression of c-fos and CGRP, and inhibited NF-κB activity in CM mice. Additionally, inhibition of TREM1 and NF-κB activity mitigated NTG-induced microglia and NLRP3 activation, as well as proinflammatory cytokines production. In vitro, knockdown of TREM1 resulted in attenuated activation of the NF-κB pathway following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment and reduced expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components as well as proinflammatory cytokines. After TREM1 overexpression, the NF-κB pathway was activated, NLRP3 inflammasome components and proinflammatory cytokines were upregulated, and PDTC reversed this phenomenon.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that TREM1 regulates microglia and NLRP3 activation via the NF-κB pathway, thereby contributing to central sensitization and implicating its involvement in chronic migraine pathogenesis.
Degradation and sorption of the herbicide pelargonic acid in subsoils below railway tracks compared to a range of topsoils
Authors: Poiger Thomas , Müller Joanna , Kasteel Roy , Buerge Ignaz J.
Published: January 2024

Background

Pelargonic acid is a non-selective herbicide derived from natural sources with a range of potential applications in areas where synthetic herbicides may be less acceptable. One such use area is weed control on railway tracks. To assess the potential leaching of pelargonic acid to groundwater for this specific use, we conducted degradation and sorption studies with soils from railway tracks and, for comparison, with a range of topsoils.

Results

Degradation of pelargonic acid was very rapid in subsoils from railway tracks with half-lives (DT50) of < 1 day (geom. mean DT50, 5.8 h), and even faster in the selected agricultural topsoils (1.5 h). The starting concentration had a strong influence with much slower degradation at higher spike levels. Adsorption to the railway soils (alkaline soils with low organic matter content) was expectedly weak (Freundlich adsorption coefficients KF of 0.06–0.31 mL/g) and clearly stronger in the topsoils (0.2–40 mL/g). Organic carbon normalized adsorption coefficients (KFoc) ranged from 11 to 371 mL/g (all soils) and were pH dependent, consistent with the behaviour of weak acids. Computer modelling using the software PELMO and a set of scenarios for herbicide use on railway tracks developed for the authorisation in Germany yielded predicted environmental concentrations in groundwater of < 0.001 µg/L when parameterised with the adsorption and degradation endpoints from subsoils.

Conclusions

The leaching potential of pelargonic acid may be considered low even in application scenarios with sandy soils with low organic matter content such as those found below railway tracks.
Validation of reaction norm breeding values for robustness in Australian sheep
Authors: Waters Dominic L. , Clark Sam A. , Brown Daniel J. , Walkom Samuel F. , van der Werf Julius H. J.
Published: January 2024

Background

There can be variation between animals in how stable their genetic merit is across different environments due to genotype-by-environment (G×E) interactions. This variation could be used in breeding programs to select robust genotypes that combine high overall performance with stable genetic ranking across environments. There have been few attempts to validate breeding values for robustness in livestock, although this is a necessary step towards their implementation in selection decisions. The objective of this study was to validate breeding values for the robustness of body weight across different growth environments that were estimated using reaction norm models in sheep data.

Results

Using threefold cross-validation for the progeny of 337 sires, the average correlation between single-step breeding values for the reaction norm slope and the realised robustness of progeny across different growth environments was 0.21. The correlation between breeding values for the reaction slope estimated independently in two different datasets linked by common sires was close to the expected correlation based on theory.

Conclusions

Slope estimated breeding values (EBV) obtained using reaction norm models were predictive of the phenotypic robustness of progeny across different environments and were consistent for sires with progeny in two different datasets. Selection based on reaction norm EBV could be used to increase the robustness of a population to environmental variation.