bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health tourism in the era of COVID-19: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Kulkarni Darshana Girish , Kulkarni Girish Ramesh , Saurabh Punit , Shome Samik
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The COVID-19 outbreak has severely impacted the health tourism industry. This study aims to examine the research undertaken on health tourism during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis was performed using 211 documents written by 645 authors between 2020 and 2024. The databases used for this analysis are SCOPUS, Web of Science and PubMed. The study was conducted using the Biblioshiny application for R software. Various analyses, including citation analysis, keyword analysis, thematic mapping and evolution and collaboration analysis, were conducted to get a comprehensive picture of the impact of COVID-19 on health tourism.

Findings

The findings suggest that medical tourism was the major area of focus for researchers during COVID-19, whereas wellness tourism was studied in the later stages of the pandemic and is considered important for coping with the negative effects of COVID-19. The thematic review indicates that pre-pandemic research focused on strategies that accelerate the growth of the health tourism sector, whereas during and post-pandemic, the focus was on studying the impact of COVID-19 on the survival and recovery of the sector. Overall, health tourism was considered instrumental in the post-pandemic revival of the tourism industry.

Research limitations/implications

The bibliometric analysis is limited to only four years, as the focus was on studying health tourism during COVID-19. Hence, the study offers more precise insights into the research focus on health tourism during a pandemic. The current study offers limited insights into the post-pandemic scenario as the research is still emerging.

Practical implications

There is a significant opportunity for future research on post-COVID-19 recovery strategies, wherein this research will be helpful for researchers, particularly from emerging countries and countries with high dependence on health, medical and wellness tourism. The thematic analysis provides a valuable comparison of pre-, during and post-pandemic research.

Social implications

The research indicates an opportunity to study the policies and strategies adopted by various countries regarding the health tourism sector in the post-COVID-19 era. The research also highlights the interwoven, intricate, interdisciplinary nature of health tourism in relation to public and mental health and the need for collaborative efforts.

Originality/value

The study provides critical insights and new directions for future research by highlighting the crucial role of health tourism in mitigating the impact of COVID-19.
What motivates incidents at height within a custodial setting? Perceptions of those who have perpetrated incidents
Authors: Goldie-Chaplin Gemma
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Incidents at height (IAH) within a prison setting, including incidents where prisoners climb onto netting or bars in-between prison landings and rooftop protests, have steadily been increasing in recent years. Considering relevant motivations may aid in proactive changes to prevent future occurrences.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research was undertaken through semi-structured interviews with a sample of four Category B male prisoners who had perpetrated IAH with a short duration. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used.

Findings

Motivations for the sample appeared instrumental and conflict driven and subordinate themes noted following analysis were that engaging in an incident at height was perceived by the sample as the only way to be heard/listened to, a means of gaining control over a situation they lacked control in, linked to staff’s management techniques and being the less serious behavioural option available. Findings are discussed in relation to theories of prison misconduct including general strain theory, social proof theory, importation theory and environmental factors.

Research limitations/implications

Potentially those with more crises driven and expressive motivations may remain at height for an extended period requiring a more structured negotiation approach to manage heightened emotions (Vecchi et al., 2005). This may be a focus for future research to determine whether incident length is suggestive of different motivations and management approaches. It may also be beneficial to replicate this research to consider motivations across different populations and locations.

Practical implications

Potential consideration could be given to ways in which prisoners can feel listened to. Staff being more compassionate and transparent about wait times for access to services and this being more widely publicised, may also assist in reducing reactive incidents. Findings outlined a perception that staff lacked interest, understanding or concern. Ensuring staff adhere to the principles of rehabilitative culture and show understanding for the prisoner’s experiences may improve their responses and the prisoners’ perceptions and create a culture where individuals feel able to manage strains more effectively.

Originality/value

Research considering potential motivations behind IAH within custodial settings is currently limited and enables consideration of potential preventative measures or incident management approaches.
Help me summarize a book: user continues to use intentions in AI reading assistants from a generative AI quality viewpoint
Authors: Chang Tsung-Sheng , Bau Dong-Yih
Published: January 2025

Purpose

People have utilized artificial intelligence (AI) reading assistants for study. This tool assists readers in summarizing the content of a book. However, the crucial factor in summarizing book content lies in the quality of the content by generative AI, as this quality affects readers’ willingness to use AI tools as reading aids. This study expands the acceptance architecture for artificially intelligent device use (AIDUA), integrates the concept of generative AI quality and proposes a new model for users’ continuous use of generative AI reading assistants.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a quantitative approach. A total of 362 respondents were from Taiwan. This study used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to validate, aiming to identify factors influencing users’ continued adoption of AI reading assistants.

Findings

The results show that the quality of AI-generated content and readability significantly influence users’ performance expectations and effort expectancy. However, credibility and representationalness have different effects, impacting effort expectancy but not performance expectancy. These findings underscore the critical role of generative AI quality in shaping user expectations and their continued use of AI reading assistants.

Originality/value

This research is of great significance in examining the quality of generative AI. It establishes a theoretical framework applicable to future research, enabling industry players to understand better the pivotal role of generative AI quality in the operation of information services. And focus on using AI reading assistants, describing the specific use of AI for specific tasks.
The Impact of Psychological First Aid Training (RAPID‐PFA) on Self‐Efficacy, Perceived Competencies and Disaster Preparedness of Nursing Students in Tunisian Public Institutions: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mtiraoui Ahlem , Mahjoubi Hayder , Achour Akram , Ghardallou Mariem , Nakhli Jaafer
Published: January 2025

This article is an example of ‘Lessons from the Field’. Disasters and emergencies pose unique challenges for healthcare professionals, necessitating a robust response from the nursing community. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Psychological First Aid (PFA) intervention based on the RAPID‐PFA Model on the perceived competencies, disaster management readiness and self‐efficacy of nursing students in public institutions in Tunisia. A quasi‐experimental study was conducted among nursing students in public institutions in Tunisia, comprising an intervention group (N = 54) and a control group (N = 54). Based on international PFA guidelines, the educational intervention included a 6‐h immersive workshop featuring role‐playing exercises. Perceived competencies, self‐efficacy and disaster preparedness levels were assessed using standardized instruments. Data were collected at four‐time points: before, immediately after the training and 1 and 3 months post‐intervention. Descriptive statistics, χ² tests and one‐way and repeated‐measures ANOVA were used to evaluate the training's impact. The study population had a mean age of 22, with no significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics between the intervention and control groups. The majority of students (96.3%) had received physical first aid training, but none had training in PFA. The intervention significantly improved perceived competencies, disaster preparedness, helping capacity and self‐efficacy among the intervention group. These improvements were sustained across multiple follow‐up points (1‐ and 3‐months post‐intervention). Effect sizes were substantial, indicating a strong impact on the training (Cohen's d ≥ 0.8). The findings highlight the crucial role of PFA training in preparing nursing students to respond effectively to the psychological needs of disaster survivors, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and efficient healthcare workforce.
Genomic Prediction of Individual Inbreeding Levels for the Management of Genetic Diversity in Populations With Small Effective Size
Authors: Forneris Natalia Soledad , Bosse Mirte , Gautier Mathieu , Druet Tom
Published: January 2025

In populations of small effective size (Ne), such as those in conservation programmes, companion animals or livestock species, inbreeding control is essential. Homozygosity‐by‐descent (HBD) segments provide relevant information in that context, as they allow accurate estimation of the inbreeding coefficient, provide locus‐specific information and their length is informative about the “age” of inbreeding. Our objective was to evaluate tools for predicting HBD in future offspring based on parental genotypes, a problem equivalent to identifying segments identical‐by‐descent (IBD) among the four parental chromosomes. In total, we reviewed and evaluated 16 approaches using simulated and real data from populations with small Ne. The methods included model‐based approaches as well as more computationally efficient rule‐based approaches. The accuracy of the methods was then evaluated, including with low‐density marker panels, genotyping‐by‐sequencing data and small groups of individuals, typical features of such populations. Two model‐based approaches performed consistently well, while some rule‐based approaches proved accurate for genome‐wide predictions. The model‐based approaches were particularly efficient when genomic information was sparse or degraded. Methods using phased data proved to be more accurate, while some approaches relying on unphased genotype data were sensitive to the assumed allele frequencies. In some settings, pedigree‐based predictions ranked high for recent inbreeding levels. Finally, we showed that our evaluation is also informative about the accuracy of the methods for estimating relatedness and identifying IBD segments between pairs of present‐day individuals. This study shows that future inbreeding can be accurately predicted, including at specific loci, but not all methods perform equally well.
Sex‐associated differences in incentive salience and drinking behaviour in a rodent model of alcohol relapse
Authors: Hakus Aileen , Foo Jerome Clifford , Casquero‐Veiga Marta , Gül Asude Zülal , Hintz Franziska , Rivalan Marion , Winter York , Priller Josef , Hadar Ravit , Winter Christine
Published: January 2025

The ability of environmental cues to trigger alcohol‐seeking behaviours is thought to facilitate problematic alcohol use. Individuals' tendency to attribute incentive salience to cues may increase the risk of addiction. We sought to study the relationship between incentive salience and alcohol addiction using non‐preferring rats to model the heterogeneity of human alcohol consumption, investigating both males and females. Adult rats were subjected to the alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) paradigm, where they were given voluntary access to different alcohol solutions with repeated interruptions by deprivation and reintroduction phases over a protracted period (five Alcohol Deprivation Cycles). Before each Alcohol Deprivation Cycle, rats were tested in the Pavlovian Conditioned Approach (PCA) paradigm, which quantifies the individual salience toward a conditional cue and the reward, thus allowing us to trace the process of attributing incentive salience to reward cues. During the final Alcohol Deprivation Cycle (ADE5), animals were tested for compulsive‐like behaviour using quinine taste adulteration. We investigated sex differences in drinking behaviour and PCA performance. We observed thatb females drank significantly more alcohol than males and displayed more sign‐tracking (ST) behaviour in the PCA, whereas males showed goal‐tracking (GT) behaviour. Furthermore, we found that high drinkers exhibited more ST behaviour. The initial PCA phenotype was correlated with later alcohol consumption. Our findings indicate a complex relationship between incentive salience and alcohol addiction and emphasize the importance of considering both sexes in preclinical research.
Improperty
Authors: Lennon Myles
Published: January 2025

The cognates proper and property have a racialized relationship: ownership rights were historically rooted in white supremacist notions of propriety. Thus, Black people's efforts to challenge these rights entail the improper: breaches of rules that render us as property and as propertyless. I ethnographically illustrate this transgression to theorize the intersection of property and the improper, or improperty: modes of ownership that paradoxically unsettle the logics of accumulation and enclosure that are proper to the property form. I introduce improperty to contextualize nascent Black land projects that are funded through the nonprofit industrial complex, online crowdsourcing, and microreparations. These projects simultaneously reproduce the capitalized relations they wish to supplant and create exciting new possibilities for decolonial land work, minimizing the dependence on commerce and the settler state that has traditionally hampered Black farms. Embracing this simultaneity can deepen our understanding of the transformative power of Black land stewardship.
Machine perfusion organ preservation: Highlights from the American transplant congress 2024
Authors: Pitchaimuthu Maheswaran , Crochet Carol , Battula Narendra R. , Faria Isabella , Martins Paulo N.
Published: January 2025

The American Transplant Congress (ATC) 2024, held in Philadelphia, serves as a vital platform for unveiling new research and clinical experience in organ machine perfusion—a key area in organ transplantation. This year's congress gathered 4652 participants from 49 countries, including top experts, to spotlight innovations in machine perfusion across various organ types, such as the liver, kidney, heart, and lung. A total of 87 abstracts on organ machine perfusion were presented. We selected 39 abstracts that showed advances including new approaches to organ preservation, promising treatments and biomarkers, cellular therapy, and novel research areas. ATC 2024 underscored major advancements in machine perfusion in both experimental and clinical studies and demonstrated its role as a disruptive force in enhancing transplant outcomes and expanding the donor pool, fostering a robust exchange of knowledge on a global scale.
Cooperatives’ level of vertical integration and farm financial performance amongst smallholder farmer‐members in Sri Lanka
Authors: Fernando Sanjaya , Garnevska Elena , Ramilan Thiagarajah , Shadbolt Nicola
Published: January 2025

This paper assesses the impact of the level of cooperatives’ vertical integration on the financial performance of smallholder rice farmers in the North Central province, Sri Lanka. A sample of 309 smallholder rice farmers was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The sample represented 152 partially and 157 fully integrated smallholder rice farmers who are members of partially and fully vertically integrated cooperatives, respectively. The propensity score matching technique was applied to correct for potential selection biases. Three financial performance indicators: cost of production, operating profit and sales revenue have been used. Results show better financial performance for the farmers who are members of fully integrated cooperatives except for the cost of production. They receive higher operating profit and sales revenue than those farmers who are members of partially integrated cooperatives. However, the cost of production remains more comparable for both groups of farmers. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the smallholders can enhance their financial performance through cooperatives that are fully vertically integrated.
Where are the men?: Investigating intersectional gender differences in postsecondary outcomes
Authors: Peczuh Marisa C. , Maruyama Geoffrey , Weisen Shelby , Do Tai , Zieffler Andrew
Published: January 2025

Women have been enrolling in and graduating from postsecondary institutions at higher rates than men for decades. The current study advances previous work by taking an intersectional approach to researching the relationships between gender, family income, and prior family postsecondary experiences. We conducted an archival, longitudinal study using institutional data of four successive entering first year cohorts of about 5000–5300 students each between 2011 and 2014 at a large Midwestern Research 1 University, following each cohort over 4 to 6 years. Specifically, we found that, for men, Pell eligibility and first‐generation status had less positive enrollment, dropout, and graduation outcomes. Men had a higher probability of dropping out across years, while women had a higher probability of graduating across years (especially in years 4 and 5). These findings suggest challenges in meeting the essential mission for postsecondary institutions of ensuring that all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, have the opportunities and support necessary to be successful.
Impact of intraprostatic PSMA maximum standardised uptake value following prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen David C. , Huang Siyu , Papa Nathan , Siva Shankar , Bolton Damien M. , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Emmett Louise , Murphy Declan G. , Hofman Michael S. , Perera Marlon L.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the relationship between intraprostatic maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) of the dominant prostatic lesion as measured on preoperative prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) with radical prostatectomy International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Grade Group, pathological tumour (pT) staging, and biochemical recurrence (BCR).

Methods

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen PET may offer non‐invasive assessment of histopathological and oncological outcomes before definitive treatment. SUVmax of the dominant lesion has been explored as a prognostic biomarker. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines, we performed reviews of digital libraries and databases and retrieved studies reporting SUVmax quantified on PSMA PET computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent radical prostatectomy ISUP Grade Group, pT stage, and BCR. Quality assessment was performed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 and Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment tools. Random effects meta‐analysis and meta‐regression by ISUP Grade Group and pT2 vs pT3/4 stage was performed. This study was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023408170).

Evidence Synthesis

After removing duplicates, 23 studies were included for review. Pooled SUVmax (95% confidence interval [CI]) increased monotonically with advancing ISUP Grade Group, with ISUP 1: 5.8 (95% CI 3.9–7.7), through to ISUP 5: 17.3 (95% CI 13.1–21.5). For pT2 disease, pooled SUVmax: 9.7 (95% CI 7.8–11.5) increasing to 13.8 (95% CI 10.9–16.7) for pT3/4 disease. Substantial inconsistency was noted (I2 >50%) for all subgroups. This was not attenuated by restricting analysis only to studies using [68Ga]Ga‐PSMA‐11. Narrative synthesis of six papers reporting BCR showed increasing SUVmax was associated with reduced time to BCR.

Conclusion

Preoperative intraprostatic PSMA SUVmax increases monotonically with higher ISUP Grade Group and pathological tumour stage. Higher SUVmax is associated with reduced BCR‐free survival. However, the use of single SUVmax thresholds for clinical decision making is not recommended as variability between studies is high.
Long‐term prognostic outcomes in high‐risk T1 colorectal cancer: A multicentre retrospective comparison of surgery versus observation postendoscopic treatment
Authors: Atsumi Yosuke , Numata Masakatsu , Watanabe Jun , Sugiyama Atsuhiko , Ishibe Atsushi , Ozeki Yuichiro , Hirasawa Kingo , Ashikari Keiichi , Higurashi Takuma , Higuchi Akio , Kondo Shinpei , Okada Naoya , Chiba Hideyuki , Suwa Hirokazu , Kaneko Hiroaki , Okuma Kanji , Godai Teni , Endo Itaru , Maeda Shin , Nakajima Atsushi , Rino Yasushi , Saito Aya
Published: January 2025

Aim

The risk of lymph node metastasis after endoscopic resection of high‐risk T1 colorectal cancer prompts additional resection. However, age and comorbidities are considered in decision‐making and some surgeons opt for observation. We compared the long‐term outcomes of these approaches with the aim of clarifying the need for additional resection.

Method

This multicentre retrospective study included high‐risk T1 colorectal cancer patients treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) between January 2013 and April 2021. Patients who met one or more of the following criteria were eligible for inclusion: submucosal invasion depth ≥1000 μm, vessel invasion, poor differentiation, budding grade 2/3 or a positive vertical margin. Patients were divided into resection (R) and observation (O) groups. Outcomes were evaluated based on overall survival (OS) and 5‐year cancer‐specific survival (CSS), with an additional stratified analysis using the age‐adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI).

Results

The study included 178 patients (group R, n = 131; group O, n = 47). Patients in group O were significantly older and had more comorbidities. Group R showed better 5‐year OS and CSS (OS 87.0% vs. 58.9%, p = 0.001; CSS 98.8% vs. 78.4%, p = 0.002). Stratification by ACCI revealed that benefits of additional resection remained for patients with ACCI ≤ 6 (OS 91.2% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.013; CSS 98.4% vs. 61.7%, p < 0.001) but not for those with ACCI ≥7 (OS 75.9% vs. 59.8%, p = 0.289; CSS 100% vs. 100%, p = 0.617).

Conclusions

Significant survival benefits were demonstrated in group R patients with high‐risk T1 cancer. However, the survival benefit of additional surgical resection was unconfirmed in patients with ACCI ≥ 7.
Simulating Early Phonetic and Word Learning Without Linguistic Categories
Authors: Lavechin Marvin , de Seyssel Maureen , Titeux Hadrien , Wisniewski Guillaume , Bredin Hervé , Cristia Alejandrina , Dupoux Emmanuel
Published: January 2025

Before they even talk, infants become sensitive to the speech sounds of their native language and recognize the auditory form of an increasing number of words. Traditionally, these early perceptual changes are attributed to an emerging knowledge of linguistic categories such as phonemes or words. However, there is growing skepticism surrounding this interpretation due to limited evidence of category knowledge in infants. Previous modeling work has shown that a distributional learning algorithm could reproduce perceptual changes in infants' early phonetic learning without acquiring phonetic categories. Taking this inquiry further, we propose that linguistic categories may not be needed for early word learning. We introduce STELA, a predictive coding algorithm designed to extract statistical patterns from continuous raw speech data. Our findings demonstrate that STELA can reproduce some developmental patterns of phonetic and word form learning without relying on linguistic categories such as phonemes or words nor requiring explicit word segmentation. Through an analysis of the learned representations, we show evidence that linguistic categories may emerge as an end product of learning rather than being prerequisites during early language acquisition.
Advances and Challenges in Quizartinib‐Based FLT3 Inhibition for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Mechanisms of Resistance and Prospective Combination Therapies
Authors: Bruzzese Antonella , Martino Enrica Antonia , Labanca Caterina , Mendicino Francesco , Lucia Eugenio , Olivito Virginia , Rossi Teresa , Neri Antonino , Morabito Fortunato , Vigna Ernesto , Gentile Massimo
Published: January 2025

FLT3 mutations are among the most common genetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and are associated with poor prognosis. Significant advancements have been made in developing FLT3 inhibitors (FLT3Is), such as quizartinib, which have improved treatment outcomes in both newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory AML. Resistance to FLT3Is remains a major clinical challenge, driven by diverse mechanisms including FLT3 point mutations, cellular escape pathways, and the influence of the bone marrow microenvironment. Sustained STAT5 phosphorylation, AXL upregulation, and CXCR4 signaling have been identified as key factors in FLT3I resistance. Additionally, metabolic adaptations have been shown to support the survival of FLT3I‐resistant cells. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating various combination regimens, including quizartinib with chemotherapy, Bcl‐2 inhibitors, hypomethylating agents, and immune‐modulatory drugs, with promising preliminary results. The European LeukemiaNet 2022 guidelines recommend incorporating FLT3Is into treatment regimens; however, questions remain regarding the best timing for the administration of each FLT3I. Additional studies are required to determine the optimal FLT3I‐based combinations, reduce resistance emergence, and improve outcomes. This review highlights the current state of FLT3I therapy, ongoing challenges with resistance, and future directions in optimizing treatment for FLT3‐mutated AML, focusing on quizartinib.
Omani citizens relied more on international sources of information to inform themselves during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Al‐Suqri Mohammed Nasser
Published: January 2025

Background

The COVID‐19 demanded efficient and effective supply of information to the public to help reduce the rate of transmission.

Objectives

This study aims to analyse Omanis' information behaviour during the COVID‐19 pandemic, to help national authorities to prepare for future health crises or pandemics.

Methods

A self‐administered online survey involving a structured open‐ended questionnaire was conducted via the SurveyMonkey software. Snowball and convenience sampling methods were used to recruit potential participants from social media sites like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Non‐parametric testing (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests) assisted in analysis of demographic factors. Descriptive statistical analysis identified trends in information needs and seeking behaviour.

Results

Over 6000 responses were obtained. The results revealed that Oman nationals were seeking information on symptoms of COVID‐19, global and national infection rates, preventive measures, treatment and vaccines. Primary sources of information were radio news, Oman TV, international TV, print media, healthcare professionals, international agencies and online news websites.

Discussion

There was little trust of local information sources with many Omanis relying on international information sources such as the WHO and international TV networks.

Conclusion

Public health agencies need to prepare for timely, and reliable information provision during health crises.
Baseline trichoscopic values for afro‐textured hair in indigenous South Africans show lower density and unique features
Authors: Dlova Ncoza Cordelia , Enechukwu Nkechi Anne , Suleman Mohamed Hoosen , Maseko J. Z. , Rudnicka Lidia
Published: January 2025

Background

Afro‐textured hair exhibits distinct physicochemical properties with possible variations in measurable hair parameters. Standardized documentation of trichoscopic norms of afro‐textured hair in indigenous Africans is notably lacking.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study involving 122 South Africans of both genders of African ancestry (mean age 20.9 ± 3.3 years) with natural afro‐textured hair was performed to establish trichoscopic norms. Standard images, one overview, and five microimages (one 20× and four 50× magnifications) were captured with the FotoFinder Medicam1000V2 videodermoscope. Hair density (HD; N/cm2); hair shaft thickness (HST; μm); the proportion of thin, mid, and thick hairs (%); cumulative hair thickness (mm/cm2); and follicular units (FU; N/cm2) were assessed.

Results

The average HD was 139.1 ± 33.88 hairs/cm2 with significant variations across different scalp areas. The average hair thickness was 62.59 ± 8.45 μm with the frontal scalp showing the greatest HST, the proportion of thick hairs, cumulative hair thickness, and FU densities; the temporal had the greatest proportion of thin hairs, whereas the occipital showed the highest proportion of triple hair FU. Male participants exhibited significantly greater average hair thickness, more thick hairs, and more double and triple FU, whereas females had higher cumulative hair thickness density, more thin and intermediate hairs, and more single follicular units.

Conclusion

Baseline trichoscopic values for natural afro‐textured hair in indigenous South Africans reveal lower hair densities, variations in shaft diameters, and follicular unit patterns compared to other racial groups. Significant gender‐based differences are evident in some of the measured parameters. Tailored reference values are essential for accurate clinical evaluations and hair transplant planning.
Orientation microscopy–assisted grain boundary analysis for protonic ceramic cell electrolytes
Authors: Patel Sooraj , Goswami Sumit , Paul Pralay , Liu Fan , Zheng Shuanglin , Sabisch Julian E. , Duan Chuancheng , Venkatesan Thirumalai , Paik Hanjong , Ding Hanping , Kazempoor Pejman , Xu Shuozhi , Ding Dong , Ghamarian Iman
Published: January 2025

Grain boundaries in protonic ceramic cell (PCC) electrolytes hinder proton transport, reducing interfacial conductivity. In multicomponent PCC electrolytes, the inclusion of sintering aids further accentuates the complexity of grain boundaries. In this study, we synthesize nanocrystalline BaCe0.4Zr0.4Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ thin films via pulsed laser deposition and analyze their grain boundary character distributions using orientation data collected by precession electron diffraction technique. The results reveal an anisotropic distribution of grain boundary characters, with notably high populations of 180°‐tilt and twist grain boundaries. These findings provide critical insights into identifying the predominant grain boundaries in this PCC electrolyte material, assessing the vast five‐dimensional grain boundary space.
Reliable Performance of mALBI Grade‐Based Risk Models for Predicting the Prognosis of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Receiving Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab as First‐Line Treatment: Comparative Analysis of 13 Risk Models
Authors: Hatanaka Takeshi , Kakizaki Satoru , Hiraoka Atsushi , Tada Toshifumi , Hirooka Masashi , Kariyama Kazuya , Tani Joji , Atsukawa Masanori , Takaguchi Koichi , Itobayashi Ei , Fukunishi Shinya , Tsuji Kunihiko , Ishikawa Toru , Tajiri Kazuto , Toyoda Hidenori , Ogawa Chikara , Nishikawa Hiroki , Nishimura Takashi , Kawata Kazuhito , Kosaka Hisashi , Naganuma Atsushi , Yata Yutaka , Ohama Hideko , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Matono Tomomitsu , Tanaka Kazunari , Tada Fujimasa , Nouso Kazuhiro , Morishita Asahiro , Tsutsui Akemi , Nagano Takuya , Itokawa Norio , Okubo Tomomi , Arai Taeang , Imai Michitaka , Koizumi Yohei , Nakamura Shinichiro , Kaibori Masaki , Iijima Hiroko , Hiasa Yoichi , Kumada Takashi ,   the Real‐life Practice Experts for HCC (RELPEC) Study Group, and HCC 48 Group (hepatocellular carcinoma experts from 48 clinics in Japan)
Published: January 2025

Aim

This study aimed to compare the prognostic performance of the risk models for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) as first‐line treatment.

Methods

Among 449 patients included in this retrospective multicenter study, we compared the prognostic performance of 13 risk models for the 12‐month and 18‐month survival status using area under the curve (AUC), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and relative integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) analysis. We also constructed a calibration plot to assess the fitness of each model.

Results

Regarding the analysis of the 12‐month survival status, none of the risk models demonstrated AUC values higher than the modified albumin‐bilirubin (mALBI) grade. In the NRI analysis, only the IMmunotherapy with AFP, BCLC staging, mALBI, and DCP evaluation (IMABALI‐De score) exhibited a statistically significant improvement compared with the mALBI grade (p = 0.009). While the modified albumin‐bilirubin grade (mALF) score and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) did not exhibit significant differences compared to the mALBI grade (p = 0.3 and 0.2, respectively), the remaining risk models were inferior to the mALBI grade. In the relative IDI analysis, none of the risk models showed a significant improvement compared with the mALBI grade. The calibration plot of the PNI was unsatisfactory. The results for the 18‐month survival status were consistent with those for the 12‐month survival status. A time‐dependent ROC analysis demonstrated that both the mALBI grade and the mALBI‐based model showed consistent performance over time.

Conclusions

The mALBI grade, as well as the IMABALI‐De and mALF scores (both of which are risk models based on mALBI grade), exhibited reliable performance in predicting the prognosis of patients with HCC.
Clinical and radiographic assessment of effect of platelet‐rich fibrin on dental implant osseointegration – A split mouth randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ali A. Rizwan , Kumar Pravin , Gautam Kompal , Vaish Sajan , Choudhary Aparna , S. Fareetha Fowzana
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Biomimetic agents are being researched for their potential to stimulate bone formation and boost bone‐implant contact. The objective of this study was to assess how osseointegration of dental implants is impacted by platelet‐rich fibrin.

Materials and Methods

The present study was a randomized clinical trial with a split mouth design. Surgical sites were split randomly into two groups: Group 1 (30 implants) had a topical application of platelet‐rich fibrin at the site of implant osteotomy, while Group 2 (30 implants) did not have any platelet‐rich fibrin application. Marginal bone level (MBL), peri‐implant bone density (BD), wound healing index (WHI), and peri‐implant sulcus probing depth (PD) were assessed. For BD, intergroup comparison was done using t‐test and intragroup comparison was done using paired t‐test. For MBL, PD, and WHI, intergroup comparison was done using Mann‐Whitney U test, and intragroup comparison was done using Wilcoxon Signed rank test.

Results

From baseline to 12 months, a highly significant difference (p < 0.01) was seen for change in peri‐implant bone density, with Group 1 showing greater values. Intergroup comparison of MBL and change in MBL showed values with highly significant differences (p < 0.01), with more bone loss in Group 2. Probing depth values showed significant differences with lesser values in Group 1. Wound healing index values were lower and highly significant in Group 1.

Conclusion

Application of platelet‐rich fibrin at the osteotomy site is associated with a decline in probing depth and wound healing index, and a rise in peri‐implant bone density with minimal MBL.
Integrated analyses reveal extensive cytonuclear discordance and two new members of Rhodiola
Authors: Huang Long , Yang Ya‐Peng , Liu Xiao‐Ying , Qiu Lin‐Feng , Li Yue‐Yi , Ma Zi‐Wei , Wang Shi‐Yu , Wang Xin‐Yue , Zhang Jian‐Qiang
Published: January 2025

Our knowledge of species diversity in biodiversity hotspots remains incomplete. The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) and the mountainous region of southwestern China have long been regarded as biodiversity hotspots. However, despite considerable efforts, numerous plant species may still elude formal description. Rhodiola L. (Crassulaceae) encompasses ca. 58 perennial herb species, which have been used as an important traditional medicinal plant for centuries. Rampant exploitation has put some species at risk of extinction. Rhodiola has also been recognized as a promising model for investigating radiation speciation in the QTP. However, the phylogenetic relationships among major clades in the genus are still not well resolved, and the underlying causes of cytonuclear discordance briefly mentioned in previous studies remain unexplored. Through phylogenomic analyses utilizing data from both the nuclear genome and plastome of 42 species, we identified six major clades in Rhodiola and found extensive cytonuclear discordance, which was primarily attributed to hybridization and introgression occurring among clades or closely related species. In addition, the integration of morphological, phylogenomic, population genomic, and ecological evidence resulted in the identification and description of a new species of Rhodiola: R. renii sp. nov., and the reclassification of a previously Pseudosedum species merged into Rhodiola. Our results highlight the significant role of hybridization and introgression in the evolution of Rhodiola and probably other rapid‐radiated groups in the QTP, and emphasize the need for increased species discovery efforts in biodiversity hotspots such as the QTP and its adjacent mountainous areas.
Development and evaluation of a simulation‐based early‐mobility curriculum for paediatric intensive care nurses
Authors: LaRosa Jessica M. , Lenker Hallie , Azamfirei Razvan , Morgenstern Stephanie , Hajnik Krista , Mennie Colleen , Wieczorek Beth , Brown Kristen M. , Shilkofski Nicole , Kudchadkar Sapna R.
Published: January 2025

Background

Early mobility is one strategy to reduce the harm from immobility that children experience in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Early‐mobility programmes rely on nurses, who currently perceive insufficient training as a barrier to mobilizing critically ill children. Nurses have identified simulation as a strategy to improve implementation of early‐mobility protocols.

Aim

To use adult learning theory to develop an early‐mobility simulation curriculum for nurses and to evaluate if the curriculum improves nursing self‐efficacy, knowledge and skills in mobilizing critically ill children.

Study Design

Using a curriculum development framework, an interprofessional team created a simulation curriculum. The educational strategies included group simulations, debriefing sessions and didactic sessions. The curriculum evaluation was conducted as quality improvement initiative using a pre‐post quasi‐experimental design to evaluate nurses' mobility self‐efficacy, knowledge and clinical skills.

Results

Eleven PICU nurses participated in the simulation‐based early mobility curriculum. Before participation in the curriculum, 73% of nurses felt fairly confident and no nurses felt confident mobilizing a PICU patient. After participation, 100% of nurses felt at least fairly confident mobilizing a PICU patient (p = .031). Knowledge scores improved from a median of 14 (IQR, 12–16) questions correct to 17 (IQR, 16–18) questions correct (p = .001). Nurses completed more required clinical tasks during the Observed Structured Clinical Examination, with improvement from a median of 15 items correct (IQR, 14–16) to 19 items correct (IQR, 15–20; p = .0037).

Conclusions

Developing a simulation‐based early‐mobility curriculum for PICU nurses is feasible. Nurses who completed the curriculum had improved self‐efficacy, knowledge and clinical skills in mobilizing critically ill children.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The findings of this study demonstrate that simulation is a potentially useful educational tool to teach nurses to safely and effectively mobilize critically ill children. The strategy should be evaluated further to determine if it impacts physical rehabilitation at the bedside.
Hope among patients discharged from an intensive care unit: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Austenå Mona , Rustøen Tone , Hagen Milada Cvancarova , Valsø Åse , Sunde Kjetil , Tøien Kirsti
Published: January 2025

Background

Hope is important during critical illness due to the uncertainty and loss of control in the patient's life. Following intensive care, hope might provide a therapeutic effect and increase coping, leading to improved recovery.

Aim

To describe the levels of hope in patients during the first year after ICU treatment, and to explore possible associations between hope and selected demographic, clinical and psychosocial factors.

Study Design

This is a prospective cohort study and a predefined sub‐study of a randomized controlled trial. Adults discharged from five mixed ICUs were included. All patients were screened for post‐traumatic stress symptoms at baseline, and data on hope, post‐traumatic stress and social support were collected 3, 6 and 12 months later. Linear regression analyses and linear mixed models for repeated measurements with hope as the dependent variable were used.

Results

Median age was 57 years (range 18–94), 47% were women, median length of ICU stay was 3 days (range 1–83), Simplified Acute Physiology Score II was 24 (range 0–78) and 54% received mechanical ventilation. Not having prior mental health problems (B = 1.93, 95% CI [0.90, 2.98]), lower level of post‐traumatic stress symptoms (B = −0.08, 95% CI [−0.11, −0.04]) and more social support (B = 0.37, 95% CI [0.31, 0.43]) were all independently associated with higher levels of hope during the first year after critical illness. The levels of hope were higher in the study cohort than in the general Norwegian population and remained unchanged during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Patients maintained a stable level of hope throughout follow‐up. Absence of prior mental health problems, lower post‐traumatic stress symptoms and more social support after ICU discharge were associated with higher hope.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Patients' hope should be strengthened during the ICU stay through psychosocial support and care for patients with previous post‐traumatic stress symptoms and mental health problems.
On multiple infections by parasites with complex life cycles
Authors: Nguyen Phuong L. , Gokhale Chaitanya S.
Published: January 2025

Host manipulation is a common strategy of parasites with complex life cycles. It directly affects predator–prey dynamics in trophically transmitted parasites. Theoretical studies suggest that predation‐enhancing manipulation often decimates the prey population, making parasites prone to extinction. Host manipulation, however, can also reduce predation due to conflicting interests when multiple parasites infect a host, which is often neglected in theoretical studies. Misaligned interests of coinfecting parasites can occur due to limited carrying capacity or parasitoid developmental stage. Including this realistic complexity in a mathematical model, the results depart from previous studies substantially. We show that coinfecting multi‐trophic parasites can preserve the predator–prey system and themselves through manipulation and reproduction parameters. Our study highlights the necessity of and provides the means for incorporating the reality of multiple parasites and their multi‐trophic life cycles into the theory of parasite ecology.
A MACPF Protein OsCAD1 Balances Plant Growth and Immunity Through Regulating Salicylic Acid Homeostasis in Rice
Authors: Wang Hong , Huang Tingting , Ruan Zheyan , Tu Ranran , He Yan , Liu Qunen , Cheng Shihua , He Guanghua , Shen Xihong
Published: January 2025

Unraveling the mechanisms behind plant growth and immunity contributes to effective crop improvement. Membrane attack complex/perforin (MACPF) domain proteins play vital roles in innate and adaptive immunity in vertebrates; however, their molecular functions in plants remain largely unexplored. Here, we isolated and characterized a rice mutant, Oryza sativa constitutively activated cell death 1 (oscad1), which exhibited a lesion mimic phenotype and growth inhibition with increased cell death, elevated ROS accumulation, and enhanced resistance to bacterial blight Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo) and Magnaporthe oryzae. OsCAD1 encodes an MACPF protein, OsCAD1/OsMACPF1, localized in the plasma membrane, cytosol, and nucleus, with a broad expression pattern in tissues. An F416L substitution in OsCAD1 affects its stability and abundance. OsCAD1 knockout lines displayed severe lesion mimic leaves, growth retardation, and eventual death. Both oscad1 and OsCAD1 knockout lines showed increased salicylic acid (SA) levels with the latter showing even higher levels, while OsCAD1‐overexpressing lines maintained uninduced SA levels during Xoo infection, resulting in decreased resistance. Knockout of the SA biosynthetic enzyme OsPAL4 in the oscad1 mutant partially alleviated the lesion mimic phenotype and growth inhibition without impacting Xoo resistance. Our findings indicate that OsCAD1 negatively regulates SA levels to modulate plant growth and immunity.