bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weakly supervised bounding‐box generation for camera‐trap image based animal detection
Authors: Xie Puxuan , Gao Renwu , Lu Weizeng , Shen Linlin
Published: December 2024

In ecology, deep learning is improving the performance of camera‐trap image based wild animal analysis. However, high labelling cost becomes a big challenge, as it requires involvement of huge human annotation. For example, the Snapshot Serengeti (SS) dataset contains over 900,000 images, while only 322,653 contains valid animals, 68,000 volunteers were recruited to provide image level labels such as species, the no. of animals and five behaviour attributes such as standing, resting and moving etc. In contrast, the Gold Standard SS Bounding‐Box Coordinates (GSBBC for short) contains only 4011 images for training of object detection algorithms, as the annotation of bounding‐box for animals in the image, is much more costive. Such a no. of training images, is obviously insufficient. To address this, the authors propose a method to generate bounding‐boxes for a larger dataset using limited manually labelled images. To achieve this, the authors first train a wild animal detector using a small dataset (e.g. GSBBC) that is manually labelled to locate animals in images; then apply this detector to a bigger dataset (e.g. SS) for bounding‐box generation; finally, we remove false detections according to the existing label information of the images. Experiments show that detector trained with images whose bounding‐boxes are generated using the proposal, outperformed the existing camera‐trap image based animal detection, in terms of mean average precision (mAP). Compared with the traditional data augmentation method, our method improved the mAP by 21.3% and 44.9% for rare species, also alleviating the long‐tail issue in data distribution. In addition, detectors trained with the proposed method also achieve promising results when applied to classification and counting tasks, which are commonly required in wildlife research.
Advances in Disease-Modifying Therapeutics for Chronic Neuromuscular Disorders
Authors: Davalos Long , Kushlaf Hani
Published: December 2024

Neuromuscular disorders can cause respiratory impairment by affecting the muscle fibers, neuromuscular junction, or innervation of respiratory muscles, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Over the past few years, new disease-modifying therapies have been developed and made available for treating different neuromuscular disorders. Some of these therapies have remarkable effectiveness, resulting in the prevention and reduction of respiratory complications. For myasthenia gravis (MG), efgartigimod, ravulizumab, rozanolixizumab, and zilucoplan have been Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for the treatment of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive generalized MG in the past 2 years. Rozanolixiumab is also approved for treating MG caused by muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies. The new MG therapeutics target the complement system or block the neonatal fragment crystallizable (Fc) receptors (FcRn), leading to significant clinical improvement. For spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), nusinersen (intrathecal route) and risdiplam (oral route) modify the splicing of the SMN2 gene, increasing the production of normal survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Onasemnogene abeparvovec is a gene replacement therapy that encodes a functional SMN protein. All SMA medications, particularly onasemnogene abeparvovec, have led to clinically meaningful improvement. For late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), avalglucosidase alfa has shown a greater improvement in respiratory function, ambulation, and functional outcomes in comparison to alglucosidase alfa, and cipaglucosidase alfa combined with miglustat has shown improvement in respiratory and motor function in a cohort of enzyme replacement therapy-experienced LOPD patients. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains a challenge. The two most recent FDA-approved medications, namely sodium phenylbutyrate and tofersen, may slow down the disease by a few months in a selected population but do not stop the progression of the disease.
Safety, Efficacy, and Effectiveness of Maternal Vaccination against Respiratory Infections in Young Infants
Authors: Makan-Murphy Nisha , Madhi Shabir A , Dangor Ziyaad
Published: December 2024

Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Maternal vaccination is an effective strategy in protecting young infants from LRTI, particularly in the first few months after birth when infant is most vulnerable, and most primary childhood vaccinations have not been administered. Additionally, maternal vaccination protects the mother from illness during pregnancy and the postnatal period, and the developing fetus from adverse outcomes such as stillbirth and prematurity. In this paper, we review the safety, efficacy, and effectiveness of maternal vaccines against LRTIs, such as pertussis, influenza, coronavirus disease 2019, and respiratory syncytial virus.
Maternal Characteristics and Pregnancy Outcomes Associated with Delivery versus Expectant Management following Decreased Fetal Movement at Term
Authors: Ding Jia Jennifer , Paoletti Olivia , Culhane Jennifer , Lundsberg Lisbet , Partridge Caitlin , Cross Sarah N.
Published: December 2024

Objective This study aimed to compare maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes between term patients evaluated for decreased fetal movement (DFM) who were delivered versus expectantly managed.

Study Design Retrospective cohort study of term patients delivering within a large hospital system from 2015 to 2023 who were evaluated for DFM. Patients were classified into three groups based on the time between evaluation for DFM and delivery admission: (1) <24 hours, (2) 24–48 hours, (3) >48 hours. Bivariate comparisons and multinomial logistic regression were performed to evaluate which maternal characteristics were associated with immediate delivery (<24 and 24–48 hours latency) as compared with expectant management (>48 hours latency) as well as to compare delivery and neonatal outcomes.

Results Of 2,015 patients, significant sociodemographic and clinical variations were noted between groups. Following adjustment, noncommercial insurance, hypertension in pregnancy, and body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 at delivery were associated with reduced odds of admission <24 and 24–48 hours as compared with >48 hours. There were no cases of stillbirth or neonatal demise and there were no differences in delivery or neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion Among patients with DFM at term, there are significant sociodemographic and clinical variations between those admitted for <24, 24–48, and >48 hours, though delivery and neonatal outcomes were similar.

Key Points
Lesões musculoesqueléticas em atletas de competição de CrossFit
Authors: Purim Kátia Sheylla Malta , Zilli Adriana , Leite Gabriela Fernandes de Almeida , Susuki Gustavo Keiti , Hapner Lucas Maria S. , Zangari Matheus Antonio C.
Published: December 2024

Objetivo Identificar as lesões musculoesqueléticas mais frequentes em atletas de CrossFit que participaram de uma competição em 2017.

Métodos Estudo transversal realizado por meio de aplicação de questionário em atletas adultos, de ambos os gêneros, participantes de uma competição em 2017.

Resultados Entre os participantes, 44% relataram lesões prévias, sendo 67,3% homens. Os principais tipos de lesões foram inflamação, entorse e contusão. Os locais anatômicos mais afetados foram ombro, coluna e joelho. Entre os lesionados, 34,4% apresentavam lesão prévia no local; 75,8% realizavam acompanhamento com profissional da saúde; e todos relataram praticar CrossFit 5 vezes por semana, com duração média dos treinos de 68,2 ± 12,4 minutos e descanso médio de 1,7 dias por semana. A duração do treino foi o fator mais significativo (p = 0,002) para ocorrência de lesões.

Conclusão A porcentagem de atletas lesionados devido à prática de CrossFit foi de 44%, com maior incidência nos homens. O principal tipo de lesão foi inflamação, e os locais anatômicos mais expostos foram ombro, coluna e joelho.
Comparação de ácido acetilsalicílico e anticoagulante oral direto como tromboprofilaxia após artroplastia total do joelho: Um estudo retrospectivo
Authors: Sumargono Endrotomo , Anastasia Maria , Singjie Leonard Christianto , Saleh Ifran , Anestessia Ira Juliet , Kholinne Erica
Published: December 2024

Objetivo O tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) ainda é um grande desafio após grandes cirurgias ortopédicas, incluindo a artroplastia total do joelho (ATJ). O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar o risco de TEV com profilaxia farmacológica apenas com ácido acetilsalicílico ou anticoagulante oral direto (AOD) após a cirurgia primária de ATJ.

Métodos O estudo incluiu 476 pacientes submetidos a ATJ primária de 2016 a 2020. Todos os pacientes receberam tromboprofilaxia com AOD (grupo AOD) (n = 267) ou ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS) (grupo AAS) (n = 209). Os desfechos clínicos foram avaliados e comparados entre aqueles que receberam AOD e AAS. O desfecho primário foi a incidência de TEV. O desfecho secundário foi a ocorrência de complicações da ferida.

Resultado O AAS e o AOD foram comparáveis na prevenção de TEV em pacientes submetidos a ATJ primária. A incidência de trombose venosa profunda foi semelhante nos grupos AAS (10%) e AOD (10,1%, p = 0,98), sem nenhum caso de embolia pulmonar em ambos os grupos. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos AAS (1,4%) e AOD (1,5%) em relação às complicações da ferida (p = 0,95).

Conclusão A tromboprofilaxia pós-operatória apenas com AAS não foi associada a um maior risco de TEV pós-operatório em comparação à AOD após ATJ. Considerando a ampla disponibilidade e custo-benefício, o AAS pode ser uma alternativa promissora ao AOD para a profilaxia de TEV.
Artigo de revisão: Conceitos atuais no tratamento do pé torto congênito
Authors: Nogueira Francisco , Poggiali Pedro
Published: December 2024

O pé torto congênito é uma deformidade complexa, frequente e que pode ser desafiadora mesmo em mãos experientes. O método de Ponseti continua sendo universalmente aceito como padrão ouro para o tratamento e ótimos resultados são esperados na maioria dos casos com o manejo adequado da técnica. As recidivas continuam sendo um problema e estão associadas principalmente à não adesão ao uso da órtese. No entanto, outros fatores podem influenciar o risco de recidiva e contribuir para um resultado insatisfatório. A transferência do tibial anterior equilibra as forças deformantes e ajuda na correção, desde que o pé seja flexível. A deformidade recidivada não será corrigida espontaneamente, requer tratamento. Procedimentos cirúrgicos adjuvantes devem fazer parte do arsenal terapêutico do ortopedista.
A self-reported Brazilian registry of 5q-spinal muscular atrophy: data on natural history, genetic characteristics, and multidisciplinary care
Authors: Mendonça Rodrigo Holanda , Godoi Juliane Suellen Arndt de , Zanoteli Edmar
Published: December 2024

Background Spinal muscular atrophy linked to chromosome 5q (SMA-5q) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene.

Objective To describe the key demographic, clinical and genetic characteristics, as well as natural history data of patients with SMA-5q.

Methods Up to January 2022, 706 patients with confirmed genetic diagnosis of SMA-5q, or their parents, completed a self-reported questionnaire on natural history, genetic characteristics, drug treatments, and multidisciplinary care.

Results Most patients had type 1 SMA-5q (42%); with 33% having type 2, and 23% type 3. There were 667 patients (94.4%) with a homozygous SMN1-exon 7 deletion. Of the total, 131 (18.6%) patients had a previous family history of the disease, and the familial recurrence rate was higher in type 3 (25.6%). Type 1 patients had a mean age of 3 months at the onset of symptoms and a delay of more than 3 months until genetic diagnosis. The median survival of patients with type 1 without invasive ventilation was 27 months. Before 2018, the median age of use of invasive ventilation was 16 months and, after, most patients (71%) were not submitted to invasive ventilation. About 50% of patients with type 3 lost their walking ability by 37 years of age. Further, 384 (54.4%) patients had access to disease-modifying therapy, and 62.3% of type 1 patients were in treatment, compared with only 47.2% of type 2 and 31.9% of type 3 patients.

Conclusion There is still a substantial diagnostic delay, especially in those patients with types 2 and 3 SMA-5q. However, the present study demonstrated prolonged survival, especially in type 1 patients.
Estudo de prevalência da cifose atípica de Scheuermann por meio de tomografias computadorizadas
Authors: Souza Gabriel de Valentim , Oki Lucas Yuya , Portelinha Alexandre Martins , Pontes Mariana Demétrio de Sousa , Herrero Carlos Fernando Pereira da Silva
Published: December 2024

Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a doença de Scheuermann (DS) atípica por meio de tomografias computadorizadas (TCs) e estimar a prevalência desta afecção.

Métodos Estudo observacional transversal com inclusão de 1.287 TCs de pacientes de ambos os sexos, com faixa etária entre 18 e 40 anos. Os critérios utilizados para identificação da DS atípica foi a formação de cunha de 5° em 3 vértebras consecutivas e o ângulo de Cobb total maior ou igual a 10° no intervalo toracolombar entre T8 e L2. Nos casos positivos, foi avaliado o nível de cifose e a presença de nódulos de Schmorl e escoliose. A prevalência da doença foi estimada e a correlação à idade e ao sexo dos pacientes foi realizada.

Resultados Foram encontrados 28 casos de cifose atípica de Scheuermann, com prevalência de 2,8%.

Conclusão Esta pesquisa, utilizando tomografia abdominal, traz informações valiosas sobre a prevalência da DS em sua forma atípica na população avaliada.
Avaliação da reprodutibilidade e concordância da classificação IDEAL para fraturas de extremidade distal de rádio
Authors: Lima João Victor da Rocha , Silva Lucas Araújo , Feitosa Antonio Guilherme Chagas Silva , Medeiros Rafael Lima , Carvalho Luis Fernando Martins , Moura Bruno Wilson da Silva
Published: December 2024

Objetivo Analisar a reprodutibilidade e concordância intra- e interobservadores da classificação IDEAL para fraturas de extremidade distal do rádio.

Métodos Estudo qualitativo, analítico, realizado pela avaliação de 50 pares de radiografias em duas incidências de pacientes com fratura da extremidade distal do rádio. As radiografias foram avaliadas por dez observadores de diferentes níveis de treinamento em ortopedia em três avaliações distintas. Os resultados foram submetidos aos testes Kappa de Cohen e Fleiss para obtenção dos níveis de concordância intra- e interobservadores. Foram utilizados os programas Excel e SPSS, versão 26.0, para cálculos estatísticos.

Resultados Os valores do índice Kappa de Cohen para avaliação intraobservadores indicaram pobre a pouca concordância (-0,177–0,259), com significância estatística em apenas uma instância. Os valores do índice Kappa de Fleiss revelaram pouca concordância entre o grupo de residentes (0,277–0,383) com significância estatística; concordância pobre a pouca entre o grupo de ortopedistas gerais (0,114–0,225) com significância estatística na maioria das instâncias; e concordância moderada entre o grupo de cirurgiões de mão (0,449–0,533) com significância estatística.

Conclusão A classificação IDEAL obteve níveis de concordância interobservadores variando entre pobre e moderado, com influência do nível de treinamento dos profissionais. Os outros níveis de concordância intraobservadores variaram de pobre a pouca concordância, mas sem significância estatística.
Pé plano valgo adquirido: Conceitos atuais – “Do pé plano valgo adquirido do adulto à deformidade colapsante progressiva do pé”
Authors: Dressler Hugo Bertani , Carvalho Kepler Alencar Mendes de , Zambelli Roberto , Mansur Nacime Salomão Barbachan , Cesar Netto Cesar de
Published: December 2024

O distúrbio clínico tradicionalmente conhecido como pé plano valgo por insuficiência do tendão tibial posterior ou pé plano valgo adquirido do adulto tem sido objeto de diversas publicações nas últimas duas décadas, e entende-se agora que o problema não está no tendão tibial posterior em si, pois o distúrbio pode ocorrer até mesmo sem a lesão desse tendão. Estudos trouxeram novos conceitos e entendimentos que questionaram o olhar sobre o tema, o que culminou na substituição das classificações existentes por uma que fosse mais assertiva e discriminativa dos possíveis padrões de apresentação da deformidade. Além disso, também propôs-se a mudança da nomenclatura para “deformidade colapsante progressiva do pé” (DCPP; progressive collapsing foot deformity, PCFD, em inglês).

Quanto ao tratamento cirúrgico, ainda persiste o conceito de abordagem à la carte, com ênfase no realinhamento dos eixos, o que pode ser obtido por meio de osteotomias, artrodeses e equilíbrio de partes moles, que consiste em transposições/reparos tendinosos e reconstrução de estruturas ligamentares, sobretudo do complexo ligamentar deltoide e do ligamento mola.
Reconstrução anatômica do canto posterolateral do joelho com enxerto único de semitendíneo autólogo: Nota técnica para o enxerto de comprimento limítrofe
Authors: Lima-Bernardes Francisco , Silva Nuno Vieira da , Ribeiro Pedro , Soares Diogo Manuel , Ferreira Nuno , Nogueira Hélder
Published: December 2024

A técnica original de LaPrade para reconstrução anatômica do canto posterolateral do joelho usa dois aloenxertos separados. Mais recentemente, uma modificação dessa técnica, usando um dispositivo de suspensão de comprimento ajustável com um botão cortical para fixação tibial, permite a reconstrução anatômica com um único enxerto autólogo de semitendíneo. Essa modificação é de extrema relevância quando fontes de aloenxerto não estão disponíveis para reconstrução multiligamentar do joelho. Em ambas as técnicas, parafusos de interferência são usados para fixação femoral do ligamento colateral fibular e tendão poplíteo. O comprimento mínimo recomendado para a reconstrução anatômica com semitendíneo único é de 25 cm, mas existem variações anatômicas na população e um semitendíneo mais longo pode ser necessário. De fato, alguns pacientes somente podem atingir o comprimento necessário considerando o membro mais fino do semitendíneo. Nesses pacientes, a fixação femoral do membro mais fino com uma âncora de sutura sem nós, como descrevemos, para o membro do tendão poplíteo, permite a expansão dessa técnica para enxertos autólogos de semitendíneo limítrofes, ao mesmo tempo em que reduz o risco de coalizão de túnel. Também descrevemos uma sequência diferente de etapas: fixação do ligamento colateral fibular no túnel femoral seguido por seu tensionamento e fixação no túnel da cabeça fibular, fixação do tendão poplíteo em sua pegada femoral com uma âncora de sutura sem nós e, finalmente, tensionamento do ligamento poplíteo-fibular e do tendão poplíteo. Essa sequência diferente também ajuda a evitar desperdício de tendão, que pode sobrar, permitindo mais incorporação do enxerto no túnel tibial.
Two Separate Small and Large Ischemic Bowel Events Secondary to Sigmoid Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: AlAyoubi Alamir-Noureddine , Ghattas Souad , Maalouf Hani , Chahine Georges , Kiriakos Kiril , Fares Mirna
Published: December 2024

Colonic obstruction is reported in 85% of emergency colorectal surgery for cancer. Colonic ischemia, however, is a rare entity and is found in 5% of these emergency cases. We herein present the case of a 72-year-old man presenting with signs and symptoms of obstruction and was found to have an obstructive sigmoid cancer. A first urgent laparotomy showed small bowel ischemia, for which small bowel resection and large bowel decompression were done without tumor resection. Postoperatively, the patient transiently improved, then deteriorated in few days, and a second urgent laparotomy showed a large bowel ischemia proximal to the mass. The treatment for patients with colon cancer with suspected colonic ischemia should be emergency laparotomy with long abdominal incision, carefully exploring the whole length of the small and large bowel. Despite large bowel decompression, a secondary colonic ischemic event should be suspected in case of deterioration.
Good donors, bad donors and oddities in the family tree: genomics, donation and reproductive citizenship in Finnish egg donor accounts
Authors: Tammi Ronja , Homanen Riikka
Published: December 2024

Research on reproductive citizenship has focused on prospective or intended parents and how they are (or are not) accorded responsibility, entitlement and support in creating a family. With third-party reproductive arrangements, reproductive tissue donors and surrogates have emerged as new reproductive citizens to be governed in public policy, law and medical practices. In this article, drawing on 23 in-depth interviews of Finnish egg donors, we show how the donors take on roles characterised by contradictory moral responsibilities. The donors both downplay and acknowledge the significance of genetic connection to the donor children. By paying attention to selective reproductive technologies used to screen out gamete donors perceived as unfit to donate, we will discuss egg donation as a form of ableist reproductive-biological citizenship where 'good' citizens must know and care not only for their and their offspring’s health but also for the implications of their genome for someone else’s family. However, not all donors align with the ideal type of a good and able reproductive citizen. Some challenge this ideal, crafting reproductive capability and kin relations for third-party reproductive citizens in ways that diverge from the prevailing civic norms.
Superfluidity without a Bose condensate
Authors: Shevchenko S. I.
Published: December 2024

We have developed a microscopic theory of superfluidity in a two-dimensional, slightly nonideal Bose gas. The theory is rooted in the fact that a number of bosons are concentrated in the small momentum region at low temperatures when the interaction is weak, in spite of the fact that there is no Bose condensate in the two-dimensional case when T≠0. This fact lets us reduce the description of the system from one employing creation ak+ and annihilation ak operators for bosons to one based on combinations of these operators ρk and φk(ρk = S−1Σqaq+aq+k, φk· = −(i/ns) Σ(kq/k2 + l)aq+aq+k, where n is the boson density, and S is the area of the system). The description in terms of ρk and φk is simple because the hamiltonian is quadratic with respect to ρk and φk. The operators ρk and φk can also be used to express the occupation number Nk = ak+ak and current operators. We find the elementary excitation spectrum (which is identical to the Bogolyubov spectrum) and the momentum distribution of the bosons. We calculate the normal density due to thermal oscillations in the Bose gas and to interactions with impurity centers in the substrate.
Experimental liquidus curves of hydrogen–deuterium solutions
Authors: Bereznyak N. G. , Sheinina A. A.
Published: December 2024

The solidification curves of hydrogen-deuterium solutions with three different concentrations have been measured as functions of the saturated vapor pressure up to 80 atm. We have determined the T-x isobars of the liquidus lines of the H2−D2 system and have found them to deviate slightly from additivity.
Critical magnetic fields of thin cold-deposited indium films
Authors: Tutov V. I. , Semenenko E. E.
Published: December 2024

The dependence of Hc⊥ on the resistivity has been studied for the first time in freshly deposited thin (< 200 Å) indium films evaporated onto a cold substrate. The films were formed under identical conditions and had similar lattice defects. The critical transverse magnetic field for the thinnest (24 Å) indium films studied was more than 20 times the known values of the fields. The maximum critical transverse magnetic field of freshly evaporated indium films, according to the experimental data, was 72,000 Oe (Hc⊥≈1.6 · 104Tc), which is near the paramagnetic limit.
Temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of group-V metals at low temperatures
Authors: Khotkevich V. I. , Merisov B. A. , Ermolaev A. M. , Krasnokutskii A. V.
Published: December 2024

The electrical resistivity of two tantalum specimens (Ta-17 and Ta-400) has been measured in the temperature range 4.5–300 °K. The results were processed by the resistivity formula, taking account of electron-electron, intraband, and interband scattering. It is shown that the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of tantalum, vanadium, and niobium can be described by this formula with good accuracy.
Electron–phonon interaction in gallium point contacts
Authors: Shklyarevskii O. I. , Gribov N. N. , Naidyuk Yu. G.
Published: December 2024

We report a study of point contacts fabricated of bulk gallium. We have studied the point contact function of the electron-phonon interaction for α-Ga, and we have calculated the electron-phonon interaction constant to be λ = 0.34±0.1. A number of the contacts contained inclusions of a metastable modification of gallium with a high Tc in the constriction region. Since all the measurements were carried out at temperatures above Tc for α-Ga, these structures may be denoted as point contacts of the type N–S–c–N or N–s–c–S–N. Measurements of the temperature dependence of the resistance of such contacts and studies of the subharmonic gap structure carried out on N–S–c–S–N contacts lead us to conclude that the superconducting clusters have the structure of the β-phase of gallium. We estimate the dimensions of such inclusions.
Resonance spectrum of CuCl2 · 2H2O in a magnetic field normal to the easy axis
Authors: Dan'shin N. K. , Vetchinov A. V. , Zel'tser A. S.
Published: December 2024

We report the resonance spectrum of CuCl2 · 2H2O in a magnetic field normal to the easy axis. We find a number of characteristic frequencies and fields, and we carry out a comparison of the experimental results with AFMR theory, based on the spin-wave approximation.
Quantum stationary states in a quasi-one-dimensional magnetic system
Authors: Ezerskaya E. V. , Tsukernik V. M.
Published: December 2024

We study the energy spectrum of a dual spin chain with an XY interaction among nearest neighbors. This model is applicable in particular to the description of the magnetic properties of the compound Cu(NO3)2 · 2.5H2O. We obtain exact expressions for the energy and wave functions of the one- and two- magnon states. Analysis of the stationary states with a large number of excitations is carried out in terms of perturbation theory under the condition that the exchange interaction J1 between the members of a spin pair significantly exceeds the interaction between pairs, J2. For small ratios J2/J1 the curves of the thermodynamic functions obtained as functions of magnetic field indicate the presence of two critical fields at low temperatures (T≪J2), in agreement with the experimental data.
Dilatometric investigation of the copper lattice distorted by a beryllium impurity
Authors: Khamamda S. , Popov V. P. , Shitikov Yu. L. , Khotkevich V. I.
Published: December 2024

The thermal expansion coefficient in copper-beryllium substitutional solutions (0.5, 0.9, 2.7, and 4.2 at.% Be) has been observed to be smaller than in pure copper. The maximum relative change in the coefficient (αCuBe—αCu)/αCu reaches 1.5% per atomic percent beryllium impurity; this is consistent with known theoretical predictions.
Bulk damping of sound in superfluid 3He–4He under stagnation of the normal component
Authors: Karchava T. A. , Sanikidze D. G. , Chkhaidze N. D.
Published: December 2024

The propagation of waves in superfluid 3He–4He solutions is considered under partial stagnation of the normal component. The wave processes in capillaries are presented as a superposition of the first sound, second sound, and viscous and diffusion waves. The damping coefficients are calculated for the modified first sound and for the thermal wave in superfluid 3He–4He solutions and related to the viscosity, thermal conductivity, diffusion, barodiffusion, and thermodiffusion coefficients.
Probability distribution function for the internal magnetic fields in spin glasses (T≠0)
Authors: Moskalenko V. A. , Vladimir M. I. , Skafaru V. V.
Published: December 2024

We obtain the probability distribution function for the internal fields within the framework of the Sherrington–Kirkpatrick model of a spin glass. In our calculation we consider all the local minima of the system. It is demonstrated that the distribution of magnetic fields contains interference terms belonging to different impurity sites, and differs significantly from the normal form.
Bernoulli effect and contact potential difference in superconductors
Authors: Omel'yanchuk A. N. , Beloborod'ko S. I.
Published: December 2024

An expression is derived for the Bernoulli potential that arises in superconductors with an inhomogeneous current distribution. The expression is valid for arbitrary temperatures and superfluid velocities. In the superconductor–dielectric–superconductor system we consider the Bernoulli effect, which manifests itself in a contact potential difference between the superconductors. The potential difference is determined by the currents flowing through one plate of the contact and can be measured with a voltmeter in the quasistationary regime.
Magnetic properties and specific heat of FeVO4 at low temperatures
Authors: Surikov Val. I. , Lisson V. N. , Surikov Vad. I. , Kourov N. I.
Published: December 2024

We have studied experimentally the magnetization σ and the specific heat Cp of polycrystalline iron orthovanadate FeVO4 in the temperature region 4.2–60 °K. We have shown that there are two successive phase transitions in FeVO4 at 15.6 and 21.0 °K. Antiferromagnetic ordering is shown to occur at 21.0 °K.
Thermomechanical characterisation of a shape memory alloy for numerical modeling of its actuation response
Authors: Böhm Holger , Schmidt Andreas , Kopelmann Karl , Hornig Andreas , Cherif Chokri , Gude Maik
Published: December 2024

Shape memory alloys (SMA) show the exceptional phenomena of shape memory effect, which is particularly interesting for an active functionalisation of lightweight structures and thus for the realisation of smart structures. To enable a simulation-based design and dimensioning process of such smart structures, the application of sophisticated material models in combination with a comprehensive material understanding is necessary. In this work, the thermomechanical material behaviour of a Nickel-Titanium-based SMA wire material is first experimentally characterised via Differential Scanning Calorimetry technique and an extensive tensile testing campaign under specific temperature conditions. Then, a novel constitutive material model for SMA wire material is proposed to model the temperature-dependent SMA behaviour in terms of the resultant force due to thermal activation. On the basis of experimentally derived model parameters, a strategy is presented for calibrating non-physical model parameters. The results show that the chosen model can reproduce the thermally activated structural behavior of the SMA wire material under consideration of the pre-stretch with a high level of agreement with the experiments. The proposed parameter identification methodology enables the promising material model to be used for the first time at a structural level for the design of adaptive structures.
Automated feature selection for early keratoconus screening optimization
Authors: Chaari Abir , Fourati Kallel Imen , Daoud Houda , Omri Ilhem , Kammoun Sonda , Frikha Mondher
Published: December 2024

In this paper, an automated feature selection (FS) method is presented to optimize machine learning (ML) models’ performances, enhancing early keratoconus screening. A total of 448 parameters were analyzed from a dataset comprising 3162 observations sourced from the swept source optical coherence tomography imaging system developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Automation (SS-1000 CASIA OCT) and electronic health records (EHR). To identify the most relevant features, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was used in this study. The performance of three classifiers namely K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) was evaluated, yielding classification accuracies of 96.79% and 96.68% for KNN, 98.95% and 97.08% for SVM, and 95.64% and 95.62% for ANN when distinguishing between 2 and 4 keratoconus classes, respectively. The results show that selecting 50 features can significantly improve the performance of the model while reducing the computation time. The automated feature selection method can also assist ophthalmologists in better understanding the links between various ocular characteristics and keratoconus, potentially leading to advances in early diagnosis, risk prediction, and clinical management of this condition.
Dulce Digital-Me: results of a randomized comparative trial of static versus adaptive digital interventions for Latine adults with diabetes
Authors: Philis-Tsimikas Athena , Fortmann Addie L , Clark Taylor , Spierling Bagsic Samantha R , Farcas Emilia , Roesch Scott C , Schultz James , Gilmer Todd P , Godino Job G , Savin Kimberly L , Chichmarenko Mariya , Jones Jennifer A , Sandoval Haley , Gallo Linda C
Published: December 2024

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of a static, text-based diabetes education and support intervention (Dulce Digital, DD) versus a dynamic approach with personalized feedback and goal setting (Dulce Digital-Me, DD-Me) in improving diabetes outcomes.

Design and methods

Comparative effectiveness trial in 310 Latine adults with poorly managed type 2 diabetes in a Federally Qualified Health Center in Southern California, randomized to DD, DD-Me-Auto (algorithm-driven text-based personalized feedback), or DD-Me-Tel (coach delivered personalized feedback). Changes in HbA1c (primary outcome), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and patient-reported outcomes were examined across 6 and 12 months, with the primary comparison being DD versus DD-Me (combined automated and telephonic).

Results

Participants were 52.1 (±10.2) years old, 69.7% female, with HbA1c 9.3% (±1.6) at baseline. Across groups, there was a statistically significant improvement in HbA1c at 6 months (mean∆ per month = −0.17, 95% CI −0.20, −0.14; P < .001) and 12 months (mean∆ per month = −0.07, 95% CI −0.09, −0.05; P < .001). However, there were no time-by-group interaction effects indicating group differences in clinical outcomes across 6 or 12 months. The DD-Me groups showed greater improvements across time than the DD group for diabetes self-management behaviors.

Conclusions

Static and adaptive digital interventions for Latine adults with type 2 diabetes had similar and clinically significant effects on HbA1c across 12 months. Simple digital approaches can be integrated within primary care-based chronic care models to reduce diabetes disparities.

ClinicalTrials.gov registration

NCT03130699, Initial Release 04/24/2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03130699?term=NCT03130699&draw=2&rank=1.
SatXplor—a comprehensive pipeline for satellite DNA analyses in complex genome assemblies
Authors: Volarić Marin , Meštrović Nevenka , Despot-Slade Evelin
Published: December 2024

Satellite DNAs (satDNAs) are tandemly repeated sequences that make up a significant portion of almost all eukaryotic genomes. Although satDNAs have been shown to play an important role in genome organization and evolution, they are relatively poorly analyzed, even in model organisms. One of the main reasons for the current lack of in-depth studies on satDNAs is their underrepresentation in genome assemblies. Due to complexity, abundance, and highly repetitive nature of satDNAs, their analysis is challenging, requiring efficient tools that ensure accurate annotation and comprehensive genome-wide analysis. We present a novel pipeline, named satellite DNA Exploration (SatXplor), designed to robustly characterize satDNA elements and analyze their arrays and flanking regions. SatXplor is benchmarked against other tools and curated satDNA datasets from diverse species, including mice and humans, showcase its versatility across genomes with varying complexities and satDNA profiles. Component algorithms excel in the identification of tandemly repeated sequences and, for the first time, enable evaluation of satDNA variation and array annotation with the addition of information about surrounding genomic landscape. SatXplor is an innovative pipeline for satDNA analysis that can be paired with any tool used for satDNA detection, offering insights into the structural characteristics, array determination, and genomic context of satDNA elements. By integrating various computational techniques, from sequence analysis and homology investigation to advanced clustering and graph-based methods, it provides a versatile and comprehensive approach to explore the complexity of satDNA organization and understand the underlying mechanisms and evolutionary aspects. It is open-source and freely accessible at https://github.com/mvolar/SatXplor.
Combining evolution and protein language models for an interpretable cancer driver mutation prediction with D2Deep
Authors: Tzavella Konstantina , Diaz Adrian , Olsen Catharina , Vranken Wim
Published: December 2024

The mutations driving cancer are being increasingly exposed through tumor-specific genomic data. However, differentiating between cancer-causing driver mutations and random passenger mutations remains challenging. State-of-the-art homology-based predictors contain built-in biases and are often ill-suited to the intricacies of cancer biology. Protein language models have successfully addressed various biological problems but have not yet been tested on the challenging task of cancer driver mutation prediction at a large scale. Additionally, they often fail to offer result interpretation, hindering their effective use in clinical settings. The AI-based D2Deep method we introduce here addresses these challenges by combining two powerful elements: (i) a nonspecialized protein language model that captures the makeup of all protein sequences and (ii) protein-specific evolutionary information that encompasses functional requirements for a particular protein. D2Deep relies exclusively on sequence information, outperforms state-of-the-art predictors, and captures intricate epistatic changes throughout the protein caused by mutations. These epistatic changes correlate with known mutations in the clinical setting and can be used for the interpretation of results. The model is trained on a balanced, somatic training set and so effectively mitigates biases related to hotspot mutations compared to state-of-the-art techniques. The versatility of D2Deep is illustrated by its performance on non-cancer mutation prediction, where most variants still lack known consequences. D2Deep predictions and confidence scores are available via https://tumorscope.be/d2deep to help with clinical interpretation and mutation prioritization.
Bright yellow dots in children
Authors: Donda André Luiz Vairo , Pirmez Rodrigo , Tosti Antonella , Vicenzi Colombina , Fernandes Melo Daniel
Published: December 2024

In this retrospective study, we performed a chart and image review of numerous pediatric patients with the confirmed diagnosis of alopecia areata. Yellow dots are one of the most common findings in adults but may appear with different characteristics in the pediatric population.
Haematohidrosis
Authors: Pathania Yashdeep Singh
Published: December 2024

Sudden untimely appearance of blood over the skin without systemic or dermatological diseases may be a frightening experience both for the patient and parents. Haematohidrosis is a rare and scarcely reported entity in which patients sweat blood, usually on account of acute fear, stress or anxiety. Counselling of the patient may underscore potential underlying triggers and unravel the psychocutaneous disorder in select patients.
How to improve the environmental impact in haemodialysis: small actions, big changes
Authors: Jiménez María Dolores Arenas , Audije-Gil Julia , Martínez Rodrigo , Martín Vaquero Natalia , Gómez Miquel , Portillo Jesús , Pereda Gerard , Gascueña David Hernán , Duane Brett , Sanjuan Marta , Martín José Luis Fernández , Dapena Fabiola , Ortiz Alberto , Arias Marta
Published: December 2024

Background

The burden of chronic kidney disease is increasing, driven by population aging and the increase in risk factors. In-centre haemodialysis (HD), which accounts for most of the environmental impact of kidney replacement therapy, is a power-hungry, water-hungry and a waste-generating intervention.

Methods

Here we characterize the environmental impact of 20 HD centres over 5 years and its modulation by operational changes (centre size, opening days, geographic location, type of water treatment plant and disinfection, dialysis modalities such as HD versus haemodiafiltration, seasonal variations and the impact of various corrective actions throughout time).

Results

Average water and energy consumption per session were lower in larger centres compared with smaller ones, as well as in centres that operated daily compared with those that opened three times a week (both P < .05). Seasonality, which depends on the geographic region, had a marked influence (P < .001) on water and energy consumption, as does the choice of water treatment plant (P < .001). Actions taken in certain centres significantly reduced energy consumption up to 30%, plastic waste up to 65% and hazardous waste up to 63%.

Conclusion

Annual monitoring must be performed to detect variations and plans must be designed to reduce the environmental impact. As it is not possible to reduce HD water and energy consumption to zero, implementing targeted actions offers a promising strategy for reducing the environmental burden.
Quality of life trajectories for different dialysis modalities—a nationwide study
Authors: Rydell Helena , Caldinelli Aurora , Wrackefeldt Jenny , Kåveryd-Hult Aline , Lindholm Bengt , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Chesnaye Nicholas C , Evans Marie
Published: December 2024

Background

Few contemporary studies have investigated the changes in quality of life across dialysis modalities. Our aim was to compare longitudinal changes in health-related physical and mental quality of life between patients on institutional hemodialysis (IHD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HHD).

Methods

Patients on dialysis with registered Research and Development 36 (RAND-36) questionnaires between 2017–2021 in the Swedish Renal Registry (SRR) were eligible for inclusion. Information on dialysis, patient characteristics and medication were collected from SRR and other registries. Patients were followed up to 39 months. Changes in physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores were analyzed in adjusted linear mixed models and joint models.

Results

We included 930 patients (IHD 714, PD 128, HHD 88) with a median follow-up of 1.8 years (interquartile range 1.0–2.1). At baseline, the mean unadjusted PCS was lower in IHD (30.7; 95% CI 29.9, 31.4) compared with HHD (35.3; 95% CI 33.0, 37.5) and PD (33.2; 95% CI 31.3, 35.1). PCS declined over time in all modalities, but faster for PD compared with IHD (–1.2; 95% CI –2.1, –0.3 per year) and HHD (–1.5, 95% CI –2.9, –0.04). MCS was similar at baseline. HHD had improving MCS trajectory compared to IHD (–1.5, 95% CI –2.8, 0.2) and PD (–2.3, 95% CI –3.9, 0.7), largely resulting from improvement in role limitations caused by mental health (6.2, 95% CI 0.9, 11.5).

Conclusion

Insights about the variation in quality-of-life trajectories for different dialysis modalities are important for patients to make informed choices.
Impact of Fatigue on Work Productivity, Activity Impairment, and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Feagins Linda A , Moore Page , Crabtree Margaux M , Eliot Melissa , Lemay Celeste A , Loughlin Anita M , Gaidos Jill K J
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Fatigue is commonly reported in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), including patients with inactive disease. We explored the impact of fatigue on healthcare utilization (HCU) and work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI).

Methods

Data collected between 2017 and 2022 were analyzed from the CorEvitas IBD Registry. We compared HCU and WPAI among subjects with high fatigue (PROMIS ≥55) versus low fatigue at enrollment and subjects whose fatigue score worsened or persisted versus low fatigue at 6 months. HCU was defined as an inflammatory bowel disease-related hospitalization or emergency room visit. WPAI included presenteeism, absenteeism, and lost WPAI. Logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

Study patients (640 CD, 569 UC) reported high rates of fatigue, 47% in CD and 38% in UC, that persisted at least 6 months in 88%-89% of patients. Patients with UC with high fatigue had 3-fold higher rates of HCU and 2-3-fold more absenteeism and activity impairment than patients with low fatigue. Patients with CD with high fatigue had no difference in HCU but did experience 2-4-fold more absenteeism, presenteeism, work productivity loss, and activity impairment. On subgroup analysis of patients in remission, those with high fatigue did not have higher rates of HCU but continued to have higher rates of WPAI.

Conclusions

Fatigue is associated with an increase in HCU only in the setting of concomitantly active disease. On the other hand, fatigue is associated with a negative impact on WPAI in the setting of both active and inactive disease.
Ageism (un)covered in locally produced ELT materials
Authors: Rasti Alireza
Published: December 2024

Age, as a social marker likely to evoke stereotypical roles and identities, and the way it is reflected in/through textbooks has not received due attention in language teaching materials. To help redress such an underrepresentation, this investigation aimed at unpacking representational patterns in the rendition of the elderly in English textbooks. To this end, all clauses in the Iranian secondary school textbooks containing references to the elderly were examined using the tools of Systemic Functional Linguistics. Initially, the results attested to the underrepresentation in the data of the group. Further linguistic analysis showed that the elderly were mostly (mis)represented as an age group leading a life informed, inter alia, by frailty, disease, and a sedentary lifestyle, and that they were represented as recipients of love and care rather than as participating members of society. Suggestions for how educators and policymakers might deal with anti-ageing materials are finally made.
Everything under control: comparing machine learning and classical econometric impact assessment methods using FADN data
Authors: Brignoli P. L , de Mey Y , Gardebroek C
Published: December 2024

Machine learning (ML) methods have been proposed to improve the assessment of agricultural policies through enhanced causal inference. This study uses a simulation framework tailored to Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) data to scrutinize the performance of both ML and classical methods under diverse causal properties crucial for identification. Our findings reveal significant variations in performance across different treatment assignment rules, sample sizes and causal properties. Notably, the Causal Forest method consistently outperforms others in retrieving the causal effect and accurately characterizing its heterogeneity. However, the data-driven approach of ML methods proves ineffective in selecting the correct set of controls and addressing latent confounding.