bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Perceptions in the Orthopedic Surgery Workforce: A Stratified Approach
Authors: Bousleiman Jamie , Lutnick Ellen , Spath Alexandra , Wells Jeremy , Daoust Susan , Nader Nader D.
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

By stratifying perceptions of importance of diversity, equity and inclusion from orthopedic staff, this research aims to guide effective initiatives centered around DEI.

Materials & Methods:

A prospective survey study was distributed to a metropolitan university-based Orthopedic Surgery Department. Chi square analysis was used to compare perception of personal and professional experiences, health, gender and sexual identity between age, gender, ethnicity, level of education, socioeconomic status in childhood, and household income of respondents.

Results:

Of 111 respondents, 79.4% aged ≤35 saw apt diverse representation of their own professional experience versus 93.0% in the >35 age group (P value 0.020). 89.9% of females and 71.9% of males agreed on DEI’s importance, while 9.4% of males disagreed (P value 0.011). Level of education showed no significance. There was a significance between household income levels less than and greater than $70,000 in perceived importance of every category of DEI, including importance of diverse representation of personal/background experiences (race/ethnicity, religion, marital status, parental status, and SES as a child, P value 0.001), professional experiences (P value 0.013), personal health (P value 0.024), gender/sexual identity (P value 0.024), and importance of DEI in health care (P value 0.026). 56.7% respondents agreed to participate in DEI initiatives through the department.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Distinct variations related to perception of DEI were observed across demographics, particularly age, gender, and household income. Specific areas were identified, including gender and income differences, that require focused interventions. These findings provide insights for designing comprehensive and tailored DEI initiatives.
Incidence and Management of Basilar Invagination with Associated Chiari I Malformation
Authors: Klekamp Jörg , Alves Oscar L. , Zileli Mehmet , Oertel Joachim , Yaman Onur , Sharif Salman , Visocchi Massimiliano , Goel Atul , Botelho Ricardo
Published: February 2025

Study Design.

Systematic literature review plus expert opinion framed on Delphi method.

Objective.

To analyze the influence of coexistent Chiari I Malformation (CMI) on the management of Basilar Invagination (BI).

Summary of Background Data.

Basilar Invagination (BI) and Chiari 1 Malformation (CMI) constitute the commonest anomalies of the cranio-vertebral junction (CVJ). Treatment becomes even more challenging for patients in whom both pathologies co-exist.

Method.

Using PubMed, the authors identified 48 publications published between 2011 and 2022 concerning the incidence and management of both pathologies in combination. By means of the Delphi method, a panel of expert spine surgeons analyzed the strength of the published literature and voted statements concerning the management of BI combined with CMI.

Result.

The incidence for a combination of BI with CMI is estimated between 2.4/100000 in children and 9.6-19.7/100000 in adults. BI with ventral compression of the medulla related to AAD can be treated in a single operation by sagittal realignment via C1-C2 facet joint distraction and fusion. In the event of unreducible BI, insufficient ventral decompression by C1/2 fusion alone may be overcome by adding a foramen magnum decompression to allow posterior shift of the medulla. BI patients with concomitant CMI have an undersized posterior fossa volume This implies that surgical treatment of BI combined with CMI has either to increase posterior fossa volume or to include a posterior decompression.

Conclusion.

In patients with BI, concomitant CMI is a modifier of surgical management. In BI with AAD, an additional foramen magnum decompression should be added to posterior C1-C2 realignment and fusion. In BI without AAD, whether treatment is restricted to FMD or C1/2 fusion is required on top or alternatively, demands further studies. Odontoid resections are reserved for patients with insufficient alignment after posterior surgery.
Relationship between ALDH2 Gene Polymorphism and Vasodilative Effect of Nitroglycerin on Coronary Arteries
Authors: Zhang Kai , He Chi , Tong Yaliang , He Yuquan
Published: February 2025

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a key enzyme that facilitates the biological metabolism of nitroglycerin. However, no study investigated the association between ALDH2 gene polymorphism and the vasodilation of coronary arteries following intracoronary administration of nitroglycerin. In the present study, we enrolled 427 patients with suspected angina pectoris. ALDH2 genotyping was performed and all patients were given 200 µg nitroglycerin in the right coronary artery during the coronary angiography. The invasive hemodynamic parameters including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored. The reference diameter and stenosis diameter of the right coronary artery were measured with the Stenosis Analysis 1.6 software. Both wild-type and mutant-type groups exhibited significant decreases in SBP, DBP values and increases in HR value after administration of nitroglycerin (P < 0.05). The wild-type group showed significantly higher absolute difference values in SBP when compared to the mutant-type group (P < 0.05). The mutant-type group exhibited significantly lower difference values and rates of change in reference diameter compared to the wild-type group (0.3±0.3 vs. 0.5±0.2, P < 0.001 for the difference value of diameter; 9.6±9.5 vs. 15.8±8.5, P < 0.001 for the rate of change (%)). Conversely, no differences were observed between the wild-type and mutant-type groups in terms of the difference value and rate of change of the stenosis diameter (P > 0.05). In conclusion, ALDH2 gene polymorphism (Glu504Lys) is associated with changes in invasive hemodynamic parameters and coronary artery diameter after intracoronary injection of nitroglycerin.
Effects of exercise on high-density lipoprotein levels in middle-aged and older individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Lunmin , Peng Fenglin , Wang Linyuan , Lin Chen , Chi Hong
Published: February 2025

Background:

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of exercise on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in middle-aged and older individuals.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE, including meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of exercise on HDL-C levels in middle-aged and older individuals.

Results:

Forty-two trials were analyzed. We found that exercise had a significant effect on HDL cholesterol levels (standard mean difference [95% confidence interval] = 0.22 [0.09–0.35], Z = 3.28, P = .001, I
2 = 54%), and the heterogeneity across the studies was significant and high. After subgroup analysis, we found that aerobic exercise had the most significant effect on the levels of HDLs in middle-aged and older individuals, which was better than that of other types of exercise.

Conclusions:

Aerobic exercise significantly improves HDL levels in middle-aged and older individuals, but resistance and stretching exercises had no significant effect on HDL levels.
Anatomic Study of Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Lateral Approach to the Infratemporal Fossa
Authors: Yuan Binbin , Yan Zhengcun , Zhang Hengzhu
Published: February 2025

Objective:

To investigate the feasibility and related anatomical structures of the infratemporal fossa (ITF) through minimally invasive endoscopic lateral approach, so as to provide anatomical data and basis for clinical surgery.

Methods:

Six adult cadaveric heads were used to simulate the surgical dissection of the ITF through a minimally invasive endoscopic lateral approach, and the important vessels, nerves, and other structures in the surgical pathway and the surrounding adjacent relationships were observed, and relevant pictures were collected.

Results:

The maxillary arteries of 6 cadaver specimens (12 sides) were located on the surface of the lateral pterygoid muscle in 9 cases, and between the upper and lower heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle in 3 cases, constant branches were the deep temporal artery, pterygoid artery, masseter artery, and buccal artery. The superior posterior alveolar nerve branches off V2 in the ITF and descends along with its accompanying artery by the posterior wall of the maxilla. The buccal nerve branches out from the mandibular nerve and passes between the superior and inferior pterygoid muscles, runs anteriorly between the temporalis and lateral pterygoid muscle, and innervates the buccal muscles.

Conclusion:

The endoscopic minimally invasive lateral approach can expose the important structures, such as vessels and nerves related to the ITF well, and can be used as a minimally invasive surgical approach to treat the lesions of the infra- temporal fossa; it can also assist the endoscopic anterior approach to treat a series of lesions extending from the deep part of the pterygopalatine fossa to the posterior lateral side of the ITF.
The Association Between Surgical Margin Status, Recurrence Patterns, and Oncologic Outcomes in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Perrin Thomas , McIntyre Sarah M. , Ehrich Fiona , Heiselman Jon , van der Stok Eric P. , Fiasconaro Megan , Gönen Mithat , Shia Jinru , Kingham T. Peter , Balachandran Vinod P. , Drebin Jeffrey A. , Wei Alice C. , Jarnagin William R. , D’Angelica Michael I.
Published: February 2025

Objective:

To enhance understanding of the relationships between margin width, recurrence patterns, recurrence-free survival, and salvage therapy following initial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

Background:

The prognostic implications of the technical aspects of CRLM have not been well-characterized.

Methods:

A prospective database of 1776 patients who underwent complete resection for CRLM at a single institution (1991-2012) was studied. Pathologic margins were divided into positive, <1 mm, 1.0-9.9 mm, and ≥10 mm groups. Recurrence-free survival, patterns of initial and overall recurrence, including recurrence at the resection margin, and chance for salvage therapy, defined as complete eradication of recurrent disease, were compared by margin group.

Results:

Margin status was independently associated with an initial isolated liver recurrence (hazard ratio [HR][95% CI] for positive, <1 mm, 1-9.9 mm vs.≥10 mm margin: 2.21[1.49-3.26],1.42[0.84-2.40],1.41[1.08-1.84];P=0.001). Margin status was also independently associated with risk of initial recurrence at the resection margin (HR[95% CI] for positive, <1 mm, 1-9.9 mm vs.≥10 mm margin: 2.11[1.26-3.54],2.99[1.74-5.15],0.92[0.62-1.37];P<0.001) and risk of liver recurrence at any time (HR[95% CI] for positive, <1 mm, 1-9.9 mm vs.≥10 mm margin: 2.32[1.79-3.01],1.72[1.23-2.42],1.33[1.11-1.58];P<0.001). Estimated 3-year cumulative incidence of overall recurrence at any site in the positive, <1 mm, 1-9.9 mm, and ≥10 mm margin groups was 70%, 70%, 57% , and 50%, respectively. Salvage therapy after recurrence increased with margin width(P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Pathologic margin after resection of CRLM is associated with higher rates of overall recurrence that are less amenable to salvage and not just local failure. Margin status may be more of a reflection of underlying tumor characteristics rather than simply a risk factor for local failure.
The “Learned Intermediary”
Authors: McCall William V. , Strickland Rebecca E.
Published: February 2025

Malpractice lawsuits brought by patient-plaintiffs alleging damages from medications or medical devices may entangle both the prescriber and the biomedical manufacturer. In this scenario, the prescriber may be viewed as a defendant, or alternatively as a “learned intermediary” (LI) between the patient and biomedical company. Recent legal actions in the United States involving manufacturers of electroconvulsive therapy devices have invoked the principle of the LI in the arguments. The plaintiff argued that the manufacturer held a major responsibility for providing to device operators warnings which lack scientific basis. This commentary will describe the legal concepts of the LI, and we will argue that the prescriber's duty to the patient is to provide relevant warnings with a scientific grounding, based upon the sum total of the prescriber's education. The courts opined that the conveyance of benefit and risk information to the patient should reflect what is “known or knowable in light of the generally recognized and prevailing best scientific and medical knowledge available.” Himes v. Somatics, LLC, 16 Cal. 5th 209, 222, 549 P.3d 916, 923 (2024) (emphasis added).
Risk Factors Associated with Acute Pancreatitis in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Patients: a 11-year experience in a single tertiary medical center and comprehensive literature review
Authors: Chen Yifei , Bo Yan , Han Zhuanzhuan , Chen Mengjie
Published: February 2025

Objective

To identify independent risk factors and predictive markers for acute pancreatitis (AP) in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Methods

Here, we reported a 11 year experience in a single tertiary medical center and conduct a systematic review of acute pancreatitis in diabetic ketoacidosis patients cooccurence of DKA and AP. 1941 cases were included. First retrospective cohort study analyzed clinical data from 45 patients with cooccurence of DKA and AP and 45 matched controls with DKA alone admitted to Yangzhou University Affiliated Hospital. Baseline characteristics included BMI, hyperlipidemia history, and serological profiles. Secondly we retrieved clinical studies of cooccurence of DKA and AP from PubMed database system and analysed these clinical data in depth.

Results

Significant differences were observed in BMI (26.30 vs. 23.20 kg/m2, p = 0.031), hyperlipidemia history (26.7% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.004), abdominal pain duration (3 vs. 0 days, p < 0.001), and lipid profiles [(TC: 7.71 vs. 4.86 mmol/L); (TG: 11.97 vs. 1.60 mmol/L, p < 0.001)]. Logistic regression identified TC [(OR = 1.455, 95% CI(1.196, 1.769)], TG [(OR = 2.046, 95% CI(1.202, 3.484)], and abdominal pain duration [(OR = 3.892, 95% CI(2.173, 6.972)] as independent risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated strong predictive performance (combined AUC = 0.933, sensitivity = 93.3%, specificity = 73.3%). Moreover, we found 11 clinical studies investigating cooccurence of DKA and AP. Cumulatively, 1851 patients were studied, including 3 interventional studies, 1 genetic observational study, and 7 cohort studies exploring risk factors.

Conclusion

Elevated TC, TG, and prolonged abdominal pain duration are key predictors of cooccurence of DKA and AP. These factors enhance early diagnosis and clinical management in Yangzhou, China.
Mimicking cancer therapy in an agent-based model: the case of hepatoblastoma
Authors: Ravoni Alessandro , Mastrostefano Enrico , Kappler Roland , Armengol Carolina , Castiglione Filippo , Nardini Christine
Published: February 2025

Hepatoblastoma is the most common pediatric liver cancer and represents a serious clinical challenge as no effective therapies have yet been found for advanced states and relapses of the disease. In this work, we use a well-established agent-based model of the immune response now equipped with anti-cancer therapy response to study the evolution of the disease and the role of the immune system in its containment, in particular by simulating the course of hepatoblastoma over three years in a population of virtual patients with mortality and symptom onset rates mimicking clinical ones. These results, combined with the ability to observe the dynamics of cellular entities at the microscopic scale and the key chemical signals involved in disease progression, make the model a valuable resource for future research onin silicotrials.
Macrophage ferroptosis potentiates GCN2 deficiency induced pulmonary venous arterialization
Authors: Zhang Jingyuan , Mao Pei , Zhou Tengfei , Yue Bingqing , Li Yaning , Qiu Yuanhua , Liu Xianbao , Wang Fudi , Chen Jingyu , Yang Jun
Published: February 2025

Haemosiderin-laden macrophages and the remodeling of pulmonary venules were found in Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), which is a fatal pulmonary vascular disease with deficient GCN2 expression, the underlying mechanism by which macrophage affects vascular cells, remains unclear. Here, we performed scRNA-sequencing analyses to show that macrophages were the major population affected by GCN2 deficiency and ferroptosis pathway-related genes were upregulated in lung macrophages from PVOD patients. Treatment with the specific ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) reversed the changes in haemodynamic indices observed inEif2ak4K1488X/K1488Xhypoxia mice and PVOD model rats. Furthermore, GCN2 deficiency increased HMOX-1 and iron levels to facilitate ferroptosis in macrophages and increased GCN2 deficiency-induced arterial marker expression in venous endothelial cells (VECs). Our findings suggest the potential of targeting macrophage ferroptosis as a therapeutic strategy for treating PVOD.
Hygiene Knowledge and Practices in the Lagos Wild Meat Value Chain: Cultural Influences, Regulatory Gaps, and Infrastructure Needs
Authors: Akpan Samuel N. , Cook Elizabeth A.J. , van Langevelde Frank , van Hooft Pim , Zimmerman Dawn M. , Buij Ralph , Hassell James M. , Masudi Sherrill P. , Happi Christian T. , Happi Anise N. , Thomas Lian F.
Published: February 2025

Wild meat, commonly known as bushmeat is a cultural, economic, and nutritional staple food in many regions of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa. Wild meat value chains face major hygiene and sanitary regulation challenges, but only a few studies have investigated these challenges, focusing instead on market dynamics and biodiversity issues. This study examines the hygiene practices, attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge of public health risks among actors in the Lagos (Nigeria) wild meat value chain, and its consequences for food safety. We employed a mixed qualitative and quantitative study design, using in-depth interviews of key informants (n=34) purposively selected from the wild meat value chain’s hunter, wholesaler, processor, and retailer nodes. An inductive thematic approach and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results revealed three overarching themes: wild meat process hygiene, personal hygiene, and governance. Social norms, distrust, infrastructural deficits, and poor regulation were the drivers of the hygiene practices in the value chain. Actors showed poor knowledge of the health risks associated with wild meat, prioritizing taste over its safety. Women were more at risk of contracting zoonotic infections due to gender biases which exposed them to riskier nodes of the value chain. Wild meat as a food system in developing urban cities presents a potential source of food-borne disease transmission and zoonotic pathogen spillover to actors and the general public, due to underlying poor hygiene practices. We recommend intervention approaches that integrate peoples’ cultures, provision of infrastructure, enforcement of sanitary standards, actors’ education, and further empirical research to stimulate the establishment of hygiene guidelines for the regulation of urban wild meat value chains.
Optimising Cardiac Diffusion Tensor Imaging In Vivo: More Directions or Averages?
Authors: Coveney Sam , Shelley David , Foster Richard , Afzali Maryam , Poenar Ana-Maria , Sharrack Noor , Plein Sven , Dall’Armellina Erica , Schneider Jürgen E. , Nguyen Christopher , Teh Irvin
Published: February 2025

Background

Cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (cDTI) is sensitive to imaging parameters including the number of unique diffusion encoding directions (ND) and number of repetitions (NR; analogous to number of signal averages or NSA). However, there is no clear guidance for optimising these parameters in the clinical setting.

Methods

Spin echo cDTI data with 2ndorder motion compensated diffusion encoding gradients were acquired in ten healthy volunteers on a 3T MRI scanner with different diffusion encoding schemes in pseudo-randomised order. The data were subsampled to yield 96 acquisition schemes with 6 ≤ ND ≤ 30 and 33 ≤ total number of acquisitions (NAall) ≤ 180. Stratified bootstrapping with robust fitting was performed to assess the precision and accuracy of each acquisition scheme. This was quantified across a mid-ventricular short-axis slice in terms of root mean squared difference (RMSD) with respect to the full reference dataset, and standard deviation (SD) across bootstrap samples respectively.

Results

For the same acquisition time, the ND = 30 schemes had on average 48%, 40%, 34% and 34% lower RMSD and 6.2%, 7.4%, 10% and 5.6% lower SD in MD, FA, HA and E2A compared to the ND = 6 schemes. Given a fixed number of high b-value acquisitions, there was a trend towards lower RMSD and SD of MD and FA with increasing numbers of low b-value acquisitions. Higher NAallwith longer acquisition times led to improved accuracy in all metrics whereby quadrupling NAallfrom 40 to 160 volumes led to a 21%, 40%, 13% and 4.5% reduction in RMSD of MD, FA, HA and E2A, averaged across six diffusion encoding schemes. Precision was also improved with a corresponding 53%, 50%, 52% and 36% reduction in SD.

Conclusions

We observed that accuracy and precision were enhanced by (i) prioritising number of diffusion encoding directions over number of repetitions given a fixed acquisition time, (ii) acquiring sufficient low b-value data, (iii) using longer protocols where feasible. For clinically relevant protocols, our findings support the use of ND = 30 and NAb50:NAb500≥ 1/3 for better accuracy and precision in cDTI parameters. These findings are intended to help guide protocol optimisation for harmonisation of cDTI.
A Semi-Automated MEA Spike sorting (SAMS) method for high throughput assessment of cultured neurons
Authors: Ren Xiaoxuan , Sirois Carissa L. , Doudlah Raymond , Mendez-Albelo Natasha M , Hai Aviad , Rosenberg Ari , Zhao Xinyu
Published: February 2025

Neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are valuable models for studying brain development and developing therapies for brain disorders. Evaluating human-derived neurons requires assessing their electrical activity, which can be achieved using multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) for extracellular recordings. Because each electrode channel generally detects activity from multiple neurons, resolving the activity of single neurons requires a process called spike sorting. However, currently available spike sorting methods are not optimized for the analysis of hPSC-derived neurons, and require complex workflows and time-consuming manual intervention. Here, we introduce aSemi-AutomatedMEASpike sorting software (SAMS) designed specifically for low-density MEA recordings of cultured neurons. SAMS outperforms commercially available automated spike sorting algorithms in terms of accuracy and greatly reduces computational and human processing time. By providing an accessible, efficient, and integrated platform for spike sorting, SAMS enhances the resolution and utility of MEA in disease modeling and drug development using human-derived neurons.

Highlights

SAMS is designed and optimized for high throughput analysis of hPSC-derived neurons.

SAMS is more efficient and accurate compared to recommended spike-sorting software.

SAMS resolves phenotypic differences previously not observed without spike sorting.

SAMS is an open-source software.
Structural analyses of gibberellin-mediated DELLA protein degradation
Authors: Islam Soyaab , Park KunWoong , Kwon Eunju , Kim Dong Young
Published: February 2025

Gibberellin promotes plant growth by downregulating growth-repressor DELLA proteins. The gibberellin receptor GID1 binds to DELLA proteins in the presence of gibberellin, triggering their degradation through polyubiquitination by SCFSLY1/GID2ubiquitin E3 ligase. Despite extensive studies, the molecular mechanisms by which DELLA proteins assemble with SCFSLY1/GID2to regulate plant growth remain poorly understood. Here, we present two cryo-electron microscopy structures of theArabidopsis thalianaDELLA protein RGA in complex with GID1A and GID1A-SLY1-ASK2, respectively. Structural analysis revealed that RGA interacts with GID1A and SLY1 through non-overlapping binding surfaces, stabilizing the proteins. This suggests that the SCFSLY1-RGA-GID1A complex assembles through stepwise stabilization induced by gibberellin. Furthermore, the structures indicate that RGA does not interact with IDD family transcription factors when bound to SLY1, suggesting that the binding of DELLA proteins to GID1/SLY1 and transcription factors is mutually exclusive. These findings provide insights into how DELLA proteins regulate transcription factor activity in response to gibberellin.
Cohesin guides homology search during DNA repair via loops and sister chromatid linkages
Authors: Teloni Federico , Takacs Zsuzsanna , Mitter Michael , Langer Christoph C. H. , Prlesi Inès , Steinacker Thomas L. , Reuter Vincent P. , Mylarshchikov Dmitry , Gerlich Daniel W.
Published: February 2025

Accurate repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is essential for genome stability, and defective repair underlies diseases such as cancer. Homologous recombination uses an intact homologous sequence to faithfully restore damaged DNA, yet how broken DNA ends find homologous sites in a genome containing billions of non-homologous bases remains unclear. Here, we introduce sister-pore-C, a high-resolution method for mapping intra- and trans-molecular interactions in replicated chromosomes. We show that DSBs reshape chromosome architecture by recruiting two functionally distinct pools of cohesin. Loop-forming cohesin accumulates across a megabase-scale domain to control homology sampling within topologically associating domains (TADs) surrounding the break site, while cohesive cohesin concentrates at the break site to tether broken ends to the sister chromatid. This dual mechanism restricts the homology search space, highlighting how chromosome conformation helps preserve genomic integrity.
Electron irradiation effects on monolayer
MoS2
at elevated temperatures
Authors: Speckmann Carsten , Mustonen Kimmo , Propst Diana , Mangler Clemens , Kotakoski Jani
Published: February 2025

The effect of electron irradiation on two-dimensional (2D) materials is an important topic, both for the correct interpretation of electron microscopy experiments and for possible applications in electron lithography. After the importance of including inelastic scattering damage in theoretical models describing beam damage and the lack of oxygen sensitivity under electron irradiation in 2D MoS2 were recently shown, the role of temperature has remained unexplored on a quantitative level. Here we show the effect of temperature on the creation of individual defects and the effect of temperature on defect dynamics. Based on the measured displacement cross section of sulfur atoms in MoS2 by atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, we find an increased probability for defect creation for temperatures up to 150∘C, in accordance with theoretical predictions. However, higher temperatures lead to a decrease of the observed cross sections. Despite this apparent decrease, we find that the elevated temperature does not mitigate the creation of defects as this observation would suggest, but rather hides the created damage due to rapid thermal diffusion of the created vacancies before their detection, leading to the formation of vacancy lines and pores outside the measurement's field of view. Using the experimental data in combination with previously reported theoretical models for the displacement cross section, we estimate the migration energy barrier of sulfur vacancies in MoS2 to be 0.26±0.13eV. These results mark another step towards the complete understanding of electron beam damage in MoS2.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Study on the measurement of the level of construction occupational health and safety management in prefabricated building: a case study of a practical training building
Authors: Liu Wei , Feng Zhongyi , Hu Yuehan , Luo Xiao
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Prefabricated building (PB) has high technical requirements and is susceptible to safety accidents, and its construction occupational health and safety (OHS) problems should not be ignored. To promote the better development of PB, this study aims to measure their construction safety management level and propose corresponding countermeasures.

Design/methodology/approach

By systematically combing the relevant literature, this study extracts the influencing factors that appear frequently in several studies and categorizes them according to six dimensions: people, materials and components, technology, mechanical equipment, environment and system. Combining expert opinions, the measurement index system, including 6 primary indexes and 24 secondary indexes, is constructed. The structural entropy weight (SEW) method is applied to calculate the index weights. The cloud matter element (CME) model based on the weights is constructed to determine the level of construction occupational health and safety management (COHSM). A project case of a training building is used to verify it. The results obtained from the model are compared with those from other measurement models to verify the feasibility of the model in measuring the level of COHSM for PB.

Findings

The calculated weights show that technology is the most important for the COHSM of PB. The management level of the project in terms of people, materials and components, technology, machinery and equipment, environment and system is Level II good. The overall safety management level is also Level II, which is good. The model of this study is consistent with other model measurements. The methodology of this study yields reasonable and realistic results.

Originality/value

This study is the first to include occupational health dimensions in the research on the construction safety management of PB, which not only covers the key elements in traditional construction safety management but also considers the impact of the construction process, material use and technology of PB on safety management, making the measurement index system more scientific. Meanwhile, the introduction of the CME model based on the SEW method effectively solves the deficiencies of the traditional method in dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty and provides practitioners with more accurate and comprehensive measurement results. It helps practitioners formulate a more scientific management plan in combination with the actual situation and provides a guiding idea and practical path for the COHSM of similar projects.
Harmonising derivatives with Shari’ah: ethical practices and regulatory insights
Authors: Alhejaili Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study explores the ethical challenges of integrating derivatives into Islamic finance. It aims to reconcile the principles of Shari’ah law with modern financial practices. It seeks to understand how derivatives, characterised by their complexity and speculative nature, can align with Islamic moral values, ensuring financial stability and social equity.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a doctrinal legal research methodology, the investigation delves into primary and secondary sources encompassing the Quran, Hadith, contemporary scholarly articles, and regulatory documents. The approach enables a comprehensive analysis of Islamic legal texts and principles, assessing their applicability to derivatives within a framework emphasising Shari’ah compliance and ethical integrity.

Findings

The research identifies pathways for the ethical integration of derivatives in Islamic finance, highlighting the potential of these financial instruments to enhance economic justice and societal welfare when aligned with Shari’ah principles. It uncovers regulatory frameworks and innovative practices that can mitigate ethical dilemmas, ensuring derivatives contribute positively to the Islamic financial system.

Originality/value

This paper offers original insights into reconciling financial innovation with Islamic ethical mandates by applying a doctrinal legal research methodology to studying derivatives in Islamic finance. It contributes to the academic discourse on Islamic finance and ethics, providing a nuanced framework for developing Shari’ah-compliant derivative products that uphold the principles of risk-sharing, transparency and social equity. This investigation enriches the understanding of ethical practices in Islamic finance, proposing a model for balancing modern financial mechanisms with traditional Islamic values.
Unveiling the Metaverse retail environments: understanding consumer gratifications and buying behavior
Authors: Patil Kanchan Pranay , Paul Justin , Bharathi S Vijayakumar , Pramod Dhanya
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Consumers in a Metaverse have an immersive engagement with products and services. This study aims to explore the multidimensional features of the Metaverse that influence consumers’ usage and gratifications, leading to their purchase behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses uses and gratifications theory to examine how hedonic, utilitarian and social gratifications influence Metaverse consumers’ retail behavior. Empirical analysis (N = 291) using structural equation modeling via SmartPLS and PLSpredict validated the model’s robustness and predictive accuracy.

Findings

Metaverse retail authenticity and virtuality influenced hedonic gratifications; autonomy and virtuality affected social gratification. Hedonic and social gratifications drove purchases, while utilitarian gratification had no significant effect.

Originality/value

This study applies uses and gratification theory to identify Metaverse-specific motivation factors, contributing to literature and aiding the practical design and development of Metaverse retail environments.
Transformation as city brand attribute for Medellín, Colombia: bottom-up tourist destination brand strategy
Authors: Rojas-DeFrancisco Laura , Mejía-Gil Maria Claudia , Giraldo Aristizábal Juan Camilo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Medellín, Colombia, experienced a remarkable social transformation in just two decades, leaving behind its troubled past of violence and insecurity. This study aims to identify the key actors and initiatives contributing to this transformation, considering cultural and social values shaping residents’ and visitors’ perceptions and determining the potential for the city’s brand. The research uses identity-based place branding theory and Delphi rounds to compare expert and promoter perspectives through surveys and tourist insights. The findings reveal recognising having a transformation in mind having offers guidelines for residents to propose tourism initiatives, aiding strategic city promotion and brand-building in collaboration with various organisations.
Management Experience of T1 Glottic Cancer Treated by CO2 Laser Surgery: A Cohort of 173 Patients
Authors: Li Changjiang , Chen Jian , He Peijie , Cheng Lei , Wu Haitao
Published: February 2025

It was aimed to explore an alternative solution to manage T1 glottic cancer patients. One hundred seventy‐three patients were enrolled. Seventy‐eight cases were treated with type I and proved to be microinvasion cancer. Of them, 21 willingly selected followed up and 57 were further undergone type II. Ninety‐five underwent type III and confirmed to be superficial invasion cancer in which Reinke's space was invaded. Five(23.8%), four(7.0%) and nine (9.5%)cases separately relapsed in type I, II and III. No significant difference was observed (p>0.05). 5/60, 5/11 and 8/102 patients respectively replaced in negative, positive and uncertain margin groups. There were remarkable differences among them (p<0.05). The recurrence rate is still low for patients with early glottic cancer undergone vocal cord resection using CO2 laser, and the appropriate surgical method should be selected for a diverse range of glottic cancer to avoid overtreatment. Patients with positive incisal margins have a relatively high recurrence rate and should take this situation seriously.
Hippocampal Subfield Volume in Relation to Cerebrospinal Fluid Amyloid‐ß in Early Alzheimer's Disease: Diagnostic Utility of 7T MRI
Authors: Adeyemi Oluwatobi F. , Gowland Penny , Bowtell Richard , Mougin Olivier , Hosseini Akram A.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterised by amyloid plaque accumulation and neurofibrillary tangles. Early detection is essential for effective intervention, but current diagnostic methods that enable early diagnosis in clinical practice rely on invasive or costly biomarker scanning. This study aimed to explore the utility of 7T MRI in assessing hippocampal subfield volumes and their correlation with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in prodromal AD.

Methods

Fifty‐six participants, including AD patients and healthy controls, underwent 7T MRI scanning. Automated segmentation delineated hippocampal subfield volumes, with subsequent normalisation to whole brain volume.

Results

Significant differences in hippocampal and subfield volumes were observed in prodromal AD patients, even when they did not exhibit high MTA scores on 3T MRI or show any whole brain volume loss. Additionally, the volume of the entorhinal cortex (ERC) correlated significantly with CSF amyloid‐β levels, suggesting ERC's potential as a proxy CSF amyloid‐ß measurement. Conversely, no significant associations were found between CSF 181‐Phosphorylated‐tau or total tau levels and any hippocampal subfield volumes.

Discussion

These findings show the potential use of 7T MRI, particularly in ERC assessment, as a biomarker for early AD identification. Further validation studies are warranted to confirm these results and elucidate the relationship of ERC volume with CSF biomarkers.
Is Tailored Bismuth Quadruple Therapies (With Clarithromycin or Furazolidone) Based on Fecal Molecular Susceptibility Testing in First‐Line Helicobacter pylori Eradication Treatment More Effective? A Three‐Arm, Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Yu Zhengchen , Liu Xiaochen , Qiao Jincheng , Shen Wenjuan , Mao Xingwei , Lou Guochun , Li Yan , Xie Ziming , Ye Jun
Published: February 2025

Background

Rising antimicrobial resistance has significantly challenged the eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori. Due to its invasive nature, susceptibility testing based on endoscopic biopsy is controversial, while few studies have focused on the efficacy of tailored bismuth quadruple therapies (BQT) based on fecal susceptibility testing as a first‐line treatment.

Methods

In this multicenter study, 598 H. pylori‐positive patients without previous eradication treatment were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups: empirical BQT, BQT‐tailored based on the history of clarithromycin use and tailored based on fecal molecular susceptibility testing where furazolidone was substituted for clarithromycin when there was clinical or laboratory evidence of clarithromycin resistance. This study defines BQT as regimens comprising rabeprazole, colloidal bismuth, amoxicillin, and one additional antibiotic (furazolidone or clarithromycin). The study assessed eradication rates using intention‐to‐treat (ITT), modified intention‐to‐treat (mITT), and per‐protocol (PP) analyses.

Results

The eradication rates of three groups were 82.00%, 80.90%, and 87.44% in the ITT analysis; 82.41%, 83.42%, and 89.23% in the mITT analysis; and 85.86%, 87.50%, and 94.57% in the PP analysis, respectively. Tailored BQT based on fecal susceptibility testing was not inferior to empirical BQT (all p values for noninferiority < 0.001) and demonstrated greater efficacy in the PP analysis (difference [95% CI]: 7.07% [0.90%, 13.25%]). The incidence of adverse events and treatment compliance did not differ significantly among the groups.

Conclusion

Tailored BQT based on fecal susceptibility testing is an effective regimen for H. pylori eradication, with no increase in adverse events or treatment noncompliance compared with empirical BQT. Therefore, we recommend tailored BQT based on fecal susceptibility testing as a first‐line treatment.

Trial Registration

EudraCT number: NCT05718609; ClinicalTrials.gov
Interceptive orthodontic treatment with elastodontic appliance for open bite in early childhood: a case series
Authors: Vena Filippo , D'Amico Giorgia , Cardarelli Filippo , Cianetti Stefano , Severino Marco
Published: February 2025

This case series explores the effectiveness of interceptive orthodontic treatment using A.M.C.O.P elastodontic appliances for open bite correction in early childhood. The study included three patients aged 3-5 years with primary dentition open bite and associated oral habits, treated at the Odontostomatological Centre, University of Perugia. Treatment utilized A.M.C.O.P Bio-Activators, tailored for early intervention, leveraging light and biological elastic forces to guide jaw growth and correct dental alignment.
The study highlights the role of timely intervention using A.M.C.O.P Bio-Activators in managing malocclusions, demonstrating significant improvements in occlusion and functional disorders. Early treatment with these devices not only corrects open bite efficiently but also reduces the need for future orthodontic interventions, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and patient compliancein achieving lasting results.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with metastatic renal carcinoma: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Memè Lucia , Bambini Fabrizio , Pizzolante Tommaso , Inchingolo Francesco , Marricco Francesca , Sampalmieri Francesco , Mummolo Stefano
Published: February 2025

Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is a drug-related complication characterized by the presence of necrotic bone or fistula in the maxillofacial region for over eight weeks in patients treated with anti-resorptive and/or anti-angiogenic drugs, without head and neck radiation therapy. Initially documented in cancer patients treated with bisphosphonates in 2003, the definition of ONJ has expanded to include cases associated with other drugs such as denosumab and bone-modifying agents, leading to the broader term Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ). These drugs are used to treat bone metastases, multiple myeloma, and osteoporosis due to their antiosteoclastic and antiangiogenic effects. Although effective in reducing cancer-related skeletal events, their use can lead to ONJ, causing pain and infections.
This study focuses on renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which often presents with bone metastases, increasing the risk of skeletal events. The systematic literature review evaluated the incidence of MRONJ in patients with metastatic RCC treated with bisphosphonates and other drugs. Retrospective studies were analyzed to identify risk factors for ONJ, including drug type, administration, treatment duration, and local or systemic conditions. Out of 130 initial articles, 6 retrospective studies were included in the review, highlighting an overall incidence of ONJ of 1.3% in patients with metastatic RCC. These findings underscore the importance of carefully monitoring patients undergoing BMA treatment to prevent and effectively manage ONJ
Minimal invasive sinus elevation (MISE), a different approach for maxillary sinus lift surgery
Authors: Pizzolante Tommaso , Saggiomo Anna Pia , Principi Martina , Jorida Jubani , Mema Mattia , Jolla Ervis , Rastelli Sofia
Published: February 2025

Aim: The maxillary sinus lift is a crucial surgical procedure performed to increase the vertical height of the remaining bone, often required before implant placement.
Several techniques are used to approach the maxillary sinus, with varying results.
Among them, it is possible to mention the minimal invasive sinus elevation (MISE)
technique.
Methods: This paper provides a comprehensive review of the MISE technique, its materials, and surgical methods. It analyzes the outcomes compared to conventional methods and discusses its applicability in different clinical scenarios.
Results: The MISE technique has proven effective in increasing bone height with a lower risk of membrane perforation compared to traditional methods. It offers high implant success rates and minimal post-operative complications, with strong patient outcomes regarding bone regeneration and implant stability. This section will analyze these results with both quantitative and qualitative evaluations.
Conclusions: The MISE technique notably improves sinus lift procedures, providing a minimally invasive method with reliable clinical results. Its predictability and lower risk of membrane perforation make it well-suited for implant surgeries involving sinus elevation. Future studies should explore long-term results and refine the technique for broader clinical use.
First biological report on Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum (Tarsonemidae): A mite inhabiting the perianth of coconut fruits
Authors: De França-Beltrão Girleide V. , Araújo Isaac Feitosa , De Oliveira Henarmmany Cristina Alves , Ulisses Cláudia , Lédo Ana Da Silva , Lofego Antônio C. , Júnior Manoel G. C. Gondim
Published: February 2025

Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum lives under the perianth of coconut fruits and causes necrosis, deformation, resinous lesions, and fruit abortion. Its colony develops in a shelter under the floral bracts of the fruits, which provides protection against biotic (e.g., predation) and abiotic factors (e.g., high temperature and humidity variations and influences from raindrops). However, these characteristics limit biological studies because the bracts prevent the observation of mites during their development. Aceria guerreronis also grows on the perianth of coconut fruits and has been reared using zygotic embryos (in vitro). In the present study, we performed the same procedure for S. concavuscutum. Different densities of S. concavuscutum were confined to zygotic embryos and evaluated after four weeks, with treatment involving A. guerreronis used for comparison. Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum did not develop appropriately on the zygotic embryos, unlike A. guerreronis. Subsequently, the biological aspects of S. concavuscutum were investigated by isolating the mites in arenas made from the perianth fragments of various coconut fruit varieties. An additional treatment was carried out with S. furcatus, another tarsonemid species inhabiting the perianth of fruits. The Steneotarsonemus species completed their development in arenas made of perianth fragments. A difference in developmental time between sexes was observed only in S. furcatus, while no difference was detected for either Steneotarsonemus species across different varieties. Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum exhibited a longer developmental time than S. furcatus, but neither species reproduced on perianth fragments.