bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The price of dialysis access: Implications of access type and patient-centric approaches to cost
Authors: Sim Nathan , Li Hanzhou , Moon John T. , Bikmal Anirudh , Iyer Deepak , Byun Brian , Konstantinidis Menelaos , Teodorescu Victoria , Newsome Janice , Bercu Zachary
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

This study explores out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for patients and provider reimbursement for dialysis access creation. It aims to illustrate the financial characteristics of four dialysis access modalities to consider in decision-making for clinicians, patients, and payers.

Materials and methods:

Retrospective data from the Merative™ MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Databases from 2017 to 2022 was analyzed for patients who received an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous graft (AVG), peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC), or percutaneous AVF (pAVF). ANOVA and Tukey HSD were used to assess cost differences among the four access modalities overall and in the context of insurance type and service site.

Results:

Database extraction resulted in 20,863 unique procedures, comprising of 15,043 AVF, 4759 AVG, 896 PDC, and 165 pAVF. Mean age was 59.2 years (±14.19) and 60.53% of the cohort was male. EPO/PPO plans were the most represented (53.06%) and most procedures were performed in the hospital outpatient department (91.99%). There were significant differences found among OOP cost and reimbursement with respect to procedure type, insurance type, and service site. Overall, pAVF had both the highest cost and reimbursement.

Conclusion:

Patient OOP costs and provider reimbursement differ significantly based on procedure, insurance type, and service site. While pAVF creation is recognized with high reimbursements due to its complexity and the advanced technology required, it also has the highest OOP costs for patients. To help facilitate adoption of new technologies like pAVF, advocacy efforts should focus on encouraging payers to lower the OOP financial barriers for patients to receive these newer but costlier procedures.
Synthesis and Application of Sustainable Tricalcium Phosphate Based Biomaterials From Agro-Based Materials: A Review
Authors: Oladele Isiaka Oluwole , Adekola Samson Ademola , Agbeboh Newton Itua , Isola-Makinde Baraka Abiodun , Adewuyi Benjamin Omotayo
Published: November 2024

Trends in health care delivery systems have shifted as a result of the modern uses of biomaterials in medicine. Contrary to traditional medicine, modern healthcare are now useful in solving problems that were considered impossible some years back. One of the most significant factors to the most recent advancements in implant development has been the use of calcium based materials in the creation of necessary implants in the form of soft and hard tissues. With the advent of naturally sourced materials in the manufacturing of biomaterials, lots of attention are now focused on the different sources of agro-based resources that can be used for the product developments. These agro-based materials are now been considered for sustainable and ecological purposes in several areas of applications globally in the recent times. Hence, the review was carried out with focus on the sources, relevance, processing techniques and applications of tricalcium phosphate based biomaterials in modern day healthcare delivery. This review provides a historical and prospective picture of the crucial functions that materials based on tricalcium phosphate will play in fulfilling human requirements for medication.
Frequency of language brokering experience as a source of difference in bilinguals’ emotion judgments across languages
Authors: Febre Karina , Faghihi Nafiseh , Vaid Jyotsna
Published: November 2024

Aims and Objectives:

Bilinguals often perceive one language as more emotionally resonant than the other. Our study examined whether the emotional resonance of their heritage language is enhanced in bilingual immigrants who engage in a high degree of language brokering (early informal translation on behalf of family members) as compared to those who do not engage in frequent brokering.

Method:

One hundred ten US-based Latine Spanish-English proficient bilingual adults rated brief vignettes depicting neutral, positive or negative emotion-laden situations in each language on valence and intensity. Participants were categorized into high ( n = 46) or low brokering groups ( n = 64) based on differences in their self-reported frequency of brokering on a modified Language Brokering Scale (LBS).

Analysis:

For each of the three vignette types—positive, negative, and neutral, a 2 (Group) × 2 (Presentation Language) mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the valence and intensity of emotion ratings.

Findings:

For vignettes depicting positive emotion, individuals with high brokering experience gave higher pleasantness ratings when the vignettes were presented in Spanish than in English, and gave lower pleasantness ratings in English as compared to low-frequency brokers.

Experience:

No group or language differences were found for valence judgments for negative or neutral vignettes. There were no group or language differences in intensity ratings.

Originality:

Language brokering experience as a source of variability in emotional experience among bilinguals is not well documented; specifically, how these bilinguals experience emotional vignettes has not been previously studied.

Significance:

The findings contribute to the literature on the experience of emotions across languages among bilinguals who engaged in more frequent informal translation. This supports a first-language emotional resonance effect associated with early translation (or brokering) experience.
Multimodal representation learning for medical analytics - a systematic literature review
Authors: Hansen Emil Riis , Sagi Tomer , Hose Katja
Published: November 2024

Objectives: Machine learning-based analytics over uni-modal medical data has shown considerable promise and is now routinely deployed in diagnostic procedures. However, patient data consists of diverse types of data. By exploiting such data, multimodal approaches promise to revolutionize our ability to provide personalized care. Attempts to combine two modalities in a single diagnostic task have utilized the evolving field of multimodal representation learning (MRL), which learns a shared latent space between related modality samples. This new space can be used to improve the performance of machine-learning-based analytics. So far, however, our understanding of how modalities have been applied in MRL-based medical applications and which modalities are best suited for specific medical tasks is still unclear, as previous reviews have not addressed the medical analytics domain and its unique challenges and opportunities. Instead, this work aims to review the landscape of MRL for medical tasks to highlight opportunities for advancing medical applications. Methods: This paper presents a framework for positioning MRL techniques and medical modalities. More than 1000 papers related to medical analytics were reviewed, positioned, and classified using the proposed framework in the most extensive review to date. The paper further provides an online tool for researchers and developers of medical analytics to dive into the rapidly changing landscape of MRL for medical applications. Results: The main finding is that work in the domain has been sparse: only a few medical informatics tasks have been the target of much MRL-based work, with the overwhelming majority of tasks being diagnostic rather than prognostic. Similarly, numerous potentially compatible information modality combinations are unexplored or under-explored for most medical tasks. Conclusions: There is much to gain from using MRL in many unexplored combinations of medical tasks and modalities. This work can guide researchers working on a specific medical application to identify under-explored modality combinations and identify novel and emerging MRL techniques that can be adapted to the task at hand.
Algorithmic media use and algorithm literacy: An integrative literature review
Authors: Gagrčin Emilija , Naab Teresa K. , Grub Maria F.
Published: November 2024

Algorithms profoundly shape user experiences on digital platforms, raising concerns about their negative impacts and highlighting the importance of algorithm literacy. Research on individuals’ understanding of algorithms and their effects is expanding rapidly but lacks a cohesive framework. We conducted a systematic integrative literature review across social sciences and humanities (n = 169), addressing algorithm literacy in terms of its key conceptualizations and the endogenous, exogenous, and personal factors that influence it. We argue that existing research can be framed in terms of experiential learning cycles and outline how this approach can be beneficial for acquiring algorithm literacy. Finally, we propose a future research agenda that includes defining core competencies relevant to algorithm literacy, standardization of measures, integrating subjective and factual aspects of algorithm literacy, and task- and domain-specific approaches.
Life without parole and euthanasia: The future unintended consequences of current sentencing policies
Authors: Long Joshua S. , Marquart James
Published: November 2024

Canada and some European nations have authorized different forms of medically assisted death (euthanasia) for their citizens. Naturally, these rights have been extended to incarcerated people as well. It is possible that jurisdictions in the United States will authorize euthanasia for prisoners in states where medically assisted death is permissible for nonincarcerated citizens. It is important for criminal justice scholars to prepare for the controversies that will follow. The United States incarcerates nearly 56,000 people who are serving life without the possibility of parole, and, in total, more than 200,000 people are sentenced to some form of life imprisonment. We use data from the National Corrections Reporting Program, 2000–2019 to examine trends in life sentencing, examine the characteristics of 18,285 life without parole (LWOP) cases. These “lifers” accumulate inside our correctional system and most never leave alive. In the brave new world of euthanasia, what conditions will they need to meet before they can seek release through death? It is argued that LWOP sentences are unethical and unconstitutional, just as euthanasia policies are argued on similar grounds. This paper seeks to provoke a discussion of the ethical and legal aspects of these two controversial policies by asking which is worse: “life” or death.
The “Right Kinds of Nurses”: Centering LPNs in the Nursing Labor Force
Authors: Wall Barbra Mann , Cessato William A. , Tucker Victoria
Published: November 2024

The nursing profession is currently grappling with an ongoing nursing shortage illuminated during the COVID-19 pandemic. While this burgeoning health and environmental crisis exacerbated this workforce issue, it did not create it. This study seeks to expand the idea of “who is a nurse” by arguing for the use of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as safe, credentialed persons in the nursing workforce. Archival research using primary and secondary sources highlights the history of the LPN movement. Historical case studies of LPN schools show how LPNs enhanced not only the quantity but also the quality of nursing practice. Case studies also reveal successful collaborations between nurses, communities, and hospitals to enhance the nursing workforce and community well-being. Aspects of this study were either approved by or deemed not human subjects research by institutional review boards. The increased emphasis on the registered nurse in the mid-20th century led to the marginalization of LPNs. Yet, history has revealed that collaborations that enhance diversity in the workforce and improve health-care access for patients, without compromising quality of care, can be formed by engaging LPNs. LPNs must be respected as consistent contributors to the country's health-care workforce. As the AACN commits to diversifying nursing, it is significant that LPNs have added to a more diverse, inclusive nursing labor force. For LPNs who wish to advance their nursing education, pathway programs must be supported—thus increasing diversity in the professional and advanced practice workforce.
Examining the Occurrence of the FLASH Effect in Animal Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ultra-High Dose Rate Proton or Carbon Ion Irradiation
Authors: Wu Xun , Luo Hongtao , Wang Qian , Du Tianqi , Chen Yanliang , Tan Mingyu , Liu Ruifeng , Liu Zhiqiang , Sun Shilong , Yang Kehu , Tian Jinhui , Zhang Qiuning
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to assess whether ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) ion irradiations can induce the FLASH effect in animal models. Methods: A comprehensive search of the Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE databases was conducted from inception until March 20, 2023, to identify studies involving irradiated animals subjected to proton or carbon ion beams at varying dose rates. The research content should include various indicators that can reflect the effect and safety of radiation, such as survival, normal tissue toxicity, inflammatory response, tumor volume, etc Results: Compared to conventional dose rate (CONV) ion irradiations, UHDR ion irradiations can significantly improve mouse survival (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.78, I2 = 0%) and maintain comparable tumor control. There was no significant impact of different dose rates on the survival of zebrafish embryos (SMD 0.11, 95% CI −0.31 to 0.53, I2 = 85%). Subgroup analysis showed that radiation dose was an important factor affecting the survival of zebrafish embryos. Achieving normal tissue sparing may require higher radiation dose under UHD.In mouse and zebrafish embryo models, normal tissue sparing did not always occur after UHDR ion irradiations. In addition, only a limited number of cytokines (CXCL1, IL-6, GM-CSF, G-CSF, HMGB1, and TGF-β) and immune cells (microglia and myeloid cells) showed differences at different dose rates. Conclusions: UHDR ion irradiation can achieve FLASH effect, but the reproducibility of normal tissue sparing remains a challenge. Compared to CONV irradiation, UHDR ion irradiations demonstrated equivalent or even superior tumor control.
Development of hunting oscillation detection algorithm for railway vehicles by using accelerometers
Authors: Shin Ji Hwan , Park Joon Hyuk , Shin Yu Jeong
Published: November 2024

In this study, an algorithm was developed to detect hunting oscillation in railway vehicles using only accelerometers. Typically, the wheel profile of most railway vehicles has a conical shape, causing inherent hunting oscillation. The critical speed at which hunting oscillation occurs is determined by the wheel profile, rail profile, and dynamic characteristics of the railway vehicles. Hunting oscillation significantly impairs ride comfort, reduces running stability, and increases the risk of accidents such as derailment. Therefore, if hunting oscillation occurs during railway operation, it must be detected, and a deceleration procedure should be applied immediately to ensure dynamic stability. The detection algorithm in this study is based on the geometric behavior of the bogie. It utilizes longitudinal and lateral acceleration data from accelerometers installed on the upper frame of the bogie above the axle boxes. The algorithm processes the acceleration data to obtain the hunting oscillation frequency and harmonics, integrating all this data to calculate the Index of Hunting Oscillation. Validation was performed through simulations using a standard electric train model, confirming the algorithm’s effectiveness. Additionally, tests on actual bogies using a roller rig validated the algorithm’s performance in detecting hunting oscillation effectively.
Giant renal artery aneurysm with severe compression of the right kidney
Authors: Wang Haibo , Wu Mingwei , Xiong Jiang
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) is a rare condition among visceral aneurysms, often asymptomatic and incidentally discovered through imaging. Surgical or interventional procedures are utilized for treatment, depending on the aneurysm’s size, morphology, and the patient’s physical condition, to prevent rupture.

Methods

A patient was admitted with a giant asymptomatic RAA, measuring a maximum diameter of 11 cm on a serendipitous occasion.

Results

We successfully accomplished a full embolization treatment for the aneurysm, exclusively utilizing inflow tract embolization techniques. Six months post-treatment, a follow-up abdominal ultrasound examination demonstrated a notable decrease in the aneurysm’s diameter, signifying the positive outcome of our intervention.

Conclusions

This approach offers a feasible alternative in challenging cases, especially when traditional surgical methods are not feasible or carry significant risks.
Reviving global mobility: Exploring traditional and virtual study abroad management
Authors: Mammadova Tamilla , Allen Todd J.
Published: November 2024

In recent decades, international academic mobility has emerged as a rapidly growing and dynamic phenomenon within the realm of higher education, expanding and evolving the concept of a study abroad. Millions of students aspire to cross international borders to experience diverse cultures, form new social connections, gain global perspectives, and enhance their educational experiences (Mammadova, 2023a). In response, policymakers, university administrators, and other stakeholders involved in mobility programs have worked diligently to meet the evolving needs of students, striving to make these programs more accessible and user-friendly. In other words, international mobility programs offered by Erasmus+, the European Union, eTwinning, and other similar initiatives have gained widespread adoption within the global academic community.
Bioinformatic and clinical experimental assay uncovers resistance and susceptibility mechanisms of human glioblastomas to temozolomide and identifies new combined and individual survival biomarkers outperforming MGMT promoter methylation
Authors: Modestov Alexander , Zolotovskaia Marianna , Suntsova Maria , Zakharova Galina , Seryakov Aleksander , Jovcevska Ivana , Mlakar Jernej , Poddubskaya Elena , Moisseev Aleksey , Vykhodtsev Grigory , Roumiantsev Sergey , Sorokin Maksim , Tkachev Victor , Simonov Aleksander , Buzdin Anton
Published: November 2024

Background:

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal central nervous system (CNS) tumor. The treatment strategy is mainly surgery and/or radiation therapy, both combined with adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. Historically, methylation of MGMT gene promoter is used as the major biomarker predicting individual tumor response to TMZ.

Objectives:

This research aimed to analyze genes and molecular pathways of DNA repair as biomarkers for sensitivity to TMZ treatment in GBM using updated The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data and validate the results on experimental datasets.

Methods:

Survival analysis of GBM patients under TMZ therapy and hazard ratio (HR) calculation were used to assess all putative biomarkers on World Health Organization CNS5 reclassified TCGA project collection of molecular profiles and experimental multicenter GBM patient cohort. Pathway activation levels were calculated for 38 DNA repair pathways. TMZ sensitivity pathway was reconstructed using a human interactome model built using pairwise interactions extracted from 51,672 human molecular pathways.

Results:

We found that expression/activation levels of seven and six emerging gene/pathway biomarkers served as high-quality positive (HR < 0.61) and negative (HR > 1.63), respectively, patient survival biomarkers performing better than MGMT methylation. Positive survival biomarkers were enriched in the processes of ATM-dependent checkpoint activation and cell cycle arrest whereas negative—in excision DNA repair. We also built and characterized gene pathways which were informative for GBM patient survival following TMZ administration (HR 0.18–0.44, p < 0.0009; area under the curve 0.68–0.9).

Conclusion:

In this study, a comprehensive analysis of the expression of 361 DNA repair genes and activation levels of 38 DNA repair pathways revealed 13 potential survival biomarkers with increased prognostic potential compared to MGMT methylation. We algorithmically reconstructed the TMZ sensitivity pathway with strong predictive capacity in GBM.
Metal implants in children
Authors: Cundy Peter John , Williams Nicole
Published: November 2024

Background:

Metal implants are increasingly used in children for trauma and deformity correction. This review outlines the current knowledge on the types of metals used and explores reasons for removal and the potential for long-term health issues of metal implants.

Methods:

The literature pertaining to these aspects was studied and summarised in this review.

Results:

Types of metals used have evolved as well as the development of children-specific implants. Improvements in deformity correction are measurable with likely improved outcomes and reduced health costs. Indications for metal implant removal following successful treatment remain ill-defined; however, the risks of removal are known with a minimum 6% complication rate. Health costs could be reduced by around 6% by judicious decisions to leave metal in place. Implant removal should only be encouraged in the presence of infection, mechanical failure or symptoms that are truly attributable to the implant. In the domain of spinal implants, there is evidence of significant metal ion release, most notably titanium which remains elevated to many times baseline levels beyond 2 years. The detection of titanium at low levels requires special techniques. The long-term health effects on patients and/or their offspring are not well defined, although well described in animal models.

Conclusion:

The risks of metal removal are significant. Clinicians need to be aware of potential health risks in the use of metal implants and the potential for covert toxicity effects in children especially with their long life ahead. There is a need for greater awareness of metal alloy composition and implant design to minimise risks.

Level of evidence:

Level V.
Brexit and the Iraq War on BBC Question Time: Demographic and Political Issue Representation in UK Public Participation Broadcasting
Authors: Brandenburg Heinz , Boyle Brian Paul , Lemesheva Yulia
Published: November 2024

Public broadcasters are bound by strict guidelines to ensure balance in representing different demographic and political groups, and to better reflect the distribution of these characteristics within the public and political elites. How are these decisions affected when the biggest political issues of the day create further cleavages that not only cross-cut existing divides but also deserve representation in political discourse? In this article, we examine how panel selection on BBC Question Time dealt with this in relation to two prominent issues in twenty-first century UK politics: Brexit and the UK invasion of Iraq. We introduce an original dataset including all BBC Question Time appearances between 2001 and 2019, created using a combination of web-scraping and expert coding. This allows us to trace patterns in representation across sex, ethnicity, educational background, as well as partisan affiliation and stances on issues like Brexit and the Iraq war among the show’s panelists. We find that panel selection closely reflects gender and ethnic diversity among the UK public and MPs, but that individuals from privileged educational backgrounds are vastly overrepresented on the show. For both the Iraq war and Brexit, the show again broadly reflects the views of the public and political elites once we account for relevant comparisons between politicians and non-political guests.
A note on the perforation of thin concrete slabs by rigid projectiles
Authors: Rosenberg Zvi , Vayig Yaniv
Published: November 2024

We analyzed the perforation data from several works where thin concrete slabs were impacted by rigid long rods. The data includes the ballistic limit velocities of these projectile/slab pairs, as well as the residual velocities of the projectiles. We found that the experimental ballistic limit velocities can be accounted for by the perforation model that we published previously. On the other hand, we had to update our model to account for the residual velocities in these tests. The experimental data in these works showed that more concrete mass was ejected from the back face of these slabs than we assumed in our earlier model. Moreover, the ejected mass in these experiments was found to decrease with impact velocity. These features are in contrast with our earlier model’s assumptions, and we had to update the model as discussed here.
‘Ambiguous play’: Understanding the right to play – a case study of street-connected children in Kathmandu
Authors: Subedi Govind , Atkinson-Sheppard Sally , Jha Vinay
Published: November 2024

The article considers street-connected children and their right to play. By drawing on a qualitative case study involving interviews and focus groups with NGO workers and children who lived on the streets in the Kathmandu valley, this article explores play, its role in children’s lives and the applicability of the UNCRC Article 31. We argue that play forms an important part of street-connected children’s lives, helping them to develop friendships and solidarity. However, in some instances play becomes ambiguous, associated with risk and crime. We propose the notion of ‘ambiguous play’ to explore this further. For these children, play is closely related to survival, to earning an income and engagement in crime, which can, at times, be considered a form of enjoyment or fun. This takes discussions into ambiguous areas, in stark contrast to normative notions of play associated with childhood innocence, deeply embedded within wider ideals of childhoods, rooted in coloniality. We reflect on this in light of ethical and moral dilemmas related to ambiguous play as well as implications for research, policy and practice.
Children’s rights: Belonging and participating in communities
Authors: Wood Bronwyn Elisabeth , Loveridge Judith
Published: November 2024

Since the inception of UNCRC, a considerable body of scholarship has developed to consider what the rights of children are and how they can be enacted in everyday life. In this paper we re-visit the framing of children and young people and their rights, from the nascent endeavours in the 20th century to the present day, and argue that we still need to better understand the conditions by which children’s rights and their participation in their communities can be supported and amplified. To do this we draw on research with young people, growing up in some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most culturally diverse neighbourhoods. Using a mix of self-directed focus groups and visual methods, young people described their experiences of belonging and how and where they felt most able to participate as citizens. This analysis highlighted the significance of intergenerational connections within community, educational, cultural and religious spaces, where young people could express the right to be represented and realise the possibility for participation. We argue that children’s rights and agency need to be understood as part of relational interactions in the context of families and communities where children feel they belong and are given opportunities for participation.
Digital health interventions for individuals with disabilities and their impacts on health, quality of life, and social participation
Authors: Kandeel Mahmoud , Morsy Mohamed A. , Alkhodair Khaled , Alhojaily Sameer
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Digital health interventions offer promising avenues for enhancing health outcomes, the quality of life, and social participation among individuals with disabilities. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these interventions on individuals with disabilities.

Methods

This study began with a comprehensive search of several electronic databases and the grey literature in hopes of selecting primary qualitative and quantitative studies that examined digital health interventions for individuals with disabilities. Our analysis categorized outcomes into health improvements, quality of life enhancements, and increased levels of social participation.

Results

Measures of the quality of life revealed enhancements in emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being, as well as reductions in pain and increases in the efficiency with which daily activities were accomplished. In terms of social participation, digital health interventions fostered stronger relationships and heightened levels of social engagement. Secondary outcomes of the study spotlighted user satisfaction and concerns with digital tool usability. However, design and user features, such as ease of use and privacy, influenced tool effectiveness. The results suggested that digital interventions, especially when paired with emerging technologies such as virtual reality and machine learning, have the potential to be engaging and effective. The research prioritized primary, empirical, and quantitative studies in setting up a solid foundation of data and ensuring minimal bias. However, the diversity of the studies reviewed made a meta-analysis challenging because the studies focused on various disabilities, interventions, and outcome measurements.

Conclusion

The nascent field of digital health would benefit from research with narrowly targeted goals, particularly research emphasizing societal participation for disabled individuals.
Ultrasound Screening of Achilles Tendon, Patellar Tendon, and Plantar Fascia for Pain Development in Collegiate Athletes: A Multi-institutional Prospective Evaluation
Authors: Cushman Daniel M. , Corcoran Blake , Vu Leyen , Fredericson Michael , Teramoto Masaru , Booker Lyndsey , Eby Sarah F.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Diagnostic ultrasound can evaluate musculoskeletal structures for abnormalities that correlate with tendinopathy and fasciopathy. Previous literature suggests that sonographic screening of tendons and fascia can identify structures that are at risk for developing pain, although this has not been evaluated in collegiate athletes competing in a variety of sports.

Purpose:

To evaluate the use of ultrasound for screening the patellar tendon, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia for time-loss injury in collegiate athletes during a full year.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 242 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes from 3 institutions participated in this yearlong prospective observational study. Each athlete completed a brief demographic questionnaire, followed by an ultrasound examination of the bilateral patellar tendons, Achilles tendons, and plantar fascia performed at the beginning of the season. Ultrasound examinations assessed for tendon/fascia thickening, hypoechogenicity, and neovascularization. Athletes were monitored for any time-loss injury in these 3 structures throughout a full year.

Results:

Of the 242 athletes (n = 484 tendon/fascia) evaluated, the patellar tendon had the highest prevalence of sonographic abnormalities (37.4%), followed by the Achilles tendon (10.6%); plantar fascia abnormalities were rare (3.5%). The overall number of tendon/fascia structures that developed injury was low (<5%). The relative risk for a time-loss injury based on an initial abnormal ultrasound screening was 8.8, 17.2, and 13.2 for the patellar tendon, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia, respectively ( P < .01). Negative predictive values (99-99.6) far outweighed positive predictive values (10.3-14).

Conclusion:

NCAA Division I student-athletes with sonographic abnormalities on initial screening were more likely to develop a time-loss injury in the affected tendon/fascia during the competitive season. Further research on this topic should focus on identifying the specific sonographic abnormalities and their relationship with future injury.
Female Migrant Workers in Conflict with Life and Livelihood Amid COVID-19: Violence and Gendered Crisis
Authors: Sahu Tarak Nath , Maity Sudarshan , Sen Nabanita , Yadav Manjari
Published: November 2024

This article explores the gendered impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women migrant workers and their families in terms of loss of livelihood resulting in a debt trap while endangering life, responsibility stress, restricted geographic moves, shattered access and scarce support. Employing the quantitative research method, a survey of 122 women migrant workers from five underprivileged districts of West Bengal, India, was conducted. The analysis revealed that there has been a significant variation in women migrant workers’ income level as well as in the level of violence they were exposed to during the pandemic in comparison to the pre-pandemic phase. The level of violence also has a negative monotonic relationship with their husbands’ income. The findings of the study also confirm that income, family structure, financial support and so on significantly influence violence towards women. These findings have implications for developing policies and programmes to ensure the secured employment for and safety of women.
Spatial change under the institution of land rights: A research note on the double-tragedy in the Wanhua Railway Station redevelopment zone, Taipei
Authors: Zhu Jieming
Published: November 2024

Equalization of land rights is a noble goal for societies to pursue. The reform of farmland to the tiller has significantly transformed Taiwan’s agricultural economy and paved the way for rapid industrialization. Nevertheless, market-led equalization of urban land rights may result in unfavorable effects that prevent scarce urban land resources from optimal utilization. The research of Wanhua Railway Station redevelopment zone has discovered the phenomenon of the double-tragedy of the commons and anti-commons. Fragmented land rights hamper redevelopment efforts and induce illegal construction instead. Double-tragedy leads to social segregation that amplifies inequality between urban neighborhoods.
Assessment of urban seismic resilience of a town in Eastern Turkiye: Turkoglu, Kahramanmaras before and after 6 February 2023 M 7.8 Kahramanmaras earthquake
Authors: Askan Aysegul , Altindal Abdullah , Aydin Mehmet Firat , Erberik Murat Altug , Koçkar Mustafa Kerem , Tun Muammer , Senol Balaban Meltem , Uygucgil Hakan , Kop Alican , Karimzadeh Shaghayegh , Mutlu Sunay , Koska Hasan , Pekkan Emrah , Erkmen Cenk , Celik Aylin , Kılıc Nazan
Published: November 2024

On 6 February 2023, two earthquakes occurred approximately 9 h apart, with Mw 7.8 and 7.5, and epicenters located in Pazarcık and Elbistan districts of Kahramanmaras province, respectively. As part of a national project team which was funded by the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Turkiye (AFAD) between June 2021 and June 2023, the authors of this article had proposed a framework to assess the seismic resilience of an urban region. The pilot area of this national project was a small-scale industrial town named Turkoglu located to the south of Kahramanmaras, at the intersection of Amanos and Pazarcik segments of the East Anatolian Fault zone. The proposed framework encompasses the assessment of active faults in the region, construction of regional velocity models, ground motion simulations of potential earthquakes, structural vulnerability, and study of seismic resilience indicators. The Pazarcik earthquake occurred 4 months before the end of the project on the exact fault system, which was modeled in ground motion simulations within the project in 2022. The objective of this article is multifold: first, to present our findings before the earthquake (2021–2022) in the region, including regional velocity models, ground motion simulations, street survey-based building classifications, and vulnerability classes; and second, to compare the after-event modeling of damage distributions in comparison with the observed damages as well as resilience evaluations of the region from multiple perspectives. A third objective is to assess the seismic resilience framework used in the project, as there are multiple seismically active areas in Turkiye and the world where similar large events are anticipated. This study constitutes a significant case study in the Turkoglu region, which involves critical evaluations of seismic resilience from before and after event data.
New probabilistic fault displacement hazard models for reverse faulting
Authors: Moss Robb E.S. , Thompson Stephen C. , Kuo Chun-Hsiang , Younesi Kourosh , Baumont David
Published: November 2024

This paper presents new empirical models for estimating displacements on surface-fault ruptures for reverse faults within a hazard forecasting framework. These models include revised relationships between earthquake magnitude and maximum or average displacement and revised distributions of normalized principal displacement as a function of location along fault strike. This work has been in conjunction with the Fault Displacement Hazard Initiative (FDHI) and utilizes the recently released database that contains surface-fault displacement and rupture trace data from global reverse and reverse-oblique mechanism earthquakes.
Reconnaissance-Informed Post-Earthquake Functional Recovery: Observations and Challenges
Authors: Hariri-Ardebili Mohammad Amin , Speicher Matthew S.
Published: November 2024

Earthquake reconnaissance trips often serve as the “tip of the spear” for assessing the real-world performance of buildings and infrastructure. Earthquakes are nature’s laboratory experiments, exposing weaknesses and flaws by testing the structural integrity of each building. Traditional data collection approaches typically include documenting damage (or lack thereof) with photographs, taking measurements on structural characteristics (e.g., rebar cover, concrete cracking, residual drift, foundation settlement), and taking additional notes on qualitative damage (e.g., drywall cracking, stairway damage). The importance of incorporating recovery considerations into the design process has gained increased recognition to help maintain the health and vibrancy of the community after life safety measures have been assured. Though traditional activities remain valuable, the emphasis on systematically documenting building functionality, or predicting a return to functionality, during reconnaissance trips has been limited.

The concept of functional recovery encompasses the readiness of a building to support its pre-earthquake uses, beyond providing shelter. The majority of research on building functional recovery has focused on fully defining the concept and identifying the most influential factors. Some studies have pushed further to quantify functional recovery targets for individual buildings, taking into account shaking intensity, building response, component damage, and other relevant factors. Though functional recovery concepts have historically been implicitly embedded in different areas of the model international building codes for decades (e.g., importance factors), explicit treatment of the topic has been absent.

This paper presents an effort undertaken after the 2023 Türkiye earthquake to collect functional recovery information approximately two months following the event. It provides a summary of the challenges encountered when attempting to collect functional recovery data during the post-earthquake reconnaissance. Examples are given of a set of schools and hospitals, incorporating field observations and discussions with residents to glean any available information. By documenting these experiences, this paper highlights needed activities in the field of functional recovery and offers recommendations for further research.
Neurobiological effects and mechanisms of magnetic fields: a review from 2000 to 2023
Authors: Wang Xuejia , Ye Yumeng , Zuo Hongyan , Li Yang
Published: November 2024

Magnetic fields are widely used in medical diagnostics because of their superior non-invasive properties. In addition, with the widespread use of magnetic fields in transportation and other areas, their potential hazards to human health and the assessment of their safety have attracted considerable attention. The effects of magnetic fields on living organisms have a long history. The biological effects of magnetic field exposure in mice and rats depend on the magnetic field strength, exposure time, and direction; depending on these and potentially other factors, magnetic fields can cause a series of neurobiological effects. We reviewed global research on the neurobiological effects of magnetic fields from recent years to provide an overview and insights into the underlying mechanisms. This review focuses on the biological effects of static and dynamic magnetic fields of different frequencies and intensities on animals and nerve cells and their mechanisms of action.
Advancing cancer research through organoid technology
Authors: Zeng Guolong , Yu Yifan , Wang Meiting , Liu Jiaxing , He Guangpeng , Yu Sixuan , Yan Huining , Yang Liang , Li Hangyu , Peng Xueqiang
Published: November 2024

The complexity of tumors and the challenges associated with treatment often stem from the limitations of existing models in accurately replicating authentic tumors. Recently, organoid technology has emerged as an innovative platform for tumor research. This bioengineering approach enables researchers to simulate, in vitro, the interactions between tumors and their microenvironment, thereby enhancing the intricate interplay between tumor cells and their surroundings. Organoids also integrate multidimensional data, providing a novel paradigm for understanding tumor development and progression while facilitating precision therapy. Furthermore, advancements in imaging and genetic editing techniques have significantly augmented the potential of organoids in tumor research. This review explores the application of organoid technology for more precise tumor simulations and its specific contributions to cancer research advancements. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and evolving trends in developing comprehensive tumor models utilizing organoid technology.
Soluble and EV-bound CD27 act as antagonistic biomarkers in patients with solid tumors undergoing immunotherapy
Authors: Gorgulho Joao , Loosen Sven H. , Masood Ramsha , Giehren Franziska , Pagani Francesca , Buescher Gustav , Kocheise Lorenz , Joerg Vincent , Schmidt Constantin , Schulze Kornelius , Roderburg Christoph , Kinkel Eva , Fritzsche Britta , Wehmeyer Simon , Schmidt Benjamin , Kachel Paul , Rolling Christina , Götze Julian , Busch Alina , Sinn Marianne , Pereira-Veiga Thais , Wikman Harriet , Geffken Maria , Peine Sven , Matschl Urte , Altfeld Markus , Huber Samuel , Lohse Ansgar W. , Beier Fabian , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Bokemeyer Carsten , Luedde Tom , von Felden Johann
Published: November 2024

Background

The major breakthrough in cancer therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has highlighted the important role of immune checkpoints in antitumoral immunity. However, most patients do not achieve durable responses, making biomarker research in this setting essential. CD27 is a well known costimulatory molecule, however the impact of its soluble form in ICI is poorly investigated. Therefore, we aimed at testing circulating concentrations of soluble CD27 (sCD27) and CD27 bound to extracellular vesicles (EVs) as potential biomarkers to predict response and overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing ICI.

Methods

Serum and plasma levels of sCD27 were assessed by immunoassay in three patient cohorts (n = 187) with advanced solid malignancies including longitudinal samples (n = 126): a training (n = 84, 210 specimens, Aachen ICI) and validation cohort (n = 70, 70 specimens, Hamburg ICI), both treated with ICI therapy, and a second independent validation cohort (n = 33, 33 specimens, Hamburg non-ICI) undergoing systemic therapy without any ICI. In a subset (n = 36, 36 baseline and 108 longitudinal specimens), EV-bound CD27 from serum was measured, while EV characterization studies were conducted on a fourth cohort (n = 45).

Results

In the Aachen and Hamburg ICI cohorts, patients with lower circulating sCD27 levels before and during ICI therapy had a significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) and OS compared to patients with higher levels, a finding that was confirmed by multivariate analysis (MVA) (Aachen ICI: pPFS = 0.012, pOS = 0.001; Hamburg ICI: pPFS = 0.040, pOS = 0.004) and after randomly splitting both cohorts into training and validation. This phenomenon was not observed in the Hamburg non-ICI cohort, providing a rationale for the predictive biomarker role of sCD27 in immune checkpoint blockade. Remarkably, EV-bound CD27 baseline levels and dynamics during ICI therapy also emerged as potent predictive biomarkers, acting however antagonistically to soluble sCD27, i.e. higher levels were associated with PFS and OS benefit. Combining both molecules (“multi-CD27” score) enhanced the predictive ability (HRPFS: 17.21 with p < 0.001, HROS: 6.47 with p = 0.011).

Conclusion

Soluble and EV-bound CD27 appear to have opposing immunomodulatory functions and may represent easily measurable, non-invasive prognostic markers to predict response and survival in patients undergoing ICI therapy.
Belowground plant productivity responds similarly as soil microbial productivity rather than aboveground plant productivity to nitrogen deposition in the Eurasian steppe
Authors: Hua Bin , Yang Junjie , Hu Zonghao , Fan Yi , Gong Huan , Wang Jing , Liu Haiyan , Mao Rong , Zhang Yang , Zhao Yong , Zhang Zhiming , Liu Haiming , Zhang Ximei
Published: November 2024

Purpose

It is a central goal in current ecology to investigate the effects of global changes on ecosystem productivity, which includes above- and below-ground plant productivity as well as soil microbial productivity, but most studies focus on aboveground plant productivity. As plant and microbial communities have different attributes, it is intuitive to hypothesize that belowground plant root productivity will respond to global changes more similarly as aboveground stem/leaf productivity than soil microbial productivity; however, this hypothesis remains largely unexplored.

Methods

Here we conducted a long-term nitrogen deposition experiment in the Eurasian steppe, manipulating nine rates (0–50 g N m− 2 yr− 1) at two frequencies under two management strategies (fencing or mowing).

Results

Belowground plant productivity was found to respond similarly as soil microbial productivity rather than aboveground plant productivity, contrary to the hypothesis. And this pattern was more obvious under mowing than fencing, because mowing decreased soil water content and caused another pressure beyond the decreased pH induced by N addition.

Conclusions

Overall, our results demonstrated the importance of microhabitat (below- or above-ground) relative to community attribute (plants or microorganisms) in determining productivity response to nitrogen deposition, emphasizing the necessity to integratively study the response of both above- and below-ground productivities to global changes.