bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends and Complications of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Among Applicants for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part II and Maintenance of Certification Examinations: Analysis of Data Over a 15-Year Period
Authors: Chilelli Brian J. , Bhatia Sanjeev , Das Victoria , Patel Ronak M.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) and tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) are commonly performed surgical procedures that often have a high learning curve.

Purpose:

To review the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part II oral examination case list and the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) examination case list databases for trends in MPFLR (isolated and with concurrent TTO) and complication rates.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We reviewed the ABOS Part II and MOC case list databases for diagnosis codes relating to patellar instability and Current Procedural Terminology codes specific to MPFLR and TTO regarding cases submitted by applicants for these examinations between 2003 and 2017 (for ABOS Part II) and between 2010 and 2017 (for MOC). Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations with a binomial distribution and logit link to determine how trends in MPFLR changed over the study period in these applicant groups (ABOS vs MOC) as well as any influence on complication rates.

Results:

In the ABOS group, the number of MPFLRs performed by surgeons increased a mean 3% each year, ranging from 66 in 2003 to 184 in 2015 (injury rate ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.04; P < .001). In the MOC group, the mean number of MPFLRs did not change significantly (range, 119 in 2011 vs 230 in 2013; P = .772). In the ABOS group, after adjusting for patient age and examination year, MPFLR combined with TTO was associated with 92% greater odds of having a complication versus isolated MPFLR (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.24-2.98; P = .004), whereas the MOC group demonstrated no significant difference in the odds of having a complication between cases with versus without a concurrent TTO ( P = .214).

Conclusion:

In the current study, the number of MPFLRs performed by the less experienced surgeons in the ABOS group increased a mean 3% each year, whereas this number remained stable for the more experienced MOC group. Additionally, there were significantly more complications with MPFLR and concomitant TTO among the ABOS Part II candidates compared with the MOC candidates. These findings may be helpful in surgical decision making and education in patellofemoral instability.
A Phoneme-Scale Assessment of Multichannel Speech Enhancement Algorithms
Authors: Monir Nasser-Eddine , Magron Paul , Serizel Romain
Published: December 2024

In the intricate acoustic landscapes where speech intelligibility is challenged by noise and reverberation, multichannel speech enhancement emerges as a promising solution for individuals with hearing loss. Such algorithms are commonly evaluated at the utterance scale. However, this approach overlooks the granular acoustic nuances revealed by phoneme-specific analysis, potentially obscuring key insights into their performance. This paper presents an in-depth phoneme-scale evaluation of three state-of-the-art multichannel speech enhancement algorithms. These algorithms—filter-and-sum network, minimum variance distortionless response, and Tango—are here extensively evaluated across different noise conditions and spatial setups, employing realistic acoustic simulations with measured room impulse responses, and leveraging diversity offered by multiple microphones in a binaural hearing setup. The study emphasizes the fine-grained phoneme-scale analysis, revealing that while some phonemes like plosives are heavily impacted by environmental acoustics and challenging to deal with by the algorithms, others like nasals and sibilants see substantial improvements after enhancement. These investigations demonstrate important improvements in phoneme clarity in noisy conditions, with insights that could drive the development of more personalized and phoneme-aware hearing aid technologies. Additionally, while this study provides extensive data on the physical metrics of processed speech, these physical metrics do not necessarily imitate human perceptions of speech, and the impact of the findings presented would have to be investigated through listening tests.
Can Adolescents Acquire Cultural Capital Through Social Capital Access and Exposure? Experimental Evidence of the Impact of Ties to College-Educated Adults
Authors: Gaddis S. Michael , Murphy Joseph
Published: December 2024

Scholars question whether cultural capital reproduces existing inequalities or leads to upward mobility. While families provide opportunities to increase cultural capital, schools value and reward cultural capital. Thus, adolescents need to obtain cultural capital through their families to be able to navigate the education system. However, most research does not provide causal evidence of cultural capital acquisition and lacks clarity about how disadvantaged adolescents might increase cultural capital. We hypothesize that adolescents may increase cultural capital through social capital access and exposure—their ties to and meeting frequency with other important adults knowledgeable about the education system. Using data from a randomized control trial on mentoring relationships, we find that high levels of social capital positively affect cultural capital, but only for otherwise disadvantaged adolescents with parents who have some college experience. Our findings suggest cultural capital may be a more limited engine of mobility if disadvantaged adolescents from less educated households cannot acquire or increase their cultural capital.
Generating Class Datasets for Teaching Qualitative Data Analysis Course to Graduate Students
Authors: Rubtsova Anna A. , McGee Robin
Published: December 2024

Teaching Qualitative Data Analysis to graduate-level students requires experiential learning and hands-on approaches, but there is a paucity of qualitative datasets available for teaching purposes. Pedagogical literature has paid relatively little attention to best practices related to the use of datasets in qualitative data analysis courses. It is essential for course instructors to have more methods in their toolkits to effectively generate instructional qualitative datasets. This article outlines a blueprint for creation of instructional qualitative datasets, using four general principles: (1) research topic of interest to students and not requiring specialized knowledge; (2) short time frame and ease of data collection; (3) student engagement; and (4) protection of research participants. We consider examples of how these principles were applied to generate three different datasets and discuss pros and cons of each method. This article describes a flexible approach, allowing for easy generation of custom instructional datasets.
The Effect of Online Group Education on Promoting Knowledge, Motivation, Self-Efficacy, Self-Care Behaviors and Preventing Uncontrolled Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients: A Quasi-Experiment Study
Authors: Upoyo Arif Setyo , Sari Yunita , Taufik Agis , Anam Akhyarul , Kuswati Ani
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Hypertensive patients may lack time to visit clinics and attend educational sessions, resulting in poor blood pressure control. Uncontrolled blood pressure in people with hypertension can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Objective

The specific purpose of this study was to determine the effect of online group education on knowledge, motivation, self-efficacy, self-care behavior, and blood pressure control of hypertensive patients.

Method

The research method used a quasi-experiment method. The subjects were hypertensive patients in Indonesia. The sampling technique used was cluster random sampling. Total sampling consisted of 96 participants, consisting of 48 intervention groups and 48 control groups. The inclusion criteria in the study were patients with primary hypertension who were willing to become research respondents. The exclusion criteria in this study were respondents who were sick and unable to follow therapy, had hearing problems, and had complications of other diseases (kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and stroke). Data collection methods include observation. The instruments used were the HKLS, HBP-SCP questionnaire, and Sphygmomanometer digital.

Result

Data analysis using repeated ANOVA and Friedman tests. There was a significant decrease in systolic ( p < .001) and diastolic ( p = .001) blood pressure and an increase in knowledge ( p < .001), motivation ( p < .001), self-efficacy ( p < .001), and self-care behavior ( p < .001) in the intervention group.

Conclusion

Online group education effectively reduces blood pressure and increases self-care behaviors in hypertensive patients.
Enhanced recovery using lung tumour thermal ablation in scleroderma associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Khajeh Atefeh , Shah Rushabh , Ridge Carole A
Published: December 2024

Image-guided thermal ablation is an alternative treatment for non-small cell lung cancer and can be performed in patients for whom general anaesthesia is not desired or contraindicated. This minimally invasive treatment is a promising approach in patients with early-stage lung cancer who are considered inoperable due to comorbidities. This short report describes an improved thermal ablation technique that considers the complexity of treating lung carcinoma in scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease.
MicroEmbedded Technologies: Growth Levers for the Future
Authors: Abraham Balaji , Roy Chinmoy Kumar , Bedekar Diksha , Das Gaurav , Khandekar Prasad
Published: December 2024

This case study examines the challenges and opportunities faced by MicroEmbedded Technologies (MET), which manufactures and sells electronic trainer boards for engineering students, in the post-pandemic era. It explores the various options and trade-offs that the protagonist, Dipak, must consider to grow his business and diversify his customer segments and revenue streams. MET was one of the budding entrepreneurial ventures focused on designing and manufacturing embedded system boards. The company was founded out of Mr Dipak Gule’s entrepreneurial vision and had a steady start to its journey. Over the years, the company has shaped itself from just selling system boards to designing, manufacturing and selling system boards. As it reached its inflection point, MET was staring at a crossroads on how to progress further, and its founder had a dilemma on where to allocate the resources to identify a growth path and scale up. While several options were available, the next steps were critical for MET’s success as it needed to leverage its strengths in exploring opportunities. This case highlights the entrepreneurial journey of MET, how it reached its inflection point and the possibilities in front of MET to evaluate. Finally, it concludes by providing two options that MET can critically assess and decide how to craft its future growth strategy.
Machine-Learning Human Rights
Authors: Ho Han-wei , Huang Patrick Chung-Chia , Garoupa Nuno , Wells Martin T. , Chang Yun-chien , Ginsburg Tom
Published: December 2024

Utilizing a comprehensive panel dataset spanning from 1900 to 2020, this study introduces an innovative methodology for the analysis and categorization of legal documents, specifically national constitutions. Contrary to the predominant reliance on unsupervised methods within the field, this research incorporates a supervised machine-learning approach, notably the SEMMS method, alongside traditional unsupervised algorithms. This dual approach facilitates a nuanced analysis of the human rights provisions contained within national constitutions, resulting in the identification of both traditional and novel constitutional groupings. Broadly speaking, the more traditional common law-civil law divide does not seem particularly relevant in this context. Furthermore, our methodology enables the examination of “switchers”—nations transitioning between groupings—thereby shedding light on critical moments of constitutional reclassification. By pinpointing the key variables that delineate these groupings and transitions, our findings not only complement previous scholarly insights but also unveil unique patterns of constitutional evolution. The implications of our research extend beyond constitutional studies, offering valuable insights and methodological advancements for the analysis of extensive legal corpora across various domains.
The state as auteur: Timing digitisation in Africa's Silicon Savannah
Authors: Datta Ayona , Hoefsloot Fenna Imara
Published: December 2024

Kenya is in the midst of an information revolution and has recently unveiled a set of digitisation initiatives to become the Silicon Savannah of East Africa. While the African state is often examined through the notion of absence or failure, we argue that we need to pay more attention to timing as a mode of statecraft in a digital era. Drawing upon a Deleuzian conceptualisation of ‘time-images', we argue that the Kenyan state operates as an ‘auteur’ to give meaning and significance to a seemingly asynchronous set of disconnected digitisation initiatives across spaces, scales and institutions. Timing as a form of state power determines which initiatives are prioritised, what gets executed, in what sequence and at what pace. As an auteur, the state presents a linear narrative from the past to the future, but in the end, as with all auteurs, the state's identity and authority are defined in part through the actions of its actors and the experience of citizens.
Multi-Objective Trajectory Optimization for Rigid-Flexible Coupling Spray-Painting Robot Integrated with Coating Process Constraints
Authors: Xu Feng , Zi Bin , Wang Jingyuan , Yu Zhaoyi
Published: December 2024

Robot-automated spraying is widely used in various fields, such as the automotive, metalworking, furniture, and aerospace industries. Spraying quality is influenced by multiple factors, including robot speed, acceleration, end-effector trajectory, and spraying process constraints. To achieve high-quality spraying under the influence of multiple factors, this study proposes a multi-objective optimization method for the spraying trajectory that integrates spraying process constraints into the optimization process. First, a 7-degree-of-freedom rigid-flexible coupling serial spray painting robot system is introduced, which includes a motion decoupling mechanism and a tension amplification mechanism. Subsequently, a paint deposition model for the spray gun was established, and the influence of process constraints on spraying quality was analyzed. Trajectory planning for the spray painting robot, based on the septic B-spline interpolation method, was then performed. Based on this foundation, objective functions and constraint equations for spraying trajectory optimization were established. A multi-objective trajectory optimization method for spraying by the robot is proposed based on the NSGA-II, which integrates the spraying process constraints. Finally, a prototype system of a 7-degree-of-freedom rigid-flexible coupling serial spray painting robot was constructed. Simulations and spraying experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed multi-objective trajectory optimization method. This paper presents a multi-objective optimization method for the spraying trajectory of a robot. In the proposed method, the optimized spraying trajectory is generated with the spraying process as the constraint and time, energy consumption, and impact during the spraying operation of the robot as the optimization objectives.
Facilitating person-centered patient participation in kidney care—a process evaluation of a quasi-experimental study incorporating a tool and training of local implementation teams
Authors: Årestedt Liselott , Uhlin Fredrik , Eldh Ann Catrine
Published: December 2024

Background

The transfer of innovations into healthcare is laden with challenges. Although healthcare professionals are expected to adopt and fulfil new policies, a more person-centered healthcare with conditions for preference-based patient participation is anticipated.

Methods

The aim of the study was to evaluate two implementation strategies for person-centered patient participation in kidney care, including dissemination of a clinical toolkit, and additional training and support of internal facilitators. Nine Swedish kidney care units joined the study (August 2019–September 2021), strategically organized into: a control group (three sites, no support); a standard dissemination group (three sites, with a tool for patient participation and guidance disseminated to the site managers); and a facilitated implementation group (three sites, with the tool and guidance disseminated as above, plus a six-month support program for designated internal facilitators). This process evaluation was comprised of repeat interviews with managers (n = 10), internal facilitators (n = 5), recordings, and notes from the interventions, and Alberta Context Tool survey data (n = 78). Hybrid analyses comprised mixed methods: descriptive and comparative statistics, and qualitative descriptive analysis.

Results

None of the control group sites addressed patient participation. While the standard dissemination sites’ managers received and appreciated the toolkit, they made no attempts to make further use of it. In the facilitated implementation group, five internal facilitators from three sites engaged in the support program. They welcomed the opportunity to learn about preference-based patient participation, and about implementation, including potentially enhanced opportunities for preference-based patient participation via the tool. Each site’s facilitators developed a separate strategy for the dissemination of the tool: the tool was used with a few patients in each site, and only some staff were involved. Although noting a general interest in improving patient participation, the internal facilitators described limited local support. Rather, they suggested a longer support program and more local backing and engagement.

Conclusions

Facilitating person-centered patient participation is complex, given the need to address attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. This study indicates slow uptake and change, and more efficient strategies are needed to ensure the fundamentals of care remain accessible to all.
Gabapentinoid use and the risk of fractures in patients with inflammatory arthritis: nested case–control study in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum
Authors: Scott Ian C. , Daud Noor , Bailey James , Twohig Helen , Hider Samantha L. , Mallen Christian D. , Jordan Kelvin P. , Muller Sara
Published: December 2024

Background

Gabapentinoids are increasingly prescribed in inflammatory arthritis (IA), despite no trial evidence for efficacy at managing pain in this population. Observational studies in non-IA populations suggest gabapentinoids are associated with fractures but are limited by methodological heterogeneity/potential residual confounding. Patients with IA generally have an increased risk of fracture so may be particularly vulnerable. We examined the relationship between fractures and gabapentinoids in patients with IA who had all been prescribed a gabapentinoid at some point (to minimise confounding by indication).

Methods

Our matched case–control study used linked national data from English primary care (Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum) and Hospital Episode Statistics. A cohort was constructed of adults with IA, contributing data 01/01/2004–31/03/2021, and ever prescribed oral gabapentinoids. Cases with an incident fracture post-cohort inclusion were ascertained and 1:5 risk set-matched (on age/gender/gabapentinoid type) with controls. Gabapentinoid prescription exposure was categorised as follows: (a) current (overlapping with fracture date); (b) recent (ending 1–60 days pre-fracture); and (c) remote (ending > 60 days pre-fracture). Conditional logistic regression models determined ORs with 95% CIs for fractures with current or recent vs. remote gabapentinoid use, adjusting for confounders.

Results

A total of 2485 cases (mean age 63.0 years; 79.4% female) and 12,244 controls (mean age 62.7 years; 79.6% female) were included. Of cases: 1512 received gabapentin, 910 pregabalin, and 63 both drugs; 65.6% were remote, 5.5% recent, and 28.9% current users. In adjusted models, current gabapentinoid use had an increased risk of fracture (OR vs. remote: 1.36 [95% CI 1.22, 1.51]). Similar associations were seen with gabapentin (OR 1.38 [1.19, 1.60]) and pregabalin (OR 1.40 [1.18, 1.66]). Similar or higher levels of association were seen for all gabapentin/pregabalin doses except moderate/very high dose gabapentin. Associations were strongest in those starting gabapentinoids more recently.

Conclusions

Our study suggests a modest association between current gabapentinoid use and fractures in patients with IA, after accounting for measured and time-invariant unmeasured confounding. Whilst other unmeasured confounding remains possible, given the absence of evidence for gabapentinoid efficacy in patients with IA who are particularly vulnerable to fractures, this highlights a need for efforts to deliver safer gabapentinoid prescribing in this population.
Differences in constitutive gene expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes and ATP-binding cassette transporter gene expression between a susceptible and a highly macrocyclic lactone-resistant Haemonchus contortus isolate in the absence of drug-inducible expression
Authors: Jakobs Natalie , Andreotti Sandro , Ramünke Sabrina , von Samson-Himmelstjerna Georg , Krücken Jürgen
Published: December 2024

Background

Anthelmintic resistance in ruminants is a widespread problem that has a severe impact on productivity and animal welfare. The helminth Haemonchus contortus is generally considered the most important parasite in small ruminants due to its high pathogenicity and the widespread occurrence of anthelmintic resistance in it. Although the molecular mechanisms associated with resistance against the anthelmintics benzimidazoles (BZs) and levamisole are relatively well understood, the resistance mechanisms against the widely used anthelmintic macrocyclic lactones (MLs) ivermectin (IVM) and moxidectin (MOX) remain poorly understood. Detoxifying enzymes and xenobiotic transporters have been frequently proposed to play a role in ML resistance in multiple organisms, including nematodes.

Methods

The reference genome of H. contortus was screened for cytochrome P450 genes (cyp genes) by using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis was used to assign the sequences to gene families. Fourth-stage larvae of the susceptible (McMaster) and the ML-resistant (Berlin-selected) H. contortus isolates were generated in vitro and compared regarding basal expression levels of cyp genes and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters by using RNA sequencing. The resistant isolate was further incubated with 100 nM IVM or MOX for 3, 6 and 12 h, and the effects of incubation time and drugs were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-five cyp genes were identified in the H. contortus genome and assigned to 13 different families. The ML-resistant isolate showed significantly higher and lower constitutive expression of 13 and four cyp genes, respectively. Out of the 50 ABC transporter genes, only six showed significantly higher expression in the ML-resistant isolate, while 12 showed lower expression. The fold changes were in general low (range 0.44–5.16). Only pgp-13 showed significant downregulation in response to IVM (0.77 fold change at 6 h, 0.96 fold change at 12 h) and MOX (0.84 fold change at 12 h). In contrast, mrp-5 was significantly, albeit minimally, upregulated in the presence of IVM, but not MOX, after 12 h (1.02 fold change).

Conclusions

Despite little observable ML-inducible gene expression in the isolate examined here, some of the changes in the baseline expression levels might well contribute to ML resistance in the context of additional changes in a multigenic resistance model. However, neither cyp genes nor the ABC transporters appear to be the main drivers that can explain the high levels of resistance observed in the resistant isolate examined here.

Graphical Abstract
Pediatric menisci: normal aspects, anatomical variants, lesions, tears, and postsurgical findings
Authors: Araújo Flávia Ferreira , Guimarães Júlio Brandão , da Cruz Isabela Azevedo Nicodemos , Morimoto Leticia dos Reis , Filho Alípio Gomes Ormond , Nico Marcelo Astolfi Caetano
Published: December 2024

The reported incidence of meniscal tears in the pediatric age group has increased because of increased sports participation and more widespread use of MRI. Meniscal injury is one of the most commonly reported internal derangements in skeletally immature knees and can be associated with early degenerative joint disease leading to disability. The pediatric meniscus has particularities, and knowledge of normal anatomy, anatomical variations, and the patterns of meniscal injury in the pediatric age group is essential to provide a correct diagnosis.

Critical relevance statement

Accurate MRI interpretation of pediatric meniscal injuries is crucial. Understanding age-specific anatomy, vascularity, and variations can improve diagnostic precision, guiding targeted treatments to prevent early joint degeneration and disability.

Key Points

Meniscal lesions are common injuries in skeletally immature knees.

Awareness of anatomical meniscus variants, patterns of injury, and associated injuries is essential.

Meniscal tears in pediatric patients should be repaired if possible.

Graphical Abstract
CT imaging findings of invasive pulmonary fungal infections in hemato-oncologic children
Authors: Alamo Leonor , Ceppi Francesco , Tenisch Estelle , Beigelman-Aubry Catherine
Published: December 2024

Hemato-oncologic children form a heterogeneous group with a wide spectrum of ages, malignancy types, and immunosuppression grades during the different phases of their treatment. Immunosuppression is caused by multiple factors, including the malignancy itself, bone marrow suppression secondary to therapy, and wide use of steroids and antibiotics, among others. At the same time, the risk of infections in these patients remains high because of prolonged hospitalizations or the need for long-timing implanted devices between other features. In this context, a pulmonary fungal infection can rapidly turn into a life-threatening condition that requires early diagnosis and appropriate management. This pictorial essay illustrates the main imaging findings detected in chest computed tomography examinations performed in pediatric hemato-oncologic patients with proven pulmonary invasive fungal infections caused by Candida, Aspergillus, or Mucor. In addition, it describes useful clues for limiting differential diagnoses, reviews the literature on pediatric patients, and compares imaging findings in adults and children.

Critical relevance statement

The main fungal pathogens causing invasive fungal infections (IFI) in hemato-oncologic children are Candida, Aspergillus, and Mucor. This review describes the most frequently affected organs and the most common imaging findings detected in chest CT exams in children with pulmonary IFI.

Key Points

To review the main computed tomography imaging findings suggesting pulmonary invasive fungal infection (IFI) in hemato-oncologic children.

To describe differences between pediatric and adult patients with proven pulmonary IFI.

To provide useful clues for limiting the differential diagnosis of pulmonary IFI in pediatric patients.

Graphical Abstract
Fully automated MRI-based convolutional neural network for noninvasive diagnosis of cirrhosis
Authors: Zheng Tianying , Zhu Yajing , Chen Yidi , Mai Shengshi , Xu Lixin , Jiang Hanyu , Duan Ting , Wu Yuanan , Qu Yali , Chen Yinan , Song Bin
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To develop and externally validate a fully automated diagnostic convolutional neural network (CNN) model for cirrhosis based on liver MRI and serum biomarkers.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study included consecutive patients receiving pathological evaluation of liver fibrosis stage and contrast-enhanced liver MRI between March 2010 and January 2024. On the training dataset, an MRI-based CNN model was constructed for cirrhosis against pathology, and then a combined model was developed integrating the CNN model and serum biomarkers. On the testing datasets, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was computed to compare the diagnostic performance of the combined model with that of aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), and radiologists. The influence of potential confounders on the diagnostic performance was evaluated by subgroup analyses.

Results

A total of 1315 patients (median age, 54 years; 1065 men; training, n = 840) were included, 855 (65%) with pathological cirrhosis. The CNN model was constructed on pre-contrast T1- and T2-weighted imaging, and the combined model was developed integrating the CNN model, age, and eight serum biomarkers. On the external testing dataset, the combined model achieved an AUC of 0.86, which outperformed FIB-4, APRI and two radiologists (AUC: 0.67 to 0.73, all p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed comparable diagnostic performances of the combined model in patients with different sizes of focal liver lesions.

Conclusion

Based on pre-contrast T1- and T2-weighted imaging, age, and serum biomarkers, the combined model allowed diagnosis of cirrhosis with moderate accuracy, independent of the size of focal liver lesions.

Critical relevance statement

The fully automated convolutional neural network model utilizing pre-contrast MR imaging, age and serum biomarkers demonstrated moderate accuracy, outperforming FIB-4, APRI, and radiologists, independent of size of focal liver lesions, potentially facilitating noninvasive diagnosis of cirrhosis pending further validation.

Key Points

This fully automated convolutional neural network (CNN) model, using pre-contrast MRI, age, and serum biomarkers, diagnoses cirrhosis.

The CNN model demonstrated an external testing dataset AUC of 0.86, independent of the size of focal liver lesions.

The CNN model outperformed aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index, fibrosis-4 index, and radiologists, potentially facilitating noninvasive diagnosis of cirrhosis.

Graphical Abstract
Quantitative assessment of hardened leather artifact deterioration using infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Jingya , Sun Lijuan , Chen Yuting
Published: December 2024

This article describes a quantitative assessment method proposed to quickly identify the degree of deterioration of hardened leather artefacts. We used three techniques to artificially age samples, namely, dry-heat ageing (DH), UV-ageing (UV), and alkali-thermal ageing (AT). The deterioration mechanisms were studied via thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Combined with amide III band deconvolution and second derivative fitting, we constructed a method for assessing the degree of deterioration by the relative content of random coils (referred to as R) in the secondary structure of the protein. The results show that with increasing ageing time, the macrostructures and microstructures of the leather changed to varying degrees. This study elucidates the differential behaviour of vegetable-tanned leather collagen under oxidative and hydrolytic mechanisms. Based on the deterioration characteristics and fitting results, we divided the hardened leather into the following three levels. Mild deterioration: 0 ≤ R ≤ 5%; leather with reduced pores and slight dryness and hardness but with a stable collagen structure; if the β-sheet content is ≥ 68% at this point, the leather may be recrosslinked by ultraviolet irradiation. Moderate deterioration: 6 ≤ R ≤ 25%; partial hydrogen bond breaking in leather, loosening of the collagen–tan matrix, dry and hard curling of the leather surface, and fibre cementation. Severe deterioration: R ≥ 40%, β-sheet ≤ 24%, and the α-helix is higher; surface reflection, severe macroscopic deformation and embrittlement, and the breakdown and gelatinization of the three-stranded helical structure of leather proteins. The quantitative analysis method was suitable for studying the deterioration mechanisms and assessing the degree of deterioration in Heishanling leather artefacts, which also provides a new practical scheme for assessing the degree of hardened leather.

Graphical Abstract
Persistent ferromagnetic ground state in pristine and Ni-doped Fe3GaTe2 flakes
Authors: Son Ki-Hoon , Oh Sehoon , Lee Junho , Yun Sobin , Shin Yunseo , Yan Shaohua , Jang Chaun , Lee Hong-Sub , Lei Hechang , Park Se Young , Ryu Hyejin
Published: December 2024

Room-temperature magnetism and its stability upon miniaturization are essential characteristics required for materials for spintronic devices and information storage. Among various candidates, Fe3GaTe2 stands out due to its high Curie temperature and strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), recently gaining large attention as one of the promising candidate materials for spintronics applications. In this study, we measured the thickness-dependent ferromagnetic properties of Fe3GaTe2 and (Fe1 − xNix)3GaTe2 (with x = 0.1) flakes. We observed that both pristine and Ni-doped Fe3GaTe2 exhibit persistent ferromagnetism, with only a minor decrease in TC as the thickness is reduced to a few tens of nanometers. This capacity to retain robust ferromagnetic properties at reduced dimensions is highly advantageous for thin-film applications, which is crucial for the scaling of spintronic devices. Understanding and controlling thickness-dependent magnetic properties is fundamental to harnessing the full potential of Fe3GaTe2 in van der Waals magnetic heterostructures and advanced spintronic technologies.

Graphical Abstract
Targeting RTKs/nRTKs as promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer: evidence from clinical trials
Authors: Mehta Kasshish , Hegde Mangala , Girisa Sosmitha , Vishwa Ravichandran , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Abbas Mohamed , Shakibaei Mehdi , Sethi Gautam , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B.
Published: December 2024

The extensive heterogeneity and the limited availability of effective targeted therapies contribute to the challenging prognosis and restricted survival observed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Recent research indicates the aberrant expression of diverse tyrosine kinases (TKs) within this cancer, contributing significantly to tumor cell proliferation, survival, invasion, and migration. The contemporary paradigm shift towards precision medicine has highlighted TKs and their receptors as promising targets for pharmacotherapy against a range of malignancies, given their pivotal roles in tumor initiation, progression, and advancement. Intensive investigations have focused on various monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and small molecule inhibitors that specifically target proteins such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), cellular mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), among others, for combating TNBC. These agents have been studied both in monotherapy and in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. Despite these advances, a substantial terrain of unexplored potential lies within the realm of TK targeted therapeutics, which hold promise in reshaping the therapeutic landscape. This review summarizes the various TK targeted therapeutics that have undergone scrutiny as potential therapeutic interventions for TNBC, dissecting the outcomes and revelations stemming from diverse clinical investigations. A key conclusion from the umbrella clinical trials evidences the necessity for in-depth molecular characterization of TNBCs for the maximum efficiency of TK targeted therapeutics, either as standalone treatments or a combination. Moreover, our observation highlights that the outcomes of TK targeted therapeutics in TNBC are substantially influenced by the diversity of the patient cohort, emphasizing the prioritization of individual patient genetic/molecular profiles for precise TNBC patient stratification for clinical studies.
Development of a comprehensive clinical assessment protocol for low back and hip pain in powerlifters: a feasibility study
Authors: Olofsson Patrik , Aasa Ulrika , Berglund Lars
Published: December 2024

Background

Low back and hip pain problems are frequent in powerlifting. There is a lack of information on the specific pain phenotypes and specific impairments in body function associated with these pain problems, as well as how to reach a clinical diagnosis relevant for powerlifters’ pain problems. Therefore, the aim was to develop a comprehensive clinical assessment protocol for pain and function in powerlifters with low back and/or hip pain and evaluate its feasibility for use in further epidemiological or clinical studies of powerlifters.

Methods

The study was conducted in two phases. In phase one, the protocol was developed according to literature regarding musculoskeletal assessment and sports injuries, and in phase two, feasibility was evaluated. Eight powerlifters with low back/hip pain were included in phase two. Four of them were examined independently by two physical therapists, and the other four were examined by one of the physical therapists. The time spent on the examination, whether the physical therapists could reach a clinical diagnosis without adding items to the protocol, and whether the two physical therapists were consistent in terms of the clinical diagnosis, were evaluated.

Results

The protocol was developed including subjective examination, physical examination, and a clinical diagnosis based mainly on signs and symptoms of associated neurophysiological pain mechanisms and the specific impairments in body functions associated with the powerlifter’s pain problem. The protocol met the feasibility criteria. The examination lasted approximately 1 h, no items needed to be added, and both physical therapists were able to make a consistent clinical diagnosis. Visual observation and alteration of movement strategy of the squat/deadlift were thought to be crucial for assessing the powerlifters’ pain problem.

Conclusions

This is the first comprehensive clinical assessment protocol developed to describe powerlifters’ pain problems/injuries with a clinical diagnosis based on the dominating neurophysiological pain mechanism and impairments in body functions. However, before use in larger studies, it is recommended that the protocol be further evaluated by a larger number of physical therapists and powerlifters to evaluate its reliability and whether the content of the protocol should be further expanded.
Lattice-based cryptanalysis of RSA-type cryptosystems: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zheng Mengce , Kang Hao
Published: December 2024

The RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) cryptosystem is a widely used public-key cryptographic algorithm in information systems and computer applications. With the advancement of lattice theory, a technique known as the lattice-based method has emerged as a significant threat to RSA and its variants. This paper aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of publications in the field of lattice-based attacks on RSA-type cryptosystems. The analysis is based on a dataset of relevant publications retrieved from Scopus and utilizes visualization tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer for a thorough overview. In order to understand the research developmental trajectory, we analyze the publication trends over the years, explore cooperation networks at various levels, including country/region, institution, and author, and assess the extent of collaboration, contribution, and productivity within the field. Additionally, author co-citation network and reference co-citation clustering are utilized to enable the identification of significant research achievements, cutting-edge developments, and structural framework. Furthermore, we conduct detailed analysis from a keyword perspective to identify research hotspots and emerging trends. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on lattice-based cryptanalysis of RSA-type cryptosystems. Moreover, this bibliometric analysis serves as a valuable resource for identifying fruitful areas for further exploration and guides future research efforts.
Sustainable implementation efforts in physio- and occupational therapy: a scoping review
Authors: Fritz Johanna , Stridsberg Sara Landerdahl , Holopainen Riikka
Published: December 2024

Background

Health care professionals often fail to adhere to evidence-based guidelines. The implementation of evidence-based methods in health care requires systematic support, but it is still unclear which strategies support professional adherence to clinical practice guidelines. Behavior change techniques can contribute to a more detailed description of implementation strategies. The aim of this scoping review was to explore the nature of studies investigating the sustainability of physiotherapists’ (PTs’) and occupational therapists’ (OTs’) clinical behavior when implementing evidence-based methods in health care. Two research questions were addressed: (1) Which implementation strategies are used in studies that have experienced sustained and unsustained changes in the clinical behavior of PTs and OTs? (2) Which behavior change techniques are used in studies involving sustained and unsustained changes in the clinical behavior of PTs and OTs?

Methods

The scoping review was carried out in accordance with recommendations and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Six databases were searched. Studies evaluating changes in the clinical behavior of PTs or OTs before and at least 6 months after the end of an implementation intervention were included.

Results

A total of 5130 studies were screened, and 29 studies were included. Twenty-one studies reported sustained results, and 8 studies reported unsustained results. The studies reporting sustained clinical behavior used in median 7 implementation strategies, 45% used a 12–24-month implementation support period, and 86% of the interventions were theory-based. Twenty-two implementation strategies were identified among the included studies. Only two of these defined the implementation strategies in terms of behavior change techniques.

Conclusions

Studies reporting sustained results were characterized by the use of longer implementation periods, more implementation strategies, more theory-based interventions, and more behavior change techniques. Audit and feedback, resources, problem solving, and communities of practice were implementation strategies, and problem solving, demonstration of behavior, and social support were behavior change techniques that were more common in studies with sustained results of PTs’ and OTs’ clinical behavior. Our study also highlights the importance of well-described implementation studies.

Registration

The protocol for the scoping review has been registered in the Open Science Framework, OSF registry (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/DUYQM).
Investigation of the main drivers influencing sediment property change and coastal erosion in Central Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Binh Quang , Kantoush Sameh A. , Dinh Quang Nhat , Nguyen Viet Trung , Sumi Tetsuya
Published: December 2024

The coastal zones worldwide are densely populated and, as a result, are among the areas most affected by urbanization. However, coastlines are very dynamic and always changing due to a variety of human and natural factors. One of today's most concerning coastal risks is erosion, which can seriously harm buildings and infrastructure along the coast. The Cua Dai estuary in Vietnam, which serves as an outlet of the Thu Bon River, has been experiencing coastal erosion in recent decades. Following human activity in the upstream region, the erosion got severe, such as dam development and sand mining activity. As a result, a comprehensive evaluation of hydro-morphodynamics, sediment transport, and coastal interventions is necessary. We conducted campaigns to understand better the grain size distribution along the cross-shore profile and the variation of median grain size diameter (d50), which will help define a representative d50 to characterize the beaches. Additionally, images from the satellite observations depict coastal erosion patterns. The findings can improve our understanding of the budget from the mountain to the sea. They can be used to recommend specific measures for mitigating or intervening in hot spot areas.
Clinical Utility of a Circulating Tumor Cell–Based Cerebrospinal Fluid Assay in the Diagnosis and Molecular Analysis of Leptomeningeal Disease in Patients With Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Malhotra Jyoti , Muddasani Ramya , Fricke Jeremy , Mambetsariev Isa , Reyes Amanda , Babikian Razmig , Dingal Shaira Therese , Kim Pauline , Massarelli Erminia , Feldman Lisa , Chen Mike , Afkhami Michelle , Salgia Ravi
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality for metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We describe our clinical experience in evaluating the use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)–derived circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for the diagnosis of LMD and the detection of genomic alterations in CSF cell-free DNA (cfDNA).

METHODS

Patients with NSCLC who had CSF collection as part of routine clinical care for suspected LMD were included in the study. CSF was evaluated for CTCs and cfDNA using a commercial assay (CNSide; Biocept, San Diego, CA), and molecular profiling was performed. Molecular testing results from sequencing of tumor tissue and plasma circulating tumor DNA were collected. cMET and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression analysis was performed using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were included (77% female; median age 60 years). Sixty-four percent had sensitizing
EGFR
mutations, and 32% had an atypical
EGFR
mutation. Thirteen of the 22 patients (59%) were diagnosed with LMD using the CSF CTC assay. Five of these 13 patients (38%) had negative CSF cytology for LMD, and two patients (15%) had normal magnetic resonance imaging brain imaging. Seven of the 13 patients (54%) had sufficient CTCs to perform molecular profiling. The concordance with tissue next-generation sequencing was 100%, and the driver mutation was identified in all seven patients with the CSF cfDNA assay. cMET expression and HER2 expression via FISH were noted in 11 patients (50%) and four patients (18%) respectively.

CONCLUSION

We detected higher sensitivity to diagnose LMD using CSF CTC-based assay; 38% of LMD cases identified using this assay were missed by standard CSF cytology. CSF molecular testing using CSF cfDNA demonstrated high concordance with tissue-based molecular testing.
Introduction
Authors: Sukarieh Mayssoun , Abu-Lughod Lila
Published: December 2024

Rethinking research practices and querying knowledge production have emerged as part of a popular movement in the academy to “decolonize” the social and human sciences. This introduction to a forum suggests that if decolonizing has become something of a buzzword applied to curricula and embraced even by mainstream foundations eager to develop funding streams to support (in name) the intellectual/political project, this does not mean we should be cynical. Neither, however, should we take decolonization to be a metaphor. This forum is about one of the most consequential implications of the “decolonizing” move: how it broadens our thinking about ethics. Animated by the particular experiences and concerns of this interdisciplinary group of what Amahl Bishara characterizes as “region-related” scholars of the Middle East and North Africa, the focus turned from the contemporary politics of knowledge production to questions of ethical responsibility.