bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence Assistance in Point-of-Care Ultrasound Skill Retention for Novice Users in Space Medicine Scenarios
Authors: Hurd Victoria S. , Valle Michael Del , Kravets Victoria G. , Anderson Arian L. , Le Nhu-Nguyen , Kendall John L. , Hayman Allison P. , Riscinti Matthew
Published: January 2025

Introduction

As humanity progresses further into space, astronauts must be increasingly independent from mission control, especially in high-consequence medical scenarios. The high-utility and low-mass nature of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) makes this imaging modality ideal for spaceflight mission deployment. However, POCUS operator skill degrades over time, presenting an operational barrier to continuous, effective use. Further, formal medical education and POCUS-specific training are not requirements for astronaut candidates, potentially exacerbating skill degradation. Artificial intelligence (AI) assistance may mitigate skill decay, enabling long-term POCUS skill retention. To characterize the utility of this paradigm in space, we evaluated AI assistance effects on POCUS skill retention in subject pools with astronaut-mimicking educational demographics.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 30 participants, evenly split into unassisted and AI-assisted cohorts. After undergoing 1 training session, participants collected 5 renal images, bladder images, and bladder volume estimations and completed usability and self-confidence surveys immediately, 2 wk, and 8 wk after initial training. Primary outcomes included target organ capture rates, image quality, bladder volume variability, perceived self-confidence, and perceived system usability.

Results

AI assistance minimized bladder volume variability aggregated over time ( P=0.004) and 2 wk after training ( P=0.009) and mitigated perceived system usability degradation with time ( P=0.04). No trends were found in organ-capture abilities, image quality, or self-confidence.

Conclusion

POCUS AI decreased bladder volume variability and mitigated system usability decrement. We recommend increasing study duration or reducing the number of data collections in future study designs and the fieldwide adoption of objective ultrasound image-quality metrics.
Isolation of the feline herpesvirus-1 modified live vaccine strain F2 from one of four cats with dendritic ulcers
Authors: Suga Yasuharu , Kirisawa Rikio
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To investigate the pathogenicity of feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) to the cornea, FHV-1 strains isolated from feline eyes with dendritic ulcers were subjected to genomic analysis to determine whether FHV-1 vaccine strains are involved in the formation of dendritic ulcers.

Methods

All open reading frame (ORF) sequences of the three F2 strains (Virbac, Intervet and Merial) and the FHV-1 clinical isolates from cats registered in GenBank were compared to detect nucleotide variants unique to the F2 strains, with those nucleotides then being used for simple genotyping of the F2 strains. In all isolates from feline eyes with dendritic ulcers, the regions including nucleotide variants of the F2 strain were amplified with PCR and sequenced. Isolates with nucleotide variants of the F2 strain were then subjected to next-generation sequencing to determine their full genome sequences, which were compared with all ORF sequences of the three F2 strains.

Results

Analysis of ORF sequences for simplified genotyping of F2 strains detected a single nucleotide variant in ORF28 and in ORF44. These were considered to be nucleotide variants unique to the F2 strain. Among the four FHV-1 isolates from eyes of four cats with dendritic ulcers, nucleotide variants of the F2 strain were detected in 1/4 strains (the NS strain). Next-generation sequencing of the NS strain was performed, and all ORF sequences of the NS strain were compared with the those of the three F2 strains. All ORF sequences of the NS strain were completely identical to those of two F2 strains (Virbac and Intervet) and some clones of the Merial vaccine strain.

Conclusions and relevance

The F2 strain was isolated from an eye with a dendritic ulcer, indicating that the strain has the potential to replicate in the corneal epithelium and form lesions.
Polymorphisms in genes related to inflammation and endothelial function are associated with ischemic stroke and other vascular events in populations at high risk of stroke
Authors: Chen Hong , Luo Hua , Zhou Ju , Yu Ming , Qing Ting , Wang Yanfen , Shao Minjie , Wei Wei , Yi Xingyang
Published: January 2025

Background

The association of genetic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to endothelial function, inflammation, and their outcomes remains poorly studied.

Objectives

To evaluate the occurrence of ischemic stroke (IS) and other vascular events, and relationships between 19 SNPs in genes associated with endothelial function and inflammation with outcomes in a population at high risk of stroke.

Design

A prospective cohort study and multi-center community-based sectional survey.

Methods

As a part of the China National Stroke Screening Survey program, the investigation was carried out in southern China from May 2015 to January 2020. Participants from 8 randomly selected. In people who were determined to be at high risk of stroke, 19 SNPs were examined. Over an average follow-up period of 4.7 years, the results of these subjects were monitored using a longitudinal method. A new IS was the primary outcome assessed, and a combination of new vascular events was the secondary outcome.

Results

In total, 2893 participants were classified as high-risk for stroke, and 2698 were monitored for 4.7 years, resulting in 192 participants (7.1%) experiencing various outcomes. Out of these, 118 individuals (4.4%) had a novel IS, 24 (0.9%) suffered a hemorrhagic stroke (HS), 53 (2.0%) developed myocardial infarction (MI), and 33 (1.2%) passed away. Significant variations have been found in the genotype distributions of TLR4 rs752998, IL6R rs4845625, and TNF rs3093662 among participants with adverse outcomes compared to those without. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) analysis identified a substantial SNP-SNP interaction involving HABP2 rs932650, TLR4 rs1927911, and IL6R rs4845625 ( P = .004). The high-risk genotypes of these 3 SNPs were linked to an increased risk of IS (OR = 2.186, 95% CI: 1.247-5.426, P < .001) and total vascular events (OR = 2.367, 95% CI: 1.433-5.798, P < .001), according to multivariate logistic regression adjusted for covariates.

Conclusion

The incidence of IS and other vascular events was significantly greater among participants who were categorized as being at high risk for stroke. The interacting high-risk genotypes of HABP2 rs932650, TLR4 rs1927911 and IL6R rs4845625 were independently associated with an increased risk of new IS and other vascular events.
Rehabilitative measures as a legal response for adolescents convicted for drug offences: The Swedish system
Authors: Glad Johan , Berlin Marie , Bäckman Olof , Forkby Torbjörn , Wallin Gunnel Hedman
Published: January 2025

Aims: Involvement in minor drug offences at an early age can be a signal of the onset of a potential drug issue. This is why Sweden has considered the criminalization of personal use as a strategy to deter the progression of drug use. This study investigated how the judiciary and social services succeed in identifying and providing support to adolescents convicted of drug offences. Methods: Characteristics of all 15–17-year-olds convicted of offences against the Act on Penal Law on Narcotics (drug offence) in 2017 were examined using Swedish longitudinal registry data ( N = 1847). Furthermore, the decision process rendering different legal responses was examined by use of social services files for a subsample of 189 adolescents. Results: About two-thirds of the adolescents had their first conviction for the index offence and the majority received legal responses consisting of rehabilitative measures. Background factors indicated that those with severe drug and criminal issues encounter risk factors relating to their upbringing (e.g., neuropsychiatric disorders were notably more prevalent in this group than among similar peers). Around 61% of adolescents were reconvicted for new drug offences during the three-year study period, but with variations among subgroups. Younger boys who received rehabilitative measures had lower reconviction rates compared to those without. Conclusions: Addressing the underlying factors contributing to adolescent drug offences requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes early intervention, personalized support, and collaboration across systems to promote positive outcomes and reduce recidivism rates.
Investigation of backing plate effects on the formability and fracture behaviour of AA1100 sheet in electromagnetic forming: Analytical, experimental and numerical analysis
Authors: Mishra Rakesh , Rajak Ashish
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the formability of AA1100, 0.8 mm sheet thickness in electromagnetic forming (EMF), using two different backing plates, namely, G10 Fiber and mild steel. These backing plates were chosen due to their distinct material properties and potential to influence the formability and fracture behaviour of the workpiece. The increasing discharge voltage level with increasing dome height and location of failure is examined. An analytical study of a magnetic field in a rectangular spiral coil (RSC) at a point above the center axis and spatial magnetic field strength is conducted. Additionally, numerical analyses are performed using the LS-DYNA EM module, and the data is validated experimentally and analytically. Fracture analysis of the formed workpiece with G10 Fiber and MS backing plates is also carried out. Furthermore, variation of thickness distribution, true major-minor strain, and Vickers microhardness testing is conducted in the formed workpiece to assess the residual stresses developed on the workpiece surface post-EMF. This research provides insights into the effects of backing plates on the performance and outcomes of electro-forming processes.
Influence of stacking sequence and compaction force during the AFP process on mechanical performance and damage mechanisms elucidated by acoustic emission insights
Authors: Yakin Fetiye Esin , Senol Cahit Orhun , Birgün Nihan , Ulus Hasan , Yildiz Mehmet , Sas Hatice S.
Published: January 2025

This study examines the effect of consolidation force during Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) on the mechanical and fracture behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites with different stacking sequences. Unidirectional (UD), cross-ply (CP), and quasi-isotropic (QI) laminates are fabricated using consolidation forces of 300 N and 600 N. Tensile, mode-I, mode-II, and short beam shear (SBS) tests are conducted, complemented by in-situ acoustic emission (AE) analysis to monitor real-time damage progression. Higher consolidation forces enhance tensile strength, particularly in QI laminates, resulting in a 12% increase, while Young's modulus remains unaffected for UD and CP laminates. Mode-I interlaminar fracture toughness improves by 16% for UD and CP laminates under higher consolidation forces, while QI laminates exhibit minimal change. Mode-II tests reveal that QI laminates demonstrate superior delamination resistance, whereas UD composites show lower toughness due to rapid crack propagation. AE analysis indicates that QI laminates have higher cumulative acoustic counts and energy, reflecting increased damage accumulation and energy dissipation under both mode-I and mode-II loading conditions. Additionally, AE data highlight enhanced interfacial bonding, supported by peak-frequency rates and AE energy levels. This study emphasizes the critical roles of fiber orientation and consolidation force in determining the mechanical performance and damage behavior of AFP-manufactured composites. By integrating in-situ AE techniques, it provides insights into optimizing AFP processes for improved composite performance.
Still struggling to reach the top? Women officeholders and gendered career pathways in the European commission
Authors: Alayrac Pierre , Connolly Sara , Hartlapp Miriam , Kassim Hussein
Published: January 2025

This article assesses whether women face the same challenges in the European Commission as men by examining the career paths to top political and administrative positions. Drawing on a unique dataset, it investigates whether and, if so, how and when, women are disadvantaged. First, we analyze the characteristics and experience of all Commissioners and Directors General (2004–2019) to delineate the career paths to the top positions in the organization. Secondly, we compare pathways to find that men outnumber women in all pathways. For Commissioners women are very significantly under-represented in one of three pathways and for Directors General in two of three pathways. We identify how women are disadvantaged and the extent to which the results support arguments in the comparativist literature on gender.
Microleakage under metal and ceramic brackets after acid etch or laser surface treatment before bonding: An in vitro study
Authors: El Arabi Mohamed Ashraf , Abu Shamaa Nabil , Elkilani Naglaa Shawki , Taha Rasha Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Aim:

To compare microleakage beneath ceramic and metal brackets prepared with either acid etching or laser conditioning.

Design:

An in vitro study.

Setting:

Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.

Methods:

A total of 40 intact human premolars were selected and divided into four equal groups. The groups received the same adhesive-application procedures with different surface treatments and type of brackets: groups 1 (AM) and 3 (AC) underwent phosphoric acid etching; groups 2 (LM) and 4 (LC) underwent laser enamel conditioning using a Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Metal brackets were then bonded to the teeth in groups 1 (AM) and 2 (LM) and ceramic brackets in groups 3 (AC) and 4 (LC). Subsequently, they were placed in fuchsin dye solution. Each premolar was sectioned longitudinally in the occluso-gingival direction at right angles to the brackets. The dye penetration depth was calculated using a stereomicroscope. Microleakage was measured along the enamel-adhesive interface at each section’s gingival and occlusal levels. For group comparisons, the Tukey test was utilised as a post hoc test to determine statistical significance between groups. The independent sample t-test was utilised for comparing both subgroups.

Results:

The results demonstrated significantly more microleakage under metal and ceramic brackets bonded to enamel prepared with laser conditioning than with acid etching at both the gingival and occlusal surfaces and in total. The AC group exhibited the lowest amount of microleakage, but the LC group demonstrated the highest amount of microleakage.

Conclusion:

The ceramic bracket group treated with acid etching exhibited the lowest level of microleakage. Microleakage values on the gingival and occlusal surfaces were higher in both bracket types for the laser etched groups.
Post-welding high temperature aging and localized corrosion in welding zones of A286 RSW joints
Authors: Martín Óscar , De Tiedra Pilar
Published: January 2025

Small-scale single and double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (EPR and DLEPR) with an electrochemical minicell were used to study the effect of post-welding high temperature aging treatment (there were six different aging treatments performed at the same aging temperature of 840°C for six different aging times of 0.5 h, 1, 25, 50, 100 and 200 h) on localized corrosion of small-sized welding zones of A286 resistance spot welding (RSW) joints, where welding parameters were welding time (0.36 s), welding current (6 kA) and electrode force (2300 N). Results obtained from EPR and DLEPR and from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping showed that: (i) the maximum localised corrosion is reached at the aging time from which η phase, whose precipitation gives rise to Cr-depleted zones, is observable (0.5 h for base metal (BM) and 10 h for fusion zone (FZ)); (ii) segregation that occurs in FZ causes the zones adjacent to interdendritic regions to become Cr-depleted zones; (iii) Widmanstätten precipitation mode emergence leads to higher levels of localized corrosion; (iv) grain growth occurs in heat affected zone (HAZ) with respect to BM and, thus, localized corrosion is different in both zones.
Tracheal mucosal keratosis: Case discussion and literature review
Authors: Kong Weiqiang , Zhao Lu , Chen Gongqi , Huang Chunli , Gu Wei , Jie Huiru , Yi Lingling
Published: January 2025

A 57-year-old female presented with a chief complaint of cough, with productive yellow sputum particularly severe in the morning. Bronchoscopy revealed inflammatory changes in both main bronchi, with abundant white purulent secretions and necrotic material adhering to the luminal surface. Histopathological examination showed chronic inflammatory changes in the mucosal tissue, with mild hyperplasia of the local squamous epithelium and evidence of keratinization in the surrounding area, consistent with a diagnosis of tracheal mucosal keratosis. The patient was treated with anti-infection therapy, combined with symptomatic supportive treatments such as cough suppression, expectorants, and bronchodilation, resulting in an improvement of symptoms. Analysis of previous literature revealed that although this condition lacks specific clinical manifestations and signs, it exhibits a typical pattern of tracheal wall lesions, and bronchoscopy and histopathological examination have high diagnostic value for this disease. Due to impaired airway mucosal barrier function, the patient is prone to bacterial infection or colonization in the airways. Symptomatic supportive treatment based on the actual condition can effectively alleviate the patient’s clinical symptoms. Currently, there is no definitive curative treatment for tracheal mucosal keratosis. However, treatments such as high-frequency electrocautery, carbon dioxide cryotherapy, and repeated lavage with epidermal growth factors may be helpful in curing this condition.
A Comparison Between Combined Ultrasonic and Bipolar Shears to Other Energy-Based Devices in Otolaryngology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Do Kenny , Young Kurtis , Kawana Eric , Bigcas Jo-Lawrence
Published: January 2025

Objective

The Thunderbeat (TB) is a new surgical device that combines ultrasonic and bipolar energy. The objective of this study is to examine how the combined ultrasonic and bipolar shears affect surgical outcomes when compared to other methods.

Data Sources and Review Methods

Using the PRISMA guidelines, the researchers used broad search terms in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, which produced a total of 2823 initial results, with years ranging from 1955 to June 2024. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 final studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis.

Results

This meta-analysis analyzes energy-based devices used on patients into 2 major groups: (1) thyroidectomy group and (2) neck dissection group. The researchers found that the use of the TB in thyroidectomies reduces operative time when compared to the Harmonic scalpel (HS) and Ligasure (LS). The pooled mean difference in thyroidectomy operation time for the TB vs HS was −5.77 min (95% CI: −11.07 to −.48, P-value: .03) and for the TB vs LS was −4.41 min (95% CI: −8.86 to .04, P-value: .05). We also found reduced operative time with the use of the TB vs standard electrocautery for neck dissection, where the mean difference was −39.76 min (95% CI: −63.00 to −16.51, P-value: .00). No significant differences were seen in blood loss or postoperative complications when comparing TB to other methods.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrated that TB can be equivalent to other energy-based devices and shows potential advantages over traditional electrocautery.
Principal resilience research from its birth in 2005 to 2024: A narrative review and a conceptual framework
Authors: Chen Junjun
Published: January 2025

This narrative review provides a fine-grained picture of principal resilience research from 47 journal articles starting from its birth in 2005 to 2024. Following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), this systematic review clarifies the construct of principal resilience and identifies the drivers and outcomes of principal resilience. As a result, a conceptual framework of principal resilience demonstrating the conceptual and empirical nexus among drivers, mechanisms, and outcomes which may serve as the spotlight for future directions in the perspectives of theory, methodology, and practice is presented. However, fragmentation of construct needs further investigation and evidence is still largely insufficient to declare it a mature scientific field. Promoting principal resilience is not just a buzz direction, but a solid path towards achieving individual principals’ growth and quality education.
What factors mediate the relationship between leadership for learning and teacher professional development? Evidence from meta-analytic structural equation modelling
Authors: Karakose Turgut , Gurr David , Tülübaş Tijen , Kanadlı Sedat
Published: January 2025

Leadership and teacher professional development are two of the most significant factors influencing student outcomes. This study adopted leadership for learning as its theoretical framework to investigate the effect of leadership on teachers’ engagement with teacher professional development, and the mediating roles of teacher self-efficacy and collective teacher efficacy in this relationship. With this purpose, the study employed meta-analytical structural equation modelling on data from 102 studies with a sample size of 100,211 participants from 23 countries. The results indicated that leadership for learning had a ‘large’ effect on teacher professional development, teacher self-efficacy and collective teacher efficacy. Similarly, a significant relationship was found between teacher professional development, teacher self-efficacy and collective teacher efficacy as well as between teacher self-efficacy and collective teacher efficacy. These results supported both the study hypothesis and the results evident in the literature.
Navigating the future of clinical trial management – insights on the transformative role of AI
Authors: Bernasconi Lara , Grossmann Regina
Published: January 2025

This study addresses the current lack of empirical data on the experiences and attitudes of clinical research professionals towards AI-powered clinical trial management tools. Clinical research professionals affiliated with various Swiss and international clinical research networks were invited to participate in an online survey. The survey focused on nine use cases of AI-powered clinical trial management tools. Participants were asked to share their ethical considerations, and their experiences were assessed at both the individual and institutional levels. Answers from 110 participants, primarily from Swiss academic institutions, were included in the data analysis. While participants generally held positive attitudes, mixed views were also common. Governmental attitudes were widely perceived as unclear or cautious, with the associated regulatory opacity possibly contributing to the limited adoption of AI in trial management observed in this study. In addition to a clear AI governance, ethical compliance and training emerged as crucial aspects. There was also broad consensus on the necessity of informing patients about tools’ uses and of ensuring an independent certification of the respective tools. The widespread adoption of AI-powered clinical trial management tools remains distant, entangled in a net of complexities that require further empirical investigation. Ethical concerns appear to play a crucial role, driven by distrust and the absence of a clear regulatory framework. Urgent actions are needed at both institutional and governmental levels, including the establishment of a governance framework and training provision.
Patient activation and support needs in patients after ICU discharge: A UK survey of critical illness survivors
Authors: O’Neill Brenda , Linden Mark A , Ramsay Pam , Darweish Medniuk Alia , Outtrim Joanne , King Judy , Blackwood Bronagh
Published: January 2025

Background:

Understanding the degree to which patients are actively involved, confident and capable of engaging with self-management and rehabilitation could be an initial step in guiding individualised supportive strategies for people after critical illness.

Aims:

To assess the levels of active involvement with self management among ICU survivors using the Patient Activation Measure (PAM), explore associations between patient characteristics and PAM results, and investigate its relationship with patients’ support needs at key transition points during the recovery process.

Methods:

Eligible participants received both the PAM and Support Needs After Critical care (SNAC) questionnaires by post. The return of the completed questionnaires was considered as consent to participate. Ethical approval was obtained (17/NI/0236). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data and Pearson’s coefficient for correlations between variables.

Findings:

There were 200 completed PAM and SNAC questionnaires. PAM scores showed that levels of active involvement with self management fell into level 1 ( n = 64; disengaged and overwhelmed, low confidence to self manage) and 2 ( n = 70; still struggling), with considerably less participants achieving scores in level 3 ( n = 51; taking action) and 4 ( n = 15; pushing further). Lower patient activation levels were associated with higher support needs (r = −0.16, p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

We found that patient activation levels are low implying low knowledge, skills and confidence to self-manage after critical illness, and also that patients have support needs at various timepoints during recovery. Future research should focus on a longitudinal study to track changes in activation and support needs in the same patients over time and identify effective strategies to optimise recovery after critical illness.
Exploring perspectives of supporting the process of dying, death and bereavement among critical care staff: A multidisciplinary, qualitative approach
Authors: Joyce Elsa , Guerin Suzanne , Synman Lindi , Ryberg Melanie
Published: January 2025

Background:

Dying and death in critical care settings can have particularly negative implications for the bereavement experience of family members, family interaction and the wellbeing of critical care staff. This study explored critical care staff perspectives of dying, death and bereavement in this context, and their role related to patients and their families, adopting a multidisciplinary perspective.

Method:

This study employed a descriptive exploratory qualitative design, using reflexive thematic analysis to interpret the data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 critical care staff from hospitals in the Republic of Ireland. Most participants were female ( n = 11), with four male participants. Professional disciplines included nursing, dietetics, physiotherapy, anaesthesiology and medicine.

Results:

Key findings included supporting a ‘nice death’ for patients and their families, the challenges critical care staff experience, the need for better supports in critical care, and the need for change in current bereavement support provision given the diversity evident in the modern Irish population.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that the unique challenges faced by staff and families throughout the dying process may benefit from the development of additional psychological, educational, and infrastructural supports. Inconsistencies in supports across critical care units in Ireland were also identified. Future research should complement the current study and examine family members’ experience of the dying process in critical care and their perspectives on supports provided.
Identification of degenerative precursors at the wrist with advanced imaging: current updates
Authors: Schmitt Rainer , Reidler Paul , Haas-Lützenberger Elisabeth , Ruettermann Mike , Hesse Nina
Published: January 2025

Articular malalignment and ulnocarpal impaction can progress to osteoarthritis in the wrist. This may be triggered by tears of the scapholunate ligament (rarely the lunotriquetral ligament) or the foveal lamina of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. In the pre-degenerative stages, radiographic findings are inconclusive, and symptoms may be absent or discrete. Similarly, positive ulnar variance may be associated with symptoms that are at first mild and without radiographic abnormalities. This review presents imaging findings in the early stages before carpal osteoarthritis or impaction syndrome develops. Ligament tears, chondromalacia and focal bone marrow oedema are identified using magnetic resonance imaging as well as magnetic resonance and computed tomography arthrography. Identifying these precursors may allow raise awareness of subtle imaging findings in the wrist that may progress to instability, degeneration or osteoarthritis and allow appropriate patient counselling.
Patterns of osteoarthritis of the wrist: a single-centre observational cohort study
Authors: Cornette Bram , Hollevoet Nadine
Published: January 2025

This study describes the patterns and prevalence of advanced osteoarthritis of the wrist. Bilateral wrist radiographs of 1327 patients over the age of 40 years were reviewed. Osteoarthritis was present in 228 (17%) patients (368 wrists). One wrist was affected in 88 (39%) patients and both wrists in 140 (61%). A total of 27 different patterns of wrist osteoarthritis were found. The most common pattern was isolated osteoarthritis of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal joint (217 wrists, 59%), followed by isolated osteoarthritis of the radioscaphoid joint (45 wrists, 12%). In 251 (68%) wrists, advanced osteoarthritis was present only in the midcarpal joint, including the scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal joint. In 115 (31%) wrists, advanced arthritis was present in the radiocarpal joint or in both the mid- and radiocarpal joints. This suggests that advanced osteoarthritis of the midcarpal joint without radiocarpal involvement may be more common than previously thought.

Level of evidence: IV
Total wrist arthroplasty: recent advances and current recommendations
Authors: Reigstad Ole
Published: January 2025

The latest generation of wrist arthroplasties provides good clinical function and pain relief with an acceptable revision/reoperation rate. The procedure is complex and technically demanding, both for the surgeon and the patient. The available implants (with the exception of one) have not been developed or refined in the last decade, which reduces the versatility and ability to adapt to specific patient anatomy, to manage implant/treatment problems and to perform successful revisions. Medical device regulation in Europe has led to a halt in development and a reduction in available implants for niche products such as wrist arthroplasty. To improve long-term outcomes after implantation, surgeons should refine and review their skills, implement improvements, avoid complications reported by experienced colleagues, and expect a learning curve and follow-up surgery. The author reviews the pitfalls and requirements of modern wrist arthroplasty.
Partial cystectomy as a surgical option for colorectal cancer patients with pathological bladder invasion: an original retrospective study
Authors: Lan Bing , Luo Rui , Li Yang , Wang Shijie , Jiang Wei , Zhong Yun , Zhang Xuneng , Zheng Qingyang , He Zichuan , Ma Bo , Wang Hui , Yang Keli , Wang Huaiming
Published: January 2025

Background:

Limited research exists on colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with bladder invasion, with survival outcomes post-cystectomy underexplored and a debate between partial and total cystectomy ongoing.

Objective:

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of pathological bladder invasion on the long-term tumour prognosis of patients with clinically diagnosed bladder invasion in CRC after cystectomy.

Design:

Retrospective, cohort study.

Methods:

Our study involving 105 CRC patients with bladder invasion who had partial or total cystectomy from 2012 to 2020 collected surgical and pathological data. Groups were divided by pathological bladder invasion presence and compared for 3-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates. Multiphoton imaging assessed collagen features in some samples.

Results:

Pathological bladder invasion was confirmed in 50 patients (48%). Of 94 who had partial cystectomy, 41 were in the bladder invasion (+) group. The 3-year OS and RFS rates were 62.97% and 57.35% for the bladder invasion (+) group, and 77.16% and 58.68% for the bladder invasion (−) group, with no significant differences in recurrence rates between groups ( p > 0.05). There are also no significant differences in 3-year local recurrence and intravesical recurrence rates between the two groups (18.62% vs 25.83%, 7.73% vs 11.82%, p > 0.05). Distant metastasis was identified as an independent risk factor for OS and RFS by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Of the 24 samples that underwent multi-photon imaging, 142 collagen features extracted did not show statistical differences.

Conclusion:

Pathological bladder invasion impacts CRC patients’ post-cystectomy survival may be less than what clinical practice implies. Partial cystectomy in cases with pathological bladder invasion might offer similar survival rates to total cystectomy.

Trial registration:

ChiCTR2300077861.
Poor sleep quality is common and independently associated with disease activity and poor quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Chaemsupaphan Thanaboon , Pimolsri Chawanont , Subdee Nichcha , Phaophu Phutthaphorn , Salaemae Marianee , Permpim Parinya , Thongchot Lakkana , Wannasewok Kamonnet , Chotinaiwattarakul Wattanachai , Limsrivilai Julajak
Published: January 2025

Background:

The association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity and poor sleep quality is reported. However, most research subjectively investigated this issue and lacked long-term follow-up.

Objectives:

Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sleep disturbance in IBD patients across disease activity and evaluate the long-term correlation between disease activity, sleep quality, and quality of life.

Design:

This prospective observational study assessed sleep quality in patients with IBD.

Methods:

Patients with IBD were categorized into groups based on clinical activity scores. The sleep questionnaire (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)) and IBD questionnaire (IBDQ) were evaluated monthly for 12 months. Seven-day sleep data from wrist actigraphy (Actiwatch®) were collected at initiation and completion. Longitudinal correlation was analyzed.

Results:

A total of 98 participants were enrolled, consisting of 68 remission, 21 mild, and 9 moderate-to-severe disease activities. At baseline, 60% of participants demonstrated poor sleep quality, defined by a PSQI of >5. The group with greater disease severity reported numerically poorer sleep quality; however, this difference was not statistically significant. On actigraphy, there was no statistically significant difference in sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, or sleep efficiency between the groups. During follow-up, 90 patients responded to questionnaires. The mean PSQI decreased from 7.1 to 5.4 among 22 patients whose active disease transitioned to remission ( p < 0.001). However, the score did not change in 11 patients with remission and developed disease flare (5.9–5.8). The mean PSQI was 7.7 and 6.3 in 4 and 53 patients whose disease remained active and inactive during follow-up, respectively. Multivariable longitudinal analysis revealed that PSQI was independently associated with active disease (odds ratio = 1.22) and inversely associated with IBDQ (β = −2.23). Sleep latency was evaluated by PSQI, and actigraphy was significantly correlated.

Conclusions:

Patients with IBD frequently experience poor sleep quality, which significantly correlates with active disease and worse quality of life longitudinally.
Enhancement and assessment in the AI age: An extended mind perspective
Authors: Hernández-Orallo José
Published: January 2025

On the verge of the AI Age—the Mechanocene—we tend to reproduce past narratives where humans are replaced by machines. This leads us to identifying skills and activities that will not be automated by AI soon, and prepare both current and future generations for those ‘safe’ occupations. However, there is the risk that the set of non-automatable tasks becomes empty sooner than expected, preparing new generations for skills that will not be needed in the end. Instead of this incremental route, in this paper we imagine a final destination where AI has all the skills humans have. We argue that in an age where humans can be intensively assisted, augmented and coupled with AI, we need to rethink enhancement and assessment under the extended mind thesis—a philosophical theory suggesting that technological tools can become integral parts of our cognitive processes. Under this perspective, we can still identify skills that are useful in this AI age, especially if humans want to understand and influence their world. Then, if these skills are set as the goals for education, we need to reliably assess they are achieved. However, a world of ubiquitous AI extenders generates enormous challenges for the assessment of individuals, when humans will be mostly operating as part of AI-human hybrids and collectives. In this context, the skills of the individual, human or machine, must be evaluated in terms of their contribution to the human-machine teams they are expected to be embedded in. This further takes education and assessment from the traditional aspiration of achieving fully autonomous skills to the reality of more integrated and interdependent human-machine scenarios of the AI age.
Chronic Rhinitis Surgery: Association Between Preoperative Severity and Response Rate
Authors: Huang Chien-Yu , Liao Jyun-Yi , Kang Bor-Hwang , Lin Yaoh-Shiang , Hsieh Jun-Wei
Published: January 2025

Background

The success rate of chronic rhinitis surgery varies depending on the patients’ factor and surgical method. While outcomes for nasal obstruction differ, the association between preoperative severity of other rhinitis symptoms, such as rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal itching, measured via the reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) remains unevaluated.

Objective

To evaluate the association between the response rate to surgical treatment of chronic rhinitis and preoperative severity.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients with chronic rhinitis symptoms refractory to medication and nasal spray for over 6 months and received radiofrequency ablation of inferior turbinates with posterior nasal nerve neurolysis. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in 24-h rTNSS and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scores. Postoperative surgery response rate, rTNSS score change, and score improvement ratios were also evaluated.

Results

A total of 183 patients (110 males, 60.1%) were included in this study. After 3-month follow-up, the preoperative rTNSS was 6.51 ± 2.74 change to 1.70 ± 1.43, and the NOSE score was 56.48 ± 19.90 change to 4.56 ± 7.74. Both scores and all sub-scores showed significant differences when comparing preoperative, 1-month, and 3-month results ( P < 0.05-0.001). The response rate by rTNSS for whole cohort was 78.14 ± 41.44% and 93.99 ± 23.83% at 1- and 3-month follow-up. Subgroup analyses were performed according to individual rTNSS scores and 2 in 1 score groups (ie, 1-2, 3-4, etc) and their relationship to the surgery outcomes. Both preoperative individual score and score groups were significantly associated with all post-operation outcomes ( P = 0.022 to <0.001) in linear regression analysis.

Conclusion

Patients with more severe preoperative rhinitis symptoms are associated with better response rate, post-operation symptom score changes, and score improvement ratio.
Patient, Caregiver, and Provider Perspectives on Improving Provider-Patient Interactions in Hemodialysis: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Talson Melanie D. , Ferreira da Silva Priscila , Finlay Juli , Rossum Krista , Soroka Kaytlynn V. , McCormick Michael , Desjarlais Arlene , Vorster Hans , Sass Rachelle , James Matthew , Sood Manish M. , Jaure Allison , Pannu Neesh , Tennankore Karthik , Thompson Stephanie , Tonelli Marcello , Bohm Clara
Published: January 2025

Background:

Improving interactions between people receiving hemodialysis and health care providers of facility-based hemodialysis care is a top priority for patients, caregivers, and health care providers.

Objective:

To identify challenges for high-quality clinical interactions in facility-based hemodialysis care as well as potential solutions.

Design:

Multicentre qualitative study using focus groups and semi-structured interviews to elicit the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and health care providers.

Setting:

Five Canadian facility-based hemodialysis centers.

Participants:

English-speaking adults receiving facility-based hemodialysis for longer than 6 months, their caregivers, and hemodialysis health care providers.

Methods:

Between May 2017 and August 2018, focus groups and interviews with patients and their caregivers subsequently informed semi-structured interviews with providers. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis with application of a grounded theory approach.

Results:

A total of 8 focus groups and 44 interviews were completed. Participants included 64 people receiving hemodialysis, 18 caregivers, and 31 health care providers. Communication between health care providers and patients was often characterized as intersections of care (unidirectional) rather than interactions (bidirectional). Challenges were grouped into 4 main themes as follows: (1) culture of care provision; (2) mistrust between patients and health care providers; (3) time constraints for clinical interactions, and (4) lack of collaboration and care coordination among health care team. Potential solutions were identified for each challenge.

Limitations:

Findings were limited to Canadian context, English-speaking adults, and individuals receiving facility-based hemodialysis in urban centers.

Conclusions:

Interactions between health care providers and people receiving dialysis are often unidirectional, where the patient is a passive recipient of ideas and information from the health care provider. To promote improved bidirectional interactions, team-based care that includes better tools to improve information transfer, better information regarding roles, and identity of health care team members and opportunities for all members of the health care team, including the people receiving dialysis, to provide input on care plans is required.

Trial Registration:

Not applicable.
Artificial intelligence in precision medicine for lung cancer: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wang Yuchai , Zhang Weilong , Liu Xiang , Tian Li , Li Wenjiao , He Peng , Huang Sheng , He Fuyuan , Pan Xue
Published: January 2025

Background

The increasing body of evidence has been stimulating the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in precision medicine research for lung cancer. This trend necessitates a comprehensive overview of the growing number of publications to facilitate researchers’ understanding of this field.

Method

The bibliometric data for the current analysis was extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database, CiteSpace, VOSviewer ,and an online website were applied to the analysis.

Results

After the data were filtered, this search yielded 4062 manuscripts. And 92.27% of the papers were published from 2014 onwards. The main contributing countries were China, the United States, India, Japan, and Korea. These publications were mainly published in the following scientific disciplines, including Radiology Nuclear Medicine, Medical Imaging, Oncology, and Computer Science Notably, Li Weimin and Aerts Hugo J. W. L. stand out as leading authorities in this domain. In the keyword co-occurrence and co-citation cluster analysis of the publication, the knowledge base was divided into four clusters that are more easily understood, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Conclusion

This bibliometric study reveals deep learning frameworks and AI-based radiomics are receiving attention. High-quality and standardized data have the potential to revolutionize lung cancer screening and diagnosis in the era of precision medicine. However, the importance of high-quality clinical datasets, the development of new and combined AI models, and their consistent assessment for advancing research on AI applications in lung cancer are highlighted before current research can be effectively applied in clinical practice.
Google Trends applications for COVID-19 pandemic: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Hao , Zhang Ning , Ma Xingxing , Wang Yuqing , Yang Feixiang , Wang Wanrong , Huang Yuxi , Xie Yinyin , Du Yinan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

COVID-19 is one of the most severe global health events in recent years. Google Trends provides a comprehensive analysis of the search frequency for specific terms on Google, reflecting the public's areas of interest. As of now, there has been no bibliometric study on COVID-19 and Google Trends. Therefore, the aim of this study is to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of existing Google Trends research related to COVID-19.

Methods

We retrieved 467 records from the Web of Science™ Core Collection, covering the period from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023. We then conducted scientific metric analyses using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the Bibliometrix package in R-software to explore the temporal and spatial distribution, author distribution, thematic categories, references, and keywords related to these records.

Results

A total of 467 valid records, comprising 418 articles and 49 reviews, were collected for analysis. Over the 4 years, the highest number of publications occurred in 2021. The United States had the most published papers, followed by China. Notably, the United States and China had the closest collaborative relationship. Harvard University ranked as the institution with the highest number of published papers. However, there appeared to be a lack of collaboration between institutions. The research hotspots related to COVID-19 in Google Trends encompassed “outbreak,” “epidemic,” “air pollution,” “internet,” “time series,” and “public interest.”

Conclusion

This study provides a valuable overview of the directions in which Google Trends is being utilized for studying infectious diseases, particularly COVID-19.