bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OSTEOCHONDRAL LESIONS OF THE TALUS: COMPARISON OF OUTCOMES BETWEEN OSTEOCHONDRAL AUTOLOGOUS TRANSPLANTATION AND MATRIX-ASSOCIATED STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION AS PRIMARY AND REVISION PROCEDURES
Authors: Faustino Angela , Murphy Evelyn , Shaw Geoffrey Crozier , Murphy Robert , Kearns Stephen
Published: February 2025

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are common pathologies, associated to chronic pain and disability. Currently, there is no agreed gold standard for surgical treatment of OLTs, due to lack of superiority trials. Aim: Compare the post operative outcomes of osteochondral autologous transplantation (OATS) and matrix associated stem cell transplantation (MAST), as primary and revision procedures Methods: Prospective study of OATS and MAST from 2013 to 2023, in a single surgeons practice Primary study outcome: rate of revision. Secondary outcomes: PROMS (VAS and FAOS), complications and return to sports. Data collected via chart, radiological review, and telephonic survey. Inclusion criteria: aged 16 years and above; OLTs greater than 10mm2, Primary and Revision. Exclusion criteria: Unable to/Refused consent (N=1), Rheumatological joint disease (N=1). Degenerative joint. Lost to follow up. Statistical analysis with Chi-squared test, Fischers exact test, Wilcoxon sum test, and linear regression. Results: N=90. Equal distribution of OATS being used for primary and for revision (50% (16) /50% (16)), MAST had a slight prevalence of revision over primary (55% revision (32) / 45% primary (26) p 0.6). There was a significant association between prior surgery and the need for a revision procedure in the MAST cohort. (Î² = 1.491, SE = 0.562, p = 0.008). Return to sport was seen in 90% of the OAST and 67% of MAST (p 0.11). There was statistically significant improvement in PROMs for both techniques (VAS and FAOS), but no significant change between the outcomes in primary versus revision surgeries. Conclusion: OATS is an appropriate technique for managing OLTs, both as a primary and salvage procedure, with significant improvement of PROMS (VAS and FAOS), and elevated rate of return to sports (90%). MAST as a primary intervention showed similar outcomes to those of OATS, but poorer outcomes as a salvage procedure, with higher rates of revision thereafter (p .01).
DOES CLINICAL PRONATION OF THE TOE CORRELATE WITH METATARSAL ROTATION? A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF WEIGHTBEARING CT IMAGES
Authors: Welck Matt , Beer Alexander , Al-Omar Hussain , Najefi Ali , Patel Shelain , Cullen Nicholas , Koç Togay , Malhotra Karan
Published: February 2025

Aims

First metatarsal Pronation is increasingly recognised as an important component of Hallux valgus (HV) and can contribute towards intraoperative malreduction, postoperative recurrence and patient reported outcome measures (1,2,3). There are numerous radiological ways to measure metatarsal rotation on plain radiographs and weight bearing CT (WBCT), however there are no clinical tests to evaluate metatarsal pronation pre- or intra-operatively. This study therefore aimed to examine the relationship between clinical pronation of the toe and metatarsal pronation.

Methods

Single-centre, retrospective analysis over 5 years. Measurements were performed on WBCT images with digital reconstructions to add soft tissues. First metatarsal rotation was measured using the Metatarsal Pronation Angle as previously described (4). Toe rotation was measured by the Phalangeal Condylar Angle (PCA), the angle between the condyles of the proximal phalanx and the floor, and the Nail Plate Angle (NPA), the angle of the base of the nail plate to the floor in the coronal Plane. These were obtained from 50 feet in Hallux valgus patients, and 50 control patients with CTs done for osteochondral lesions without hallux valgus or hindfoot malalignment.

Results

The HV group comprised 41 women and 9 men, mean age 52.4. Control group, 23 women and 23 male, mean age 40.25. Inter and Intra Observer reliability both excellent (ICC >0.95) for all measurements. When comparing HV vs control, MPA was 11.7 vs 6.0 (p<0.001), PCA 31.8 vs 4.7 (p<0.001), NPA 18.3 vs 6.0 (p<0.0001). NPA correlated with PCA. NPA and PCA correlate with Hallux valgus Angle (p<0.001), but not with MPA (p 0.567).

Conclusion

These results suggest that clinical toe pronation increases as HV angle increases but not with metatarsal pronation, which therefore cannot be used as a clinical marker. Toe pronation is similar at the base and at the nail, suggesting rotation happens at the MTPJ.
Recognition within the profession of social work in the UK
Authors: Collins Stewart
Published: February 2025

Honneth draws attention to three conditions considered essential to support recognition: first, caring relationships producing self-confidence and agency; second, rights involving equal treatment for all, leading to self-respect and respect for and from other people; and, third, solidarity through community membership, involving self- and social esteem. Honneth’s works have been influential for many pieces of writing and research in social work. However, such endeavours have tended to neglect detailed consideration of the enactment of recognition in relation to social workers themselves. Therefore, a major aim of this article is to discuss critically the implications of recognition for practitioners within the structural and institutional context of the UK, including an examination of the role of care within social work organisations, as seen in individual supervision and mentoring. Recognition as solidarity and community is considered in the context of teams, colleagues, peer groups, professional associations and unions. Recognition of social workers’ rights is also explored in relation to minority groups and justice.
Photonic-assisted broadband RF receivers with low IF frequencies based on Kramers-Kronig processing
Authors: Lu Bing , Bai Yifan , Zhang Jiaxin , Tang Jianming , Guo Pengxing , Hou Weigang , Guo Lei
Published: February 2025

A simplified photonic-based radio frequency (RF) receiver with a low intermediate frequency (IF) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated by utilizing direct detection and Kramers-Kronig (KK) processing. In the proposed approach, the RF and local oscillator (LO) signals are modulated onto an optical carrier using a dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator (DDMZM) biased at a minimum transmission point. The modulated optical signal is then directed to a single photodetector (PD) to produce the IF signal, which is designed to fall within 1.5 times the bandwidth of the RF signal. KK processing effectively mitigates the signal-signal beat interference (SSBI) when the frequency gap between the RF signal and the LO signal is 1.5 times less than the bandwidth of the RF signal, thus enabling the generation of a low IF signal. This allows for subsequent processing with a low-speed PD and an analog-to-digital converter operating at a lower sampling rate. Experimental validation using a 16-QAM RF vector signal shows that KK processing reduces the error vector magnitude (EVM) of the down-converted 16-QAM signal to 4.61%, compared to 18.57% without it when no frequency gap exists. This approach provides a streamlined design and straightforward implementation for photonic RF down-conversion.
Nonlinear dynamics of a coupled twin-waveguide semiconductor laser with surface gratings
Authors: Hu Bi-Wei , Shi Yang , Dong Zhong , Chen You-Ling , Xiao Jin-Long , Huang Yong-Zhen , Yang Yue-De
Published: February 2025

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a coupled twin-waveguide semiconductor laser featuring high-order slotted surface gratings to achieve a variety of nonlinear dynamics. The surface gratings serve as active distributed Bragg reflectors for selecting the lasing modes, while the nonlinear dynamics arise from mode coupling and carrier diffusion between the two identical waveguides. The coupling coefficient is designed to obtain coupled modes with a splitting frequency exceeding ten gigahertz, slightly higher than the relaxation oscillation frequency, thereby enhancing the nonlinear interaction between the modes due to the carrier density oscillation. By adjusting the mode frequency difference and the relaxation oscillation frequency through injection currents, we successfully achieve various controllable dynamic states, including periodic, quasiperiodic, and chaotic oscillations. A chaotic optical signal with inherent randomness is generated, reaching a maximum effective chaotic bandwidth exceeding 11 GHz with a flatness of 8.4 dB. Our approach offers a novel light source that can be fabricated using photolithography and regrowth-free processes, paving the way for mode engineering aimed at tailoring lasing actions in semiconductor lasers to generate nonlinear dynamics on-chip.
High-efficiency polarization beam merging metagrating design via global initial solution-based topology optimization
Authors: Han Zhiqiang , Zheng Yuhan , Xu Mingfeng , Wang Si , Pu Mingbo , Ma Xiaoliang , Guo Yinghui , Li Xiong , Luo Xiangang
Published: February 2025

Freeform metasurfaces based on topology optimization enable precise control over electromagnetic functionalities, with widespread applications in metagratings, metalenses, and polarization transformations. The selection of the initial structure plays a crucial role in determining the quality of the final optimization results. In this study, a global initial solution-based topology optimization (GISTO) is proposed to design a polarization beam merging metagrating efficiently. A two-dimensional encoded non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II is employed for global exploration to obtain a high-quality initial structure, which is then refined using gradient-based topology optimization for a local optimization design. By integrating global and local optimization, the efficiency of polarization beam merging metagrating is significantly improved. Under symmetric incidence, the efficiencies for x-polarized and y-polarized beams reach 93.6% and 95.3%, respectively, while under asymmetric incidence, the efficiencies achieve 99.4% and 95.4%, respectively.
Dual sacrificial layer strategy for effective release of InP materials with smooth surface for transfer printable devices
Authors: Muthuganesan Hemalatha , O’Callaghan James , Atar Fatih Bilge , Gocalinska Agnieszka , Thomas Kevin , Pelucchi Emanuele , Corbett Brian
Published: February 2025

We present a detailed study of dual sacrificial layer structures comprising lattice-matched AlInAs and InGaAs for the efficient release of InP-based materials. The study aims to optimize surface smoothness and etch rate for transfer printing via direct bonding. This layer, combined with appropriate thicknesses, yields an extremely smooth coupon surface after release. At room temperature, we demonstrate an isotropic etch profile along with high selectivity to InP. The thickness of the release layers and dilution of the FeCl3 mixture were optimized. We show that FeCl3 and water (1:5) undercut a combined 400 nm InGaAs - 100 nm AlInAs release structure with 50% higher selectivity to InP compared with a 1:2 dilution. Such fast release with a smooth interface at room temperature yields an energy-efficient, cost-effective, and time-saving process contributing to superior printing.
Integrated optical system for free-fall cold atomic clocks
Authors: Hao Qiang , Yang Shaojie , Zhang Hui , Fan Sicheng , Nie Shuai , Bai Yang , Wang Xinliang , Ruan Jun , Zhang Shougang
Published: February 2025

The free-fall atomic clock has shown considerable potential for long-term stability and mobility, yet reports on its design and implementation remain limited. Herein, we introduce a simple integrated optical system for free-fall cold Rb atomic clocks. A distributed feedback (DFB), frequency-doubled fiber laser, and a 780 nm DFB laser diode are utilized as the cooling and repumping light source, respectively. Both lasers feature a broad mode-hop-free tuning range and reduced sensitivity to acoustic noise. Benefiting from a high signal-to-noise ratio of modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS), the linewidth of the fiber laser is measured to be 42 kHz. The power and frequency management of the cooling beams is implemented by two 110-MHz acousto-optic modulators (AOMs), enabling a frequency detuning as large as −92 MHz. The power-frequency management module is integrated into a single side bench of 316 mm × 270 mm × 52 mm. The power fluctuation of the probe beam is measured to be 0.8% (RMS) over 24 hours measurement. Using an ultra-high vacuum system, the functionality of the optical system is preliminarily verified by the time-of-flight (TOF) signal of the cold atom cloud.
N-path quantum interference and hypergraphs
Authors: Duarte Francisco
Published: February 2025

It is elucidated that N-slit, or N-path, quantum interference utilizes the intrinsic nonlocality of the photon to illuminate simultaneously from the source the entire N-slit array thus allowing the characterization of the interference via the Dirac-Feynman interferometric principle. This simultaneous illumination of N-paths also applies to the Feynman path integral formulation of quantum mechanics. This quantum mechanism of simultaneous and whole illumination of N-slits, or N-paths, is quite different to the sequential illumination of N-paths via the hypergraph methodology where the N is achieved via the classical diagrammatical binary sequence 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32,…2^r.
Acceptability of a community health worker-led health literacy intervention on lifestyle modification among hypertensive and diabetes patients in the City of Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Katena Nyaradzai Arster , Shamu Shepherd , Fana Golden Tafadzwa , Dewa Evans , Dombojena Admire , Rusakaniko Simbarashe
Published: February 2025

Working with community health workers is a vital strategy to improve health at a community level in low- and middle-income countries. Our study assessed the acceptability of a community health worker-led health literacy intervention on lifestyle modification among hypertensive and diabetes patients in the City of Harare, Zimbabwe. The intervention consisted of face-to-face individual educational sessions and support visits, delivered by trained community health workers at either the patient’s home or the primary care clinic. We embedded this qualitative study within a cluster randomized trial, which assessed the intervention’s effectiveness. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 3 community health nurses and 25 patients as well as 3 focus group discussions with CHWs. We analyzed the data manually using the deductive analysis method based on a coding framework structured according to the Theoretical Framework for Acceptability. Participants expressed optimism and anxiety regarding the intervention. All community nurses and CHWs believed that the intervention was effective in improving adherence to recommended lifestyle modifications and overall health outcomes among the patients. Patients felt that the intervention was ethically sound. All community health workers and community nurses reported a clear understanding of the intervention’s goals and methods. Some patients felt that some aspects of the intervention needed to be improved. There was a consensus that the benefits associated with the intervention outweighed the costs. Some patients reported that they were not confident in participating in the intervention because some of the recommended lifestyle modifications were beyond their control. Whilst there were positive sentiments regarding the intervention’s potential to empower patients and improve health outcomes, challenges related to patients’ perceived burdens must be addressed. Future iterations of the intervention should focus on enhancing support for CHWs and ensuring that patients’ preferences are catered for.
PCK1 and SLC22A2 gene variants associated with response to metformin treatment in type 2 diabetes
Authors: St-Amour Sophie , Tessier Laurence , Harnois Janie , Allard Catherine , Lavoie Alexandre , Caron Philippe , Bouchard Luigi , Perron Patrice , Tremblay Karine
Published: February 2025

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disorder affecting 462 million worldwide, often managed with metformin as first-line treatment. However, metformin’s response varies among individuals, including up to 30% experiencing serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and 20-50% inefficacy. These differences may be due to various factors, including pharmacogenetic (PGx) variants. The PGx variants documented so far could affect both the safety and efficacy of metformin, but due to a lack of replication studies, none reached the clinical evidence-level needed to be used as a predictive marker for treatment response. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the association between the presence of candidate PGx variants and metformin response in T2D subjects. We conducted an association study involving 108 T2D participants currently or previously treated with metformin. A characterization of their therapeutic response was carried out through questionnaires and pharmacological profile reviews. DNA samples were collected during their single visit to perform genotyping of 24 selected candidate PGx variants. Association analyses between candidate PGx variants and metformin response were performed. Among the subjects included in the analyses (n =  84), 25% were non-responders, and 58% experienced ADRs. At the time of study enrollment, 93.9% of non-responders continued to use metformin. The odds of being a non-responder to metformin are 5.6 times higher for homozygous carriers of the alternative allele of a variant within the PCK1 gene (rs4810083) compared to the other genotypes (95% interval confidence [1.9–16.6]). Two variants in perfect linkage disequilibrium within the SLC22A2 gene (rs316019 and rs316009) were associated with increase odds of having ADRs, where homozygous genotype carriers are 7.3 times more likely to have ADRs presentation (95% interval confidence [1.85–29.01]). This study identified associations between PCK1 and SLC22A2 candidate PGx variants and metformin response in T2D treatment. Additional genetic and functional studies are necessary to elucidate the variants’ impact in metformin’s pharmacological mechanisms.
Differences in sensory nerve block between levobupivacaine and bupivacaine at low concentrations in humans and animals
Authors: Sakamoto Akiyuki , Tanaka Satoshi , Ishida Takashi , Kawamata Mikito
Published: February 2025

Physiochemical properties of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine are identical, but pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties differ due to stereoselective interactions at the molecular sites of action. An evaluation of nerve block characteristics is essential for optimal clinical application. This study compared the sensory blocking characteristics of levobupivacaine to bupivacaine in humans and model animals. Levobupivacaine and bupivacaine were compared for sensory block efficacy using a randomized, double-blinded, crossover study design. Eighteen healthy volunteers were randomized to receive levobupivacaine or bupivacaine by subcutaneous injection into the forearm, followed by the other drug 1 week later with injection order counterbalanced across subjects. Tactile detection and mechanical pain thresholds were determined using von Frey hairs and thermal pain threshold using a thermal stimulator. Effects of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine, on the spiking activity of spinal dorsal horn (SDH) neurons evoked by innocuous or noxious stimuli were also compared in anesthetized Sprague–Dawley rats by in vivo extracellular recordings. There were no significant differences in mechanical and thermal pain thresholds following levobupivacaine or bupivacaine injection at 0.025%, 0.0625%, and 0.125%. There was also no significant difference in tactile detection threshold following levobupivacaine or bupivacaine injection at 0.125%. However, tactile detection threshold was significantly higher after administration of bupivacaine at 0.025% and 0.0625% compared to equivalent doses of levobupivacaine. Subcutaneous injection of bupivacaine at 0.05% also induced significantly greater inhibition of SDH neuron spiking activity evoked by innocuous stimuli compared to an equivalent dose of levobupivacaine, while there was no significant difference in suppression of spiking activity evoked by noxious stimuli. Low-dose bupivacaine induces greater suppression tactile sensation than low-dose levobupivacaine. Thus, low-dose levobupivacaine demonstrates relatively greater blocking selectivity for noxious over innocuous stimuli compared to low-dose bupivacaine. Levobupivacaine may be advantageous for applications where pain must be suppressed but non-nociceptive sensations maintained.
Bronchoalveolar lavage single-cell transcriptomics reveals immune dysregulations driving COVID-19 severity
Authors: Asaba Clinton Njinju , Bitazar Razieh , Labonté Patrick , Bukong Terence Ndonyi
Published: February 2025

The continuous threats posed by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, including the emergence of potentially more infectious and deadly variants, necessitate ongoing studies to uncover novel and detailed mechanisms driving disease severity. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we conducted a secondary data analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from COVID-19 patients of varying severities and healthy controls to comprehensively examine immune responses. We observed significant immune cell alterations correlating with disease severity. In severe cases, macrophages showed upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes TNFα and IL1β, contributing to severe inflammation and tissue damage. Neutrophils exhibited increased activation, marked by S100A8, CXCL8, and IL1β expression, with extended viability and reduced phagocytosis. Genes such as MCL1 and HIF1α supported extended viability, while MSR1 and MRC1 indicated reduced phagocytosis. Enhanced formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and reduced clearance, indicated by NET-associated markers, were linked to thrombo-inflammation and organ damage. Both macrophages and neutrophils in severe cases showed impaired efferocytosis, indicated by decreased expression of MSR1 and TREM2 in macrophages and downregulation of FCGR3B in neutrophils, leading to the accumulation of apoptotic cells and exacerbating inflammation. Severe cases were characterized by M1 macrophages with high TNFα and IL1β, while milder cases had M2 macrophages with elevated PPARγ. Dendritic cells (DCs) in severe cases exhibited reduced proportions and attenuated expression of MHC class I genes (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C) and co-stimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86), alongside increased cytochrome c expression, indicating impaired antigen presentation and enhanced apoptosis. NK and T cells in severe cases demonstrated altered receptor and gene expression, with increased activation markers IFNγ and ISG15, suggesting a paradoxical state of activation and exhaustion. This analysis highlights the critical role of dysregulated neutrophil, macrophage, dendritic cell, NK, and T cell responses in severe COVID-19, identifying potential therapeutic targets and providing novel insights into the disease.
Enhancing contact recommendation in social platforms through mental health awareness: Exploring Anorexia Nervosa as a case study
Authors: Ramírez-Cifuentes Diana , Baeza-Yates Ricardo , Lozano Meritxell , Freire Ana
Published: February 2025

We analyze and propose a solution for the exposure of vulnerable users to harmful content during their interaction with contact recommender systems in social platforms. Our approach is dedicated to maximizing the number of harmless accounts suggested to users at risk. For these users, the over-personalization of recommender systems can result in an exposure to triggering content. We consider anorexia nervosa as a use case. People with anorexia tend to seek accounts of peers that support their unhealthy habits. Contact recommender systems can unintentionally reinforce such behaviors. Our approach modifies the objective function of a content and topology-based recommendation algorithm to maximize the suggestion of harmless accounts for users at risk. This is done with data from Twitter of Spanish speaking users with anorexia. The design and evaluation of the proposal has involved the participation of clinicians and volunteers at the last stages of treatment. Results show that users with anorexia are willing to follow harmless accounts suggested in online platforms. There is a tradeoff in precision (Pr) when comparing our proposal (Pr = 0.41) with a regular recommendation approach (Pr = 0.58). However, results are promising as there is a 55% increase in the percentage of harmless accounts suggested.
Effect of organizational change on employee innovation performance: A dual mediation model
Authors: Liu Teng , Wang Hao , Liu Yaru , Li Zhenzhu , Zhang Yiting , Zhu Honghong , Ning Lei , Jiang Daokui
Published: February 2025

Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the international development pattern, the international environment has undergone profound changes. Enterprises, as the main body of activities on the front line of production and operation and the main battlefield of market competition, are facing various risk challenges. In both domestic and international markets, these challenges are becoming increasingly complex for businesses to navigate. For theoretical research, the impact of organizational change on employee innovation performance has become a key issue in organizational behavior and human resource management research. However, the influence mechanism of organizational change on employee innovation performance is still unclear. In this study, we examine whether, how, and when organizational change increases employee innovation performance in accordance with job demands-resource theory, as well as the effect of work pressure and work engagement on employee innovation performance. Data from 289 employees at three time points are examined. The results show that: (1) Organizational change negatively affects employee innovation performance through work pressure, i.e., work pressure mediates the impact of organizational change on employee innovation performance. (2) Organizational change positively affects employee innovation performance through work engagement, i.e., work engagement mediates the impact of organizational change on employee innovation performance. (3) Organizational identity plays a moderating role between organizational change and work pressure and work engagement, respectively, and there is a moderating effect in the process of mediation of work pressure and work engagement. The findings of this study provide important insights into how and when organizational change influences employee innovation performance.
Preferential apical infection of Caco-2 intestinal cell monolayers by SARS-CoV-2 is associated with damage to cellular barrier integrity: Implications for the pathophysiology of COVID-19
Authors: Garrec Clémence , Arrindell Jeffrey , Andrieu Jonatane , Desnues Benoit , Mege Jean-Louis , Omar Osman Ikram , Devaux Christian
Published: February 2025

SARS-CoV-2 can infect different organs, including the intestine. In an in vitro model of Caco-2 intestinal cell line, we previously found that SARS-CoV-2 modulates the ACE2 receptor expression and affects the expression of molecules involved in intercellular junctions. To further explore the possibility that the intestinal epithelium can serve as an alternative infection route for SARS-CoV-2, we used a model of polarized monolayers of Caco-2 cells (or co-cultures of two intestinal cell lines: Caco-2 and HT29) grown on the polycarbonate membrane of Transwell inserts, inoculated with the virus either in the upper or lower chamber of culture to determine the tropism of the virus for the apical or basolateral pole of these cells. In both polarized Caco-2 cell monolayers and co-culture Caco-2/HT29 cell monolayer, apical SARS-CoV-2 inoculation was found to be much more effective in establishing infection than basolateral inoculation. In addition, apical SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers monolayer degeneration, as shown by histological examination, measurement of trans-epithelial electrical resistance, and cell adhesion molecule expression. During apical infection, the infectious viruses reach the lower chamber, suggesting either a transcytosis mechanism from the apical side to the basolateral side of cells, a paracellular trafficking of the virus after damage to intercellular junctions in the epithelial barrier, or both. Taken together, these data indicate a preferential tropism of SARS-CoV-2 for the apical pole of the human intestinal tract and suggest that infection via the intestinal lumen leads to a systemic infection.
Identifying children who develop severe chronic kidney disease using primary care records
Authors: Plumb Lucy , Sinha Manish D. , Jones Timothy , Redaniel M. Theresa , Ridd Matthew J. , Owen-Smith Amanda , Caskey Fergus J. , Ben-Shlomo Yoav
Published: February 2025

Background

Understanding whether symptoms suggestive of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are reported to primary care before diagnosis may provide opportunities for earlier detection, thus supporting strategies to prevent progression and improve long-term outcomes. Our aim was to determine whether symptoms/signs or consultation frequency recorded in primary care could predict a subsequent diagnosis of chronic kidney disease in children.

Methods

We undertook a case-control study within Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Cases were children <21 years with an incident code for severe CKD during the study period (January 2000-September 2018). Controls were matched on age (+/-3 years), sex, and practice-level kidney function testing rate. Conditional logistic regression modelling was used to identify symptoms predictive of severe CKD and differences in consultation frequency in 24- and 6-month timeframes before the index date.

Results

Symptoms predictive of severe CKD in the 24 months before the index date included growth concerns (OR 7.4, 95% CI 3.5, 15.4), oedema (OR 5.7, 95% CI 2.9, 11.2) and urinary tract infection (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.1, 5.4); within 6 months of the index date, effect estimates and specificity strengthened although sensitivity decreased. Overall, positive predictive value of symptoms was low. Cases consulted more frequently than controls in both timeframes. In combination, symptoms and consultation frequency demonstrated modest discrimination for CKD (c-statistic after bootstrapping 0.70, 95% CI 0.66, 0.73).

Conclusion

Despite increased consultation frequency and several symptoms being associated with severe chronic kidney disease, the positive predictive value of symptoms is low given disease rarity making earlier diagnosis challenging.
HybridBranchNetV2: Towards reliable artificial intelligence in image classification using reinforcement learning
Authors: Parcham Ebrahim , Fateh Mansoor , Abolghasemi Vahid
Published: February 2025

Many artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms struggle to adapt effectively in dynamic real-world scenarios, such as complex classification tasks and object relationship extraction, due to their predictable but non-adaptive behavior. This paper introduces HybridBranchNetV2, an optimized hybrid architecture designed to address these challenges. The key novelty of our approach lies in the integration of reinforcement learning for adaptive feature extraction and the use of graph-based techniques to analyze object relationships in complex environments. By dynamically adjusting feature extraction based on feedback from the environment, the model improves adaptability, while graph-based methods allow for a more comprehensive analysis of object relationships. Our extensive evaluations demonstrate that HybridBranchNetV2 achieves average 91.75% accuracy over four different challenging datasets. In particular, a 14% improvement obtained on the Visual Genome dataset and ImageNet 1K compared to the original HybridBranchNet model. Additional testing on CIFAR, Flowers, and ImageNet datasets revealed improvements of 6%, 1%, and 6%, respectively. These advancements not only enhance classification accuracy but also ensure efficient computation, making HybridBranchNetV2 suitable for real-time applications with minimal risk of overfitting. The proposed framework demonstrates significant improvements in adaptability, performance, and computational efficiency, addressing critical limitations in current AI models.
A multicenter cross-sectional survey of the role of community pharmacists, attitudes, and perceptions in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Motlohi Nthabiseng Florina , Mensah Kofi Boamah , Padayachee Neelaveni , Petrus Ruwayda , Alqifari Saleh F. , Bangalee Varsha
Published: February 2025

Background

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality globally and impose suffering and economic difficulties, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Community pharmacists present an opportunity for effective prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases. The overarching aim of the study was to evaluate factors associated with the extent of involvement, barriers and facilitators, and perceptions of Lesotho community pharmacists in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

The study utilised a quantitative cross-sectional survey. A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to licensed community pharmacists across four districts between March and July 2023. Parametric and non-parametric tests were performed for data analysis using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26.

Results

Apart from medicine dispensing, community pharmacists were mostly involved in hypertension (mean = 4.38±.73) and diabetes (mean = 4.17±.91) screening, weight management advice (mean = 3.81±.87), disease education (mean = 3.93±.83), medication management therapy (mean = 3.74±.99, 3.81±.88), referral of and follow up on patients (mean = 3.70±.98 and 3.87±.92). There was a significant association between the extent of involvement and pharmacy location, experience of community pharmacists, availability of tools, number of patients seen daily, and presence of other healthcare professionals at a community pharmacy (p<0.05). The most common barriers were related to patient factors (>75% agree to strongly agree), such as lack of awareness of community pharmacists’ services. Community pharmacists possessed positive (mean >3) attitudes and perceptions regarding their role in cardiovascular disease management.

Conclusions

Besides dispensing medicine, community pharmacists had varying extent of involvement in health promotion activities. The provision of these services differed between socio-demographic groups. Community pharmacists possessed good knowledge, positive attitudes towards their cardiovascular disease management role. Thus, they can improve cardiovascular disease outcomes. However, the barriers potentially limit their scope of practice and encourage inconsistent community pharmacy services. The findings present pertinent information to policy-makers, regulators, and pharmacists that can inform the development of frameworks to improve clinical and pharmacy practice in Lesotho and low- and middle-income countries.
In Silico identification and characterization of SOS gene family in soybean: Potential of calcium in salinity stress mitigation
Authors: Hameed Anam , Khan M. Asaf , Tahir M. Hammad Nadeem , Lodhi Madeeha Shahzad , Muzammil Saima , Shafiq Muhammad , Gechev Tsanko , Faisal Muhammad
Published: February 2025

Leguminous crops are usually sensitive to saline stress during germination and plant growth stages. The Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway is one of the key signaling pathways involved in salt translocation and tolerance in plants however, it is obscure in soybean. The current study describes the potential of calcium application on the mitigation of salinity stress and its impact on seed germination, morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes of soybean. The seeds from previously reported salt-tolerant and salt-susceptible soybean varieties were primed with water, calcium (10 and 20 mM), and stressed under 60, 80 and 100 mM NaCl and evaluated in various combinations. Results show that germination increased by 7% in calcium primed non-stressed seeds under non-stressing, whereas an improvement of 15%-25% was observed in germination under NaCl stress. Likewise, improvement in seedling length (3%-8%), plant height (9%-18%), number of nodes (3%-14%), SOD activity (20%) and Na+/K+ concentration (3%-5% reduction) in calcium primed plants, indicates alleviation of salinity-induced negative effects. In addition, this study also included in silico identification and confirmation of presence of Arabidopsis thaliana SOS genes orthologs in soybean. The research of amino acid sequences of SOS proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtSOSs) within Glycine max genome displayed protein identity (60–80%) thus these identified homologs were called as GmSOS. Further phylogeny and in silico analyses showed that GmSOS orthologs contain similar gene structures, close evolutionary relationship, and same conserved motifs, reinforcing that GmSOSs belong to SOS family and they share many common features with orthologs from other species thus may perform similar functions. This is the first study that reports role of SOSs in salt-stress mitigation in soybean.
Cost analysis of corneal tissue processing: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Maidana Gustavo Moura , Ferreira Júnior Marcos Antônio , Mota Felipe Machado , Cardoso Andréia Insabralde de Queiroz , Abes Bruna Dias , Dias Mayra , Meza Letícia Lima
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Diseases affecting the cornea are a group of pathological conditions responsible for the main causes of blindness worldwide. Corneal transplantation aims to replace dysfunctional corneal tissue with a transparent tissue graft obtained from a deceased donor, which enables the full recovery of lost vision. Processes are initially performed to prepare the corneal tissue for transplantation in order for this transplant to be viable. There is a gap in knowledge regarding the costs of these processes. This review aims to carry out a robust, broad and current mapping of studies which analyze the costs of processing corneal tissue for transplantation.

Objective

The objective of this study is to map the evidence produced in the literature on cost analysis studies of corneal tissue processing.

Materials and methods

A scoping review will be conducted to map the topic, gather different research designs and identify the available scientific evidence on corneal tissue processing. To this end, a scoping review protocol was developed, registered in the Open Science Framework (accessed at: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/2X89U), following the good practices described by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The review report will be guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. The data will be presented descriptively, with a summary of the studies found. The guiding research question of the study is: What is the scope of scientific evidence on the cost analysis of corneal tissue processing for transplants?
Hydrogeochemical and isotopic analysis for interpreting the formation of the complex geothermal system in the Guide Basin, Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Lei Yude , Zhao Zhen , Qin Guangxiong , Ba Ruishou , Yang Shaokang , Shi Haoxin
Published: February 2025

The Guide Basin, located in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, is rich in geothermal resources. However, whether the genesis of all geothermal waters in the basin is consistent remains an unresolved question. To clarify the geothermal system in this area, this study investigated the hydrogeochemical and isotopic characteristics of geothermal waters, combined with an analysis of the distribution and properties of regional faults. The study analyzed the processes controlling the chemical composition of thermal waters and the reservoir temperatures, ultimately creating a conceptual model of geothermal fluids. The results indicate that the geothermal waters in the Luohantang and Zhacanggou areas are classified as Na-SO4·Cl type, while those in the Xinjie area are classified as Na-HCO3 and Na-HCO3·Cl type. The chemical composition of geothermal waters is primarily controlled by the weathering of silicates, with some influence from carbonate dissolution and cation exchange processes. Isotope data (δD, δ18O, and 87Sr/86Sr) indicate that all geothermal waters originate from atmospheric precipitation and undergo deep circulation. The heat source in Guide Basin comes from mantle heat flow and granite radioactive decay, but the thermal storage patterns in the three regions of the basin are different. The use of cation and silica geothermometers estimates the reservoir temperatures in the basin to range between 82.4 °C and 229 °C. This study enhances the understanding of the genesis of geothermal resources in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and provides important information for guiding future geothermal exploration in the area.
Research on intelligent routing with VAE-GAN in the internet of body
Authors: Qian Song , Zhang Tianping , Hu Siping
Published: February 2025

The "Internet of Body" is an emerging technology that is centered on the human body and connected to the Internet. It can monitor a variety of human data (such as heart rate, blood oxygen content, etc.) and communicate with digital pills, wearable devices, etc. It has been widely used in the field of medical health. However, when other devices access the Internet of Body on a large scale, there will be load imbalance caused by the difficulty in selecting the optimal route, which will affect the overall throughput and may even fail to transmit and endanger life. The traditional artificial intelligence routing algorithm cannot deal with the low model prediction accuracy and poor generalization ability caused by large noise and small data volume. This paper proposes an artificial intelligence routing algorithm, combines the variational autoencoder (VAE) and the generative adversarial network model (GAN) to construct a VAE-GAN model to generate multiple sets of data to achieve data enhancement on the Internet of Body. The optimization goals are to maximize the throughput of the Internet of Body and minimize the transmission cost. The entire routing problem is expressed as a Markov decision and the optimal transmission path is solved by learning previous historical experience to generate the real-time optimal route. Experiments have shown that this scheme can achieve the optimal route according to the transmission capacity of the real-time path and only requires fewer computing resources. It achieves load balancing of the entire network and avoids network congestion. The average throughput is much higher than that of traditional routing, and the advantage is more obvious under high load.
Scheduling optimization based on particle swarm optimization algorithm in emergency management of long-distance natural gas pipelines
Authors: Guo Huichao , Huang Runhua , Cheng Shuqin
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to solve the scheduling optimization problem in the emergency management of long-distance natural gas pipelines, with the goal of minimizing the total scheduling time. To this end, the objective function of the minimum total scheduling time is established, and the relevant constraints are set. A scheduling optimization model based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed. In view of the high-dimensional complexity and local optimal problems, the neighborhood adaptive constrained fractional particle swarm optimization (NACFPSO) algorithm is used to solve it. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional particle swarm optimization algorithm, NACFPSO performs well in both convergence speed and scheduling time, with an average convergence speed of 81.17 iterations and an average scheduling time of 200.00 minutes; while the average convergence speed of the particle swarm optimization algorithm is 82.17 iterations and an average scheduling time of 207.49 minutes. In addition, with the increase of pipeline complexity, NACFPSO can still maintain its advantages in convergence speed and scheduling time, especially in scheduling time, which further verifies the optimization effect of the algorithm in emergency management.
Gaps, challenges and opportunities towards achieving the 95-95-95 targets in Cameroon: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Ngoufack Jagni Semengue Ezechiel , N. K. A. Alex Durand , Tueguem Pamela Patricia , Ka’e Christelle Aude , Molimbou Evariste , Forgwei Lum Yah , Etame Naomi-Karell , Kengni Ngueko Aurelie Minelle , Takou Désiré , Abah Abah Aristide Stephane , Ketchadji Alice , Bouba Pamen , Kob Same David , Etogo Oscar , Keugoung Basile , Bacha Abdelkader , Habimana Phanuel , Sosso Martin Samuel , Ndjolo Alexis , Perno Carlo-Federico , Colizzi Vittorio , Ajeh Rogers , Z-K Bissek Anne-Cecile , Ndembi Nicaise , Fokam Joseph
Published: February 2025

Background

Given HIV elimination by 2030, the World Health Organization and the United Nations’ Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have set three programmatic goals that all countries should have achieved before 2025; 95% of people living with HIV should know their status (target-1); 95% of people who know their status should be linked to treatment (target-2); and 95% of people on treatment should achieve viral load suppression (i.e. VL<1000 copies/ml; target-3). Despite considerable global progress over the past decade, many low-middle-income countries are still below the expected targets. This review protocol aims to provide a standardized document for in-depth analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) towards achieving these programmatic targets in Cameroon.

Methods

This systematic review will include randomized and non-randomized trials, cohorts, case-controls, cross-sectional studies, case reports and governmental notices addressing the achievements, the gaps, the challenges and the opportunities towards the 95-95-95 targets in Cameroon. The search will consider studies from 2017 to 2024, retrieved from PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, online African journals, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. We will include studies reporting HIV diagnosis, HIV link to treatment or HIV viral suppression in Cameroon. Results will be stratified according to time, age-group (adults’ vs adolescents/children) and geographic locations. Primary outcomes will be “estimates on 95-95-95 programmatic goals at the national level”. Secondary outcomes will consist of the SWOT analysis towards achieving these programmatic targets. A random-effects model will be used to calculate pooled prevalence if data permits.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol will guide global estimation on the achievement of the 95-95-95 targets as well as the stakes and challenges within the Cameroonian setting. Final evidence from the systematic review will allow identification of the gaps and measures to be taken to fasten our move towards the 95-95-95 in Cameroon by 2025.

Systematic review registration

Systematic review registration: CRD42024502755.