bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a point-of-care test for quantitative determination of total thyroxine in feline serum
Authors: Spada Eva , Perego Roberta , Baggiani Luciana , Proverbio Daniela
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Total thyroxine (TT4) evaluation is the most commonly used first-line test for the diagnosis and monitoring of cats with hyperthyroidism. Vcheck T4 is a point-of-care immunoassay that measures TT4 using a Vcheck V200 analyser. This study aimed to evaluate the analytic performance of the Vcheck T4 assay in feline sera and the agreement in the classification of normal, high and low TT4 concentrations of Vcheck T4 with those measured by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

Methods

Assay precision, reproducibility and linearity were evaluated for the Vcheck T4. For method comparison, TT4 concentrations in 73 serum samples were analysed by both methods.

Results

Vcheck T4 demonstrated good precision, reproducibility (intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation between 3% and 13.5%) and linearity in the diagnostic range of <0.5 and >8 μg/dl. The correlation coefficient was 0.87, Passing–Bablok regression showed a proportional, but not constant bias, Bland–Altman plots revealed a mean difference of +0.5 μg/dl. The overall inter-rater agreement ( K) between TT4 EIA and Vcheck results was substantial ( K = 0.69), with 82.2% of concordant results. As a diagnostic test for hyperthyroidism, Vcheck T4 showed a sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 84.4%, and a positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 44.5% and 98.2%, respectively.

Conclusions and relevance

Vcheck T4 assay provided precise and reproducible results in substantial agreement with the EIA. Given the high NPV, Vcheck T4 is useful in ruling out hyperthyroidism when screening cats, but, based on low PPV, samples with results with high TT4 need to be analysed by another reference method. Further analysis with haemolytic, icteric and lipaemic samples is needed to assess the test performance. Finally, the reference intervals provided by the manufacturer require verification, and TT4 intervals specific to this method must be established in future studies.
Neuroprotective potential of isofraxidin: Alleviating parkinsonian symptoms, inflammation and microglial activation
Authors: Wang Tin-An , Li Shiao-Yun , Fann Li-Yun , Li I-Hsun , Liu Tsung-Ta , Hung Hao-Yuan , Chang Chieh-Wen , Cheng Chih-Chien , Huang Ying-Che , Yu Pei-Yeh , Shih Jui-Hu
Published: January 2025

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders. Previous research has confirmed that isofraxidin can reduce macrophage expression and inhibit peripheral inflammation. However, its effects on the central nervous system remain underexplored.

Objective

This study aims to determine whether isofraxidin offers protective effects against PD.

Methods

To assess the effects of isofraxidin, motor performance changes in LPS-induced PD mice were evaluated using rotarod, pole-climbing, and beam-walking tests. Striatal damage was examined through [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and dopaminergic neurotoxicity was assessed using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining. Microglial accumulation and activation were monitored with Iba-1 staining, while LPS-induced inflammation was examined via TNF-α and IL-1β staining.

Results

Isofraxidin pre-treatment significantly improved LPS-induced motor dysfunction, as evidenced by better performance in the rotarod, pole-climbing, and beam-walking tests. [18F]FDG PET imaging showed that isofraxidin restored glucose uptake in the striatum, countering LPS-induced damage. Furthermore, Iba-1 staining revealed that isofraxidin markedly inhibited LPS-induced microglial activation and accumulation. TNF-α and IL-1β staining indicated a reduction in inflammation with isofraxidin treatment. Additionally, TH staining supported the neuroprotective role of isofraxidin on dopaminergic neurons.

Conclusions

Isofraxidin exhibits notable neuroprotective properties by mitigating LPS-induced parkinsonian behaviors, microglial activation, inflammation, and dopaminergic neuron damage. These results highlight isofraxidin’s potential as a therapeutic intervention for PD.
Decolonial ink drops on a psychological debate about the sociogenesis of human rights
Authors: Lopes de Oliveira Maria Claudia Santos , Moura Carina Borgatti , Novaes Rafaella Eloy de
Published: January 2025

Inspired by a traditional view on human rights, a six-stage psychological model is proposed to explain the sociogenesis of a new human right in a given social group. Their model contains a criticism regarding the conflicts arising from collective demands, seen as enhancing the imbalance between rights and duties. In a different direction, guided by feminist, decolonial and post-identity epistemologies, in this commentary we defend the relevance of conflicts and collective action to enhancing social transformation, with a view to overcoming the hegemonic liberal and universal perspective on human rights. We argue that such hegemonic approach makes diversity and difference invisible, which are so important aspects to the construction of the psychological science and praxis we defend, a scientific enterprise which is contextualized and socially committed to the specific needs of minority groups (blacks, LGBTQIA+, children, young people, the elderly, etc.), who are often pathologized and excluded from the scope of the international declarations that take for granted that human rights are universal topics.
Are Smart Tourism Destinations more productive efficient? The Spanish case
Authors: Baños-Pino José Francisco , Sustacha Inés , Boto-García David , Del Valle Eduardo
Published: January 2025

The widespread adoption of information and communication technologies has led to the emergence of new business models and increased competition among tourist destinations. In recent years, Smart Tourism Destinations (STDs) have started to leverage information and communication technologies to enhance the overall tourist experience, allegedly improving operational efficiency. The goal of this study is to empirically examine whether transforming a destination into an STD has indeed an effect on its productive efficiency, understood as those that achieve a higher volume of overnights stays given a set of inputs. The analysis is performed using panel data on 137 destinations in Spain in the period 2005–2021. Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis, our results show that becoming an STD does not have a significant effect on productive efficiency. Our analysis thus casts doubt on the common belief that STDs are more efficient and offer relevant implications for destination managers and policy makers.
Trauma-focused evidence-based psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder delivered via video telehealth in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Holder Nicholas , Batten Adam , Shiner Brian , Maguen Shira
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Trauma-focused evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) is the recommended treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, veterans began to initiate general mental health services delivered via video telehealth at high rates. Our goal in the current project was to describe the percentage as well as the demographic, military, and clinical characteristics of veterans receiving PTSD EBPs via video telehealth versus in-person.

Methods

Using data from the VA electronic health record, we identified a national cohort of all-era veterans who received individual PTSD EBP between April 2022 and April 2023 ( n = 24,447). We used multivariable hierarchical Bayesian logistic regression to model the probability of receiving at least 50% of their EBP care via video telehealth.

Results

In our sample, 74.4% of veterans who received PTSD EBP used video telehealth for at least one EBP session and 66.8% of veterans received at least half of their EBP sessions by video telehealth. Female veterans, younger veterans, and veterans with fewer mental health comorbidities were more likely to have received their PTSD EBP via video telehealth. Additional strong interaction effects for Black female veterans, Hispanic female veterans, female officer veterans, and Black officer veterans.

Discussion

Video telehealth delivery of PTSD EBPs was more common than in-person delivery of PTSD EBPs. Consistent with underlying trends in telehealth services, female veterans, and particularly female, racial/ethnic minority veterans were more likely to receive PTSD EBP via video telehealth. Future research designed to contextualize the observed differences in video telehealth delivery of PTSD EBPs should consider the role of social determinants of health.
Age discrimination in employment tribunal judgments: Unveiling trends, challenges and solutions amidst the covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Bengtsson Lyndsey
Published: January 2025

Ageism is a significant global problem which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This article addresses an important gap in the literature by analysing 3241 age discrimination Employment Tribunal judgments over a 5-year period, which coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic. Using a qualitative case by case analysis and quantitative content analysis the article examines recent judgments from England and Wales to highlight their extent, nature, and outcomes. Despite reports of heightened ageism and age stereotyping and the use of ageist policies to control the Covid-19 pandemic, this research reveals no corresponding increase in successful age discrimination judgments. This research identifies new emerging trends, including an increase in judgments striking out claims for lack of active pursuit from 2021 to 2023, alongside a rise in judgments striking out claims for being out of time and also judgments for redundancy-related claims. The study emphasises the inadequacy of relying solely on individual enforcement to combat age discrimination, confirming previous findings of enforcement gaps, especially for younger workers. Furthermore, the study provides insights into the prevalence of age stereotypes, the inadequacies of the legal framework for addressing stereotypical assumptions and the risks associated with retirement discussions. Ageist stereotypes, such as linking age with job performance and retirement pressure, were prevalent throughout the study period, showing no significant changes throughout the pandemic. Overall, this research provides important insights into age discrimination judgments during Covid-19, emphasising the urgency of comprehensive strategies to address ageism effectively in the workplace.
Explanatory models of common mental disorders among South Asians in high-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Jain Ruchika , Kakuma Ritsuko , Singla Daisy R. , Andresen Kirsty , Bahkali Khawater , Nadkarni Abhijit
Published: January 2025

Mental health service use by individuals of South Asian origin living outside of South Asia is influenced by cultural factors such as endorsing psycho-social-spiritual over biological explanations, somatisation, and stigma. The aim of this review is to synthesise the evidence about (a) explanatory models of common mental disorders (CMDs) among people of South Asian origin residing in high-income countries, and (b) their help-seeking for CMDs, including formal and informal care. The systematic review protocol was registered a priori on Prospero (registration number CRD42021287583). We ran extensive searches on explanatory models and help-seeking of people of South Asian origin across five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), PsycINFO, and Global Health). We extracted the data and conducted a narrative synthesis. We included 33 reports and 29 studies (9,030 participants). The participants in the included studies viewed CMDs through a psychosocial rather than a biological lens (e.g., resulting from family issues vs. neurotransmitters). Causal attributions included life stressors and attitudinal and religious/spiritual factors. Commonly used help-seeking strategies included private coping (i.e., crying or praying), speaking to friends and family, and visiting their General Practitioner. We can conclude that cultural factors play an important role in how South Asian individuals experience and understand CMDs. To cope, they use pluralistic help-seeking strategies. Implications for clinical practice and policy include increasing research on the explanatory models of CMDs, involving family in services, and developing community-based interventions for individuals who do not engage with formal care.
Autophagy intersection: Unraveling the role of the SNARE complex in lysosomal fusion in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Li Siyu , Wang Yangyang , Liang Xiao , Li Yu
Published: January 2025

Autophagy is a fundamental cellular process critical for maintaining neuronal health, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review explores the intricate role of the SNARE complex in the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, a crucial step in autophagic flux. Disruptions in this fusion process, often resulting from aberrant SNARE complex function or impaired lysosomal acidification, contribute to the pathological accumulation of autophagosomes and lysosomes observed in AD. We examine the composition, regulation, and interacting molecules of the SNARE complex, emphasizing its central role in autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Furthermore, we discuss the potential impact of specific SNARE protein mutations and the broader implications for neuronal health and disease progression. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying SNARE-mediated autophagic fusion, we aim to highlight therapeutic targets that could restore autophagic function and mitigate the neurodegenerative processes characteristic of AD.
Association between post-operative mobility restrictions and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction after spinal fixation in major trauma patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Carroll James , Hayes Ian , Read David J
Published: January 2025

Background

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) is a common and potentially serious complication of surgical and trauma care. A possible contributor to ACPO development is impaired mobility. Major trauma patients, particularly those with spinal trauma, are at risk of prolonged mobility restrictions. The aim of this study was to assess the association between impaired mobility and the development of ACPO in major trauma patients undergoing acute thoraco-lumbar spinal fixation.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study involving major trauma patients admitted to a tertiary trauma facility was performed. The Hospital Trauma Registry was utilised to identify consecutive major trauma patients having urgent thoraco-lumbar spinal fixation. ACPO was defined as dilation of the transverse colon >6 cm or caecum >9 cm without mechanical cause. Immobility was defined by proxy as surgeon-prescribed mobility restrictions. Analysis was performed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

ACPO occurred in 34 of 454 patients studied (7.5%). Colonoscopic decompression was required twice. Neostigmine or surgical resection were not required. There was no ACPO-related mortality. On multivariable regression, adjusted for confounding variables, post-operative mobility restrictions were associated with a three-fold increase in odds of ACPO (odds ratio 3.1; 95% confidence interval 1.1–8.9, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

ACPO was a common, although low-morbidity complication in this cohort. Surgically prescribed mobility restrictions were associated with higher odds of ACPO in major trauma patients having thoraco-lumbar spinal fixation. Attention should be given to early mobilisation, where possible, in these patients.
Detecting and clustering structural damages using modal information and variational autoencoder with triple loss
Authors: Huang Shieh-Kung , Li You-Jing , Lin Yi-Xun
Published: January 2025

Among vibration-based structural health monitoring (SHM), methods based on modal analysis are the most popular and efficient ones for assessing the inherent states of structures. The primary techniques involve tracking changes in modal parameters regularly during the monitoring period. Numerous studies have utilized both modal frequencies and mode shapes for damage detection, as mode shapes help identify damage locations, and the combination is more robust against environmental effects. Obviously, recent advances in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have revolutionized SHM based on modal analysis. This study aims to develop a clustering technique using variational autoencoder (VAE) for classifying structural damages. To fully expand the entangled spaces that may arise from lower-dimensional representation, the loss function incorporates triplet loss (known as triplet VAE or tVAE) while preserving all dimensions in the encoded space. The proposed approach is thoroughly developed and evaluated using both numerical simulations and experimental investigations of multistory building structures. The effectiveness of detecting changes via VAE-based and tVAE-based modal clustering has been demonstrated under the consideration of environmental variations and uncertainties. Additionally, a procedure is suggested for the field applications and the proposed approach’s capability for structural inspection during long-term monitoring is showcased using a practical scenario.
Living museums of Thailand: Exploring floating markets as cultural hubs for lifelong learning
Authors: Nopas Dech-siri
Published: January 2025

This study explores the role of floating markets in Thailand as informal educational environments, framing them as living museums that contribute significantly to cultural preservation and lifelong learning. Through a qualitative case study approach, involving 23 participants – including market vendors, visitors, community leaders, and cultural experts – the research examines how these markets facilitate experiential learning, cultural transmission, and social cohesion. The findings highlight the active involvement of community elders in preserving cultural practices and the challenges of balancing commercial and educational objectives within these spaces. The study reveals that floating markets offer rich, hands-on learning experiences that deepen visitors’ understanding of Thai culture, fostering a sustained interest in cultural engagement. These markets also serve as vital venues for intergenerational learning, reinforcing community bonds and supporting the principles of lifelong learning. The research underscores the need for museum education programs to incorporate more experiential learning elements and engage cultural custodians in educational planning. It also suggests strategies for harmonizing commercial and educational goals to ensure the sustainability and impact of cultural heritage sites. This study contributes to the broader understanding of informal learning environments and their significance in promoting lifelong learning and cultural preservation.
Subjective Dissatisfaction Versus Objective Success: Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on First-Generation College Student Experience and Academic Performance in Spring 2020
Authors: Rueda Eréndira
Published: January 2025

This phenomenological study explores how 27 first-generation college students attending an elite small liberal arts college experienced the transition to emergency remote learning during the spring 2020 semester. Data from open-ended, semi-structured interviews and spring 2020 student transcripts suggest that students’ subjective experiences of emergency remote learning did not align with their objective outcomes as reflected in their spring 2020 GPAs. Partly due to institutional policies and practices, 75% of students received a higher GPA in spring 2020 than in the previous semester. Results highlight the importance of student-centered, success-oriented responses that made it possible for students with diverse cultural, material and emotional needs to do more than survive the shift to emergency remote learning. Of equal importance is the way institutional responses empowered students to make choices that enabled them to meet academic expectations and family obligations and turn a semester of potential derailment into one of subjective dissatisfaction with objective success.
Second Year Success: Redefining Persistence of Students of Color Through Sophomore Year
Authors: Soltis Brendon M.
Published: January 2025

Often conceptualized as a “slump,” the sophomore experience has been characterized by a lack of institutional support during a critical time in college. However, little attention has been given to sophomores from racially minoritized groups. Using a humanizing framework of student success to unsettle traditional metrics of retention and degree completion, this study examines the experiences of students of color in college to illuminate how they expansively view success and persist throughout the sophomore year. The findings show that participants found grounding in community, persist through their aspirational drive, confront the sophomore hidden curriculum, and navigate racialized environments. Implications for future research and student success practice follows.
Coziness in Games: Second Homes, Audiences, and Esthetics
Authors: Krzywinska Tanya , Brown Douglas , Ma Minhua , Belinskiy Anton , Bhui Kam
Published: January 2025

The “Cozy” game has gained traction as a concept in contemporary game culture as a set of formal generic features. While we examine the way that Cozy Games are often now defined as a genre, we demonstrate that “coziness in games” has widespread formal and engagement functions and can be experienced in a whole range of games, not simply those defined by the Cozy genre. In focusing on the player–text relationship, and in using a literary model, we seek to widen the discourse and range of meanings of coziness in, as well as of, games. This approach enables us to think about our own lived experience of playing games in terms of the generation of affect, as well as opening the way for renewed analysis of representation, ideology, and cognition.
Evaluation of the Application of Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations on the Classification of Patients With Neck Pain
Authors: Ramirez Michelle M. , Carvalho Marissa , Pruka Katie , Clewley Derek , Selters Charlotte , Lonner Alexandra , Phillips Hayley , Brennan Gerard P. , George Steven Z. , Horn Maggie E.
Published: January 2025

Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are developed to synthesize evidence into recommendations for clinical practice. Minimal evidence exists on the evaluation practice of physical therapists in the treatment of patients with neck pain. Purpose: We sought to describe (1) the extent to which clinicians perform the Neck Pain CPG-recommended examination measures and (2) the percentage of patients properly classified. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the electronic health records of 397 patients with neck pain at an ambulatory care setting in an academic medical center. The frequency of physical therapists’ evaluation measures, subjective findings, positive examination results, and the percentage of patients properly classified into impairment-based categories (IBCs) were recorded. Descriptive statistics and χ2 tests were used to assess patient demographics and compare classification accuracy across IBCs. Results: Of the 397 patients, 56% were classified into an IBC. The most common IBC was neck pain with mobility deficits (24%), followed by neck pain with radiating pain (17%), neck pain with movement coordination impairments (NPMCIs) (8%), and neck pain with headache (6%). Neck pain with movement coordination impairment had the lowest percentage of proper classifications. Classification accuracy was highest when subjective and objective findings were combined and varied between IBCs. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that physical therapists evaluating patients with neck pain may have increased classification accuracy when subjective and objective findings are considered. Decreased classification accuracy was demonstrated in the NPMCI category, highlighting opportunities for further education and research.
Computerized adaptive testing for PRWHE measurements using domains of pain and motor function
Authors: Harvey Mary Rose , Rodrigues Jeremy , McEachan Jane , Shiu Chung Tam Simpson , Harrison Conrad
Published: January 2025

The Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation is an outcome measure for patients with conditions affecting the wrist or hand. We evaluated the structural validity of the Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation using psychometric techniques, then developed computerized adaptive testing algorithms. Factor analysis found two health constructs consistent with ‘Pain’ and ‘Motor Function’. Two computerized adaptive tests were developed, which reduced the number of items from five to a median of one (‘Pain’), and from 10 to two (‘Motor Function’). Both computerized adaptive tests achieved high levels of precision (standard error of measurement <0.3) and similar scores to the full-length measure, demonstrated by Bland–Altman analysis. Dividing the Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation into two subscales could reduce the response burden, improve standardization of outcome measurement for clinicians and provide precise insight into patient symptoms.

Level of evidence: N/A
Textbooks vs. journal articles: How to appreciate and understand their limitations
Authors: Tang Jin Bo , C. Chung Kevin
Published: January 2025

In this article, we examine the pros and cons of textbook vs. journal articles. We suggest that textbooks serve as an essential knowledge provider for colleagues, especially at their entry level, but to advance clinical and academic capability, journal articles remain an important and unreplaceable tool for continuous professional development. Currently multi-author review articles provide one of the best sources of information, providing recommendations that are authoritative yet balanced. We explored if there are options to combine the best of both these platforms of information.
Triple nerve transfer for restoration of elbow flexion in C5–C6 traumatic brachial plexus injuries
Authors: Kamrani Reza Shahryar , Mirzaei Kasra , Hozhabrbayan Mohammadreza , Alitaleshi Hesam , Mossavarali Shervin
Published: January 2025

We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of triple nerve transfer, including reinnervation of brachioradialis and double nerve transfer surgery in C5–C6 traumatic brachial plexus injuries.

Level of evidence: IV
Vaginal discharge
Authors: Nawaz Tanzeela
Published: January 2025

‘I think I’ve got thrush again’, ‘I’ve got a lot of white discharge again’, ‘My discharge has changed’ are common presenting complaints, often assumed to be thrush. Not all discharge is thrush and not all discharge is abnormal. It is crucial for clinicians to perform thorough assessments and offer appropriate investigations when necessary. Time and resource constraints in general practice can make this challenging, but it is important to ensure patients’ concerns are adequately addressed. By assessing symptoms correctly, investigating when needed and providing proper education, clinicians can ensure patients receive accurate information and the care they deserve. This article will review the causes of vaginal discharge, assessment and management in line with current UK guidelines.
An overlap-weighted analysis on the association of constipation symptoms with disease progression and survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a nested case-control study
Authors: Niu Tongyang , Wang Peize , Zhou Xiaomeng , Liu Tingting , Liu Qi , Li Rui , Yang Haitao , Dong Hui , Liu Yaling
Published: January 2025

Background:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing and rare neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, evaluating the risk factors affecting the survival of patients with ALS is crucial. Constipation, a common but overlooked symptom of ALS, can be effectively managed. It is currently unknown whether constipation contributes to the progression and survival of ALS.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the association between constipation and ALS development and survival using a novel overlap-weighted (OW) method to enhance the robustness and reliability of results.

Design:

This prospective matching nested case-control (NCC) study was conducted within an ongoing ALS cohort at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University. Baseline data were collected from patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with constipation as the exposure factor. A 9-month follow-up was conducted, with death as the endpoint event.

Methods:

We primarily used the OW method in NCC studies to examine the association between constipation and ALS development and survival. Weighted Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess risk factors associated with overall survival. Survival differences between the two groups were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier’s plots and log-rank tests. Finally, the bioinformatic analysis explored common pathways between ALS and constipation.

Results:

Among the 190 patients included, the prevalence of constipation was 50%. Patients with ALS constipation exhibited faster disease progression ( p < 0.001), with a positive correlation between constipation severity and progression rate ( r = 0.356, p < 0.001). The constipation group had poorer survival before and after OW (log-rank test, p < 0.0001). In the Cox proportional hazards model of 114 patients, constipation was a risk factor for ALS both before (hazard ratio (HR) = 5.840, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.504–22.675, p = 0.011) and after (HR = 5.271, 95% CI = 1.241–22.379, p = 0.024) OW.

Conclusion:

Constipation in individuals with ALS is associated with faster disease progression and reduced survival rates, potentially through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathway.
The challenges of policy borrowing: Exploring education faculty professional agency and CAEP accreditation in Oman and Qatar
Authors: Chaaban Youmen , Al’Abri Khalaf , Romanowski Michael H
Published: January 2025

Policy borrowing from other regions has presented significant obstacles for higher education faculty in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Specifically, accreditation for higher education institutions has become problematic. This study explored the perceptions of faculty in two colleges of education on the influence of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) policies and procedures on their professional agency. As a form of policy borrowing, US-based CAEP accreditation has been adopted by several colleges of education in the GCC context. Using the framework of professional agency, findings from this qualitative comparative study revealed that seven participants from Oman and eight from Qatar enacted four forms of professional agency in response to accreditation, namely, (1) agency as advocacy, (2) agency as creative compliance, (3) agency as uncritical compliance, and (4) agency as upholding. These forms of agency were derived from analyzing participants’ actions, choices, and stances toward accreditation. They revealed the complex and dynamic interplay of participants’ professional identities and the structural and cultural conditions in each context. The study discusses the findings considering extant literature and offers insight into the judicious borrowing of accreditation in the GCC teacher education context.
Trends in treatment and epidemiology of radial head fractures
Authors: Ghayyad Kassem , Kapoor Saumya , Beaudoin Tyler F , Patel Apurvakumar , Oh Luke S , Osbahr Daryl C , Huffman G Russell , Kachooei Amir R
Published: January 2025

Objective

We aimed to assess the recent trends in the demographics of radial head and neck fractures and their management based on displacement.

Methods

TriNetX was queried for cases from 1 January 2017, through 31 December 2022. ICD diagnosis codes were used to define patient cohorts with radial head or neck fractures. CPT codes were searched to determine the operative patient cohorts. All cases not included under any CPT codes were defined as the nonoperative cohort.

Results

A total of 103,432 patients were included. The female-to-male ratio was 4:3. The average age of individuals with radial head fractures was 43 ± 25 years, with a greater age in the replacement cohort compared to the fixation group. The incidence rates of displaced and nondisplaced fractures were similar across the years. Nonoperative management was overwhelmingly preferred over operative management. Regarding operative management, internal fixation rates were higher than replacement rates.

Conclusion

The trend of fracture incidence and the type of operative management has remained constant over the past 6 years. However, an increase in the number of radial head replacements is expected with an aging population. Moreover, radial head and neck fractures are among the benign injuries most frequently managed nonoperatively.
Assessment of Wound Healing Properties of Medicinal Plants: The Case of Berlinia confusa
Authors: Adjei Silas , Amponsah Isaac Kingsley , Ekuadzi Edmund , Hamilton Christopher , Gavrilovic Jelena , Dillon Oliver , El-Demerdash Amr , Asante-Kwatia Evelyn
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Berlinia confusa is used as wound healing agent in folklore medicine. However, this has not been scientifically validated and there is dearth of information on its bioactive metabolites. The current research aimed at evaluating the wound healing, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the stem bark of the plant and track down some of its metabolites.

Methods

The dermal excision model in Sprague Dawley rats was used for the in vivo wound healing activity of the 70% ethanol extract (formulated as 1% and 2% cream). The DPPH radical scavenging and in-vivo lipid peroxidation assays were used to assess the antioxidant activity whereas the agar well and broth-dilution assays were used for the antimicrobial activity evaluation. The PrestoBlue cell viability in keratinocytes and acute dermal toxicity assays were used for the safety assessment.

Results

The 1% w/w extract showed over 70% wound surface closure from day 13-23 whereas the 2% w/w exhibited similar effect from day 15-23. The activity of the extract was comparable to 1% silver sulphadiazine (SSD) used as reference agent. The extract (1% w/w) also significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (455.2 ± 11.91) compared to the negative control group (739.8 ± 44.93) and was also superior to silver sulphadiazine (MDA level 548.4 ± 10.73). The extract again showed a considerable antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms with MIC's in the range of 5-10 mg/mL. The 2% extract did not show any skin irritation and were mildly toxic (88.2 ± 3.76% viability) to keratinocytes. Purification of the extract yielded two (2) major known wound healing metabolites including betulinic acid and catechin.

Conclusion

Berlinia confusa has demonstrated considerable wound healing in vivo and also mitigated healing modifying factors such as microbes and reactive oxygen species.
Outcomes of Immunotherapy Treatment in Sinonasal Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Kshirsagar Rijul S. , Eide Jacob G. , Harris Jacob , Abiri Arash , Beswick Daniel M. , Chang Eugene H. , Fung Nicholas , Hong Michelle , Johnson Brian J. , Kohanski Michael A. , Le Christopher H. , Lee Jivianne T. , Nabavizadeh Seyed A. , Obermeyer Isaac P. , Pandrangi Vivek C. , Pinheiro-Neto Carlos D. , Smith Timothy L. , Snyderman Carl H. , Suh Jeffrey D. , Wang Eric W. , Wang Marilene B. , Choby Garret , Geltzeiler Mathew , Lazor Jillian , Mitchell Tara C. , Kuan Edward C. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: January 2025

Background

Sinonasal mucosal melanoma has poor survival despite multimodality treatment. While the impact of immunotherapy (IT) on metastatic cutaneous melanoma is well-defined, there are relatively little data on sinonasal mucosal melanoma.

Objective

We sought to define immunotherapy outcomes in patients with sinonasal mucosal melanoma.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study evaluated patients treated with IT during their overall treatment strategy for SNMM. Patient demographics, treatment, and survival outcomes were recorded.

Results

52 patients had IT treatment for SNMM from 2000 to 2022, with an average age of 69.1 ± 11.9 years. The most common treatment was surgery with radiation and IT ( n = 26, 50%). Most regimens consisted of a combination of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab ( n = 17, 32.7%) or pembrolizumab ( n = 14, 26.9%). 44.2% of patients experienced reported complications. Overall survival at 1-, 2-, and 5 years was 86.9%, 74.1%, and 39.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

Approximately half of patients will have a local response following immunotherapy, but it is rare to have improvement at metastatic locations. Further research within our group will assess optimal timing and markers that are predictive of response.
Classification of schwannomas and the new naming convention for “neurofibromatosis-2”: Genetic updates and international consensus recommendation
Authors: Rai Pranjal , Bathla Girish , Soni Neetu , Desai Amit , Rao Dinesh , Vibhute Prasanna , Agarwal Amit
Published: January 2025

Despite their similar nomenclature, Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and “Neurofibromatosis type 2” are discrete and clinically distinguishable entities. The name of “neurofibromatosis type 2” has been changed to NF2-related schwannomatosis, to reflect the fact that neurofibromas do not occur in this syndrome and therefore the name “Neurofibromatosis” is factually incorrect. Furthermore, multiple schwannomas, a hallmark feature of NF2, can also occur in patients with mutations in genes including SMARCB1 and LZTR1, all exhibiting overlapping clinical features. Current understanding suggests that schwannomatosis (SWN) encompasses a range of clinical presentations consisting of clearly defined, separate subtypes which share a common phenotype of schwannomas. Recognizing these newly emerging subtypes, the International Consensus Group on Neurofibromatosis Diagnostic Criteria (I-NF-DC) proposed a revised nomenclature for NF2 and related disorders in 2022. This review article focuses on this critical update in diagnostic terminology, highlighting the key gene-related SWN subtypes relevant to neuroradiologists. By emphasizing molecular testing alongside clinical features, the revised system facilitates a more precise diagnosis, potentially paving the way for personalized treatment strategies. Additionally, the flexible structure accommodates future discoveries of genes associated with SWN.
Collusive and adversarial replication
Authors: Bouyamourn Adam
Published: January 2025

I describe a game in which social ties between members of a research community may discourage prospective replicators from debunking papers that misreport results. Here, replication is an entrance decision, as a Replicator chooses whether or not to Replicate a given paper. A high level of social connectedness between members of a research community increases the field-wise False Discovery Rate, a measure of the social welfare associated with a healthy publication process. The moral is that larger, more diverse academic fields with fewer social ties are more likely to have an adversarial culture around replication, and that this improves social welfare. I consider three proposals to improve replication practices: Random auditing, or police-patrol replication; automated unit tests; and a recent proposal to lower the threshold for statistical significance. I argue that random auditing and automated unit tests can improve social welfare, but that the effect of lowering the statistical significance threshold is ambiguous.
The person-based approach to intervention development: A scoping review of methods and applications
Authors: Holt Lydia , Denford Sarah , Bowers Hannah , Kuberka Paula , Muller Ingrid , Amlôt Richard , Yardley Lucy
Published: January 2025

Background

The person-based approach (PBA) has emerged as a prominent methodology guiding the development of digital and hybrid health behaviour change interventions over the last decade, and there is a salient need to understand its utilization.

Objective

This study aims to describe which elements of the PBA have been utilised in intervention development research, for which populations, and how this has been reported.

Methods

A search for intervention development papers published between 2015 and 2023 using forward citation searches was undertaken in Scopus, using two seed articles. Results are presented using frequency counts, and qualitative data were summarised using content analysis.

Results

The review encompasses 239 papers. The PBA has frequently been applied in early stage development of digital interventions for adult populations, prioritising the use of qualitative methods. It has been used globally to develop, adapt, optimise and evaluate digital, hybrid and offline interventions for a wide range of contexts including primary and secondary healthcare, educational, community, and public health settings. Researchers value it as a proven method to identify user needs and preferences in order to create persuasive content.

Conclusion

The PBA is most frequently linked to research undertaken to understand target populations and iteratively design content in early development phases. The PBA provides guidance on combining evidence-, theory- and person-based research, but these three elements are not always evident in the literature. Training focused on these elements, plus exemplar studies and use of reporting guidelines, could make this integrative work more visible in future papers.
A qualitative exploration of the early adoption of an electronic medical record system for type 1 diabetes management in Rwanda
Authors: Bille Nathalie , Christensen Dirk Lund , Byberg Stine , Gishoma Crispin , Villadsen Sarah Fredsted , Calopietro Michael
Published: January 2025

Background

Delivering adequate quality care remains a challenge in many low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially for people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), requiring a complex treatment regimen. Digital health solutions, including electronic medical record (EMR) systems, have shown potential to improve delivery and quality of care but still require a successful implementation.

Objective

To analyze the adoption of a newly implemented EMR system in Rwanda from the perspectives of individuals with T1D, health care providers, and experts.

Study design

A qualitative study was conducted using the Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) theory to guide the focus of the analysis. A data triangulation strategy was used to gain multi-dimensional insights, involving in-depth interviews and participant observations with T1D individuals, EMR system users, and experts (with varying levels of acquaintance with the EMR system). Experiences of early adoption of the EMR system were explored through thematic analysis guided by the DoI theory.

Results

In general, all the participant groups had a positive attitude towards the EMR system, believed to increase the likelihood of a successful implementation. The system was described as user-friendly and improved workflows, data quality, and patient care. The main concerns to successful adoption were related to the maintenance and long-term sustainability of the system.

Conclusion

The EMR system showed great potential, was valued by users, and was positively believed to have potential to improve care and outcomes for patients. However, sustainability aspects must not be overlooked when assessing the adoption and use of an EMR system.
Artificial intelligence in degenerative cervical disease: A systematic review of MRI-based diagnostic models
Authors: Du Qian , Shao Xinxin , Zhang Minbo , Cao Guangru
Published: January 2025

Objective

This systematic review evaluates the performance and limitations of AI-based models for Degenerative cervical diseases (DCD) diagnosis using MRI.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in three databases—PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science—covering studies published between January 2010 and March 2024. Studies were included if they employed AI techniques for the diagnosis or prognosis of DCD using MRI. Key performance metrics, methodological details, and limitations were extracted and analyzed.

Results

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, with AI models showing high diagnostic performance. Accuracy ranged from 81.58% to 98%, sensitivities from 84% to 98%, specificities from 90% to 100%, and AUC values reached up to 0.97. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) were the most frequently used models (four studies), followed by support vector machines (three studies). Comparative analysis revealed that CNN-based approaches showed consistently high performance in ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament detection, while traditional machine learning methods demonstrated varying effectiveness in cervical spondylotic myelopathy classification. Sample sizes varied significantly, ranging from 28 to 900 patients. MRI protocols also differed across studies, with variations in field strengths, slice thicknesses, and sequences used. Seven studies assessed inter-rater reliability. Most studies lacked external validation, which raises concerns about the generalizability of the models. Additionally, hardware configurations were inconsistently reported, and data augmentation techniques were underutilized, limiting the robustness of the models in smaller datasets.

Conclusion

While AI models for DCD diagnosis using MRI show high diagnostic potential, methodological weaknesses such as insufficient external validation and small sample sizes hinder broader clinical adoption. Future research should focus on larger, standardized, multi-center studies to improve the robustness and clinical relevance of AI-driven tools for DCD diagnosis.
Improving consumer trust in digital health: A mixed methods study involving people living with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Catapan Soraia de Camargo , Taylor Monica L , Scuffham Paul , Smith Anthony C , Kelly Jaimon T
Published: January 2025

Aim

To explore preferences, experience and trust in digital health in people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and tailor these findings towards solutions that may enhance uptake of digital health services.

Methods

Mixed methods study, with cross-sectional survey and individual interviews with adults living with CKD attending specialist appointments at an Australian metropolitan hospital. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon matched-pairs test were used for survey responses and thematic analysis of interview transcripts, both reported on a theme-by-theme basis provided an overall understanding of trust in digital healthcare.

Results

Digital health is changing the way health services are provided, and our results demonstrate that despite limited familiarity, participants are open to learn and adapt to existing digital models of care. Limited exposure to technology may undermine trust in digital health, and telehealth can promote improvements in health literacy. Having the choice in healthcare modalities can promote trust, which can arise from trustful relationships with clinicians who demonstrate genuine interest in patient care. Participants expressed more concerns about sharing identity data than health data online and worry about fragmented information among providers. They preferred public health services due to distrust generated by the perceived risk of private sector data commercialisation. Building trust requires increasing awareness of digital health benefits, promoting positive experiences, improving digital literacy and ensuring interoperability and transparency in digital healthcare systems.

Conclusion

People with CKD want to learn and benefit from digital health. Choice and open disclosure on data management and purpose are paramount to building trust.