bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The contribution of phenomenology to the assessment of severe non-psychotic forms of psychopathological conditions in transitional age youth
Authors: Ballabio Matteo , Stanghellini Giovanni
Published: February 2025

Background: In recent times, adolescents with severe forms of psychopathology that do not unambiguously fit into a precise diagnostic category, have come to clinical observation. The diagnoses attributed to these young patients range from borderline personality disorder, to affective disorders, ADHD, and others. These diagnoses are mainly based on behavioural abnormalities (e.g., social withdrawal, aggressiveness, self-injuring behaviour), but fail to capture the experiential core of their suffering. Summary: Research in psychopathology, particularly that with a phenomenological approach, has long been committed to identifying early markers of schizophrenia in clinical pictures that precede the full onset of this pathology. In this paper, two case studies in Transitional Age Youth (TAY) and additional material taken from our own clinical practice are presented where self-disorders and anomalies of common sense - originally developed to phenomenologically characterise the schizophrenic spectrum phenotype, and especially non-delusional forms of schizophrenia - are used to complement standard nosographic assessments. Key-message: We propose that using some of these phenomenological constructs can shed light on certain TAY pictures, in particular the most serious ones, helping us to grasp their psychopathological core and provide further elements for a fine-grained characterization and in-depth understanding. We propose as a work-in-progress a set of tentative criteria to differentiate such phenomena in TAY patients as compared to patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
EXPRESS: Multichannel Effects of Mobile Infeed Advertising
Authors: Li Yiyi , Zhuang Mengzhou , Fang Eric (Er)
Published: February 2025

With infeed advertising becoming an increasingly popular advertising tool for advertisers to reach mobile consumers, the authors propose an integrated model of contemporaneous, carryover, and spillover effects to measure the incremental contributions of infeed ads in multiple types of mobile apps: newsfeed, social, and video. They empirically examine the three proposed effects of newsfeed ads, social feed ads, and video feed ads using data from a large-scale ad campaign for a new mobile game. The data set contains 10,115,801 impressions, 286,506 clicks, and 12,706 conversions. First, the findings show that social feed ads have the strongest contemporaneous effects on both ad clicks and conversions; social feed ads are 1.87 times more likely to generate a click and 1.69 times more likely to generate a conversion than newsfeed ads, followed by video feed ads (clicks: 1.73 times; conversions: 1.55 times). Second, video feed ads have the strongest carryover effect, followed by social feed ads, while newsfeed ads have a negative carryover effect. Third, newsfeed ads exhibit the strongest spillover effect; prior newsfeed ad exposures are more effective than prior social or video feed ad exposures at promoting clicks and conversions upon subsequent exposure in other channels.
EXPRESS: Standing Out While Fitting in: Visual Design of Text Overlays in Social Media Communication
Authors: Farace Stefania , Ordenes Francisco Villarroel , Herhausen Dennis , Grewal Dhruv , de Ruyter Ko
Published: February 2025

The vast amount of content on social media platforms makes it extremely challenging to get posts noticed. An increasingly popular approach to increase customer engagement relies on text overlays, where text is placed directly on images. Such practices raise questions of how to balance the visual and text elements for the best impact. Three key factors, commonly used by practitioners, can trigger engagement because of their visual salience: the degree of dynamism or implied motion in images as well as the size and centrality of the text overlay. With multiple methods, including field studies, online experiments, and managerial interviews, the authors establish that a text overlay that is too large and placed centrally, combined with dynamic images, has negative effects on consumer engagement, because these design combinations make the post look visually unappealing. They also leverage these findings to develop an interactive app that can help managers compose more engaging multimodal social media posts.
EXPRESS: Better Innovation for a Better World
Authors: Dahl Darren W. , Noble Charles H. , Schreier Martin , Toubia Olivier
Published: February 2025

We aim to stimulate discussion on how innovation research within marketing can use a better world (BW) perspective to help innovation become a driver of positive change in the world. In this “Challenging the Boundaries” series paper, we hope to provide purposeful research opportunities for scholars seeking to bridge innovation research with the BW movement. We frame our discussion with four areas of innovation research in marketing that are particularly relevant to BW objectives. We discuss how the innovation process may be disrupted by potentially relinquishing customer centricity and embracing the constraints imposed by BW objectives. We explore how firms should organize for BW innovation, both in terms of who should be involved in the process internally and externally, and how the workforce and firm should be structured to support BW innovation. We then consider consumer response to innovation from a BW perspective, examining drivers of adoption behavior regarding BW innovations and how these innovations should be marketed. We also explore post-adoption behavior, as well as helping consumers resist adoption in certain contexts. Finally, we discuss how markets for BW innovation may be created and sustained, and how external constituencies (i.e., government, lawmakers, and academic communities) could shape these markets.
Modeling heat and moisture transfer in cylindrical porous media fabrics: influencing factors and structural optimization
Authors: Yichen Dong , Zheng Dongming , Guo Kai , Zou Haochen , Du Zhaoqun
Published: February 2025

Modeling and simulation to test the heat and moisture transfer properties of fabric has been gaining in popularity for improving current tests. In this study, a three-dimensional transient model of the underwear air layer–porous media fabric–external environment system was established by using SolidWorks software for modeling, and the heat and moisture transfer process was simulated by COMSOL Multiphysics software. By simulating the process of heat and moisture transfer under different parameters, the effects of temperature, moisture, wind speed, and air layer on heat and moisture transfer were visualized. The reliability of the model is proved by the standardized test of the experimental sample with a cylinder instrument. In addition, through the study of air layer thickness and a capsule model with both plane structure and curved structure, the influence of model structure on simulation results is explored. In this study, the heat and moisture transfer parameters and structure of the system are analyzed in detail, which is helpful to gain a better understanding of the heat and moisture transfer mechanisms of the fabric and explore the optimization direction of the existing cylinder instrument.
Socioeconomic Status and Employee Well-Being: An Intersectional and Resource-Based View of Health Inequalities at Work
Authors: Gabriel Kelly P. , Ezerins Maira E. , Rosen Christopher C. , Gabriel Allison S. , Patel Charmi , Lim Grace J. H.
Published: February 2025

Socioeconomic status (SES)—one’s objective economic and social standing—has the potential to yield critical implications for employee well-being. Despite the vast multidisciplinary literature on the topic, management scholars have historically treated SES as a control variable and have only recently begun to critically examine the role of SES at work. Because of this, relatively little is known about the role that work-specific factors play in the relationship between SES and employee well-being, as well as the role of the socio-environmental context (i.e., understanding who is more vulnerable to health inequalities due to demographics or the environmental contexts in which they operate). To integrate the study of SES more fully into management theory and research, we draw on resource-based theories to develop an organizing framework for reviewing and synthesizing the vast literature on this topic that spans multiple disciplines. In so doing, we unpack the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between SES and employee well-being, elucidating the role that work-specific mechanisms (i.e., job demands and resources) play in linking SES to well-being (and vice versa) and clarifying how these have the potential to amplify or attenuate the effects of SES on well-being. Further, we provide evidence for the role of the socio-environmental context in affecting the aforementioned relationships. We conclude with a critique of the literature, highlighting methodological limitations and opportunities for future research. Ultimately, our hope is for research in management and applied psychology to regard SES not merely as a nuisance variable, but as a subject meriting dedicated inquiry.
Legal geography II: The possibilities and disruptions of place
Authors: Kymäläinen Päivi
Published: February 2025

This second progress report addresses the understanding of place in legal geography, and asks how it resonates with the wider philosophies and conceptualizations of place. By taking four viewpoints to place – territory and location, legal signification, law on the move, and place agency – the report argues that place thinking can offer intellectual tools for overcoming territorial legal thinking, and for acknowledging the legal relevance of situations and places that fall outside of a sovereign legal system. There is also potential for refreshing the rather stagnant human geographical discussions on the concept of place more widely.
Radiological Risk Factors for Osteochondral Fractures in Patients With First-Time and Recurrent Patellar Instability: Data From the JUPITER Cohort
Authors: McGinley James J. , Ellis Henry B. , Propp Bennett , Veerkamp Matthew W. , Wilson Philip L. , Kramer Dennis E. , Heyworth Benton E. , Strickland Sabrina , Wall Eric , Koh Jason , Yen Yi-Meng , Halsey Matthew , Magnussen Robert , Roberts David , Farr Jack , Green Daniel , Fabricant Peter , Brady Jacqueline , Tompkins Marc , Redler Lauren H. , Yanke Adam B. , Sherman Seth L. , Parikh Shital N. , Shubin Stein Beth E.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Radiological risk factors for an osteochondral fracture (OCF) associated with patellar instability are rarely studied, particularly in patients with recurrent instability.

Purpose:

To identify specific radiological characteristics that relate to the increased prevalence of OCFs associated with patellar instability.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patient data (n = 730) from the Justifying Patellar Instability Treatment by Early Results (JUPITER) multicenter study were reviewed for radiological findings. Trochlear crossing sign, Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, patellar tilt, trochlear depth, trochlear bump, sulcus angle, and patellar subluxation were measured on radiography or magnetic resonance imaging and classified into 2 categories based on pathological thresholds for general patellar instability. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of an OCF and analyzed with the Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, and multivariate regression.

Results:

A high CDI was associated with a 0.43 decreased odds of an OCF, while a high TT-TG distance was a risk factor for an OCF, with a 2.17 times increased odds. Although a first-time dislocation increased the odds of an OCF by 4.72 times, recurrent instability was found to have the same predictive relationship of CDI and TT-TG distance with fracture incidence. A lower CDI, a shallower trochlear depth, a smaller trochlear bump, and the presence of a patellar subluxation were more common in patients with OCFs. A lower CDI, positive trochlear crossing sign, and shallower trochlear depth were more common in the subset of patients with recurrent instability and associated OCFs.

Conclusion:

Patella alta was protective of OCFs in patients with first-time and recurrent instability, while a lateralized tibial tubercle was a risk factor. These radiological characteristics should guide health care professionals on the risk of future OCFs during treatment planning after a patellar instability event.
EXPRESS: The Digital Detox Paradox: Potential Backfire Effects of Digital Detox Interventions on Consumer Digital Well-Being
Authors: Galvan Emma G. , Newman Christopher L.
Published: February 2025

Marketing academicians have paid much attention to excessive social media usage, but have failed to investigate whether firm-driven “Digital Detox” interventions can potentially curb it. To address this gap, we initially conducted a pilot study to examine the effects of built-in app detox interventions on consumers’ intention to comply with them. We demonstrated that these effects vary according to users’ skepticism toward advertising, and then showed why they occur by highlighting the mediating role of perceived firm authenticity. Specifically, less skeptical users perceived TikTok as more authentic when it offered a detox intervention, and in turn, paradoxically expressed higher intentions to use the app. We also ruled out users’ app connection as a rival explanation. Study 1 was a longitudinal field study where we documented the effects of built-in app interventions (break reminders and daily limits) on consumers’ actual social media usage over the course of a week. Results show that less skeptical users ironically increased their TikTok usage in response to such interventions from the firm. Implications of this documented “Digital Detox Paradox” are discussed for public policy, consumer welfare, and marketing practice.
Keep the Home Fires Burning: Qiang Grandmothers Forging Care Circuits in Migrant Households in China
Authors: Peng Rui Jie
Published: February 2025

Rural-to-urban migrant households in China grapple with providing adequate child care because of migrant workers’ precarious work conditions, limited access to public services, and the challenges of bringing their children to the cities where they work due to household registration ( hukou) rules. With increasing pressure to raise high-quality ( suzhi) children, nonmigrant grandmothers in rural homes struggle to cope with intensive childrearing expectations. With ethnographic research with rural Qiang migrant households, I identify the “care circuit” forged by the Qiang grandmothers to support urban migrant workers and their families when migrants confront dwindling incomes. Despite being labeled “backward” within the state’s population discourse, these grandmothers strategically prioritize income-generating agricultural work while adapting caregiving practices to balance immediate economic needs with the long-term goal of nurturing their grandchildren. Analyzing such grandmothering work uncovers complex gendered and intergenerational power dynamics surrounding intensive childrearing in migrant households and illuminates the negotiations that occur when the Qiang grandmothers assert their agency while coping with the demands of the state’s development policies and their families’ intensive childrearing expectations.
Thomas Lewis Mackesy (1790–1869): Eminent surgeon of Waterford
Authors: van Riel-Jameson Rhianna , Cooper Max
Published: February 2025

Thomas Lewis Mackesy (1790–1869) was an Irish surgeon celebrated in his home city. Born in Waterford in Ireland, he apprenticed under his father, an apothecary, before undertaking the London College of Surgeons examination in 1809. Successful, he trained as an assistant surgeon before joining the Royal Artillery. After several years, he returned to his native city, where he worked at the Leper and Fanning hospitals as a surgeon, and married the first of three wives in 1813. Sadly, she died only five years later, leaving two young sons. In subsequent years, Mackesy continued practising medicine but extended his scope to politics and social causes. He became mayor of Waterford in 1841 and worked as both a magistrate and Poor Law guardian, focusing on public health. He received recognition for his work, being the first doctor outside Dublin to be elected president of the RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland). Trinity College Dublin also awarded him an honorary degree, earning him the title M.D. honoris causa. Thomas Lewis Mackesy died on the 8th of April 1869 from complications of kidney disease. A blue plaque commemorating his life and influence can today be found on Lady Lane, in Waterford city.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Modulatory Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation on Retinal Anti-oxidant and Lipofuscin Levels
Authors: Godavarthi Ashok , Seo Seul A. , Park Sang Hyun , Heo Soo-Hyeon , Shivaprasad H.N.
Published: February 2025

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the major leading irreversible reasons for severe blindness in the aged population. Oxidative stress is said to be a leading cause of AMD and is very progressive in the major areas of the retina. The anti-oxidant nature of the macular pigments (MPs) and their position in the retina is believed to be responsible for minimizing the effect of AMD.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of Gleamax/VividawnTM containing lutein and zeaxanthin for its protective role against ultraviolet (UV)-induced stress in retinal cells in vitro and evaluating the benefits of eye health by evaluating the cell proliferation, cytoprotection as well as the measurement of lipofuscin (LPF) levels.

Methods

Human ARPE-19 cell lines were cultured and tested for cytotoxicity with Gleamax/VividawnTM samples. The cytoprotective activity of the Gleamax/VividawnTM was measured by the absorbance value over 72 h in comparison to the absorbance of irradiated and non-irradiated cell control. LPF was estimated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and N-retinylidene- N-retinylethanolamine (A2E) levels were estimated by the Bradford method. In vivo studies in C57BL/6 mice, 14 animals were nurtured with a rich fat diet for 2 weeks to boost obesity, and other animals of the standard control group (G1) received a normal chow diet for 2 weeks. The first group served as a normal control, the second group functioned as a high-fat diet (HFD) control, and the third group was a treatment group that received Gleamax/VividawnTM at 6.2 mg/kg physique weight of the animals per orally daily for consecutive 60 days.

Statistical Analysis Used

The experimental data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Dunnett’s test between the treatment and control groups.

Results

Lutein, with a combination of zeaxanthin supplementation, improves the dysfunction in the central retina, obtaining benefits in terms of visual activity (VA) and glare sensitivity. In this study, standard control (G1) and HFD-fed animals (G2) were observed with below limit of quantification (BLOQ) levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in plasma. However, Gleamax/VividawnTM treated group (G3) animals were found to have significantly elevated levels of lutein and zeaxanthin levels.

Conclusion

Conclusion: Gleamax/VividawnTM is a unique formula comprising lutein and zeaxanthin, known for its defensive act against oxidative stress; it is also the only dietary carotenoid that can accumulate in the retina, especially in the macula region.
LiteDiagNet: Enhancing noise-resistant fault diagnosis in rotating machinery via IoT-Based cloud-edge collaboration
Authors: Li Jin , Liu Sijie , Tao Zhenyu , Zhou Xiang , Wu Yafeng
Published: February 2025

Rapid advances in the intelligent Internet of Things (IoT) have significantly enhanced sensor technology and edge computing across various monitoring systems. This study focuses on the seamless integration of intelligent IoT with vibration sensor technology and edge computing to effectively detect faults in rotating machinery amidst noisy environments. We introduce an innovative framework for fault diagnosis through cloud-edge collaboration, aimed at broadening the applications of intelligent IoT. Central to our approach is LiteDiagNet, a novel, lightweight Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) tailored to identify bearing faults in noise-affected signals. LiteDiagNet features a cutting-edge architecture with base blocks and a distinctive “LiteBlock” that employs multiscale, depth-wise convolutions to significantly improve performance. We evaluated our model’s efficacy against several lightweight networks using public datasets and verified its robustness in real-world scenarios by simulating two types of noise at five different intensity levels. The results demonstrate that LiteDiagNet achieves superior accuracy with fewer parameters and reduced computational demands, thereby enhancing efficiency. This research not only offers a groundbreaking solution for fault diagnosis in rotating machinery but also advances the intelligent and efficient application of industrial IoT technologies.
Vitamin D Deficiency-Induced Proximal Myopathy in a Pediatric Patient During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Case Report
Authors: Hazique Mohammad , Surana Arihant , Mehta Aashna , Huang Helen , Alneyadi Surour , Shah Kavita , Singh Ajeet , Varma Amit , Singh Mahendra Pratap , Sah Sanjit , Verma Amogh
Published: February 2025

Vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health concern that affects bone health and muscle function in children, especially in developing countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified this issue because lockdowns have reduced sunlight exposure. We report a rare case of a 13-year-old Indian boy who developed severe proximal myopathy induced by vitamin D deficiency during the pandemic. The patient presented with generalized body aches, progressive lower limb weakness, difficulty walking, waddling gait, and a positive Gower’s sign. Laboratory tests revealed severe hypovitaminosis D (25[OH]D level, 3.8 ng/ml), hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, elevated parathyroid hormone, and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. Electromyography and nerve conduction study results were normal. The patient was diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency-induced proximal myopathy and osteomalacia, likely due to reduced sunlight exposure, inadequate dietary intake, and obesity. The treatment involved high-dose vitamin D supplementation, oral calcium, lifestyle modifications, and a structured physiotherapy program focusing on resistance training and functional mobility exercises. Despite biochemical normalization after 2 months, significant symptomatic improvement was achieved only after intensifying physiotherapy. By 7 months, the patient had fully recovered muscle strength, achieved normal gait, and maintained normal follow-up laboratory values. This case emphasizes the importance of considering vitamin D deficiency in children with muscle weakness during periods of limited sunlight exposure, and highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach for effective management and full functional recovery.
Construction and Validation of a Predictive Nomogram Model for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Complicated by Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Gao Yaojuan , Fei Min , Gong WenJin , Zhang MingJie , Sheng JinQian , Yang YiWei , Fang Qiong , Cai Min
Published: February 2025

Objective: To investigate the risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), to create a nomogram prediction model, and to further validate the nomogram model. 500 T2DM patients treated at Shanghai Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital were retrospectively analyzed from April 2023 to November 2023. Patients were categorized into groups based on the presence of DFU (n = 64) and T2DM (n = 436). Clinical data were analyzed, and relevant parameters were assessed using a receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. A risk prediction model was created using the R language software 4.0 “rms” and validated using calibration and decision curves. Age, diabetes duration, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, HbA1c, and fasting blood glucose were significantly higher in the DFU group (OR = 1.598,1.444,1.101,1.210,1.414,2.132,1.935，all P＜0.001). Gender, family history of diabetes, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, drug regimen, and lipid levels showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified age, diabetes duration, athlete's foot infection, HbA1c, and fasting blood glucose as independent risk factors for DFU in T2DM. The nomogram model yielded a C-index of 0.822 (95% CI: 0.813–0.882), indicating a net clinical benefit. The constructed nomogram prediction model based on age, diabetes duration, athlete's foot infection, HbA1c, and fasting blood glucose provides a simple assessment method for DFU in T2DM patients. Further validation of this model is warranted.
Diagnostic accuracy and radiographic interpretation of pre-eruptive intra-coronal resorption among dental practitioners using eye-tracking technology
Authors: Almashaikhi Jamila , Elkhodary Heba M. , Bhadila Ghalia Y. , Felemban Osama M. , Al Tuwirqi Amani A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Pre-eruptive intra-coronal resorption (PEIR) is a condition in which unerupted teeth exhibit coronal radiolucency consistent with resorptive loss of coronal tooth structure. These lesions are discovered incidentally on routine radiographs.

Aim

To measure the radiographic interpretation and diagnostic accuracy of PEIR among dental practitioners at King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital using eye-tracking technology.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 125 interns, general dentists, and postgraduate residents examined five panoramic radiographs, including a case of impaction, and the rest were radiographs with PEIR of different severities. In this study, PEIR recognition was assessed using a validated questionnaire uploaded to an eye-tracking device (Sensomotoric Instruments SMI).

Results

The findings revealed an association between the severity of the PEIR lesion and the detection of the affected teeth. As the severity increased, the participants were more able to identify the affected teeth, and the percentage of overlooking decreased. The dentist's level of education and years of clinical experience influenced the diagnostic accuracy and radiographic interpretation of the PEIR lesions.

Conclusions

The diagnostic accuracy and radiographic interpretation of PEIR lesions were affected by participants’ level of education and years of clinical experience. Based on this study, PEIR lesions may remain undetected until they reach advanced stages.
Motivational Interviewing is “Doing” What Matters: Integrating Motivational Interviewing Spirit and Skills into What Matters to You? Conversations
Authors: Gutnick Damara , McNeilly Sarah
Published: February 2025

As the What Matters To You (WMTY) movement spreads across the globe, countless clinicians have been inspired to ask their patients its eponymous question: what matters to you? Still, some clinicians remain apprehensive about asking what matters, worried that it can open a Pandora's box of problems too big for any one person to solve. This paper argues that embracing the spirit and skills of motivational interviewing (MI) can help and provides practical recommendations for navigating the synergistic uses of MI and WMTY.
Enhancing Drying Performance: Analyzing Fabric Parameters in Active Sportswear
Authors: Nasrin Surya , Mandal Sumit , Petrova Adriana , Agnew Robert J. , Boorady Lynn M.
Published: February 2025

This research focuses on the importance of quick drying in active sportswear clothing, or athletic wear, and aims to scientifically investigate the sweat-drying performances of different types of knitted fabrics used in such clothing. The study evaluates various fabric parameters, including fiber type, moisture management properties, air permeability, surface texture, thickness, and weight, to understand their impact on drying performance. The research also considers the environmental effects on drying performance by studying different air flow and sweat volume exposure levels. The study evaluates the performance of commercially available fabrics commonly used in active sportswear, including natural, synthetic, and blended fabrics. The results indicate that synthetic fabrics generally have better drying performance compared to natural fabrics, and the drying performance improves with increased air flow and sweat volume. Fabrics with a higher percentage of synthetic fiber exhibit better moisture management capacity and air permeability. The research also develops a model to demonstrate the significant impact of fabric parameters such as surface texture, air permeability, sweat volume, air flow, moisture capacity, wetting time, and thickness on the drying performance of active sportswear fabrics. The findings of this research can assist both academic and industrial researchers in selecting appropriate fabric types and properties based on the wearer’s needs and environmental conditions.
A Novel Indication for 3D-Printed Titanium Total Talus Replacements in Isolated Talar Tumors
Authors: Wismayer Martina Galea , Branford-White Harriet , Davies Mark B. , Brown Rick
Published: February 2025

Background:

Intraosseous talar tumors are rare and usually require complex surgery such as tibiocalcaneal fusion with allograft, resulting in a poor functional outcome. Total talus replacement (TTR) has been primarily described predominantly after trauma for talar avascular necrosis in the absence of peri-talar arthrosis. We present our small initial case series of this novel indication for a TTR to treat a localized talus tumor with no associated osteoarthritis.

Methods:

Four patients underwent total talus replacement with a custom-made 3D-printed talar implant for an isolated intraosseous talar tumor between February 2021 and December 2022. The pathologies were fibrous dysplasia, a primary vascular tumor, and 2 cases each with an isolated metastatic endometrial carcinoma. All 4 cases were performed by the same surgical team. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and EuroQoL–5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire were recorded pre- and postoperatively.

Results:

At a mean follow-up of 26 months (range, 14-37) all our patients showed an improvement in their MOXFQ and EQ-5D scores. Average MOXFQ scores decreased from 57.3 to 20.3. Three of the 4 patients showed an improvement in their function and ability to perform usual activities. One patient scored an improvement in their mobility. None had any intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Conclusion:

TTR is an alternative technique for the management of isolated talar tumors, which will maintain movement and provide better function than previous options.
Machine learning prediction of erosion resistance of laser-clad coatings on martensitic stainless steel for steam turbine blades
Authors: Mandal Indranil , Kumar Vidyapati , Saha Partha
Published: February 2025

Steam turbine blades made of martensitic stainless steel (SS 420) are susceptible to erosion due to the impact from the water droplets. Laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED) process can enhance erosion resistance of steam turbine blades by laser-clad protective coatings, but the process intricacies arising from multiple parameters require some predictive modelling. This study developed machine learning models to predict surface roughness (SR), cumulative mean depth of erosion (CMDE) and hardness of SS 420 substrates coated by L-DED process with Ni-Al, Ni-Al-TiC and Stellite 6 powders. The input parameters were laser power, scanning speed, powder flow rate, energy density, time, initial temperature, feeding rate and distance from the surface. Seven algorithms, namely, Linear Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting (GB), K-Nearest Neighbours, AdaBoost and XGBoost, were trained on the experimental data. Cross-validation assessed the model

accuracy. XGBoost model showed the lowest mean absolute error and the highest R 2 for predicting SR. GB was the most accurate for CMDE and hardness. By demonstrating accurate prediction of the properties of L-DED coating using machine learning, this study provides a framework to optimize the L-DED process for enhanced erosion resistance of steam turbine blades. Further research can assess model performance for new parameter combinations and materials.
Association of fibrotic-related extracellular vesicle microRNAs with lung involvement in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Guiot Julien , André Béatrice , Potjewijd Judith , Jacquerie Pierre , Cremers Sébastien , Henket Monique , Idoufkir Latifa , Remacle Claire , Tobal Rachid , Giltay Laurie , Moermans Catherine , Gester Fanny , Polese Barbara , Hamaïdia Malik , Struman Ingrid , Louis Edouard , Malaise Michel , de Seny Dominique , van Paassen Pieter , Louis Renaud , Ribbens Clio , Njock Makon-Sébastien
Published: February 2025

Background

There is a pressing need to identify early biomarkers of lung involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) to start as soon as possible antifibrotic therapy. We aimed to identify extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs (EV-miRNAs) that are differentially expressed between SSc patients with and without interstitial lung disease (ILD), explore their diagnostic value and investigate their functional properties.

Methods

Small EVs (sEVs) derived from plasma were isolated from 91 well-characterised SSc patients with ILD (SSc-ILD, n=45), without ILD (SSc-no ILD, n=46) and 43 matched healthy subjects (HS). Small RNA sequencing followed by quantitative RT-PCR were used to identify and validate sEV-miRNAs associated to SSc-ILD. Correlations between SSc-ILD-associated miRNAs and clinical parameters were assessed, as well as the impact of related miRNAs/sEVs on fibrosis.

Results

We identified a 4-miRNA signature associated with ILD in SSc context (miR-584-5p, miR-744-5p, miR-1307-3p and miR-10b-5p) (ROC AUC=0.85, 95% CI 0.76–0.94, p<0.0001). Deeper analysis revealed a correlation of these candidates with pulmonary function tests (DLCO and FVC), highlighting their capacity to monitor lung fibrosis progression in SSc patients. Furthermore, SSc-ILD-associated sEV miRNAs are positively correlated and enriched in circulating lymphocytes, suggesting that these immune cells are their cellular source. Finally, functional studies highlighted an alteration of functional properties of sEVs in SSc-ILD context mainly due to the transfer of profibrotic miR-584–5p in lung fibroblasts.

Conclusions

Our sEV-based biomarker approach enabled to identify a promising 4-miRNA signature characteristic of ILD in SSc patients. Furthermore, the profibrotic properties of SSc-ILD-associated sEVs suggest a prominent role of these vesicles on SSc severity.
A stakeholder-driven approach to designing a peer recovery coach role for implementation in community-oriented primary care teams in South Africa
Authors: Myers Bronwyn , Regenauer Kristen S. , Johnson Kim , Brown Imani , Rose Alexandra L. , Ciya Nonceba , Ndamase Sibabalwe , Jacobs Yuche , Anvari Morgan S. , Hines Abigail , Dean Dwayne , Baskar Rithika , Magidson Jessica F.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

In South Africa, community-oriented primary care teams work to re-engage out-of-care people with HIV (PWH) in treatment, many of whom have substance use (SU) concerns. SU stigma is high among these teams, limiting care engagement efforts. Integrating peer recovery coaches into community-oriented primary care teams could shift SU stigma and improve patients’ engagement in care. The peer role does not exist in SA and represents a workforce innovation. To enhance acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness for the local context, we engaged multiple stakeholder groups to co-design a peer role for community-oriented primary care team integration.

Methods

We used a five-step human-centered design process: (i) semi-structured interviews with healthcare worker (n = 25) and patient (n = 15) stakeholders to identify priorities for the role; (ii) development of an initial role overview; (iii) six ideation workshops with healthcare worker (n = 12) and patient (n = 12) stakeholders to adapt this overview; (iv) refinement of the role prototype via four co-design workshops with healthcare worker (n = 7) and patient (n = 9) stakeholders; and (v) consultation with HIV and SU service leaders to assess the acceptability and feasibility of integrating this prototype into community-oriented primary care teams.

Results

Although all stakeholders viewed the peer role as acceptable, patients and healthcare worker identified different priorities. Patients prioritized the care experience through sharing of lived experience and confidential SU support. Healthcare worker prioritized clarification of the peer role, working conditions, and processes to limit any impact on the community-oriented primary care team. A personal history of SU, minimum 1 year in SU recovery, and strong community knowledge were considered role prerequisites by all stakeholders. Through the iterative process, stakeholders clarified their preferences for peer session structure, location, and content and expanded proposed components of peer training to include therapeutic and professional work practice competencies. Service leaders endorsed the prototype after the addition of peer integration training for community-oriented primary care teams and peer mentoring to address community and team dynamics.

Conclusion

Stakeholder engagement in an iterative design process has been integral to co-designing a peer role that multiple stakeholder groups consider acceptable and that community-oriented primary care teams are willing to implement. This offers a methodological framework for other teams designing SU workforce innovations.
Intersectionality in help-seeking for eating disorders: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Wilkins Jessica , Ahmed Muhammad , Allen Karina , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: February 2025

Background

Individuals with marginalised social characteristics (e.g. by race/ethnicity, gender, body weight) report experiencing eating disorder (ED) symptoms but do not proportionally access treatment. There may be unique factors experienced by individuals with multiple marginalised social characteristics which are not included in our current understanding of help-seeking for EDs. The present review sought to examine the extent of evidence exploring help-seeking and service utilisation for (EDs) by people with more than one marginalised social characteristic or identity.

Main

A systematic scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews. Four databases (PsycINFO, PubMED, Embase, Medline) were searched for papers explicitly examining help-seeking or service utilisation for people with more than one marginalised social characteristic or identity (e.g. race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, weight status). Included studies underwent qualitative synthesis employing an existing model of help-seeking adapted for this review. The most common ED investigated was binge eating disorder (BED) and the most frequently reported marginalised characteristics were overweight/obesity and race/ethnicity. Other intersectional characteristics identified included socioeconomic status (SES), gender, and sexual orientation. People with marginalised social identities such as race/ethnicity or gender were more likely to seek help for BED when they also experienced a higher BMI. There was consensus across studies included in this review that help-seeking rates are low for people with an ED.

Conclusion

Mental health literacy and cultural beliefs about help-seeking are important factors affecting the experiences of people with intersectional identities and this may impact their likelihood to seek help. Results suggest that future studies should consider the interaction between social characteristics and identities in their analyses of outcomes in EDs as this is an emerging area of research, extension of our findings is also needed. The protocol for this review is registered via PROSPERO number CRD42024525849.
ASICs in PET: what we have and what we need
Authors: Nadig Vanessa , Gundacker Stefan , Herweg Katrin , Naunheim Stephan , Schug David , Weissler Bjoern , Schulz Volkmar
Published: February 2025

Background

Designing positron emission tomography (PET) scanners involves several significant challenges. These include the precise measurement of the time of arrival of signals, accurate integration of the pulse shape, maintaining low power consumption, and supporting the readout of thousands of channels. To address these challenges, researchers and engineers frequently develop application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), which are custom-designed readout electronics optimized for specific tasks. As a result, a wide range of ASIC solutions has emerged in PET applications. However, there is currently no comprehensive or standardized comparison of these ASIC designs across the field.

Methods

In this paper, we evaluate the requirements posed to readout electronics in the field of PET, give an overview of the most important ASICs available for PET applications and discuss how to characterize their essential features and performance parameters. We thoroughly review the hardware characteristics of the different circuits, such as the number of readout channels provided, their power consumption, input and output design. Furthermore, we summarize their performance as characterized in literature.

Results

While the ASICs described show common trends towards lower power consumption or a higher number of readout channels over the past two decades, their characteristics and also their performance assessment by the developers, producers and vendors differ in many aspects. To cope with the challenge of selecting a suitable ASIC for a given purpose and PET application from the varying information available, this article suggests a protocol to assess an ASIC’s performance parameters and characteristics.

Conclusion

ASICs developed for PET applications are versatile. With novel benchmarks set for the impact of scintillator and photosensor on the time-of-flight performance, the pressure on ASICs to deliver higher timing resolution and cope with an even higher data rate is enormous. Latest developments promise new circuits and improvements in time-of-flight performance. This article provides an overview on existing and emerging readout solutions in PET over the past 20 years, which is currently lacking in literature.
Prevalence of urinary incontinence and its relation to occupational status among Egyptian female patients presenting with chronic cough
Authors: Ghaly Ragy Mamdouh , Karim Eldin Alaa Mohamed Atef , Mohamed AbdelRahman Dina Abbas , Elassal Marwa Hussein
Published: February 2025

Background

Coughing is frequently linked to urinary incontinence (UI) in women. However, there is few information about its actual prevalence among women with chronic cough. There are some previous studies that link urinary incontinence to the occupational status.

Aim of work

To measure the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence and to identify the relationship between urinary incontinence and occupational status among female patients with chronic cough.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 female patients presented with chronic cough of any cause, and all patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that included personal, occupational, chronic cough, and urinary incontinence questionnaire. General and local examination were done.

Results

Out of 80 patients, 55% were found to have stress urinary incontinence. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was the most prevalent cause of chronic cough (48.8%) followed by bronchial asthma (22.5%). Most of the studied patients (90.9%) reported that leaking of urine interferes with their quality of life. The frequency of UI among working females was significantly higher than nonworkers. Occupations requiring physical activity had significantly higher frequency of UI than those without. Other environmental work conditions as unclean or uncomfortable workplaces had no significant relationship with UI. Menopause patients had 2.8 times higher risk to develop UI. The mean age, mean number of parities, vaginal delivery, median duration of cough, cough severity index, and cough visual analogue scale were significantly higher in UI patients. The logistic regression was performed to test effects of different risk factors on UI. Results indicated that age, type of occupations according to physical activity, and cough severity index were independently statistically significant risk factors for UI in female patients with chronic cough.

Conclusion

UI is common in female patients with chronic cough (55%). Age, type of occupations according to physical activity, and cough severity index were independently significant risk factors for UI in female patients with chronic cough.
Towards Enhanced Healthcare: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Responsiveness in Gamo Gofa Zone Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Tayue Tateke , Bogale Binyam
Published: February 2025

Background Assessing health service responsiveness is crucial for evaluating a health system’s ability to address non-health related aspects of care. This study aimed to assess the responsiveness of inpatient and outpatient services and identify influencing factors in Gamo Gofa zone hospitals, southern Ethiopia from March 2011 to June 2013. Methods A mixed methods approach was employed, involving systematic random sampling for surveys and purposive sampling for focus group discussions. Quantitative data analysis included descriptive statistics, mean score calculations, principal component analysis, and regression analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted on the transcribed qualitative data, which were triangulated with the quantitative findings. Results A survey of 419 individuals and focus group discussions with 72 participants revealed disparities in responsiveness. Dignity and confidentiality were rated high, while basic amenities for inpatients and prompt attention to outpatients were notably lacking. Principal component analysis identified patient-centered communication, patient-centered care environments, and prompt attention as key factors underlying responsiveness. The qualitative findings emphasized healthcare providers’ time insensitivity, inadequate facilities, and limited patient involvement in decision-making. Conclusion This study highlights significant gaps in health service responsiveness in Gamo Gofa zone hospitals. Interventions targeting deficiencies in patient-centered communication, patient- centered care environment and prompt attention can enhance healthcare quality and patient-centeredness. Addressing these areas is critical for improving the overall patient experience.