bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public responsibility for abortion care and the role of law
Authors: Baird Barbara , Thomson Michael , Dawson Angela , Bateson Deborah , Black Kirsten I , Shilbury Sue
Published: December 2024

As part of a global liberalising trend, the last two decades have seen abortion decriminalised in each of Australia’s States and Territories. In this article, we focus on New South Wales (NSW) – the country’s most populous jurisdiction – and locate the State’s abortion law reform in its global context. Abortion was decriminalised in NSW in 2019. As part of this, the State introduced a new legal framework that continues the long history of exceptionalising abortion in the legal regulation of heath care. Furthermore, while decriminalisation is a necessary modernising reform, it is not a guarantee of improved access to services. This has been the experience in a number of decriminalised jurisdictions, including NSW. In this, we argue that services remain simultaneously over- and under-regulated. Responding to this, and centring public responsibility for abortion care, we propose a model designed to advance universal access to abortion services. In this regard, there remains a central role for law and policy in improving health equity. In addressing the role of law in post-decriminalisation jurisdictions, we advance understandings of law as a determinant of health.
From Classroom to Computer: Evaluating the Impact of E-Learning on Lifestyle and Learning Experience in Indian Adolescents
Authors: Chandak Alaka Omprakash , Muraleedharan Manesh , Holkar Mrudula , Washikar Ketaki
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, education systems worldwide were forced to convert to e-learning, with India’s educational system facing unprecedented hurdles. This study investigates the consequences of the shift, including lifestyle changes, and difficulties associated with e-learning and its advantages.

Objective:

To study the factors associated with e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and their correlation with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model.

Method:

The study collected data from 415 students in Pune using a cross-sectional survey method, examining the effects of e-learning on mental health, academic performance, and daily routines using statistical and thematic analytic tools. The UTAUT model’s constructs were used to frame the questionnaire and analyze the data.

Results:

E-learning was viewed as advantageous in understanding course material, lowering travel costs, and making lifestyle adjustments, particularly in eating habits and sleep patterns. However, disadvantages such as space constraints, connectivity issues, and the cost of gadgets were also reported.

Conclusion:

E-learning has many advantages, such as better learning perspectives, reduced travel costs, and saving time. However, it is essential to ensure resource availability and technological support while switching to e-learning, especially in India, where the population is high and there is a vast disparity in socioeconomic status and resource and technological allocation. The involvement of multiple stakeholders is essential, including education experts, public health experts, and digital technologists.
Special issues in Accounting History from the guest editors’ perspective
Authors: Maran Laura , Lai Alessandro , Napier Christopher J , Sandu Raluca , Sangster Alan
Published: December 2024

A special issue of an academic journal is a collection of scholarly articles on a specific topic within the journal's scope. Special issues could take the form of an entire issue or a themed section of an issue. These issues provide a venue for research on emerging areas, highlight important subdisciplines, or describe new cross-disciplinary applications. While literature about the special issues of accounting journals tends to emphasise the research developments in the designated fields, this contribution uses reflexivity to develop a broader discourse about the role and the phases of development of a special issue, through the eyes of the scholars directly involved. It explores our ‘behind-the-scenes’ work as guest editors, our individual perspectives on the challenges and advantages of editing a special issue for us as guest editors, the authors, the journal's editors, and the research community represented by the journal of reference, in influencing public opinion and promoting critical thinking.
Generalized zero-shot diagnosis strategy for high-speed train bogie faced with a scarcity of specific fault samples
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Qin Na , Huang Deqing , Yin Yirui , Yang Aisen
Published: December 2024

In the field of high-speed train bogie fault diagnosis, the quality and quantity of monitoring data play pivotal roles in influencing the accuracy of diagnosis. It is a prevalent issue that there is often a scarcity of target fault samples during actual operation. In this paper, a challenging fault diagnosis task is addressed wherein none of the target domain fault samples are involved in the training process of the diagnosis model. Specifically, an attribute description strategy for faults is integrated into the Convolutional Recurrent Neural Network (CRNN). First, an attribute matrix of the bogie failure mode is defined manually. It is directly related to the semantic description of the fault modes involved. Subsequently, the attribute classifier is trained in parallel for each attribute to extract the attribute features corresponding to single faults and normal state. Following this, a GZSL-CRNN model based on generalized zero sample learning (GZSL) is constructed using the obtainable attribute matrix of unknown composite faults. Finally, the efficiency of the method is validated on the SIMPACK dynamic model. The results demonstrate that the method not only ensures the high accuracy of diagnosing known single faults but also efficiently identifies unknown composite faults.
Diversity of worldviews: reflections about diversity, equity, and inclusion
Authors: Shaikh-Grande Arshi , Grande Garcia Santiago
Published: December 2024

The co-authors, a racialized woman from India and a Nanualco (Indigenous Mesoamerican peoples whose ancestral territory encompasses central Mexico to the tip of Costa Rica) man from Nahua-Pipil (another name for Nanualco people) territory in El Salvador are encountering increasing discourse and action about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within academia in Canada. The DEI initiatives rooted in the Eurocentric worldview are found to reproduce the same inequities they are attempting to address. Given this context, the co-authors engaged in a process of dialogic reflections and co-learning over a period of 6 years to critically examine the notions of DEI considering their lived experiences, the domination of Eurocentric worldview, and an emerging understanding of their own ancestral worldviews. The co-authors express the need to dismantle the domination of the Eurocentric worldview and to expand the notions of DEI by honouring diverse worldviews within and beyond academia.
Nature in the discourse of holistic consultants and therapists in southern Chile
Authors: Navarrete-Saavedra Rodrigo , Gallardo-Vergara René
Published: December 2024

The decline in traditional institutional religion has paralleled the rise of New Age and new spiritualities, which seek to reconnect individuals with nature through holistic practices for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. This article examines how holistic therapists and consultants in the Los Lagos region of Chile conceptualize nature. This region, a gateway to Chilean Patagonia, is noted for its biodiversity and striking landscapes, making it an ideal setting for the emergence of new spiritualities. A qualitative study of descriptive-interpretative scope was carried out, following a multiple case study design, involving 34 local holistic informants (14 therapists and 20 consultants). Semi-structured individual interviews were the primary data collection method, analyzed with Atlas. ti software. Six categories emerged: nature as a healing agent, a protective source/mother, a harmonic whole, a refuge for introspection, a source of wisdom, and a home/habitat. The study discusses the implications of these views on nature in the search for spirituality, life meaning, and moral guidance. It also addresses the idealization and moralization of nature, highlighting potential risks, including the cultural appropriation of local indigenous beliefs.
Automated damage detection for open-air and underwater navigation infrastructure using generative AI-produced training data for deep learning models
Authors: Alexander Quincy G. , Narazaki Yasutaka , Maxwell Andrew , Wang Shengyi , Spencer Billie F.
Published: December 2024

Research has been continually growing toward the development of computer vision-based inspection tools for large-scale civil infrastructure; however, many deep learning techniques require large datasets to properly train models. Collecting field data can be costly and time-consuming, or may not be feasible, which has led to efforts to leverage synthetic data to supplement field data. Recent advances in text-to-image generative artificial intelligence (AI) offer the potential to quickly create realistic synthetic images of damaged infrastructure, including the complexities of the environment found in the field. In this study, the use of text-to-image generation to create a multiclass synthetic training dataset for inland navigation infrastructure is proposed, including damage of underwater structural components. Images of steel and concrete were generated that are representative of inland navigation infrastructure components. The images were labeled for semantic segmentation, and a model was trained using open-to-air and underwater scenes. The model trained using synthetic images was tested against field images, and the performance measured using recall, precision, and intersection over union was found to be comparable to a model trained using only field images. These results demonstrate that text-to-image generative AI tools were shown to be effective for generation of synthetic images with specifically defined conditions, saving time and cost, while providing a similar performance as the use of field-collected images. While intended for damage detection in large-scale civil infrastructure, this concept could be expanded to a number of areas as the generative AI models continue to improve.
Midterm Results of the STABILISE Technique in the Treatment of Aortic Dissection
Authors: Eidt John F. , Cha Erin , Hohmann Stephen , Vasquez Javier
Published: December 2024

Background: Contemporary treatments of acute aortic dissection, including medical, surgical, and endovascular options, are remarkably effective at the management of malperfusion and rupture. Unfortunately, long-term studies indicate that 30%–50% of patients need secondary procedures to treat progressive aneurysmal enlargement of the untreated aorta. The Stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination in aortic dissection repair (STABILISE) technique was introduced to improve long-term outcomes. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the results of the STABILISE technique in patients with aortic dissection. Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective review of all patients treated with the STABILISE technique. There were 12 de novo type B aortic dissection (TBAD) and 7 residual TBAD following type A aortic dissection (TAAD) repair. Results: There was disruption of the dissection membrane and relamination in all or part of the bare metal stent segment in 100% of cases. The average percent attainment of a uni-luminal aorta in comparison to the length with persistent false lumen was 91 ± 12%. Conclusion: Midterm results suggest that the STABILISE technique may improve aortic remodeling after endovascular treatment of acute dissection.
MTSS implementation in residential and day habilitation settings: A scoping review
Authors: Schaffer Gary E. , Boone Beth
Published: December 2024

Although Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) has been used in schools, its success has prompted recommendations for its adoption in group home and day habilitation settings. This scoping review examines the literature on implementing MTSS in group home and day habilitation settings for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Of the 15 studies reviewed, most focused on Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) rather than a comprehensive MTSS framework, raising questions about the alignment of interventions with the three-tiered structure of MTSS. Additionally, PBIS in these settings appears restricted to an individualized approach to minimizing behavior instead of the comprehensive framework used in schools. Benefits of implementing PBIS include a reduction in challenging behavior, decreased use of restrictive interventions, and staff-related advantages such as improved organization and reduced turnover. Challenges are noted in time and resource constraints. Suggestions for implementing MTSS in residential and day habilitation settings are provided.
Looking back: How U.S. youth activists view the influence of schools
Authors: Tibbitts Felisa , Wong Marissa
Published: December 2024

This study examines how recent U.S. high school graduates who were engaged in actions to bring about political or social change describe the influences of in-school experiences. Did influences in the school setting encourage them to articulate and act on their beliefs? If so, what were these influences and how do they relate to school conditions, such as open discussion, already associated with active civic engagement in scholarship? In-depth, semi-structured interviews were carried out with an ethnically and gender diverse set of 28 youth leaders. Our findings support the cultivation of student agency based on psychosocial aspects of youth development. Students spoke of the influence of specific teachers and friends, with these relationships often taking place in non-formal spaces such as clubs. In general, influential experiences that participants mentioned were those that allowed them to express and develop their own ideas, and learn new topics and skills of personal interest related to their engagement with political and social change. These results speak to the essential nature of having student-driven spaces for learning and engagement, and the limitation of top-down, adult-developed structures of participation.
Deep learning-based automated tool for diagnosing diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Qiao Qincheng , Cao Juan , Xue Wen , Qian Jin , Wang Chuan , Pan Qi , Lu Bin , Xiong Qian , Chen Li , Hou Xinguo
Published: December 2024

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, and its early identification is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can non-invasively detect changes in corneal nerve fibers (CNFs), making it a potential tool for the early diagnosis of DPN. However, the existing CNF analysis methods have certain limitations, highlighting the need to develop a reliable automated analysis tool.

Methods

This study is based on data from two independent clinical centers. Various popular deep learning (DL) models have been trained and evaluated for their performance in CCM image segmentation using DL-based image segmentation techniques. Subsequently, an image processing algorithm was designed to automatically extract and quantify various morphological parameters of CNFs. To validate the effectiveness of this tool, it was compared with manually annotated datasets and ACCMetrics, and the consistency of the results was assessed using Bland­–Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

The U2Net model performed the best in the CCM image segmentation task, achieving a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 0.8115. The automated analysis tool based on U2Net demonstrated a significantly higher consistency with the manually annotated results in the quantitative analysis of various CNF morphological parameters than the previously popular automated tool ACCMetrics. The area under the curve for classifying DPN using the CNF morphology parameters calculated by this tool reached 0.75.

Conclusions

The DL-based automated tool developed in this study can effectively segment and quantify the CNF parameters in CCM images. This tool has the potential to be used for the early diagnosis of DPN, and further research will help validate its practical application value in clinical settings.
Factors Influencing Return to Sports after Modified Broström Procedure for Chronic Ankle Instability: Clinical Evaluation Scores, Mechanical Stability, Peroneal Strength, Postural Control Ability
Authors: Cho Byung-Ki , Choi Seung-myung , Kim Sunghoo , Kim Yoon-ho
Published: December 2024

Category:

Sports; Ankle

Introduction/Purpose:

Even after a considerable period following the modified Broström procedure, it is not uncommon for individuals to fail to fully regain their pre-injury sports activity capabilities. Return to sports activity can be influenced by various factors beyond the patient's determination (hope for sports activity), including residual pain or swelling, inadequate mechanical stability, deficits in postural control abilities or proprioception, among others. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the return to sports activity after anatomical ligament repair for chronic ankle instability.

Methods:

We conducted a study involving 62 patients under the age of 35 who underwent the modified Broström procedure for chronic ankle instability and were followed up for over 3 years. Among them, 51 patients (82.3%) were able to return to their pre-injury level of sports activity (return group), while 11 patients (17.7%) experienced some or significant limitations (non-return group). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Mechanical stability was assessed through physical examination and stress radiography. peroneal strength was evaluated using Biodex isokinetic dynamometer to measure peak torque and total work during eversion movement. Postural control abilities were analyzed using the static and dynamic stability assessment modes of Biodex posturography.

Results:

There was a significant difference between the two groups in FAOS pain (94.7 points in return group vs 85.1 points in non-return group, p=0.004) and sports (91.2 points vs 78.8 points, p<.001) subscales. In FAAM assessment, there was a significant difference in the sports activity (90.5 points vs 77.4 points, p<.001). Recurrence of mechanical instability was confirmed in 2 patients (3.9%) in the return group and 4 patients (36.4%) in the non-return group. There were no significant differences between the groups in evertor peak torque and total work. Regarding posturography assessment, static postural control ability(overall stability index) did not show significant differences between the groups, but significant differences were observed in dynamic postural control ability (1.4 vs 2.3, p=0.002).

Conclusion:

It has been analyzed that residual pain, recurrence of mechanical instability, and inadequate recovery of dynamic postural control ability affect the return to pre-injury level of sports activity after the modified Broström procedure for chronic ankle instability. It is deemed necessary to develop effective treatment strategies considering these factors during the rehabilitation process aimed at returning to sports activity after surgery.
Non-Chilled Saline Irrigation Does Not Affect Postoperative Complication Rate in Percutaneous Foot and Ankle Surgery When Compared to Chilled Saline Irrigation
Authors: Idris Maksat , Gonzalez Tyler , Chien Bonnie Y. , Kaplan Jonathan , Aiyer Amiethab A. , Vulcano Ettore
Published: December 2024

Category:

Other; Midfoot/Forefoot

Introduction/Purpose:

The advent of minimally invasive percutaneous foot and ankle surgery techniques has helped lower certain complication rates, including wound infection and nonunion. The percutaneous burr is the working horse to perform these procedures. One concern with using the burr is that heat generated from prolonged use may induce bone thermal necrosis, affecting healing and outcomes. It is in contention whether further chilling the irrigation fluid may affect postoperative complication rates. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess the impact of chilled vs non-chilled saline during burr use on percutaneous foot surgery.

Methods:

Data was prospectively collected for 384 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous foot and ankle surgeries at two separate facilities, treated with either non-chilled saline or chilled saline. Age, sex, complication rates, union rates and time to union data were collected. Categorical and numerical statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

384 patients (chilled = 191, non-chilled = 193) were included. The mean age (SD) for all patients was 50.82 (14.28). Time to union took an average (SD) of 9.87 (3.59) weeks for the chilled saline group and 9.27 (2.91) weeks for the non-chilled saline group (P = .07). Union rates were 100% in the chilled saline group and 99.5% in the non-chilled saline group (P = .50). Complication rates were 1.6% in both the chilled and non-chilled saline groups (P = .65). The complications seen in the chilled saline group included one superficial wound dehiscence, and two delayed unions. The non-chilled saline group saw one non-union, one case of sural neuritis and one case of painful hardware removal.

Conclusion:

Based on the available data, no significant difference could be detected between chilled saline and non-chilled saline groups during burr use for percutaneous foot surgery when comparing union times, union rates and complication rates.
Osteochondral Lesions of the 1st Metatarsal Head: A Systematic Review
Authors: Butler James J. , Calton Megan , Mener Amanda , Rosenbaum Andrew , Mulligan Michael , Kennedy John G.
Published: December 2024

Category:

Midfoot/Forefoot; Other

Introduction/Purpose:

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate outcomes following surgical intervention for osteochondral lesions of the 1st metatarsal head.

Methods:

During February 2024, the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases were systematically reviewed to identify clinical studies examining outcomes following surgical intervention for the management of osteochondral lesions of the 1st metatarsal head. Data regarding study characteristics, patient demographics, subjective clinical outcomes, radiological outcomes, complications, and failure rates were extracted and analyzed. In addition, the level of evidence and quality of evidence for each individual study was also assessed. Fifteen studies were included.

Results:

In total, 324 patients (367 metatarsal) underwent surgical intervention for a 1st metatarsal OCL at a weighted mean follow-up time of 32.1±9.2 months. The mean lesion size was 52.3 ± 8.4 mm2. The most common procedure was osteochondral autograft in 123 cases (19.4%). Other procedures performed included subchondral drilling, particulated juvenile cartilage allograft, osteochondral mosaicplasty, microfracture and anterograde drilling. There were statistically significant improvements in subjective clinical outcomes across all surgical techniques. The overall complication rate was 2.2%, the most common of which was persistent pain (1.5%). There were 29 failures (8.9%) all of which warranted a further surgical procedure.

Conclusion:

This systematic review demonstrated that osteochondral lesions of the 1st metatarsal head are an uncommon pathology with no consensus regarding the optimal treatment strategy. The most common surgical procedure (osteochondral autograft) restores the osteochondral unit, leading to excellent clinical outcomes at final follow-up. Microfracture destroys the subchondral plate and produces inferior quality fibrocartilage, thus should not be recommended.
Outcomes Following Autologous Osteochondral Transplantation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus at A Minimum of 10-Year Follow-Up: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Butler James J. , Robert Guillaume , Dahmen Jari , Lin Charles , Samsonov Alan P. , M.M.J. Kerkhoffs Gino M , Kennedy John G.
Published: December 2024

Category:

Ankle; Sports

Introduction/Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes following autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) at a minimum of 10-year follow-up.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review identified patients who underwent AOT for the treatment of OLT. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained in all patients. Clinical outcomes assessed included: pre- and post-operative foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS), visual analog scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, complications, failures and secondary surgical procedures.

Results:

Thirty-nine patients with a mean lesion size was 122.3±64.1 mm2 and mean follow-up time of 138.9±16.9months were included. The mean FAOS scores improved from a preoperative score of 51.9±16.0 to 75.3±21.9 (p < 0.001). Increasing lesion size was variable associated with inferior FAOS scores (R2=0.2228). There was statistically significant higher mean T2 relaxation values at the superficial layer at the site of the AOT graft (42.9±5.2ms) compared to the superficial layer of the adjacent native cartilage (35.8±3.8ms) (p < 0.001). Seventeen complications (43.6%) were observed, the most common of which was anterior ankle impingement (25.6%). There were 2 failures (5.1%), both of which had a history of prior bone marrow stimulation via microfracture and post-operative cysts identified on MRI.

Conclusion:

This retrospective review found that AOT for the treatment of large OLTs produced a 94.9% survival rate at a minimum of 10-year follow-up. Increasing lesion size was associated with inferior clinical outcomes. The findings of this study indicates that AOT is a viable long-term surgical strategy for the treatment of large OLTs.
Outcomes Following In-Office Peroneal Needle Tendoscopy: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Butler James J. , Randall Grace W. , Wingo Taylor , Gianakos Arianna , Kennedy John G.
Published: December 2024

Category:

Arthroscopy; Sports

Introduction/Purpose:

The purpose of this retrospective review is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes following In-Office peroneal Needle Tendoscopy for peroneal tendon dysfunction.

Methods:

Chart review was conducted to identify patients who underwent In-Office Peroneal Needle Tendoscopy with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Data collected and assessed included: patient demographics, pathological characteristics, treatment characteristics, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, return to sport (RTS), and failures.

Results:

Ten cases were included. The mean follow-up was 30±6.3 months and the mean age was 45.27±22.15 years. There were 6 men and 4 women. IONT identified 5 tears that were not identified on pre-operative MRI. The mean AOFAS improvement was not statistically significant from 49.3 ± 8.3 preoperatively to 53.2±19.7 at final follow-up (p=0.45). There was no change in mean VAS at 5.4±2.2 preoperatively to 4.6±2.7 at final follow-up (p=.27). All patients returned to work at an average time of 3 days, however only 2 patients reported returning to their sport at the same level following in-office needle tendoscopy. The complication rate was 50% and the failure rate at final follow-up was 80%. The mean time to failure was 8 months.

Conclusion:

This retrospective study found that IONT is an effective modality in the management of peroneal tendon dysfunction. In particular, IONT identified peroneal tears that were not captured on pre-operative MRI and thus required treatment in an operating suite. The exact role of IONT for the management of peroneal tendon disorders remains unclear, thus further research is warranted.
Outcomes Following Minimally Invasive Dorsal Cheilectomy for Hallux Rigidus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Esser Katherine , Butler James J. , Roof Mackenzie , Mercer Nathaniel , Harrington Michael , Samsonov Alan P. , Rosenbaum Andrew , Kennedy John G.
Published: December 2024

Category:

Midfoot/Forefoot; Other

Introduction/Purpose:

Cheilectomy of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint is one of the most common procedures for the management of hallux rigidus. However, there is no consensus regarding outcomes following minimally invasive dorsal cheilectomy (MIDC) for the management of hallux rigidus. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate outcomes following MIDC for the management of hallux rigidus.

Methods: :

During November 2023, the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases were systematically reviewed to identify clinical studies examining outcomes following MIDC for the management of hallux rigidus. In total, 6 studies were included.

Results:

In total, 348 patients (370 feet) underwent MIDC for hallux rigidus at a weighted mean follow-up of 37.9 ± 16.5 months. The distribution of patients by Coughlin and Shurna's classification was as follows: I (58 patients,27.1%), II (112 patients,52.3%), III (44 patients,20.6%). Three studies performed an additional 1st MTPJ arthroscopy and debridement following MIDC. Retained intra-articular bone debris was observed in 100% of patients in 1 study. The weighted mean AOFAS score improved from a preoperative score of 68.9±3.2 to a postoperative score of 87.1. The complication rate was 8.4%, the most common of which was persistent 1st MTPJ pain and stiffness. Thirty-two failures(8.7%) were observed. Thirty-three secondary procedures(8.9%) were performed at a weighted mean time of 8.6±3.2 months following the index procedure.

Conclusion:

This systematic review demonstrated improvements in subjective clinical outcomes together with a moderate complication rate following MIDC for the management of hallux rigidus at short-term follow-up. A moderate re-operation rate at short-term follow-up was recorded. The marked heterogeneity between included studies and paucity of high quality comparative studies limits the generation of any robust conclusions.
Outcomes Following the Plantar Condylectomy for the Management of Plantar Plate Injuries: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Samsonov Alan P. , Butler James J. , Kennedy John G.
Published: December 2024

Category:

Sports; Midfoot/Forefoot

Introduction/Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes following outcomes following plantar condylectomy for the management of plantar plate injuries.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review identified 20 patients who underwent a PRP injection for the treatment of plantar plate injuries. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained and the grade of the plantar plate injury was recorded. Clinical outcomes assessed included: pre- and post-operative foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS), visual analog scale (VAS), complications, failures, secondary surgical procedures, and return to sport data.

Results:

Twenty patients with a mean follow-up time of 32.1±7.8 months were included. There were 0 patients that were grade 1, 5 patients were grade 2 (25.0%) and 15 patients were grade 3 (75.0%). There was a statistically significant improvement in both FAOS (58.1 -> 91.4) and VAS scores (6.5 -> 1.8) following plantar condylectomy for the management of plantar plate injuries. No complications were observed. There was 1 failure, which underwent a scorpion procedure at 15.6 months following plantar condylectomy. 15 patients played sport pre-operatively, all of which (100%) returned to sport at a mean time of 7.5 weeks following plantar condylectomy.

Conclusion:

This retrospective review demonstrated improvement clinical and functional outcomes following plantar condylectomy for plantar plate injuries. There was a 100% return to sport rate at a mean time of 7.5 weeks. The failure rate was 5.0%. Further comparative studies with longer follow-up are warranted to determine the precise role of plantar condylectomy for the management of plantar plate injuries.
Overhang, Underhang, and Everything In Between: A Retrospective Analysis of 400 CT-Based Patient-Specific TAR Plans
Authors: Cammack Paul M. , Christensen Jeffrey , Anderle Mathew R. , Brinker Laura , Hume Donald
Published: December 2024

Category:

Ankle Arthritis; Ankle

Introduction/Purpose:

Optimal fit and alignment of total ankle replacement (TAR) tibial components has been shown to be associated with risk factors which may affect outcomes and device survival [1]. Excessive component overhang can lead to impingement and localized soft tissue irritation and heterotopic ossification in the posterior joint [2], while component underhang can lead to aseptic loosening due to component subsidence, and hypertrophic bone formation [3]. The aim of this study is to quantify the fit of an anatomic TAR tibial baseplate as planned by a CT-based patient specific alignment strategy.

Methods:

400 de-identified CT-based patient specific TAR consecutive patient plans were reviewed for this retrospective analysis. 11 patients were excluded due to existing hardware which violated the anterior or posterior cortex at the component height. All models were represented as right limbs to homogenize laterality for the analysis. To quantify underhang/overhang, measurements were made in MATLAB at 101 (0-100%) evenly spaced points along the anterior and posterior face of the component to the corresponding location on the bone. Average fit and average maximum overhang and maximum underhang were calculated across the patient sample, and further stratified by the six component size offerings.

Results:

The average component fit resulted in 0.42±0.93mm of overhang (size range: -1.31 to 0.57mm) on the anterior cortex and 0.63±0.87mm of overhang (size range: -0.25 to 0.74mm) on the posterior cortex. The maximum overhang and underhang averaged across the patient sample was 1.56±0.89mm of overhang (size range: 1.20-1.75mm) and 1.28±1.38mm of underhang (size range: 1.00-3.72mm) on the anterior face, and 2.16±1.71mm of overhang (size range: 1.74-3.35mm) and 1.18±1.02mm of underhang (size range: 1.07-2.19mm) on the posterior face.

Conclusion:

Implant fit and alignment are both risk factors associated with survivorship in total ankle replacement. Optimizing TAR tibial component fit by minimizing overhang and underhang may lead to improved patient outcomes and survivorship. Anatomical tibial baseplate shape coupled with a broad sizing portfolio may help to better accommodate the wide range of patient anatomy and pathology.

References:

[1] Escudero 2019; [2] Lee. 2011; [3] King 2013.
Percutaneous Treatment with Bridge Plate in Low-Energy and High-Energy Lisfranc Injuries
Authors: Gaitan Laura C. , Pablo Randolino Juan , Gonzalez Emanuel , López Valeria , Slullitel Gastón
Published: December 2024

Category:

Trauma; Other

Introduction/Purpose:

Although there is still no consensus regarding the optimal treatment approach to both high and subtle Lisfranc injuries, and even when achieving both anatomic reduction and joint complex alignment restoration, percentages of secondary osteoarthritis remain high. Besides the initial chondral damage, the perforation of the different articular facets, necessary for stabilization with position screws, could also influence the articular degeneration evolution. This work aims to show the clinical and radiographic results of a prospective patient cohort followed over three years, obtained by indirect reduction and percutaneous fixation with bridge plate and extraarticular screws in both subtle and high-energy Lisfranc injuries.

Methods:

A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study of 27 consecutive Lisfranc patients was carried out. Upon diagnosis, patients underwent percutaneous plate and extraarticular screw fixation. Quality of reduction was considered “anatomical” when no diastasis was observed between the first and second metatarsal bases, “almost anatomical” with less than 2 mm of incongruence present, and “non-anatomical” if incongruence was greater than 2 mm. AOFAS midfoot score was utilized for clinical evaluation.

Results:

27 patients with a mean age of 31.1 years and a mean follow-up was 35.5 months were analyzed. 17 sustained high-energy lesions while 10 presented low-energy injuries. The postoperative AOFAS score at the final follow-up was 81 points. Patients with an increased number of columns affected, evident unstable Lisfranc injuries, increased age, or staged procedures were associated with lower AOFAS scores. Global quality of reduction positively correlates with the AOFAS score, although no statistically significant association between the number of columns affected and the quality of reduction achieved by this technique was observed. 4 of 27 patients progressed to osteoarthritis and one of them needed further arthrodesis at less than a year after the procedure. No patient presented major wound-related complications.

Conclusion:

We perform fixation with plates via proximal and distal portals. To serve the purpose of being less possibly aggressive with the joint, screws could be avoided, except for the one necessary to restore the position of the second metatarsal base and the first cuneiform. In this series patients with high-energy injuries depicted good functional results with a high percentage of anatomical reductions over time, with no statistical differences from the low-energy group. The lesser manipulation of the soft tissues needed is probably one of the reasons for the low percentage (7 %) of surgical site infections we report.
The White Amur and the WasteShark: Hungry machines and circumventive remediations of waste
Authors: Han Lisa Yin
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the recent marketing and development of fish-inspired waste drones, designed to “take a bite out of water pollution” by collecting litter from urban waterways. Swimming in canals, rivers, and harbors from Florida to Hong Kong, AI-powered trash-eaters like the WasteShark and Jellyfish-Bot are posited as a solution to the plastic waste problem, modeling aquatic food chains through their marketing as animal-like drones. But are these cleaners truly a form of ecological AI, as their developers tell us, or is this vision of a new technospecies merely a means of skirting around the most pressing structural issues behind aquatic pollution? While much of the scholarship on autonomous technology has fixated on its implications for human labor, fewer have examined how AV infrastructures remediate ideas of environment. My approach, informed by multispecies ethnographies, queer ecologies, as well as work in environmental media studies, traces a throughline between the use of sterilized fish employees for weed management to the current crop of waste-eating fish-bots. In particular, I consider how imaginaries of hunger and waste resourcing frame ideas of environmental and multispecies relation. I ultimately argue that the biomimicry of waste drones serves as a form of circumventive remediation, extending existing paradigms of disposability and bottomhood while only superficially engaging with the social, technological, and natural entanglements of a refuse ecology.
Hearing modulation affects Alzheimer’s disease progression linked to brain inflammation: a study in mouse models
Authors: Ko Yoo-Seung , Ryu Young-Kyoung , Han Sujin , Park Hyung Joon , Choi Munyoung , Kim Byeong C. , Jeong Han-Seong , Jang Sujeong , Jo Jihoon , Lee Sungsu , Choi Won-Seok , Cho Hyong-Ho
Published: December 2024

Background

Recent studies have identified hearing loss (HL) as a primary risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) onset. However, the mechanisms linking HL to AD are not fully understood. This study explored the effects of drug-induced hearing loss (DIHL) on the expression of proteins associated with AD progression in mouse models.

Methods

DIHL was induced in 5xFAD and Tg2576 mice aged 3 to 3.5 weeks using kanamycin (700 mg/kg, subcutaneous) and furosemide (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). The accumulation and expression of beta-amyloid (Aβ), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were measured through immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Additionally, the expression of proteins involved in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, including downstream effectors p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K) and S6, as well as proinflammatory cytokines, was analyzed.

Results

Compared to control conditions, HL led to a significant increase in the accumulation of Aβ in the hippocampus and cortex. Elevated levels of neuroinflammatory markers, including Iba1 and GFAP, as well as proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were observed. Moreover, DIHL enhanced phosphorylation of mTOR, p70S6K, and S6, indicating activation of the mTOR pathway.

Conclusions

HL significantly increases Aβ accumulation in the brain. Furthermore, HL activates astrocytes and microglia, leading to increased neuroinflammation and thereby accelerating AD progression. These findings strongly suggest that HL contributes autonomously to neuroinflammation, highlighting the potential for early intervention in HL to reduce AD risk.
Comparative genomics of Fervidobacterium: a new phylogenomic landscape of these wide-spread thermophilic anaerobes
Authors: Javier-López Rubén , Geliashvili Natia , Birkeland Nils-Kåre
Published: December 2024

Background

Fervidobacterium is a genus of thermophilic anaerobic Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria belonging to the phylum Thermotogota. They can grow through fermentation on a wide range of sugars and protein-rich substrates. Some can also break down feather keratin, which has significant biotechnological potential. Fervidobacteria genomes have undergone several horizontal gene transfer events, sharing DNA with unrelated microbial taxa. Despite increasing biotechnological and evolutionary interest in this genus, only seven species have been described to date. Here, we present and describe six new and complete Fervidobacterium genomes, including the type strains Fervidobacterium gondwanense CBS-1 T, F. islandicum H-21 T and F. thailandense FC2004T, one novel isolate from Georgia (strain GSH) and two strains (DSM 21710 and DSM 13770) that have not been previously described along with an evolutionary and phylogenomic analysis of the genus.

Results

The complete genomes were around 2 Mb with approximately 2,000 CDS identified and annotated in each of them and a G + C content ranging from 38.9 mol% to 45.8 mol%. Phylogenomic comparisons of all currently available Fervidobacterium genomes, including OrthoANI and TYGS analyses, as well as a phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene, identified six species and nine subspecies clusters across the genus, with a consistent topology and a distant and separately branching species, Fervidobacterium thailandense. F. thailandense harbored the highest number of transposases, CRISPR clusters, pseudo genes and horizontally transferred regions The pan genome of the genus showed that 44% of the genes belong to the cloud pangenome, with most of the singletons found also in F. thailandense.

Conclusions

The additional genome sequences described in this work and the comparison with all available Fervidobacterium genome sequences provided new insights into the evolutionary history of this genus and supported a phylogenetic reclassification. The phylogenomic results from OrthoANI and TYGS analyses revealed that F. riparium and F. gondwanense belong to the same genome species, and includes Fervidobacterium sp. 13770, while “F. pennivorans” strain DYC belongs to a separate genome species, whereas Fervidobacterium sp. 21710 and Fervidobacterium sp. GSH within the Fervidobacterium pennivorans clade represent two subspecies. F. changbaicum is reclassified as F. islandicum.
Differences between neonatal units with high and low rates of breast milk feeding for very preterm babies at discharge: a qualitative study of staff experiences
Authors: McLeish Jenny , Aloysius Annie , Gale Chris , Quigley Maria , Kurinczuk Jennifer J. , Alderdice Fiona
Published: December 2024

Background

Breast milk has significant benefits for preterm babies, but ‘very preterm’ babies are unable to feed directly from the breast at birth. Their mothers have to initiate and sustain lactation through expressing milk for tube feeding until their babies are developmentally ready to feed orally. There are wide disparities between neonatal units in England in rates of breast milk feeding at discharge. This study explored health professionals’ experiences of barriers and facilitators to their role in supporting breast milk feeding and breastfeeding for very preterm babies.

Methods

12 health professionals were interviewed, from four neonatal units in England with high or low rates of breast milk feeding at discharge. Interviews were analysed using comparative thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes were developed: ‘The role of the infant feeding specialist’, ‘Achieving a whole team approach to breast milk feeding’, ‘Supporting initiation of breastfeeding’ ‘Supporting long-term expressing’, ‘Supporting the transition to breastfeeding’. There were notable differences between neonatal units in the time allocated to specialist feeding support, the team’s sense of collective responsibility for supporting feeding, leadership, the use of external standards as levers for change, and training for the multi-disciplinary team. The feeding challenges faced by mothers of very preterm babies could be made worse where there was no joined-up working between neonatal and postnatal staff; inadequate facilities for mothers to stay with their babies; and when opportunities were missed to give information about the importance of early initiation of expressing and to support mothers’ confidence during the transition to direct breastfeeding.

Conclusions

Effective support can be influenced by having a supernumerary post dedicated to infant feeding; strong leadership that champions breast milk feeding and breastfeeding within Family Integrated Care; maintaining accountability by using existing quality improvement tools and accredited standards for neonatal units; and training for the whole multi-disciplinary team that encourages and enables every member of staff to take an appropriate share of responsibility for consistently informing and assisting mothers with expressing and breastfeeding. Joined-up working between staff on antenatal and postnatal wards and neonatal units is important to enable integrated feeding support for the mother-baby dyad.