bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public understanding of preprints: How audiences make sense of unreviewed research in the news
Authors: Fleerackers Alice , Ratcliff Chelsea L. , Wicke Rebekah , King Andy J. , Jensen Jakob D.
Published: October 2024

News reporting of preprints became commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the extent to which the public understands what preprints are is unclear. We sought to fill this gap by conducting a content analysis of 1702 definitions of the term “preprint” that were generated by the US general population and college students. We found that only about one in five people were able to define preprints in ways that align with scholarly conceptualizations of the term, although participants provided a wide array of “other” definitions of preprints that suggest at least a partial understanding of the term. Providing participants with a definition of preprints in a news article helped improve preprint understanding for the student sample, but not for the general population. Our findings shed light on misperceptions that the public has about preprints, underscoring the importance of better education about the nature of preprint research.
Emerging Trends in Industry 4.0 and Predictive Maintenance
Authors: Kaur Sukhminder , Sahota Roheender Singh , Ying Siew Yue , Haotian Yin
Published: October 2024

With the advent of Industry 4.0, predictive maintenance (PdM) is revolutionising maintenance procedures across various industries. The integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT) and big data, is enhancing the potential of PdM in sectors including non-traditional sectors such as nuclear infrastructure, logistics and healthcare. This study highlights the development of PdM within Industry 4.0 and its impact on the financial and operational facets of numerous industries. It underscores the need for continuous innovation and adaptation in PdM strategies, emphasising the necessity for substantial investments in training, technology and the cultivation of a workforce skilled in digital technologies and data analytics. To fully capitalise on this dynamic field, the study stresses the importance of staying abreast of industry advancements, evaluating new tools and refining maintenance practices.
Three Decades of Digital Advertising: What the Bibliometrics Say and How AI Came into Play
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Pandey Mrinalini , Shreyaskar Pankaj K. P.
Published: October 2024

The article offers a comprehensive view of the field of ‘digital advertising’, tracing its evolution from the occurrence of the first banner ad in 1994. The objective of the study is to trace systematically how the digital advertising industry has transitioned from being the traditional one-way communication model to its current ‘intelligent’ state. This study offers profound insights into the dynamic and continually evolving domain of digital advertising. More specifically, it traces the evolutionary stages, major themes, influential articles and citation networks from 1993 to 2023. The articles have been thoroughly examined in three phases, each covering a period of 10 years from 1993 to 2023. The first two decades saw significant growth in the subject domain of ‘digital advertising’; however, the maximum number of articles contributing to the subject from 2013 to 2023 focused mainly on ad-personalization using ICT tools and incorporating artificial intelligence (AI). The key findings indicate that the third decade witnessed a remarkable rise in the number of articles pertaining to AI-driven ad personalization, thus portraying further focus by the researchers on how best to leverage technology in driving advertising effectiveness. AI became one such pivotal innovation, changing the very concept of digital advertising with its capability, to automatically target precisely and develop personalized promotions to engage consumers. The work is unique for the contribution it can make to already existing works regarding digital advertising by coming to one synthesized view of its evolution and its function in its totality regarding AI. The article sets a common platform for future research efforts and innovations within this domain, therefore offering valuable insights both for industry practitioners and future scholars.
Will Higher Education Development Influence the Escape from the Middle-income Trap? Insights from Northeast China
Authors: Yu Tingting , Jiang Lingpeng , Liang Mengdie , Lin Xinqing , Zeng Yiyun , Su Yingying
Published: October 2024

This article constructs an index model of higher education development from the 2020 data of 34 prefecture-level cities in Northeast China. GeoDetector was used to find the explanatory power of higher education for economic growth. The stronger the explanatory power, the greater its effect on enabling a city to move beyond the middle-income stage. The results indicated that economically developed cities had advanced levels of higher education development. The development level of higher education in provincial capitals and sub-provincial cities is among the highest in Northeast China. Furthermore, higher education significantly explains economic growth, with the scale of education having a stronger explanatory power than the quality of education. In addition, regional heterogeneity exists in the explanatory power of the scale and quality of education on economic growth. Specifically, the effect of the scale of higher education on economic growth is significantly greater than the quality of higher education in large cities. In contrast, the opposite is true in medium-sized cities. For small cities, the effect of higher education on economic growth is minimal.

JEL Classification O11
Stark Decline in Journalists’ Use of Preprints Postpandemic
Authors: Alperin Juan Pablo , Shores Kenneth , Fleerackers Alice , Chtena Natascha
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of preprints, aiding rapid research dissemination but also facilitating the spread of misinformation. This study analyzes media coverage of preprints from 2014 to 2023, revealing a significant postpandemic decline. Our findings suggest that heightened awareness of the risks associated with preprints has led to more cautious media practices. While the decline in preprint coverage may mitigate concerns about premature media exposure, it also raises questions about the future role of preprints in science communication, especially during emergencies. Balanced policies based on up-to-date evidence are needed to address this shift.
Quaternion-based fixed-time tracking control for an autonomous underwater vehicle with consideration of measurement bias
Authors: Cao Biao , Li Yueming , Cao Jian
Published: October 2024

This article investigates trajectory and attitude tracking control problem of a 6-degree of freedom (DOF) autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) subject to measurement bias and external disturbance. First, the model dynamics of rotational channels are established by unit-quaternion, which possesses simplicity and broader applicability compared to the Euler angle such that the maneuver signal could be uniquely determined. Meanwhile, by introducing constraint of the logarithm function and initial value, the unwinding phenomenon existing in rotation motion can be avoided tactfully. Considering the high requirement for sensor accuracy, the resulting measurement bias in position and velocity channels, making AUV into a mismatched system and bring the uncertain term in the process of controller design. Therefore, the echo state network (ESN) with online updates performance is applicable to approximate uncertain term simultaneously generated by measurement bias and unknown external disturbance. Then, by incorporating composite hyperbolic tangent function, the quasi-fast terminal sliding mode (QTSM) surface is constructed to realize the fixed-time convergence peculiarity of the AUV tracking system. Compared with the existing methods, the proposed algorithm can regulate artificially the stable schedule of the AUV tracking system and possess the capacity of bias tolerance and anti-disturbance. Finally, simulation results verify the validity and feasibility of the developed control algorithm.
The transient dynamic wave process in unidirectional composites
Authors: Zhelyazov Todor , Pshenichnov Sergey
Published: October 2024

The propagation of nonstationary waves in unidirectional composite material is simulated by finite-element analysis. The composite material is explicitly formulated, i.e., discrete, stiff, elastic inclusions uniformly distributed in a viscoelastic matrix are modeled. An original procedure rooted in the linear Boltzmann–Volterra equations accounts for the viscoelastic effects in the matrix behavior. The chosen approach involves finite-element simulations of the transient wave process in two indicative configurations to study the effects attributed to wave scattering by the inclusions. The transient wave propagation in the unidirectional composite material and a viscoelastic specimen without inclusions are compared. Peculiarities in the numerical results due to the finite-element algorithm employed are decoupled from the output that reveals purely mechanical phenomena. For this purpose, the transient wave propagation in a one-dimensional elastic continuum, for which the exact analytical solution is well known, is effectively obtained by finite-element analysis. Furthermore, based on the unidirectional composite a homogenized model is defined by applying the mixture rule. An additional comparison between the composite containing discrete inclusions and the analogous homogenized material provides a basis to assess the output of models obtained by implementing a self-consistent scheme in a broader context.
Extracting non-equilibrium material properties in visco-hyperelastic polymers based on analytical stress solution
Authors: Eshtavad Fatemeh , Hassani Ali , Rahmani Shahrzad
Published: October 2024

This study extracts non-equilibrium material properties in the visco-hyperelastic polymers using an analytical stress solution. At first, the analytical stress solution of visco-hyperelastic polymers is obtained from finite-strain creep test data based on the generalized Maxwell’s rheological model. The solution uses the low-computational-cost exponential generalized pseudospectral method and analytically brings the stress components in terms of time and unknown non-equilibrium material properties of Maxwell’s elements. The solution invokes the Ogden hyperelastic model for the elastic element of the generalized Maxwell’s model. The exponential generalized pseudospectral method, based on exponential–rational Lagrange functions suitable for the semi-infinite time interval [Formula: see text] and the rational Chebyshev roots as the collocation points, is applied to derive the stress components. The non-equilibrium properties are derived by minimizing a residual, which is obtained by making the derivatives of the residual in terms of the non-equilibrium properties as zero. Notably, the proposed analytical method requires a small number of exponent–rational Lagrange basis functions and collocation points. Besides, the proposed method does not require integration, discretization, or linearization. Two case studies are considered: the moderate-stretched ETFE polymer with the neo-Hookean model as the elastic element and the large-stretched rubber with the six-parameter Ogden hyperelastic model as the elastic branch. The results are validated using uniaxial creep modeling in ANSYS and available reports in the literature.
An Update on the Six Recommendations from the 2012 IADMS Standard Measures Initiative: Assessing and Reporting Dancer Capacities, Risk Factors, and Injuries
Authors: Kenny Sarah J , Stubbe Janine H , Swain Chris T V , Honrado Joshua , Hiller Claire E , Welsh Tom M , Liederbach Marijeanne J
Published: October 2024

Introduction: In 2012, the Standard Measures Consensus Initiative (SMCI) of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) presented 6 recommendations regarding dance injury surveillance, definitions of injury and exposure, dance-specific screening, risk reduction strategies, and collaborative data management. The aim was to standardize risk factor measurement and injury reporting by researchers in dance medicine and science. Since then, numerous reports on the recording and reporting of injury data in sport and performing arts have been published. Methods: IADMS commissioned SMCI to update the 2012 recommendations, a process that involved 3 stages: (1) current field experts were invited to join SMCI, (2) SMCI members reviewed recent and relevant sport and performing arts literature, then drafted, discussed, and revised section updates, (3) IADMS invited individuals representing diverse backgrounds in the IADMS community to critically review drafted updates. The final update serves as a bridge from the 6 recommendations in the 2012 report to the current state of evidence. Results: We continue to encourage use of dance injury surveillance systems and support that surveillance protocols be fit-for-purpose, and that failure to use clear and consistent injury definitions perpetuates a lack of rigor in dance injury research. Based on new evidence, we recommend that some aspects of injury surveillance be self-reported, that the choice of dance exposure measures be dependent on the research question, contextual factors, and type of injury/health problem(s) of interest, and that studies using dance-specific screening articulate specific objectives, validity, and reliability of each protocol. Conclusions: Future studies should focus on the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies to minimize injury risk to improve consistency and rigor in data collection and research reporting on the health and wellness of dancer populations, thus facilitating a future dance injury consensus statement similar to recent statements published for sports and circus arts.
Employment, work hours, and wages in adults with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease: An international cohort study
Authors: Ham Andrew Siyoon , Gomez Hjerthen Isabella , Sudhir Akshatha , Pandit Lekha , Reddy Y Muralidhar , Murthy Jagarlapudi Muralikrishna , Tian De-Cai , Gu Hongfei , Gao Wen , Broadley Simon A , Leitner Unnah , Aw Amelia Yun Yi , Tan Kevin , Yeo Tianrong , Reyes Saúl , Toro Jaime , Gaitán Jairo , Ramírez Deyanira Altagracia , Comme-Debroth Raúl , Báez Josmarlin Patricia Medina , Gulec Bade , Uygunoglu Ugur , Tutuncu Melih , Siva Aksel , Iorio Raffaele , Sabatelli Eleonora , Huda Saif , Kelly Patricia , Rojas Juan Ignacio , Cristiano Edgardo , Patrucco Liliana , Oliveira Enedina Maria Lobato de , Portugal Raquel Paiva , Zaidan Paloma Peter Travassos , Viswanathan Shanthi , Koh Karina , Lim Su-Yin , Mateen Farrah J
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

The objectives were to understand the employment impacts of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein–associated antibody disease (MOGAD) on adults in an international cohort by determining lost employment, work hours, and wages.

Background:

Clinically, MOGAD can be associated with significant disability; however, its socioeconomic consequences for adults are barely reported.

Methods:

Participants of potential working age (18–70 years old) with neurologist-diagnosed MOGAD were recruited from clinical sites in 13 countries, April 2022 to August 2023. Each participant completed a one-time survey. Regression models assessed associations with post-MOGAD (1) unemployment and (2) work hours.

Results:

A total of 117 participants (66.7% female), mean age 39.7 years, median disease duration 3 years (25th, 75th percentile: 1, 7) were analyzed. Employment post-MOGAD reduced from 74 (63.2%) to 57 (48.7%) participants. Participants employed pre-diagnosis reduced their work hours, on average, from 31.6 hours/week to 19.5 hours/week post-diagnosis. Residence in a high-income country was statistically significantly associated with post-diagnosis employment and higher weekly work hours. Depressed mood was associated with unemployment. MOGAD-related pain and history of myelitis were independently associated with lost work hours.

Conclusion:

MOGAD can have significant impacts on adult employment, particularly in non–high-income countries. Depressed mood and pain are potentially modifiable factors related to socioeconomic status in MOGAD.
Special cultural commons section: Roundtable discussion of Catherine Rottenberg’s This Is Not a Feminism Textbook, Goldsmiths University Press (2023)
Authors: Rottenberg Catherine , Roy Srila , Méndez Cota Gabriela , Naqvi Zainab
Published: October 2024

The following special section is a series of responses to Catherine Rottenberg’s This Is Not a Feminism Textbook (Goldsmiths University Press, 2023). This is the second book in the ‘This is not a . . . textbook’ series (the first being on science fiction) which describes itself as not ‘a purely commercial publishing venture’ but also an ‘outreach initiative in support of lifelong learning, and a mode of resistance against the marginalisation of the arts, humanities and social sciences in neoliberal economies’. The book consists of a series of entries on topics including families, bodies, sex/gender, motherhood, trans, disability, class, all pitched at an introductory level and written by academic scholars from a range of disciplinary backgrounds with a particular concentration in media and cultural studies. It is a book which is experimental in its format. The editor/curator, Catherine Rottenberg, is Professor of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. Her books include The Rise of Neoliberal Feminism (2018) and Black Harlem and the Jewish Lower East Side (2014) and, with the Care Collective, The Care Manifesto: The Politics of Interdependence (2020). For this section, we start with an introductory conversation with Catherine Rottenberg before inviting a series of scholars to respond to the book – Srila Roy (Wits University, South Africa) Gabriela Méndez Cota (Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico) Zainab Naqvi (Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom). They were asked to consider questions raised by it: their initial response, questions of in/exclusion, its relationship to further feminist issues or how it intersects with the conjuncture they are in as they understand it. To begin with, however, we asked Catherine Rottenberg about the text, its context and production.
Suitability of ChatGPT as a Source of Patient Information for Screening Mammography
Authors: Spuur Kelly , Currie Geoff , Al-Mousa Dana , Pape Ruth
Published: October 2024

ChatGPT3.5 and ChatGPT4 were released publicly in late November 2022 and March 2023, respectively, and have emerged as convenient sources of patient health education and information, including for screening mammography. ChatGPT4 offers enhanced capabilities; however, it is only available by paid subscription. The purported benefits of ChatGPT for health education need to be objectively evaluated. To assess performance differences, ChatGPT3.5 and GPT4 were used between 13 April and 29 May 2023 to generate breast screening patient information sheets, which were evaluated using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for printed materials (PEMAT-P) and the CDC Clear Communication Index (CDC Index) Score Sheet; and benchmarked against gold standard content in BreastScreen NSW’s patient information sheet. Mean scores were reported for comparison. GPT3.5 provided the appropriate tone and currency of information but lacked accuracy, omitting key insights: PEMAT-P understandability 68.0% (SD = 6.56) and actionability 36.7% (SD=20.4); CDC Index 58.8% (SD = 15.3). GPT4 was deemed superior to GPT3.5 but included several key omissions: PEMAT-P understandability 75.0% (SD = 17) and actionability 53.3% (SD = 11.54); CDC Index 66.0% (SD = 4.1). Both ChatGPT versions exhibited poor understandability and actionability and were unclear in their messaging. Those with poor health literacy will not benefit from accessing current versions of ChatGPT and may be further disadvantaged if they do not have access to a paid subscription. ChatGPT is evidenced to be an unreliable and inaccurate source of information concerning breast screening that may undermine participation and risk increased morbidity and mortality from breast cancer. ChatGPT may increase the demand on health care educators to rectify misinformation.
Systemic Nuances of Racism: How Multi-Tiered System of Supports Policy Implementation Can Harm African American Students?
Authors: McMillian Rhodesia , Dillon Leslie
Published: October 2024

Many educators and school administrators are familiar with the Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS), its application of data, and its effectiveness in resolving barriers to academic and social learning. Properly matched research-based interventions are likely to improve student academic and social outcomes. However, what becomes of the effectiveness of MTSS policies when subjectively and arbitrarily implemented? This case aims to promote a diverse and generative discussion among preservice educators, practitioners, and administrators, especially among those in urban school settings. This case explores systemic, educational, and racial implications of a fragmented referral and intervention of a 6-year-old African American male student. Readers are asked to consider how school-wide and district-wide MTSS policies can be amended to ensure equitable identification and implementation among African American students.
Humor, resistance, and the power of images: The case for studying prison cartoons
Authors: Richards-Karamarkovich Arden , Umamaheswar Janani , Norris Robert J.
Published: October 2024

In this research note, we advocate for greater use of a largely untapped form of archival data—prison cartoons. Drawing on scholarship in visual criminology, we argue that prison cartoons can supplement and enrich scholarly understandings of the lived experience of confinement, especially as access to prisons becomes more difficult. Using a series of cartoons published in The Pea Pickers Picayune, an American prison newspaper published in the 1960s and 1970s, we highlight how incarcerated artists used satirical humor to convey the harms of imprisonment and express their agency in the face of penal oppression. In so doing, we draw attention to the importance of visual data, which go beyond traditional narrative and numeric data by capturing the imaginations of people in prison.
Embracing the unexpected: Exploring the role of serendipity in newswriting
Authors: Haapanen Lauri , Perrin Daniel
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the role of serendipity in journalistic decision-making. The authors draw on 25 years of newsroom ethnography to introduce the concept of a horizon of foreseeable forthcoming phases (HFFP). This concept encompasses the potential next steps that journalists envision in their text production processes, based on the decisions they already made.

The authors then analyze two complementary cases to illustrate how serendipity can influence journalistic decision-making. In the Bishop case, Type I serendipity opens up a valuable alternative to the journalist’s planning, leading them to pursue a new story. In contrast, in the Leba case, Type II serendipity is essential to helping the journalist overcome a seemingly hopeless situation. The authors conclude by arguing that serendipitous moments and the resulting emergent solutions hold the potential to reshape journalistic practices and routines, both on the micro level of text production, and on the macro level of professional development. They emphasize the growing importance of serendipity in times where human intelligence competes with algorithms.
Performance of the Aptis distal radioulnar joint implant: kinematic and geometric analysis
Authors: Oonk Joris G. M. , Stougie Shirley D. , Dobbe Johannes G. G. , Ritt Marco J. P. F. , Coert J. Henk , Streekstra Geert J.
Published: October 2024

This study reviews the performance of the Aptis distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty by comparing multiple kinematic and geometric measurements in the operated and contralateral healthy forearm to elucidate whether these are altered after arthroplasty. Forearm geometry and motion were captured using 3-D and 4-D computed tomography in 12 patients with unilateral Aptis arthroplasties. After segmentation and registration, the axis of forearm rotation, translation of the radius along the ulna and range of wrist flexion-extension were measured, and the Dice coefficient and Hausdorff distance were calculated. The forearm rotation axis in the corrected arm deviated 2.3° from the healthy contralateral rotation axis, radial translation along the ulna decreased by 45% and wrist flexion-extension also decreased significantly. Multiple intra-individual geometric differences were observed. The Aptis distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty considerably alters forearm kinematics, which can have clinical implications.

Level of evidence: IV
Veterans in Northern Ireland: Evaluation of chronic pain experience, service type, and physical and mental health functioning
Authors: Vowles Kevin E , Robinson Martin , Armour Chérie
Published: October 2024

Background

Chronic pain is common and associated with disruptions in quality of life (QoL) and psychosocial functioning. These issues are particularly pronounced in veterans, although data in this regard primarily come from the United States Veterans Affairs System, meaning less is known regarding veterans of other countries and regions. The present study evaluated veterans living in Northern Ireland (NI), a region with historic high rates of both chronic pain and psychosocial difficulties associated with the decades-long period of civil and military conflict preceding the 1999 armistice (the Good Friday Agreement). Unique to the Northern Ireland military operation was the initiation of Home Service battalions comprised of local recruits, a role with increased risk due to the conflict’s nature and the fact that they were serving as a military and security presence in their home region.

Methods

A cross-sectional assessment of veterans living in Northern Ireland ( N = 722) provided details of service type (Home Service vs other service), current health conditions (including chronic pain), and current psychosocial functioning (including physical and mental health QoL, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms).

Results

Findings indicated that those with chronic pain had worse QoL, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Those with chronic pain were also more likely to have served in the Home Services, be unemployed, and be receiving disability payment. Contrary to hypotheses, there was no interaction between chronic pain and service type.

Conclusions

These results extend previous work with veterans to the unique circumstances of a post-conflict military that engaged in operations within its own country and underscore the need for coordinated, efficacious interventions for co-morbid chronic pain and anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Black tendon—identifying a rare autosomal recessive disorder: Intraoperative diagnosis of alkaptonuria: A case report
Authors: Pushpan Parag , Sreepada Sai Harsha , Acharya Kiran K V , Abraham Jonathan
Published: October 2024

Tendon injuries in the lower extremities are common in physically active individuals, although spontaneous Achilles tendon ruptures are linked to oral corticosteroid or fluoroquinolone use. Such ruptures are typically due to degenerative changes within the tendon and frequently occur during sudden dorsiflexion of a plantar-flexed foot. Bilateral spontaneous ruptures are especially prevalent in patients undergoing long-term corticosteroid therapy. Here, we present a rare case of bilateral spontaneous calcaneal avulsion in an otherwise healthy woman, ultimately diagnosed with alkaptonuria. This case underscores the importance of considering metabolic disorders in atraumatic tendon ruptures and highlights the diagnostic value of intraoperative findings.
The Suprascapular Artery as a Reference for the Evaluation of Supraspinatus Fatty Infiltration on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Guo Siyi , Zhang Pu , Qin Qihuang , Jiang Chunyan
Published: October 2024

Background:

Fatty infiltration (FI) of the supraspinatus is commonly seen in chronic large-to-massive rotator cuff tears. Evaluating FI in patients with severe muscle atrophy can be confusing.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomic relationship between the suprascapular artery and supraspinatus muscle on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide a method for defining the border of the supraspinatus muscle on Y-view MRI. It was hypothesized that the branches of the suprascapular artery would encircle the supraspinatus muscle on Y-view and adjacent MRI slices and could be used for defining the supraspinatus outline on oblique sagittal images.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 172 shoulders that had undergone arthroscopic repair for large-to-massive rotator cuff tears were retrospectively included. Two methods, one based on the supraspinous fossa and trapezius (SF method) and the other based on the region bounded by the branches of the suprascapular artery (SA method), were used for defining the supraspinatus outline on Y-view MRI for the assessment of FI. Preoperative supraspinatus FI grade and tangent sign and postoperative tendon integrity were evaluated. Shoulder function was assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and active range of motion.

Results:

The branches of the suprascapular artery encircled the supraspinatus in all shoulders, with the diameter of the branches ranging from 0.5 to 3 mm. The agreement in supraspinatus FI grading between the SF and SA methods was 65.12%. When limited to the 61 shoulders with a positive tangent sign, the agreement dropped to 22.95% (κ = 0.032). The group (FI grade 2 by SA method and ≥3 by SF method) showed no significant difference in postoperative outcomes compared with the 2-vs-2 group but had significantly better postoperative ASES scores ( P = .001) and active range of motion in forward elevation ( P = .020) compared with the ≥3-vs-≥3 group. The tangent sign was positive in 92.16% of the 2-vs-≥3 group.

Conclusion:

The suprascapular artery is a reliable reference for the evaluation of supraspinatus FI. When a positive tangent sign presents, supraspinatus FI is likely to be overestimated if the hyperintensity outside the region bounded by the branches of the suprascapular artery is mistaken as FI.
Cost Drivers of Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment: Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Analysis
Authors: Haliyur Rachana , Portney David S. , Pan Warren W. , Mian Shahzad I. , Rao Rajesh C.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: To determine drivers of day-of-surgery costs for pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the management of retinal detachment (RD) repair, the mainstay treatment, based on surgical complexity and intraoperative factors. Methods: Economic analysis was performed using time-driven activity-based costing methodology for patients who had standard (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code 67108) or complex (CPT 67113) RD repair with PPV at the University of Michigan in 2021. Data were obtained via the electronic health record and previous literature. PPV expenses were determined with time-driven activity-based costing, a cost calculation that incorporates time and key resource costs, and were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression. Results: The analysis included 412 PPVs (270 standard and 142 complex based on CPT code). The operating room time was significantly increased in complex cases ( P < .01). Univariate analysis found that complex PPV, cryopexy, staining agent use, retinectomy, simultaneous scleral buckling, perfluoro-N-octane (PFO) use, silicone oil tamponade, and perfluoropropane tamponade were associated with a statistically significant difference in costs ( P < .01); use of laser retinopexy was not significantly associated ( P = .7190). Multivariate analysis found that standard PPV cost an average $5132.33, and significant incremental costs were found for complex PPV (+$1185.55; P < .001), cryopexy (+$465.02; P = .032), staining (+$525.16; P = .04), PFO use (+$1089.54; P < .0001), retinectomy (+$2031.17; P < .0001), and simultaneous scleral buckling (+$916.34; P = .006). Conclusions: The intraoperative factors that increase operating room time and ultimately the incurred cost of complex PPV cases vs standard PPV were identified and economically defined. These findings can improve practice patterns by optimizing costs for effective surgical planning in the management of RD repair.
Vaccine skepticism and vaccine development stages; inoculation from “cowpox” lesion to the current mRNA vaccine of COVID-19: review
Authors: Tafere Chernet , Demsie Desalegn Getnet , Tefera Bereket Bahiru , Yehualaw Adane , Feyisa Kebede , Yismaw Malede Berihun , Yayehrad Ashagrachew Tewabe
Published: October 2024

Global pandemics can be tackled by two means: lockdowns and vaccinations. As vaccination has a low impact on economic outcomes and better acceptance by people, it is the preferred method by most governments as a medium- to long-term solution. Vaccines have played a significant role in reducing the global burden of infectious diseases. They are designed to teach the immune system how to fight a particular infection before it causes a disease in subsequent exposures by creating a memory. Although vaccines effectiveness is well known, anti-vaccination movements pose significant challenges, even in high-income settings, leading to outbreaks of life-threatening infectious diseases. Hesitancy to take vaccines is not new and began with the first vaccination of smallpox. At that time, the problem was solved by a regulatory obligation to take vaccines, declared in England and Wales in 1853, which eventually led to its eradication in 1980. Different studies show that there is a decline in awareness of vaccines, hesitancy to take them, and concerns and trust issues regarding healthcare professionals. These problems have been rising over the past few decades for several reasons, notably, because of misinformation spread by social media. Therefore, the objective of this review is to provide a brief overview about vaccine hesitancy and attributable factors, illustrate the different types of vaccines, show the major challenges of vaccine development, and illustrate the pros and cons of each type.
One-Year Surveillance of a Patient Cohort’s Lung Ultrasonography Findings Post Mild-Moderate COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Camacho Mariam B. , Resnikoff Pamela M. , Spierling Bagsic Samantha R. , Kimura Bruce J.
Published: October 2024

Objective:

Lung involvement due to COVID-19 infection relates to patient clinical outcomes. However, little evidence exists on whether an abnormal lung sonogram, during an initial outpatient infection, may signal an abnormal immunologic response and lasting abnormalities. The aim of this study was to observe whether high-risk outpatients, previously infected with SARS CoV-2 and found to have an initial abnormal lung sonogram, had persistent diagnostic findings at a 1-year re-examination.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective longitudinal cohort study was performed, based on a prior study completed in January 2022 wherein 55/201 (27%) of consecutive outpatients infected with SARS-CoV-2 received therapy at an outpatient monoclonal antibody clinic and had presented with an abnormal lung ultrasound containing at least 3 apical lung B-line artifacts (LUS+). One year later, the original 55 LUS+ patients were contacted for re-examination; as a result, 14 LUS+ patients consented to a repeat LUS tospecifically recheck the apical area of the lungs for persistent B-line artifacts. The same ultrasound equipment system and imaging methodology were used for this cohort of patients. Additional data was collected regarding COVID-19 test-positive re-infection, persistent pulmonary symptoms during the past year, and COVID-19 vaccination status.

Results:

Of the 14 LUS+ patients, the mean cohort age was 63 ± 9 years, of which 71% were men. Over the ensuing year, 43% had persistent symptoms, 71% had updated vaccination, and 36% had a self-reported re-infection. The re-infection was reported to have occurred a median of 7 months after the initial infection. The cohort was sub-divided into those with persistent LUS+ compared to those that reverted to a normal scan. The mean age was 69 ± 10 years among those LUS+ compared to 56 ± 8 years in the normalized group. The body mass index (BMI) was 32 kg/m2 in those LUS+ compared to 27 kg/m2 in the normalized group. The cohort has 6 men and 2 women in the LUS+ group compared to 4 men and 2 women in the normalized group. One LUS+ patient out of eight reportedly had been reinfected compared to four normalized patients out of six stated being reinfected. Three LUS+ patients out of eight reported having persistent symptoms compared to three normalized patients out of six complaining of continued COVID-19 symptoms.

Conclusion:

Based on the 1-year repeated LUS, for this cohort, there was a high prevalence of persistent symptoms and lung abnormalities, in those who had mild-moderate outpatient COVID-19 and received monoclonal antibody therapy. The longitudinal data collection on this cohort of COVID-19 positive outpatients may suggest that individual immune responses or viral virulence factors may play a role in B-line persistence. Certainly, future LUS results may be confounded by a previous COVID-19 infection.
How I treat older patients with Ph/BCR-ABL–negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Gökbuget Nicola , Steffen Björn
Published: October 2024

Despite advancements in new treatments, management of older patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains an unmet medical need. With increasing age, patients with ALL have a significantly lower complete remission rate, higher early mortality and relapse rate, and poorer survival than younger patients. This is attributed to a higher prevalence of adverse prognostic factors among older individuals and reduced tolerance to chemotherapy. Progress has been made in tailoring moderately intensive chemotherapy protocols for Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)/BCR::ABL–negative ALL in older patients, and recent phase 2 studies have explored integrating immunotherapy into initial treatment with very promising results. However, establishing new standard regimens for this age group remains and improving general management strategy is a pending task.
The role of salicylic acid in modulating phenotyping in spring wheat varieties for mitigating drought stress
Authors: Awadalla Rawan A. , Sallam Ahmed , Börner Andreas , Elshamy Maha M. , Heikal Yasmin M.
Published: October 2024

Climate change-related droughts that recur frequently are one of the biggest obstacles to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity. Worldwide, attempts are being done to establish drought-resistant cultivars. However, progress is slow since drought tolerance is a complex trait controlled by numerous genes, and its expression is influenced by the environment. Phenotypic, biochemical physiological, and genotyping approaches are highlighted as critical research components for leveraging genetic variation in eight wheat genotypes. Treatments included eight spring wheat genotypes (IPK_040, IPK_046, IPK_050, IPK_071, IPK_105, WAS_007, WAS_024 and WAS_031), normal irrigation (NI), drought stress (D) (30% field capacity (FC)), normal irrigation with 0.5 mM SA (NSA), and drought treated with SA (DSA). The results revealed that there was a reduction in relative water content, an increase membrane leakage, and leaf chlorophyll content under drought stress. SA induced the defense responses against drought by increasing the osmolytes and the antioxidative enzymes activities. Compared to the NI group, the DSA treatment improved the water regulation, antioxidant capacity, and drought stress resistance. SA significantly reduced the deleterious effects of water stress on phenotyping more in WAS_ 024 and IPK_ 105 genotypes. The most responsive genotypes to salicylic acid were IPK_ 046 among the IPK genotypes, whereas WAS_031 genotype was amongst WAS genotypes based on the morpho-physiological traits. The findings of this study give a solid foundation for assessing drought resistance in T. aestivum and developing cultivation-specific water management methods.

Graphical Abstract
Acceptability of a remotely delivered sedentary behaviour intervention to improve sarcopenia and maintain independent living in older adults with frailty: a mixed-methods study
Authors: McGowan Laura J. , Chater Angel M. , Harper Jamie H. , Kilbride Cherry , Victor Christina , Brierley Marsha L. , Bailey Daniel P.
Published: October 2024

Background

Sarcopenia is a leading cause of functional decline, loss of independence, premature mortality, and frailty in older adults. Reducing and breaking up sedentary behaviour is associated with positive sarcopenia and frailty outcomes. This study aimed to explore the acceptability, engagement and experiences of a remotely delivered sedentary behaviour intervention to improve sarcopenia and independent living in older adults with frailty.

Methods

This was a mixed-methods study. In-depth qualitative semi-structed interviews were conducted with a subset (N = 15) of participants with frailty (aged 74 ± 6 years) who had participated in the Frail-LESS (LEss Sitting and Sarcopenia in Frail older adults) intervention aimed at reducing sedentary behaviour. The interviews explored acceptability of the intervention overall and its individual components (a psychoeducation workbook, wrist-worn activity tracker, health coaching, online peer support and tailored feedback on sitting, standing and stepping). Process evaluation questionnaires with closed and scaled questions explored intervention engagement, fidelity and experiences.

Results

Overall acceptability of the intervention was good with most participants perceiving the intervention to have supported them in reducing and/or breaking up their sedentary behaviour. The wrist-worn activity tracker and health coaching appeared to be the most acceptable and useful components, with high levels of engagement. There was attendance at 104 of 150 health coaching sessions offered and 92% of participants reported using the wrist-worn activity tracker. There was a mixed response regarding acceptability of, and engagement with, the psychoeducation workbook, tailored feedback, and online peer support.

Conclusions

The Frail-LESS intervention had good levels of acceptability and engagement for some components. The findings of the study can inform modifications to the intervention to optimise acceptability and engagement in a future definitive randomised controlled trial.

Trial registration

The trial was registered with ISRCTN (number ISRCTN17158017).
The first prevalence and antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida infections in Palestine, 2022
Authors: Baniodeh Hanaa , Abu-Helu Rasmi , Abulihya Mohand , Awwad Mohammed Y. , Dawoud Ayman , Tebbji Faiza , Sellam Adnane
Published: October 2024

Background

Candida spp. are the most common cause of opportunistic fungal infections and are associated with a high mortality rate worldwide. In Palestine, the prevalence of Candida spp. infections remains elusive.

Methods

We performed our study at two hospitals in Palestine (Istishari Arab Hospital, and Najah National University Hospital). All patients diagnosed with candidiasis during the year 2022 have participated in the study. The prevalence of Candida spp., their distribution, and the activity of selected antifungals against Candida pathogens were assessed. In combination with phenotypic properties, Candida isolates were identified and tested for antifungal susceptibility using the colorimetric VITEK-2 Compact system.

Results

Our results showed that the prevalence of Candida spp. among infected samples was 11.6%. A total of eleven different Candida spp. were identified. Among these isolates, C. albicans (46.54%) was the most frequent, followed by C. glabrata (16.14%), C. tropicalis (13.83%), C. parapsilosis (4.82%), C. krusei (3.56%), C. dubliniensis (2.09%), C. ciferrii (1.67%), C. lusitaniae (0.83%), C. guilliermondii (0.62%), C. kefyer (0.41%) and C. spherica (0.20%). Among C. albicans, all isolates were 100% susceptible to fluconazole and micafungin. The susceptibility rates to Amphotericin B and flucytosine were 95% and 99%, respectively. The susceptibility rates of non-albicans Candida spp. (NAC) to fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericine B, caspofungin, flucytosine and micafungin were 70%, 99%, 97%, ,72%, 92% and 100%, respectively. The incidence of Candida infections was higher in the intensive care unit and surgery department as compared to other hospital departments.

Conclusions

Four pathogens are responsible for the most invasive infections: C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis. A notable characteristic of this study was the high frequency of NAC species which were often more resistant to antifungal agents. A quick and accurate system like Vitek 2 compact was suggested for the careful species identification of clinical isolates of Candida. We suggest that continued surveillance of species distribution and susceptibility to antifungals will enhance future burden estimates and assist in evaluating preventative measures’ effectiveness.
Pediatric pleuropulmonary blastoma: analysis of four cases
Authors: Hemead Hana , Aly Rania Gaber , Kotb Mostafa , Abdelaziz Ahmed
Published: October 2024

Background

Pleuropulmonary Blastoma (PPB) is an extremely uncommon, highly aggressive tumor that arises from either the lungs or pleura. According to Dehner, PPB was classified into three groups: type I (cystic), type II (mixed), and type III (solid). Type I tends to occur more commonly in infants and has a more favorable prognosis compared to types II and III. This tumor is very rare in pediatric age group; hence, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment regimen for it to date. Type I tumors, which resemble congenital lung cysts, can eventually progress to more aggressive type II and type III tumors. This article aims to increase general awareness of this pathology, clinical presentation, and differential diagnosis in order to identify this rare entity early in its course. By presenting 4 such cases, we highlight that PPB can be missed early in diagnosis and it is important to be alert when putting this rare tumor in differential diagnosis of cystic lung lesions.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted between 2015 and 2020 involving patients who had a definitive diagnosis of PPB with emphasis on clinical presentation, preoperative imaging studies, intra-operative findings, pathological reports, ancillary treatment, and outcomes. All patients were followed up every 6 months to monitor local recurrence and distant metastasis by undergoing physical exam and non-contrast enhanced CT of the chest. The primary outcome is to identify the mortality and morbidity (recurrence and distant metastasis) of PPB for cases admitted in our institute.

Results

Four children were diagnosed with PPB during the study period. Clinically, patients presented with manifestations ranging from respiratory distress, fever to obstructive shock and radiologically, 2 cases were presented with mediastinal mass and the other 2 presented with pneumothorax. Regrettably, none of the cases were diagnosed pre-operatively. One lesion proved to be type I, 2 were type II and one was type III. All cases underwent chemotherapy using the combination of vincristine, Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (VAC regimen). Recurrence was detected in a type II case, around 2 years after operation, and the other type II case developed brain metastasis that was discovered 3 years after operation. Type I case showed no local or distant metastasis.

Conclusion

A prompt preoperative diagnosis and workup of cases of PPB is crucial to enable optimal intervention intraoperatively and early postoperative treatment. Though it is uncommon, PPB should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lung lesions.