bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Effectiveness Study of Speech and Surgical Outcomes: Study Overview
Authors: Chapman Kathy L. , Sitzman Thomas , Baylis Adriane , Hardin-Jones Mary , Kirschner Richard , Temkit M'hamed (Hamy) ,   on behalf of the Cleft Outcomes Research NETwork (CORNET) Consortium
Published: October 2024

Aims

To provide an overview of the Cleft Outcomes Research NETwork (CORNET) and the CORNET Speech and Surgery study. The study is (1) comparing speech outcomes and fistula rate between two common palate repair techniques, straight-line closure with intra-velar veloplasty (IVVP) and Furlow Double-Opposing Z-palatoplasty (Furlow Z-plasty); (2) summarizing practice variation in the utilization of early intervention speech-language (EI-SL) services; and (3) exploring the association between EI-SL services and speech outcomes.

Design

Prospective, longitudinal, observational, comparative effectiveness, multi-center.

Sites

Twenty sites across the United States.

Participants

One thousand two hundred forty-seven children with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP ± L). Children with submucous cleft palate or bilateral sensorineural severe to profound hearing loss were excluded from participation.

Interventions

Straight-line closure with IVVP or Furlow Z-plasty based on each surgeon's standard clinical protocol.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The primary study outcome is perceptual ratings of hypernasality judged from speech samples collected at 3 years of age. Secondary outcomes are fistula rate, measures of speech production, and quality of life. The statistical analyses will include generalized estimating equations with propensity score weighting to address potential confounders.

Current Progress

Recruitment was completed in February 2023; 80% of children have been retained to date. Five hundred sixty two children have completed their final 3-year speech assessment. Final study activities will end in early 2025.

Conclusions

This study addresses long-standing questions related to the effectiveness of the two most common palatoplasty approaches and describes CORNET which provides an infrastructure that will streamline future studies in all areas of cleft care.
The Disparate Correlates of Populist Support in the United States
Authors: Armaly Miles T. , Enders Adam M.
Published: October 2024

Recent years have witnessed a global uptick in populist candidates and sentiment. Populist communication and campaign styles are well-studied, but whom in the U.S. mass public is attracted to populist ideas and why is still subject to debate. Using unique survey data, we employ latent profile analysis to estimate constellations of characteristics and orientations that relate to support for populist ideas in the United States. Instead of a single, linear path, there are several routes to populist support composed of many combinations of social, psychological, and political characteristics. Whereas some turn to populism because they feel like victims of the political system, others do so to create exclusive sovereignty for their preferred identity group(s). We also find that populist support is more connected to psychological and political orientations than socioeconomic circumstances or even political predispositions, such as partisanship. While populism, itself, is not anti-democratic, some forms of populist support appear to be exclusionary on the grounds of race, religion, and political identity.
Analytical study and control of high-speed vehicle hunting stability with traction/braking torque
Authors: Zhang Zhanfei , Zhou Jinsong , Sun Wenjing , Gong Dao , Wang Zegen , Wang Tengfei , Li Xiaoyu
Published: October 2024

The lateral dynamics of railway vehicles are significantly influenced by traction and braking forces, primarily due to the saturation effects inherent in wheel-rail creep. This study establishes a dynamic modelling approach for railway wheelsets subject to traction and braking torques. It unravels the impacts of these forces on the stability of lateral oscillations, commonly known as hunting stability. An analytical method is employed to investigate the influence of traction and braking torque on the critical velocity required to maintain the stability of hunting motion. The results demonstrate the beneficial effects of traction and braking torque in enhancing hunting stability. Subsequently, an innovative strategy is proposed for maintaining the stability of hunting motion in high-speed vehicles. This involves applying traction and braking torque separately to the front and rear wheelsets of each bogie. The proposed method is then applied to a high-speed vehicle experiencing strong lateral vibrations under unstable conditions. The findings affirm the efficacy and safety of controlling hunting stability through interventions of traction and braking forces. This approach proves effective in mitigating abnormal vibrations arising from hunting instability in high-speed vehicles.
Recurrent, multisystem angioedema induced by 5-azacitidine
Authors: Alchaikh Hassan Ruba , Salmasi Shiva , Ghafarzadeh Zahra , Dasanu Constantin A.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

5-azacitidine is a hypomethylating agent (HMA) used for treating myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and certain myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Common side effects include myelosuppression, nausea and injection site reactions. Serious allergic reactions are rare with this class of agents.

Case Report

We describe a 71-year-old man with MDS/MPN who developed repeated episodes of angioedema after starting treatment with subcutaneous 5-azacitidine. Angioedema involved multiple body areas including the neck, genitalia, lower back and gastrointestinal system. Causality assessment linked this entity to 5-azacitidine via the Naranjo nomogram questionnaire, by scoring 9.

Management and Outcome

5-azacitidine was discontinued due to recurrent episodes of angioedema that occurred even after dose reduction. Steroids were helpful in terms of reversing this reaction. Afterwards, no further episodes of angioedema have been documented. The patient's thrombocytosis is currently well-controlled with low dose hydroxyurea.

Discussion/Conclusion

We report herein a unique case of recurrent, multisystem angioedema likely related to 5-azacitidine. The exact mechanism of azacitidine-induced angioedema is not currently known. Symptoms, clinical findings and timing of presentation are not always clear-cut, and it may take more than one cycle of 5-azacitidine before the diagnosis is made. Supportive and symptomatic treatment will be provided based on the severity of the reaction. Future studies may offer more insights into the mechanism underlying this rare and serious, yet intriguing side effect.
Biomarkers From Discovery to Clinical Application: In Silico Pre-Clinical Validation Approach in the Face of Lung Cancer
Authors: Kori Medi , Gov Esra , Arga Kazim Yalcin , Sinha Raghu
Published: October 2024

Background:

Clinical biomarkers, allow better classification of patients according to their disease risk, prognosis, and/or response to treatment. Although affordable omics-based approaches have paved the way for quicker identification of putative biomarkers, validation of biomarkers is necessary for translation of discoveries into clinical application.

Objective:

Accordingly, in this study, we emphasize the potential of in silico approaches and have proposed and applied 3 novel sequential in silico pre-clinical validation steps to better identify the biomarkers that are truly desirable for clinical investment.

Design:

As protein biomarkers are becoming increasingly important in the clinic alongside other molecular biomarkers and lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths, we used protein biomarkers for lung cancer as an illustrative example to apply our in silico pre-clinical validation approach.

Methods:

We collected the reported protein biomarkers for 3 cases (lung adenocarcinoma-LUAD, squamous cell carcinoma-LUSC, and unspecified lung cancer) and evaluated whether the protein biomarkers have cancer altering properties (i.e., act as tumor suppressors or oncoproteins and represent cancer hallmarks), are expressed in body fluids, and can be targeted by FDA-approved drugs.

Results:

We collected 3008 protein biomarkers for lung cancer, 1189 for LUAD, and 182 for LUSC. Of these protein biomarkers for lung cancer, LUAD, and LUSC, only 28, 25, and 6 protein biomarkers passed the 3 in silico pre-clinical validation steps examined, and of these, only 5 and 2 biomarkers were specific for lung cancer and LUAD, respectively.

Conclusion:

In this study, we applied our in silico pre-clinical validation approach the protein biomarkers for lung cancer cases. However, this approach can be applied and adapted to all cancer biomarkers. We believe that this approach will greatly facilitate the transition of cancer biomarkers into the clinical phase and offers great potential for future biomarker research.
The Effect of Communication Emails on Web Survey Response Rate, Representativeness, and Response Bias: Results from a Factorial Randomized Control Trial in a College Student Population
Authors: Clasing-Manquian Paula , Gonzalez John
Published: October 2024

Web surveys are popular in social sciences for reaching a large audience at a low cost and in a short period. However, response rates and nonresponse bias are still issues of concern. Using a factorial randomized control trial design, this study explores whether different communication emails affect response rates, representativeness, and response bias in a web survey of doctoral students enrolled in a U.S. university. A total of 5,539 doctoral students were stratified and randomly assigned to one of six groups. Results showed that none of the interventions increased the overall response rate. Moreover, interventions affect the representativeness of the sample and are associated with response bias.
Development and Validation of an Automatic Computerized Neurocognitive Battery in Chinese
Authors: Zhang Ji , Hong Ze-yu , Yang Liu , Li Xiao-Jia , Ye Fang
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Neuropsychological test batteries, which accurately and comprehensively assess cognitive functions, are a crucial approach in the early detection of and interventions for cognitive impairments. However, these tests have yet to gain wide clinical application in China owing to their complexity and time-consuming nature. This study aimed to develop the Computerized Neurocognitive Battery for Chinese-Speaking participants (CNBC), an autorun and autoscoring cognitive assessment tool to provide efficient and accurate cognitive evaluations for Chinese-Speaking individuals.

Methods

The CNBC was developed through collaboration between clinical neurologists and software engineers. Qualified volunteers were recruited to complete CNBC and traditional neurocognitive batteries. The reliability and validity of the CNBC were evaluated by analyzing the correlations between the measurements obtained from the computerized and the paper-based assessment and those between software-based scoring and manual scoring.

Results

The CNBC included 4 subtests and an autorun version. Eighty-six volunteers aged 51-82 years with 7-22 years of education were included. Significant correlations (0.256-0.666) were observed between paired measures associated with attention, executive function, and episodic memory from the CNBC and the traditional paper-based neurocognitive batteries. This suggests a strong construct validity of the CNBC in assessing these cognitive domains. Furthermore, the correlation coefficients between manual scoring and system scoring ranged from 0.904-1.0, indicating excellent inter-rater reliability for the CNBC.

Interpretation

A novel CNBC equipped with automated testing and scoring features was developed in this study. The preliminary results confirm its strong reliability and validity, indicating its promising potential for clinical utilization.
Cold Environment-Associated Extremity Lesions or Severe Hypothermia Help Differentiate Between Frostbitten and Trench Foot (Immersion Foot)
Authors: Suito Motomu , Yanagida Takuya , Ohtsubo Miho , Tsunekawa Kazuhiro , Kikuchi Niro
Published: October 2024

Cold associated foot injuries, such as frostbite and trench foot (immersion foot) are relatively common in cold environments. The former is classified as a freezing cold injury, and the latter as a nonfreezing cold injury. Trench foot is sometimes misdiagnosed as frostbite, and rapid rewarming exacerbates the condition. This paper aims to help differentiate between frostbitten foot and trench foot. This study included patients with frostbitten foot or trench foot treated at our hospital between December 2005 and May 2023. The differences in sex, age, month of injury, conditions at the time of injury, injury distribution, foot lesion laterality, other complications upon arrival (finger frostbite, immersion hand, or hypothermia), and presence and distribution of sensory disturbance at discharge were noted among the groups. A total of 16 patients (14 men) with frostbitten foot and 3 patients (3 men) with trench foot were identified. Finger frostbite observed in nine and zero patients with frostbitten foot and trench foot, respectively; and severe hypothermia on arrival observed in five and zero patients with frostbitten foot and trench foot, respectively. Physical findings at the initial examination showed that the frostbitten feet were dry, and the lesions were distal and clearly demarcated, whereas feet with trench foot were wet, and the lesions covered the entire sole and were not clearly demarcated. Accurate differentiation between frostbitten foot and trench foot and appropriate initial treatment are important. The presence of finger frostbite, immersion hand or severe hypothermia may help to differentiate between frostbitten foot and trench foot.
Clinical Outcomes After Distal Bypass in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia due to Connective Tissue Disease
Authors: Kobayashi Taira , Hamamoto Masaki , Okazaki Takanobu , Okusako Ryo , Shimoda Hironori , Hasegawa Misa , Takahashi Shinya
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is mostly caused by arteriosclerosis, but is sometimes due to connective tissue disease. However, there is a limited knowledge of clinical outcomes of patients with CLTI with connective tissue disease. The objective of the study was to assess outcomes after distal bypass in these patients using global vascular guidelines.

Material and Methods

Data from distal bypasses performed for CLTI at a single center from 2014 to 2023 were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical outcomes after distal bypass were compared for patients with CLTI with arteriosclerosis (AS group) and those with connective tissue disease (CD group). The primary endpoints were limb salvage and wound healing.

Results

Of the 282 distal bypasses performed for 222 patients with CLTI, 22 were conducted for 21 patients with connective tissue disease (CD group). The connective tissue disease was progressive systemic scleroderma (n = 11 patients), pemphigoid diseases (n = 2), polyarteritis nodosa (n = 2), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 2), and others (n = 4). Compared with the AS group, the CD group included more females ( P = .007) and had greater oral steroid use ( P < .001) and a higher Global Limb Anatomical Staging System (GLASS) inframalleolar (IM) modifier P2 ( P < .001). The mean follow-up period of the whole cohort was 27 ± 22 months with no significant difference between the groups ( P = .25), and 22 limbs required major amputation during this period. The 2-year limb salvage rate was significantly lower in the CD group compared to the AS group (75% vs 94%, P = .020). Wound healing was achieved in 220 (78%) limbs, and the 12-month wound healing rate was significantly lower in the CD group (52% vs 86%, P = .006).

Conclusion

The low 2-year limb salvage and 12-month wound healing rates in patients with CLTI with connective tissue disease indicate that distal bypass may be challenging in these patients.
Clinicopathologic Features and Prognoses of Male Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Huang Meiling , Xiao Jingjing , Yan Changjiao , Ling Rui , Wang Ting
Published: October 2024

Breast cancer is rare in men and is managed using strategies similar to those for breast cancer in women. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological features, treatment, and survival of male breast cancer (MBC). A total of 66 patients with MBC admitted into Xijing Hospital from August 2006 to March 2024 were reviewed. Data were collected from patients’ hospital records and breast cancer database of Xijing Hospital. The incidence of MBC tended to increase from 2018, with affected individuals being older than those with female breast cancer (FBC). The most common histological type of MBC was invasive carcinoma, with positive hormone receptor status. A total of 62 (93.9%) patients with MBC underwent modified radical mastectomy. Chemotherapy was administered to 39 (59.1%) patients, while endocrine therapy was received by 14 patients (21.2%) and radiotherapy by nine patients (13.6%). Survival analysis indicated that the median overall survival (OS) of patients with MBC was 46.7 months (0.9–184.8 months). As of the latest data, 58 patients (87.9%) with MBC are alive. Factors significantly associated with survival included age (χ2 = 3.856, p = .050), estrogen receptor (χ2 = 10.427, p = .005), molecular types (χ2 = 10.641, p = .031), P63 (χ2 = 2.631, p < .001), and endocrine therapy (χ2 = 31.167, p < .001). These findings provide valuable insights into MBC within the Chinese population and serve as a reference for the standard treatment of MBC.
Jugular venous narrowing and spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks: A case–control study exploring association and proposed mechanism
Authors: Manupipatpong Sasicha , Primiani Christopher T , Fargen Kyle M , Amans Matthew R , Leithe Linda , Schievink Wouter I , Luciano Mark G , Hui Ferdinand K
Published: October 2024

Background

Spontaneous skull base cerebrospinal fluid leaks (CSFLs) are associated with increased intracranial pressure in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and hypothesized to relate to skull base erosions due to increased CSF pressure. Given the increasing recognition of internal jugular venous stenosis (IJVS) as a cause of intracranial hypertension (IH), we evaluated the relationship between spinal CSFL and venous causes of IH.

Methods

The spinal CSFL database at a single institution was assessed to identify 12 consecutive spontaneous, non-traumatic spinal CSFL patients with CTV data. Exclusion criteria included documented IIH and iatrogenic CSFL. Demographics, clinical parameters, imaging characteristics, and IJV manometry results were recorded. Internal jugular venous stenosis was graded as: none (0–10%), mild (10–50%), moderate (50–80%), severe (>80–99%), and occluded (100%). Twelve consecutive patients who presented with cerebrovascular accidents without CSFL, matched by age and sex, were similarly analyzed as a control group. STROBE guidelines were used in reporting results.

Results

All CSFL patients had IJVS (83.3% bilateral, 33.3% severe) compared to 41.7% of the control group (33.3% bilateral, 16.7% severe-occluded); p = 0.04. All CSFL patients with available venogram manometry data had at least unilateral IJV gradients. Most patients presented with modified Rankin score (mRS) of 1 (66.7%), but in those with higher mRS, medical and/or surgical interventions were associated with decreased morbidity.

Conclusion

Spontaneous spinal CSFL was associated with IJVS in patients not meeting IIH criteria. Persistently high CSF pressure resulting in CSFL may cause opening pressure to be falsely normal or low. Internal jugular venous stenosis may be a viable target in recurrent CSFL management and improve morbidity.
The Latvian Lost Cause: Veterans of the Waffen-SS Latvian Legion and Post-war Mythogenesis
Authors: Merritt Harry C
Published: October 2024

During World War II, tens of thousands of Latvians served in German-led military formations, primarily in the Waffen-SS Latvian Legion. After the war, around 25,000 former Legionnaires transitioned from prisoner of war camps run by the Western Allies to civilian life in a variety of Western countries. They created veterans’ organisations — such as Daugavas Vanagi (‘Hawks of the Daugava’) — which also functioned as political advocacy groups and heritage organisations for the Latvian diaspora. These post-war organisations and platforms then allowed former Latvian Legionnaires to shape public memory of the war. In writings after 1945, a cohort of veterans crafted a narrative of the war that (1) presents their military service as representing a righteous cause defeated either by forms of betrayal or by the overwhelming might of the Soviet Union, (2) develops a cult of the fallen soldier, and (3) mystifies German war aims and the relationship of Latvian Legionnaires to them. Through analysis of memoirs and periodical publications by veterans along with forms of public commemoration, I argue that these materials and practices collectively constitute a ‘Lost Cause’ narrative, which, similar to the Lost Cause of the Confederacy — developed in the U.S. South after the American Civil War — became predominant among the Latvian diaspora before spreading to Latvia itself. This framework allows for productive comparisons with other European countries that experienced traumatic military defeats, representing a new approach to this controversial subject with potential application to similar cases in Ukraine and Estonia.
Metal additive manufacturing of conformal cooling channels for improving the quality of metal injection–molded products
Authors: Chung Chen-Yuan , Liu Chuan-Jen
Published: October 2024

The primary advantage of metal injection molding (MIM) is that it can be used to mass-produce complex metal products; however, it requires a few secondary processes. Metal additive manufacturing (MAM) technology is maturing, and conformal cooling channels have been widely used in injection molding. However, plastic injection molding remains the topic most often discussed in the literature. The present study combined MIM with MAM to explore the effect of conformal cooling channels on green parts and molds, which is the novelty of this study. In the design stage, the benefits of the conformal cooling channels were evaluated using the injection molding simulation software Moldex3D. The results revealed that the mold preheating time required when conformal cooling channels were used was 92.8% shorter than that required when conventional cooling channels were used. This study used three-dimensional printing of metal to fabricate the die cores and cavities for conformal cooling channels, and trial runs were conducted to compare the conformal cooling channels with conventional cooling channels. Infrared thermographic imaging revealed that the conformal cooling channels improved cavity temperature uniformity by 15.46% and core temperature uniformity by 3.49%; these improvements are crucial because the quality of green parts is strongly affected by the control of temperature in the mold. When a suitable coolant temperature was applied, the conformal cooling channels removed heat more effectively, resulting in a lower mold temperature and shorter cooling time. During an actual trial run, the cooling efficiency of the adopted conformal cooling channel mold was higher than that of the adopted conventional mold. In addition, the production of green parts remained smooth operation. The dimensions of the green parts obtained using the conformal cooling channels were comparable to those obtained using the conventional cooling channels, which proved that the conformal cooling channel mold yielded green parts with similar dimensional accuracy while reducing the cycle time.
Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in pancreatic cancer: is it a worthwhile endeavor?
Authors: Ouissam Al Jarroudi , Hind Chibani , Sami Aziz Brahmi , Said Afqir
Published: October 2024

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive disease that is challenging to treat and is associated with a high mortality rate. The most common type of PC is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and the existing treatment options are insufficient for PDAC patients. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of PDAC, personalized medicine is necessary for effectively treating this illness. To achieve this, it is essential to understand the mechanism of PDAC carcinogenesis. Targeted therapies are a promising strategy to improve patient outcomes. Aberrant activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in PC pathogenesis, from initiation to progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the PI3K pathway in PDAC, summarizes clinical data on PI3K pathway inhibition in PDAC, and explores potential effective combinations that are a promising direction requiring further investigation in PDAC.
Differential diagnosis between low-risk and high-risk thymoma: Comparison of diagnostic performance of radiologists with and without deep learning model
Authors: Yoshida Yuriko , Yanagawa Masahiro , Sato Yukihisa , Miyata Tomo , Kawata Atsushi , Hata Akinori , Tomiyama Noriyuki
Published: October 2024

Background

There are few CT-based deep learning (DL) studies on thymoma according to the World Health Organization classification.

Purpose

To develop a CT-based DL model to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk thymoma and to compare the diagnostic performance of radiologists with and without the DL model.

Material and Methods

159 patients with 160 thymomas were included. A fine-tuning VGG16 network model with Adam optimizer was used, followed by k-fold cross validation. The dataset consisted of three axial slices, including the maximum tumor size from the CT volume data. The data were augmented 50 times by rotation, zoom, shear, and horizontal/vertical flip. Three independent networks for the CT dataset were considered, and the result was determined by voting. Three radiologists independently diagnosed thymomas with and without the model. The area under the curve (AUC) of the diagnostic performance was compared using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

Accuracy of the DL model was 71.3%. Diagnostic performance of the radiologists was as follows: AUC and accuracy without the DL model, 0.61–0.68 and 61.9%–69.3%; and with the DL model, 0.66–0.69 and 68.1%–70.0%, respectively. AUC of the diagnostic performance showed no significant differences between radiologists with and without the DL model. The DL model tended to increase the diagnostic accuracy, but AUC was not significantly improved.

Conclusion

Diagnostic performance of the DL was comparable to that of radiologists. The DL model assistance tended to increase diagnostic accuracy.
Practice Patterns and Return-to-Sports Timing of National Football League Head Team Physicians for ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Arner Justin W. , Bradley James P.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Previous surveys of the practice patterns for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in collegiate and professional team physicians have shown bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autograft being the most common graft, with variable return-to-sports timing.

Purpose:

To evaluate the current practice patterns and return-to-sports timing of National Football League (NFL) head team physicians for ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Method:

All 32 NFL head team orthopaedic surgeons were surveyed and asked their primary ACL graft preference, revision ACL graft preference, use of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) or anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALL), use of suture brace augmentation, return-to-sport timing, and whether functional testing was utilized in determining readiness of return to play. The years of experience of the physician were also evaluated.

Results:

All 32 head team physicians responded, with 31 (97%) using ipsilateral BPTB autograft in the primary setting and 1 using ipsilateral quadriceps autograft. In the revision setting, 24 (75%) physicians preferred a contralateral BPTB autograft, while 5 (16%) used an ipsilateral quadriceps autograft, 1 (3%) used a contralateral quadriceps autograft, and 2 (6%) used a BPTB allograft. One respondent (3%) used suture brace augmentation “most of the time” in the primary setting and always in the revision setting. No respondents utilized an ALL or LET in the primary setting and 2 (6%) respondents always performed an LET in revisions. Five others (16%) have performed at least 1 ALL or LET in an NFL athlete. Mean return to sports was at 9 months postoperatively, with no physicians allowing players to return before 7 months. All but 1 respondent used functional testing in return-to-sports decision-making.

Conclusion:

All but 1 of the 32 NFL head team physicians used BPTB autograft in primary ACL reconstruction. The majority preferred contralateral BPTB autograft in revisions, with a few considering extra-articular procedures or suture bracing in addition. On average, head team physicians allowed players to return at 9 months postoperatively, with none allowing return before 7 months. Nearly all utilized functional testing to aid in return-to-play decision-making. These homogenous findings in this high-risk and public athletic cohort aid in patient education and clinical decision-making for best treatment of ACL injuries, particularly in contact athletes.
Selective Migration Policies With Chinese Characteristics
Authors: Koslowski Rey , Ding Sheng
Published: October 2024

Executive Summary

This article examines China’s recruitment of high-skilled migrants within a broader comparative analysis of selective migration strategies and adds the neglected Chinese case to the comparative immigration policy literature. China adopted certain selective migration polices from other countries, such as Canada and the United States, but its selective migration strategy does not fit established categories. Beginning in 2013, the Chinese communist government enacted new laws and issued new regulations to attract foreign talent and better regulate the entry, residence and employment of foreigners. The contours of China’s distinctive selective migration policy became more defined as Beijing established a point system combined with a job offer requirement; reformed the Z visa, which is issued to those with a college degree who intend to work in China; established the R visa for exceptionally high-skilled migrants; and adopted more liberal policies on permanent residency for the highly skilled. These policies, combined with the opportunities presented by China’s rapidly growing economy, attracted growing numbers of university graduates and propelled China, to become, for a brief period before the COVID-19 pandemic, a major destination for high-skilled migrants.
Analysis of Predicted Thermal Manikin Physiological Responses when Wearing Compression Gear for American College and Pro-Level Football Athletes
Authors: Riedy Reannan , Maya Isabel , McQuerry Meredith
Published: October 2024

From 2012 to 2019, there were approximately 3455 large-scale National Football League injuries reported. There is widespread commercial acceptance of compression garments as tools for reducing injury, promoting recovery, and improving performance in athletic activity. While studies have been conducted to assess the exercise physiology benefits of compression garments, there remains a gap in the scientific literature regarding the clothing comfort and resultant thermoregulation effects of compression girdles for performance athletes. This study aimed to assess the effects of tighter fitting, multi-layer compression systems when worn by American football athletes. A negative impact on thermoregulation may negate or outweigh any realized local benefit such as increased skin blood flow or reduced muscle oscillatory properties. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine the predicted hypothalamus temperature, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, temperature sensation, and comfort perceptions of the male human body when wearing a compression girdle. A sweating thermal manikin was utilized to predict the physiological responses of a 50th percentile male when wearing football girdles in both practice and play settings. The results indicate significant differences in skin blood flow, skin temperature, core temperature, sweat rate, and comfort and sensation perceptions when wearing compression girdles compared to boxer briefs in replicated practice and play settings. Findings also demonstrate the use of real-time manikin simulation modeling for predicting physiological response outcomes of wearing compression garments to a realized extent.
Dynamic Hydrophobic Behavior of Water Droplet on Siloxane-Based SiO2 Nanoparticle Modified Cotton Fabric
Authors: Kong Que , Li Zhiguang
Published: October 2024

In this paper, modified SiO2 nanoparticles were selected to improve the surface roughness and decrease the surface energy to improve the hydrophobic performance of cotton fabric. Tetraethoxysilane and octadecyltriethoxysilane were used as raw materials to synthesize octadecyltriethoxysilane-modified SiO2 nanoparticles (siloxane-SiO2), and combined with cotton fabric. The chemical composition and surface morphology of the fabric were measured. The contact angles of the modified cotton fabrics prepared under different reaction conditions were approaching or above 150°. In addition, dynamic evolutions of water droplets on the modified cotton fabric surface were discussed. The adhesive force and the energy conversion of droplet during the collision were investigated. The water droplet bounced due to the superhydrophobic properties of the cotton fabric surface producing enough residual energy. Finally, through the acid–base chemical resistance treatments, the rubbing and washing durability, and anti-fouling experiment, the modified fabric indicated excellent hydrophobic durability and self-cleaning performance.
Material subjects: Wetland enclosure and the making of a speculative peasantry in peri-urban Vientiane
Authors: Chen Wanjing Kelly , Kenney-Lazar Miles
Published: October 2024

Peri-urbanization in Asia, which is driven by state-led mega-projects, has incorporated peasants on the fringes of cities into the urban fabric through land dispossession and displacement. This paper enriches ongoing debates on peasant experiences in urbanization, with a focus on the role of non-human nature. We apply an urban political ecology analysis that dialectically integrates analyses of political–economic forces and materiality, showing how they mediate peasant dispossession and post-agrarian subjectivities. Drawing on research conducted on the eastern fringe of Vientiane, Laos, where a stretch of agrarian wetland lay, we demonstrate how partial real estate enclosures transformed the ecology of the entire area. Altered flows of water engineered by state officials and project developers constrained agricultural production and peasant livelihoods. The drainage and filling of land combined with a burgeoning property market left landowners with little option but to treat their land as real estate. By engaging in land deals and micro-level property development, these former peasants actively integrated themselves into the emerging urban economy, albeit with uneven success. Our research highlights how the intersection of material nature with the forces and influences of state and capital mediates wetland enclosure, peri-urbanization, and the production of post-agrarian subjectivities.
Interventions to improve clinical trial recruitment with a focus on clinical staff from the recruiting site: a systematic review
Authors: Hermann Laura , Arundel Catherine , Thomas Abin , Twiddy Maureen , Clark Laura
Published: October 2024

Background

Difficulties recruiting to clinical trials are well-documented. Strategies to engage staff from the clinical site where recruitment takes place may be helpful in increasing recruitment rates.

Aim

To systematically review the literature to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that aim to increase recruitment to clinical trials, focused on clinical site staff who support recruitment.

Methods

A systematic search for randomised studies within a trial (SWATs) that aimed to improve recruitment to a randomised host trial in the field of health or social care aimed at clinical site staff was conducted. Studies were excluded if they aimed to increase retention, were targeted at participants, or the SWAT or host trial were non-randomised. Database and hand searches were conducted up to 25th July 2024. The primary outcome was the rate of recruitment. The Cochrane RoB2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias of included studies.

Results

A total of seven studies were retrieved; all had a high risk or some concerns of bias. Studies evaluated heterogenous interventions and were synthesised narratively. A digital training package for trainee principal investigators was the only intervention to demonstrate a statistically significant effect.

Conclusion

Due to the small number of studies retrieved and the heterogeneity between them, it was not possible to make any conclusions of effectiveness of any strategy at helping clinical site staff to recruit optimally. To prevent research waste, future SWATs need to focus on replications of recruitment interventions in populations and settings of need, rather than further single-study replications.

Registration

PROSPERO CRD42022346585.
Using PROMIS Methodology to Create Self-Report Measures of Mindfulness and Related Concepts
Authors: Victorson David , Morone Natalia E. , Pilkonis Paul A. , Schalet Benjamin , Yu Lan , Jackson Kathryn L. , Dodds Nathan , Horowitz Bruriah , Johnston Kelly , McFarland Christine , Klem Mary Lou , Sauer Christina , Choi Seung , Moskowitz Judith T. , Ong Jason C. , Addington Elizabeth L. , Satyshur Maureen D. , Suss Stephen J. , Daehler Sarah , Greco Carol M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Mindfulness meditation is ubiquitous in health care, education, and communities at large. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) are the focus of hundreds of NIH-funded trials given the myriad health benefits associated with this practice across multiple populations. Notwithstanding, significant gaps exist in how mindfulness concepts are measured using currently available self-report instruments. Due to the number of available mindfulness measurement tools, each measuring different aspects, it is difficult to determine the extent to which individuals develop comparable mindfulness skills and attitudes and which health benefits can be attributed to which gains in mindfulness. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) has established a rigorous instrument development methodology to create brief, precise, and clinically relevant outcomes tools.

Objective

This is the first of 4 papers representing an NCCIH-funded initiative ( R01AT009539 ), which has applied PROMIS® instrument development methodologies to mindfulness measurement to improve the rigor, relevance, and reproducibility of MBI research results.

Methods/Results

This introductory paper sets the stage for why improved mindfulness measurement tools are needed and briefly describes the PROMIS® development approach. The second 2 papers highlight results from a national survey, focus groups, and expert interviews to identify and organize relevant mindfulness concepts, domains, and items for eventual item bank creation. The fourth paper reviews the item writing and development process of these new instruments, including results from stakeholder cognitive interviews and a translatability review.

Conclusion

Together these papers feature the rigorous development approach, rationale, logic, and significance that supports the development, calibration, and validation of new PROMIS® measures of mindfulness and related concepts.
POLYBUTYLENE COMPOUNDS AS LID SroCK SEALANTS FOR EASY OPEN PACKAGING-AN UPDATE
Authors: Hwo C. C. , Graff W. J. , Secrist J. W.
Published: October 2024

Several compounds based on polybutylene have been evaluated for use as the peelable heat sealant layer of lid stocks. Such lid stocks are suitable as the lids for containers, trays or pouches made of polypropylene or polyethylene or made of other materials which have surface layers of these polyolefins. The packages made from these systems can be conveniently opened by consumers.
OPTIMIZING COF, SEAL PERFORMANCE, AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYOLEFIN PLASTOMERS
Authors: Wooster Jeffrey J. , Simmons Brian E.
Published: October 2024

Research was conducted to determine the effects of slip additive level, antiblock additive level, and sealant layer thickness on the coefficient of friction, heat seal, hot tack, and optical properties of a coextruded blown film containing a polyolefin plastomer as the sealant layer. Mathematical modeling of the data was completed to determine the quantitative response of the various film properties to the control variables evaluated. Each film property responds differently to the control variables, so an optimum combination of film properties can be selected by appropriately selecting the optimum sealant layer thickness, slip additive level, and antiblock additive level.
APPLICATION OF BIREFRINGENCE To FILM BLOWING
Authors: Ghaneh-Fard A. , Carreau P. J. , Lafleur P. G.
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a brief review of the flow birefringence technique and the analysis of the transmission of light through the blown film at an oblique angle. The rheological application of the technique is based on the stress-optical law whose validity and restrictions are discussed. The technique is able to fully determine the stress tensor in the bubble by using different light paths. Preliminary birefringence measurements are reported. The birefringence value is very low in the melt zone. However, it increases drastically in the vicinity of the frost line height where crystallization begins. The birefringence continues to increase above the frost line. It appears that the birefringence is highly affected by crystallization. The orientation of the crystalline phase is considerably higher than that of the molten polymer chains.
Tabular deep learning: a comparative study applied to multi-task genome-wide prediction
Authors: Fan Yuhua , Waldmann Patrik
Published: October 2024

Purpose

More accurate prediction of phenotype traits can increase the success of genomic selection in both plant and animal breeding studies and provide more reliable disease risk prediction in humans. Traditional approaches typically use regression models based on linear assumptions between the genetic markers and the traits of interest. Non-linear models have been considered as an alternative tool for modeling genomic interactions (i.e. non-additive effects) and other subtle non-linear patterns between markers and phenotype. Deep learning has become a state-of-the-art non-linear prediction method for sound, image and language data. However, genomic data is better represented in a tabular format. The existing literature on deep learning for tabular data proposes a wide range of novel architectures and reports successful results on various datasets. Tabular deep learning applications in genome-wide prediction (GWP) are still rare. In this work, we perform an overview of the main families of recent deep learning architectures for tabular data and apply them to multi-trait regression and multi-class classification for GWP on real gene datasets.

Methods

The study involves an extensive overview of recent deep learning architectures for tabular data learning: NODE, TabNet, TabR, TabTransformer, FT-Transformer, AutoInt, GANDALF, SAINT and LassoNet. These architectures are applied to multi-trait GWP. Comprehensive benchmarks of various tabular deep learning methods are conducted to identify best practices and determine their effectiveness compared to traditional methods.

Results

Extensive experimental results on several genomic datasets (three for multi-trait regression and two for multi-class classification) highlight LassoNet as a standout performer, surpassing both other tabular deep learning models and the highly efficient tree based LightGBM method in terms of both best prediction accuracy and computing efficiency.

Conclusion

Through series of evaluations on real-world genomic datasets, the study identifies LassoNet as a standout performer, surpassing decision tree methods like LightGBM and other tabular deep learning architectures in terms of both predictive accuracy and computing efficiency. Moreover, the inherent variable selection property of LassoNet provides a systematic way to find important genetic markers that contribute to phenotype expression.
Older adults’ preferences in the utilization of digital health and social services: a qualitative analysis of responses to open-ended questions
Authors: Laukka Elina , Lakoma Sanna , Harjumaa Marja , Hiltunen Suvi , Härkönen Henna , Jansson Miia , Leskelä Riikka-Leena , Martikainen Susanna , Pennanen Paula , Verho Anastasiya , Torkki Paulus
Published: October 2024

Background

While digital health and social services offer promising solutions, they often overlook the perspectives and needs of older adults. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the preferences of older adults regarding the use and development of digital health and social services.

Methods

The survey spanned from 19 March to 31 March 2023. The study population comprised 1100 Finnish individuals aged 75 and over from across Finland. The study used qualitative inductive content analysis to examine the open-ended responses obtained in the survey.

Results

We identified eight main categories for the older adults’ preferences: usability, service design, and security; training, support, instructions, and information; flexibility of compatible devices; understandable language and interpretation of laboratory results; available and accessible services; desired functionalities; delivery of information for viewing, and personalization.

Conclusions

Older adults’ involvement in digital services’ strategy development is crucial, emphasizing value co-creation and segmentation while avoiding value co-destruction. Segmenting users and understanding their needs aids in customizing services, improving healthcare provision. Further research should assess the impact of segmentation-based training and digital device provision on older adults’ adoption of digital health and social services.