bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood Pressure Estimation Using Explainable Deep-Learning Models Based on Photoplethysmography
Authors: Perdereau Jade , Chamoux Thibaut , Gayat Etienne , Le Gall Arthur , Vallée Fabrice , Cartailler Jérôme , Joachim Jona 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:
Due to their invasiveness, arterial lines are not typically used in routine monitoring, despite their superior responsiveness in hemodynamic monitoring and detecting intraoperative hypotension. To address this issue, noninvasive, continuous arterial pressure monitoring is necessary. We developed a deep-learning model that reconstructs continuous mean arterial pressure (MAP) using the photoplethysmograhy (PPG) signal and compared it to the arterial line gold standard.

METHODS:
We analyzed high-frequency PPG signals from 117 patients in neuroradiology and digestive surgery with a median of 2201 (interquartile range [IQR], 788–4775) measurements per patient. We compared models with different combinations of convolutional and recurrent layers using as inputs for our neural network high-frequency PPG and derived features including dicrotic notch relative amplitude, perfusion index, and heart rate. Mean absolute error (MAE) was used as performance metrics. Explainability of the deep-learning model was reconstructed with Grad-CAM, a visualization technique using saliency maps to highlight the parts of an input that are significant for a deep-learning model decision-making process.

RESULTS:
An MAP baseline model, which consisted only of standard cuff measures, reached an MAE of 6.1 (± 14.5) mm Hg. In contrast, the deep-learning model achieved an MAE of 3.5 (± 4.4) mm Hg on the external test set (a 42.6% improvement). This model also achieved the narrowest confidence intervals and met international standards used within the community (grade A). The saliency map revealed that the deep-learning model primarily extracts information near the dicrotic notch region.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our deep-learning model noninvasively estimates arterial pressure with high accuracy. This model may show potential as a decision-support tool in operating-room settings, particularly in scenarios where invasive blood pressure monitoring is unavailable.
Making sense of missense: challenges and opportunities in variant pathogenicity prediction
Authors: Molotkov Ivan , Mardis Elaine R. , Artomov Mykyta 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Computational tools for predicting variant pathogenicity are widely used to support clinical variant interpretation. Recently, several models, which do not rely on known variant classifications during training, have been developed. These approaches can potentially overcome biases of current clinical databases, such as misclassifications, and can potentially better generalize to novel, unclassified variants. AlphaMissense is one such model, built on the highly successful protein structure prediction model, AlphaFold. AlphaMissense has shown great performance in benchmarks of functional and clinical data, outperforming many supervised models that were trained on similar data. However, like other in silico predictors, AlphaMissense has notable limitations. As a large deep learning model, it lacks interpretability, does not assess the functional impact of variants, and provides pathogenicity scores that are not disease specific. Improving interpretability and precision in computational tools for variant interpretation remains a promising area for advancing clinical genetics.
Phase separation of microtubule-binding proteins – implications for neuronal function and disease
Authors: Duan Daisy , Koleske Anthony J. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Protein liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) is driven by intrinsically disordered regions and multivalent binding domains, both of which are common features of diverse microtubule (MT) regulators. Many in vitro studies have dissected the mechanisms by which MT-binding proteins (MBPs) regulate MT nucleation, stabilization and dynamics, and investigated whether LLPS plays a role in these processes. However, more recent in vivo studies have focused on how MBP LLPS affects biological functions throughout neuronal development. Dysregulation of MBP LLPS can lead to formation of aggregates – an underlying feature in many neurodegenerative diseases – such as the tau neurofibrillary tangles present in Alzheimer's disease. In this Review, we highlight progress towards understanding the regulation of MT dynamics through the lens of phase separation of MBPs and associated cytoskeletal regulators, from both in vitro and in vivo studies. We also discuss how LLPS of MBPs regulates neuronal development and maintains homeostasis in mature neurons.
The Impact of Perioperative Radiotherapy on Disease-Specific Survival in Patients with Localized Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma: A Population-Based Propensity-Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Wilhelm Alexander , Wiesler Benjamin , Kümmerli Christoph , Gross Markus W. , Kettelhack Christoph , Müller Beat P. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The impact of radiotherapy on the oncologic outcome of retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLS) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of radiotherapy on disease-specific survival (DSS) in a cohort of patients with RPLSs.

Methods
In this population-based, retrospective cohort study, patients with localized RPLSs who underwent surgical therapy were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-17 cancer registry program. After propensity-score matching for potential confounders, multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with DSS and radiotherapy.

Results
From 2004 to 2020, 1692 patients with localized RPLS who underwent surgical therapy were identified (84.2% White, 44.6% female, mean age 62 years). Of those patients, 393 patients (23.2%) received perioperative radiotherapy. Patients who received radiotherapy had a higher rate of tumor size between 10 and 20 cm and unknown tumor grading. After propensity-score matching, multivariable adjusted Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated no improvement of DSS for patients who underwent radiotherapy (hazard ratio 1.04, confidence interval 0.81–1.32; log-rank p = 0.47). Patient age ≥80 years, larger tumor size, and tumor grading G3 versus G1/2 were associated with an increased risk of death due to RPLS. Subgroup analyses stratified by grading showed similar outcomes.

Conclusions
The administration of perioperative radiotherapy did not improve DSS in patients undergoing surgery for localized RPLS in this population-based study. Therefore, the use of perioperative radiotherapy in these patients may be questioned. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the inherent limitations of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.
High-Density Surface Electromyography Feedback Enhances Fibularis Longus Recruitment in Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: MENDEZ-REBOLLEDO GUILLERMO , CALATAYUD JOAQUÍN , MARTINEZ-VALDES EDUARDO 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose
This study aimed to determine whether individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) can activate the fibularis longus compartments with high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) biofeedback to the same extent as those without CAI, and to analyze the effect of ankle position on compartment activation in individuals with CAI using HD-sEMG feedback.

Methods
There were 16 volunteers per group (CAI and No-CAI). The sEMG amplitude at each compartment (anterior and posterior) and the barycenter of the spatial sEMG amplitude distribution of the fibularis longus were recorded during eversion in neutral and plantar flexion positions at 30% and 70% of maximum voluntary contraction force, both with and without visual feedback on the spatial sEMG amplitude distribution.

Results
sEMG amplitude of the posterior compartment of the fibularis longus in the CAI group trained with HD-sEMG feedback during eversion at 70% maximum voluntary contraction (in plantar flexion) was significantly higher than without HD-sEMG feedback (95% CI = 3.75–34.50% root mean square) and was similar to the activation of the No-CAI group (95% CI = −14.34% to 34.20% root mean square). Furthermore, individuals with CAI who underwent training with HD-sEMG feedback in plantar flexion exhibited a posterior displacement of the barycenter (95% CI = 0.56–2.84 mm).

Conclusions
Utilizing HD-sEMG feedback during eversion in plantar flexion position increases activation of the fibularis longus posterior compartment in individuals with CAI to the same extent as healthy people. HD-sEMG–based topographic maps can serve as effective feedback training to restore motor control of the ankle. Long-term efficacy for improving motor function requires investigation through longitudinal studies.
Robust Optimization with Moment-Dispersion Ambiguity
Authors: Chen Li , Fu Chenyi , Si Fan , Sim Melvyn , Xiong Peng 
Published: December 2024

Advancing Robust Optimization with Moment-Dispersion Framework In “Robust Optimization with Moment-Dispersion Ambiguity,” Chen, Fu, Si, Sim, and Xiong present a groundbreaking approach to robust optimization by introducing the moment-dispersion ambiguity set. This framework enhances traditional models by separately defining a random variable’s location, dispersion, and support, thereby increasing flexibility in modeling uncertainty. The authors also propose a dispersion characteristic function to capture complex properties, such as sub-Gaussian and asymmetric behaviors, alongside an independence propensity hyperparameter that supports the creation of joint ambiguity sets for multiple random variables. This innovation allows for characterizing varying levels of interdependence without requiring a correlation matrix, making the model highly applicable to real-world scenarios. Numerical experiments demonstrate that their model yields less conservative decisions compared with classic moment-based sets and offers superior robustness in data-limited scenarios when contrasted with Wasserstein ambiguity sets. This work marks a major step forward in practical risk assessment and optimization under uncertainty.
Does Negative Publicity Change Tourists’ Advocacy Intention on Online Hotel Websites? Searching for Answers from an Online Travel Agency Study
Authors: Hsiao Chih-Hui , Chen Kuan-Yang , Yeh Shih-Shuo , Hsieh Yi-Tsen , Huan Tzung-Cheng 
Published: December 2024

Travel virtual communities have reshaped trip planning and experience-sharing amid COVID-19. Postpandemic, information technology in tourism must adjust to changes in traveler behavior, including online booking trends and risk perceptions. Based on the online platform Trivago, the research objectives of this study seek to explore the relationships among electronic service quality, perceived severity of negative publicity, perceived risk, and consumers’ advocacy intention to embrace after the impact of Trivago’s negative publicity. Further, this study aims to explore the moderating effects of electronic service quality and mediating effects of perceived risk. This research collected a total of 468 valid responses and verified the hypothesis by regression analysis and Sobel test. The research results are summarized as follows: the perceived severity of negative publicity negatively affects advocacy intention and positively affects perceived risk, which also negatively affects advocacy intention. These effects are all moderated by e-service quality, which negatively affects perceived risk; perceived risk is the mediator between perceived severity of negative publicity and advocacy intention. The results enrich literature on online hotel websites, offering valuable insights into how managers can effectively use online travel agencies to enhance their online presence and increase revenue. Funding: This study was supported by a grant from the National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan [Grant 111-2410-H-227-009].
Influence of mobile phone calls on women's perception of antenatal care services in Kisii, Kenya
Authors: Malachi Zillah Moraa , Kivuti-Bitok Lucy Wanjuki , Karani Anna Kagure , Cheptum Joyce Jebet 
Published: December 2024

Background/Aims Women's perceptions of antenatal care may influence their use of this service. There are limited data exploring the use of mobile phone calls to educate women during antenatal care. This study aimed to explore the influence of a mobile phone health education intervention on women's perception of antenatal care services and their capacity to manage their health during pregnancy. Methods This cluster randomised control trial was conducted between 2020 and 2021 in 16 rural government health facilities in Kisii, Kenya. Health centres were randomly assigned to either intervention or standard care. The intervention consisted of monthly antenatal education through mobile phone calls during pregnancy. Data were collected using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires that explored participants' perception of antenatal care services (benefits, barriers and perceived interpersonal influences) and perceived self-efficacy (their capacity to take charge of optimising their health and that of their baby). Binary logistic regression was used to analyse the variables of interest. Results In terms of their perception of antenatal care, the intervention significantly improved the perception that it provided useful information on exercise (P=0.04). The intervention had a positive influence on perceived self-efficacy, as participants in the intervention group were four times more likely to follow an antenatal care plan (P<0.01), remember preventive medications (P<0.01), remember laboratory investigations (P<0.01), seek health information (P<0.01) and have adequate relaxation (P<0.01) than those in the control group. Conclusions Delivering health education to pregnant women via mobile phone calls has the potential to improve their perception of antenatal care services and their self-efficacy. Larger cluster randomised control trials are needed to explore this further. Implications for practice Providing antenatal education through mobile phone calls may improve pregnant women's perception of antenatal care services, improving uptake of these services in health facilities.
Graduating midwifery students' confidence and associated factors to practice: a systematic review of sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Gessesse Dereje Nibret , Dawson Kate , Gupta Meena , Bayes Sara 
Published: December 2024

Background/Aims With varying midwifery education standards across sub-Saharan Africa, and given the life-saving potential of midwifery, this review explores sub-Saharan African midwifery students' confidence to practice after graduation, as well as the facilitators and barriers that influence their confidence. Methods A systematic review of mixed-methods studies was conducted in June 2023 across four databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science. No date limitation was applied, and quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies published in English were included. Extracted data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The search identified 127 articles, 10 of which met the inclusion criteria. Midwifery students in sub-Saharan African nations often lacked the confidence to practice midwifery care competencies once they graduated, and their confidence was impacted by support and supervision, resources, the type of midwifery programme they had attended, the use of simulation during education, their sociodemographic characteristics and the gap between theory and practice. Conclusions Articles were limited in number and quality, making it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions. The review highlighted the need for further research to be undertaken on confidence to practice among recently graduated midwifery students in sub-Saharan Africa. Implications for practice Lack of confidence among midwifery students in sub-Saharan African countries can overwhelm and deteriorate the critical skills of midwifery professionals, potentially leading to higher rates of morbidity and mortality for women and children. To increase midwifery students' confidence, it is crucial to identify areas of strength and areas of development to enhance education programs to better equip graduating midwifery students for practice.
Stress, coping mechanisms and support systems for mothers of babies with neonatal sepsis in Kenyatta National Hospital
Authors: Nabwire Adelight , Chepchirchir Angeline , Omondi Lilian 
Published: December 2024

Background/Aims Mothers may experience significant stress if their baby is admitted to the neonatal unit, especially if they are uncertain about what is happening, and may use various coping mechanisms to manage stress. Ineffective support systems can lead to emotional, social and financial strain for women in this situation. Maternal health is paramount not only for a woman's own sake but also because a healthy mother is better placed to care for a sick baby. This study sought to determine factors related to stress, and the coping mechanisms and support systems for mothers whose babies had neonatal sepsis. Methods This cross-sectional mixed-method study involved 78 purposively selected mothers of babies with neonatal sepsis. Data were collected between 15 June 2023 and 6 July 2023 in five hospital wards, using a researcher-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results Participants commonly experienced high (25%) or moderate (71%) stress, and used psychological or social methods to cope, in addition to engaging in calming activities such as reading or singing. Participants' main source of support was social, from family, friends and medical professionals. Conclusions Mothers of babies with neonatal sepsis are likely to experience high stress levels and require psychological, social and financial support from their family, church and the hospital. Implications for practice Healthcare workers should closely monitor the mothers of admitted neonates to identify those who may need psychological care. Mothers should be reassured and kept informed about the progress of their babies.
Pregnancy outcomes among users and non-users of maternity waiting homes in rural southern Tanzania: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Kasoga Masanja Erasto , Wangwe Peter Joseph 
Published: December 2024

Background/Aims Maternity waiting homes are facilities that house high-risk pregnant women before birth, intended to prevent delays accessing care during labour and birth. By ensuring access to timely and appropriate care, maternity waiting homes can reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity. This study aimed to compare pregnancy outcomes between those who had attended maternity waiting homes and those who had not at Nyangao hospital in southern Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving women who gave birth at the hospital between 1 January 2017 and 31 September 2019. A total of 3105 files were retrieved and data were extracted using a structured checklist. Chi-squared tests were used to compare demographic characteristics and birth outcomes between the two groups, with P<0.05 deemed statistically significant. Results There were 232 women who had used maternity waiting homes and 462 who had not. Place of residence was significantly linked with increased use of maternity waiting homes, as those who lived ≥50km were more likely to use these facilities (P=0.001). Before birth, the mean length of hospital stay was 14.29 days (±11.32 days) for users and 4.02 days (±4.62 days) for non-users of maternity waiting homes. After birth, the mean length of stay was 2.88 days (±2.97 days) for users and 3.16 days (±3.88 days) for non-users. Using maternity waiting homes reduced the risk of low birth weight (P=0.001) and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (P=0.012). Conclusions Use of a maternity waiting home is associated with improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. Available maternity waiting homes should be used by women who live a long distance from healthcare facilities and those with high-risk pregnancies. Implications for practice Healthcare professionals providing antenatal services should encourage women who live a significant distance from healthcare facilities and those with high-risk pregnancies to use maternity waiting homes, which have the potential to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidities in the low-resource communities.
Smart Scanning Microscopy With Adaptive Lenses and Prisms
Authors: Schmidt Katharina , Koukourakis Nektarios , Wallrabe Ulrike , Czarske Juergen 
Published: December 2024

We present smart microscopic setups to scan biological 3D samples. The combination of machine learning algorithms and adaptive optical elements improves scanning and aberration correction for multiple microscopic techniques.
Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Virtual Staining of Label-free Tissue
Authors: Ozcan Aydogan 
Published: December 2024

We will cover deep learning-based virtual staining techniques that can generate different types of histological stains from label-free microscopic images of unstained samples by using, e.g., autofluorescence microscopy, quantitative phase imaging and reflectance confocal microscopy.
Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Full-color 3D Holographic Augmented-Reality Displays with Metasurface Waveguides
Authors: Gopakumar Manu , Lee Gun-Yeal , Choi Suyeon , Chao Brian , Peng Yifan , Kim Jonghyun , Wetzstein Gordon 
Published: December 2024

We introduce a holographic augmented reality system using inverse-designed metasurface gratings and artificial-intelligence-driven holography algorithms. These elements are jointly designed to enable high quality, full-color, 3D augmented reality from a compact device form factor.
Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Nonlinear Integrated AlGaAs Chips for Quantum Information
Authors: Ducci Sara , Meskine Othmane , Lazzari Lorenzo , DeSimeone Italo Pio , Ravaro Marco , Amanti Maria Ines , Baboux Florent 
Published: December 2024

The talk will review our recent developments on monolithic and hybrid AlGaAs integrated devices, demonstrate their versatility for generating and manipulating quantum states, and show their potential for flexible entanglement-distribution networks.
Full-text article not available; see video presentation