bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hospital Healthcare Resource Utilization Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty with ACTIS™ Hip System and Accolade® II Femoral Hip System: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Jamieson Robert , Gupta Anshu , Ruppenkamp Jill , Peng Mingkai , Varughese Biju , Diaz Rodrigo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The ACTIS™ Hip System (ACTIS), a cementless, medial collared, triple tapered hip system from DePuy Synthes was launched in the US in 2016. This study was designed to evaluate healthcare resource utilization and hospital costs, among patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) with ACTIS compared to the Accolade® II Femoral Hip System (Accolade II).
Methods
The PINC AI (PREMIER) Healthcare Database was used for analysis. Patients > 21 years of age, undergoing cementless THA from January 2016 to September 2023, and implanted with ACTIS or Accolade II, were identified. Primary outcomes included length of hospital stay and 90- and 365-day all-cause readmission. Secondary outcomes included hip revision, and all-cause and hip related revisit and readmission rates within 90- and 365-days and hip-related complications at 90 and 365 days. The exposure was the device type (ACTIS vs. Accolade II). Study variables included patient demographics, insurance type, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics. Cohorts were balanced using covariate balance propensity score method and generalized linear model was used to compute outcomes.
Results
14,238 ACTIS and 17,578 Accolade II patients were included in the analysis. Balanced cohorts had an average age of 66 years, 57% were female, and 57% were Medicare recipients. Length of stay was significantly shorter for ACTIS (1.65 days vs. 1.93 days for control, p-value < 0.01). The 90-day all-cause readmission rate was 2.62% for ACTIS and 3.15% for Accolade II and the mean difference of 0.52% [0.13–0.92%] was significantly lower (p-value < 0.01) for ACTIS. The mean difference for 365-day all-cause readmission was also significantly lower for ACTIS (1.19% [0.53–1.84%], p-value < 0.01). The rates of hip-related complications, such as dislocation and deep infection were lower for the ACTIS compared to the Accolade II cohort, both at 90- and 365-day post-surgery. Total cost of care at 365-day follow-up was also lower for ACTIS compared to the Accolade II cohort.
Conclusions
The comparative analyses showed favorable outcomes for the ACTIS cohort in terms of shorter length of stay, fewer all-cause readmissions, fewer discharges to skilled nursing facility and lower cost at 365-day follow-up compared to Accolade II.
Engineering the T6SS of Pseudomonas for targeted delivery of antibacterial and antifungal effectors
Authors: Pérez-Lorente Alicia Isabel , Araujo-Garrido Mario , de Vicente Antonio , Romero Diego , Molina-Santiago Carlos 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background Bacteria employ diverse molecular systems, such as the type VI secretion system (T6SS), to outcompete other microorganisms and adapt to ecological niches. The T6SS is a versatile nanomachine capable of delivering toxic effectors into neighboring cells, providing advantages in bacterial interactions. In recent years, T6SSs have been proposed as promising tools for engineering selective antimicrobial platforms.
Results In this study, we successfully engineered P. putida KT2440 to heterologously express and release T6SS effectors. The expression of Tse1, an effector from Pseudomonas chlororaphis, induced sporulation in plant-beneficial Bacillus strains via a T6SS-dependent mechanism, particularly when Tse1 was paired with a PAAR protein. Similarly, the engineered strain effectively inhibited Aeromonas hydrophila growth using the phospholipase toxin TplE from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, antifungal activity was achieved by coexpressing Tfe2, an effector from Serratia marcescens, with VgrGs, resulting in increased reactive oxygen species levels and cellular damage in Botrytis cinerea. Importantly, the T6SS was also employed to deliver non-T6SS effectors such as chitosanase, demonstrating its versatility in degrading fungal cell walls.
Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that the T6SS can be engineered to deliver both canonical and noncanonical effectors, providing a robust platform for targeted antimicrobial and antifungal applications. The modularity of the system enables precise pairing of effectors with structural components such as VgrG and PAAR proteins, optimizing delivery efficiency. These engineered systems provide new opportunities for the development of biocontrol strategies in agriculture, microbiome modulation, and potential therapeutic applications. Future advancements in bioinformatics and protein engineering will further increase the specificity and functionality of T6SS-based delivery systems, offering innovative tools for managing microbial ecosystems and addressing global challenges in health and agriculture.
Revealing and cleaning of an onion layer: scientific Insights into the Restoration of Giacomo Balla’s "Ritratto d’uomo / Eugenio Riva"
Authors: Macchia Andrea , De Caro Tilde , Colapietro Marcello , Carnazza Paola 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The restoration of Giacomo Balla’s Ritratto d’uomo / Eugenio Riva has unveiled unexpected insights into the intersection of historical restoration practices and modern scientific techniques. This study documents the discovery and analysis of onion residues on the painting's surface, attributed to a mid-20th-century cleaning attempt. Leveraging cutting-edge analytical tools—such as FTIR ATR spectroscopy, SEM/EDS, and UV imaging—researchers explored the chemical and morphological effects of this unconventional treatment. Additionally, the article highlights innovative solutions, including enzymatic cleaning formulations and polar solvent systems, which were employed to safely restore the artwork. This multidisciplinary approach not only restored the painting’s aesthetic coherence but also contributed to the broader understanding of restoration challenges posed by historical interventions
HBV Screening, Antiviral Prophylaxis, and Reactivation in Rituximab-Treated Patients: Insights from a Large Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Baker Fadi Abu , Tatour Mifleh , Neeman Ziv , Dola Tamar , Saadi Tarek , Hazzan Rawi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a recognized complication of rituximab therapy, necessitating effective screening and prophylactic antiviral therapy to mitigate risks. This study evaluated trends in HBV screening, antiviral prophylaxis, and reactivation rates among rituximab-treated patients using data from Clalit Health Services from 2000 to 2022. A retrospective analysis included 1,857 adult patients (mean age 60.5 years; 50.4% male), most treated for hematologic malignancies. Screening rates improved significantly over time, with full HBV screening increasing from under 40% in 2000–2005 to over 80% after 2014 (p < 0.0001). Of the cohort, 10.9% had positive HBV serology (8.6% anti-HBc+; 2.3% HBsAg+), and prophylactic antiviral therapy was initiated in 122 of 188 positive cases. Prophylaxis rates rose from below 40% in the early years to over 80% after 2017 (p < 0.0001). Six cases of HBV reactivation were documented, all in patients with hematologic malignancies. No significant reactivation or liver enzyme elevations were observed in non-hemato-oncologic settings. The findings highlight the substantial reduction in HBV reactivation achieved through enhanced screening and prophylaxis and emphasize the importance of risk-based management strategies, particularly tailored follow-up for non-hemato-oncologic patients, to optimize clinical outcomes.
CT-based radiomics models using intralesional and different perilesional signatures in predicting the bioactivity of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis
Authors: Hou Juan , Zhang Simiao , Li Shouxian , Zhao Zicheng , Zhao Longfei , Zhang Tieliang , Liu Wenya 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the performance of CT-based intralesional combined with different perilesional radiomics models in predicting the bioactivity of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE).
Methods
This study retrospectively analyzed preoperative CT data from 303 patients with HAE confirmed by surgical pathology (bioactivity positive, n = 182; bioactivity negative, n = 121). The patients were randomly assigned to the training cohort (n = 242) and test cohort (n = 61) at a ratio of 8:2. The radiomics features were extracted from CT images on the portal vein phase. Four radiomics models were constructed based on gross lesion volume (GLV), gross combined 10mm perilesional volume (GPLV10mm), gross combined 15mm perilesional volume (GPLV15mm) and gross combined 20mm perilesional volume (GPLV20mm). The best radiomics signature model and clinical features were combined to establish a nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the predictive performance of models.
Results
Among the four radiomics models, the GPLV20mm model performed the highest prediction performance with the area under the curves (AUCs) in training cohort and test cohort was 0.876 and 0.802, respectively. The AUC of the clinical model was 0.753 in the training cohort and 0.699 in the test cohort. The AUC of the nomogram model based clinical and GPLV20mm radiomic signatures was 0.922 in the training cohort and 0.849 in the validation cohort. The DCA showed that the nomogram had greater benefits compared with the single radiomics model or clinical model.
Conclusion
CT-based GPLV20mm radiomics model can better predict the bioactivity of HAE. The nomogram model showed the best predictive performance.
Dog-Mediated Rabies Virus Transmission is Driven by Free-Roaming Dog Density, Haiti 2018 – 2023
Authors: Beron Andrew J. , Keshavamurthy Ravikiran , Boutelle Cassandra , Wallace Ryan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Eliminating dog-to-dog rabies virus transmission, the primary cause of > 70,000 human deaths annually, remains a challenge in over 100 countries due to the difficulty of implementing effective dog vaccination and population management programs. Despite the development of tools to optimize vaccine impact, rabies virus transmission dynamics are still not well-understood, largely due to insufficient surveillance. Utilizing data from Haiti’s advanced rabies surveillance system, we analyzed likely rabies cases, adjusted for a 1% detection rate, to estimate the true rabies burden in Haitian dogs. Our study calculated the basic reproductive rate (R0) of rabies, finding a strong logarithmic relationship between R0 and free-roaming dog density (R2 = 0.88), with R0 falling below 1.0 when dog density fell below 11 per km². This association suggests that denser free-roaming dog populations, likely reflecting more urbanized communities, may perpetuate rabies transmission, providing critical insights for targeting effective vaccination efforts.
Robotic transmitral resection of floating left ventricular thrombus
Authors: Cullen Paul , Chou Nai-Kuan , Wei Ling-Yi , Yu Hsi-Yu , Chi Nai-Hsin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the role of surgery in the management of left ventricular (LV) thrombi remaining controversial, robotic LV thrombectomy has emerged as a viable treatment option. This study aimed to present our successful experience with a robotic mitral program, detailing the operative technique.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of our institutional database to identify patients who underwent LV thrombectomy using the da Vinci robot system. Subsequently, serial echocardiograms and short- and long-term outcomes were reviewed and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results
A total of five patients (median age: 46 years) were included in this study. All patients presented with a floating LV thrombus and a history of embolization. Among them, four patients experienced reduced heart function, none had coronary artery disease, three experienced dilated cardiomyopathy. Complete resection was achieved in all cases, with no postoperative deaths, strokes, or major complications. Additionally, LV function showed improvement during follow-up periods. Postoperative anticoagulation was continued for two years in one patient and one year in the remaining patients. No recurrence or further embolic events were observed during the median follow-up period of 6 years.
Conclusion
Robotic LV thrombectomy yields excellent outcomes and should be considered early for patients with floating LV thrombi. However, further investigation is warranted to determine the optimal timing of this intervention and its role in the treatment paradigm, including whether these results can be extrapolated to patients with other forms of mobile thrombus and/or to support surgery as the primary prevention of systemic embolization.
Exploring Faculty Development Initiatives in Medical Education in resource-limited settings: Perspectives and Challenges
Authors: Ahmed Arwa , Batt Alan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) are an integral part of institutional priorities to support staff members in leveraging the skills necessary to deliver quality education and enhance the overall learning experience. Little is known about their impact in resource-limited settings. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of medical and health faculties toward FDP by exploring staffs’ views on their performance, learning environment, and challenges that hinder the program’s implementation.
Method: Data were collected through a survey of faculty members to assess participants’ perceptions of the CPD programs
Result:There was a 77% response rate (n=103) to the survey from the targeted sample size of 134. . The majority of the staff members (90.3%, n = 93) perceive FDP activities as beneficial for enhancing their teaching abilities, while 70.9% (n = 73) see improvement in research practices, and 54.4% (n = 56) observe benefits to their clinical skills. Fewer respondents (46.6%, n = 48) reported improvements in their scientific publications. However, several challenges were identified with time constraints perceived as a major obstacle to effective program implementation.
Conclusion:In a resource-limited setting, evaluating the program's effectiveness plays a pivotal role in improving its activities. Providing additional resources, enhancing institutional support, and improving accessibility to activities can strengthen the program’s success, ultimately benefiting both staff and students.
Centralization or Decentralization: Sales and Logistics Control Strategies of E-commerce Platforms in the Competitive Supply Chain
Authors: XIA Dejian , SHI Guoqiang , GAO Yanhong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In the context of differentiated logistics competition, this paper adopts the Hotelling model to investigate the strategic game between two oligopolistic e-commerce platforms, which dominate the e-commerce supply chain, regarding the combination of sales and logistics modes. Through profit comparison and numerical simulation, we uncover the following insights: (1)When logistics services are heterogeneous, even if sales is homogeneous, the two platforms adopt distinctly different control strategies for both sales and logistics, resulting in a single separated Nash equilibrium in the game. (2)Neither platform has a dominant strategy, and any combination of sales and logistics under self-operation or third-party operation may become the platform's strategic choice, leading to multiple separated Nash equilibria between the two parties. (3)Both parties cannot simultaneously maximize their profits, but a platform that adopts full centralization, especially in logistics, achieves a higher profit level than a competitive platform. Therefore, both parties have a need for integrated operations that seek centralized logistics and sales, which can easily lead them into a "prisoner's dilemma" where both suffer losses.
Prevalence, Knowledge, and Attitude toward Parkinson’s Disease among the general population in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khan Salahuddin , Alzakari Meshal , Alzkari Faisal , Alsuhaibani Renad , Alabdulkarim Alanoud , Alghanmi Amjad , Moiz Muhammad Abdul , Huda Arwa , Salahuddin Amra , Althobaiti Ahmed 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that causes damage to parts of the brain. It is the most common motor brain condition. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, knowledge, and attitude toward Parkinson’s disease among the general population in Saudi Arabia.
Objective: To investigate the prevalence, knowledge, and attitude toward Parkinson’s disease among the general population in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from July 20 to November 20, 2024, targeting adults aged 18 and older. Participants (n = 385) were randomly selected via social media platforms, using a bilingual (Arabic and English) online questionnaire. The survey included demographics, self-reported PD prevalence, knowledge, and attitudes. Data was analyzed using SPSS (version 28), with ethical approval obtained.
Results: A total of 330 participants were surveyed, mostly young (292, 88.5% aged 18–24), female (269, 81.5%), and students (281, 85.2%). Nearly half (162, 49.1%) had heard of PD, but only 81 (24.5%) showed good knowledge, with misconceptions about causes and treatment. Commonly recognized symptoms included hand tremors (292, 88.5%) and poor balance (210, 63.6%), while awareness of non-motor symptoms was low. Most participants (319, 96.7%) supported public education, and 310 (93.9%) recommended social support for PD patients.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes gaps in public knowledge about Parkinson's disease in Saudi Arabia. The results highlight the need for educational efforts to improve understanding and address misconceptions.
Categories: Neuroscience
Enhancing Spectrum Utilization and Energy Efficiency in OFDMA Networks through Optimized Subcarrier Allocation and Power Control
Authors: M Raghavendra Y , M Asha , G Manjula , M Latha , sindgi Anupama , Prasad S N 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The increasing demand for efficient spectrum utilization and energy conservation in wireless communication systems has highlighted Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) as a key enabling technology. However, existing optimization techniques, such as Genetic Algorithms, Machine Learning-based methods, and the Water-filling Algorithm, face challenges related to scalability and computational complexity. This study presents an optimized framework for enhancing spectrum utilization and energy efficiency in OFDMA networks, modelled with 10 users, 256 subcarriers, a system bandwidth of 100 MHz, and operating at a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 20 dB. Utilizing 16-QAM modulation and adhering to a per-user power constraint of 2 units, the proposed framework integrates adaptive subcarrier allocation and power control. The methodology employs simulation-based analysis to evaluate performance under realistic network conditions. Results demonstrate significant improvements, achieving an average spectrum utilization of 0.69141 and an average energy efficiency of 1.4447, indicating the method’s effectiveness in maximizing resource allocation while minimizing energy consumption. This research bridges theoretical models with practical applications, contributing to the advancement of cognitive radio networks by providing a scalable and efficient solution for spectrum access. The proposed approach reduces interference and enhances operational efficiency, offering valuable insights for the deployment of large-scale OFDMA systems in next-generation communication networks.
Hybrid multi-module for short-term forecasting of river runoff considering spatio-temporal features
Authors: Chen Hao , Kang Ling , Zhou Liwei , Zhang Wentao , Wen Yunliang , Ye Jinwang , Qin Rui 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Runoff forecasting is crucial for water resources management, demanding precise models. This study proposes a runoff forecasting model that utilises a hybrid variational mode decomposition (VMD), convolutional neural network (CNN), and long short-term memory network (LSTM) based on the attention mechanism (AM) to enhance the accuracy and stability of runoff forecasting. The volatility of the runoff sequence was significantly reduced by the VMD. The AM focused on extracting the most critical information from the features. The VMD–CNN–AM–LSTM model, using the two-stage decomposition forecasting framework, was used to predict daily runoff at the Jianli (JL) hydrological station in the section from Yichang to JL from 1 October 2006 to 30 October 2022. This model outperformed the model without the hybrid of VMD and/or AM in forecasting runoff, with a root mean square error value of 646.160, a mean absolute error value of 424.124, a mean absolute percentage error value of 2.54%, and an R2 value of 0.9933. Model stability was assessed using the bias-variance, which was found to be significantly more stable than the model without VMD and AM. The VMD and AM optimises runoff forecasting at the target station by utilising upstream stations’ runoff. This improves the accuracy and stability of the model, providing technical support for water resources planning and management.
Emerging Novel Role of Metformin in Decreasing Post-surgical Adhesion
Band Formation
Authors: Nazari Seyedeh Elnaz , Ghorbani Elnaz , Al-Asady Abdulridha Mohammed , Sayyed-Hosseinian Sayyed-Hadi , Vahedi Ehsan , Eskandari Moein , Askarnia-Faal Mohammad-Mostafa , Naimi Hamideh , Asgharzadeh Fereshteh , Avan Amir , Mansoori Saeide , Ryzhikov Mikhail , Khazaei Majid , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
Post-operative adhesion band formation is a serious post-surgery complication
with a highly detrimental impact on patient morbidity and health care costs. In this study, we aimed
to investigate the repurposed potential of a safe and FDA-approved drug, metformin, in attenuating
post-surgical adhesion band formation in Achilles tendon surgeries in an animal model.

Methods:
Wistar albino rats were divided randomly into three groups: sham, positive control, and
metformin-treated groups (n=6). We administered Metformin 100 mg/kg orally for 21 days. Achilles
tendon tissue sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson's trichrome to assess the
accumulation of inflammatory cells and collagen deposition. Spectrophotometric analysis was performed
on tissue samples to determine oxidative stress markers. According to Tang and Ishiyama
scoring systems, Achilles tendon adhesion properties were compared.

Results:
Using the Tang and Ishiyama scoring system, we showed that metformin significantly decreased
the length, density, grading, and severity of adhesion bands at surgery sites (***p<0.001).
Pathologic morphological changes and oxidative stress markers decreased in tendon tissue samples
of metformin-treated rats compared to control (**p<0.01, ***p<0.001). Moreover, administration of
metformin markedly decreased collagen deposition, fibrosis accumulation, and fibrosis quantity
score as visualized by Masson’s trichrome staining in tissue sections (*p<0.05).

Conclusion:
These results suggest that metformin, with its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic
properties, can be repurposed as a potential therapeutic molecule for preventing post-operative adhesion
band formation.