bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital nerve reconstruction with a new composite silk fibroin nerve conduit
Authors: Politikou Olga , Frueh Florian S. , Greminger Martina , Besmens Inga S. , Freddi Giuliano , Alessandrino Antonio , Calcagni Maurizio 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsPeripheral nerve injuries often require bridging when direct repair is not feasible. Nerve autografts are the gold standard, but they can lead to donor site morbidity. Silk fibroin‐based nerve conduits, like the novel SILKBridge, offer a promising alternative. This pilot study evaluates the mid‐term outcomes of the first in‐human digital nerve reconstruction using the SILKBridge, focusing on sensory recovery, complication rates, patient‐reported outcomes, and biological integration.MethodsThis study included four patients with digital nerve defects reconstructed using the SILKBridge. Clinical assessments included two‐point discrimination, Semmes–Weinstein monofilament testing, and pain evaluation using the Numeric Rating Scale. Sonographic assessments were also performed to evaluate the conduit's biointegration and potential complications.ResultsAt a mean follow‐up of 32 months, all patients demonstrated satisfactory sensory recovery and reported minimal to no pain. Sonographic assessments confirmed effective biointegration with no signs of inflammation or scarring.InterpretationThe mid‐term evaluation of the first in‐human digital nerve reconstruction with the SILKBridge revealed safety, efficiency, and favorable biocompatibility properties. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these findings and compare them with other nerve repair methods.
Therapeutic Effectiveness of Microneedling Radio Frequency in Different Areas of Periorbital Static Wrinkles: A Self‐Controlled Study
Authors: Lin Feiyan , Song Jinru , Hua Ying , Pan Liangli , Guo Yao , Hu Gang , Yang Bin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPeriocular static wrinkles, which are common cosmetic concerns, lack an established effective treatment. Microneedling radio frequency (MNRF) has shown promise in skin rejuvenation; however, there is limited objective information on its long‐term effectiveness with regard to periocular static wrinkles.AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of MNRF treatment for periocular static wrinkles.MethodEighteen participants with moderate to severe wrinkles were enrolled in this study. MNRF treatment was applied to the periocular skin using MicroRF9 microneedles, which have a depth of 0.5–1.5 mm and a pulse width of 200–300 ms. MNRF treatment was administered twice with a 1‐month interval, and the participants were followed up for 6 months. The evaluation included four areas, namely the outer canthi, lower eyelid, inner canthi, and upper eyelid, by using clinical assessments and Antera 3D measurements by digitalized images and grading by clinicians.ResultsThe results showed significant improvement in all four areas assessed. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the treatment, and any adverse events, such as mild pain and redness, were temporary and resolved within a week.ConclusionThese findings confirm that MNRF is a safe and effective method for reducing periocular static wrinkles.
Risk Factors Associated With Facial Acne Scarring in Thai Patients With Acne: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Yan Chadakan , Phinyo Phichayut , Yogya Yuri , Chuamanochan Mati , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundOne of the worst long‐term effects of acne is scarring, which leads to significant physical, psychological, and economic burdens. Limited studies have specifically studied the risk factors for acne scarring. This study aims to explore risk factors associated with facial acne scarring in Thai patients with acne.MethodsExploratory cross‐sectional risk factor research was conducted using an online questionnaire on Thai patients aged ≥ 18 years who were diagnosed with acne between September and December 2023. The primary objective was to identify significant determinants of acne scars in patients with acne, including sociodemographic factors, clinical factors of acne, lifestyle factors, dietary habits factors, and treatment factors. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify significant risk determinants.ResultsOf 225 patients with 61.33% prevalence of acne scarring, acne scarring was found to be independently associated with the following variables: moderate acne (mOR 3.51, 95% CI 1.31–9.40, p = 0.012) or severe‐to‐very severe acne (mOR 8.98, 95% CI 2.71–29.73, p < 0.001), sometimes squeezing and picking behaviors (mOR 2.69, 95% CI 2.71–29.73, p = 0.033), and postacne erythema (PAE) (mOR 4.46, 95% CI 1.96–10.14, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe risk factors associated with acne scarring in individuals include the severity of acne, squeezing and picking behaviors, and experiencing PAE. One of this study's essential findings confirms that PAE is a notable component that could contribute to the development of acne scars. Early treatment of individuals at risk is crucial to reduce scar formation.
Ode to a Blackbird
Authors: Kahwagi Muriel N. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTTo access in written form, or even through a recording, that which was once performed in front of a live audience is akin to looking at an old picture. Both documents leave a trace of that which has passed, but they cannot recreate or capture the lived experience; they can only house the haunting. In the mid‐20th century’s swirl of audiovisual and written documentation of poetry, one may identify a pressing hunger or impulse to preserve an oral tradition which has historically, at least for the most part, been lost—and an attempt on behalf of poets to legitimize and record their life’s work. Sung poetry may be forgotten—it leaves no physical trace behind. In the end, it is the material that prevails, at least in the eyes of history.
Application of Action Observation Therapy in Swallowing Rehabilitation: A Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Toksal Uçar Arzucan , Piri Çınar Bilge , Alıcıoğlu Banu , Bostan Geylan , Bilgin Sevil 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAction Observation Therapy (AOT) has emerged as a potential neurorehabilitation therapy to promote motor control for individuals with neurological dysphagia (ND), facilitating neural plasticity through activation of the mirror nervous system.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of AOT‐based dysphagia rehabilitation on suprahyoid (SH) muscle activation, swallowing difficulties, swallowing function, depressive symptom and quality of life in ND patients.MethodsThirty‐four participants with ND were randomly allocated to the AOT group (n = 17) or control group (n = 17). All participants underwent a 4‐week (5 sessions per week) conventional swallowing therapy. The AOT group watched exercise videos before doing these exercises, and the control group performed the same exercises without the videos. Surface electromyographic (sEMG) activation of suprahyoid muscles, Eating Assessment Tool 10 Turkish Version (T‐EAT 10) and Swallowing Ability and Function Evaluation (SAFE) for swallowing difficulties and swallowing function, Swallow Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL‐QOL) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for quality of life and depressive symptom severity were evaluated.ResultsPost‐treatment SH amplitude level and T‐EAT‐10 scores were significantly lower in the AOT group compared to the control group (p = 0.001, p = 0.012). There was a significant improvement in SAFE after treatment in the AOT group (p < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Both groups showed similar improvement in quality of life and depression.ConclusionThis study showed that AOT can be a good option for improving the SH muscle activation and dysphagia difficulties in ND patients.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05782790
Effects of Mandibular Advancement Device on Genioglossus of Rabbits in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Through PINK1/Parkin Pathway
Authors: Ma Lishuang , Zhu Yahui , Zhang Zuo , Fan Dengying , Zhai Haoyan , Li Dongna , Kang Wenjing , Qiao Xing , Lu Haiyan , Liu Chunyan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEarly treatment of mandibular advancement device (MAD) reverses the abnormal changes resulting from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), but the underlying mechanism is not clear. We analysed the changes of genioglossus function before and after MAD treatment in OSA rabbits and explored the mechanism of mitochondrial autophagy.MethodsEighteen male New Zealand rabbits were randomised into three groups: the control group, Group OSA, and Group MAD. After successful modelling, all animals were induced sleep in supine positions for 4–6 h per day for 8 weeks. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and polysomnography (PSG) were performed to record sleep conditions. The genioglossus contractile force and the levels of LC3‐I, LC3‐II, Beclin‐1, PINK1 and Parkin were detected in three groups. In vitro, C2C12 myoblast cells were cultured under normoxic or hypoxic conditions for 24 h, and then the changes in mitochondrial structure and accumulation of autolysosomes were detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).ResultsThe contractile tension of the genioglossus in Group OSA was significantly lower than that in the control group. The ratio of LC3II/LC3I and the levels of Beclin‐1, PINK1 and Parkin were higher in Group OSA than that in the control group. And the abnormal changes were tended to be normal after MAD treatment. The mitochondrial structure was disrupted, and the number of autolysosomes increased in C2C12 after 24 h of hypoxia.ConclusionsMAD treatment in male rabbits may decrease the contractile tension of the genioglossus and increase the level of mitochondrial autophagy caused by OSA. And the mechanism of mitochondrial autophagy was mediated by the PINK1/Parkin pathway in male rabbits.
Supplementing risk adjustment with high‐risk pooling using historical data for identifying the high risks
Authors: Oskam Michel , van Kleef Richard C. , van Vliet René C. J. A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMany regulated health insurance markets with community‐rated premiums rely on risk adjustment (RA) to mitigate insurer‐incentives to risk select. However, insurers remain typically undercompensated for chronically ill enrollees. We use historical data on health spending and risk adjuster information to identify individuals undercompensated by the Dutch RA model of 2021 and find a selective group (1% of the population) with an average annual undercompensation of €6,050. We supplement the RA model with a risk sharing modality called high‐risk pooling (HRP) to organize residual‐based compensations towards insurers for the identified group to reduce the mean undercompensation to zero. The effects are evaluated on subgroups defined by chronic disease, finding a 42% reduction of their average undercompensation. Therefore, through compensating 1% of the population, the insurer‐incentives to select against chronically ill individuals substantially diminish. These results are compared to outlier‐risk sharing (reinsurance), proving HRP to be more effective at reducing selection incentives.
FLVAEGWO‐CNN: Grey Wolf Optimisation‐Based CNN for Classification of Olive Leaf Disease via Focal Loss Variational Autoencoder
Authors: Majikumna Kaloma Usman , Zineddine Mhamed , Alaoui Ahmed El Hilali 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAgriculture is crucial for the economic stability of developing countries, with olive trees in the Mediterranean region providing significant benefits through olive oil and table olive production. However, olive trees are susceptible to diseases that threaten their productivity. Traditional methods of disease detection are time‐consuming and impractical on a large scale. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning now offer efficient solutions for rapid and accurate disease identification, which can enhance disease management and increase yields. This study introduces the FLVAEGWO‐CNN, an innovative deep learning model designed to improve classification accuracy of olive diseases, particularly in dealing with imbalanced datasets. The model integrates focal loss, variational autoencoders (VAE), grey wolf optimisation (GWO), and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) into a unified framework. The focal loss component addresses class imbalance by assigning more weight to hard‐to‐classify examples, while the VAE component improves data representation. GWO optimises the CNN's hyperparameters for robust performance. The FLVAEGWO‐CNN model was evaluated on a dataset with significant class imbalance, achieving an exceptional accuracy of 99.2% in binary classification and excelling in multiclass classification, particularly in recognising minority classes like ‘Aculus olearius’. The results suggest that this model outperforms existing models and provides a viable solution for imbalanced datasets in classification tasks. To ensure the model's validity, further investigation into potential challenges like overfitting and generalisability is necessary. Future work will focus on validating the model across diverse datasets and refining its architecture. The FLVAEGWO‐CNN model sets a new standard for accuracy and reliability in deep learning‐based disease classification, with implications for various applications, including medical diagnosis and fraud detection.
Implementation of the EU's geographical indications in CETA and JEFTA: EU‐Phoria or GI‐mmick?
Authors: Kennis Anke , Volkov Anastasia 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOver the last two decades, the EU's foreign trade strategy shifted diametrically from the multilateral World Trade Organization to the bilateral free trade agreements (FTA) route. Accompanying this shift, the EU's regulatory ambitions became more apparent, as can be gleaned from its strategy documents. The main question is whether the EU is succeeding in effectively exporting or promoting its regulations. In this paper, we combine the two disciplines of law and international relations to gauge the EU's success in achieving its external regulatory goals through FTAs. The EU is described in the political science literature as a regulatory power which is trying to promote or export its regulations outside its own jurisdiction. Using two case studies of the recent EU FTAs with Canada and Japan, we conduct a rigorous legal analysis of these FTA texts as well as their implementation in the local jurisdiction by focusing on the area of Geographical Indications (GI). These regulations are compared with the EU's goals mentioned in its strategy documents and from interviews with EU representatives involved in the FTA negotiations. Our results show that the EU has been moderately successful in both FTAs in achieving its general goals such as equal protection for foodstuffs and alcoholic drinks, ex officio protection, and the clawback of some generic names. Overall, the EU was most successful in getting Japan to embrace an EU‐inspired sui generis GI system, whereas Canada showed less leniency and favoured its trademark system.
Spectrum of Craniofacial and Oral Malformations in China, a Multicenter Study
Authors: Duan Xiaohong , Zhu Yulong , Zheng Shuguo , Song Yaling , Wang Wenmei , Chen Dong , Zhao Zhenjin , Pan Yongchu , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Tingting , Huang Yongqing , Ren Liling , Ma Dandan , Wang Weihong , Huang Shengbin , Song Qinggao , Wang Baisheng , Zheng Yan , Li Jiang , Wang Jianhua , Zhang Yanli , Guo Xinyue , Ruan Wenyan , Wang Jing , Gong Zhongcheng , Chang Xiaofeng , Yuan Zhenglin , Wang Fu , Tian Guangqing , Meng Jing , Bao Zhexuan , Li Lin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveCraniofacial and oral malformations (COMs) represent an important class of human developmental disorders with profound implications on the anatomical structure, appearance, and various physiological functions. In this study, we aimed to define the spectrum of COMs and analysis its features or possible influencing factors to improve the surveillance and control of the disease.Materials and MethodsWe organized a multicenter survey of COMs from 19 hospitals in 14 provinces. The clinical data of COM cases were collected from the electronic medical records system, cleaned and aggregated for analysis.ResultsA total of 90,895 COM cases with 76 types of diseases were identified from 34,649,545 hospital population. The four most common COMs were supernumery teeth (62.64%), cleft lip and palate (28.53%), microdontia (2.86%), and tooth agenesis (1.70%). The remaining 72 diseases were detected in 3881 cases and were considered to be rare COMs. Moreover, 84.72% of rare COMs also manifested as other malformations or dysfunctions of the bone, skin and other tissues.ConclusionsCOMs exhibit age and gender distribution patterns, have multiple types, and significant dental malformations. The diagnostic criteria and registration practices for COMs influence their reported prevalence and temporal trends, necessitating future improvements.
Uptake of eye care services in South India: Retrospective mapping of self‐reported barriers using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Yelagondula Vijay Kumar , Marmamula Srinivas , Varada Rajashekar , Subramanian Ahalya , Lawrenson John G. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionUnderstanding barriers to seeking eye care and providing evidence‐based theory‐informed solutions can improve the uptake of eye care services. Therefore, in this cross‐sectional study, we aim to report and analyse barriers to seeking eye care services among individuals with vision impairment in the Akividu region of Andhra Pradesh, India.MethodsOut of the 3000 enumerated participants, a total of 2587 were examined. All participants with vision impairment were asked to report barriers for not seeking eye care despite noticing reduced vision using a validated questionnaire. The reported barriers were mapped to the theoretical domains framework (TDF) to explore potential individual and environmental influences on the uptake of eye care services.ResultsBarriers to seeking eye care services are most frequently mapped to the ‘beliefs about capabilities’, ‘environmental context and resources’ and ‘social influences’ domains of the TDF. The most frequently reported barrier was ‘aware of the problem but can manage’ (beliefs about capabilities), expressed by 43.4% (n = 156) and 55.7% (n = 337) of participants with distance and near vision impairment, respectively. ‘No one to accompany’ for an appointment (social influences) was a significant barrier for participants with distance vision impairment (n = 44, 12.2%) in comparison to participants with near vision impairment (n = 19, 3.1%). Additionally, fear of losing eyesight or operation or consultation (emotion) was a major deterrent for seeking eye care services, particularly among participants with distance vision impairment (n = 31, 8.6%) when compared with near vision impairment (n = 17, 2.8%).ConclusionThe uptake of eye care services is influenced by a complex set of interacting factors. Identification of potentially modifiable target behaviours provides an opportunity to develop theory‐informed solutions to improve uptake of services and prevent avoidable vision loss.
Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the Conjoined Tendon‐Preserving Posterior Approach: The Modified Posterior Approach with a Minimum of 2‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Ozawa Yuto , Osawa Yusuke , Seki Taisuke , Takegami Yasuhiko , Iida Hiroki , Funahashi Hiroto , Imagama Shiro 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe conjoined tendon‐preserving posterior (CPP) approach is a modified posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) that preserves the short external rotator muscles and most ischiofemoral ligaments. The objective of the present study was to compare the short‐term clinical outcomes, complications, and imaging evaluations of CPP and posterior approaches in THA.MethodsThis retrospective study included 83 patients from May 2018 to September 2021: 36 patients with 42 hips who underwent THA with the CPP approach (CPP group) and 47 patients with 60 hips who underwent THA with the standard posterior approach (PA group) with a minimum of 2 years of follow‐up. Assessment tools included operative times, blood loss, preoperative and last follow‐up Harris Hip Scores (HHS), postoperative complications, and implant placement angles between the groups. Statistical analysis was performed using chi‐square tests and T‐tests.ResultsThe CPP approach had a significantly longer operative time and greater blood loss compared to the PA group. Preoperative and postoperative HHS were not significantly different between groups. Considering complications, the PA group had one case each of dislocation and infection, and the CPP group had two cases of sciatic nerve palsy, but the difference was not significant. Cup anteversion, inclination and stem anteversion were not significantly different between groups.ConclusionFunctional outcomes, complication rates, and implant placement angles were comparable with the posterior approach, and the CPP approach has the potential to reduce postoperative dislocations. However, careful attention should be paid to sciatic nerve palsy during early initiation of the CPP approach, and this study did not demonstrate that the CPP approach was clearly superior to the posterior approach.
Economic Foundations of Contraceptive Transitions: Theories and a Review of the Evidence
Authors: Karra Mahesh , Wilde Joshua 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe review the foundations of the economic development–contraception nexus, focusing on the pathways through which economic factors drive contraceptive adoption and change. We investigate the channels through which the relationship between economic development and contraceptive dynamics is mediated. Using global data, we document the correlations between economic development and contraception transitions over time and across geographies. We briefly examine the evidence of the role of fertility, both desired and realized, as a central pathway through which the relationship has been historically theorized and empirically verified. We also discuss a range of mechanisms through which economic development drives contraceptive use independently from fertility decline. Finally, we assess the state and quality of evidence of these relationships and propose directions for future inquiry.
Non‐Specific Lipid Transfer Protein StLTP6 Promotes Virus Infection by Inhibiting Jasmonic Acid Signalling Pathway in Response to PVS TGB1
Authors: Shang Kaijie , Wang Chenchen , Wang Xipan , Wang Yubo , Xu Kaihao , Zhou Shumei , Liu Hongmei , Zhu Xiaoping , Zhu Changxiang 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTPlant viruses rely on host factors for successful infection. Non‐specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) play critical roles in plant−pathogen interactions; however, their functions and underlying molecular mechanisms in viral infections remain largely unknown. Jasmonic acid (JA) is a crucial regulatory hormone in the process of plant resistance to viral infection. In this study, we screened and verified that StLTP6, a previously identified pro‐viral factor, interacts with the silencing suppressor triple gene block1 (TGB1) of potato virus S (PVS). The PVS TGB1 induces the expression of StLTP6, and both co‐localize in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, StLTP6 interacts with allene oxide cyclase and inhibits its accumulation, thereby suppressing JA synthesis and attenuating RNA silencing antiviral resistance. In summary, we elucidated the molecular mechanism by which PVS TGB1 interacts with StLTP6 to facilitate PVS infection. These findings broaden our understanding of the biological roles of nsLTPs and provide a new antiviral target for potato research.