bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A modified Delphi consensus regarding the clinical utility of triplet therapy in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer patients in the UK
Authors: Glen Hilary , Bahl Amit , Fleure Louisa , Clarke Noel , Jain Suneil , Kalsi Tania , Khoo Vincent , Mobeen Junaid 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the clinical utility of the androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)+docetaxel (DOCE)+androgen receptor-targeted agent (ARTA) triplet therapy in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in the UK.DesignA modified Delphi method. A steering group of eight UK healthcare professionals experienced in prostate cancer care discussed treatment challenges, developing 39 consensus statements across four topics. Agreement with the statements was tested with a broader panel of professionals within this therapeutic area in the UK through an anonymous survey, using a four-point Likert scale. This was distributed by the steering group members and an independent third party. Following the survey, the steering group convened to discuss the results and formulate recommendations.SettingThe steering group convened online for discussions. The survey was distributed via email by the clinicians and the independent third party.ParticipantsHealthcare professionals involved in the provision of prostate cancer care, working in relevant professional roles (oncology, urology or geriatric consultant, oncology nurse specialist, and hospital pharmacist) within the UK. No patients or members of the public were involved within the study.InterventionsNone.Primary and secondary outcome measuresConsensus was defined as high (≥75% agreement) and very high (≥90% agreement).ResultsResponses were received from 120 healthcare professionals, including oncologists (n=73), urologists (n=16), geriatricians (n=15), nurse specialists (n=11) and hospital pharmacists (n=5). Consensus was reached for 37 out of 39 (95%) statements, and 27/39 (69%) statements achieved very high agreement ≥90%. Consensus was not reached for 2/39 (5%) statements.ConclusionsBased on the consensus observed, the steering group developed a set of recommendations for the clinical utility of ADT+DOCE+ARTA in treating patients with mHSPC in the UK. Following these recommendations enables clinicians to identify appropriate patients with mHSPC for triplet treatment, thereby improving patients’ outcomes.
Development of a minimum data set for long COVID: a Delphi study protocol
Authors: Amah Adelaide , Kumar Pawan , Ejalonibu Hammed , Chavda Bansari , Aburub Alaa , Greene Renee , Kemp Daphne , Frederick Donna Ellen , Mazurik Kathrina ,   Long COVID Web, Slagerman Sarah , Dumitrescu Donna Ioana , Groot Gary 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionPrevious consensus-based long COVID research has focused on establishing research priorities, developing clinical definitions, core outcomes and a list of recommendations of patient-reported outcome measures that can be used to assess and characterise long COVID. Complementing and extending this work, the proposed study will bring together diverse knowledge users to prioritise concepts of care, quality of life and symptoms to inform a national patient registry on long COVID.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a Delphi process involving Canadians with lived experiences and/or professional expertise with long COVID (including clinicians, policymakers, caregivers and community leaders). A pool of long COVID survey questions has been established through an environmental scan; these questions were coded by topic and will be presented via a series of online, anonymous survey questionnaires to a diverse cohort of 100 participants. Over the course of three Delphi rounds, participants will prioritise and recommend topics related to care, quality of life and symptoms. We will use the prioritised topics to develop a list of core questions as a minimum data set to standardise data collection and inform a national patient registry on long COVID in Canada.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the University of Saskatchewan Behavioural Research Ethics Board (BEH #4296). Findings will be shared at national conferences and will be published in an open-access peer-reviewed journal. In addition, the minimum data set will be shared with key knowledge users as recommendations to inform a national long COVID patient registry.
Multimaterial inkjet printing of mechanochromic materials
Authors: Mauron Muriel , Castens Vitanov Lucie , Michaud César , Wenger Raphaël , Muller Nicolas , Nussbaumer Roseline , Calvino Céline , Weder Christoph , Schrettl Stephen , Gugler Gilbert , Kiebala Derek J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractInkjet printing technology achieves the precise deposition of liquid-phase materials via the digitally controlled formation of picoliter-sized droplets. Beyond graphical printing, inkjet printing has been employed for the deposition of separated drops on surfaces or the formation of continuous layers, which allows to construct materials gradients or periodic features that provide enhanced functionalities. Here, we explore the use of multinozzle, drop-on-demand piezoelectric inkjet technology for the manufacturing of mechanochromic materials, i.e., materials that change their color or fluorescence in response to mechanical deformation. To accomplish this, suitable polyurethane polymers of differing hardness grades were tested with a range of organic solvents to formulate low-viscosity, inkjet-printable solutions. Following their rheological characterization, two solutions comprising “soft” and “hard” polyurethanes were selected for in-depth study. The solutions were imbibed with a mechanochromic additive to yield fluorescent inks, which were either dropcast onto polymeric substrates or printed to form checkerboard patterns of alternating hardness using a laboratory-built, multimaterial inkjet platform. Fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy were used to identify different hardness grades in the dropcast and printed materials, as well as to monitor the responses of these gradient materials to mechanical deformation. The insights gained in this study are expected to facilitate the development of inkjet-printable, mechanochromic polymer materials for a wide range of applications.
The End of a Low Threshold for Granting Provisional Measures with the ‘Zheng He’ Case?
Authors: Gapsa Miłosz 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
On 27 July 2024, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea declined Luxembourg’s request for provisional measures in the ‘Zheng He’ case. Following two orders of the International Court of Justice, this marked the third consecutive decision in which provisional measures were denied. The question asked in this Note is whether this signals the end of a low threshold for granting provisional measures. Two points of view are possible: either the undertakings given by the respondents are being taken more seriously, or international courts have grown at least somewhat frustrated with the frequent requests for provisional measures.
Comparison of the growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus parasiticus on in-shell, shelled and split almonds depending on water activity and temperature
Authors: Szonyi B. , Huang G. , Birmingham T. , Gizachew D. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Aspergillus parasiticus is a fungus that can infect almonds and produce carcinogenic aflatoxins (AF). The objective of this study was to determine the growth and total AF production of A. parasiticus on three types of almond kernels (in-shell, shelled and split) under different combinations of temperature (20, 27 and 35 °C), water activity (0.65, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 0.99 aw) and incubation period (10, 20 and 30 days). The in-shell kernels supported the least amount of growth and AF production. The fungus grew moderately at 0.90 and 0.95 aw and produced moderate (<50 μg/kg) amount of total AF at 0.95 aw on in-shell almonds. On shelled kernels, growth was also limited to 0.90 and 0.95 aw. Aflatoxin production reached high levels at 0.95 aw at all three temperatures on shelled almonds (324.3, 325.4, and 139.8 μg/kg at 20, 27 and 35 °C, respectively). The fungus grew rapidly and produced high levels of AF (>300 μg/kg) on split kernels over a wide range of conditions (0.80 to 0.95 aw and 20 to 35 °C). Contour plots revealed that the optimum conditions for AF production on split kernels were at 0.90-0.95 aw and 20-27 °C. Aflatoxin production also depended on incubation time. By day 30, AF production on split kernels exceeded 300 μg/kg at 0.80 aw at all temperatures. There was no fungal growth and AF production at 0.65 and 0.75 aw. These findings indicate that maintaining low water activity (<0.75 aw) during transport and storage can reduce the risk of infestation and aflatoxin production by A. parasiticus on inshell, shelled and split almond kernels.
Comparison Between Scene-Independent and Scene-Dependent Eye Metrics in Assessing Psychomotor Skills
Authors: Deng Shiyu , Kulkarni Chaitanya , Oh Jinwoo , Parker Sarah Henrickson , Lau Nathan 
Published: November 2024

Objective This study aims to compare the relative sensitivity between scene-independent and scene-dependent eye metrics in assessing trainees' performance in simulated psychomotor tasks. Background Eye metrics have been extensively studied for skill assessment and training in psychomotor tasks, including aviation, driving, and surgery. These metrics can be categorized as scene-independent or scene-dependent, based on whether predefined areas of interest are considered. There is a paucity of direct comparisons between these metric types, particularly in their ability to assess performance during early training. Method Thirteen medical students practiced the peg transfer task in the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery. Scene-independent and scene-dependent eye metrics, completion time, and tool motion metrics were derived from eye-tracking data and task videos. K-means clustering of nine eye metrics identified three groups of practice trials with similar gaze behaviors, corresponding to three performance levels verified by completion time and tool motion metrics. A random forest model using eye metrics estimated classification accuracy and determined the feature importance of the eye metrics. Results Scene-dependent eye metrics demonstrated a clearer linear trend with performance levels than scene-independent metrics. The random forest model achieved 88.59% accuracy, identifying the top four predictors of performance as scene-dependent metrics, whereas the two least effective predictors were scene-independent metrics. Conclusion Scene-dependent eye metrics are overall more sensitive than scene-independent ones for assessing trainee performance in simulated psychomotor tasks. Application The study’s findings are significant for advancing eye metrics in psychomotor skill assessment and training, enhancing operator competency, and promoting safe operations.
A Constitution of Values? Principles and Values in the Commonwealth Constitution
Authors: Duke George 
Published: November 2024

AbstractRecent Australian public law scholarship has demonstrated an increasing interest in the theme of constitutional values. In the current paper, I seek to clarify the terms of the debate by defending a distinction between (i) constitutional principles, understood as relatively flexible legal norms which rest on text, structure and history and (ii) extra-legal values. My argument is framed initially through a critical discussion of Rosalind Dixon’s proposal for a ‘functionalist’ approach to constitutional interpretation, which ascribes a central place to values in judicial reasoning. The functionalist position, I contend, lacks a sufficiently clear distinction between, on the one hand, constitutional principles as legal norms and, on the other, extra-legal values of political morality. As a consequence, the functionalist appeal to ‘constitutional values’ tends to shift between a relatively modest supplement to purposive approaches to judicial interpretation and a more ambitious proposal for judges to promote ‘normatively attractive’ values. These claims are elaborated and refined through a comparative analysis of German constitutional jurisprudence and a recent example of an appeal to values by the High Court.
Optimization of wide-area multilateration ground station deployment based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Tang Xinmin , Liao Yifu , Gu Junwei , Zhou Yang , Guan Xiangmin 
Published: November 2024

Positioning accuracy affects flight safety. In this study, aiming to address the issue of how ground station deployment affects the accuracy of multilateration, an optimal deployment strategy based on real terrain factors is proposed. This method comprehensively considers practical geographical terrain factors, constructs a geographical terrain grid model, and generates initial candidate sites through this model. Subsequently, the Xdraw algorithm is utilized to assess the coverage of ground stations and conduct preliminary screening of initial sites. Then, the optimal deployment combination is computed by integrating GA. Finally, experiments are conducted to validate site selection in irregularly shaped areas. Random geographical terrain is generated within the site selection area, resulting in a 31.25% reduction in initial candidate points through preliminary screening, obtaining the final deployment approach. Comparative experiments with traditional deployment methods indicate that the RMSE of the deployment combination computed by this method is 4.0159 m smaller than that of the traditional diamond-deployment method with the minimum error. Additionally, its GDOP remains the lowest within 10 km. This method accounts for real terrain conditions and is suitable for irregular station deployment areas. By using the Xdraw algorithm for preliminary filtering, it accelerates the solution process, effectively optimizing deployment results and improving positioning accuracy. This approach holds practical significance for multilateration ground station deployment considering real terrain factors.
Time to care: How a homecare model harnesses nurses’ professional ethic and cultivates caring
Authors: Petit dit Dariel Odessa , Cristofalo Paula 
Published: November 2024

Background A persistent devaluation of care-work, difficult working conditions, and low salaries have led to challenges with staff recruitment and retention in the homecare sector in France. A new homecare organization adopting an innovative organizational model recently experimented an hourly payment method yielding positive outcomes. Objectives Using Tronto’s caring framework, this paper analyzes the strategies used by the founders as they developed their innovative model and the nursing activities performed during home visits. Design A longitudinal qualitative study was conducted between 2017 and 2023. Homecare nursing teams were shadowed for 1–2 days per year yielding detailed field notes on caregiving activities, both before and after the new payment method. Secondary data included reports, videos, articles, and unpublished documents found online. Ethical considerations While there is no requirement in France to obtain ethical approval in non-interventional research, verbal consent was obtained by all participants prior to their involvement in the study; confidentiality and anonymity were strictly maintained; and pseudonyms were assigned to protect identities. Findings 63 interviews and 185 h of shadowing and observations were conducted. Results revealed a virtuous cycle of caring facilitated and encouraged by new incentives that resonated with nurses’ professional ethics. The favorable working environment and the hourly payment method enabled nurses to provide caregiving in accordance with their values. Conclusions As the new hourly payment experiment is scaled-up nationally, it is imperative that it is not isolated from the organizational model. Without the underpinning values and principles, the hourly payment method alone is unlikely to shift the value attributed to caring.
System Genetics Analysis Reveals Sex Differences in Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Gene Expression
Authors: Meng Sarah L , Anane-Wae Rita , Benavente Ernest Diez , Aherrahrou Redouane 
Published: November 2024

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The buildup of atherosclerotic plaque, including lipids and cellular waste, characterizes this disease. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) can migrate and proliferate to form a fibrous cap that stabilizes the atherosclerotic plaque in response to plaque buildup. However, in some severe cases, the fibrous cap is unable to prevent plaque rupture, which can lead to a thrombotic event causing a stroke or myocardial infarction. Studies have been conducted to identify genes associated with this disease. However, the influence of sex on CAD risk is poorly understood due to the complexity of the disease and the lack of women in clinical studies. Methods: This study is investigated with a unique collection of human aortic smooth muscle cells (huASMCs) derived from 118 male and 33 female individuals who either underwent a heart transplant or were victims of motor vehicle accidents. In this investigation, we explore differentially expressed genes between males and females related to atherosclerosis using a unique RNAseq dataset of human aortic SMCs. Results: Our study identified 8 genes ( CHST1, DKK2, DLL4, EIF1AXP1, GALNT13, NOTCH4, SELL, SPARCL1) that exhibit sex-biased effects in SMCs. Of these, 6 genes were found in the Athero-Express dataset and 5 of them were associated with atherosclerosis-relevant phenotypes. We discovered a novel NOTCH4/DLL4 pathway that plays a role in the differential expression of these genes between males and females. This pathway is linked to coronary artery physiology and may play a role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease that differs between the sexes. Conclusions: Overall, this investigation shows that differentially expressed genes between males and females in human aortic SMCs exist.
Diagnostic pitfalls in ovarian androgen-secreting tumors in postmenopausal women with rapidly progressed severe hyperandrogenism
Authors: Garzia Emanuele , Galiano Valentina , Guarnerio Paolo Pasquale , Marconi Anna Maria 
Published: November 2024

Objective Sex cord-stromal neoplasms of the ovary are rare tumors and a very infrequent cause of androgen excess and virilization in women. We report two cases of postmenopausal women with rapidly progressive signs of virilization and negative or indeterminate imaging for pelvic masses. Methods Both patients underwent a complete hormone profile, inconclusive transvaginal ultrasound and contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic computed tomography. Results Serum hormone analysis revealed for both cases a marked increase in serum total testosterone (T). In the first woman, Δ-4 androstenedione (Δ-4 A), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) and cortisol levels were in a normal range for age. In the second, Δ-4 A and DHEA-S levels were below the reference range. For both women, an ovarian source of androgens was suspected and bilateral laparoscopic oophorectomy was performed. Ovarian histology demostrated bilateral Leydig cell tumor (LCT) in the first case and bilateral ovarian thecoma in the second. After surgery, total testosterone returned to normal levels and clinical symptoms subsided. Conclusions In cases of postmenopausal androgen excess, physicians must rule out relatively rare androgen-producing tumors originating from the adrenals or ovaries. Regardless of imaging evaluation, our report highlights the importance of prompt and careful clinical and hormonal evaluation to ensure appropriate and timely treatment for the patient.
Presumed gabapentin-induced myoclonus in two cats
Authors: Buckley Caroline , Griffin Croix , Anderson Heather , Moore Sarah A 
Published: November 2024

Case series summary This case report describes the history and presentation of two cats with presumed gabapentin-induced myoclonus. Although this phenomenon is well documented in people, there are no previous reports in cats. Both cats in the current report had International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 2 chronic kidney disease, a history of seizures (one generalized, one focal), and received gabapentin before veterinary hospital visits to alleviate anxiety (doses in the range of 11.8–16.4 mg/kg). While in the hospital, both cats were noted to have intermittent short jerks of the head that were different from the seizure activity previously noted by their owners at home. These cases appear to be the first published reports of this potential adverse effect of gabapentin in cats and risk factors in the present cases mirror those described in people. Relevance and novel information Clinicians should be aware of the potential for this phenomenon in cats receiving recommended doses of gabapentin, and future studies should focus on the role of chronic kidney disease and other neurologic conditions as risk factors for development of this condition.
Cortical Vision Impairment (CVI)-informed assessment and treatment of challenging behavior in a child with SCN2A-related disorder
Authors: Thomas Benjamin R. , Ludwig Natasha N. , Pelletier Danielle , Bauer Melanie , Hommer Rebecca , Smith-Hicks Constance , O’Connor Julia T. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis report presents results of parent-implemented behavioral treatments for a child with cortical visual impairment (CVI), intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) associated with a pathogenic variant in the SCN2A gene (i.e., SCN2A-Related Disorder). Treatment evaluations were informed by combined results of functional behavior assessment (FBA) and functional vision assessment (FVA) which yielded CVI-related accommodations. The treatment of escape-maintained challenging behavior involved the evaluation of behavioral prompting strategies in accordance with CVI-related accommodations, extinction (EXT), and differential reinforcement modifications. The treatment for behavior problems maintained by access to food (tangible-edible) included functional communication training (FCT), EXT, and schedule thinning with schedule-correlated visual signals. Overall, integrating child-specific CVI-related accommodations was essential for developing effective behavioral interventions for this child. FVAs are accessible and practical for uptake by behavior analysts in vision-informed assessment and treatment of challenging behavior.