bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of 3D real-IR delayed post gadolinium MRI parameterisation on the diagnostic performance and optimal descriptor selection in Ménière’s disease
Authors: Connor Steve , Pai Irumee , Touska Philip , Price David , Ourselin Sebastien , Hajnal Joseph V. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To compare the performance and optimal combination of MRI descriptors used for the diagnosis of Ménière’s disease (MD) between a real-IR sequence with “zero-point” endolymph (ZPE), and an optimised real-IR sequence with negative signal endolymph (NSE).

Materials and methods
This retrospective single-centre cross-sectional study evaluated delayed post-gadolinium ZPE and NSE real-IR MRI in consecutive patients with Ménièriform symptoms (8/2020–10/2023). Two observers assessed 14 MRI descriptors. “Definite MD” (2015 criteria) and “all MD” ears (wider clinical criteria) were compared to controls. Cohen’s kappa and risk ratios (RR) were evaluated for each descriptor. Forward stepwise logistic regression established which combination of descriptors best predicted MD.

Results
The study included 132 patients (57 men; mean age 57.7 ± 13.6), with 87 “all MD” (56 “definite”) and 39 control ears. The NSE sequence demonstrated increased perilymph SNR, and improved both diagnostic performance and reliability for 9/14 descriptors. However, ZPE demonstrated superior diagnostic performance for the best descriptor of “saccule absent, large as or confluent with the utricle” (RR 6.571, ZPE; 6.300, NSE) and that of “asymmetric perilymphatic enhancement” (RR 3.628, ZPE; 2.903, NSE). Both sequences combined these two descriptors in the optimal predictive model for “definite MD”, with “grade 2 cochlear hydrops” also significant for NSE. ZPE and NSE descriptor combinations both correctly classified 95.8% of ears. The ZPE descriptor combination performed better for “all MD” (ZPE, AUC-ROC 0.914; NSE, AUC-ROC 0.893).

Conclusion
Parameter optimisation with NSE Real-IR influenced the optimal selection of MRI descriptors but did not improve their diagnostic performance in definite MD.

Key Points

Question

Delayed post-gadolinium ZPE (FLAIR) and NSE (REAL-IR) sequences are widely applied for diagnosing MD, but their relative benefits remain unclear.

Findings

Optimised NSE sequences improve perilymphatic depiction and influence the selection of the optimal MRI descriptors, but do not improve diagnostic performance.

Clinical relevance

Radiologists may continue to apply either ZPE or NSE sequences since they offer similar diagnostic abilities, but the choice of the sequence will influence which MRI features should be evaluated to support the diagnosis of MD.
Characterization of a family IV esterase from extremely halophilic archaeon Haloarcula japonica
Authors: Kato Hiromichi , Ambai Shota , Ikeda Fumiya , Abe Koji , Nakamura Satoshi , Yatsunami Rie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe novel esterase gene lipP1, which encodes HjEstP1, was discovered in the genome of the extremely halophilic archaeon Haloarcula japonica. A homology search and sequence alignment revealed that HjEstP1 is a member of family IV esterases with conserved GXSXG and HGGG motifs. lipP1 was expressed in its parental strain, and recombinant HjEstP1 was purified and characterized. Optimal pH and temperature of HjEstP1 were 6.0 and > 60 °C, respectively. HjEstP1 showed higher activity with increasing NaCl concentration, and optimal NaCl concentration was > 4.5 M. Furthermore, HjEstP1 preferentially hydrolyzed pNP and glycerol esters with short chain fatty acids. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an esterase from an extremely halophilic archaeon obtained via homologous expression.
The use of cloud based machine learning to predict outcome in intracerebral haemorrhage without explicit programming expertise
Authors: Hegde Ajay , Vijaysenan Deepu , Mandava Pitchaiah , Menon Girish 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMachine Learning (ML) techniques require novel computer programming skills along with clinical domain knowledge to produce a useful model. We demonstrate the use of a cloud-based ML tool that does not require any programming expertise to develop, validate and deploy a prognostic model for Intracerebral Haemorrhage (ICH). The data of patients admitted with Spontaneous Intracerebral haemorrhage from January 2015 to December 2019 was accessed from our prospectively maintained hospital stroke registry. 80% of the dataset was used for training, 10% for validation, and 10% for testing. Seventeen input variables were used to predict the dichotomized outcomes (Good outcome mRS 0–3/ Bad outcome mRS 4–6), using machine learning (ML) and logistic regression (LR) models. The two different approaches were evaluated using Area Under the Curve (AUC) for Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), Precision recall and accuracy. Our data set comprised of a cohort of 1000 patients. The data was split 8:1 for training & testing respectively. The AUC ROC of the ML model was 0.86 with an accuracy of 75.7%. With LR AUC ROC was 0.74 with an accuracy of 73.8%. Feature importance chart showed that Glasgow coma score (GCS) at presentation had the highest relative importance, followed by hematoma volume and age in both approaches. Machine learning models perform better when compared to logistic regression. Models can be developed by clinicians possessing domain expertise and no programming experience using cloud based tools. The models so developed lend themselves to be incorporated into clinical workflow.
Toward harmonization of aging and technology research: German adaptation of the mobile device proficiency questionnaire (MDPQ) for older adults
Authors: Schlomann Anna , Wahl Hans-Werner , Schmidt Laura I. , Memmer Nicole , Rietz Christian , Charness Neil , Boot Walter R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire (MDPQ) is a well-established, reliable, and valid instrument to measure basic and advanced mobile device skills among older adults. We offer a German adaptation of the MDPQ and report reliability and validity findings. A controlled translation procedure was applied. The translated scale was tested in two analytical samples with an age range of 50–95 years in 2020 (n = 548) and 2022 (n = 276). To assess reliabilities, internal consistencies and test–retest reliabilities are reported. To assess validity, we analyze the scale in the context of gender, age, and educational differences and its associations with measures of technology use and attitudes towards technology (convergent and divergent validity). The German adaptation of the MDPQ was found to be reliable and valid as the original version. The scale demonstrated an excellent internal consistency in both studies with α = 0.95 (study 2: α = 0.92) and ω = 0.95 (study 2: ω = 0.93). Subscale internal consistencies were all ≥ 0.65. Test–retest reliabilities with measurement waves 2 years apart showed excellent values (MDPQ full scale: rtt = 0.84, p < 0.001). We also found the expected factorial structure of the scale, positive associations with education, mobile device use and technology attitudes, and negative associations with age. Women scored lower than men. The German adaptation of the MDPQ can serve as a useful tool to estimate mobile device skills in older adults in German speaking countries in a reliable and valid way, for example in survey research, research projects, and practice contexts. Translating and implementing the MDPQ in other European countries will help to further strengthen internationally harmonized assessments in technology and aging research.
On the obstruction to the Hasse principle for multinorm equations
Authors: Macedo André 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe investigate local-global principles for multinorm equations over a global field. To this extent, we generalize work of Drakokhrust and Platonov to provide explicit and computable formulae for the obstructions to the Hasse principle and weak approximation for multinorm equations. We illustrate the scope of this technique by extending results of Bayer-Fluckiger–Lee–Parimala [1], Demarche–Wei [5] and Pollio [19].
Covid-19 mortality: the Proportionality Hypothesis
Authors: Cairns Andrew J. G. , Blake David , Kessler Amy , Kessler Marsha , Mathur Rohit 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe introduce and provide evidence to support the Proportionality Hypothesis which states that Covid-19 infection fatality rates are approximately proportional to all-cause death rates by age and subgroup (e.g., socio-economic class). We also show that vaccination played a very significant role in preventing people infected with Covid-19 from needing to be hospitalised, since it reduced the average severity of an infection. Death rates involving Covid-19 were very significantly lower for people in the fully vaccinated group compared to the unvaccinated group. During the pandemic, death rates from other causes were in some cases reduced (e.g., flu and pneumonia), in some cases unchanged (e.g., lung cancer) and in some cases elevated (e.g., heart disease). We discuss the implications of our findings both for potential adjustments to extrapolative mortality models which allow for future pandemics in a way that is consistent with the Proportionality Hypothesis and for insurance companies in terms of both modelling extreme scenarios and the design of mortality catastrophe bonds.
From Theory to Practice: Leveraging Digital Twin Technologies and Supply Chain Disruption Mitigation Strategies for Enhanced Supply Chain Resilience with Strategic Fit in Focus
Authors: Hossain Md. Ismail , Talapatra Subrata , Saha Palash , Belal H. M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Supply chain resilience (SCR) has been a topic of enormous interest among researchers for almost two decades. Still, there’s been limited focus on the impact of digital twin (DT) technologies and supply chain disruption mitigation (SCDM) strategies on SCR. This study addresses this gap by examining how DT and SCDM strategies enhance SCR and whether strategic fit (SF) moderates these relationships. Using the dynamic capability view (DCV) as the theoretical foundation, we developed our conceptual framework and research hypotheses. Data were collected from 200 Bangladeshi manufacturing organizations through a survey-based approach, and the partial least square (PLS) technique was utilized to assess the framework and research hypotheses. The findings reveal that both DT technologies and SCDM strategies significantly boost SCR. Besides, while SF plays a critical moderating role in the relationship between DT and SCR, it does not moderate the association between SCDM strategies and SCR. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of SCR by integrating DT and SCDM strategies within the DCV framework, offering insights into their roles in managing supply chain disruptions. Additionally, it provides practical guidance for managers on effectively leveraging DT and SCDM strategies to build resilient supply chains while emphasizing the importance of strategic alignment in optimizing digital interventions.
Mediterranean diet and osteoarthritis: an update
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Ragusa Francesco Saverio , Dominguez Ligia J. , Cusumano Claudia , Barbagallo Mario 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Mediterranean diet has gained significant attention for its potential health benefits on diverse pathological conditions including osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown and inflammation. Numerous observational studies have suggested that adherence to the Mediterranean diet, may have protective effects against OA. The abundance of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and omega-3 fatty acids, among the Mediterranean diet components is believed to contribute to its beneficial effects on OA. Research investigating the association between the Mediterranean diet and OA has shown promising results. Several observational studies have reported that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of developing OA and with lower severity of OA symptoms. Additionally, intervention studies have demonstrated improvements in pain, function, and quality of life among OA patients following a Mediterranean diet intervention. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet against OA, including its ability to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and cartilage degradation. However, further well-designed randomized controlled trials and mechanistic studies are needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and establish causality. In conclusion, the Mediterranean diet appears to be a promising dietary approach for the prevention and management of OA. Its rich array of nutrients and bioactive compounds may exert protective effects against OA development and progression, although more research is warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Graphical abstract
Comparative study on muscle-tendon stiffness and balance impairment in postmenopausal women: a focus on osteosarcopenia and osteoporosis
Authors: Yekta Elham Bagheri , Torkaman Giti , Aghaghazvini Leila 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and aims
This study set out to examine the stiffness of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and Achilles tendon across postmenopausal women with osteosarcopenia (OS), osteoporosis (OP), and normal bone mineral density. Furthermore, we explored the relationship between muscle-tendon stiffness and postural sway during a curve-tracking task in both sagittal (AP) and frontal (ML) planes.

Methods
Seventy-three women volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were classified into OS (T-score ≤ − 2.5 and muscle mass below 5.5 kg/m2), OP (T-score ≤ − 2.5), and healthy (T-score >-1) groups. The shear wave elastography was used to determine GM and Achilles tendon stiffness during rest and activation. The postural sway was recorded using a force plate during the performance-based curve tracking (CT) task.

Results
The stiffness of the GM and Achilles tendon was found to be significantly lower in the OS group compared to the OP and healthy groups (P < 0.05). In the CT task, the OS group exhibited a significant decrease in the mean absolute (P = 0.011) and RMS error (P = 0.022) in the ML direction compared to the OP group. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the ML mean absolute error and both GM and Achilles’s stiffness during rest and activation (P < 0.05).

Discussion and conclusion
The OS group exhibited the lowest muscle-tendon stiffness. The GM and Achilles stiffness was positively correlated with poor performance-based balance, particularly in the ML direction. This may increase the risk of falls and subsequent hip fractures during simple daily weight- shifting activities in women with osteosarcopenia.
Anti-Swelling Polyelectrolyte Hydrogel with Submillimeter Lateral Confinement for Osmotic Energy Conversion
Authors: Liu Yongxu , Song Jiangnan , Liu Zhen , Chen Jialin , Wang Dejuan , Zhi Hui , Tang Jiebin , Zhang Yafang , Li Ningbo , Zhou Weijia , An Meng , Liu Hong , Xue Guobin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHarvesting the immense and renewable osmotic energy with reverse electrodialysis (RED) technology shows great promise in dealing with the ever-growing energy crisis. One key challenge is to improve the output power density with improved trade-off between membrane permeability and selectivity. Herein, polyelectrolyte hydrogels (channel width, 2.2 nm) with inherent high ion conductivity have been demonstrated to enable excellent selective ion transfer when confined in cylindrical anodized aluminum pore with lateral size even up to the submillimeter scale (radius, 0.1 mm). The membrane permeability of the anti-swelling hydrogel can also be further increased with cellulose nanofibers. With real seawater and river water, the output power density of a three-chamber cell on behalf of repeat unit of RED system can reach up to 8.99 W m−2 (per unit total membrane area), much better than state-of-the-art membranes. This work provides a new strategy for the preparation of polyelectrolyte hydrogel-based ion-selective membranes, owning broad application prospects in the fields of osmotic energy collection, electrodialysis, flow battery and so on.
Angle of Attack Effects on the Induced Structural Loads of a Weapons Bay
Authors: Bacci David , Saddington Alistair J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAero-acoustic analysis was conducted on a weapons bay numerical model with doors, incorporating radar cross section reduction features. The effect of the angle of attack on the aero-acoustic response of the cavity was analysed at Mach numbers of 0.85 and 1.20. It was found that incidence influenced both mean-flow features and acoustic response. Further, linear and angular accelerations induced by the flow on the bay doors revealed potential adverse fluid–structure coupling when the results were compared with modal analysis. Again, the angle of attack did influence the aeroacoustic effects on the cavity door structure.
Proteomics analysis in rats reveals convergent mechanisms between major depressive disorder and dietary zinc deficiency
Authors: Gąsior Łukasz , Pochwat Bartłomiej , Zaręba-Kozioł Monika , Włodarczyk Jakub , Grabrucker Andreas Martin , Szewczyk Bernadeta 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that dietary zinc deficiency can lead to symptoms similar to those observed in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate these mechanisms, we examined proteomic changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HP) of rats, two critical brain regions implicated in the pathophysiology of depression.

Methods
Rats were fed diets either adequate in zinc (ZnA, 50 mg Zn/kg) or deficient in zinc (ZnD, <3 mg/kg) for four weeks. High-throughput proteomic analysis was used to detect changes in protein expression, supplemented by enzyme activity assay for mitochondrial complexes I and IV, examining their functional impacts.

Results
ZnD led to significant alterations in protein expression related to zinc transport and mitochondrial function. Proteomic analysis revealed changes in zinc transporter family members such as Slc30a1 (6.64 log2FC), Slc30a3 (-2.32 log2FC), Slc30a4 (2.87 log2FC), Slc30a5 (5.90 log2FC), Slc30a6 (1.50 log2FC), and Slc30a7 (2.17 log2FC) in the PFC, and Slc30a3 (-1.02 log2FC), Slc30a5 (-1.04 log2FC), and Slc30a7 (1.08 log2FC) in the HP of rats subjected to ZnD. Furthermore, ZnD significantly affected essential mitochondrial activity proteins, including Atp5pb (3.25 log2FC), Cox2 (2.28 log2FC), Atp5me (2.04 log2FC), Cyc1 (2.30 log2FC), Cox4i1 (1.23 log2FC), Cox7c (1.63 log2FC), and Cisd1 (1.55 log2FC), with a pronounced decrease in complex I activity in the PFC.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrates that ZnD leads to significant proteomic changes in the PFC and HP of rats. Specifically, ZnD alters the expression of zinc transporter proteins and proteins critical for mitochondrial function. The significant decrease in complex I activity in the PFC further underscores the impact of ZnD on mitochondrial function. These results highlight the molecular mechanisms by which ZnD can influence brain function and contribute to symptoms similar to those observed in depression.
Etidronate for arterial calcification due to deficiency of CD73 (ACDC): a step in the right direction
Authors: Qureshi Ali Akram , Munir Luqman , Alvi Zainab 
Published: December 2024

AbstractArterial calcification due to deficiency of CD73 (ACDC) is a rare genetic calcification disorder. Recently, a pilot study was conducted which utilized etidronate, a bisphosphonate, to treat ACDC. The results of this study indicated a significant effect on slowing arterial calcification and disease progression in a cohort of affected individuals, thereby favoring the use of etidronate as a potential treatment option for this disease. This would mark etidronate to possibly become the first standard treatment for this rare, vascular disorder. Although further research is needed to prove its efficacy, this landmark study symbolizes a step in the right direction and underscores the need for continued investigation.
Integration of large language models in Nigeria's healthcare: doctors early perspectives, operational barriers, and privacy concerns
Authors: Nri-Ezedi Chisom Adaobi , Ezidiegwu Ugochukwu Stanley , Ohuche Ijeoma Onyinyechukwu , Musa Sani , Chikani Ugo Nnebba , Okonkwo Ifeanyi Ogochukwu , Anarado Chikodi Felicitas , Nwaneli Ezinne Ifeyinwa , Ulasi Nnaemeka Izuchukwu , Nwachukwu Amaechi Chinedu , Ulasi Arinze Ejike , Ulasi Thomas Obiajulu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe advent of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, offering opportunities for improved patient engagement, clinical decision support, and administrative efficiency. This pioneering study aimed to capture the early perspectives of Nigerian medical professionals on LLMs, particularly ChatGPT, immediately following its 2022 introduction by OpenAI. It explores initial responses, anticipated barriers, and data privacy concerns during this transformative period. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and March 2023, involving 406 medical doctors across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. Among those aware of ChatGPT, 66.9% were willing to use it. Most (41.4%) were "not very confident" using LLMs for patient care. The majority (54.0%) rated LLMs "somewhat important" for healthcare integration, and 76.6% believed they could improve outcomes. No explored factors significantly influenced willingness to use LLMs. Primary perceived benefits included improved patient information access (65.2%), clinical decision-making efficiency (57.7%), and patient-provider communication (46.4%). Major concerns were misinterpretation (80.1%), technology dependence (66.3%), liability (65.5%), lack of human interaction (60.7%), and privacy/security (51.3%). These findings highlight both optimism and apprehension towards LLMs, recognizing potential benefits and concerns about misinterpretation, overreliance, legal implications, and privacy, thus underscoring the need for educational programs, ethical frameworks, and robust data protection.
Norm reinforcement, not conformity or environmental factors, is predicted to sustain cultural variation
Authors: Manning Mason L. , Thompson Bill , Morgan Thomas J. H. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The maintenance of cross-cultural variation and arbitrary traditions in human populations is a key question in cultural evolution. Conformist transmission, the tendency to follow the majority, was previously considered central to this phenomenon. However, recent theory indicates that cognitive biases can greatly reduce its ability to maintain traditions. Therefore, we expanded prior models to investigate two other ways that cultural variation can be sustained: payoff-biased transmission and norm reinforcement. Our findings predict that both payoff-biased transmission and reinforcement can enhance conformist transmission's ability to maintain traditions. However, payoff-biased transmission can only sustain cultural variation if it is functionally related to environmental factors. In contrast, norm reinforcement readily generates and maintains arbitrary cultural variation. Furthermore, reinforcement results in path-dependent cultural dynamics, meaning that historical traditions influence current practices, even though group behaviours have changed. We conclude that environmental variation probably plays a role in functional cultural traditions, but arbitrary cultural variation is more plausibly due to the reinforcement of norm compliance.