bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes and survival rates of a uncemented modular revision stem system in hip arthroplasty: a 10-year single-institution study on a frail population
Authors: De Meo Daniele , Martini Paolo , Perciballi Beatrice , Guarascio Giovanni , Vacca Matteo , Cera Gianluca , Gumina Stefano , Villani Ciro 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The increasing prevalence of primary hip arthroplasty has led to a parallel rise in revision cases. Femoral revision often entails compromised bone integrity, requiring consideration of various solutions for optimal reconstructive options. Despite technological advancements, there is limited evidence on the clinical outcomes of the latest modular revision stems. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and survival rates of next generation uncemented modular revision stem in patients undergoing hip revision surgery.

Materials and methods
This retrospective single-center study assessed the survival and failure causes of a specific uncemented modular stem in 48 patients undergoing hip revision surgery between 2012 and 2022. Data included preoperative parameters, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes measured through clinical and radiographic assessments. Forty-eight patients (25 males, 23 females; mean age 72 years) were included, with a mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 5. Preoperative diagnoses varied, with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) being the most common (45.8%), followed by periprosthetic fractures (27.1%). Partial revisions occurred in 60.4%, total revisions in 39.6%. According to Paprosky classification of femoral bone loss, type II and III were the most represented, respectively 35.4% and 50%.

Results
At a mean follow-up of 4.6 years, stem survival was 92.5%. Complications (20%) included dislocation, PJI, fracture, and loosening; the overall reoperation rate was 12.5%. The SF-12 physical score was 43.6, while the mental score was 51.1. The HOOS score was 71.8, and the HHS score was 71.4. Radiographic analysis identified nonprogressive osteolysis in 15.1% of patients.

Conclusions
This study on this uncemented modular revision stem demonstrated favorable outcomes in an elder fragile population with moderate to severe femoral bone loss. The implant’s modularity provides versatility in addressing various defects, without any implant breakage observed during the study period. Literature comparison highlighted similar outcomes despite sample size differences. The promising results warrant continued investigation into the long-term survivorship of this modular stem system.
The comparison between intratympanic gentamicin prehabilitation and postoperative virtual reality exposure to standard vestibular training in patients with vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Bonaventurová Markéta , Balatková Zuzana , Červený Květoslav , Černý Rudolf , Bandúrová Veronika , Koucký Vladimír , Peterková Lenka , Fík Zdeněk , Komarc Martin , Mrázková Eva , Plzák Jan , Čada Zdeněk 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
Resection of the vestibular schwannoma causes acute peripheral vestibular loss. The process of central compensation starts immediately afterward. The rehabilitation goal is to support this process and restore the quality of life.

Materials and methods
In this prospective single-center study, 67 consecutive patients underwent vestibular schwannoma resection (40 females, mean age 52 ± 12 years). The patients were divided into three groups: the prehabilitation with intratympanic gentamicin group, the virtual reality group (optokinetic stimulation via virtual reality goggles in the first ten days after the surgery), and the control group. All patients were examined with objective methods and completed questionnaires before the prehabilitation, before the surgery, at the hospital discharge, and after three months.

Results
Intratympanic gentamicin prehabilitation leads ipsilaterally to a significant aVOR reduction in all semicircular canals (p < 0.050), the increase of the unilateral weakness in air calorics (p = 0.026), and loss of cVEMPs responses (p = 0.017). Prehabilitation and postoperative exposure to virtual reality scenes improved the patient’s perception of vertigo problems according to Dizziness Handicap Inventory (p = 0.039 and p = 0.076, respectively). These findings conform with the optokinetic testing results, which showed higher slow phase velocities at higher speeds (40 deg/s) in both targeted groups compared to the control group.

Conclusion
Preoperative intratympanic gentamicin positively affects peripheral vestibular function, influencing balance perception after VS resection. In long-term follow-up, prehabilitation and postoperative exposure to virtual reality improve patients’ quality of life in the field of vertigo problems.
Quality of life in children at different stages of chronic kidney disease in a developing country
Authors: Chaichana Urapee , Pooliam Julaporn , Jantongsree Maturin , Chantaratin Sasitorn , Sumboonnanonda Achra , Pattaragarn Anirut , Supavekin Suroj , Piyaphanee Nuntawan , Lomjansook Kraisoon , Thunsiribuddhichai Yarnarin , Tinnabut Intraparch , Chaiyapak Thanaporn 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) require comprehensive assessments, including medical and quality of life (QoL) evaluations. Few studies have been conducted in developing countries.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included 2–18-year-old patients who were categorized into 4 groups: the CKD stage 2–3, stage 4–5, stage 5 with dialysis (D), and kidney transplantation (KT) groups. QoL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) version 4.0; relationships between different factors and QoL were determined using multivariable linear regression analysis.

Results
Eighty-seven patients (mean age: 13.3 (4.1) years) were included. The self-reported total scores were 77.5 (12.5), 78.9 (11.2), 77.4 (16.2), and 76.1 (10.9) in the stage 2–3, stage 4–5, stage 5D and KT groups, respectively. Parent-reported scores showed a weak-to-moderate correlation with self-reported scores (r = 0.12–0.42), with total scores of 71.8 (12.7), 69.5 (14.9), 63.4 (14.8), and 70.8 (18.1) in the stage 2–3, 4–5, 5D and KT groups, respectively. Multivariable linear regression revealed that the parent-reported score in the stage 5D group was 15.92 points lower than that in the stage 2–3 group (p = 0.02); the score in the low maternal education group was 10.13 points lower than that in the high maternal education group (p = 0.04).

Conclusions
Parent-reported scores showed weak-to-moderate correlation with self-reported scores. Patients with CKD stage 5D and patients with low maternal education had lower QoL. Regular QoL assessment is recommended for patients with advanced CKD and those with socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

Graphical abstract
Advancing precision agriculture: domain-specific augmentations and robustness testing for convolutional neural networks in precision spraying evaluation
Authors: Rogers Harry , De La Iglesia Beatriz , Zebin Tahmina , Cielniak Grzegorz , Magri Ben 
Published: August 2024

AbstractModern agriculture relies heavily on the precise application of chemicals such as fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides, which directly affect both crop yield and environmental footprint. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the accuracy of precision sprayers regarding the spatial location of spray deposits. However, there is currently no fully automated evaluation method for this. In this study, we collected a novel dataset from a precision spot spraying system to enable us to classify and detect spray deposits on target weeds and non-target crops. We employed multiple deep convolutional backbones for this task; subsequently, we have proposed a robustness testing methodology for evaluation purposes. We experimented with two novel data augmentation techniques: subtraction and thresholding which enhanced the classification accuracy and robustness of the developed models. On average, across nine different tests and four distinct convolutional neural networks, subtraction improves robustness by 50.83%, and thresholding increases by 42.26% from a baseline. Additionally, we have presented the results from a novel weakly supervised object detection task using our dataset, establishing a baseline Intersection over Union score of 42.78%. Our proposed pipeline includes an explainable artificial intelligence stage and provides insights not only into the spatial location of the spray deposits but also into the specific filtering methods within that spatial location utilised for classification.
Placebo-related improvement with methylphenidate treatment in children with ADHD
Authors: Vertessen Karen , Oosterlaan Jaap , Bet Pierre , Bottelier Marco , Stoffelsen Reino , Swanson James M. , Wisse Annemiek , Twisk Jos , Luman Marjolein 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNon-specific effects of methylphenidate treatment, including expectancy and regression to the mean effects, contribute to the overall effect of methylphenidate on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Knowledge on the extent to which non-specific effects contribute to the overall effect and whether regression to the mean explains part of the non-specific effects, is currently lacking. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was used to compare parent and teacher ratings of child ADHD symptoms at baseline and during treatment with placebo and 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg of methylphenidate, twice daily. Participants were 5-13-year-old children with a DSM-5 diagnosis of ADHD (N = 45). The extent to which non-specific effects contributed to the effects of methylphenidate was determined by ADHD symptom reductions observed with placebo versus reductions observed with active doses of methylphenidate. The influence of regression to the mean was examined by estimating the contribution of baseline ADHD symptom severity to the effects observed with placebo treatment. Data were analyzed using multilevel analyses. We observed significant non-specific effects of methylphenidate for parent-rated ADHD symptoms, but not for teacher-rated symptoms. For parent reported hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, higher baseline symptoms predicted larger effects with placebo, indicating regression to the mean effects. For parent-reports, a significant part of the overall effect of methylphenidate treatment is explained by non-specific effects. Our findings stress the importance of taking non-specific effects into account when evaluating methylphenidate treatment, by including teacher-reports and using a double baseline assessment during titration. Comparing active medication with a placebo in the titration trial has the potential to identify non-specific effects.
Bio-control efficacy of selected indigenous nematophagous fungi against Meloidogyne enterolobii in vitro and on dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Ramatsitsi Ndivhuwo , Dube Zakheleni Palane , Ramachela Khosi , Motloba Tuelo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important commercialized field crop in South Africa for aiding in food security as a cheap protein source. However, it is highly susceptible to root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne species. Use of indigenous nematophagous fungi as bio-control agents (BCA) of Meloidogyne nematodes is a promising research focus area. This is because indigenous fungal species are naturally part of the ecosystem and therefore compatible with other biological processes unlike most synthetic chemicals. The objective of the study was to identify indigenous nematophagous fungal BCA and establish their potential efficacy in reducing M. enterolobii population densities on dry bean with and without incorporation of compost. Screened indigenous fungal species included Aspergillus terreus, Talaromyces minioluteus, T. sayulitensis, Trichoderma ghanense, and T. viride. There were observed significant parasitism differences (P ≤ 0.05) among the BCA, with T. ghanense showing the highest egg parasitism (86%), followed by T. minioluteus (72%) and T. sayulitensis (70%). On the other hand, the highest J2 parasitism was observed on T. minioluteus (95%), followed by A. terreus and T. viride (63%). A similar trend was observed under in vivo conditions, with higher efficacy with compost incorporation. This provides a highly encouraging alternative and ecologically complementary Meloidogyne management in dry bean production.
Minimally invasive tubular removal of spinal schwannoma and neurofibroma - a case series of 49 patients and review of the literature
Authors: Argiti Katerina , Watzlawick Ralf , Hohenhaus Marc , Vasilikos Ioannis , Volz Florian , Roelz Roland , Scholz Christoph , Hubbe Ulrich , Beck Jürgen , Neef Matthias , Klingler Jan-Helge 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive tubular removal of spinal schwannoma and neurofibroma. In this single-centre study, we retrospectively analysed 49 consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive removal of a total of 51 benign spinal nerve sheath tumors using a non-expandable (n = 18) or expandable tubular retractor (n = 33) retractor system between June 2007 and December 2019. The extent of resection, surgical complications, neurological outcome, operative time, and estimated blood loss were recorded. Histopathology revealed 41 schwannomas and 10 neurofibromas. After a mean follow-up of 30.8 months, postoperative MRI showed gross total resection in 93.7%, and subtotal resection in 6.3% of the tumors. Three patients were lost to follow up. Of the subtotal resections, one was a schwannoma (2.4% subtotal resections in schwannomas) and two were neurofibromas (20.0% subtotal resections in neurofibromas). Intraspinal and paraspinal tumor localizations were equally accessible by minimally invasive tubular surgery. Conversion to open surgery was not required in any case. The mean operative time was 167 ± 68 min, and estimated blood loss was 138 ± 145 ml. We observed no major surgical complications. Spinal schwannoma and neurofibroma can be removed effectively and safely using a minimally invasive tubular approach, with satisfying extent of tumor resection comparable to the conventional open surgical technique and no increased risk for neurological deterioration.
Spatial memory and frames of reference: How deeply do we rely on the body and the environment?
Authors: Iachini Tina 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHow do we mentally represent the world out there? Psychology, philosophy and neuroscience have given two classical answers: as a living space where we act and perceive, dependent on our bodies; as an enduring physical space with its feature, independent of our bodily interactions. The first would be based on egocentric frames of reference anchored to the body, while the second on allocentric frames of reference centred on the environment itself or on objects. This raises some questions concerning how deep the reliance on the body and the environment is when using these reference frames, and whether they are affected differently by the duration of time and the scale (small or large) of space. To answer these questions, I have brought empirical evidence of the effect of motor interference, blindness, environmental characteristics and temporal factors on egocentric and allocentric spatial representational capacity. The results suggest that egocentric representations are deeply rooted in the body, with its sensory and motor properties, and are closely linked to acting now in small-scale or peripersonal space. Allocentric representations are more influenced by environmental than by bodily characteristics, by visual than by motor properties, and seem particularly related to large-scale or extrapersonal space. In line with neurophysiological evidence and a Kantian perspective, it appears that we are endowed with an internal spatial representation system ready to structure environmental information for our purposes. To what extent this system is innate and pervasive in cognition and what is its relationship to the neural 'positioning' substrate discovered by O'Keefe and colleagues requires further scientific investigation.
Access to COVID-19 information, diagnosis, and vaccination for migrants and ethnic minorities in the WHO European region: a systematic review
Authors: De Marchi Chiara , Bellini Arianna , Tosti Maria Elena , D’Angelo Franca , Declich Silvia , Mazzalai Elena , Gatta Angela , Ferrari Caterina , Scarso Salvatore , Marchetti Giulia , Mondera Francesco , Mancini Giancosimo , Aloise Igor , Sabato Marise , Siena Leonardo Maria , Pizzarelli Scilla , Giannini Dara , Jaljaa Anissa , Turatto Federica , Marceca Maurizio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Aim
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on migrants and ethnic minority (MEM) populations in terms of risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, morbidity, and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate inequalities accessing healthcare for COVID-19 among MEM populations compared to the general population.

Subject and methods
A systematic review was conducted, collecting studies on MEM populations’ access to healthcare for COVID-19 in the WHO European region in terms of access to prevention, diagnosis, and care, published from January 2020 to February 2022, on the following databases: Medline, Embase, Biosis, Scisearch, and Esbiobase.

Results
Of the 19 studies identified, 11 were about vaccine hesitancy, five about vaccine execution, two about access to COVID-19 testing, and one was about access to information on COVID-19. Twelve studies were conducted in the UK. Overall, MEM populations faced greater barriers to accessing vaccination, turned out to be more vaccine hesitant, and faced more difficulties in accessing COVID-19 information and testing.

Conclusion
These findings highlight the inequalities MEM populations faced accessing healthcare services for COVID-19 and health information. There is the need for policymakers to prioritize strategies for building trust and engage MEM populations to overcome the barriers when designing health promotion and care programs.
A randomized phase 1 study of safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of MK-1088, a novel dual adenosine receptor antagonist, in healthy adult participants
Authors: Gupta Pranav , Chatterjee Manash , Kim Yeonil , Deschamps Kathleen , Lemoine Lieselotte , Van Dyck Kristien , Matthews Catherine Zhou , Rottey Sylvie , Stoch Aubrey , Lai Eseng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis phase 1 first-in-human study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of MK-1088, a novel, small-molecule dual inhibitor of adenosine A2A and A2B receptors. Healthy adult participants were enrolled in two panels (n = 8 each) and randomly assigned to receive MK-1088 (n = 6) or placebo (n = 2) orally in each of five treatment periods. Participants in panel A received single ascending doses of MK-1088 at 1, 10, 50, and 150 mg or placebo in a fasted or fed (50 mg only) state. Participants in panel B received MK-1088 at 3, 25, 100, and 224 mg or placebo in a fasted state. Primary objectives were to evaluate safety, tolerability, and plasma pharmacokinetics following a single dose of MK-1088. The secondary objective was to evaluate the effects of a high-fat meal on pharmacokinetics. All participants (n = 16) completed the study (median age: 33 years [range: 20–43]; all were male). Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) occurred in 1 of 6 (17%), 4 of 6 (67%), 4 of 6 (67%), and 2 of 6 (33%) participants after receiving MK-1088 at 3, 25, 100, and 224 mg, respectively. No serious AEs or deaths due to any cause occurred. MK-1088 was rapidly absorbed after a single dose; half-life was ~ 11 h in the 100–224 mg dose range. The target concentration at 12 h (> 0.3 µM) was exceeded at the 50-mg dose level. MK-1088 plasma pharmacokinetics increased dose proportionately. A high-fat meal did not significantly affect pharmacokinetics at the 50-mg dose. MK-1088 was well tolerated and demonstrated dose-proportional pharmacokinetic properties that were not affected by a high-fat meal.
Impactful Conceptual Engineering: Designing Technological Artefacts Ethically
Authors: Veluwenkamp Herman 
Published: August 2024

AbstractConceptual engineering is the design, evaluation and implementation of concepts. Despite its popularity, some have argued that the methodology is not worthwhile, because the implementation of new concepts is both inscrutable and beyond our control. In the recent literature we see different responses to this worry. Some have argued that it is for political reasons just as well that implementation is such a difficult task, while others have challenged the metasemantic and social assumptions that underlie this skepticism about implementation. In this paper, I argue that even if implementation is as difficult as critics maintain, there is at least one context in which conceptual engineering is extremely impactful and demonstrably so: the design of new technology. Different conceptions of control, freedom, trust, etc. lead to different designs and implementations of systems that are built to embed those concepts. This means that if we want to design for control, freedom, trust, etc., we have to decide which conception we ought to use. When we determine what the appropriate conception of a concept is in a technological context and use this conception to operationalize a norm or value, we generate requirements which have real-world effects. This not only shows that conceptual engineering can be extremely impactful, the fact that it leads to different design requirements means that we have a way to evaluate our conceptual choices and that we can use this feedback loop to improve upon our conceptual work By illustrating the direct impacts of different conceptions on technology design, this paper underscores the practical applicability and value of conceptual engineering, demonstrating how it serves as a crucial bridge between abstract philosophical analysis and concrete technological innovation.
Real Talk: Conversations on HIV with Black Heterosexual Men in Healthcare Settings
Authors: Urquhart Rakira , Adams Mackenzie , Chakraborty Shawtaabdee , Burns Jade C. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Nearly half of heterosexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections occur among Black men in the United States. Yet Black heterosexual men (BHM) are largely ignored in HIV programming, policy implementation, and research. This study explores how masculinity, mental health, and socioeconomic factors such as income, education, and insurance (e.g., enrollment and coverage) correlate with the likelihood of BHM having important conversations surrounding HIV with their healthcare providers and family members. Conversations among social networks (e.g., peers, family, and neighbors) create an opportunity to increase comfortability while discussing HIV-related topics around condom use and testing. This study used a cross-sectional survey design and convenience sampling (N = 279) to recruit participants from a community-academic partnership involving a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Detroit between June 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to report demographics, socioeconomic information, and sexual health-related behavior variables. Spearman’s correlation test was used to report bivariate correlations between predictor and outcome variables. 49.3% of the study participants disclosed having ever talked to a healthcare provider about HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and 40.9% disclosed having ever talked to a family member about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The results from this article highlight potential barriers that may inhibit BHM from engaging in conversations about HIV with their healthcare providers and family members. It is important to include BHM in future research that focuses on HIV prevention and education to support community leaders and clinicians who work to address these disparities.