bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Intu-VR-vention Program for Enhancing Medical Training through Virtual Reality (VR) Storyboard Integration for Intubation
Authors: Jensen Sophia , Leiting McGuire , Romero Bo-Dee , Wester Noah , Runge Henry J. , Nelson Carl A. , Siu Ka-Chun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This study introduces a new approach to enhance intubation medical training by developing an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) storyboard. Focused on practicality, our research aims to enhance medical education by leveraging the impact of VR technology. The hypothesized benefits include heightened trainee engagement, improved procedural knowledge retention, and enhanced critical decision-making skills. The VR storyboard comprises ten scenes, each representing a key step in the intubation procedure, aligning with recent developments and incorporating real-life complexities.
Developed collaboratively with board-certified physicians, medical students, and software programmers, our methodology integrates practice-based guidelines and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. The scenes, spanning from patient interaction to handover to the surgical team, create an authentic yet simulated learning environment. Preliminary results from comprehensive focus group assessments, combining quantitative metrics and qualitative insights, demonstrate positive impacts on trainee engagement, procedural knowledge retention, and critical decision-making skills.
In summary, this systematic and transformative approach to intubation training offers a tailored learning experience. The VR storyboard method holds promise for reshaping medical training beyond intubation education, marking a significant advancement in immersive educational technology.
Acceleration Photo-Plethysmography Ratios: Effective Predictors of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Diabetes
Authors: Tayade Apakrita , Kumar Saurav , Shrivastava Amber , Bhallamudi Ravi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a chronic and progressive disease that affects blood circulation. Poor glycemic control, especially in people with diabetes, might accelerate this illness. Photo-plethysmography (PPG) signals assess vascular health non-invasively. Acceleration Photo-plethysmograph (APG) ratios correlate with aging and vascular health. Very few studies have reported the relationship of APG ratios against age and diabetes. Various APG ratios were measured for 60 subjects (30 healthy and 30 with diabetes). Among healthy subjects, the levels of the APG ratios notably varied with age (p-value is 0.001 for b/a and p-value is 0.008 for b-c-d-e/a). The b/a ratio varied linearly with age (y = 0.001x - 1.1, R2 = 0.36), as did the b-c-d-e ratio (y = 0.008x - 1.2, R2 = 0.13). The b/a and b-c-d-e/a ratios significantly correlated with ABI (p-value 0.001). Subjects with normal ABI exhibited a negative b/a ratio. The b/a ratio increased with the severity of PAD (as per ABI) in both groups. A linear regression model of the b/a ratio effectively differentiates subjects with abnormal ABI from those with normal ABI. The b/a and (b-c-d-e)/a ratios can be used for easy and faster monitoring of peripheral arterial disease in people with diabetes.
Bed-Based Ballistocardiography: Investigating System Effects & Mitigation Techniques
Authors: Knapp Calder , Thompson David E. , Carlson Charles 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The ballistocardiogram (BCG) is a relevant unobtrusive alternative to traditional vital monitoring signals. Through the measurement of the heart’s ballistic force, representative signals can be collected that contain cardiac related health features. However, the BCG’s morphology can vary based on the measurement system and subject. This paper seeks to quantify the system-level distortion applied to measured BCG signals in a bed-based acquisition system. The characteristic “ring” of commonly acquired signals are modeled and correction techniques including ideal lowpass filtering, band stop filtering, linear predictive coding, and frequency domain deconvolution are utilized to attempt to remove this distortion. The time-domain and frequency-domain characteristics of the resulting signals are analyzed. These results document a reduction in “ring” of characteristically distorted signals and promote further research into the source of this distortion. Such results are relevant to the enhancement of understanding regarding the characteristics of bed-based BCG acquisition as well as future applications in non-contact vitals monitoring systems.
Investigating Muscle Fatigue Using a Low-Cost Emg Armband: Towards a Low-Cost Bionic Hand
Authors: Finger Shehwar F. , Kala Priyanka J. , Mohamed Abdul-Khaaliq 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Myoelectric prostheses could enable amputees to better perform daily activities. This paper documents a preliminary investigation to identify muscle fatigue using electromyography (EMG), that could enhance the performance of myoelectric prosthetic devices A low-cost wearable myoelectric armband utilizing brass dry-type electrodes was developed. It was tested against a PowerLab medical-grade EMG machine in terms of providing signals from which muscle fatigue can be successfully interpreted. The extracted features representing muscle fatigue were the integral of time-series EMG (IEMG), root mean square (RMS), mean frequency (MNF) and median frequency (MDF). For both the low-cost armband and the PowerLab machine, IEMG and RMS increased with increasing muscle fatigue, while MNF and MDF decreased—which were expected results. The armband and PowerLab devices showed similar performances when compared using RMS and IEMG features (average error of 35% and correlation of 0.71), but not using MNF and MDF features (average error of 112% and correlation of 0.13). This suggests that the low-cost EMG armband may be able to acquire EMG of sufficient quality to enable muscle fatigue interpretation. However, further testing and development is necessary.
A Flexible Patella Fracture Device for Increased Anterior Cortical Compression
Authors: Huxman Connor , Updegrove Gary , Armstrong April , Lewis Gregory , Butler Jared 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Fractures of the patella can be challenging to treat surgically. The current standard of tension band wiring is susceptible to wire loosening and fracture displacement. In this study we introduce a novel concept involving a flexible patella fixation device which leverages pre-strain to deliver interfragmentary compression concentrated anteriorly. Finite element analysis provides a preliminary exploration of the concept, demonstrating that two different flexible patella plates can provide increased anterior compression both alone and when paired with lag screws.
Lateral Migration of Cancer Cells in a Microchannel
Authors: Akerkouch Lahcen , Le Trung B. , Haage Amanda 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This work presents the development of a novel approach to model cancer cell dynamics in microcirculation. The proposed numerical model is based on a hybrid continuum-particle approach. The cancer cell model includes the cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm and the cytoskeleton. The Dissipative Particle Dynamics method was employed to simulate the mechanical components. The blood plasma is modeled as a Newtonian incompressible fluid. A Fluid-Structure Interaction coupling, leveraging the Immersed Boundary Method is developed to simulate the cell's response to flow dynamics. The model is applied to resolve the transport of cancer cells with realistic morphologies in microcirculatory flows. Our results suggest that the controlling of oscillatory flows can be utilized to induce specific morphological shapes and the surrounding fluid patterns, allowing full manipulation and control of the cell. Furthermore, the intracellular and extracellular dynamics response of the cancer cell is intrinsically linked to their shape, in which certain morphologies displayed strong resistance to the fluid-induced forces and the ability to migrate in various directions. Our computational framework provides new capabilities for designing bioengineering devices for cell manipulation and separation.
Enhanced Deep Vein Thrombosis Anaylsis: A Hybrid Technique of Modified U-NET and Semantic Segmentation Approaches
Authors: Pavihaa Lakshmi B , Vidhya S 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life-threatening condition where a blood clot forms in deep veins, typically in the calf muscle region of our lower extremities. It may cause leg pain or swelling, and it might break down, resulting in pulmonary embolism (PE). When DVT and PE occur concurrently, it is commonly referred to as venous thromboembolism (VTE). This research develops an innovative methodology for DVT segmentation in medical imaging. Using a novel approach, we provide an updated U-Net architecture that includes residual and inception blocks to improve the model's capacity to precisely identify DVT areas. In addition, we investigate the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), for semantic segmentation in order to obtain an in-depth segmentation of DVT. In comparison to conventional approaches, our results illustrate that the proposed architecture is effective in recognizing DVT edges with better accuracy and resilience. Our model is trained using binary cross-entropy loss and the Adam optimizer and evaluated using performance metrics like accuracy, loss, and sensitivity. Our research enhances the area of medical image processing by presenting a potential path for automated and robust techniques in DVT segmentation.
Design of WMTS Band Implantable Antenna for Biotelemetric Applications
Authors: Vijayanandam N , Vidhya S 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Bio-Implants are essential to restore normal functionality to the damaged or failing body parts of the patients. A wide range of strategies and methods for wireless powering are being explored. The key components for the proper and reliable powering of implants are biocompatible antennas, that are resonated at any of the different frequency bands such as the wireless medical telemetry service frequency band (WMTS, 1.395–1.4 GHz), the medical implantable communication service frequency band (MICS, 402–405 MHz) and the industrial, scientific, and medical frequency band (ISM, 433–434 MHz, 902–908 MHz, 2.4–2.48 GHz). This paper suggests the design of a WMTS (1.39 – 1.42 GHz) band implantable antenna for bio-telemetric applications such as efficient powering of the implantable device. Moreover, in this design, the size of the proposed antenna is reduced to (19x14) mm2. In order to improve the conductivity of the patch, a shorting pin is utilized. The 1.4 GHz working frequency, small size, low specific absorption rate (SAR) of the proposed antenna and validation using tissue-mimic liquid phantom ensure the suitability for wireless powering of implants and other biotelemetric applications.
Menthol Mouth Rinsing Improves Cycling Performance in Trained Adolescent Males Under Heat Stress
Authors: Hawke Kierstyn V. , Gavel Erica H. , Bentley David J. , Logan-Sprenger Heather M. 
Published: August 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of menthol (MEN) mouth rinsing (MR) on cycling performance during a modified variable cycle test (M-VCT) in adolescent athletes under hot conditions (31.4 ± 0.9 °C, 23.4 ± 3.7% relative humidity). Methods: Trained adolescent male cyclists (n = 11, 16.7 ± 1.3 years, height 176.6 ± 8.8 cm, body mass 65.8 ± 11.6 kg, maximal oxygen uptake 62.97 ± 7.47 ml·kg−1·min−1) voluntarily completed three trials (familiarization and two experimental) of a 30-min M-VCT, which included five 6-min laps consisting of three 6-s accelerations and three 10-s sprints throughout each lap. In a randomized crossover design, MEN (0.01%) or placebo (PLA) (crystal-light), was swilled for 5 s before the start of each lap (total of 6 MR). Power output, distance (in kilometers), core temperature, heart rate, perceptual exertion, thermal stimulation (thermal comfort and thermal sensation), and blood lactate concentration were recorded. Results: MEN MR significantly improved M-VCT mean power output by 1.81 ± 1.57% compared to PLA (MEN, 177.8 ± 31.4 W; PLA, 174.7 ± 30.5 W, p < .001, 95% confidence interval [1.73, 4.46], d = 1.53). For maximal intermittent sprints, 6- and 10-s mean power output was significantly higher with MEN than PLA (6 s, p = .041, 95% confidence interval [0.73, 27.19], d = 0.71; 10 s, p = .002, 95% confidence interval [11.08, 35.22], d = 1.29). There was no significant difference in core temperature, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, or any perceptual measure between trials (p > .05) despite significantly higher work with MEN. Conclusion: 64% of athletes (7/11) improved M-VCT performance with MEN. The results of this investigation suggest that a MEN MR may improve power output during a sport-specific stochastic cycling task in elite adolescent male cyclists.
Sleep, Fatigue, and Recovery Profiles of the Longest Solo Unsupported One-Way Polar Ski Journey Across Antarctica
Authors: Scheer Volker , Chandi Harpreet , Valero Encarna , Thuany Mabliny , Knechtle Beat , Steinach Mathias 
Published: August 2024

Purpose: Antarctic expeditions are exceptional physiological challenges. Sleep plays a critical role in athletic performance, recovery, and wellness, with sleep disturbances having a negative impact on health and performance. Methods: The authors investigated sleep, fatigue, and recovery profiles of the longest solo unsupported one-way polar ski journey across Antarctica. A 33-year-old woman covered 1484.53 km from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole, finishing at the Ross Ice Shelf, in 70 days and 16 hours. Questionnaires on sleep (Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale and Karolinska Sleepiness Scale), fatigue (Subjective Assessment of Fatigue), recovery (Total Quality Recovery), and wellness were completed at different time points (before, during, and after the expedition). Results: Average daily sleep time was between 4 and 5 hours, increasing to 7 hours for the final part of the expedition. Satisfaction of sleep and lack of energy deteriorated as the expedition progressed, alongside signs of clinical insomnia. Fatigue and muscle soreness increased with increasing milage, with extreme levels and very poor recovery toward the end of the expedition. Despite this, the adventurer continued to perform on extremely high levels. Postexpedition scores returned to baseline, demonstrating the incredible adaptation and ability to recovery. The postexpedition interview showed that prior experience of an Antarctic expedition may have prepared the athlete and made her more resilient for this challenge. Conclusions: The data provide unique insights into Antarctic expeditions and may help us understand the limits of human performance when planning future expeditions of this nature. Female athletes are capable of extreme challenges, breaking established performance boundaries.
Psychological Safety: A Qualitative Study on Coach and Athlete Perceptions
Authors: Cooke Michael , Paradis Kyle F. , Sharp Lee Ann , Woods David , Sarkar Mustafa 
Published: August 2024

Aims: The concept of psychological safety has received growing interest within a sport context in recent years. Despite a small but growing body of literature, there is still a lack of conceptual clarity, and thus research is needed to gain a better understanding of how psychological safety manifests in sport. Existing literature suggests psychological safety may allow for positive outcomes in various sport settings. As this may be of interest to many coaches and sporting organisations, a deeper evidence base will prove beneficial for further support to this claim. The aim of the current study was to garner conceptual clarity by gathering coach and athlete perceptions of psychological safety in high-performance pathway sport environments. Methods: Qualitative findings of six focus groups with coaches (two focus groups) and athletes (four focus groups) were comprised of four sports (association football, boxing, field hockey, and swimming). A total of 25 participants included 18 athletes (Mage = 19.6 years; Mexperience = 10.6 years) and seven coaches (Mage = 45 years; Mexperience = 19.6 years) who discussed psychological safety within their high-performance pathway sport environment. Focus groups lasted from 36 to 78 minutes (Mlength = 56 min). Qualitative content analysis was utilised to categorise themes identified from the focus groups. Findings: Findings offer a conceptualisation of the defining attributes (e.g., freedom to speak freely and raise issues), antecedents (e.g., positional competition, selection, and deselection), and outcomes (e.g., positive climate and enjoyment of sport) of psychological safety in sport settings. One of the key takeaways within the findings suggests that psychological safety in a sport context may manifest in a dual process, namely on-field (e.g., the freedom to take risks) and off-field (e.g., the freedom to speak freely and raise issues).
crANKing up the infection: ankyrin domains in
Rickettsiales
and their role in host manipulation
Authors: Hamilton William C. , Newton Irene L. G. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Intracellular bacteria use secreted effector proteins to modify host biology and facilitate infection. For many of these microbes, a particular eukaryotic domain—the ankyrin repeat (ANK)—plays a central role in specifying the host proteins and pathways targeted by the microbe. While we understand much of how some ANKs function in model organisms like
Legionella
and
Coxiella
, the understudied
Rickettsiales
species harbor many proteins with ANKs, some of which play critical roles during infection. This minireview is meant to organize and summarize the research progress made in understanding some of these
Rickettsiales
ANKs as well as document some of the techniques that have driven much of this progress.
The multifaceted roles of selective autophagy receptors in viral infections
Authors: Luo Rui , Wang Tao , Lan Jing , Lu Zhanhao , Chen Shengmei , Sun Yuan , Qiu Hua-Ji 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Selective autophagy is a protein clearance mechanism mediated by evolutionarily conserved selective autophagy receptors (SARs), which specifically degrades misfolded, misassembled, or metabolically regulated proteins. SARs help the host to suppress viral infections by degrading viral proteins. However, viruses have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to counteract, evade, or co-opt autophagic processes, thereby facilitating viral replication. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the complex mechanisms of SARs involved in viral infections, specifically focusing on how viruses exploit strategies to regulate selective autophagy. We present an updated understanding of the various critical roles of SARs in viral pathogenesis. Furthermore, newly discovered evasion strategies employed by viruses are discussed and the ubiquitination-autophagy-innate immune regulatory axis is proposed to be a crucial pathway to control viral infections. This review highlights the remarkable flexibility and plasticity of SARs in viral infections.
Draft genome sequence of
Rhodotorula
sp. BUB8, an oleaginous yeast isolated from Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, Laguna, Philippines
Authors: Pajares Irene G. , Ramos Kristine Rose M. , Montecillo Andrew D. , Elegado Francisco B. , Raymundo Asuncion K. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper reports the draft genome sequence of
Rhodotorula
sp. BUB8, an oleaginous yeast isolated from the forest canopy of Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve in the Philippines. The draft genome is 20,394,133 bp with 64.3% guanine-cytosine (GC) content, 6,604 coding genes, 109 tRNA coding, and 6 snRNA-coding genes.
Nine Cluster E mycobacteriophages isolated from soil
Authors: Gaballa Joseph M. , Freise Amanda , Reddi Krisanavane , Moberg Parker Jordan 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Mycobacteriophages FireRed, MISSy, MPhalcon, Murica, Sassay, Terminus, Willez, YassJohnny, and Youngblood were isolated from soil using
Mycobacterium smegmatis
as a host. Genome sequencing and annotation revealed that they belong to Actinobacteriophage Cluster E. Here, we describe the features of their genomes and discuss similarities within these Cluster E phages.
Brief Educational Workshops in Secondary Schools Trial (BESST): a cluster randomised controlled trial. Secondary analysis in those with elevated symptoms of depression
Authors: Lisk Stephen , James Kirsty , Shearer James , Byford Sarah , Stallard Paul , Deighton Jessica , Saunders David , Yarrum Jynna , Fonagy Peter , Weaver Timothy , Sclare Irene , Day Crispin , Evans Claire , Carter Ben , Brown June 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are increasingly prevalent in adolescents. The Brief Educational Workshops in Secondary Schools Trial investigated the effectiveness of a brief self-referral stress workshop programme for sixth-form students aged 16–18 years old.ObjectiveThis study conducted a secondary analysis on the outcomes of participants with elevated depressive symptoms at baseline.MethodsThis is an England-wide, multicentre, cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a brief cognitive–behavioural therapy workshop (DISCOVER) compared with treatment-as-usual (TAU) (1:1). The primary outcome was depression symptoms (Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ)) at 6-month follow-up, using the intention-to-treat (ITT) population and analysed with a multilevel linear regression estimating a between-group adjusted mean difference (aMD). Cost-effectiveness, taking a National Health Service (NHS) and personal social services perspective, was explored using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).FindingsBetween 4 October 2021 and 10 November 2022, 900 adolescents at 57 schools were enrolled. 314 students were identified as having elevated symptoms of depression at baseline (>27 on MFQ). In this prespecified subgroup, the DISCOVER arm included 142 participants and TAU included 172. ITT analysis included 298 participants. Primary analysis at 6 months found aMD to be −3.88 (95% CI −6.48, –1.29; Cohen’s d=−0.52; p=0.003), with a similar reduction at 3 months (aMD=−4.00; 95% CI −6.58, –1.42; Cohen’s d=0.53; p=0.002), indicating a moderate, clinically meaningful effect in the DISCOVER arm. We found an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £5255 per QALY, with a probability of DISCOVER being cost-effective at between 89% and 95% compared with TAU.Conclusions and clinical implicationsDISCOVER is clinically effective and cost-effective in those with elevated depressive symptoms. This intervention could be used as an early school-based intervention by the NHS.Trial registration numberISRCTN90912799.