bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting Microwave Ablation Early Efficacy in Pulmonary Malignancies via Δ Radiomics Models
Authors: Yang Jing , Yang Chen , Feng Jianju , Zhu Fandong , Zhao Zhenhua 
Published: April 2024

Objective
This study aimed to explore the value of preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT)–based radiomic signatures and Δ radiomic signatures for evaluating the early efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) for pulmonary malignancies.

Methods
In total, 115 patients with pulmonary malignancies who underwent MWA treatment were categorized into response and nonresponse groups according to relevant guidelines and consensus. Quantitative image features of the largest pulmonary malignancies were extracted from CT noncontrast scan images preoperatively (time point 0, TP0) and immediately postoperatively (time point 1, TP1). Critical features were selected from TP0 and TP1 and as Δ radiomics signatures for building radiomics models. In addition, a combined radiomics model (C-RO) was developed by integrating radiomics parameters with clinical risk factors. Prediction performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results
The radiomics model using Δ features outperformed the radiomics model using TP0 and TP1 features, with training and validation AUCs of 0.892, 0.808, and 0.787, and 0.705, 0.825, and 0.778, respectively. By combining the TP0, TP1, and Δ features, the logistic regression model exhibited the best performance, with training and validation AUCs of 0.945 and 0.744, respectively. The DCA confirmed the clinical utility of the Δ radiomics model.

Conclusions
A combined prediction model, including TP0, TP1, and Δ radiometric features, can be used to evaluate the early efficacy of MWA in pulmonary malignancies.
An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol for Orthognathic Surgery Reduces Rates of Postoperative Nausea
Authors: Alvarez Gerardo A. , Hebert Kelsey J. , Britt Michael C. , Resnick Cory M. , Padwa Bonnie L. , Green Mark A. 
Published: April 2024

For many surgical procedures, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have improved patient outcomes, particularly postoperative nausea and vomiting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative nausea following orthognathic surgery after the implementation of an ERAS protocol. This retrospective cohort study included patients between 12 and 35 years old who underwent orthognathic surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital from April 2018 to December 2022. Patients with syndromes or a hospital stay greater than 48 hours were excluded from the study. The primary predictor was enrollment in our institutional ERAS protocol. The main outcome variable was postoperative nausea. Intraoperative and postoperative covariates were compared between groups using unpaired t tests and chi squared analysis. Univariate and multivariate regression models with 95% confidence intervals were performed to identify predictors for nausea. A P value<0.05 was considered significant. There were 128 patients (68 non-ERAS, 60 ERAS) included in this study (51.6% female, mean age 19.02±3.25 years). The ERAS group received less intraoperative fluid (937.0±462.3 versus 1583.6±847.6 mL, P≤0.001) and experienced less postoperative nausea (38.3% versus 63.2%, P=0.005). Enhanced recovery after surgery status (P=0.005) was a predictor for less postoperative nausea, whereas bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (P=0.045) and length of stay (P=0.007) were positive predictors for postoperative nausea in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Implementing an ERAS protocol for orthognathic surgery reduces postoperative nausea.

Level of Evidence: Level III—therapeutic.
Suture-Needle Management Device and Novel Port Configuration for Robotic Sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Das Deepanjana , Squires Natalie , Mueller Margaret , Collins Sarah , Lewicky-Gaupp Christina , Bretschneider C. Emi , Geynisman-Tan Julia , Kenton Kimberly 
Published: April 2024

Importance
Robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy (SCP) is a commonly performed procedure for the repair of apical pelvic organ prolapse; therefore, novel devices and techniques to improve safety and efficacy of this procedure should be explored.

Objective
The objective of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of 8-mm trocar site for use of a disposable suture/needle management device (StitchKit; Origami Surgical, Madison, NJ) for robot-assisted SCP with a 4-arm configuration and no assistant port.

Study Design
This is a retrospective case series of patients undergoing robot-assisted SCP at a tertiary center from 2018 to 2021. All surgical procedures were performed using four 8-mm robotic trocars and StitchKit device. Our objective was to review all cases in which this technique was used to determine whether the approach resulted in a safely completed procedure and any complications or adverse events. Secondary objectives were to describe patient and operative characteristics.

Results
In total, 422 patients underwent robot-assisted SCP for pelvic organ prolapse. The mean age was 60 ± 10 years, and mean body mass index was 27 ± 6 (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). Most patients had stage 3 prolapse (73%) and underwent concomitant hysterectomy (70%). Ninety-nine percent (n = 416) of cases were completed robotically. StitchKit was successfully inserted and removed in all robotic cases with correct needle counts. All patients had postoperative visits, and 80% followed up at 3 months. No umbilical/port site hernias, operative site infections, or adverse events were reported.

Conclusions
Robot-assisted SCP can be performed safely using a 4-arm robotic configuration and suture kit device. This setup eliminates incisions greater than 8 mm and an assistant port, allowing for surgical efficiency without compromising patient outcomes.
Allele-specific targeting of mutant TOR1A by the compact CRISPR/NmCas9 system in DYT1 dystonia with high fidelity
Authors: Wu Junjiao , Tang Yu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDYT1 is an autosomal dominant form of isolated dystonia, which is basically caused by an in-frame 3-bp GAG deletion in theTOR1Agene, leading to loss of a single glutamic acid residue (ΔE) at the C-terminus. TOR1A has been strongly implicated in various biological processes, such as protein quality control and regulation of ER stress. Many of these functions involve as protein multimers between TOR1A and its partners, whereas the ΔE mutant leads to destabilization of their binding, thereby reducing ATPase activation. Despite controversy over its functional model, the dominant-negative nature of TOR1AΔEhas been demonstrated in a number of ways. Therefore, it is promising to develop an allele-specific intervention strategy that specifically silences the pathogenic TOR1A allele while preserving the wild-type allele to perform its normal function. In this study, we systematically evaluated the allele-specific targeting of TOR1AΔEusing over 20 Cas endonucleases. We found that NmCas9, one of the compact Cas endonucleases yet with high-fidelity, selectively targeted the TOR1AΔEallele, with a 3-nt deletion located in the spacer region of sgRNAs. The discriminatory Nm-sgRNAs were verified both exogenously and endogenously that showed high specificity in disrupting the TOR1AΔEallele but not the wild-type one. Functionally, this strategy efficiently ameliorated the ubiquitin accumulation in DYT1 fibroblasts. Overall, our study demonstrates that the allele-specific targeting of mutant TOR1A with NmCas9 is a promising alternative approach for the treatment of DYT1.
“We have been so patient because we know where we are coming from” Exploring the acceptability and feasibility of a mobile electronic medical record system designed for community-based antiretroviral therapy in Lilongwe, Malawi
Authors: Kiruthu-Kamamia Christine , Berner-Rodoreda Astrid , O’Bryan Gillian , Sande Odala , Huwa Jacqueline , Thawani Agnes , Tweya Hannock , Groot Wim , Pavlova Milena , Feldacker Caryl 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundMobile health (mHealth) is reshaping healthcare delivery, especially in HIV management. The World Health Organization advocates for mHealth to provide healthcare workers (HCWs) with real-time data, enhancing patient care. However, in Malawi’s Lighthouse Trust antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic, the nurse-led community-based ART (NCAP) program faces hurdles with data management due to lack of access to electronic medical records systems (EMRS) in the community setting. EMRS is not typically available in differentiated service delivery settings where reliable power and internet are often unavailable. We used human-centered design (HCD) processes to create a mobile EMRS prototype, the Community-based ART Retention and Suppression (CARES) app. We explore progress to simplify workflow for HCWs and improve client care.MethodsTo evaluate the CARES app’s feasibility and acceptability among NCAP HCWs, we conducted in-depth interviews among 15 NCAP HCWs. We used a rapid qualitative analysis approach guided by the extended Technology Acceptance Model. The study complied with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).ResultsAs a likely result of HCD, HCWs demonstrated high expectations for the CARES app to improve healthcare delivery and data management. However, challenges such as app performance, data integration, and system navigation were significant barriers to acceptance or feasibility. Despite challenges, HCWs remained optimistic about the potential for CARES to enhance NCAP clinical decision-making and data flow. HCWs emphasized the need for continuous training and stakeholder engagement, improved infrastructure, data security protections, and establishing the CARES app and EMRS integration to facilitate CARES’ long-term success at scale.ConclusionThe study’s findings underscore the importance of HCD for mHealth buy-in. As HCWs were invested in CARES success, they remained optimistic that the app could enhance NCAP services if user experience and app performance improved. Incorporation of HCW feedback would help deliver beyond the promise of CARES.
Assessing Covariate Balance with Small Sample Sizes
Authors: Hripcsak George , Zhang Linying , Chen Yong , Li Kelly , Suchard Marc A. , Ryan Patrick B. , Schuemie Martijn J. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTPropensity score adjustment addresses confounding by balancing covariates in subject treatment groups through matching, stratification, or weighting. Diagnostics test the success of adjustment. For example, if the standardized mean difference (SMD) for a relevant covariate exceeds a threshold like 0.1, the covariate is considered imbalanced and the study may be invalid. Unfortunately, for studies with small or moderate numbers of subjects, the probability of falsely rejecting the validity of a study because of chance imbalance—the probability of asserting imbalance by using a cutoff for SMD when no underlying imbalance exists—can be grossly larger than a given nominal level like 0.05. In this paper, we illustrate that chance imbalance is operative in real-world settings even for moderate sample sizes of 2000. We identify a previously unrecognized challenge that as meta-analyses increase the precision of an effect estimate, the diagnostics must also undergo meta-analysis for a corresponding increase in precision. We propose an alternative diagnostic that checks whether the standardized mean difference statistically significantly exceeds the threshold. Through simulation and real-world data, we find that this diagnostic achieves a better trade-off of type 1 error rate and power than standard nominal threshold tests and not testing for sample sizes from 250 to 4000 and for 20 to 100,000 covariates. We confirm that in network studies, meta-analysis of effect estimates must be accompanied by meta-analysis of the diagnostics or else systematic confounding may overwhelm the estimated effect. Our procedure supports the review of large numbers of covariates, enabling more rigorous diagnostics.
Simple formulation of no-cloning and no-hiding that admits efficient and robust verification
Authors: Girling Matthew , Cîrstoiu Cristina , Jennings David 
Published: April 2024

Incompatibility is a feature of quantum theory that sets it apart from classical theory, and the inability to clone an unknown quantum state is one of the most fundamental instances. The no-hiding theorem is another such instance that arises in the context of the black-hole information paradox, and can be viewed as being dual to no-cloning. Here, we formulate both of these fundamental features of quantum theory in a single form that is amenable to efficient verification, and that is robust to errors arising in state preparation and measurements. We extend the notion of unitarity—an average figure of merit that for quantum theory captures the coherence of a quantum channel—to general physical theories. Then, we introduce the notion of compatible unitarity pair (CUP) sets, that correspond to the allowed values of unitarities for compatible channels in the theory. We show that a CUP set constitutes a simple “fingerprint” of a physical theory, and that incompatibility can be studied through them. We derive information-disturbance constraints on quantum CUP sets that encode both the no-cloning/broadcasting and no-hiding theorems of quantum theory. We then develop randomized benchmarking protocols that efficiently estimate quantum CUP sets and provide simulations using IBMQ of the simplest instance. Finally, we discuss ways in which CUP sets and quantum no-go theorems could provide additional information to benchmark quantum devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Identifying and avoiding radiation damage in macromolecular crystallography
Authors: Shelley Kathryn L. , Garman Elspeth F. 
Published: April 2024

Radiation damage remains one of the major impediments to accurate structure solution in macromolecular crystallography. The artefacts of radiation damage can manifest as structural changes that result in incorrect biological interpretations being drawn from a model, they can reduce the resolution to which data can be collected and they can even prevent structure solution entirely. In this article, we discuss how to identify and mitigate against the effects of radiation damage at each stage in the macromolecular crystal structure-solution pipeline.
Refugees', asylum seekers' and migrants' experiences of finding meaningful work in the Australian construction industry: a Bourdieusean analysis
Authors: Alkilani Suhair , Loosemore Martin , Hammad Ahmed W.A. , Kerr Sophie-May 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use Bourdieu’s Theory of Capital–Field–Habitus to explore how refugees, asylum seekers and migrants accumulate and mobilise social, cultural, symbolic and economic capital to find meaningful work in the Australian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports the results of a survey of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants who have either successfully or unsuccessfully searched for employment in the Australian construction industry.FindingsThe findings dispel widely held negative stereotypes of about this group by describing a highly capable workforce which could address significant skills shortages in the industry, while concurrently diversifying the workforce. However, it is found that refugees, asylum seekers and migrants face considerable barriers to finding meaningful employment in the construction industry. In circumventing these barriers, education institutions, charities and community-based organisations play an especially important role, alongside friends and family networks. They do this by helping refugees, asylum seekers and migrants accumulate and deploy the necessary capital to secure meaningful work in the construction industry. Disappointingly, it is also found that the construction industry does little to help facilitate capital accumulation and deployment for this group, despite the urgent need to address diversity and critical skills shortages.Originality/valueEmploying Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Capital–Field–Habitus, the findings make a number of new theoretical and practical contributions to the limited body of international research relating to the employment of refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers in the construction. The results are important because meaningful employment is widely accepted to be the single most factor in the successful integration of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants into a host society and the construction industry represents an important source of potential employment for them.
Pore properties and moisture loss of repair mortars under low-impact microwave curing
Authors: Abubakri Shahriar , Mangat Pritpal S. , Grigoriadis Konstantinos , Starinieri Vincenzo 
Published: April 2024

PurposeMicrowave curing (MC) can facilitate rapid concrete repair in cold climates without using conventional accelerated curing technologies which are environmentally unsustainable. Accelerated curing of concrete under MC can contribute to the decarbonisation of the environment and provide economies in construction in several ways such as reducing construction time, energy efficiency, lower cement content, lower carbonation risk and reducing emissions from equipment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates moisture loss and pore properties of six cement-based proprietary concrete repair materials subjected to MC. The impact of MC on these properties is critically important for its successful implementation in practice and current literature lacks this information. Specimens were microwave cured for 40–45 min to surface temperatures between 39.9 and 44.1 °C. The fast-setting repair material was microwave cured for 15 min to 40.7 °C. MC causes a higher water loss which shows the importance of preventing drying during MC and the following 24 h.FindingsPortland cement-based normal density repair mortars, including materials incorporating pfa and polymer latex, benefit from the thermal effect of MC on hydration, resulting in up to 24% reduction in porosity relative to normal curing. Low density and flowing repair materials suffer an increase in porosity up to 16% due to MC. The moisture loss at the end of MC and after 24h is related to the mix water content and porosity, respectively.Originality/valueThe research on the application of MC for rapid repair of concrete is original. The research was funded by the European commission following a very rigorous and competitive review process which ensured its originality. Original data on the parameters of porosity and moisture loss under MC are provided for different generic cementitious repair materials which have not been studied before. Application of MC to concrete construction especially in cold climates will provide environmental, economic and energy benefits.
Electric current stressing enhanced damping properties in Sn5Sb solder
Authors: Liu Linqiang , Chen Feng , Li Wangyun 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of electric current stressing on damping properties of Sn5Sb solder.

Design/methodology/approach
Uniformly shaped Sn5Sb solders were prepared as samples. The length, width and thickness of the samples were 60.0, 5.0 and 0.5 mm, respectively. The damping properties of the samples were tested by dynamic mechanical analyzer with a cooling system to control the test temperature in the range of −100 to 100°C. Simultaneously, electric current was imposed to the tested samples using a direct current supply. After tests, the samples were characterized using scanning electron microscope, electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscope, which was aimed to figure out the damping mechanism in terms of electric current stressing induced microstructure evolution.

Findings
It is confirmed experimentally that the increase in damping properties is due to Joule heating and athermal effects of current stressing, in which Joule heating should make a higher contribution. G–L theory can be used to explain the damping properties of strain amplitude under current stressing by quantitative description of geometrically necessary dislocation density. While the critical strain amplitude and high temperature activation energy decrease with increasing electric current.

Originality/value
These results provide a new method for vibration reliability evaluation of high-temperature lead-free solders in serving electronics. Notably, this method should be also inspiring for the mechanical performance evaluation and reliability assessment of conductive materials and structures serving under electric current stressing.
Validation and comparison of 5th edition World Health Organization classification (WHO 2022) and International Consensus Classification proposals for MDS‐SFB31
Authors: Liu Linlin , Li Bing , Xu Zefeng , Qin Tiejun , Jia Yujiao , Qu Shiqiang , Zhang Yudi , Wu Junying , Cai Wenyu , Pan Lijuan , Gao Qingyan , Jiao Meng , Xiao Zhijian 
Published: April 2024

SummaryThe criteria of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with mutated SFB31 (MDS‐SFB31) proposed by the 5th edition of the WHO classification (WHO 2022) and the International Consensus Classification (ICC) need validation. We analysed 125 consecutive MDS cases with SFB31 mutation or ring sideroblasts (RS) ≥15% without excess blasts. We found that SFB31‐negative MDS with RS had significantly different clinical features and worse prognosis. According to WHO 2022, the detection of ≥15% RS may substitute for SF3B1 mutation and our analyses support this proposal for similar prognosis of two groups after excluding high‐risk genetic features referred by WHO 2022. Patients with variant allele frequency (VAF) <10% SFB31 tend to have briefer survival, supporting the VAF 10% threshold of ICC. Patients with multilineage dysplasia (MLD) had significantly shorter OS than those with single lineage dysplasia. MLD is still a powerful morphological marker of worse outcome in WHO 2022 and ICC‐defined MDS‐SF3B1.
A triple cysteine motif as major determinant of the modulation of neuronal KV7 channels by the paracetamol metabolite N‐acetyl‐p‐benzo quinone imine
Authors: Ray Sutirtha , Stampf Jan‐Luca , Kudlacek Oliver , Yang Jae‐Won , Schicker Klaus W. , Graf Yvonne , Losgott Thomas , Boehm Stefan , Salzer Isabella 
Published: April 2024

Background and PurposeThe analgesic action of paracetamol involves KV7 channels, and its metabolite N‐acetyl‐p‐benzo quinone imine (NAPQI), a cysteine modifying reagent, was shown to increase currents through such channels in nociceptors. Modification of cysteine residues by N‐ethylmaleimide, H2O2, or nitric oxide has been found to modulate currents through KV7 channels. The study aims to identify whether, and if so which, cysteine residues in neuronal KV7 channels might be responsible for the effects of NAPQI.Experimental ApproachTo address this question, we used a combination of perforated patch‐clamp recordings, site‐directed mutagenesis, and mass spectrometry applied to recombinant KV7.1 to KV7.5 channels.Key ResultsCurrents through the cardiac subtype KV7.1 were reduced by NAPQI. Currents through all other subtypes were increased, either by an isolated shift of the channel voltage dependence to more negative values (KV7.3) or by such a shift combined with increased maximal current levels (KV7.2, KV7.4, KV7.5). A stretch of three cysteine residues in the S2‐S3 linker region of KV7.2 was necessary and sufficient to mediate these effects.Conclusion and ImplicationThe paracetamol metabolite N‐acetyl‐p‐benzo quinone imine (NAPQI) modifies cysteine residues of KV7 subunits and reinforces channel gating in homomeric and heteromeric KV7.2 to KV7.5, but not in KV7.1 channels. In KV7.2, a triple cysteine motif located within the S2‐S3 linker region mediates this reinforcement that can be expected to reduce the excitability of nociceptors and to mediate antinociceptive actions of paracetamol.