bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying capacity of otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery in Zimbabwe
Authors: Green Katerina J. , Eyassu Daniel G. , Jain Amiti , Arya Priya , Candelo Estephania , Douse Dontre' M. , Matinhira Naboth N. , Chidziva Clemence , Wiedermann Joshua P. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjective(s)To evaluate the otolaryngology surgical capacity in Harare, Zimbabwe by analyzing procedural volumes across four hospitals, one private and three public, from 2019 to 2022.MethodsA retrospective review of hand‐written surgical case logs was conducted at Harare Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Institute (HEENT), Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH), Sally Mugabe Children's Hospital (SMCH), and Sally Mugabe Adult's Hospital (SMAH). Patient age and surgical intervention for all otolaryngology surgeries performed in the operating room from 2019 to 2022 were recorded. Procedures were categorized into six groups: head and neck malignancy, laryngeal surgery, oropharyngeal surgery, otologic surgery, rhinology/sinus surgery, and other. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify trends in surgical volume and types of procedures across hospitals.ResultsA total of 2626 procedures were recorded: 1470 at HEENT, 377 at PGH, 625 at SMCH, and 154 at SMAH. Of these, 39.5% were performed on pediatric patients and 60.5% on adult patients. The most common procedures were adenotonsillectomy/adenoidectomy/tonsillectomy (38.9%), diagnostic endoscopies (10.4%), and endoscopic sinus surgery (8.3%). HEENT performed the highest volume and widest range of procedures. HEENT had higher surgical volumes across all groups of procedure, except for laryngeal surgery.ConclusionThis study found disparities in otolaryngology surgical capacity between a private hospital, HEENT, and three public tertiary hospitals—SMCH, SMAH, and PGH, the largest hospital in the country—in Harare, Zimbabwe. Additionally, it highlights areas for targeted interventions in capacity building. This study establishes a foundation for understanding otolaryngologic surgical capacity in the country, supporting international collaboration, guiding future research, and serving as a model for similar assessments in other LMICs.Level of evidenceLevel VI.
MFSD2A Overexpression Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through TGF‐β/Smad Signaling
Authors: Xiao Chaowen , Zhao Xinyang , Hu Zouxiao , Long Guanbao 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common primary malignancy of the liver and has a high mortality. Major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2 (MFSD2A) was previously demonstrated to inhibit tumor progression in several cancers. Here, we elucidated the association between MFSD2A expression and HCC progression and also investigated the underlying mechanism. The online tools were utilized to evaluate MFSD2A expression in HCC samples and predict the prognostic significance of MFSD2A in HCC patients. The biological role of MFSD2A in HCC cellular processes was examined by colony formation, wound healing, transwell, and western blotting. The in vivo role of MFSD2A in HCC was investigated in a xenograft tumor model. The miRNAs and RNA‐binding proteins potentially targeting MFSD2A were identified using bioinformatics prediction tools. Luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, actinomycin D, and immunofluorescence assays were performed to investigate the molecule mechanisms of MFSD2A. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1/Small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) signaling was detected using western blot analysis. We found that MFSD2A expression was significantly downregulated in HCC patients and cells and its downregulation predicted a poor prognosis. MFSD2A overexpression repressed HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in vitro, as well as inhibited HCC tumor growth in vivo. MFSD2A was targeted by miR‐3189‐3p. High‐density lipoprotein binding protein (HDLBP) inhibited MFSD2A expression by binding to and destabilizing MFSD2A mRNA. MFSD2A significantly suppressed activation of TGF‐β/Smad signaling in HCC cells. Knockdown of MFSD2A abrogated the inhibitory effect of miR‐3189‐3p inhibitor on HCC cellular processes, and overexpression of MFSD2A reversed the tumor‐promoting effect of HDLBP overexpression. Overall, MFSD2A exerts a tumor‐inhibiting effect in HCC via suppression of TGF‐β/Smad signaling, suggesting that MFSD2A may be a promising target for HCC therapy.
Interpreting Variants of Uncertain Significance in PCD: Abnormal Splicing Caused by a Missense Variant of DNAAF3
Authors: Zheng Haixia , Cheng Chongsheng , He Miao , Zhou Wangji , Li Yixuan , Dai Jinrong , Zhang Ting , Xu Kai‐Feng , Zhang Xue , Tian Xinlun , Liu Yaping 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundPrimary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by dysfunction of motile cilia. While approximately 50 genes have been identified, around 25% of PCD patients remain genetically unexplained; elucidating the pathogenicity of specific variants remains a challenge.MethodsWhole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were conducted to identify potential pathogenic variants of PCD. Minigene assays were performed to evaluate the pathogenicity of variants. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high‐speed video analysis (HSVA) were conducted to analyze the function of cilia in respiratory epithelial cells.ResultsWe identified two variants of DNAAF3: c.557G>A, p.G186E in exon 5, and c.1364G>A, p.G455D at the terminal nucleotide of exon 10 in a 16‐year‐old male patient. Through a minigene assay, we demonstrated that the c.1364G>A variant led to a four‐nucleotide skipping. The cilia in epithelial ciliary cells of the proband were almost immotile. The absence of outer dynein arms and inner dynein arms was also observed.ConclusionsOur study identified two compound heterozygous variants of DNAAF3, a pathogenic gene for PCD, and proved that a novel missense variant c.1364G>A affects splicing. Our findings not only expanded the spectrum of mutations in the DNAAF3 gene but also highlighted the importance of investigating variants of uncertain significance (VUS) for comprehensive genetic diagnoses.
Stability of Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for Volterra Integral Equations
Authors: Wen Jiao , Li Min , Guan Hongbo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTWe conduct the stability analysis of discontinuous Galerkin methods applied to Volterra integral equations in this paper. Stability conditions with respect to both the basic and convolution test equations are derived. Our findings indicate that the methods with orders up to 6 exhibit ‐stability when applied with the basic test equation, while demonstrating unbounded stability regions when applied to the convolution test equation. Additionally, the results of ‐stability for the semidiscretized variants (quadrature discontinuous Galerkin methods) and fully discretized versions (fully discretized discontinuous Galerkin methods) with orders 1 and 2 are presented when solving the convolution test equation. To corroborate these theoretical results, we provide some numerical experiments for validation.
Person‐Centredness and Paternalism: The Dance With Power
Authors: Noel Clement , Hebron Clair 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe World Health Organization advocates for person‐centredness (PC) as essential for quality care, yet its definitions and interpretations vary widely among professionals. Most qualitative research on PC focuses on physiotherapists in countries such as the UK, Australia, and the US, where PC is explicitly emphasised. In contrast, the term PC is absent in French educational standards, and its promotion is lacking in the French healthcare system. This study explores French physiotherapists' conceptualisation of PC.MethodsThis phenomenographic study followed an interpretivist paradigm. Seven physiotherapists practicing in France were purposively selected. Data were collected through remote semi‐structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. The analysis followed the steps outlined by Larsson and Holmström (2007).FindingsThree categories were generated to illustrate the conceptualisation of PC by participants: Creating a relationship, Adapting the rehabilitation, and Giving the choice. Despite recognising the importance of these aspects, they also highlighted challenges related to paternalism and power dynamics, which often limited trusting relationships, effective adaptations and true shared decision‐making.ConclusionWhile these physiotherapists expressed a commitment to person‐centred practices, they encountered challenges in relinquishing power, highlighting the ongoing journey towards becoming person centred.
Postoperative Apnea‐Hypopnea Index Prediction of Velopharyngeal Surgery Based on Machine Learning
Authors: You Jingyuan , Li Juan , Zhou Yingqian , Cao Xin , Zhao Chunmei , Zhang Yuhuan , Ye Jingying 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate machine learning‐based regression models to predict the postoperative apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) for evaluating the outcome of velopharyngeal surgery in adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) subjects.Study DesignA single‐center, retrospective, cohort study.SettingSleep medical center.MethodsAll subjects with OSA who underwent velopharyngeal surgery followed for 3 to 6 months were enrolled in this study. Demographic, polysomnographic, and anatomical variables were analyzed. Compared with traditional stepwise linear regression (LR) algorithm, machine learning algorithms including artificial neural network (ANN), support vector regression, K‐nearest neighbor, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting were utilized to establish the regression model. Surgical success was defined as a ≥50% reduction in AHI to a final AHI of <20 events/h.ResultsA total of 152 OSA adult patients (median [interquartile range] age = 40 [35, 48] years, male/female = 136/16) were included in this study. The ANN model achieved the highest performance with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.23 ± 0.05, a root mean square error of AHI of 10.71 ± 1.01 events/h, an accuracy for outcomes classification of 81.3% ± 1.2% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic of 74.6% ± 1.9%, whereas for LR model, they were 0.094 ± 0.06, 11.61 ± 0.76 events/h, 71.7% ± 1.5% and 68.8% ± 2.9%, respectively.ConclusionThe machine learning‐based model exhibited excellent performance for predicting postoperative AHI, which is helpful in guiding patient selections and improving surgery outcomes.
Introduction of organo‐modified carbon nanotubes into fluoropolymer‐based hybrids containing polyrotaxane and cellulose nanofibers as organic fillers and their drawn orientation effects
Authors: Chu Pinjung , Nara Chisato , Rumon Rokibul Hasan , Xu Kai , Fujimori Atsuhiro 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe effect of drawn orientation on a polymer‐based composite containing two types of functional organic fillers, organo‐modified single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and a trace amount of dispersant was investigated. To improve the dispersion state of organo‐modified SWCNTs in the presence of organic fillers, we introduced a small amount of fluorinated phosphonic acid in addition to fluorinated phosphonic acid‐modified SWCNTs into a fluorinated polymer matrix. Fluorinated phosphonic acid functioned as a dispersant for organo‐modified SWCNTs in the fluorinated polymer. However, the thermal and mechanical properties of corresponding composites prepared by melt‐compounding did not necessarily improve. When the composite was uniaxially drawn, SWCNT aggregates were observed to be oriented in the direction of the drawing. In addition, the draw‐orienting process improved the thermal and mechanical properties of the composites. Specifically, Young's modulus increased more than seven times when drawn 7 times, reaching 251 MPa. Furthermore, in terms of elongation properties, the strain value reached 78%, nearly four times the original value, when drawn 5 times.Highlights
Carbon nanotubes were attained to introduce into composite containing organic fillers.
Surface modification of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was effective for nanohybridization.
Mechanical properties of the composite containing oriented SWCNTs were improved.
When drawn 7 times, Young's modulus improved by more than 7 times.
When drawn 5 times, the elongation properties improved by about 4 times.
Blazing the Trail of Non‐Invasive Prenatal Screening Expanded Use: Healthcare Providers' Perspectives
Authors: Laforce Tierry M. , Laberge Anne‐Marie , Malo Marie‐Françoise , Ravitsky Vardit 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveAdvancements in non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) could significantly alter prenatal screening by expanding the range of genetic conditions screened. This study aims to explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals (HCP) on the expanded use of NIPS and explore specifications for the inclusion of genetic conditions.MethodSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with Canadian HCPs who counsel pregnant individuals about NIPS. The findings were organized around the four ethical pillars of Kater‐Kuiper's framework: proportionality (benefits and harms), aim of screening, justice, and societal aspects.ResultsParticipants chose to assess the proportionality of NIPS using general terms to describe the additional conditions rather than discussing specific conditions to add. They emphasized the importance of clinical validity as crucial for expanding NIPS and ensuring its utility. Participants believed that the aim of NIPS is to enhance reproductive autonomy, and therefore that screening for late‐onset conditions could create ethical tensions between parents and the prospective children. Participants also worried that expanded use of NIPS could impact the quality of counselling provided by HCPs and affect autonomy. Justice considerations include the allocation of resources in prenatal care instead of other areas of healthcare. Societal aspects highlighted the different definitions HCPs used to describe ‘life‐limiting conditions’ that could severely affect the future child's health.ConclusionWith expanded use of NIPS, clinical validity will vary for each screened condition. Specificity for each condition will influence the quality of consent. HCP estimates that clinical validity, clinical utility, availability of counselling, availability of resources, and societal impacts should be considered when adding genetic conditions to NIPS.
The incremental validity of level of personality functioning over borderline personality features in associations with early adolescent social reward processing
Authors: Boone Kiran , Babinski Dara , Kujawa Autumn , Pegg Samantha , Sharp Carla 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMore work is needed to establish the validity of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5). Acceptance of the AMPD as the primary model of personality disorder requires identifying neurocognitive validators of AMPD‐defined personality functioning and demonstrating superiority of the AMPD over the traditional categorical model of personality disorder. It is also important to establish the utility of the AMPD in a developmental context given evidence that personality disorder emerges in adolescence. We assessed the incremental validity of AMPD‐defined level of personality functioning (LPF) versus borderline personality features (BPF) in explaining alterations in neural processing of social acceptance feedback in early adolescent girls. One hundred nine girls (Mage = 12.21, SD = 1.21; N = 79 with a psychiatric history) completed a computerized peer interaction task to elicit neural response to social acceptance feedback via electroencephalogram (EEG). Subjects or caregivers reported adolescent psychopathology. In hierarchical regressions controlling for neural response to social rejection and internalizing and externalizing symptoms, LPF incremented BPF and all other covariates in predicting response to social acceptance, but BPF did not. Higher LPF impairment was associated with enhanced reactivity to social acceptance (St.b = 0.274, p = 0.018). LPF appears to provide additional information about neural response to social reward in early adolescence beyond that provided by borderline personality features. These findings add to an emerging literature demonstrating the validity and superiority of the AMPD and help build the rationale for moving toward the AMPD as the primary model of personality disorder classification.
Translating Evidence‐Based Self‐Management Interventions Using a Stepped‐Care Approach for Patients With Cancer and Their Caregivers: A Pilot Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial Design
Authors: Lambert Sylvie , Moodie Erica E. M. , McCusker Jane , Lokhorst Marion , Harris Cheryl , Langmuir Tori , Belzile Eric , Laizner Andrea Maria , Brahim Lydia Ould , Wasserman Sydney , Chehayeb Sarah , Vickers Michael , Duncan Lindsay , Esplen Mary Jane , Maheu Christine , Howell Doris , de Raad Manon 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundSelf‐directed interventions are cost‐effective for patients with cancer and their family caregivers, but barriers to use can compromise adherence and efficacy.AimPilot a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) to develop a time‐varying dyadic self‐management intervention that follows a stepped‐care approach in providing different types of guidance to optimize the delivery of Coping‐Together, a dyadic self‐directed self‐management intervention.Methods48 patients with cancer and their caregivers were randomized in Stage 1 to: (a) Coping‐Together (included a workbook and 6 booklets) or (b) Coping‐Together + lay telephone guidance. At 6 weeks, change in distress level was assessed, and non‐responding dyads were re‐randomized in Stage 2 to (a) continue with their Stage 1 intervention or (b) be stepped‐up. Benchmarks for acceptability, feasibility, and clinical significance (anxiety and quality of life (QOL)) were assessed via surveys and study logs.ResultsFeasibility was supported by a low refusal rate at ≤ 30% and < 10% missing data. Men and women were enrolled in at least a 40:60 ratio for caregivers, but less for patients. Recruitment was slow at 1 dyad/week. Acceptability was supported by a low attrition rate (12.5%) and with 87% of participants finding the booklets helpful. Telephone guidance in Stage 1 increased adherence to Coping‐Together; however, in Stage 1, participants benefited more from the self‐directed format than the guidance. All patients who were stepped‐up in Stage 2 benefited from their new assignment; this trend was less clear for caregivers.SignificanceFindings suggest a 3‐step approach to dyadic self‐management support that warrants further testing.Trial RegistrationClinical Trials Registration #: NCT04255030.
Parenting Concerns, Psychological Distress, and Relationship Adjustment Among Patients With Cancer and Their Partners: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Leo Karena , Langer Shelby L. , McDaniel Hannah , Baucom Brian R. W. , Keefe Francis , Ramos Katherine , Lee Daniel J. , Porter Laura S. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveStudies have found that cancer patients with dependent children exhibit high symptoms of anxiety, depression, and worry. Patients' parenting concerns can negatively impact their own and their family's adjustment to the cancer experience. However, relatively little is known about parenting concerns of partners of cancer patients, or associations between parenting concerns and couples' relationship adjustment. This longitudinal study investigated parenting concerns among both patients and partners, and their associations with psychological and relationship adjustment.MethodsOne hundred thirty‐four patients with cancer and their partners (67 couples) completed the Parenting Concerns Questionnaire at baseline and measures of psychological distress, communication, and relationship adjustment at four time points (baseline, 4‐, 8‐, and 12‐month follow up).ResultsBaseline parenting concerns did not differ by role, gender, cancer site or cancer stage (p > 0.05). Patients and partners who reported higher levels of parenting concerns at baseline reported significantly greater psychological distress and poorer communication concurrently and at each subsequent assessment. There were no significant associations between parenting concerns and relationship satisfaction either concurrently or over time.ConclusionsThese findings reinforce the need for a dyadic perspective to assessing both patients' and partners' parenting concerns and a focus on processes such as communication as an avenue for managing and processing parenting concerns.
Investigation on Plasma Characteristics and In‐Flight Spheroidization Boron Carbide Powders in Radio Frequency Inductively Coupled Plasma
Authors: Jin Xingyue , Zhao Peng , Li Jun , Li Lin , Hu Liqun , Wu Xi , Su Yi , Geng Chuanwen , Lin Qifu , Zhu Hailong 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTInductively coupled plasma (ICP) is ideal for powder spheroidization due to its large plasma volume, high purity and high temperature. This study investigates the interaction between plasma and in‐flight particles using optical emission spectroscopy, discharge imaging and DPV evolution diagnostics, focusing on the effects of plasma power and powder feed rate. The results demonstrate that powder injection slightly decreases plasma temperature. As the powder feed rate increases, both the ICP temperature and the spheroidization rate decreases. Under optimal plasma power and powder feed rate conditions, particles achieve higher temperatures and velocities, and the prepared spherical powder exhibits higher sphericity. This research provides valuable reference for optimizing the preparation of high melting point and high purity spherical powders.
Reconsidering the Diagnosis: Abnormal Sweat Chloride Tests in Non‐CF Bronchiectasis
Authors: Huang Reyna L. , Snyder Matthew T. , Fahmida Nuzhat , Albon Dana P. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionWhile the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) is often straightforward and reliant on correlation between genetic testing and clinical signs and symptoms, there is a subset where the distinction is not nearly as clearcut. This has previously been reported in patients identified through newborn screening but not meeting full CF diagnostic criteria, earning the label of CF Screen Positive, Inconclusive Diagnosis (CFSPID) instead. A homologous diagnostic category in adults is named CF Transmembrane Conductance Regulator‐Related Disorder (CFTR‐RD).MethodsThrough a retrospective chart review, this study reports on a relatively large adult cohort (n = 23) that presented to pulmonology clinic at a single center with intermediate or positive sweat chloride tests but non‐diagnostic full CFTR gene analysis.ResultsMedian sweat chloride result was 48 mmol/L, and a majority of the cohort had chronic lung disease with atypical pathogens on sputum culture, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, non‐tuberculous Mycobacteria, Acinetobacter species, amongst others.ConclusionsThis clinical picture suggests CFTR dysfunction or similar mechanism in the absence of an identified genetic cause. Alternate chloride channels and their respective genes or candidates of genetic modifiers to the CF‐phenotype could be targets of further research in this cohort or similar patients. Such genetic modifiers include loci that have been implicated in inflammation, the CFTR interactome, and/or co‐/post‐translational modification of CFTR.