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Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the immediate and delayed effects of kinesiotape (KT) on postural control and patient-reported outcome measures under challenging conditions in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Methods: Thirty-two anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed patients for whom 6 months had passed since their operation were randomly assigned to either the KT (n = 16, aged 21.8 [5.5] y) or the placebo KT (n = 16, aged 24.0 [5.1] y) groups. Initially, both groups stood barefoot on a force platform while performing postural tasks in 4 randomized conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, cognitive task, and foam). Before the experiment, patients would bring the 4 conditions, which were written on folded papers, one by one, and in this way, the order of conditions for the examiners was determined. The patients' evaluations were conducted immediately and 48 hours after KT application. Postural control measures, with area and displacement of the center of pressure (CoP) in anterior--posterior and medial--lateral directions, and mean total velocity displacement of CoP (MVELO CoP) served as dependent variables. In addition, the International Knee Documentation Committee score was measured pretreatment and 48 hours posttreatment. Results: Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for displacement of COP in medial--lateral direction (P = .002) and MVELO CoP (P = .034). MVELO CoP significantly decreased (mean difference = 0.60, P = .009) immediately after KT application compared with preapplication measures. In the placebo group, a statistically significant decrease in MVELO CoP (mean difference = 0.869, P = .001) was observed at 48 hours post-KT compared with preapplication values. International Knee Documentation Committee scores significantly improved at 48 hours post-KT application in both groups (P < .05). Conclusions: Though observed at different time points, both KT (immediately after the intervention) and placebo KT (48 h after the intervention) were found to improve postural control measures. It appears that the changes in postural control may be more related to proprioceptive enhancement due to KT rather than the specific KT pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of biomolecular condensates in vivo is increasingly recognized to underlie a multitude of crucial cellular functions. Furthermore, the evolution of highly dynamic protein condensates into progressively less reversible assemblies is thought to be involved in a variety of disorders, from cancer over neurodegeneration to rare genetic disorders. There is an increasing need for efficient experimental methods to characterize the thermodynamics of condensate formation and that can be used in screening campaigns to identify and rationally design condensate modifying compounds. Theoretical advances in the field are also identifying the key parameters that need to be measured in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying interactions and driving forces. Here, we review recent progress in the development of efficient and quantitative experimental methods to study the driving forces behind and the temporal evolution of biomolecular condensates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the potential of the Gamified Metaverse as a platform for promoting library services. The study compares the effectiveness of a traditional library program with a Metaverse- based library program in terms of knowledge acquisition and library anxiety. The research also examines students' perceptions of implementing gamification within the context of the Gamified Metaverse platform. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including pre- and post-test analysis, statistical analysis, and qualitative data collection. The results indicate that both the traditional and Metaverse-based library programs effectively increased the participants' knowledge, with no significant difference between the two approaches. However, the Metaverse-based program was found to be less effective in facilitating interaction with librarians and reducing library anxiety. Additionally, students expressed positive perceptions of implementing gamification in the Gamified Metaverse platform, finding it engaging and motivating. These findings contribute to the understanding of the effect of the Metaverse as a tool for promoting library services and enhancing knowledge acquisition. However, it is not as effective in reducing library anxiety, particularly in terms of interaction with librarians and staff. It should be noted that the platform may have limitations such as high costs and potential side effects of virtual reality, making it more suitable as an additional tool for promoting library services, taking into account its feasibility and potential benefits for specific student populations and larger libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-state reactions proceeding from an initial microstructure enable the synthesis of complex materials in a wide variety of applications. However, despite the importance of such reactions in materials' processing, the connection between an initial, reactant microstructure and the ensuing transformation kinetics has been relatively little studied. In this work, we employ computer simulation of a reaction–diffusion model and a quantitative analysis of the associated kinetic equations to examine the propagation and interaction of evolving fronts in a prototypical system transforming via a solid-state reaction. It is found that the interaction between fronts dictates transformation kinetics. We then use our results to describe the kinetics of phase formation in the Co–Ti–O system, which contains the entropy-stabilized line compound cobalt dititanate, CoTi 2 O 5. This system is of particular interest as it has been shown that the solid-state synthesis may be exploited to produce single-crystal cobalt dititanate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum-chemistry methods in the time domain with Gaussian basis sets are increasingly used to compute high-harmonic generation (HHG) spectra of atomic and molecular systems. The quality of these approaches is limited by the accuracy of Gaussian basis sets to describe continuum energy states. In the literature, optimal-continuum Gaussian basis sets have been proposed: Kaufmann et al. [J. Phys. B: At., Mol. Opt. Phys. 22, 2223 (1989)], Woźniak et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 154, 094111 (2021)], Nestmann and Peyerimhoff [J. Phys. B: At., Mol. Opt. Phys. 23, L773 (1990)], Faure et al. [Comput. Phys. Commun. 144, 224 (2002)], and Krause et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 140, 174113 (2014)]. In this work, we have compared the performances of these basis sets to simulate HHG spectra of H atom at different laser intensities. We have also investigated different strategies to balance basis sets with these continuum functions, together with the role of angular momentum. To quantify the performance of the different basis sets, we introduce local and global HHG descriptors. Comparisons with the grid and exact calculations are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard thermoreflectance-based measurements have been routinely taken on thin metal transducer (Au or Al) deposited samples. This is based on the fundamental hypothesis that the reflectance change (ΔR/R) of the metal surface is directly and linearly related to the temperature change (ΔT), within a wide but finite temperature range (Trange). The quantitative study on Trange has been ignored for a long time, which would possibly cause severe measurement issues and impede the possible new applications that the thermoreflectance measurements are taken on new metals or even directly on non-metals. Here, we present an approach that combines multiple probe wavelengths' nanosecond transient thermoreflectance technique with a transient temperature rise model to study the linear relation. This method enables fast and accurate determination of the Trange and the proportional coefficient (commonly called the thermoreflectance coefficient, Cth). We studied the commonly used metal transducers (Au and Al) and found that Au illuminated at 532 nm has a considerably larger Trange (from room T to at least 225 °C), with respect to Al illuminated at 785 nm (room T to 150 °C). The linear relationships of uncommon Ni and Ti metals are valid from room temperature to ∼115 °C, illuminated at 785 and 660 nm, respectively. Non-linearity was observed for Al, Ni, and Ti metals when the temperature was elevated above the quantified Trange. This method enables a facile and reliable platform to characterize thermoreflectance properties and better understand the mechanism of thermoreflectance linear relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the possible antimicrobial activity of glycine air polishing by comparing peri-implant microbiota before and after treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 patients who received implant-supported full-arch fixed rehabilitations were included. After prosthesis removal (T0), Plaque Index (PI), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded. In each hemiarch, the implant with the highest PD score was selected for microbiologic sample collection from the peri-implant sulcus (T0). All patients received two different hygienic protocols (randomly administered, one per each hemiarch): glycine air-polishing (G) and cleansing with cotton pellets soaked in saline (C). At 7 days (T1) and 3 months (T2) after the intervention, PI and BOP were recorded, and new microbiologic samples were taken. Traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR real-time were employed for microbiologic analysis to investigate how the presence of different bacterial species varied according to the hygienic treatment performed. Results: Treatment G provided a significantly higher PI score reduction around implants compared to treatment C (P = .015). No statistical difference was found in the microbial population around G and C implant sites, with Tannerella forsythia being the most commonly detected bacterial species in both G and C groups. No statistical differences were found between the antimicrobial activity of treatments C and G. Conclusions: Glycine powder air polishing is a valid method for professional hygienic care of implants and was more effective in PI reduction compared to the control treatment. However, its antimicrobial efficacy cannot be confirmed by the outcomes of the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A muscle's architecture, defined as the geometric arrangement of its fibers with respect to its mechanical line of action, impacts its abilities to produce force and shorten or lengthen under load. Ultrasound and other noninvasive imaging methods have contributed significantly to our understanding of these structure–function relationships. The goal of this work was to develop a MATLAB toolbox for tracking and mathematically representing muscle architecture at the fascicle scale, based on brightness-mode ultrasound imaging data. The MuscleUS_Toolbox allows user-performed segmentation of a region of interest and automated modeling of local fascicle orientation; calculation of streamlines between aponeuroses of origin and insertion; and quantification of fascicle length, pennation angle, and curvature. A method is described for optimizing the fascicle orientation modeling process, and the capabilities of the toolbox for quantifying and visualizing fascicle architecture are illustrated in the human tibialis anterior muscle. The toolbox is freely available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a staff-delivered physical exercise program embedded into the daily lives of older adults living in nursing homes. A randomized controlled pilot feasibility study was carried out, which included quantitative, qualitative, and economic assessments at baseline, 12 weeks, and 12 months. Two nursing homes (one intervention and one control) took part. The exercise program was carried out on 3 days per week for 12 weeks and consisted of a program of Morning Movement (walking and sit-to-stand exercises) and Activity Bursts. The results confirm that the intervention and study processes are largely acceptable and feasible to implement in the nursing home setting. Potential short-term improvements in physical mobility and quality of life were noticed as positive mean changes and supported by qualitative assessment. Future randomized controlled trials should consider using the 6-meter walk test and refining nursing home and participant eligibility criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of quantum dots in display technology has fueled a renewed interest in InP-based quantum dots, but difficulty controlling the Zn chemistry during shelling has stymied thick, even ZnSe shell growth. The characteristic uneven, lobed morphology of Zn-based shells is difficult to assess qualitatively and measure through traditional methods. Here, we present a methodological study utilizing quantitative morphological analysis of InP/ZnSe quantum dots to analyze the impact of key shelling parameters on InP core passivation and shell epitaxy. We compare conventional hand-drawn measurements with an open-source semi-automated protocol to showcase the improved precision and speed of this method. Additionally, we find that quantitative morphological assessment can discern morphological trends in morphologies that qualitative methods cannot. In conjunction with ensemble fluorescence measurements, we find that changes to shelling parameters that promote even shell growth often do so at the cost of core homogeneity. These results indicate that the chemistry of passivating the core and promoting shell growth must be balanced carefully to maximize brightness while maintaining emission color-purity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging evidence indicates that the provision or experience of "variety" may be an important determinant of physical activity behavior. Variety refers to diverse endeavors, opportunities, or tasks and, in the context of physical activity, has been examined as a feature of an activity or environment (i.e., variety support) and an experience (i.e., one's felt experience or perceived variety). Objective: The primary aim of our review was to synthesize studies investigating the provision or experience of variety in physical activity settings on health and well-being, behaviors, and motivation. Our secondary aim was to examine quantitative data reporting on different facets of variety in physical activity settings. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of five electronic databases (Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Science Direct, MEDLINE, and the Human Kinetics Library) to identify studies providing a quantitative or qualitative assessment of variety in physical activity settings. Results: We identified 5,576 potentially relevant articles to examine. After title and abstract screening (and removal of duplicates), 74 articles remained for full-text screening, from which 28 studies were deemed eligible. Our findings from qualitative and quantitative (experimental and cross-sectional) studies demonstrate that the provision and experience of variety relates to participation and engagement in physical activity, motivation for exercise and physical activity, and well-being outcomes. Our results also indicate that the provision of variety can increase enjoyment, interest (i.e., motivation), and adherence to a physical activity program. Conclusion: Our findings support the assertion that variety should be considered during planning, implementation, and evaluation of physical activity programs. Additional experimental studies are needed to gain a better understanding of how elements of physical activity and exercise programs, delivery, and environment can be manipulated to increase variety and foster participation in physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the standard 360-degree CBCT acquisition protocol to the low dose 180-degree CBCT protocol for implant planning. Materials and Methods: Two groups of patients, each consisting of 35 patients, were included in the study. The first group was imaged with the conventional 360-degree CBCT protocol, and the second group was imaged with the low dose 180-degree CBCT protocol. The primary outcome of this study was the number of scans that needed to be repeated due to poor image quality. In addition, six secondary parameters were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: The results showed that there was no need to repeat any of the CBCT scans that were obtained in either group, which showed that 360-degree and 180-degree protocols had comparable image quality. As for the secondary parameters, the results showed that the evaluators were able to evaluate the six chosen parameters in a comparable manner. Conclusions: The 180-degree low dose CBCT scan is a viable option for dental implant treatment planning in the posterior mandible as it provides comparable and adequate information regarding accuracy of measurements, identification of critical structures, evaluation of bone quality, and any pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To use histomorphometric analysis to evaluate bone reconstruction in rabbit calvaria with autogenous bone, anorganic bovine bone, undecalcified human tooth bone (UdTB), and decalcified human tooth bone (dTB) grafts. Materials and Methods: Extracted human teeth were crushed, and tooth bone with and without decalcification was prepared. Bony defects were made in 10 rabbit calvaria and allocated to one of the following four groups: group 1, in which UdTB was grafted; group 2, in which dTB was grafted; group 3, in which anorganic bovine bone was grafted; group 4, in which autogenous bone was grafted. The rabbits were sacrificed at 2 or 8 weeks postoperatively, and histomorphometric comparison was performed. Results: Histologically, new bone formation was observed at the defect margin and around all graft materials. The dTB group revealed significantly greater new bone areas at 2 and 8 weeks compared to the UdTB group and the anorganic bovine bone group (P < .05). The dTB group revealed no significant difference in the new bone area at 2 weeks but revealed significantly less new bone area at 8 weeks compared to the autogenous bone group (P < .05). The dTB group also revealed significantly less graft material area compared to the anorganic bovine bone group at 8 weeks (P < .05). The autogenous bone group revealed significantly less graft material area and significantly greater bone marrow area compared to other groups at 8 weeks (P < .05). Conclusions: Grafting with dTB resulted in better bone regeneration than UdTB and anorganic bovine bone grafting at 8 weeks and addresses the potential disadvantages of autogenous bone grafting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Alveolar ridge split (ARS) is ridge augmentation to mitigate ridge width loss that typically follows tooth extraction. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of ARS on alveolar ridge horizontal dimensional changes and the survival rates of implants placed into the same sites. Materials and Methods: An electronic and manual search was conducted for English articles published up to January 1, 2021. The PICO (problem, intervention, comparison, outcome) model for quantitative studies was established to address the following two focused questions: (1) What are the effects of the ARS technique on increasing alveolar width and implant survival?; and (2) what are the factors that influence the efficacy of the ARS technique? The outcome measures in this systematic review and meta-analysis were mean alveolar ridge gain—horizontal (buccolingual) in millimeters from baseline (initial presentation) to final assessment (minimum of 12 weeks after ARS), implant survival rate, and patient-reported complication rate. The risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I assessment tool for non-randomized interventional studies. Weighted means were calculated, and pooled effects and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were depicted on forest plots. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Rosenthal Statistics. A sensitivity analysis was undertaken to assess the primary outcome. Results: Overall, 35 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. The mean alveolar ridge gain for ARS was 3.06 mm (95% CI: 3.01 to 3.12 mm). A mean gain of 2.99 mm (95% CI: 2.93 to 3.04 mm) was found after sensitivity analysis, excluding one article with a high risk of bias. There were no significant differences in ridge width in the group with bone graft (mean difference [95% CI] of 2.97 mm [2.91 to 3.03 mm]) and in the group without bone graft (mean difference [95% CI] of 3.06 mm [2.92 to 3.20 mm]). The ARS technique demonstrated a 98.17% implant survival rate in 4,446 implants, 4,103 of which were placed at the time of ARS with a 97.72% implant survival rate, and 343 placed in a delayed approach with a 99.14% implant survival rate. The risk of bias was low in 14.2%, low to moderate in 68.5%, moderate in 11.4%, and severe/moderate in 5.7% of the included studies. Conclusions: ARS shows a high implant survival rate in narrow alveolar ridges, adequate horizontal alveolar ridge dimensional gain regardless of adding grafting material, and minimal patient-reported complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On crowdfunding platforms, the success of campaigns relies on the ability of projects to attract backers. While backers' motivations have been examined, the dynamics existing among the distinct profiles of backers remain underexplored. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods, this research offers a typology of backers' profiles and shows how these profiles contribute to the success of a crowdfunding campaign. Informed by the sociological theory of cooperation, these results explain how backers with different profiles influence each other's decisions to support crowdfunding campaigns. We provide guidelines to project leaders and platforms to attract backers with the best profiles at the best moment to optimise the campaign's success strategy. We also help crowdfunding platform managers build their crowd of backers and optimise their number of funded projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media has changed how sport organizations and individuals in the sport industry communicate and conduct business. The increase in the number, complexity, and capabilities of platforms provides ample opportunities and data for researchers to employ quantitative research methods. In this article, we provide an overview of the state of scholarship by conducting a scoping review of sport social media research published between 2010 and 2022 with a focus on articles based on quantitative data. We then critically discuss four areas that present opportunities for improvement—scope, theory, data collection, and data analysis. Based on these four areas, we introduce the social media research framework to guide future social media research in sport. Within the social media research framework, we outline three focal areas of research—people, spaces, and technologies—and suggest examining these areas simultaneously, rather than in isolation, as well as their intersections in the sport industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this investigation was to quantify professional rugby union player activity profiles after the most intense (peak) passages of matches. Movement data were collected from 30 elite and 30 subelite professional rugby union athletes across respective competitive seasons. Accelerometer-derived PlayerLoad and global navigation satellite system–derived measures of mean speed and metabolic power were analyzed using a rolling-average method to identify the most intense 5- to 600-second passages (ie, worst-case scenarios) within matches. Player activity profiles immediately post their peak 5- to 600-second match intensity were identified using 5 epoch duration-matched intervals. Mean speed, metabolic power, and PlayerLoad declined sharply (∼29%–86%) after the most intense 5 to 600 seconds of matches. Following the most intense periods of rugby matches, exercise intensity declined below the average match-half intensity 81% of the time and seldom returned to or exceeded it, likely due to a host of individual physical and physiological characteristics, transient and/or accumulative fatigue, contextual factors, and pacing strategies. Typically, player exercise intensities after the most intense passages of matches were similar between match halves, positional groups, and levels of rugby competition. Accurate identification of the peak exercise intensities of matches and movement thereafter using novel methodologies has improved the limited understanding of professional rugby union player activity profiles following the worst-case scenarios of matches. Findings of the present study may inform match-representative training prescription, monitoring, and tactical match decisions (eg, substitutions and positional changes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 1920s, the statistician Ronald Fisher introduced a statistical theory system based on probability calculations and evaluations. Fisher coined the term “p-value” to denote the probability of observing the obtained results, assuming that the independent variable is not influenced or manipulated. This calculation helps evaluate the likelihood of such results within the research context. Later, Neyman and Pearson proposed the concepts of null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis, advocating for the inclusion of both in the hypothesis testing. While the two approaches to testing statistical hypotheses were different, these approaches were later integrated into what is now known as null hypothesis significance testing, with the p-value as a standardized measure for statistical analysis. In recent years, however, the academic community has identified a concerning trend known as “p-hacking,” where researchers misuse or abuse data analysis to achieve misleading statistical significance. Then, researchers claim to have speciously successful experiments and publish the implausible research results in journals. This paper focuses on p-hacking within quantitative educational research, exploring its origins, definition, technique, impact, and how journals prevent the manipulation of p-hacking. Finally, this paper reinstates the correct perception of p-value with recommendations for preventing p-hacking, including providing evidence of practical significance while presenting statistical significance, ensuring replicability of research results, stating the structure and details of statistical analysis, and judicious selection of appropriate analytical techniques.

Background At a time when healthcare reforms are being implemented in the new era, the scientific research output in the field of general practice and primary care in China has grown rapidly in recent years. However, the methodological quality of the literature is unclear. Objective To evaluate the methodological quality of representative quantitative studies and systematic reviews/guidelines in the field of general practice and primary care in China in 2021, to reveal the overall methodological quality characteristics of scientific papers in this field. Methods A sample of 449 papers was selected from a total of 3 122 papers collected in the Primary Care and General Practice Research Paper Productivity Report in China in 2021. A methodological quality assessment group consisting of 22 researchers in the field of public health and general practice from different institutions was organized to evaluate the quality of 320 of these papers (71.3%) using six different quality assessment tools for different study designs (cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, pre- and post-intervention studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, guidelines and consensus) by working in pairs and under the training and guidance of an expert in evidence-based medical methodology. Descriptive statistics method was used to report the overall quality assessment results of the various types of research papers. Results Of the 114 cross-sectional research papers, quality issues were prevalent in the areas of "whether the source population was representative of the study's target population" (41.2%) , "whether the reliability and validity of the survey instrument could be conclusively demonstrated" (32.5%) , "whether the survey is clinically meaningful" (26.3%) ; of the 25 cohort study papers, quality issues were more concentrated in the areas of "whether the cohort was adequately followed up" (44.0%) and "whether the co-intervention was similar among groups" (56.0%) ; of the 34 pre- and post-intervention studies, quality issues were mostly found in the areas of "whether the target outcome was measured multiple times before and after the intervention" (97.1%) , "whether the sample size was large enough to generate confidence in the study results" (82.4%) , and "whether the study participants were representative of the eligible population" (61.8%) ; of the 122 randomized controlled trials, quality concerns were mostly in the areas of "blinding of different stakeholders" (25.4%-61.5%) , "adequate concealment of random allocation" (41.8%) , and "other risks of bias" (72.1%) ; of the 19 systematic reviews, quality issues were mostly found in the areas "is the source of funding for the included studies reported" (100.0%) , "were the methods of the review developed before the start of the review" (94.7%) , "was heterogeneity reasonably discussed and explained" (84.2%) , and "was the risk of bias of individual studies considered" (84.2%) . Finally, the quality of all six clinical guidelines/consensus was rated low. Conclusion The scientific research output of recent years in the field of primary care and general practice in China is still of limited quality in general, which is particularly evident in the categories of cross-sectional studies, pre- and post-intervention studies, randomized controlled trials, guidelines and consensus. This highlights the urgency and importance of strengthening systematic training in basic research in this area of research in China, increasing the importance of research and evidence-based reporting standards, and developing pragmatic methodological specifications for the development of guidelines.

This research paper focuses on examining the relationship between the cash conversion cycle (CCC) and the profitability of Food and Beverage (F&B) companies in Vietnam by utilizing quantitative models. Analyzing a sample of 23 companies in the period from 2015 to 2021, the study revealsthat a reduction in the CCC positively influences profitability, as measured by the return on assets (ROA) ratio. The study further dissects the impact of CCC’s components, including days payable outstanding (DPO), days inventory outstanding (DIO), and days sales outstanding (DSO), on profitability. Based on regression analysis results, the study recommends that companies under study endeavor to reduce the durations of DPO, DIO, DSO, and CCC to improve profitability. Implementing strategies to tighten credit policies and optimize capital utilization is suggested as a means to achieve this objective.

Context: Professional athletes showed excellent results after hip preserving procedures. However, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the rate of return to activity and the rehabilitation time of recreational athletes. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate factors that were associated with an extended return-to-activity time in nonprofessional athletes. Design: Retrospective, quantitative case-control study. Methods: This study included 47 cases (45 nonprofessional athletes), which were divided according to return-to-activity time (short term: 0.0-7.0 mo vs long term: >7.0 mo). The clinical outcome were evaluated with the modified Harris hip score, the nonarthritic hip score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the University of California, Los Angeles activity score. For statistical analysis between both groups, an unpaired student t test and a paired Wilcoxon test were used. In addition, the sports behavior, intraoperative findings, and surgical procedures were also assessed. Results: After a mean follow-up of 4.3 years (±0.6; 3.4-5.6), the overall postoperative modified Harris hip score was 81.8 points, the nonarthritic hip score was 75.8 points, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index was 36.7 points, and the University of California, Los Angeles activity score was 7.9. Compared with the preoperative results, all scores improved significantly (P < .001). Patients of the short-term return-to-activity group showed a higher preoperative activity diversity and, postoperatively, a higher rate in high-impact sports (P = .024). Conclusions: After mini-open arthrotomy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome treatment, 92.5% of the recreational athletes returned to sports activity. The findings did not detect factors influencing the return-to-activity time. However, a higher preoperative diversity of activities and a shift to high-level impact sport activities might support a shorter rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schematic diagram of the whole process for detecting sulfur-containing components in lithium-sulfur batteries, including graded leaching, efficient oxidation and precise quantitative detection. [Display omitted] • A highly effective approach for the graded leaching and precise quantitative detection techniques of sulfur-containing components within Li-S batteries has been successfully developed. The total detection rate of this method for sulfur-containing components in Li-S batteries exceeds 99 %. • Clarify that the presence of lithium polysulfide in the electrolyte after discharge is the main factor for restricting the full utilization of Li-S batteries' capacity, and propose targeted improvement measures. • This study offers a considerably refined and comprehensive methodology for the capacity fading and failure mechanisms assessment of high-energy-density Li-S batteries. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are a strong contender for the new-generation battery system to meet the growing energy demand due to their significantly high energy density (2600 Wh/kg) and cost-effectiveness. However, the practical operating conditions yield an initial capacity of less than 80 % of the theoretical capacity, resulting in a limited lifespan and hindering broader application. What's worse, current mechanism, especially the evolution process of sulfides for the initial capacity degradation is not clear due to the practical difficulties of effective separation and detection of sulfur-containing components. Herein, we have developed an instrumental analysis method enabling graded leaching and quantitative determination of sulfur-containing components. This technology achieves a detection precision surpassing 99.11 %, addressing the inherent deficiency in calculating sulfur-containing components using the decrement method. Applying this method reveals that the presence of lithium polysulfides in the electrolyte (26.34 wt%) after discharging is the primary factor causing insufficient capacity utilization in Li-S batteries. This work not only demonstrates the unique behavior of Li-S batteries at high sulfur loading but also provides a systematic evaluation method to guide further research on high-energy-density batteries, and provides theoretical and technical support to promote the development of high-energy, long-life Li-S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Exosomes have become one of the frontiers of biomedical research in recent years because of their promising applications in clinical diagnosis and therapy. OBJECTIVE: To reveal the basic research and technology development trend of exosomes at home and abroad, and provide suggestions for related scientific and technological research and development in China. METHODS: This paper presented a quantitative analysis of the overall research and development situation, the frontier hotspots and future development trends in this research area by means of bibliometric methods and tools. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The research and development hotspots in this area have entered a high growth phase with the application of new tools and methods. Many new technologies and products are facing clinical applications and markets with the development of a large number of clinical translation experiments. Comparative analysis at home and abroad reveals that China has made more remarkable achievements in basic research in this field, but there are still weaknesses in the possession of independent intellectual property rights, clinical technology translation, and regulatory system standardization and management, which need to be further strengthened in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell migration is known to be a fundamental biological process, playing an essential role in development, homeostasis, and diseases. This paper introduces a cell tracking algorithm named HFM-Tracker (Hybrid Feature Matching Tracker) that automatically identifies cell migration behaviours in consecutive images. It combines Contour Attention (CA) and Adaptive Confusion Matrix (ACM) modules to accurately capture cell contours in each image and track the dynamic behaviors of migrating cells in the field of view. Cells are firstly located and identified via the CA module-based cell detection network, and then associated and tracked via a cell tracking algorithm employing a hybrid feature-matching strategy. This proposed HFM-Tracker exhibits superiorities in cell detection and tracking, achieving 75% in MOTA (Multiple Object Tracking Accuracy) and 65% in IDF1 (ID F1 score). It provides quantitative analysis of the cell morphology and migration features, which could further help in understanding the complicated and diverse cell migration processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of clinical and US (grey-scale and Doppler) abnormalities in joints, periarticular structures and nails of children affected by skin psoriasis (PsO). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study including consecutive children affected by PsO. A systematic clinical and US evaluation of joints, entheses, tendons and nails were performed by independent examiners blinded to each other's assessment. Results A total of 57 children [26 girls (46%)] with a mean age of 9 years (s. d. 4) were divided into two groups, asymptomatic (Asy, 42 children) and symptomatic (Sy, 15 children), according to musculoskeletal pain. Differences were observed between the two groups in relation to age [9 years (s. d. 3) vs 11 years (s. d. 4), P  < 0.05], PsO duration [2.4 years (s. d. 2.4) vs 5.4 years (s. d. 3.9), P  < 0.001], systemic treatment [23 (54.8%) vs 2 [13.3%], P  < 0.01], tender joint count [0 vs 12 children (80%), P  < 0.001], swollen joint count [0 vs 3 children (20%), P  < 0.01] and entheseal pain [0 vs 10 (66.7%), P  < 0.001] in Asy and Sy children, respectively. US evaluation showed statistically significant differences between the Asy and Sy groups for the presence of US abnormalities [16/42 (38%) vs 12/15 (80%)], synovitis [1/42 (2%) vs 4/15 (25%)] and enthesitis [4/42 (9.5%) vs 5/15 (33%)]. Three children in the Sy group were classified with juvenile PsA (JPsA). Conclusions US abnormalities were higher in the Sy group, with synovitis and enthesitis as the most prevalent findings. Asy patients were more frequently under systemic treatment. US and a systematic clinical evaluation are useful tools for detecting subclinical JPsA in children with PsO and musculoskeletal symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Languages display global preferences for transitive, intransitive or underspecified roots in their verbal lexicon and correspondingly for the use of processes for deriving related concepts with different valency (cf. Nichols, Johanna, David A. Peterson & Jonathan Barnes. 2004. Transitivizing and detransitivizing languages. Linguistic Typology 8. 149–211). This classification is particularly relevant when applied to psych verbs, since variable linking is a widely recognized feature of this domain. This paper reports on the results of a larger typological study, involving 26 languages from 15 language families, aimed at investigating directionality in the psych alternation. In our data, most languages show preferences for one of the alternation strategies (augmented, reduced, undirected) which is then pervasive in their psych inventory, while the alternative patterns are marginally represented. Furthermore, the Indo-European languages of Europe stand out in being detransitivizing in the psych domain whereas transitivizing and underspecified languages do not show areal patterns. Moreover, we found a significant impact of alignment type on the occurrence of alternation strategies to the effect that reducing strategies are significantly less frequent in languages with ergative traits compared to languages without ergative traits. Our data also showed a positive effect of alignment in the undirected strategies meaning that undirected pairs are significantly more frequent in languages with ergative traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to develop a Digital Speech Assessment Instrument to evaluate the phonological and motor speech skills of Brazilian Portuguese–speaking children and adolescents through six tasks: (a) word naming, (b) word imitation, (c) pseudoword imitation, (d) word repetition, (e) pseudoword repetition, and (f) diadochokinesis. Method: The assessment instrument was developed and validated in a seven-step process, beginning with stimulus selection and ending with Pilot Study 1 (involving children and adolescents with typical speech development) and Pilot Study 2 (involving children and adolescents with speech sound disorders [SSDs]). Participants of the study included expert and nonexpert judges, children, and adolescents. Results: The Digital Speech Assessment Instrument contains 91 real words (61 in the naming task, 51 in the imitation task, and five in the repetition task), 26 pseudowords (26 in the imitation task and four in the repetition task), and six stimuli for diadochokinesis. The test contains stimuli in the form of images as well as audio and video recordings and allows for the analysis and storage of participant data in a virtual database. Conclusions: This study described the development of the Digital Speech Assessment Instrument, available in Brazilian Portuguese for the evaluation of several aspects of speech production (including word and pseudoword naming, imitation, and repetition and diadochokinesis). The test was developed for children aged 2;0 (years;months) to 17;11 and is administered fully online. In the future, the instrument can be used to provide a timely and accurate diagnosis of SSDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: More Than Words® (MTW) is a caregiver-mediated intervention program led by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who teaches caregivers strategies to support their autistic child’s early social communication and play development. The program includes group sessions composed of multiple families with children of varying profiles. We explored whether caregiver experiences and perceived outcomes of the virtual MTW program differed depending on the child’s age and social communication stage. Method: As part of a program evaluation of virtual MTW delivered to over 2,000 families in Ontario, Canada, between 2020 and 2021, we randomly selected 31 families across four social communication stages and two age groups using stratified sampling (n = 4, in all but one subgroup). The Final Reflection and Evaluation form was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, and a modified RE-AIM framework guided our analyses, including theme development. Results: Child attributes did not appear to impact caregivers’ experiences, but perceived child skill improvements varied by children’s social communication stage. The majority of caregivers reported changes in how they interact with their child. Four themes emerged: (a) perceived child skill improvements differed by social communication stage, (b) caregivers gained new knowledge and strategies regardless of child attributes, (c) SLPs effectively managed families’ individual needs, and (d) program components were appropriate for a variety of families. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the content taught in the MTW program was relevant for a variety of children, including those beyond the program’s intended age of 5 years and under. Grouping families of children with varying profiles does not appear to negatively influence caregivers’ experiences or perceived outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study of gender and speech has historically excluded studies of transmasculine individuals. Consequently, generalizations about speech and gender are based on cisgender individuals. This lack of representation hinders clinical training and clinical service delivery, particularly by speech-language pathologists providing gender-affirming communication services. This letter describes a new corpus of the speech of American English–speaking transmasculine men, transmasculine nonbinary people, and cisgender men that is open and available to clinicians and researchers. Method: Twenty masculine-presenting native English speakers from the Upper Midwestern United States (including cisgender men, transmasculine men, and transmasculine nonbinary people) were recorded, producing three sets of speech materials: Consensus Auditory–Perceptual Evaluation of Voice sentences, the Rainbow Passage, and a novel set of sentences developed for this project. Acoustic measures vowels (overall formant frequency scaling, vowel– space dispersion, fundamental frequency, breathiness), consonants (voice onset time of word-initial voiceless stops, spectral moments of word-initial/s/), and the entire sentence (rate of speech) that were made. Results: The acoustic measures reveal a wide range for all dependent measures and low correlations among the measures. Results show that many of the voices depart considerably from the norms for men’s speech in published studies. Conclusion: This new corpus can be used to illustrate different ways of sounding masculine by speech-language pathologists performing gender-affirming communication services and by higher education teachers as examples of diverse ways of sounding masculine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: DNA damage response (DDR) mutation-related genes and composition of immune cells are core factors affecting the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The aim of this study is to combine DDR with immune-related genes to screen the prognostic signature for prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: Gene expression profile and somatic mutation were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). DDR-related genes were obtained from published study. After identification of prognostic-related DDR genes, samples were divided into mutation and nonmutation groups. Differentially expressed genes between these two groups were screened, followed by selection of immune-related DDR genes. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to screen genes for constructing prognostic model. Nomogram model was also developed. The expression level of signature was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Results: Two genes (MYBBP1A and PCDHA9) were screened to construct the prognostic model, and it showed good risk prediction of PCa prognosis. Survival analysis showed that patients in high-risk group had worse overall survival than those in low-risk group. Cox analyses indicated that risk score could be used as an independent prognostic factor for PCa. qPCR results indicated that MYBBP1A was upregulated, whereas PCDHA9 was downregulated in PCa cell lines. Conclusions: A prognostic model based on DDR mutation-related genes for PCa was established, which serves as an effective tool for prognostic differentiation in patients with PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PaC) is a highly malignant gastrointestinal tumor with invasive and metastatic characteristics. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a negative prognostic marker, contributes to PaC progression. However, the mechanism of IL-6 in PaC is not yet fully understood. Methods: miR-455-5p levels were first tested by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in PaC tissues or cells. Subsequently, PaC cell-related functions were identified through CCK-8, Transwell, and Western blotting. Changes in miR-455-5p and IGF-1R expression were confirmed using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. miR-455-5p methylation was assessed by bisulfite sequencing PCR. Results: The authors discovered that miR-455-5p was expressed at low levels in PaC tissues and cells, and miR-455-5p expression was observably reduced by IL-6 in PaC cells. In addition, IL-6 dramatically induces miR-455-5p methylation in PaC cells. Functionally, the data revealed that IL-6 could facilitate the malignant properties of PaC cells, including proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. The authors found that miR-455-5p could suppress the progression of PaC cells by downregulating IGF-1R in PaC cells. Mechanistically, IL-6 downregulated miR-455-5p and upregulated IGF-1R, and miR-455-5p reduced IGF-1R expression through targeted binding. Conclusions: The authors demonstrated that the miR-455-5p/IGF-1R axis is necessary for the induction of IL-6 in PaC progression. The results here may provide a theoretical basis for the application of the IL-6/miR-455-5p/IGF-1R axis in the clinical therapy of PaC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]