Review Article Research Articles

Sex and Gender Considerations in Orthopaedic Research

Abstract JBJS convened a symposium to discuss the reporting of sex and gender in research studies as an imperative to improve research methods and results to benefit all patients. Barriers to improved reporting include a lack of societal and cultural acceptance of its need; a lack of education regarding appropriate terminology and appropriate statistical methods and efficient study designs; a need for increased research funding to support larger group sizes; unknown concordance of cell and animal models with humans to reflect biologic variables such as sex; and a lack of understanding of key considerations of gender, race, and other social determinants of health and how these factors intersect. Attention to developing and disseminating best-practice statistical methods and to educating investigators (at all career levels), reviewers, funders, editors, and staff in their proper implementation will aid reporting. Concomitantly, well-designed studies with sufficient rigor and adequate resources are essential to enable meaningful and reproducible research. Existing recommendations, such as the Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) guidelines, provide valuable guidance that can be applied across the research ecosystem. Academic institutions and private foundations are likely groups to assist in scientific and institutional review board guidance and study recruitment and pilot funding to generate meaningful power estimates, and to serve as sources for additional funding and presentation of workshops, educational events, and seminars. All of this needs to be conducted on an ongoing basis to ensure that sex and gender are considered in scientific analyses, where relevant.

Unmasking biases and navigating pitfalls in the ophthalmic artificial intelligence lifecycle: A narrative review.

Over the past 2 decades, exponential growth in data availability, computational power, and newly available modeling techniques has led to an expansion in interest, investment, and research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. Ophthalmology is one of many fields that seek to benefit from AI given the advent of telemedicine screening programs and the use of ancillary imaging. However, before AI can be widely deployed, further work must be done to avoid the pitfalls within the AI lifecycle. This review article breaks down the AI lifecycle into seven steps-data collection; defining the model task; data preprocessing and labeling; model development; model evaluation and validation; deployment; and finally, post-deployment evaluation, monitoring, and system recalibration-and delves into the risks for harm at each step and strategies for mitigating them.

Tropical fruit‐derived starch: An innovative strategy for high‐value nutritional processing of agricultural solid waste

AbstractTropical fruits are popular worldwide due to their appealing flavors and diverse health benefits. However, a significant amount of waste is caused by inferior fruits that are partly eliminated from the fresh fruit market and by‐products produced during transportation, storage, and processing. With increasing focus on environmental sustainability and resource conservation, recycling waste resources from tropical fruits has emerged as a hot topic of interest. Fruit‐derived starch is an emerging approach to adding value for some tropical fruit waste and inferior fruits. This review article briefly overviews extraction methods, chemical composition, structural characteristics, physical and chemical properties, physiological benefits, modification techniques, and potential applications of new tropical fruit‐derived starch. Compared with traditional starch, tropical fruit‐derived starch exhibits unique structural and processing attributes, making it suitable as a supplement or replacement for industrial starch in the food industry. Moreover, tropical fruit‐derived starch retains the rich nutrients and functional components present in fruits to some extent, thereby offering potential health benefits and greater consumer acceptance. Although current research on starch derived from tropical fruits is primarily at the laboratory stage, and there is limited exploration of its processing and application, evolving lifestyle trends and heightened health awareness are expected to foster its further development and utilization, paving the way for large‐scale commercialization and driving future market growth.

Advances in hybrid strategies for enhanced photocatalytic water splitting: Bridging conventional and emerging methods

Significant efforts have been dedicated to hydrogen production through photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) over the past five decades. However, achieving commercially viable solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency in PWS systems remains elusive. These systems face intrinsic and extrinsic challenges, such as inadequate light absorption, insufficient charge separation, limited redox active sites, low surface area, and scalability issues in practical designs. To address these issues, conventional strategies including heterojunction engineering, plasmonics, hybridization, lattice defects, sensitization, and upconversion processes have been extensively employed. More recently, innovative hybrid strategies like photonic crystal-assisted and polarization field-assisted PWS have emerged, which improve light absorption and charge separation by harnessing the slow photon effect, multiple light scattering, and the piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric properties of materials. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive examination and summary of these new synergistic hybrid approaches, integrating plasmonic effects, upconversion processes, and photonic crystal photocatalysis. It also explores the role of temperature in suppressing exciton recombination during photothermic photocatalysis. This article also highlights emerging strategies such as the effects of magnetic fields, periodic illumination, many-body large-hole polaron, and anapole excitations, which hold significant potential to advance PWS technology and facilitate renewable hydrogen generation.

The Role of Confirmatory Testing in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Electrodiagnostic Study, Ultrasound and CTS-6.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common upper extremity compressive neuropathy. The reference standard for the diagnosis of CTS remains an area of controversy. The diagnosis can be established clinically, but options for confirmatory testing include electrodiagnostic studies, ultrasound and diagnostic aids such as the CTS-6 score. This review article summarises the current evidence for each confirmatory testing modality, contrasts their advantages and disadvantages and discusses future directions for investigation. Level of Evidence: Level V (Diagnostic).

Computer vision syndrome: A disease of the new age era

Advancement in technology has revolutionized the modern era, making people turn a blind eye to its disastrous effects. One such harmful effect is the overuse of digital screens for various purposes leading to a new disease entity named “Computer vision syndrome”. Although a major health problem, it is often ignored by the patients and practitioners, particularly in a developing country like India. The purpose of this narrative review article is to shed light on the various symptoms as well as provide a fruitful treatment based on evidence-based literature available.

Gene Therapy for Hearing Loss: A Review

Background: Hearing impairment is the most prevalent sensory deficiency among humans. Scientists have been actively studying the genetic factors behind human hearing loss in recent years. A considerable proportion of hearing impairment cases can be due to genetic aetiologies. Numerous specific genes have been linked to inherited hearing impairments. At present, scientists globally are engaged in genomics-driven research and development related to hearing. Methods: The search for recent research articles on gene therapy for hearing loss was done with databases Scopus, PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar. This review article discusses the gene therapy for hearing loss. Results: Screening approaches, coupled with next-generation sequencing technologies, are being employed to analyse groups of individuals affected by hearing loss who are suspected to share common genetic mutations. This approach aims to accurately diagnose patients with hearing impairments. Conclusion: This review article discusses gene therapy techniques for the restoration or preservation of hearing, focusing on methods for delivering genes to target cells using viral or non-viral vectors. The review also covers technology targeted at creating gene therapy as a potential therapeutic option in the near future and emphasises recent developments in gene therapy for hearing loss.

3eaw - How Different Ventilation System’s Designs Affected Their Applications in Healthcare Facilities: A Comprehensive Review

Effective indoor ventilation systems are crucial in reducing airborne viruses in healthcare facilities which include significant sections such as OR, isolation room and emergency department. Infection control through indoor ventilation system can be done by manipulating the concentration of infectious particles to reduce airborne infections. This review article highlighted different types of indoor ventilation strategies including mechanical ventilation system, natural ventilation system and hybrid ventilation system that have been integrated into different healthcare facilities. The overview, advantages, and limitations of each strategy were discussed in detail. The utilization of mechanical was deemed more suitable for better air quality control, while a vertical (ceiling-mounted) airflow ventilation system was found to promote higher air cleanliness in the desired zone in healthcare facilities. However, many ventilation systems face limitations when attempting to maintain both thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency simultaneously. The findings of this review are useful for the researchers who design appropriate ventilation strategies in healthcare facilities to ensure good indoor air quality meanwhile reduce the risk of disease dissemination.

Review Paper for SOC Estimation Techniques: Challenges and Future Areas for Improvement

This paper explores the advancements and challenges in State of Charge (SOC) estimation techniques for lithium-ion batteries, particularly within the context of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy systems. As the global demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, accurate SOC estimation becomes essential for optimizing battery performance, enhancing safety, and extending battery life. The paper categorizes various SOC estimation methods into three primary approaches: direct measurement techniques, model-based methods, and data-driven algorithms. Direct measurement techniques, such as Coulomb counting and Open Circuit Voltage (OCV), are straightforward but often lack precision under dynamic conditions. Model-based methods, including Equivalent Circuit Models (ECM) and electrochemical models, provide detailed insights into battery behavior but can be computationally intensive. In contrast, data-driven approaches utilizing machine learning algorithms exhibit promising adaptability and accuracy, albeit relying heavily on large datasets. Despite these advancements, several limitations persist. Current SOC estimation methods are hindered by their dependence on accurate battery models and quality data, which can degrade over time. Furthermore, hybrid methods, which combine strengths from various techniques, introduce complexity and demand substantial computational resources. The integration of SOC estimation techniques in EV applications poses additional challenges due to varying operational conditions, necessitating efficient processing of real-time data from multiple sensors. Emerging trends in Battery Management Systems (BMS) are also examined, highlighting the role of AI and machine learning in improving real-time SOC computations and predictive capabilities. Cloud-based BMS systems are identified as a significant development for remote monitoring and control, enhancing the overall reliability of battery systems. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of SOC estimation techniques, identify ongoing challenges, and suggest future research directions to enhance the effectiveness of battery management strategies in the evolving landscape of energy systems. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/pst.906

Micro-Nanoparticle Characterization: Establishing Underpinnings for Proper Identification and Nanotechnology-Enabled Remediation

Microplastics (MPLs) and nanoplastics (NPLs) are smaller particles derived from larger plastic material, polymerization, or refuse. In context to environmental health, they are separated into the industrially-created “primary” category or the degradation derivative “secondary” category where the particles exhibit different physiochemical characteristics that attenuate their toxicities. However, some particle types are more well documented in terms of their fate in the environment and potential toxicological effects (secondary) versus their industrial fabrication and chemical characterization (primary). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR/µ-FTIR), Raman/µ-Raman, Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H-NMR), Curie Point-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (CP-gc-MS), Induced Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), Field Flow Fractionation-Multiple Angle Light Scattering (FFF-MALS), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetry (TGA), Differential Mobility Particle [Sizing] (DMPS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Transmission X-ray Microspectroscopy (STXM) are reviewed as part of a suite of characterization methods for physiochemical ascertainment and distinguishment. In addition, Optical-Photothermal Infrared Microspectroscopy (O-PTIR), Z-Stack Confocal Microscopy, Mueller Matrix Polarimetry, and Digital Holography (DH) are touched upon as a suite of cutting-edge modes of characterization. Organizations, like the water treatment or waste management industry, and those in groups that bring awareness to this issue, which are in direct contact with the hydrosphere, can utilize these techniques in order to sense and remediate this plastic polymer pollution. The primary goal of this review paper is to highlight the extent of plastic pollution in the environment as well as introduce its effect on the biodiversity of the planet while underscoring current characterization techniques in this field of research. The secondary goal involves illustrating current and theoretical avenues in which future research needs to address and optimize MPL/NPL remediation, utilizing nanotechnology, before this sleeping giant of a problem awakens.

A Comparative Study of Friction Stir Welding and Friction stir scribe Technique for Dissimilar Metal Joining

Abstract Friction stir welding (FSW) has emerged as a novel method for joining similar and dissimilar ferrous and non-ferrous materials. This solid-state welding process utilizes frictional heat generated between a tool shoulder and the base material. The stirring action facilitates the movement and consolidation of the material, resulting in localized fusion and the formation of a joint. This review examines their effectiveness in joining various material combinations, with particular focus on automotive and aerospace applications. FSW utilizes frictional heat and stirring action to create localized plasticity and material flow, while FSS incorporates a cutting feature to mechanically interlock dissimilar materials. The review paper shows comparison of various experimental investigations considering variables such as tool geometry, welding parameters, and material combinations. FSW has some significant parameters to enhance weld quality such as traverse speed, plunge depth, and tool design. These techniques show promising applications for multi-material integration, offering advantages over conventional fusion welding methods. Future research directions include expanding material combinations, developing automated systems, and exploring hybrid joining approaches.

An Examination of the Existing Literature Concerning Fraudulent Online Reviews: Obstacles and Potential Remedies

In the contemporary digital era, online consumer evaluations exert significant sway over purchase choices, shaping consumer viewpoints and affecting business profitability. Nonetheless, the rise of counterfeit reviews has emerged as a notable apprehension, prompting scholars to investigate various methodologies for identification. This extensive review paper acts as a reservoir of information, consolidating an extensive array of literature dedicated to detecting fake reviews. It meticulously scrutinizes diverse datasets, illuminating the numerous hurdles posed by these misleading entries. Despite progress made in curtailing the impact of counterfeit reviews, this review exposes persisting gaps in our comprehension. Consequently, it calls for steadfast exploration and ingenuity in the realm of fake review detection. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to safeguard the authenticity of online consumer input.

A Review Paper on Memory Fault Models and its Algorithms

The significance of testing semiconductor memories has grown significantly in the semiconductor industry due to the increased density of modern memory chips. This paper aims to investigate and analyze different types of functional faults present in today's memory technology. These faults include stuck-at faults, transition faults, coupling faults, address decoder faults, and neighborhood pattern-sensitive faults. The paper also delves into the techniques utilized to identify and detect these faults. In particular, the focus is placed on the importance of zero-one, checkerboard, and March pattern tests, which are widely employed to assess functional memory defects at different levels, such as the chip level, array level, and board level. Furthermore, the study provides an in-depth exploration of various test algorithms and thoroughly examines their fault coverage capabilities. Overall, this review paper provides valuable insights into the challenges posed by the dense nature of modern memory chips and offers a comprehensive analysis of functional faults in memory technology. By emphasizing the importance of testing and presenting a detailed exploration of fault detection methods and test algorithms, this study contributes to the advancement of reliable and high-performance memory devices in the electronic industry suggesting that MARCH algorithms outperform others when considering factors like fault coverage, power efficiency, area optimization, and time complexity parameters, making them the preferable choice for reliable and high-performance memory devices in the electronic industry.

Key neuroprotective mechanisms of the MIND diet - a review paper

Introduction and purpose: Impaired cognitive function is a growing public health problem, where dementia is affecting about 47 million people worldwide, and that number is expected to triple by 2050. The MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet is intended to overcome this problem. This article aims to raise awareness of the MIND diet, highlighting how dietary choices can promote cognitive health and delay disease progression. Brief description of the state of knowledge: The MIND diet focuses on foods that support cognitive health and may mitigate these degenerative processes. It emphasizes green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish, and poultry while limiting red meat, dairy, sweets, and fried foods. These products contain several components with multidirectional neuroprotective effects. Material and method: This work was based on material found on Google Scholar. Articles were selected based on citation counts, publication dates, and relevance, ensuring a comprehensive review of recent findings on the MIND diet's impact on cognitive health. Summary: The MIND diet enhances brain health by incorporating nutrient-dense foods that reduce inflammation, combat oxidative stress, and support neuronal function. Green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats work together to improve cognitive function, support synaptic plasticity, and protect brain structure, leading to slower cognitive decline and a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Beyond the binary female/male sex classification: The impact of (trans)gender on the identification of human remains.

In cases of unidentified deceased persons, sex determination is a routine task in forensic medicine. However, the binary biological sex categories 'female' and 'male' may be challenged if it is not clear whether the information in the missing persons databases refers to the biological sex or the (felt and lived) gender. An umbrella term for people who do not identify with their birth sex (which usually is the biological, chromosomal sex) is 'transgender'. In recent decades, the legal and social situation of transgender people has changed in many countries making it easier to live their felt gender more openly. This development highlights the issue of potential challenges in the postmortem identification of transgender individuals. Serious problems in corresponding cases may be rare-but they must be considered and addressed in forensic practice to minimize the risk of delayed or failed identification. The impact of (trans)gender on the identification of human remains was examined by a narrative literature review under special consideration of the prevalences of transgender identities in general populations and in the group of unidentified deceased; possible actions to avoid problems in the postmortem identification of transgender persons in forensic practice are being proposed. One can assume that 1 of 200 people in the United States, the European Union and comparable societies is transgender with an opposite-sex identification, and 2 to 3 of 100 people live outside the typical female/male binary, with numbers increasing. If legally possible, an increasing number of transgender individuals will change their name and gender in civil registration. Transgender individuals are likely to be overrepresented in suicides and in victims of homicides. Although there are no precise data on the prevalence of transgender individuals in the group of unidentified deceased, the remarkably high reported prevalence in the general population and the over-representation of transgender individuals in suicides and homicides suggest that the topic is relevant to forensic practice. An autopsy does not always provide evidence of transgender identity, for example in skeletal remains. Particularly in unsolved cases, the possibility that an unidentified person may have been transgender should be considered. Knowledge and awareness of forensic practitioners on this topic should be strengthened by research and training. Databases and data reporting should be optimized. Recording in antemortem databases should clearly distinguish between 'biological sex' and 'apparent sex /lived gender identity'. When collecting postmortem data, a clear distinction should be made between "chromosomal sex" and "sex based on morphological findings". CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable (review article).

Recent Advances in Developing High-Performance Anode for Potassium-Ion Batteries based on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Materials.

Owing to the low potential (vs K/K+), good cycling stability, and sustainability, carbon-based materials stand out as one of the optimal anode materials for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). However, achieving high-rate performance and excellent capacity with the current carbon-based materials is challenging because of the sluggish reaction kinetics and the low capacity of carbon-based anodes. The doping of nitrogen proves to be an effective way to improve the rate performance and capacity of carbon-based materials as PIB anode. However, a review article is lacking in systematically summarizing the features and functions of nitrogen doping types. In this sense, it is necessary to provide a fundamental understanding of doped nitrogen types in nitrogen-doped(N-doped) carbon materials. The types, functions, and applications of nitrogen-doped carbon-based materials are overviewed in this review. Then, the recent advances in the synthesis, properties, and applications of N-doped carbon as both active and modification materials for PIBs anode are summarized. Finally, doped nitrogen's main features and functions are concluded, and critical perspectives for future research in this field are outlined.

A systematic literature review on the role of UAV-enabled communications in advancing the UN’s sustainable development goals

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, show great potential in advancing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of 17 worldwide targets outlined by the United Nations (UN) to tackle diverse social, economic, and environmental issues and foster sustainable development by 2030. As per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), UAVs can significantly improve areas of sustainability like wildlife and wildfire monitoring, precision agriculture, as well as healthcare. Furthermore, drones with communication capabilities are seen as key elements of non-terrestrial networks, and as enabling technologies for future 6G communication networks. This systematic literature review focuses on the role of UAV-enabled communications to achieve the SDGs. Our study is based on a thorough selection and analysis of scientific articles. Initially, we performed a broad search across three major databases: IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, and Scopus, yielding a set of 10,499 papers. Following a strict selection methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PRISMA), we narrowed this set down to 28 key journal articles. Our analysis highlights six global targets that greatly benefit from UAV-enabled aerial communication. In order of impact, these are: “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” where UAVs improve security and disaster management; “Life on Land,” where drones help with wildlife monitoring and reforestation; “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure,” where UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) aid in infrastructure inspection; “No Hunger,” where drones improve agricultural practices; “‘Good Health and Wellbeing,” where UAVs assist with disease prediction and monitoring; and “Clean water and sanitation,”where drones play a crucial role in efficiently monitoring water quality and distribution. In summary, this paper offers a detailed look at the applications of UAVs in achieving the SDGs through aerial communications. By identifying areas of major impact and spotting gaps and weaknesses in current research, this review article aims to guide future research and policy-making in sustainable drone applications.

Narrative Inquiry: A Critical Examination of Its Theoretical Foundations and Methodological Applications

This review article offers an in-depth examination of narrative inquiry, a methodological approach dedicated to exploring individual stories to gain insights into their experiences. The article begins by introducing narrative inquiry, elucidating its origins, significance, and applicability across various disciplines. It then explores narrative inquiry as a research design, highlighting its capacity to facilitate an in-depth exploration of personal and social narratives. The review proceeds to outline the procedural steps involved in conducting narrative research, encompassing the formulation of research questions, data collection, and the interpretation of narrative data. Following this, the article details the methods for data analysis within narrative inquiry, emphasizing the critical roles of contextual and thematic analysis in revealing underlying meanings. The discussion concludes with an examination of ethical considerations pertinent to narrative inquiry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidentiality and privacy for participants. Through this comprehensive review, the article aims to furnish researchers and scholars with a robust understanding of narrative inquiry, including its methodological underpinnings and practical applications.

The Role of Digital Health Interventions in Supporting Family Caregivers for People With Dementia to Improve Quality of Life.

Dementia is a chronic progressive terminal condition. Most care is provided by family caregivers (including close friends); their wellbeing is a public health priority. Caregivers manage increasingly complex needs with disease progression, and declining cognitive and physical function. This can impact the well-being of caregivers, and meaningful support is essential. This review article aims to understand what the benefits and challenges of digital health interventions are and provide considerations for future development of digital health interventions for family caregivers for people with dementia, to improve quality of life. Benefits include the valuable source of support from connective platforms; 24/7 accessibility; and opportunity for remote monitoring. However, this needs to balance with challenges, including the privacy of data concerns; and the digital divide driving inequalities in care provision for family caregivers with no access to internet devices. Digital health interventions can positively impact the overall well-being of family caregivers for people with dementia. If challenges are addressed and digital health interventions are designed to meet priorities for family caregivers, this can help improve the quality of life for family caregivers of people with dementia.

Leveraging in vivo animal models of tendon loading to inform tissue engineering approaches

Tendon injuries disrupt successful transmission of force between muscle and bone, resulting in reduced mobility, increased pain, and significantly reduced quality of life for affected patients. There are currently no targeted treatments to improve tendon healing beyond conservative methods such as rest and physical therapy. Tissue engineering approaches hold great promise for designing instructive biomaterials that could improve tendon healing or for generating replacement graft tissue. More recently, engineered microphysiological systems to model tendon injuries have been used to identify therapeutic targets. Despite these advances, current tissue engineering efforts that aim to regenerate, replace, or model injured tendons have largely failed due in large part to a lack of understanding of how the mechanical environment of the tendon influences tissue homeostasis and how altered mechanical loading can promote or prevent disease progression. This review article draws inspiration from what is known about tendon loading from in vivo animal models and identifies key metrics that can be used to benchmark success in tissue engineering applications. Finally, we highlight important challenges and opportunities for the field of tendon tissue engineering that should be taken into consideration in designing engineered platforms to understand or improve tendon healing.