bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective Randomized Comparison of Capsule Management Techniques During Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Economopoulos Kostas John , Kweon Christopher Y.
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

Capsular management during hip arthroscopy remains controversial. Studies evaluating this topic consist mostly of retrospective comparative reviews of prospectively gathered data on a large series of patients. The purpose of this study was to perform a prospective randomized trial to comparatively assess three commonly performed capsule management techniques. It was hypothesized that capsular closure during hip arthroscopy would result in superior outcomes compared to non-closing capsulotomy management techniques.

Methods:

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were randomly assigned into three groups at the time of surgery: 1) T-capsulotomy without closure (TC), 2) interportal capsulotomy without closure (IC), and 3) interportal capsulotomy with closure (CC). Inclusion criteria included patients with labral tear on advanced imaging, cam lesion with alpha angle greater than 55 degrees, center-edge angle less than 40 degrees, and Tönnis grade 0 or 1. Patients younger than 18, older than 55, or those with signs of clinical hip hypermobility or radiographic dysplasia were excluded from the trial. All patients underwent labral repair and femoral osteoplasty. Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS) was obtained preoperatively and at intervals up to 2 years. Other outcomes obtained included need for future hip surgery.

Results:

50 patients were randomly allocated into each group. Patient demographics, preoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and radiographic measures of impingement were similar between all three groups. Revision hip arthroscopy was performed in 5 TC patients, 2 IC patients and 0 CC patients (p=0.17). Conversion to hip arthroplasty occurred in 4 patients in the TC group, none in the IC or CC groups (p=0.48). All three groups showed increased PRO scores postoperatively compared to preoperative values (p<0.01). The CC group when compared to the TC group demonstrated superior mHHS (86.2 vs 76), HOS-ADL (85.6 vs 76.8), and HOS-SSS (74.4 vs 65.3) at the final 2 year follow up (p<0.001). The IC group demonstrated more modest improvements in outcomes compared to the TC group. The CC group showed greater improvement in HOS-SSS compared to the IC group at early follow up (65.6 vs 55.1, p>.001) that was not maintained at 2 years (74.4 vs 71.4, p=.28).

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing capsular closure during hip arthroscopy showed improved patient-reported and surgical outcomes compared to those with unrepaired T-capsulotomy or interportal capsulotomy. These results suggest that repair after capsulotomy may be a favorable arthroscopic capsule management technique, especially in respect to optimizing postoperative activities of daily living.
Predictors of Persistent Postoperative Pain at Minimum Two-years After Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Stone Austin V. , Malloy Philip , Neal William H. , Beck Edward , Waterman Brian Robert , Bush-Joseph Charles A. , Nho Shane Jay
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

To evaluate predictors for persistent postoperative pain following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). We hypothesized that patients with chronic preoperative pain, smokers, and those with co-morbid mental health disease would have greater persistent postoperative pain.

Methods:

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS were identified in a prospectively collected database with a minimum of two-year follow-up with patient reported outcomes (PROs). Previous open hip surgery and diagnoses other than FAIS were excluded. Patients were grouped by VAS-Pain scores as limited (≤30) and persistent (>30). Patient factors and outcomes were analyzed with univariate and correlation analyses to build a logistic regression to identify predictors of postoperative pain.

Results:

The limited pain (n=514) and persistent pain (n=174) groups totaled 688 patients (449 females). The persistent pain group was significantly older with a greater proportion of revision arthroscopy, worker’s compensation cases, smokers, hypertension, a history of a psychiatric diagnosis and preoperative narcotic use. Both collegiate sport participation [odds ratio (OR) -6.09 (95% CI: -1.23--30.3, p=0.027) and frequent running (OR -1.75, 95% CI: -1.09--2.81; p=0.021) decreased risk for pain. Smokers were 2.22 times more likely to have persistent pain (p=0.032; 95% CI: 1.07-4.46). A history of anxiety and depression is associated with 2.87 greater risk for persistent pain (p=0.030; 95% CI: 1.11-7.45).

Conclusion:

Independent predictors for persistent postoperative pain include current smoking and mental health history positive for anxiety and depression. Running as a primary form of exercise and high-level athletic participation are protective against persistent pain. Additional risk factors for increased pain include increased age, workers’ compensation claim, previous comorbid disease treated with surgery, and decreased preoperative PROs. Our analysis demonstrated significant improvements in both pain and functional PROs in both the limited pain and persistent pain groups; however, those with persistent pain demonstrated significantly inferior PROs.
An 8-Month-Old Girl With Vesicular Rash
Authors: Ozcan Ali , Kahale Kristin , Nguyen Dan
Published: March 2019

This is a case report of an 8-month-old girl who presented to the pediatric emergency department with vesicular rash and fever. She was diagnosed with eczema herpeticum (EH). EH is an acute, rapidly progressive rare dermatologic disease, and if it is not treated promptly, it can cause life-threatening complications. It often occurs in a patient with an underlying skin disorder, such as atopic dermatitis or other erosive dermatoses. Diagnosis is mainly made by clinical examination usually presented as many very similar shaped and sized eroded vesicles. It is important for clinicians to recognize the sign and symptoms of EH and have a high suspicion for patients with atopic dermatitis who present with rapidly disseminating blisters. Treatment is with oral or intravenous acyclovir. If the patient has widespread eruptions or systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, and poor oral intake, the patient should be admitted for intravenous acyclovir.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Nuciferine inhibits the progression of glioblastoma by suppressing the SOX2-AKT/STAT3-Slug signaling pathway
Authors: Li Zizhuo , Chen Yaodong , An Tingting , Liu Pengfei , Zhu Jiyuan , Yang Haichao , Zhang Wei , Dong Tianxiu , Jiang Jian , Zhang Yu , Jiang Maitao , Yang Xiuhua
Published: March 2019

Background

Nuciferine (NF), extracted from the leaves of N. nucifera Gaertn, has been shown to exhibit anti-tumor and anti-viral pharmacological properties. It can also penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB). However, the mechanism by which NF inhibits glioblastoma (GBM) progression is not well understood. We aimed to determine the anti-tumor effect of NF on GBM cell lines and clarify the potential molecular mechanism involved.

Methods

U87MG and U251 cell lines were used in vitro to assess the anti-tumor efficacy of NF. Cytotoxicity, viability, and proliferation were evaluated by MTT and colony formation assay. After Annexin V-FITC and PI staining, flow cytometry was performed to evaluate apoptosis and cell cycle changes in NF-treated GBM cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to assess migration and invasion of GBM cells. Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry, and bioinformatics were used to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms. Preclinical therapeutic efficacy was mainly estimated by ultrasound and MRI in xenograft nude mouse models.

Results

NF inhibited the proliferation, mobility, stemness, angiogenesis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GBM cells. Additionally, NF induced apoptosis and G2 cell cycle arrest. Slug expression was also decreased by NF via the AKT and STAT3 signaling pathways. Interestingly, we discovered that NF affected GBM cells partly by targeting SOX2, which may be upstream of the AKT and STAT3 pathways. Finally, NF led to significant tumor control in GBM xenograft models.

Conclusions

NF inhibited the progression of GBM via the SOX2-AKT/STAT3-Slug signaling pathway. SOX2-targeting with NF may offer a novel therapeutic approach for GBM treatment.
Gender and survival of critically ill patients: results from the FROG-ICU study
Authors: Hollinger Alexa , Gayat Etienne , Féliot Elodie , Paugam-Burtz Catherine , Fournier Marie-Céline , Duranteau Jacques , Lefrant Jean-Yves , Leone Marc , Jaber Samir , Mebazaa Alexandre , Arrigo Mattia ,   On behalf of the FROG ICU study investigators, Cariou Alain , Deye Nicolas , Duranteau Jacques , Guidet Bertrand , Jaber Samir , Jacob Laurent , Lefrant Jean-Yves , Leone Marc , Lu Qin , Mebazaa Alexandre , Montiel Virginie , Rennuit Isabelle , Samain Emmanuel , Sharshar Tarek , Tesniere Antoine , Vieillard-Baron Antoine , Wolff Michel
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Few studies analyzed gender-related outcome differences of critically ill patients and found inconsistent results. This study aimed to test the independent association of gender and long-term survival of ICU patients.

Materials and methods

FROG-ICU was a prospective, observational, multi-center cohort designed to investigate the long-term mortality of critically ill adult patients. The primary endpoint of this study was 1-year mortality after ICU admission of women compared to men.

Results

The study included 2087 patients, 726 women and 1361 men. Women and men had similar baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, and disease severity. No significant difference in 1-year mortality was found between women and men (34.9% vs. 37.9%, P = 0.18). After multivariable adjustment, no difference in the hazard of death was observed [HR 0.99 (95% CI 0.77–1.28)]. Similar 1-year survival between women and men was found in a propensity score-matched patient cohort of 506 patients [HR 0.79 (95% CI 0.54–1.14)].

Conclusion

Women constituted one-third of the population of critically ill patients and were unexpectedly similar to men regarding demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, and disease severity and had similar risk of death at 1 year after ICU admission.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01367093; registered on June 6, 2011.
The effects of celebrity-brand congruence and publicity on consumer attitudes and buying behavior
Authors: Min Jae Han Jay , Chang Hyo Jung Julie , Jai Tun-Min Catherine , Ziegler Morgan
Published: March 2019

Marketers use celebrity endorsements to make advertisements believable and to enhance consumer recognition of the brand name. However, once a direct link has been formed from a celebrity to a brand, the negative information about the celebrity may reflect on to the endorsed brand. Applying the S-O-R model and the balance theory, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of celebrity-brand congruence and publicity on consumers’ attitudes toward the celebrity and brand as well as their buying intention. A survey of a 2 (congruence vs. incongruence) × 2 (positive vs. negative publicity) experimental design was conducted for this study. A total of 120 female Millennial consumers answered the survey and 105 surveys with usable data were collected. The mean age of the participants was 24 years old (SD = 3.28). Results found that the celebrity-brand congruence and publicity play a significant role in consumer behavior related to attitudes toward the celebrity and brand/product, as well as buying intention. Thus, retail marketers need to allocate more investigation into celebrity endorsements that match with brand image that can lead to long-term, positive partnerships.
The diagnostic and prognostic values of plasma Epstein‐Barr virus DNA for residual cervical lymphadenopathy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Sai‐Lan , Sun Xue‐Song , Li Xiao‐Yun , Tang Lin‐Quan , Chen Qiu‐Yan , Lin Huan‐Xin , Liang Yu‐Jing , Yan Jin‐Jie , Lin Chao , Guo Shan‐Shan , Liu Li‐Ting , Li Yang , Xie Hao‐Jun , Tang Qing‐Nan , Liang Hu , Guo Ling , Mai Hai‐Qiang
Published: March 2019

Background

Currently, the diagnosis and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with residual cervical lymphadenopathy following radical radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy are challenging. We investigated the prognosis of NPC patients with residual cervical lymphadenopathy and assessed the diagnostic and prognostic values of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA in these patients.

Methods

This study included 82 NPC patients who were diagnosed with suspected residual cervical lymphadenopathy following completion of antitumor therapy. Their plasma EBV DNA levels were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) before the initiation of treatment and before neck dissection. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed in 21 patients. All patients had undergone neck dissection and postoperative pathological examination to identify the nature of residual cervical lymphadenopathy. The overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS), and locoregional relapse‐free survival (LRRFS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log‐rank test. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Multivariable analysis was used to estimate the effect of potential prognostic factors on survival.

Results

Following a median follow‐up of 52.6 months, compared with patients with negative postoperative pathological findings for residual cervical lymphadenopathy, the patients with positive findings had a significantly lower 3‐year PFS rate (49.9% vs. 83.3%, P= 0.008). Among NPC patients with residual cervical lymphadenopathy, the patients with preoperative plasma EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL had a lower 3‐year PFS rate than did those with no detectable EBV DNA (43.7% vs. 61.1%, P= 0.031). In addition, combining FNAC with preoperative EBV DNA detection improved the diagnostic sensitivity. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that residual cervical lymphadenopathy with positive postoperative pathological result was an independent prognostic factor for PFS and that detectable preoperative plasma EBV DNA was an independent prognostic factor for OS.

Conclusions

Using FNAC combined with preoperative EBV DNA detection improves the sensitivity in diagnosing NPC with residual cervical lymphadenopathy. Compared with patients with undetectable EBV DNA, patients with detectable preoperative plasma EBV DNA have worse prognosis and may require a more aggressive treatment strategy.
Self-Management in Long-Term Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Skolarus Ted A. , Metreger Tabitha , Wittmann Daniela , Hwang Soohyun , Kim Hyungjin Myra , Grubb Robert L. , Gingrich Jeffrey R. , Zhu Hui , Piette John D. , Hawley Sarah T.
Published: March 2019

PURPOSE

This randomized clinical trial compared a personally tailored, automated telephone symptom management intervention to improve self-management among long-term survivors of prostate cancer with usual care enhanced with a nontailored newsletter about symptom management. We hypothesized that intervention-group participants would have more confident symptom self-management and reduced symptom burden.

METHODS

A total of 556 prostate cancer survivors who, more than 1 year after treatment, were experiencing symptom burden were recruited from April 2015 to February 2017 across four Veterans Affairs sites. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 278) or usual care (n = 278) groups. We compared differences in the primary (symptom burden according to Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite-26 [EPIC], confidence in self-management) and secondary outcomes between groups using intent-to-treat analyses. We compared domain-specific changes in symptom burden from baseline to 5 and 12 months among the intervention group according to the primary symptom focus area (urinary, bowel, sexual, general) of participants.

RESULTS

Most of the prostate cancer survivors in this study were married (54.3%), were white (69.2%), were retired (62.4%), and underwent radiation therapy (56.7% v 46.2% who underwent surgery), and the mean age was 67 years. There were no baseline differences in urinary, bowel, sexual, or hormonal domain EPIC scores across groups. We observed higher EPIC scores in the intervention arm in all domain areas at 5 months, though differences were not statistically significant. No differences were found in secondary outcomes; however, coping appraisal was higher (2.8 v 2.6; P = .02) in intervention-arm patients at 5 months. In subgroup analyses, intervention participants reported improvement from baseline at 5 and 12 months in their symptom focus area domains.

CONCLUSION

This intervention was well received among veterans who were long-term survivors of prostate cancer. Although overall outcome differences were not observed across groups, the intervention tailored to symptom area of choice may hold promise to improve associated burden.
Actin cytoskeleton remodeling defines a distinct cellular function for adhesion G protein-coupled receptors ADGRL/Latrophilins 1, 2 and 3
Authors: Cruz-Ortega Judith S. , Boucard Antony A.
Published: March 2019

Latrophilins represent a subgroup of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptors family which bind to actin-associated scaffolding proteins. They are expressed in various tissues, suggesting that they might participate in biological processes that are ubiquitous. Here we focused on actin cytoskeleton dynamics to explore the role of Latrophilins in mammalian cells. Individual overexpression of each Latrophilin isoforms comparably increased cell volume while modifying the net profile of F-actin dependent cell extensions, as evaluated by confocal microscopy analysis. Latrophilins deletion mutants evidenced that direct coupling to the intracellular machinery was a requirement for modulating cell extensions. The association between Latrophilins and actin cytoskeleton was detected by co-immunoprecipitation assays and corroborated with immunocytochemistry analysis. Consistent with the destabilization of F-actin structures, Latrophilin isoforms constitutively induced a prominent increase in the activity of actin-depolymerizing factor, cofilin. Intercellular adhesion events stabilized by heterophilic Teneurin4 trans-interactions disrupted Latrophilins’ colocalization with F-actin and led to an isoform-specific rescue of cell extensions. Thus, we find that the actin cytoskeleton machinery constitutes an important component of constitutive as well as ligand-induced signaling for Latrophilins.
Structural insights into nanoRNA degradation by human Rexo2
Authors: Chu Lee-Ya , Agrawal Sashank , Chen Yi-Ping , Yang Wei-Zen , Yuan Hanna S.
Published: March 2019

Human RNA exoribonuclease 2 (Rexo2) is an evolutionarily conserved 3′-to-5′ DEDDh-family exonuclease located primarily in mitochondria. Rexo2 degrades small RNA oligonucleotides of <5 nucleotides (nanoRNA) in a way similar to Escherichia coli Oligoribonuclease (ORN), suggesting that it plays a role in RNA turnover in mitochondria. However, how Rexo2 preferentially binds and degrades nanoRNA remains elusive. Here, we show that Rexo2 binds small RNA and DNA oligonucleotides with the highest affinity, and it is most robust in degrading small nanoRNA into mononucleotides in the presence of magnesium ions. We further determined three crystal structures of Rexo2 in complex with single-stranded RNA or DNA at resolutions of 1.8–2.2 Å. Rexo2 forms a homodimer and interacts mainly with the last two 3′-end nucleobases of substrates by hydrophobic and π−π stacking interactions via Leu53, Trp96, and Tyr164, signifying its preference in binding and degrading short oligonucleotides without sequence specificity. Crystal structure of Rexo2 is highly similar to that of the RNA-degrading enzyme ORN, revealing a two-magnesium-ion-dependent hydrolysis mechanism. This study thus provides the molecular basis for human Rexo2, showing how it binds and degrades nanoRNA into nucleoside monophosphates and plays a crucial role in RNA salvage pathways in mammalian mitochondria.
Cost per insertion and couple year of protection for postpartum intrauterine devices and implants provided during service scale-up in Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Wall Kristin M. , Ingabire Rosine , Allen Susan , Karita Etienne
Published: March 2019

Introduction: In two high-volume government hospitals, their two affiliated health facilities, and two additional health facilities, we developed and implemented postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) and postpartum (PP) implant promotional counseling and service delivery procedures between May-July 2017 in Kigali, Rwanda. Between August 2017 and July 2018, 9,073 pregnant women received PPIUD/PP implant promotions who later delivered in one of our selected facilities. Of those, 2,633 had PPIUDs inserted, and 955 had PP implants inserted. The goal of the present analysis is to detail implementation expenditures and estimate incremental costs per insertion and couple years of protection (CYP) for PPIUD and PP implant users.

Methods: We detail the incremental costs during the implementation from the health system perspective (including both the implementation costs and the cost of contraceptive methods) and use of standard methods to estimate the cost per insertion and CYP for PPIUD and PP implant users. In addition to the incremental costs of labor and supplies, the costs of promotional activities are included. Research costs for formative work were excluded.

Results: A total of $74,147 USD was spent on the implementation between August 2017 and July 2018. The largest expense (34% of total expenses) went toward personnel, including doctoral-level, administrative, data management and nurse counseling staff. Training for PPIUD and implant providers and promoters comprised 8% of total expenses. Recruitment and reimbursements comprised 6% of expenses. Costs of implants to the government comprised 12% of the expenses, much higher than the cost of IUDs (1%). Costs per insertion were $25/PPIUDs and $77/PP implant. Costs per CYP were $5/PPIUDs and $20/PP implant.

Conclusion: Understanding the cost per PPIUD/PP implant inserted and CYP can help to inform the cost of scaling up PPIUD/PP implant service implementation activities and resource allocation decision-making by the Rwandan Ministry of Health.
Monitoring temperature
Authors: Robertson Matthew , Hill Barry
Published: March 2019

This article explains the importance of temperature monitoring observations and highlights that the procedure is a fundamental aspect of nursing care. It discusses the physiology of temperature regulation, introduces different types of temperature monitoring devices and provides a step-by-step guide on how to take a temperature using a tympanic thermometer. It emphasises the importance of evidence-based practice to underpin temperature monitoring, as well as conditions that it is important for nurses to consider when recording patients' temperatures.
Rethinking clinical placements
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: March 2019

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, considers the issues around supporting learners in practice, the changes already outlined and the challenges for those at senior level
Pressure ulcer prevention in hospitals: a successful nurse-led clinical quality improvement intervention
Authors: Fremmelevholm Aase , Soegaard Knaerke
Published: March 2019

A pressure ulcer prevalence of 17.3% at Odense University Hospital in Denmark in 2010 prompted action and a quality improvement project was planned. This had two aims: to reduce pressure ulcers at the hospital by 50% and to have no pressure ulcers at or above category 3. An project was established with a steering committee, a pressure ulcer specialist nurse, local dedicated nurses and nurse assistants to implement a pressure ulcer bundle in clinical practice at all departments at the hospital. Six years later the pressure ulcer prevalence was down to approximately 2% and in 2018 only one stage 3 pressure ulcer occurred in the hospital. Pressure ulcer prevention is now incorporated into clinical practice in all departments at the hospital.
The Effect of the Principals’ Perfectionism on Organizational Stress
Authors: Baytak Omer , Altun Mehmet
Published: March 2019

This study aims to reveal the effect of the principals’ perfectionism on organizational stress of teachers according to the perceptions of the teachers who are working in primary and secondary schools and the level of organizational stress of teachers. The sample of the study consisted of 369 teachers by choosing with the method of simple random sampling. Data was collected by a “positive-negative perfectionism scale” and “perception of stress scale”. Data analysis was analyzed by using IBM SPSS 21.0 program by using hierarchical multiple linear regression method. At the end of this study, it was seen that principals’ negative and positive perfectionist behaviours predict teachers’ organizational stress in a meaningful way. It was understood that positive and negative perfectionist behaviours increased the factors of organizational stress, and it was also seen that principals’ negative perfectionist behaviours increased the stress in organizational structure. As a suggestion, principals need to exhibit their perfectionist behaviours in a correct and positive manner. This situation enables teachers to increase their dependence to their jobs. It is also recommended that principals should investigate the effects of perfectionism on their management abilities, competitive attitudes and leadership qualities.
AE Regularity of Interval Matrices
Authors: Hladík Milan
Published: March 2019

Consider a linear system of equations with interval coefficients, and each interval coefficient is associated with either a universal or an existential quantifier. The AE solution set and AE solvability of the system is defined by ââ- quantification. The paper deals with the problem of what properties must the coefficient matrix have in order that there is guaranteed an existence of an AE solution. Based on this motivation, a concept of AE regularity is introduced, which implies that the AE solution set is nonempty and the system is AE solvable for every right-hand side. A characterization of AE regularity is discussed, and also various classes of matrices that are implicitly AE regular are investigated. Some of these classes are polynomially decidable, and therefore give an efficient way for checking AE regularity. Eventually, there are also stated open problems related to computational complexity and characterization of AE regularity.
Is the synovial fluid cobalt-to-chromium ratio related to the serum partitioning of metal debris following metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty?
Authors: Langton D. J. , Natu S. , Harrington C. F. , Bowsher J. G. , Nargol A. V. F.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

We investigated the reliability of the cobalt-chromium (CoCr) synovial joint fluid ratio (JFR) in identifying the presence of a severe aseptic lymphocyte-dominated vasculitis-associated lesion (ALVAL) response and/or suboptimal taper performance (SOTP) following metal-on-metal (MoM) hip arthroplasty. We then examined the possibility that the CoCr JFR may influence the serum partitioning of Co and Cr.

Methods

For part A, we included all revision surgeries carried out at our unit with the relevant data, including volumetric wear analysis, joint fluid (JF) Co and Cr concentrations, and ALVAL grade (n = 315). Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess the reliability of the CoCr JFR in identifying severe ALVAL and/or SOTP. For part B, we included only patients with unilateral prostheses who had given matched serum and whole blood samples for Co and Cr analysis (n = 155). Multiple regression was used to examine the influence of JF concentrations on the serum partitioning of Co and Cr in the blood.

Results

A CoCr JFR > 1 showed a specificity of 83% (77% to 88%) and sensitivity of 63% (55% to 70%) for the detection of severe ALVAL and/or SOTP. In patients with CoCr JFRs > 1, the median blood Cr to serum Cr ratio was 0.99, compared with 0.71 in patients with CoCr JFRs < 1 (p < 0.001). Regression analysis demonstrated that the blood Cr to serum Cr value was positively associated with the JF Co concentration (p = 0.011) and inversely related to the JF Cr concentration (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Elevations in CoCr JFRs are associated with adverse biological (severe ALVAL) or tribocorrosive processes (SOTP). Comparison of serum Cr with blood Cr concentrations may be a useful additional clinical tool to help to identify these conditions. Cite this article: D. J. Langton, S. Natu, C. F. Harrington, J. G. Bowsher, A. V. F. Nargol. Is the synovial fluid cobalt-to-chromium ratio related to the serum partitioning of metal debris following metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty? Bone Joint Res 2019;8:146–155. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.83.BJR-2018-0049.R1.
Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) and miR-140 overexpression via pNNS-conjugated chitosan-mediated gene transfer enhances the repair of full-thickness cartilage defects in a rabbit model
Authors: Zhao R. , Wang S. , Jia L. , Li Q. , Qiao J. , Peng X.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Previously, we reported the improved transfection efficiency of a plasmid DNA-chitosan (pDNA-CS) complex using a phosphorylatable nuclear localization signal-linked nucleic kinase substrate short peptide (pNNS) conjugated to chitosan (pNNS-CS). This study investigated the effects of pNNS-CS-mediated miR-140 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) gene transfection both in rabbit chondrocytes and a cartilage defect model.

Methods

The pBudCE4.1-miR-140, pBudCE4.1-IL-1Ra, and negative control pBudCE4.1 plasmids were constructed and combined with pNNS-CS to form pDNA/pNNS-CS complexes. These complexes were transfected into chondrocytes or injected into the knee joint cavity.

Results

High IL-1Ra and miR-140 expression levels were detected both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, compared with the pBudCE4.1 group, the transgenic group presented with significantly increased chondrocyte proliferation and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, as well as increased collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1), aggrecan (ACAN), and TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) levels. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis was reduced, as were a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 5 (ADAMTS-5) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 levels. In vivo, the exogenous genes reduced the synovial fluid GAG and NO concentrations and the ADAMTS-5 and MMP-13 levels in cartilage. In contrast, COL2A1, ACAN, and TIMP-1 levels were increased, and the cartilage Mankin score was decreased in the transgenic group compared with the pBudCE4.1 group. Double gene combination produced greater efficacies than each single gene, both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

This study suggests that pNNS-CS is a good candidate for treating cartilage defects via gene therapy, and that IL-1Ra in combination with miR-140 produces promising biological effects on cartilage defects. Cite this article: R. Zhao, S. Wang, L. Jia, Q. Li, J. Qiao, X. Peng. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) and miR-140 overexpression via pNNS-conjugated chitosan-mediated gene transfer enhances the repair of full-thickness cartilage defects in a rabbit model. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:165–178. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.83.BJR-2018-0222.R1.
Uso del juego como instrumento evaluador en estudios superiores de ciencias de la salud
Authors: González Pilar , Canet Olga , Robleda Gemma
Published: March 2019

El uso del juego como innovación docente mejora la motivación de los estudiantes y es una metodología poco desarrollada como proceso de evaluación en el ámbito universitario.Objetivos. 1. Determinar el grado de adquisición de conocimiento de los estudiantes de enfermería en las materias incluidas en la actividad evaluativa «Escape Room»  y 2. Conocer el nivel de satisfacción de los estudiantes de enfermería con  la actividad evaluativa. Métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Se evaluaron los conocimientos, habilidades y la actitud de los estudiantes con la actividad mediante una nota numérica de 0 a 10. Se evaluó la tasa de rendimiento y el grado de satisfacción con un cuestionario específico autoadministrado.Resultados. El conocimiento adquirido por los estudiantes de 1º obtuvo una puntuación de 8,6 y las habilidades y actitudes de los estudiantes de 2º consiguieron una nota promedio de 8,5. La satisfacción con la actividad evaluativa obtuvo puntuaciones de 9,2 para 1º y 7,2 para 2º. Se obtuvieron tasas de rendimiento de 9,1% para 1º y del 100% para los estudiantes de 2º. Conclusiones. El uso del juego como sistema de evaluación para los estudiantes del grado en enfermería  ofrece buenos resultados en la valoración de conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes. Los niveles de satisfacción de los estudiantes con la actividad y las tasas de rendimiento obtenidas son excelentes.
Incêndios florestais, o contributo da GNR para o sucesso da missão. Lições a retirar dos incêndios de 2017
Authors: Tavares Albino Fernando Quaresma
Published: March 2019

A partir de 2006, a GNR passou a ter uma intervenção muito mais ativa na problemática dos incêndios florestais, sendo indiscutível que trouxe uma nova dinâmica à proteção e socorro, tendo assumido um dos três pilares do Sistema da Defesa da Floresta Contra Incêndios (SDFCI) e passando a atuar no designado pilar do “combate, rescaldo e vigilância pós incêndio”, sendo a única instituição nacional com intervenção em dois pilares do sistema o que lhe permite agir no âmbito do “safety” e “security”.Os grandes incêndios rurais da atualidade, revelaram que Portugal enfrenta um problema estrutural de ordenamento do território que constitui uma grave ameaça à segurança das populações, tendo sido constatado que há lacunas e lições a reter. Futuramente pretende-se um maior envolvimento dos cidadãos, reforçando a consciência coletiva de que a proteção e a segurança são responsabilidades de todos, uma maior participação das autarquias locais, tudo com a finalidade de evitar comportamentos de risco e adotar medidas de autoproteção.
Retrato a carvão: a gestão do fogo no âmbito da administração florestal e do ordenamento florestal do território. Subsídios para uma perspetiva histórica e de futuro
Authors: Pinho João , Mateus Paulo
Published: March 2019

O fogo constitui um factor ecológico omnipresente no território e na história da gestão dos espaços silvestres em Portugal e é central na formulação das políticas públicas. O artigo aborda 4 temas relevantes para a gestão integrada dos fogos rurais, nomeadamente os regimes do fogo pretéritos e atuais, a evolução da administração pública florestal e das principais linhas de política, o uso do fogo como ferramenta silvícola e o papel dos modelos de intervenção à escala da paisagem na diminuição do risco de incêndio, bem como o seu contributo para o futuro da floresta.
Há algo de novo nos incêndios florestais? Ou as perplexidades de um leitor atento
Authors: Betâmio de Almeida António
Published: March 2019

Os (grandes) incêndios que ocorreram em Portugal, em 2017, refletem uma alteração no risco e na percepção do risco de incêndios florestais? Houve sempre incêndios nas florestas no sentido de fogos fora de controlo. Mas será que os incêndios que ocorreram em Portugal entre 17 e 24 de Junho e entre 14 e 16 de Outubro assinalam um padrão diferente nas respectivas causas e propagação, intensidades, consequências e enquadramento social e político? Quais serão os impactos na percepção pública da segurança ou do risco? O autor procura nos media nacionais e internacionais e em relatórios técnicos respostas a estas perguntas.
Development of Simple and Robust RP-HPLC Method for Determination of Everolimus and its Impurities in Oral Solid Dosage Form
Authors: Prasad Somana Siva , Krishna Mohan G.V. , Naga Babu A.
Published: March 2019

A novel reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) technique for the determination of everolimus (Isomer-B) and its impurities in the tablet dosage form has been optimized using analytical quality by design (QbD) approach. All the compounds are monitored with the photodiode array (PDA) detector at 280 nm and the parameters namely; precision, accuracy, specificity, stability, linearity, limit of quantitation (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) are evaluated. The quantitation limits of IMP-A, IMP-B, IMP-C, IMP-D, IMP-E, Sirolimus and TGR are found to be 0.08, 0.08, 0.10, 0.10, 0.10, 0.08 and 0.08, respectively. Recovery studies from 0.9 mg/L to 9.0 mg/L are performed for all impurities and the values were obtained between 85-110 %. Injection volume and test concentrations have been optimized to achieve LOQ values under the reporting threshold. The whole technique is developed and validated as per International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The proposed method is robust, sensitive, rapid and successful and helpful in the regions where regulatory agencies recommend HPLC analytical method.
Presence of Toxic Metals in Fluids and Tissues of People of Xochitlán, Hidalgo, Mexico
Authors: García-Monroy Roberto , Prieto-García Francisco , Scott-Monks William , Pulido-Flores Griselda , Prieto-Méndez Judith
Published: March 2019

To determine levels of metal bioaccumulation (Cd, Cr, Pb and Al) in weaves and corporal fluids of the inhabitants of Xochitlán, Hidalgo, has been the objective of this study. With a view to realising valuations of risk and probable damages to the health of its settlers, the study with a sociodemographic characterization began, with settlers between 6 and 90 years of age. As exclusion criterion were considered, congenital malformations, immunosuppressive sufferings and less than five years of residence in the locality. An inverted population pyramid appeared; of a total of 1947 inhabitants, the population between 10 and 19 years occupies the center of the pyramid, that thins in the ends of the life (5> X> 60 years). A methodology, combined with the established by the ATSDR and the EPA has seted out and adding an instrument of survey (clinical anamnesis) for the characterization of individuals and populations with ample clinical approach. Of the interrelation of flowed and woven metal concentrations in, with aspects of environmental risks it will be possible to be poured off a present, retrospective situational diagnosis and a vision to future, on the behaviour of the contamination and its impact in health factors. The evaluated metal bioaccumulation was present in all the fluids and weaves of the settlers selected between 6 and 90 years of age. One has been a probable relation between these results and those of previous studies of metal accumulation in waters, grounds and cultures.
Adsorptive Removal of Amido Black 10B from Aqueous Solution using Stem Carbon of Ricinus communis as Adsorbent
Authors: Kaur Rajvir , Kaur Harpreet
Published: March 2019

In the present work the efficiency of activated carbon made from stems of Ricinus communis (CRC) has been studied for removal of anionic dye- Amido black 10B from aqueous solution. The adsorbent has been characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transformer infrared (FT-IR). The effects of various experimental parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentrations, pH, concentration of salt and temperature have been studied. Langmuir, Freundlich and Tempkin isotherm models have been used for describing the adsorption process. Of these, Langmuir isotherm model has best fitted the experimental data with a maximum adsorption capacity of 7.12 mg/g. Kinetics studies indicate that the adsorption of Amido black 10B has favoured toward pseudo-second-order model with high correlation coefficients. Thermodynamics parameters confirmed that the adsorption has been found to be spontaneous and endothermic in nature. These results suggested that CRC has a potential low-cost adsorbent for the removal of toxic dye Amido black 10B.
Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Analysis for New Amoxil Ligands
Authors: Alrazzak Nour Abd , Saad Suad T. , Aljamali Nagham Mahmood
Published: March 2019

In the present study, new heterocyclic organic ligands were synthesized using amoxil drug as a starting material through multi steps. The ligands were prepared through condensation reaction to form thiazole and imidazole derivatives containing azo or anil groups in their structures via azotization reaction and imination reaction. The new ligands of amoxil have been characterized by means of spectral (IR and 1H NMR) and thermal analyses.
Studies on Acoustic and Aggregation Properties of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate in Amino Acid Solutions through Ultrasonic Velocity Technique
Authors: Khatun M. Roksana , Islam M. Monirul , Islam Md. Nazrul , Rhaman Md. Masudur , Nath Ranjit K.
Published: March 2019

Acoustic and aggregation properties of sodium dodecyl sulfate in aqueous amino acid systems have been studied through ultrasonic velocity techniques at different temperature as a function of concentration and at different temperature (288.15, 293.15, 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, 313.15, 318.15 and 323.15 K) and atmospheric pressure using density and sound velocity analyzer (DSA 5000, Anton paar, Austria). Densities and ultrasonic velocity of sodium dodecyl sulfate in aqueous amino acid have been measured and from the experimental data, adiabatic compressibility (βS), apparent molar adiabatic compressibility (φk), critical micelle concentration (CMC), acoustic impedance (Z), relative association (RA) and molar sound velocity (Rm) have been calculated. The results show significant information about acoustic properties of sodium dodecyl sulfate (solute-solute interactions, aggregation behaviour, relative association and structure formation) in aqueous and aqueous amino acid solution.
Synthesis and Characterization of Active Carbon-Titanium Dioxide Composite
Authors: Daabool Farah S. , Hussein Falah H.
Published: March 2019

Activated carbon was synthesized from Iraqi date palm seeds by physical and chemical activation technique under optimized growth conditions that allow the production of long, well aligned, high-quality activated carbon. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were prepared using a sol gel method. The activated carbon/TiO2 composites were prepared using simple evaporation and a drying process. The structural, morphological and chemical properties of the prepared activated carbon, TiO2 and activated carbon/TiO2 composite were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared and scanning electron microscope. The photocatalytic activity of activated carbon/TiO2 composite with 10 % of activated carbon was studied and compared with TiO2. The UV light photocatalytic activity was also evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of phenol in an aqueous solution.
Template Assisted Synthesis of Nanoporous Carbon from Bio-Weed of Ipomoea carnea Stems for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Kumaresan T.K. , Shanmugharaj A.M. , Raman K. , Raghu S.
Published: March 2019

In this study, we report the hierarchically nanoporous activated carbons syntheses from most abundant bio-weed source of Ipomoea carnea stems by nickel foam template assisted with chemical and thermal activation method. The mixture of ferric chloride and diethyl ether of the activating agent and the impregnation ratios are investigated under constant temperature at 800 °C for 2 h. The effective novel synthesized scheme and hierarchical nanoporous carbon structure with large specific surface areas of 1264.9 m2 g-1 and mean pore diameter of 2.1628 nm. The electrochemical performance of prepared nanoporous structured carbon electrode is studied in non-aqueous (TEABF4) electrolyte, which exhibits high specific capacitance of 257 Fg-1 maximum energy density of 61.46 Wh kg-1 and power density of 13.32 kW kg-1 at 1 Ag-1 with remarkable capacity retention of 90 % for 10000 cycles. Therefore the present results show the suitability of synthesized material for use in energy storage applications. The representing promising application as a green route to synthesis advance nanoporous carbon materials from Ipomoea carnea biomass for high-capacity supercapaciors.
Studies on Composite PVA-CA-NH4CF3SO3-Al2O3 Polymer Electrolyte for Electrochemical Devices
Authors: Gurulakshmi S. , Madeswaran S. , Karthikeyan S. , Porchezhiyan V.
Published: March 2019

In the present study, polymer electrolyte with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blended with cellulose acetate (CA) was chosen to prepare composite electrolyte using ammonium triflate salt and nano sized alumina (Al2O3- < 50 nm) by the solution casting method. The as prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, differential scanning calorimetry and AC impedance spectra. The loss tangent and dielectric studies were carried out for all the prepared samples using AC impedance analysis. Activation energy with regression values and relaxation time were calculated and found to be low for the highest conducting membranes. The presence of 0.1 mol content of nano alumina has enhanced the ionic conductivity significantly to the value of 2.012 × 10-3 S/cm from that of the filler-free electrolyte (2.93 × 10-4 S/cm). Ionic transference number was calculated by electrostatic polarization method and it was found to be 0.9684, which shows the conducting species were ions. A proton battery fabricated using the configuration Zn+ZnSO4. H2O || PVA-CA-0.5 mol NH4CF3SO3-0.1 mol Al2O3 || PbO2 + V2O5 produced a steady state open circuit voltage of 1.39 V, which proves the prepared composite electrolyte is suitable solid electrolyte for electrochemical devices.