bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of camera-based freehand SPECT in preoperative sentinel lymph node mapping for melanoma patients
Authors: Kogler Annie K. , Polemi Andrew M. , Nair Surabhi , Majewski Stanislaw , Dengel Lynn T. , Slingluff Craig L. , Kross Brian , Lee S. J. , McKisson J. E. , McKisson John , Weisenberger Andrew G. , Welch Benjamin L. , Wendler Thomas , Matthies Philipp , Traub Joerg , Witt Michael , Williams Mark B.
Published: November 2020

Background

Assessment of lymphatic status via sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is an integral and crucial part of melanoma surgical oncology. The most common technique for sentinel node mapping is preoperative planar scintigraphy of an injected gamma-emitting lymphatic tracer followed by intraoperative node localization using a non-imaging gamma probe with auditory feedback. In recent years, intraoperative visualization of SLNs in 3D has become possible by coupling the probe to an external system capable of tracking its location and orientation as it is read out, thereby enabling computation of the 3D distribution of the tracer (freehand SPECT). In this project, the non-imaging probe of the fhSPECT system was replaced by a unique handheld gamma camera containing an array of sodium iodide crystals optically coupled to an array of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). A feasibility study was performed in which preoperative SLN mapping was performed using camera fhSPECT and the number of detected nodes was compared to that visualized by lymphoscintigraphy, probe fhSPECT, and to the number ultimately excised under non-imaging probe guidance.

Results

Among five subjects, SLNs were detected in nine lymphatic basins, with one to five SLNs detected per basin. A basin-by-basin comparison showed that the number of SLNs detected using camera fhSPECT exceeded that using lymphoscintigraphy and probe fhSPECT in seven of nine basins and five of five basins, respectively. (Probe fhSPECT scans were not performed for four basins.) It exceeded the number excised under non-imaging probe guidance for seven of nine basins and equaled the number excised for the other two basins.

Conclusions

Freehand SPECT using a prototype SiPM-based gamma camera demonstrates high sensitivity for detection of SLNs in a preoperative setting. Camera fhSPECT is a potential means for efficiently obtaining real-time 3D activity distribution maps in applications such as image-guided percutaneous biopsy, and surgical SLN biopsy or radioguided tumor excision.
Effect of dithiocyano-methane on hexose monophosphate pathway in the respiratory metabolism of Escherichia coli
Authors: Chen Yanfeng , Ke Wenjie , Qin Huabin , Chen Siwei , Qin Limei , Yang Ying , Yu Hui , Tan Yuansheng
Published: November 2020

This paper studied the inhibitory effects of dithiocyano-methane (DM) on the glucose decomposition pathway in the respiratory metabolism of Escherichia coli. We investigated the effects of DM on the activities of key enzymes (ATPase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, G6PDH), the levels of key product (nicotinamide adenosine denucleotide hydro-phosphoric acid, NADPH), and gene expression in the hexose monophosphate pathway (HMP). The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericide concentration (MBC) of DM against the tested strains were 5.86 mg/L and 11.72 mg/L, respectively. Bacteria exposed to DM at MIC demonstrated an increase in bacterial ATPase and G6PDH activities, NADPH levels, and gene expression in the HMP pathway compared to bacteria in the control group, which could be interpreted as a behavioral response to stress introduced by DM. However, DM at a lethal concentration of 10 × MIC affected glucose decomposition by inhibiting mainly the HMP pathway in E. coli.
Recurrent SETD2 mutation in NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Sun Jiewen , Yu Wenjuan , Zhang Xiang
Published: November 2020

SETD2 is the only methyltransferase for H3K36me3, and our previous study has firstly demonstrated that it functioned as one tumor suppressor in hematopoiesis. Consistent with it, SETD2 mutation, which led to its loss of function, was identified in AML. However, the distribution and function of SETD2 mutation in AML remained largely unknown. Herein, we integrated SETD2-mutated AML cases from our center and literature reports, and found that NPM1 mutation was the most common concomitant genetic alteration with SETD2 mutation in AML, with its frequency even higher than MLL rearrangement and AML1-ETO. Though this result indicated the cooperation of SETD2 and NPM1 mutations in leukemogenesis, our functional study showed that SETD2 was required for the proliferation of NPM1-mutated AML cell line OCI-AML3, but not MLL-rearranged AML cell line THP-1, via maintaining its direct target NPM1 expression, which was just opposite to its role of tumor suppressor. Therefore, we speculated that SETD2 possibly had two different faces in distinct subtypes and stages of AML.
Heritage Community Resilience: towards new approaches for urban resilience and sustainability
Authors: Fabbricatti Katia , Boissenin Lucie , Citoni Michele
Published: November 2020

The value of cultural heritage and its transmission for “making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” is an integral part of the UN Agenda 2030 and the new international policy for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. Nonetheless, the role of culture for these important challenges is an issue that current scientific literature on resilience has not yet sufficiently investigated. Starting from the concept of Heritage Community, elaborated in the Council of Europe's Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Framework convention on the value of cultural heritage for society, 2005), along with the hypothesis of its role for Community Resilience, this study elaborates a conceptual framework in which “Heritage Community Resilience” is defined. It is both a target and a process in which cultural heritage supports the building of a community able to prevent, cope with and recover from disturbances and/ or disasters. Through a survey of several case studies on heritage-driven practices in Italian inner peripheral areas, the research aims to define the specific characteristics of Heritage Community Resilience as well as identify any critical actors and variables, strategies and governance mechanisms, which influence both Heritage Community and Community Resilience. It predicts the challenges and highlights the potential that culture and heritage can develop for Community Resilience, towards further perspectives of resilient circular city.
Development and validation of a rating scale for Iranian EFL academic writing assessment: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Ghanbari Nasim , Barati Hossein
Published: November 2020

The present study reports the process of development and validation of a rating scale in the Iranian EFL academic writing assessment context. To achieve this goal, the study was conducted in three distinct phases. Early in the study, the researcher interviewed a number of raters in different universities. Next, a questionnaire was developed based on the results of the interview along with the related literature. Later, the questionnaire was sent to thirty experienced raters from ten major state universities in Iran. Results of the country-wide survey in this phase showed that there was no objective scale in use by the raters in the context. Therefore, in the second development phase of the study, fifteen of the raters who participated in the first phase were asked to verbalize their thoughts when each rating five essays. At the end of this phase, a first draft of the scale was developed. Finally, in the last validation phase of the study, ten raters were asked to each rate a body of twenty essays using the newly developed scale. Next, eight of the raters participated in a follow-up retrospective interview. The analysis of the raters’ performance using FACETS showed high profile of reliability and validity for the new scale. In addition, while the qualitative findings of the interviews counted some problems with the structure of the scale, on the whole, the findings showed that the introduction of the scale was well-received by the raters. The pedagogical implications of the study will be discussed. In addition, the study calls for further validation of the scale in the context.
Epidemiology of uveal melanoma in Brazil
Authors: Lucena Evandro , Goldemberg Daniel Cohen , Thuler Luiz Claudio Santos , de Melo Andreia Cristina
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To report the prevalence of uveal melanoma in a Hospital database in Brazil over the period of 16 years (2000 to 2016).

Design

Descriptive epidemiological study evaluating the Brazilian Hospital Based Cancer Registries.

Participants/methods

Uveal melanomas were identified based on ICD-O-3 codes C69.3 [choroid], C69.4 [ciliary body and iris], and C69.2 [retina]) derived from the Integrator Registry database. Kolmogorov–Smirnov Test was used for evaluation of normality of data, t-test and Chi square were used for categorical and continuous variables respectively using SPSS Software.

Main outcome measures

Age, sex, education, regional distribution, clinical staging at the diagnosis, time from diagnosis to treatment (≤ 60 days versus > 60 days) and first-course therapy (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of such).

Results

There were 2166 cases of uveal melanoma representing 5.4% of all cases of melanoma. Histological confirmation of uveal melanoma was available in all cases. Higher prevalence of 1139 cases (52.6%) in women than 1027 cases (47.4%) in men was observed. Age distribution revealed 1411 cases (65.1%) in the group between 41 and 69 years old. A total of 429 (19.8%) patients were classified as initial disease and 334 (15.4%) as advanced (regional or distant metastases). Staging as initial disease was more frequent (113–24.8%) in patients with > 8 school years than in patients with < 8 school years (179–17.6%) reflecting disparities in healthcare access between those two populations. No difference was noticed in terms of diagnosis, staging and treatment after the Brazilian “60 days law” (Federal Law 12.732/12) came into effect in 2013 regulating the maximum period that a patient with cancer has to wait until start the treatment.

Conclusion

Epidemiological data is critical for planning early treatment strategies and allocating medical resources. This study intended to understand the characteristics of uveal melanoma in Brazil.
Development and implementation of an end-of-shift clinical debriefing method for emergency departments during COVID-19
Authors: Servotte Jean-Christophe , Welch-Horan T. Bram , Mullan Paul , Piazza Justine , Ghuysen Alexandre , Szyld Demian
Published: November 2020

Background

Multiple guidelines recommend debriefing after clinical events in the emergency department (ED) to improve performance, but their implementation has been limited. We aimed to start a clinical debriefing program to identify opportunities to address teamwork and patient safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We reviewed existing literature on best-practice guidelines to answer key clinical debriefing program design questions. An end-of-shift huddle format for the debriefs allowed multiple cases of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 illness to be discussed in the same session, promoting situational awareness and team learning. A novel ED-based clinical debriefing tool was implemented and titled Debriefing In Situ COVID-19 to Encourage Reflection and Plus-Delta in Healthcare After Shifts End (DISCOVER-PHASE). A facilitator experienced in simulation debriefings would facilitate a short (10–25 min) discussion of the relevant cases by following a scripted series of stages for debriefing. Data on the number of debriefing opportunities, frequency of utilization of debriefing, debriefing location, and professional background of the facilitator were analyzed.

Results

During the study period, the ED treated 3386 suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 11 deaths and 77 ICU admissions. Of the 187 debriefing opportunities in the first 8-week period, 163 (87.2%) were performed. Of the 24 debriefings not performed, 21 (87.5%) of these were during the four first weeks (21/24; 87.5%). Clinical debriefings had a median duration of 10 min (IQR 7–13). They were mostly facilitated by a nurse (85.9%) and mainly performed remotely (89.8%).

Conclusion

Debriefing with DISCOVER-PHASE during the COVID-19 pandemic were performed often, were relatively brief, and were most often led remotely by a nurse facilitator. Future research should describe the clinical and organizational impact of this DISCOVER-PHASE.
Perceived truth of statements and simulated social media postings: an experimental investigation of source credibility, repeated exposure, and presentation format
Authors: Nadarevic Lena , Reber Rolf , Helmecke Anne Josephine , Köse Dilara
Published: November 2020

To better understand the spread of fake news in the Internet age, it is important to uncover the variables that influence the perceived truth of information. Although previous research identified several reliable predictors of truth judgments—such as source credibility, repeated information exposure, and presentation format—little is known about their simultaneous effects. In a series of four experiments, we investigated how the abovementioned factors jointly affect the perceived truth of statements (Experiments 1 and 2) and simulated social media postings (Experiments 3 and 4). Experiment 1 explored the role of source credibility (high vs. low vs. no source information) and presentation format (with vs. without a picture). In Experiments 2 and 3, we additionally manipulated repeated exposure (yes vs. no). Finally, Experiment 4 examined the role of source credibility (high vs. low) and type of repetition (congruent vs. incongruent vs. no repetition) in further detail. In sum, we found no effect of presentation format on truth judgments, but strong, additive effects of source credibility and repetition. Truth judgments were higher for information presented by credible sources than non-credible sources and information without sources. Moreover, congruent (i.e., verbatim) repetition increased perceived truth whereas semantically incongruent repetition decreased perceived truth, irrespectively of the source. Our findings show that people do not rely on a single judgment cue when evaluating a statement’s truth but take source credibility and their meta-cognitive feelings into account.
Development of a comprehensive measure of organizational readiness (motivation × capacity) for implementation: a study protocol
Authors: Walker Timothy J. , Brandt Heather M. , Wandersman Abraham , Scaccia Jonathan , Lamont Andrea , Workman Lauren , Dias Emanuelle , Diamond Pamela M. , Craig Derek W. , Fernandez Maria E.
Published: November 2020

Background

Organizational readiness is important for the implementation of evidence-based interventions. Currently, there is a critical need for a comprehensive, valid, reliable, and pragmatic measure of organizational readiness that can be used throughout the implementation process. This study aims to develop a readiness measure that can be used to support implementation in two critical public health settings: federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and schools. The measure is informed by the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation and R = MC2 heuristic (readiness = motivation × innovation-specific capacity × general capacity). The study aims are to adapt and further develop the readiness measure in FQHCs implementing evidence-based interventions for colorectal cancer screening, to test the validity and reliability of the developed readiness measure in FQHCs, and to adapt and assess the usability and validity of the readiness measure in schools implementing a nutrition-based program.

Methods

For aim 1, we will conduct a series of qualitative interviews to adapt the readiness measure for use in FQHCs. We will then distribute the readiness measure to a developmental sample of 100 health center sites (up to 10 staff members per site). We will use a multilevel factor analysis approach to refine the readiness measure. For aim 2, we will distribute the measure to a different sample of 100 health center sites. We will use multilevel confirmatory factor analysis models to examine the structural validity. We will also conduct tests for scale reliability, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability. For aim 3, we will use a qualitative approach to adapt the measure for use in schools and conduct reliability and validity tests similar to what is described in aim 2.

Discussion

This study will rigorously develop a readiness measure that will be applicable across two settings: FQHCs and schools. Information gained from the readiness measure can inform planning and implementation efforts by identifying priority areas. These priority areas can inform the selection and tailoring of support strategies that can be used throughout the implementation process to further improve implementation efforts and, in turn, program effectiveness.
Mildly symptomatic liraglutide-induced acute pancreatitis in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a case report
Authors: Gameil Mohammed Ali , Elsebaie Ahmed Hassan
Published: November 2020

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) represents a serious clinical challenge as it can threaten the patient’s life if it is missed or improperly managed. Liraglutide is one of the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) which represent a novel class of antidiabetic medications in the Egyptian market. Hereby, we report a case of liraglutide-induced acute pancreatitis with atypical presentation.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old Egyptian male patient with diabetes presented to the emergency department with abdominal discomfort and vomiting without significant abdominal pain. Serum lipase and amylase were elevated more than three folds the upper normal limit (NUL 300 and 110 U/L respectively); abdominal ultrasonography was inconclusive, but contrast-enhanced computed tomography was diagnostic. A diagnosis of liraglutide-induced AP was built after exclusion of other causes. After admission, his medications were modified and improved clinically after 1 week.

Conclusion

Mildly symptomatic AP in diabetic patients is a clinical challenge as it can be missed. Therefore, in certain clinical situations, AP should be suspected in patients administrating liraglutide particularly for those with autonomic neuropathy.
Overbank sediment waves in the southern Taranaki Basin, New Zealand
Authors: Silver Clayton , Bedle Heather
Published: November 2020

In the southern Taranaki Basin, a thick stratigraphic sequence of late Miocene age is well imaged by modern 3D seismic data. Within this sediment package, the evolution of multiple deepwater channel systems are preserved and interpreted. Anomalous features located between channel complexes are identified in both map-view and vertical sections. Extracting selected seismic attributes along interpreted horizons and using in context geologic knowledge suggests these anomalous features are overbank sediment waves resulting from overbank sedimentation. Alternate interpretations are also presented, such as slump scarps and progradational clinoforms. The evidence aims at improving our identification of these deepwater depositional elements.

Geological feature: Overbank sediment waves in the southern Taranaki Basin, New Zealand Seismic appearance: Shingled, undulating, downlapping reflectors Alternative interpretations: Prograding clinoforms; slump scarps Features with similar appearance: Prograding clinoforms Formation: Mount Messenger Formation, Taranaki Basin Age: Late Miocene Location: Taranaki Basin, New Zealand Seismic data: Hector-3D Contributors: Clayton Silver and Dr. Heather Bedle Analysis tools: Schlumberger’s Petrel software was used for seismic interpretation and visualization; Attribute-Assisted Seismic Processing & Interpretation (AASPI) was utilized for computation of seismic attributes.
Fiction Cares: J. M. Coetzee's Slow Man
Authors: Robinson Benjamin Lewis
Published: November 2020

J. M. Coetzee's Slow Man considers “care” in contemporary liberal-capitalist societies, including the ostensibly frivolous care of and care for literature. In contrast to grander affects and occupations, care often seems to be “just care,” as if it fails to live up to certain criteria of reality in much the same way that one says something is “just fiction.” If in its literary investigation of such serious issues as disability, aging, and immigration, Slow Man turns into a reflection on the ontology of fiction, this is not mere metafictional frivolity—for care shares the disparaged form of fiction. Coetzee's Elizabeth Costello writings, of which Slow Man appears to be the last, advocate in fiction an “ethics of care.” They are concerned with modes of attention that lack the categorical determinacy of the discourse of rights and of justice and are instead characterized by what I propose to call “justness.” In this light, the novel can be read as examining the skepticism and disappointment with which, on account of this justness, earnest pleas for an ethics of care, or apologies for fiction, are met. The advocacy of care, as of fiction, requires not only good will but also good humor, even if this comes at the cost of being taken seriously. Accordingly, Slow Man proves to be one of the most heavy-going but also lighthearted of Coetzee's novels. It is, after all, “just a joke.”
The Mob: J. G. Ballard's Turn to the Collective
Authors: Evans Joel
Published: November 2020

The article identifies a shift in J. G. Ballard's work from a preoccupation with the individual to a preoccupation with the collective. It reads Ballard's late fiction as being part of a wider turn in the culture of Western, neoliberal states toward a reignition of a spirit of collectivism. With Ballard's work, this is most striking in the novels' depiction of neoliberal societies themselves, and so the essay begins with a treatment of how they are figured. What emerges from this is that Ballard's depiction of potentially new collective forms of life is at once utopian and dystopian. In fact, the dystopian elements identified lead on to a much deeper trait of the work. That is the reactionary tendency to portray the collective as a violent mob, which, as is demonstrated, has a long history and an increasingly prominent present.
Ruth Ozeki's Floating World:A Tale for the Time Being's Spiritual Oceanography
Authors: Glassie Alison
Published: November 2020

This essay explores the intertwined oceanographic and spiritual imaginations structuring Ruth Ozeki's novel A Tale for the Time Being, which she rewrote in the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. A Tale for the Time Being's new, metafictional frame story dramatizes a citizen-science response to marine debris and theorizes marine science as a mode of witnessing and a mode of reading. Furthermore, by bringing her depictions of marine science into conversation with the Zen Buddhist practice of not-knowing, Ozeki meditates upon the idea that attempts to know or understand necessarily mean coexisting with what cannot be known, discovered, or recovered.
The impact of a run-in period on treatment effects in cardiovascular prevention randomised control trials: A protocol for a comprehensive review and meta-analysis
Authors: Murphy Robert , McGrath Emer , Nolan Aoife , Smyth Andrew , Canavan Michelle , O'Donnell Martin , Judge Conor
Published: November 2020

Background: A run-in period is often employed in randomised controlled trials to increase adherence to the intervention and reduce participant loss to follow-up in the trial population. However, it is uncertain whether use of a run-in period affects the magnitude of treatment effect.

Methods: We will conduct a sensitive search for systematic reviews of cardiovascular preventative trials and a complete meta-analysis of treatment effects comparing cardiovascular prevention trials using a run-in period (“run-in trials”) with matched cardiovascular prevention trials that did not use a run-in period (“non-run-in trials”). We describe a comprehensive matching process which will match run-in trials with non-run-in trials by patient populations, interventions, and outcomes. For each pair of run-in trial and matched non-run-in trial(s), we will estimate the ratio of relative risks and 95% confidence interval. We will evaluate differences in treatment effect between run-in and non-run-in trials and our and our priamry outcome will be the ratio of relative risks for matched run-in and non-run-in trials for their reported cardiovascular composite outcome. Our secondary outcomes are comparisons of mortality, loss to follow up, frequency of adverse events and methodological quality of trials.

Conclusions: This study will answer a key question about what influence a run-in period has on the magnitude of treatment effects in randomised controlled trials for cardiovascular prevention therapies.
Cubic Curves in Engineering Geometry
Authors: Korotkiy Viktor
Published: November 2020

In this paper are considered historically the first (the 60’s of the 20th century) computational methods for algebraic cubic curves constructing. The analysis of a general cubic curve equation r(t)=a3t3+a2t2+a1t+a0

has been carried out. As an example has been considered the simplest cubic curve r(t)=it3+jt2+kt.

Based on the general cubic curve equation have been obtained equations of a cubic curve passing through two predetermined points and having predetermined tangents at these points.

The equations have been presented both in Ferguson and Bézier forms. It has been shown that the cubic curve vector equation (for example, the standard equation of a Bezier curve) can be represented in a point form. Have been considered examples for constructing segments of cubic curves meeting the given boundary conditions.

The generalized cubic curve equation, containing weight coefficients, has been obtained by the method of exit into four-dimensional space. Has been considered a vector parametric equation of a conical section, passing through two given points and touching predetermined straight lines at these points. The conical section is considered as a special case of a cubic curve.

Curvature can be specified as an additional boundary condition. Has been considered the possibility for constructing a cubic curve with fixed positions of contacting planes at end points and given radii of curvature. Has been proposed an algorithm for constructing a plane cubic curve with a given curvature at the end points.

Have been considered algorithms for constructing smooth compound Ferguson-Bezier curves. Smoothness conditions are imposed on a compound curve: 1) at any of its points, the curve must have a tangent (no fractures are allowed), 2) the curvature vector must be changed continuously from point to point (no discontinuous jump in the curvature vector is allowed neither in modulus no in direction). Have been proposed examples for constructing compound Ferguson-Bézier curves.

Has been performed comparison of polynomial cubic spline with compound parametrically defined curves. Have been given examples for constructing cubic splines with fastened and free ends.

The paper is for educational purposes, and intended for in-depth study of computer graphics basics.
ILCR. International Law Clinic Reports. Informes de la Clínica Jurídica Internacional. Vol. 2
Authors: Olasolo Héctor
Published: November 2020

10.12804/issne.2711-4236_10336.30591_fdj
Exeter Universal cemented femoral component
Authors: Khatun Fouzia , Gill Damien F. , Atrey Amit , Porteous Matthew
Published: November 2020

Aims

We present the results, in terms of survival, clinical outcome, and radiological appearance at 20 years, in a cohort of 225 cemented Exeter Universal femoral components (Stryker, Newbury, UK) implanted in 207 patients, at a district general hospital.

Methods

All patients in this study had a total hip arthroplasty (THA) using an Exeter Universal femoral component with a cemented (n = 215) or cementless (n = 10) acetabular component. Clinical and radiological data were collected prospectively at one year, five years, and every five years thereafter. Patients lost to radiological and clinical follow-up (five) were cross-referenced with National Joint Registry (NJR) data and general practitioner (GP) records to assess whether they had undergone revision for any reason.

Results

During this period of study 144 patients (157 hips) died (69.78%). Two patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 61 patients (66 hips) available for review (29.33%). Of the 225 hips, three underwent revision for femoral failure with osteolysis. One underwent femoral component revision for treatment of a periprosthetic fracture. Eight underwent revision of the acetabular component only for loosening. Two hips had both components revised, when components were found to be loose at time of revision for acetabular loosening, though no radiological femoral osteolysis. Two patients underwent revision for infection. Using femoral loosening as an endpoint, the survival of the Exeter Universal femoral component was 98.7% (n = 220, 95% confidence interval (CI) 96.1% to 100%) at 20 to 22 years. Survival with an endpoint of revision for any reason was 92.6% (n = 209, 95% CI 89.4 to 95.55), with a ‘worst-case scenario’ (considering two patients lost to follow-up to have failed), the overall survival rate was 91.7% (n = 207, 95% CI 87.8 to 95.9) at 20 to 22 years.

Conclusion

Our results confirm excellent long-term results for the cemented Exeter Universal femoral componentimplanted outside of the originating centre. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1319–1323.
The use of virtual reality in reducing anxiety during cast removal: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jivraj Bejaan A. , Schaeffer Emily , Bone Jeffrey N. , Stunden Chelsea , Habib Eva , Jacob John , Mulpuri Kishore
Published: November 2020

Purpose

While virtual reality (VR) has been shown to be an effective distractor in children across a range of procedures, no studies have looked at its use within paediatric orthopaedics. The purpose of this study was to look at the use of VR in reducing anxiety levels in children during cast removal. In addition, the study aimed to find ways to enhance the efficiency of future VR trials in paediatrics.

Methods

A non-blinded randomized control trial took place in children aged four to 18 years. Intraprocedural anxiety was measured using the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale (CEMS), while pre- and post-procedural anxiety was measured using the Short State Anxiety Inventory Scale. Additional data was collected on trait anxiety, nausea levels, desire for future VR use and areas of improvement for future VR studies.

Results

A total of 90 subjects were included in the study (control n = 45, intervention n = 45) with a mean age of 10.25 years (sd 3.35). Post-procedural anxiety and intraprocedural anxiety were 18% (p = 0.03) and 24% (p = 0.01) lower in the VR group, respectively, with the CEMS facial component showing a 31% (p < 0.001) reduction in the VR group. In all, 99% (n = 89) of subjects experienced no nausea, with one patient experiencing mild nausea that may have been present prior to VR use. Finally, 90% (n = 81) of subjects said they would like to use VR again, 1% (n = 1) said ‘no’ and 9% (n = 8) said ‘maybe’.

Conclusion

VR appears to be an effective distraction technique in reducing anxiety levels in children during cast removal.
User-Friendly Privacy-Preserving Photo Sharing on Online Social Networks
Authors: Alemerien Khalid
Published: November 2020

A variety of online social networking (OSNs) services facilitates users to share a huge amount of their personal information such as photos. On the other hand, users may unintentionally reveal their photos to other audiences. Therefore, users of OSNs strive to protect their photos with existing privacy management mechanisms. Moreover, users need adequate feedback to understand their privacy preferences in photo sharing services. In this paper, the authors present a new visualization mechanism called Visual Privacy Management Policy (VPMP) in order to simplify the configuring privacy settings when users of OSNs share their photos with others. Also, this solution aims to address the shortcomings of privacy settings policies of photo sharing in OSNs. Furthermore, the solution employs a social graph and circles for visualizing when, where, how and with whom users will share their photos. So, this solution provides users a comprehensible and effective way to determine their privacy settings. The authors evaluate the visual privacy management policy (VPMP) for photo sharing with a user study that compared our solution with the user interface of photo-sharing on Facebook. The obtained findings provide quantitative evidence regarding the applicability of VPMP in terms of usability and privacy protection.
Stable Power Delivery Efficiency in Misaligned Wireless Power Transfer Systems Using Triffid Antennas
Authors: Mohamed Nagi F. Ali , Agbinya Johnson Ihyeh
Published: November 2020

Stable power delivery efficiency is difficult in wireless power transfer systems without using power control. Misalignment between power transmitter and receivers makes this difficult since power is delivered axially. This paper reports on a new method for providing stable wireless power delivery efficiency in misaligned systems. By employing triffid antennas arranged in a cube stability is obtained at wide angles and all over the cubical structure.
GitHubNet: Understanding the Characteristics of GitHub Network
Authors: Kabakus Abdullah Talha
Published: November 2020

Web 2.0 technologies have not only raised microblogs, but also social software development and collaboration platforms. GitHub is the most popular software development platform that provides social collaboration. Within the scope of this study, a novel graph-based analysis model is proposed which targets to reveal (1) the characteristics of the GitHub in order to shed light on social software development in general, and (2) the most popular programming languages, repositories, and developers in order to shed light on the trending software development technologies. To this end, a subset of the GitHub network, which contains 84, 737 developers and 209, 100 repositories, was collected through the GitHub API and stored on a graph database namely neo4j to be later analyzed. The result of the analysis shows that (1) the connections in GitHub are not mutually linked, (2) JavaScript, Python, and Java are currently the most popular three programming languages, (3) You-Dont-Know-JS, oh-my-zsh, and public-apis are the most popular three repositories, and (4) TarrySingh (Tarry Singh), indrajithban-dara (Indrajith Bandara), and rootsongjc (Jimmy Song) are the most popular three developers. Furthermore, the proposed novel analysis model can be easily applied to other social networks.
Enhancing Performance of Distributed Transactions in Microservices via Buffered Serialization
Authors: Munonye Kindson , Martinek P.
Published: November 2020

Although the Microservices Architecture comes with a number of benefits, it is a challenge to design an efficient transaction management for multi-agent transactions that span across multiple services. Since microservices design require a loose coupling between service logic and resources, data used by a distributed transaction is spread across different nodes, there is need to an effective way to ensure data portability, speed consistency for transaction in microservices. Therefore this research addresses both the issue of improving transaction performance and maintaining data portability for distributed transactions in microservices. A novel approach to transaction management termed ‘buffered serialization’ is proposed in this research as a way to improve transaction management by the use serialization libraries. This work has a three-part objective which are (1) to highlight the challenges of distributed transaction management in microservices, (2) to propose an enhanced approach to transaction management through the use of buffered serialization between services (3) to provide a proof of concept for this novel approach. Obtained result indicate a 60% improvement in transaction failure recovery time, 10% higher success rate for load tests but an insignificantly higher resource utilization values.
Biblioteques patrimonials a catalunya (2018-2019)
Authors: Caballer Albareda Gemma , Moré Laura , Muxella Imma , Nicolau Payàs Anna
Published: November 2020

En aquesta edició de l’Anuari destaquen un parell de tendències en l’àmbit de les biblioteques i centres patrimonials. La primera és la innovació, amb exemples d’experiències en què els bibliotecaris surten de la seva zona de confort per col·laborar amb altres investigadors al mateix nivell, aportant la seva expertesa i potenciant la utilització de les col·leccions que custodien, i generant continguts. Parlant també d’innovació, les humanitats digitals es consoliden amb múltiples projectes o grups de treball o espais de creació, com els digital labs, que contribueixen a democratitzar el patrimoni. La segona tendència que apuntem és la reuti-lització del patrimoni digital. La digitalització ha estat una bona eina de difusió del patrimoni, però els usos encara són molt limitats i se circumscriuen majoritàriament en els àmbits acadèmics i erudits. Cal trobar nous usos del patrimoni digital i això segurament requerirà de partenariats amb agents molt diversos, que siguem més flexibles i creatius, i sobretot que hi hagi un marc legal clar que ho reguli. Finalment, l’article repassa les principals novetats en matèria de formació, recerca, difusió i publicacions al llarg del bienni 2018-2019.
Long-range plasmons and epsilon-near-zero modes in ultraviolet
Authors: Karpiński Karol , Zielińska-Raczyńska Sylwia , Ziemkiewicz David
Published: November 2020

We theoretically investigate the propagation of surface plasmon polaritons excited by UV light in a thin layer of aluminum. It is shown that for a sufficiently thin metal layer and appropriate selection of surrounding material, considerable propagation distances are possible. Moreover, we demonstrate that plasmons on the Al-In interface can exhibit a near-zero index of refraction—a property normally achievable only in metamaterials operating in the infrared to visible part of the spectrum.
Colour and chemical stability of bismuth oxide in dental materials with solutions used in routine clinical practice
Authors: Camilleri Josette , Borg Joseph , Damidot Denis , Salvadori Enrico , Pilecki Peter , Zaslansky Paul , Darvell Brian W.
Published: November 2020

Bismuth(III) oxide is included as a radio-opacifier in dental materials, including hydraulic silicate cements, the material of choice for several endodontic procedures. It has been implicated in tooth discoloration after contact with endodontic irrigants, in particular NaOCl solution, To date, there has been no work on the chemistry: all reports have been of clinical findings only. The purpose now was to report the reactions leading to colour change from Bi2O3 in contact with solutions used in routine endodontic practice. Ten-gram portions of Bi2O3 were immersed in either water, NaOH, NaCl, NaOCl or HCl solution, either in the dark or exposed to visible light, and samples retrieved at 1, 4, 12 and 24 weeks. After washing, these were exposed to either added CO2 or not, for 1 week while drying, and under the same dark or light conditions. Changes in appearance were monitored by photography and colour measurement, and chemically by X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. 24-week material was studied using electron paramagnetic resonance and Raman spectroscopy; NaOCl-treated material was also examined by scanning electron microscopy. With water, NaCl and NaOH, bismuth subcarbonate was formed. With or without added carbon dioxide, discoloration occurred from pale yellow to light brown when exposed to light, and to a lesser extent in the dark, intensifying with time. In contrast, exposure to NaOCl rapidly formed a dark brown-black sodium bismuthate. With HCl, white BiOCl was formed. Bi2O3 is not at all inert in this context as is commonly believed, denying its principle of use. Previously unreported solution-mediated reaction occurs readily even in water and NaCl solution, forming new compounds that discolour. In contact with NaOCl sodium bismuthate is formed; severe darkening occurs rapidly. The reactivity is such that Bi2O3 is not indicated for dental materials and should be withdrawn from use.
Magnitude of first line antiretroviral therapy treatment failure and associated factors among adult patients on ART in South West Shoa, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Mulisa Diriba , Tolossa Tadesse , Wakuma Bizuneh , Etafa Werku , Yadesa Girma
Published: November 2020

Background

First-line antiretroviral treatment failure has become a public health concern in high, low and middle-income countries with high mortality and morbidity In Ethiopia, around 710,000 peoples were living with HIV and 420,000 of them were receiving ART in 2017. Little is known about the magnitude of first-line ART treatment failure and its associated factors in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study was aimed to find the magnitude of first-line ART treatment failure and its associated factors among adult patients attending ART clinic at Southwest shoa zone public hospitals.

Methods

Institutions based cross-sectional study was employed from February 1 to April 2, 2019. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 350 adult patients on ART using a systematic random sampling technique. The collected data were coded and entered into Epidata version 3 and exported to STATA SE version 14 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with first-line ART treatment failure. At 95% confidence level strength of association was measured using Odds ratio. Variables with a p-value of ≤ 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were considered as a candidate variable for multivariable analysis. To get the final variables step-wise backward selection procedure was used and those in the final model were selected at a p-value <0.05. Finally, texts, simple frequency tables, and figures were used to present the findings.

Results

In this study the magnitude of first-line ART treatment failure was 33.42%. Absence of baseline opportunistic infection AOR = 0.362 (95%CI0.178, 0.735), Staying on first-line ART for <5 years AOR = 0.47 (95%CI 0.252, 0.878), Nevirapine containing ART regimen AOR = 3.07 (95%CI 1.677, 5.63), Baseline CD4 count ≥100 cells/mm3 AOR = 0.299 (95%CI 0.152 0.591), absence of opportunistic infections after ART initiation AOR = 0.257 (95%CI 0.142, .467), time taking greater than an one-hour to reach health facility AOR 1.85 (95%CI 1.022 3.367) were significantly associated with first-line ART treatment failure.

Conclusion

The magnitude of first-line ART treatment failure was high in the study area. Base-line opportunistic infection, duration on first-line ART, NVP based ART, Baseline CD4 count level, OI after ART initiation, and time it takes to reach health facility were independent determinants of first-line ART treatment failure.
Meningococcal B vaccine antigen FHbp variants among disease-causing Neisseria meningitidis B isolates, Italy, 2014–2017
Authors: Carannante Anna , Fazio Cecilia , Neri Arianna , Lista Florigio , Fillo Silvia , Ciammaruconi Andrea , Vacca Paola , Stefanelli Paola
Published: November 2020

Background

Typing ofNeisseria meningitidisisolates is crucial for the surveillance of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). We performed a molecular epidemiology study ofN.meningitidisserogroup B (MenB) causing IMD in Italy between 2014 and 2017 to describe circulating strains belonging to this serogroup, with particular regards to the two factor H-binding protein (FHbp) subfamilies present in the bivalent MenB vaccine.

Materials and methods

A total of 109 culture positive and 46 culture negative MenB samples were collected within the National Surveillance System (NSS) of IMD in Italy and molecularly analyzed by conventional methods.

Results

Overall, 71 MenB samples showed the FHbp subfamily A and 83 the subfamily B. The subfamily variants were differently distributed by age. The most frequent variants, A05 and B231, were associated with cc213 and cc162, respectively. All MenB with the FHbp A05 variant displayed the PorA P1.22,14 and 85.7% of them the FetA F5-5. The majority of MenB with the FHbp B231 variant showed the PorA P1.22,14 (65.4%) and 84.6%, the FetA F3-6.

Conclusion

MenB circulating in Italy were characterized by a remarkable association between clonal complex and FHbp variants, although a high degree of genetic diversity observed over time. A dynamic trend in clonal complexes distribution within MenB was detected. Our results stress the importance of continued meningococcal molecular surveillance to evaluate the potential vaccine coverage of the available MenB vaccines.
Performance of deep learning to detect mastoiditis using multiple conventional radiographs of mastoid
Authors: Lee Kyong Joon , Ryoo Inseon , Choi Dongjun , Sunwoo Leonard , You Sung-Hye , Jung Hye Na
Published: November 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of deep learning algorithm trained by single view (anterior-posterior (AP) or lateral view) with that trained by multiple views (both views together) in diagnosis of mastoiditis on mastoid series and compare the diagnostic performance between the algorithm and radiologists.

Methods

Total 9,988 mastoid series (AP and lateral views) were classified as normal or abnormal (mastoiditis) based on radiographic findings. Among them 792 image sets with temporal bone CT were classified as the gold standard test set and remaining sets were randomly divided into training (n = 8,276) and validation (n = 920) sets by 9:1 for developing a deep learning algorithm. Temporal (n = 294) and geographic (n = 308) external test sets were also collected. Diagnostic performance of deep learning algorithm trained by single view was compared with that trained by multiple views. Diagnostic performance of the algorithm and two radiologists was assessed. Inter-observer agreement between the algorithm and radiologists and between two radiologists was calculated.

Results

Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of algorithm using multiple views (0.971, 0.978, and 0.965 for gold standard, temporal, and geographic external test sets, respectively) showed higher values than those using single view (0.964/0.953, 0.952/0.961, and 0.961/0.942 for AP view/lateral view of gold standard, temporal external, and geographic external test sets, respectively) in all test sets. The algorithm showed statistically significant higher specificity compared with radiologists (p = 0.018 and 0.012). There was substantial agreement between the algorithm and two radiologists and between two radiologists (κ = 0.79, 0.8, and 0.76).

Conclusion

The deep learning algorithm trained by multiple views showed better performance than that trained by single view. The diagnostic performance of the algorithm for detecting mastoiditis on mastoid series was similar to or higher than that of radiologists.