bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobilisation or immobilisation-based treatments for first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis with subgroup analyses
Authors: Magni Nicoló Edoardo , McNair Peter John , Rice David Andrew
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Both joint mobilisation and immobilisation are thought to be effective in the treatment of first carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of this review was to establish whether either intervention reduced pain and improved pinch strength in people with first CMCJ OA in the short term and assess whether one intervention is superior to the other.

Method

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Seven databases were searched until May 2021. Only RCTs were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Grade of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system were utilised to rate the evidence. Random-effects meta-analysis with subgroup analyses were used.

Results

Eight studies were included with a total of 417 participants. Mobilisation treatments included manual therapy with or without exercise while immobilisation interventions utilised thumb splinting with several different designs. Very low-quality and low-quality evidence showed that mobilisation led to statistically but not clinically significant improvements in pain (standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.03 to 1; I2 = 60%; p = 0.06) and pinch strength (SMD = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.7; I2 = 12%; p = 0.3) compared to placebo. Very low-quality and low-quality evidence showed no effect on pain and pinch strength compared to a control or no intervention. Subgroup analyses revealed no difference between interventions.

Discussion

Neither mobilisation nor immobilisation alone led to clinically important improvements in pain or pinch strength in the short term in people with symptomatic first CMCJ OA. Neither therapeutic strategy appeared to be superior.
The suitability of government health information assets for secondary use in research: A fit-for-purpose analysis
Authors: Riley Merilyn , Robinson Kerin , Kilkenny Monique F , Leggat Sandra G
Published: April 2022

Background

Governments have responsibility for ensuring the quality and fitness-for-purpose of personal health data provided to them. While these health information assets are used widely for research, this secondary usage has received minimal research attention.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the secondary uses, in research, of population health and administrative datasets (information assets) of the Department of Health (DoH), Victoria, Australia. The objectives were to (i) identify research based on these datasets published between 2008 and 2020; (ii) describe the data quality studies published between 2008 and 2020 for each dataset and (iii) evaluate “fitness-for-purpose” of the published research.

Method

Using a modified scoping review, research publications from 2008 to 2020 based on information assets related to health service provision and containing person-level data were reviewed. Publications were summarised by data quality and purpose-categories based on a taxonomy of data use. Fitness-for-purpose was evaluated by comparing the publicly stated purpose(s) for which each information asset was collected, with the purpose(s) assigned to the published research.

Results

Of the >1000 information assets, 28 were utilised in 756 publications: 54% were utilised for general research purposes, 14% for patient safety, 10% for quality of care and 39% included data quality-related publications. Almost 85% of publications used information assets that were fit-for-purpose.

Conclusion

The DoH information assets were used widely for secondary purposes, with the majority identified as fit-for-purpose. We recommend that data custodians, including governments, provide information on data quality and transparency on data use of their health information assets.
Vibrational Circular Dichroism Similarity-Guided Absolute Configuration Determination of 11-Acyloxytremetones
Authors: Muñoz Marcelo A. , Simirgiotis Mario , Joseph-Nathan Pedro
Published: April 2022

Although tremetone [5-acetyl-2-(1-methylvinyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran] has only one stereogenic center, the absolute configuration (AC) determination of its naturally occurring 11-acyloxy derivatives 1 and 2 by vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) turned out to be difficult. Similarity-based comparison of the experimental VCD spectrum of 11-coumaryloxytremetone (1), isolated from Parastrephia quadrangularis, with spectra calculated using popular density functional theory (DFT) levels of theory, provided poor enantiomeric similarity indices ( ESI), even when the p-coumaroyl ester group of 1 was replaced by the acetyl group in 2. In search for a better understanding of these results, IR-guided individual scaling factors (ISFs), recently introduced as part of the Vibrational Spectra Similarity and Analysis Tool (VISSAT) software, were used to correct DFT frequencies, while a VCD-guided conformational analysis was developed to explore conformational preferences. These studies showed that for both molecules 72% of the individual conformations gave ESI values in favor of the ( R) enantiomer. Likewise, when conformer abundances were optimized to produce the best possible similarity for each enantiomer, the obtained ESI values were always larger for the ( R) isomer than for the ( S) isomer. These results point toward the ( R) AC in both compounds and highlight the incorrect conformer abundance prediction by DFT calculations as the potential source of the initial difficulties. In addition, the AC of 1 was independently verified using the Flack and Hooft parameters gained after a single-crystal x-ray diffraction (XRD) study.
Linguistic justice as a framework for designing, developing, and managing natural language processing tools
Authors: Nee Julia , Smith Genevieve Macfarlane , Sheares Alicia , Rustagi Ishita
Published: April 2022

As natural language processing tools powered by big data become increasingly ubiquitous, questions of how to design, develop, and manage these tools and their impacts on diverse populations are pressing. We propose utilizing the concept of linguistic justice—the realization of equitable access to social and political life regardless of language—to provide a framework for examining natural language processing tools that learn from and use human language data. To support linguistic justice, we argue that natural language processing tools (along with the datasets that are used to train and evaluate them) must be examined not only from the perspective of a privileged, majority language user, but also from the perspectives of minoritized language users. Considering such perspectives can help to surface areas in which the data used within natural language processing tools may be (often inadvertently) working against linguistic justice by failing to provide access to information, services, or opportunities in users’ language of choice, underperforming for certain linguistic groups, or advancing harmful stereotypes that can lead to negative life outcomes for members of marginalized groups. At the same time, this framework can help to illuminate ways that these shortcomings can be addressed and allow us to use inclusive language data and approaches to leverage natural language processing technologies that advance linguistic justice.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-ascending-dose intravenous infusion study of rHIgM22 in subjects with multiple sclerosis immediately following a relapse
Authors: Greenberg Benjamin M. , Bowen James D. , Alvarez Enrique , Rodriguez Moses , Caggiano Anthony O. , Warrington Arthur E. , Zhao Ping , Eisen Andrew
Published: April 2022

Background

Recombinant human immunoglobulin M22 (rHIgM22) has promoted remyelination in animal models and was well tolerated in people with clinically stable multiple sclerosis.

Objective

Safety/tolerability of a single rHIgM22 dose was investigated following an acute relapse and to determine whether this enhanced CNS/CSF concentrations.

Methods

Adults (N = 27) with acute relapse were assigned to rHIgM22 (0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg) or placebo. Study included screening/steroid administration periods and 10 study visits over 6 months. rHIgM22 CSF concentrations were assessed on days 2 and 29. Pharmacokinetic and safety samples were taken for up to 60 days. Assessments included adverse events and other clinical measures. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was performed with/without gadolinium.

Results

rHIgM22 CSF levels were consistent with dose-dependent concentration on both days 2 and 29. Infusion was generally well tolerated during an acute relapse. Immunogenicity was mild. Most adverse events did not appear to be dose dependent, were mild/moderate, and were events often associated with multiple sclerosis.

Conclusion

Although limited by high variability and small sample size, the data suggest enhanced CNS uptake associated with a drop in CSF levels. This study demonstrated safety of an antibody directed to myelin and oligodendrocytes in the course of active demyelinating disease. Further research into rHIgM22 is warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02398461 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02398461
Reading Igor Stravinsky’s Poetics of Music in Christian Higher Education
Authors: MacInnis John , Peters Mark
Published: April 2022

This article presents the composer Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) as an historical educator in the context of the Charles Eliot Norton Lectures on Poetry at Harvard University (1939–1940), published as The Poetics of Music in the Form of Six Lessons. As music professors at North American institutions of Christian Higher Education, the authors each read Stravinsky’s Poetics with students in music classes. We describe here our different pedagogical methods and how we employ Stravinsky’s Poetics to form students with Christian approaches to culture-making.
How Transformational Leaders Are Engaged in Work Settings During Episode of Covid-19? Exploring Mediating Effects of Structural Empowerment and Process Innovation
Authors: Khan Maira , Khan Mukaram Ali , Zubair Syed Sohaib , Rizwan Aisha
Published: April 2022

In this modern world with the growing trend of globalization, cultural and environmental changes, and the increased pace of technological advancements, new challenges have appeared in a tremendous manner. In the wake of these recent trends and complexities alongside the worldwide pandemic (COVID-19), organizations are working to provide a self-motivated and highly engaging environment for employees. The study intends to explore the relationship between Transformational Leadership (TFL) and Work Engagement (WE) with the mediating role of Structural Empowerment (SE) and Process Innovation (PI) during COVID-19. The quantitative research methodology was utilized and a simple random sampling technique was used for collection of data from 360 supervisors of banks in Pakistan using questionnaires. Hypotheses are tested with the help of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) by using AMOS. By using SEM, confirmatory factor analysis revealed a statistically significant model. Outcomes showed a significant connection among TFL, WE, and PI. However, SE only significantly relates to TFL. Partial mediation through PI was discovered with the presence of a significant indirect path between TFL and WE. In contrast, the mediation of SE is not ascertained due to insignificant indirect effects. The digitally evolving banking industry in Pakistan requires engagement at workplace. The organization must be very much aware of the crucial job of leaders for WE as well as for PI just as the SE of employees. The findings of the study also highlight the importance of best HR practices that should work for creating intangible motivators for boosting WE level.
“The Statistical Analysis of Compositional Data” by John Aitchison (1986): A Bibliometric Overview
Authors: Navarro-Lopez Carolina , Linares-Mustaros Salvador , Mulet-Forteza Carles
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a complete bibliometric analysis of Aitchison’s 1986 seminal book “The Statistical Analysis of Compositional Data.” We have set three objectives. The first is to analyze the academic structure of Aitchison’s 1986 book. Results reveals that although the work has received citations uninterruptedly since its publication, the number of these has increased very significantly over the past 4 years. This is due to the significant increase in the number of publications on the theme of “Compositional Data Analysis” in fields related to “geoscience” over the last few years. The second objective is to determine which main journals Aitchison’s book has been cited in. The results highlight that the main journals are indexed under the following WoS category: “Geosciences, Multidisciplinary” and “Ecology.” Of these, “Mathematical Geosciences” and “Computers, Geosciences” stand out. The third objective is to determine the main topics analyzed in the principal papers published by authors citing Aitchison’s book. Our results show that the keywords in the main papers to have cited Aitchison’s 1986 book originate from the geoscience field, since many of them are related to concepts directly linked to this field and refer to terms related to “biodiversity,” “geodiversity,” “geoheritage,” and “georesources.” Lastly, the analysis shows how the CoDA methodology is now in a phase of exponential growth, expanding to other fields. This implies that geoscience is becoming consolidated in the scientific literature as one of the branches of modern science that has given rise to a new mathematical theory of great impact.
Legal Business Model Digitalization: The Post COVID-19 Legal Industry
Authors: Hongdao Qian , Bibi Sughra , Mu Dahai , Khan Asif , Raza Asad
Published: April 2022

The rapid expansion in globalization, changing economic and political conditions, health crisis, advancement in technologies, and customer demand shift have highlighted the business model concept’s growing importance in every business life walk. Despite the agreement on the business model’s role in innovation and firm success, this concept is unnoticed in the legal industry. The growing digitalization has disrupted the legal industry business model by enabling various cooperation, collaboration, value proposition, and value capture mechanism. Digitalization has innovated the legal business model and engaged them in the mundane adaptation in response to external environment changes. However, literature trends reveal that innovation in the legal business model is overlooked by academia. This study applied a case study method to highlight business model innovation in legal firms in the proposed framework of the business model navigator/magic triangle and business model canvas. We also took the market and industry trends and COVID-19 into consideration in the legal business landscape. This study proposed a digital business model and innovation operating model for the legal firms based on the identified fundamental pillars of digital business model components. This study expands the literature on digitalization and business model innovation by focusing on an ignored industry with substantial disruptive potential.
Ethnocentrism: A Short Form Measure (SFGENE-7)
Authors: Neto Joana , Neto Félix
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this investigation is to develop and validate a short form of the Generalized Ethnocentrism Scale (GENE). The GENE scale measures people’s tendency to consider their culture as the center of the world. A total of four studies were conducted using samples of college students. In the Study 1 has been examined the underlying factor structure of the GENE measure. Based on this study, the Short Form Generalized Ethnocentrism Scale is proposed (SFGENE-7). In the second study, the two-factor structure evidenced in Study 1, was supported by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The psychometric properties of the short form of the GENE scale were also satisfactory. In the third study, the two-factor structure was submitted again to CFA. The investigation of the relationship between ethnocentrism and external variables was also examined. The results supported the convergent, discriminant and incremental validities. Finally, in the fourth study, temporal stability of the short form of the GENE scale has been assessed. The results demonstrated that the SFGENE-7 had adequate test-retest reliability. Overall, results reveal that the SFGENE-7 has adequate levels of reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and incremental validity. We obtained a short, reliable, and valid instrument to assess ethnocentrism.
The Development of Epistemological Understanding Revisited: Enhancing Reliability of the Tool by Using Only Abstract Items
Authors: Żyluk Natalia , Karpe Karolina , Urbański Mariusz
Published: April 2022

The aim of this paper is to describe the process of modification of the research tool designed for measuring the development of personal epistemology— Standardized Epistemological Understanding Assessment (SEUA). SEUA was constructed as an improved version of the instrument initially proposed by Kuhn et al. SEUA was proved to be a more reliable instrument than its predecessor; however, further changes were necessary to obtain better reliability and easier to administer form. During further research, we observed that test items used in this tool could be divided into abstract and concrete, which were approached differently by a subset of our participants. In their cases, the inability to suppress personal preferences in responding to concrete items threatened the tool’s validity, as the instrument may measure preferences rather than epistemological beliefs in this situation. SEUA was therefore modified to create a full-abstract version (SEUA-A). Both versions were administered in an online form. The performance of two versions of the tool was compared. The study results allow us to conclude that our online SEUA-A, which consists of only abstract items, is the most reliable version of the tool.
Student Engagement With Teacher Feedback in Pronunciation Training Supported by a Mobile Multimedia Application
Authors: Yang Liuyan
Published: April 2022

This study focused on students’ experience with a mobile multimedia application for a pronunciation course. An app was used for after-class pronunciation practice, through which the instructor gave out multimodal feedback to students. Student engagement with teacher feedback in the app was investigated from multiple data sources. Data collected in the form of the instructor’s response and analytics gathered through the mobile system revealed that students demonstrated a high level of engagement in the app, behaviorally, cognitively, and emotionally. Specifically, the instructor observed more submissions from and interactions with students compared with previous classes. Records of student-teacher interactions suggested that students reacted positively and actively to multimodal feedback from the teacher and expressed willingness to use the app for future learning. Questionnaire results further confirmed that a large number of the students perceived the app to be useful for practicing pronunciation tasks, as it made it easy for them to interact with the teacher, receive course materials, and submit recordings. Interviews among selected students revealed more details about students’ experiences and views. Some students reported accessing their peers’ readings and feedback from the teacher as a way of informing their own learning, which is made possible by the app. This study provides implications to enrich pronunciation instruction practice to maximize student engagement, which ultimately contributes to positive learning experiences and gains.
Role of Industry 5.0 in leveraging the Business Performance: Investigating Impact of Shared-Economy on Firms’ Performance with Intervening Role of i5.0 Technologies
Authors: Waheed Abdul , Alharthi Majed , Khan Sher Zaman , Usman Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Industry 5.0 is regarded as the next industrial evolution which is still on its infancy stage and under investigation phenomena. How shared economy can perform a superlative role in augmenting the corporate sustainable performance is another interesting gap that needs to be unveiled. This study investigates the linkage between shared economy practices and corporate triple bottom line (TBL) in three core streams—environmental performance (ENVP), social performance (SP), and economic performance (EP)—using empirical data. An additional factor of industry 5.0 (i5.0) technologies was treated as a moderator between shared economy and TBL. The findings assured the positive nexus of shared economy (i.e., contract manufacturing services, professional services, data entry & clerical services, creative and multimedia services, sales and marketing services, software development services, and writing or translation services) on TBL (i.e., ENVP, SP, and EP). The positive moderating influence of i5.0 technologies was further affirmed between the relationships of shared economy and TBL. The findings yield multidimensional insights for operational management to adopt shared economy and i5.0 practices to improve corporate TBL in today’s competitive era. In addition, this study accentuates the notion of shared economy by providing positive evidence from developing nations. The study also highlights insightful implications for managers along with future avenues for the researchers to conduct additional multi-directional studies worldwide.
Dynamic Competition in Telecommunications: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Meena Megan Emfosi , Geng Jiaying
Published: April 2022

Telecommunication is the most competitive and fastest-growing market in the globe. Dynamic competition in telecom is produced by battle among companies to produce more reliable or more economical commodities. All developed countries such as U.S, Canada, and China are developing policies to reduce the rivalry among big corporations. The main objective of this paper is to outline the appropriate studies pertaining to Dynamic Competition in Telecommunications with the intentions of revealing what has already been investigated on this subject, as a medium of conducting future research. Moreover, we will also review the impact of competition on customer satisfaction and service quality in telecom businesses. Our literature review is based on 60 renowned research publications from 1990 to date, synthesizes the crucial details of competitive interaction in the telecom sphere.
Predicting the Intention and Adoption of Mobile Shopping During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Malaysia
Authors: Chan Xin Yi , Rahman Muhammad Khalilur , Mamun Abdullah Al , A. Salameh Anas , Wan Hussain Wan Mohd Hirwani , Alam Syed Shah
Published: April 2022

This study examined the effect of ubiquitous connectivity, service quality, system quality, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment on the intention and adoption of mobile shopping among consumers in Malaysia. A total of 316 respondents were collected from consumers in Malaysia using the online platform. The findings revealed that ubiquitous connectivity, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment had a significant positive effect on the behavioral intention to adopt mobile shopping whereas service quality and system quality contributed insignificant impact on consumers’ intention to adopt mobile shopping. The results identified that consumers’ behavioral intention exhibited higher significant impact on the adoption of mobile shopping during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings further revealed that intention to adopt mobile shopping mediated the association between ubiquitous connectivity, perceived usefulness, ease of use, and enjoyment on the adoption of mobile shopping. The current study contributed significant theoretical and practical implications for marketers and mobile service providers to better promote the adoption of mobile shopping consumers in Malaysia through the implementation of an effective strategy.
Less Than Fully Honest: Financial Deception in Emerging Adult Romantic Relationships
Authors: Saxey Matthew T. , LeBaron-Black Ashley B. , Dew Jeffrey P. , Curran Melissa A.
Published: April 2022

Emerging adults lack many basic financial capabilities. To avoid conflict that may come from these deficiencies, some emerging adults may financially deceive their romantic partner. However, little is known about financial deception in emerging adult romantic relationships. Through the lenses of two theoretical frameworks, we test whether financial deception intervenes the associations of couple financial communication, financial socialization, and similarity of financial values with romantic relationship flourishing in a sample of 1,950 U.S. emerging adults. Results indicate that couple financial communication, similarity of financial values, and financial socialization may contribute positively toward romantic relationship flourishing. However, financial socialization and financial deception may contribute negatively toward romantic relationship flourishing. Findings are discussed in light of the theoretical frameworks utilized, implications for clinicians and educators are identified, and directions for future research are presented. In summary, being less than fully honest about finances may have implications for emerging adults in romantic relationships.
A Novel Case of Idiopathic MGluR1 Encephalitis in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Chandler Erika , Arvantis Nicole , Morgan Bethanie
Published: April 2022

Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 1 (mGluR1) encephalitis is a rare encephalitis characterized by ataxia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, dysarthria and cognitive impairment. This disease process has been described in several adult patients and has been associated with paraneoplastic syndrome in Hodgkin's lymphoma and other cancers as well as parainfectious and underlying autoimmune etiologies. However, only two cases of anti-mGluR1 encephalitis in children have been reported in the literature. The underlying etiology of one case was not provided but post-infectious disease has been reported. Here, we report the first case of anti-mGluR1 encephalitis in a child with a presumed “idiopathic” basis.
Quality Of Life in Children With Home Mechanical Ventilation – A Scoping Review
Authors: Mattson Janet , Lunnelie Johan , Löfholm Tim , Andersson Elina Scheers , Aune Ragnhild E. , Björling Gunilla
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Home mechanical ventilation is an established method to support children suffering from chronic respiratory insufficiency, still more research is needed regarding mechanically ventilated children's and adolescents’ quality of life (QoL). Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to explore research regarding QoL and lived experience of children and adolescents with home mechanical ventilation.

Methods

A scoping review with systematic searches for research studies published between year 2000–2020 was performed in Cinahl, Medline, and PubMed. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were quality assessed and a thematic analysis was performed.

Results

In total, ten articles were quality assessed and included in the results. Four themes emerged: Children's self-reported QoL, Parents’ perception and parent-proxy report, Differences between the child's and parent's perception, and challenges in daily life. Children with home mechanical ventilation reported a lower QoL than healthy children and children with other chronic diseases. Generally, parents rate their child's QoL lower than the children themselves.

Conclusion

This is the first literature review focusing on HMV in the paediatric population. It is clear that HMV does not only affect the treated child or adolescent but also the whole family. It is important to regularly measure and evaluate QoL in children and adolescents with HMV to provide person-centered care. More research is needed to improve these children's and adolescents’ QoL.
Developing a Curriculum for Addressing the Opioid Crisis: A National Collaborative Process
Authors: Kolomitro Klodiana , Graves Lisa , Kirby Fran , Turnnidge Jennifer , Hastings Truelove Amber , Dalgarno Nancy , van Wylick Richard , Stockley Denise , Mulder Jeanne
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

The burgeoning use of opioids and the lack of attention to the safe prescribing, storage, and disposal of these drugs remains a societal concern. Education plays a critical role in providing a comprehensive response to this crisis by closing the training gaps and empowering the next generation of physicians with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to diagnose, treat and manage pain and substance use. Curricular Development: The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) developed a competency-based, bilingual curriculum for undergraduate medical students to be implemented in all Canadian medical schools. The authors describe the principles and framework for developing a national curriculum. The curriculum design process was situated in the Knowledge to Action theoretical framework. Throughout the development of this curriculum, different stakeholder groups were engaged, and their needs and contexts were considered.

CONCLUSION:

The curriculum ensures that consistent information is taught across all medical schools to educate future physicians on pain management, opioid stewardship and substance use disorder.
The social construction of risk: A local perspective of the vulnerability of artisanal fisheries to climate change
Authors: Montejo-Damián Karol C , Díaz-Perera Miguel Á , Espinoza-Tenorio Alejandro
Published: April 2022

The growing vulnerability of societies to climate change constitutes a global concern. Artisanal fishers experience extreme vulnerability due to their exposure to multiple threats with severe consequences for their families and rural communities. Given that these risks subsist despite governmental mitigation measures in the coastal zone, we used a qualitative integrative approach to analyze the vulnerability of the fishers of Barra de Frontera in the southern Gulf of Mexico and their adaptation strategies to climate change. Through a literature review and semi-structured interviews with key local actors, fishers were found to have had to constantly adapt to (1) unfavorable environmental conditions caused by periodic floods and tropical storms; (2) the consequences of the overexploitation of key fishing resources; and (3) external factors like the creation of exclusion fishing zones and the use of explosives by the offshore petroleum industry, all of which hinder fishers from engaging in their livelihoods. The synergistic effects of these stressors, in addition to the existing marginalization and coercive working conditions, place these fishers at risk of losing their heritage, family, and lives. The survival capacity of fishers primarily depends on their efforts and, to a small degree, on state support, which focuses on a very narrow understanding of local adaptive capacities and is particularly difficult for free fishers and women to access. Despite these challenges, fishers have remained persistent in creating a culture that provides work for local inhabitants and food for the nation.
Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: A Technical Note
Authors: Vadhera Amar S. , Sivasundaram Lakshmanan , Swindell Hasani W. , Dasari Suhas P. , Khan Zeeshan A. , Kerzner Benjamin , Verma Nikhil N. , Chahla Jorge
Published: April 2022

Background:

Patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) is a salvage procedure for patients presenting with bone-on-bone isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Previous studies comparing PFA with total knee arthroplasties found that patients recover more quickly and have better average knee function following PFA, as care is taken to spare healthy cartilage, bone, and ligaments during the procedure. This allows preservation of native knee kinematics, resulting in better patient-reported outcomes, as well as mid-term and long-term results.

Indication:

PFA is indicated in patients with isolated primary or post-traumatic patellofemoral osteoarthritis. In some cases, the procedure may be indicated in patients suffering from patellar instability or trochlear dysplasia with associated arthritis. Contraindications for PFA include multicompartmental arthritis in the medial or lateral tibiofemoral compartments, inflammatory joint disease, tibiofemoral instability, malalignment, or lesions of 6 mm or more in diameter.

Technique Description:

After the initial lateral patellofemoral approach, degenerative changes in the patellofemoral joint were observed. Following preparation of the patella and femur, the trochlear implant is impacted on the prepared femoral surface. Cement is digitally impacted into the reamed patella, followed by placement of the final patellar implant and compression until the cement is dried.

Results:

Within 2 years postoperatively, patients are expected to have improved overall knee-specific quality of life, reduced pain, and a successful return to activities.

Discussion/Conclusion:

New PFA techniques have yielded significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes and high rates of survivorship following surgery.
Targeted autophagy disruption reveals the central role of macrophage iron metabolism in systemic iron homeostasis
Authors: Taleb Meriem , Maillet Isabelle , Le Bert Marc , Mura Catherine
Published: April 2022

Iron homeostasis depends on both intracellular control through iron-responsive proteins and the systemic level of iron through hepcidin-ferroportin axis. Indeed, the hormone hepcidin downregulates the ferroportin iron exporter to control iron recycling from macrophages and iron uptake from enterocytes. Here, we focused on the role of autophagy in macrophage iron metabolism and systemic iron homeostasis. Mice deficient for autophagy in macrophages (LysM-Atg5-/-) mimicked a primary iron overload phenotype, resulting in high ferroportin expression in both macrophages and enterocytes that correlated with marked parenchymal iron overload. Furthermore, LysM-Atg5-/- mice exhibited increased hematopoietic activity with no sign of anemia but correlating with rather high plasma iron level. Compared to wild-type cells, bone marrow-derived macrophages from LysM-Atg5-/- mice had significantly increased ferroportin expression and a decreased iron content, confirming high iron export. In erythrophagocytic macrophages autophagy regulates hemosiderin storage mechanisms as well as the degradation of ferroportin and subsequently its plasma membrane localization and iron export; further, ferroportin colocalization with hepcidin indicates hepcidin autocrine activity. Relatively high hepatic hepcidin expression, and decreased hepcidin level in the spleen of LysM-Atg5-/- mice correlating with low hemosiderin iron storage as well as in erythrophagocytic Atg5-/- macrophages were evidenced. Therefore, our results highligh the critical role of autophagy in macrophages for iron trafficking and systemic iron homeostasis. We propose that in macrophages, autophagy restricts ferroportin level and iron export resulting in hepcidin expression with an autocrine-paracrine effect that takes part in the regulation of the ferroportin expression in duodenal enterocytes.
Biomonitoring via DNA metabarcoding and light microscopy of bee pollen in rainforest transformation landscapes of Sumatra
Authors: Carneiro de Melo Moura Carina , Setyaningsih Christina A. , Li Kevin , Merk Miryam Sarah , Schulze Sonja , Raffiudin Rika , Grass Ingo , Behling Hermann , Tscharntke Teja , Westphal Catrin , Gailing Oliver
Published: April 2022

Background

Intense conversion of tropical forests into agricultural systems contributes to habitat loss and the decline of ecosystem functions. Plant-pollinator interactions buffer the process of forest fragmentation, ensuring gene flow across isolated patches of forests by pollen transfer. In this study, we identified the composition of pollen grains stored in pot-pollen of stingless bees, Tetragonula laeviceps, via dual-locus DNA metabarcoding (ITS2 and rbcL) and light microscopy, and compared the taxonomic coverage of pollen sampled in distinct land-use systems categorized in four levels of management intensity (forest, shrub, rubber, and oil palm) for landscape characterization.

Results

Plant composition differed significantly between DNA metabarcoding and light microscopy. The overlap in the plant families identified via light microscopy and DNA metabarcoding techniques was low and ranged from 22.6 to 27.8%. Taxonomic assignments showed a dominance of pollen from bee-pollinated plants, including oil-bearing crops such as the introduced species Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae) as one of the predominant taxa in the pollen samples across all four land-use types. Native plant families Moraceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Cannabaceae appeared in high proportion in the analyzed pollen material. One-way ANOVA (p > 0.05), PERMANOVA (R² values range from 0.14003 to 0.17684, for all tests p-value > 0.5), and NMDS (stress values ranging from 0.1515 to 0.1859) indicated a lack of differentiation between the species composition and diversity of pollen type in the four distinct land-use types, supporting the influx of pollen from adjacent areas.

Conclusions

Stingless bees collected pollen from a variety of agricultural crops, weeds, and wild plants. Plant composition detected at the family level from the pollen samples likely reflects the plant composition at the landscape level rather than the plot level. In our study, the plant diversity in pollen from colonies installed in land-use systems with distinct levels of forest transformation was highly homogeneous, reflecting a large influx of pollen transported by stingless bees through distinct land-use types. Dual-locus approach applied in metabarcoding studies and visual pollen identification showed great differences in the detection of the plant community, therefore a combination of both methods is recommended for performing biodiversity assessments via pollen identification.
Genome-wide identification and expression profiling analysis of sucrose synthase (SUS) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) genes family in Actinidia chinensis and A. eriantha
Authors: Liao Guanglian , Li Yiqi , Wang Hailing , Liu Qing , Zhong Min , Jia Dongfeng , Huang Chunhui , Xu Xiaobiao
Published: April 2022

Sucrose synthase (SUS) is a common sugar-base transfer enzyme in plants, and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) is one of the major enzymes in higher plants that regulates sucrose synthesis. However, information of the SPS and SUS gene families in Actinidia, as well as their evolutionary and functional properties, is limited. According to the SPS and SUS proteins conserved domain of Arabidopsis thaliana, we found 6 SPS genes and 6 SUS genes from A. chinensis (cultivar: ‘Hongyang’), and 3 SPS genes and 6 SUS genes from A. eriantha (cultivar: ‘White’). The novel CDC50 conserved domains were discovered on AcSUS2, and all members of the gene family contain similar distinctive conserved domains. The majority of SUS and SPS proteins were hydrophilic, lipid-soluble enzymes that were expected to be found in the cytoplasm. The tertiary structure of SPS and SUS protein indicated that there were many tertiary structures in SPS, and there were windmill-type and spider-type tertiary structures in SUS. The phylogenetic tree was created using the neighbor-joining method, and members of the SPS and SUS gene families are grouped into three subgroups. Genes with comparable intron counts, conserved motifs, and phosphorylation sites were clustered together first. SPS and SUS were formed through replication among their own family members. AcSPS1, AcSPS2, AcSPS4, AcSPS5, AcSUS5, AcSUS6, AeSPS3, AeSUS3 and AeSUS4 were the important genes in regulating the synthesis and accumulation of sucrose for Actinidia during the fruit growth stages.
Physical functioning associated with life-space mobility in later life among men and women
Authors: Fristedt Sofi , Kammerlind Ann-Sofi , Fransson Eleonor I. , Ernsth Bravell Marie
Published: April 2022

Background

Life-space mobility is defined as the ability to access different areas extending from the room where the person sleeps to places outside one’s hometown. Life-space mobility is vital to support performance of daily life activities and autonomous participation in social life. However, there is a dearth of research that investigates a wider range of physical functions and functioning in relation to life-space mobility rather than just single aspects. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to identify and describe several measures of physical functioning associated with life-space mobility among older men and women.

Methods

Data used in this study was derived from the OCTO 2 study, a population-based study of health, functioning and mobility among older persons (n = 312) in Sweden. Associations between Life-Space Assessment (LSA) total score and age, sex, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), dizziness, lung function i.e. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), grip strength, self-rated vision and hearing were analysed through bivariate and multivariate regression models.

Results

The bivariate models showed that life-space mobility was significantly associated with sex, but also age, SPPB, PEF and grip strength in the total group as well as among men and women. In addition, hearing was significantly associated with life-space mobility among women. Those factors that were statistically significant in the bivariate models were further analysed in multivariable models for the total group, and for men and women separately. In these models, sex, grip strength and SPPB remained significantly associated with life-space mobility in the total group, as well as SPPB among both men and women.

Conclusion

Sex, physical function in terms of physical performance measured by SPPB (balance, gait speed and chair stand), and grip strength are associated with life-space mobility. Consequently, these factors need to be considered in assessments and interventions aiming to maintain mobility in old age.
Prototypes virus of hand, foot and mouth disease infections and severe cases in Gansu, China: a spatial and temporal analysis
Authors: Liu Haixia , Zhang Yuzhou , Zhang Hong , Zheng Yunhe , Gou Faxiang , Yang Xiaoting , Cheng Yao , McClymont Hannah , Li Hui , Liu Xinfeng , Hu Wenbiao
Published: April 2022

Background

Little research has been conducted on the spatio-temporal relationship between the severe cases and the enteroviruses infections of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). This study aimed to investigate epidemic features and spatial clusters of HFMD incidence rates and assess the relationship between Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and Coxsackievirus A16 (CoxA16) and severe cases of HMFD in Gansu province, China.

Methods

Weekly county-specific data on HFMD between 1st January and 31st December 2018 were collected from the China Infectious Disease Information System (CIDIS), including enterovirus type (EV71 and CoxA16), severe and non-severe cases in Gansu province, China. Temporal risk [frequency index (α), duration index (β) and intensity index (γ)] and spatial cluster analysis were used to assess epidemic features and identify high-risk areas for HFMD. Time-series cross-correlation function and regression model were used to explore the relationship between the ratios of two types of viruses (i.e. EV71/Cox16) (EC) and severe cases index (i.e. severe cases/non-severe cases) (SI) of HFMD.

Results

Some counties in Dingxi City, Gansu were identified as a hot spot for the temporal risk indices. Time-series cross-correlation analysis showed that SI was significantly associated with EC (r = 0.417, P < 0.05) over a 4-week time lag. The regression analysis showed that SI was positively associated with EC (β = 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02–0.06).

Conclusion

The spatial patterns of HFMD incidence were associated with enteroviruses in Gansu. The research suggested that the EC could be considered a potential early warning sign for predicting severe cases of HFMD in Gansu province.
Nomogram to predict hemorrhagic transformation for acute ischemic stroke in Western China: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Zhang Keming , Luan Jianfang , Li Changqing , Chen Mingli
Published: April 2022

Background and purpose

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is the most alarming complication of acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to identify risk factors for HT in Chinese patients and attempted to develop a nomogram to predict individual cases.

Methods

A retrospective study was used to collect the demographic and clinical characteristics of ischemic stroke patients at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (development cohort) and Chongqing Sanbo Changan Hospital (validation cohort) from October 2013 to August 2020. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to identify the risk factors of patients in the development cohort. The nomogram was generated, and internal validation was performed. We used the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) to assess the discrimination and used the Hosmer–Lemeshow test to calibrate the model. To further verify the predictability and accuracy of the model, we performed an external validation of the patients in the validation cohort.

Results

A total of 570 patients were used to generate the nomogram. After univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, the remaining 7 variables (diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, total cholesterol, fibrous protein, cerebral infarction area, NIHSS score and onset-to-treatment) were independent predictors of HT and used to compose the nomogram. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.889 (95% CI, 0.841–0.938), and the calibration was good (P = 0.487 for the Hosmer–Lemeshow test). The model was validated externally with an AUC-ROC value of 0.832 (95% CI, 0.727–0.938).

Conclusions

The nomogram prediction model in this study has good predictive ability, accuracy and discrimination, which can improve the diagnostic efficiency of HT in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Oxaliplatin- versus cisplatin-based regimens for elderly individuals with advanced gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chinen Takashi , Sasabuchi Yusuke , Matsui Hiroki , Yamaguchi Hironori , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: April 2022

Background

Whether an oxaliplatin- or cisplatin-based regimen is more optimal for treating elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer, in terms of survival and adverse events remains unclear.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we used stacked claim data of residents in two Japanese prefectures collected between 2012 and 2017 and between 2014 and 2019, respectively. We included patients with advanced gastric cancer who received oxaliplatin-based and cisplatin-based regimens. Propensity score overlap weighting analysis was conducted to compare overall survival and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor use during chemotherapy between the oxaliplatin- and cisplatin-based treatment groups.

Results

A total of 242 patients were included in the study. After propensity score weighting, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no significant differences in overall survival between the two groups (hazard ratio: 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–2.11; p =  0.70). However, the proportion of patients receiving granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was significantly lower in the oxaliplatin group than in the cisplatin group (2.3% vs.22.7%, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Survival did not differ significantly between elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with oxaliplatin-based versus cisplatin-based regimens; however, the oxaliplatin-based regimen was associated with less granulocyte colony-stimulating factor use.