bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Towards Disposal of Unused and Expired Medications: an Assessment Among Patients
Authors: Raja Sangeetha , Mohapatra Satyajit , Rani Jamuna
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Medicines play a very significant role in treating many diseases, but it is essential to dispose of them properly at the treatment's end. Therefore, knowledge and awareness of proper drug disposal are necessary for a safe environment; this deficiency can lead to many problems, including environmental pollution and health hazards directly or indirectly. Hence, the study aimed to assess the knowledge, practice, and awareness of disposing of unused/expired drugs among the patient population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The study includes a total of 399 participants. The questionnaire consisted of demographical data and multiple-choice questions associated with knowledge and awareness of drug disposal. The collected data is expressed in percentages. Results: Out of 390 respondents, 49% were males and 51% were females. It was found that the most expected disposal pattern of expired/ unused drugs was through household trash (63%). A total of 300 (77%) were cautious of the consequence of inappropriate disposal. We observed that 20(5%) participants had partial knowledge about proper drug disposal, and 63% (n=245) did not practice safe disposal of the medicines. However, 66%(n=256) of participants sought to implement the National Drug Take Back program. Conclusion: Our study aimed to create an awareness to connect the gaps between knowledge and practice of proper and environmentally safe disposal methods of expired/ unused drugs among the overall population.
Comparative Experimental Evaluation of L-carnitine and Cholecalciferol on Amikacin Induced Nephrotoxicity and Clinical Evaluation of Amikacin Induced Adverse Drug Reactions
Authors: Mahato Himangshu , Das Vaswati , Biswas Supreeti
Published: September 2022

Background: Reduction of health cost burden with existing low-cost drug and thereby improving patient compliance is utmost necessary. Keeping in mind the above, we started with low cost, broad spectrum, WHO enlisted essential drug amikacin. We tried to revaluate it with another two low-cost drugs, L-carnitine, and Cholecalciferol. Objectives: Measurement of amikacin induced nephrotoxicity by means of abnormal renal biochemical parameters on albino rats and comparison of improvement after administration of L-carnitine & Cholecalciferol along with renal histopathology examination (HPE) of amikacin treated rats and causality assessment of amikacin induced adverse drug reactions (ADR) in hospitalized patient. Materials and Methods: Healthy albino male rats (N=40) were taken from Institutional animal house of Burdwan medical College and Hospital (BMCH) and were randomly divided into 4 groups. CPCSEA acclimatization guideline followed. IEAC and CREC clearances taken. Renal biochemical parameters from blood samples were analysed. Sterile water for injection was given to all group. Group I is control (only vehicle), Amikacin added to Group II, III and IV. L carnitine & Cholecalciferol was added to Group III & Group IV respectively. Post test measurement of renal biochemical parameters and HPE were done. Clinical observation of amikacin treated hospitalised patients and collection of their ADR in BMCH were done to find out correlations with animal experiment. Results: Statistical analyses were done using Graph Pad Prism version.4 software. Minimisation of amikacin induced nephropathy were seen, more in Group IV than Group III. HPE found the same conclusion. WHO UMC causality assessment revealed, 94.35% ADR were “probable/likely” whereas 5.65% were “possible”. The Naranjo’s adverse reaction probability scale revealed almost the same. Conclusion: Interventional animal experiment, biochemical parameters, histopathology along with open label, non-interventional, prospective observational study clearly indicates cholecalciferol is significantly better than L carnitine to minimise the effects of amikacin induced nephropathy.
An Analysis of Khurtsiin Deed-6 Compound’s Effect on IL-1β Expression in Nitroglycerin Induced Migraine and Alcohol Exposed Neurodegeneration Model in Rat
Authors: Gombodorj Jargalsaikhan , Bayarsaikhan Enkhjargal , Chimedtseren Chimedragchaa , Baatartsogt Uuganbayar , Gansukh Baigali , Surenjid Seesregdorj
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Khurtsiin deed-6 in migraine and neurodegeneration rat models. Methods: This study uses nitroglycerin induced migraine was model and alcohol exposed neurodegeneration model in Wistar rats to evaluate anti-inflammatory effect of Khurtsiin deed-6 at the 3 different doses of 50, 100and 150 mg/kg, orally. After anesthesia, the brains were removed, then trigeminal nucleus caudal is and hippocampus region isolated from fresh brain. And followed by protein and RNA extraction. Interleukin-1β expression was analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Nitroglycerin induced rat migraine model had increased Interleukin-1β expression in brain TNC area (p<0.001). It has been decreased dramatically after treatment of Khurtsiin deed-6 by doses of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg treatment in brain trigeminal nucleus caudal is region (p<0.01) comparing ibuprofen treated group. Moreover alcohol exposed neurodegeneration rat model had observed increased Interleukin-1β expression in brain Hp area (p<0.001). But Khurtsiin deed-6 doses of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg treatment reduced neuroinflammatory cytokines IL1β expression in hippocampus region (p<0.01, p<0.001) of alcoholic rat models comparing pyridoxamine administrated animals. Conclusion: The present finding indicates that Khurtsiin deed-6shows anti-inflammatory activity decreasing the level of Interleukin -1β cytokine in nitroglycerin induced migraine and alcohol exposed neurodegeneration rat models
Phytochemical Screening and Bacterial Activity of Hylocereus polyrhizus Britton and Rose Peel against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: DN Nani Wijayanti , Yudhistira Liza , Faizah Ana Khusnul
Published: September 2022

Hylocereus polyrhizus Britton & Rose fruit is a tropical plant that is popular and widely cultivated due to its qualities and advantages and high nutritional content. Some substances in Hylocereus polyrhizus Britton & Rose are plant sources rich in nutrients and minerals, namely vitamin B complex and vitamin C, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, flavonoids, niacin, pyridoxine, cobalamin, phenolics, betacyanins, polyphenols, and carotenoids. This study aimed to assess the bacterial activity of the 96% ethanol extract of Hylocereus polyrhizus fruit peel against the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus using the well diffusion method. Maceration was used as an extraction method, and a phytochemical screening procedure was carried out according to the process from Harbone. The bacterial activity was conducted by the well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening yields from 96% ethanol extract of Hylocereus polyrhizus fruit peel showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, polyphenols, and saponins. The findings of the bacterial activity test of 96% ethanol extract of Hylocereus polyrhizus fruit peel with a concentration of 20%, 60%, and 80% (b/v) indicated intense antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus.
Homology Modeling Odorant-binding Protein-1 (OBP1) Anopheles Farauti Protein Target for Mosquito Repellent
Authors: Sandy Semuel , Winanda Elisa
Published: September 2022

The odorant binding protein (OBP) has a role as a target protein for potential interaction mechanism activity for the development of repellent compounds. The purpose of this study was to analyze the physico-chemical properties of the protein, the stability of the three-dimensional structure of the OBP1 Anopheles farauti protein, and to predict the binding site pocket as the target of the active protein site against inhibitors. Analysis of physico-chemical properties was carried out by the ProtParam Expasy server. The theoretical calculated isoelectric point (pI) was found to be less than 7 indicating the acidic nature of this protein. The aliphatic index of 78 indicates the thermal stability of the protein. The Grand Average of Hydropathicity (GRAVY) is estimated at -0.355; This lower GRAVY value indicates a possible better interaction of this protein with water. Secondary structure analysis was carried out by SOPMA which revealed that Alpha helix (55.86%) predominated among the secondary structural elements followed by Random coil (32.41%), Extended strand (8.97%), and Beta turn (2.76%). Three-dimensional structure modeling of OBP1 Anopheles farauti was performed with the Swiss-Model server and the protein refine Galaxy server. Homology modeling results obtained PDB ID 2ERB template with sequence identity 94.4%. The model was validated for the three-dimensional structure of the protein using the MolProbity, ProSA, ProQ, ERRAT, Verfy3D, and PROCHECK servers. The prediction results of pocket binding sites using DoSiteScore obtained three pocket binding site locations, namely P_0 (Drug score 0.84); P_1 ((0.75); P_2 (Drug score 0.64). Conclusion Homology modeling of the protein OBP1 Anopheles farauti has been carried out and the three-dimensional structure of the Model_OBP1_04 protein has been obtained that meets the criteria for valid structural parameters so that this structure can be used In-silico molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies for the development of mosquitoes repellent.
The Prediction of Micro- and Macrovascular Complications in Individuals with T2DM with Different Risk Factors in Iraq
Authors: Mana Shahad Turkey , Mahdi Dawood Salman , Altemimi Mahmood Thamer
Published: September 2022

Background: Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a serious health problem that affects people all over the world and places a heavy financial and social burden on individuals, families, and communities. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the risk factors of T2DM and its relationship to micro- and macrovascular complications. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 1189 individuals with T2DM attending A Tertiary Endocrine Center. All patients’ data were gathered from direct interviewees and the digital records of the tertiary center, which used an internal network system and Microsoft Access program. Results: The mean age was 55.9 ±11.7 years, female 58%, body mass index 31.2 ±5.5 kg/m2, waist circumference 108±11.6 cm, mean duration of T2DM 10.1 ±7 years, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 9.6 ±2.1%. The prevalence risk factors were as follows smoking 27.3%, central obesity 84.3%, history of dyslipidemia 74.6%, family history of T2DM 64.9%, hypertension 63.5%, signs of insulin resistance (IR) 61.7%, gestational Diabetes (GDM) and History of cardiovascular diseases(CVD) 20.9%. These risk factors had a statistically significant impact on both macrovascular and microvascular T2DM. Conclusion: history of dyslipidemia and GDM were the most significant independent risk factors for the prediction of macrovascular complications among T2DM, while female gender, history of dyslipidemia, and GDM were independent risk factors for the prediction of microvascular complications among T2DM. Other risk factors including: History of CVD, hypertension, central obesity, duration of T2DM more than 5 years, estimated GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and any signs of IR were significantly effect on both micro- and macrovascular complications, but as dependent risk factors to further cofounders.
Factors associated with conversion to surgical release after a steroid injection in patients with a trigger finger
Authors: van den Berg Catherine , van der Zwaard Babette , Halperin Joni , van der Heijden Brigitte
Published: September 2022

Aims

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the rate of conversion to surgical release after a steroid injection in patients with a trigger finger, and to analyze which patient- and trigger finger-related factors affect the outcome of an injection.

Methods

The medical records of 500 patients (754 fingers) treated for one or more trigger fingers with a steroid injection or with surgical release, between 1 January 2016 and 1 April 2020 with a follow-up of 12 months, were analyzed. Conversion to surgical release was recorded as an unsuccessful treatment after an injection. The effect of patient- and trigger finger-related characteristics on the outcome of an injection was assessed using stepwise manual backward multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Treatment with an injection was unsuccessful in 230 fingers (37.9%). Female sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.87 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21 to 2.88)), Quinnell stage IV (OR 16.01 (95% CI 1.66 to 154.0)), heavy physical work (OR 1.60 (95% CI 0.96 to 2.67)), a third steroid injection (OR 2.02 (95% CI 1.06 to 3.88)), and having carpal tunnel syndrome (OR 1.59 (95% CI 0.98 to 2.59)) were associated with a higher risk of conversion to surgical release. In contrast, an older age (OR 0.98 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.99)), smoking (OR 0.39 (95% CI 0.24 to 0.64)), and polypharmacy (OR 0.39, CI 0.12 to 1.12) were associated with a lower risk of conversion. The regression model predicted 15.6% of the variance found for the outcome of the injection treatment (R2 > 0.25).

Conclusion

Factors associated with a worse outcome following a steroid injection were identified and should be considered when choosing the treatment of a trigger finger. In women with a trigger finger, the choice of treatment should take into account whether there are also one or more patient- or trigger-related factors that increase the risk of conversion to surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(10):1142–1147.
A randomized controlled trial comparing two modern total wrist arthroplasties
Authors: Holm-Glad Trygve , Røkkum Magne , Röhrl Stephan M. , Roness Siri , Godang Kristin , Reigstad Ole
Published: September 2022

Aims

To analyze the short-term outcome of two types of total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) in terms of wrist function, migration, and periprosthetic bone behaviour.

Methods

A total of 40 patients suffering from non-rheumatoid wrist arthritis were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial comparing the ReMotion and Motec TWAs. Patient-rated and functional outcomes, radiological changes, blood metal ion levels, migration measured by model-based radiostereometric analysis (RSA), bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), complications, loosening, and revision rates at two years were compared.

Results

Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) scores, abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) scores, and pain improved similarly and significantly in both groups. Wrist motion improved significantly in the Motec group only, and forearm rotation in the ReMotion group only. Cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) blood ion levels were significantly higher in the metal-on-metal (MoM) Motec group than in the metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) ReMotion group. Mean total translation was 0.65 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26 to 1.12) and 0.27 mm (95% CI 0.14 to 0.47) for the ReMotion carpal and radial components, and 0.32 mm (95% CI 0.22 to 0.45) and 0.26 mm (95% CI 0.20 to 0.34) for the Motec metacarpal and radial components, respectively. Apart from dorsal and volar tilts, which were significantly higher for the radial ReMotion than for the Motec component, no significant differences in absolute migration occurred. BMD around the radial components never returned to baseline. Almost one-third of patients required reoperation due to complications. Two ReMotion implants were revised to Motec TWAs due to carpal component loosening, and three Motec MoM articulations were revised to metal-on-polyether ether ketone due to painful synovitis.

Conclusion

Both implants provided matched function and were stable at short-term follow-up, but with a high complication rate. This procedure should be restricted to specialist centres undertaking prospective analysis until its role is clarified. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(10):1132–1141.
Elbow arthroplasty research methods, outcome domains, and instruments used in clinical outcome studies
Authors: Watts Adam C. , Hamoodi Zaid , McDaid Catriona , Hewitt Catherine
Published: September 2022

Aims

Arthroplasties of the elbow, including total elbow arthroplasty, radial head arthroplasty, distal humeral hemiarthroplasty, and radiocapitellar arthroplasty, are rarely undertaken. This scoping review aims to outline the current research in this area to inform the development of future research.

Methods

A scoping review was undertaken adhering to the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines using Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and trial registries, limited to studies published between 1 January 1990 and 7 February 2021. Endnote software was used for screening and selection, and included randomized trials, non-randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies, analytical cross-sectional studies, and case series of ten or more patients reporting the clinical outcomes of elbow arthroplasty. The results are presented as the number of types of studies, sample size, length of follow-up, clinical outcome domains and instruments used, sources of funding, and a narrative review.

Results

A total of 362 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most were of total elbow arthroplasty (246; 68%), followed by radial head arthroplasty (100; 28%), distal humeral hemiarthroplasty (11; 3%), and radiocapitellar arthroplasty (5; 1%). Most were retrospective (326; 90%) and observational (315; 87%). The median sample size for all types of implant across all studies was 36 (interquartile range (IQR) 21 to 75). The median length of follow-up for all studies was 56 months (IQR 36 to 81). A total of 583 unique outcome descriptors were used and were categorized into 18 domains. A total of 105 instruments were used to measure 39 outcomes.

Conclusion

We found that most of the literature dealing with elbow arthroplasty consists of retrospective observational studies with small sample sizes and short follow-up. Many outcomes have been used with many different instruments for their measurement, indicating a need to define a core set of outcomes and instruments for future research in this area. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(10):1148–1155.
Burnout y estresores en docentes durante la pandemia por COVID-19
Authors: Santa-Cruz-Espinoza Henry , Chávez-Ventura Gina , Domínguez -Vergara Julio , Castañeda Paredes Jennifer , Araujo Robles Elizabeth Dany
Published: September 2022

INTRODUCCIÓN. Ante la pandemia por COVID-19 surgieron una serie de medidas de restricción que contribuyeron a frenar los contagios, entre ellas, el cierre de lugares públicos. Con el fin de asegurar la continuidad educativa, se instauró la modalidad virtual; sin embargo, un gran número de docentes vieron sobrepasados sus recursos para lidiar con tales demandas, al no encontrarse preparados. Por ello, el objetivo del estudio fue comprobar un modelo explicativo del burnout a partir de los estresores laborales durante la pandemia en los docentes. MÉTODO. Se planteó un estudio aplicado con diseño explicativo de variables latentes, mediante ecuaciones estructurales (SEM). Los participantes fueron 504 profesores (M edad = 42.18; DE = 10.2) de educación básica regular de instituciones estatales (62.7%) y privadas (37.3%), de tres regiones peruanas, quienes respondieron a una ficha sociodemográfica, a la Escala de Estresores en Docentes en Tiempos de Pandemia y al Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). RESULTADOS. Se obtuvo que las dimensiones del burnout, agotamiento emocional y cinismo se explican por los estresores: entorno del trabajo y sobrecarga laboral, el uso de nuevas tecnologías, la incertidumbre por la duración y consecuencias de la pandemia, el aspecto organizacional de la institución educativa y las relaciones con el entorno del alumno. DISCUSIÓN. Los hallazgos sugieren que la pandemia por COVID-19 ha generado una serie de estresores que han tenido un impacto negativo en la salud mental de los docentes, quienes vivencian una sensación de agotamiento emocional, pérdida de fuerza y energía insuficiente para continuar afrontando el trabajo, así como respuestas insensibles o distantes a diferentes rasgos del trabajo. En este sentido, se propone fortalecer los recursos personales y logísticos de los maestros, para afrontar las demandas educativas y contrarrestar el efecto negativo de los estresores.
Working Vacation Policy for Load Sharing K-out-of-N: G System
Authors: Kumar Sudeep , Gupta Ritu
Published: September 2022

In industrial systems, the K-out-of-N: G system is a prominent type of redundancy. The load sharing protects such system from malfunctioning/destroying and avoids overload problem that affects the system reliability in a significant manner. In this paper we develop a Markovian model of load-sharing K-out-of-N: G system having non-identical repairable components wherein the server may on working vacation. During his vacation period, the server repairs the failed components with different service rates rather than completely terminating service rate. The failed component gets immediately repaired by the server if not on vacation, and unequal load is distributed among remaining surviving components. The lifetime of each component is load dependent followed by non-identical exponential distribution with different failure rates. The system is failed down due to common cause with failure density which is also exponentially distributed. We suggest closed structure analytic expressions for reliability, cost estimation and other performance measures of the load-sharing K-out-of-N: G repairable system by incorporating the concept of working vacation. For the solution aspiration, Runge-Kutta method is utilized to solve the system of differential equations. Furthermore, we perform the numerical analysis for two illustrations 1-out-of-3: G system and 3-out-of-4: G system. The numerical simulation is carried out for the validation of analytical results which are exhibited and compared by giving numerical outcomes and neuro-fuzzy outcomes based on fuzzy interference system with the help of MATLAB.
Playing catch up
Authors: Pegna Victoria
Published: September 2022

Council Member Victoria Pegna discusses why it is essential that the College continues to champion sustainability in surgery, and how she plans to advocate for sustainable practices in her term on Council.
Old wars, new wars and understanding the past
Authors: Mortensen Neil
Published: September 2022

Our President discusses the current global climate, and the importance of looking to the past to better understand our present.
Interview: Chantelle Rizan and Laura Burton
Authors: Crossley E
Published: September 2022

Following the inaugural International Young Health Leaders Institute summit, Eleanor Crossley talks to two fellow young leaders about the importance of developing and maintaining sustainable practices in healthcare.
Prognostic value of interview rank when hiring for health: staff and nonsense or significant metric?
Authors: Mellor K , Robinson DBT , Luton O , James OP , Powell AGMT , Hopkins L , Hemington-Gorse S , Lala A , Egan RJ , Lewis WG
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Core surgical training recruitment works via a centralised national selection process, during which each applicant is assigned an interview performance rank. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative performance of core surgical trainees related to interview rank (CSTIR) in a single UK statutory education body.

Methods

Data for two cohorts of core surgical trainees (87 individuals) were analysed prospectively over two years (2018–2021). The primary outcome measures were Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination pass and specialty national training number (NTN) appointment.

Results

The overall MRCS pass rate was 67.8% and the NTN success rate was 43.7%. CSTIR <332 was associated with MRCS pass (88.0% vs 59.7%, odds ratio [OR]: 4.90, p = 0.017) and CSTIR <550 with NTN success (57.4% vs 42.6%, OR: 3.56, p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis revealed that NTN appointment was associated with audit completion (OR: 1.49, p = 0.045), scientific publication (OR: 2.08, p = 0.008), CSTIR (OR: 6.02, p = 0.014), universal annual review of competence progression Outcome 1 (OR: 25.10, p = 0.002) and Improving Surgical Training programme (OR: 108.96, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

CSTIR was independently associated with conversion to higher surgical specialty NTN, suggesting that the current recruitment process predicts likely success in training.
‘You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy’
Authors: Crean Stjohn
Published: September 2022

Our Editor-in-chief reflects on the need to let go and move forward.
Confidence in competence: aligning the goalposts in dental training pathways
Authors: Goldsmith Rachel , Rogers Helen
Published: September 2022

How do regular reviews of competence ensure trainees are progressing effectively?
No significant effect of frequent online sexual behaviour on Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT): Implications for compulsive sexual behaviour disorder
Authors: Wells Timothy J. , Krejčová Lucie , Binter Jakub , Pfaus James G. , Horsley Rachel R.
Published: September 2022

Reward based learning is broadly acknowledged to underpin the development and maintenance of addictive behaviour although the mechanism in sexual compulsivity is less understood. Using a Pavlovian-to-Instrumental Transfer (PIT) task we tested whether the motivational aspect of conditioned Pavlovian conditioned stimulus invigorated instrumental responding in relation to specific compatible monetary rewards. Performance on the task was analysed between two groups of males based on Low (N = 38) and High (N = 41) self-report online sexual behaviour (OSB). Psychometric tests including sexual compulsivity scale and behavioural activation/behavioural inhibition (BIS/BAS) were also administered to determine the relationship between OSB and general reward sensitivity. We show clear evidence of acquisition in the Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning phases. Specific transfer effect was greater in the High-OSB group although the difference compared to the Low-OSB group was non-significant. OSB negatively correlated with both BIS and BAS indicative of introversion and low reward sensitivity. OSB positively correlated with sexual compulsivity although it is unclear whether individuals in the High-OSB group considered their behaviour either excessive or problematic. These findings contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the nature of problematic OSB. Fundamental differences in motivational characteristics and mechanism contributing to compulsive behaviour in relation to high-OSB might indicate incompatibility with behavioural addiction models. PIT was not enhanced in high-OSB by appetitive conditioning, although problematic OSB could stem from failure to inhibit actions. Further research should investigate whether aversive conditioning differentially affects responding in high-OSB individuals, potentially explaining perseverant behaviour despite negative consequences.
Ultrasound-guided dry needling versus traditional dry needling for patients with knee osteoarthritis: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pang Johnson C. Y. , Fu Amy S. N. , Lam Stanley K. H. , Peng B. , Fu Allan C. L.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To compare the effect of ultrasound (US)-guided dry needling (DN) with traditional DN in the treatment of pain and dysfunction for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Design

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Patients (25 male and 65 female), age 50–80 years diagnosed with KOA were recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio for intervention: real US-guided DN with exercise therapy (G1), placebo US-guided DN with exercise therapy (G2), and exercise therapy solely (G3). G1 and G2 were blinded to the application of real or placebo US guidance by turning the monitor of US imaging out-of-view from participants’ vantage points. The effectiveness of blinding was evaluated by asking the participants whether they had received real-US guided DN. The responses were assessed by Chi-square test. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Knee injury, and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales (KOOS-pain, KOOS-symptoms, KOOS-quality-of-life (QoL)) were collected at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks by a blinded assessor. Data were analyzed by mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni correction.

Results

Eighty-four participants (61.26±5.57 years) completed the study. G1 achieved significant improvement in VAS at 8 weeks compared to G2 and G3 (G1 vs. G2: MD = -15.61, 95% CI [-25.49, -5.51],p= 0.001; G1 vs. G3: MD = -19.90, 95% CI [-29.71, -10.08],p< 0.001). G1 achieved significant improvement in KOOS-pain at 8 weeks compared to G2 and G3 (G1 vs. G2: MD = 9.76, 95% CI [2.38, 17.14],p= 0.006; G1 vs. G3: MD = 9.48, 95% CI [2.31, 16.66],p= 0.010). KOOS-symptoms and KOOS-QoL were not statistically significant between groups. G2 had no significant difference of the perceptions as G1 with p = 0.128. G2 were successfully blinded to placebo US-guided DN.

Conclusion

US-guided DN with exercise therapy may be more effective than traditional DN with exercise therapy or exercise therapy alone in reduce pain of KOA.
Influenza vaccine coverage and factors associated with non-vaccination among adults at high risk for severe outcomes: An analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Gravagna Katie , Wolfson Christina , Sulis Giorgia , Buchan Sarah A. , McNeil Shelly , Andrew Melissa K. , McMillan Jacqueline , Kirkland Susan , Basta Nicole E.
Published: September 2022

Background

Influenza vaccination is recommended in Canada for older adults and those with underlying health conditions due to their increased risk of severe outcomes. Further research is needed to identify who within these groups is not receiving influenza vaccine to identify opportunities to increase coverage.

Objectives

We aimed to 1) estimate influenza non-vaccination prevalence and 2) assess factors associated with non-vaccination among Canadian adults aged ≥65 and adults aged 46–64 with ≥1 chronic medical condition (CMC) due to their high risk of severe influenza outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected from 2015–2018 among participants of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. For both groups of interest, we estimated non-vaccination prevalence and used logistic regression models to identify factors associated with non-vaccination. We report adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the investigated variables.

Results

Overall, 29.5% (95% CI: 28.9%, 30.1%) of the 23,226 participants aged ≥65 years and 50.4% (95% CI: 49.4%, 51.3%) of the 11,250 participants aged 46–64 years with ≥1 CMC reported not receiving an influenza vaccination in the past 12 months. For both groups, lack of recent contact with a family doctor and current smoking were independently associated with non-vaccination.

Discussion

Influenza vaccination helps prevent severe influenza outcomes. Yet, half of adults aged 46–64 years with ≥1 CMC and more than one-quarter of all adults aged ≥65 years did not receive a recommended influenza vaccine in the year prior to the survey. Innovation in vaccination campaigns for routinely recommended vaccines, especially among those without annual family doctor visits, may improve coverage.

Conclusion

Influenza vaccination coverage among Canadian adults aged 46–64 years with ≥1 CMC and adults aged ≥65 years remains suboptimal. Vaccination campaigns targeting those at high risk of severe outcomes without routine physician engagement should be evaluated to improve uptake.
Key topics in pandemic health risk communication: A qualitative study of expert opinions and knowledge
Authors: Berg Siv Hilde , Shortt Marie Therese , Røislien Jo , Lungu Daniel Adrian , Thune Henriette , Wiig Siri
Published: September 2022

Background

Science communication can provide people with more accurate information on pandemic health risks by translating complex scientific topics into language that helps people make more informed choices on how to protect themselves and others. During pandemics, experts in medicine, science, public health, and communication are important sources of knowledge for science communication. This study uses the COVID-19 pandemic to explore these experts’ opinions and knowledge of what to communicate to the public during a pandemic. The research question is: What are the key topics to communicate to the public about health risks during a pandemic?

Method

We purposively sampled 13 experts in medicine, science, public health, and communication for individual interviews, with a range of different types of knowledge of COVID-19 risk and communication at the national, regional and hospital levels in Norway. The interview transcripts were coded and analysed inductively in a qualitative thematic analysis.

Results

The study’s findings emphasise three central topics pertaining to communication about pandemic health risk during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway: 1) how the virus enters the human body and generates disease; 2) how to protect oneself and others from being infected; and 3) pandemic health risk for the individual and the society.

Conclusion

The key topics emerging from the expert interviews relate to concepts originating from multiple disciplinary fields, and can inform frameworks for interprofessional communication about health risks during a pandemic. The study highlights the complexity of communicating pandemic messages, due to scientific uncertainty, fear of risk amplification, and heterogeneity in public health and scientific literacy. The study contributes with insight into the complex communication processes of pandemic health risk communication.
Numerical study of sediment scour at meander flume outlet of boxed culvert diversion work
Authors: Le Hien T. T. , Nguyen Chien Van , Le Duc-Hau
Published: September 2022

Background

Sediment scour at downstream of hydraulic structures is one of the main reasons threatening its stability. Several soil properties and initial input data have been studied to investigate its influence on scour hole geometry by both physical and numerical models. However, parameters of resistance affecting sedimentation and erosion phenomena have not been carried out in the literature. Besides, the auxiliary-like wing walls prevalently used in many real applications have been rarely addressed for their effect on morphological change.

Results

In this study, a 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics model is utilized to calibrate the hydraulic characteristics of steady flow going through the culvert by comparison with experimental data, showing good agreement between water depth, velocity, and pressure profiles at the bottom of the boxed culvert. The results show that a grid cell of 0.015 m gave minimum NRMSE and MAE values in test cases. Another approach is numerical testing sediment scour at a meander flume outlet with a variety of roughness/d50 ratio (cs) and diversion wall types. The findings include the following: cs = 2.5 indicates the close agreement between the numerical and analytical results of maximum scour depth after the culvert; the influence of four types of wing wall on the geometrical deformation including erosion at the concave bank and deposition at the convex bank of the meander flume outlet; and two short headwalls represent the best solution that accounts for small morphological changes.

Conclusions

The influence of the roughness parameter of soil material and headwall types on sediment scour at the meander exit channel of hydraulic structure can be estimated by the numerical model.
Intelligent diagnosis of resistance variant multiple fault locations of mine ventilation system based on ML-KNN
Authors: Wang Dong , Liu Jian , Deng Lijun , Wang Honglin
Published: September 2022

The resistance variant faults (RVFs) observed in the mine ventilation system can utterly restrict mine safety production. Herein, a machine learning model, which is based on multi-label k-nearest neighbor (ML-KNN), is proposed to solve the problem of the rapid and accurate diagnosis of the RVFs that occur at multiple locations within the mine ventilation system. The air volume that passes through all the branches of the ventilation network, including the residual branches, was used as the diagnostic model input after the occurrence of multiple faults, whereas the label vector of the fault locations was used as the model’s output. In total, seven evaluation indicators and 1800 groups of randomly simulated faults at the typical locations in a production mine with 153 nodes and 223 branches were considered to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed model to solve for multiple fault locations diagnostic and verify the model’s generalization ability. After ten-fold cross-validation of the training sets containing 1600 groups of fault instances, the diagnostic accuracy of the model tested with the air volume of all 223 branches and the 71 residual branches’ air volume as input was 73.6% and 72.3%, respectively. On the other hand, To further evaluate the diagnostic performance of the model, 200 groups of the multiple fault instances that were not included in the training were tested. The accuracy of the fault location diagnosis was 76.5% and 73.5%, and the diagnostic time was 9.9s and 12.16s for the multiple faults instances with all 223 branches’ air volume and the 71 residual branches’ air volume as observation characteristics, respectively. The data show that the machine learning model based on ML-KNN shows good performance in the problem of resistance variant multiple fault locations diagnoses of the mine ventilation system, the multiple fault locations diagnoses can be carried out with all the branches’ air volume or the residual branches’ air volume as the input of the model, the diagnostic average accuracy is higher than 70%, and the average diagnosis time is less than one minute. Hence, the proposed model’s diagnostic accuracy and speed can meet the engineering requirements for the diagnosis of multiple fault locations for a real ventilation system in the field, and this model can effectively replace personnel to discover ventilation system failures, and also lays a good foundation for the construction of intelligent ventilation systems.
Poetic Resurrection: The Bronx in American Popular Culture, Sina A. Nitzsche (2020)
Authors: Ross Jeffrey Ian
Published: September 2022

Review of: Poetic Resurrection: The Bronx in American Popular Culture, Sina A. Nitzsche (2020)

Bielefeld: Transcript, 217 pp.,

ISBN 978-3-83765-311-3, p/bk, USD 28.87
Impact of hygiene and sanitation in ruminant slaughterhouses on the bacterial contamination of meat in Central Java Province, Indonesia
Authors: Dharma Edy , Haryono Haryono , Salman Aldi , Rahayu Pangesti , Nugroho Widagdo Sri
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim: Ruminant slaughterhouse is one of the food-producing units to meet the protein demand of the people in Central Java. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of sanitation and hygiene in ruminant slaughterhouses in Central Java based on their veterinary control number (NKV) certification and the microbiological quality of the meat produced.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted from September 2021 to December 2021. Thirty-three priority slaughterhouses, representing 33 districts/cities in Central Java Province, were assessed for their hygiene and sanitation practices according to the NKV criteria mandated by The Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 11/2020 on NKV Certification for Animal Production Unit. Sixty-six meat samples from these slaughterhouses were obtained for microbiological analysis. The total plate count (TPC), counts of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the presence of Salmonella spp. were determined. The microbiological tests followed the standard national testing procedure according to the Indonesian National Standard 2897:2008 on Method of Analysis for Microbiological Contaminants in Meat, Eggs, Milk, and its derived products.

Results: The sanitation hygiene assessment of the 33 slaughterhouses showed that seven (21.2%) met the NKV criteria level 3, while the others did not. The average TPC of the meat samples was 1.57 × 105 CFU/g (4.93 log10), the S. aureus count was 7.6 CFU/g, and the E. coli count was 9.2 most probable number/g. Only one sample (1.50%) tested positive for Salmonella spp. A comprehensive assessment comparing the NKV criteria with the level of meat contamination showed that the ruminant slaughterhouses that satisfied the NKV criteria had more meat samples (85.71%), on average, that complied with the Indonesian National Standard for microbial contamination compared with those that did not satisfy the NKV criteria (69.23%). The odds ratio was 2.67.

Conclusion: Most of the priority ruminant slaughterhouses in Central Java did not meet the NKV standards. The research only looks at the level of hygiene sanitation according to NKV standards in slaughterhouses, the level of contamination produced does not reflect the level of the consumer; therefore, the level of contamination should continue to be investigated at the post-production stage.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Thiopyrimidine-Glucuronide Compounds with Promising Biological Activities
Authors: Wanare Rajendra K.
Published: September 2022

3-Methyl-5-acetyl-7-[(2-sulfanylidene-6-aryl-1,2-dihydropyrimidin-4-yl)amino]-1,2-benzisoxazoles
(2a-n) were obtained from N-(5-acetyl-3-methyl-1,2-benzoxazol-7-yl)-3-arylprop-2-enamides (1a-n) and
thiourea. Products (2a-n) oxidized with KMnO4 to afford 5-acetyl-7-[(2-sulfanylidene-6-aryl-1,2-
dihydropyrimidin-4-yl)amino]-1,2-benzisoxazole-3-carboxylic acids (3a-n). Reaction of 3a-n with
D-gluconic acid and pyridine yielded β-D-glucuronosyl-5-acetyl-7-[(2-sulfanylidene-6-aryl-1,2-
dihydropyrimidin-4-yl)amino]-1,2-benzisoxazol-3-carboxylates (4a-n). The present synthesis featured
the formation of dihydropyrimidine skeleton through ring closure of key intermediates and installation
of pyrimidine ring with amino group. The structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were
characterized by analytical data, IR, 1
H NMR and mass spectrometry.
Zöldút fejlesztési lehetőségek vizsgálata Észak- Magyarország régió felhagyott vasútvonalain
Authors: Weisz Szilvia , Boromisza Zsombor
Published: September 2022

Észak-Magyarország régióban 966 km vasútvonal található, azonban a rendszerváltás után a pálya- és vágányrendszer csaknem 20%-a, közel 200 km, bezárásra került. Jelen kutatás célja ezen felhagyott vasútvonalak tájépítészeti és tájesztétikai értékelése, elsősorban a közlekedési és zöldfelületi hiányokat pótló zöldútfejlesztési potenciál alapján. Számos szakterületre kiterjedő kutatásunk eredménye alapján van olyan felhagyott vagy hosszútávon forgalomszüneteltetésre szánt vasútvonal, ami az alkalmassági értékelés valamennyi felállított szempontjának megfelel. Így további részletes, a fejlesztést elősegítő mintaterületi vizsgálatainkat a leginkább alkalmas, 21 km hosszú, Nógrád megyei Diósjenő-Rétság-Bánk-Romhány vonalon végeztük el.
Un funcionario experto. La producción geográfica del ingeniero Manuel Fernández Leal, 1877-1911
Authors: Vega y Ortega Baez Rodrigo Antonio , Flores Herrera Gustavo Enrique
Published: September 2022

Manuel Fernández Leal fue un ingeniero topógrafo e hidrógrafo de gran importancia para el desarrollo de la geografía mexicana durante el último tercio del siglo XIX y la primera década del siglo XX, debido a su influencia en los ámbitos gubernamental, educativo, asociacionista e institucional. El artículo problematiza la producción geográfica de Fernández Leal como un ejemplo de la participación científica de los funcionarios expertos en la solución de las problemáticas de interés público y gubernamental durante el porfiriato a través de la prensa. La metodología retoma la figura del experto científico como un individuo calificado para tomar decisiones sobre temas de interés social y gubernamental a partir de sus capacidades académicas. Los principales resultados evidencian que Fernández Leal es un ejemplo del científico mexicano que participó en la construcción de la figura del experto funcionario, pues su obra hemerográfica estuvo vinculada con sus labores en el Ministerio de Fomento y la Escuela Nacional de Ingenieros. El estudio de su producción geográfica nos permite dar cuenta de las inquietudes de una generación de expertos que impulsaron el proyecto modernizador porfiriano. Las conclusiones muestran que en el pensamiento de Fernández Leal existieron tres ejes: el reconocimiento de las regiones mexicanas de interés geopolítico, la reflexión sobre las capacidades económicas del territorio y la modernización de las actividades topográficas. Fernández Leal transitó como funcionario por los diversos gobiernos federales por sus capacidades científico-técnicas que lo distinguieron como un experto tanto en la práctica científica como en la administración de los recursos públicos.
Sobre as materialidades na aula de teatro
Authors: Vidor Heloise Baurich
Published: September 2022

A partir de minha experiência com o drama, iniciada em 1998, como participante do processo “Açorianos”, coordenado por Beatriz Cabral, reflito sobre a ênfase nas materialidades que impulsionam a criação coletiva da narrativa cênico-ficcional no drama e como esse aspecto teve impacto na minha atuação como professora e atriz. Destaco como a estratégia dos estímulos compostos (Somers, 1999) e as matérias textuais nos processos, inspiraram dois experimentos que realizei fora do contexto do drama: a criação do espetáculo “uma lady MACBETH” (2009) e “Os outros do outro Brecht” (2011). A ênfase dada às materialidades, em pesquisas atuais que desenvolvo com foco na formação docente, busca chamar a atenção do professor de teatro para a potência dos materiais - texto, espaço, objetos, som, imagens - em jogo com os corpos, no intuito de intensificar a atmosfera poética na sala de aula. Assim, a partir da ação do professor, que atua como co-criador nos processos, as materialidades provocam reações, sensações, reflexões nos alunos/participantes, de modo a sensibilizá-los e engajá-los nas propostas pedagógicas teatrais.
“Professor personagem” como estratégia de mediação para o ensino do Teatro na Educação Infantil
Authors: De Medeiros Pereira Diego
Published: September 2022

A partir de processos formativos desenvolvidos junto a profissionais da Educação Infantil e, também, na formação inicial de pedagogas e licenciados/as em teatro, constatou-se as possibilidades artísticas e pedagógicas advindas da utilização do Drama, método de ensino do teatro e de criação teatral, como abordagem possível de ser apropriada em práticas de ensino-aprendizagem dessa linguagem com crianças. Além do diálogo com as propostas curriculares voltadas a esse segmento de ensino, verificou-se, sobretudo, o potencial do uso da estratégia “professor personagem” para promover uma mediação entre a percepção infantil sobre o teatro e os possíveis objetivos de aprendizagem e desenvolvimento a serem explorados pelos/as condutores/as de processos.
Abiku, nascido para morrer
Authors: Schneedorf Ferreira da Silva José Roberto
Published: September 2022

Os retratos do corpo negro e homossexual se apresentam na obra fotográfica do artista nigeriano Rotimi Fani-Kayode, falecido em decorrência da pandemia de Aids em seu início, como um registro poente de esvaecimentos e êxtases, repleto de encruzilhadas que empurram o uso biopolítico da mortalidade em direção ao consumo necropolítico da mortandade, e abrem dignas intersecções entre sexo e morte, emulando o encontro entre os destinos da diáspora e da fatalidade; e triangulando negritude, homossexualidade e enfermidade, bem como identidade, política e espiritualidade iorubá.