bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in authorship demographics for manuscripts published in endocrine journals - A 70-year analysis
Authors: Jain Arpit , Madan Hritik , Singh Kamaldeep , Agarwal Yash , Midha Bharat , Gulati Shreya , Batra Priyanka , Batra Ankur , Chaturvedi Salil , Teja Kolli Shiny , Reddy Bejugam Vishal , Kim Hyesung , Jain Priyanshu , Arora Ipsa , Prabhu Madhav , Arya Shreyas , Chugh Yashasvi , Piplani Shobhit
Published: October 2022

Background: Over the previous few decades, trends in author demographics have significantly changed. Such trends have already been studied for many sub-specialties but endocrinology is among the few branches that are yet to see an analysis of such trends. This paper aims to fill this gap. 

Methods: Journal of Endocrinology and General & Comparative Endocrinology are two landmark journals that publish articles from around the world. Each decade during the 70-year period from 1961 to 2021 has been examined in this study. Funding source, first author – senior author gender, their demographics and proportion of papers with at least one female author were the parameters considered while studying each publication. It was predicted that the number of female authors per paper would increase with time, as would the range of degrees held by the authors, demographical variations in authorship, and the funding source. The aim was also to determine the distribution of female first authors and senior authors in endocrinology journals over a 70-year period, as well as to check the gender combinations using the Punnett square.

Results: Female first authors rose from 7% to 29.6% (p<0.0006) between 1961 and 2021, whereas female senior authors rose from 15.6% to 22.2%. Despite women's small contributions to first and senior authors, female participation rose from 17.48% (25/143) to 70% (170/250) between 1961 and 2021. Male-Female and Female-Male combinations rose with Chi-Square = 124.6, (p<0.0001). Europe and the Americas had the most female academic medical contributors (p<0.0001) Regardless of author status, female participation rose from 17.48% in 1961 to 68% in 2021. 

Conclusion: In papers published in endocrinology journals, there was a rising trend in female contributions to academic medicine. Even with the large growth of female endocrinologists, there is still a disparity in why the increase in female authors is comparably fewer.
Isolation and identification of fluoride sensitive and fluoride resistant Streptococcus mutans strains from dental carries of diabetic patients using conventional methods in Sudan.
Authors: M. Elhage Nuha , El Sanousi S.M. , Hassab Elrasul Rami Y , I.Elhag Wafa
Published: October 2022

Background

Dental caries also known as cavities are the most predominant disease today. Streptococcus mutans can form a biofilm on the tooth surface, produce high levels of lactic acid following fermentation of dietary sugars, and are resistant to the adverse effects of low pH, properties which are essential for oral micro biota. The aim of this study was to isolate S. mutans and characterize their antimicrobial properties against sodium fluoride. Fresh dental caries samples were collected from diabetic patients. The isolates were identified based on their acidogenic, biochemical test, and antimicrobial properties.

Methods

The socio-demographic data collected through a structure designated questionnaire and the biological data collected through sterile cotton swabs. For analysis of data, Statistical Package for Social Sciences software, version 23.0 (IBM SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) was used.

Results

Only 32 of the 80 samples (40%) gave a positive growth for S. mutans on MSBA (mitis salivarius bacitracin agar). The sensitivity of the isolates against sodium fluoride was tested by preparing NaF of four different concentrations (80, 125, 250, and 500) mg\L. Fifty percent of isolates were found to be resistant to NaF at a concentration of 80 mg/L, while 28% were resistant to 125 mg/L NaF, 16%   to 250 mg/L and 3% to 500mg/L NaF. The majority of the participants were aged between 51–60 years (33%), were female (54%), had type II diabetes mellitus (64%), and the duration of their diabetes was less than five years (35%).

Conclusions

By using the information in this study, we were able to discover strains of S. mutans that are resistant to fluoride. This study can be used as an essential key to study the genetic mutation that occurred.
Methodological Aspects of Developing a Model for Assessing the Effectiveness and Risks of Projects to Improve the Activities of Fire Departments of Oil and Gas Companies
Authors: Komzolov Alexey , Barkhatov Vladimir , Zaytseva Ekaterina , Smolenkova Marina , Minasian Violetta
Published: October 2022

The authors propose a model for assessing the effectiveness and risks of projects to improve the performance efficiency of fire protection units of all types. In the course of the research, a model was developed in the MS Excel environment allowing oil and gas companies to assess the economic feasibility the planned activities. The relevance of the proposed model is due to the need of an operational assessment of the effectiveness and risks of planned measures aimed at ensuring the effective functioning and development of fire protection units for oil and gas facilities. The model consists of three interconnected functional blocks: the data entry block, the calculation block, and the block of results. The use of the model makes it possible to increase the performance efficiency of fire protection units by optimizing the costs of substantiating projects to improve their activities.
Prowansalski dom. Helena Het Kwiatkowska i Dora Bianka, polskie artystki na południu Francji
Authors: Chrzanowska-Foltzer Marta
Published: October 2022

Autorka, na podstawie dotychczas nieopracowanych dokumentów źródłowych, dokonuje analizy przebiegu karier polskich malarek, Heleny Het Kwiatkowskiej (1882–1956) i Dory Bianki (1896–1979), które w okresie międzywojennym osiągnęły sukces w swojej dziedzinie, rozwijając kariery nie tylko w Paryżu, lecz także w obszarze Morza Śródziemnego. W życiu i twórczości obu artystek Prowansja, rozumiana szeroko, jako terytorium wyobraźni, zajmowała szczególne miejsce. W latach 30. XX wieku świadectwem silnej więzi łączącej artystki z południem Francji były ich prowansalskie domy. Het Kwiatkowska związana była z regionem Alpes-Maritimes, mieszkając nieopodal Chateauneuf de Grasse. Dora Bianka pracowała i wystawiała w Marsylii, a posiadała dom w Aix-en-Provence, w mieście Paula Cézanne’a. Analiza wybranych dzieł obu malarek, pod względem ikonograficznym i artystycznym, pozwala prześledzić, jak odkrywanie południa, a w efekcie osiedlenie się tam, wpływało na charakter ich twórczości oraz na przebieg karier. Artykuł jest próbą przywrócenia pamięci o zapomnianych, polskich malarkach, których obrazy trafiają coraz częściej do polskich kolekcji, i których sylwetki, w kontekście odnalezionych źródeł, zasługują na obszerne, monograficzne opracowanie.
Dynamic Coupon Targeting Using Batch Deep Reinforcement Learning: An Application to Livestream Shopping
Authors: Liu Xiao
Published: October 2022

We present an empirical framework for creating dynamic coupon targeting strategies using deep reinforcement learning.
Midterm results of chronic anterior instability of the sternoclavicular joint managed using a standardized treatment algorithm
Authors: Athanatos Lambros , Kulkarni Kunal , Tunnicliffe Helen , Samaras Michail , Singh Harvinder P. , Armstrong Alison L.
Published: October 2022

Aims

There remains a lack of consensus regarding the management of chronic anterior sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) instability. This study aimed to assess whether a standardized treatment algorithm (incorporating physiotherapy and surgery and based on the presence of trauma) could successfully guide management and reduce the number needing surgery.

Methods

Patients with chronic anterior SCJ instability managed between April 2007 and April 2019 with a standardized treatment algorithm were divided into non-traumatic (offered physiotherapy) and traumatic (offered surgery) groups and evaluated at discharge. Subsequently, midterm outcomes were assessed via a postal questionnaire with a subjective SCJ stability score, Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSIS, adapted for the SCJ), and pain visual analogue scale (VAS), with analysis on an intention-to-treat basis.

Results

A total of 47 patients (50 SCJs, three bilateral) responded for 75% return rate. Of these, 31 SCJs were treated with physiotherapy and 19 with surgery. Overall, 96% (48/50) achieved a stable SCJ, with 60% (30/50) achieving unrestricted function. In terms of outcomes, 82% (41/50) recorded good-to-excellent OSIS scores (84% (26/31) physiotherapy, 79% (15/19) surgery), and 76% (38/50) reported low pain VAS scores at final follow-up. Complications of the total surgical cohort included a 19% (5/27) revision rate, 11% (3/27) frozen shoulder, and 4% (1/27) scar sensitivity.

Conclusion

This is the largest midterm series reporting chronic anterior SCJ instability outcomes when managed according to a standardized treatment algorithm that emphasizes the importance of appropriate patient selection for either physiotherapy or surgery, based on a history of trauma. All but two patients achieved a stable SCJ, with stability maintained at a median of 70 months (11 to 116) for the physiotherapy group and 87 months (6 to 144) for the surgery group. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):815–825.
Getting it right first time: national survey of surgical site infection 2019
Authors: Gatfield SA , Atkinson KV , Fountain D , Machin JT , Navaratnam AV , Hutton M , Briggs TWR
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Deep SSI, or prosthetic joint infection (PJI), is associated with revision surgery involving longer operative times with higher infection rates, longer length of stay (LoS) and high costs in addition to the catastrophic effect on the patient. The surveillance of SSI is important for patient decision making, identification of outliers for support and maximising focussed improvement. This paper reports the findings of the second Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) national SSI survey for orthopaedic and spinal surgery.

Methods

Data were submitted prospectively by 67 orthopaedic units and 22 spinal units between 1 May 2019 and 31 October 2019. For a patient to be included, they had to present with SSI within the study period and within 1 year of the index procedure.

Results

A total of 309 SSIs were reported from primary and revision, total hip, knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle replacements, and 58 SSIs were reported from lumbar spine single level discectomy or decompression, lumbar spine single-level instrumented posterior fusion, posterior cervical spine decompression and instrumented fusion and posterior correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. SSIs rates have remained low compared with the 2017 survey. There were variations in SSI rates by procedure, with primary shoulder replacement reporting the lowest (0.4%) and revision shoulder replacement the highest (2.5%) rates.

Conclusions

The authors recommend that the elective surgical restart following the COVID-19 pandemic provides a unique opportunity for all units to implement a full SSI prevention bundle to minimise the risk of infection and improve patient outcomes.
Temperature-induced inconsistency in the pressure sensitivity of polymer-diaphragm-based FP pressure sensors
Authors: Zhao YanJin , Song NingFang , Gao Fuyu , Xu XiaoBin , Gao ZiHang
Published: October 2022

Fiber optic Fabry-Perot Interferometer benefits many requirements in
pressure sensing. The variation of pressure sensitivity of the
polymer-diaphragm-based Fabry-Perot pressure sensor with temperature
is studied by investigating the thermal effect of the cavity air and
the diaphragm separately. FP cavity vacuum treatment and
multi-curvature diaphragm simulation and experimental studies are
conducted. Experimental results show that the sensor pressure
sensitivity decreases with increasing temperature by
0.46nm/(kPa·°C). The diaphragm’s thermal effect
is the leading cause of temperature-induced inconsistency in pressure
sensitivity, accounting for 0.43nm/(kPa·°C).
Tunability of the optical constants of tantalum-cobalt alloy thin films in the extreme ultraviolet
Authors: Saadeh Qais , Philipsen Vicky , Thakare Devesh , Naujok Philipp , Wu Meiyi , Scholze Frank , Buchholz Christian , Tagbo-Fotso Claudia , Babalik Ayhan , Kupper Bettina , Soltwisch Victor
Published: October 2022

The optical constants of two Ta-Co binary alloys are determined in the spectral range 8.0 nm–22.0 nm using angle-dependent reflectometry (ADR). The extreme-ultraviolet reflectivity (EUVR) profiles of the alloys were measured using highly monochromatized synchrotron radiation from sputtered thin films, each with a nominal thickness of 30.0 nm. Concerning the alloys, the inability to predict the variability of the optical constants' profiles in the vicinity of cobalt’s M-absorption edge region gives unique proof for the need to derive a more complete theory for predicting the optical constants. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) based Bayesian inferences, and frequency analysis of X-ray reflectivity (XRR) data were utilized to treat the relevant inverse-problem needed for determining the optical constants. An approach is presented here where both the optical constants of the alloys and their surface layers are simultaneously sampled. The results of this report are apropos to strengthen customizing multilayer mirrors (MLMs) and similar ad hoc optical components intended for the extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) spectral range.
Diseasomics: Actionable machine interpretable disease knowledge at the point-of-care
Authors: Talukder Asoke K. , Schriml Lynn , Ghosh Arnab , Biswas Rakesh , Chakrabarti Prantar , Haas Roland E.
Published: October 2022

Physicians establish diagnosis by assessing a patient’s signs, symptoms, age, sex, laboratory test findings and the disease history. All this must be done in limited time and against the backdrop of an increasing overall workload. In the era of evidence-based medicine it is utmost important for a clinician to be abreast of the latest guidelines and treatment protocols which are changing rapidly. In resource limited settings, the updated knowledge often does not reach the point-of-care. This paper presents an artificial intelligence (AI)-based approach for integrating comprehensive disease knowledge, to support physicians and healthcare workers in arriving at accurate diagnoses at the point-of-care. We integrated different disease-related knowledge bodies to construct a comprehensive, machine interpretable diseasomics knowledge-graph that includes the Disease Ontology, disease symptoms, SNOMED CT, DisGeNET, and PharmGKB data. The resulting disease-symptom network comprises knowledge from the Symptom Ontology, electronic health records (EHR), human symptom disease network, Disease Ontology, Wikipedia, PubMed, textbooks, and symptomology knowledge sources with 84.56% accuracy. We also integrated spatial and temporal comorbidity knowledge obtained from EHR for two population data sets from Spain and Sweden respectively. The knowledge graph is stored in a graph database as a digital twin of the disease knowledge. We use node2vec (node embedding) as digital triplet for link prediction in disease-symptom networks to identify missing associations. This diseasomics knowledge graph is expected to democratize the medical knowledge and empower non-specialist health workers to make evidence based informed decisions and help achieve the goal of universal health coverage (UHC). The machine interpretable knowledge graphs presented in this paper are associations between various entities and do not imply causation. Our differential diagnostic tool focusses on signs and symptoms and does not include a complete assessment of patient’s lifestyle and health history which would typically be necessary to rule out conditions and to arrive at a final diagnosis. The predicted diseases are ordered according to the specific disease burden in South Asia. The knowledge graphs and the tools presented here can be used as a guide.
Diagnosing and treating leprosy in a non-endemic setting in a national centre, London, United Kingdom 1995–2018
Authors: Lockwood Diana N. , McIntosh Amy , Armstrong Margaret , Checkley Anna M. , Walker Stephen L. , McBride Angela
Published: October 2022

Background

Leprosy is rare in the United Kingdom (UK), but migration from endemic countries results in new cases being diagnosed each year. We documented the clinical presentation of leprosy in a non-endemic setting.

Methods

Demographic and clinical data on all new cases of leprosy managed in the Leprosy Clinic at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London between 1995 and 2018 were analysed.

Results

157 individuals with a median age of 34 (range 13–85) years were included. 67.5% were male. Patients came from 34 different countries and most contracted leprosy before migrating to the UK. Eighty-two (51.6%) acquired the infection in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. 30 patients (19.1%) acquired leprosy in Africa, including 11 from Nigeria. Seven patients were born in Europe; three acquired their leprosy infection in Africa, three in South East Asia, and one in Europe. The mean interval between arrival in the UK and symptom onset was 5.87 years (SD 10.33), the longest time to diagnosis was 20 years.

Borderline tuberculoid leprosy (n = 71, 42.0%), and lepromatous leprosy (n =, 53 33.1%) were the commonest Ridley Jopling types. Dermatologists were the specialists diagnosing leprosy most often. Individuals were treated with World Health Organization recommended drug regimens (rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine).

Conclusion

Leprosy is not a disease of travellers but develops after residence in an leprosy endemic area. The number of individuals from a leprosy endemic country reflect both the leprosy prevalence and the migration rates to the United Kingdom. There are challenges in diagnosing leprosy in non-endemic areas and clinicians need to recognise the symptoms and signs of leprosy.
Construction and evaluation of a self-replicative RNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 using yellow fever virus replicon
Authors: Nakamura Akina , Kotaki Tomohiro , Nagai Yurie , Takazawa Shunta , Tokunaga Kenzo , Kameoka Masanori
Published: October 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a global threat. To forestall the pandemic, developing safe and effective vaccines is necessary. Because of the rapid production and little effect on the host genome, mRNA vaccines are attractive, but they have a relatively low immune response after a single dose. Replicon RNA (repRNA) is a promising vaccine platform for safety and efficacy. RepRNA vaccine encodes not only antigen genes but also the genes necessary for RNA replication. Thus, repRNA is self-replicative and can play the role of an adjuvant by itself, which elicits robust immunity. This study constructed and evaluated a repRNA vaccine in which the gene encoding the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 was inserted into a replicon of yellow fever virus 17D strain. Upon electroporation of this repRNA into baby hamster kidney cells, the S protein and yellow fever virus protein were co-expressed. Additionally, the self-replication ability of repRNA vaccine was confirmed using qRT-PCR, demonstrating its potency as a vaccine. Immunization of C57BL/6 mice with 1 μg of the repRNA vaccine induced specific T-cell responses but not antibody responses. Notably, the T-cell response induced by the repRNA vaccine was significantly higher than that induced by the nonreplicative RNA vaccine in our experimental model. In the future, it is of the essence to optimize vaccine administration methods and improve S protein expression, like protection of repRNA by nanoparticles and evasion of innate immunity of the host to enhance the immune-inducing ability of the repRNA vaccine.
Social media addiction and emotions during the disaster recovery period—The moderating role of post-COVID timing
Authors: Nur –A Yazdani Dewan Muhammad , Abir Tanvir , Qing Yang , Ahmad Jamee , Al Mamun Abdullah , Zainol Noor Raihani , Kakon Kaniz , Agho Kingsley Emwinyore , Wang Shasha
Published: October 2022

Background

Social media addiction, a recently emerged term in medical science, has attracted the attention of researchers because of its significant physical and psychological effects on its users. The issue has attracted more attention during the COVID era because negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and fear) generated from the COVID pandemic may have increased social media addiction. Therefore, the present study investigates the role of negative emotions and social media addiction (SMA) on health problems during and after the COVID lockdown.

Methods

A survey was conducted with 2926 participants aged between 25 and 45 years from all eight divisions of Bangladesh. The data collection period was between 2nd September– 13th October, 2020. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was conducted for data analysis by controlling the respondents’ working time, leisure time, gender, education, and age.

Results

Our study showed that social media addiction and time spent on social media impact health. Interestingly, while anxiety about COVID increased social media addition, fear about COIVD reduced social media addition. Among all considered factors, long working hours contributed most to people’s health issues, and its impact on social media addiction and hours was much higher than negative emotions. Furthermore, females were less addicted to social media and faced less health challenges than males.

Conclusion

The impacts of negative emotions generated by the COVID disaster on social media addiction and health issues should be reconsidered. Government and employers control people’s working time, and stress should be a priority to solve people’s social media addiction-related issues.
ATP hydrolytic activity of purified Spf1p correlate with micellar lipid fluidity and is dependent on conserved residues in transmembrane helix M1
Authors: Ipsen Johan Ørskov , Sørensen Danny Mollerup
Published: October 2022

P5A ATPases are expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of all eukaryotic cells, and their disruption results in pleiotropic phenotypes related to severe ER stress. They were recently proposed to function in peptide translocation although their specificity have yet to be confirmed in reconstituted assays using the purified enzyme. A general theme for P-type ATPases is that binding and transport of substrates is coupled to hydrolysis of ATP in a conserved allosteric mechanism, however several independent reports have shown purified Spf1p to display intrinsic spontaneous ATP hydrolytic activity after purification. It has never been determined to what extend this spontaneous activity is caused by uncoupling of the enzyme. In this work we have purified a functional tagged version of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae P5A ATPase Spf1p and have observed that the intrinsic ATP hydrolytic activity of the purified and re-lipidated protein can be stimulated by specific detergents (C12E8, C12E10 and Tween20) in mixed lipid/detergent micelles in the absence of any apparent substrate. We further show that this increase in activity correlate with the reaction temperature and the anisotropic state of the mixed lipid/detergent micelles and further that this correlation relies on three highly conserved phenylalanine residues in M1. This suggests that at least part of the intrinsic ATP hydrolytic activity is allosterically coupled to movements in the TM domain in the purified preparations. It is suggested that free movement of the M1 helix represent an energetic constraint on catalysis and that this constraint likely is lost in the purified preparations resulting in protein with intrinsic spontaneous ATP hydrolytic activity. Removal of the N-terminal part of the protein apparently removes this activity.
Mitochondrial DNA population variation is not associated with Alzheimer’s in the Japanese population: A consistent finding across global populations
Authors: Wong Johanna , Steyn Jannetta S. , Pienaar Ilse S. , Elson Joanna L.
Published: October 2022

Several mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup association studies have suggested that common mtDNA variants are associated with multifactorial diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, such studies have also produced conflicting results. A new mtDNA association model, the ‘variant load model’ (VLM), has been applied to multiple disease phenotypes. Application of the VLM in a 2017 study failed to find different variant loads in AD patients compared to controls, in two cohorts of European origin. The study also suggested a lower variant load in healthy elderly individuals, but could offer no replicate cohort to support this observation. Here, the VLM is applied to Japanese mtDNA sequences; in doing so, we explored the role of mtDNA variation in AD and ageing in a different global population. Consistent with the previous findings using the VLM in two populations of European origin, we found no evidence for an association between rarer, non-haplogroup associated variation and the development of AD. However, the result in the context of ageing that suggested those with fewer mildly deleterious mutations might undergo healthier ageing, was not replicated. In contrast to our previous study, our present results suggest that those living to advanced old age may harbour more mildly deleterious mtDNA variations. Importantly our analysis showed this finding is not primarily being driven by many rare population variants dispersed across the mtDNA, but by a few more frequent variants with high MutPred scores. It is suggested the variants in question do not exert a mildly deleterious effect in their most frequent haplogroup context.
Evaluating healthy cities: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Amri Michelle , Ali Safa , Jessiman-Perreault Geneviève , Barrett Kathryn , Bump Jesse Boardman
Published: October 2022

Background

The Healthy Cities project supports municipal policymakers in the struggle to safeguard the health of urban citizens around the world (and in other limited geographies such as islands). Although Healthy Cities has been implemented in thousands of settings, no synthesis of implementation experiences have been conducted. In this article, we develop a scoping review protocol that can be applied to collect evidence on process evaluations of Healthy Cities.

Methods

To develop a scoping review protocol that could identify experiences evaluating the Healthy Cities project, we followed the PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We applied these guidelines in consultation with a research librarian to design a search of the peer-reviewed literature, specifically Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus databases, and a grey literature search.

Discussion

In addition to the aim of collecting evidence on Healthy Cities process evaluation experiences, the broader goal is to spark discussions and inform future evaluations of Healthy Cities. This work can also inform other evaluations of initiatives seeking to raise socio-political change, such as those focused on enhancing intersectoral and multisectoral action.
Should the vent hole of posterior implant crowns be placed on the lateral surface? An in vitro study of the hydrodynamic feature of cement extrusion and retention ability
Authors: Ye Sixian , Zhou Huangjun , Lyu Xingyu , Feng Hao , Liu Min , Wen Cai
Published: October 2022

Although placing a vent hole on the occlusal surface of the implant crown can reduce cervical marginal cement extrusion, it has disadvantages. Transferring the hole to the buccal or lingual surface of the posterior implant crown could therefore be an alternative solution. This study investigated the effect of transferring the vent hole to the lateral side of the implant posterior crown on the hydrodynamics of excess cement extrusion and the crown’s retention ability. Specially fabricated posterior implant crowns were divided into five groups: crowns with an occlusal hole (OH), occlusal lateral hole (OLH), middle lateral hole (MLH), cervical lateral hole (CLH), and no hole (NH). Each set of implant analog-abutment-crown specimens was wrapped in a polymethylacrylate base. The base of the implant crown was divided into four 90-degree quadrants along the diagonal of the square base with a pen mark. Cement was used to bond the crowns and the abutments, and the weight of cement extrusions at the vent holes and the abutment cervical margins were calculated. The distribution of cement extrusion at the margin was photographed in each quadrant, and the areas of surface coverage of cement extrusion were compared with ImageJ software. Retentive strength was measured as the dislocation force using a universal testing machine. One-way analysis of variance was used for result analysis. The cervical marginal cement extrusions of crowns with lateral holes (OLH, MLH, and CLH) were significantly less than that of NH crowns (P<0.05), but more than that of OH crowns (P<0.05). Subgroup analysis among the lateral hole groups indicated that the higher the position of the lateral hole, the lower the weight of the cement extrusion, and the smaller the total distribution area of cement extrusion. The cement extrusion distribution area was larger in the quadrant with the hole than in those opposite and next to the hole. Retention strength comparison indicated no significant difference between crowns with NH, OH, or lateral holes. Transferring the vent hole of the posterior implant crown to the lateral side could reduce cement extrusion at the cervical margin while reducing retention strength deterioration and the esthetic drawbacks caused by occlusal hole opening.
A community-based single fall prevention exercise intervention for older adults (STEADY FEET): Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ong Rebecca Hui Shan , Nurjono Milawaty , Jumala Junisha , Teo Raymond Choon Chye , Png Gek Kheng , Tan Poh Choo , Kee Mong Nee , Oh Hong Choon , Wee Moi Kim , Kan Karen Lai Ming , Farhana Binte Rosle Lina , Lien Christopher Tsung Chien , Low Shou Lin
Published: October 2022

Background

Falls and fall-related injuries in older adults are a leading cause of disability and death. Evidence has shown the benefits of exercises in improving functional outcomes and reducing fall rates among community-dwelling older adults. However, there is lack of effective community-based single exercise intervention for a broad population of older adults who are at high risk for falls. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of Steady Feet (SF), a 6-month tailored community fall prevention exercise programme for improving functional outcomes. SF classes are facilitated by community fitness instructors and an exercise video. The main outcome is between-group changes in short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores. Secondary outcomes include balance confidence, fear of falling, quality of life, fall rates, and cost effectiveness.

Methods

We present the design of a 6-month randomised controlled trial of 260 older adults (≥ 60 years old). Individuals will be randomised in a 1:1 allocation ratio to the SF group or usual care group. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 3-month, and 6-month. Data on socio-demographics, co-morbidities, balance confidence, fear of falling, quality of life, physical activity level, rate of perceived exertion, fall(s) history, healthcare utilisation and cost, and satisfaction levels will be collected. Participants will also undergo functional assessments such as SPPB. Moreover, providers’ satisfaction and feedback will be obtained at 3-month.

Discussion

An effective community fall prevention programme may lead to improved functional outcomes and reduced fall rates. Findings will also help inform the implementation and scaling of SF nation-wide.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT04801316. Registered on 15th March 2021.
Magnetic resonance imaging reveals possible cause of diplopia after Baerveldt glaucoma implantation
Authors: Islamaj Esma , Van Vught Luc , Jordaan-Kuip Caroline P. , Vermeer Koenraad A. , Ferreira Teresa A. , De Waard Peter W. T. , Lemij Hans G. , Beenakker Jan-Willem M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To assess if ocular motility impairment, and the ensuing diplopia, after Baerveldt Glaucoma device (BGI) implantation, is related to the presence of a large fluid reservoir (bleb), using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Methods

In a masked observational study (CCMO-registry number: NL65633.058.18), the eyes of 30 glaucoma patients with (n = 12) or without diplopia (n = 18) who had previously undergone BGI implantation were scanned with a 7 Tesla MRI-scanner. The substructures of the BGI-complex, including both blebs and plate, were segmented in 3D. Primary outcomes were a comparison of volume and height of the BGI-complex between patients with and without diplopia. Comparisons were performed by using an unpaired t-test, Fisher’s Exact or Mann-Whitney test. Correlations were determined by using Spearman correlation.

Results

The median volume and height of the BGI-complex was significantly higher in patients with compared to patients without diplopia (p = 0.007 and p = 0.025, respectively). Six patients had an excessively large total bleb volume (median of 1736.5mm3, interquartile range 1486.3–1933.9mm3), four of whom experienced diplopia (33% of the diplopia patients). Fibrotic strands through the BGI plate, intended to limit the height of the bleb, could be visualized but were not related to diplopia (75% versus 88%; p = 0.28).

Conclusions

With MRI, we show that in a significant number of diplopia cases a large bleb is present in the orbit. Given the large volume of these blebs, they are a likely explanation of the development of diplopia in at least some of the patients with diplopia after BGI implantation. Additionally, the MR-images confirm the presence of fibrotic strands. As these strands are also visible in patients with a large bleb, they are apparently not sufficient to restrict the bleb height.
Barriers, brands and consumer knowledge: Slow fashion in an Australian context
Authors: Skinner Erin A. , Litchfield Carla A. , Le Busque Brianna
Published: October 2022

Fast fashion contributes to substantial environmental and ethical impacts at every stage of the product lifecycle and is a continuously growing industry within Australia. While slow fashion exists as an environmentally sustainable fashion alternative and appears to be gaining in popularity, little is known about the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of the general Australian consumer towards slow fashion. This study aimed to develop an understanding of Australian consumers’ attitudes and perceptions towards the consumption of four types of slow fashion (secondhand shopping, high-end labels, hiring garments and eco-clothing). Participants (N = 209) completed a mixed-methods online survey. Quantitative items included a multiple-choice questionnaire on specific aspects of slow fashion knowledge, including clothing consumption, specific environmental impacts of the fashion industry and the origins and purpose of the slow fashion movement. Open-ended items were analysed for information about barriers, associated brand names and additional knowledge. Results from the multiple-choice questionnaire suggested participants possess satisfactory knowledge of fast and slow fashion; however, open-ended knowledge measures did not support this. Qualitative responses indicated potential barriers to purchasing slow fashion, including a lack of interest, cost, awareness, availability and sizing, as well as highlighted brand names that consumers associate with both slow and fast fashion. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind focusing on an Australian sample. These findings will have implications for behaviour-change efforts among educators and businesses, enabling them to implement targeted strategies to promote the consumption of slow fashion among general Australian consumers.
Prince as producer and creator of worlds: Absent narratives in Prince’s Purple Rain, 1999 and Sign o’ the Times deluxe box sets
Authors: Duff De Angela L.
Published: October 2022

Prince was constantly shifting and evolving. Always the driving agent of perpetual change, he rechristened himself, sonically and stylistically, with every album. At the beginning of his career, ‘Produced, Arranged, Composed and Performed by Prince’ was fundamental to the story of Prince as boy wonder and musical genius. However, by his third album Dirty Mind, Prince began to deliberately craft an expansive tale of alter egos and fictitious characters, beginning with Jamie Starr. Eventually, he would create an arsenal of artists, commencing with The Time and Vanity 6, soon thereafter. However, this prevailing narrative of autonomy, change and world-building shifted with the releases of Prince’s Purple Rain, 1999 and Sign o’ the Times deluxe editions in 2017, 2019 and 2020, respectively. This article will deconstruct how Prince’s agency as a self-sufficient creator and mastermind behind his own musical realm is being stripped and his narrative arc reshaped.
Signs of the lights: Prince’s audio-visual apotheosis
Authors: Vidigal Leonardo , Leite Duda
Published: October 2022

How do we understand a concert video in the context of a cultural industry’s alternative product? The DVD included in the Super Deluxe box set of the Sign o’ the Times (SOTT) album, released in 2020, has a two-hour-and-fifteen-minute concert video known as Live at Paisley Park and three official music videos. The audio-visual aesthetic was one of the main weapons of a multi-artist who always tried to extrapolate the musical element, not only in his films or his music videos but also in live concerts. Many possible reasons can explain the presence of the New Year’s Eve concert in the package and not the official film directed by the artist himself. The most concrete explanation is that the rights of the film Sign o’ the Times currently belong to a company not involved in this project. It might not be an insurmountable hurdle, but a more accurate comparison between the two audio-visual products can help one understand that the Paisley Park video is more genuine in many senses, and the lighting is one of the most evident signs of it, building a veritable apotheosis of music and dance.
Housing the quake: The Todd Herreman interview
Authors: Alleyne Mike
Published: October 2022

This interview features Todd Herreman who worked for Prince as a general keyboard technician between 1986 and 1987 when material for the Sign o’ the Times album was being recorded. Herreman, credited on the 2020 Super Deluxe edition as an assistant engineer, recalls how he first became involved in working with Prince, the overall nature of his support roles, the challenges of recording a prolific artist and aspects of tracking the sessions for Madhouse, one of Prince’s many side projects. The interview sheds further light on the creative realities surrounding Prince during one of his most productive artistic phases.
Sensors networkfor the evaluations of the meteorological variables in urban green areas: developmentand applications.
Authors: Chaves Jô Vinícius Barrozo , Mota Lia Toledo Moreira , Longo Regina Márcia , Ribeiro Admilson Írio , Barros Daniel Braga , Alves José Ricardo
Published: October 2022

The urban environment is often responsible for negative impacts on the climate and environmental comfort, due to the common climatic interference in highly built and waterproofed environments. One of the ways of mitigating negative environmental and microclimate impacts is the use of green areas in the urban environment. Thus, aiming at the analysis of environmental quality parameters of urban regions, it is essential to monitor the influence of green areas on different meteorological variables. In this sense, the use of information acquisition instruments and methodologies can positively contribute to this analysis, which can support decision-making related to urban planning. Thus, this work aims to develop a sensor network with sensor nodes to assess meteorological variables in urban green areas, aiming to analyze and discuss the influence of green areas on the behavior of CO¬2 concentration, temperature and air relative humidity parameters in an urban environment. The proposed and developed sensor nodes enabled the adequate collection of these variables and, based on the results obtained, it was possible to observe that the green area (permanent preservation area -PPA) contributed positively to these variables in the portion of the study area located in Campinas (SP), presenting lower temperature and CO2 concentration and increased air humidity. However, for the portion of Paulínia (SP), it was possible to observe little influence from the PPA. Influences on these variables, exerted by rural areas and parks, were also identified, contributing to the reduction of meteorological parameters, but different interactions were identified with the CO2 concentration, which may present a possible increase or assist in the reduction of CO2 in the air.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Post–Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Mortality in Patients With Left Main and Equivalent Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Yager Neil , Hongalgi Krishnakumar , Torosoff Mikhail
Published: October 2022

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease are underrepresented in registries and in randomized trials of coronary artery disease management. To investigate effects of chronic kidney disease on outcomes of nonemergent percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with left main or left main–equivalent coronary artery disease, we analyzed data from the New York State Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Registry during the calendar year 2015, involving 2,956 elective percutaneous coronary intervention cases. Outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with various degrees of chronic kidney disease and stable left main or left main–equivalent coronary artery disease were compared.

Methods

Only patients with left main or left main–equivalent coronary artery disease and elective percutaneous coronary intervention were included in the study cohort. Patients with acute coronary syndromes within 24 hours of the index percutaneous coronary intervention, patients reported to be in shock, and patients with prior coronary artery bypass surgery were excluded from the study cohort.

Results

In this cohort, stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease, current congestive heart failure, and left main disease remained statistically significant predictors of post–percutaneous coronary intervention mortality.

Conclusion

Our findings in this large, statewide cohort indicate that advanced kidney disease is associated with markedly increased post–nonemergent percutaneous coronary intervention mortality.
Adaptation Of Novel The Witches By Roald Dahl To Graphic Novel By Penelope Bagieu
Authors: Kuncoro Muhammad Jati
Published: October 2022

Penelope Bagieu adapted the children's novel The Witches by Roald Dahl into a graphic novel. This novel tells of the struggle of a little boy who has been transformed into a mouse with his grandmother against a group of evil witches. Adapting a literary work into a literary work is a creative process consisting of adding, subtracting, removing, and developing so that it becomes a new work. This study aims to reveal the similarities and differences and the changes that occur. The method used is to analyze the storytelling elements between the two works by comparing the two.
The Absence of Mother’s Love Experienced by the Main Female Character in Jacqueline Wilson’s The Story of Tracy Beaker
Authors: Damayanti Bernadia Puspa , Asmarani Ratna
Published: October 2022

This research thesis discusses Jacqueline Wilson’s The Story of Tracy Beaker about Tracy Beaker, a ten years old girl living in a children’s home waiting for her mother to pick her up. The purpose of this study is to discover the causes and impacts of the absence of the mother’s love for the main character, Tracy Beaker. The writer uses psychological methods and close reading methods with characters, conflict, and setting theories for the intrinsic elements and John Bowlby’s attachment theory for the extrinsic elements. The result of the research indicates that the main character, Tracy Beaker, has increased aggression, delinquency, and affectionless psychopathy because she is abandoned by her biological mother.Keywords: Jacqueline Wilson; love; attachment
Pengaruh Strategi Promosi dan Kualitas Pelayanan terhadap Minat Berkunjung Kembali Destinasi Pariwisata
Authors: Umur Sarah Azmil , Prihatini Apriatni Endang , Purbawati Dinalestari
Published: October 2022

Graha Mangrove Park is one of the tourist destinations in Bontang City. This study aims to determine the influence of promotion strategy and service quality on the interest in revisiting Graha Mangrove Bontang Park. This type of research is explanatory research with the distribution of questionnaires as a data collection technique. The sample was 100 respondents with Accidental sampling and purposive sampling approaches. The respondents chosen were tourists who had visited Graha Mangrove Bontang Park. The results of this study show that promotion strategy (X1) and service quality (X2) have a simultaneous and positive influence on the interest in visiting again (Y). In this study, the variable quality of service significantly influenced the interest in revisiting. The negative perception of these two variables causes independent variables to have not been declared very good; Graha Mangrove Bontang Park management needs to improve and develop the diversity of media used and increase the value of service quality in the eyes of the community.Taman Graha Mangrove merupakan salah satu destinasi pariwisata yang berada di Kota Bontang. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh strategi promosi dan kualitas pelayanan terhadap minat berkunjung kembali pada Taman Graha Mangrove Bontang. Tipe penelitian ini adalah explanatory research dengan penyebaran kuesioner sebagai teknik pengumpulan data. Sampel berjumlah 100 responden dengan pendekatan Accidental sampling dan purposive sampling. Responden yang dipilih merupakan wisatawan yang pernah melakukan kunjungan ke Taman Graha Mangrove Bontang. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa strategi promosi (X1) dan kualitas pelayanan (X2) mampu memberikan pengaruh secara simultan dan positif terhadap minat berkunjung kembali (Y). Dalam penelitian ini variabel kualitas pelayanan memiliki pengaruh yang lebih besar terhadap minat berkunjung kembali. Persepsi negatif yang dimiliki kedua variabel tersebut menyebabkan varibel independen belum dinyatakan sangat baik, sehingga pihak pengelola Taman Graha Mangrove Bontang perlu meningkatkan serta mengembangkan keberagaman media yang digunakan serta meningkatkan nilai kualitas pelayanan dimata masyarakat.