bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Haller Heidemarie , Lauche Romy , Sundberg Tobias , Dobos Gustav , Cramer Holger
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To systematically assess the evidence of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) for the treatment of chronic pain.

Methods

PubMed, Central, Scopus, PsycInfo and Cinahl were searched up to August 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of CST in chronic pain patients were eligible. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for pain intensity and functional disability (primary outcomes) using Hedges’ correction for small samples. Secondary outcomes included physical/mental quality of life, global improvement, and safety. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool.

Results

Ten RCTs of 681 patients with neck and back pain, migraine, headache, fibromyalgia, epicondylitis, and pelvic girdle pain were included. CST showed greater post intervention effects on: pain intensity (SMD = -0.32, 95%CI = [− 0.61,-0.02]) and disability (SMD = -0.58, 95%CI = [− 0.92,-0.24]) compared to treatment as usual; on pain intensity (SMD = -0.63, 95%CI = [− 0.90,-0.37]) and disability (SMD = -0.54, 95%CI = [− 0.81,-0.28]) compared to manual/non-manual sham; and on pain intensity (SMD = -0.53, 95%CI = [− 0.89,-0.16]) and disability (SMD = -0.58, 95%CI = [− 0.95,-0.21]) compared to active manual treatments. At six months, CST showed greater effects on pain intensity (SMD = -0.59, 95%CI = [− 0.99,-0.19]) and disability (SMD = -0.53, 95%CI = [− 0.87,-0.19]) versus sham. Secondary outcomes were all significantly more improved in CST patients than in other groups, except for six-month mental quality of life versus sham. Sensitivity analyses revealed robust effects of CST against most risk of bias domains. Five of the 10 RCTs reported safety data. No serious adverse events occurred. Minor adverse events were equally distributed between the groups.

Discussion

In patients with chronic pain, this meta-analysis suggests significant and robust effects of CST on pain and function lasting up to six months. More RCTs strictly following CONSORT are needed to further corroborate the effects and safety of CST on chronic pain.

Protocol registration at Prospero

CRD42018111975.
Medical graduate views on statistical learning needs for clinical practice: a comprehensive survey
Authors: MacDougall Margaret , Cameron Helen S. , Maxwell Simon R. J.
Published: December 2019

Background

This paper seeks to contribute to a reputable evidence base for required competencies across different topics in statistics and probability (statistical topics) in preparing medical graduates for clinical practice. This is in order to inform the prioritization of statistical topics within future undergraduate medical curricula, while exploring the need for preparing tomorrow’s doctors to be producers, and not merely consumers, of statistics.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive online survey from July 2013 to August 2014 for a target group of 462 medical graduates with current or prior experience of teaching undergraduate medical students of the University of Edinburgh of whom 278 (60.2%) responded. Statistical topics were ranked by proportion of respondents who identified the practice of statistics,performing statistical procedures or calculations using appropriate data, as a required competency for medical schools to provide in preparing undergraduate medical students for clinical practice. Mixed effects analyses were used to identify potential predictors for selection of the above competency and to compare the likelihood of this selection for a range of statistical topics versus critical appraisal.

Results

Evidence was gleaned from medical graduates’ experiences of clinical practice for the need for, not only a theoretical understanding of statistics and probability but also, the ability to practice statistics. Nature of employment and statistical topic were highly significant predictors of choice of the practice of statistics as a required competency ((F = 3.777, p < 0.0005) and (F = 45.834, p < 0.0005), respectively). The most popular topic for this competency was graphical presentation of data (84.3% of respondents) in contrast to cross-over trials for the competency understanding the theory only (70.5% of respondents). Several topics were found to be more popular than critical appraisal for competency in the practice of statistics.

Conclusions

The model of medical graduates as mere consumers of statistics is oversimplified. Contrary to what has been suggested elsewhere, statistical learning opportunities in undergraduate medicine should not be restricted to development of critical appraisal skills. Indeed, our findings support development of learning opportunities for undergraduate medical students as producers of statistics across a wide range of statistical topics.
The impact of the presence of fibromyalgia on fatigue in patients with psoriatic arthritis: comparison with controls
Authors: Ulus Yasemin , Akyol Yesim , Bilgici Ayhan , Kuru Omer
Published: December 2019

Background

Coexisting fibromyalgia (FM) to psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been identified and it has been associated with more severe symptoms, impaired function, and greater disability. It was aimed to explore the effect of the presence of FM on fatigue in patients with PsA comparing with controls.

Methods

Fifty patients with PsA and 34 sex-age matched controls were enrolled. In patients; pain was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale, disease activity by DAS-28, enthesitis by The Leeds Enthesitis Index. Fatigue level of all participants was evaluated by Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue. In all participants, FM was determined according to 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria.

Results

Seventeen patients with PsA (34%) and 4 controls (11.8%) were diagnosed with FM and all of them were women. There was significant difference between the patients and controls in terms of presence of FM (p < 0.05). Patients’ fatigue scores were significantly higher than controls’ (p = 0.001). There were significant differences between the PsA patients with and without FM with regard to gender, enthesitis, DAS-28 and pain scores (p < 0.05); fatigue scores (p < 0.001). The significant effect of the presence of FM on fatigue was found by univariate analysis of variance in patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

It was observed that FM presence and fatigue were more common in PsA patients than controls and comorbid FM had significant effect on fatigue in these patients. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of concomitant FM in patients with PsA.
Platelet/lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Kucuk Hamit , Tecer Duygu , Goker Berna , Varan Ozkan , Babaoglu Hakan , Guven Serdar Can , Ozturk Mehmet Akif , Haznedaroglu Seminur , Tufan Abdurrahman
Published: December 2019

Background

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis with high morbidity and mortality. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody is a valuable diagnostic marker, however its titer lacks predictive value for the severity of organ involvement. Platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) has been regarded as a potential marker in assessing systemic inflammation. We aimed to explore the value of PLR and MPV in the assessment of disease activity and manifestations of disease in GPA.

Methods

56 newly diagnosed GPA patients and 53 age-sex matched healthy controls were included in this retrospective and cross-sectional study with comparative group. Complete blood count was performed with Backman Coulter automatic analyzer, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) with Westergen method and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with nephelometry. The PLR was calculated as the ratio of platelet and lymphocyte counts.

Result

Compared to control group, ESR, CRP and PLR were significantly higher and MPV significantly lower in GPA patients. In patients group, PLR was positively correlated with ESR and CRP (r = 0.39,p = 0.005 andr = 0.51,p < 0.001, respectively). MPV was negatively correlated with ESR and CRP (r = − 0.31,p = 0.028 andr = − 0.34p = 0.014, respectively). Patients with renal involvement had significantly higher PLR than patients without renal involvement (median:265.98, IQR:208.79 vs median:180.34 IQR:129.37,p = 0.02). PLR was negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rate (r = − 0.27,p = 0.009). A cut-off level of 204 for PLR had 65.6% sensitivity and 62.5 specificity to predict renal involvement.

Conclusion

PLR exhibit favorable diagnostic performance in predicting renal involvement in patients with GPA.
Microscopic study of zinc nanoparticles synthesised using thermosetting polymer
Authors: Tailor Giriraj , Chaudhay Jyoti , Verma Deepshikha , Kr. Sarma Bhupendra
Published: December 2019

The present study reports the novel synthesis of Zinc nanoparticles (Zn NPs) by thermal decomposition method and its characterisation by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), and X-ray Diffraction Measurements (XRD). Synthesis of Zn NPs was achieved by using thermosetting polymer and zinc salts as precursor. Zn NPs were obtained on calcination at 850 °C for 30 min. SEM study reveals that synthesized nanoparticles are spherical in shape. XRD analysis shows that the Zn NPs formed are low crystalline in nature.
Outcome Differences of Remnant- Preserving versus Non-Preserving Methods in Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis with Subgroup analysis
Authors: Won Sung Hun , Lee Byung-Il , Park Su Yeon , Min Kyung-Dae , Kim Jun-Bum , Kwon Sai-Won , Kim Yong-Beom , Seo Gi-Won , Kim Jae-Hyung , Choi Hyung-Suk
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To analyze differences in clinical outcomes of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between remnant-preserving and non-preserving methods.

Methods

International electronical databases PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane central database from January 1966 to December 2017 were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that compared differences of clinical outcomes of ACL reconstruction with and without remnant preservation. A meta-analysis of these studies was performed to compare clinical outcomes. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the role of methodological quality in primary meta-analysis estimates.

Results

Five RCTs and six observational studies were included in this meta-analysis and subgroup analysis. The remnant-preserving method in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction showed a statistically significant difference compared to the non-preserving method regarding arthrometric evaluation (side-to-side difference). Lachman test, Lysholm scores, and IKDC subjective scores showed statistically minor difference in meta-analysis, but showed no significant difference in subgroup analysis. Remained parameters including pivot shift test, IKDC grades, incidence of cyclops lesion showed no statistically differences in meta-analysis or subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis with subgroup analysis showed that arthroscopic remnant-preserving ACL reconstruction provided statistically significant but limited clinical relevance in terms of arthrometric evaluation. Results of Lachman test, Lysholm scores, and IKDC subjective scores demonstrated statistically minor differences.
Longitudinal Changes in Children’s Accelerometer-derived Activity Pattern Metrics
Authors: DUNTON GENEVIEVE F. , YANG CHIH-HSIANG , ZINK JENNIFER , DZUBUR ELDIN , BELCHER BRITNI R.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The objective of this study was to quantify age-related changes in accelerometer-derived day-level physical activity and sedentary behavior pattern metrics (i.e., number, length, and temporal dispersion of bouts and breaks) across 3 yr of middle childhood. Differences by child sex and weekend versus weekday were examined.

Method

Children (N = 169, 54% female, 56% Hispanic; 8–12 yr old at enrollment) participated in a longitudinal study with six assessments across 3 yr. Day-level moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; i.e., total minutes, number of short (<10 min) bouts, proportion of long (≥20 min) bouts, temporal dispersion) and sedentary behavior (i.e., total minutes, number of breaks, proportion of long (≥60 min) bouts, temporal dispersion) pattern metrics were measured using a waist-worn accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X).

Results

Random intercept multilevel linear regression models showed that age-related decreases in the number of short MVPA bouts per were steeper for girls than for boys (b = −1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), −1.93 to −0.64; P < 0.01) and on weekend days than on weekdays (b = −1.82; 95% CI, −2.36 to −1.29; P < 0.01). The evenness of the temporal dispersion of MVPA across the day increased more on weekend days than on weekdays as children got older (b = −0.02; 95% CI, −0.02 to −0.01; P < 0.01). Girls had steeper age-related decreases in the number of sedentary breaks per day (b = −2.89; 95% CI, −3.97 to −1.73; P < 0.01) and the evenness of the temporal dispersion of sedentary behavior across the day (b ≤ 0.01; 95% CI, <0.01 to 0.01; P < 0.01) than did boys. Changes in sedentary behavior metrics did not differ between weekend days and weekdays.

Conclusion

Strategies to protect against declines in short physical activity bouts and promote sedentary breaks, especially among girls and on weekend days, could reduce cardiometabolic risks.
Le Succès d’Harpocrate à Nea Paphos
Authors: Podvin Jean-Louis
Published: December 2019

Even though we find only a few traces of the Egyptian god Harpocrates on epigraphic inscriptions, his cult was widespread in Ancient Near East during the Graeco-Roman period. The discovery of figurines (terracotta, glass, bronze, silver, and sometimes gold) and other artefacts depicting the young god (for instance on lamps) is a good sign of his popularity at all stratas of society. In Cyprus, such representations of Harpocrates are scarce (Amathontes, Salamine), except for Nea Paphos.The recent publication of an amulet discovered in Nea Paphos gives the opportunity to discuss its interpretation and to come back on the presence of the young god on the island.
Hinged Fibulae from Halae in the Collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Athens
Authors: Kubala Agata
Published: December 2019

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens possesses fourteen Greek fibulae of different sizes found during American excavations at Halae of Locris carried out between 1911 and 1914. They belong to the hinged fibula group, which is characterized by the distinctive decoration of its bows. Fibulae of this type have been found in the area of the Central Balkans, Romania, and northern and central Greece. Observable differences in the shapes of the decorative elements of these fibulae are of regional nature and allow several varieties to be identified within the type. The fibulae in question represent a local transformation of the northern models manifested mainly in the use of native Greek patterns particularly in the case of the palmettes decorating their hinge plates which are purely Greek in shape, and in the form of projections adorning their bows. The high artistic quality of the Halae fibulae reinforces the conviction of their Greek workmanship. They differ from each other in details, and this makes them very good examples of the development of the Greek variant of the hinged type fibula in the 5th century BC.
Three-dimensional Stratigraphy Reconstruction and GIS – Postprocessing Issues in Archaeological field 3D Documentation
Authors: Ostrowski Wojciech , Miszk Łukasz , Winiarska Weronika
Published: December 2019

This paper aims to present the results of experiments which allowed us to propose up-to-date method of 3D visual representation of explored archaeological layers. Considering the destructive nature of excavations, the correct documentation of an exploration, which offers an insight both into the decision-making process taking place on site, and into the most faithful representation of the examined material, presents a fundamental challenge for a field archaeologist. The aim of the experiments presented here was to test three methods of creating 3D models of successive archaeological layers (contexts) recorded during an exploration. The presented findings show that the method of editing point clouds using open-source software prior to importing the model of the reconstruction of the explored layer into GIS software, is the best solution from the point of view of both the effort and time required, and it can definitely be suggested as the standard procedure of creating the graphical bases for an archaeological database.
To ban or not to ban? Mobile phone use in schools
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: December 2019

The mobile phone debate in schools is not going away anytime soon. While some schools forbid them and others embrace them, new research has warned of problematic smartphone usage (PSU) and addiction. Dorothy Lepkowska takes a look
Projection in Education: Conditions for the Sustainable Development of Vietnamese Education
Authors: Dinh-Thai Do , Thien-Vu Giang , Van-Son Huynh , Thanh-Huan Nguyen , Vinh-Khuong Nguyen
Published: December 2019

Projection in education is one of the important bases for the implementation of the sustainable and crucial strategies to ensure the development of national education, including Vietnam. As a country in Southeast Asia with the distinctive characteristics of culture and history, Vietnam has the certain advantages and disadvantages in the development of education. In this study, the projection of Vietnamese students of each school level in the period of 2015 – 2035, was referred in comparison with the projection of the teacher resource in all school levels as one of the conditions for the basic educational development in Vietnam. The study was conducted using an integrated projection in education’s formula, combined with a census (birth rate - for students; the number of teachers from Department of Education and Training’s reports, the pedagogy students prepare for graduation - for teachers) from 32 provinces and cities of Vietnam and analyzed on the rate of population change over the years. The results showed that the shortage of the teacher resource (especially the preschool teachers) and the erratic increase in the number of the children born in the good years according to the Eastern concept were the anxious issues when developing Vietnamese education and integrating into the global development trend.
Öğretmen Adaylarının Meslek Öncesi Öğretmen Kimliği Algıları: Pamukkale Üniversitesi Örneği
Authors: ÇELİK Hayriye Reyhan , KALKAN Ömür Kaya
Published: December 2019

Bu araştırmanın amacı, Pamukkale Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi ve pedagojik formasyon sertifika programına kayıtlı öğretmen adaylarının meslek öncesi öğretmen kimliği algılarını belirlemek ve çeşitli değişkenler açısından incelemektir. Araştırmanın verileri, 2018-2019 Güz yarıyılında Pamukkale Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi’nde öğrenim gören 577 öğretmen adayı ve pedagojik formasyon sertifika programına kayıtlı 502 öğretmen adayı olmak üzere, toplam 1.079 katılımcıdan uygun örnekleme yöntemiyle elde edilmiştir. Veri toplama aracı olarak Arpacı ve Bardakçı (2015) tarafından Türkçe’ye uyarlanan Meslek Öncesi Öğretmen Kimliği Ölçeği (MÖÖKÖ) kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın bulguları tüm öğretmen adaylarının yüksek düzeyde meslek öncesi öğretmen kimliği algısına sahip olduklarını ortaya koymuştur. Bunun yanı sıra, öğretmen adaylarının meslek öncesi öğretmen kimliği algıları cinsiyet, fakülte, bölüm ve eğitim fakültesi sınıf düzeylerine göre anlamlı farklılıklar göstermiştir. Araştırma sonuçları öğretmen eğitimi program tasarımlarında, öğretmen meslek kimliğinin dikkate alınması gerektiğine vurgu yapmaktadır.
Acids and Anions Effects on the Distrubution of Cadmium Between Buffered Aqeuous Phases and 4,4´-(1e,1e´)-1,1´-(Ethane-1,2-Diylbis (Azan-1-Yl-1ylidene)) Bis(5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2,3-Dihydro-1h-Pyrazol-3-Ol) Solutions
Authors: Godwin J. , Tella L. S. , Ebelegi A. N. , Ayawei N.
Published: December 2019

The effect of some acids, anions and auxiliary complexing agents on the extraction of Cadmium (II) from aqueous solutions buffered to pH 7.5 using a chloroform solution of the Schiff base ligand 4,4´-(1E,1E´)-1,1´-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(azan-1-yl-1ylidene))bis(5-methyl-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-ol) (H2BuEtP) alone and in the presence of 1-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) butan-1-one (HBuP) after an equilibration time of sixty minutes was investigated. Working concentration of Cd(II) was 50mgL-1, while a range from 0.001M-3.0M was used for acid and 0.001M-1.0M for anions and auxiliary complexing agents. Extraction raffinates were analysed for Cd(II) using Flame Atomic Absorption spectrophotometry and Distribution Ratios. Percentage Extractions (%E) were calculated by difference of Cd(II) concentrations before and after equilibration. The mixed ligands H2BuEtP/HBuP organic phase was a better extractant for Cadmium than H2BuEtP alone but the difference was not significant for all acids, Cl-, Oxalate and Tartrate. The results indicated that at lower concentrations of the acids, anions and auxiliary complexing agents, a releasing effect occurred with improved extraction of Cadmium > 90% in most cases and at high concentrations there was reduced percentage extraction due to masking of Cadmium from formation of stable salts of Cadmium. Comparing results with other those of other metals studied under same conditions showed that multi-metal extraction with the ligand (H2BuEtP) is possible. H3PO4, H2SO4, HCl, PO43-, EDTA and Oxalate all showed theoretical potentials for separating Cadmium from other studied metals with Separation Factors βxy = Dx/Dy close to and above 104.
Studies on Some of the Improvised Energetic Materials (IEMs): Detonation, Blast Impulse and TNT Equivalence Parameters
Authors: Balachandar Kannan Gajendran , Thangamani Arumugam
Published: December 2019

This work reports the computational analysis of the physicochemical, detonation, blast peak over pressure, blast impulse and TNT equivalence parameters of some of the Improvised Energetic Materials (IEMs) such as ammonium nitrate, urea nitrate, C4, hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD) and triacetone triperoxide (TATP), which are used in bombing incidents all over the world in the form of Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) or Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIEDs). The blast impulse, peak over pressure, TNT equivalence and detonation parameters reported in this manuscript will be useful to assess the threat quotient caused by these IEMs, of great help for the energetic materials researchers, technologists and scientists to undertake further research work in the field and for the security agencies to understand the severity of the damage during explosion This paper also accounts for the available detection technologies to fabricate an explosive detection device for its effective identification and detection.
Three and a half years’ experience with outpatient total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Coenders Michel J. , Mathijssen Nina M. C. , Vehmeijer Stephan B. W.
Published: December 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to report our experience at 3.5 years with outpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we included all patients who were planned to receive primary THA through the anterior approach between 1 April 2014 and 1 October 2017. Patient-related data and surgical information were recorded. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) related to the hip and an anchor question were taken preoperatively, at six weeks, three months, and one year after surgery. All complications, readmissions, and reoperations were registered.

Results

Of the 647 THA patients who had surgery in this period through the anterior approach, 257 patients (39.7%) met the inclusion criteria and were scheduled for THA in an outpatient setting. Of these, 40 patients (15.6%) were admitted to the hospital, mainly because of postoperative nausea and/or dizziness. All other 217 patients were able to go home on the day of surgery. All hip-related PROMs improved significantly up to 12 months after surgery, compared with the scores before surgery. There were three readmissions and two reoperations in the outpatient cohort. There were no complications related to the outpatient THA protocol.

Conclusion

These study results confirm that outpatient THA can be performed safe and successfully in a selected group of patients, with satisfying results up to one year postoperatively, and without outpatient-related complications, readmissions, and reoperations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):82–89
Restoring the constitutional alignment with a restrictive kinematic protocol improves quantitative soft-tissue balance in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: MacDessi Samuel J. , Griffiths-Jones William , Chen Darren B. , Griffiths-Jones Sam , Wood Jil A. , Diwan Ashish D. , Harris Ian A.
Published: December 2019

Aims

It is unknown whether kinematic alignment (KA) objectively improves knee balance in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), despite this being the biomechanical rationale for its use. This study aimed to determine whether restoring the constitutional alignment using a restrictive KA protocol resulted in better quantitative knee balance than mechanical alignment (MA).

Methods

We conducted a randomized superiority trial comparing patients undergoing TKA assigned to KA within a restrictive safe zone or MA. Optimal knee balance was defined as an intercompartmental pressure difference (ICPD) of 15 psi or less using a pressure sensor. The primary endpoint was the mean intraoperative ICPD at 10° of flexion prior to knee balancing. Secondary outcomes included balance at 45° and 90°, requirements for balancing procedures, and presence of tibiofemoral lift-off.

Results

A total of 63 patients (70 knees) were randomized to KA and 62 patients (68 knees) to MA. Mean ICPD at 10° flexion in the KA group was 11.7 psi (SD 13.1) compared with 32.0 psi in the MA group (SD 28.9), with a mean difference in ICPD between KA and MA of 20.3 psi (p < 0.001). Mean ICPD in the KA group was significantly lower than in the MA group at 45° and 90°, respectively (25.2 psi MA vs 14.8 psi KA, p = 0.004; 19.1 psi MA vs 11.7 psi KA, p < 0.002, respectively). Overall, participants in the KA group were more likely to achieve optimal knee balance (80% vs 35%; p < 0.001). Bone recuts to achieve knee balance were more likely to be required in the MA group (49% vs 9%; p < 0.001). More participants in the MA group had tibiofemoral lift-off (43% vs 13%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides persuasive evidence that restoring the constitutional alignment with KA in TKA results in a statistically significant improvement in quantitative knee balance, and further supports this technique as a viable alternative to MA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J. 2020;102-B(1):117–124
Prospective investigation of the relationship between dorsal tilt, carpal malalignment, and capitate shift in distal radial fractures
Authors: Dias Rachel , Johnson Nick A. , Dias Joseph J.
Published: December 2019

Aims

Carpal malalignment after a distal radial fracture occurs due to loss of volar tilt. Several studies have shown that this has an adverse influence on function. We aimed to investigate the magnitude of dorsal tilt that leads to carpal malalignment, whether reduction of dorsal tilt will correct carpal malalignment, and which measure of carpal malalignment is the most useful.

Methods

Radiographs of patients with a distal radial fracture were prospectively collected and reviewed. Measurements of carpal malalignment were recorded on the initial radiograph, the radiograph following reduction of the fracture, and after a further interval. Linear regression modelling was used to assess the relationship between dorsal tilt and carpal malalignment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify which values of dorsal tilt led to carpal malalignment.

Results

A total of 250 consecutive patients with 252 distal radial fractures were identified. All measures of carpal alignment were significantly associated with dorsal tilt at each timepoint. This relationship persisted after adjustment for age, sex, and the position of the wrist. Capitate shift consistently had the strongest relationship with dorsal tilt and was the only parameter that was not influenced by age or the position of the wrist. ROC curve analysis identified that abnormal capitate shift was seen with > 9° of dorsal tilt.

Conclusion

Carpal malalignment is related to dorsal tilt following a distal radial fracture. Reducing the fracture and improving dorsal tilt will reduce carpal malalignment. Capitate shift is easy to assess visually, unrelated to age and sex, and appears to be the most useful measure of carpal malalignment. The aim during reduction of a distal radial fracture should be to realign the capitate with the axis of the radius and prevent carpal malalignment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):137–143
De Saint-Exupéry a Limeira: uma proposta de leitura comparativa de O Pequeno Príncipe
Authors: Corsi Margarida Da Silveira , Oliveira Pedrina Carvalho de
Published: December 2019

Ao observarmos aulas de literatura para turmas de Ensino Médio, constatamos que grande parte dos alunos não aprecia textos poéticos, pois os consideram de difícil compreensão. Como despertar o interesse pela leitura de poesia? Vinculado ao Grupo de pesquisa Ressignificações do passado na América: processos de leitura, escrita e tradução de gêneros híbridos de historia e ficção – vias para a descolonização, tendo em vista a necessidade de produção de material didático voltado para a poesia, apresentamos, neste trabalho, uma oficina destinada ao Ensino Fundamental II, buscando sensibilizar os alunos para a linguagem poética através de aspectos da estrutura composicional da literatura de cordel. Para elaboração desse material, pautado nos conceitos de intertextualidade, segundo Kristeva (1974) e Samoyault (2008); na ampliação dos conceitos de gêneros para gêneros discursivos, de acordo com Bakhtin (2003), de transtextualidade segundo Genette (1989); escolhemos o conto filosófico de Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, O Pequeno Príncipe (1943), e sua versão em cordel, publicada pelo cordelista pernambucano Josué Limeira, em 2015. Para a elaboração das atividades, analisamos os enunciados, observando os elementos que, segundo Bakhtin (2003), constituem os gêneros discursivos – conteúdo temático, estrutura composicional e estilo.
Literatura e sala de aula: uma leitura das “histórias de Alexandre”, de Graciliano Ramos, e de “O avô e o rio”, de Aleilton Fonseca
Authors: Albuquerque Karla Daniel Martins de Souza , Albuquerque Adenilson De Barros de
Published: December 2019

Este artigo busca analisar duas instâncias de leitura a partir das “histórias de Alexandre” – conjunto de contos que compõem a primeira parte do livro Alexandre e outros heróis –, de Graciliano Ramos, e uma possibilidade de abordagem do conto O avô e o rio, de Aleilton Fonseca, como ferramentas de práticas pedagógicas em sala de aula. No primeiro momento, debruçamo-nos sobre os elementos fantástico, maravilhoso e metaficcional, como características relacionáveis às narrativas. Em seguida, propomos um olhar para a relação texto/público, suscitado pelo direcionamento tênue da abrangência contextual e linguística do autor. No segundo momento, temos no conto supracitado o ponto de partida para a análise da história que representa um processo de formação e aprendizagem, por meio do percurso de seu protagonista na narrativa. Ressaltamos elementos norteadores como o narrador enquanto contador de história na sociedade contemporânea, elementos semânticos indicadores da passagem do tempo, formação cultural familiar, a preparação do aprendizado prático, a memória e o imaginário. Neste estudo, portanto, ao apresentar essas categorias de leitura, temos em vista o professor como figura importante e responsável pela mediação entre o texto literário e a compreensão crítica desenvolvida pelos estudantes.
Experimental practices required to isolate thermal effects in plasmonic photo-catalysis: lessons from recent experiments
Authors: Sivan Yonatan , Baraban Joshua H. , Dubi Yonatan
Published: December 2019

Metal nanoparticles have recently been shown experimentally to speed up chemical reactions when subject to illumination. The mechanisms of this phenomenon have been under debate. A dominant role for high energy non-thermal (typically but imprecisely referred to as “hot”) electrons was proposed in a study by the Halas group [Science 362, 69 (2018)10.1126/science.aat6967]. However, evidence that the faster chemistry has a purely thermal origin has been accumulating, alongside the identification of methodological and technical flaws in the theory and experiments claiming the dominance of “hot” electrons [Science 364, eaaw9367 (2019)10.1126/science.aaw9367]. Here, we advance this discussion towards the possibility of isolating thermal from non-thermal effects. We detail a series of experimental aspects that must be accounted for before effects of “hot” electrons can be distinguished from thermal contributions in plasmonic photocatalysis.
The tragic Rasa in G. Sankara Pillai’s plays
Authors: Paniker Ayyappa
Published: December 2019

This article can be described as an attempt to examine whether tragedy (Duranta) can be a Rasa. The inquiry must start with the term itself: the Duranta Rasa. Such a Rasa has not so far been heard of or come across. Is there such a Rasa at all? It has not been named by anyone in the line of theorists beginning with Bharatha. These are questions that I have put myself, and the essay should not be thought to have been written after having found the answers. It is, in fact, a quest for the answers – its central object is to search rather than to reach conclusions. In fact, the whole of Sankara Pillai’s life itself was devoted to an exploration of the nature of drama – its form, its structure, its meaning, its relevance. Each play of his was a step, a stage in this inquiry. Sankara Pillai does not claim that his inquiry has borne full fruit. Nor do I for my effort.
Performance of memory and the making of Pallaki Seva Prabandhamu of Maharaja Sahaji Bhonsale II
Authors: Santhanam Sushruti
Published: December 2019

The Pallaki Seva prabandhamu is a geya nataka (musical play) in lyrical Telugu language composed in the early eighteenth century by Sahaji Bhonsale II (r. 1684–1712), the Maratha king of the Tamil-speaking region of Thanjavur. Using its most current iteration, the production of a digital album in 2012, as the locus, the article explores the historical vicissitudes of music construction in Carnatic music. The continuous recasting of old repertoire like the Pallaki illuminates the intangible agencies and exigencies of this process of historical record-keeping in southern Indian music. This article showcases the many historical and epistemic locations through which the Pallaki has passed, in the process exposing some critical gaps and misses in historical writing on the southern Indian musical repertoire. It also proposes an alternative, more direct engagement with musical material, in order to write about historical contexts of music and pushes the historian of music to yield more agency to the musician in co-writing the histories of music. The article raises two methodological possibilities: a critical inclusion of ‘performed repertoires’ as an archive of music history; and the inclusion of publishing, notating and other conventional archival of manuscripts within a larger conceptual framework of performance of text.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Fluorobenzimidazole Derivatives as Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents
Authors: Joshi D. , Narigara R. , Jani G. , Parikh K.
Published: December 2019

A new class of fluorobenzimidazole derivatives (IIIa-j)was synthesized to investigate their antimicrobial potential. All the compounds were prepared by multiple step synthesis, initiating from the synthesis of 5-(difluoromethoxy)-1H-benzimidazole-2-thiol (I). The compound I was further reacted with different derivatives of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide (IIa-j) prepared by reacting differently substituted anilines with chloroacetylchloride and triethylamine in DMF (solvent); resulting in formation of fluorobenzimidazoles IIIa-j. The compounds IIIa-j were characterized by spectral analysis viz. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectra, elemental analysis and IR. All these compounds were screened in vitro for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (S. aureus and E. faecalis) and Gram-negative bacterial (E. coli and P.aeruginosa) strains as well as fungi (A. niger and C. albicans). Some of the compounds exhibited promising results (in MIC) against Gram-negative bacterial strains.
Cálculo de eficiência na alocação de mão de obra em estações ferroviárias da malha do Rio de Janeiro por meio da análise envoltória de dados (DEA)
Authors: Moreira Luíza Serra , Ferreira Wagner Luis , Soares de Mello João Carlos Correia Baptista
Published: December 2019

O presente objeto de estudo analisa a eficiência em relação a utilização da mão de obra e passageiros atendidos nas estações ferroviárias do principal ramal ferroviário da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. O objetivo é de viabilizar uma análise de melhores práticas nas estações, possibilitando uma melhor alocação de mão de obra. Para tanto, foi utilizado o DEA como ferramenta de elaboração dos cálculos, por meio do modelo CCR com orientação a inputs e análise da fronteira invertida. Os dados iniciais adotados correspondem ao total de funcionários (input) estimados por meio de observações, e as quantidades de passageiros por estação (output) que correspondem à média de dias úteis entre maio de 2016 até maio de 2017 multiplicados por um fator de correção. A seleção de outras variáveis, por vez, foi realizada utilizando o método de Multicritério para Seleção de Variáveis. Além disso, uma ampla revisão de literatura foi pesquisada como referências aos conceitos e premissas aqui adotados. O resultado apresentou a estação de São Cristóvão como eficiente a ponto de ser considerada benchmark. Dessa forma, as práticas e critérios adotados na utilização de mão de obra na estação de São Cristóvão devem ser, quando operacionalmente possível, replicados e/ou adaptados às demais estações.
Taxas e modelos de geração de viagens para postos de combustíveis – estudo de caso em Florianópolis/SC
Authors: Orlandi Silva Mayara , Grando Goldner Lenise
Published: December 2019

Este trabalho apresenta uma pesquisa realizada em treze postos de combustíveis na cidade de Florianópolis/SC, seis localizados no centro da cidade e outros sete em importantes praias, onde foram realizadas contagens volumétricas de tráfego nos principais acessos aos postos, num período de 16 horas. Da análise dos resultados, foram obtidas as taxas de geração de viagens em função das variáveis: área construída, número de bombas e posições de abastecimento e modelos de regressão linear múltipla que indicaram uma boa correlação das variáveis explicativas: área total construída, área da conveniência e o preço do combustível. Com base na bibliografia disponível, obtida através de uma revisão bibliográfica narrativa e sistemática, realizou-se a comparação das taxas propostas na pesquisa com a realidade americana. Espera-se, com este trabalho, contribuir para estudos mais abrangentes da geração de viagens em postos de combustíveis, oferecendo, aos planejadores de transporte, importante ferramenta para avaliação de impacto deste tipo de empreendimento.
Estimação da velocidade média em vias arteriais urbanas com uso do microssimulador VISSIM
Authors: Lacerda Victor Macêdo , Ribeiro Leonardo Gonçalves , Rocha Matheus Ferreira da , Tabosa Diego Alves , Castro Neto Manoel Mendonça de
Published: December 2019

Um dos principais desafios na modelagem microscópica de vias urbanas é a estimação dos valores dos parâmetros dos modelos comportamentais do condutor. O principal objetivo deste artigo é propor um método de calibração dos modelos comportamentais do VISSIM para modelagem do tráfego de vias arteriais urbanas, com foco na estimação da velocidade média do tráfego de automóveis e de ônibus. O método foi aplicado em dois corredores urbanos da cidade de Fortaleza, resultando em erros de calibração de 10% e 13% e de validação de 19% e 9%. O segundo objetivo deste artigo foi comparar a calibração apresentada, do tipo sequencial, na qual os parâmetros são calibrados separadamente, seguindo uma sequência pré-estabelecida, com a calibração simultânea, na qual todos os parâmetros são calibrados em conjunto com base na medida de desempenho do tráfego que se deseja estimar. A calibração sequencial resultou em melhores estimativas para os parâmetros comportamentais, pois ela diminui a chance de se obter combinações de valores irreais para os parâmetros.
Use of multi-criteria decision analysis to classify and regulate interstate bus services in Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Hugo Alves Silva , Brandão Filho José Expedito , Costa Paulo Henrique Da Silva , Quirino Marcelo Grangeiro
Published: December 2019

Os serviços de ônibus interestaduais no Brasil podem ocorrer entre municípios próximos ou distantes. Na primeira situação, o serviço deve ser classificado como ‘semiurbano’, delegado por permissão pelo Poder Público Federal, exigindo processo licitatório e operado com ônibus urbanos. Na outra situação, o serviço deve ser classificado como ‘rodoviário’, o qual é diretamente autorizado pela autoridade pública e deve ser operado por ônibus rodoviários. A lei brasileira diferencia cidades ‘próximas’ ou ‘distantes’ quando o serviço ocorre com características ‘urbanas’ ou ‘regionais’, mas não especifica parâmetros para essa distinção. Este artigo apresenta um método multicritério utilizado para melhor classificar e regular os serviços de transporte interestadual de passageiros. Como resultado, a técnica foi aplicada em 11 mercados interestaduais, dos quais 4 foram considerados ‘semiurbanos’. Em conclusão, o estudo foi utilizado para apoiar a decisão do governo.
Otimização de equipamentos em obras de terraplanagem utilizando programação linear inteira
Authors: Morais Bruna De Almeida , Falcão Viviane Adriano
Published: December 2019

Com o intuito de reduzir os gastos da terraplanagem, vários estudos abordaram formas de promover a diminuição das distâncias percorridas pelos veículos transportadores, encontrando distâncias de transporte ótimas que atendam às demandas das seções de corte e aterro. Outros buscaram, ainda, encontrar rotas para os veículos de forma que todo o seu itinerário resulte na menor distância total de transporte possível, porém não consideraram a composição da frota de equipamentos e as limitações que cada um deles possui. Este trabalho tem como objetivo reformular o modelo de roteamento para múltiplos veículos de maneira que o intervalo de distâncias de transporte ideal para cada tipo de maquinário seja incluso nele. O novo modelo foi aplicado a um exemplo fictício para fins de validação, e os resultados obtidos demonstram que o modelo é capaz de atender diferentes faixas de distâncias, fornecendo a trajetória ótima para equipamentos diversos.
Sobre: El tiempo de la improvisación, de Alberto Giordano. Rosario: Iván Rosado, 2019.
Authors: Grossi Bruno
Published: December 2019

Sobre: El tiempo de la improvisación, de Alberto Giordano. Rosario: Iván Rosado, 2019.
ARMAZENAMENTO DE MEDICAMENTOS NA CENTRAL DE ABASTECIMENTO FARMACÊUTICO (CAF) DE UM MUNICÍPIO DO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE, BRASIL
Authors: Gomes George Sillas Silva , Mariz Batista Almária
Published: December 2019

Medicamentos representam a perspectiva de resolutividade de grande parte agravos de saúde. A preservação da sua qualidade deve ser garantida desde a fabricação até a dispensação ao paciente. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo analisou o processo de armazenamento de medicamentos na Central de Abastecimento Farmacêutico do município de Currais Novos, RN, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, de caráter descritivo-exploratório, desenvolvido no mês de maio de 2018. A coleta de dados se deu por meio da aplicação de roteiro de inspeção, elaborado com base nas Boas Práticas para Estocagem de Medicamentos e nos requisitos de armazenamento preconizados pela RDC nº 44/09, da Anvisa. Dos 16 itens avaliados, 44% apresentaram não conformidade. Itens como inexistência de procedimentos operacionais padrão, iluminação e instalações elétricas inadequadas e monitoramento de temperatura e umidade compuseram os itens em não conformidade. O sistema de armazenamento da Central de Abastecimento Farmacêutico do município de Currais Novos, RN, única responsável pelo armazenamento e pela dispensação de medicamentos do componente básico da Assistência Farmacêutica para a população de todos os bairros, necessita ser otimizado em diversos pontos, visando ao fortalecimento do ciclo da assistência farmacêutica. O farmacêutico se apresenta como profissional fundamental para liderar esse processo, para uma dispensação mais efetiva e segura para o paciente que necessita do acesso ao medicamento.
Antioxidative properties of isolated saponins of Verbesina encelioides (Cav.) Benth. & Hook. fil ex Gray and SEM studies of synthesized green nanoparticles for acne management
Authors: Verma Vartika , Chaudhary Monika , Srivastava Nidhi
Published: December 2019

Acne is one of the most common and chronic skin problems in most adolescents and young adults due to several internal and external factors. The present study emphasizes on screening of high antioxidant potential of wild sunflower for acne therapy, as it also plays a major role in the patho-physiology of acne. The anti-oxidant potential of extracted plant compounds was carried out by using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In recent years, scientists have been involved in the application of green nanoparticle synthesis. Further synthesized green nanoparticles were checked for antiacne potential. Isolated saponins and their synthesized nonolparticles would play an important role to control the acne.
Effect of purified alkaline phosphatase from Bacillus licheniformis on growth of Zea mays L.
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Banik Rathindra Mohan
Published: December 2019

Some soil microbes have the capability to solubilize mineral phosphate into organic phosphorous and used as biofertilizer to improve crop productivity in agricultural field. In this study, phosphate solubilization assay was carried out onto media plates containing calcium phsophate precipitated nutrient agar media for bacterial strains like Bacillus megaterium MTCC 453, Bacillus subtilis MTCC 1134, Bacillus licheniformis MTCC 2312, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 424, Escherichia coli MTCC 570. Among these bacterial strains, B. licheniformis MTCC 2312 showed largest clear zone of phosphate solubilzation and maximum activity of alkaline phosphatase. The enzyme alkaline phosphatase was purified from B. licheniformis MTCC 2312 with purification fold 3.52 and specific activity 295.89 Unit/mg protein using DEAE-sepharose chromatography. This enzyme showed molecular weight as 60 KD, thermostability upto 50?C, pH stability up to 8.5 and Michaelis constant (Km) and maximum activity (Vmax) as 2.30 mM and 2223 U/ml respectively. The lyophilized powder of this enzyme was further supplemented with media components for the growth of Zea mays for carrying tissue culture experiment. The sterilized soil supplemented with alkaline phosphatase improved the total height, dry weight, % phosphate content in the stem and root of Zea mays by 3.07, 3.15, 2.35 and 1.76 fold respectively compared to control set. This enzyme could be used at large extent as effective biofertilizer for the agricultural industry.