bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Patient Age and Surgical Appropriateness and Their Influence on Surgeon Recommendations for Primary TKA
Authors: Hawker Gillian A. , Bohm Eric , Dunbar Michael J. , Jones C. Allyson , Noseworthy Tom , Marshall Deborah A.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Rising total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rates in younger patients raises concern about appropriateness. We asked: are younger individuals who seek consultation for TKA less likely to be appropriate for and, controlling for appropriateness, more likely to be recommended for surgery?

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was nested within a prospective cohort study of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients referred for TKA from 2014 to 2016 to centralized arthroplasty centers in Alberta, Canada. Pre-consultation, questionnaires assessed patients’ TKA appropriateness (need, based on knee symptoms and prior treatment; readiness/willingness to undergo TKA; health status; and expectations) and contextual factors (for example, employment). Post-consultation, surgeons confirmed study eligibility and reported their TKA recommendation. Using generalized estimating equations to control for clustering by surgeon, we assessed relationships between patient age (<50, 50 to 59, ≥60 years) and TKA appropriateness and receipt of a surgeon TKA recommendation.

Results:

Of 2,037 participants, 3.3% and 22.7% were <50 and 50 to 59 years of age, respectively, 58.7% were female, and 35.5% were employed. Compared with older participants, younger participants reported significantly worse knee symptoms, higher use of OA therapies, higher TKA readiness, and similar willingness, but had higher body mass index and were more likely to smoke and to consider the ability to participate in vigorous activities, for example, sports, as very important TKA outcomes. TKA was offered to 1,500 individuals (73.6% overall; 52.2%, 71.0%, and 75.4% of those <50, 50 to 59, and ≥60 years, respectively). In multivariate analyses, the odds of receiving a TKA recommendation were higher with greater TKA need and willingness, in nonsmokers, and in those who indicated that improved ability to go upstairs and to straighten the leg were very important TKA outcomes. Controlling for TKA appropriateness, patient age was not associated with surgeons’ TKA recommendations.

Conclusions:

Younger individuals with knee OA referred for TKA had similar or greater TKA need, readiness, and willingness than older individuals. Incorporation of TKA appropriateness criteria into TKA decision-making may facilitate consideration of TKA benefits and risks in a growing population of young, obese individuals with knee OA.

Clinical Relevance:

Younger people seeking TKA for knee OA had significant OA pain and disability despite recommended OA therapies, suggesting appropriateness for surgical consideration. However, they were significantly more likely to have morbid obesity, to smoke, and to consider return to vigorous activities, like sport, as important TKA outcomes. Whether the short- and longer-term risks of TKA are outweighed by the benefits is unclear and warrants additional research.
Efficiency Analysis of Industrial Water Treatment in China Based on Two-stage Undesirable Fixed-sum Output DEA Model
Authors: Ma Hewen , Geng Baoxia , Fu Yingxiong , Sun Yi , Sun Zhao
Published: February 2022

China is a country with the most water consumption, so it is lack of water resources. Industry has brought serious water pollution while driving economic development, which leads to the destruction of ecological environment. With the improvement of environmental awareness, many scholars have shifted their research direction to how to improve the ecological environment. Most studies consider the whole system as a “black box”, regardless of its internal structure. Therefore, a method to identify inefficiency is necessary and some suggestions for optimization are given. In this paper, a two-stage undesirable fixed-sum output data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is proposed. The industrial chemical oxygen demand (COD) emission during 2011–2015 are adjusted, and the efficiency values are calculated by heuristic search algorithm. The efficiency of 30 provinces and cities is divided into eastern, central and western regions. The model can identify the inefficient stage in industrial system, and find the source of low efficiency in the system. The analysis shows that the efficiency of eastern region is the highest, while the overall efficiency is inclined to the pollutant treatment stage. Finally, the paper puts forward some suggestions for the low efficiency areas, which can save water while ensuring economic benefits, and provide new direction for water pollution reduction and improve the ecological environment.
Les Albums plurilingues ÉLODiL pour soutenir l’enseignement à distance
Authors: Gosselin-Lavoie Catherine , Maynard Catherine , Armand Françoise
Published: February 2022

Résumé : Cet article présente une application, les Albums plurilingues ELODiL, qui regroupe 11 albums de littérature jeunesse québécois en français (édités par deux maisons d’éditions québécoises : Les 400 Coups et La Courte échelle) et traduits à l’écrit et à l’oral, dans plusieurs langues. Durant le temps de l’enseignement à distance rendu nécessaire par les mesures de confinement dû à la pandémie de Covid-19, cette application a été accessible gratuitement à l’intention des enseignant·es et des familles à travers le Canada pour un peu plus de deux mois (du 21 avril au 30 juin 2020). Nous exposons, dans cet article, les fondements et modalités de conception de l’application ainsi que des données sur sa fréquentation ainsi que sur son utilisation et son appréciation par les enseignant·es durant ces premiers mois de sa mise en ligne.
Enseigner la poésie engagée de façon engageante: Instagram
Authors: Barysevich Alena , Fortin-Choquette Rosalie
Published: February 2022

Le présent article illustre le potentiel de l’intégration d’Instagram dans l’enseignement et l’apprentissage de la poésie engagée. À ces fins, nous partageons notre expérience sur l’adaptation d’une séquence didactique enseignée entièrement en ligne à la base des outils du Web 2.0 autour du genre de la poésie engagée dans le cours de littérature de deuxième année au niveau universitaire. Cette séquence s’inscrit dans le courant socio-interactionnel et la perspective dite « actionnelle » alignée avec le Plan d’action numérique en éducation et en enseignement supérieur du Québec. La séquence est basée sur l’œuvre engagée et multidisciplinaire de Natasha Kanapé Fontaine, une auteure innue québécoise, et culmine à la publication d’un poème engagé sur Instagram, une plateforme sociale qui permet d’allier l’aspect visuel à l’aspect textuel. Les données provenant des évaluations des étudiants et du projet final illustrent qu’Instagram pourrait être considérée en tant que plateforme éducative capable de (i) forger des interactions, (ii) développer le sens d’une communauté, (iii) cultiver l’imagination, la créativité et la pensée critique en langue seconde/étrangère, (iv) augmenter les compétences interculturelles et numériques des apprenants et (v) contribuer à l’appropriation du genre poétique.
Écrire les voix d'autres personnes : entre engagements, trahisons et réciprocités
Authors: Leroy Delphine
Published: February 2022

Dans le cadre d’une recherche en sciences humaines et sociales, collecter et transcrire des récits de personnes migrantes, par une démarche compréhensive, peut produire un effacement de leurs voix, quand bien même c’est le contraire qui serait visé. Comment traduire des voix par l’écriture? Est-il seulement possible de traduire des voix? Si tentative il y a, comment les retranscrire, passer d’une oralité volatile à une matière scripturale? A partir d’une citation de Georges Steiner – extraite de l’ouvrage de Didier Fassin – qui décompose le sens de la traduction, l’article puisera dans des expériences de recherches pour réfléchir au statut de cette ré-écriture et aux possibles manières qu’ont les personnes de se les (ré)approprier. Écrire sa propre voix serait l’une des voies de l’auteurisation, encore faut-il à chacun·e trouver ou créer ces espaces de possibles. C’est parfois la chercheuse qui est surprise par les voies empruntées des locutrices pour y parvenir.
Adult morphologies of Puzosia quenstedti (PARONA & BONARELLI, 1897) (Ammonoidea, Desmoceratidae) in the Albian of the South-East of France. Taxonomic implications
Authors: Latil Jean-Louis , Delanoy Gérard , Delattre Pierre
Published: February 2022

Several adult specimens belonging to the genus Puzosia BAYLE, 1878, were collected in the Albian of Lieuche (Alpes-Maritimes, France). Comparison with material from the condensed Albian levels of La Balme de Rencurel (Isère, France), in particular those described and figured by JACOB (1908), has highlighted a morphological link between the adult forms from Lieuche and the incomplete specimens from the condensed levels of the Lower-Middle Albian of south-eastern France and to identify them as Puzosia quenstedti (PARONA & BONARELLI, 1897). These new details on the ontogenetic development of this species also allow new perspectives in the taxonomic treatment of Albian Puzosia species. A modified diagnosis of Puzosia quenstedti is proposed. The presence of Douvilleiceras sp. juv. aff. D. mammillatum (SCHLOTHEIM, 1813) in superimposed overlying levels allows assignation of a Lower Albian (Douvilleiceras mammillatum Superzone) to a basal Middle Albian age (Hoplites dentatus Zone).
Comments: Staying Ahead of the Curve
Authors: Boschee Pam
Published: February 2022

JPT’s editorial and production staff wish you the best in 2022!

We are planning our year’s content to continue to bring you the latest deep technical insights and industry updates with an eye toward all disciplines. Our industry’s technology, goals, and business priorities are continually adjusting and changing. Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve. The editors of JPT, Oil and Gas Facilities, HSE Now, Data Science and Digital Engineering, and TWA work together to ensure our content provides SPE members with forward-thinking concepts, technologies, and applications to help you also stay ahead of the curve.

We have you to thank for many of the ideas and technical expertise you share with us despite your own busy schedules and other commitments. Your time, effort, and willingness to share information are much appreciated.

This issue of JPT debuts our refreshed design. We’ve made the presentation of the content “cleaner” and “easier on the eyes” by increasing the spacing of letters and lines of text, using two columns instead of three, and presenting graphics and captions more attractively. While we realize technical content does not demand “being pretty,” we also appreciate in our own reading how the creative presentation of content can be inviting.

We’ve also changed the digital edition to a more user-friendly flipbook. When you move your cursor to the bottom of each page, you’ll see a toolbar where you can elect to zoom in or out, download the issue as a PDF to read offline, search within the issue, click to display the Table of Contents and click to go to a selected article, and view in full screen mode.

If you prefer to read JPT on the website each month, you’ll continue to be able to do so when you log in.

And, if you haven’t yet done so, follow JPT on LinkedIn to get our articles in your LinkedIn feed.

Our industry is starting the year with a rebound and outlooks of guarded optimism. Wood Mackenzie’s Fraser McKay, vice president, upstream research, wrote in mid-December, “At a Brent price of around US$70/bbl, oil and gas cash flows will be at near-record levels. At US$80/bbl, it would soar towards US$1 trillion … Despite this, for many stakeholders and even some chief executives, the sector’s risks outweigh its upsides. This tension will define 2022.” The positive outlook will be tempered by concerns about its future as pressure grows to respond to COP26 pledges. In other words, 2022 is likely to deliver a mix of ups and downs.

If you are the type who makes New Year’s resolutions (and remains committed to them), you are on your way to making changes, be they large or small. For others (like myself), resolutions fade all too quickly. But for all of us, a new year brings with it the anticipation of what lies ahead, be it joy or sorrow. Staying ahead of our own unpredictable curves professionally and personally is impossible, but the result is generally and thankfully a mix of highs and lows.

Here’s to much more joy than sorrow, many more highs than lows.
Extended-Reach Wells Help Optimize Production in Marginal Offshore Prospects
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: February 2022

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 202896, “Optimizing Production From Marginal and Challenging Prospects To Unlock Field Potential: Success Cases in the Jasmine Field, Gulf of Thailand,” by Mukminin Yusuf, SPE, Pattarapong Prasongtham, SPE, and Theeranun Limniyakul, SPE, Mubadala Petroleum, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The development of marginal volumes in the Jasmine ﬁeld is part of the operator’s strategy to extend the ﬁeld’s life, involving the exploitation of increasingly challenging prospects. The complete paper highlights two case studies to illustrate how the operator has developed marginal prospects to unlock the Jasmine ﬁeld’s remaining potential successfully. The use of autonomous inﬂow control devices (AICD) has played a signiﬁcant role in optimizing production in reservoirs with small oil rims and thick gas caps.

Jasmine Field

The designation “Jasmine ﬁeld” is commonly used to refer to both the Jasmine ﬁeld and the neighboring Ban Yen ﬁeld, which are essentially one integrated ﬁeld from an operational perspective. The ﬁelds are in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 300 km southeast of Bangkok in depths of 190 to 200 ft (Fig. 1).
Efficient Robust Production Optimization with Reduced Sampling
Authors: Yu Junjie , Jahandideh Atefeh , Jafarpour Behnam
Published: February 2022

Model-based robust production optimization is performed by propagating the uncertainty in the reservoir model description through the nonlinear fluid flow dynamics to predict the stochastic production response and the objective function of interest. Propagation of uncertainty is often accomplished through Monte Carlo simulation by sampling from the distribution of uncertain input parameters and computing the corresponding value of the objective function after performing reservoir simulation. The computational burden of performing hundreds of reservoir simulation runs to characterize the distribution of the objective function (or its point statistics) over the sampled input parameters makes the process prohibitive for large-scale deployment. To reduce the computational load of robust production optimization under geologic uncertainty, we propose an efficient stochastic production optimization algorithm based on a reduced sampling strategy. In this approach, at each iteration of the optimization procedure, instead of evaluating the objective function and its gradient over a large number of fixed realizations, we approximate them by using a small subset of model realizations that are selected randomly. This approximation leads to solving a series of “small” subproblems that require significantly fewer reservoir simulation runs, thereby reducing the computational complexity of the robust optimization workflow. Because the samples are selected randomly, over several iterations of the optimization process, a large number of samples are included. For a fixed set of realization, the proposed approach results in each sample being used multiple times during the optimization process. The proposed method is applied to several numerical examples, including a field-scale reservoir model, to show its computational efficiency over traditional robust production optimization under geologic uncertainty.
Evaluation of Open Fractures-Sonic Velocity Relation in Fractured Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Aghli Ghasem , Aminshahidy Babak
Published: February 2022

Rock physics evaluation of heterogeneous fractured reservoirs where such fractures are the main fluid conduits is necessary for production optimization and field development. In this regard, fracture parameters (i.e., aperture, density, etc.) play a significant role in acoustic wave velocities and propagation, which should be investigated. However, the effect of fracture parameters on sonic wave velocities and their propagation is relatively vague in fractured reservoirs. This study aims to evaluate the mentioned relation by integration of velocity deviation logs, image logs, conventional logs, sonic waveforms, core data, and thin sections in the four studied wells. The results of the velocity deviation logs and sonic waveforms indicate that fracture density and fracture aperture directly control their fluctuations. For example, results showed that zones with higher fracture aperture and lower fracture density, mainly in the dolomitic facies, exhibited more deviations (<−500) compared with the zones with higher fracture density and lower fracture aperture. Hence, the negative deviations on the velocity deviation log are not directly controlled by fracture density, and fracture aperture is the most effective factor on the negative deviation of the velocity deviation log. So, it seems that this parameter controls sonic waves scattering and reservoir behavior. It was found that open fractures and zones with higher porosity (>10%) would have a great impact on sonic wave velocities, attenuation, and other rock physics properties. Ultimately, it was confirmed that a simple but robust combination of the velocity deviation log with sonic waveforms can be used to delineate fractured zones with high fracture aperture (>0.1 mm) in the wells where core samples or image logs are not available.
Considering health literacy in cardiovascular disease management: a qualitative study on healthcare professionals’ and patients' perspectives
Authors: PERRIN Adèle , Damiolini Eléonore , Schott Anne-Marie , Zermati Jéremy , Bravant Estelle , Delahaye François , Dima Alexandra L. , HAESEBAERT Julie
Published: February 2022

Background: Implementing practices adapted to patient health literacy (HL) is a promising avenue for improving their outcomes in the context of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The health communication skills of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the quality of information provided are essential for low-HL patients. We aimed to explore HCPs knowledge about HL, patients and HCPs views on current practices regarding low-HL patients, and facilitators and barriers to adapting communication to patients’ HL level, in order to prepare the implementation of a complex intervention dedicated to improve CVD management for low-HL patients.Methods: We conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with HCPs practicing in cardiology units and patients hospitalized for CVD. Study design and analysis were based on the Theory of Planned Behavior for HCPs and the framework of Health Literacy and Health Action for patients. Deductive and inductive thematic analysis were used. Barriers and facilitators were structured into an Ishikawa fishbone diagram and implementation strategies were selected to address resulting themes from the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC).Results: Fifteen patients and 14 HCPs were interviewed. HCPs had partial knowledge of HL dimensions. Perceptions of HCPs and patients were not congruent regarding HCP-patient interactions and information provided by hospital and community HCPs. HCPs perceived they lacked validated tools and skills, and declared they adapted spontaneously their communication when interacting with low-HL patients. Patients expressed unmet needs regarding communication during hospital discharge and at return to home. Conclusion: To implement HL-tailored practices in this setting, our results suggest that several implementation strategies will be valuable at individual (engaging patients and their family), interactional (educating and training of HCPs about HL) and organizational levels (creating a multidisciplinary HCPs interest group dedicated to HL). Trial registration: The study was registered on Clinical Trials: NCT03949309.
Identification of a Novel Secreted Metabolite Cyclo(phenylalanyl-prolyl) from Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis and its Effect on Galleria Mellonella.
Authors: Starr Amanda Michelle , Zabet-Moghaddam Masoud , Francisco Michael San
Published: February 2022

The fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, is the causative agent of chytridiomycosis and a leading cause of global decline in amphibian populations . The first stages of chytridiomycosis include: inflammation, hyperkeratosis, lethargy, loss of righting reflex, and disruption of internal electrolyte levels leading to eventual death of the host. Previous work indicates that B. dendrobatidis can produce immunomodulatory compounds and other secreted molecules that regulate the growth of the fungus. In this study, filtrates of the fungus grown in media and water were subjected to ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and analyzed using Compound Discoverer 3.0. Identification of cyclo(phenylalanyl-prolyl), chitobiose, and S-adenosylmethionine were verified by their retention times and fragmentation patterns from B. dendrobatidis supernatants. Previous studies have analyzed the effects of B. dendrobatidis on amphibian models, in vitro, or in cell culture. We studied the effects of live B. dendrobatidis cells, spent culture filtrates containing secreted metabolites, and cyclo(pheylalanyl-prolyl) on wax moth larvae ( Galleria mellonella) . Concentrated filtrates caused melanization within 24 hours, while live B. dendrobatidis caused melanization within 48 hours. Our results indicate B. dendrobatidis produces secreted metabolites previously unreported. These findings provide another alternative for the use of a non-amphibian model system to study pathogenicity traits in this fungus.
Applying and assessing the PEERS model on genetic counselling training in China: A mixed-method approach
Authors: Dong Dong , Xiong Shiyi , Nichini Elena , Chen Xiaoqiong , Liu Binjuan , Zhu Liling , Yip Faustina Fu , Sun Luming , Zhu Jianfeng
Published: February 2022

Background: Due to the changing medical demands in the healthcare system, there is a need for the implementation of a standardised and professionalised curriculum for genetic counsellors in the practice of genetic medicine. This mixed-method study will observe and evaluate the first Peer Experiential and Reciprocal Supervision (PEERS) training program on genetic counselling among medical practitioners in China; to provide feedback and recommendation for future genetic counselling training and practices.Methods: A genetic counsellor training programme was held in December 10 and 11, 2016 in a foetal medicine unit and prenatal diagnosis centre in Shanghai with 59 participants from various clinical centres, hospitals and organisations in China. An ethnographic reflexive assessment combined with a structured questionnaire were used to provide insights and feedback on the overall training experience.Results: Results indicate an inadequate mastery of genetic and foetal knowledge; a lack of empathetic understanding and cultural sensitivity; difficulties in adopting a non-directive counselling approach; distance between reality and fictionality in the training; the overall training’s helpfulness.Conclusions: The professionalization of genetic counselling in China is in the making with the soaring demands for genetic counselling services; this first experiment of PEERS training turned out to be a needed experience, worth to be adapted to more medical centres across China, to better understand and face the challenges rising from genetic counselling practice.
A web-based survey on factors for unvaccination and adverse reactions of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Chinese postoperative patients with breast cancer
Authors: xiao wang , Shen Minxue , Zhang Qian , Wang Xiaomin , Zhang Hanghao , Li Tingxuan , Hu Yuanping , Xia Fan , Liao Liqiu
Published: February 2022

Vaccination against SARS-COV-2 has been the most important strategy for preventing infection and controlling pandemics of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But there is a lack of research on the pandemics in postoperative patients with breast cancer. We conducted a web-based questionnaire survey on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in these populations. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the associations. Among 947 valid online questionnaires, 341 (36.0%) accepted SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, while 606 (64.0%) were not. There were significant differences in age, current treatment, the time since surgery, and the symptoms of anxiety and depression between the two groups. We identified current treatment (odds ratio, OR = 0.51 for endocrine therapy; 95% CI: 0.29–0.89), the time since surgery (OR = 22.49 for 1–2 years; 95% CI: 12.31–41.10; OR = 8.49 for 2–5 years ; 95% CI: 4.98–14.46; OR = 1.79 for > 5 years ; 95% CI: 1.11–2.89), and the symptoms of depression (OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.19–5.15) as significant factors for unvaccination. The overall incidence of adverse reactions was 43.1%, and the most common local and systemic adverse reactions were pain at the injection site (28.4%) and fatigue (8.8%), respectively. Postoperative patients with breast cancer have a lower rate of vaccination for SARS-CoV-2. Receiving treatment, a shorter time since surgery and symptom of depression were associated with unvaccination. But, about 76.6% of the unvaccinated participants were willing to be vaccinated when their breast cancer was stable. More importantly, a favorable safety profile of the vaccines is indicated.
The Relationship between Difficulty in Emotion Regulation and Alexithymia with Hostile attribution bias and Anger in in adolescent boys with high bullying: A Path Analysis
Authors: afrashteh majid yousei , hanifeh parinaz
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Adolescence is one of the critical stages and the period of evolution of human physical and mental development that occurs between childhood and youth. Successful completion of this course plays a role in mental health and personality. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Difficulty in Emotion Regulation and Alexithymia with Hostile attribution bias and Anger in adolescent boys with bullying, which plays an important role in developmental outcomes in adolescents. Methods: This research was conducted by cross-sectional method. 345 adolescent boys with high bullying living in Zanjan, Iran participated in the study. To measure self-reporting tools, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Questionnaire of Hostile attribution bias and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory tools were used to collect data. Path analysis method was used to analyze the causal model. The results show a good fit of the model with the experimental data. Results: The results also showed a direct and significant effect between anger with Difficulty in Emotion Regulation (β =0.19, p <0.05), with Alexithymia (β = 0.17, p <0.05) and with Hostile attribution bias (β =0.32, p<0.05) in male adolescents high bullying. As well the mediating role of Hostile attribution bias in the relationship between Difficulties in emotion regulation with anger is significant (β = 0.32). Moreover the mediating role of Hostile attribution bias in the relationship between Alexithymia with anger is significant (β = 0.20). Conclusion: These results contribute to the theoretical knowledge of how Alexithymia and hostile attribution bias affect anger in adolescent populations. The findings supported the mediating role of hostile attribution bias in the relationship between Difficulty in Emotion Regulation and Alexithymia with anger in adolescents. All three predictor variables are trainable and can be used in anger reduction and bullying interventions in adolescents.
The relationship between structural analysis of the hand and clinical characteristics in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Pfeil Alexander , Heinz Marcus , Hoffmann Tobias , Weise Tobias , Renz Diane M. , Franz Marcus , Malich Ansgar , Driesch Dominik , Oelzner Peter , Wolf Gunter , Böttcher Joachim
Published: February 2022

Background:
Up to now, there is only limited information available on a possible relationship between clinical characteristics and the mineralization of metacarpal bones and finger joint space distance (JSD) in patients with psoriasis arthritis (PsA). Computerized digital imaging techniques like digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) and computer-aided joint space analysis (CAJSA) have significantly improved the structural analysis of hand radiographs and facilitate the recognition of radiographic damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical features which potentially influence periarticular mineralization of the metacarpal bones and finger JSD in PsA-patients.
Methods:
201 patients with PsA underwent computerized measurements of the metacarpal bone mineral density (BMD) with DXR and JSD of all finger joints by CAJSA. DXR-BMD and JSD were compared with clinical features such as age and sex, disease duration, C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as treatment with prednisone and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Results:
A longer disease duration and an elevated CRP value were associated with a significant reduction of DXR-BMD, whereas JSD-parameters were not affected by both parameters. DXR-BMD was significantly reduced in the prednisone group (-6.6%), but prednisone showed no impact on finger JSD. Patients under the treatment with bDMARDs presented significant lower DXR-BMD (-9.1%), JSDMCP (-16.8%), and JSDPIP (-12.4%) values.
Conclusion:
Metacarpal BMD was influenced by inflammatory activity, prednisone use, and DMARDs. In contrast, finger JSD showed only a change compared to baseline therapy. Therefore, metacarpal BMD as well as finger JSD represent radiographic destruction under different aspects.
A physical function intervention in community-dwelling disabled and older adults in a Medicaid waiver: results of a multi-site pragmatic hybrid type III cluster randomized trial comparing two implementation strategies
Authors: Spoelstra Sandra , Schueller Monica , Basso Viktoria , Sikorskii Alla
Published: February 2022

Background: Evidence-based interventions that optimize physical function for disabled and older adults living in the community who have difficulty with daily living tasks are available. However, to date, their implementation has been limited, particularly in state Medicaid home and community-based waiver programs. Furthermore, it is unknown whether implementation strategies commonly used in other settings would result in adoption and sustainability of these effective interventions in resource-constrained Medicaid programs.Methods: In a hybrid type III trial, waiver sites (N=18) were randomly assigned to implement the intervention using a bundle of strategies with either internal facilitation (IF) or IF and external facilitation (EF). Adoption and sustainability were assessed via stages of implementation completion (SIC) for each site. Clinician attitudes toward evidence-based practice and self-efficacy were evaluated among 539 registered nurses, social workers, and occupational therapists. Medicaid beneficiary outcomes of activities of daily living, depression, pain, falls, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations were evaluated in a sample of N=7,030 as reflected by electronic health records data of the Medicaid waiver program. Linear mixed effects models were used to compare outcomes between trial arms while accounting for cluster-randomized design.Results: The mean SIC scores were 72.22 (standard deviation [SD]=16.98) in the IF arm (9 sites), and 61.33 (SD=19.29) in the IF+EF arm (9 sites). The difference was not statistically significant, but corresponded to the medium clinically important effect size Cohen’s d=0.60. Clinician implementation outcomes of attitudes and self-efficacy did not differ according to the IF versus IF+EF. Beneficiary depression was reduced significantly in IF+EF arm compared to IF (p=.04, 95% confidence interval for the difference [0.01, 0.24]). No differences between trial arms were found for other beneficiary outcomes. Conclusions: Level of facilitation did not enhance capacity for adoption and sustainability of an evidence-based intervention in an under-resourced Medicaid setting that cares for disabled and older adults. Improved beneficiary depression favored external and internal facilitation strategy, but no differences for other outcomes compared to interval facilitation only suggest that the addition of external facilitation may not be warranted.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03634033; date registered August 16, 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03634033
Spatial distribution, sources and bio-environmental risk appraisal of heavy metals in surface sediments from north western Karnataka, south India
Authors: Mir Ishfaq Ahmad , M SreePrabash , V Sridhar , KV Maruthi
Published: February 2022

This study presents spatial distribution, sources and toxicological risks of As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the surface sediments from north-western Karnataka, southern India. Heavy metals (except Hg) are 1–5 times enriched than upper continental crust. High concentration of Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn is in the central Kudalgaon, Devarayi, and Tavargatti and in the south-western Ganeshgudi area, whereas Arsenic is enriched in the north-eastern Alnavar, Kakkeri,Tavargatti and Pb, and Hg in the north-western Kapoli, Devarayi, Manjarpal villages. The ecological risk index, toxic risk index, and mean probable-effects-levels quotient of heavy metals suggest that ~ 40% of the area is prone to very high risk especially for Cr and As to the hydrological, biological, and ecological systems. Multivariate statistical analysis suggests possible geogenic sources for Ni, Cr, Cu, and Zn and anthropogenic sources such as emissions from vehicles and agricultural sectors for As, Hg, and Pb. This study is the first of its kind in the area, which will help, in better formulation of environmental pollution and risk related remedial measures to conserve the natural ecosystem and the well-being of humans.
Non-invasive diagnosis strategy of hepatocellular carcinoma in low-risk population
Authors: Xie Zonglin , Peng Zhenpeng , Zou Yujian , Xiao Han , Li Bin , Zhou Qian , Chen Shuling , Xu Lixia , Shen Jingxian , Mo Yunxian , Peng Sui , Kuang Ming , Long Jianting , Feng Shiting
Published: February 2022

Aims
With the increase prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the low-risk population (LRP), establishing a non-invasive diagnostic strategy becomes more and more urgent to spare unnecessary biopsies in this population. The purposes of this study were to find the imaging features of HCC and establish a proper non-invasive method to diagnosis HCC in LRP.
Methods
A total of 681 patients in LRP (defined by the population without cirrhosis, chronic HBV infection or HCC history) were collected from 2 institutions. The images of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were analyzed. We divided the patients into training cohort (n = 324) and internal validating cohort (n = 139) by admission time in the first institution. The second institution were viewed as the external validation (n = 218). A multivariate logistic regression model incorporating imaging features and previously confirmed independent risk predictors was further developed. C-statistics was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance.
Results
Except for the typical hallmark features of HCC (non-rim enhancement, washout and capsule enhancement), tumor necrosis or severe ischemia (TNSI) and two clinical characteristics (gender and alpha fetoprotein) were also independently associated with HCC diagnosis (all P < 0.01). A clinical-imaging model (using 3 typical hallmark features, TNSI, gender and AFP) were built to diagnose HCC and achieved good diagnostic performance (area under curve values were 0.954 in training cohort, 0.931 in internal validation cohort and 0.902 in external cohort).
Conclusions
The clinical-imaging model that this study developed achieved a satisfied non-invasive diagnostic performance for HCC in LRP.
Intervention Model of Returning to Work Based on the Experience of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Cao Huili , He Kun
Published: February 2022

Background: Currently, the breast cancer has become one of major threats to females’ health. However, the percentage of returning to work is low for those breast cancer patients in China. Return to work is beneficial for breast cancer patients to help them realize social rehabilitation.Purpose: To explore and build up the intervention model of returning to work based on the experience of breast cancer patients, it can provide help and guidance for relevant personal.Methods: A total of fourteen breast cancer patients who had returned to work voluntarily participated in the semi-structural interviews. The results of interviews were analyzed according to the Colaizzi's phenomenological analytic procedure.Results: The analysis indicates that the following five parts could have the positive effects on the returning to work of breast cancer patients: (1) overcoming negative emotions, (2) rebuilding confidence, (3) correcting mentality and establishing goals, (4) obtaining all-around social support, and (5) seeking balance between body and work. Based on these aspects, the requirement model and the innovative intervention model of returning to work for breast cancer patients were separately built up to provide help and guidance for relevant personnel.Conclusions: Breast cancer patients successfully returned to work, which required the own internal strength and the powerful external support. Their internal determination should be strengthened to initiate the belief of returning to work, and the external environment should also be enhanced to benefit their employment. In addition, the continuous professional guidance should be implemented to maintain their healthy behaviors and high quality of life.
An Efficient Design of QCA Binary to Gray Code Converter for Telecommunication Systems
Authors: Aditya Marupaka , K Srinivasa Rao , B Balaji , Srav K Girija , Soma Umamaheshwar , Swamy Cheruku , Reddy Naresh Kumar
Published: February 2022

Quantum Dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is a prominent technology in Quantum Electronics. This is implemented with the help of quantum cells which are also known as basic building blocks of Quantum Electronics. In QCA technology there are four different clock pulses, clock delay for each clock cycle is 0.25 ns. Using this technology now we are implementing the Binary to Gray code converter. In this paper, we are proposing a design to reduce the number of cells when compared to the previous designs and we are also extending the implementation of the converter up to 5-bits. The number of cells in the proposed design is improved by 2.5%, 36.44%, and 50.66% for 2-bit, 3-bit, and 4-bit respectively. Also, for 3-bit and 4-bit, the total occupied area is improved by 55.56% and 74.680% respectively. In our proposed design it helps us to decrease the area from the previous circuit, which may also lead to the decrease in the power consumption.
Identification of Novel Non-HFE Mutations in Chinese Patients with Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Yanmeng , Xu Anjian , Ouyang Qin , Wu Liyan , Zhou Donghu , Wu Lina , Zhang Bei , Zhao Xinyan , Wang Yu , Wang Xiaoming , Duan Weijia , Wang Qianyi , You Hong , Huang Jian , Ou Xiaojuan , Jia Jidong
Published: February 2022

Backgrounds
: Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is mainly caused by homozygous p.C282Y mutations in HFE in the Caucasians. We recently reported non-HFE mutations constitute the major cause of HH in Chinese. However, there is still a relatively high proportion of cases with primary iron overload from unexplained causes. We aimed to explore novel non-HFE mutations in Chinese patients with primary iron overload.
Methods
Whole exome sequence was conducted to screen mutations in novel HH-related genes in the 9 cases with unexplained primary iron overload. Then the representative candidate genes were screened for mutations in another cohort of 18 HH cases. The biological function of the selected genes and variants were analyzed in vitro.
Results
Whole exome sequencing of 9 cases with unexplained primary iron overload identified 42 missense variants in 40 genes associated with iron metabolism pathway genes such as UBE2O p.K689R and PCSK7 p.R711W. Subsequent Sanger sequencing of the UBE2O and PCSK7 genes in the 27 cases with primary iron overload identified p.K689R in UBE2O, p.R711W and p.V143F in PCSK7 at frequency of 2/27,1/27 and 2/27 respectively. In vitro siRNA interference of UBE2O and PCSK7 resulted in down-regulated HAMP mRNA expression. Adenovirus generation of UBE2O p.K689R in cell lines resulted in increased expression of SMAD6 and SMAD7 and downregulation of p-SMAD1/5 and HAMP expression, and the reduction of hepcidin level.
Conclusions
Our study identified a series of novel candidate non-HFE mutations in Chinese patients with HH. These may provide insights into the genetic basis of unexplained primary iron overload.
Enzymatic Simulation by (NAMD), Molecular Docking, Mutation, Structural and Thermodynamic Analysis of Xylanase (Xylcm8) Obtained from Camel Rumen
Authors: Rajabi Marzieh , Nasrollahi Narges , Rajabi Marjan , Noghabi Kambiz Akbari , Zahiri Hossein Shahbani
Published: February 2022

Xylanase is one of the essential enzymes in divergent industries such as Pulp bleaching, cosmetics, and beverages. It has been widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries and obtained from bacteria, fungi, and crustaceans that is mainly responsible for the hydrolysis of β-1,4 bonds in xylan polysaccharides. Structural and bioinformatics studies of xylanase, can be a contributory and effective aspect of enzyme metabolism and function in polysaccharide components hydrolases. Multiple methods and bioinformatical tools have been used in this study to achieve the whole enzyme structure. The exact enzyme location in the membrane and the main amino acid in the catalytic site have been obtained using computational approaches. This study covers some subjects as enzyme modeling, simulation, structural alignment with similar enzymes, and even docking analysis.
A Prospective Study of Risk Factors for Taxane-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Liang Cuilv , Zhang Yin , chen qiyin , chen wenfa , chen mingzhu
Published: February 2022

Purpose: The study investigated the clinical risk factors of peripheral neuropathy induced by docetaxel and albumin-bound paclitaxel (AP) in breast cancer patients. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in 268 patients from March 2019 to December 2020, related information of patients can be obtained by querying the electronic system, consulting the patient and evaluating the scale, neuropathic symptoms are followed up from the beginning to three months after taxane drug chemotherapy. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to find the risk factors of overall and severe taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN).Results: The cumulative dose (OR=3.533, 95% CI: 1.797～6.944，p<0.001) , body mass index (BMI)(OR=2.926，95% CI: 1.621～5.281，p<0.001), body surface area(BSA) (OR=1.724，95% CI: 1.011～2.941, p=0.045) , hypocalcemia (OR = 4.899, 95% CI: 1.518 ~ 15.811, P = 0.008) all increased the risk of TIPN, only cumulative dose (OR=2.577，95% CI: 1.161～5.719，p=0.020) and BSA (OR=2.040，95% CI: 1.073～3.877，p=0.030) were independent risk factors for severe TIPN.Conclusion:Cumulative dose, BMI, BSA, and hypocalcemia are risk factors for overall TIPN, while cumulative dose and BSA are risk factors for severe TIPN. Breast cancer patients, those with high BMI and large BSA, hypocalcemia and large cumulative dose can be closely followed by TIPN, preventive intervention measures actively carried out.
Trophic Structure and Origin of Resources of Soil Macrofauna in the Salt Marsh of the Wadden Sea: A Stable Isotope (15N,13C) Study
Authors: Rinke Maria , Bendisch Philipp M. , Maraun Mark , Scheu Stefan
Published: February 2022

Salt marshes exist along the gradient of the marine mudflat to the terrestrial dunes, with a gradient of shore height and associated plant zonation. The lower salt marsh (LSM) extends from the mean high tidal level to 35 cm above that level and is followed by the upper salt marsh (USM). Despite changes in the amount of allochthonous marine input and in abiotic conditions, little is known about changes in the trophic structure and used of basal resources by the soil macrofauna along marine – terrestrial boundaries. Natural variations in carbon stable isotope ratios (δ¹³C signatures) allow insight into basal resources of consumers such as marine algae, terrestrial C3 and C4 photosynthesising plants. Furthermore, variations in nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ¹5N signatures) allow insight into the trophic position of consumers. We investigated spatial and temporal changes in stable isotope signatures in salt marsh soil macrofauna of the island of Spiekeroog. The range of δ¹⁵N signatures indicated no changes in food chain length across salt marsh zones with consumers in both zones comprising primary decomposer, secondary decomposer and first order predators. However, the trophic position of individual species changed between zones, but in particular with season. Contrasting δ¹⁵N signatures, the range in δ¹³C signatures in the LSM was twice that in the USM indicating a wider range of resources consumed. Bayesian mixing models indicated predominant autochthonous resource use in both the LSM and USM, with allochthonous resource use never exceeding 29.6%. However, the models also indicate an increase in the use of marine resources in certain species in the LSM with no use in the USM. Overall, the results indicate that the resource use of salt marsh macrofauna varies more in time than in space, with the food web being generally based on autochthonous rather than allochthonous resources. However, there also is trophic plasticity in certain species across both temporal and spatial scales including variations in the use of allochthonous resources. Generally, however, marine input contributes little to the nutrition of salt marsh soil macroinvertebrates.