bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SACHA: an interactive identification key of Southern African CHArcoals for anthracological research
Authors: Puech Elysandre , Thery-Parisot Isabelle , Orange François , Garberi Pauline , Bamford Marion K.
Published: December 2024

Since the 1980s, the field of anthracology has continued to expand in Southern Africa to study the interaction between past human societies and their environments, including plant resources and forest management from prehistoric times. To answer such questions, the need for comparative wood anatomy analyses of the local taxa is of particular relevance in this rich species environment to perform rigorous taxonomic identification. This paper introduces the first computer-assisted identification tool specifically designed for the analysis of archaeological charcoals from Southern Africa. This online database, called SACHA for Southern African CHArcoals, is accessible via the following link: https://sacha.identificationkey.org/. It currently includes anatomical descriptions, as well as ecological and ethnobotanical information for 68 taxa of modern specimens collected in the Savanna Biome. An identification key is available on the Xper3 online platform, which is designed for descriptive data management and interactive identification. This article presents a survey of the existing reference collections on Southern African woods and charcoals and proposes an overview of the development of computerised tools for systematic wood descriptions and identification keys. The SACHA database can be easily updated and enriched without requiring computer science skills. Furthermore, it can serve as a training tool for beginners in wood anatomy. The database offers an online interactive key option, a fact sheet catalogue, and conventional dichotomous and tabular keys for offline or printed versions. These functions are facilitated by the various export formats that are available in the database.
How different successive elaboration methods affect Hermetia illucens meals? Macronutrients, in vitro protein digestibility, oxidative status and hygienic-sanitary quality
Authors: Varga Á.T. , Fabrikov D. , Vargas Garcı́a M.d.C. , Pérez Jiménez A. , Rufino Palomares E.E. , Trenzado C.E. , Martı́n D. , Hernández Llorente M.D. , Sánchez-Muros M.J.
Published: December 2024

Insects are an emerging protein alternative in aquaculture. To obtain an easy-to-handle feed with an improved nutritional quality, longer shelf life and better hygienic-sanitary properties, the insects must go through a multi-step process including sacrifice, drying and defatting. This work aims to evaluate the effect of the interaction of different successive methods of processing of Hermetia illucens larvae proximate composition, digestibility, and microbial loading. The examined methods were slaughtering (blanching or freezing), drying (oven drying or freeze drying) and defatting (mechanical press or supercritical CO2 extraction). Our results showed that the combination of freeze-drying and mechanical press defatting resulted in the highest residual fat content (), that could negatively affect the relative protein content of the meals. Despite this, with respect to in vitro amino acid digestibility, the least favorable results were obtained from the samples dried by lyophilization and defatted by supercritical CO2 extraction (), independently of the slaughter method. Regarding the oxidative status, the slaughter by freezing conserved a higher level of antioxidant defenses versus the blanching method (), although only the freeze drying method ensured a lower level of lipid oxidation in this type of sacrificing method. The applied processes resulted in a decrease in the presence of pathogenic bacteria compared to the raw insect in all examined groups. The mesophilic aerobic microorganism content was heavily affected by the temperature applied (), while the enterobacteria were also affected by the lyophilization, in addition to temperature. Salmonella spp was eliminated from all meals, except for the combination of freezing (sacrifice), freeze drying (drying) and supercritical CO2 extraction (defatting). Sulfite-reducing clostridia were not present in any of the prepared insect meals.
Investigation of the Impact of Medication on the Mental Health of Hemophiliacs
Authors: Cheng Zhengyi , Zhang Ziyue , Zhou Li , Yuan Guojing , Zhang Mengyue , Shen Haihao , Niu Xia , Zhai Zhimin
Published: December 2024

Objective: To examine the influence of medication, disease and social characteristics on the mental health of individuals with haemophilia.

Methods: The study utilized the Hemophilia Psychological Status and Quality of Life Survey Scale, consisting of five sections: General demographic information, disease-related data, GAD-7 Anxiety Screening Scale, PHQ-9 Depression Scale, and Psychological Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). What's more, statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 linear regression to analyze the relationship between variant gene types and patients' anxiety, depression, and psychological tolerance.

Results: 171 valid responses were collected. The majority (96.5%) were male, with a median age of 29.The patients' level of psychological resilience was significantly and positively correlated with education (r = 0.173, P = 0.024), and coagulation factor usage was significantly and positively correlated with CD-RISC scores (r = 0.490, P = 0.033). Patients with target joints combined wrist and shoulder of knee had significantly higher GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scale scores (d₁= 1.61, d₂= 1.78) compared to patients with other target joints combined of knee. Target Joint type and haemorrhage had a significant effect on the GAD-7 scores (β=0.248, P=0.001). The number of target joints was significantly and positively correlated with patients' PHQ-9 scores (r=0.203, P=0.025). There was no significant difference in the use of domestic or imported recombinant factor. Blood-derived and recombinant factors did not show significant differences between the scores.Linear regression analysis of the relationship between the type of mutated gene and the level of anxiety, depression, and psychological resilience of the patients yielded p-values greater than 0.05 and did not pass the F-test, invalidating the model.

Conclution: The level of patient education and the dose of coagulation factor medication can increase the level of psychological resilience in haemophiliacs. The use of domestic coagulation factor or not, the type of coagulation factor, and whether recombinant coagulation factor did not significantly affect the psychological resilience level of haemophiliac patients. The use of prophylactic medication can reduce anxiety and depression to a certain extent in patients over 14 years of age. The type of target joints and bleeding status affected the level of anxiety and depression.Types of mutated genes are not associated with anxiety, depression, and levels of psychological resilience.
TMPRSS6 Inhibition Rapidly Reverses Liver Iron Overload and Prevents an Increase of Splenic Pro-Inflammatory Macrophages in a Mouse Model of Beta-Thalassemia
Authors: Lob Heinrich E. , Noakes Leigh Spencer , Preda Marilena , Ivanova Larisa , Crowell Beth , Economides Aris N , Hatsell Sarah J
Published: December 2024

Beta-thalassemia is a genetic disorder arising from loss-of-function mutations in the beta-globin gene, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis, elevated red blood cell (RBC) turnover, and organ iron overload. Iron overloads contributed to liver fibrosis, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiac toxicities. The transmembrane serine protease 6 (TMPRSS6) negatively regulates hepcidin, the main regulator of iron homeostasis. Individuals with homozygous loss-of-function mutations in the TMPRSS6 gene have iron-restricted/iron-deficiency anemia and show high levels of circulating hepcidin. We have shown that inhibition of TMPRSS6 using a monoclonal antibody (REGN7999) rapidly reverses liver iron loading and splenomegaly in a mouse model of beta-thalassemia (Hbbth3/+) by using non-invasive MRI. Here we found that Hbbth3/+ mice had significantly higher R2* values (WT 0.09 vs. Hbbth3/+ 0.11 ms-1) at the beginning of the study. With REGN7999 treatment, the liver iron content was significantly reduced within 31 days after the first injection. Spleen volume, which was significantly increased in Hbbth3/+ mice at the beginning of the study, was normalized 17 days after REGN7999 injection, 2 weeks before we observed changes in liver iron loading. Interestingly, we found that splenic iron concentration in Hbbth3/+ mice treated with REGN7999 remained as high as isotype injected controls. We hypothesized that the liver iron remains trapped within the macrophages in the spleen, due to high hepcidin levels and reduced ferroportin expression. We investigated, if the increased iron in these macrophages induces a pro-inflammatory polarization, which can contribute to chronic inflammation. We injected 5-7-week-old Hbbth3/+ mice with REGN7999 or isotype control and measured splenic macrophage polarization as well as serum cytokine levels after 4 weeks of treatment. Hbbth3/+ mice controls showed an increase in tissue resident macrophages (F4/80 positive), which was normalized with REGN7999 treatment. We measured the ratio of inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) and Arginase 1 (Arg 1) to determine if these macrophages are pro- or anti-inflammatory polarized. Hbbth3/+ mice showed an increase of the iNOS/Arg 1 ratio when compared to wild-type mice, suggesting a pro-inflammatory profile. REGN7999 treatment reduced this ratio, suggesting a reduction of pro-inflammatory macrophages. In support of this, we found a significant reduction of Granulocyte/Macrophage-colony-stimulating-factor in the serum of Hbbth3/+ mice treated with REGN7999.

Taken together, these data suggest that splenic macrophages are not more pro-inflammatory in response to TMPRSS6 inhibition, despite iron load status.
A retrospective multi-site examination of chronic kidney disease using longitudinal laboratory results and metadata to identify clinical and financial risk
Authors: Fung Mark , Haghamad Aya , Montgomery Elizabeth , Swanson Kathleen , Wilkerson Myra L. , Stathakos Kimon , VanNess Richard , Nowak Sarah A. , Wilburn Clayton , Kavus Haluk , Swid Mohammed Amer , Okoye Nkemakonam , Ziemba Yonah C. , Ramrattan Girish , Macy Jonathan , McConnell John , Lewis Mary Jane , Bailey Beth , Shotorbani Khosrow , Crawford James M.
Published: December 2024

Background

A retrospective observational study was conducted at 3 health care organizations to identify clinical gaps in care for patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD), and financial opportunity from U.S. risk adjustment payment systems. Lack of evaluation for CKD in patients with diabetes was also assessed.

Methods

Outpatient longitudinal laboratory results and patient metadata available in the electronic medical record, laboratory information system, and/or laboratory billing or facility claims data for the calendar year 2021 were evaluated. Laboratory results were compared to billing data (ICD-10 codes) and risk adjustment scores including Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) to determine if laboratory-identified CKD was coded as a disease condition in the electronic medical record. Adults 18 to 75 years of age were included; inpatient laboratory results and pregnant individuals were excluded.

Results

At the 3 institutions, 12,478 of 16,063 (78%), 487 of 1511 (32%) and 19,433 of 29,277 (66%) of patients with laboratory evidence of stage 3 or 4 CKD did not have a corresponding ICD-10 or HCC code for CKD in the electronic medical record. For patients at the 3 institutions with diabetes on the basis of an HbA1c value of ≥ 6.5%, 34,384 of 58,278 (59%), 2274 of 2740 (83%) and 40,378 of 52,440 (77%) had not undergone guideline-recommended laboratory testing for CKD during the same 12 months. Using publicly available data for calendar year 2021, an estimated 3246 of 32,398 patients (9.9%) at the 3 institutions with undocumented CKD stages 3–4 would be enrolled in Medicare Advantage or Affordable Care Act Marketplace programs. The imputed lost reimbursement under risk-adjusted payment systems for under-documentation of CKD in this subset of patients was $2.85 M for the three institutions combined, representing lost opportunity for both identification and proactive clinical management of these patients, and financial recovery for the costs of providing that care.

Conclusions

Clinical laboratories can provide value beyond routine diagnostics, helping to close gaps in care for identification and management of CKD, stratifying subgroups of patients to identify risk, and capturing missed reimbursement through risk adjustment factors.
Worsening suicidal ideation and prolonged adverse event following psilocybin administration in a clinical setting: case report and thematic analysis of one participant's experience
Authors: Wahba Mourad , Hayes Caroline , Kletter Maartje , McAllister-Williams R. Hamish
Published: December 2024

Background

Psilocybin is being investigated as a treatment for a myriad of disorders, including treatment-resistant depression. The main focus has been on positive effects, with little attention paid to negative outcomes, especially in clinical settings. Quantitative methodology limits further exploration of such events and can also miss improvements not captured on rating scales.

Aims

To highlight potential adverse events of psilocybin and underline limits of quantitative methodology, calling for process evaluations alongside clinical trials.

Case presentation

This is a case of a participant in a phase 2b clinical trial of psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression who presented with increased suicidal ideation and a prolonged period of severely restricted eating following administration, leading to a period of destabilisation and a need for support. Despite the difficulties encountered and the participant's limited improvement on rating scales, she found the experience to have been helpful and led her to make changes to her life which she found beneficial. She described her experience in a written account to the authors.

Method

The case was summarised and the written account was thematically analysed and synthesised into a logic model.

Conclusions

Psilocybin could lead to temporary worsening of suicidal ideation and instigate prolonged adverse events that outlast its acute effects. Paradoxically, it could simultaneously lead to an improvement in functional outcomes which is not clear on depression rating scales. This calls for a qualitative exploration of serious adverse events and participant accounts to deepen our understanding of the psilocybin experience and its different outcomes.
Palestine Activism at Ghent University: Experiences from the Refaat Alareer Encampment
Authors:   Voices from the Refaat Alareer Encampment, Ghent University
Published: December 2024

This text is part of a larger piece on student encampments for Palestine. It provides an account of several students and staff who participated in the forty-day occupation of Ghent University's Refaat Alareer building. The occupation was initiated on May 6 by Ghent Students for Palestine and End Fossil Ghent, highlighting their interconnected fights against the genocide in Gaza and climate injustice. The authors explain the formation, dynamics, and actions of this joint occupation, as well as its organizational structure, intersectional approach, and the impact it had within and beyond the university, including the cutting of all academic ties with Israeli universities. Through this text the authors aim to illuminate the power of collective action and the potential for solidarity across diverse movements to challenge and dismantle entrenched systems of injustice.
Interrupted Versus Running Sutures for Superficial Temporal Artery to Middle Cerebral Artery Cranial Bypass
Authors: Grin Eric A. , Wiggan Daniel D. , Sangwon Karl L. , Baranoski Jacob , Sharashidze Vera , Shapiro Maksim , Raz Eytan , Chung Charlotte , Nelson Peter Kim , Riina Howard A. , Rutledge Caleb , Nossek Erez
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass is the workhorse for flow augmentation surgery. Although either interrupted or running sutures can be used to complete the anastomosis with high intraoperative patency rates, no previous study in the cranial bypass literature has compared long-term patency and maturity of end-to-side STA-MCA anastomoses. We compared STA-MCA anastomoses performed with running vs interrupted sutures by evaluating bypass flow and anastomotic maturation on follow-up vascular imaging.

METHODS:

Ninety-six STA-MCA anastomoses were performed from 1/2019 to 6/2024. Forty-seven anastomoses (40 patients) with long-term vascular imaging were retrospectively analyzed. All anastomoses were intraoperatively patent on initial revascularization. Patient demographics, clinical course, and imaging were reviewed. All images were reviewed by a neuroradiologist or a cerebrovascular neurosurgeon.

RESULTS:

Twenty-five anastomoses were performed with interrupted sutures and compared with 22 anastomoses performed with running sutures. All patients underwent a preoperative perfusion assessment confirming a significant hypoperfusion state. There were no significant differences between cohorts in demographics, bypass indication, or time to follow-up. Formal digital subtraction angiography was performed for 35 anastomoses (21 interrupted, 14 running). On digital subtraction angiography follow-up, there was no difference in STA caliber between cohorts (P = .204), but there was a difference in anastomotic growth (P = .014), with 5/21 (23.8%) anastomoses stable or enlarged in the interrupted cohort vs 9/14 (64.3%) stable or enlarged in the running cohort. Notably, of the 47 total anastomoses, there was no difference in long-term bypass patency between interrupted and running anastomoses (22/25 (88.0%) vs 22/22 (100.0%), respectively, P = .380).

CONCLUSION:

No significant differences in patency or STA caliber on follow-up imaging were observed between STA-MCA anastomoses performed with interrupted vs running sutures although a difference in anastomotic maturity was observed, with the running suture cohort having a higher proportion of enlarged or stable anastomoses. Further studies are needed for validation.
Obecność emocji w polityce zagranicznej państwa. Studium komparatystyczne wilhelmińskich Niemiec oraz Stanów Zjednoczonych w okresie prezydentury Donalda J. Trumpa
Authors: Damski Przemysław Piotr
Published: December 2024

Artykuł zwraca uwagę, iż obecność emocji w polityce zagranicznej państwa nie jest zjawiskiem nowym, lecz miała miejsce także w przeszłości. Wskazano, iż emocje towarzyszyły kreowaniu polityki zagranicznej wilhelmińskich Niemiec i USA doby prezydentury Donalda J. Trumpa na płaszczyźnie wewnątrzrządowej i międzynarodowej. Były one przejawem indywidualnych ludzkich preferencji, jak i świadomym narzędziem politycznym. Ekspresja emocjonalna pozostawała jednak zależna od ram kulturowych czasu i miejsca, w których funkcjonowały.
Ludność chrześcijańskiego Kazimierza pod Krakowem w XVIII wieku: Studium społeczno-demograficzne
Authors: Kołodziejczyk Konrad
Published: December 2024

In recent years, Polish historical demography has witnessed a significant intensification of population research. However, there remains a noticeable shortage of studies focusing on urban populations, particularly regarding the largest centres of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth before the partitions. This book is a socio-demographic study aimed at characterizing the Christian population of the royal city of Kazimierz near Kraków in the 18th century. Research on the history of Kazimierz up until the late 18th century has a long tradition and considerable achievements. However, previous studies have predominantly approached the city’s history through a political lens, often in the context of the history of neighboring Kraków. This work seeks to examine the history of Kazimierz from a fresh perspective. It is both a historical demographic analysis and a significant anthropological discourse on the population of Kazimierz.
Demographic analyses of past communities have usually been conducted on individual parishes. In this study, the scope has been extended beyond the central urban parish to include the populations of three parish centers. The analysis covers the inhabitants of the area documented in the 1791–1792 population registers of the Corpus Christi parish, compiled on the orders of the Civil-Military Commission of Public Order of the Kraków Voivodeship. This included the Christian part of the city of Kazimierz along with its nearby suburbs: the so-called Przedmieście Krakowskie or Szewskie [Kraków or Cobblers’ Suburb], Podbrzezie [roughly, Riverside Quarter], and the suburb referred to as “beyond the Wieliczka Gate”. Like other early modern Polish towns, Kazimierz was diverse in terms of social and economic status. Since the late 15th century, it had been home to two coexisting communities: Christian and Jewish. This study focuses on the Christian population, excluding members of other faiths, as well as parish and monastic clergy.
The book covers the pre-industrial (Old Polish) period, which in historical demography is referred to as the pre-statistical era. The chronological focus of the study is on the 18th century, selected due to the continuity of preserved sources for studying natural population movements and the availability of a sufficiently long period for demographic analysis, particularly for family reconstruction. By the 18th century, Kazimierz had passed its peak of prosperity and was undoubtedly in the deepest phase of its historical decline.
Securitisation of Migration in the European Union During the EU-Belarus Border Crisis (2021-2022)
Authors: Liszkowska Dominika
Published: December 2024

Securitisation is associated with a certain amount of visibility for migrants in public space. It is expressed in actions such as tightening rules on illegal border crossings, strengthening the number of forces and services at the borders, introducing a state of emergency, intensive use of surveillance technologies and control practices by uniformed services, attempts to push migrants out, and ultimately the erection of fences. The aim of the article is to present activities related to the crisis on the border of the EU with Belarus (2021-2022) in the context of the securitisation theory. The research hypothesis assumes that the militarisation and weaponisation of migration in public discourse are important factors deepening the securitisation of migration in the event of a crisis on the border of the European Union with Belarus. In addition to indicating the emergency measures used in the case of this crisis and its specific features, the article draws attention to the process of securitisation of migration in the European Union in the context of other crises that have affected the community in recent years and were significantly related to migration.
Emancypacja i (de)sekurytyzacja migracji w dyskursie Konferencji w sprawie przyszłości Europy
Authors: Stępka Maciej
Published: December 2024

EMANCIPATION AND (DE)SECURITISATION OF MIGRATION IN THE DISCOURSE OF THE CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE
The article focuses on analysing the phenomenon of (de)securitisation of migration in the context of the European Union, with a particular focus on the discourse of the Conference on the Future of Europe (2021-2022). The “refugee crisis” in 2015-2016 highlighted weaknesses in EU migration policies, leading to an increased and continuous securitisation of migration at the EU level. The article argues that the Conference, serving as a platform for citizen dialogue with EU institutions, deviates from this trend by introducing elements of an emancipatory approach to security in its discourse on migration, asylum, and border protection. The study is based on the frame-narrative approach, which allows for the analysis of (de)securitising moves regarding migration and identifying specific emancipatory threads within the discourse of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Preserving the Legacy
Authors: Gajda Kinga Anna
Published: December 2024

The article aims to highlight the essential contribution of university museums in commemorating and facilitating the learning of European university heritage. The article underscores the pivotal role of university museums as dynamic spaces for commemoration and dialogue. The article advocates for the recognition of university museums as key actors in preserving and disseminating European heritage. By fulfilling their tasks of commemorating, discussing, and learning from European university heritage, these institutions significantly contribute to the ongoing construction of a cohesive European identity grounded in shared history, values, and cultural heritage.
Intertemporal Pricing with Resellers: An Empirical Study of Product Drops
Authors: Steele Dayton , Emadi Seyed Morteza , Kesavan Saravanan
Published: December 2024

Product drops occur when a retailer releases a limited-edition product line on a specific date for a short period of time. Due to limited inventory of the product and the short sales horizon, a resale market emerges where products may resell at higher prices once the firm stocks out. The firm faces a central tradeoff: pricing too high may lead to a longer stockout time and future markdowns; pricing too low may lead to transfer of profits to resellers. Any firm in this position may ask, “How do resellers impact my profit?” To answer this question, we build a dynamic structural model that captures customer decisions to consume or strategically resell, as well as the firm’s intertemporal pricing decision in the presence of resellers. We estimate our model using a unique data set from a retailer of baby clothing with weekly product drops, where customers engage in a resale marketplace through Facebook groups. We find resale data collection and analysis is valuable to incorporate into pricing as firm profit increases by 8.8%, and reseller presence reduces firm profit by 5.8% even if resale data are used in pricing. These impacts are magnified by resale market growth, demonstrating that managers need to take action as resale markets gain wider adoption.

This paper was accepted by Victor Martínez-de-Albéniz, operations management.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.04152 .
In-home use study evaluating user satisfaction with newly developed MoliCare Premium Pants
Authors: Sanaeifar Niuosha , Buch Tamara , Eilers Jörg , Kesselmeier Rüdiger , Stiller Julia , Schmidt Ann-Cathrin
Published: December 2024

Background:

High-quality absorbent products with effective performance characteristics help maintain user dignity and normalise incontinence.

Aim:

The study evaluated the most important performance characteristics of newly developed MoliCare Premium Pants.

Methods:

Fifty-two adults with incontinence in Germany were surveyed for their views and levels of satisfaction with various performance features of the tested absorbent incontinence product via a computer-assisted personal interview.

Findings:

All features of the product received positive feedback from all respondents. More than 94% of participants ‘agreed’ that the new design performed very well on each characteristic; 98% of users were ‘highly satisfied’ and ‘satisfied’ with the MoliCare product.

Conclusions:

The new design performed particularly well with regard to different performance aspects. The redesigned MoliCare Premium Pants with innovative features is suitable specifically for individuals with incontinence and can help them continue a normal lifestyle independently without feeling embarrassed due to their continence problem.
team values: All the drama
Authors: Jones Leanne , Green Becky
Published: December 2024

Leanne Jones, founder of children's drama activity business Drama tots, works closely with Becky Green, assistant centre director at Busy Bees Nursery in Allesley Green, Coventry
Future refraction automated
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: December 2024

Bill Harvey takes a peek at a blinding, new automated refraction system that he might install in his fictional Brummie eye care practice
A case of silent sinus syndrome in eye clinic
Authors: Dilley Jo
Published: December 2024

Jo Dilley describes a case that presented with symptoms of unilateral blur and ptosis but turned out to be due an unexpected cause
Guardian of the glasses
Authors: Baker David
Published: December 2024

David Baker finds that minding a statue of one of the great spectacle wearers of the 20th century is a full-time job
Call for closer collaboration
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Andrew McClean finds out why a greater understanding of primary care services is needed
Maximum respect for all
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: December 2024

Mike Hale reports on a new campaign aiming to tackle racism and discrimination in optics
CPD: Optometric practice
Authors: Price Andrew D
Published: December 2024

This second article by Andrew Price, looks at the use of dry eye questionnaires and discusses some of the available diagnostic tear tests
Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty: Innovations, Precision, and the Future of Joint Reconstruction
Authors:   [1] Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India, [2] Naveda Healthcare Centre, New Delhi, India,, Aneja Kunal , Rudraraju Ravi Teja ,   [3] Department of Orthopedics-Sports Medicine, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, [4] Department of Orthopedics, SVS Medical College, Mahbubnagar, Telangana, India,, Shyam Ashok ,   Department of Orthopedic, Sancheti Institute for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Published: December 2024

Robotic technology in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has initiated a paradigm shift in orthopedic surgery, characterized by enhanced precision, patient-specific alignment, and improved outcomes across diverse patient demographics. This editorial explores the rapid advancement from traditional jig-based methods to robotic-assisted TKA, highlighting how systems like the MISSO Robotic System—developed in India—integrate real-time feedback, advanced imaging, and sub-millimeter accuracy to optimize implant placement. These advancements result in better functional outcomes, reduced revision rates, and faster recovery, especially in complex cases. For surgeons, robotic systems offer a reliable way to reproduce optimal surgical outcomes consistently, even in anatomically challenging scenarios. For patients, robotic-assisted TKA provides faster rehabilitation, reduced post-operative pain, and a higher likelihood of long-term implant durability. Hospitals benefit through long-term cost savings, a lower burden of revision surgeries, and the potential for increased patient inflow due to advanced technological offerings. The editorial also discusses the unique positioning of the MISSO Robotic System as a cost-effective solution for South Asian patients, catering to region-specific anatomical challenges such as varied bone densities and joint degeneration patterns. Additionally, by lowering healthcare costs and increasing accessibility, the MISSO system addresses critical needs in high-demand settings. As robotic systems evolve and regulatory frameworks adapt, these technologies are expected to redefine the standard of care in joint replacement surgeries, making high-precision, patient-tailored procedures increasingly available and furthering the commitment to optimal patient outcomes in orthopedic surgery.
Enchondroma Protuberans of the Hand: A Rare Cartilaginous Tumor
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India,, Arora Rachit , Jain Vijay Kumar ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India,, Chauhan Devender Singh ,   Department of Pathology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India,, Jeyaraman Naveen ,   Department of Orthopaedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India., Jeyaraman Madhan ,   Department of Orthopaedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Enchondroma protuberans (EP), a rare form of enchondroma with exophytic growth, differs radiographically from classical enchondromas and can mimic osteochondroma, periosteal chondroma, or chondrosarcoma. Proper differentiation is crucial to avoid unnecessary radical resection, as EP requires intralesional curettage rather than the surgical removal typical for osteochondromas.

Case Report: A 14-year-old male presented with a progressively enlarging, painless mass on the lateral aspect of his left hand, initially noticed 4 years ago. Imaging and biopsy suggested osteochondroma, but histopathology confirmed enchondroma. Post-surgical excision and curettage, the patient reported no pain or limited range of motion at the 4-week follow-up.

Conclusion: Accurate diagnosis and differentiation of EP, supported by detailed radiographic and histopathological evaluation, are crucial for timely surgical intervention to prevent malignant transformation and recurrence, highlighting the need for clinical awareness and precise diagnostic protocols.

Keywords: Enchondroma, hand, cartilaginous, ollier’s disease.
Reverse Sleeve Placement in Complex Total Hip Arthroplasty for a Patient with Severe Valgus Deformity of the Trochanter-Surgical Technique and Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India., Thippana Rajshekhar K , Bhat Adarsh Krishna K ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: It is rare to encounter a patient with severe valgus deformity of the greater trochanter with severe osteoarthritis of the hip joint. The treatment, that is total hip arthroplasty (THA) in such a case presents with a surgical challenge in proper placement of the femoral stem. Traditionally, an osteotomy procedure to correct the femoral deformity was warranted followed by THA. There are not many reported articles on such a case in English literature.

Case Report: A 75-year-old gentleman a known case of diabetes and hypertension, with a body mass index of 31.6 presents with a painful right hip joint. History reveals an osteotomy of the proximal femur done approximately 30 years back. After a thorough clinical and radiological examination, he underwent THA at our center.

Discussion: Trochanter valgus deformity is a rare deformity to come across. Often femoral osteotomy is considered to correct the deformity to aid in the insertion of the femoral stem. In this report, we state a different technique wherein the sleeve of the S-ROM femoral component (DePuy Orthopedics, Warsaw, Indiana) is placed in reverse fashion to overcome this complex situation, negating the need for osteotomy correction.

Conclusion: Deformity of the proximal femur can pose a significant technical challenge during THA. Modularity at the stem sleeve junction in the DePuy S-ROM system can prove to be efficient to secure good fixation in a femoral canal with deformities. Reverse sleeve placement proves to be reliable in the valgus deformity of the trochanter.

Keywords: Total hip arthroplasty, Trochanter valgus deformity, Reverse sleeve, S-ROM hip.
Bilateral Traumatic Posterior Hip Dislocation – A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Trauma Surgery, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India., Paul Nirvin , Sharma Ajay ,   Department of Trauma Surgery, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India., Sarkar Bhaskar ,   Department of Trauma Surgery, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India., Bhakhar Anurag ,   Department of Trauma Surgery, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India., Yadav Arvind Kumar ,   Department of Trauma Surgery, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India., Azam Md Quamar ,   Department of Trauma Surgery, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Although posterior dislocation of the hip is common, bilateral posterior hip dislocation in children is an infrequent presentation. Early diagnosis and treatment are of paramount importance to prevent complications. Here, we report a case of traumatic bilateral posterior hip dislocation following a high-velocity motor vehicle accident.

Case Report: A 13-year-old boy was brought to the emergency department following high-energy trauma due to a motor vehicular accident. He was in considerable pain with both hips in flexion, adduction, and internal rotation. There was a restriction to the range of movement at bilateral hip joints. Clinical and radiological examination revealed a bilateral posterior hip dislocation.

Conclusion: Posterior hip dislocation is the most common type of hip dislocation. However, bilateral posterior hip dislocation is quite rare. This clinical presentation in the pediatric population is rarer still with very little published literature. Diagnosis and emergent treatment of the same is essential to prevent complications.

Keywords: Bilateral posterior hip dislocation, pediatric posterior hip dislocation, avascular necrosis.
Osteochondroma of Distal End Radius Presenting as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. SN Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India., Lal Sankalp , Bairwa Jiyalal ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. SN Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India., Saini Mukesh Kumar ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. SN Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India., Tak Mahendra Singh ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. SN Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India., Bhati Mahesh ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. SN Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumors, typically occurring during growth. However, their occurrence in the distal radius is rare, and presentation with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms in pediatric patients is even rarer.

Case Report: Here, we describe a unique case of an 8-year-old female who presented with CTS symptoms and was simultaneously diagnosed with an osteochondroma of the distal radius. Surgical excision of osteochondroma of the distal radius was performed, resulting in the complete resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering osteochondromas as a possible etiology of CTS symptoms, even in pediatric patients.

Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome, distal radius, osteochondroma.
The Condition of Alienation and the Transformation of Value into Price in Karl Marx
Authors: Kadri Jude
Published: December 2024

Using the philosophies of Louis Althusser and István Mészáros, this article seeks to interpret Marx’s theory of the transformation of value into price based on a philosophical view that emphasizes both the base/superstructure dialectic (Althusser) and alienation under capitalism (Mészáros). According to the logic of dialectical materialism, the economic base of the capitalist mode of production is determined by a historical dialectic (alienated labor) that produces an unsolvable contradiction with the capitalist imperatives of the superstructure. The alienation of the workers is perpetuated through their active subordination to the ideal and material power of the capitalist superstructure (including its ideal “law of value” which postulates the domination of exchange value over use value). They are led to believe that the profit-embedded prices of the commodities they produce have nothing to do with them. The illusion is that these prices are decided by an abstract “free market.” In reality, the laborers, due to their alienation, contribute directly to the formation of these prices by allowing the capitalists to freely compete with each other by lowering their respective “price of production.” There can be no profitable prices under capitalism without the contradictory condition of alienation perpetuated by the ideal power of the superstructure.
Navigating the Tides of De-dollarization: Impact on Global Economy and BRICS Initiatives
Authors: Mosharrafa Rana Al
Published: December 2024

This article examines the global economic shift away from US dollar dominance, focusing on the rise of the Chinese yuan and de-dollarization efforts, particularly by Russia and BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The study explores the dollar’s dominance since World War II and challenges it faced, including the Nixon Shock in 1971. The study’s significance is in investigating current de-dollarization trends, BRICS formation and implications, and their profound effects on the global economic ecosystem. The objective is to provide insights for policymakers, economists, businesses, and investors navigating an evolving international monetary landscape. The article explores the multifaceted process of de-dollarization, emphasizing the strategic shift away from the US dollar in international trade and finance. It analyzes challenges like time constraints, contractual obligations, and establishing financial infrastructure for transitioning to alternative currencies. Furthermore, the study discusses the formation of a proposed BRICS currency as a potential challenge to the dollar’s supremacy. The benefits and drawbacks of de-dollarization are explored, highlighting the potential impacts on global trade, national economies, and startups. Finally, it is important to emphasize the strategic advantages and risks of de-dollarization and advocate a well-calibrated approach to navigating the complexities of reshaping the global monetary landscape.
“Death before Reenlistment”: Vandalism and Sabotage Onboard the USNS General John Pope
Authors: Tibbits-Lamirande Meghan
Published: December 2024

Abstract: The USNS General John Pope , which had ferried troops across the Pacific throughout World War II and the Korean War, was reactivated in August 1965 as a civilian-run ship of the Military Sea Transport Service. Although official histories of the Pope evoke a sense of pride, discipline, and martial prowess, four hundred vandalized canvas bunk beds taken from the ship and preserved by Texas Tech University’s Vietnam Graffiti Project tell an altogether different narrative of the years from 1965 to 1970. I argue that GI tagging and vandalism onboard the Pope not only functions as a subterranean archive of soldiers’ war experience but also falls in line with a larger pattern of soldiers’ resistance, which mobilized quotidian practices to sabotage military infrastructure and produce bonds of solidarity in the concomitant traditions of racial and working-class struggle. Ultimately, the present essay claims vandalism as both a form of revolt and a critically understudied resource for historical scholarship.
Anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective potential of Cissus tuberosa ethanol extract in Parkinson’s disease model through the modulation of neuroinflammatory markers
Authors: Saadullah Malik , Sehar Amna , Chauhdary Zunera , Siddique Rida , Tariq Hafsa , Asif Muhammad , Bukhari Shazia Anwer , Sethi Aisha
Published: December 2024

The plant Cissus tuberosa Moc is abundant in phenolics, has been documented to have neuroprotective properties. The study seeks to determine the neuroprotective effects of C. tuberosa ethanolic extract (CTE) against Parkinson’s disease by evaluating its impact on motor dysfunction, cognitive deficits, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration in paraquat-induced Parkinson’s disease models. The research hypothesizes that CTE can modulate key biomarkers involved in Parkinson’s pathology, including α-synuclein, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), assessed through qRT-PCR, as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and TNF-α, evaluated through ELISA. Parkinson disease was induced by using paraquat intraperitoneally. The study was designed by considering various groups with their respective treatments, control group treated normally, disease control receiving paraquat (1 mg/kg, i.p.), standard treated grabbed with (levodopa+carbidopa), and three treatment groups received plant extract (150, 300, 600 mg/kg) respectively for 21 days study period. Both behavioral, and biochemical analysis were performed. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of several phenolic compounds. CTE significantly improved motor function and cognitive performance in rats, showing a dose-dependent reduction in paraquat-induced neurotoxicity (150 < 300 < 600 mg/kg, P<0.001). CTE significantly restored antioxidant enzyme levels (P<0.001), contributing to the alleviation of oxidative stress. Neurotransmitter levels were significantly improved in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.001), while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels were significantly reduced (P<0.001). CTE treatment showed significant restoration of brain tissue, reducing neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, thereby preserving normal brain structure. ELISA testing demonstrated a significant (P<0.001) downregulation of IL-6 and TNF-α levels in CTE-treated groups. qRT-PCR results showed significant downregulation of α-synuclein, IL-1β, and TNF-α mRNA expression in CTE-treated groups compared to the diseased group, suggesting neuroprotective effects. The study concludes that CTE has potential therapeutic effects in alleviating Parkinson’s disease symptoms, primarily through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
Exploring genetic diversity of potential legume, Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi and Ohashi through agro-morphological traits and SSR markers analysis
Authors: Deshahalli Divakara Deepika , Gore Padmavati Ganpat , Tripathi Kuldeep , Katral Ashvinkumar , Roy Choudhury Debjani , Abhishek Golsar Jagadeesh , Ragi Shridhar , Thippeswamy Danakumar , Muthusamy Vignesh , Sharma Dinesh Kumar , Singh Rakesh , Bhatt Kailash Chandra
Published: December 2024

Adzuki bean, an underutilized grain legume, has a significant potential for enhancing food and nutritional security. The main obstacles to developing new cultivars and promoting the adzuki bean as a mainstream pulse crop are a lack of awareness about its potential and insufficient information on crop its genetic diversity. Here, we aimed to explore the untapped potential of adzuki bean germplasm by evaluating its agro-morphological traits and diversity at the molecular level and also to identify trait-specific germplasm by utilizing 100 adzuki bean accessions conserved in the Indian National Genebank. Significant variations was recorded for the morphological traits and identified promising accessions exhibiting desirable traits, such as early flowering (IC341945, EC340257 and EC340283), number of primary branches (IC341945 and IC469175), number of clusters per plant (EC000264, IC167611 and IC341939), number of pods per plant (IC469175, EC34264, EC000264), early maturity (EC340283; EC120460; IC341941) and number of seeds per pod (EC340240, IC455396 and IC341955). Molecular characterization of diverse accessions using 22 polymorphic SSR markers identified a total of 50 alleles, with a mean of 2.27 alleles per loci. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.03 to 0.46, indicating informativeness of markers in distinguishing diverse accessions. Further, the gene diversity among the accessions ranged from 0.03 to 0.57 with a mean of 0.19. Population structure analysis grouped the accessions into three genetic groups, supported by Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) and a phylogenetic tree. Additionally, Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) confirmed a substantial genetic diversity among the adzuki bean accessions. Thus, the combined assessment of agro-morphological traits and molecular markers effectively distinguished adzuki bean accessions and provided valuable insights in understanding untapped variation at both morphological and molecular levels. The promising accessions identified in the study hold potential for integration into legume improvement programs through introgression breeding, contributing to the development of adzuki bean varieties with target trait.