bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Analysis of Lower Urinary Tract Disorders in Dogs: Study of Five Years
Authors: Parmar J. J. , Parikh P. V. , Shah A. I. , Dabhi P. B.
Published: November 2020

Background: The data pertaining to the lower urinary tract disorders in dogs in India is very merge. This retrospective analysis presents a retrospective analysis of incidence of affections of lower urinary tract in dogs.
Methods: The cases of different affections of lower urinary tract presented at the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during April-2012 to March-2017 were screened and detailed information regarding age, sex and breed were collected and analysed to calculate percentage of incidence of different affections of lower urinary tract viz., surgical affections and non-surgical affection.
Conclusions: Total 24319 cases of lower urinary tract affections in dogs were registered. Among them 5854 (24.07 %) surgical cases comprising urolithiasis (81, 76.42 %), bladder neoplasia (25, 23.58 %) and 18465 (75.93 %) non-surgical affections with cystitis (176, 0.95 %) cases. The highest incidence of urolithiasis was 25.93 per cent in the year 2014-15 and in 7 to 9 years aged dogs (35.80 %). The sex wise per cent incidence was higher in male (72.84) than female (27.16). The urinary bladder calculi was the highest (72.84 %) followed by the urethra (16.05 %) and both the locations (11.11 %). The year wise highest per cent incidence of cystitis was recorded for the year 2015-16 (52.27). The age wise per cent incidence of cystitis was equally higher 28.98 in the age groups of 7 to 9 and 10 to 12 years, each. The year wise the highest per cent incidence of neoplasia of urinary bladder (TCC) in dogs was 52.00 for the year 2015-2016. The age wise percent incidence of neoplasia of urinary bladder was the highest in 7 to 9 years age groups (36.00). The sex wise per cent incidence for neoplasia in urinary bladder was higher in male (64.00) than female (36.00). The breed wise highest per cent incidence of urolithiasis was in Pomeranian (25.93), cystitis in Pug (28.41) and neoplasia of bladder (TCC) Labrador and Pug (20.00, each).
Effect of Dry Period Duration on Udder Health, Milk Production and Body Condition of Jersey Crossbred Cows at Lower Gangetic Tropics
Authors: Bhakat Champak , Mohammad A. , Mandal D. K. , Mandal A. , Karunakaran M. , Dutta T. K. , Rai S. , Chatterjee A. , Ghosh M. K.
Published: November 2020

Background: Dry period duration of dairy cow is considered as an important factor to maintain udder health and milk production.
Methods: To investigate the effect of dry period duration (DPD) on udder health, milk production and body condition of dairy cows at lower Gangetic tropics, observations were taken from 25 Jersey crossbred cows which were divided into 2 comparable group viz: 1st group (11 cows), having 50 to 60 days DPD and 2nd group (14 cows), having more than 60 days DPD.
Result: Statistically analyzed data revealed that milk somatic cell count, MCMT, milk pH and EC were significantly (P less than 0.01) varied between two group from second month onwards and continue up to 4th months of lactation. Critical analysis of battery tests clearly confirmed the diagnosis for occurring of subclinical mastitis with poor udder health status in 2nd group. Total milk production/day/cow were almost similar in both group in first month but second month onwards significantly (P less than 0.01) higher milk production was recorded in 1st than 2nd group. The milk composition parameters revealed non-significant difference between groups whereas milk quality parameter significantly (P less than 0.01) better in 1st than 2nd group. Initial BCS of dry cow of both groups were similar. But BCS at calving was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in 2nd than 1st group with higher negative changes in BCS % in 2nd group as compared to 1st group. It can be concluded that dry period duration of 50-60 days is better over to prolonged dry period (>60 days). Suitable changes in BCS from dry period to calving is beneficial to get higher milk production, quality, better maintenance of body condition and udder health status of Jersey crossbred cows at tropical lower Gangetic region.
Visualización de datos de movilidad en la Ciudad de México, Santa Fe
Authors: Angulo Chavarría Sleyter
Published: November 2020

Las ciudades inteligentes emergen como una estrategia para poder combatir la rápidaurbanización, el incremento acelerado de la población y el congestionamiento vial. Este articulopropone una solución basada en la recolección de datos abiertos, que nos permita encontrarvariables o patrones de comportamiento, para luego ser analizados en un sistema multi-pantalla.A través de este sistema, se pueden generar distintos escenarios con datos reales como: elclima, eventos en la ciudad, fechas de pago; permitiendo a los tomadores de decisiones realizaranalisis criticos de la situación expuesta.
Aplikasi Label Pintar Edible dari Ekstrak Antosianin Ubi Jalar Ungu (Ipamoea Batatas L.) untuk Monitoring Kesegaran Sayuran Cabai Hijau (Capsicum Annuum L.)
Authors: Yanuariski Aissa Dinar , Kuswandi Bambang , Nugraha Ari Satia
Published: November 2020

Vegetable products are foods that are popular with many people. One vegetable product such as green chili is a vegetable commodity that cannot be abandoned by society in daily life. This was followed by demands for quality of green chili products. so that an analytical tool is needed that can analyze the freshness of green chili easily and practically. This study aims to develop an edible freshness sensor based on anthocyanin indicators from purple sweet potato extract (Ipomoea batatas L.) with a membrane mixture of cassava starch and chitosan. The edible freshness sensor can be applied as a freshness sensor and know the freshness level of green chili with various parameters. Tests for green chili freshness test included pH test, weight loss, texture value, and sensory evaluation test. The color change of the edible freshness sensor was observed visually and tested using the ImageJ program to determine the mean green value. The results show the color change of the freshness sensor is dark purple when the green chili is fresh, the light purple is still fresh and the light green is no longer fresh or rotten. The mean value of the green sensor for edible freshness increased along with the decline in the quality of green chili in the packaging.

Keywords: Anthocyanin, tapioca starch, chitosan, green chilli
Capital e ideologia de Thomas Piketty
Authors: Dowbor Ladislau
Published: November 2020

O novo livro de Thomas Piketty é essencialmente sobre desigualdade, o mal estrutural maior do nosso planeta. Essa polarização mundial está se tornando explosiva, na medida em que alguns grupos sociais se apropriam de maneira radicalmente desproporcional dos resultados do que a sociedade produz, inclusive fora de qualquer relação de merecimento. Trata-se de mecanismos econômicos de apropriação, mas também de poder político, de monopólio do exercício da violência, do controle das leis e,em particular,de construções ideológicas que geram uma aparência de legitimidade. Daí o título da obra, Capital e ideologia, ou seja, a riqueza das sociedades por um lado, e as justificativas de sua apropriação desequilibrada por outro.
Transmisi Budaya dalam Keluarga Tunanetra dan Awas
Authors: Yudhistira Alfian Andhika
Published: November 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menarasikan bagaimana proses transmisi/pewarisan budaya dalam keluarga dengan orang tua tunanetra yang memiliki anak awas (dapat melihat) dan bagaimana pula proses transmisi budaya yang terjadi pada keluarga dengan orang tua awas yang memiliki anak tunanetra. Tunanetra adalah setiap orang yang mengalami hambatan penglihatan baik total atau sebagian. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Kecamatan Jombang dan Tembelang, Kabupaten Jombang, Jawa Timur. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode life history dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan metode wawancara mendalam dan observasi. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan teori pewarisan budaya dari Margaret Mead. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pewarisan budaya yang terjadi di dalam dua keluarga tersebut berlangsung melalui budaya belajar sambil lalu/learning culture dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Keluarga dengan orangtua tunanetra dan anak yang awas selalu membiarkan anaknya melakukan apa pun selagi dianggap itu baik dan tidak mengganggu anggota keluarga lain di rumah dan tanggung jawab dengan apa yang dilakukan, karena itu anak tahu kewajiban mereka dengan sendirinya. Keluarga dengan orangtua awas dan anak tunanetra tidak membatasi anak dalam aktivitas sehari-hari selagi tidak membahayakan dan bersosialisasi dengan masyarakat sekitar agar anak menjadi mandiri.
Stress Markers Pada Calcaneus Penambang Belerang di Gunung Welirang
Authors: Amalia Nadia
Published: November 2020

Stress markers adalah tanda pada tulang yang menjadi petunjuk bahwa individu tersebut pernah melakukan suatu pekerjaan yang melibatkan kerjasama otot dan sendi untuk beraktivitas dengan intensitas waktu yang lama dan berulang. Penambang belerang di Gunung Welirang melakukan aktivitas pekerjaannya dengan  beban belerang sebanyak ±100-250 kg setiap hari dengan cara dipikul dan ditarik menggunakan gerobak, dengan tumpuan terbesarnya berada pada tulang calcaneus. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat bagaimana variasi stress markers yang muncul pada tulang calcaneus penambang belerang terkait lama kerja, beban kerja, dan inensitas kerja. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengambilan dan pengumpulan data ini adalah metode observasi, kuesioner terbuka, dan rontgen untuk melihat adanya stress markers. Adapun analisis data yang digunakan adalah metode kuantitatif, yaitu melihat hasil foto rontgen dan menganalisisnya dengan data lama kerja, beban kerja, dan intensitas kerja pada tiap individu penambang belerang Gunung Welirang. Hasilnya adalah terdapat variasi stress markers berupa osteopit sebanyak 87,5%  dan robustisitas sebanyak 100%  pada calcaneus penambang belerang, serta terdapat variasi letak stress markers pada osteopit dan robustisitas. Hal tersebut disebabkan karena perbedaan usia, lama masa kerja, beban kerja, dan intensitas kerja pada masing-masing subjek penelitian.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GENDER, HISTORY OF ANKLE SPRAIN, AND ANKLE STABILITY WITH ANKLE SPRAIN STATUS
Authors: Faruhasa Zhafira
Published: November 2020

Injuries can occur as a result of various activities, which of them is a sport. In 2017, basketball was a sport that produced the highest prevalence of injury incidence in the United States at 15.77%. Athletes who have ankle sprain are 20-40% more likely to experience chronic ankle instability. This study analyzed the relationship between gender, history of ankle sprain, and ankle stability with ankle sprain status in basketball athletes of Universitas Airlangga Surabaya. This study was analytical-observational research using a cross-sectional design. The research population was basketball athletes who were members of the basketball club of Universitas Airlangga, and finally there were 23 respondents selected as the research samples. The sample selection used the accidental sampling technique. The results of chi-square test (α = 0.05) indicate that there was a relationship between the previous history of ankle sprain (p = 0.002; RR = 9.1) and ankle stability with ankle sprain status (p = 0.013; RR = 6.), but gender had no relationship with ankle sprain status (p = 0.435; RR = 1.6). It concludes that the history of ankle sprain injury and ankle stability were related to ankle sprain status, but gender was not related to it. Keywords: gender, history of ankle sprain, ankle stability, ankle sprain
Estrategia metodológica para la evaluación formativa de los estudiantes de matemática de cuarto grado de primaria de una institución educativa privada de Lima
Authors:   , Cuenca Seminario Lourdes Milene
Published: November 2020

Esta tesis plantea una estrategia metodológica que busca desarrollar la evaluación formativa en los educandos del área de Matemática de cuarto grado de Primaria de una institución educativa privada de Lima. Esta investigación se encuentra en el paradigma socio – crítico interpretativo con enfoque cualitativo y es de tipo educacional aplicada dado que el investigador parte desde la comprensión de la problemática educativa en el salón de clase. La muestra estuvo conformada por dos docentes y 22 estudiantes, los que fueron seleccionados por muestreo no probabilístico. Asimismo, se utilizaron diversas técnicas e instrumentos tales como: observación a clases, cuestionario a estudiantes, prueba pedagógica a estudiantes y entrevista a docentes para conocer la situación real del problema; asimismo se utilizó criterio de expertos para evaluar la efectividad de la propuesta. Además, el trabajo de investigación se sustenta en diferentes teorías, enfoques y modelos vinculados a la enseñanza problémica, el aprendizaje socioformativo, los que permiten direccionar de manera efectiva el proceso pedagógico. El resultado obtenido de la aplicación de los instrumentos en campo se contrastó con las categorías apriorísticas con lo que se pudo identificar las categorías emergentes, que influyen en la problemática de estudio. Finalmente, se alcanzó el objetivo general y las tareas científicas planteadas, lo que facilitó modelar la estrategia metodológica que tiene como base fundamentos científicos, principios y categorías didácticas, entre otros que promueven el desarrollo de la evaluación formativa y el desarrollo de habilidades matemáticas en los estudiantes de Primaria.
Estrategia metodológica para contribuir al desarrollo de la creatividad artística en los estudiantes de diseño gráfico de un instituto técnico superior de Lima
Authors:   , Pernia Añazgo Angel Alfonso
Published: November 2020

La investigación propone el diseño de una estrategia metodológica para contribuir al desarrollo de la creatividad artística en los estudiantes del primer ciclo de la carrera de Diseño Gráfico de un instituto técnico superior de Lima.
DOSSIÊ TEMÁTICO: Escrevendo a leitura, no ensino e na ficção: produzindo fontes, apropriando-se de narrativas
Authors: Duarte Damasceno Carolina , De Souza Valle Neto Júlio , Gaiotto de Moraes Ricardo
Published: November 2020

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From the Quantum to the Macroscopic Level: The Journey of Information Through Our Complex System
Authors: Diani Sara
Published: November 2020

As a complex system, our body acts as a whole system connected to the environmental incitements. It is ordered, coherent, and tries to maintain the least possible entropy, saving the greatest amount of energy. In order to explain the dynamics of the systemic regulative network, a theoretical and speculative model is proposed, with a comprehensive approach that allows seeing the entire regulative system as a continuous unicuum. This paper covers two themes: 1) the connections between the quantum level and the classical one, through some principles of the QFT and through the Coherence Domains. The system is modeled as a field described by the wave function, with synchronous and consistent events, driven in a global computing by the quantum potential Q. The quantum potential implies the non-locality, and it needs only ultra-weak waves to occur, so it may explain how the rapid and global activation of the organism in response to perturbation/punctiform information works. The initial hypothesis is that some consistent quantum phenomena are amplified through the systemic regulative network until they become macroscopic observable. This is possible because of Coherence Domains. 2) The reactions of the different systemic networks to perturbations/punctiform information, with the attempt to model and measure information in biology, going beyond the Shannon and Turing theories. Hopfield Networks and an informational point of view are used to address the crucial informational and organizational role of proteins and nucleic acids.
Perceptual and Physiological Responses to Carbohydrate and Menthol Mouth-Swilling Solutions
Authors: Best Russ , Maulder Peter S , Berger Nicolas
Published: November 2020

Carbohydrate and menthol mouth-swilling have been used to enhance exercise performance in the heat. However, these strategies differ in mechanism and subjective experience. Participants (n=12) sat for 60 min in hot conditions (35°C; 15±2%), following a 15 min control period, participants undertook three 15 min testing blocks. A randomised swill (Carbohydrate; Menthol; Water) was administered per testing block (one swill every three minutes within each block). Heart rate, tympanic temperature, thermal comfort, thermal sensation and thirst were recorded every three minutes. Data were analysed by ANOVA, with carbohydrate intake controlled for via ANCOVA. Small elevations in heart rate were observed after carbohydrate (ES: 0.22 ± 90% CI: -0.09 to 0.52) and water swilling (0.26; -0.04 to 0.54). Menthol showed small improvements in thermal comfort relative to carbohydrate (-0.33; -0.63 to 0.03) and water (-0.40; -0.70 to -0.10), and induced moderate reductions in thermal sensation (-0.71; -1.01 to -0.40 and -0.66; -0.97 to -0.35, respectively). Menthol reduced thirst by a small to moderate extent. These effects persisted when controlling for dietary carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrate and water may elevate heart rate, whereas menthol elicits small improvements in thermal comfort, moderately improves thermal sensation and may mitigate thirst; these effects persist when dietary carbohydrate intake is controlled for.
A Unifying Perspective on Transfer Function Solutions to the Unsteady Ekman Problem
Authors: Lilly Jonathan M. , Elipot Shane
Published: November 2020

The unsteady Ekman problem involves finding the response of the near-surface currents to wind stress forcing under linearized dynamics. Its solution can be conveniently framed in the frequency domain in terms of a quantity that is known as the transfer function, the Fourier transform of the impulse response function. In this paper, a theoretical investigation of a fairly general transfer function form is undertaken with the goal of paving the way for future observational studies. Building on earlier work, we consider in detail the transfer function arising from a linearly-varying profile of the vertical eddy viscosity, subject to a no-slip lower boundary condition at a finite depth. The linearized horizontal momentum equations are shown to transform to a modified Bessel’s equation for the transfer function. Two self-similarities, or rescalings that each effectively eliminate one independent variable, are identified, enabling the dependence of the transfer function on its parameters to be more readily assessed. A systematic investigation of asymptotic behaviors of the transfer function is then undertaken, yielding expressions appropriate for eighteen different regimes, and unifying the results from numerous earlier studies. A solution to a numerical overflow problem that arises in the computation of the transfer function is also found. All numerical code associated with this paper is distributed freely for use by the community.
Fibonacci-Zeta Infinite Series Associated with the Polygamma Functions
Authors: Adegoke Kunle
Published: November 2020

We derive new infinite series involving Fibonacci numbers and Riemann zeta numbers. The calculations are facilitated by evaluating linear combinations of polygamma functions of the same order at certain arguments.
The degree of commitment of faculty members in the College of Education in Dalam to time management in light of distance teaching
Authors: Qaralleh Thikryat Jibril
Published: November 2020

The current study aimed to identify the degree of commitment of faculty members in the College of Education in Dalam to time management in light of distance teaching from the viewpoint of the college’s students. To achieve the aim of the study, a questionnaire was developed consisting of (25) items and distributed to a sample of (20%). The study leads to the following results: that the general arithmetic mean of the respondents ’answers to the paragraphs that measure the degree of commitment of the faculty members in the College of Education in Dalam to time management in the light of distance teaching reached (3.21) and represents an medium average grade and The absence of statistically significant differences at the level of significance (α≤0.05) in the degree of commitment of faculty members in the College of Education in Dalam to time management in light of distance teaching from the viewpoint of the college students female according to the two variables: (academic department and academic level). The study made several recommendations, including: Creating and developing distance learning platforms and encouraging faculty members to adhere to distance education.
UN SUJETO ENCLAUSTRADO: EL RETIRO DE MARÍA DE ZAYAS
Authors: Özmen Emre
Published: November 2020

Tras las dos partes del Honesto y entretenido sarao, la reclusión en el convento es el final para Lisis y las narradoras que la acompañan. Los relatos de la serie manifiestan la estrecha relación de este desenlace con la práctica real de la época, y en la trama de la obra se vincula a la noción de desengaño. Como solución radical, la crítica ha querido ver en el gesto la construcción de un espacio de identidad y sociabilidad femenina, con un valor afirmativo y positivo. No obstante, el correlato de este gesto significativo en los diferentes niveles de la narración y en la propia realidad de la autora ofrece otras perspectivas críticas sobre el significado de este retiro de la sociedad y las posibilidades de un sujeto enclaustrado. El marco conceptual es el del lugar de la mujer en el campo literario del siglo XVII.
Improving design methodologies and assessment tools for building on permafrost in a warming climate
Authors: Bjella Kevin , Shur Yuri , Kanevskiy Misha , Duvoy Paul , Grunau Bruno , Best John , Bourne Stephen , Affleck Rosa
Published: November 2020

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) operates numerous Arctic and Subarctic installations, including Alaska. Changes to permafrost can threaten critical built infrastructure. It is critical to accurately characterize and compare site conditions in permafrost regions to enable the efficient, cost-effective design and construction of an infrastructure well suited to the permafrost environment and that meets DoD requirements. This report describes three research efforts to establish (1) field investigation approaches for ground ice detection and delineation, (2) methods and modeling for early warning detection of thawing permafrost under infrastructure, and (3) an outline of a decision support system that determines the most applicable foundation design for warming and degrading permafrost. Outcomes of these interrelated efforts address needs to improve construction of DoD mission critical infrastructure on Arctic and Subarctic permafrost terrains. Field investigation processes used systematic methodologies including borehole data and geophysical measurements to effectively characterize subsurface permafrost information. The Permafrost Foundation Decision Support System (PFFDSS) tool implements and logically links field survey information and foundation type assessments. The current version of PFFDSS is designed to be accessible to design-engineers of a broad range of experience, that will reduce the effort and cost, and improve the effectiveness of site assessment.
Neogene shallow-marine and fluvial sediment dispersal, burial, and exhumation in the ancestral Brahmaputra delta: Indo-Burman Ranges, India
Authors: Sincavage Ryan , Betka Paul M. , Thomson Stuart N. , Seeber Leonardo , Steckler Michael , Zoramthara C.
Published: November 2020

The stratigraphic record of Cenozoic uplift and denudation of the Himalayas is distributed across its peripheral foreland basins, as well as in the sediments of the Ganges–Brahmaputra Delta (GBD) and the Bengal–Nicobar Fan (BNF). Recent interrogation of Miocene–Quaternary sediments of the GBD and BNF advance our knowledge of Himalayan sediment dispersal and its relationship to regional tectonics and climate, but these studies are limited to IODP boreholes from the BNF (IODP 354 and 362, 2015-16) and Quaternary sediment cores from the GBD (NSF-PIRE: Life on a tectonically active delta, 2010-18). We examine a complementary yet understudied stratigraphic record of the Miocene–Pliocene ancestral Brahmaputra Delta in outcrops of the Indo-Burman Ranges fold–thrust belt (IBR) of eastern India. We present detailed lithofacies assemblages of Neogene delta plain (Tipam Group) and intertidal to upper-shelf (Surma Group) deposits of the IBR based on two ∼ 500 m stratigraphic sections. New detrital-apatite fission-track (dAFT) and (U-Th)/He (dAHe) dates from the Surma Group in the IBR help to constrain maximum depositional ages (MDA), thermal histories, and sediment accumulation rates. Three fluvial facies (F1–F3) and four shallow marine to intertidal facies (M1–M4) are delineated based on analog depositional environments of the Holocene–modern GBD. Unreset dAFT and dAHe ages constrain MDA to ∼ 9–11 Ma for the Surma Group, which is bracketed by intensification of turbidite deposition on the eastern BNF (∼ 13.5–6.8 Ma). Two dAHe samples yielded younger (∼ 3 Ma) reset ages that we interpret to record cooling from denudation following burial resetting due to a thicker (∼ 2.2–3.2 km) accumulation of sediments near the depocenter. Thermal modeling of the dAFT and dAHe results using QTQt and HeFTy suggest that late Miocene marginal marine sediment accumulation rates may have ranged from ∼ 0.9 to 1.1 mm/yr near the center of the paleodelta. Thermal modeling results imply postdepositional cooling beginning at ∼ 8–6.5 Ma, interpreted to record onset of exhumation associated with the advancing IBR fold belt. The timing of post-burial exhumation of the IBR strata is consistent with previously published constraints for the avulsion of the paleo-Brahmaputra to the west and a westward shift of turbidite deposition on the BNF that started at ∼ 6.8 Ma. Our results contextualize tectonic controls on basin history, creating a pathway for future investigations into autogenic and climatic drivers of behavior of fluvial systems that can be extracted from the stratigraphic record.
Frequency of Leishmania spp. infection among HIV-infected patients living in an urban area in Brazil: a cross-sectional study
Authors: CUNHA MIRELLA ALVES , CELESTE BEATRIZ , KESPER NORIVAL , FUGIMORI MAHYUMI , LAGO MARIANNA MARTINS , IBANES ALINE SANTOS , OUKI LILIAN MITIKO , NETO EUDES ALVES SIMÕES , FONSECA FERNANDA FERNANDES , SILVA MARIA ALMERICE LOPES , JUNIOR WALTER LINS BARBOSA , LINDOSO JOSE ANGELO LAULETTA
Published: November 2020

Background: There is little information about the frequency of Leishmania infection in asymptomatic people living with HIV (PLWH) and about the performance of laboratory diagnostic methods in coinfected patients in Latin America. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the frequency of Leishmania spp. infection in HIV-infected patients living in an urban area in Brazil.Methods: To detect Leishmania infection, diagnostic tests were performed to detect anti-Leishmania antibodies (ELISA using Leptomonas seymouri antigens; ELISA using rK39 antigens; ELISA using rK28 antigens; indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT); direct agglutination test (DAT)) and Leishmania DNA (polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the target genes kDNA and ITS-1).Results: The frequency of at least one positive test was 15%. For ELISA using Leptomonas antigens and IFAT, there was an association between CD4+ T lymphocyte counts and test positivity, with a higher positivity of these tests in more immunosuppressed patients (CD4+ T cell count < 200/mm3).Conclusions: According to our data, there was a high prevalence of Leishmania spp. infections in this population living with HIV. Although there is the possibility of cross-reaction, some tests that are considered highly specific for the diagnosis of Leishmania infection were positive. There was also an association between the positivity of some tests studied and lower values of CD4+ T lymphocytes.
Conversion from a failed proximal femoral nail anti-rotation to a cemented or uncemented total hip arthroplasty device: A retrospective review of 198 hips with previous intertrochanteric femur fractures
Authors: Yu Weiguang , Han Xiulan , Chen Wenli , Shuai Mao , Zhao Mingdong , Zhang Chao Xin , Han Guowei , Ye Junxing , Chen Meiji , Zhuang Jintao
Published: November 2020

Background: At present, it is unclear which device (uncemented or cemented total hip arthroplasty [UTA or CTA, respectively]) is more suitable for the conversion of a failed proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA). The aim of this review was to assess the outcomes of failed PFNAs converted to a UTA or CTA device in elderly individuals with intertrochanteric femoral fractures (IFFs).Methods: Two hundred fifty-eight elderly individuals (258 hips) with IFFs who underwent a conversion to a UTA or CTA device following failed PFNAs during 2007-2017 were retrospectively identified from the China Southern Medical Centre (CSMC) database. The primary endpoint was the Harris Hip Score (HHS); secondary endpoint was the key orthopaedic complication rate.Results: The median follow-up was 65 months (60-69 months). Significant distinctions were observed (87.26±16.62 for UTA vs. 89.32±16.08 for CTA, p=0.021; 86.61±12.24 for symptomatic UTA vs. 88.68±13.30 for symptomatic CTA, p=0.026). A significant difference in the overall key orthopaedic complication rate was detected (40.8% [40/98] vs. 19.0% [19/100], p=0.001). Apparent distinctions were detected in terms of the rate of revision, loosening, and periprosthetic fracture (11.2% for UTA vs 3.0% for CTA, p = 0.025; 13.2% for UTA vs 5.0% for CTA, p = 0.043; 10.2% for UTA vs 3.0% for CTA, p = 0.041, respectively).Conclusion: For elderly individuals with IFFs who suffered a failed PFNA, CTA devices may have a noteworthy advantage in regard to the revision rate functional scores and the rate of key orthopaedic complications compared with UTA devices, and CTA revision should be performed as soon as possible, regardless of whether these individuals have symptoms.
The role of lymphocyte-monocyte ratio on axial spondyloarthritis diagnosis and sacroiliitis staging
Authors: Wang Jing , Su Jinyu , Yuan Yuan , Jin Xiaxia , Shen Bo , Lu Guoguang
Published: November 2020

Background: Axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA)is a chronic inflammatory disorder involving the sacroiliac joints, that could lead to disability due to the failure of timely treatment. The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) is an indicator of disease progression. However, its role in axial SpA remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of LMR in axial SpA diagnosis, disease activity classification and sacroiliitis staging. Methods: Seventy-eight axial SpA patients and 78 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis of axial SpA was performed according to the New York criteria or the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society (ASAS) classification criteria, whereas the staging of sacroiliitis in axial SpA patients was determined by X-ray examination. Comparisons of LMR levels between groups were performed using t test. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis were used to assess correlations between LMR and other indicators. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the role of LMR in the diagnosis of axial SpA.Results: Higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), red blood cell distribution width(RDW), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR), mean platelet volume(MPV), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein(CRP) levels and lower red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), Hematocrit (Hct), LMR, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL) and albumin/globulin (A/G) levels were noted in axial SpA patients compared to HCs. Positive correlations were observed between LMR and RBC, Hb, Hct and A/G, whereas negative correlations were found between LMR and NLR, PLR, AST, and TBIL (P< 0.05). ROC curves showed that the area under the curve(AUC) for LMR in the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis was 0.803 (95% CI =0.734-0.872) with a sensitivity and specificity of 62.8% and 87.2%, respectively, and the AUC (95% CI) for the combination of ESR, CRP and LMR was 0.975 (0.948-1.000) with a sensitivity and specificity of 94.9% and 97.4%, respectively. LMR levels were lower (P<0.05) and significant differences in LMR values were observed among different stages (P<0.05). Conclusions: Our study suggested that LMR might be an important inflammatory marker to identify axial SpA and assess disease activity and X-ray stage of sacroiliitis.
Bone mineral density and bone metabolism in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes in a Chinese community: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Han Wu , Zhang Yufan , Zhou Wenbin , Zhang Guolong , Wang Jindi , Xu Jingjing , Yao Tao , Dai Jing , He Wei
Published: November 2020

Background: There is growing evidence of a complex interaction between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to further study the relationship between Bone turnover markers (BTMs) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) in postmenopausal patients with type 2 diabetes and to analyze the effect of hyperglycemia on bone metabolism.Methods: Six hundred and twelve (612) postmenopausal women were included, including one hundred and seven (107) subjects with T2DM and five hundred and five (505) subjects without diabetes. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Markers of bone formation Type 1 collagen N-terminal peptide (P1NP) and resorption C-telopeptide of type l collagen (CTX) were quantified.Results: Compared to controls, postmenopausal women with diabetes had a higher prevalence of previous osteoporosis fracture (27.1% vs. 17.4% for diabetic and nondiabetic women, respectively) and a higher BMD. The P1NP level in women with T2DM was 49.451 ng/ml, while in N-DM individuals, it was 58.633 ng/ml, (p = 0.017). The CTX level in women with T2DM was 0.325 ng/ml, while in N-DM individuals, it was 0.412 ng/ml (p=0.039). In addition, P1NP was significantly negatively associated with age (β=-0.590; p= 0.002) and FBG (β=-1.950; p = 0.035). CTX was negatively associated with FBG (β=-0.029; p = 0.015).Conclusions: T2DM was associated with higher BMD and paradoxically, with an increased risk of fracture. Postmenopausal women with T2DM had lower bone turnover than controls. With increased levels of FBG, bone formation and bone resorption were reduced, and the overall bone turnover level was reduced.
Influence of Patella Thickness on Patellofemoral Pressure in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Tanikawa Hidenori , Tada Mitsunori , Ogawa Ryo , Harato Kengo , Niki Yasuo , Kobayashi Shu , Nagura Takeo
Published: November 2020

Background: Patellofemoral complications are one of the major issues after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Excessive patellofemoral joint pressure is associated with complications after TKA surgery, and the amount of patellar osteotomy has a direct effect on patellofemoral joint pressure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of patella thickness on patellofemoral pressure in TKA.Methods. Five freshly frozen cadavers were operated with a custom-made Stryker posterior stabilizing type knee joint prosthesis. Patellofemoral joint pressure was measured using a pressure sensor, with the knee joint flexed from 90 to 110 degrees, and with patellar thickness of -2mm to +4mm.Results: Increasing or decreasing patellar thickness significantly increased or decreased patellofemoral pressure. Regarding knee flexion angle, patellofemoral pressure increased with increasing patellar thickness at all flexion angles, but the pressure increase was greatest at 90 degrees of knee flexion and smallest at 110 degrees.Conclusions: The amount of patellar osteotomy influences the patellofemoral pressure. Surgeons should avoid increasing patella thickness, since the resulting increased patellofemoral pressure may reduce knee joint function.
Bone Quality in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Giner Mercè , Miranda Cristina , Vázquez-Gámez María Ángeles , Altea Patricia , Miranda María-José , Casado-Díaz Antonio , Pérez-Cano Ramón , Montoya-García María-José
Published: November 2020

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide and it is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Our purpose was to analyse microstructural and bone mechanics from femoral heads, markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density in T2DM patients with or without recent fragility fractures. To identify the factors that influence this risk and elucidate diabetes-induced alterations in trabecular bone microarchitecture and bone turnover markers.Methods: The studied population consisted of 28 patients, divided in 4 groups: 6 subjects with hip fracture (OP) without T2DM, 8 patients with hip fracture and T2DM (OP-T2DM), 7 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) without T2DM and 7 patients OA and with T2DM (OA-T2DM). Bone markers, bone mineral density, FRAX score, microstructural and bone material strength from femoral heads and were assessed. Results: The group with hip fracture presented lower BMD values ​​than OA (p <0.05). The OP, OP-T2DM and OA-T2DM groups showed a decrease in bone volume fraction (BV/TV); trabecular number (Tb.N); trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and increase of the structural model index (SMI) and trabecular bone pattern factor (Tb.Pf), as microstructure results and Young's modulus or elastic modulus; toughness; ultimate stress; ultimate load; extrinsic stiffness and work to failure, as biomechanical results, regarding OA patients (p <0.05).Conclusion: Our results show the negative effect of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on trabecular bone structure and mechanical properties. These results emphasize the importance of evaluating diabetic bones using not only bone markers and bone mass, but also bone quality parameters. Therefore, diabetes should be included as a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture in daily clinical practice and in the FRAX tool.
Which Factors Are Associated With the Prevalence of Meniscal Repair?
Authors: Song Xiaoxiao , Chen Dongyang , Qi Xinsheng , Jiang Qing , Xia Caiwei
Published: November 2020

PurposeTo investigate the potential factors associated with the prevalence of meniscal repairMethodsPatients who received partial menisectomy or meniscal repair in our institution from Jan 2015 to Dec 2019 were included in current study. The inclusion criteria were (1) meniscus tear treated using meniscetomy or repair, (2) with or without concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, (3) not multiligamentous injury. Demographic data, including sex, age, body mass index (BMI), injury-to-surgery interval and intra-articular factors such as the location of injury, medial or lateral, ACL rupture or not and the option of procedure (partial meniscetomy or repair) were documented from medical records. Univariate analysis consisted of chi-square. Multivariate logistic regression was then performed to adjust for confounding factors.Results592 patients including 399 males and 193 females with a mean age of 28.7 years (range from 10 to 75 years) were included in current study. In the univariate analysis, male (p=0.002), patients aged 40 years or younger (p<0.001), increased weight (p=0.010), Posterior meniscus torn (0.011), concurrent ACL ruputure (p<0.001), lateral meniscus (p=0.039)and early surgery (p<0.001) were all associated with the prevalence of meniscal repair. However, After adjusting for confounding factors, we found that age (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17 - 0.68, p=0.002), ACL injury (OR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.97 – 7.21, p<0.001), side of menisci (OR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.43 – 7.55, p=0.005), site of tear (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.07 – 0.32, p<0.001), and duration of injury (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.28 – 0.82, p=0.008) were associated with the prevalence of meniscus repair. ConclusionsMeniscal tear in aged patients especially those with concomitant ACL injury is likely to be repaired. Additionally, in order to increase the prevalence of repair and slow down progression of OA, the surgical procedure should be performed within two weeks after meniscus tear especially when the tear is located at lateral meniscal posterior.Study DesignCase-control study; level of evidence, 3.
Hot extremes have become drier in the US Southwest
Authors: McKinnon Karen , Poppick Andrew , Simpson Isla
Published: November 2020

The impacts of summer heat extremes are mediated by the moisture content of the atmosphere. Increases in temperatures due to human-caused climate change are generally expected to increase specific humidity; however, it remains unclear how humidity extremes may change, especially in climatologically dry regions. Here, using in situ measurements and reanalyses, we show that specific humidity on low humidity days in the American Southwest has decreased over the past seven decades, and that the greatest decreases co-occur with the hottest temperatures. Hot, dry summers have anomalously low evapotranspiration that is linked to low summer soil moisture. The recent decrease in summer soil moisture is explained by declines in pre-summer soil moisture, whereas the interannual variability is controlled by summer precipitation. Climate models project continued declines in pre-summer soil moisture but increases in summer precipitation, leading to uncertainty as to how summer soil moisture and hot, dry days will change in the future.
Midterm Outcome after Posterior Stabilization of Unstable Midthoracic Spine Fractures in the Elderly
Authors: Spiegl Ulrich J , Hölbing Pia-Luise , Jarvers Jan-Sven , Höh Nicolas von der , Pieroh Philipp , Osterhoff Georg , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard
Published: November 2020

Background: The evidence for the treatment of midthoracic fractures in elderly patients is weak. The aim of this study was to evaluate midterm results after posterior stabilization of unstable midthoracic fractures in the elderly.Methods: Retrospectively, all patients aged ≥65 suffering from an acute unstable midthoracic fracture treated with posterior stabilization were included. Trauma mechanism, ASA score, concomitant injuries, ODI score and radiographic loss of reduction were evaluated. Posterior stabilization strategy was divided into short-segmental stabilization (SSS) and long-segmental stabilization (LSS). Results: Fifty-nine patients (76.9 ± 6.3 years; 51% female) were included. The fracture was caused by a low-energy trauma mechanism in 22 patients (35.6%). Twenty-one patients died during the follow-up period (35.6%). Remaining patients (n=38) were followed up after a mean of 60 months. Patients who died were significantly older (p = 0.01) and had significantly higher ASA scores (p = 0.02). Adjacent thoracic cage fractures had no effect on mortality or outcome scores. A total of 12 sequential vertebral fractures occurred (35.3%). The mean ODI at the latest follow up was 31.3 ± 24.7, the mean regional sagittal loss of reduction was 5.1° (± 4.0). Patients treated with LSS had a significantly lower rate of sequential vertebral fractures during follow-up (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Unstable fractures of the midthoracic are associated with high rates of thoracic cage injuries. The mortality rate was rather high. The majority of the survivors had minimal to moderate disabilities. Thereby, patients treated with LSS had a significantly lower rate of sequential vertebral body fractures during follow-up.
Post-Operative Radiculitis Following One or Two Level Anterior Lumbar Surgery with or without Posterior Instrumentation
Authors: Griffith Matthew S. , Shaw Kenneth A , Burke Brian , Jackson Keith Lynn , Gloystein David
Published: November 2020

Background: Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) has evolved as a treatment strategy for a multitude of lumbar spine conditions. To date, two studies have identified radiculitis as a complication associated with ALIF procedures, but they do not outline a time to resolution. There have been no reports, of postoperative traction radiculitis in patients following anterior lumbar procedures.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed seventy patients who underwent anterior lumbar procedures by two surgeons. Using the Farfan ratio we calculated preoperative to postoperative change in disc height. We determined post-operative radiculitis symptoms from review of follow up notes. We also determined the type of graft used in fusion patients.Results: 70 patients were initially identified with 12 being excluded. This left 58 to be included in the study. Twenty-one patients (36.2%) developed postoperative radiculitis. There was a moderate to strong correlation with height change and radiculitis (p=0.044). Patients treated with rhBMP-2 had a rate of 36.5% post-operative radiculitis when compared to a rate of 17% for patients fused without rhBMP-2. The number of patients treated without rhBMP-2 were too few to perform statistical analysis, however. All radiculitis resolved by the 3 month follow up appointment.Conclusion: This study shows that there is a 36.2% rate of radiculitis following anterior lumbar procedures. There is a correlation between disc height change and postoperative radiculitis following anterior lumbar procedures. There also appears to be a relationship to the use of rhBMP-2. All radiculitis resolved by 3 months.
Management Trend and Attitude Regarding Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Comparative Study Between Surgeons and Internists
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Fan Junjun , Liu Tao , Sun Siguo , Li Xiaoxiang , Liao Bo
Published: November 2020

Background: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is the most common form of osteoporotic fracture, both surgeons and internists included in the management of that. This study aimed to identify whether a discrepancy exists between spinal surgeons and internists in the diagnosis and management of OVCF.Method: This comparative study included 124 spinal surgeons and 47 internists in the WeChat group of the Society of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Research. They were sent a self-administered electronic questionnaire that asked about practice pattern, diagnosis trend, and management choice in OVCF management. The validity of the survey was examined in advance.Results: A significantly higher percentage of surgeons obtained T2-weighted images scan with fat suppression than internists. A significantly higher proportion of spinal surgeons provided surgical treatment as first-line treatment and considered fracture as the most important aspect in OVCF management than internist. No significant difference was observed in the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, in performing laboratory examination, or in the collaboration rate between the two groups.Conclusion: Differences exist between internists and spinal surgeons in imaging diagnosis, choice of therapeutic schedule, and attitude to osteoporosis treatment in the management of OVCF.