bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of different methods on pain management during orthodontic debonding
Authors: Gupta Sanjay Prasad , Rauniyar Shristi , Prasad Pravin , Pradhan Pranil Man Singh
Published: March 2022

Background

Orthodontic treatment procedures like separator placement, archwire placement, orthodontic force application, miniscrew placement and debonding procedure usually involve pain and discomfort. Pain perception and methods to reduce pain during debonding in regard to gender and different locations of oral cavity is still a poorly documented issue in orthodontics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different methods on pain management during debonding and its association with gender and location.

Materials and methods

One hundred and forty orthodontic patients in the stage of debonding were randomly assigned into four groups according to different methods used during debonding; Group A: Medication group (Paracetamol given 1 h before debonding), Group B: Finger pressure group, Group C: Stress relief group and Group D: Control group. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the pain intensity just after debonding for each sextant.

Results

Among 140 participants, 61 (43.57%) were males and 79 (56.43%) were females. Differences in VAS score in different areas of oral cavity among all groups were found to be significant (p < 0.05). Total VAS score was greater in control group (16.67) followed by stress relief group (13.33) and finger pressure group (10) and least in medication group (8.33). The VAS score was higher in the upper front and lower front sextants in all the groups. Females reported higher VAS score and in upper front sextant, it showed significant difference (p = 0.018). On comparison, total VAS scores were statistically significant difference in medication-stress relief arm pair (p = 0.009), medication-control arm pair (p < 0.001) and finger pressure-control arm pair (0.002). The total VAS score comparison between medication-finger pressure arm was not significant (p = 0.172).

Conclusions

Pain perceived during debonding varies in different areas of oral cavity among all the groups. Anterior area of oral cavity and female seems to be more sensitive to pain. Use of finger pressure can be used effectively for pain management during debonding.
Effects of additional context information in prescription drug information sheets on comprehension and risk and efficacy perceptions
Authors: Kelly Bridget , O’Donoghue Amie , Parvanta Sarah , Boudewyns Vanessa , Oguntimein Oluwamurewa , Bann Carla , West Sue , Tzeng Janice , Chandler Caroline , Madson Gabriel , McCormack Lauren
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine how additional explanatory text (context) about drug side effects in a patient medication information handout affected comprehension and perceptions of risk and efficacy.

Methods

We conducted an online experiment with a national sample of 1,119 U.S. adults with rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions, sampled through random-digit dialing, address-based sampling, and online ads. We randomized participants to receive one of several versions of a patient information handout for a fictitious drug, either with or without additional context, then measured comprehension and other outcomes.

Results

Additional qualitative context about warnings and side effects resulted in lower comprehension of side effect information, but not information about uses of the drug or warnings. The effect of additional context on risk perceptions depended on whether the medication handout was delivered online or through the mail. Those who received a hardcopy of the handout with additional context had higher perceived risk of side effects than those who saw the version without additional context.

Conclusion

More clarifying information is not always better and may lead to cognitive overload, inhibiting comprehension.

Practice implications

Additional research should further explore effects of context in online vs. hard-copy formats before practice implications can be determined.
Assessment of private health sector prescribing patterns and adherence to prescription format using World Health Organization core drug use indicators in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Asmamaw Getahun , Ejigu Nahu , Tewihubo Dinksew , Ayenew Wondim
Published: March 2022

Background

Currently, the private healthcare sector's role in healthcare delivery is growing in Ethiopia. However, there are limited studies on private healthcare sector drug use patterns. This study aimed to evaluate the private healthcare sector prescribing practices and adherence to prescription format, using some of the World Health Organization (WHO) core drug use indicators in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used to collect quantitative data from prescriptions prescribed and dispensed by private healthcare sectors in the Lemi-Kura sub-city, Addis Ababa. The study was conducted from June to July 2021. The WHO criteria were used to evaluate prescribing and prescription completeness indicators. Prescriptions, kept for the last 1 year that were prescribed between January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2021, by private drug outlets, were analyzed. Simple random and systematic sampling procedures were employed in selecting drug outlets and prescriptions, respectively.

Results

Of a total of 1,200 prescriptions, 2,192 drugs were prescribed and the average number of drugs per prescription was 1.83. Generic names, antibiotics, injections, and drugs on the Ethiopian essential medicines list accounted for 77.4, 63.8, 11.5, and 80.6% of all prescriptions, respectively. Among the patient identifiers, the patient card number (54.3%), weight (2.3%), and diagnoses (31.7%) were less likely to be completed. In terms of the drug-related information, the dosage form (35.5%) was the least likely to be completed. Only 36.6 and 25.8% of prescriptions contained the names and qualifications of the prescribers, respectively. It was difficult to obtain prescription papers with the dispenser identifier.

Conclusion

The study findings indicated prescribing and prescription completeness indicators all considerably deviated from WHO standards and hence unsuitable. This situation could be critical since a similar pattern is reported from public healthcare sectors, which might imply the extent of non-adherence to WHO core drug use standards. Consequently, it could play a considerable role in increasing irrational medicine use in Ethiopia.
Comparison of surgical outcomes between initial trabeculectomy and Ex-PRESS in terms of achieving an intraocular pressure below 15 and 18 mmHg: a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Nakakura Shunsuke , Asaoka Ryo
Published: March 2022

Background

To evaluate the postoperative outcomes of initial trabeculectomy (Trab) and Ex-PRESS (EX) in terms of achieving an intraocular pressure (IOP) below 15 and 18 mmHg.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 64 and 54 cases of Trab and EX, respectively, performed by the same surgeon with uniform management from April 2018 to March 2019. Surgical success was defined as 5 < IOP < 15 mmHg (criterion 1) and 5 < IOP < 18 mmHg (criterion 2) without additional glaucoma medication, needling, and bleb reconstruction 2 months after surgery. Survival analysis with Cox regression was performed to identify factors associated with postoperative outcomes.

Results

The Trab and EX groups had an IOP of 22.6 ± 6.2 vs. 21.8 ± 6.0 mmHg before surgery (P = 0.507), 12.6 ± 2.6 vs. 14.0 ± 4.4 mmHg (P = 0.06) at 6 months, 12.7 ± 2.3 vs. 12.9 ± 2.8 mmHg (P = 0.678) at 12 months, 13.3 ± 2.6 vs. 12.6 ± 2.8 mmHg (P = 0.260) at 18 months, and 13.2 ± 2.3 vs. 13.6 ± 2.8 mmHg (P = 0.444) at 24 months, respectively. The proportion of those with an IOP < 15 mmHg in the Trab and EX groups was 82% vs. 81% at 6 months, 68% vs. 62% at 12 months, 63% vs. 61% at 18 months, and 57% vs. 53% at 24 months, respectively. The log-rank test showed no significant difference between the groups for Criteria 1 (P = 0.755) and 2 (P = 0.138). The results of the multivariate logistic analysis identified only a high preoperative IOP as a risk factor for surgical failure (odds ratio for Criteria 1: 1.076,P = 0.009 and Criteria 2: 1.068,P = 0.048).

Conclusion

Postoperative outcomes of Trab and EX suggested similar ability for achieving an IOP below 15 and 18 mmHg without medications and interventions.
Connecting materials sciences with fungal biology: a sea of possibilities
Authors: Meyer Vera
Published: March 2022

The Special Issue “Connecting materials science with fungal biology” celebrates recent breakthroughs in the fabrication of fungal-based materials, all of which have been made possible by the interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration of fungal biologists and biotechnologists with artists, designers, materials scientists, and architects. It features conceptual considerations and latest developments of these joint research efforts and the paradigm shift that is involved. The aim of this collection of twelve papers is to highlight the infinite possibilities for the development of innovative fungal-based materials which can be realized through integrating the knowledge and methods from different disciplines.
Effect of a fixed-dose combination of Telmisartan/S-amlodipine on circadian blood pressure compared with Telmisartan monotherapy: TENUVA-BP study
Authors: Kim Bong-Joon , Cho Kyoung-Im , Kwon Hyuck Moon , Choi Seung-Min , Yoon Chang-Hwan , Lim Sang Wook , Joo Seung-Jae , Lee Nam Ho , Lim Sang-Yup , Lim Seong-Hoon , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: March 2022

Background

This study evaluated the circadian efficacy of a telmisartan 40 mg/S-amlodipine 2.5 mg fixed-dose combination (Telmisartan40/S-Amlodipine2.5) compared to telmisartan 80 mg (Telmisartan80) in patients with essential hypertension who did not respond to 2–4 weeks’ treatment with telmisartan 40 mg.

Methods

Eligible patients with essential hypertension (clinic mean sitting systolic blood pressure [MSSBP] ≥140 mmHg, or ≥ 130 mmHg in those with diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease) were randomly assigned to Telmisartan40/S-Amlodipine2.5 or Telmisartan80 for 8 weeks. All patients underwent ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) at baseline and 8 weeks later. Primary endpoints were changes in mean 24-h SBP and DBP on 24-h ABPM from baseline after 8 weeks. Secondary endpoints were changes in daytime, nighttime, and morning SBP and DBP, and clinic MSSBP and MSDBP.

Results

A total of 316 Korean patients were enrolled, 217 patients were randomized to treatment, and 192 patients completed the study. Compared to Telmisartan80, Telmisartan40/S-Amlodipine2.5 showed significantly better reductions in 24-h mean SBP and DBP after 8 weeks. Telmisartan40/S-Amlodipine2.5 also significantly reduced secondary endpoints compared to Telmisartan80. Among 15 adverse events (7 [Telmisartan40/S-Amlodipine2.5] and 8 [Telmisartan80]), there were five adverse drug reactions; 14 events were mild, and none were identified with significant between-group differences.

Conclusions

Telmisartan40/S-Amlodipine2.5 was tolerable and more effective than Telmisartan80 in lowering 24-h mean ambulatory BP in patients with essential hypertension not responding adequately to Telmisartan40. Our findings support the fact that the combination of S-amlodipine with telmisartan is more appropriate than increasing the dose of telmisartan monotherapy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02231788. Registered 4 September 2014.
Comparison of prognosis in two methods for the lingual nerve repair: direct suture with vein graft cuff and collagen allograft method
Authors: Fujita Shigeyuki , Tojyo Itaru , Nakanishi Takashi , Suzuki Shigeru
Published: March 2022

Background

No studies have compared the outcomes of direct perineurial suture with vein graft cuff repair and indirect collagen allograft repair of the lingual nerve following an injury. Therefore, we evaluated and compared the outcomes of each over a 1-year observation period. We retrospectively assessed 20 patients who had undergone microneurosurgical repair of unilateral lingual nerve injuries at the Wakayama Medical University Hospital between May 2015 and March 2019. We utilized two different methods for lingual nerve repair, i.e., direct perineurial repair with a vein graft cuff and interpositional collagen allograft repair. Sensory and taste function in the lingual nerve were preoperatively evaluated using a static two-point discrimination test, superficial pain/tactile sensation test, tests for the pressure pain threshold (Semmens-Weinstein monofilament), test for thermal discrimination hot and cold sensation, and a taste discrimination test. These tests were performed again at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Compared to the preoperative conditions, all patients showed improved sensory reactions. Functional sensory recovery outcomes were defined by Pogrel’s criteria, Medical Research Council Scale grades, and functional sensory recovery. In each group, all patients improved after the operation. However, the operation time was significantly shorter for an interpositional collagen allograft repair as compared to that for a direct perineurial repair with a vein graft cuff.

Conclusions

There were no statistically significant differences between the two repair Methods, except for the operation time. Both methods led to satisfactory results for all criteria. From an economic point of view, direct perineurial repair with a vein graft cuff is meaningful; however, the esthetic effect on the donor site should be considered. Conversely, interpositional collagen allograft repair has the advantage of a greatly shortened operation time.
Soil-borne and compost-borne Penicillium sp. and Gliocladium spp. as potential microbial biocontrol agents for the suppression of anthracnose-induced decay on tomato fruits
Authors: Hassine Marwa , Aydi-Ben-Abdallah Rania , Jabnoun-Khireddine Hayfa , Daami-Remadi Mejda
Published: March 2022

Background

Anthracnose is a soil-borne tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) disease caused by Colletotrichum coccodes and associated with early dying syndrome and postharvest fruits decays leading to significant yield losses. A biocontrol trial was conducted using Penicillium sp. and Gliocladium spp. isolates recovered from soil and compost for the evaluation of their antifungal potential against the target pathogen.

Results

Cell-free culture filtrates of the microbial agents tested at different concentrations displayed an important antifungal activity based on pathogen mycelial growth inhibition and spore germination suppression. The highest antifungal potential was induced by Penicillium sp. CH6, G. catenulatum Gc1 and G. virens Gv1 cell-free filtrates applied at 3 concentrations (10, 15 and 20% v/v). C. coccodes mycelial growth was significantly reduced by 16 to 84% with chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of Penicillium sp. CH6 and G. catenulatum Gc1 isolates applied at the concentrations 1, 2.5 and 5% v/v. These treatments had induced an important morphological alteration to pathogen mycelium expressed mainly by a decrease in colony melanization. Testing on pathogen-inoculated fruits, treatment based on cell-free culture filtrates and organic extracts had significantly reduced anthracnose severity as compared to control. Rot lesion diameter was significantly decreased about 22% following treatments with Penicillium sp. CH6 and G. catenulatum Gc1 cell-free filtrates. All chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of isolates tested had suppressed disease severity by 11 to 59% and 14 to 85%, respectively, as compared to the untreated control.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated the involvement of bioactive compounds in the cultural filtrates and organic extracts tested. These microbial agents may be explored as an alternative tool for the protection of tomato fruits from fungi-associated decays.
President's Page: A university perspective on the future of applied geophysics
Authors: Shragge Jeffrey
Published: March 2022

Against the backdrop of recent membership discussions focused on what SEG will look like in the next decade lies an important question: who will be the members of this future SEG? It should come as no surprise to most readers that the SEG membership is aging; having a mean membership age increase by nearly one year every year is not sustainable in the long run. Increasing the number of students and young professionals transitioning to longer-term SEG membership must remain an important goal of the Society. Doing so, though, requires that our future members see SEG as a forward-looking organization that is career relevant and supportive of their professional development. Ideally, SEG should strive to be the global top-of-mind organization of applied geophysicists that inspires and motivates young professionals to take up the manifold challenges of responsible production and stewardship of natural resources while protecting the environment and the communities that we applied geophysicists serve.
Pore pressure prediction in organic shales
Authors: Vernik Lev , de Newton Paola Vera
Published: March 2022

Organic shales, defined as mudrocks with total organic carbon (TOC) exceeding 1.5%, are prone to overpressure generation when buried well into the oil window temperature/depth range because the original solid organic matter is characterized by density greater than the liquid hydrocarbons produced from it during their thermal maturation and oil generation. This process of overpressure generation results in a significant reduction of the mean effective stress the rock has been subject to prior to its maturation, commonly referred to as unloading. We combine the Vernik shale normal compaction model with the Vernik-Kachanov rock-physics model adapted for organic shales to invert for the vertical effective stress. When combined with the total vertical principal stress, this yields a reasonable pore pressure estimate wherever the accurate information about the sonic (seismic) velocity, mineralogy, and TOC content is available. Although similar in nature to the empirical Bowers unloading-related pore pressure prediction model, our approach is based on the solid rock-physics understanding of the organic shales and their velocity controls. The model presented was tested against measured pore pressure data available in the Marcellus Shale.
Student Zone: Students utilize geophysics to investigate flooding on campus
Authors: Locci Daniel
Published: March 2022

Earthen levees provide protection for cities and agricultural land from Mississippi River floods in the Lower Mississippi River Valley. During high-water-level stages in the Mississippi River, the protected side of levees can experience sand boils and seeps created by hazardous groundwater pressure. These conditions present a hazard to the community as well as to public and private infrastructure. In particular, the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University (LSU) experiences yearly basement flooding from seepage, despite attempts to improve groundwater flow pressure through the installation of five pressure-relief wells.
Utility of Modeling and Simulation Approach to Support the Clinical Relevance of Dissolution Specifications: a Case Study from Upadacitinib Development
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed-Eslam F. , Winzenborg Insa , Othman Ahmed A. , Marroum Patrick
Published: March 2022

Dissolution specifications are often essential in assuring the quality and consistency of therapeutic benefits of drug lots released to the market as in vitro dissolution is often considered to be a surrogate for bioavailability. Despite the importance of demonstrating the clinical relevance of the dissolution specifications, it is often challenging to achieve this goal. In this case study, a modeling and simulation approach was utilized to support the clinical relevance of the dissolution specifications for upadacitinib extended-release tablets. A level A in vitro in vivo correlation was developed and utilized in predicting upadacitinib plasma exposures for formulations which correspond to the upper and lower dissolution limits. Exposure-response models for upadacitinib efficacy and safety in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were utilized to conduct clinical trial simulations to evaluate the efficacy and safety of formulations at the upper and lower dissolution boundaries. Each simulated clinical trial consisted of three treatment arms: (1) upadacitinib 15 mg QD using the target formulation, (2) upadacitinib 15 mg QD using a formulation at the lower dissolution boundary, and (3) upadacitinib 15 mg QD using a formulation at the upper dissolution boundary. Each simulated trial included 300 patients per arm and simulations were replicated 200 times. Results demonstrated that formulations at the lower and upper dissolution boundaries are predicted to have noninferior efficacy and comparable safety to the target 15 mg extended-release formulation. This approach was successfully utilized in demonstrating the clinical relevance of upadacitinib extended-release tablet dissolution specifications.
A novel and efficient murine model of Bietti crystalline dystrophy
Authors: Wang Yafang , Liu Yang , Liu Shu , Li Xiaomeng , Liu Xinxin , Jiao Ming , Yang Yuqin , Luo Xueting , Wang Fenghua , Wan Xiaoling , Sun Xiaodong
Published: March 2022

Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) is an autosomal recessive inherited retinal disease, resulting in blindness in most patients. The etiology and development mechanism of it remain unclear. Given the defects in previous mouse models of BCD, we generated a new Cyp4v3−/− mouse model, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, for investigating the pathogenesis of BCD. We estimated the ocular phenotypes by fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and full-field scotopic electroretinography, and investigated the histological features by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, Oil Red O staining and immunofluorescence. This model effectively exhibited age-related progression that mimicked the human ocular phenotypes. Moreover, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and RNA-seq analysis indicated that the defect of Cyp4v3 led to the abnormal lipid metabolism, inflammation activation and oxidative stress of retina. Notably, inflammation activation and oxidative stress could also promote the progression of BCD in light-induced retinal degeneration. In conclusion, our data provided evidence that we established a novel and more effective Cyp4v3 knockout preclinical mouse model for BCD, which served as a useful tool for evaluating the effect of drugs and gene therapy in vivo.
Chemical Synthesis and Cell-Free Expression of Thiazoline Ring-Bridged Cyclic Peptides and Their Properties on Biomembrane Permeability
Authors: Tamura Takashi , Inoue Masaaki , Yoshimitsu Yuji , Hashimoto Ichihiko , Ohashi Noriyuki , Tsumura Kyosuke , Suzuki Koo , Watanabe Takayoshi , Hohsaka Takahiro
Published: March 2022

Cyclic peptides that exhibit biomembrane permeability provide a useful platform in the development of peptide drugs. Here, the reaction characteristics and versatility of a novel type of cyclic peptide having a thiazoline ring structure in the main chain were investigated. The thiazoline ring-bridged cyclic peptides were chemically synthesized by the intramolecular cyclization of linear peptides composed of N-terminal Cys and a non-natural amino acid having a cyano group on the side chain. The thiazoline ring-bridged cyclic peptides had higher model membrane permeability than amide- and thioether-bridged cyclic peptides with similar amino acid sequences. By comparing the solution structures, the factors that contribute to the higher membrane permeability were examined. In addition, the present peptide cyclization was applied to a cell-free translation system. The expression of peptides having the cyanated non-natural amino acids and subsequent spontaneous cyclization were successfully achieved.
An analysis of patient dose received during cone-beam computed tomography in relation to scan settings and imaging indications as seen in a dental institution in order to establish institutional diagnostic reference levels
Authors: Hung Kuo Feng , Hui Liuling , Yeung Andy Wai Kan , Jacobs Reinhilde , Leung Yiu Yan , Bornstein Michael M.
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

To investigate the dose-area product (DAP) of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations for different scan settings and imaging indications, and to establish institutional diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for dose optimisation.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of the DAP values of 3568 CBCT examinations taken from two different devices at the Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong between 2016 and 2021 was performed. Patient- (age, gender, and imaging indication) and imaging-related (CBCT device, field-of-view (FOV), and voxel size) were correlated with the DAPs. The indication-oriented third-quartile DAP values were compared with DRLs from the UK, Finland, and Switzerland. The obtained third-quartile DAPs lower than the national DRLs and those for which no national DRLs have been proposed were used to establish institutional DRLs.

Results:

In the investigated CBCTs, the DAP value for large FOV scans was significantly lower than medium/small FOVs. CBCTs with a small voxel size exhibited a significantly higher DAP than those with a medium/large voxel size. CBCTs for endodontic, periodontal, orthodontic, or orthognathic evaluation exhibited a significantly higher DAP than other indications. Twelve indication-oriented institutional DRLs were established and five of them were lower than the national DRLs: third molars (229 mGy×cm2), jaw cysts/tumours (410 mGy×cm2), maxillary sinus pathology (520 mGy×cm2), developing dentition (164 mGy×cm2), and periapical lesions (564 mGy×cm2).

Conclusions:

CBCT examinations for endodontic, periodontal, orthodontic, or orthognathic evaluation may deliver a higher radiation dose to the patient than other imaging tasks. A periodic review of the patient dose from CBCT imaging and establishment of institutional DRLs for specific clinical settings are needed for monitoring patient dose and to optimise indication-oriented scanning protocols.
Strategies of enhancing rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable use and conservation of indigenous chicken breeds in Zambia
Authors: Kanyama Christopher .M , Moss Amy .F , Crowley Tamsyn .M
Published: March 2022

This review explores innovative and sustainable strategies for conservation and use of village or indigenous chickens (IC) (Gallus domesticus) in Zambia and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Small scale farmers (SSF) have kept IC for hundreds of years to meet their households’ nutritional needs, incomes, social-cultural and religious uses among others. The commitment exhibited by SSF in keeping IC has made them the major custodians of essential animal genetic resources in low-income regions. Between 1991 and 2012, private breeders invested over US$95 million in Zambia’s commercial poultry sector resulting in over 100% increase in annual production of day-old chicks to 65 million. However, high production cost and low market access hindered the participation of SSF hence their continued dependence on IC. Unfortunately, the future of IC genetic resources is threatened due to the rapid loss and erosion of IC breeds. In the 2015 biodiversity status report, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, an international body of the United Nation highlighted that over 3.5% of IC breeds were extinct, nearly 33% were at high risk and over 67% were of unknown status. Poultry diseases, lack of sustainable conservation strategies and poor use among others have significantly contributed to these losses. For example, in 2012, 60% of IC were diseased in parts of SSA including Zambia. If these challenges are not mitigated, the loss of IC genetic resources and the adverse impact on rural communities are inevitable. Further, future research and breeding programs on commercial chickens may also be limited as a result of erosion of IC genetic resources. Therefore, this paper reviews and contributes to previous studies that demonstrated how researcher-community-stakeholder engagements potentially enhanced sustainability and the adoption of innovative ideas including the potential to increase conservation and sustainable use of local chicken biodiversity in Zambia and parts of SSA.
Health care users’ acceptance of broad consent for storage of biological materials and associated data for research purposes in Uganda
Authors: Nansumba Hellen , Flaviano Mugalula , Patrick Semanda , Isaac Ssewanyana , Wassenaar Douglas
Published: March 2022

Background: Implementation of appropriate informed consent has become a cornerstone for the use of biological materials and data from clinical care to use in research. During 2017-2018, the Ugandan National Bio-repository has since sought prior informed consent for long-term storage and use of remnant clinical human biological materials, where a short informed consent statement (ICF) was incorporated on the laboratory investigation form. This project aimed at determining the acceptability rate of broad consent from health care users (HCUs) for storage of biological materials and data for research purposes in Uganda.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at three Primary Health Care Facilities. 500 HCUs above 18 years of age seeking health care at outpatient departments between March to December 2020 were invited to enrol. A shortened experimental draft ICF for this study was developed and attached to the Laboratory investigation form.

Results: Overall the acceptability of broad consent for storage of biological materials and data was 86.2% [95% CI: 82.9%-88.9%]. HCUs who did not understand the draft ICF were 90% less likely to accept broad consent compared to those who understood (OR=0.10, CI [0.03-0.32] while those who partly understood the ICF were 73% less likely to accept broad consent compared to those who understood (OR=0.27, CI [0.15-0.46]. 226 out of 431 respondents that accepted storage of biological materials and data, majority (61.7%) preferred to receive feedback on results of relevance to their health.

Conclusion: Acceptance of broad consent for storage of biological materials and data for future research purposes was high among HCUs. A shortened and simplified ICF may trigger discussions between participants and health care workers hence increase research participant understanding of study related materials in biobanking. This in turn could enrich ethically collected biobank resources for future research of public health relevance.
Performance Analysis of MANET under Security Attacks
Authors:   Sharad Institute of Technology College of Engineering, Ichalkaranji-416121, Maharashtra, India, Sarao Pushpender
Published: March 2022

In Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET), performance of the routing protocols is degraded by various network attacks such as black hole attack and rushing attack. Mostly all layers of mobile ad hoc networks are vulnerable to several attacks. Routing protocols used in mobile ad hoc networks are designed by considering that all the nodes are trustable in communication mode. MANET is less secure network due to its features like no centralized administration control and no infrastructure is required. In this paper, Ad hoc On Demand distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol is evaluated under rushing attack, black hole attack, and grayhole attack. Under multiple attacking, single attacking, and without attacking modes, performance of network has been evaluated. By varying the speed, network size, node density, and number of attacking nodes, four different network scenarios have been generated. Performance metrics are considered as average throughput, average end to end delay and packet delivery ratio. Network simulator 2 is used to simulate the attacks over AODV routing protocol. Results show that all the above attacks are responsible for the poor throughput, heavy dropping packets and higher end to end delays in the network. Throughput is degraded as the numbers of attacking nodes are increased. AODV is less affected by rushing attack as compared to black hole and grayhole attacks.
Adriatic Wine Amphorae in Nea Paphos
Authors: Bajlter Marta
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study is to present data on the amphorae and stoppers of Adriatic production coming from Cyprus, in particular from Nea Paphos. Three kinds of wine amphorae, Greco-Italic, Lamboglia 2 and Dressel 6A, closely related to each other due to a common element – a ceramic disk, which they were sealed with – appear in small amounts on sites from the late Hellenistic to the early Roman period. They are also attested at Maloutena in Nea Paphos. Analysis of these imports was carried out in order to define the quantity and variety of the material. The preliminary results were incorporated into the present paper.
Managing Customer Search via Bundling
Authors: Wu Chenguang (Allen) , Jin Chen , Chen Ying-Ju
Published: March 2022

Problem definition: Product bundling has been a pervasive marketing strategy, and its success has been largely attributed to its strength in reducing customers’ valuation dispersion. Less is known about the efficacy of bundling in settings where customers are less sure about their valuations for a product, especially when that product is newly launched or has an experience nature, and can conduct costly search to learn the product content and discover their true valuations. In this paper, we investigate the interplay between product bundling and customer search and its implications for a monopolist’s optimal pricing strategy. Academic/practical relevance: The existing search theory has focused on decision making that selects the best among multiple alternatives, with costly search being mandatory for the acquisition of each alternative. In this paper, we introduce a framework of multiproduct demands and nonobligatory search, where customers demanding multiple products strategically decide whether to conduct costly search to resolve valuation uncertainty, while reserving the right to purchase these products without having to search them first. Methodology: We apply a nonobligatory search framework to study two different markets: (1) a market of one mature and one new product, in which valuation uncertainty exists for the new product only; and (2) a market of two new products, in which valuation uncertainty exists for both products. The firm fully anticipates the customers’ search behaviors, determines whether to bundle these products or unbundle them, and optimally sets prices. Results: We show that bundling cultivates search in a market of one mature and one new product, but inhibits search in a market of two new products. This contrast emerges as a result of market structures: Bundling reduces the appeal of search by making the search decisions sequential and path-dependent in the latter market, but is less effective in doing so due to the existing heterogeneity in the former market. Our results thus point to an intricate interplay between customer search, market heterogeneity, and prices and their joint impact on the monopolist’s optimal bundling strategy. We also study mixed bundling and show that its economic benefits only carry through when customers’ search cost is not too large. In this case, mixed bundling can lead to considerable revenue improvement in a market of one mature and one new product, but only tiny revenue improvement in a market of two new products. We also study the joint management of product return and product bundling and show that a positive refund should generally be offered for returned products to stimulate customers’ no-search purchase. Managerial implications: Our paper provides guidance for firms selling multiple experience or new products. We propose product bundling to manage customer search, identifying regimes for its economic benefits and clarifying its implication for customer welfare.
Quality Assurance Practices Of Higher Education Institutions In China: Case Analysis
Authors: Ma Fengyi , Tao Guangjun
Published: March 2022

This case study described the quality assurance practices andthe challenges faced by Higher Education Institutions inGuangxi Province, China. The study was carried out withtwelve (12) quality assurance focal persons from each publicUniversity in Guangxi, China. These focal persons have beeninvolved in the practice of quality assurance for at least threeyears. Moreover, findings reveal that the Teaching QualityMonitoring Department takes charge of the planning of theprograms, assisting colleges, and assessing and monitoring ofprograms subjected for accreditation and teaching qualityassurance. However, part of its challenges are limitedinvolvement of other professional institutions in the qualityassurance evaluation, overlapping duties, lack of trainingamong quality assurance staff, the development of teachingquality assurance scheme is incomplete, and utilization ofTeaching quality monitoring department is inadequate.Implications and recommendations were established toimprove quality assurance practices from the results.
Shining a light on congenital heart disease
Authors: Smith Lowri
Published: March 2022

As February marks congenital heart disease awareness month, Lowri Smith highlights the growing but lesser-known area of congenital heart disease and the people behind their diagnoses.
Influence of Temperature on the Rheological Behavior of Non-additive Olive oil
Authors: Ioana Stanciu Ioana Stanciu
Published: March 2022

In this article I present the rheological behavior of the olive oil purchased from the producer in the temperature range 40-100oC. The oil was studied at different shear rates and shear stresses depending on the temperature. At high temperatures there is a minimum viscosity between 80 and 100oC. No thixotropic effects were observed for olive oils. These findings may provide insight into microstructural, physiological, and sensory changes at (high) cold temperatures.
Ricinus Communis Activated Charcoal Preparation, Characterization and Application for Methyl Red Adsorptive Removal
Authors: Parvathi Kalyana Sundaram , Santhi hirumalaisamy , Mayilsamy Makeswari Mayilsamy Makeswari , Nirmaladevi Vellaiswamy , Ramasamy Rathinam Ramasamy Rathinam
Published: March 2022

The phosphoric acid activated Ricinus communis stem carbon (PRCS) is used to degrade methyl red dye from aqueous solution under solar light irradiation The studied Physiochemical properties, surface morphology, elemental composition and crystalline nature of PRCS are reported. The optimum experimental conditions are fixed by optimizing the experimental parameter such as contact time, pH, carbon doses and dye concentration. The maximum degradation efficiency of MR by UV spectroscopy found to be 82.79 % at pH 3, 0.25 gm of PRCS, 90 min irradiation time and dye concentration of 20 ppm. Adsorptive and photo catalytic degradation of dye explained by isotherm and kinetic studies. From the results it is clearly evident that PRCS could be used as an ecofriendly photo catalyst for the removal of dyes from waste water.
A Case Study on Estimation of Air Quality in Hadapsar Suburban of Pune India
Authors: Erum Kazi Erum Kazi , Satish Kulkarni Satish Kulkarni , Shaikh Yaseen Ismail , Shaikh Viquar Sameer , Neeraj Prasad Neeraj Prasad
Published: March 2022

The impact of air pollution on the roadside plants in the Hadapsar suburban was determined using six different plant species. To assess the effects of air pollutants on roadside plants of Hadapsar area in Pune city, APTI (Air Pollution Tolerance Index) was determined of six plant species. Plants species selected for the study were Polyalthia long folia, Ficus racemosa, Terminalia catappa, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus religiosa, Samanea saman of nearly the same age size and were found in abundance. Physiological and biochemical parameters such as pH, Relative water content (RWC), Total Chlorophyll (T.C.), Ascorbic acid (A.A.) contents were determined to calculate APTI. Results indicated that all of the plants selected for the study were found to be sensitive & heavily impacted due to air pollution. Thus, these plants can be used as Bio-indicators in monitoring air pollution.
The Adosrption Study for the Removal of Rhodamine-B from Artificial Aquatic Solution by using Activated Hygrophila auriculata Nano Carbon
Authors: kumar M. Ajith , S. Arivoli S. Arivoli
Published: March 2022

To study the adsorption of Rhodamine-B dye (Rh-B) from artificial aquatic solution by using activated Hygrophila auriculata nano carbon under batch adsorption mode. Activated nano carbon was synthesized from Hygrophila auriculata and it was characterised by analytical methods such as BET(BJH), XRD, FTIR, and SEM with EDX. The equilibrium adsorption data were calculated and it was interrelated using Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, Hurkins-Jura, Halsay, Radlich-Peterson, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Jovanovic, and Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) isotherm models. The kinetics of the adsorption technique was examined via pseudo- second order, Elovich mode and intraparticle diffusion methods. Thermodynamic parameters like change of free energy (ΔG°), change of enthalpy (ΔH°), and change of entropy (ΔS°) has been estimated. The value of regression coefficient (R2) indicates that Langmuir isotherm suitable to designate the process. The maximum adsorption capacity of monolayer is 204.11mg/g at 40°C. Based on the R2 value the adsorption mechanism was fitting to the pseudo-second order model. Thermodynamic factors obtained (ΔG° ranged from -4429.50 to -640.26 kJ/mol; ΔH° ranged from 5.38 to 12.84 kJ/mol; and ΔS° ranged from 19.82 to 50.23 J/K/mol, correspondingly) representing the Rh-B dye removal from artificial aquatic solutions by AHANC is there spontaneous, endothermic and possible in nature respectively. The outcomes point out that AHANC could be used as low-price and an effective adsorbent for the removal of Rh-B dye from artificial aqueous solution.
Studies on Hetero Binuclear Complexes derived from Rubidium and Caesium salt of Acetyl salicylic acid (ASPIRIN) with N, N’-1,2-ethylenebis(5-nitrosalicylaldiminato) nickel(II)
Authors: Kumar Sanjay
Published: March 2022

Hetero binuclear complexes, [NiE5NSRbAp] and [NiE5NSCsAp], have been synthesized from Rubidium(I) and Caesium(I) salt of Acetyl salicylic acid (ASPIRIN) and N,N’-1,2-ethylenebis(5-nitrosalicylaldiminato) nickel(II) as ligand, respectively. This ligand [NiE5NS] has been prepared from Nickel(II) acetate and salen type dibasic Schiff base derived from 5-nitrosalicylaldehyde and Ethylenediamine. These novel hetero binuclear complexes obtained in pure solid state and their structures have been characterized with the help of Elemental analysis, Solubility, Magnetic property, Molar conductance measurement, FT-IR and Electronic absorption spectra. The results suggested molecular formula [NiLRbL’].3H2O and [NiL(H2O)2CsL’] with Square planar and Distorted Octahedral geometry about Ni2+, respectively for the two hetero binuclear complexes [NiE5NSRbAp] and [NiE5NSCsAp] where L = Deprotonated Schiff base ligand N,N’-1,2-ethylenebis(5-nitrosalicylaldiminato) nickel(II), L’ = Acetyl salicylate.
Vibrational Frequencies of Oxygen Difluoride Using Lie Algebraic Model
Authors: J. Vijayasekhar J. Vijayasekhar , N. Srinivas N. Srinivas , Kumar K. Anil
Published: March 2022

In one-dimensional Lie algebraic framework, we calculated the vibrational frequencies of oxygen difluoride (F2O) molecule in fundamental mode, higher overtones and their combinational bands.
The risk of all-cause mortality, heart outcomes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders with cobalt-chrome-containing total hip arthroplasty implants
Authors: Deere Kevin , Matharu Gulraj S. , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Wilkinson J. Mark , Blom Ashley W. , Sayers Adrian , Whitehouse Michael R.
Published: March 2022

Aims

A recent report from France suggested an association between the use of cobalt-chrome (CoCr) femoral heads in total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. CoCr is a commonly used material in orthopaedic implants. If the reported association is causal, the consequences would be significant given the millions of joint arthroplasties and other orthopaedic procedures in which CoCr is used annually. We examined whether CoCr-containing THAs were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, heart outcomes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders in a large national database.

Methods

Data from the National Joint Registry was linked to NHS English hospital inpatient episodes for 374,359 primary THAs with up to 14.5 years' follow-up. We excluded any patients with bilateral THAs, knee arthroplasties, indications other than osteoarthritis, aged under 55 years, and diagnosis of one or more outcome of interest before THA. Implants were grouped as either containing CoCr or not containing CoCr. The association between implant construct and the risk of all-cause mortality and incident heart failure, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders was examined.

Results

There were 158,677 individuals (42.4%) with an implant containing CoCr. There were 47,963 deaths, 27,332 heart outcomes, 35,720 cancers, and 22,025 neurodegenerative disorders. There was no evidence of an association between patients with CoCr implants and higher rates of any of the outcomes.

Conclusion

CoCr-containing THAs did not have an increased risk of all-cause mortality, or clinically meaningful heart outcomes, cancer, or neurodegenerative disorders into the second decade post-implantation. Our findings will help reassure clinicians and the increasing number of patients receiving primary THA worldwide that the use of CoCr-containing implants is not associated with significant adverse systemic effects. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):359–367.
Complications and further surgery after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Kriechling Philipp , Zaleski Martin , Loucas Rafael , Loucas Marios , Fleischmann Marco , Wieser Karl
Published: March 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the incidence of implant-related complications, further operations, and their influence on the outcome in a series of patients who underwent primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA).

Methods

The prospectively collected clinical and radiological data of 797 patients who underwent 854 primary RTSAs between January 2005 and August 2018 were analyzed. The hypothesis was that the presence of complications would adversely affect the outcome. Further procedures were defined as all necessary operations, including reoperations without change of components, and partial or total revisions. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the absolute and relative Constant Scores (aCS, rCS), the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) scores, range of motion, and pain.

Results

The overall surgical site complication rate was 22% (188 complications) in 152 patients (156 RTSAs; 18%) at a mean follow-up of 46 months (0 to 169). The most common complications were acromial fracture (in 44 patients, 45 RTSAs; 5.3%), glenoid loosening (in 37 patients, 37 RTSAs; 4.3%), instability (in 23 patients, 23 RTSAs; 2.7%), humeral fracture or loosening of the humeral component (in 21 patients, 21 RTSAs; 2.5%), and periprosthetic infection (in 14 patients, 14 RTSAs; 1.6%). Further surgery was undertaken in 79 patients (82 RTSAs) requiring a total of 135 procedures (41% revision rate). The most common indications for further surgery were glenoid-related complications (in 23 patients, 23 RTSAs; 2.7%), instability (in 15 patients, 15 RTSAs; 1.8%), acromial fractures (in 11 patients, 11 RTSAs; 1.3%), pain and severe scarring (in 13 patients, 13 RTSAs; 1.5%), and infection (in 8 patients, 8 RTSAs; 0.9%). Patients who had a complication had significantly worse mean rCS scores (57% (SD 24%) vs 81% (SD 16%)) and SSV scores (53% (SD 27%) vs 80% (SD 20%)) compared with those without a complication. If revision surgery was necessary, the outcome was even further compromised (mean rCS score: 51% (SD 23%) vs 63% (SD 23%); SSV score: 4% (SD 25%) vs 61% (SD 27%).

Conclusion

Although the indications for, and use of, a RTSA are increasing, it remains a demanding surgical procedure. We found that about one in five patients had a complication and one in ten required further surgery. Both adversely affected the outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):401–407.