bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 1 diabetes management and hospitalisation in the over 25’s at an Australian outer urban diabetes clinic
Authors: Patel Shivani , Farkash Celine , Simmons David
Published: May 2022

Aims

To describe clinic management and referral pathways among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) aged > 25 years attending a public outpatient diabetes service.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of people with T1D aged > 25 years seen by endocrinologists in one Australian urban public outpatient in 2017. Electronic and paper medical records were reviewed using a dataset adapted from the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2015 guidelines.

Results

Among the 111 people with T1D (mean age 41 ± 13 years, 55% men, mean body mass index 27.1 ± 5.6 kg/m2), mean HbA1c was 8.1 ± 1.9% (66 ± 19 mmol/mol) (lower than the Australian National Diabetes Audit: 8.5%/69 mmol/mol) with 25.5% meeting the guideline target of < 53 mmol/mol (7.0%). Most people had seen a diabetes educator (80.2%) or dietitian (73.0%) and had complication screening. Complication rates were high (nephropathy 20.4%, retinopathy 27.4%, peripheral neuropathy 30.1%, ischaemic heart disease/acute infarction 10.5%). Overall, 27% of referrals occurred following an acute inpatient admission or emergency department presentation and 13% for management of diabetes in pregnancy.

Conclusions

A high proportion of people with T1D accessed public specialist care either during pregnancy or after a largely avoidable acute glycaemia-related hospital presentation. Subsequent care was in line with national specialist standards. This area has a “wait for acute event” rather than “complication prevention” model of care, associated with under-referral to the local multidisciplinary specialist service. Understanding how widespread this model of care is, and ways to reduce its prevalence, are urgently required.
A prospective cohort study of the relationship of female genital mutilation with birth outcomes in Somalia
Authors: Kulaksiz Deniz , Abdi Nor Ifrah , Erin Recep , Baki Erin Kubra , Toprak Tuncay
Published: May 2022

Background

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. There are some complications related to childbirth that concern both the mother and the baby. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the birth outcomes of FGM, which is widely applied in Somalia.

Methods

The study included 268 women who gave birth at 37–42 weeks of gestation with a cephalic singleton, 134 with FGM and 134 without FGM. This study was designed a prospective cohort study and conducted between January 2019 and December 2020. Patients’ ages, duration of delivery, FGM types, caesarean section requirements, before and after birth hemoglobin levels, birth weeks, baby birth weights and perineal tear data were recorded. In addition, we analyzed neonatal intensive care needs and APGAR scores for infants.

Results

In patients with FGM, it was determined that the outlet obstruction increased 2.33 times, perineal tears increased 2.48 times, the need for caesarean section increased 2.11 times compared to the control group, and the APGAR score below 7 at the 5th minute in the children increased 2 times and the need for neonatal intensive care increased 1.87 times.

Conclusions

FGM causes increased risk of perineal tear, prolongation in the second stage of labour, increased need for emergency caesarean section, and increased need for NICU for infants. Prevention of FGM will help reduce both obstetric and neonatal complications.
Curricular changes and interim posts during Covid-19: graduates’ perspectives
Authors: Goble Mary , Whitfield Andrew , Ogden-Newton Joseph , Vivekananda-Schmidt Pirashanthie
Published: May 2022

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic UK medical schools facilitated the early graduation of their final-year medical students to ‘Foundation interim Year 1 (FiY1) doctors’ through amendments made to curricula and final assessment. Such changes gave opportunity for evaluation. This study therefore aimed to explore 1) graduate perspective on the implementation of FiY1 and 2) how changes to course structures have affected self-reported preparedness for work.

Methods

Questionnaire surveys using Likert scale and free-text responses (n = 45), and semi-structured interviews (n = 7) were conducted with FiY1s from two UK medical schools contrasting in the amendments made to course structures. Data were analysed using quantitative methods and thematic analysis; 44% (n = 20) of respondents believed that governing health bodies had not communicated sufficiently prior to starting work.

Results

Graduates who had sat modified practical and written examinations reported ‘legitimacy’ and feeling more prepared compared to having not sat examinations (practical 100%, n = 17; written 88.3%, n = 15). Graduates from both schools agreed that carrying out assistantships as originally scheduled would have made them feel more prepared (91.1%, n = 41).

Conclusions

The implementation of FiY1 was largely well received by graduates yet assistantship programmes may fulfil a similar role in normal times. Medical schools and governing bodies must ensure effective communication channels exist with students in order to better prepare them for their first posts, especially in times of crisis. Additionally, final examinations contribute to feelings of preparedness for work and instil a sense of legitimacy, a finding which is relevant to working within the current programmatic assessment structure.
Public availability of information from officially accredited medical schools in China
Authors: Li Shaowen , Su Kun , Li Peiwen , Sun Yifei , Pan Ying , Wang Weimin , Cui Huixian
Published: May 2022

Background

Medical education accreditation in China has been conducted by the Working Committee for the Accreditation of Medical Education (WCAME) and 129 medical schools have completed accreditation by December 2021. Despite studies on the standards, process and effectiveness of accreditation, the actual information transparency of accredited medical schools in China has not been examined. The study investigated the status of publicly available information from WCAME-accredited medical schools in China, and whether public availability of information had significant differences among different types of universities.

Methods

The 129 medical schools’ official websites were reviewed for the 21 criteria of theWFME Global Standards for Quality Improvement: Basic Medical Education. Dichotomous method was used to record information as presence or absence. SPSS was utilized for descriptive and ANOVA analyses.

Results

The mean of the publicly available information on the 21 criteria was 13.77 ± 3.57, and only 5 (3.9%) accredited medical schools had all relevant information available. Publicly available information on Governance (100%) and Administration (100%) was the most, whereas information on Assessment in support of learning (16.3%) was the least. Public availability of information differed significantly among schools accredited with higher (18.15 ± 2.16), medium (13.69 ± 3.41) and lower results (12.79 ± 3.19) (F = 14.71,p < 0.05). Medical universities and comprehensive universities did not show significant differences in their overall information availability (F = 0.25,p > 0.05). Central government funded universities had a remarkably larger amount of publicly available information than local government funded universities (17.86 ± 1.98 vs. 12.75 ± 2.93,p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Public availability of information from the accredited medical schools in China needs to be improved to promote transparency and continuous quality improvement, especially with regard to information on curriculum, assessment and quality assurance. Explicit information availability requirements need to be considered to include in medical education standards, and further studies are warranted to explore which information elements should be made publicly available.
Effects of a smartphone application named “Shared Decision Making Assistant” for informed patients with primary liver cancer in decision-making in China: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Wang Sitong , Lu Qingwen , Ye Zhixia , Liu Fang , Yang Ning , Pan Zeya , Li Yu , Li Li
Published: May 2022

Background

It is well known that decision aids can promote patients’ participation in decision-making, increase patients’ decision preparation and reduce decision conflict. The goal of this study is to explore the effects of a “Shared Decision Making Assistant” smartphone application on the decision-making of informed patients with Primary Liver Cancer (PLC) in China.

Methods

In this quasi-experimental study
, 180 PLC patients who knew their real diagnoses in the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China, from April to December 2020 were randomly assigned to a control group and an intervention group. Patients in the intervention group had an access to the “Shared Decision Making Assistant” application in decision-making, which included primary liver cancer treatment knowledge, decision aids path, continuing nursing care video clips, latest information browsing and interactive platforms. The study used decision conflict scores to evaluate the primary outcome, and the data of decision preparation, decision self-efficacy, decision satisfaction and regret, and knowledge of PLC treatment for secondary outcomes. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS 22.0 software and were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi-square, independent t-test, paired t-test, and Mann–Whitney tests.

Results

Informed PLC patients in the intervention group (“SDM Assistant” group) had significantly lower decision conflict scores than those in the control group. (“SDM Assistant” group: 16.89 ± 8.80 vs. control group: 26.75 ± 9.79, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the decision preparation score (80.73 ± 8.16), decision self-efficacy score (87.75 ± 6.87), decision satisfaction score (25.68 ± 2.10) and knowledge of PLC treatment score (14.52 ± 1.91) of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group patients (P < 0.05) at the end of the study. However, the scores of “regret of decision making” between the two groups had no statistical significance after 3 months (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Access to the “Shared Decision Making Assistant” enhanced the PLC patients’ performance and improved their quality of decision making in the areas of decision conflict, decision preparation, decision self-efficacy, knowledge of PLC treatment and satisfaction. Therefore, we recommend promoting and updating the “Shared Decision Making Assistant” in clinical employment and future studies.
Comparing efficacy and safety in catheter ablation strategies for atrial fibrillation: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Charitakis Emmanouil , Metelli Silvia , Karlsson Lars O. , Antoniadis Antonios P. , Rizas Konstantinos D. , Liuba Ioan , Almroth Henrik , Hassel Jönsson Anders , Schwieler Jonas , Tsartsalis Dimitrios , Sideris Skevos , Dragioti Elena , Fragakis Nikolaos , Chaimani Anna
Published: May 2022

Background

There is no consensus on the most efficient catheter ablation (CA) strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of different CA strategies for AF ablation through network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and CENTRAL was performed up to October 5th, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing different CA approaches were included. Efficacy was defined as arrhythmia recurrence after CA and safety as any reported complication related to the procedure during a minimum follow-up time of 6 months.

Results

In total, 67 RCTs (n = 9871) comparing 19 different CA strategies were included. The risk of recurrence was significantly decreased compared to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone for PVI with renal denervation (RR: 0.60, CI: 0.38–0.94), PVI with ganglia-plexi ablation (RR: 0.62, CI: 0.41–0.94), PVI with additional ablation lines (RR: 0.8, CI: 0.68–0.95) and PVI in combination with bi-atrial modification (RR: 0.32, CI: 0.11–0.88). Strategies including PVI appeared superior to non-PVI strategies such as electrogram-based approaches. No significant differences in safety were observed.

Conclusions

This NMA showed that PVI in combination with additional CA strategies, such as autonomic modulation and additional lines, seem to increase the efficacy of PVI alone. These strategies can be considered in treating patients with AF, since, additionally, no differences in safety were observed. This study provides decision-makers with comprehensive and comparative evidence about the efficacy and safety of different CA strategies.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registry number:CRD42020169494.
Temporal patterns of multi-morbidity in 570157 ischemic heart disease patients: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Haue Amalie D. , Armenteros Jose J. Almagro , Holm Peter C. , Eriksson Robert , Moseley Pope L. , Køber Lars V. , Bundgaard Henning , Brunak Søren
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients diagnosed with ischemic heart disease (IHD) are becoming increasingly multi-morbid, and studies designed to analyze the full spectrum are few.

Methods

Disease trajectories, defined as time-ordered series of diagnoses, were used to study the temporality of multi-morbidity. The main data source was The Danish National Patient Register (NPR) comprising 7,179,538 individuals in the period 1994–2018. Patients with a diagnosis code for IHD were included. Relative risks were used to quantify the strength of the association between diagnostic co-occurrences comprised of two diagnoses that were overrepresented in the same patients. Multiple linear regression models were then fitted to test for temporal associations among the diagnostic co-occurrences, termed length two disease trajectories. Length two disease trajectories were then used as basis for constructing disease trajectories of three diagnoses.

Results

In a cohort of 570,157 IHD disease patients, we identified 1447 length two disease trajectories and 4729 significant length three disease trajectories. These included 459 distinct diagnoses. Disease trajectories were dominated by chronic diseases and not by common, acute diseases such as pneumonia. The temporal association of atrial fibrillation (AF) and IHD differed in different IHD subpopulations. We found an association between osteoarthritis (OA) and heart failure (HF) among patients diagnosed with OA, IHD, and then HF only.

Conclusions

The sequence of diagnoses is important in characterization of multi-morbidity in IHD patients as the disease trajectories. The study provides evidence that the timing of AF in IHD marks distinct IHD subpopulations; and secondly that the association between osteoarthritis and heart failure is dependent on IHD.
Malaria time series in the extra-Amazon region of Brazil: epidemiological scenario and a two-year prediction model
Authors: Garcia Klauss Kleydmann Sabino , Abrahão Amanda Amaral , Oliveira Ana Flávia de Morais , Henriques Karina Medeiros de Deus , de Pina-Costa Anielle , Siqueira André Machado , Ramalho Walter Massa
Published: May 2022

Background

In Brazil, malaria is caused mainly by the Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum species. Its transmission occurs in endemic and non-endemic areas. Malaria geography in Brazil has retracted and is now concentrated in the North region. The Brazilian Amazon region accounts for 99% of Brazil's cases. Brazil’s extra-Amazon region has a high frequency of imported cases and in 2019 presented a mortality rate 123 times higher than the Amazon region. Extra-Amazon cases present risks of reintroduction. This study aims to characterize the epidemiological scenario for malaria in the extra-Amazon region of Brazil from 2011 to 2020 with a two-year forecast.

Methods

Time-series study with description of malaria cases and deaths registered in Brazilian extra-Amazon region from 2011 to 2020. Public data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sinan) and the Mortality Information System (SIM) were used. Descriptive analysis, incidence, and notification rates were calculated. Flow charts analysed the flux between Places of Probable Infection (PI) and places of notification. The prediction model utilized a multiplicative Holt-winters model for trend and seasonality components.

Results

A total of 6849 cases were registered. Cases were predominantly white males with 9 to 11 years of education, mostly between 30 and 39 years old. Imported cases accounted for 78.9% of cases. Most frequent occupations for imported cases are related to travelling and tourism activities. Among autochthonous cases, there is a higher frequency of agriculture and domestic economic activities. In the period there were 118 deaths due to malaria, of which 34.7% were caused by P. falciparum infections and 48.3% were not specified. The most intense flows of imported cases are from Amazonas and Rondônia to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Paraná. The prediction estimates around 611 cases for each of the following two years.

Conclusion

The time series allows a vast epidemiological visualization with a short-term prediction analysis that supports public health planning. Government actions need to be better directed in the extra-Amazon region so the objective of eliminating malaria in Brazil is achieved. Carrying out quality assessments for information systems and qualifying personnel is advisable. Malaria outside the Amazon region is mainly due to imported cases and delay in diagnosis is associated with a higher fatality rate. Better strategies to diagnose and treat suspected cases can lead to lower risk of deaths and local outbreaks that will be important for achieving malaria elimination in Brazil.
Patient involvement in rare diseases research: a scoping review of the literature and mixed method evaluation of Norwegian researchers’ experiences and perceptions
Authors: Velvin Gry , Hartman Thale , Bathen Trine
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients’ involvement (PI) in research is recognized as a valuable strategy for increasing the quality, developing more targeted research and to speed up more innovative research dissemination. Nevertheless, patient involvement in rare diseases research (PI-RDR) is scarce. The aims were: To study the Norwegian researchers` experiences and perceptions of PI-RDR and review the literature on PI-RDR.

Methods

1. A systematic scoping review of the literature on PI-RDR. 2. A cross-sectional questionnaire study with close-ended and open-ended questions to investigate the researchers` experiences.

Results

In the scoping review 608 articles read in full-text and 13 articles (one review and twelve primary studies) were included. The heterogeneity of the design, methodology and results was large. Most studies described several benefits of PI, but few described methods for measuring impacts and effectiveness of PI-RDR. In the cross sectional part of this study, 145 of 251 employees working in the nine Norwegian Centers on Rare Diseases participated, of these 69 were researchers. Most (95%) of the researchers claimed that rare diseases research is more challenging than for the more common diseases. The majority (95%) argued that PI-RDR may increase the quality of the studies and the relevance, and most (89%) agreed that PI-RDR in dissemination may increase the awareness and public interest for rare diseases. In the open-ended questions several researchers also claimed challenges related to PI-RDR, and many had proposal for improving PI and promotion of rare disease research.

Conclusion

Both the literature and researchers emphasized that PI-RDR is important for improving research quality and increase the public attention on rare diseases, but what constitutes effective PI-RDR still remain unclear. More research on the design, methodology and assessment for measuring the impact of PI-RDR is warranted.
Bilateral symmetry of vertical time to stabilization in postural sway after double‐leg landing in elite athletes with unilateral chronic ankle sprain
Authors: Yalfani Ali , Raeisi Zahra
Published: May 2022

Background

Lower limb asymmetry among athlete with unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI) during bilateral landing can be a potential source of ankle sprain reinjury. The aim of study was to investigate the effect of bilateral symmetry of vertical time to stabilization (vTTS) in postural sway after double‐leg landing (DLL) in elite athletes with unilateral CAI.

Methods

Twenty professional players with unilateral CAI and ten healthy controls were assigned to three groups (soccer, basketball, and control groups, n = 10 each). The postural balance during DLL tasks was assessed based on center of pressure (CoP) and vTTS. Multiple analysis of variance was conducted to statistically analyse the CoP and vTTS which followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test (P < 0.05).

Results

The vTTS of the injured foot was significantly longer in the soccer and basketball players than in the control players (P = 0.006, p < 0.001 respectively). The intragroup comparison showed a significant difference in the vTTS of CAI and uninjured feet among the basketball players (mean difference = 1.3 s). The basketball group exhibited a worse balance in CoP oscillations results between groups.

Conclusions

The findings suggested that symmetry between double‐leg vTTS values, may be important as much as the sooner vTTS in reduced CoP oscillations and enhanced balance after DLL. Balancing exercises should achieve sooner vTTS in soccer players and symmetry in the double‐leg vTTS of basketball players with unilateral CAI while maintaining static balance during dynamic‐to‐static postural changes to reduce recurrent ankle sprain.
Metabolomic, proteomic and lactylated proteomic analyses indicate lactate plays important roles in maintaining energy and C:N homeostasis in Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Huang Aiyou , Li Yuanxiang , Duan Jiawen , Guo Shiyi , Cai Xiaoni , Zhang Xiang , Long Hao , Ren Wei , Xie Zhenyu
Published: May 2022

Background

Phaeodactylum tricornutum accumulates lipids while the growth also increases under high CO2, shedding light on its potential application in the reduction of CO2 emissions and at the same time acquiring biodiesel raw materials. However, the sensing and transducing of high C:N signals and the related response mechanism(s) remained unknown.

Results

In this study, a multiple omics analysis was performed with P. tricornutum under low nitrogen (LN) and high CO2 (HC) conditions. The results indicated that 2-oxoglutarate was significantly increased under both LN and HC. Meanwhile, proteins involved in carbon concentration mechanism decreased, indicated that 2-oxoglutarate might regulate C:N balance through suppressing carbon fixation. Lactate, which acts in energy metabolism, signal transduction and ‘LactoylLys’ modification on proteins, was the most upregulated metabolite under both LN and HC conditions. Meanwhile, proteins involved in carbon, nitrogen and energy metabolisms were significantly regulated. Western blotting analysis suggested that non-histone L-lactylation modification was enhanced under LN and HC. Moreover, lactylated proteins were enriched in photosynthesis, central carbon metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, fatty acid synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation.

Conclusion

It is suggested that lactate might play important roles in energy homeostatic maintenance and C:N balance regulation in P. tricornutum through protein lactylation modification.
The two-faced role of ATF2 on cisplatin response in gastric cancer depends on p53 context
Authors: Xu Lingxue , Wang Jingjing , Zhang Danhua , Song Lijie , Wu Han , Wang Jianyao , Miao Jinxin , Guo Haoran , Fang Sujuan , Si Lingling , Chen Jingfei , Wu Yifan , Wu Yangyang , Wang Lihong , Zhang Na , Chard Louisa , Wang Yaohe , Cheng Zhenguo
Published: May 2022

Background

Activating transcription factor-2 (ATF2) is a member of the basic leucine zipper family of DNA-binding proteins, which exhibits both oncogenic and tumor suppression activity in different tumors. However, the molecular mechanism of its dual function in cancer chemotherapy especially in gastric cancer has still not been elucidated.

Methods

The protein expression and location of ATF2 in gastric cancer tissues was detected with immunohistochemistry assay, and the clinical significance was analyzed using TCGA and GEO database. The activation and impact of ATF2 in cisplatin treated cells were evaluated with western blot, incucyte live cell analysis, clone formation and tumor xenografts assays. Interaction between ATF2 and p53 was confirmed with immunoprecipitation and GST-pull down. Potential molecular mechanism of ATF2 in different p53 status cells was analyzed with RNA sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR.

Results

ATF2 mainly located in the nucleus of cancer cells, higher ATF2 level was associated with poor five-year survival of gastric patients, especially in those undergone chemotherapy treatment. Cisplatin treatment significantly activated ATF2 in p53 mutant cells. ATF2 could interact with the trans-activation domain of p53 and enhance cisplatin sensitivity in p53 wild type cell lines, while promoted cell survival in mutant p53 cancer cells by affecting ERK1/2 pathway.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the effect of ATF2 on cisplatin sensitivity was associated with the functional status of p53 in gastric cancer cells. Integrated analysis of ATF2 expression and P53 status could be used to evaluate the chemotherapy sensitivity and prognosis of gastric cancer patients.
Mortality during the first four waves of COVID-19 pandemic in Israel: March 2020–October 2021
Authors: Haklai Ziona , Goldberger Nehama Frimit , Gordon Ethel-Sherry
Published: May 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic caused four waves of infection in Israel until October 2021. Israel was the first country to offer vaccinations to all the adult population followed by boosters. This study addresses how mortality rates reflect the effects of the pandemic.

Methods

Total mortality rates and rates of mortality without COVID-19 deaths (non-COVID-19 mortality) between March 2020 and October 2021 were compared with the average pre-COVID-19 rates in 2017–2019 by month, population group and by age group. In addition, a cohort vaccinated at least once by 31 March 2021 was followed up for mortality in the following seven months compared to the corresponding months in 2017–2019.

Results

A small number of excess deaths was found in the first wave and a greater excess in the following waves. The monthly mortality rate ratio was highest in October 2020, 23% higher than the average in 2017–2019, followed by August 2021 (22%), September 2021 (20%) and September 2020 (19%). Excess mortality in the Arab population was greater than for Jews and Others, and they had 65% and 43% higher mortality in September and October, 2020, 20–44% higher mortality between December 2020 and April 2021 and 33%, 45% and 22% higher mortality in August, September and October 2021, respectively. In most months of the pandemic, the non-COVID-19 mortality rates were not significantly different from those in 2017–2019. However, between November 2020 and March 2021, they were significantly lower for the total population and Jews and Others. They were significantly higher for the total population only in August 2021, and particularly for the Arab population. Non-COVID-19 mortality was also lower for most sex/age groups over the total study period. In a cohort of 5.07 million Israeli citizens vaccinated at least once by 31 March, 2021, age adjusted and age specific mortality rates for the following 7 months were lower than the average rates in 2017–2019 for these months,

Conclusion

Israel has seen significant excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the Arab sector. Following lockdowns and administration of vaccinations excess mortality was reduced, and no excess mortality was seen amongst the vaccinated in the months after the vaccination campaign. These findings highlight the importance of public health measures such as mandating mask wearing and population vaccinations to control infection and reduce mortality.
The effects of testing the relationships among relational concepts
Authors: Corral Daniel , Healy Alice F. , Jones Matt
Published: May 2022

Many concepts are defined by their relationships to one another. However, instructors might teach these concepts individually, neglecting their interconnections. For instance, students learning about statistical power might learn how to define alpha and beta, but not how they are related. We report two experiments that examine whether there is a benefit to training subjects on relations among concepts. In Experiment 1, all subjects studied material on statistical hypothesis testing, half were subsequently quizzed on relationships among these concepts, and the other half were quizzed on their individual definitions; quizzing was used to highlight the information that was being trained in each condition (i.e., relations or definitions). Experiment 2 also included a mixed training condition that quizzed both relations and definitions, and a control condition that only included study. Subjects were then tested on both types of questions and on three conceptually related question types. In Experiment 1, subjects trained on relations performed numerically better on relational test questions than subjects trained on definitions (nonsignificant trend), whereas definitional test questions showed the reverse pattern; no performance differences were found between the groups on the other question types. In Experiment 2, relational training benefitted performance on relational test questions and on some question types that were not quizzed, whereas definitional training only benefited performance on test questions on the trained definitions. In contrast, mixed training did not aid learning above and beyond studying. Relational training thus seems to facilitate transfer of learning, whereas definitional training seems to produce training specificity effects.
Changes in the climate-related disclosure of German listed companies during the first years of the new reporting standard
Authors: Leicht Julia Bettina , Leicht Maximilian
Published: May 2022

The relevance of climate or environment-related reporting has been increasing over the years. Since 2017, the Non-Financial Statement (NFS) has been part of the German reporting of listed companies. In this context, this academic paper examines the development of climate-related disclosure within the NFS. The research design involves a developed disclosure index concerning climate-related reporting within the NFS and a t-Test with dependent variables. The descriptive content analysis is the basis of the study to obtain the input data for the t-Test. The study is based on the NFS of the German Share Index, Mid-Cap-DAX, and Small-Cap-DAX companies. The financial years of the companies are the basis of the observation period 2018–2020. Companies whose financial year differs from the calendar year are also part of the sample. The analysis results show an improvement in climate-related reporting in the NFS across the three periods under review. The length of the NFS increased over the three observation periods. It is possible to deduce that the amount of climate-related topics disclosed in the NFS also increased. Furthermore, the number of disclosed environmental goals increased in the observation periods. This also indicates that companies put climate-related topics more on their reporting over the observation period. It is possible to conclude that the relevance of climate-related reporting has increased over the last three years and may increase in the future.
Management of Growth Disorders in Puberty: GH, GnRHa, and Aromatase Inhibitors: A Clinical Review
Authors: Mauras Nelly , Ross Judith , Mericq Veronica
Published: May 2022

Pubertal children with significant growth retardation represent a considerable therapeutic challenge. In growth hormone (GH) deficiency, and in those without identifiable pathologies (idiopathic short stature), the impact of using GH is significantly hindered by the relentless tempo of bone age acceleration caused by sex steroids, limiting time available for growth. Estrogen principally modulates epiphyseal fusion in females and males. GH production rates and growth velocity more than double during puberty, and high-dose GH use has shown dose-dependent increases in linear growth, but also can raise insulin-like growth factor I concentrations supraphysiologically, and increase treatment costs. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHas) suppress physiologic puberty, and when used in combination with GH can meaningfully increase height potential in males and females while rendering adolescents temporarily hypogonadal at a critical time in development. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) block androgen to estrogen conversion, slowing down growth plate fusion, while allowing normal virilization in males and stimulating longitudinal bone growth via androgen receptor effects on the growth plate. Here, we review the physiology of pubertal growth, estrogen and androgen action on the epiphyses, and the therapeutic impact of GH, alone and in combination with GnRHa and with AIs. The pharmacology of potent oral AIs, and pivotal work on their efficacy and safety in children is also reviewed. Time-limited use of AIs is a viable alternative to promote growth in pubertal males, particularly combined with GH. Use of targeted growth-promoting therapies in adolescence must consider the impact of sex steroids on growth plate fusion, and treatment should be individualized.
Συσχέτιση του αριθμού των επιπέδων σπονδυλοδεσίας με την έκβαση ασθενών με εκφυλιστική νόσο στην οσφυϊκή μοίρα της σπονδυλικής στήλης
Authors: Πρασσάς Αριστείδης
Published: May 2022

Σε ασθενείς με οσφυϊκή εκφυλιστική νόσο που αποτυγχάνουν τα συντηρητικά μέσα, η αποσυμπίεση του νωτιαίου σωλήνα σε συνδυασμό ή όχι με σπονδυλοδεσία είναι μία ευρέως χρησιμοποιούμενη χειρουργική τεχνική που επιτυγχάνει σε μεγάλο ποσοστό την ύφεση της συμπτωματολογίας. Ωστόσο, υπάρχει έλλειψη στοιχείων όσον αφορά στην άμεση σύγκριση μεταξύ ολιγοεπίπεδων και πολυεπίπεδων επεμβάσεων αποσυμπίεσης και σπονδυλοδεσίας σε ασθενείς με οσφυϊκή στενωτική νόσο. Ελέγχθηκε η υπόθεση ότι ανεξάρτητα από τα βασικά χαρακτηριστικά αναφοράς και τη χειρουργική νοσηρότητα, ή κλινική έκβαση δεν διαφέρει σε ασθενείς με οσφυϊκή σπονδυλική στένωση μεταξύ ασθενών που αντιμετωπίζονται με αποσυμπίεση και σπονδυλοδεσία σε ένα ή δύο (Ομάδα Α) και τρία με έως πέντε σπονδυλικά επίπεδα (Ομάδα Β). Έγινε καταγραφή των βασικών χαρακτηριστικών των χειρουργικών δεδομένων και των μετεγχειρητικών επιπλοκών. Η μετεγχειρητική παρακολούθηση πραγματοποιήθηκε με κλινική εξέταση και ερωτηματολόγια που συμπλήρωναν οι ασθενείς δύο, έξι μήνες και ένα έτος μετά την επέμβαση, καθώς και απεικονιστικό έλεγχο. Η κλινική έκβαση εκτιμήθηκε με την οπτική αναλογική κλίμακα (Visual Analogue Scale – VAS), την κλίμακα Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), το τμήμα της φυσικής κατάστασης (Physical Component – PCS) και της νοητικής αξιολόγησης (Mental Component – MCS) της κλίμακας SF-36. Τα συμπτώματα κατάθλιψης αξιολογήθηκαν με τη χρήση της κλίμακας Zung. Συμπεριλήφθηκαν 77 ασθενείς που πληρούσαν τα κριτήρια εισδοχής στη μελέτη (Ομάδα Α: 42 άτομα, Ομάδα Β: 35 άτομα). Οι ασθενείς της ομάδας Β ήταν μεγαλύτερης ηλικίας (60.2±10 έναντι. 65.5±9.1; p<0.03). Η διάρκεια της επέμβασης ήταν μεγαλύτερη στην ομάδα Β συγκριτικά με την ομάδα Α (p<0.01). Ομοίως η διεγχειρητική απώλεια αίματος ήταν μεγαλύτερη στην ομάδα Β (p<0.01). Παρατηρήθηκε σημαντική κλινική βελτίωση και στις δύο ομάδες σε σχέση με την προεγχειρητική κλινική εικόνα (p<0.01). Η έκβαση που αξιολογήθηκε με τις κλίμακες PCS, MCS, και ODI ήταν παρόμοια και στις 2 ομάδες (p>0.05). Αν και προεγχειρητικά παρατηρήθηκε μία μικρή υπεροχή συμπτωμάτων ήπιας κατάθλιψης στους ασθενείς της Ομάδας Β, δεν ήταν στατιστικά σημαντική. Μετεγχειρητικά, η αξιολόγηση της συμπτωμάτων κατάθλιψης έδειξε μεγαλύτερη βελτίωση στην Ομάδα Α. Σε νοσούντες από οσφυϊκή εκφυλιστική νόσο που αντιμετωπίζονται με αποσυμπίεση και σπονδυλοδεσία, οι ασθενείς μεγαλύτερης ηλικίας είναι πιθανότερο να παρουσιάζονται με νόσο πολλαπλών επιπέδων, έχουν περισσότερες συννοσηρότητες και υποβάλλονται σε μεγαλύτερες επεμβάσεις με μεγαλύτερη απώλεια αίματος. Εντούτοις, η κλινική έκβαση δε διαφέρει. Οι ασθενείς με ολιγοεπίπεδες σπονδυλοδεσίες παρουσιάζουν μεγαλύτερη βελτίωση της καταθλιπτικής συμπτωματολογίας. Για την επικύρωση των παραπάνω, απαιτούνται μεγαλύτερες σειρές ασθενών με μεγαλύτερη διάρκεια παρακολούθησης, καθώς και ανάλυση υποομάδων.
India’s evolving role as the ‘net security provider’ of the Indian Ocean region
Authors: BHATTACHARYA SUBHADEEP
Published: May 2022

The unveiling of the Indo-Pacific strategy by USA has clubbed the two separate worlds-The Pacific and the Indian Ocean region- together, mingling the geopolitics of the two regions. This is done in the context of the growing maritime role of China along with her growing naval potentials. On the other hand, India, considered an important partner of the Indo-Pacific geopolitics, is lately taking extra care about her maritime interests in her immediate maritime neighbourhood, the Indian Ocean region (IOR). This activeness can be credited to the ‘Chinese intrusion’ in the Indian maritime neighbourhood. The role of India as the ‘net security provider’ of the IOR is resurfacing in the strategic corridors of New Delhi in the context of India’s unveiling of the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) mission and her growing active role in the bilateral as well as multilateral maritime relations. In this context it becomes imperative to analyse the character of India’s Indian Ocean policy in retrospect in order to construe India’s potentials and preferences in the current Indo-Pacific geopolitics where she is undoubtedly an important player. India has been playing the role of net security provider of the IOR for quite some time now. Initially taking a non-combative defensive approach to the issue throughout the 1960s, India gradually turned assertive in the 1980s to safeguard her interests in the maritime zone. India, who inherited the baton from the British, was in two minds over how to maintain the dominance. Shedding off defensive mood, she turned assertive later to safeguard her interest in the IOR against ‘external intrusion’. After the Cold War, India shifted to collaborative approach without compromising with her prime Indian Ocean policy motto to maintain her pre-eminence in the region.
Determination of ceftriaxone in human plasma using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wongchang Thamrong , Winterberg Markus , Tarning Joel , Sriboonvorakul Natthida , Muangnoicharoen Sant , Blessborn Daniel
Published: May 2022

Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic drug used as first-line treatment for a number of bacterial diseases. Ceftriaxone belongs to the third generation of cephalosporin and is available as an intramuscular or intravenous injection. Previously published pharmacokinetic studies have used high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) for the quantification of ceftriaxone. This study aimed to develop and validate a bioanalytical method for the quantification of ceftriaxone in human plasma using liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Sample preparation was performed by protein precipitation of 100 µl plasma sample in combination with phospholipid-removal techniques to minimize matrix interferences. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 column with 10 mM ammonium formate containing 2% formic acid: acetonitrile as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.4 ml/min with a total run time of 10 minutes. Both the analyte and cefotaxime (internal standard) were detected using the positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode and selected reaction monitoring (SRM) for the precursor-product ion transitions m/z 555.0→396.1 for ceftriaxone and 456.0→324.0 for cefotaxime. The method was validated over the concentration range of 1.01-200 μg/ml. Calibration response showed good linearity (correlation coefficient > 0.99) and matrix effects were within the ±15% limit in 6 different lots of sodium heparin plasma tested. However, citrate phosphate dextrose plasma resulted in a clear matrix enhancement of 24% at the low concentration level, which was not compensated for by the internal standard. Different anticoagulants (EDTA, heparin and citrate phosphate dextrose) also showed differences in recovery. Thus, it is important to use the same anticoagulant in calibration curves and clinical samples for analysis. The intra-assay and inter-assay precision were less than 5% and 10%, respectively, and therefore well within standard regulatory acceptance criterion of ±15%.
Internal Audit Tools in Organizations with Separate Geographically Remote Subdivisions
Authors: Pinegina E. , Zolotareva G. , Denisenko Galina
Published: May 2022

Accounting and control of cash transactions among organizations that have geographically remote separate units in their structure have certain problems. Th e article considers internal audit tools, with the help of which control measures are carried out without leaving for a separate unit, which is a fairly eff ective and fi nancially profi table method, as well as less labor-intensive.
Particularities of the Estimation and Accounting Unachieved Production
Authors: Polenova S.
Published: May 2022

Th e article presents author’s understanding of practical realization of the main rules of the estimation unachieved production in accordance with innovation, off ered in FSBU 5/2019 «Spares», and methods of its accounting.
Analysis of Factors and Risks of the Strategy for the Development of the Information Technology Sector
Authors: Kazakova Nataliya , Shestakovskiy I.
Published: May 2022

Th e article analyzes the factors of development of the information technology sector in Russia, reveals the problems of comparative analysis of data on the information technology sector, due to existing diff erences in the classifi cations of the types of activities of IT companies used in international standards, research, statistics and IT business rating. Th e risks of implementing the sector development strategy are disclosed, including those associated with a shortage of qualified personnel with competencies that are in demand in practice.
Analysis of the Quality of Test Tasks for the Discipline «Computational Mathematics»
Authors: Bashmakova M.
Published: May 2022

The test form of tasks with multiple answers can be used quite effectively to test the knowledge of students at all levels of education, but tasks of this type must be designed with particular care. Before entering test tasks in the final examination, it is necessary to evaluate their quality and reliability in order to check exactly the required competencies. It is necessary to analyze in advance whether the questions are formulated correctly and the answer options are selected right, whether the answers - distractors fulfill their function. The article considers a simple analysis of the quality of some specific tasks with answer options in the discipline "Computational Mathematics". The discipline is taught for second year students of information specialties of a technical university, total number of academic hours is 144. The work analyzes tasks for different sections of the course, gives examples of both successful and unsuccessful task formulations.
Contagious Bank Runs and Committed Liquidity Support
Authors: Li Zhao , Ma Kebin
Published: May 2022

In a crisis, regulators and private investors can find it difficult, if not impossible, to tell whether banks facing runs are insolvent or merely illiquid. We introduce such an information constraint into a global-games-based bank run model with multiple banks and aggregate uncertainties. The information constraint creates a vicious cycle between contagious bank runs and falling asset prices and limits the effectiveness of traditional emergency liquidity assistance programs. We explain how a regulator can set up committed liquidity support to contain contagion and stabilize asset prices even without information on banks’ solvency, rationalizing some recent developments in policy practices.

This paper was accepted by Agostino Capponi, finance.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Project 71803024]. Z. Li also acknowledges financial support from “Innovation and Talent Base for Digital Technology and Finance” of China [Project B21038].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.4258 .
Attaining a British consensus on managing idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus up to walking age
Authors: Gelfer Yael , Davis Naomi , Blanco Jose , Buckingham Rachel , Trees Amanda , Mavrotas Jason , Tennant Sally , Theologis Tim
Published: May 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to gain an agreement on the management of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) up to walking age in order to provide a benchmark for practitioners and guide consistent, high-quality care for children with CTEV.

Methods

The consensus process followed an established Delphi approach with a predetermined degree of agreement. The process included the following steps: establishing a steering group; steering group meetings, generating statements, and checking them against the literature; a two-round Delphi survey; and final consensus meeting. The steering group members and Delphi survey participants were all British Society of Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS) members. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis of the Delphi survey results. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation checklist was followed for reporting of the results.

Results

The BSCOS-selected steering group, the steering group meetings, the Delphi survey, and the final consensus meeting all followed the pre-agreed protocol. A total of 153/243 members voted in round 1 Delphi (63%) and 132 voted in round 2 (86%). Out of 61 statements presented to round 1 Delphi, 43 reached ‘consensus in’, no statements reached ‘consensus out’, and 18 reached ‘no consensus’. Four statements were deleted and one new statement added following suggestions from round 1. Out of 15 statements presented to round 2, 12 reached ‘consensus in’, no statements reached ‘consensus out’, and three reached ‘no consensus’ and were discussed and included following the final consensus meeting. Two statements were combined for simplicity. The final consensus document includes 57 statements allocated into six successive stages.

Conclusion

We have produced a consensus document for the treatment of idiopathic CTEV up to walking age. This will provide a benchmark for standard of care in the UK and will help to reduce geographical variability in treatment and outcomes. Appropriate dissemination and implementation will be key to its success. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):758–764.