bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Best timing of bilateral total hip arthroplasty – an analysis of revision and mortality rates from the German Arthroplasty Registry (EPRD)
Authors: Postler Anne , Krull Paula , Günther Klaus-Peter , Lützner Jörg , Melsheimer Oliver , Steinbrück Arnd , Goronzy Jens
Published: August 2024

Background

The burden of osteoarthritis (OA) in multiple joints is high and for patients with bilateral OA of the hip there is no clear recommendation about the indication for simultaneous (one-stage) bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus two-staged procedures. The purpose of this study was therefore to compare revision and mortality rates after different strategies of surgical timing in bilateral hip OA from the German Arthroplasty Registry (EPRD).

Methods

Since 2012 22,500 patients with bilateral THA (including 767 patients with one-staged bilateral surgery and 11,796 patients with another separate procedures within one year after first THA) are documented in the registry. The patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral THA were matched with a cohort of 767 patients who underwent the second THA between 1 and 90 days postoperatively (short interval) and another cohort of 4,602 patients with THA between 91 and 365 days postoperatively (intermediate interval). Revision for all reasons and mortality rates were recorded. Cox regression was performed to evaluate the influence of different patient characteristics.

Results

The cumulative 5-year revision rate for patients with simultaneous bilateral THA was 1.8% (95% CI 0.9–2.6), for patients with two-staged THA 2.3% (95% CI 1.0-3.6) in the short interval and 2.5% (95% CI 2.1–2.9) in the intermediate interval, respectively. In all three groups, patients who underwent THA in a high-volume center (≥ 500 THA per year) had a significant lower risk for revision (HR 0.687; 95% CI 0.501–0.942) compared to surgeries in a low-volume center (< 250 THA per year). There was no significant difference regarding cumulative mortality rates in the three cohorts. Higher age (HR 1.060; 95% CI 1.042–1.078) and severe comorbidities as reflected in the Elixhauser Score (HR 1.046; 95% CI 1.014–1.079) were associated with higher mortality rates after simultaneous THA.

Conclusion

Simultaneous bilateral THA seems to be a safe procedure for younger patients with limited comorbidities who have bilateral end-stage hip OA, especially if performed in high-volume centers.

Level of evidence

III.
Impact of dental caries and Self-perceived oral health on daily lives of children and mothers in rural Egypt: a household survey
Authors: Aly Nourhan M. , Ihab Merna , Ammar Nour , Quritum Maryam , Moussa Hana , El Tantawi Maha
Published: August 2024

Background

The present study assessed the impact of oral health on the daily lives of children and mothers living in a rural area in Northwestern Egypt.

Methods

A cross-sectional household survey including children between 6 and 12 years old and their mothers was conducted in rural Egypt, 2019–2020. Data were collected using clinical examination and interview-based questionnaires of children and mothers. Three binary logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the dependent variables (oral health impact (yes, no) on avoiding smiling, chewing problems, and missing school (children) and avoiding social events (mothers)), and the explanatory variables: oral health (clinically-assessed caries experience and self-reported oral health) controlling for sociodemographic profile (child age and sex, mother’s education), daily toothbrushing and village of residence.

Results

A total of 211 households with 355 children and 211 mothers were included (91.5% response rate). About 54% of the children were girls, mean (SD) age = 8.7 (2.05) years and 82.3% did not brush their teeth daily. Mother’s mean (SD) age was 31.70 (5.45) years. Because of dental problems, 31.3% of children reported chewing difficulties, 31% avoided smiling compared to 76.3% and 43.6% of mothers. Also, 30.4% of children missed school and 76.8% of mothers reported reduced participation in social activities. In children, the number of decayed anterior teeth was associated with significantly higher odds of avoiding smiling (AOR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.44). In mothers, a greater number of posterior missing teeth was associated with significantly higher odds of chewing difficulties (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.45), and a greater number of all missing teeth was associated with significantly higher odds of reduced participation in social events (AOR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.30, 1.57). Good/ very good reported oral health in children and mothers was associated with lower odds of avoiding smiling and chewing problems (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Decayed anterior teeth in children have a negative impact on smiling whereas missing teeth in mothers affect the ability to chew food and socialize. The psychological, functional, and social impacts of caries in this rural setting needs to be mitigated by improving oral health literacy and access to care.
Bone lid technique versus standard technique for treatment of mandibular lesions
Authors: Sheta Mona S. , Ghouraba Rehab F. , Ibrahim Marwa T.
Published: August 2024

Background

Jaw lesions are frequent in the oral and maxillofacial areas. Different methods for enucleating jaw lesions in the oral and maxillofacial sites have been proposed, including the bone lid technique.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results of the bone lid technique employing a piezoelectric surgery to the traditional technique in individuals with mandibular lesions.

Materials and methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 24 patients with mandibular lesions. They were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 12 for each group). Group I: the mandibular lesion was excised with bone lid technique using a piezoelectric device, followed by the fixation of the bony window after its repositioning. Group II: the lesion was excised with the traditional method using rotatory burs. Pain, soft tissue healing, bone exposure, bone lid integration, and the volume of the residual bone defect were all assessed clinically and radiographically after one week, one month, and six months.

Results

All patients in both groups showed adequate soft tissue healing except for one case in group I experienced wound dehiscence and bone lid exposure. The bone lid group reported significantly less pain than the usual approach at the 3rd and 7th days. After six months, the volume of bone defect filling was considerably higher in the bone lid group compared to the conventional group.

Conclusion

The bone lid technique was an effective procedure in the management of mandibular lesions compared to the standard method. Besides, this technique provides better bone healing and reduces bone loss.

Trial registration

This clinical trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov on 14/8/2023 and had registration number NCT05987930.
An observational analysis of the impact of indoor residual spraying in two distinct contexts of Burkina Faso
Authors: Hilton Emily R. , Tougri Gauthier , Camara Tiécoura , Pagabelem Ardjouma , Ouedraogo Jean Baptiste , Millar Justin , Jacob Djenam , Kone Adama , Diouf Mame , Belemvire Allison , Burnett Sarah
Published: August 2024

Background

Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is a cornerstone malaria control intervention in Burkina Faso. From 2018 to 2021, non-pyrethroid IRS was implemented annually in two regions of Burkina Faso with distinct malaria transmission patterns, concurrently with annual seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC), and a mass insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution in 2019.

Methods

A retrospective quasi-experimental approach was used to evaluate the impact of the 2018, 2020, and 2021 IRS campaigns on routinely reported confirmed malaria case incidence at health facilities. The 2019 campaign was excluded due to lack of data reporting during a health sector strike. Controlled interrupted time series models were fit to detect changes in level and trend in malaria case incidence rates following each IRS campaign when compared to the baseline period 24-months before IRS. IRS districts Solenzo (Sudano-Sahelien climate), and Kampti (tropical climate) were compared with neighbouring control districts and the analyses were stratified by region. Modelled health facility catchment population estimates based on travel time to health facilities and weighted by non-malaria outpatient visits were used as an offset. The study period encompassed July 2016 through June 2022, excluding July 2018 to June 2019.

Results

District-level population and structure coverage achieved by IRS campaigns was greater than 85% in 2018, 2020, and 2021 in Solenzo and Kampti. In Solenzo a significant difference in malaria case incidence rates was detected after the 2018 campaign (IRR = 0.683; 95% CI 0.564–0.827) when compared to the control district. The effect was not detected following the 2020 or 2021 IRS campaigns. In Kampti, estimated malaria incidence rates were between 36 and 38% lower than in the control district following all three IRS campaigns compared to the baseline period.

Conclusions

Implementation of IRS in Kampti, a tropical region of Burkina Faso, appeared to have a consistent significant beneficial impact on malaria case rates. An initial positive impact in Solenzo after the first IRS campaign was not sustained in the successive evaluated IRS campaigns. This study points to a differential effect of IRS in different malaria transmission settings and in combination with ITN and SMC implementation.
Oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnancy: a systematic review
Authors: Ibrahim Abubakar , Khoo Martina Irwan , Ismail Engku Husna Engku , Hussain Nik Hazlina Nik , Zin Anani Aila Mat , Noordin Liza , Abdullah Sarimah , Mahdy Zaleha Abdullah , Lah Nik Ahmad Zuky Nik
Published: August 2024

Background

This systematic review explores the level of oxidative stress (OS) markers during pregnancy and their correlation with complications. Unlike previous studies, it refrains from directly investigating the role of OS but instead synthesises data on the levels of these markers and their implications for various pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restrictions, preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour, gestational diabetes mellitus and miscarriages.

Method

Study Design

Utilizing a systematic review approach, we conducted a comprehensive search across databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. Our search encompassed all publication years in English.

Results

After evaluating 54,173 records, 45 studies with a low risk of bias were selected for inclusion. This systematic review has underscored the importance of these markers in both physiological and pathological pregnancy states such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restrictions, preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour, gestational diabetes mellitus and miscarriages.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides valuable insights into the role of OS in pregnancy and their connection to complications. These selected studies delved deeply into OS markers during pregnancy and their implications for associated complications. The comprehensive findings highlighted the significance of OS markers in both normal and pathological pregnancy conditions, paving the way for further research in this field.
Interacting and joint effects of triglyceride-glucose index and blood pressure on cardiovascular diseases risk: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cui Haozhe , Liu Qian , Zhao Zhiming , Ma Xiangming
Published: August 2024

Aims

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and hypertension (HTN) are established risk factors of CVD. However, there is a dearth of studies investigating the synergistic influence of the elevated TyG index and HTN on CVD risk, as well as any potential interaction between these factors.

Method

For this investigation, we enlisted 88,384 individuals from the Kailuan Study who did not have a history of stroke, myocardial infarction, or cancer at baseline. Incidences of CVD between 2006 and 2021 were confirmed through a thorough review of medical records. Participants were categorized into 6 groups according to BP status(normal/elevated BP, stage 1 and stage 2) or the TyG index(low and elevated group), respectively. The Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the association of BP status and TyG index with incident CVD. The multiplicative and additive interactions were also determined.

Results

Following a mean follow-up period of 13.66 ± 3.24 years, incidents of CVD, MI, and stroke were observed in 8,205, 1,728, and 6,705 individuals, respectively. The BP category and TyG index additively increased the risk of CVD, MI and stroke. There were significant interacting and joint effects of TyG index and BP status on CVD risk. Additionally, stratification analysis further confirmed that the relative contribution of hypertension to the CVD development decreased with deteriorating TyG index and that of TyG index was attenuated with increasing BP status.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that a significant interaction between TyG index and BP status on the risk of CVD.
Hansenula polymorpha methanol metabolism genes enhance recombinant protein production in Komagataella phaffi
Authors: Khalifeh Soltani Maryam , Arjmand Sareh , Ranaei Siadat Seyed Omid , Bagheri Abdolreza , Marashi Seyed Hassan
Published: August 2024

Recombinant protein production in Komagataella phaffi (K. phaffi), a widely utilized host organism, can be optimized by enhancing the metabolic flux in the central carbon metabolism pathways. The methanol utilization pathway (MUT) during methanol-based growth plays a crucial role in providing precursors and energy for cell growth and development. This study investigated the impact of boosting the methanol dissimilation pathway, a branch of MUT that plays a vital role in detoxifying formaldehyde and providing energy in the form of NADH, in K. phaffi. This was achieved by integrating two orthologous genes from Hansenula polymorpha into the K. phaffi genome: formaldehyde dehydrogenase (HpFLD) and formate dehydrogenase (HpFMDH). The HpFLD and HpFMDH genes were isolated from the Hansenula polymorpha genome and inserted under the regulation of the pAOX1 promoter in the genome of recombinant K. phaffi that already contained a single copy of model protein genes (eGFP or EGII). The expression levels of these model proteins were assessed through protein activity assays and gene expression analysis. The findings revealed that while both orthologous genes positively influenced model protein production, HpFMDH exhibited a more pronounced upregulation in expression compared to HpFLD. Co-expression of both orthologous genes demonstrated synergistic effects, resulting in approximately a twofold increase in the levels of the model proteins detected. This study provides valuable insights into enhancing the production capacity of recombinant proteins in K. phaffi.

Graphical abstract
“I will find the best method that will work for me”: navigating contraceptive journeys amongst South African adolescent girls and young women
Authors: Duby Zoe , Bergh Kate , Bunce Brittany , Jonas Kim , Slingers Nevilene , Mathews Catherine , Abdullah Fareed
Published: August 2024

Background

Given that South Africa has one of the highest rates of pregnancy amongst adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) globally, the provision of contraceptives to this group has been a key focus in recent years. Pregnancy prevention involves an on-going continuum of decision-making around contraceptive method choice, uptake, use, experience, continuation, and discontinuation.

Methods

This paper presents analysis of data from a cross-sectional survey with 2376 AGYW, as well as qualitative in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 54 AGYW, inclusive of contraceptive journey narratives. We examine the preferences, valued characteristics, choices, beliefs, understandings and experiences of choosing and using contraceptives amongst AGYW in two South African communities characterised by high rates of pregnancy.

Results

These findings shed light on the preferences towards, beliefs about, and experiences of choosing, using and discontinuing contraceptive methods amongst this population, with survey data suggesting that the most popular methods were the injection, followed by the implant, and then the oral pill. Findings illustrate the complexity and dynamic nature of contraceptive decision-making and the varied embodied and lived experiences of contraceptive use, and how these are impacted by contraception service provision.

Conclusions

Our findings show that contraception experiences of each individual are cumulative, and comprise a continuum of method initiation, use, discontinuation, method switching and on-going circular decision-making influenced by multiple social, structural, contextual and interpersonal factors, combined with shifting preferences, values and needs. To maximise the use of contraceptives amongst South African AGYW, it is necessary to provide responsive contraception service provision to reflect the changing contexts and preferences of users, in order to ensure that pregnancy prevention needs are catered for throughout their reproductive life course.
Planning a sustainable neurosurgery mentorship program in a war-torn country: experience from Iraq
Authors: Al-Ageely Teeba A. , Ismail Mustafa , Alaraji Zinah A. , Abdulwahid Jaafar , Ayad Fatima , Jaafar Huda , Aktham Awfa , Salih Hayder R. , Hoz Samer
Published: August 2024

The importance of mentorships in medical education and neurosurgery is highly attributed to the support and encouragement of the advances and learning opportunities for medical students and junior neurosurgeons. Planning a mentorship program according to the target audience offers to satisfy different interests and enhance education. One of the main issues with most of the already implemented programs is the sustainability and inability to maintain continuous cycles of mentorship, which have a negative impact and have led to an interrupted pattern of learning which eventually leads to a decline in the engagement of participants and loss of interest. This problem is most pronounced in war-torn countries, with Iraq as an example, where external circumstances lead to an arrest in the educational process and a depletion of the resources useful for such programs and training courses. This paper aims to address the main pathways essential in planning a sustainable mentorship program in a war-torn country by highlighting our experience in maintaining an ongoing mentorship with nine consecutive courses over the last 6 years in Iraq.
The Chinese version of patient experience with treatment and self-management (PETS vs. 2.0): translation and validation in patients with multimorbidity in primary care in Hong Kong
Authors: Xu Zijun , Zhang Dexing , Zhao Yang , Ghosh Arpita , Peiris David , Li Yiqi , Wong Samuel Yeung Shan
Published: August 2024

Background

Validated and comprehensive tools to measure treatment burden are needed for healthcare professionals to understand the treatment burden of patients in China. The study aimed to translate and validate the Chinese version of Patient Experience with Treatment and Self-management (PETS vs. 2.0) in patients with multimorbidity in primary care.

Methodology

The translation process of the 60-item PETS vs. 2.0 followed the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) Translation, Formatting, and Testing Guidelines. Computer-assisted assessments were conducted in adult primary care patients with multimorbidity from three general out-patient clinics in Hong Kong. A sample of 502 patients completed the assessments from July to December 2023. Internal reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alphas for each domain of the PETS vs. 2.0. Concurrent validity was assessed through the correlations between different domains of PETS vs. 2.0 with established measures including quality of life, frailty, and depression. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with maximum likelihood method was carried out to assess the construct validity.

Results

The mean age of participants was 64.9 years old and 56.2% were female. Internal consistency reliability was acceptable (alpha ≥ 0.70) for most domains. Higher scores of PETS domains were significantly correlated with worse quality of life, higher level of frailty, and more depressive symptoms (p < 0.05). In CFA, after setting the covariances on the error variances, the adjusted model revealed an acceptable model fit (χ2/df = 1.741; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.038; standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.058; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.911; Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.903). All standardized factor loadings were 0.30 or above. Significant positive correlations between the latent factors were found for all factor pairs (correlation coefficient < 0.8).

Conclusions

The Chinese version of PETS vs. 2.0 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the perceived treatment burden in patients with multimorbidity in primary care. All domains and items in the original questionnaires were retained.
Understanding the synergy between heat waves and the built environment: a three-decade systematic review informing policies for mitigating urban heat island in cities
Authors: Joshi Ketaki , Khan Ansar , Anand Prashant , Sen Joy
Published: August 2024

The escalating frequencies and intensities of heat waves have become a global concern in the face of climate change. Cities are increasingly vulnerable to overheating due to the amplification of urban heat island (UHI) during heat waves. Factors influencing the synergetic impact of UHI and heat waves on the built environment are complex, mainly including the degree of urbanization, land use patterns, building morphology, thermal properties of construction materials, and variations in moisture fluxes and heat sinks. Researchers worldwide are extensively exploring the characteristics of heat waves, the factors influencing heat waves in urban areas, and the impact of heat waves on built environments, as well as possible mitigation measures. However, the existing literature lacks a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the complexities between heat waves and the built environment that is needed for planning and implementing effective mitigation measures in the future. This study systematically presents a comprehensive overview of the global literature of the past three decades related to heat waves and urban built environments, spanning variations in heat wave definitions, factors influencing heat waves in urban areas, heat wave impacts on buildings, energy, occupant health, and infrastructure, mitigation measures, case studies, best practices, future considerations, and challenges. The objective is to synthesize current knowledge and highlight gaps in understanding, providing a foundation for future research. The review suggests that implementing a combination of strategies across various scales, from individual buildings to entire neighborhoods and cities, can contribute to effectively mitigating heat. This includes prioritizing compact and mid-rise buildings with light-colored exteriors, integrating large parks and green spaces, utilizing cool and super cool materials, ensuring effective insulation, employing passive and mixed-mode cooling and ventilation systems in buildings, and incorporating sustainable technology and innovation. Additionally, community participation and social equity are crucial for addressing vulnerabilities at a local level. It highlights the complexity of the relationship between heat waves and the built environment, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches for sustainable urban development in the face of heat waves. The outcomes can contribute to the formulation of informed policies to mitigate the adverse impacts of heat waves on built surroundings.
Identification of new banana endogenous virus sequences highlights the hallmark gene encoded by retroviruses integrated in banana genomes
Authors: Chen Huazhou , Li Huaping , Rao Xueqin
Published: August 2024

Endogenous pararetrovirus sequences (EPRVs) originated from DNA viruses of the family Caulimoviridae are widely present in plant genomes. Banana streak viruses (BSVs) are a group of circular double-stranded DNA viruses in the genus Badnavirus of the family Caulimoviridae. Banana endogenous virus sequences (BEVs) derived from the ancestral genes of badnaviruses and fixed in the genomes of various bananas. However, the genomic characteristics of BEVs remain unknown. In this study, we identified 2 new variants of BEVs GZ5 and GZ13 by sequences analyses, Southern blot, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). BEV GZ5 had one copy of integration in the BB genome of bananas, while BEV GZ13 was only present in the genome of the variety Dajiao. Importantly, BEV GZ5 contained a complete gene of reverse transcriptase (RT) and ribonuclease H (RNase H) (RT/RNase H). In addition, a 340-bp inverted repeat sequence partially overlapping with RNase H was found upstream and downstream of BEV GZ5. However, the amino acid sequences of BEV GZ5 had deletions and mutations compared with BSVs. The bioinformatics analyses showed that BEV GZ5 protein composed of 412 amino acids with a molecular weight of 47.37 kDa and an isoelectric point of 9.40. Leucine, isoleucine, and lysine (Lys) were the main amino acids of BEV GZ5 protein. The analyses revealed that BEV GZ5 protein contained 35 potential phosphorylation sites. Additionally, it was a hydrophilic protein without a signal peptide and transmembrane region. The secondary structure of BEV GZ5 protein consisted of 37.26% α-helix, followed by 36.25% random coil. To our knowledge, this is the first report that novel BEVs with the complete gene of RT/RNase H has been characterized, which provide a basis for further exploration the function and integration mechanism of BEVs in bananas.
Katja Petrowskaja’s Translational Poetics of Memory
Authors: Laanes Eneken
Published: August 2024

A new perspective on Katja Petrowskaja’s Maybe Esther (2014) goes beyond earlier interpretations of the novel, which tend to privilege analytic frameworks of minor literatures, German Jewish literature, or Holocaust postmemory. This article reads the novel as cultivating a translingual approach to transnational memory of the entangled histories of the Holocaust and Soviet state terror in Central and Eastern Europe. Drawing on precepts of multilingualism that are more than merely additive, the analysis foregrounds Petrowskaja’s innovative contributions to translingual and even postlingual practices in contemporary literature. As this article demonstrates, she writes translationally at the porous borders of ostensibly discrete languages by highlighting the materiality of language, deploying prose rhymes and homonyms, and using idiomatic expressions across languages. The article argues that Maybe Esther is more than a text of a minoritarian German Jewish literature alone, for it can also be viewed as a transnational text that only happens to be written in German. Drawing on Michael Rothberg’s concept of “multidirectional” memory and Kristin Dickinson’s concept of “omnidirectional” disorientations in translation, the article argues that Petrowskaja’s entangled remembering of the mass violence and state terror of the twentieth century can be described as a translational transnationalism attentive to multiple localities, histories, and memory cultures in Europe.
Weber’s “Strange Intoxication”
Authors: Passannante Gerard
Published: August 2024

This essay locates in Max Weber’s body of work a theory of recognition in compulsion. With particular attention to Weber’s engagement with pre- and early modern sources, the essay argues that this theory illuminates his project of historical interpretation. For Weber, compulsion turns firsthand experience into a simple pattern or shape, inviting identification across differences in context. Ultimately, the essay shows that the “strange intoxication” of compulsive states of mind, though it might seem to transport the subject outside time and beyond the reach of material circumstance, does much more than misleadingly fuse distinct experiences; it also creates opportunities for and indeed motivates awareness of the concrete histories that connect them.
Impact of Flood on Breastfeeding Practices at Flood Relief Camps of Pakistan
Authors: Rizwan Wajiha , Sadiq Masood , Bukhari Mulazim Hussain , Tasneem Muqaddas
Published: August 2024

Objective: To explore impact of flood on breastfeeding practices and identify barriers in continuation of breastfeeding among mothers residing in flood relief camps.
Methods: This exploratory observational study was conducted during visit of medical team of The University of Child Health Sciences, Children’s Hospital at flood relief camps of Sindh (7th September to 12th September, 2022) and south-west of Punjab province (18th November to 20th November, 2022). The data was collected on structured questionnaire from 40 lactating mothers residing in flood relief camps. Purposive sampling technique was used in this regard.
Results: The mean age of breastfed children was 16.1±7.811 months. There was negative impact on breastfeeding practices (n=21, 52.5%) as frequency decreased in 18(45%) mothers and 3(7.5%) totally stopped breastfeeding. There was significant relation between pre-flood breastfeeding status and impact of flood on breastfeeding practices (p=0.001). The major barriers to appropriate breastfeeding were mother’s perception of insufficient breast milk due to inadequate diet (n=6, 15%) or depression and anxiety (n=4, 10%), mother’s illness (n=3, 7.5%), constant displacement (n=2, 5%) and provision of breast milk substitutes (n=2, 5%).
Conclusion: There has been significant negative impact of flood on breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers residing in flood relief camps. Perception of decreased milk production due to inadequate diet and stress are major barriers in continuation of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding supportive services need to be integral component of flood crisis management.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.8488
How to cite this: Rizwan W, Sadiq M, Bukhari MH, Tasneem M. Impact of Flood on Breastfeeding Practices at Flood Relief Camps of Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.8488
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Factors of foreign direct investment attractiveness in Central Eastern and Southeastern Europe during and after the transition period
Authors: Καρέλης Σταύρος
Published: August 2024

Οι ξένες άμεσες επενδύσεις (ΞΑΕ) θεωρούνται βασική κινητήρια δύναμη της οικονομικής ανάπτυξης και προόδου (UNCTAD, 2020). Αν και ο ρόλος τους είναι σημαντικός, πολλές χώρες αποτυγχάνουν να προσελκύσουν ξένους επενδυτές. Επιπρόσθετα, οι υπάρχουσες μελέτες έχουν επικεντρωθεί σε συγκεκριμένους καθοριστικούς παράγοντες των ΞΑΕ με αποτέλεσμα να μην παράσχουν μια ολιστική κατανόηση της πολύπλοκης αλληλεπίδρασης μεταξύ των παραγόντων επιρροής από κάθε διάσταση προσέγγισης, χωρίς να έχουν ειδικά περιορισμένη εστίαση σε μία μόνο από αυτές. Αυτή η έλλειψη ολιστικής προσέγγισης μας απασχολεί ιδιαίτερα, καθώς οι ΞΑΕ έχουν τη δυνατότητα να τονώσουν την οικονομική ανάπτυξη, να δημιουργήσουν νέες θέσεις εργασίας και να βελτιώσουν το βιοτικό επίπεδο στις χώρες υποδοχής των επενδύσεων (Παγκόσμια Τράπεζα, 2020). Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη όλα αυτά, η παρούσα μελέτη στοχεύει στην έρευνα του θέματος, βασισμένη στις εξής τρεις υποθέσεις. Υπόθεση 1: Το φαινόμενο της ελκυστικότητας των ΞΑΕ παρουσιάζει διαφορετικά μοτίβα, διαιρώντας το χρόνο σε διακριτές περιόδους. Υπόθεση 2: Τα επιτυχή αποτελέσματα των περιπτώσεων βασίζονται σε ένα συνδυασμό περισσοτέρων καθοριστικών παραγόντων που πηγάζουν από διάφορες διαστάσεις και συγκεκριμένα την πολιτική, την οικονομική και την θεσμική διάσταση. Υπόθεση 3: Ένα επιτυχημένο αποτέλεσμα ελκυστικότητας ΞΑΕ μπορεί να παρουσιάζει διαφορετικές πορείες αιτίασης (συνδυασμοί συνθηκών), ακόμη και κατά την ίδια περίοδο, όπου ορισμένοι καθοριστικοί παράγοντες εμφανίζονται συχνότερα από άλλους, γεγονός που υποδηλώνει ότι έχουν ισχυρότερη επίδραση στην ελκυστικότητα των ΞΑΕ. Με βάση αυτές τις υποθέσεις, η παρούσα έρευνα και μελέτη, καταρτίζει και σκιαγραφεί έναν δομημένο μεθοδολογικό οδικό χάρτη, ξεκινώντας με μια επισκόπηση του μεθοδολογικού πλαισίου PMA και της ερευνητικής μεθόδου crisp set QCA, ακολουθούμενη από μια λεπτομερή εξήγηση της ενσωμάτωσής τους σε ένα ενοποιημένο μοντέλο PMQA. Μέσω της επιστημονικής αυστηρότητας και της σαφούς παρουσίασης του καινοτόμου πλαισίου της, η έρευνα αυτή στοχεύει και φιλοδοξεί, όχι μόνο να ρίξει φως στους σύνθετους καθοριστικούς παράγοντες της ελκυστικότητας των ΞΑΕ, αλλά και να ενθαρρύνει περαιτέρω ακαδημαϊκή συζήτηση και έρευνα στους τομείς της ποιοτικής συγκριτικής ανάλυσης, της «περιοδοποίησης» και της αξιολόγησης του εκάστοτε περιβάλλοντος και των πολιτικών χωρών υποδοχής για την επίτευξη έλξης των ΞΑΕ.
Πρωτότυποι αλγόριθμοι ενεργητικής μηχανικής μάθησης
Authors: Καζλάροφ Βαγγέλ
Published: August 2024

Στην εποχή της πληροφορίας την οποία ζούμε, η συλλογή νέων δεδομένων είναι πλέον μια πολύ εύκολη διαδικασία καθώς οι φορητές συσκευές, οι εφαρμογές που χρησιμοποιούμε και η περιήγηση στο διαδίκτυο παράγουν απεριόριστη ποσότητα από αυτά. Όμως, η πλειονότητα αυτών των δεδομένων είναι χωρίς ετικέτα, γεγονός που δυσχεραίνει την διαδικασία της ταξινόμησής τους. Επιπλέον, η διαδικασία της ετικετοποίησης μπορεί να είναι από μόνη της μια πολύ χρονοβόρα και κοστοβόρα διαδικασία καθώς μπορεί να χρειαστεί ακριβό εξοπλισμό ή/και εξειδικευμένο προσωπικό. Για το λόγο αυτό, μέθοδοι Ενεργητικής Μηχανικής Μάθησης έχουν αναπτυχθεί, οι οποίοι εκμεταλλεύονται ένα μικρό σύνολο ετικετοποιημένων δεδομένων ώστε να εντοπίζουν εκείνα τα δεδομένα χωρίς ετικέτα που παρέχουν την περισσότερη πληροφορία, ώστε αυτά στη συνέχεια να προσφέρονται προς ετικετοποίηση από κάποιο εξειδικευμένο προσωπικό. Στόχος λοιπόν της Ενεργητικής Μηχανικής Μάθησης είναι η ελαχιστοποίηση της διαδικασίας της ετικετοποίησης και η κατασκευή μοντέλων υψηλής επίδοσης με τη χρήση ενός μικρού συνόλου ετικετοποιημένων δεδομένων. Αυτή η διατριβή εστιάζει κυρίως στην ανάπτυξη πρωτότυπων αλγόριθμων Ενεργητικής Μηχανικής Μάθησης με σκοπό την κατασκευή μοντέλων υψηλής επίδοσης με τη χρήση μικρών συνόλων ετικετοποιημένων δεδομένων. Επιπλέον, παρουσιάζει εφαρμογές της Ενεργητικής Μηχανικής Μάθησης σε προβλήματα αναγνώρισης και προτείνει μεθόδους επιλογής της καταλληλότερης στρατηγικής για την επιλογή μη-ετικετοποιημένων δεδομένων με τη χρήση Δέντρων Απόφασης. Τέλος, προτείνει δύο σύνολα ταξινομητών τα οποία παρουσιάζουν πολύ ενθαρρυντικά αποτελέσματα ως προς την ακρίβεια ταξινόμησης.
Przywracanie pasa drogowego do poprzedniego stanu użyteczności w przypadku posiadania stosownego zezwolenia na zajęcie
Authors: Szafrańska Weronika
Published: August 2024

Autorka skoncentrowała się w niniejszym artykule na problematyce związanej z przywracaniem do poprzedniego stanu użyteczności pasa drogowego drogi publicznej po wykonanych robotach (umieszczeniu urządzenia). W praktyce działania organów stale zdarza się, że warunki przywrócenia pasa drogowego do poprzedniego stanu są błędnie zamieszczane w decyzji lokalizacyjnej, nie zaś w zezwoleniu na zajęcie pasa. Ponadto bardzo często organy nakładają na inwestorów (będących najczęściej adresatami zezwolenia na zajęcia pasa drogowego) warunki polegające w istocie na polepszeniu stanu pasa drogowego, nie zaś na przywróceniu do poprzedniego stanu. W publikacji skupiono się zatem także na definicji pojęcia przywracania do poprzedniego stanu użyteczności. W końcowej części pracy zwrócono uwagę na trudne w praktyce stosowanie dodanego do k.p.a. w 2023 r. przepisu art. 127 § 1a, który może sprawiać najwięcej problemów w stosowaniu właśnie wobec zezwoleń na zajęcie pasa drogowego i umieszczanych w nich klauzul dodatkowych.
Glosa do wyroku Wojewódzkiego Sądu Administracyjnego w Olsztynie z dnia 4 maja 2023 r., II SA/Ol 235/23
Authors: Zawacka-Klonowska Dominika
Published: August 2024

Wojewódzki Sąd Administracyjny w Olsztynie w wyroku z dnia 4 maja 2023r., II SA/Ol 235/23 orzekł, iż organ administracji publicznej w znaczeniu funkcjonalnym spełniając przesłanki zawarte w ustawie z dnia 6 września 2001 r. o dostępie do informacji publicznej jest obowiązany do udzielania informacji publicznej. W glosowanym wyroku Sąd słusznie stwierdził, iż dyrektor szkoły niepublicznej nie jest organem administracji publicznej w znaczeniu ustrojowym, lecz organem administracji publicznej w znaczeniu funkcjonalnym. Ponadto dyrektor szkoły niepublicznej nie jest organem władzy publicznej w rozumieniu ustawy o dostępie do informacji publicznej, co oznacza, że od jego decyzji odmawiającej udostępnienie informacji publicznej nie przysługuje odwołanie tylko wniosek o ponowne rozpatrzenie sprawy. Tym samym Sąd uznał wydaną przez organ założycielski decyzję administracyjną za rażąco naruszającą prawo i wydaną bez podstawy prawnej, gdyż nie był on uprawniony do rozpatrzenia odwołania od decyzji wydanej przez dyrektora szkoły niepublicznej.
Exploring Semantic Similarity among MUI Fatwas: A Computational Analysis using Generalized Jaccard Similarity
Authors: Hermawan Alfado Rafly , Jannah Shofa Wardatul
Published: August 2024

Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) plays a crucial role in the Islamic landscape of Indonesia, influencing religious discourse and societal norms. As a primary contributor to policy formulation and the issuance of Islamic fatwas, the MUI significantly impacts the lives of Muslims. However, challenges arise when certain fatwas exhibit similarities, necessitating deeper analysis to understand their differences. Despite limited prior research, there is an urgent need for a computational framework to comprehensively assess fatwa similarities. This study addresses this gap by employing the Generalized Jaccard Similarity method with WordNet, demonstrating its effectiveness compared to the Jaccard method with a 25.86% improvement in string matching quality for evaluating MUI fatwa titles. The Generalized Jaccard similarity analysis reveals that 73 documents exhibit similarity scores greater than 0.5, indicating significant resemblance, while 77,028 documents have scores less than 0.5, indicating lower similarity or dissimilarity. These figures reflect varying degrees of document similarity based on Generalized Jaccard.
‘Extended’ restricted kinematic alignment results in decreased residual medial gap tightness among osteoarthritic varus knees during robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Eachempati Krishna K. , Parameswaran Apurve , Ponnala Vinay K. , Sunil Apsingi , Sheth Neil P.
Published: August 2024

Aims

The aims of this study were: 1) to describe extended restricted kinematic alignment (E-rKA), a novel alignment strategy during robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA); 2) to compare residual medial compartment tightness following virtual surgical planning during RA-TKA using mechanical alignment (MA) and E-rKA, in the same set of osteoarthritic varus knees; 3) to assess the requirement of soft-tissue releases during RA-TKA using E-rKA; and 4) to compare the accuracy of surgical plan execution between knees managed with adjustments in component positioning alone, and those which require additional soft-tissue releases.

Methods

Patients who underwent RA-TKA between January and December 2022 for primary varus osteoarthritis were included. Safe boundaries for E-rKA were defined. Residual medial compartment tightness was compared following virtual surgical planning using E-rKA and MA, in the same set of knees. Soft-tissue releases were documented. Errors in postoperative alignment in relation to planned alignment were compared between patients who did (group A) and did not (group B) require soft-tissue releases.

Results

The use of E-rKA helped restore all knees within the predefined boundaries, with appropriate soft-tissue balancing. E-rKA compared with MA resulted in reduced residual medial tightness following surgical planning, in full extension (2.71 mm (SD 1.66) vs 5.16 mm (SD 3.10), respectively; p < 0.001), and 90° of flexion (2.52 mm (SD 1.63) vs 6.27 mm (SD 3.11), respectively; p < 0.001). Among the study population, 156 patients (78%) were managed with minor adjustments in component positioning alone, while 44 (22%) required additional soft-tissue releases. The mean errors in postoperative alignment were 0.53 mm and 0.26 mm among patients in group A and group B, respectively (p = 0.328).

Conclusion

E-rKA is an effective and reproducible alignment strategy during RA-TKA, permitting a large proportion of patients to be managed without soft-tissue releases. The execution of minor alterations in component positioning within predefined multiplanar boundaries is a better starting point for gap management than soft-tissue releases.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(8):628–636.
Adult-onset asthma morbidity and related economic costs in middle age due to intentional chronic absenteeism in high school: An epidemiologic study using the national longitudinal survey of youth 1979 data
Authors: Liao Zongqiang , Francis Neville , Brooks Kevin
Published: August 2024

Objective

Many authors examined the individual and societal impact of school absenteeism. Nevertheless, no empirical study has looked at the potential direct correlation between deliberate school absences and chronic illnesses in mid-adulthood. Our goal is to investigate any potential direct links between purposeful school absences and adult-onset asthma in middle age, as well as measure any associated costs of asthma.

Methods

Data were sourced from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, a nationally representative survey. The outcome measure was self-reported asthma in mid-adulthood. School records of absenteeism from grades nine through twelve were the key explanatory variables. Logistic regressions were performed with controls for demographic, economic and health variables. Predicted probabilities from the regressions were used to quantify costs of adult-onset asthma in middle age due to intentional high school absenteeism.

Results

More years of chronic absenteeism in high school were associated with higher risk of adult-onset asthma in middle age. Four years of chronic absenteeism in high school during the late 1970s through the early 1980s could potentially have incurred between $817 million to $1 billion of asthma related costs in 2002, when these students were in their mid-adulthood. These potential asthma related costs due to high school absenteeism are sizeable considering that this high school cohort only accounted for six percent of the U.S. population.

Conclusions

Reducing high school absenteeism could lower the incidence of adult-onset asthma in middle age, and its associated future economic burden.
Is the coupling and coordination of economic, social and environmental development crucial to the governance of relative poverty?
Authors: Huang Wei , Gao Shuhui , Hu Peiqi , Han Yue , Ding Shiyu
Published: August 2024

As the primary goal of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), poverty eradication is still one of the major challenges faced by countries around the world, and relative poverty is a comprehensive poverty pattern triggered by the superposition of economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Therefore, Therefore, this paper introduces the perspective of coupled coordination to consider the formation of relative poverty, constructs indicators in three major dimensions: economic, social, and environmental, proposes a fast and more accurate method of identifying relative poverty in a region by using machine learning, measures the degree of coupled coordination of China’s relatively poor provinces using a coupled coordination model and analyzes the relationship with the level of relative poverty, and puts forward suggestions for poverty management on this basis using typology classification. The results of the study show that: 1) the fusion of data crawlers, remote sensing space, and other multi-source data to construct the dataset and propose a fast and efficient regional relative poverty identification method based on big data with low comprehensive cost and high identification accuracy of 0.914. 2) Currently, 70.83% of the economic-social-environmental systems of the relatively poor regions are in the dysfunctional type and are in a state of disordered development and malignant constraints. The regions showing coupling disorders are mainly clustered in the three southern prefectures of Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, Yunnan, and Sichuan, and their spatial distribution is relatively concentrated. 3) The types of poverty and their coupled and coordinated development in each region show large spatial variability, requiring differentiated poverty eradication countermeasures tailored to local conditions to achieve sustainable regional economic-social-environmental development.
Model construction and thrombolytic treatment of rat portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Wang Zixiang , Su Chenguang , Liao Zheng , Li Zixin , Wang Jianli , Fu Shijie , Li Jian , Liu Jinlong
Published: August 2024

Objective

To construct a stable rat portal vein thrombosis (PVT) model and explore the time window of urokinase thrombolytic therapy on this basis.

Methods

Constructing a rat PVT model by combining anhydrous ethanol disruption of portal endothelium with stasis of blood flow. Forty-eight rats after PVT modeling were divided into control group and experimental group, with 24 rats in each group. The experimental and control groups were given urokinase treatment and saline tail vein injection, respectively. The two groups of rats were observed and compared for PVT formation at 1, 3 and 5 days after modeling, respectively.

Results

A stable rat PVT model was successfully constructed. No significant differences were found in PVT length, portal vein wet weight, and percentage of luminal occlusion area in the control rats at 1, 3, and 5 days after successful modeling (P > 0.05). Compared with control rats 1 day after modeling, the percentage of non-organized thrombus luminal area was significantly decreased (P < 0.0001), and the percentage of organized thrombus luminal area was significantly increased (P < 0.0001) in the PVTs of control rats at 3 and 5 days after modeling. After thrombolytic treatment with urokinase, plasma fibrinogen (FBG) levels were significantly decreased in the experimental group of rats compared with the control group (P < 0.0001), and plasma D-dimer (D2D) levels were significantly increased in the experimental group of rats compared with the control group (P < 0.0001). In addition, we observed prolongation of prothrombin time (PT) in the experimental group at 1, 3 and 5 days after modeling compared to the control group (P = 0.0001). Compared with the control group, portal vein wet weight and PVT length were significantly decreased in the experimental group of rats at 1 day after modeling (P < 0.05), whereas these differences were not found in the two groups of rats at 3 and 5 days after modeling (P > 0.05). The percentage of non-organized thrombus area in the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that in the control group at 1, 3, and 5 days after modeling (P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference in the percentage of lumen area of organized thrombus between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The method of producing a rat PVT model by destroying the endothelium of the portal vein by anhydrous ethanol combined with blood flow stasis is feasible and reproducible. In addition, the optimal time window for thrombolysis in the treatment of PVT in rats using urokinase is the early stage of thrombosis, when the fibrin content is highest.