bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and Pre-Clinical Models of Vacuum Assisted Closure
Authors: Orgill Dennis P. , McNulty Amy K.
Published: November 2022

Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) has changed how physicians treat complex and chronic wounds. For over 20 years, we have studied the mechanism of action of these devices in both an academic based research laboratory and in an industry-based laboratory.

We performed a literature review of the theoretical and pre-clinical published studies from the two labs which related to the biomechanics of open pore reticulated polyurethane interfaces.

The VAC device applies a direct mechanical interface to the wound surface. The interaction of the foam under suction with the wound surface causes surface deformation and cell stretch. The suction removes fluid from the tissues. There are increases in angiogenesis with better vessel morphology than standard dressings. The effect is dependent on the pore size of the foam, the pressure of application and the waveform of application. Undoubtedly, patient factors such as age, diabetes and radiation affect the response.

Pre-clinical studies can help in the design and optimization of mechanical-based wound healing devices. Current work on the effects of these devices on lymphatics and scarring are areas of active investigation.
Can a Wireless Full-HD Head Mounted Display System Improve Knee Arthroscopy Performance? - A Randomized Study Using a Knee Simulator
Authors: FANG Christian , MO Pinky , CHAN Holy , CHEUNG Jake , WONG Janus Siu Him , WONG Tak-Man , MAK Yan-Kit , CHING Kathine , HO Grace , LEUNG Frankie
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Our prototype wireless full-HD Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display (AR-HMD) aims to eliminate surgeon head turning and reduce theater clutter. Learning and performance versus TV Monitors (TVM) is evaluated in simulated knee arthroscopy.

Methods

19 surgeons and 19 novices were randomized into either the control group (A) or intervention group (B) and tasked to perform 5 simulated loose-body retrieval procedures on a bench-top knee arthroscopy simulator. A cross-over study design was adopted whereby subjects alternated between devices during trials 1-3, deemed the “Unfamiliar” phase, and then used the same device consecutively in trials 4-5, to assess performance in a more “Familiarized” state. Measured outcomes were time-to-completion and incidence of bead drops.

Results

In the unfamiliar phase, HMD had 67% longer mean time-to-completion than TVM (194.7 ± 152.6s vs 116.7 ± 78.7s, P < .001). Once familiarized, HMD remained inferior to TVM, with 48% longer completion times (133.8 ± 123.3s vs 90.6 ± 55s, P = .052). Cox regression revealed device type (OR = 0.526, CI 0.391-0.709, P < .001) and number of procedure repetitions (OR = 1.186, CI 1.072-1.311, P = .001) are significantly and independently related to faster time-to-completion. However, experience is not a significant factor (OR = 1.301, CI 0.971-1.741, P = .078). Bead drops were similar between the groups in both unfamiliar (HMD: 27 vs TVM: 22, P = .65) and familiarized phases (HMD: 11 vs TVM: 17, P = .97).

Conclusion

Arthroscopic procedures continue to be better performed under conventional TVM. However, similar quality levels can be reached by HMD when given more time. Given the theoretical advantages, further research into improving HMD designs is advocated.
Immersive Virtual Reality for Patient-Specific Preoperative Planning: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lan Lucy , Mao Randi Q. , Qiu Reva Y. , Kay Jeffrey , de Sa Darren
Published: November 2022

Background. Immersive virtual reality (iVR) facilitates surgical decision-making by enabling surgeons to interact with complex anatomic structures in realistic 3-dimensional environments. With emerging interest in its applications, its effects on patients and providers should be clarified. This systematic review examines the current literature on iVR for patient-specific preoperative planning. Materials and Methods. A literature search was performed on five databases for publications from January 1, 2000 through March 21, 2021. Primary studies on the use of iVR simulators by surgeons at any level of training for patient-specific preoperative planning were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, extracted data, and assessed quality using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD). Results were qualitatively synthesized, and descriptive statistics were calculated. Results. The systematic search yielded 2,555 studies in total, with 24 full-texts subsequently included for qualitative synthesis, representing 264 medical personnel and 460 patients. Neurosurgery was the most frequently represented discipline (10/24; 42%). Preoperative iVR did not significantly improve patient-specific outcomes of operative time, blood loss, complications, and length of stay, but may decrease fluoroscopy time. In contrast, iVR improved surgeon-specific outcomes of surgical strategy, anatomy visualization, and confidence. Validity, reliability, and feasibility of patient-specific iVR models were assessed. The mean QATSDD score of included studies was 32.9%. Conclusions. Immersive VR improves surgeon experiences of preoperative planning, with minimal evidence for impact on short-term patient outcomes. Future work should focus on high-quality studies investigating long-term patient outcomes, and utility of preoperative iVR for trainees.
Surveying the effects of concave obstacles with different edge walls on hollow glycerin droplet impacting using the volume of fluid approach
Authors: sayyari Hossein , Peiravi Mohammad Mohsen , Alinejad Javad
Published: November 2022

The numerical analysis of the impact of a hollow droplet on a solid concave obstacle at various heights of the edge wall and impact velocity is presented in this study. The Volume Of Fluid (VOF) approach was used to simulate hollow droplet impact using OpenFoam software. The Newtonian, incompressible, and laminar properties of the glycerin hollow droplet are assumed. Hollow droplet collision hydrodynamic behavior and jet characteristics were explored. The height of the counter jet rose as the impact velocity and height of the edge wall increased. Maximum height and length have happened to case 8 in t = 2 ms and case 3 in t = 1 ms, so the amount of it is 9.75 and 19.75 mm, minimum height and length in the last time computed is 1.4 and 2.73 mm for cases 1 and 7, respectively.
Randomized control trial of a decision aid for women considering elective egg freezing: The Eggsurance study protocol
Authors: Peate Michelle , Sandhu Sherine , Braat Sabine , Hart Roger , Norman Robert , Parle Anna , Lew Raelia , Hickey Martha
Published: November 2022

Background:

Uptake of elective egg freezing has increased globally. The decision to freeze eggs is complex, and detailed, unbiased information is needed. To address this, we developed an online Decision Aid for women considering elective egg freezing. Decision Aids are the standard of care to support complex health decisions.

Objectives:

This study will measure the impact of the Decision Aid on decision-making (e.g. decisional conflict, engagement in decision-making, distress, and decision delay) and decision quality (e.g. knowledge, level of informed choice, and regret).

Methods and Analysis:

A single-blinded two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Women considering elective egg freezing will be recruited using social media, newsletters, and fertility clinics. Data will be collected at baseline (recruitment), 6-month, and 12-month post-randomization. The primary hypothesis is that the intervention (Decision Aid plus Victorian Assisted Reproductive Technology Authority website) will reduce decisional conflict (measured using the Decisional Conflict Scale) at 12 months more than control (Victorian Assisted Reproductive Technology Authority website only). Secondary outcomes include engagement in decision-making (Perceived Involvement in Care Scale), distress (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), decision delay, knowledge, informed choice (Multi-dimensional Measure of Informed Choice), and decisional regret (Decisional Regret Scale).

Ethics:

The study was approved by the University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee (Ethics ID: 2056457). Informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to enrolment.

Discussion:

This is the first international randomized controlled trial that aims to investigate the effect of an elective egg freezing Decision Aid on decision-related outcomes (e.g. decisional conflict, informed choice, and regret). It is anticipated that participants who receive the Decision Aid will have better decision and health outcomes.

Registration details:

ACTRN12620001032943: Comparing different information resources on the process and quality of decision-making in women considering elective egg freezing.
Sex differences in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: From traditional risk factors to sex-specific risk factors
Authors: Kaur Gurleen , Lau Emily
Published: November 2022

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction has a higher prevalence in women versus men. There are several proposed mechanisms to explain this sex discrepancy including differences in cardiovascular adaptation to comorbidities and potential underlying etiologic mechanisms. In this review, we summarize sex differences in traditional risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, which contribute to the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in women. Furthermore, we explore female-specific risk factors, such as sex hormones, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and other reproductive factors, which may explain the predominance of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in women. Beyond sex differences in risk factors, there are also significant sex differences in outcomes with women reporting lower quality of life but overall better survival versus men. Finally, while treatment options for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction are still limited, sex differences have also been reported for the available therapies, with suggestion of preferential benefit of specific heart failure with preserved ejection fraction therapies in women. Further work is required to better understand sex differences in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, including deeper understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, derivation of more accurate risk stratification models, and increased representation of women in clinical trials.
Imperfect condition-based maintenance for a gamma degradation process in presence of unknown parameters
Authors: Corset Franck , Fouladirad Mitra , Paroissin Christian
Published: November 2022

A system subject to degradation is considered. The degradation is modelled by a gamma process. A condition-based maintenance policy with perfect corrective and an imperfect preventive actions is proposed. The maintenance cost is derived considering a Markov-renewal process. The statistical inference of the degradation and maintenance parameters by the maximum likelihood method is investigated. A sensibility analysis to different parameters is carried out and the perspectives are detailed.
An efficient approximate optimization algorithm and its application to non-probabilistic reliability importance measures
Authors: Song Rongyao , Yan Tong , Wang Xiaoyi , Wang Wenxuan
Published: November 2022

There are inevitably a large number of uncertainties in the actual engineering structures. How to measure the degree of influence of the uncertainty of input variables on structural response is an important issue in structural design. Global sensitivity analysis is an effective means of addressing this problem, in which, the non-probabilistic reliability sensitivity analysis method has received more attention because it is not restricted by the distribution type of random variables. However, the non-probabilistic importance analysis method requires optimization analysis to obtain the extreme values of the performance function, resulting in its application in practical engineering problems being somewhat limited. To address this problem, this paper firstly proposed an efficient optimization method based on the high-dimensional model decomposition and Taylor expansion series combined with the quadratic function; Secondly, the non-probabilistic reliability importance analysis method is improved based on the proposed optimization method; Finally, two numerical cases are utilized to illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method, and an engineering example is used to illustrate the engineering practicality of the proposed method. It was found that regardless of the value of the safety threshold, it affects only the non-probability reliability indicators and has little effect on the magnitude of the non-probability reliability importance indicators and the order of importance of the parameters.
A health economic evaluation of the unnecessary ordering of coagulation studies and blood grouping prior to elective surgery
Authors: Truong Tony , Mutavdzija Michael , Seglenieks Richard , Nathan Haran , Horton Richard
Published: November 2022

Unnecessary pathology tests add significant financial burden to health care expenditures while offering limited benefit to patients. Current guidelines do not support indiscriminate ordering of preoperative coagulation studies and ABO blood typing. We sought to estimate the incidence and financial cost of the indiscriminate ordering of these investigations in our institution. A single centre retrospective electronic chart review was performed in patients who underwent preoperative coagulation studies or ABO blood typing prior to elective surgery over a ten-month period. Using local evidence-based guidelines, only 9% of coagulation studies and 75% of ABO blood typing studies were indicated. The estimated cost of unnecessary tests in our cohort of 2688 patients was approximately AUD35,500. Interventions such as directed education and clinician feedback should be considered to combat the high incidence of indiscriminate ordering of preoperative coagulation studies and ABO blood typing.
Is it necessary to fix basal fractures of the ulnar styloid after anterior plate fixation of distal radius fractures? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Afifi Ahmed , Mansour Ayman
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the necessity for surgical fixation of basal fractures of the ulnar styloid without distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, after stabilization of associated distal radial fractures using an anterior plate. This single-centre, prospective, randomized controlled trial, conducted between 2015 to 2021, included 43 patients in each study arm who were randomized to either fixation (Group A) or non-operative treatment (Group B) of the ulnar styloid. The mean follow-up period was 24 months (SD 5.2) in Group A and 23.9 months (SD 5.5) in Group B. At the final follow-up, patients were evaluated by the Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand (DASH) score, the Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the grip strength, wrist range of motion. The DASH score was 6 (SD 2.6) in Group A and 6 (SD 2.4) in Group B; the MMWS was 87 (SD 5.6) in Group A and 87 (SD 5.6) in Group B; and the grip strength was 88% (SD 9.4) in Group A and 87% (SD 7.7) in Group B. In conclusion, fixation of basal ulnar styloid fractures is not mandatory if the DRUJ is stable after rigid fixation of the associated fracture of the distal radius.

Level of evidence: II
New Phenylethanoid and Other Compounds From Passiflora foetida L., With Their Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Van Linh Nguyen , Trung Tuong Nguyen , Xuan Phong Pham , Trang Do Thi , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Hoai An Do , Huu Tai Bui
Published: November 2022

Seven phenolic compounds, including a new phenylethanoid, named passifoside (1), and 6 previously described compounds, syringaresinol (2), berchemol (3), threo-guaiacylglycerol (4), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5), 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl- O- β-D-glucopyranoside (6), and trans- p-coumaric acid (7), were identified from the aerial parts of Passiflora foetida. Their chemical structures were elucidated from HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectral data, and comparison with the literature. Compound 2 inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 cells, showing an IC50 value of 9.45 ± 0.33 µM. The other compounds showed either weak or no significant activity compared to L-NMMA, which was used as a positive control.
The effect of party identification and party cues on populist attitudes
Authors: Ferrari Diogo
Published: November 2022

In recent years, a wave of populist leaders has emerged in many democratic countries, including the United States. Previous studies have argued that populist rhetoric matters for leaders’ electoral support because the public has populist attitudes, which are activated in contexts of failure of democratic governance or economic crises. This paper investigates the opposite causal direction and argues that people’s support for populist ideas can be an effect rather than a cause of leaders’ electoral support. People who support a candidate due to the candidate’s party affiliation or policy position tend to support or oppose populist or anti-populist messages if they learn that the candidate of the party they identify with supports that message. The paper investigates the argument with an experiment that randomly assigns (anti-)populist messages and a cue about the candidate that supports the message. The experiment shows that voters’ party identification largely affects support for both populist and anti-populist messages.
The revolution that did not happen: Telematics and car insurance in the 2010s
Authors: Francois Pierre , Voldoire Théo
Published: November 2022

Attempts to use Big Data to transform car insurance pricing in France have failed. Why? Three possible explanations are discussed: organisational and cognitive inertia, normative preventions, and deliberate strategy. This article finds that moral or political reluctance has played only a secondary role in the failure of telematics devices. More important has been the deployment of an experimental strategy that has resulted in the conclusion that in the short and medium term at least, the use of big data to rate car insurance is not profitable. There are too many organisational and cognitive barriers to the smooth adoption of innovation. All insurers note they all arrived at this conclusion. An implicit consensus therefore remains to retain the old business model.
Colonoscopy Following an Abnormal Fecal Test Result from an Annual Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in a Federally Qualified Health Center
Authors: Escaron Anne L. , Garcia Joanna , Petrik Amanda F. , Ruiz Esmeralda , Nyongesa Denis B. , Thompson Jamie H. , Coronado Gloria D.
Published: November 2022

Objective:

Individuals with an abnormal fecal immunochemical test (FIT) result have an elevated risk of colorectal cancer, and the risk increases if the follow-up colonoscopy is delayed. Of note, rates of follow-up colonoscopy are alarmingly low in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), US health care settings that serve a majority racial and ethnic minority patient population. We assessed factors associated with colonoscopy after an abnormal FIT result and used chart-abstracted data to assess reasons (including process measures) for lack of follow-up as part of an annual, mailed-FIT outreach program within a large, Latino-serving FQHC.

Methods:

As part of the National Institutes of Health-funded PROMPT study, we identified patients with an abnormal FIT result and used logistic regression to assess associations between patient demographics and receipt of follow-up colonoscopy, controlling for patients’ preferred language. We report on time (days) to referral and time to colonoscopy. For charts with an abnormal FIT result but no evidence of colonoscopy, we performed a manual abstraction and obtained the reason for the absence of colonoscopy. When there was no evidence of colonoscopy in a patient’s electronic health record (EHR), we performed an automated query of the administrative claims database to identify colonoscopy outcomes.

Results:

We identified 324 patients with abnormal FIT results from July to October 2018. These patients were mostly publicly insured (Medicaid 53.1%, Medicare 14.5%), 81.8% were aged 50 to 64 years, 55.3% were female, 80.3% were Hispanic/Latino, and 67.3% preferred to speak Spanish. We found that 108/324 (33.3%) patients completed colonoscopy within 12 months, and the median time to colonoscopy was 94 days (IQR: 68-176). Common barriers to colonoscopy completion, obtained from chart-abstracted data, were: no documentation following referral to gastrointestinal (GI) specialist or GI consultation (41.6%), no referral to GI specialist following abnormal fecal test (34.2%), and absence of a valid insurance authorization (6.5%).

Conclusions:

Multi-level strategies are needed to provide optimal care across the cancer continuum for FQHC patients. In order to reduce the risk of CRC and realize the return on fecal testing investment, concerted system-level efforts are urgently needed to improve rates of follow-up colonoscopy among FQHC patients and redress racial and ethnic disparities in CRC screening outcomes.
Restrictions on Pakistani Female Students’ Participation in Sports: A Statistical Model of Constraints
Authors: Ge Yi , Zhang Qi , Wang Miao , Zhang Lei , Shi Shusheng , Laar Rizwan Ahmed
Published: November 2022

Previous studies have made a significant contribution to the modeling of constraints on women’s sports participation, including religious and cultural issues, gender inequality, and socio-cultural restrictions, especially in Muslim countries. However, there is still a knowledge gap in this field. Using the survey method with stratified random sampling (strata), data were collected from the colleges of four provinces in Pakistan. After eliminating defective (missing data and duplication) samples, 687 valid questionnaires were retained. The eight most common influencing factors for sports participation among Pakistani female students were then incorporated into a constraints model in the context of feminism in sports theory, which was validated using AMOS 24. The results suggested the following measures: introducing sports activities and female coaches in schools; the government provision of female-only facilities; removing the misconception that Islam is an anti-sports religion; raising awareness among female students and their parents about sports benefits; and using the concept of negotiation to overcome these constraints. According to the results of the present study, we conclude that providing women-only facilities, spreading the correct meaning of religion (Islam), and raising awareness among women and their parents could enhance female students’ sports participation in Pakistan to a great extent.
Comparison of Safety and Perioperative Outcomes Between Patient-specific Template-Guided and Fluoroscopic-Assisted Freehand Lumbar Screw Placement Using Cortical Bone Trajectory Technique
Authors: Matsukawa Keitaro , Kaito Takashi , Abe Yuichiro
Published: November 2022

Study Design

Non-randomized prospective controlled study

Objectives

To compare the safety and perioperative outcomes between patient-specific template-guided and fluoroscopic-assisted freehand techniques in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using cortical bone trajectory (CBT).

Methods

The subjects consisted of 94 consecutive patients who underwent single-level TLIF using CBT. The standard trajectory was set so as to start from the pars interarticularis, pass the inferior border of the pedicle, and end around the middle of the vertebral endplate. Template guide technique was performed in 66 patients (Guide group), and fluoroscopic-assisted freehand technique was performed in 28 patients (Freehand group). Intraoperative parameters, screw placement accuracy, and complications were compared between the two techniques.

Results

The Guide group had significantly shorter operative and radiation exposure times than the Freehand group (operative time 84.6 ± 16.7 vs 93.0 ± 15.0 minutes; P = .023, radiation exposure time 7.0 ± 6.0 vs 20.4 ± 11.8 seconds; P < .001, respectively). The screw diameter and the screw insertion depth in the vertebra in the Guide group were significantly greater than those in the Freehand group. The degree and incidence of facet joint violation were comparable between the two groups, while the accuracy of screw placement was significantly different, with no perforation rate of 97.7% in the Guide group vs 82.1% in the Freehand group ( P < .001). No significant difference was found in the rate of clinically relevant complications between the two groups.

Conclusions

The template-guided technique provided a safe and highly accurate option for CBT screw placement.
Health Technology Assessment of Telemedicine Interventions in Diabetes Management: Evidence from UAE
Authors: Mishra Vinaytosh , Singh Jagroop
Published: November 2022

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) has become an important prerequisite for funding and approval of technology across the globe. The objective of this study is to perform HTA for a different level of telemedicine (TM) intervention in the management of diabetes. The study performs HTA for three-level of TM interventions: in-person care, hybrid care and pure telecare. The study uses a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) tool, Analytic Hierarchy Process-Entropy (AHPE) for the evaluation of three levels of intervention on four criteria, namely, cost-effectiveness, clinical effectiveness, the safety of use and ease of use. The study uses a focus group containing 12 experts working in the United Arab Emirates. The results suggest that TM is yet to replace in-person care (0.52) as a preferred mode of care. The study indicates that hybrid care (0.31) is preferred over pure telecare (0.17). Out of the four criteria used for HTA, clinical effectiveness (0.49) was found most important followed by safety during use (0.37), cost-effectiveness (0.12) and ease of use (0.06). The study provides an approach for use of multi-criteria decision-making in HTA. It also advocates the phased approach of the adoption of remote care in healthcare. The study of this finding is useful for healthcare administrators and policymakers.
Regulatory and Ethical Aspects of Orthobiologic Therapies
Authors: Murray Iain R. , Chahla Jorge , Wordie Sarah J. , Shapiro Shane A. , Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Frank Rachel M. , Halbrecht Joanne , Okada Kiyoshi , Nakamura Norimasa , Mandelbaum Bert , Dragoo Jason L. ,   the Biologics Association, Borg-Stein Joanne , Anz Adam , Gobbi Alberto , Gomoll Andreas H. , Cole Brian J. , Lattermann Christian , Chu Constance , Grande Daniel A. , Saris Daniel B.F. , Flanigan David , Kon Elizaveta , Muschler George F. , Malanga Gerard A. , Dummer Greg , Farr Jack , Tokish John M. , Spindler Kurt P. , Horsch Kay , Zaslav Ken , McIntyre Louis F. , Sgaglione Nicholas A. , Sherman Seth L. , Rodeo Scott , Awan Tariq M. , Vangsness C. Thomas
Published: November 2022

Orthobiologic therapies show significant promise to improve outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal pathology. There are considerable research efforts to develop strategies that seek to modulate the biological environment to promote tissue regeneration and healing and/or provide symptomatic relief. However, the regulatory pathways overseeing the clinical translation of these therapies are complex, with considerable worldwide variation. The introduction of novel biologic treatments into clinical practice raises several ethical dilemmas. In this review, we describe the process for seeking approval for biologic therapies in the United States, Europe, and Japan. We highlight a number of ethical issues raised by the clinical translation of these treatments, including the design of clinical trials, monitoring outcomes, biobanking, “off-label” use, engagement with the public, marketing of unproven therapies, and scientific integrity.
Complications of Elbow Arthroscopic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmed Abdulaziz F. , Alzobi Osama Z. , Hantouly Ashraf T. , Toubasi Ammar , Farsakoury Rana , Alkhelaifi Khalid , Zikria Bashir
Published: November 2022

Background:

Elbow arthroscopic surgery has been popularized and has made significant progress during the past 3 decades. The elbow joint is relatively small and is in close proximity to many neurovascular structures. These factors make elbow arthroscopic surgery technically demanding and liable to complications.

Purpose:

To evaluate the rate of complications after elbow arthroscopic surgery.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed to perform this systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched up to July 2021. All clinical studies that reported complications after elbow arthroscopic surgery were included; a total of 1208 articles were initially found. Case reports, reviews, abstracts, imaging studies, technique studies, nonclinical studies, and those not reporting postoperative complications were excluded. Complication rates were pooled across studies and reported as percentages. Complications were expressed as weighted proportions with 95% CIs.

Results:

A total of 95 studies (14,289 elbows) were included in the meta-analysis. The overall weighted complication rate was 11.0% (95% CI, 8.8%-13.5%), with postoperative stiffness being the most commonly encountered complication (4.5% [95% CI, 2.1%-7.6%]; 158/8818 procedures). The second most encountered complication was the need for subsequent surgery with a weighted proportion of 4.1% (95% CI, 2.9%-5.6%; 177/8853 procedures) followed by nerve injury with a weighted proportion of 3.4% (95% CI, 2.6%-4.3%; 267/13,725 procedures). The ulnar nerve was the most commonly injured nerve (2.6% [95% CI, 1.9%-3.4%]; 123/6290 procedures).

Conclusion:

The results of this study showed that elbow arthroscopic surgery is a relatively safe procedure with low complication rates.
The Family Consequences of Terrorism: The Effects of the Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack on Marital Formation and Dissolution
Authors: Kamada Takuma
Published: November 2022

Research on the effects of disruptive events on family-related decision making provides competing predictions with different channels, and the available evidence is mixed. This study focuses on the Tokyo subway sarin attack in 1995, the most disastrous terrorist attack in modern Japanese history. The findings indicate that in the years following the sarin attack, marriage and divorce rates decreased in areas served by the affected subway lines relative to areas not served by them within the Tokyo metropolis. The effects do not appear to be driven by a change in population compositions. The negative effects of the sarin attack on marriage and divorce are weaker in areas with higher social welfare expenditures. The findings are consistent with the perspective that the sarin attack triggered perceived uncertainty, such that people adhered to their status quo; with the availability of social welfare, they perceived the impact as less pervasive.
Quality of life and coping strategies used by parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Oman
Authors: ALBusaidi Alya Mohammed Said , ALMasroori Salima Ali Saud , Awladthani Balqees Mohammed Said , ALKhaldi Sumaiya Abdullah , Al Alawi Noof , Al Salmani Asma Ali
Published: November 2022

Objective

Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can have a significant impact on quality of life (QOL). This study was conducted to assess the QOL and coping strategies of parents of children with ASD in Oman.

Method

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Masarra psychiatric hospital. Telephone interviews were conducted with the parents of all children diagnosed with ASD and attending Al-Masarra Hospital between January 2018 and October 2021. Data were collected using the Ways of Coping Checklist-Revised and World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-Brief.

Results

A total of 304 parents participated in the study (response rate: 100%), of which 59.5% were female. The mean age of the parents and children with ASD was 40.4 ± 6.9 and 8.4 ± 2.3 years, respectively. Most children with ASD were male (78.3%) and entirely dependent upon their parents (18.1%). Seeking social support was the most common coping strategy (75.53 ± 13.99), while escape avoidance was the least common (51.78 ± 8.04). Most parents (48.7%) rated their QOL as good to very good, with acceptable scores in the psychological (70.92 ± 11.22) and social (73.27 ± 11.46) domains, borderline in the physical health domain (63.51 ± 7.77), and poor in the environmental domain (58.31 ± 11.00).

Conclusions

Omani parents of children with ASD utilize various coping strategies, with coping skills considered a positive index for mental health in general. No significant differences were observed between Omani fathers and mothers in terms of QOL or coping strategies.
Unrest in the Forest and Ethnocide of the Gothi-Koya Tribes in India
Authors: Pathak Keyoor , Subudhi Chittranjan , Md Tajuddin
Published: November 2022

The story is of IDP (internally displaced people), particularly of the Gothi-Koya communities, who were compelled to escape from the forests of Chhattisgarh, and are now arbitrarily residing in the deep forests of Telangana State. Their arrival took place specifically during the period of Salva–Judum. Following the debates and demands of human rights activists and intellectuals in connection with the over-violence and illegitimacy of the armed-squad, the Supreme Court of India outlawed it later. The article is based on around a month visit, in the year 2019, to these regions namely Kornapalli, Kristadampadu village of Cherla Block and Pushkunta village of Dammapet Block of Bhadradri Kothagudem District in Telangana. These regions are flanked by dense forests and have been highly sensitive because of their connection with Naxalite movements, and the settlements of the Koyas are scattered, so the researchers had to face various challenges in investigating the issues on a wider scale over there. Researchers made conversation with the displaced people along with the government officials to probe the issue and experienced their plight in their observation.
Intergenerational Educational and Occupational Mobility across Caste Groups in West Bengal
Authors: Mondal Sandip
Published: November 2022

Intragenerational and intergenerational mobility are two important parameters of social mobility. The study of educational and occupational mobility across caste groups will help to understand how caste affiliation influences the pattern of intergenerational mobility. The data from India Human Development Survey 2012 has been used in this study which collects data on fathers’ and sons’ educational and occupational information. This study uses mobility matrices and aggregate measures based on them to understand the son’s position with respect to the father’s position. It is evident from this study that educational and occupational mobility in Bengal is associated with the social position of the caste groups. In comparison to the other castes, the Forward caste has a higher proportion of sons who have completed higher education. In comparison to the other caste groups, the sons of the Forward caste experienced the least downward mobility in education. On the other hand, upward mobility is highest among the Forward caste and lowest among the OBC. The caste-based pattern is also prevalent in downward mobility, immobility and upward mobility in occupation. The sons of the Forward caste had the greatest upward mobility, followed by SC and OBC. On the contrary, down mobility is highest for the SC’s son followed by the OBC and Forward caste. It is quite clear that caste does matter and matters deeply in Bengal’s socio-economic landscape.
A Qualitative Study of the Tici of  Dongba He Nianheng in Baidi
Authors: Bai Xiaoli , Pi Mengxin
Published: November 2022

Recently, researchers have shown an increased interest in Dongba secular documents whereby scholars can carry out ground-breaking research on Dongba script and Naxi culture. The Dongba Tici is of great significance in Dongba secular written records, which play an invaluable role in daily life for Naxi people. In previous studies of the Dongba Tici, the different types of the Dongba Tici have been found to be written for people, for institutions, for meetings, for the commemoration of tours and journeys, and so on. So far, however, there remains a paucity of research on the Dongba Tici, which was written by Dongba religious priests for themselves. In this study, we draw on a linguistic approach to exploring Baidi He Nianheng’s Tici written in Dongba script. The results indicate that He Nianheng, one of the Dongba religious priests in Baidi, showed responsibility for being a Dongba shaman in his later years and conveyed his deep feelings about a sense of living on borrowed time in his Dongba Tici. In addition, we also find a new Dongba pictogram and several unusual variants of Dongba pictograms, which can be added to the reference books of Dongba script.
Prevalence and Predictors of Prescription of Family-Focused Treatment in Child Welfare
Authors: Winters Andrew M. , Verbist Alton Nathan , Antle Becky F. , Collins-Camargo Crystal , Logsdon Ashley R. , Purdy Lisa
Published: November 2022

Engaging families in the behavioral health assessment process for child welfare-involved youth is a best practice standard in obtaining vital information about the context affecting their safety, permanency, and wellbeing. As family functioning plays a role in successful reunification for youth out-of-home care (OOHC), family engagement may also increase the likelihood of buy-in, clinical treatment participation and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between standardized assessment domains of child and family needs and the prescription of family-focused treatment. Results suggest that there were overall low rates of prescription of family-focused treatment. There were significant differences in the prescription of family-focused treatment based on youth identified trauma, behavioral, emotional and family needs. Despite the impact of family functioning on placement, the low rate of prescribed family-focused treatment may reflect barriers such as communication and collaboration between providers, distance between family and placement, or a siloed approach to treating children in OOHC separate from their families. Approaches to address these barriers are discussed.
The Compassionate Communities Connectors model for end-of-life care: implementation and evaluation
Authors: Aoun Samar M. , Richmond Robyn , Gunton Kerry , Noonan Kerrie , Abel Julian , Rumbold Bruce
Published: November 2022

Objectives:

This pilot project aimed to develop, implement and evaluate a model of care delivered by community volunteers, called Compassionate Communities Connectors. The Connectors’ principal task was to support people living with advanced life-limiting illnesses or palliative care needs by enhancing their supportive networks with Caring Helpers enlisted from the local community.

Methods:

The project was undertaken in Western Australia, 2020–2022. A mixed methods research design incorporated a prospective cohort longitudinal design with two cross-sectional measurements, pre- and post-intervention. The primary outcome was the effect of the intervention on social connectedness. Secondary outcomes were the effect of the intervention on unmet practical or social needs and support from social networks, and the self-reported impact of the programme on social wellbeing such as coping with daily activities, access to formal services, community links, social activity and reducing social isolation.

Results:

Twenty Connectors were trained but 13 participated; 43 patients participated but 30 completed the study. Over half of these patients lived alone and 80% of their needs were in the social domain. There were significant improvements in social connectedness, reflected in reduced social isolation, better coping with daily activities and a two-fold increase in supportive networks. The programme was able to address gaps that formal services could not, particularly for people who lived alone, or were socially isolated in more rural communities that are out of the frequent reach of formal services.

Conclusions:

This project led to an ongoing programme that has been incorporated by the health service as ‘business as usual’, demonstrating rapid translation into practice. It has laid solid grounds for community capacity building with successful measurable outcomes in line with reports on similar programmes. Ongoing work is focused on replication in other communities to help them establish a similar model of care that better integrates formal and informal networks.
Evaluating Weight Loss With Semaglutide in Elderly Patients With Type II Diabetes
Authors: Huynh Grace , Runeberg Haley , Weideman Rick
Published: November 2022

Background: Semaglutide is an effective agent indicated for type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment and weight management. It is unknown if the magnitude of weight loss differs significantly between nonelderly (18-64 years old) and elderly (≥65 years old) patients diagnosed with T2DM. Objective: To determine whether there is a significant difference in percent weight loss between elderly and nonelderly Veterans diagnosed with T2DM and initiating semaglutide. Methods: This institutional review board-approved retrospective cohort study conducted at the VA North Texas Health Care System included adult Veterans with T2DM initiating semaglutide. Veterans with medications, procedures, or conditions that could significantly affect weight were excluded. The primary endpoint was the difference in percent weight loss 3 months after initiating semaglutide. Secondary endpoints were differences in percent weight loss at 6 months and differences of kilogram weight loss at 3 and 6 months. Safety outcomes were significant adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with semaglutide. Results: In total, 177 Veterans were analyzed (n = 111 elderly, n = 66 nonelderly). For the primary endpoint, elderly Veterans lost a mean of 2.02% body weight versus 2.25% in the nonelderly with a mean difference of 0.23% (95% CI, –1.03% to 1.48%; P = 0.72). Secondary endpoints were also not statistically significant. Significant ADEs were gastrointestinal-related, leading to drug discontinuation or dose reduction. Conclusion: Weight loss differences between elderly and nonelderly Veterans diagnosed with T2DM initiating semaglutide were not statistically significant. Age may not be a robust predictor of semaglutide’s influence on weight.
Inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Bafadhel Mona , Faner Rosa , Taillé Camille , Russell Richard E.K. , Welte Tobias , Barnes Peter J. , Agustí Alvar
Published: November 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has caused severe illness and mortality for millions worldwide. Despite the development, approval and rollout of vaccination programmes globally to prevent infection by SARS-CoV-2 and the development of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), treatments are still urgently needed to improve outcomes. Early in the pandemic it was observed that patients with pre-existing asthma or COPD were underrepresented among those with COVID-19. Evidence from clinical studies indicates that the inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) routinely taken for asthma and COPD could have had a protective role in preventing severe COVID-19 and, therefore, may be a promising treatment for COVID-19. This review summarises the evidence supporting the beneficial effects of ICS on outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and explores the potential protective mechanisms.
Characterization of Domestication Loci Associated with Awn Development in Rice
Authors: Luong Ngoc Ha , Balkunde Sangshetty G. , Shim Kyu-Chan , Adeva Cheryl , Lee Hyun-Sook , Kim Hyun-Jung , Ahn Sang-Nag
Published: November 2022

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a widely studied domesticated model plant. Seed awning is an unfavorable trait during rice harvesting and processing. Hence, loss of awn was one of the target characters selected during domestication. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying awn development in rice are not well understood. In this study, we analyzed and characterized the genes for awn development using a mapping population derived from a cross between the Korean indica cultivar ‘Milyang23’ and a near-isogenic line NIL4/9 derived from a cross between ‘Hwaseong’ and Oryza minuta. Two quantitative trait loci (QTLs), qAwn4 and qAwn9, mapped on chromosomes 4 and 9, respectively, increased awn length in an additive manner. Through comparative sequencing analyses of the parental lines, LABA1 was determined as the causal gene underlying qAwn4. qAwn9 was mapped to a 199-kb physical region between markers RM24663 and RM24679. Within this interval, 27 annotated genes were identified, and five genes, including a basic leucine zipper transcription factor 76 (OsbZIP76), were considered as candidate genes for qAwn9 based on their functional annotations and sequence variations. Haplotype analysis using the candidate gene revealed tropical-japonica specific sequence variants in the qAwn9 region, which partly explains the non-detection of qAwn9 in previous studies that used progenies from interspecific crosses. This provides further evidence that OsbZIP76 is possibly a causal gene for qAwn9. The O. minuta qAwn9 allele was identified as a major QTL, providing an important molecular target for understanding the genetic control of awn development in rice. Our results lay the foundation for further cloning of the awn gene underlying qAwn9.
Scalable transcriptomics analysis with Dask: applications in data science and machine learning
Authors: Moreno Marta , Vilaça Ricardo , Ferreira Pedro G.
Published: November 2022

Background

Gene expression studies are an important tool in biological and biomedical research. The signal carried in expression profiles helps derive signatures for the prediction, diagnosis and prognosis of different diseases. Data science and specifically machine learning have many applications in gene expression analysis. However, as the dimensionality of genomics datasets grows, scalable solutions become necessary.

Methods

In this paper we review the main steps and bottlenecks in machine learning pipelines, as well as the main concepts behind scalable data science including those of concurrent and parallel programming. We discuss the benefits of the Dask framework and how it can be integrated with the Python scientific environment to perform data analysis in computational biology and bioinformatics.

Results

This review illustrates the role of Dask for boosting data science applications in different case studies. Detailed documentation and code on these procedures is made available at https://github.com/martaccmoreno/gexp-ml-dask.

Conclusion

By showing when and how Dask can be used in transcriptomics analysis, this review will serve as an entry point to help genomic data scientists develop more scalable data analysis procedures.