bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The critical role of m6A methylation in the pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy
Authors: Zhu Li , Li Siyan , He Shikun , Tong Qizhe , Wang Lejin , Li Xiaohua , Wu Xi , Meng Qingyu , Jin Enzhong , Zhang Chuan , Li Tianyuan , Xu Ningda , Huang Lvzhen , Wang Yi , Zhao Mingwei
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To investigate the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in the pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO).

Methods

Surgically excised extraocular muscles from 7 patients with GO and 5 subjects without GO were used. The global m6A levels in the specimens were determined using an m6A RNA methylation quantification kit. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to analyze the molecules involved in the regulation of m6A RNA methylation and the differential expression of mRNAs between the two groups (4 eyes, respectively). The expression of m6A RNA modification genes was evaluated by real-time PCR. The functional implications of the gene alterations between the GO and control specimens were determined by Gene Ontology analysis.

Results

The m6A level was significantly increased in the specimens of GO patients compared to the control specimens (P < 0.05). The expression of m6A methylation regulators, such as WT1 associated protein (WTAP), alkylation repair homolog protein 5 (ALKBH5), E74 like ETS transcription factor 3 (ELF3), YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2), YTHDF3 and YTH domain containing 2 (YTHDC2), was significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that the most highly upregulated genes and biological pathways were related to the immune response and inflammatory processes such as lymphocyte activation, leukocyte differentiation, cytokine production and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that m6A methylation may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of GO and that targeting genes that regulate m6A methylation may provide a new therapeutic approach for GO.
Family perspectives of COVID-19 research
Authors: Vanderhout Shelley M. , Birken Catherine S. , Wong Peter , Kelleher Sarah , Weir Shannon , Maguire Jonathon L.
Published: November 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has uniquely affected children and families by disrupting routines, changing relationships and roles, and altering usual child care, school and recreational activities. Understanding the way families experience these changes from parents’ perspectives may help to guide research on the effects of COVID-19 among children.

Main body

As a multidisciplinary team of child health researchers, we assembled a group of nine parents to identify concerns, raise questions, and voice perspectives to inform COVID-19 research for children and families. Parents provided a range of insightful perspectives, ideas for research questions, and reflections on their experiences during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Including parents as partners in early stages of COVID-19 research helped determine priorities, led to more feasible data collection methods, and hopefully has improved the relevance, applicability and value of research findings to parents and children.
Retracted articles in rehabilitation: just the tip of the iceberg? A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Bordino Marco , Ravizzotti Elisa , Vercelli Stefano
Published: November 2020

Background and aim

The volume of withdrawn publications in scholarly disciplines has grown steadily, but there is little awareness about this issue in rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to analyze the extent of retracted articles pertaining to rehabilitation.

Methods

Retracted articles were searched in 4 different bibliographic databases from their inception to April 2020: PubMed, Web of Science, WikiLetters and Retraction Watch. Three independent reviewers assessed the relevance of the retrieved articles to the rehabilitation area.

Results

Of 280 rehabilitation-related publications retracted between 1984 and 2020, 83 (29.6%) were published in 55 full open access journals and 197 (70.4%) were published in 147 traditional, non-open access or hybrid journals. In the last 10 years (2009–2018) there was a significant steady increase in both the total number of retractions (p < 0.005; r = 0.856; R2 = 0.733) and retraction rate per year (p < 0.05; r = 0.751; R2 = 0.564). However, the number of retractions represents a very small percentage (~ 0.1%) of the overall volume of publications in rehabilitation.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that the number of retracted articles in rehabilitation is increasing, although the phenomenon is still limited. However, the true prevalence of misconduct may go unnoticed due to the large number of low-quality journals not indexed in the searched databases. Physiotherapists should be aware of the danger of misleading information originating from withdrawn publications.
Evaluating the safety of early surgery for ruptured intracranial aneurysms in patients with long-term aspirin use: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Li Maogui , Yang Shuzhe , Liu Qingyuan , Guo Rui , Wu Jun , Cao Yong , Wang Shuo
Published: November 2020

Background

Early microsurgical clipping is recommended for ruptured intracranial aneurysms to prevent rebleeding. However, dilemma frequently occurs when managing patients with current acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) use. This study aimed to examine whether aspirin use was associated with worse outcomes after early surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Methods

We retrieved a consecutive series of 215 patients undergoing early microsurgical clipping within 72 h after aneurysmal rupture from 2012 to 2018 in the neurosurgery department of Beijing Tiantan Hospital. The medical records of each case were reviewed. Twenty-one patients had a history of long-term aspirin use before the onset of aSAH, and 194 patients did not. To reduce confounding bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance some characteristics of the two groups. The intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hemorrhagic events, postoperative hospital stay, and functional outcome at discharge were compared between aspirin and non-aspirin group.

Results

We matched all the 21 patients in aspirin group with 42 patients in non-aspirin group (1:2). Potential confounding factors were corrected between the two groups by PSM. No hospital mortality occurred after surgery. No significant differences were found in intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.540), postoperative hemorrhagic events (P > 0.999), postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.715), as well as functional outcome at discharge (P = 0.332) between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results showed that long-term low-dose aspirin use was not associated with worse outcomes. Early surgery can be safe for ruptured intracranial aneurysms in patients with long-term aspirin use.
Place of food cooking is associated with acute respiratory infection among under-five children in Ethiopia: multilevel analysis of 2005–2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey data
Authors: Geremew Abraham , Gebremedhin Selamawit , Mulugeta Yohannes , Yadeta Tesfaye Assebe
Published: November 2020

Background

Globally, acute respiratory infections are among the leading causes of under-five child mortality, especially in lower-income countries; it is associated with indoor exposure to toxic pollutants from solid biomass fuel. In Ethiopia, 90% of the population utilizes solid biomass fuel; respiratory illness is a leading health problem. However, there is a paucity of nationally representative data on the association of household cooking place and respiratory infections. Besides, evidence on the variability in the infection based on the data collected at different times is limited. Therefore, this study is intended to assess the association of food cooking place with acute respiratory infections and the variability in households and surveys.

Methods

The current analysis is based on the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data collected in 2005, 2011, and 2016 and obtained via online registration. The association of food cooking place with acute respiratory infection was assessed using multilevel modeling after categorizing all factors into child level and survey level, controlling them in a full model. The analyses accounted for a complex survey design using a Stata command “svy.”

Result

A total of 30,895 under-five children were included in this study, of which 3677 (11.9%) children had an acute respiratory infection, with 12.7% in 2005, 11.9% in 2011, and 11.1% in 2016. The risk of having an infection in under-five children in households that cooked food outdoors was 44% lower (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.40, 0.75) compared to those households that cooked the food inside the house. There was a statistically significant difference among the children among surveys to have an acute respiratory infection.

Conclusion

The risk of having children with acute respiratory infection is lower in the households of cooking food outdoor compared to indoor. The infection difference in different surveys suggests progress in the practices in either food cooking places or the fuel types used that minimize food cooking places location or the fuel types used that minimizes the risk. But, the infection is still high; therefore, measures promoting indoor cooking in a well-ventilated environment with alternative energy sources should take place.
Sudden unexpected death after acute symptomatic seizures in a patient on mechanical ventilation
Authors: Martinez Raisa C. , Issa Naoum P. , Wu Shasha , Liu Xi , Rose Sandra , Tao James X.
Published: November 2020

Background

The mechanism of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy remains poorly understood. Seizure induced cardiac arrhythmia, central and obstructive apneas have been proposed as possible causes of death. Here we report a unique case of seizure related sudden unexpected death in a patient whose airway was fully protected by intubation and mechanic ventilation in the absence of fatal cardiac arrhythmia.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old woman was undergoing mechanical ventilation and video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring following two convulsive seizures with ictal hypoventilation and hypoxemia. Several hours after intubation, she suffered another generalized tonic clonic seizure lasted for 3 min and developed postictal generalized EEG suppression in the presence of stable vital signs with SpO2 > 90%. EEG suppression persisted throughout the postictal phase. There was a significant fluctuation of systolic blood pressure between 50 and 180 mmHg with several bouts of hypotension < 60 mmHg. She remained unresponsive after the convulsive seizure and died of diffuse cerebral edema 12 h later. Autopsy revealed no clear cause of death, except for possible hypoxic and ischemic injury leading to the diffuse cerebral edema.

Conclusion

Given the reliable periictal airway protection, neither seizure induced central apnea nor obstructive apnea appeared to be the direct cause of death in this unique case. In the absence of fatal cardiac arrhythmia, diffuse cerebral edema secondary to seizure-induced autonomic dysfunction, hypotension and hypoxemia might be the cause of death, highlighting the etiological heterogeneity of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
Sequential conversion from line defects to atomic clusters in monolayer WS2
Authors: Ryu Gyeong Hee , Chan Ren-Jie
Published: November 2020

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), which is composed of a transition metal atom and chalcogen ion atoms, usually form vacancies based on the knock-on threshold of each atom. In particular, when electron beam is irradiated on a monolayer TMD such as MoS2 and WS2, S vacancies are formed preferentially, and they are aligned linearly to constitute line defects. And then, a hole is formed at the point where the successively formed line defects collide, and metal clusters are also formed at the edge of the hole. This study reports a process in which the line defects formed in a monolayer WS2 sheet expends into holes. Here, the process in which the W cluster, which always occurs at the edge of the formed hole, goes through a uniform intermediate phase is explained based on the line defects and the formation behavior of the hole. Further investigation confirms the atomic structure of the intermediate phase using annular dark field scanning transition electron microscopy (ADF-STEM) and image simulation.
Tribes and Towns: What Historians Still Get Wrong about the Roanoke Ventures
Authors: Oberg Michael Leroy
Published: November 2020

The Theodor De Bry map of the coast of today’s North Carolina has exerted an unfortunate influence over how historians and anthropologists have described and understood the indigenous Algonquian communities of the Outer Banks and the coast of today’s North Carolina, and so how they have interpreted Sir Walter Ralegh’s colonizing ventures. The map is the bedrock on which many scholars have erected their own interpretations of the indigenous polities of the coastal Carolina region. The “tribes” etched by De Bry and described by subsequent scholars, in other words, seldom appear as meaningful entities in the surviving records. By tracing their imagined course, by adding to and elaborating on a map that reflected the biases and preconceptions of European observers, one risks missing much indeed and imposing on the region’s native peoples frameworks of social organization that most likely would have struck them as utterly foreign and wrong.
Indigenous Slavery from Out on the Edge
Authors: van Deusen Nancy E.
Published: November 2020

This article is a call to render the rare modicums, odd classifications, and normalization of indigenous slave practices in documents legible and then magnify them and connect them to broader considerations of slavery. Statistical anomalies and unusual stories found in archives are, in fact, central to the assessments of the enormity and depth of indigenous slavery. Moreover, the appearance of outliers in documents helps to address some of the methodological and conceptual frameworks that limit understandings of indigeneity in the early modern period.
Collectivity and Crisis in the Long Twentieth Century
Authors:   Warwick Research Collective
Published: November 2020

In this essay the Warwick Research Collective (WReC) addresses the question of “what is and isn’t changing” in literary studies by reflecting on the material conditions that structure its disciplinary workscape. The essay notes that the pressures of a specifically academic form of capitalism, responding to and flourishing in a period of institutional crisis, tend to replicate top-down, marketized models of academic entrepreneurship in the ways we read. Departing from more widely favored models of “collaboration” and “interdisciplinarity” as solutions to this problem, the essay reflects instead on the history and potential of the collective as a form of self-organized, nonhierarchical knowledge production. It argues that the interlinked crises of how to read in world-literary terms, and on what scale, unavoidably index more general crises of the humanities and of academic labor when considered against the backdrop of an unstable neoliberal hegemony, particularly that of the mass automatization and shedding of labor. The essay concludes by considering political and literary examples of collaborative authorship before addressing the question of WReC’s own process, a form of joint working-through that the collective regards as fundamental to any emancipatory politics.
Nanoarchitectonics through Organic Modification of Oxide Based Layered Materials; Concepts, Methods and Functions
Authors: (Baitong) Tirayaphanitchkul Chalunda , (Jaa) Imwiset Kamonnart , Ogawa Makoto
Published: November 2020

The role of surfaces in materials properties is significantly pronounced when the materials are designed in nanoscopic dimensions. Recent developments of nanomaterials chemistry have led researchers to modify properties as well as impart new functions by the surface modification of various nanomaterials. In this review article, grafting reactions (covalent attachments of functional units) for the surface modification of oxide based nanomaterials are summarized with the emphasis on layered solids, and the preparation and the nanoarchitectures of the products.
Detecting Potential Overbilling in Medicare Reimbursement via Hours Worked: Comment
Authors: Matsumoto Brett
Published: November 2020

Fang and Gong (2017) develop a procedure to detect potential over-billing of Medicare by physicians. In their empirical analysis, they use aggregated claims data that can overstate the number of services performed due to features of Medicare billing. In this comment, I show how auditors can use detailed claims-level data to better target improper overbilling. (JEL H51, I13, I18, J22, J44)
"Ήθος ανθρώπω δαίμων": η μοίρα ως υπόθεση ήθους στον Ηράκλειτο
Authors: Τσάκαλου Ασημίνα
Published: November 2020

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη
Φίλων και δουλεία
Authors: Ζιάκας Αθανάσιος
Published: November 2020

Δεν διατίθεται περιγραφή
Όψεις της δικαιοσύνης στην Πλατωνική Πολιτεία
Authors: Καλαχάνης Κωνσταντίνος Δ.
Published: November 2020

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη
Η ερμηνεία του Βησσαρίωνα για την τρίτη απόδειξη της αθανασίας της ψυχής στον Φαίδωνα του Πλάτωνος
Authors: Θεοδωροπούλου Αθανασία
Published: November 2020

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη
Περί του είναι/όντος στη φαινομενολογική θεώρηση του Hegel
Authors: Χαλβαντζής Σπύρος
Published: November 2020

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη
How the Knowledge of the Major Researchers Is Forging the Business Strategy Paths: Trends and Forecasts from the State of the Art
Authors: Barbosa Luís César Ferreira Motta , Mathias Maria Augusta Siqueira , Santos Gilberto Manuel , De Oliveira Otávio José
Published: November 2020

Purpose: Given its large number of publications, the subject “strategy” stands out as an important field of scientific literature with multidisciplinary characteristics, involving the most varied research areas. The aim of this paper is to analyse the state of the art on business strategy, which have enabled the identification of the characteristics of the most influential articles and authors.Methodology/Approach: This article is a literature review based on bibliometric parameters, which the main novelty has been the identification of specific characteristics of the main publications and researchers on business strategy during the peak production period of 1998-2017.Findings: The main contribution of this article is to guide researchers interested in developing studies related to business strategy, highlighting the subject’s chronological evolution and the correlations analyses among publications.Research Limitation/implication: The searches and selection of bibliometric parameters have been limited to two of the most relevant databases (Scopus and Web of Science). Another restriction was that only articles and reviews containing the term “business strategy” in their respective titles were considered.Originality/Value of paper: Although bibliometric studies have already been published in managerial and strategic areas and subareas, the scientific literature still lacks articles with the same level of details and analysis performed in this paper, which portrays the main novelty of this research.
Boutonniere Deformity: A Review of Considerations before Treatment and Current Treatment Options
Authors: Lee Jun-Ku , Kim Choongki , Han Soo-Hong
Published: November 2020

Central slip injury is a common occurrence in hand trauma. When the base of the middle phalanx, which is the contact part of the central tendon, is weakened or damaged, extension lag or restriction would be found in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and the distal interphalangeal joint becomes hyperextended, presenting buttonhole or boutonniere deformation. Buttonhole deformation has limited cases that a hand surgeon can experience, and there is still no clear guideline for treatment, so treatment tends to depend on the knowledge and experience of the treating doctor. In this review, the factors to be considered in determining the treatment of boutonniere deformity are discussed, and nonsurgical or surgical treatment is considered. Treatment of the PIP joint in boutonniere deformity is a difficult task. Understanding the cause of the deformity, the time point and the stage of deformity, the relationship to the biomechanical changes in adjacent joints, the patient’s functional limitations, and the condition of the joint will improve treatment decisions and outcomes. Based on these considerations, an appropriate treatment should be chosen among nonsurgical or surgical treatments. Various surgical options were introduced but none of method guarantee the optimal outcome. Sufficient understanding of deformity and sufficient consultation and cooperation with the patient regarding the treatment process, outcome, and rehabilitation are necessary.
Covid-19 and the rise of remote consultations
Authors: Oxtoby Kathy
Published: November 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted GP practices to adopt solutions that allow practitioners to manage patient care remotely – but this digital revolution brings both benefits and cause for concern, reports Kathy Oxtoby
Canine diet and cutaneous adverse food reactions
Authors: Paterson Sue
Published: November 2020

The veterinary nurse can play an important role in providing nutritional advice to dog owners. With the wide range of commercial diets that are available, it is important to tailor the diet to each individual animal. Selection of a diet to investigate a cutaneous adverse food reaction (CAFR) should be made after taking a thorough dietary history from the owner and a conversation to decide which diet is most appropriate for each individual. Selection of a diet should involve the use of a novel or hydrolysed protein source for that dog, but other factors such as palatability, convenience, nutritional content and cost need also to be considered. If a diet is carefully matched to owner and pet requirements, the chances of good owner compliance and a response to the diet can be maximised.
Mid-term outcome of volar plate fixation for scaphoid nonunion
Authors: Schormans Philip Marcel Jozef , Kooijman Maria A. , Ten Bosch Jan A. , Poeze Martijn , Hannemann Pascal F. W.
Published: November 2020

Aims

Fixation of scaphoid nonunion with a volar locking plate and cancellous bone grafting has been shown to be a successful technique in small series. Few mid- or long-term follow-up studies have been reported. The aim of this study was to report the mid-term radiological and functional outcome of plate fixation for scaphoid nonunion.

Methods

Patients with a scaphoid nonunion were prospectively enrolled and treated with open reduction using a volar approach, debridement of the nonunion, and fixation using a locking plate and cancellous bone grafting, from the ipsilateral iliac crest. Follow-up included examination, functional assessment using the patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation (PRWHE), and multiplanar reformation CT scans at three-month intervals until union was confirmed.

Results

A total of 49 patients with a mean age of 31 years (16 to 74) and a mean duration of nonunion of 3.6 years (0.4 to 16) were included. Postoperatively, the nonunion healed in 47 patients (96%) as shown on CT scans. The mean time to union was 4.2 months (3 to 12). Due to impingement of the plate on the volar rim of the radius and functional limitation, the hardware was removed in 18 patients. At a median follow-up of 38 months in 34 patients, the mean active range of motion (ROM) improved significantly from 89° to 124° (SD 44°; p = 0.003). The mean grip strength improved significantly from 52% to 79% (SD 28%; p < 0.001) of the contralateral side. The mean PRWHE score improved significantly from 66 to 17 points (SD 25; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Locking plate fixation supplemented with autologous cancellous bone grafting is a successful form of treatment for scaphoid nonunion. Functional outcomes improve with the passage of time, and mid-term results are excellent with a significant improvement in ROM, grip strength, and functional outcome as measured by the PRWHE. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1697–1702.
High mortality following revision hip arthroplasty for periprosthetic femoral fracture
Authors: Khan Tanvir , Middleton Rob , Alvand Abtin , Manktelow Andrew R. J. , Scammell Brigitte E. , Ollivere Benjamin J.
Published: November 2020

Aims

To determine mortality risk after first revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF), and to compare this to mortality risk after primary and first revision THA for other common indications.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of THAs recorded in the National Joint Registry between 2003 and 2015, linked to national mortality data. First revision THAs for PFF, infection, dislocation, and aseptic loosening were identified. We used a flexible parametric model to estimate the cumulative incidence function of death at 90 days, one year, and five years following first revision THA and primary THA, in the presence of further revision as a competing risk. Analysis covariates were age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade.

Results

A total of 675,078 primary and 74,223 first revision THAs were included (of which 6,131 were performed for PFF). Following revision for PFF, mortality ranged from 9% at 90 days, 21% at one year, and 60% at five years in the highest risk group (males, ≥ 75 years, ASA ≥ 3) to 0.6%, 1.4%, and 5.5%, respectively, for the lowest risk group (females, < 75 years, ASA ≤ 2). Mortality was greater in all groups following first revision THA for PFF than for primary THA. Compared to mortality risk after first revision THA for infection, dislocation, or aseptic loosening, revision for PFF was associated with higher five-year mortality in all groups except males < 75 years with an ASA ≤ 2.

Conclusion

Mortality risk after revision THA for PFF is high, reaching 60% at five years in the highest risk patient group. In comparison to other common indications for revision, PFF demonstrated the highest overall risk of mortality at five years. These estimates can be used in the surgical decision-making process and when counselling patients and carers regarding surgical risk. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1670–1674.
Safety and efficacy of anterior vertebral body tethering in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Miyanji Firoz , Pawelek Jeff , Nasto Luigi A. , Rushton Paul , Simmonds Andrea , Parent Stefan
Published: November 2020

Aims

Spinal fusion remains the gold standard in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. However, anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) is gaining widespread interest, despite the limited data on its efficacy. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical efficacy of AVBT in skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods

All consecutive skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated with AVBT enrolled in a longitudinal, multicentre, prospective database between 2013 and 2016 were analyzed. All patients were treated by one of two surgeons working at two independent centres. Data were collected prospectively in a multicentre database and supplemented retrospectively where necessary. Patients with a minimum follow-up of two years were included in the analysis. Clinical success was set a priori as a major coronal Cobb angle of < 35° at the most recent follow-up.

Results

A total of 57 patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 12.7 years (SD 1.5; 8.2 to 16.7), with 95% being female. The mean preoperative Sanders score and Risser grade was 3.3 (SD 1.2), and 0.05 (0 to 3), respectively. The majority were thoracic tethers (96.5%) and the mean follow-up was 40.4 months (SD 9.3). The mean preoperative major curve of 51° (SD 10.9°; 31° to 81°) was significantly improved to a mean of 24.6° (SD 11.8°; 0° to 57°) at the first postoperative visit (45.6% (SD 17.6%; 7% to 107%); p < 0.001)) with further significant correction to a mean of 16.3° (SD 12.8°; -12 to 55; p < 0.001) at one year and a significant correction to a mean of 23° (SD 15.4°; -18° to 57°) at the final follow-up (42.9% (-16% to 147%); p < 0.001). Clinical success was achieved in 44 patients (77%). Most patients reached skeletal maturity, with a mean Risser score of 4.3 (SD 1.02), at final follow-up. The complication rate was 28.1% with a 15.8% rate of unplanned revision procedures.

Conclusion

AVBT is associated with satisfactory correction of deformity and an acceptable complication rate when used in skeletally immature patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Improved patient selection and better implant technology may improve the 15.8% rate of revision surgery in these patients. Further scrutiny of the true effectiveness and long-term risks of this technique remains critical. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1703–1708.
Operative approach influences functional outcome after DAIR for infected total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Pollmann Christian T. , Gjertsen Jan-Erik , Dale Håvard , Straume-Næsheim Truls M. , Dybvik Eva , Hallan Geir
Published: November 2020

Aims

To compare the functional outcome, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and satisfaction of patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and a single debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) procedure for deep infection, using either the transgluteal or the posterior surgical approach for both procedures.

Methods

The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT03161990) on 15 May 2017. Patients treated with a single DAIR procedure for deep infection through the same operative approach as their primary THA (either the transgluteal or the posterior approach) were identified in the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register and given a questionnaire. Median follow-up after DAIR by questionnaire was 5.5 years in the transgluteal group (n = 87) and 2.5 years in the posterior approach group (n = 102).

Results

Patients in the posterior approach group were less likely to limp after the DAIR procedure (17% vs 36% limped all the time; p = 0.005), had a higher mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function score (80 vs 71; p = 0.013), and were more likely to achieve a patient acceptable symptom state for the WOMAC function score (76% vs 55%; p = 0.002). In a multivariable analysis, the point estimate for the increase in WOMAC function score using the posterior approach was 10.2 (95% CI 3.1 to 17.2; p = 0.005), which is above the minimal clinically important improvement. The patients in the posterior approach group also reported better mean HRQoL scores and were more likely to be satisfied with their hip arthroplasty (77% vs 55%; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients treated with a single, successful DAIR procedure for deep infection of a primary THA, the use of the posterior approach in both primary surgery and DAIR was associated with less limping, better functional outcome, better HRQoL, and higher patient satisfaction compared with cases where both were performed using the transgluteal approach. The observed differences in functional outcome and patient satisfaction were clinically relevant. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1662–1669.
Design Embodiments Using Squeeze-Film Phenomenon to Attain Complete Separation of Contacting Surfaces
Authors: Mares Cristinel , Atherton Mark , Miyatake Masaaki , Stolarski Tadeusz
Published: November 2020

In this paper four design embodiments that employ SFL to separate surfaces are explored. Section 2 details the fundamental principles of levitation based on SFL and associated Navier-Stokes equations. Section 3 describes four design embodiments utilising squeeze-film mechanism, namely a journal bearing, flexible frame, plain levitating plate and a non-contact gripper, in terms of their analytical description plus experimental and numerical results. Section 4 concludes the paper.

The paper demonstrates that the squeeze-film levitation is a feasible idea and can be implemented by a number of different embodiments. The mechanism of levitation is quite complex, and its computer modelling requires advanced numerical methods. All designs presented have been numerically modelled and the outcomes experimentally validated, which can be considered as the main contribution of this article.
Single-wavelength water muted photoacoustic system for detecting physiological concentrations of endogenous molecules
Authors: Xu Chao , Rassel Shazzad , Zhang Steven , Aloraynan Abdulrahman , Ban Dayan
Published: November 2020

Based on the breakthrough technology of water muting on photoacoustic spectroscopy, a single wavelength photoacoustic system in the short-wavelength-infrared (SWIR) region was developed to sense the endogenous molecules (e.g. glucose, lactate, triglyceride, and serum albumin found in blood and interstitial fluid) in aqueous media. The system implemented a robust photoacoustic resonant cell that can significantly enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of the acoustic waves. The sensitivity of the system was explored, and the experimental results exhibit a precision detection of physiological concentrations of biomolecules by combining the techniques of water muting and photoacoustic resonant amplification in a portable and low-cost single wavelength laser system.
Research and Industry News
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin , Daukantas Patricia , Kim Meeri , Schulz William G. , Moser Molly , Greenwood >Hannah , Wills Stewart
Published: November 2020

Perovskites and MOFs / Relativity test / QDs for IR / Croptics / UV-C
LED surge / Toward antiracist labs / Biometrics / Lighthouse
microlens
Stigma in coronavirus disease-19 survivors in Kashmir, India: A cross-sectional exploratory study
Authors: Dar Shabir Ahmad , Khurshid Syed Quibtiya , Wani Zaid Ahmad , Khanam Aaliya , Haq Inaamul , Shah Naveed Nazir , Shahnawaz Mir , Mustafa Hena
Published: November 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has not only spawned a lot of stigma and discrimination towards its survivors but also to their corpses. We aimed to assess the magnitude and correlates of stigma in these survivors, on return to their communities.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based, exploratory study conducted by the postgraduate department of psychiatry, in collaboration with the postgraduate department of chest medicine, Govt. medical college, Srinagar. The study was performed among COVID-19 survivors, who attended the outpatient department after their discharge from the hospital. Socio-demographic characteristics were recorded through semi-structured proforma. Stigma was measured by the stigma questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis.

Results

A total of 91 survivors consented to participate in the study. Almost half (46.2%) of them were in the age group of 30–49 years and close to two-thirds (68.1%) were males. About three–fourths (74.7%) were from the urban background. The mean time from hospital discharge to study entry was 11.7±5.1 [Range(R) = 7–21] days. 98% of survivors provided at least one stigma endorsing response and the total mean stigma score was 28.5±7.1[R = 6–39]. The mean stigma sub-scores were highest for enacted stigma (7.6±1.8) [R = 2–9] and externalized stigma (15.0±4.1) [R = 1–20]. Enacted stigma was significantly high in males as compared to females. Enacted stigma and internalized stigma were both associated with education. Enacted stigma, externalized stigma, disclosure concerns, and total stigma was significantly associated with the occupation. Being unemployed and time since discharge were identified as independent predictors of total stigma.

Conclusion

Our study results showed high levels of enacted and externalized stigma among COVID-19 survivors. Enacted stigma was more among males and in those who were highly educated. Survivor centered and community-driven anti-stigma programs are the need of the hour to promote the recovery and community re-integration of these survivors.
Applications of a working framework for the measurement of representative learning design in Australian football
Authors: Browne Peter R. , Woods Carl T. , Sweeting Alice J. , Robertson Sam
Published: November 2020

Representative learning design proposes that a training task should represent informational constraints present within a competitive environment. To assess the level of representativeness of a training task, the frequency and interaction of constraints should be measured. This study compared constraint interactions and their frequencies in training (match simulations and small sided games) with competition environments in elite Australian football. The extent to which constraints influenced kick and handball effectiveness between competition matches, match simulations and small sided games was determined. The constraints of pressure and time in possession were assessed, alongside disposal effectiveness, through an association rule algorithm. These rules were then expanded to determine whether a disposal was influenced by the preceding disposal. Disposal type differed between training and competition environments, with match simulations yielding greater representativeness compared to small sided games. The subsequent disposal was generally more effective in small sided games compared to the match simulations and competition matches. These findings offer insight into the measurement of representative learning designs through the non-linear modelling of constraint interactions. The analytical techniques utilised may assist other practitioners with the design and monitoring of training tasks intended to facilitate skill transfer from preparation to competition.
Serosurvey for dengue virus infection among pregnant women in the West Nile virus enzootic community of El Paso Texas
Authors: Watts Douglas M. , Rodriguez Cynthia M. , Palermo Pedro M. , Suarez Veronica , Wong Susan J. , Orbegozo Jeanette , Dupuis Alan P. , Kramer Laura D. , Gonzalez Fernando J. , Handel Gilbert A.
Published: November 2020

All 4 dengue viruses (DENV) cause sporadic outbreaks of human disease in the Rio Grande Valley along the US-Mexico border. In addition, West Nile virus (WNV) is enzootic in most border communities, and is the only arbovirus known to cause human disease in the El Paso, Texas community. In an effort to determine if DENV were also endemic in the El Paso community, a serosurvey was conducted among mothers at the time of delivery of their babies in selected hospitals. Cord-blood plasma samples obtained from mothers were tested for DENV antibody by an enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA), plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and a multiplex microsphere immunoassay. All DENV antibody positive plasma samples were also tested for WNV antibody by the same assays to consider the possibility that DENV antibody positive samples reflected WNV cross reactive antibody. The results indicated that 0.74% (11/1,472) of the mothers had a previous DENV infection and that 3.3% (48/1,472) had a previous WNV infection. Of these mothers, 0.20% (3/1,472) had antibody to both DENV and WNV as evidence of infection by both viruses. The results indicated that 0.2% (3/1472) of the mothers were positive for antibody to only WNV envelope, thus suggesting an undetermined flavivirus infection. Although 6 of the 11 DENV antibody positive mothers did not have a history of travel to a DENV endemic country, the findings of this survey provided further evidence of local transmission of WNV and suggested the possibility of focal autochthonous transmission of DENV in the El Paso community.
The role of personality in the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of students in Germany during the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Asselmann Eva , Borghans Lex , Montizaan Raymond , Seegers Philipp
Published: November 2020

We examined how the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of 6,957 students from Germany, assessed between March 16 and April 21, 2020, when COVID-19 became a serious health concern in Germany, varied by personality. The Big Five personality traits—openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability—were assessed with the International Personality Item Pool. Students were asked whether they kept up with the COVID-19 news, followed specific governmental rules and recommendations (washing hands more, using public transport less, avoiding larger crowds, and restricting meetings with family/friends), hoarded supplies, felt less secure in public places, or expected financial losses due to the crisis. Logistic regressions adjusted for sociodemographic factors and cognitive abilities revealed that more conscientious (odds ratio (OR) = 1.133) and more agreeable (OR = 1.285) students kept up with the news more. More agreeable students were also more likely to wash their hands more often/intensively (OR = 1.262), use public transport less (OR = 1.182), avoid crowds (OR = 1.320), and restrict meetings with family/friends (OR = 1.410). Other Big Five traits were not associated with these behaviors, except that less emotionally stable individuals tended to use public transport less often (OR = 1.162). Additionally, less emotionally stable students, in particular, more often bought more supplies than usual (OR = 1.322), felt insecure in public spaces (OR = 1.597), and expected financial losses (OR = 1.270). Moreover, less open (OR = 0.876) and more conscientious (OR = 1.235) students more often felt insecure in public spaces, and more extraverted individuals more often expected financial losses (OR = 1.180). Taken together, our findings suggest that more agreeable individuals, in particular, tend to comply with governmental rules and recommendations to fight COVID-19, whereas less emotionally stable individuals, in particular, tend to hoard supplies, feel insecure, and fear financial losses due to the crisis.
Hemolysis induced by Left Ventricular Assist Device is associated with proximal tubulopathy
Authors: de Nattes Tristan , Litzler Pierre-Yves , Gay Arnaud , Nafeh-Bizet Catherine , François Arnaud , Guerrot Dominique
Published: November 2020

Background

Chronic subclinical hemolysis is frequent in patients implanted with Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) and is associated with adverse outcomes. Consequences of LVADs-induced subclinical hemolysis on kidney structure and function is currently unknown.

Methods

Thirty-three patients implanted with aHeartmate IILVAD (Abbott, Inc, Chicago IL) were retrospectively studied. Hemolysis, Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and the evolution of estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate were analyzed. Proximal Tubulopathy (PT) groups were defined according to proteinuria, normoglycemic glycosuria, and electrolytic disorders. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze threshold of LDH values associated with PT.

Results

Median LDH between PT groups were statistically different, 688 IU/L [642–703] and 356 IU/L [320–494] in the “PT” and “no PT” groups, respectively p = 0.006. To determine PT group, LDH threshold > 600 IU/L was associated with a sensitivity of 85.7% (95% CI, 42.1–99.6) and a specificity of 84.6% (95% CI, 65.1–95.6). The ROC's Area Under Curve was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.68–0.98). In the “PT” group, patients had 4.2 [2.5–5.0] AKI episodes per year of exposure, versus 1.6 [0.4–3.7] in the “no PT” group, p = 0.03. A higher occurrence of AKI was associated with subsequent development of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (p = 0.02) and death (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

LVADs-induced subclinical hemolysis is associated with proximal tubular functional alterations, which in turn contribute to the occurrence of AKI and subsequent CKD. Owing to renal toxicity of hemolysis, measures to reduce subclinical hemolysis intensity as canula position or pump parameters should be systematically considered, as well as specific nephroprotective therapies.
Application of DCS for Level Control in Nonlinear System using Optimization and Robust Algorithms
Authors: V Aparna
Published: November 2020

This proposed work deals with the real-time implementation of a PI level controller for a nonlinear interacting multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system using YOKOGAWA CENTUM CS 3000 DCS. Some intricate algorithms were chosen to tune the PI controller, presuming the effect of disturbances in a nonlinear interacting MIMO system. Three algorithms; a classical evolution algorithm, genetic algorithm (GA); a metaheuristic optimization algorithm, particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO); and a robust algorithm, quantitative feedback theory (QFT) were chosen to tune thecontroller offline optimally. These controllers were then implemented in the process using distributed control systems (DCS), and the simulation results resulting from the three algorithms were compared with the experimental results. The impact of the tuning algorithms in the controller performance was studied in real-time.
Kritikai menedzsmentelméletek – irányzatok és törésvonalak (Critical Management Studies: Streams and Debates)
Authors: Hidegh Anna Laura
Published: November 2020

A tanulmány a kritikai menedzsmentelméletek (KME) területére nyújt bevezetést a Hidegh – Gelei – Primecz (2014) által a Vezetéstudomány hasábjain kezdeményezett cikksorozat részeként. A KME fogalmát a korábbi, szervezetelméleti paradigmákat ismertető tanulmányoktól eltérő módon, a mátrixokon át-/ túllépve lépcsőszerűen tárgyalja. Bemutatja, hogyan definiálhatjuk kritikai módon a menedzsmentet és a menedzsmentelméleteket, majd a KME meghatározása és három legfontosabb jellemzője (denaturalizáció, teljesítményelv-ellenesség, reflexivitás) következik. A cikk ismerteti a KME három legmarkánsabb irányzatát: a posztmodernizmust, a kritikai elméletet és a kritikai realizmust, valamint az irányzatok közötti főbb vitapontokba nyújt betekintést. ____ The article provides an introduction into Critical Management Studies (CMS) continuing the series of papers about CMS started by Hidegh – Gelei – Primecz (2014) on the pages of Budapest Management Review. CMS is defined here in a different way as in the previously published Hungarian articles which were based on the Burrell-Morgan matrix (1979). This study exceeds the boundaries of the matrix by introducing management and management studies as a critical field step by step. The definition of CMS is followed by the main features of the field: denaturalization, anti-performativity and reflexivity (Fournier – Grey, 2000). Finally, the paper discusses the three most prevailing streams of CMS: postmodernism, critical theory and critical realism by providing an insight into the main debates among them.
Kontroller-feladatkörök a hazai álláshirdetések tükrében
Authors: Milicz Ákos , Jenővári Márton
Published: November 2020

A szerzők cikkükben a kontroller-munkakörre jellemző feladatok szakirodalmi elméletével, gyakorlati életből vett konkrét álláshirdetések feldolgozásának eredményeivel, valamint az ott ismertetett képességbeli és képzettségi követelményekkel foglalkoznak. A kontrollermunkakörre vonatkozó nemzetközi és hazai publikációk számos feladatot mutatnak be a kontroller-pozícióval összefüggésben, és ezzel kapcsolatban a kontroller személyiségére is különféle követelményeket támasztanak. Kutatásuk során 109 darab hazai álláshirdetést elemeztek és dolgoztak fel, kvalitatív módszertani alapokon, annak érdekében, hogy a szakirodalmakban felsorolt feladatokat ütköztessék a hazai vállalatok által Magyarországon megjelentetett kontroller-álláshirdetésekkel. Kutatásuk eredményeképpen megállapították, hogy a leggyakrabban kiemelt (legfontosabbnak vélt) feladatok a valóságban igen sokszínűek, és azoknak egy része átfedésben van az elméleti publikációkban szereplő feladatokkal (pl. tervezésben való közreműködés, beszámolók készítése, költségelemzések elvégzése, kontrollingrendszer kiépítése és fejlesztése). Ugyanakkor azt is megállapították, hogy a hazai hirdetésekből elmaradnak olyan tevékenységek, melyeket a szakirodalom a kontrollereknek szán feladatként, de a gyakorlatban ezeket a munkaadók nem tekintik szükséges elvégzendő kontrolleri feladatnak hazánkban (pl. adózási riportok összeállítása, adatok és jelentések megbízhatóságának biztosítása, belső folyamatok szabályozása, vagyon védelme és megőrzése adminisztratív eszközökkel).