bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ЗЕМЛИ ОТГОННОГО ЖИВОТНОВОДСТВА РЕСПУБЛИКИ ДАГЕСТАН: ПРОБЛЕМЫ И ПУТИ РЕШЕНИЯ
Authors: Эйланбеков Гайдар Джигитович
Published: December 2024

Обсуждаются проблемы землепользования, связанные с функционированием сложной системы отгонного животноводства, в Дагестане. Особое внимание уделяется анализу проблем сельских поселений, возникших на землях отгонного животноводства, которые не имеют статуса сельских поселений. На основе изучения общественного мнения, протестных выступлений общественных активистов этнического толка, а также правительственных документов, рассматриваются перспективы и риски возможных путей реформирования земельных отношений в части касающейся застроенных территорий отгонных пастбищ.

The problems of land use associated with the functioning of a complex system of livestock transhumance in Dagestan are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of problems of rural settlements that have arisen on the lands of livestock breeding, which do not have the status of rural settlements. Based on the study of public opinion, protests by ethnic ethnic activists, as well as government documents, the prospects and risks of possible ways of reforming land relations with regard to built-up areas of transhumant pastures are examined.
Binding mechanism of adenylate kinase-specific monobodies
Authors: Nakamura Ibuki , Amesaka Hiroshi , Nagao Satoshi , Negi Shigeru , Tanaka Shun-ichi , Matsuo Takashi
Published: December 2024

Monobody, an antibody-mimetic protein, regulates enzyme functions via protein-protein interactions. This study examines the binding mechanisms of monobodies for adenylate kinase (Adk), focusing on thermodynamics and structural aspects. The calorimetric and X-ray crystallographic analyses for CL-1, a monobody specific to the CLOSED form of Adk, showed that CL-1 binds to the CORE domain in an enthalpy-driven manner, forming hydrogen bonds and a cation-π interaction at the interface with Adk. In contrast, OP-4, an OPEN-form-specific monobody, exhibited entropy-driven binding. The 1H-15N 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 31P-NMR studies showed the conformational perturbation to Adk by OP-4, while substrate access remains intact. The different thermodynamic and structural effects between CL-1 and OP-4 highlight the diversified binding mechanisms in monobodies.
Photochemistry of Ni(II) tolyl chlorides supported by bidentate ligand frameworks
Authors: Westawker Luke , Bouley Bailey , Vura-Weis Josh , Mirica Liviu
Published: December 2024

Herein, we investigate the photoactivity of four NiII tolyl chloride complexes supported by either the bulky, bidentate [2.2]pyridinophane (HN2) ligand or the traditional 2,2′-bipyridine (tBubpy) ligand. Despite a change in ligand framework, we observe comparable quantum yields for the photodegradation of all four NiII complexes but do see changes in their affinity for side reactivity and stabilization of photogenerated NiI monomeric species. Additionally, we show that tBubpyNi(tolyl)Cl compounds are not bench-stable, while also observing side reactivity that leads to C-O bond formation and C-C bond formation. By varying the location of the methyl on the tolyl group, we can further perturb the quantum yield of the compounds and the extent of their side reactivity. Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and ab initio modeling (CASSCF) reveal that a smaller HOMO/LUMO gap and a more energetically accessible tetrahedral-geometry triplet state correlates with increased quantum yields and O2 side-reactivity. By leveraging our HN2 ligand, a bidentate ligand that hinders axial interactions around the nickel center, the radical side reactivity is limited. This study of this new bidentate pyridinophane ligand highlights how photoactivity is affected by the steric environment around the Ni center, and that such photoactivity is not unique to bipyridyl-supported Ni compounds.
A Chemical Investigation Approach of the Paraconiothyrium sp. FKR-0637 Fungal Strain Enables the Isolation of the New Chlorinated Chromone, Nohocumone
Authors: Azami Haruki , Watanabe Yoshihiro , Ouchi Takahito , Watabe Mika , Kojima Hiroki , Hirano Yui , Owada Saki , Tokiwa Toshiyuki , Higo Mayuka , Nonaka Kenichi , Teruya Toshiaki , Hanaki Hideaki , Sugawara Akihiro , Iwatsuki Masato
Published: December 2024

The discovery of novel natural products (NPs) from diverse microorganisms is essential for advancing drug discovery. In this study, a chemical approach was employed for NP exploration using the genus Paraconiothyrium sp. isolated from the root soil of Ficus microcarpa on Noho Island, Okinawa. Consequently, we isolated five compounds, including a new chromone, nohocumone (1), as well as four known compounds, known chromone (2), 10-norparvulenone (3), sclerotinin A (4), and calbistrin A (5), from the culture broth of Paraconiothyrium sp. FKR-0637. The planar structure of 1 were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR analyses, HR-ESI-MS, and chemical derivatization. Chlorinated chromone 1 is a novel compound that was not previously isolated from Paraconiothyrium sp. These results contribute to expanding the structural diversity and collection of NPs that can be obtained from the culture broths of Paraconiothyrium sp.
Synthesis of BSA-stabilized copper nanoclusters and evaluation of their potential use as fluorescent sensors for folic acid
Authors: Munar Krysma Irene , Lacquio Maritess , Remillon Bong Carlo , Recuenco Mariam
Published: December 2024

This study describes the synthesis and characterization of BSA-stabilized copper nanoclusters (BSA-CuNCs) for use as sensors for the B vitamin folic acid. Ascorbate served as a reducing agent while bovine serum albumin (BSA) served as a capping and stabilizing agent.  The BSA-CuNCs had a golden-yellow appearance and perceivably have good dispersibility. Transmission electron microscopy indicated average diameters of the BSA-CuNCs as 2.47 ± 0.50 nm. With atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering, the diameters of the BSA-CuNCs were varied and larger than anticipated (64 ± 13 nm AFM; 11-608 nm DLS), since nanocluster sizes should be less than 2 nm. The BSA-CuNCs' UV–visible spectra did not show peaks in the 500–600 nm indicating the absence of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of larger nanoparticles. The BSA-CuNCs were excited at 320 nm and showed a fluorescence emission at 644 nm. The BSA-CuNCs were then evaluated as potential folic acid sensors. Fluorescence quenching was observed as folic acid was added incrementally. The quenching fitted well with the Stern-Volmer equation, with estimated limits for detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) at 0.77 µg/mL and 2.35 µg/mL, respectively. Next, the folic acid content of some over-the-counter supplements was assessed. There was a range of 33.31% to 40.21% in the percent error between the claimed and experimental folic acid values, which were beyond the acceptable accuracy and precision errors of 5% and 10%, respectively. Nevertheless, current results may suggest potential that the BSA-CuNCs may be used to quantify folic acid. However, further research is required to improve sample preparations and analytical procedures.
ANÁLISE DOS DETERMINANTES DA OSCILAÇÃO DOS PREÇOS DAS AÇÕES DA PETROBRAS NO PERÍODO DE 2006 A 2022
Authors: Rosa Michele Jaqueline Andressa , Justino Tatiane Ferreira , Rigo Sandro José , Barbosa Jorge Luis Victória , Maria Luciano de Souza , Souza Marcos Roberto
Published: December 2024

Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar os principais fatores que influenciam o comportamento do preço das ações da Petrobras (PETR4) no período de 2006 a 2022.
 
Referencial Teórico: A Petrobras desempenha um papel estratégico no desenvolvimento econômico do Brasil, contribuindo para a geração de emprego, renda e para o crescimento do PIB por meio de suas atividades.
 
Método: De natureza quali-quantitativa, a pesquisa utilizou o coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson e a regressão linear múltipla para análise dos dados. As variáveis consideradas foram os preços das ações (PETR4), o índice Ibovespa, a taxa de juros Selic, o câmbio, o EMBI+ risco-Brasil, o preço internacional do petróleo Brent, a produção de petróleo e o índice do Google Trends.
 
Resultados e Discussão: Os resultados indicaram que a Selic, o EMBI+ e o preço do petróleo Brent são os fatores mais significativos, explicando aproximadamente 80% das variações nos preços das ações PETR4. Em contraste, o índice Google Trends não apresentou relação estatisticamente significativa, sugerindo que o interesse público captado por buscas online exerce um papel secundário em relação a fatores econômicos.
 
Implicações da Pesquisa: Eventos históricos, como a crise do subprime, a Operação Lava Jato, a greve dos caminhoneiros e a pandemia de Covid-19, também demonstraram impacto relevante no comportamento das ações. Conclui-se que variáveis econômicas e políticas são determinantes para a formação dos preços das ações da Petrobras, enquanto fatores relacionados ao interesse público podem complementar estudos futuros.
Increasing Students Responsibility and Scientific Creativity through Creative Responsibility Based Learning
Authors: Suyidno Suyidno , Susilowati Eko , Arifuddin Muhammad , Misbah Misbah , Sunarti Titin , Dwikoranto Dwikoranto
Published: December 2024

Scientific creativity and responsibility are believed to be key factors for overcoming increasingly complex real-life problems faced by students; but both competencies are not trained in school. Therefore, this research aims to describe the effectiveness of creative responsibility based learning (CRBL) to increase students responsibility and scientific creativity on physics learning in senior high school. This research used one group pretest-posttest design involving 66 students of two senior high schools in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The data collection was conducted by using responsibility observation emphasizing on participatory, cooperation, delivering an opinion, and leadership. Additionally, data were gained through scientific creativity test emphasizing on problem finding, product improvement, scientific imagination, scientific problem solving, and creative product design. The data analysis was done through qualitative descriptive, n-gain, and paired t-test. The results showed      (1) students responsibility for each meeting is in good criteria, and (2) there is a significant increase on students scientific creativity at Î± = 5 %, with n-gain constitutes moderate category. Thus, the CRBL is believed to be effective to increase students responsibility and scientific creativity in physics learning
Five consecutive cases of sensorineural hearing loss associated with inner ear barotrauma due to diving, successfully treated with hyperbaric oxygen
Authors:   Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, Smart David
Published: December 2024

Introduction: This report describes the outcomes of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) due to cochlear inner ear barotrauma (IEBt) in five divers treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT).
Methods: The case histories of five consecutive divers presenting with SNHL from IEBt due to diving, were reviewed. All divers provided written consent for their data to be included in the study. All had reference pre-injury audiograms. All noted ear problems during or post-dive. Independent audiologists confirmed SNHL in all divers prior to HBOT, then assessed outcomes after HBOT.
Results: Three divers breathed compressed air on low risk dives, and two were breath-hold. None had symptoms or signs other than hearing loss, and none had vestibular symptoms. All could equalise their middle ears. Inner ear decompression sickness was considered unlikely for all cases. All were treated with HBOT 24 hours to 12 days after diving. Two divers received no steroid treatment, one was treated with HBOT after an unsuccessful 10-day course of steroids, and two divers received steroids two days after commencing HBOT. All divers responded positively to HBOT with substantial improvements in hearing across multiple frequencies and PTA4 measurements. Median improvement across all frequencies (for all divers) was 28 dB, and for PTA4 it was 38 dB.
Conclusions: This is the first case series describing use of HBOT for IEBt-induced SNHL. The variable treatment latency and use/timing of steroids affects data quality, but also reflects pragmatic reality, where steroids have minimal evidence of benefit for IEBt. HBOT may benefit diving related SNHL from IEBt with no evidence of perilymph fistula, and provided the divers can clear their ears effectively. A plausible mechanism is via correction of ischaemia within the cochlear apparatus. More study is required including data collection via national or international datasets, due to the rarity of IEBt.
A validated, patient-specific, muscle mapping model of the shoulder
Authors: McCall Blake , Smith Geoff
Published: December 2024

Patient-specific computational models of the shoulder have the potential to further our understanding of joint biomechanics and optimise treatments for common pathologies such as osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tears. Since active motion and stability of the shoulder are mainly governed by the surrounding soft tissues, such models must be able to reliable and accurately predict muscle paths. Our aim was to develop and validate a computationally efficient line-segment muscle mapping model capable of mapping patient-specific muscle paths of the multi-pennate muscles of the deltoid and rotator cuff.

A triangular surface mesh was generated from segmentations of an anonymous male subject (75 years old, BMI 23) and muscle origin/insertion points were identified based upon previously reported data. A ‘convex hull’ algorithm identified optimal muscle fibre paths during 0-90° coronal plane abduction, sagittal plane flexion and axial rotation at neutral elevation. The model was capable of computing muscle lengths, moment arms and line of action for each muscle fibre.

The model had acceptable correlation with in vivo and cadaveric data from the literature. The model was also highly efficient, capable of mapping 42 muscle segments at 2.5° intervals of joint motion in less than 17 seconds.

The current model presents a patient specific method for modelling muscle multi-pennate muscles of the shoulder with high computational efficiency, requiring only the surface mesh inputs of the bony anatomy and muscle origin/insertion points without the need for commercial finite element contact detection software. The model may be used further for the study of shoulder musculoskeletal disorders.
Controlling and enhancing the post operative care after Knee Arthroplasty: Insights from a Multi-Center Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study of a Digital Rehabilitation solution
Authors: Lebleu Julien , Pauwels Andries , Servaes Ward , Wiersinga Wanne , Van Onsem Stefaan
Published: December 2024

New surgical techniques, such as robotics and augmented reality, promise to increase the quality and reduce the variability of the surgical procedure. But the effect of these new developments could be altered by the variability of the post operative care. Rehabilitation following total knee replacement (TKA) traditionally involves in-person therapy, presenting challenges in terms of protocol adherence, reproducibility, and cost. Digital rehabilitation holds promise in addressing these issues, but existing systems often lack personalization, neglecting factors such as patient pain, participation, and recovery speed. Moreover, most digital platforms lack essential human support.

This study aimed to explore the engagement, safety, and clinical effectiveness of a personalized and adaptive app-based human-supported digital monitoring and rehabilitation program. Conducted as a prospective multi-center longitudinal cohort study, 127 patients were enrolled. A smart alert system managed undesired events, triggering physician interventions in case of suspected issues. The app collected data on dropout rates, complications, readmissions, Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS), and patient satisfaction.

Results showed a 2% readmission rate, with smart alerts potentially preventing 85% of flagged issues through timely doctor interventions. Program adherence reached 77%, and 89% of patients endorsed the program's use. The integration of personalized, human- backed digital solutions emerged as a transformative approach to standardize and enhance the rehabilitation journey post-TKA, while showing potential cost savings.
Navigated Instrumentation Improves Reproducibility of Laxity Acquisition During a Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Boux de Casson François , Angibaud Laurent , Kerveillant Florian , Duporte Léonard , Giordano Gérard , Dagneaux Louis
Published: December 2024

Measuring the knee laxities when performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is part of the regular workflow and can be used as input for intra-operative planning. Gaps are traditionally measured by varus-valgus tests, but new instrumented methods have recently been proposed. This cadaveric study showed that the instrumented method is more reproducible than the manual one.
Use of a Fluoroscopy-Based Robotic-Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty System Produced Greater Improvements in Patient-Reported Outcomes at One Year Compared to Manual, Fluoroscopic-Assisted Technique
Authors: Buchan Graham , Ong Christian , Hecht II Christian , DeCook Charles , Spencer-Gardner Luke , Kamath Atul
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The adoption of new technology should be supported by improvements in patient-reported outcomes (PROMs). The purpose of this study was to assess the one-year PROMs of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a novel, fluoroscopy-based, robotic-assisted (RA-THA) system when compared to a manual, fluoroscopic-assisted technique (mTHA).

Materials and methods: A review of 91 consecutive mTHA and 85 consecutive RA-THA via a direct anterior approach was conducted. All cases were performed by the same surgeon at the same institution, for a pre-operative diagnosis of osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Outcomes included one-year Veterans RAND-12 (VR-12) Physical/Mental, Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome (HOOS) Pain/Physical Function/Joint Replacement, and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity scores, as well as the difference between pre-operative and one-year post-operative PROMs.

Results: Patients in the RA-THA cohort had lower pre-operative HOOS-JR scores compared to patients in the mTHA cohort (37.0 vs. 43.1; p=0.031). Cohorts experienced similar one-year post-operative VR-12, HOOS, and UCLA Activity scores. Patients in the RA-THA cohort experienced greater improvements across all pre- and post-operative HOOS scores compared to patients in the mTHA cohort: Pain (+54.7 vs. +42.1; p=0.009), Physical Function (-41.6 vs. -28.7; p=0.007), and Joint Replacement (+46.6 vs. +33.0; p=0.002). These differences exceeded minimum clinically important difference (MCID).

Conclusions: Both manual and robotic cohorts experienced benefit from THA at one-year post-operative. Importantly, the use of a novel, fluoroscopy-based robotic assistance system for primary THA resulted in greater improvements in PROMs at one-year relative to manual technique.
A Longitudinal Cohort Study with Integrated Technologies to Inform Personalized Robotic Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Wilson Janie , Laudanski Annemarie , Civiero Stephanie , Dorrance Adam , Ammoury Nadim , Richardson Glen , Wilson David , Leighton Jennifer , Dunbar Michael
Published: December 2024

Many patients exhibit joint level biomechanics and mobility deficits after knee arthroplasty, which have been linked to patient dissatisfaction. Advancements in robotic-assisted surgery offer the potential for surgery personalization to address these deficits, yet the link between surgical planning and joint mechanics remains unclear. This research aims to comprehensively model the relationships among patient variability in joint mechanics, anatomy/morphology, physical activity, implant characteristics and post-operative outcomes to inform personalization strategies to address these deficits in joint mechanics. This is a five-year longitudinal patient cohort study with integrated data at several time points perioperatively including longitudinally during the pre-operative wait period, and post-operatively to one year. We combine patient-specific information from multiple domains including demographics and anthropometrics; patient-reported outcomes; three-dimensional gait kinematics through AI-driven markerless motion capture integrated into the clinic hallway; free-living physical activity (PA) and gait outcomes with inertial sensors; joint anatomy, morphology and OA feature modeling through custom CT image processing; and intraoperative robotic data. Longitudinal pre-operative outcomes have been collected for a subset (n=57) to date. There were no significant longitudinal changes in gait kinematics or objective PA outcomes on a population level pre-operatively. However, a subset of patients exhibited significant gait worsening, and worsening was significantly correlated with more advanced OA-related gait deficits at baseline. Unique free-living gait metrics were identified that moderately correlated with in-clinic gait kinematics.

PA outcomes were not significantly correlated to gait outcomes, and significantly worse PA outcomes (step count, %sedentary, %light and moderate to vigorous PA) were identified for female patients.
In silico Computation of Knee Muscle Forces tailored to a Novel Multi-Motion in vitro Knee Simulator’s Constraints
Authors: Ven Line , Taylan Orçun , Killen Bryce A , Jonkers Ilse , Scheys Lennart
Published: December 2024

In vitro physiological knee joint simulators have been proven to be valuable tools for characterizing knee joint biomechanics, complementing in vivo measurements. However, many simulators only allow simulations of squatting motions. This is partly due to the lack of a tailored approach to efficiently identify the required simulator input parameters for accurate investigation of other frequently performed activities of daily living (ADL). Therefore, we aimed to develop a novel in vivo-based computational approach which uniquely integrates multiple constraints from a novel in vitro knee simulator to determine the required muscle forces during various ADLs.

During a motion capture study, six healthy subjects performed squatting, sit-stand- sit and gait motions. Subject-scaled musculoskeletal models were adapted to include constraints of the knee joint simulator by including only quadriceps and hamstring muscle actuators, down-scaling ground reaction forces and applying constant hamstring force. Subsequently, muscle forces were computed for each motion using the Concurrent Optimization of Muscle Activations and Kinematics algorithm.

Afterwards, the in silico-based squatting results were retrospectively compared with previously performed in vitro experiments using the knee joint simulator, which actively controlled the quadriceps and bilateral hamstrings to maintain a constant vertical ground reaction force of 110N during squatting. Resulting in silico computed and simulator-measured forces during squatting showed similar magnitudes and high correlations. This indicates robustness of the proposed in vivo-based computational approach. Accordingly, its application to stance phase of gait initiated quasi-static in vitro simulations of this additional motion, further demonstrating its feasibility.
QUIT: Quadriceps Inhibition Trends after knee arthroplasty
Authors: Sampath Shameem Anthony Carl Martin , Aktas Mikail
Published: December 2024

This study investigates quadriceps inhibition trends after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Eighteen patients undertook perioperative physiotherapy using Sliderâ, a Class 1 medical device that measures forces and knee motion. Sliderâ monitors and uses gamification to encourage users to do knee exercises at home while displaying the results on their tablet. The results are sent securely to their clinician with exception notification. Perioperative changes in the straight leg raise (SLR), inner range quadriceps (IRQ), and knee flexion lying (KFL) exercises were analyzed. After starting Sliderâ two patients declined surgery because their knee pain had decreased, two moved away, two were cancelled for medical reasons, and twelve had TKA. Two patients developed infections and abnormal trends in the results of the knee exercises were detected by the Sliderâ algorithm before the patients’ clinic appointments. The curves of perioperative results of patients who had no infection were J-shaped (concave) postoperatively, while those of the patients with infections were m-shaped (double-convex). These objective findings are consistent with clinical experience of quadriceps inhibition occurring due to fluid accumulation following infection. In the infected patients, Sliderâ’s algorithm enabled timely alerts to the patients’ clinics and early intervention. One had a successful washout, the other needed a revision. Larger studies on Sliderâ are needed to provide statistically significant characterization of anomalies to support clinical decisions.
Morpho functional interbone parameters in supine versus standing position – Comparison of CT and EOS Alignment
Authors: Ehreiser Sonja , Stellmann Leonie , Berger Luisa , Tokunaga Kunihiko , Radermacher Klaus
Published: December 2024

Morpho-functional interbone parameters of the knee are often used in clinical practice to assess the functional anatomy of the individual patient. Respective parameters, such as the TT-TG distance, are regularly measured manually on CT or MRI images. To overcome this time-consuming process, an automated framework for knee morphological analysis was previously presented by our group. A relevant remaining limitation, however, is the imaging performed in supine and not in an active, weight-bearing position, which was addressed in this study.

Data from 7 patients (14 knees) scheduled for total hip arthroplasty were used for this study. After segmentation, the CT-derived bone surface models were matched to the EOS images based on landmarks, with manual control and optional correction. Subsequently, the automated framework for morphological analysis was applied.

A statistically significant difference in mean was found for the joint rotation. The other mean deviations were not statistically significant and below the parameters’ standard deviation, whereas the absolute deviations were higher. This fact highlights the relevance of inter-individual differences in supine versus standing interbone parameter measurements.

In general, large discrepancies regarding the changes in interbone parameter measurements from supine to standing position were found in the literature. The results of this study are plausible with regard to theoretical biomechanical relations. Overall, the study motivates an interbone parameter assessment in a standardized, active weight-bearing position. With further automation in data pre-processing, the workflow could be applied to large databases and hence be used to define reference ranges of interbone parameters in various poses.
Automatically Extracted Metrics for Diagnosis of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip are Sensitive to Assumptions About Morphological Priors
Authors: Bonta Maria Jose , Schaeffer Emily , Mulpuri Kishore , Garbi Rafeef , Hodgson Antony J.
Published: December 2024

Deep learning techniques for diagnosing Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) in newborns from ultrasound (US) images of the hip have demonstrated improved reliability over manual annotations of US scans. While volumetric 3D US has been shown to better represent hip bone morphology, most of the proposed automatic diagnostic approaches to measure 3D equivalents of the commonly used 2D Graf angle rely on strong morphological (geometric) priors. We have found that a significant fraction of cases (~20%) result in metrics which expert assessors regard as incorrect or implausible. We hypothesize that the lack of robustness of existing algorithms is due to their assumption that selected morphological priors are always valid, and this may not hold in a number of cases. In this study, we evaluate the differences between extracted DDH metrics based on expert labels and automatic segmentations. We show that a metric extraction process that uses morphological priors is sensitive to relatively small variations in the segmentation results.
A modular wireless tracking system as central service provider in the operating room using ISO IEEE 11073 SDC
Authors: Wickel Noah , Janß Armin , Radermacher Klaus , de la Fuente Matías
Published: December 2024

In order to improve the usability of surgical navigation systems, this paper presents the design, implementation and testing of a mobile wireless tracking camera cart for intraoperative use. The tracking data, i.e., tool poses, are made available on the operating room (OR) network by means of the manufacturer-independent communication standard ISO IEEE 11073 (“SDC”). In this way, the wireless tracking system (WTS) can act as a modular localization service for various medical devices such as robots and navigation software.

The concept and implementation of the battery-powered wireless tracking cart is shown. The paper furthermore evaluates how the use of a new software library improves latency and reliability in contrast to previous implementations.

The results indicate that the new software library and the wireless data transfer do indeed meet the required latency of 50 milliseconds for hand-eye coordination tasks with a reliability of 99.395% even when the network is under OR-typical load. However, as the library does not offer any additional safety determinism, increased maximum latency times may occur in individual cases, making the device unsafe for intraoperative use.
Feasibility of Ultrasound-based Scaphoid Bone Model Completion for Surgical Planning
Authors: Brößner Peter , Berwanger Christian , Welle Kristian , Radermacher Klaus
Published: December 2024

For computer-assisted percutaneous scaphoid fixation, a patient-specific bone model is required for surgical planning. This bone model is commonly derived from pre- operative computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. We propose an approach for bone model derivation based on intra-operative 3D ultrasound (US) imaging for the cases, where pre-operative diagnostic CT or MRI are not indicated or available. As scaphoid bone surfaces are only partially visible in sonographic images, we employ the Transformer-based AdaPoinTr architecture to incorporate statistical morphological knowledge for the completion of partial bone surfaces extracted from sonographic images. For the generation of datasets, we built a statistical shape model (SSM) based on 85 scaphoid bone models. From this SSM, we generated 12288 full scaphoid models for training. 20 additional scaphoid bone models were used for testing. Partial models for both training and testing were generated by subsampling the full models, mimicking 3D US imaging from a volar probe position. Evaluation of the final trained model on the test subset showed a mean symmetric distance of 0.3 mm between original and completed scaphoid models, with an inference time of 0.2 s per model. We furthermore planned screws based on the completed test models and evaluated their fit for the original models. We found no screw protrusion for any tested model, with a mean safety margin to bone surface of 0.7 mm. This study shows feasibility of our approach for US-based bone model generation; future work may aim at integrating dorsal surface information.
Development and evaluation of a shape completion model for corrective osteotomy of distal radius malunion patients
Authors: Smees Camiel , Olde Heuvel Judith , van Uum Esmee , Vochteloo Anne , Tuijthof Gabriëlle
Published: December 2024

3D planning of a corrective osteotomy of a radius malunion requires a healthy reference which is not always available. A shape completion model could create a reference bone based on the unaffected part of the malunited bone. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a shape completion model for clinical use.

A statistical shape model (SSM) was developed based on CT scans of 80 healthy radii. This SSM was expanded into a shape completion model to predict the distal 12% of the radius, based on the proximal 88%. Nine other CT scans were used to validate this model and to set hyper parameters that dictate factors of the available data. Finally, eight more CT scans were used to test the performance of the shape completion model.

The average accuracy of the shape completion model, measured through a root mean square difference, was 0.42mm (SD 0.10) and the average Hausdorff distance was 3.57mm (SD 1.09). The predicted radii were comparable to the actual radii, with the differences mainly found at the radial styloid, Lister tubercle and the sigmoid notch. The radiocarpal articular surface was often well predicted.

In conclusion, the current shape completion model showed to predict clinically useable models that have error margins that are comparable with previous models described in literature. Future research should compare the use of the shape completion model to the use of the contralateral radius to find what technique works more optimal.
Quality and antioxidant properties of mixed fruit juice as affected by cold plasma treatment
Authors: Şahinoğlu Ecre , Kırkın Gözükırmızı Celale
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to assess the effects of cold plasma treatment on some quality and antioxidant properties of mixed fruit juices. Fresh mixed juice of apple, black carrot, and strawberry was subjected to dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (DBDCP) treatment (40 kV) for 10 (CP10), or 20 min (CP20) or heat treated (HT) at 95 °C for 2 min. The samples which were not DBDCP- or heat-treated were used as the control. The changes in the titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids, color, natural microbial load, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity upon the treatments were evaluated. The DBDCP treatment did not cause any significant differences in the titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids content and TPC, while the heat treatment led to a decrease in the titratable acidity and TPC. Also, the total color difference was higher upon the heat treatment than the DBDCP treatment. The HT samples demonstrated lower L* value and higher a*, b*, and C* values than the other samples. Furthermore, there was no change in the cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) of DBDCP-treated samples, but the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was lower in CP20 than that was in the control and CP10. On the other hand, HT samples demonstrated lower antioxidant activity than the control and DBDCP-treated samples. On the other hand, the yeast-mold count was not changed by the DBDCP treatment but reduced to below the detection limit upon the heat treatment. Thus, it can be said that DBDCP treatment of mixed fruit juice can be used to enhance the antioxidant activity, but more studies are required to guarantee microbial safety.
Türk ve Seylan siyah çaylarının fitokimyasal içeriklerinin ve antioksidan kapasitelerinin belirlenmesi
Authors: Efe Ahmet , Yılmaz Hayrullah , Boğa Mehmet
Published: December 2024

Bu çalışmada, yerli Türk çaylarından 5 adet ve ithal Seylan çaylarından 5 adet ticari siyah çay (Camellia sinensis) Diyarbakır ilindeki süpermarketlerden temin edilmiştir. Siyah çaylar hem kuru hem de farklı sürelerde (5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60 dakika) demlenerek analiz edilmiştir. Kuru siyah çaylar, antioksidan aktiviteleri (DPPH ve ABTS) analizleri için etanolde ekstrakte edilirken, toplam fenolik ve flavonoid madde miktarları, fenolik asitler (kuinik asit, gallik asit, salisik asit, klorojenik asit, 4-OH-benzoik asit), kateşinlerin (kateşin, epikateşin gallat, epigallo kateşin ve epigallokateşin gallat), hesperedin, alkaloidlerin (teofilin, kafein ve teobromin) analizleri için ise metanolde ekstrakte edilmiştir. Ayrıca 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60 dakikalarda demlenen siyah çaylarda yukarıda bahsedilen analizler ile teaflavin (TF) ve tearubigin (TR) analizleri yapılmıştır. Antioksidan aktiviteleri, toplam fenolik ve flavonoid madde miktarları, teaflavin (TF) ve tearubigin (TR) içerikleri spektrofotometrik yöntemle belirlenirken; fenolik asitler, kateşinler, hesperedin ve alkaloidlerin miktar tayinleri ise LC/MS-MS cihazı ile analiz edilmiştir.Yapılan analizler sonucunda, Seylan siyah çaylarının ekstrelerinin antioksidan aktiviteleri, toplam fenolik ve flavonoid madde miktarları, fenolik asitleri, kateşinleri, hesperedin ve alkaloid miktarları Türk siyah çay örneklerine kıyasla daha yüksek olarak belirlenmiştir. Farklı sürelerde demlenmiş hem Seylan hem de Türk siyah çaylarının infüzyonlarında yapılan analizlerin sonuçlarına bakıldığında, antioksidan aktivitelerin (ABTS ve DPPH), toplam flavonoid ve fenolik madde miktarlarının süreyle doğru orantılı olarak arttığı görülmüştür. En yüksek TF ve TR miktarları 60 dakikalık demleme sonundaki infüzyonlarda belirlenmiştir. Fenolik asitler, kateşinler, hesperedin ve alkaloidlerin (teofilin, kafein ve teobromin) deme geçen en yüksek değerleri, çay çeşidine ve demleme sürelerine göre farlılık göstermektedir. Bazı demleme sürelerinde yerli Türk çaylarının miktarları yüksek belirlenirken, bazı demleme sürelerinde de ise ithal Seylan çaylarının miktarları daha yüksek belirlenmiştir.
Sexual and reproductive health: Right not privilege
Authors: Barcelona Delia , Edouard Lindsay
Published: December 2024

Despite the prominence of international discourses on sexual and reproductive health and rights, much remains to be done to meet both needs and wants of individuals, couples and families. Socioeconomic disparities and geographic differentials, compounded by inappropriate policies besides resource constraints, hbave hampered the achievements of these rights to the extent that, in many jurisdictions, access to quality sexual and reproductive health services continues to be a privilege for some as opposed to a right for all. A rights-based approach, accompanied by appropriate policy formulation and sustained advocacy for resource mobilisation, can promote equity through community acceptance and individual behaviour change.
Effects of probiotic therapy combined with personalized nursing on immune function and nursing compliance in children with acute gastroenteritis
Authors: SQ Li
Published: December 2024

This was an original study that mainly explored the effect of probiotic therapy and personalized nursing on immune function in children with acute gastroenteritis. One hundred and twelve (112) children with acute gastroenteritis were selected and divided into an intervention group and a control group. The control group accepted omeprazole enteric-coated capsules and routine nursing. In addition to omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, the intervention group additionally received probiotic therapy. The results showed that in comparison with the control group, the intervention group presented shorter time for relieving fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, lower levels of inflammatory factors, better improvements of immune function. The intervention group also showed higher rate of nursing compliance and nursing satisfaction. We conclude that probiotic therapy combined with personalized nursing can reduce inflammatory response, improve immune function and promote nursing compliance in children with acute gastroenteritis.
Gender differentials in access to medical services during COVID-19 lockdown: Insights from Nigeria
Authors: Ololade G , Adewole Adewole , Kehinde O , Omotoso Omotoso
Published: December 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria, like many other countries, implemented a lockdown policy that restricted all movement except for essential services. Access to medical services is a critical component of an effective healthcare system, and without equitable access across genders, improving the overall health outcomes of the population is unlikely to be achieved. This study analyses gender differential in access to medical services and sexual reproductive health services namely, family planning, child health, adult health, pharmacy, emergency care, vaccination, and other medical services during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria, using both descriptive and inferential analytical techniques. Results indicate that adult health services were the most needed medical services, with females requiring them slightly more than males. However, access to these services was greater for males than females. While some respondents believed that there was a gender differential in access to SRH such as family planning, maternal and new born care, male infertility treatment, abortion prevention and management, healthy sexuality, violence surveillance and prevention among women, others opined that there was none. The study provided evidence-based recommendations for quality policy decisions on appropriate measures to promote gender-equitable and sustainable recovery during a crisis.
Efficacy of concurrent utilization of estradiol valerate and Chinese herbal capsule in managing premature ovarian failure
Authors: Sun Lu , Fan Xiaodong , Chen Qian , Liu Guoyan
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of the concurrent utilization of estradiol valerate and kuntai capsule (a Chinese herbal preparation) in addressing premature ovarian failure (POF) and its ramifications for ovarian hemodynamics and sex hormone levels. A retrospective study of 104 patients with POF was conducted, dividing them into control (n=50) and observation groups (n=54). The control group received estradiol valerate, while the observation group received estradiol valerate and KunTai capsules over 12 weeks. Clinical effectiveness, ovarian pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), hormone levels, ovarian function, and adverse reactions were analyzed. The observation group showed significantly improved PI, RI, LH, FSH, E2 levels, and ovarian function in relative to the control group (P<0.05). We conclude that the concurrent use of estradiol valerate and KunTai capsules improves ovarian hemodynamics and hormone levels, offering significant clinical benefits.
The relationship between breastfeeding motivation, workplace breastfeeding support, and job satisfaction among working mothers
Authors: Karakaya Neşe , Kılıç Meral
Published: December 2024

Women of childbearing age constitute a vital part of the workforce, and some may be working when they start and continue breastfeeding. This study aims to determine the relationship between working mothers’ breastfeeding motivation, workplace breastfeeding support, and job satisfaction. This descriptive and correlational study was conducted in Turkey between January and March 2020. Data from 195 mothers, who worked in three different public institutions, were collected in person using the Questionnaire Form and Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale, Breastfeeding Motivation Scale, and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form. We used the statistical tests analyses of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal–Wallis H test, and Spearman’s rho correlation analysis, with a significance level of p < 0.05. There was a weak positive correlation between the workplace breastfeeding support total score and breastfeeding intrinsic motivation (r = 0.151, p < 0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between the total score of the job satisfaction scale and the peer and environmental support subscale (r = 0.182, p < 0.05). Participants self-evaluated their breastfeeding competence. The difference between workplace breastfeeding support and breastfeeding competence was significant (F = 4.443, p < 0.05). Working mothers who perceived greater peer and environmental support also reported more breastfeeding intrinsic motivation and higher job satisfaction. Mothers with high breastfeeding competence had positive perceptions of workplace breastfeeding support. The study found no significant relationship between facility support and technical support subscales and job satisfaction.
Multilevel modelling of the determinants of under-five deaths in South Africa: Evidence from the 2016 Demographic Health Survey
Authors: Barwe Tshediso V. , Mbele Stephina K. , Ngake Boitshwarelo K.M. , Tsawe Mluleki , Temane Maatla D. , Miyambu Langutani N.
Published: December 2024

Although South Africa is among the countries with lower under-five mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa, the country has failed to meet the national targets set to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The study aimed to examine multilevel determinants of deaths of children under five in South Africa. Secondary data from the 2016 South Africa Demographic Health Survey was used to conduct bivariate and multilevel logistic regression analyses. The under-five mortality rate was estimated at 42.1 deaths per 1000 live births. The under-five mortality rates were highest in Mpumalanga and lowest in Western Cape. The findings showed that several factors were associated with under-five deaths, namely the sex of the child, population group, mother’s level of education, household wealth, type of toilet facility, source of drinking water, and province. The findings call for targeted interventions aimed at reducing under-five deaths among vulnerable groups, i.e., those from a low socioeconomic background, from the black population group, as well as male children.
Effects of Chinese herbal treatment and biofeedback electrical stimulation on pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life in patients with postpartum stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Chen L , Wang DJ , Cai JL , Yin CY , Yan XJ
Published: December 2024

This was an original article, and mainly evaluated the impacts of Buzhong Yiqi decoction and biofeedback electrical stimulation on pelvic floor muscle strength and the quality of life in patients with postpartum stress urinary incontinence (PSUI). PSUI patients (total = 256) were randomly selected into a control group and study group. The control group adopted pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation training only while the study group added Buzhong Yiqi decoction and biofeedback electrical stimulation. The degree of urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle strength, pelvic floor muscle tension, urodynamics, therapeutic effectiveness, quality of life along with incidence of adverse reactions in the two 2 groups were compared. The results showed that after therapy, in contrast to the control group, the study group presented improved degree of urinary incontinence, higher muscle strength of class I along with class II muscle fibers, better pelvic floor muscle tension, better urodynamics indicators, better treatment efficiency, and higher quality of life. We concluded that Buzhong Yiqi decoction combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation can improve urinary incontinence, promote the pelvic floor muscle strength along with promote the quality of life in PSUI patients.
Analysis of payang catch results in Pasie Nan Tigo, Koto Tangah District, Padang City, West Sumatra
Authors: Yuspardianto Yuspardianto , Kamal Eni , Bukhari Bukhari , Putra Cenigo
Published: December 2024

This research aimed to analyze the results of Payang catches landed in Pasie Nan Tigo, Tangah City District, Padang City. This research used the research object of payang fishing gear in the Pasie Nan Tigo area, Koto Tangah District, Padang City, which was carried out in May 2023. The method used is a descriptive method by making direct observations at the location of the trawl fishing gear in terms of the construction of the fishing gear, fishing area and type of fish caught. Based on the results of this research, the number of payang fishing gear found in Pasie Nan Tigo Village, Koto Tangah District, Padang City is 40 units. The method of operating the payang fishing gear is by circling schools of fish. The results caught by Payang fishing gear are Euthynnus sp, Rastrelliger sp., Katsuwonus pelamis, Stolephorus sp., Trichiurus sp., Leiognathus sp. and so on.Keywords: Rainfall; Turtle; Wave Height; Wind Speed