bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome of hip resurfacing revision through the Hueter-anterior approach
Authors: Ricard Marc-Antoine , Ardell James , Laboudie Pierre , Wei Roger , Beaulé Paul E
Published: October 2023

Background:

The Hueter-Anterior Approach (HAA) with its limited soft tissue and internervous dissection has been shown to be an effective approach for primary total hip and hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients requiring revision of HRA to total hip replacement using the HAA, assessing function and complications.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained research database. Between 2006 and 2015, 555 primary metal-on-metal (MoM) HRAs were performed via the HAA; we identified 33 hips in 30 patients that required revisions for aseptic causes to THA: aseptic loosening of acetabulum in 12 and femoral in 7, 10 for pseudotumour/ALTR, 4 for femoral neck fracture. All revision surgeries were performed through a HAA by a single surgeon who had also performed the index operation. PROMs were collected preoperatively and yearly at various timepoints postoperatively.

Results:

The mean age at time of revision was 48.9 years (±5.3 SD) for 22 males (67%) and 11 females (33%). The mean time to revision surgery/failure of hip resurfacing was 3.3 years (±2.4 SD). There were 5 major reoperations with 3 infections, 1 acetabular loosening and 1 trunnionosis. There were significant improvements in multiple PROMs.

Conclusions:

The HAA is a viable surgical approach for revision of HRA with smaller initial HRA acetabular components generally requiring a relatively larger acetabular compoent at time of revision. Patients reported improvement in symptoms and function and a lower risk of subsequent reoperation than what has previously been reported for failed MoM bearings.
A posthumanist orientation and cross-national, online bilingual digital storytelling
Authors: Zhang Zheng
Published: October 2023

This cross-national, online biliteracy project connected 13 Canadian and Chinese bi/multilingual learners aged 11–15 years. The research was informed by posthuman conceptualizations of literacy, biliteracy, modes, and media, and disrupted binary thinking about mind/body, first language (L1) / second language (L2), and language/materiality in literacy education. A diffractive methodology facilitated exploration of how the dynamic relationship-building between humans and nonhuman entities shaped the bi/multilingual learners’ digital storytelling. The project intended to enable a generative assemblage that positioned languages, media, and places as interconnected, agentive repertoires. It supported bi/multilingual learners’ connection-making with various semiotic resources and their situated lifeworlds and opened opportunities for them to create new forms of meaning. Findings also show that the generative assemblage was affectively rewarding and enabled bi/multilingual learners to be fully engaged in their digital story creation and eager to try more. The article proposes a biliteracy orientation that nurtures ethical meaning-making across languages, modes, and media.
Differentiating early sensory profiles in toddlers at elevated likelihood of autism and association with later clinical outcome and diagnosis
Authors: Riboldi Elena Maria , Capelli Elena , Cantiani Chiara , Beretta Carolina , Molteni Massimo , Riva Valentina
Published: October 2023

Sensory features are included in the diagnostic criteria of autism spectrum disorder, and sensory responsiveness may produce “cascading effects” on later development. However, the relation between early sensory profiles and later skills has yet to be defined. This study aims to characterize sensory subgroups in 116 toddlers at elevated likelihood for autism spectrum disorder and test their association with later autistic traits and diagnosis. We used latent class analyses to assess individual differences across sensory patterns, grouping individuals with similar sensory profiles together. The final model was chosen based on a stepwise procedure, starting with a one-class solution, and then adds one class at a time. The Sensory Profile-2 Questionnaire measured clinical sensory features, and four sensory patterns were evaluated (seeking, avoiding, sensitivity, and registration). We investigated sensory subgroups concerning socio-communication skills and restricted/repetitive behaviors at 24 months and the clinical best-estimate diagnosis at 3 years. A three-class solution was favored, and toddlers can be characterized into three homogeneous sensory groups: low seeking, sensory balanced, and high sensitivity. The results showed that the high sensitivity group showed later socio-communicative difficulties and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Children in this class were those with the highest percentage of diagnosis at 3 years (57.9%). These findings provide new insights into the nature of sensory processing and may have implications for personalized support needs.

Lay abstract

Early sensory responsiveness may produce cascading effects on later development, but the relation between sensory profiles and autistic diagnosis remains unclear. In a longitudinal sample of toddlers at elevated likelihood for autism, we aimed to characterize sensory subgroups and their association with clinical outcomes later on. Three sensory subgroups were described and early sensory sensitivity plays a significant role in later development and diagnosis. This study supported the importance of examining different levels of sensory patterns to dissect the phenotypic heterogeneity in sensory processing. As sensory differences are associated with later developmental outcomes, these results may be critical when designing intervention needs and support for children at increased likelihood for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Vulnerable, Heroic … or Invisible? Representations Versus Realities of Later Life in Indonesia
Authors: Schröder-Butterfill Elisabeth , Porath Nathan , Handajani Yvonne S. , Larastiti Ciptaningrat , Delpada Benidiktus , Hogervorst Eef , Insriani Hezti , Jelly  , Kreager Philip , Rahayuningtyas Dyah , Sare Yuniferti , Tresno
Published: October 2023

Indonesia, like many rapidly ageing lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), tends to portray older citizens as ‘vulnerable’ and ‘dependent’; yet the country has few public policies to support them. To this discourse, an alternative stereotype is emerging, influenced by notions of ‘successful ageing’, which promotes models of older people as healthy and contributing to families and the nation state. In this article, we argue that both stereotypes ignore the varied and context-specific conditions of later life. Importantly, the dominant representations ignore the frailty and dependence that many people in LMICs experience towards the end of their lives. This results in dependence and frailty being concealed from view and treated as a purely familial responsibility, which households living in economic, social and demographic precarity can ill afford. ‘Familism by default’ spells invisible, unsupported and unsustainable care for many older Indonesians. This article draws on ethnographic fieldwork between 2018 and 2022 from two research projects on ageing, livelihoods, vulnerability and care in disparate communities across Indonesia. By juxtaposing dominant representations with the social, economic and health realities in which lives are lived, we trace the implications for policies, values and practices around care in later life.
Investigation of the light-off characteristics and secondary pollutants production mechanism in Pd/Rh catalyst for natural gas engines
Authors: Qian Yejian , Wei Xiaofei , Tang Fei , Meng Shun
Published: October 2023

To investigate the influence mechanism of the light-off characteristics and secondary pollutants (N2O and NH3) of the Pd/Rh catalytic converter for natural gas engines, a global model of the catalytic converter and a more comprehensive catalytic reaction mechanism were first established. Further, the model and the catalytic reaction mechanism were validated by using experimental data. Then, the effects of exhaust temperature and exhaust composition (H2O, O2, and H2 concentrations) on the catalytic converters were investigated. The results showed that a higher temperature reduced the light-off time t50 of NO and CO. The production of N2O decreased to 0 at high temperatures due to the reduction reactions of R14 (N2O+H2 = H2O+N2) and R16 (N2O+CO = CO2 + N2). NH3 would form at the temperature above 825 K, and the required H2 originated from SR and WGS reactions. Increasing the H2 concentration promoted the conversion of NO and CO. When the temperature exceeds 600 K, increasing the H2 concentration decreases the production of N2O. H2O has the opposite effect on the production of N2O and NH3 at high temperatures. Increasing the content of H2O increased the conversion of NO and inhibited the conversion of CO. O2 concentration at 4000 × 10−6 is beneficial to reduce secondary pollutants of N2O and NH3. At the condition of 730–820 K and 4000 × 10−6 O2, the productions of N2O and NH3 were reduced to 0. This study contributes to the efficient application of Pd/Rh catalytic converters and further enhances the emission reduction of natural gas engines.
Ordinal compositional data and time series
Authors: Weiß Christian H.
Published: October 2023

There are several real applications where the categories behind compositional data (CoDa) exhibit a natural order, which, however, is not accounted for by existing CoDa methods. For various application areas, it is demonstrated that appropriately developed methods for ordinal CoDa provide valuable additional insights and are, thus, recommended to complement existing CoDa methods. The potential benefits are demonstrated for the (visual) descriptive analysis of ordinal CoDa, for statistical inference based on CoDa samples, for the monitoring of CoDa processes by means of control charts, and for the analysis and modelling of compositional time series. The novel methods are illustrated by a couple of real-world data examples.
Sub-constitutionally repairing the United States Supreme Court
Authors: Sethi Amal
Published: October 2023

In December 2021, the Biden Commission — constituted in response to the politics and partisanship surrounding the Supreme Court — released its report analysing proposals for Supreme Court reform. The commission found most reform proposals unrealistic due to the ‘nearly impossible-to-amend American constitution’ or the proposals creating new problems. Given the rigidity of the American constitution, any realistic reform must be implemented through sub-constitutional means. In contemporary discourse, investigations into sub-constitutional reforms have been limited. In most cases, proposals for sub-constitutional reform are merely creative strategies to bypass a constitutional amendment. This only opens a pandora's box of new problems and hinders these proposals’ effective realisation. Sub-constitutional reform must be explored on its own merits in light of the legal landscape. Consequently, this article demonstrates how meaningful reforms can be achieved sub-constitutionally. Through sub-constitutional means, this article's reform proposal seeks to try and ensure that consensus candidates are nominated/appointed to the Supreme Court. This, it contends, can address many problems facing the court today. In propounding its reform proposal, this article hopes to illuminate the broader debate on the reform of apex courts and provide takeaways for jurisdictions facing predicaments similar to America.
Machine learning methods for multi-rotor UAV structural damage detection based on MEMS sensor
Authors: Ma Yumeng , Mustapha Faizal , Ishak Mohamad Ridzwan , Abdul Rahim Sharafiz , Mustapha Mazli
Published: October 2023

Multi-rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become increasingly important in industries and early detection of structural damage is crucial to prevent unexpected breakdowns, ensure production efficiency, and maintain operational safety. This paper proposes machine learning techniques for detecting damage caused by loosened screws which is not easy founded based on vibration signals. An independent data acquisition device with a Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensor is designed and fixed onto the multi-rotor UAVs to acquire the vibration data. Four machine learning algorithms, namely Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Decision Tree, and Random Forest, are employed for damage detection. The results demonstrate successful utilization of the vibration data from the MEMS sensor for damage detection, with the random forest model outperforming other models with an accuracy of 90.07.
Early clinical experience with the new generation Pipeline Vantage flow diverter in the treatment of unruptured saccular aneurysms using short-term dual antiplatelet therapy
Authors: Döring Katja , Aburub Abdallah , Krauss Joachim K , Lang Josef M , Al-Afif Shadi , Polemikos Manolis , Weissenborn Karin , Grosse Gerrit , Grieb Dominik , Lanfermann Heinrich , Götz Friedrich , Abu-Fares Omar
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The Pipeline Vantage flow diverter with Shield technology (PV) used in this study is a 4th-generation flow diverter (FD) designed to reduce thrombogenicity, promote endothelialization of the implant and increase efficiency in achieving aneurysm closure. In this study, we report the aneurysm occlusion rate, complication rate and clinical outcome with short-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in the treatment of unruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms using the PV.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients treated between September 2021 and January 2023 with the PV and subsequently underwent short-term DAPT for 3 months. Patient and aneurysm characteristics, peri- and post-procedural complications, clinical outcomes and the grade of aneurysm occlusion were documented.

Results

Thirty patients with 32 aneurysms were treated. Successful FD implantation was achieved in all cases (100%). No periprocedural complications were documented. The overall symptomatic complication rate was 10% and the neurologic, treatment-related symptomatic complication rate was 6.6%. Only one symptomatic complication (3.3%) was device-related. Permanent clinical deterioration occurred in 2/30 patients (6.6%), leading to deterioration of the mRS within the first 3 months after treatment. No mortality was documented. The rate of complete aneurysm occlusion after 3 months and after a mean imaging follow-up of 9.9 months was 65.6% and 75%, respectively.

Conclusion

Implantation of the PV for the treatment of saccular intracranial aneurysms achieves a good aneurysm occlusion rate with a low rate of complications. In addition, the use of short-term DAPT after PV implantation appears to be safe.
On the role of Poisson’s contraction propagation in the creation of squeeze-film assisted levitation
Authors: Mares Cristinel , Miyatake Masaaki , Stolarski Tadeusz
Published: October 2023

The paper presents results of computer simulation and experimental observations with the main objective of explaining the role of Poisson’s contraction phenomenon in the mechanism of initiating and maintaining squeeze-film action through which light and planar objects can be levitated. Initial and centrally located shallow dimple, created in a thin plate under plain tensile stress is, with the passage of time, transformed into a pattern of elastic deformations over plate’s surface. As a result of that, a light object levitates not only at the centre of the plate where initial, primary dimple is located but over the entire plate.
An investigation of data-driven player positional roles within the Australian Football League Women's competition using technical skill match-play data
Authors: van der Vegt Braedan , Gepp Adrian , Keogh Justin , Farley Jessica B.
Published: October 2023

Understanding player positional roles are important for match-play tactics, player recruitment, talent identification, and development by providing a greater understanding of what each positional role constitutes. Currently, no analysis of competition technical skill data exists by player position in the Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) competition. The primary aim of the research was to use data-driven techniques to observe what positions and roles characterise AFLW match-play using detailed technical skill action data of players. A secondary aim was to comment on the application of clustering methods to achieve more interpretable, reflective positional clustering. A two-stage, unsupervised clustering approach was applied to meet these aims. Data cleaning resulted in 165 variables across 1296 player seasons in the 2019–2022 AFLW seasons which was used for clustering. First-stage clustering found four positions following a common convention (forwards, midfielders, defenders, and rucks). Second-stage clustering found roles within positions, resulting in a further 13 clusters with three forwards, three midfielders, four defenders, and three ruck positional roles. Key variables across all positions and roles included the field location of actions, number of contested possessions, clearances, interceptions, hitouts, inside 50s, and rebound 50s. Unsupervised clustering allowed the discovery of new roles rather than being constrained to pre-defined existing classifications of previous literature. This research assists coaches and practitioners by identifying key game actions players need to perform in match-play by position, which can assist in player recruitment, player development, and identifying appropriate match-play styles and tactics, while also defining new roles and suggestions of how to best use available data.
Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for severe hallux valgus in adolescents with cerebral palsy: A retrospective comparison study of three surgical techniques
Authors: Ye Ken , Cashin Megan , Van de Velde Samuel K , Khot Abhay , Graham Kerr , Rutz Erich
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

We compared the outcomes of arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for severe hallux valgus in 31 adolescents with cerebral palsy, using three different methods of fixation: K-wires, non-locking plates, and locking plates.

Methods:

Clinical outcomes included time to weight-bearing, fusion rates and surgical complications. Radiographic assessment included comparing pre- and post-operative hallux valgus angles, intermetatarsal angles, interphalangeal angles, and lateral metatarsophalangeal angles. Patient-reported outcomes included pre- and post-operative visual analogue scales addressing bunion pain and concerns, difficulties with wearing shoes and braces, and difficulties with foot hygiene.

Results:

Of the 31 adolescents (16 male), 10 patients had K-wire fixation, 11 had a non-locking dorsal plate, and 10 had fixation with a dorsal locking plate. Mean age at surgery was 16 years (12–18 years) and mean follow-up was 4 years (2.7–6.5 years). Patients with K-wire fixation had delayed weight-bearing and had more complications than those managed by dorsal plating. There were significant improvements in radiographic parameters (except interphalangeal angle) and in patient-reported outcomes, in all groups ( p < 0.001). However, radiographic and clinical outcomes were better in the dorsal plating groups compared to the K-wire group.

Conclusion:

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint gave good correction of deformity with improvements in symptoms and radiographic parameters in adolescents with cerebral palsy. We recommend dorsal plating that allowed early weight-bearing and had fewer complications with better clinical and radiographic outcomes, than K-wire fixation.

Level of evidence:

IV: Retrospective case series.
Genetic and Ecological Divergence of Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila (Aves: Trochilidae) Continental Populations Separated by Geographical and Environmental Barriers
Authors: González-Rodríguez Evelyn , Vásquez-Aguilar Antonio Acini , Ornelas Juan Francisco
Published: October 2023

Background and Research Aims: Historical geological events and climatic changes have played important roles in shaping population differentiation and distribution within species. Amazilia rutila (Trochilidae) is a widespread hummingbird species in the tropical dry forest along the Pacific slope and the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Methods: We used mitochondrial DNA sequence, ecological niche modelling and niche divergence tests to determine the effects of major geographic barriers and environmental variability on genetic and niche divergence of A. rutila continental populations. Results: Our results revealed three genetic groups without haplotype sharing corresponding to the distribution of individuals/populations from the Pacific slope W of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (PAC), in Oaxaca and Chiapas E of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CHIS_OAX) and those from the Yucatán Peninsula and Guatemala (YUC). Values of neutrality tests suggest past demographic expansion without effective population size changes over time, and the time since the demographic expansion ranged between 39.4 and 84.45 ka BP. Each genetic group differed in their position in environmental space, with low-to-very limited overlap in the fundamental climatic niche dimensions of all groups analyzed, particularly between YUC and PAC. Analysis of climate differentiation and ecological niche comparisons showed that the environmental space occupied by these mtDNA groups is similar but not identical. Conclusion: We conclude that the genetic differentiation of A. rutila is consistent with a model of population isolation by geographical barriers and environmental differences. Inferences about the consequences of past demographic expansion and isolation underlying intraspecific evolutionary relationships await further study. Implications for Conservation: Our findings highlight the importance of preserving evolutionary significant units of this widespread hummingbird species. Conservation actions must consider intrinsic requirements of evolutionarily distinct populations and the environmental drivers that shape their distributions, maximizing preservation of intraspecific genetic variability and monitoring changes in genetic diversity.
Effect of Electronic Health Record Prompts on the Frequency of Blood Lead Tests
Authors: Kellund Anna E. , Hentz Roland C. , Cristiani Valeria , Lynch Brian A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction/Objectives:

Elevated blood lead levels can cause impaired cognition and behavioral problems in children. Screening is important for identifying children with elevated blood lead levels, but many children who qualify for screening do not get tested. We aimed to see if the addition of prompts in the electronic health record (EHR) would lead to differences in blood lead tests ordered for children with government insurance.

Methods:

In May 2018, a prompt was added to our institutional EHR that reminded primary care practitioners to recommend lead testing for patients with government insurance. For this retrospective observational pre-post comparative study, we reviewed the rate of blood lead test orders and completed collection before and after the prompt was introduced.

Results:

The number of blood lead tests ordered did not increase after prompts were introduced in the EHR; rather, the lead screening rates at 12-month well-child visits decreased from 63.6% to 53.8% ( P = .008). The 24-month visit data did not change significantly for the number of lead tests ordered before and after the prompt was introduced in the EHR. The number of lead tests completed showed a significant decrease after the prompt was introduced for the 12-month visit ( P < .001) but no significant change for the 24-month visit ( P = .70).

Conclusions:

This study showed that the addition of prompts in the EHR was not associated with an increase in the number of blood lead level tests ordered. Further research is needed to determine factors that could affect lead screening rates.
Development of the Research Literacy Scale for Teachers
Authors: Kazancı Tınmaz Ayşe , Sezgin Ferudun
Published: October 2023

Research literacy is essential for teachers to practice their profession based on research-based knowledge. The present study aimed to develop and validate the Research Literacy Scale (RLS) and investigate teachers’ research literacy based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and research utilization models. The data was collected from teachers working in primary and secondary schools for two separate studies. According to the exploratory factor analysis results, a 20-item, four-factor solution emerged: research awareness, attitude toward research, research skills, and research use. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the four-factor model fit the data well, and all items are significant under the relevant factors. The sub-factors of the RLS demonstrated high internal consistency. Measurement invariance tests revealed showed full configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance across gender. Teachers doing research had significantly higher scores on all four dimensions, and those who followed scientific journals had higher scores on the three dimensions except for attitude. As a conclusion RLS has good psychometric features to measure teachers’ research literacy, and variables related to research experience cause a significant difference in research literacy.
The Effect of Firm-Specific Environmental Punishment on Stock Price Crash Risk: Evidence From China
Authors: Li Minghui , Shen Chaohai , Wen Mengyao
Published: October 2023

Even though previous studies have investigated the effect of environmental regulation policy on stock price crash risk, little is known about how the firm-specific environmental punishment would impact stock price crash risks. By applying difference-in-difference method with manually collected firm-specific environmental punishment data for the listed firms in China, our study finds that the implemented environmental punishment leads to larger stock price crash risk accumulation of the punished firms. This effect can be mitigated by better information disclosure behavior, higher media reputation, healthy fundamentals, and optimal capital structure. Our study also finds the consecutive punishment effect only exists in a long period. Our work is among the first to rigorously analyze the effect of firm-specific environmental punishment on firm’s stock price crash risk. This research provides relevant policy suggestions on the environmental punishment practice.
Assessing the Impact of Couple’s Caste, Age, Educational Level on Fertility in India: Evidence from National Family Health Survey
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Hossain Moslem , Dakua Tushar , Das Kailash Chandra , Das Kumudini
Published: October 2023

This study explores the association between a couple’s characteristics and women’s reproductive behaviour in India. Generally, the study on the population deals with only women considering women samples for evaluating fertility in India. The current research includes men and women to examine the effect of the differences in their caste, age and educational level on fertility behaviour in India. For this purpose, data from the National Family Health Survey-4 has been used carried out during 2015–2016. Differences in couple’s characteristics were tabulated with the children ever born to see the distribution by the caste, age and educational level differences in India. In order to obtain more accurate results, linear regression was applied to see the variation in children ever born to the couple’s characteristics and different background characteristics. We find that caste, age and education differences among couples significantly impact fertility; as these differences increase, children ever born among couples also increase. The study proposes that satisfactory educational levels have lessened the role of caste and age on fertility in India.
Geographies of Hope-in-Praxis: Collaboratively decolonizing relations and regenerating relational spaces
Authors: Hazlewood Julianne A , Middleton Manning Beth Rose , Casolo Jennifer J
Published: October 2023

As burgeoning new forms of authoritarianism and fascism expand their reach, Geographies of Hope-in-Praxis stem from the locus of the present moment. Constellations of peoples re-rooted into place refuse Western ideals of democracy and development and engage with one another in new arrangements based on ancestral ways of knowing. In this Environment and Planning E: Nature and Space issue on Geographies of Hope-in-Praxis (GgsHope-in-Praxis), we step into ongoing conversations about hope, push back on business as usual, and amplify understandings of initiatives to (re)assemble different kinds of wor(l)ds. Our collection “geographizes” hope by digging into hope’s praxes—theories with action. Resurgent versions of hope can be better understood within the contexts of six dimensions—place, alliance, the unthinkable, perseverance, resilience, and the (im)possible—that provide diverse lenses for delving deeper into hope's complex topographies. Together, the articles reach across regional differences and bridge on-the-ground approaches. We activate hope through long-term, reciprocal, and accountable community-based methodologies in Brazil, Ecuador, the Philippines, and Southeast Alaska, California, and Kentucky in the USA. GgsHope-in-Praxis come to life in the process of collaboratively decolonizing relations and regenerating relational spaces. Vines of hope creep into crevices to interrupt and transform oppressive systems, intertwine to (re)weave localized communities together in living networks, and expand realities to increasingly join in solidarity with one another and amplify diverse pathways towards environmental-with-racial justices.
Seaweed modernity: Empire, state, and the Sino-Japanese relations
Authors: Gao Xiaofei
Published: October 2023

Seaweed, which had long been adopted by traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of inflammation and tumorous swelling, became a marine crop with increased political and economic importance in early 20th century China. Chinese consumers and manufacturers embraced a global discourse spread from Japan and the West that highlighted the dietary and industrial values of seaweed and its extracts. Chinese elites also identified the social value of seaweed in reducing nutrition disparities between coastal and inland China. The global circulatory processes of seaweed knowledge co-existed with the continued Japanese imperialism and growth of Chinese nationalism in the first half of the 20th century, which led to periodic boycotts of Japan-imported seaweed or increases in the tariffs levied on them. From the 1930s, the Kwantung Marine Productions Experimental Station based in Dalian began cultivating Laminaria Japonica, a type of brown seaweed, along the Yellow Sea in southern Manchuria. At the heart of this colonial scientific program was an attempt to mitigate Chinese nationalist sentiment with the “homegrown” marine products, overcome Japan’s wartime shortage of raw materials, and enhance the self-sufficiency of Manchuria following the outbreak of the Asia Pacific War.
Drug-Related Problems and Pharmacists’ Interventions in Hypertensive Outpatients: A Multicenter Prospective Study in 3 Vietnamese Hospitals
Authors: Huynh Bon Huu , Nathisuwan Surakit , Tragulpiankit Pramote , Nguyen Vinh Dai , Huynh Nam Huu , Vu Thu Le Anh , Huynh Loc Thi Hong , Vo Ha Thi
Published: October 2023

Background: Clinical pharmacists’ interventions (PIs) on drug-related problems (DRPs) in Vietnamese hypertensive outpatients are limited. Objectives: The objective was to investigate the prevalence and nature of DRPs, and factors which are likely to have DRPs, types of PIs, and their acceptance rate in 3 Vietnamese hospitals. Method: A prospective interventional study was conducted over a period of 3 months in 3 hospitals (from October 2021 to March 2022). Clinical pharmacists conducted medication reviews after collecting patient information from prescriptions and patient interviewing, and then identified the DRPs and suggested PIs according to the Vi-Med tool. These DRPs and PIs were reviewed by other superior clinical pharmacists and a consensus meeting with 3 cardiologists. Results: Of 381 patients included, 344 (90.23%) experienced 1 or more DRPs. A total of 820 DRPs were identified with an average of 2.15 DRPs per patient and 415 (50.61%) were hypertension-related issues. The most common DRPs identified were “administration mode” (46.34%), “missing indication” (18.05%), “non-conformity indication” (17.80%), and “dosage” (11.95%). Comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.985, 95% CI: 1.597-9.942, P = 0.003) was the predictor of DRPs. Clinical pharmacists provided 739 PIs and 94.45% were accepted by physicians. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that DRPs were very common in hypertensive outpatients and highlighted the role of clinical pharmacists to identify and resolve DRPs through prompt interventions.
Origin, evolution and diversification of plant mechanosensitive channel of small conductance-like (MSL) proteins
Authors: Zhang Zaibao , Ye Fan , Xiong Tao , Chen Jiahui , Cao Jiajia , Chen Yurui , Liu Sushuang
Published: October 2023

Mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels provide efficient molecular mechanism for transducing mechanical forces into intracellular ion fluxes in all kingdoms of life. The mechanosensitive channel of small conductance (MscS) was one of the best-studied MS channels and its homologs (MSL, MscS-like) were widely distributed in cell-walled organisms. However, the origin, evolution and expansion of MSL proteins in plants are still not clear. Here, we identified more than 2100 MSL proteins from 176 plants and conducted a broad-scale phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic tree showed that plant MSL proteins were divided into three groups (I, II and III) prior to the emergence of chlorophytae algae, consistent with their specific subcellular localization. MSL proteins were distributed unevenly into each of plant species, and four parallel expansion was identified in angiosperms. In Brassicaceae, most MSL duplicates were derived by whole-genome duplication (WGD)/segmental duplications. Finally, a hypothetical evolutionary model of MSL proteins in plants was proposed based on phylogeny. Our studies illustrate the evolutionary history of the MSL proteins and provide a guide for future functional diversity analyses of these proteins in plants.
Assessment of fall-associated risk factors in the Muslim community-dwelling older adults of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Bibi Rashida , Yan Zhang , Ilyas Muhammad , Shaheen Mussarat , Singh Satya Narayan , Zeb Akhter
Published: October 2023

Background

Falls are the third-leading cause of disability among the elderly population worldwide. It is multifactorial, and the occurrence of falls depends on different factors, which can be different from context to context, and individual to individual. Therefore, regular assessment of fall risk factors is required to develop a strategy for fall prevention. The study aimed to identify fall-related risk factors in Pakistani healthy older adults at risk of developing physical disabilities. It also aimed to create a risk-predictive model for fall occurrence, offering evidence for preventive strategies.

Methods

Data were collected from 140 Muslim older adults from two residential areas of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from July 2022 to August 25, 2022, after obtaining permission from the Zhengzhou University Ethical Review Board (ZZUIRB #202,254), and the District Health Department Office (DHO #14,207). Participants were informed, and consent was obtained before data collection. Data were collected using the Time Up and Go Test (TUGT) checklist, the Cognitive Screening Scores (CS-10) checklist, interviews regarding the prayer practice, fall history in the last six months, visual equity questions, and demographic variables.

Results

Factors associated with falls were; age, gender, education, cognitive status, poor walking speed, lack of physical activity, poor vision, and history of falls in the last six months, with a significant P value of (P. < 0.05) in the Pearson correlation coefficient test. Poor cognition, low visual equity, poor walking speed, and lack of exercise increase the risk of falling in the future, with a prediction value of (P < 0.005) in Omnibus, Lemeshow score of (0.77).

Conclusion

Hence, our study provides a road map for future risk assessment of falls by adding the four mentioned risk factors in the proposed model to facilitate timely action to prevent fall-related infirmities in Pakistani healthy older adults.
Shooting the messenger: a systematic review investigating extracellular vesicle isolation and characterisation methods and their influence on understanding extracellular vesicles-radiotherapy interactions in glioblastoma
Authors: Robinson Stephen David , Samuels Mark , Jones William , Gilbert Duncan , Critchley Giles , Giamas Georgios
Published: October 2023

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) hold promise for improving our understanding of radiotherapy response in glioblastoma due to their role in intercellular communication within the tumour microenvironment (TME). However, methodologies to study EVs are evolving with significant variation within the EV research community.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to critically appraise EV isolation and characterisation methodologies and how this influences our understanding of the findings from studies investigating radiotherapy and EV interactions in glioblastoma. 246 articles published up to 24/07/2023 from PubMed and Web of Science were identified using search parameters related to radiotherapy, EVs, and glioblastoma. Two reviewers evaluated study eligibility and abstracted data.

Results

In 26 articles eligible for inclusion (16 investigating the effects of radiotherapy on EVs, five investigating the effect of EVs on radiation response, and five clinical studies), significant heterogeneity and frequent omission of key characterisation steps was identified, reducing confidence that the results are related to EVs and their cargo as opposed to co-isolated bioactive molecules. However, the results are able to clearly identify interactions between EVs and radiotherapy bi-directionally within different cell types within the glioblastoma TME. These interactions facilitate transferable radioresistance and oncogenic signalling, highlighting that EVs are an important component in the variability of glioblastoma radiotherapy response.

Conclusions

Future multi-directional investigations interrogating the whole TME are required to improve subsequent clinical translation, and all studies should incorporate up to date controls and reporting requirements to increase the validity of their findings. This would be facilitated by increased collaboration between less experienced and more experienced EV research groups.
Comprehension of prescription orders with and without pictograms: tool validation and comparative assessment among a sample of participants from a developing country
Authors: Mourad Nisreen , Younes Samar , Mourad Lidia , Fahs Iqbal , Mayta Shatha , Baalbaki Racha , El Basset Wassim , Dabbous Mariam , El Akel Marwan , Safwan Jihan , Saade Faraj , Rahal Mohamad , Sakr Fouad
Published: October 2023

Background

Medication errors can often occur due to the patient’s inability to comprehend written or verbal medication orders. This study aimed to develop pictograms of selected medication orders and to validate the comprehension of prescription orders index and compare the comprehension scores with and without pictograms. In addition to determine the predictors that could be associated with a better or worse comprehension of prescription orders with pictograms versus that of their written counterparts.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a snowball sampling technique. Six pictograms were developed to depict specific medication orders. The comprehension of prescription orders index was constructed and validated. The study then compared the comprehension scores of prescription orders with and without pictograms, and identified the predicting factors score difference.

Results

A total of 1848 participants were included in the study. The structure of the comprehension of prescription orders index was validated over a solution of four factors, with an adequate Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy of 0.711 and a significant Bartlett’s test of sphericity (P < 0.001). The construct validity of the index was further confirmed by highly significant correlations between each item and the full index (P < 0.001). The study also found a significant association between the difference in comprehension scores for prescription orders with and without pictograms and several factors, including age, level of education, area of residence, number of children, and smoking status with the difference of comprehension scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Pictogram-based instructions of medication orders were better understood by the Lebanese population than written instructions, making the incorporation of pictograms in pharmacy practice paramount to optimize medication use by the patient and thus yielding better health outcomes.
A survey of palliative care domains and the palliative care provision confidence of Thai family practitioners
Authors: Wongprom Itthipon , Chaithanasarn Arthit
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Despite continuously growing, palliative care in Thailand still needs further development. Many family physicians provide various levels of palliative care. However, there is no information regarding what aspects of palliative care family practitioners provide and how much confidence they have. This study aims to identify gaps between expected care domains and provided care and to reveal the domains in which family physicians are less confident.

Method

This study is a cross-sectional survey study. An online questionnaire was publicly published to recruit target participants, Thai family physicians who have received formal residency training and actively practice medicine. The estimated number of actively practising family physicians was 540 persons. Participants were asked which palliative care domains they provide and to rate their confidence in each. A narrative analysis was performed using two relevant frameworks.

Result

One hundred and seven responses were received. Forty-six per cent of participants have no further training in palliative care other than during their residency programs. At least 63.6 per cent of participants provide palliative care two half-day per week or less. Grief and spiritual care enjoyed the least percentage of the participant’s responses regarding provided care. These two domains also received the lowest percentage of confidence in providing care from the participants.

Discussion

Though they are considered essential domains, there are gaps between expected care and actual care in grief management and spiritual care. Grief and bereavement care are mentioned in the residency curriculum; nonetheless, there is an inconsistency regarding spiritual care. Increasing access to continuous education and integrating it into curriculums should be considered to reduce the gaps. Additionally, a national guideline regarding levels of palliative care and the roles of family physicians will benefit from establishing comprehensive palliative care programmes.
Investigating the causal interplay between sleep traits and risk of acute myocardial infarction: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Arora Nikhil , Bhatta Laxmi , Skarpsno Eivind Schjelderup , Dalen Håvard , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Brumpton Ben Michael , Richmond Rebecca Claire , Strand Linn Beate
Published: October 2023

Background

Few studies have investigated the joint effects of sleep traits on the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). No previous study has used factorial Mendelian randomization (MR) which may reduce confounding, reverse causation, and measurement error. Thus, it is prudent to study joint effects using robust methods to propose sleep-targeted interventions which lower the risk of AMI.

Methods

The causal interplay between combinations of two sleep traits (including insomnia symptoms, sleep duration, or chronotype) on the risk of AMI was investigated using factorial MR. Genetic risk scores for each sleep trait were dichotomized at their median in UK Biobank (UKBB) and the second survey of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT2). A combination of two sleep traits constituting 4 groups were analyzed to estimate the risk of AMI in each group using a 2×2 factorial MR design.

Results

In UKBB, participants with high genetic risk for both insomnia symptoms and short sleep had the highest risk of AMI (hazard ratio (HR) 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.18), although there was no evidence of interaction (relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) 0.03; 95% CI −0.07, 0.12). These estimates were less precise in HUNT2 (HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.93, 1.13), possibly due to weak instruments and/or small sample size. Participants with high genetic risk for both a morning chronotype and insomnia symptoms (HR 1.09; 95% CI 1.03, 1.17) and a morning chronotype and short sleep (HR 1.11; 95% CI 1.04, 1.19) had the highest risk of AMI in UKBB, although there was no evidence of interaction (RERI 0.03; 95% CI −0.06, 0.12; and RERI 0.05; 95% CI –0.05, 0.14, respectively). Chronotype was not available in HUNT2.

Conclusions

This study reveals no interaction effects between sleep traits on the risk of AMI, but all combinations of sleep traits increased the risk of AMI except those with long sleep. This indicates that the main effects of sleep traits on AMI are likely to be independent of each other.
Phase III clinical trial of autologous CD34 + cell transplantation to accelerate fracture nonunion repair
Authors: Kuroda Ryosuke , Niikura Takahiro , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Fukui Tomoaki , Oe Keisuke , Mifune Yutaka , Minami Hironobu , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Yakushijin Kimikazu , Miyata Yoshiharu , Kawamoto Shinichiro , Kagimura Tatsuo , Fujita Yasuyuki , Kawamoto Atsuhiko
Published: October 2023

Background

We previously demonstrated that CD34 + cell transplantation in animals healed intractable fractures via osteogenesis and vasculogenesis; we also demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this cell therapy in an earlier phase I/II clinical trial conducted on seven patients with fracture nonunion. Herein, we present the results of a phase III clinical trial conducted to confirm the results of the previous phase studies using a larger cohort of patients.

Methods

CD34 + cells were mobilized via administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, harvested using leukapheresis, and isolated using magnetic cell sorting. Autologous CD34 + cells were transplanted in 15 patients with tibia nonunion and 10 patients with femur nonunion, who were followed up for 52 weeks post transplantation. The main outcome was a reduction in time to heal the tibia in nonunion patients compared with that in historical control patients. We calculated the required number of patients as 15 based on the results of the phase I/II study. An independent data monitoring committee performed the radiographic assessments. Adverse events and medical device failures were recorded.

Results

All fractures healed during the study period. The time to radiological fracture healing was 2.8 times shorter in patients with CD34 + cell transplantation than in the historical control group (hazard ratio: 2.81 and 95% confidence interval 1.16–6.85); moreover, no safety concerns were observed.

Conclusions

Our findings strongly suggest that autologous CD34 + cell transplantation is a novel treatment option for fracture nonunion.

Trial registration

UMIN-CTR, UMIN000022814. Registered on 22 June 2016.