bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood Acute Poisoning at Haiphong Children’s Hospital: A 10-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Nguyen Sang Ngoc , Vu Lam Tung , Nguyen Ha Thai , Nguyen Le My Thi
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Children are most often harmed by acute poisoning, which may cause disability or even death. This demonstrates the critical necessity for epidemiologic studies specific to each nation and area since they aid in developing plans for the prevention of acute poisoning. There are no data or outdated data on acute poisoning in children in Vietnam. This research would partly fill this existing gap and compare the trend with other places across the globe. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted in the 10-year period from 2012 to 2021 in Haiphong Children’s Hospital, Vietnam. Results. There were 771 children hospitalized due to acute poisoning. Children in the 1–5-year-old group accounted for the highest rate, at 506 (65.6%). The mean age was

4.5
±
4.1

years old. The male-to-female ratio was 1.2/1. Nonpharmaceutical chemicals were the most common agent in 331 cases (42.9%), including cleaning products 63 (19.0%), rat poison 60 (18.1%), and petrol 42 (12.7%). Medications were the second most common agent in 290 cases (37.6%), mostly paracetamol 60 (20.7%) and sedatives 40 (13.8%). There were 633 (82.1%) children exposed to poisons unintentionally. Conclusion. Children between the ages of 1 and 5 are more likely to be exposed to harmful substances. The most common agents were nonpharmaceutical chemicals followed by pharmaceuticals. Most incidents were inadvertent. Finally, our research may provide insights that public health authorities might use to plan practical actions.
Weighted Extropy for Concomitants of Upper k-Record Values Based on Huang–Kotz Morgenstern of Bivariate Distribution
Authors: Nagy M. , Tashkandy Yusra A.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the marginal distribution of concomitants of

k
−

record values (CKR) based on the Huang–Kotz Farlie–Gumbel–Morgenstern (HK-FGM) family of bivariate distributions is derived. In addition, we obtained the joint distribution of CKR for this family. Also, we obtained the hazard rate, reversed hazard rate, and residual life functions of CKR using the HK-FGM family. The weighted extropy and the weighted cumulative past extropy (WCPJ) are acquired for CKR under the HK-FGM family. In addition, we look into the issue of estimating the WCPJ by combining the empirical method with the concurrent use of KR in the HK-FGM family. Finally, we analyzed real-world data for illustration purposes, and the outcomes are rather striking.
Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Functionalized with 5,5′-Dithiobis(2-Nitrobenzoic Acid) for Highly Efficient Removal of Organic Dyes from Contaminated Water
Authors: Beagan Abeer , Khibari Shrooq , Alswieleh Abdullah
Published: September 2023

The removal of organic pollutants has become an increasingly important environmental concern. In recent years, there has been significant research into the use of nanomaterials for removing organic dyes in single-component systems. In this study, magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (magnetic MSNs) were prepared with an average particle size of 170 nm. Iron oxide nanoparticles (20 nm) were embedded within the mesoporous silica structure. These nanoparticles were functionalized with amine, derivatized with thiol, and then reacted with 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB). The presence of DTNB molecules attached to the surface was confirmed by FTIR spectra, as evidenced by the appearance of peaks at ∼1528 cm−1 and ∼1365 cm−1. The nanoadsorbents demonstrated high removal efficiency for bromothymol blue (BT) and methyl orange (MO) at a pH below 5, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 139.27 mg/g and 101.62 mg/g for BT and MO, respectively. The linear regression coefficient value suggested that the adsorption of BT and MO onto magnetic MSNs-DTNB followed the Langmuir isotherm and second-order process. Overall, these findings suggest that magnetic MSNs-DTNB could be a promising nanoadsorbent for removing organic pollutants from contaminated water sources.
Supplementary Motor Area Activity Differs in Parkinson’s Disease with and without Freezing of Gait
Authors: Marquez J. Sebastian , Bartsch Ronny P. , Günther Moritz , Hasan S. M. Shafiul , Koren Or , Plotnik Meir , Bai Ou
Published: September 2023

The study aimed to investigate the neural changes that differentiate Parkinson’s disease patients with freezing of gait and age-matched controls, using ambulatory electroencephalography event-related features. Compared to controls, definite freezers exhibited significantly less alpha desynchronization at the motor cortex about 300 ms before and after the start of overground walking and decreased low-beta desynchronization about 300 ms before and about 300 and 700 ms after walking onset. The late slope of motor potentials also differed in the sensory and motor areas between groups of controls, definite, and probable freezers. This difference was found both in preparation and during the execution of normal walking. The average frontal peak of motor potential was also found to be largely reduced in the definite freezers compared with the probable freezers and controls. These findings provide valuable insights into the underlying structures that are affected in patients with freezing of gait, which could be used to tailor drug development and personalize drug care for disease subtypes. In addition, the study’s findings can help in the evaluation and validation of nonpharmacological therapies for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Data from Combined CDK4/6 and ERK1/2 Inhibition Enhances Antitumor Activity in NF1-Associated Plexiform Neurofibroma
Authors: Flint Alyssa C. , Mitchell Dana K. , Angus Steven P. , Smith Abbi E. , Bessler Waylan , Jiang Li , Mang Henry , Li Xiaohong , Lu Qingbo , Rodriguez Brooke , Sandusky George E. , Masters Andi R. , Zhang Chi , Dang Pengtao , Koenig Jenna , Johnson Gary L. , Shen Weihua , Liu Jiangang , Aggarwal Amit , Donoho Gregory P. , Willard Melinda D. , Bhagwat Shripad V. , Clapp D. Wade , Rhodes Steven D.
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurpose:
Plexiform neurofibromas (PNF) are peripheral nerve sheath tumors that cause significant morbidity in persons with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), yet treatment options remain limited. To identify novel therapeutic targets for PNF, we applied an integrated multi-omic approach to quantitatively profile kinome enrichment in a mouse model that has predicted therapeutic responses in clinical trials for NF1-associated PNF with high fidelity.
Experimental Design:
Utilizing RNA sequencing combined with chemical proteomic profiling of the functionally enriched kinome using multiplexed inhibitor beads coupled with mass spectrometry, we identified molecular signatures predictive of response to CDK4/6 and RAS/MAPK pathway inhibition in PNF. Informed by these results, we evaluated the efficacy of the CDK4/6 inhibitor, abemaciclib, and the ERK1/2 inhibitor, LY3214996, alone and in combination in reducing PNF tumor burden in Nf1flox/flox;PostnCre mice.
Results:
Converging signatures of CDK4/6 and RAS/MAPK pathway activation were identified within the transcriptome and kinome that were conserved in both murine and human PNF. We observed robust additivity of the CDK4/6 inhibitor, abemaciclib, in combination with the ERK1/2 inhibitor, LY3214996, in murine and human NF1(Nf1) mutant Schwann cells. Consistent with these findings, the combination of abemaciclib (CDK4/6i) and LY3214996 (ERK1/2i) synergized to suppress molecular signatures of MAPK activation and exhibited enhanced antitumor activity in Nf1flox/flox;PostnCre mice in vivo.
Conclusions:
These findings provide rationale for the clinical translation of CDK4/6 inhibitors alone and in combination with therapies targeting the RAS/MAPK pathway for the treatment of PNF and other peripheral nerve sheath tumors in persons with NF1.
Integration of Refractive Services Provided by Optometrists into the Portuguese National Health Service
Authors: Carneiro Vera L. Alves , González-Méijome José Manuel
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Refractive error is a public health concern and even with relatively simple and cost-effective interventions it remains usually outside national health services (NHSs) not ensuring universal health coverage. This study aimed to generate evidence about the availability and accessibility of refractive services in Portugal and to present a plan for more efficient services. Methods: A situation analysis of the Portuguese existing refractive services within the NHS was conducted based on three health systems building blocks: service delivery access, service coverage, and workforce. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis was performed based on existent evidence to identify internal and external factors that can facilitate or hinder the integration of refractive services within the NHS. The number of eye care personnel to be integrated in the NHS was calculated considering the minimum ratios recommended by national and international technical reports. Results: Portugal has no specific services to address refractive errors within the NHS. Treatment of refractive error occurs at the level of eye care general services. There are 39 NHS eye care services, all hospital-centred and divided into three large groups, according to technical differentiation, the technology required, and workforce capacity. The workforce available is composed of ophthalmologists and orthoptists, together with nurses and other general paramedical assistants. 3 Portuguese municipalities have more than 1 NHS eye care service, 35 have 1 NHS eye care service, and 240 municipalities (in the mainland) have none. In 2021, 52% of the hospitals providing eye care services did not meet the recommended response times. Centralization of eye care services in urban areas, undifferentiated referral systems, and a shortage in the workforce per inhabitant was observed. Conclusions: Portuguese NHS has all the requirements to reorientate refractive care from the current hospital-based model to primary care. The country also has a trained and qualified workforce to address this condition. Evidence demonstrates that the provision of refractive services at primary care is efficient and effective and translates into an opportunity to identify other visual conditions.
Mycobacterium avium Complex Infections: Detailed Phenotypic and Functional Immunological Work-Up Is Required despite Genetic Analyses
Authors: Kratzer Bernhard , Grabmeier-Pfistershammer Katharina , Trapin Doris , Körmöczi Ulrike , Rottal Arno , Feichter Melanie , Waidhofer-Söllner Petra , Smogavec Mateja , Laccone Franco , Hauser Michael , Winkler Stefan , Pickl Winfried F. , Lechner Arno M
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Cervical scrofulous lymphadenitis due to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in immunocompetent adults is a rare disease. The presence of MAC infections demands meticulous clinical evaluation of patients along with detailed phenotypic and functional evaluation of their immune system including next-generation sequencing (NGS) analyses of target genes. Methods: Exact clinical histories of the index patients both suffering from retromandibular/cervical scrofulous lymphadenitis were obtained along with phenotypic and functional immunological evaluations of leukocyte populations followed by targeted NGS-based sequencing of candidate genes. Results: Immunological investigations showed normal serum immunoglobulin and complement levels, but lymphopenia, which was caused by significantly reduced CD3+CD4+CD45RO+ memory T-cell and CD19+ B-cell numbers. Despite normal T-cell proliferation to a number of accessory cell-dependent and -independent stimuli, the PBMC of both patients elaborated clearly reduced levels of a number of cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α upon TCR-dependent T-cell stimulation with CD3-coated beads but also superantigens. The IFN-γ production deficiency was confirmed for CD3+CD4+ helper and CD4+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells on the single-cell level by multiparametric flow cytometry irrespective of whether PMA/ionomycin-stimulated whole blood cells or gradient-purified PBMC was analyzed. In the female patient L1, targeted NGS-based sequencing revealed a homozygous c.110T>C mutation in the interferon-γ receptor type 1 (IFNGR1) leading to significantly reduced receptor expression on both CD14+ monocytes and CD3+ T cells. Patient S2 presented with normal IFNGR1 expression on CD14+ monocytes but significantly reduced IFNGR1 expression on CD3+ T cells, despite the absence of detectable homozygous mutations in the IFNGR1 itself or disease-related target genes. Exogenous addition of increasing doses of IFN-γ resulted in proper upregulation of high-affinity FcγRI (CD64) on monocytes from patient S2, whereas monocytes from patient L1 showed only partial induction of CD64 expression after incubation with high doses of IFN-γ. Conclusion: A detailed phenotypic and functional immunological examination is urgently required to determine the cause of a clinically relevant immunodeficiency, despite detailed genetic analyses.
Discoid Medial Meniscus: An Uncommon Case in an Even More Uncommon Patient Population
Authors: Rublev George , Nachkebia Levan , Kartozia Irakli , Gogua Irakli , Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed
Published: September 2023

Discoid medial meniscus is an extremely rare anatomical variant; its symptomatic presentation is even more uncommon in adult patients. Surgery is indicated when conservative management fails, symptomatic adults and children are both surgically treated with partial meniscectomy and saucerization while maintaining a stable, peripheral rim. We report excellent results on our 44-year-old patient on 3-year follow-up.
Global-Local Priors for Spatial Small Area Estimation
Authors: Tang Xueying , Ghosh Malay
Published: September 2023

Small area estimation is gaining increasing popularity among survey statisticians. Since the direct estimates of small areas usually have large standard errors, model-based approaches are often adopted to borrow strength across areas. The models often use covariates to link different areas and random effects to account for the additional variation. In the classic Fay-Herriot model, the random effects are assumed to have independent normal distributions with a shared variance. Recent studies showed that random effects are not necessary for all areas, so global-local priors have been introduced in Tang et al.[ 26 ] to effectively characterize the sparsity in random effects. This article introduces global-local priors in the context of small area estimation where the area level random effects exhibit a spatial structure. This generalizes the findings of Tang et al.[ 26 ] where independence of the area level effects is assumed. Our findings are illustrated via both simulation and real data examples.

AMS Subject Classification: 62D05, 62M30
Applying circular economy principles to intensification of livestock production in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Duncan Alan John , Ayantunde Augustine , Blummel Michael , Amole Tunde , Padmakumar Varijakshapanicker , Moran Dominic
Published: September 2023

In the context of sustainable agricultural development, much has been made of the need to apply agroecology or regenerative principles to improve rural livelihoods and to align the sector with critical planetary health boundaries. This movement is a reaction to the perceived private and social costs arising from both production and consumption associated with industrialised agriculture, mostly in upper-income countries, with several default assumptions being apparent about applicability elsewhere. The notion of circularity, or the circular economy, is frequently conflated with agro ecological rhetoric, often overlooking a longer tradition of circular resource use efficiency in traditional mixed crop–livestock farming in low-income settings. This paper examines the concept and origins of circularity and reviews some examples of historic circular economy research within the international agricultural research system as applied to smallholder agriculture. These include (i) studies focusing on the impact of crop residue retention, (ii) work on residue incorporation and/or mulching and their effects on crop yields and soil fertility, (iii) research on the effects of manure use on crop yields and soil fertility and (iv) work on the feeding of crop residues to livestock. We consider some promising innovations or practices adhering to circular economy principles. Candidate innovations focus on the improvement of livestock feeding practices including the breeding of dual-purpose crops to enhance livestock nutrition, conversion of cereal straw residues to high-quality feed, use of cassava waste as livestock feed and use of insects as livestock feed. We conclude by considering how circular bio-economy principles might be maintained in the future evolution of food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Unseen experiences of non-white third culture kids: Exploring cultural hierarchy and social consciousness in transnational spaces
Authors: Chiu Ivy
Published: September 2023

The growing number of people in global transit are often families, which means that children are greatly impacted as their family moves. Many of these children are known as third culture kids (TCK), who have grown up in multiple countries. This term was coined by Ruth Useem in the 1950s but attracted more attention in the 1970s when David Pollock and Ruth Van Reken conducted seminars and workshops about TCK. They found that TCKs had similar issues such as rootlessness even though the countries they had been to were different. TCKs became a unique people group that breaks the normal boundaries of cultural and ethnic boxes. However, in recent years, children of expatriates from minority communities in the West or the Majority World have been raising concerns that their experiences growing up in global transit are different from the traditional TCK narratives due to classism and racism. This article seeks to examine the different experiences of non-white TCKs growing up and bringing voices to their untold stories as part of the larger set of TCK issues.

TCKs are not a homogenous group. There is a need to have more voices from non-white TCKs to care for this growing trend of global mobile families from the Majority World/Global South. Non-white TCKs face different kinds of complexity in cultural identities as they move between countries. Race, ethnicity, nationality, language/accent, education system, family culture, moving portfolio, and socio-economic status are all factors affecting the TCK experience according to the cultural hierarchy in the locations they are in. International organizations should consider the unique stories of non-white TCKs to help their workers serve effectively in their overseas assignments and return to their countries with smooth re-entry.
From Home to Corner Office: How Work–Life Programs Influence Women's Managerial Representation in Japan
Authors: Yang Yang , Jiang Guoliang Frank , Konrad Alison M.
Published: September 2023

Although researchers have suggested that work–life programs (WLPs) help increase the representation of women in management (WIM), stigmatization and gender stereotyping can prevent this beneficial effect. We adopt a contingency approach by taking the roles of time, gender context, and the purposes of different practices into consideration and examine the effects of WLPs on WIM longitudinally. Our analysis of a sample of Japanese public firms spanning 14 years addresses endogeneity concerns and shows that: (1) increases in WLPs are weakly associated with subsequent increases in the proportion of WIM within firms; (2) this positive effect is stronger in organizations where the percentage of female employees is growing; and (3) there is no evidence to suggest an effect in the opposite direction. We further propose different temporal patterns by which the effects of flexibility practices (e.g., remote work) and resource practices (e.g., childcare benefits) emerge due to the varying degree of changes in job structures and work norms involved in their implementation. Our analysis provides supportive evidence that the effects of flexibility practices that require more changes inconveniencing decision-makers, users, and coworkers take longer to emerge compared to resource practices that incur fewer changes and inconveniences. These findings contribute to a more detailed understanding of the WLPs–WIM relationship and offer insights for research on WLPs and women's career advancement.
Assembling a Zero-Waste World: From situated to distributed prefiguration
Authors: Chertkovskaya Ekaterina , Hasselbalch Jacob A. , Stripple Johannes
Published: September 2023

The concept of prefiguration is drawing increasing interest as a lens to study the collective dynamic and transformative potential of alternative organizing. We introduce an analytical distinction between two modes of prefiguration. Situated prefiguration emphasizes affective bonds and direct struggle taking place in bounded organizational spaces, while distributed prefiguration manifests in wider socio-spatial formations. While situated prefiguration has been studied substantially, distributed prefiguration has so far not been adequately theorized. To conceptualize more spatially dispersed forms of prefiguration, we approach prefiguration from a relational perspective, drawing especially on assemblage thinking, which reveals a different way of thinking about how prefigurative practices are spatially organized. We demonstrate different socio-spatial forms of prefiguration in action through an empirical investigation of the zero-waste phenomenon. Our empirical material is built on site visits to zero-waste stores, interviews with zero-wasters and conventional retailers and online sources related to zero-waste. We find that zero-waste stores transcend situated prefiguration by being part of a zero-waste assemblage that aims to radically transform the food and retail system through distributed prefiguration.
Bullying victimization and suicidal ideation in adolescents: The moderation effect of family, teachers and peers support
Authors: Galindo-Domínguez Héctor , Losada Iglesias Daniel
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study has been to analyze the moderation role of social support in the relationship between bullying victimization and suicidal ideation in adolescents. For this purpose, 898 Spanish adolescents ( M Age = 13.55; SD = 1.26) responded to the Peer School Victimization Scale, to the Scale of Perceived Social Support, to the Spanish Adaptation of School Environment Scale, and to the Suicide Risk Inventory for Adolescents. The results revealed that: (1) Higher levels of bullying victimization had a worse impact on suicidal ideation in females than in males; (2) In general, Family Support was more useful for females in reducing suicidal ideation, but in bullying victimization cases, a greater Family Support for men was more effective in reducing suicidal ideation than in females; (3) Peer Support was more useful for reducing suicidal ideation in females and in students that did not retake a course; (4) Regardless of the analyzed personal characteristics (sex, age and retake a course), teacher support contributes to reducing suicidal ideation. These results have important practical implications in that they allow to observe the relevance of peer and family interactions in learning processes in order to reduce one of the leading causes of adolescent death, as it is the case of the suicidal behavior.
Modal-graph 3D shape servoing of deformable objects with raw point clouds
Authors: Yang Bohan , Sui Congying , Zhong Fangxun , Liu Yun-Hui
Published: September 2023

Deformable object manipulation (DOM) with point clouds has great potential as nonrigid 3D shapes can be measured without detecting and tracking image features. However, robotic shape control of deformable objects with point clouds is challenging due to: the unknown point correspondences and the noisy partial observability of raw point clouds; the modeling difficulties of the relationship between point clouds and robot motions. To tackle these challenges, this paper introduces a novel modal-graph framework for the model-free shape servoing of deformable objects with raw point clouds. Unlike the existing works studying the object’s geometry structure, we propose a modal graph to describe the low-frequency deformation structure of the DOM system, which is robust to the measurement irregularities. The modal graph enables us to directly extract low-dimensional deformation features from raw point clouds without extra processing of registrations, refinements, and occlusion removal. It also preserves the spatial structure of the DOM system to inverse the feature changes into robot motions. Moreover, as the framework is built with unknown physical and geometric object models, we design an adaptive robust controller to deform the object toward the desired shape while tackling the modeling uncertainties, noises, and disturbances online. The system is proved to be input-to-state stable (ISS) using Lyapunov-based methods. Extensive experiments are conducted to validate our method using linear, planar, tubular, and volumetric objects under different settings.
Efficacy of positive space acquiring membrane and antimicrobial membrane combined with granular bone substitute implantation in guiding oral bone regeneration
Authors: Qin Chuanlan , Ren Tongyan , Liu Yiming , Shao Huaying , Mi Fanglin , Wang Bing
Published: September 2023

Augmentation of the alveolar bone is important before oral implantation. For large bone defects, it becomes necessary to apply guided bone regeneration (GBR) materials, accompanied by filling defect sites with autologous or allogeneic bone, or bone substitutes such as acellular bone powder. In this study, we tested a granular bone substitute and GBR membrane combination therapy in treating MC3T3-E1 and L929 cells in vitro and rat calvarial and alveolar defects in vivo. The recovery conditions of bone defects were monitored by micro-CT, and 3D reconstruction of the CT images was applied to evaluate the bone augmentation semi-quantitatively. Test GBR materials could support the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, poly (p-dioxanone-co-L-phenylalanine) (PDPA)-based membrane could induce apoptosis of L929 cells. Among GBR membranes applied groups, the regeneration condition of defected calvarial defects of PDPA based membrane applied group was the best and this may be caused by its excellent positive space acquiring effect. However, in a complex bacteriogenic environment, the oral bone regeneration-guided efficacy of the PDPA membrane decreased in the post-repair stage with the aggravation of infections. By contrast, the antimicrobial membrane combined with the PDPA membrane exhibited continually increasing GBR efficacy at the later stage of repair owing to its multifunctional properties, which are infection-inhibiting and positive space acquiring. Therefore, multifunctional GBR membranes are preferable for GBR in complex oral environments, and further research should be conducted to determine their efficacy in other models.
What We Know About Registered Apprenticeship: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of 30 Years of Empirical Research
Authors: Gallup Amber
Published: September 2023

Apprenticeship is a time-tested learning model and workforce development strategy. In the United States, registered apprenticeship (RA)—a structured form of apprenticeship that is regulated and overseen by government agencies—has been expanding from skilled trades into new industries. To inform this expansion and contribute to the understanding of how the model serves apprentices and employers, the author undertook a systematic literature review and a qualitative synthesis of empirical research, interpreting findings on RA over a 30-year period. The review identified 36 scholarly studies and an additional 98 articles from the practitioner literature. The synthesis derived three themes: expansion, benefits, and outcomes for minoritized groups, revealing gaps in research on the curricular and instructional design elements of RA that promote retention, completion, career advancement, and learning for apprentices.
Visualizing neutrophil extracellular traps in septic equine synovial and peritoneal fluid samples using immunofluorescence microscopy
Authors: Birckhead Emily M. , Das Shubhagata , Tidd Naomie , Raidal Sharanne L. , Raidal Shane R.
Published: September 2023

Septic synovitis and peritonitis are routinely diagnosed in horses based on clinical examination findings and laboratory assessment of synoviocentesis and abdominocentesis samples, respectively. Diagnosis is difficult in some cases because of an overlap in laboratory results for septic and non-septic inflammation. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation is part of the innate immune response against pathogens. Identifying and quantifying NETs, which have not been explored in clinical samples from horses with septic synovitis and peritonitis, to our knowledge, may be helpful in detecting infectious processes. Our main objective was to determine whether NETs could be visualized in septic equine synovial and peritoneal fluid cytology samples using immunofluorescence with antibodies against citrullinated histone H3 (Cit-H3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). We analyzed 9 synovial and 4 peritoneal fluid samples. NET percentages were quantified using a simple counting technique, which is suitable for high-quality, well-preserved, and stained cytospin smears. NETs were evident in all septic samples and were absent in a non-septic sample; NETs were better visualized with Cit-H3 than with MPO immunolabeling. Overall, we believe that there is the potential for NETs and associated markers to be used to investigate and understand septic inflammation in horses.
Improvement of objective ocular redness measured with Keratograph 5M in glaucoma patients after instilling brimonidine drops
Authors: Montolío-Marzo Elena , Fernández-Narros Rodrigo , Morales-Fernández Laura , García-Bella Javier , Sáenz-Francés Federico , García-Feijoo Julián , Martínez-de-la-Casa Jose María
Published: September 2023

Objective

To compare objective ocular redness measured using OCULUS Keratograph 5 M before and after 0.2% brimonidine instillation in glaucoma patients under topical hypotensive treatment.

Methods

60 eyes from 60 subjects diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension under hypotensive ocular topical treatment were analyzed. Basal Ophthalmological examination was performed. Outcome variables were OCULUS Keratograph 5 M redness scores (RS) before and after 0.2% brimonidine instillation; overall, bulbar temporal (BT), bulbar nasal (BN), limbar temporal (LT), and limbar nasal (LN); non-invasive average tear film breakup time (Nia-BUT), non-invasive first tear film breakup time (Nif-BUT) and meibography. In addition, the following clinical data were collected: intraocular pressure, type, duration, amount, and preservatives/or not of hypotensive treatment, fluorescein corneal staining score and lower tear meniscus height.

Results

All eyes were under topical medication. All redness scores were reduced after brimonidine instillation, mean RS differences were BT 0.82 ± 0.62, BN hyperemia 1.03 ± 0.55, LN hyperemia 0.84 ± 0.49, LT hyperemia 0.71 ± 0.50 and total hyperemia 0.91 ± 0.52 (all p < 0.001). 30 min after brimonidine instillation mean overall RS reduction was 47.97 ± 12.39% (p < 0.001) and after 1 h there was a persistent reduction of overall RS of 45.92 ± 14.27% (p < 0.001). Hyperemia reduction was significant and comparable between preservative and preservative-free group 0.12 ± 0.14 (p > 0.392) and between patient with combination therapy and monotherapy 0.16 ± 0.14 (p > 0.258).

Conclusion

A significant reduction of conjunctival hyperemia was objectively found in glaucoma patients under topical hypotensive treatment before and after brimonidine instillation. Its fast and long-lasting effect may be useful preoperatively in glaucoma patients to reduce intraoperative bleeding and associated complications.
Phakic intraocular Lens implantation in keratoconus patients
Authors: Nowrouzi Ali , D’Oria Francesco , Alió del Barrio Jorge L , Alió Jorge L
Published: September 2023

Background

Both the anterior chamber and posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs) implantation are acceptable refractive surgical approaches in keratoconus patients with high anisometropia, contact lens intolerance, or who prefer spectacle and contact lens independent. They are beneficial for correcting anisometropia in stable keratoconus cases or following corneal procedures such as intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS), collagen cross-linking (CXL), and keratoplasty. They are suitable for eyes without advanced keratoconus with acceptable best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) or without highly irregular astigmatism, high comma, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs). Combined procedures for irregular astigmatism reduction and corneal regularization with either ICRS or topography/wavefront-guided transepithelial PRK (with or without CXL) can be associated in advance with pIOLs implantation to improve BCDVA in these cases.

Aim

To study and report the evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of pIOLs for KC patients' visual and refractive rehabilitation, we have analyzed the scientific evidence published within the last 10 years (from 2012 onwards).

Results

No randomized controlled trials but only eleven retrospective case series and two prospective case series were identified. Satisfactory visual rehabilitation was achieved regarding uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and predictability of the refractive correction. Both types of pIOL (iris claw and posterior chamber pIOLs) offer very good results in terms of safety and efficacy with indexes close to or even exceeding 1

Conclusion

pIOLs implantation is a valid refractive therapeutic approach for correcting stable keratoconus with moderate-to-high refractive errors, especially anisometropia associated with regular or mildly irregular astigmatism, and good CDVA.
Novel IMPG2 variant causing adult macular vitelliform dystrophy: A case report
Authors: Ribarich Nicolò , Rivolta Maria Chiara , Sacconi Riccardo , Querques Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Adult-onset vitelliform macular dystrophy (AVMD) is an inherited maculopathy characterized by metamorphopsias and decrease in visual acuity occurring between the fourth and the sixth decade. It is characterized by an ‘egg yolk’ macular lesion eventually evolving towards foveal atrophy and fibrosis. It is usually an autosomal dominant inherited disorder with variable penetrance, mainly related to variants in BEST1, PRPH2, IMPG1, and IMPG2 genes.

Case description

A 47-year-old woman complaining of “wavy” vision was referred to our clinic. Her past medical history and reported family history did not reveal any ocular disease. Complete ophthalmological evaluation was performed. Funduscopic examination and multimodal imaging revealed a round vitelliform lesion in both eyes, leading to a diagnosis of AVMD. Genetic analysis revealed a novel, likely pathogenetic, heterozygous c.478G > T (p.Glu160Ter), (NM_016247) variant in the IMPG2 gene.

Discussion

Our patient exhibits a novel pathogenetic variant in a gene associated with AVMD. Heterozygous variants in the IMPG2 gene have been reported in multiple individuals with vitelliform macular dystrophy, with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Genetic screening is essential to characterize patients, to predict vision loss in patients with a positive family history and to characterize eligible patients for new potential emerging therapies. Genotype-phenotype correlation studies are needed to have a clearer picture of pathogenetic mechanisms. Our study characterizes the phenotype related to a novel IMPG2 pathogenic variant through multimodal imaging.
Polyethylene thickness does not influence aseptic revision rate with highly cross-linked liners in THA with 36-mm femoral heads
Authors: Six Willem R , Koenraadt-van Oost Iris , van Boekel Leonieke C , Bolder Stefan B T
Published: September 2023

Background:

To reduce the risk of dislocation, larger head size can be used in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, larger head size leads to thinner acetabular liners. With conventional polyethylene, thickness of >8 mm has been advocated to reduce stress and wear rate of the polyethylene. Modern polyethylene has become more wear-resistant. In this study, we investigated if the thickness of sequentially cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liners is associated with failure of THA in the medium term.

Patients and methods:

3654 THAs were included (2009–2016), in which THA was performed with a XLPE liner in combination with a 36-mm femoral head. Patient and surgical characteristics were collected. We compared implant survival of THA with thin liners (<7.9 mm) and thick liners (⩾7.9 mm) with a Kaplan Meier survival analysis at 5 years, median follow-up and 10 years of follow-up with and point aseptic loosening and performed a multivariate analysis to estimate hazard ratios (HR).

Results:

Median follow-up was 7.7 years (IQR 5.6–9.8). In total, 179 revision procedures were performed, where 82 revisions (46%) were performed for aseptic loosening. The survival rate at 5 years, median and 10 years of follow-up showed no statistically significant difference in implant survival. The survival rate at 10 years follow-up was for thin liners 97.1% (95% CI, 96.3–97.9) and for thick liners 98.2% (95% CI, 97.4–99.0) in the aseptic loosening group (chi-square 2.55; p = 0.11). The adjusted HR for thick liners (⩾7.9 mm) was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.38–1.08) compared with the thin liners (<7.9 mm), which was not significantly different.

Conclusions:

From this single-centre retrospective study it appears that thinner polyethylene liners are well tolerated when using second-generation highly cross-linked polyethylene. Thickness of the XLPE liners did not influence the risk of aseptic loosening of the implants in the medium term.
Understanding the use of telemedicine across different opioid use disorder treatment models: A scoping review
Authors: Tay Wee Teck Joseph , Butner Jenna L , Baldacchino Alex
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has instigated the development of telemedicine-mediated provision of medications for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine and methadone, referred to as TMOUD in this study. As services start to return to pre-pandemic norms, there is a debate around the role of TMOUD as addition to or replacement of the conventional cascade of care for people with opioid use disorder (PWOUD). This scoping review is designed to characterize existing TMOUD services and provide insights to enable a more nuanced discussion on the role of telemedicine in the care of PWOUD.

Methods

The literature search was conducted in OVID Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, from inception up to and including April 2023, using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. The review considered any study design that detailed sufficient descriptive information on a given TMOUD service. A data extraction form was developed to collect and categorize a range of descriptive characteristics of each discrete TMOUD model identified from the obtained articles.

Results

A total of 45 articles met the inclusion criteria, and from this, 40 discrete TMOUD services were identified. In total, 33 services were US-based, three from Canada, and one each from India, Ireland, the UK, and Norway. Through a detailed analysis of TMOUD service characteristics, four models of care were identified. These were TMOUD to facilitate inclusion health, to facilitate transitions in care, to meet complex healthcare needs, and to maintain opioid use disorder (OUD) service resilience.

Conclusions

Characterizing TMOUD according to its functional benefits to PWOUD and OUD services will help support evidence-based policy and practice. Additionally, particular attention is given to how digital exclusion of PWOUD can be mitigated against.
Beyond Netflix: Ownership and content strategies among non-US-based video streaming services
Authors: Lotz Amanda D , Eklund Oliver
Published: September 2023

Major multi-territory streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ dominate this new sector of video distribution, but the economic features of internet-distributed video enable a diverse sector. This article examines 16 non-US-based multi-territory services and 10 national/regional markets to investigate the other types of transnational streaming businesses emerging. The analysis assesses the ownership of the 16 services, as all but one emerge from existing corporations with activities in the audiovisual or distribution sector, to identify the implications of different ownership priorities. It then pairs the ownership analysis with data on the size and country of origin of the services’ content libraries. The findings identify subcategories of multi-territory streamers and, by considering an array of national markets, reveal the counter-strategies available to non-US-based services.
Microfinance Institutions’ Efficiency and its Determinants: Evidence from India
Authors: Bardhan Amit Kumar , Nag Barnali , Mishra Chandra Sekhar
Published: September 2023

This study evaluates the financial and social efficiency of Indian Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) from 2005 to 2018 and also tries to find out the determinants of financial and social efficiency. In the first step, bias-corrected bootstrap Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) efficiency scores for financial and social efficiency were calculated using two input and two output variables. In the second step of analysis above efficiency scores have been used as dependent variables and Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model is employed to ascertain the determinants of financial and social efficiency of Indian MFIs. The study finds that the aggregate financial efficiency of Indian MFIs is higher than the social efficiency. Over the study period, efficiency of Indian MFIs shows an increasing trend. Results of SUR suggest that as compared to Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) MFIs, Non-NBFC MFIs’ financial and social efficiency is better. Influence of age, scale of loan portfolio, asset quality and financial leverage on efficiency of MFIs are insignificant. This study also finds that asset size of the firm is positively associated with efficiency. Evidence from this study suggests that reform measures taken post microfinance crises has negatively affected the financial efficiency. However, social efficiency has improved during post reform period.

JEL Codes: G21, C33
Game-based learning: Teaching child welfare workers to engage child sex trafficking victims using “Case By Case”
Authors: Rubenstein Amelia , Eisler Alexandra , Harmon-Darrow Caroline , Finigan-Carr Nadine
Published: September 2023

Child sex trafficking (CST) is the exchange of something of value for any sexual act with a minor. Public child welfare agencies are responsible for serving CST victims. In response to the critical need for training child welfare workers on engaging survivors of CST, we describe an innovative game-based training model used to train over 1000 workers in Maryland. The “Case-By-Case” game uses case studies to shape small group discussions, role playing, skill drills for child welfare workers to build their capacity to identify and engage survivors. Initial evaluations indicate a significant increase in knowledge and self-efficacy for training participants. The model may hold promise for social work education in this critical area, as well as for other types of professional training for social workers.
Impingement-related osteolysis in Motec total wrist arthroplasty: an explant analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Julian Harriet S. , Kandemir Göksu , Redfern James , J. Joyce Thomas , Brown Daniel J.
Published: September 2023

We present five cases of osteolysis in the Motec total wrist prosthesis, three around the radial implant, one around the metacarpal implant and one around both. Three of these were progressive and required revision, and biomechanical explant analyses of these revised prostheses were performed. Ex vivo testing of the contact points of the Motec implants was also performed at maximum extension. Here, impingement occurs between the metacarpal screw and the dorsal rim of the cup (non-articulating surfaces) with the short-necked prosthesis, leading to metacarpal screw damage, titanium debris formation and osteolysis. An analysis of three previously published cases suggests that this may have been the likely mode of failure in those cases. This complication is preventable by avoiding use of the short-neck prosthesis.

Level of evidence: IV
Risk factors for surgical site infection after surgical treatment of closed distal radial fractures
Authors: Crook Jennifer L. , Pientka William , Zhang Andrew Y. , Golden Ann , Koehler Daniel , Sammer Douglas
Published: September 2023

We assessed operatively treated closed distal radial fractures to identify independent risk factors for surgical site infection after treatment. A retrospective review was carried out of 531 operatively treated closed distal radial fractures over a 5-year period. Multiple logistic regression was performed with infection as the dependent variable, using a stepwise regression procedure to select variables to construct the final model. In total, 19 (3.6%) fractures were complicated by postoperative surgical site infection. Uncontrolled diabetes with HbA1c >7, the presence of external fixation or external Kirschner wires, and tobacco use were significant independent predictors of infection. Age and time in the operating room were also statistically significant predictors but deemed to be not clinically meaningful.

Level of evidence: IV
Design, development, and flight testing of a 70-gram micro quad-cyclocopter
Authors: Runco Carl , Benedict Moble
Published: September 2023

This paper discusses the development of a micro air vehicle scale quad-cyclocopter for the purpose of investigating cyclorotor application to low Reynolds number ([Formula: see text]) flight. The 70-gram vehicle is the lightest quad-cyclocopter developed to date by an order of magnitude and only the second to achieve forward flight. It utilized two counter-rotating pairs of cyclorotors operating at [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] to generate thrust and balance the reaction torque. Each cyclorotor had two control parameters, thrust direction and magnitude, giving the quad-cyclocopter eight independent control parameters. Flight tests were conducted to demonstrate several unique maneuvers made possible by the over-actuated system: changing pitch attitude in a point hover and forward translation via thrust vectoring. Data was collected for longitudinal maneuvers to compare forward flight performance when using strictly thrust vectoring for propulsion versus pitching without thrust vectoring. Similar performance was observed between the two modes for the achieved speeds.