bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disassembly of bipolar hemiarthroplasty cup causing stem notching: A case report
Authors: Chau Leo Tsz-Ching , Chung Kwong-Yin , Tso Chi-Yin , Tang Ning
Published: December 2020

Bipolar hemiarthroplasty has been a well-established treatment for femoral neck fractures. We report a case of spontaneous dissociation of bipolar cup in a 68-year-old female with edge of the bipolar shell notched onto the femoral stem. Revision surgery to total hip arthroplasty was performed with acetabulum and bipolar cup component replaced and notched stem retained. While bipolar cup dissociation has been reported in case series, this associated notching from bipolar cup dissociation onto femoral stem has rarely been reported. We reviewed the current literature on dissociation of bipolar hip hemiarthroplasty regarding the pattern, risk factors, as well as its salvage options.
Does metropolitan form affect transportation sustainability? Evidence from US metropolitan areas
Authors: Sevtuk Andres , Amindarbari Reza
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we examine transportation sustainability in American metropolitan areas using transportation-related CO2 emissions, public transit accessibility, and commuting times as indicators. Though variations in these indicators may stem from historic contexts, policies, institutional arrangements, social and cultural origins, the spatial structure of metropolitan areas—in particular their formal characteristics—may also be a contributing factor. To test this relationship, we identify metropolitan form metrics from prior literature that are expected to impact transportation outcomes, and choose five metrics to which we introduce significant improvements. We apply the metrics to all 166 Combined Statistical Areas in the US, using an open-source GIS toolbox released along with the paper. Our findings demonstrate that form-based metrics provide a better explanation to CO2 emissions, public transit accessibility, and commuting times in US metro areas than the simpler population size or density metrics typically used in practice. We also show that counter to prior literature on urban scaling laws and economies of scale, which have argued that larger cities and metro areas are more sustainable per capita, transport-related CO2 emissions and transit accessibility are actually less favorable in larger CSAs when controlling for formal characteristics of metropolitan areas. Instead of scale, compactness has the highest elasticity with respect to transportation sustainability of metro areas.
In VitroandIn VivoAntimalarial Activities and Toxicological Assessment ofPogostemon Cablin(Blanco) Benth
Authors: Phuwajaroanpong Arisara , Chaniad Prapaporn , Horata Natharinee , Muangchanburee Saowanee , Kaewdana Kantarakorn , Punsawad Chuchard
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimalarial activities and toxicity of Pogostemon cablin extracts. In vitro activities against the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum K1 strain were assessed by using the Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (pLDH) assay, while in vivo activity against the Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain in mice was investigated using a 4-day suppressive test. The in vitro and in vivo toxicity were determined in Vero cells and mice, respectively. The ethanolic extract possessed antimalarial activity with an IC50of 24.49 ± 0.01 µg/ml, whereas the aqueous extract showed an IC50of 549.30 ± 0.07 µg/ml. Cytotoxic analyses of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts revealed a nontoxic effect on Vero cells at a concentration of 80 µg/ml. Based on a preliminary study of in vitro antimalarial activity, the ethanolic extract was chosen as a potential agent for further in vivo antimalarial activity analysis in mice. The ethanolic extract, which showed no toxic effect on mice at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight, significantly suppressed parasitemia in mice by 38.41%, 45.12% and 89.00% at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively. In conclusion, this study shows that the ethanolic P. cablin extract possesses in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity without toxic effects.
Stroke knowledge: Developing a framework for data integration in a sequential exploratory mixed method study
Authors: Grech Paulann , Grech Reuben
Published: December 2020

Mixed methods have emerged as potential problem solvers particularly where traditional mono-method approaches fail to deal with specific research problems. The integration of quantitative and qualitative data within mixed methods approaches is central and should be carefully planned and executed. It is equally important to choose an appropriate mixed methods design, that promises to answer the research questions posed at the start of the research endeavour. The authors used an exploratory sequential mixed method approach to explore stroke knowledge and educational needs in a large population. They present the development and use of a framework (matrix) to ensure comprehensive and transparent data integration in their study and may be used as a template for future studies.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The risk factors of intracranial infection in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage undergone hematoma puncture: what should we care
Authors: Han Haijing , Li Yu , Liu Li , Liu Ningning , Wang Ying , Zhang Min
Published: December 2020

Background

Intracranial infection after puncture of cerebral hematoma in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage is very common in the department of neurosurgery, yet the relevant risks remain unknown. We attempted to analyze the risk factors of intracranial infection after puncture of cerebral hematoma, to provide insights into the management of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage after puncture of cerebral hematoma.

Methods

Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage after puncture of cerebral hematoma treated in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2020 were selected, the related characteristics of intracranial infection and no infection patients were compared. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the risk factors for intracranial infection after puncture of cerebral hematoma.

Results

A total of 925 patients with puncture of cerebral hematoma were included. The incidence of postoperative intracranial infection was 7.03%. There were significant statistical differences between the infected group and the no infection group in the American Association of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, length of hospital stay, consecutive operation, duration of surgery, extra-ventricular drainage (EVD) use (all p < 0.05). There was statistically significant difference in the duration of EVD between the infection and no infection groups (p = 0.002), and there was no significant difference in the frequency of EVD insertion between the two groups (p = 0.094). The length of hospital stay≥10 days (OR1.832, 1.062–3.158), consecutive operation (OR2.158, 1.358–3.430), duration of surgery≥4 h (OR1.581, 1.031–2.425), EVD use (OR1.694, 1.074–2.670), and duration of EVD ≥ 7 days (OR2.699, 1.689–4.311) were the risk factors of intracranial infection in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage after puncture of cerebral hematoma (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Clinical medical workers should take corresponding preventive measures against the different risk factors for prevention of intracranial infection in patient with puncture of cerebral hematoma.
Evaluating the implementation of the SWITCH® school wellness intervention and capacity-building process through multiple methods
Authors: McLoughlin Gabriella M. , Candal Priscila , Vazou Spyridoula , Lee Joey A. , Dzewaltowski David A. , Rosenkranz Richard R. , Lanningham-Foster Lorraine , Gentile Douglas A. , Liechty Laura , Chen Senlin , Welk Gregory J.
Published: December 2020

Background

School wellness programming is important for promoting healthy lifestyles and academic achievement in youth; however, research is needed on methods that can help schools implement and sustain such programs on their own. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors within and outside the school environment that influenced school capacity for implementation and potential sustainability of wellness programming.

Methods

As part of the School Wellness Integration Targeting Child Health (SWITCH®) intervention, elementary school wellness teams (N = 30) were guided through a capacity-building process focused on promoting the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors in students. Data on implementation were collected through three standardized surveys and interviews (pre-mid-post) and a post-implementation interview. Indicators of organizational capacity were assessed using the School Wellness Readiness Assessment (SWRA). Pairedt-tests were run to assess changes in implementation (classroom, physical education, and lunchroom settings), capacity, and stakeholder engagement over time. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were run to examine how implementation of best practices (low, moderate, high) explained differences in capacity gains. Qualitative data were analyzed through inductive and deductive analysis, following the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

Pairedt-tests showed non-significant increases in school and setting-specific capacity and implementation of SWITCH best practices over time, in addition to a consistent level of engagement from key stakeholders. ANOVA results revealed non-significant associations between implementation group and gains in school capacity (F[2, 24] = 1.63;p = .21), class capacity (F[2, 24]=0.20p = .82), lunchroom capacity (F[2, 24]=0.29;p = .78), and physical education (F[2, 24]=1.45;p = .25). Qualitative data demonstrated that factors within the outer setting (i.e., engaging community partners) facilitated programming. Inner-setting factors (i.e., relationships with administration and staff) influenced implementation. Implementation process themes (e.g., planning, adaptation of resources to meet school capacity/needs, and engaging students as leaders) were cited as key facilitators. Schools discussed factors affecting sustainability, such as school culture and knowledge of school wellness policy.

Conclusions

The results from this implementation study document the importance of allowing schools to adapt programming to meet their local needs, and highlight the strengths of measuring multiple implementation outcomes. Increased support is needed for schools regarding the formation and improvement of wellness policies as a means to enhance sustainability over time.
In Xenopus ependymal cilia drive embryonic CSF circulation and brain development independently of cardiac pulsatile forces
Authors: Dur A. H. , Tang T. , Viviano S. , Sekuri A. , Willsey H. R. , Tagare H. D. , Kahle K. T. , Deniz E.
Published: December 2020

Background

Hydrocephalus, the pathological expansion of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled cerebral ventricles, is a common, deadly disease. In the adult, cardiac and respiratory forces are the main drivers of CSF flow within the brain ventricular system to remove waste and deliver nutrients. In contrast, the mechanics and functions of CSF circulation in the embryonic brain are poorly understood. This is primarily due to the lack of model systems and imaging technology to study these early time points. Here, we studied embryos of the vertebrateXenopuswith optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to investigate in vivo ventricular and neural development during the onset of CSF circulation.

Methods

Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a cross-sectional imaging modality, was used to study developingXenopustadpole brains and to dynamically detect in vivo ventricular morphology and CSF circulation in real-time, at micrometer resolution. The effects of immobilizing cilia and cardiac ablation were investigated.

Results

In Xenopus, using OCT imaging, we demonstrated that ventriculogenesis can be tracked throughout development until the beginning of metamorphosis. We found that during Xenopus embryogenesis, initially, CSF fills the primitive ventricular space and remains static, followed by the initiation of the cilia driven CSF circulation where ependymal cilia create a polarized CSF flow. No pulsatile flow was detected throughout these tailbud and early tadpole stages. As development progressed, despite the emergence of the choroid plexus in Xenopus, cardiac forces did not contribute to the CSF circulation, and ciliary flow remained the driver of the intercompartmental bidirectional flow as well as the near-wall flow. We finally showed that cilia driven flow is crucial for proper rostral development and regulated the spatial neural cell organization.

Conclusions

Our data support a paradigm in which Xenopus embryonic ventriculogenesis and rostral brain development are critically dependent on ependymal cilia-driven CSF flow currents that are generated independently of cardiac pulsatile forces. Our work suggests that the Xenopus ventricular system forms a complex cilia-driven CSF flow network which regulates neural cell organization. This work will redirect efforts to understand the molecular regulators of embryonic CSF flow by focusing attention on motile cilia rather than other forces relevant only to the adult.
Economic evaluation of supplementing the diet with Souvenaid in patients with prodromal Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Mar Javier , Gorostiza Ania , Ibarrondo Oliver , Larrañaga Igor , Arrospide Arantzazu , Martinez-Lage Pablo , Soto-Gordoa Myriam
Published: December 2020

Background

The LipiDiDiet trial showed that Souvenaid, a medical food, might delay progression to dementia in prodromal Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The objective of this study was to assess the cost-utility of Souvenaid compared to placebo in patients with prodromal AD under the conditions applied in that trial.

Methods

A discrete event simulation model was developed based on the LipiDiDiet trial and a literature review to assess the cost-utility of Souvenaid from a societal perspective considering direct and indirect costs. For both intervention and control groups, patient trajectories in terms of functional decline on the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) scale in LipiDiDiet were reproduced statistically with mixed models by assigning time until events to simulated patients. From the societal perspective, four scenarios were analysed by combining different options for treatment duration and diagnostic test cost. Univariate sensitivity analysis assessed parameter uncertainties.

Results

Validation results at year 2 of disease progression fit with CDR-SB progression in LipiDiDiet. The incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) in the baseline case was €22,743/quality-adjusted life year (QALY). All scenarios rendered an ICUR lower than €25,000/QALY (the societal threshold). Moreover, the treatment option was cost-saving and increased health benefits when diagnostic costs were not considered and treatment was only administered during the prodromal stage.

Conclusions

Treating prodromal AD with Souvenaid is a cost-effective intervention in all scenarios analysed. The LipiDiDiet trial showed a modest improvement in disease course but as the social costs of AD are very high, the intervention was efficient. Assessing small benefits at specific stages of AD is relevant because it is reasonable to expect that no effective, safe and affordable disease-modifying therapies will become available in the short to medium term.
Hypoxia-preconditioned adipose-derived stem cells combined with scaffold promote urethral reconstruction by upregulation of angiogenesis and glycolysis
Authors: Wan Xiang , Xie Min-kai , Xu Huan , Wei Zi-wei , Yao Hai-jun , Wang Zhong , Zheng Da-chao
Published: December 2020

Rationale

Tissue engineering is a promising alternative for urethral reconstruction, and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are widely used as seeding cells. Hypoxia preconditioning can significantly enhance the therapeutic effects of ADSCs. The low oxygen tension of postoperative wound healing is inevitable and may facilitate the nutritional function of ADSCs. This study aimed to investigate if hypoxia-preconditioned ADSCs, compared to normoxia-preconditioned ADSCs, combined with scaffold could better promote urethral reconstruction and exploring the underlying mechanism.

Methods

In vitro, paracrine cytokines and secretomes that were secreted by hypoxia- or normoxia-preconditioned ADSCs were added to cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to measure their functions. In vivo, hypoxia- or normoxia-preconditioned ADSCs were seeded on a porous nanofibrous scaffold for urethral repair on a defect model in rabbits.

Results

The in vitro results showed that hypoxia could enhance the secretion of VEGFA by ADSCs, and hypoxia-preconditioned ADSCs could enhance the viability, proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and glycolysis of HUVECs (p < 0.05). After silencing VEGFA, angiogenesis and glycolysis were significantly inhibited (p < 0.05). The in vivo results showed that compared to normoxia-preconditioned ADSCs, hypoxia-preconditioned ADSCs combined with scaffolds led to a larger urethral lumen diameter, preserved urethral morphology, and enhanced angiogenesis (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Hypoxia preconditioning of ADSCs combined with scaffold could better promote urethral reconstruction by upregulating angiogenesis and glycolysis. Hypoxia-preconditioned ADSCs combined with novel scaffold may provide a promising alternative treatment for urethral reconstruction.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The majority of conversion
total hip arthroplasties can be considered a primary replacement: a matched cohort
study
Authors: Aharram Soufiane , Yahyaoui Mounir , Amghar Jawad , Daoudi Abdelkarim , Agoumi Omar
Published: December 2020

Background and study aims

The success of conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) among primary THA
and revision THA remains unclear. We hypothesized that most conversion THA’s can be
performed using primary implants and will have an uncomplicated post-operative
course.

Materials and methods

Thirty-six patients (23 females, mean age 68,0y) who underwent
conversion THA for failed interventions for proximal femur fractures in the period
2008–2018 were matched sequentially against patients of the same sex and age who
underwent primary THA or revision THA. Data were collected on implants used, major
complications, and mortality. PROMs used included the Western Ontario and McMaster
Osteoarthritis Index, Harris Hip Score, Visual Analogue Scale and the EQ-5D Health
Questionnaire.

Results

Seventy-two percent of patients who underwent conversion THA were
treated with primary implants and never suffered from a major complication. PROMs
were excellent for this group of patients. The distinction
primary/conversion/revision THA could not explain differences in outcomes; however,
the necessity of using revision implants and the development of major complications
could.

Conclusions

The majority of conversion total hip arthroplasties can be considered a
primary replacement. Predicting outcomes for THA should focus on patient frailty and
technical difficulties dealing with infection, stability and loss of bone stock and
should discard the conversion versus revision terminology.
LC-Q-TOF-MS driven identification of potential degradation impurities of venetoclax, mechanistic explanation on degradation pathway and establishment of a quantitative analytical assay method
Authors: Pokar Dhruvisha , Sahu Amit Kumar , Sengupta Pinaki
Published: December 2020

Venetoclax is a selective orally active Bcl-2 protein inhibitor very recently approved by USFDA to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other hematological malignancies. Postmarketing surveillance of any drug depends on its acceptability based on risk to benefit ratio. When risk outweighs the benefits, withdrawal of an already marketed drug is warranted. Presence of impurity is the primary cause of increased risk in a drug substance or drug product. With the discovery of newer molecules, it is of great importance to establish advanced analytical techniques for quantification of the drugs as well as their related impurities to address the prospective regulatory queries even if it is already in the market. In this study, a quantitative analytical assay method has been developed and validated for quantification of venetoclax in presence of its degradation impurities. A stress study was performed to examine the stability of the drug in hydrolytic, oxidative, thermolytic and photolytic environments. Venetoclax was found to be prone to degradation in acidic hydrolytic and oxidative stress conditions. Three new degradation impurities have been identified and characterized with the help of LC-Q-TOF-MS with accurate mass measurement and their putative structures have been proposed. Furthermore, for the first time, a possible degradation pathway has been established with mechanistic explanation. Moreover, the analytical method developed in this study will be of immense help for routine analysis of quality control and stability study samples of venetoclax in industry and research laboratories.
Gravimetric geoid modeling from the combination of satellite gravity model, terrestrial and airborne gravity data: a case study in the mountainous area, Colorado
Authors: Jiang Tao , Dang Yamin , Zhang Chuanyin
Published: December 2020

Constructing a high-precision and high-resolution gravimetric geoid model in the mountainous area is a quite challenging task because of the lack of terrestrial gravity observations, rough topography and the geological complexity. One way out is to use high-quality and well-distributed satellite and airborne gravity data to fill the gravity data gaps; thus, the proper combination of heterogeneous gravity datasets is critical. In a rough topographic area in Colorado, we computed a set of gravimetric geoid models based on different combination modes of satellite gravity models, terrestrial and airborne gravity data using the spectral combination method. The gravimetric geoid model obtained from the combination of satellite gravity model GOCO06S and terrestrial gravity data agrees with the GPS leveling measured geoid heights at 194 benchmarks in 5.8 cm in terms of the standard deviation of discrepancies, and the standard deviation reduces to 5.3 cm after including the GRAV-D airborne gravity data collected at ~ 6.2 km altitude into the data combination. The contributions of airborne gravity data to the signal and accuracy improvements of the geoid models were quantified for different spatial distribution and density of terrestrial gravity data. The results demonstrate that, although the airborne gravity survey was flown at a high altitude, the additions of airborne gravity data improved the accuracies of geoid models by 13.4%–19.8% in the mountainous area (elevations > 2000 m) and 12.7%–21% (elevations < 2000 m) in the moderate area in the cases of terrestrial gravity data spacings are larger than 15 km.
Development and validation of a CT-texture analysis nomogram for preoperatively differentiating thymic epithelial tumor histologic subtypes
Authors: Ren Caiyue , Li Mingli , Zhang Yunyan , Zhang Shengjian
Published: December 2020

Background

Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are the most common primary tumors in the anterior mediastinum, which have considerable histologic heterogeneity. This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram based on computed tomography (CT) and texture analysis (TA) for preoperatively predicting the pathological classifications for TET patients.

Methods

Totally TET 172 patients confirmed by postoperative pathology between January 2011 to April 2019 were retrospectively analyzed and randomly divided into training (n = 120) and validation (n = 52) cohorts. Preoperative clinical factors, CT signs and texture features of each patient were analyzed, and prediction models were developed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The performance of the models was evaluated and compared by the area under receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and the DeLong test. The clinical application value of the models was determined via the decision curve analysis (DCA). Then, a nomogram was developed based on the model with the best predictive efficiency and clinical utility and validated using the calibration plots.

Results

Totally 87 patients with low-risk TET (LTET) (types A, AB, B1) and 85 patients with high-risk TET (HTET) (types B2, B3, C) were enrolled in this study. We separately constructed 4 prediction models for differentiating LTET from HTET using clinical, CT, texture features, and their combination. These 4 prediction models achieved AUCs of 0.66, 0.79, 0.82, 0.88 in the training cohort and 0.64, 0.82, 0.86, 0.94 in the validation cohort, respectively. The DeLong test and DCA showed that the Combined model, consisting of 2 CT signs and 2 texture parameters, held the highest predictive efficiency and clinical utility (p < 0.05). A prediction nomogram was subsequently developed using the 4 independently risk factors from the Combined model. The calibration curves indicated a good consistency between the actual observations and nomogram predictions for differentiating TET classifications.

Conclusion

A prediction nomogram incorporating both the CT and texture parameters was constructed and validated in our study, which can be conveniently used for the preoperative individualized prediction of the simplified histologic subtypes in TET patients.
Agitation, confusion, and aggression in critically ill traumatic brain injury-a pilot cohort study (ACACIA-PILOT)
Authors:   for the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group, Williamson David R. , Cherifa Sofia Ihsenne , Frenette Anne Julie , Saavedra Mitjans Mar , Charbonney Emmanuel , Cataford Gabrielle , Williams Virginie , Lainer Palacios Julia , Burry Lisa , Mehta Sangeeta , Arbour Caroline , Bernard Francis
Published: December 2020

Background

Agitated behaviors are problematic in intensive care unit (ICU) patients recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) as they create substantial risks and challenges for healthcare providers. To date, there have been no studies evaluating their epidemiology and impact in the ICU. Prior to planning a multicenter study, assessment of recruitment, feasibility, and pilot study procedures is needed. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a large multicenter prospective cohort study.

Methods

This feasibility study recruited adult patients admitted to the ICU with TBI and an abnormal cerebral CT scan. In all patients, we documented Richmond Agitation Sedation Score (RASS) and agitated behaviors every 8-h nursing shift using a dedicated tool documenting 14 behaviors. Our feasibility objectives were to obtain consent from at least 2 patients per month; completion of screening logs for agitated behaviors by bedside nurses for more than 90% of 8-h shifts; completion of data collection in an average of 6 h or less; and obtain 6-month follow-up for surviving patients. The main clinical outcome was the incidence of agitation and individual agitated behaviors.

Results

In total, 47 eligible patients were approached for inclusion and 30 (64% consent rate) were recruited over a 10-month period (3 patients/month). In total, 794 out of 827 (96%) possible 8-h periods of agitated behavior logs were completed by bedside nurses, with a median of 24 observations (IQR 28.0) per patient. During the ICU stay, 17 of 30 patients developed agitation (56.7%; 95% CI 0.37–0.75) defined as RASS ≥ 2 during at least one observation period and for a median of 4 days (IQR 5.5). At 6 months post-TBI, among the 24 available patients, an unfavorable score (GOS-E < 5 including death) was reported in 12 patients (50%). In the 14 patients who were alive and available at 6 months, the median QOLIBRI score was 74.5 (IQR 18.5).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting a larger cohort study to evaluate the epidemiology and impact of agitated behaviors in critically ill TBI patients. This study also shows that agitated behaviors are frequent and are associated with adverse events.
The child refugee in Calais: from invisibility to the ‘suspect figure’
Authors: Ibrahim Yasmin
Published: December 2020

This paper examines child refugees in the context of Calais in France, contextualizing them against the politics of the ‘Jungle’ (a makeshift camp) in policy and media discourses in the UK by delineating three distinct phases in the discursive production of these sites in the enactment of this ambiguous entity. These three phases trace the spatio-temporal emergence of the child refugee in the camps to their arrival in the UK. These camps, as transient and symbolic formations inhabited by the ‘dispossessed’ of forced global migration, provide a context in which the figure of the child is enacted from its incidental appearance to its visible manifestation to its final configuration as the ‘suspect figure’ in the UK. Through Derridean ‘hauntology’ of absent presence, the child refugee captures the conflicted morality of the West. As a disenfranchised entity, the child, forged through the turbulence of the Jungle, can be collapsed through the primal and deprived of his or her status as a child (and, in tandem, protection from harm) in public discourses. The child positioned as a ‘suspect figure’ becomes a spectral reflection of the beleaguered West, wrestling with the ideational image of the child and its recurrence as a threat to its moral reserve.
Survey study of research integrity officers’ perceptions of research practices associated with instances of research misconduct
Authors: Kalichman Michael
Published: December 2020

Background

Research on research integrity has tended to focus on frequency of research misconduct and factors that might induce someone to commit research misconduct. A definitive answer to the first question has been elusive, but it remains clear that any research misconduct is too much. Answers to the second question are so diverse, it might be productive to ask a different question: What about how research is done allows research misconduct to occur?

Methods

With that question in mind, research integrity officers (RIOs) of the 62 members of the American Association of Universities were invited to complete a brief survey about their most recent instance of a finding of research misconduct. Respondents were asked whether one or more good practices of research (e.g., openness and transparency, keeping good research records) were present in their case of research misconduct.

Results

Twenty-four (24) of the respondents (39% response rate) indicated they had dealt with at least one finding of research misconduct and answered the survey questions. Over half of these RIOs reported that their case of research misconduct had occurred in an environment in which at least nine of the ten listed good practices of research were deficient.

Conclusions

These results are not evidence for a causal effect of poor practices, but it is arguable that committing research misconduct would be more difficult if not impossible in research environments adhering to good practices of research.
Adsorbed leucaena protein on citrate modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and its application as magnetic coagulant
Authors: Kristianto Hans , Reynaldi Edwin , Prasetyo Susiana , Sugih Asaf K.
Published: December 2020

Natural coagulants from plants resources have gained a lot of attention as it is renewable, biodegradable, non-hazardous, lower cost, and less sludge generated compared to chemical coagulants. However there are still some drawbacks, namely long settling time and possible increase of dissolved organic carbon in the treated water. In this paper we tried to address these drawbacks by utilizing citrate modified Fe3O4 to adsorb protein from Leucaena leucocephala as the active coagulating agent. The effect of trisodium citrate concentration and protein adsorption pH to the adsorbed protein was investigated. It was found that the trisodium citrate concentration of 0.5 M and pH 4.0 gave the highest protein adsorption. The obtained magnetic coagulant was furthermore characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy to observe the characteristics before and after protein adsorption. Furthermore, the effect of pH (2 to 10) and coagulant dosage (60 to 600 mg L− 1) to the removal of synthetic Congo red wastewater and sludge volume formation was investigated. It was found that pH 3 was the best pH for coagulation due to charge neutralization mechanism of leucaena protein. Furthermore the highest removal was obtained at dosage 420 mg L− 1 with 80% removal. This result was comparable with crude extract of leucaena with half settling time (20 min) and lower increase of permanganate value, indicating lower increase of dissolved organics in the treated water.
Imaging of endometrial osseous metaplasia—an uncommon but treatable cause of infertility
Authors: Wani Abdul Haseeb , Parry Arshed Hussain , Feroz Imza , Jehangir Majid , Rashid Masarat
Published: December 2020

Background

Endometrial osseous metaplasia (EOM) is an uncommon condition characterised by metaplastic transformation of endometrial tissue into osteoblasts (mature or immature bone in the endometrium). Etiopathogenesis of EOM is explained by multiple putative mechanisms like dystrophic calcification, metaplastic ossification, retained foetal bones after abortions and genito-urinary tuberculosis. EOM has varied clinical presentation ranging from patient being asymptomatic to secondary infertility. Although hysteroscopy is the gold standard for its diagnosis and treatment, non-invasive imaging comprising chiefly of ultrasonography (USG) is increasingly becoming the mainstay of diagnosis. We aim to present the imaging findings in EOM to acquaint radiologists and gynaecologists with this condition to avert misdiagnosis of this uncommon yet treatable cause of infertility.

Results

Mean age of patients was 31.4 ± 5.4 (S.D) years. USG revealed linear or tubular densely echogenic endometrium with posterior acoustic shadowing in all the 14 patients. MRI in 3 patients revealed diffuse or patchy areas of T1W and T2W hypointense signal intensity with unilateral (n = 2) and bilateral (n = 1) ovarian cysts. One patient who underwent CT scan revealed dense endometrial calcification. Histopathologic examination (HPE) revealed lamellar (n = 6) or trabecular (n = 4) bone within endometrium (EOM) and inflammatory cells with calcification in four patients (calcific endometritis). Twelve patients conceived after dilatation and curettage within 15 months.

Conclusion

Familiarity with the imaging appearances of EOM is indispensable to clinch this diagnosis and avert misdiagnosis of this rare but potentially treatable cause of infertility. USG is usually sufficient for diagnosis. MRI and CT are only supplementary tools in difficult clinical scenarios.
A novel stability-indicating method for determination of a new antidepressant effect of vortioxetine in a pharmaceutical formulation by using RP-HPLC
Authors: Tiris Gizem , Alver Cansu , Erk Nevin
Published: December 2020

Background

A novel rapid, accurate, and stability-indicating reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) and first derivative spectrophotometric determination were explained for the assay of vortioxetine (VRT) in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations. For RP-HPLC method, optimal separation and determination of VRT were achieved with a Waters Symmetry C18, (100 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 μm) analytical column using a mobile phase consisting of methanol:0.05 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate (pH:3.0 ± 0.05) (30:70, v/v) in isocratic mode with flow rate of 1.3 mL min−1. Injection volume was 20 μL. The maximum absorption wavelength of VRT is 225.0 nm; hence, 225.0 nm was studied as the detection wavelength and column at 50 °C temperature. The caffeine was used as the internal standard (IS). On the other hand, the first derivative spectrophotometric method for the analysis of vortioxetine was performed by measuring the amplitude at 251.7 and 272.6 nm.

Result

The HPLC method was found to be linear in the concentration ranges of 10.0-70.0 μg mL−1 with the coefficient value R2 of 0.9998, and the mean recovery value was 100.7%. Further stability studies were done through exposure of the analyte solutions to various stress conditions: acid, alkali hydrolysis, chemical oxidation, and exposure to UV radiation. For the first derivative spectrophotometric method, linearity was observed in the concentration range 6.0-30.0 μg mL−1 (for 237.7 nm R2 = 0.9999 and for 257.2 nm R2 = 0.9997).

Conclusion

The methods were validated in accordance with ICH guidelines with respect to linearity, accuracy, specificity, limit of detection, precision, and limit of quantification.
Effectiveness of 36 hospital learning centers in Thailand: continuation of child patient education, parent attitudes toward child’s illness and service satisfaction
Authors: Fuengfoo Adidsuda , Sakulnum Kim , Owjinda Sumitra
Published: December 2020

Background:  This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of 36 hospital learning centers for the continued education of sick children using electronic distance learning television (eDLTV), parents’ attitudes toward their child’s illnesses and education, and service satisfaction of the centers.

Methods: The sample included 4,430 children aged 4-18 years old with common illnesses, chronic illnesses and developmental disorders, as well as 4,430 parents who had taken care of the child for at least 6 months. The methods included attitude surveys, which were analyzed using chi-square tests and t-tests.

Results:  The factors associated with education continuation of the children were illness types (parents were less worried about children with common illness and more concerned about education of children with chronic diseases and children with disabilities), distance from home to school, transportation type, parents’ education level, marital status, and family income. About 99.8% of patients with common illnesses continued their education, followed by 99.3% of disabled children, and 95.9% of chronic patients. Satisfaction score towards the services at the learning centers were high (mean scores: 4.28 and 4.43 respectively, out of 5 = strongly satisfied).

Conclusion: After completing an education program through eDLTV at a center, a total of 97.7% of children continued their education and were highly satisfied with the service at the center. Parents had positive attitudes towards their child’s illnesses and education.
A pipeline to analyse time-course gene expression data
Authors: Varoquaux Nelle , Purdom Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

The phenotypic diversity of cells is governed by a complex equilibrium between their genetic identity and their environmental interactions: Understanding the dynamics of gene expression is a fundamental question of biology. However, analysing time-course transcriptomic data raises unique challenging statistical and computational questions, requiring the development of novel methods and software. This workflow provides a step-by-step tutorial of the methodology used to analyse time-course data: (1) quality control and normalization of the dataset; (2) differential expression analysis using functional data analysis; (3) clustering of time-course data; (4) interpreting clusters with GO term and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. As a case study, we apply this workflow to time-course transcriptomic data from mice exposed to four strains of influenza to showcase every step of the pipeline.
Experiences of the International In-Training Examination (I-ITE) by Rwandan pediatric residents – a mixed-methods description of candidate feedback
Authors: Cartledge Peter Thomas , Umuhoza Christian , McCall Natalie
Published: December 2020

Background:The University of Rwanda is the only African residency to have implemented the pediatric International In-Training Examination (I-ITE) as a tool to monitor resident knowledge acquisition. The objective of this study was to better understand the acceptance and relevance of this exam to residents from this setting and their perceptions regarding this assessment tool.

Methods:This is amixed-methods study describing candidate feedback. Immediately on completing the I-ITE residents provided feedback by filling in an electronic questionnaire comprised of four closed Likert questions and an open text box for free-text feedback. Participants were pediatric residents from the University of Rwanda, the only university in Rwanda with a pediatric residency program. Quantitative analysis of the Likert questions was undertaken descriptively using SPSS. Free-text feedback was coded and analysed. No specific guiding theory was used during the qualitative analysis, with coding and analysis undertaken by two researchers.

Results:Eighty-four residents completed a total of 213 I-ITE sittings during the five exam cycles undertaken during the study period. Quantitative and qualitative feedback was given by residents during 206 and 160 sittings, giving a response rate of 97% and 75%, respectively. Five themes emerged from the qualitative analysis; 1) undertaking the I-ITE was a positive experience; 2) exam content; 3) formative nature of the assessment; 4) challenges to completing the exam; 5) practicalities to undertaking the exam.

Conclusion:Qualitative feedback demonstrates that the I-ITE, a standardized, and independent exam, produced by the American Board of Pediatrics, was valued and well accepted by Rwanda pediatric residents. Its formative nature and the breadth and quality of the questions were reported to positively contribute to the residents' formative development.
Classification of small ruminant lentivirus subtype A2, subgroups 1 and 2 based on whole genome comparisons and complex recombination patterns
Authors: Dickey Aaron M. , Smith Timothy P. L. , Clawson Michael L. , Heaton Michael P. , Workman Aspen M.
Published: December 2020

Background: Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) cause a multisystemic chronic wasting disease in sheep across much of the world. SRLV subtype A2 is prevalent in North America and further classified into multiple subgroups based on variation in the group antigens gene (gag) and envelope (env) genes. In sheep, the ovine transmembrane protein 154 (TMEM154) gene is associated with SRLV susceptibility. Ewes with at least one copy of TMEM154 encoding a full-length protein with glutamate at position 35 (E35; haplotypes 2 and 3), are highly susceptible to SRLV infection while ewes with any combination of TMEM154 haplotypes which encodes lysine (K35; haplotype 1), or truncated proteins (haplotypes 4 and 6) are several times less so. A2 subgroups 1 and 2 are associated with host TMEM154 genotypes; subgroup 1 with the K35/K35 genotype and subgroup 2 with the E35/E35 genotype.

Methods: The goals of this study were to analyze sequence variation within and among SRLV subtype A2 subgroups 1 and 2 and to identify genome-scale recombination patterns. This was done using full-length assemblies of virus samples.

Results: Consensus viral genomes were assembled for 23 infected sheep, including animals of assorted TMEM154 genotypes comprised of haplotypes 1, 2, or 3. Viral genome analysis identified viral subgroups 1 and 2 among the samples, and revealed additional sub-structure within subgroup 2 based on models predicting complex patterns of recombination between the two subgroups in several genomes. Animals with evidence of dual subgroup infection also possessed the most diverse quasi-species and the most highly recombined genomes.

Conclusions: The viral subgroup framework developed to classify SRLV consensus genomes along a continuum of recombination suggests that animals with the TMEM154 E35/K35 genotype may represent a reservoir for producing viral genomes representing recombination between A2 subgroups 1 and 2.
Trying and Failing and Trying again: Work in the Media
Authors: Thomas Rosamma
Published: December 2020

This paper is an historical auto-ethnographic account by a middle aged journalist who has worked in the English language media in India for about 20 years. English language media staff is among the best paid in the country. Even so, work conditions are far from ideal, and the pandemic this year has rendered several journalists jobless. This is a personal account of one career trajectory that spans book publishing, work on national radio, newspapers and a news agency. Growth prospects are curtailed for women in the news media; one boss at the Times of India¸ India’s largest English daily, told the author that her “body language” betrayed a lack of interest in work.
Concordância na velocidade da marcha de mulheres diabéticas tipo 2 em diferentes testes de caminhada
Authors: Corrêa Leandro Quadro , Rombaldi Airton José , Teixeira Fernanda de Souza , Umpierre Daniel , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues
Published: December 2020

O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a concordância na velocidade da marcha (VM) a partir dos testes de caminhada de seis minutos (6MWT) e de quatro metros (4MWT) em mulheres diabéticas tipo 2 (DM2). Os testes foram realizados antes e após intervenção de 12 semanas com exercícios físicos. O 4MWT foi realizado em espaço de quatro metros, sendo o resultado do teste medido como o tempo gasto (segundos) no percurso. O 6MWT foi realizado em modelo de ir e vir em uma distância de 15 metros e o resultado foi a distância total (metros) percorrida. Os resultados foram padronizados para velocidade de deslocamento (m/s). Para avaliar a concordância (6MWTpré x 4MWTpré) e (6MWTpós x 4MWTpós), utilizou-se o teste de Bland-Altman (B-A) e o coeficiente de concordância de correlação de Lin. O nível de significância aceito para o estudo foi α 5%. Foram medidas 39 mulheres, com idade média de 58,79 ± 10,03 anos e diagnóstico de DM2 a 8,64 ± 8,53 anos. Verificou-se, pelo teste de B-A,  diferenças na VM dos testes de -0,001 ± 0,19 m/s (IC95%: -0,37 a 0,37 m/s) no início e 0,02 ± 0,21 m/s (IC95%: -0,39 a 0,42 m/s) ao final e concordância de 0,60 (IC95%: 0,41 a 0,79; p < 0,001) e 0,52 (IC95%: 0,31 a 0,73; p < 0,001) pré e pós, respectivamente, pelo coeficiente de concordância de correlação Lin. Através dos dados obtidos, sugere-se que os dois testes podem ser utilizados para avaliar a VM das mulheres DM2, porém o 6MWT apresentou maior reprodutibilidade para detectar mudanças na VM ao longo do tempo.