bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ο προγνωστικός ρόλος παραμέτρων της γενικής αίματος ως προς την πρόοδο της νόσου και τη θνητότητα ασθενών με διάμεσα νοσήματα του πνεύμονα που υποβάλλονται σε χειρουργική βιοψία πνεύμονα
Authors: Μήλας Θεόδωρος
Published: July 2024

Εισαγωγή: Ο αριθμός των μονοκυττάρων και το αυξημένο εύρος κατανομής ερυθροκυττάρων (RDW) εμφανίζονται να έχουν προγνωστικό ρόλο σε ασθενείς με ιδιοπαθή πνευμονική ίνωση. Η προγνωστική χρησιμότητα των δεικτών του περιφερικού αίματος σε ασθενείς με διάμεση πνευμονοπάθεια (Interstitial lung disease,ILD) που υποβάλλονται σε χειρουργική βιοψία πνεύμονα για διαγνωστικούς λόγους δεν έχει μελετηθεί επαρκώς. Μεθοδολογία: Κατά το χρονικό διάστημα 07/11/2019 έως και 11/10/2022, συμπεριλάβαμε αναδρομικά διαδοχικούς ασθενείς με Διάχυτη Διάμεση Πνευμονοπάθεια που υποβλήθηκαν σε χειρουργική βιοψία πνεύμονα για διαγνωστικούς σκοπούς.Αποτελέσματα: Πενήντα πέντε (n=55) ασθενείς συμπεριλήφθηκαν στη μελέτη. Η διάμεση ηλικία ήταν τα 65 έτη (95% CI: 63,0 έως 66,0). Ο μετεγχειρητικός αριθμός μονοκυττάρων στο περιφερικό αίμα την 1η ημέρα ήταν σημαντικά υψηλότερος σε σύγκριση με τις προεγχειρητικές, περιεγχειρητικές και μετεγχειρητικές τιμές την ημέρα 90 (επαναλαμβανόμενες μετρήσεις ANOVA, p<0,001). Οι ασθενείς στην ομάδα υψηλού μετεγχειρητικού αριθμού μονοκυττάρων (40) είχαν σημαντικά αυξημένη διάρκεια μετεγχειρητικής παραμονής στο νοσοκομείο [Mann-Whitney test, p=0,007] και σημαντικά χαμηλότερη προβλεπόμενη τιμή FVC% 3 μήνες μετά τη χειρουργική επέμβαση [Mann-Whitney test, p=0,029] σε σύγκριση με τους ασθενείς στην ομάδα χαμηλού μετεγχειρητικού αριθμού μονοκυττάρων. Το μετεγχειρητικό RDW την Ημέρα 90 ήταν σημαντικά υψηλότερο σε σύγκριση με το προεγχειρητικό, το περιεγχειρητικό και το μετεγχειρητικό RDW της Ημέρας 1 (επαναλαμβανόμενες μετρήσεις ANOVA, p=0,008, p=0,006, p < 0,0001, αντίστοιχα). Οι ασθενείς στην ομάδα υψηλού μετεγχειρητικού RDW δεν είχαν αυξημένη παραμονή στο νοσοκομείο (Mann-Whitney test, p=0,49) ή σημαντική χαμηλότερη προβλεπόμενη τιμή FVC% στους 3 μήνες σε σύγκριση με τους ασθενείς στην ομάδα χαμηλού μετεγχειρητικού RDW (Mann-Whitney test, p=0,91). Συμπεράσματα: Ο αριθμός των μονοκυττάρων του περιφερικού αίματος θα μπορούσε να αποτελέσει προγνωστικό βιοδείκτη για ασθενείς με Διάχυτη Διάμεση Πνευμονοπάθεια που υποβάλλονται σε διαγνωστική χειρουργική βιοψία πνεύμονα και να βοηθήσει στη προεγχειρητική διαστρωμάτωση κινδύνου. Το RDW δεν φαίνεται να αποτελεί βιοδείκτη οξείας φάσης, αλλά φαίνεται να αυξάνεται με την πάροδο του χρόνου μετά την εξέλιξη της νόσου. Μακροχρόνιες μελέτες με μεγαλύτερο όγκο ασθενών απαιτούνται για να εξαχθούν περισσότερο ασφαλή συμπεράσματα
Perspektywa rozszerzenia a reformowanie Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Kubin Tomasz
Published: July 2024

ENLARGEMENT PERSPECTIVE AND REFORM OF THE EUROPEAN UNIONEnlargement policy is one of the most important in the functioning of the European Union (formerly the European Communities). Since the first accessions in the 1970s, the admission of new countries has been accompanied by actions aimed at reforming the EC (EU). Some of them ended in failure, but the connection between enlargement and reforms, which de facto meant deepening integration, is very clear. In the third decade of the 21st century, the enlargement process is being continued. And as with previous enlargements, attempts to reform the EU will undoubtedly be made now. However, this time it may prove even more difficult to implement them than in the past. Therefore, the main goal of this article is to try to answer the question of whether it is possible – and if so, how – to introduce reforms in the EU that would pave the way for the admission of new countries. In the absence of the possibility of revising the treaties on which the functioning of the EU is based, four variants of solving such an impasse and introducing changes in the functioning of the EU are theoretically possible. However, some of them are difficult and may actually represent very significant changes in the character of the EU.
Hidden Convexity, Optimization, and Algorithms on Rotation Matrices
Authors: Ramachandran Akshay , Shu Kevin , Wang Alex L.
Published: July 2024

This paper studies hidden convexity properties associated with constrained optimization problems over the set of rotation matrices [Formula: see text]. Such problems are nonconvex because of the constraint [Formula: see text]. Nonetheless, we show that certain linear images of [Formula: see text] are convex, opening up the possibility for convex optimization algorithms with provable guarantees for these problems. Our main technical contributions show that any two-dimensional image of [Formula: see text] is convex and that the projection of [Formula: see text] onto its strict upper triangular entries is convex. These results allow us to construct exact convex reformulations for constrained optimization problems over [Formula: see text] with a single constraint or with constraints defined by low-rank matrices. Both of these results are maximal in a formal sense.

Funding: A. Ramachandran was supported by the H2020 program of the European Research Council [Grant 805241-QIP]. A. L. Wang was supported by the Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek [Grant OCENW.GROOT.2019.015 (OPTIMAL)]. K. Shu was supported by the Georgia Institute of Technology (ACO-ARC fellowship).
Unforeseen complications of pembrolizumab in breast reconstruction post-mastectomy
Authors: Aldarayseh Murad , Sodhi Sohail Singh , Musleh Gamal , Kumar Dyuti , Cholankeril Michelle
Published: July 2024

A 53-year-old post-menopausal Indian female presented with invasive ductal carcinoma, treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and pembrolizumab due to a PD-L1 combined positive score of 5. Following a right mastectomy and axillary dissection, she received a breast expander and AlloDerm™ graft. After resuming pembrolizumab and paclitaxel postoperatively, she developed severe breast redness and high-grade fever, necessitating expander removal due to suspected pembrolizumab-induced complications. This case underscores the unique and severe adverse effects of pembrolizumab on breast reconstruction, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and management in patients undergoing similar treatments.
Enhancing Regional Development with Startup Ecosystems
Authors: Lytvynskyi R. ,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: July 2024

Regional development based on innovation plays a significant role in stimulating economic growth in the wartime and postwar periods. The creation of innovative ecosystems that support the development of startups and small innovative enterprises ensures the formation of a favorable business climate in the regions and attracts investment, reduces the dependence of regions on traditional industries, creates highly skilled jobs and develops entrepreneurial talent. The purpose of the study is to determine the features of startup ecosystems, their impact on regional development, and to identify the factors of successful functioning of such ecosystems based on the analysis of foreign experience. The article analyzes the experience of formation and development of startup ecosystems in Sweden and Finland, identifies their unique advantages, historical achievements, and current trends. Sweden has a high level of global competitiveness due to active support from the public sector and a favorable business climate. Finland is known for its innovative potential, stable business environment, and attractive conditions for startups and investors. The results of the study demonstrate the sustainable success and prospects for further growth of both ecosystems on an international scale. The study found that despite Sweden and Finland's tremendous achievements in the field of startup development, most of these structures are in the capitals of the countries. It is concluded that although this practice is effective on a national scale, it does not have a qualitative impact on regional development. In the post-war period, Ukraine has a unique opportunity to intensify regional development by mobilizing the potential of specialists who have relocated from the occupied and frontline territories to other regions of the country. The process of forming startup ecosystems around these professionals can give impetus to the development of new types of business or innovative transformation of traditional sectors of regional economies. To successfully implement this approach, a set of appropriate regulatory, organizational, and infrastructural measures must be implemented.
Economic and Mathematical Modeling in Budgeting
Authors: Latysheva O. ,   Technical University ", Chupryna Yu. ,   Metinvest Polytechnic",   LLC,   Technical University "Metinvest Polytechnic" LLC
Published: July 2024

The article is devoted to an overview of modern modeling approaches for effective management of enterprise budgets. The article examines the toolkit of economic and mathematical modeling that can be used in the budgeting system. It is proposed to increase the efficiency of the budgeting process by applying the tools of economic and mathematical modeling at the stages of budget development and resource allocation, as well as in the process of budget control and monitoring. To increase the clarity of the simulation procedure and results, a visualization of the TO BE model is presented in IDF0 notation (simulation language) on the Ramus platform. It is noted that the effectiveness of the budgeting system based on the use of economic-mathematical modeling tools will allow to improve resource expenditure planning taking into account the opportunities, priorities, needs and limitations of a specific enterprise and its external business environment. The need to implement digitalization tools and economic-mathematical modeling in the budgeting system is substantiated. The purpose of the article is to analyze the possibilities of forming an effective enterprise budgeting system based on the successful implementation of economic and mathematical modeling tools. The authors focus on the potential of using business analytics as a result of using economic and mathematical modeling tools to form an effective budgeting system. The article argues for the possibility of effectively using modeling tools in the budgeting process, which allows enterprises to make high-quality management decisions based on forecasts, scenarios, optimization recommendations, visualization of current problem situations, etc. The scientific novelty of this article lies in the fact that the recommendations and conclusions provided by the authors can be useful for domestic enterprises in the current conditions of severe restrictions on available resources, lack of free funds, existing and potential risks. In general, this article is useful for those who want to learn more about the possibilities of using economic-mathematical modeling tools in the budgeting system.
Economic, Financial and Legal Assessment of Corporate Integration Association Activity
Authors: Kotsiurba O. ,   Central Ukrainian National Technical University, Abliazova N. , Zakharchenko O. , Motuzka O. ,   Private Higher Education Institution "Rauf Ablyazov East European University",   Private Higher Education Institution "Rauf Ablyazov East European University",   National Academy of Statistics, Accounting and Audit
Published: July 2024

The content of the integration process of joint stock companies (JSC) is considered. The prerequisites for rational and reasonable selection of potential participants in the corporate integration association (CIA) based on forecasting and evaluation of the results of such association’s activities are summarized. Established peculiarities of organization and management of corporate integration associations (difficulties in obtaining, analyzing and using the information necessary for management; individual management functions duplication; ambiguity of the certain activities effectiveness assessment; centrifugal trends within the CIA, risks associated with association management decentralization). The need for a two-level assessment of the corporate integration association activities (at the local level within individual JSCs, and on a corporate scale) to solve the tasks of the CIA strategic management has been proved. Complex analysis directions of corporate integration association activities efficiency are defined, which should consist of two blocks: general analysis of CIA activities efficiency; analysis of the synergistic effect that is formed within the CIA. The indicators system composition of corporate integration association assessment based on construction of the basic studies matrix is substantiated. It is proved expediency of sources differentiation of CIA synergy occurrence into four main categories: increase of income, reduction of expenses, tax deductions reduction and additional investments reduction, and on the basis of which, if necessary, factor analysis is carried out to identify the achievement degree of a certain strategy, integration goals and, if possible, reserves detection of synergetic effect increase. The analysis directions of the CIA activities are determined based on determining the integration degree of various activities within the CIA, such as: the production potentials integration of CIA participants; financial and production potentials integration of various joint stock companies – participants of the corporate integration association; scientific potentials integration of CIA participants. The indicators composition for assessing the depth of integration of the corporate integration association participants is substantiated. An approach to determining the synergy effect in the corporate integration association formation to constant changes in the economic environment is proposed.
Innovative Project Clusters in the System of Forming Competitiveness and Economic Development of Regional Art Educational Institutions
Authors: Yakushev О. ,   Cherkasy State Technological University, Trushkina N. ,   Research Center for Industrial Problems of Development of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: July 2024

The article is devoted to pressing issues of development and implementation of regulatory economic policy in the field of creating innovative educational clusters as a tool for shaping a smart economy. Provided and reasonably generalized vision of regional policy as a complex phenomenon. The conceptual foundations of the formation of the cluster policy of the region are proved and systematically argued, which, unlike the existing ones, is based on the scenario, development of targeted plans and development projects for individual regions, substantiation of the direction of measures to promote the development of clusters, determination of methods, levers and appropriate types of managerial impact, implementation which at the regional level will achieve a socio-economic effect for each participant in cluster interaction. The conceptual vision of the regional policy of clustering is provided on the basis of stimulating the innovative and educational space of the region and the basic principles are determined that should ensure the successful implementation of managerial regulatory influence – the knowledge-intensiveness and the relationship with innovative scientific developments; complexity in analysis, diagnostics of processes, decision making; synergistic combination of knowledge; optimization of costs, time and resources and others.
Economic Potential of the Railway Engineering Industry of Ukraine in the Context of Post-War Recovery and European Integration
Authors: Ruban М. ,   Joint-Stock Company ", Chebotarov Ie. ,   Ukrzaliznytsia",   , NGO ",   Ukrainian Railway Heritage Restoration Fund",   The University of Lodz, Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: July 2024

The study of the set of problems of Ukraine’s post-war restoration and derivative issues of the state’s European integration course involves, first of all, substantiation of the optimal strategic directions of the relevant restoration policy. Generalization of the world experience in the development and implementation of post-war restoration policy serves as an epistemological and scientific-practical basis for the following strategic directions of Ukraine’s restoration: the creation of a transport and logistics cluster based on the expansion of the international alliance – the Lublin Triangle cooperation platform. Expansion of the Lublin Triangle provided that Ukraine takes the necessary measures, is quite realistic by adding to Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine the Czech Republic, Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria (later, perhaps, also Slovakia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan). In the article, the authors elaborate on their idea, which is substantiated in the Ukrainian and foreign scientific literature, to create the mentioned transport and logistics cluster using a network of transport logistics hubs in the context of the proposed expansion of the Lublin Triangle. Another new historic chance for Ukraine in this area (and in a broader institutional and economic sense) may be the expected invitation to join Germany, France, and Poland in the Weimar Triangle alliance. Based on the analysis of the economic, scientific, and technical state of domestic railway engineering enterprises, the problems and prospects of their wide cooperation with enterprises of Poland, the Baltic States, the Czech Republic, Germany, and France in the sub-sectors of production of locomotives and rolling stock, wagons and special equipment are considered. The appropriate regulatory regime that can ensure the practical implementation of the proposed cooperation (as well as in the broader context of the practical implementation of Ukraine’s post-war restoration policy) should be the creation of a network of special economic zones.
Fiscal Decentralisation and Local Government Reform: Adaptation in Ukraine Experience of Poland and Lithuania
Authors: Borodina O. ,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: July 2024

An effective local government system is one of the basic platforms for the functioning of the country in crisis conditions and the key to a successful post-war recovery of the economy at all levels. Studying the experience of European countries, primarily neighboring countries, greatly facilitates the construction of an optimal model of such a model. The article analyzes the fiscal innovations of Poland in detail, taking into account the identity of the administrative-territorial system and the identity of the formation of local self-government bodies. The indisputable advantage of the introduction of innovative fiscal regimes (Estonian СIT) for the economy of Poland has been established. The conclusions are convincingly illustrated by the dynamics of Poland's GDP growth and the rankings of Poland and the Baltic countries in the world rankings of tax capacity. The study of the experience of Lithuania in the field of reforming the territorial organization of power, carried out in the article, led to the ascertainment of revolutionary phenomena introduced by the neighboring country during both stages of administrative reform. Namely: the presence of a financial self-control mechanism implemented at the sub-regional level and an exceptional example of the delegation of powers from local self-government to a territorial unit managed by a civil servant (and not vice versa). Effective recommendations on borrowing Polish and Lithuanian experience and adapting it to modern conditions of Ukraine's development have been provided. It was established that dialogue with local civil society is the driving force behind the effectiveness of local self-government reform measures. This feature should be used by Ukraine during the completion of the process of reforming local self-government.
Funded childcare: debate over charging
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: July 2024

Case of nursery imposing extra charges highlights challenges for councils and early years providers in meeting free entitlement rules
Assessing provider quality
Authors: Rome Andrew
Published: July 2024

Care sector expert Andrew Rome sets out the implications for commissioners of research on standards in children's homes
Inequality in Parent Involvement in Children's Education During Covid-19
Authors: Hartas Dimitra
Published: July 2024

This study used the COVID Social Mobility and Opportunities (COSMO) Study to examine home learning and parent attitudes to education during Covid-19 in relation to demographic and household financial circumstances and parent educational aspirations. The findings showed that White, female, and degree-educated parents were more likely than their counterparts to report positive attitudes to home learning, support their 16-year-olds’ learning, and contact schools during the lockdowns. Parents who experienced food poverty and reported being financially worse off after the pandemic were less likely to support home learning or contact schools but reported largely positive attitudes to learning. Also, parents who reported lower educational aspirations were more likely to support their children’s learning, reflecting their educational needs. This study contributes to our understanding of home learning during the pandemic and has implications for public policy and action regarding supporting children’s learning during health crises and reducing education inequalities.
Research priorities of members of the British Association for Surgery of the Knee
Authors: Ahmed Imran , Metcalfe Andrew
Published: July 2024

Aims

This study aims to identify the top unanswered research priorities in the field of knee surgery using consensus-based methodology.

Methods

Initial research questions were generated using an online survey sent to all 680 members of the British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK). Duplicates were removed and a longlist was generated from this scoping exercise by a panel of 13 experts from across the UK who provided oversight of the process. A modified Delphi process was used to refine the questions and determine a final list. To rank the final list of questions, each question was scored between one (low importance) and ten (high importance) in order to produce the final list.

Results

This consensus exercise took place between December 2020 and April 2022. A total of 286 clinicians from the BASK membership provided input for the initial scoping exercise, which generated a list of 105 distinct research questions. Following review and prioritization, a longlist of 51 questions was sent out for two rounds of the Delphi process. A total of 42 clinicians responded to the first round and 24 responded to the second round. A final list of 24 research questions was then ranked by 36 clinicians. The topics included arthroplasty, infection, meniscus, osteotomy, patellofemoral, cartilage, and ligament pathologies. The management of early osteoarthritis was the highest-ranking question.

Conclusion

A Delphi exercise involving the BASK membership has identified the future research priorities in knee surgery. This list of questions will allow clinicians, researchers, and funders to collaborate in order to deliver high-quality research in knee surgery and further advance the care provided to patients with knee pathology.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):662–668.
Above-knee amputation shows higher complication and mortality rates in line with lower functional outcome compared to knee arthrodesis in severe periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Schnetz Matthias , Maluki Roman , Ewald Larissa , Klug Alexander , Hoffmann Reinhard , Gramlich Yves
Published: July 2024

Aims

In cases of severe periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the knee, salvage procedures such as knee arthrodesis (KA) or above-knee amputation (AKA) must be considered. As both treatments result in limitations in quality of life (QoL), we aimed to compare outcomes and factors influencing complication rates, mortality, and mobility.

Methods

Patients with PJI of the knee and subsequent KA or AKA between June 2011 and May 2021 were included. Demographic data, comorbidities, and patient history were analyzed. Functional outcomes and QoL were prospectively assessed in both groups with additional treatment-specific scores after AKA. Outcomes, complications, and mortality were evaluated.

Results

A total of 98 patients were included, 52 treated with arthrodesis and 47 with AKA. The mean number of revision surgeries between primary arthroplasty and arthrodesis or AKA was 7.85 (SD 5.39). Mean follow-up was 77.7 months (SD 30.9), with a minimum follow-up of two years. Complications requiring further revision surgery occurred in 11.5% of patients after arthrodesis and in 37.0% of AKA patients. Positive intraoperative tissue cultures obtained during AKA was significantly associated with the risk of further surgical revision. Two-year mortality rate of arthrodesis was significantly lower compared to AKA (3.8% vs 28.3%), with age as an independent risk factor in the AKA group. Functional outcomes and QoL were better after arthrodesis compared to AKA. Neuropathic pain was reported by 19 patients after AKA, and only 45.7% of patients were fitted or were intended to be fitted with a prosthesis. One-year infection-free survival after arthrodesis was 88.5%, compared to 78.5% after AKA.

Conclusion

Above-knee amputation in PJI results in high complication and mortality rates and poorer functional outcome compared to arthrodesis. Mortality rates after AKA depend on patient age and mobility, with most patients not able to be fitted with a prosthesis. Therefore, arthrodesis should be preferred whenever possible if salvage procedures are indicated.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):669–679.
Clinical evaluation of new bone formation during limb lengthening in children using ultrasound combined with superb microvascular imaging
Authors: Yaxier Nijiati , Zhang Yuan , Song Jun , Ning Bo
Published: July 2024

Aims

Given the possible radiation damage and inaccuracy of radiological investigations, particularly in children, ultrasound and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) may offer alternative methods of evaluating new bone formation when limb lengthening is undertaken in paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to assess the use of ultrasound combined with SMI in monitoring new bone formation during limb lengthening in children.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, ultrasound and radiograph examinations were performed every two weeks in 30 paediatric patients undergoing limb lengthening. Ultrasound was used to monitor new bone formation. The number of vertical vessels and the blood flow resistance index were compared with those from plain radiographs.

Results

We categorized the new bone formation into three stages: stage I (early lengthening), in which there was no obvious callus formation on radiographs and ultrasound; stage II (lengthening), in which radiographs showed low-density callus formation with uneven distribution and three sub-stages could be identified on ultrasound: in Ia punctate callus was visible; in IIb there was linear callus formation which was not yet connected and in IIc there was continuous linear callus. In stage III (healing), the bone ends had united, the periosteum was intact, and the callus had disappeared, as confirmed on radiographs, indicating healed bone. A progressive increase in the number of vertical vessels was noted in the early stages, peaking during stages IIb and IIc, followed by a gradual decline (p < 0.001). Delayed healing involved patients with a prolonged stage IIa or those who regressed to stage IIa from stages IIb or IIc during lengthening.

Conclusion

We found that the formation of new bone in paediatric patients undergoing limb lengthening could be reliably evaluated using ultrasound when combined with the radiological findings. This combination enabled an improved assessment of the prognosis, and adjustments to the lengthening protocol. While SMI offered additional insights into angiogenesis within the new bone, its role primarily contributed to the understanding of the microvascular environment rather than directly informing adjustments of treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):751–758.
Resolving residual acetabular dysplasia following successful brace treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants
Authors: Saeed Ayesha , Bradley Catharine S. , Verma Yashvi , Kelley Simon P.
Published: July 2024

Aims

Radiological residual acetabular dysplasia (RAD) has been reported in up to 30% of children who had successful brace treatment of infant developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Predicting those who will resolve and those who may need corrective surgery is important to optimize follow-up protocols. In this study we have aimed to identify the prevalence and predictors of RAD at two years and five years post-bracing.

Methods

This was a single-centre, prospective longitudinal cohort study of infants with DDH managed using a published, standardized Pavlik harness protocol between January 2012 and December 2016. RAD was measured at two years’ mean follow-up using acetabular index-lateral edge (AI-L) and acetabular index-sourcil (AI-S), and at five years using AI-L, AI-S, centre-edge angle (CEA), and acetabular depth ratio (ADR). Each hip was classified based on published normative values for normal, borderline (1 to 2 standard deviations (SDs)), or dysplastic (> 2 SDs) based on sex, age, and laterality.

Results

Of 202 infants who completed the protocol, 181 (90%) had two and five years’ follow-up radiographs. At two years, in 304 initially pathological hips, the prevalence of RAD (dysplastic) was 10% and RAD (borderline) was 30%. At five years, RAD (dysplastic) decreased to 1% to 3% and RAD (borderline) decreased to < 1% to 2%. On logistic regression, no variables were predictive of RAD at two years. Only AI-L at two years was predictive of RAD at five years (p < 0.001). If both hips were normal at two years’ follow-up (n = 96), all remained normal at five years. In those with bilateral borderline hips at two years (n = 21), only two were borderline at five years, none were dysplastic. In those with either borderline-dysplastic or bilateral dysplasia at two years (n = 26), three (12%) were dysplastic at five years.

Conclusion

The majority of patients with RAD at two years post-brace treatment, spontaneously resolved by five years. Therefore, children with normal radiographs at two years post-brace treatment can be discharged. Targeted follow-up for those with abnormal AI-L at two years will identify the few who may benefit from surgical correction at five years’ follow-up.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):744–750.
Are there patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip who may benefit from an uncemented hemiarthroplasty?
Authors: Bolbocean Corneliu , Hattab Zaid , O'Neill Stephen , Costa Matt L.
Published: July 2024

Aims

Cemented hemiarthroplasty is an effective form of treatment for most patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip. However, it remains unclear whether there are subgroups of patients who may benefit from the alternative operation of a modern uncemented hemiarthroplasty – the aim of this study was to investigate this issue. Knowledge about the heterogeneity of treatment effects is important for surgeons in order to target operations towards specific subgroups who would benefit the most.

Methods

We used causal forest analysis to compare subgroup- and individual-level treatment effects between cemented and modern uncemented hemiarthroplasty in patients aged > 60 years with an intracapsular fracture of the hip, using data from the World Hip Trauma Evaluation 5 (WHiTE 5) multicentre randomized clinical trial. EuroQol five-dimension index scores were used to measure health-related quality of life at one, four, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Our analysis revealed a complex landscape of responses to the use of a cemented hemiarthroplasty in the 12 months after surgery. There was heterogeneity of effects with regard to baseline characteristics, including age, pre-injury health status, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption. This heterogeneity was greater at the one-month mark than at subsequent follow-up timepoints, with particular regard to subgroups based on age. However, for all subgroups, the effect estimates for quality of life lay within the confidence intervals derived from the analysis of all patients.

Conclusion

The use of a cemented hemiarthroplasty is expected to increase health-related quality of life compared with modern uncemented hemiarthroplasty for all subgroups of patients aged > 60 years with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):656–661.
Morphology and morphometric of Tetragonula biroi bees at three different altitudes in South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: PRASTIYO ANDI , NURAENI SITTI , BUDIAMAN BUDIAMAN
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Prastiyo A, Nuraeni S, Budiaman. 2024. Morphology and morphometric of Tetragonula biroi bees at three different altitudes in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1993-2002. Tetragonula biroi Friese 1898 is a stingless bee species that plays an essential role in pollination and environmental conservation. This research is important because bees play a crucial role as pollinators for the sustainability of plants, and morphometric measurements can reveal patterns of adaptation and the potential production of products generated by these bees. This research aims to analyze the morphological and morphometric variations of T. biroi at three different altitudes in South Sulawesi. The study was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024, with sampling points in lowland (158 meters above sea level or masl), midland (417 masl), and highland (709 masl), using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) test using XLSTAT and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test using program SPSS. Observations of T. biroi morphology at the three locations were generally similar, with a black body color tinged with brown and characteristic hamuli numbering five. The morphometric analysis involved measuring body dimensions of T. biroi across 35 characters/sections of the external body, and the one-way ANOVA test results showed that the dominant characters significantly influencing were body length (BL) and length of fore wing, including tegula (WL1). T. biroi bees at lowlands tend to have smaller bodies, measuring 3.73±0.09 mm, while those at higher altitudes tend to have larger bodies, measuring 4.09±0.14 mm. This indicates adaptation to environmental conditions such as temperature (26.75C), humidity (81%), and dominant vegetation (Cocos nucifera L.) in lowland, which influence bee adaptation, as well as in midland and highland areas. This research provides a better understanding of morphological and morphometric variations in T. biroi bees at various altitudes in South Sulawesi. The morphology and morphometrics description of bees is crucial in determining the growth and production of a species.
The supply chain of Javan spitting cobra (Naja sputatrix) utilization in cobra satay businesses in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: UTAMA SILVA EKAPUTRA , SANTOSA YANTO , MASYUD BURHANUDDIN
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Utama SE, Santosa Y, Masyud B. 2024. The supply chain of Javan spitting cobra (Naja sputatrix) utilization in cobra satay businesses in Jakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2086-2092. One frequently utilized reptile is the Javan spitting cobra (Naja sputatrix). Apart from Indonesia, countries that utilize cobras are China and India. One form of actual utilization for the community's economy from cobra utilization is the cobra satay business. The high economic potential threatens the cobra population in the wild. Moreover, trade in the supply chain can have a negative impact ecologically and economically, so it is necessary to approach the supply chain of the cobra business to understand the cobra supply chain, considering the roles of participants, distribution processes, the number and specifications of cobras utilized, the source of cobras, and the incurred losses within the supply chain. This research was conducted using the snowball sampling method, with in-depth interviews. Interviews with vendor were conducted at their shops in Jakarta, and interviews with agent and collector were conducted at their homes in Karawang. It enabled the identification of the supply chain of the cobra satay business consisting of vendor in Jakarta and collectors, agents, and hunters in Karawang. The data collected were the number, specifications, and prices of each supply chain link, as well as the form of cobra utilization from traders. An estimated ±1,560 cobras are used in the cobra satay business annually, with a minimum total length of 70 cm for the cobras. The results showed that the percentage of dead cobras in the supply chain was 5%-35%, which resulted in a reduction in income of Rp25,000 - Rp125,000 for agents, Rp40,000 - Rp240,000 for collector, and Rp200,000 - Rp2,000,000 for vendor.
Structure of reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) tongue using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy
Authors: MARINA MARTINA , SARAGIH GOLDA RANI , KUSTIATI ULAYATUL , BUDIPITOJO TEGUH , WIJAYANTO HERY , PANGESTININGSIH TRI WAHYU , ARIANA ARIANA , WENDO WORO DANUR , BUDIARIATI VISTA , KUSINDARTA DWI LILIEK
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Marina M, Saragih GR, Kustiati U, Budipitojo T, Wijayanto H, Pangestiningsih TW, Ariana, Wendo WD, Budiariati V, Kusindarta DL. 2024. Structure of reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) tongue using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Biodiversitas 25: 1596-1604. Reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) is the longest snake in the world. It belongs to order Squamata, suborder Serpentes, family Pythonidae, and genus Malayopython. The size of this snake can reach up to 6-8 m, which makes it the largest member of Pythonidae family. The tongue of Malayopython reticulatus (Schneider, 1801) is unique in that it serves the chemosensory process by capturing and carrying airborne chemical particles to Jacobson's or vomeronasal organs, so it would be very interesting to know the morphology of the lingual papillae of the tongue of M. reticulatus. This research aimed to determine the morphological and histological structures of M. reticulatus tongue via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining. Macroscopically, the tongue was divided into the apex, corpus, and radix. This organ is elongated with bifurcation. The dorsal anterior part tends to be blackish, whereas the posterior part tends to be lighter to reddish in color. SEM observation showed that the reticulated python tongue has microfacets and micropores on the dorsal side but lack papillae and taste buds. Histological results (HE staining) revealed that the tongue is divided into a mucosal layer and a muscular layer. The mucosal layer consists of lamina epithelial mucosa and lamina propria mucosa. Melanin exists in the lamina propria mucosa. The muscular layer comprises longitudinal, transverse, and vertical muscles and also lack papillae and taste buds.
Struggling with and through Knowledge Production: The Campaign ‘Expropriate Deutsche Wohnen & Co.’s’ Attempt at Housing Definancialisation in Berlin
Authors: Berfelde Rabea , Heeg Susanne
Published: July 2024

The article looks at the role of knowledge production in conceptualising the impact of social movements, taking the campaign Deutsche Wohnen & Co. Enteignen (Expropriate Deutsche Wohnen & Co.) as an example. The campaign proposes to socialise the assets of all (financialised) landlords who own more than 3,000 apartments in Berlin. The article analyses how the campaign has developed and popularised strategic knowledge about housing financialisation and definancialisation. Empirically, the article analyses two phases of the political work. It discusses the beginnings of the campaign in the run-up to the 2021 referendum, where the campaign translated knowledge about the role of institutional financial investors in Berlin’s housing crisis into a demand for socialisation. The article also analyses the phase after the successful referendum in 2021, where the knowledge production shifted to the juridical field as the Berlin Senate set up an expert commission to discuss the constitutionality of housing socialisation.
July 2024 Critical Care Case of the Month: Community-Acquired Meningitis
Authors: Raschke Robert ,   University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ USA
Published: July 2024

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. History of Present Illness A 62-year-old woman was brought to our emergency department at 0300 with a possible stroke. She was last known well at 2230 the previous evening, when she complained of severe headache and took some acetaminophen before going to bed. Her daughter (who provided all history) noted that the patient awoke about midnight, vomited and took some naproxen. The daughter next heard the patient awake at 0230, and found her back in the bathroom vomiting again, slow to respond, “mumbling” and confused. The daughter was able to get the patient into their car with some difficulty and drove her to the ER. Past Medical History, Social History, Family History Only minimal past medical history was elicited. There was no known trauma, no fever and no recent illnesses. The patient took no prescription medications. She did not have any history of neurological disease and no known history of …
Heligmosomoides bakeri and Toxoplasma gondii co-infection leads to increased mortality associated with changes in immune resistance in the lymphoid compartment and disease pathology
Authors: Szabo Edina K. , Bowhay Christina , Forrester Emma , Liu Holly , Dong Beverly , Coria Aralia Leon , Perera Shashini , Fung Beatrice , Badawadagi Namratha , Gaio Camila , Bailey Kayla , Ritz Manfred , Bowron Joel , Ariyaratne Anupama , Finney Constance A. M.
Published: July 2024

Co-infections are a common reality but understanding how the immune system responds in this context is complex and can be unpredictable. Heligmosomoides bakeri (parasitic roundworm, previously Heligmosomoides polygyrus) and Toxoplasma gondii (protozoan parasite) are well studied organisms that stimulate a characteristic Th2 and Th1 response, respectively. Several studies have demonstrated reduced inflammatory cytokine responses in animals co-infected with such organisms. However, while general cytokine signatures have been examined, the impact of the different cytokine producing lymphocytes on parasite control/clearance is not fully understood. We investigated five different lymphocyte populations (NK, NKT, γδ T, CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells), five organs (small intestine, Peyer’s patches, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and liver), and 4 cytokines (IFN©, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13) at two different time points (days 5 and 10 post T. gondii infection). We found that co-infected animals had significantly higher mortality than either single infection. This was accompanied by transient and local changes in parasite loads and cytokine profiles. Despite the early changes in lymphocyte and cytokine profiles, severe intestinal pathology in co-infected mice likely contributed to early mortality due to significant damage by both parasites in the small intestine. Our work demonstrates the importance of taking a broad view during infection research, studying multiple cell types, organs/tissues and time points to link and/or uncouple immunological from pathological findings. Our results provide insights into how co-infection with parasites stimulating different arms of the immune system can lead to drastic changes in infection dynamics.
Behavioral and neural measures of confidence using a novel auditory pitch identification task
Authors: Tang Tamara , Samaha Jason , Peters Megan A. K.
Published: July 2024

Observers can discriminate between correct versus incorrect perceptual decisions with feelings of confidence. The centro-parietal positivity build-up rate (CPP slope) has been suggested as a likely neural signature of accumulated evidence, which may guide both perceptual performance and confidence. However, CPP slope also covaries with reaction time, which also covaries with confidence in previous studies, and performance and confidence typically covary; thus, CPP slope may index signatures of perceptual performance rather than confidence per se. Moreover, perceptual metacognition—including neural correlates—has largely been studied in vision, with few exceptions. Thus, we lack understanding of domain-general neural signatures of perceptual metacognition outside vision. Here we designed a novel auditory pitch identification task and collected behavior with simultaneous 32-channel EEG in healthy adults. Participants saw two tone labels which varied in tonal distance on each trial (e.g., C vs D, C vs F), then heard a single auditory tone; they identified which label was correct and rated confidence. We found that pitch identification confidence varied with tonal distance, but performance, metacognitive sensitivity (trial-by-trial covariation of confidence with accuracy), and reaction time did not. Interestingly, however, while CPP slope covaried with performance and reaction time, it did not significantly covary with confidence. We interpret these results to mean that CPP slope is likely a signature of first-order perceptual processing and not confidence-specific signals or computations in auditory tasks. Our novel pitch identification task offers a valuable method to examine the neural correlates of auditory and domain-general perceptual confidence.
Acceptability of adding a non-contrast abdominal CT scan to screen for kidney cancer and other abdominal pathology within a community-based CT screening programme for lung cancer: A qualitative study
Authors: Usher-Smith Juliet A. , Masson Golnessa , Godoy Angela , Burge Sarah W. , Kitt Jessica , Farquhar Fiona , Cartledge Jon , Kimuli Michael , Burbidge Simon , Crosbie Philip A. J. , Eckert Claire , Hancock Neil , Iball Gareth R. , Rogerson Suzanne , Rossi Sabrina H. , Smith Andrew , Simmonds Irene , Wallace Tom , Ward Matthew , Callister Matthew E. J. , Stewart Grant D.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The Yorkshire Kidney Screening Trial (YKST) is a feasibility study of adding non-contrast abdominal CT scanning to screen for kidney cancer and other abdominal malignancies to community-based CT screening for lung cancer within the Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial (YLST). This study explored the acceptability of the combined screening approach to participants and healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in the trial.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight HCPs and 25 participants returning for the second round of scanning within YLST, 20 who had taken up the offer of the additional abdominal CT scan and five who had declined. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.

Results

Overall, combining the offer of a non-contrast abdominal CT scan alongside the low-dose thoracic CT was considered acceptable to participants, including those who had declined the abdominal scan. The offer of the additional scan made sense and fitted well within the process, and participants could see benefits in terms of efficiency, cost and convenience both for themselves as individuals and also more widely for the NHS. Almost all participants made an instant decision at the point of initial invitation based more on trust and emotions than the information provided. Despite this, there was a clear desire for more time to decide whether to accept the scan or not. HCPs also raised concerns about the burden on the study team and wider healthcare system arising from additional workload both within the screening process and downstream following findings on the abdominal CT scan.

Conclusions

Adding a non-contrast abdominal CT scan to community-based CT screening for lung cancer is acceptable to both participants and healthcare professionals. Giving potential participants prior notice and having clear pathways for downstream management of findings will be important if it is to be offered more widely.