bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cattaneo–Christov theory for a time-dependent magnetohydrodynamic Maxwell fluid flow through a stretching cylinder
Authors: Islam Saeed , Dawar Abdullah , Shah Zahir , Tariq Adnan
Published: July 2021

This research work explores the thermal and mass transport phenomena for a time-dependent Maxwell fluid flow in the presence of Cattaneo–Christov concept. The Maxwell fluid flow is analyzed through a stretching cylinder and sheet. Brownian motion, non-uniform heat source/sink, thermophoresis, and variable thermal conductivity are operated in this study. A theoretical analysis of the modeled system of equations is explored with the help of HAM. Impacts of fixed constraints on velocity, thermal, and concentration functions are offered graphically. It is concluded that the velocity profile heightens quickly for Newtonian fluid equated to non-Newtonian fluid (Maxwell) via curvature parameter while the temperature and concentration distributions increase quickly for non-Newtonian fluid as equated to the Newtonian fluid via curvature parameter. The presence of Maxwell and magnetic parameters increases the size of the trapping bolus.
Industry robotic motion and pose recognition method based on camera pose estimation and neural network
Authors: Wang Ding , Xie Fei , Yang Jiquan , Lu Rongjian , Zhu Tengfei , Liu Yijian
Published: July 2021

To control industry robots and make sure they are working in a correct status, an efficient way to judge the motion of the robot is important. In this article, an industry robotic motion and pose recognition method based on camera pose estimation and neural network are proposed. Firstly, industry robotic motion recognition based on the neural network has been developed to estimate and optimize motion of the robotics only by a monoscope camera. Secondly, the motion recognition including key flames recording and pose adjustment has been proposed and analyzed to restore the pose of the robotics more accurately. Finally, a KUKA industry robot has been used to test the proposed method, and the test results have demonstrated that the motion and pose recognition method can recognize the industry robotic pose accurately and efficiently without inertial measurement unit (IMU) and other censers. Below in the same algorithm, the error of the method introduced in this article is better than the traditional method using IMU and has a better merit of reducing cumulative error.
Agmatine requires GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors to inhibit the development of neuropathic pain
Authors: Peterson Cristina D , Kitto Kelley F , Verma Harsha , Pflepsen Kelsey , Delpire Eric , Wilcox George L , Fairbanks Carolyn A
Published: July 2021

A decarboxylated form of L-arginine, agmatine, preferentially antagonizes NMDArs containing Glun2B subunits within the spinal cord and lacks motor side effects commonly associated with non-subunit-selective NMDAr antagonism, namely sedation and motor impairment. Spinally delivered agmatine has been previously shown to reduce the development of tactile hypersensitivity arising from spinal nerve ligation. The present study interrogated the dependence of agmatine’s alleviation of neuropathic pain (spared nerve injury (SNI) model) on GluN2B-containing NMDArs. SNI-induced hypersensitivity was induced in mice with significant reduction of levels of spinal GluN2B subunit of the NMDAr and their floxed controls. Agmatine reduced development of SNI-induced tactile hypersensitivity in controls but had no effect in subjects with reduced levels of GluN2B subunits. Ifenprodil, a known GluN2B-subunit-selective antagonist, similarly reduced tactile hypersensitivity in controls but not in the GluN2B-deficient mice. In contrast, MK-801, an NMDA receptor channel blocker, reduced hypersensitivity in both control and GluN2B-deficient mice, consistent with a pharmacological pattern expected from a NMDAr antagonist that does not have preference for GluN2B subtypes. Additionally, we observed that spinally delivered agmatine, ifenprodil and MK-801 inhibited nociceptive behaviors following intrathecal delivery of NMDA in control mice. By contrast, in GluN2B-deficient mice, MK-801 reduced NMDA-evoked nociceptive behaviors, but agmatine had a blunted effect and ifenprodil had no effect. These results demonstrate that agmatine requires the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor for inhibitory pharmacological actions in pre-clinical models of NMDA receptor-dependent hypersensitivity.
Bacteriuria resistance patterns and the suitability of urinalysis as an initial diagnostic tool in a post-antibiotic era
Authors: Taktak Samih , Gall Zara , Dyer James
Published: July 2021

Aims:

Urinalysis is used as a first-line investigation throughout healthcare to indicate bacteriuria and guide treatment of potential urinary tract infections. In light of rising bacterial multi-resistance, we aim to analyse its diagnostic accuracy, determine its usefulness in a present-day setting and evaluate current antibiotic resistance patterns across a Trust population.

Methods:

A retrospective case series of 712 paired urinalysis and urine culture results was obtained over a 1-month period. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were calculated, and resistance profiles of commonly used Trust antibiotics assessed using statistical analysis.

Results:

A high false negative rate of nitrites on urinalysis, with sensitivity of 38.4%, was found. Leucocyte sensitivity was 87.6% and specificity 39.7%, with no improvement in diagnostic accuracy seen when combining both. Positive urine culture growth demonstrated a substantial resistance pattern to trimethoprim of 48%, compounded by a statistically significant correlation with gentamicin resistance ( p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Our study has highlighted a reduced accuracy of urinalysis compared with previous literature, questioning its usefulness in the real world. We have consolidated growing published trends doubting the efficacy of trimethoprim, revealing co-existing resistance patterns between commonly used antibiotics. This will have implications for future antibiotic-prescribing protocols and requires further research to ensure guidelines are progressive in consciously managing this growing concern in modern-day healthcare.
The (Im)possibility of Achieving a Peaceful Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Authors: Falah Ghazi-Walid
Published: July 2021

This paper has a two-fold objective: (a) It aims to provide a critical analysis of the constraints and obstacles that hindered possibilities for implementing the Oslo Accord, 1993-1994 signed by Israel and the Palestinians; and (b) examines the extent to which the U.S. administration was involved in mediating between the two parties with a view to removing such constraints and obstacles through drafting territorial and security arrangements for Israel, devoid of Palestinian input and voice. In analyzing the two most recent White House peace proposals associated with Presidents Obama and Trump, the paper shows that basic inalienable Palestinian rights entrenched in international law and in relevant UN Security Council resolutions were compromised. These peace proposals were not based on meeting Israel’s obligations as firmly grounded in the Oslo Accord Agreements. Hence, Palestinian leaders and negotiators remained uncompromising in refusing to surrender territory and acquiesce to the Israeli-Settler colonial policy and its demands backed by U.S. presidents at the time. Their request for self-determination was and remains simple and straightforward: Israel has to cease political maneuvering, embedded in unsubstantiated claims for security and exceptionalism. The (im)possibility for peace in Palestine/Israel continues.
Taking togetherness apart: From digital footprints to geno-digital spores
Authors: Grove Wouter , Goldin Jacqueline Ann , Breytenbach Johan , Suransky Carolina
Published: July 2021

Increasingly, the lines of our lives are prescribed, mediated, drawn and knotted together by digital technologies. It has been argued that ‘digital footprints’, as a trail of user data points collected from online communities and networks, can assist in better understanding human behaviour and social interaction, initially focused on mainly real-time and retrospective analysis. In our attempts at sense-making of togetherness in a COVID-19/post-COVID-19 world, we believe it may be an oversimplification to conceptualise our daily data trails as ‘digital footprints’. The nature of our interaction with these technologies as well as their interaction with us have changed deeply ever since the rapid growth of digital connectivity. The character of these symbiotic relationships has been accentuated even more by our global experience of ‘connected disconnection’ during the pandemic’s lockdowns. Against this background, we expand the concept of ‘geno-digital spores’ as a more appropriate metaphor for the manner within which data and technology combine in new ways to create (or fracture) lines of togetherness.
Helmholtz at 200
Authors: Wade Nicholas J.
Published: July 2021

Hermann von Helmholtz was born 200 years ago, but his influence on vision research is enduring. His legacy in vision is celebrated visually with anaglyphs that combine portraits of him with illustrations from his publications. Emphasis is directed principally to his Treatise on Physiological Optics. Among the optical instruments Helmholtz invented were the ophthalmoscope, ophthalmometer, and telestereoscope. Mention is made of his investigations into accommodation, colour vision, eye movements, stereoscopic vision, binocular rivalry, and lustre. Helmholtz also presented his analyses of vision and art in several of his Popular Lectures.
Inviting students to independent judgement: Teaching financial literacy as citizenship education
Authors: Björklund Mattias , Sandahl Johan
Published: July 2021

Many financial literacy educational efforts mainly focus on teaching money management. However, money management alone does not address financial prerequisites concerning home ownership, savings or retirement planning since these issues are governed by agents outside households, namely the financial system and policy makers. This study examines students’ response to a financial literacy teaching that treats financial issues as controversial and contextually bounded to the financial and societal systems. Data consists of 36 students’ conversations during a financial literacy teaching intervention. Results show that students are capable of grasping and relating to financial concepts where association to the financial system and policy-making produce elaborate understanding. Furthermore, students that contest given financial concepts and system do not only present constructive alternate solutions for the future, but these students also seem to grasp current financial and societal systems in more advanced ways and thereby demonstrate a possible convergence between financial literacy and citizenship education.
Algorithmic management in a work context
Authors: Jarrahi Mohammad Hossein , Newlands Gemma , Lee Min Kyung , Wolf Christine T. , Kinder Eliscia , Sutherland Will
Published: July 2021

The rapid development of machine-learning algorithms, which underpin contemporary artificial intelligence systems, has created new opportunities for the automation of work processes and management functions. While algorithmic management has been observed primarily within the platform-mediated gig economy, its transformative reach and consequences are also spreading to more standard work settings. Exploring algorithmic management as a sociotechnical concept, which reflects both technological infrastructures and organizational choices, we discuss how algorithmic management may influence existing power and social structures within organizations. We identify three key issues. First, we explore how algorithmic management shapes pre-existing power dynamics between workers and managers. Second, we discuss how algorithmic management demands new roles and competencies while also fostering oppositional attitudes toward algorithms. Third, we explain how algorithmic management impacts knowledge and information exchange within an organization, unpacking the concept of opacity on both a technical and organizational level. We conclude by situating this piece in broader discussions on the future of work, accountability, and identifying future research steps.
Reading datasets: Strategies for interpreting the politics of data signification
Authors: Poirier Lindsay
Published: July 2021

All datasets emerge from and are enmeshed in power-laden semiotic systems. While emerging data ethics curriculum is supporting data science students in identifying data biases and their consequences, critical attention to the cultural histories and vested interests animating data semantics is needed to elucidate the assumptions and political commitments on which data rest, along with the externalities they produce. In this article, I introduce three modes of reading that can be engaged when studying datasets—a denotative reading (extrapolating the literal meaning of values in a dataset), a connotative reading (tracing the socio-political provenance of data semantics), and a deconstructive reading (seeking what gets Othered through data semantics and structure). I then outline how I have taught students to engage these methods when analyzing three datasets in Data and Society—a course designed to cultivate student competency in politically aware data analysis and interpretation. I show how combined, the reading strategies prompt students to grapple with the double binds of perceiving contemporary problems through systems of representation that are always situated, incomplete, and inflected with diverse politics. While I introduce these methods in the context of teaching, I argue that the methods are integral to any data practice in the conclusion.
Winning the Loyalty of International Customers: A Perspective from the International Patients in India
Authors: Sethi Huma
Published: July 2021

This article explores on how to win satisfaction and loyalty of customers travelling beyond national borders to avail services. The study investigates the effect of customer relationship management (CRM) practices on satisfaction and loyalty of international patients travelling to Indian hospitals. Given the challenges faced by the corporate hospitals in context to international patients, this article identified and discussed the relationship between CRM, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. The study is based on a cross-sectional analytic study design, wherein primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale from 419 respondents and processed through descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling using SPSS AMOS 20*. ‘Trust’ as a driver of CRM was found to be the most important predictor of satisfaction and loyalty, thus strategies around this element shall guide the corporate hospitals in establishing India as a medical tourism hub and having a competitive edge.
Feasibility, Acceptability and Preliminary Efficacy of Tikambisane (‘Let’s Talk to Each Other’): A Pilot Support Group Intervention for Adolescent Girls Living With HIV in Zambia
Authors: Stangl Anne L. , Mwale Mwangala , Sebany Meroji , Mackworth-Young Constance RS , Chiiya Chipo , Chonta Mutale , Clay Sue , Sievwright Kirsty , Bond Virginia
Published: July 2021

Background:

In Zambia, 84,959 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24 are currently living with HIV. We explored the feasibility and acceptability of a 6-session, curriculum-based support group intervention designed to address key concerns of AGYW living with HIV.

Setting:

Urban Zambia

Methods:

Surveys and in-depth interviews were collected pre- and post-intervention from participants enrolled from 2 health facilities. Eight participant observations of sessions were conducted. Descriptive statistics at baseline were reported only for AGYW who participated in the intervention (N = 21), while analyses comparing baseline and endline outcome measures were restricted to participants who had data at both time points (N = 14).

Results:

Support groups were feasible to conduct and acceptable to participants. Co-facilitation by an adult counselor and peers living with HIV raised confidence about session content. Sessions on antiretroviral therapy (ART), disclosure and stigma, and grief and loss were most in demand. We did not observe significant differences in key outcome measures between baseline and follow-up. However, qualitative data supported the positive impact of the intervention on ART adherence and hope for the future following the intervention among our participants.

Conclusion:

A short-term, structured support group series holds promise for helping AGYW living with HIV safely navigate a complex time in their lives.
Artificial Intelligence in the Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Authors: Corban Jason , Lorange Justin-Pierre , Laverdiere Carl , Khoury Jason , Rachevsky Gil , Burman Mark , Martineau Paul Andre
Published: July 2021

Background:

Technological innovation is a key component of orthopaedic surgery. With the integration of powerful technologies in surgery and clinical practice, artificial intelligence (AI) may become an important tool for orthopaedic surgeons in the future. Through adaptive learning and problem solving that serve to constantly increase accuracy, machine learning algorithms show great promise in orthopaedics.

Purpose:

To investigate the current and potential uses of AI in the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A systematic review of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases between their start and August 12, 2020, was performed by 2 independent reviewers. Inclusion criteria included application of AI anywhere along the spectrum of predicting, diagnosing, and managing ACL injuries. Exclusion criteria included non-English publications, conference abstracts, review articles, and meta-analyses. Statistical analysis could not be performed because of data heterogeneity; therefore, a descriptive analysis was undertaken.

Results:

A total of 19 publications were included after screening. Applications were divided based on the different stages of the clinical course in ACL injury: prediction (n = 2), diagnosis (n = 12), intraoperative application (n = 1), and postoperative care and rehabilitation (n = 4). AI-based technologies were used in a wide variety of applications, including image interpretation, automated chart review, assistance in the physical examination via optical tracking using infrared cameras or electromagnetic sensors, generation of predictive models, and optimization of postoperative care and rehabilitation.

Conclusion:

There is an increasing interest in AI among orthopaedic surgeons, as reflected by the applications for ACL injury presented in this review. Although some studies showed similar or better outcomes using AI compared with traditional techniques, many challenges need to be addressed before this technology is ready for widespread use.
Functional Outcome of High Tibial Osteotomy in Patients with Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis Using Dynamic Axial Fixator
Authors: Yadav Amit kumar , Parihar Mangal , Gawhale Sangeet
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis of the knee is becoming a widespread problem. The surgical options include high tibial osteotomy, unicompartmental knee replacement, and total knee replacement. Replacement surgeries are not advised in the younger age group, so in these patients, high tibial osteotomy is the only option. In this study, we have assessed the functional and radiological outcomes of high tibial osteotomy done by hemicallostasis method.

Methods:

We report the outcome of 30 patients (30 knees) who underwent hemicallostasis with a dynamic external fixator for medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. The radiological assessment was done with the help of Hip Knee Ankle angle. The functional scoring was done via Oxford knee score, IKDC, KOOS, and WOMAC score.

Results:

At a mean follow up of 35 months, the preoperatively mean HKA angle was 172 ± 30. The mean HKA angle postoperatively was 184 ±10. Appropriate correction of the HKA angle was achieved in 24 of 30 patients (80%). Whereas, there was under correction in 3 patients (10 %) and overcorrection in 3 (10%) patients. All the functional scores showed significant improvement in the postoperative scores. There was a positive correlation between the HKA angle and oxford, IKDC, KOOS, and WOMAC Score. Complications like superficial pin tract infection were seen in 3(10 %) patients, deep infection in 1(3%), and early union of osteotomy in 1 (3%) patient leading to re-osteotomy.

Conclusion:

HTO is effective in improving pain, function, activity of daily living, and quality of life in patients suffering from medial compartment Osteoarthritis of the knee. Hip Knee Ankle Angle is an important parameter to restore for better functional outcomes. The Advantage of using a dynamic axial fixator is the precision in achieving calculated correction without any implant in the bone once the correction is achieved along with good healing rates.
Measuring Appropriate Need for Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: Results of the MANUKA study
Authors: Klasan A , Luger M , Hochgatterer R , Young SW
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

Indications for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are controversial. Studies based solely on radiographic criteria suggest up to 49% of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are suitable for UKA. In contrast, the ‘Appropriate use criteria’ (AUC), developed by the AAOS, apply clinical and radiographic criteria to guide surgical treatment of knee OA. The aim of this study was to analyse patient suitability for TKA, UKA and osteotomy using both radiographic criteria and AUC in a cohort of 300 consecutive knee OA patients.

Methods:

Included were consecutive patients with clinical and radiographic signs of knee OA referred to a specialist clinic. We collected demographic data, radiographic wear patterns and clinical findings that were analyzed using the AUC. We compared the radiographic wear patterns with the treatment suggested by the AUC as well as the Surgeon Treatment Decision.

Results:

There were 397 knees in 300 patients available for analysis. Median age was 68 [IQR 15], BMI 30 [6] with 55% females. We found excellent consistency for both the radiographic criteria and the AUC criteria. Based on radiological criteria, 41% of knees were suitable for UKA. However, when using the AUC criteria, UKA was the appropriate treatment in only 13.3% of knees. In 19.1% of knees, no surgical treatment was appropriate at the visit, based on the collected data.

Conclusion:

Application of isolated radiologic criteria in patients with knee OA results in a UKA candidacy is misleadingly high. AUC that are based on both radiological and clinical criteria suggest UKA is appropriate in less than 15% of patients.
Injuries of Kaplan fibers in ACL deficient and reconstructed knees – redefining the structure and risk assessment on MRI using injury patterns
Authors: Iordache Edna A. , Hirschmann Michael T. , Amsler Felix , Yang Schu-Ren , Hess Silvan , Hirschmann Anna
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

To determine an injury pattern of knee structures along torn Kaplan fibers in ACL deficient knees and to observe the healing process of Kaplan fibers in ACL reconstructed knees.

Methods:

A total of 101 knee MRIs obtained between January 2004 and April 2020 with full-thickness ACL tears were retrospectively assessed for visibility and impairment of three Kaplan bundles (proximal, distal and epicondylar band) and for associated injuries by two fellowship-trained independent musculoskeletal radiologists. A subgroup of 33 follow-up knee MRIs after ACL reconstruction was assessed to observe the natural evolution of Kaplan fibers injury. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficients (P<.05) were used to determine injury patterns.

Results:

Kaplan fibers were injured in 43 of 101 (43%) acute ACL deficient knees. Proximal Kaplan fibers were visible in less than 48 of 101 (50%) knees as opposed to the distal Kaplan fibers and epicondylar Kaplan band which were both visible in 98 of 101 (97%) knees. Injury to the Kaplan complex was significantly associated with anterolateral (rho, 0.36; P<.001) and lateral collateral ligament impairment (rho, 0.21;P<.05) and medial femoral bone marrow edema (rho, 0.21;P<.05). After ACL reconstruction, only two of 33 (6%) patients showed torn Kaplan and 13 of 33 (39%) distal Kaplan fibers were scarred.

Conclusion:

Torn Kaplan fibers are associated with anterolateral and lateral collateral ligament injuries in ACL deficiency, indicating a more severe anterolateral and rotatory instability. Injury patterns in ACL deficient knees can eliminate the uncertainty of proximal Kaplan fibers identification. Kaplan fiber tears tend to heal following ACL reconstruction.
Continuous Meniscal Suture Technique of The Knee
Authors: de Faria José Leonardo Rocha , Pavão Douglas Mello , Villardi Alfredo , de Sousa Eduardo Branco , Guimarães João Matheus , do Carmo José Maurício , Mozella Alan de Paula
Published: July 2021

The menisci are fibroelastic structures interposed between the articular surfaces of the femur and tibia. They absorb impact and transmit load. Meniscal injury may compromise function and cause rapid joint degeneration, leading to the development of secondary osteoarthritis. Surgical treatment of meniscal injury is usually performed by arthroscopy, and meniscectomy or meniscal suture may be associated with such treatment. Meniscal repair should be considered when the injury compromises the proper functioning of the meniscus to recover its anatomy and function. Different meniscal suture techniques exist; the most widely used are the inside-out, outside-in, and all-inside techniques. The gold-standard repair technique is the inside-out technique. A drawback of this technique is the need to alternate between intra- and extra-articular structures for every stitch, which makes it even more laborious. We describe the continuous meniscal suture technique, also called “meniscal stitching,” for a medial meniscal bucket-handle injury. This technique is performed from the inside out and allows the surgeon to perform multiple stitches with the same thread quickly and effectively. This surgical technique is performed using a single meniscal suture device, called the “Meniscus 4 A-II” device (Síntegra Surgical, Pompéia,SP, Brazil).
Patients’ satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty: Tashkent Medical Academy experience
Authors: Madrakhimov Sarvar , Karimov Murodulla
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to assess satisfaction of our patients after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at various intervals of follow-up.

Methods:

This prospective study was performed in the Multidisciplinary clinic of the Tashkent Medical Academy in the Department of orthopedics from November 2018 to October 2020 performed 88 unilateral TKAs in patients with confirmed diagnosis of primary knee osteoarthritis III-IV grade (Kellgrene-Lawrence, 1978). Among them, 32 males and 54 females aged from 56 to 83 years old with an average of 65.1 years old. The follow up period ranged from 1 month to 1 year. On each follow-up examination (3, 6, 12 month period), every patient received UCLA activity score and VAS score. The patients assessed the degree of satisfaction after TKA on a scale ranging from "fully satisfied" to "dissatisfied" and expressed their overall satisfaction in percent.

Results:

The mean length of stay in the obese group was 11.3 days (±6.3). There were no 30-day re-admisison cases. At the final follow-up, 4.54% of the patients were not satisfied with the outcome. Of 56 patients (63.6%) who were working before TKA, 42 (75%) returned to any job at a mean of 12 weeks post-operatively. Mean UCLA scores improved in 61 patients (69%) from 4 (mild activity) to 6 (moderate activity). The patients’ overall satisfaction was 82.2 % (i.e., responses to the question of how you were satisfied with surgery). Significantly, more satisfied patients were among those with primary osteoarthritis without any fixed deformities. Their satisfaction was related to the level of the UCLA activity rating. However, there was slight relation between VAS-evaluated pain intensity before TKA and patient satisfaction after arthroplasty.

Conclusion:

An analysis of patient responses shows that the level of satisfaction is high in the short period after surgery. Overall, patient satisfaction is slightly changed approximately 12 months after surgery. The number of dissatisfied patients or those who reported regular pain after TKA in our study is consistent with the results presented in the relevant literature, number of patients could be the cause of this. Furthermore, preoperative discussion of functional properties after TKA could help reduce dissatisfaction after TKA. In addition, multicenter studies are needed for a more in-depth analysis of patient satisfaction after TKA.
Impact of Wearing Dentures on Dietary Intake, Nutritional Status, and Eating: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moynihan P. , Varghese R.
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

A key purpose of denture provision is to enable eating, yet the body of evidence pertaining to the impact of dentures on wide-ranging nutritional outcomes has not been systematically reviewed.

Objectives:

To systematically review published evidence pertaining to the effect of wearing removable dental prosthesis on dietary intake, nutritional status, eating function, and eating related–quality of life (ERQoL).

Methods:

Eight questions relating to the impact of wearing dentures on nutritional outcomes were addressed. The target population was healthy adults aged ≥18 y. Data sources included Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and PubMed. Included were all human epidemiologic studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa score was used for appraisal of study quality. Harvest plots, vote counting, and accompanying narrative provided the basis for synthesis.

Results:

Of the 1,245 records identified, 134 were retrieved and eligibility assessed by 2 reviewers, and 41 studies were included in the synthesis (14 rated good quality, 20 fair, and 7 poor). The balance of data supported a positive impact of wearing full (5/7 studies) or partial (3/3 studies) dentures (vs. no dentures) on nutritional status, though no clear direction of effect was detected for the impact of dentures on dietary intake. The balance of data clearly showed that objective measures of eating function were compromised in full (14/15 studies) and partial (6/7 studies) denture wearers as compared with the dentate. Data showed that ERQoL was also compromised in denture wearers as compared with the dentate (3/3 studies). However, data showed a positive impact of wearing dentures on ERQoL (5/5 studies) as opposed to wearing no dentures.

Conclusion:

The balance of evidence shows that despite no clear pattern on impact of wearing dentures on measured dietary intake, in those with tooth loss, wearing dentures can have a positive impact on nutritional status and enjoyment of eating.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The results of this systematic review can be used to advocate for health care services to address prosthodontic need to benefit nutritional outcomes. The findings will be of use in educating health care professionals on the impact of wearing dentures and not addressing prosthodontic need on nutritional outcomes.
Patient Roadmaps for Chronic Illness: Introducing a New Approach for Fostering Patient-Centered Care
Authors: Scherer Laura D. , Matlock Daniel D. , Allen Larry A. , Knoepke Chris E. , McIlvennan Colleen K. , Fitzgerald Monica D. , Kini Vinay , Tate Channing E. , Lin Grace , Lum Hillary D.
Published: July 2021

Background. Too frequently, patients with chronic illnesses are surprised by disease-related changes and are unprepared to make decisions based on their values. Many patients are not activated and do not see a role for themselves in decision making, which is a key barrier to shared decision making and patient-centered care. Patient decision aids can educate and activate patients at the time of key decisions, and yet, for patients diagnosed with chronic illness, it would be advantageous to activate patients in advance of critical decisions. In this article, we describe and formalize the concept of the Patient Roadmap, a novel approach for promoting patient-centered care that aims to activate patients earlier in the care trajectory and provide them with anticipatory guidance. Methods. We first identify the gap that the Patient Roadmap fills, and describe theory underlying its approach. Then we describe what information a Patient Roadmap might include. Examples are provided, as well as a review comparing the Patient Roadmap concept to existing tools that aim to promote patient-centered care (e.g., patient decision aids). Results and Conclusions. New approaches for promoting patient-centered care are needed. This article provides an introduction and overview of the Patient Roadmap concept for promoting patient-centered care in the context of chronic illness.

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Shared Decision Making in Practice and the Perspectives of Health Care Professionals on Video-Recorded Consultations With Patients With Low Health Literacy in the Palliative Phase of Their Disease
Authors: Roodbeen Ruud T. J. , Noordman Janneke , Boland Gudule , van Dulmen Sandra
Published: July 2021

Introduction. An important goal of palliative care is improving the quality of life of patients and their partners/families. To attain this goal, requirements and preferences of patients need to be discussed, preferably through shared decision making (SDM). This enhances patient autonomy and patient-centeredness, requiring active participation by patients. This is demanding for palliative patients, and even more so for patients with limited health literacy (LHL). This study aimed to examine SDM in practice and assess health care professionals’ perspectives on their own SDM. Methods. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used. Video recordings were gathered cross-sectionally of palliative care consultations with LHL patients ( n = 36) conducted by specialized palliative care clinicians and professionals integrating a palliative approach. The consultations were observed for SDM using the OPTION5 instrument. Potential determinants of SDM were examined using multilevel analysis. Sequentially, stimulated recall interviews were conducted assessing the perspectives of professionals on their SDM ( n = 19). Interviews were examined using deductive thematic content analysis. Results. The average SDM score in practice was moderate, varying greatly between professionals, as shown by the multilevel analysis and by varying degrees of perceived patient involvement in SDM mentioned in the interviews. To improve this, professionals recommended 1) continuously discussing all options with patients, 2) allowing time for patients to talk, and 3) using strategic timing for involving patients in SDM. Discussion. The implementation of SDM for people with LHL in palliative care varies in quality and needs improvement. SDM needs to be enhanced in this care domain because decisions are complex and demanding for LHL patients. Future research is needed that focuses on supporting strategies for comprehensible SDM, best practices, and organizational adaptations.
Determinants of role-incongruent knowledge transfer behavior of apprentices and trainers in the context of the German apprenticeship system
Authors: Schmidt Xenia , Muehlfeld Katrin , Peter Alexander
Published: July 2021

What motivates individuals to engage in role-incongruent knowledge transfer? Drawing on role congruity theory, we characterize role-incongruent (“reverse”) knowledge transfer as being based on an incongruity of the functional and social roles of the actors. Further integrating status characteristics theory and relational demography, we propose affect- and cognition-based trust as well as age as determinants of individuals’ engaging in such reverse knowledge transfer. In so doing, we distinguish between the social roles of trainers and apprentices, as these social roles carry implications for which behaviors are regarded as role-congruent or -incongruent. We test the resulting conceptual framework based on individual-level data from 442 participants (338 apprentices and 104 trainers) in multiple organizations within the context of vocational education training. The results largely support our hypotheses: For trainers, affect-based trust in apprentices and own age are positively associated with role-incongruent knowledge seeking, and the latter relationship is positively moderated by apprentice age. For apprentices, affect based trust is positively and cognition-based trust is negatively related to their role-incongruent knowledge sharing, but age has no significant effect. Finally, supplementary analyses document that the antecedents of reverse knowledge transfer differ from those factors that are significantly related to role-congruent knowledge exchange.
Functional visibility graph analysis: Quantifying visuofunctional space with social media check-in data
Authors: Shen Yao , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: July 2021

Public space is characterised by visible spaces and featured by observable activities, forming the atmosphere that humans can perceive, interpret, and experience. This article conceptualises urban space as a set of viewsheds connecting functions visually which can be represented as functional visibility graphs – the graphs with mutual-visibility edges between space and function nodes. It begins with an introduction of three basic measures: visual function size, entropy, and mean angular depth step, then proposes advanced measures: namely visual function connectivity, function visibility, and visible function closeness, showing spatial narratives along paths, visual centrality in place, and functional regions for continuous areas, respectively. This framework is enabled by social media check-in data that records people’s engagements across function nodes tagged by them. An application in a real example in Tianjin City is shown. The novelty of using social media check-ins as a delegation of actual function usage is demonstrated for modelling urban movement with improved precision. By tracing the shifting performance of the functional visibility graphs for the same spatial layout, this study outlines how such analysis can be conducted for uncovering short-term transformation of the visual landscape, contributing to the fine-scale, high-resolution implementations of land use policies from a real human-focused perspective, with the socially sensed data.
Maximizing Muscle Function in Cuff-Deficient Shoulders: A Rehabilitation Proposal for Reverse Arthroplasty
Authors: Razmjou Helen , Osnabrugge Varda van , Anunciacion Mark , Nunn Andrea , Drosdowech Darren , Roszkowski Ania , Szafirowicz Analia , Boljanovic Dragana , Wainwright Amy , Nam Diane
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to describe the role of altered joint biomechanics in reverse shoulder arthroplasty and to propose a rehabilitation protocol for a cuff-deficient glenohumeral joint based on the current evidence. Methods and Materials: The proposed rehabilitation incorporates the principles of pertinent muscle loading while considering risk factors and surgical complications.

Results

In light of altered function of shoulder muscles in reverse arthroplasty, scapular plane abduction should be more often utilized as it better activates deltoid, teres minor, upper trapezius, and serratus anterior. Given the absence of supraspinatus and infraspinatus and reduction of external rotation moment arm of the deltoid in reverse arthroplasty, significant recovery of external rotation may not occur, although an intact teres minor may assist external rotation in the elevated position.

Conclusion

Improving the efficiency of deltoid function before and after reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a key factor in the rehabilitation of the cuff deficient shoulders. Performing exercises in scapular plane and higher abduction angles activates deltoid and other important muscles more efficiently and optimizes surgical outcomes.
Clinicopathologic and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Solitary Fibrous Tumor and Its Mimics: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Geramizadeh Bita , Safavi Fatemeh
Published: July 2021

Background:

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a fibroblastic tumor that has been originally reported as a pleural tumor but now has been defined as a tumor that can be seen everywhere in the human body. Histopathologically, many of the fibroblastic tumors can mimic SFT, and immunohistochemistry is necessary for differential diagnosis. Several markers have been used, and recently, STAT6 has been introduced as a diagnostic marker. No research study has been reported from Iran.

Objectives:

In this report, we are trying to introduce our experience about the clinicopathologic findings of 35 cases of SFT during the last 10 years from our center with an emphasis on the diagnostic role of STAT6 in this tumor.

Patients and methods:

During the last 10 years, we confirmed the diagnosis of 35 cases of SFT in the pathology archives of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. These 35 cases were considered as cases. All the clinicopathologic findings were also extracted from the clinical charts of the patients. To evaluate the diagnostic role of STAT6, another 35 cases of spindle cell tumors were also extracted from the pathology archives as mimickers of SFT. STAT6 was stained in all of the 70 cases and controls.

Results and discussion:

Our experience showed that SFT is more common in middle-aged men with a wide age range, although it is very rare in children. It can be present in every location with a wide size range from less than 1 cm to more than 15 cm. The presence of abnormal staghorn vessels is one of the main diagnostic histopathologic characteristics. STAT6 showed a sensitivity and specificity of 91% and 86% in the diagnosis of SFT. Other markers such as CD99, CD34, and BCL2 have also been considered useful in the differential diagnosis of this tumor, although the diagnostic accuracy seems to be lower than STAT6. High mitosis, presence of necrosis, and atypia are important criteria for predicting malignant and aggressive behavior in SFT. Among 35 cases in our study, 17% showed malignant behavior as recurrent or metastatic tumors.

Conclusion:

Solitary fibrous tumor is a common soft tissue tumor that can be seen everywhere and needs careful histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluation for the correct diagnosis and prediction of aggressive or benign behavior.
The economic assessment of the environmental and social impacts generated by a light packaging and bulky waste sorting and treatment facility in Spain: a circular economy example
Authors: Medina-Mijangos Rubí , Ajour El Zein Samer , Guerrero-García-Rojas Hilda , Seguí-Amórtegui Luis
Published: July 2021

Background

The waste sorting and treatment facilities play an important role in the management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), as they permit the materials to be prepared for their later reuse and recycling. The aim of this work is to carry out a technical–economic analysis of a sorting and treatment facility (STF) of light packaging and bulky waste in Gavà-Viladecans, Barcelona, Spain, by means of a methodology based on a social Cost–Benefit Analysis (sCBA), as it studies the private impacts and externalities (impacts related with environmental and social aspects) to determine the Total Benefit (the difference between revenues and costs) generated by the facility to decide whether it is operationally and economically profitable.

Results

The key point of the case study is the identification, frequency, quantification and monetary valuation of the impacts generated by the facility, as well as the sale of materials, the CO2 emissions and the increase in the availability of materials, among others. By applying the methodology, it has been possible to show that this facility is operationally (BP = 7.06 €/ton) as well as economically (BT = 55.72 €/ton) profitable.

Conclusions

The plant is highly profitable from a social and environmental perspective, as can be seen from the monetary valuation of the externalities. The STF fulfils a primordial function for the city of Barcelona and its environs, as it treats waste for later reuse and recycling, preventing waste from being sent to landfills and reducing the CO2 emissions from the extraction of virgin raw materials, thereby helping to reach the objectives set by the European Commission. Finally, this paper provides a guide for future researchers and decision makers interested in the economic analysis of MSW management systems.
ANMDA: anti-noise based computational model for predicting potential miRNA-disease associations
Authors: Chen Xue-Jun , Hua Xin-Yun , Jiang Zhen-Ran
Published: July 2021

Background

A growing proportion of research has proved that microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the function of target genes and have close relations with various diseases. Developing computational methods to exploit more potential miRNA-disease associations can provide clues for further functional research.

Results

Inspired by the work of predecessors, we discover that the noise hiding in the data can affect the prediction performance and then propose an anti-noise algorithm (ANMDA) to predict potential miRNA-disease associations. Firstly, we calculate the similarity in miRNAs and diseases to construct features and obtain positive samples according to the Human MicroRNA Disease Database version 2.0 (HMDD v2.0). Then, we apply k-means on the undetected miRNA-disease associations and sample the negative examples equally from the k-cluster. Further, we construct several data subsets through sampling with replacement to feed on the light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) method. Finally, the voting method is applied to predict potential miRNA-disease relationships. As a result, ANMDA can achieve an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.9373 ± 0.0005 in five-fold cross-validation, which is superior to several published methods. In addition, we analyze the predicted miRNA-disease associations with high probability and compare them with the data in HMDD v3.0 in the case study. The results show ANMDA is a novel and practical algorithm that can be used to infer potential miRNA-disease associations.

Conclusion

The results indicate the noise hiding in the data has an obvious impact on predicting potential miRNA-disease associations. We believe ANMDA can achieve better results from this task with more methods used in dealing with the data noise.