bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of field Fusarium asiaticum and Fusarium graminearum isolates increases the risk of fungicide resistance
Authors: Zhang Ya-Zhou , Li Zhuo , Man Jie , Xu Dan , Wen Lan , Yang Chen , Xu Qiang , Jiang Qian-Tao , Chen Guo-Yue , Deng Mei , Peng Yun-Liang , Zhong Kai , Qi Peng-Fei , Wei Yu-Ming
Published: November 2023

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium species, seriously threatens the safety of wheat (Triticum aestivum) production. Resistant cultivars and fungicides are frequently used to control these FHB pathogens. However, Fusarium species have been adapting the current FHB control approaches in a manner that raises concern for future FHB control strategies, which could lead to a greater risk of FHB outbreaks. In this study, a total of 521 strains of Fusarium were isolated from Sichuan province of China, to investigate the diversity of Fusarium species and the genes associated with their adaptation. Seven species were identified based on molecular markers and morphological analysis. The virulence assays showed that Fusarium asiaticum (Fa) and Fusarium graminearum (Fg) were the two major causal agents of FHB, with high virulence and more frequent isolates. Fungicide resistance analysis showed that four isolates had developed the resistance to carbendazim, and four isolates had developed the resistance to tebuconazole. Of note, two point-mutation variants (F200Y and E198Q) occurred in the β2-tubulin gene, leading to the carbendazim resistance. The landscape of genomic diversity was analyzed through whole-genome sequencing, revealing a total of 182,811 and 430,733 variants (including: single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNP, insertion and deletion, Indel, and structure variation, SV) among the Fa and Fg isolates, respectively. In addition, potential alterations in gene function (15.22%) were predicted among Fg variants. These alterations offer potential helps for the Fusarium species to adapt to various managements of FHB, which may increase risks in developing fungicide-resistant isolates. However, these annotated genetic variants are valuable resources for further genetic and genomic studies, as well as potential markers to assist disease risk assessment.
Modeling and sparsity-promoting separation of wind turbine noise in common-shot gathers
Authors: Hu Yanglijiang , Wang Xiaokai , Hou Qinlong , Liu Dawei , Shang Xinmin , Zhang Meng , Chen Wenchao
Published: November 2023

In land seismic acquisition, the quality of common-shot gathers is severely degraded by wind turbine noise (WTN) when wind turbines are operating continuously in survey areas. The high-amplitude WTN overlaps or even completely submerges the body and surface waves (signals). Through time-space and frequency analysis, three main features of the WTN are observed: (1) it is periodic with nearly constant frequencies over time, (2) it is coherent but exhibits different apparent velocities in space, and (3) it has relatively narrow bands with varying central frequencies. The first feature enables WTN to distort signals from shallow to deep, whereas the latter two features make traditional methods that separate noise and signals based on velocity and frequency differences less effective. To suppress the WTN, we first analyze its formation and propagation mechanism and then develop a WTN simulation model to validate the presented mechanism. Based on our analysis of WTN and signals, we consider common-shot gathers as the linear superpositions of periodic WTN and relatively broadband signals (referred to as low-oscillatory signals). This additive mixture aligns with the feasibility premise of morphological component analysis (MCA). Finally, based on MCA theory, we develop a sparsity-promoting separation method to suppress WTN in common-shot gathers. To implement our separation method, we construct two dictionaries using the tunable Q-factor wavelet transform (TQWT) and the discrete cosine transform (DCT). TQWT and DCT can sparsely represent the oscillating waves (signals) and periodic waves (WTN), respectively. This work contributes to the existing knowledge of WTN separation by modeling the periodicity of WTN and the low-oscillatory behavior of a signal, rather than relying on velocity or frequency differences. Our method is tested on synthetic and field data, and both tests demonstrate its effectiveness in separating WTN and preserving signals.
Chatbot Artificial Intelligence for Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment and Counseling: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Webster Emily M. , Ahsan Muhammad Danyal , Perez Luiza , Levi Sarah R. , Thomas Charlene , Christos Paul , Hickner Andy , Hamilton Jada G. , Babagbemi Kemi , Cantillo Evelyn , Holcomb Kevin , Chapman-Davis Eloise , Sharaf Ravi N. , Frey Melissa K.
Published: November 2023

PURPOSE

Most individuals with a hereditary cancer syndrome are unaware of their genetic status due to underutilization of hereditary cancer risk assessment. Chatbots, or programs that use artificial intelligence to simulate conversation, have emerged as a promising tool in health care and, more recently, as a potential tool for genetic cancer risk assessment and counseling. Here, we evaluated the existing literature on the use of chatbots in genetic cancer risk assessment and counseling.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using key electronic databases to identify studies which use chatbots for genetic cancer risk assessment and counseling. Eligible studies were further subjected to meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Seven studies met inclusion criteria, evaluating five distinct chatbots. Three studies evaluated a chatbot that could perform genetic cancer risk assessment, one study evaluated a chatbot that offered patient counseling, and three studies included both functions. The pooled estimated completion rate for the genetic cancer risk assessment was 36.7% (95% CI, 14.8 to 65.9). Two studies included comprehensive patient characteristics, and none involved a comparison group. Chatbots varied as to the involvement of a health care provider in the process of risk assessment and counseling.

CONCLUSION

Chatbots have been used to streamline genetic cancer risk assessment and counseling and hold promise for reducing barriers to genetic services. Data regarding user and nonuser characteristics are lacking, as are data regarding comparative effectiveness to usual care. Future research may consider the impact of chatbots on equitable access to genetic services.
Drug Dissolution in Oral Drug Absorption: Workshop Report
Authors: Raines Kimberly , Agarwal Payal , Augustijns Patrick , Alayoubi Alaadin , Attia Lucas , Bauer-Brandl Annette , Brandl Martin , Chatterjee Parnali , Chen Hansong , Yu Yuly Chiang , Coutant Carrie , Coutinho Ana Luisa , Curran David , Dressman Jennifer , Ericksen Bryan , Falade Leah , Gao Yi , Gao Zongming , Ghosh Debasis , Ghosh Tapash , Govada Anitha , Gray Elizabeth , Guo Ruiqiong , Hammell Dana , Hermans Andre , Jaini Rohit , Li Hanlin , Mandula Haritha , Men Shuaiqian , Milsmann Johanna , Moldthan Huong , Moody Rebecca , Moseson Dana E. , Müllertz Anette , Patel Roshni , Paudel Kalpana , Reppas Christos , Savkur Rajesh , Schaefer Kerstin , Serajuddin Abu , Taylor Lynne S. , Valapil Rutu , Wei Kevin , Weitschies Werner , Yamashita Shinji , Polli James E.
Published: November 2023

The in-person workshop “Drug Dissolution in Oral Drug Absorption” was held on May 23–24, 2023, in Baltimore, MD, USA. The workshop was organized into lectures and breakout sessions. Three common topics that were re-visited by various lecturers were amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs), dissolution/permeation interplay, and in vitro methods to predict in vivo biopharmaceutics performance and risk. Topics that repeatedly surfaced across breakout sessions were the following: (1) meaning and assessment of “dissolved drug,” particularly of poorly water soluble drug in colloidal environments (e.g., fed conditions, ASDs); (2) potential limitations of a test that employs sink conditions for a poorly water soluble drug; (3) non-compendial methods (e.g., two-stage or multi-stage method, dissolution/permeation methods); (4) non-compendial conditions (e.g., apex vessels, non-sink conditions); and (5) potential benefit of having both a quality control method for batch release and a biopredictive/biorelevant method for biowaiver or bridging scenarios. An identified obstacle to non-compendial methods is the uncertainty of global regulatory acceptance of such methods.
Long-term Cardiovascular Disease After Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Rosenberg Emily A , Seely Ellen W
Published: November 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women. Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are cardiovascular risk factors that are unique to women and include gestational diabetes (GDM) and preeclampsia. While these risk factors emerge during the reproductive years and allow for early risk reduction counseling, they are often overlooked and not elicited by providers. This mini-review focuses primarily on GDM and preeclampsia, their relationship with CVD, mechanisms by which these conditions lead to CVD, and management, pharmacological and nonpharmacological, for the clinician who is caring for a woman with a history of an APO.
Metabolic Profiles of Type 2 Diabetes and Their Association With Renal Complications
Authors: Li Shen , Cui Mengxuan , Liu Yingshu , Liu Xuhan , Luo Lan , Zhao Wei , Gu Xiaolan , Li Linfeng , Liu Chao , Bai Lan , Li Di , Liu Bo , Che Defei , Li Xinyu , Wang Yao , Gao Zhengnan
Published: November 2023

Context

The components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are interrelated and associated with renal complications in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Objective

We aimed to reveal prevalent metabolic profiles in patients with T2D and identify which metabolic profiles were risk markers for renal progression.

Methods

A total of 3556 participants with T2D from a hospital (derivation cohort) and 931 participants with T2D from a community survey (external validation cohort) were included. The primary outcome was the onset of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and secondary outcomes included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, macroalbuminuria, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In the derivation cohort, clusters were identified using the 5 components of MetS, and their relationships with the outcomes were assessed. To validate the findings, participants in the validation cohort were assigned to clusters. Multivariate odds ratios (ORs) of the primary outcome were evaluated in both cohorts, adjusted for multiple covariates at baseline.

Results

In the derivation cohort, 6 clusters were identified as metabolic profiles. Compared with cluster 1, cluster 3 (severe hyperglycemia) had increased risks of DKD (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI]: 1.72 [1.39-2.12]), macroalbuminuria (2.74 [1.84-4.08]), ESRD (4.31 [1.16-15.99]), and eGFR decline [P < .001]; cluster 4 (moderate dyslipidemia) had increased risks of DKD (1.97 [1.53-2.54]) and macroalbuminuria (2.62 [1.61-4.25]). In the validation cohort, clusters 3 and 4 were replicated to have significantly increased risks of DKD (adjusted ORs: 1.24 [1.07-1.44] and 1.39 [1.03-1.87]).

Conclusion

We identified 6 prevalent metabolic profiles in patients with T2D. Severe hyperglycemia and moderate dyslipidemia were validated as significant risk markers for DKD.
The Use of Plasmapheresis in a Severe Case of Amiodarone-Induced Thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Moazezi Tina , Koh Chung-Kay
Published: November 2023

Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) can be difficult to treat since amiodarone's long half-life leads to a persistent effect on thyroid function. We present a case of a 74-year-old male with severe AIT who presented with altered mentation and ultimately required intubation and intensive care for management of thyroid storm. Standard medical therapy for treatment of thyroid storm was initiated immediately, but the patient remained unresponsive with worsening biochemical parameters with increasing total T3 levels and sustained elevated levels of free T4 after 5 days of medical management. Due to the lack of a clinical and biochemical response to conventional medical therapy, the patient was started on plasmapheresis and underwent a total of 7 cycles of plasmapheresis over a period of 10 days. He significantly improved with plasmapheresis and was successfully bridged to a total thyroidectomy, which was completed without complications.
Fentanyl-Induced Serotonin Syndrome 5 Days After Cessation of Serotonergic Agents: A Case Report
Authors: Siddiqui Ammar , Agrawal Shubham , Sekhri Nitin
Published: November 2023

A 21-year-old patient with intellectual disability was admitted for gastroenteritis due to serotonergic medication overdose, and subsequently developed serotonin syndrome. Her symptoms initially improved after the cessation of serotonergic medications, but worsened 5 days later after fentanyl administration during general anesthesia. On emergence, she had convulsions and was nonresponsive. Subsequent imaging and electroencephalography did not demonstrate intracranial pathology or seizure activity. We suspect she had an exacerbation of her serotonin syndrome. She recovered successfully after supportive care. This case demonstrates that common medications used during anesthesia such as fentanyl can provoke serotonin syndrome, even several days after serotonergic drug discontinuation.
Sugammadex-Induced Anaphylactic Shock Reversed With Short-Term Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodiafiltration: A Case Report
Authors: Dichtwald Sara , Meyer Avraham , Miller Yuval , Mirit Lahav
Published: November 2023

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening, systemic, hypersensitivity reaction, manifested by urticaria, hypotension, and respiratory symptoms. Antigens that are cleared renally may have protracted exposure in patients with impaired renal function, resulting in prolonged and refractory anaphylactic shock. After administration of sugammadex, a 47-year-old man developed prolonged, refractory anaphylactic shock, with anuria due to acute kidney injury. The patient was treated with continuous, short-term, veno-venous hemodiafiltration. Initiating this therapy in patients with refractory anaphylactic shock and anuria due to an antigen that is excreted renally can expedite recovery.
Risk of Bone Wax Migration During Retrosigmoid Craniotomy for Microvascular Decompression: Case-Control Study
Authors: Hashikata Hirokuni , Maki Yoshinori , Terada Yukie , Yoshimoto Naoya , Goto Masanori , Ishibashi Ryota , Miki Yoshihito , Ikeda Naokado , Hayashi Hideki , Nishida Namiko , Taki Junya , Iwasaki Koichi , Toda Hiroki
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Bone wax is a flexible hemostatic agent commonly used for surgery in the posterior cranial fossa to control bleeding from the mastoid emissary vein. A large amount of bone wax can migrate into the sigmoid sinus through the mastoid emissary canal (MEC). We aimed to identify clinical factors related to intraoperative bone wax migration through the MEC during microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery, which may result in sigmoid sinus thrombosis.

METHODS:

We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients with trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, or trigeminal neuralgia accompanied by painful tic convulsif who underwent MVD. Basic information and the residual width and length (from the bone surface to the sigmoid sinus) of the MEC on computed tomography images were collected. We compared the collected clinical data between 2 groups of cases with and without intraoperative bone wax migration in the sigmoid sinus.

RESULTS:

Fifty-four cases with intraoperative bone wax migration and 187 patients without migration were enrolled. The t-test revealed significant differences in the width and length of the MEC (P = .013 and P = .003, respectively). These variables were identified as significant factors in predicting intraoperative bone wax migration using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION:

The large size of the MEC may be related to intraoperative bone wax migration into the sigmoid sinus in MVD. Neurosurgeons should be aware of these risks. Bone wax should be applied appropriately and hemostasis should be considered to control bleeding from the mastoid emissary vein in patients with a large MEC.
Η βιωμένη εμπειρία του τοκετού στο νοσοκομείο και στο σπίτι
Authors: Αναστασίου Αικατερίνη
Published: November 2023

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή αναφέρεται στο σύγχρονο φαινόμενο του δυτικού κόσμου που χαρακτηρίζεται ως «κρίση στον τοκετό»: Διερευνά το πώς ο τοκετός από ένα φυσικό γεγονός που λάμβανε χώρα κυρίως στο σπίτι έχει μετασχηματιστεί σε μία διαδικασία που υπάρχει η τάση να εντάσσεται εκ των προτέρων στη σφαίρα της παθολογίας και να τοποθετείται εξαρχής στο νοσοκομείο, κατευθύνοντας προς ιατρικές παρεμβάσεις ρουτίνας. Αναλύοντας τα πλεονεκτήματα και τα μειονεκτήματα των διακριτών πλαισίων/ συστημάτων για τον τοκετό (το κυρίαρχο/ ιατρικοποιημένο και το εναλλακτικό/ γυναικοκεντρικό/ μαιοκεντρικό), αναδεικνύεται ότι στο καθένα υπάρχει η τάση η επίτοκος να αναπτύσσει διαφορετική (κοινωνική) σχέση με τον επαγγελματία/ πάροχο φροντίδας. Χωρίς να παραβλέπεται ένα πλήθος παραγόντων που (συν)επιδρούν στις αποφάσεις της (όπως ο ρόλος του πατέρα), η έρευνα εστιάζει στη σχέση της επιτόκου με τον επαγγελματία υγείας/ πάροχο φροντίδας, αφού σύμφωνα με σημαντικό μέρος της διεθνούς βιβλιογραφίας, αυτή είναι που αποτελεί τον καθοριστικότερο παράγοντα της εξέλιξης και της τελικής έκβασης του τοκετού, και της βιωμένης εμπειρίας της. Η παρούσα εστιάζει στην κατάσταση στον τοκετό στην Ελλάδα, χώρα με υπεραυξημένα ποσοστά παρεμβατικότητας (όπως, καισαρικές τομές αλλά όχι μόνο), αποτελώντας ιδιαίτερη περίπτωση. Με βασική μεθοδολογική τεχνική τις βιογραφικές αφηγήσεις, τα τεκμήρια ζωής και τη συμμετοχική παρατήρηση στο πλαίσιο της ποιοτικής κοινωνιολογικής έρευνας πεδίου, δίνεται φωνή στις ίδιες τις επίτοκες, προκειμένου να κατανοηθεί, για πρώτη φορά με κοινωνιολογικούς όρους στην Ελλάδα, αυτό το ενδιαφέρον, σύνθετο φαινόμενο.
The genome sequence of the Dusky Thorn, Ennomos fuscantarius (Haworth, 1809)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Phillips Dominic ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Ennomos fuscantarius (the Dusky Thorn; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence is 444.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.49 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,173 protein coding genes.
Professional communication of employees on duty shifts with citizens taken to the office of the duty units of the internal affairs bodies
Authors: Urazaeva Gul'nora
Published: November 2023

The article discusses the professional communication of duty shift employees with citizens brought to the duty unit as a result of a detected crime, administrative offense, incident. The content and structure of communication, its result in the form of mutual understanding, interaction or interpersonal conflict, as well as the patterns of the dynamics of the psychological states of the participants involved are the subject of research.

The methodological basis of the study was formed by such scientific approaches and principles of cognition as phenomenological, structural, functional, personal, systemic. Methods of scientific and cognitive activity: observation and experience, description, comparison, universal analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, abstraction, generalization and systematization, analogy, modeling

The phenomenology of the situation of communication between duty shift employees and a citizen brought to the duty unit often reveals its emotionally intense nature and conflict content, primarily with the protesting detainee, which prevents mutual understanding and interaction of its participants.

The employee of the duty shift perceives not only the content of the text of verbal information delivered, but also notices the nature of the mental state of a person and his personal characteristics, which generally determine the type of his behavior. This characterizes the employee's professional communication structurally in terms of the perception and understanding of the interlocutor, whose behavior is modeled by the employee in the process of primary observation.

On-duty shift officers who receive detainees work in conditions of objective overload and chronic fatigue as the main psychophysical condition. The mental state of the employee himself can also be potentially conflicting. The actual behavior of all participants will depend on the correlation and severity of relevant external and internal factors, as well as on the employee's attitude towards constructive behavior and the resolution of a difficult situation.
Features of coping with stress among employees of different departments and services of the penal system
Authors: Zubko Tat'yana , Maltseva Tatiana , Sumina Ekaterina
Published: November 2023

the article is devoted to the study of the problem of coping with stress for employees of the penitentiary system serving in correctional institutions. In the activities of employees of the security department and the security department, who were selected as participants in the study, the presence of stress factors leading to negative consequences and a decrease in the effectiveness of the respondents' activities predominates. Purpose: to study the features of coping with stress among employees of the security department and the security department. Object: Coping behavior of employees. Subject: features of coping behavior among employees of the security department and the protection department. Applied methods: questionnaire "Methods of Coping Behavior" Lazarus, methods of mathematical and statistical processing of research results (descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U-test). The article deals with the concept of "coping strategy", which is understood in three different approaches to its study: psychoanalytic direction, transactional approach and dispositional. The results obtained in the course of the study and their interpretation are also presented. Employees of the security department and the security department communicate directly with the special contingent and constantly face difficulties that arise in the course of their professional activities. The presence of existing coping strategies contribute to coping with stress and a stressful situation, reducing their impact on a person's personality. The article defines the prevailing types of coping used by the studied persons.
Features of socio-psychological adaptation to educational and service activities of students of the Faculty of Professional Training of the Kazan Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
Authors: Urazaeva Gul'nora , Kharrasova Gulyemesh
Published: November 2023

The article presents preliminary results of an empirical study on the problems and characteristics of the socio-psychological adaptation of students of the faculty of vocational training, retraining and advanced training of the Kazan Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia to educational and service activities. The methodological basis of the study was the scientific principles of cognition: the principle of determinism, the unity of consciousness and activity (psyche and behavior), the principle of development, as well as such approaches to scientific cognition as functional, personal, systemic.

Methods of scientific and cognitive activity: observation and experience, survey in the form of a questionnaire, description, comparison, universal analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, abstraction, generalization and systematization.

Professional adaptation in educational institutions of the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia involves adaptation to the requirements of educational activities, which is aimed at improving the professionally necessary knowledge, skills, training in methods and techniques for quickly solving official problems, respectively, manifests and develops the ability of students to adapt to educational and service, and later on to professional activity, which, in turn, is a factor in the psychosomatic health of a developing subject.

In an empirical study of the characteristics of socio-psychological adaptation of students to educational and service activities (the level achieved, characteristic difficulties in its process), a positive dynamics of the studied indicators of personality adaptability during training was revealed. Low, medium and high levels of formation of social and psychological adaptation of listeners are revealed.

The effectiveness of students' educational and service activities depends on the individual psychological characteristics of the individual and the integrated work of the Institute's employees to provide comfortable conditions for students to assimilate knowledge, develop skills and abilities to effectively resolve operational and service tasks.
On the issue of professional health of social workers
Authors: Asmakovets Elena , Dmitrieva Evgeniya
Published: November 2023

The article considers modern aspects of professional health of social workers. Today, the practice of social services carries out a systematic transition from various aspects of social control and patronage to psychosocial technologies of personality-oriented and social interaction, psychological and social counseling, collective and individual work with requests from various social groups of the population and clients of social services in general. The main purpose of the type of professional activity of a social worker, according to the professional standard, is to provide social services to recipients of social services in order to improve living conditions and (or) expand their ability to independently provide for their basic life needs. Social workers, in the process of performing diverse work functions, may face various professional stresses and difficulties, which, in turn, may affect their professional health, the development of professional deformation and the occurrence of symptoms of professional burnout. The rather rapid pace of digital transformation of educational activities entails the need to transform approaches to the professional training of social workers in the context of understanding the basics of maintaining professional health as a subject of labor both during training in higher educational institutions and in the process of mastering additional professional programs. For already working social workers with a certain experience of social activity, in the context of maintaining professional health, it is advisable to implement programs of psychological and pedagogical support of professional activity. In constantly changing socio-economic conditions, social workers need to maintain their professional and personal potential, which will allow them to be involved in active social life and in professional activity.
Introduction to The Open Issue, 2023
Authors: Aitken Shelagh
Published: November 2023

The contributions in this year’s open issue of AI Practitioner range from a new way of looking at Appreciative Inquiry, the Appreciative paradigm, to a new project/model for co-creating mutual value, with Appreciative Inquiry and strengths-based disciplines at its core, to a proposition that essential oils can boost the energy and positive responses during an appreciative inquiry. And there is a report from the 2023 AI Jam, organised by the Cooperrider Center from 19 to 21 October.
Reflections on the 2023 AI Jam: Cultivating Connections
Authors: Aitken Shelagh
Published: November 2023

The fast pace of an AI Jam doesn’t give much time to stop and reflect. There are so many possibilities. So many sessions, breakout rooms, chats, resources … so many connections to be made. So many possibilities. After a pause to take deep breath, two of the jam’s organizing maestros share reflections on how important it is to jam together, and how this annual virtual, global and glocal gathering is developing into an appreciative, life-affirming Appreciative Inquiry tradition. And a Brazilian panel shares reflections on the results of healthier relationships in their organizations through the appreciative eye.
A Computational Framework for Understanding Firm Communication During Disasters
Authors: Yan Bei , Mai Feng , Wu Chaojiang , Chen Rui , Li Xiaolin
Published: November 2023

Firms’ public communication on social media during disasters can benefit both disaster response efficiency and the perception of the corporate image. Despite its importance, limited guidelines are available to inform firms’ disaster communication strategies. The current study examines firms’ communication on social media in various disasters and how it impacts public engagement. We employ a novel natural language processing (NLP) approach, Semantic Projection with Active Retrieval (SPAR), to analyze Facebook posts made by Russell 3000 firms between 2009 and 2022 concerning various disasters. We show that firm communication can be measured based on two dimensions derived from the Competing Values Framework (CVF): internal versus external and stable versus flexible. We find that social media messages that emphasize operational continuity (internal/stable-oriented) are more popular during biological disasters. By contrast, messages that stress innovations and adaptations to disasters (external/flexible-oriented) elicit more engagement in weather-related disasters. The study offers a framework to characterize and guide firms’ design of disaster communication on social media in different disaster contexts. Our SPAR method is also available to firms to analyze their social media data and uncover the underlying patterns in communication across different contexts.
An Online Survey of the Dietary Practices of Saudi Students in the UK: A Quantitative Study
Authors: Abu Qurain Ali M , Al Turki Fatimah A , Hall Jason , Alzain Hassan M , Mitchell Graeme , Leavey Conan
Published: November 2023

There has been an abundance of research on the dietary practices of international university students in the United Kingdom (UK), as they comprise a significant proportion of the country’s undergraduate population. However, there is a paucity in the literature with regard to the dietary practices, or other health behaviours, of Saudi students studying in the UK. Therefore, this empirical study sought to provide new insights to address this gap. This study contribution to investigate the dietary practices of Saudi students in the UK. The data was collected from a sample of 212 university students and encompassed an age range from 18 to 31+ years. A quantitative methodology was adopted in the form of an exploratory survey questionnaire. The sample was recruited through voluntary and snowball sampling techniques. Questionnaire data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS for Windows, version 26. The results demonstrated that various intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors play a significant role in developing eating behaviours and dietary choices. Some favourable changes in dietary practices were observed among Saudi students in the UK as opposed to Saudi Arabia, including a higher intake of fruit and vegetables, along with a lower intake of soft drinks, sugary and fatty foods. However, there was a notable reduction in consumption of all types of meat and fish as well as the total number of daily meals. Additionally, around a third of participants regularly consumed ready-to-eat food and takeaways 2-6 times a week. Interventions should therefore consider individual, societal and environmental factors.
Chemical Characteristics of Non-Dairy Cheese from Coconut Milk as an Alternative Ingredient for Lactose Intolerance
Authors: Halim Judella Kusuma , Hidayah Nurul , Juwitaningtyas Titisari , Mutmainah Mutmainah , Fitriani Aprilia
Published: November 2023

Lactose-intolerant people are unable to ingest cheese since it includes lactose. Lactose-free cheese can be made using coconut milk as an alternative. Coconut milk can substitute milk as a raw material for cheese production because it is rich in proteins such as albumin, globulin, prolamin, and glutelin. This research aims to determine how different proportions of coconut milk and soy extract affect the nutritional value of coconut milk cheese. Cheeses with 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 ratios of coconut milk to soy extract are made by directly acidifying soy extract with lemon juice. Protein, lipid, and moisture content were all evaluated. At compositions 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40, the protein content of coconut milk cheese was 3.85%; 4.80%; and 5.73%, respectively. Coconut milk cheese had lipid contents of 28%, 27%, and 25.74%, respectively; the moisture contents were 64.93%; 61.92%; and 60.49%. This research contributes to utilizing coconut milk as a milk substitute.
OUTCOMES OF OPEN TIBIA FRACTURES IN CHILDREN
Authors: Ncana Waziba
Published: November 2023

Open tibia fractures are common injuries in our paediatric population and are often associated with high-energy trauma such as pedestrian-vehicle accidents. At our institution, these injuries are routinely treated with debridement and mono-lateral external fixation. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of open tibia fractures treated according to this protocol, as well as the complication rate and factors contributing to the development of complications.

We performed a retrospective folder review of all patients with open tibia fractures that were treated according to our protocol from 2015–2019. Patients treated by other means, who received primary treatment elsewhere, and with insufficient data, were excluded. Data was collected on presenting demographics, injury characteristics, management, and clinical course. Complications were defined as pin tract infections, delayed- or non-union, malunion, growth arrest, and neurovascular injury. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed.

One-hundred-and-fifteen fractures in 114 children (82 males) with a median age of 7 years (IQR 6–9) were included in the analysis. Pedestrian vehicle accidents (PVA's) accounted for 101 (88%) of fractures, and the tibial diaphysis was affected in 74 cases (64%). Fracture severity was equally distributed among the Gustillo-Anderson grades. The median Abbreviated Injury Score was 4 (IQR 4;5). Ninety-five fractures (83%) progressed to uneventful union within 7 weeks. Twenty patients (17%) developed complications, with delayed union and fracture site infections being the most common complications. Gustillo-Anderson Grade 3 fractures, an increased Abbreviated Injury Score, and the need for advanced wound closure techniques were risk factors for developing complications.

Surgical debridement and external fixation in a simple mono-lateral frame is an effective treatment for open tibia fractures in children and good outcomes were seen in 83% of patients. More severe injuries requiring advanced wound closure were associated with the development of complications.
GENDER-BASED TRANSGRESSIONS AND BULLYING, HOMOPHOBIA, AND TRANSPHOBIA AMONG ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS AND TRAINEES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND AWARENESS PIECE ON WORKSPACE BEHAVIOURS
Authors: Bussio Hannah , Rachuene Pududu Archie
Published: November 2023

Females and other minority groups including the LGBTQ community are largely under represented orthopaedics, with their negative experience of the work space being cited as a possible contributing factor. The aim of this systematic review was to a evaluate the literature for the prevalence of gender transgressions, homophobia, transphobia and bullying within the orthopaedic work space.

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach was used with 2 independent reviewers.

A search was conducted using Pubmed and Scopus which identified 973 articles, 94 of which were duplicates. 18 of these were retained after review, the majority of which were surveys. The prevalence of discriminatory behaviour was found to range from 53% to 74.5%, with males in positions of seniority being the most common perpetrators.

Gender transgressions, homophobia, transphobia and bullying appears to be a prevalent issue in the orthopaedics, and this is bound to impact the emotional state of these minority groups, thereby impacting their retention in the work space.
A SURVEY OF THE PRACTICE OF CERVICAL TRACTION REDUCTION IN THE WESTERN CAPE
Authors: Salence Bijou , Kruger Nicholas
Published: November 2023

A retrospective follow-up study was done, assessing regional practices in acute cervical reduction in hospitals in the Western Cape. The constitutional court ruled on the urgency in managing cervical dislocations, and our task is to ensure that medical treatment is optimized to comply with best medical practice and the apex court. A questionnaire was distributed and completed by emergency departments at each hospital, the results retrieved, analysed, and compared to a similar survey done in 2016.

Protocols for managing cervical spine dislocations had improved from 80% having no protocols to only over half of facilities (52,6%) not having protocols in place. Inadequate equipment availability remained a problem with only 50% of facilities having adequate equipment available in 2016 to 43,6% in 2023. 10,3% of participants did not know if there was equipment available. In terms of knowledge, there remained poor formal training with a drop from 93% participants identifying that the main indication to attempt emergency cervical reduction was acute cervical dislocation with worsening neurology, to only 46,2%. However, there was an increase in the number of participants who thought reduction was safe. The same percentage of participants from 2016 to 2023 would attempt emergency cervical reduction if given adequate training.

Previously we found that most Western Cape hospitals had inadequate protocols, training, and equipment for cervical reductions. In 2023, more hospitals in the Province have protocols in place for cervical reductions and the same percentage of doctors would attempt emergency cervical reduction with adequate training. However, equipment and training for management of acute cervical dislocations has not improved.

We conclude that most Western Cape Hospitals are unprepared to adequately manage acute cervical dislocations.
A REVIEW OF FLUOROSCOPY-GUIDED PERCUTANEOUS TRANSPEDICULAR SPINAL BIOPSIES AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL
Authors: Bhikha Shivam
Published: November 2023

When a suspicious spine lesion is identified, an accurate diagnosis based on tissue biopsy is needed to direct towards the correct treatment protocol. Several studies concluded that the percutaneous fluoroscopy guided biopsy of vertebral lesions is a safe, effective and accurate diagnostic tool and is preferred over open techniques when possible. The aim of this study was to review percutaneous fluoroscopy guided transpedicular spinal biopsies at a tertiary hospital over a 6-year period.

The research design was a retrospective review of patients who underwent percutaneous transpedicular spinal biopsies under fluoroscopy guidance at a tertiary hospital over a six year period (1st January 2016 to the 31st December 2021).

The spine theatre registry and hospital records system were used as the source for data collection. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the effectiveness of transpedicular spinal biopsies, compare spinal pathology amongst age and gender and to identify any complications.

The study analysed 180 biopsies, 120 yielding a positive result (66.67%). Of these 8.9% were pyogenic infection, 18.4% neoplasm, 36.7% Tuberculosis and 2.7% other. There were 75 males and 105 females with an age range between 9 and 86 years and mean age of 43.44. Comparing age and gender found no statistical significance (p = 0.778). Comparing biopsy result and gender showed no statistical significant relationship (p = 0.970). Comparison of biopsy result with age showed no statistical significant association (p = 0,545). Four complications were identified (2.22%).

The study showed that fluoroscopy guided percutaneous transpedicular biopsy is an effective and safe modality in obtaining spinal specimens in all age groups for a wide spectrum of spinal pathological lesions.
REASON(S) FOR REFUSAL OF SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH ESTABLISHED DEGENERATIVE LUMBAR PATHOLOGY
Authors: Khumalo Mzwakhe
Published: November 2023

Low back pain is the single most common cause for disability in individuals aged 45 years or younger, it carries tremendous weight in socioeconomic considerations. Degenerative aging of the structural components of the spine can be associated with genetic aspects, lifetime of tissue exposure to mechanical stress & loads and environmental factors. Mechanical consequences of the disc degenerative include loss of disc height, segment instability and increase the load on facets joints. All these can lead to degenerative changes and osteophytes that can narrow the spinal canal. Surgery is indicated in patients with spinal stenosis who have intractable pain, altered quality of life, substantially diminished functional capacity, failed non-surgical treatment and are not candidates for non-surgical treatment. The aim was to determine the reasons for refusal of surgery in patients with established degenerative lumber spine pathology eligible for surgery.

All patients meeting the study criteria, patients older than 18 years, patients with both clinical and radiological established symptomatic degenerative lumbar spine pathology and patients eligible for surgery but refusing it were recruited. Questionnaire used to investigate reasons why they are refusing surgery.

Results 59 were recruited, fifty-one (86.4 %) females and eight (13.6 %) males. Twenty (33.8 %) were between the age of 51 and 60 years, followed by nineteen (32.2 %) between 61 and 70 years, and fourteen (23.7 %) between 71 and 80 years. 43 (72 %) patients had lumber spondylosis complicated by lumber spine stenosis, followed by nine (15.2 %) with lumbar spine spondylolisthesis and four (6.7 %) had adjacent level disease. 28 (47.4 %) were scared of surgery, fifteen (25.4 %) claimed that they are too old for surgery and nine (15.2 %) were not ready.

Findings from this study outlined that patients lack information about the spinal surgery. Patients education about spine surgery is needed.
SHOULDER AND ELBOW FUNCTION FOLLOWING ANTEGRADE HUMERAL NAILING AND PLATE FIXATION IN MIDDLE THIRD HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURES
Authors: Du Plessis Jason , Kazee Nabeela , Lewis Ashleigh , Steyn Stiaan , Van Deventer Susan
Published: November 2023

The choice of whether to perform antegrade intramedullary nailing (IMN) or plate fixation (PF) poses a conundrum for the surgeon who must strike the balance between anatomical restoration while reducing elbow and shoulder functional impairment. Most humeral middle third shaft fractures are amenable to conservative management given the considerable acceptable deformity and anatomical compensation by patients. This study is concerned with the patient reported outcomes regarding shoulder and elbow function for IMN and PF respectively.

A prospective cohort study following up all the cases treated surgically for middle third humeral fractures from 2016 to 2022 at a single centre. Telephonically an analogue pain score, an American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score for shoulder function and the Oxford Elbow score (OES) for elbow function were obtained.

One hundred and three patients met the inclusion criteria. Twenty four patients participated in the study, fifteen had IMN (62.5%) and nine had PF (37.5%.). The shoulder function outcomes showed no statistical difference with an average ASES score of sixty-six for the IMN group and sixty-nine for the PF group. Women and employed individuals expressed greater functional impairment. Hand dominance has no impact on the scores of elbow and shoulder function post operatively. The impairment of abduction score post antegrade nailing was higher in the antegrade nailing group than the plated group. The OES demonstrated greater variance in elbow function in the PF group with the IMN group expressing greater elbow disfunction.

This study confirms that treatment of middle third humerus shaft fractures by plate fixation is marginally superior to antegrade intramedullary nailing in preserving elbow function and abduction ability.
ARTHROSCOPIC AND RADIOLOGICAL FINDINGS AT TIME OF LATARJET SCREW REMOVAL
Authors: du Plessis Rimon , Roche Stephen , du Plessis Jean-Pierre , Dey Roopam , de Kock Wybrand , de Wet Japie
Published: November 2023

The Latarjet procedure is a well described method to stabilize anterior shoulder instability. There are concerns of high complication rates, one of these being a painful shoulder without instability due to screw irritation. The arthroscopic changes in the shoulder at time of screw removal compared to those pre-Latarjet have not been described in the literature.

We conducted a retrospective review of arthroscopic videos between 2015 and 2022 of 17 patients at the time of their Latarjet screw removal and where available (n=13) compared them to arthroscopic findings at time of index Latarjet. Instability was an exclusion criterion. X-rays prior to screw removal were assessed independently by two observers blinded to patient details for lysis of the graft. Arthroscopic assessment of the anatomy and pathological changes were made by two shoulder surgeons via mutual consensus. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was analyzed as a measure for the inter-observer reliability for the radiographs.

Our cohort had an average age of 21.5±7.7 years and an average period of 16.2±13.1 months between pre- and post-arthroscopy. At screw removal all patients had an inflamed subscapularis muscle with 88% associated musculotendinous tears and 59% had a pathological posterior labrum. Worsening in the condition of subscapularis muscle (93%), humeral (31%) and glenoid (31%) cartilage was found when compared to pre-Latarjet arthroscopes. Three failures of capsular repair were seen, two of these when only one anchor was used. X-ray review demonstrated 79% of patients had graft lysis. Excellent inter-rater reliability was observed with an ICC value of 0.82.

Our results show a high rate of pathological change in the subscapularis muscle, glenoid labrum and articular cartilage in the stable but painful Latarjet. 79% of patients had graft lysis with prominent screws on X-ray.