bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of tofacitinib on dactylitis and patient-reported outcomes in patients with active psoriatic arthritis: post-hoc analysis of phase III studies
Authors: Orbai Ana-Maria , Mease Philip J. , Helliwell Philip S. , FitzGerald Oliver , Fleishaker Dona L. , Mundayat Rajiv , Young Pamela
Published: September 2022

Background

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This post-hoc analysis of two phase III studies in patients with PsA treated with tofacitinib assessed dactylitis by location, and the impact on patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods

Patients received tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily (BID), or placebo. Endpoints included change from baseline in Dactylitis Severity Score (DSS), proportions of patients with dactylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS), and PROs (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index [HAQ-DI]; Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue [FACIT-F]; Short Form-36 Health Survey [SF-36] Physical Component Summary [PCS], Mental Component Summary [MCS], and physical functioning [PF]; arthritis pain; and Work Limitations Questionnaire [WLQ]). Descriptive statistics were generated by visit and treatment. Change from baseline in PROs were evaluated by multivariate linear regression.

Results

The analysis included 373/337 patients with baseline DSS > 0/DSS = 0. Regardless of location, DSS improvements in patients with DSS > 0 were greater from month 1 with tofacitinib (10 mg BID) versus placebo. For patients with DSS > 0/DSS = 0, both doses of tofacitinib led to mean dactylitis presence ≤ 15%/< 2% for all digits at month 6, and PASDAS (by dactylitis location) was lower versus placebo at month 3. Dactylitis location was not significantly associated with change from baseline in PROs.

Conclusion

Tofacitinib resulted in sustained improvements in dactylitis irrespective of location, with minimal emergence of new dactylitis.

Trial registrationNCT01877668; NCT01882439.
Digitalization of asset surveillance through distributed fiber-optic sensing: Geophysics and engineering diagnostics and streaming
Authors: Chavarria J. Andres , Bown Todd , Clarkson Paul , Watson Simon , Minto Chris
Published: September 2022

Fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) can listen to a wide range of signals. This listening takes place at high sampling rates with fine spatial resolution, resulting in large data volumes. Data streaming solutions are available but result in large transmission and storage costs. In this paper, we describe strategies to convert large data streams from DAS interrogator units to diagnostics or processed products. Optimizing DAS systems results in higher signal-to-noise ratio for signals while extracting diagnostic features out of the noise that could be related to production or well engineering. DAS has sensitivity to diverse signals, and the first goal of edge processing is to separate them for consumption by various disciplines. Focusing the processing on specific aspects in the DAS recordings provides data products that are streamed in efficient ways. We show how DAS processing can deploy fast algorithms so that data diagnostics are sent to remote locations. This enables real-time-diagnostics and event-detection tools. By providing the bulk of computing in the field, data upload to remote servers is efficient and targeted. We show how this managed data stream enables digitalization of engineering and geoscience assets.
A roadmap to accelerate OSDU adoption
Authors: Tomlinson James , Bhatnagar Paritosh , Hanton Chris
Published: September 2022

The upstream oil and gas subsurface industry traditionally has invested in rich and complex data sets to solve geoscience challenges. The benefit of those data sets is often realized by domain experts applying specialist workflows to drive exploration, appraisal, and production decisions. However, the siloed nature of the industry's workflows often results in knowledge being stranded in specialist applications, which prevents the value from being shared with a wider team to build upon and drive more informed business decisions. In recent years, key trends within the industry have included the transition of data and applications from on premises to cloud hosting and the collective investment in the Open Subsurface Data Universe (OSDU) initiative. The overall objective of these efforts is to unlock the value of data by liberating knowledge from specialist silos and empower end users to apply best-in-class tools, workflows, or artificial intelligence/machine learning algorithms to solve complex subsurface problems. This paper focuses on the practical considerations of implementing subsurface digital transformation and the challenges of providing high-quality curated data to end users. A case study demonstrates delivering a digital core database, integrating it with corporate well-log data stored in OSDU, and making it available through a common platform to enable easy end-user access to unlock the value of the data in driving more accurate decisions in the field.
Reviews
Authors: Green William
Published: September 2022

Mining Geophysics: A Canadian Story, by Norman Reed Paterson, ISBN 978-1-926-87242-1, 2019, Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum, 188 p. Exploration and Research for Atomic Minerals: Special Volume on Geophysics, edited by S. C. Verma and D. K. Sinha, ISSN 0970-9231, 2020, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, 265 p.
Deteriorating Quality of Life and a Desire to Stop Growing Tobacco Among Virginia and Burley Tobacco Farmers in Thailand
Authors: Phetphum Chakkraphan , Prajongjeep Atchara , Keeratisiroj Orawan , Simsin Saksin , Thawatchaijareonying Kanyarat
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the quality of life of tobacco farmers and their desire to stop growing tobacco.

METHODS

A cross-sectional home-based survey was conducted between October 2021 and January 2022 among 2,970 Virginia and Burley tobacco farmers in Northern Thailand. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between farmers' characteristics and their quality of life and a desire to stop planting tobacco.

RESULTS

In total, 58.5% of the participants wanted to stop growing tobacco, and most had a lower quality of life than the mean. Nine independent variables were associated with a desire to stop tobacco farming: having a low level of economic quality of life (adjusted odds ratio [ORAdj], 5.42; 95% CI, 3.8 to 7.8); having a high environmental quality of life (ORAdj, 4.60; 95% CI, 3.3 to 6.5); belonging to the Tobacco Farmers' Association (ORAdj, 3.04; 95% CI, 2.1 to 4.5); growing tobacco on their own land (ORAdj, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.8 to 2.6); having a low social quality of life (ORAdj, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.4 to 2.1); having a low health quality of life (ORAdj, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.4 to 2.1); having a low spiritual quality of life (ORAdj, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.7); being Burley tobacco farmers (ORAdj, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.0 to 1.8); and having a low family quality of life (ORAdj, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.4 to 0.6).

CONCLUSION

The majority of the tobacco farmers had a declining quality of life, particularly economic and environmental quality of life, resulting in reducing growing tobacco. National and regional support are needed to help these farmers effectively grow alternative crops, and financial support to make such conversions.
How Safe Is Cancer Care?
Authors: Jacobson Joseph O. , Cox John V. , Peppercorn Jeffrey
Published: September 2022

Cancer Morbidity, Mortality, and Improvement Rounds is a series of articles intended to explore the unique safety risks experienced by oncology patients through the lens of quality improvement, systems and human factors engineering, and cognitive psychology. For purposes of clarity, each case focuses on a single theme, although, as is true for all medical incidents, there are almost always multiple, overlapping, contributing factors. The quality improvement paradigm used here, which focuses on root cause analyses and opportunities to improve care delivery systems, was previously outlined in this journal.
Customer Relationship Proneness: Is It Important for Customer Loyalty?
Authors:   Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia, Soumutul Mauritz Edo
Published: September 2022

Abstract. As customer satisfaction and loyalty are crucial elements in increasing company profits, companies must strive to establish good relationships with customers, including in mobile services. Opinions in previous research differ regarding the effect of customer extroversion on satisfaction toward impacting customer loyalty. The present study provides related input and potential solutions. It employs relationship marketing theory with the mediating variable of customer relationship proneness (CRP) added in, testing previous research and ultimately not finding a significant relationship between customer personality (extroversion) and customer satisfaction. Data was obtained via the survey method and structural equation modeling (SEM). The questionnaire serving as the main instrument of data collection is measured by a Likert scale, having been administered to 140 customers of mobile service providers. The findings have practical implications for identifying the effects of personality on customer satisfaction and obtaining customer loyalty in mobile services. This information can better enable mobile service providers to target and retain customers. Keywords: Conscientiousness, extroversion, customer relationship proneness, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Marketing Performance: The Mediating Role of Energizing Professional Networks
Authors:   Faculty of Economics, Department of Management, Sultan Agung Islamic University (UNISSULA), Semarang, Riyoko Sisno , Widodo Widodo
Published: September 2022

Abstract. This article addresses the study controversy (research gap) of entrepreneurial orientation regarding marketing performance. The case study at hand, fashion SMEs, must present a distinct advantage due to intense competition. This advantage does not lie in how to create new products, but in how to build professional networks. Hence, the present article aims to develop a model for strengthening professional networks based on an entrepreneurial orientation to improve marketing performance. The population in this study comprises the leaders of fashion SMEs in Central Java, Indonesia. The sampling method employs a purposive 250 technique. The analysis technique uses SEM AMOS software. The results of the study show that proactiveness, risk-taking, and innovation have a significant and positive effect on professional network energy and marketing performance. In addition, the energy of professional networks mediates a strong relationship between proactiveness, risk-taking, and innovation in terms of marketing performance. Keywords: Proactiveness, risk-taking, innovativeness, energizing professional networks, marketing performance
The Impacts of Risk-Based Bank Rating (RBBR) Ratios on Stock Return of BUKU III Banks Listed on The Indonesia Stock Exchange, 2011-2020
Authors:   Sekolah Tinggi Manajemen IPMI, Jakarta, Daryanto Wiwiek Mardawiyah
Published: September 2022

Abstract. As the banking sector plays a major role in supporting and increasing a country's economic rate, banks are expected to perform its function well. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and government containment measures led to a sudden stop in real economic activity and placed the financial system under strain, culminating in severe liquidity stress in 2020. This shock has hit all sectors, including the stock market, with many having become hesitant to invest in stocks. This study aims to determine the impact of the Risk-Based Bank Rating (RBBR) method on stock return of the banks in the BUKU III category in Indonesia. The study's population comprises all banks listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange, and the purposive sampling technique is used, for a sample size of nine banks. Via multiple regression analysis techniques, the study findings show that credit risk, liquidity risk, earnings, and capital simultaneously and significantly impact the stock return of the banks in BUKU III. Furthermore, the categories of credit risk, NPL and earnings, and ROA have a significant and positive impact on the stock return of the banks in BUKU III, unlike capital, whose impact is not found to be significant. Since those factors affect banks' stock return, the banks' management ought to give more consideration to the importance of risk management. Keywords: BUKU III, bank's healthiness, Risk-Based Bank Rating, stock return, COVID-19
Physical Isolation and Viral Information in Mira Grant’s Newsflesh Stories
Authors: Halpin Jenni G.
Published: September 2022

Set in the ongoing Kellis-Amberlee pandemic, Mira Grant’s zombie adventure series Newsflesh (2010–2016) conjoins knowledge-power with the physical and technological apparatuses of control for a group of narratives that place citizens against the government. The ongoing apocalypse is untenable, as exemplified in the radically constricted lives most people live in efforts to protect themselves from people or other mammals who have been transformed into zombies by the virus. This constriction, and therefore the extension of government framing of the pandemic as a crisis condition, consolidates power in the hands of a CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) that is actively and secretly working to eliminate human adaptive responses to the virus.

“Physical Isolation and Viral Information in Mira Grant’s Newsflesh” explores the connections between knowledge, scientific authority, physical distancing, and collective action. Given the figural power of zombies, the apparatuses for control of the vulnerable and dangerous bodies in this uncontrolled pandemic substitute – and obscure the need for – widespread sharing not only of facts but of understanding the implications of those facts. Two decades of misinformation and fear campaigns, in Newsflesh, trampled the legacy of “the Rising” and transformed the survivors from collective actors who shared what they learned in their attempts to stay alive into fearful isolationists who lack the knowledge to exercise power or enact community. The abuses of power discovered by the characters in these texts point to possible ways of not merely surviving but of living amid the zombie pandemic.
Facing the Black Death: Sigrid Undset’s Kristin Lavransdatter in Times of Pandemics
Authors: Furuseth Sissel
Published: September 2022

At the end of Sigrid Undset’s medieval trilogy Kristin Lavransdatter (1920–1922), the heroine encounters the bubonic plague that so violently hit Europe in the mid-fourteenth century. The aim of this paper is to explore the connections between the 20th century novel and the European tradition of plague literature from the broader perspective of environmental history. Furthermore, it discusses the historical novel’s effect as a distant mirror for 20th and 21st century readers. An underlying argument is that the ethical imperative in Kristin Lavransdatter is affecting the way the protagonist encounters the plague, which may explain what distinguishes Undset from many of her contemporaries.
Rituals of Coexistence: Bodies and Technology during Pandemics
Authors: Förster Yvonne
Published: September 2022

Pandemics not only challenge health systems and the economy, they also deeply transform our everyday lives and the ways in which we coexist. People have to find new definitions of what it means to be close to one another, to show empathy and to comfort each other. With social distancing, we must learn how to use digital technologies to create novel forms of closeness. Viruses becomes the new other, alien forces that invisibly permeate social life. They find hosts predominantly in the places where humans get close to each other. Rituals such as eating, drinking, and dancing are the links that hold an otherwise largely disembodied culture together. I will combine a perspective on human cognitive evolution as an embodied process, the hedonist drive towards bodily encounter in Sigmund Freud’s sense and the development of technology and the current tendency toward a culture of disembodiment. The article asks what the role of bodily ritual is in public space. Here I will argue that this is a vital role because it is the only way to create feelings of resonance and connectedness amongst larger groups of people. The pandemic prohibits these rituals, so we need to ask further: Does the pandemic lead to new forms of being together? This is closely linked to the accelerated development of technology. The more precise question is: Does technology afford new forms of embodiment? My aim is to introduce ideas of philosophical posthumanism to think in a productive way about incorporating technology in order to satisfy human needs for contact and resonance.
An Exploration of Tourism Development of Meghalaya, India: What is the way forward?
Authors: Lyngdoh Benjamin
Published: September 2022

Tourism is an important economic sector in Meghalaya, contributing 7% (approx) to the state GDP. An inquiry into the tourism development of a destination presents a valuable insight into the nature of progress and acts as a base for the way forward. Accordingly, the current study aims at exploring the tourism development of Meghalaya. It is qualitative in nature, with a focus on interviews conducted with knowledgeable personalities in the field of tourism for input. The study found that tourism development can be viewed in terms of the last 45 years with nature-based beauty as the ‘unique selling proposition’. The stages are classified into inception (1980s-1990s) whereby tourism initiated from Sohra, setting-up (2000-2014) and take-off (2015-2019). The way forward requires a focus on sustainable tourism development, conservation of natural resources, promotion of community-based tourism, infrastructure development and an emphasis on service quality. Here, the role of regulation is seen as critical with the active participation of the stakeholders.
Mathematics Book Innovation Based on Digital Literature
Authors: Crew Medan , Frisnoiry Suci , Siregar Tiur Malasari , Manurung Sri Lestari
Published: September 2022

The development of the era that makes the use of technology lively. Especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. All learning activities in schools are carried out online by utilizing various technologies. Therefore, a study was conducted with the aim of making a Mathematics Book based on Digital Literacy with multimedia assistance, namely Media Powtoon, Augmented Reality (AR) and the Kahoot application, in addition to seeing the feasibility of the book, the attractiveness of the book and the effectiveness of using Mathematics Books based on Digital Literacy in learning in high school N 1 Stabat. The research method used in this research is the development of the ADDIE model which has five stages of research implementation, namely Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate. The result of this research has been the development of a digital-based Mathematics book with the title Geometry for SMA. This digital book has been through validation and testing. math book. In terms of feasibility, attractiveness and effectiveness. From the results of the validation to the two validators, it was obtained an assessment of "very feasible" meaning that digital books can be used and the results of the trial show that digital books are very interesting with the criteria of "Very Interesting" and are effective as seen from the results of the posttest calculations, digital books are very effective in increasing the score students who learn to use a digital book with the title Geometry for this high school.
Susceptibility to risky sexual behaviours in the polish population aged 15-63
Authors: Wojciechowski Piotr , Żurek Katarzyna , Wujec Zuzanna , Nawrocki Maciej
Published: September 2022

Frequent involvement in risky sexual behaviors among members of society is a threat to their health. It’s also a social problem, as it increases the risk of spreading STDs and unwanted pregnancies.

The aim of the study was to check the susceptibility to risky sexual behaviors in the Polish population aged 15-63. The research method was an original online questionnaire. A total of 294 responses were obtained from people of different gender, age, place of residence and level of education. The results were then statistically analyzed.

84% of respondents had undergone sexual initiation. The remaining respondents were excluded from further study. The average age of initiation was 18.2 years.

73% of respondents claim to never use condoms during oral sex. 22% of respondents use other methods instead of condoms. In the past 12 months, 21% of respondents had more than 1 sexual partner and 36% often had sex after drinking alcohol. 60% of respondents have never tested for STDs, and only 5% do it regularly when changing sexual partners.

Subjects of concern are: large proportion of respondents who do not protect themselves during oral sex, a small number of respondents who regularly get tested for STDs, and a significant group of people who declare that they frequently have sex under the influence of alkohol.
Johannes Bobrowski und seine Kant-Erzählung
Authors: Pakalski Dariusz
Published: September 2022

Johannes Bobrowski i jego opowiadanie o Kancie

Johannes Bobrowski (ur. W Tylży, uczęszczał do Gimnazjum Miejskiego w Królewcu) obrał za „główny temat” swoich dzieł historyczno-kulturowe dziedzictwo swej ojczyzny. Jednym z jego historyczno-biograficznych odniesień do przeszłości jest opowiadanie „Epitafium dla Pinnaua”, gdzie rozmowa prowadzona na obiedzie u Kanta krąży wokół samobójstwa tego młodego księgowego i znajomego J. G. Hamanna. Tekst stanowi próbę podjęcia w tej perspektywie refleksji na temat filozoficznych postaw obu „krytycznych przyjaciół” – Kanta i Hamanna.
Appreciation is the Secret of Authentic Living: My Story of Appreciative Rehabilitation
Authors: Scott Selsor Tracy
Published: September 2022

In 1994 the author sat in a cell in Mule Creek State Prison, California, wondering if it was possible to change inmates’ resentment- and grievance-filled conversations to positive ones. His discovery of Appreciative Inquiry led to two ongoing programs: Bridging the Gap and, during the Covid pandemic, the Offender Narrative project. By the time he left the prison system, his programs had the support of the administration, staff, inmates – and thousands of participants. He plans to continue as a volunteer staff member.
Using the Discovery Phase of Appreciative Inquiry to Appreciate and Value Basques’ Unique Culture
Authors: Delgado-Raack Garbiñe
Published: September 2022

This article, based on the use of the Basque language, is an attempt to acknowledge the contribution of Basques as one of the active indigenous European groups to contemporary knowledge and practice. AI has been used in many fields. However, it has not so far been used to analyse the origins of a culture and its effect on the modern community and ethnic group. In this paper, the first Appreciative Inquiry phase, Discovery, is used to appreciate and value the best of ‘what is’ of Basque language and culture.
Voltear para repensar: Reflexiones tecnopedagógicas sobre una experiencia Flipped Learning en la formación de Maestros
Authors: González-Martínez Juan
Published: September 2022

La necesidad de replantear el proceso de aprendizaje en asignaturas de marcado corte reflexivo en la formación de maestros/as abre la puerta a la implementación de una estrategia formativa inversa, en la que las lecturas y los vídeos anticipan el primer contacto del alumnado con los conceptos relevantes, para después problematizarlos dialógicamente durante la clase presencial. Analizar esa propuesta durante los cursos 2019/20 y 2021/22, a partir de un cuestionario de satisfacción del alumnado (N=294), sus calificaciones semestrales y los datos de consumo de los recursos tecnológicos permite validar la propuesta, especialmente favorable para el alumnado que asiste habitualmente a las clases y participa en ellas, y permite confirmar que el aumento de las cargas de trabajo no es excesivo. Asimismo, se analiza la relación entre la clase presencial y los recursos educativos digitales propuestos y se concluye que, lejos de suplirla, los recursos complementan y refuerzan las dinámicas de clase (también de modo más intenso para los que más asisten a ellas y participan)
Skin cancer: getting back to basics
Authors: Machin Claire , Alchorne Jayne
Published: September 2022

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK. Claire Machin and Jayne Alchorne provide an overview of the causes of skin cancer, patients most at risk and provide advice for when and how to refer for specialist advice, as well as information on prevention

The article aims to provide a timely refresher to all health professionals working in primary care on skin cancer. Our interaction with patients, no matter what form it takes, places us in a unique and privileged position to observe and protect patients from a potentially disfiguring and life-threatening skin cancer. The skin is easily accessible, which enables the early detection and referral of potential skin cancers. This article will explore what causes skin cancer, patients most at risk, define the different types and most common forms of skin cancer, and provide advice for when and how to refer for specialist advice. The fundamental principles of sun safety will also be explored to ensure skin cancer prevention remains at the forefront of agendas.
Exercise and breathing in rehabilitating long COVID
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: September 2022

Many people with long COVID are still struggling with symptoms. Aysha Mendes looks at the research into rehabilitation
Docking Studies of Potent Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors-Molecules Patented and Published from 2011-2020
Authors: Arora Tripti , Rani Ketki
Published: September 2022

Hyperuricemia is characterized by elevated serum uric (SUA) levels beyond 6.8mg/dl and is a major cause of gout. Clinically, the high uric acid levels are managed using oral xanthine oxidase inhibitors such as febuxostat; however, its long-term use affects liver functions and cannot be used with the person with compromised liver functions. Thus, searching for an alternate xanthine oxidase inhibitor devoid of side effects on the liver is of current interest. Several classes of XO inhibitors have been patented in recent years. Using a docking study, we investigated the binding mode of xanthine oxide inhibitors patented during 2011-2020.The study identified the crucial amino acid residues involved in drug-receptor interactions. The binding side residues and their role in stabilizing the drug-receptor complex is discussed in detail. The information gained from this study will help researchers to design potent and selective xanthine oxidase inhibitors to manage gout and other uric acid-related disorders effectively.
Screening of Newspaper Pulp as a Potential Adsorbent for Impounding Pb2+ Ion from Aqueous Hinterlands
Authors: Devi N. Shyamala , Sri C. Swathi
Published: September 2022

Intensification of industrial activity, environment stress contributes to the significant rise of heavy metal pollution in water resources. Pollution due to malignant heavy metals such as lead, chromium, arsenic etc., has been tremendously focused on communal health. Lead pollution-potable water finds great threat by different sources like plating units, lead pipes etc., Newspaper is a cellulosic materials, containing cellulose, hemicellulose and other inorganic fillers. The present study evaluates the potentiality of modified newspaper pulp for sequestration of Pb(II) ions. Characterizations of loaded and unloaded pulp were evaluated by FTIR, SEM and EDAX assay. Batch experimental studies were accomplished to assess the equilibration between the sorbate-sorbent through various operating factors viz., pH, dosage, time course, initial concentration, influence of ions, co-ions and effect of temperature. The residual concentrations of the Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions are examined by UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. The equilibrium data was appropriately fitted with Langmuir adsorption isotherm model.
Spatial Distribution of Selected Trace Metals at Tropical Riverine System
Authors: Ng Li Qing , Mohamed Khairul Nizam , Lasumin Nazerita
Published: September 2022

This study determined the distribution of selected trace metals (Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb) in the dissolved (< 0.45 µm) and particulate (> 0.45 µm) samples at Sungai Buloh river, Malaysia. The dissolved Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb concentration along the river was in the safety range. The dissolved and particulate Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd concentration was measured and recorded. We found that most of the metals exist in the particulate form and a consistent distribution coefficient (KD) value indicated a low metals deposition occurred along the river. Therefore, it could suggest that most of the anthropogenic input in the upper stream was transported along the river and it might deposited at the estuarine of the river, which could affect the safety level of these metals at the surface sediment and in the aquatic organisms in the study area.
A Brief Review on Homo-/Hetero-nuclear Co-ordination Compounds Derived from Some Single Compartmentl Acyclic Schiff Base Ligands having N-,O-Donor Centres
Authors: Biswas Arpita
Published: September 2022

Tetradentate acyclic compartmental Schiff base ligand with N2O2 compartment afford suitable coordination environment for large variety of metal ions. This type of ligands can easily be synthesized by [2+1] condensation of a carbonyl compounds with a diamine. Several metal complexes have been reported from the single- and double-compartment acyclic Schiff base ligands which are the [2+1] condensation products of salicylaldehyde, 2-hydroxyacetophenone, 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde, 3-ethoxysalicylaldehyde and a diamine; The diamine counterpart in these ligands are ethylenediamine, 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,4-diaminobutane, 1-methylethylenediamine, 2,2-dimethyl,1,3-diaminopropane, o-phenylenediamine, trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, etc. Several review article has been published previously on compartmental Schiff base ligand compounds. This review article focused only the type and structures of Cu(II)/Ni(II)-second metal (s-, p-, d10-, 3d-,, 4f- block metal) homo-/hetero- nuclear coordination comppounds derived from single compartmentl salicyaldehyde-diamine and acetophenone-diamine ligand systems.
Thirty years of experience with instrumented femoral impaction bone grafting and a cemented polished Exeter stem
Authors: Özdemir Erim , Kuijpers Martijn F. L. , Visser Jetze , Schreurs B. W. , Rijnen Wim H. C.
Published: September 2022

Aims

The aim of this study is to report the long-term outcomes of instrumented femoral revisions with impaction allograft bone grafting (IBG) using the X-change femoral revision system at 30 years after introduction of the technique.

Methods

We updated the outcomes of our previous study, based on 208 consecutive revisions using IBG and the X-change femoral revision system in combination with a cemented polished stem, performed in our tertiary care institute between 1991 and 2007. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to determine the survival rate of the revisions with endpoint revision for any reason and aseptic loosening. Secondary outcomes were radiological loosening and patient-reported outcome measures.

Results

Mean age at revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) was 64.9 years (30 to 86). The most prevalent diagnosis for the femoral revision was aseptic loosening. At review in May 2021, 81 patients (85 hips) were still alive and 118 patients (120 hips; 58%) had died. Three patients (3 hips; 1%) were lost to follow-up at 11, 15, and 16 years after surgery, respectively. Data of all deceased and lost patients were included until final follow-up. The mean follow-up was 13.4 years (0 to 28). During the follow-up, 22 re-revisions were performed. The most common reason for re-revision was infection (n = 12; 54%). The survival with endpoint re-revision for any reason was 86% (95% confidence interval (CI) 79 to 91) at 20 years and 74% (95% CI 43 to 89) at 25 years after surgery. The survival for endpoint re-revision for aseptic loosening was 97% (95% CI 91 to 99) after both 20 and 25 years.

Conclusion

We conclude that femoral IBG is a valuable technique that can reconstitute femoral bone loss in the long term. After 25 years of follow-up, few re-revisions for aseptic loosening were required. Also, the overall revision rate is very acceptable at a long follow-up. This technique is especially attractive for younger patients facing femoral revisions with extensive bone loss. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1039–1046.
Prediction tools for the personalized management of soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremity
Authors: Acem Ibtissam , van de Sande Michiel A. J.
Published: September 2022

Prediction tools are instruments which are commonly used to estimate the prognosis in oncology and facilitate clinical decision-making in a more personalized manner. Their popularity is shown by the increasing numbers of prediction tools, which have been described in the medical literature. Many of these tools have been shown to be useful in the field of soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremities (eSTS). In this annotation, we aim to provide an overview of the available prediction tools for eSTS, provide an approach for clinicians to evaluate the performance and usefulness of the available tools for their own patients, and discuss their possible applications in the management of patients with an eSTS.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1011–1016.
Ambulatory total hip arthroplasty: Causes for failure to launch and associated risk factors
Authors: Rodriguez Samuel , Shen Tony S. , Lebrun Drake G. , Della Valle Alejandro G. , Ast Michael P. , Rodriguez Jose A.
Published: September 2022

Aims

The volume of ambulatory total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures is increasing due to the emphasis on value-based care. The purpose of the study is to identify the causes for failed same-day discharge (SDD) and perioperative factors leading to failed SDD.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study followed pre-selected patients for SDD THA from 1 August 2018 to 31 December 2020. Inclusion criteria were patients undergoing unilateral THA with appropriate social support, age 18 to 75 years, and BMI < 37 kg/m2. Patients with opioid dependence, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease were excluded. Demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative data were collected from the electronic medical records. Possible risk factors for failed SDD were identified using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

In all, 278 patients were identified with a mean age of 57.1 years (SD 8.1) and a mean BMI of 27.3 kg/m2 (SD 4.5). A total of 96 patients failed SDD, with the most common reasons being failure to clear physical therapy (26%), dizziness (22%), and postoperative nausea and vomiting (11%). Risk factors associated with failed SDD included smokers (odds ratio (OR) 6.24; p = 0.009), a maximum postoperative pain score > 8 (OR 4.76; p = 0.004), and procedures starting after 11 am (OR 2.28; p = 0.015). A higher postoperative tolerable pain goal (numerical rating scale 4 to 10) was found to be associated with successful SDD (OR 2.7; p = 0.001). Age, BMI, surgical approach, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, and anaesthesia type were not associated with failed SDD.

Conclusion

SDD is a safe and viable option for pre-selected patients interested in rapid recovery THA. The most common causes for failure to launch were failing to clear physical thereapy and patient symptomatology. Risk factors associated with failed SSD highlight the importance of preoperative counselling regarding smoking cessation and postoperative pain to set reasonable expectations. Future interventions should aim to improve patient postoperative mobilization, pain control, and decrease symptomatology. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(9):684–691.
Light-field micro-endoscopy using a fiber bundle: a snapshot 3D epi-fluorescence endoscope
Authors: Zhou You , Xiong Bo , Song Weizhi , Zhang Xu , Zheng Guoan , Dai Qionghai , Cao Xun
Published: September 2022

Micro-endoscopes are widely used for detecting and visualizing hard-to-reach areas of the human body and for in vivo observation of animals. A micro-endoscope that can realize 3D imaging at the camera framerate could benefit various clinical and biological applications. In this work, we report the development of a compact light-field micro-endoscope (LFME) that can obtain snapshot 3D fluorescence imaging, by jointly using a single-mode fiber bundle and a small-size light-field configuration. To demonstrate the real imaging performance of our method, we put a resolution chart in different

z

positions and capture the z-stack images successively for reconstruction, achieving 333-μm-diameter field of view, 24 μm optimal depth of field, and up to 3.91 μm spatial resolution near the focal plane. We also test our method on a human skin tissue section and HeLa cells. Our LFME prototype provides epi-fluorescence imaging ability with a relatively small (2-mm-diameter) imaging probe, making it suitable for in vivo detection of brain activity and gastrointestinal diseases of animals.
Estimation of heterogeneous instantaneous reproduction numbers with application to characterize SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Massachusetts counties
Authors: Zhou Zhenwei , Kolaczyk Eric D. , Thompson Robin N. , White Laura F.
Published: September 2022

The reproductive number is an important metric that has been widely used to quantify the infectiousness of communicable diseases. The time-varying instantaneous reproductive number is useful for monitoring the real-time dynamics of a disease to inform policy making for disease control. Local estimation of this metric, for instance at a county or city level, allows for more targeted interventions to curb transmission. However, simultaneous estimation of local reproductive numbers must account for potential sources of heterogeneity in these time-varying quantities—a key element of which is human mobility. We develop a statistical method that incorporates human mobility between multiple regions for estimating region-specific instantaneous reproductive numbers. The model also can account for exogenous cases imported from outside of the regions of interest. We propose two approaches to estimate the reproductive numbers, with mobility data used to adjust incidence in the first approach and to inform a formal priori distribution in the second (Bayesian) approach. Through a simulation study, we show that region-specific reproductive numbers can be well estimated if human mobility is reasonably well approximated by available data. We use this approach to estimate the instantaneous reproductive numbers of COVID-19 for 14 counties in Massachusetts using CDC case report data and the human mobility data collected by SafeGraph. We found that, accounting for mobility, our method produces estimates of reproductive numbers that are distinct across counties. In contrast, independent estimation of county-level reproductive numbers tends to produce similar values, as trends in county case-counts for the state are fairly concordant. These approaches can also be used to estimate any heterogeneity in transmission, for instance, age-dependent instantaneous reproductive number estimates. As people are more mobile and interact frequently in ways that permit transmission, it is important to account for this in the estimation of the reproductive number.
Serotonergic neuron ribosomal proteins regulate the neuroendocrine control of Drosophila development
Authors: Deliu Lisa Patricia , Turingan Michael , Jadir Deeshpaul , Lee Byoungchun , Ghosh Abhishek , Grewal Savraj Singh
Published: September 2022

The regulation of ribosome function is a conserved mechanism of growth control. While studies in single cell systems have defined how ribosomes contribute to cell growth, the mechanisms that link ribosome function to organismal growth are less clear. Here we explore this issue usingDrosophila Minutes, a class of heterozygous mutants for ribosomal proteins. These animals exhibit a delay in larval development caused by decreased production of the steroid hormone ecdysone, the main regulator of larval maturation. We found that this developmental delay is not caused by decreases in either global ribosome numbers or translation rates. Instead, we show that they are due in part to loss of Rp function specifically in a subset of serotonin (5-HT) neurons that innervate the prothoracic gland to control ecdysone production. We find that these effects do not occur due to altered protein synthesis or proteostasis, but thatMinuteanimals have reduced expression of synaptotagmin, a synaptic vesicle protein, and that theMinutedevelopmental delay can be partially reversed by overexpression of synaptic vesicle proteins in 5-HTergic cells. These results identify a 5-HT cell-specific role for ribosomal function in the neuroendocrine control of animal growth and development.
Factors associated with symptoms of major depression disorder among transgender women in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Almeida Marcelo Machado de , Silva Luís Augusto Vasconcelos da , Bastos Francisco Inácio , Guimarães Mark Drew Crosland , Coutinho Carolina , de Brito Ana Maria , Cavalcante Socorro , Dourado Inês
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Transgender women (TGW) are one of the most vulnerable groups, including higher prevalence of HIV and mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression than in the general population. Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is one of the most important mental health conditions due to an increasing trend in prevalence in the general population. This study aims at describing the prevalence of symptoms of MDD (SMDD) and associated factors among TGW in capitals of three States in Northeast Brazil.

Methods

TGW n = (864) were selected from the cities of Salvador (n = 166), Recife (n = 350), and Fortaleza (n = 348) using Respondent Driven Sampling methodology. Symptoms of MDD were defined according to the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale. Multinomial logistic regression was used to compare those with mild/moderate or moderately severe/severe symptoms of depression with those with no depression, respectively, using complex sample design. Weighted Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval were estimated.

Results

51.1% of the sample was classified as mild/moderate and 18.9% as moderately severe/severe SMDD. Mild/moderate SMDD was associated with a history of sexual violence (OR = 2.06, 95%CI: 1.15–3.68), history of physical violence (OR = 2.09, 95%CI: 1.20–3.67),) and poor self-rated quality of life (OR = 2.14, 95%CI: 1.31–3.49).). Moderately severe/severe SMDD was associated with history of sexual violence (OR = 3.02, 95%CI: 1.17–7.77), history of physical violence (OR = 4.34, 95% CI:1.88–6.96), poor self-rated quality of life (OR = 3.32, 95%CI:1.804–6.12), lack of current social support (OR = 2.53, 95%IC: 1.31–4.88) and lack of family support in childhood (OR = 2.17, 95%IC 1.16–4.05)).

Conclusions

Our findings strengthens the evidence of a higher prevalence of SMDD among TGW as compared to the general population. Public health policies and actions that target social determinants of risk and protection for MDD among TGW must be urgently implemented.
The appendicular myology of Stegoceras validum (Ornithischia: Pachycephalosauridae) and implications for the head-butting hypothesis
Authors: Moore Bryan R. S. , Roloson Mathew J. , Currie Philip J. , Ryan Michael J. , Patterson R. Timothy , Mallon Jordan C.
Published: September 2022

In this study, we use an exceptional skeleton of the pachycephalosaurStegoceras validum(UALVP 2) to inform a comprehensive appendicular muscle reconstruction of the animal, with the goal of better understanding the functional morphology of the pachycephalosaur postcranial skeleton. We find thatS.validumpossessed a conservative forelimb musculature, particularly in comparison to early saurischian bipeds. By contrast, the pelvic and hind limb musculature are more derived, reflecting peculiarities of the underlying skeletal anatomy. The iliotibialis, ischiocaudalis, and caudofemoralis muscles have enlarged attachment sites and the caudofemoralis has greater leverage owing to the distal displacement of the fourth trochanter along the femur. These larger muscles, in combination with the wide pelvis and stout hind limbs, produced a stronger, more stable pelvic structure that would have proved advantageous during hypothesized intraspecific head-butting contests. The pelvis may have been further stabilized by enlarged sacroiliac ligaments, which stemmed from the unique medial iliac flange of the pachycephalosaurs. Although the pubis of UALVP 2 is not preserved, the pubes of other pachycephalosaurs are highly reduced. The puboischiofemoralis musculature was likely also reduced accordingly, and compensated for by the aforementioned improved pelvic musculature.
Strengthening Kangaroo Mother Care at a tertiary level hospital in Zambia: A prospective descriptive study
Authors: Muttau Nobutu , Mwendafilumba Martha , Lewis Branishka , Kasprzyk Keilya , Travers Colm , Menon J. Anitha , Mutesu-Kapembwa Kunda , Mangangu Aaron , Kapesa Herbert , Manasyan Albert
Published: September 2022

Background

Globally, complications due to preterm birth are the leading contributor to neonatal mortality, resulting in an estimated one million deaths annually. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has been endorsed by the World Health Organisation as a low cost, safe, and effective intervention in reducing morbidity and mortality among preterm infants. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation of a KMC model among preterm infants and its impact on neonatal outcomes at a tertiary level hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.

Methods

We conducted a prospective descriptive study using data collected from the KMC room at the University Teaching Hospital between January 2016 and September 2017. Mothers and government nurses were trained in KMC. We monitored skin-to-skin and breastfeeding practices, weight at admission, discharge, and length of admission.

Results

We enrolled 573 neonates into the study. Thirteen extremely low weight infants admitted to the KMC room had graduated to Group A (1,000g-1,499g) at discharge, with a median weight gain of 500g. Of the 419 very low weight neonates at admission, 290 remained in Group A while 129 improved to Group B (1,500g-2,499g), with a median weight gain of 280g. Among the 89 low weight neonates, 1 regressed to Group A, 77 remained in Group B, and 11 improved to Group C (≥2,500g), individually gaining a median of 100g. Of the seven normal weight neonates, 6 remained in Group C individually gaining a median of 100g, and 1 regressed to Group B. Among all infants enrolled, two (0.35%) died in the KMC room.

Conclusions

Based on the RE-AIM metrics, our results show that KMC is a feasible intervention that can improve neonatal outcomes among preterm infants in Zambia. The study findings show a promising, practical approach to scaling up KMC in Zambia.

Trial registration

The trial is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov under the following ID number: NCT03923023.