bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theorizing urban social spaces and their interrelations: New perspectives on urban sociology, politics, and planning
Authors: Jabareen Yosef , Eizenberg Efrat
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes a new theoretical perspective for understanding urban social spaces and their interrelations. In an effort to understand these multifaceted, complex relations, an inquiry committed to a flat ontology was deployed. Accordingly, we draw our theorization on the Lacanian ontological lack, Harman’s object-oriented ontology, and Laclau and Mouffe’s discursivity of social reality. Thus, we propose that urban social spaces are discursive and real entities with real and sensual qualities and constituted through specific relations. They are located within discursive social relations, where each urban social space has a “differential position” in an urban system of relations. Each urban social space has an “identity,” defined by its specific mixture of social groups and its specific real and sensual qualities. These qualities construct a sensual object with a specific sensual identity within the web of different urban social spaces. Therefore, urban social spaces are being made through multiple interrelations and are constituted through their location in a nexus of positions. The proposed framework that captures the interrelations among urban social spaces is based on three interrelated logics: the logic of difference, the logic of equivalence, and the fantasmatic logic. Understanding the relations of urban social spaces through these logics offers multifaceted social, political, psychological, and spatial illumination, details, and a more nuanced and flexible investigation of the formation and change of these spaces. Hereby, the city is conceived as comprised of spatiotemporal configurations where social spaces have social and political relations ranging from harshly antagonistic to inclusive and equivalent. This proposed framework informs both sociological and political realms of planning theory. It provides planning theory with new perspectives for understanding the city as a web of interrelated social spaces. Furthermore, it allows a more critical understanding of urban reality by illuminating inequality, injustice, antagonism, and the formulation of “otherness.”
Baicalin ameliorates atherosclerosis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Authors: Zhao Jingfei , Wang Zhengtang , Yuan Zhilu , Lv Shuzhen , Su Qingbo
Published: December 2020

Background:

NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and several studies have suggested that inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome could be a potential therapeutic approach to treat atherosclerosis. Baicalin is a flavone glycoside with anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative activities. The inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by baicalin has also been described. Therefore, the effects of baicalin on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and atherosclerosis were evaluated in present study.

Methods:

We established the apolipoprotein E-deficient atherosclerosis mice model. After baicalin treatment, the IL-1, IL-18, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the plaque area was monitored. We also measured the NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 expression in atherosclerosis mice after baicalin treatment. We silenced NLRP3 by administration of lentivirus expressing NLRP3 shRNA to atherosclerosis mice and monitored the IL-1, IL-18, and ROS production, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Results:

Baicalin remarkably inhibited the production of IL-1, IL-18, mitochondria ROS, total ROS, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1. Baicalin reduced the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and suppressed its activation. Baicalin significantly reduced the plaque area. Silencing NLRP3 resulted in decreased production of IL-1, IL-18, mitochondria ROS, total ROS, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Conclusion:

Baicalin ameliorated atherosclerosis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome.
Change in the Context of Relationships: The Effect of Visitation on Dynamic Risk Change Among Incarcerated Youth
Authors: Young Brae
Published: December 2020

The consequences of incarceration for juveniles are vast and well-documented. There is some evidence, though, that youth can experience positive transformations, including improvements in dynamic risk during confinement. What we do not yet know is who is the most likely to make such transformations. Using a sample of 7,269 youth housed in residential placement facilities in Florida, this paper examines whether visitation is associated with improvements in dynamic risk during confinement. The results indicate that youth who receive visits and receive them more consistently make greater improvements across nearly all measures of dynamic risk compared to those who do not. Further, there is some evidence that change in dynamic risk mediates the relationship between visitation and recidivism for this group. These findings underscore the importance of continued availability of visitation programs within residential facilities.
Cognitive Event-Related Potentials in Young Adults With Cerebral Palsy: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Lackner Christine L. , Gorter Jan Willem , Segalowitz Sidney J. ,   MyStory Study Group
Published: December 2020

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a movement and posture disorder often accompanied by cognitive difficulties which can be assessed using event-related potentials (ERPs), an often-overlooked tool in this population. Here we describe our assessment protocol, examine its feasibility, and validate the use of single-subject ERP analyses in adolescents and young adults with CP, an analysis approach which recognizes the heterogeneity of the clinical population. This study involved a final sample of 9 adolescents/young adults with CP participating in the “MyStory” study (age range 16-29 years, Mage = 25.0 years; 6 female; Gross Motor Function Classification System level I [n = 4], II [n = 2], III [n = 1], IV [n = 1], and V [n = 1]). ERP components were elicited over medial prefrontal and central cortex (error- and correct-related negativities [ERN/CRN], error-positivity [Pe], N100, P200, N200, P300), as well as those generated over occipital cortex (P100, N170). Group and single-subject ERP statistics were computed for ERPs recorded over both areas. Using recently developed data analysis methods (independent components analysis and robust bootstrapped single-subject statistics), we measured the number of participants demonstrating significant condition differences at the timing of each ERP component of interest. We demonstrate good validity for ERPs recorded during 2 of our 3 tasks eliciting frontal activation (eg, 4 of 6 participants with usable data showed a significant single-subject medial frontal negativity condition difference in a context-switching task) and good validity for ERPs derived from a task engaging occipital regions (eg, 8 of 9 participants each showed a significant N170 face-object condition effect).
Imagination Into Action: A School–University Collaboration With a Design Thinking Imperative
Authors: Sterrett William L. , Hill-Black Sabrina , Nash John B.
Published: December 2020

An urban middle school goes through the transformation of becoming a university-supported lab school. Drawing upon design thinking principles, the planning team cultivates a sense of shared empathy, creative problem-solving, and an ethos of curiosity and learning in a collaborative environment.
Talent-Centered Education Leadership: Using the Employee Experience to Improve Teacher-School Relations
Authors: Tran Henry , Smith Doug
Published: December 2020

Low teacher engagement and retention are challenges faced by many schools, especially in high poverty contexts. In this case study, readers will draw on feedback and reflections provided by teachers that reflect realistic concerns current and aspiring school and districts leaders are faced with today in an endeavor to respond to these challenges. To aid with this, authors introduce the employee experience approach, a new employee management process that originates out of design thinking and Talent-Centered Education Leadership. Readers are walked through the process of adopting the approach and presented with important considerations to make while doing so.
Current Surgical Risk Scores Overestimate Risk in Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Alnajar Ahmed , Chatterjee Subhasis , Chou Brendan P. , Khabsa Mariam , Rippstein Madeline , Lee Vei-Vei , La Pietra Angelo , Lamelas Joseph
Published: December 2020

Objective

Risk-scoring systems for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) were largely derived from sternotomy cases. We evaluated the accuracy of current risk scores in predicting outcomes after minimally invasive AVR (mini-AVR). Because transcatheter AVR (TAVR) is being considered for use in low-risk patients with aortic stenosis, accurate mini-AVR risk assessment is necessary.

Methods

We reviewed 1,018 consecutive isolated mini-AVR cases (2009 to 2015). After excluding patients with Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS-PROM) scores ≥4, we calculated each patient’s European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II, TAVR Risk Score (TAVR-RS), and age, creatinine, and ejection fraction score (ACEF). We compared all 4 scores’ accuracy in predicting mini-AVR 30-day mortality by computing each score’s observed-to-expected mortality ratio (O:E). Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves tested discrimination, and the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit tested calibration.

Results

Among 941 patients (mean age, 72 ± 12 years), 6 deaths occurred within 30 days (actual mortality rate, 0.6%). All 4 scoring systems overpredicted expected mortality after mini-AVR: ACEF (1.4%), EuroSCORE II (1.9%), STS-PROM (2.0%), and TAVR-RS (2.1%). STS-PROM best estimated risk for patients with STS-PROM scores 0 to <1 (0.6 O:E), ACEF for patients with STS-PROM scores 2 to <3 (0.6 O:E), and TAVR-RS for patients with STS-PROM scores 3 to <4 (0.7 O:E). ROC curves showed only fair discrimination and calibration across all risk scores.

Conclusions

In low-risk patients who underwent mini-AVR, current surgical scoring systems overpredicted mortality 2-to-3-fold. Alternative dedicated scoring systems for mini-AVR are needed for more accurate outcomes assessment.
Interventional stroke treatment – Is it also safe for arteries? Looking at thrombectomy wall damage through clot histology
Authors: Donnerstag Frank , Götz Friedrich , Dadak Mete , Raab Peter , Iglesias Enrico Calvino , Werlein Christopher , Lanfermann Heinrich , Jonigk Danny
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether morphological evidence of intracranial vascular injury can be found in the occluding thrombi of patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods

From 2015 until 2018 specimens of thrombi from patients with large vessel occlusion treated either by stent-assisted aspiration thrombectomy (TE) or by aspiration thrombectomy were prospectively collected. Thrombus specimens were formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded and stained. Architectural features, presence of parts of vessel wall or atheromatous material, organisation of the thrombi, technique and number of thrombectomy manoeuvers were evaluated.

Results

Thrombus specimens from 302 patients were analyzed. 238 (80%) patients were treated with stent-assisted aspiration TE and 64 (20%) patients with aspiration TE only. 286 (95%) had fresh thrombi, 14 (4.6%) showed initial/complete thrombus organisation and multi-staged thrombi were found in 2 (<1%) patients. In 8 patients (2.6%) we found atypical thrombus content after a time interval longer 6 hours after onset and final thrombectomy manoeuvre: 4 with atheromatous material and 4 with parts of a vessel wall. In 1 patient with parts of vessel wall angiographically a dissection was detected. No parts of the vessel wall were found after sole aspiration thrombectomy.

Conclusions

The overall risk of arterial vessel wall injury aspiration thrombectomy was low in our study. Aspiration thrombectomy and the procedure related with a retrieving device together with an ischemia time longer than 6 hours may increase the risk of vessel injury through the thrombectomy procedure. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the influence of the mentioned aspects.
Takayasu’s arteritis and acute type B aortic dissection treated with a stent graft
Authors: Mazumdar E , White RD , Williams IM
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Takayasu's arteritis is a large vessel vasculitis which usually involves the aorta and its first generation branches. Aortic dissection, however, is a rare manifestation of Takayasu's arteritis and for this reason optimum management in both short and long term is unknown.

Methods

This is a case of a 31-year-old female presenting with acute type B AD in association with underlying TA which failed to respond to conservative management and underwent thoracic stent grafting (TEVAR).

Results

Despite successful coverage of the intimal breach in the thoracic aorta by TEVAR there were complications with delivery of the stent which required a conduit sutured to the right common iliac artery. Also post-TEVAR computed tomography showed a localised dissection of the origin of the left common carotid artery which may have been iatrogenic possibly due to the stiff guidewire used during delivery of the stent graft to the thoracic aorta.

Conclusions

The use of TEVAR for an acute type B AD in those with TA may be problematic. The fragility of the major arteries increases the likelihood of iatrogenic periprocedural complications and long-term surveillance is essential due to significant chance of further arterial complications in type B AD occurring in TA.
Characterizing the robustness of power-law networks that experience spatially-correlated failures
Authors: Johnson Caroline A , Reilly Allison C , Flage Roger , Guikema Seth D
Published: December 2020

Knowing the ability of networked infrastructure to maintain operability following a spatially distributed hazard (e.g. an earthquake or a hurricane) is paramount to managing risk and planning for recovery. Leveraging topological properties of the network, along with characteristics of the hazard field, may be an expedient way of predicting network robustness compared to more computationally-intensive simulation methods. Prior work has shown that the topological properties are insightful for predicting robustness, considered here to be measured by the relative size of the largest connected subgraph after failures, especially for networks experiencing random failures. While this does not equate to full engineering-based performance, it does provide an indication of the robustness of the network. In this work, we consider the effect that spatially-correlated failures have on network robustness using only spatial properties of the hazard and topological properties of networks. The results show that the spatial properties of the hazard together with the mean nodal degree, mean clustering coefficient, clustering coefficient standard deviation and path length standard deviation are the most influential factors in characterizing the network robustness. Using the results, recommendations are made for infrastructure management/owners to consider when improving existing systems, or designing new infrastructure. Recommendations include examining the known possible locations of potential hazards in relation to the system and considering the level of redundancy within the system.
Introduction to the genomics of infectious diseases
Authors: Rafi Imran , Hayward Judith , English Peter
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium was created to deliver large-scale and rapid whole-genome virus sequencing. Its data will help Public Health Agencies to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and inform vaccine research efforts. From a wider perspective, data sharing around the genomics of viruses (and bacteria, protozoa parasites and fungi) offers researchers contrasting perspectives and new biological insights into the evolution of microbes and the development of new tools in managing infectious disease, which on a global scale causes significant mortality. Genomics has an evolving role in pathogen diagnosis and surveillance.
Survival benefits from adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Lei , Li Chao , Diao Yong-Kang , Jia Hang-Dong , Xing Hao , Pawlik Timothy M. , Lau Wan Yee , Shen Feng , Huang Dong-Sheng , Zhang Cheng-Wu , Yang Tian
Published: December 2020

Background:

Although adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been used to prevent recurrence after surgery in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the survival benefits from adjuvant TACE remain controversial. We sought to systematically evaluate the data on the effectiveness of adjuvant TACE for HCC, as well as identify patient populations that might benefit from adjuvant TACE.

Methods:

The PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane library were systematically searched for studies published before July 2019 that compared adjuvant TACE versus surgery alone for HCC. The study endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Patients with large HCC (⩾5 cm), multinodular HCC, microvascular invasion (MVI), or portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) were analyzed in subgroup analyses.

Results:

Twenty-four studies with 6977 patients were included in the analytic cohort. The pooled analysis demonstrated that adjuvant TACE was associated with a better OS and DFS [hazard ratio (HR): 0.67 and 0.67, both p < 0.01]. In subgroup analyses, pooled results revealed that adjuvant TACE was associated with an improved OS and DFS in patients with multinodular HCC (HR: 0.79 and 0.31, both p < 0.01), MVI (HR: 0.62 and 0.67, both p < 0.01), or PVTT (HR: 0.49 and 0.58, both p < 0.01), but not among patients with large HCC (⩾5 cm).

Conclusion:

Postoperative adjuvant TACE may be effective to improve OS and DFS in patients with multinodular HCC, or HCC with MVI or PVTT. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to better define the benefit of adjuvant TACE in subset patients with HCC.
Differences in the impact of precarious employment on health across population subgroups: a scoping review
Authors: Gray BJ , Grey CNB , Hookway A , Homolova L , Davies AR
Published: December 2020

Aim:

Precarious employment is known to be detrimental to health, and some population subgroups (young individuals, migrant workers, and females) are at higher risk of precarious employment. However, it is not known if the risk to poor health outcomes is consistent across population subgroups. This scoping review explores differential impacts of precarious employment on health.

Methods:

Relevant studies published between 2009 and February 2019 were identified across PubMed, OVID Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Articles were included if (1) they presented original data, (2) examined precarious employment within one of the subpopulations of interest, and (3) examined health outcomes.

Results:

Searches yielded 279 unique results, of which 14 met the eligibility criteria. Of the included studies, 12 studies examined differences between gender, 3 examined the health impacts on young individuals, and 3 examined the health of migrant workers. Mental health was explored in nine studies, general health in four studies, and mortality in two studies.

Conclusion:

Mental health was generally poorer in both male and female employees as a result of precarious employment, and males were also at higher risk of mortality. There was limited evidence that met our inclusion criteria, examining the health impacts on young individuals or migrant workers.
Predicting Body Composition From Anthropometrics
Authors: Chen Kong Y.
Published: December 2020

Body weight, height, and other simple, noninvasive anthropometric measures are the cornerstones of epidemiological research. Body composition determinants such as fat and lean tissue masses and their distributions are better associated with metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, than anthropometrics alone. However, body composition is generally more challenging to measure. This analysis article comments on the manuscript by Cichosz et al that appeared in this issue of the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, where a machine-learning approach was developed to predict body composition using measured anthropometric parameters for potentially easier estimations of risk factors of metabolic diseases in the future.
Microbial Transformation of Flavonoids in Cultures of Mucor hiemalis
Authors: Kim Bo-Ram , Han Ah-Reum , Lee Ik-Soo
Published: December 2020

Flavonoids are plant secondary metabolites that are well known for their health-promoting properties as nutraceuticals in diets. Bioavailability and biological activities of flavonoids vary among the individual subclasses with different patterns of substitution, inclusive of glycosylation, to their basic structures. Many flavonoids exist as glycosides in plants. This study investigated the possibility of glycosylation of flavonoids through biotransformation using filamentous fungi as whole-cell biocatalysts. Microbial transformations of ten flavonoids (four flavones, four flavonols, a flavanone, and an aurone) were performed in cultures of Mucor hiemalis KCTC 26779. As a result, a flavonoid glycoside was obtained which has not been described previously. The chemical structure of this product was elucidated as 6,2′-dimethoxyflavonol-3- O-β-d-glucopyranoside by analyzing 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional-nuclear magnetic resonance spectral and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectral data. This compound could be useful for further biological and bioavailability studies, as well as expanding the library of flavonoid derivatives.
Arthrodesis or Open Reduction Internal Fixation for Lisfranc Injuries: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Levy Christopher J. , Yatsonsky David , Moral Muhammad Z. , Liu Jiayong , Ebraheim Nabil A.
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study is to determine if arthrodesis, compared with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), produces favorable American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and to determine if differences in complication, revision surgery, and secondary arthrodesis rates exist for patients with Lisfranc fracture/dislocation injuries. Searches were performed in PubMed using the keywords “Lisfranc fracture,” “metatarsal fracture,” “ORIF,” “open reduction internal fixation,” “arthrodesis,” and “fusion.” These criteria left 183 articles for review. Exclusions left 21 articles and 2 translations of Chinese abstracts. Data analysis was performed using Student’s 2-sample t test for samples of equal variance, and chi-square test for goodness of fit. The t test revealed a significant difference ( P = .03) between the average AOFAS score for patients who underwent primary arthrodesis (84.7 ± 6.14) compared with those who were treated with ORIF (78.9 ± 5.09). There was no significant difference for the average VAS scores ( P = .33) of the arthrodesis and ORIF groups. The complication rate of arthrodesis patients was significantly lower than ORIF patients ( P = .04), and the rates of revision surgery ( P = .22) and secondary arthrodesis ( P = .53) were not significant between the groups. The results of this study indicate that arthrodesis may be a better surgical option than ORIF, due to the higher functional scores and the lower complication rate.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: A meta-analysis
Historical materialism, social change, and the necessity of revolutionary optimism
Authors: Chambers Collin L.
Published: December 2020

Marxists of various sorts within and outside geography are adept in deploying Marxian conceptual tools to understand particular realities in a capitalist society. However, this trend in only understanding capital’s logics around the world and in different super-structural/historical contexts runs the risk of making Marxism and the work of Marxists passé—especially in our current times when progressives are finally talking about socialism and alternatives to capitalism on a popular level again. In this opinion piece, I argue that Marx’s historical materialism not only provides the means to understand the complex world; more importantly, it provides the theoretical foundation for thinking about how revolutionary change beyond capitalism can occur. Marx provides the grounds for revolutionary optimism that capitalism can be overthrown and replaced with socialism. Marxist geographers must begin to embrace revolutionary optimism if we do not want to be left behind in the real political struggles currently taking place.
Thickness of the Stifle Joint Articular Cartilage in Different Large Animal Models of Cartilage Repair and Regeneration
Authors: Ruediger Tina , Horbert Victoria , Reuther Anne , Kumar Kalla Pavan , Burgkart Rainer H. , Walther Mario , Kinne Raimund W. , Mika Joerg
Published: December 2020

Objective

Regulatory guidelines for preclinical cartilage repair studies suggest large animal models (e.g., sheep, goat, [mini]-pig, or horse) to obtain results representative for humans. However, information about the 3-dimensional thickness of articular cartilage at different implantation sites in these models is limited.

Design

To identify the most suitable site for experimental surgery, cartilage thickness at the medial femoral condyle (MFC), lateral femoral condyle (LFC), and trochlea in ovine, caprine, and porcine cadaver stifle joints was systematically measured using hematoxylin-eosin staining of 6 µm paraffin sections and software-based image analysis.

Results

Regarding all ventral-dorsal regions of the MFC, goat showed the thickest articular cartilage (maximal mean thickness: 1299 µm), followed by sheep (1096 µm) and mini-pig (604 µm), with the highest values in the most ventral and dorsal regions. Also for the LFC, the most ventral regions showed the thickest cartilage in goat (maximal mean thickness: 1118 µm), followed by sheep (678 µm) and mini-pig (607 µm). Except for the mini-pig, however, the cartilage thickness on the LFC was consistently lower than that on the MFC. The 3 species also differed along the transversal measuring points on the MFC and LFC. In contrast, there were no consistent differences for the regional cartilage thickness of the trochlea among goat and sheep (≥780 µm) and mini-pig (≤500 µm).

Conclusions

Based on their cartilage thickness, experimental defects on goat and sheep MFC may be viable options for preclinical cartilage repair studies, in addition to well-established horse models.
Accuracy of MRI-Based Talar Cartilage Thickness Measurement and Talus Bone and Cartilage Modeling: Comparison with Ground-Truth Laser Scan Measurements
Authors: Lockard Carly A. , Stake Ingrid K. , Brady Alex W. , DeClercq Madeleine G. , Tanghe Kira K. , Douglass Brenton W. , Nott Erik , Ho Charles P. , Clanton Thomas O.
Published: December 2020

Objective

The purpose of this work was to compare measurements of talar cartilage thickness and cartilage and bone surface geometry from clinically feasible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) against high-accuracy laser scan models. Measurement of talar bone and cartilage geometry from MRI would provide useful information for evaluating cartilage changes, selecting osteochondral graft sources or creating patient-specific joint models.

Design

Three-dimensional (3D) bone and cartilage models of 7 cadaver tali were created using (1) manual segmentation of high-resolution volumetric sequence 3T MR images and (2) laser scans. Talar cartilage thickness was compared between the laser scan– and MRI-based models for the dorsal, medial, and lateral surfaces. The laser scan– and MRI-based cartilage and bone surface models were compared using model-to-model distance.

Results

Average cartilage thickness within the dorsal, medial, and lateral surfaces were 0.89 to 1.05 mm measured with laser scanning, and 1.10 to 1.22 mm measured with MRI. MRI-based thickness was 0.16 to 0.32 mm higher on average in each region. The average absolute surface-to-surface differences between laser scan– and MRI-based bone and cartilage models ranged from 0.16 to 0.22 mm for bone (MRI bone models smaller than laser scan models) and 0.35 to 0.38 mm for cartilage (MRI bone models larger than laser scan models).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that cartilage and bone 3D modeling and measurement of average cartilage thickness on the dorsal, medial, and lateral talar surfaces using MRI were feasible and provided similar model geometry and thickness values to ground-truth laser scan–based measurements.
Review of research output of Australian and New Zealand colorectal surgeons over the past 20 years
Authors: Rahme Jessica , Lee Adele , Radojcic Mat (Matija) , Beh Soh Pith , Warrier Satish , Heriot Alexander , Zeps Nikolajs , Smits Michael , Smart Philip
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

High-quality research has a tangible impact on patient care and should inform all medical decision-makings. Appraising and benchmarking of research is necessary in evidence-based medicine and allocation of funding. The aim of this review is to demonstrate how evidence may be gathered by quantifying the amount and type of research by a group of surgeons over a 20-year period.

Methods:

Members of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand were identified in April 2020. A search of the Scopus database was conducted to quantify each surgeon’s research output from 1999 to 2020. Authorship details such as the Hirsch index and number of papers published were recorded, as were publication-related details.

Results:

226 colorectal surgeons were included for analysis, producing a total of 5053 publications. The most frequent colorectal topics were colorectal cancer (32%, n = 1617 of all publications), followed by pelvic floor disorders (4.3%, n = 217) and inflammatory bowel disease (3.5%, n = 177). 56% ( n = 2830) of all publications were case series audits (21%, n = 1061), expert opinion pieces (20%, n = 1011) and cohort studies (15%, n = 758). 7% ( n = 354) were randomised control or non-randomised control trials, 3% ( n = 152) were systematic reviews and 1% ( n = 50) were meta-analyses. The top 10% ( n = 23) of authors accounted for more than half (54%, n = 2729) of manuscripts published.

Conclusion:

Australasian colorectal surgeons made a significant contribution to the medical literature over the past 20 years and the number of publications is increasing over time. A greater output of higher-level evidence research is needed. This information may be used to better allocate researcher funding and grants for future projects.
Staff Training Aimed at Reducing Rearrest: Probation officer attitudes and experiences
Authors: Viglione Jill , Alward Lucas M , Sheppard DeCarlos L
Published: December 2020

Community correction organisations have recognised the importance of implementing evidence-based practices to improve probation practice and reduce recidivism rates. Research finds when probation agencies implement evidence-based practices in line with the Risk, Need, Responsivity model with fidelity, reductions in recidivism are possible. However, challenges of implementation persist. To assist in the translation of evidence-based practices to real-world practice, researchers and practitioners developed community supervision officer training programmes. Using qualitative interview data of trained federal probation officers, this study examined the implementation of the Staff Training Aimed at Reducing Rearrest. This study explored (1) probation officer attitudes and perceptions of Staff Training Aimed at Reducing Rearrest, training and implementation process; (2) how users and coaches implement key components of Staff Training Aimed at Reducing Rearrest; and (3) the organisational facilitators and barriers associated with Staff Training Aimed at Reducing Rearrest implementation. Findings suggest positive attitudes towards Staff Training Aimed at Reducing Rearrest for improving supervision process and highlight key facilitators and barriers that can be addressed to support successful implementation efforts.
The Dark Side of Social Capital: Race, Recidivism, and “Reintegration”
Authors: Ganapathy Narayanan
Published: December 2020

In investigating the problem of racial disparity in the recidivism statistics where the two minority groups—the Malays and Indians—had been historically disproportionately represented relative to the Chinese majority, the findings of the study led to a deconstruction of the conventional inference that the under-representation of the Chinese in the recidivism statistics implied successful mainstream reintegration and criminal desistance. Extending the social capital theoretical framework to the criminal landscape, this study put forth the view, based on interviews with 30 gang members and former custodial officers, that the Chinese possession of more efficacious ethnic capital, accessed and activated in the context of their membership in Chinese secret societies, allowed for the resumption of criminal activities whilst capitalizing on the symbiosis that organized criminal subcultures had with legitimate institutions. The “dark side” of social capital, one that created “network closures,” was evident in the cultural propensity of the Chinese to mobilize “guanxi” (relationships) that bridged conventional social capital with criminal social capital. The net effect of this was the facilitation and concealment of their criminality, thus reducing their representation on their re-arrest and recidivism statistics.
Problematic Internet Use and Psychosocial Well-being: Role of Mindfulness Mediated by Self-Control and Negative Affect
Authors: Sinha Nishit Kumar , Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Sushil , Priyadarshi Pushpendra
Published: December 2020

With the growing concern about excessive Internet use and accompanying adverse psychosocial outcomes, unveiling the underlying mechanisms related to problematic Internet use has become an important topic to study. The present study examines the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and psychosocial well-being through problematic Internet use. An attempt has also been made to investigate whether negative affect and self-control are useful in explaining the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and problematic Internet use or not. The data was derived from a questionnaire survey of 246 postgraduate management students from a leading business school (approximately 48% females) and structural equation modelling technique was used for data analysis. The results suggest that higher mindfulness is associated with lower problematic Internet use, and the relationship is partially mediated by negative affect and self-control. Problematic Internet use partially mediate the relationship between mindfulness and depression/loneliness (indicators of psychosocial well-being). The study outcomes may prove helpful in empirical understanding of previously unidentified mediating mechanisms through which mindfulness may impact problematic Internet use, which further influences psychosocial well-being. Limitations and future directions, as well as potential implications, are also discussed.
Repair strength and surface topography of lithium disilicate and hybrid resin ceramics with LLLT and photodynamic therapy in comparison to hydrofluoric acid
Authors: Maawadh Ahmed M , Almohareb Thamer , Al-Hamdan Rana S , Al Deeb Modhi , Naseem Mustafa , Alhenaki Aasem M , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: December 2020

Aim:

The aim was to compare the repair bond strength and surface topography of lithium disilicate ceramics (LDC) and hybrid resin ceramics (HRC) using different surface conditioning treatments [low level laser therapy (LLLT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), hydrofluoric acid (HF) with silane and air abrasion (AA) and silane].

Material and method:

Sixty specimens each of LDC and HRC were used. Discs were prepared for each group (6 × 2 mm), conditioned using different regimes. Specimens in group 1 and 5 were laser irradiated using Er,Cr:YSGG (ECYL), group 2 and 6 were conditioned using methylene blue photosensitizer (PDT), group 3 and 7 surface was treated with hydrofluoric acid and silane (HFA-S), group 4 and 8 conditioned with Al2O3 air abrasion and silane (AA-S). A Porcelain Repair Kit was used according to manufacturer recommendation in all samples. Peak universal bond adhesive was rubbed on ceramic surface and then bonded with composite resin. For shear bond strength testing the specimens were placed in a universal testing machine. A stereomicroscope at 40x magnification was used to analyse failure pattern. Five specimens in each group after surface treatment were evaluated for surface changes and topography using scanning electron microscopy. The mean repair bond strength was calculated using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test at a significance level of ( p < 0.05).

Result:

The highest repair bond strength was observed in group 3 (LDC) (20.57 ± 3.58 MPa) (HFA-S), whereas, the lowest score was displayed in Group 2 (LDC) using methylene blue photosensitizer (MBPS) (12.18 ± 1.08 MPa). Similarly, in HRC the highest repair SBS was presented in group 8 (AA-S) (20.52 ± 2.51 MPa) and the lowest SBS values were exhibited by PDT treated group 6 (13.22 ± 0.62 MPa).

Conclusion:

A combination of mechanical and chemical surface treatments should be used in order to achieve adequate repair bond strength between resin composites and ceramic interface of LDC and HRC.
Step-cut osteotomy in neglected Monteggia fracture dislocation in pediatric and adolescent patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Peshin Chetan , Ratra Rohan , Juyal Anil Kumar
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Neglected Monteggia fracture dislocation in children leads to significant restriction of daily activities by causing decreased range of motion at elbow, stiffness, deformity, and neurological compromise. Various treatment strategies have been described in the literature and one of them is ulnar osteotomy combined with reduction of radial head and annular ligament reconstruction.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of step-cut osteotomy without the use of bone grafting with reconstruction of annular ligament in the management of neglected Monteggia fracture dislocation in children.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted in six patients with neglected Monteggia fracture dislocation with a mean age of 8.83 years. The median interval between the original injury and the corrective surgery for 6 patients was 4.4 months (range 1–12 months). All children underwent step-cut osteotomy of ulna, open reduction of radial head, and annular ligament reconstruction. Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score was used for evaluation.

Results:

The ulnar osteotomies healed uneventfully without the need for a bone graft. Elbow range of motion improved post-op along with improved elbow functioning as indicated by raised MEPI score. The MEPI score was excellent in 5 cases and fair in 1 case.

Conclusion:

Step-cut osteotomy alone without the use of bone grafting and reinforcement with annular ligament repair is a simple yet effective technique for treating neglected Monteggia fracture dislocation.
A symmetric anchor designed barbed suture versus conventional interrupted sutures in total knee arthroplasty: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Wei , Yan Shigui , Liu Feng , Chai Wei , Zuo Jianlin , Xiao Jun , Niels-Derrek Schmitz , Zhu Qing , Sanghita Bhattacharya , Bogdan Ilie , Wang Kunzheng
Published: December 2020

Objective:

This randomized controlled study was designed to compare the wound closure efficacy and safety of barbed suture in comparison to the conventional interrupted suture for total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods:

This multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial enrolled 184 patients who underwent elective TKA between June 2017 and April 2018. The subjects were randomized between two groups. Surgical incision closure time was considered as the primary end point.

Results:

A total of 184 patients participated in this randomized controlled trial; 91 patients had wound closure that involved barbed suture and 93 patients underwent conventional treatment—that is interrupted suturing with nonbarbed sutures. The surgical incision closure time was shorter ( p < 0.0001) in the barbed suture group compared with the control group (15.5 ± 4.88 vs. 20.9 ± 6.30 min). However, both groups were found to be equal in terms of the rate of postoperative complications.

Conclusion:

Usage of the symmetric anchor designed barbed suture is safe, efficacious, and demonstrates a decrease in surgical incision closure time in patients undergoing TKA compared to interrupted closure using conventional sutures. Future studies are warranted to demonstrate clinical and economic benefits of barbed sutures.
The Influence of Obesity and Meniscal Coverage on In Vivo Tibial Cartilage Thickness and Strain
Authors: Collins Amber T. , Kulvaranon Micaela , Spritzer Charles E. , McNulty Amy L. , DeFrate Louis E.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Obesity, which potentially increases loading at the knee, is a common and modifiable risk factor for the development of knee osteoarthritis. The menisci play an important role in distributing joint loads to the underlying cartilage. However, the influence of obesity on the role of the menisci in cartilage load distribution in vivo is currently unknown.

Purpose

To measure tibial cartilage thickness and compressive strain in response to walking in areas covered and uncovered by the menisci in participants with normal body mass index (BMI) and participants with high BMI.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Magnetic resonance (MR) images of the right knees of participants with normal BMI (<25 kg/m2; n = 8) and participants with high BMI (>30 kg/m2; n = 7) were obtained before and after treadmill walking. The outer margins of the tibia, the medial and lateral cartilage surfaces, and the meniscal footprints were segmented on each MR image to create 3-dimensional models of the joint. Cartilage thickness was measured before and after walking in areas covered and uncovered by the menisci. Cartilage compressive strain was then determined from changes in thickness resulting from the walking task.

Results:

Before exercise, medial and lateral uncovered cartilage of the tibial plateau was significantly thicker than covered cartilage in both BMI groups. In the uncovered region of the lateral tibial plateau, participants with high BMI had thinner preexercise cartilage than those with a normal BMI. Cartilage compressive strain was significantly greater in medial and lateral cartilage in participants with high BMI compared with those with normal BMI in both the regions covered and those uncovered by the menisci.

Conclusion:

Participants with high BMI experienced greater cartilage strain in response to walking than participants with normal BMI in both covered and uncovered regions of cartilage, which may indicate that the load-distributing function of the meniscus is not sufficient to moderate the effects of obesity.

Clinical Relevance:

These findings demonstrate the critical effect of obesity on cartilage function and thickness in regions covered and uncovered by the menisci.
A New Rating Scale for the Rapid Evaluation of High-Level Sports Ability
Authors: Chen Jiebo , Cho Eunshinae , Xu Caiqi , Zhao Jinzhong
Published: December 2020

Background:

Nearly half of patients with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury who have returned to sport after ACL reconstruction can return to sports activity at a competitive level, so emphasis should be focused not only on the timing of return to the sport but also on measuring the ability to participate in high-level sports activity.

Purpose:

To develop and evaluate a new, self-administered rating scale for rapid evaluation of high-level sports ability among community-level athletes who return to sports after ACL reconstruction surgery.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

We developed the new rating scale—the Knee Stability in Sports/Cutting-Pivoting Ability (KSS/CPA) scale—in 2 stages. Initially, we used a survey and roundtable discussion to achieve an expert consensus for the KSS/CPA scale from a group of independent orthopaedic experts. Next, 77 amateur athletes who underwent ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon were recruited for a background analysis of data to compare the new scale with results from the Marx activity rating scale, Tegner activity scale, International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form, and self-assessment of overall knee function.

Results:

The KSS/CPA scale was applicable and effective for evaluating the high-level sports ability of community-level athletes who had returned to their sport after ACL reconstruction. Statistical analysis confirmed the test-retest reliability of the new rating scale (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.85/0.84 postoperatively) as well as its internal consistency (Cronbach alpha coefficient, 0.73 preoperatively and 0.89 postoperatively), construct validity (Spearman correlation coefficient, >0.35 postoperatively), excellent discriminant validity, acceptable responsiveness, and reasonable minimal detectable change (<25).

Conclusion:

The KSS/CPA scale can act as a supplement to other clinical outcome measures for a more comprehensive evaluation of community-level athletes’ cutting-pivoting ability and knee stability.
Risk Factors for Revision Posterior Shoulder Stabilization in Throwing Athletes
Authors: Vaswani Ravi , Arner Justin , Freiman Halle , Bradley James P.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Revision posterior shoulder capsulolabral repair has inferior outcomes compared with primary surgery. Risk factors for revision in throwing athletes are unknown.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to characterize the revision rate and risk factors for revision surgery in throwing athletes. It was hypothesized that female athletes and those with smaller glenoid bone width would be at higher risk for revision surgery.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 105 throwing athletes who underwent arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair of their throwing shoulder were reviewed at a minimum of 2-year follow-up, and patients who required a revision were compared with those who did not. Collected data compared between the revision and no-revision groups included age, sex, contact sport participation, and return to sport (RTS). American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score, stability, pain, strength, range of motion (ROM), and patient satisfaction. Radiographic parameters including glenoid bone version, cartilage version, labral version, bone width, labral width, glenoid labral version and width weight were also compared between both groups.

Results:

Nine throwers required revision (8.6%) at an average of 2.8 years postoperatively. There were more female athletes in the revision than no-revision group (55.5% vs 23.4%; P = .03). There was no significant difference in age, proportion of contact athletes, rotator cuff tears, glenoid bone version, cartilage version, labral version, labral version weight, bone width, labral width, or labral width weight. Both groups had similar preoperative, postoperative, and change in ASES, KJOC, pain, strength, stability, and ROM scores. The proportion of patients with full strength and with full ROM, as well as patients who were satisfied with outcomes was similar between groups. Fewer patients in the revision group returned to sports compared with those in the no-revision group (14.3% vs 83.6%; P < .001), although return to sports at same level was not significantly different between groups (14.3% vs 37.2%; P = .41).

Conclusion:

The revision rate of arthroscopic posterior shoulder stabilization in throwers was 8.6%. Female athletes were at higher risk for revision, and return to sports was lower in patients who underwent revision surgery.