bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental Trajectories of Justice System-Involved Friendship Proportion: Relevance for Predicting Continued Offending Risk in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Wojciechowski Thomas
Published: October 2021

There is limited research which has examined the developmental nature of friendships and their relevance for offending. This study examined heterogeneity in the development of justice system-involved friendship proportionality and its relevance for predicting offending continuity in emerging adulthood. Having a greater proportion of such peers within a friendship collective as individuals exit adolescence may lead to continued risk of offending in adulthood. The Pathways to Desistance data were used in analyses. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify developmental patterns of justice system-involved friendship proportionality during adolescence and emerging adulthood. Logistic regression was used to assess the relevance of trajectory group assignment for predicting offending risk in emerging adulthood. Findings indicated that a six-group trajectory model best fit the data. All other trajectory groups in the model indicated a lower risk of offending in emerging adulthood than the High Chronic justice system-involved friendship proportionality group. Sensitivity analyses indicated that separation from criminal peers following adolescence may be a more conservative predictor of offending risk in emerging adulthood.
Acute Effects of High-Dose Furosemide on Residual Renal Function in CAPD Patients
Authors: Van Olden Rudolf W. , Guchelaar Henk-Jan , Struijk Dirk G. , Krediet Raymond T. , Arisz Lambertus
Published: October 2021

♦ Background

High doses of furosemide can increase urine volume in chronic peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. However, no information is available about effects on urinary solute excretion in relation to residual glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urinary furosemide excretion, and peritoneal solute kinetics.

♦ Methods

Diuretic response and the effect on peritoneal fluid and solute transport parameters were investigated in 7 stable CAPD patients with residual renal function (median urine volume 350 mL/24 hours, range 140–1900 mL/24 hours). Comparisons were made during two clearance periods of 24 hours: one without (P1) and one during 2 g furosemide (P2).

♦ Results

The median increase in urine volume was 400 mL (range 270 – 910 mL, p < 0.02) and the increase in sodium excretion was 54 mmol (range 25 –118 mmol, p < 0.02). No change in GFR was found between P1 (2.4 mL/minute, range 0.6 – 5.7 mL/min) and P2 (2.0 mL/min, range 1.0 – 4.8 mL/min). An increase in fractional clearance was found for volume, sodium, potassium, and osmolality ( p < 0.02). No change was found in the fractional clearance of urea and electrolyte-free water. Furosemide excretion in urine was 8.7 mg/24 hours (range 2.1 – 38 mg/24 hours) and in dialysate 4.9 mg/24 hours (range 1.9 – 7.8 mg/24 hours). Plasma furosemide concentration was 29.5 mg/L (range 6.2 – 43.9 mg/L). A positive correlation was found between residual GFR and total urine furosemide excretion ( r=0.93, p < 0.005). Efficiency, expressed as the increase in fractional sodium clearance (percent) per milligram of furosemide excreted per 24 hours, was 1.2%/mg (range 0.3%–11.3%/mg).

♦ Conclusion

High-dose furosemide is effective in CAPD patients in increasing urine volume and electrolyte excretion without affecting urea and creatinine clearance. In CAPD patients, the individual response to an identical high dose of furosemide is dependent on the magnitude of residual GFR.
Transparent low-flammability epoxy resins using a benzoguanamine-based DOPO derivative
Authors: Han Xiao , Chen Rui , Yang Mei , Sun Chuanbo , Wang Kun , Wang Yinsong
Published: October 2021

We successfully prepared a highly effective flame-retardant additive called hsalbenzoguanamine phosphaphenanthrene (HDPD) through salicylaldehyde and nitrogen-rich benzoguanamine. The introduction of HDPD into epoxy resin (EP) sharply enhanced the flame retardancy of EP/HDPD thermosets. The introduction of 6 wt% HDPD into EP succeeded in reaching the V-0 rating. Limited oxygen index results revealed the high flame-retarding performance of HDPD. Cone calorimeter test data revealed that heat and smoke released from EP/6 wt% HDPD thermoset were significantly restrained. In addition, EP/6 wt% HDPD thermoset demonstrated excellent transmittance and mechanical strength. The transmittance of EP/6 wt% HDPD was assessed from 520 to 800 nm. The results showed that transmittance of EP/6 wt% HDPD were nearly 90% of the control group.
Research on dynamic load sharing characteristics of double input face gear split-parallel transmission system
Authors: Mo Shuai , Song Yuling , Feng Zhiyou , Song Wenhao , Hou Maoxiang
Published: October 2021

The face gear power-split system has huge superiorities over the traditional transmission form in the application of modern rotorcraft, and it has become the research trend of the industry in recent years. Thus this paper took the double input face gear split-parallel transmission system used in the rotorcraft as the research target, and established its dynamics model through the lumped parameter theory. Based on the Newtonian second law, the dynamics equations were built and solved to gain the meshing forces and load sharing coefficients of the transmission system. Simultaneously, the impacts of the eccentric errors, support stiffness, and torsional stiffness on the load sharing characteristics were studied. The results show that the meshing forces and load sharing coefficients of each gear pair have periodic changes; the eccentric errors of each drive stage gear have only a significant effect on the corresponding drive stage. Moreover, the changes in the support stiffness of the split-torque shafts and double gear shafts mainly affect the load distribution of the parallel stage, and the shaft torsional stiffness is less sensitively to maintain load balance. In addition, the increment of the shaft stiffness increases the load sharing coefficients of the corresponding gear pairs.
An improved contact model considered the effect of boundary lubrication regime on piston ring-liner contact for the two-stroke marine engines from the perspective of the Stribeck curve
Authors: Xiuyi Lyu , Jiao Bowen , Wang Yuechang , Azam Abdullah , Lu Xiqun , Zou Dequan , Ma Xuan , Neville Anne
Published: October 2021

The prediction of lubrication performance is required to be the basement of friction optimization for marine engines. This paper simulates the lubrication performance of marine engines based on statistical models which have the advantages of fast, efficient, and macroscopic fault location. Boundary lubrication exists in the piston ring-cylinder liner (PRCL) of two-stroke marine engines because of the harsher load, lower speed, and larger structure. It has been proposed that there would be tribofilm under boundary lubrication which has a significant influence on the contact. To understand the boundary lubrication, it is necessary to study the lubrication regime transition. In this paper, firstly, the coefficient of friction curve combined with the thickness ratio embodies the lubrication regime transition process of two-stroke engines under work conditions. However, the phenomenon that the coefficients under boundary lubrication are smaller than that of other regimes shows the non-objectivity of this curve. Therefore, the Stribeck curve is introduced for objectively evaluating the transition. Then, the calculation of asperities contact pressure under boundary lubrication, which Wen proposed, is introduced into the classic Greenwood-Williamson model, the problem that the original model cannot reflect the boundary lubrication regime in the form of the Stribeck curve is improved. Finally, the results are compared before and after modifying the model to verify this study’s practicability. It provides more precise asperities contact pressure for the tribofilm growth calculation from the perspective of the Stribeck curve under the PRCL statistical model in future work.
Multiple imputation with missing data indicators
Authors: Beesley Lauren J , Bondarenko Irina , Elliot Michael R , Kurian Allison W , Katz Steven J , Taylor Jeremy MG
Published: October 2021

Multiple imputation is a well-established general technique for analyzing data with missing values. A convenient way to implement multiple imputation is sequential regression multiple imputation, also called chained equations multiple imputation. In this approach, we impute missing values using regression models for each variable, conditional on the other variables in the data. This approach, however, assumes that the missingness mechanism is missing at random, and it is not well-justified under not-at-random missingness without additional modification. In this paper, we describe how we can generalize the sequential regression multiple imputation imputation procedure to handle missingness not at random in the setting where missingness may depend on other variables that are also missing but not on the missing variable itself, conditioning on fully observed variables. We provide algebraic justification for several generalizations of standard sequential regression multiple imputation using Taylor series and other approximations of the target imputation distribution under missingness not at random. Resulting regression model approximations include indicators for missingness, interactions, or other functions of the missingness not at random missingness model and observed data. In a simulation study, we demonstrate that the proposed sequential regression multiple imputation modifications result in reduced bias in the final analysis compared to standard sequential regression multiple imputation, with an approximation strategy involving inclusion of an offset in the imputation model performing the best overall. The method is illustrated in a breast cancer study, where the goal is to estimate the prevalence of a specific genetic pathogenic variant.
Investigation of mechanical properties and biodegradability of compatibilized thermoplastic starch/ high impact polystyrene blends reinforced by organophilic montmorillonite
Authors: El Houda Aouadi Nour , Hellati Abdelhak , Cherupurakal Nizamudeen , Guessoum Melia , Mourad Abdel-Hamid I
Published: October 2021

This work consists of preparation and characterization of composites produced from thermoplastic starch (TPS) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS). Due to the immiscibility of the system (TPS/HIPS), it was necessary to incorporate concentrations of 1, 2 and 3% of an organophilic montmorillonite (MMT) to improve the properties of the mixtures, in particular their rigidity. The composites thus prepared were characterized using XRD, FTIR, mechanical test, degree of swelling in water and biodegradability. The results show that the addition of MMT improves the mechanical properties of the mixtures such as the tensile strength and the Young’s modulus by 5% and 10%, respectively. In contrast, the resilience of the system has significantly decreased. Moreover, for 3% of MMT, the composites biodegradability is enhanced by 15% when compared to the TPS/HIPS mixture without MMT.
An In-Service Educational Package Improves Alarm Management in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Before and After Study
Authors: Hedda Suryaprakash , A. Shashidhar , Nesargi Saudamini , Balla Kalyan Chakravarthy , Y. N. Prashantha , P. N. Suman Rao
Published: October 2021

Background:

Monitoring in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) largely relies on equipment which have a number of alarms that are often quite loud. This creates a noisy environment, and moreover leads to desensitization of health-care personnel, whereby potentially important alarms may also be ignored. The objective was to evaluate the effect of an educational package on alarm management (the number of alarms, response to alarms, and appropriateness of settings).

Methods:

A before and after study was conducted at a tertiary neonatal care center in a teaching hospital in India involving all health-care professionals (HCP) working in the high dependency unit. The intervention consisted of demo lectures about working of alarms and bedside demonstrations of customizing alarm limits. A pre- and postintervention questionnaire was also administered to assess knowledge and attitude toward alarms. The outcomes were the number and type of alarms, response time, appropriateness of HCP response, and appropriateness of alarm limits as observed across a 24-h period which were compared before and after the intervention.

Findings:

The intervention resulted in a significant decrease in the number of alarms (11.6-9.6/h). The number of times where appropriate alarm settings were used improved from 24.3% to 67.1% ( P < .001). The response time to alarm did not change significantly (225 s vs 200 s); however, the appropriate response to alarms improved significantly from 15.6% to 68.8%.

Conclusion:

A simple structured intervention can improve the appropriate management of alarms.

Application to Practice:

Customizing alarm limits and nursing education reduce the alarm burden in NICUs
Finsler differential geometry in continuum mechanics: Fundamental concepts, history, and renewed application to ferromagnetic solids
Authors: Clayton John D.
Published: October 2021

Finsler differential geometry enables enriched mathematical and physical descriptions of the mechanics of materials with microstructure. The first propositions for Finsler geometry in solid mechanics emerged some six decades ago. Ideas set forth in these early works are reviewed, along with subsequent literature culminating in contemporary theories of Finsler-geometric continuum mechanics. Concepts unique to generalized Finsler spaces, in the context of continuum mechanical applications, are highlighted. Capabilities afforded by physical models in generalized Finsler spaces are contrasted with those of standard approaches in affinely connected spaces. Theory and several examples of reduced dimensionality are reported for boundary value problems of fracture and phase transformations, showing how simultaneously novel, physical, and pragmatic model predictions can be obtained from Finsler-type continuum field theory. Lastly, the modern theory is newly applied to describe nonlinear elastic ferromagnetic solids in the magnetically saturated state. A variational approach is used to derive Euler–Lagrange equations for macroscopic and microscopic, i.e., respective electromechanical and electronic continuum, equilibrium states. For a representative generalized Finsler metric depending on material symmetry, augmented conservation laws of macroscopic momentum and electronic spin angular momentum naturally emerge.
Is a Decentralized Police Organization a Better Option in a Modern Democratic Society? A Case Study From South Korea
Authors: Han Sungil , LaPrade Jennifer , Hwang EuiGab
Published: October 2021

While western countries have had a decentralized policing model for many years, some countries, such as South Korea, still employ a centralized, national police department. Responding to calls for reform, South Korea launched a pilot program and implemented a more decentralized policing structure in Jeju Island in 2006. This study adds to the policing literature by offering the empirical comparison of a region before and after decentralization of a police department. This study will examine the intervention effects of police decentralization in Jeju, specifically related to crime rates, crime clearance rates, victimization, trust in police, and fear of crime. Using propensity score matching and interrupted time series analysis, this study found that the decentralized policing intervention significantly reduced total crime, violent crime rates, and property crime rates that lasted throughout the intervention period, while improving crime clearance rates for violent crime, as well as reduced fear of crime among residents.
Current Substances Use Among Students in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 20-Years Evidence
Authors: Roba Hirbo Shore , Gebremichael Berhe , Adem Hassen Abdi , Beyene Addisu Shunu
Published: October 2021

Background:

The use of psychoactive substances is one of the main public health issues worldwide. However, there is a lack of evidence on the magnitude of current substance use among students in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to provide comprehensive views of the current prevalence of substance use among students in Ethiopia.

Methods:

We searched PubMed/Medline, Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI), Google Scholar, and gray literature sources between 2000 and 2019. The prevalence of current substances with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using the random-effects model. The results were presented using forest plots, and Cochrane Q-test and I2 were used to measure the extents of between-study variations.

Results:

A total of 1543 study articles were identified from electronic databases, and 32 cross-sectional studies were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of current use of at least 1 substance was 37.63% (95% CI: 33.66, 41.69), alcohol 27.61% (95% CI: 22.10, 33.48), khat 17.20% (95% CI: 14.03, 20.62), and smoking 9.74% (95% CI: 7.17, 12.64). The prevalence of any substance use in high school students versus university/college students was 41.55% (95% CI: 38.83, 44.29) versus 36.24% (95% CI: 32.37, 40.20), alcohol 24.21% (95% CI: 14.05, 36.11) versus 25.27% (95% CI: 19.76, 31.20), khat 13.82% (95% CI: 8.61, 20.02) versus 17.30% (95% CI:13.75, 21.16), and cigarette 8.30% (95% CI: 1.89, 18.60) versus 9.80% (95% CI: 7.32, 12.58). Meta-regression analysis revealed publication year, sample size, female proportion, and age were not significantly associated with the current use of substances.

Conclusion:

Overall, the current substance use of any substance, alcohol, chewing khat, and smoking cigarettes was relatively high. A significant proportion of high school students were already using substances at an early age. Policymakers should formulate and implement regulations to control the pervasive use of substances by young people around educational institutions at all levels.

Protocol Registration:

The protocol has been registered on 19 August 2019 on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with ID: CDR42019130560.
The effects of proactive form-focused instruction and individual differences on second language acquisition
Authors: Lee Andrew H.
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the extent to which second language (L2) learners benefited from proactive form-focused instruction (FFI) targeting French grammatical gender attribution and the degree to which L2 learners’ attention control and working memory predicted their learning gains. A total of 102 L2 learners received either proactive FFI targeting French grammatical gender attribution or their regular instruction (i.e. control condition) for six 80-minute instructional sessions. A pretest, an immediate posttest, and a delayed posttest were administered, each entailing binary-choice, text-completion, picture-description, and listening tasks. The L2 learners also completed the Simon Test and the Corsi Block-Tapping Test, which measured their attention control and working memory. Results showed that L2 learners receiving the proactive FFI condition significantly outperformed those receiving the control condition in all tasks after the instructional sessions. More importantly, L2 learners’ attention control and working memory were significant predictors of their learning gains in the binary-choice and listening tasks, but not in the text-completion and picture-description tasks. The current study highlighted the roles of L2 learners’ attention control and working memory in proactive FFI.
Cold-formed steel battened built-up columns: Experimental behaviour and verification of different design rules developed
Authors: Dar A.R. , Vijayanand S. , Anbarasu M. , Dar M. Adil
Published: October 2021

Some of the past studies on cold-formed steel (CFS) battened built-up columns have resulted in the development of new design rules for predicting their axial strengths. However, the main drawbacks of such studies are that they are purely numerical and the numerical models developed for such parametric studies were validated using the test results on similar built-up column configurations, but not the exact ones. Therefore, experimental studies on CFS battened columns comprising of lipped channels are needed for verifying the accuracy of the proposed design rules for CFS battened columns. This paper reports an experimental study performed on CFS built-up battened columns under axial compression. Adequately spaced identical lipped channels in the back-to-back arrangement were used as chords and were connected by batten plates laterally with self-driving screws to form the built-up members. The dimensions of chords were fixed as per the geometric limits given out in the North American Specifications (NAS) for the design of CFS structural members. The sectional compactness of the chords and the overall slenderness of the built-up columns were varied by altering the thickness of the channels and height of the built-up columns, respectively. A total of 20 built-up sections were tested under uniform compression to investigate the behavioural changes in the built-up columns due to these variations. The behaviour assessment was made in terms of peak strengths, load–displacement response and failure modes of the test specimens. The current design standards on CFS structures were used to determine the design strengths and were compared against the test strengths for assessing their adequacy. Furthermore, as discussed in the beginning, the test strengths were used to verify the accuracy of the different relevant proposed design rules in the literature.
The certainty–offending relationship as a function of a nation's free market cultural ethos
Authors: Walters Glenn D
Published: October 2021

The current study sought to integrate aspects of classic strain and institutional anomie theories with concepts from deterrence and rational choice theories for application in a large sample of European respondents. Participants were 52,458 individuals (55% female, average age = 48 years) from the fifth round of the 27-country European Social Survey. Each participant rated their involvement in three relatively minor offenses (false insurance claims, buying stolen property, and traffic offenses) over the past five years along with their perceived certainty of getting caught and punished should they commit one or more of these prohibited acts. Each country's total 2010 Index of Economic Freedom score was also included in the study as a level 2 variable in a two-level multilevel modeling analysis. Consistent with predictions, participants from countries with higher Index of Economic Freedom scores displayed a significantly stronger connection between certainty of punishment and involvement in minor offending than participants from lower Index of Economic Freedom countries. An additional individual-level variable, the marketized mentality, was also included in the analysis and while it correlated with minor offending, it failed to interact with the Index of Economic Freedom or alter free market cultural ethos moderation of the certainty-offending relationship. These findings suggest that individuals living in a country with a strong free market cultural ethos are more apt to incorporate rational choice principles like certainty into their crime-related decisions than individuals residing in a country with a weaker free market cultural ethos.
Reporting of Research Ethics in Studies Focusing on Foot Health in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis – A Systematic Review
Authors: Stolt Minna , Kielo-Viljamaa Emilia , Laitinen Anne-Marie , Suhonen Riitta , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: October 2021

Research ethics is a fundamental part of the entire research. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are sensitive group of research participants because their long-term health problems cause significant changes in their foot health. In foot health research, data are usually collected through a clinical assessment of the foot or questionnaires. However, there is limited evidence of the reported research ethics of empirical studies on foot health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore this review aimed to analyze the reported research ethics of peer-reviewed empirical studies focusing on foot health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis as research participants. This systematic review used the Medline/PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases. A total of 1,653 records were identified, and 32 articles were included in the final analysis. Reporting research ethics in studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is fragmented, focusing predominantly on ethical approval and informed consent and lacking a broader discussion about research ethics.
Resolving the Near-Infrared Spectrum of Articular Cartilage
Authors: Afara Isaac O. , Oloyede Adekunle
Published: October 2021

Objective

Spectroscopic techniques, such as near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, are gaining significant research interest for characterizing connective tissues, particularly articular cartilage, because there is still a largely unmet need for rapid, accurate and objective methods for assessing tissue integrity in real-time during arthroscopic surgery. This study aims to identify the NIR spectral range that is optimal for characterizing cartilage integrity by ( a) identifying the contribution of its major constituents (collagen and proteoglycans) to its overall spectrum using proxy constituent models and ( b) determining constituent-specific spectral contributions that can be used for assessment of cartilage in its physiological state.

Design

The NIR spectra of cartilage matrix constituent models were measured and compared with specific molecular components of organic compounds in the NIR spectral range in order to identify their bands and molecular assignments. To verify the identified bands, spectra of the model compounds were compared with those of native cartilage. Since water obscures some bands in the NIR range, spectral measurements of the native cartilage were conducted under conditions of decreasing water content to amplify features of the solid matrix components. The identified spectral bands were then compared and examined in the resulting spectra of the intact cartilage samples.

Results

As water was progressively eliminated from cartilage, the specific contribution of the different matrix components was observed to correspond with those identified from the proxy cartilage component models.

Conclusion

Spectral peaks in the regions 5500 to 6250 cm−1 and 8100 to 8600 cm−1 were identified to be effective for characterizing cartilage proteoglycan and collagen contents, respectively.
Indoor Environments and Geographical Information Systems: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Teixeira Hugo , Magalhães Alexandre , Ramalho André , Pina Maria de Fátima , Gonçalves Hernâni
Published: October 2021

The increasing dissemination of geographic information systems (GIS) in recent years has broadened the availability and use of geospatial tools, mostly to analyze the spatial data of different territories. A territory can be viewed at different analysis scales, and some buildings are as complex as small cities, presenting the opportunity to use GIS to study the dynamics, patterns, and phenomena within a building. This study presents a systematic literature review of the relevant evidence focused on the utilization of GIS in indoor spaces. To this end, we searched in three scientific libraries following the PRISMA statement guidelines. All phases were analyzed independently by two of the authors and agreement between them calculated through the Kappa statistic. In total, 50 studies were included. A qualitative synthesis was performed, considering the assessment of data and heterogeneity of methodologies within the included articles. Subsequently, the studies were categorized into five groups: indoor management, indoor geospatial analysis, indoor positioning, indoor data acquisition, and indoor spatial data models. The results demonstrate that research on the use of GIS in indoor spaces is still emerging, despite its great potential to help and GIS users, data producers, researchers, or policymakers to improve their work, providing scientific evidence for decision support.
Biomechanical Comparison of Capsular Repair, Capsular Shift, and Capsular Plication for Hip Capsular Closure: Is a Single Repair Technique Best for All?
Authors: De Giacomo Anthony F. , Lu Young , Suh Dong Hun , McGarry Michelle H. , Banffy Michael , Lee Thay Q.
Published: October 2021

Background:

In hip arthroscopy, the best capsular closure technique to prevent microinstability in some patients while preventing overconstraints in other patients has yet to be determined.

Purpose:

To evaluate the biomechanical effects of capsular repair, capsular shift, and combination capsular shift and capsular plication for closure of the hip capsule.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Eight cadaveric hips (4 male and 4 female hips; mean age, 55.7 years) were evaluated in 7 conditions: intact, vented, capsulotomy, side-to-side repair, side-to-side repair with capsular plication (interval closure between iliofemoral and ischiofemoral ligaments), capsular shift repair, and capsular shift repair with plication. Measurements, via a 360° goniometer, included internal and external rotation with 1.5 N·m of torque at 5° of extension and 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion. In addition, the degree of maximum extension with 5 N·m of torque and the amount of femoral distraction with 40 N and 80 N of force were obtained. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc analyses were used to analyze differences between capsular conditions.

Results:

At lower hip positions (5° of extension, 0° and 30° of flexion), there was a significant increase in external rotation and total rotation after capsulotomy versus the intact state ( P < .05). At all hip flexion angles, there was a significant increase in external rotation, internal rotation, and total rotation as well as a significant increase in maximum extension after capsulotomy versus capsular shift with plication ( P < .05 for all). At all flexion angles, both capsular closure with side-to-side repair (with or without plication) and capsular shift without capsular plication were able to restore rotation, with no significant differences compared with the intact capsule ( P > .05). Among repair constructs, there were significant differences in range of motion between side-to-side repair and combined capsular shift with plication ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

At all positions, significantly increased rotational motion was seen after capsulotomy. Capsular closure was able to restore rotation similar to an intact capsule. Combined capsular shift and plication may provide more restrained rotation for conditions of hip microinstability but may overconstrain hips without laxity.

Clinical Relevance:

More advanced closure techniques or a combination of techniques may be needed for patients with hip laxity and microinstability. At the same time, simple repair may suffice for patients without these conditions.
Proximal Adductor Longus Tendon Repair With a Concomitant Distal Fascial Release for Complete Hip Adductor Tendon Tears: Surgical Technique and Outcomes in 40 Male Athletes
Authors: Lempainen Lasse , Hetsroni Iftach , Kosola Jussi A. , Sinikumpu Jaakko J. , Mazzoni Stefano , Orava Sakari
Published: October 2021

Background:

The optimal treatment for complete avulsions of the proximal adductor longus (AL) is still debatable, and different operative and nonoperative treatment options have been suggested.

Purpose:

To report surgical techniques and functional outcomes of a series of athletes who were treated operatively for proximal AL tears.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent surgical repair of complete proximal AL tear with concomitant distal fascial release with or without lesions of the neighboring soft tissue structures was performed. This included preinjury Tegner score, age, number of tendons involved, time interval from injury to surgery, and postoperative complications. Self-reported outcomes were defined based on the ability to regain sports activities (excellent, good, moderate, fair, or poor). Between-group comparisons were performed to identify factors associated with improved outcomes. The Mann-Whitney nonparametric test was used for comparing continuous variables, and the Fisher exact test was used for comparing nominal variables.

Results:

A total of 40 male athletes were included in the evaluation, with an average follow-up of 11 months (range, 6 months-8 years). Self-reported outcome was excellent in 23 (57.5%), good in 13 (32.5%), and moderate in 4 (10%) patients. Comparisons between patients with excellent versus good/moderate outcomes revealed nonsignificant differences regarding age at injury and preinjury Tegner score. Athletes with excellent outcomes received surgery sooner after the injury compared with athletes with good/moderate outcomes (2.4 ± 1.8 vs 11.4 ± 11.0 weeks, respectively; P < .01).

Conclusion:

Surgical repair for complete proximal AL tears with a concomitant distal fascial release resulted in outcomes rated as good or excellent in 90% of the cases. This treatment should be considered particularly in high-level athletes with a clear tendon retraction and within the first month after the injury. Further research is nevertheless needed to compare these outcomes with other treatment alternatives to better define criteria advocating surgery.
Effect of COVID-19 Social Isolation Policies on Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Webster Kate E. , Klemm Haydn J. , Devitt Brian M. , Whitehead Timothy S. , Feller Julian A.
Published: October 2021

Background:

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on health care in Australia. To contain the spread of the virus, strict physical distancing and social isolation policies were implemented from late March 2020. This presented a situation in which patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction had limited access to face-to-face supervised rehabilitation and rehabilitation facilities.

Purpose:

To explore the impact of social distancing and isolation policies on postoperative rehabilitation in patients after ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients who had ACL reconstruction from October 2019 until the end of March 2020 (6 months before the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions) completed an online self-report questionnaire containing 5 sections: utilization of health care professionals for rehabilitation, frequency of rehabilitation, patient concerns and attitude, perceived impact on recovery, and changes to employment status. We compared the responses of patients who had surgery in 2019 with those who had surgery in 2020. Statistical analysis was performed using frequency statistics and central tendency measures.

Results:

A total of 185 patients (97 men, 88 women) completed the survey, for a 73% response rate. Patients had a mean age of 28 years (range, 13-57 years) and had undergone surgery a mean 4.5 months prior (range, 1.5-8 months). Most patients (80%) maintained face-to-face rehabilitation, predominantly with a physical therapist, regardless of whether their surgery took place in 2019 or 2020; rehabilitation with active, supervised exercises was most common. Almost all patients were performing strengthening exercises (164/185), and most were performing range-of-motion (139/185) and aerobic (123/185) activities at their homes. Patients were minimally concerned about access to supervised rehabilitation and knee reinjury, but they were concerned about access to equipment. Because of COVID-19, 30% were working from home; 17% were on reduced hours and 8% on increased hours; 15% were on leave or unemployed; and 30% reported no change in employment status.

Conclusion:

Patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction just before or during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic were able to maintain in-person contact with their health professionals during rehabilitation, and they had a positive outlook and managed well despite the restrictions.
ERS statement: a core outcome set for clinical trials evaluating the management of COPD exacerbations
Authors: Mathioudakis Alexander G. , Abroug Fekri , Agusti Alvar , Ananth Sachin , Bakke Per , Bartziokas Konstantinos , Beghe Bianca , Bikov Andras , Bradbury Thomas , Brusselle Guy , Cadus Cordula , Coleman Courtney , Contoli Marco , Corlateanu Alexandru , Corlateanu Olga , Criner Gerard J. , Csoma Balazs , Emelyanov Alexander , Faner Rosa , Fernandez Romero Gustavo , Hammouda Zeineb , Horváth Peter , Huerta Garcia Arturo , Jacobs Michael , Jenkins Christine , Joos Guy , Kharevich Olga , Kostikas Konstantinos , Lapteva Elena , Lazar Zsofia , Leuppi Joerg D. , Liddle Carol , Linnell John , López-Giraldo Alejandra , McDonald Vanessa M. , Nielsen Rune , Papi Alberto , Saraiva Isabel , Sergeeva Galina , Sioutkou Agni , Sivapalan Pradeesh , Stovold Elizabeth , Wang Hao , Wen Fuqiang , Yorke Janelle , Williamson Paula R. , Vestbo Jørgen , Jensen Jens-Ulrik
Published: October 2021

Clinical trials evaluating the management of acute exacerbations of COPD assess heterogeneous outcomes, often omitting those that are clinically relevant or more important to patients. We have developed a core outcome set, a consensus-based minimum set of important outcomes that we recommend are evaluated in all future clinical trials on exacerbations management, to improve their quality and comparability. COPD exacerbations outcomes were identified through methodological systematic reviews and qualitative interviews with 86 patients from 11 countries globally. The most critical outcomes were prioritised for inclusion in the core outcome set through a two-round Delphi survey completed by 1063 participants (256 patients, 488 health professionals and 319 clinical academics) from 88 countries in five continents. Two global, multi-stakeholder, virtual consensus meetings were conducted to 1) finalise the core outcome set and 2) prioritise a single measurement instrument to be used for evaluating each of the prioritised outcomes. Consensus was informed by rigorous methodological systematic reviews. The views of patients with COPD were accounted for at all stages of the project. Survival, treatment success, breathlessness, quality of life, activities of daily living, the need for a higher level of care, arterial blood gases, disease progression, future exacerbations and hospital admissions, treatment safety and adherence were all included in the core outcome set. Focused methodological research was recommended to further validate and optimise some of the selected measurement instruments. The panel did not consider the prioritised set of outcomes and associated measurement instruments to be burdensome for patients and health professionals to use.
Insight into removals of PARAFAC components from dissolved and particulate organic matter in wastewater treatment process by two-dimensional correlation and structure equation modeling
Authors: Yu Benxin , Liu Dongping , Wang Jian , Sun Yingxue
Published: October 2021

Background

Most particulate organic matter (POM) cannot be directly degraded in the conventional wastewater treatment, which should be transformed into dissolved organic matter (DOM) through a hydrolysis process. However, non-hydrolyzed POM in the biological treatment can limit treated efficiencies for the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) facilities. Hence an operational tool is indispensable for insight into removals of DOM and POM factions in the WWTP. In this study, excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy (EEM) combined parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), two-dimensional correlation (2D-COS) and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to evaluate removals of DOM and POM in a wastewater treatment plant.

Results

Four fluorescence components were identified in DOM and POM substances from the WWTP by EEM combined with PARAFAC, i.e., tyrosine-like (TYLF), tryptophan-like (TRLF), microbial byproduct-like (MBLF), and fulvic acid-like (FALF). In A2/O process, the TYLF and TRLF of DOM were removed to a larger extent than those of MBLF and FALF in anaerobic tank, while TYLF and MBLF of POM were removed to a great extent than those of TRLF and FALF in primary sedimentation and aerobic tanks. By the 2D-COS, a decreasing variation order of DOM fractions in the wastewater treatment process was UV-FALF → MBLF2 → Vis-FALF → TRLF → TYLF, while the decreasing order of POM fractions was Vis-FALF → UV-FALF → MBLF2 → TYLF → MBLF1 → TRLF. SEM revealed that TRLF and TYLF of DOM were degraded by anaerobic microorganism, and TRLF could be transformed partially into FALF. However, TRFL and TYLF of POM were discomposed by aerobic microorganism.

Conclusions

The 2D-COS and SEM can be practicable tools as EEM-PARAFAC for monitoring DOM and POM in the WWTP. The study could present a theoretical support to improving the retrofit of WWTP and formulating emission standards for organic pollutants.
Genome-wide identification and expression profile analysis of trihelix transcription factor family genes in response to abiotic stress in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]
Authors: Li Kuiyin , Duan Lili , Zhang Yubo , Shi Miaoxiao , Chen Songshu , Yang Mingfang , Ding Yanqing , Peng Yashu , Dong Yabing , Yang Hao , Li Zhenhua , Zhang Liyi , Fan Yu , Ren Mingjian
Published: October 2021

Background

Transcription factors, including trihelix transcription factors, play vital roles in various growth and developmental processes and in abiotic stress responses in plants. Thetrihelixgene has been systematically studied in some dicots and monocots, includingArabidopsis,tomato, chrysanthemum, soybean, wheat, corn, rice, and buckwheat. However, there are no related studies on sorghum.

Results

In this study, a total of 40 sorghum trihelix (SbTH) genes were identified based on the sorghum genome, among which 34 were located in the nucleus, 5 in the chloroplast, 1 (SbTH38) in the cytoplasm, and 1 (SbTH23) in the extracellular membrane. Phylogenetic analysis of theSbTHgenes andArabidopsisand ricetrihelixgenes indicated that the genes were clustered into seven subfamilies: SIP1, GTγ, GT1, GT2, SH4, GTSb8, and orphan genes. TheSbTHgenes were located in nine chromosomes and none on chromosome 10. One pair of tandem duplication gene and seven pairs of segmental duplication genes were identified in theSbTHgene family. By qPCR, the expression of 14 SbTH members in different plant tissues and in plants exposed to six abiotic stresses at the seedling stage were quantified. Except for the leaves in which the genes were upregulated after only 2 h exposure to high temperature, the 12 SbTHgenes were significantly upregulated in the stems of sorghum seedlings after 24 h under the other abiotic stress conditions. Among the selected genes,SbTH10/37/39were significantly upregulated, whereasSbTH32was significantly downregulated under different stress conditions.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified 40 trihelix genes in sorghum and found that gene duplication was the main force drivingtrihelixgene evolution in sorghum. The findings of our study serve as a basis for further investigation of the functions ofSbTHgenes and providing candidate genes for stress-resistant sorghum breeding programmes and increasing sorghum yield.
Comprehensive genome-wide analysis of calmodulin-binding transcription activator (CAMTA) in Durio zibethinus and identification of fruit ripening-associated DzCAMTAs
Authors: Iqbal Zahra , Iqbal Mohammed Shariq , Sangpong Lalida , Khaksar Gholamreza , Sirikantaramas Supaart , Buaboocha Teerapong
Published: October 2021

Background

Fruit ripening is an intricate developmental process driven by a highly coordinated action of complex hormonal networks. Ethylene is considered as the main phytohormone that regulates the ripening of climacteric fruits. Concomitantly, several ethylene-responsive transcription factors (TFs) are pivotal components of the regulatory network underlying fruit ripening. Calmodulin-binding transcription activator (CAMTA) is one such ethylene-induced TF implicated in various stress and plant developmental processes.

Results

Our comprehensive analysis of the CAMTA gene family in Durio zibethinus (durian, Dz) identified 10 CAMTAs with conserved domains. Phylogenetic analysis of DzCAMTAs, positioned DzCAMTA3 with its tomato ortholog that has already been validated for its role in the fruit ripening process through ethylene-mediated signaling. Furthermore, the transcriptome-wide analysis revealed DzCAMTA3 and DzCAMTA8 as the highest expressing durian CAMTA genes. These two DzCAMTAs possessed a distinct ripening-associated expression pattern during post-harvest ripening in Monthong, a durian cultivar native to Thailand. The expression profiling of DzCAMTA3 and DzCAMTA8 under natural ripening conditions and ethylene-induced/delayed ripening conditions substantiated their roles as ethylene-induced transcriptional activators of ripening. Similarly, auxin-suppressed expression of DzCAMTA3 and DzCAMTA8 confirmed their responsiveness to exogenous auxin treatment in a time-dependent manner. Accordingly, we propose that DzCAMTA3 and DzCAMTA8 synergistically crosstalk with ethylene during durian fruit ripening. In contrast, DzCAMTA3 and DzCAMTA8 antagonistically with auxin could affect the post-harvest ripening process in durian. Furthermore, DzCAMTA3 and DzCAMTA8 interacting genes contain significant CAMTA recognition motifs and regulated several pivotal fruit-ripening-associated pathways.

Conclusion

Taken together, the present study contributes to an in-depth understanding of the structure and probable function of CAMTA genes in the post-harvest ripening of durian.