bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High rate of infection eradication following cementless one-stage revision hip arthroplasty with an antibacterial hydrogel coating
Authors: Pellegrini Antonio , Legnani Claudio 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the outcomes of one-stage revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) following periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in terms of eradication of the infection, improvement of pain and joint function. We hypothesized that this treatment strategy could lead to satisfying results in selected patients after preoperative microorganism isolation. Methods: Ten patients underwent cementless one-stage revision hip arthroplasty with antibacterial hydrogel coating for the treatment of an infected THA. Inclusion criteria were: the presence of a known organism with known sensitivity, patients non-immunocompromised with healthy soft tissues with minimal or moderate bone loss. Mean age at surgery was 69.4 years. Assessment included objective examination, Harris hip score, visual analog scale pain score, standard X-rays. Results: At a mean follow-up of 3.1 years (range, 2–5 years), none of the patients had clinical or radiographic signs suggesting recurrent infection. Follow-up examination showed significant improvement of all variables compared to pre-operative values ( p < 0.05). Radiographs did not show progressive radiolucent lines or change in the position of the implant. Conclusions: One-stage revision THA with antibacterial hydrogel coated implants represents a safe and effective procedure providing infection eradication and satisfying subjective functional outcomes in selected patients.
Making worlds from literature: W.E.B. Du Bois’s The Quest of the Silver Fleece and Dark Princess
Authors: Adamik Verena 
Published: February 2021

While W.E.B. Du Bois’s first novel, The Quest of the Silver Fleece (1911), is set squarely in the USA, his second work of fiction, Dark Princess: A Romance (1928), abandons this national framework, depicting the treatment of African Americans in the USA as embedded into an international system of economic exploitation based on racial categories. Ultimately, the political visions offered in the novels differ starkly, but both employ a Western literary canon – so-called ‘classics’ from Greek, German, English, French, and US American literature. With this, Du Bois attempts to create a new space for African Americans in the world (literature) of the 20th century. Weary of the traditions of this ‘world literature’, the novels complicate and begin to decenter the canon that they draw on. This reading traces what I interpret as subtle signs of frustration over the limits set by the literature that underlies Dark Princess, while its predecessor had been more optimistic in its appropriation of Eurocentric fiction for its propagandist aims.
Understanding Motivation to Adhere to Guidelines for Alcohol Intake, Physical Activity, and Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among U.K. University Students
Authors: de Visser Richard O. , Conroy Dominic , Davies Emma , Cooke Richard 
Published: February 2021

Background To encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles, governments in many countries publish guidelines for alcohol intake, physical activity (PA), and fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. However, there is a need for better understanding of whether people understand such guidelines, consider them useful, and adhere to them. University students are a group worthy of attention because although they are less likely than older adults to exceed U.K. weekly alcohol intake guidelines or to be inactive, they are also less likely to meet FV consumption targets. Furthermore, because behavior during youth predicts adult behavior, it is important to identify influences on healthier behavior. Method An online survey was completed by 559 U.K. university students. Key outcome variables were knowledge of guidelines, motivation to adhere to them, and adherence to them. Results A total of 72% adhered to guidelines for alcohol intake, 58% for PA, and 20% for FV intake. Students generally had poor or moderate knowledge of guidelines, perceived them as only moderately useful, and were only moderately motivated to adhere to them. Greater motivation to adhere to guidelines was not significantly related to more accurate knowledge. However, it was related to greater familiarity, and perceiving guidelines as useful and realistic, and greater conscientiousness. Discussion There is a need to ensure that students understand the U.K. guidelines for alcohol intake, PA, and FV intake. However, simply increasing knowledge may not lead to greater adherence to the guidelines: There is also a need to focus on improving perceptions of how useful and realistic they are.
Incidence and risk factors associated with venous thromboembolism following primary total hip arthroplasty in low-risk patients when using aspirin for prophylaxis
Authors: Howard Thomas A , Judd Caitlin S , Snowden Gordon T , Lambert Robert J , Clement Nick D 
Published: February 2021

Aims: The primary aim was to assess the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following total hip replacements (THR) in a low-risk patient group when using 150 mg aspirin as the pharmacological component of VTE prophylaxis on discharge. The secondary aim was to identify factors associated with an increased risk of a VTE event in this low-risk group. Patients and methods: Retrospective review of a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing THR during a 63-month period. Patient demographics, socio-economic status, ASA grade, type of anaesthetic, length of surgery and BMI were recorded. A diagnosis of VTE was assigned to symptomatic patients with positive imaging for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or a pulmonary embolism (PE) within 8 weeks of surgery. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to identify factors associated with VTE after THR. Results: 3880 patients underwent THR during the study period, of which 2740 (71%) were low risk and prescribed aspirin for VTE prophylaxis. There were 34 VTE events, of which 15 were DVTs and 18 were PEs, with 1 patient diagnosed with both. The incidence of VTE was 1.2%, with no VTE-related deaths. Patients incurring a VTE postoperatively were more likely to be male (odds ratio [OR] 2.06, p = 0.022), of older age (OR 0.43, p = 0.047) and were more likely to be socially deprived (OR 0.32, p = 0.006). There was no significant difference with patients given low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) as an inpatient prior to discharge on aspirin ( p = 0.806), nor any difference with the type of anaesthetic used during surgery ( p = 0.719) Conclusions: Aspirin is a relatively safe and effective choice for VTE prophylaxis in low-risk patients undergoing THR. Male sex and age >70 years were twice as likely to sustain a VTE and patients from the most deprived socio-economic background are 3 times as likely.
The Effect of Patient and Hospital Characteristics on Total Costs of Peripheral Bypass in New York State
Authors: Ilonzo Nicole , Goldberger Cody , Hwang Songhon , Rao Ajit , Faries Peter , Marin Michael , Tadros Rami 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: With the aging U.S. population, peripheral vascular procedures will become increasingly common. The objective of this study is to characterize the factors associated with increased total costs after peripheral bypass surgery. Methods: Data for 34,819 patients undergoing peripheral bypass surgery in NY State were extracted using the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database for years 2009-2017. Patient demographics, All Patient Refined Diagnostic Related Groups (APR) severity score, mortality risk, hospital volume, and length of stay data were collected. Primary outcomes were total costs and length of stay. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: 28.1% of peripheral bypass surgeries were performed in New York City. 7.9% of patients had extreme APR severity of illness whereas 32.0% had major APR severity of illness. 6.3% of patients had extreme risk of mortality and 1 in every 5 patients (20%) had major risk of mortality. 24.9% of patients were discharged to a facility. The mean length of stay (LOS) was 9.9 days. Patient LOS of 6-11 days was associated with +$2,791.76 total costs. Mean LOS of ≥ 12 days was associated with + $27,194.88 total costs. Multivariate analysis revealed risk factors associated with an admission listed in the fourth quartile of total costs (≥$36,694.44) for peripheral bypass surgery included NYC location (2.82, CI 2.62-3.04), emergency surgery (1.12, CI 1.03-1.22), extreme APR 2.08, 1.78-2.43, extreme risk of mortality (2.73, 2.34-3.19), emergency room visit (1.68, 1.57-1.81), discharge to a facility (1.27, CI 1.15-1.41), and LOS in the third or fourth quartile (11.09, 9.87-12.46). Conclusion: The cost of peripheral bypass surgery in New York State is influenced by a variety of factors including LOS, patient comorbidity and disease severity, an ER admission, and discharge to a facility.
Meeting the UK Government’s prevention agenda: primary care practitioners can be trained in skills to prevent disease and support self-management
Authors: Lawrence W , Watson D , Barker H , Vogel C , Rahman E , Barker M 
Published: February 2021

Aims: The NHS Long Term Plan has a prevention focus and ambition to support patients to self-manage disease through improving health behaviours. An essential requirement of self-management is behaviour change, but many practitioners have not been trained in skills to support behaviour change. ‘Healthy Conversation Skills’ (HCS) training was developed at the University of Southampton for this purpose. This article reports on a pilot study that aimed to assess the feasibility of primary care practitioners adopting HCS in their routine practice. It describes their experiences and level of competence post-training. Methods: Health Education England (Wessex) commissioned HCS training for 18 primary care practitioners. Fifteen of these practitioners were subsequently observed in their consultations at one or two time points; face-to-face semi-structured, reflective feedback interviews were conducted immediately following the observations. Practitioners’ HCS competence was assessed from the observations and interviews using a previously developed and published coding rubric. The interview data were analysed thematically to understand practitioners’ experiences of using the new skills. Results: Practitioners demonstrated competence in embedding the skills into their routine practice following HCS training. They reflected on how patients liked being asked questions, the usefulness of setting SMARTER (Specific, Measured, Action-oriented, Realistic, Timed, Evaluated and Reviewed) goals and the power of listening. They could also identify facilitators of skill use and ways to overcome challenges such as patients with competing priorities and organisational constraints. They found the skills valuable as a way of empowering patients to make changes to manage their own health. Conclusions: HCS are acceptable to primary care practitioners, can be readily adopted into their routine consultations and are a helpful strategy for supporting patients to make changes. HCS training has the potential to be a sustainable, scalable and effective way of contributing to the prevention agenda by supporting disease self-management, and hence of addressing today’s epidemic of lifestyle-related conditions.
Comparison of inhaled methoxyflurane versus procedural sedation for manipulation and reduction of acute shoulder and elbow dislocation in the emergency department
Authors: Ho Shu Fang , Ganti Sameera , Omar Eunizar , Lian Sherman Wei Qiang , Tan Hui Cheng , Pasupathy Yogeswary , Jaafar Norizan , Zarisfi Faraz , Ong Marcus Eng Hock 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: This paper compares the usage of inhaled methoxyflurane versus traditional procedural sedation and analgesia for manipulation and reduction of acute shoulder dislocation and acute elbow dislocation in the emergency department. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of patients who presented with either acute shoulder dislocation or acute elbow dislocation to an adult tertiary emergency department between 1 April 2018 and 30 September 2019 and underwent manipulation and reduction with either methoxyflurane or procedural sedation and analgesia. Primary outcomes of patients’ length of stay in the emergency department and secondary outcomes of duration of procedure and success of reduction on first attempt for inhaled methoxyflurane were compared against those of procedural sedation and analgesia. Results: A total of 192 patients were included in this study; 74 patients underwent reduction with methoxyflurane while 118 patients (85 acute shoulder dislocation and 33 acute elbow dislocation) underwent reduction with procedural sedation and analgesia. The median length of stay in the emergency department was significantly shorter ( P<0.001) for the methoxyflurane group (99 minutes, interquartile range (IQR) 136.8 minutes) versus the procedural sedation and analgesia group (246.5 minutes, IQR 163 minutes). The median duration of procedure in the emergency department was also significantly shorter ( P<0.001) for the methoxyflurane group (16 minutes, IQR 17 minutes) versus the procedural sedation and analgesia group (32 minutes, IQR 40.3 minutes). There was no significant difference in reduction on first attempt between the two groups. Conclusion: The use of inhaled methoxyflurane in the manipulation and reduction of acute shoulder dislocation and acute elbow dislocation was associated with a shorter patient length of stay and a shorter duration of procedure, while no significant difference was observed in the success of reduction on first attempt when compared to procedural sedation and analgesia.
Successful turnarounds in bankrupt firms? Assessing retrenchment in the most severe form of crisis
Authors: Rico Manuel , Puig Francisco 
Published: February 2021

During economic downturns, firms file for bankruptcy in an effort to attempt a “turnaround.” The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of retrenchment strategies in the context of bankruptcy, as the most severe form of crisis. We conducted a longitudinal analysis of a sample of 868 bankrupt Spanish firms during the period 2004–2017. The empirical results show that stakeholder support and deep cost retrenchment increase the likelihood of survival and performance recovery, while aggressive layoffs are detrimental for turning bankrupt firms around. Surprisingly, intense asset retrenchment had no significant effects on firm survival and also pushed performance downward. The findings suggest that retrenchment should not be regarded as a general remedy for firms suffering the most severe of crisis. Bankrupt firms should focus on restoring stakeholder relationships and reducing superfluous expenses, while making employees redundant or selling assets should be evaluated carefully when attempting a turnaround. JEL CLASSIFICATION M10; G33
Beta-binomial models for meta-analysis with binary outcomes: Variations, extensions, and additional insights from econometrics
Authors: Mathes Tim , Kuss Oliver 
Published: February 2021

Background Meta-analysis of systematically reviewed studies on interventions is the cornerstone of evidence based medicine. In the following, we will introduce the common-beta beta-binomial (BB) model for meta-analysis with binary outcomes and elucidate its equivalence to panel count data models. Methods We present a variation of the standard “common-rho” BB (BBST model) for meta-analysis, namely a “common-beta” BB model. This model has an interesting connection to fixed-effect negative binomial regression models (FE-NegBin) for panel count data. Using this equivalence, it is possible to estimate an extension of the FE-NegBin with an additional multiplicative overdispersion term (RE-NegBin), while preserving a closed form likelihood. An advantage due to the connection to econometric models is, that the models can be easily implemented because “standard” statistical software for panel count data can be used. We illustrate the methods with two real-world example datasets. Furthermore, we show the results of a small-scale simulation study that compares the new models to the BBST. The input parameters of the simulation were informed by actually performed meta-analysis. Results In both example data sets, the NegBin, in particular the RE-NegBin showed a smaller effect and had narrower 95%-confidence intervals. In our simulation study, median bias was negligible for all methods, but the upper quartile for median bias suggested that BBST is most affected by positive bias. Regarding coverage probability, BBST and the RE-NegBin model outperformed the FE-NegBin model. Conclusion For meta-analyses with binary outcomes, the considered common-beta BB models may be valuable extensions to the family of BB models.
Similar Vertices and Isomorphism Detection for Planar Kinematic Chains Based on Ameliorated Multi-Order Adjacent Vertex Assignment Sequence
Authors: Sun Liang , Ye Zhizheng , Lu Fuwei , Cui Rongjiang , Wu Chuanyu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIsomorphism detection is fundamental to the synthesis and innovative design of kinematic chains (KCs). The detection can be performed accurately by using the similarity of KCs. However, there are very few works on isomorphism detection based on the properties of similar vertices. In this paper, an ameliorated multi-order adjacent vertex assignment sequence (AMAVS) method is proposed to seek out similar vertices and identify the isomorphism of the planar KCs. First, the specific definition of AMAVS is described. Through the calculation of the AMAVS, the adjacent vertex value sequence reflecting the uniqueness of the topology features is established. Based on the value sequence, all possible similar vertices, corresponding relations, and isomorphism discrimination can be realized. By checking the topological graph of KCs with a different number of links, the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method are verified. Finally, the method is employed to implement the similar vertices and isomorphism detection of all the 9-link 2-DOF(degree of freedom) planar KCs.
Macrofaunal assemblages associated with two common seagrass‐dwelling demosponges (Amorphinopsis atlantica and Haliclona implexiformis) in a tropical estuarine system of the southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Briceño-Vera Antony E. , Ávila Enrique , Rodríguez-Santiago María A. , Ruiz-Marín Alejandro 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAmong the ecological roles that sponges play in marine ecosystems, one of the highlights is their ability to host a wide diversity and abundance of epibenthic organisms. However, of the different marine environments, this role has been less investigated in seagrass-dwelling sponges. In this study, the main objective was to determine whether the structure of the associated faunal assemblages in two common sympatric species of seagrass-dwelling sponges (Amorphinopsis atlantica and Haliclona implexiformis) vary depending on the volume and morphology of the host sponge as well as the environment to which both sponges are exposed. Even though the collection sites had the same habitat type (seagrass meadows composed by Thalassia testudinum and Halodule wrightii) and depth, there were substantial differences in faunal composition (ANOSIM test, R = 0.86) between both sponge species. The value of the data on species richness, diversity, and abundance of associated organisms was significantly higher in the individuals of A. atlantica than in those of H. implexiformis. These differences in the community structure of associated fauna could be influenced by the differential growth form of the hosts (e.g. growth form and oscula diameter) as well as their distinct environmental preferences (sites with different degrees of exposure to wind-generated waves and levels of human disturbance). This study contributes to the knowledge on the functional role that sponges play in seagrass meadows, one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems. Furthermore, it underlines the importance of examining both, the sponge morphology and the local environmental conditions, to explain spatial variations in the macrofaunal assemblages associated with sponges.
Differentiation of two human neuroblastoma cell lines alters SV2 expression patterns
Authors: Lekholm Emilia , Ceder Mikaela M. , Forsberg Erica C. , Schiöth Helgi B. , Fredriksson Robert 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 (SV2) family is essential to the synaptic machinery involved in neurotransmission and vesicle recycling. The isoforms SV2A, SV2B and SV2C are implicated in neurological diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Suitable cell systems for studying regulation of these proteins are essential. Here we present gene expression data of SV2A, SV2B and SV2C in two human neuroblastoma cell lines after differentiation.

Methods
Human neuroblastoma cell lines SiMa and IMR-32 were treated for seven days with growth supplements (B-27 and N-2), all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and gene expression levels of SV2 and neuronal targets were analyzed.

Results
The two cell lines reacted differently to the treatments, and only one of the three SV2 isoforms was affected at a time. SV2B and choline O-acetyltransferase (CHAT) expression was changed in concert after growth supplement treatment, decreasing in SiMa cells while increasing in IMR-32. ATRA treatment resulted in no detected changes in SV2 expression in either cell line while VIP increased both SV2C and dopamine transporter (DAT) in IMR-32 cells.

Conclusion
The synergistic expression patterns between SV2B and CHAT as well as between SV2C and DAT mirror the connectivity between these targets found in disease models and knock-out animals, although here no genetic alteration was made. These cell lines and differentiation treatments could possibly be used to study SV2 regulation and function.
In vitro mass reduction of calcium oxalate urinary calculi by some medicinal plants
Authors: El Habbani R. , Lahrichi A. , Sqalli Houssaini T. , Kachkoul R. , Mohim M. , Chouhani B. A. , Chaqroune A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Calcium oxalate is the most frequent urinary stone component; it exists in three different crystalline forms. In this case, the most common is the calcium oxalate monohydrate (whewellite). However, Morocco is one of the countries that has used the traditional medicine based on natural plants to treat many diseases including urolithiasis. In this respect, the most medicinal plants used for this purpose are Herniaria hirsuta L., Opuntia ficus-indica flowers, Zea mays styles and Ammi visnaga L. seeds. The purpose of this work is to study experimentally the effectiveness of each plant on the dissolution of whewellite stones.

Methods
In 1 L boiled saline solution (9 g/L of NaCl), 5 g of plant extract powder has been introduced. Thereafter, the mixture was left soaked for 15 min and then filtered. Further, a specific installation that resembles the urinary circuit has been conducted in the laboratory. As a starting step, three whewellite stones are placed in contact with extract solutions for 8 weeks. Two other solutions have been used to correct the loss mass: the first one is a solution of potassium citrate of 3 mmol/L served as a positive control, and the second one is a solution of NaCl of 9 g/L without extract used as a reference point.

Results
After 8 weeks, the loss mass is about 54.88 ± 1.32% with Z. mays styles, 49.86 ± 1.69% with H. hirsuta L., 47.10 ± 1019% with A. visnaga L. and 44.97 ± 1.76% with flowers O. ficus-indica, while the loss of mass in the presence of witnesses solutions is 21.95 ± 0.76% for potassium citrate (C Pot) and 21.05 ± 1.07% in the case of saline solutions.

Conclusion
Our experiments show the effectiveness of the extracts of four plants specially for Z. mays styles. These extracts can be effective remedies in the oxalocalcic stones’ dissolution.