bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Effect of Rhombic and Inverted Triangle Configurations of Cannulated Screws on Internal Fixation of Nondisplaced Femoral Neck Fractures in Elderly Patients
Authors: Zhu Jian , Deng Xiangtian , Hu Hongzhi , Cheng Xiaodong , Tan Zhanchao , Zhang Yingze 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate whether four‐screw fixation in rhombic configuration could improve the clinical outcomes and decrease the complication rate compared with three‐screw fixation in inverted triangle configuration in elderly patients with nondisplaced femoral neck fractures.MethodFrom January 2018 to January 2019, 91 elderly patients with nondisplaced femoral neck fractures who were treated with a cannulated screw system were reviewed retrospectively. The inverted triangle configuration was applied in 51 patients and rhombic configuration in 40 patients. The demographic and perioperative information of the patients were extracted from medical records and surgical records. Variables including incision size, surgical blood loss, surgical time, fluoroscopy time, hospital stays, fracture union time, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and complications were compared between the two groups. Also, Harris hip score at the final follow‐up was used to evaluate the functional outcomes.ResultsAll patients were followed up from 24 to 36 months, with an average of 29.75 months. The average age of patients was 72.37 ± 7.16 years. No significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to patients' age, gender, affected side, Garden classification, Pauwels classification and comminution of posterior wall (P > 0.05). We found shorter incision size (P < 0.001), less blood loss (P = 0.020), less surgical time (P = 0.026), and shorter fluoroscopy time (P < 0.001) in inverted triangle configuration group. However, shorter hospital stays (P = 0.001) and fracture union time (P = 0.002) were found in the rhombic configuration group. The VAS scores were lower in the rhombic configuration group at the first (P < 0.001) and third months (P = 0.010), but no significant difference was found at the sixth month (P = 0.075). Meanwhile, the total complication rate was relatively lower in the rhombic configuration group compared to the inverted triangle configuration group (P = 0.041). Harris hip score presented no significant difference between the two groups at final follow‐up (P = 0.078). No wound infection or cortical perforation occurred in either group.ConclusionFour‐screw fixation in rhombic configuration was superior to three‐screw fixation in inverted triangle configuration in the treatment of nondisplaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients in terms of less early postsurgical pain, shorter fracture union time, and lower complication rate.
The importance of shoot morphological plasticity on plant coexistence: a pot experiment
Authors: Hermlin H. K. , Lepik M. , Zobel K. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Plant morphological plasticity affects species coexistence by enhancing local coexistence. Here, we test the importance of plasticity to light availability for species coexistence. We hypothesise that high average plasticity in a species assemblage promotes coexistence and tested for the effect of differential plasticity on the competitive success of neighbouring species.

Sixteen herbaceous species with known morphological plasticity were grown pairwise in 95 combinations in 285 pots. We calculated mean plasticity and difference of plasticity for each pair of species in a pot using previously estimated degree of plasticity in leaf number, leaf length, leaf area and SLA. We then related these to biomass‐based evenness of abundance in a pot and to competitive success of the 16 species.

Unexpectedly, average plasticity did not affect biomass production between coexisting species. Instead, large differences in plasticity among two competitive neighbours predicted low diversity (high degree of dominance) in an assemblage. Higher than neighbour plasticity generally predicted competitive superiority in an assemblage. The opposite was true for plasticity of SLA, where species with low plasticity tended to dominate.

Unlike earlier field studies, our results show that phenotypic plasticity in various plant traits pose opposite effects to interspecific competition. Subsequently, these effects possibly affect species composition and richness through which plasticity has significant consequences for plant communities and, therefore, should be accounted for in relevant studies in plant ecology.
Molecular identification and pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium spp. associated with damping‐off disease on baby leafy vegetables in Greece
Authors: Tziros George T. , Karaoglanidis George S. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn the last years, leafy vegetables cultivated as baby leaves have been established in the market and have attracted the interest of consumers throughout the world. During the growing seasons of 2019 and 2020, 97 isolates of Rhizoctonia solani and 112 isolates of Pythium spp. were obtained from baby leaf vegetables exhibited damping‐off symptoms. Representative isolates of R. solani from each surveyed plant species were characterized using sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (rDNA‐ITS) region. Isolates were identified as belonging to four anastomosis groups (AGs): AG2‐1, AG‐IB, AG4‐HGI and AG4‐HGIII. AG4‐HGI was the most prevalent group and phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates were distinctly separated according to their AGs. Pathogenicity among the four AGs on 23 plant species varied considerably, from not susceptible to highly susceptible, while, in general, AGs did not exhibit host specificity. Furthermore, a total of 112 Pythium spp. isolates were obtained. The ITS region and the cytochrome oxidase II (coxII) gene were amplified, and three Pythium spp. were identified (P. ultimum, P. aphanidermatum and P. sylvaticum), which were used further for maximum‐likelihood phylogenetic analysis. The pathogenicity of representative isolates was assessed in vitro and in vivo on 10 plant species. In general, all three tested Pythium spp. were virulent when used in vitro, while P. ultimum was the most virulent in vivo. This is the first comprehensive study aimed at determining the occurrence of specific R. solani AGs and Pythium spp. derived from baby leafy vegetables exhibiting damping‐off symptoms in Greece.
Switching from high‐flux dialysis to hemodiafiltration: Cost‐consequences for patients, providers, and payers
Authors: Hornig Carsten , Apel Christian , Ficociello Linda H. , Kendzia Dana , Anger Michael , Bowry Sudhir K. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHemodiafiltration (HDF) achieves a more efficient reduction of the uremic toxic load compared to standard high‐flux hemodialysis (HF‐HD) by virtue of the combined diffusive and convective clearances of a broad spectrum of uremic retention solutes. Clinical trials and registry data suggest that HDF improves patient outcomes. Despite the acknowledged need to improve survival rates of dialysis patients and the survival benefit HDF offers, there is little to no utilization in some countries (such as the US) in prescribing HDF to their patients. In this analysis, we present the healthcare value‐based case for HDF (relative to HF‐HD) from the patient, provider, and payor perspectives. The improved survival and reduced morbidity observed in studies conducted outside the US, as well as the reduced hospitalization, are attractive for each stakeholder. We also consider the potential barriers to greater utilization of HDF therapies, including unfounded concerns regarding additional costs of HDF, e.g., for the preparation and microbial testing of quality of substitution fluids. Ultrapure fluids are easily attainable and prepared from dialysis fluids using established “online“ (OL) technologies. OL‐HDF has matured to a level whereby little additional effort is required to safely implement it as all modern machine systems are today equipped with the OL‐HDF functionality. Countries already convinced of the advantages of HF‐HD are thus well positioned to make the transition to OL‐HDF to achieve further clinical and associated economic benefits. Healthcare systems struggling to cope with the increasing demand for HD therapies would therefore, like patients, be beneficiaries in the long term with increased usage of OL‐HDF for end stage kidney disease patients.
Contrasting behaviour of sand and mud in a long‐term sediment budget of the Western Scheldt estuary
Authors: Dam Gerard , van der Wegen Mick , Taal Marcel , van der Spek Ad 
Published: March 2022

AbstractUnderstanding trends in estuarine sediment fluxes is of great interest to sustainable estuarine management addressing anthropogenic interferences and climate change. The long‐term sediment budget of the Western Scheldt estuary, Netherlands, is investigated by a detailed analysis of a unique and long‐term bathymetric data set and data of a three‐dimensional subsurface model (‘GeoTop’). Different sediment types show contrasting transport behaviour. The Western Scheldt narrowed and deepened, while the estuary exported sand (1.5 to 2.5 million m3 per year) and imported mud (0.5 to 1.5 million m3 per year) over the 1860 to 1955 period. The eroded sand originated from the channels in the seaward part of the estuary and was dispersed in all directions. A significant amount of mud permanently deposited in the side branches, which were also gradually reclaimed. These results suggest that sediment characteristics potentially play a crucial role in deriving long‐term sediment budgets and morphodynamic behaviour of estuarine environments. Future morphodynamic sand–mud model studies may reproduce and further explain the underlying transport processes of the current study.
Of kin and system: Rights of nature and the UN search for Earth jurisprudence
Authors: Schmidt Jeremy. J. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSince 2009, the United Nations programme on Harmony with Nature has sought a new philosophy of global environmental governance known as Earth jurisprudence. This paper examines how Harmony with Nature has advanced Earth jurisprudence to unite Indigenous legal traditions, rights of nature, and mounting evidence from Earth system science regarding anthropogenic forcing on the planet. It does so through a policy analysis of annual UN reports, resolutions, and dialogues with international experts. Situating Harmony with Nature in the broader intellectual heritage of Earth jurisprudence and contemporary efforts to address anthropogenic forcing on the Earth system in the Anthropocene, I argue that Harmony with Nature operates at the juncture of two powerful ways of ordering relations, knowledge, and obligation: kin and system. The critical analysis shows how a new geography of global environmental governance has been produced within the constraints of the UN precisely by scaling Indigenous kinship to the planetary diagnoses made by system‐based planetary sciences. The resulting form of Earth jurisprudence in Harmony with Nature holds important, cautionary lessons both for understanding how Indigenous legal traditions are made to comport with UN sustainable development programmes and for contemporary efforts to transform governance to meet the pressing demands of global environmental change.
Influence of screw head diameter on ex vivo fixation of equine lateral condylar fractures with 5.5 mm cortical screws
Authors: Constant Caroline , Zderic Ivan , Arens Daniel , Pugliese Brenna , Gehweiler Dominic , Gueorguiev‐Rüegg Boyko , Zeiter Stephan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the influence of screw head diameter on equine condylar fracture fixation with 5.5 mm cortical screws.Study designEx vivo, biomechanical study, blinded, matched‐pair design.Sample populationFifteen pairs of equine third metacarpal (MC3) bones.MethodsLateral condylar fractures were simulated by parasagittal osteotomies and repaired pairwise by 2 × 5.5 mm cortical screws of 8 mm (standard) or 10 mm (modified) head diameter. Interfragmentary compression at maximum screw insertion torque was measured. The instrumented specimens were pairwise stratified for biomechanical testing under the following modalities (n = 5): (1) screw insertion torque to failure, (2) quasi‐static axial load to failure, and (3) cyclic axial load to 2 mm displacement followed by failure. Tests (1) and (2) were analyzed for yield, maximum, and failure torque/angle and load/displacement, respectively. Number of cycles to 2 mm displacement and failure was assessed from test (3).ResultsMaximum insertion torque was greater, and failure angle smaller, when constructs repaired with modified screws were tested (8.1 ± 0.5 vs. 7.4 ± 0.5 Nm;P = .0047 and 550 ± 104 vs. 1130 ± 230;P = .008). Axial yield (7118 ± 707 vs. 5740 ± 2267 N;P = .043) and failure load (12 347 ± 3359 vs. 8695 ± 2277 N;P = .043) were greater for specimens repaired with modified screws. No difference was detected between constructs in the number of cycles to 2 mm displacement.ConclusionCondylar MC3 osteotomies repaired with modified 5.5 mm cortical screws sustained greater maximal hand torque insertion, smaller insertion failure angle and 1.4 fold greater quasi‐static failure forces than constructs repaired with standard 5.5 mm screws.Clinical significanceUse of modified screws with larger heads may improve the fixation of condylar fractures in horses. These results provide evidence to justify clinical evaluation in horses undergoing fracture repair.
Laundry greywater treatment by anaerobic filters and vertical flow constructed wetlands
Authors: Punyapwar Swapnil , Mutnuri Srikanth 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLaundry processes are huge water consumers and contribute to wastewaters in high volume. In the current report, treatment of greywater (GW) was studied from commercial laundry in BITS Pilani, KK Birla Goa Campus, India, which produces around 2–2.5 m3/day of GW. Source laundry GW showed physicochemical parameters like chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), ammoniacal N (NH4–N), nitrate (NO3–N), nitrite (NO2–N), orthophosphate (PO4–P) and pH in the range of 600–650 mg/L, 350–370 mg/L, 9–12 mg/L, 15–21 mg/L, 14–22 mg/L, 28–35 mg/L and 7.48–8.10, respectively. The treatment system included French‐type two‐stage vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) preceded by anaerobic filter tank filled with 3D plastic support. Wetland beds were made up of sand and gravel as filter media, and Canna indica was used as macrophyte. Pretreatment by anaerobic filter resulted in the increase in residence time of GW and reduction of pollutant load to wetland beds, thus preventing clogging of Stage 1 wetland. Sampling and water quality data analysis was performed weekly for 26 weeks. Outlet pollutant levels showed 96.35% removal of organic matter, 79.93% removal of nitrogen and 95.04% removal of orthophosphates. The pH of outlet water was 7.35, which is well below discharge permissible limits. Treated water quality was below Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India, permissible limits for discharge, and the cost of treating GW by the system is 1.11 USD/m3 which is very feasible in country like India. Treated water is suitable for nonpotable options like gardening of central lawns in BITS Pilani Goa, floor cleaning of laundry and construction purpose.
Multivariate regression studies for investigating and setting the action levels for the system water quality parameters of a nuclear plant
Authors: Parasuraman Suganya , Ganapathiraman Swaminathan , Bhargavan Anoop 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA broad spectrum of water quality parameters is regularly monitored and assessed in auxiliary water systems. The integrity and availability status of a system are ensured by observing the trend of water quality indices which further warrants investigating the regulatory requirements of both safety and non‐safety‐related systems of a nuclear power plant. To evaluate the water chemistry state in a raw water system, we conducted a statistical study investigating water quality indices over 3 years. Obligatory statistical tools were utilized to comprehend and correlate the effects of the source water on the system. Most water quality parameters were found to be within an acceptable range, and correlations were found between the parameters, namely, conductivity, sodium, and chloride. Multivariate optimization and regression studies using the Box–Behnken design were conducted to minimize the system conductivity levels. The experimental data were fitted into a quadratic equation with an r2 value of 0.84. Model validation was conducted, and the fit between the experimental and model results was within 10%. This assessment identifies preventive action levels to avoid impairment of system integrity at an early stage.
Responses to a 5-Day Sport-Specific Heat Acclimatization Camp in Elite Female Rugby Sevens Athletes
Authors: Henderson Mitchell J. , Chrismas Bryna C.R. , Fransen Job , Coutts Aaron J. , Taylor Lee 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To describe the physiological (resting core temperature, exercising heart rate, and sweat rate) and psychophysical (rating of perceived exertion, thermal sensation, and thermal comfort) responses to a short-term heat acclimatization (HA) training camp in elite female rugby sevens athletes. Methods: Nineteen professional female rugby sevens athletes participated in a 5-day HA camp in Darwin, Australia (training average: 32.2°C and 58% relative humidity). Training involved normal team practice prescribed by appropriate staff. Markers of physiological and psychophysical adaptations to HA were collected at various stages during the camp. Partial eta-squared effect sizes (from linear mixed-effects models), rank-biserial correlations (from Freidman tests), and P values were used to assess changes across the protocol. Results: Resting core temperature did not significantly change. Exercising heart rate showed a large and significant reduction from day 1 to day 5 (175 [13] vs 171 [12] beats·min−1), as did sweat rate (1.1 [0.3] vs 1.0 [0.2] L·h–1). Thermal sensation showed a large and significant reduction between day 1 and day 5 (median [interquartile range] = 5 [5–5.5] vs 4.5 [4–5]). Changes in rating of perceived exertion and thermal comfort were unclear. Conclusions: Beneficial cardiovascular adaptations were observed simultaneously across a full squad of elite female rugby sevens players (without expensive facilities/equipment or modifying training content). However, beneficial changes in resting core temperature, sweat rate, and thermal/effort perceptions likely require a greater thermal impulse. These data contribute to the development of evidence-informed practice for minimal effective HA doses in female team-sport athletes, who are underrepresented in the current research.
Autophagy and the Energy Status of Plant Cells
Authors: Tyutereva E. V. , Murtuzova A. V. , Voitsekhovskaja O. V. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In plant cells the homeostatic control of energy balance involves the production and recycling of adenylates with macroergic bonds, ATP and ADP. The maintenance of anabolic processes requires the relative saturation of the adenylate pool with high energy phosphoanhydride bonds. The bulk of ATP synthesis is carried out both in mitochondria and in chloroplasts while optimal ATP levels within other cell compartments are maintained by adenylate kinases (AK). AK activity was recently found in cytosol, mitochondria, plastids and the nucleus. ATP synthesis in energy-producing organelles, as well as redistribution of nutrients among cellular compartments, requires fine-tuned regulation of ion homeostasis. A special role in energy metabolism is played by autophagy, a process of active degradation of unwanted and/or damaged cell components and macromolecules within the central lytic vacuole. So-called constitutive autophagy controls the quality of cellular contents under favorable conditions, i.e., when the cellular energy status is high. Energy depletion can lead to the activation of the pro-survival process of autophagic removal and utilization of damaged structures; the breakdown products are then used for ATP regeneration and de novo synthesis of macromolecules. Mitophagy and chlorophagy maintain the populations of healthy and functional energy-producing “stations”, preventing accumulation of defective mitochondria and chloroplasts as potential sources of dangerous reactive oxygen species. However, the increase of autophagic flux above a threshold level can lead to the execution of the vacuolar type of programmed cell death (PCD). In this case autophagy also contributes to preservation of energy through support of the outflow of nutrients from dying cells to healthy neighboring tissues. In plants, two central protein kinases, SnRK1 (Snf1-related protein kinase 1) and TOR (target of rapamycin), are responsible for the regulation of the metabolic switch between anabolic and catabolic pathways. TOR promotes the energy-demanding metabolic reactions in response to nutrient availability and simultaneously suppresses catabolism including autophagy. SnRK1, the antagonist of TOR, senses a decline in cellular energy supply and reacts by inducing autophagy through several independent pathways. Here, we provide an overview of the recent knowledge about the interplay between SnRK1 and TOR, autophagy and PCD in course of the regulation of energy balance in plants.
Results of a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial exploring the use of an electronic patient-reported outcome measure in the management of UK patients with advanced chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kyte Derek , Anderson Nicola , Bishop Jon , Bissell Andrew , Brettell Elizabeth , Calvert Melanie , Chadburn Marie , Cockwell Paul , Dutton Mary , Eddington Helen , Forster Elliot , Hadley Gabby , Ives Natalie J , Jackson Louise J , O'Brien Sonia , Price Gary , Sharpe Keeley , Stringer Stephanie , Verdi Rav , Waters Judi , Wilcockson Adrian 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesThe use of routine remote follow-up of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing exponentially. It has been suggested that online electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) could be used in parallel, to facilitate real-time symptom monitoring aimed at improving outcomes. We tested the feasibility of this approach in a pilot trial of ePROM symptom monitoring versus usual care in patients with advanced CKD not on dialysis.DesignA 12-month, parallel, pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) and qualitative substudy.Setting and participantsQueen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, UK. Adult patients with advanced CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥6 and ≤15 mL/min/1.73 m2, or a projected risk of progression to kidney failure within 2 years ≥20%).InterventionMonthly online ePROM symptom reporting, including automated feedback of tailored self-management advice and triggered clinical notifications in the advent of severe symptoms. Real-time ePROM data were made available to the clinical team via the electronic medical record.OutcomesFeasibility (recruitment and retention rates, and acceptability/adherence to the ePROM intervention). Health-related quality of life, clinical data (eg, measures of kidney function, kidney failure, hospitalisation, death) and healthcare utilisation.Results52 patients were randomised (31% of approached). Case report form returns were high (99.5%), as was retention (96%). Overall, 73% of expected ePROM questionnaires were received. Intervention adherence was high beyond 90 days (74%) and 180 days (65%); but dropped beyond 270 days (46%). Qualitative interviews supported proof of concept and intervention acceptability, but highlighted necessary changes aimed at enhancing overall functionality/scalability of the ePROM system.LimitationsSmall sample size.ConclusionsThis pilot trial demonstrates that patients are willing to be randomised to a trial assessing ePROM symptom monitoring. The intervention was considered acceptable; though measures to improve longer-term engagement are needed. A full-scale RCT is considered feasible.Trial registration numberISRCTN12669006and the UK NIHR Portfolio (CPMS ID: 36497).