bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and in-vitro studies of biodegradable chitosan/cissus quadrangularis coated flax sutures for anterior cruciate ligaments repair
Authors: B Senthilkumar , K Sonia , G Mahesh 
Published: March 2022

In this investigation, the mechanical and In Vitro studies of chitosan/ cissus quadrangularis (CHCQ) coated braided flax sutures are carried out to explore their application towards repairing the anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL). The 5% (w/w of suture) mixture of Chitosan (CH) and quadrangularis extract (CQ) was applied on the braided suture. Chitosan (CH) and quadrangularis (CQ) mixtures were prepared in different weight ratios such as 4:1 (CHCQ41), 3:2 (CHCQ32), 1:1 (CHCQ11), and 2:3 (CHCQ23) for experimental work. These mixtures were coated on the suture using the pad-batch technique. GC-MS analysis found that cissus quadrangularis extract containing Caffeine and Phytol with the ratio of 3.20% and 15.98%. These petrochemicals are essential for muscle relaxation, pain reliever, and strengthening the immune system. Through Scanning electron microscopy analysis, It was found that with the incorporation of chitosan polymer, the surface fibrils in the suture are wrapped into the core and shown as an effective biocomposite suture. Most of the samples have displayed ultimate tensile stress between 2846 N to 2865 N, which is higher than the human ACL. The Stiffness of the suture samples varied from 437 to 471 N/mm, and the elongation of the suture samples was between the range of 34%–36%. Similarly, the knot pull strength of the suture samples varied from 241 to 243 Mpa. CHCQ11&CHCQ23 has shown maximum functional performance among the different suture samples due to higher Cissus quadrangularis proportion. MTT on cell viability assay sample CHCQ11&CHCQ23 have shown higher cell growth and proliferation by identifying its optical density value after the fifth day was 0.63 and 0.65. Similarly, the hemolytic percent is also higher for CHCQ11&CHCQ23 with 0.7 and 0.8 Hg%.
Better Health, Better Lives? 10-Years on From the World Health Organization’s Declaration on the Health of Children With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Scherer Nathaniel , Banks Roger , Murko Melita , Chisholm Daniel 
Published: March 2022

It is now 10 years since the European Declaration on the Health of Children and Young People with Intellectual Disabilities and their Families: Better Health – Better Lives was adopted by the World Health Organization. Through discussions with key informants and an online literature review, we reflect on actions and progress made in line with this Declaration to improve the health and wellbeing of children with intellectual disabilities and their families. Despite finding positive examples of policy, legislation and practice in support of children with intellectual disabilities, there are clear gaps and areas for improvement. Countries must continue to take action, as supported by the World Health Organization and other such organisations, in order to support children with intellectual disabilities in realising their fundamental human rights.
Synergistic Effect of Sesamin and γ-Tocotrienol on Promoting Osteoblast Differentiation via AMPK Signaling
Authors: Cai Jiping , Tian Xiaochen , Ren Jing , Lu Shuai , Guo Jianli 
Published: March 2022

Background: Sesamin is a rich phytochemical found in sesame seed oil that can promote osteoblast differentiation of rat BMSCs and improve rat bone structure by regulating Wnt/-Catenin pathway. Combined sesamin and γ-Tocotrienol (γ-T3) have been clarified to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells, but their role in osteoporosis has not been explored. This paper aimed to discuss the synergistic effect of sesamin and γ-T3 in osteoporosis and disclose the underlying mechanism. Materials and methods: CCK-8 assay was to appraise the proliferation of hBMSCs after treated with sesamin and γ-T3. Moreover, the proteins in AMPK signaling in osteoblasts pretreated with AMPK inhibitor compound C (CC) were detected after the induction of sesamin and γ-T3. Then, CCK-8, ALP assay and ARS staining were used to analyze whether the proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of hBMSCs was via APMK pathway. RT-qPCR and western blot were conducted to quantify the levels of markers in osteoblasts. Results: It was determined that 5 g/mL sesamin and 1 μM γ-T3 exerted obvious influences on the viability of hBMSCs. Moreover, the co-treatment of sesamin and γ-T3 elevated the protein levels of related factors in AMPK pathway, which was reversed by CC. Furthermore, The proliferation and osteoblast differentiation exhibited remarkable increments upon exposure to both sesamin and γ-T3, whereas CC abolished these effects. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study presented the first line of evidence to verify the synergystic effects of sesamin and γ-T3 on alleviating osteoporosis, and revealed their effects were realized by modulating the AMPK pathway. This paper has indicated the great potential of combined sesamin and γ-T3 in osteoporosis treatment.
Anthroposophic Medicinal Products: A Literature Review of Features, Similarities and Differences to Conventional Medicinal Products, Scientific and Regulatory Assessment
Authors: Baars Erik W. , Kienle Gunver S. , Heusser Peter , Pedersen Peter A. , Wietmarschen Herman A. van , Kiene Helmut , von Schoen-Angerer Tido , Hamre Harald J. 
Published: March 2022

Background Regulatory assessment of anthroposophic medicinal products (AMPs) can be challenging due to their specific features. Objective The aim of this paper is therefore to provide adequate scientific information on AMPs for regulatory purposes. Methods A literature review was executed with database searches in PubMed, Cinahl, Merkurstab, Anthromedics, and https://iaap-pharma.org/ . Search terms were: anthroposophic medicinal products, anthroposophic medicines, anthroposophic pharmacy. There was no language restriction; searches were executed from onset until June 11, 2020. In addition, experts were invited to suggest relevant literature. Results Eighty-seven of 660 identified publications were included. The system of anthroposophic medicine (AM) with its conceptual background and various aspects of AMPs was described: definition, pharmaceutical properties, an example of AMP development, use in clinical practice, similarities with and differences to conventional medicinal products, societal aspects, scientific and regulatory assessment. Conclusion AMPs are part of the integrative whole medical system of AM. AMPs are manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practice and national drug regulations and have an excellent safety status; the limited available evidence suggests clinical benefits. Current drug regulation of AMPs in the EU and most European countries does not take the special properties of AMPs into account. Future research should focus on appropriate methodologies for the evaluation of effects of AMPs as part of the AM whole medical system, the scientific quality of its non-atomistic holistic ontological position, and the integration of AM and conventional medicine in clinical practice. Future policies should focus on appropriate ways of addressing regulatory challenges to AMPs.
A Risk Quantification Reference Table for Progressed Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery: An Exact Case Matched Outcomes Analysis
Authors: Liu Gabriel , Tan Jun-Hao , Fung Gerald , Hui Sijian , Lau Leok Lim , Chan Yiong Huak , Wong Hee-Kit 
Published: March 2022

Study Design Retrospective Exact Matched case-control study Objectives Surgical treatment delay in AIS due to family preferences is common. This study aims to quantify the increase in risks as the Cobb angle increases and provide a Quantifiable Risk Reference Table that can be utilized for counseling. Methodology AIS patients were divided into 3 groups: Group A: Cobb angle 50–60°, Group 61–70°, and Group CFinal ≥80°. Each patient in Group CFinal who had curve progression were then traced-back-in-time (TBIT) to review the clinical data at earlier presentations at 50–60° (C1), and 61–70° (C2). Patient demographics, radiological, operative, and outcomes data were compared between Group A vs C1 and Group B vs Group C2. Results A total of 614 AIS surgeries were reviewed. Utilizing the EM technique, a total of 302 AIS patients were recruited. There were 147, 111, 31, and 32 patients matched in Groups A, B, C1, and C2, respectively. C2 Final patients had 34% curve pattern change, 23.2% higher incidence of requiring two surgeries, and 17.3% increase in complications. There was a statistically significant increase of 2.4 spinal levels fused, 12% increase in implant density, 35% increase in operative time, 97% increase in intra-operative blood loss, 10% loss of scoliosis correction, 40% longer hospitalization stay, and 36% increase in costs for patients who had curve progression. Conclusion This study is the first to use a homogenously matched AIS cohort to provide a Quantifiable Risk Reference Table. The Risk Table provides essential knowledge for treating physicians when counseling AIS patients.
Sensitivity and Specificity of MRI in Diagnosing Concomitant Meniscal Injuries With Pediatric and Adolescent Acute ACL Tears
Authors: Dawkins Brody J. , Kolin David A. , Park Joshua , Fabricant Peter D. , Gilmore Allison , Seeley Mark , Mistovich R. Justin 
Published: March 2022

Background: Preoperative diagnosis of concomitant meniscal tears in pediatric and adolescent patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency is challenging. Purpose: To investigate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting meniscal injuries for pediatric and adolescent patients with acute ACL tears. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The authors retrospectively identified patients aged ≤18 years who underwent acute ACL reconstruction between 2006 and 2018 at 2 tertiary academic hospitals. The primary outcomes were arthroscopically confirmed medial, lateral, or any (defined as medial and/or lateral) meniscal tears. To control for chronically deficient knees, patients must have received their MRI study within 4 weeks of injury and must have undergone surgery no more than 8 weeks after their MRI study. Preoperative MRI reports were compared with the gold standard of arthroscopically confirmed tears to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. In a secondary analysis, patients were stratified by age into 2 groups (≤13 or ≥14 years), body mass index-for-age data from the Centers for Disease Control were used to classify patients as obese or nonobese, and differences between sensitivity and specificity proportions were analyzed using chi-square test for homogeneity. Results: Overall, 406 patients with a mean age of 15.4 years (range, 10-18 years) were identified. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were as follows: for lateral meniscal (LM) tears, 51.0%, 86.5%, 78.3%, and 65.0%; for medial meniscal tears, 83.2%, 80.6%, 62.3%, and 92.5%; and for any meniscal tear, 75.0%, 72.1%, 81.5%, and 63.8%, respectively. In the stratified analysis, MRI was less specific for the following diagnoses: any meniscal tear in patients aged ≤13 years ( P = .048) and LM tears in obese patients ( P = .020). Conclusion: The diagnostic ability of MRI to predict meniscal injuries present at acute ACL reconstruction was moderate. Performance was poorest at the lateral meniscus, where MRI failed to detect 97 tears that were found arthroscopically. Specificity was significantly lower in younger patients for any meniscal tear and in obese patients for LM tears.
Neuropsychological Profiles of Athletes and Views of Parents Choosing Flag Versus Tackle Football Participation
Authors: Roghair Jasmine , Espe-Pfeifer Patricia , Peterson Andrew 
Published: March 2022

Background: Previous studies have found that injury rates are slightly higher in children who play flag football versus tackle football. It is unclear if this difference is due to the way each type is played or taught or whether there are intrinsic differences in attitudes or neuropsychological characteristics in children and their parents. Purpose: To determine whether children who play flag football score differently from those who play tackle football on validated neuropsychological tests. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Each participating athlete (aged 8-12 years) was recruited in 2018 and 2019 by email through local youth football leagues and the local university. Each athlete was administered a 1-time multidimensional assessment battery. The battery included the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence-2nd Edition, the children’s version of the Trail Making Test, the Integrated Digit Span and Spatial Span subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-4th Edition (WISC-IV), and the Beck Self-Concept Inventory for Youth. The parent/guardian of each athlete completed the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist-Parent Report Form, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)-Parent Form, and a custom survey. These tests were used to determine IQ estimates and standardized scores, measuring verbal comprehension, matrix reasoning, mental set-shifting, attention, cognitive processing speed, working memory, spatial processing, perception of self-concept, behavioral regulation index, metacognition index, and global executive composite. Scores were compared between flag football and tackle football groups by 2-sample t test, with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test used for nonparametric data. Results: A total of 64 athletes (41 tackle football, 23 flag football) were enrolled from youth football leagues (grades 4-6). Flag players scored significantly higher on the WISC-IV Spatial Span-Backward subtest (scaled mean, 12.0 vs 10.6; P = .046), while tackle players had significantly higher BRIEF-Inhibit subscores (mean t-score, 45 vs 42; P = .026). There were no significant differences in any of the other tests, including socioeconomic status and perceived concussion risks. Conclusion: Concerns that injury epidemiologic studies comparing flag with tackle football could be confounded by intrinsic differences in the children who choose to play each type seem to be unfounded.
A Comparative Analysis of Rural versus Urban Preschool Children's Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption, Body Mass Index and Parent's Weight Status
Authors: Montgomery Michele , Johnson Paige , Ewell Patrick 
Published: March 2022

Background Childhood overweight and obesity continues to be a major public health concern, especially in minority, low-income, and rural populations. In order to develop health promotion interventions aimed at reducing obesity rates, there is a need to identify which populations have the highest rates of obesity and the risk factors associated with these high rates. Methods Data collected from low-income, preschool children and their parents in an urban community and a rural community in Alabama were analyzed and compared. Body Mass Index (BMI) was collected during school based health screenings, and information regarding parent's BMI and child's consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) were collected by parent report. Results Of the 363 children screened, 12.8% (15.2% rural and 11.9% urban) were considered overweight, and 15.8% (20.2% rural and 14.2% urban) of the sample was classified as obese. Rates of overweight and obesity for mothers were 27.6% (25.3% rural and 28.4% urban) and 48% (56.3% rural and 44.8% urban) respectively and 39.6% (53.3% rural and 34.4% urban) and 34.6% (28.3% rural and 36.9% urban) for fathers. Parents reported their child consumed 3.82 SSBs per day. Overall, mother's BMI, father's BMI and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was positively associated with child's BMI. However, there were no significant interactions between the rural and urban groups. Conclusion Rates of overweight and obesity remain high in low-income, predominantly minority preschool children and their parents in two communities in Alabama. Consumption of SSBs, mother's BMI, and father's BMI are three factors impacting the weight status of low-income preschool children. These factors are significant in both rural and urban children.
Projecting the Combined Health Care Burden of Seasonal Influenza and COVID-19 in the 2020–2021 Season
Authors: Du Zhanwei , Fox Spencer J. , Ingle Tanvi , Pignone Michael P. , Meyers Lauren Ancel 
Published: March 2022

Background. In mid-2020, there was significant concern that the overlapping 2020–2021 influenza season and COVID-19 pandemic would overwhelm already stressed health care systems in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly if influenza immunization rates were low. Methods. Using a mathematical susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (SEIR) compartmental model incorporating the age-specific viral transmission rates and disease severity of Austin, Texas, a large metropolitan region, we projected the incidence and health care burden for both COVID-19 and influenza across observed levels of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and influenza immunization rates for the 2020–2021 season. We then retrospectively compared scenario projections made in August 2020 with observed trends through June 2021. Results. Across all scenarios, we projected that the COVID-19 burden would dwarf that of influenza. In all but our lowest transmission scenarios, intensive care units were overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients, with the levels of influenza immunization having little impact on health care capacity needs. Consistent with our projections, sustained nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in Austin prevented COVID-19 from overwhelming health care systems and almost completely suppressed influenza during the 2020–2021 respiratory virus season. Limitations. The model assumed no cross-immunity between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, which might reduce the burden or slow the transmission of 1 or both viruses. Conclusion. Before the widespread rollout of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, COVID-19 was projected to cause an order of magnitude more hospitalizations than seasonal influenza because of its higher transmissibility and severity. Consistent with predictions assuming strong NPIs, COVID-19 strained but did not overwhelm local health care systems in Austin, while the influenza burden was negligible. Implications. Nonspecific NPI efforts can dramatically reduce seasonal influenza burden and preserve health care capacity during respiratory virus season. Highlights As the COVID-19 pandemic threatened lives worldwide, the Northern Hemisphere braced for a potential “twindemic” of seasonal influenza and COVID-19. Using a validated mathematical model of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 co-circulation in a large US city, we projected the impact of COVID-19–driven nonpharmaceutical interventions combined with influenza vaccination on health care capacity during the 2020–2021 respiratory virus season. We describe analyses conducted during summer 2020 to help US cities prepare for the 2020–2021 influenza season and provide a retrospective evaluation of the initial projections.
Developing a meta-understanding of ‘human aspects’ of providing palliative care
Authors: Croker Anne , Fisher Karin , Hungerford Philip , Gourlay Jonathan , May Jennifer , Lees Shannon , Chapman Jessica 
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Our intention was to develop a meta-understanding of the ‘human aspects’ of providing palliative care. Integral to developing this meta-understanding was recognising the individuality of people, their varied involvements, situations, understandings, and responses, and the difficulty in stepping back to get a whole view of this while being in the midst of providing palliative care. We intended for this meta-understanding to inform reflections and sense-making conversations related to people’s changing situations and diverse needs. Methods: Using collaborative inquiry, this qualitative research was undertaken ‘with’ clinicians rather than ‘on’ them. Our team ( n = 7) was composed of palliative care clinicians and researchers from a co-located rural health service and university. We explored our personal perceptions and experiences through a series of 12 meetings over 8 months. In addition, through five focus groups, we acccessed perceptions and experiences of 13 purposively sampled participants with a range of roles as carers and/or healthcare providers. Data were dialogically and iteratively interpreted. Findings: Our meta-understanding of ‘human aspects’ of providing palliative care, represented diagrammatically in a model, is composed of ATTRIBUTES OF HUMANITY and ACTIONS OF CARING. ATTRIBUTES OF HUMANITY are death’s inevitability, suffering’s variability, compassion’s dynamic nature, and hope’s precariousness. ACTIONS OF CARING include recognising and responding, aligning expectations, valuing relationships, and using resources wisely. The meta-understanding is a framework to keep multiple complex concepts ‘in view’ as they interrelate with each other. Significance of findings: Our meta-understanding, highlighting ‘human aspects’ of providing palliative care, has scope to embrace complexity, uncertainty, and the interrelatedness of people in the midst of resourcing, requiring, and engaging in palliative care. Questions are posed for this purpose. The non-linear diagrammatic representation of ATTRIBUTES OF HUMANITY and ACTIONS OF CARING facilitates multiple ways of engaging and revisiting palliative care situations or navigating changes within and across them.
Promoting the police: A thematic analysis of the New Zealand Police recruitment campaigns and the construction of officers’ identities
Authors: Nairn Angelique , Roebuck Ruby 
Published: March 2022

Prior to 2021, the New Zealand (NZ) Police had consistently struggled to meet the required target of recruiting new police officers. As a strategy to promote the NZ Police and to subsequently increase the number of officers within the force, a series of recruitment campaigns were broadcasted. Despite appearing to frame the career of a NZ Police officer positively, research has suggested that there is a lack of diversity within the police force with women and ethnic minorities consistently underrepresented, and inequitable working conditions, therefore leading the job to be perceived as unattractive to most. However, after the release of the ‘Breaking News’ recruitment campaign together with television advertisements and targeted websites outlining information on the recruitment process, the NZ Police successfully met their target with applications exceeding 600 per month. The aim of this research was, therefore, to explore how the identities of NZ Police officers were conceptualised and constructed in the recruitment messaging. A specific focus was how the content in the videos might entice people into considering a role in the force considering the government wanted to increase police numbers by 1800 by 2021. Thematic analysis was applied to 2 NZ Police recruitment videos, 15 ‘career path’ videos, and 10 ‘bring yourself’ videos that is accessed through https://www.chatcops.co.nz/ . Four key themes were identified which emphasised that the NZ Police are comprised of a diverse group of people, committed to helping the community, prioritising safety and that they are ‘normal people’ despite their instilled authority.