Current Concepts Research Articles

Effect of recycled polypropylene on migration of six processing aids in polypropylene film to milk

Mechanically recycled plastics used in food packaging are consistent with the current circular economy concept. In this study, the effects of recycled polypropylene (rPP) content on film properties and the migration of processing aids in the film to food simulant and milk were studied by self-made rPP films. The results showed that the rPP and processing aids increased the transparency of the films. However, the presence of tiny particles in the rPP film reduced its elongation at break. Furthermore, rPP and processing aids decreased the thermal stability of the film. At 70 °C for 2 h, the total migration order of the processing aids to food simulant and milk was 50 % ethanol (55.78–64.17 mg/kg) > whole milk (10.32–10.66 mg/kg) > low-fat milk (6.39–7.04 mg/kg) > skim milk (4.88–5.47 mg/kg). The migration of processing aids into milk in films containing 50 % and 100 % rPP was similar to that of virgin polypropylene (vPP) films, which indicates that rPP does not promote processing aid migration. Moreover the overall migration order of processing aids to 2 % (w/v) food ingredient aqueous solution was lecithin (3.05 mg/kg) > glyceryl trilaurate (2.68 mg/kg) > cholesterol (1.33 mg/kg) > NaCl (0.33 mg/kg) > casein (0.32 mg/kg) > lactose (0.29 mg/kg) > water (0.16 mg/kg). This confirmed that milk fat was the primary cause of processing aids migration from the film, and the kind of milk fat also had an effect on processing aids migration. Therefore, as long as the basic performance and food safety of packaging are met, a certain proportion of rPP can be added to vPP to achieve sustainable development of packaging.

Current Clinical Concepts: Rehabilitation of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves inconsistent symptoms, presenting a challenge for medical providers to diagnose and treat. Thoracic outlet syndrome is defined as a compression injury to the brachial plexus, subclavian artery or vein, or axillary artery or vein occurring between the cervical spine and upper extremity. Three common subcategories are now used for clinical diagnosis: neurogenic, arterial, and venous. Postural position and repetitive motions such as throwing, weightlifting, and manual labor can lead to symptoms. Generally, TOS is considered a diagnosis of exclusion for athletes due to the poor accuracy of clinical testing, including sensitivity and specificity. Thus, determining a definitive diagnosis and reporting injury is difficult. Current literature suggests there is not a gold standard diagnostic test. Rehabilitation has been shown to be a vital component in the recovery process for neurogenic TOS and for arterial TOS and venous TOS in postoperative situations.

Rethinking 'family': A call for conceptual amelioration.

The modern concept of 'family' in the United States recognizes many types of social groups as families, a conceptual shift which was largely helped along by advancements in assisted reproductive technologies enabling those formerly unable to biologically reproduce to have children, as well as by social movements aimed at garnering recognition for these emergent nonbiologically related social groups spearheaded by LGBTQ+ and adoption activists. That these social groups are now recognized as types of families is unquestionably an improvement to the concept, though there are still defects in the concept that preclude these nonnuclear families from achieving the same social-ontological status as nuclear families. Drawing from the nascent philosophical field of conceptual engineering, I analyze our current conception of 'family' and argue that it is tacitly exclusionary of nonnuclear families, which can be attributed to a combination of widespread genetic essentialism and linguistic practices that unduly cast the nuclear family as a more desirable type of family by emphasizing genetic relatedness as a valuable quality. I then offer proposals to ameliorate these defects, such as educational interventions to reduce genetic essentialism and the introduction of new terminology that does not connote one type of family as being superior to another. In doing so, my hope is to reveal and begin to resolve an overlooked defect in the concept of 'family' in order to bolster the movement to view all families as equal.

Isolated volar dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint: Current concepts review and case report

Isolated volar distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation is a rare condition with only a few cases reported in the literature. Its diagnosis is often overlooked in the acute phase, and there is no consensus in its management. We present the case of a 20-year-old male patient with an isolated volar radioulnar dislocation, together with a review of the literature. The aim is to present and summarize the acute management of this condition and propose a therapeutic algorithm.

Cancer stem cells targeted therapy: A changing concept in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Identification of cancer stem cells (CSCs), their multilineage potential, and their ability of self-renewal have revolutionised the current concepts of cancer treatment. The suspected role of CSCs in cancer initiation, progression and relapse with the observed resistance to conventional cancer treatments has led to the development of more specific and targeted therapies. Identification of the properties of stem cells (SCs) and their potential for localisation in cancer has made targeted anti-cancer treatment possible by incorporating some modifications into these SCs. The same concept has been applied to the treatment strategy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to control the relapse and improve the mortality rates in patients. This review aims to discuss the role of CSCs in the course and relapse of HNSCC, various surface markers for their identification and SC-targeted therapy options for the treatment of HNSCC, with a highlight on the advantages, shortcomings, opportunities and challenges to SC therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, treatment and scope for future research.

Single bundle hamstrings autograft preparation techniques for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: current concepts.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most common orthopedic procedures, and huge variation exists in the surgical technique. Single bundle hamstrings autograft reconstruction is a common method and has good clinical outcomes. A criticism of the hamstrings autograft is a small graft diameter, often less than 8-mm, which has been associated with increased re-rupture rates. Several graft preparation techniques for single bundle hamstrings autograft exist. Perioperative decisions include the number of tendons utilized, number of graft strands, graft configuration, and femoral and tibial fixation methods. Awareness of the minimum tendon and graft length required to produce each graft variation is necessary to avoid common pitfalls. However, intraoperative graft modification is possible to maximize graft diameter, and obtain proper fixation. The objective of this current concepts review is to describe the indications, surgical anatomy, technique, intraoperative tips, clinical outcomes, and complications for single bundle hamstrings autograft preparation techniques in ACLR.

Enteric Glia.

Enteric glia are a unique type of peripheral neuroglia that accompany neurons in the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the digestive tract. The ENS displays integrative neural circuits that are capable of governing moment-to-moment gut functions independent of input from the central nervous system. Enteric glia are interspersed with neurons throughout these intrinsic gut neural circuits and are thought to fulfill complex roles directed at maintaining homeostasis in the neuronal microenvironment and at neuroeffector junctions in the gut. Changes to glial functions contribute to a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases, but the precise roles of enteric glia in gut physiology and pathophysiology are still under examination. This review summarizes current concepts regarding enteric glial development, diversity, and functions in health and disease.

Current Concepts and Technologies in Acetabular Cup Positioning for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Current Concepts and Technologies in Acetabular Cup Positioning for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Sindrom Kardiovaskular-Ginjal-Metabolik: Konsep Terkini untuk Klinisi

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a systemic abnormality resulting from complex pathophysiological interactions among cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic risk factors, particularly diabetes mellitus and obesity. In clinical practice, the management of CKM syndrome encounters some significant challenges, including the lack of clinicians’ knowledge regarding the most up-to-date therapy, limited drug availability, and restrictions on health insurance. Those issues potentially lead to a rise in morbidity and mortality rates of patients with CKM syndrome. This article elucidates the most updated concept of CKM syndrome regarding its pathophysiology, diagnostic approach, and treatment based on clinical stages ranging from stage 0 to stage 4. Some emerging medications have proven to improve the prognosis of patients with CKM syndrome by targeting any of the pathophysiological interactions, namely sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, angiotensin-enzyme converting inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers. Recent studies have proven their efficacy in reducing hospitalisation rates and cardiovascular-related mortality. Not only by applying current clinical guidelines in practice, CKM syndrome should also be managed holistically in a multidiscipline manner starting from health promotion to curative treatment. Hence, the current concept of CKM syndrome pointing to holistic and multidiscipline management hopefully could prevent the progressivity of the disease and reduce the morbidity and mortality rates.

Design and modeling of the case of unmanned aerial vehicle, in the technical facility control system

This article presents the design and modeling of a case with a combat kit for an army unmanned aerial vehicle with an autonomous launch system. The scientific problem solved by the authors in this article is the design and modeling of a new medium-class combat vehicle, according to the current concept of modern design and produc-tion «Industry 4.0», which implies the creation of new dual-use equipment and technologies. The purpose of scien-tific research is the design and modeling of a case with a combat kit for an army unmanned aerial vehicle. The following methods of scientific research were used in the scientific article: theoretical and empirical. The authors associate the prospects of their research with the design and modeling of an innovative control system for a two-case army unmanned aerial vehicle with an autonomous launch system, which has mounts for installation on the chassis of a combat vehicle.

2023 State of the industry report on investment and development of space solar power

Space solar power is an old idea. From its initial suggestion in the 1940s to the first practical concept by Dr. Peter Glaser in 1968, it has been analyzed, studied, and refined many times. Multiple government institutions, including NASA, JAXA, ESA, and CAST have invested significant funds into developing direct space solar power research. In parallel to these direct studies, considerable investment has also flowed into enabling technologies that serve as the cornerstone of current space solar power development concepts, including space solar panels, space hardware manufacturing, low-cost launch, wireless power transfer, robotic assembly, and swarm monitoring/control. In the last few years, space solar power concepts and studies have received increased funding, including non-governmental funding showing a strong positive growth trend. Multiple reports in 2021 and 2022, including from this author, have found that while space solar power has been technically feasible for decades, falling launch and hardware costs have only recently made it economically viable as well. Despite these findings, translation from economic feasibility to economic reality will require additional high-value investment.Sourcing these new funds requires investment context. This technical paper will present a state of the industry report on space solar power, including the total and source distribution of historical investments. It further contextualizes the investments in space solar power with the scale of investment in key technologies and their current technology readiness levels. The methodologies developed for this report and the data sourced are intended to serve as a catalyst, alongside industry feedback, to create a template for ongoing reporting of this growing market sub-sector and ultimately drive the full deployment of this technology.

Evaluating Crowdsourcing Applications with Map-Based Storytelling Capabilities in Cultural Heritage

Crowdsourcing applications that integrate storytelling and geotagging capabilities offer new avenues for engaging the public in cultural heritage. However, standardised evaluation frameworks are lacking. This paper presents an applied evaluation methodology involving the analysis of relevant web-based tools. Towards this goal, this paper presents the development of crowdsourcing applications using, as a case study, the collection of myths and legends associated with the monumental heritage site of the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes in Greece. Additionally, the paper presents an evaluation conducted through a criteria-based approach and user-based survey. The study reviews the concepts of crowdsourcing and digital storytelling within digital heritage, along with current concepts of living heritage and folklore, and examines relevant initiatives. The evaluation follows a four-stage methodology: (i) initial web-based tool selection based on the minimum requirements of web compatibility, crowdsourced data display, and map-based storytelling capability; (ii) application development using the selected web-based tools; (iii) a five-criteria assessment, based on the factors of open access, usability/tool support, participatory content/story creation, metrics provision and metadata model usage; and (iv) a crowd-based survey, indicating the most effective option. Findings from 100 respondents reveal limited exposure to participatory storytelling applications but interest in contributing content. Social media and influential figures serve as key channels for promoting crowdsourcing open calls. The results highlight gaps in understanding user expectations and perceptions, suggesting future research for gaining insights into engagement rates.

О парадоксальном способе самосознания: рок-культура как маркер идентичности

One of the tools that participate in the transformation of the identity system at the stage of transition from modern culture to postmodern culture is rock culture. It offers a person a number of identification opportunities that have different properties compared to the possibilities of defining oneself in a manner characteristic of modern culture. There is a partial rejection of identity markers characteristic to the modern era. The identity formed by rock culture, in accordance with current theoretical concepts, can be attributed to multiple, small narrative identities. As its fundamental characteristic feature, the presence of an indefinite core of identity is considered, which is understood as a set of phenomena perceived and interpreted by the subject as a basis for establishing one’s own identity with other subjects. This uncertainty lies in the weak definitions of rock, in the desire of subjects to refuse to positively identify themselves with rock, in denying the existence of this phenomenon as such. At the same time, rock does not turn into its own opposite, does not assume the functions of the excluded Other, remaining an object of centrifugal or centripetal motion. In addition, the weakening of the core of identity is due to the fact that the concept of rock turns into the focus of axiological aspirations of the subject. Rock culture is appropriated by the subject, turning into an absolute epicenter of identification. Subjectivity, thus, is taken out of the framework of one’s own personality and is endowed with the characteristics of an object, while receiving the name of rock. The real object for building identity disappears, being replaced by a subject, or at least a separate segment of it.

Current Concepts on the Management of Shoulder Instability in Throwing Athletes.

The management of shoulder instability in throwing athletes remains a challenge given the delicate balance between physiologic shoulder laxity facilitating performance and the inherent need for shoulder stability. This review will discuss the evaluation and management of a throwing athlete with suspected instability with a focus on recent findings and developments. The vast majority of throwing athletes with shoulder instability experience subtle microinstability as a result of repetitive microtrauma rather than episodes of gross instability. These athletes may present with arm pain, dead arms or reduced throwing velocity. Recent literature reinforces the fact that there is no "silver bullet" for the management of these athletes and an individualized, tailored approach to treatment is required. While initial nonoperative management remains the hallmark for treatment, the results of rehabilitation protocols are mixed, and some patients will ultimately undergo surgical stabilization. In these cases, it is imperative that the surgeon be judicious with the extent of surgical stabilization as overtightening of the glenohumeral joint is possible, which can adversely affect athlete performance. Managing shoulder instability in throwing athletes requires a thorough understanding of its physiologic and biomechanical underpinnings. Inconsistent results seen with surgical stabilization has led to a focus on nonoperative management for these athletes with surgery reserved for cases that fail to improve non-surgically. Overall, more high quality studies into the management of this challenging condition are warranted.

Functional Constipation: Pathophysiology, evaluation, and management.

Functional constipation (FC), a disorder of the gut-brain interaction of multifactorial pathophysiology that is prevalent in paediatrics. It is associated with bothersome symptoms, increased healthcare costs, disgruntled caregivers and impaired health-related quality of life. Paediatric FC is a clinical diagnosis based on the Rome IV criteria and is characterised by decreased bowel movement frequency and/or hard, painful stools and can be complicated by retentive faecal incontinence. Stressful life events, difficult temperaments and emotional and behavioural challenges have been implicated in increasing risk of developing paediatric FC. To provide current concepts in pathophysiology, evaluation and management of paediatric FC. We reviewed pertinent literature after a comprehensive search utilising PubMed with keywords FC, chronic childhood constipation and paediatric FC. In the last decade, advances in our understanding of paediatric FC have changed the landscape of diagnosing and treating this disorder. Although polyethylene glycol is the first-line treatment for maintenance of FC, the armamentarium of therapeutics has expanded including the first Food and Drug Administration- agent, linaclotide, for children 6-17 years of age in conjunction with more emphasis on behavioural and physical therapy interventions. Treatment approach to paediatric FC should be individualised and integrated focusing on parental education, lifestyle and behavioural modifications, and pharmacological therapy to maximise therapeutic success. This review highlights advances in pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of FC in children.

Towards the Non-Mertonian Ethos of a Non-Mertonian Science: Situating the Research Value of Openness

It is hard to disagree with the thrust of René von Schomberg’s position paper. It is driven by the worry that current conceptions of “open science” are all too impoverished – that they need to be complemented by the social practice of “mutual responsiveness”. In terms of political theory or notions of democracy, on the one hand, in terms of socially relevant research practice, on the other hand, only an ambitious commitment to open science will be robust enough to make a difference and contribute to the solution of pressing problems. In contrast, it is paying lip service only to the ideal of openness when “open science” becomes reduced to “open access publishing” or data storage rituals. As von Schomberg shows, this might actually deepen disparities and redundancies within dysfunctional science.

Objects of Currency Legal Relationships in the context of Countering Restrictive Measures Imposed by Unfriendly States

The paper analyzes the process of expanding the list of objects of currency legal relations, including related to the policy pursued by the Russian Federation to counter restrictive measures imposed by the United States and unfriendly states and international organizations that have joined them. The author analyzes the category of «currency values». The author concludes that the category of currency values appeared due to legal and technical reasons: the use of the term «currency values» makes it possible to make the text of the document more concise, eliminating unnecessary enumeration of objects of currency legal relations. The author highlights that the current concept of attributing objects of currency legal relations to currency values leads to a hidden depreciation of the national currency of the Russian Federation. It is emphasized that the recognition of digital financial assets and hybrid digital rights based on them as objects of currency legal relations blurs the line between these digital rights and digital currency. At the same time, within the framework of currency relations, digital financial assets should be considered as an analogue of securities rather than as a currency. The reason why digital financial assets are recognized as an object of currency legal relations, but digital currencies are not, is that the latter do not have a person bound by them. The prognosis is made that due to the existing request and subject to the adoption of the necessary regulatory framework, digital currencies may become the object of currency legal relations and be used to a limited extent for cross-border settlements.

Biomechanical and biological factors of sexual dimorphism in anterior knee pain: Current concepts

Female gender is one of the commonly mentioned risk factors for anterior knee pain (AKP), among a spectrum of other factors including anatomical, biomechanical, hormonal, behavioral and psychological elements contributing to its development. Despite the focus on individual risk factors, there's a notable gap in comprehending how gender influences and interacts with other risk factors. The objective of this review was to identify and emphasize the connections between these interactions, gender-related risk factors for AKP, and the potential mechanisms that explain their associations with other risk factors, aiming to aid in the creation of precise prevention and treatment approaches. Gender influences the majority of risk factors for AKP, including anatomical, biomechanical, hormonal, behavioral and psychological factors. Women have on average smaller patellae, higher patellofemoral cartilage stress and for AKP, disadvantageous trochlear morphology, ligament and muscle composition and unfavorable neuromuscular control pattern. In contrast, men show on average an increased ability to strengthen their hip external rotators, which are both protective against AKP. Particularly in kinetic and kinematic analysis, men have been shown to have a distinctly different risk factor profile than women. Sex hormones may also play a role in the risk of AKP, with estrogen potentially influencing ligamentous laxity, increasing midfoot loading and affecting neuromuscular control of the lower extremities and testosterone positively affecting muscle mass and strength. The higher incidence of AKP in women is likely due to a combination of slightly increased risk factors. Although all risk factors can be present in both men and women and the holistic evaluation of each individual's risk factor composition is imperative regardless of gender, knowing distinctive risk factors may help with focused evaluation, treatment and implementing preventive measures of AKP.

The Analysis of Financial Performance of Tourism Sector Company Listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study explores the potential of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) in anti-corruption education as a tool to promote good governance within the context of a Halal City initiative. The research is motivated by the prevalence of corruption in Indonesia, exemplified by the high number of corruption cases in Malang City (41 out of 45 people accused in 2018). The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, employing library research, interviews, and surveys to analyze public understanding of fiqh and the Halal City concept in Malang. Quantitative data is analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings reveal a mixed public response to incorporating fiqh formulations directly into regulations (coefficient: 0.16). However, the study highlights a promising alternative: implementing fiqh principles within anticorruption education programs shows a significant positive effect on public awareness (coefficient: 0.93). A key challenge identified is the negative evaluation of good governance within the current Halal City concept (coefficient: - 0.64), despite public optimism regarding the initiative's overall goals (coefficient: 0.62). It is suggested to study these factors which can inform policymakers and bridge the gap between program execution and public expectations. Ultimately, this can lead to a more successful and well-received Halal City initiative that contributes to broader anti-corruption efforts

Progress in the radiologic diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

To discuss the most recent applications of radiological imaging, from conventional to quantitative, in the setting of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis. In this article, current concepts on radiological diagnosis of IPF, from high-resolution computed tomography (CT) to other imaging modalities, are reviewed. In a separate section, advances in quantitative CT and development of novel imaging biomarkers, as well as current limitations and future research trends, are described. Radiological imaging in IPF, particularly quantitative CT, is an evolving field which holds promise in the future to allow for an increasingly accurate disease assessment and prognostication of IPF patients. However, further standardization and validation studies of alternative imaging applications and quantitative biomarkers are needed.