bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety of two-dose COVID-19 vaccination (BNT162b2 and CoronaVac) in adults with cancer: a territory-wide cohort study
Authors: Kang Wei , Shami Jessica J. P. , Yan Vincent K. C. , Ye Xuxiao , Blais Joseph E. , Li Xue , Lee Victor H. F. , Chui Celine S. L. , Lai Francisco T. T. , Wan Eric Y. F. , Wong Carlos K. H. , Wong Ian C. K. , Chan Esther W.
Published: May 2022

Background

The World Health Organization has defined a list of adverse events of special interest (AESI) for safety surveillance of vaccines. AESI have not been adequately assessed following COVID-19 vaccination in patients with cancer contributing to vaccine hesitancy in this population. We aimed to evaluate the association between BNT162b2 and CoronaVac vaccines and the risk of AESI in adults with active cancer or a history of cancer.

Patients and methods

We conducted a territory-wide cohort study using electronic health records managed by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and vaccination records provided by the Department of Health. Patients with a cancer diagnosis between January 1, 2018, and September 30, 2021, were included and stratified into two cohorts: active cancer and history of cancer. Within each cohort, patients who received two doses of BNT162b2 or CoronaVac were 1:1 matched to unvaccinated patients using the propensity score. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for AESI 28 days after the second vaccine dose.

Results

A total of 74,878 patients with cancer were included (vaccinated: 25,789 [34%]; unvaccinated: 49,089 [66%]). Among patients with active cancer, the incidence of AESI was 0.31 and 1.02 per 10,000 person-days with BNT162b2 versus unvaccinated patients and 0.13 and 0.88 per 10,000 person-days with CoronaVac versus unvaccinated patients. Among patients with history of cancer, the incidence was 0.55 and 0.89 per 10,000 person-days with BNT162b2 versus unvaccinated patients and 0.42 and 0.93 per 10,000 person-days with CoronaVac versus unvaccinated patients. Neither vaccine was associated with a higher risk of AESI for patients with active cancer (BNT162b2: HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.08–1.09; CoronaVac: 0.14, 95% CI 0.02–1.18) or patients with history of cancer (BNT162b2: 0.62, 95% CI 0.30–1.28; CoronaVac: 0.45, 95% CI 0.21–1.00).

Conclusions

In this territory-wide cohort study of patients with cancer, the incidence of AESI following vaccination with two doses of either BNT162b2 or CoronaVac vaccines was low. The findings of this study can reassure clinicians and patients with cancer about the overall safety of BNT162b2 and CoronaVac in patients with cancer, which could increase the COVID-19 vaccination rate in this vulnerable group of patients.
The potential role of N7-methylguanosine (m7G) in cancer
Authors: Luo Yuejun , Yao Yuxin , Wu Peng , Zi Xiaohui , Sun Nan , He Jie
Published: May 2022

N7-methylguanosine (m7G), one of the most prevalent RNA modifications, has recently attracted significant attention. The m7G modification actively participates in biological and pathological functions by affecting the metabolism of various RNA molecules, including messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, microRNA, and transfer RNA. Increasing evidence indicates a critical role for m7G in human disease development, especially cancer, and aberrant m7G levels are closely associated with tumorigenesis and progression via regulation of the expression of multiple oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Currently, the underlying molecular mechanisms of m7G modification in cancer are not comprehensively understood. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the potential function of m7G modifications in cancer and discuss future m7G-related diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Psychological distress and smoking behaviors of Chinese college students: mediating effects of the dimensions of learning burnout
Authors: Li Xiong , Tan Yuhua , Li Shanqing , Wang Xiaoxin
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Smokers or never smokers exposed to environmental tobacco use are usually associated with various diseases and cancers. In order to better help college students prevent the tobacco use and thus lower the incidence of avoidable diseases, this study explored the predictive power of different variables including demographic and psychological variables in relation to smoking behaviors.

Methods

Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) were used in this study.

Results

There were 1449 college students participating in the study with 1340 pieces of valid data left, the effective ratio was 92.48%. The valid data included 37.1% male and 62.9% female aged 18.83 on average with 1.55 standard deviation. The multivariate logistic regression indicated that college students who were male (versus female, OR = 9.55), majoring in medicine and sports (versus nursing, ORmedicine = 2.19, ORsports = 2.81), born in the non-singleton family (versus singleton family, OR = 0.63) with higher family income (versus lower family income, OR = 0.45), surrounded with smoking friends (versus without smoking friends, OR = 0.18), were more vulnerable to smoke. In addition, combined with the theory of planned behavior, the dimensions of learning burnout had full mediation effects between psychological distress and smoking behavior.

Conclusions

Psychological distress can only indirectly affect smoking behavior via learning efficacy, cynicism and emotional exhaustion. Adjustments from different dimensions of learning burnout such as avoiding cynicism about learning, enhancing learning efficacy and emotion exhaustion will help college students better prevent the tobacco use.
First case report of neoadjuvant gemcitabine and S-1 for locally advanced unresectable duodenal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kimura Jiro , Sui Kenta , Tabuchi Motoyasu , Murokawa Takahiro , Sakamoto Shinya , Iwata Jun , Matsumoto Manabu , Okabayashi Takehiro
Published: May 2022

Background

The usefulness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma remains unclear. We report the case of a successfully resected duodenal adenocarcinoma managed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy using gemcitabine and S-1.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old female presented with a one-week history of abdominal bloating and vomiting after meals. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a circumferential epithelial lesion in the second portion of the duodenum. Abdominal computed tomography scan revealed thickened walls and narrowing of the duodenum. Further, an adenocarcinoma was noted on biopsy. Though she was diagnosed with duodenal adenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer could not be completely ruled out. Therefore, she underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy using gemcitabine and S-1 after bypass surgery. After six chemotherapy cycles, the tumor significantly reduced in size. Further, lymph nodes and distant metastases were not noted on abdominal computed tomography. The patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pathological examination revealed a 0.5-mm lesion and surrounding fibrosis at the duodenum, distal from the ampulla of Vater and the pancreas. Her postoperative course was almost uneventful, and she was discharged on the 31st postoperative day. The patient was followed up and had no tumor recurrence at 24 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine and S-1 was useful in reducing the size of a duodenal adenocarcinoma. This finding would aid physicians in managing patients that present with a similar presentation.
Chin tuck against resistance exercise with feedback to improve swallowing, eating and drinking in frail older people admitted to hospital with pneumonia: protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled study
Authors: Smithard David G. , Swaine Ian , Ayis Salma , Gambaruto Alberto , Stone-Ghariani Aoife , Hansjee Dharinee , Kulnik Stefan T. , Kyberd Peter , Lloyd-Dehler Elizabeth , Oliff William
Published: May 2022

Background

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and community-acquired pneumonia are common in frail older people and maybe addressed through targeted training of the anterior neck musculature that affects the swallow. We have developed a swallowing exercise rehabilitation intervention (CTAR-SwiFt) by adapting a previously established swallowing exercise to ensure patient safety and ease of execution in the frail elderly population. The CTAR-SwiFt intervention consists of a feedback-enabled exercise ball that can be squeezed under the chin, with real-time feedback provided via a mobile application. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of assessing the effectiveness of the CTAR-SwiFt intervention in reducing dysphagia and community-acquired pneumonia, prior to a larger-scale multi-centre randomised controlled trial.

Methods

We will recruit 60 medically stable patients over the age of 75 years who have been admitted with a diagnosis of pneumonia to the acute frailty wards at two participating hospitals in the UK. Study participants will be randomised into one of three groups: standard care, low intensity (once daily) CTAR-SwiFt exercise or high intensity (twice daily) CTAR-SwiFt exercises. The intervention period will last for 12 weeks, the final follow-up assessment will be conducted at 24 weeks. We will assess the feasibility outcomes, including rates of participant recruitment and retention, compliance with the exercise regime and adverse incidents. Additionally, we will assess the usability and acceptability of the intervention device and the performance of different clinical outcome measures (e.g. chin tuck strength, Functional Oral Intake Scale, SWAL-QOL, EQ-5D and swallow speed). A sub-sample of study participants will complete videofluoroscopic assessments of swallowing function before and after the intervention to evaluate the physiological changes (e.g. bolus flow rates, laryngeal elevation, base-of-tongue retraction).

Conclusions

By improving the ability to swallow, using our chin tuck exercise intervention, in frail older patients admitted to hospital with pneumonia, it is anticipated that patients’ oral intake will improve. It is suggested that this will further impact clinical, patient and healthcare economic outcomes, i.e. reduce the need for supplemental feeding, improve patient satisfaction with oral intake and swallowing-related quality of life, decrease the occurrence of chest infections and reduce hospital admissions and related healthcare costs.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN12813363. Registered on 20 January 2020
Vegetation type conversion in the US Southwest: frontline observations and management responses
Authors: Guiterman Christopher H. , Gregg Rachel M. , Marshall Laura A. E. , Beckmann Jill J. , van Mantgem Phillip J. , Falk Donald A. , Keeley Jon E. , Caprio Anthony C. , Coop Jonathan D. , Fornwalt Paula J. , Haffey Collin , Hagmann R. Keala , Jackson Stephen T. , Lynch Ann M. , Margolis Ellis Q. , Marks Christopher , Meyer Marc D. , Safford Hugh , Syphard Alexandra Dunya , Taylor Alan , Wilcox Craig , Carril Dennis , Enquist Carolyn A. F. , Huffman David , Iniguez Jose , Molinari Nicole A. , Restaino Christina , Stevens Jens T.
Published: May 2022

Background

Forest and nonforest ecosystems of the western United States are experiencing major transformations in response to land-use change, climate warming, and their interactive effects with wildland fire. Some ecosystems are transitioning to persistent alternative types, hereafter called “vegetation type conversion” (VTC). VTC is one of the most pressing management issues in the southwestern US, yet current strategies to intervene and address change often use trial-and-error approaches devised after the fact. To better understand how to manage VTC, we gathered managers, scientists, and practitioners from across the southwestern US to collect their experiences with VTC challenges, management responses, and outcomes.

Results

Participants in two workshops provided 11 descriptive case studies and 61 examples of VTC from their own field observations. These experiences demonstrate the extent and complexity of ecological reorganization across the region. High-severity fire was the predominant driver of VTC in semi-arid coniferous forests. By a large margin, these forests converted to shrubland, with fewer conversions to native or non-native herbaceous communities. Chaparral and sagebrush areas nearly always converted to non-native grasses through interactions among land use, climate, and fire. Management interventions in VTC areas most often attempted to reverse changes, although we found that these efforts cover only a small portion of high-severity burn areas undergoing VTC. Some areas incurred long (>10 years) observational periods prior to initiating interventions. Efforts to facilitate VTC were rare, but could cover large spatial areas.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore that type conversion is a common outcome of high-severity wildland fire in the southwestern US. Ecosystem managers are frontline observers of these far-reaching and potentially persistent changes, making their experiences valuable in further developing intervention strategies and research agendas. As its drivers increase with climate change, VTC appears increasingly likely in many ecological contexts and may require management paradigms to transition as well. Approaches to VTC potentially include developing new models of desired conditions, the use of experimentation by managers, and broader implementation of adaptive management strategies. Continuing to support and develop science-manager partnerships and peer learning groups will help to shape our response to ongoing rapid ecological transformations.
Rock-mechanical properties and in situ stress state of the Upper Cenomanian Mishrif limestone reservoir, Zubair oil field, southern Iraq
Authors: Almalikee Hussein Saeed , Sen Souvik
Published: May 2022

Rock-mechanical properties and tectonic stress state have crucial implications for reservoir stability, drilling, and production optimization. We have developed the first ever in situ stress analysis focused on the Mishrif reservoir from the supergiant Zubair oil field, southern Iraq. We interpreted an overall hydrostatic pore pressure gradient of 9.8 MPa/km and a vertical stress ([Formula: see text]) gradient of 22.17 MPa/km in the Upper Cenomanian Mishrif limestone formation. We inferred a Poisson’s ratio of 0.27–0.31, a Young’s modulus of 27–38 MPa, a coefficient of internal friction range of 0.66–0.76, and estimated a uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) range of 35–70 MPa with a low cohesive strength of 7.8–9.8 MPa from compressional sonic slowness data. We established fitting relationships between the dynamic and static elastic properties from the core-based triaxial test measurements and used the same for estimating the minimum ([Formula: see text]) and maximum ([Formula: see text]) horizontal stress magnitudes by poroelastic horizontal strain model. We validated the reservoir [Formula: see text] with the mini-frac-based fracture closure pressure and interpreted its gradient as 14.5–15.9 MPa/km, whereas we calculated the [Formula: see text] gradient as 19.5–23 MPa/km. We interpreted C-quality breakouts from four-arm caliper data and deciphered a northeast–southwest [Formula: see text] orientation (N45°E–N70°E). Using the compressive failure criteria, we constrained the reservoir [Formula: see text] by stress polygon analysis against the estimated UCS ranges and concluded a normal fault to strike-slip transitional tectonic stress state ([Formula: see text] ≥ [Formula: see text] > [Formula: see text]) in the Mishrif reservoir.
Genetic Variants Associated With Mineral Metabolism Traits in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Laster Marciana L , Rowan Bryce , Chen Hua-Chang , Schwantes-An Tae-Hwi , Sheng Xin , Friedman Peter A , Ikizler T Alp , Sinshiemer Janet S , Ix Joachim H , Susztak Katalin , de Boer Ian H , Kestenbaum Bryan , Hung Adriana , Moe Sharon M , Perwad Farzana , Robinson-Cohen Cassianne
Published: May 2022

Context

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes multiple interrelated disturbances in mineral metabolism. Genetic studies in the general population have identified common genetic variants associated with circulating phosphate, calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23).

Objective

In this study we aimed to discover genetic variants associated with circulating mineral markers in CKD.

Methods

We conducted candidate single-nucleotide variation (SNV) analysis in 3027 participants in the multiethnic Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) to determine the associations between SNVs and circulating levels of mineral markers.

Results

SNVs adjacent to or within genes encoding the regulator of G protein–coupled signaling 14 (RGS14) and the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) were associated with levels of mineral metabolites. The strongest associations (P < .001) were at rs4074995 (RGS14) for phosphate (0.09 mg/dL lower per minor allele) and FGF23 (8.6% lower), and at rs1801725 (CASR) for calcium (0.12 mg/dL higher). In addition, the prevalence of hyperparathyroidism differed by rs4074995 (RGS14) genotype (chi-square P < .0001). Differential inheritance by race was noted for the minor allele of RGS14. Expression quantitative loci (eQTL) analysis showed that rs4074995 was associated with lower RGS14 gene expression in glomeruli (P = 1.03 × 10–11) and tubules (P = 4.0 × 10–4).

Conclusion

We evaluated genetic variants associated with mineral metabolism markers in a CKD population. Participants with CKD and the minor allele of rs4074995 (RGS14) had lower phosphorus, lower plasma FGF23, and lower prevalence of hyperparathyroidism. The minor allele of RGS14 was also associated with lower gene expression in the kidney. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effect of rs4074995 on the pathogenesis of disordered mineral metabolism in CKD.
Global Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of 10 739 607 Individuals
Authors: Chan Kai En , Koh Tiffany Jia Ling , Tang Ansel Shao Pin , Quek Jingxuan , Yong Jie Ning , Tay Phoebe , Tan Darren Jun Hao , Lim Wen Hui , Lin Snow Yunni , Huang Daniel , Chan Mark , Khoo Chin Meng , Chew Nicholas W S , Kaewdech Apichat , Chamroonkul Naichaya , Dan Yock Young , Noureddin Mazen , Muthiah Mark , Eslam Mohammed , Ng Cheng Han
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed as a better definition of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to encompass the metabolic dysregulation associated with NAFLD. This redefinition challenges our understanding of the disease. Hence, this study sought to conduct an updated analysis of the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and associated factors of MAFLD, with a further sensitivity analysis done based on lean and nonobese MAFLD individuals.

Methods

Medline and Embase databases were searched to include articles on MAFLD. Meta-analysis of proportions was conducted using the generalized linear mix model. Associating factors were evaluated in conventional pairwise meta-analysis with sensitivity analysis on lean and nonobese MAFLD.

Results

From pooled analysis involving 3 320 108 individuals, the overall prevalence of MAFLD was 38.77% (95% CI 32.94% to 44.95%); 5.37% (95% CI 4.36% to 6.59%) and 29.78% (95% CI 26.06% to 33.79%) of lean and nonobese individuals, respectively, had MAFLD. Metabolic complications such as hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 2.63, 95% CI 1.85 to 3.74, P < 0.0001 and OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.74 to 2.38, P < 0.0001, respectively] and diabetes (OR 3.80, 95% CI 2.65 to 5.43, P < 0.0001 and OR 3.46, 95% CI 2.81 to 4.27, P < 0.0001, respectively) were found as significant associating factors associated with lean and nonobese MAFLD.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis supports previous studies in reporting MAFLD to affect more than a third of the global population. While exploration of the pathogenic basis of fatty liver disease without metabolic dysregulation is required, the emphasis on management of concomitant metabolic disease in MAFLD can improve multidisciplinary efforts in managing the complex disease.
Repeat Bone Mineral Density Screening Measurement and Fracture Prediction in Older Men: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ensrud Kristine E , Lui Li-Yung , Crandall Carolyn J , Orwoll Eric S , Langsetmo Lisa , Schousboe John T , Fink Howard A , Lane Nancy E , Kado Deborah M , Cauley Jane A , Stefanick Marcia L , Cawthon Peggy M
Published: May 2022

Context

Whether repeated bone mineral density (BMD) screening improves fracture prediction in men is uncertain.

Objective

We evaluated whether a second BMD 7 years after the initial BMD improves fracture prediction in older men.

Methods

Among 3651 community-dwelling men (mean age 79.1 years) with total hip BMD at baseline and Year 7 (Y7), self-reported fractures after Y7 were confirmed by radiographic reports. Fracture prediction assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression and logistic regression with receiver operating characteristic curves for models based on initial BMD, BMD change, and the combination of initial BMD and BMD change (combination model).

Results

During an average follow-up of 8.2 years after Y7, 793 men experienced ≥ 1 clinical fractures, including 426 men with major osteoporotic fractures (MOF) and 193 men with hip fractures. Both initial BMD and BMD change were associated with risk of fracture outcomes independent of each other, but the association was stronger for initial BMD. For example, the multivariable hazard ratio of MOF in the combination model per 1 SD decrement in BMD was 1.76 (95% CI 1.57-1.98) for initial BMD and 1.19 (95% CI 1.08-1.32) for BMD change. Discrimination of fracture outcomes with initial BMD models was somewhat better than with BMD change models and similar to combination models (AUC value for MOF 0.68 [95% CI 0.66-0.71] for initial BMD model, 0.63 [95% CI 0.61-0.66] for BMD change model, and 0.69 [95% CI 0.66-0.71] for combination model).

Conclusion

Repeating BMD after 7 years did not meaningfully improve fracture prediction at the population level in community-dwelling older men.
Effects of Hatha Yoga and Resistance Exercise on Affect and State Anxiety in Women
Authors: Fishman Katerina , McFadden Bridget A. , Pellegrino Joseph K. , Golem Devon L. , Davitt Patrick M. , Walker Alan J. , Arent Shawn M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the effects of single bouts of moderate-intensity resistance exercise (RE) and Hatha Yoga (HY) on postexercise affect and anxiety.

Methods

Active, college-aged women (N = 25) completed RE, HY, and no-exercise control sessions. Affect (energy, tiredness, tension, calmness) and state anxiety were assessed before exercise and 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after exercise.

Results

RE promoted significant postexercise increases in energy and tension and decreases in tiredness (P < 0.05) and calmness (P < 0.01). HY significantly improved calmness throughout recovery (P < 0.001). Both HY and RE showed significant reductions in state anxiety (P < 0.05), with the largest effect for HY seen 0 min after exercise (effect size, −0.77) and the largest effect for RT observed 60 min after exercise (effect size, −0.79).

Conclusion

Acute bouts of both RE and HY reduce state anxiety and positively impact various aspects of affect, despite opposing effects seen in affective scores. Furthermore, the divergent time course may reveal potentially different mechanisms that drive these responses.
Introducing a geospatial database and GIS techniques as a decision-making tool for multicriteria decision analysis methods in landslides susceptibility assessment
Authors: Nefros Constantinos , Loupasakis Constantinos
Published: May 2022

Every year landslides cause many fatalities and destroy numerous infrastructures around the world. Due to their catastrophic results, scientific research studies are conducted, on a continuous basis, trying to determine the controlling and triggering factors, and to evaluate their contribution-weight to that phenomenon. In this direction, many of these studies use multicriteria decision analysis methods as they are quite effective and can be applied rather quickly. However, a large percentage of the new studies that use these methods, is usually devoted to the analysis of many previous research studies and the validation of their results, which usually leads to serious delays and requires significant resources. In this research, 82 relevant past studies are evaluated, and their results are integrated into a worldwide geospatial database, to present its potential as a decision-making tool, during the landslide susceptibility assessment. As it is revealed the results of its statistical and spatial correlation with the examined region’s prevailing parameters in a geographical information system environment, can provide critical indications- suggestions to a researcher and along with the applicability of the multicriteria decision analysis methods, that contain the use of other experts’ knowledge and experience, to lead to the rapid identification of the most critical landslide causal factors and the initial evaluation of their contribution-weight. These indications accelerate significant the whole process and reduce the risk for possible biased conclusions, which can render the whole method ineffective. Moreover, this study highlights the geodatabase’s potential to incorporate open-access data, from external spatial databases and to use them, during the process of the landslide susceptibility assessment.
Αξιολόγηση διαφορετικών τεχνικών τροποποίησης της επιφάνειας υλικών CAD/CAM και μελέτη της επίδρασής τους στο δεσμό με τη ρητινώδη κονία
Authors: Παπαδόπουλος Κωνσταντίνος
Published: May 2022

Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας είναι η εκτίμηση της αντοχής δεσμού στον μικρο-εφελκυσμό μεταξύ τεσσάρων κεραμικών σε ρητινώδη μήτρα CAD/CAM υλικών με μια ρητινώδη κονία, μετά από διαφορετικές επιφανειακές τροποποιήσεις και τεχνητή γήρανση. Επιπλέον η ποιοτική και ποσοτική εκτίμηση της επιφανειακής αδρότητας των υλικών μετά από κάθε τροποποίηση και συσχέτιση τους με τα αποτελέσματα της αντοχής δεσμού για το κάθε υλικό.Οι επιφανειακές τροποποιήσεις έγιναν με δύο διαφορετικές μηχανικές μεθόδους αεροαποτριβής και με μια χημική μέθοδο επεξεργασίας. Ακολούθησε ποιοτική και ποσοτική εκτίμηση των παραμέτρων επιφανειακής αδρότητας των υλικών. Πραγματοποιήθηκε δοκιμασία αντοχής του δεσμού με μικρο-εφελκυσμό (μ-TBS) μετά από περιόδους γήρανσης σε διάλυμα χλωραμίνης 0.5% 1 εβδομάδας και 6 μηνών.Από τη στατιστική επεξεργασία των αποτελεσμάτων προέκυψαν τα εξής:1. Η αντοχή δεσμού των CAD/CAM υλικών που μελετήθηκαν εξαρτάται μακροπρόθεσμα από το είδος της επιφανειακής τροποποίησης των υλικών πριν τη συγκόλληση τους.2. Οι επιφανειακές τροποποιήσεις αεροαποτριβής με σωματίδια επικαλυμμένα με πυρίτιο και επεξεργασίας με υδροφθορικό οξύ (HF) συνοδευόμενες από προσθήκη σιλανίου φαίνεται να διατηρούν τις τιμές αντοχής δεσμού σε ικανοποιητικά επίπεδα για διάστημα 6 μηνών.3. Η αεροαποτριβή με σωματίδια επικαλυμμένα με πυρίτιο δεν φαίνεται να επιφέρει μεταβολές στις τιμές αντοχής δεσμού στον μικρο-εφελκυσμό σε διάστημα 6 μηνών.4. Το είδος του σπασίματος εξαρτάται από το είδος της επιφανειακής τροποποίησης, αλλά δεν εξαρτάται από τον τύπο υλικού.5. Οι παράγοντες επιφανειακής αδρότητας Sa και Sz εξαρτώνται και από το είδος του υλικού και από το είδος της επιφανειακής τροποποίησης. Από τις δύο παραμέτρους επιφανειακής αδρότητας μόνο η Sa αποδείχτηκε ότι επηρεάζει την αντοχή δεσμού στον μικρο-εφελκυσμό.
The Human Library in the Netherlands: A successful exchange of life
Authors: Dool Anne van den
Published: May 2022

The originally Danish principle of The Human Library has been known in the Netherlands for about six years now. Even during the coronavirus crisis, the organizers managed to reach more than 700 people in over 20 sessions. The high average rating given by the participants is in line with the positive results of previous studies on the impact of The Human Library. A distinction can be made between short-term and long-term effects, effects on voluntary participants versus participants in an edition of The Human Library in a mandatory setting, such as a work situation, and effects achieved in terms of awareness, change in attitude and behavioural change. In almost all of these areas, The Human Library scores high. In the future, more research can be done into the distinction between these different situations, as well as on the effect on the 'books' rather than the 'readers', on whom almost all research now focuses.
La "periferia" de la historia. Análisis de la historiografía no universitaria sobre la ciudad romana en Catalunya entre el 1860 y el 1980.
Authors: LARIO DEVESA Arnau
Published: May 2022

El estudio académico de la historia es, sin lugar a dudas, una prerrogativa del mundo universitario actualmente, pero esto no ha sido siempre así. El artículo presenta los resultados de un estudio sobre la historiografiá de los "aficionados" y de los "eruditos" entre 1860, fecha de publicación de la Historia de Cataluña  de Víctor Balaguer, hasta 1980, el momento de la creación del Servei d'Arqueologia de Catalunya y la consecuente extinción de este fenómeno. Para poder desarrollar la investigación, se ha tomado como objeto de estudio las ciudades romanas de Blandae, Ilura, Baetulo y Barcino, y se ha dividido el espacio cronológico en tres fases diferentes. A través de las interpretaciones que se van desarrollando sobre el fenomeno urbano romano se han podido entender las intencionalidades políticas, académicas y culturales de cada fase historiográfica, y como ha ido evolucionando el estudio no universitario de nuestro pasado.

Palabras clave: Historiografía, civitas, Renaixença, Novecentismo, Laietània
Las bullangues de Barcelona (1835-1837): Estado de la cuestión.
Authors: RUEDA SABALA Pep
Published: May 2022

El estudio histórico de las primeras bullangues de Barcelona (1835-1837), pieza clave en el desarrollo de la inestable y turbulenta larga década de 1830-1843, se ha convertido en un huesped, debido a la transformación en sentido social y cultural de la historia política, y a una notable renovación historiográfica. La convergencia entre las aportaciones de la historiografía socioeconómica de inicios de la segunda mitad del siglo XX, y la historia política asentada durante las últimas décadas del mismo siglo, ha facilitado la creación de estudios holísticos respecto del fenómeno en cuestión. El articulo que sigue elabora un estado de la cuestión en el cual se resalta el proceso de hibridación historiográfica y, paralelamente, se presentan los debates restantes y los consensos alcanzados por la renovada historia política de las bullangues de Barcelona.

Palabras clave: clases populares, burguesía, revolución liberal, bullangues, historiografía.
Refractive index sensitivity of Brillouin acoustic modes in single-mode subwavelength-diameter fibers
Authors: Zhang Yongsheng , Lu Haifei , Deng Shuo , Wen Xiaoyan , Li Min
Published: May 2022

The acousto-optic interaction is strongly modified and different in subwavelength confinement. Here, the optical propagation and acoustic propagation in a subwavelength-diameter fiber (SDF) have been investigated through adopting a two-layer fiber model of air-coated silica rod. Theoretical investigation indicates that SDF with a diameter below 1.2 µm supports the single mode of light propagation, and various Brillouin acoustic modes with well-spaced spectral distribution can be also excited. Due to the light propagation with the outer environment as the cladding layer, the surrounding medium will greatly affect Brillouin scattering of SDFs. Both the simulation and experiment results indicate a relatively good linear relationship between the Brillouin frequency shift of the lower acoustic modes and surrounding environmental refractive index (RI), and the higher RI sensitivity in finer SDFs can be obtained. In addition, hybrid acoustic waves have shown higher sensitivity and stability than surface acoustic modes. A RI sensitivity of about 5.1 GHz/RIU has been achieved in a 1.1 µm SDF, demonstrating its potential application in RI sensing.
Quantum microwave photonics in radio-over-fiber systems
Authors: Jin Yaqing , Yang Ye , Hong Huibo , Xiang Xiao , Quan Runai , Liu Tao , Zhang Shougang , Zhu Ninghua , Li Ming , Dong Ruifang
Published: May 2022

As the main branch of microwave photonics, radio-over-fiber technology provides high bandwidth, low-loss, and long-distance propagation capability, facilitating wide applications ranging from telecommunication to wireless networks. With ultrashort pulses as the optical carrier, a large capacity is further endowed. However, the wide bandwidth of ultrashort pulses results in the severe vulnerability of high-frequency radio frequency (RF) signals to fiber dispersion. With a time-energy entangled biphoton source as the optical carrier combined with the single-photon detection technique, a quantum microwave photonics method in radio-over-fiber systems is proposed and demonstrated experimentally. The results show that it not only realizes unprecedented nonlocal RF signal modulation with strong resistance to the dispersion but also provides an alternative mechanism to distill the RF signal out from the dispersion effectively. Furthermore, the spurious-free dynamic ranges of the nonlocally modulated and distilled RF signals have been significantly improved. With the ultra-weak detection and the high-speed processing advantages endowed by the low-timing-jitter single-photon detection, the quantum microwave photonics method opens new possibilities in modern communication and networks.
Utility of silhouette showcards to assess adiposity in three countries across the epidemiological transition
Authors: Reese Tyler O. , Bovet Pascal , Choo-Kang Candice , Bedu-Addo Kweku , Forrester Terrence , Gilbert Jack A. , Goedecke Julia H. , Lambert Estelle V. , Layden Brian T. , Micklesfield Lisa K. , Plange-Rhule Jacob , Rae Dale , Viswanathan Bharathi , Luke Amy , Dugas Lara R.
Published: May 2022

The Pulvers’ silhouette showcards provide a non-invasive and easy-to-use way of assessing an individual’s body size perception using nine silhouette shapes. However, their utility across different populations has not been examined. This study aimed to assess: 1) the relationship between silhouette perception and measured anthropometrics, i.e., body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-height-ratio (WHtR), and 2) the ability to predict with silhouette showcards anthropometric adiposity measures, i.e., overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), obesity alone (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), elevated WC (men ≥ 94 cm; women ≥ 80 cm), and WHtR (> 0.5) across the epidemiological transition. 751 African-origin participants, aged 20–68 years old, from the United States (US), Seychelles, and Ghana, completed anthropometrics and selected silhouettes corresponding to their perceived body size. Silhouette performance to anthropometrics was examined using a least-squares linear regression model. A receiver operator curve (ROC) was used to investigate the showcards ability to predict anthropometric adiposity measures. The relationship between silhouette ranking and BMI were similar between sexes of the same country but differed between countries: 3.65 [95% CI: 3.34–3.97] BMI units/silhouette unit in the US, 3.23 [2.93–3.74] in Seychelles, and 1.99 [1.72–2.26] in Ghana. Different silhouette cutoffs predicted obesity differently in the three countries. For example, a silhouette ≥ five had a sensitivity/specificity of 77.3%/90.6% to predict BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 in the US, but 77.8%/85.9% in Seychelles and 84.9%/71.4% in Ghana. Ultimately, silhouettes predicted BMI, WC, and WHtR similarly within each country and sex but not across countries. Our data suggest that Pulvers’ silhouette showcards may be a helpful tool to predict anthropometric and adiposity measures in different populations when direct measurement cannot be performed. However, no universal silhouette cutoff can be used for detecting overweight or obesity status, and population-specific differences may stress the need to calibrate silhouette showcards when using them as a survey tool in different countries.
A ’compensatory selection’ effect with standardized tests: Lack of correlation between test scores and success is evidence that test scores are predictive of success
Authors: Huber David E. , Cohen Andrew L. , Staub Adrian
Published: May 2022

We introduce the statistical concept of ’compensatory selection’, which arises when selecting a subset of applicants based on multiple predictors, such as when standardized test scores are used in combination with other predictors required in a school application (e.g., previous grades, references letters, and personal statements). Post-hoc analyses often fail to find a positive correlation between test scores and subsequent success, and this failure is sometimes taken as evidence against the predictive validity of the standardized test. The present analysis reveals that the failure to find a negative correlation indicates that the standardized test is in fact a valid predictor of success. This is due to compensation between predictors during selection: Some students are admitted despite a low test score because their application is exceptional in other respects, while other students are admitted primarily based on a high test score despite weakness in the rest of their application. This compensatory selection process introduces a negative correlation between test scores and other predictors among those admitted (a ’collider bias’ or ’Berkson’s paradox’ effect). If test scores are valid predictors of success, this negative correlation between the predictors counteracts the positive correlation between test scores and success that would have been observed if all applicants were admitted. If test scores are not predictive of success, but were nevertheless used in a compensatory selection process, there would be a spurious negative correlation between test scores and success (i.e., an admitted student with a weak application except for a high test score would be unlikely to succeed). The selection effect that is described here is fundamentally different from the well-known ’restricted range’ problem and can powerfully alter results even in situations that accept most applicants.
Prognostic value of nutritional parameters in systolic heart failure with renal dysfunction
Authors: Doi Takahiro , Noto Takahiro , Mita Tomohiro , Nagahara Daigo , Yuda Satoshi , Hashimoto Akiyoshi , Nakata Tomoaki , Nakajima Kenichi
Published: May 2022

Although it is known that assessment and management of the nutritional status of patients are important for treatment of patients with heart failure (HF), there are currently no established indicators. Therefore, we investigated the effects of nutritional parameters as well as conventional parameters on the prognosis of HF patients. A total of 1954 consecutive HF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 50% were enrolled in this study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed and conventional parameters for HF patients and parameters to assess nutritional status were measured in all patients. Patients were followed up with a primary endpoint of lethal cardiac events (CEs) for 30.2 months. During the follow-up period, cardiac events were documented in 619 HF patients. The CEs group had a lower level of cholinesterase (201.5U/L vs 265.2U/L, P <0.0001), lower estimated GFR (35.2 ml/min/1.73m2vs 50.3ml/min/1.73m2, P< 0.0001), and lower Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) (91.9 vs 100.0, P< 0.0001) than those in the non-CEs group. Serum cholinesterase, estimated GFR, and GNRI were identified as significant prognostic determinants in multivariate analysis. ROC analyses revealed cut-off values of serum cholinesterase, estimated GFR, and GNRI of 229U/L, 34.2 ml/min/1.73m2, and 95.6, respectively, for identifying high-risk HF patients. HF patients with serum cholinesterase< 229U/L, estimated GFR<34.3 ml/min/1.73m2, and GNRI< 95.6 had a significantly greater rate of CEs than that in the other patients (P<0.0001). Low serum cholinesterase and low GNRI can predict cardiac mortality risk in systolic HF patients with renal dysfunction.
High-resolution weather network reveals a high spatial variability in air temperature in the Central valley of California with implications for crop and pest management
Authors: Martínez-Lüscher Johann , Teitelbaum Tomas , Mele Anthony , Ma Oliver , Frewin Andrew Jordan , Hazell Jordan
Published: May 2022

Weather is the most important driver of crop development. However, spatial variability in weather makes it hard to obtain reliable high resolution datasets across large areas. Most growers rely on data from a single station that can be up to 50km away to make decisions about irrigation, pest management and penology-associated cultural practices at the block level. In this regard, we hypothesize that kriging a large network of weather stations can improve thermal time data quality compared to using the closest station. This study aims to explore the spatial variability in California’s Central Valley and what is the relationship between the density of weather stations used and the error in the measurement of temperature related metrics and derived models. For this purpose, we used temperature records from January 1st 2020 to March 1st 2021 collected by the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) and a system of 731 weather stations placed above the canopy of trees in commercial orchards (in-orchard). We observed large discrepancies (>300 GDDTb0) in thermal time accumulation between using an interpolation of all stations available and just using the closest CIMIS station. Our data suggests these differences are not systematic bias but true differences in mesoclimate. Similar results were observed for chill accumulation in areas especially prone to not meeting pistachio chill requirements where the discrepancies between using the site-specific in-orchard weather station network and not using them were up to 10 CP. The use of this high resolution network of weather stations revealed spatial patterns in grape, almond, pistachio and pests phenology not reported before. Whereas previous studies have been focused on predictions at the county or state or regional level, our data suggests that a finer resolution can result in major improvements in the quality of data crucial for crop decision making.
Sex inequality in early initiation of breastfeeding in 24 sub-Saharan African countries: A multi-country analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Bolarinwa Obasanjo Afolabi , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Arthur-Holmes Francis , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Kwabena Ameyaw Edward , Budu Eugene , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Ighodalo Uzairue Leonard , Yaya Sanni
Published: May 2022

Background

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 aims at reducing neonatal and under-5 mortality to below 12 per 1000 and 25 per 1000 live births, respectively, globally by 2030. Studies have found that initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth and continuous breastfeeding for over 12 months can positively impact neonatal and infant health. However, there is evidence that the sex of a child may influence the breastfeeding practices of a mother. Thus, we examined sex inequality in early breastfeeding initiation in sub-Saharan Africa.

Materials and methods

Data from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 24 sub-Saharan African countries between January 2010 and December 2019 were pooled and analysed. A total of 137,677 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) were considered in this study. Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed, and the results were presented using crude odds ratio (cOR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with statistical significance at a p-value less than 0.05.

Results

The highest inequality in early initiation of breastfeeding was reported in Togo with a difference of 5.21% between the female and male children, while the lowest inequality was reported in Guinea with 0.48% difference between the female and male children. A higher odds of breastfeeding within 1 hour was observed among female children [cOR = 1.05; 95%(CI = 1.02–1.09)] compared to male children, and this persisted after controlling for the confounders included in this study [aOR = 1.05; 95%(CI = 1.02–1.08)].

Conclusion

We found higher odds for early breastfeeding initiation of female children compared to male children in sub-Saharan Africa. To reduce breastfeeding initiation inequalities, programmes that educate and encourage early initiation of breastfeeding irrespective of the child sex should be promoted among mothers.
Estimation of Landsat-like daily evapotranspiration for crop water consumption monitoring using TSEB model and data fusion
Authors: Chen Dong , Zhuang Qifeng , Zhang Wenjie , Zhu Liang
Published: May 2022

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays an essential role in agricultural water resource management. Understanding regional agricultural water consumption characteristics can be improved by predicting ET using remote sensing. However, due to the lack of high-resolution images on clear-sky days or the limitation of ET reconstruction on cloudy-sky days, it remains challenging to continuously derive ET at the field scale. In this study, the Landsat and MODIS data were initially fused to obtain the Landsat-like vegetation index and land surface temperature on clear-sky days. Then the two-source energy balance (TSEB) model was applied to calculate the daily ET during the clear-sky. A canopy resistance-based gap-filling method was involved in reconstructing regional ET on cloudy days while considering different environmental factors. The estimations were validated by automatic weather system data (AWS) and eddy covariance (EC) measurements in Guantao County. The results demonstrated that the proposed scheme performed well in estimating cropland ET, with an RMSE of 0.86 mm·d−1 and an R2 of 0.65, and the NSE and PBias were 0.61 and -0.29%, respectively. The crop water consumption analysis revealed that the daily ET of winter wheat peaked during the maturation stage. Nevertheless, summer maize water consumption peaked in the middle of the growing season in this area. The temperature during the early development stage and the soil moisture in the mid and late growth stages had the greatest impact on the ET of winter wheat. During the entire growing period, soil moisture had the largest effect on the ET of summer maize. The findings showed that the TSEB model can be effectively applied to field-scale water consumption monitoring in North China through MODIS and Landsat data fusion and ET temporal reconstruction considering environmental factors.
Instant inactivation of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 by dielectric filter discharge
Authors: Baek Ki Ho , Jang Donghwan , Kim Taeyoon , Park Joo Young , Kim Dojoon , Ryoo Sungweon , Lee Seunghun
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the instant inactivation effect of dielectric filter discharge (DFD) on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) aerosols. The filter consisted of one layer of ZrO2 beads covered by aluminum mesh electrodes; this porous structure of DFD part generates filter-type surface discharge and reactive oxygen species. In a closed cylindrical chamber, DFD treated air flow containing SARS-CoV-2 aerosols, primarily composed of particle diameters of ≤ 1 μm. A polypropylene melt-blown filter collected the treated bioaerosols for inactivation analysis. Plaque and polymerase chain reaction assays showed that the aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 that passed through the filter were more than 99.84% inactivated with degradation of SARS-CoV-2 genes (ORF1ab and E). However, ozone exposure without DFD passage was not found to be effective for bioaerosol inactivation in plaque assay.