bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of eccentric, concentric and eccentric/concentric training on muscle function and mass, functional performance, cardiometabolic health, quality of life and molecular adaptations of skeletal muscle in COPD patients: a multicentre randomised trial
Authors: Peñailillo Luis , Valladares-Ide Denisse , Jannas-Velas Sebastián , Flores-Opazo Marcelo , Jalón Mauricio , Mendoza Laura , Nuñez Ingrid , Diaz-Patiño Orlando
Published: July 2022

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third cause of death worldwide. COPD is characterised by dyspnoea, limited exercise tolerance, and muscle dysfunction. Muscle dysfunction has been linked to dysregulation between muscle protein synthesis, myogenesis and degradation mechanisms. Conventional concentric cycling has been shown to improve several clinical outcomes and reduce muscle wasting in COPD patients. Eccentric cycling is a less explored exercise modality that allows higher training workloads imposing lower cardio-metabolic demand during exercise, which has shown to induce greater muscle mass and strength gains after training. Interestingly, the combination of eccentric and concentric cycling training has scarcely been explored. The molecular adaptations of skeletal muscle after exercise interventions in COPD have shown equivocal results. The mechanisms of muscle wasting in COPD and whether it can be reversed by exercise training are unclear. Therefore, this study aims two-fold: (1) to compare the effects of 12 weeks of eccentric (ECC), concentric (CONC), and combined eccentric/concentric (ECC/CONC) cycling training on muscle mass and function, cardiometabolic health, physical activity levels and quality of life in severe COPD patients; and (2) to examine the molecular adaptations regulating muscle growth after training, and whether they occur similarly in specific muscle fibres (i.e., I, IIa and IIx).

Methods

Study 1 will compare the effects of 12 weeks of CONC, ECC, versus ECC/CONC training on muscle mass and function, cardiometabolic health, levels of physical activity and quality of life of severe COPD patients using a multicentre randomised trial. Study 2 will investigate the effects of these training modalities on the molecular adaptations regulating muscle protein synthesis, myogenesis and muscle degradation in a subgroup of patients from Study 1. Changes in muscle fibres morphology, protein content, genes, and microRNA expression involved in skeletal muscle growth will be analysed in specific fibre-type pools.

Discussion

We aim to demonstrate that a combination of eccentric and concentric exercise could maximise the improvements in clinical outcomes and may be ideal for COPD patients. We also expect to unravel the molecular mechanisms underpinning muscle mass regulation after training in severe COPD patients.

Trial Registry: Deutshches Register Klinischer Studien; Trial registration: DRKS00027331; Date of registration: 12 January 2022. https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00027331.
Surface roughness and Streptococcus mutans adhesion on surface sealant agent coupled interim crown materials after dynamic loading
Authors: Eslemez Topcu Eda , Şahin Onur , Köroğlu Ayşegül , Cömert Füsun , Yilmaz Burak
Published: July 2022

Background

With the application of surface sealant agents, smooth surfaces can be achieved in a shorter time when compared with conventional polishing. However, studies on the performance of these agents against chewing forces are not many. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness and Streptococcus mutans adhesion on surface sealent coupled interim prosthetic materials after chewing simulation.

Methods

One hundred and twelve specimens were fabricated from two poly(methyl methacrylate) (Tab 2000, Dentalon Plus) and two bis-acryl (Tempofit, Protemp 4) interim crown materials and divided into 4 groups (n = 7) according to applied surface treatment: conventional polishing (control) and 3 surface sealant (Palaseal, Optiglaze, Biscover) coupling methods. The surface roughness values (Ra) were measured with a profilometer before (Ra0) and after aging through dynamic loading in a multifunctional chewing simulator for 10,000 cycles at 50 N load combined with integral thermocycling (between 5 and 55 °C) (Ra1). Specimens were incubated with Streptococcus mutans suspension and the total number of adherent bacteria was calculated by multiplying the counted bacterial colonies with the dilution coefficient.

Results

Surface sealant agent application significantly decreased the surface roughness compared with conventionally polished specimens, except for Optiglaze or BisCover LV applied Protemp 4 and Palaseal or Biscover LV applied Tempofit. Surface roughness after dynamic loading showed a statistically significant increase in all groups, except for the control groups of Tab 2000 and Protemp 4. A positive correlation was found between surface roughness values of interim prosthodontic materials and the quantitiy of Streptococcus Mutans.

Conclusions

Even though surface sealant agent application significantly decreased the surface roughness compared with conventionally polished specimens, dynamic loading significantly increased the surface roughness of all surface sealant coupled materials. The Ra values of all test groups were higher than the plaque accumulation threshold (0.20 µm). Streptococcus mutans adhered more on rougher surfaces.
Impact of satellite clinics on geographic access to assisted reproductive technology services in the United States
Authors: McGarity Micajah Z. , Herndon Christopher N. , Harris John A. , Hobbs Benjamin F.
Published: July 2022

Background

Many assisted reproductive technology (ART) centers utilize satellite clinics to expand reach and access to clinical services, but their contribution to lowering geographic barriers in access to care has not been examined. This study’s purpose is to determine the extent to which satellite clinics impact geographic access to ART and estimate the percentage of reproductive-age women who have geographic access to ART services.

Methods

A systematic web-search collected the locations of all main and satellite ART clinics in the United States (US). Driving times were calculated between satellite clinics and main clinics. The percentage of women with geographic access to care was characterized by clinic type using US Census Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs). Logistic regression was used to statistically model the presence of main and satellite clinics as a function of CBSA median income and female reproductive-age population.

Results

Four hundred sixty-nine main clinics with embryology labs and 583 satellite clinics were found in the US. Practices with satellite clinics tend to perform more ART cycles. Satellite clinics are located on average 66 minutes from their practice’s main clinic and 31 minutes from any main clinic. 22% of satellite clinics were in CBSAs without a main clinic. 46 M (72%) US reproductive-age women live in a CBSA with a main clinic, 5.1 M (8%) women live in a CBSA without a main clinic but at least one satellite clinic, and 13 M (20%) women live in an area with no ART clinic of either type. Female reproductive-age population was found to be a more important predictor of clinic presence than median income.

Conclusions

The majority of satellite clinics in the US are positioned in relative proximity to a main clinic. 85% of satellite clinics are located closer to the main clinic of other practices than to their own main clinic. Less than a quarter of ART satellite clinics expand geographic access to ART services by being located in areas without a main clinic, and the vast majority of practices with satellite clinics position their satellite clinics close to another practice’s main clinic.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Improvement of macrolactins production by the genetic adaptation of Bacillus siamensis A72 to saline stress via adaptive laboratory evolution
Authors: Gan Yuman , Bai Meng , Lin Xiao , Liu Kai , Huang Bingyao , Jiang Xiaodong , Liu Yonghong , Gao Chenghai
Published: July 2022

Background

Macrolactins, a type of macrolide antibiotic, are toxic to the producer strains. As such, its level is usually maintained below the lethal concentration during the fermentation process. To improve the production of macrolactins, we applied adaptive laboratory evolution technology to engineer a saline-resistant mutant strain. The hypothesis that strains with saline resistance show improved macrolactins production was investigated.

Results

Using saline stress as a selective pressure, we engineered a mutant strain with saline resistance coupled with enhanced macrolactins production within 60 days using a self-made device. As compared with the parental strain, the evolved strain produced macrolactins with 11.93% improvement in non-saline stress fermentation medium containing 50 g/L glucose, when the glucose concentration increased to 70 g/L, the evolved strain produced macrolactins with 71.04% improvement. RNA sequencing and metabolomics results revealed that amino acid metabolism was involved in the production of macrolactins in the evolved strain. Furthermore, genome sequencing of the evolved strain revealed a candidate mutation, hisDD41Y, that was causal for the improved MLNs production, it was 3.42 times higher than the control in the overexpression hisDD41Y strain. Results revealed that saline resistance protected the producer strain from feedback inhibition of end-product (macrolide antibiotic), resulting in enhanced MLNs production.

Conclusions

In the present work, we successfully engineered a mutant strain with enhanced macrolactins production by adaptive laboratory evolution using saline stress as a selective pressure. Based on physiological, transcriptomic and genetic analysis, amino acid metabolism was found to benefit macrolactins production improvement. Our strategy might be applicable to improve the production of other kinds of macrolide antibiotics and other toxic compounds. The identification of the hisD mutation will allow for the deduction of metabolic engineering strategies in future research.
The Guideline Language and Format Instrument (GLAFI): development process and international needs assessment survey
Authors: Gupta Samir , Tang Rosalind , Petricca Kadia , Florez Ivan D. , Kastner Monika
Published: July 2022

Background

Successful guideline implementation depends both on factors extrinsic to guidelines and their intrinsic features. In the Guideline Implementability for Decision Excellence Model (GUIDE-M), “communicating” content (language and format) is one of three core determinants of intrinsic implementability, but is seldom addressed. Our aims were to develop a tool that could be used by guideline developers to optimize language and format during development; identify gaps in this type of guidance in existing resources; and evaluate the perceived need for and usefulness of such a tool among guideline developers.

Methods

Our mixed-methods design consisted of (1) content development (selection and organization of evidence-based constructs from the GUIDE-M into a prototype Guideline Language and Format Instrument (GLAFI), followed by face validation with guideline developers); (2) document analysis (duplicate) of seven existing guideline tools to measure coverage of GLAFI items and identify new items; and (3) an international survey of guideline developers (corresponding authors of recent Canadian Medical Association or Guidelines International Network database guidelines) to measure perceived importance of language and format, quality of existing resources, and usefulness of a language and format tool.

Results

GLAFI items were organized into 4 language and 4 format subdomains. In face validation with guideline developers (17 clinicians, 1 methodologist), all agreed that the tool would improve guideline implementability and 93% indicated a desire for regular use. In the existing guideline tool document analysis, only 14/44 (31.8%) GLAFI items were operationalized in at least one tool. We received survey responses from 148/674 (22.0%) contacted guideline authors representing 45 organizations (9 countries). Language was rated as “extremely important” or “important” in determining uptake by 94% of respondents, and format by 84%. Correspondingly, 72% and 70% indicated that their organization would likely use such a tool.

Conclusions

Optimal language and format are fundamental to guideline implementability but often overlooked. The GLAFI tool operationalizes evidence-based constructs, most of which are absent in existing guideline tools. Guideline developers perceive these concepts to be important and express a willingness to use such a tool. The GLAFI should be further tested and refined with guideline developers and its impact on end-users measured.
Next-generation sequencing reveals novel variants and large deletion in FANCA gene in Polish family with Fanconi anemia
Authors: Repczynska Anna , Julga Katarzyna , Skalska-Sadowska Jolanta , Kacprzak Magdalena M. , Bartoszewska-Kubiak Alicja , Lazarczyk Ewelina , Loska Damian , Drozniewska Malgorzata , Czerska Kamila , Wachowiak Jacek , Haus Olga
Published: July 2022

Background

Fanconi anemia (FA) is the most common inherited bone marrow failure syndrome. However, establishing its molecular diagnosis remains challenging. Chromosomal breakage analysis is the gold standard diagnostic test for this disease. Nevertheless, molecular analysis is always required for the identification of pathogenic alterations in the FA genes.

Results

We report here on a family with FA diagnosis in two siblings. Mitomycin C (MMC) test revealed high level of chromosome breaks and radial figures. In both children, array—Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH) showed maternally inherited 16q24.3 deletion, including FANCA gene, and next generation sequencing (NGS) disclosed paternally inherited novel variants in the FANCA gene—Asn1113Tyr and Ser890Asn. A third sibling was shown to be a carrier of FANCA deletion only.

Conclusions

Although genetic testing in FA patients often requires a multi-method approach including chromosome breakage test, aCGH, and NGS, every effort should be made to make it available for whole FA families. This is not only to confirm the clinical diagnosis of FA in affected individuals, but also to enable identification of carriers of FA gene(s) alterations, as it has implications for diagnostic and genetic counselling process.
Carbon nanotube-graphene hybrids for soft electronics, sensors, and actuators
Authors: Pyo Soonjae , Eun Youngkee , Sim Jaesam , Kim Kwanoh , Choi Jungwook
Published: July 2022

Soft devices that are mechanically flexible and stretchable are considered as the building blocks for various applications ranging from wearable devices to robotics. Among the many candidate materials for constructing soft devices, carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have been actively investigated owing to their outstanding characteristics, including their intrinsic flexibility, tunable conductivity, and potential for large-area processing. In particular, hybrids of CNTs and graphene can improve the performance of soft devices and provide them with novel capabilities. In this review, the advances in CNT-graphene hybrid-based soft electrodes, transistors, pressure and strain sensors, and actuators are discussed, highlighting the performance improvements of these devices originating from the synergistic effects of the hybrids of CNT and graphene. The integration of multidimensional heterogeneous carbon nanomaterials is expected to be a promising approach for accelerating the development of high-performance soft devices. Finally, current challenges and future opportunities are summarized, from the processing of hybrid materials to the system-level integration of multiple components.
A comparative study of the intestinal digestive characteristics of different feeds for Holstein cows
Authors: Han Shuai , Zhang Fan , Zhao Yanli , Guo Xiaoyu , Zhu Xiaowei , Yan Sumei
Published: July 2022

This experiment was conducted with lactating Chinese Holstein cows to study the nutritional value of local protein feed resources. A three-step method (TSP) and a modified three-step method (MTSP) were used to measure the in vitro digestibility of rumen undegraded protein (RUP) for 11 feedstuffs and correlation. Eleven experimental feeds were chosen and air-dried to investigate the effects of different growth periods and varieties on nutrition value and RUP digestibility. The small intestinal digestibility of RUP by TSP in concentrated feed was determined to be higher than that of roughage, approximately 65%. The highest concentrate (79%) was SBM (soybean mean), while the lowest was corn (65%). The proportions of DDGS (with soluble wine lees) and SFM (sunflower meal) were 70.9 and 74.9%, respectively. ASS (alfalfa mowed at the squaring stage) had the highest small intestinal digestibility of RUP (55%) among roughages, and WCS (whole-plant corn silage) had the lowest digestibility (40.5%). When the small intestinal digestibility of RUP was determined using the MTSP method, it exhibited similar results to the TSP method. Nevertheless, the values were generally higher, and there was a strong significant correlation between them (R2 = 0.967, P < 0.01). The comparative study of these two methods help us have a better understanding of small intestine digestibility of different feeds, make a reasonable feed formula to effectively prevent diseases.
School Physical Activity Policy
Authors: Lounsbery Monica A.F. , McKenzie Thomas L. , Smith Nicole J.
Published: July 2022

This article provides a general summary of school physical activity policies, addresses the appeal of policy as means to increase school physical activity, identifies general policy research approaches and findings, and outlines perspectives on future policy research in schools. It begins with an overview of the elementary school physical activity environment, distinguishes policies from practices, and outlines why school physical activity policy can be considered as a viable solution for improving population-level physical activity and health. Next, it describes relevant aspects of policy and provides an overview of policy-related research aims and findings. Lastly, it provides perspectives on policy research efforts that are needed to support evidence-based advocacy efforts.
Factores asociados al desarrollo de estrés, ansiedad y depresión en trabajadores sanitarios en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en Perú
Authors: Osorio-Martínez Miriam Leny , Malca-Casavilca Michan , Condor-Rojas Yudy , Becerra-Bravo Melissa Aracely , Ruiz Ramirez Eliberto
Published: July 2022

Objetivo: Describir las características sociodemográficas y determinar los factores asociados a manifestaciones psicológicas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés en trabajadores sanitarios en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en los establecimientos de salud del Perú durante mayo de 2020.

Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en trabajadores sanitarios de establecimientos hospitalarios del Perú. Se elaboró un cuestionario estructurado que incluía las características sociodemográficas, la profesión, área y lugar de trabajo, y cuestionarios validados para trastorno de ansiedad generalizada (GAD-7), Salud del paciente (PHQ-9) y la Escala de impacto del estresor revisada (IES-R). Para el análisis se utilizó modelos lineales generalizados de Poisson, función de enlace logarítmico y varianzas robustas. Se calculó el rango intercuartílico (RIC) y la razón de prevalencia ajustada (RPa) y su intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC95%).

Resultados: De un total de 258 encuestados, 254 (98%) completaron al cuestionario, siendo el 61,8% mujeres y el área de trabajo más común emergencia u hospitalización (62,2%). La puntuación mediana del PHQ-9 fue 4 (RIC:2-7), del GAD-7 fue 6 (RIC:4-8) y para el IES-R fue 16 (RIC:8-24). El análisis multivariado mostró que ser médico se asocia con una menor prevalencia de ansiedad (RPa: 0,77; IC 95%: 0,62-0,94), mientras que vivir solo se asoció con una mayor prevalencia de depresión (RPa: 1,46; IC 95%: 1,11-1,92).

Conclusión: El personal sanitario manifestó alteraciones psicológicas, asociado principalmente al personal no médico y vivir solo.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Star Anise (Illicium Verum) in Murine Model
Authors: S Majali Ibrahim
Published: July 2022

Star anise (Illicium verum) is a medium-sized plant that is native to Asia as well as one of the most important medicinal plants used in Chinese herbal medicine. Star anise has bioactive compounds having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant activity of Star anise (Illicium verum) methanolic extract was studied by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay. The current study aims to investigate the effect of Star anise (Illicium verum) methanolic extract as ant-inflammatory by reducing the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL 1beta and reducing the oxidative stress by acting as a scavenger because inflammation and oxidative stress can induce each other. The highest free radical scavenging activities were exerted by the APTS method (95.1±0.33 Trolox/g) whereas, the free radical scavenging activities were exerted by ABTS was 77.7±0.30 Trolox/g. The anti-inflammatory activity of the Star anise (Illicium verum) methanolic extract was studied by its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines productions (Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)) and reduce oxidative stress at different concentrations. Star anise (Illicium verum) methanolic extract significantly reduce the pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-1β production (p<0.05) compared with negative control which is treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and has a similar effect in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines production similar to the positive control which treated with ascorbic acid. Star anise (Illicium verum) methanolic extract significantly reduces oxidative stress (p<0.05) by reducing antioxidant enzyme activity catalase and glutathione-peroxidase compared with the LPS treated group. In conclusion Star anise (Illicium verum) methanolic extract act as strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory medicinal plant.
Exploring the superhydrophilicity of nanosecond laser textured silicon: a Raman analysis
Authors: Panda Rudrashish , Thomas Jinto , Joshi Hem Chandra
Published: July 2022

We present Raman analysis of nanosecond laser textured silicon. The samples have also been characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and x ray diffraction. Contact angles (CAs) are measured to trace the hydrophilic nature. Characterization of the textured samples in argon and air shows that cleavage cracks are developed during texturing. CA measurements reveal the superhydrophilic nature of textured samples obtained in the presence of ambient oxygen and argon. In vacuum, however, the hydrophilicity is decreased. Micro-Raman analysis indicates the formation of nano-sized cleavage cracks that impart stable superhydrophilic properties to textured silicon is supported from FESEM images also. On the other hand, in vacuum textured silicon, evidence of such cracks is not noticed, which is also supported by Raman analysis. Further, the hydrophilicity is decreased. A definitive trend appears to exist between Raman signatures and hydrophilicity. We believe that the study will further the understanding of the mechanistic aspect in designing textured silicon with a high degree of self-cleaning capability.
Nonparaxial interference and diffraction under 3D spatial coherence
Authors: Bedoya-Ríos Pablo , Laverde Julián , Castañeda Román
Published: July 2022

The nonparaxial interference and diffraction by a planar array of emitters have been recently described in terms of the light energy confinement in Lorentzian wells, which are spatially structured by the geometric potential, activated in turn by the two-point correlation prepared at the array plane. Nevertheless, the use of nonplanar arrays of light emitters is of increasing interest in optical technology. Therefore, we extend the confinement model to include spatially structured Lorentzian wells by geometric potentials associated with nonplanar distributions of points. Such geometric potentials are activated by two-point correlations with 3D supports prepared at the nonplanar array. The theoretical analysis is supported and illustrated by numerical simulations.
Directional radiation enhancement of nanowire quantum dots based on line-array plasmonic antenna coupling
Authors: Li Peihang , Yu Peng , Sun Jiachen , Jing Zhimin , Wu Jiang , Besteiro Lucas V. , Caputo Roberto , Neogi Arup , Xu Hongxing , Wang Zhiming
Published: July 2022

The integration of a single III-V semiconductor quantum dot with a plasmonic nanoantenna as a means toward efficient single-photon sources (SPEs) is limited due to its weak, wide-angle emission, and low emission rate. These limitations can be overcome by designing a unique linear array of plasmonic antenna structures coupled to nanowire-based quantum dot (NWQD) emitters. A linear array of a coupled device composed of multiple plasmonic antennas at an optimum distance from the quantum dot emitter can be designed to enhance the directionality and the spontaneous emission rate of an integrated single-photon emitter. Finite element modeling has been used to design these compact structures with high quantum efficiencies and directionality of single-photon emission while retaining the advantages of NWQDs. The Purcell enhancement factor of these structures approaches 66.1 and 145.8, respectively. Compared to a single NWQD of the same diameter, the fluorescence was enhanced by 1054 and 2916 times. The predicted collection efficiencies approach 85% (numerical aperture,

NA
=
0.5

) and 80% (

NA
=
0.5

), respectively. Unlike single-photon emitters based on bulky conventional optics, this is a unique nanophotonic single-emission photon source based on a line-array configuration that uses a surface plasmon-enhanced design with minimum dissipation. The designs presented in this work will facilitate the development of SPEs with potential integration with semiconductor optoelectronics.
Boosting electroluminescence performance of all solution processed InP based quantum dot light emitting diodes using bilayered inorganic hole injection layers
Authors: Li Qiuyan , Cao Sheng , Yu Peng , Ning Meijing , Xing Ke , Du Zhentao , Zou Bingsuo , Zhao Jialong
Published: July 2022

The development of high-performance InP-based quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) has become the current trend in ecofriendly display and lighting technology. However, compared with Cd-based QLEDs that have already been devoted to industry, the efficiency and stability of InP-based QLEDs still face great challenges. In this work, colloidal

NiO

x

and Mg-doped

NiO

x

nanocrystals were used to prepare a bilayered hole injection layer (HIL) to replace the classical polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) HIL to construct high-performance InP-based QLEDs. Compared with QLEDs with a single HIL of PEDOT:PSS, the bilayered HIL enables the external quantum efficiencies of the QLEDs to increase from 7.6% to 11.2%, and the

T

95

lifetime (time that the device brightness decreases to 95% of its initial value) under a high brightness of

1000
  
cd
 

m

−
2

to prolong about 7 times. The improved performance of QLEDs is attributed to the bilayered HIL reducing the mismatched potential barrier of hole injection, narrows the potential barrier difference of indium tin oxide (ITO)/hole transport layer interface to promote carrier balance injection, and realizes high-efficiency radiative recombination. The experimental results indicate that the use of bilayered HILs with p-type

NiO

x

might be an efficient method for fabricating high-performance InP-based QLEDs.
The role of sociodemographic and psychosocial variables in early childhood development: A secondary data analysis of the 2014 and 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Sánchez-Vincitore Laura V. , Castro Arachu
Published: July 2022

The association between sociodemographic factors—poverty, lack of maternal schooling, being male at birth—, childhood developmental delay, and poor educational outcomes has been established in the Dominican Republic (DR). However, family moderating factors present or introduced to buffer sociodemographic factors effects on early childhood development (ECD) are still unknown. We conducted a secondary analysis of the DR’s 2014 and 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. We had four study aims: 1) confirm the relationship between socioeconomic position (SP), parenting practices, and ECD; 2) determine if a sociodemographic model predicted ECD; 3) determine if a psychosocial model (family childrearing practices, discipline, and early childhood stimulation) predicted ECD above and beyond the sociodemographic model; 4) explore mothers’ beliefs about physical punishment and its relationship with ECD and psychosocial variables. We found that both models predicted ECD significantly, but the psychosocial model explained more variance than the sociodemographic model (6.3% in 2014 and 4.4% in 2019). The most relevant sociodemographic predictors were SP (explaining 21.6% of ECD variance in 2014 and 18.6% in 2019) and mother’s education (explaining 13.9% in 2014 and 14.1% in 2019). The most salient ECD psychosocial predictors were: negative discipline, number of children’s books at home, stimulating activities at home, and attendance to an early childhood education program. The predicting weights of the independent variables were similar for both years. These results have multiple implications for social programs that aim to improve children’s potential in contexts of poverty. Although the results show a protective effect of psychosocial factors, sustainable and large-scale interventions should not be limited to just buffering effects, but to solve the underlying problem, which is that poverty prevents children from reaching their developmental potential and exposes them to life-long greater risk for chronic disease. Addressing delays early in life can therefore contribute to achieving health equity.
Definitions matter: Heterogeneity of COVID-19 disease severity criteria and incomplete reporting compromise meta-analysis
Authors: Guérin Philippe J. , McLean Alistair R. D. , Rashan Sumayyah , Lawal AbdulAzeez , Watson James A. , Strub-Wourgaft Nathalie , White Nicholas J.
Published: July 2022

Therapeutic efficacy in COVID-19 is dependent upon disease severity (treatment effect heterogeneity). Unfortunately, definitions of severity vary widely. This compromises the meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and the therapeutic guidelines derived from them. The World Health Organisation ‘living’ guidelines for the treatment of COVID-19 are based on a network meta-analysis (NMA) of published RCTs. We reviewed the 81 studies included in the WHO COVID-19 living NMA and compared their severity classifications with the severity classifications employed by the international COVID-NMA initiative. The two were concordant in only 35% (24/68) of trials. Of the RCTs evaluated, 69% (55/77) were considered by the WHO group to include patients with a range of severities (12 mild-moderate; 3 mild-severe; 18 mild-critical; 5 moderate-severe; 8 moderate-critical; 10 severe-critical), but the distribution of disease severities within these groups usually could not be determined, and data on the duration of illness and/or oxygen saturation values were often missing. Where severity classifications were clear there was substantial overlap in mortality across trials in different severity strata. This imprecision in severity assessment compromises the validity of some therapeutic recommendations; notably extrapolation of “lack of therapeutic benefit” shown in hospitalised severely ill patients on respiratory support to ambulant mildly ill patients is not warranted. Both harmonised unambiguous definitions of severity and individual patient data (IPD) meta-analyses are needed to guide and improve therapeutic recommendations in COVID-19. Achieving this goal will require improved coordination of the main stakeholders developing treatment guidelines and medicine regulatory agencies. Open science, including prompt data sharing, should become the standard to allow IPD meta-analyses.
User perspectives and preferences on a novel TB LAM diagnostic (Fujifilm SILVAMP TB LAM)–a qualitative study in Malawi and Zambia
Authors: Herrmann Yannis , Lainati Federica , Castro María del Mar , Mwamba Chanda P. , Kumwenda Moses , Muyoyeta Monde , Broger Tobias , Heinrich Norbert , Olbrich Laura , Corbett Elizabeth L. , McMahon Shannon A. , Engel Nora , Denkinger Claudia M.
Published: July 2022

Widely available tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics use sputum samples. However, many patients, particularly children and patients living with HIV (PLHIV), struggle to provide sputum. Urine diagnostics are a promising approach to circumvent this challenge while delivering reliable and timely diagnosis. This qualitative study in two high TB/HIV burden countries assesses values and preferences of end-users, along with potential barriers for the implementation of the novel Fujifilm SILVAMP TB-LAM (FujiLAM, Fujifilm, Japan) urine test. Between September 2020 and March 2021, we conducted 42 semi-structured interviews with patients, health care providers (HCPs) and decision makers (DMs) (e.g., in national TB programs) in Malawi and Zambia. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a framework approach supported by NVIVO. Findings aligned with the pre-existing Health Equity Implementation Framework, which guided the presentation of results. The ease and convenience of urine-based testing was described as empowering among patients and HCPs who lamented the difficulty of sputum collection, however HCPs expressed concerns that a shift in agency to the patient may affect clinic workflows (e.g., due to less control over collection). Implementation facilitators, such as shorter turnaround times, were welcomed by operators and patients alike. The decentralization of diagnostics was considered possible with FujiLAM by HCPs and DMs due to low infrastructure requirements. Finally, our findings support efforts for eliminating the CD4 count as an eligibility criterion for LAM testing, to facilitate implementation and benefit a wider range of patients. Our study identified barriers and facilitators relevant to scale-up of urine LAM tests in Malawi and Zambia. FujiLAM could positively impact health equity, as it would particularly benefit patient groups currently underserved by existing TB diagnostics. Participants view the approach as a viable, acceptable, and likely sustainable option in low- and middle-income countries, though adaptations may be required to current health care processes for deployment.

Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00021003. URL: https://www.drks.de/drks_web/setLocale_EN.do
Internet of Things (IoT Devices)-A Literature Review
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , . Rajat , Raj Mani , . Vandana , . Rohan , Raj Ritik
Published: July 2022

Moving into the future world, life will be getting more easier and easier because of internet of things (IOT). Nowadays with increased need for surveillance, monitoring and data collection IOT has become more important. Today almost all devices are equipped with sensors and are controlled by controllers such as from cars to vacuum cleaners, rockets to Vernier calipers, air conditioners to water pumps. By embedding intelligence in everyday objects, they turned into smart devices and can be controlled from anywhere in the world. This paper discusses about internet of things and its advantages and disadvantages. It discusses the applications of IOT in various fields such as city, agriculture, remote monitoring, smart street light, etc. This paper also tells about the history of IOT.
Approaching the Danske Bank Scandal in a “Tragedy of the Commons” Perspective: Implications for Anti-Money Laundering Institutional Design and Regulatory Reforms in Europe
Authors: Minto Andrea , Skovmand Rasmussen Niels
Published: July 2022

Policy- and law-makers worry increasingly about how recent money laundering scandals unfolded. There is widespread confusion, though, about what went wrong – “the failures” – and uncertainty as to how to control and cope with them. This article offers a conceptual framework and legal analysis for examining the underpinning “failures”, what causes them, and how, if at all, those failures interact with each other. In doing so, it disentangles three layers, namely “corporate failure”, “supervisory failure”, and “political failure”.
Historically, scholars have tended to think of each of those failures separately. However, we believe that a greater focus should be devoted to whether and how the three failures exhibit interactions and even feed on one another. This holistic perspective reveals that scandals such as the one in Danske Bank might result from a type of “tragedy of the commons” in which each layer – corporate, supervisory, and political – generate significant asymmetries of information between parties and actors, exacerbating the agency problems which pervade financial markets.
The article will apply Elinor Ostrom’s IAD (Institutional Analysis and Development) framework as to account for the complexity and interconnection in financial markets. Such framework is used to examine the recent developments in policy- and law-making in European anti-money laundering legislation.
Not only does the IAD framework explain how the supervisor failure escalated and spilled over but it also sheds new light on why it happened. Together these insights are critical in a legal policy evaluation as they allow scholars to look pass the mere effects of the supervisory failure and focus diligently on the underlying causes. From a purely methodological perspective, it thus demonstrates the added value of incorporating an institutional analysis in doctrinal legal research.
Effect of chloride ion concentration on stress corrosion cracking and electrochemical corrosion of high manganese steel
Authors: Kang Shumei , Yan Ling , Yan Xinyong , Qi Xiangyu , Xu Meiling , Zhang Peng
Published: July 2022

The effect of Cl− concentration on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility of high manganese steel was investigated by slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) test, electrochemical test, and immersion test in different NaCl concentration solutions. The results show that the SCC susceptibility of the test steel first increases and then decreases with the increase in Cl− concentration. When the NaCl concentration was 10.5%, the SCC susceptibility was the highest, and the fracture showed river-like transgranular quasi-cleavage morphology, obvious tearing ridge, and strong brittle fracture characteristics. The corrosion current density of the sample first increases and then decreases with the increase in Cl− concentration in the corrosive medium. The corrosion electrochemical reaction and corrosion product layer play a synergistic role in SCC in low concentration Cl− medium. The enrichment of alloying element compounds in the corrosion layer leads to the local acidification below the corrosion layer, which promotes the anodic dissolution (AD) and forms pitting corrosion on the substrate surface. When the Cl− concentration is high, the local AD and hydrogen embrittlement (HE) caused by the dissolved oxygen will be weakened, and SCC susceptibility is reduced.
Evaluating Virtual Reality Simulations for Construction Safety Training
Authors: Jelonek Markus , Fiala Eileen , Herrmann Thomas , Teizer Jochen , Embers Stephan , König Markus , Mathis Arno
Published: July 2022

The construction industry is one of the sectors with the highest accident rates. To prevent accidents, construction workers receive occupational safety training and safety instructions. However, experience-based learning of dangerous situations is hardly possible or justifiable in reality. Virtual reality (VR) simulations can be a potential solution in this regard by allowing workers to experience dangerous situations in a very vivid but safe way without being exposed to real hazards. In this study, a VR simulation for construction safety training was developed and tested with trainees that learn the safe operation of hand-operated power tools. In this particular case study, the objective for the participants in the VR simulation was to successfully consider all safety aspects in the operation of an angle grinder. The usability, user experience and implicit learning were investigated during the study. Additionally, we conducted post-play interviews with participants. Results found learning effects of participants as well as a satisfying user experience and usability. The results also show that participants might learn content as presented, risking the learning of false information if the simulation does not cover relevant safety aspects.
Metasurface on integrated photonic platform: from mode converters to machine learning
Authors: Wang Zi , Xiao Yahui , Liao Kun , Li Tiantian , Song Hao , Chen Haoshuo , Uddin S. M. Zia , Mao Dun , Wang Feifan , Zhou Zhiping , Yuan Bo , Jiang Wei , Fontaine Nicolas K. , Agrawal Amit , Willner Alan E. , Hu Xiaoyong , Gu Tingyi
Published: July 2022

Integrated photonic circuits are created as a stable and small form factor analogue of fiber-based optical systems, from wavelength-division multiplication transceivers to more recent mode-division multiplexing components. Silicon nanowire waveguides guide the light in a way that single and few mode fibers define the direction of signal flow. Beyond communication tasks, on-chip cascaded interferometers and photonic meshes are also sought for optical computing and advanced signal processing technology. Here we review an alternative way of defining the light flow in the integrated photonic platform, using arrays of subwavelength meta-atoms or metalines for guiding the diffraction and interference of light. The integrated metasurface system mimics free-space optics, where on-chip analogues of basic optical components are developed with foundry compatible geometry, such as low-loss lens, spatial-light modulator, and other wavefront shapers. We discuss the role of metasurface in integrated photonic signal processing systems, introduce the design principles of such metasurface systems for low loss compact mode conversion, mathematical operation, diffractive optical systems for hyperspectral imaging, and tuning schemes of metasurface systems. Then we perceive reconfigurability schemes for metasurface framework, toward optical neural networks and analog photonic accelerators.
Transient upregulation of IRF1 during exit from naive pluripotency confers viral protection
Authors: Romeike Merrit , Spach Stephanie , Huber Marie , Feng Songjie , Vainorius Gintautas , Elling Ulrich , Versteeg Gjis A , Buecker Christa
Published: July 2022

Stem cells intrinsically express a subset of genes which are normally associated with interferon stimulation and the innate immune response. However, the expression of these interferon‐stimulated genes (ISG) in stem cells is independent from external stimuli such as viral infection. Here, we show that the interferon regulatory factor 1, Irf1, is directly controlled by the murine formative pluripotency gene regulatory network and transiently upregulated during the transition from naive to formative pluripotency. IRF1 binds to regulatory regions of a conserved set of ISGs and is required for their faithful expression upon exit from naive pluripotency. We show that in the absence of IRF1, cells exiting the naive pluripotent stem cell state are more susceptible to viral infection. Irf1 therefore acts as a link between the formative pluripotency network, regulation of innate immunity genes, and defense against viral infections during formative pluripotency.
Preparing caregivers for dehospitalization of technology-dependent patients: perspective of Home Care professionals
Authors: Sato Daniela Miyuki , Teston Elen Ferraz , Andrade Gleice Kelli Santana de , Marcon Sonia Silva , Giacon-Arruda Bianca Cristina Ciccone , Silva Joice Lourenço da , Galera Sueli Aparecida Frari
Published: July 2022

Objective: to know how the preparation of caregivers of technology-dependent patients is conducted from the perspective of professionals from the Home Care Service. Methods: a qualitative study, conducted with nine professionals from the Home Care Service teams. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and submitted to Content Analysis, thematic modality. Results: two categories emerged: Strategies and resources used in the preparation of caregivers for dehospitalization and Factors that influence the preparation of caregivers for dehospitalization, which show that this preparation involves the use of soft technologies, based on the interaction and valorization of learning, besides aspects related to the organization of the service in the intra-hospital and home contexts. Conclusion: the preparation of caregivers is permeated with concern for facilitating the acquisition of knowledge and skills for care at home; it involves the use of specific resources and strategies and is influenced positively by technologies and negatively by factors related to hospital structure and organization. Contributions to practice: the findings of the study can subsidize the practices of multiprofessional teams working in the home scenario, since they point out aspects that
Mitteleuropäische Schulen VII (ca. 1400‒1500). Böhmen ‒ Mähren ‒ Schlesien ‒ Ungarn. Unter Mitarbeit von Irina von Morzé. Mit Beiträgen von Ulrike Jenni (†), Kristina Klebel, Irina von Morzé, Milada Studničková, Maria Stieglecker, Maria Theisen und Edina Zsupán
Authors: Theisen Maria
Published: July 2022

Dieser reich bebilderte, zweibändige Sammlungskatalog der Österreichischen Nationalbibliothek widmet sich jenen Handschriften und Inkunabeln des 15. Jahrhunderts, die in den ehemaligen Ländern der Böhmischen Krone sowie in den Ländern des Deutschen Ordens und der Königreiche Polen und Ungarn illuminiert und/oder gebunden wurden. Er umfasst insgesamt 164 Objekte aus der Sammlung von Handschriften und alten Drucken ebenso wie aus der Musiksammlung, die für die weitere Erforschung der Buchmalerei aus einer explizit kunsthistorischen Perspektive erfasst und aufbereitet wurden. Das Spektrum reicht von Universitätshandschriften bis zu Messbüchern und tschechischen Bibeln, von Gebetbüchern bis zu großformatigen Antiphonarien und Gradualien, Inkunabeln und Sammelhandschriften humanistischer Gelehrter. Die Illuminationen zeugen nicht nur von der Kunstfertigkeit der Künstler und der Kaufkraft der Auftraggeber: Ihre ikonographischen und stilistischen Merkmale erzählen über den Text hinausgehend vom Alltag, vom sozialen Status, von Interessen und Bildungshorizont der Auftraggeber und Künstler, von regionalen Werkstätten und Erwerbungen aus fernen Regionen, von Buch- und Künstlerwanderungen. So entfaltet sich ein buntes Bild der Gesellschaft und ihrer bewegten Geschichte, die von der Spätzeit König Wenzels IV. mitten in die hussitische Bewegung und erste konfessionelle Spaltung Böhmens führt und danach die Zeit des „Hussitenkönigs“ Georg von Podiebrad Revue passieren lässt.
Rethinking textbook grammar introduction
Authors: Flyman Mattsson Anna
Published: July 2022

This article describes the construction of a Swedish grammar textbook based on learnability and teachability within the processability theory (PT) paradigm. The article discusses the difficulties and choices encountered when applying the morphologic and syntactic structures defined for second-language Swedish in a learnable order. The main concerns raised in the literature, such as the limited number of structures studied within PT and the heterogeneity in the classroom, are also discussed. The textbook emphasises the distinction between processing and automatising (correct use), as it entails different types of exercises. It is argued in the article that explicit instruction on forms that are already processed may be the wrong priority. It is also argued that even though the idea of acquisitional stages is not accepted by everyone, developmental readiness does not interfere with other factors, such as frequency of input, due to the distinction between learning objectives and general input.