bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of lanreotide 120 mg primary therapy on tumour shrinkage and ophthalmologic symptoms in acromegaly after 1 month
Authors: Benderradji Hamza , Vernotte Elise , Soto Ares Gustave , Woillez Jean Philippe , Jannin Arnaud , Perbet Romain , Karnoub Mélodie‐Anne , Soudan Benoît , Assaker Richard , Buée Luc , Prevot Vincent , Maurage Claude‐Alain , Pigny Pascal , Vantyghem Marie‐Christine , Merlen Emilie , Cortet Christine
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Few studies have attempted to evaluate the early efficacy of first‐generation somatostatin analogues in somatotroph macroadenomas.

Objective

To investigate the short‐term efficacy of primary therapy with lanreotide 120 mg at 1 and 3 months on tumour shrinkage and ophthalmologic symptoms in newly diagnosed patients with acromegaly.

Design and Patients

This single‐centre retrospective study included 21 patients with de novo acromegaly resulting from pituitary macroadenoma, with optic chiasm compression (Grade ≤ 2) and/or cavernous sinus invasion, treated with a monthly injection of lanreotide 120 mg. Clinical, hormonal, ophthalmologic and magnetic resonance imaging scan evaluations were conducted after the first and the third months of treatment.

Results

Tumour volume reduction was more pronounced at 1 month; mean volume change: −31.4 ± 19.5%, p < .0001 than between the first and third month of treatment; mean volume reduction: −20.6 ± 13.4%, p = .0009. The mean volume change between baseline and the third month was − 46.4 ± 21.6, (p < .0001). A significant volume reduction (≥25%) was observed in 61.9% of individuals (13/21) at the first month. Among 14 individuals with optic chiasm compression and visual field defects, visual field normalization or improvement were observed in seven cases (50%), stabilization in four cases (28.5%), and mild worsening in three cases (21.4%) at 1 month. The decrease in growth hormone and IGF‐1 serum values was significant at 1 month.

Conclusions

Primary treatment with lanreotide 120 mg in patients with somatotroph macroadenomas provides early significant tumour shrinkage with rapid improvement of visual symptoms at the end of the first month in 50% of patients.
After‐school programmes response to the COVID‐19 pandemic: Lessons learned from Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Morata Txus , López Paco , Palasí Eva , Hodges James C. , Calvo Rocío
Published: April 2022

This article explores the role of after‐school programmes (ASPs) in serving underserved families in Barcelona, Spain, during the lockdown phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using a mixed‐method approach, this exploratory study surveyed 31 directors of ASPs administered by the Pere Tarrés Foundation. These ASPs serve almost 2000 children living under the federal poverty level in Catalonia, Spain. Results showed that the primary needs of children and their families revolved around: a digital divide that prevented them from accessing education remotely, financial difficulties, mental and behavioural problems and difficulty navigating pandemic‐related information. The study also explores the ASPs' contributions to address such needs, like engaging families, schools and social and health services to meet the urgent needs of the families, reinforcing school learning, providing support for managing emotions and providing guidance to families to help them better understand health information and gain access to available social and financial resources.
Panmixia in spiders (Mecaphesa celer, Thomisidae) despite fragmented habitat at Craters of the Moon in Idaho
Authors: Peterson Katie , Hendricks Sarah , Hohenlohe Paul , Parent Christine E.
Published: April 2022

A fragmented landscape, which contains a patchwork of vegetated hospitable areas and a barren intervening matrix, may reduce gene flow in a population and over time result in an increase in population structure.

We tested this prediction in crab spiders (Mecaphesa celer(Hentz, 1847)) inhabiting isolated habitat patches in the lava matrix of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho, USA.

Using reduced‐representation genomic sequencing, we did not find evidence of population structure due to a reduction in gene flow among habitat patches.

Instead, our results show strong evidence of panmixia likely due to abundant juvenile dispersal and possible connectivity to outer regions surrounding the lava flows despite the species' habitat specificity.
Stick–slip shear failure along bimaterial interfaces: An experimental study on granite and basalt
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Ping , Huo Zi‐Long , Berto Filippo
Published: April 2022

Characteristics of stick–slip shear failure under mode II conditions are experimentally investigated using a bimaterial system (consisting of granite and basalt) with a simulated fault. This experimental study is concerned with the effects of normal stress, shear rate, and fault roughness on the stick–slip behaviors along the heterogeneous faults. Highly non‐uniform stress distribution along the simulated fault dictates the initiation of stick–slip failure. The nucleation starts at a firstly yielded material point, and as the energy accumulates in the heterogeneous fault, the nucleation zone is progressively formed and transited into unstable rupture. This experimental study aims at gaining scientific insights regarding earthquake source processes.
Effects of saline‐alkali stress on the functional traits and physiological characteristics of Leymus chinensis leaves
Authors: Liu Binshuo , Li Ming , Wang Ying , Li Jinying , Xue Honghai
Published: April 2022

To explore the effects of saline‐alkali stress on the functional and physiological characteristics of Leymus chinensis leaves, L. chinensis plants were subjected to severe saline‐alkali (pH = 9.73, electrical conductivity [EC] = 0.637 mS/cm), moderate saline‐alkali (pH = 8.76, EC = 0.451 mS/cm), and control (pH = 7.37, EC = 0.22 mS/cm) soil treatments. Leaf functional traits, ion content, photosynthetic parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activity were determined, and the relationship between the functional traits and physiological characteristics was analyzed. With an increase in saline‐alkali stress, the leaf density of L. chinensis decreased significantly (p < 0.05), the leaf mass per area (LMA) did not change significantly, and the leaf biomass ratio decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The Na+ mass fraction increased, and the K+ and Ca2+ contents and K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ ratios decreased in response to saline‐alkali stress. Except for intercellular CO2 concentration, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate were lower under saline‐alkali stress. Except for dehydroascorbate reductase, the antioxidant enzymes increased significantly as a result of saline‐alkali stress. Leaf density and leaf biomass ratio were significantly correlated with the measured physiological indicators except for net photosynthetic rate and peroxidase. Further study on large‐scale cultivation of L. chinensis would be beneficial for the ecological recovery and exploitation of the saline‐alkali soil.
Prevalence, progression, and management of advanced chronic kidney disease in a cohort of people living with HIV
Authors: Bonjoch Anna , Juega Javier , Echeverría Patricia , Puig Jordi , Perez‐Alvarez Nuria , Bonal Jordi , Loste Cora , Clotet Bonaventura , Negredo Eugènia
Published: April 2022

Background

Advanced kidney disease is an emerging problem in people living with HIV despite sustained viral suppression.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study to identify people living with HIV with advanced kidney disease according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria and to assess disease progression over a 48‐week period following the offer of targeted multidisciplinary management.

Results

From our cohort of 3090 individuals, 55 (1.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31–2.25) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most were male (83.6%), and the median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 58 (53.25–66.75) years. Nadir CD4 T‐cell count was 135.5 (IQR 43.5–262.75) cells/μl, current CD4 T‐cell count was 574 (IQR 438.5–816) cells/μl, and 96% had maintained HIV viral suppression. The most frequent comorbidity was arterial hypertension (85.5%).

Inadequate antiretroviral dose was detected in three individuals (5.5%), and drug–drug interactions were recorded in eight (14.5%), mainly involving the use of cobicistat (n = 5 [9%]). Four individuals (7%) required modification of their concomitant treatment. Seven (13%) had to start or resume follow‐up with a nephrologist. Nine participants (16.4%) experienced an improvement in kidney disease stage, three individuals (5.5%) underwent renal transplantation, and one (2%) started haemodialysis.

Conclusions

Our results show that a multidisciplinary approach, including a critical review of treatment and evaluation of specific requirements, could be useful for anticipating drug–drug interactions and toxicities and for reducing death and hospitalization in people living with HIV with advanced kidney disease.
Statistical learning in infancy predicts vocabulary size in toddlerhood
Authors: Gerbrand Anton , Gredebäck Gustaf , Hedenius Martina , Forssman Linda , Lindskog Marcus
Published: April 2022

During the first 2 years of life, an infant's vocabulary grows at an impressive rate. In the current study, we investigated the impact of three challenges that infants need to overcome to learn new words and expand the size of their vocabulary. We used longitudinal eye‐tracking data (n = 118) to assess sequence learning, associative learning, and probability processing abilities at ages 6, 10, and 18 months. Infants' ability to efficiently solve these tasks was used to predict vocabulary size at age 18 months. We demonstrate that the ability to make audio–visual associations and to predict sequences of visual events predicts vocabulary size in toddlers (accounting for 20% of the variance). Our results indicate that statistical learning in some, but not all, domains have a role in vocabulary development.
Prediction of cardiovascular events from systolic or diastolic blood pressure
Authors: Talebi Atefeh , Mortensen Rikke Nørmark , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Jeppesen Jørgen Lykke , Torp‐Pedersen Christian
Published: April 2022

Over time, a focus on blood pressure has transferred from diastolic pressure to systolic pressure. Formal analyses of differences in predictive value are scarce. Our goal of the study was whether office SBP adds prognostic information to office DBP and whether both 24‐h ambulatory SBP and 24‐h ambulatory DBP is specifically important. The authors examined 2097 participants from a population cohort recruited in Copenhagen, Denmark. Cause‐specific Cox regression was performed to predict 10‐year person‐specific absolute risks of fatal and non‐fatal cardiovascular (CV) events. Also, the time‐dependent area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) was utilized to evaluate discriminative ability. The calibration plots of the models (Hosmer‐May test) were calculated as well as the Brier score which combines (discrimination and calibration). Adding both 24‐h ambulatory SBP and 24‐h ambulatory diastolic blood pressure did not significantly increase AUC for CV mortality and CV events. Moreover, adding both office SBP and office DBP did not significantly improve AUC for both CV mortality and CV events. The difference in AUC (95% confidence interval; p‐value) was .26% (‐.2% to .73%; .27) for 10‐year CV mortality and .69% (‐.09% to 1.46%; .082) for 10‐year risk of CV events. The difference in AUC was .12% (‐.2% to .44%; .46) for 10‐year CV mortality and .04% (‐.35 to .42%; .85) for 10‐year risk of CV events. Moreover, for both CV mortality and CV events, office SBP did not improve prognostic information to office DBP. In addition, the Brier scores of office BP in both CV mortality and CV events were .078 and .077, respectively. Furthermore, the Brier scores were .077 and .078 in CV mortality and CV events of 24‐h ambulatory. For the average population as those participating in a population survey, the 10‐year discriminative ability for long‐term predictions of CV death and CV events is not improved by adding systolic to diastolic blood pressure. This finding is found for ambulatory as well as office blood pressure.
Requirements and expectations of high‐quality biomarkers for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in 2021—a two‐round Delphi survey among international experts
Authors: Ziehfreund S. , Tizek L. , Hangel N. , Fritzsche M.‐C. , Weidinger S. , Smith C. , Bryce P.J. , Greco D. , van den Bogaard E.H. , Flohr C. , Rastrick (UCB) J. , Eyerich S. , Buyx A. , Conrad C. , Eyerich K. , Zink A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (PSO) present major challenges in health care. Thus, biomarkers to identify disease trajectories and response to treatments to improve the lives of affected individuals warrant great research consideration. The requirements that these biomarkers must fulfil for use as practical clinical tools have not yet been adequately investigated.

Aim

To identify the core elements of high‐quality AD and PSO biomarkers to prepare recommendations for current biomarker research.

Method

A cross‐sectional two‐round Delphi survey was conducted from August to October 2019 and October to November 2020. All participants were members of the BIOMAP project, an EU‐funded consortium of clinicians, researchers, patient organizations and pharmaceutical industry partners. The first round consisted of three open‐ended questions. Responses were qualitatively analysed, and 26 closed statements were developed. For the second round, ‘agreement’ was assumed when the responses of ≥70% of the participants were ≥5 points on a 7‐point Likert scale for each statement. Priority classification was based on mean scores (<20th percentile = low, 20th to 60th percentile = medium, >60th percentile = high).

Results

Twenty‐one and twenty‐six individuals participated in rounds one and two, respectively. From 26 statements that were included in round 2, 18 achieved agreement (8 concerning the performance, 8 for the purpose and 2 on current obstacles). Seven statements were classified as high priority, e.g. those concerning reliability, clinical validity, a high positive predictive value, prediction of the therapeutic response and disease progression. Another seven statements were assigned medium priority, e.g. those about analytical validity, prediction of comorbidities and therapeutic algorithm. Low priority included four statements, like those concerning cost effectiveness and prediction of disease flares.

Conclusion

The core requirements that experts agreed on being essential for high‐quality AD and PSO biomarkers require rapid validation. Biomarkers can therefore be assessed based on these prioritized requirements.
Chlormethine gel is effective for the treatment of skin lesions in patients with early‐ and late‐stage mycosis fungoides in clinical practice
Authors: Papadavid E. , Koumourtzis M. , Nikolaou V. , Lampadaki K. , Marinos L. , Patsatsi A. , Georgiou E. , Dalamaga M. , Stratigos A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Chlormethine gel is a skin‐directed therapy used for patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) that showed a favourable risk/benefit profile in a randomized clinical trial. Currently, data on chlormethine gel use in real‐world settings are limited.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of chlormethine gel treatment in patients treated during daily clinical practice and investigate associations between response and disease stage, lesion type, mono‐ or combination therapy, and occurrence of dermatitis.

Methods

Clinical data from patients using chlormethine gel from three sites in Greece were analysed. Efficacy was assessed through modified Severity‐Weighted Assessment Tool (mSWAT) scores. Safety assessments included analysis of the occurrence and severity of dermatitis. The Skindex‐29 questionnaire was used for quality‐of‐life assessments.

Results

Fifty‐eight patients were included. The overall response rate (ORR) increased from 37.9% at month 1 to 80.8% at month 9. For 64.2% of patients, response was maintained for at least 4 months (ORR4). At month 3, a higher ORR was seen for patients with patches (69.7%) than patients with plaques/tumours (both 15.2%). A higher ORR4 was observed for patients with early‐ vs late‐stage disease (71.4% vs. 36.4%) and patients on mono‐ vs combination therapy (75% vs. 47.6%). Dermatitis was observed in the majority of patients (72.4%), but the presence or severity of dermatitis was not directly correlated with treatment response. Both mSWAT and Skindex‐29 scores decreased significantly during treatment, and changes in these scores from baseline to month 6 showed a positive correlation (r = 0.55, P = 0.026).

Conclusions

Chlormethine gel was effective for the treatment of skin lesions in patients with early‐ and late‐stage MF in clinical practice. Response rates increased over time, indicating that continued treatment with the gel is important. Dermatitis may be managed by reducing the treatment frequency; the occurrence of dermatitis did not affect the response to treatment.
Random Responders in the TIMSS 2015 Student Questionnaire: A Threat to Validity?
Authors: van Laar Saskia , Braeken Johan
Published: April 2022

The low‐stakes character of international large‐scale educational assessments implies that a participating student might at times provide unrelated answers as if s/he was not even reading the items and choosing a response option randomly throughout. Depending on the severity of this invalid response behavior, interpretations of the assessment results are at risk of being invalidated. Not much is known about the prevalence nor impact of such random responders in the context of international large‐scale educational assessments. Following a mixture item response theory (IRT) approach, an initial investigation of both issues is conducted for the Confidence in and Value of Mathematics/Science (VoM/VoS) scales in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015 student questionnaire. We end with a call to facilitate further mapping of invalid response behavior in this context by the inclusion of instructed response items and survey completion speed indicators in the assessments and a habit of sensitivity checks in all secondary data studies.
Role substitution of specialist medical doctors with allied‐health professionals: A qualitative exploration of patients' experiences and perceptions of healthcare quality
Authors: Mutsekwa Rumbidzai N. , Byrnes Joshua M. , Larkins Vicki , Canavan Russell , Angus Rebecca L. , Campbell Katrina L.
Published: April 2022

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

The need to improve patient access, offer increased choice and improve patient outcomes whilst maintaining safe care is driving the healthcare workforce to evolve. Extending allied‐health scope of practice by integrating models of care that traverse traditional professional boundaries has been one such strategy. This study explored patients' acceptance and experiences of four allied‐health extended scope of practice models of care. The study aimed to identify dimensions of quality healthcare that matter to patients and describe the extent to which they perceived these to be delivered in allied‐health professional role substitution models of care.

Methods

Qualitative methodology using semistructured interviews were conducted with 29 participants who had received treatment from an allied‐health professional role substitution model. This was a purposeful sample with recruitment across genders, ages and social backgrounds. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and independently analysed by two researchers using a thematic approach.

Results

Six major themes were identified which revealed dimensions of healthcare quality that were important to participants: Balancing expectations and overall satisfaction; Timely access and convenience; Continuity, integration and coordination of care; Clinician expert skills, professional manner and interpersonal attributes; Financial considerations when receiving care; and Perceptions of treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

This study highlights participants' views and experiences of allied‐health extended scope of practice models of care. Service delivery models were an acceptable alternative to traditional specialist medical care with the perception that extended scope of practice models of care delivered many aspects of quality care that mattered to patients.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy using the introducer method with ultra‐slim endoscopy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with respiratory compromise: A safe technique
Authors: Chuah Kee Huat , Yim Carolyn Chue Wai , Abdul Aziz Nur Adilah , Loh Ee Chin , Capelle David Paul , Shahrizaila Nortina , Leow Alex Hwong Ruey
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement is recommended in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the procedure is considered high risk. In this study, we aimed to compare the outcome of ALS patients with and without PEG. The success of the procedure and complications of PEG insertion were also explored.

Methods

Patients with ALS who met the criteria for enteral feeding support were consecutively recruited. Patients who consented had PEG insertion using the modified technique of introducer method with transoral ultra‐slim endoscopy.

Results

A total of 64 patients were recruited, of which 36 (56%) patients consented to PEG. The median age of all patients was 65 years and 59% were male. There was no difference in demographic and clinical characteristics between patients who agreed to a PEG and those who did not. The mortality rate at 6 and 12 months was lower in the PEG cohort compared with non‐PEG, but this was not statistically significant (6 months: 28.6% vs 32.2%, P = 0.561; 12 months: 38.9% vs 50.0%, P = 0.374). Amongst the PEG cohort, 61% were stratified high risk and 31% moderate risk. Thirty‐one percent of them required long‐term home noninvasive ventilation. All patients (100%) underwent successful PEG insertion at single attempt using the modified approach. The complications reported over a period of 6 months were infected PEG site (17%), dislodged gastrostomy tube (14%), and minor bleeding (8%).

Conclusion

In ALS patients with moderate to high risk of PEG insertion, the introducer technique utilizing ultra‐slim endoscopy guidance was well tolerated and safe.
Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder: Past, present, and future
Authors: Högl Birgit , Arnulf Isabelle , Bergmann Melanie , Cesari Matteo , Gan‐Or Ziv , Heidbreder Anna , Iranzo Alex , Krohn Lynne , Luppi Pierre‐Hervé , Mollenhauer Brit , Provini Federica , Santamaria Joan , Trenkwalder Claudia , Videnovic Aleksandar , Stefani Ambra
Published: April 2022

This manuscript presents an overview of REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) with a special focus on European contributions. After an introduction examining the history of the disorder, we address the pathophysiological and clinical aspects, as well as the diagnostic issues. Further, implications of RBD diagnosis and biomarkers are discussed. Contributions of European researchers to this field are highlighted.
Thiacloprid + deltamethrin against the cotton aphid and the parasitoid wasp Aphidius colemani: From lethal to sublethal population effects
Authors: Majidpour Marzieh , Maroofpour Nariman , Ghane‐Jahromi Mojtaba
Published: April 2022

The side effects of insecticides on non‐target species are important to secure the intended effectiveness of pest management programmes. The cotton aphid Aphis gossypii is a frequent problem in industrial greenhouse cultivation, and insecticide and parasitoids are often used for crop protection. Among insecticides, mixtures are playing increasing roles in pest management in the greenhouse production system, as well as parasitoid use. The insecticide mixture thiacloprid + deltamethrin and the parasitoid wasp Aphidius colemani are the main agents used against the cotton aphid and are the focus of this study. Here, we report the effects of the thiacloprid + deltamethrin on A. gossypii and Ap. colemani. The low concentrations 2.79 g a.i/L (LC10) and 7.28 g a.i/L (LC30) compromised the life parameters of the aphid progeny and increased the development time at all juvenile stages. In addition, fecundity, longevity and other parameters (r, R0 and T) were significantly impaired by thiacloprid + deltamethrin at both concentrations. The median lethal time estimate (LT50) for Ap. colemani was 18.73 h; the parasitoid mortality was significant up to 24 h after application but decreased afterward. Regardless, the parasitoid life table parameters were also compromised by insecticide exposure, similarly to the parasitoid population growth and parasitism efficacy. These results demonstrate the effect of the insecticide mixture against A. gossypii, and the increased risk of its adverse impacts on the parasitoid Ap. colemani, which signals against their simultaneous application to control this pest species.
Hepatoid carcinoma and related entities of the extrahepatic bile duct: A clinicopathological study of four cases
Authors: Okura Keisuke , Esaki Minoru , Nara Satoshi , Ban Daisuke , Takamoto Takeshi , Shimada Kazuaki , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi
Published: April 2022

Hepatoid carcinoma or related entities (HPC/RTs) are extremely rare, especially in the extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD). Only a few case reports have been published. We analyzed the clinicopathological features of HPCs/RTs in EHBD. HPC/RT of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA) cases were selected based on the histological characteristics and immunohistochemical detection of spalt‐like transcription factor 4 (SALL4) and/or alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP). Four HPC/RT cases arose in the distal but not in the perihilar EHBD. The four patients with HPC/RT included one female and three males with a median age of 77 years. There are various macroscopic types of HPC/RT. The predominant histological features were two solid‐type carcinomas that mimicked hepatocellular carcinoma and two well‐differentiated tubular adenocarcinomas. Immunohistochemically, SALL4 and glypican‐3 were expressed in all cases, and AFP was expressed in one case. Cancer cell phenotypes included intestinal, pancreatobiliary, and mixed pancreatobiliary and intestinal types. Focal neuroendocrine differentiation and severe perineural and lymphovascular invasions were also observed. HPC/RT recurred in two patients within 2 years, and one patient died 13 months postoperatively. It is suggested that the HPC/RT of EHBD shares common characteristics with HPC/RT arising in various organs, and has some unique characteristics. HPC/RT of EHBD might be more aggressive than conventional eCCA.
Corrigendum to ‘Simulation of Multivariate Diffusion Bridges’
Authors: Bladt Mogens , Finch Samuel , Sørensen Michael
Published: April 2022

We correct an error in Theorem 1 in Bladt et al. (2016) Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series B, 78, 343–369 by changing the initial distribution of an auxiliary diffusion process, which is used to describe the distribution of the proposed approximate diffusion bridges. As a consequence, we correct two algorithms for simulating exact diffusion bridges by changing the initial distribution of auxiliary diffusion processes in the same way. Simulation studies affected by the error are redone.
Voluntary sector participation and individual health and welfare: Does it matter where?
Authors: Handy Femida , Sealey Anthony
Published: April 2022

Objective

Scholars have presented compelling evidence that participation in voluntary sector organizations (VSOs)—which is primarily motivated by the desire to help society—also benefits volunteers. The objective of this article is to determine whether and how these positive impacts vary across the type of VSO where individuals volunteer.

Methods

We examine European Value Survey and World Value Survey data from 18 advanced industrial democracies using multilevel regression models to establish the link between VSO participation and three individual health and welfare (IHW) outcomes: an individual's self‐reported health status, financial satisfaction, and overall life satisfaction.

Results

Our findings indicate (1) that the relationship between voluntary sector participation and positive IHW outcomes depends on the type of VSO where individuals volunteer and (2) that heterogeneous VSO exposure is also positively related to IHW.

Conclusion

We emphasize that voluntary sector participation has heterogeneous impacts that variously determine outcomes depending on the type of VSO where an individual chooses to participate.
Recognition of an HLA‐DQB1*06:319 variant, HLA‐DQB1*06:319:02, in an hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Loginova Maria , Druzhinina Svetlana , Smirnova Daria , Paramonov Igor
Published: April 2022

One nucleotide replacement in codon 27 of HLA‐DQB1*06:319:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DQB1*06:319:02.
Further evidence that wound size and duration are strong prognostic markers of diabetic foot ulcer healing
Authors: Margolis David J. , Mitra Nandita , Malay D. Scott , Mirza Ziad K. , Lantis John C. , Lev‐Tov Hadar A. , Kirsner Robert S. , Thom Stephan R.
Published: April 2022

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a critical problem for those with diabetes mellitus. Predicting the healing likelihood of a DFU is important to implementing appropriate care, allocating resources, having access to advanced therapies, having successful clinical trials, calibrating clinical trial results, and providing information to administrative entities on patient and provider outcomes. Prognostic modelling can also be important when attempting to compare results across trials or care centres. In a prospective cohort study, we demonstrate and replicate that simple wound characteristics like wound area and wound duration can be used to predict wound healing by the 16th week of care. The models were based on previous literature and replicated using a machine learning algorithm. The use of wound duration and wound area in a prognostic model continues to be important when comparing study results, centre‐based outcomes, as well as designing clinical trials.
The Logarithmically-non-uniform Helix Antenna Mounted Above a Finite Ground Plane
Authors: Mowete Ike , Ayorinde Ayotunde , Adehola Adeniyi
Published: April 2022

In this paper the influence of ground plane size on the performance characteristics of a thin-wire helical antenna characterized by a logarithmically varying turns spacing, and mounted above a circular ground plane of finite extent, is systematically investigated. The moment-method formulation utilized in the paper involves a wire-grid model for the ground plane as well as explicit expressions, deriving from a vector potential approach, for the radiation fields of this ‘loghelix’. Subsequent computational results obtained for a candidate 8-turn ‘loghelix’ axial-mode ˀantenna using various combinations of ‘logarithmic variation factor’ and ground plane size, very clearly reveal that limiting the size of the ground plane to finite dimensions significantly improves antenna performance. Maximum gain obtainable, for example, emerged as 16.45dBi when a finite ground plane is utilized, as against 13.55dBi for the corresponding antenna, backed by an infinite ground plane. The associated axial ratio performance is characterized by  for the finite ground case, and  , for the infinite ground plane case. A notable finding of the investigations is that the dip that typically features in the power gain profiles of antenna structures backed by finite ground planes will be eliminated, when ground plane size, relative to antenna size exceeds a certain minimum.
Reverse Engineer 5 Degrees of Freedom Robot Arm using Programmable Logic Controller
Authors: Abd Rahman Nurul Huda , Aspar Zulfakar
Published: April 2022

Many types of robot arms have been developed in the market. Whenever a robot arm broke down, it is a challenge to do reverse engineer and repair the robot arm. This project has successfully reused the existing 5 degrees of freedom robot arm structure and electronic components while replacing the controller with a new Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and LLD model. The project uses the existing DC servo motor, encoder, sensors, power supply, and interface board. Since the structure and most electronic components are already available, they are important to be analyzed and understood before they can be reused. Hence the reverse engineering activities are needed. In addition, a low-cost PLC is used to save cost. Thus, it is not possible to move all axes at the same time. Instead, the robot arm can only move one axis at a time. Additionally, the robot arm has been improved to be able to be programmed manually or automatically and repeat previously predetermined position sequences. In total, 90 rungs, 96 built-in commands, and custom functions have been used. The refurbished system is very stable and reliable.
Flexible Rectenna for Energy Harvesting System
Authors: A. Rahim Mohamad Kamal , Esmail Bashar A. F. , M. Yaziz Nur Syahirah , Samsuri Noor Asmawati , Murad Noor Asniza , Ayop Osman , Zubir Farid , A. Majid Huda , Muhamad Nadzir Norsaidah
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a flexible rectenna for RF energy harvesting application. The textile wideband antenna is designed using CST software. The Fleece and Shieldit fabrics are used as substrate and conductive material, respectively. The antenna is fabricated and its measurement performances are described in terms of reflection coefficient and the radiation pattern is measured. Then, the rectifier circuit is designed and simulated using ADS software and the integration between antenna and rectifier (rectenna) is achieved using the same software. The flexible rectenna is experimentally verified at different distances from the RF source. The highest measured DC output voltage is 35 mV at a distance of 0.5 m. The system harvests DC output voltage successfully even though it only produces a small value. This system can be improved more and used for obtaining continuous energy for future wearable applications.
Witt vectors with coefficients and characteristic polynomials over non-commutative rings
Authors: Dotto Emanuele , Krause Achim , Nikolaus Thomas , Patchkoria Irakli
Published: April 2022

For a not-necessarily commutative ring$R$we define an abelian group$W(R;M)$of Witt vectors with coefficients in an$R$-bimodule$M$. These groups generalize the usual big Witt vectors of commutative rings and we prove that they have analogous formal properties and structure. One main result is that$W(R) := W(R;R)$is Morita invariant in$R$. For an$R$-linear endomorphism$f$of a finitely generated projective$R$-module we define a characteristic element$\chi _f \in W(R)$. This element is a non-commutative analogue of the classical characteristic polynomial and we show that it has similar properties. The assignment$f \mapsto \chi _f$induces an isomorphism between a suitable completion of cyclic$K$-theory$K_0^{\mathrm {cyc}}(R)$and$W(R)$.
The six functors for Zariski-constructible sheaves in rigid geometry
Authors: Bhatt Bhargav , Hansen David
Published: April 2022

We prove a generic smoothness result in rigid analytic geometry over a characteristic zero non-archimedean field. The proof relies on a novel notion of generic points in rigid analytic geometry which are well adapted to ‘spreading out’ arguments, in analogy with the use of generic points in scheme theory. As an application, we develop a six-functor formalism for Zariski-constructible étale sheaves on characteristic zero rigid spaces. Among other things, this implies that characteristic zero rigid spaces support a well-behaved theory of perverse sheaves.
Relay Upgrading of Biomass Producer Gas Via Shift-Methanation Plus CO2 Adsorption in a Symbiotic Fixed-Bed Reactor: Concept Proposition and Numerical Visualization
Authors: Dong Xinxin , Luo Jianwei , Huang Yaji , Jin Baosheng
Published: April 2022

Producer gas from biomass gasification is a feasible supplementary source to overcome the shortage of energy supply. However, the relatively high CO content and low heating value greatly restrict raw biomass producer gas for extensive application. The technical combination of shift-methanation reaction and CO2 adsorption is proved to be an effective upgrading method. Different from the conventional tandem way of connecting shift-methanation and CO2 adsorption, this work first attempts to integrate the two units into a fixed-bed reactor to form a cooperative symbiotic relationship. The relay upgrading process of biomass producer gas is numerically investigated over Ni-based catalyst and mesoporous carbon adsorbent using computational fluid dynamics method. It is found that the CO content can be effectively reduced from 30.8% to below 5% and lower heating value on wet basis can be increased from 6.5 MJ/Nm3 to over 10 MJ/Nm3. The influence of catalyst and adsorbent bed volume on the composition of product gas is evaluated. Meanwhile, the effect of catalyst and adsorbent bed gap is also analyzed. Given the similarity of catalyst and adsorbent bed, the impact of their sequence on the upgrading performance is discussed. At last, for continuous run, a regeneration cycle involving reaction–adsorption coupled with N2 purge is designed and the cycle simulation is conducted to better understand the flow behavior and reaction/adsorption characteristic.
Closed-Form General Relationship Model for the Interfacial Oxidation of Cylindrically Curved Surfaces
Authors: Blanchet Thierry A.
Published: April 2022

A closed-form algebraic expression of the general relationship between film thickness and time during thermal oxidation as attained by Deal and Grove for planar surfaces has remained elusive for surfaces with curvature. Even under a baseline case of constant parameter values to describe oxidant gas-phase transport, diffusion, and reaction, by the conventionally adopted model treating the oxide as fluid capable of flow in accounting for the molecular volume difference between it and the metal from which it was formed and relate the radii describing the oxide relative to those of the metal, numerical integration is required to approximate the time corresponding to any given oxide thickness. Several example sets of such numerical approximation of the relationship between thickness and time by the conventional fluid oxide model on curved cylindrical surfaces are provided here to highlight its lacking closed-form general relationship. In contrast, if instead modeling the oxide as solid and freely expanded from the metal forming it to relate their geometries, it is shown here that a closed-form algebraic expression of the general relationship between oxide thickness and time on cylindrically and in turn spherically curved surfaces is attained in the baseline case of constant parameter values, akin to that preceding by Deal and Grove for planar surfaces. Continuing model refinements will consider dependencies of parameter values on stress state evolving as oxide thickness grows on curved surfaces.
A simplified ultrasound approach to diagnose testicular torsion and predict unsalvageable testis
Authors: Lim Yunji , Hwang Jisun , Park Joonsuk , Kim Young Chul , Min Seon Jeong
Published: April 2022

Aims: To develop a decision tree model using US features to differentiate testicular torsion and other conditions of acute scrotum and to investigate predictive parameters of unsalvageable testis in testicular torsion.Materials and methods: Scrotal US was reviewed in patients aged <30 years who presented with acute scrotum from 2014 to 2020. US findings of whirlpool sign, testicular volume ratio, heterogeneous echotexture, testicular vascularity, epididymis enlargement and/or hyperemia, and avascular nodule were evaluated and compared. A decision tree model was created using the conditional inference tree analysis and the accuracy was calculated. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to find out the predictive US features of unsalvageable testes.Results: Total of 381 patients (13.2±7.2 years old; range, 1 day-30 years) were included. Thirty-four patients were diagnosed with testicular torsion, and the others with orchitis or epididymo-orchitis (n=59), epididymitis (n=264), and appendage torsion (n=24). In the conditional inference tree analysis, whirlpool sign, avascular nodule, and increased testicular vascularity were the most significant discriminators (p<0.001), and the whirlpool sign was the first discriminator. The overall accuracy of the conditional inference tree was 91.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.8-93.7%). Heterogeneous echotexture (odds ratio [OR], 74.99; 95% CI, 2.75-2046.26; p=0.01) and symptom-to-operation time >24 h (OR, 49.28; 95% CI, 1.92-1262.03; p=0.02) were significant predictors of unsalvageable testis.Conclusions: Conditional inference tree analysis showed that the whirlpool sign of the spermatic cord, avascular nodule, and altered testicular vascularity were significant discriminators. Heterogeneous echotexture and symptom-to-operation delay were important prognostic factors for unsalvageable testis.
The “starry night” (diffuse microcalcific myopathy) – thousands of muscle microcalcifications after 30 years of Trichinella infection detected by ultrasound
Authors: Fodor Daniela , Georgiu Carmen , Pelea Michael , Serban Oana , Micu Alexandru , Micu Mihaela C.
Published: April 2022

Trichinellosis, a parasitosis transmitted through consumption of raw or undercooked meat from pigs and game animals, is responsible for a specific myositis. The calcifications of infected myocytes and larva can be detected during many years postin-fection. We present the case of a male patient with a history of severe trichinellosis with disease onset 30 years ago, presenting with generalized muscle microcalcifications detected during musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluation. The ultrasound aspect of the muscles was indeed spectacular; hence, the comparison with a ”starry night”.
Patterning challenges for direct metal etch of ruthenium and molybdenum at 32 nm metal pitch and below
Authors: Decoster Stefan , Camerotto Elisabeth , Murdoch Gayle , Kundu Souvik , Le Quoc Toan , Tőkei Zsolt , Jurczak Gosia , Lazzarino Frédéric
Published: April 2022

Ruthenium and molybdenum are candidate materials to replace Cu as the back-end-of-line interconnect metal for the tightest pitch features for future technology nodes. Due to their better figure of merit ρ0 × λ (ρ0 bulk resistivity, λ electron mean free path), it is expected that the resistance of <10 nm wide Ru and Mo metal lines can be significantly reduced compared to Cu. An important advantage for Ru and Mo is that both materials, in contrast to Cu, can be patterned by means of so-called direct metal etch, through reactive ion etching or atomic layer etching and can potentially be implemented without barrier. An integration scheme with direct metal etch instead of damascene patterning could simplify the overall patterning flow and eventually opens the possibility for exploring new integration concepts and patterning approaches. However, the learning on direct metal etch of Ru and Mo in the literature is scarce, especially at the relevant dimensions of today's interconnects. In this work, we will focus on the major patterning challenges we have encountered during the development of direct metal etch processes for Ru at 18 nm pitch and Mo gratings at 32 nm pitch. We have observed that the direct metal etch of Ru at these small dimensions is impacted by the growth of an oxidized layer on the sidewalls of the hard mask, which originates from the sputtering of the hard mask in combination with the O2-based Ru etch chemistry. This results in a narrowing of the trenches to be patterned and can easily lead to an etch stop in the smallest features. We will discuss several mitigation mechanisms to remove this oxidized layer, as well as to avoid the formation of such a layer. For patterning Mo with a Cl2/O2-based chemistry, the major patterning challenges we encountered are the insufficient sidewall passivation and the oxidation of the patterned Mo lines. The sidewall passivation issue has been overcome with an in situ thin SiO2-like deposition after partial Mo etch, while a possible mitigation mechanism for the Mo oxidation could be the in situ encapsulation immediately after Mo patterning.
The Clinical Practice Characteristics, Self-Confidence, and Barriers Related to Treatment Following Concussion Among Athletic Trainers
Authors: Hattrup Nicholas , Root Hayley J. , Valovich McLeod Tamara C.
Published: April 2022

There is limited information about the use and perceptions of interventions postconcussion. The purpose of this study was to examine the treatment characteristics, self-reported confidence and perceptions of treatment, and barriers to treatment implementation. More than 50% of respondents utilized interventions for cervicogenic (55.5%, n = 85/153) and migraine symptoms (82.4%, n = 126/153). While respondents utilized and believed they should implement treatments, more than half referred to another healthcare professional (e.g., physical therapy, physician, psychologist) to perform treatment interventions. Finally, those in the clinic setting report having more adequate staff to perform treatments compared with high schools (p = .003). The continued use of interdisciplinary teams’ postconcussion and the development of lower cost staff and resource interventions may help to increase adoption.
Being a Female Sports Journalist on Twitter: Online Harassment, Sexualization, and Hegemony
Authors: Demir Yavuz , Ayhan Bünyamin
Published: April 2022

Online harassment toward women in social networks can occur in many forms such as contempt, profanity, insult, sexual desire, pruriency, physical threat, misogyny, and so on. Particularly, women with high social status and influence over society, such as female journalists, are more frequently exposed to online harassment. In an area such as sport, where male hegemony is dominant, female sports journalists are exposed to online harassment both in social media and in their professional lives. In modern Muslim countries such as Turkey, the controversial position of women is reflected in social media networks, and female journalists can receive harassment, as well as support. As a result of the present study, which evaluated the online harassment experienced by female sports journalists in Turkey on Twitter, as well as the subdimensions of the harassment observed using the netnographic method, it was determined that female sports journalists are frequently exposed to online harassment on Twitter. Based on the findings obtained in the present study, the most frequently received comments on Twitter by female sports journalists are derogatory and sarcastic, focusing on the physical appearance of women, exclusionary from a hegemonic perspective, and involving emotional harassment, physical threat, and profanity, respectively.
Event-Related Potentials Analysis of the Effects of Discontinuous Short-Term Fine Motor Imagery on Motor Execution
Authors: Wu ShiYao , Sui Li
Published: April 2022

In this study, event-related potentials and neurobehavioral measurements were used to investigate the effects of discontinuous short-term fine motor imagery (MI), a paradigm of finger sequential MI training interspersed with no-MI that occurs within 1 hr, on fine finger motor execution. The event-related potentials revealed that there were significant differences in the P300 between the fine MI training and the no-MI training. There were also significant changes in the P200 between fine motor execution of familiar tasks after MI training and fine motor execution of unfamiliar tasks without MI training. Neurobehavioral data revealed that the fine MI enhanced fine motor execution. These findings may suggest that discontinuous short-term fine MI could be useful in improving fine motor skills.