bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life in Chinese children with developmental dyslexia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zou Li , Zhu Kaiheng , Jiang Qi , Xiao Pei , Wu Xiaoqian , Zhu Bing , Song Ranran
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Our study aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) between Chinese developmental dyslexia (DD) and healthy children.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

The participants were recruited from grades 3–6 in six primary schools in Tianmen, a city of Hubei Province, China.

Participants

A total of 5679 students were recruited. After excluding children with visual and auditory dysfunction or psychiatric diseases or with a response rate on the scales or questionnaires of less than 90%, 5352 children were finally included in the analysis. DD children were diagnosed according to their clinical symptoms, which were mainly assessed by the Dyslexia Checklist for Chinese Children and the Pupil Rating Scale Revised Screening for Learning Disabilities.

Outcome measures

The QoL for DD and healthy children was appraised by the Quality of Life Scale for Children and Adolescents (QLSCA). Outcome measures included its four domain scores (psychosocial function, physiological and mental health, living environment and satisfaction with QoL) and total score.

Results

A total of 186 children were diagnosed with DD. The distribution of DD children in five levels of QoL was statistically different from that of healthy children (χ2=57.63, p<0.001). Compared with healthy children, the proportion of poor or worse QoL in DD was higher, and the proportion of moderate, better or good QoL was lower. The total QLSCA score in DD children was 3.475 lower than that in healthy children (B=−3.475, p=0.006). Psychosocial function, physiological and mental health, living environment and satisfaction with QoL of DD children were also inferior to those of healthy children.

Conclusion

The QoL of DD was significantly lower than that of healthy children, prompting more public efforts to improve DD QoL.
Telehealth voice assessment by speech language pathologists during a global pandemic using principles of a primary contact model: an observational cohort study protocol
Authors: Payten Christopher L , Nguyen Duy Duong , Novakovic Daniel , O’Neill John , Chacon Antonia M , Weir Kelly A , Madill Catherine J
Published: January 2022

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2, a highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome, has spread to most countries in the world and resulted in a change to practice patterns for the assessment and diagnosis of people with voice disorders. Many services are transitioning to telehealth models to maintain physical distancing measures and conserve personal protective equipment used by healthcare workers during laryngoscopy examinations. The speech–language pathology primary contact (SLPPC) assessment for patients referred to ear, nose and throat (ENT) services in Australia has been shown to reduce waiting times for assessment while streamlining access to ENT assessment and allied health practitioner treatment pathways.

Methods and analysis

A prospective observational cohort study will see patients in a newly developed telehealth model which uses the principles from a usual care SLPPC assessment protocol. Participants will be offered an initial telehealth assessment (speech–language pathology primary contact telehealth (SLPPC-T)) prior to being prioritised for a face-to-face laryngoscopy assessment to complete the diagnostic process. The telehealth assessment will collect sociodemographic information, personal and family medical history, key symptoms, onset and variability of symptoms, red-flag signs or symptoms for laryngeal malignancy, and clinical voice assessment data for auditory–perceptual and acoustic analysis. The study outcomes include (1) association of signs, symptoms and specific voice measures collected during SLPPC-T with voice disorder classification provided after laryngoscopy; (2) degree of concordance between voice disorder classification after SLPPC-T and after laryngoscopy; (3) health service and patient-related costs and health outcomes of the SLPPC-T; (4) patient and stakeholder views and beliefs about the SLPPC-T process.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted prior to commencement of the study enrolment by the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee (reference number HREC/2020/QGC/62832). Results will be shared through the publication of articles in peer-reviewed medical journals and presentation at national and international scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12621000427875.
Association between prelabour caesarean section and perinatal outcomes: analysis of demographic and health surveys from 26 low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Opiyo Newton , Bellizzi Saverio , Torloni Maria Regina , Souza Joao Paulo , Betran Ana Pilar
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Caesarean section (CS) conducted before labour (prelabour CS (PLCS)), compared with vaginal birth, may pose additional maternal and perinatal risks. No multicountry analysis has examined PLCS in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study assessed rates, risk factors and associations of PLCS with perinatal outcomes in LMICs.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional surveys.

Setting

Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2015 and 2018 in 26 LMICs (13 countries in Africa, 11 in Asia and 2 in the Americas).

Participants

Women aged 15–49 years with singleton term births.

Outcome measures

Main outcomes were early neonatal mortality, neonatal mortality, early breastfeeding (within 1 hour of birth), skin-to-skin contact and duration of hospital stay.

Results

255 227 women were included in the main analysis. Average rates of primary PLCS ranged from 1.3% in Zambia to 19.5% in Maldives. Median PLCS rate was 1.8% in the poorest versus 5.8% in the richest subgroups.

Higher maternal age, education, economic status and BMI, lower parity, urban residence, delivery in private hospitals, larger baby size, having health insurance, more antenatal care (ANC) visits, ANC by a doctor and ANC in private hospitals were associated with increased primary PLCS.

Across the 26 countries, primary PLCS, compared with vaginal delivery, was associated with increased neonatal mortality (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.5), decreased early breastfeeding (aOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.5) and skin-to-skin contact (aOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.5) and longer hospital stay (aOR 6.6, 95% CI 5.9 to 7.4). No significant association was found for early neonatal mortality (aOR 1.2, 95% CI 0.9 to 1.5).

Conclusion

Primary PLCS, compared with vaginal birth, is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton term pregnancies in LMICs. Caesarean births should be audited regularly to monitor trends, appropriateness and context-specific drivers of CS.
Camu Camu effects on microbial translocation and systemic immune activation in ART-treated people living with HIV: protocol of the single-arm non-randomised Camu Camu prebiotic pilot study (CIHR/CTN PT032)
Authors: Isnard Stéphane , Fombuena Brandon , Ouyang Jing , Royston Léna , Lin John , Bu Simeng , Sheehan Nancy , Lakatos Peter L , Bessissow Talat , Chomont Nicolas , Klein Marina , Lebouché Bertrand , Costiniuk Cecilia T , Routy Bertrand , Marette André , Routy Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Despite the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in transforming HIV disease into a chronic infection, people living with HIV (PLWH) remain at risk for various non-AIDS inflammatory comorbidities. Risk of non-AIDS comorbidities is associated with gut dysbiosis, epithelial gut damage and subsequent microbial translocation, and increased activation of both circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. Therefore, in addition to ART, novel gut microbiota-modulating therapies could aid in reducing inflammation and immune activation, gut damage, and microbial translocation. Among various gut-modulation strategies under investigation, the Amazonian fruit Camu Camu (CC) presents itself as a prebiotic candidate based on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in animal models and tobacco smokers.

Method and analysis

A total of 22 PLWH on ART for more than 2 years, with a viral load <50 copies/mL, a CD4 +count >200 and a CD4+/CD8 +ratio <1 (suggesting increased inflammation and risk for non-AIDS comorbidities), will be recruited in a single arm, non-randomised, interventional pilot trial. We will assess tolerance and effect of supplementation with CC in ART-treated PLWH on reducing gut damage, microbial translocation, inflammation and HIV latent reservoir by various assays.

Ethics and dissemination

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)/Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN) pilot trial protocol CTNPT032 was approved by the Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate of Health Canada and the research ethics board of the McGill university Health Centre committee (number 2020-5903). Results will be made available as free access through publications in peer-reviewed journals and through the CIHR/CTN website.

Trial registration number

NCT04058392.
PrEdiction of Risk and Communication of outcomE followIng major lower limb amputation: a collaboratiVE study (PERCEIVE)—protocol for the PERCEIVE qualitative study
Authors: Milosevic Sarah , Brookes-Howell Lucy , Gwilym Brenig Llwyd , Waldron Cherry-Ann , Thomas-Jones Emma , Preece Ryan , Pallmann Philip , Harris Debbie , Massey Ian , Stewart Philippa , Samuel Katie , Jones Sian , Cox David , Twine Christopher P , Edwards Adrian , Bosanquet David C
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Deciding whether to proceed with a major lower limb amputation is life-changing and complex, and it is crucial that the right decision is made at the right time. However, medical specialists are known to poorly predict risk when assessing patients for major surgery, and there is little guidance and research regarding decisions about amputation. The process of shared decision-making between doctors and patients during surgical consultations is also little understood. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyse in depth the communication, consent, risk prediction and decision-making process in relation to major lower limb amputation.

Methods and analysis

Consultations between patients and surgeons at which major lower limb amputation is discussed will be audio-recorded for 10–15 patients. Semi-structured follow-up interviews with patients (and relatives/carers) will then be conducted at two time points: as soon as possible/appropriate after a decision has been reached regarding surgery, and approximately 6 months later. Semi-structured interviews will also be conducted with 10–15 healthcare professionals working in the UK National Health Service (NHS) involved in amputation decision-making. This will include surgeons, anaesthetists and specialist physiotherapists at 2–4 NHS Health Boards/Trusts in Wales and England. Discourse analysis will be used to analyse the recorded consultations; interviews will be analysed thematically. Finally, workshops will be held with patients and healthcare professionals to help synthesise and interpret findings.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by Wales REC 7 (20/WA/0351). Study findings will be published in international peer-reviewed journal(s) and presented at national and international scientific meetings. Findings will also be disseminated to a wide NHS and lay audience via presentations at meetings and written summaries for key stakeholder groups.
Adoption and continued use of mobile contact tracing technology: multilevel explanations from a three-wave panel survey and linked data
Authors: Horvath Laszlo , Banducci Susan , Blamire Joshua , Degnen Cathrine , James Oliver , Jones Andrew , Stevens Daniel , Tyler Katharine
Published: January 2022

Objective

To identify the key individual-level (demographics, attitudes, mobility) and contextual (COVID-19 case numbers, tiers of mobility restrictions, urban districts) determinants of adopting the NHS COVID-19 contact tracing app and continued use overtime.

Design and setting

A three-wave panel survey conducted in England in July 2020 (background survey), November 2020 (first measure of app adoption) and March 2021 (continued use of app and new adopters) linked with official data.

Participants

N=2500 adults living in England, representative of England’s population in terms of regional distribution, age and gender (2011 census).

Primary outcome

Repeated measures of self-reported app usage.

Analytical approach

Multilevel logistic regression linking a range of individual level (from survey) and contextual (from linked data) determinants to app usage.

Results

We observe initial app uptake at 41%, 95% CI (0.39% to 0.43%), and a 12% drop-out rate by March 2021, 95% CI (0.10% to 0.14%). We also found that 7% of nonusers as of wave 2 became new adopters by wave 3, 95% CI (0.05% to 0.08%). Initial uptake (or failure to use) of the app associated with social norms, privacy concerns and misinformation about third-party data access, with those living in postal districts with restrictions on mobility less likely to use the app. Perceived lack of transparent evidence of effectiveness was associated with drop-out of use. In addition, those who trusted the government were more likely to adopt in wave 3 as new adopters.

Conclusions

Successful uptake of the contact tracing app should be evaluated within the wider context of the UK Government’s response to the crisis. Trust in government is key to adoption of the app in wave 3 while continued use is linked to perceptions of transparent evidence. Providing clear information to address privacy concerns could increase uptake, however, the disparities in continued use among ethnic minority participants needs further investigation.
Efficacy of ultrasound therapy for the treatment of lateral elbow tendinopathy (the UCICLET Trial): study protocol for a three-arm, prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sun Ziyang , Chen Shuai , Liu Weixuan , Sun Guixin , Liu Junjian , Wang Jian , Wang Wei , Zheng Yuanyi , Fan Cunyi
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is a highly prevalent disease among the middle-aged population, with no consensus on optimal management. Non-operative treatment is generally accepted as the first-line intervention. Ultrasound (US) therapy has been reported to be beneficial for various orthopaedic diseases, including tendinopathy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of US for LET treatment.

Methods and analysis

This protocol entails a three-arm, prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Seventy-two eligible participants with clinically confirmed LET will be assigned to either (1) US, (2) corticosteroid injections or (3) control group. All participants will receive exercise-based therapy as a fundamental intervention. The primary outcome is Patient-rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. The secondary outcomes include Visual Analogue Scale for pain, shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand for upper limb disability, pain free/maximum grip strength, Work Limitations Questionnaire-25 for functional limitations at work, EuroQol-5D for general health, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for mental status, Global Rating of Change for treatment success and recurrence rate, and Mahomed Scale for the participant’s satisfaction. Adverse events will be recorded. Intention-to-treat analyses will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics committees of all clinical centres have approved this study. The leading centre is Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, whose approval number is 2021–153. New versions with appropriate amendments will be submitted to the committee for further approval. Final results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at local, national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100050547.
Hyperacute stroke thrombolysis via telemedicine: a multicentre study of performance, safety and clinical efficacy
Authors: Evans Nicholas Richard , Sibson Lynda , Day Diana J , Agarwal Smriti , Shekhar Raj , Warburton Elizabeth A
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Timely thrombolysis of ischaemic stroke improves functional recovery, yet its delivery nationally is challenging due to shortages in the stroke specialist workforce and large geographical areas. One solution is remote stroke specialist input to regional centres via telemedicine. This study evaluates the usage and key metrics of performance of the East of England Stroke Telemedicine Partnership—the largest telestroke service in the UK—in providing hyperacute stroke care.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

The East of England Stroke Telemedicine Partnership provides a horizontal ‘hubless’ model of out-of-hours hyperacute stroke care to a population of 6.2 million across a 7500 square mile semirural region.

Participants

All (2709) telestroke consultations between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2019.

Main outcome measures

Thrombolysis decision, pre-thrombolysis and post-thrombolysis stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS), haemorrhagic complications, and hyperacute pathway timings.

Results

Over the period, 1149 (42.4%) individuals were thrombolysed. Thrombolysis rates increased from 147/379 (38.8%) in 2014 to 225/490 (45.9%) in 2019. Median (IQR) pre-thrombolysis NIHSS was 10 (6–17), reducing to 6 (2–14) 24-hour post-thrombolysis (p<0.001). Post-thrombolysis haemorrhage occurred in 27 cases (2.3%). Over the period, median (IQR) door-to-needle time reduced from 85 (65–108) min to 68 (55–97.5) min (p<0.01), driven by improved imaging-to-needle times from 52.5 (38–72.25) min to 42 (30.5–62.5) min (p<0.01). However, the same period saw an increase in median onset-to-hospital arrival time from 77.5 (60–109.25) min to 95 (70–135) min (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The results from this large hyperacute telestroke cohort indicate two important points for clinical practice. First, telemedicine via a hubless horizontal model provides a clinically effective and safe method for delivering hyperacute stroke thrombolysis. Second, improved door-to-needle times were offset by a concerning rise in prehospital timings. These findings indicate that although telemedicine may benefit in-hospital hyperacute stroke care, improvements across the whole stroke pathway are essential.
‘This bloody rona!’: using the digital story completion method and thematic analysis to explore the mental health impacts of COVID-19 in Australia
Authors: Vaughan Priya , Lenette Caroline , Boydell Katherine
Published: January 2022

Objective

To use the digital story completion method to prompt participants to describe thoughts, fears and mental health experiences in response to a story stem about COVID-19, to capture a specific sociohistoric moment.

Design

We used digital story completion, a qualitative research method, to gather narratives from Australians coping with physical distancing and social restriction measures. Our reflexive thematic analysis of the data was underpinned by a constructionist approach to reflect the importance of social context in understanding health experiences.

Setting

Australia.

Participants

52 people living in Australia (aged 18 years and over).

Results

Four meta-themes were prevalent across 52 stories submitted: (1) expressions of mental distress linked to COVID-19; (2) various coping strategies offered by characters in stories; (3) narratives outlining social support offered to alleviate distress; and (4) specialised COVID-19 vocabulary.

Conclusion

We cautiously propose that points of convergence across stories indicate a level of shared experience among participants relating to COVID-19 in Australia. We suggest this is due to intensive media coverage of the pandemic, persistent public health messaging, engagement with social media and instant messaging technologies, and extended lockdowns that impacted the mental health of vast numbers of Australians.
Predicting flow diverter sizing using the AneuGuideTMsoftware: a validation study
Authors: Tong Xin , Shan Yejie , Leng Xiaochang , Chen Jigang , Fiehler Jens , Siddiqui Adnan H , Hu Xuebin , Liu Aihua , Xiang Jianping
Published: January 2022

Background

Stent sizing remains a challenging task for flow diverter implantation because of stent foreshortening. In this study, we aimed to quantify the change in length after implantation and assess the error in length prediction using AneuGuideTMsoftware.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort of 101 patients with 102 aneurysms undergoing treatment with a pipeline embolization device (PED; Covidien, Irvine, California, USA), we used AneuGuideTMsoftware to obtain measured lengths (ML) and calculated lengths (CL) after stent implantation. Stent elongation was defined as the ratio of ML-LL to the labeled length (LL). Simulation error was defined as the ratio of the absolute value of CL-ML to ML. The correlation and consistency between ML and LL and between ML and CL were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test and the Bland–Altman plot. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

The mean elongation of ML was 32.6% (range 26.3–109.2%). Moderate consistency was observed between LL and ML (ρ=0.74, p<0.001). With the AneuGuideTMsoftware, the mean simulation error was 6.6% (range 0.32–21.2%). Pearson’s correlation test and the Bland–Altman plot showed a high correlation and consistency between ML and CL (ρ=0.96, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Labeled length provides only a low reference value for predicting the actual length of the flow diverter after implantation. The high consistency between ML and CL obtained from AneuGuideTMsoftware shows its great potential for the optimization of the flow diverter sizing process.
Acid stress responses of Lactobacillus amylovorus and Candida kefyr isolated from fermented sorghum gruel and their application in food fermentation
Authors: Adewara O.A. , Ogunbanwo S.T.
Published: January 2022

Exposure of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts to adverse fluctuations during fermentation causes stress; consequently, microbes develop adaptive responses. In this study, we investigated the physiological and proteomic responses of LAB and yeast to acid stress and their application in food fermentation. The physiological and proteomic responses of Lactobacillus amylovorus LS07 and Candida kefyr YS12 to acid stress were measured using turbidimetry, SDS-PAGE, and LC-MS/MS. The technique previously reported by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) was employed to evaluate the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of sorghum gruel fermented using LAB and yeast alone and in combination as starter cultures and spontaneous fermentation as a control. The growth of L. amylovorus LS07 was optimal at pH 1.0, and that of C. kefyr YSI2 was optimal at pH 4. An increased intensity of 30S ribosomal protein S2 (L. amylovorus LS07) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (C. kefyr YS12) was observed at pH 1 and 4, respectively, suggesting increased microbial metabolism, thereby reducing the stress. Sorghum gruel produced with combined starters had the highest crude protein (10.94%), iron content (0.0085%), and organoleptic acceptability (7.29), which was significantly different from the products produced with the single starters and the control. The combined starter (L. amylovorus LS07 and C. kefyr YSI2) adapted to stress yielded foods with improved sensory properties, minerals, and reduced anti-nutrient contents.
A microscopic study of spin-polarized 40K atoms in one dimension using the static fluctuation approximation (SFA)
Authors: Al-Khzon H.A. , Al-Qahtani M.M.
Published: January 2022

The thermodynamic and magnetic properties of a spin-mixture of 40K atoms in a 1D harmonic trap, in the presence of an external magnetic field H, are studied using the static fluctuation approximation (SFA). The two-body interaction used is the contact potential. The thermodynamic properties include the chemical potential, energy per particle, specific heat capacity, and entropy per particle. The magnetic properties comprise the magnetization per particle and susceptibility per particle. A phase transition is observed for the repulsive interactions around 0.35TF and 0.5TF in the channels {–9/2, –7/2} and {–9/2, –5/2}, respectively. A peak appears in the entropy and susceptibility at effective scattering length |a1d| ≈ 0.16 μm. For the attractive interactions, three different behaviors depending on H are found in the low-temperature limit. The first behavior is when H < Hc, where Hc is the critical magnetic field, and typical peaks emerge. The second behavior is at H = Hc, and a magnetic phase transition occurs. The third behavior is when H > Hc and the system becomes a partially polarized phase. Our results are consistent with the reported results obtained by the local density approximation, thermal Bethe ansatz method, mean-field approximation, and quantum transfer matrix method.
Effects of ferulic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids on Fusarium community structure and abundance in cucumber seedling rhizosphere
Authors: Xie Huilin , Zhou Xingang
Published: January 2022

Soil microorganisms play an important role in agricultural ecosystem. However, there is little information about the effects of putative allelochemicals on specific soil microorganisms in vivo. Cucumber seedlings were treated with four concentrations of ferulic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids (0–1.0 μmol·g−1 soil) in soil. Effects of ferulic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids on rhizosphere Fusarium community structures and abundance were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and real-time PCR techniques, respectively. The results showed that ferulic acid at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 μmol·g−1 soil significantly reduced the number of bands of Fusarium, and ferulic acid at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 μmol·g−1 soil significantly reduced Shannon–Wiener and evenness index of Fusarium community. All concentrations of p-hydroxybenzoic acid changed the community structure of Fusarium, including decreasing the number of bands, Shannon–Wiener, and evenness index. Ferulic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids at all concentrations significantly promoted the abundance of Fusarium. Ferulic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids at 0.5 μmol·g−1 soil had the highest Fusarium abundance among all treatments. These results indicate that four concentrations of ferulic acid had various effects on Fusarium, which was different from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and this may be related to the cucumber autotoxicity, giving us a further understanding of soil sickness.
Quantum Galois groups of subfactors
Authors: Bhattacharjee Suvrajit , Chirvasitu Alexandru , Goswami Debashish
Published: January 2022

For a finite-index [Formula: see text] subfactor [Formula: see text], we prove the existence of a universal Hopf ∗-algebra (or, a discrete quantum group in the analytic language) acting on [Formula: see text] in a trace-preserving fashion and fixing [Formula: see text] pointwise. We call this Hopf ∗-algebra the quantum Galois group for the subfactor and compute it in some examples of interest, notably for arbitrary irreducible finite-index depth-two subfactors. Along the way, we prove the existence of universal acting Hopf algebras for more general structures (tensors in enriched categories), in the spirit of recent work by Agore, Gordienko and Vercruysse.
Controlling electron acceleration process to produce harmonic spectral continuum and single harmonic
Authors: Liu Hang , Feng Li-Qiang , Qiao Yan , McCain John , Yuan Quan
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a potential scheme to produce both the harmonic spectral continuum and single harmonic has been proposed and investigated by using the combined chirped pulses. It is found that with the proper combination of the two-color second-order chirped pulse, both the harmonic spectral continuum and single harmonic can be obtained. Further, with the introduction of the third pulse, the harmonic yield can be enhanced. However, the single harmonic generation is almost independent on the chirp of the third pulse. As a result, the isolated attosecond pulses (IAPs) of sub-40 as can be obtained from the harmonic spectral continua and the adjustable single harmonics from 194th order to 360th order can also be found. While with the introduction of the third-order or fourth-order chirped pulses, only the harmonic spectral continua can be obtained. The generations of the harmonic spectral continua and single harmonics have been analyzed by using the three-step theory and the time-profiles of the harmonic generation.
Trail-Connected Digraphs with Given Local Structures
Authors: Liu Juan , Yang Hong , Lai Hong-Jian , Zhang Xindong
Published: January 2022

For a digraph [Formula: see text], if [Formula: see text] contains a spanning closed trail, then [Formula: see text] is supereulerian. If for any pairs vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] contains both a spanning [Formula: see text]-trail and a spanning [Formula: see text]-trail, then [Formula: see text] is strongly trail-connected. If [Formula: see text] is a strongly trail-connected digraph, then [Formula: see text] is a supereulerian digraph. Algefari et al. proved that every symmetrically connected digraph and every partially symmetric digraph are supereulerian. In this paper, we prove that every symmetrically connected digraph and every partially symmetric digraph are strongly trail-connected digraphs.
Dynamic Stability Analysis of Size-Dependent Viscoelastic/Piezoelectric Nano-Beam
Authors: Beni Zahra Tadi , Beni Yaghoub Tadi
Published: January 2022

This paper analyzes the dynamic stability of an isotropic viscoelastic Euler–Bernoulli nano-beam using piezoelectric materials. For this purpose, the size-dependent theory was used in the framework of the modified couple stress theory (MCST) for piezoelectric materials. In order to capture the geometrical nonlinearity, the von Karman strain displacement relation was applied. Hamilton’s principle was also employed to obtain the governing equations. Furthermore, the Galerkin method was used in order to convert the governing partial differential equations (PDEs) to a nonlinear second-order ordinary differential one. Dynamic stability analysis was performed and the effects of such parameters as viscoelastic coefficients, size effect, and piezoelectric coefficient were investigated. The results showed that in this system, saddle points, central points, Hopf bifurcation points, and fork bifurcation points could be created, and the phase portraits connecting these equilibrium points exhibit periodic orbits, heteroclinic orbits, and homoclinic orbits.
The category 𝒮hjIMSet of sheaves in MSet
Authors: Mahmoudi Mojgan , Sepahani Sara
Published: January 2022

Since topoi were introduced, there have been efforts putting mathematics into the context of topoi. Amongst known topoi, the topoi of sheaves or presheaves over a small category are of special interest. We have here as the base topos that of sheaves over a monoid [Formula: see text] as a one object category. By means of closure operators we then obtain categories of sheaves related to the right ideals of [Formula: see text]. These categories have already been studied but we give these categories a more thorough treatment and reveal some additional properties. Namely, for a weak topology determined by a right ideal [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], we show that the category of sheaves associated to this topology is a subtopos of [Formula: see text] (the presheaves over [Formula: see text]) and determine the Lawvere–Tierney topology yielding the same subtopos, which is the Lawvere–Tierney topology associated to the idempotent hull of the (not necessarily idempotent) closure operator associated to [Formula: see text]. We will then find conditions under which the subcategory of separated objects turns out to be a topos, and in the last section, we find conditions under which the category of sheaves becomes a De Morgan topos.
Fractional Hardy-type and trace theorems for nonlocal function spaces with heterogeneous localization
Authors: Du Qiang , Mengesha Tadele , Tian Xiaochuan
Published: January 2022

This work aims to prove a Hardy-type inequality and a trace theorem for a class of function spaces on smooth domains with a nonlocal character. Functions in these spaces are allowed to be as rough as an [Formula: see text]-function inside the domain of definition but as smooth as a [Formula: see text]-function near the boundary. This feature is captured by a norm that is characterized by a nonlocal interaction kernel defined heterogeneously with a special localization feature on the boundary. Thus, the trace theorem we obtain here can be viewed as an improvement and refinement of the classical trace theorem for fractional Sobolev spaces [Formula: see text]. Similarly, the Hardy-type inequalities we establish for functions that vanish on the boundary show that functions in this generalized space have the same decay rate to the boundary as functions in the smaller space [Formula: see text]. The results we prove extend existing results shown in the Hilbert space setting with p = 2. A Poincaré-type inequality we establish for the function space under consideration together with the new trace theorem allows formulating and proving well-posedness of a nonlinear nonlocal variational problem with conventional local boundary condition.
Effect of Snyder–de Sitter Model on the black hole thermodynamics in the context of rainbow gravity
Authors: Hamil B. , Lütfüoğlu B. C.
Published: January 2022

One of the foremost goals of theoretical modern physics is to obtain a reliable theory of quantum gravity. In so doing, new fundamental scales are being proposed. For example, in the Snyder–de Sitter (SdS) model, two scales manifest which relate measurement limits of the position and momentum. In this work, we study the thermodynamic functions of the Schwarzschild black hole in the SdS model within the presence of position independent and dependent gravity’s rainbow. Heuristically, we prove the presence of a nonzero lower bound value of the horizon, mass and temperature of the black hole. Then, we present the stability and remnant conditions of the black hole according to the entropy and heat capacity functions.
Conditional reconstruction of affine open subschemes of elliptic curves in positive characteristic by their geometric fundamental groups
Authors: Sarashina Akira
Published: January 2022

The goal of this paper is to reconstruct the isomorphism class of a nonempty affine open subscheme of an elliptic curve over an algebraic closure of a finite field by its étale fundamental group under some assumptions. First, we will prove a certain general property of elliptic curves over finite fields. This shows the existence of linear relations of the cusps. On the other hand, the author’s previous work shows that the existence of linear relations of the cusps can be characterized by the étale fundamental group and a certain subgroup. By combining these results, we prove the main reconstruction result.
Enhanced Performance and Stability for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production of Cubic CdS by Combining with MoS2 and g-C3N4
Authors: Liang Kaiyue , Yin Mingcai , Li Yixian , Fan Yaoting , Li Zhongjun
Published: January 2022

CdS and MoS2 are both promising photocatalytic materials for hydrogen production and lots of MoS2/CdS composites have been investigated. However, most of the previous work focused on relatively stable hexagonal CdS; researches on cubic CdS are still rare mainly due to its unstability. Then in this paper, a ternary composite MoS2/CN/CdS composed of cubic CdS, MoS2 and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4, abbreviated as CN) was prepared by simple in situ precipitation of cubic CdS on MoS2/CN at room temperature. Based on a series of characterizations, the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of MoS2/CN/CdS was studied. The results showed that when the amount of MoS2/CN was 10 wt.%, the activity reached 1253.2 [Formula: see text]mol h[Formula: see text], about 110 times that of pure CdS. Especially, its stability was investigated in detail by cyclic hydrogen production tests, which indicated that although the activity decreased after the first cycle, it was stable in the following three cycles mainly due to the existence of CN. Namely, a relatively stable and high performance cubic CdS-based ternary composite was achieved. This research can provide some new insights into the design of cubic CdS-based photocatalysts.
Transmission dynamics of a Brucellosis model with incubation period
Authors: Liang Guizhen , Fang Huiwen
Published: January 2022

Brucellosis is a major worldwide problem in public health. In this paper, we established and analyzed the Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Vaccinated for small ruminant–Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Vaccinated for cattle–Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered for human (SEIV–SEIV–SIR) model of Brucellosis with an incubation period which considered that human was infected through direct contact with infected humans, infected small ruminant, infected cattle and indirect contact with Brucella in the environment. The basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] of the model is computed by the spectral radius of the next-generation matrix. We proved that the disease-free equilibrium exists and we analyzed that the disease-free equilibrium point and endemic equilibrium point are global stability by constructing the [Formula: see text] function and applying the [Formula: see text] invariant principle. Numerical solutions and analytical reveal that the prevention and control measures for Brucella should be to detect infected livestock in time, reduce contact with infected livestock and increase the cure rate of infected humans.
Preoperative Predictions of Distal Screw Length for the Osteosynthesis of Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: TOTOKI Yasukazu , YOSHII Yuichi , OGAWA Takeshi , HARA Yuki , ISHII Tomoo , YAMAZAKI Masashi
Published: January 2022

Background: The objective of this study was to clarify whether anteroposterior dimension of the radius along the screw axis of a fixed angle volar locking plate (VLP) can be predicted from the width of the radius on the VLP.

Methods: Sixty-nine wrists in 68 patients with distal radius fractures that underwent fixation with a fixed angle VLPs were evaluated. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative computed tomographic scans of the distal radius. The transverse width of the radius was measured at the position of the third screw hole from the proximal edge. The anteroposterior dimension of the radius (R) was measured along the axes of the distal screws. The distal row screw holes were defined as R1, R2, R3, and R4 from the radial to the ulnar side. Correlation analysis between the width and the anteroposterior dimension, and single regression analysis were performed for each screw hole. The correlations amongst the R values for the different distal row screws were also assessed.

Results: The correlation coefficients between the transverse width and anteroposterior dimensions were 0.54, 0.58, 0.55, and 0.42 for R1, R2, R3, and R4 respectively (p < 0.05). The regression equations were R1 = 0.49W + 7.99, R2 = 0.47W + 11.8, R3 = 0.52W + 10.8, and R4 = 0.41W + 11.5 respectively. The correlation coefficients among anteroposterior dimensions were 0.85, 0.64, 0.59, 0.70, 0.61, and 0.80 for R1/R2, R1/R3, R1/R4, R2/R3, R2/R4, and R3/R4 respectively (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: There were significant correlations in the anteroposterior dimensions amongst the distal row screw lengths. The regression equations used in this study may be helpful to predict the length of distal row screw and prevent complications due to inappropriate screw choices.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)
The Prevalence of Osteoporosis in Patients Older than 50 Years with Distal Radius Fractures in an Institutional Registry of 2,572 Patients in Singapore
Authors: SIEW  Ka Fai Stephen , SATKU Mala
Published: January 2022

Background: The distal radius is one of the common sites for fragility fractures. A fracture of the distal radius in the elderly is often associated with low bone mineral density (BMD). It is an early predictor of osteoporosis and increased risk of subsequent fragility fractures of the hip and the spine with greater morbidity. Osteoporosis is becoming an increasing cause for concern in the elderly population. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in patients aged 50 years and above with distal radius fractures in our local population.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of all patients aged 50 years and above who were treated for a distal radius fracture at our institution over a 4-year period. Data regarding gender, mechanism of injury (low or high energy), and outcome of BMD scans were collected. The data were analyzed to look at the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia and the relation amongst BMD, gender, and the mechanism of injury.

Results: About 2,572 patients aged 50 years and above were treated at our institution over a 4-year period from 2013 to 2016. The average age of the patients was 67.7 years old and 1,938 (75.3%) were women. A total of 1,034 patients had BMD scans and of these 56.0% had osteoporosis and 37.4% had osteopenia. There was no correlation between the prevalence of osteoporosis and gender or the mechanism of injury.

Conclusions: The prevalence of osteoporosis in patients aged 50 and above with distal radius fractures is a significant cause for concern in Singapore. Routine assessment for osteoporosis is recommended for all patients above 50 years old with distal radius fractures.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)
Does Age Affect the Outcomes of Core Decompression for the Treatment of Kienböck Disease?
Authors: MANIGLIO Mauro , ZAIDENBERG Ezequiel E. , THÜRIG Gregoire , GAUTIER Emanuel , BORETTO Jorge G. , DE CARLI Pablo
Published: January 2022

Background: Core decompression of the distal radius is a minimally invasive technique that has demonstrated good clinical outcomes in the treatment of Kienböck disease. However, the effectiveness of core decompression has not been compared in different age groups. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of core decompression in patients <45 years of age to those ≥45 years of age.

Methods: This retrospective study included 36 patients with Kienböck disease who were treated with core decompression over a 20-year period. The mean follow-up was 7 years. Outcome measures included visual analogue scale pain score (VAS), active range of flexion/extension at the wrist, grip strength, and modified Mayo wrist score. The patients were divided into two age groups namely <45 years (younger group; n = 22) and ≥45 years (older group; n = 12) and the outcome measures were compared between the two age groups.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the outcomes of the two age groups.

Conclusion: The outcomes of core decompression of the distal radius for Kienböck disease in older patients (≥45 years) are favorable and similar to those seen in younger patients (<45 years).

Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)
An Anatomical Study of the Palmaris Brevis, Transverse Carpal Ligament, and the Recurrent Motor Branch of the Median Nerve
Authors: NAM Yong Seok , HONG EunAh , KIM BumSik , YOON JungSoo , LIM SooA , HAN YeaSik , EO SuRak
Published: January 2022

Background: The anatomical structures in relation to the carpal tunnel release are the palmaris brevis muscle (PBM), transverse carpal ligament (TCL), and the recurrent motor branch of the median nerve (RMBMN). Our aim is to describe the gross morphology in the Korean population of the PBM, TCL, and RMBMN specifically looking for anomalies, and to determine the muscles encountered during a standard carpal tunnel release.

Material and Methods: A total of 30 cadaveric hands were dissected. A longitudinal line drawn from the third web space to the midpoint of the distal wrist crease served as the reference line (RL). The PBM and TCL were classified according to its shape and location. The length, width, and thickness of the TCL were measured. The ratio of the lengths of PBM and TCL to RL was calculated. The course of the RMBMN was dissected specifically looking for anomalies. We also looked at the muscle fibers encountered during a standard carpal tunnel release to identify the muscle.

Results: PBM was classified into three different types based on the shape. The average thickness of the PBM and TCL were 0.89 ± 0.16 mm and 1.43 ± 0.40 mm, respectively. The distal border of the TCL was thicker than the proximal border. The average ratio of the length of the PBM to the RL was 25.65 ± 8.62% and TCL to the RL was 24.00 ± 3.37%. The distribution of the RMBMN was classified into three different types. A few accessory branches of the RMBMN were also noted. And 36 muscle fibers were noted within the TCL in line with the RL.

Conclusion: We clarified findings and added quantitative information about the anatomical structures surrounding carpal tunnel. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy and anomalies around the carpal tunnel is helpful for surgeons to ensure optimal surgical results.
Inter-observer agreement on the evaluation of automated breast volume scanner for breast masses
Authors: Liu Yingchun , Chen Lin , Zhan Jia , Diao Xuehong , Pang Yun , Chen Yue , Wang Ling
Published: January 2022

Objective: To explore inter-observer agreement on the evaluation of automated breast volume scanner (ABVS) for breast masses. Methods: A total of 846 breast masses in 630 patients underwent ABVS examinations. The imaging data were independently interpreted by senior and junior radiologists regarding the mass size ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm and total). We assessed inter-observer agreement of BI-RADS lexicons, unique descriptors of ABVS coronal planes. Using BI-RADS 3 or 4a as a cutoff value, the diagnostic performances for 331 masses with pathological results in 253 patients were assessed. Results: The overall agreements were substantial for BI-RADS lexicons ([Formula: see text]–0.779) and the characteristics on the coronal plane of ABVS ([Formula: see text]), except for associated features ([Formula: see text]). However, the overall agreement was moderate for orientation ([Formula: see text]) for the masses [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm. The agreements were substantial to be perfect for categories 2, 3, 4, 5 and overall ([Formula: see text]–0.918). However, the agreements were moderate to substantial for categories 4a ([Formula: see text]), 4b ([Formula: see text]), and 4c ([Formula: see text]), except for category 4b of the masses [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm ([Formula: see text]). Moreover, for radiologists 1 and 2, there were no significant differences in sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values with BI-RADS 3 or 4a as a cutoff value ([Formula: see text] for all). Conclusion: ABVS is a reliable imaging modality for the assessment of breast masses with good inter-observer agreement.