bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fishes of Lakshadweep archipelago: new records, review and a revised checklist
Authors: Rajan Rajkumar , Rajan P. T. , Mishra S. S. , C. N. Abdul Raheem , S. Shrinivaasu , C. Surendar , A. T. Damodhar
Published: June 2021

Extensive studies on fish diversity in Lakshadweep waters began with Jones and Kumaran’s in 1964. Reports after these authors were sparse and sporadic until the turn of this century. Although recent reports have increased the tally, targeted studies are lacking, and there is a possibility of listing more species for this region. Studies on the diversity and abundance of fishes are due, given the atoll system undergoing rapid changes: structural decline due to several bleaching related coral mortality events, changes in the seagrass meadows, and the increase in fishing reef-associated species. These circumstances call for a revised checklist of fishes for this region, for the latest dates back to 1991. Thus, we present an inventory of ichthyofauna of Lakshadweep atolls based on published literature and incorporating 15 new species records identified through a rapid survey. The new species records for this region are presented here with the diagnostics of these species. The checklist shows 856 species of 432 genera, 43 orders, and 144 families known from these islands, including 16 freshwater forms. 49.3% of the contribution is from 14 fish families having > 15 species each, while the remainder 131 families contributed 52.5%, which have < 15 species. About 154 species belonging to 12 families are known to contribute to the commercial fisheries of these islands. The new records reported in this work for this region are found in the Maldives, and Sri Lanka proves the zoogeographical affinity of these two regions with the Lakshadweep archipelago.
Cardiovascular risk comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis patients and the use of anti-rheumatic drugs: a cross-sectional real-life study
Authors: Vicente Gustavo Nogueira Schincariol , Pereira Ivânio Alves , de Castro Gláucio Ricardo Werner , da Mota Licia Maria Henrique , Carnieletto Ana Paula , de Souza Dhara Giovanna Santin , da Gama Fabiana Oenning , Santos Ana Beatriz Vargas , de Albuquerque Cleandro Pires , Bértolo Manoel Barros , Júnior Paulo Louzada , Giorgi Rina Dalva Neubarth , Radominski Sebastião Cezar , Guimarães Maria Fernanda Brandão Resende , Bonfiglioli Karina Rossi , Sauma Maria de Fátima Lobato da Cunha , Brenol Claiton Viegas , da Rocha Castelar Pinheiro Geraldo
Published: June 2021

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune systemic inflammatory disease. In addition to joint involvement, RA patients frequently have other comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases. Drugs used for RA treatment may increase or decrease the risk of a cardiovascular event. This study aims to analyze cardiovascular risk comorbidities in patients with RA and the correlation with the use of anti-rheumatic drugs.

Methods

Cross-sectional study conducted based on the real-life rheumatoid arthritis study database – REAL, a prospective observational cohort study. Associations between the use of anti-rheumatic drugs and the presence of comorbidities were represented by their prevalence ratio and evaluated using the Chi-square or Fisher’s Exact tests.

Results

We assessed 1116 patients, 89.4% women, mean age of 55.15 years and predominance of seropositive disease. 63.3% had some cardiovascular comorbidity, predominantly hypertension (49.9%). The use of glucocorticoids was observed in 47.4% of patients and there was a significant tendency of lower use of these drugs in the presence of dyslipidemia (PR: 0.790;p = 0.007). We observed that the presence of cardiovascular comorbidities was associated with higher use of bDMARDs (PR:1.147;p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The presence of cardiovascular risk comorbidities was confirmed to be higher in RA patients. Different treatment strategies using less glucocorticoids in the presence of dyslipidemia and more common use of bDMARDs in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities suggest that rheumatologists are aware of the potential influence of the DMARDs in the risk of cardiovascular event. Reinforcing these results, we highlight the need for a better baseline assessment to guide the choice of anti-rheumatic drugs in RA patients who have comorbidities.
Immediate weight-bearing is safe following lateral locked plate fixation of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures
Authors: Keenan Oisin J. F. , Ross Lauren A. , Magill Matthew , Moran Matthew , Scott Chloe E. H.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to determine whether unrestricted weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) following lateral locking plate (LLP) fixation of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures (PDFFs) is associated with increased failure and reoperation, compared with restricted weight-bearing (RWB).

Materials and methods

In a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with unilateral PDFFs undergoing LLP fixation, patients prescribed WBAT were compared with those prescribed 6 weeks of RWB. The primary outcome measure was reoperation. Kaplan–Meier and Cox multivariable analyses were performed.

Results

There were 43 patients (mean age 80.9 ± 11.7 years, body mass index 26.8 ± 5.7 kg/m2 and 86.0% female): 28 WBAT and 15 RWB. There were more interprosthetic fractures in the RWB group (p = 0.040). Mean follow-up was 3.8 years (range 1.0–10.4). Eight patients (18.6%) underwent reoperation. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated no difference in 2-year survival between WBAT (80.6%, 95% CI 65.3–95.9) and RWB (83.3%, 95% CI 62.1–100.0; p = 0.54). Cox analysis showed increased reoperation risk with medial comminution (hazard ratio 10.7, 95% CI 1.5–80; p = 0.020) and decreased risk with anatomic reduction (hazard ratio 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–1.0; p = 0.046). Immediate weight-bearing did not significantly affect the risk of reoperation compared with RWB (relative risk 1.03, 95% CI 0.61–1.74; p = 0.91).

Conclusions

LLP fixation failure was associated with medial comminution and non-anatomic reductions, not with postoperative weight-bearing. Medial comminution should be managed with additional fixation. Weight-bearing restrictions additional to this appear unnecessary and should be avoided.
Fasting Plasma Glucose and Incident Colorectal Cancer: Analysis of a Nationwide Epidemiological Database
Authors: Itoh Hidetaka , Kaneko Hidehiro , Okada Akira , Yano Yuichiro , Morita Kojiro , Seki Hikari , Kiriyama Hiroyuki , Kamon Tatsuya , Fujiu Katsuhito , Matsuoka Satoshi , Nakamura Sunao , Michihata Nobuaki , Jo Taisuke , Takeda Norifumi , Morita Hiroyuki , Nishiyama Akira , Node Koichi , Yasunaga Hideo , Komuro Issei
Published: June 2021

Context

Although diabetes mellitus (DM) was reported to be associated with incident colorectal cancer (CRC), the detailed association between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and incident CRC has not been fully understood.

Objective

We assessed whether hyperglycemia is associated with a higher risk for CRC.

Design

Analyses were conducted using the JMDC Claims Database [n = 1 441 311; median age (interquartile range), 46 (40-54) years; 56.6% men). None of the participants were taking antidiabetic medication or had a history of CRC, colorectal polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease. Participants were categorized as normal FPG (FPG level < 100 mg/dL; 1 125 647 individuals), normal-high FPG (FPG level = 100-109 mg/dL; 210 365 individuals), impaired fasting glucose (IFG; FPG level = 110-125 mg/dL; 74 836 individuals), and DM (FPG level ≥ 126 mg/dL; 30 463 individuals).

Results

Over a mean follow-up of 1137 ± 824 days, 5566 CRC events occurred. After multivariable adjustment, the hazard ratios for CRC events were 1.10 (95% CI 1.03-1.18) for normal-high FPG, 1.24 (95% CI 1.13-1.37) for IFG, and 1.36 (95% CI 1.19-1.55) for DM vs normal FPG. We confirmed this association in sensitivity analyses excluding those with a follow-up of< 365 days and obese participants.

Conclusion

The risk of CRC increased with elevated FPG category. FPG measurements would help to identify people at high-risk for future CRC.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Glycemic Control, and Diabetic Complications in Type 1 Diabetes: a Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Shengxin , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Larsson Henrik , Lichtenstein Paul , Ludvigsson Jonas F , Svensson Ann-Marie , Gudbjörnsdottir Soffia , Tideman Magnus , Serlachius Eva , Butwicka Agnieszka
Published: June 2021

Context

Neurodevelopmental disorders are more prevalent in childhood-onset type 1 diabetes than in the general population, and the symptoms may limit the individual’s ability for diabetes management.

Objective

This study investigated whether comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with long-term glycemic control and risk of diabetic complications.

Methods

This population-based cohort study used longitudinally collected data from Swedish registers. We identified 11 326 individuals born during 1973-2013, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during 1990-2013 (median onset age: 9.6 years). Among them, 764 had a comorbid neurodevelopmental disorder, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability. We used multinomial logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) of having poor glycemic control (assessed by glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]) and Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of nephropathy and retinopathy.

Results

The median follow-up was 7.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 3.9, 11.2). Having any neurodevelopmental disorder (ORadjusted 1.51 [95% CI 1.13, 2.03]), or ADHD (ORadjusted 2.31 [95% CI 1.54, 3.45]) was associated with poor glycemic control (mean HbA1c > 8.5%). Increased risk of diabetic complications was observed in patients with comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders (HRadjusted 1.72 [95% CI 1.21, 2.44] for nephropathy, HRadjusted 1.18 [95% CI 1.00, 1.40] for retinopathy) and patients with ADHD (HRadjusted 1.90 [95% CI 1.20, 3.00] for nephropathy, HRadjusted 1.33 [95% CI 1.07, 1.66] for retinopathy). Patients with intellectual disability have a particularly higher risk of nephropathy (HRadjusted 2.64 [95% CI 1.30, 5.37]).

Conclusion

Comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders, primarily ADHD and intellectual disability, were associated with poor glycemic control and a higher risk of diabetic complications in childhood-onset type 1 diabetes.
Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of Hg(I), Hg(II) Ions by a Covalent Organic Framework Embedding Active Sulfur Sites in the Pore Wall
Authors: Zheng Ming-Xin , Yao Chan , Xie Wei , Xu Yan-Hong , Hu Hui
Published: June 2021

Mercury is a toxic substance that is harmful to human health and the environment. It is a great challenge to overcome the pollution of mercury via designing suitable adsorbent decorated with abundant chelating sites on a solid surface together with high affinity for heavy metals. Herein, we employed a flexible building block 4,4′-dithiodianiline as a connector, and together with tetraphenylethylene tetraaldehyde to construct a periodic 3D extended framework with bright green-yellow luminescence (TPE-S-COF), in which the active sites of sulfur are uniformly distributed in pore walls. This allows TPE-S-COF to be used as a sensitive chemosensor to selectively detect toxic mercury ions; and has an adsorption capacity of 48 and 42.4 mg g−1 for Hg+ or Hg2+, respectively. More interestingly, the detection performance of TPE-S-COF towards mercury ions can be directly observed by the naked eye. And, it can be reused without loss of sensitivity and responsiveness.
Photodynamic and Photothermal Effects of Carbon Dot-Coated Magnetite- and Porphyrin-Conjugated Confeito-Like Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Do Thu Thi Anh , Imae Toyoko
Published: June 2021

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess the characteristics of both inertness and biocompatibility which enable great biomedical application in biosensors and drug delivery. Confeito-like AuNPs conjugated with porphyrin (TCPP) were synthesized and characterized to clarify the photodynamic and photothermal properties. The conjugation of TCPP was performed by covalent binding using L-cysteine or carbon dot-protected iron oxide (Fe3O4@Cdots) as adapted linkages. The product had a great aptitude for photosensitization performance and improved the efficiency of singlet oxygen generation, indicating the possible photodynamic properties in an order of AuNPs < Cdots < TCPP. TCPP could be best used for photodynamic application, and carbon dots and confeito-like AuNPs conjugated with TCPP could improve the effectiveness of photodynamic properties. Moreover, magnetite displayed excellent photothermal property better than that of AuNPs, while Cdots and TCPP do not contribute to the photothermal performance. Thus, this study confirmed that Fe3O4@Cdot-conjugated confeito-like AuNPs are available for both photodynamic and photothermal therapeutic application.
Proliferation of Tribal Migrants and Repercussion: Case Study from the Tribal Areas of Sundargarh District, Odisha (India)
Authors: Kujur Roshni , Minz Sumit Kumar
Published: June 2021

The trends of migration introduce since human history, determined by their socio-economic conditions, culturally connection, political impediments and habitant circumstances. Migration is an inevitable element of human life, mostly believed to take place in search of a better livelihood, employment opportunities etc. But, a country like India, experiences different folds of human mobility due to its acute population, economic disparities and lack of employment opportunities. The study has structured the attitude of Tribal labour migrants of Sundargarh District, Odisha, a highly tribal populated region, a symbol of naturally attached to their land and forest. It has taken effort to trace down different driving factors leading to perpetual tribal migration from their ancestral land to different urban regions of the country. It has further analysed the socio-economic conditions at the place of their origin and destination to understand different nature and trends of migration among the rural tribals. This study has conducted intensive fieldwork in four selected blocks of Sundargarh district of Odisha, and primarily recorded to examine the socio-economic conditions of the tribals and their perception regarding migration. It also reveals some of the experiences of the respondents concerning their migration. The study finally finds that the migration among tribals is more a result of compulsion than a choice to have a better livelihood. Indeed, these poor tribals not only experience a tough life but also often prone to human rights violation in their new destination, just earn to tide over their distress situation, but no ways help to accumulate capital.
Impact of nurse-initiated education on HeartScore in patients with hypertension: a randomised trial
Authors: Chatziefstratiou Anastasia A , Fotos Nikolaos V , Giakoumidakis Konstantinos , Brokalaki Hero
Published: June 2021

Background:

People with hypertension experience significant damage to major organs due to insufficient management of cardiovascular risk factors.

Aims:

To assess the impact of nurse-led educational interventions on the total cardiovascular risk among people with hypertension.

Method:

the study was an interventional randomised study. The sample (n=92) was randomly assigned to the either the control or intervention group. The HeartScore tool was used to assess patients' total cardiovascular risk between December 2017 and March 2018.

Findings:

56.6% of the control group and 55.4% of the intervention group were women, with a mean age of 64.4 years and 66.2 years respectively (P>0.05). Total cholesterol reduced in both groups; however, improvement was greater in the intervention group (P<0.05). Total cardiovascular risk fell in the intervention group from 4.75 to 4.33 (P>0.05), while the control group saw an increase in risk from 10.03 to 12.65 (P=0.035).

Conclusion:

Nurse-led educational interventions should be incorporated in the usual care of patients with hypertension, in order to achieve the best management of the condition.
Redeployment during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for a clinical research workforce
Authors: Walker Kathryn Louise , Gerakios Florence
Published: June 2021

Background:

Health professionals are considered a group vulnerable to developing mental health symptoms during a pandemic, with redeployment being a risk factor. However, previous literature suggests workplace communication can be a protective element.

Aims:

An audit aimed to evaluate NHS research staff's experiences of redeployment in order to provide suggestions for future improvements in the process.

Methods:

A questionnaire was disseminated to all staff in the clinical research directorate of an NHS trust. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings:

Over half the redeployed staff experienced perceived negative psychological outcomes. The main reported contributor to this was perceived lack of communication.

Conclusion:

Communication needs to be improved in future redeployments. Future research should consider a larger cohort and more input from team members who remained on the pre-COVID-19 studies in order to improve the transition back from redeployment.
Emergency management of neck stoma patients during the coronavirus pandemic: a national nurse survey
Authors: Senior Andrew , Chan Jacquline , Brookes Kim , Jolly Karan , Darr Adnan , Ameen Rohan
Published: June 2021

Background:

Neck stoma patient care involves significant clinical complexity. Inadequate staff training, equipment provision and infrastructure have all been highlighted as causes for avoidable patient harm.

Aims:

To establish the perception of knowledge and confidence levels relating to the emergency management of neck stomas among UK nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method:

A nationwide prospective electronic survey of both primary and secondary care nurses via the Royal College of Nursing and social media.

Findings:

402 responses were collated: 81 primary care and 321 secondary care; the majority (n=130) were band 5. Forty-nine per cent could differentiate between a laryngectomy and a tracheostomy; ENT nurses scored highest (1.56; range 0−2) on knowledge. Fifty-seven per cent could oxygenate a tracheostomy stoma correctly and 54% could oxygenate a laryngectomy stoma correctly. Sixty-five per cent cited inadequate neck stoma training and 91% felt inclusion of neck stoma training was essential within the nursing curriculum.

Conclusion:

Clinical deficiencies of management identified by nurses can be attributed to a lack of confidence secondary to reduced clinical exposure and education.
Death cafe in the Welsh valleys–an appraisal
Authors: Parry Maria , Taubert Mark , Clements Sam , Churcher Clare , James Alex , Smith Karen
Published: June 2021

Background:

A death cafe is an event where people drink, eat and discuss death. Death cafes do not follow a set structure and the events are held for free. The mission of death cafes is ‘to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives’. Death cafes have a proven track record in providing a safe place for people to have conversations about dying, death and grief.

Aim:

This study aims to contribute to the literature by providing a simple synthesis of comments made on the day of a death cafe in Wales by the attendees, and to allow the identification of further research questions.

Method:

A death cafe event was organised in the South Wales valleys, to encourage discussions about death during Dying Matters Awareness week in the UK, 10 May to 16 May 2019.

Result:

The event was well attended, and attendees recorded their thoughts about the event.

Conclusion:

Emerging themes were categorised into the following themes: communication, digital legacy, stigma, humour and a request for future events. Feedback showed that the death cafe had encouraged a greater dialogue about death and dying and facilitated conversations.
Aperture-type terahertz near-field imaging with a cylindrical frustum-shaped plastic probe
Authors: Wang Nan , Chang Tianying , Cui Hong-Liang
Published: June 2021

We designed an aluminum-coated plastic probe made from the combination of cylinder and a frustum of a cone for terahertz near-field imaging. The bunching width of the probe is 12 µm and the electric field intensity enhancement factor just outside the probe tip reaches up to 25. An imaging resolution obtained through near-field imaging experiments on a variety of targets, including narrow metals and narrow media, is 6 µm (

λ

/

450

) at 0.11 THz. By adopting an adaptive threshold segmentation image processing algorithm that combines Hilbert scanning and wavelet transform, the influence of a large area of metal near the imaging area on the imaging result is successfully suppressed. Imaging of a scratch on the plastic substrate makes the new probe feasible for quality identification of nonmetallic cultural relics.
Ultra-broadband terahertz bandpass filter with dynamically tunable attenuation based on a graphene–metal hybrid metasurface
Authors: Huang Wenli , Luo Xiaoqing , Lu Yuanfu , Hu Fangrong , Li Guangyuan
Published: June 2021

We propose an ultra-broadband terahertz bandpass filter with dynamically tunable attenuation based on a graphene–metal hybrid metasurface. The metasurface unit cell is composed of two metal stripes enclosed with a graphene rectangular ring. Results show that when the metasurface is normally illuminated by a terahertz wave polarized along the metal stripes, it can act as an ultra-broadband bandpass filter over the spectral range from 1.49 THz to 4.05 THz, corresponding to a fractional bandwidth of 92%. Remarkably, high transmittance above 90% covering the range from 1.98 THz to 3.95 THz can be achieved. By changing the Fermi level of graphene, we find that the attenuation within the passband can be dynamically tuned from 2% to 66%. We expect that the proposed ultra-broadband terahertz bandpass filter with tunable attenuation will find applications in terahertz communication and detection and sensing systems.
Data-driven framework for high-accuracy color restoration of RGBN multispectral filter array sensors under extremely low-light conditions
Authors: Cao Yanpeng , Zhao Bowen , Tong Xi , Chen Jian , Yang Jiangxin , Cao Yanlong , Li Xin
Published: June 2021

RGBN multispectral filter array provides a cost-effective and one-shot
acquisition solution to capture well-aligned RGB and near-infrared
(NIR) images which are useful for various optical applications.
However, signal responses of the R, G, B channels are inevitably
distorted by the undesirable spectral crosstalk of the NIR bands, thus
the captured RGB images are adversely desaturated. In this paper, we
present a data-driven framework for effective spectral crosstalk
compensation of RGBN multispectral filter array sensors. We set up a
multispectral image acquisition system to capture RGB and NIR image
pairs under various illuminations which are subsequently utilized to
train a multi-task convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to
perform simultaneous noise reduction and color restoration. Moreover,
we present a technique for generating high-quality reference images
and a task-specific joint loss function to facilitate the training of
the proposed CNN model. Experimental results demonstrate the
effectiveness of the proposed method, outperforming the
state-of-the-art color restoration solutions and achieving more
accurate color restoration results for desaturated and noisy RGB
images captured under extremely low-light conditions.
Blind-zone formation in laser shockwave nano-cleaning
Authors: Zhang Shuowen , Yan Qingyu , Lin Jian , Zhang Qunli , Ding Xiaoyu , Lu Yongfeng , Guo Lianbo , Kovalenko Volodymyr S. , Fan Lisha , Yao Jianhua
Published: June 2021

Laser shockwave cleaning (LSC) has attracted growing attention due to its advantages in non-contact, site-selective nanoparticle removal on microelectronic/optical devices. However, an uncleaned blind-zone formed directly under the laser-induced plasma kernel severely affects the cleaning effect. Laser shockwave cleaning of 300 nm polystyrene latex nanoparticles on silicon wafers is fully explored to understand the blind-zone formation mechanism. The size of the uncleaned blind-zone quickly increases from 0.84 to 19.50 mm2 associated with a growing fraction of the uncleaned blind-zone area within the whole cleaned area from 0.05 to 0.93 as the plasma-substrate gap distance is increased from 0.5 to 2 mm and the laser fluence is increased from 75 to 150 J/cm2. Besides, the variation of the blind-zone size is more strongly dependent on the plasma-substrate gap distance than the laser fluence. A time-resolved analysis of the laser-induced plasma evolution shows an inseparable relationship between the blind-zone and the geometric location of the plasma kernel. Theoretical analysis of the removal force in LSC based on the rolling mode reveals that the lack of dragging force acting on the nanoparticles in the region right under the plasma kernel impedes their removal and causes the uncleaned blind-zone formation.
High responsivity graphene-InGaAs near-infrared photodetector realized by hole trapping and its response saturation mechanism
Authors: Hu Liangchen , Dong Yibo , Deng Jun , Xie Yiyang , Ma Xiaochen , Qian Fengsong , Wang Qiuhua , Fu Pan , Xu Chen
Published: June 2021

Graphene is an ideal material for wide spectrum detector owing to its special band structure, but its low light absorption and fast composite of photogenerated carriers lead to a weak response performance. In this paper, we designed a unique photoconductive graphene-InGaAs photodetector. The built-in electric field was formed between graphene and InGaAs, which can prolong the lifetime of photogenerated carriers and improve the response of devices by confining the holes. Compared with graphene-Si structure, a higher built-in electric field and reach to 0.54 eV is formed. It enables the device to achieve a responsivity of 60 AW−1 and a photoconductive gain of 79.4 at 792 nm. In the 1550 nm communication band, the responsivity of the device is also greater than 10 AW−1 and response speed is less than 2 ms. Meanwhile, the saturation phenomenon of light response was also found in this photoconductive graphene heterojunction detector during the experiment, we have explained the phenomenon by the capacitance theory of the built-in electric field, and the maximum optical responsivity of the detector is calculated theoretically, which is in good agreement with the measurement result.
Thermo-optic tuning of a nematic liquid crystal-filled capillary whispering gallery mode resonator
Authors: Wang Zhe , Mallik Arun Kumar , Wei Fangfang , Wang Zhuochen , Rout Anuradha , Wu Qiang , Semenova Yuliya
Published: June 2021

A novel tunable whispering gallery modes (WGMs) resonator based on a nematic liquid crystal (LC)-filled capillary and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)-coated tapered fiber has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Thermo-optic tuning of the WGM resonances has been demonstrated by varying optical pump laser power injected into the MNPs-coated fiber half-taper inside the capillary. The tuning mechanism relies on the change of the effective refractive index (RI) of the nematic LC, caused by the photo-thermal effect of MNPs on the surface of the fiber half-taper inducing a temperature change inside the capillary. Tuning of the WGM resonances with sensitivities of 101.5 ± 3.5 pm/mW and 146.5 ± 3.5 pm/mW and tuning ranges of 1.96 nm and 3.28 nm respectively for the two types of liquid crystals (MLC-7012, MDA-05-2782) has been demonstrated. In addition, the relationship between the optical power of the pump laser and the local temperature of the nematic LC was investigated and the heating rate is estimated as 1.49 °C/mW. The proposed thermo-optic tuning scheme has many potential applications in tunable photonic devices and sensors.
Ultra-sensitive optical fiber sensor based on intermodal interference and temperature calibration for trace detection of copper (II) ions
Authors: Liu Zhen , Li Gengsong , Zhang Aoyan , Zhou Guiyao , Huang Xuguang
Published: June 2021

An ultrahigh sensitive optical fiber sensor for trace detection of Cu2+ concentration in aqueous solution with temperature calibration has been developed in this article. Based on the intermodal interference, the sensor is coated with a hydrogel sensing membrane with specific binding to Cu2+ on the no-core fiber/single mode fiber/no-core fiber structure by using our new spray coating method. The imidazole group in the sensing film combines with Cu2+ to produce chelation, which changes the refractive index of the sensing film. The Cu2+ at trace concentration can be detected by monitoring the displacement of the interference trough. The experimental limit of detection of 3.0×10−12 mol/L can be achieved with the spectral resolution of 0.02 nm. The sensor has also long-term stability of the concentration measurement with the average standard deviation of 1.610×10−12 mol/L over 2 hours observation time and can be compensated the influence of ambient temperature on concentration detection by conducting the temperature calibration. In addition, the sensor has the advantages of strong specificity, simple fabrication and low cost.
Simulation of angiogenesis in three dimensions: Application to cerebral cortex
Authors: Alberding Jonathan P. , Secomb Timothy W.
Published: June 2021

The vasculature is a dynamic structure, growing and regressing in response to embryonic development, growth, changing physiological demands, wound healing, tumor growth and other stimuli. At the microvascular level, network geometry is not predetermined, but emerges as a result of biological responses of each vessel to the stimuli that it receives. These responses may be summarized as angiogenesis, remodeling and pruning. Previous theoretical simulations have shown how two-dimensional vascular patterns generated by these processes in the mesentery are consistent with experimental observations. During early development of the brain, a mesh-like network of vessels is formed on the surface of the cerebral cortex. This network then forms branches into the cortex, forming a three-dimensional network throughout its thickness. Here, a theoretical model is presented for this process, based on known or hypothesized vascular response mechanisms together with experimentally obtained information on the structure and hemodynamics of the mouse cerebral cortex. According to this model, essential components of the system include sensing of oxygen levels in the midrange of partial pressures and conducted responses in vessel walls that propagate information about metabolic needs of the tissue to upstream segments of the network. The model provides insights into the effects of deficits in vascular response mechanisms, and can be used to generate physiologically realistic microvascular network structures.
Environmental factors influencing the prevention of secondary health conditions among people with spinal cord injury, South Africa
Authors: Pilusa Sonti , Myezwa Hellen , Potterton Joanne
Published: June 2021

Background

The environment where people live, work or play can influence health and disability outcomes. People with spinal cord injury are at risk for secondary health conditions, with this increasing readmission rates and decreasing quality of life. Studies on preventative care for secondary health conditions and factors influencing the prevention of secondary health conditions are scarce in low to middle-income countries.

Aim

To explore environmental factors influencing the prevention of secondary health conditions in people with spinal cord injury.

Setting

This study was based at a public rehabilitation hospital, South Africa.

Methods

Explorative qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 therapists, 17 people with a spinal cord injury and six caregivers. The interviews were transcribed verbatim. Analysis was conducted using content analysis.

Results

The categories that emerged included the impact of social support, inaccessible built environment and transport system, and an inefficient health care system. Sub-categories for the inefficient health care systems were: Shortage of resources, health workers lack of knowledge on prevention of secondary health conditions and inadequate patient care approach.

Conclusion

Environmental factors influencing the prevention of secondary health conditions are complex and multifactorial. When developing rehabilitation and prevention programmes, environmental factors must be considered.
OUTpatient intravenous LASix Trial in reducing hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (OUTLAST)
Authors: Hamo Carine E. , Abdelmoneim Sahar S. , Han Seol Young , Chandy Elizabeth , Muntean Cornelia , Khan Saadat A. , Sunkesula Prasanthi , Meykler Marcella , Ramachandran Vidhya , Rosenberg Emelie , Klem Igor , Sacchi Terrence J. , Heitner John F.
Published: June 2021

Background

Hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains a major source of morbidity and mortality. The current study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of outpatient furosemide intravenous (IV) infusion following hospitalization for ADHF.

Methods

In a single center, prospective, randomized, double-blind study, 100 patients were randomized to receive standard of care (Group 1), IV placebo infusion (Group 2), or IV furosemide infusion (Group 3) over 3h, biweekly for a one-month period following ADHF hospitalization. Patients in Groups 2/3 also received a comprehensive HF-care protocol including bi-weekly clinic visits for dose-adjusted IV-diuretics, medication adjustment and education. Echocardiography, quality of life and depression questionnaires were performed at baseline and 30-day follow-up. The primary outcome was 30-day re-hospitalization for ADHF.

Results

Overall, a total of 94 patients were included in the study (mean age 64 years, 56% males, 69% African American). There were a total of 14 (15%) hospitalizations for ADHF at 30 days, 6 (17.1%) in Group 1, 7 (22.6%) in Group 2, and 1 (3.7%) in Group 3 (overall p = 0.11; p = 0.037 comparing Groups 2 and 3). Patients receiving IV furosemide infusion experienced significantly greater urine output and weight loss compared to those receiving placebo without any significant increase creatinine and no significant between group differences in echocardiography parameters, KCCQ or depression scores.

Conclusion

The use of a standardized protocol of outpatient IV furosemide infusion for a one-month period following hospitalization for ADHF was found to be safe and efficacious in reducing 30-day re-hospitalization.
Experiences of interventions and rehabilitation activities in connection with return-to-work from a gender perspective. A focus group study among employees on sick leave for common mental disorders
Authors: Nybergh Lotta , Bergström Gunnar , Jensen Irene , Hellman Therese
Published: June 2021

Background

Common mental disorders present the main reason for registered sick leave in Sweden today, and women are at a higher risk of such sick leave than men. The aim of this paper is to explore how employees on sick leave for common mental disorders experience interventions and rehabilitation activities during return-to-work, as well as to explore similarities and differences between the experiences of the interviewed women and men.

Material and methods

A qualitative design was applied with semi-structured focus group interviews. Seven focus groups were conducted with a total of 28 participants (13 women and 15 men). The focus group discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, and data analyzed with conventional content analysis. Similarities and differences in the women’s and men’s experiences were written down in reflective notes during all steps of the analysis.

Results

The results comprise of one main category, “To be met with respect and recognition”, and subcategories at two levels. Both similarities and differences emerged in how women and men sick-listed because of common mental disorders experienced return-to-work interventions and rehabilitation activities. It was important for both women and men to be met with respect and recognition, which was essential to all forms of help that the participants discussed during the focus group interviews. Women expressed a need for home-related interventions, whereas men expressed a need for organizational interventions to counter feelings of resignation at work. Women could also more easily understand their mental health condition as compared with men.

Conclusion

A key implication of this study is that research on interventions and rehabilitation activities during return-to-work among employees on sick leave for common mental disorders should consider whether the findings are relevant equally to both women and men. Similarly, return-to-work professionals may need to consider possible differences among women and men on sick leave for common mental disorders, and to further customize offered interventions and rehabilitation activities. Doing so may help enhance the effectiveness of such interventions.
A spectrogram image based intelligent technique for automatic detection of autism spectrum disorder from EEG
Authors: Tawhid Md. Nurul Ahad , Siuly Siuly , Wang Hua , Whittaker Frank , Wang Kate , Zhang Yanchun
Published: June 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by persistent impairments in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Currently Electroencephalography (EEG) is the most popular tool to inspect the existence of neurological disorders like autism biomarkers due to its low setup cost, high temporal resolution and wide availability. Generally, EEG recordings produce vast amount of data with dynamic behavior, which are visually analyzed by professional clinician to detect autism. It is laborious, expensive, subjective, error prone and has reliability issue. Therefor this study intends to develop an efficient diagnostic framework based on time-frequency spectrogram images of EEG signals to automatically identify ASD. In the proposed system, primarily, the raw EEG signals are pre-processed using re-referencing, filtering and normalization. Then, Short-Time Fourier Transform is used to transform the pre-processed signals into two-dimensional spectrogram images. Afterward those images are evaluated by machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models, separately. In the ML process, textural features are extracted, and significant features are selected using principal component analysis, and feed them to six different ML classifiers for classification. In the DL process, three different convolutional neural network models are tested. The proposed DL based model achieves higher accuracy (99.15%) compared to the ML based model (95.25%) on an ASD EEG dataset and also outperforms existing methods. The findings of this study suggest that the DL based structure could discover important biomarkers for efficient and automatic diagnosis of ASD from EEG and may assist to develop computer-aided diagnosis system.
The intelligent engine start-stop trigger system based on the actual road running status
Authors: Zhang Xinhuan , Liu Hongjie , Mao Chengyuan , Shi Junqing , Meng Guolian , Wu Jinhong , Pan Yuran
Published: June 2021

With the rapid development of urbanization and the popularization of the vehicle, the frequent occurrence of traffic jams results in idling fuel waste, environmental pollution, and other issues. In order to alleviate these problems, engine start-stop technology has been widely used in different types of vehicles in recent years. However, current start-stop trigger technology has many deficiencies, such as mistaken triggering and frequent engine start-stop, which greatly reduces user driving experience, causing most of them to deactivate this system. The intelligent engine start-stop trigger (IEST) system based on the actual road running status was established by building the image recognition model and the digital traffic analysis model in order to solve this problem. A system test shows that IEST can avoid frequently engine starting and stopping. The results show that IEST could effectively improve the driving experience and reduce engine fuel consumption, and it promotes conventional engine start-stop technology.
Physician and patient concordance in reporting of appropriateness and prioritization for cataract surgery
Authors: Schlenker Matthew B. , Samet Saba , Lim Morgan , D’Silva Chelsea , Reid Robert J. , Ahmed Iqbal Ike K.
Published: June 2021

Background/Aims

Determine the association between physician-deemed and patient-reported appropriateness and prioritization for cataract surgery.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 471 patients of 7 ophthalmologists referred for cataract surgery. Ophthalmologists rated patients for cataract surgery appropriateness and prioritization using a visual analogue scale of 0–10 preoperatively. All patients completed the eCAPS Quality of Life (QoL), while 313 completed the Catquest-9SF and EQ-5D questionnaires. Regression analyses were applied to determine demographic, clinical and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) associated with appropriateness and prioritization.

Results

Two clinical factors (study eye and fellow eye best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA)), 2 eCAPS (night driving difficulty, ability to take care of local errands), and 2 Catquest-9SF PROMs (recognizing faces, seeing to walk on uneven ground) were associated with appropriateness. In multivariable regression, the rating physician, 2 clinical criteria (study eye BCVA, anticipated postoperative BCVA) and 1 eCAPS QoL (night driving difficulty) were associated with appropriateness. Prioritization was associated with low income, 8 clinical criteria, 9 eCAPS, 5 Catquest-9SF, and 1 EQ-5D PROMs. In multivariable regression, 1 clinical criterion (study eye BCVA), 2 eCAPS QoL (night driving difficulty, ability to take care of local errands), and 2 Catquest-9SF PROMs (seeing prices, seeing to walk on uneven ground) were significantly associated.

Conclusions

The eCAPS and Catquest-9SF questionnaires show some concordance with physician-deemed appropriateness, and more with prioritization. Binary conversions of PROM scales provide similar modelling, with minimal loss of explanatory power. As physician-deemed appropriateness and prioritization do not completely capture the patient perspective, PROMs may have a role in cataract surgery decision-making frameworks.
Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients discharged from the ICU in a vegetative or minimally conscious state
Authors: Knapik Piotr , Borowik Dawid , Cieśla Daniel , Trejnowska Ewa
Published: June 2021

Purpose

A significant percentage of patients are discharged from intensive care units (ICU) with disorders of counciousness (DoC). The aim of this retrospective, case-control study was to compare patients discharged from the ICU in a vegetative state (VS) or minimally conscious state (MCS) and the rest of ICU survivors, and to identify independent predictors of DoC among ICU survivors.

Methods

Data from 14,368 adult ICU survivors identified in a Silesian Registry of Intensive Care Units (active in the Silesian Region of Poland between October 2010 and December 2019) were analyzed. Patients discharged from the ICU in a VS or MCS were compared to the remaining ICU survivors. Pre-admission and admission variables that independently influence ICU discharge with DoC were identified.

Results

Among the 14,368 analyzed adult ICU survivors, 1,064 (7.4%) were discharged from the ICU in a VS or MCS. The percentage of patients discharged from the ICU with DoC was similar in all age groups. Compared to non- DoC ICU patients, they had a higher mean APACHE II and SAPS III score at admission. Independent variables affecting ICU discharge with DoC included unconsciousness at ICU admission, cardiac arrest and craniocerebral trauma as primary cause of ICU admission, as well as a history of previous chronic neurological disorders and cerebral stroke (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Discharge in a VS and MCS was relatively frequent among ICU survivors. Discharge with DoC was more likely among patients who were unconscious at admission and admitted to the ICU due to cardiac arrest or craniocerebral trauma.
Tonse Pamodzi: Developing a combination strategy to support adherence to antiretroviral therapy and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Authors: Hill Lauren M. , Saidi Friday , Freeborn Kellie , Amico K. Rivet , Rosenberg Nora E. , Maman Suzanne , Phanga Twambilile , Tsidya Mercy , Chirwa Sara , Zimba Chifundo , Mutale Wilbroad , Chi Benjamin H.
Published: June 2021

To eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV (EMTCT), scalable strategies to enhance antiretroviral adherence for both antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are needed as part of integrated HIV and maternal-child health services. We developedTonse Pamodzi(“all of us together”), an adaptable intervention integrating biomedical and behavioral components to support HIV treatment and prevention. We describe our intervention development process, which comprised formative qualitative research, a review of the literature, and technical input from stakeholders representing the community, health systems, and policymakers. The resulting intervention, described herein, integrates patient-centered counseling and engagement of a patient-selected adherence supporter for pregnant and breastfeeding women initiating ART or PrEP. Patients receiving the intervention engage in Integrated Next Step Counseling (iNSC) sessions delivered by trained counselors to build and maintain adherence skills. Each patient also has the option of selecting an adherence supporter (partner, family member, or friend) who may participate in iNSC sessions and provide adherence support outside of these sessions. This flexible intervention is adaptable not only to ART or PrEP use, but also to the needs and preferences of each woman and the clinical context. If shown to be acceptable and feasible, the Tonse Pamodzi intervention may be an important tool in continuing efforts for EMTCT.