bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional multispectral facial imaging to monitor actinic damage treated with 5‐fluorouracil
Authors: Torrano Joachim , Hishon Matt , Robinson Mitchell , Raphael Anthony , Wu Jason , Betz‐Stablein Brigid , Kopera Daisy , Soyer Hans Peter , Schaider Helmut
Published: March 2023

Background

Standardised therapeutic monitoring of field skin cancerisation is challenging. 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) is a common topical therapy for ultraviolet radiation (UV) and actinic keratosis (AK) but is often accompanied with adverse side effects. Monitoring of patients following treatment can be improved with novel imaging technologies.

Objectives

This case series used new, improved facial imaging technology in assessing topical 5‐FU treatment for actinic damage.

Methods

A case series followed 18 participants treated with topical 5‐FU over 2 weeks, with facial imaging at baseline, at the end of treatment and at Week 12 posttreatment. Skin characteristics were automatically measured across selected treatment areas using the VISIA three‐dimensional (3D) multispectral facial imaging system.

Results

VISIA analysis recorded sharp increases in erythema, UV‐spots and skin roughness at Week 2 followed by reduction of erythema, UV‐spots and skin roughness at 12 weeks posttreatment compared to baseline. Skin hyper‐ and hypopigmentation was observed across treatment areas at Week 2 returning to baseline levels by Week 12. Participants demonstrated improved skin texture indicating smoother skin and significantly diminished UV‐spots.

Conclusions

3D, multispectral facial imaging can facilitate topical treatment monitoring of field cancerisation. 5‐FU treatment of field cancerisation as observed in VISIA images and data are consistent with clinical experience. 3D, multispectral imaging was efficient, noninvasive and objective in monitoring treatment of actinic damage, for example, by measurement of erythema as a surrogate marker for inflammation. For clinical trials of new treatment modalities for facial photodamage and field cancerisation, 3D multispectral imaging features new tools for analysis of skin characteristics, including objective quantification of erythema, skin texture, UV‐spots and other inflammation‐related changes triggered by 5‐FU treatment.
Real‐Time Superresolution Interferometric Measurement Enabled by Structured Nonlinear Optics
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Yu , Wu Hai‐Jun , Yu Bing‐Shi , Rosales‐Guzmán Carmelo , Zhu Zhi‐Han , Hu Xiao‐Peng , Shi Bao‐Sen , Zhu Shi‐Ning
Published: March 2023

Optical interferometers are pillars of modern precision metrology, but their resolution is limited by the wavelength of the light source, which cannot be infinitely reduced. Magically, this limitation can be circumvented by using an entangled multiphoton source because interference produced by an N‐photon amplitude features a reduced de Broglie wavelength . However, the extremely low efficiency in multiphoton state generation and coincidence counts actually negates the potential of using multiphoton states in practical measurements. Here, a novel interferometric technique based on structured nonlinear optics is demonstrated, i.e., parametric upconversion of a structured beam, capable of superresolution measurement in real time. The main principle relies in that the orbital angular momentum (OAM) state and associated intramodal phase within the structured beam are both continuously multiplied in cascading upconversion to mimic the superresolved phase evolution of a multiphoton amplitude. Owing to the use of bright sensing beams and OAM mode projection, up to a 12‐photon de Broglie wavelength with almost perfect visibility is observed in real time and, importantly, by using only a low‐cost detector. The results open the door to real‐time superresolution interferometric metrology and provide a promising way toward multiphoton superiority in practical applications.
Should Paxlovid be prescribed for patients with severe COVID‐19 in the late course of infection? A case report
Authors: Li Qiang , He Yibo , Liu Jin , Lu Xiaozhao , Zhou Ziyou , Kang Yu , Wu Wanying , Wu Jielan , Wang Feng , Sun Yinghao , Wang Wei , Hui Chengyi , Wei Wenting , Wen Miaoyun , Chen Jingjing , Liu Yong
Published: March 2023

The infection of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is often accompanied by pneumonia with both high incidence and mortality. Paxlovid is commonly prescribed in patients with mild and normal pneumonia within 5 days from the symptom onset. Herein, we report a practically effective use of Paxlovid compensatively in patients with COVID‐19 and severe pneumonia after 5 days of infection in a typical case in China. In this case, a 75‐year‐old man was diagnosed with severe COVID‐19 complicated with a pulmonary bacterial infection. After treatment with oxygen inhalation, Cefoperazone‐sulbactam and ambroxol, fever and upper respiratory symptoms were alleviated, except for the Oxygenation index (OI) remaining worse, Coronavirus was detected as positive, and levels of interleukin‐6 remained high. Paxlovid was prescribed for 5 days subsequently though it was 14 days since symptom onset. Thereafter, the nucleic acid of the patient turned negative in 7 days and the symptoms resolved. This case showed that Paxlovid can be considered in patients with COVID‐19 and severe pneumonia even in the later course of infection in clinical practice in China.
Regional characteristics of cloudiness in Serbia during the period 1991–2017
Authors: Veljović Koračin Katarina , Kovačević Nemanja , Koračin Darko
Published: March 2023

Monthly climate data of days with clear and cloudy skies at 38 stations (1991–2017) and daily visual observations of total cloud amounts (TCA) available at six principal stations (1992–2017) were used to investigate regional, subregional, and temporal characteristics of cloudiness in Serbia. Annual, seasonal, and monthly means were used in the analysis. Results showed differences due to influences from topography, predominant synoptic situations, and possible teleconnection with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). According to our criteria, the annual number of cloudy‐sky days (~80–120) was higher than that of selected clear‐sky days (~50–90), except for 3 years of prevailing anticyclonic circulations. A maximum cloudiness frequency was in winter (December), while a minimum frequency was in summer (August). TCA variability was the highest in an area of complex orography. Southeast Serbia was characterized by the smallest daily temporal variation of TCA based on 7, 14, and 21 h observations as well as by a high number of clear‐sky days during all seasons, while the western mountainous part was much cloudier. From October to January, morning TCA was higher than afternoon TCA, ranging from 70% (January) to 78% (December). Statistically significant positive trends in the number of cloudy‐sky days were found for three stations. A statistically significant moderate positive/negative correlation coefficient was found between the monthly cumulative frequencies of clear‐sky/cloudy‐sky days and the NAO for the winter seasons, respectively. During the 18 winters with the negative NAO index (i.e., frequent westerly warm and moist advection), there were approximately six times more cloudy‐sky days (588) than clear‐sky days (88).
President's FY 24 budget proposes funding increases for 988, CCBHCs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2023

The Biden administration last week released its FY 24 budget proposal and when it comes to mental health, the news overall is encouraging. Significant investments would include $2 billion for a Mental Health System Transformation Fund to expand access to mental health services through workforce development and service expansion and $10.8 billion overall for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) programs — an increase of $3.3 billion.
MH groups partner on free evidence‐based resource for PCPs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2023

Expanding access to mental health care for children and adolescents is largely the goal behind two mental health‐based organizations and their partnership to provide evidence‐based resource information to primary care providers (PCPs) and caregivers. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and The REACH Institute are offering PCPs and parents and caregivers a free brochure to help with the identification of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents.
Well‐posedness for a diffusion–reaction compartmental model simulating the spread of COVID‐19
Authors: Auricchio Ferdinando , Colli Pierluigi , Gilardi Gianni , Reali Alessandro , Rocca Elisabetta
Published: March 2023

This paper is concerned with the well‐posedness of a diffusion–reaction system for a susceptible‐exposed‐infected‐recovered (SEIR) mathematical model. This model is written in terms of four nonlinear partial differential equations with nonlinear diffusions, depending on the total amount of the SEIR populations. The model aims at describing the spatio‐temporal spread of the COVID‐19 pandemic and is a variation of the one recently introduced, discussed, and tested in a paper by Viguerie et al (2020). Here, we deal with the mathematical analysis of the resulting Cauchy–Neumann problem: The existence of solutions is proved in a rather general setting, and a suitable time discretization procedure is employed. It is worth mentioning that the uniform boundedness of the discrete solution is shown by carefully exploiting the structure of the system. Uniform estimates and passage to the limit with respect to the time step allow to complete the existence proof. Then, two uniqueness theorems are offered, one in the case of a constant diffusion coefficient and the other for more regular data, in combination with a regularity result for the solutions.
Advanced VR and AR Displays: Improving the User Experience
Authors: Ha Juhwa , Kim Sangho , Song Daeho , Park Sangho , Park Jintaek , Choi Jaebeom , Lee Changhee
Published: March 2023

For VR/AR devices to reach full potential, we need user‐friendly near‐eye displays that can match the human vision system, while also increasing microdisplays’ functionality.
Calf circumferences in fetuses and neonates with and without talipes equinovares. A prospective cohort study
Authors: Tjon Jill K. , Witbreuk Melinda M. E. H. , Struijs Peter A. A. , van der Knoop Bloeme J. , Linskens Ingeborg H. , de Vries Johanna I. P.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Children and adults with talipes equinovarus (TEV) have smaller calves and shorter feet compared to non‐affected controls. Do these changes have a prenatal onset?

Methods

A prospective cohort study (January 2020–July 2021) was conducted with serial ultrasonographic measurements at 20 and 28 weeks gestation and measurements directly and 6 weeks after birth. Calf circumference and width, foot length and length of humerus, ulna, radius, femur, tibia and fibula were measured in TEV and were compared to a control population. Calculated sample size necessitated a minimal population of 10 cases with TEV and 50 controls.

Results

Twenty cases with TEV and 62 controls were included. Fetal calf circumference (p < 0.001) and width (p < 0.001) were smaller in the TEV group in comparison to the control group, which persisted after birth. Growth in foot length (p < 0.001) and calf width (p 0.003) declined prenatally over time. The bone lengths and upper leg circumference were not smaller or shorter in TEV compared to controls.

Conclusion

This prospective cohort study demonstrated the prenatal onset of reduced calf and foot size in fetuses with TEV from 20 weeks and onwards, which persists directly after birth. To investigate whether reduction in circumference initiates TEV or is caused by TEV, further examination is needed.
Enabling young elementary‐school children to ask questions on a school‐based internet forum operated by educational psychologists
Authors: Alkalay Sarit , Dolev Avivit
Published: March 2023

The present study describes the successful operation of an online forum designed to answer questions posted by Israeli elementary‐school children during an emergency exercise. Analysis of 212 posts revealed that being younger predict higher levels of emotional intensity. Younger children are 3.561 times more likely than older children to have an increase in emotional intensity. Overall, the model accounted for 5.5% of the variance in emotional intensity. School‐based online forums may be used as a universal screening method to enable school staff to identify children exhibiting enhanced emotional intensity. Given the restrictions on face‐to‐face interactions that are occasionally necessitated by the worldwide COVID‐19 crisis, this approach is particularly relevant nowadays. Detailed appendices are provided to help plan, initiate, and run such forums.
Barriers to colonoscopy in UK colorectal cancer screening programmes: Qualitative interviews with ethnic minority groups
Authors: Kerrison Robert S. , Gil Natalie , Travis Elizabeth , Jones Robyn , Whitaker Katriina L. , Rees Colin , Duffy Stephen , von Wagner Christian
Published: March 2023

Objective

People from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to attend colonoscopy, following faecal immunochemical test screening, and are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an advanced stage as a result. The aim of this research was to explore the barriers and facilitators to attending colonoscopy, perceived by ethnic minority groups living in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Semi‐structured online and telephone interviews were conducted with thirty men and women of Black‐African (n = 5), Black‐Caribbean (n = 5), South Asian (n = 10) and White British (n = 10) descent. Participants were eligible for screening, but had not necessarily been invited for colonoscopy. All interviews were conducted in the participant's first language and were assessed using Framework‐analysis, in line with a conceptual framework developed from previous interviews with healthcare professionals.

Results

Five thematic groups of barriers and facilitators were developed: ‘Locus of control’, ‘Cultural attitudes and beliefs’, ‘Individual beliefs, knowledge and personal experiences with colonoscopy and cancer’, ‘Reliance on family and friends’ and ‘Health concerns’. Differences were observed, between ethnic groups, for: ‘Locus of control’, ‘Cultural attitudes and beliefs’ and ‘Reliance on family and friends’. Black and South Asian participants frequently described the decision to attend colonoscopy as lying with ‘God’ (Muslims, specifically), ‘the doctor’, or ‘family’ (Locus of control). Black and South Asian participants also reported relying on friends and family for ‘language, transport and emotional support’ (Reliance on family and friends). Black‐African participants, specifically, described cancer as ‘socially taboo’ (Cultural attitudes and beliefs).

Conclusions

The results highlight several targets for culturally‐tailored interventions to make colonoscopy more equitable.
Role of institutional quality on women's empowerment—A case of highly gender unequal Asian countries
Authors: Qaiser Hafsa , Rehman Hafeez ur , Arshed Noman
Published: March 2023

Equal access to rights and opportunities for women and men is one of the indicators of women's empowerment. Classical economic growth models ignored gender differences in the labor force, but the literature now acknowledges the merits of equal participation of both genders in economic activities. This study investigates the determinants of gender equality as an instrument of women's empowerment. This study focused on Asian countries with a high gender gap in several domains. This lag in women's empowerment is hypothesized to be due to low‐quality institutions. The data for this investigation is compiled from World Development Indicators, Global Gender Gap reports, the Polity IV project, World Governance Indicators, and Human Development Reports. The Panel Feasible Generalized Least Squares results show that female unemployment and good governance tend to increase the gender gap in Asian countries, while Human Development Index, trade openness and democracy reduce the gender gap. This quantitative assessment is instrumental for policymakers in socially empowering women on equal terms with men in Asia.
Enhanced combustion characteristics of fuel‐rich propellant based on Al−Mg via GAP‐IPDI energetic thermoplastic polymer
Authors: Zhang Ximing , Jin Peng , Liu Wenhao , Li Tianqi , Liu Shuang , Yang Wu , Zhu Cong , Zheng Mengze , Luo Yunjun
Published: March 2023

In this work, the energetic thermoplastic polymers were synthesized with different ratios of energetic prepolymer glycidyl azide (GAP) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and used as the binder to prepare fuel‐rich propellants based on Al−Mg. The results showed that energetic thermoplastic polymer enabled the fuel‐rich propellant a faster flame spread, greater flame strength, and a stronger injection effect of metal droplets. The weight loss (Δm) of the propellants increased with GAP content, while the weight loss rate (Dmax) increased similarly. The Δm increased from 7.92 % to 9.86 % and Dmax from −0.23 % ⋅ °C−1 to −0.35 % ⋅ °C−1 in the range 100–256.5 °C. The propellant with the highest GAP content (85GAP‐Prop) had the lowest apparent activation energy (150.77 kJ ⋅ mol−1). The average pressure rate of 85GAP‐Prop burning in a closed bomb reached 7.67 MPa ⋅ s−1 and the maximum instantaneous pressure rate could reach 16.52 MPa ⋅ s−1, significantly higher than the other propellants. The combustion products analysis indicated that the higher GAP content in the GAP‐IPDI energetic thermoplastic polymer more significantly reduced the agglomeration of Al particles and improved the loosening of the combustion products. The rapid combustion gas generation characteristic and energy release of energetic thermoplastic polymer enhanced the combustion characteristics of the fuel‐rich propellant based on Al−Mg, which promoted dispersion level between the metal droplets. This work provides insight into the combustion principles and performance improvements of fuel‐rich propellant based on Al−Mg.
Improved Thermal Stability and Film Uniformity of Halide Perovskite by Confinement Effect brought by Polymer Chains of Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone
Authors: Wu Shuyue , Lin Siyuan , Shi Zhiqiang , Guo De'en , Huang Han , Zhou Xuefan , Zhang Dou , Zhou Kechao , Zhang Wenhao , Hu Yue , Zhou Conghua
Published: March 2023

Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) is doped to PbI2 and organic salt during two‐step growth of halideperovskite. It is observed that PVP molecules can interact with both PbI2 and organic salt, reduce the aggregation and crystallization of the two, and then slow down the coarsening rate of perovskite. As doping concentration increases from 0 to 1 mM in organic salt, average crystallite size of perovskite decreases monotonously from 90 to 34 nm; Surface fluctuation reduces from 259.9 to 179.8 nm at first, and then increases; Similarly, surface roughness decreases from 45.55 to 26.64 nm at first, and then rises. Accordingly, a kind of “confinement effect” is resolved to crystallite growth and surface fluctuation/roughness, which helps to build compact and uniform perovskite film. Density of trap states (t‐DOS) is cut down by ≈60% at moderate doping  (0.2 mM). Due to the “confinement effect”, power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells is improved from 19.46 (±2.80) % to 21.50 (±0.99) %, and further improved to 24.11% after surface modification. Meanwhile, “confinement effect” strengthens crystallite/grain boundaries and improves thermal stability of both film and device. T80 of device increases to 120 h, compared to 50 h for reference ones.
In Situ Detecting Thermal Stability of Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI)
Authors: Wu Jipeng , Weng Suting , Zhang Xiao , Sun Wenwu , Wu Wei , Wang Qiyu , Yu Xiqian , Chen Liquan , Wang Zhaoxiang , Wang Xuefeng
Published: March 2023

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) plays an important role in regulating the interfacial ion transfer and safety of Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). It is unstable and readily decomposed releasing much heat and gases and thus triggering thermal runaway. Herein, in situ heating X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy is applied to uncover the inherent thermal decomposition process of the SEI. The evolution of the composition, nanostructure, and the released gases are further probed by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and gas chromatography. The results show that the organic components of SEI are readily decomposed even at room temperature, releasing some flammable gases (e.g., H2, CO, C2H4, etc.). The residual SEI after heat treatment is rich in inorganic components (e.g., Li2O, LiF, and Li2CO3), provides a nanostructure model for a beneficial SEI with enhanced stability. This work deepens the understanding of SEI intrinsic thermal stability, reveals its underlying relationship with the thermal runaway of LIBs, and enlightens to enhance the safety of LIBs by achieving inorganics‐rich SEI.
Passivation of Grain Boundaries and Defects in CZTSSe Solar Cells by In Situ Na Doping
Authors: Dong Liangzheng , Tao Shengye , Zhao Ming , Zhuang Daming , Gong Qianming , Zhu Hongwei , Wang Yafei , Li Yuxian , Wang Hanpeng , Jia Mengyao , Li Jing
Published: March 2023

Alkali metal doping plays a great role in improving the efficiency of Cu2SnZn(S, Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin film solar cells. However, it is unclear how to realize the ideal distribution of alkali metal in CZTSSe films. Meanwhile, the mechanisms of alkali metal doping are still controversial. Herein, Na‐doped CZTSSe cells are fabricated by magnetron sputtering with Na‐containing Cu2SnZnS4 target which is in situ doping and annealing in selenization atmosphere. The incorporation of Na enhances the diffusion of K from the substrates to the absorbers. Na doping can increase the contact potential at the grain boundaries, which has beneficial effects on reducing the carrier recombination at the grain boundaries. Furthermore, Na incorporation modifies the conduction band offset at the CdS/CZTSSe interface from −0.07 to 0.03 eV. The defects and recombination in different regions are quantitatively extracted. It is demonstrated that the optimized grain boundary electrical properties and the heterojunction band alignment passivate the defects of the depletion region, the heterojunction interface, and the quasineutral region. Finally, a total‐area efficiency of 11.18% has been achieved in CZTSSe solar cell with an in situ Na doping concentration of 0.6 at%.
Neue Querschnitte von Stahlverbundbrücken – Teil 2: Ermüdungsfestigkeit des Anschlusses der stählernen Kragträger
Authors: Kraus Josef Karl , Erlemann Raphael , Geißler Karsten , Kuhlmann Ulrike
Published: March 2023

Beim Neubau von Großbrücken in Stahlverbundbauweise werden heute zunehmend Stahlverbundhohlkästen mit Kragträgern entworfen. Zur Sicherstellung einer ermüdungssicheren Konstruktion sind für den Anschluss der Kragträger bisher teilweise konservative Festlegungen zu beachten, z. B. ein Blechdickenausgleich der Obergurte. Zur Optimierung der Detailausbildung, die Hunderte Male pro Bauwerk auszuführen ist, wurden Variantenuntersuchungen bezüglich Tragverhalten und Ermüdungssicherheit an Kragträgern als Doppel‐T‐Profil sowie als Hohlkasten durchgeführt. Zur Einstufung der resultierenden vereinfachten Ausführungsvarianten des Anschlusses in Kerbfälle des Nennspannungskonzepts wurden zahlreiche Ermüdungsversuche durchgeführt. Im Ergebnis stehen für den Obergurtanschluss mehrere hinsichtlich ihrer Ermüdungsfestigkeit abgestufte Konstruktions‐ und Bemessungsempfehlungen sowie für den Untergurtanschluss die Möglichkeit, die Auswirkung eines unplanmäßigen Achsversatzes auf die Ermüdungsfestigkeit dieses Kreuzstoßes zu quantifizieren.
In Vitro Digestibility and Physicochemical Properties of Huauzontle (Chenopodium nuttalliae) Starch
Authors: López‐Monterrubio Diana Itzel , Lobato‐Calleros Consuelo , Vernon‐Carter Eduardo Jaime , Alvarez‐Ramirez Jose
Published: March 2023

Huauzontle is an undervalued and little‐studied pseudocereal crop whose seeds contain relatively high starch contents. There is scarce information on the structural, physicochemical, functional, and nutritional characteristics of native huauzontle starch (HS), and its modification has not been documented until today. HS is modified with citric acid (CA) and octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) to different degrees of substitution. HS starch granules are irregular, angular, and polygonal in shape, with almost smooth surfaces, and mean diameter of 1.37 ± 0.09 µm. The apparent amylose content of the CA and OSA‐modified starches is lower than for HS but increases as the degree of substitution of CA and OSA increases. Deconvolved FTIR spectra shows that the ratio 1047/1022 decreases in the modified starches with increasing CA and OSA concentrations, indicative that both treatments alter the chain packing and generate more amorphous regions. The resistant starch increases with the OSA‐modification, while the rapidly digestible starch increases with the CA‐modification. Native and OSA‐modified starches show higher pasting viscosities than the CA‐modified starch. CA‐ and OSA‐modified starches have an improved solubility, swelling power, and water retention capacity than HS. These results indicate that modified huauzontle starch presents highly desirable characteristics for its application in food.
A descriptive framework for academic listening pedagogy: An observational study
Authors: Lacroix Jennifer A.
Published: March 2023

This article reports on a case study that centers experienced language teachers as participants. To depict their instructional practices, the researcher employed grounded theory with open and axial coding design. To describe results, a listening experience framework was created that highlights the choices second language (L2) listening instructors make in what they explicitly ask their learners to listen to, reflect on, and respond to. Data analysis revealed that instructors spent far more class time offering strategies and instruction for adapted audio sources regardless of directionality than unadapted counterparts. Five percent of observed classes included a focused listening activity, but specific features of spoken language were not highlighted. Suggestions for a more systematic approach to L2 listening curriculum design and materials are shared.
Incidence of sex chromosome aneuploidy in a prenatal population: 27‐year longitudinal study in Northern Italy
Authors: Samango‐Sprouse C. A. , Grati F. R. , Brooks M. , Hamzik M. P. , Khaksari K. , Gropman A. , Taylor A. , Malvestiti F. , Grimi B. , Liuti R. , Milani S. , Chinetti S. , Trotta A. , Agrati C. , Repetti E. , Martin K. A.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The availability of cell‐free (cf) DNA as a prenatal screening tool affords an opportunity for non‐invasive identification of sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA). The aims of this longitudinal study were to investigate the evolution and frequency of both invasive prenatal diagnostic testing, using amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and the detection of SCA in cfDNA samples from a large unselected cohort in Northern Italy.

Methods

The results of genetic testing from CVS and amniotic fluid samples received from public and private centers in Italy from 1995 to 2021 were collected. Chromosomal analysis was performed by routine Q‐banding karyotype. Regression analyses and descriptive statistics were used to determine population data trends regarding the frequency of prenatal diagnostic testing and the identification of SCA, and these were compared with the changes in indication for prenatal diagnostic tests and available screening options.

Results

Over a period of 27 years, there were 13 939 526 recorded births and 231 227 invasive procedures were performed, resulting in the prenatal diagnosis of 933 SCAs. After the commercial introduction of cfDNA use in 2015, the frequency of invasive procedures decreased significantly (P = 0.03), while the frequency of prenatal SCA detection increased significantly (P = 0.007). Between 2016 and 2021, a high‐risk cfDNA result was the indication for 31.4% of detected sex chromosome trisomies, second only to advanced maternal age.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the inclusion of SCA in prenatal cfDNA screening tests can increase the prenatal diagnosis of affected individuals. As the benefits of early ascertainment are increasingly recognized, it is essential that healthcare providers are equipped with comprehensive and evidence‐based information regarding the associated phenotypic differences and the availability of targeted effective interventions to improve neurodevelopmental and health outcomes for affected individuals. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The development of veterinary medicine
Authors: Lanyon Lance
Published: March 2023

Reviewed by Lance Lanyon, former principal of the Royal Veterinary College.
Multiligament stifle injury, a multicenter retrospective study in 26 dogs
Authors: Coppola Mario , Das Smita , Matthews George , Cantatore Matteo , Czopowicz M. , Silva Luis , McCarthy Jessica , Fernandez‐Salesa Nuria , Lafuente Pilar , Allan Ross , Meeson Richard , Addison Elena
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To describe multiligament stifle injury in dogs and report complications and long‐term outcomes.

Methods

Medical records of dogs surgically treated for multiligament stifle injury were reviewed from six veterinary hospitals. Long‐term follow‐up was collected from referring veterinarians.

Results

Twenty‐six client‐owned dogs and 26 stifles were included. Road traffic accidents and limb entrapment were the most common causes of injury. Cranial cruciate and lateral collateral ligament rupture was the most common combination of injury (10 cases). The caudal cruciate ligament was damaged in 12/23 cases but was surgically addressed in only 2 cases. Cranial cruciate ligament rupture was present in all cases and was managed using TPLO (6 cases), extracapsular suture (15 cases) and TTA (2 cases). Postoperative immobilisation with a transarticular external skeletal fixator was used in 4/26 cases. Intraoperative complications were reported in 2/23 cases, short‐term complications in 17/25 cases, of which eight were major, and long‐term complications in 7/18, of which two were major. Patella luxation was seen in one case and is a previously unreported complication. The overall outcome was excellent in 9/24 cases, good in 5/24 cases, fair in 7/24 cases and poor in 3/24 cases. Follow‐up time ranged from 1.5 months to 9 years with the median (IQR) of 9.5 (4.0 to 28.5) months.

Conclusions

Multiligament stifle injury in dogs is associated with a high rate of major complications. The overall outcome was good to excellent in just over half of the dogs.
Drought assessment and rainfall trend analysis in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Obateru Rotimi Oluseyi , Adeyefa Adewale O. , Fashae Olutoyin Adeola
Published: March 2023

Prolonged instability and insufficiency of rainfall resulting in drought, extreme weather events, and food insecurity are climate change‐related challenges bedeviling humanity. This study assessed drought conditions and rainfall trends in southwestern Nigeria, using the 1984–2014 rainfall dataset from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). The coefficient of variation (CV), long‐term standardized precipitation index (SPI), serial correlation test, Mann–Kendall trend analysis, Sens's slope estimation, and Pettit test were carried out using various R programming packages. Long‐term mean annual rainfall ranged between 1224.7 and 1537.1 mm. The highest variation (17.3%) was observed for Abeokuta and Ikeja. SPI analysis revealed Ibadan and Oshogbo as the driest and wettest stations, respectively. There was no serial autocorrelation in the dataset. The Mann–Kendall trend showed an upward rainfall trend for Abeokuta, Ibadan, and Ikeja and a downward trend for Akure and Oshogbo. Sen's slope annual rates of change in mm for Abeokuta, Akure, Ibadan, Ikeja, and Oshogbo are 6.69, −2.36, 2.07, 7.82, and 1.42 respectively. The Pettit test revealed change points that are not statistically significant. The drought assessment largely showed a cyclical SPI pattern with greater years of dryness. Given the increasing impact of climate change, future studies are needed to simulate the local drivers of drought severity and frequency and the changing rainfall pattern in rapidly urbanizing cities. There is also the need to incorporate climate‐related adaptive strategies in existing water management policies.
The Hierarchical Model for Response Times: Advantages, Limitations, and Risks of Its Use in Measurement Practice
Authors: Tijmstra Jesper , Bolsinova Maria
Published: March 2023

With the advance of computerized testing in educational and psychological measurement, the availability of response time data is becoming commonplace, and practitioners are faced with the question if and how they should incorporate this information into their measurement models. For this purpose, the use of the hierarchical model is often considered, which promises to improve the precision of measurement and has various other appealing properties. However, practitioners also need to be aware of the several limitations and risks involved when using this model, which have been covered less extensively in the literature. This chapter covers both the advantages and disadvantages of using the hierarchical model, to allow practitioners to form a balanced assessment of the potential use of the hierarchical model for their testing application.
Alexandrov’s Theorem for Anisotropic Capillary Hypersurfaces in the Half-Space
Authors: Jia Xiaohan , Wang Guofang , Xia Chao , Zhang Xuwen
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we show that any embedded capillary hypersurface in the half-space with anisotropic constant mean curvature is a truncated Wulff shape. This extends Wente’s result (Pac J Math 88:387–397, 1980.https://doi.org/10.2140/pjm.1980.88.387) to the anisotropic case and He–Li–Ma–Ge’s result (Indiana Univ Math J 58(2):853–868, 2009.https://doi.org/10.1512/iumj.2009.58.3515) to the capillary boundary case. The main ingredients in the proof are a new Heintze-Karcher inequality and a new Minkowski formula, which have their own interest.
Prosthetic orientation, limb alignment, and soft tissue balance with bi-cruciate stabilized total knee arthroplasty: a comparison between the handheld robot and conventional techniques
Authors: Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Nakano Naoki , Hayashi Shinya , Takayama Koji , Maeda Toshihisa , Ishida Kazunari , Kuroda Yuichi , Matsushita Takehiko , Niikura Takahiro , Muratsu Hirotsugu , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the prosthetic orientations, limb alignment, intraoperative soft tissue balance, and early clinical outcomes associated with the use of the relatively new handheld robot technique compared to those associated with the use of the conventional alignment guide for bi-cruciate stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study compared the prosthetic orientation and limb alignment of 35 patients who underwent TKA using robotic assistance (robot group) with those of patients who underwent TKA using a conventional alignment guide (control group). The coronal femoral component alignment (FCA), coronal tibial component alignment (TCA), and the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle were compared between groups. Intraoperative soft tissue balance, including the joint component gap and varus/valgus balance assessed by an offset-type tensor, were also compared between groups. One year postoperatively, the clinical outcomes, including the range of motion and 2011 Knee Society Score (KSS), were compared between groups.

Results

The HKA angle and FCA were 0.1° varus and 0.1° varus, respectively, in the robot group and 1.3° varus and 1.3° varus, respectively, in the control group. The difference in the HKA angle and the FCA, but not the TCA, between groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The intraoperative soft tissue balance showed more stable joint component gaps and varus/valgus balances throughout the range of motion in the robot group than in the control group. Clinical outcomes of the robot group showed superior 2011 KSS subscales compared to those of the control group.

Conclusion

The accuracy of the implantations and stable soft tissue balance in the robot group were superior to those of the control group. The robot group also had superior patient-reported scores for early clinical outcomes.
Physiological and Molecular Effects of Calcium and Salicylic Acid on Fusarium graminearum-Infected Wheat Seedlings
Authors: Sobhy Sherien , Abo‑Kassem Essam‑Eldeen M. , Saad‑Allah Khalil M. , Hafez Elsayed E.
Published: March 2023

Fusarium graminearum is among the most virulent pathogens attacking wheat plants and significantly lowering its production globally. The present work aims to shed light on the interactions between two priming solutions, calcium (Ca) or salicylic acid (SA), and F. graminearum inoculation depending on the growth rate, physiological attributes, and molecular responses in wheat seedlings. In a pot experiment, F. graminearum-pre-inoculated or inoculum-free sandy soil was used to germinate wheat kernels after priming them for 12 h in distilled water, 5-mM CaCl2, or 0.05-mM SA. The results demonstrated that F. graminearum inoculation decreased growth rate and chlorophyll content, but promoted carotenoids, stress markers (electrolytes leakage, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical), antioxidant molecules (AsA, phenols, and flavonoids), osmolytes (GB, amino acids, and proline), and the antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPX, SOD, PPO, and PAL). Additionally, the fungal infestation boosted the expression of CAT, GR, PR4, MT, and PCS genes. However, presoaking wheat kernels in Ca or SA solutions has contributed to mitigating the negative effects of fungal inoculation by restoring growth rate, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant capacity. It has also decreased the induced oxidative stress and downregulated the gene expression of F. graminearum-inoculated wheat seedlings. Consequently, by minimizing the negative repercussions of F. graminearum infestation, priming with Ca or SA could be used to appropriately stimulate growth and readjust the oxidative status of wheat seedlings.
Restoring tibial obliquity for kinematic alignment in total knee arthroplasty: conventional versus patient-specific instrumentation
Authors: Smolle Maria Anna , Koutp Amir , Clar Clemens , Leitner Lukas , Leithner Andreas , Sadoghi Patrick
Published: March 2023

Introduction

In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), tibial obliquity-restoration using kinematic alignment (KA) poses a major difference to conventional mechanical alignment. This study aimed at analysing the accuracy of conventional instrumentation (CI) versus patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) to restore anatomic tibial obliquity measured by the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) on conventional X-rays.

Materials and Methods

One-hundred patients were randomized to receive CI (n = 50) or PSI (n = 50) for TKA. Further 100 patients received CI without randomisation, resulting in 200 patients in total (127 women, mean age: 70.7 (range: 48–90 years). Pre- and postoperative X-rays were measured twice by two observers with a 2-week break in-between. Inter- and intraclass correlations were calculated and postoperative tibial obliquity compared to preoperative anatomy.

Results

In 150 patients with CI, no case with tibial obliquity-deviation greater than 2° was found, whilst 21.3% (n = 32) and 0.7% (n = 1) of cases and had a deviation of 0°–1°, and 1°–2°, respectively. In the remaining 78.0% (n = 117), tibial obliquity was restored. In 50 patients with PSI, no single case with a deviation greater than 1° was found. Sixty percent (n = 30) had a deviation of 0°–1°. In the remaining 40.0% (n = 20), no deviation from preoperative measurements was found. Consequently, CI resulted in a significantly smaller change in tibial obliquity from preoperative to postoperative than PSI (p < 0.001). Inter- and intra-class correlations showed a substantial agreement (any ICC > 0.90).

Conclusion

Both conventional and patient-specific instrumentation revealed adequate results with respect to restoring tibial obliquity in kinematically aligned TKA, with conventional instrumentation achieving superior results.
Autonomy in the context of cognitive demands—is the resource becoming a stressor?
Authors: Zolg Sabrina , Herbig Britta
Published: March 2023

Objective

Autonomy is often associated with positive linear effects on health whereas non-linear correlations have received only sporadic attention. Assuming that the use of autonomy also represents a cognitive demand, this study examines whether health effects of autonomy change depending on further cognitive demands and whether curvilinear relationships can be identified.

Methods

A survey was carried out in three SMEs with established work analysis questionnaires. 197 Employees were classified into groups with high and with low cognitive demands by means of a two-step cluster analysis. This was modeled as moderator together with curvilinear effects of autonomy in regression analyses.

Results

Curvilinear associations were found for emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and anxiety. They were strongest for anxiety. No moderating effects of cognitive demands and no consistently significant modeled relations were found.

Conclusion

The results confirm that autonomy has a positive influence on the health of employees. However, autonomy should not be seen as an isolated resource but embedded in the organizational and societal context.
Development of thin-layer chromatography‒densitometry for the quantification of lecithin in dietary supplements
Authors: Starek Małgorzata , Homa Karolina , Stępińska Justyna , Dąbrowska Monika
Published: March 2023

Lecithin is a mixture of phospholipids which naturally occurs in plants and animals cells. This is a component of drugs as well as dietary supplements, which are used to improve memory and concentration, likewise to decrease cholesterol level in blood, decrease risk of cardiovascular diseases and in a lot of other cases. In this paper the quantitative and qualitative analysis of phosphatidylcholine, which is the main component of lecithin, by thin-layer chromatography with densitometric detection, was described. First, the method was validated according to the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH); validation results have shown that the method was selective, precise, and accurate in the range of the linearity 0.23–3.21 mg mL−1. Next, described method was used for the quantification of phosphatidylcholine in dietary supplements and drugs containing lecithin. The obtained results, both in terms of the quality of chromatographic separation and statistical evaluation are satisfactory, and the developed analytical procedure may be an alternative to other separation techniques, for the quick analysis of lecithin products.
Comparisons of the effects of two types of titratable mandibular advancement devices on respiratory parameters and upper airway dimensions in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shi Xiaoxin , Lobbezoo Frank , Chen Hui , Rosenmöller Boudewijn R. A. M. , Berkhout Erwin , de Lange Jan , Aarab Ghizlane
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To compare the effects of two types of titratable mandibular advancement devices (MADs), namely MAD-H (allowing limited vertical opening) and MAD-S (allowing free vertical opening), on respiratory parameters and upper airway dimensions in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Materials and methods

Patients with mild to moderate OSA (5 ≤ apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) < 30 /h) were randomly assigned to two parallel MAD groups. All MADs were subjectively titrated according to a standardized protocol during a 3-month follow-up. Every patient underwent two polysomnographic recordings, and two cone beam computed tomography scans in supine position: one at baseline and another one after 3 months with the MAD in situ. The primary outcome variables were the AHI in supine position (AHI-supine) and the minimal cross-sectional area of the upper airway in supine position (CSAmin-supine).

Results

A total of 49 patients were recruited, and 31 patients (21 men and 10 women) with a mean (± SD) age of 48.5 (± 13.9) years and a mean AHI of 16.6 (± 6.7) /h completed the study. In the per-protocol analysis, there was no significant difference between MAD-H (n = 16) and MAD-S (n = 15) in their effects on AHI-supine (P = 0.14) and CSAmin-supine (P = 0.59). Similar results were found in the intention-to-treat analysis (P = 0.47 and 0.57, respectively).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that there is no significant difference in the effects of an MAD allowing limited vertical opening and an MAD allowing free vertical opening on respiratory parameters and upper airway dimensions in patients with mild to moderate OSA.

Clinical relevance

MADs allowing limited vertical opening and allowing free vertical opening have similar effects on respiratory parameters and upper airway dimensions in patients with mild to moderate OSA.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02724865. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02724865
Pitfalls of testing wind turbine control algorithms on nacelle test benches
Authors: Klein Andreas , Basler Maximilian , Abel Dirk
Published: March 2023

The validation and certification of wind turbines (WT) on nacelle test benches (NTB) is becoming increasingly important in the development process. While for certifiers the advantage lies in controlled test execution, for development departments it lies in testing as many system components as possible in a quasi-final prototype. However, the question arises which practical conditions must be fulfilled so that statements can also be made about WT control. In addition to the errors induced by a mechanical Hardware in the Loop (mHiL) system, the dynamic interactions between the WT controller and the NTB controller applying the mHiL concept are of interest. This analytical work based on simulations aims to systematically investigate how realistic the control behavior of a WT operated on a NTB is. For this purpose, the nominal behavior of a WT is compared with the operation on a NTB under realistic conditions and the resulting differences are subsequently reproduced in a synthetic load case. Finally, the differences are analyzed in terms of system theory. It is found that a frequency-dependent distorted behavior caused by operating the WT on a NTB is responsible for strong deviations compared to the WT operation in field. In the controller configuration studied, gain amplifications up to $$5.17\,\text{dB}$$

5.17

dB

are identified. The distortion is not exclusively caused by the mHiL closed loop behavior, but results from the interaction of all subsystems in both control loops. Therefore, its behavior is identified as a function of the system and controller parameters of both the WT and the NTB.