bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of nutrition intervention strategies in the primary prevention of overweight and obesity in school settings: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Nury Edris , Morze Jakub , Grummich Kathrin , Rücker Gerta , Hoffmann Georg , Angele Claudia M. , Steinacker Jürgen M. , Conrad Johanna , Schmid Daniela , Meerpohl Jörg J. , Schwingshackl Lukas
Published: April 2021

Background

Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents are major public health challenges affecting quality of life and representing important risk factors in the development of non-communicable diseases. School environments provide great possibilities for the primary prevention of overweight and obesity and different school-based nutrition interventions are available. However, existing research on school-based nutrition interventions has important limitations and no network meta-analysis (NMA) has been performed yet to compare all available interventions. Therefore, the present research project aims to investigate the impact of different nutrition interventions in the school setting by comparing and ranking them using NMA methodology.

Methods/design

A systematic literature search will be performed in 11 electronic databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ERIC, PsycINFO, CAB Abstracts, Campbell Library, BiblioMap EPPI, Australian Education Index, Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Practice Database and Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition Database). Parallel or cluster randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the following criteria will be included: (1) generally healthy school students aged 4–18 years, (2) school-based intervention with ≥ 1 nutrition component, and (3) assessed anthropometric (overweight/obesity risk, body weight change, weight Z-score, [standardized] body mass index, body fat, waist circumference) and/or diet-quality measures (daily intake of fruits and vegetables, fat, and sugar-sweetened beverages). Random effects pairwise and NMA will be performed for these outcomes and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) estimated (P-score). Where possible, component NMA (CNMA) will be used additionally. Subgroup analyses are carried out for intervention duration, gender, age of school students, socioeconomic status, and geographical location, and sensitivity analyses by excluding high risk of bias RCTs.

Discussion

This systematic review and NMA will be the first to both directly and indirectly compare and rank different school-based nutrition interventions for the primary prevention of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence. Our analyses will provide important insights about the effects of the different interventions and show which are the most promising. The results of our study can help inform the design of new studies and will be of value to anyone interested in developing successful, evidence-based nutrition interventions in school settings.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO: CRD42020220451.
Interventions to prevent obesity in Latinx children globally: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bleiweiss-Sande Rachel , Jiménez-Cruz Arturo , Bacardí-Gascón Montserrat , Skelton Kara , Benjamin-Neelon Sara E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Rates of childhood obesity have accelerated rapidly over the past decade in low- and middle-income countries and in Latin America in particular. At the same time, Latinx children in high-income countries have been disproportionately affected by obesity. Public health and medical experts have called for greater focus on multi-sector approaches to obesity prevention, including policy, systems, and environmental strategies, but current evidence for effective intervention strategies among Latinx children is lacking. Several systematic reviews have investigated obesity prevention interventions in Latinx children in the United States and in Latin America, including our own review, but these are now a decade old. Thus, an updated review of existing interventions is needed. To address this gap, we will conduct a systematic review and summary of interventions for obesity prevention among Latinx children published over the past 10 years. The objective of this paper is to outline the protocol for conducting the systematic review and possible meta-analysis.

Methods

We will conduct a literature search using PubMed, ERIC, PsycINFO, Scopus, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Google Scholar databases for studies of interventions to prevent obesity in Latinx children ages birth to 18 years of age. To meet our definition of an intervention, we will include study designs that evaluate the either the efficacy or effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and non-randomized interventions with a control or comparison group. We will exclude interventions that aimed to treat rather than prevent overweight or obesity. Interventions may take place in any country or setting. The primary outcome of interest will be child overweight or obesity, measured as adiposity, body mass, or similar anthropometric measures. We will assess risk of bias of included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized and non-randomized studies, as appropriate. We may conduct meta-analyses if studies with comparable exposure and outcome variables are available.

Discussion

This protocol paper establishes a methodology for a future systemic review of obesity prevention interventions in Latinx children. A systematic review of this topic will provide an important update to the literature regarding interventions to prevent obesity in Latinx child populations globally over the past decade. Review results will be relevant to stakeholders across multiple sectors engaged in childhood obesity prevention among Latinx children.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020161339
Exploring the link among food loss, waste and food security: what the research should focus on?
Authors: Santeramo Fabio G.
Published: April 2021

Food loss and food waste are highly debated topics and likely to stay in the research agendas for the next decades. Their relevance is not only important for developing economies, but also for developed economies, especially due to the impact that loss and waste have on the status of food security. In the present editorial, I comment on how research agendas should be shaped in order to focus on emerging issues, and put emphasis on the topics closely connected to the emerging literature on the circular economy.
The role of crowdsourcing and social media in crisis mapping: a case study of a wildfire reaching Croatian City of Split
Authors: Tavra Marina , Racetin Ivan , Peroš Josip
Published: April 2021

As climate change continues, wildfire outbreaks are becoming more frequent and more difficult to control. In mid-July 2017, a forest fire spread from the forests to the city of Split in Croatia. This unpredictable spread nearly caused emergency systems to collapse. Fortunately, a major tragedy was avoided due to the composure of the responsible services and the help of citizens. Citizens helped to extinguish the fire and provided a large amount of disaster-related information on various social media platforms in a timely manner. In this paper, we addressed the problem of identifying useful Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) and georeferenced social media crowdsourcing data to improve situational awareness during the forest fire in the city of Split. In addition, social media data were combined with other external data sources (e.g., Sentinel-2 satellite imagery) and authoritative data to establish geographic relationships between wildfire phenomena and social media messages. This article highlights the importance of using georeferenced social media data and provides a different perspective for disaster management by filling gaps in authoritative data. Analyses from the presented reconstruction of events from multiple sources impact a better understanding of these types of events, knowledge sharing, and insights into crowdsourcing processes that can be incorporated into disaster management.
Sugar sweetened beverage consumption is positively associated with Klotho levels at two years of age in LatinX youth
Authors: Villagomez Sofia , Dubal Dena B. , Hawkins Jessica , Wang Dan , Wojcicki Janet M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Klotho is an anti-aging protein mainly expressed in the kidneys with a smaller amount expressed in adipose tissue. Klotho effects include roles in reducing oxidative stress, insulin signaling, adipogenesis and glucose metabolism. Few studies have investigated the role of dietary factors such as sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) on serum α-klotho levels in young children.

Methods

Data was collected from 60 low-income Latina pregnant women and their infants in San Francisco from birth until 2 years of life and examined for associations between dietary factors and child secreted α-klotho protein levels at 2 years.

Results

Mean α-klotho levels were 1782.96 ± 874.56 pg/mL at 2 years of age. Any consumption of SSBs was independently associated with increased α-klotho levels (Beta = 682.79, 95%CI 67.50, 1298.09; p = 0.03). Household income ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 was also correlated to higher levels of α-klotho in children compared with lower income levels (<$25,000) (Beta = 1613.35, 95%CI 527.37, 2699.33; p = 0.005).

Conclusions

The positive association between SSB intake and α-klotho levels at 2 years may reflect higher phosphate levels consistent with SSB intake. Higher socioeconomic status may be a proxy for reduced stress exposure in children, also associated with higher α-klotho levels. Future studies should evaluate the early impact of exposures to SSBs, stress and accelerated aging in children.
Seeking asylum in Scandinavia: a comparative analysis of recent restrictive policy responses towards unaccompanied afghan minors in Denmark, Sweden and Norway
Authors: Garvik Marianne , Valenta Marko
Published: April 2021

This article investigates recently imposed restrictions in the asylum regimes in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. The purpose of the paper is twofold. First, we aim to identify general changes in asylum policies and asylum legislation. Second, we discuss and compare the policy tools, practices and legislation that have undermined the rights of unaccompanied Afghan minors. We also observe new tools of internal and external deterrence and restrictive asylum policies, combined with tighter border controls. In the case of adult asylum seekers from Afghanistan, high rejection rates and deportations were used for years as an important tool of deterrence. However, these tools were seldom used against unaccompanied Afghan minors before the large influx of asylum seekers in 2015. Since 2015, increased use of rejections, combined with temporary protections, have emerged as the major tools for restriction. We identify similarities and differences in the policy restrictions targeting unaccompanied minors between the countries. Although we identify some recent diverging trends in Scandinavian asylum policies regarding unaccompanied minors from Afghanistan, the general trend of policy restrictions still prevails in all three countries.
A case report of achondrogenesis type II (Langer-Saldino achondrogenesis)
Authors: Maheshwari Saurabh , Ingole Dilip , Chatterjee Samar , Rajesh Uddandam , Anand Varun
Published: April 2021

Background

Achondrogenesis type II is a rare autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia with a frequency of ~0.2 per 100,000 births. It is one of the lethal short-limbed dwarfisms associated with structural mutations in type II collagen and is also known as Langer-Saldino achondrogenesis. It is characterized by severe micromelia (shortening of entire limb), narrow chest, and prominent abdomen. It shares the striking feature of partial or complete vertebral body demineralization with achondrogenesis type I.

Case presentation

We present a case with antenatal diagnosis of this rare entity which was confirmed by post-termination radiographs of abortus.

Conclusion

The imaging plays a cardinal role in the diagnosis of this condition. This case represents only the 4th case of this rare entity from India.
CATCH: A Prospective Precision Oncology Trial in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Hlevnjak Mario , Schulze Markus , Elgaafary Shaymaa , Fremd Carlo , Michel Laura , Beck Katja , Pfütze Katrin , Richter Daniela , Wolf Stephan , Horak Peter , Kreutzfeldt Simon , Pixberg Constantin , Hutter Barbara , Ishaque Naveed , Hirsch Steffen , Gieldon Laura , Stenzinger Albrecht , Springfeld Christoph , Smetanay Katharina , Seitz Julia , Mavratzas Athanasios , Brors Benedikt , Kirsten Romy , Schuetz Florian , Fröhling Stefan , Sinn Hans-Peter , Jäger Dirk , Thewes Verena , Zapatka Marc , Lichter Peter , Schneeweiss Andreas
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE

CATCH (Comprehensive Assessment of clinical feaTures and biomarkers to identify patients with advanced or metastatic breast Cancer for marker driven trials in Humans) is a prospective precision oncology program that uses genomics and transcriptomics to guide therapeutic decisions in the clinical management of metastatic breast cancer. Herein, we report our single-center experience and results on the basis of the first 200 enrolled patients of an ongoing trial.

METHODS

From June 2017 to March 2019, 200 patients who had either primary metastatic or progressive disease, with any number of previous treatment lines and at least one metastatic site accessible to biopsy, were enrolled. DNA and RNA from tumor tissue and corresponding blood-derived nontumor DNA were profiled using whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing. Identified actionable alterations were brought into clinical context in a multidisciplinary molecular tumor board (MTB) with the aim of prioritizing personalized treatment recommendations.

RESULTS

Among the first 200 enrolled patients, 128 (64%) were discussed in the MTB, of which 64 (50%) were subsequently treated according to MTB recommendation. Of 53 evaluable patients, 21 (40%) achieved either stable disease (n = 13, 25%) or partial response (n = 8, 15%). Furthermore, 16 (30%) of those patients showed improvement in progression-free survival of at least 30% while on MTB-recommended treatment compared with the progression-free survival of the previous treatment line.

CONCLUSION

The initial phase of this study demonstrates that precision oncology on the basis of whole-genome and RNA sequencing is feasible when applied in the clinical management of patients with metastatic breast cancer and provides clinical benefit to a substantial proportion of patients.
Between Two Funerals: Zombie Temporality and Media Ecology in Japan
Authors: Zahlten Alexander
Published: April 2021

This article explores the popular shift to a media-ecological understanding in post-1960s Japan. Bookending its investigation with two actual funerals held for fictional characters in 1970 and 2007, it tracks the trope of death to map the increased interlocking of media temporality and everyday temporality in intensified media capitalism. As characters attain the ability to die, they are increasingly reanimated (to die again) in other media. Death and reanimation thereby become an expression of transformations at the intersection of media-systemic, economic, and aesthetic levels. The article concludes that death and reanimation across media channels point to a new rhythmic temporal regime. Characters are now mortal but cannot die, doomed to become eternally wandering media-mix zombies. The article relates this media economy linked to themes of death and animation to recent discussions of capitalist animism by figures such as Michael Taussig, Achille Mbembe, and Steven Shaviro. The article then offers a brief outlook on the most recent expressions of this zombie economy in narrative tropes of time loops and alternative realities.
On the Receptor Function of the Swim Bladder of Fishes
Authors: Koshtojanz CH. S. , Vassilenko PH. D.
Published: April 2021

In spite of extensive investigation of the function of the swim bladder of fishes, our knowledge of the physiological role of this organ is far from complete. Two functions are usually ascribed to the swim bladder, viz. a participation in the co-ordination of the movements of fishes, and a participation in the act of breathing. Recent research has made it evident that the secretion of gas by those fishes which possess a red body in their bladder and the introduction of air into the bladder of those which have no red body provide stimuli which are capable of modifying to a marked degree the locomotory responses of the animals. The present paper constitutes an attempt to investigate the physiological mechanism by means of which the swim bladder performs this role.
Clinical Analysis of Interventional Therapy for Eight Cases of Extracranial ICA Aneurysm
Authors: Xu Jian-Feng , Liu Zao-Bin , Wang Tong , Liu Yang
Published: April 2021

Objective: To explore the interventional therapy and clinical efficacy of extracranial ICA aneurysm.

Methods: The clinical data of eight patients with extracranial ICA aneurysm treated by interventional stent implantation from December 2014 to February 2018 in the Neurosurgery Department of the Third Hospital of Mianyang were analyzed. And this research was a retrospective analysis. All patients underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and were diagnosed with extracranial carotid artery aneurysm. These patients, therefore, were treated with interventional stent implantation.

Results: Interventional treatment was successfully conducted on all eight patients. In eight patients, the aneurysm cavity was not developed immediately after angiography, and in one case, the aneurysm cavity was developed with coil-assisted embolization. All the internal carotid arteries were well developed, with no complications such as intraoperative rupture, bleeding and thrombosis occur. Follow-up for three months to two years showed that the patients recovered well, the GOS score was 4 points for patients with cerebral infarction, and the rest reached five points. Follow-up CTA showed no signs of aneurysm recurrence or ICA restenosis.

Conclusion: Interventional stent placement is a preferable and relatively safe method for the treatment of extracranial carotid artery aneurysm with less trauma and short operation time.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.3957

How to cite this:Xu JF, Liu ZB, Wang T, Liu Y. Clinical Analysis of Interventional Therapy for Eight Cases of Extracranial ICA Aneurysm. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(4):1086-1092. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.3957

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Associations between dialysate interleukin-6 and Tie-2 and peritoneal solute transport rate and outcomes for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Hang Ying , Yan Hao , Zhang He , Li Zhenyuan , Fang Wei
Published: April 2021

Objectives: We designed this prospective observational study to clarify the associations between dialysate IL-6, a marker of ongoing peritoneal inflammation, Tie2, an important factor in angiogenesis in the peritoneum, and a high peritoneal solute transport rate (PSTR) in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and to investigate their outcome predictive roles.

Methods: A total of 60 stable continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients from a single center in China were analyzed in this prospective study. We measured dialysate levels of IL-6 and Tie-2 using ELISAs. Our primary study endpoint was all-cause mortality with 10 years’ follow-up.

Results: For the evaluation of PSTR, we used the Dialysis/Plasma creatinine (D/Pcr) ratio. We subdivided the patients into two groups for statistical evaluation: low and low average D/Pcr (<0.64; L/A), and high and high average D/Pcr (≥0.65; H/A) transporters. The mean levels of dialysates IL-6 (21.71 ± 8.88 pg/mL) and Tie-2 (1.23 ± 0.43 ng/mL) were significantly higher in the H/A (high and high average, group than those in the L/A group (13.94 ± 5.43 pg/mL, p<0.001 and 0.95 ± 0.43 ng/mL, p=0.019; respectively). Moreover, IL-6 and Tie-2 were positively correlated with D/Pcr (r=0.366, p=0.004 and r=0.402, p=0.001; respectively). Both dialysates IL-6 and Tie-2 were independent determinants of a high peritoneal solute transport rate. After follow-up for 42.65±18.08 months, 30 patients (50.0%) had died. An increased D/Pcr increased the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with CAPD (p=0.018), but the dialysates IL-6 and Tie2 were not independent predictors of all-cause mortality (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that patients undergoing CAPD have a high peritoneal solute transport status with local peritoneal inflammation and angiogenesis. Increased D/Pcr is a relative risk factor for mortality and technique failure in patients undergoing CAPD.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.4328

How to cite this:Hang Y, Yan H, Zhang H, Li Z, Fang W. Associations between dialysate interleukin-6 and Tie-2 and peritoneal solute transport rate and outcomes for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: A prospective cohort study. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(4):1104-1110.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.4328

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Οντογένεση του λόγου: ανάπτυξη σε στάδια ή σταδιακή ανάπτυξη;
Authors: Tzakosta Marina
Published: April 2021

Στο παρόν άρθρο προσπελάζουμε το ρόλο του σταδίου ως όρου ο οποίος έχει καθορίσει τη γνωστική ανάπτυξη, γενικά, και τη γλωσσική ανάπτυξη, ειδικά (και χρησιμοποιείται εκτενώς στην εγχώρια και διεθνή βιβλιογραφία) ιδωμένο μέσα από την παρουσίαση και ανάλυση αναπτυξιακών γλωσσικών δεδομένων. Συγκεκριμένα, παρουσιάζουμε τα μείζονα θεωρητικά μοντέλα τα οποία – στο πλαίσιο διαφορετικών επιστημονικών προσανατολισμών – χρησιμοπoίησαν εμμέσως ή αμέσως την έννοια του σταδίου με στόχο την ερμηνεία της σειράς της γλωσσικής ανάπτυξης και έπειτα προχωρούμε σε μια κριτική θεώρηση του σταδίου. Στη συνέχεια, παρουσιάζουμε τους άξονες μιας θεωρητικής πρότασης, εναλλακτικής της θεωρίας των σταδίων, αυτής του Μοντέλου των Πολλαπλών Παράλληλων Γραμματικών, η οποία ενσωματώνει τα σημαντικότερα χαρακτηριστικά της θεωρίας των σταδίων και ερμηνεύει όψεις της γλωσσικής ανάπτυξης, κυρίως την ποικιλία και την γλωσσική απόκλιση, στις οποίες η θεωρία των σταδίων έδωσε ελάχιστο χώρο. Η συζήτησή μας βασίζεται σε συγχρονικά δεδομένα παιδιών προσχολική ηλικίας από την κατάκτηση της μορφοφωνολογίας της ελληνικής καθώς και την εκμάθηση της πρώτης από διάφορες ομάδες αλλόγλωσσων ομιλητών. Η συζήτηση επεκτείνεται στην εξέταση του βαθμού εφαρμοστικότητας του Μοντέλου των Πολλαπλών Παράλληλων Γραμματικών για την ερμηνεία της διαχρονικής εξέλιξης αλλά και συγχρονικής διάστασης της γλώσσας.
Intermittent Fasting on the Ekadashi Day and the Role of Spiritual Nutrition
Authors: Suchitra M.R. , Parthasarathy S.
Published: April 2021

Intermittent Fasting (IF) has been practiced for centuries with the belief of wellbeing getting restored. The so-called restoration of internal milieu by calorie free periods is believed in many religions. The Muslims practise the night-only-feeds of Ramzan, the Christians in a few selected days of a week and the Hindus fasting every fifteen days on the day of Ekadashi1. Ekadashi is a Sanskrit word, which literally means 'the eleventh'. It actually refers to the eleventh day of a fortnight and hence there are two such days in a lunar month. After the full calorie free day, there are certain prescribed foods and nutrients to be taken the next day of Dwadashi among which amla fruit and agathi keerai leaves are necessarily taken as a starter before actual full-fledged refeeding. There are a few specific ingredients in these foods which make them ideal to break a fasting session2. As these days are associated with the Hindu deities such nutrition can be designed as spiritual nutrition. Such additives to routine diet may help overcome the problems of refeeding. In this review we have attempted to define the scientific basis of fasting during Ekadashi and the reasoning behind the initial administration of agathi keerai leaves and amla fruits before the intake of routine diet on the following day.i.e. Dwadashi. We tried to look for scientific evidences behind such fortnightly fasting and the specialized feeds on the next day and kept them as objectives of this special review
Mass Transfer Behavior During Osmotic Dehydration and Vacuum Impregnation of “Phulae” Pineapple and the Effects on Dried Fruit Quality
Authors: Le Dung , Konsue Nattaya
Published: April 2021

The influence of osmotic dehydration (OD) in combination with vacuum impregnation (VI) technique on the mass transfer behavior of “Phulae” pineapple was investigated. Pineapple slices of 10 mm thick were immersed in sucrose solution at concentrations of 55 and 65oBrix under atmospheric pressure or vacuum pressures at 250 mmHg (VOD-250) and 450 mmHg (VOD-450). The results deduced that 65o Brix of sucrose solution for 300 min and the vacuum pressure of VI at 450 mmHg were necessitated to increase solute uptake to 14.79 g/100 g when compared to other treatments. Surprisingly, the effect of OD and VI on water loss was not much different. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the pore sizes of pineapple slices were decreased when the impregnation period increased implying the higher adsorption of sucrose into the fruit structure. Subsequently, calcium lactate (Ca-L) at 2, 4 and 6% (w/w) was incorporated in sucrose solution prior to drying at 60oC in a conventional hot air dryer. It was observed that increasing concentration of Ca-L led to a significant decrease in moisture content (17.74 to 15.53%) and water activity (0.58 to 0.56) whereas calcium content was increased (24.472 to 676.317 mg/100g). However, it should be noted that high concentration of Ca-L had adverse effect on sensory property where overall actability decreased from 7.09 to 5.65 as well as total phenolic content (TPC) (17.74 to 15.53 gGAE/100g), DPPH (223.51 to 159.7 µmol Trolox/100g) and FRAP (380.65 to 291.57 µmol ascorbic acid/100g) values.
Association between attendance at a specialist palliative care day unit and improvement in patient symptoms and quality of life
Authors: Reed Jacqueline , O'Hara Mary , O'Sullivan Elizabeth , Cobbe Sinead , Reilly Martina O’
Published: April 2021

Background:

Specialist palliative day care is an area of palliative care which has a notable scarcity of research. Evidence is needed on the role of palliative day care to improve patients' quality of life and symptom management, while recognising the different patient cohorts that use the service.

Aim:

To determine the symptoms and quality of life of the patient cohort that are affected by the completion of a full therapeutic cycle (8 to 9 weeks) at a specialist palliative care day unit (SPCDU).

Method:

A retrospective cohort study was carried out from January 2016 to December 2017. Patient related outcome measures (PROMs) were collected as part of routine clinical paperwork at admission and discharge, and these were used to determine symptoms and quality of life pre-attendance and on completion of an 8 to 9 week therapeutic cycle at the SPCDU.

Results:

Descriptive analysis demonstrated improvement across the many symptoms that were analysed. Quality of life analysis also established improvement. Statistically significant difference was achieved in several areas. Total physical symptoms (p value=.009) confirmed the positive impact attendance at SPCDU has on physical symptoms. Specific symptoms which displayed a statistically significant difference included: poor appetite (p value=.002), weakness (p value=.03) and the anxiety felt by family/friends (p value=.029). The quality of a patient's life also displayed statistically significant difference (p value=.000).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that attendance at a SPCDU may positively impact a patients' symptoms and quality of life. A more uniform national approach to specialist palliative day care delivery, alongside multi-setting research, may further bolster the image of palliative day care. This will improve referrals to and occupancy of SPDCUs and benefit the palliative patient in the community.
Effects of pH value and Sintering Temperature on the Structural and Magnetic Properties of Barium Hexaferrites Prepared by Co-Precipitation
Authors: Al-Hwaitat Eman S. , Dmour Mohammad K. , Masadeh Ahmad S. , Bsoul Ibrahim , Maswadeh Yazan , Mahmood Sami H.
Published: April 2021

Barium hexaferrite (BaFe12O19; M-type; BaM) is an important, cost effective magnetic material for permanent magnet applications. The magnetic properties of the prepared samples, and the purity of the BaM phase depend critically on the synthesis route and experimental conditions. In this study, BaM hexaferrites were prepared by co-precipitation method using two different values of pH for the precursor solutions (11.0 and 12.5), and sintering pellets of the co-precipitates at 860, 920 and 990°C.The prepared samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the samples prepared with pH = 12.5 consisted of a single BaM phase at all sintering temperatures. However, the patterns of the samples with
pH = 11.0 did not reveal the existence of BaM at 860°C, whereasa major BaM phase
(86 – 87 wt.%) was observed at 920 and 990°C with a minor α-Fe2O3 phase. The thermo magnetic curves confirmed the BaM magnetic phase in the samples. The hysteresis loops of the BaM samples showed characteristics of hard magnetic materials with relatively high saturation magnetization. Analysis of the magnetic data indicated an intrinsic coercivity Hci~ 5 kOe for all samples, and a saturation specific magnetization in the range
σs = 56.0 – 66.3 emu/g, which are suitable for permanent magnet applications. The practical coercivity (HcB), residual induction (Br) and maximum energy product (BH)max of the samples with pH = 12.5 are higher than those of the samples with pH = 11.0, and the highest magnetic parameters of HcB = 1871 Oe, Br = 2384 G, and (BH)max = 8.92 kJ/m3 were observed for the sample with pH = 12.5 and sintered at 860°C.
Tutupan makroalga pada terumbu karang di kawasan konservasi perairan (KKP) Nusa Penida, Bali
Authors: Maududi Muhammad Akhyar , Luthfi Oktiyas Muzaky
Published: April 2021

The interaction between algae and coral is one of the most important of ecological processes in coral reef ecosystems. They are one of the main food sources in a large number of herbivorous animals in coral reef ecosystems. Makroalgae is also a major competitor in degrading coral reefs at a time when macroalgae gains dominate the coral reefs. Algae growth is relatively very fast, so it can be used as an indicator in the initial study to determine the processes that affect populations and coral reef communities. The purpose of this study is to determine the distribution of macroalgae cover on coral reefs in the Nusa Penida, Bali using the transect quadrant (1x1m2)x 100m method. This study shows that the lowest macroalgae cover at Crystal Bay and the highest in Buyuk can be concluded that the high macroalgae cover is made possible by the large supply of nutrients from the land which becomes the supplier of organic materials that increases the fertility of waters, meanwhile in the waters close to the high seas obtain additional nutrients derived from the lifting of the water mass (upwelling). Data and information are needed for the interest of regional planning towards the future related to the management and utilization of marine resources potential in the coastal area in Nusa Penida, Bali.Interaksi antara alga dan karang merupakan hal terpenting dari proses ekologi pada ekosistem terumbu karang. Mereka merupakan salah satu sumber produsen primer pada sejumlah besar hewan herbivora pada ekosistem terumbu karang. Makroalga juga menjadi pesaing utama dalam mendegradasi terumbu karang pada saat kelimpahaan makroalga mendominasi terhadap terumbu karang. Pertumbuhan alga tergolong sangat cepat, sehingga dapat digunakan sebagai indikator dalam studi awal untuk mengetahui proses yang mempengaruhi populasi dan komunitas terumbu karang. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengetahui sebaran tutupan makroalga pada terumbu karang di daerah utama wisata penyelaman Nusa Penida, Bali dengan menggunakan metode transek kuadran dengan ukuran (1x1m2) x 100 m. Penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa tutupan makroalga terendah pada Crystal Bay dan tertinggi di Buyuk dapat ditarik kesimpulan jika tingginya tutupan makroalga dimungkinkan oleh besarnya suplai nutrien daratan yang menjadi pensuplai bahan organik yang meningkatkan kesuburan perairan. Sedangkan pada  perairan yang dekat dengan laut lepas mendapat tambahan nutrien yang berasal dari pengangkatan massa air (upwelling). Data dan informasi ini diperlukan untuk kepentingan perencanaan pengembangan wilayah ke depannya yang terkait dengan pengelolaan dan pemanfaatan potensi sumberdaya laut di wilayah pesisir di Nusa Penida, Bali.
Kontaminasi Senyawa Polisiklik Aromatik Hidrokarbon (PAH) dalam Sedimen Di DAS Gending, Probolinggo
Authors: Edward Edward
Published: April 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are very toxic and persistent environmental contaminants. This study were carried out in Gending watershed Probolinggo in March 2014, the propose of this research was to known  the concentrations and possible sources of 16 PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) classified by the United State Environmental Protection Agency as priority pollutants.   Sediment samples were taken by using a sediment sampler at 6 research stations. The concentration of PAH were determined  using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)  and the sources using individual ratio diagnose method. The results show that  the concentration of PAHs in  sediment still low and fixed with the safe threshold values for waters organisms. Individual PAH dominated by high molecule weight PAHs. The results of PAHs ratio individual analysis showed that PAHs sources in sediment derived from a variety of sources such as; oil spill, oil combustion and combustion of organic materials. To reduce the level of PAHs pollution in sediment in Gending watersheds need to make efficiency in using of fossil fuel, reduce oil spill and  combustion of oil and organic materials and implementing of laws and sanctions against polluters.
Keanekaragaman, Zonasi Serta Overlay Persebaran Bentos di Sungai Keyang, Ponorogo, Jawa Timur
Authors: Pratami Vivin Alfyana Yulia , Setyono Prabang , Sunarto Sunarto
Published: April 2021

Abstrak. Bentos merupakan organisme yang hidup sesil atau menetap di dasar sungai, dan dapat digunakan sebagai indikator pencemaran lingkungan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan keanekaragaman bentos, untuk mengetahui zonasi serta overlay persebaran bentos di Sungai Keyang, Kabupaten Ponorogo, Jawa Timur. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan pada bulan Oktober-November 2017 dengan metode plot/transek, penghitungan, dan analisis laboratorium. Terdapat 3 stasiun pengamatan, masing-masing stasiun terdiri dari 3 transek dan 9 plot. Pengukuran faktor lingkungan meliputi suhu, turbiditas, pH, kandungan bahan organik, DO, BOD, dan tekstur substrat. Hasil dari penelitian diperoleh 7 famili dan 14 spesies bentos. Hasil pengukuran indeks keanekaragaman (H’) yaitu 1,37-2,12 termasuk dalam kategori sedang, memiliki kemerataan yang tinggi (2,12-2,28), dan dominansi rendah (0,13-0,30). Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah keanekaragaman bentos di Sungai Keyang termasuk dalam kategori sedang, zonasi dan overlay persebaran bentos pada bagian tepi dan tengah didominasi oleh Melanoides dan Tarebia, sedangkan pada bagian tergenang didominasi oleh Melanoides dan Cordulegaster.Kata kunci: bentos, keanekaragaman, Sungai Keyang, overlay persebaran, zonasi
Noninvasive multimodal fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging of whole-organ intervertebral discs
Authors: Ren Wuwei , Cui Shangbin , Alini Mauro , Grad Sibylle , Zhou Quanyu , Li Zhen , Razansky Daniel
Published: April 2021

Low back pain (LBP) is a commonly experienced symptom posing a tremendous healthcare burden to individuals and society at large. The LBP pathology is strongly linked to degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD), calling for development of early-stage diagnostic tools for visualizing biomolecular changes in IVD. Multimodal measurements of fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed on IVD whole organ culture model using an in-house built FMT system and a high-field MRI scanner. The resulted multimodal images were systematically validated through epifluorescence imaging of the IVD sections at a microscopic level. Multiple image contrasts were exploited, including fluorescence distribution, anatomical map associated with T1-weighted MRI contrast, and water content related with T2 relaxation time. The developed multimodality imaging approach may thus serve as a new assessment tool for early diagnosis of IVD degeneration and longitudinal monitoring of IVD organ culture status using fluorescence markers.
Real-time observation of the Casimir-like interaction induced pulse dynamics in a fiber laser
Authors: Liu Jingmin , Chen Liangliang , Li Xingliang , Zhang Shumin
Published: April 2021

We study soliton rain (SR) dynamics experimentally in a passively mode-locked fiber laser based on gold nanoparticles. The complex behavior of the SR, including cases where the speed of the deuterogenic solitons drift was faster than that of the condensed soliton phase (CSP), cases where the drift was slower, and even cases with deuterogenic solitons both faster and slower, have all been observed by adjusting only the cavity polarization controllers and the pump power. It is unveiled that the noise-mediated Casimir-like pulse interaction mechanism accounts for these dynamical patterns. Further, the real-time characteristics of the CSP were observed in detail utilizing the dispersion Fourier transform technique. The study showed that the intensity of the CSP spectrum was redistributed with the soliton drift, while the energy of the CSP spectrum was conserved. This study will provide a new perspective for the regimes of complex pulse dynamic behavior.
Designing plasmonic exceptional points by transformation optics
Authors: Zhu Xinghong , Wang Hongfei , Lei Dangyuan , Pendry J. B. , Li Jensen
Published: April 2021

Exceptional points (EPs) have been shown to be useful in bringing about sensitive optical properties based on non-Hermitian physics. For example, they have been applied in plasmonics to realize nano-sensing with extreme sensitivity. While the exceptional points are conventionally constructed by considering parity-time symmetric or anti-parity-time symmetric media, we theoretically demonstrate the possibility of generating a series of non-Hermitian systems by transforming a seed system with conventional parity-time symmetry within the transformation optics framework. The transformed systems do not possess PT-symmetry with a conventional parity operator after a spatial operation, i.e. hidden from conventional sense, but are equipped with exceptional points and phase transitions, hinting an alternative method to design non-Hermitian plasmonic systems with sensitive spectra or eigenmodes.
Metamaterial perfect absorber simulations for intensifying the thermal gradient across a thermoelectric device
Authors: Katsumata Shohei , Tanaka Takuo , Kubo Wakana
Published: April 2021

The thermal gradient across a thermoelectric device is the key to convert heat energy into electricity. Here, we propose a metamaterial perfect absorber (MPA) that increases the thermal gradient across a thermoelectric device by local heat generation through absorbing thermal radiation emitted from an infinite-size blackbody radiator. The MPA, when attached on top of a bismuth telluride thermoelectric device, generates local heat that propagates to the device, resulting in an additional thermal gradient. The amount of local heat generated at the MPA and the output power of the thermoelectric device loaded with the MPA are examined through numerical calculations.
Adaptive optics control using model-based reinforcement learning
Authors: Nousiainen Jalo , Rajani Chang , Kasper Markus , Helin Tapio
Published: April 2021

Reinforcement learning (RL) presents a new approach for controlling adaptive optics (AO) systems for Astronomy. It promises to effectively cope with some aspects often hampering AO performance such as temporal delay or calibration errors. We formulate the AO control loop as a model-based RL problem (MBRL) and apply it in numerical simulations to a simple Shack-Hartmann Sensor (SHS) based AO system with 24 resolution elements across the aperture. The simulations show that MBRL controlled AO predicts the temporal evolution of turbulence and adjusts to mis-registration between deformable mirror and SHS which is a typical calibration issue in AO. The method learns continuously on timescales of some seconds and is therefore capable of automatically adjusting to changing conditions.
Loss-coupled DFB nano-ridge laser monolithically grown on a standard 300-mm Si wafer
Authors: Shi Yuting , Pantouvaki Marianna , Van Campenhout Joris , Colucci Davide , Baryshnikova Marina , Kunert Bernardette , Van Thourhout Dries
Published: April 2021

We present a loss-coupled distributed feedback microlaser, monolithically grown on a standard 300-mm Si wafer using nano-ridge engineering. The cavity is formed by integrating a metallic grating on top of the nano-ridge. This allows forming a laser cavity without etching the III-V material, avoiding damaged interfaces and the associated carrier loss. Simulations, supported by experimental characterisation of the modal gain of the nano-ridge devices, predict an optimal duty cycle for the grating of ~0.4, providing a good trade-off between coupling strength and cavity loss for the lasing mode. The model was experimentally verified by characterising the lasing threshold and external efficiency of devices exhibiting gratings with varying duty cycle. The high modal gain and low threshold obtained prove the excellent quality of the epitaxial material. Furthermore, the low loss metal grating might provide a future route to electrical injection and efficient heat dissipation of these nanoscale devices.
High-efficiency picosecond mode-locked laser using a thulium-doped nanoengineered yttrium-alumina-silica fiber as the gain medium
Authors: Lee Y. W. , Chuang J. Y. , Lin C. C. , Paul M. C. , Das S. , Dhar A
Published: April 2021

We report the theoretical and experimental investigation of a self-starting mode-locked fiber laser with a nanoengineered Tm3+-doped yttrium-alumina-silica (YAS) fiber as the gain medium. The YAS fiber exhibits a higher capability of Tm3+ cluster elimination than commercial silica fibers. The Tm3+ fluorescence properties and YAS dispersion are well characterized. As a result, an efficient picosecond mode-locked fiber laser is demonstrated with a slope efficiency of 14.14% and maximum pulse energy of 1.27 nJ. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first mode-locked fiber laser based on a Tm3+-doped YAS fiber. The experimental observation is also supported by the numerical analysis.
High-power dual-comb thin-disk laser oscillator for fast high-resolution spectroscopy
Authors: Modsching Norbert , Drs Jakub , Brochard Pierre , Fischer Julian , Schilt Stéphane , Wittwer Valentin J. , Südmeyer Thomas
Published: April 2021

Free-running dual-comb systems based on a single laser cavity are an attractive next generation technology for a wide variety of applications. The high average power achievable by dual-comb thin-disk laser (TDL) oscillators make this technology especially attractive for spectroscopy and sensing applications in the molecular fingerprint region enabled by nonlinear frequency conversion. However, the high noise levels of TDL oscillators, e.g., induced by the turbulent water-cooling of the disk, are a severe challenge for spectroscopic applications. In this contribution, we confirm for the first time the suitability of dual-comb TDLs for high-resolution spectroscopy. Based on the novel concept of polarization splitting inside a TDL, our oscillator generates two asynchronous pulse trains of 240-fs pulse duration at 6-W and 8-W average power per pulse train and ∼97-MHz repetition rate at a central wavelength of 1030 nm. In the first detailed noise investigation of such a system, we identify the repetition frequency as the dominant noise term and show that ∼85% of the frequency noise of the comb lines of both pulse trains is correlated (integrated from 200 Hz to 20 kHz). We detect the absorption spectrum of acetylene in free-running operation within a measurement time of 1 millisecond. Being highly suitable for nonlinear frequency conversion, we believe the here presented result is an important step towards simple yet powerful mid-infrared dual-comb systems for high-resolution spectroscopy.
Deep learning in photonics: introduction
Authors: Gao Li , Chai Yang , Zibar Darko , Yu Zongfu
Published: April 2021

The connection between Maxwell’s equations and neural networks opens unprecedented opportunities at the interface between photonics and deep learning. This feature issue highlights recent research progress at the interdisciplinary field of photonics and deep learning and provides an opportunity for different communities to exchange their ideas from different perspectives.
Covid-19: a catalyst for cybercrime?
Authors: Bou Sleiman Mohamed , Gerdemann Simon
Published: April 2021

While the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is keeping the world on tenterhooks, the last few months have also led to a new wave of cybercrime. The following article analyzes the background and manifestations of pandemic-related cybercrimes and shows how our criminal law systems are able to deal with current challenges in the age of the coronavirus.
Minocycline decreases CCR2-positive monocytes in the retina and ameliorates photoreceptor degeneration in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Terauchi Ryo , Kohno Hideo , Watanabe Sumiko , Saito Saburo , Watanabe Akira , Nakano Tadashi
Published: April 2021

Retinal inflammation accelerates photoreceptor cell death caused by retinal degeneration. Minocycline, a semisynthetic broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic, has been previously reported to rescue photoreceptor cell death in retinal degeneration. We examined the effect of minocycline on retinal photoreceptor degeneration using c-mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (Mertk)−/−Cx3cr1GFP/+Ccr2RFP/+ mice, which enabled the observation of CX3CR1-green fluorescent protein (GFP)- and CCR2-red fluorescent protein (RFP)-positive macrophages by fluorescence. Retinas of Mertk−/−Cx3cr1GFP/+Ccr2RFP/+ mice showed photoreceptor degeneration and accumulation of GFP- and RFP-positive macrophages in the outer retina and subretinal space at 6 weeks of age. Mertk−/−Cx3cr1GFP/+Ccr2RFP/+ mice were intraperitoneally administered minocycline. The number of CCR2-RFP positive cells significantly decreased after minocycline treatment. Furthermore, minocycline administration resulted in partial reversal of the thinning of the outer nuclear layer and decreased the number of apoptotic cells, as assessed by the TUNEL assay, in Mertk−/−Cx3cr1GFP/+Ccr2RFP/+ mice. In conclusion, we found that minocycline ameliorated photoreceptor cell death in an inherited photoreceptor degeneration model due to Mertk gene deficiency and has an inhibitory effect on CCR2 positive macrophages, which is likely to be a neuroprotective mechanism of minocycline.