bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the percentage of HIV tests offered to patients admitted to an acute hospital trust with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: McGuinness Rachel , Keevil Harry , Sharif Adam , Lau Ting Kwan , Crookes William , Bhamm Roma , Ali Salma , Payne Victoria , Hollinshead Leanna , Cundy Karen , Choudhury Aklak
Published: June 2023

Young people and adults diagnosed with an HIV indicator condition should be offered an HIV test (NICE [National Institute of Clinical Excellence] guidance). Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is considered to be an HIV indicator condition as it has an undiagnosed HIV prevalence of 0.76%. We observed however, that the offer of HIV testing to patients with radiologically diagnosed CAP remained low even after a senior respiratory physician review. Our aim was to improve the percentage of patients being offered an HIV test with CAP requiring hospital admission across four acute medical wards at Royal Derby Hospital within 12 months. We identified several key steps in the process. These included the identification of CAP, the role of the medical clerking team and the respiratory infections nursing team that manage pneumonia admissions. After collecting baseline data and staff interviews, we conducted seven plan-do-study-act (PDSA) interventions. These included; iterative communication, educational interventions, system changes that involved a direct HIV test offering by our respiratory infection team and the addition of an HIV test to the electronic CAP bundle. Data collected from 177 patients were analysed over a period of one year. The main outcome measure of the project ‘Did patients with a diagnosis of CAP on admission have a documented HIV test offered?’ improved from 28% during the first cycle of data collection to 76.4% during the final cycle. Patients were more likely to be offered an HIV test if they had no comorbidity compared with those with a diagnosis of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Our most impactful PDSA interventions were the respiratory infection nurses directly offering an HIV test to patients and adding HIV to the electronic ordering CAP bundle. Our quality improvement programme has shown that educational, communication and system changes can help improve the uptake of HIV testing. Education on HIV testing is now part of our induction programme for new doctors and we are using a new CAP bundle to help streamline the request of HIV testing at the first clinician clerking. Our dedicated respiratory infection nursing team also ensures that patients with CAP have a documented offer of an HIV test.
Rapid implementation and improvement of a virtual student placement model in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Twogood Rory , Hares Elly , Wyatt Matthew , Cuff Andrew
Published: June 2023

Practice-based learning via clinical placement is a core part of a physiotherapy degree with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy requiring completion of 1000 placement hours over a preregistration degree programme. In April 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown Connect Health had to cancel 10 student placements as we transitioned to virtual consultations for all clinics. This cancellation of student placements was replicated across the nation with many Higher Education Institutes reporting a backlog of student placements. Without the requisite placement hours students are unable to progress into the next academic year or are unable to graduate. This then reduces the flow of new-graduate physiotherapists into the workforce at a time when there is a plan to grow the physiotherapy workforce to meet primary care demand. In response to this problem a novel placement model to facilitate virtual student placements (‘virtual placements’) was developed, tested and then rolled out across Connect Health using the Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement methodology. The model combines shadowing a broad range of virtual clinics with delivery of patient-facing online exercise classes via the Facebook Live platform and completion of virtual projects to support knowledge consolidation. This virtual student placement model enabled an increase in student capacity of over 400% compared with 2018–2019 with 182 students starting between May and August 2020. The model runs using widely available technology, requires no additional investment and has enabled these students to continue their studies and progress towards qualifying as physiotherapists.
Constraint on the chemical potentials of hydrogen and proton in recombination
Authors: Sales L. L. , Carvalho F. C. , Souza H. T. C. M.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we revisit the hydrogen recombination history from a novel perspective: the evolution of chemical potentials. We derive expressions for the chemical potentials, which depend on the thermal bath temperature and the ionization degree of the universe. Our main finding reveals a constraint between the chemical potentials of hydrogen and proton at$$z\approx 1200$$z≈1200when the free electron fraction is$$X_e\approx 1/3$$Xe≈1/3. Furthermore, we present important data on the chemical potentials during recombination, highlighting the differences between the predictions of the Peebles’ and CosmoRec code solutions. Finally, we discuss a particular case related to the chemical potential of hydrogen.
Contact Resistance between Calcareous Sand and Electrodes Based on the Two-Electrode Method
Authors: Wan Weikang , Hou Heying , Li Tianxiang , Wang Binghui , Jiang Pengming , Zhou Aizhao
Published: June 2023

In the process of measuring the resistivity of calcareous sand by the two-electrode method, the contact resistance between calcareous sand and electrodes is an unavoidable problem. In this paper, the effects of the particle size, relative density, current frequency, and saturation on the contact resistance of calcareous sand samples with different electrode spacings were studied. The results show that the larger the particle size and relative density are, the greater the contact resistance. The contact resistance decreases with an increasing current frequency, and the decreasing amplitude decreases with an increasing saturation. The contact resistance decreases with an increasing saturation. The relationship between the contact resistance and current frequency and saturation is established in this paper. When the two-electrode method is used to study the resistivity of calcareous sand, the influence of contact resistance should be considered, especially for samples with low saturation.
Determination of Ten Flavonoids in the Raw and Fermented Fructus Aurantii by Quantitative Analysis of Multicomponents via a Single Marker (QAMS) Based on UPLC
Authors: Yang Ting , Huang Yingying , Li Qinru , Xu Qijian , Fang Yangbing , Long Jiangling , Huang Aihua , Wang Meiqi , Xia Quan
Published: June 2023

Fermented Fructus Aurantii (FFA) is widely used in South China for the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Naringin, neohesperidin, and other flavonoids are the main pharmacodynamic components of FFA. A new method is presented for the simultaneous determination of 10 flavonoids (including flavonoid glycosides and aglycones) in FFA using the quantitative analysis of multicomponents via a single marker (QAMS) approach and is used to investigate changes in flavonoids during fermentation. The viability and precision of QAMS were validated against the ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), with various UPLC instruments and chromatographic conditions being evaluated. Differences between raw Fructus Aurantii (RFA) and FFA were examined using orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) and content determination. The influence of various fermentation conditions on flavonoids was also investigated. There were no appreciable differences between the QAMS and the external standard method (ESM), demonstrating that QAMS is an improved method for the determination of FA and FFA. FFA and RFA can be readily distinguished based on OPLS-DA chemometric modelling and the corresponding chromatograms. In addition, the flavonoid changes after fermentation. Fermentation considerably reduced the contents of flavonoid glycosides, while increasing hesperidin-7-O-glucoside and flavonoid aglycones. Moreover, fermentation conditions impact multiple flavonoids in FA, so controlling these conditions is necessary for the quality control of fermented FA products. This QAMS approach is useful for detecting numerous components in RFA and FFA simply, quickly, and efficiently, thus strengthening the quality control of FA and its fermented products.
Does Infrastructure Improve Residents’ Consumption? Evidence from China’s New‐Generation Infrastructure
Authors: Shen Aihua , Wang Rui , Yang Xiaozhuang , Kang Bo
Published: June 2023

The new infrastructure is becoming the key support and important material guarantee for a new round of scientific and industrial changes in China. In recent years, the further upgrading of the scale and structure of resident consumption has faced resistance from both the supply and demand sides. By enhancing the consuming environment, enhancing transaction efficiency, and lowering spatial barriers, among other benefits, new infrastructure could encourage improvements in resident consumption level and the optimization of consumption structure. This research empirically investigates the consumption implications of new infrastructure under two standards using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2003 to 2020. The findings demonstrate that new infrastructure significantly affects the expansion and upgrading of consumption. Its influence is quite heterogeneous. Additionally, it is discovered during the mechanism of influence test that improving the industrial structure might have a considerable impact on the consumption effect of new infrastructure. In the context of China’s economic transition to high quality, this paper aims to quicken the upgrading of industrial structure and optimize the layout of new infrastructure investment in order to increase consumer returns from infrastructure and support consumption upgrading.
Occurrence, Source, and Mobilization of Iron, Manganese, and Arsenic Pollution in Shallow Aquifer
Authors: Islam Md. Shajedul , Mostafa M. G.
Published: June 2023

This investigation is aimed at exploring the mobilization and sources of Fe, Mn, and As in aquifers through geochemical characterization, spatial analysis, and statistical approaches. Analytical results showed that the average concentrations of Fe (10.17 mg/L) and Mn (3.6 mg/L) crossed the guideline value but not As in all samples. In this study, the elevated levels of dissolved organic carbon, salinity, total hardness, and log10 pCO2; the lower value of dissolved oxygen; and some oxidizing groups of samples influence the reductive environment of Fe and Mn weathering. The investigation illustrated that the source of both metals on the upper platform is consolidated silty soil and aquifer sediment, whereas, in the river valley, they originate from Fe and Mn-bearing nodules in the rich clay layer and tidal mud. In addition, the frequent fluctuation of river flow, excess water mining, and an unbalanced recharge/discharge ratio are the causes of higher concentrations of both metals. The correlation matrix and factor analysis of Fe and Mn with redox-sensitive water variables confirmed that a favourable reductive situation fosters the Fe and Mn release process. Studies have also shown the significant possibility of forming a metal complex with organic and inorganic substances. The higher dissolution of Fe and Mn minerals causes As to be adsorbed on them, leading to less release of As into groundwater. This investigation provides a basis for the rational use of groundwater and the defense of public health in zones with high Fe and Mn contents.
Patients’ Views on Medical Events in Lung Cancer Screening as Teachable Moments for Smoking Behaviour Change: A Systematic Review and Metasynthesis
Authors: Vikram Anvita , Muller Claire , Hulme Lucy , Ward Kenneth
Published: June 2023

Although medical events in lung cancer screening (LCS) such as receiving scan results or interactions with clinicians are recognised as teachable moments (TMs), the views of patients about why this is the case for smoking behaviour change remain uncertain. This systematic review and metasynthesis study is aimed at identifying the reasons why patients believed that medical events during LCS act as TMs for smoking behaviour change. A search strategy was developed for use with MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL-P, Web of Science databases, and Google Scholar. This helped identify qualitative and mixed-method research which mentioned patients’ views of how these TMs result in smoking behaviour change. After screening, final articles were critically appraised; general characteristics and data relevant to the aims were extracted to conduct a line-of-argument metasynthesis. After screening 695 papers, 11 were included. Undergoing LCS scans was seen to act on their intrinsic motivation to reduce smoking as it served as a “wake-up call” and increased awareness of the health consequences of smoking. Receiving positive or negative LCS results resulted in cessation as it was a “health scare” and challenged smoking habits. Interactions with clinicians addressed misconceptions and signposted them to specialist cessation services. Attendees believed that the following encouraged them to change their smoking behaviour: having an intrinsic motivation to quit, their beliefs on smoking and health reframed, their negative emotions appraised, and using LCS to access specialist support. In line with the TM heuristic, these experiences provided the necessary skills, confidence, and motivation to quit. Future research should explore whether the views of the clinicians match those of the attendees to address misconceptions and further develop clinical guidelines.
Efficiency at Maximum Power in a Parallel Connected Two Quantum Dots Heat Engine
Authors: Birhanu Tibebe , Bassie Yigermal , Abebe Yoseph , Bekele Mulugeta
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we proposed a model in which a single level of two quantum dots is connected in parallel and embedded between two leads with different temperatures and chemical potentials. The temperature and chemical potential gradient help the electron flow cyclically and act as a heat engine. We explore the thermodynamic properties of the model such as heat flux and power as a function of dot energy. We also carried out analytical and numerical solutions for efficiency at maximum power of the thermoelectric engine. The resulting efficiency of our engine agrees with the Curzon–Ahlborn expression up to quadratic terms in Carnot efficiency.
RLY-4008, the First Highly Selective FGFR2 Inhibitor with Activity acrossFGFR2Alterations and Resistance Mutations
Authors: Subbiah Vivek , Sahai Vaibhav , Maglic Dejan , Bruderek Kamil , Touré B. Barry , Zhao Songping , Valverde Roberto , O'Hearn Patrick J. , Moustakas Demetri T. , Schönherr Heike , Gerami-Moayed Nastaran , Taylor Alexander M. , Hudson Brandi M. , Houde Damian J. , Pal Debjani , Foster Lindsey , Gunaydin Hakan , Ayaz Pelin , Sharon Dina A. , Goyal Lipika , Schram Alison M. , Kamath Suneel , Sherwin Cori Ann , Schmidt-Kittler Oleg , Jen Kai Yu , Ricard Fabien , Wolf Beni B. , Shaw David E. , Bergstrom Donald A. , Watters James , Casaletto Jessica B.
Published: June 2023

Oncogenic activation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) drives multiple cancers and represents a broad therapeutic opportunity, yet selective targeting of FGFR2 has not been achieved. Although the clinical efficacy of pan-FGFR inhibitors (pan-FGFRi) validates FGFR2 driver status in FGFR2 fusion–positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, their benefit is limited by incomplete target coverage due to FGFR1- and FGFR4-mediated toxicities (hyperphosphatemia and diarrhea, respectively) and the emergence of FGFR2 resistance mutations. RLY-4008 is a highly selective, irreversible FGFR2 inhibitor designed to overcome these limitations. In vitro, RLY-4008 demonstrates >250- and >5,000-fold selectivity over FGFR1 and FGFR4, respectively, and targets primary alterations and resistance mutations. In vivo, RLY-4008 induces regression in multiple xenograft models—including models with FGFR2 resistance mutations that drive clinical progression on current pan-FGFRi—while sparing FGFR1 and FGFR4. In early clinical testing, RLY-4008 induced responses without clinically significant off-isoform FGFR toxicities, confirming the broad therapeutic potential of selective FGFR2 targeting.

Significance:

Patients with FGFR2-driven cancers derive limited benefit from pan-FGFRi due to multiple FGFR1–4-mediated toxicities and acquired FGFR2 resistance mutations. RLY-4008 is a highly selective FGFR2 inhibitor that targets primary alterations and resistance mutations and induces tumor regression while sparing other FGFRs, suggesting it may have broad therapeutic potential.

See related commentary by Tripathi et al., p. 1964.

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 1949
BOHEMIA a cluster randomized trial to assess the impact of an endectocide-based one health approach to malaria in Mozambique: baseline demographics and key malaria indicators
Authors: Ruiz-Castillo Paula , Imputiua Saimado , Xie Kexin , Elobolobo Eldo , Nicolas Patricia , Montaña Julia , Jamisse Edgar , Munguambe Humberto , Materrula Felisbela , Casellas Aina , Deng Xinwei , Marathe Achla , Rabinovich Regina , Saute Francisco , Chaccour Carlos , Sacoor Charfudin
Published: June 2023

Background

Many geographical areas of sub-Saharan Africa, especially in rural settings, lack complete and up-to-date demographic data, posing a challenge for implementation and evaluation of public health interventions and carrying out large-scale health research. A demographic survey was completed in Mopeia district, located in the Zambezia province in Mozambique, to inform the Broad One Health Endectocide-based Malaria Intervention in Africa (BOHEMIA) cluster randomized clinical trial, which tested ivermectin mass drug administration to humans and/or livestock as a potential novel strategy to decrease malaria transmission.

Methods

The demographic survey was a prospective descriptive study, which collected data of all the households in the district that accepted to participate. Households were mapped through geolocation and identified with a unique identification number. Basic demographic data of the household members was collected and each person received a permanent identification number for the study.

Results

25,550 households were mapped and underwent the demographic survey, and 131,818 individuals were registered in the district. The average household size was 5 members and 76.9% of households identified a male household head. Housing conditions are often substandard with low access to improved water systems and electricity. The reported coverage of malaria interventions was 71.1% for indoor residual spraying and 54.1% for universal coverage of long-lasting insecticidal nets. The median age of the population was 15 years old. There were 910 deaths in the previous 12 months reported, and 43.9% were of children less than 5 years of age.

Conclusions

The study showed that the district had good coverage of vector control tools against malaria but sub-optimal living conditions and poor access to basic services. The majority of households are led by males and Mopeia Sede/Cuacua is the most populated locality in the district. The population of Mopeia is young (< 15 years) and there is a high childhood mortality. The results of this survey were crucial as they provided the household and population profiles and allowed the design and implementation of the cluster randomized clinical trial.

Trial registration NCT04966702.
Neonatal portal vein thrombosis: risk factors, diagnosis, treatment recommendations and review of the literature
Authors: Solgun Huseyin Avni , Uysalol Ezgi Paslı , Bayram Cengiz , Terzi Özlem , Çetinkaya Merih , Memur Şeyma , Aycicek Ali
Published: June 2023

Background

Neonatal portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is currently more commonly encountered as a result of advances in diagnostic tools and increase in invasive interventions.

Methods

In this study, 11 premature and 12 term infants diagnosed with PVT were retrospectively evaluated for clinical and laboratory characteristics, umbilical catheterization procedure, PVT location, risk factors, treatments, and long-term outcomes.

Results

Median age of the patients at diagnosis was 10 days (range 3–90 days), and 69.6% of patients were girls. Of the 23 patients, 87% had left PVT and, 91.3% had at least one thrombosis risk factor, which was sepsis in 73.9% of patients, and presence of umbilical venous catheter in 87%. Totally, 59.1% of PVTs were completely resolved in a median follow-up of 7 months (1 month to 12 months), and 78.3% of these patients had no anticoagulant therapy (ACT). Partial thrombus resolution was achieved in 9 patients (40.9%). Five patients (%21) received ACT. Overall, 34.8% of patients had long-term complications. neonatal PVT is most commonly reported in the left portal vein and there is no evidence for the impact of ACT on reducing the short- or long-term complications. Well designed and larger studies are necessary to clarify this issue, which can facilitate developing appropriate management algorithms.

Conclusion

Neonatal PVT is most commonly reported in the left portal vein and there is no evidence for the impact of ACT on reducing the short- or long-term complications. Well designed and larger studies are necessary to clarify this issue, which can facilitate developing appropriate management algorithms.
Budget impact analysis of a digital monitoring platform for COPD
Authors: Inocencio Timothy J. , Sterling Kimberly L. , Sayiner Sibel , Minshall Michael E. , Kaye Leanne , Hatipoğlu Umur
Published: June 2023

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive debilitating condition with frequent exacerbations that have a high burden for patients and society. Digital tools may help to reduce the economic burden for patients and payers by improving outcomes. The Propeller platform is a digital self-management tool that facilitates passive monitoring of inhaler medication utilization, potentially assisting the healthcare team to identify patients at risk of a COPD exacerbation who may require further intervention. This study estimated the budget impact of Propeller from commercial payer and Medicare fee-for-service payer perspectives.

Methods

An Excel-based model was used to estimate the budget impact of Propeller for COPD patients in commercial and Medicare population sizes of 5 million members. Data on prevalence, baseline healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and baseline use of rescue and controller inhaler medications with unit costs (adjusted to 2020 US dollars) were obtained from peer-reviewed literature. Data on reductions in HCRU during Propeller usage were based on direct evidence. Estimates for costs of remote monitoring were obtained from publicly available information. All patients were assumed to have insurance claims related to ongoing remote monitoring.

Results

The estimated number of annual eligible COPD patients for commercial and Medicare was 212,200 and 606,600, respectively. Propeller decreased costs by an estimated $2,475 (commercial) and $915 (Medicare) per enrolled patient. The greatest increase in expenditure was for remote monitoring related expenses. After accounting for estimated reductions in hospitalizations, emergency department visits and short-acting beta-agonist use, total net savings were approximately $1.60 and $1.70 per-member per-month for commercial and Medicare payers, respectively.

Conclusion

Propeller is projected to be cost saving from both the commercial and Medicare payer perspectives.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Development of attributes and attribute levels for a discrete choice experiment on patients’ and providers’ choice for antiretroviral therapy service in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Yihalem Abebe , Yitayal Mezgebu , Atnafu Asmamaw , Taye Fitalew Agimass
Published: June 2023

Background

Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are used to assess the strength of preferences and value of interventions. However, researchers using this approach have been criticized for not conducting or publishing rigorous studies to select the required attributes and levels. Proper specification of attributes and their levels determines the validity of DCE. Hence, our study aimed to identify and define attributes and levels for the design of a DCE to elicit patients’ and providers’ preferences for ART service in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Four stages were followed to derive the final list of attributes and levels: (1) a literature review to derive conceptual attributes; (2) key informant interviews of 17 providers and in-depth interviews of 15 adult stable patients to identify context-specific attributes and attribute levels; (3) ranking survey among 31 HIV/AIDS program implementers and rating survey among 35 adult stable patients and 42 health workers providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) service to indicate participants’ preference of attributes; and (4) an expert opinion to reduce the list of attributes and levels.

Results

First, a literature review identified 23 candidate attributes. Second, individual-level analysis of the qualitative transcripts confirmed 15 of these 23 attributes. Third, the ranking and rating surveys put the importance of the 23 ART service attributes in order of preference. Fourth, through discussions with eight experts, 17 attributes were discarded based on multiple criteria. The six retained attributes were: the location of ART refills, the frequency of receiving ART refills, the person providing ART refills, the participants/others seen at the same ART refill visit, medication refill pick-up/delivery times, and the total cost of the visit during antiretroviral (ARV) medication refill. Finally, levels were assigned to these 6 attributes based on data from the literature, transcripts, and knowledge of the Ethiopian context.

Conclusions

This detailed description illuminates the attribute development process and provides the reader with a basis for evaluating the rigor of this phase of DCE construction. This paper contributes empirical evidence to the limited methodological literature on attributes and levels of development for DCE, thereby providing further empirical guidance on ART service preference, specifically among patients of low- and middle-income countries.
Selenoproteins synergistically protect porcine skeletal muscle from oxidative damage via relieving mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Jing Jinzhong , He Ying , Liu Yan , Tang Jiayong , Wang Longqiong , Jia Gang , Liu Guangmang , Chen Xiaoling , Tian Gang , Cai Jingyi , Che Lianqiang , Kang Bo , Zhao Hua
Published: June 2023

Background

The skeletal muscle of pigs is vulnerable to oxidative damage, resulting in growth retardation. Selenoproteins are important components of antioxidant systems for animals, which are generally regulated by dietary selenium (Se) level. Here, we developed the dietary oxidative stress (DOS)-inducing pig model to investigate the protective effects of selenoproteins on DOS-induced skeletal muscle growth retardation.

Results

Dietary oxidative stress caused porcine skeletal muscle oxidative damage and growth retardation, which is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and protein and lipid metabolism disorders. Supplementation with Se (0.3, 0.6 or 0.9 mg Se/kg) in form of hydroxy selenomethionine (OH-SeMet) linearly increased muscular Se deposition and exhibited protective effects via regulating the expression of selenotranscriptome and key selenoproteins, which was mainly reflected in lower ROS levels and higher antioxidant capacity in skeletal muscle, and the mitigation of mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress. What's more, selenoproteins inhibited DOS induced protein and lipid degradation and improved protein and lipid biosynthesis via regulating AKT/mTOR/S6K1 and AMPK/SREBP-1 signalling pathways in skeletal muscle. However, several parameters such as the activity of GSH-Px and T-SOD, the protein abundance of JNK2, CLPP, SELENOS and SELENOF did not show dose-dependent changes. Notably, several key selenoproteins such as MSRB1, SELENOW, SELENOM, SELENON and SELENOS play the unique roles during this protection.

Conclusions

Increased expression of selenoproteins by dietary OH-SeMet could synergistically alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress, recover protein and lipid biosynthesis, thus alleviate skeletal muscle growth retardation. Our study provides preventive measure for OS-dependent skeletal muscle retardation in livestock husbandry.
Distributed large-scale graph processing on FPGAs
Authors: Sahebi Amin , Barbone Marco , Procaccini Marco , Luk Wayne , Gaydadjiev Georgi , Giorgi Roberto
Published: June 2023

Processing large-scale graphs is challenging due to the nature of the computation that causes irregular memory access patterns. Managing such irregular accesses may cause significant performance degradation on both CPUs and GPUs. Thus, recent research trends propose graph processing acceleration with Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA). FPGAs are programmable hardware devices that can be fully customised to perform specific tasks in a highly parallel and efficient manner. However, FPGAs have a limited amount of on-chip memory that cannot fit the entire graph. Due to the limited device memory size, data needs to be repeatedly transferred to and from the FPGA on-chip memory, which makes data transfer time dominate over the computation time. A possible way to overcome the FPGA accelerators’ resource limitation is to engage a multi-FPGA distributed architecture and use an efficient partitioning scheme. Such a scheme aims to increase data locality and minimise communication between different partitions. This work proposes an FPGA processing engine that overlaps, hides and customises all data transfers so that the FPGA accelerator is fully utilised. This engine is integrated into a framework for using FPGA clusters and is able to use an offline partitioning method to facilitate the distribution of large-scale graphs. The proposed framework uses Hadoop at a higher level to map a graph to the underlying hardware platform. The higher layer of computation is responsible for gathering the blocks of data that have been pre-processed and stored on the host’s file system and distribute to a lower layer of computation made of FPGAs. We show how graph partitioning combined with an FPGA architecture will lead to high performance, even when the graph has Millions of vertices and Billions of edges. In the case of the PageRank algorithm, widely used for ranking the importance of nodes in a graph, compared to state-of-the-art CPU and GPU solutions, our implementation is the fastest, achieving a speedup of 13 compared to 8 and 3 respectively. Moreover, in the case of the large-scale graphs, the GPU solution fails due to memory limitations while the CPU solution achieves a speedup of 12 compared to the 26x achieved by our FPGA solution. Other state-of-the-art FPGA solutions are 28 times slower than our proposed solution. When the size of a graph limits the performance of a single FPGA device, our performance model shows that using multi-FPGAs in a distributed system can further improve the performance by about 12x. This highlights our implementation efficiency for large datasets not fitting in the on-chip memory of a hardware device.
Investigation of materials for palm and dorsal of anti-vibration gloves for thermal comfort
Authors: Yu Annie , Sukigara Sachiko
Published: June 2023

The thermal comfort of a work glove affects wear compliance. This study investigates the thermal comfort of five types of anti-vibration gloves that use chloroprene rubber and spacer fabric as materials to isolate vibration. An evaluation of the fabric and material on the palm and dorsal of the glove, and a wear trial of the gloves were subsequently carried out. The results showed that the palm of the glove made of spacer fabric had higher air and water vapour permeabilities than chloroprene rubber. Using a thin mesh fabric for the dorsal of the glove resulted in a significantly lower skin temperature than using spacer fabric or chloroprene rubber during hand activity. The thermal sensation of the subjects showed no significant difference among the five glove samples. However, the glove wear comfort of the spacer fabric glove was the lowest. Recommendations for the fabric thickness and glove design are provided for developing anti-vibration gloves.
Psychological distress and associated factors among asthmatic patients in Southern, Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Ashager Kidist , Feleke Mulualem Gete , Degefu Sindu , Elfios Eshetu , Getnet Asmamaw , Ezo Elias , Sintayehu Mezinew
Published: June 2023

Background

There is an increased prevalence of psychological distress in adults with asthma. Psychological distress describes unpleasant feelings or emotions that impact the level of functioning. It is a significant exacerbating factor in asthma control. Addressing factors that contribute to psychological distress in those asthma patients improves asthma outcomes. So, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among asthmatic patients at Hawassa public hospitals, Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to select 394 asthma patients. Proportional allocation and systematic sampling techniques were used to select study participants. A logistic regression model was used to assess the predictors and psychological distress of the asthmatic patient. The association was interpreted using the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.

Result

A total of 394 asthma patients participated in the study, giving a response rate of 93.4%. The prevalence of psychological distress among asthmatic patients was 51% [95%CI: 46%-56%]. Participants who had comorbid medical illness [AOR: 6.049, 95% CI (3.131–11.684)], experienced stigma [AOR: 3.587, 95%CI (1.914–6.723)], chewed khat [AOR: 7.268, 95%CI (3.468–15.231)], had poor social support and had uncontrolled asthma were significantly associated with psychological distress in asthmatic patients.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the prevalence of psychological distress was found to be high among asthmatic patients. Social support, stigma, chewing khat, comorbid medical illness, and poor asthmatic control had significantly associated with psychological distress in asthmatic patients.
Fermented mutton in the Faroe Islands: the survival of a local artisanship and food heritage
Authors: Svanberg Ingvar
Published: June 2023

Dried and fermented mutton has been an essential storable protein source in an economy where weather conditions and seasonal fluctuations affect the availability of food. For generations, the Faroe islanders have prepared ræstkjøt (fermented and semidried mutton) and skerpikjøt (dried mutton) as an efficient and valuable cultural strategy for preserving meat. The data for this study have been collected through anthropological and ethnobiological fieldwork as an embedded participant observer, supplemented with studies from written sources. Data were selected and qualitatively analysed. Our findings show that this traditional cuisine, so far rarely noticed by researchers as a food heritage, requires that the islanders have access to sheep, master the technique of properly treating the slaughtered carcases, and that the necessary ecological conditions, in relation to wind and temperature, prevail for the meat to ferment and dry. They must also have access to the necessary equipment and skills, and be able to assess when the dried meat is cured. The relationship that exists between humans and the active microorganisms in this specific context is also discussed. Appreciating and consuming local fermented food is also an important way of expressing Faroese cultural identity. Once a staple for rural people, fermented mutton is nowadays a rather exclusive delicacy. The study provides insights into a complex activity that includes local artisanship and food heritage based on the triangle of human–sheep-microbiota.
Some quality properties of yellow-fleshed sweet potato flour as affected by different drying methods
Authors: Badiora Olanike Aishat , Morakinyo Tunde Afolabi , Taiwo Kehinde Adekunbi
Published: June 2023

This study compared some quality properties of yellow-fleshed sweet potato flour samples as affected by pretreatments (0.02% sulfite; blanching 85 °C for 3 min 30 s and steam blanching 100 °C for 2 min) and drying methods (oven, sun, and drum drying). The physicochemical composition, functional properties, pasting profile, and least gelation concentration of the flours were determined. Before pretreatment, the sweet potato tubers were sorted, weighed, rinsed, peeled, and diced. The smallest particle size (58 μm) was recorded for samples blanched at 85 °C followed by oven drying while drum-dried samples had the largest particle size (119.5 μm). The pH values (5.58 - 5.90) of the pretreated sun- and oven-dried samples were significantly (p<0.05) impacted by 0.02% sulfite. Compared to other drying methods. drum-dried samples had low bulk density (0.36 g/ml), the highest water (531%) and oil absorption capacities (168.5%,) and the least dispersibility (35%). Drum-dried samples had the highest swelling capacities at 60 – 80 °C but the values decreased at 80 – 90 °C compared to samples from other drying methods that had low swelling capacity at 60 - 70 °C but the values increased as the temperature increased from 70 – 90 °C. Results of the sample pasting profiles showed that pretreatment and drying techniques were significant on the various viscosities measured. Drum-dried samples had the lowest trough viscosity (18.13 RVU), final viscosity (24.88 RVU), setback viscosity (6.75 RVU), peak time (1.07 min), and pasting temperature (0 °C). This study concluded that the pretreatment and drying methods affected the quality properties of the yellow-fleshed sweet potato flour samples differently, consequently altering their functionality.

Graphical Abstract
Identification of main characteristics influencing the suitability for telerehabilitation in stroke patients: Quantitative analyses of the REHA2030 Assessment
Authors: Fink Sascha H. , Sýkorová Jitka Bonková , Wohofsky Lukas , Krainer Daniela
Published: June 2023

Background

The Austria-Slovenian project REHA2030, with a broad spectrum of expertise, was focused on making the process of telerehabilitation (TR) possible as valuable user-centred post-clinical rehabilitation of stroke patients in rural areas. Health-related factors, impairments, and environmental and demographic factors influence the patients´ suitability for stroke TR interventions and serve as possible risk factors for patients´ non-adherence or drop-out. The REHA2030 Assessment aimed to identify barriers and resources that should be considered to enable people to participate in TR according to the REHA2030 approach. For that, a structured questionnaire, the “REHA Assessment”, with 88 items, was developed and conducted by therapists about 160 stroke survivors in two rehabilitation clinics. The effect of the 87 characteristics on suitability was statistically analysed using parametric and non-parametric tests.

Results

Twenty-five main personal and environmental characteristics significantly influencing TR's suitability in stroke patients were identified. Significant factors differences between participants ranked as suitable or not suitable for TR were short-term memory, motivation, visual and hearing abilities, and the ambulation scale. Furthermore, the ability to use technology (self-tech knowledge), daily phone or tablet use, and the general willingness to participate in the therapy were considered. The living situation (housing) and their independence in performing daily tasks such as eating (grooming, dressing, and use of toilet also influence the suitability of the participants. Another essential variable to indicate suitability is compliance.

Conclusions

Analysis of the study results showed cognitive abilities, visual and hearing abilities, compliance and willingness to participate in the therapy, together with the knowledge of using technology, as the most enabling factors influencing the suitability for TR in stroke patients in chronic stage. Additionally, the patients´ compliance depends on intrinsic motivation to participate in the REHA2030 TR system, which could be supported by increasing proficiency in digital technologies. In the deliberations of TR assessment, the acquired knowledge from the presented study should be considered with caution to limitations of the research data representing personal views of therapists on the patient´s suitability for REHA2030 TR.
High risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) with MNA and age <18 months: Results from the HR-NBL1/SIOPEN trial.
Authors: Ladenstein Ruth Lydia , Poetschger Ulrike , Valteau Couanet Dominique , Ash Shifra , Beck Popovic Maja , Balwierz Walentyna , Boterberg Tom , Chan Godfrey Chi-Fung , Elliott Martin , Kogner Per , Lode Holger N. , Laureys Genevieve , Luksch Roberto , Malis Josef , Owens Cormac , Papadakis Vassilios , Sarnacki Sabine , Taschner-Mandl Sabine , Schleiermacher Gudrun , Canete Adela
Published: June 2023

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Background: The INES 99.4 trial (JCO 2009,27(7):1014-9) for MYCN amplified (MNA) infants using 6 courses of CBDCA-Vp16/CADO showed early progressions or non-response in 30%. Two-year overall survival (OS) was 30% (SE, 0.08) with median survival of 12 months. Aims are to report risk factors and outcomes for patients < 18 months with MNA neuroblastoma treated on HR-NBL1/SIOPEN. Methods: From 2006-2022, patients < 18 months with MNA INSS stages > 1 were eligible. All infants received Rapid Cojec induction, eventually 2 TVDs, Busulfan-Melphalan as high-dose treatment and could receive Dinutuximab- beta immunotherapy. Toddlers (12-18 months) followed the HR-NBL1/SIOPEN respective eligibility criteria. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 1.2 years in 414 patients (median follow up 7 years): 56% were male; 18.6% had localised tumours, 6.8% stage 4S and 75% stage 4. The predominant primary tumour site was abdominal (85%). Rapid Cojec was used in 85%, BUMEL in 89% and 26% received Dinutuximab-beta. Multiple metastatic compartments were reported in 82% of stage 4. Five-year event-free (5y-EFS) and overall survival (5y-OS) was 0.46±0.03 and 0.51±0.03. Stage 2,3&4S patients had a better 5y-EFS of 0.64±0.03 (p < 0.005) (5y-OS:0.66±0.06), compared to stage 4 with 0.41±0.03 (OS:0.46±0.03). Infants’ 5y-EFS was superior with 0.53±0.04 (5y-OS:0.57±0.04) (p = 0.015) over the toddlers with 5y-EFS 0.42±0.03 (5y-OS:0.46±0.03). Patients with bone marrow (BM) and skeletal metastases ± other sites (MS) did worse (p < 0.005) with a 5y-EFS of 0.31±0.04 (5y-OS:0.36±0.04) whilst other metastatic combinations revealed outcomes above 0.50 ±0.03. LDH (2x > normal) predicted a worse 5y-EFS of 0.43±0.03 (5y-OS:0.46±0.03) (p < 0.001) versus normal LDH (5y-EFS 0.71±0.07; 5y-OS:0.80±0.06). EFS multivariable analysis at diagnosis (MVA) showed independent significance for stage 4 (p-value 0.0139; HR: 1.608) and LDH (p-value 0.0042; HR: 2,237), but not for age. In stage 4 patients MVA on EFS found LDH (p-value 0.0098; HR: 2,567) and BM/skeleton involvement (p-value 0.0024; HR: 1,693) as independent risk predictors. In maintenance Dinutuximab-beta had a major impact on 5y-EFS in stage 4 patients with 0.69±0.05(5y-OS:0.71±0.05) vs. 0.41±0-07 (0.46±0.07) for those treated with 13-cis retinoic acid (p = 0.002 & p = 0.001), but not on others. Conclusions: In HR-NBL1/SIOPEN outcomes improved with almost half of patients alive at 5 years and only few late events. Clinical trial information: NCT01704716 .
Physical and emotional quality of life in children with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia randomized to every 4- vs. 12-week vincristine/dexamethasone during maintenance: Children’s Oncology Group AALL0932.
Authors: Balsamo Lyn M. , Kairalla John A , Hibbitts Emily , Rodwin Rozalyn L , Devidas Meenakshi , Dreyzin Alexandra , Winick Naomi J. , Carroll William L. , Hunger Stephen , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Schore Reuven J. , Loh Mignon L. , Ness Kirsten K. , Angiolillo Anne L. , Kadan-Lottick Nina S.
Published: June 2023

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Background: Children with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) undergo 2-3 years of treatment that impacts their quality of life. AALL0932 randomized reduction in vincristine and dexamethasone pulses (VCR/DEX every 4 weeks vs. every 12 weeks) during maintenance in the average-risk (AR) subset of NCI standard risk (SR) B-ALL. We longitudinally measured physical and emotional function overall and by treatment. Methods: SR AR B-ALL patients enrolled on AALL0932, aged ≥4 years, with English-speaking parents were evaluated at 5 timepoints (T1-T5: end consolidation, maintenance month 1, maintenance month 10, maintenance month 18 for boys/end of therapy for girls, end of therapy for boys). Parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scales 4.0 and a survey of supportive services received. Age- and sex-matched z scores and proportion impaired ( > 2 SD below normative mean; 2.5% expected in normative population) on the emotional and physical function subscales were measured longitudinally and compared by treatment with the Fisher’s exact test and repeated measures logistic regression. Results: Consent and data were obtained from 555 participants (mean/sd age = 6.0±1.6 years, 46.8% female). Among randomized participants with completed evaluations, 31.3% had impaired physical function at T1 decreasing to 12.5% at T4. Emotional function was impaired in 24.5% of patients at T1 decreasing to 9.8% at T4. Overall 34.9-43.8% received special education/accommodations at T1-T5; there was low use of other services (Table). In adjusted analysis, treatment group was not associated with physical or emotional function. T2 impairment predicted increased risk of impairment at T4 for physical (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 2.3-9.7, p < 0.0001) and emotional (OR = 4.7, CI 2.3-9.5, p < 0.0001) function. Conclusions: Impaired physical and emotional function were prevalent early in SR AR B-ALL therapy, improved by the end of therapy, but remained higher than norms. Outcomes did not vary with VCR/DEX frequency. Patients with early emotional and physical impairment are at elevated risk of later impairment. Clinical trial information: NCT01190930 . [Table: see text]