bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The level of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among orphan children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kamau Stanley Githaiga , Akatusasira Rita , Namatovu Angella , Kibet Emmanuel , Ssekitto Joseph Mayanja , Mamun Mohammed A. , Kaggwa Mark Mohan
Published: February 2024

Background

Many children and adolescents living with HIV have ended up as orphans. Due to HIV taking away their parents leaves them deprived of their most important social network and support, which predisposes them to poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Various studies have shown poor adherence to ART among orphaned children and adolescents. This systematic review and meta-analysis, therefore, aims to determine the level of ART adherence among orphaned children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS.

Methods

This PROSPERO registered review (CRD42022352867) included studies from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, Africa Journal Online, and selected HIV/AIDS journals from data inception to June 01, 2022. We included articles published in all languages that report the prevalence of adherence to ART among children and adolescent orphans (single parent orphans and/or double orphans) living with HIV/AIDS. We excluded qualitative studies, case studies, opinion papers, and letters to editors. We used the random-effect model to calculate the pooled prevalence of ART adherence based on the highest prevalence provided by the various methods in a particular study. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal tool for the prevalence study to evaluate for risk of bias in the included studies. The Egger’s test was used to assess small study effects.

Results

Out of 1087 publications identified from the various databases, six met the selection criteria. The included six studies had a total 2013 orphans living with HIV/AIDS. The pooled prevalence of ART adherence was 78∙0% (95% Confidence Interval: 67.4–87.7; I2 = 82.92%, p<0∙001) and ranged between 7∙6% and >95%, using one of the following methods: pill count, caregiver’s self-report, clinical attendance, and nevirapine plasma levels (above three μg/mL). The factors associated with adherence were pill burden, caregiver involvement, stunting, and caregiver relationship.

Limitation

There was a high level of heterogeneity in the finding.

Conclusion

Approximately four fifth of orphan children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS adhere to ART. Strategies to improve adherence among this group should be prioritized, especially among the double orphaned children and adolescents.
Method to obtain a plasma rich in platelet- and plasma-growth factors based on water evaporation
Authors: Mercader Ruiz Jon , Beitia Maider , Delgado Diego , Sánchez Pello , Sánchez Miren Begoña , Oraa Jaime , Benito-Lopez Fernando , Basabe-Desmonts Lourdes , Sánchez Mikel
Published: February 2024

Platelet-Rich Plasma, also known as PRP, is an autologous biologic product used in medicine as a treatment for tissue repair. Nowadays, the majority of PRP obtention methods enrich only platelets, not considering extraplatelet biomolecules, which take part in several cell processes. In the present work, a novel PRP preparation method was developed to obtain a PRP rich in both platelet and plasma extraplatelet molecules. The method is based on the evaporation of the water of the plasma using a rotary evaporator. With this new methodology an increase in plasmatic growth factors and, as a consequence, a better dermal fibroblast cell viability was achieved, compared to a standard PRP formulation. This novel PRP product obtained with this new methodology showed promising results in vitro as an improved PRP treatment in future application.
Loneliness and fearfulness are associated with non-fatal drug overdose among people who inject drugs
Authors: Falade-Nwulia Oluwaseun , Ward Kathleen , Wagner Karla D. , Karimi-Sari Hamidreza , Hsu Jeffrey , Sulkowski Mark , Latkin Carl , Nwulia Evaristus
Published: February 2024

Background

People who inject drugs (PWID) experience high rates of drug overdose death with the risk of mortality increasing after each non-fatal event. Racial differences exist in drug overdose rates, with higher rates among Black people who use drugs. Psychological factors may predict drug overdose.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from a survey administered to PWID in Baltimore, MD enrolled in a social network-based intervention were analyzed. Linear regression methods with generalized estimating equations were used to analyze data from indexes and network members to assess for psychological factors significantly associated with self-reported number of lifetime drug overdoses. Factors associated with number of overdoses were assessed separately by race.

Results

Among 111 PWID enrolled between January 2018 and January 2019, 25.2% were female, 65.7% were Black, 98.2% reported use of substances in addition to opioids, and the mean age was 49.0 ± 8.3 years. Seventy-five individuals (67.6%) had a history of any overdose with a mean of 5.0 ± 9.7 lifetime overdoses reported. Reports of feeling fearful (β = 9.74, P = 0.001) or feeling lonely all of the time (β = 5.62, P = 0.033) were independently associated with number of drug overdoses. In analyses disaggregated by race, only the most severe degree of fearfulness or loneliness was associated with overdose among Black participants, whereas among White participants, any degree of fearfulness or loneliness was associated with overdose.

Conclusions

In this study of PWID loneliness and fearfulness were significantly related to the number of reported overdose events. These factors could be targeted in future interventions.
Association of cesarean section and infectious outcomes among infants at 1 year of age: Logistic regression analysis using data of 104,065 records from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Maeda Hajime , Hashimoto Koichi , Iwasa Hajime , Kyozuka Hyo , Kume Yohei , Go Hayato , Sato Akiko , Ogata Yuka , Murata Tsuyoshi , Fujimori Keiya , Shinoki Kosei , Nishigori Hidekazu , Yasumura Seiji , Hosoya Mitsuaki ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group
Published: February 2024

Background

There has been a recent decrease in the prevalence of infectious diseases in children worldwide due to the usage of vaccines. However, the association between cesarean delivery and infectious diseases remains unclear. Here, we aimed to clarify the association between cesarean delivery and the development of infectious diseases.

Methods

This study is a cross-sectional study. We used data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, which is a prospective, nationwide, government-funded birth cohort study. The data of 104,065 records were included. Information about the mode of delivery, central nervous system infection (CNSI), otitis media (OM), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), gastrointestinal infection (GI), and urinary tract infection (UTI) was obtained from questionnaires and medical records transcripts. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between cesarean delivery and CNSI, OM, URTI, LRTI, GI, and UTI risk.

Results

We included a total of 74,477 subjects in this study, of which 18.4% underwent cesarean deliveries. After adjusting for the perinatal, socioeconomic, and postnatal confounding factors, children born by cesarean delivery did not have an increased risk of developing CNSI (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46–1.35), OM (95% CI 0.99–1.12), URTI (95% CI 0.97–1.06), LRTI (95% CI 0.98–1.15), GI (95% CI 0.98–1.11), or UTI (95% CI 0.95–1.45).

Conclusions

This nationwide cohort study did not find an association between cesarean delivery and CNSI, OM, URTI, LRTI, GI, and UTI. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the role of cesarean delivery in the development of infectious diseases.
Antibody profiling and predictive modeling discriminate between Kaposi sarcoma and asymptomatic KSHV infection
Authors: Bennett Sydney J. , Yalcin Dicle , Privatt Sara R. , Ngalamika Owen , Lidenge Salum J. , West John T. , Wood Charles
Published: February 2024

Protein-level immunodominance patterns against Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the aetiologic agent of Kaposi sarcoma (KS), have been revealed from serological probing of whole protein arrays, however, the epitopes that underlie these patterns have not been defined. We recently demonstrated the utility of phage display in high-resolution linear epitope mapping of the KSHV latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA/ORF73). Here, a VirScan phage immunoprecipitation and sequencing approach, employing a library of 1,988 KSHV proteome-derived peptides, was used to quantify the breadth and magnitude of responses of 59 sub-Saharan African KS patients and 22 KSHV-infected asymptomatic individuals (ASY), and ultimately to support an application of machine-learning-based predictive modeling using the peptide-level responses. Comparing anti-KSHV antibody repertoire revealed that magnitude, not breadth, increased in KS. The most targeted epitopes in both KS and ASY were in the immunodominant proteins, notably, K8.129−56 and ORF65140-168, in addition to LANA. Finally, using unbiased machine-learning-based predictive models, reactivity to a subset of 25 discriminative peptides was demonstrated to successfully classify KS patients from asymptomatic individuals. Our study provides the highest resolution mapping of antigenicity across the entire KSHV proteome to date, which is vital to discern mechanisms of viral pathogenesis, to define prognostic biomarkers, and to design effective vaccine and therapeutic strategies. Future studies will investigate the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential of the 25 discriminative peptides.
Environmentally Driven Migration in EU Discourse: Norms, Policies, and Realities
Authors: Wirthová Lucia
Published: February 2024

For decades, the European Union (EU) has been addressing issues related to climate change and ecological degradation as a self-proclaimed pro-environmental and human rights-oriented actor. Correspondingly, the topic of environmentally driven migration entered the EU discourse at the dawn of the new millennium. As such, environmental migrants around the world find themselves in an existential crisis and are in need of support whether it comes to questions of compensations, relocation, protection of cultural heritage etc. Thus, considering the EU’s interest in the human rights and environmental/climate issue areas, I argue it is important to ask what the Union’s approach to this matter has been. Consequently, this article assesses the European Union discourse related to the topic of environmental migration over a twenty-year period. Through the theoretical lens of the Copenhagen School of Security Studies and the normative power EU conception, this paper critically analyzes the EU’s securitization of climate change in relation to environmental migrants who are experiencing an existential threat to their lives. Based on a qualitative discourse analysis, the preliminary results imply that the topic has been receding into the background of the EU agenda. In line, environmental migrants have been pushed aside by a multiplicity of other subjects threatened by climate change, and their problems were thus not reflected in either the EU climate change or migration management policies. Overall, the findings show a shift from an alarmist discourse to pragmatism on the EU’s behalf. Thereupon, this article questions the normative standard the EU sets for itself when it comes to the case of environmental migrant protection.
The use of biologic therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and coxitis: dynamics of clinical and laboratory parameters and structural progression
Authors: Erdes Sh. F. , Achikyan V. F. , Agafonova E. M.
Published: February 2024

Hip joint inflammation (coxitis) occurs in almost half of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and often leads to early disability. A therapy for this condition has not yet been developed, although it is one of the indications for the initiation of biologic therapy in national recommendations. The review presents data from recent clinical trials on the use of biologics, focusing on the Russian national multicenter study of GO-COX in patients with AS with coxitis.

Tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors have been shown to be effective against inflammatory affection of the hip joint in patients with AS, and their administration over a two-year period inhibits the progression of coxitis.
Peculiarities of pharmacotherapy of patients with rheumatoid arthritis associated with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Gordeev A. V. , Galushko E. A. , Matyanova E. V. , Pozhidaev E. V. , Zotkin E. G. , Lila A. M.
Published: February 2024

Objective: a comparative study of the peculiarities of pharmacotherapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in presence and in absence of interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Material and methods. The study included 1034 patients with active RA who met the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria. Patients were divided into two groups: with ILD according to high-resolution computed tomography of the lungs (n=82) and without ILD or other types of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, including bronchial asthma (52 patients excluded; n=900). Based on medical documentation, archived medical records and medical history, a “drug card” was created for all stages of pharmacotherapy of patients with active RA. The Cumulative Illness Index Score (CIRS) was used to assess the profile and severity of comorbidities.

Results and discussion. The main indicators of RA activity in the patients of the two groups were comparable, but a greater number of comorbidities (p˂0.0001) and a higher value of the CIRS multimorbidity index (p˂0.0001) were found in the group with ILD. The presence of ILD had no influence on the frequency of prescription, the total duration of use and the maximum dose of glucocorticoids (GC) (p˂0.05). The average dose of GC was statistically significantly higher in the group with ILD (p=0.008). These patients were taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): methotrexate (p=0.04), leflunomide (p=0.02) and sulfasalazine (p=0.03), less frequently, but they took hydroxychloroquine significantly more frequently (p=0.02) with a comparable total duration of use of each medication. RA patients with ILD and without ILD received biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) in 62.2 and 59.6% of cases, respectively (p˂0.05). At the same time, patients without ILD had experience of taking a greater number of different bDMARDs/tsDMARDs (p=0.03). In the group with ILD, patients more frequently received anti-B-cell therapy (p˂0.0001) and significantly less frequently drugs of other classes: tumour necrosis factor α inhibitors (p˂0.0001) and interleukin 6 inhibitors (p=0.01), T-cell costimulation blocker (p=0.04) and Janus kinase inhibitors (p=0.001). Patients with ILD were statistically significantly older at the start of bDMARD/tsDMARD therapy (p˂0.0001), and the period from the onset of RA to the start of bDMARD/tsDMARD therapy was comparable in both groups (p˂0.05).

Conclusion. The observed peculiarities of pharmacotherapy in the group with ILD (frequency of use, choice and dose of GC, DMARDs, biologics and tsDMARDs) are probably related to the presence of ILD on the one hand and to the characteristics of concomitant pathology and older age on the other, as the activity of RA was comparable in our patients with and without ILD.
Revisão de processos na logística interna em uma empresa do segmento automotivo
Authors: Silva Anderson Jesus da , Rodríguez Elen Yanina Aguirre , Tramarico Claudemir Leif , Marins Fernando Augusto Silva
Published: February 2024

As organizações buscam cada vez mais o desenvolvimento de diferenciais de mercado, no qual a logística posiciona-se como setor responsável pela agregação de valor ao produto proporcionando a satisfação dos clientes por meio da eficiência de suas operações. Tais condutas demandam a responsabilidade de planejar e controlar de modo a manter a eficiência do fluxo e armazenagem de bens e serviços. Por isso, compreende-se ser a logística um setor estratégico para as organizações. O objetivo geral deste artigo foi, por meio da aplicação do método de pesquisa-ação, propor uma nova sistemática de gestão logística para uma empresa do segmento automotivo, com foco na melhoria do processo de carregamento e abastecimento. As atividades foram realizadas a partir de uma agenda organizada em conjunto com a alta direção da empresa, para os cinco dias de workshop, cada qual contendo atividades diversas. Foi realizado um tour pela fábrica, com atividades das equipes Kaizen e discussões sobre melhorias na área de trabalho e de “mão na massa”, com seus respectivos testes e relatórios. Constatou-se que, com o uso de ferramentas tradicionais de gestão, houve melhorias importantes no desempenho logístico da empresa estudada, redução dos seus custos operacionais e consequentemente, aumentou-se a rentabilidade da empresa.
Análise e redução da variação do brilho em peças plásticas por injeção
Authors: Pereira Júnio Alves , Corrêa Harrison Lourenço
Published: February 2024

A injeção de peças poliméricas é amplamente empregada pelo setor produtivo, em particular, o automotivo. No entanto, para atender às crescentes demandas de consumo sem perda de qualidade, avaliações criteriosas devem ser adotadas. Uma delas é a análise do brilho que, somado a outros defeitos, como dilatação, encolhimento e empenamento da peça, torna-se importante para controle de qualidade. Devido à natureza particular do processo produtivo adotado pelas montadoras, muitas peças são injetadas em unidades diferentes, sendo juntadas em outras linhas de produção. Nesses casos, quando o padrão de brilho não está compatível entre elas, há não conformidade, perda de produção e atrasos nas entregas. Assim, é fundamental que estudos sejam conduzidos para avaliar a influência que parâmetros de injeção, como também, o tipo de molde, possam exercer sobre o brilho de peças injetadas. Esse trabalho objetivou estudar, por meio da caracterização do brilho, 380 peças do cover de cinto de segurança de um veículo de passeio. Para tanto, foram empregadas misturas de acrilonitrila-butadieno-estireno/policarbonato, ABS/PC (PC > 60%), as quais foram injetadas em moldes não-tratados e tratados termoquimicamente, bem como analisados parâmetros de temperatura do molde e pressão de recalque. Os resultados apontaram que o tratamento superficial fornecido ao molde não foi suficiente para garantia e adequação do brilho, o que só foi conseguido através de ajustes na temperatura do molde e pressão de recalque da injetora.
Kajian Pemanfaatan Zeolit Alam Ende sebagai Katalis dalam Pirolisis Polietilena dari Sampah Plastik
Authors: Bani Gregorio Antonny
Published: February 2024

Plastik merupakan salah satu material yang paling banyak digunakan sehari-hari yang akhirnya berujung pada penumpukan sampah plastik di Tempat Pembuangan Akhir sampah. Untuk itu, metode pirolisis dapat dijadikan solusi untuk mengatasi permasalahan penumpukan sampah plastik. Permasalahan utama dalam menjalankan pirolisis adalah kebutuhan sumber energinya yang sangat besar. Oleh karena itu, penggunaan katalis sangat dibutuhkan, seperti Zeolite Socony Mobile (ZSM) yang berasal dari jenis sintetis yang memiliki harga yang tergolong mahal. Kabupaten Ende memiliki deposit zeolit alam yang cukup besar, sehingga dapat juga dimanfaatkan untuk dijadikan katalis murah dalam proses pirolisis sampah plastik. Tetapi, aktivitas katalitik zeolit alam sangat bergantung pada metode aktivasinya, jenis reaktan dan karakteristik alami dari zeolit tersebut. Oleh karena itu, dibutuhkan kajian mengenai karakteristik dan aktivitas katalitik dari zeolit alam Ende dalam pirolisis polietilena dari sampah plastik yang meliputi Energi aktivasi hingga kualitas minyak yang dihasilkan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang telah dipaparkan sebelumnya, maka terdapat beberapa pokok penting yang disimpulkan dari penelitian ini, antara lain: (1) Proses aktivasi dapat merubah sifat kimia dan sifat fisika zeolit alam Ende meliputi kristalinitas, luas permukaan, volume pori dan jejari pori, serta keasamannya untuk dijadikan sebagai katalis. (2) Katalis zeolit alam aktif Ende pada proses pirolisis polietilena dari sampah plastik mampu menurunkan energi aktivasi hingga 4.371,1 cal/mol pada perlakuan komposisi katalis 0,10. (3) Suhu operasi pirolisis di atas 400 oC adalah perlakuan suhu terbaik yang sangat mempengaruhi waktu, volume dan kualitas cairan pirolisis polietilena dari sampah plastik. (4) Komposisi 0,10 merupakan komposisi terbaik dari penggunaan zeolit alam aktif Ende sebagai katalis dalam proses pirolisis polietilena dari sampah plastik. (5) Interaksi terbaik antara suhu dan katalis zeolit alam aktif Ende adalah pada perlakuan suhu 400 oC dan komposisi katalis 0,10.
Outcome after Neuro-interventional Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysm (as a First Treatment Modality)
Authors: Ghanaati Hossein , Rahmatian Aryoobarzan , Amiri-Nikpour Mohammad Reza , Altafi Davar , Taheri Morteza , Siroos Seyed Bahaadin , Shakiba Madjid , Elahi Reza , Avanaki Mahsa Alborzi
Published: February 2024

Endovascular treatment is widely applied as the first-line treatment for intracranial aneurysms and includes simple coiling (SC), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), flow diversion stent, and flow disruption stent. The present study is a retrospective cohort study performed in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Department of Neurovascular Intervention, between March 2016 and March 2021. A total number of 229 patients with intracranial aneurysms who underwent therapeutic intravascular interventions were enrolled, of which 89 were treated with SC, 111 with SAC, 25 with flow diversion stent, and 4 with flow disruption stent. The mean age of the subjects was 51.8±12.6 years, and 51.1% were male. Modified Raymond-Roy classification (MRRC) was used to define the occlusion outcome. The success rate, considered as Class I and Class II of MRRC at treatment time was 89% (94.4% in SC, and 84.7% in SAC), which was increased to 90.9% (94% in SC, 93% in SAC, 69.6% in flow diversion stenting, 100% in flow disruption) at 6-month follow-up, and 84.6% (80.8% in SC, 87.8% in SAC, 78.3% in flow diversion stenting, and 100% in flow disruption) at 12-month follow-up. The mean modified Rankin Scale (mRS) before the procedure was 0.05±0.26 which was increased to 0.22±0.76 after the procedure, 0.22±0.76 at 6 months, and 0.30±0.95 at 12 months (P<0.001). Similar to previous studies, the present study demonstrates that neurovascular intervention can treat ruptured aneurysms as the first therapeutic modality with favourable outcomes. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial is needed to eliminate the confounding factors and better demonstrate the outcome.
Chemical characterization of soil organic matter in differents management practices in the Cerrado-Pantanal ecotone
Authors: Da Silva Souza Camila Beatriz , Da Silva Farias Paulo Guilherme , Rosset Jean Sérgio , Barros Ozório Jefferson Matheus , Panachuki Elói , Schiavo Jolimar Antonio , Lima Paulo Rikardo
Published: February 2024

Different land uses and occupations have a direct impact on edaphic attributes, which can be identified by soil quality indicators, with organic matter being an excellent edaphic quality indicator. The objective of the work was to chemically characterize soil organic matter (SOM) in different management systems in the municipality of Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Soil samples were collected in five areas with different management practices, in addition to an area of native Cerrado forest (NF), and the managed areas were: exposed soil (ES), conventional tillage system (CTS), no-tillage (NTS), permanent pasture (PP) and sugarcane (SC). In addition to the determination of bulk density (Bd), total organic carbon (TOC) contents and stocks were quantified, as well as carbon (C) contents and stocks of the humified fractions: humic acid (AH), fulvic acid (AF) and humin (HUM), with subsequent calculation of HA/FA and alkaline extract/humin (AE/HUM) and TOC stratification index (SI). There were no significant changes for Ds after six years of implementation of management systems. TOC levels and stocks were higher in PP and NTS areas. The HUM fraction was predominant, with higher contents and stocks of all fractions for the PP and NTS areas, demonstrating the greater intensity of the humification process in these management systems, with greater stability of C in the soil after six years of experiment. The PCA indicated a difference between the areas that present conservation practices in the ES and CTS areas. The NF, NTS, PP and SC areas contribute to SOM stabilization.
Avaliação da casca da vagem de Libidibia ferrea (Fabaceae) como adsorvente de cromo aplicado a um efluente de curtume sintético
Authors: Oliveira Júnior José Augusto , Rodrigues de Souza Roberto , Da Cunha Nascimento Cristiane
Published: February 2024

Dois biossorventes de Cr(VI), um não modificado e o outro com modificação alcalina, produzidos a partir da biomassa da vagem de Libidibia ferrea (LF) foram estudados pela presente pesquisa. Os biossorventes preparados foram caracterizados antes e depois da adsorção ao Cr(VI) através de diferentes técnicas, incluindo FTIR, MEV, EDX, análise de área superficial, volume e diâmetro de poros, e espectroscopia Raman. Além disso, estudos do equilíbrio e da cinética de adsorção também ajudaram a entender o processo adsortivo. Por fim, foi realizado um ensaio de adsorção com o efluente de curtume sintético. A remoção máxima de Cr(VI) no efluente sintético de curtume ficou em torno dos 90% para o biossorvente não modificado. Também o adsorvente não modificado foi caracterizado, com uma maior área superficial e volume de poros. Além disso, os estudos do equilíbrio e cinética de adsorção demonstraram que o biossorvente não modificado possuiria uma superfície heterogênea, com possibilidade de múltiplos sítios de adsorção. Cineticamente foi demonstrado que a fisissorção e a quimissorção, agiram simultaneamente, justificando a rápida adsorção do Cr(VI) a biomassa. Dessa forma, o presente estudo demonstrou que a biomassa da vagem de LF não modificada pode ser utilizada como um biossorvente de Cr(VI), gerando uma possibilidade futura de ser aplicado a um efluente de curtume real. Ao desenvolver um adsorvente de Cr(VI) a partir de um material não convencional, composto pela biomassa da vagem de LF não modificada, o presente trabalho vem apresentar uma alternativa sustentável e de baixo custo ao processo de tratamento de efluentes.
Statistical models for assessing agreement for quantitative data with heterogeneous random raters and replicate measurements
Authors: Ekstrøm Claus Thorn , Carstensen Bendix
Published: February 2024

Agreement between methods for quantitative measurements are typically assessed by computing limits of agreement between pairs of methods and/or by illustration through Bland–Altman plots. We consider the situation where the observed measurement methods are considered a random sample from a population of possible methods, and discuss how the underlying linear mixed effects model can be extended to this situation. This is relevant when, for example, the methods represent raters/judges that are used to score specific individuals or items. In the case of random methods, we are not interested in estimates pertaining to the specific methods, but are instead interested in quantifying the variation between the methods actually involved making measurements, and accommodating this as an extra source of variation when generalizing to the clinical performance of a method. In the model we allow raters to have individual precision/skill and permit linked replicates (i.e., when the numbering, labeling or ordering of the replicates within items is important). Applications involving estimation of the limits of agreement for two datasets are shown: A dataset of spatial perception among a group of students as well as a dataset on consumer preference of French chocolate. The models are implemented in the MethComp package for R [Carstensen B, Gurrin L, Ekstrøm CT, Figurski M. MethComp: functions for analysis of agreement in method comparison studies; 2013. R package version 1.22, R Core Team. R: a language and environment for statistical computing. Vienna, Austria: R Foundation for Statistical Computing; 2012].
Coherent transient exciton transport in disordered polaritonic wires
Authors: Aroeira Gustavo J. R. , Kairys Kyle T. , Ribeiro Raphael F.
Published: February 2024

Excitation energy transport can be significantly enhanced by strong light–matter interactions. In the present work, we explore intriguing features of coherent transient exciton wave packet dynamics on a lossless disordered polaritonic wire. Our main results can be understood in terms of the effective exciton group velocity, a new quantity we obtain from the polariton dispersion. Under weak and moderate disorder, we find that the early wave packet spread velocity is controlled by the overlap of the initial exciton momentum distribution and its effective group velocity. Conversely, when disorder is stronger, the initial state is nearly irrelevant, and red-shifted cavities support excitons with greater mobility. Our findings provide guiding principles for optimizing ultrafast coherent exciton transport based on the magnitude of disorder and the polariton dispersion. The presented perspectives may be valuable for understanding and designing new polaritonic platforms for enhanced exciton energy transport.
Metasurface for programmable quantum algorithms with classical and quantum light
Authors: Tanuwijaya Randy Stefan , Liang Hong , Xi Jiawei , Wong Wai Chun , Yung Tsz Kit , Tam Wing Yim , Li Jensen
Published: February 2024

Metasurfaces have recently opened up applications in the quantum regime, including quantum tomography and the generation of quantum entangled states. With their capability to store a vast amount of information by utilizing the various geometric degrees of freedom of nanostructures, metasurfaces are expected to be useful for processing quantum information. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a programmable metasurface capable of performing quantum algorithms using both classical and quantum light with single photons. Our approach encodes multiple programmable quantum algorithms and operations, such as Grover’s search algorithm and the quantum Fourier transform, onto the same metalens array on a metasurface. A spatial light modulator selectively excites different sets of metalenses to carry out the quantum algorithms, while the interference patterns captured by a single-photon camera are used to extract information about the output state at the selected output directions. Our programmable quantum metasurface approach holds promising potential as a cost-effective means of miniaturizing components for quantum computing and information processing.
Temporally deuterogenic plasmonic vortices
Authors: Yuan Xinyao , Xu Quan , Lang Yuanhao , Yao Zhibo , Jiang Xiaohan , Li Yanfeng , Zhang Xueqian , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Weili
Published: February 2024

Over the past decade, orbital angular momentum has garnered considerable interest in the field of plasmonics owing to the emergence of surface-confined vortices, known as plasmonic vortices. Significant progress has been made in the generation and manipulation of plasmonic vortices, which broadly unveil the natures of plasmonic spin–orbit coupling and provide accessible means for light–matter interactions. However, traditional characterizations in the frequency domain miss some detailed information on the plasmonic vortex evolution process. Herein, an exotic spin–orbit coupling phenomenon is demonstrated. More specifically, we theoretically investigated and experimentally verified a temporally deuterogenic vortex mode, which can be observed only in the time domain and interferes destructively in the intensity field. The spatiotemporal evolution of this concomitant vortex can be tailored with different designs and incident beams. This work extends the fundamental understanding of plasmonic spin–orbit coupling and provides a unique optical force manipulation strategy, which may fuel plasmonic research and applications in the near future.
Cutaneous nerve biopsy in patients with symptoms of small fiber neuropathy: a retrospective study
Authors: Løseth Sissel , Nebuchennykh Maria , Brokstad Ruth Therese , Lindal Sigurd , Mellgren Svein Ivar
Published: February 2024

Objectives

We aimed to investigate to what extent small fiber tests were abnormal in an unselected retrospective patient material with symptoms suggesting that small fiber neuropathy (SFN) could be present, and to evaluate possible gender differences.

Methods

Nerve conduction studies (NCS), skin biopsy for determination of intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and quantitative sensory testing (QST) were performed. Z-scores were calculated from reference materials to adjust for the effects of age and gender/height.

Results

Two hundred and three patients, 148 females and 55 males had normal NCS and were considered to have possible SFN. 45.3 % had reduced IENFD, 43.2 % of the females and 50.9 % of the males. Mean IENFD was 7.3 ± 2.6 fibers/mm in females and 6.1 ± 2.3 in males (p<0.001), but the difference was not significant when adopting Z-scores. Comparison of gender differences between those with normal and abnormal IENFD were not significant when Z-scores were applied. QST was abnormal in 50 % of the patients (48.9 % in females and 52.9 % in males). In the low IENFD group 45 cases out of 90 (50 %) were recorded with abnormal QST. In those with normal IENFD 51 of 102 (50 %) showed abnormal QST.

Conclusions

Less than half of these patients had reduced IENFD, and 50 % had abnormal QST. There were no gender differences. A more strict selection of patients might have increased the sensitivity, but functional changes in unmyelinated nerve fibers are also known to occur with normal IENFD.

Approval to collect data was given by the Norwegian data protection authority at University Hospital of North Norway (Project no. 02028).
Effect Of Three Zeolite-containing Natural Pozzolanic Materials On Alkali-Silica Reaction
Authors: Wang H , Gillott JE
Published: February 2024

This paper describes the effect of three natural zeolite-containing pozzolanic admixtures on expansion of mortar bars caused y alkali-silica reaction (ASR). Heulandite is present in all three samples, and clinoptilolite may be also present in one sample. Silica is also present in all three samples, but the mineral form and the amount of silica are significantly different in the different samples. Nevada opal was used as the alkali-expansive mineral in the aggregate, and the three admixtures (I, II, and III) were each blended with Type 10 portland cement at three replacement levels by weight of 6, 12, and 24%. Mortar bars containing 6 and 12% of the pozzolanic admixture tended to expand more than control bars, but when 24% admixture was present, expansion was reduced. The study suggests that the mineral composition and the content of alkali-reactive components in the admixture have an important bearing on their effectiveness in reducing expansion due to ASR.
European (EN) and World (ISO) Standards—Comparison with ASTM Standards
Authors: Dutron P
Published: February 2024

The issue of a European Community directive aimed at removing trade barriers to a variety of products, among them cement, led to the setting up of CEN/TC 51 as well as the preparation of a series of standards (EN 196) concerning test methods. These were adopted by CEN and later by ISO and are compared to ASTM standards. The release in 1988 of a further European directive dealing specifically with construction products required a new approach from CEN/TC 51's work towards cement definition, composition, specifications, and conformity criteria. The contents of the prestandard ENV 197-1 for common cements is described. At the same time, a tentative comparison is made of this prestandard and ASTM standards. Information is also given about future work planned with regard to common cements (possible additional performance criteria) and special cements.
Blended Cement According to ENV 197 and Experiences in Germany
Authors: Schmidt M , Harr K , Boeing R
Published: February 2024

The European prestandard on common cements, ENV 197, Part 1 [1], differentiates 5 main types and 25 different varieties. Except for portland cement, all cements are composed of at least two or more main components: clinker, blastfurnace slag, natural or artificial pozzolans, fly ash, silica fume, burnt shale, and pulverized or interground limestone. The proportions differ from 5 to 95% (all percentages by mass) clinker. German experiences with high-quality portland-limestome cements and portland-fly ash-slag cements in concrete show some advantages in workability and the same favorable behavior in strength and durability.
The Spreading and Effects of Human Recombinant α-Synuclein Preformed Fibrils in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Mice
Authors: Vandendriessche Charysse , Bruggeman Arnout , Foroozandeh Joyce , Van Hoecke Lien , Dujardin Pieter , Xie Junhua , Van Imschoot Griet , Van Wonterghem Elien , Castelein Jonas , Lucci Cristiano , De Groef Lies , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E.
Published: February 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients harbor seeding-competent α-synuclein (α-syn) in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is mainly produced by the choroid plexus (ChP). Nonetheless, little is known about the role of the CSF and the ChP in PD pathogenesis. To address this question, we used an intracerebroventricular (icv) injection mouse model to assess CSF α-syn spreading and its short- and long-term consequences on the brain. Hereby, we made use of seeding-competent, recombinant α-syn preformed fibrils (PFF) that are known to induce aggregation and subsequent spreading of endogenous α-syn in stereotactic tissue injection models. Here, we show that icv-injected PFF, but not monomers (Mono), are rapidly removed from the CSF by interaction with the ChP. Additionally, shortly after icv injection both Mono and PFF were detected in the olfactory bulb and striatum. This spreading was associated with increased inflammation and complement activation in these tissues as well as leakage of the blood–CSF barrier. Despite these effects, a single icv injection of PFF didn't induce a decline in motor function. In contrast, daily icv injections over the course of 5 days resulted in deteriorated grip strength and formation of phosphorylated α-syn inclusions in the brain 2 months later, whereas dopaminergic neuron levels were not affected. These results point toward an important clearance function of the CSF and the ChP, which could mediate removal of PFF from the brain, whereby chronic exposure to PFF in the CSF may negatively impact blood–CSF barrier functionality and PD pathology.
SMARCA4 Loss and Mutated β-Catenin Induce Proliferative Lesions in the Murine Embryonic Cerebellum
Authors: Göbel Carolin , Schoof Melanie , Holdhof Dörthe , Spohn Michael , Schüller Ulrich
Published: February 2024

Almost all medulloblastomas (MB) of the Wingless/Int-1 (WNT) type are characterized by hotspot mutations inCTNNB1, and mouse models have convincingly demonstrated the tumor-initiating role of these mutations. Additional alterations inSMARCA4are detected in ∼20% of WNT MB, but their functional role is mostly unknown. We, therefore, amended previously described brain lipid binding protein (Blbp)-cre::Ctnnb1(ex3)fl/wtmice by the introduction of floxedSmarca4alleles. Unexpectedly, mutated and thereby stabilized β-catenin on its own induced severe developmental phenotypes in male and femaleBlbp-cre::Ctnnb1(ex3)fl/wtmice in our hands, including a thinned cerebral cortex, hydrocephalus, missing cerebellar layering, and cell accumulations in the brainstem and cerebellum. An additional loss of SMARCA4 even resulted in prenatal death for most mice. RespectiveBlbp-cre::Ctnnb1(ex3)fl/wt::Smarca4fl/recmutants (male and female) developed large proliferative lesions in the cerebellum evolving from E13.5 to E16.5. Histological and molecular analysis of these lesions by DNA methylation profiling and single-cell RNA sequencing suggested an origin in early undifferentiated SOX2-positive cerebellar progenitors. Furthermore, upregulated WNT signaling, altered actin/cytoskeleton organization, and reduced neuronal differentiation were evident in mutant cells. In vitro, cells harboring alterations in bothCtnnb1andSmarca4were negatively selected and did not show tumorigenic potential after transplantation in adult female recipient mice. However, in cerebellar explant cultures, mutant cells displayed significantly increased proliferation, suggesting an important role of the embryonic microenvironment in the development of lesions. Altogether, these results represent an important first step toward the unraveling of tumorigenic mechanisms induced by aberrant WNT signaling and SMARCA4 deficiency.
Simulation of Surfactant Contribution to Ink Removal Selectivity in Flotation Deinking Lines
Authors:   LGP2, UMR 5518 CNRS-Grenoble-INP-CTP, 461 rue de la Papeterie, DU, BP 65, 38402 St. Martin d’Hères, France, Beneventi D. , Allix J. ,   LGP2, UMR 5518 CNRS-Grenoble-INP-CTP, 461 rue de la Papeterie, DU, BP 65, 38402 St. Martin d’Hères, France; Centre Technique du Papier, DU, BP. 251, 38044 Grenoble CEDEX 9, France, Zeno E. ,   Centre Technique du Papier, DU, BP. 251, 38044 Grenoble CEDEX 9, France, Nortier P. ,   LGP2, UMR 5518 CNRS-Grenoble-INP-CTP, 461 rue de la Papeterie, DU, BP 65, 38402 St. Martin d’Hères, France, Carré B. ,   Centre Technique du Papier, DU, BP. 251, 38044 Grenoble CEDEX 9, France
Published: February 2024

Transport coefﬁcients and correlations recently used to describe surfactant contribution to particle and water transport in a laboratory ﬂotation column were used to simulate the impact of surfactant contamination on the ﬂotation selectivity of industrial two-stage deinking lines. Simulation results showed that surfactants are slightly removed in the ﬁrst ﬂotation stage and are concentrated in the second one, where they induce a drop in ink ﬂotation and in ﬁbre entrainment. Subsequently, ﬂotation units in the second stage displayed lower ink removal than in the ﬁrst stage. In the presence of a constant water reject ﬂow, the increase in surfactant contamination in the pulp stock gave a general decrease in the removal of suspended solids. Surfactant removal increased from 5 to 50%, however, this increase was not sufﬁcient to prevent surfactant accumulation in the deinking line. Simulation results were compared with data collected in an industrial deinking line running in similar conditions and pulp composition, ink and surfactant removal obtained with low surfactant contamination were in line with experimental data.
Mejora en los procesos de tizado y corte en una empresa de tejido de punto
Authors: Camborda Palacios Gicela
Published: February 2024

Esta investigación servirá de antecedente para otras investigaciones que busquen mejorar los procesos productivos de empresas del sector textil y confecciones, planteando preventivamente una solución al excedente de tela que se origina durante el proceso productivo. Además, se abordará cómo mejorar el exceso de residuos de tela en el área de tizado y corte mediante la producción de accesorios y productos adicionales. Por consiguiente, al asignar correctamente los recursos para el mejor aprovechamiento de la tela de temporada, se reducirán costos, lo que mejorará la rentabilidad de la empresa de tejido de punto.
Motivación y reducción de accidentes laborales en una empresa manufacturera
Authors: Santillan Mercado Milagros
Published: February 2024

the purpose of this research study was to determine whether implementing a motivation program could lead to a reduction in the rate of occupational accidents in the bakery plant of a manufacturing company based in Lima. The study followed a quasi-experimental approach and used a pretest/posttest design with a single group and a sample of 117 workers. The data collection methods included statistical data on work-related accidents, direct observations in the workplace, recording and monitoring of interactions, and a motivation questionnaire. The research results revealed that implementing the IPLEFOR motivation program—which spanned 21 months—led to a 100% reduction in the accident rate. Consequently, it led to a significant improvement in the occupational health and safety system.
Evaluation of a Digital Mammography System with the MAM-162 phantom
Authors: Castillo A. , Roas Zúniga N. A.
Published: February 2024

Quality controls are performed to verify the performance status of X-ray equipment in relation to image quality and patient dose. Originally, the Laboratory of Radiation Physics and Metrology (LAF-RAM) in Nicaragua had only one phantom to evaluate mammography image quality subjectively; however, under a cooperation project with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the MAM-162 phantom was acquired for the evaluation of physical image quality. In this work a CR type digital mammography system was evaluated using the MAM-162 phantom with adaptation to a single quality control protocol based on international standards such as the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) DIN 6868-162:2013-06, the IAEA technical document TECDOC protocol No. 1958 and the European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics (EFOMP) mammo protocol. Among the main tests performed are the evaluation of the lateral image limit of the chest wall with satisfactory results, the automatic exposure control, the Signal-to-Noise difference ratio that complies with the tolerances, in the case Ghosting and dynamic range the results of both are satisfactory, the presence of artifacts was observed when applying variance mapping, a base value of the dynamic range was also obtained. For the dosimetry, the half value layer and the determination of the Mean Glandular Dose were evaluated, which does not comply with the tolerances. The final protocol document could be validated and implemented as part of the management and service documents of the Quality Control and Monitoring Laboratory (LCM) of LAF-RAM.
Microbiota and Digestive Metabolites Alterations in Functional Dyspepsia
Authors: Farcas Radu Alexandru , Grad Simona , Grad Cosmin , Dumitrașcu Dan Lucian
Published: February 2024

Functional dyspepsia (FD), a widespread and debilitating digestive disease, is thought to originate from disrupted gut-brain communication. The cause of FD is not completely understood, but recent evidence suggests it could be due to multiple factors and can vary among different patient groups. Factors like gut motility changes, increased sensitivity to pain in the gut, ongoing low-level inflammation, and increased gut permeability have all been linked to the development of FD. Additionally, changes in the gut microbiome have been suggested to play a significant role in the disease. The gut microbiota in the duodenum could either be a cause or a result of the immune and nervous system issues seen in FD, but the ways in which the gut flora in the small intestine affects gut function, digestive metabolites and symptoms are not yet clear, more studies being needed in order to completely assess the relationship between gastrointestinal microbiota and development and progression of FD.This review summarizes the available research on the relationship between FD and the microbiota and examines the various treatments, including probiotics, that have been shown to relieve symptoms. Finally, suggestions for improving diagnosis and treatment for those with FD are presented.