bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major determinants of prolonged remission in systemic lupus erythematosus: retrospective study over a 41+ year period
Authors: Durao-Carvalho Goncalo , Fernández-González Raquel , Goulden Bethan , Farinha Filipa , Isenberg David
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To investigate predictors of sustained complete remission (CR) for 3 and 5 years, minimum.

Methods

Retrospective observational study from January 1978 to December 2019, including systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE) patients who attended the Lupus Clinic in a tertiary hospital, for at least 3 years. We used the BILAG score and serological profile to classify patients into CR, serologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ) and serological remission (SR). Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to investigate predictors of CR and Kaplan–Meier curves were obtained.

Results

We included 564 patients; 15% achieved CR, 7% SACQ and 15% SR. Some 63% attained no remission. In the CR group, 73% sustained the remission for 5 years or more. Patients who did not reach any kind of sustained remission died significantly earlier (P < 0.001). Cumulative survival figures at 5, 10, 20 and 30 years were 100, 100, 94 and 90%, respectively, for CR patients and 96, 93, 77 and 58%, respectively, for patients in the no-remission group. Significant predictors of CR were White ethnicity [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.16 (95% CI 1.30–3.59); P = 0.003]; older age at diagnosis (>32 years) [HR 1.92 (1.24–2.97); P = 0.003]; absence of renal involvement [HR 2.55 (1.39–4.67); P = 0.002]; and of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) [HR 4.92 (1.55–15.59); P = 0.007].

Conclusion

Patients not achieving any kind of sustained remission have a higher risk of early mortality. White ethnicity, older age at diagnosis, absence of renal involvement and of APS were significantly associated with CR. Predictors for sustained CR do not change whether a 3-year or 5-year period is applied.
Swiss Foundation Law—Tightrope act between freedom and regulation
Authors: Jakob Dominique , Brugger Lukas
Published: April 2022

While a recently adopted reform of foundation law will bring facilitations for some types of Swiss foundations, other developments draw a less optimistic picture, especially for Swiss family foundations. This article gives an overview of the most recent developments and trends in Swiss foundation law and sheds light on the question, what role the newly presented draft bill for a Swiss trust law can play in this context.
Long-Term Outcomes of Big Bubble Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty in Mucopolysaccharidoses: A Retrospective Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hallal Ramon , Armstrong Grayson W. , Pineda Roberto
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to report the long-term surgical and visual outcomes of patients with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) after big bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (BB-DALK).

Methods:

This was a retrospective case series of patients with MPS who underwent BB-DALK at a single academic institution. All patients had corneal clouding secondary to MPS limiting visual acuity for which keratoplasty was indicated. Each patient was evaluated and underwent surgery by a single surgeon. Reported data included age at keratoplasty, sex, MPS type, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, change in pachymetry, ocular comorbidities, surgical complications, and MPS-related medication use.

Results:

Outcomes of 12 eyes from 7 patients with MPS type I (Hurler, Scheie, and Hurler–Scheie) are reported using the newest nomenclature. The mean follow-up was 5.58 years (range: 1–10 years). All cases underwent BB-DALK with a type 1 big bubble during the surgery. Two cases (16.6%) required rebubbling because of partial Descemet membrane detachment. One case was complicated by a suture abscess and required a penetrating keratoplasty. No episodes of rejection occurred. Statistically significant improvement in the best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (from a mean 0.85–0.33 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, P = logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 0.0054) and pachymetry (mean reduction of −145.4 μm, P = 0.0018) was observed.

Conclusions:

BB-DALK seems to be an acceptable long-term surgical option in patients with MPS. Our findings suggest that this technique is reproducible and can achieve clear corneal grafts with good visual results on a long-term follow-up.
Acinetobacter silvestris sp. nov. discovered in forest ecosystems in Czechia
Authors: Nemec Alexandr , Radolfová-Křížová Lenka , Maixnerová Martina , Shestivska Violetta , Španělová Petra , Higgins Paul G.
Published: April 2022

We investigated a taxonomically novel group of the genus

Acinetobacter

, which included five strains isolated from soil and water samples collected in preserved forest areas in Czechia between 2013 and 2021. The whole-genome sequences of the strains were 3.1–3.2 Mb in size, with G+C contents of 38.0–38.2 mol%. Core genome-based phylogenetic analysis showed that they formed a compact and deeply branched clade within the genus. The genomic average nucleotide identity based on blast/digital DNA–DNA hybridization values for the novel strains were 99.2–99.6 %/95.2–98.4 %, whereas those between the novel strains and the type strains of the known

Acinetobacter

species reached <78 %/<24 %. The results of the genus-wide analysis of whole-cell MALDI-TOF mass spectra supported the sharp distinctness of the group. The five strains were non-glucose acidifying, nonhaemolytic, nonproteolytic and growing at 28 °C, but not at 32 °C; they assimilated acetate, benzoate, ethanol, l-histidine, 4-hydroxybenzoate, dl-lactate and malonate but not 4-aminobutyrate, l-aspartate or 2,3-butanediol; this phenotype is unique among the known

Acinetobacter

species. We conclude that the five strains represent a novel environmental species, for which the name Acinetobacter silvestris sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain ANC 4999T (=CCM 9207T=CCUG 75877T=CNCTC 8124T).
On the hip abduction moment required to balance on one leg: an experimental study
Authors: Shahshahani Payam Mirshams , Masteling Mariana , Ashton-Miller James A.
Published: April 2022

1.

Although the time a patient can stand on one leg is a common clinical test of balance in those prone to fall, a surprising knowledge gap is how much hip abduction muscle strength is required. This is important because hip abduction strength has been shown to be important for compensating for impairments in diabetic neuropathy, for example. As a start we tested the hypothesis that maximum hip abduction muscle endurance time at 50% effort would be longer than the time that 18 young and 17 older healthy adults can stand on one leg. First, maximum hip abduction endurance time at 50% effort as well as maximum abduction strength were measured in the gravity-free plane. Then subjects were asked to balance on their left foot for as long as they could while body segment kinematics and ground reaction data were measured. The results showed that the mean intensity of the hip abduction moment required to stand on one leg exceeded 50% of the maximum hip abduction strength for all four groups (young women and men 53% and 55%, and older women and men 94% and 72% respectively). However, unipedal stance times were not limited by hip abduction 50% effort endurance time (p = 0.9). Therefore a significant portion of the hip abduction moment required to stand on one leg must be carried by passive tissues. The underlying mechanism remains to be explained.
Online randomised trials with children: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Lepage Simone , Conway Aislinn , Goodson Noah , Wicks Paul , Devane Declan
Published: April 2022

Introduction

This scoping review will determine how online, randomised trials with children are conducted. The objectives of the review are: (a) to determine what methods and tools have been used to create and conduct online trials with children and (b) to identify the gaps in the knowledge in this field.

Over the last decade, randomised trials employing online methods have gained momentum. Decentralised methods lend themselves to certain types of trials and can offer advantages over traditional trial methods, potentially increasing participant reach and diversity and decreasing research waste. However, decentralised trials that have all aspects of the trial exclusively online are not yet common, and those involving children even less so. This scoping review will describe and evaluate the methods used in these trials to understand how they may be effectively employed.

Methods

Methods are informed by guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews. The search strategy was developed in consultation with an information specialist for the following databases: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Embase. Grey literature searches will be completed with the consultation of experts in decentralised trials and digital health using internet searches and suitable trial registries. Once identified, included full-text studies’ references will be manually searched for any trials that may have been missed. We will include randomised and quasi-randomised trials conducted exclusively online with participants under the age of 18 published in English. We will not limit by country of conduct or date of publication. Data will be collected using a data charting tool and presented in text, graphical, and tabular formats.

Ethics and Dissemination

Ethical approval is not needed since all data sources used are publicly available. The review will be available as a preprint before publication in an open-access, peer-reviewed journal.
Association of Socioeconomic Disparities and Predisposing Factors with Higher Prevalence of Hypertension related Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Males: a Malaysian Community-Based Study
Authors: Mat Jusoh Julia Ashazila , Rahman Thuhairah Abdul , Nasir Nafiza Mat , Danuri Norlaila , Majid Fadhlina Abdul , Basir Fashieha , Ahmad Pare Siti Norlela , Boon-Peng Hoh , Yusoff Khalid
Published: April 2022

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) is a risk for various cardiovascular events among those with hypertension (HT). However the prevalence of hypertension-related LVH (HT LVH+) in communities with lower socioeconomic status (SES) is not adequately reported. This study investigated the prevalence of HT LVH+ among the urban and rural males and the attributing factors. A total of 1,923 males who had echocardiographic examinations done were recruited. Their blood pressure was measured to diagnose those with or without hypertension. Left ventricular mass index was determined. Univariate analysis was performed to identify associated factors predisposing to LVH. A total of 992 males had HT, of which 264 had LVH, and were more prevalent in older age groups and Malays (p<0.001). Individuals from rural areas, with low income and low educational background were associated with higher LVH prevalence (p<0.001). Those with moderate aortic regurgitation was 3.17-fold higher in LVH. Ninety-nine normotensives had LVH, 71.7% came from rural. Total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly higher in HT LVH+ from urban than the rural areas (p=0.029 and p=0.002, respectively). A quarter of the HT population in Malaysia develop LVH, majority of them were from rural, indicating that socioeconomic disparities contribute to the higher risk of HT LVH+. The rural populations may have attributed to different risk factors as opposed to those from urban, hence emphasize the need to deliver targeted strategies for prevention and management HT LVH+ by different SES.
Implementing an antibiogram profile to aid rational antimicrobial therapy and improving infection prevention in an urban hospital in The Gambia; strategies and lessons for low income and middle-income countries
Authors: Darboe Saffiatou , Mirasol Ruel , Adejuyigbe Babapelumi , Muhammad Abdul Khalie , Nadjm Behzad , de St Maurice Annabelle , Dogan Tiffany L. , Ceesay Buntung , Umukoro Solomon , Okomo Uduak , Nwakanma Davis , Roca Anna , Secka Ousman , Forrest Karen , Garner Omai B.
Published: April 2022

Background

Diagnostic microbiological capabilities remain a challenge in low- and middle-income countries resulting in major gaps. The global antimicrobial resistance burden has necessitated use of appropriate prescribing to curb the menace. This study highlights the process used to develop an antibiogram to monitor resistance at a secondary-level health facility to aid empirical clinical decision making.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study used 3 years of cumulative data at the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia from January 2016 to December 2018. Phenotypic data was manually imputed into WHONET and the cumulative antibiogram constructed using standardised methodologies according to CLSI M39-A4 guidelines. Pathogens were identified by standard microbiological methods and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI M100 guidelines.

Results

A total of 14776 non-duplicate samples (blood cultures n=4382, urines n=4914, other miscellaneous swabs and aspirates n=2821 and n=390 respectively, sputa n=334, stools n=1463, CSF 353 and other samples n= 119) were processed of which 1163 (7.9%) were positive for clinically significant pathogens. Among the 1163 pathogens, E. coli (n= 315) S. aureus (n=232), and K. pneumoniae (n=96) were the leading cause of disease Overall, the susceptibility for E. coli and K. pneumoniae from all samples were: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (17% and 28%), tetracycline (26% and 33%), gentamicin (72% and 46%), chloramphenicol (76 and 60%), and ciprofloxacin (69% and 59%), amoxicillin/clavulanic (77% and 54%) respectively. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase resistance was present in 23% (71/315) vs 35% (34/96) respectively. S. aureus susceptibility for methicillin was 99%.

Conclusion

This antibiogram has confirmed susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobials was higher for E. coli than K. pneumoniae with high ESBL resistance warranting surveillance. An alternative aminoglycoside with better sensitivity such as amikacin might be relevant although this was not tested and that cloxacillin remains a drug of choice for the Staphylococci.
Environmental Exposure to Respirable Particles and Estimated Risk of Sarcoidosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wambui David , Obi Ogugua Ndili , Iverson Guy , O’Brien Kevin , Kearney Gregory
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that affects multiple organs in the body. In most cases, the affected organ is the lung. Sarcoidosis risk factors include environmental exposures, genetic predisposition, and immunological factors. The main objective of this review was to assess whether exposure to respirable particles is associated with increased risk of sarcoidosis.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in scientific databases. Additional search of grey literature as well as handsearching of relevant records was performed. The search was restricted to studies published between January 1998 to October 2019. Meta-analysis was performed for studies that provided quantitative data.

Results

After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, nine articles were included in the systematic review and four in the meta-analysis. Quantitative analysis suggested that people exposed to respirable particles were approximately three times more likely to develop sarcoidosis compared to people who are unexposed.

Discussion and conclusion

This study collected and aggregated available evidence that assessed exposure to respirable particles and risk of developing sarcoidosis. Evidence of increased association between exposure to respirable particles and sarcoidosis was strongly suggested based on our qualitative review. More rigorous epidemiologic exposure studies are needed to generate data that would accurately determine the risk and causal pathways through which exposure to respirable particles could lead to the development of sarcoidosis.
fastman: A fast algorithm for visualizing GWAS results using Manhattan and Q-Q plots
Authors: Paria Soumya Subhra , Rahman Sarthok Rasique , Adhikari Kaustubh
Published: April 2022

Visualization of GWAS summary statistics, specifically P-values, as Manhattan plots is widespread in GWAS publications, and many popular software tools are available, such as the R package qqman. But there is substantial need for further development, such as the handling of non-human data. We provide a new R package, fastman, with major additional capabilities. It handles genomes of non-model organisms, even those at a draft stage, i.e. contigs that haven’t been compiled to chromosomes. Non-numeric chromosome IDs are supported. It supports plotting of other genetic scores, such as FST, D statistics, selection statistics such as PBS, or other kinds of GWAS statistics such as beta. Importantly, negative or two-tailed values are supported in this package. We implement a heuristic algorithm that drastically reduces plotting time for huge datasets without any loss of visual precision, while allowing for many different data types and missing data. We provide substantial additional flexibility in highlighting and annotation. In summary, we have developed a package fastman in R for fast and efficient visualization of GWAS results and other genomewide scores using Manhattan and Q-Q plots. The package can create plots directly from association outputs by PLINK. Alternatively, it can produce plots from any R data frame with custom columns and is equipped to handle big datasets with fast plot generation. It is available for public use on https://github.com/kaustubhad/fastman.
Examining relationships between religious and linguistic nationalism in a recent controversy surrounding the Sri Lankan national anthem
Authors: Gajasinghe Kasun , Jayakodi Priyanka
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between religious and linguistic nationalism in Sri Lanka in the context of the controversy on singing the national anthem in Tamil during National Independence Day celebrations. It illuminates how language and religious policy work together to maintain Sinhala–Buddhist hegemony and exclude Tamil speakers as second-class citizens in postcolonial Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The examination of the anthem controversy includes language and religious policy documents, newspaper articles and YouTube videos.

Findings

The national anthem as a site of struggle is a powerful case to explore how nation-states’ actors mobilize affect, intertwining ideologies on language, religion, ethnicity, geography, and so on to maintain and reinforce dominance over minoritized groups. Therefore, the authors believe that (singing) the national anthem can be a site of study for language policy.

Research limitations/implications

The authors acknowledge that the data used in this study are only in Sinhala and English and identify the need for further research using data sources in Tamil.

Originality/value

While this paper generally contributes to the scholarly dialogues on religion and language, it also sheds light on understanding politics in Sri Lanka. Finally, the authors propose that any meaningful policy implementation efforts toward achieving linguistic justice in Sri Lanka need to include parallel policy changes that promote equality among religions.
A combined diagnostic approach based on serum biomarkers for sarcopenia in older patients with hip fracture
Authors: Yu Shengwu , Chen Li , Zhang Yining , Wu Peng , Wu Congcong , Lang Junzhe , Liu Yangbo , Yuan Jiandong , Jin Keke , Chen Lei
Published: April 2022

Objective

To develop prediction models for sarcopenia in older patients with hip fracture based on a specific set of serum biomarkers aimed at estimating appendicular skeletal muscle mass and diagnosing sarcopenia.

Methods

Older patients with hip fracture admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2020 to June 2021 were recruited, screened for sarcopenia and tested for peripheral blood levels of specific serum biomarkers preoperatively. Participants were randomly divided into a training set and test set. Common factors were extracted from selected biomarkers through factor analysis, and regression models were established in the training set and verified in the test set.

Results

A total of 212 patients were enrolled, and the prevalence of sarcopenia was 22.8% in men and 19.5% in women. Significant differences in cystatin C, estimated glomerular filtration rate based on cystatin C, sarcopenia index, new sarcopenia index, haemoglobin and albumin were observed between patients with and without sarcopenia. Two regression models were developed in the training set. The validation of the test set confirmed that the linear regression model showed good consistency in predicting appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, while the logistic regression model showed high accuracy in predicting sarcopenia.

Conclusions

Both prediction models exhibited potential clinical application value for estimating appendicular skeletal muscle mass and predicting sarcopenia in older patients with hip fracture, providing new insights into the serological diagnosis of sarcopenia.
Characteristics, treatment and outcomes of 589 melanoma patients documented by 27 general practitioners on the Skin Cancer Audit Research Database
Authors: Hay Jeremy , Keir Jeff , Jimenez Balcells Clara , Rosendahl Nikita , Coetzer‐Botha Martelle , Wilson Tobias , Clark Simon , Baade Astrid , Becker Cath , Bookallil Luke , Clifopoulos Chris , Dicker Tony , Denby Martin Paul , Duthie Douglas , Elliott Charles , Fishburn Paul , Foley Mark , Franck Mark , Giam Irene , Gordillo Patricio , Lilleyman Alister , Macauley Roger , Maher James , McPhee Ewen , Reid Michael , Shirlaw Bob , Siggs Graeme , Spark Robert , Stretch John , van Den Heever Keith , van Rensburg Thinus , Watson Chris , Kittler Harald , Rosendahl Cliff
Published: April 2022

Background and objective

General practitioners manage more melanomas than dermatologists or surgeons in Australia. Previously undescribed, the management and outcomes of melanoma patients treated by multiple Australasian general practitioners are examined.

Methods

The characteristics, management and outcomes of 589 melanoma patients, managed by 27 Australasian general practitioners and documented on the Skin Cancer Audit Research Database (SCARD), were analysed.

Results

Most patients (58.9%) were males with mean age at diagnosis of 62.7 years (range 18–96), and most melanomas were in situ or thin‐invasive. Patients aged under 40 years had fewer melanomas, but a higher proportion (the majority) were invasive, compared with older patients (P < 0.0001).

Most (55.9%) melanomas were diagnosed following elliptical excision biopsy, the rate of unintended involved margins being eightfold higher for shave biopsies. Wide re‐excision was performed by the treating general practitioner for most (74.9%) melanomas, with thick melanomas preferentially referred to surgeons. The average Breslow thickness of invasive melanomas re‐excised by general practitioners was 0.67 mm compared with 1.99 mm for those referred to other specialists (P < 0.0001). Of 205 patients with invasive melanoma, 14 progressed to metastatic disease, 50% of these being associated with nodular melanoma. Nine patients progressed to melanoma‐specific death. The 5‐year survival rate for patients with invasive melanoma was 95.2% (95% CI: 91.2–98.5%).

Conclusions

Diagnostic and therapeutic management of a series of melanoma patients by Australasian general practitioners were closely aligned with current guidelines and 5‐year survival with respect to invasive melanoma was at least as favourable as national population‐based metrics.
Phosphorylation of Yun is required for stem cell proliferation and tumorigenesis
Authors: Ren Xuejing , Zhao Hang , Shi Lin , Li Zhengran , Kong Ruiyan , Ma Rui , Jia Lemei , Lu Shan , Wang Jian‐Hua , Dong Meng‐qiu , Wang Yingchun , Li Zhouhua
Published: April 2022

Stem cells maintain adult tissue homeostasis under physiological conditions. Uncontrolled stem cell proliferation will lead to tumorigenesis. How stem cell proliferation is precisely controlled is still not fully understood. Phosphorylation of Yun is essential for ISC proliferation. Yun is essential for the proliferation of normal and transformed intestinal stem cells. Our mass spectrometry and biochemical data suggest that Yun can be phosphorylated at multiple residues in vivo. Interestingly, we show that the phosphorylation among these residues is likely interdependent. Furthermore, phosphorylation of each residue in Yun is important for its function in ISC proliferation regulation. Thus, our study unveils the important role of post‐translational modification of Yun in stem cell proliferation.
Spatial and temporal predictions of whooping crane (Grus americana) habitat along the US Gulf Coast
Authors: Golden Katherine E. , Hemingway Benjamin L. , Frazier Amy E. , Scholtz Rheinhardt , Harrell Wade , Davis Craig A. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D.
Published: April 2022

The challenge of conserving viable habitat while simultaneously predicting how land cover may geographically shift with future climate change has put pressure on ecologists and policy‐makers to develop near‐term (several years to a decade) ecological and geospatial predictions. This is particularly relevant for endangered species as ranges adjust to track a changing climate. The whooping crane is vulnerable to these changes, as the overwintering habitat of a small population is susceptible to climate impacts. This study mapped the historical spatial transformation of crane habitat in and around the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. A time series of ecological niche models was developed to determine the biotic and abiotic factors correlated with crane presence and track how importance has changed over time. The results from the multitemporal models were used to predict areas along the US Gulf Coast where additional unoccupied habitat may be located for crane population expansion and model how the areas may degrade or change as sea levels rise through future climate change scenarios. Findings indicate that the percentage of emergent herbaceous wetland and water are the most important variables influencing crane presence. Sea level rise analysis indicates that potential habitat throughout the Texas–Louisiana Gulf Coast will be impacted considerably by climate change. The lack of large, continuous blocks of usable land cover could limit population expansion and future recovery efforts. However, the findings can help facilitate winter range expansion to accommodate the growing population by identifying additional areas to protect that could be used by the current wild population or experimental populations.
Telerehabilitation for physical disabilities and movement impairment: A service evaluation in South West England
Authors: Buckingham Sarah A. , Sein Kim , Anil Krithika , Demain Sara , Gunn Hilary , Jones Ray B. , Kent Bridie , Logan Angela , Marsden Jonathan , Playford E D. , Freeman Jenny
Published: April 2022

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

Telerehabilitation was used to ensure continued provision of care during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but there was a lack of guidance on how to use it safely and effectively for people with physical disabilities and movement impairment. In this service evaluation, we aimed to collate information on practitioner and patient experiences, challenges and facilitators, and examples of best practice to inform the development of an online toolkit and training package.

Methods

Guided discussions were carried out with 44 practitioners, 7 patients and 2 carers from five health and social care organisations in South West England, and analysed thematically.

Results

Practitioners and patients had positive experiences of telerehabilitation and were optimistic about its future use. Recognized benefits for people with physical disabilities included greater flexibility, reduced travel and fatigue, having appointments in a familiar environment and ease of involving family members. Challenges encountered were: technological (usability issues, access to technology and digital skills); difficulties seeing or hearing patients; the lack of ‘hands‐on’ care; and safety concerns. Facilitators were supported by colleagues or digital champions, and family members or carers who could assist patients during their appointments. Key themes in best practice were: person‐centred and tailored care; clear and open communication and observation and preparation and planning. Practitioners shared tips for remote physical assessments; for example, making use of patient‐reported outcomes, and asking patients to wear bright and contrasting coloured clothing to make it easier to see movement.

Conclusion

Telerehabilitation holds promise in health and social care, but it is necessary to share good practice to ensure it is safe, effective and accessible. We collated information and recommendations that informed the content of the Telerehab Toolkit (https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/telerehab), a practical resource for practitioners, patients and carers, with a focus on remote assessment and management of physical disabilities and movement impairment.
INSIDE OPPIDA TERRITORIES: THE LATE IRON AGE IN THE IBERIAN EASTERN MESETA (CENTRAL SPAIN)
Authors: Liceras‐Garrido Raquel
Published: April 2022

Since the beginning of Iron Age archaeology, urban agglomerations have dominated the debate on urbanism. The rural settlements – their types, functions and socio‐political dynamics – have been practically absent from the general discussion. The territorial backdrop of the Late Iron Age communities can provide both a new comparative framework in which to approach urban studies and essential keys to understanding how these societies worked. Developed from recent research into the oppida territories of the Eastern Meseta in central Spain, this paper presents a territorial overview that includes a characterization of the rural settlement, population figures and the role of urban centres as a proxy for territorial identities. This work also explores the network of relationships between oppida and between urban‐rural areas. In conclusion, this article argues that examining the rural‐urban settlement as a whole will lead us to a better understanding of the urban dynamics of the first millennium BC.
ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE ‘IN‐BETWEEN’ IN EARLY FOURTH MILLENNIUM SARDINIA
Authors: Webster Gary
Published: April 2022

The appearance on Sardinia during the first half of the fourth millennium of an unprecedented and extraordinary cult edifice in the form of a monumental temple mound – the Red Temple at Monte d'Accoddi – was paralleled across the island by an outpouring of anthropomorphic cult imagery expressed in sculpture, inscription, and reliefs – equally unprecedented and unmatched locally. Based on a deeper reading of Bhabha’s notion of ‘inbetweenness’ it is argued that the contemporary dispersion of diverse anthropomorphic cult gestures coalesced through varied media in what is suggestive of a state of iconographic – and by implication ideological/spiritual – uncertainty, contestation, and ambivalence consistent with a state of inbetweenness – as understood here in Bhabha's sense of a third‐space of relations.
Perioperative critical events and morbidity associated with anesthesia in early life: Subgroup analysis of United Kingdom participation in the NEonate and Children audiT of Anaesthesia pRactice IN Europe (NECTARINE) prospective multicenter observational study
Authors: Walker Suellen M. , Engelhardt Thomas , Ahmad Nargis , Dobby Nadine ,   UK Collaborators,   NECTARINE Group Steering Committee*
Published: April 2022

Background

The NEonate and Children audiT of Anaesthesia pRactice IN Europe (NECTARINE) prospective observational study reported critical events requiring intervention during 35.2% of 6542 anesthetic episodes in 5609 infants up to 60 weeks postmenstrual age. The United Kingdom (UK) was one of 31 participating countries.

Methods

Subgroup analysis of UK NECTARINE cases (12.8% of cohort) to identify perioperative critical events that triggered medical interventions. Secondary aims were to describe UK practice, identify factors more commonly associated with critical events, and compare 30‐day morbidity and mortality between participating UK and nonUK centers.

Results

Seventeen UK centers recruited 722 patients (68.7% male, 36.1% born preterm, and 48.1% congenital anomalies) undergoing anesthesia for 876 surgical or diagnostic procedures at 25–60 weeks postmenstrual age. Repeat anesthesia/surgery was common: 17.6% patients prior to and 14.4% during the recruitment period. Perioperative critical events triggered interventions in 300/876 (34.3%) cases. Cardiovascular instability (16.9% of cases) and/or reduced oxygenation (11.4%) were more common in younger patients and those with co‐morbidities or requiring preoperative intensive support. A higher proportion of UK than nonUK cases were graded as ASA‐Physical Status scores >2 or requiring urgent or emergency procedures, and 39% required postoperative intensive care. Thirty‐day morbidity (complications in 17.2%) and mortality (8/715, 1.1%) did not differ from nonUK participants.

Conclusions

Perioperative critical events and co‐morbidities are common in neonates and young infants. Thirty‐day morbidity and mortality data did not demonstrate national differences in outcome. Identifying factors associated with increased risk informs preoperative assessment, resource allocation, and discussions between clinicians and families.
Presence of Viable, Clinically Relevant
Legionella
Bacteria in Environmental Water and Soil Sources of China
Authors: Zhan Xiao-Yong , Yang Jin-Lei , Sun Honghua , Zhou Xuefu , Qian Yi-Chao , Huang Ke , Leng Yang , Huang Bihui , He Yulong
Published: April 2022

Pathogenic
Legionella
spp. is the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), and
L. pneumophila
is the most common one. Most studies have focused on
L. pneumophila
from water and clinical samples.
Effects of dipolar interaction on vortex formation in spin-orbit coupled spin-1 rotating condensates
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Bi HongJing
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we study the vortex formation of spin-orbit coupled (SOC) spin-1 dipolar Bose–Einstein condensates by numerically solving the Gross–Pitaevskii equation. We focus the effects of dipole–dipole interaction (DDI) on vortex structures and dynamics behavior. We find that the symmetry of density profiles in vortex lattice formation process and time evolution of the angular momentum is broken in the presence of DDI. This is due to the symmetry breaking of anisotropy DDI. Also, the total angular momentum decreases with increasing the relative dipole strength. However, it is shown that increasing SOC strength can improve the rotation efficiency. This result reflects the SOC dominates the DDI.
Geometric theory of Weyl structures
Authors: Čap Andreas , Mettler Thomas
Published: April 2022

Given a parabolic geometry on a smooth manifold [Formula: see text], we study a natural affine bundle [Formula: see text], whose smooth sections can be identified with Weyl structures for the geometry. We show that the initial parabolic geometry defines a reductive Cartan geometry on [Formula: see text], which induces an almost bi-Lagrangian structure on [Formula: see text] and a compatible linear connection on [Formula: see text]. We prove that the split-signature metric given by the almost bi-Lagrangian structure is Einstein with nonzero scalar curvature, provided that the parabolic geometry is torsion-free and [Formula: see text]-graded. We proceed to study Weyl structures via the submanifold geometry of the image of the corresponding section in [Formula: see text]. For Weyl structures satisfying appropriate non-degeneracy conditions, we derive a universal formula for the second fundamental form of this image. We also show that for locally flat projective structures, this has close relations to solutions of a projectively invariant Monge–Ampere equation and thus to properly convex projective structures.
On weak P-coherent rings
Authors: El Alaoui Haitham , Mouanis Hakima
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we introduce a generalization of the well-known notion of weak coherent rings, which we call weak [Formula: see text]-coherent rings. We investigate the stability of this property under direct products and homomorphic image, and its transfer to various contexts of constructions such as trivial ring extensions and amalgamated algebras along an ideal. We conclude with various examples of weak [Formula: see text]-coherent rings.
Just-In-Time Defect Prediction on JavaScript Projects: A Replication Study
Authors: Ni Chao , Xia Xin , Lo David , Yang Xiaohu , Hassan Ahmed E.
Published: April 2022

Change-level defect prediction is widely referred to as just-in-time (JIT) defect prediction since it identifies a defect-inducing change at the check-in time, and researchers have proposed many approaches based on the language-independent change-level features. These approaches can be divided into two types: supervised approaches and unsupervised approaches, and their effectiveness has been verified on Java or C++ projects. However, whether the language-independent change-level features can effectively identify the defects of JavaScript projects is still unknown. Additionally, many researches have confirmed that supervised approaches outperform unsupervised approaches on Java or C++ projects when considering inspection effort. However, whether supervised JIT defect prediction approaches can still perform best on JavaScript projects is still unknown. Lastly, prior proposed change-level features are programming language–independent, whether programming language–specific change-level features can further improve the performance of JIT approaches on identifying defect-prone changes is also unknown.

To address the aforementioned gap in knowledge, in this article, we collect and label the top-20 most starred JavaScript projects on GitHub. JavaScript is an extremely popular and widely used programming language in the industry. We propose five JavaScript-specific change-level features and conduct a large-scale empirical study (i.e., involving a total of 176,902 changes) and find that (1) supervised JIT defect prediction approaches (i.e., CBS+) still statistically significantly outperform unsupervised approaches on JavaScript projects when considering inspection effort; (2) JavaScript-specific change-level features can further improve the performance of approach built with language-independent features on identifying defect-prone changes; (3) the change-level features in the dimension of size (i.e., LT), diffusion (i.e., NF), and JavaScript-specific (i.e., SO and TC) are the most important features for indicating the defect-proneness of a change on JavaScript projects; and (4) project-related features (i.e., Stars, Branches, Def Ratio, Changes, Files, Defective, and Forks) have a high association with the probability of a change to be a defect-prone one on JavaScript projects.
Preference-wise Testing of Android Apps via Test Amplification
Authors: Pan Minxue , Lu Yifei , Pei Yu , Zhang Tian , Li Xuandong
Published: April 2022

Preferences, the setting options provided by Android, are an essential part of Android apps. Preferences allow users to change app features and behaviors dynamically, and therefore their impacts need to be considered when testing the apps. Unfortunately, few test cases explicitly specify the assignments of valid values to the preferences, or
configurations
, under which they should be executed, and few existing mobile testing tools take the impact of preferences into account or provide help to testers in identifying and setting up the configurations for running the tests. This article presents the
Prefest
approach to effective testing of Android apps with preferences. Given an Android app and a set of test cases for the app,
Prefest
amplifies the test cases with a small number of configurations to exercise more behaviors and detect more bugs that are related to preferences. In an experimental evaluation conducted on real-world Android apps, amplified test cases produced by
Prefest
from automatically generated test cases covered significantly more code of the apps and detected seven real bugs, and the tool’s test amplification time was at the same order of magnitude as the running time of the input test cases.
Prefest
’s effectiveness and efficiency in amplifying programmer-written test cases was comparable with that in amplifying automatically generated test cases.
A Systematic Survey on Android API Usage for Data-driven Analytics with Smartphones
Authors: Lee Hansoo , Park Joonyoung , Lee Uichin
Published: April 2022

Recent industrial and academic research has focused on data-driven analytics with smartphones by collecting user interaction, context, and device systems data through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and sensors. The Android operating system provides various APIs to collect such mobile usage and sensor data for third-party developers. Usage Statistics API (US API) and Accessibility Service API (AS API) are representative Android APIs for collecting app usage data and are used for various research purposes, as they can collect fine-grained interaction data (e.g., app usage history and user interaction type). Furthermore, other sensor APIs help to collect a user’s context and device state data, along with AS/US APIs. This review investigates mobile usage and sensor data-driven research using AS/US APIs by categorizing the research purposes and the data types. In this article, the surveyed studies are classified as follows: five themes and 21 subthemes and a four-layer hierarchical data classification structure. This allows us to identify a data usage trend and derive insight into data collection according to research purposes. Several limitations and future research directions of mobile usage and sensor data-driven analytics research are discussed, including the impact of changes in the Android API versions on research, the privacy and data quality issues, and the mitigation of reproducibility risks with standardized data typology.
Damage Characteristic of Thermal Shock on the Physical and Dynamic Compressive Properties of Granite
Authors: Shu Ronghua , Huang Lijinhong , Zhi Xueyi , Han Zhenyu , Lai Yuzhang , Li Huizhen , Wang Chun
Published: April 2022

Thermal shock is common in fire disaster and blasting of rock engineering; moreover, the rock mass bears dynamic mechanical disturbance frequently. In order to study the damage characteristics of thermal shock on physical and dynamic compressive properties, the thermal shock damage of granite treated to different temperatures at different heating rates was obtained by measure the ultrasonic wave velocity, and the internal structures were obtained by scanning electron microscopy experiments. By using split Hopkinson pressure bar, the dynamic experiments on granite treated to 400°C and 600°C at heating rates of 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 20, 30, and 40°C/min were carried out. Thereby, the damage characteristics of thermal shock on the physical and dynamic compressive properties of granite were obtained. The results show that there is a heating rate threshold value between 6 and 10°C/min, which divides the thermal shock damage. Before the threshold value, the thermal shock does not appear. The dynamic compressive strength, dynamic elastic modulus, and density decrease; however, peak strain increases as the thermal shock damage increases. The researches of thermal effect on granite by heating with the heating rate below or equal to 6°C/min could avoid thermal shock. The research could provide a theoretical foundation for rock engineering suffered thermal shock, such as geothermal reservoir.
Mechanical Behaviour and Thermal Properties of Pine Apple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Vinyl Ester Composites
Authors: Refaai Mohamad Reda A. , Tamilarasan U. , Kumar K. Dilip , Karthe M. , Anbu C. , Yishak Simon
Published: April 2022

Despite its mechanical and environmental properties, pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) are used as a home threading material in India. In addition, the effects of abrasive combing and pretreatment techniques on fiber and composite characteristics were examined in this work. Using PALF vascular bundles separated from different regions of the leaves did not affect the mechanical aspects of pineapple leaf fiber-vinyl ester composites. PALF fibers performed equally in strengthening composite flexural properties under static loading, regardless of diameter or location, with a much lower weight percentage and combined pressure. Tests at higher speeds revealed that the PALF-vinyl ester composite was more robust with more delicate bundles. Reinforcing composites that do not require a high degree of hardness can benefit from the cleaner, more delicate bundles produced by abrasive combing.
Responses of Urban Ecosystem Vulnerability and Restoration Assessment on Typhoon Disaster: A Case Study of Zhuhai City, China
Authors: Su Mengyuan , Wu Jialong , Feng Miaoling
Published: April 2022

With the frequent occurrence of extreme disasters and the development of urbanization, the ecological vulnerability of urban system has been seriously affected, which has become an important issue in urgent need of research. In this study, a comprehensive analysis method of exposure, sensitivity, responsiveness, and resilience was used to establish an ecological vulnerability assessment model based on the impact of typhoon. With the help of big data analysis and model, this paper explored the impact and response of typhoon Hato on Zhuhai’s ecological vulnerability and restoration. Our results showed that under the influence of Hato, Jinwan district showed higher vulnerability, followed by Doumen district and Xiangzhou district. The lowest vulnerability of Xiangzhou district mainly for its coping capacity was significantly higher than the other two districts. Judging from the recovery situation shown by big data, Doumen and Xiangzhou districts recovered relatively quickly in terms of hydraulic and communication systems. The results of this study can provide a theoretical reference for vulnerability assessment, predisaster prevention, and postdisaster recovery of typhoon disaster risk areas.
Health Information Exchange in Relation to Long-Term Follow-Up Data System in Newborn Screening Program: General Overview and the Saudi Status
Authors: AlAhaidib Lujane Yousef , AlOdaib Ali Nasser
Published: April 2022

Background: Newborn screening program (NBS) is a vital public health service aiming to prevent morbidity, mortality, and disability through early detection and intervention. The service is a complex system that requires proper communication between its different constituents. The advent of technology in this field represented by the existence of robust analytical diagnostic tools which allow for rapid analysis of many rare congenital disorders along with the accelerated revolution of health information technology is a capstone towards improvement of an individual’s life quality and patient safety enhancement. Summary: Effective screening program requires an effective system that delivers results in timely manner, tracks those who are affected, and shares long-term outcomes at population level. Recently, more focus has been placed on the implementation of long-term follow-up (LTFU) data systems as an effective tool for continuous evaluation of the efficacy of NBS program. The ability to communicate health information using health information exchange system (HIE) is very essential to effective implementation of any LTFU plan. Key Messages: This review explores other programs’ experience in the impact of implementing HIE system in relation to LTFU data system in the era of NBS program and the importance of having a well-established collaboration infrastructure. Also, and at a glance, the current status of the Saudi National NBS program in the context of health informatics and barriers faced towards implementation of successful LTFU data system in relation to HIE is highlighted. Future trends may involve incorporating genomic data to LTFU system allowing for the application of the newly emerged personalized medicine era.