bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Redisplacement of reduced distal radius fractures in adults: does the type of casting play a role? The CAST study, a multicentre cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Barvelink Britt , Reijman Max , Smidt Sanne , Miranda Afonso Pedro , Verhaar Jan A. N. , Colaris Joost W. 
Published: July 2024

AimsIt is not clear which type of casting provides the best initial treatment in adults with a distal radial fracture. Given that between 32% and 64% of adequately reduced fractures redisplace during immobilization in a cast, preventing redisplacement and a disabling malunion or secondary surgery is an aim of treatment. In this study, we investigated whether circumferential casting leads to fewer the redisplacement of fewer fractures and better one-year outcomes compared with plaster splinting.MethodsIn a pragmatic, open-label, multicentre, two-period cluster-randomized superiority trial, we compared these two types of casting. Recruitment took place in ten hospitals. Eligible patients aged ≥ 18 years with a displaced distal radial fracture, which was acceptably aligned after closed reduction, were included. The primary outcome measure was the rate of redisplacement within five weeks of immobilization. Secondary outcomes were the rate of complaints relating to the cast, clinical outcomes at three months, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (using the numerical rating scale (NRS), the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) scores), and adverse events such as the development of compartment syndrome during one year of follow-up. We used multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression for the analysis of the primary outcome measure.ResultsThe study included 420 patients. There was no significant difference between the rate of redisplacement of the fracture between the groups: 47% (n = 88) for those treated with a plaster splint and 49% (n = 90) for those treated with a circumferential cast (odds ratio 1.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65 to 1.70); p = 0.854). Patients treated in a plaster splint reported significantly more pain than those treated with a circumferential cast, during the first week of treatment (estimated mean NRS 4.7 (95% CI 4.3 to 5.1) vs 4.1 (95% CI 3.7 to 4.4); p = 0.014). The rate of complaints relating to the cast, clinical outcomes and PROMs did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). Compartment syndrome did not occur.ConclusionCircumferential casting did not result in a significantly different rate of redisplacement of the fracture compared with the use of a plaster splint. There were comparable outcomes in both groups.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):696–704.
Wavelength-tolerant generation of Bessel-Gaussian beams using vortex phase plates
Authors: Stoyanov Lyubomir , Dimitrov Nikolay , Wiesner Felix , Fedoruk Michael , Paulus Gerhard G. , Dreischuh Alexander 
Published: July 2024

With their nearly non-diffracting and self-healing nature, Bessel-Gaussian beams (BGBs) are attractive for many applications ranging from free-space communications to nonlinear optics. BGBs can successfully be generated on background laser beams by imprinting and subsequently annihilating multiply charged optical vortices followed by focusing the resulting ring-shaped beam with a thin lens. For high-power applications optical vortices are preferentially created by spiral phase plates because of their high damage threshold. These are fabricated to realize an azimuthal change of the accumulated phase of a multiple of 2π at a predetermined wavelength. This raises the expectation that the use of spiral phase plates for the generation of BGBs is limited to the design wavelength and therefore not applicable to broadband applications involving short-pulse lasers. In this paper we present experimental data showing that this limitation can be overcome in a broad spectral range around the design wavelength. Experimental cross-sections of the BGBs for several off-design wavelengths are found in a good quantitative agreement with the theoretical Bessel functions at distances up to 540 cm after the focus of the lens.
Tailored detection efficiency for linear variable filter-based sensors: applying simulation models of spectral characteristics in optical design
Authors: Kobylinskiy Aliaksei , Uwurukundo Xavier , Hillmer Hartmut , Brunner Robert 
Published: July 2024

To accurately model the specific detection characteristics of spectral sensors based on linear variable filters (LVFs) within an optical design tool, it is essential to consider crucial position-variable spectral properties, such as peak transmittance, central wavelength, half width, or slope steepness. In this context, we propose a straightforward approach, integrating a dynamic link library (DLL) containing all position-dependent spectral properties of the LVF into a commercial optical design software. Exemplary investigations are conducted for an LVF with a detection range of 450–850 nm. For ease of use, the measured position-, wavelength-, and angle-dependent transmission properties of the LVF have been described through a simple yet highly accurate model system. Moreover, to highlight the essential value of this simulation for specific applications, an efficiency-enhancing spectral module is simulated, which is an LVF-mirror arrangement characterized by a multiple-reflected beam path. The introduced optical design tool demonstrates its particular strength by enabling the optimization of the highest detection efficiency for either the short- or long-wavelength range.
Assessing the modification impact of vaccination on the relationship of the Discomfort Index with hand, foot, and mouth disease in Guizhou: A multicounty study
Authors: Sun Jie , Zhang Wangjian , Yao Guanghai , Gu Jing , Wu Wenjing , Wang Dan , Du Zhicheng , Hao Yuantao 
Published: July 2024

Background
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a major public health issue in China while temperature and humidity are well-documented predictors. However, evidence on the combined effect of temperature and humidity is still limited. It also remains unclear whether such an effect could be modified by the enterovirus 71 (EV71) vaccination.

Methods
Based on 320,042 reported HFMD cases during the summer months between 2012 and 2019, we conducted a study utilizing Distributed Lag Non-Linear Models (DLNM) and time-varying DLNM to examine how China’s HFMD EV71 vaccine strategy would affect the correlation between meteorological conditions and HFMD risk.

Results
The incidence of HFMD changed with the Discomfort Index in an arm-shaped form. The 14-day cumulative risk of HFMD exhibited a statistically significant increase during the period of 2017–2019 (following the implementation of the EV71 vaccine policy) compared to 2012–2016 (prior to the vaccine implementation). For the total population, the range of relative risk (RR) values for HFMD at the 75th, 90th, and 99th percentiles increased from 1.082–1.303 in 2012–2016 to 1.836–2.022 in 2017–2019. In the stratified analyses, Han Chinese areas show stronger relative growth, with RR values at the 75th, 90th, and 99th percentiles increased by 14.3%, 39.1%, and 134.4% post-vaccination, compared to increases of 22.7%, 41.6%, and 38.8% in minority areas. Similarly, boys showed greater increases (24.4%, 47.7%, 121.5%) compared to girls (8.1%, 28.1%, 58.3%). Additionally, the central Guizhou urban agglomeration displayed a tendency for stronger relative growth compared to other counties.

Conclusions
Although the EV71 vaccine policy has been implemented, it hasn’t effectively controlled the overall risk of HFMD. There’s been a shift in the main viral subtypes, potentially altering population susceptibility and influencing HFMD occurrences. The modulating effects of vaccine intervention may also be influenced by factors such as race, sex, and economic level.
A Nanobody/Monoclonal Antibody “hybrid” sandwich technology offers an improved immunoassay strategy for detection of African trypanosome infections
Authors: Odongo Steven , Jin Bo-Kyung , Nguyen Hang Thi Thu , Radwanska Magdalena , Magez Stefan 
Published: July 2024

The scarcity of reliable devices for diagnosis of Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) presents a limitation to control of the disease. Existing high-sensitivity technologies such as PCR are costly, laborious, time-consuming, complex, and require skilled personnel. Hence, utilisation of most diagnostics for AAT is impracticable in rural areas, where the disease occurs. A more accessible point-of-care test (POCT) capable of detecting cryptic active infection, without relying on expensive equipment, would facilitate AAT detection. In turn, early management, would reduce disease incidence and severity. Today, several ongoing research projects aim at modifying complex immunoassays into POCTs. In this context, we report the development of an antigen (Ag) detection sandwich ELISA prototype for diagnosis of T. congolense infections, which is comprised of nanobody (Nb) and monoclonal antibody (mAb) reagents.
The Nb474H used here, originated from a past study. Briefly, the Nb was engineered starting from mRNA of peripheral blood lymphocytes of an alpaca immunized with soluble lysate of Trypanosoma congolense (TC13). T. congolense glycosomal fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (TcoALD) was discovered as the cognate Ag of Nb474H. In this study, splenocytes were harvested from a mouse immunized with recombinant TcoALD and fused with NS01 cells to generate a hybridoma library. Random screening of the library on TcoALD retrieved a lone binder, designated IgM8A2. Using Nb474H as Ag-capture reagent in combination with the IgM8A2 monoclonal antibody Ag-detection reagent resulted in a tool that effectively detects native TcoALD released during infection by T. congolense parasites.
Hitherto, development of POCT for detection of active trypanosome infection is elusive. The Nanobody/Monoclonal Antibody (Nb/mAb) “hybrid” sandwich technology offers prospects for exploration, using the unique specificity of Nb as a key determinant in Ag capturing, while using the versatility of monoclonal Ab to adapt to various detection conditions.
Modeling normal mouse uterine contraction and placental perfusion with non-invasive longitudinal dynamic contrast enhancement MRI
Authors: Cortes Devin Raine Everaldo , Stapleton Margaret C. , Schwab Kristina E. , West Dalton , Coulson Noah W. , O’Donnell Mary Gemmel , Christodoulou Anthony G. , Powers Robert W. , Wu Yijen L. 
Published: July 2024

Background
The placenta is a transient organ critical for fetal development. Disruptions of normal placental functions can impact health throughout an individual’s entire life. Although being recognized by the NIH Human Placenta Project as an important organ, the placenta remains understudied, partly because of a lack of non-invasive tools for longitudinally evaluation for key aspects of placental functionalities.

Objective
Our goal is to create a non-invasive preclinical imaging pipeline that can longitudinally probe murine placental health in vivo. We use advanced imaging processing schemes to establish functional biomarkers for non-invasive longitudinal evaluation of placental development.

Methodology
We implement dynamic contrast enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and analysis pipeline to quantify uterine contraction and placental perfusion dynamics. We use optic flow and time-frequency analysis to quantify and characterize contraction-related placental motion. Our novel imaging and analysis pipeline uses subcutaneous administration of gadolinium for steepest slope-based perfusion evaluation, enabling non-invasive longitudinal monitoring.

Results
We demonstrate that the placenta exhibits spatially asymmetric contractile motion that develops from E14.5 to E17.5. Additionally, we see that placental perfusion, perfusion delivery rate, and substrate delivery all increase from E14.5 to E17.5, with the High Perfusion Chamber (HPC) leading the placental changes that occur from E14.5 to E17.5

Discussion
We advance the placental perfusion chamber paradigm with a novel, physiologically based threshold model for chamber localization and demonstrate spatially varying placental chambers using multiple functional metrics that assess mouse placental development and remodeling throughout gestation.

Conclusion
Our pipeline enables the non-invasive, longitudinal assessment of multiple placenta functions from a single imaging session. Our pipeline serves as a key toolbox for advancing research in mouse models of placental disease and disorder.
The effectiveness of preventive home visits on resilience and health-related outcomes among community dwelling older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Ramli Dayang Balkis , Shahar Suzana , Mat Sumaiyah , Ibrahim Norhayati , Tohit Noorlaili Mohd 
Published: July 2024

Background
This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of preventive home visits (PHVs) in enhancing resilience and health-related outcomes among older adults living in the community.

Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in nine databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library. The search was undertaken between March 15 and 31, 2022 with subsequent updates performed on October 15, 2023 and April 10, 2024. This review also included grey literature sourced via Google, Google Scholar and backward citation searches.

Results
Out of 5,621 records, 20 articles were found to meet the inclusion criteria with a total of 8,035 participants involved and the mean age ranged from 74.0 to 84.4 years. Using McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies, we ascertained that the studies included in our analysis had moderate to high levels of quality. In addition to health-related outcomes, PHV interventions were also conducted to evaluate psychological effects (16 studies) and social outcomes (seven studies). Five studies conducted financial assessment to evaluate the costs of health and social care utilisation during PHV interventions. Regarding the results of the review, seven studies showed favourable outcomes, five indicated no effect and eight had equivocal findings. Only one study assessed resilience and determined that PHV had no effect on the resilience of the subjects.

Conclusion
This review found that the effectiveness of PHV interventions was uncertain and inconclusive. PHV interventions often prioritise health-related objectives. The incorporation of a holistic approach involving psychosocial health into PHV interventions is relatively uncommon. Due to the paucity of research on resilience as PHV outcome, we are unable to draw a conclusion on the effectiveness of PHV on resilience. Resilience should be prioritised as a psychological assessment in the future development of comprehensive PHV interventions, as it enables older adults to adapt, manage, and respond positively to adversities that may arise with age. Performing financial analysis such as costs and benefits analysis to incorporate the return on investment of PHV interventions is an added value for future research on this topic.

Clinical trial registration
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022296919.
Understanding sexual health service access for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Ireland during the COVID-19 crisis: Findings from the EMERGE survey
Authors: Shanley Adam , O’Donnell Kate , Weatherburn Peter , Gilmore John , Witzel T. Charles 
Published: July 2024

Background
In the Republic of Ireland, the COVID-19 crisis led to sexual health service closures while clinical staff were redeployed to the pandemic response. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) face pre-existing sexual health inequalities which may have been exacerbated. The aim of this study is to understand sexual health service accessibility for gbMSM in Ireland during the COVID-19 crisis.

Methods
EMERGE recruited 980 gbMSM in Ireland (June-July 2021) to an anonymous online survey investigating well-being and service access through geo-location sexual networking apps (Grindr/Growlr), social media (Facebook/Instagram/Twitter) and collaborators. We fit multiple regression models reporting odds ratios (ORs) to understand how demographic and behavioural characteristics (age, sexual orientation, HIV testing history/status, region of residence, region of birth and education) were associated with ability to access services.

Results
Of the respondents, 410 gbMSM accessed sexual health services with some or no difficulty and 176 attempted but were unable to access services during the COVID-19 crisis. A further 382 gbMSM did not attempt to access services and were excluded from this sample and analysis.
Baseline: mean age 35.4 years, 88% gay, 83% previously tested for HIV, 69% Dublin-based, 71% born in Ireland and 74% with high level of education.
In multiple regression, gbMSM aged 56+ years (aOR = 0.38, 95%CI:0.16, 0.88), not previously tested for HIV (aOR = 0.46, 95%CI:0.23, 0.93) and with medium and low education (aOR = 0.55 95%CI:0.35, 0.85) had lowest odds of successfully accessing services.
GbMSM with HIV were most likely to be able to access services successfully (aOR = 2.68 95%CI:1.83, 6.08).
Most disrupted services were: STI testing, HIV testing and PrEP.

Conclusions
Service access difficulties were found to largely map onto pre-existing sexual health inequalities for gbMSM. Future service development efforts should prioritise (re)engaging older gbMSM, those who have not previously tested for HIV and those without high levels of education.
Serotonin receptor‐mediated vasorelaxation occurs primarily through 5‐HT4 activation in bovine lateral saphenous vein
Authors: Trotta Ronald J. , Harmon David L. , Klotz James L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo better understand mechanisms of serotonin‐ (5‐HT) mediated vasorelaxation, isolated lateral saphenous veins from cattle were assessed for vasoactivity using myography in response to increasing concentrations of 5‐HT or selective 5‐HT receptor agonists. Vessels were pre‐contracted with 1 × 10−4 M phenylephrine and exposed to increasing concentrations of 5‐HT or 5‐HT receptor agonists that were selective for 5‐HT1B, 5‐HT2B, 5‐HT4, and 5‐HT7. Vasoactive response data were normalized as a percentage of the maximum contractile response induced by the phenylephrine pre‐contraction. At 1 × 10−7 M 5‐HT, a relaxation was observed with an 88.7% decrease (p < 0.01) from the phenylephrine maximum. At 1 × 10−4 M 5‐HT, a contraction was observed with a 165% increase (p < 0.01) from the phenylephrine maximum. Increasing concentrations of agonists selective for 5‐HT2B, 5‐HT4, or 5‐HT7 resulted in a 27%, 92%, or 44% (p < 0.01) decrease from the phenylephrine maximum, respectively. Of these 5‐HT receptor agonists, the selective 5‐HT4 receptor agonist resulted in the greatest potency (−log EC50) value (6.30) compared with 5‐HT2B and 5‐HT7 receptor agonists (4.21 and 4.66, respectively). To confirm the involvement of 5‐HT4 in 5‐HT‐mediated vasorelaxation, blood vessels were exposed to either DMSO (solvent control) or a selective 5‐HT4 antagonist (1 × 10−5 M) for 5‐min prior to the phenylephrine pre‐contraction and 5‐HT additions. Antagonism of the 5‐HT4 receptor attenuated the vasorelaxation caused by 5‐HT. Approximately 94% of the vasorelaxation occurring in response to 5‐HT could be accounted for through 5‐HT4, providing strong evidence that 5‐HT‐mediated vasorelaxation occurs through 5‐HT4 activation in bovine peripheral vasculature.
A prospective longitudinal study of risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Stacey Benjamin S. , Cho Jun Seok , Lanéelle Damien , Bashir Mohammad , Williams Ian M. , Lewis Michael H. , Bailey Damian M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) from the largest Welsh screening cohort to date. Patients were recruited from 1993 (to 2015) as part of the South East Wales AAA screening programme through general practitioners. Demographic data and risk factors were collected by means of a self‐report questionnaire. Statistical tests were performed to determine whether associations could be observed between AAA and potential risk factors. Odds ratios (OR) were also calculated for each of the risk factors identified. A total of 6879 patients were included in the study. Two hundred and seventy‐five patients (4.0%) presented with AAA, of which 16% were female and 84% were male. Patients with AAA were older than the (no AAA) control group (p < 0.0001). The following risk factors were identified for AAA: family history of AAA (p < 0.0001); history of vascular surgery (p < 0.0001), cerebrovascular accident (p < 0.0001), coronary heart disease (p < 0.0001), diabetes (p < 0.0001), medication (p = 0.0018), claudication (p < 0.0001), smoking history (p = 0.0001) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (p = 0.0007). AAA is associated with classical vascular risk factors, in addition to other less‐well‐documented risk factors including previous vascular surgery. These findings have practical implications with the potential to improve future clinical screening of patients in order to reduce AAA mortality.
Engagement für Bibliotheken fördern und sichtbar machen
Authors: Ziller Monika 
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung
Bibliotheken müssen ihre Interessen im politischen Prozess sichtbar machen, besonders hinsichtlich Ausstattung und Finanzierung. Bibliotheksleitungen sind oft an Loyalitätspflichten gebunden und können ihre Interessen nicht öffentlich vertreten. Freundeskreise und Fördervereine sind hier entscheidend, da sie unabhängig von arbeitsrechtlichen Verpflichtungen auftreten und die Nutzerinteressen vertreten können. Beispiele wie in Hückeswagen, Korntal-Münchingen und Köln zeigen erfolgreiche Lobbyarbeit lokaler Freundeskreise.
Der Bundesverband der deutschen Bibliotheks-Freundeskreise e. V. (BdB) unterstützt dieses Engagement und fördert die Sichtbarkeit von Bibliotheken. Gegründet im Jahre 2018 bietet der BdB Fortbildungen, Webinare und einen Preis für herausragende Freundeskreise an. Er arbeitet mit anderen Kulturförderverbänden zusammen und setzt sich für zentrale Themen wie Bibliotheksfinanzierung und E-Lending ein. Der BdB sieht jedoch die Notwendigkeit, seine Lobbyarbeit auszubauen, was durch die ehrenamtlichen Ressourcen aktuell begrenzt ist. Um dies zu ändern, will der BdB zusätzliche Finanzmittel akquirieren, um langfristig professionellere Strukturen zu schaffen und die Interessen der Bibliotheksnutzer auf allen Ebenen wirksam zu vertreten.
Sharp pinching theorems for complete submanifolds in the sphere
Authors: Magliaro Marco , Mari Luciano , Roing Fernanda , Savas-Halilaj Andreas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
For every complete and minimally immersed submanifold

f
:

M
n

→

S

n
+
p

f\colon M^{n}\to\mathbb{S}^{n+p}

whose second fundamental form satisfies

|
A
|

2

≤

n
⁢
p

/

(

2
⁢
p

−
1

)

\lvert A\rvert^{2}\leq np/(2p-1)

, we prove that it is either totally geodesic, or (a covering of) a Clifford torus or a Veronese surface in

S
4

\mathbb{S}^{4}

, thereby extending the well-known results by Simons, Lawson and Chern, do Carmo & Kobayashi from compact to complete

M
n

M^{n}

.
We also obtain the corresponding result for complete hypersurfaces with non-vanishing constant mean curvature, due to Alencar & do Carmo in the compact case, under the optimal bound on the umbilicity tensor.
In dimension

n
≤
6

n\leq 6

, a pinching theorem for complete higher-codimensional submanifolds with non-vanishing parallel mean curvature is proved, partly generalizing previous work by Santos.
Our approach is inspired by the conformal method of Fischer-Colbrie, Shen & Ye and Catino, Mastrolia & Roncoroni.