bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“My baby is fine, no need for more clinic visits.” Facilitators and barriers for utilisation of follow‐up services for children born preterm in low‐resource setting: Parents' perceptions
Authors: Namiiro Flaviah B. , Nolens Barbara , Rujumba Joseph , Kiguli Sarah , Batte Anthony , van den Akker Thomas 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectivesWe sought to understand the facilitators and barriers impacting utilisation of follow‐up services for children born preterm as perceived by parents in a low‐resource setting.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study at Mulago Hospital, Uganda, with parents of children born preterm and aged 22–38 months at the time of the study. We collected data using five in‐depth interviews and four focus group discussions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis informed by the social–ecological model.ResultsTen subthemes emerged that could be grouped into three main themes: (1) Individual: parents' knowledge, parenting skills, perception of follow‐up and infant's condition; (2) Relationship: support for the mother and information sharing; (3) Institution: facility setup, cost of care, available personnel and distance from the facility. Parents of preterm infants perceived receiving timely information, better understanding of prematurity and its complications, support from spouses, availability of free services and encouragement from health workers as facilitators for utilisation of follow‐up services. Limited male involvement, parents' negative perception of follow‐up, stable condition of infant, health facility challenges especially congestion at the hospital, distance and care costs were key barriers.ConclusionAn interplay of facilitators and barriers at individual, interpersonal and health system levels encourage or deter parents from taking their preterm children for follow‐up services. Improving utilisation of services will require educating parents on the importance of follow‐up even when children are not sick, eliciting maternal support from spouses and peers and addressing health system gaps that make follow‐up unattractive and costly.
Pattern visual evoked potentials show an inferior–superior topographic shift through maturation in childhood
Authors: Marmoy Oliver R. , Horvat‐Gitsels Lisanne A. , Cortina‐Borja Mario , Thompson Dorothy A. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe pattern‐reversal visual evoked potential (prVEP) is an established routine clinical test. Its objectivity is particularly valuable for assessing visual pathway function in children. International standards specify at a minimum that an active electrode is placed on the occiput at Oz, but we find an additional inferior electrode at the inion (Iz) provides larger and more sensitive prVEPs in young persons. This study assesses the significance and age‐dependence of these observations. PrVEPs were recorded from 1487 patients considered ophthalmologically normal aged <20 years old, to a range of check widths including International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) standard large (50′) and small (12.5′) check widths. P100 peak‐time and amplitude from both electrode sites were analysed. A subset of 256 children were studied longitudinally by fitting logistic regression models including a random effect on subjects. PrVEPs were largest over the Iz electrode for the majority of infants and children. This transitioned with age to become equal or smaller at Oz as a function of check width. For ISCEV standard large and small check widths, transition periods were ∼8 and ∼12 years of age, respectively. We estimated abnormal result classifications of 3.7% with use of an Oz electrode alone, which decreases to 0.0–0.5% when adding or using an Iz electrode. The inferior dominance of prVEP topography in children may be explained by age‐related anatomical changes altering the cortical dipole, combined with physiological maturation of the neural generators of the prVEP. We recommend the Iz electrode is used routinely in recording of prVEPs in children.
imageKey points
Pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEPs) are an established clinical test which provide objective assessment of visual pathway function. These are particularly valuable in providing objective information of vision in children.
International standards specify the active recording electrode should be placed at the mid‐occiput (Oz), but we find that pattern‐reversal visual evoked potential amplitudes are larger for a lower placed electrode (Iz) in young persons.
This was assessed in 1487 patients who had simultaneous PVEP recording at both electrode positions, and it was found that the majority of PVEPs in children were larger over the Iz electrode.
The developmental differences in PVEP distribution transitioned to be equal between Iz and Oz with increasing age as a function of check width, at ∼8 and ∼12 years old for large and small check widths, respectively.
These differences will improve diagnostic accuracy of paediatric PVEPs. We hypothesise these changes reflect developmental anatomical and neurophysiological changes altering the PVEP dipole.
Matrix-Patterned Micromarkers for Tracking Local Contractile Movements of Myotubes Cultured on Thin-Film Scaffold
Authors: Hashimoto Shigehiro 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
To measure the distribution of local contractile movements in the layer of the myotubes, the movement of the matrix pattern of micromarkers placed on the back surface of the myotube-attached thin film has been tracked in vitro. A matrix pattern of micromarkers (diameter: 4 μm, height: 2 μm, interval: 30 μm) was fabricated on the back of a polydimethylsiloxane thin film (thickness: 6 μm) using photolithography. Mouse myoblasts were seeded on the front of the thin film and cultured for 10 days to differentiate into myotubes. Periodic electrical pulses (amplitude 2 V, pulse period 0.5 s, pulse width 1 ms) were applied between the electrodes of titanium wires immersed in the medium. Movements of both myotubes and markers were observed simultaneously with an optical microscope. Experimental results indicate that the motion distribution of each marker is related to the local periodic motion of the myotube layer. Thin films with matrix-patterned micromarkers fabricated on the back side allow in vitro analysis of the distribution of local repetitive contractile movements in the myotube layer.
Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Textured Microchannel Flow
Authors: Rabiei Nastaran , Hidrovo Carlos H. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Microchannel flow is of great interest across many disciplines and applications, from biochemical diagnostics to thermal management systems. Nonetheless, such flow requires large pumping power due to its small cross-sectional length scale. Textured surfaces have shown encouraging results in terms of drag reduction in external flows and at larger scales (turbulent regime). However, there have been some discrepancies in the literature regarding the possibility of drag/friction reduction in microscale internal flows (laminar regime), which is believed to be due to the absence of a proper definition for the reference baseline. The main goal of this paper is to determine whether the (rectangular) textures lead to drag/friction reduction while comparing their results with the correct reference. The rectangular trenches have been introduced on the side walls of the microchannels/microgaps to understand the underlying frictional physics by conducting numerical simulations and experiments. The effect of geometrical parameters of the rectangular trenches as well as the Reynolds number has been investigated on characteristics of the flow. A thorough analysis has been performed using a neural network (NN) to evaluate the potential drag reduction in textured microchannels. The results showed that using the correct reference baseline, no drag reduction was observed in textured microchannels with rectangular trenches. Moreover, the width-to-depth aspect ratio of the trenches and roughness (texture size to mean microchannel dimension) are introduced to be critical parameters in the flow behavior inside textured microchannels.
Validation of Smartphones and Different Low-Cost Activity Trackers for Step Counting Under Free-Living Conditions
Authors: Goh Claire Marie Jie Lin , Wang Nan Xin , Müller Andre Matthias , Yap Rowena , Edney Sarah , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk 
Published: January 2023

Background: Smartphones and wrist-worn activity trackers are increasingly popular for step counting purposes and physical activity promotion. Although trackers from popular brands have frequently been validated, the accuracy of low-cost devices under free-living conditions has not been adequately determined. Objective: To investigate the criterion validity of smartphones and low-cost wrist-worn activity trackers under free-living conditions. Methods: Participants wore a waist-worn Yamax pedometer and seven different low-cost wrist-worn activity trackers continuously over 3 days, and an activity log was completed at the end of each day. At the end of the study, the number of step counts reflected on the participants’ smartphone for each of the 3 days was also recorded. To establish criterion validity, step counts from smartphones and activity trackers were compared with the pedometers using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, mean absolute percentage error, and intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: Five of the seven activity trackers underestimated step counts and the remaining two and the smartphones overestimated step counts. Criterion validity was consistently higher for the activity trackers (r = .78–.92; mean absolute percentage error 14.5%–36.1%; intraclass correlation coefficient: .51–.91) than the smartphone (r = .37; mean absolute percentage error 55.7%; intraclass correlation coefficient: .36). Stratified analysis showed better validity of smartphones among female than for male participants. Phone wearing location also affected accuracy. Conclusions: Low-cost trackers demonstrated high accuracy in recording step counts and can be considered with confidence for research purposes or large-scale health promotion programs. The accuracy of using a smartphone for measuring step counts was substantially lower. Factors such as phone wear location and gender should also be considered when using smartphones to track step counts.
Varicella zoster virus cerebellitis without skin manifestations in an immunocompetent adult
Authors: Enwo Oby Otu , Ibrahim Dina , Boughton Matthew , Coyle-Gilchrist Ian 
Published: January 2023

The varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a ubiquitous, neurotropic pathogen capable of reactivation from sensory ganglion cells to cause dermatomal herpes zoster infection, alongside a range of pathologies within the central nervous system. The presence of VZV cerebellitis without skin manifestations, however, is exceedingly rare in immunocompetent adults.We report a case of VZV cerebellitis in an immunocompetent woman in her 70s, in the absence of a rash. The patient presented with a 2-week history of progressive gait ataxia, headache and mild confusion. Serological tests and neuroimaging were unremarkable. Diagnosis was confirmed through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis which revealed lymphocytosis and the presence of VZV DNA on PCR analysis. The patient showed symptomatic improvement following empirical acyclovir treatment, corroborated by favourable CSF analysis 10 days post-treatment initiation.Infective aetiology, including VZV, should be considered in patients presenting with acute cerebellar ataxia, even in immunocompetent adults with an absence of dermatological signs.
Study protocol of the CREDO randomised controlled trial: evaluation of a structured return home consultation for patients suffering from metastaticcancer
Authors: Gimenez Laëtitia , Grosclaude Pascale , Druel Vladimir , Costa Nadège , Delpierre Cyrille , Molinier Laurent , Delord Jean-Pierre , Rougé Bugat Marie-Eve 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionPatients suffering from cancer are often managed by multiple health professionals. General practitioners with specific skills in oncology could facilitate care coordination between hospital and general practice in the management of these patients. To explore this hypothesis, we run a randomised clinical trial, called ‘Concertation de REtour à DOmicile, CREDO’. The main objective is to explore the effectiveness of a ‘return home’ consultation compared with standard care. The number of unscheduled visits to care centres is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.Methods and analysisCREDO is a multicentre, randomised, open-label, prospective trial. It takes place in two specialised cancer care centres in southern France (Occitania region). Patient inclusion criteria are: be over 18 years old; be treated with a first cycle of metastatic chemotherapy in a specialised cancer care centre; have a metastatic solid cancer and be returning home after treatment. Patients are randomised in two arms: standard-arm (conventional management) or intervention-arm (CREDO management). In the intervention arm, a ‘return home’ consultation is carried out in three steps. First, the investigating GP (GP with specific skills in oncology) from the specialised care centre collects information about the patient and patient’s management choices. Then, the investigating GP conducts an interview with the patient’s referring GP to quickly communicate and discuss information about the patient. Finally, the investigating GP summarises these exchanges and transmits this information to the care centres chosen by the patient.All the patients are followed for 1 year.Statistical and medicoeconomic analysis are planned.Ethics and disseminationThis clinical trial is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov identifier and was approved by the ethics committee of South-Western French Committee for the Protection of Persons (number: 2016-A01587-44) and from the French National Drug Safety Agency (ANSM, number: 2016111500034).An international publication of the final results and conference presentations will be planned.Trial registration numberNCT02857400.
Sensitivity of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 during the Omicron variant outbreak among players and staff members of the Japan Professional Football League and clubs: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Murakami Michio , Sato Hitoshi , Irie Tomoko , Kamo Masashi , Naito Wataru , Yasutaka Tetsuo , Imoto Seiya 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivesRapid antigen tests have been used to prevent the spread of the COVID-19; however, there have been concerns about their decreased sensitivity to the Omicron variant. In this study, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of the rapid antigen test compared with the PCR test among the players and staff members of the Japan Professional Football League and clubs. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship between the sensitivity and the duration from the onset of symptoms to testing or vaccine status.DesignThis was a retrospective observational study.MethodsWe used 656 results from both the rapid antigen and PCR tests for COVID-19 using samples collected on the same day from 12 January to 2 March 2022, during the Omicron variant outbreak in Japan.ResultsThe sensitivity of the rapid antigen test compared with the PCR test was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.73) and the specificity was 0.998 (95% CI: 0.995 to 1.000). There were no significant associations between the sensitivity and the duration from the onset of symptoms to testing (including asymptomatic cases in the category) or vaccination status (p>0.05) with small effect sizes (Cramer’s V or φ: ≤0.22).ConclusionsEven during the Omicron outbreak, the sensitivity of the rapid antigen tests did not depend on the duration from the onset of symptoms to testing.
Patterns of gauge symmetry in the background field method
Authors: Aguilar A. C. , Ferreira M. N. , Ibañez D. , Oliveira B. M. , Papavassiliou J. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe correlation functions of Yang–Mills theories formulated in the background field method satisfy linear Slavnov–Taylor identities, which are naive generalizations of simple tree level relations, with no deformations originating from the ghost-sector of the theory. In recent years, a stronger version of these identities has been found to hold at the level of the background gluon self-energy, whose transversality is enforced separately for each special block of diagrams contributing to the gluon Schwinger–Dyson equation. In the present work we demonstrate by means of explicit calculations that the same distinct realization of the Slavnov–Taylor identity persists in the case of the background three-gluon vertex. The analysis is carried out at the level of the exact Schwinger–Dyson equation for this vertex, with no truncations or simplifying assumptions. The demonstration entails the contraction of individual vertex diagrams by the relevant momentum, which activates Slavnov–Taylor identities of vertices and multi-particle kernels nested inside these graphs; the final result emerges by virtue of a multitude of extensive cancellations, without the need of performing explicit integrations. In addition, we point out that background Ward identities amount to replacing derivatives of propagators by zero-momentum background-gluon insertions, in exact analogy to standard properties of Abelian gauge theories. Finally, certain potential applications of these results are briefly discussed.
Effectiveness of exercise programmes in improving physical function and reducing behavioural symptoms of community living older adults with dementia living in Asia, and impact on their informal carers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sari Yulisna Mutia , Hill Keith D. , Lee Den-Ching A. , Burton Elissa 
Published: January 2023

Background: There is a growing evidence on the benefits of exercise for older people living with dementia in developed countries. However, cultural, health-care systems and environmental differences may impact on the uptake of exercise and outcomes in different regions of the world.Objective: This study synthesised the available evidence examining the effectiveness of exercise interventions on improving physical function and reducing behavioural symptoms in community-dwelling older people living with dementia in Asia, and the impact on their informal carers.Methods: Six databases were searched to November 2021. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental studies evaluating exercise interventions for community-dwelling older people with dementia living in Asia were included. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials and Downs and Black checklist had been used to assess methodological quality of the studies. Meta-analyses using a fixed effects model assessed the effects of exercise interventions where sufficient data were available. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to pool results.Results: Nine studies (five RCTs) were included (Hong Kong-4, China-1, South Korea-2, Taiwan-1, Indonesia-1). Exercise improved dynamic balance [Functional Reach (2 studies, [Formula: see text] people with dementia), [Formula: see text], 95% CI (1.55, 3.67)], but not for the Berg Balance Scale ([Formula: see text], 95% CI [[Formula: see text]2.88, 5.07]), Timed Up and Go ([Formula: see text], 95% CI [[Formula: see text]7.27, 0.33]) and 5 times sit to stand tests ([Formula: see text], 95% CI [[Formula: see text]5.27, 1.54]). Single studies where data could not be pooled showed no effect of exercise on behavioural symptoms or impact on informal carers.Conclusion: Exercise appeared to have a beneficial effect on improving balance performance among older people with dementia living in Asia, however, this evidence is limited and inconsistent, and should be interpreted with caution. Further high-quality large RCTs are necessary for advancing the evidence base of exercise interventions for this population.
Liver Injury Patterns and Hepatic Toxicity among People Living with and without HIV and Attending Care in Urban Uganda
Authors: Wekesa Clara , Parkes-Ratanshi Rosalind , Kirk Gregory D. , Ocama Ponsiano 
Published: January 2023

Introduction. The evaluation of the patterns of liver injury, derived from liver chemistry panels, often may narrow on probable causes of the liver insult especially when coupled with clinical history, examination, and other diagnostic tests. Methods. Among people living with and without HIV and attending care, we used the

R

ratio to evaluate for liver injury patterns. Liver injury patterns were defined as cholestatic (

R
<
2

), mixed (

R
=
2
‐
5

), and hepatocellular (

R
>
5

). Results. Overall, the proportions of participants with cholestatic liver injury, mixed liver injury, and hepatocellular liver injury were 55%, 34%, and 4%, respectively, with similar distribution when stratified by HIV status. Alcohol use among participants without HIV was associated with all patterns of liver injury (cholestatic liver injury (

OR
=
4.9

CI

(1.0-24.2);

p
=
0.054

), mixed liver injury (

OR
=
5.3

CI

(1.1-27.3);

p
=
0.043

), and hepatocellular liver injury (

OR
=
13.2

CI

(1.0-167.3);

p
=
0.046

)). Increasing age was associated with cholestatic liver injury among participants with HIV (

OR
=
2.3

CI

(1.0-5.3);

p
=
0.038

). Despite a high hepatitis B prevalence among participants with HIV, there was no association with liver injury. Conclusions. Liver injury is prevalent among both people living with and without HIV in care, and cholestatic liver injury is the most common pattern. Alcohol is associated with all patterns of liver injury and increasing age associated with cholestatic liver injury among people living without HIV and people living with HIV, respectively.
Low Temperature, In Situ Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate in Silica Containing Emulsion Gels
Authors: Zavahir Nazreen , Zhang Tan , Blum Frank D. , Maddumaarachchi Madhubhashini 
Published: January 2023

Vinyl acetate (VAc) was polymerized to about 90% conversion in 9 h at 40°C from the colloidal microstructure of the VAc/fumed silica/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) system. The glass transition (

T

g

) of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) polymerized in these emulsion gels with silica was higher (

T

g

=

41

°

C

) than those of PVAc made from bulk polymerization at 60°C (

T

g

=

31

°

C

) and the weight average molar mass (

M

w

) was also larger (

M

w

about 300 kg/mol) than those from bulk polymerization (

M

w

=
125

kg
/
mol

). Increased

M

w

,

T

g

, and lowered processing temperature for these composites could facilitate new applications for PVAc.