bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness Study of a Community Health Worker-Delivered Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in a Rural, Underserved Non-Hispanic Black Population: The CHANGE Study
Authors: Samuel-Hodge Carmen D. , Ziya Gizlice  , Allgood Sallie D. , Bunton Audrina J. , Erskine Amber , Leeman Jennifer , Cykert Samuel 
Published: April 2022

Purpose To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the Carolina Heart Alliance Networking for Greater Equity (CHANGE) Program, an adapted evidence-based cardiovascular disease risk reduction intervention delivered by Community Health Workers (CHW) to rural adults. Design Hybrid implementation-effectiveness study with a pre–post design. Setting North Carolina Federally Qualified Health Center and local health department in a rural, medically underserved area. Sample Participants (n = 255) included 87% Non-Hispanic Black with a mean age of 57 years; 84% had diagnosed hypertension, 55% had diabetes, and 65% had hypercholesterolemia. Intervention A CHW-delivered, low-intensity, 4-month behavioral lifestyle intervention promoting a southern-style Mediterranean dietary pattern and physical activity. Measures We measured number and representativeness of participants reached and retained, intervention delivery fidelity, weight, blood pressure, and self-reported dietary and physical activity behaviors. Analysis Pre–post changes at 4 months were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results Study participants completed 90% of planned intervention contacts; 87% were retained. Intervention delivery fidelity measures showed participants receiving a mean of 3.5 counseling visits, 2.7 booster calls, and on average completing 1.7 modules, setting 1.8 goals, and receiving 1.3 referrals per visit. There were significant mean reductions in systolic (−2.5 mmHg, P < .05) and diastolic blood pressure (−2.1 mmHg, P < .01); the proportion of participants with systolic blood pressure <130 increased by 7 % points (P = .05), and diastolic pressure <80 by 9 percentage points (P < .01). Dietary behaviors improved significantly with average weekly servings of nuts increased by .5 serving (P < .0001), and fruits and vegetables by .8 daily serving (P < .0001). Physical activity also increased on average by 45 min./week (P < .001). Weight did not change significantly. Conclusions The CHANGE program showed both implementation and program effectiveness and adds to the evidence supporting CHW-delivered lifestyle interventions to reduce CVD risk among rural, Non-Hispanic Black, and medically underserved populations.
Wellness in the Face of Frailty Among Older Adults in First Nations Communities
Authors: Slater Morgan , Bruser Gabrielle , Sutherland Roseanne , Andrew Melissa K. , Warry Wayne , Jacklin Kristen M. , Walker Jennifer D. 
Published: April 2022

Objectives First Nations people report high levels of wellness despite high rates of chronic illness. Our goal was to understand the factors associated with wellness among First Nations adults in Ontario who were considered frail. Methods Using the First Nations Regional Health Survey, we created a profile of First Nations adults (aged 45+) who were categorized as “frail” (weighted sample size = 8121). We used multivariate logistic regression to determine associations between wellness (as measured by self-reported physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual balance) and determinants of health. Results Rates of reported wellness were high among those who were frail, ranging from 56.7% reporting physical balance to 71.6% reporting mental balance. Three key elements were associated with wellness: the availability of resources, individual lifestyle factors, and cultural connection and identity. Discussion Our findings provide a profile of strength and wellness among older First Nations adults living with frailty.
Tribological and mechanical characterization of as-cast and thermal treated Al-9Si/SiC graded composite
Authors: Nachimuthu Radhika , Sam Manu , Thangamayandi Arumuga Ram , Balasubramanian Gayathri Yashwanth Kumar , Ranganathan Lokesh Kumar 
Published: April 2022

Tribology and mechanical properties of thermal treated Al-9Si/10wt%SiC functionally graded composite are compared with as-cast condition. The composite was centrifugally cast as a hollow cylindrical component (Ø(outer) 100 × Ø(inner) 60 × 100 mm), characterized at three wall layers (up to 3, 10, and 18 mm) from the outer periphery. Metallographic analysis on as-cast composite and thermal treated components revealed graded structure and spheroidization of acicular Si, respectively. Elemental mapping and phase formations were confirmed through Energy-dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. Outer layer of thermal treated component revealed maximum improvement in hardness (26%) and tensile strength (15%) compared to as-cast. Brittle mode of failure was featured through fractography. A combination of adhesive and abrasive mechanisms were predominant during reciprocating wear. EDS analysis of wear debris formed at intermediate sliding distance (1250 m) confirmed the oxide layer formation. Thus, the thermal treated composites are developed for automotive engine components vulnerable to wear.
Detection and control of layer width in fused plus wire arc additive manufacturing
Authors: Wang Xin , Luo Maolin , Xu Taojin , Zhou Chen , Li Haiqing , Hu Xiaolin 
Published: April 2022

Fused plus wire arc additive manufacturing is a low cost and high efficiency manufacturing technology for large scale metal parts. Aiming at the difficulty and low accuracy of component size information acquisition under strong arc light, this paper designs a laser bandpass composite filter system based on the intensity of the spectral characteristics. The component size features are extracted by image processing algorithms such as edge detection, threshold division, and line fitting. Through the adaptive control of the forming speed, the deposition width deviation is automatically corrected. The results show that under strong arc light, the feature size accuracy monitoring reaches 91.79%, and the clear image of deposition layer can be obtained effectively. This method can realize the effective forming with the deposition width of 5.5–10 mm and can accurately change the deposition layer width on demand. The dynamic control value error of the deposition feature size is less than 0.4 mm, that is, the control system can effectively ensure the component surface accuracy.
The influence of polymer concentration on the morphology and mechanical properties of asymmetric polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membrane for O2/N2 separation
Authors: Karim Syed Shujaat , Farrukh Sarah , Hussain Arshad , Younas Mohammad , Noor Tayyaba 
Published: April 2022

The polymeric based membrane technology has been an attractive alternative option among other gas separation technologies due to its ease of operation, good efficiency and low operational cost. However, a few concerns have been expressed about the polymeric based membrane technology for GS applications, such as the permeability-selectivity trade-off, mechanical stability and its environmental impacts. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to investigate the effects of polymer concentration on a biopolymer-PVA asymmetric membrane morphology, its mechanical properties and gas transport behaviour in order to optimize it for O2/N2 separation using the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) technique. For this purpose, initially, a theoretical solubility model and cloud point phase diagram analysis were conducted to study the solubility and demixing behaviour of the PVA/Water/THF ternary system. Afterwards, these membranes were prepared at different polymeric concentrations from 10 to 14 weight percent (wt.%) and then characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosity measurement test, universal testing machine (UTM) and gas permeation test to analyse their physical structure, mechanical properties and GS performance. The analysis results showed that a lower polymer concentration of 10 wt.% facilitated larger pore sizes of 2.486 ± 1.2 μm with a higher porosity of 77.73 ± 15.26% having higher O2 permeance but lower O2/N2 selectivity and mechanical properties. Whereas, a higher polymer concentration of 12 wt.% promoted smaller pore sizes of 2.096 ± 0.5 μm with a porosity of 56.31 ± 3.6%, having better O2/N2 separation performance and higher mechanical properties. However, increasing the polymeric concentration to 14 wt.% resulted in a densified membrane structure having voids and small pore sizes of 1.447 ± 0.9 μm, with a porosity of 31.35 ± 11.98%, and lower elasticity causing membrane rigidified, making it unsuitable for GS applications. Therefore, the intermediate concentration of 12 wt.% PVA asymmetric membrane represents the most optimum morphology and mechanical properties for better O2/N2 separation.
Does Difference in Environmental Standard Influence India’s Bilateral IIT Flows? Evidence from GMM Results
Authors: Aggarwal Sakshi , Chakraborty Debashis , Banik Nilanjan 
Published: April 2022

In the recent past, India has entered into several regional trading agreements (RTAs) with the objective of export promotion, on the one hand, and deepening participation in the global value chains, on the other. The consequent rise in Indian exports had been accompanied by a simultaneous import growth, given the trade preferences for partners through RTAs as well as ongoing unilateral tariff reforms. The rise in simultaneous exports and imports has enhanced the country’s intra-industry trade (IIT) level. Recently, India has engaged in RTA negotiations with several developed countries, which are characterized by more stringent environmental standards. The current analysis attempts to identify factors that influence India’s bilateral aggregate IIT index in a dynamic panel framework. In particular, it attempts to assess whether greater divergence in environmental standards adversely influence India’s IIT patterns. The empirical estimates reveal that India’s IIT is found to be relatively higher with countries that are technologically more advanced and have relatively stringent environmental standards. The observation indicates that India is possibly specializing in relatively low technology-intensive products vis-à-vis its developed trade partners. The analysis concludes that India would be better off by facilitating innovation and adhering to a higher level of environmental standard. JEL Codes: F13, F14, F15, F18
Evaluation of Facial Esthetics Following NAM Versus CAD/NAM in Infants With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: El-Ashmawi Noha A. , Fayed Mona M. Salah , El-Beialy Amr , Fares Ahmed E. , Attia Khaled H. 
Published: April 2022

Objective The aim is to compare the facial esthetics following nasoalveolar molding (NAM) versus computer-aided design NAM (CAD/NAM) in patients with bilateral cleft lip/palate (CLP). Design The trial is a randomized comparative trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants Thirty infants with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate were recruited. Interventions Patients were randomized between NAM and CAD/NAM groups. The treatment steps described by Grayson were followed for the NAM group. In the CAD/NAM group, digitized maxillary models were made to create a series of modified virtual models, which were used to fabricate the molding plates using 3-dimensional printing technology. The nasal stents were then added to the intraoral plates following the Grayson method. The study lasted for 4 months. Main Outcomes The assessment of the changes observed in the interlabial gap and nasolabial esthetics was done using standardized 2-dimensional photographs. The correlation between dental arch changes and extraoral facial esthetics was studied. Results Both modalities showed improvement in nasolabial esthetics before the lip surgery. No statistically significant difference was found between NAM and CAD/NAM groups in any of the assessed variables. Conclusions Both interventions were effective in the management of infants with bilateral CLP.
The Neuro-Endo-Microbio-Ome Study: A Pilot Study of Neurobiological Alterations Pre- Versus Post-Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Agarwal Khushbu , Maki Katherine A. , Vizioli Carlotta , Carnell Susan , Goodman Ethan , Hurley Matthew , Harris Civonnia , Colwell Rita , Steele Kimberley , Joseph Paule V. 
Published: April 2022

Background Plausible phenotype mechanisms following bariatric surgery include changes in neural and gastrointestinal physiology. This pilot study aims to investigate individual and combined neurologic, gut microbiome, and plasma hormone changes pre- versus post-vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and medical weight loss (MWL). We hypothesized post-weight loss phenotype would be associated with changes in central reward system brain connectivity, differences in postprandial gut hormone responses, and increased gut microbiome diversity. Methods Subjects included participants undergoing VSG, n = 7; RYGB, n = 9; and MWL, n = 6. Ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide-YY, gut microbiome, and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI; using fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations [fALFF]) were measured pre- and post-intervention in fasting and fed states. We explored phenotype characterization using clustering on gut hormone, microbiome, and rsfMRI datasets and a combined analysis. Results We observed more widespread fALFF differences post-bariatric surgery versus post-MWL. Decreased post-prandial fALFF was seen in food reward regions post-RYGB. The highest number of microbial taxa that increased post-intervention occurred in the RYGB group, followed by VSG and MWL. The combined hormone, microbiome, and MRI dataset most accurately clustered samples into pre- versus post-VSG phenotypes followed by RYGB subjects. Conclusion The data suggest surgical weight loss (VSG and RYGB) has a bigger impact on brain and gut function versus MWL and leads to lesser post-prandial activation of food-related neural circuits. VSG subjects had the greatest phenotype differences in interactions of microbiome, rsfMRI, and gut hormone features, followed by RYGB and MWL. These results will inform future prospective research studying gut-brain changes post-bariatric surgery.
A new mutation in the PDE6C gene in achromatopsia
Authors: Jiménez-Siles Laura , Zamorano-Martín Francisco , García-Lorente María , Urbinati Facundo , Rachwani Anil Rahul , Fernández-Figares María , España-Contreras Manuela 
Published: April 2022

Purpose To report a case of achromatopsia with a new mutation in the PDE6C gene which has not been previously described. Methods Case report. Patients A single patient. Results A 35-year-old woman with poor vision and impaired color vision. Fundus examination of both eyes (OU) revealed small optic discs. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed photoreceptor segment defects and a disruption of the ellipsoid layer in the foveal region, with intact overlying outer limiting membrane and underlying RPE bands. The electroretinogram (ERG) showed scotopic responses: DA 0.01: normal amplitude, b-wave latency at upper limit of normal / slightly increased. DA 3 and DA 10: slightly increased b-wave latency, asymmetry in b amplitude, being lower in the left eye. Oscillatory potentials: no responses are obtained. Photopic responses: LA-3: greatly increased latencies, decreased amplitude. Subsequently, a case of incomplete achromatopsia was suspected. Therefore, a genetic study was carried out showing the homozygous presence of the undescribed pathogenic variant c.660_661del (p.Ser221Tyrfs * 15) in exon 3 of the PDE6C gene. Conclusion Achromatopsia is an autosomal-recessive genetic disease characterized by decreased visual acuity, color blindness, photophobia, and nystagmus. Due to the variability of genetic mutations in achromatopsia, genetic characterization is mandatory in order to improve the efficiency in molecular diagnosis. This data may be useful in future therapeutic strategies. We present a previously undescribed mutation in the PDE6C gene in a patient with incomplete achromatopsia.
Prevalence, multimodal imaging and genotype-phenotype assessment of trauma related subretinal fibrosis in stargardt disease
Authors: Jimenez-Rolando B , Garcia-Sandoval B , Del Pozo-Valero M , Ayuso C , Garcia-Ferreira M , Abellanas M , Campos-Seco S , Carreño E 
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives Stargardt disease produces lipofuscin accumulation predisposing to subretinal fibrosis (SRFib) after ocular trauma. Noninvasive imaging techniques allow in vivo assessment. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of SRFib in a cohort of Stargardt patients, the presence of history of ocular trauma, the clinical features and possible genotype-phenotype associations in Stargardt patients with SRFib. Methods We evaluated retrospectively 106 Stargardt patients and analysed the multimodal imaging and the genotype of patients with SRFib. Results Six patients exhibited SRFib, three of them with history of ocular trauma. Multimodal imaging showed extensive SRFib principally in the temporal midperipheral retina with no fluid associated. SRFib was better defined by short wavelength autofluorescence and spectral domain optical coherence tomography and appeared clinically stable over time. There was no particular genotype associated to SRFib. Conclusion SRFib occurs in a significant percentage of patients with Stargardt disease and can be diagnosed through multimodal imaging regardless the history of trauma, further sustaining the importance of an appropriate imaging in such patients. No genotype-phenotype association has been established, supporting the traumatic etiology in half of cases. The remaining cases may be classified as idiopathic or have a minimal trauma occurring early in life that may be not recalled by the patients.
The dilemma after an unforeseen aortic arch anomalies at thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia: Is curtailing surgery still a necessity?
Authors: Seleim Hamed M. , Wishahy Ahmed M.K. , Magdy Basma , Elseoudi Mohamed , Zakaria Rania H. , Kaddah Sherif N. , Elbarbary Mohamed M. 
Published: April 2022

Background and objective: There are several forms of relevant epi-aortic branching anomalies, and perhaps that is why different views as to the best approach have been reported. To help resolve this dilemma, we examined the unforeseen arch anomalies found at thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia and the outcomes. Methods: In a retrospective cohort, all consecutive patients who were thoracoscopically approached for esophageal atresia over a 5-year period with unforeseen aortic/epi-aortic branching were identified and grouped. Thoracoscopic views, operative interventions, and outcomes were studied. Results: A total of 121 neonates were thoracoscopically approached for EA, of whom 18 cases with aberrant aortic architecture were selected. Four (3%) cases were diagnosed on a preoperative echocardiography as a right-sided aortic arch, whereas unforeseen anomalous anatomies were reported in 14 cases (11.6%): left aortic arch with an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) (n = 10), right-sided aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) (n = 3), and mirror-image right arch (n = 1). Single postoperative mortality was reported among the group with left arch and ARSA (10%), whereas all the cases with right arch and ALSA died. Conclusions: In all, 11.6% of the studied series exhibited unexpected aberrant aortic architecture, with higher complication rates in comparison to the typical thoracoscopic repairs. For EA with left aortic arch and ARSA, the primary esophageal surgery could safely be completed. Meanwhile, curtailing surgery—after ligating the TEF—to get advanced imaging is still advised for both groups with the right arch due to the significant existence of vascular rings.
Acceptance and coverage of fast invitation methods to in-the-moment surveys
Authors: Ochoa Carlos , Revilla Melanie 
Published: April 2022

When asking survey participants about past events, respondents might not properly recall the requested information. Surveying participants right when an event of interest occurs should reduce these recall errors. Such “in-the-moment surveys” are used nowadays but only in very specific occasions. Online panels that ask their members to share their online behaviors (metered panels) offer a new opportunity to use in-the-moment surveys whenever an online event of interest is detected. Previous research shows that the willingness to participate in in-the-moment surveys is notably high in metered panels, but even panellists willing to participate may fail to do so if they do not see the invitation in time. Very little is known about how participants perceive the different invitation methods available. A survey of members of a metered panel in Spain reveals that invitation methods deployed on smartphones get higher levels of acceptance and coverage, and are perceived as fastest. Moreover, offering several invitation methods on different devices would maximize the opportunities to participate in time, making them more feasible.
A detailed investigation of N95 respirator sterilization with dry heat, hydrogen peroxide, and ionizing radiation
Authors: Kumar Amit , Joshi Shailesh , Venkatesan Subramanian , Balasubramanian Venkatraman 
Published: April 2022

In the present ongoing pandemic, the N95 respirator is an essential protective barrier to suppress the spread of the SARS-Cov-2 virus and protect the frontline worker from exposure. The N95 respirators are meant for single usage; however, they can be used after sterilization, considering the economy and shortfall in availability. At this juncture, the performance of the respirator after various types of sterilization and usage condition is required to be analyzed in detail. With this motto, this work has proceeded. The respirator’s filtration efficiency (FE), breathing resistance, and quality factor are evaluated for two face velocities (5.8 ± 0.2 and 26.4 ± 0.9 cm/s). Sterilization techniques used here are dry air oven heating at 70–80 ± 3°C for 30 and 60 min, gamma irradiation for cumulative dose 15 and 25 kGy, and soaking in liquid hydrogen peroxide for 30 min. The filtration performance and electrostatic surface charge density are used to determine the facemask’s efficacy after sterilization. The respirator’s physical, chemical, and morphological degradation were investigated using materials area density, microscopic analyses, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, EPR, and TGA analyses. The highest reduction in filtration efficiency is 29.36 ± 0.49–36.08 ± 1.78% after irradiation due to a reduction in the charge density (71–133%) of the respirator layers. However, the FE does not reduce significantly (0.39 ± 0.52 to −2.46 ± 0.60) for dry air heat and H2O2 sterilization despite a change in charge density (0.4–53%), but there is no direct correlation with FE. Electrostatic charge measurement of the filtration layer is a crucial indicator of FE degradation. Hence, dry air heat and H2O2 soaking are found to be the most suitable sterilization methods. No significant degradation was observed on the physical, chemical, and morphological properties of respirators layers after sterilization.