Sermon Written by A. C. Van Raalte

This sermon from the pen of Dr. Albertus C. Van Raalte was written in English. The dating is uncertain. It was found in the cornerstone box of Graves Library and Winants Chapel that was opened on 14 November 2006. The text of the sermon is Acts 15.18.https://digitalcommons.hope.edu/vrp_1870s/1031/thumbnail.jp

Simulating Humans as Integral Parts of Spacecraft Missions

The Collaborative-Virtual Environment Simulation Tool (C-VEST) software was developed for use in a NASA project entitled "3-D Interactive Digital Virtual Human." The project is oriented toward the use of a comprehensive suite of advanced software tools in computational simulations for the purposes of human-centered design of spacecraft missions and of the spacecraft, space suits, and other equipment to be used on the missions. The C-VEST software affords an unprecedented suite of capabilities for three-dimensional virtual-environment simulations with plug-in interfaces for physiological data, haptic interfaces, plug-and-play software, realtime control, and/or playback control. Mathematical models of the mechanics of the human body and of the aforementioned equipment are implemented in software and integrated to simulate forces exerted on and by astronauts as they work. The computational results can then support the iterative processes of design, building, and testing in applied systems engineering and integration. The results of the simulations provide guidance for devising measures to counteract effects of microgravity on the human body and for the rapid development of virtual (that is, simulated) prototypes of advanced space suits, cockpits, and robots to enhance the productivity, comfort, and safety of astronauts. The unique ability to implement human-in-the-loop immersion also makes the C-VEST software potentially valuable for use in commercial and academic settings beyond the original space-mission setting

Associations Between Clinician-Graded Facial Function and Patient-Reported Quality of Life in Adults With Peripheral Facial Palsy A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis:A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE Understanding how the quality of life of adults (>= 18 years) with peripheral facial palsy can be estimated using clinician measures of facial function and patient-reported variables might aid in counseling patients and in conducting research. OBJECTIVES To analyze associations between clinician-graded facial function and patient-reported quality of life in adults with peripheral facial palsy, compare associations between facial function and the physical and social functions of quality of life, and examine factors that might influence the associations. DATA SOURCES A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and PsycInfo on June 4, 2020, with no restrictions on the start date. STUDY SELECTION Twenty-three studies reporting an association between clinician-graded facial function and patient-reported quality of life in adults with peripheral facial palsy were included. Facial function instruments included the House-Brackmann, Sunnybrook Facial Grading System, and electronic clinician-graded facial function assessment. Quality-of-life instruments included the Facial Disability Index and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data extraction and qualitative synthesis were performed according to the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Record screening, data extraction, and quality assessments were done by 2 researchers independently. Data were pooled using random-effects models. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcome was the association between facial function and quality of life, quantified by Pearson r, Spearman rho, or regression analysis. RESULTS In total, 23 studies (3746 participants) were included. In the 21 studies that reported on the sex of the cohorts, there were 2073 women (57.3%). Mean or median age ranged from 21 to 64 years and mean or median duration of palsy ranged from newly diagnosed to 12 years. Bell palsy (n = 1397), benign tumor (n = 980), and infection (n = 257) were the most common etiologic factors. Pooled correlation coefficients were 0.424 (95% CI, 0.375-0.471) to 0.533 (95% CI, 0.447-0.610) between facial function and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale total, 0.324 (95% CI, 0.128-0.495) to 0.397 (95% CI, 0.242-0.532) between facial function and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale social function, 0.423 (95% CI, 0.322-0.514) to 0.605 (95% CI, -0.124-0.910) between facial function and Facial Disability Index physical function, and 0.166 (95% CI, 0.044-0.283) to 0.208 (95% CI, 0.031-0.373) between facial function and Facial Disability Index social function. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Associations noted in this systematic review and meta-analysis were overall low to moderate, suggesting that only a small part of quality of life is explained by facial function. Associations were higher between facial function and physical function than social function of quality of life

Association of Socioeconomic, Personality, and Mental Health Factors With Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Facial Palsy

Importance: Knowledge of factors associated with health-related quality of life in patients with facial palsy may aid in better interpreting outcomes of research and treatment. Objective: To identify factors associated with health-related quality of life in patients with facial palsy. Design, Setting, and Participants: The inclusion period for participants in this cross-sectional study at the University Medical Center Groningen, a tertiary referral center for facial reanimation surgery, was March 1 to June 1, 2019. Patients aged at least 18 years with facial palsy who had undergone surgery for facial palsy between January 1, 2007, and January 1, 2018, and patients visiting the outpatient clinic of the University of Groningen Department of Plastic Surgery for their facial palsy between March 1 and June 1, 2019, were also asked to participate. Of 276 patients invited, 145 gave informed consent. Twenty patients did not respond after consent, 3 patients withdrew from the study, and 1 patient was wrongly included. Main Outcomes and Measures: Health-related quality of life was measured using the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale and the Facial Disability Index (physical score and social score). Facial function was assessed with the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System. Other variables were investigated using validated questionnaires, including the Duke University Religion Index, Ten-Item Personality Inventory, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Multivariable linear regression analyses with stepwise backward selection were performed to identify associations with health-related quality of life. Because 44 Sunnybrook composite scores were missing, a sensitivity analysis was performed that excluded the Sunnybrook composite scores from the multivariable analysis. Results: In total, 121 patients with facial palsy were included; their median age was 62 years (interquartile range, 48-71 years), and 63 (52%) were women. Sunnybrook composite score (β = 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.5), extraversion (β = 2.6; 95% CI, 0.4-4.8), and anxiety (β = -2.4; 95% CI, -4.1 to -0.8) were associated with the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale total score (R2 = 0.380; 95% CI, 0.212-0.548). The Sunnybrook composite score was associated with the Facial Disability Index physical score (β = 0.2; 95% CI, 0.0-0.4) (R2 = 0.084; 95% CI, -0.037 to 0.205). Bilateral facial palsy (β = -21.2; 95% CI, -32.3 to -10.1), extraversion (β = 2.7; 95% CI, 1.3-4.1), conscientiousness (β = 2.7; 95% CI, 0.2-5.2), emotional stability (β = 3.3; 95% CI, 1.7-4.8), and depression (β = -1.3; 95% CI, -2.5 to -0.1) were associated with the Facial Disability Index social score (R2 = 0.400; 95% CI, 0.262-0.538). In the sensitivity analysis, the Sunnybrook composite score was associated with age (Spearman ρ = -0.252). Conclusions and Relevance: Bilateral facial palsy, age, severity of facial palsy, mental distress, and personality traits should be taken into account in future research and treatment of patients with facial palsy

Impact of COVID-19 on patients from from FACT or autism teams

BACKGROUND: Most research focuses on the impact of COVID-19 for the general population. People with mental health problems may suffer even more from its consequences.AIM: Measuring mental health, experiences with outpatient care and government measures of 105 people in mental health care in the Northern Netherlands during the first wave of COVID-19.METHOD: Anonymous, online survey among people in care with autism- or FACT-teams in the Northern Netherlands between July-September 2020.RESULTS: Few participants reported recent COVID-19-related symptoms (n=2); no participant had lab-confirmed COVID-19. Both positive (clear world, tranquility, few stimuli: 28%) and negative experiences (missing face-to-face contact with mental health care professionals: 22%) were reported. Although there was some fluctuation in happiness, the average happiness score did not change due to the first wave. Three-quarters were satisfied with their mental health care. Although in-person contact with mental health care professionals was missed, the continuation of care through (video)calling was appreciated. One third reported an increased or new care need in mental health symptoms or daily functioning. The 'physical' government measures were considered pleasant and doable, but 'social' measures were harder. Newsletters with practical information about the consequences of the measures for personal healthcare were appreciated.CONCLUSION: The results show a nuanced picture of how outpatients experienced the first wave of COVID-19. Continued monitoring is important, as long-term impact of COVID-19 cannot be predicted.</p

The Impact of the Extent of Lymphadenectomy on Oncologic Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer : A Systematic Review

Copyright © 2014 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Peer reviewedPostprin

Effect of diffuse glass on climate and plant environment: First results from an experiment on roses

High energy use in rose cultivation at higher latitudes is caused by the need for artificial light to supplement scarce sun radiation. On the other hand, since too high radiation levels are known to reduce flower quality, shading is widely applied during spring and summer, either through movable screens or seasonal whitewash. In both cases damage to the crop is avoided at the cost of reducing potential assimilation by reduction of (PAR) light. Recent research on cucumber has shown that diffusing cover materials have the potential of improving the uniformity of vertical light distribution in a crop, therefore decreasing the energy load on the uppermost crop layer to the advantage of underlying crop layers. Light diffusion, however, usually implies a loss of overall transmission. This drawback can be avoided by antireflection coatings, so that most recently diffusive glass covers have become available with the same transmissivity of standard glass. The application of such a cover on roses could decrease the need for shading so that a desired radiation sum could be achieved with less need for artificial light. Such an experiment is in progress on a crop of roses (cv. Red Naomi) at the research station of Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture in Bleiswijk, NL, in two compartments. One is covered with diffuse glass with anti-reflection coating with a light transmission of 93% perpendicular and 83% hemispherical and haze factor of 72%. The reference compartment is covered with standard glass. This paper describes the effect of a diffusing cover on the greenhouse climate (air- and plant-temperature, humidity and ventilation requirement) and water balance compared to a greenhouse covered with standard glass. It’s shown that the effect on greenhouse climate is limited but flower temperature is reduced in the diffuse compartment which has effect on flower quality. It seems therefore that the material has potential for reducing leaf burning and if the use of shade screens or whitewash can be reduced there is a potential increase of yield with the same energy inpu