Is manganese-doped diamond a ferromagnetic semiconductor?

We use density-functional theoretical methods to examine the recent prediction, based on a mean-field solution of the Zener model, that diamond doped by Mn (with spin S=5/2) would be a dilute magnetic semiconductor that remains ferromagnetic well above room temperature. Our findings suggest this to be unlikely, for four reasons: (1) substitutional Mn in diamond has a low-spin S=1/2 ground state; (2) the substitutional site is energetically unfavorable relative to the much larger "divacancy" site; 3) Mn in the divacancy site is an acceptor, but with only hyperdeep levels, and hence the holes are likely to remain localized; (4) the calculated Heisenberg couplings between Mn in nearby divacancy sites are two orders of magnitude smaller than for substitutional Mn in germanium.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure

Sviluppo di modelli innovativi per il monitoraggio multiscala degli indicatori di servizi ecosistemici nelle foreste Mediterranee (Progetto MIMOSE).

Gli ecosistemi, attraverso le loro funzioni, forniscono un ampio range di beni e servizi, che risultano fondamentali per il benessere dell’uomo. Questi vengono complessivamente definiti Servizi Ecosistemici (SE). I SE possono essere intesi come un flusso di valori verso la società, quale risultato dello stato e della quantità del capitale naturale disponibile. Il mantenimento degli stocks del capitale naturale può permettere di prevedere i flussi futuri dei SE, assicurando quindi il benessere dell’uomo per le generazioni future. Il progetto FIRB 2012 MIMOSE è finalizzato allo sviluppo di un approccio multiscala innovativo e all’implementazione di strumenti previsionali volti al monitoraggio dei SE in habitat forestali Mediterranei. Un set di indicatori viene considerato per stimare i SE forniti dalle foreste, sviluppando strumenti integrati per il loro monitoraggio multiscala. Le attività di ricerca vertono allo sviluppo di un metodo statistico innovativo per la stima spaziale degli indicatori di SE, sulla base di dati disponibili a diversi livelli di scala spaziale. Sono realizzate mappe wall-to-wall per la fornitura dei SE, derivate da diversi domini spaziali, dal livello di scala locale sino ad aree forestali di grande estensione. I dati sugli indicatori dei SE sono forniti nel contesto di attività di campionamento già stabilite (raccolta dati a livello di aree di saggio e di popolamento), per poi applicare tecniche di spazializzazione per aggregare i dati raccolti su scala locale a livelli di scala più ampia (paesaggio, scala regionale); l’approccio utilizzato viene valutato attraverso l’applicazione di strumenti di monitoraggio in un set di aree test. Si procede quindi alla valutazione dei cambiamenti spazio-temporali nella previsione dei SE, considerando indicatori sensibili alla gestione forestale, ovvero capaci di evidenziare cambiamenti nella previsione di fornitura di beni e servizi ad opera dei sistemi forestali, in relazione a differenti scenari gestionali, con l’obiettivo di fornire indicazioni ai gestori forestali ed alle comunità locali per l’applicazione di pratiche di gestione che possano mantenere o incrementare la fornitura dei SE in un preciso contesto territoriale. Questo progetto permette di realizzare un’attenta analisi dei gaps esistenti negli attuali schemi di inventariazione in relazione alla fornitura dei SE, con l’obiettivo di dare indicazioni utili all’implementazione ed integrazione degli stessi mediante individuazione di nuovi indicatori, nell’ottica di una gestione forestale sostenibile. Le attività di ricerca in corso possono concretamente contribuire all’incorporazione dei SE nei processi decisionali connessi alla gestione dei paesaggi forestali, fornendo un’opportunità per comprendere la congruenza tra i diversi SE negli ambienti forestali

Predictive score using clinical and blood biomarkers in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) patients treated with immunotherapy

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Peripheral blood biomarkers as prognostic factors for immunotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) patients

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Barrett’s oESophagus trial 3 (BEST3): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial comparing the Cytosponge-TFF3 test with usual care to facilitate the diagnosis of oesophageal pre-cancer in primary care patients with chronic acid reflux

Abstract Background Early detection of oesophageal cancer improves outcomes; however, the optimal strategy for identifying patients at increased risk from the pre-cancerous lesion Barrett’s oesophagus (BE) is not clear. The Cytosponge, a novel non-endoscopic sponge device, combined with the biomarker Trefoil Factor 3 (TFF3) has been tested in four clinical studies. It was found to be safe, accurate and acceptable to patients. The aim of the BEST3 trial is to evaluate if the offer of a Cytosponge-TFF3 test in primary care for patients on long term acid suppressants leads to an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with BE. Methods The BEST3 trial is a pragmatic multi-site cluster-randomised controlled trial set in primary care in England. Approximately 120 practices will be randomised 1:1 to either the intervention arm, invitation to a Cytosponge-TFF3 test, or the control arm usual care. Inclusion criteria are men and women aged 50 or over with records of at least 6 months of prescriptions for acid-suppressants in the last year. Patients in the intervention arm will receive an invitation to have a Cytosponge-TFF3 test in their general practice. Patients with a positive TFF3 test will receive an invitation for an upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy at their local hospital-based endoscopy clinic to test for BE. The primary objective is to compare histologically confirmed BE diagnosis between the intervention and control arms to determine whether the offer of the Cytosponge-TFF3 test in primary care results in an increase in BE diagnosis within 12 months of study entry. Discussion The BEST3 trial is a well-powered pragmatic trial testing the use of the Cytosponge-TFF3 test in the same population that we envisage it being used in clinical practice. The data generated from this trial will enable NICE and other clinical bodies to decide whether this test is suitable for routine clinical use. Trial registration This trial was prospectively registered with the ISRCTN Registry on 19/01/2017, trial number ISRCTN68382401

REFOCUS: developing a recovery focus in mental health services in England

Background: Recovery in mental health services is defined as living a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life even with any limitations caused by illness. An evidence base for understanding and supporting recovery is needed. Objectives: To carry out a programme of linked research studies to understand how mental health services can promote recovery. Design: A two phase, mixed methods study. Phase 1 (theory) involved seven systematic reviews (develop a conceptual framework for recovery; establish its cross-cultural validity; develop a recovery practice framework; review measures of recovery measures; recovery support measures; strengths measures; staff understanding of recovery), development and evaluation of three new measures (INSPIRE for recovery support; IOM for individualised measurement of recovery; SAFE for feasibility assessment), evaluation of existing recovery measure (QPR), national survey, three qualitative studies (conceptual framework validation, staff recoveryoriented practice, black service users), and development of a new manualised REFOCUS intervention. Phase 2 involved a two-site cluster randomised controlled trial of the REFOCUS intervention, with a nested secondary outcome study, process and economic evaluation, interrupted time series analysis, sub-group analysis of black service users, and outcomes comparison. The impact of PPI on the programme was also empirically evaluated. Setting: Six mental health Trusts in England. Participants: 741 community mental health service users, 1,169 mental health staff and 54 expert stakeholders. Interventions: The manualised team-level REFOCUS intervention to increase support for personal recovery. Main outcome measures: Survey: Recovery Self Assessment (RSA). Trial: Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery (QPR), Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ). Results: Phase 1: the conceptual framework for recovery identified characteristics, stages and processes of recovery. It was cross-culturally valid and applicable to current service users. The recovery practice framework identified four domains of recovery support. INSPIRE, SAFE and IOM were developed and evaluated. The national survey identified differences between team managers (n=22), workers (n=120) and service users (n=108), and found higher recovery orientation was associated with improved recovery. The REFOCUS intervention has two elements: recovery promoting relationships and working practices. Phase 2: the 27-team trial involving 403 service users (297 at follow-up) showed no differences on primary outcomes of QPR (adjusted difference 0.63, 95%CI: -1.4 to 2.3, p=.55), but secondary outcomes of functioning (adjusted difference 5.90, 95%CI 2.6 to 9.2, p<.001) and staff-rated unmet need (adjusted difference -0.80, 95%CI -1·6 to -0·7, p=.03) did improve. Implementation was mixed, and higher-participating teams had higher staff-rated pro-recovery behaviour change (adjusted difference -0·4, 95%CI -0·7 to -0·2, p=·001) and patients had higher QPR Interpersonal scores (adjusted difference -1·6, 95%CI -2·7 to -0·5, p=·005) at follow-up. Intervention-group patients incurred £1,062 (95%CI -£1,103 to £3,017) lower adjusted costs. Black service users did not show improved recovery or satisfaction. Service users who experienced the intervention reported benefits. Conclusions: The REFOCUS intervention has been modified following its evaluation. The REFOCUS Programme provides a theory base for recovery research

REFOCUS: developing a recovery focus in mental health services in England

Background: Recovery in mental health services is defined as living a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life even with any limitations caused by illness. An evidence base for understanding and supporting recovery is needed.Objectives: To carry out a programme of linked research studies to understand how mental health services can promote recovery.Design: A two phase, mixed methods study. Phase 1 (theory) involved seven systematic reviews (develop a conceptual framework for recovery; establish its cross-cultural validity; develop a recovery practice framework; review measures of recovery measures; recovery support measures; strengths measures; staff understanding of recovery), development and evaluation of three new measures (INSPIRE for recovery support; IOM for individualised measurement of recovery; SAFE for feasibility assessment), evaluation of existing recovery measure (QPR), national survey, three qualitative studies (conceptual framework validation, staff recoveryoriented practice, black service users), and development of a new manualised REFOCUS intervention. Phase 2 involved a two-site cluster randomised controlled trial of the REFOCUS intervention, with a nested secondary outcome study, process and economic evaluation, interrupted time series analysis, sub-group analysis of black service users, and outcomes comparison. The impact of PPI on the programme was also empirically evaluated.Setting: Six mental health Trusts in England.Participants: 741 community mental health service users, 1,169 mental health staff and 54 expert stakeholders.Interventions: The manualised team-level REFOCUS intervention to increase support for personal recovery.Main outcome measures: Survey: Recovery Self Assessment (RSA). Trial: Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery (QPR), Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ).Results: Phase 1: the conceptual framework for recovery identified characteristics, stages and processes of recovery. It was cross-culturally valid and applicable to current service users. The recovery practice framework identified four domains of recovery support. INSPIRE, SAFE and IOM were developed and evaluated. The national survey identified differences between team managers (n=22), workers (n=120) and service users (n=108), and found higher recovery orientation was associated with improved recovery. The REFOCUS intervention has two elements: recovery promoting relationships and working practices. Phase 2: the 27-team trial involving 403 service users (297 at follow-up) showed no differences on primary outcomes of QPR (adjusted difference 0.63, 95%CI: -1.4 to 2.3, p=.55), but secondary outcomes of functioning (adjusted difference 5.90, 95%CI 2.6 to 9.2,

Mapping and Assessment of forest Ecosystem and Their Services. Applications and guidance for decision making in the framework of MAES

The aim of this report is to illustrate by means of a series of case studies the implementation of mapping and assessment of forest ecosystem services in different contexts and geographical levels. Methodological aspects, data issues, approaches, limitations, gaps and further steps for improvement are analysed for providing good practices and decision making guidance. The EU initiative on Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES), with the support of all Member States, contributes to improve the knowledge on ecosytem services. MAES is one of the building-block initiatives supporting the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2000

Staying active under restrictions: Changes in type of physical exercise during the initial COVID-19 lockdown

Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated governmental restrictions suddenly changed everyday life and potentially affected exercise behavior. The aim of this study was to explore whether individuals changed their preference for certain types of physical exercise during the pandemic and to identify risk factors for inactivity. An international online survey with 13,881 adult participants from 18 countries/regions was conducted during the initial COVID-19 related lock-down (between April and May 2020). Data on types of exercise performed during and before the initial COVID-19 lockdown were collected, translated, and categorized (free-text input). Sankey charts were used to investigate these changes, and a mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to analyze risks for inactivity. Many participants managed to continue exercising but switched from playing games (e.g., football, tennis) to running, for example. In our sample, the most popular exercise types during the initial COVID-19 lockdown included endurance, muscular strength, and multimodal exercise. Regarding risk factors, higher education, living in rural areas, and physical activity before the COVID-19 lockdown reduced the risk for inactivity during the lockdown. In this relatively active multinational sample of adults, most participants were able to continue their preferred type of exercise despite restrictions, or changed to endurance type activities. Very few became physically inactive. It seems people can adapt quickly and that the constraints imposed by social distancing may even turn into an opportunity to start exercising for some. These findings may be helpful to identify individuals at risk and optimize interventions following a major context change that can disrupt the exercise routine