bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photobiomodulation in dental implant stability and post‐surgical healing and inflammation. A randomised double‐blind study
Authors: Camolesi Gisela C. V. , Somoza‐Martín José M. , Reboiras‐López Maria D. , Camacho‐Alonso Fabio , Blanco‐Carrión Andrés , Pérez‐Sayáns Mario
Published: December 2022

Background

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of diode laser photobiomodulation (PBM) on post‐surgical healing, inflammation and implant stability.

Methods

Forty dental implants were inserted into 13 patients. The implants were randomly divided into two groups. The test group (PBM+) underwent two sessions of PBM (combined diode laser of 630 and 808 nm), the first of which after surgery, and the second, 7 days after the surgical procedure. The control group (PBM−) received simulated laser treatment. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) was determined immediately after the surgical procedure, and 7 days, 4 and 8 weeks later. Post‐surgical inflammation was assessed following the criteria described by Bloemen and Cols. Healing was calculated using the healing index (HI).

Results

No differences were found in terms of the mean values of implant stability between the test and control groups over time. Only two of the implants (18.2%) from the PBM− group were classified with the maximum healing index (HI = 5), whereas in the PBM+ group, nine implants (45%) were classified with the aforementioned index (P < 0.0001). Using the logistic regression, it was determined that the non‐application of the laser in the PBM− group caused an OR of 4.333 times of presenting inflammation (IC95% 1.150–16.323;P = 0.030).

Conclusions

The application of 808 nm infra‐red laser for bone tissue, and 630 nm for mucosal tissue in two sessions is considered to be an effective way of reducing inflammation and improving early healing. More studies are needed to confirm these results.
Association of inflammatory markers with hearing loss in young adults
Authors: Shapira Udi , Ben Assayag Hadas , Ungar Omer J. , Handzel Ophir , Abu Eta Rani , Rogowski Ori , Zeltser David , Berliner Shlomo , Shenhar‐Tsarfaty Shani , Oron Yahav
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To assess the correlation between inflammatory markers (IM) and hearing loss (HL) in a large cohort of apparently healthy individuals.

Design

A cross sectional study.

Setting

Tel‐Aviv Medical Center (a tertiary referral center) Inflammatory Survey Participants Individuals who attended the Tel‐Aviv Medical Center Inflammatory Survey (TAMCIS) for a routine annual health check.

Results

Out of 2,500 individuals included in the final study cohort, 1,170 (47.3%) had some hearing impairment. Those with a hearing loss in 1 or both ears had significantly higher levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and red blood cell counts. There was a difference between low‐ and high‐ frequencies losses associated with the inflammatory status.

Conclusions

IM levels were associated with the presence of a HL, supporting a link between inflammatory changes and hearing loss.
Post‐Sovietfire and grazing regimes govern the abundance of a key ecosystem engineer on the Eurasian steppe, the yellow ground squirrelSpermophilus fulvus
Authors: Koshkina Alyona , Freitag Martin , Grigoryeva Irina , Hölzel Norbert , Stirnemann Ingrid , Velbert Frederike , Kamp Johannes
Published: December 2022

Aim

Grazing intensity and fire patterns across the Eurasian steppes have changed dramatically over the past decades due to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, and Kazakhstan is now a global fire hotspot. The implications of these changes for ecosystem functioning are largely unclear. We aimed to understand the effects of changed grazing intensity and fire frequency on a key ecosystem engineer, the yellow ground squirrelSpermophilus fulvus, on a very large scale.

Location

Kazakhstan.

Methods

Ground squirrels were surveyed in an area of ca. 100,000 ha in the dry steppe of central Kazakhstan, using hierarchical distance sampling at more than 200 random points, stratified by fire frequency and livestock grazing intensity. We modelled abundance as a function of different variables, grouped at the landscape scale (fire and grazing), meso‐scale (soil and vegetation structure) and at burrow scale (plant traits such as palatability, digestibility and nutrient content).

Results

Ground squirrels prefer areas of a high wormwood cover (Artemisiaspp.) and high plant species richness, which are moderately grazed, preferably by cattle, with only rare fire occurrence. High squirrel densities were also related to the availability of nitrogen‐rich plants of high nutritional value for herbivores.

Main Conclusions

Yellow ground squirrels seem to reach their density optima by balancing trade‐offs between optimal foraging in areas of short, nutrient‐rich vegetation and a good visibility of approaching predators. Post‐Soviet changes in grazing pressure, resulting in higher fire recurrence rates due to grass encroachment and litter accumulation (i.e. fuel for wildfire), have likely affected the abundance of burrowing mammals and associated biodiversity across huge parts of the Eurasian steppes and semideserts.
Let there be light: Daylight saving time and road traffic collisions
Authors: James Jonathan
Published: December 2022

This paper examines the impact of daylight saving time (DST) on fatal road crashes in Australia. I exploit within year transitions to and from DST in a regression discontinuity in time framework. To examine the long run effect of the policy, I use trials of DST implemented in various states, and a DST extension due to the Sydney Olympics. Neither the transition to or out of DST, nor the long run effects of DST have an impact on fatalities on the road. However, there is evidence of reallocation of accidents over the day due to ambient light.
The performance of inferior alveolar nerve block technique among undergraduate students
Authors: Alsaegh Mohammed Amjed , Azzawi Amna Dafer Al , Marouf Bothaina Khalid Al
Published: December 2022

Aims

This study aimed at evaluating the ability to feel bone touch, positive aspirations, and frequency of the success rate during the direct inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) among dental students.

Methods

This prospective cross‐sectional study involved 203 cases of IANB injections for patients requiring extraction of mandibular posterior teeth who visited student dental clinics at Ajman University, Fujairah Campus. Students' performance of direct IANB including ability to perceive bone touch, frequency of positive aspirations, and success rate were reported.

Results

Students reported feeling bone contact in 148 (72.9%), 43 (21.2%), and 12 (5.9%) of the first, second, and third attempts during the IANB, respectively. Positive aspiration was found in 46 (22.7%) of the injections. The success was in 195 (96.1%) of the total injections. Spearman's correlation coefficient indicated that there was no significant correlation between the success rate and the result of aspiration (rho = .054, p = .440). Additionally, there was no correlation between attempts to touch the bone and the outcome of the aspiration (rho = −.091, p = .198) or success rate (rho = −.083, p = .240).

Conclusion

There is a relatively high success rate of direct IANB technique among dental students. This confirms the inclusion of this technique in the curriculum. Furthermore, the high rate of positive aspiration reflects the awareness and competency of dental students with the aspiration technique. In turn, this will reduce the failure of anaesthesia and the subsequent systemic complications.
Legacy of past exposure to hypoxia and warming regulates an ecosystem service provided by oysters
Authors: Donelan Sarah C. , Ogburn Matthew B. , Breitburg Denise
Published: December 2022

Climate change is having substantial impacts on organism fitness and ability to deliver critical ecosystem services, but these effects are often examined only in response to current environments. Past exposure to stress can also affect individuals via carryover effects, and whether these effects scale from individuals to influence ecosystem function and services is unknown. We explored within‐generation carryover effects of two coastal climate change stressors—hypoxia and warming—on oyster (Crassostrea virginica) growth and nitrogen bioassimilation, an important ecosystem service. Oysters were exposed to a factorial combination of two temperature and two diel‐cycling dissolved oxygen treatments at 3‐months‐old and again 1 year later. Carryover effects of hypoxia and warming influenced oyster growth and nitrogen storage in complex and context‐dependent ways. When operating, carryover effects of single stressors generally reduced oyster nitrogen bioassimilation and relative investment in tissue versus shell growth, particularly in warm environments, while early life exposure to multiple stressors generally allowed oysters to perform as well as control oysters. When extrapolated to the reef scale, carryover effects decreased nitrogen stored by modeled oyster reefs in most conditions, with reductions as large as 41%, a substantial decline in a critical ecosystem service. In some scenarios, however, carryover effects increased nitrogen storage by modeled oyster reefs, again highlighting the complexity of these effects. Hence, even brief exposure to climate change stressors early in life may have persistent effects on an ecosystem service 1 year later. Our results show for the first time that within‐generation carryover effects on individual phenotypes can impact processes at the ecosystem scale and may therefore be an overlooked factor determining ecosystem service delivery in response to anthropogenic change.
Is monitoring of gastric residual volume for critically ill patients with enteral nutrition necessary? A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Feng Limei , Chen Judi , Xu Qin
Published: December 2022

Background

There are many controversies over the necessity of monitoring gastric residual volume in the nursing care of enteral nutrition. We aimed to conduct an updated meta‐analysis to evaluate the effects of monitoring or not monitoring gastric residual volume on patients' outcomes and complications.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Library database to 15 April 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of gastric residual volume and no gastric residual volume monitoring. Review Manager software was used for data analysis.

Results

A total of seven RCTs involving 1240 enteral nutrition patients were included. Gastric residual volume monitoring was associated with reduced incidence of vomiting (OR2.33, 95% CI:1.68–3.24), whereas no gastric residual volume monitoring was associated with reduced incidence of unnecessary interruptions of enteral nutrition (OR0.38,95% CI:0.26–0.55). There were no significant differences on the incidence of abdominal distention (OR1.87, 95% CI:0.82–4.28), diarrhoea (OR1.03,95% CI:0.74–1.43), VAP (OR0.83, 95%CI:0.37–1.89), duration of mechanical ventilation (MD −0.06,95% CI:−1.22–1.10), length of ICU stay (MD −1.33, 95% CI:−3.58–0.91) and mortality (OR0.90,95% CI:0.61–1.34).

Conclusions

Not monitoring gastric residual volume is associated with reduced unnecessary interruptions of enteral nutrition related to inadequate feeding and increased risk of vomiting.
Novel quantitative software for automatically excluding red bone marrow on whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging in patients with metastatic prostate cancer: A pilot study
Authors: Kohada Yuki , Satani Nozomi , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Iwamura Hiromichi , Sakamoto Tsuyoshi , Kusumoto Hiroki , Kukimoto Takashi , Oikawa Masaaki , Mikami Jotaro , Ito Jun , Matsuura Tomonori , Hinata Nobuyuki , Koyama Kaneki , Sato Makoto
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To establish a novel quantitative method that automatically excludes the red bone marrow and accurately quantifies the tumor volume on whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging using updated imaging software. To also evaluate the association between the quantified tumor volume and the prognosis of patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Methods

This prospective analysis included patients diagnosed with metastatic hormone‐sensitive or metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer between 2017 and 2022. We developed an imaging software (Attractive BD_Score) that analyzed whole‐body diffusion‐weighted and in‐phase and opposed‐phase T1‐weighted images to automatically exclude the red bone marrow. The quantified tumor volume was compared with that quantified by traditional whole‐body diffusion‐weighted imaging without red bone marrow exclusion. Prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival, time‐to‐pain progression, and overall survival were evaluated to assess the prognostic value of the quantified tumor volume.

Results

The quantified tumor volume was significantly smaller than that quantified by the traditional method in metastatic hormone‐sensitive (median: 81.0 ml vs. 149.4 ml) and metastatic castration‐resistant (median: 29.4 ml vs. 63.5 ml) prostate cancer. A highly quantified tumor volume was associated with prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival (p = 0.030), time‐to‐pain progression (p = 0.003), and overall survival (p = 0.005) in patients with metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer and with poor prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival (p = 0.001) and time‐to‐pain progression (p = 0.005) in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer.

Conclusions

Our imaging method could accurately quantify the tumor volume in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The quantified tumor volume can be clinically applied as a new prognostic biomarker for metastatic prostate cancer.
Changes in Erythrocyte Mg, Na and K Concentrations in Late Pregnancy and Early Lactation and their Relationship With Subsequent Fertility and Milk Production in Dairy Cows
Authors: Mulei C. M. , Daniel R. C. W. , Green D.
Published: December 2022

Weekly blood samples were collected from 62 Friesian and Jersey cows between 8 weeks before and 8 weeks after calving and analysed for erythrocyte Mg (EMg), Na (ENa) and K (EK). No particular trend was observed for EMg concentration in both the pre‐partum and post‐partum periods. The concentrations of ENa decreased (P < 0.05) and that of EK increased (P<0.05) after calving. Significant (P<0.01) weekly and between cow variations were observed for both ENa and EK concentrations. The mean EMg concentration was correlated with milk production rank (r = 0.533, P <0.01) and services/conception (r = ‐0.458, P < 0.05) in the pre‐partum and post‐partum periods, respectively. The mean EK concentrations was correlated with milk production rank in both the pre‐partum (P<0.05) and post‐partum (P<0.01) periods. The relationship observed between EMg and EK concentrations and fertility/milk production rank implies that these parameters could be included in the metabolic profile testing parameters.
Naturally‐Occurring Neoplasms of the Preputial and Clitoral Gland in Han : SPRD Rats
Authors: Kaspareit‐Rittinghausen J. , Deerberg F. , Nitsche B.
Published: December 2022

Histopathülogical findings of preputial and clitoral gland neoplasms found with high frequency (46 of 394 rats/11.7%) in the Han : SPRD outbred stock are reported. With one exception all the tumours were of squamous cell origin — papillomas (4), squamous cell carcinomas (41) and adenoacanthoma (1).
Effect of Long Distance Exercise on Free Fatty Acids in Blood Plasma of Arab Horses
Authors: Hambitzer R. , Bent Evelin
Published: December 2022

Free fatty acids were determined in the blood plasma of Arab horses before and after long distance ride in order to evaluate lipid mobilization for energy supply. Palmitic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid were the predominant fatty acid types (about 70 %) determined before and after the ride and accounted for most of the 7‐foid increase of free fatty acids after the ride. Free fatty acids did not increase linearly with the concentration of free glycerol in the plasma, probably due to different turnover rates. It was concluded from these results that the turnover rates of free fatty acids in blood plasma reflect an adaptation of Arab horses of long distance stress.
Women's power in hospital‐based nursing: A critical qualitative study
Authors: George Kaitlyn C. , Lyman Bret , Pilarte Alcantara Andy , Stephenson Maya
Published: December 2022

Aim

To understand the factors that affect power in hospital‐based nursing and reveal how the female gender affects an individual's ability to feel empowered.

Design

Critical qualitative research design.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nurses working in inpatient hospital settings in Utah and New Mexico. Data were collected from February to March 2022. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Sixteen participants were interviewed. Six themes were identified from the data, four of which related to nurses' power at work, and two of which specifically related to how gender affects a nurse's ability to use power and feel empowered. These themes include supportive leaders, positive unit culture, successful advocacy, personal factors, societal gender roles and sexism.

Conclusion

Empowered nurses can revolutionize health care. The themes developed in this study will help nurse leaders and nurses alike increase nurses' ability to use their power and feel empowered in the workplace.

Impact

Nurse leaders should strive to be supportive of their nurses and build a positive work environment while also providing consistent consequences for sexist actions of staff. Nurses should take opportunities to advocate for their patients, be autonomous and build their knowledge base to improve empowerment. As nurse leaders and nurses alike work together to improve health care, nurse experience, patient and clinical outcomes will be improved.

Patient or Public Contribution

The nurses interviewed for this study contributed their experiences and insights during data collection. Some also contributed rigour to the data analysis process by participating in member checking.
Accounting conservatism and common ownership by dedicated institutional blockholders
Authors: Cheng C. S. Agnes , Li Xiaohui (Fiona) , Xie Jing , Zhong Yuxiang
Published: December 2022

We examine the peer effects of accounting conservatism in a common dedicated institutional blockholder (CDIB) setting. We find a positive correlation in accounting conservatism between focal firms and their CDIB peers. To corroborate our main findings, we document that the peer effect is stronger for firms connected through CDIBs that are activists or that have more active shares, for firms with larger CDIB ownership and for firms with weaker corporate governance mechanisms and higher information asymmetry. The results suggest that managers view following peer firms’ conservatism as a way of pleasing CDIBs. We also find that in proxy voting, firms receive less support from their investors when their conservatism deviates more from their CDIB peers. Finally, we find that the CDIB peer effect remains significant after controlling for the effect of industry and local peers. Overall, our paper presents evidence consistent with firms adapting their accounting conservatism in response to their incumbent dedicated institutional investors’ preference.
Examining the role of micronutrients on improving long COVID sleep‐related symptoms
Authors: Pak Victoria M. , Lee Jiyun
Published: December 2022

Aims and Objectives

Long COVID is defined as the continuation of symptoms for four or more weeks after initial contraction of the virus. This review article examines the role of four select micronutrients (zinc, vitamins C, D and polyphenols) for their anti‐inflammatory and therapeutic potential to improve sleep‐related symptoms in persons with long COVID.

Background

Evidence suggests a link between long COVID and increased inflammation. There are currently no therapeutic interventions for common sleep‐related symptoms associated with long COVID. Micronutrients, due to their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, may have a role in the treatment of sleep‐related symptoms in the context of long COVID.

Design

A narrative literature review was conducted and guided by the PRISMA checklist.

Methods

All articles were screened from PubMed, ScienceDirect, NCBI or Google Scholar and were limited to human studies. The following keywords were used: ‘COVID‐19’, ‘sleep symptoms’, ‘zinc’, ‘vitamin C’, ‘vitamin D’, ‘polyphenols’ and ‘micronutrients’.

Results

There are currently no studies that examine the usage of micronutrients and its impacts on long‐term, sleep‐related symptoms post‐COVID‐19 infection. We focussed our review on prior studies that examined micronutrients in the context of sleep symptoms and inflammation, while exploring the potential for micronutrients to help improve sleep‐related symptoms associated with long COVID.

Conclusions

There is evidence to suggest that sleep‐related symptoms associated with long COVID, such as fatigue and poor sleep quality, are associated with inflammation. Zinc, vitamins C, D and polyphenols all have the potential to improve both inflammation and sleep quality to alleviate symptoms. Future research should further examine these micronutrients in the context of long COVID to improve sleep and quality of life.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This article provides implications for clinicians to be at the forefront of research on the usage of micronutrients to improve sleep‐related symptoms in persons with long COVID.
Exploring the phycosphere of Emiliania huxleyi: From bloom dynamics to microbiome assembly experiments
Authors: Câmara dos Reis Mariana , Romac Sarah , Le Gall Florence , Marie Dominique , Frada Miguel J. , Koplovitz Gil , Cariou Thierry , Henry Nicolas , de Vargas Colomban , Jeanthon Christian
Published: December 2022

Coccolithophores have global ecological and biogeochemical significance as the most important calcifying marine phytoplankton group. The structure and selection of prokaryotic communities associated with the most abundant coccolithophore and bloom‐forming species, Emiliania huxleyi, are still poorly known. In this study, we assessed the diversity of bacterial communities associated with an E. huxleyi bloom in the Celtic Sea (Eastern North Atlantic), exposed axenic E. huxleyi cultures to prokaryotic communities derived from bloom and non‐bloom conditions, and followed the dynamics of their microbiome composition over one year. Bloom‐associated prokaryotic communities were dominated by SAR11, Marine group II Euryarchaeota and Rhodobacterales and contained substantial proportions of known indicators of phytoplankton bloom demises such as Flavobacteriaceae and Pseudoalteromonadaceae. The taxonomic richness of bacteria derived from natural communities associated with axenic E. huxleyi rapidly shifted and then stabilized over time. The succession of microorganisms recruited from the environment was consistently dependent on the composition of the initial bacterioplankton community. Phycosphere‐associated communities derived from the E. huxleyi bloom were highly similar to one another, suggesting deterministic processes, whereas cultures from non‐bloom conditions show an effect of stochasticity. Overall, this work sheds new light on the importance of the initial inoculum composition in microbiome recruitment and elucidates the temporal dynamics of its composition and long‐term stability.
Epigenetic age acceleration is associated with oligodendrocyte proportions in MSA and control brain tissue
Authors: Murthy Megha , Shireby Gemma , Miki Yasuo , Viré Emmanuelle , Lashley Tammaryn , Warner Thomas T. , Mill Jonathan , Bettencourt Conceição
Published: December 2022

Aims

Epigenetic clocks are widely applied as surrogates for biological age in different tissues and/or diseases, including several neurodegenerative diseases. Despite white matter (WM) changes often being observed in neurodegenerative diseases, no study has investigated epigenetic ageing in white matter.

Methods

We analysed the performances of two DNA methylation‐based clocks, DNAmClockMulti and DNAmClockCortical, in post‐mortem WM tissue from multiple subcortical regions and the cerebellum, and in oligodendrocyte‐enriched nuclei. We also examined epigenetic ageing in control and multiple system atrophy (MSA) (WM and mixed WM and grey matter), as MSA is a neurodegenerative disease comprising pronounced WM changes and α‐synuclein aggregates in oligodendrocytes.

Results

Estimated DNA methylation (DNAm) ages showed strong correlations with chronological ages, even in WM (e.g., DNAmClockCortical, r = [0.80–0.97], p < 0.05). However, performances and DNAm age estimates differed between clocks and brain regions. DNAmClockMulti significantly underestimated ages in all cohorts except in the MSA prefrontal cortex mixed tissue, whereas DNAmClockCortical tended towards age overestimations. Pronounced age overestimations in the oligodendrocyte‐enriched cohorts (e.g., oligodendrocyte‐enriched nuclei, p = 6.1 × 10−5) suggested that this cell type ages faster. Indeed, significant positive correlations were observed between estimated oligodendrocyte proportions and DNAm age acceleration estimated by DNAmClockCortical (r > 0.31, p < 0.05), and similar trends were obtained with DNAmClockMulti. Although increased age acceleration was observed in MSA compared with controls, no significant differences were detected upon adjustment for possible confounders (e.g., cell‐type proportions).

Conclusions

Our findings show that oligodendrocyte proportions positively influence epigenetic age acceleration across brain regions and highlight the need to further investigate this in ageing and neurodegeneration.
Neuronal and astrocytic tetraploidy is increased in drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Sanz‐García Ancor , Sánchez‐Jiménez Patricia , Granero‐Cremades Inmaculada , de Toledo María , Pulido Paloma , Navas Marta , Frade José María , Pereboom‐Maicas Matilde Desirée , Torres‐Díaz Cristina Virginia , Ovejero‐Benito María C.
Published: December 2022

Aims

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological diseases. A third of patients with epilepsy remain drug‐resistant. The exact aetiology of drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) is still unknown. Neuronal tetraploidy has been associated with neuropathology. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of tetraploid neurons and astrocytes in DRE.

Methods

For that purpose, cortex, hippocampus and amygdala samples were obtained from patients subjected to surgical resection of the epileptogenic zone. Post‐mortem brain tissue of subjects without previous records of neurological, neurodegenerative or psychiatric diseases was used as control.

Results

The percentage of tetraploid cells was measured by immunostaining of neurons (NeuN) or astrocytes (S100β) followed by flow cytometry analysis. The results were confirmed by image cytometry (ImageStream X Amnis System Cytometer) and with an alternative astrocyte biomarker (NDRG2). Statistical comparison was performed using univariate tests. A total of 22 patients and 10 controls were included. Tetraploid neurons and astrocytes were found both in healthy individuals and DRE patients in the three brain areas analysed: cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. DRE patients presented a higher number of tetraploid neurons (p = 0.020) and astrocytes (p = 0.002) in the hippocampus than controls. These results were validated by image cytometry.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the presence of both tetraploid neurons and astrocytes in healthy subjects as well as increased levels of both cell populations in DRE patients. Herein, we describe for the first time the presence of tetraploid astrocytes in healthy subjects. Furthermore, these results provide new insights into epilepsy, opening new avenues for future treatment.
The causal link between electricity transmission, distributional losses and economic growth in Ghana
Authors: Adabor Opoku , Ayesu Enock Kojo , Nana‐Amankwaah Elizabeth
Published: December 2022

Despite the growing literature on the causal association between electricity supply and economic growth, little is known about the causal linkage between electricity transmission and distributional losses and economic growth, particularly in Ghana. The paper studies the causal association between electricity transmission, distributional losses and economic growth in Ghana. Further, we interacted ETDL with electricity price to examine their combined impact on Ghana's gross domestic product. We utilised time series data from the period 1971 to 2014. Given that our data span is relatively shorter, we utilised the Toda and Yamamoto and Autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) methods. This is so because these time series approaches can produce efficient, reliable and eliminate spurious regression estimates even if the sample size is relatively short. Our ARDL estimates suggest that ETDL exert an adverse impact on economic growth while the Toda and Yamamoto estimates suggest that economic growth has a strong influence on ETDL and not the other way round, supporting the growth‐led energy hypothesis. Also, the interactive effect of ETDL and electricity prices on economic growth was negative and statistically significant.
Asymmetric relationship between oil prices and remittances in oil‐importing and ‐exporting countries: Evidence from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Dada James Temitope , Akinlo Taiwo
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the asymmetric impact of oil price on remittances in oil‐exporting and ‐importing nations in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). The study adopted the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) technique for 22 SSA countries. The study found that in oil‐importing countries, positive shocks in oil prices boost the influx of remittances, whereas a fall in oil prices reduces remittances. For oil‐exporting nations, the result indicates that the influence of a positive shock in oil price on remittances, in the long‐run, is sensitive to the measure of oil price (Brent and West Texas Intermediate). However, in the short‐run, adverse oil price shocks decrease the inflow of oil‐importing nations' remittances while it enhances the inflow of remittances into oil‐exporting nations. Based on these findings, the study recommends that oil‐importing nations use the increase in remittances to promote economic activities to lessen the adverse effect of an upsurge in international oil prices. By contrast, oil‐exporting nations need to use the rise in oil revenue to cushion the decrease in remittances due to oil price shock.
The Portuguese version of the musculoskeletal pain intensity and interference questionnaire for musicians (MPIIQM‐Pt): Translation, cultural adaptation, and multicenter validation study in professional orchestra musicians
Authors: Zão Ana , Coimbra Daniela , Aguiar‐Branco Catarina , Altenmüller Eckart , Azevedo Luís
Published: December 2022

Objectives

We aim to assess the validity and reliability of the Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire for Musicians (MPIIQM) and to add to its cross‐cultural adaptation process by translating, culturally adapting, and validating the MPIIQM into European Portuguese language in the population of Portuguese musicians.

Methods

A Portuguese version of the MPIIQM (MPIIQM‐Pt) was created through a process of forward and back translation, pilot testing, and cultural adaptation by expert panel evaluation. The psychometric evaluation was performed in a validation sample of 134 musicians, at baseline and after 7 days.

Results

The high degree of internal consistency and the substantial test–retest reliability coefficients were demonstrated for each subscale (α = 0.896 and ICC = 0.997 for “pain intensity,” and α = 0.879 and ICC = 0.999 for “pain interference,” respectively). Exploratory factor analysis indicated two‐factor structure (pain intensity and interference) that explained 75.5% of the variance. Both convergent and divergent validity are well demonstrated, confirming more than 90% of the previously defined hypotheses regarding correlations with other measures.

Discussion

MPIIQM‐Pt is the first validated questionnaire to evaluate pain among Portuguese musicians. It showed excellent psychometric properties, both in terms of internal consistency, test–retest reliability, factor analysis, and construct validity. Therefore, it is a valid and reliable tool suitable for both research and clinical practice purposes. MPIIQM‐Pt will allow the development of more robust studies on pain among musicians and the improved assessment and monitoring of pain in this population, filling an important gap in this field of Pain Medicine.
A bibliometric analysis of self‐efficacy in low back pain from 1980 to 2021
Authors: Wang Zhe , Simon Klára , Makai Alexandra , Jaromi Melinda
Published: December 2022

Background

Self‐efficacy is one of the important factors affecting chronic diseases. In the current epidemiological context of low back pain (LBP), LBP self‐efficacy has become a topic of great practical interest for researchers. However, no bibliometric analysis related to LBP self‐efficacy has been performed to date. The purpose of this study was to conduct and explore the current state of research in LBP self‐efficacy from 1980 to 2021, by using bibliometric analysis and scientific mapping.

Methods

Raw data were selected from the Web of Science (WOS) database, relevant literature on LBP self‐efficacy was retrieved, and data were de‐duplicated and cleaned. Excel was used for data processing. CiteSpace 5.8.R3 was used for bibliometric analysis and scientific mapping in publications and country, institution, journals, authors, references, and keywords. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 25.0.

Results

There were 822 references included. For this period, the total publication numbers were increased. A total of 103 regions had researchers in this area; the United States was the country with the largest volume of research. There were 94 disciplines, mainly in neuroscience. More research is likely to burst and develop quickly in general and internal medicine in the future. Spine was the most recognized journal. Cognitive‐behavioral manifestations and older adults with LBP might be the frontiers and trends.

Conclusion

The volume of literature on LBP self‐efficacy has increased linearly over the past 41 years and will continue to increase. The field of study has become more refined. This bibliometric analysis provides valuable support for future directions and research trends in LBP self‐efficacy.
An item response approach to sea‐level rise policy preferences in a nascent subsystem
Authors: Gmoser‐Daskalakis Kyra , Scott Tyler A. , Lubell Mark , Vantaggiato Francesca P.
Published: December 2022

Sea‐level rise is a “nascent subsystem” with policy actors actively developing initial policy preferences through participation across multiple policy forums in a polycentric system. This paper uses item‐response models to empirically analyze how actors, perceived problems, and preferred policy solutions are related in a latent “policy space”. We focus on California's San Francisco Bay region, where in the last decade, sea‐level rise emerged to become one of the most salient climate adaptation issues. We find that actors and policy preferences are arranged in a two‐dimensional space, with highly engaged actors more likely to consider environmental justice and ecological aspects of sea level rise. Our findings have implications for theories of nascent subsystems within the Advocacy Coalition Framework, and for understanding how a local policy subsystem develops to address and prioritize the multi‐faceted impacts of climate change.
Power triggers moral reasoning aligned with active goals and moral flexibility across contexts
Authors: Zheng Mufan , Guinote Ana
Published: December 2022

Three experiments tested the hypothesis that power elicits moral judgments in line with active goals, and moral flexibility across different contexts. Power and goals emanating from the mission associated with power were experimentally manipulated: person‐centered mission, which benefits from outcome‐focus, or regulation‐centered mission, which benefits from rule‐based focus. Power consistently elicited rule‐based (deontological) moral reasoning under regulation‐centered goals. However, power triggered outcome‐based (utilitarian) moral reasoning under person‐centered goals. Power enhanced goal serving morality due to greater goal commitment, with focal goal commitment mediating the interactive effects of power and focal goal on moral judgments. These findings show that the links between power and morality are context sensitive, flexible, and mediated by a greater commitment to active goals.
Respiratory complications following COVID‐19 in athletic populations: A narrative review
Authors: Williams Zander , Hull James H.
Published: December 2022

Athletes typically experience a mild‐to‐moderate, self‐limiting illness following infection with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Some athletes, however, can develop prolonged symptoms, with breathlessness, cough, and chest tightness impacting return to training and competition. In athletes with persistent cardiopulmonary symptoms following COVID‐19, focus is usually placed on the identification and characterization of cardiac complications, such as myocarditis. In this review, we focus on summarizing the literature assessing pulmonary complications and physiological consequences associated with COVID‐19 illness in athletes. The review also provides recommendations for clinical assessment of the athlete with pulmonary issues following COVID‐19 and directions for future research.
Identification of the novel HLA class I allele, HLA‐A*31:215, identified by Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Nørgaard Maja , Stenkjær Liselotte , Pedersen Katrine Lykke , Staunstrup Nicklas Heine , Koefoed‐Nielsen Pernille
Published: December 2022

The novel HLA allele HLA‐A*31:215 differs from HLA‐A*31:01:02:01 by one nucleotide substitution c.G832A in exon 4.
Characterization of two new HLA‐DPB1 alleles: HLA‐DPB1*1443:01 and ‐DPB1*11:01:07
Authors: Moya‐Quiles María Rosa , Muro Manuel
Published: December 2022

HLA‐DPB1*1443:01 and ‐DPB1*11:01:07, two novel HLA‐DPB1 alleles detected by next generation sequencing.
A DEFENSE OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION: REFLECTIONS ON PETER HARRISON'S “AFTER SCIENCE AND RELIGION” PROJECT
Authors: Reeves Josh A.
Published: December 2022

Recent scholars have called into question the categories “science” and “religion” because they bring metaphysical and theological assumptions that theologians should find problematic. The critique of the categories “science” and “religion” has above all been associated with Peter Harrison and his influential argument in The Territories of Science and Religion (2015). This article evaluates the philosophical conclusions that Harrison draws from his antiessentialist philosophy in the two volumes associated with his “After Science and Religion Project.” I argue that Harrison's project is too skeptical toward the categories “science” and “religion” and places too much emphasis on naturalism being incompatible with Christian theology. One can accept the lessons of antiessentialism—above all, how meanings of terms shift over time—and still use the terms “science” and “religion” in responsible ways. This article defends the basic impulse of most scholars in science and religion who promote dialogue and argues for a more moderate reading of the lesson of Territories.
An Appraisal of Power Balancing between India and China
Authors: Park Yong Soo
Published: December 2022

According to the realist logic of the balance of power theory, if China emerges as a superpower and builds a powerful military force through strong economic power, neighboring countries will ultimately seek to balance against China by aligning with a military coalition led by the United States to contain China in the same way that Western European countries, Japan, South Korea, and even China joined the security alliance led by the United States to contain the Soviet Union during the Cold War. If so, is India, China’s neighbor, also shifting to a balancing strategy against China? This study argues that India’s various strategic actions toward China can be regarded as typical characteristics of a balancing strategy, suggesting that the neorealist balance of power theory remains able to explain the relationship between India and China in the 21st century.
Flaw Detection in Multi-Laser Powder Bed Fusion Using In Situ Coaxial Multi-Spectral Sensing and Deep Learning
Authors: Surana Amit , Lynch Matthew E. , Nassar Abdalla R. , Ojard Greg C. , Fisher Brian A. , Corbin David , Overdorff Ryan
Published: December 2022

Multi-laser powder bed fusion (M-LPBF) systems are garnering increased attention in metal additive manufacturing as they promise increased productivity and part size without sacrificing feature resolution or mechanical properties. However, M-LPBF introduces unique problems related to the interaction of multiple moving heat sources not observed in single laser systems, possibly leading to unexpected flaws and other process anomalies. Careful process modeling, planning, and monitoring are required to fully exploit M-LPBF. We present a novel in situ sensing and machine learning-based flaw detection for M-LPBF. Specifically, we consider a configuration where on-axis multi-spectral sensors are integrated and synchronized with each of the three lasers on a 3D Systems DMP Factory 500 printer. Each multi-spectral sensor monitors spectral emissions at two material-dependent wavelengths. The time series data generated from the multiple multi-spectral sensors are converted into a rasterized image per layer to be fed into a supervised deep learning (DL)-based semantic segmentation pipeline. To discriminate nominal process variations from anomalies, we explore a novel framework to incorporate context into the DL model which includes factors such as laser scan direction, processing parameters, and multi-laser proximity. We demonstrate our framework on in situ monitoring data collected during a build of carefully selected specimens seeded with surrogate lack of fusion flaws. Post-build X-ray computed tomography data are registered to the in situ data to generate ground truth labels for training and validation of the DL model.
Factors Related to Physical Activity in Adults With Intellectual Disabilities in Group Home Settings: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Laxton Paige , Patterson Freda , Healy Sean
Published: December 2022

This systematic review of literature aimed to synthesize the multilevel factors related to physical activity (PA) among adults (age 18–65) with intellectual disability living in group homes. Keyword searches were used to identify articles from electronic databases, resulting in the inclusion of 10 articles for full-text review. Data were extracted relating to study and sample characteristics and study findings. Methodological quality of the studies was also evaluated. Factors related to PA in group homes were identified at all levels of the social–ecological model. Intrapersonal factors (e.g., health and functional status, attitude to PA), interpersonal factors (e.g., staff attitude, encouragement for PA, and coparticipation in PA), and organizational factors (e.g., program offerings, staff education, and staff–client ratios) were prominent findings in the reviewed studies. The findings support a social–ecological approach for PA promotion in group homes that target intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational factors.
Comparison of Dynamic Balance and Unilateral Hop Performance Between Women and Men Handball Players After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alfuth Martin , Franke Pia Joana , Klemp Jonas , Knicker Axel Johannes
Published: December 2022

Context: After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), long-term functional deficiencies can occur, with controversial results reported when comparing women and men. Dynamic balance and unilateral hop test performance are considered important indicators for the risk of reinjury of the lower extremity. Although both sexes seem to have a similar risk to experience a second anterior cruciate ligament injury, sex-specific differences of dynamic balance and unilateral hop performance in handball players following ACLR are unknown. Objective: To compare dynamic balance and unilateral hop performance between women and men handball players at least 6 months after ACLR. Design: Cross-sectional pilot study. Participants: Ten women (27.6 [4.5] y) and 10 men (26.5 [3.1] y) handball players 6 to 16 months after ACLR. Outcome Measures: Dynamic balance and unilateral hop performance were assessed using the Y-Balance Test and the Single-Leg Hop for Distance Test. Results: Women players demonstrated significantly better results in the anterior direction of the Y-Balance Test for both legs compared with men players. Hop performance was not significantly different between sexes. Conclusion: Dynamic balance and single-leg hop performance seem not to differ between women and men handball players 6 to 16 months after ACLR. The difference between sexes in the anterior reach direction of the Y-Balance Test should be considered small, rather than representing a true difference.
Dissecting the recruitment and self-organization of αSMA-positive fibroblasts in the foreign body response
Authors: Parlani Maria , Bedell Matthew L. , Mikos Antonios G. , Friedl Peter , Dondossola Eleonora
Published: December 2022

The foreign body response (FBR) is a clinically relevant issue that can cause malfunction of implanted medical devices by fibrotic encapsulation. Whereas inflammatory aspects of the FBR have been established, underlying fibroblast-dependent mechanisms remain unclear. We here combine multiphoton microscopy with ad hoc reporter mice expressing α–smooth muscle actin (αSMA) protein to determine the locoregional fibroblast dynamics, activation, and fibrotic encapsulation of polymeric materials. Fibroblasts invaded as individual cells and established a multicellular network, which transited to a two-compartment fibrotic response displaying an αSMA cold external capsule and a long-lasting, inner αSMA hot environment. The recruitment of fibroblasts and extent of fibrosis were only incompletely inhibited after depletion of macrophages, implicating coexistence of macrophage-dependent and macrophage-independent mediators. Furthermore, neither altering material type or porosity modulated αSMA
+
cell recruitment and distribution. This identifies fibroblast activation and network formation toward a two-compartment FBR as a conserved, self-organizing process partially independent of macrophages.
Single “Swiss-roll” microelectrode elucidates the critical role of iron substitution in conversion-type oxides
Authors: Liu Lixiang , Huang Shaozhuan , Shi Wujun , Sun Xiaolei , Pang Jinbo , Lu Qiongqiong , Yang Ye , Xi Lixia , Deng Liang , Oswald Steffen , Yin Yin , Liu Lifeng , Ma Libo , Schmidt Oliver G. , Shi Yumeng , Zhang Lin
Published: December 2022

Advancing the lithium-ion battery technology requires the understanding of electrochemical processes in electrode materials with high resolution, accuracy, and sensitivity. However, most techniques today are limited by their inability to separate the complex signals from slurry-coated composite electrodes. Here, we use a three-dimensional “Swiss-roll” microtubular electrode that is incorporated into a micrometer-sized lithium battery. This on-chip platform combines various in situ characterization techniques and precisely probes the intrinsic electrochemical properties of each active material due to the removal of unnecessary binders and additives. As an example, it helps elucidate the critical role of Fe substitution in a conversion-type NiO electrode by monitoring the evolution of Fe
2
O
3
and solid electrolyte interphase layer. The markedly enhanced electrode performances are therefore explained. Our approach exposes a hitherto unexplored route to tracking the phase, morphology, and electrochemical evolution of electrodes in real time, allowing us to reveal information that is not accessible with bulk-level characterization techniques.