bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Undermining racism: A road to promoting equity in oral health
Authors: Monopoli Michael , Johnson Ifetayo B.
Published: June 2022

Background: The inequities caused by racism include negative impacts on health and quality of life. A key grant‐making strategy of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has been the development of a network of stakeholders, the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN), which engages and leverages community voices to address racism and the corresponding health inequities across the lifespan.

Methods: OPEN's nearly 3000 members undertake various approaches to acknowledge and address the negative impact of systemic racism on health. OPEN has developed structures and offerings that have advanced a unique culture of equity, which encourages authentic dialogue. OPEN created and facilitated cohorts within the network called Network Response Teams to elevate awareness and develop strategies to address health disparities advocating for specific populations, including LGBTQIA+, Native American, LatinX, People with Disabilities, and rural residents, Medicare, and Medicaid. Network members work toward an equitable oral health system by aligning common goals.

Results: The activities and products of these teams and OPEN developed trusted relationships to combat the impacts of racism and promoted equitable oral health locally and nationally.

Conclusion: Supporting network development is a highly effective tool to combat racism.
Racism in oral healthcare settings: Implications for dental care‐related fear/anxiety and utilization among Black/African American women in Appalachia
Authors: Sokoto Kalo C. , Platt Lisa F. , Alexander Linda A. , Foxman Betsy , Shaffer John R. , Marazita Mary L. , McNeil Daniel W.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To explore the association of racism in oral healthcare settings and dental care‐related fear/anxiety with dental utilization among Black/African American women in Appalachia.

Methods

We analyzed self‐report measures of racism in oral healthcare settings, dental care‐related anxiety and fear, recency of a dental visit, and demographic information from 268 pregnant women participating in the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia (COHRA) SMILE cohort. All participants self‐identified as African American or Black and resided in Appalachia (i.e., either West Virginia or Pittsburgh, PA).

Results

Over one‐third of the participants reported at least one instance of racism in oral healthcare settings, with “not being listened to” due to their race or color as the most frequent issue (24.4%). Clinically significant levels of dental care‐related anxiety and fear were reported by 14.3% of the sample. A mediational model demonstrated that the experience of racism in oral healthcare settings was a significant predictor of dental fear/anxiety, and that dental fear/anxiety was a significant predictor of dental utilization. There was a significant relationship between racism in oral healthcare settings and dental utilization only when mediated by the presence of dental care‐related fear and anxiety.

Conclusions

Together, experiences of racism in oral healthcare settings and dental care‐related fear/anxiety are predictive of decreased dental utilization for Black/African American women living in Appalachia. This study provides insight into racism in oral healthcare settings as a social determinant of dental anxiety/fear and inequities in dental utilization.
Addressing social determinants of oral health, structural racism and discrimination and intersectionality among immigrant and non‐English speaking Hispanics in the United States
Authors: Ramos‐Gomez Francisco , Kinsler Janni J.
Published: June 2022

Background

The Hispanic population is the largest (18.5%) and fastest growing non‐majority ethnic group in the United States (US), about half of whom are non‐US born, and bears one of the highest oral disease burdens. Most current knowledge around oral health disparities in Hispanic populations examine the individual factors of culture, acculturation, and socioeconomic status. However, the root causes of this inequity; oral health literacy (OHL), social determinants of health (SDOH), structural racism and discrimination (SRD) and the intersectionality among the three, have not been well‐studied. Addressing this critical gap will be central to advancing health equity and reducing oral health‐related disparities in the Hispanic population, especially among immigrant and non‐English speaking Hispanics.

Results

Recommendations for future OHL/SDOH/SRD‐related research in oral health targeting Hispanic populations should include: (1) examining the direct and indirect effects of OHL/SDOH/SRD‐related factors and intersectionality, (2) assessing the impact of SRD on oral health using zip‐code level measures, (3) examining the role of OHL and SDOH as potential effect modifiers on the relationship between SRD and oral health outcomes, (4) conducting secondary data analysis to identify demographic, social and structural‐level variables and correlations between and among variables to predict oral health outcomes, and (5) obtaining a deeper understanding of how OHL/SDOH and SRD factors are experienced among Hispanic immigrant and migrant populations.

Conclusion

It is hoped these recommendations will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms through which OHL, SDOH and SRD impact oral health outcomes among the largest minority population in the US so they can be addressed.
Recharge of chondrocyte mitochondria by sustained release of melatonin protects cartilage matrix homeostasis in osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhang Yijian , Hou Mingzhuang , Liu Yang , Liu Tao , Chen Xi , Shi Qin , Geng Dechun , Yang Huilin , He Fan , Zhu Xuesong
Published: June 2022

Recent evidence indicates that the mitochondrial functions of chondrocytes are impaired in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Melatonin can attenuate cartilage degradation through its antioxidant functions. This study aims to investigate whether melatonin could rescue the impaired mitochondrial functions of OA chondrocytes and protect cartilage metabolism. OA chondrocytes showed a compromised matrix synthesis capacity associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant oxidative stress. In vitro treatments with melatonin promoted the expression of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) components, improved adenosine triphosphate production, and attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress. Mechanistically, either silencing of SOD2 or inhibition of SIRT1 abolished the protective effects of melatonin on mitochondrial functions and ECM synthesis. To achieve a sustained release effect, a melatonin‐laden drug delivery system (DDS) was developed and intra‐articular injection with DDS successfully improved cartilage matrix degeneration in a posttraumatic rat OA model. These findings demonstrate that melatonin‐mediated recharge of mitochondria to rescue the mitochondrial functions of chondrocytes represents a promising therapeutic strategy to protect cartilage from OA.
(Re)Organizing legitimacy theory
Authors: Hamm Joseph A. , Wolfe Scott E. , Cavanagh Caitlin , Lee Sung
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Despite a common conceptual root, research applying legitimacy theory addresses any number of more or less distinct behaviours, attitudes, and processes. Although this variety in approaches has complicated theoretical development, we argue that it is critical to addressing the breadth of the construct. To address this state of affairs, we offer the Concentric Diagram of Legitimacy as an organizing tool for the literature. The diagram roots itself in the dialogue of legitimacy, and argues that legitimacy theory is fundamentally comprised of five key theoretical propositions. Proposition 1 addresses the link between authority and acquiescence directly while the remaining propositions link organizational support (Proposition 2) and public approval (Proposition 3) with authority, and interactions (Proposition 4) and the social context (Proposition 5) with acquiescence.
The utility and limitations of the concentric diagram of legitimacy: Commentary on Hamm and Colleagues
Authors: Trinkner Rick , Reisig Michael D.
Published: June 2022

Hamm et al.’s (Legal Criminol. Psychol., 27, 2022) concentric diagram of legitimacy has a lot to offer by providing order and structure to a disjointed and sometimes confusing literature. However, enthusiasm for the concentric diagram wanes when considering its potential as a catalyst for the development of an integrated theory of legitimacy. The current renaissance of legitimacy studies owes much to the efforts of scholars in pushing the envelope of this elusive concept by drawing from a broad set of perspectives – both within and outside legitimacy studies – to address an array of research questions. Scholars should engage and leverage this diversity, not curtail it.
Social assistance programme impacts on women's and children's diets and nutritional status
Authors: Olney Deanna K. , Gelli Aulo , Kumar Neha , Alderman Harold , Go Ara , Raza Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Investments in social assistance programmes (SAPs) have accelerated alongside interest in using SAPs to improve health and nutrition outcomes. However, evidence of how design features within and across programme types influence the effectiveness of SAPs for improving diet and nutrition outcomes among women and children is limited. To address this, we reviewed evaluations of cash, in‐kind and voucher programmes conducted between 2010 and 2020 among women and children, and examined associations between design features (targeting, including household and individual transfers, fortified foods and behaviour change communication) and positive impacts on diet (diet diversity, micronutrient intake) and nutrition (anthropometric indicators, haemoglobin, anaemia) outcomes. Our review has several key findings. First, SAPs improve dietary diversity and intake of micronutrient‐rich foods among women and children, as well as improve several nutrition outcomes. Second, SAPs were more likely to impact diet and nutrition outcomes among women compared with children (23/45 [51%] vs. 52/144 [36%] of outcomes measured). Third, in‐kind (all but one of which included fortified foods) compared with cash transfer programmes were more likely to significantly increase women's body mass index and children's weight‐for‐height/length Z‐score, and both women's and children's haemoglobin and anaemia. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of SAPs for improving micronutrient status and preventing increased prevalence of overweight and obesity for all populations and for improving diet and nutrition outcomes among men, adolescents and the elderly. Further research in these areas is urgently needed to optimize impact of SAPs on diet and nutrition outcomes as countries increase investments in SAPs.
Extracting foraging behavior from passive acoustic monitoring data to better understand harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) foraging habitat use
Authors: Todd Nicole R. E. , Jessopp Mark , Rogan Emer , Kavanagh Ailbhe S.
Published: June 2022

For odontocetes, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) can be used to differentiate between occurrence and foraging through analysis of click characteristics. Feeding buzzes and navigation/searching echolocation clicks of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) were differentiated within C‐POD data from northwest Ireland between 2009 and 2017. The spatiotemporal distribution of foraging behavior was investigated using generalized additive modelling, at multiple temporal scales. Both the presence/absence of buzzes and foraging intensity (defined by buzz:click ratios) were determined. Feeding buzzes were identified in one third of porpoise positive hours, ranging from 15% in summer, to 40% in autumn, highlighting seasonal variation irrespective of porpoise occurrence. Complex interannual variation in foraging behavior was also shown across the time series. A strong nocturnal peak in foraging intensity was observed. We found increased porpoise foraging with dolphin species detections within the same hour, and a negative impact of construction activities, involving both impulsive and broadband noise. Results highlight the value of long‐term acoustic time series, by quantifying variation, and show that extracting foraging behavior from occurrence data can help to unravel habitat use patterns, responses to disturbance, and seasonal changes in behavior. Understanding when and how a species uses an area can better inform marine spatial planning and help mitigate anthropogenic impacts.
The making of citizenship via tea production: State‐sponsored economic growth, nationalism and state in Turkey
Authors: İnal Rahşan , Saraçoğlu Cenk
Published: June 2022

The conventional historiographical paradigm depicts the consolidation of nation‐state and nationalism in Turkey as a top‐down political project characterised by the domination of the ‘center’ over the ‘periphery’. In this narrative, the masses are portrayed as either passive recipients or silenced opponents of the nation‐state project. Based on a historical and contemporary analysis of the state‐sponsored tea production in Rize, this article contends that this perspective neglects the agency of the provincial population in the reproduction of the nation‐state and nationalism in Turkey and in influencing the decisions made by the state elite. The economic interventionist measures of the ruling authority to extend its nationalist hegemony across Anatolia also opened a field of action for rural/provincial populations to negotiate their interests with the state and thereby influence its policies. The main contours of this relationship have remained salient during the Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi (AKP) period, and it needs to be taken into account to explain this party's large ideological appeal in the Black Sea region. This argument builds on a fieldwork conducted in Rize that included in‐depth interviews with local tea workers and farmers as well as extensive archival research.
Development of a non‐pharmacologic delirium management bundle in paediatric intensive care units
Authors: Stenkjaer Rikke Louise , Herling Suzanne Forsyth , Egerod Ingrid , Weis Janne , van Dijk Monique , Kudchadkar Sapna Ravi , Ramelet Anne‐Sylvie , Ista Erwin
Published: June 2022

Background

Non‐pharmacologic interventions might be effective to reduce the incidence of delirium in pediatric intensive care units (PICU).

Aim

To explore expert opinions and generate informed consensus decisions regarding the content of a non‐pharmacologic delirium bundle to manage delirium in PICU patients.

Study design

A two‐round online Delphi study was conducted from February to April 2021. PICU experts (nurses, physicians, researchers, physical therapists, play specialists, and occupational therapists) located in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Australia participated.

Results

We developed a questionnaire based on the outcomes of a comprehensive literature search in the domains: 1) cognition support; 2) sleep support; and 3) physical activity support. Under these domains, we listed 11 strategies to promote support with 61 interventions. Participants rated the feasibility of each intervention on a 9‐point Likert scale (ranging from 1 strongly disagree to 9 strongly agree). A disagreement index and panel median were calculated to determine the level of agreement among experts. In the second round, participants reassessed the revised statements and ranked the interventions in each domain in order of importance for age groups: 0–2, 3–5, and 6–18 years of age. During the first Delphi round, 53 of 74 (72%) questionnaires were completed, and in the second round 45 of 74 (61%) were completed. Five of the highest ranked interventions across the age groups were: 1) developing a daily routine, 2) adjusting light exposure according to the time of day, 3) scheduling time for sleep, 4) providing eyeglasses and hearing aids if appropriate, 5) encouraging parental presence.

Conclusions

Based on expert consensus, we developed an age‐specific non‐pharmacologic delirium bundle of interventions to manage delirium in PICU patients.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

An age‐specific Non‐Pharmacological Delirium bundle is now ready to be tested in the PICU and will hopefully reduce pediatric delirium.
Group IIc WRKY transcription factors regulate cotton resistance to Fusarium oxysporum by promoting GhMKK2‐mediated flavonoid biosynthesis
Authors: Wang Lijun , Guo Dezheng , Zhao Guangdong , Wang Jiayu , Zhang Shuxin , Wang Chen , Guo Xingqi
Published: June 2022

WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are crucial regulators in response to pathogen infection. However, the regulatory mechanisms of WRKY TFs in response to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov), the most devastating pathogen of cotton, remain unclear.

Here, transcriptome sequencing indicated that the group IIc WRKY TF subfamily was the most important TF subfamily in response to Fov. Gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function analyses showed that group IIc WRKY TFs positively regulated cotton resistance to Fov. A series of chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, yeast one‐hybrid assay and electrophoresis mobility shift assay experiments indicated that group IIc WRKY TFs directly bound to the promoter of GhMKK2 and regulated its expression.

Importantly, a novel mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade composed of GhMKK2, GhNTF6 and GhMYC2 was identified. The functional analysis indicated that group IIc WRKY TFs induced the GhMKK2‐GhNTF6 pathway to increase resistance to Fov by upregulating the GhMYC2‐mediated expression of several flavonoid biosynthesis‐related genes, which led to flavonoid accumulation.

In conclusion, our study demonstrated a novel disease defense mechanism by which the WRKY‐MAPK pathway promotes flavonoid biosynthesis to defend against pathogen infection. This pathway improves our understanding of the interaction mode between WRKY TFs and MAPK cascades in plant immunity and the vital role of plant flavonoids in pathogen defense.
Testing the Presence of Outliers in Regression Models*
Authors: Jiao Xiyu , Pretis Felix
Published: June 2022

We propose two sets of tests for the overall presence of outliers in regression models. First, ‘simple’ tests on whether the proportion and the number of detected outliers deviate from their expected values. Second, ‘scaling’ tests on whether the proportion of outliers decreases with the cut‐off used to detect outliers. We apply our tests to a panel difference‐in‐differences model of transport CO2 emissions in response to the introduction of North America's first major carbon tax. Our tests show the presence of significant outliers in the un‐taxed control group, which results in an overestimation of the estimated impacts of the tax.
A lifespan development perspective and meta‐analysis on the relationship between age and organizational training
Authors: Davenport Meghan K. , Young Carmen K. , Kim Michelle H. , Gilberto Jacqueline M. , Beier Margaret E.
Published: June 2022

The confluence of the aging population and economic conditions that require working longer necessitate a focus on how to best train and develop older workers. We report a meta‐analysis of the age and training relationship that examines training outcomes and moderators with 60 independent samples (total N = 10,003). Framed within the lifespan development perspective, we expected and found that older trainees perform worse (ρ = −.14, k = 34, N = 5642; δ = 1.08, k = 21, N = 1242) and take more time (ρ = .19, k = 15, N = 2780; δ = 1.25, k = 12, N = 664) in training relative to younger trainees. Further, age was negatively related to post‐training self‐efficacy (ρ = −.08, k = 10, N = 4631), but not related to trainee reactions. Moderator analyses provided mixed support that training alone is related to increased mastery of skills and knowledge. No support was found for the moderating effects of pacing or instructional approach. We call for future research examining the interactive effects of training design on older worker outcomes in ways that capitalize on age‐related growth, compensate for decline, and consider the strategies workers use to mitigate the effect of age‐related losses.
Regulation of cyanogenic glucosides in wild and domesticated Eusorghum taxa
Authors: Myrans H. , Gleadow R. M.
Published: June 2022

Domesticated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench subsp. bicolor) diverts significant amounts of nitrogen away from primary metabolism to the synthesis of cyanogenic glucosides (CNglc) – specialized metabolites that release toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Our aim was to identify the point in the genus Sorghum Moench at which plants gained the ability to maintain hazardous concentrations of cyanogenic glucosides in their leaves into maturity (HCN potential >0.4 mg g−1). This ability occurs in domesticated sorghum (in the subgenus Eusorghum), but not in wild taxa in other Sorghum subgenera.

Eight accessions from the subgenus Eusorghum were grown in a common garden: an improved sorghum line, five sorghum landraces, the crop's wild progenitor (S. bicolor subsp. verticilliflorum [Steud.] de Wet ex Wiersema & J. Dahlb.) and wild Sorghum propinquum (Kunth) Hitchc. HCN potential was measured in plants (n = 80) at the three‐leaf stage and at 6 weeks old.

All study accessions, including the wild taxa, had hazardous CNglc concentrations in the leaves at both the three‐leaf stage (mean HCN potentials > = 2.5 mg g−1) and at 6 weeks old (mean HCN potentials > = 0.68 mg g−1), greatly contrasting the much lower mature leaf HCN potentials previously found in wild Sorghum taxa outside subgenus Eusorghum (generally <= 0.01 mg g−1).

Our results suggest that the ability to maintain hazardous leaf HCN potentials into maturity might have arisen during the divergence of Eusorghum from other Sorghum subgenera, rather than during the speciation or domestication of S. bicolor, and highlights the value of utilizing Sorghum taxa outside Eusorghum in efforts to improve the crop safety of sorghum.
Cognitive tasks elicit mental fatigue and impair subsequent physical task endurance: Effects of task duration and type
Authors: Dallaway Neil , Lucas Samuel J. E. , Ring Christopher
Published: June 2022

Although mentally fatiguing cognitive tasks can impair subsequent physical endurance, the importance of cognitive task duration and the role of response inhibition remain unclear. This study compared the effects of a serial incongruent Stroop color‐classification task (i.e., with response inhibition) and N‐back memory updating task (i.e., without response inhibition) on mental fatigue and subsequent rhythmic handgrip exercise. Participants (N = 90) were randomly assigned to one of three cognitive task groups (Stroop, 2‐back, control) and completed four 10‐min blocks of one cognitive task followed by a 5‐min physical endurance task (self‐paced rhythmic handgrip exercise). Heart rate, heart rate variability, electromyographic forearm activity, and force were recorded throughout along with self‐reported measures of fatigue, exertion, and motivation. From the start, the Stroop and 2‐back tasks elicited higher heart rate and lower heart rate variability as well as greater fatigue, effort, and interest/enjoyment than the control task. From the second block onwards, the Stroop and 2‐back groups produced less force than the control group. There were no group differences in forearm muscle activity. In sum, mental fatigue was induced after performing a cognitive task for 10 mins, whereas muscular endurance was impaired after performing a cognitive task for 20 mins. That these effects were observed for both types of cognitive task indicates that response inhibition is not a necessary condition. The cognitive task duration required to induce mental fatigue and impair rhythmic handgrip endurance performance lay between the durations reported previously for isometric (a few minutes) and whole‐body (half an hour) endurance exercise.
Quantitative characterization of 3D structure of vellus hair arrector pili muscles by micro CT
Authors: Ezure Tomonobu , Amano Satoshi , Matsuzaki Kyoichi
Published: June 2022

Background

Vellus hair is the fine, wispy hair found over most of the body surface, and the arrector pili muscles (hair muscle) serve to raise these hairs. Hair muscles are also critical for skin regeneration, contributing to the maintenance of stem cells in epidermis and hair follicles. However, little is known about their fundamental properties, especially their structure, because of the limitations of conventional two‐dimensional histological analysis.

Objectives

We aimed to quantitatively characterize the structure of vellus hair muscles by establishing a method to visualize the 3D structure of hair muscle.

Methods

We observed young female abdominal skin specimens by means of X‐ray micro CT and identified hair muscles in each cross‐sectional CT image. We then digitally reconstructed the 3D structure of the hair muscles on computer (digital‐3D skin), and numerically evaluated their structural parameters.

Results

Vellus hair muscles were clearly distinguished from the surrounding dermal layer in X‐ray micro CT images and were digitally reconstructed in 3D from those images for quantification of the structural parameters. The mean value of number of divisions of vellus hair muscles was 1.6, mean depth was 943.6 μm from the skin surface, mean angle to the skin surface was 28.8 degrees, and mean length was 1657.9 μm. These values showed relatively little variation among subjects. The mean muscle volume was approximately 20 million μm3but showed greater variability than the other parameters.

Conclusion

Digital‐3D skin technology is a powerful approach to understand the tiny but complex 3D structure of vellus hair muscles. The fundamental nature of vellus hair muscles was characterized in terms of their 3D structural parameters, including number of divisions, angle to the skin surface, depth, and volume.
First exploratory study of bacterial pathogens and endosymbionts in head lice from a Mayan community in southern Mexico
Authors: Dzul‐Rosado Karla , Maldonado‐Borges Josefina Inés , Puerto‐Manzano Fernando I. , Lammoglia‐Villagómez Miguel A. , Becker Ingeborg , Sánchez‐Montes Sokani
Published: June 2022

Lice represent one of the most neglected group of vectors worldwide, particularly in Latin America. Records of bacterial agents related to head lice are non‐existent in this region of the continent. Many of these communities often do not have adequate access to public services and/or health protection. The normalization of this condition prevents them from manifesting discomfort, such as bites and itching, which further aggravates the situation, as they can be vectors of important diseases. For this reason, the aim of this work was to identify the richness of bacterial pathogens (Acinetobacter, Bartonella, and Rickettsia) and endosymbionts (Wolbachia) in head lice of paediatric patients from the indigenous municipality of Hoctun, Yucatan, Mexico. DNA extraction was performed using the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit. For the detection of bacterial pathogens, fragments of the gltA, rpoB, and 16S rDNA genes were amplified. For the detection of Wolbachia, the wsp gene was amplified. Of the 28 lice analysed, the presence of two genera of bacterial pathogens was detected Acinetobacter (42.9% = 12/28) and Bartonella (7.14% = 2/28). We also detected the endosymbiont Wolbachia (71.42% = 20/28). Our results showed that DNA from three bacteria species (Acinetobacter baumannii, Bartonella quintana, and Wolbachia pipientis) was present with frequencies ranging from 3.57% to 71.42%. This work represents the first exploratory study of the diversity of agents associated with head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) in Mexico and Latin America. Due to the findings generated in the present study, it is important to perform surveillance of head lice populations to identify the degree of spread of these pathogens and their impact on populations in the region.
ANALYSIS OF EXPLOSION SEVERITY OF TEA POWDER AT DIFFERENT PARTICLE SIZE AND CONCENTRATION IN A CONFINED SPACE
Authors: Semawi Nur Hikmah , Sulaiman Siti Zubaidah , Che Man Rohaida , Abdul Mudalip Siti Kholijah , Md Shaarani Shalyda , Mohd Arshad Zatul Iffah
Published: June 2022

Tea contains compounds rich in carbon-hydrogen bonds. When tea dust is suspended in air, across a variety of particle sizes and concentrations, in the presence of spark, it can combust, therefore presenting an explosion hazard. The explosion pressure properties of tea dust of four different dust concentrations (1000 g/m³, 1500 g/m³, 2000 g/m³ and 2500 g/m³) were conducted in a 20-L spherical explosion test vessel under five distinct particle sizes (71 µm, 125 µm, 160 µm, 180 µm and 250 µm). According to the findings, the explosion pressure characteristic is strongly related to dust concentration and particle size. Moisture content also has an effect on explosion propagation. The dried tea dust reached the maximum explosion pressure faster than undried tea dust. Among of the concentration and particle size range tested, the highest explosion pressure, 14.6 bar, was recorded at 2000 g/m³ with particle size 125 μm. The explosion index was 222 bar/s. It was shown that at higher dust concentration (≥2000 g/m3) and smaller particle sizes (≤125 μm) the explosion became more severe, whereby the flame accelerated at a higher rate and raised the explosion pressure drastically. The pressure characteristic changed as the conditions in which they occurred changed. These analyses and predictions are essential for achieving safe and optimal performance of tea manufacturing technology as well as the development of new applications.
ELBOW ANGLE ESTIMATION FROM EMG SIGNALS BASED ON MONTE CARLO SIMULATION
Authors: Rulaningtyas Riries , Muhammad Zuchruf Yusrinourdi , Rahmatillah Akif , Ain Khusnul , Pramudita Putra Alfian , Nur Rahma Osmalina , Salamat Limpat , Chai Rifai
Published: June 2022

Monte Carlo simulation is defined as statistical sampling techniques which is used to estimate the solutions of quantitative problems. The aim of this study is to develop Monte Carlo algorithm for elbow angle estimation from EMG signal as preliminary study for further research in rehabilitation tool to make a breakthrough rehabilitation tool for post-stroke patients based on muscle signals to carry out rehabilitation independently and consistently. The Monte Carlo simulation is performed to approach the model’s angle from subject who takes 20 seconds lifting barbell repeatedly for 52 times. Monte Carlo simulations were carried out as many as 10,000 times because it was considered ideal testing for a model. In doing the estimation, the angle will be divided into four ranges, which are determined from the model’s trend value, the estimation of the previous angle, the estimated error angle, and the previous measured angle. Then an average calculation is performed on the Monte Carlo simulation, which enters the angle range to determine the estimated value of the angle. The most optimal estimation is obtained from this study with RMSE (root mean square error) was 8.96°, and the correlation coefficient between estimate angle and the measured angle was 0.96.
NADPH oxidase 2 is necessary for chronic intermittent hypoxia‐induced sternohyoid muscle weakness in adult male mice
Authors: Drummond Sarah E. , Burns David P. , Maghrani Sarah El , Ziegler Oscar , Healy Vincent , O'Halloran Ken D.
Published: June 2022

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) evokes redox changes, culminating in impaired upper airway muscle function: what is the specific source of CIH‐induced reactive oxygen species?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Profound sternohyoid muscle dysfunction following exposure to CIH was entirely prevented by apocynin co‐treatment or NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) deletion. The results have implications for human obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and point to antioxidant intervention, potentially targeting NOX2 blockade, as a therapeutic strategy.

Exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) evokes redox changes, culminating in impaired upper airway muscle function. We sought to determine if NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)‐derived reactive oxygen species underpin CIH‐induced maladaptive changes in upper airway (sternohyoid) muscle performance. Adult male mice (C57BL/6J) were assigned to one of three groups: normoxic controls (sham); CIH‐exposed (CIH, 12 cycles/hour, 8 h/day for 14 days); and CIH + apocynin (NOX2 inhibitor, 2 mM) given in the drinking water throughout exposure to CIH. In addition, we studied sham and CIH‐exposed NOX2‐null mice (B6.129S‐CybbTM1Din/J). Profound sternohyoid muscle dysfunction following exposure to CIH was entirely prevented by apocynin co‐treatment or NOX2 deletion. Exposure to CIH increased sternohyoid muscle NOX enzyme activity, with no alteration to the gene or protein expression of NOX subunits. There was no evidence of overt oxidative stress, muscle regeneration, inflammation or atrophy following exposure to CIH. We suggest that NOX‐dependent CIH‐induced upper airway muscle weakness increases vulnerability to upper airway obstruction. Our results have implications for human obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and point to antioxidant intervention, potentially targeting NOX2 blockade, as a therapeutic strategy.
The Association of Range of Motion, Dryland Strength–Power, Anthropometry, and Velocity in Elite Breaststroke Swimmers
Authors: Nicol Emily , Pearson Simon , Saxby David , Minahan Clare , Tor Elaine
Published: June 2022

Purpose: The ability of elite breaststroke swimmers to maximize average velocity maintained throughout a race is reportedly mediated by a number of range-of-motion, dryland strength–power, and anthropometric characteristics. The present study aimed to develop a physical profile and evaluate the relationship between dryland strength–power and stroke kinematic variables in elite breaststroke swimmers. Methods: A series of range-of-motion, dryland strength–power, and anthropometric measures were assessed in 11 elite-level breaststroke specialists and used to establish group-based averages and expected variance within an elite breaststroke population. Results: Analysis of the relationships between dryland strength–power parameters and breaststroke kinematics revealed strong associations (r > .7, minimum 95% confidence range of g > 0.80 or < −0.80) most frequently at 100-m and maximal paces. From further analysis of these associations, a series of second-order models of best fit were calculated to describe the relationship between dryland strength–power parameters and propulsive velocity. Five models strongly described the relationship between countermovement jump height, mean pull-up velocity, and average propulsive velocity. Conclusions: These models can be used to assess propulsion effectiveness and act as a catalyst for technique evaluation. It is also recommended that strength and conditioning coaches consider the inclusion of explosive movements, such as countermovement jumps and maximal velocity pull-ups, in dryland training programs designed for sprint breaststroke swimmers.
Collective Emotions in Doubles Table Tennis
Authors: Freemantle Alexander W.J. , Stafford Lorenzo D. , Wagstaff Christopher R.D. , Akehurst Lucy
Published: June 2022

Researchers have shown that the emotions that athletes experience during sporting competition can be transferred between team members to create collective team emotional states. Nevertheless, collective emotions have not yet been investigated for sporting dyads. In this study, the emotional experiences of 68 doubles table tennis players (34 dyads) were examined at three time points: precompetition, in-competition, and postcompetition. It was found that the intensity of each emotional state differed as a function of match situation (positive/negative). Moreover, in-competition anxiety, dejection, and anger were shown to predict poorer subjective performance, and anxiety was shown to negatively impact future objective athlete performance. Most pertinently, within-dyad emotional aggregation was identified for athlete in-competition happiness and dejection and for postcompetition happiness, dejection, and anger. These findings represent the first quantitative evidence of emotional convergence in sport dyads and provide support for the social functional theory of emotion in sport.
Parasite Viability as a Measure of
In Vivo
Drug Activity in Preclinical and Early Clinical Antimalarial Drug Assessment
Authors: Radohery Georges F. R. , Walz Annabelle , Gumpp Christin , Cherkaoui-Rbati Mohammed H. , Gobeau Nathalie , Gower Jeremy , Davenport Miles P. , Rottmann Matthias , McCarthy James S. , Möhrle Jörg J. , Rebelo Maria , Demarta-Gatsi Claudia , Khoury David S.
Published: June 2022

The rate at which parasitemia declines in a host after treatment with an antimalarial drug is a major metric for assessment of antimalarial drug activity in preclinical models and in early clinical trials. However, this metric does not distinguish between viable and nonviable parasites. Thus, enumeration of parasites may result in underestimation of drug activity for some compounds, potentially confounding its use as a metric for assessing antimalarial activity
in vivo
. Here, we report a study of the effect of artesunate on
Plasmodium falciparum
viability in humans and in mice.
Validation of Clinical Risk Models for Clostridioides difficile-Attributable Outcomes
Authors: Madden Gregory R. , Petri William A. , Costa Deiziane V. S. , Warren Cirle A. , Ma Jennie Z. , Sifri Costi D.
Published: June 2022

Clostridioides difficileis the leading health care-associated pathogen, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality; however, there is no widely accepted model to predictC. difficileinfection severity. Most currently available models perform poorly or were calibrated to predict outcomes that are not clinically relevant.
Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds Produced by Xenorhabdus indica Strain AB and Investigation of Their Antifungal Activities
Authors: Baiome Baiome Abdelmaguid , Ye Xianfeng , Yuan Zhongyuan , Gaafar Yahya Z. A. , Melak Sherif , Cao Hui
Published: June 2022

Fungal phytopathogens, particularly
Fusarium oxysporum
, are a major problem worldwide, especially in the postharvest of vital economic crops. Concerns about negative effects on the environment and human health have led to increasing restrictions on the use of chemical fungicides, and therefore, biological control agents are now being considered alternatives.
The Cellular Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Virus-Infected Cells Using the Receptor Binding Domain Binding Specific Human Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Chan Conrad En-Zuo , Ng Ching-Ging , Lim Angeline Pei-Chew , Seah Shirley Lay-Kheng , Chye De-Hoe , Wong Steven Ka-Khuen , Lim Jie-Hui , Lim Vanessa Zi-Yun , Lai Soak-Kuan , Wong Pui-San , Leong Kok-Mun , Liu Yi-Chun , Sugrue Richard J. , Tan Boon-Huan
Published: June 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein receptor binding domain (RBD) mediates the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 to the host cell. This interaction plays an essential role in initiating virus infection, and the S protein RBD is therefore a focus of therapeutic and vaccine interventions.
An Atypical ABC Transporter Is Involved in Antifungal Resistance and Host Interactions in the Pathogenic Fungus Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Winski Christopher J. , Qian Yuanyuan , Mobashery Shahriar , Santiago-Tirado Felipe H.
Published: June 2022

Conserved across all kingdoms of life, ABC transporters comprise one of the largest protein families. They are associated with multidrug resistance, affecting aspects such as resistance to antimicrobials or anti-cancer drugs.
Closed Genome Sequences of
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Javiana Isolates from Various Sources
Authors: Jurkiw Thomas , Haendiges Julie , Luo Yan , Bell Rebecca , Hoffmann Maria , Zheng Jie
Published: June 2022

Salmonella enterica
serovar Javiana is a major
Salmonella
serovar that causes human
Salmonella
infection in the United States. The complete genomic sequences of 9
S.
Javiana isolates collected from food, environmental, and kratom sources in the United States were determined by hybrid assembly using Nanopore long-read sequencing and MiSeq short-read sequencing.
Draft Genome Sequence of Paenibacillus odorifer V, Isolated from the Fecal Material of a Rabbit
Authors: Perez Veronica , Haywood Zina R. , McLaughlin Richard W.
Published: June 2022

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Paenibacillus odorifer
strain V, which was isolated from the fecal material of a rabbit living in the wild. The genome size is 6,863,583 bp, with 44.35 mol% G+C content.
Loss of Novel Diversity in Human Gut Microbiota Associated with Ongoing Urbanization in China
Authors: Sun Shan , Wang Huijun , Howard Annie Green , Zhang Jiguo , Su Chang , Wang Zhihong , Du Shufa , Fodor Anthony A. , Gordon-Larsen Penny , Zhang Bing
Published: June 2022

Previous studies have reported the differences in human gut microbiota across populations of different urbanization levels, but most of the studies focused on populations across different geographic regions. In this study, we analyzed the impact of ongoing urbanization in neighborhoods within the same geographic region.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Cerebrospinal Fluid Lactate and Glucose in HIV-Associated Tuberculosis Meningitis
Authors: Nuwagira Edwin , Huppler Hullsiek Kathy , Jjunju Samuel , Rutakingirwa Morris , Kasibante John , Tadeo Kiiza Kandole , Kagimu Enock , Tugume Lillian , Ssebambulidde Kenneth , Musubire Abdu K. , Bangdiwala Ananta , Muzoora Conrad , Meya David B. , Boulware David R. , Bahr Nathan C. , Creswell Fiona V.
Published: June 2022

Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) is the most severe form of tuberculosis, and its fatality is largely due to delays in diagnosis. The role of CSF lactate has not been evaluated in patients with HIV presenting with signs and symptoms of meningitis.
Outpatient Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Escherichia coli Urinary Isolates Differ by Specialty Type
Authors: Frisbie Lauren , Weissman Scott J. , Kapoor Hema , D’Angeli Marisa , Salm Ann , Radcliff Jeff , Rabinowitz Peter
Published: June 2022

Patterns of antibiotic resistance in
E. coli
urinary isolates can vary between outpatient specialties. The use of clinical data to create practice and specialty-specific antibiograms in outpatient settings may improve antibiotic stewardship.
What controlled the thickness of continental crust in the Archean?
Authors: Mai Vuong V. , Korenaga Jun
Published: June 2022

Exposed continents are one of Earth's major characteristics. Recent studies on ancient ocean volume and exposed landmasses suggest, however, that early Earth was possibly a water world, where any significant landmass was unlikely to have risen above sea level. On modern Earth, the thickness of continental crust seems to be controlled by sea level and the buoyancy of continental crust. Simply applying this concept to the Archean would not explain the absence of exposed continents, and we suggest that a third element that is currently insignificant was important during early Earth: the strength of continental upper crust. Based on the pressure imbalance expected at continent-ocean boundaries, we quantified the conditions under which rock strength controls the thickness of continental crust. With the level of radiogenic heat production expected for early Earth, continents may have been too weak to have maintained their thickness against a deep ocean.
Online clinical tool to estimate risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Greenberg Rachel G , McDonald Scott A , Laughon Matthew M , Tanaka David , Jensen Erik , Van Meurs Krisa , Eichenwald Eric , Brumbaugh Jane E , Duncan Andrea , Walsh Michele , Das Abhik , Cotten C Michael
Published: June 2022

Objective

Develop an online estimator that accurately predicts bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) severity or death using readily-available demographic and clinical data.

Design

Retrospective analysis of data entered into a prospective registry.

Setting

Infants cared for at centres of the United States Neonatal Research Network between 2011 and 2017.

Patients

Infants 501–1250 g birth weight and 23 0/7–28 6/7 weeks’ gestation.

Interventions

None.

Main outcome measures

Separate multinomial regression models for postnatal days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 were developed to estimate the individual probabilities of death or BPD severity (no BPD, grade 1 BPD, grade 2 BPD, grade 3 BPD) defined according to the mode of respiratory support administered at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age.

Results

Among 9181 included infants, birth weight was most predictive of death or BPD severity on postnatal day 1, while mode of respiratory support was the most predictive factor on days 3, 7, 14 and 28. The predictive accuracy of the models increased at each time period from postnatal day 1 (C-statistic: 0.674) to postnatal day 28 (C-statistic 0.741). We used these results to develop a web-based model that provides predicted estimates for BPD by postnatal day.

Conclusion

The probability of BPD or death in extremely preterm infants can be estimated with reasonable accuracy using a limited amount of readily available clinical information. This tool may aid clinical prognostication, future research, and center-specific quality improvement surrounding BPD prevention.

Trial registration number

NCT00063063
Beyond arrival: safeguarding unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in the UK
Authors: Sanchez-Clemente Nuria , Eisen Sarah , Harkensee Christian , Longley Nicky , O'Grady Rob , Ward Allison
Published: June 2022

Unaccompanied children (also called unaccompanied minors) are children who have been separated from both parents and other relatives and are not being cared for by an adult who, by law or custom, is responsible for doing so. From 2010 to 2020, unaccompanied minors accounted on average for 15.4% of the total number of first-time asylum applicants aged less than 18 years in the UK. These young people risk their lives and undergo traumatic journeys in search of a better life. However, when they arrive in the UK, they are vulnerable to significant ongoing traumatic experiences.

In this review, we look at the reasons young people are forced to flee their countries, how they make their journey, and the risks and dangers they face along the way. We examine safety and victimisation risks faced by children and young people after arrival in the UK, which mechanisms and processes exist to safeguard these individuals, and examine the data available on outcomes of unaccompanied asylum-seeking child (UASC. Finally, we share two case examples that represent both the strengths and weaknesses of existing processes for UASC.
Treatment of a pneumatocele in a COVID-19 patient with endobronchial valves
Authors: Bugge Anders Standal , Sundset Arve , Aaløkken Trond Mogens , Jørgensen Lars Hilmar
Published: June 2022

A man in his 40s was admitted to his local hospital 6 days after the first vague symptoms of COVID-19. His general condition deteriorated, and he was treated in the intensive care unit but did not require mechanical ventilation. During his recovery, he experienced a cough spell, after which his dyspnoea recurred and rapidly increased. CT pulmonary angiogram showed a 10×18 cm cavitary lesion with an air-fluid level and surrounding atelectasis of the right lower lobe. A one-way valve mechanism had developed, leading to the formation of a pneumatocele. The patient was treated by occlusion of all bronchial segments of the right lower lobe with endobronchial valves, and the pneumatocele was evacuated with a pigtail catheter. The valves were removed 4 weeks after insertion, and the right lower lobe re-expanded. Six months after treatment, the patient had recovered completely and almost regained his former lung function.