bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glandular odontogenic cyst: A case series and literature review
Authors: Parmenter David , Gilbert Latoni , Collins Lisette , Shah Neil , Patel Vinod
Published: October 2024

Aim

The glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare odontogenic cyst with a potentially aggressive growth potential and high recurrence rate. An absence of pathognomonic clinical, radiographic and histopathological features means the glandular odontogenic cyst is rarely included in a differential diagnosis for a well‐defined radiolucent cyst or tumour of the jaw. There is an absence of clarity on the most effective method of treatment for GOCs to reduce recurrence risk.

Materials and Methods

In this case series, we documented the treatment of three male patients who were referred for further investigation of well‐defined, corticated radiolucent lesions. Two lesions were located in the body of the mandible and one in the anterior maxilla. All three patients were in their fifth decade of life. Two patients reported mild discomfort, while one patient was asymptomatic upon presentation.

Results

The included cases were treated conservatively with enucleation and curettage under general anaesthesia. Histological examination confirmed a diagnosis of GOC in all cases. No clinical or radiographic recurrence has been observed.

Conclusion

The clinical, radiographic and histological appearance of the GOC mimics other cysts and tumours of the jaw, most significantly central mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Long‐term follow‐up is recommended due to the potential for recurrence, which is influenced by lesion size, locularity and cortical plate integrity.
Asthma and allergy trajectories in children based on combined parental report and register data
Authors: Lisik Daniil , Wennergren Göran , Kankaanranta Hannu , Basna Rani , Shah Syed Ahmar , Alm Bernt , Celind Frida Strömberg , Goksör Emma , Nwaru Bright I.
Published: October 2024

Background

Trajectories of asthma and allergy in children are heterogeneous and commonly derived from parental report of disease or clinical records. This study combined parental‐reported and register‐based dispensed medication data to characterize childhood trajectories of co‐existing asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema.

Methods

From a Swedish population‐based birth cohort (N = 5654), survey responses collected at the age of 1, 4.5, 8, and 12 years were linked to dispensed medication register data for the period of 2–13 years. Trajectories were identified with latent class analysis. Statistical metrics and clinical interpretability guided the model selection.

Results

Nine distinct trajectories were identified: three asthma‐dominated (early‐onset remitting [n = 189, 3.3%], late‐onset [n = 117, 2.1%], and persistent [n = 149, 2.6%]), two eczema‐dominated (persistent [n = 190, 3.4%] and remitting [n = 432, 7.6%]), one allergic rhinitis‐dominated (late‐onset [n = 259, 4.6%]), two multimorbidity (mid‐childhood asthma and late‐onset allergic rhinitis [n = 144, 2.5%], and persistent eczema and late‐onset allergic rhinitis [n = 90, 1.6%]), and one low‐disease burden trajectory (n = 4084, 72.2%). Differences were seen across the trajectories in the proportion of parental report of disease and dispensed medication as well as by class and quantity of medication dispensed.

Conclusion

Combined parental‐reported and dispensed medication data enriches characterization of longitudinal trajectories of asthma and allergy in children by merging subjective experience of disease with healthcare utilization. The identified trajectories were characterized by distinct disease development and prescription patterns suggesting clinically differential morbidity burden.
Use of real‐time respiratory function monitor improves neonatal face mask ventilation: Cross‐over simulation study
Authors: Loganathan Prakash Kannan , Ashton Charlotte , Harrold Emily , Wigston Sarah , Doan Le Minh Thao , Occhipinti Annalisa
Published: October 2024

Background

Neonatal resuscitation airway training can be difficult as there is no feedback on the face mask technique. “JUNO” is a training respiratory function monitor that provides feedback on mask leak, ventilatory rate, and tidal volume.

Objective

To evaluate whether the use of the JUNO improves face mask ventilation techniques in manikin models.

Methods

We conducted an observational cross‐over study with our unit staff. Following instructions, each participant performed a single‐person technique, followed by a two‐person technique with no JUNO feedback. This was repeated with JUNO feedback visible. A similar sequence was performed both in term and preterm manikins, giving a total of 8 sequences. Each participant was instructed to perform 1 min of positive pressure ventilation providing 30 inflations/minute for all of the simulations. Each of the simulation data underwent a data cleaning process.

Results

Thirty‐eight subjects provided a total of 304 sequences of positive pressure ventilation. A total of 13 354 inflations were analyzed. The feedback group had significantly lower rates of inflations with leak >60%, lower rates of excessive tidal volumes, lower mean leak percentage, and a lower mean inspiratory tidal volumes. When analyzed based on the technique (single person and two‐person), similar positive results were noted in the “feedback group”, across all the strata of staff. All of the staff reported that JUNO improved their ventilation technique and would recommend it for staff training.

Conclusions

The use of JUNO significantly improved mask ventilation consistently across manikin types, staff roles, and techniques (either single‐ or two‐person).
Heat Stress Inhibits Pollen Development by Degrading mRNA Capping Enzyme ARCP1 and ARCP2
Authors: Ning Kexin , Li Xuezhi , Yan Jin , Liu Junjie , Gao Zhihua , Tang Wenqiang , Sun Yu
Published: October 2024

Pollen development and germination are critical for successful generation of offspring in plants, yet they are highly susceptible to heat stress (HS). However, the molecular mechanism underlying this process has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we highlight the essential roles of two mRNA capping enzymes, named Arabidopsis mRNA capping phosphatase (ARCP) 1 and 2, in regulating male and female gamete development. The transmission efficiencies of gametes carrying arcp1 arcp2 from arcp1+/− arcp2−/− and arcp1−/− arcp2+/− mutants are 30% and zero, respectively. These mutants exhibited a significant increase in misshaped pollen, with germination rates approximately half of those in wild type. ARCP1/2 exhibit RNA triphosphatase and RNA guanylyltransferase activities, which are required for proper pollen development. Through RNA‐seq analysis, genes involved in pollen development/germination and HS response were identified as downregulated genes in pollen from arcp1+/− arcp2−/− mutant. Furthermore, ARCP2 protein is degraded under HS condition, and inducing the expression of ARCP2 can increase the pollen germination rate under elevated temperature. We propose that HS triggers the degradation of mRNA capping enzymes, which in turn disrupts the transcriptome that required for pollen development and pollen germination and ultimately leads to male sterility.
Reintroduction by transplanting seedlings from natural regeneration: an alternative for ecological restoration?
Authors: Reis Letícia K. , Szabo Judit K. , Damasceno Junior Geraldo A. , Garcia Letícia C.
Published: October 2024

Collecting and transplanting wild seedlings and mature plants have been used in restoration projects to reduce costs and increase conservation of local genetic material. We review the published literature on restoration projects that used transplanted seedlings and mature plants for ecological restoration. Searching the Web of Science platform using five keywords for articles published in 1945–2023 resulted in 621 articles, with only 51 (9%) of them relevant to the topic. We categorized these 51 publications by ecosystem type, the number and growth forms of species, plant survival rate, as well as the time and cost of transplantation. Forests and wetlands were the most researched ecosystems, and most articles studied tropical forests and the southeastern region of Brazil. Nearly half of the studies (44%) used trees for transplantation, and 73% focused on only one species. In wetlands, mainly aquatic herbs were transplanted (38%). Survival was highest in wetlands (lakes) and lowest in temperate and tropical forests, regardless of the number of species or growth forms. Only three articles (7%) included costs or the time frame of the process of transplantation or monitoring. Despite having few published studies, this practice has high potential for the ecological restoration of tropical and temperate forests. Seedlings and adult plants from natural regeneration can be transplanted to complement or even replace conventional methods of planting nursery seedlings and direct sowing.
Spatio‐temporal variability in seed production of tree species: implications for restoration in the Cerrado–Amazonia transition zone
Authors: Ferragutti Aline C. , Lenza Eddie , Mews Henrique A. , Maracahipes Leandro , Pilon Natashi , Pereira João C. M. , Campos‐Filho Eduardo M. , Silvério Divino V.
Published: October 2024

The use of propagules collected in ecotonal regions for restoration purposes is challenging because of the mix of species from different vegetation types and reproductive phenological variability. We used a database of the Xingu Seed Network in Brazil, which contains data on 139 native tree species for 8 years (2011–2018) in the Cerrado–Amazonia transition zone, to answer three questions: (1) What is the spatio‐temporal variability in the seed dispersal of tree species, and how does it relate to the species' preferential habitat? (2) Is there a relationship between the seed dispersal period and climate variables? (3) Is the frequency of tree species with different dispersal syndromes equally distributed among biomes and seed‐size classes? Independent of their preferred ecosystem (Amazonia or Cerrado), some species showed substantial spatio asynchrony in fruit dispersal, extending the dispersal period at a regional scale. The seed dispersal period was strongly correlated (rs > 0.6) with precipitation and minimum or maximum air temperature in 41% (n = 57) of the studied species. We showed that three‐quarters of the species (n = 105) dispersed seeds in the late dry and early rainy periods, with little variation among dispersal syndromes. Our findings will enhance the effectiveness of restoration initiatives by increasing the accuracy of predictions of the location and time for collecting seeds in the extensive Cerrado–Amazonia transition zone.
Seasonal comparison of household vinegar and glyphosate treatments on Microstegium vimineum removal in the North Carolina, United States piedmont
Authors: Martinez Casey L. , Siegert Courtney M. , Granger Joshua J. , Iglay Raymond B.
Published: October 2024

Microstegium vimineum, or Japanese stiltgrass, is an invasive species that readily outcompetes native vegetation and is of poor forage quality for wildlife. This species is widespread throughout the southeastern United States, including North Carolina. Much of this region is privately owned and there is a gap in the literature providing succinct information about the best methods of treatment, timing of treatment, and effects of treatment on native herbaceous plants in this region. This study seeks to address this gap by evaluating two treatments that are easily accessible to landowners (glyphosate and vinegar) applied at three intervals throughout the growing season to assess the effects on M. vimineum removal and the herbaceous plant community. We found that glyphosate application was the most effective treatment, removing nearly 100% of M. vimineum but resulting in less diverse herbaceous communities. In contrast, vinegar application was both effective (54.9 ± 2.7% M. vimineum removal) and maintained species richness and diversity. Timing of applications did not affect treatment efficacy or plant diversity for either treatment. This study provides evidence that vinegar is an effective substitute for synthetic herbicides and can support M. vimineum removal efforts while maintaining plant diversity.
Energy Service Security for Public Health Resilience: Perception and Concerns in Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan☆
Authors: Tiwari Shardul , Ketola Zoē , Schelly Chelsea , Boyer‐Cole Eric
Published: October 2024

The Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan includes six rural counties and one Tribal Nation. The region is characterized by long winters, legacies of the extractive mining economy, and the infrastructural features of extreme rurality, including aging housing and low health service density. The region also faces exceptionally high electricity prices. There is limited research on the public health implications of energy service disruption in rural regions resulting from the increasing intensity and frequency of weather events caused by climate change. This article presents research findings examining the readiness of health facilities in this area to manage the rising intensity, severity, and frequency of severe weather that could disrupt energy services. The study also considers how this knowledge can guide decision‐making to improve energy service access and maintain resilient public health services in the region. This exploratory study utilized a qualitative approach that combines semi‐structured interviews with public health stakeholders and a short survey to triangulate the findings from health facilities. Given the pivotal role of dependable energy services in community health, these findings underscore the community's perception of self‐reliance as both an asset and a hurdle. This perception aligns with the realities of rural communities at the “end of the line” regarding critical infrastructure, which also serves as a formidable barrier to social organization and infrastructure access during energy service disruptions that can severely impact public health.
US suspension policy from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA): An estimation of the missing exports from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Sorgho Zakaria
Published: October 2024

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a unilateral duty‐free access program granted by the United States (US) to exports from sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries. However, provisions of the AGOA text specify that countries can be suspended from the program in case of political turmoil and human rights violations that threaten democracy and the rule of law. This paper constructs a two‐step framework combining matching techniques and gravity regression to quantify the loss of exports due to AGOA suspensions using high‐disaggregated data of exports (10‐digit HTS level) from Africa to the US during 2001–2020. The AGOA suspension resulted in a 54% decline in SSA countries' exports to the US. Estimations suggest that, since 2004, the US suspension policy led to a reduction in exports from suspended countries of approximately 691 million USD on average per year. Over the 17 years (2004–2020), the suspended countries lost a total of 11.7 billion USD in the value of their exports to the US.
Comprehensive Assessment of Dermatologic and Dysmorphic Manifestations in Patients With Down Syndrome
Authors: Kaya Gökhan , Alavanda Ceren
Published: October 2024

Background

Down syndrome (DS), a common chromosomal anomaly caused by trisomy of chromosome 21, is characterized by a broad spectrum of phenotypic characteristics across multiple organ systems, including cardiac defects and leukemia. Dermatological findings are prevalent among individuals with DS; however, these issues are frequently underrecognized and inadequately researched, resulting in a significant gap in the provision of comprehensive healthcare strategies. Given the increased life expectancy of patients with DS and delayed manifestation of many dermatoses, physicians are increasingly encountering dermatological findings in this population.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and types of dermatological findings in individuals with DS, compare them with those in a control group, and emphasize the necessity of incorporating dermatological evaluations into routine health monitoring.

Methods

This prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to June 2024 and involved 100 genetically confirmed individuals with DS and 100 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Comprehensive demographic, clinical, and karyotype data were collected for the DS group, and all the participants underwent detailed morphological evaluations.

Results

The DS group had a mean age of approximately 6.37 years, whereas the controls were around 7 years old, with no significant differences in age or sex distribution between the groups. Karyotype analysis showed that trisomy 21 was present in 92% of the cases, mosaicism in 6%, and translocation in 2%. Common dermatological findings in the DS group included xerosis cutis (49%), thin and sparse hair (48%), dental caries (34%), delayed tooth eruption (28%), nail dystrophy (25%), fissured tongue (23%), and cheilitis (18%). Significant differences were noted in the prevalence of scabies, bacterial infections, and café au lait macules between the DS and control groups (p < 0.01). Dysmorphic findings in the DS group included epicanthal folds (97%), upslanted palpebral fissures (97%), brachycephaly (91%), and single transverse palmar crease (89%). Significant gender differences were noted in the prevalence of brachycephaly and the sandal gap (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of regular dermatological care in enhancing the health management and quality of life of individuals with DS due to the prevalence and variability of dermatological conditions.
Relationship Between Cytokines and Face Skin Symptoms in Newborns in Two Japanese Cities
Authors: Yonezawa Kaori , Higuchi Sachi , Shimizu Satsuki , Minematsu Takeo , Haruna Megumi
Published: October 2024

Aim

Several skin disorder symptoms may appear in infants, each resulting from a different inflammatory response. In this study, we investigated the relationship between skin cytokine levels and skin symptoms in newborns.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in Tokyo and Oita, two Japanese cities. The participants were healthy, 1‐month‐old infants and their parents. Symptoms including erythema, papules, dryness, and exudate/yellow scaling on infant faces were evaluated as outcomes. Cytokine levels (interleukin [IL]‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐17) were measured by skin blotting. A multilevel analysis using a mixed‐effects model was conducted to account for regional differences.

Results

A total of 231 infants (119 from Tokyo and 112 from Oita) participated in this study. Erythema, papules, dryness, and exudate/yellow scaling were present in 59 (25.5%), 133 (57.6%), 37 (16.0%), and 16 (6.9%) of the infants, respectively. In terms of the associations between symptoms and cytokines, there was a significant association between papules and IL‐8 positivity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–3.47) even after adjustment for differences in barrier function, area, and skin care.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that cytokines were linked to skin conditions, even after accounting for regional differences and genetic factors. This suggests that different symptoms point to the involvement of various cytokines in skin conditions in neonates, with mechanisms varying based on the symptoms. These findings could aid in developing specific preventive strategies in the future.
White NIMBYism and diversity close to home
Authors: Britt Lucy , Jozwiak Andreas
Published: October 2024

Objective

We use a survey experiment to study what explains white “not in my backyard” opposition (NIMBYism) to dense and affordable housing—racial threat, material self‐interest, or both.

Methods

In a survey experiment on white U.S. respondents, we vary the presence of a racial prime about black and Latinx community organizations and the proximity of the housing development to the subject's home. We then measure levels of support for a proposed hypothetical housing development, willingness to take political action in support of or opposition to the development, and support for a number of housing‐related and redistributive policies.

Results

We find that a racial threat, a material self‐interest threat, and a combined racial and material self‐interest threat decrease support for a proposed housing development. These effects are moderated by racial resentment, ideology, and partisanship such that the effects of the treatments are primarily driven by Republicans, conservatives, and the highly racially resentful. These groups are more threatened than others by either Latinx and black people moving in, the development being in their own neighborhood, or both.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that racial and material perceived threats play important and interlocking roles in white Americans’ resistance to multifamily housing being built. In a context where local political institutions empower an unrepresentative group of disproportionately white, economically privileged neighbors to mount opposition to dense housing, it is important to understand how white opposition to new dense housing is shaped by racial and financial concerns.
Platform Business Groups and the Omni‐Channel Transformation of Food Retailing in China
Authors: Han Zhi , Wood Steve , Coe Neil M. , Alexander Andrew
Published: October 2024

In the past decade, China's food retail market has undergone significant restructuring driven by platform firms, enhancing omni‐channel capabilities across the sector, and bolstering the resilience of domestic retailers. These shifts have contributed to the exit of numerous international food retailers. Despite this transformation, there remains a lack of understanding regarding the economic geography of China's food retail market, especially in terms of digital platform operations. This paper aims to conceptualise two major Platform Business Groups (PBGs), Alibaba Group and Tencent‐JD.com Alliance, and investigate their respective roles in the omni‐channel transformation of Chinese food retailing. Drawing on forty semi‐structured interviews and diverse quantitative and qualitative sources, the study conceptualises two distinct PBG models shaping the market: Alibaba's ‘Integrated PBG’ and the Tencent‐JD.com Alliance's ‘Cooperative PBG’. The research explores how the two groups utilise online analytics directly through foodstore subsidiaries and indirectly by providing omni‐channel digital services to third‐party food retailers.
Global perspectives on donor‐derived infections: Brazil and Argentina
Authors: Song Alice T. W. , Yrbas Maria de los Angeles , Pierrotti Ligia Camera , Malan Richard , Delfino Cecilia , Pontes Daniela Ferreira Salomão , D'Albuquerque Luiz Augusto Carneiro , Andraus Wellington , Abdala Edson
Published: October 2024

Brazil and Argentina are two of the South American countries that perform the highest number of solid organ transplant procedures globally each year. These procedures are not exempt from risks for the recipient, and there is a risk of donor‐derived infections. Risk mitigation measures for disease transmission from donor to recipient are essential, and biovigilance systems play a crucial role to inform authorities and provide data for the definition of screening procedures and prevention of donor‐derived infections. We herein describe the biovigilance systems in Brazil and Argentina and provide some data regarding potential and effective donors.
Spike and nucleocapsid antibody dynamics following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and vaccination: Implications for sourcing COVID‐19 convalescent plasma from routinely collected blood donations
Authors: Di Germanio Clara , Deng Xutao , Balasko Brendan G. , Simmons Graham , Martinelli Rachel , Grebe Eduard , Stone Mars , Spencer Bryan R. , Saa Paula , Yu Elaine A. , Lanteri Marion C , Green Valerie , Wright David , Lartey Isaac , Kleinman Steven , Jones Jefferson , Biggerstaff Brad J. , Contestable Paul , Busch Michael P.
Published: October 2024

Background

COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) remains a treatment option for immunocompromised patients; however, the current FDA qualification threshold of ≥200 BAU/mL of spike antibody appears to be relatively low. We evaluated the levels of binding (bAb) and neutralizing antibodies (nAb) on serial samples from repeat blood donors who were vaccinated and/or infected to inform criteria for qualifying CCP from routinely collected plasma components.

Methods

Donors were categorized into four groups: (1) infected, then vaccinated, (2) vaccinated then infected during the delta, or (3) omicron waves, (4) vaccinated without infection. IgG Spike and total Nuclecapsid bAb were measured, along with S variants and nAb titers using reporter viral particle neutralization.

Results

Mean S IgG bAb peaks after infection alone were lower than after primary and booster vaccinations, and higher after delta and omicron infection in previously vaccinated donors. Half‐lives for S IgG ranged from 34 to 66 days after first infection/vaccination events and up to 108 days after second events. The levels of S IgG bAb and nAb were similar across different variants, except for omicron, which were lower. Better correlations of nAb with bAb were observed at higher levels (hybrid immunity) than at the current FDA CCP qualifying threshold.

Discussion

Routine plasma donations from donors with hybrid immunity had high S bAb and potent neutralizing activity for 3–6 months after infection. In donations with high (>4000 BAU/mL) S IgG, >95% had high nAb titers (>500) against ancestral and variant S, regardless of COVID‐19 symptoms. These findings provide the basis for test‐based criteria for qualifying CCP from routine blood donations.
Physician perspectives about the diagnosis and management of acute chest syndrome
Authors: Bhasin Neha , LeBlanc Dana Marie , Yates Sean , Eichbaum Quentin , Pham An , Sharma Deva , Zhang Li , Vichinsky Elliott P. , Sarode Ravi
Published: October 2024

Background

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is the leading cause of mortality, accounting for 25% of all deaths among individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). There is a lack of evidence‐based laboratory and clinical risk stratification guidelines for the diagnosis and management of ACS.

Study Design and Methods

To better understand physician practices for the management of ACS in the United States, we created an ACS Working Group including hematology and transfusion medicine physicians from four different SCD treatment centers in the United States. The working group created a physician survey that included physician demographics and ACS diagnostic criteria that they had to rate. The survey also included three case scenarios to assess physician attitudes about the management of ACS. Management options included supportive and preventive strategies in addition to transfusion therapy options.

Results

Out of 455 physicians who received the survey, 195 responded (response rate = 43%). The respondents were primarily hematology/oncology physicians. The responses showed wide variability among physicians in how diagnostic criteria for ACS are used and how physicians risk‐stratify ACS patients in their practice. The responses also reflected variability in the use of transfusions for ACS.

Discussion

Based on our results, we conclude that ACS is diagnosed and managed inconsistently among expert physicians, especially in their transfusion practices due to a lack of consensus on risk stratification criteria. Our data suggest an urgent need for well‐designed prospective studies to provide evidence‐based guidelines and minimize management variability among physicians who care for individuals with SCD and ACS.
Serological and molecular characterization of novel ABO variants including an interesting B(A) subgroup
Authors: He Yunlei , Yu Lu , Zhang Jiwei , He Yiwen , Niu Di , Deng Gang
Published: October 2024

Background

ABO grouping is the most important pretransfusion testing that is directly related to the safety of blood transfusion. A weak ABO subgroup is one of the important causes of an ABO grouping discrepancy. Here, we investigated the characterization of four novel ABO variants including a novel B(A) subgroup.

Study Design and Methods

RBCs were phenotyped by standard serology methods. The full coding regions of the ABO gene and the erythroid cell‐specific regulatory elements in intron one were sequenced. The effect of the possible splice site variant was predicted by Alamut software. The 3D structural modeling of three relative B(A) enzymes (p.Met214Thr, p.Met214Val, and p.Met214Leu) were performed by PyMOL software.

Results

Four novel ABO alleles were identified with weak ABO expression in this study, in which two would lead to premature terminations, and two resulted in amino acid changes. In silico analysis revealed that the splice site variant c.155G>T had the potential to alter splice transcripts. 3D structural view shown that the variant amino acid position 214 was spatially adjacent to the donor recognition pocket residues (266Met and 268Ala) and just next to the 211DVD213 motif. The size of the side chain of Thr and Val is the smallest, Leu is medium, and Met is the largest, and the size changes in the critical position 214 may affect the donor recognition pocket.

Conclusion

Four ABO subgroup alleles were newly linked to different kinds of ABO variants and the possible mechanism through which they produce weak ABO subgroups was analyzed in silico.
Segre products of cluster algebras
Authors: Grabowski Jan E. , Hindmarch Lauren
Published: October 2024

We show that under mild assumptions the Segre product of two graded cluster algebras has a natural cluster algebra structure.
The excedance quotient of the Bruhat order, quasisymmetric varieties, and Temperley–Lieb algebras
Authors: Bergeron Nantel , Gagnon Lucas
Published: October 2024

Let be the ring of polynomials in variables and consider the ideal generated by quasisymmetric polynomials without constant term. It was shown by J. C. Aval, F. Bergeron, and N. Bergeron that the th Catalan number. In the present work, we explain this phenomenon by defining a set of permutations with the following properties: first, is a basis of the Temperley–Lieb algebra , and second, when considering as a collection of points in , the top‐degree homogeneous component of the vanishing ideal is . Our construction has a few byproducts that are independently noteworthy. We define an equivalence relation on the symmetric group using weak excedances and show that its equivalence classes are naturally indexed by noncrossing partitions. Each equivalence class is an interval in the Bruhat order between an element of and a 321‐avoiding permutation. Furthermore, the Bruhat order induces a well‐defined order on . Finally, we show that any section of the quotient gives an (often novel) basis for .
Repeated passive heat treatment increases muscle tissue capillarization, but does not affect postprandial muscle protein synthesis rates in healthy older adults
Authors: Fuchs Cas J. , Betz Milan W. , Petrick Heather L. , Weber Jil , Senden Joan M. , Hendriks Floris K. , Bels Julia L.M. , van Loon Luc J.C. , Snijders Tim
Published: October 2024

Prolonged passive heat treatment (PHT) has been suggested to trigger skeletal muscle adaptations that may improve muscle maintenance in older individuals. To assess the effects of PHT on skeletal muscle tissue capillarization, perfusion capacity, protein synthesis rates, hypertrophy and leg strength, 14 older adults (9 males, 5 females; 73 ± 6 years) underwent 8 weeks of PHT (infrared sauna: 3× per week, 45 min at ∼60°C). Before and after PHT we collected muscle biopsies to assess skeletal muscle capillarization and fibre cross‐sectional area (CSA). Basal and postprandial muscle tissue perfusion kinetics and protein synthesis rates were assessed using contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and primed continuous l‐[ring‐13C6]phenylalanine infusions, respectively. One‐repetition maximum (1RM) leg strength and vastus lateralis muscle CSA were assessed. Type I and type II muscle fibre capillarization strongly increased following PHT (capillary‐to‐fibre perimeter exchange index: +31 ± 18 and +33 ± 30%, respectively; P < 0.001). No changes were observed in basal (0.24 ± 0.27 vs. 0.18 ± 0.11 AU; P = 0.266) or postprandial (0.20 ± 0.12 vs. 0.18 ± 0.14 AU; P = 0.717) microvascular blood flow following PHT. Basal (0.048 ± 0.014 vs. 0.051 ± 0.019%/h; P = 0.630) and postprandial (0.041 ± 0.012 vs. 0.051 ± 0.024%/h; P = 0.199) muscle protein synthesis rates did not change in response to prolonged PHT. Furthermore, no changes in vastus lateralis muscle CSA (15.3 ± 4.6 vs. 15.2 ± 4.6 cm2; P = 0.768) or 1RM leg strength (46 ± 12 vs. 47 ± 12 kg; P = 0.087) were observed over time. In conclusion, prolonged PHT increases muscle tissue capillarization but this does not improve muscle microvascular blood flow or increase muscle protein synthesis rates in healthy, older adults. Prolonged PHT does not induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy or increase leg strength in healthy, older adults.

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Key points

Repeated exposure to heat has been suggested to trigger skeletal muscle adaptive responses.

We investigated the effect of 8 weeks of whole‐body passive heat treatment (PHT; infrared sauna: 3× per week for 45 min at ∼60°C) on skeletal muscle tissue capillarization, perfusion capacity, basal, and postprandial muscle protein synthesis rates, muscle (fibre) hypertrophy, and leg strength in healthy, older adults.

Prolonged PHT increases muscle tissue capillarization, but this does not improve muscle microvascular blood flow or increase muscle protein synthesis rates.

Despite increases in muscle tissue capillarization, prolonged PHT does not suffice to induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy or increase leg strength in healthy, older adults.
Social workers’ perceptions and attitudes of environmental issues and sustainable development as social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Yeung Polly , Deverick Kora , Ellis Lynsey , Mooney Hannah , O'Donoghue Kieran
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION: Environmental and sustainable social work is gaining momentum in social work due to the rising concern of climate change and environmental degradation. Despite the social work profession being committed to social justice, the perspectives of social workers practising in Aotearoa New Zealand on environmental/green social work are yet to be explored. This study explored social workers’ attitudes and beliefs on environmental justice and sustainable practice. It also examined what factors support them to consider environmental issues in social work practice.
METHODS: A survey using an online portal was conducted with qualified social workers to assess their attitudes and knowledge. Descriptive, correlation and regression analyses were used to analyse the data.
RESULTS: A total of 102 questionnaires were analysed. The results indicated moderate levels of pro-ecological perspectives and awareness of sustainability attitudes, high level of agreement including Māori and other indigenous tradition and wisdom in ecological justice, strong belief in climate change and the importance of factoring environmental issues in social work practice. While over 80% of the participants thought that environmental issues should be part of social work practice, there are still gaps in translating these into practice. Participants would like to see more environmental issues being integrated into social work education to better prepare graduates entering the profession.
CONCLUSIONS: Social work education is urged to incorporate the natural environment, environmental justice and values and skills across the curriculum to advance the social justice mission to reduce the disparity among those who are vulnerable and marginalised.
For social betterment: Social work education in Australia
Authors: Staniforth Barb
Published: October 2024

Review of For social betterment: Social work education in Australia by Jane Miller. Monash University Publishing, Clayton, Victoria Australia, 2024
ISBN 9781922979438 pp.355, $AUS39.99
An equivalent source method for acoustic problems with thermoviscous effects
Authors: Liang Meng-Hui , Zheng Chang-Jun , Zhang Yong-Bin , Wang Shuai , Bi Chuan-Xing
Published: October 2024

This paper presents an equivalent source method (ESM) for analyzing sound propagation in small-scale acoustic structures with thermoviscous effects. The formulations that describe the thermal, viscous, and acoustic modes for thermoviscous acoustic problems are introduced. The concept of ESM is then applied to solve these formulations, resulting in an efficient numerical computation and implementation procedure. Based on two different strategies, the obtained ESM formulations are coupled at the boundary using the isothermal, non-slip, and null-divergence conditions. The coupling based on the first strategy is efficient for solving thermoviscous acoustic problems with few matrices required. However, this procedure faces the evaluation of the tangential derivatives of the boundary velocity. Coupling the ESM formulations directly for each component of the total particle velocity at the boundary has no such problem, which leads to the second strategy. However, it entails a larger memory usage compared to the former. Additionally, the coupled finite element method (FEM)-ESM formulations based on the above strategies are developed for acoustic–structural interaction. The validity of the presented ESM formulations is demonstrated through benchmark examples, and that of the coupled FEM-ESM formulation is illustrated by the numerical analysis of a simplified microphone.
Impulsive pile driving sound does not induce hearing loss in the longfin squid (Doryteuthis pealeii)
Authors: Jézéquel Youenn , Mooney T. Aran
Published: October 2024

Offshore windfarms are a key means to produce clean energy as we seek to limit climate change effects. Impulsive pile driving used for their construction in shallow water environments is among the most intense anthropogenic sound sources. There is an increasing understanding that an array of marine invertebrates detects acoustic cues, yet little is known about how pile driving sound could impact their sound detection abilities. We experimentally quantified potential changes in sound sensitivity for an abundant, commercially and ecologically important squid species (Doryteuthis pealeii) exposed to actual in situ pile driving. The pile was 0.3-m diameter and 10-m long; hammer energy reached 16 kJ per strike. Sound detection thresholds were determined using auditory evoked potentials in animals with no exposure, after one 15-min or five repeated 15-min long pile driving sound sequences, corresponding to cumulative sound exposure levels of 110 and 131 dB re (1 μm s−2)2 s for acceleration and 187 and 214 dB re (1 μPa)2 s for pressure. We found no statistical evidence of temporary threshold shifts in any squid exposed to pile driving sound sequences. These results, combined with companion behavioral studies, suggest that squid may be robust to the sound impacts during offshore windfarm construction.
Champion of the Country: Mediated Sports Game Watching and National Identity Construction for the Chinese Diaspora
Authors: Liu Xiaotong
Published: October 2024

This study explores how watching international sports is related to the identity of overseas Chinese. Starting from the social significance of mediated sports, the article constructs its conceptual framework through the symbolic power of sports, media events, imagined community, networked publics, and characteristics of the diasporic community. Based on this, the study carried out 10 interviews on the Chinese diaspora in the United Kingdom, summarized the mechanisms and ways of linking mediated sports with national unity, and revealed the factors that will probably cause change to this connection. The results show that the symbolic power of sports and the consciousness as Asian are ties of diaspora identity construction and form patriotism in sporting contexts. Meanwhile, the degree of integration into local society and their community preference are influencing the status of collective identity enhancement brought by mediated sports.
Effects of Training With Different Hang-Power-Clean Intensities on the Maximum Dynamic Strength, Vertical Jump, and Sprint Performance of Female Handball Players
Authors: Silva Claudio , Berton Ricardo , Boccato João , Tricoli Valmor
Published: October 2024

Purpose: To compare the effects of 7 weeks of training with different hang-power-clean (HPC) intensities on the maximum dynamic strength, vertical jump, and sprint performance of female handball players. Methods: Professional handball athletes with at least 1 year of HPC experience volunteered to participate. The athletes were balanced by position and randomly assigned to a group with HPC at 90% (HPC90%) or 50% (HPC50%) of HPC 1-repetition maximum (1RM). The training volume was equalized between groups. Pretraining and posttraining assessments included 1RM HPC, jump height in the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ), and sprint speeds at 5, 20, and 30 m. Results: From pretraining to posttraining, both groups significantly increased (P ≤ .05) 1RM HPC, although a small effect size was observed in favor of HPC90%. HPC90% and HPC50% did not induce significant changes (P > .05) in the SJ and CMJ height, although for the SJ, a small effect size was observed in favor of HPC90%. Both groups induced a significant improvement (P ≤ .05) in 5-, 20-, and 30-m sprint speeds, although for all speeds, small to moderate effect sizes were observed in favor of HPC90%. Conclusions: Both training groups induced significant improvements in 1RM HPC and sprint speeds, whereas no significant changes were observed in vertical jumps. In addition, based mainly on the effect sizes, the HPC90% group was more effective for increasing 1RM HPC, SJ, and sprint speeds than the HPC50% group.
A Qualitative Study Investigating Health Care Professionals’ Views on Barriers to Integrating Physical Activity Into Mild Cognitive Impairment/Dementia Care
Authors: Lou Yan , Hong Sixue , Li Wei
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to investigate health care professionals’ (HCPs) views on barriers to integrating physical activity (PA) into mild cognitive impairment/dementia care. Semistructured online interviews form 16 HCPs were completed between November 2022 and December 2022. Data were subjected to thematic analysis and were later mapped deductively to the Theoretical Domains Framework. Four themes were identified: (1) “Dementia-inclusive infrastructure or PA recommendations have not yet been systematically developed and implemented;” (2) “Roles and challenges of the multidisciplinary team;” (3) “HCPs believe that patients’ PA participation is influenced by their disease or individual factors;” and (4) “HCPs’ thoughts on current practice and opinions.” Deductive mapping of these themes revealed that 13 of the 14 Theoretical Domains Framework domains influenced it. Integrating PA into mild cognitive impairment/dementia care is subject to several modifiable determinants. Policymakers should focus on improving the environmental context and resources to encourage PA in mild cognitive impairment/dementia.
Wii Fit Exercise’s Effects on Muscle Strength and Fear of Falling in Older Adults With Alzheimer Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Uğur Fatma , Sertel Meral
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate how Wii Fit exercises affect muscle strength and fear of falling in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. Method: The study included a total of 32 volunteers with Alzheimer’s disease, aged 65–80 years. These participants were divided into two groups: the exercise group and the control group. The exercise group received a 30-min (one session) twice-weekly exercise program for 6 weeks with games selected from different categories, such as balance and aerobic exercises, with the Nintendo Wii virtual reality device. During this period, the control group did not receive any treatment, and routine medical treatments continued. At baseline and 6 weeks later, Mini-Mental State Examination, knee extension muscle strength, Timed Up and Go Test, and Tinetti Fall Efficacy Scale results were recorded in the exercise and control groups. Results: In intragroup comparison, a statistically significant difference was found in all tests (muscle strength, Timed Up and Go Test, and Tinetti Fall Efficacy Scale) in the exercise group after the exercise program (p < .05), while no significant difference was found in the control group (p > .05). According to the interaction of group and time in the intergroup comparison, there was no difference between the groups (exercise and control group) in muscle strength and Timed Up and Go Test (p > .05), but there was a difference in Tinetti Fall Efficacy Scale (p < .05). Conclusions: This randomized controlled trial supports the claim that Wii Fit exercises can reduce the fear of falling in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease.
Sitting, Standing, and Physical Activity in Australian Passenger Rail Drivers: On the Right Track for Better Health?
Authors: Chappel Stephanie E. , Rasmussen Charlotte L. , Vandelanotte Corneel , Chapman Janine , Holtermann Andreas , Naweed Anjum , Straker Leon
Published: October 2024

Background: Poor health in passenger rail drivers, resulting from perceived highly sedentary work and leisure time, has implications for public safety. To date, no studies have described the physical behaviors of passenger rail drivers. This study aimed to characterize the physical behaviors of passenger rail drivers by investigating the volume, pattern, variation, and composition of behaviors at and outside of work. Methods: A convenience sample of 31 rail drivers (77% male, median age 51.0 [12.5] y) in South Australia wore an activity monitor on their right thigh for 8 days and completed a work logbook. Physical behaviors (sitting, standing, light-intensity physical activity, moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity [MVPA], and steps) were recorded for workdays and nonworkdays, and work and nonwork time on workdays. The volume, bouts, between-participants variation, and 3-way composition were compared across the 4 time periods. Results: Drivers sat for 10.6 (1.5) hours, did 76.3 (38.8) minutes of MVPA, and took 9727.3 (4088.4) steps daily. At work, drivers were sitting 369.3 (41.8) minutes (187.1 [54.2] min in prolonged bouts) and doing MVPA 31.7 (10.0) minutes. Between-participants variation in sitting time during work (11%) was lower than both nonwork on a workday (19%) and on a nonworkday (24%; P < .001). Compositions at work differed from nonwork on workdays (F = 27.7, P < .001), as did compositions on workdays compared with nonworkdays (F = 6.8, P = .002). Conclusions: Passenger rail drivers were highly sedentary, but also surprisingly active. At work, drivers were more sedentary and had lower variation in behaviors, suggesting work constraints play an important role. Therefore, work may be the most appropriate domain to intervene for promoting healthy physical behavior profiles among these passenger rail drivers.