bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are electronic apex locators accurate in determining working length in primary teeth pulpectomies? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical studies
Authors: Vitali Filipe Colombo , Santos Pablo Silveira , Cardoso Mariane , Massignan Carla , Garcia Lucas da Fonseca Roberti , Bortoluzzi Eduardo Antunes , Teixeira Cleonice da Silveira
Published: July 2022

Background

The lack of a well‐defined apical constriction in primary teeth raises concerns regarding the accuracy of electronic apex locators (EALs) for measuring working length.

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of EALs in determining working length in primary teeth pulpectomies.

Methods

Two reviewers searched ten databases up to September 2021. Clinical studies evaluating the accuracy of the electronic measurement of working length in primary teeth pulpectomies were included. Studies without a comparison group, with samples smaller than ten root canals, and that did not use a multiple frequency EAL were excluded. A meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the paired differences in mean lengths between measurements obtained by electronic and comparative methods. In addition, a meta‐analysis of proportion was applied according to the level of difference between the measures. The risk of bias and applicability of the studies were assessed using the QUADAS‐2 tool. The certainty of evidence was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

Twenty‐nine studies were included in the qualitative analysis and twenty‐three in the quantitative analysis. The methods of comparison for the electronic measurement were the radiographic method, radiovisiographic, scanning electron microscopy, and direct visualization. The meta‐analysis showed that the electronic measurement tends to be shorter than radiographic measurement, while the other methods showed no difference. The proportion analysis showed a higher pooled proportion of difference values between electronic and comparative measurements within −0.5 to +0.5 mm (69.31%). The certainty of the evidence suggested very low confidence in estimating the outcome.

Discussion

The results of this review denote a good performance of the EALs in determining working length in primary teeth pulpectomies. However, these results are based on clinical studies with low methodological quality and high heterogeneity, which require careful interpretation for clinical practice.

Conclusions

Although the results suggest acceptable accuracy of EALs in determining working length in primary teeth pulpectomies, the low quality of the included studies and the very low certainty of the evidence require clinicians to interpret these results with caution. More robust evidence is required to support that these devices are accurate for primary teeth.

Registration

CRD42021277414 (PROSPERO).
Upfront tandem autologous non‐myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplant in high‐risk multiple myeloma: a long‐term single‐centre experience
Authors: Nguyen Phillip C. , Muirhead Jenny , Tan Joanne , Kalff Anna , Bergin Krystal , Walker Patricia , Spencer Andrew
Published: July 2022

The role of upfront non‐myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (NMA alloSCT) in high‐risk multiple myeloma (HR‐MM) is unclear. We evaluated outcomes of NMA alloSCT following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) compared with ASCT alone for newly diagnosed HR‐MM. Two‐year progression‐free survival was improved in the ASCT‐NMA alloSCT group (44% vs 16%; P = 0.035), with a trend for improved overall survival (P = 0.118). These results suggest that ASCT‐NMA alloSCT can be considered as upfront therapy in HR‐MM.
Physical characterization of BiFeO3‐based thin films with enhanced properties for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Mariano Marcos A. S. , Mendez‐González Yanela , Silva Atair C. , Monte Adamo F. G. , Lima Elton C. , Guo Ruyan , Bhalla Amar S. , de los Santos Guerra José
Published: July 2022

The present paper reports the multifunctional properties of lead‐free BiFeO3–La (BFO–La) thin films. The structural, microstructural, and optical properties have been investigated as a function of the lanthanum doping concentration. The structural properties at room temperature showed the formation of the perovskite structure, thus suggesting the high quality of the obtained thin film compositions. Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed a slight variation in both the peak position and absolute intensity for the Raman active modes, as lanthanum content increases in BiFeO3–La. Crystallized thin films with well‐defined grains as well as crack‐free surfaces have been obtained, for all the studied compositions, as inferred from atomic force microscopy images. The optical properties have been measured, and the values for the direct bandgap was significantly lower than those reported for other BFO‐based systems, being the lowest ∼1.87 eV for the Bi0.90La0.10FeO3 composition. Results revealed a noteworthy effect of the defect concentrations induced by the lanthanum doping on the long‐range crystallinity and directly affecting the polarizability of the A–O bond as well as the Fe–O and Fe–O–Fe bond lengths in the perovskite structure. The enhanced optical absorption properties registered for the Bi1–xLaxFeO3 (x = 0–20) compositions make these perovskite multiferroic thin films as a potential candidate material for the high‐performance photovoltaic device applications.
Syntheses, characterization, magnetic, and electrochemical properties of perovskite‐type NdFeO3 and NdCoO3 nanofibers
Authors: Hu Quanli , Yue Bin , Su Wang , Yang Daotong , Wang Yin , Dong Xiangting , Liu Jinghai
Published: July 2022

In this work, perovskite‐type NdFeO3 and NdCoO3 nanofibers (NFs) were synthesized, and the magnetic and electrochemical characteristics of the two samples were investigated. The NdFeO3 NFs showed ferromagnetic performance at 298 K and paramagnetic characteristics at low temperatures, whereas the NdCoO3 NFs showed paramagnetic behavior. The NdFeO3 and NdCoO3 electrodes exhibited favorable electrochemical performance in supercapacitors and Li‐ion batteries. Therefore, this study demonstrated the potential applications of NdFeO3 and NdCoO3 NFs in the field of condensed matter physics and energy storage devices.
Evaluation of inhibitory compounds produced by bacteria isolated from a hydrogen-producing bioreactor during the self-fermentation of wheat straw
Authors: Pérez-Rangel Marisol , Valdez-Vazquez Idania , Martínez-Zavala Sheila A. , Casados-Vázquez Luz E. , Bideshi Dennis K. , Barboza-Corona José E.
Published: July 2022

Aims

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory activity of compounds secreted by bacteria isolated from a hydrogen-producing bioreactor to understand how these microorganisms interact in this community.

Methods and Results

In vitro inhibitory assays were performed using samples secreted by bacteria subject to different treatments to determine if their inhibitory effect was due to organic acids, non-proteinaceous compounds or bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS). Bacterial isolated were suppressed 43%, 30% and 27% by neutralized, precipitated and non-neutralized cell-free supernatants, respectively. Non-hydrogen producers (non-H2P) lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (Lactobacillus plantarum LB1, Lactobacillus pentosus LB7, Pediococcus acidilactici LB4) and hydrogen producers (H2P) LAB (Enterococcus faecium F) were inhibited by the production of organic acids, non-proteinaceous compounds and BLIS. Meanwhile, the obligate anaerobe H2P (Clostridium beijerinckii B) inhibited by the production of non-proteinaceous compounds and BLIS. The presence of BLIS was confirmed when proteolytic enzymes affected the inhibitory activity of secreted proteins in values ranging from 20% to 42%. The BLIS produced by L. plantarum LB1, P. acidilactici LB4, L. pentosus LB7 and E. faecium F showed molecular masses of ~11, 25, 20 and 11 kDa, respectively.

Conclusions

It was demonstrated antagonistic interactions between Lactobacillus–Enterococcus and Pediococcus–Enterococcus species, generated by the secretion of organic acids, non-proteinaceous compounds and BLIS.

Significance and Impact of the Study

We report the interactions between LAB isolated from hydrogen-producing bioreactors. These interactions might impact the dynamics of the microbial population during hydrogen generation. Our work lays a foundation for strategies that allow controlling bacteria that can affect hydrogen production.
Antifungal potential of Azotobacter species and its metabolites against Fusarium verticillioides and biodegradation of fumonisin
Authors: Deepa N. , Chennappa Gurikar , Deepthi Balappa Naik Vijaya kumari , Naik Manjunath Krishnappa , Ramesha Kolathuru Puttamadaiah , Amaresh Yatagal Sharanappa , Satish Sreedharmurthy , Sreenivasa M. Y.
Published: July 2022

Aims

In the study, seven Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Azotobacter species were screened against three strains of Fusarium verticillioides to test its antifungal activity. Azotobacter strains were tested for the degradation of fumonisin produced by F. verticillioides. Secondary metabolites were isolated and characterized from the Azotobacter strains for the first time.

Methods and Results

Potential seven Azotobacter species antifungal activity was tested following the dual culture assay against three strains of Fusarium verticillioides namely FVM-42, FVM-86 and MTCC156 estimating the substantial zone of inhibition. Azotobacter species AZT-31 and AZT-50 strains significantly inhibited the growth of F. verticillioides recording drastic growth enhancement of maize under in-vitro conditions by calculating the infection incidence, vigour index and germination percentage. As confirmation, dereplication studies were conducted for the reconfirmation of Azotobacter strains by isolating from rhizoplane. Azotobacter strains played a key role in the degradation of fumonisin produced by F. verticillioides reporting 98% degradation at 2 h of incubation with the pathogen. Furthermore, in the study first time, we have tried to isolate and characterize the secondary metabolites from the Azotobacter strains exhibiting six compounds from the species AZT-31 (2) and AZT-50 (4). Preliminary in-vitro experiments were carried out using the compounds extracted to check the reduction of infection incidence (90%) and increase in germination percentage upto 50 to 70% when compared to the test pathogen.

Conclusion

Azotobacter strains referred as PGPR on influencing the growth of plant by producing certain substances that act as stimulators on inhibiting the growth of the pathogen.

Significance and Impact of the study

The future perspective would be the production of an active combination of carboxamide compound and Azotobacter species for preventively controlling the phytopathogenic fungi of plants and crops and also towards the treatment of seeds.
High triiodothyronine levels induce myocardial hypertrophy via BAFF overexpression
Authors: Li Guo‐Qing , Liu Xiao‐Mei , Liu Bing‐Li , Zhong Yi , Gu Qing‐Wei , Miao Jing‐Jing , Wang Jie , Liu Shu , Mao Xiao‐Ming
Published: July 2022

Activated B cells contribute to heart diseases, and inhibition of B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) expression is an effective therapeutic target for heart diseases. Whether activated B cells participate in the development and progression of hyperthyroid heart disease, and what induces B cells activation in hyperthyroidism are unknown. The present study aimed to determine the roles of BAFF overexpression induced by high concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3) in the pathogenesis of hyperthyroid heart disease. Female C57BL/6J mice were subcutaneously injected with T3 for 6 weeks, and BAFF expression was inhibited using shRNA. Protein and mRNA expression of BAFF in mouse heart tissues evaluated via immunohistochemistry, western blotting and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Proportions of B cells in mouse cardiac tissue lymphocytes were quantified via flow cytometry. Morphology and left ventricle function were assessed using pathological sections and echocardiography, respectively. Here, we demonstrate that compared with the control group, the proportion of myocardial B cells was larger in the T3 group; immunohistochemistry, western blotting and PCR analyses revealed increased protein and mRNA expression levels of TNF‐α and BAFF in heart tissues of the T3 group. Compared with the normal controls group, in the T3 group, the diameter of myocardial cells and some echocardiographic values significantly increased and hypertrophy and structural disorder were noticeable. Our results revealed that elevated levels of circulating T3 can promote the expression of BAFF in myocardial cells and can lead to B‐cell activation, an elevated inflammatory response and ventricular remodelling.
Validity Arguments Meet Artificial Intelligence in Innovative Educational Assessment
Authors: Dorsey David W. , Michaels Hillary R.
Published: July 2022

We have dramatically advanced our ability to create rich, complex, and effective assessments across a range of uses through technology advancement. Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled assessments represent one such area of advancement—one that has captured our collective interest and imagination. Scientists and practitioners within the domains of organizational and workforce assessment have increasingly used AI in assessment, and its use is now becoming more common in education. While these types of solutions offer their users the promise of efficiency, effectiveness, and a “wow factor,” users need to maintain high standards for validity and fairness in high stakes settings. Due to the complexity of some AI methods and tools, this requirement for adherence to standards may challenge our traditional approaches to building validity and fairness arguments. In this edition, we review what these challenges may look like as validity arguments meet AI in educational assessment domains. We specifically explore how AI impacts Evidence‐Centered Design (ECD) and development from assessment concept and coding to scoring and reporting. We also present information on ways to ensure that bias is not built into these systems. Lastly, we discuss future horizons, many that are almost here, for maximizing what AI offers while minimizing negative effects on test takers and programs.
Solving for stigma in mental health care
Authors: Heney Diana B.
Published: July 2022

When we face an equation with an unknown variable, we ‘solve forx’, using methods that allow us to isolate and identify the unknown. Stigma is a known variable in health care equations, but remains impactful in a variety of ways that are not fully mapped or understood. In other words, stigma is a known unknown: it presents potential obstacles to the delivery of effective health care, but what kind of obstacles, of what size and significance, and for whom is often unclear. This paper investigates what Erving Goffman called the ‘stigma situation’: ‘the situation of the individual who is disqualified from full social acceptance.’ The core argument is that to successfully incorporate the experiential knowledge of mental health care service users, we must first solve for stigma—that is, we must determine the nature and scope of its significance, and then mitigate its effects. The present paper begins by demonstrating that stigma in mental health care remains an obstacle worthy of sustained attention. It then discusses typical methods taken in efforts to destigmatize mental illness, and suggests that additional work is needed in the clinical context of mental health care. The pervasiveness and complexity of stigma requires diligence in clinical settings to integrate the experience of mental health care service users and work towards an adequate model of recovery.
Clin‐Star corner: What is new at the interface of geriatrics and nephrology?
Authors: Nair Devika , Hall Rasheeda K.
Published: July 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prevalent and burdensome among older adults in the United States. CKD affects at least 15% of the US population, and adults over 65 comprise the largest subset within this group. In this special article, we highlight key findings of three recent original investigations in nephrology and describe each study, relevance to the care of older adults, and current areas of uncertainty that warrant further investigation. Articles relate to removal of the race adjustment in the estimation of kidney function, the use of novel therapeutics to halt CKD progression and improve cardiovascular outcomes, and medication management for short‐term pain control in CKD.
Factors associated with readmission in chronic kidney disease: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Low Jac Kee , Crawford Kimberley , Lai Jerry , Manias Elizabeth
Published: July 2022

Background

Risk factors associated with all‐cause hospital readmission are poorly characterised in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Objective

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to identify risk factors and protectors of hospital readmission in chronic kidney disease.

Design, Participants & Measurements

Studies involving adult patients were identified from four databases from inception to 31/03/2020. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with all‐cause 30‐day hospital readmission in general chronic kidney disease, in dialysis and in kidney transplant recipient groups.

Results

Eighty relevant studies (chronic kidney disease, n = 14 studies; dialysis, n = 34 studies; and transplant, n = 32 studies) were identified. Meta‐analysis revealed that in both chronic kidney disease and transplant groups, increasing age in years and days spent at the hospital during the initial stay were associated with a higher risk of 30‐day readmission. Other risk factors identified included increasing body mass index (kg/m2) in the transplant group, and functional impairment and discharge destination in the dialysis group. Within the chronic kidney disease ​​​​group, having an outpatient follow‐up appointment with a nephrologist within 14 days of discharge was protective against readmission but this was not protective if provided by a primary care provider or a cardiologist.

Conclusion

Risk‐reduction interventions that can be implemented include a nephrologist appointment within 14 days of hospital discharge, rehabilitation programme for functional improvement in the dialysis group and meal plans in the transplant group. Future risk analysis should focus on modifiable factors to ensure that strategies can be tested and implemented in those who are more at risk.
Drivers of forest change in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Blomdahl Erika M. , Speer James H. , Kaye Margot , Zampieri Nicole E. , Rochner Maegen , Currey Bryce , Alving Denise , Cahalan Gabriel D. , Hagedorn Ben , Li Hang , Oelkers Rose , Pelletier Lissa , Thapa Ichchha , Willson Kevin , Woodward Brian D. , DeRose R. Justin
Published: July 2022

Questions

Global climate change is predicted to cause widespread shifts in the distribution and composition of forests, particularly in mountain environments where climate exerts strong controls on tree community arrangement. The upslope movement of vegetation has been observed in association with warming temperatures and is especially evident in ecotones—the transition zones between vegetation types. We explored the role of drought and tree mortality on recent changes in high‐elevation forests.

Location

Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, USA.

Methods

We established 19 forest demography plots along an elevational gradient spanning dominant high‐elevation vegetation types.

Results

Tree establishment dates indicated the upslope movement of Pinus albicaulis (whitebark pine) treeline and ecotone shift from meadow to forest starting in the 1950s. An expansion of the growing season likely contributed to the upward expansion of the treeline. Comparisons between overstory and understory tree composition suggested ongoing succession in the absence of fire at lower elevations, namely the replacement of Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine) by Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir). P. contorta seedlings were distributed at higher elevations than overstory trees of the same species, suggesting some potential for upslope movement with warming conditions; P. albicaulis seedlings, conversely, were distributed throughout all elevations of the transect. Significant tree mortality occurred in Pinus spp. and disproportionately affected P. albicaulis, as a result of a regional Dendroctonus ponderosae (mountain pine beetle) outbreak (2008–2012). Mortality events were strongly associated with drier than average conditions 2–3 years prior to tree death.

Conclusion

Rising sensitivity to arid conditions in the mid‐20th century amid already dense, aging forests appears to have increased susceptibility to beetle‐induced mortality during the most recent drought. Tree species in the study area responded individually to global change stressors, which acted on these forests in complex ways and led to both ecotone shifts and stability. This work highlights the interplay between succession, forest disturbances and climate‐related growth responses in driving forest compositional change in subalpine and treeline environments.
Prognostic implications of CT/MRI LI‐RADS in hepatocellular carcinoma: State of the art and future directions
Authors: Wei Hong , Yang Ting , Chen Jie , Duan Ting , Jiang Hanyu , Song Bin
Published: July 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most lethal malignancy with an increasing incidence worldwide. Management of HCC has followed several clinical staging systems that rely on tumour morphologic characteristics and clinical variables. However, these algorithms are unlikely to profile the full landscape of tumour aggressiveness and allow accurate prognosis stratification. Noninvasive imaging biomarkers on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exhibit a promising prospect to refine the prognostication of HCC. The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) is a comprehensive system for standardizing the terminology, techniques, interpretation, reporting and data collection of liver imaging. At present, it has been widely accepted as an effective diagnostic system for HCC in at‐risk patients. Emerging data have provided new insights into the potential of CT/MRI LI‐RADS in HCC prognostication, which may help refine the prognostic paradigm of HCC that promises to direct individualized management and improve patient outcomes. Therefore, this review aims to summarize several prognostic imaging features at CT/MRI for patients with HCC; the available evidence regarding the use of LI‐RDAS for evaluation of tumour biology and clinical outcomes, pitfalls of current literature, and future directions for LI‐RADS in the management of HCC.
Wittgenstein on logical truth and bipolarity
Authors: Spinney Oliver Thomas
Published: July 2022

I provide a motivation for Wittgenstein's holding to the view that a necessary condition of an item's possessing a sense is its being capable of truth and capable of falsehood. I argue that Wittgenstein adopted the relevant view in order to defend an approach to the determination of logical truth on which the subject matter of a proposition is irrelevant to our making such a determination. This approach was itself conceived of as a remedy to that employed by Russell, and to a conception of logical truth on which the axiom of reducibility counts as logically true.
Explainable deep learning powered building risk assessment model for proactive hurricane response
Authors: Gao Shangde , Wang Yan
Published: July 2022

Climate change and rapid urban development have intensified the impact of hurricanes, especially on the Southeastern Coasts of the United States. Localized and timely risk assessments can facilitate coastal communities’ preparedness and response to imminent hurricanes. Existing assessment methods focused on hurricane risks at large spatial scales, which were not specific or could not provide actionable knowledge for residents or property owners. Fragility functions and other widely utilized assessment methods cannot model the complex relationships between building features and hurricane risk levels effectively. Therefore, we develop and test a building‐level hurricane risk assessment with deep feedforward neural network (DFNN) models. The input features of DFNN models cover the meta building characteristics, fine‐grained meteorological, and hydrological environmental parameters. The assessment outcomes, that is, risk levels, include the probability and intensity of building/property damages induced by wind and surge hazards. We interpret the DFNN models with local interpretable model‐agnostic explanations (LIME). We apply the DFNN models to a case building in Cameron County, Louisiana in response to a hypothetical imminent hurricane to illustrate how the building's risk levels can be timely assessed with the updating weather forecast. This research shows the potential of deep‐learning models in integrating multi‐sourced features and accurately predicting buildings’ risks of weather extremes for property owners and households. The AI‐powered risk assessment model can help coastal populations form appropriate and updating perceptions of imminent hurricanes and inform actionable knowledge for proactive risk mitigation and long‐term climate adaptation.
Genetic variation of soybean collection based on microsatellite DNA markers related to plant height
Authors: Podzorova T. , Zatybekov A. , Didorenko S. , Abugalieva S.
Published: July 2022

Soybean is a relatively new crop in Kazakhstan, and the development of new competitive cultivars with high productivity and quality is an important direction in the local breeding program. Previously, one of the major approaches for the development of new cultivars was breeding projects based on the evaluation of key morphological traits, including flowering time and plant height (PH). However, with the development of soybean genetics new molecular tools have emerged, including the development of DNA microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs). In this study, a collection of hundred accessions grown in the southeast of Kazakhstan in 2020-2021 was assessed using eight agronomic traits, including plant height (PH), the height of lowest pod, number of lateral branches, number of fertile nodes, number of seeds per plant, thousand seeds weight, yield per square meter (YP2), and maturity group. The assessment of field trials showed a wide range of variability in agronomic traits and suggested that PH is significantly correlated with all studied traits, including YP2. The collection was genotyped using eight SSRs associated with PH. The results suggested that three SSRs (Satt244, Satt288, and Satt371) were the most polymorphic, and five out of eight SSRs were associated with six important agronomic traits, including flowering time, PH, and yield per square meters. Obtained results can be efficiently used in soybean breeding based on a marker-assisted selection approach.
DNA barcoding of rare and endangered plant species of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Sarsen A. , Saginova M. , Aktayeva S. , Akishev Zh. , Kiribayeva A. , Manabayeva Sh. , Mussakhmetov A. , Kakimzhanova A. , Khapilina O. , Akhmetollayev I. , Khassenov B.
Published: July 2022

The ability to identify vegetation types is very important for the study of flora biodiversity. DNA barcoding makes it possible to standardize the identification procedure by reference DNA regions. The most popular sequences for molecular identification and phylogenetic studies are Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences. ITS are widely used as a phylogenetic marker to classify plants at various taxonomic levels, including genus, species, and subspecies.            29 samples of rare and endangered plant species were collected from Aksu-Zhabagly State Nature Reserve, Sayram-Ugam National Park and Berikkara Tract State Nature Reserve. DNA was isolated by the CTAB method, oligonucleotides flanking the ITS region of the nuclear DNA region were selected and synthesized. Sequencing was carried out and ITS sequences of the region were obtained for 29 species of rare and endangered plant species in Kazakhstan.
NUCLEOSIDE ANALOG FAVIPIRAVIR IS A POOR INHIBITOR AGAINST THE SARS-COV-2 VIRUS IN CELL CULTURE, BUT FAVIPIRAVIR IS HIGHLY ACTIVE AGAINST VENEZUELAN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS
Authors: Zauatbayeva G.M. , Syzdykova L.R. , Keyer V.V. , Shustov A.V. , Abilmagzhanov A.Z. , Zhurynov M.Zh.
Published: July 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been the largest epidemiological event in the current century, however, it was not the first epidemic with a large tally in the 21st century, nor it will be the last. The majority of pathogens which have caused large epidemics in the 21st century (avian influenza, pandemic influenza, MERS, Ebola, etc.), including the SARS-CoV-2 itself, are RNA-containing viruses. The biological nature of the pathogen which will cause the future epidemic is difficult to predict, but with it highly probable will be an RNA-containing virus. To prepare for future epidemics, drug repurposing is a promising approach. The drugs repurposing against RNA viruses is facilitated by pathogens’ features such that RNA-dependent RNA polymerases have the ability to incorporate modified nucleotides into growing RNA strands; and in the majority RNA viruses, their replicases do not have the editing capacity.

In this work, we measured the ability of two registered antiviral drugs with different mechanisms of antiviral action - Favipiravir and Cycloferon - to suppress the replication of two unrelated viruses in Vero E6 cell culture. We measured the antiviral activity against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV).

Favipiravir was not an effective inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2, because of the high half-maximal effective concentration, EC50 > 6.67 mg/ml. But Favipiravir actively suppressed the replication of the VEEV virus in the pharmacological concentration range.

Cycloferon appeared to be a prominent inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 cotonavirus, demonstrating EC50 = 0.066 mg/ml. However, Cycloferon was ineffective against VEEV.

Such differences in the activity of two drugs against two unrelated RNA-viruses are probably explained by different mechanisms of the antiviral action.
DISTRIBUTION OF ERWINIA AMYLOVORA ON WILD AND CULTURALLY GROWN APPLE TREES MALUS SPP. FOR THE PERIOD OF 2021
Authors: Malakhova N.P. , Skiba Y.A. , Tezekbayeva B.K. , Khasseyn A. , Dmitriyeva K.A. , Romashkin V.N. , Zharmukhamedova G.A. , Jumanova Zh. K. , Maltseva E.R.
Published: July 2022

Fire blight of pome fruit cultures is a dangerous quarantine disease of pome and ornamental plants of Rosaceae, caused by a Gram-negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora.  For the study of the fire blight distribution and timely establishment of the threat of endemic apple species Malus sieversii infection a phytopathological study of wild fruit forests and cultural plantations of apple (Malus spp.) was carried out in Almaty region. 263 samples were collected from wild plants without visible symptoms and cultivated plants with symptoms of a fire blight - brown and necrotic young shoots that have a characteristic "shepherd's crook" shape, blackened leaves and ovaries remaining on the affected shoots, and samples from trees with manifestations of the disease had previously been noted were collected as well. Screening of all received samples was carried out based on PCR analysis and revealed 23 positive results.
Phytopathological observations and the results of PCR analysis allowed identification of the infection’s source and distribution, as well as assessment of the current state of the studied areas of wild fruit forests and adjacent cultural apple plantations in Almaty region for the presence of fire blight’s infection agent.
Engaging in Paradigmatic Dialogue: A Bibliometric Analysis of Coaching Scholarship From 1970 to 2020
Authors: Campbell Sara , Mills Joseph , Atkinson Obidiah , Gearity Brian , Kuklick Clayton , McCullick Bryan
Published: July 2022

Coaching scholarship (CS) sits at the intersection of multiple paradigms and disciplines. Despite the eclectic nature of the field, most scholars operate only within their preferred paradigm, which limits how coaching is conceptualized and practiced. To address this limitation, we used the dialectic stance to analyze bibliometric records of CS produced between 1970 and 2020 from both an interpretivist and poststructuralist perspective. Using Web of Science, we identified 2,522 coaching articles and organized the bibliometric data into a time-ordered matrix representing five decades of CS: (a) number of publications per year, (b) country of origin, (c) institution, (d) journal, (e) author, and (f) most cited articles. Two research groups analyzed the data concurrently and independently using their respective paradigm. Next, the two groups came together to engage in dialogue and discover areas of convergence and divergence. Through the paradigmatic dialogue, the interpretivist research group realized they were operating in a postpositivist paradigm. Nevertheless, both groups determined CS was heavily influenced by Western societies, sport psychology, and the topic of motivation. The postpositivists highlighted evolutionary trends in CS, while the poststructuralists elucidated relations of power, understudied problems, and the consequences of the dominant knowledge produced.
Leading While Losing: Elite Coaches’ Perspectives of Losing Streaks
Authors: Gibson Daryl , O’Connor Donna
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of elite professional football coaches when their team has experienced a “losing streak” of at least three consecutive matches. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 elite coaches from the National Rugby League, Australian Football League, and Super Rugby or international-level Rugby Union. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in the development of six themes, which were organized under a practical three-phase framework. The “pre” phase included (a) team environment; the “during” phase included (b) context of the streak influences strategy, (c) coach approach with the team, (d) disruption in the team dynamic, (e) the coaches’ personal response; and the “post” phase included (f) poststreak reflection. These coaches encountered complex multifactorial contextual situations, which required them to accurately assess the underlying issues that were causing failure and decide on a leadership approach that would reverse underperformance. Overall, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the temporal dimension of coaches’ approaches to losing streaks and highlight the critical process involved in establishing a team environment capable of responding with positive individual and collective cognitive and behavioral responses following successive losses.
Ten-Year Changes in Television Viewing and Physical Activity Are Associated With Concurrent 10-Year Change in Pericardial Adiposity: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study
Authors: Oh Minsuk , Jacobs David R. , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Bao Wei , Pierce Gary L. , Carr Lucas J. , Terry James G. , Ding Jingzhong , Carr John J. , Whitaker Kara M.
Published: July 2022

Background: Longitudinal association of television (TV) viewing and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) with pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) is unclear. Methods: We studied Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study participants transitioning from early to middle age at Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) exam years 15 (2000–2001; N = 1975, mean age = 40.4, 55.4% women, 45.3% Black) and 25 (2010–2011). TV viewing (in hours per day) and MVPA (in exercise units) were measured using a self-report questionnaire. PAT volume (in milliliters) was measured using computed tomography. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the associations of tertiles of 10-year change (years 25–15) in TV viewing and MVPA with a concurrent change in PAT with adjustments for covariates. Results: Participants in the highest tertile of 10-year increase in TV viewing had a greater increase in PAT (β = 2.96 mL, P < .01). Participants in both middle (β = −3.93 mL, P < .01) and highest (β = −6.22 mL, P < .01) tertiles of 10-year changes in MVPA had smaller mean increases in PAT over 10 years when compared with the lowest tertile in fully adjusted models. Conclusions: Reducing or maintaining early-midlife levels of TV viewing and increasing MVPA may be associated with less PAT accumulation with age.
Neuromuscular Consequences of Lumbopelvic Dysfunction: Research and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Grindstaff Terry L. , Mangum L. Colby , Voight Michael
Published: July 2022

Injuries involving the lumbopelvic region (ie, lumbar spine, pelvis, hip) are common across the lifespan and include pathologies such as low back pain, femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, labrum tear, and osteoarthritis. Joint injury is known to result in an arthrogenic muscle response which contributes to muscle weakness and altered movement patterns. The purpose of this manuscript is to summarize the arthrogenic muscle response that occurs across lumbopelvic region pathologies, identify methods to quantify muscle function, and propose suggestions for future research. While each lumbopelvic region pathology is unique, there are a few common impairments and a relative consistent arthrogenic muscle response that occurs across the region. Hip muscle weakness and hip joint range of motion limitations occur with both lumbar spine and hip pathologies, and individuals with low back pain are known to demonstrate inhibition of the transversus abdominis and multifidus. Assessment of muscle inhibition is often limited to research laboratory settings, but dynamometers, ultrasound imaging, and electromyography offer clinical capacity to quantify muscle function and inform treatment pathways. Future studies should systematically determine the arthrogenic muscle response across multiple muscle groups and the timeline for changes in muscle function and determine whether disinhibitory modalities improve functional outcomes beyond traditional treatment approaches.
Motor Control: A Conceptual Framework for Rehabilitation
Authors: Levin Mindy F. , Piscitelli Daniele
Published: July 2022

There is a lack of conceptual and theoretical clarity among clinicians and researchers regarding the control of motor actions based on the use of the term “motor control.” It is important to differentiate control processes from observations of motor output to improve communication and to make progress in understanding motor disorders and their remediation. This article clarifies terminology related to theoretical concepts underlying the control of motor actions, emphasizing how the term “motor control” is applied in neurorehabilitation. Two major opposing theoretical frameworks are described (i.e., direct and indirect), and their strengths and pitfalls are discussed. Then, based on the proposition that sensorimotor rehabilitation should be predicated on one comprehensive theory instead of an eclectic mix of theories and models, several solutions are offered about how to address controversies in motor learning, optimality, and adaptability of movement.
Questionnaires Measuring Physical Activity in Clinical Pediatric Populations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lew Si Min , Hewlett Christal K.L. , Anderson Daniel , Finberg Matthew , Ng Leo , Spence Angela L. , Maiorana Andrew , Shetty Vinutha B. , Davey Raymond J.
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Regular physical activity (PA) is a cornerstone therapy for many childhood chronic health conditions, and questionnaires offer a simple method for monitoring PA and identifying children who do not meet clinical practice guidelines. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine which questionnaires are most efficacious for assessing PA in children with chronic health conditions. Methods: Systematic literature searches were conducted through ProQuest, MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus from January 2010 to August 2020 to identify studies that measured PA with a validated questionnaire in children and adolescents aged 3–18 years old with chronic health conditions. In eligible studies, the validity and reliability of questionnaires were identified, and the modified COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments checklist and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations were used to assess the quality and strength of evidence and risk of bias. Results: Four thousand four hundred and seventy-eight references were extracted, and 10 articles were included for review. From 10 eligible studies, 6 questionnaires were identified, none of which adequately measure PA in clinical pediatric populations. Conclusion: Questionnaires to adequately measure PA in children with chronic conditions are lacking. This compromises the identification of those who do not meet PA guidelines, limiting the opportunity to identify and address factors contributing to low PA levels.
Indigenous Youth (Non)Participation in Euro-Canadian Sport: Applying Theories of Refusal
Authors: Nachman Jessica R. , Hayhurst Lyndsay M.C. , Giles Audrey R. , Stewart-Withers Rochelle , Henhawk Daniel A.
Published: July 2022

Much of the research on Indigenous youth’s sport has focused on the barriers that they experience in accessing opportunities for participation. What remains underexplored is the idea that nonparticipation might actually reflect Indigenous youth’s deliberate refusal of Euro-Canadian sport. In making this argument, first, we connect Indigenous theories of refusal to Indigenous youth sport participation in Canada. Second, we examine the researcher’s role in reproducing colonialism in sport studies. Third, we apply examples of Indigenous refusal of sport. We conclude by discerning the central tensions of the topic and areas for future study. This paper is a call for researchers to study refusal, not only as an act by Indigenous youth, but also as a method that researchers can use in refusing to reproduce colonial representations of Indigenous youth.
Thermophoresis and thermal orientation of Janus nanoparticles in thermal fields
Authors: Bresme Fernando , Olarte-Plata Juan D. , Chapman Aidan , Albella Pablo , Green Calum
Published: July 2022

Thermal fields provide a route to control the motion of nanoparticles and molecules and potentially modify the behaviour of soft matter systems. Janus nanoparticles have emerged as versatile building blocks for the self-assembly of materials with novel properties. Here we investigate using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations the behaviour of coarse-grained models of Janus nanoparticles under thermal fields. We examine the role of the heterogeneous structure of the particle on the Soret coefficient and thermal orientation by studying particles with different internal structures, mass distribution, and particle–solvent interactions. We also examine the thermophoretic response with temperature, targeting liquid and supercritical states and near-critical conditions. We find evidence for a significant enhancement of the Soret coefficient near the critical point, leading to the complete alignment of a Janus particle in the thermal field. This behaviour can be modelled and rationalized using a theory that describes the thermal orientation with the nanoparticle Soret coefficient, the mass and interaction anisotropy of the Janus nanoparticle, and the thermal field’s strength. Our simulations show that the mass anisotropy plays a crucial role in driving the thermal orientation of the Janus nanoparticles.

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Development of an AI-Enabled System for Pain Monitoring Using Skin Conductance Sensoring in Socks
Authors: Korving Helen , Zhou Di , Xiang Huan , Sterkenburg Paula , Markopoulos Panos , Barakova Emilia
Published: July 2022

Background: Where self-report is unfeasible or observations are difficult, physiological estimates of pain are needed. Methods: Pain-data from 30 healthy adults were gathered to create a database of physiological pain responses. A model was then developed, to analyze pain-data and visualize the AI-estimated level of pain on a mobile app. Results: The initial low precision and F1-score of the pain classification algorithm were resolved by interpolating a percentage of similar data. Discussion: This system presents a novel approach to assess pain in noncommunicative people with the use of a sensor sock, AI predictor and mobile app. Performance analysis and the limitations of the AI algorithm are discussed.
On the weak solution to the spatially homogeneous Boltzmann equation with moderate soft potentials
Authors: He Ling-Bing , Ji Jie
Published: July 2022

Departing from the weak solution, we prove the uniqueness and long-time behavior of the weak solution to the non-cutoff spatially homogeneous Boltzmann equation with moderate soft potentials. The ingredients of the proof lie in the development of the localized techniques in phase and frequency spaces and entropy methods.
Computational analysis on free vortex flow with suspension of solid particles
Authors: Ali Khalid K. , Raslan K. R. , Baghdady H. A. , Khosravi M.
Published: July 2022

In this research, the rotation of a solid particle in a vortex flow is investigated computationally. The bvp4c MATLAB scheme is employed for mathematical modeling and physical analysis. After solving the governing equations, the influences of some physical parameters like initial values of radius, radial velocity and angular velocity as well as the ratio of drag force to inertia force on the velocity and displacement characteristics of the particle will be analyzed. The findings indicate that increasing [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] causes an increase in radial velocity, but increasing [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] have conversed treatments. Also, the angular velocity enhances by increasing the ratio of drag-to-inertia forces.
Improved Kemeny Median Indicator Ranks Accordance Method
Authors: Soltanifar Mehdi
Published: July 2022

Multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) methods are widely used by decision makers as decision support tools. Most MADM methods have shortcomings in the solution process that combined with other decision making methods can eliminate these shortcomings or improve the performance of the method. One of the methods that can be used to improve MADM methods is preferential voting, which is actually a linear programming (LP) model with weight restrictions. The Kemeny Median Indicator Ranks Accordance (KEMIRA) is one of the most modern MADM methods; in this paper, we provide an improved version in this relative, by utilizing the concept of preferential voting. The new model, in being implemented on a real-world problem, will be compared to the previous method and ultimately some of its advantages will be rendered.
Phenomenological models versus deductive models: The stochastic limit of quantum theory
Authors: Accardi Luigi , Lu Yungang
Published: July 2022

After discussing in general the advantages, for the applications to physics, of deductive models with respect to phenomenological ones, we concentrate on open systems and describe the main ideas of the stochastic limit approach to open systems. We discuss the various levels of the stochastic limit (in increasing order of complexity of the interaction Hamiltonian) describing the new features that emerge at each level and their applications to different branches of physics. We illustrate some examples which highlight how, using the stochastic limit approach, one can answer long-standing questions on various physical behaviors of the composite system solving problems that cannot even be formulated in the reduced evolution (master equation) scheme. In the second part of the paper, we outline the main ideas of the proofs of some of the new features described in the first part. For lack of space, we focus our attention on Level 1 and we have to omit most physical applications. These topics will be the object of a future publication.