bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Celliant® armbands on grip strength in subjects with chronic wrist and elbow pain: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Gordon Ian L. , Casden Seth , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to test the effects of Celliant armbands on grip strength in subjects with chronic wrist and elbow pain. Celliant® is a functional textile fabric containing minerals that emit infrared radiation (IR) in response to body heat. IR-emitting fabrics have biological effects including the reduction of pain and inflammation and the stimulation of muscle function.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomized placebo-controlled trial recruited 80 subjects (40 per group) with a six-month history of chronic wrist or elbow pain (carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis or arthritis) to wear an armband (real Celliant or placebo fabric) on the affected wrist or elbow for two weeks. Grip strength was measured by a dynamometer before and after the two-week study.

Findings

For the placebo group, the mean grip strength increased from 47.95 ± 25.14 (baseline) to 51.69 ± 27.35 (final), whereas for the Celliant group, it increased from 46.3 ± 22.02 to 54.1 ± 25.97. The mean per cent increase over the two weeks was +7.8% for placebo and +16.8% for Celliant (p = 0.0372). No adverse effects was observed.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the wide variation in grip strength in the participants at baseline measurement, which meant that only the percentage increase between baseline and final measurements showed a significant difference. Moreover, no subjective measurements of pain or objective neurophysiology testes was done.

Practical implications

Celliant armbands are easy to wear and have not been shown to produce any adverse effects. Therefore, there appears to be no barrier to prevent widespread uptake.

Social implications

IR-emitting textiles have been studied for their beneficial effects, both in patients diagnosed with various disorders and also in healthy volunteers for health and wellness purposes. Although there are many types of textile technology that might be used to produce IR-emitting fabrics, including coating of the fabric with a printed layer of ceramic material, incorporating discs of mineral into the garment, the authors feel that incorporating ceramic particles into the polymer fibers from which the fabric is woven is likely to be the most efficient way of achieving the goal.

Originality/value

Celliant armbands appear to be effective in painful upper limb inflammatory disorders, and further studies are warranted. The mechanism of action is not completely understood, but the hypothesis that the emitted IR radiation is absorbed by nanostructured intracellular water provides some theoretical justification.
Myrtenol complexed with β‐cyclodextrin ameliorates behavioural deficits and reduces oxidative stress in the reserpine‐induced animal model of Parkinsonism
Authors: Silva‐Martins Suellen , Beserra‐Filho Jose Ivo Araújo , Maria‐Macêdo Amanda , Custódio‐Silva Ana Cláudia , Soares‐Silva Beatriz , Silva Sara Pereira , Lambertucci Rafael Herling , Silva Regina Helena , dos Santos José Ronaldo , Gandhi Sathiyabama Rajiv , Quintans‐Júnior Lucindo José , Ribeiro Alessandra Mussi
Published: August 2021

Current pharmacological approaches to treat Parkinson’s disease have low long‐term efficacy and important adverse side effects. The development of new pharmacological therapies has focused on novel plant‐derived phytochemicals. The alcoholic monoterpene myrtenol has been isolated from several plant species, and has anxiolytic, analgesic, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Our study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of myrtenol complexed with β‐cyclodextrin (MYR) on a progressive parkinsonism model induced by reserpine (RES) in mice. The complexation with cyclodextrins enhances the pharmacological action of monoterpenes. Male Swiss mice were treated daily with MYR (5 mg/kg, p.o.) and with RES (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.) every other day during 28 days. Behavioural evaluations were conducted across treatment. At the end of the treatment, immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. Chronic MYR‐treatment protected against olfactory sensibility loss, restored short‐term memory and decreased RES‐induced motor impairments. Moreover, this treatment prevented dopaminergic depletion and reduced the oxidative status index in the dorsal striatum. Therefore, MYR ameliorated motor and non‐motor impairments in the progressive animal model of parkinsonism, possibly by an antioxidant action. Additional research is needed to investigate the mechanisms involved in this neuroprotective effect.
International comparison of health spending and utilization among people with complex multimorbidity
Authors: Figueroa Jose F. , Papanicolas Irene , Riley Kristen , Abiona Olukorede , Arvin Mina , Atsma Femke , Bernal‐Delgado Enrique , Bowden Nicholas , Blankart Carl Rudolf , Deeny Sarah , Estupiñán‐Romero Francisco , Gauld Robin , Haywood Philip , Janlov Nils , Knight Hannah , Lorenzoni Luca , Marino Alberto , Or Zeynep , Penneau Anne , Shatrov Kosta , van de Galien Onno , van Gool Kees , Wodchis Walter , Jha Ashish K.
Published: August 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore cross‐country differences in spending and utilization across different domains of care for a multimorbid persona with heart failure and diabetes.

Data Sources

We used individual‐level administrative claims or registry data from inpatient and outpatient health care sectors compiled by the International Collaborative on Costs, Outcomes, and Needs in Care (ICCONIC) across 11 countries: Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States (US).

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Data collected by ICCONIC partners.

Study Design

We retrospectively analyzed age–sex standardized utilization and spending of an older person (65–90 years) hospitalized with a heart failure exacerbation and a secondary diagnosis of diabetes across five domains of care: hospital care, primary care, outpatient specialty care, post–acute rehabilitative care, and outpatient drugs.

Principal Findings

Sample sizes ranged from n = 1270 in Spain to n = 21,803 in the United States. Mean age (standard deviation [SD]) ranged from 76.2 (5.6) in the Netherlands to 80.3 (6.8) in Sweden. We observed substantial variation in spending and utilization across care settings. On average, England spent $10,956 per person in hospital care while the United States spent $30,877. The United States had a shorter length of stay over the year (18.9 days) compared to France (32.9) and Germany (33.4). The United States spent more days in facility‐based rehabilitative care than other countries. Australia spent $421 per person in primary care, while Spain (Aragon) spent $1557. The United States and Canada had proportionately more visits to specialist providers than primary care providers. Across almost all sectors, the United States spent more than other countries, suggesting higher prices per unit.

Conclusion

Across 11 countries, there is substantial variation in health care spending and utilization for a complex multimorbid persona with heart failure and diabetes. Drivers of spending vary across countries, with the United States being the most expensive country due to high prices and higher use of facility‐based rehabilitative care.
Auctions for buying back groundwater for environmental purposes: Which design performs better?
Authors: Lan Le , Iftekhar Md Sayed , Fogarty James , Schilizzi Steven
Published: August 2021

Buyback auctions to reduce groundwater extraction for agriculture have been used in many real world scenarios but, to date, the impact of different auction design mechanisms for this context has not been comprehensively studied. Here, three auction design issues are studied: (i) framing the overall objective as either a budget constrained auction or a water target auction; (ii) the severity of budget and target constraints; and (iii) the role of a spatially explicit environmental benefit index. To answer the research questions an agent‐based optimisation model is developed for the most important groundwater system in Western Australia. The results show that a budget constrained auction performs as well or better than a target constrained auction and that use of an environmental benefit index improves auction efficiency.
COVID‐19 frauds: An exploratory study of victimization during a global crisis
Authors: Kennedy Jay P. , Rorie Melissa , Benson Michael L.
Published: August 2021

Research Summary

The COVID‐19 pandemic threated public health and safety and led to a number of virus‐related fraud schemes. We surveyed over 2,200 American adults to investigate their experiences with COVID‐19‐related frauds. Our goals were to better understand fraud targeting and victimization, as well as the impacts of fraud on victims. Over a quarter of our sample reported purchasing either a COVID‐19‐related product or a service, yet 42.5% reported feeling targeted for fraud. Being a target of COVID‐19 frauds is significantly linked to one's routine activities, however it is one's level of self‐control that more strongly predicts victimization. COVID‐19 anxieties mediate the impact of self‐control on purchasing.

Policy Implications

Legal interventions and increased regulations surrounding advertising are a potential mechanism for protecting consumers, yet “soft” interventions that interrupt routine activities might be more useful and applicable. The use of white‐lists and publicly available websites that allow e‐commerce sites and sellers to be verified would help enable higher levels of self‐guardianship. It is also important to provide continuous and clear messaging about what is being done to protect consumers.
Descriptive sensory analysis of instant porridge from stored wholegrain and decorticated pearl millet flour cooked, stabilized and improved by using a low‐cost extruder
Authors: Onyeoziri Isiguzoro O. , Torres‐Aguilar Pablo , Hamaker Bruce R. , Taylor John R. N. , de Kock Henriëtta L.
Published: August 2021

Pearl millet flour, particularly wholegrain flour, is highly susceptible to development of rancid aromas and flavors during storage. Grain decortication and extrusion cooking using a friction‐heated single‐screw extruder were investigated as potential flour stabilization processes. Raw and extruded wholegrain and decorticated grain pearl millet flours were stored at ambient (25°C) and elevated (40°C) temperatures for 6 months. A trained descriptive sensory panel developed a lexicon of 44 attributes to profile the aroma, flavor, and texture of porridges prepared from the flours. Grain decortication alone did not show an effect on the aroma and flavor profile of porridge. Extrusion cooking of both wholegrain and decorticated flours increased cereal‐like aromas (branny, canned sweetcorn, sweet, and wheaty) and flavor (starchy), as well as stiffness and cohesiveness of the porridges. The porridges from the extruded pearl millet flours stored for up to 6 months at ambient and elevated temperatures did not show any indications of rancidity. In contrast, rancidity‐associated aromas (chemical, painty, and soapy) and flavor (chemical) increased in porridges from the raw flours stored for 4 weeks and longer. These results indicate that grain decortication did not sufficiently reduce fat content to prevent oxidation, while extrusion cooking stabilized the pearl millet flours. In addition, intensified “cereal‐like” aromas and flavors were probably due to Maillard reactions occurring during extrusion cooking. Resulting aroma compounds could have been immobilized in the extruded matrix and not released during flour storage. The application of extrusion cooking with a simple friction‐heated single‐screw extruder is a viable process for both precooking and extending the shelf life of pearl millet flours.

Practical Application

This study demonstrates the potential of extrusion cooking to precook wholegrain pearl millet while preventing fat rancidity in wholegrain pearl millet flour, thereby improving the sensory quality and stability of pearl millet food products. The extensive sensory characterization of pearl millet porridge‐type foods can serve as a guidance tool for development, improvement, and quality control of pearl millet foods. Furthermore, it establishes the efficacy of simple friction‐heated, single‐screw extruders for commercial manufacture of ready‐to‐eat wholegrain pearl millet food products by small and medium scale entrepreneurs.
Pseudoreplication in genomic‐scale data sets
Authors: Waples Robin S. , Waples Ryan K. , Ward Eric J.
Published: August 2021

In genomic‐scale data sets, loci are closely packed within chromosomes and hence provide correlated information. Averaging across loci as if they were independent creates pseudoreplication, which reduces the effective degrees of freedom (df’) compared to the nominal degrees of freedom, df. This issue has been known for some time, but consequences have not been systematically quantified across the entire genome. Here, we measured pseudoreplication (quantified by the ratio df’/df) for a common metric of genetic differentiation (FST) and a common measure of linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci (r2). Based on data simulated using models (SLiM and msprime) that allow efficient forward‐in‐time and coalescent simulations while precisely controlling population pedigrees, we estimated df’ and df’/df by measuring the rate of decline in the variance of mean FST and mean r2 as more loci were used. For both indices, df’ increases with Ne and genome size, as expected. However, even for large Ne and large genomes, df’ for mean r2 plateaus after a few thousand loci, and a variance components analysis indicates that the limiting factor is uncertainty associated with sampling individuals rather than genes. Pseudoreplication is less extreme for FST, but df’/df ≤0.01 can occur in data sets using tens of thousands of loci. Commonly‐used block‐jackknife methods consistently overestimated var (FST), producing very conservative confidence intervals. Predicting df’ based on our modelling results as a function of Ne, L, S, and genome size provides a robust way to quantify precision associated with genomic‐scale data sets.
Competing data intermediaries
Authors: Ichihashi Shota
Published: August 2021

I study a model of competition between data intermediaries, which collect personal data from consumers and sell them to downstream firms. Competition has a limited impact on benefiting consumers: If intermediaries offer high compensation for data, consumers share data with multiple intermediaries, which lowers the downstream price of data and hurts intermediaries. Anticipating this, intermediaries offer low compensation for data. Although consumers are exclusive suppliers of data, the nonrivalry of data can lead to concentration and high intermediary profits in data markets. In particular, if downstream firms use data to extract surplus from consumers, competing intermediaries sustain a monopoly outcome.
Digital Health in East Africa: Innovation, Experimentation and the Market
Authors: Neumark Tom , Prince Ruth J.
Published: August 2021

Across East Africa, mobile phones and tablets are increasingly sitting in the hands of community health workers, clinicians, managers and patients. They are being used for a widening range of functions from diagnostics to health insurance to treatment advice, generating hopes for new healthcare futures and establishing the region as an emerging hub of experimentation in digital health. Drawing on our on‐going ethnographic and anthropological research in Kenya and Tanzania, this article explores the dynamic, varied, experimental, and increasingly financialised terrain of formal digital health projects. While innovation in digital health is a growing feature of healthcare across the globe, in East Africa it is entering into a region already long characterised by NGOised, fragmented and vertical healthcare systems and heavy dependence on foreign capital. This presents challenges to efforts, including the WHO’s Universal Health Coverage agenda, to foster national and equitable public healthcare systems. In exploring these issues, we recognise the power, and often deleterious effects, of financial capital that foregrounds markets in global digital health, but we also open space for a (still critical) recognition of East African‐led digital and data technology movements.
Mental and pediatric disorders among children 0–6 years of parents with severe mental illness
Authors: Davidsen Kirstine Agnete , Munk‐Laursen Thomas , Foli‐Andersen Pia , Ranning Anne , Harder Susanne , Nordentoft Merete , Thorup Anne Amalie Elgaard
Published: August 2021

Objective

Parental severe mental illness (SMI) increases the lifetime risk of mental and pediatric disorders in the offspring but little is known about specific disorders during early childhood. The primary aim was to investigate the incidence of mental and pediatric disorders among children 0–6 years old exposed to parental SMI, and secondarily to investigate the distribution of disorders on specific child age.

Methods

A nationwide, register‐based cohort study of 1,477,185 children born in Denmark between 1994.01.01 and 2016.12.31. Incidence rate ratios were calculated using Poisson regression analysis for any and specific mental and pediatric disorders.

Results

IRR for any psychiatric disorder was elevated by a factor 2–5 among SMI offspring. Maternal schizophrenia resulted in the highest IRR = 5.23 (4.80–5.69) of any child psychiatric disorder. The risk of anxiety/OCD and attachment disorder among offspring exposed to parental, and in particular maternal, SMI was markedly raised with IRRs for anxiety/OCD between 7.59 and 17.02 and attachment disorders between 6.26 and 15.40. IRRs of mental disorders were highest at age 0–1 year and declined with age. IRR for any pediatric disorder was also elevated with IRRs between 1.01 and 1.28. Disorders of the digestive system and ill‐defined symptoms were associated with the highest IRRs. Maternal (vs. paternal) SMI was associated with higher IRRs. IRRs declined slightly with child age.

Conclusion

Children exposed to parental SMI are at increased risk of mental and pediatric disorders during early childhood, particularly anxiety/OCD and attachment disorders. If associations are estimates of a modifiable causal relationship, our results indicate a need for early intervention to promote mental and pediatric health among SMI offspring.
Factors associated with the increased risk of dementia found in the Torres Strait
Authors: Russell Sarah G. , Quigley Rachel , Thompson Fintan , Sagigi Betty , Miller Gavin , LoGiudice Dina , Smith Kate , Pachana Nancy A. , Strivens Edward
Published: August 2021

Objective

To identify the specific risk factors for dementia in the Torres Strait.

Methods

This research was conducted as part of a cross‐sectional dementia prevalence study conducted in the Torres Strait. Participants underwent a comprehensive health assessment, where data on risk factors were collected, and a Geriatrician assessment, which was used to establish dementia diagnoses.

Results

A total of 276 Torres Strait residents aged between 45 and 93 participated in the study. Cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and older age were the most significant risk factors in this population. Once adjusted for age, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, low education and problems with mobility and incontinence were significantly associated with dementia.

Conclusions

Reducing dementia risk in the Torres Strait requires multifactorial interventions to address potentially modifiable risk factors with a particular focus on addressing the development of chronic midlife diseases.
Keeping busy when there's nothing to do
Authors: PARKER CAROLINE MARY
Published: August 2021

At an addiction shelter called La Casita, in Puerto Rico, male residents espouse an ethic of busyness. Initially, La Casita's ideology of moralized work patterns and time discipline seems like a throwback to the 19th‐century factory floor: a tool of market discipline. But a closer look at residents’ experiences reveals that busyness has less to do with capitalist subject formation than with finding an alternative way of living when one is excluded from the labor market. If the capitalist project turns on the productive commodification of time, La Casita's work ethic—despite official avowals to the contrary—aims to convert unproductive time into an ascetic practice of ceaseless self‐work. Though not always successful, keeping busy becomes a way for residents to carve out a meaningful way of living from an overabundance of time. [labor,work ethic,boredom,time,addiction treatment,Puerto Rico]
Keeping bio‐alive in geography education
Authors: Morales‐Ramirez Carlos A. , Wang Yi‐Chen
Published: August 2021

With the rapid changes our planet is undergoing, biogeography plays a key role in addressing real‐world issues such as species distribution change. However, biogeography is a discipline lacking a strong presence in education. This paper examines various curricula from Asia, the United Kingdom, and United States to understand the current status of biogeography education. We found that while some biogeographic concepts, especially those around biodiversity, are included in some geography and biology curricula, there is not a strong focus on the discipline. Some individuals only find out about the discipline from their graduate studies. Our questionnaire survey conducted with students at a university in Singapore showed that only 25% of the students had some understanding of the discipline’s focus, and they associated the discipline with keywords of plants, animals, organisms, environment, biology, and geography. Even incorrect responses included similar words associating biogeography with ecosystems and the environment. Based on the results, we make some recommendations, including the addition of biogeography in school standards and the availability of education tools and resources for educators. It is imperative for researchers to make educational materials and training tools easily accessible.
Population pharmacokinetics of roxadustat in Japanese dialysis‐dependent chronic kidney disease patients with anaemia
Authors: Takada Akitsugu , Shibata Tomohisa , Shiga Takanori , Groenendaal‐van de Meent Dorien , Komatsu Kanji
Published: August 2021

Aims

Our objective was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model to describe roxadustat plasma concentrations in Japanese dialysis‐dependent chronic kidney disease (DD‐CKD) patients with renal anaemia and to identify the covariate factors that affect exposure of roxadustat.

Methods

In total, 367 patients (male, 256; female, 111) contributing 1285 concentration values from 4 clinical studies were analysed using a nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling approach. Candidate covariates included clinical characteristics hypothesized to affect roxadustat clearance and bioavailability, such as demographics, hepatic parameters and concomitant drugs.

Results

The roxadustat PK data in Japanese DD‐CKD patients with renal anaemia were well described by a 2‐compartment disposition model with first‐order absorption and interindividual variability on clearance, central volume of distribution and absorption rate constant. Age was identified as a significant covariate on clearance. PK profiles of haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients were comparable. Eighty‐two percent of patients were administered at least 1 phosphate binder (PB). The effect of PBs on roxadustat concentration was modelled as a decrease in bioavailability. Staggered administration of PBs reduced the effect on roxadustat bioavailability. The clinical impact of all covariates on roxadustat PK was mild and manageable as the roxadustat dose was titrated based on haemoglobin level and administered starting from a low dose.

Conclusion

Roxadustat PK in Japanese DD‐CKD patients were successfully described by a population PK model. The identified key covariates included coadministration of PBs on the roxadustat bioavailability and age on clearance of roxadustat.
Digital Bodies: A controlled evaluation of a brief classroom‐based intervention for reducing negative body image among adolescents in the digital age
Authors: Bell Beth T. , Taylor Caitlin , Paddock Danielle , Bates Adam
Published: August 2021

Background

A growing body of research has linked social media use to negative body image.

Aims

The present research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Digital Bodies, a brief classroom‐based intervention that aims to improve adolescents’ body image.

Methods

British adolescents (N = 290; Age M = 12.81; SD = 0.40; Range = 12–13; Female = 151) were cluster randomized to intervention or waiting list control groups. Measures of body satisfaction, appearance ideal internalization (thin and athletic ideal internalization) and self‐objectification were completed at baseline (T1), 1‐week post‐intervention (T2) and 8‐week follow‐up (T3).

Results

Multi‐level modelling showed adolescents in the intervention group reported improved body satisfaction at T2, in comparison to the control, and crucially this effect was sustained at T3. Additionally, girls reported less thin ideal internalization at T2 relative to the control, but this effect was not sustained at T3. No other intervention effects were found.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings provide initial support for the efficacy of Digital Bodies as an intervention for improving adolescents’ body satisfaction.
‘A police officer shot a Black man’: Racial categorization, racism, and mundane culpability in news reports of police shootings of black people in the United States of America
Authors: Shrikant Natasha , Sambaraju Rahul
Published: August 2021

The current socio‐political circumstances in the United States (US), constituted by the increasing visibility of police shootings of Black people, present a compelling moment for analysing how news media report about law enforcement, culpability, and racism. This paper conducts a membership categorization analysis of recent news media reports of police shootings of Black people (May 2020–October 2020) and investigates how news media negotiate culpability of agents involved these shootings. Findings illustrate how news reports (1) use the repeated category formulation ‘police shooting of a Black man’ to imply police are culpable for engaging in racist shootings, (2) upgrade culpability of police officers through adding to racial categorization of victims in ways that foreground victims’ moral character (e.g., ‘unarmed Black man’), and (3) highlight racism as an explanation for shootings and culpability of police through using racial categorizations for police officers. Overall, news media reports use racial categories as a resource to construct racism as an explanation for police shootings and to construct police officers and policing institutions as culpable for these shootings. Thus, we highlight how race and racism are constitutive of, and inseparable from, culpability in news media reports.
Incidence and risk factors for persistent symptoms in adults previously hospitalized for COVID‐19
Authors: Munblit Daniel , Bobkova Polina , Spiridonova Ekaterina , Shikhaleva Anastasia , Gamirova Aysylu , Blyuss Oleg , Nekliudov Nikita , Bugaeva Polina , Andreeva Margarita , DunnGalvin Audrey , Comberiati Pasquale , Apfelbacher Christian , Genuneit Jon , Avdeev Sergey , Kapustina Valentina , Guekht Alla , Fomin Victor , Svistunov Andrey A. , Timashev Peter , Subbot Vladislav S. , Royuk Valery V. , Drake Thomas M. , Hanson Sarah Wulf , Merson Laura , Carson Gail , Horby Peter , Sigfrid Louise , Scott Janet T. , Semple Malcolm G. , Warner John O. , Vos Theo , Olliaro Piero , Glybochko Petr , Butnaru Denis ,   Sechenov StopCOVID Research Team
Published: August 2021

Background

The long‐term sequalae of COVID‐19 remain poorly characterized. We assessed persistent symptoms in previously hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 and assessed potential risk factors.

Methods

Data were collected from patients discharged from 4 hospitals in Moscow, Russia between 8 April and 10 July 2020. Participants were interviewed via telephone using an ISARIC Long‐term Follow‐up Study questionnaire.

Results

2,649 of 4755 (56%) discharged patients were successfully evaluated, at median 218 (IQR 200, 236) days post‐discharge. COVID‐19 diagnosis was clinical in 1291 and molecular in 1358. Most cases were mild, but 902 (34%) required supplemental oxygen and 68 (2.6%) needed ventilatory support. Median age was 56 years (IQR 46, 66) and 1,353 (51.1%) were women. Persistent symptoms were reported by 1247 (47.1%) participants, with fatigue (21.2%), shortness of breath (14.5%) and forgetfulness (9.1%) the most common symptoms and chronic fatigue (25%) and respiratory (17.2%) the most common symptom categories. Female sex was associated with any persistent symptom category OR 1.83 (95% CI 1.55 to 2.17) with association being strongest for dermatological (3.26, 2.36 to 4.57) symptoms. Asthma and chronic pulmonary disease were not associated with persistent symptoms overall, but asthma was associated with neurological (1.95, 1.25 to 2.98) and mood and behavioural changes (2.02, 1.24 to 3.18), and chronic pulmonary disease was associated with chronic fatigue (1.68, 1.21 to 2.32).

Conclusions

Almost half of adults admitted to hospital due to COVID‐19 reported persistent symptoms 6 to 8 months after discharge. Fatigue and respiratory symptoms were most common, and female sex was associated with persistent symptoms.
Comparison of irrigation protocols for the internal decontamination of dental implants—results of in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Jervøe‐Storm Pia‐Merete , Hablützel Alexandra Selina , Bartels Philipp , Kraus Dominik , Jepsen Søren , Enkling Norbert
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Previous investigations have shown a progressive bacterial colonization of the internal cavities of two‐piece dental implants with possible implications for peri‐implant bone loss. The aim of the study was to compare different irrigation protocols for the internal decontamination of implants in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and Methods

In the in vitro part, 80 samples were obtained 24 h after inoculation with an aliquot of subgingival bacteria from 40 implants as follows: before and after either cleaning with a brush and an irrigation solution (irrigation‐brush‐irrigation: test) or repeated irrigation alone (irrigation‐irrigation: control). In the clinical study, 40 samples from twenty partially edentulous patients contributing each with one implant were collected after removal of abutment and suprastructure with sterile paper points immediately before and after decontamination and subsequently analyzed for total bacterial counts (TBC) by real‐time‐PCR. Irrigation solutions were chlorhexidine (0.2% (CHX)), H2O2 (10%), alcohol (70%, (ALC)), and NaCl (0.9%). Differences in proportional reduction of TBC between the four irrigation solutions were analyzed.

Results

Irrigation with H2O2 showed the highest effect in both parts of the study (relative TBC reduction in vitro: H2O2: 87.1%, CHX: 56.9%, ALC: 43.7%, NaCl: 42.7%; in vivo: H2O2: 51.4%, ALC: 30.4%, NaCl: 26.3%, CHX: 7.1%). The additional use of a brush showed no beneficial effect (p = 0.088). Overall, H2O2 was superior to all other irrigation solutions with regard to relative TBC reduction.

Conclusions

The present results indicate the potential of an irrigation protocol that includes a 10% H2O2 solution for the internal decontamination of implants.

(ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01917305).
Three‐dimensional accuracy of partially guided implant surgery based on dental magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Schwindling Franz Sebastian , Juerchott Alexander , Boehm Sophia , Rues Stefan , Kronsteiner Dorothea , Heiland Sabine , Bendszus Martin , Rammelsberg Peter , Hilgenfeld Tim
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To measure in vivo 3D accuracy of backward‐planned partially guided implant surgery (PGIS) based on dental magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI).

Material and Methods

Thirty‐four patients underwent dMRI examinations. Tooth‐supported templates were backward planned using standard dental software, 3D‐printed, and placed intraorally during a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Treatment plans were verified for surgical viability in CBCT, and implants were placed with guiding of the pilot drill. High‐precision impressions were taken after healing. The 3D accuracy of 41 implants was evaluated by comparing the virtually planned and definitive implant positions with respect to implant entry point, apex, and axis. Deviations from the dMRI‐based implant plans were compared with the maximum deviations calculated for a typical single implant.

Results

Twenty‐eight implants were placed as planned in dMRI. Evaluation of 3D accuracy revealed mean deviations (99% confidence intervals) of 1.7 ± 0.9mm (1.2–2.1mm) / 2.3 ± 1.1mm (1.8–2.9 mm) / 7.1 ± 4.8° (4.6–9.6°) for entry point / apex / axis. The maximum deviations calculated for the typical single implant surpassed the upper bounds of the 99% CIs for the apex and axis, but not for the entry point. In the 13 other implants, dMRI‐based implant plans were optimized after CBCT. Here, deviations between the initial dMRI plan and definitive implant position were only in part higher than in the unaltered group (1.9 ± 1.7 mm [0.5–3.4 mm] / 2.5 ± 1.5 mm [1.2–3.8 mm] / 6.8 ± 3.8° [3.6–10.1°] for entry point / apex / axis).

Conclusions

The 3D accuracy of dMRI‐based PGIS was lower than that previously reported for CBCT‐based PGIS. Nonetheless, the values seem promising to facilitate backward planning without ionizing radiation.
Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the cervical lymph node diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Xia Rong , Shafizadeh Negin , Brandler Tamar , Liu Cheng , Oweity Thaira
Published: August 2021

Follicular dendritic cell sarcomas (FDCS) are rare tumours of lymph nodes and extranodal tissues which are grouped with the histiocytic and dendritic cell neoplasms. The diagnosis is usually made after thorough clinical and pathological examination with immunohistochemical analysis. Difficulties persist in diagnosing FDCS on cytological preparations. We report herein a case of a 57‐year‐old female who presented with a right neck mass of 5 months duration. Computed Tomography (CT) imaging of the neck reported a necrotic right level IIb lymph node and asymmetric fullness of the right palatine tonsil. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy revealed numerous spindle, oval and stellate neoplastic cells, arranged singly and in syncytia with moderate nuclear pleomorphism, vesicular chromatin pattern, and prominent nucleoli, sprinkled with small lymphocytes. The tumour cells were strongly diffusely positive for CD21, CD23, and D2‐40 immunostaining on cell bock sections, but were negative for CD1a and CD34, supporting the diagnosis of FDCS. Follow‐up surgical pathology on the resection showed histopathological features and an immunohistochemical profile consistent with FDCS.
Innovation farm: Teaching artificial intelligence through gamified social entrepreneurship in an introductory MIS course*
Authors: Chen Yu , Albert Leslie Jordan , Jensen Scott
Published: August 2021

In the past few years, an increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) by businesses across a range of industries has led to greater demand for employees with AI skills. This raises the question of how educators can introduce AI technologies to undergraduate business students while also developing their higher‐order thinking skills and preparing them for the complex challenges facing today's business leaders. At the same time, we have also witnessed a growing interest in social entrepreneurship among our student population. To address both needs, we designed and implemented the “Innovation Farm,” a gamified social entrepreneurship startup project, to help students learn the concepts and applications of AI in an introductory management information systems (MIS) course. The students work in teams to propose AI‐powered products and services targeting real‐world social issues. The project cultivates social awareness and empathy in students, fosters innovation, and introduces them to current AI technologies while also reinforcing their understanding of MIS course content. Students found the gamified approach engaging, as they are tackling real‐world social issues while also learning about innovation, collaboration, branding, and fundraising for a social startup. Students reported positive outcomes related to innovating using technology, making an impact through real‐world projects, and practicing their teamwork and leadership skills.
Effects of trade policies on external trade performances of ECOWAS countries (1996–2017)†
Authors: Mamba Essotanam , Balaki Afi
Published: August 2021

The objective of the article is to analyse the effects of trade policies on foreign trade performance (manufacturing exports and imports) of the Economic Community of West African States over the period 1996–2017. Using a new continuous trade policy index and controlling for the endogeneity of the variables of interest, the findings indicate that the trade policies significantly increase imports but much more exports. Furthermore, the analysis of the interaction model reveals that the effects of trade policies on manufacturing trade performance increase with financial development and the rate of cellular mobile subscriptions. These findings have implications for economic policies.
Life cycle, population parameters, and predation rate of the hover fly Eupeodes corollae fed on the aphid Myzus persicae
Authors: Lillo Inés , Perez‐Bañón Celeste , Rojo Santos
Published: August 2021

To improve the effectiveness of biological control procedures, it is necessary to quantify the survival rate of a natural enemy through the various stages of the life cycle, the fecundity rate, and the predation rate from birth to death. It is not only important to obtain all the parameters associated with a life table, but also to quantify the predation rate in the life table framework. For this purpose, the life history, population parameters, and predation rate of Eupeodes corollae (Fabricius) (Diptera: Syrphidae) were determined using Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) as prey and the age‐stage, two‐sex life table methods. As predators released in biocontrol programs are mass‐produced from small populations with a consequent loss of genetic variability, we used specimens from a laboratory colony with similar characteristics. The highest mortality was found in the egg stage (54%). The mean developmental time of the pre‐adult stage was 13.70 ± 0.08 days. In the adult stage, the mean longevity was 23.81 ± 1.14 days, with the males living longer than the females. The total pre‐oviposition period was 17.62 ± 0.45 days and the mean female fecundity was 169.81 ± 29.65 eggs per female. The population parameters indicated that the population grew with a net reproduction rate of 32.87 ± 7.25 offspring per individual and an average generation time of 23.05 ± 0.65 days. The values related to the number of aphid nymphs consumed by the larvae were: a mean predation rate (cxj) of 485.20 ± 11.61 nymphs, a net predation rate (C0) of 216.68 ± 16.89, and a finite predation rate (ω) of 28.03 ± 1.18. The obtained results support the use of E. corollae as valuable resource in the biological control of aphids, specifically M. persicae. Moreover, the technique implemented in this paper allows the objective comparison of E. corollae capacity as control agent with that of other aphidophagous hover fly species and other aphid natural enemies.
Skin atrophy caused by topical glucocorticoids is less common in patients with atopic dermatitis than in those with psoriasis
Authors: Lee Chung Hyeok , Choe Sung Jay , Kim Dong Hye , Kim Eun Jung , Eom Minseob , Hong Seung‐Phil , Choi Eung Ho
Published: August 2021

Although the long‐term use of topical glucocorticoids (TGC) may induce skin atrophy including striae distensae (SD), patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) appear to have lesser degree of skin atrophy than those with psoriasis (PSO). Periostin, encoded by POSTN, is involved in tissue remodelling processes of chronic AD lesions. This study was designed to investigate the difference in the occurrence of skin atrophy in patients with AD or PSO when treated with TGC and to elucidate the association between skin atrophy and periostin. Big data analysis using Korean Health Claims Database was performed to determine the prevalence of SD in AD and PSO patients. Blood and skin eosinophils count and dermal fibrosis between AD and PSO patients were compared, and immunohistochemistry for periostin and mRNA sequencing in the dermis were performed. Animal experiments using AD and PSO murine model were conducted. Big data analysis revealed that patients with AD have significantly lesser degree of SD than patients with PSO. The ratio of the dermal fibrous tissues and eosinophil counts were significantly higher in AD patients. In AD skin, periostin was more widely distributed in the entire dermis and POSTN mRNAs were significantly upregulated. Dermal thickness and fibrosis were significantly higher in AD mice even after TGC treatment. A significant positive correlation was observed between dermal fibrosis and tissue eosinophil counts. Lesser skin atrophy in AD patients even after long‐term TGC application could be resulted from skin fibrosis caused by increased tissue eosinophils and periostin deposition.
Anticipating the induced delamination formation in composite laminates subjected to bending loads
Authors: Bahrami Mohammad , Malakouti Mohsen , Farrokhabadi Amin
Published: August 2021

In this research, the effects of induced delamination on the variation of the mechanical properties of composite laminates subjected to bending loads are investigated using a micromechanical model. For this purpose, the variation of the mechanical properties of delaminated laminates is determined using stress analysis of damaged ply and classical laminate theory (CLT) relationships. Using the proposed model and CLT, the fracture toughness due to induced delamination formation is presented in cross‐ply laminates. Subsequently, the variation of strain energy release rate (SERR) is calculated in terms of crack density using analytical and finite element (FE) models to detect dominant failure modes in different crack densities. The results are compared with those of matrix cracking propagation. The results obtained by the proposed analytical model are in good agreement with those obtained by existing numerical and experimental approaches. The proposed model can be utilized to predict induced delamination formation in composite laminates subjected to bending loads.
Early oral language in Chinese heritage language reading development
Authors: Zhang Haomin , Koda Keiko
Published: August 2021

This study explored the role of early oral language in reading development among adult heritage language (HL) learners to provide insights into the possible developmental pattern of HL reading development. One hundred and ninety‐five English‐speaking Chinese HL (CHL) students participated in this study. They completed a language background survey pertaining to their early language use in different social contexts and a series of measurements including oral vocabulary knowledge, print vocabulary knowledge, morphological awareness, lexical inferencing ability, and reading comprehension. Drawing upon multivariate path analysis, the study found that oral vocabulary knowledge, as an indicator of the benefit stemming from oral language experiences, contributed to print vocabulary knowledge and morphological awareness directly. However, there was no significant direct effect of oral vocabulary knowledge on higher‐level reading skills (lexical inference and reading comprehension). As well, oral vocabulary contributed to higher‐level reading skills only through the mediation of word‐knowledge skills (print vocabulary and morphological awareness). The results suggest that oral language capacity (indexed by oral vocabulary knowledge) alone is insufficient for higher‐level reading ability, but it serves as an intermediary resource to enhance higher‐level inferencing and comprehension abilities among HL students. Pedagogical implications were provided to inform HL reading instruction based on the multiple diversities of HL language experiences.
Global forest restoration opportunities to foster coral reef conservation
Authors: Suárez‐Castro Andrés F. , Beyer Hawthorne L. , Kuempel Caitlin D. , Linke Simon , Borrelli Pasquale , Hoegh‐Guldberg Ove
Published: August 2021

Sediment runoff from disturbed coastal catchments is a major threat to marine ecosystems. Understanding where sediments are produced and where they are delivered enables managers to design more effective strategies for improving water quality. A management strategy is targeted restoration of degraded terrestrial areas, as it provides opportunities to reduce land‐based runoff from coastal areas and consequently foster coral reef conservation. To do this strategically, a systematic approach is needed to identify watersheds where restoration actions will provide the highest conservation benefits for coral reefs. Here, we develop a systematic approach for identifying global forest restoration opportunities that would also result in large decreases in the flux of sediments to coral reefs. We estimate how land‐use change affects sediment runoff globally using high‐resolution spatial data and determine the subsequent risk of sediment exposure on coral reefs using a diffusion‐based ocean transport model. Our results reveal that sediment export is a major issue affecting 41% of coral reefs globally. The main coastal watersheds with the highest sediment export are predominantly located in Southeast Asian countries, with Indonesia and the Philippines accounting for 52% of the sediment export in coastal areas near coral reefs. We show how restoring forest across multiple watersheds could help to reduce sediment export to 63,000 km2of coral reefs. Although reforestation opportunities in areas that discharge onto coral reefs are relatively small across watersheds, it is possible to achieve large sediment reduction benefits by strategically targeting watersheds located in regions with a high density of corals near to the coast. Thus, reforestation benefits on coral reefs do not necessarily come from the watersheds that produce the highest sediment export. These analyses are key for generating informed action to support both international conservation policy and national restoration activities.