bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods for determining the physical quantities describing the vehicle movement and the driver during a road accident
Authors: Gidlewski M , Pusty T , Jemioł L , Kochanek H
Published: July 2022

The paper compares the displacement and speed courses of cars, motorbikes and motorcyclists during a road accident obtained with the use of two measurement methods. In the first method, the course of the impact recorded by a fast camera recording 1000 frames per second was used (“frame by frame” film analysis). In the second method, the courses of accelerations and angular velocities of the objects were used (numerical integration of the recorded courses). The measurements were carried out during crash tests involving a frontal-side collision of two cars or a motorcycle with a car. The results has been shown in the time interval 0-0.5 s. During this period, the following phases of the experiment are observed: vehicle collision and the process of their deformation, the separation of vehicles, the start of independent movement of both vehicles after the collision. The measurement results obtained with the use of both methods are burdened with errors resulting, among others, from limited data sampling frequency, offset errors, calibration errors and sensor noise, duration of the analyzed waveforms. The use of two of the above-mentioned measurement methods simultaneously allows to minimize measurement errors.
The importance and directions of electromagnetic compatibility test methodologies development in the aspect of vehicle safety
Authors: Zaklika W , Sterniczuk D
Published: July 2022

In this paper the definition of electromagnetic compatibility in the context of testing vehicle components and complete vehicles was presented. Potential threats resulting from particular EMC phenomena in vehicles were presented. Analysis of the areas identified in obligatory and non-obligatory normative documents was made. The areas which, in the opinion of the authors, should be incorporated into the obligatory normative documents were indicated. The substantive justification for the need to conduct EMC tests and analysis at the design, prototyping stage, before implementation, and periodically during operation (for justified cases) was presented. Good engineering practices in the field of eliminating the negative effects of EMC phenomena were indicated. Authors described how the change in the approach to EMC issues increases the vehicles safety.
High-resolution patterning of silica nanoparticle-based ionogels by reverse-offset printing and its characterization
Authors: Kusaka Yasuyuki , Kimnannara Khiev , Koutake Masayoshi , Kano Shinya , Furukawa Hiromitsu , Fukuda Nobuko
Published: July 2022

In this study, nanoparticle-based, high-resolution patternable ionogels are presented to provide a route for realizing printed solid-state ionic devices. By incorporating an ionic liquid (IL) into a spherical silica nanoparticle suspension, a quasi-solid ionogel layer compatible with reverse-offset printing (ROP) with a spatial resolution of approximately 5 μm was realized. In situ near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopic analysis revealed the drying kinetics of the ionogel ink during printing, and a temporal margin for successful patterning in relation to its dry state was provided. In contrast to polymer-based gels, the present ionogel can be regarded as a porous medium of silica filled with ionic liquids with a certain degree of saturation. By optimizing the ink formulations, ROP patterning was successful for saturation up to 102%, indicating the nanoscale pores between silica nanoparticles can be fully used as an ion-conductive phase in the proposed patternable gel. The conductivity depends drastically on saturation, with a saturation exponent of approximately −7 according to Archie’s law. From a complementary scratch test, an ionogel at a saturated condition still exhibited fragile but solid-like characteristics. As a demonstration, planar micro-supercapacitors fully printed with reverse-offset printable ionogel and carbon inks were fabricated. A comparison with a drop-casted IL showing a similar capacitance indicates a limited ability of the carbon nanoparticle material used here, while a relatively high resistance of the silica-nanoparticle-based ionogel hinders a fast cyclic voltammetry response.
‘Filming Is Our Only Weapon Against the Police’: Ethnic Minorities and Police Encounters in the New Visibility Era
Authors: Søgaard Thomas Friis , Kolind Torsten , Haller Mie Birk , Kammersgaard Tobias , Hunt Geoffrey
Published: July 2022

Based on Goldsmith’s (2010, ‘Policing’s New Visibility’, British Journal of Criminology, 50: 914–34) assertion that police work has acquired a ‘new visibility’ with the ubiquity of cell phone cameras, recent studies have explored how ‘video activists’ often film the police as means of protecting marginalised ethno-racial communities. However, limited research exists on how non-activist ethno-racial minority young people use cell phone cameras in encounters with the police. Based on 37 interviews conducted in Denmark, this paper explores the multifaceted nature of marginalised ethnic minority young people’s use of cell phone cameras in police encounters. We demonstrate how the filming of officers is interwoven with the young people’s street culture, and how the use of cameras holds the potential to counter traditional power imbalances, while nevertheless, potentially exacerbating their antagonism towards the police.
Policing Global Hubs: Balancing the Imperatives of Security and Trade
Authors: Nøkleberg Martin
Published: July 2022

Global hubs such as airports and maritime ports are geographical centers where immense flows converge, and are characterized by speed, time and efficiency in linking local markets and global economic trade networks. Being symbolic infrastructures of capitalism, global hubs may attract criminal exploitation and be exposed to security risks. Drawing on extensive interview material from those involved in Norwegian airport and port security, this article explores how policing agencies experience the balancing of the imperatives of security and trade. It reveals how policing agencies are affected by, and seek to adapt to, the demands for efficiency and speed intrinsic to the trade regime, thereby highlighting the importance of the temporal dimension to understanding the complexities of contemporary security governance.
Raphe and ventrolateral medulla proteomics in epilepsy and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: Leitner Dominique F , Kanshin Evgeny , Askenazi Manor , Faustin Arline , Friedman Daniel , Devore Sasha , Ueberheide Beatrix , Wisniewski Thomas , Devinsky Orrin
Published: July 2022

Brainstem nuclei dysfunction is implicated in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. In animal models, deficient serotonergic activity is associated with seizure-induced respiratory arrest. In humans, glia are decreased in the ventrolateral medullary pre-Botzinger complex that modulate respiratory rhythm, as well as in the medial medullary raphe that modulate respiration and arousal. Finally, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy cases have decreased midbrain volume. To understand the potential role of brainstem nuclei in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, we evaluated molecular signalling pathways using localized proteomics in microdissected midbrain dorsal raphe and medial medullary raphe serotonergic nuclei, as well as the ventrolateral medulla in brain tissue from epilepsy patients who died of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and other causes in diverse epilepsy syndromes and non-epilepsy control cases (n = 15–16 cases per group/region). Compared with the dorsal raphe of non-epilepsy controls, we identified 89 proteins in non-sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and 219 proteins in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy that were differentially expressed. These proteins were associated with inhibition of EIF2 signalling (P-value of overlap = 1.29 × 10−8, z = −2.00) in non-sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. In sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, there were 10 activated pathways (top pathway: gluconeogenesis I, P-value of overlap = 3.02 × 10−6, z = 2.24) and 1 inhibited pathway (fatty acid beta-oxidation, P-value of overlap = 2.69 × 10−4, z = −2.00). Comparing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and non-sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, 10 proteins were differentially expressed, but there were no associated signalling pathways. In both medullary regions, few proteins showed significant differences in pairwise comparisons. We identified altered proteins in the raphe and ventrolateral medulla of epilepsy patients, including some differentially expressed in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy cases. Altered signalling pathways in the dorsal raphe of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy indicate a shift in cellular energy production and activation of G-protein signalling, inflammatory response, stress response and neuronal migration/outgrowth. Future studies should assess the brain proteome in relation to additional clinical variables (e.g. recent tonic–clonic seizures) and in more of the reciprocally connected cortical and subcortical regions to better understand the pathophysiology of epilepsy and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
HumanMine: advanced data searching, analysis and cross-species comparison
Authors: Lyne Rachel , Bazaga Adrián , Butano Daniela , Contrino Sergio , Heimbach Joshua , Hu Fengyuan , Kalderimis Alexis , Lyne Mike , Reierskog Kevin , Stepan Radek , Sullivan Julie , Wise Archie , Yehudi Yo , Micklem Gos
Published: July 2022

HumanMine (www.humanmine.org) is an integrated database of human genomics and proteomics data that provides a powerful interface to support sophisticated exploration and analysis of data compiled from experimental, computational and curated data sources. Built using the InterMine data integration platform, HumanMine includes genes, proteins, pathways, expression levels, Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), diseases and more, integrated into a single searchable database. HumanMine promotes integrative analysis, a powerful approach in modern biology that allows many sources of evidence to be analysed together. The data can be accessed through a user-friendly web interface as well as a powerful, scriptable web service Application programming interface (API) to allow programmatic access to data. The web interface includes a useful identifier resolution system, sophisticated query options and interactive results tables that enable powerful exploration of data, including data summaries, filtering, browsing and export. A set of graphical analysis tools provide a rich environment for data exploration including statistical enrichment of sets of genes or other biological entities. HumanMine can be used for integrative multistaged analysis that can lead to new insights and uncover previously unknown relationships.

Database URL: https://www.humanmine.org
Mediation in Future Investor–State Dispute Settlement
Authors: Kessedjian Catherine , van Aaken Anne , Lie Runar , Mistelis Loukas , Reis José Maria
Published: July 2022

Mediation is an intensely discussed topic as a possibly promising venue for investor–State dispute settlement (ISDS) and conflict prevention. Given that mediation can be used within ‘cooling-off’ (amicable settlement) periods in International Investment Agreements, this article takes stock of those as well as explicit mediation rules which are on the rise in new IIAs. It draws lessons from the small amount of known cases which went to mediation and presents business view on mediation. It also draws a list of common obstacles for business and states preventing the use of mediation in the investor–State context. Finally, this article attempts to map future work which could be useful in the context of UNCITRAL negotiations towards the reform of ISDS.
Abnormal sensation during total body irradiation: a prospective observational study
Authors: Mizumoto Masashi , Oshiro Yoshiko , Miyamoto Toshio , Sumiya Taisuke , Shimizu Shosei , Iizumi Takashi , Saito Takashi , Makishima Hirokazu , Numajiri Haruko , Nakai Kei , Okumura Toshiyuki , Sakae Takeji , Maruo Kazushi , Sakurai Hideyuki
Published: July 2022

Light flash and odor during radiotherapy are well-known phenomena. Two prospective observational studies have indicated that 55% of patients observed a light flash during irradiation of the retina and 27% of patients sensed an odor during radiotherapy for the nasal cavity. A prospective observational study was performed in all patients at our hospital who received total body irradiation (TBI) between January 2019 to October 2021. Light flash and odor during TBI were examined using the same method as that used in previous studies. A total of 32 patients received TBI during the study period. The patients had a median age of 41 (18–60) years, and included 20 males and 12 females. A survey checklist showed that 14 patients (44%) sensed light and 14 patients (44%) sensed odor during TBI,. The color of the light during irradiation was yellow in six cases, white in four cases, and blue in four cases. The intensity of the light was 2–5 (median 3, 1 is very weak, 5 is very strong) and the time over which the light flash was felt was 4–60 s (median 10 s). Two patients each sensed smells of plastic, ozone and bleach, and others sensed one smell each. The intensity of the odor was 1–4 (median 3, 1 is very weak, 5 is very strong) and the time over which the odor was sensed was 1–25 s (median 3 s). We conclude that light flashes and odors are each sensed by 44% of patients during TBI. Various types of light flashes and odors were reported in this study.
Consistency and permission in deontic justification logic
Authors: Faroldi Federico L G , Ghari Meghdad , Lehmann Eveline , Studer Thomas
Published: July 2022

Different notions of the consistency of obligations collapse in standard deontic logic. In justification logics, which feature explicit reasons for obligations, the situation is different. Their strength depends on a constant specification and on the available set of operations for combining different reasons. We present different consistency principles in justification logic and compare their logical strength. We propose a novel semantics for which justification logics with the explicit version of axiom D, $\textbf {jd}$, are complete for arbitrary constant specifications. Consistency is sometimes formulated in terms of permission. We therefore study permission in the context of justification logic, introducing a notion of free-choice permission for the first time. We then discuss the philosophical implications with regard to some deontic paradoxes.
Quasi-simultaneous observations of radio and X-ray variability in three radio-quiet Seyfert galaxies
Authors: Chen Sina , Laor Ari , Behar Ehud
Published: July 2022

Radio variability in some radio-quiet (RQ) active galactic nuclei suggests emission from regions close to the central engine, possibly the outer accretion disc corona. If the origins of the radio and the X-ray emission are physically related, their emission may be temporarily correlated, possibly with some time delays. We present the results of quasi-simultaneous radio and X-ray monitoring of three RQ Seyfert galaxies, Mrk 110, Mrk 766, and NGC 4593, carried out with the Very Large Array at 8.5 GHz over a period of about 300 d, and with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer at 2–10 keV over a period of about 2000 d. The radio core variability is likely detected in the highest resolution (A configuration) observations of Mrk 110 and NGC 4593, with a fractional variability amplitude of 6.3 per cent and 9.5 per cent, respectively. A cross-correlation analysis suggests an apparently strong (Pearson r = −0.89) and highly significant correlation (p = 1 × 10−6) in Mrk 110, with the radio lagging the X-ray by 56 d. However, a further analysis of the r values distribution for physically unrelated long time delays reveals that this correlation is not significant. This occurs since the Pearson correlation assumes white noise, while both the X-ray and the radio light curves follow red noise, which dramatically increases the chance, by a factor of ∼103, to get extremely high r values in uncorrelated data sets. A significantly longer radio monitoring with a higher sampling rate, preferably with a high-resolution fixed radio array, is required in order to reliably detect a delay.
Antagonistic Activity and Mechanism of Bacillus subtilis XZ16-1 Suppression of Wheat Powdery Mildew and Growth Promotion of Wheat
Authors: Yi Yan-Jie , Yin Ya-Nan , Yang Ying-Ao , Liang Yu-Qian , Shan You-Tian , Zhang Chang-Fu , Zhang Yu-Rong , Liang Zhen-Pu
Published: July 2022

Wheat powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici ( Bgt) is one of the most serious wheat diseases in the world. Biological control is considered an environmentally safe approach to control plant diseases. Here, to develop effective biocontrol agents for controlling wheat powdery mildew, antagonistic strain XZ16-1 was isolated and identified as Bacillus subtilis based on the morphological, biochemical, and physiological characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence. The culture filtrate of B. subtilis XZ16-1 and its extracts had a significant inhibitory effect on the spore germination of Bgt. Moreover, the therapeutic and prevention efficacy of the 100% culture filtrate on wheat powdery mildew reached 81.18 and 83.72%, respectively, which was better than that of chemical fungicide triadimefon. Further antimicrobial mechanism analysis showed that the XZ16-1 culture filtrate could inhibit the development of powdery mildew spores by disrupting the cell membrane integrity, causing reductions in the mitochondrial membrane potential, and inducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the spores. Biochemical detection indicated that XZ16-1 could solubilize phosphate, fix nitrogen, and produce hydrolases, lipopeptides, siderophores, and indole-3-acetic acid. Defense-related enzymes activated in wheat seedlings treated with the culture filtrate indicated that disease resistance was induced in wheat to resist pathogens. Furthermore, a 106 CFU/ml suspension of XZ16-1 increased the height, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of wheat seedlings by 77.13, 63.46, 76.73, and 19.16%, respectively, and showed good growth-promotion properties. This study investigates the antagonistic activity and reveals the action mechanism of XZ16-1, which can provide an effective microbial agent for controlling wheat powdery mildew.
Epidemiologic Changes in Pediatric Fractures Presenting to Emergency Departments During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Markiewitz Nathan D. , Garcia-Munoz John , Lilley Brendan M. , Oduwole Samuel , Shah Apurva S. , Williams Brendan A.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Fractures are a common pediatric injury. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in significant changes in daily life that could impact the incidence of pediatric fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of pediatric fractures in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic to previous seasonally adjusted fracture incidence rates using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database and the American Community Survey (ACS).

Methods:

The NEISS database was queried from 2016 to 2020 for fractures occurring in pediatric (0 to 17 y) patients. ACS population data allowed for the estimation of fracture incidence per 1000 person-years. Using a quasiexperimental interrupted time series design, Poisson regression models were constructed to test the overall and differential impact of COVID-19 on monthly fracture rate by age, sex, fracture site, injury location, and disposition.

Results:

Our sample consisted of 121,803 cases (mean age 9.6±4.6 y, 36.1% female) representing 2,959,421±372,337 fractures nationally. We identified a stable 27% decrease in fractures per month after February 2020 [risk difference (RD) per 1000 youth years=−2.3; 95% confidence interval: −2.98, −1.57]). We found significant effect modification by age, fracture site and injury location (P<0.05). The fracture incidence among children 5 years or older significantly decreased, as well as the incidence of fractures at school [RD=−0.96 (−1.09, −0.84)] and during sports [risk difference=−1.55 (−1.77, −1.32)]. There was also a trend toward a reduction in upper extremity fractures and fractures requiring admission.

Conclusion:

A nationally representative injury database demonstrated a 27% decline in monthly pediatric fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic that persisted into the latter half of 2020. These trends appeared most attributable to a reduction in fractures discharged home and upper extremity fractures among older children sustained at school and in sports. Our findings provide unique insight into the epidemiology of pediatric fractures and demonstrate a baseline need for musculoskeletal care among young children even in the setting of a national shutdown.

Level of Evidence:

Level II—retrospective prognostic study.
Serum total bilirubin and new-onset hypertension in perimenopausal women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: He Zhen , Zhang Shengchao , Thio Chris , Wang Yue , Li Min , Wu Yan , Lin Rongqing , Liu Zhixi , Snieder Harold , Zhang Qingying
Published: July 2022

Objective

Previous studies have shown negative associations between total bilirubin (TBIL) and hypertension. However, the association of TBIL with new-onset hypertension in perimenopausal women is unknown.

Methods

A total of 196 perimenopausal women were included in this cross-sectional study of which 85 had new-onset hypertension. All participants underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and a clinical assessment including anthropometrics. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and menopausal symptoms (modified Kupperman Index [mKI]) were measured by questionnaire. A fasting blood sample was taken to measure a wide range of biomarkers and hormone levels. Restricted cubic spline regression was used to investigate potential nonlinearity. Multivariable logistic and robust linear regression analyses adjusting for minimal sufficient adjustment sets based on directed acyclic graphs were performed to test the association of TBIL with hypertension/blood pressure. We examined mKI-stratified analyses and a TBIL-mKI interaction term to explore potential effect modification by number of menopausal symptoms.

Results

Hypertensive women had significantly lower TBIL levels than did normotensive women (11.15 vs 12.55 μmol/L, P = 0.046). Univariate restricted cubic spline regression showed nonsignificant nonlinearity (P value for nonlinearity, 0.339). Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for minimal sufficient adjustment sets revealed that higher TBIL level was associated with lower odds of hypertension (odds ratio, 0.91 per μmol/L TBIL; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-0.98; P = 0.019). Total bilirubin showed a significant inverse association with average 24-hour diastolic blood pressure (β = −0.36 mm Hg per μmol/L TBIL; 95% CI, −0.62 to −0.10; P = 0.008) but not with 24-hour systolic blood pressure (β = −0.37 mm Hg per μmol/L TBIL; 95% CI, −0.79 to 0.06; P = 0.090). Stratified analyses suggested stronger inverse associations of TBIL with hypertension and 24-hour blood pressure in women with fewer menopausal symptoms (mKI ≤10), although the TBIL-mKI interaction was not significant.

Conclusions

In perimenopause, TBIL was inversely associated with diastolic blood pressure and new-onset hypertension, diagnosed using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
Malignant Self-Regard: Overview and Future Directions
Authors: Huprich Steven K. , Malone Brady C.
Published: July 2022

Malignant self-regard (MSR) is a self-representation that encompasses the shared features of depressive personality disorder, masochistic/self-defeating personality disorder, depressive-masochistic personality, and vulnerable narcissism. In this review we begin by describing the construct’s historical precursors, which begin in early psychoanalytic/dynamic theory, and then trace its development across iterations of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Special attention is paid to differentiating MSR from vulnerable narcissism. We then consider MSR’s place within transdiagnostic, transtheoretical, and dimensional models of personality pathology. We focus heavily on MSR’s impact on various personality systems (e.g., thought and affect systems) and also on overall personality functioning. The empirical research on MSR in relation to these systems is thoroughly reviewed and largely supports its psychometric properties and clinical significance. We suggest that MSR may map onto the distress subfactor in the hierarchical taxonomy of psychopathology (HiTOP) and that MSR seems to occupy the shared internalizing space across the neurotic and borderline level of personality organization in Kernberg’s model of personality disorders. We also identify four major directions for future research: the possible benefits of self-defeating tendencies that involve pathological narcissism and self-esteem; MSR’s relationship to overall health and well-being; depressive states and MSR severity; and how MSR fits within the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders and the personality disorder framework of the International Classification of Diseases.
Towards effective data sharing in ophthalmology: data standardization and data privacy
Authors: Halfpenny William , Baxter Sally L.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of the review

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of updates in data standardization and data privacy in ophthalmology. These topics represent two key aspects of medical information sharing and are important knowledge areas given trends in data-driven healthcare.

Recent findings

Standardization and privacy can be seen as complementary aspects that pertain to data sharing. Standardization promotes the ease and efficacy through which data is shared. Privacy considerations ensure that data sharing is appropriate and sufficiently controlled. There is active development in both areas, including government regulations and common data models to advance standardization, and application of technologies such as blockchain and synthetic data to help tackle privacy issues. These advancements have seen use in ophthalmology, but there are areas where further work is required.

Information sharing is fundamental to both research and care delivery, and standardization/privacy are key constituent considerations. Therefore, widespread engagement with, and development of, data standardization and privacy ecosystems stand to offer great benefit to ophthalmology.
A Novel Mobilization Criteria Checklist 12 to 24 Hours After Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Maqueda Charity E. , Perme Christiane
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

This study describes the development and utilization of a novel mobilization criteria checklist that can guide clinical decision making to safely initiate very early mobilization for patients with acute ischemic stroke within 12 to 24 hours after intravenous (IV) thrombolysis.

Methods:

The evidence was examined, and risk factors for hemorrhagic transformation and considerations for initiating or terminating mobility within the first 12 to 24 hours were identified. The information was formatted into a mobilization criteria checklist for use in a case study 12 to 24 hours after tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), an IV thrombolytic, was given for acute ischemic stroke at a certified comprehensive stroke center.

Outcomes:

The tool was an additive to clinical practice and provided a clinical guide to optimize patient safety for an established institutional practice.

Discussion:

A mobilization criteria checklist is a helpful tool to screen for serious risk factors of hemorrhagic transformation in the first 24 hours after IV thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke. With further development, the foundational concepts may guide future research to establish clinical practice guidelines and a standard of care to optimize the selection of patients most appropriate for mobility within 12 to 24 hours.
HIV
Authors: Webb Adele
Published: July 2022

In an era of complacency, concern exists that those who remain at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are not aware of methods of transmission and/or exposure. Awareness of the history of the epidemic is waning, and HIV has fallen off the radar of individuals and health care providers alike. Given that in some populations in the United States HIV infections are on the rise, educating individuals and health care providers on the continued risk is paramount. In addition to the many new treatments available, others are on the horizon through different levels of clinical trials. As such, this article addresses the history of HIV, the evolution of effective HIV treatments, the current treatment options available, and treatments in clinical trials.
“Know Thy Self: Natural and Adapted Behavior Styles of General and Plastic Surgery Residents”
Authors: Meade Anna , Chang Victor , Duque Sofia , Farmer Suzanne J. , Zhang Andrew Y.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Resident miscommunication and fractured team dynamics are associated with decreased quality of patient care. Interventions to improve resident communication and team coordination include behavioral assessments, which promote leadership and communication skills.

Methods:

In this retrospective review, general and plastic surgery residents voluntarily completed the DISC behavioral assessment. This validated tool is composed of four behavioral categories: dominance (D), influence (I), steadiness (S) and compliance (C). It is used to classify an individual’s natural and adapted behavior styles. Results were anonymously collected and analyzed using Pearson’s Chi Square test.

Results:

Of 94 surgery residents, 84 completed the survey (89%); 43 men and 41 women. Surgery residents combined had a significantly higher percentage of natural “C’s” compared to the general population (23% vs 14%; p=0.02). The majority of surgery residents adapted to “C” in the work environment (39 vs. 36%; p=0.85). There was a significant difference in male and female general surgery adapted “D” profiles (4% vs 23%; p=0.05).

Conclusion:

The pressure of accuracy in surgical residency attracts naturally “C” individuals. Residents without natural “C” behavioral profile tend to adapt to the “C” profile. The ability to recognize behavior traits is crucial in surgical residency. Developing a better understanding of one’s own behavior will provide insight into personal risk factors for miscommunication and inefficient team dynamics.

This study examined behavioral trends among plastic surgery residents, general surgery residents, and the general public using the DISC behavioral assessment. These trends offer insight into the physician-patient relationship, specialty differences, and gender differences.
Qualitative analysis of the implementation of a hospital room service in a large metropolitan hospital: foundations for transformation
Authors: Wilkinson Shelley A. , Bell Jack J. , Neaves Bianca , McCray Sally J. , Campbell Katrina
Published: July 2022

Introduction and aims:

Room service is a hospital meal service model with demonstrated improved nutrition intake, reduced wastage and cost benefits in some settings compared with traditional models. However, uptake across public hospital settings appears low; the underlying reasons require exploration. In 2019, room service was introduced in a Queensland Hospital and Health Service site. The aim of this article is to identify the barriers and enablers to implementing room service to provide recommendations for future implementation of this model.

Methods:

The current qualitative descriptive study utilized semistructured interviews with project members and key stakeholders involved in implementation of the room service meal delivery model at the Prince Charles Hospital (Queensland, Australia). A convenience sample of participants were recruited. Interviews explored project experiences from commencement to completion, barriers and enablers to implementation, strategies to overcome challenges and recommendations for implementation at other sites. Interviews were coded to identify themes and subthemes.

Results:

Nine participants were interviewed. Key themes with associated subthemes were (1) foundations of transformation, (2) navigating implementation and (3) embedding sustainable practices.

Conclusion:

The current study adds rich information to understand factors that support the implementation of a room service model in a large public hospital. Future implementation of room service should not only consider measuring quantifiable outcomes, but also the importance of qualitative descriptive studies surveying project members and key stakeholders to further explore experiences, barriers and enablers to implementation and develop strategies to overcome challenges to assist further sites implement this model.
Rapid identification of clinically interesting methanogens using an improved MALDI-TOF-MS assay
Authors: Guindo Cheick Oumar , Amir Lynda , Couderc Carine , Drancourt Michel , Grine Ghiles
Published: July 2022

Methanogens, the archaea uniquely detoxifying fermentative hydrogen into methane in the digestive tract, are increasingly being detected in pathology situations, rendering their rapid identification mandatory. We improved the experimental protocol to identify broth-cultured methanogens by matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight MS (MALDI-TOF-MS). A database incorporating 34 reference spectra derived from 16 methanogen reference strains representative of eight species supported further identification of 21

Methanobrevibacter smithii

and 14

Methanobrevibacter oralis

isolates broth-cultured from human stool and oral fluid, respectively, with scores >2. In addition, MALDI-TOF-MS differentiated five

Methanobrevibacter smithii

genotypes incorporated in the study. The data reported here found MALDI-TOF-MS as a first-line identification method for methanogens recovered from microbiota and clinical samples.
Antioxidant and skin health-enhancing activities of wild indigo
(Baptisia tinctoria) root extracts
Authors: Sultanov Akhmadjon , Lee Eun-Ho , Park Hye-Jin , Kim Soo-Rin , Cho Young-Je
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of wild indigo (Baptisia
tinctoria) root extract as a functional food material, in terms of
antioxidant and skin health-related activities. Both water and ethanol (50/50,
v/v) extracts showed high phenol content. They were evaluated for antioxidant
activity, such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH),
2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS),
antioxidant protection factor (PF), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
(TBARS). While the DPPH radical scavenging activities of water and ethanol
extracts were 84.23% and 89.30%, respectively, at 200
μg/mL total phenol content (TPC), the ABTS radical
cation scavenging activities were 51.39% and 48.10%, respectively. The water and
ethanol extracts also showed desirable antioxidant PF levels of 1.18 and 1.16,
respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant effects on TBARS significantly
increased by 37.31% and 51.43%, respectively, in 200
μg/mL of water and ethanol extracts. Both the extracts
showed high dose-dependent collagenase inhibitory activities, up to 27.60% and
77.39%, respectively. The ethanol extract showed an elastase inhibitory activity
of 37.21%; the tyrosinase inhibitory effect (which facilitates natural
skin-whitening) was 59.26% at 200 μg/mL TPC. The
hyaluronidase activity inhibition, related to anti-inflammatory activity, was
20.02% for the water extract and 14.30% for the ethanol extract, at 200
μg/mL TPC. Therefore, B. tinctoria
extract has potential applications in cosmetics and food supplements due to its
antioxidant and skin health promoting activities.
Monitoring of ginsenoside composition and contents in acetic acid
soaking-treated taegeuk ginseng using response surface
analysis
Authors: Lee Gee-Dong
Published: July 2022

The study aimed to use response surface methodology (RSM) to monitor changes in
the composition and contents of ginsenosides as a result of soaking fresh
ginseng in an acetic acid solution during the manufacturing process of
taegeuk ginseng, resulting in investigating the dynamic
changes in protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol ginsenosides. The R2
of ginsenoside Rb1, Rb2, Re, Rf, Rg1, and total
model formulas were 0.8420 (p<0.1), 0.8422 (p<0.1), 0.9183
(p<0.05), 0.9237 (p<0.05), 0.9007 (p<0.05), and 0.9236
(p<0.05), respectively. Prolonged soaking of protopanaxadiol ginsenoside
Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, and Rc in high acetic acid
concentrations released all sugars from the OH at position 20 of aglycone,
resulting in relatively large amount of Rg3 being formed. Under
similar conditions, protopanaxatriol ginsenoside Re and Rf were also converted
to Rg1, Rg2, and Rh1 due to sugars released
from OH at positions 6 and 20 of aglycone. Rg2 increased on
conversion from Re; however, at high acetic acid concentrations, it was
immediately converted to Rh1, resulting in a relative decrease. The
total ginsenoside contents decreased with increase in the acetic acid solution
soaking time. Thus, RSM confirmed that specific ginsenosides were reduced and
other ginsenosides formed during the manufacturing process of
taegeuk ginseng.
Optimization of drying conditions for steamed-dried sweet pumpkin
products using response surface methodology
Authors: Song Jung Mu , Hwang Young , Cho Yong Sik , Jang Hyun Wook , Kim Yong Suk
Published: July 2022

In this study, sensory evaluation was performed to select the pretreatment method
for dried sweet pumpkin products, and the drying conditions were optimized by
using response surface methodology (RSM). Based on the results of the sensory
evaluation, the steaming method was selected for pretreatment. To optimize the
drying conditions of the steamed sweet pumpkin products, the temperature (30, 40
and 50°C) and duration (4, 6 and 8 h) of hot-air drying were set as
independent variables, and moisture content, water activity, soluble solids,
strength, hardness, and free sugar contents were set as dependent variables. In
the process of optimization, moisture contents, water activity, and soluble
solids were designated as optimization variables by R2 and
Pr>F values. The optimum drying conditions were found to be 42°C
and 5.7 h. The suitability of the experimental design and model was evaluated by
comparing the predicted values with the experimental values measured under
optimal conditions. The moisture content and water activity were within the 95%
confidence interval. Although the soluble solids contents were out of range, it
was calculated to be higher than the predicted interval and appeared closer to
the target value. Therefore, it was concluded that the manufacturing conditions
optimized in this study were the ideal conditions for drying sweet pumpkin
products.
Effects of ipguk (koji) and
zeolite combination on odor component suppression and alcohol productivity
of solid-fermented spirits
Authors: Shin Je Young , Kang Heui-Yun , Kang Chang-Soo , Choi Han-Seok
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of using a combination of
ipguk (koji) and zeolite, as an
alternative to the traditional nuruk fermented agents and rice
and rice husks combination, on off-flavor suppression in solid fermented
spirits. In alcohol production from solid fermented mash, the traditional
brewing combination (nuruk + rice husks) produced over
1.3 times more alcohol than that obtained using the alternative combination
(ipguk + zeolite). The levels of acetic, butyric,
isovaleric acids, and methyl mercaptan, the components causing the offensive
odor of distilled liquor (25% alcohol), were significantly reduced upon using
the alternative combination as compared to that by the traditional combination.
The acetic acid level decreased from 99.38 mg/L to 19.34-24.12 mg/L when using
the alternative combination. Butyric acid, isovaleric acid, and methyl mercaptan
levels decreased from 95.90, 5.37, and 426.78 mg/L, respectively, to
undetectable levels. The furfural content decreased up to 4.3 times. In
contrast, acetaldehyde levels increased from 228.04 mg/L to 529.74-578.71 mg/L
when using the alternative combination. As the moisture content of the
solid-fermented mash prepared with the alternative combination increased (from
40 to 55%), the alcohol production also increased proportionally, and the
alcohol content of the distillate was elevated (from 37.14 to 43.74%).
Physicochemical and functional characteristics of
non-Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from traditional
nuruk
Authors: Kim A Ra , Kim Sun Hee , Jeong Woo Soo , Kim So Young , Kim Myung-Kon , Yeo Soo-Hwan
Published: July 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate the alcohol-producing abilities and
functional characteristics of five strains of non-Saccharomyces
cerevisiae (NSC), namely, Kluyveromyces marxianus
KJ-L, Wickerhamomyces anomalus KJ-1, W.
anomalus CP-2, Pichia anomalus HAN-1, and
Meyerozyma guilliermondii SU-L, which were isolated from
Korean traditional nuruk. The selected yeast strains produced
large amounts of alcohol using a carbon source of 20% glucose and were
identified as NSC based on their 18S rDNA sequences. The optimal growth
temperature and pH of the NSC except for M. guilliermondii SU-L
were 25°C and 4.0, respectively. Two NSC strains, KJ-L and CP-2, produced
5–10% more alcohol compared to that produced by S. cerevisiae
LP (SC LP) control. Although the α-amylase and
ß-glucosidase activities were slightly lower in the NSC strains than in
the SC LP, glucoamylase activity was 1.4-fold higher in the NSC strains than in
the SC LP. The α-glucosidase inhibition activity
evaluated using 1% acarbose was 29-fold higher for K. marxianus
KJ-L and P. anomalus HAN-1 than that of SC LP. The five strains
of NSC exhibited higher angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity with
inhibition rates of 51.7–61.7% compared to that of SC LP (37.3%). The tyrosinase
inhibition activities of NSC (86.4-91.5%) and SC LP (94.9%) were significantly
higher than that of the positive control, kojic acid. These NSC yeast show high
potential for industrial application as domestic starters for manufacturing
fermented foods and cosmetics based on their physiological activities and
functional characteristics.
Comparative efficacy of loop-mediated isothermal amplification,
real-time PCR, and selective agar method for detection of Listeria
monocytogenes in food
Authors: Byun Kye-Hwan , Han Sang Ha , Choi Seungho , Bang Hyeon-Jo , Kang Seong Il , Kim Sookyoung , Ha Sang-Do
Published: July 2022

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen causing
listeriosis, which can be fatal in specific high-risk groups. The aim of this
study was to compare the performance (accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity) of
3M™ Molecular Detection System (3M™ MDS) and Korean Food Codex
[real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and selective agar] for the detection of L.
monocytogenes in various food matrices. The detection performance
of the three methods was determined against 100-103 CFU/mL
of L. monocytogenes
in vitro and showed high accuracy in the order of RT-PCR,
3M™ MDS, and selective agar. There was no difference in sensitivity and
specificity of the three methods. Eleven food matrices, selected from
agricultural, livestock, and seafood products, were artificially inoculated with
100-103 CFU/25 g of L. monocytogenes
and enriched in 3M™ Demi-Fraser Broth. None of the three methods could
completely detect low concentrations of L. monocytogenes in a
food matrix. However, 3M™ MDS, which is a loop-mediated isothermal
amplification (LAMP)-based technology for rapid detection, showed a higher
positive detection rate than RT-PCR did, but lower than that of selective agar.
These data indicated that 3M™ MDS was superior for the rapid detection of
L. monocytogenes, compared to RT-PCR in food matrices
containing various inhibitors. Consequentially, the study findings suggest that
the LAMP method is a promising alternative to RT-PCR for the rapid detection of
foodborne pathogens.
Behavioral Evidence for Enhanced Olfactory and Trigeminal Perception in Congenitally Deaf Individuals
Authors: Landry Catherine , Nazar Rim , Simon Marie , Genest François , Giguère Fanny Lécuyer , Frasnelli Johannes , Lepore Franco
Published: July 2022

Sensory deprivation, particularly hearing loss, is an excellent model to study neuroplasticity in the human brain and the adaptive behaviors that support the daily lives of deprived individuals. In adaptation to their hearing loss, deaf individuals rely on their other intact senses. Visual and tactile abilities are enhanced in deafness, but few studies have evaluated the olfactory function. This study aimed to compare the impact of congenital deafness on olfactory capacities using psychophysical tasks. Methodological issues raised in previous studies, such as homogeneous onset of deafness and cognitive function assessment, were considered. Eleven individuals with bilateral severe-to-profound deafness since birth were compared to 11 hearing non-signers similar in age (age range = 20-51 years old) and sex (7 women). The deaf subjects were assessed using various standardized neuropsychological tests to ascertain typical cognition. Olfactory functions were evaluated using the Sniffin’ Sticks battery test, which measures olfactory detection threshold, odor discrimination, and odor identification. Further, accuracy and response time were examined for the identification and localization of two odors to disentangle olfactory sensitivity from sensitivity in the trigeminal system. The Sniffin’ Sticks test demonstrated superior performances in the deaf participants to discriminate and identify odors. In line with this, they also showed higher sensitivity when both identifying and localizing odors. These findings suggest that congenital deafness is associated with superior performance in higher-level olfactory processing and increased sensitivity in the trigeminal system.
The uncoupling of all-cause excess mortality from Covid-19 cases and associated hospitalizations in late winter and spring of 2022 in a highly vaccinated state
Authors: Faust Jeremy Samuel , Renton Benjamin , Chen Alexander Junxiang , Du Chengan , Liang Chenxue , Li Shu-Xia , Lin Zhenqiu , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Since March 2020, all-cause excess mortality—the number of all-cause deaths exceeding the baseline number of expected deaths—has been observed in waves coinciding with Covid-19 outbreaks in the United States. We recently described high levels of excess mortality in Massachusetts during the initial 8-week Omicron wave. However, whether excess mortality continued after that period—during which an outbreak of Omicron subvariants occurred—is unknown.

Methods

We applied seasonal autoregressive integrated moving averages to five years of pre-pandemic data provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (MRVRS) to project the weekly populations and expected deaths for the pandemic period. Observed deaths during the pandemic were also provided by MRVRS and are >99% complete for all study weeks.

Results

During the 18-week Omicron subvariant period (the week ending February 27, 2022, through June 26, 2022) the incidence of all-cause excess mortality was 0.1 per 100,000-person weeks, corresponding to 148 excess deaths (95%. CI -907 to 1153), representing a 97.1% decrease from the initial Omicron period (during which all-cause excess mortality was 4.0 per 100,000-person-weeks), and a 91.9% reduction from the Delta and Delta-Omicron transition period (during which all-cause excess mortality was 1.5 per 100,000-person-weeks), despite >226,000 reported new Covid-19 cases during the subvariant/spring period. However, Covid-19-associated hospitalizations were observed during the subvariant/spring 2022 period.

Conclusion

In a highly vaccinated state with a recent wave of SARS-CoV-2, all-cause excess mortality was uncoupled from new case counts, indicating the possibility of temporary protection from the most severe outcomes related to Covid-19 among high-risk individuals. However, given the possibility of waning immunity and the emerging of new variants, continued monitoring is warranted.