bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Face Masks on Speech Acoustics and Vocal Effort in Healthcare Professionals
Authors: McKenna Victoria S. , Kendall Courtney L. , Patel Tulsi H. , Howell Rebecca J. , Gustin Renee L. 
Published: July 2021

Objectives/HypothesisWe investigated speech acoustics and self‐reported vocal symptoms in mask‐wearing healthcare professionals. We hypothesized that there would be an attenuation of spectral energies and increase in vocal effort during masked speech compared to unmasked speech.Study DesignWithin and between subject quasi‐experimental design.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 21 healthcare providers (13 cisgender female, 8 cisgender male; M = 32.9 years; SD = 7.9 years) and assessed acoustics and perceptual measures with and without a face mask in place. Measurements included: 1) acoustic Vowel Articulation Index (VAI); 2) cepstral and spectral acoustic measures; 3) traditional vocal measures (e.g., fundamental frequency, intensity); 4) relative fundamental frequency (RFF); and 5) self‐reported ratings of vocal effort and dyspnea.ResultsDuring masked speech, there was a significant reduction in VAI, high‐frequency information (>4 kHz), and RFF offset 10, as well as a significant increase in cepstral peak prominence and perceived vocal effort. Further analysis showed that high‐frequency attenuation was more pronounced when wearing an N95 mask compared to a simple mask.ConclusionsFace masks pose an additional barrier to effective communication that primarily impacts spectral characteristics, vowel space measures, and vocal effort. Future work should evaluate how long‐term mask use impacts vocal health and may contribute to vocal problems.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 132:391–397, 2022
The immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin‐type drugs towards inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
Authors: Efferth Thomas , Oesch Franz 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. is well established for malaria therapy, but its bioactivity spectrum is much broader. In this review, we give a comprehensive and timely overview of the literature regarding the immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin‐type compounds toward inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Numerous receptor‐coupled signaling pathways are inhibited by artemisinins, including the receptors for interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), β3‐integrin, or RANKL, toll‐like receptors and growth factor receptors. Among the receptor‐coupled signal transducers are extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase (PI3K), AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK), phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ), and others. All these receptors and signal transduction molecules are known to contribute to the inhibition of the transcription factor nuclear factor κ B (NF‐κB). Artemisinins may inhibit NF‐κB by silencing these upstream pathways and/or by direct binding to NF‐κB. Numerous NF‐κB‐regulated downstream genes are downregulated by artemisinin and its derivatives, for example, cytokines, chemokines, and immune receptors, which regulate immune cell differentiation, apoptosis genes, proliferation‐regulating genes, signal transducers, and genes involved in antioxidant stress response. In addition to the prominent role of NF‐κB, other transcription factors are also inhibited by artemisinins (mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR], activating protein 1 [AP1]/FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homologue [FOS]/JUN oncogenic transcription factor [JUN]), hypoxia‐induced factor 1α (HIF‐1α), nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NF‐ATC1), Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT), NF E2‐related factor‐2 (NRF‐2), retinoic‐acid‐receptor‐related orphan nuclear receptor γ (ROR‐γt), and forkhead box P‐3 (FOXP‐3). Many in vivo experiments in disease‐relevant animal models demonstrate therapeutic efficacy of artemisinin‐type drugs against rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus erythematosus, arthrosis, and gout), lung diseases (asthma, acute lung injury, and pulmonary fibrosis), neurological diseases (autoimmune encephalitis, Alzheimer's disease, and myasthenia gravis), skin diseases (dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis), inflammatory bowel disease, and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Randomized clinical trials should be conducted in the future to translate the plethora of preclinical results into clinical practice.
An Epigenetic Signature is Associated with Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D in Colorectal Cancer Tumors
Authors: Boughanem Hatim , Izquierdo Andrea G. , Hernández‐Alonso Pablo , Arranz‐Salas Isabel , Casanueva Felipe F. , Tinahones Francisco J. , Crujeiras Ana B. , Macias‐Gonzalez Manuel 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionVitamin D has been widely associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) through different insights. This study aims to explore the association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and the global DNA methylation in tumor from CRC patients.Methods and ResultsA genome‐wide DNA methylation analysis is conducted in 20 CRC patients under categorical (10 patients have 25(OH)D <30 ng mL−1; 10 patients with 25(OH)D ≥30 ng mL−1) and continuous models of 25(OH)D. A total of 95 differentially methylated CpGs (DMCpGs) are detected under the categorical model (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05), while 16 DMCpGs are found under the continuous model. Regional analysis showed eight vitamin D‐associated differentially methylated regions (DMR). Between them, a DMR is the most significant at cAMP‐Dependent Protein Kinase Inhibitor Alpha (PKIA) locus. Furthermore, seven genes, including PKIA gene, have more or equal than two significant DMCpGs. The protein networking analysis found pathways implicated in cell adhesion and extracellular matrix, as well as signaling transduction.ConclusionsThis study identifies novel epigenetic loci associated with serum 25(OH)D status. Interestingly, also, a positive association between vitamin D and DNA methylation in the CRC context is found, suggesting a role in CRC. Further studies are warranted to clarify and replicate these results.
Maternal Exposure to Oxidized Soybean Oil Impairs Placental Development by Modulating Nutrient Transporters in a Rat Model
Authors: Wang Chuanqi , Liu Yang , Wang Huiting , Gao Feng , Guan Xin , Shi Baoming 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionAs an exogenous food contaminant, dietary oxidized lipid impairs growth and development, and triggers chronic diseases in humans or animals. This study explores the effects of soybean oil with different oxidative degree on the placental injury of gestational rats.Methods and ResultsThirty‐two female adult rats are randomly assigned to four groups. The control group is fed the purified diet with fresh soybean oil (FSO), and the treatment groups are fed purified diets with lipid content replaced by oxidized soybean oil (OSO) at 200, 400, and 800 mEqO2kg−1from conception until delivery. On day 20 of gestation, OSO decreased placental and embryonic weights as the oxidative degree increased linearly and quadratically. The expression of Bax showed a linear increase, and Bcl‐2 decreased as the oxidative degree increased. The expression of Fosl1 and Esx1 is linearly and quadratically decreased in OSO‐treated groups than FSO group. OSO decreased the level of IL‐10 but increased expression of IL‐1β in placenta and plasma. OSO remarkably upregulates levels of Fatp1 and Glut1 and decreases expression of Snat2 and Glut3.ConclusionOSO aggravates placental injury by modulating nutrient transporters and apoptosis‐related genes, impedes placental growth and development, and ultimately leads to the decrease of fetal weight.
Altered Adiponectin Response in Older Women Following Dextrose and High‐Fat Dietary Challenges
Authors: Herpich Catrin , Kochlik Bastian , Haß Ulrike , Weber Daniela , Grune Tilman , Norman Kristina 
Published: July 2021

ScopeDespite its beneficial properties, higher adiponectin concentrations are paradoxically associated with mortality in advanced age. Several mechanisms are being discussed. However, little is known about postprandial regulation of adiponectin in older adults. We assessed age‐specific differences of the adiponectin response to different test meals considering potential determinants.Methods and ResultsOlder (n = 20) and younger (n = 22) women are randomized to a dextrose (DEX) or high‐fat (HF) dietary challenge. Postprandial adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) concentrations are measured before and 60, 120, 240 min after ingestion. We assessed postprandial changes and group differences using linear mixed models controlled for possible determinants. In younger women, postprandial adiponectin remains stable after both test meals. In contrast, adiponectin increases following DEX and decreases after HF in older women, irrespective of control variables. Postprandial adiponectin is positively associated with malondialdehyde and inversely associated with interleukin‐6 following DEX and also negatively associated with metabolic parameters after both test meals. In older women, elevated postprandial FGF21 concentrations are associated with a higher adiponectin response (β = 30.7, 95% CI 10.6–50.8,p = 0.007).ConclusionsAdiponectin response is associated with type of dietary challenge, age, and FGF21 response. Age‐group differences are partly attributable to metabolic parameters and oxidative stress.
A new 2D‐3D registration gold‐standard dataset for the hip joint based on uncertainty modeling
Authors: D'Isidoro Fabio , Chênes Christophe , Ferguson Stephen J. , Schmid Jérôme 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPurposeEstimation of the accuracy of 2D‐3D registration is paramount for a correct evaluation of its outcome in both research and clinical studies. Publicly available datasets with standardized evaluation methodology are necessary for validation and comparison of 2D‐3D registration techniques. Given the large use of 2D‐3D registration in biomechanics, we introduced the first gold standard validation dataset for computed tomography (CT)‐to‐x‐ray registration of the hip joint, based on fluoroscopic images with large rotation angles. As the ground truth computed with fiducial markers is affected by localization errors in the image datasets, we proposed a new methodology based on uncertainty propagation to estimate the accuracy of a gold standard dataset.MethodsThe gold standard dataset included a 3D CT scan of a female hip phantom and 19 2D fluoroscopic images acquired at different views and voltages. The ground truth transformations were estimated based on the corresponding pairs of extracted 2D and 3D fiducial locations. These were assumed to be corrupted by Gaussian noise, without any restrictions of isotropy. We devised the multiple projective points criterion (MPPC) that jointly optimizes the transformations and the noisy 3D fiducial locations for all views. The accuracy of the transformations obtained with the MPPC was assessed in both synthetic and real experiments using different formulations of the target registration error (TRE), including a novel formulation of the TRE (uTRE) derived from the uncertainty analysis of the MPPC.ResultsThe proposed MPPC method was statistically more accurate compared to the validation methods for 2D‐3D registration that did not optimize the 3D fiducial positions or wrongly assumed the isotropy of the noise. The reported results were comparable to previous published works of gold standard datasets. However, a formulation of the TRE commonly found in these gold standard datasets was found to significantly miscalculate the true TRE computed in synthetic experiments with known ground truths. In contrast, the uncertainty‐based uTRE was statistically closer to the true TRE.ConclusionsWe proposed a new gold standard dataset for the validation of CT‐to‐X‐ray registration of the hip joint. The gold standard transformations were derived from a novel method modeling the uncertainty in extracted 2D and 3D fiducials. Results showed that considering possible noise anisotropy and including corrupted 3D fiducials in the optimization resulted in improved accuracy of the gold standard. A new uncertainty‐based formulation of the TRE also appeared as a good alternative to the unknown true TRE that has been replaced in previous works by an alternative TRE not fully reflecting the gold standard accuracy.
Combination therapy with onasemnogene and risdiplam in spinal muscular atrophy type 1
Authors: Oechsel Kelly F. , Cartwright Michael S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThere are currently three medications approved for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but the use of these medications in combination has not been well described.MethodsThis is a retrospective report of four cases of SMA treated with dual onasemnogene and risdiplam therapy at our institution.ResultsFollowing onasemnogene therapy, all four patients experienced a perceived plateau of therapeutic benefit, at which time daily risdiplam was started. Transient fatigue and weakness was seen in two patients following risdiplam initiation, but this resolved within 1 mo. One patient was hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and post‐viral pneumonia, weeks following risdiplam initiation. No other adverse effects related to onasemnogene and risdiplam combination therapy were identified and all patients experienced objective and subjective improvement.DiscussionCombination therapy with onasemnogene and risdiplam in patients with SMA appears to be well‐tolerated. Further large prospective trials are needed to determine whether dual therapy is more efficacious than monotherapy, and to identify rare adverse events that may occur with the use of combination therapy.
Economic Effect of Hybrid Catfish (Channel Catfish ♀ × Blue Catfish ♂) Growth Variability on Traditional and Intensive Production Systems
Authors: Gosh Kamal , Hanson Terry R. , Drescher David , Robinson Dalton , Bugg William , Chatakondi Nagaraj , Kumar Ganesh , Jeffers Carl , Dunham Rex A. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Using hybrid catfish (Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus ♀ × Blue Catfish I. furcatus ♂) is one path toward intensification that can lower production costs and increase net returns. However, hybrid catfish have experienced growth variability resulting in undersized and oversized fish. Analyzing the economic effect of this issue is critical, as fish processors often require a specific size range of fish from the producers. Comparative economic analyses were performed using enterprise budgets and sensitivity analyses on hybrid catfish production data obtained from single-batch (SB), multiple-batch (MB), and split-pond (SP) systems. Results indicated that the SP system had the highest net returns (US$8,164/ha) resulting from greater availability of premium-sized fish (0.45–1.81 kg; sales price = $2.46/kg), followed by SB and MB systems, respectively. Lower prices received for undersized (&lt;0.45 kg; sales price = $2.34/kg) and oversized (&gt;1.81 kg; sales price = $2.08/kg) fish resulted in revenue losses of $287, $594, and $611 per hectare in SB, MB, and SP systems, respectively. An inverse relationship between the dockage rate and net returns was observed. Economic analyses also showed that the net returns were greater when large-sized fingerlings (~20 cm) were stocked relative to medium-sized fingerlings (≤18 cm) in the SP and SB systems, while the opposite was true for the MB system. Stocking of graded hybrids in SB, MB, and SP production could provide higher net returns from these systems.
Survey on stochastic distribution systems: A full probability density function control theory with potential applications
Authors: Wang Aiping , Wang Hong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractComplex systems seen either in general engineering practice or economics are subjected to ever increased uncertainties that are mostly represented as random variables or parameters, and the characteristics of random variables are represented by their probability density functions (PDFs). Controlling their PDFs means to shape their stochastic distributions and in general it would provide a full treatment for system analysis and operational control and optimization. This leads to the development of stochastic distribution control (SDC) systems theory in the past decades, where the original aim of the controller design is to realize a shape control of the distributions of certain random variables in their PDFs sense for some engineering processes. Indeed, once the PDFs of these random variables or parameters are used to describe their distribution characters, the control task is to obtain control signals so that the output PDFs of stochastic systems are made to follow their target PDFs. The subject of SDC was initially originated for non‐Gaussian stochastic control systems design but has found a wide spectrum of applications in general systems in terms of data‐driven modeling, analysis, signal processing (filtering), data mining via multivariable statistics, decision‐making (optimization) for systems subjected to uncertainties and even in economics. In this context, SDC constitutes an effective primer tool for complex system analysis, control and operational optimizations. In this review paper, a detailed survey of the developments on the research of SDC systems will be made together with their wide spectrum applications and future perspectives.
Declarations of ‘Self‐Reliance’: Alternative Visions of Dependency, Citizenship and Development in Vanuatu
Authors: Smith Rachel E. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTThis article discusses how dependency's antonym, ‘self‐reliance’ expresses and shapes aspirations for development, and ideas about citizenship in Vanuatu. This ‘keyword’ was popularized in the process of decolonization and nation‐building in Vanuatu, and influenced by Dependency Theory, Pan‐Africanism, Black Internationalism, and trans‐Pacific visions of decolonization and development. But vernacular ideas of ‘self‐reliance’ also articulate different aspirations for development at ‘grassroots’ community level, as will be shown in two case studies. The first is a community with a high degree of engagement in New Zealand's seasonal worker programme. The second is around the cultivation of kava — a plant with relaxant and soporific properties — for burgeoning domestic and export markets.
‘Cutting the Colonial Cord’? Tensions of Value and the Relationship between Tokelau and New Zealand
Authors: Hoëm Ingjerd 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTThis article discusses concepts of self‐government, dependence and independence in the light of Tokelau and New Zealand practices. Kin‐based forms of mutual dependence are compared with the demands for specific forms of self‐governance practiced by the New Zealand administration. Tensions of value have emerged between village based political leadership, and the public servants of the administrative infrastructure. The smallness of Tokelau's land area is complemented by its considerable maritime resources secured by an Exclusive Economic Zone. Tokelau's need for New Zealand administrative support to administer its fishing quotas, and for military policing of its maritime boundaries, makes Tokelau dependent on the greater power. The relationships of dependency going the other way, that is New Zealand's dependence on the marine wealth of Tokelau and its strategic value as Pacific partner, are largely obscured by the policies that demand Tokelau reaches an internationally approved standards of governmental practices for it to be able to govern its own affairs. The two forms of dependency, one based on reciprocity and mutuality, and the other, rooted in an economic logic of self‐sufficiency are entangled in everyday life in Tokelau. However, the practices of economic self‐sufficiency work over time to erode the viability of the local subsistence economy.
Introduction: Dependence in Oceania
Authors: Martin Keir 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTIt is nearly half a century from the wave of decolonisation and national independence that swept across the Pacific in the 1970s and early 1980s. Yet despite this, as across the rest of the world, issues of what can be considered appropriate dependence and independence are far from settled. From the achievement of political independence across much of Oceania onwards, debate raged as to whether or not ‘real’ independence had come with it. And alongside this ran a related controversy as to whether or not Oceanic societies had a greater tendency to valorise interpersonal interdependence than their former Western colonisers, and if this essential cultural difference really did exist, whether it was to be valorised and protected or to be denigrated and overcome. In the Introduction to this special issue, I argue, along with many of the papers in this collection, that although these two discussions are often treated separately, they are interlinked and that arguments over the appropriateness of (in)dependence in public debate and in academic discussion need to be seen in the context of global controversies on this subject.
Reflections from the team: Co‐creating visual media about ecological processes for young people
Authors: Thomas Merryn J. , Giannoulatou Ioanna Daphne , Kocak Ethan , Tank Wes , Sarnowski Ryan , Jones Peter E. , Januchowski‐Hartley Stephanie R. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Many migratory fish populations are declining, threatened by human‐induced pressures such as habitat loss and fragmentation caused by dams, roads, land use change, climate change and pollution. However, public awareness of fish migration and associated human pressures remains limited.

It is important to communicate about hard‐to‐see and complex environmental topics and issues, such as fish migration, with young people, who stand to be the most affected by ongoing global changes. Young people are also at a critical stage in their attitude formation and may be particularly receptive to learning enrichment and engagement for behaviour change about environmental issues.

Arts‐based methods can be particularly effective in fostering broad personal connections with nature, especially for complex topics like fish migration. The collaborative and creative processes involved in developing such media often lack critique, which limits learning from previous experiences.

In this article, we reflect on the co‐creation of the Shout Trout Workout (STW), a lyric poem, comic and music video for 8‐ to 14‐year‐olds, designed to entertain, engage and enrich learning about migratory fishes and aquatic environments. We chart the process of creation, including conception of ideas, writing the poem, fact‐checking and developing the storyline with scientists and creating a comic and music video with visual artists and musicians.

We explore some of the challenges and merits of collaborative working, consider the impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the creative and initial engagement process and share what we learned about creative input, communication and respect. We also discuss how the experience shaped our thoughts about the nature of co‐creation itself, and how in creating STW, collaborators contributed to the process in multiple, nuanced and unanticipated ways (e.g. artistic input, ideas, science, dissemination), representing a spectrum of co‐creative practice.

We hope that sharing our experiences and reflections is useful and inspiring for other cross‐disciplinary collaborations, and for those who aim to create learning enrichment and engagement material about ecological processes and environmental issues for young people.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.