bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INJURY SURVEILLANCE IN COMMUNITY AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL USING SMS TECHNOLOGY AND ONLINE SURVEYS
Authors: Schwab Laura M
Published: April 2017

Background

Participant compliance in community injury surveillance studies can be challenging. Novel collection methods such as short message service text (SMS) and online surveys may help compliance by participants.

Objective

To examine injury epidemiology in community Australian Rules players as well as to investigate novel methods for data collection in community populations.

Design

Prospective epidemiological study using SMS technology and online surveys to record training loads and new injuries.

Setting

Community Australian Rules football, South East Queensland, Australia.

Participants

175 community male footballers, age 16–35 years.

Intervention

Automated SMS and online survey of new injuries and weekly training load over the playing season (20 weeks).

Main Outcome Measurements

injury incidence, location of injury, type of injury or illness, mechanism of injury, field position, initial perceived severity, place of referral, participant SMS compliance.

Results

202 registered injuries over 20 weeks, trauma (58.7%), overuse (24.4%), illness (9.0%). Top 5 injuries- thigh (12.2%), ankle (11.2%), head (10.6%), shoulder (10.1%), knee (10.1%) are comparable to elite studies. Most common mechanisms- contact with player (27.2%), running (18.5%), and landing from jumping (10.3%). There was no significant playing position injury finding. Severity of injury- mild (<2 weeks, 80.1%), moderate (3–6 weeks, 10.9%), severe (>6 weeks, 9.0%). Two thirds of all injuries presented for medical attention, almost half to physiotherapy followed by doctor/ or emergency department (30.1%). There was a SMS compliance rate of approximately 80%, adjusted for season duration of different community leagues.

Conclusion

Injury rates in this community study were comparable to findings in elite studies for injury location and mechanisms. This study confirms the high burden of community ARF injuries on the medical system in Australia. Compliance to injury surveillance in the community was considerably better than previous sports trainer lead studies. SMS technology and online survey self-report have been shown to be an effective way of collecting injury data in a community setting. Accurate community studies can help shape government funding in areas of need.
CONCUSSIONS IN INTERNATIONAL ICE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS AND OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES BETWEEN 2006 AND 2015
Authors: Tuominen Markku , Hänninen Timo , Parkkari Jari , Stuart Michael J. , Luoto Teemu M. , Kannus Pekka , Aubry Mark
Published: April 2017

Objective

To describe the occurrence and trend of concussions during the international ice hockey tournaments.

Design

Register study.

Setting

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships and Olympic Winter Games.

Participants

A total of 3293 games were played in the 169 tournaments by 1212 teams (26130 players) comprising 142244 athletic game exposures.

Outcome measures

One hundred and sixty concussions were observed.

Main Results

The average injury rate (IR) for concussion was 1.1 per 1000 ice hockey player-games for all IIHF World Championship tournaments (WC). The injury rate was highest in men's WC A-pool tournaments and Olympic Winter Games (OWG) (IR 1.6), and lowest in women's WC and OWG (IR 0.9). However, the annual injury rate for concussion in men's tournament has been lower than that in World Junior tournaments since 2012. When concussion occurred in a contact with a flexible board injury rate was 0.2 per 1,000 player games and 1.1 if a board and glass were traditional [RR 6.4, (95% CI 1.50–27.61]. In men's tournaments the trend of concussions caused by illegal hits decreased over a study period. After the 2012 Zurich Consensus Guidelines none of the concussed players returned to a play during a same day in men's WC tournaments.

Conclusions

The risk of concussion was significantly lower if games were played on rinks with flexible board and glass. Between 2006 and 2015, the annual risk of concussion in men's WC has been decreasing most likely due to the decreasing number of concussions caused by illegal hits.
DOES FOOT PRONATION CAUSES VASCULAR CONSTRICTION?
Authors: Wezenbeek Evi , Willems Tine , Mahieu Nele , Caekenberghe Ine Van , Clercq Dirk De , Witvrouw Erik
Published: April 2017

Background

The most popular hypothesis of the etiology of Achilles tendinopathy suggests that excessive pronation causes conflicting rotational motions, leading to a vascular constriction of the Achilles tendon, described as the “whipping phenomenon” (Clementet al., 1984). Although several studies identified pronation as a risk factor for the development of Achilles tendinopathy, the hypothesis that foot pronation causes vascular constriction of the tendon has not been investigated.

Objective

Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the amount of pronation during running influences the Achilles tendon blood flow.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Runners Service Lab, Zwijndrecht, Belgium.

Patients (or Participants)

Twenty-five experienced runners (average running time 6.1±2.4 hours/week) aged 34.5±10.2 years participated in this study.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

2D-lower limb kinematics during barefoot and shod running in both frontal and sagittal plane were assessed. Blood flow of the Achilles tendon was measured before and after barefoot and shod running, by use of the oxygen-to-see device.

Main Outcome Measurements

The increase of blood flow after running was registered as outcome variable. Mixed models analyses were executed with kinematic variables as fixed predictors.

Results

The results of this study confirm that the more pronation excursion during running, the lower the increase in blood flow after running in both insertion and midportion (p=0.085 and 0.037, respectively). In addition, this study revealed that a higher average pronation velocity indicates a lower increase in blood flow after running at insertion (p=0.044). Next, this study also showed that the dorsiflexion excursion or the foot strike pattern was not correlated with blood flow after running.

Conclusions

We can conclude that our findings indicate that foot pronation causes vascular constriction of the Achilles tendon, and therefore support this aspect of the whipping phenomenon.
77: IMPACT OF AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM BASED ON HUMAN CARE THEORY (WATSON) ON THE NURSING STUDENTS PERCEPTION OF THE CARE
Authors: Elhami Saeedeh , Khah Hojat Zareh Houshyari , Moradbeigi Khadijeh , Moadab Nasim Hatefi , Cheraghian Bahman
Published: April 2017

Background and aims:

Caring as a multidimensional concept can be occurring according to teaching main values. Thus, the present study was performed to assess the caring behavior educational plan on nursing student with the aim of develop the students' ability to become a health care professional staff.

Methods:

these study was quasi-experimental interventional study that performed at academic second semester (2014) in Abadan school of medical sciences. 6 & 8 semesters of nursing student were randomly divided in case and control groups. The educational plan has been designed on Watson's theory was carried out for case group during the course of medical-surgical ward but control group received rotine tutorial. The student's perception was assessed with CDI-35 tool before and after the study in two groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS-21 software.

Results:

In this study, 58 students were divided into two groups of 29. No significant difference was not in demographic variables between two groups.in the scope of inappropriate care was a significant difference between two groups in the pretest. Although the raise of mean was observed in 5 dimension of caring behavior in case group (p=0/0001) and in technical-professional scope in control group (p=0/001).

Conclusion:

As regards goal of nursing education programs, training nurses to promote the art and science of nursing, Also considering the importance of nursing care in the health system, and the need to design programs to strengthen and empower nurses is inevitable, the results of this study can be helpful in this regard.
96: POSITION RESEARCH AND CRITICAL THINKING IN CLINICAL NURSES' PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
Authors: Farokhzadian Jamileh , Forughameri Golnaz , Karami Abbas
Published: April 2017

Background and aims:

Nurses are one of the main components of health care system and due to clinical tasks they must have the technical, research and critical thinking skills. Professional competencies are a fundamental and basic concept in nursing, which has a direct relationship with public health and it is an important factor in providing the high-quality care and can guarantee the quality of care. With regard to the importance of this category in healthcare organizations and finally the health of society, this study was conducted to investigate the professional competencies of nurses.

Methods:

The statistical population of this descriptive-sectional study included all nurses working in hospitals affiliated to Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2016. A total number of 230 nurses were selected using stratified random sampling and sample size formula. Data were gathered by two questionnaires include socio-demographic information and Competency Inventory for Registered Nurse (CIRN). Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and statistics analysis (Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis) and SPSS version 18.

Results:

The meanest score of professional competencie according to the Likert scale related to Legal/ethical practice dimension (3.13±0.6) and the least mean score related Research aptitude and Critical thinking dimension (2.7±0.67). The statistical analysis showed that the mean score of professional competence was significantly higher among married nurses than single nurses (p=0.031). In addition, the highest mean score of professional competences belonged to the nurses with at least 15-year work experience (p=0.001).

Conclusion:

Due to the low position of research and critical thinking in clinical nurses' professional competencies, It is essential for nursing managers to increase in level of nurses' professionalism and promote the quality of research-based care through take appropriate measures such as identify interpersonal and intrapersonal factors influencing the professional competence and design and implementation of training and management programs covering all dimensions of professional competence.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Simvastatin during the Resolution Phase of Experimentally Formed Venous Thrombi
Authors: Feng Yaping , Lei Bo , Zhang Fuxian , Niu Luyuan , Zhang Huan , Zhang Mingyi
Published: April 2017

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common vascular disease and is closely linked to inflammation. Over the past decade, the potential antithrombotic effect of statins has been elucidated by clinical studies, primarily through focusing on DVT prevention. The effects of statins on DVT resolution and its underlying mechanisms have been rarely addressed. We established a rabbit model of the inferior vena cava (IVC) venous thrombosis. After 48 hours, the rabbits were treated with saline, heparin, simvastatin, or simvastatin combined with heparin, respectively, for 14 days. The migration of inflammatory cells (neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes) in the thrombi and injured venous wall, the plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and P-selectin, and local expression of MCP-1 and P-selectin in the venous wall were evaluated by histology, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA examinations. Our data showed that compared with saline and heparin controls, monotherapy of simvastatin and the adjunctive therapy with simvastatin and heparin significantly improved the thrombus resolution and reduced inflammatory cells migration into the venous wall, the release of the inflammatory cell adhesion molecule (P-selectin), inflammatory chemokine (MCP-1) and pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6) into the blood, and the local expression of P-selectin and MCP-1 in the venous wall. Simvastatin targets anti-inflammatory pathways during the resolution phase of a thrombus, providing a therapeutic potential in DVT resolution and post-thrombotic syndrome prevention.
A new Early Devonian (Emsian) arthrodire from the Northwest Territories, Canada, and its significance for paleogeographic reconstruction
Authors: Schultze Hans-Peter , Cumbaa Stephen L.
Published: April 2017

An heterostiid arthrodire, Herasmius dayi sp. nov., is described from upper Lower Devonian marine deposits of the Bear Rock Formation along the Anderson River, Northwest Territories, Canada. New elements described for the genus for the first time include the suborbital, submarginal (also new for the family Heterostiidae), the lateral shoulder girdle with posterior lateral, anterior dorso-lateral, and posterior dorso-lateral plates and possible infragnathal plate. We present a new reconstruction of the cranial region of Herasmius, previously known only from supposedly freshwater – shallow marine deposits of roughly the same age in the Wood Bay Group of Spitsbergen. The late Early Devonian fishes that are common to the Arctic region of northwestern Canada and the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, the porolepiform Heimenia and the arthrodire Herasmius described here, demonstrate the existence of a barrier-free paleogeographic connection between those continental blocks by the late Early Devonian. Comparison of the entire Anderson River vertebrate fauna with other boreal faunas of similar age indicates additional paleogeographic connections north of and around the Old Red Sandstone Continent to the Baltic region, central Europe, and even to the New Siberian Islands and South China, in contrast to most current published paleogeographical reconstructions.
Team Emergence Leadership Development and Evaluation: A Theoretical Model Using Complexity Theory
Authors: Turner John R. , Baker Rose
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a leadership development model that is designed to utilise the self-organising, self-managing, and self-regulating functions found in teams and small groups. This theoretical paper presents the Team Emergence Leadership Development and Evaluation Model as a new dynamic leadership development model designed to function in complex and non-predictive environments. Complexity theory, complexity leadership theory, and emergence were utilised to connect this theoretical model to leadership development, team cognition and learning, and knowledge management. This new theoretical model provides a new way of viewing leadership development, by incorporating naturally occurring team processes as a means of replicating the characteristics traditionally viewed as being related to leadership development. Emergent events occur through distributed leadership among various agents and are defined by levels of meaning, providing new knowledge to the agents, and allowing for the collective to move onto the next step towards goal attainment. Connecting leadership development competencies with the environmental factors is critical for successful leadership development programs. The methods and procedures within the evaluation plan and protocols should move beyond a reliance on competency development as confirmation of leadership development. Complexity theory can help to shed light on the formation of these connections while aiding other agents to become potential emerging leaders themselves.
Contest theory
Authors: Vojnović Milan
Published: April 2017

Exploring the basic game theory models of contests found in online services.
Ending null pointer crashes
Authors: Meyer Bertrand
Published: April 2017

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Void safety, says Bertrand Meyer, relies on type declarations and static analysis.
Preparing tomorrow's faculty to address challenges in teaching computer science
Authors: Porter Leo , Lee Cynthia , Simon Beth , Guzdial Mark
Published: April 2017

Using a "boot camp" workshop for new faculty orientation.
Turning the Spotlight on the Consequences of Individual IT Turnover
Authors: Zylka Matthäus P. , Fischbach Kai
Published: April 2017

Among the many aspects of IT personnel studied by the information systems (IS) research community, individual voluntary IT turnover is one of the most-examined phenomena. However, research into this phenomenon concentrates mainly on antecedents and cognitive precursors such as turnover intention. Antecedents are essential to understanding the turnover behavior of IT personnel, but they do not represent the complete IT turnover research. The consequences of individual voluntary IT turnover behavior, an important topic, have faded from the spotlight of the IS community. We investigate this by conducting a multidisciplinary scoping literature review of individual voluntary IT turnover behavior, with the focus on the consequences. The purpose of this review is to determine what is known about voluntary IT turnover behavior consequences and what research gaps exist in this research context. To make our review as rigorous as possible, we followed a systematic review approach, accompanied with transparent reporting of all steps of the review process. Our search strategy yielded 153 IT turnover studies, 14 of which consider IT turnover behavior consequences, concentrated primarily on IT project management. Drawing on the scoping review, our study also specifies a research agenda for future IT turnover behavior consequences research by highlighting knowledge gaps for potentially fruitful research directions.
Brain negativity as an indicator of predictive error processing: the contribution of visual action effect monitoring
Authors: Joch Michael , Hegele Mathias , Maurer Heiko , Müller Hermann , Maurer Lisa Katharina
Published: April 2017

The error (related) negativity (Ne/ERN) is an event-related potential in the electroencephalogram (EEG) correlating with error processing. Its conditions of appearance before terminal external error information suggest that the Ne/ERN is indicative of predictive processes in the evaluation of errors. The aim of the present study was to specifically examine the Ne/ERN in a complex motor task and to particularly rule out other explaining sources of the Ne/ERN aside from error prediction processes. To this end, we focused on the dependency of the Ne/ERN on visual monitoring about the action outcome after movement termination but before result feedback (action effect monitoring). Participants performed a semi-virtual throwing task by using a manipulandum to throw a virtual ball displayed on a computer screen to hit a target object. Visual feedback about the ball flying to the target was masked to prevent action effect monitoring. Participants received a static feedback about the action outcome (850 ms) after each trial. We found a significant negative deflection in the average EEG curves of the error trials peaking at ~250 ms after ball release, i.e., before error feedback. Furthermore, this Ne/ERN signal did not depend on visual ball-flight monitoring after release. We conclude that the Ne/ERN has the potential to indicate error prediction in motor tasks and that it exists even in the absence of action effect monitoring.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we are separating different kinds of possible contributors to an electroencephalogram (EEG) error correlate (Ne/ERN) in a throwing task. We tested the influence of action effect monitoring on the Ne/ERN amplitude in the EEG. We used a task that allows us to restrict movement correction and action effect monitoring and to control the onset of result feedback. We ascribe the Ne/ERN to predictive error processing where a conscious feeling of failure is not a prerequisite.
Human primary somatosensory cortex is differentially involved in vibrotaction and nociception
Authors: Lenoir Cédric , Huang Gan , Vandermeeren Yves , Hatem Samar Marie , Mouraux André
Published: April 2017

The role of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in vibrotaction is well established. In contrast, its involvement in nociception is still debated. Here we test whether S1 is similarly involved in the processing of nonnociceptive and nociceptive somatosensory input in humans by comparing the aftereffects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) of S1 on the event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by nonnociceptive and nociceptive somatosensory stimuli delivered to the ipsilateral and contralateral hands. Cathodal HD-tDCS significantly affected the responses to nonnociceptive somatosensory stimuli delivered to the contralateral hand: both early-latency ERPs from within S1 (N20 wave elicited by transcutaneous electrical stimulation of median nerve) and late-latency ERPs elicited outside S1 (N120 wave elicited by short-lasting mechanical vibrations delivered to index fingertip, thought to originate from bilateral operculo-insular and cingulate cortices). These results support the notion that S1 constitutes an obligatory relay for the cortical processing of nonnociceptive tactile input originating from the contralateral hemibody. Contrasting with this asymmetric effect of HD-tDCS on the responses to nonnociceptive somatosensory input, HD-tDCS over the sensorimotor cortex led to a bilateral and symmetric reduction of the magnitude of the N240 wave of nociceptive laser-evoked potentials elicited by stimulation of the hand dorsum. Taken together, our results demonstrate in humans a differential involvement of S1 in vibrotaction and nociception.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Whereas the role of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in vibrotaction is well established, its involvement in nociception remains strongly debated. By assessing, in healthy volunteers, the effect of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation over S1, we demonstrate a differential involvement of S1 in vibrotaction and nociception.
Hierarchical differences in population coding within auditory cortex
Authors: Downer Joshua D. , Niwa Mamiko , Sutter Mitchell L.
Published: April 2017

Prevailing models of population coding of sensory information are based on a limited subset of neural structures. An important and under-explored question in neuroscience is how distinct areas of sensory cortex differ in their population coding strategies. In this study, we compared population coding between primary and secondary auditory cortex. Our findings demonstrate striking differences between the two areas and highlight the importance of considering the diversity of neural structures as we develop models of population coding.
Spatiotemporal Regulators for Insulin-Stimulated GLUT4 Vesicle Exocytosis
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxu , Shentu Ping , Xu Yingke
Published: April 2017

Insulin increases glucose uptake and storage in muscle and adipose cells, which is accomplished through the mobilization of intracellular GLUT4 storage vesicles (GSVs) to the cell surface upon stimulation. Importantly, the dysfunction of insulin-regulated GLUT4 trafficking is strongly linked with peripheral insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in human. The insulin signaling pathway, key signaling molecules involved, and precise trafficking itinerary of GSVs are largely identified. Understanding the interaction between insulin signaling molecules and key regulatory proteins that are involved in spatiotemporal regulation of GLUT4 vesicle exocytosis is of great importance to explain the pathogenesis of diabetes and may provide new potential therapeutic targets.
Shaking-Table Tests for Immersed Tunnels at Different Sites
Authors: Cheng Xinjun , Jing Liping , Cui Jie , Li Yongqiang , Dong Rui
Published: April 2017

Immersed tunnels are typically built in areas subjected to ground motion. Therefore, an evaluation of the seismic performance of the soil-tunnel system is essential. A series of shaking-table tests was conducted to study the influences of the site soil and overlying water layer on the seismic responses of soil deposits and an immersed tunnel. Detailed information on the experiment setup is provided with special focus on the similitude relationship, fabrication of the model system, measurement setup, and loading procedures for a simulation of the seismic waves. Three groups of tests at different sites in dry sand, saturated sand, and saturated sand with an overlying water layer were carried out using the same seismic excitations. The seismic responses of the soil deposits and the dynamic responses of the tunnel model were obtained. The experiment results indicate that, when considering only horizontal earthquake excitations, soil liquefaction significantly influences the propagation of seismic waves and the dynamic responses of the tunnel, whereas the water layer has no obvious effects on the dynamic performance of the ground or tunnel. Furthermore, the acceleration responses of the tunnel elements were analyzed qualitatively, and the joints are deemed important elements in an antiseismic immersed tunnel design.
Improved Object Proposals with Geometrical Features for Autonomous Driving
Authors: Feng Yiliu , Cai Wanzeng , Liu Xiaolong , Fu Huini , Liu Yafei , Liu Hengzhu
Published: April 2017

This paper aims at generating high-quality object proposals for object detection in autonomous driving. Most existing proposal generation methods are designed for the general object detection, which may not perform well in a particular scene. We propose several geometrical features suited for autonomous driving and integrate them into state-of-the-art general proposal generation methods. In particular, we formulate the integration as a feature fusion problem by fusing the geometrical features with existing proposal generation methods in a Bayesian framework. Experiments on the challenging KITTI benchmark demonstrate that our approach improves the existing methods significantly. Combined with a convolutional neural net detector, our approach achieves state-of-the-art performance on all three KITTI object classes.
Coexistence of Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Patient with Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Adediran Samuel , Agostino Nicole
Published: April 2017

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a prothrombotic adverse drug reaction in which heparin forms complexes with platelet factor 4 forming neoantigens that are recognized by autoantibodies. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is similar to HIT in that it is mediated by autoantibodies that are also prothrombotic. We present a case of rare coexistence of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
A Novel, Modified Reverse Controlled Antegrade and Retrograde Subintimal Tracking Technique for Bypassing the Calcified Proximal Cap of Coronary Total Occlusions
Authors: Isawa Tsuyoshi , Ochiai Masahiko , Munehisa Masato , Ootomo Tatsushi
Published: April 2017

Antegrade crossing is the most common approach to chronic total occlusions (CTOs). However, it is sometimes difficult to penetrate the proximal hard cap with guidewires, especially in the case of CTOs of anomalous coronary arteries because of a lack of support. Herein, we describe a novel, modified reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking (CART) technique in which the dissection reentry was intentionally created in the proximal segment of the vessel, not within the occluded segment, using retrograde guidewire and the aid of an antegrade balloon. This technique facilitated retrograde crossing of CTOs by avoiding the proximal hard cap and may provide a viable option for patients in which conventional reverse CART is not possible.
Disclosure of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Use and Its Associated Factors to Medical Doctor in Primary Care Clinics in Kuching Division, Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Johny Anak Kelak , Cheah Whye Lian , Razitasham Safii
Published: April 2017

The decision by the patients to disclose traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) use to their doctor is an important area to be explored. This study aimed to determine the disclosure of TCM use and its associated factors to medical doctor among primary care clinic attendees in Kuching Division, Sarawak. It was a cross‐sectional study using questionnaire, interviewer administered questionnaire. A total of 1130 patients were screened with 80.2% reporting using TCM. Logistic regression analysis revealed that being female (AOR = 3.219, 95% CI: 1.385, 7.481), perceived benefits that TCM can prevent complication of illness (AOR = 3.999, 95% CI: 1.850, 8.644) and that TCM is more gentle and safer (AOR = 4.537, 95% CI: 2.332, 8.828), perceived barriers of not having enough knowledge about TCM (AOR = 0.530, 95% CI: 0.309, 0.910), patient dissatisfaction towards healthcare providers being too business‐like and impersonal (AOR = 0.365, 95% CI: 0.199, 0.669) and paying more for healthcare than one can afford (AOR = 0.413, 95% CI: 0.250, 0.680), and accessibility of doctors (AOR = 3.971, 95% CI: 2.245, 7.023) are the predictors of disclosure of TCM use. An open communication between patients and doctor is important to ensure safe implementation and integration of both TCM and medical treatment.
Development of a Sauce Using Gymnema sylvestre Leaves
Authors: Perera O. D. A. N. , Pavitha P.
Published: April 2017

Plant derived products have attracted enormous attention due to their diverse range of biological and therapeutic properties. Gymnema sylvestre is an underutilized medicinal herb that is widely distributed in different parts of the world. It is rich in phytochemicals with antidiabetic and antiobesity properties; however, it is less popular due to its bitter taste. This study was focused on developing a sauce using leaves of Gymnema sylvestre. The most acceptable composition (17.2% water, 4.8% vinegar, 3.2% sweet potato, 2.6% chili, 2.0% sugar, 2.0% cinnamon, 2.0% cardamom, 1.8% ginger, 1.8% garlic, 1.2% onion, 1.2% salt, 0.1% citric acid, and 0.1% sodium benzoate) of the sauce was with 60% leaf extract. Final product contains 73.54% ± 1.68 moisture, 19.92% ± 2.59 carbohydrate, 2.98% ± 0.44 ash, 2.61% ± 0.58 protein, 0.88% ± 0.05 fiber, and 0.05% ± 0.01 fat. The total flavonoid content was 243.67 ± 8.57 µ moles of rutin equivalent, total phenolic content was 65.44 ± 0.51 µ moles of gallic acid equivalent, and % of inhibition of DPPH of total antioxidant capacity was 43.70 ± 0.72. Sauce formulated with 1000 ppm sodium benzoate had six weeks of shelf life. The results showed that development of a sauce from G. sylvestre leaves is an effective way of delivering the health benefits to the potential consumers.
An Approach to Evaluate Blurriness in Retinal Images with Vitreous Opacity for Cataract Diagnosis
Authors: Xiong Li , Li Huiqi , Xu Liang
Published: April 2017

Cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world’s population. A method to evaluate blurriness for cataract diagnosis in retinal images with vitreous opacity is proposed in this paper. Three types of features are extracted, which include pixel number of visible structures, mean contrast between vessels and background, and local standard deviation. To avoid the wrong detection of vitreous opacity as retinal structures, a morphological method is proposed to detect and remove such lesions from retinal visible structure segmentation. Based on the extracted features, a decision tree is trained to classify retinal images into five grades of blurriness. The proposed approach was tested using 1355 clinical retinal images, and the accuracies of two-class classification and five-grade grading compared with that of manual grading are 92.8% and 81.1%, respectively. The kappa value between automatic grading and manual grading is 0.74 in five-grade grading, in which both variance and P value are less than 0.001. Experimental results show that the grading difference between automatic grading and manual grading is all within 1 grade, which is much improvement compared with that of other available methods. The proposed grading method provides a universal measure of cataract severity and can facilitate the decision of cataract surgery.
Dynamic Response of a Circular Tunnel in an Elastic Half Space
Authors: Coşkun İrfan , Dolmaseven Demirhan
Published: April 2017

The vibration of a circular tunnel in an elastic half space subjected to uniformly distributed dynamic pressure at the inner boundary is studied in this paper. For comparison purposes, two different ground materials (soft and hard soil) are considered for the half space. Under the assumption of plane strain, the equations of motion for the tunnel and the surrounding medium are reduced to two wave equations in polar coordinates using Helmholtz potentials. The method of wave expansion is used to construct the displacement fields in terms of displacement potentials. The boundary conditions associated with the problem are satisfied exactly at the inner surface of the tunnel and at the interface between the tunnel and surrounding medium, and they are satisfied approximately at the free surface of the half space. A least-squares technique is used for satisfying the stress-free boundary conditions at the half space. It is shown by comparison that the stresses and displacements are significantly influenced by the properties of the surrounding soil, wave number (i.e., the frequency), depth of embedment, and thickness of the tunnel wall.
A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss
Authors: Patel Deepa P. , Swink Shane M. , Castelo-Soccio Leslie
Published: April 2017

Background: Biotin has gained commercial popularity for its claimed benefits on healthy hair and nail growth. Despite its reputation, there is limited research to support the utility of biotin in healthy individuals. Objective: To systematically review the literature on biotin efficacy in hair and nail growth. Methods: We conducted a PubMed search of all case reports and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) using the following terms: (biotin and hair); (biotin and supplementation and hair); (biotin supplementation); (biotin and alopecia); (biotin and nails); (biotin and dermatology), and (biotin recommendations). Results: We found 18 reported cases of biotin use for hair and nail changes. In all cases, patients receiving biotin supplementation had an underlying pathology for poor hair or nail growth. All cases showed evidence of clinical improvement after receiving biotin. Conclusions: Though its use as a hair and nail growth supplement is prevalent, research demonstrating the efficacy of biotin is limited. In cases of acquired and inherited causes of biotin deficiency as well as pathologies, such as brittle nail syndrome or uncombable hair, biotin supplementation may be of benefit. However, we propose these cases are uncommon and that there is lack of sufficient evidence for supplementation in healthy individuals.
Differential Effects of Inflammatory and Psychosocial Stress on Mood, Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, and Inflammation in Remitted Depression
Authors: Niemegeers Peter , De Boer Peter , Dumont Glenn J.H. , Van Den Eede Filip , Fransen Erik , Claes Stephan J. , Morrens Manuel , Sabbe Bernard G.C.
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly recurrent. This may be due to increased stress sensitivity after remission. Both inflammatory and psychosocial stressors are implicated in the pathogenesis of MDD, but the additive or differential effect is unclear. Methods: We conducted a single-blind placebo-controlled study to investigate the effects of inflammatory stress (i.e., typhoid vaccination), psychosocial stress (i.e., Trier Social Stress Test [TSST]), or a combination of both in women (25-45 years old) with (partially) remitted recurrent MDD (n = 21) and healthy female controls (n = 18). We evaluated the effect on mood measured by the Profile of Mood States, markers of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, and inflammatory system activation. The study was performed during 2 testing days, separated by a washout of 7-14 days. In a crossover design, subjects received one of the interventions on one day and placebo on the other. Results: A lowering of mood was seen in patients (β [95% CI] = -4.79 [-6.82 to -2.75], p < 0.001) only after vaccination, but not after the TSST or the combination; this effect was not observed in controls. Controls experienced a significantly different response on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) after vaccination, with a general rise in ACTH not observed in patients. In both groups, the TSST activated the HPA axis and suppressed the inflammatory parameters. Conclusions: There is a differential effect of inflammatory and psychosocial stress on mood and HPA axis activation in patients with remitted recurrent MDD. This may be an interesting treatment target in MDD.
Silicone Oil-Related Visual Loss
Authors: Ghoraba Hamouda Hamdy , Zaky Adel Galal , Heikal Mohamed Amin , Elgemai Emad Eldin Mohamed , Abd Al Fatah Haithem Mamoun
Published: April 2017

Background: Silicone oil (SO) is used as an intravitreal tamponade agent in vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy or with large, multiple retinal tears. Usually, SO is left in the eye for at least 3 months. Although its use can lead to well-known complications, intraocular SO is generally well tolerated. Some studies have reported unexpected central vision loss after SO use or removal. Objective: To investigate and analyze the reason for visual loss after the use or removal of intraocular SO in patients who underwent vitrectomy surgeries for RRD. Patients and Methods: A retrospective observational case series of 12 patients with macula-on RRD who reported visual loss after the use or removal of SO was reviewed. Investigations carried out included fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the macula and optic disc, perimetry, and electrophysiological study. Electrolyte levels were measured in retro-oil fluid and compared with their levels in the vitreous humor of patients who underwent vitrectomy for macular holes, floaters, dropped intraocular lenses, or dropped crystalline lens fragments. Results: Visual acuity levels dropped by at least 2 Snellen chart lines. None of the 12 cases had macular detachment at any stage. Fundus fluorescein angiography and OCT results were unremarkable in most of the cases. Mean levels of electrolytes in retro-oil fluids and vitreous humor were similar. Conclusion: Visual loss is a possible complication after SO use or removal. This still remains a mysterious issue which needs further research and investigation.
Genetic Polymorphisms in Aromatase (cyp19a1) Are Not Associated with Gonadal Phenotypes in Red-Eared Slider Turtle Hatchlings Developed at a Pivotal Temperature
Authors: Matsumoto Yuiko , Crews David
Published: April 2017

Embryonic gonad sex in many reptilian species is determined by the incubation temperature of the egg, a differentiation process known as temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Incubation at the pivotal temperature (PvT) results in approximately an equal number of offspring of both sexes. We investigated the potential contribution of genetic variations that drives the gonadal differentiation into testes or ovaries under this temperature in the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta). Four male and 4 female hatchlings of eggs that had been incubated at the PvT were examined for polymorphisms at an approximately 23-kb region of the aromatase (cyp19a1) gene. By aligning the red-eared slider aromatase gene to a reference genome of the western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii), we discovered 22 exonic and 1,268 intronic polymorphisms. Of these, 12 (55%) exonic polymorphisms were unique to the individuals of the red-eared slider; 10 were synonymous and 2 were nonsynonymous changes. We found no pattern in these genetic variants as well as intronic variants that are consistently different between male and female hatchlings at the PvT. Overall, our study suggests that polymorphisms within the aromatase gene - at least by themselves - do not constrain the gonad sex differentiation in embryos developed at the PvT.
Barber-Say Syndrome and Ablepharon-Macrostomia Syndrome: A Patient's View
Authors: De Maria Beatrice , de Jager Tresia , Sarubbi Caitlin , Bartsch Oliver , Bianchi Alberto , Brancati Francesco , Chung Hon-Yin B. , David Albert , Kariminejad Ariana , Foresti Maura , Gallottini Marina , Isidor Bertrand , Marchegiani Shannon , Martins Fabiana , Mazzanti Laura , Roche Nathalie , Singh Ankur , Stevens Cathy , Suga Kenichi , Zenker Martin , Hennekam Raoul C.
Published: April 2017

Barber-Say syndrome (BSS) and ablepharon-macrostomia syndrome (AMS) are infrequently reported congenital malformation disorders caused by mutations in the TWIST2 gene. Both are characterized by abnormalities in ectoderm-derived structures and cause a very unusual morphology of mainly the face in individuals with otherwise normal cognition and normal physical functioning. We studied the impact that the presence of BSS and AMS has on psychosocial functioning of affected individuals and their families, using their point of view to start with. We tabulated frequently asked questions from affected individuals and families, and a parent of an affected child and an affected adult woman offered personal testimonies. We focused on perception of illness, body satisfaction, and the consequences for an otherwise normal individual who has a disorder that interferes with body image. The importance of paying particular attention to the management of both the physical appearance and the consequences of these entities on the quality of life is stressed by the affected individuals themselves.
Livestock and wild herbivores in the western Himalaya: competition or co-existence?
Authors: Syed Zarreen , Khan Mohd Shahnawaz
Published: April 2017

Pastoralism is among the major land use practices in the Himalaya and the main source of livelihood for local communities.  In naturally occurring herbivore populations, the co-occurrence of native species has evolved through evolutionary processes over millions of years which has enabled coexistence.  In the modern scenario, however, the intrusion of livestock into the wild habitats impose additional pressure on the limited resources, given that there has been insufficient time for resource partitioning to evolve.  Realizing the need to develop a better understanding of wild herbivores and livestock interactions, the present review was compiled.  The review demonstrates that a group of similar species using similar habitats and feeding on similar foods leads to more competition.  Also, goat/sheep impose a potential threat to the resource of wild herbivores and such resource exploitation by livestock is not compatible with their conservation.  Further, wild herbivores shift their habitat to avoid the risk of being exposed to competition or predation.  Livestock grazing and associated activities affect the wild herbivores’ habitat use and foraging behaviour, and these are changes that may also affect their survival in the future.  There is a prime need to find out the threshold of livestock population which can sustain itself without compromising livestock production and wildlife.  High conflict areas need to be identified and compensatory mechanisms should evolve. It is also necessary for ecology to be integrated with an understanding of the social dynamics that influence the status of the resources.
A new record of Gunther’s Waspfish Snyderina guentheri (Boulenger, 1889) (Scorpaeniformes: Tetrarogidae) from Visakhapatnam, India
Authors: Naranji Muddula Krishna , Kandula Sujatha
Published: April 2017

Gunther's waspfish, Snyderina guentheri (Boulenger, 1889) was caught depth range of 300 m in the trawl net operated from Visakhapatnam, India.  A total of thirty five specimens of length range 85-164 mm TL were collected. It is caught from deeper waters at depths of 300 meters along with members of family Triglidae. This species is characterized by the following morphological characters and colour pattern of this species.
The seasonal occurrence of the Whale Shark Rhincodon typus (Smith, 1828) (Orectolobiformes: Rhincodontidae) along the Odisha coast, India
Authors: Patro Shesdev , Sahu Biraja Kumar , Parida Chandanlal , Dash Madhusmita , Sahu K.C.
Published: April 2017

This article gives a description about the seasonal occurrence of Whale Shark in the southern Odisha coast by taking into account of the current observed data and published literatures. The present report claims the sighting of whale sharks during offshore surveys on 13th March 2016 and 15th March 2016, 8 km (19° 15’ 38” N, 85° 01’32” E) and 4.5 km (19º 15’ 69” N, 85° 00’ 58” E) off the coast of Gopalpur Port, Odisha respectively. Most of the earlier reports of whale shark sightings along Odisha coast are from the coastal waters off Rushikulya river mouth or Gopalpur during the month of February-March. Continuous records of whale sharks along southern Odisha coast during February and March suggest the probability of seasonal migration of this giant fish during the period.
Circulating MicroRNAs in Delayed Cerebral Infarction After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Lu Gang , Wong Man Sze , Xiong Mark Zhi Qiang , Leung Chi Kwan , Su Xian Wei , Zhou Jing Ye , Poon Wai Sang , Zheng Vera Zhi Yuan , Chan Wai Yee , Wong George Kwok Chu
Published: April 2017

Background

Delayed cerebral infarction (
DCI
) is a major cause of morbidities after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (
SAH
) and typically starts at day 4 to 7 after initial hemorrhage. Micro
RNA
s (mi
RNAs
) play an important role in posttranscriptional gene expression control, and distinctive patterns of circulating mi
RNA
changes have been identified for some diseases. We aimed to investigate mi
RNA
s that characterize
SAH
patients with
DCI
compared with those without
DCI
.

Methods and Results

Circulating mi
RNA
s were collected on day 7 after
SAH
in healthy,
SAH
‐free controls (n=20),
SAH
patients with
DCI
(n=20), and
SAH
patients without
DCI
(n=20). We used the LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) method of regression analysis to characterize mi
RNA
s associated with
SAH
patients with
DCI
compared with those without
DCI
. In the 28 dysregulated mi
RNA
s associated with
DCI
and
SAH
, we found that a combination of 4 mi
RNA
s (miR‐4532, miR‐4463, miR‐1290, and miR‐4793) could differentiate
SAH
patients with
DCI
from those without
DCI
with an area under the curve of 100% (95%
CI
1.000–1.000,
P
<0.001). This 4‐mi
RNA
combination could also distinguish
SAH
patients with or without
DCI
from healthy controls with areas under the curve of 99.3% (95%
CI
0.977–1.000,
P
<0.001) and 82.0% (95%
CI
0.685–0.955,
P
<0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

We found a 4‐mi
RNA
combination that characterized
SAH
patients with
DCI
. The findings could guide future mechanistic study to develop therapeutic targets.
Waging “Protracted Conflict” Behind the Scenes: The Cold War Activism of Frank R. Barnett
Authors: Michaels Jeffrey H.
Published: April 2017

From the end of World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union, Frank R. Barnett, a private U.S. citizen, became a central player among the West's ‘Cold Warriors’ by developing and applying a unique methodology for organizing anti-Communist “political warfare” both in the United States and around the world. Recognizing the limits of government-sponsored activities in prosecuting a more aggressive strategy to counter the Soviet Union, Barnett sidestepped U.S. officialdom and created a parallel and less-constrained private network to engage in “protracted conflict” for the purpose of “rolling back the Soviet empire.” A key aspect of his activism involved developing educational gatherings for policymakers, lawmakers, industrialists, military reserve officers, and scholars. Arguably the most notable achievement of this network was that it kept the ideology of hardline anti-Communism on the “back burner” during a period when the mainstream discourse of “peaceful coexistence” and détente prevailed.