bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrast Enhanced Vascular Imaging Used in the Diagnosis of a Carotid Body Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Medepalli Vidya Mani , Braum Paul , Medepalli Lalitha C.
Published: July 2019

Carotid body tumors (CBT) are a rare form of paragangliomas of the head and neck. They are described as rare, slow-growing, mostly benign, clinically silent tumors of neural crest cells. This tumor should be considered as a differential diagnosis when evaluating a lateral neck mass. A report of a rare case, a carotid body tumor, is presented that was incidentally noted as a lateral neck mass during a screening sonogram. A mass located at the level of the left carotid bifurcation demonstrated significant vascular flow with the use of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) techniques. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was also performed to further analyze the tumor’s anatomical relation to the extra cranial vessels.
Proteomic profiling of plasma biomarkers in acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion
Authors: Qin Chuan , Zhao Xin-Ling , Ma Xiao-Tong , Zhou Luo-Qi , Wu Long-jun , Shang Ke , Wang Wei , Tian Dai-Shi
Published: July 2019

Background

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) is a devastating cerebrovascular disorder, which could benefit from collateral circulation. Proteins associated with acute LVO pathogenesis and endothelial function may appear in blood samples of AIS patients due to LVO, thus permitting development of blood-based biomarkers for its diagnosis and prognosis.

Methods

This study is a single-center, retrospective, observational case–control trial. Consecutive patients who presented at the Department of Neurology of Tongji Hospital were recruited from July 2016 to April 2018. In the discovery phase, a proteomic approach with iTRAQ-based LC–MS/MS was used to investigate the altered proteomic pattern in plasma from patients with AIS due to LVO. In the validation study, Western blots was used to identify biomarkers associated with stroke diagnosis as well as their prognostic value associated with different collateral statuses.

Results

For this exploratory study, the proteomic analysis of plasma from 40 patients with AIS due to LVO and 20 healthy controls revealed seven differentially expressed proteins with a 1.2/0.83-fold or greater difference between groups. The four elevated proteins, PPBP (1.58 ± 0.78 vs 0.98 ± 0.37; P < 0.001), THBS1 (1.13 ± 0.88 vs 0.43 ± 0.26; P < 0.001), LYVE1 (1.61 ± 0.55 vs 0.97 ± 0.50; P < 0.001), and IGF2 (1.19 ± 0.42 vs 0.86 ± 0.24; P < 0.001), were verified by Western blots analysis in an independent cohort including 33 patients and 33 controls. A strong interaction was observed between the four-protein panel and the diagnosis of AIS due to LVO (AUC 0.947; P < 0.001). Furthermore, IGF2, LYVE1, and THBS1 were closely associated with collateral status (IGF2 0.115, 95% CI 0.016–0.841, P = 0.033; LYVE1 0.183, 95% CI 0.036–0.918, P = 0.039; THBS1 4.257, 95% CI 1.273–14.228, P = 0.019), and proved to be independent predictors of good outcome (IGF2 0.115, 95% CI 0.015–0.866, P = 0.036; LYVE1 0.028, 95% CI 0.002–0.334, P = 0.005; THBS1 3.294, 95% CI 1.158–9.372, P = 0.025) at a 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions

The identified 4-biomarker panel could provide diagnostic aid to the existing imaging modalities for AIS due to LVO, and the prognostic value of IGF2, LYVE1, and THBS1 was proved in predicting functional outcomes related to collateral status.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 03122002. Retrospectively registered April 20, 2017. URL of trial registry record: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03122002?term=NCT+03122002&rank=1
Detection and classification of social media-based extremist affiliations using sentiment analysis techniques
Authors: Ahmad Shakeel , Asghar Muhammad Zubair , Alotaibi Fahad M. , Awan Irfanullah
Published: July 2019

Identification and classification of extremist-related tweets is a hot issue. Extremist gangs have been involved in using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter for propagating their ideology and recruitment of individuals. This work aims at proposing a terrorism-related content analysis framework with the focus on classifying tweets into extremist and non-extremist classes. Based on user-generated social media posts on Twitter, we develop a tweet classification system using deep learning-based sentiment analysis techniques to classify the tweets as extremist or non-extremist. The experimental results are encouraging and provide a gateway for future researchers.
Comparison of the effects of amantadine and ondansetron in treatment of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Khazaei Mojtaba , Karevan Ashkan , Taheri Mohammad , Ghafouri‐Fard Soudeh
Published: July 2019

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disorder with a variety of manifestations including fatigue. Fatigue may interfere with daily work and activities. Different pharmacological and non‐pharmacological methods have been used for treatment of this symptom in MS patients. In this study, the effect of ondansetron and amantadine in the treatment of fatigue was compared.

Methods

In this randomized clinical trial, 53 MS patients with fatigability were enrolled (mean age ± standard deviation: 54.00 ± 7.88, Female/male ratio: 45/8). Patients were referred to Imam Clinic and Sina Hospital, Hamadan, Iran. Patients were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) questionnaire. Patients were randomly assigned to either the amantadine or ondansetron treatment groups and received treatments in a crossover manner. The severity of fatigue was measured using FSS questionnaire in four stages (beginning and end of each regimen). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.

Results

The mean and standard deviation of patients’ fatigue scores before treatment were 43.07 ± 10.36 and 43.22 ± 9.67 in the amantadine and ondansetron group, respectively. These scores were 37.36 ± 7.87 and 40.00 ± 8.94 after treatment in the amantadine and ondansetron group, respectively. Both drugs significantly decreased the fatigue severity of patients (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between two regimens in terms of the mean score of fatigue before and after treatment and the frequency of complications. However, when ranking the severity of fatigue (mild, moderate, severe), fatigue reduction after intervention in the amantadine group was significantly higher than ondansetron (P = 0.026).

Conclusion

Both amantadine and ondansetron reduce fatigue in MS patients, but the efficacy of amantadine in reducing the MS‐associated fatigue is greater than that of ondansetron.
Laser cleaning of paintings: in situ optimization of operative parameters through non-invasive assessment by optical coherence tomography (OCT), reflection FT-IR spectroscopy and laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIF)
Authors: Moretti Patrizia , Iwanicka Magdalena , Melessanaki Kristalia , Dimitroulaki Evdoxia , Kokkinaki Olga , Daugherty Melissa , Sylwestrzak Marcin , Pouli Paraskevi , Targowski Piotr , van den Berg Klaas Jan , Cartechini Laura , Miliani Costanza
Published: July 2019

Nowadays the use of laser technology as a highly precise tool for the cleaning of paintings is gaining ground. The development of a non-invasive analytical protocol aimed at thorough assessment of the treated surfaces and real time monitoring of the laser cleaning action is thus becoming imperative. This ensures that no side effects (e.g. discoloration, darkening, blackening) will occur on the painting surfaces due to laser ablation. In the present study the potential of the combined use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflection FT-IR spectroscopy for in situ non-invasive assessment of laser cleaning procedures has been investigated on a historical easel painting donated to science. Specifically, OCT and FT-IR analyses were carried out before and after each cleaning test in order to carefully assess the condition of the painting surfaces upon their irradiation with a KrF excimer laser and evaluate the removal of weathered and/or non-original materials (i.e. waxes, aged natural varnishes, oxalates, deposition/migration compounds). This specific laser radiation, operating in the ultraviolet region (λ = 248 nm), is highly absorbed by coating materials (i.e. oxidized natural varnishes) and thus high selectivity and control of the cleaning process can be pursued. A systematic integration of the information on the chemical changes of the molecular composition of the painting surface provided by reflection FT-IR spectroscopy with the visualization of the stratigraphical changes by OCT allowed the evaluation of the sensitivity of the painting materials to different operative parameters of the laser treatment, such as laser fluence and number of pulses. In parallel, laser induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopic measurements, recorded with the same laser beam at significantly attenuated energy density values, were exploited to provide information on the fluorescence properties of the irradiated varnish surfaces. The combination of the results obtained by OCT and FT-IR complemented with those from LIF measurements are discussed with the aim of developing an efficient methodology for assessing in situ the irradiated painting surfaces after the laser cleaning treatments and, thus, setting the basis for a future monitoring scheme that would ensure optimum cleaning interventions.
Shining the light on eating disorders, incidence, prognosis and profiling of patients in primary and secondary care: national data linkage study
Authors: Demmler Joanne C. , Brophy Sinead T. , Marchant Amanda , John Ann , Tan Jacinta O. A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Diagnosing eating disorders can be difficult and few people with the disorder receive specialist services despite the associated high morbidity and mortality.

Aims

To examine the burden of eating disorders in the population in terms of incidence, comorbidities and survival.

Method

We used linked electronic health records from general practitioner and hospital admissions in Wales, UK within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) databank to investigate the incidence of new eating disorder diagnoses. We examined the frequency of comorbid diagnoses and prescribed medications in cases and controls in the 2 years before and 3 years after diagnosis, and performed a survival analysis.

Results

A total of 15 558 people were diagnosed with eating disorders between 1990 and 2017. The incidence peaked at 24 per 100 000 people in 2003/04. People with eating disorders showed higher levels of other mental disorders (odds ratio 4.32, 95% CI 4.01–4.66) and external causes of morbidity and mortality (odds ratio 2.92, 95% CI 2.44–3.50). They had greater prescription of central nervous system drugs (odds ratio 3.15, 95% CI 2.97–3.33), gastrointestinal drugs (odds ratio 2.61, 95% CI 2.45–2.79) and dietetic drugs (odds ratio 2.42, 95% CI 2.24–2.62) before diagnosis. These excess diagnoses and prescriptions remained 3 years after diagnosis. Mortality was raised compared with controls for some eating disorders, particularly in females with anorexia nervosa.

Conclusions

Incidence of diagnosed eating disorders is relatively low in the population but there is a major longer term burden in morbidity and mortality to the individual.
‘Placement budgets’ for supported employment: impact on employment rates in a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rössler Wulf , Kawohl Wolfram , Nordt Carlos , Haker Helene , Rüsch Nicolas , Hengartner Michael P.
Published: July 2019

Background

The most effective rehabilitation model for job (re-)entry of people with mental illness is supported employment. A barrier to introducing supported employment into standard care is its temporally unlimited provision, which conflicts with health and social legislation in many European countries.

Aims

To test the impact of different ‘placement budgets’, i.e. a predefined maximum time budget for job seeking until take-up of competitive employment.

Method

Participants (116) were randomly assigned to 25 h, 40 h or 55 h placement budgets in an intent-to-treat analysis. We applied the individual placement and support model over 24 months, following participants for 36 months. Primary outcome was employment in the labour market for at least 3 months.

Results

The proportion of participants obtaining competitive employment was 55.1% in the 25 h group, 37.8% in the 40 h group and 35.8% in the 55 h group. In a Cox regression analysis, time to employment was slightly lower in the 25 h group relative to the 40 h (hazard ratio 1.78, 95% CI 0.88–3.57, P = 0.107) and 55 h groups (hazard ratio 1.74, 95% CI 0.86–3.49, P = 0.122), but this was not statistically significant. The vast majority of all participants who found a job did so within the first 12 months (80.4%).

Conclusion

A restricted time budget for job finding and placement does not affect the rate of successful employment. In accordance with legislation, a restriction of care provision seems justified and enhances the chances of supported employment being introduced in statutory services.
Determinants of mental and physical health treatment-seeking among military personnel
Authors: Britt Thomas W. , Sipos Maurice L. , Klinefelter Zachary , Adler Amy B.
Published: July 2019

Background

Although research has documented factors influencing whether military personnel seek treatment for mental health problems, less research has focused on determinants of treatment-seeking for physical health problems.

Aims

To explicitly compare the barriers and facilitators of treatment-seeking for mental and physical health problems.

Method

US soldiers (n = 2048) completed a survey with measures of barriers and facilitators of treatment-seeking for mental and physical health problems as well as measures of somatic symptoms and mental health.

Results

The top barrier for both mental and physical health treatment-seeking was a preference for handling problems oneself. The top facilitators for both symptom types were related to treatment improving quality of life. Differential endorsement of barriers occurred for treatment of mental versus physical health symptoms. In contrast, facilitators were endorsed more for physical than for mental health treatment. While there were few gender differences, officers reported more barriers and facilitators than did enlisted personnel. Screening positive for mental or physical health problems was associated with greater endorsement of both barriers and facilitators for physical and mental health treatment, respectively.

Conclusions

The leading barriers and facilitators for seeking treatment for mental health and physical problems are relatively similar, suggesting that health education should consider decision-making in seeking both mental and physical healthcare. Interventions should be tailored to reduce barriers for officers and improve facilitators for junior enlisted personnel, and address barriers and facilitators for service members screening positive for a mental or physical health problem.
Metronomic Chemotherapy for Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Survey of Current Practices and Opinions of Pediatric Oncologists
Authors: Revon-Rivière Gabriel , Banavali Shripad , Heississen Laila , Gomez Garcia Wendy , Abdolkarimi Babak , Vaithilingum Manickavallie , Li Chi-Kong , Leung Ping Chung , Malik Prabhat , Pasquier Eddy , Epelman Sidnei , Chantada Guillermo , André Nicolas
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experience the burden of 80% of new childhood cancer cases worldwide, with cure rates as low as 10% in some countries. Metronomics combines frequent administrations of low-dose chemotherapy with drug repurposing, which consists of using already-approved drugs for new medical applications. With wide availability, limited costs, and little infrastructure needs, metronomics can be part of constraint-adapted regimens in these resource-limited settings—with the understanding that metronomics shall not be a substitute for standard treatments when available and doable. Our study aims to describe the experience, practices, opinions, and needs in metronomics of physicians working in LMICs.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was sent to more than 1,200 physicians in pediatric oncology networks in LMICs. Items included the type of center, physician’s demographics, experience in pediatric oncology, and experience with current knowledge of metronomics. Opinions and perspectives were explored using multiple-answer and open questions.

RESULTS

Of physicians, 17% responded. Of respondents, 54.9% declared that they had already used a metronomic regimen. The most frequently cited repositioned drugs were celecoxib (44%) followed by propranolol and valproic acid (17%). Respondents highlighted the advantages of outpatient use (20%) and expected low toxicity (24%). In considering the drawbacks of metronomics, 47% of responses highlighted the lack of scientific evidence or guidelines, 33% the availability or affordability of drugs, and 18% the problem of acceptance or compliance. Of physicians, 79% believed that use of metronomics will spread in LMICs in the near future and 98% of them were willing to participate in international metronomic protocols or registries.

CONCLUSION

Metronomics is already used in LMICs and is a potential answer to unmet needs in pediatric oncology. There is room for improvement in the availability of drugs and a necessity to develop collaborative protocols and research to generate level A evidence.
Breast Cancer Care in South India: Is Practice Concordant With National Guidelines?
Authors: Vijaykumar D.K. , Arun Sujana , Abraham Aswin G. , Hopman Wilma , Robinson Andrew G. , Booth Christopher M.
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE

The National Cancer Grid (NCG) of India has recently published clinical practice guidelines that are relevant in the Indian context. We evaluated the extent to which breast cancer care at a teaching hospital in South India was concordant with NCG guidelines.

METHODS

All patients who had surgery for breast cancer at a single center from January 2014 to December 2015 were included. Demographic, pathologic, and treatment characteristics were extracted from the electronic medical record. Patients were classified as being concordant with six elements selected from the NCG guideline. The indicators related to appropriate use of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, lymph node harvest, adjuvant radiotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing, and delivery of adjuvant trastuzumab.

RESULTS

A total of 401 women underwent surgery for breast cancer; mean age (standard deviation) was 57 (12) years. Lymph node involvement was present in 47% (188 of 401) of the cohort; 23% (94 of 401) had T1 disease. Ninety-two percent (368 of 401) underwent radical modified mastectomy. SLN biopsy was performed in 75% (167 of 222) of eligible patients. Eighty percent (208 of 261) of patients with a positive SLN biopsy or no SLN biopsy had a lymph node harvest of more than 10. Adjuvant chemotherapy with an anthracycline and a taxane was delivered to 67% of patients (118 of 177) with node-positive disease. Adjuvant radiotherapy was delivered to 84% (180 of 213) of patients with breast-conserving surgery, T4 tumors, or 3+ positive lymph nodes. Fluorescent in situ hybridization testing was performed in 59% of patients (43 of 73) with 2+ HER2-positive lymph nodes on immunohistochemistry. Among patients with HER2 overexpression, 40% (36 of 91) received adjuvant trastuzumab.

CONCLUSION

Concordance with NCG guidelines for breast cancer care ranged from 40% to 84%. Guideline concordance was lowest for those elements of care associated with the highest direct costs to patients.
Emerging links between cell competition and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Coelho Dina S. , Moreno Eduardo
Published: July 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes a progressive loss of memory and other cognitive functions, which inexorably debilitates patients. There is still no cure for AD and effective treatments to delay or revert AD are urgently needed. On a molecular level, the excessive accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides triggers a complex cascade of pathological events underlying neuronal death, whose details are not yet completely understood. Our laboratory recently discovered that cell competition may play a protective role against AD by eliminating less fit neurons from the brain of Aβ-transgenic flies. Loss of Aβ-damaged neurons through fitness comparison with healthy counterparts is beneficial for the organism, delaying cognitive decline and motor disability. In this Review, we introduce the molecular mechanisms of cell competition, including seminal works on the field and latest advances regarding genetic triggers and effectors of cell elimination. We then describe the biological relevance of competition in the nervous system and discuss how competitive interactions between neurons may arise and be exacerbated in the context of AD. Selection of neurons through fitness comparison is a promising, but still emerging, research field that may open new avenues for the treatment of neurological disorders.
What goes up must come down - biomechanical impact analysis of falling locusts
Authors: Reichel Simon V. , Labisch Susanna , Dirks Jan-Henning
Published: July 2019

Many insects are able to precisely control their jumping movements. Once in the air, the properties of the actual landing site however are almost impossible to predict. Falling insects thus have to cope with the situation at impact. In particular for insects jumping to escape predators, a controlled landing movement appears to be a major evolutionary advantage. A quick recovery into an upright and stable body posture minimizes the time to prepare for the next escape jump. In this study we used high-speed recordings to investigate the falling and in particular impact behavior of Schistocerca gregaria locusts, a common model organism for studies on the biomechanics of jumping. Detailed impact analyses of free-falling locusts show that most insects typically crashed onto the substrate. Although free falling locusts tended to spread their legs, they mostly fell onto head and thorax first. The presence of wings did not significantly reduce impact speed, however affected the orientation of the body at impact and significantly reduced the time to recover. Our results also show that alive warm locusts fell significantly faster than inactive or dead locusts. This indicates a possible tradeoff between active control vs. reduced speed. Interestingly, alive insects also tended to perform a characteristic bending movement of the body at impact. This biomechanical adaptation might reduce the rebound and shorten the time to recover. The adhesive pads also play an important role to reduce the time to recover by allowing the insects to anchor itself to the substrate.
Maintenance Properties of Enzyme Molecule Stereostructure at High Temperature by Adsorption on Organo-Modified Magnetic Nanoparticle Layer Template
Authors: Yunoki Takeru , Kimura Yusuke , Fujimori Atsuhiro
Published: July 2019

The transition behavior of Gibbs monolayers of biomolecules at the air/water interface, and the sustainability of their three-dimensional structure during heating by adsorption/immobilization on inorganic particle nanosheets were investigated. Lysozyme (enzyme), cytochrome C (protein), trypsin (digestive enzyme), and luciferase (luminescent enzyme) were the biomolecules used in this study. The surface pressure-time isotherms of these biomolecules showed that the crystal transition of the Gibbs monolayer corresponding to denaturation and deactivation was systematically different. The Gibbs monolayers of these biomolecules were observed to become increasingly unstable with an increase in the number of apparent hydrophobic units, and were susceptible to denaturation by crystal transition. These biomolecules were adsorbed/immobilized on a nanosheet of organo-modified magnetic fine particles. After forming a monolayer on the water surface of the organo-magnetic nanoparticles, these biomolecules were introduced into the subphase and electrostatic interaction between the nanoparticle hydrophilic surface and the biomolecules was induced. When the bio-adsorbed single particle layer was transferred onto the solid substrate, an infra-red (IR) band derived from the adsorbed species was confirmed in this multi-particle layer. In addition, shapeless adsorbed matter was observed by atomic force microscopy images. From the IR measurement under heating, it was found that the secondary structure of the adsorbed lysozyme enzyme was maintained up to about 100 °C by substrate adsorption. This is probably because the three-dimensional structure of biomolecules is less likely to be denatured by using inorganic nanosheets with high density and low defects as the templates.
Transcallosal Control of Bilateral Actions
Authors: Richmond Sutton B. , Fling Brett W.
Published: July 2019

The corpus callosum is an important neural structure for controlling and coordinating bilateral movements of the upper limbs; however, there remains a substantial lack of knowledge regarding its association with lower limb control. We argue that transcallosal structure is an integral neural mechanism underlying control of the lower limbs and callosal degradation is a key contributor to mobility declines.
Data-informed Intervention Improves Football Technique and Reduces Head Impacts
Authors: CHAMPAGNE ALLEN A. , DISTEFANO VINCENT , BOULANGER MARIE-MICHELLE , MAGEE BLAIRE , COVERDALE NICOLE S. , GALLUCCI DANIEL , GUSKIEWICZ KEVIN , COOK DOUGLAS J.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Although sport participation is a key contributor to the physical and mental health of children and youth, exposure to subconcussive head impacts in football has raised concerns about safety for athletes.

Purpose

To demonstrate the efficacy of incorporating targeted football drills into a team’s practice routine with the goal of improving players’ technique and reduce exposure to subconcussive head impacts.

Methods

Seventy high school football players (age, 16.4 ± 1.1 yr) were tested PRE season using a sport-specific functional assessment. Results from the testing were used to inform the design of a prepractice intervention aimed at improving tackling and blocking techniques while reducing exposure to head impacts. The assessment included drills which evaluated the players’ ability to safely tackle, and block while simulating game-like situations. Testing was repeated at MID season (internal control) without an intervention, and again at POST season (experimental), after introduction of the prepractice intervention between these timepoints, administered twice weekly. All testing sessions were recorded, and subsequently reviewed by trained graders based on selected criteria defined by football coaches. A subset of 19 participants wore in-helmet accelerometers to assess the effectiveness of the intervention in decreasing head impacts during practice.

Results

Significant improvements in blocking and tackling techniques were observed after the introduction of the intervention (P < 0.0001). Participating athletes also showed better techniques when evaluated in new game-like situations, postseason, providing evidence for proper acquisition and generalizability of these safer habits. Finally, frequency of head impacts (>15g) per practice was significantly reduced by ~30% after 1 month of training.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that data-informed methods can be used to improve coaching practices and promote safer play, which can have a positive public health impact moving forward.
The Physiology of Auto Racing
Authors: REID MICHAEL B. , LIGHTFOOT J. TIMOTHY
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Auto racing poses a unique set of physiologic challenges for athletes who compete in this sport. These challenges are not widely recognized due to the limited amount of original research in this field and the diffuse nature of this literature. The purpose of this article is to review the major physiologic challenges of auto racing and summarize what is currently known about athletes in this sport.

Conclusions

The physical stressors of either driving or servicing the race car are overlaid with particular environmental challenges associated with racing (e.g., thermal, noise, carbon monoxide exposure) that increase the physiological stress on motorsport athletes. Physical stress reflects the muscular work required for car control and control of posture during high gravitational (g) loads: factors that predispose athletes to fatigue. The physiologic effects of these stressors include cardiovascular stress as reflected by prolonged elevation of heart rate, cardiac output, and oxygen consumption in both driver and pit athletes during competition. Psychological stress is evident in autonomic and endocrine responses of athletes during competition. The thermal stress of having to compete wearing multilayer fire suits and closed helmets in ambient temperatures of 50°C to 60°C results in the ubiquitous risk of dehydration. Published data show that both drivers and pit crew members are accomplished athletes with distinct challenges and abilities. There are gaps in the literature, especially in regard to female, older adult, and child participants. Additionally, minimal literature is available on appropriate training programs to offset the physiological challenges of auto racing.
Methodological Recommendations for Menstrual Cycle Research in Sports and Exercise
Authors: JANSE DE JONGE XANNE , THOMPSON BELINDA , HAN AHREUM
Published: July 2019

Introduction

The aim of this review is to provide methodological recommendations for menstrual cycle research in exercise science and sports medicine based on a review of recent literature. Research in this area is growing but often reports conflicting results, and it is proposed that some of this may be explained by methodological issues.

Methods

This review examined the menstrual cycle verification methods used in recent literature on exercise performance over the menstrual cycle identified through a literature search of PubMed and SportDiscus from 2008 until 2018.

Results

Potential changes over the menstrual cycle are likely related to hormone fluctuations; however, only 44% of the selected studies measured the actual concentrations of the female steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone. It was shown that the likely inclusion of participants with anovulatory or luteal phase–deficient cycles in combination with small participant numbers has affected results in recent menstrual cycle research and, consequently, our understanding of this area.

Conclusion

To improve the quality of future menstrual cycle research, it is recommended that a combination of three methods is used to verify menstrual cycle phase: the calendar-based counting method combined with urinary luteinizing hormone surge testing and the measurement of serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations at the time of testing. A strict luteal phase verification limit of >16 nmol·L−1 for progesterone should be set. It is also recommended that future research should focus on the inclusion of the late follicular estrogen peak. It is envisaged that these methodological recommendations will assist in clarifying some of the disagreement around the effects of the menstrual cycle on exercise performance and other aspects of exercise science and sports medicine.
Reduced Active Muscle Stiffness after Intermittent Submaximal Isometric Contractions
Authors: MOREL BAPTISTE , HUG FRANÇOIS , NORDEZ ANTOINE , POURNOT HERVÉ , BESSON THIBAULT , MATHEVON LAURE , LAPOLE THOMAS
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Whether muscle stiffness is influenced by fatigue remains unclear. Classical methods used to assess muscle stiffness provide a global measure at the joint level. As fatigue may selectively affect specific muscles, a joint-level approach may not be sensitive enough to detect potential changes in muscle stiffness. Taking advantage of ultrasound shear wave elastography, this study aimed to determine the influence of a fatiguing protocol involving intermittent submaximal isometric contractions on muscle shear modulus (an index of stiffness).

Methods

Shear modulus was measured on either the vastus lateralis (n = 9) or the abductor digiti minimi (n = 10) before and after 15 min of intermittent submaximal isometric contractions at 60% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (4 s ON, 4 s OFF). An index of active muscle stiffness was estimated PRE- and POST-fatigue as the slope of the linear regression established between shear modulus and absolute joint force up to 60% MVC.

Results

After the fatiguing exercise, MVC was significantly decreased by 22% ± 7% and 32% ± 15% for knee extension and little finger abduction, respectively (P < 0.001). When compared to PRE-fatigue, the index of active muscle stiffness was 12% ± 15% lower for the vastus lateralis (P < 0.031) and 44% ± 19% lower for the abductor digiti minimi (P < 0.001) POST-fatigue.

Conclusions

Although the present results cannot clearly determine the involved mechanisms, they demonstrate a decreased active muscle stiffness after a fatiguing task involving intermittent submaximal isometric contractions. Further studies should now determine whether this change in stiffness affects performance and risk of injury.
Comparative Performance Analysis of Different Wind Fields in Southern and North-Western Coastal Areas of the Black Sea
Authors: ÇAKMAK RECEP EMRE , AKPINAR ADEM , VAN VLEDDER GERBRANT PH.
Published: July 2019

This study determines the qualities of atmospheric wind field data in comparison with wind measurements at five locations along the Black Sea coast. For this purpose, four different wind fields were obtained from three different weather centres (NCEP, NASA, and ECMWF). Three of these are reanalyses winds (Climate Forecast System Reanalysis CFSR, Modern-Era Retrospective-analysis for Research and Applications MERRA, ECMWF reanalyses ERA-Interim) and one is the operational dataset (ECMWF operational). The performance of them was determined using the wind measurements from 2000 to 2014 at five coastal locations along the southern coastline of the Black Sea (Kumköy, Amasra, Sinop, Giresun, Hopa) and from 2006 to 2009 at offshore location (Gloria) off the coast of Romania. Performances of these wind fields were determined based on statistical characteristics (mean, standard deviation and variation coefficient etc.), statistical error analysis for all data and for different wind speed intervals, wind roses and probability distributions. Besides, long-term variations of yearly error values (SI and bias) of wind speeds from wind data sources during 2000 - 2014 were discussed. Finally, it was concluded that the CFSR winds give the best performance at most stations. The ECMWF datasets yield better results along the western side but CFSR wind fields have shown better performance along the eastern side of the Black Sea coast and at Gloria offshore location.
Areca nut extract demonstrated apoptosis-inducing mechanism by increased caspase-3 activities on oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sari Liza Meutia , Subita Gus Permana , Auerkari Elza Ibrahim
Published: July 2019

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a neoplasm of keratinocyte cells of oral mucosa epithelium that can potentially spread through lymphatic tissue or blood vessel. Although areca nut is one of the plants with a risk of inducing that cancer, areca nut is believed to have high antioxidant properties. Due to the current interest in the apoptosis effects from areca nut for oral cancer treatment, we investigated its ability to induce apoptosis and caspase-3 activity in oral cancer cell lines: HSC-2 and HSC-3.

Methods: We examined the effect of areca nut on apoptosis and caspase-3 activity in HSC-2 and HSC-3 cells. Flow cytometry was conducted for the quantification of the cells that were apoptotic and expressing the caspase-3 enzyme for 24 and 48 hours.

Results: Areca nut induced a significant increase (p<0.01) in late apoptosis of HSC-2 cells and mostly occurred over 48 hours. The study also found that in HSC-3, there were significant increases (p<0.01) the percentage of cells in early apoptosis after 24 hours and late apoptosis at 48 hours. Caspase-3 activity increased after 24 and 48 hours of areca nut exposure in both cells.

Conclusions: The study showed that areca nut could be considered as a potential anticancer agent through its capability in inducing a caspase-dependent apoptosis.
Poultry
Authors: Реймер Вячеслав , Reymer Vyacheslav , Алексеева Зинаида , Alekseeva Zinaida , Клемешова Инна , Klemeshova Inna , Кочнева Марина , Kochneva Marina , Тарабанова Евгения , Tarabanova Eugenia , Юшков Юрий , Yushkov Yuriy
Published: July 2019

The textbook describes the issues of origin, constitution, exterior, interior and productivity of various species of domestic fowl. The characteristics of modern breeds and crosses, the genetic basis of breeding, the organization and technology of breeding, the essentials of feeding habits in poultry are considered. The techniques and technologies for slaughter and processing of poultry products are described. Theoretical and practical techniques for incubating eggs are presented.
The peculiarity of this textbook is that the authors described theoretical and practical problems not only for the main types of poultry, but also for the use of quails, meat pigeons and ostriches, as well as veterinary and sanitary measures in the poultry industry.
One of the sections of the book is devoted to methods of obtaining organic poultry products.
Potentially Inappropriate Use of Intravenous Opioids in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Moore Amber B , Navarrett Scott , Herzig Shoshana J
Published: July 2019

Physicians have the potential to decrease opioid misuse through appropriate prescribing practices. We examined the frequency of potentially inappropriate intravenous (IV) opioid use (where oral use would have been more appropriate) in patients hospitalized at a tertiary medical center. We excluded patients with cancer, patients receiving comfort care, and patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction. On the basis of recent guidance from the Society of Hospital Medicine, we defined IV doses as potentially inappropriate if administered more than 24 hours after an initial IV dose in patients who did not have nil per os status. Of the 200 patients studied, 31% were administered potentially inappropriate IV opioids at least once during their hospitalization, and 33% of all IV doses administered were potentially inappropriate. Given the numerous advantages of oral over IV opioids, this study suggests significant potential for improving prescribing practices to decrease risk of addiction, costs, and complications, ultimately improving the value of care provided.
Iranian Themes in the Poetry of Statius
Authors: Babnis Tomasz
Published: July 2019

Publius Papinius Statius was one of the most important poets of the Flavian Age. His works (Thebais, Silvae and unfinished Achilleis) became the object of great interest of scholars. One of the issues of Statian poetry that was so far ignored by scholars was its image of the East and Easterners. Among them the Iranian world (first of all Parthian empire) is the one that deserves special interest because of the importance of relations between Rome and Parthia as well as the old literary tradition concerning Persia, Parthia etc. Although this matter is of marginal importance in Statius, there are a lot of references to Iranian themes in Thebais and Silvae. Some of them are connected with military and political relations with Rome (esp. the Armenian War in the times of Nero), while some refer to ethnographic tradition and traditional image of Achaemenid Persia. In these passages we can find great influence of Augustan poets, Horace in particular.
Zur Herkunft des griechischen Wortes ΣΦΊΓΞ
Authors: Jagiełło Mieszek
Published: July 2019

No convincing etymology for the Greek term “sphinx” has been found so far. Nevertheless there are three explanations that are worth consideration, these are: one possible derivation from the Egyptian language (šsp ‘nḫ), one from Sanskrit (sphíj) and one from Greek (sphingo). In the following paper all of them are being presented and evaluated. The author dismisses the first two possibilities, opting for the Greek hypothesis by arguing that the Theban sphinx developed out of a Semitic demon called ḥnqt/ ḫnqt (‘the Strangler’). The argumentation includes linguistic evidence to support this claim.
Martial’s lagalopex ‘Long-Eared Bat’
Authors: Witczak Krzysztof Tomasz
Published: July 2019

The Roman epigrammatist Martial mentions the ‘long-eared lagalopex’ (Latin aurītā lagalōpece in the ablative sg.) as a pet animal kept by his good friend Flaccus (Ep. VII 87, 1). Multiple identifications of the Latin zoonym lagalōpex (gen. sg. lagalōpecis) have been suggested so far. The author discusses the problem at hand once more, concluding that the correct identification of Flaccus’ pet animal as the long-eared bat (Pol. gacek) was offered 110 years ago by Jan Czubek, the excellent classical philologist and translator from Cracow.
When a patient complains
Authors: Croser David
Published: July 2019

In the second of the two-part CPD paper, David Croser offers readers a checklist to help keep the management of complaints in-house

Aim

Part 1 was published in the previous issue of Dental Nursing. It discussed why people might complain about their dental treatment and how the dental team should respond. When read together, these two articles will: Update an understanding of a CPD topic recommended by the General Dental Council

Objectives

To describe communication skills that support best practice complaints management To understand the risk management strategies behind the steps involved in handling a complaint To understand the benefits of an informal in-house practice complaints procedure so patients can raise issues at an early opportunity.
Top marks!
Authors: Purvis Alex
Published: July 2019

We hear from Alex Purvis on what it takes to be an exceptional dental nurse
An ocean of opportunity
Authors: Wake Charlotte
Published: July 2019

Charlotte Wake explains why postgraduate courses not only broaden horizons but also prove refreshingly fruitful, too!
What's your next step?
Authors: Anastasi Emma
Published: July 2019

Emma Anastasi, founder and managing director of Diamond Dental Staff, offers some direction for those dental nurses seeking pastures new
Bite into a rosy new future
Authors: Sharma Priya
Published: July 2019

Medical history and patient expectations – how your role lies at the core of dental implant placement
‘HINTS’ At The Front Door: An Acute Stroke Service Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Rayner Rebecca , Hmu Chit
Published: July 2019

Background/Aims

Differential diagnosis of acute vertigo syndrome is challenging. In the acute medical setting, it is difficult to ascertain whether a person has definite peripheral vestibular pathology or a posterior circulation stroke. Mismanagement of these groups within our service is costly, with regards to correct medical input, MRI scan use and bed use within acute stroke services and the hospital setting. Research has demonstrated that the Head Impulse, Nystagmus, and Test of Skew (HINTS) test is efficacious, specific and sensitive in non-UK countries in determining if acute vertigo patients have dangerous (stroke) or benign (peripheral vestibular) pathology. It is not widely used in the UK. This may be due to well-known themes in implementation evidence such as cultural and clinician factors, as well as the lengthy time it takes to embed research into clinical settings.

Methods

We have started exploring, using Plan Do Study Act cycles, if the HINTS test can be successfully used in a large acute stroke service and the quality improvement effects this may have for patients (correct diagnosis, education/management and follow-up), financially to the Trust (efficient use of MRI scanning) and to the Stroke Pathway (effective bed use/acute medical management).

Results

Early results in round one of the quality improvement plan show that HINTS is a feasible bedside test to complete with 100% accuracy in the patients it was used on within the acute stroke pathway. This involved one stroke consultant and the patients' diagnosis with HINTS was assessed against routine follow-up MRI as appropriate. HINTS training has now been provided to all the stroke consultant and registrar team, A&E registrars and A&E advanced clinical practitioners, to senior physiotherapists in the acute stroke pathway and to the stroke alert nurses. Data gathering has commenced for round two, focusing further on bed use effects, as well as consideration of staff satisfaction with HINTS, and development of a recommended pathway for acute vertigo syndrome patients.
Exploring The Views Of Stroke Survivors Around Post Stroke Fatigue In Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Alahmari Wafa , Alhowimel Ahmed , Alotaibi Mazyad , Kontou Eirini , Logan Pip , Coulson Neil
Published: July 2019

Background/Aims

Among stroke survivors, post-stroke fatigue is highly prevalent, ranging from 25% to 85% and has a significant impact on their quality of life. The available literature on post-stroke fatigue is still rudimentary, especially from middle-eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, which is a country with a complex health care system and diverse population. The aim of this study is to explore the post-stroke survivors' experiences and perceptions of their post-stroke fatigue. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to understand post-stroke fatigue among stroke survivors living in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This was a qualitative study where semi-structured interviews were conducted with stroke survivors who were diagnosed to have fatigue based on the Fatigue Severity Scale. A total of eight participants were recruited using a purposive sampling technique for the study. Interviews with the participants were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Validity was ensured through data triangulation with participants.

Results

The 8 participants (male=4; female=4), aged between 27 and 65 years (mean 52, standard deviation 14), were interviewed. Their scores on the Fatigue Severity Scale ranged from 4.5 to 6 (mean 5.3, standard deviation 0.5). On analysing the interview transcripts, 8 over-arching themes were generated: fatigue after stroke; symptomatology of post-stroke fatigue; pre-stroke fatigue levels and lifestyle; stroke survivors' perspectives of post-stroke fatigue; post-stroke fatigue's impact on daily living; coping with post-stroke fatigue; post-stroke fatigue patients' perception on physiotherapy; type of support from family and health care professional.

Conclusions

The results from this study highlights the lack of awareness about fatigue after stroke among stroke survivors. Also, the themes indicate that there is a need to educate stroke patients and their caregivers about post-stroke fatigue and how they should manage it. Based on patients ‘experiences’, physiotherapy seems to be helpful in reducing fatigue symptoms after stroke, but sill there is a need to design specific physiotherapy interventions with suitable frequency and intensity to target fatigue after stroke. In summary, post-stroke fatigue has a significant impact on their quality of life concerning social participation and their daily life. Stroke survivors did not receive enough support from health care professionals with respect to post-stroke fatigue, and it is highly essential to train health care practitioners to identify and acknowledge post-stroke fatigue appropriately.