bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling of Economic and Financial Conditions for Real‐Time Prediction of Recessions*
Authors: Çakmakli Cem , Dem rcani Hamza , Altug Sumru
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we propose a method for real‐time prediction of recessions using large sets of economic and financial variables with mixed frequencies. This method combines a dynamic factor model for the extraction of economic and financial conditions together with a tailored Markov regime switching specification for capturing their cyclical behaviour. Unlike conventional methods that estimate a single common cycle governing economic and financial conditions or extract economic and financial cycles in isolation of each other, the model allows for a common cycle which is reflected with potential phase shifts in the financial conditions estimated alongside with other parameters. This, in turn, provides timely recession predictions by enabling efficient modelling of the financial cycle systematically leading the business cycle. We examine the performance of the model using a mixed frequency ragged‐edge data set for Turkey in real time. The results show evidence for the superior predictive power of our specification by signalling oncoming recessions (expansions) as early as 3.6 (3.0) months ahead of the actual realization.
Redirection Using Double Pulley Technique for Snapping Triceps Tendon: A Case Report and Technique Note
Authors: Zhang Baoxiang , Zhang Hao , Zhang Qiang
Published: November 2020

Background

Snapping triceps tendon is an increasingly recognized clinical entity, which is associated with a variety of pathologic factors. The causative factors include inherited structural or developmental variations, post‐traumatic malalignment, and other reasons. The main complaint of patients with snapping lateral triceps are the snapping sensation, mild muscle weakness of elbow extension, with or without tenderness in distal triceps tendon. Many treatment options have been reported previously, including tendon resection and redirection.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 19‐year‐old boy with post‐traumatic distal lateral head of triceps tendon dislocation who complained of extension weakness and snapping sensation in his left elbow. Then, we used two‐strand‐overhand locking (TSOL) knot combined with double pulley technique to redirect the snapping triceps tendon.

Conclusion

The patient recovered well after the operation without complaining of discomfort. This fixing and redirection tendon technique, described previously for repairing rotator cuff tears, may be applied in a similar fashion for the snapping triceps tendon with promising clinical results.
Heterotopic Ossification after Arthroscopic Elbow Release
Authors: Yang Chao‐qun , Hu Jun‐sheng , Xu Jian‐guang , Lu Jiu‐zhou
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of heterotopic ossification (HO) after arthroscopic elbow release.

Methods

The present study included 101 elbows, with arthroscopic release performed on 98 patients over the 5‐year period from November 2011 to December 2015. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1, with elbow arthritis, including 46 elbows in 43 patients; group 2, with posttraumatic extrinsic elbow stiffness (without intraarticular adhesion), including 23 elbows in 23 patients; and group 3, with intrinsic contractures (with intraarticular adhesion), including 32 elbows in 32 patients. Arthroscopic elbow release was performed under general anesthesia. For intrinsic stiffness, a radiofrequency device was applied to release intraarticular scar tissue and create work space, which was rarely necessary in groups 1 and 2. In the postoperative period, X‐rays and CT scans were assessed at follow up to determine if there was HO formation, which was diagnosed when new calcifications were identified. The functional recovery was evaluated by comparing the range of motion (ROM) and pain relief preoperativley and postoperatively in each group. Other complications were also assessed postoperatively.

Results

The patients’ mean age was 38.6 years (range, 12–66), with 57 males and 41 females. Mean follow‐up was 21 months (range, 4–56). The active ROM and Mayo elbow performance index (MEPS) were improved from 93° ± 8.3° to 126° ± 12.4° (P < 0.05) and 71.4 ± 7.6 to 91.3 ± 8.7 (P < 0.001) in group 1, 66° ± 10.3° to 121° ± 10.7° (P < 0.005) and 65.6 ± 9.2 to 93.5 ± 11.2 (P < 0.05) in group 2, and 46° ± 6.7° to 91° ± 11.1° (P < 0.001) and 52.3 ± 6.4 to 80.6 ± 9.4 (P < 0.005) in group 3. HO developed in 25/101 cases (25%) and 4 patients with severe cases underwent repeat surgery. Those in group 1 were primarily arthritis patients; there were 3 out 46 cases with minor HO evident on X‐ray. In group 2, 1/23 had minor HO. In group 3, 21/32 patients had HO; 4 cases were considered severe, 4 were considered moderate, and 13 were considered minor. The average flexion–extension arc was improved by 47° at the last follow up. Other postoperative complications included 8 cases of prolonged drainage from portal sites, 17 transient nerve palsies, 1 permanent radial nerve injury, and 1 patient who developed delayed‐onset ulnar neuritis. This patient was fully recovered 5 months after surgery.

Conclusions

The high incidence of HO formation after arthroscopic elbow release may relate to improper application of a radiofrequency device. Minimizing thermal injury from these radiofrequency devices could reduce HO formation and improve postoperative functional recovery.
Validity and repeatability of the Pediatric Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes (AQUAped) for the screening of atopy
Authors: Fasola Salvatore , Ferrante Giuliana , Malizia Velia , Bommarito Noemi , Del Giacco Stefano , Bonini Matteo , Baiardini Ilaria , Bellafiore Marianna , La Grutta Stefania
Published: November 2020

Background

High atopy prevalence has been reported in athletes. Having an age‐specific questionnaire for predicting atopy is important for an optimal management of young athletes. The study objectives were as follows: (i) developing a scoring system for the Pediatric Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes (AQUAped); (ii) identifying the optimal age target within the range 7‐14 years; (iii) assessing AQUAped validity and repeatability in the identified target population.

Methods

A total of 133 young athletes (age 7‐14 years) were recruited. Following a screening visit, the participants filled AQUAped at baseline (T0) and after 7 days (T1), concomitantly undergoing skin prick testing. Using atopy as the gold standard (positivity to ≥1 aeroallergen), the 12 core items were scored based on their likelihood ratios, and a total score was calculated. The optimal cut‐off was identified based on the Youden's criterion. The repeatability of AQUAped was assessed through the intra‐cluster correlation coefficient (ICC). The optimal age target was identified as the largest age range associated with an acceptable cross‐validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ≥ 0.70) and an excellent ICC (≥0.75).

Results

Forty (30%) children were atopic; the optimal age target was 10‐14 years (cross‐validated AUC = 0.70, ICC = 0.81). AQUAped total score ranged from −26 to 75, and only 5% of non‐atopic children had AQUAped ≥ 24. AQUAped ≥ 2 had 82% specificity, 60% sensitivity, and 74% overall accuracy.

Conclusion

Developing and testing a scoring system for AQUAped showed that it is a valid and reliable tool for the screening of atopy in young athletes aged 10‐14 years.
Reasons‐sensitivity and degrees of free will
Authors: Kaiserman Alex
Published: November 2020

Some actions are free and others are not. But free will also comes in degrees. This paper offers a novel account of degrees of free will, taking as its starting point the idea that an action is free to the extent to which the agent was sensitive, in acting, to reasons for or against performing that action. Though lip service is often paid to the idea that reasons‐sensitivity comes in degrees, however, the details turn out to be harder to pin down than one might initially have thought. I criticise three recent accounts of degrees of reasons‐sensitivity, arguing that none of them succeed in capturing our intuitions about degrees of free will in particular cases. I then defend an alternative approach, which combines a causal account of sensitivity with my own preferred metaphysics of degrees of causal contribution. As well as avoiding the problems faced by its rivals, I’ll argue that this account provides a novel response to the situationist threat to free will, arising out of empirical studies purporting to show that ‘situational factors’ play a larger role in producing actions than we typically assume.
Transcendental Philosophy As Capacities‐First Philosophy
Authors: Schafer Karl
Published: November 2020

In this essay, I propose a novel way of thinking about Kant’s philosophical methodology during the critical period. According to this interpretation, the critical Kant can generally be understood as operating within a “capacities‐first” philosophical framework – that is, within a framework in which our basic rational or cognitive capacities play both an explanatorily and epistemically fundamental role in philosophy – or, at least, in the sort of philosophy that limited creatures like us are capable of. In discussing this idea, I consider the complicated relationship between the explanatory and epistemic roles that such capacities play in Kant. I also sketch how this way of thinking about Kant’s methodology can illuminate the foundations of both his theoretical and his practical philosophy, before discussing some of Kant’s reasons for finding this approach to philosophy attractive. I close with a brief discussion of the contemporary relevance of this approach.
Evolution of AITR family genes in cotton and their functions in abiotic stress tolerance
Authors: Wang T. , Dong Q. , Wang W. , Chen S. , Cheng Y. , Tian H. , Li X. , Hussain S. , Wang L. , Gong L. , Wang S.
Published: November 2020

Abiotic stresses are major environmental factors inhibiting plant growth and development. AITRs (ABA‐induced transcription repressors) are a novel family of transcription factors regulating ABA (abscisic acid) signalling and plant responses to abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis. However, the composition and evolution history of AITRs and their roles in the cotton genus are largely unknown.

A total of 12 putative AITRs genes were identified in cultivated tetraploid cotton, Gossypium hirsutum. Phylogenetic analysis of GhAITRs in these tetraploid cottons and their closely related species implicate ancient genome‐wide duplication occurring after speciation of Gossypium, and Theobroma could generate duplicates of GhAITRs.

Duplicated GhAITRs were stably inherited following diploid speciation and further allotetraploidy in Gossypium. Homologous GhAITRs shared common expression patterns in response to ABA, drought and salinity treatments, and drought tolerance induced in transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing GhAITR‐A1.

Together, our findings reveal that duplicates in the GhAITRs gene family were achieved by whole genome duplication rather than three individual duplication events, and that GhAITRs function as transcription repressors and are involved in the regulation of plant responses to ABA and drought stress. These results provide insights towards the improvement of abiotic stress tolerance in cotton using GhAITRs.
Clinical practice guidelines: Oral health care for children and adults living with epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Krämer Susanne , Lucas James , Gamboa Francisca , Peñarrocha Diago Miguel , Peñarrocha Oltra David , Guzmán‐Letelier Marcelo , Paul Sanchit , Molina Gustavo , Sepúlveda Lorena , Araya Ignacio , Soto Rubén , Arriagada Carolina , Lucky Anne W , Mellerio Jemima E , Cornwall Roger , Alsayer Fatimah , Schilke Reinhard , Antal Mark Adam , Castrillón Fernanda , Paredes Camila , Serrano Maria Concepción , Clark Victoria
Published: November 2020

Background

Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a genetic disorder characterized by skin fragility and unique oral features.

Aims

To provide (a) a complete review of the oral manifestations in those living with each type of inherited EB, (b) the current best practices for managing oral health care of people living with EB, (c) the current best practices on dental implant‐based oral rehabilitation for patients with recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB), and (d) the current best practice for managing local anesthesia, principles of sedation, and general anesthesia for children and adults with EB undergoing dental treatment.

Methods

Systematic literature search, panel discussion including clinical experts and patient representatives from different centers around the world, external review, and guideline piloting.

Results

This article has been divided into five chapters: (i) general information on EB for the oral health care professional, (ii) systematic literature review on the oral manifestations of EB, (iii) oral health care and dental treatment for children and adults living with EB—clinical practice guidelines, (iv) dental implants in patients with RDEB—clinical practice guidelines, and (v) sedation and anesthesia for adults and children with EB undergoing dental treatment—clinical practice guidelines.

Each chapter provides recommendations on the management of the different clinical procedures within dental practice, highlighting the importance of patient‐clinician partnership, impact on quality of life, and the importance of follow‐up appointments. Guidance on the use on nonadhesive wound care products and emollients to reduce friction during patient care is provided.

Conclusions

Oral soft and hard tissue manifestations of inherited EB have unique patterns of involvement associated with each subtype of the condition. Understanding each subtype individually will help the professionals plan long‐term treatment approaches.
Cadmium accumulation in rice and its bioavailability in paddy soil with application of silicon fertilizer under different water management regimes
Authors: Luo Wenxuan , Ma Jiawei , Aman Khan Muhammad , Liao Shiyan , Ruan Zebin , Liu Hong , Zhong Bin , Zhu Youwei , Duan Lili , Fu Liqing , Huang Qiying , Ye Zhengqian , Liu Dan
Published: November 2020

The contamination agricultural soils and food by cadmium (cd) is one of the major concerns of the world. The field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of silicon (Si) fertilizer on bioavailability and accumulation of Cd in soil, Cd chemical fractions, dynamic changes of soil pH, available Cd content and Cd content of various parts of rice plants. The results revealed that application of Si fertilizer and continuous flooding of soil have enhanced soil pH and diminished soil available Cd content. The application of Si fertilizer and continuous flooding have improved proportion of Fe‐Mn oxides bound and residual Cd in soil. The application of Si fertilizer has increased Cd content of rice roots, but reduced Cd content of rice stems and brown rice. The Cd content of brown rice in the treatment of SF was significantly declined by 38.80% compared to CK (p < .05). The biomass of rice root and brown rice was improved by 44.04% and 17.86%, respectively, with application of Si fertilizer under conventional irrigation compared with control. The significant variation in biomass of rice in treatment of continuous flooding was observed with application of Si fertilizer compared with control. The combined application of Si fertilizer with continuous flooding has effectively prevented Cd accumulation in rice.
Spatio‐temporal patterns of malaria incidence in Rwanda
Authors: Bizimana Jean P. , Nduwayezu Gilbert
Published: November 2020

Given the scarcity of resources in developing countries like Rwanda, malaria control requires new strategies that target specific populations, time periods and geographical areas. While the spatial pattern of malaria incidence varies depending on local conditions, its temporal evolution has yet to be evaluated in Rwanda. The aim of this study was to determine the spatio‐temporal dynamics of malaria incidence in Rwanda. GIS was used to delineate the health centre catchment areas. Optimized hotspots analysis was performed to detect the spatio‐temporal patterns of hotspots of malaria from 2010 to 2017. SPSS software was used to generate boxplots comparing the intensity of inter‐annual variation of malaria cases at health centre catchment scale. This study highlighted the spatial variability and relative temporal stability of malaria hotspots in lowlands and the coldspots of malaria incidence in highlands. Information on malaria hotspot dynamics can help to improve the health outcomes of malaria control and reduction strategies in Rwanda. As malaria data were aggregated at health centre level, further research can use malaria prevalence at the household scale and investigate the driving factors of malaria occurrence in the identified malaria hotspots. This would allow for the development of better‐targeted control strategies.
Residual red cells in blood components: A multisite study of fully automated enumeration using a hematology analyzer
Authors: Cavagnetto Chloe , Alejo Blanco Richard , McKenna Hollie , Willmott Laura , Aydogdu Elif , Akinyemi Nicola , Standring Helena , Procter Simon , Lagerberg Johan W. , Johansson Elin , Croxon Harry , de Korte Dirk , Garner Stephen F. , Shirakami Atsushi , Saker Jarob , Linssen Joachim , Cardigan Rebecca
Published: November 2020

Background

Manufacture of platelet concentrates (PCs) and plasma may fail to remove all residual red blood cells (rRBCs). Measuring rRBCs for compliance to guidelines has proven challenging, leading to an absence of a consensus methodology. Sysmex hematology analyzers with the Blood Bank mode (BB mode) analysis option offer the potential for automated rRBC counting. We therefore performed a two‐site appraisal of the system.

Study Design and Methods

Performance characteristics were determined using platelet and plasma samples spiked with RBCs. Sample stability (n = 47) and the impact of sample type were also assessed. Components (platelets, n = 1474; plasma, n = 77) prepared using different routine manufacturing methods were tested to assess variation in rRBC concentration.

Results

Linearity studies up to 19 000 RBCs/μL demonstrated good correlation between expected and observed results (R2 ≥ 0.9731), and flow cytometric results also correlated well with BB mode (R2 = 0.9400). Precision analysis gave a limit of quantitation of 6 to 7 RBCs/μL, and carryover was 0.03%. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and plain tube results were not significantly different (P ≥ 0.10), and samples were stable up to 24 hours. Apheresis PCs produced at two sites had lower rRBC concentrations (medians, 17 and 13 RBCs/μL) than those produced with the buffy coat method either manually (median, 681 RBCs/μL) or with the automated Terumo Automated Centrifuge and Separator Integration process (median, 81 RBCs/μL). All PCs failing visual inspection as having RBCs ≥4000 RBCs/μL were also detected by the BB mode.

Conclusion

The BB mode had acceptable performance characteristics and has the potential for integration into a fully automated process control system for rRBC enumeration in plasma and PCs.
Antimicrobial use data collection in animal agriculture
Authors: Bright‐Ponte Susan J.
Published: November 2020

Antimicrobial drug use can contribute to the emergence of antimicrobial drug‐resistant organisms; therefore, judicious use of this important category of drugs is critical in both human and animal medicine to slow the development and spread of resistance. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is committed to advancing efforts to implement good antimicrobial stewardship practices in veterinary settings as part of our mission to protect human and animal health. In order to understand the drivers of resistance in veterinary settings and assess the impact of interventions designed to slow the development and spread of resistance, it is vital to have access to scientifically sound data on antimicrobial use and resistance. In 2016, FDA awarded funds in the form of cooperative agreements to support pilot projects for the collection of farm‐level antimicrobial use data in animal agriculture. These funded data collection efforts are intended to provide needed information on antimicrobial use practices in various animal production settings and to inform the development of long‐term strategies for collecting and reporting such data in a sustainable and nationally representative manner. Data were collected from records of participating dairy and feedlot cattle operations, swine companies, and broiler and turkey companies. Information from the first 2 years of the pilot projects is presented in this special issue, along with discussions related to challenges of collecting and reporting antimicrobial use data.
Scalable Adaptive Batch Sampling in Simulation-Based Design With Heteroscedastic Noise
Authors: van Beek Anton , Ghumman Umar Farooq , Munshi Joydeep , Tao Siyu , Chien TeYu , Balasubramanian Ganesh , Plumlee Matthew , Apley Daniel , Chen Wei
Published: November 2020

In this study, we propose a scalable batch sampling scheme for optimization of simulation models with spatially varying noise. The proposed scheme has two primary advantages: (i) reduced simulation cost by recommending batches of samples at carefully selected spatial locations and (ii) improved scalability by actively considering replicating at previously observed sampling locations. Replication improves the scalability of the proposed sampling scheme as the computational cost of adaptive sampling schemes grow cubicly with the number of unique sampling locations. Our main consideration for the allocation of computational resources is the minimization of the uncertainty in the optimal design. We analytically derive the relationship between the “exploration versus replication decision” and the posterior variance of the spatial random process used to approximate the simulation model’s mean response. Leveraging this reformulation in a novel objective-driven adaptive sampling scheme, we show that we can identify batches of samples that minimize the prediction uncertainty only in the regions of the design space expected to contain the global optimum. Finally, the proposed sampling scheme adopts a modified preposterior analysis that uses a zeroth-order interpolation of the spatially varying simulation noise to identify sampling batches. Through the optimization of three numerical test functions and one engineering problem, we demonstrate (i) the efficacy and of the proposed sampling scheme to deal with a wide array of stochastic functions, (ii) the superior performance of the proposed method on all test functions compared to existing methods, (iii) the empirical validity of using a zeroth-order approximation for the allocation of sampling batches, and (iv) its applicability to molecular dynamics simulations by optimizing the performance of an organic photovoltaic cell as a function of its processing settings.
Long-term hydrolytic degradation study of polycaprolactone films and fibers grafted with poly(sodium styrene sulfonate): Mechanism study and cell response
Authors: Leroux Amélie , Ngoc Nguyen Tuan , Rangel André , Cacciapuoti Isabelle , Duprez Delphine , Castner David G. , Migonney Véronique
Published: November 2020

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a widely used biodegradable polyester for tissue engineering applications when long-term degradation is preferred. In this article, we focused on the analysis of the hydrolytic degradation of virgin and bioactive poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (pNaSS) functionalized PCL surfaces under simulated physiological conditions (phosphate buffer saline at 25 and 37 °C) for up to 120 weeks with the aim of applying bioactive PCL for ligament tissue engineering. Techniques used to characterize the bulk and surface degradation indicated that PCL was hydrolyzed by a bulk degradation mode with an accelerated degradation—three times increased rate constant—for pNaSS grafted PCL at 37 °C when compared to virgin PCL at 25 °C. The observed degradation mechanism is due to the pNaSS grafting process (oxidation and radical polymerization), which accelerated the degradation until 48 weeks, when a steady state is reached. The PCL surface was altered by pNaSS grafting, introducing hydrophilic sulfonate groups that increase the swelling and smoothing of the surface, which facilitated the degradation. After 48 weeks, pNaSS was largely removed from the surface, and the degradation of virgin and pNaSS grafted surfaces was similar. The cell response of primary fibroblast cells from sheep ligament was consistent with the surface analysis results: a better initial spreading of cells on pNaSS surfaces when compared to virgin surfaces and a tendency to become similar with degradation time. It is worthy to note that during the extended degradation process the surfaces were able to continue inducing better cell spreading and preserve their cell phenotype as shown by collagen gene expressions.
Design and implementation of floating field ring edge termination on vertical geometry β-Ga2O3 rectifiers
Authors: Sharma Ribhu , Xian Minghan , Law Mark E. , Tadjer Marko , Ren Fan , Pearton Stephen J.
Published: November 2020

One of the key areas for implementation of high-power Ga2O3 rectifiers is the mitigation of electric field crowding at the edge of the depletion region to avoid premature breakdown. Floating metal field rings (FMRs) are a relatively simple approach for achieving this. We report simulations of the spacing (1–10 μm), width (2–15 μm), number of rings, and also the effect of biasing the rings (0–280 V) and including a field plate at the periphery of the rings on the breakdown voltage of a vertical geometry rectifier with a range of doping concentrations (5 × 1015–4 × 1016 cm−3) in the drift region. Improvements in breakdown voltage of 19%–54% relative to an unterminated rectifier are found with an optimum design of the field rings. The experimental results on rectifiers with different FMR geometries show an RON of 4.5–4.9 mΩ cm2, a turn-on voltage of 0.96–0.94 V, a high on-off ratio of >5 × 106, an ideality factor of 1.03, and a Schottky barrier height of 1.03 eV at room temperature. These devices have similar forward electrical characteristics, indicating that FMRs do not degrade the device rectifying performance.
Accuracy of Wearable Trackers for Measuring Moderate- to Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gorzelitz Jessica , Farber Chloe , Gangnon Ronald , Cadmus-Bertram Lisa
Published: November 2020

Background: The evidence base regarding validity of wearable fitness trackers for assessment and/or modification of physical activity behavior is evolving. Accurate assessment of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) is important for measuring adherence to physical activity guidelines in the United States and abroad. Therefore, this systematic review synthesizes the state of the validation literature regarding wearable trackers and MVPA.Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted through October 2019 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018103808). Studies were eligible if they reported on the validity of MVPA and used devices from Fitbit, Apple, or Garmin released in 2012 or later or available on the market at the time of review. A meta-analysis was conducted on the correlation measures comparing wearables with the ActiGraph.Results: Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria; all used a Fitbit device; one included a Garmin model and no Apple-device studies were found. Moderate to high correlations (.7–.9) were found between MVPA from the wearable tracker versus criterion measure (ActiGraphn = 14). Considerable heterogeneity was seen with respect to the specific definition of MVPA for the criterion device, the statistical techniques used to assess validity, and the correlations between wearable trackers and ActiGraph across studies.Conclusions: There is a need for standardization of validation methods and reporting outcomes in individual studies to allow for comparability across the evidence base. Despite the different methods utilized within studies, nearly all concluded that wearable trackers are valid for measuring MVPA.
Towards Automatic Modeling of Volleyball Players’ Behavior for Analysis, Feedback, and Hybrid Training
Authors: Salim Fahim A. , Haider Fasih , Postma Dees , van Delden Robby , Reidsma Dennis , Luz Saturnino , van Beijnum Bert-Jan
Published: November 2020

Automatic tagging of video recordings of sports matches and training sessions can be helpful to coaches and players and provide access to structured data at a scale that would be unfeasible if one were to rely on manual tagging. Recognition of different actions forms an essential part of sports video tagging. In this paper, the authors employ machine learning techniques to automatically recognize specific types of volleyball actions (i.e., underhand serve, overhead pass, serve, forearm pass, one hand pass, smash, and block which are manually annotated) during matches and training sessions (uncontrolled, in the wild data) based on motion data captured by inertial measurement unit sensors strapped on the wrists of eight female volleyball players. Analysis of the results suggests that all sensors in the inertial measurement unit (i.e., magnetometer, accelerometer, barometer, and gyroscope) contribute unique information in the classification of volleyball actions types. The authors demonstrate that while the accelerometer feature set provides better results than other sensors, overall (i.e., gyroscope, magnetometer, and barometer) feature fusion of the accelerometer, magnetometer, and gyroscope provides the bests results (unweighted average recall = 67.87%, unweighted average precision = 68.68%, and κ = .727), well above the chance level of 14.28%. Interestingly, it is also demonstrated that the dominant hand (unweighted average recall = 61.45%, unweighted average precision = 65.41%, and κ = .652) provides better results than the nondominant (unweighted average recall = 45.56%, unweighted average precision = 55.45, and κ = .553) hand. Apart from machine learning models, this paper also discusses a modular architecture for a system to automatically supplement video recording by detecting events of interests in volleyball matches and training sessions and to provide tailored and interactive multimodal feedback by utilizing an HTML5/JavaScript application. A proof of concept prototype developed based on this architecture is also described.
Supplementing the Diet with Sodium Propionate Suppresses the Severity of Viral Immuno-inflammatory Lesions
Authors: Sumbria Deepak , Berber Engin , Rouse Barry T.
Published: November 2020

Herpetic lesions are a significant problem, and they are difficult to control with therapeutics. Our studies show that the severity of herpetic lesions in a mouse model can be diminished by changing the diet to include increased levels of SCFA, which act to inhibit the involvement of inflammatory T cells. We suggest that changing the diet to include higher levels of SCFA might be a useful approach to reducing the impact of recurrent herpetic lesions in humans.
Proteomic and Systematic Functional Profiling Unveils Citral Targeting Antibiotic Resistance, Antioxidant Defense, and Biofilm-Associated Two-Component Systems of Acinetobacter baumannii To Encumber Biofilm and Virulence Traits
Authors: Selvaraj Anthonymuthu , Valliammai Alaguvel , Muthuramalingam Pandiyan , Sethupathy Sivasamy , Subramenium Ganapathy Ashwinkumar , Ramesh Manikandan , Pandian Shunmugiah Karutha
Published: November 2020

Acinetobacter baumannii
is a nosocomial-infection-causing bacterium and also possesses multidrug resistance to a wide range of conventional antibiotics. The biofilm-forming ability of
A. baumannii
plays a major role in its resistance and persistence. There is an alarming need for novel treatment strategies to control
A. baumannii
biofilm-associated issues. The present study demonstrated the strong antibiofilm and antivirulence efficacy of citral against
A. baumannii
. In addition, proteomic analysis revealed the multitarget potential of citral against
A. baumannii
. Furthermore, citral treatment enhances the susceptibility of
A. baumannii
to the host innate immune system and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cytotoxicity analysis revealed the nonfatal effect of citral on human PBMCs. Therefore, citral could be the safest therapeutic compound and can be taken for further clinical evaluation for the treatment of biofilm-associated infections by
A. baumannii
.
Candida albicansendocarditis involving a normal native aortic valve in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Sheikh Taha , Tomcho Jeremy C , Awad Mohammed T , Zaidi Syeda Ramsha
Published: November 2020

Fungal endocarditis, specifically fromCandidaspecies, is a rare but serious infection with a high mortality rate. Most cases occur in bioprosthetic or mechanical valves and are uncommon in native, structurally normal valves. WhenCandidaendocarditis is detected and appropriate treatment is initiated earlier, there is an improvement in mortality. While the recommendation is usually to treat with a combination of surgery and antifungal medications, patient comorbidities may limit treatment options.
Efficacy of quadruple regimen with polaprezinc for gastric Helicobacter pylori infection eradication: protocol for a single-centre, single-blind, non-inferiority, randomised clinical trial
Authors: Wu Dingkun , Sun Zhen , Li Tingyuan , Tan Qinwen , Sun Yue , Chen Tingting , Liu Yujing , Li Jun , Jiang Haidong , Yuan Zhiqiang , Zhao Yuqian , Chen Wen
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most well-known risk factor for gastric cancer. At present, H. pylori shows varying levels of resistance to different treatments, leading to a lower rate of H. pylori eradication. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of polaprezinc-containing quadruple therapy (PQT) for the eradication of H. pylori infection and, thus, to provide more evidence to inform the clinical treatment of H. pylori infection in China.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, single-blind, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial, enrolling 158 patients with H. pylori infection. Patients are randomised (1:1) to the two groups for a 14-day therapy. Treatment group: PQT (esomeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, polaprezinc 75 mg) two times per day; control group: bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (esomeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg) two times per day. The primary outcome is the rate of H. pylori eradication. Secondary outcomes are the incidence of adverse events and the gastrointestinal microbiota distribution. The 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) next-generation sequencing (NGS) is used to evaluate the effect of two different therapies on the distribution of the gastrointestinal microbiota.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Sichuan Cancer Center & Hospital (No. SCCHEC-02-2019-015). Any amendment to the research protocol will be submitted for ethical approval. All participants must provide informed consent. On completion, the results of the study will be published in the appropriate peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1900025800; preresults.
Impact of secondhand smoke exposure on cognitive function among middle-aged and older women in China: findings from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bai Anying , Jin Yinzi , Huang Yangmu
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To examine the association between secondhand smoke (SSH) and women’s global cognitive function and cognitive subdomains.

Design

Cohort study.

Participants

Data for this study were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2013-2015), and pooled analysis was applied to wave 1 and wave 2 (2011–2013), wave 2 and wave 3 (2013–2015) and wave 1 and wave 3 (2011–2015). Data from a total of 6875 Chinese women with normal cognitive function at baseline were selected for analysis, including 2981 who were interviewed in 2011, 2471 in 2013, and 1894 in 2015.

Main outcome measures and methods

SHS was classified based on the number of exposed years (<25 years, ≥25 years to <30 years, ≥30 years to <40 years, ≥40 years). Global cognitive function, visuospatial ability, orientation and attention, and episodic memory function were used as measures of cognitive function. Three waves of data were pooled using a dummy variable to differentiate between 2-year and 4-year groups. LDV models were used to examine independent associations between SHS and cognitive function. Demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, baseline cognitive functioning and health conditions were controlled for in our models.

Results

SSH was found to be inversely and significantly associated with cognitive function. Compared with those who had not been exposed to household SSH, women who had lived with a smoking husband had a significantly faster cognition decline, especially in global cognitive function (β=−0.33, 95% CI=−0.66 to −0.01, p<0.01), visuospatial ability (β=−0.04, 95% CI=−0.08 to −0.01, p<0.05) and episodic memory function (β=−0.16, 95% CI=−0.31 to −0.01, p=0.031).

Conclusions

Household SSH exposure for more than 40 years was associated with a more significant decline in global cognitive function, visuospatial ability and episodic memory function, but not in orientation and attention function among older Chinese women.
Motivational Interviewing for Maternal Immunisation (MI4MI) study: a protocol for an implementation study of a clinician vaccine communication intervention for prenatal care settings
Authors: Brewer Sarah E. , Cataldi Jessica R. , Fisher Mary , Glasgow Russell E. , Garrett Kathleen , O'Leary Sean T.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Vaccination against influenza and pertussis in pregnancy offers a ‘two-for-one’ opportunity to protect mother and child. Pregnant patients have increased risk of severe disease from influenza and newborns have increased risk of severe disease from both influenza and pertussis. Obstetricians need communication tools to support their self-efficacy and effectiveness in communicating the importance of immunisation during pregnancy and ultimately improving maternal vaccination rates.

Methods and analysis

We describe the protocol for a pragmatic study testing the feasibility and potential impact of a clinician communication strategy on maternal vaccination uptake. This study will be conducted in five prenatal care settings in Colorado, USA. The Motivational Interviewing for Maternal Immunisation strategy involves training prenatal care providers to use motivational interviewing in the vaccine conversation with pregnant patients. Our primary outcomes will be the adoption and implementation of the intervention measured using the Enhanced RE-AIM/Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model for dissemination and implementation. Secondary outcomes will include provider time spent, fidelity to Motivational Interviewing and self-efficacy measured through audio recorded visits and provider surveys, patients’ visit experience based on audio recorded visits and follow-up interviews, and maternal vaccine uptake as measured through chart reviews.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is approved by the following institutional review boards: Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT04302675.
Dietary patterns and oesophageal cancer: a multi-country latent class analysis
Authors: Dalmartello Michela , Vermunt Jeroen , Serraino Diego , Garavello Werner , Negri Eva , Levi Fabio , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: November 2020

Background

The considerable differences in food consumption across countries pose major challenges to the research on diet and cancer, due to the difficulty to generalise and reproduce the dietary patterns identified in a specific population.

Methods

We analysed data from a multicentric case-control study on oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) carried out between 1992 and 2009 in three Italian areas and in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, which included 505 cases and 1259 hospital controls. Dietary patterns were derived applying LCA on 24 food groups, controlling for country membership, and non-alcoholic energy intake. A multiple logistic regression model was used to derive odds ratio (ORs) and corresponding 95% CIs for ESCC according to the dietary patterns identified, correcting for classification error.

Results and Conclusion

We identified three dietary patterns. The ‘Prudent’ pattern was distinguished by a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The ‘Western’ pattern was characterised by low consumption of these food groups and higher intakes of sugar. The ‘Lower consumers-combination pattern’ exhibited a diet poor in most of the nutrients, preferences for fish, potatoes, meat and a few specific types of vegetables. Differences between Italy and Switzerland emerged for pattern sizes and for specific single food preferences. Compared to the ‘Prudent’ pattern, the ‘Western’ and the ‘Lower consumers-combination’ patterns were associated with an increased risk of ESCC (OR=3.04, 95% CI=2.12–4.38 and OR=2.81, 95% CI=1.65–4.76).
Advances in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation with a Special Focus on Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Prevent Thromboembolism: A Review of Current Recommendations
Authors: Riddle Malini , McCallum Richard , Ojha Chandra Prakash , Paul Timir Kumar , Gupta Vineet , Baran David Alan , Prakash Bharat Ved , Misra Amogh , Mares Adriana Camila , Abedin Moeen , Kedar Archana , Mulukutla Venkatachalam , Ibrahim Ahmed , Nagarajarao Harsha
Published: November 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AFIB) is the most common heart rhythm abnormality and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While the treatment of AFIB involves strategies of rate with or without rhythm control, it is also essential to strategize appropriate therapies to prevent thromboembolic complications arising from AFIB. Previously, anticoagulation was the main treatment option which exposed patients to higher than usual risk of bleeding. However, with the advent of new technology, novel therapeutic options aimed at surgical or percutaneous exclusion or occlusion of the left atrial appendage in preventing thromboembolic complications from AFIB have evolved. This review evaluates recent advances and therapeutic options in treating AFIB with a special focus on both surgical and percutaneous interventions which can reduce and/or eliminate thromboembolic complications of AFIB.
Linkage to Specialty Care in the Hepatitis C Care Cascade
Authors: Blanding Dena P , Moran William P , Bian John , Zhang Jingwen , Marsden Justin , Mauldin Patrick D , Rockey Don C , Schreiner Andrew D
Published: November 2020

Quality gaps exist in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) care process from diagnosis to cure. To better understand current gaps and to identify targets for quality improvement, we constructed an HCV care cascade in a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) with an emphasis on the specialty referral process. We performed a retrospective study of HCV-infected patients in a PCMH using electronic health record (EPIC) data. Patients with a first positive HCV RNA between 2012 and 2019 were included. With an adaptation to analyze linkage to specialty care, we created an HCV care cascade that included the following: (1) a positive HCV RNA, (2) referral to a specialty provider, (3) a scheduled specialty appointment, (4) attendance at a specialty visit, (5) prescription for HCV therapy, and (6) evidence of sustained virological response (SVR). Patient and referring clinician characteristics were analyzed at each step of the care pathway, and the proportion of patients completing each step was calculated. Of the 256 HCV RNA-positive patients, 229 (89.5%) received a specialty referral; 215 (84.0%) had an appointment scheduled; 178 (69.5%) attended the specialty appointment; 116 (45.3%) were prescribed antiviral therapy; and 87 (34.1%) had documented SVR during the study period. Of the 178 patients attending a specialty visit, 62 (34.8%) did not receive a prescription, and the barrier most often noted was the desire for further workup (40.3%). Gaps occur at all stages of the HCV care continuum, with drop-offs in care occurring both before and after linkage to specialty care.
Love during lockdown: findings from an online survey examining the impact of COVID-19 on the sexual health of people living in Australia
Authors: Coombe Jacqueline , Kong Fabian Yuh Shiong , Bittleston Helen , Williams Henrietta , Tomnay Jane , Vaisey Alaina , Malta Sue , Goller Jane L , Temple-Smith Meredith , Bourchier Louise , Lau Andrew , Chow Eric P F , Hocking Jane S
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Australia recorded its first case of COVID-19 in late January 2020. On 22P March 2020, amid increasing daily case numbers, the Australian Government implemented lockdown restrictions to help ‘flatten the curve’. Our study aimed to understand the impact of lockdown restrictions on sexual and reproductive health. Here we focus on sexual practices.

Methods

An online survey was open from the 23PP April 2020 to 11P May 2020. Participants were recruited online via social media and other networks and were asked to report on their sexual practices in 2019 and during lockdown. Logistic regression was used to calculate the difference (diff) (including 95% CIs) in the proportion of sex practices between time periods.

Results

Of the 1187 who commenced the survey, 965 (81.3%) completed it. Overall, 70% were female and 66.3% were aged 18–29 years. Most (53.5%) reported less sex during lockdown than in 2019. Compared with 2019, participants were more likely to report sex with a spouse (35.3% vs 41.7%; diff=6.4%; 95% CI 3.6 to 9.2) and less likely to report sex with a girl/boyfriend (45.1% vs 41.8%; diff=−3.3%; 95% CI −7.0 to -0.4) or with casual hook-up (31.4% vs 7.8%; 95% CI −26.9 to -19.8). Solo sex activities increased; 14.6% (123/840) reported using sex toys more often and 26.0% (218/838) reported masturbating more often. Dating app use decreased during lockdown compared with 2019 (42.1% vs 27.3%; diff= −14.8%; 95% CI −17.6 to -11.9). Using dating apps for chatting/texting (89.8% vs 94.5%; diff=4.7%; 95% CI 1.0 to 8.5) and for setting up virtual dates (2.6% vs 17.2%; diff=14.6%; 95% CI 10.1 to 19.2) increased during lockdown.

Conclusion

Although significant declines in sexual activity during lockdown were reported, people did not completely stop engaging in sexual activities, highlighting the importance of ensuring availability of normal sexual and reproductive health services during global emergencies.
Influence of quintessence dark energy on the shadow of black hole
Authors: Zeng Xiao-Xiong , Zhang Hai-Qing
Published: November 2020

We investigate the effects of quintessence dark energy on the shadows of black hole, surrounded by various profiles of accretions. For the thin-disk accretion, the images of the black hole comprises the dark region and bright region, including direct emission, lensing rings and photon rings. Although their details depend on the form of the emission, generically, direct emission plays a major role for the observed brightness of the black hole, while the lensing ring makes a small contribution and the photon ring makes a negligible contribution. The existence of a cosmological horizon also plays an important role in the shadows, since the observer in the domain of outer communications is near the cosmological horizon. For spherically symmetric accretion, static and infalling matters are considered. We find that the positions of photon spheres are the same for both static and infalling accretions. However, the observed specific intensity of the image for infalling accretion is darker than for static accretion, due to the Doppler effect of the infalling motion.