bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Comparison of Hook Plate vs Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Large Fifth Metatarsal Base Avulsion Fractures
Authors: Bean Bryan A. , Smyth Niall A. , Abbasi Pooyan , Parks Brent G. , Hembree Walter C.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Debate exists on the optimum fixation construct for large avulsion fractures of the fifth metatarsal base. We compared the biomechanical strength of 2 headless compression screws vs a hook plate for fixation of these fractures.

Methods:

Large avulsion fractures were simulated on 10 matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. Specimens were assigned to receive two 2.5-mm headless compression screws or an anatomic fifth metatarsal hook plate, then cyclically loaded through the plantar fascia and metatarsal base. Specimens underwent 100 cycles at 50%, 75%, and 100% physiological load for a total of 300 cycles.

Results:

The hook plate group demonstrated a significantly higher number of cycles to failure compared with the screw group (270.7 ± 66.0 [range 100-300] cycles vs 178.6 ± 95.7 [range 24-300] cycles, respectively; P = .039). Seven of 10 hook plate specimens remained intact at the maximum 300 cycles compared with 2 of 10 screw specimens. Nine of 10 plate specimens survived at least 1 cycle at 100% physiologic load compared with 5 of 10 screw specimens.

Conclusion:

A hook plate construct was biomechanically superior to a headless compression screw construct for fixation of large avulsion fractures of the fifth metatarsal base.

Clinical Relevance:

Whether using hook plates or headless compression screws, surgeons should consider protecting patient weight-bearing after fixation of fifth metatarsal base large avulsion fracture until bony union has occurred.
Neural Oscillations: Understanding a Neural Code of Pain
Authors: Kim Junseok A. , Davis Karen D.
Published: September 2020

Neural oscillations play an important role in the integration and segregation of brain regions that are important for brain functions, including pain. Disturbances in oscillatory activity are associated with several disease states, including chronic pain. Studies of neural oscillations related to pain have identified several functional bands, especially alpha, beta, and gamma bands, implicated in nociceptive processing. In this review, we introduce several properties of neural oscillations that are important to understand the role of brain oscillations in nociceptive processing. We also discuss the role of neural oscillations in the maintenance of efficient communication in the brain. Finally, we discuss the role of neural oscillations in healthy and chronic pain nociceptive processing. These data and concepts illustrate the key role of regional and interregional neural oscillations in nociceptive processing underlying acute and chronic pains.
Oxytocin and the Neurobiology of Prosocial Behavior
Authors: Marsh Nina , Marsh Abigail A. , Lee Mary R. , Hurlemann René
Published: September 2020

Humans are an unusually prosocial species, who engage in social behaviors that include altruism—whereby an individual engages in costly or risky acts to improve the welfare of another person—care, and cooperation. Current perspectives on the neurobiology of human prosociality suggest that it is deeply rooted in the neuroendocrine architecture of the social brain and emphasize the modulatory role of the neuropeptide hormone oxytocin. In this review, we provide a conceptual overview of the neurobiology of prosocial behavior with a focus on oxytocin’s modulatory role in human prosociality. Specifically, we aim to encourage a better understanding of the peptide’s susceptibility to diverse factors that produce heterogeneity in outcomes and the resulting methodological implications for measuring the behavioral effects of oxytocin in humans. After providing an overview of the state-of-the-art research on oxytocin’s exogenous use, we elaborate on the peptide’s modulatory role in the context of care-based altruism, cooperation, and conflict and discuss its potential for therapeutic interventions in psychiatric disorders characterized by social dysfunction.
Organoids, Assembloids, and Novel Biotechnology: Steps Forward in Developmental and Disease-Related Neuroscience
Authors: Panoutsopoulos Alexios A.
Published: September 2020

In neuroscience research, the efforts to find the model through which we can mimic the in vivo microenvironment of a developing or defective brain have been everlasting. While model organisms are used for over a hundred years, many more methods have been introduced with immortalized or primary cell lines and later induced pluripotent stem cells and organoids to be some of these. As the use of organoids becomes more and more common by many laboratories in biology and neuroscience in particular, it is crucial to deeper understand the challenges and possible pitfalls of their application in research, many of which can be surpassed with the support of state-of-the art bioengineering solutions. In this review, after a brief chronicle of the path to the discovery of organoids, we focus on the latest approaches to study neuroscience related topics with organoids, such as the use of assembloids, CRISPR technology, patch-clamp and optogenetics techniques and discuss how modern 3-dimensional biomaterials, miniaturized bioreactors and microfluidic chips can help to overcome the disadvantages of their use.
The COVID-19 Effect on the Immune System and Mitochondrial Dynamics in Diabetes, Obesity, and Dementia
Authors: Holder Katherine , Reddy P. Hemachandra
Published: September 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease, originated in Wuhan City, China. It is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its biology is still poorly understood. Currently, there are no vaccines and drugs/or agents that can reduce severity of this new disease. Recent data suggest that patients with age-related comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and dementia are highly susceptible to severe respiratory illness due to coronavirus infection. Recent research also revealed that aged individuals with elevated baseline inflammation cause defects in T and B cells, leading to decreased body’s immune response to viral infection. In the current article, we discuss the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on age-related chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease. Our article also highlights the interaction between coronavirus and immune cells, and how COVID-19 alters mitochondrial activities in host cells. Based on new and compelling evidence, we propose that mitochondrial fission is inhibited while fusion is promoted, causing mitochondrial elongation and providing a receptive intracellular environment for viral replication in infected cells. Further research is still needed to understand the cross talk between viral replication in mitochondria and disease progression in patients with COVID-19.
Vibration characteristics and damping properties of functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced hybrid composite skewed shell structures under hygrothermal conditions
Authors: Patnaik Salur Srikant , Roy Tarapada
Published: September 2020

The present article deals with the vibration and damping characteristics of functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced hybrid composite skewed shell structure in different hygrothermal conditions. Carbon nanotube reinforced polymer as a matrix phase and carbon fibre as a reinforcing phase are used, and carbon fibre is graded with uniform distribution along the thickness direction for the shell panel according to the power law distribution. The Mori–Tanaka scheme and strength of materials are used to determine the mechanical properties of such functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced hybrid composite materials. Finite element modelling has been done by considering an eight-noded shell element with the transverse shear effect according to Mindlin’s hypothesis, and an oblique coordinate system is used for the functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced hybrid composite skewed shell structures. Damping is incorporated into such carbon nanotube–based hybrid skewed shell structure based on the Rayleigh damping model. A MATLAB-based in-house computer code has been developed for the proposed formulation and verified with published research work before using for the present dynamic analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced hybrid composite skewed shell structure under hygrothermal conditions. The effect of the carbon nanotube, carbon fibre, material distribution as per power law index and hygrothermal conditions on the damping behaviour of such functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced hybrid composite skewed shell structures have been studied. Furthermore, parametric studies are carried out for the first resonant frequency, absolute amplitude, settling time and carbon nanotube impact on the vibrational behaviour of different functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced hybrid composite skewed shell structures under different hygrothermal conditions.
Understanding the Adoption and Implementation of Body-Worn Cameras among U.S. Local Police Departments
Authors: Pyo Sunyoung
Published: September 2020

The national debate about police use of force against racial minority residents has led to increased attention to body-worn cameras (BWCs) as tools for increasing police accountability. Although researchers have documented the effectiveness of BWCs, little research has been done to examine why police departments decide to use them in the first place. Based on an innovation framework, the current study aims to explain what factors determine police departments’ decisions to implement BWCs. By examining 139 U.S. police departments using event history analyses, I find that the police departments with a higher severity of police-involved deaths of minority residents and a higher strength of social movements protesting police brutality are more likely to implement BWCs. In addition, some organizational and environmental factors, including the availability of federal grants and the council-manager form of government, have significant associations with BWC implementation. Findings also suggest that different patterns of BWC implementation are demonstrated according to environmental context.
The effect of religious fasting and dehydration at Ramadan on choroidal thickness and Retinal vessel densities, measured with optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Gokmen Onur , Ozgur Gokhan
Published: September 2020

Aim:

To investigate the effect of religious fasting and dehydration at Ramadan on choroidal thickness and vessel density in the superficial and deep vascular plexuses with OCTA.

Methods:

The choroidal thickness, and superficial and deep vessel density indices of fasting healthy subjects were measured with an OCTA device, and compared with non-fasting measurements.

Results:

The study included 70 eyes of 35 healthy subjects with a mean age of 42.86 ± 8.3 years. The measured choroidal thickness, superficial vessel density index and deep vessel density index were 288.89 ± 67 µm, 40.56% and 41.43%, respectively when measured in the fasting period, compared to 284.62 ± 65 µm, 40.41% and 41.41%, respectively when measured in the non-fasting period. The choroidal thickness under the fovea center was found to be significantly higher in the fasting period than in the non-fasting period ( p = 0.014). The mean total choroidal thickness was found to be reduced in the non-fasting period, although not to a statistically significant degree ( p > 0.05). An analysis of the mean total superficial and deep vascular plexuses revealed no statistically significant difference ( p = 0.368, p = 0.938 respectively).

Conclusion:

Although a significant increase was noted in central choroidal thickness in the fasting period, no significant change due to fasting was observed in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses. The choroidal layer may vary in thickness due to fasting-related metabolic factors, while retinal vessels are more stable against such effects.
Ultrasound speckle tracking to detect vascular distensibility changes from angioplasty and branch ligation in a radio-cephalic fistula: Use of novel open source software
Authors: Weitzel William F , Rajaram Nirmala , Zheng Yihao , Thelen Brian J , Krishnamurthy Venkataramu N , Hamilton James , Lora Miguel Angel Funes , Morgan Timothy , Shih Albert J , Yessayan Lenar
Published: September 2020

We used novel open source software, based on an ultrasound speckle tracking algorithm, to examine the distensibility of the vessel wall of the inflow artery, anastomosis, and outflow vein before and after two procedures. An 83-year-old white man with a poorly maturing radio-cephalic fistula received an angioplasty at the anastomosis followed by branch ligation 28 days later. Duplex Doppler measurements corroborated the blood flow related changes anticipated from the interventions. The experimental distensibility results showed that it is technically feasible to measure subtle vessel wall motion changes with high resolution (sub-millimeter) using standard Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) ultrasound data, which are readily available on conventional ultrasound scanners. While this methodology was originally developed using high resolution radiofrequency from ultrasound data, the goal of this study was to use DICOM data, which makes this technology accessible to a wide range of users.
Pleural effusion with arm, breast, and face edema as a complication of subclavian vein catheterization and arteriovenous fistula in a patient after renal transplantation: A therapeutic approach
Authors: Banasik Mirosław , Dawiskiba Tomasz , Letachowicz Krzysztof , Zmonarski Sławomir , Mazanowska Oktawia , Lipiak Edyta , Miś Marcin , Janczak Dariusz , Krajewska Magdalena
Published: September 2020

A 52-year-old woman after renal transplantation developed unilateral pleural effusion as well as a massive edema of the upper limb, breast, and face as a complication of the subclavian vein catheterization and arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis. We revealed that impaired venous drainage due to extensive vein occlusion after temporary catheter insertion, together with high venous flow from the arteriovenous fistula, were the explanation. Because of moderately impaired renal graft function and limited availability of vascular access in the patient, fistula ligation as a therapeutic method described in literature, was not an option in our case. The patient underwent an unsuccessful attempt of venous angioplasty, and eventually banding of the fistula and blood flow reduction resolved pleural effusions and edema. This is a reasonable approach to the problem of massive upper torso edema due to central vein occlusion with ipsilateral arteriovenous fistula.
Developing agency through music and movement
Authors: Sutela Katja , Ojala Juha , Kielinen Marko
Published: September 2020

This ethnographic study examines the development of agency in students with special needs during an experiment of classroom music teaching in a special school. The experiment took place from August 2015 to March 2016 and was based on Emile Jaques-Dalcroze’s ideas of music and movement as a means of developing competencies, skills and understanding in music and life in general. The lessons included activities, such as quick reaction and follow exercises, singing with movement, body percussion exercises, dancing, movement improvisation, and relaxation exercises. The data consisted of video recordings of the lessons, and interviews with students, teachers, and teaching assistants. The data were analyzed using qualitative analysis software and thematic analysis. The analysis of the ethnographic data of this practitioner research showed that music-and-movement activities support the development of students’ agency by fostering (a) students’ own decision-making, (b) interaction with others, (c) expression of emotions and initiative, and (d) being recognized by others as active and able musicians. Consequently, this study encourages educators to advocate music and movement as a tool to support individual agency and active participation inside and outside the classroom.
Older adults’ physical activity-related social control and social support in the context of personal norms
Authors: Newsom Jason T , Denning Emily C , Shaw Benjamin A , August Kristin J , Strath Scott J
Published: September 2020

This study investigated whether perceived physical activity norms moderated the effects of physical activity-related social interactions on intentions to engage in physical activity among community-residing older adults ( N = 217). Structural equation modeling tested whether two types of social support and social control interacted with personal norms in predicting intentions to be active. Emotional and informational support were associated with higher intentions, and negative social control was associated with lower intentions to engage in activity. Each of these effects was more prominent in the context of weak personal norms, suggesting future research and interventions should consider joint effects of support and norms.
A gateway to complexity: A cross-linguistic comparison of child bilingual speech
Authors: Quick Antje Endesfelder , Gaskins Dorota , Bailleul Oksana , Frick Maria , Palola Elina
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

This study investigates monolingual and code-mixed utterances in four bilingual children with different language combinations (German–English, English–Polish, Finnish–English, and French–Russian) in terms of utterance lengths (MLUs) and complexities offering a usage-based (UB) explanation based on cognitive mechanisms.

Methodology:

Utterances from four different child bilingual corpora were extracted and coded for individual monolingual languages and bilingual utterances.

Data and analysis:

35.441 utterances between the age of 2–4 were analyzed in terms of MLU and syntactic complexity.

Findings/conclusions:

Results showed that for all children monolingual MLUs and complexities reflect their input situations: the more input in one language, the longer and more complex those utterances were. However, in all four children code-mixed utterances were longer and more complex from the beginning of the recordings.

Implications:

This is the first study that systematically compares MLU scores and complexities of monolingual and bilingual utterances taking diverse language combinations into account and offering a UB explanation based on chunking and entrenchment processes as a new alternative for further research in bilingualism.
Lockdowns and the COVID-19 pandemic: What is the endgame?
Authors: Lytras Theodore , Tsiodras Sotirios
Published: September 2020

An overall long-term strategy for managing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is presented. This strategy will need to be maintained until herd immunity is achieved, hopefully through vaccination rather than natural infection. We suggest that a pure test-trace-isolate strategy is likely not practicable in most countries, and a degree of social distancing, ranging up to full lockdown, is the main public-health tool to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by reliable surveillance data, distancing should be continuously optimised down to the lowest sustainable level that guarantees a low and stable infection rate in order to balance its wide-ranging negative effects on public health. The qualitative mixture of social-distancing measures also needs to be carefully optimised in order to minimise social costs.
Performance improvement of turbocharged SI engine by post-oxidation enhancement in exhaust gas in-homogeneity
Authors: Kumar Madan , Moeeni Salaar , Kuboyama Tatsuya , Moriyoshi Yasuo
Published: September 2020

In this research, the improvement of mixing and pulsation in exhaust manifold with a design and implementation of bypass adapter at exhaust port were deeply investigated. This in-turn can improve the post-oxidation phenomena and hence emissions and engine performance could be enhanced. This research investigation includes 1-D, 3-D simulations and experimental validation on a 4-cylinder turbocharged spark ignition (SI) engine. Firstly, the 1-D and 3-D simulation models were developed and calibrated with the experimental results. Then, the simulations were used for the detailed investigation of mixing and pulsation in exhaust manifold with and without bypass adapter. Thereafter, experimental test for the post-oxidation were conducted with and without consideration of the bypass adapter and results were compared. From the simulation and experimental results, it was proven that by using bypass adapter at the exhaust port, the mixing of exhaust gas species was observed to be significantly improved to some extent. Also, the unbalance between exhaust port and turbocharger upstream gas species were reduced. This also reduced the exhaust gas pulsation. By the improvement of mixing between scavenged O2 and unburned gas species, the post-oxidation reaction was also noted to have improved and consequently the emissions and turbo-speed were found to be better that led to an improved IMEP and thermal efficiency of the engine.
Coronary flow impairment in asymptomatic patients with early stage type-2 diabetes: Detection by FFRCT
Authors: Mrgan Monija , Nørgaard Bjarne Linde , Dey Damini , Gram Jørgen , Olsen Michael Hecht , Gram Jeppe , Sand Niels Peter Rønnow
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

To determine the occurrence of physiological significant coronary artery disease (CAD) by coronary CT angiography (CTA) derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) in asymptomatic patients with a new diagnosis (<1 year) of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods:

FFRCT-analysis was performed from standard acquired coronary CTA data sets. The per-patient minimum distal FFRCT-value (d-FFRCT) in coronary vessels (diameter ⩾1.8 mm) was registered. The threshold for categorizing FFRCT-analysis as abnormal was a d-FFRCT ⩽0.75. Total plaque volume and volumes of calcified plaque, non-calcified plaque, and low-density non-calcified plaque (LD-NCP) were assessed by quantitative plaque analysis.

Results:

Overall, 76 patients; age, mean (SD): 56 (11) years; males, n (%): 49(65), were studied. A total of 57% of patients had plaques. The d-FFRCT was ⩽0.75 in 12 (16%) patients. The d-FFRCT, median (IQR), was 0.84 (0.79–0.87). Median (range) d-FFRCT in patients with d-FFRCT ⩽0.75 was 0.70 (0.6–0.74). Patients with d-FFRCT⩽0.75 versus d-FFRCT >0.75 had numerically higher plaque volumes for all plaques components, although only significant for the LD-NCP component.

Conclusion:

Every sixth asymptomatic patient with a new diagnosis of T2DM has hemodynamic significant CAD as evaluated by FFRCT. Flow impairment by FFRCT was associated with coronary plaque characteristics.
An optical coherence tomography comparison of coronary arterial plaque calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Weber Joseph R , Martin Brendan , Kassis Nicholas , Shah Kunal , Kovarnik Tomas , Mattix-Kramer Holly , Lopez John J
Published: September 2020

Background:

Coronary arterial plaques in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are assumed to have increased calcification due to underlying renal disease or initiation of dialysis. This relationship may be confounded by comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods:

From a single-center OCT registry, 60 patients were analyzed. Twenty patients with ESRD and diabetes (ESRD-DM) were compared to 2 groups of non-ESRD patients: 20 with and 20 without diabetes. In each patient, one 20 mm segment within the culprit vessel was analyzed.

Results:

ESRD-DM patients exhibited similar calcium burden, arc, and area compared to patients with diabetes alone. When compared to patients without diabetes, patients with diabetes exhibited a greater summed area of calcium (DM: Median 9.0, IQR [5.3–28] mm2 vs Non-DM: 3.5 [0.1–14] mm2, p = 0.04) and larger calcium deposits by arc (DM: Mean 45 ± SE 6.2° vs Non-DM: 21 ± 6.2°, p = 0.01) and area (DM: 0.58 ± 0.10 mm2 vs Non-DM: 0.26 ± 0.10 mm2, p = 0.03). Calcification deposits in ESRD-DM patients (0.14 ± 0.02 mm) and patients with diabetes (0.14 ± 0.02 mm) were more superficially located relative to patients without diabetes (0.21 ± 0.02 mm), p = 0.01 for both.

Conclusions:

Coronary calcification in DM and ESRD-DM groups exhibited similar burden, deposit size, and depth within the arterial wall. The increase in coronary calcification and cardiovascular disease events seen in ESRD-DM patients may not be secondary to ESRD and dialysis, but instead due to a combination of declining renal function and diabetes.
Evaluation of the relationship between cardiac autonomic function and glucose variability and HOMA-IR in prediabetes
Authors: Dimova Rumyana , Chakarova Nevena , Grozeva Greta , Tankova Tsvetalina
Published: September 2020

Aims:

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between cardiac autonomic function (CAF) and glucose variability (GV) and HOMA-IR in subjects with prediabetes and normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

Material and methods:

Ninety-two subjects (59 with prediabetes and 33 with NGT), of mean age 50.3 ± 11.5 years, mean BMI 30.4 ± 6.0 kg/m2, were included in this cross-sectional study. Glucose tolerance was assessed by OGTT according to WHO 2006 criteria. Glucose, HbA1c, insulin, oxLDL, and 3-Nitrotyrosine were measured. CGM was performed with a blinded sensor (FreeStyle Libre Pro). CAF was assessed by ANX-3.0 technology.

Results:

GV indices were increased in prediabetes. CAF was suppressed in subjects with any stage of dysglycemia. The prevalence of cardiac autonomic dysfunction was higher in prediabetes −20.3% as compared to NGT −3.0%, p = 0.028. HOMA-IR [OR 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1–2.1), p = 0.010] and time in target range [OR 0.8 (95% CI: 0.67–0.97), p = 0.021] were found to be predictive variables for impaired CAF. Sympathetic and parasympathetic activity negatively correlated with mean glycemia and GV indices and were independently related to JINDEX in prediabetes ( F[1, 47] = 5.76, p = 0.021 and F[1, 47] = 5.94, p = 0.019, respectively); and to time above target range in NGT ( F[1, 18] = 4.48, p = 0.049 and F[1, 18] = 4.65, p = 0.046, respectively).

Conclusion:

CAF is declined in prediabetes and seems to be related to GV and HOMA-IR at early stages of dysglycemia.
High hemoglobin glycation index is associated with increased systemic arterial stiffness independent of hyperglycemia in real-world Japanese population: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nagayama Daiji , Watanabe Yasuhiro , Yamaguchi Takashi , Saiki Atsuhito , Shirai Kohji , Tatsuno Ichiro
Published: September 2020

Aims:

To investigate the association of metabolic parameters including hemoglobin glycation index (HGI, observed HbA1c – predicted HbA1c) with systemic arterial stiffness assessed by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI).

Subjects:

We analyzed the cross-sectional data from 22,696 subjects (mean age 48.0 years, mean FPG 88 mg/dL, mean HbA1c 5.5%) with or without past history of metabolic disorders including diabetes.

Results:

Men had higher body mass index (BMI), CAVI, blood pressure (BP), FPG, HbA1c, total cholesterol and triglyceride; and lower age, HGI and HDL-cholesterol. After stratifying subjects into HGI quartiles, the highest quartile (Q4) group showed higher age, female ratio, and frequencies of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Furthermore, bivariate logistic regression model revealed that the Q4 of HGI was a significant predictor of high CAVI (⩾9.0) independent of the presence of diabetes.

Conclusion:

High HGI is associated with systemic arterial stiffening independent of hyperglycemia. This index is therefore expected to be not only a predictor of hypoglycemia, but also a therapeutic guide for atherosclerosis.
Hybrid Approach for Embolized Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Stent
Authors: Prabhu Sudesh , Tiwari Rishi , Mehra Siddhant , Shetty Riyan , Ramachandra Prakash , Maiya Shreesha
Published: September 2020

Displacement and embolization of the stent is one of the major complications of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) stenting. Since embolized stents cannot be retrieved percutaneously as they cannot be crimped into pre-stenting state (unlike duct occluders and septal devices, which can be pulled back into the sheath), surgery remains the gold standard treatment. We describe a hybrid approach for the retrieval of the embolized RVOT stent, which will decrease morbidity when compared to the standard surgical approach that is otherwise required.
A multidisciplinary approach to the engineering of footwear cushioning: A practical example of gym training shoes
Authors: Morio Cédric YM , Bouten Laura , Duraffourg Simon , Delattre Nicolas
Published: September 2020

According to sports goers, one of the most important features of gym training shoes is their cushioning properties. The optimal amount of cushioning is, however, complex to define. In the present paper, a multi-disciplinary approach was proposed to investigate and determine the optimal perceived midsole cushioning for gym training shoes. Firstly, impact tests were performed to characterise a wide range of shoes representing the gym training shoe market. Trained sensory panel method and mechanical testing were combined to determine the relationship between the perception of cushioning and the shoe’s mechanical properties. Secondly, the preferred cushioning perception was assessed. Then, numerous midsole configurations were tested using finite element method (FEM) to determine the combinations with the best cushioning properties in order to reduce the number of physical prototypes. To assess the best configuration estimated by the numerical model, a wear test was performed as a final validation. From this approach, relationship between the mechanical properties of the midsole and perception of cushioning was found, and an optimal perceived cushioning was identified. Moreover, through FEM numerical simulations, a great number of midsole configurations and designs were tested without making any actual prototypes. Prototype shoes were based on the best numerical solution. The final wear test confirmed that the prototype gym training shoes achieved the preferred perception of cushioning. The present methodology proposes a framework, which empowers the use of athlete’s and exerciser’s perception in shoe design.
Construction of an isokinetic horizontal eccentric towing device to improve sprinting performance
Authors: Tinwala Farhan , Haemmerle Enrico , Cronin John , Ross Angus
Published: September 2020

Horizontal eccentric towing (HET) is a novel modality that delivers an eccentric overload to the musculature as an athlete attempts to move forward in a sprint stance whilst being pulled backwards. A device, called the HET, has been developed to automate this movement. Similar to a winch retracting an anchor on a boat, the HET device pulls an athlete that is tethered inwards and the athlete must resist this motion in a maximal manner, whilst maintaining a sprint stance. The HET device provides an isokinetic training modality by towing athletes inwards at a constant velocity. The HET device is operated by an electric 10 kW AC synchronous servo gearmotor. The motor is controlled by a variable speed drive (VSD) and programmable logic controller (PLC), which allow for accurate speed, position and torque control. A touchscreen PC runs the user interface displaying real-time force and speed measures. The HET device can produce a maximum towing force of 2.8 kN at ground velocities of up to 3.58 m/s. There is a separate safety PLC that triggers a safety-rated brake system when the E-stop buttons are pushed. This is paramount for athlete safety. In this technical note, the components used in the construction of the HET device will be detailed and insights into a novel stimulus will be offered, as well as a guide to develop and automate similar eccentric movements.
Low dose continuous lenalidomide in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma: a retrospective case series
Authors: Ma Helen , Cheng Bin , Montanari Francesca , Lue Jennifer K. , Deng Changchun , Marchi Enrica , O’ Connor Owen A. , Sawas Ahmed
Published: September 2020

Patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) remain a management challenge with few reliably effective treatments. Lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug approved for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome with del(5q), multiple myeloma, and mantle cell lymphoma, has demonstrated some activity in patients with R/R cHL, though the toxicity of traditional doses and schedules has been a barrier to consistent use. Low dose continuous (LDC) schedules have emerged as promising, with a more favorable safety profile. We report herein that LDC schedules are associated with a far more tolerable toxicity profile, and exhibit at least equivalent efficacy in this patient population. We report that patients diagnosed with R/R cHL who previously underwent, or were not candidates for, ASCT and/or clinical trials, were administered daily LDC lenalidomide (20 mg orally with dose reduction for toxicity). Among the 19 patients included in this analysis, 11% of patients achieved a partial response (PR), with no documented complete responses (CR). A total of 12 (63%) patients maintained stable disease (SD), with 7 patients (37%) remaining in SD for more than 6 months. The clinical benefit rate (comprised of CR, PR, and SD for greater than 6 months) was 47% (7 out of 19 patients). The median progression-free survival and overall survival of all patients were 9.4 months (range, 4.6–14.4 months) and 90 months (range, 63.6–166.8 months), respectively. In general, the treatment was well tolerated, with grade 3 or 4 adverse events consisting of neutropenia ( n = 4), and one case each of thrombocytopenia, fatigue, rash, creatinine elevation, aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase elevation, and treatment related secondary malignancy. In a heavily treated R/R cHL patient population, daily LDC lenalidomide was associated with a high disease control rate with a favorable toxicity profile.
Association of vitamin D3 and its metabolites in patients with and without type 2 diabetes and their relationship to diabetes complications
Authors: Butler Alexandra E. , Dargham Soha R. , Latif Aishah , Mokhtar Haira R. , Robay Amal , Chidiac Omar M. , Jayyousi Amin , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Crystal Ronald G. , Abi Khalil Charbel , Atkin Stephen L.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Epidemiological studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and is related to diabetes complications. This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between diabetes complications and cardiovascular risk factors with vitamin D3 and its metabolites: 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3); and 25-hydroxy-3epi-vitamin D3 (3epi25(OH)D3).

Methods:

750 Qatari subjects, 460 (61.3%) with and 290 (38.7%) without T2DM, who were not taking vitamin D3 supplements, participated in this cross-sectional, observational study. Plasma concentrations of vitamin D3 and its metabolites were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

Results:

T2DM subjects had lower concentrations of all vitamin D3 metabolites ( p < 0.001) except 3epi25(OH)D3 ( p < 0.071). Males had higher concentrations of all vitamin D3 metabolites ( p < 0.001). In the T2DM subjects, lower 25(OH)D3 was associated with retinopathy ( p < 0.03) and dyslipidemia ( p < 0.04), but not neuropathy or vascular complications; lower 1,25(OH)2D3 was associated with hypertension ( p < 0.009), dyslipidemia ( p < 0.003) and retinopathy ( p < 0.006), and coronary artery disease ( p < 0.012), but not neuropathy; lower 24,25(OH)2D3 concentrations were associated with dyslipidemia alone ( p < 0.019); 3epi25(OH)D3 associated with diabetic neuropathy alone ( p < 0.029). In nondiabetics, 25(OH)D3, 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 were associated with dyslipidemia ( p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.015, respectively) and lower 1,25(OH)2D3 was associated with hypertension ( p < 0.001). Spearman’s correlation showed 1,25(OH)2D3 to be negatively correlated to age and diabetes duration.

Conclusions:

Different diabetes complications were associated with differing vitamin D parameters, with diabetic retinopathy related to lower 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels, hypertension significantly associated with lower 1,25(OH)2D3, while dyslipidemia was associated with lower 25(OH)D3, 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3. While 25(OH)D metabolites were lower in females, there was not an exaggeration in complications.
Internet addiction belief, but not Internet use time, is independently associated with menstrual pain severity and interference to social life among adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yamada Keiko , Kubota Yasuhiko , Paré Catherine , Takeda Takashi
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Problematic Internet use is a serious health issue for modern adolescents who have developed and matured in a global Internet environment. This study aimed to examine whether Internet use time and Internet addiction beliefs were independently associated with menstrual pain severity and its interference among Japanese adolescents.

Methods:

We recruited 1166 adolescents at two high schools to complete questionnaires on Internet use and menstrual pain. The explanatory variable was self-reported average Internet use time per day and Internet addiction beliefs (‘none’ (reference) ‘somewhat’, ‘moderate’ and ‘severe’). The outcome variables were moderate-to-severe menstrual pain and interference. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for moderate-to-severe menstrual pain and interference. Adjustment variables were age, body mass index, belonging to a community or school sports club, sleep duration and Internet addiction beliefs/Internet use time.

Results:

Internet addiction belief, but not Internet use time, was independently associated with menstrual pain severity and interference to social life in a dose–response manner. ORs (95% CIs) of moderate-to-severe menstrual pain for slight, moderate and severe Internet addition beliefs were 1.43 (1.02–1.99), 1.89 (1.31–2.74) and 1.88 (1.10–3.23), respectively. ORs of moderate-to-severe disability due to menstrual pain for slight, moderate and severe Internet addition beliefs were 1.25 (0.75–1.82), 1.72 (1.01–2.92) and 2.21 (1.11–4.40), respectively, after adjusting for average Internet use time.

Conclusion:

Internet addiction belief was associated with higher prevalence of moderate-to-severe menstrual pain among adolescents, beyond the variance accounted for by Internet use time.
The Impact of New Generation Management Approaches on the Firm Performance: The Moderating Role of Strategic Human Resource Management Applications
Authors: Altındağ Erkut , Bilaloğlu Aktürk Hande
Published: September 2020

The main purpose of this study is to research how and to what degree a company’s performance is affected by the new generation management approaches through strategic human resource applications. Within this framework, of the new generation management approaches, organizational ambidexterity, learning organization, and innovation capability have been included as independent variables, and of the strategic human resource applications, with the moderation of talent management and the recruitment and selection process, the effects on firm performance have been tested empirically. The study was conducted in 2018 by evaluating 387 of the questionnaires collected from the firm owners and middle and upper management of randomly selected large and mid-sized businesses in Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, and Izmir. The collected data were tested using SPSS and, within the scope of structural equation modeling, using SmartPLS. At the conclusion of the research, of the new generation management approaches, it became evident that innovation capabilities have positive effects on the firm performance and that the learning organization also has positive effects on the firm performance by the effect of the moderating variables. Furthermore, a striking weakness was found in the relationship between the performance of a firm and innovation ambidexterity. It was also found that talent management plays no moderating role in the effects of new generation management approaches on the firm performance.
Systematic changes of the static upper body posture with a symmetric occlusion condition
Authors: Maurer-Grubinger C. , Avaniadi I. , Adjami F. , Christian W. , Doerry C. , Fay V. , Fisch V. , Gerez A. , Goecke J. , Kaya U. , Keller J. , Krüger D. , Pflaum J. , Porsch L. , Wischnewski C. , Scharnweber B. , Sosnov P. , Oremek G. , Groneberg D. A. , Ohlendorf D.
Published: September 2020

Background

Temporary occlusal changes and their influence on the upper body statics are still controversially discussed. Furthermore, concrete statements on whether age- or gender-specific differences in neurophysiological reactions exist are missing. Therefore, it is the aim of this study to evaluate the immediate effects of a symmetrical occlusion blocking on the upper body posture. These effects shall be investigated for both genders and for a larger age range.

Methods

In this study, 800 (407f/393 m) subjects volunteered aged from 21 to 60 years. Both genders were divided into four age groups according to decades. The three-dimensional upper body posture was measured by using the rasterstereography (ABW-Bodymapper). The habitual static posture was measured in two dental occlusion conditions (a) in rest position and (b) symmetrical blocking in the bicuspid region by cotton rolls.

Results

A significant reduction of the trunk length (0.72 mm; p <  0.001), an increase of the lumbar (0.30°; p <  0.001) and the thoracic bending angle (0.14°; p = 0.001), a reduction of the spinal forward decline (0.16°; p <  0.001) and a reduction of the scapular distance (0.36 mm; p = 0.001) was found. Gender-specific reactions can only be recorded in scapular distance, in that regard men reduce this distance while over all age groups women did not show a significant change.

Discussion

Slight gender- and age-independent reactions due to a symmetric occlusion blockade are shown: A gender independent reaction of the spinal related variables in the sagittal plane (thoracic and lumbar flexion angle, trunk length, spinal forward decline). In addition, a gender specific change of the shoulder blade distance could be observed, where men reduced the distance while female did not show a change. However, since these reactions are of a minimum amount, it can be concluded that neurophysiological compensation mechanisms work equally well regardless of age and sex, and the upper body posture of healthy people changes only very slightly due to a temporarily symmetrical altered bite position.
Diabetes as a risk factor for incident peripheral arterial disease in women compared to men: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chase-Vilchez Alyssa Z. , Chan Isaac H. Y. , Peters Sanne A. E. , Woodward Mark
Published: September 2020

Aims/hypothesis

Previous meta-analyses have suggested that diabetes confers a greater excess risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, vascular dementia, and heart failure in women compared to men. While the underlying mechanism that explains such greater excess risk is unknown, in the current meta-analysis we hypothesized that we would find a similar sex difference in the relationship between diabetes and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods

PubMed MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Embase were systematically searched for prospective population-based cohort studies, with no restriction on publication date, language, or country. We included studies that reported the relative risk (RR), and its variability, for incident PAD associated with diabetes in both sexes. We excluded studies that did not adjust at least for age, and in which participants had pre-existing PAD. In cases where sex-specific results were not reported, study authors were contacted. Random-effects meta-analyses with inverse variance weighting were used to obtain summary sex-specific RRs and the women: men ratio of RRs for PAD. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to assess study quality.

Results

Data from seven cohorts, totalling 2071,260 participants (49.8% women), were included. The relative risk for incident PAD associated with diabetes compared with no diabetes was 1.96 (95% CI 1.29–2.63) in women and 1.84 (95% CI 1.29–2.86) in men, after adjusting for potential confounders. The multiple-adjusted RR ratio was 1.05 (95% CI 0.90–1.22), with virtually no heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 0%). All studies scored 6–8, on the Newcastle–Ottawa scale of 0–9, indicating good quality. Eleven of the 12 studies that met review inclusion criteria did not report sex-specific relative risk, and these data were collected through direct correspondence with the study authors.

Conclusion/interpretation

Consistent with other studies, we found evidence that diabetes is an independent risk factor for PAD. However, in contrast to similar studies of other types of cardiovascular disease, we did not find evidence that diabetes confers a greater excess risk in women compared to men for PAD. More research is needed to explain this sex differential between PAD and other forms of CVD, in the sequelae of diabetes. In addition, we found that very few studies reported the sex-specific relative risk for the association between diabetes and PAD, adding to existing evidence for the need for improved reporting of sex-disaggregated results in cardiovascular disease research.
TDP-43 mediated blood-brain barrier permeability and leukocyte infiltration promote neurodegeneration in a low-grade systemic inflammation mouse model
Authors: Zamudio Frank , Loon Anjanet R. , Smeltzer Shayna , Benyamine Khawla , Navalpur Shanmugam Nanda K. , Stewart Nicholas J. F. , Lee Daniel C. , Nash Kevin , Selenica Maj-Linda B.
Published: September 2020

Background

Neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions containing TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) are a neuropathological feature of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Emerging evidence also indicates that systemic inflammation may be a contributor to the pathology progression of these neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

To investigate the role of systemic inflammation in the progression of neuronal TDP-43 pathology, AAV9 particles driven by the UCHL1 promoter were delivered to the frontal cortex of wild-type aged mice via intracranial injections to overexpress TDP-43 or green fluorescent protein (GFP) in corticospinal motor neurons. Animals were then subjected to a low-dose (500 μg/kg) intraperitoneal E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration challenge for 2 weeks to mimic a chronically altered low-grade systemic inflammatory state. Mice were then subjected to neurobehavioral studies, followed by biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses of the brain tissue.

Results

In the present study, we report that elevated neuronal TDP-43 levels induced microglial and astrocytic activation in the cortex of injected mice followed by increased RANTES signaling. Moreover, overexpression of TDP-43 exerted abundant mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG), CD3, and CD4+ T cell infiltration as well as endothelial and pericyte activation suggesting increased blood-brain barrier permeability. The BBB permeability in TDP-43 overexpressing brains yielded the frontal cortex vulnerable to the systemic inflammatory response following LPS treatment, leading to marked neutrophil infiltration, neuronal loss, reduced synaptosome-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) levels, and behavioral impairments in the radial arm water maze (RAWM) task.

Conclusions

These results reveal a novel role for TDP-43 in BBB permeability and leukocyte recruitment, indicating complex intermolecular interactions between an altered systemic inflammatory state and pathologically prone TDP-43 protein to promote disease progression.