bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody induces broad protection against heterogeneous PRRSV strains in piglets
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Zhai Tianshu , Li Mingshuo , Zhang Kun , Li Jingrui , Zheng Xu , Tian Chaonan , Chen Rui , Dong Jianhui , Zhou En-Min , Nan Yuchen , Wu Chunyan
Published: March 2021

Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) have attracted attention as tools for achieving PRRSV control and prevention, but viral antigenic variation undermines the abilities of NAbs elicited by attenuated PRRSV vaccines to confer full protection against heterogeneous PRRSV field isolates. As demonstrated in this study, the monoclonal antibody (mAb) mAb-PN9cx3 exhibited broad-spectrum recognition and neutralizing activities againstPRRSV-1andPRRSV-2strains in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that the administration of two 10-mg doses of mAb-PN9cx3 before and after the inoculation of piglets with heterologous PRRSV isolates (HP-PRRSV-JXA1 or PRRSV NADC30-like strain HNhx) resulted in significant reduction of the PRRSV-induced pulmonary pathological changes and virus loads in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) compared with the results obtained with mAb-treated isotype controls. Moreover, minimal hilar lymph node PRRSV antigen levels were observed in mAb-PN9cx3-treated piglets. A transcriptome profile analysis of PAMs extracted from lung tissues of piglets belonging to different groups (except for antibody-isotype controls) indicated that mAb-PN9cx3 treatment reversed the PRRSV infection-induced alterations in expression profiles. A gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of these genes traced their functions to pathways that included the immune response, inflammatory response, and response to steroid hormone, and their functions in oogenesis and positive regulation of angiogenesis have been implicated in PRRSV pathogenesis. Overall, NADC30-like HNhx infection affected more gene pathways than HP-PRRSV infection. In conclusion, our research describes a novel immunologic approach involving the use of mAbs that confer cross-protection against serious illness resulting from infection with heterogeneousPRRSV-2isolates, which is a feat that has not yet been achieved through vaccination. Ultimately, mAb-PN9cx3 will be a powerful addition to our current arsenal for achieving PRRSV prevention and eradication.
Cerebrovascular autoregulation and arterial carbon dioxide in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Kahl Ursula , Yu Yuanyuan , Nierhaus Axel , Frings Daniel , Sensen Barbara , Daubmann Anne , Kluge Stefan , Fischer Marlene
Published: March 2021

Background

Early hypercapnia is common in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and is associated with increased mortality. Fluctuations of carbon dioxide have been associated with adverse neurological outcome in patients with severe respiratory failure requiring extracorporeal organ support. The aim of this study was to investigate whether early hypercapnia is associated with impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation during the acute phase of ARDS.

Methods

Between December 2018 and November 2019, patients who fulfilled the Berlin criteria for ARDS, were enrolled. Patients with a history of central nervous system disorders, cerebrovascular disease, chronic hypercapnia, or a life expectancy of less than 24 h were excluded from study participation. During the acute phase of ARDS, cerebrovascular autoregulation was measured over two time periods for at least 60 min. Based on the values of mean arterial blood pressure and near-infrared spectroscopy, a cerebral autoregulation index (COx) was calculated. The time with impaired cerebral autoregulation was calculated for each measurement and was compared between patients with and without early hypercapnia [defined as an arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) ≥ 50 mmHg with a corresponding arterial pH < 7.35 within the first 24 h of ARDS diagnosis].

Results

Of 66 patients included, 117 monitoring episodes were available. The mean age of the study population was 58.5 ± 16 years. 10 patients (15.2%) had mild, 28 (42.4%) moderate, and 28 (42.4%) severe ARDS. Nineteen patients (28.8%) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Early hypercapnia was present in 39 patients (59.1%). Multivariable analysis did not show a significant association between early hypercapnia and impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation (B = 0.023 [95% CI − 0.054; 0.100], p = 0.556). Hypocapnia during the monitoring period was significantly associated with impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation [B = 0.155 (95% CI 0.014; 0.296), p = 0.032].

Conclusion

Our results suggest that moderate permissive hypercapnia during the acute phase of ARDS has no adverse effect on cerebrovascular autoregulation and may be tolerated to a certain extent to achieve low tidal volumes. In contrast, episodes of hypocapnia may compromise cerebral blood flow regulation.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov; registration number: NCT03949738; date of registration: May 14, 2019
Conceptual framework for increasing legitimacy and trust of sustainability governance
Authors: Stupak Inge , Mansoor Maha , Smith C. Tattersall
Published: March 2021

While the quantity of sustainability governance initiatives and systems has increased dramatically, crises persist over whether specific governance systems can be trusted as legitimate regulators of the sustainability of economic activities. This paper focuses on conceptual tools to improve our understanding of these crises as well as the facilitating factors and barriers for sustainability governance to play a role in transitioning to profoundly more sustainable societies than those that currently exist. Bioenergy is used throughout the paper as an example to aid contextually in understanding the theoretical and abstract arguments. We first define eight premises upon which our argumentation is developed. We then define sustainability, sustainability transition, legitimacy, and trust as a premise for obtaining effectiveness in communication and minimising risks associated with misunderstanding key terms. We proceed to examine the literature on “good governance” in order to reflect upon what defines "good sustainability governance" and what makes governance systems successful in achieving their goals. We propose input, output, and throughput legitimacy as three principles constituting “good” sustainability governance and propose associated open-ended criteria as a basis for developing operational standards for assessing the quality of a sustainability governance system or complex. As sustainability governance systems must develop to remain relevant, we also suggest an adaptive governance model, where continuous re-evaluation of the sustainability governance system design supports the system in remaining “good” in conditions that are complex and dynamic. Finally, we pull from the literature in a broad range of sciences to propose a conceptual “governance research framework” that aims to facilitate an integrated understanding of how the design of sustainability governance systems influences the legitimacy and trust granted to them by relevant actors. The framework is intended to enhance the adaptive features of sustainability governance systems so as to allow the identification of the causes of existing and emerging sustainability governance crises and finding solutions to them. Knowledge generated from its use may form a basis for providing policy recommendations on how to practically solve complex legitimacy and trust crises related to sustainability governance.
Effectiveness of measuring tension during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
Authors: Yokoya Shin , Nakamura Yoshihiro , Harada Yohei , Negi Hiroshi , Matsushita Ryosuke , Matsubara Norimasa , Sumimoto Yasuhiko , Adachi Nobuo
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) for relatively small rotator cuff tears (RCTs) has shown promising results; however, such surgery for larger tears often results in failure and poor clinical outcomes. One cause of failure is over-tension at the repair site that will be covered with the tendon stump. Reports on the clinical outcomes using ARCR with tension ≤ 30 N are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate ARCR outcomes and failure rates using less tension (30 N) and to assess the prognostic factors for failure.

Methods

Our study group comprised of 118 patients who underwent ARCR for full-thickness RCTs with full tendon stump coverage of the footprint with a tension of ≤ 30 N, measured using a tension meter; no additional procedures, such as margin convergence or footprint medialisation, were performed. The failure rate was calculated, and the prognostic factor for failure was assessed using multivariate regression analyses.

Results

There were seven cases of failure in the study group. Postoperatively, flexion and internal rotation ranges of motion, acromiohumeral interval, muscle strength, and clinical results improved significantly. Using multivariate regression analyses, intraoperative concomitant subscapularis tendon lesion and pre-operative infraspinatus tendon retraction, assessed using radial-sequence magnetic resonance imaging, were significantly correlated with post-ARCR failure using less tension (p = 0.030 and p = 0.031, respectively).

Conclusion

ARCR is likely to succeed for RCTs that can be extracted using tension ≤ 30 N. However, cases with more severe subscapularis tendon lesions and those with high infraspinatus tendon retraction may show surgical failure.

Level of evidence

LEVEL IV Retrospective case series
Sociology of ritual and narrative as post-Western sociology: from the perspective of Confucianism and Nativism in the Edo period of Japan
Authors: Yama Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2021

Modern sciences were introduced to Japan from Western countries during the Meiji period. In other words, this was the process of translating Western academic languages into Japanese academic languages. The translation was meant to reuse existing Chinese characters with similar meanings to Western academic languages or create new Chinese characters. Japan was able to rapidly introduce modern Western science during the Meiji period because it already had academic languages comparable to modern Western science; thus, the translation proceeded smoothly. This means that academic ways of thinking that were comparable to modern Western science were developing in Japan. At that time, modern Japanese society first encountered sociology as modern science. Sociology was translated into the Chinese characters “社会学 (Syakaigaku)” and introduced to Japan. The term Syakaigaku first appeared in Japan during the Meiji period; however, before that, early modern Japan had developed several kinds of sociological thought. The purpose of this paper is to examine the history of Japanese thought, especially the new types of Confucianism and Nativism (Kokugaku), in the Edo period in comparison with Western sociology. Various remarkable thoughts similar to those seen in Western sociology are found. This paper then reviews a Nativism scholar, Motoori Norinaga, who was active during the Edo period and influenced Japanese environmental sociology through the folklorist Kunuo Yanagita. Finally, a new sociology, which combines the Western sociological theory of ritual, the Japanese Confucian theory of ritual by Ogyu Sorai, and the narrative theory of Norinaga, is presented.
The effects of age-related macular degeneration on quality of life in a Brazilian population
Authors: Roque Alicia Buffoni , da Silva Borges Géssica Fernandes , Abe Ricardo Yuji , de Souza Osias Francisco , Machado Maria Cecília , Ferreira Tamara , José Newton Kara , de Vasconcellos José Paulo Cabral
Published: March 2021

Background

To evaluate the impact of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on the quality of life (QoL) in a Brazilian population using The National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25).

Methods

This observational study included 462 participants from the Departments of Ophthalmology of the University of Campinas and Conderg-Divinolândia. The NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire and Rasch analysis were used to assess the vision-related quality of life (VRQoL). Patients with macular neovascularization were interviewed at enrollment and after three loading doses of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment.

Results

One hundred thirty-three patients were excluded because they had another ophthalmic disease, for a total of 349 patients included in the study (177 in the AMD group, 172 in the control group; 56.4% were women; mean ± standard deviation age, 70.6 ± 9.5 years). Most NEI-VFQ-25 subscale scores were significantly lower in the AMD group compared with the control group. The Rasch-calibrated NEI-VFQ-25 median score in the visual-functioning component was 56.41 for the AMD group and 61.53 for the control group, a difference of ± 4.00 (P = 0.0001). Separate analyses of the sociodemographic and ocular characteristics showed that the NEI-VFQ-25 scores were affected mostly by family income, educational level, descent, diet (vegetables/fruits), physical activity, and visual acuity (VA). The longitudinal component assessed a different group of 48 patients with exudative disease treated with anti-VEGF drugs. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution change in VA in treated eyes was a 0.16 decrease (P = 0.01). The mean change in the optical coherence tomography macular thickness was a 36.74-μm decrease (P = 0.012) from baseline to 4 months. The mean NEI-VFQ-25 scores improved significantly from baseline to follow-up at 4 months in almost all subscales.

Conclusions

In a Brazilian community, patients with AMD had a worse VRQoL than controls. The AMD severity and bilaterality were associated with decreased NEI-VFQ-25 scores. Higher family income, educational level, descent, and lifestyle significantly improved several subscales of the NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire. Treated patients with exudative AMD had improvements in the VA, macular thickness, and most NEI-VFQ-25 subscale scores.
Sareomycetes: more diverse than meets the eye
Authors: Mitchell James K. , Garrido-Benavent Isaac , Quijada Luis , Pfister Donald H.
Published: March 2021

Since its resurrection, the resinicolous discomycete genus Sarea has been accepted as containing two species, one with black apothecia and pycnidia, and one with orange. We investigate this hypothesis using three ribosomal (nuITS, nuLSU, mtSSU) regions from and morphological examination of 70 specimens collected primarily in Europe and North America. The results of our analyses support separation of the traditional Sarea difformis s.lat. and Sarea resinae s.lat. into two distinct genera, Sarea and Zythia. Sarea as circumscribed is shown to conservatively comprise three phylospecies, with one corresponding to Sarea difformis s.str. and two, morphologically indistinguishable, corresponding to the newly combined Sarea coeloplata. Zythia is provisionally maintained as monotypic, containing only a genetically and morphologically variable Z. resinae. The new genus Atrozythia is erected for the new species A. klamathica. Arthrographis lignicola is placed in this genus on molecular grounds, expanding the concept of Sareomycetes by inclusion of a previously unknown type of asexual morph. Dating analyses using additional marker regions indicate the emergence of the Sareomycetes was roughly concurrent with the diversification of the genus Pinus, suggesting that this group of fungi emerged to exploit the newly-available resinous ecological niche supplied by Pinus or another, extinct group of conifers. Our phylogeographic studies also permitted us to study the introductions of these fungi to areas where they are not native, including Antarctica, Cape Verde, and New Zealand and are consistent with historical hypotheses of introduction.
Professionals’ management of the fidelity–adaptation dilemma in the use of evidence-based interventions—an intervention study
Authors: von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Giannotta Fabrizia , Neher Margit , Zetterlund Johanna , Hasson Henna
Published: March 2021

Background

Evidence-based interventions (EBIs) can be effective tools for the prevention of disease and health promotion. However, their implementation often requires a delicate balance between the need to adjust the intervention to the context in which it is implemented and the need to keep the core components that make the intervention effective. This so-called dilemma between fidelity and adaptation is often handled by health professionals in the sustainment phase of an implementation (i.e., once the intervention has been adopted and institutionalized in an organization), but not much is known about how and to what extent health professionals are affected by this dilemma. Focusing on the sustainment phase, this project aims to study (1) how fidelity and adaptation are managed by professionals using an EBI, (2) how the fidelity–adaptation dilemma affects professionals’ psychosocial working conditions, and (3) how a structured decision support influences professionals’ management of the dilemma and their psychosocial working conditions.

Methods

The study is set in Sweden, and the EBI in focus is a parental program (All Children in Focus). A longitudinal within-person intervention design is used, combined with a cross-sectional survey design. Data sources include web-based questionnaires, brief interviews, fidelity ratings, paper-and-pen questionnaires, and written documentation, collected at multiple time points with both group leaders and parents as respondents.

Discussion

This project approaches fidelity and adaptation from the perspective of the professionals that manage EBIs during the sustainment phase of implementation. Although it is well known that EBIs continue to change over time, it remains to be understood how the fidelity–adaptation dilemma can be managed so that the effectiveness of interventions is retained or improved, not diluted. Moreover, the project adds to the literature by presenting an occupational health perspective on the fidelity–adaptation dilemma. It is acknowledged that fidelity and adaptation may have consequences for not only clients but also the occupational wellbeing of the professionals managing the dilemma, and subsequently, their willingness and ability to deliver EBIs in a sustainable way.
Experimental study on dynamic effect of freestanding tower of sea-crossing bridge under wave load
Authors: Daocheng Zhou , Bo Zhang , Sisi Xue , Chengxun Wei , Jinping Ou
Published: March 2021

There is a debate over whether the sea-crossing bridges undergo dynamic motions when exposed to wave loads. In order to verify the dynamic effect of the tower of sea-crossing bridge under wave load, an experimental study on dynamic effect of a freestanding tower of sea-crossing bridge is accomplished in this paper. Firstly, a test model for a typical bridge tower of pile group foundation under wave load is established by using a scale of 1:100. Secondly, a typical sea condition is designed for the response test of the bridge tower under wave load. The test results indicated that obvious vibration of top the tower occurs when the wave load period is close to the natural vibration period of the structure, and both displacement and base shear are amplified. The results in this paper will provide an important reference for whether the dynamic effect of wave load should be considered in the designs of bridge structure under wave load.
An Item Response Theory–Informed Strategy to Model Total Score Data from Composite Scales
Authors: Wellhagen Gustaf J. , Ueckert Sebastian , Kjellsson Maria C. , Karlsson Mats O.
Published: March 2021

Composite scale data is widely used in many therapeutic areas and consists of several categorical questions/items that are usually summarized into a total score (TS). Such data is discrete and bounded by nature. The gold standard to analyse composite scale data is item response theory (IRT) models. However, IRT models require item-level data while sometimes only TS is available. This work investigates models for TS. When an IRT model exists, it can be used to derive the information as well as expected mean and variability of TS at any point, which can inform TS-analyses. We propose a new method: IRT-informed functions of expected values and standard deviation in TS-analyses. The most common models for TS-analyses are continuous variable (CV) models, while bounded integer (BI) models offer an alternative that respects scale boundaries and the nature of TS data. We investigate the method in CV and BI models on both simulated and real data. Both CV and BI models were improved in fit by IRT-informed disease progression, which allows modellers to precisely and accurately find the corresponding latent variable parameters, and IRT-informed SD, which allows deviations from homoscedasticity. The methodology provides a formal way to link IRT models and TS models, and to compare the relative information of different model types. Also, joint analyses of item-level data and TS data are made possible. Thus, IRT-informed functions can facilitate total score analysis and allow a quantitative analysis of relative merits of different analysis methods.
Compromised Volumetric Bone Density and Microarchitecture in Men With Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Ostertag Agnès , Papadakis Georgios E , Collet Corinne , Trabado Severine , Maione Luigi , Pitteloud Nelly , Bouligand Jerome , De Vernejoul Marie Christine , Cohen-Solal Martine , Young Jacques
Published: March 2021

Context

Men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and Kallmann syndrome (KS) have both low circulating testosterone and estradiol levels. Whether bone structure is affected remains unknown.

Objective

To characterize bone geometry, volumetric density and microarchitecture in CHH/KS.

Methods

This cross-sectional study, conducted at a single French tertiary academic medical center, included 51 genotyped CHH/KS patients and 40 healthy volunteers. Among CHH/KS men, 98% had received testosterone and/or combined gonadotropins. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and measurement of serum bone markers were used to determine volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and cortical and trabecular microarchitecture.

Results

CHH and controls did not differ for age, body mass index, and levels of vitamin D and PTH. Despite long-term hormonal treatment (10.8 ± 6.8 years), DXA showed lower areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in CHH/KS at lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and distal radius. Consistent with persistently higher serum bone markers, HR-pQCT revealed lower cortical and trabecular vBMD as well as cortical thickness at the tibia and the radius. CHH/KS men had altered trabecular microarchitecture with a predominant decrease of trabecular thickness. Moreover, CHH/KS men exhibited lower cortical bone area, whereas total and trabecular areas were higher only at the tibia. Earlier treatment onset (before age 19 years) conferred a significant advantage for trabecular bone volume/tissue volume and trabecular vBMD at the tibia.

Conclusion

Both vBMD and bone microarchitecture remain impaired in CHH/KS men despite long-term hormonal treatment. Treatment initiation during adolescence is associated with enhanced trabecular outcomes, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis.
Exposure to Propylparaben During Pregnancy and Lactation Induces Long-Term Alterations to the Mammary Gland in Mice
Authors: Mogus Joshua P , LaPlante Charlotte D , Bansal Ruby , Matouskova Klara , Schneider Benjamin R , Daniele Elizabeth , Silva Shannon J , Hagen Mary J , Dunphy Karen A , Jerry D Joseph , Schneider Sallie S , Vandenberg Laura N
Published: March 2021

The mammary gland is a hormone sensitive organ that is susceptible to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during the vulnerable periods of parous reorganization (ie, pregnancy, lactation, and involution). Pregnancy is believed to have long-term protective effects against breast cancer development; however, it is unknown if EDCs can alter this effect. We examined the long-term effects of propylparaben, a common preservative used in personal care products and foods, with estrogenic properties, on the parous mouse mammary gland. Pregnant BALB/c mice were treated with 0, 20, 100, or 10 000 µg/kg/day propylparaben throughout pregnancy and lactation. Unexposed nulliparous females were also evaluated. Five weeks post-involution, mammary glands were collected and assessed for changes in histomorphology, hormone receptor expression, immune cell number, and gene expression. For several parameters of mammary gland morphology, propylparaben reduced the effects of parity. Propylparaben also increased proliferation, but not stem cell number, and induced modest alterations to expression of ERα-mediated genes. Finally, propylparaben altered the effect of parity on the number of several immune cell types in the mammary gland. These results suggest that propylparaben, at levels relevant to human exposure, can interfere with the effects of parity on the mouse mammary gland and induce long-term alterations to mammary gland structure. Future studies should address if propylparaben exposures negate the protective effects of pregnancy on mammary cancer development.
Spatial odor discrimination in the hawkmoth, Manduca sexta (L.)
Authors: Parthasarathy Kalyanasundaram , Willis M. A.
Published: March 2021

Flying insects track turbulent odor plumes to find mates, food and egg-laying sites. To maintain contact with the plume, insects are thought to adapt their flight control according to the distribution of odor in the plume using the timing of odor onsets and intervals between odor encounters. Although timing cues are important, few studies have addressed whether insects are capable of deriving spatial information about odor distribution from bilateral comparisons between their antennae in flight. The proboscis extension reflex (PER) associative learning protocol, originally developed to study odor learning in honeybees, was used as a tool to ask if hawkmoths, Manduca sexta, can discriminate between odor stimuli arriving on either antenna. We show moths discriminated the odor arrival side with an accuracy of >70%. Information about spatial distribution of odor stimuli may be available to moths searching for odor sources, opening the possibility that they use both spatial and temporal odor information.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Permselective Two-Dimensional Polymer Film-Based Chemical Sensors
Authors: Kim Wooram , Hwang Wooseup , Kim Nam Hoon , Kim Junghyun , Baek Kangkyun , Kim Kimoon
Published: March 2021

A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based chemosensor that works without tedious pre-treatment processes has been fabricated by depositing cucurbit[6]uril-based two-dimensional polymers (CB[6]-2DPs) on a plasmonic substrate. The permselectivity of CB[6]-2DPs, and ultrahigh sensitivity and fingerprinting capability of SERS enabled the identification of a specific chemical present in a complex mixture.
Mechanical and Structural Remodeling of Cardiac Muscle after Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training in Rats
Authors: BOLDT KEVIN , JOUMAA VENUS , TURNBULL JEANNINE , FEDAK PAUL W. M. , HERZOG WALTER
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Aerobic and resistance exercise training results in distinct structural changes of the heart. The mechanics of how cardiac cells adapt to resistance training and the benefits to cells when combining aerobic and resistance exercise remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare mechanical adaptations of skinned cardiac fiber bundles after chronic resistance, aerobic and combined exercise training in rats. We hypothesized that differences in mechanical function on the fiber bundle level coincide with differences previously reported in the structure of the heart.

Method

Twelve-week-old rats were assigned to (i) an aerobic running group (n = 6), (ii) a ladder climbing resistance group (n = 6), (iii) a combination group subjected to aerobic and resistance training (n = 6), or (iv) a sedentary (control) group (n = 5). Echocardiography was used to measure cardiac structural remodeling. Skinned cardiac fiber bundles were used to determine active and passive force properties, maximal shortening velocity, and calcium sensitivity.

Results

Aerobically trained animals had 43%–49% greater ventricular volume and myocardial thickness, and a 4%–17% greater shortening velocity and calcium sensitivity compared with control group rats. Resistance-trained rats had 37%–71% thicker ventricular walls, a 56% greater isometric force production, a 9% greater shortening velocity, and a 4% greater calcium sensitivity compared with control group rats. The combination exercise–trained rats had 25%–43% greater ventricular volume and myocardial wall thickness, a 55% greater active force production, a 7% greater shortening velocity, and a 60% greater cross-bridge cooperativity compared with control group rats.

Conclusions

The heart adapts differently to each exercise modality, and a combination of aerobic and resistance training may have the greatest benefit for cardiac health and performance.
The Indirect Role of Executive Functions on the Relationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and School Grades
Authors: YANGÜEZ MARC , BEDIOU BENOIT , HILLMAN CHARLES H. , BAVELIER DAPHNE , CHANAL JULIEN
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the indirect effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on scholastic performance through executive functions. More precisely, we examined the contribution of the different domains of executive functions, and whether this relationship was specific to certain school topics.

Methods

Children 8–12 yr old completed nine cognitive tests and the multistage fitness test. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to analyze the role of different domains of executive functions (inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and a common factor to all tasks) in the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and school grades in three domains: (i) mathematics; (ii) grammar, spelling, and vocabulary; and (iii) text comprehension and expression. Covariate analyses included age and socioeconomic status.

Results

The results of this study showed that an indirect effect of the various domains of executive functions explained, in part, the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and (i) mathematics (β = 0.12, SE = 0.03, P < 0.001), and between cardiorespiratory fitness and (ii) grammar, spelling, and vocabulary (β = 0.12, SE = 0.03, P < 0.001). No relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and (iii) text comprehension and expression was observed. Although executive functions correlated with school grades, cognitive flexibility drove the indirect effect when all executive function domains were simultaneously taken into account.

Conclusions

These results show the role that executive functions play in understanding the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and scholastic performance. Importantly, not all executive function domains contributed equally because cognitive flexibility played a leading role in this wide age range. Furthermore, the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and scholastic performance was strongest for mathematics and for low-level language topics but nonsignificant for higher-level language topics, providing a more modulated view of the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on language.
Female Athletes Genetically Susceptible to Fatigue Fracture Are Resistant to Muscle Injury: Potential Role of COL1A1 Variant
Authors: MIYAMOTO-MIKAMI ERI , KUMAGAI HIROSHI , TANISAWA KUMPEI , TAGA YUKI , HIRATA KOSUKE , KIKUCHI NAOKI , KAMIYA NOBUHIRO , KAWAKAMI RYOKO , MIDORIKAWA TAISHI , KAWAMURA TAKUJI , KAKIGI RYO , NATSUME TOSHIHARU , ZEMPO HIROFUMI , SUZUKI KOYA , KOHMURA YOSHIMITSU , MIZUNO KAZUNORI , TORII SUGURU , SAKAMOTO SHIZUO , OKA KOICHIRO , HIGUCHI MITSURU , NAITO HISASHI , MIYAMOTO NAOKAZU , FUKU NORIYUKI
Published: March 2021

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the hypothesis that type I collagen plays a role in increasing bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle stiffness, leading to low and high risks of fatigue fracture and muscle injury, respectively, in athletes. As a potential mechanism, we focused on the effect of the type I collagen alpha 1 chain gene (COL1A1) variant associated with transcriptional activity on bone and skeletal muscle properties.

Methods

The association between COL1A1 rs1107946 and fatigue fracture/muscle injury was evaluated in Japanese athletes. Effects of the polymorphism on tissue properties (BMD and muscle stiffness) and type I collagen α1/α2 chain ratios in muscles were examined in Japanese nonathletes.

Results

The C-allele carrier frequency was greater in female athletes with fatigue fracture than in those without (odds ratio = 2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17–5.77) and lower in female athletes with muscle injury than in those without (odds ratio = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.24–0.91). Prospective validation analysis confirmed that in female athletes, muscle injury was less frequent in C-allele carriers than in AA genotype carriers (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.08–0.96). Among female nonathletes, the C-allele of rs1107946 was associated with lower BMD and lower muscle stiffness. Muscle biopsy revealed that C-allele carriers tended to have a larger type I collagen α1/α2 chain ratio than AA genotype carriers (2.24 vs 2.05, P = 0.056), suggesting a higher proportion of type I collagen α1 homotrimers.

Conclusion

The COL1A1 rs1107946 polymorphism exerts antagonistic effects on fatigue fracture and muscle injury among female athletes by altering the properties of these tissues, potentially owing to increased levels of type I collagen α1 chain homotrimers.
Markers of Low-Iron Status Are Associated with Female Athlete Triad Risk Factors
Authors: FINN ERIN E. , TENFORDE ADAM S. , FREDERICSON MICHAEL , GOLDEN NEVILLE H. , CARSON TRACI L. , KARVONEN-GUTIERREZ CARRIE A. , CARLSON JENNIFER L.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The Female Athlete Triad (Triad) is common in female athletes. The Triad is caused by low-energy availability (EA), which is often difficult to measure and has been postulated to be associated with low-iron status. Here, we explore whether markers of low-iron status may be associated with indicators of low EA including Triad risk factors.

Methods

A total of 239 female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes completed preparticipation examinations that included Triad risk factors, medication/supplement use, diagnosis of anemia, and elected to complete dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan to measure bone mineral density. The association of markers of low iron (defined as self-report of iron supplementation and/or history of anemia) with each component of the Triad risk assessment score was assessed by stratifying low-iron status across different levels of Triad risk category. Differences across iron status groups were assessed using Fisher exact testing.

Results

Every component of the Triad risk assessment score excluding delayed menarche was associated with low-iron status. The proportion of women who reported low iron was 11.5% in the low-risk EA group compared with 50% in the moderate-risk and 66.7% in the high-risk EA groups (P = 0.02); respectively. These numbers were 11.6%, 25.0%, and 66.7% (P = 0.02) for body mass index; 9.7%, 16.7%, and 25.0% (P < 0.05) for oligomenorrhea; 10.3%, 45.5%, and 50.0% (P < 0.01) for bone mineral density; and 10.4%, 20.8%, and 30.8% (P = 0.03) for history of stress reaction or fracture. Lean/endurance athletes were more likely to have low-iron status than other athletes (15.5% vs 3.4%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Markers for low-iron status were associated with Triad risk factors. Our study suggests that female athletes with a history of anemia or iron supplementation may require further screening for low EA.
Cognitive Training: Associations and Implications for Weight Management and Translational Research
Authors: Szabo-Reed Amanda N. , Donnelly Joseph E.
Published: March 2021

Behavioral weight loss programs combining energy restriction and increased physical activity (PA) are generally successful in producing clinically significant weight loss (≥5%) over 3–6 months. However, weight maintenance (≥2 yr) continues to be problematic due in part to an inability of individuals to continue adherence to diet and PA recommendations. It is hypothesized that neurocognitive processes, specifically executive functions (i.e., inhibition, working memory, mental flexibility), underlie self-regulation and self-efficacy and are essential for the adoption and maintenance of health behaviors. Behavioral weight loss programs generally attempt to improve self-regulation; however, these skills are difficult to implement long term. Strengthening executive functions through cognitive training may improve weight maintenance by improving self-efficacy and self-regulation, resulting in improved program attendance and improved adherence to dietary and PA recommendations. Although randomized trials have not been conducted to specifically evaluate this hypothesis, results from the available literature suggest the potential for cognitive training to improve weight maintenance.
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Responses to a Simulated Commute on an E-Bike
Authors: Alessio Helaine M. , Reiman Timothy , Kemper Brett , von Carlowitz Winston , Bailer A. John , Timmerman Kyle L.
Published: March 2021

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) with battery-powered assist may overcome barriers to active transportation (i.e., time and perceived effort), benefit cardiometabolic health, and be an environmentally friendly transportation option. This study aimed to compare cardiometabolic responses and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) between a regular bike and an e-bike at two different assist levels during a 3-mile ride. During the same day and in randomized order, male (n = 16) and female (n = 14) participants (19–61 yr) completed three outdoor 3-mile bike rides, simulating a typical commute, at their own pace on a regular bicycle and on an e-bike at two different assist levels. Heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (V̇O2) were monitored continuously during each ride. RPE was reported at the end of each 3-mile ride. Linear mixed effects models were created to compare different bike conditions while accounting for the repeated responses for each rider. Significant differences existed between riding a regular bicycle compared with an e-bike at assist levels 1 and 2, respectively, for %HRmax (66 vs 62 vs 56), % of V̇O2max (55 vs 47 vs 39), RPE (12.3 vs 9.8 vs 8.4), metabolic equivalents (METs) (6.5 vs 5.6 vs 4.6), caloric expenditure (505 vs 422 vs 344 kcal·h−1), and time (865 vs 748 vs 681 s). The faster times and the lower perceived exertion associated with the e-bike may incentivize active transportation. Further, while the cardiometabolic responses (e.g., HR and V̇O2) were lower for the e-bike, they were indicative of being at or near “moderate intensity,” suggesting that e-bike use may still benefit health-related fitness.
Efficacy and risk of sexual orientation change efforts: a retrospective analysis of 125 exposed men
Authors: Sullins D. Paul , Rosik Christopher H. , Santero Paul
Published: March 2021

Background: Voluntary therapeutic interventions to reduce unwanted same-sex sexuality are collectively known as sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE).  To date almost all evidence addressing the contested question whether SOCE is effective or safe has consisted of anecdotes or very small sample qualitative studies of persons who currently identify as sexual minority and thus by definition failed to change.  We conducted this study to examine the efficacy and risk outcomes for a group of SOCE participants unbiased by current sexual orientation.      

Methods: We examined a convenience sample of 125 men who had undergone SOCE for homosexual-to-heterosexual change in sexual attraction, identity and behavior, and for positive and negative changes in psychosocial problem domains (depression, suicidality, self-harm, self-esteem, social function, and alcohol or substance abuse).  Mean change was assessed by parametric (t-test) and nonparametric (Wilcoxon sign rank test) significance tests.  

Results: Exposure to SOCE was associated with significant declines in same-sex attraction (from 5.7 to 4.1 on the Kinsey scale, p <.000), identification (4.8 to 3.6, p < .000), and sexual activity (2.4 to 1.5 on a 4-point scale of frequency, p < .000).  Over 42.7% of SOCE participants achieved at least partial remission of unwanted same-sex sexuality; full remission was achieved by 14% for sexual attraction and identification, and 26% for sexual behavior.  Rates were higher among married men, but 4-10% of participants experienced increased same-sex orientation after SOCE.  From 0.8% to 4.8% of participants reported marked or severe negative psychosocial change following SOCE, but 12.1% to 61.3% reported marked or severe positive psychosocial change.  Net change was significantly positive for all problem domains.  

Conclusion: SOCE was perceived as an effective and safe therapeutic practice by this sample of participants.  We close by offering a unifying understanding of discrepant findings within this literature and caution against broad generalizations of our results.
Tailored PRISMA 2020 flow diagrams for living systematic reviews: a methodological survey and a proposal
Authors: Kahale Lara A. , Elkhoury Rayane , El Mikati Ibrahim , Pardo-Hernandez Hector , Khamis Assem M. , Schünemann Holger J. , Haddaway Neal R. , Akl Elie A.
Published: March 2021

Background: While the PRISMA flow diagram is widely used for reporting standard systematic reviews (SRs), it was not designed for capturing the results of continual searches for studies in living systematic reviews (LSRs). The objectives of this study are (1) to assess how published LSRs report on the flow of studies through the different phases of the review for the different updates; (2) to propose an approach to reporting on that flow.

Methods: For objective 1, we identified all LSRs published up to July 2020. We abstracted information regarding their general characteristics and how they reported on search results. For objective 2, we based our proposal for tailored PRISMA approaches on the findings from objective 1, as well as on our experience with conducting Cochrane LSRs.

Results: We identified 108 living publications relating to 32 LSRs. Of the 108 publications, 7% were protocols, 24% were base versions (i.e., the first version), 62% were partial updates (i.e., does not include all typical sections of an SR), and 7% were full updates (i.e., includes all typical sections of an SR). We identified six ways to reporting the study flow: base separately, each update separately (38%); numbers not reported (32%); latest update separately, all previous versions combined (20%); base separately, all updates combined (7%); latest update version only (3%);  all versions combined (0%). We propose recording in detail the results of the searches to keep track of all identified records. For structuring the flow diagram, we propose using one of four approaches.

Conclusion: We identified six ways for reporting the study flow through the different phases of the review for the different update versions. We propose to document in detail the study flow for the different search updates and select one of our four tailored PRISMA diagram approaches to present that study flow.
Extrapolation Bias and Robust Dynamic Liquidity Management
Authors: Lee Seokwoo , Rivera Alejandro
Published: March 2021

We consider the optimal dynamic liquidity management of a financially constrained firm when its existing shareholders are risk neutral but ambiguity averse with respect to the firm’s future cash flows. The shareholders’ ambiguity aversion generates endogenous time-varying worst-case beliefs that overweight recent cash flow realizations, thereby providing a microeconomic foundation for extrapolation bias. Moreover, shareholders’ ambiguity aversion has different implications on firms’ liquidity management and recapitalization policies than risk. Models with risk alone imply that higher cash flow volatility increases firms’ payout and refinancing thresholds. By contrast, our model predicts that, when ambiguity-averse shareholders face a higher long-term cash flow uncertainty, they optimally reduce firms’ payout and refinancing thresholds. The implications for investment are also studied.

This paper was accepted by Agostino Capponi, finance.
Employee Responses to Compensation Changes: Evidence from a Sales Firm
Authors: Sandvik Jason , Saouma Richard , Seegert Nathan , Stanton Christopher
Published: March 2021

What are the long-term consequences of compensation changes? Using data from an inbound sales call center, we study employee responses to a compensation change that ultimately reduced take-home pay by 7% for the average affected worker. The change caused a significant increase in the turnover rate of the firm’s most productive employees, but the response was relatively muted for less productive workers. On-the-job performance changes were minimal among workers who remained at the firm. We quantify the cost of losing highly productive employees and find that their heightened sensitivity to changes in compensation limits managers’ ability to adjust incentives. Our results speak to a driver of compensation rigidity and the difficulty managers face when setting compensation.

This paper was accepted by Lamar Pierce, organizations.
Store-Brand Introduction and Multilateral Contracting
Authors: Zheng Quan , Jang Hongseok , Pan Xiajun Amy
Published: March 2021

Problem definition: We explore the impacts of store-brand (SB) introduction on multilateral contracting in vertical supply relationships that involve two upstream national-brand manufacturers (NBMs) selling through a common retailer. Two different information structures are scrutinized: simultaneous (secret offers) versus sequential contracting (public offers), essentially different timing by which the NBMs contract with the retailer. Academic/practical relevance: SB products are prevalent nowadays; however, the market shares in different categories vary substantially, from negligible sales (e.g., alcoholic beverages) to more than half of the total sales (e.g., milk). As retailers encroach on the NBMs’ product market, their relationships are reshaped accordingly. Thus, investigating whether SB introduction would overturn the conventional wisdom about multilateral contracting is pertinent. Methodology: The methodology is noncooperative game theory. Results: We identify a boundary equilibrium where the sale of the SB is negligible, but its presence enables the retailer to intensify the upstream competition and elicits better wholesale contracts. We show that this equilibrium tends to occur in a wider region under sequential contracting than under simultaneous contracting. In the boundary equilibrium of sequential contracting, the NBM could entail a first-mover advantage, a stark contrast to the second-mover advantage in the nonboundary equilibrium. Further, as opposed to the uniqueness of sequential contracting, we characterize a continuum of boundary equilibria under simultaneous contracting such that symmetric NBMs may even set asymmetric wholesale prices so as to drive the SB out of the market. Managerial implications: We provide a rationale for the observed negligible sales of certain SBs and further shed light on the choice between public and secret offers. Public offers could perform better for the retailer who, in turn, benefits from information leakage. With public offers, the NBMs’ preference for the leadership could also be reversed for SBs with negligible sales. Because of the intricate impact of SBs on contracting sequence, these two instruments should be jointly analyzed.