bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary pollen flow as a multiscale process: Evidence from the insect‐pollinated herb, Pulsatilla vulgaris
Authors: DiLeo Michelle F. , Holderegger Rolf , Wagner Helene H.
Published: April 2018

Understanding the drivers and spatial scale of gene flow is essential for the management of species living in fragmented landscapes. In plants, contemporary pollen flow is typically modelled as a single spatial process, with pollen flow declining exponentially within a short distance of mother plants. However, growing evidence suggests that many species do not conform to these patterns, often showing an excess of long‐distance dispersal events or sometimes even multimodality in dispersal kernels. This suggests that a single function might be insufficient to capture the true complexity of pollination, which in reality is often achieved by multiple pollinators that vary in their foraging ranges and interactions with the landscape.

We reconstructed realized pollen flow and assessed pollen immigration for seven populations of the insect‐pollinated herb Pulsatilla vulgaris. We quantified the effects of distance, floral resources and landscape composition over multiple spatial scales and tested the hypotheses that within‐population pollen flow is related to resources and landscape context measured locally, and that among‐population pollen flow is related to features measured at larger spatial scales.

We found that pollen flow within populations was more likely to occur amongst near neighbours, but that among‐population pollen flow was random with respect to source populations. We further found that local floral density could explain patterns of within‐population pollination distances and population‐level selfing rates, whereas pollen immigration rates were best explained by the proportion of forest within a radius of 500 m around focal populations.

Synthesis. Together, our results suggest that within‐ and among‐population contemporary pollen flow may be governed by different underlying processes, possibly related to differences in the foraging range and habitat use of bee species that contribute to pollination at different scales. This highlights the critical need for researchers to take a more pollinator‐eyed view of contemporary pollen flow in plants by (1) recognizing that within‐ and among‐population gene flow by pollen may depend on different sets of pollinators that respond to features at different spatial scales (2) considering additional factors that may alter attractiveness, detectability and accessibility of plants to pollinators beyond the effects of distance.
An Empirical Analysis of Health Shocks and Informal Risk Sharing Networks
Authors: Woldemichael Andinet , Gurmu Shiferaw
Published: April 2018

Using panel household survey data from rural Ethiopia, we investigate informal risk sharing against health shocks in the presence of multiple risk sharing networks. We find that neither short‐term nor long‐term health shocks are insured through transfers from networks such as friends, neighbors, and members of informal associations. However, networks related along bloodline such as extended family members provide assistance when health shocks are long‐term such as disabilities. The results show that these networks strategically complement planned component of their transfers which are made on a regular basis such as remittance, entitlement, or chop money (small cash sums for household expenses). Moreover, we find significant history dependence in transfers from not only genetically distant networks but also extended family members as well as formal institutions, which seems to discourage dependency. Finally, the findings suggest significant heterogeneity in transfers.
From in vivo to in vitro: How the Guatemala STD Experiments Transformed Bodies Into Biospecimens
Authors: SPECTOR‐BAGDADY KAYTE , LOMBARDO PAUL A.
Published: April 2018

Policy Points:

While most scholarship regarding the US Public Health Service's STD experiments in Guatemala during the 1940s has focused on the intentional exposure experiments, secondary research was also conducted on biospecimens collected from these subjects.

These biospecimen experiments continued after the Guatemala grant ended, and the specimens were used in conjunction with those from the Tuskegee syphilis experiments for ongoing research.

We argue there should be a public accounting of whether there are still biospecimens from the Guatemala and Tuskegee experiments held in US government biorepositories today. If such specimens exist, they should be retired from US government research archives because they were collected unethically as understood at the time.

Context

The US Public Health Service's Guatemala STD experiments (1946‐1948) included intentional exposure to pathogens and testing of postexposure prophylaxis methods for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chancroid in over 1,300 soldiers, commercial sex workers, prison inmates, and psychiatric patients. Though the experiments had officially ended, the biospecimens collected from these subjects continued to be used for research at least into the 1950s.

Methods

We analyzed historical documents—including clinical and laboratory records, correspondence, final reports, and medical records—for information relevant to these biospecimen experiments from the US National Archives. In addition, we researched material from past governmental investigations into the Guatemala STD experiments, including those of the US Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues and the Guatemalan Comisión Presidencial para el Esclarecimiento de los Experimentos Practicados con Humanos en Guatemala.

Findings

Identified spinal fluid, blood specimens, and tissue collected during the Guatemala diagnostic methodology and intentional exposure experiments were subsequently distributed to laboratories throughout the United States for use in ongoing research until at least 1957. Five psychiatric patient subjects involved in these biospecimen experiments died soon after experimental exposure to STDs. The same US government researchers working with the Guatemala biospecimens after the exposure experiments ended were also working with specimens taken from the Tuskegee syphilis study.

Conclusions

There should be a complete public accounting of whether biospecimens from the Guatemala and Tuskegee experiments are held in US government biorepositories today. If they still exist, these specimens should be retired from such biorepositories and their future disposition determined by stakeholders, including representatives from the communities from which they were derived.
Long‐term visual outcomes for treatment of submacular haemorrhage secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Kang Hyun Goo , Kang Hyunseung , Byeon Suk Ho , Kim Sung Soo , Koh Hyoung Jun , Lee Sung Chul , Kim Min
Published: April 2018

Importance

There is no consensus on the optimal management of submacular haemorrhage (SMH) secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Background

To compare the long‐term outcome of three treatment strategies for PCV with SMH.

Design

Retrospective case series at two tertiary hospitals.

Samples

A total of 48 consecutive eyes treated between July 2006 and March 2016.

Methods

Patients were grouped according to the treatment received: 22 eyes with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), 14 with a combination of IVB and pneumatic displacement (PD) and 12 with IVB and vitrectomy (TPPV).

Main Outcome Measures

Change in best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at onset and up to 24 months. Secondary measures included demographic data, imaging data and complications.

Results

Comparing the mean BCVAs of the groups revealed significant differences only at month 1 (P = 0.005). Changes in the mean BCVA over time revealed no significance in the resulting final BCVA (P = 0.062), which was 20 out of 155 (logMAR 0.89 ± 0.64) for IVB monotherapy, 20 out of 174 (0.94 ± 1.04) for combined IVB + PD, and 20 out of 195 (0.99 ± 0.90) for combined IVB + TPPV eyes. Sustained long‐term improvement of over three Snellen lines was found in seven (31.82%) IVB monotherapy, 10 (71.43%) combined IVB + PD, and seven (58.33%) combined IVB + TPPV eyes (P = 0.043). SMH recurrence was observed in two eyes after IVB monotherapy and one eye after combined IVB + PD (P = 0.786).

Conclusions and Relevance

IVB monotherapy appears to be as effective as combination therapies for treating SMH secondary to PCV with regards to BCVA at 24 months, and may be a cost‐effective strategy for long‐term management.
Brain complications of diabetes mellitus: a cross‐sectional study of awareness among individuals with diabetes and the general population in Ireland
Authors: Dolan C. , Glynn R. , Griffin S. , Conroy C. , Loftus C. , Wiehe P. C. , Healy M. L. , Lawlor B.
Published: April 2018

Aims

To identify awareness of potential brain complications of diabetes among individuals with diabetes and the public.

Methods

For this observational, cross‐sectional survey study, we recruited consecutive adult attendees of a specialist diabetes clinic and two primary care practices. Primary care attendees represented members of the general population of Ireland. An interviewer‐administered questionnaire was used to gather data on respondents’ awareness of brain complications of diabetes and modifiable risk factors for dementia. Multivariable logistic regression was undertaken to identify variables independently associated with awareness.

Results

Respondents included a total of 502 adults: 250 in the diabetes group (37% women, mean age 63 ± 14 years, 88% with Type 2 diabetes) and 252 in the general population group (51% women, mean age 47 ± 17 years, 7% with Type 2 diabetes). The diabetes group had significantly greater awareness of diabetes complications, except for depression, compared with the general population group. In the group as a whole, respondent awareness of dementia (35%) and memory problems (47%) as potential complications of diabetes was poor compared with awareness of kidney (84%) and eye damage (84%). Respondents were 1.5 times more likely to identify that individuals can modify their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than their risk of dementia.

Conclusions

This study shows that there is poor awareness of brain complications of diabetes among individuals with diabetes and the general population in Ireland. The results suggest a need for expansion of public awareness campaigns and diabetes education programmes to promote awareness of the brain complications of diabetes and of the modifiable risk factors for dementia, as part of a life‐course approach to dementia prevention.
The relationship among breakfast time, morningness–eveningness preference and body mass index in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nimitphong H. , Siwasaranond N. , Saetung S. , Thakkinstian A. , Ongphiphadhanakul B. , Reutrakul S.
Published: April 2018

Aims

Obesity is prevalent and related to poor outcomes in Type 2 diabetes. Evening preference and late meal times have been shown to be associated with obesity, but data are lacking in people with Type 2 diabetes. This study examined the relationship among meal timing, morningness–eveningness preference and BMI in Type 2 diabetes, using a mediation analysis.

Methods

Some 210 non‐shift workers with Type 2 diabetes participated in the study. Morningness–eveningness preference was assessed using a standard questionnaire, the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM). Meal timing and daily calorie intake were obtained from 1‐day food recall. A mediation analysis adjusting for relevant covariables was performed to explore whether morningness–eveningness had a direct effect on BMI, or whether the effect was mediated through the intermediate variable of meal timing.

Results

Mean BMI was 28.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2. A higher BMI was associated with greater evening preference (P = 0.019), and non‐significantly associated with late breakfast time (P = 0.053). BMI was not associated with other mealtimes or calorie intake. In addition, evening preference was associated with late breakfast time (P < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that breakfast time mediated the association between morningness–eveningness and BMI, i.e. morning preference (CSM ≥ 45) was associated with earlier breakfast time, and lower BMI by 0.37 kg/m2 [coefficient = −0.365, 95% confidence intervals (CI): −0.877, −0.066), whereas the direct relationship between BMI and morningness–eveningness was non‐significant.

Conclusions

Late breakfast time mediated the relationship between morningness–eveningness preference and BMI. These results suggest that circadian preference and meal timing are novel and possibly modifiable risk factors for obesity in Type 2 diabetes.
Intranasal glucagon for hypoglycaemia in diabetic patients. An old dream is becoming reality?
Authors: Pontiroli Antonio E. , Ceriani Valerio
Published: April 2018

In 1983 it was shown that glucagon administered intranasally (IN) was absorbed through the nasal mucosa and increased blood glucose in healthy subjects. Shortly thereafter, it was shown that IN glucagon counteracts with hypoglycaemia in insulin‐treated diabetic patients. In spite of this evidence, IN glucagon was not developed by any pharmaceutical company before 2010, when renewed interest led to intensive evaluation of a possible remedy for hypoglycaemia in insulin‐treated diabetic adults and children. IN glucagon is now being developed as a needle‐free device that delivers glucagon powder for treatment of severe hypoglycaemia; the ease of using this device stands in stark contrast to the difficulties encountered in use of the current intramuscular glucagon emergency kits. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy, safety and ease‐of‐use of this IN glucagon preparation, and suggest IN glucagon as a promising alternative to injectable glucagon for treating severe hypoglycaemia in children and adults who use insulin. This would meet the unmet medical need for an easily administered glucagon preparation.
Switching from sitagliptin to liraglutide to manage patients with type 2 diabetes in the UK: A long‐term cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Barnett Anthony H. , Arnoldini Simon , Hunt Barnaby , Subramanian Gowri , Hoxer Christina Stentoft
Published: April 2018

Aims

The recent LIRA‐SWITCH trial showed that switching from sitagliptin 100 mg to liraglutide 1.8 mg led to statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) and body mass index (BMI). Based on these findings, the aim of the present study was to assess the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of switching from sitagliptin to liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes in the UK.

Materials and Methods

The IQVIA CORE Diabetes Model Version 8.5+ was used to project costs and clinical outcomes over patients' lifetimes. Baseline cohort characteristics and treatment effects were derived from the LIRA‐SWITCH trial. Future costs and clinical benefits were discounted at 3.5% annually. Costs were accounted in pounds sterling (GBP) and expressed in 2016 values. One‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

Model projections showed improved quality‐adjusted life expectancy for patients with poorly controlled HbA1c upon switching from sitagliptin to liraglutide, compared with continuing sitagliptin treatment (9.18 vs 9.02 quality‐adjusted life years [QALYs]). Treatment switching was associated with increased overall costs (GBP 24737 vs GBP 22362). Higher pharmacy costs were partially offset by reduced diabetes‐related complication costs in patients who switched to liraglutide. Switching to liraglutide was associated with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of GBP 15423 per QALY gained vs continuing with sitagliptin treatment.

Conclusions

Switching from sitagliptin 100 mg to liraglutide 1.8 mg in patients with poor glycaemic control was projected to improve clinical outcomes and is likely to be considered cost‐effective in the UK setting and, therefore, a good use of limited NHS resources.
Skeletal muscle‐specific overexpression of heat shock protein 72 improves skeletal muscle insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake but does not alter whole body metabolism
Authors: Marshall Jessica P. S. , Estevez Emma , Kammoun Helene L. , King Emily J. , Bruce Clinton R. , Drew Brian G. , Qian Hongwei , Iliades Peter , Gregorevic Paul , Febbraio Mark A. , Henstridge Darren C.
Published: April 2018

Aims

The induction of heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) via heating, genetic manipulation or pharmacological activation is metabolically protective in the setting of obesity‐induced insulin resistance across mammalian species. In this study, we set out to determine whether the overexpression of Hsp72, specifically in skeletal muscle, can protect against high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity and insulin resistance.

Materials and methods

An Adeno‐Associated Viral vector (AAV), designed to overexpress Hsp72 in skeletal muscle only, was used to study the effects of increasing Hsp72 levels on various metabolic parameters. Two studies were conducted, the first with direct intramuscular (IM) injection of the AAV:Hsp72 into the tibialis anterior hind‐limb muscle and the second with a systemic injection to enable body‐wide skeletal muscle transduction.

Results

IM injection of the AAV:Hsp72 significantly improved skeletal muscle insulin‐stimulated glucose clearance in treated hind‐limb muscles, as compared with untreated muscles of the contralateral leg when mice were fed an HFD. Despite this finding, systemic administration of AAV:Hsp72 did not improve body composition parameters such as body weight, fat mass or percentage body fat, nor did it lead to an improvement in fasting glucose levels or glucose tolerance. Furthermore, no differences were observed for other metabolic parameters such as whole‐body oxygen consumption, energy expenditure or physical activity levels.

Conclusions

At the levels of Hsp72 over‐expression reported herein, skeletal muscle‐specific Hsp72 overexpression via IM injection has the capacity to increase insulin‐stimulated glucose clearance in this muscle. However, upon systemic injection, which results in lower muscle Hsp72 overexpression, no beneficial effects on whole‐body metabolism are observed.
Drought reduces floral resources for pollinators
Authors: Phillips Benjamin B. , Shaw Rosalind F. , Holland Matthew J. , Fry Ellen L. , Bardgett Richard D. , Bullock James M. , Osborne Juliet L.
Published: April 2018

Climate change is predicted to result in increased occurrence and intensity of drought in many regions worldwide. By increasing plant physiological stress, drought is likely to affect the floral resources (flowers, nectar and pollen) that are available to pollinators. However, little is known about impacts of drought at the community level, nor whether plant community functional composition influences these impacts. To address these knowledge gaps, we investigated the impacts of drought on floral resources in calcareous grassland. Drought was simulated using rain shelters and the impacts were explored at multiple scales and on four different experimental plant communities varying in functional trait composition. First, we investigated the effects of drought on nectar production of three common wildflower species (Lathyrus pratensis, Onobrychis viciifolia and Prunella vulgaris). In the drought treatment, L. pratensis and P. vulgaris had a lower proportion of flowers containing nectar and O. viciifolia had fewer flowers per raceme. Second, we measured the effects of drought on the diversity and abundance of floral resources across plant communities. Drought reduced the abundance of floral units for all plant communities, irrespective of functional composition, and reduced floral species richness for two of the communities. Functional diversity did not confer greater resistance to drought in terms of maintaining floral resources, probably because the effects of drought were ubiquitous across component plant communities. The findings indicate that drought has a substantial impact on the availability of floral resources in calcareous grassland, which will have consequences for pollinator behaviour and populations.
Contralateral adrenal width predicts the duration of prolonged post‐surgical steroid replacement for subclinical Cushing syndrome
Authors: Sugiura Masahiro , Imamura Yusuke , Kawamura Koji , Yamamoto Satoshi , Sazuka Tomokazu , Nakamura Kazuyoshi , Sakamoto Shinichi , Nagano Hidekazu , Koide Hisashi , Tanaka Tomoaki , Imamoto Takashi , Komiya Akira , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To identify pre‐treatment factors affecting the duration of post‐surgical steroid replacement in patients undergoing adrenalectomy for subclinical Cushing syndrome.

Methods

The present retrospective analysis included 64 patients who underwent unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy for subclinical Cushing syndrome. Adrenal tumor and contralateral adrenal sizes together with various clinical factors were studied in association with the duration of post‐surgical steroid replacement. Adrenal tumor and contralateral adrenal size were measured at the level of the maximum transverse plane of the adrenal glands using computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Cox's proportional hazards model was used for the statistical analysis.

Results

All 64 patients were treated with post‐surgical steroid replacement after adrenalectomy. The median duration of the steroid treatment was 6 months. When assessing the duration of post‐surgical steroid replacement, contralateral adrenal volume <0.745 cm3, contralateral adrenal width <6.15 mm and serum cortisol after a 1‐mg dexamethasone suppression test >2.65 μg/dL were significant predictors of prolonged post‐surgical steroid treatment on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, contralateral adrenal width <6.15 mm was the only independent predictive factor for the prolonged post‐surgical steroid replacement.

Conclusions

Contralateral adrenal width seems to represent a significant predictive factor for the duration of post‐surgical steroid replacement in subclinical Cushing syndrome patients. Pre‐surgical assessment of image findings might help clinicians determine the total duration of steroid therapy after adrenalectomy.
Flood risk management and shared responsibility: Exploring Canadian public attitudes and expectations
Authors: Henstra Daniel , Thistlethwaite Jason , Brown Craig , Scott Daniel
Published: April 2018

One of the central tenets of the flood risk management (FRM) paradigm is that responsibility for flood mitigation and recovery must be shared with stakeholders other than governments, including property‐owners themselves. However, existing research suggests that this imperative is unlikely to be effective unless property‐owners demonstrate a sense of personal responsibility and are willing to undertake protective behaviours. In Canada, several recent policy changes have effectively transferred more responsibility to homeowners, but it is unclear whether Canadians are ready to accept this obligation. This article presents results from a national survey of Canadians living in high‐risk flood areas, which probed their attitudes concerning the division of responsibility for flood mitigation and recovery among governments, insurers and homeowners, as well as their willingness to adopt protective behaviours. The survey, which received 2,300 responses from all 10 provinces, indicates that Canadians are willing to accept some responsibility, but for most this perceived responsibility is insufficient to influence their decisions on mitigation and recovery. Governments in Canada could learn from jurisdictions that have addressed this disconnect through policies designed to improve awareness of FRM among property‐owners.
Associations between problematic Internet use and psychiatric symptoms among university students in Japan
Authors: Kitazawa Momoko , Yoshimura Michitaka , Murata Mayu , Sato‐Fujimoto Yuka , Hitokoto Hidefumi , Mimura Masaru , Tsubota Kazuo , Kishimoto Taishiro
Published: April 2018

Aim

Research on the adverse effects of Internet use has gained importance recently. However, there is currently insufficient data on Japanese young adults’ Internet use, so we conducted a survey targeting Japanese university students to research problematic Internet use (PIU). We also investigated the relationship between PIU and multiple psychiatric symptoms.

Methods

A paper‐based survey was conducted at five universities in Japan. Respondents were asked to fill out self‐report scales regarding their Internet dependency using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Sleep quality, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tendency, depression, and anxiety symptom data were also collected based on respective self‐reports.

Results

There were 1336 responses and 1258 were included in the analysis. The mean IAT score (± SD) was 37.87 ± 12.59; and 38.2% of participants were classified as PIU, and 61.8% as non‐PIU. The trend level for young women showed that they were more likely to be classified as PIU than young men (40.6% and 35.2% respectively, P = 0.05). Compared to the non‐PIU group, the PIU group used the Internet longer (P < 0.001), had significantly lower sleep quality (P < 0.001), had stronger ADHD tendencies (P < 0.001), had higher Depression scores (P < 0.001), and had higher Trait‐Anxiety scores (P < 0.001). Based on multiple logistic regression analyses, the factors that contributed to an increased risk of PIU were: being female (odds ratio [OR] = 1.52), being older (OR = 1.17), having poor sleep quality (OR = 1.52), having ADHD tendencies (OR = 2.70), having depression (OR = 2.24), and having anxiety tendencies (OR = 1.43).

Conclusion

We found a high PIU prevalence among Japanese young adults. The factors that predicted PIU were: female sex, older age, poor sleep quality, ADHD tendencies, depression, and anxiety.
RNA localization regulates diverse and dynamic cellular processes
Authors: Ryder Pearl V. , Lerit Dorothy A.
Published: April 2018

At the nexus of specialized cellular responses are localized enrichments of protein activity. The localization of messenger RNA (mRNA) coupled with translational control often plays a crucial role in the generation of protein concentrations at defined subcellular domains. Although mRNA localization is classically associated with large specialized cells, such as neurons and embryos, RNA localization is a highly conserved paradigm of post‐transcriptional regulation observed in diverse cellular contexts. Functions of localized mRNAs extend far beyond the well‐studied examples of neuronal polarization and developmental patterning. Since the initial discovery of the intracellular localization of cytoskeletal mRNAs within migrating cells, hundreds of mRNAs are now known to be enriched at specific organelles where they contribute to cell function. In this short review, we discuss basic principles regulating RNA localization and consider the contribution of localized mRNA to several essential cellular behaviors. We consider RNA localization as a mechanism with widespread implications for cellular function.
Women Educational Leaders in Principalship: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Women Heading Primary Schools in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Oyeniran Rassidy
Published: April 2018

In Côte d’Ivoire, the situation of women in positions of power remains a sensitive and controversial issue. Women are mostly subjected to preconceptions that place them in challenging situations. The study sought to explore the experiences of women primary school principals, and to examine the hindrances that these women leaders encounter. Using mixed method approach, 11 women principals were purposefully sampled from the research field comprised of 11 primary schools located in Abidjan. The questionnaire and the semi-structured interview were utilized as tools to gather data. Findings revealed that women principals have hidden talents and competencies, as they perform in an ethical manner using the transformational style of leadership. Yet, as showed in the results, women principals experience a number of challenges and hurdles that stand in their pathways or occur when performing their leadership roles. The current study advocates getting rid of unnecessary and harmful prejudices that prevent women from moving up in order to allow them to express their inner potential. Besides, this study suggests a critical way of thinking with a view to promoting women in educational leadership positions. There is a need to empower women not only by bridging the gap that exists between men and women, but also for the welfare of students, especially those with special needs, because every schoolchild regardless his or her family background has the right to succeed in his or her learning process according to the principle of equity, universally recognized.
Prediction of Elite Male Trampolines' Performance Based on the Selected Psychological Capabilities
Authors: Erciş Sertaç
Published: April 2018

Main purpose of this study was prediction of elite male trampolines' performance based on the selected physical and psychological capabilities in different age categories. To this aim, 45 male athletes, athletic experience and competitive experience, who participated in the national trampoline team's preparation camps for participation at the 2014 Asian Games in four age categories included Children (ages 11 and 12 yrs), Juniors (ages 13 and 14 yrs), Adolescents (ages 15 to 17 yrs), and Seniors (ages 18 yrs <), were selected using targeted sampling as subjects. Variables of study included 16 variables related to mental skills which were measured using standard procedures and instruments. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression models at the 0.05 significance level. Results of study showed that, among all relationships between variables, self-confidence (r=0.359), concentration (r=0.316), concentration recovery (r=0.394), average of psycho-cognitive skills (r=0.304), and total average of mental skills (r=0.307) with performance are statistically significant. Results of regression analysis showed that self-confidence (β =0.522) and concentration recovery (β = 0.377) are significant determinants of performance which explain totally 26.7 percent of the elite male trampolines' competitive performance. Findings of this study suggest that, in the high competitive level of trampoline, psychological factors (i.e., self-confidence and concentration recovery) have more predictive role which must be considered in preparation programs of elite male trampolines.
Extending standard urban outdoor noise propagation models to complex geometries
Authors: Kamrath Matthew , Jean Philippe , Maillard Julien , Picaut Judicaël , Langrenne Christophe
Published: April 2018

A hybrid method that combines a noise engineering method and the 2.5D boundary element method approximates outdoor sound propagation in large domains with complex objects more accurately than noise engineering methods alone and more efficiently than reference methods alone. Noise engineering methods (e.g., ISO 9613-2 or CNOSSOS-EU) efficiently approximate sound levels from roads, railways, and industrial sources in cities for simple, box-shaped geometries by first finding the propagation paths between the source and receiver, then applying attenuations (e.g., geometrical divergence and atmospheric absorption) to each path, and finally incoherently summing all of the path contributions. Standard engineering methods cannot model more complicated geometries but introducing an additional attenuation term quantifies the influence of complex objects. Calculating this extra attenuation term requires reference calculations but performing reference computations for each path is too computationally expensive. Thus, the extra attenuation term is linearly interpolated from a data table containing the corrections for many source/receiver positions and frequencies. The 2.5D boundary element method produces the levels for the real and simplified geometries and subtracting them yields a table of corrections. For a T-shaped barrier with two buildings, this approach reduces the mean error by approximately 2 dBA compared to a standard engineering method.
Hip Pain in a Collegiate Gymnast
Authors: Adams Alyssa C. , Fleming Kelly B. , Tripp Patricia M.
Published: April 2018

A 19-year-old Division I female collegiate gymnast presented with left hip/adductor pain. Radiographic imaging confirmed a diagnosis of bilateral hip dysplasia. The patient completed conservative rehabilitation before undergoing a Bernese hip periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). Postsurgical management lasted 12 months and involved interdisciplinary care (athletic trainer, massage therapist, chiropractor, and acupuncturist). Although more common among female athletes whose sport requires extreme flexibility (67–89%), presentation of this congenital anomaly usually occurs during adolescence, reducing participation in elite competitive sports. Dysplasia diagnosis and surgical PAO require a multifaceted approach to recovery, with less than 60% of surgical cases returning to sport.
Effect of Administration Method on Near Point of Convergence Scores in a Healthy, Active, Young Adult Population
Authors: Phillips Jacqueline , Cheever Kelly , McKeon Jamie , Tierney Ryan
Published: April 2018

Near point of convergence (NPC) is an emerging concussion assessment tool and researchers have reported NPC scores using different administration methods which may influence assessment interpretation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different administrative methods on NPC scores in healthy, active young adults. NPC was measured using two different accommodative rulers and a fingertip, with three different placements. No significant difference in NPC score was observed between rulers. Significant differences were observed between ruler placements. Furthermore, fingertip use was significantly different compared to all ruler placements.
Shoulder and Lower Back Joint Reaction Forces in Seated Double Poling
Authors: Lund Ohlsson Marie , Danvind Jonas , Holmberg L. Joakim
Published: April 2018

Overuse injuries in the shoulders and lower back are hypothesized to be common in cross-country sit-skiing. Athletes with reduced trunk muscle control mainly sit with the knees higher than the hips (KH). To reduce spinal flexion, a position with the knees below the hips (KL) was enabled for these athletes using a frontal trunk support. The aim of the study was to compare the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) and L4-L5 joint reactions of the KL and KH sitting positions. Five able-bodied female athletes performed submaximal and maximal exercise tests in the sitting positions KL and KH on a ski ergometer. Measured pole forces and 3-dimensional kinematics served as input for inverse-dynamics simulations to compute the muscle forces and joint reactions in the shoulder and L4-L5 joint. This was the first musculoskeletal simulation study of seated double poling. The results showed that the KH position was favorable for higher performance and decreased values of the shoulder joint reactions for female able-bodied athletes with full trunk control. The KL position was favorable for lower L4-L5 joint reactions and might therefore reduce the risk of lower back injuries. These results indicate that it is hard to optimize both performance and safety in the same sit-ski.
The Kinetics of Swinging a Baseball Bat
Authors: Crisco Joseph J. , Osvalds Nikolas J. , Rainbow Michael J.
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to compute the 3-dimensional kinetics required to swing 3 youth baseball bats of varying moments of inertia. The 306 swings by 22 male players (age 13–18 y) were analyzed. Inverse dynamics with respect to the batter’s hands were computed given the known kinematics and physical properties of the bats. Peak force increased with larger bat moments of inertia and was strongly correlated with bat tip speed. By contrast, peak moments were weakly correlated with bat moments of inertia and bat tip speed. Throughout the swing, the force applied to the bat was dominated by a component aligned with the long axis of the bat and directed away from the bat knob, whereas the moment applied to the bat was minimal until just prior to ball impact. These results indicate that players act to mostly “pull” the bat during their swing until just prior to ball impact, at which point they rapidly increase the moment on the bat. This kinetic analysis provides novel insight into the forces and moments used to swing baseball bats.
The Effect of Diacutaneous Fibrolysis on Patellar Position Measured Using Ultrasound Scanning in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Authors: Fanlo-Mazas Pablo , Bueno-Gracia Elena , de Escudero-Zapico Alazne Ruiz , Tricás-Moreno José Miguel , Lucha-López María Orosia
Published: April 2018

Context: Tightness or lack of flexibility of several muscles of the thigh has been associated with patellofemoral joint pain. A tight iliotibial band can lead to laterally located patella and an abnormal patellar tracking pattern. Diacutaneous fibrolysis (DF) is commonly used to reduce muscle tightness, but no studies have evaluated the effects of this technique in the treatment of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Objective: To assess the effect of DF on patellar position in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Design: A single-group, pretest–posttest clinical trial. Setting: University of Zaragoza. Participants: A total of 46 subjects with patellofemoral pain (20 males, 26 females; age: 27.8 [6.9] y). Intervention: Three sessions of DF. Main Outcome Measures: Patellar position measurement using real-time ultrasound scanning; pain intensity measured with visual analog scale and function measured with the Anterior Knee Pain Scale. Results: The application of 3 sessions of DF significantly increased the patellar position at posttreatment evaluation (P < .001) and at 1-week follow-up (P < .001). There was not a significant difference on patellar position between posttreatment and follow-up measurements (P = .28). There were also a statistically significant decrease in pain and increase in function at posttreatment and at 1-week follow-up measurements (P < .001). Conclusion: This study found that patellar position, pain intensity, and function were significantly improved after 3 sessions of DF and at 1-week follow-up.
Characterization of Extensively Drug-Resistant or Pandrug-Resistant Sequence Type 147 and 101 OXA-48-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Causing Bloodstream Infections in Patients in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Avgoulea Kalliope , Di Pilato Vincenzo , Zarkotou Olympia , Sennati Samanta , Politi Leda , Cannatelli Antonio , Themeli-Digalaki Katerina , Giani Tommaso , Tsakris Athanassios , Rossolini Gian Maria , Pournaras Spyros
Published: April 2018

Carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
causes important health care-associated infections worldwide. An outbreak of sequence type 11 (ST11) OXA-48-producing
K. pneumoniae
(OXA-48-Kp) isolates occurred in Tzaneio Hospital in 2012 and was contained until 2014, when OXA-48-Kp reemerged. The present study involved 19 bloodstream infection (BSI) OXA-48-Kp isolates recovered from 19 intensive care unit (ICU) patients hospitalized between August 2014 and July 2016. MICs were determined by broth microdilution. Beta-lactamase genes were detected by PCR. All isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis/multilocus sequence typing (PFGE/MLST), and 10 representative isolates were typed by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Of the 19 study patients, 9 had previous hospitalizations, and 10 carried OXA-48-Kp prior to BSI isolation; median time from ICU admission to BSI was 29 days. Four OXA-48-Kp isolates belonged to PFGE profile A (ST147) and were pandrug resistant (PDR), while 15 isolates exhibited PFGE profile B (ST101) and were extensively drug resistant. Genes detected via NGS resistome analysis accounted for most of the resistance phenotypes, except for tigecycline and fosfomycin. Insertional inactivation of
mgrB
(distinct per clone) conferred colistin resistance in all 19 isolates. NGS single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis validated the clonal relatedness of the ST147 and ST101 strains and revealed the possible presence of two index ST147 strains and the microevolution of ST101 strains. Distinct, but highly related, IncL OXA-48-encoding plasmid lineages were identified; plasmids of the ST147 strains were identical with the plasmid of ST11 OXA-48-Kp which caused the 2012 outbreak. In conclusion, biclonal circulation of OXA-48-Kp and, alarmingly, emergence of a PDR clone are reported. These observations, along with the challenging phenotypic detection of OXA-48 producers and the high reported transmissibility of
bla
OXA-48
, necessitate intensive efforts to prevent their further spread.
Effect of phacoemulsification on facility of outflow
Authors: Alaghband Pouya , Beltran-Agulló Laura , Galvis Elizabeth Angela , Overby Darryl R , Lim Kin Sheng
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Phacoemulsification has been shown to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). The mechanism of action is thought to be via increased trabecular outflow facility. However, studies on the relationship between phacoemulsification and outflow facility have been inconsistent. This study intended to examine the change in electronic Schiotz tonographic outflow facility (TOF) and IOP measurements following phacoemulsification.

Methods

Patients who were due to undergo a standard clear corneal incision phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, at St Thomas’ Hospital, were invited to participate in this study. IOP was measured using Goldmann’s applanation tonometer, and TOF was measured by electronic Schiotz tonography at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Forty-one patients were recruited. Tonography data for 27 patients were reliable and available at all time points. Eleven cases had primary open angle glaucoma and cataract, while 16 patients had cataract only. Mean IOP reduced at every time point postoperatively significantly compared with baseline. TOF improved significantly after cataract extraction at all time points (baseline of 0.14±0.06 vs 0.18±0.09 at 3 months, P=0.02 and 0.20±0.09 at 6 months, P=0.003, 0.17±0.07 µL/min mmHg at 12 months, P=0.04). Five contralateral eyes of patients with cataracts only who did not have any intraocular surgery during the follow-up period were used as comparison. Their IOP and TOF did not change significantly at any postoperative visits.

Conclusion

This is the first study using electronic Schiotz tonography with documented anterior chamber depth and gonioscopy after modern cataract surgery (CS) with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. We demonstrated that phacoemulsification increases TOF and this fully accounts for the IOP reduction following CS.

ISTCRN registration number

ISRCTN04247738.
Is the weekend effect really ubiquitous? A retrospective clinical cohort analysis of 30-day mortality by day of week and time of day using linked population data from New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Baldwin Heather J , Marashi-Pour Sadaf , Chen Huei-Yang , Kaldor Jill , Sutherland Kim , Levesque Jean-Frederic
Published: April 2018

Objective

To examine the associations between day of week and time of admission and 30-day mortality for six clinical conditions: ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure.

Design

Retrospective population-based cohort analyses. Hospitalisation records were linked to emergency department and deaths data. Random-effect logistic regression models were used, adjusting for casemix and taking into account clustering within hospitals.

Setting

All hospitals in New South Wales, Australia, from July 2009 to June 2012.

Participants

Patients admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis for one of the six clinical conditions examined.

Outcome measures

Adjusted ORs for all-cause mortality within 30 days of admission, by day of week and time of day.

Results

A total of 148 722 patients were included in the study, with 17 721 deaths within 30 days of admission. Day of week of admission was not associated with significantly higher likelihood of death for five of the six conditions after adjusting for casemix. There was significant variation in mortality for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by day of week; however, this was not consistent with a strict weekend effect (Thursday: OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.48; Friday: OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.44; Saturday: OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.37; Sunday OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.22; compared with Monday). There was evidence for a night effect for patients admitted for stroke (ischaemic: OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.45; haemorrhagic: OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.78).

Conclusions

Mortality outcomes for these conditions, adjusted for casemix, do not vary in accordance with the weekend effect hypothesis. Our findings support a growing body of evidence that questions the ubiquity of the weekend effect.
Gender disparities in high-quality dermatology research: a descriptive bibliometric study on scientific authorships
Authors: Bendels Michael H K , Dietz Michelle Cathrin , Brüggmann Dörthe , Oremek Gerhard Maximilian , Schöffel Norman , Groneberg David A
Published: April 2018

Objective

The present study aims to elucidate the state of gender equality in high-quality dermatological research by analysing the representation of female authorships from January 2008 to May 2017.

Design

Retrospective, descriptive study.

Setting

113 189 male and female authorships from 23 373 research articles published in 23 dermatological Q1 journals were analysed with the aid of the Gendermetrics Platform.

Results

43.0% of all authorships and 50.2% of the firstauthorships, 43.7% of the coauthorships and 33.1% of the last authorships are held by women. The corresponding female-to-male ORs are 1.41 (95% CI 1.37 to 1.45) for first authorships, 1.07 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.10) for coauthorships and 0.60 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.62) for last authorships. The annual growth rates are 1.74% overall and 1.45% for first authorships, 1.53% for coauthorships and 2.97% for last authorships. Women are slightly under-represented at prestigious authorships compared with men (Prestige Index=−0.11). The under-representation remains stable in highly competitive articles attracting the highest citation rates, namely, articles with many authors and articles that were published in highest-impact journals. Multiauthor articles with male key authors are only slightly more frequently cited than those with female key authors. Women publish slightly fewer papers compared with men (47.2% women hold 43.0% of the authorships). At the level of individual journals, there is a high degree of uniformity in gender-specific authorship odds. By contrast, distinct differences at country level were revealed. The prognosis for the next decades forecasts a consecutive harmonisation of authorship odds between the two genders.

Conclusions

In high-quality dermatological research, the integration of female scholars is advanced as compared with other medical disciplines. A gender gap consists mainly in the form of a career dichotomy, with many female early career researchers and few women in academic leadership positions. However, this gender gap has been narrowed in the last decade and will likely be further reduced in the future.