bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computed tomography versus fluoroscopic guided-sacroiliac joint injection: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Bessar Ahmed A. A. , Arnaout Mohamed M. , Basha Mohammad Abd Alkhalik , Shaker Shady E. , Elsayed Ashraf E. , Bessar Manar Awad
Published: March 2021

Background

There are limited data discussing long-term pain relief and comparability of different image-guided sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injection. This study compared CT and fluoroscopic-guided SIJ injections regarding statistically and clinically significant differences in numeric pain reduction, radiation doses, and patient’s satisfaction.

Methods

A prospective study conducted on 52 patients who met specific inclusion criteria of SIJ pain. A mixture of 1 ml of 40 mg methylprednisolone acetate diluted in 2 ml of lidocaine 2% was injected under either CT or fluoroscopic guidance. Numeric rating score (NRS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were assessed and recorded for each patient before procedure and one-week, and one-, three-, six-, and 12-months after procedure. The results were compared between both groups.

Results

Analysis of NRS one-month post-procedure showed a significant decrease from baseline in both groups: 12.5% in CT group (p = 0.002) and 9.5% in fluoroscopic group (p = 0.006). No significant difference in NRS between two groups at one- and three-months post-procedure (p = 0.11 and 0.1, respectively). There was a significant difference in NRS between two groups at six- and 12-months post-procedure (p = 0.001 and < 0.0001, respectively). Comparison of ODI at six-month post-procedure revealed that both groups had a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in ODI between two groups at six-months post-procedure (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

CT-guided SIJ injection compares favorably with fluoroscopic guidance and offers statistically and clinically significant long-term pain relief. The use of dose reduction protocol in CT is important for decreasing the radiation dose.
Research on task assignment to minimize travel cost for spatio-temporal crowdsourcing
Authors: Pan Qingxian , Pan Tingwei , Dong Hongbin , Gao Zhaolong
Published: March 2021

Online task assignment is one of the core research issues of spatio-temporal crowdsourcing technology. The current researches on minimizing travel cost all focus on the scenario of two objectives (task requesters and workers). This paper proposes a two-stage framework (GH) based on Greedy algorithm and Hungarian algorithm for three-objective online task assignment to minimize travel cost. In order to further optimize the efficiency and average travel cost, this paper proposes GH-AT (Adaptive Threshold) algorithm based on GH algorithm, and redesigns the Hungarian algorithm into the sHungarian algorithm. sHungarian algorithm has lower time complexity than Hungarian algorithm. sHungarian algorithm is not only suitable for the problem studied in this paper, but also for all task assignment problems with constraints. Compared with Greedy algorithm, GH-AT algorithm has lower travel cost and higher total utility. In terms of the number of matches, GH-AT is slightly lower than Greedy algorithm. In terms of time cost, GH-AT algorithm is higher than Greedy algorithm, but much lower than GH algorithm.
Some fractional Hermite–Hadamard-type integral inequalities with s-$(\alpha,m)$-convex functions and their applications
Authors: Liu R. N. , Xu Run
Published: March 2021

Under the new concept ofs-$(\alpha,m)$(α,m)-convex functions, we obtain some new Hermite–Hadamard inequalities with ans-$(\alpha,m)$(α,m)-convex function. We use these inequalities to estimate Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals with second-order differentiable convex functions to enrich the Hermite–Hadamard-type inequalities. We give some applications to special means.
Effects of masks on the transmission of infectious diseases
Authors: Han Lili , Pan Qiuhui , Kang Baolin , He Mingfeng
Published: March 2021

In the present paper, based on the conditions that asymptomatic virus carriers are contagious and all symptomatic infected individuals wear masks, we study the impact of wearing masks in the susceptible and the asymptomatic virus carriers on the spread of infectious diseases by developing a differential equation model. At first, we give the existence, uniqueness, boundedness, and positivity of the solution as well as the basic reproduction number $R_{0}$

R
0

for the established model. Then, for two cases of wearing masks in the susceptible and the asymptomatic virus carriers where the proportion of wearing masks is fixed and the proportion of wearing masks changes with time, the results of the numerical simulation are shown in a series of pictures, and quantitative description of effects of the proportion of the population wearing masks, the protective effect of masks, and the time when they start wearing masks on the epidemic is given. Our results show that under the situation that the proportion of wearing masks is positively related to the confirmed new cases and new deaths, though the proportion will be close to 1 during the high incidence of patients, the effect on controlling the spread of such infectious diseases is far worse than the case of always maintaining a relatively higher proportion (≥0.66) of wearing masks.
Does health literacy affect the uptake of annual physical check-ups?: Results from the 2017 US health information national trends survey
Authors: Lee Hee Yun , Kim Sooyoung , Neese Jessica , Lee Mi Hwa
Published: March 2021

Background

Little is known about how health literacy is linked to physical check-ups. This study aimed to examine the levels of physical check-ups (self-reported check-ups within the last year) by age group (those aged 18–59 years and those aged = ≥ 60 years) and the role of health literacy regarding physical check-ups in the United States.

Methods

Data for the study were obtained from the 2017 Health Information National Trends Survey. The original sample included 3,285 respondents, but only 3,146 surveys were used for this study. Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use guided this study, and a binomial logistic regression model was conducted using Stata 12.0 software package.

Results

While 82.0 % of the older group had an annual check-up, 67.3 % of the younger group had one. Both groups had similar ratios for health literacy-related item reporting. Study results show that annual check-up was positively associated with confidence in getting health information, having health insurance, and having a primary doctor for both age groups. However, getting a regular check-up was negatively associated with frustration while searching for information among the younger group. In comparison, it was positively associated with difficulty understanding information for the older group.

Conclusions

To increase annual physical check-ups, health literacy-related interventions should be developed and address the barriers most associated with health check-ups. One way of addressing this barrier is to improve communication from healthcare professionals to consumers through the use of easy-to-understand explanations appropriate for the consumer.
Prevalence of pathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae based on PCR capsular typing harbouring carbapenemases encoding genes in Uganda tertiary hospitals
Authors: Ssekatawa Kenneth , Byarugaba Denis K. , Nakavuma Jesca L. , Kato Charles D. , Ejobi Francis , Tweyongyere Robert , Eddie Wampande M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that has been implicated as one of commonest cause of hospital and community acquired infections. The K. pneumoniae infections have considerably contributed to morbidity and mortality in patients with protracted ailments. The capacity of K. pneumoniae to cause diseases depends on the presence of an array virulence factors. Coexistence and expression of virulence factors and genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance complicates treatment outcomes. Thus, emergence of pathogenic MDR K. pneumoniae poses a great threat to the healthcare system. However, the carriage of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic K. pneumoniae is yet to be investigated in Uganda. We sought to investigate the carbapenem resistance profiles and pathogenic potential based on capsular serotypes of K. pneumoniae clinical isolates.

Methods

This was a cross sectional study involving use of archived Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates collected between January and December, 2019 at four tertiary hospitals in Uganda. All isolates were subject to antimicrobial susceptibility assays to determine phenotypic antibiotic resistance, pentaplex PCR to detect carbapenemases encoding genes and heptaplex PCR to identify capsular serotypes K1, K2, K3, K5, K20, K54 and K57.

Results

The study found an overall phenotypic carbapenem resistance of 23.3% (53/227) and significantly higher genotypic resistance prevalence of 43.1% (98/227). Over all, the most prevalent gene was blaOXA-48-like (36.4%), followed by blaIMP-type (19.4%), blaVIM-type (17.1%), blaKPC-type (14.0%) and blaNDM-type (13.2%). blaVIM-type and blaOXA-48-like conferred phenotypic resistance in all isolates and 38.3% of isolates that harbored them respectively. Capsular multiplex PCR revealed that 46.7% (106/227) isolates were pathogenic and the predominantly prevalent pathotype was K5 (18.5%) followed by K20 (15.1%), K3 (7.1%), K2 (3.1%) and K1 (2.2%). Of the 106 capsular serotypes, 37 expressed phenotypic resistance; thus, 37 of the 53 carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae were pathogenic.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of virulent and antibiotic resistant K. pneumoniae among clinical isolates obtained from the four tertiary hospital as revealed by this study pose a great threat to healthcare. Our findings underline the epidemiological and public health risks and implications of this pathogen.
Efficacy of the combination of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine in pulmonary fibrosis arising as a sequelae in convalescent COVID-19 patients: a randomized multicenter trial
Authors: Lu Zhen-Hui , Yang Chun-Li , Yang Gai-Ge , Pan Wen-Xu , Tian Li-Guang , Zheng Jin-Xin , Lv Shan , Zhang Shao-Yan , Zheng Pei-Yong , Zhang Shun-Xian
Published: March 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a significant number of mortalities worldwide. COVID-19 poses a serious threat to human life. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are diverse and severe and 20% of infected patients are reported to be in a critical condition. A loss in lung function and pulmonary fibrosis are the main manifestations of patients with the severe form of the disease. The lung function is affected, even after recovery, thereby greatly affecting the psychology and well-being of patients, and significantly reducing their quality of life.

Methods

Participants must meet the following simultaneous inclusion criteria: over 18 years of age, should have recovered from severe or critical COVID-19 cases, should exhibit pulmonary fibrosis after recovery, and should exhibit Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome as indicated in the system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The eligible candidates will be randomized into treatment or control groups. The treatment group will receive modern medicine (pirfenidone) plus TCM whereas the control group will be administered modern medicine plus TCM placebo. The lung function index will be continuously surveyed and recorded. By comparing the treatment effect between the two groups, the study intend to explore whether TCM can improve the effectiveness of modern medicine in patients with pulmonary fibrosis arising as a sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Discussion

Pulmonary fibrosis is one of fatal sequelae for some severe or critical COVID-19 cases, some studies reveal that pirfenidone lead to a delay in the decline of forced expiratory vital capacity, thereby reducing the mortality partly. Additionally, although TCM has been proven to be efficacious in treating pulmonary fibrosis, its role in treating pulmonary fibrosis related COVID-19 has not been explored. Hence, a multicenter, parallel-group, randomized controlled, interventional, prospective clinical trial has been designed and will be conducted to determine if a new comprehensive treatment for pulmonary fibrosis related to COVID-19 is feasible and if it can improve the quality of life of patients.

Trial registration: This multicenter, parallel-group, randomized controlled, interventional, prospective trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000033284) on 26th May 2020 (prospective registered).
Accelerometer informed time-energy budgets reveal the importance of temperature to the activity of a wild, arid zone canid
Authors: Tatler Jack , Currie Shannon E. , Cassey Phillip , Scharf Anne K. , Roshier David A. , Prowse Thomas A. A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Globally, arid regions are expanding and becoming hotter and drier with climate change. For medium and large bodied endotherms in the arid zone, the necessity to dissipate heat drives a range of adaptations, from behaviour to anatomy and physiology. Understanding how apex predators negotiate these landscapes and how they balance their energy is important as it may have broad impacts on ecosystem function.

Methods

We used tri-axial accelerometry (ACC) and GPS data collected from free-ranging dingoes in central Australia to investigate their activity-specific energetics, and activity patterns through time and space. We classified dingo activity into stationary, walking, and running behaviours, and estimated daily energy expenditure via activity-specific time-energy budgets developed using energy expenditure data derived from the literature. We tested whether dingoes behaviourally thermoregulate by modelling ODBA as a function of ambient temperature during the day and night. We used traditional distance measurements (GPS) as well as fine-scale activity (ODBA) data to assess their daily movement patterns.

Results

We retrieved ACC and GPS data from seven dingoes. Their mass-specific daily energy expenditure was significantly lower in summer (288 kJ kg− 1 day− 1) than winter (495 kJ kg− 1 day− 1;p = 0.03). Overall, dingoes were much less active during summer where 91% of their day was spent stationary in contrast to just 46% during winter. There was a sharp decrease in ODBA with increasing ambient temperature during the day (R2 = 0.59), whereas ODBA increased with increasing Taat night (R2 = 0.39). Distance and ODBA were positively correlated (R = 0.65) and produced similar crepuscular patterns of activity.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that ambient temperature may drive the behaviour of dingoes. Seasonal differences of daily energy expenditure in free-ranging eutherian mammals have been found in several species, though this was the first time it has been observed in a wild canid. We conclude that the negative relationship between dingo activity (ODBA) and ambient temperature during the day implies that high heat gain from solar radiation may be a factor limiting diurnal dingo activity in an arid environment.
The effect of calibration factors and recovery coefficients on 177Lu SPECT activity quantification accuracy: a Monte Carlo study
Authors: Ramonaheng Keamogetswe , van Staden Johannes A. , du Raan Hanlie
Published: March 2021

Background

Different gamma camera calibration factor (CF) geometries have been proposed to convert SPECT data into units of activity concentration. However, no consensus has been reached on a standardised geometry. The CF is dependent on the selected geometry and is further affected by partial volume effects. This study investigated the effect of two CF geometries and their corresponding recovery coefficients (RCs) on the quantification accuracy of 177Lu SPECT images using Monte Carlo simulations.

Methods

The CF geometries investigated were (i) a radioactive-sphere surrounded by non-radioactive water (sphere-CF) and (ii) a cylindrical phantom uniformly filled with radioactive water (cylinder-CF). Recovery coefficients were obtained using the sphere-CF and cylinder-CF, yielding the sphere-RC and cylinder-RC values, respectively, for partial volume correction (PVC). The quantification accuracy was evaluated using four different-sized spheres (15.6–65.4 ml) and a kidney model with known activity concentrations inside a cylindrical, torso and patient phantom. Images were reconstructed with the 3D OS-EM algorithm incorporating attenuation, scatter and detector-response corrections. Segmentation was performed using the physical size and a small cylindrical volume inside the cylinder for the sphere-CF and cylinder-CF, respectively.

Results

The sphere quantification error (without PVC) was better for the sphere-CF (≤ − 5.54%) compared to the cylinder-CF (≤ − 20.90%), attributed to the similar geometry of the quantified and CF spheres. Partial volume correction yielded comparable results for the sphere-CF-RC (≤ 3.47%) and cylinder-CF-RC (≤ 3.53%). The accuracy of the kidney quantification was poorer (≤ 22.34%) for the sphere-CF without PVC compared to the cylinder-CF (≤ 2.44%). With PVC, the kidney quantification results improved and compared well for the sphere-CF-RC (≤ 3.50%) and the cylinder-CF-RC (≤ 3.45%).

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that upon careful selection of CF-RC combinations, comparable quantification errors (≤ 3.53%) were obtained between the sphere-CF-RC and cylinder-CF-RC, when all corrections were applied.
Q-Bot: automatic DICOM metadata monitoring for the next level of quality management in nuclear medicine
Authors: Nagy Ferenc , Krizsan Aron K. , Kukuts Kornél , Szolikova Melinda , Hascsi Zsolt , Barna Sandor , Acs Antonietta , Szabo Peter , Tron Lajos , Balkay Laszlo , Dahlbom Magnus , Zentai Mihaly , Forgacs Attila , Garai Ildiko
Published: March 2021

Background

Regular and precise inspection of the realization of the local nuclear medicine standard operation procedures (SOPs) is very complex and time-consuming, especially when large amount of patient data is obtained from a wide scale of different scan procedures on a daily basis. DICOM metadata comprise a complete set of data related to the patient and the imaging procedure, and consequently all information necessary to evaluate the compliance with the actual SOP.

Methods

Q-Bot, an automatic DICOM metadata monitoring tool which is capable to verify SOP conformities, was tested for 11 months at two nuclear medicine departments. Relevant parameters, such as patient ID, patient mass and height, injected activity, and uptake time, were investigated in the case of adult 18F-FDG whole-body PET/CT and 99mTc-MDP gamma camera bone scans on a daily basis. Q-Bot automatically inspected the actual SOP compliance of these relevant DICOM parameters. Q-Bot graphical user interface (GUI) provided a summary of the outliers in a table format to be investigated by a dedicated technologist. In addition, information related to the error handling was also collected for retrospective analysis of long-term tendencies.

Results

In total, 6702 PET/CT and 2502 gamma camera scans were inspected, from which 8581 were confirmed as valid patient study without errors. Discrepancies related to the lack of a parameter, not appropriate format, or improper scan procedures were found in 623 cases, and 156 out of these were corrected before the medical reading and reporting. SOP non-conformities explored with Q-Bot were found to be non-correctable in 467 cases. Systematic errors to our practice turned out to be the manual radiopharmaceutical injection, the allowance to use both SI and non-SI units, and the clear definition of decimal point symbol to use.

Conclusion

The daily evaluation of Q-Bot results provided early detection of errors and consequently ensured the minimization of error propagation. Integration of a QM software that inspects protocol compliance at a nuclear medicine department provides significant support to detect non-conformities for technologists, and much higher confidence in image quality for physicians.
Development of a Patient Reported Measure of Experimental Transplants with HIV and Ethics in the United States (PROMETHEUS)
Authors: Seaman Shanti , Brown Diane , Eno Ann , Yu Sile , Massie Allan B. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Durand Christine M. , Segev Dorry L. , Wu Albert W. , Sugarman Jeremy
Published: March 2021

Background

Transplantation of HIV-positive (HIV+) donor organs for HIV+ recipients (HIV D+/R+) is now being performed as research in the United States, but raises ethical concerns. While patient-reported outcome measures are increasingly used to evaluate clinical interventions, there is no published measure to aptly capture patients’ experiences in the unique context of experimental HIV D+/R+ transplantation. Therefore, we developed PROMETHEUS (patient-reported measure of experimental transplants with HIV and ethics in the United States). To do so, we created a conceptual framework, drafted a pilot battery using existing and new measures related to this context, and refined it based on cognitive and pilot testing. PROMETHEUS was administered 6-months post-transplant in a clinical trial evaluating these transplants. We analyzed data from the first 20 patient-participants for reliability and validity by calculating Cronbach’s alpha and reviewing item performance characteristics.

Results

PROMETHEUS 1.0 consisted of 29 items with 5 putative subscales: Emotions; Trust; Decision Making; Transplant; and Decision Satisfaction. Overall, responses were positive. Cronbach’s alpha was > 0.8 for all subscales except Transplant, which was 0.38. Two Transplant subscale items were removed due to poor reliability and construct validity.

Conclusions

We developed PROMETHEUS to systematically capture patient-reported experiences with this novel experimental transplantation program, nested it in an actual clinical trial, and obtained preliminary data regarding its performance.
Growth and yield performances of rice (Oryza sativa var. nerica) after exposure to biosynthesized nanoparticles
Authors: Ikhajiagbe B. , Igiebor F. A. , Ogwu M. C.
Published: March 2021

Background

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a common staple food in Nigeria. However, cultivation is impaired by heavy metal contamination, particularly iron (Fe). This study aimed to investigate the impacts of biosynthesized nanoparticles (NPs) in enhancing the growth and yield components of rice sown in ferruginous soil. Viable seeds of O. sativa var. nerica were sown in ferruginous and non-ferruginous soils. After four weeks, the plants were exposed to foliar sprays of biosynthesized NPs from silver nitrate, using extracts of leaves of Carica papaya, Vernonia amygdalina, Moringa oleifera, and Azadirachta indica; and the flowers of Hibiscus sabderiffa, following standard procedure. The originally prepared stock solution was diluted to give 5, 15, and 30% concentrations of each synthesized NP.

Results

Results showed that soil ferrugenicity impeded the growth and yield of rice. Azadirachta-synthesized NPs was better enhanced in the ferruginous soils, which might be due to Fe interaction and activities. Moreover, there was increased antioxidant activity in the ferruginous rice compared to the non-ferruginous rice, thus it is evidence that ferrugenicity is a major source of physiological stress for the rice plant.

Conclusion

The study provided evidence that Ag-NPs can enhance plant yield by huge proportions in ferruginous soil, a condition (ferrugenicity) that was hitherto inimical to yield disposition of rice.
Hepatitis C core antigen: a simple predictive marker for treatment response to the new direct-acting antiviral drugs in chronic HCV Egyptian patients
Authors: Elbrolosy Asmaa M. , Elhamouly Moamena S. , Eed Emad M. , El Gedawy Gamalat A. , Abozeid Mai , Elabd Naglaa S.
Published: March 2021

Background

Successful eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has great impact on the prognosis of HCV-related complications and the associated mortality. The development of the new direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) has revolutionized the treatment of HCV infection. HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) is a recently developed marker that displayed a good correlation with HCV RNA assays. Our main objectives were to correlate between serum levels of HCVcAg and HCV RNA loads in chronic HCV patients as well as to explore the potential value of HCVcAg assay in predicting treatment response to the new DAAs. The study enrolled a total of 280 chronic HCV-infected patients scheduled to start the new regimen for treatment of chronic HCV by all-oral, interferon-free DAAs. According to the viral load, the studied individuals were arranged into three groups corresponding to mild, moderate, and sever viremia. Serum level of HCVcAg was determined by ELISA technique and HCV RNA viral loads were quantified using the real-time PCR system. The assays were performed three times for all participants: prior to initiation of treatment, at the end of treatment (week 12), and 3 months post-treatment cessation (week 24).

Results

A statistically significant difference between HCV RNA and HCVcAg baseline levels among different viremia groups was detected (P< 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between HCV RNA and HCVcAg baseline values among all the studied cases (P< 0.05) with a correlation coefficient of 0.752, 0.976, and 1.00 respectively for mild, moderate, and severe viremia groups. 92.9% (260/280) of the studied patients achieved sustained virologic response, 3.6% (10/280) were non-responders, and 3.6% (10/280) had recurrent viremia/relapse as regards RT-PCR results.

Conclusion

HCVcAg is a promising alternative to HCV RNA assay. The ELISAs for HCVcAg proved excellent correlations with HCV RNA levels. Moreover, HCVcAg can be introduced as a simple and highly specific tool for monitoring the new DAA regimens particularly in low-resource settings.
Measuring Research Mentors’ Cultural Diversity Awareness for Race/Ethnicity in STEM: Validity Evidence for a New Scale
Authors: Byars-Winston Angela , Butz Amanda R.
Published: March 2021

There is a lack of measures to assess cultural diversity awareness (CDA) in research mentoring relationships. The development of and validity evidence for a new measure to assess CDA from the perspective of both mentors and mentees are reported with a summary of findings from a series of confirmatory factor analyses with national participant samples.
The Dark Side of Development: A Systems Characterization of the Negative Mentoring Experiences of Doctoral Students
Authors: Tuma Trevor T. , Adams John D. , Hultquist Benjamin C. , Dolan Erin L.
Published: March 2021

A characterization of the negative mentoring doctoral students experience during their graduate research is presented. Students attributed their negative mentoring experiences to interacting factors at multiple levels of the academic research system, which they perceived as harmful to their development.
Low Intake of Vegetable Protein is Associated With Altered Ovulatory Function Among Healthy Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Kim Keewan , Yisahak Samrawit F , Nobles Carrie J , Andriessen Victoria C , DeVilbiss Elizabeth A , Sjaarda Lindsey A , Alohali Ahoud , Perkins Neil J , Mumford Sunni L
Published: March 2021

Context

Diets high in plant-based protein have gained popularity due to increasing health concerns regarding consumption of animal products. Though links between intakes of certain protein-rich foods and reproductive disorders have been suggested, the relationship of overall animal and vegetable proteins with reproductive hormones among reproductive-aged women is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the associations between the intake of dietary protein with reproductive hormones and sporadic anovulation among reproductive-aged women.

Design

A prospective cohort study, 2005–2007.

Setting

University at Buffalo, western New York, United States.

Participants

A total of 259 premenopausal women (18–44 years) without dietary restrictions.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Serum reproductive hormones were determined up to 8 times per cycle for 2 cycles. Protein intake was assessed the day prior to hormone assessment at 4 visits/cycle using 24-hour recalls.

Results

Overall, 84% of participants met the recommended dietary allowance for total protein set for reproductive-aged women. Neither total nor animal protein intake were associated with reproductive hormones or anovulation. However, vegetable protein intake in the lowest tertile was associated with lower luteal phase progesterone (-18.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -30.2, -3.6), higher follicle-stimulating hormone (3.8%, 95% CI 0.2, 7.6), and a higher risk of anovulation (risk ratio [RR] 2.53, 95% CI 1.21, 5.26), compared with the middle tertile. Nuts and seeds were the only protein-rich foods associated with an elevated risk of anovulation (RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.17, 3.85).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that among women who meet the recommended dietary allowance for total protein, low intake of vegetable, but not animal, protein may disturb normal ovulatory function.
Testosterone Therapy Effects on Bone Mass and Turnover in Hypogonadal Men with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Colleluori Georgia , Aguirre Lina , Napoli Nicola , Qualls Clifford , Villareal Dennis T , Armamento-Villareal Reina
Published: March 2021

Context

Male hypogonadism is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fragility fracture risk. Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have relatively higher BMD, but greater fracture risk.

Objective

Evaluate the skeletal response to testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men with T2D compared with hypogonadal men without T2D.

Methods

Single arm, open-label clinical trial (NCT01378299) involving 105 men (40-74 years old), with average morning testosterone <300 ng/dL. Subjects were injected intramuscularly with testosterone cypionate (200 mg) every 2 weeks for 18 months. Testosterone and estradiol were assessed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), osteocalcin and sclerostin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by high-performance liquid chromatography, areal BMD (aBMD) and body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; tibial volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone geometry by peripheral quantitative computed tomography.

Results

Among our population of hypogonadal men, 49 had T2D and 56 were non-T2D. After 18 months of testosterone therapy, there were no differences in circulating testosterone and estradiol between the groups. Hypogonadal men with T2D had increased osteocalcin, reflecting increased osteoblast activity, compared with non-T2D men (P < .01). T2D men increased lumbar spine aBMD (P < .05), total area at 38% tibia (P < .01) and periosteal and endosteal circumferences at the same site (P < .01 for both). T2D men had reduced tibial vBMD (P < .01), but preserved bone mineral content (P = .01). Changes in HbA1c or body composition were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Testosterone therapy results in greater improvements in the skeletal health of hypogonadal men with T2D than their nondiabetic counterparts.
Mechanism of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Loading during Dynamic Motor Tasks
Authors: NASSERI AZADEH , LLOYD DAVID G. , BRYANT ADAM L. , HEADRICK JONATHON , SAYER TIMOTHY A. , SAXBY DAVID J.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

This study determined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) force and its contributors during a standardized drop-land-lateral jump task using a validated computational model.

Methods

Three-dimensional whole-body kinematics, ground reaction forces, and muscle activation patterns from eight knee-spanning muscles were collected during dynamic tasks performed by healthy recreationally active females (n = 24). These data were used in a combined neuromusculoskeletal and ACL force model to determine lower limb muscle and ACL forces.

Results

Peak ACL force (2.3 ± 0.5 bodyweight) was observed at ~14% of stance during the drop-land-lateral jump. The ACL force was primarily generated through the sagittal plane, and muscle was the dominant source of ACL loading. The main ACL antagonists (i.e., loaders) were the gastrocnemii and quadriceps, whereas the hamstrings were the main ACL agonists (i.e., supporters).

Conclusion

Combining neuromusculoskeletal and ACL force models, the roles of muscle in ACL loading and support were determined during a challenging motor task. Results highlighted the importance of the gastrocnemius in ACL loading, which could be considered more prominently in ACL injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.
Resistance Training’s Ability to Prevent Cancer-induced Muscle Atrophy Extends Anabolic Stimulus
Authors: PADILHA CAMILA S. , CELLA PAOLA S. , CHIMIN PATRÍCIA , VOLTARELLI FABRÍCIO A. , MARINELLO POLIANA C. , TESTA MAYRA TARDELLI DE JESUS , GUIRRO PHILIPPE B. , DUARTE JOSÉ A. R. , CECCHINI RUBENS , GUARNIER FLÁVIA A. , DEMINICE RAFAEL
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTORC1) activation and catabolic markers in resistance training’s (RT) antiatrophy effect during cachexia-induced muscle loss.

Methods

Myofiber atrophy was induced by injecting Walker 256 tumor cells into rats exposed or not exposed to the RT protocol of ladder climbing. The role of RT-induced anabolic stimulation was investigated in tumor-bearing rats with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin, and cross-sectional areas of skeletal muscle were evaluated to identify atrophy or hypertrophy. Components of the mTORC1 and ubiquitin–proteasome pathways were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction or immunoblotting.

Results

Although RT prevented myofiber atrophy and impaired the strength of tumor-bearing rats, in healthy rats, it promoted activated mTORC1, as demonstrated by p70S6K’s increased phosphorylation and myofiber’s enlarged cross-sectional area. However, RT promoted no changes in the ratio of p70S6K to phospho-p70S6K protein expression while prevented myofiber atrophy in tumor-bearing rats. Beyond that, treatment with rapamycin did not preclude RT’s preventive effect on myofiber atrophy in tumor-bearing rats. Thus, RT’s ability to prevent cancer-induced myofiber atrophy seems to be independent of mTORC1’s and p70S6K’s activation. Indeed, RT’s preventive effect on cancer-induced myofiber atrophy was associated with its capacity to attenuate elevated tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 as well as to prevent oxidative damage in muscles and an elevated abundance of atrogin-1.

Conclusions

By inducing attenuated myofiber atrophy independent of mTORC1’s signaling activation, RT prevents muscle atrophy during cancer by reducing inflammation, oxidative damage, and atrogin-1 expression.
Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity among Hispanic Youth
Authors: ARLINGHAUS KATHERINE R. , DAUNDASEKARA SAJEEVIKA S. , ZAIDI YUSUF , JOHNSTON CRAIG A.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to better understand barriers and facilitators to physical activity among low-income, Hispanic youth.

Methods

Low-income Hispanic middle and high school students were recruited to participate in this study from a public charter school district in Houston, TX. Questionnaire development and psychometric validation included scale development and question pretesting, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), construct validity, and test–retest reliability of the scales.

Results

EFA resulted in three subscales for the Barriers to Youth Physical Activity (BYPA) scale: competing interests, environmental interests, and social barriers. CFA suggested that this three-factor model fit data adequately after removing two items that had high loading on all three factors. The BYPA subscales were internally consistent and stable. All three BYPA subscale scores were negatively correlated with self-reported physical activity. EFA for the facilitators to youth physical activity (FYPA) scale resulted in three subscales: enjoyment, family support, and socialization. CFA suggested that this three-factor model fit data adequately after removing one item that had high loading on all three factors. The FYPA subscales were internally consistent and stable. All three FYPA subscale scores were significantly positively correlated with physical activity.

Conclusions

The development and validation of the BYPA and FYPA scales resulted in a total of six valid subscales for assessing barriers and facilitators to physical activity among low-income, Hispanic youth. The developed subscales have the potential to assist future efforts in designing physical activity interventions to better address disparities in physical activity levels among this population.
The Effects of Exercise on β-Hydroxybutyrate Concentrations over a 36-h Fast: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: DERU LANDON S. , BIKMAN BENJAMIN T. , DAVIDSON LANCE E. , TUCKER LARRY A. , FELLINGHAM GILBERT , BARTHOLOMEW CIERA L. , YUAN HOLLY L. , BAILEY BRUCE W.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study assessed β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration during a short-term fast and the degree to which an initial bout of exercise influences the rate of ketogenesis.

Methods

Twenty subjects (11 male, 9 female) completed two 36-h fasts, with one protocol requiring the subject to complete a treadmill exercise session at the beginning of the fast. BHB levels were assessed via portable meter every 2 h, along with mood and hunger ratings. Venipuncture was performed every 12 h.

Results

The mean (SD) areas under the curve for BHB concentration were 19.19 (2.59) mmol·L−1 (nonexercised) and 27.49 (2.59) mmol·L−1 (exercised), yielding a difference of 8.30 mmol·L−1 between conditions (95% posterior probability interval (PPI), 1.94 to 14.82 mmol·L−1; posterior probability (PP) = 0.99). The mean (SD) times to BHB concentration of 0.5 mmol·L−1 were 21.07 (2.95) h (nonexercised) and 17.5 (1.69) h (exercised), a 3.57-h difference (95% PPI, −2.11 to 10.87 h; PP = 0.89). The differences in area under the curve between conditions were 5.07 μU·mL−1 (95% PPI, −21.64 to 36.18 μU·mL−1; PP = 0.67) for insulin, 97.13 pg·mL−1 (95% PPI, 34.08 to 354.21 pg·mL−1; PP = 0.98) for glucagon, and 20.83 (95% PPI, 4.70 to 24.22; PP = 0.99) for the insulin/glucagon ratio.

Conclusions

Completing aerobic exercise at the beginning of a fast accelerates the production of BHB throughout the fast without altering subjective feelings of hunger, thirst, stomach discomfort, or mood. Insulin and the insulin/glucagon ratio experience a marked reduction within the first 12 h of fasting and was not altered with exercise. Thus, exercising at the beginning of a fast may improve the metabolic outcomes of fasting.
Age of First Exposure to Collision Sports Does Not Affect Patient Reported Outcomes in Women and Men Community Rugby Players
Authors: HUNZINGER KATHERINE J. , CACCESE JACLYN B. , COSTANTINI KATELYN M. , SWANIK C. BUZ , BUCKLEY THOMAS A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the relationship between age of first exposure (AFE) to repetitive head impacts through contact/collision sports and patient-reported outcomes in community rugby players.

Methods

We recruited community rugby players older than 18 yr with at least 1 yr of contact rugby participation to complete an online survey. Participants completed the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), Short-Form Health Survey 12 (SF-12), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) via Qualtrics. We used generalized linear models to examine the association between AFE (continuous) and patient-reported outcomes by sex, while controlling for cumulative years contact/collision sport history, age, and concussion history (yes/no). In addition, we used Mann–Whitney U tests to compare patient-reported outcomes between AFE <12 and AFE ≥12.

Results

A total of 1037 rugby players (31.6 ± 11.3 yr (range, 18–74 yr), 59.1% men) participated in this study. Whether analyzed continuously or dichotomously at age 12 yr, younger AFE was not associated with worse patient-reported outcomes for either men or women. Positive concussion history was a significant predictor of worse BSI-18 subscores, SF-12 subscores, and SWLS in women and worse BSI-18 subscores in men. Cumulative contact/collision sport history was a significant predictor of better BSI-18 Depression and SF-12 (Mental Component Summary) subscores in men only. In men and women, older age was a significant predictor of better BSI-18 Depression, Anxiety, and GSI subscores; better SWLS (in men only); and better SF-12 Mental Component Summary, but worse SF-12 (Physical Component Summary).

Conclusions

Younger AFE to contact/collision sport is not associated with worse patient-reported outcomes in early adult rugby players. Concussion history was predictive of worse patient-reported outcomes.
Earlier Boston Marathon Start Time Mitigates Environmental Heat Stress
Authors: CHEUVRONT SAMUEL N. , CALDWELL AARON R. , CHEUVRONT PARKER J. , KENEFICK ROBERT W. , TROYANOS CHRIS
Published: March 2021

Historical environmental data from the Boston Marathon afford a pragmatic opportunity to retrospectively quantify how the 2007 earlier start time altered the odds of runner exposures to environmental conditions associated with exertional heat illness.

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index and other environmental parameters between early and late Boston Marathon race start times from 1995 to 2016.

Methods

Environmental data from 1995 to 2016 (excluding 1996) were used to compare two identical time frames using the 0900–1300 h start versus the 1100–1500 h start. This included the WBGT, dry bulb (Tdb), black globe (Tbg), wet bulb (Twb), solar radiation, relative humidity, and air water vapor pressure. To make comparisons between start times, the difference in the area under the curve (AUC) for each environmental variable was compared within each year with a Wilcoxon signed rank test with a Holm–Bonferroni correction.

Results

AUC exposures for WBGT (P = 0.027), Twb (P = 0.031), Tdb (P = 0.027), Tbg (P = 0.055), and solar radiation (P = 0.004) were reduced with an earlier start, whereas those for relative humidity and air water vapor pressure were not. Overall, an earlier race start time by 2 h (0900 vs 1100 h) reduced the odds of experiencing a higher flag category 1.42 times (β = 0.1744, P = 0.032).

Conclusions

The 2007 decision to make the Boston Marathon start time earlier by 2 h has reduced by ~1.4 times the odds that runners will be exposed to environmental conditions associated with exertional heat illness.
The potential application of dual-energy subtraction radiography for COVID-19 pneumonia imaging
Authors: van der Heyden Brent
Published: March 2021

X-ray imaging plays a crucial role in the confirmation of COVID-19 pneumonia. Chest X-ray radiography and CT are two major imaging techniques that are currently adopted in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. However, dual-energy subtraction radiography is hardly discussed as potential COVID-19 imaging application. More advanced X-ray radiography equipment often supports dual-energy subtraction X-ray radiography. Dual-energy subtraction radiography enables the calculation of pseudo-radiographs, in which bones are removed and only soft-tissues are highlighted. In this commentary, the author would like to draw the attention to the potential use of dual-energy subtraction X-ray radiography (i.e. soft-tissue pseudo-radiography) for the assessment and the longitudinal follow-up of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Rare brain metastasis with unusual characteristics in a late recurrence of stage IIIA uterine papillary serous carcinoma
Authors: Crain Charles Nicolas , Ngwanyam Remy , Punch Gregory
Published: March 2021

Uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) is a rare endometrial neoplasm with high mortality rates. While the malignancy has often metastasized to distant organs by the time of diagnosis, brain lesions are extremely rare and most commonly only observed in widely disseminated disease. Here, we present an unusual case of UPSC with brain metastasis discovered six years after undergoing treatment for stage IIIA disease. Compared to the few previous cases of brain metastasis from UPSC, this lesion exhibited unusual imaging characteristics. We also highlight a potential imaging interpretation pitfall which was associated with this case.
Face covering adherence is positively associated with better mental health and wellbeing: a longitudinal analysis of the CovidLife surveys
Authors: Altschul Drew , Fawns-Ritchie Chloe , Kwong Alex , Hartley Louise , Nangle Clifford , Edwards Rachel , Dawson Rebecca , Levein Christie , Campbell Archie , Flaig Robin , McIntosh Andrew , Deary Ian , Marioni Riccardo , Hayward Caroline , Sudlow Cathie , Douglas Elaine , Bell David , Porteous David
Published: March 2021

Background:Face masks or coverings are effective at reducing airborne infection rates, yet pandemic mitigation measures, including wearing face coverings, have been suggested to contribute to reductions in quality of life and poorer mental health. Complaints of inconvenience, discomfort, and other issues have been repeatedly and loudly voiced by critics, and adherence in many nations is not strong enough to suppress viral spread. We wished to see whether wearing face coverings is associated with mental health and wellbeing.

Methods:We analysed survey 1 and 2 of the CovidLife study, a sample of more than 18,000 individuals living in the UK. The study asked a variety of questions about participants’ psychological, economic, and social lives while living under the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020. We measured individuals’ adherence to following guidance on wearing face coverings, as well as several mental health outcomes: depression, anxiety, wellbeing, life satisfaction, and loneliness.

Results:We found no association between lower adherence to face covering guidelines and poorer mental health. The opposite appears to be true. Even after controlling for behavioural, social, and psychological confounds, including measures of pre-pandemic mental health, individuals who wore face coverings “most of the time” or “always” had better mental health and wellbeing than those who did not.Individuals who wore masks only “some of the time” or “never” tended to be male, lower income, and already had COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms.

Conclusions:These results suggest that wearing face coverings more often does not negatively impact mental health. Wearing a face covering more often is actually linked to better mental health and wellbeing. Implications are discussed and we highlight the potential pathways for addressing a lack of face covering that this study reveals.
Culturas nativas y naturaleza del Ser: la psique en un doble horizonte de palabras abiertas (Preliminares una doble lectura).
Authors: González Galván Humberto
Published: March 2021

Se describen algunos sentidos filosóficos de lo oculto; (a) como lo encubierto, (b) como lo marginal y, (c) como lo débil, para, en un horizonte que los subsuma, colocar de manera reflexiva, crítica y poscolonial una serie de palabras vinculadas a la psique y al ser en sus entornos culturales. Tendré presentes, sobre todo, a dos de estos entornos: (1) el entorno náhuatl, tan bien circunscrito por Miguel León-Portilla; y (2) el entorno que con su obra circunscribe Martin Heidegger. De aquel, La Filosofía Náhuatl, de este último, Seminarios de Zollikon. Ambos entornos constituirán el doble horizonte de palabras en los cuales querríamos aquí calibrar un sentido filosófico para la palabra alma (sea psique o sea yollotl). Palabras y culturas: alma y ser. En efecto, aunque se trate, con respecto al ser, de atributos metafísicos propios, estos tendrán que saberse y abrirse a regiones no andadas dada la diversidad y especificidad simultáneas de una global multiculturalidad poscolonial. Sólo preparamos posteriores análisis, tanto a Los seminarios de Zollikon de Martin Heidegger, como a La filosofía Náhuatl de Miguel León-Portilla, de ahí que hablemos de prolegomena. Desde su propio ocultamiento y hasta silencio, ambas obras nos hicieron andar lo hasta ahora andado.