bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induced Alkalosis and Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Sodium Citrate Ingestion: a Dose-Response Investigation
Authors: Urwin Charles S. , Dwyer Dan B. , Carr Amelia J.
Published: April 2016

Sodium citrate induces alkalosis and can provide a performance benefit in high-intensity exercise. Previous investigations have been inconsistent in the ingestion protocols used, in particular the dose and timing of ingestion before the onset of exercise. The primary aim of the current study was to quantify blood pH, blood bicarbonate concentration and gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of three doses of sodium citrate (500 mg⋅kg-1, 700 mg⋅kg-1 and 900 mg⋅kg-1). Thirteen participants completed four experimental sessions, each consisting of a different dose of sodium citrate or a taste-matched placebo solution. Blood pH and blood bicarbonate concentration were measured at 30-min intervals via analysis of capillary blood samples. Gastrointestinal symptoms were also monitored at 30-min intervals. Statistical significance was accepted at a level of p < .05. Both measures of alkalosis were significantly greater after ingestion of sodium citrate compared with placebo (p < .001). No significant differences in alkalosis were found between the three sodium citrate doses (p > .05). Peak alkalosis following sodium citrate ingestion ranged from 180 to 212 min after ingestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly higher after sodium citrate ingestion compared with placebo (p < .001), while the 900 mg.kg-1 dose elicited significantly greater gastrointestinal distress than 500 mg⋅kg-1 (p = .004). It is recommended that a dose of 500 mg⋅kg-1 of sodium citrate should be ingested at least 3 hr before exercise, to achieve peak alkalosis and to minimize gastrointestinal symptoms before and during exercise.
Effects of Dehydration on Cricket Specific Skill Performance in Hot and Humid Conditions
Authors: Gamage Janaka P. , De Silva Angela P. , Nalliah Arjan K. , Galloway Stuart D.R.
Published: April 2016

The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of dehydration on cricket specific motor skill performance among fast-bowlers, fielders, and batsmen playing in a hot and humid environment. 10 fast-bowlers, 12 fielders and 8 batsmen participated in two field trials conducted 7 days apart: a fluid provision trial (FP) and a fluid restriction trial (FR). Each trial consisted of a 2-hr standardized training session and pretraining and posttraining skill performance assessments. Bowling speed and accuracy (line and length), throwing speed and accuracy (overarm, sidearm and underarm) and timed running between wickets (1, 2, and 3 runs) was assessed pre to posttraining in each trial. Mass loss was 0.6 ± 0.3 kg (0.9 ± 0.5%) in FP, and 2.6 ± 0.5kg (3.7 ± 0.8%) in FR trials. Maintaining mass within 1% of initial values did not cause any significant skill performance decline. However, the dehydration on the FR trial induced a significant time and trial effect for bowling speed by 1.0 ± 0.8% reduction (0.3 ± 0.8% reduction in FP trial; p < .01) and 19.8 ± 17.3% reduction in bowling accuracy for line (3.6 ± 14.2% reduction in FP trial; p < .01), but no effect on bowling length. A significant decline was noted in the FR trial for throwing speed for overarm (6.6 ± 4.1%; p < .01; 1.6 ± 3.4% reduction in FP trial) and sidearm (4.1 ± 2.3%; p < .01; 0.6 ± 4.7% increase in FP trial) techniques, and for throwing accuracy for overarm (14.2 ± 16.3%; p < .01; 0.8 ± 24.2% increase in FP trial) and sidearm (22.3 ± 13.3%; p < .05; 3.2 ± 34.9% reduction in FP trial) techniques. Batsmen demonstrated significant performance drop in making three runs (0.8 ± 1.2% increase in time in FP trial and 2.2 ± 1.7% increase in time in FR trial; p < .01). Moderate-severe dehydration of 3.7% body mass loss significantly impairs motor skill performance among cricketers, particularly bowlers and fielders, playing in hot and humid conditions. Fluid ingestion strategies maintaining mass loss within 1% prevented a decline in skill performance.
Influence of Post-Exercise Carbohydrate-Protein Ingestion on Muscle Glycogen Metabolism in Recovery and Subsequent Running Exercise
Authors: Alghannam Abdullah F. , Jedrzejewski Dawid , Bilzon James , Thompson Dylan , Tsintzas Kostas , Betts James A.
Published: April 2016

We examined whether carbohydrate-protein ingestion influences muscle glycogen metabolism during short-term recovery from exhaustive treadmill running and subsequent exercise. Six endurance-trained individuals underwent two trials in a randomized double-blind design, each involving an initial run-to-exhaustion at 70% VO2max (Run-1) followed by 4-h recovery (REC) and subsequent run-to-exhaustion at 70% VO2max (Run-2). Carbohydrate-protein (CHO-P; 0.8 g carbohydrate·kg body mass [BM-1]·h-1 plus 0.4 g protein·kg BM-1·h-1) or isocaloric carbohydrate (CHO; 1.2 g carbohydrate·kg BM-1·h-1) beverages were ingested at 30-min intervals during recovery. Muscle biopsies were taken upon cessation of Run-1, postrecovery and fatigue in Run-2. Time-to-exhaustion in Run-1 was similar with CHO and CHO-P (81 ± 17 and 84 ± 19 min, respectively). Muscle glycogen concentrations were similar between treatments after Run-1 (99 ± 3 mmol·kg dry mass [dm-1]). During REC, muscle glycogen concentrations increased to 252 ± 45 mmol·kg dm-1 in CHO and 266 ± 30 mmol·kg dm-1 in CHO-P (p = .44). Muscle glycogen degradation during Run-2 was similar between trials (3.3 ± 1.4 versus 3.5 ± 1.9 mmol·kg dm-1·min-1 in CHO and CHO-P, respectively) and no differences were observed at the respective points of exhaustion (93 ± 21 versus 100 ± 11 mmol·kg dm-1; CHO and CHO-P, respectively). Similarly, time-to-exhaustion was not different between treatments in Run-2 (51 ± 13 and 49 ± 15 min in CHO and CHO-P, respectively). Carbohydrate-protein ingestion equally accelerates muscle glycogen resynthesis during short-term recovery from exhaustive running as when 1.2 g carbohydrate·kg BM-1·h-1 are ingested. The addition of protein did not alter muscle glycogen utilization or time to fatigue during repeated exhaustive running.
Caffeine Improved Time to Exhaustion But Did Not Change Alternative Maximal Accumulated Oxygen Deficit Estimated During a Single Supramaximal Running Bout
Authors: Poli Rodrigo De Araujo Bonetti De , Miyagi Willian Eiji , Nakamura Fabio Yuzo , Zagatto Alessandro Moura
Published: April 2016

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of acute caffeine supplementation on anaerobic capacity determined by the alternative maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAODALT) in running effort. Eighteen recreational male runners [29 ± 7years; total body mass 72.1 ± 5.8 kg; height 176.0 ± 5.4cm; maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) 55.8 ± 4.2 ml·kg-1 ·min-1] underwent a graded exercise test. Caffeine (6 mg·kg-1) or a placebo were administered 1 hr before the supramaximal effort at 115% of the intensity associated with VO2max in a double-blind, randomized cross-over study, for MAODALT assessment. The time to exhaustion under caffeine condition (130.2 ± 24.5s) was 11.3% higher (p = .01) than placebo condition (118.8 ± 24.9 s) and the qualitative inference for substantial changes showed a very likely positive effect (93%). The net participation of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway was significantly higher in the caffeine condition (p = .02) and showed a likely positive effect (90%) of 15.3% with caffeine supplementation. The time constant of abrupt decay of excess postexercise oxygen consumption (τ1) was significantly different between caffeine and placebo conditions (p = .03) and showed a likely negative effect (90%), decreasing -8.0% with caffeine supplementation. The oxygen equivalents estimated from the glycolytic and phosphagen metabolic pathways showed a possibly positive effect (68%) and possibly negative effect (78%) in the qualitative inference with caffeine ingestion, respectively. However, the MAODALT did not differ under the caffeine or placebo conditions (p = .68). Therefore, we can conclude that acute caffeine ingestion does not modify the MAODALT, reinforcing the robustness of this method. However, caffeine ingestion can alter the glycolytic and phosphagen metabolic pathway contributions to MAODALT.
Compromised Vitamin D Status Negatively Affects Muscular Strength and Power of Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Hildebrand Rachel A. , Miller Bridget , Warren Aric , Hildebrand Deana , Smith Brenda J.
Published: April 2016

Increasing evidence indicates that compromised vitamin D status, as indicated by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D), is associated with decreased muscle function. The purpose of this study was to determine the vitamin D status of collegiate athletes residing in the southern U.S. and its effects on muscular strength and anaerobic power. Collegiate athletes (n = 103) from three separate NCAA athletic programs were recruited for the study. Anthropometrics, vitamin D and calcium intake, and sun exposure data were collected along with serum 25-OH D and physical performance measures (Vertical Jump Test, Shuttle Run Test, Triple Hop for Distance Test and the 1 Repetition Maximum Squat Test) to determine the influence of vitamin D status on muscular strength and anaerobic power. Approximately 68% of the study participants were vitamin D adequate (>75 nmol/L), whereas 23% were insufficient (75–50 nmol/L) and 9%, predominantly non-Caucasian athletes, were deficient (<50 nmol/L). Athletes who had lower vitamin D status had reduced performance scores (p < .01) with odds ratios of 0.85 on the Vertical Jump Test, 0.82 on the Shuttle Run Test, 0.28 on the Triple Hop for Distance Test, and 0.23 on the 1 RM Squat Test. These findings demonstrate that even NCAA athletes living in the southern US are at risk for vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency and that maintaining adequate vitamin D status may be important for these athletes to optimize their muscular strength and power.
Effects of Internship Satisfaction on the Pursuit of Employment in Sport Management
Authors: Koo Gi-Yong , Diacin Michael J. , Khojasteh Jam , Dixon Anthony W.
Published: April 2016

The internship could have a significant impact upon the student’s desire to enter the field after graduation. Despite a substantial amount of research that has been conducted with employees in many fields, relatively little research has been conducted with sport management interns. The purpose of this study, therefore, was twofold: (1) investigate the satisfaction of student-interns with characteristics of the internship experience and (2) investigate the effect of students’ satisfaction with their internship on their affective occupational commitment for and subsequent intentions to pursue employment in the sport management field. A total of 248 undergraduate students from two universities in the Southeastern United States completed a survey. Participants generally indicated satisfaction with opportunities to develop pertinent skills, engage in meaningful tasks, and build professional networks during the internship. Those who reported satisfaction with the internship were more likely to enter the field after graduation than those reporting dissatisfaction. Implications of these findings for site supervisors and sport management faculty were discussed.
U.S. Sport Management Programs in Business Schools: Trends and Key Issues
Authors: Zaharia Noni , Kaburakis Anastasios , Pierce David
Published: April 2016

The growth of sport management programs housed in (or with formal curriculum-based ties to) a school of business indicates more academic institutions are reconsidering sport management as a business-oriented field. Thus, research is necessary regarding benchmarking information on the state of these academic programs. The purpose of this study is to explore trends on administration, housing, accreditation, faculty performance indicators and research requirements, as well as salaries for faculty and alumni of such programs. Data were submitted by 74 department chairs and program directors employed in U.S. business schools featuring sport management programs. Results indicate that the majority of sport business programs are part of an interdisciplinary department; COSMA accreditation is largely viewed as redundant; and, depending on business schools’ accreditation, variability exists concerning faculty performance measures and research impact, as well as faculty and alumni salaries. These findings suggest considerable progress of sport management programs within business schools.
Speed kills
Authors: Shalek Alex K.
Published: April 2016

Changes in p53 levels in human colon cancer cells after treatment with a DNA damaging agent explain why some tumor cells survive and suggest combinatorial strategies for improving therapeutic efficacy.
Function of the Borrelia burgdorferi FtsH Homolog Is Essential for Viability both
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
and Independent of HflK/C
Authors: Chu Chen-Yi , Stewart Philip E. , Bestor Aaron , Hansen Bryan , Lin Tao , Gao Lihui , Norris Steven J. , Rosa Patricia A.
Published: April 2016

In many bacteria, the FtsH protease and its modulators, HflK and HflC, form a large protein complex that contributes to both membrane protein quality control and regulation of the cellular response to environmental stress. Both activities are crucial to the Lyme disease pathogen
Borrelia burgdorferi
, which depends on membrane functions, such as motility, protein transport, and cell signaling, to respond to rapid changes in its environment. Using an inducible system, we demonstrate that FtsH production is essential for both mouse and tick infectivity and for
in vitro
growth of
B. burgdorferi
. FtsH depletion in
B. burgdorferi
cells resulted in membrane deformation and cell death. Overproduction of the protease did not have any detectable adverse effects on
B. burgdorferi
growth
in vitro
, suggesting that excess FtsH does not proteolytically overwhelm its substrates. In contrast, we did not observe any phenotype for cells lacking the protease modulators HflK and HflC (ΔHflK/C), although we examined morphology, growth rate, growth under stress conditions, and the complete mouse-tick infectious cycle. Our results demonstrate that FtsH provides an essential function in the life cycle of the obligate pathogen
B. burgdorferi
but that HflK and HflC do not detectably affect FtsH function.

IMPORTANCE
Lyme disease is caused by
Borrelia burgdorferi
, which is maintained in nature in an infectious cycle alternating between small mammals and
Ixodes
ticks.
B. burgdorferi
produces specific membrane proteins to successfully infect and persist in these diverse organisms. We hypothesized that
B. burgdorferi
has a specific mechanism to ensure that membrane proteins are properly folded and biologically active when needed and removed if improperly folded or dysfunctional. Our experiments demonstrate that FtsH, a protease that fulfills this role in other microorganisms, is essential to
B. burgdorferi
viability. Cells depleted of FtsH do not survive in laboratory culture medium and cannot colonize mice or ticks, revealing an absolute requirement for this protease. However, the loss of two potential modulators of FtsH activity, HflK and HflC, does not detectably affect
B. burgdorferi
physiology. Our results provide the groundwork for the identification of FtsH substrates that are critical for the bacterium’s viability.
Geography and Location Are the Primary Drivers of Office Microbiome Composition
Authors: Chase John , Fouquier Jennifer , Zare Mahnaz , Sonderegger Derek L. , Knight Rob , Kelley Scott T. , Siegel Jeffrey , Caporaso J. Gregory
Published: April 2016

Our study highlights several points that should impact the design of future studies of the microbiology of BEs. First, projects tracking changes in BE bacterial communities should focus sampling efforts on surveying different locations in offices and in different cities but not necessarily different materials or different offices in the same city. Next, disturbance due to repeated sampling, though detectable, is small compared to that due to other variables, opening up a range of longitudinal study designs in the BE. Next, studies requiring more samples than can be sequenced on a single sequencing run (which is increasingly common) must control for run effects by including some of the same samples in all of the sequencing runs as technical replicates. Finally, detailed tracking of indoor and material environment covariates is likely not essential for BE microbiome studies, as the normal range of indoor environmental conditions is likely not large enough to impact bacterial communities.
HIV-associated dementia in the Dominican Republic: a consequence of stigma, domestic abuse and limited health literacy
Authors: Santoso Laura Frances , Erkkinen Emily E , Deb Anindita , Adon Carlos
Published: April 2016

A 38-year-old Dominican woman presented at an infectious disease clinic in Santo Domingo, with subacute dementia and psychomotor slowing. Based on physical findings and laboratory results, she was diagnosed with AIDS and HIV-associated dementia (HAD). She subsequently began combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Psychiatric complications later emerged: the patient developed suicidal ideation and her partner expressed homicidal thoughts. After extensive interviewing, it was revealed that the patient had known her HIV-positive serostatus for years. However, several factors, including HIV stigma, mental illness stigma, domestic abuse and limited health literacy, had prevented her from seeking treatment and from disclosing her status to her partner. This patient's HIV was unmanaged as a consequence of social and educational circumstance, which resulted in severe sequelae, namely HAD. Compounded barriers to care can lead to the presentation of disease complications that are rarely seen today in countries with widespread access to antiretroviral therapy.
Long-term survival consequent on the abscopal effect in a patient with multiple myeloma
Authors: Saba Raya , Saleem Nasir , Peace David
Published: April 2016

The abscopal effect is a term that has been used to describe the phenomenon of tumour regression in sites distant from targeted fields of irradiation. It has been reported in multiple malignancies and is thought to be due to a systemic immune response that radiation elicits in the treated individual. We describe the case of a female patient who originally presented with advanced multiple myeloma in 1996 at the age of 50. She failed multiple chemotherapeutic regimens including high-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplantation. Subsequently, the patient achieved a sustained complete remission, after receiving palliative radiotherapy to a symptomatic gastric plasmacytoma. She has remained in remission for >15 years. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the first report of an abscopal effect against multiple myeloma.
Why screening tests to predict injury do not work—and probably never will…: a critical review
Authors: Bahr Roald
Published: April 2016

This paper addresses if and how a periodic health examination to screen for risk factors for injury can be used to mitigate injury risk. The key question asked is whether it is possible to use screening tests to identify who is at risk for a sports injury—in order to address the deficit through a targeted intervention programme. The paper demonstrates that to validate a screening test to predict and prevent sports injuries, at least 3 steps are needed. First, a strong relationship needs to be demonstrated in prospective studies between a marker from a screening test and injury risk (step 1). Second, the test properties need to be examined in relevant populations, using appropriate statistical tools (step 2). Unfortunately, there is currently no example of a screening test for sports injuries with adequate test properties. Given the nature of potential screening tests (where test performance is usually measured on a continuous scale from low to high), substantial overlap is to be expected between players with high and low risk of injury. Therefore, although there are a number of tests demonstrating a statistically significant association with injury risk, and therefore help the understanding of causative factors, such tests are unlikely to be able to predict injury with sufficient accuracy. The final step needed is to document that an intervention programme targeting athletes identified as being at high risk through a screening programme is more beneficial than the same intervention programme given to all athletes (step 3). To date, there is no intervention study providing support for screening for injury risk.
BET 1: Effectiveness of the precordial thump in restoring heart rhythm following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Smith James , Judge Bryan
Published: April 2016

A short-cut review was carried out to establish whether a precordial thump might be effective in restoring a perfusing heart rhythm in patients with pulseless VT or VF. Forty-seven papers were found in using the reported searches. Of these, three presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that using the precordial thump in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest rarely results in immediate return of spontaneous circulation and is more commonly associated with rhythm deterioration.
BET 3: The efficacy of chest compressions in paediatric traumatic arrest
Authors: Bowles Fiona , Rawlinson Kat
Published: April 2016

A short-cut review was carried out to establish whether cardiac compressions are beneficial in children in traumatic cardiac arrest. Forty-eight unique papers were found using the reported searches but none were relevant to the clinical question. It is concluded that there is no evidence available to answer the question posed and that local guidelines should be followed.
Abstracts from international Emergency Medicine journals
Authors: Weber Ellen J
Published: April 2016

Editor's note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors.Ellen J Weber
Influence of Cr deficiency on sintering, thermal expansion and electrical properties of La0.75Sr0.25Cr1−xO3−δ as a SOFC interconnect material
Authors: Ren Yi , Ma Wen , Li Xiaoying , Wang Jun , Bai Yu , Dong Hongying
Published: April 2016

The SOFC interconnect materials La[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]Cr[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] were prepared using an auto-ignition process. The influences of Cr deficiency on their sintering, thermal expansion and electrical properties were investigated. All the samples were pure perovskite phase after sintering at 1400[Formula: see text]C for 4 h. The cell volume of La[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]Cr[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] decreased with increasing Cr deficient content. The relative density of the sintered bulk samples increased from 93.2% [Formula: see text] to a maximum value of 94.7% [Formula: see text] and then decreased to 87.7% [Formula: see text]. The thermal expansion coefficients of the sintered bulk samples were in the range of [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] (30–1000[Formula: see text]C), which are compatible with that of YSZ. Among the investigated samples, the sample with 0.02 Cr deficiency had a maximum conductivity of 40.4 Scm[Formula: see text] and the lowest Seebeck coefficient of 154.8 [Formula: see text]VK[Formula: see text] at 850[Formula: see text]C in pure He. The experimental results indicate that La[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]Cr[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] has the best properties and is much suitable for SOFC interconnect material application.
Numerical analysis of the surface-conduction electron-emitter with a new configuration
Authors: Shen Zhihua , Wang Xiao , Wu Shengli , Tian Jinshou
Published: April 2016

A new kind of surface-conduction electron-emitter (SCE) with a triangular dielectric layer under the conductive film is proposed. The influences of the vertex angle [Formula: see text] of the triangular dielectric layer and the anode voltage [Formula: see text] on the electron emission efficiency and the focusing capability have been investigated with the finite integration technique (FIT). The numerical simulation results show that SCE with a small vertex angle guarantees higher electron emission efficiency even with a low anode voltage. But the focusing capability of the electron emitter will get worse when the [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] becomes too small. Take both the electron emission efficiency and focusing capability into consideration, the structure with a vertex angle [Formula: see text] between [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and the anode voltage of 1500[Formula: see text]V is suggested.
3D geometric reconstruction of Upper Cretaceous passive diapirs and salt withdrawal basins in the Cotiella Basin (southern Pyrenees)
Authors: López-Mir Berta , Anton Muñoz Josep , García-Senz Jesús
Published: April 2016

High-quality images provided by 3D seismic surveys have transformed the interpretations of salt geometries in passive margins. Complementary field studies are needed to expand the ideas derived from seismic image interpretation. The Cotiella Basin exposes middle Coniacian–early Santonian basins developed by post-rift gravity-driven extension and passive diapirism in the proto-Atlantic Ocean. Salt-related sedimentary and structural features were preserved during the subsequent Pyrenean Orogeny, but the diapirs were squeezed to such a degree that they were completely destroyed. As a result, their influence on the development of the Cotiella Basin remains unclear. This paper presents a 3D geometric reconstruction of the extensional faults, the stratigraphic surfaces and the associated salt structures with the main objective of discussing the role of extension versus salt withdrawal. Our results indicate that the main Cotiella Basin was dominated by extensional faulting combined with along-strike salt migration, whereas the smaller Armeña, Mediodía and Seira basins were mainly dominated by salt withdrawal, involving the growth of passive diapirs, salt pillows and transfer faults. This is relevant because the described structures constitute an almost unique example to study in outcrop the structural style and kinematics of structures usually found offshore.
Assessment of the Potential Biological Activity of Low Molecular Weight Metabolites of Freshwater Macrophytes with QSAR
Authors: Kurashov Evgeny A. , Fedorova Elena V. , Krylova Julia V. , Mitrukova Galina G.
Published: April 2016

The paper focuses on the assessment of the spectrum of biological activities (antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial) with PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) for the major components of three macrophytes widespread in the Holarctic species of freshwater, emergent macrophyte with floating leaves,Nuphar lutea(L.) Sm., and two species of submergent macrophyte groups,Ceratophyllum demersumL. andPotamogeton obtusifolius(Mert. et Koch), for the discovery of their ecological and pharmacological potential. The predicted probability of anti-inflammatory or antineoplastic activities above 0.8 was observed for twenty compounds. The same compounds were also characterized by high probability of antifungal and antibacterial activity. Six metabolites, namely, hexanal, pentadecanal, tetradecanoic acid, dibutyl phthalate, hexadecanoic acid, and manool, were a part of the major components of all three studied plants, indicating their high ecological significance and a certain universalism in their use by various species of water plants for the implementation of ecological and biochemical functions. This report underlines the role of identified compounds not only as important components in regulation of biochemical and metabolic pathways and processes in aquatic ecological systems, but also as potential pharmacological agents in the fight against different diseases.
Quantification of Trunk Postural Stability Using Convex Polyhedron of the Time-Series Accelerometer Data
Authors: Melecky Roman , Socha Vladimir , Kutilek Patrik , Hanakova Lenka , Takac Peter , Schlenker Jakub , Svoboda Zdenek
Published: April 2016

Techniques to quantify postural stability usually rely on the evaluation of only two variables, that is, two coordinates of COP. However, by using three variables, that is, three components of acceleration vector, it is possible to describe human movement more precisely. For this purpose, a single three-axis accelerometer was used, making it possible to evaluate 3D movement by use of a novel method, convex polyhedron (CP), together with a traditional method, based on area of the confidence ellipse (ACE). Ten patients (Pts) with cerebellar ataxia and eleven healthy individuals of control group (CG) participated in the study. The results show a significant increase of volume of the CP (CPV) in Pts or CG standing on foam surface with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) after the EC phase. Significant difference between Pts and CG was found in all cases as well. Correlation coefficient indicates strong correlation between the CPV and ACE in most cases of patient examinations, thus confirming the possibility of quantification of postural instability by the introduced method of CPV.
The In Vitro and In Vivo Wound Healing Properties of the Chinese Herbal Medicine “Jinchuang Ointment”
Authors: Ho Tsung-Jung , Jiang Shinn-Jong , Lin Guang-Huey , Li Tzong Shiun , Yiin Lih-Ming , Yang Jai-Sing , Hsieh Ming-Chuan , Wu Chun-Chang , Lin Jaung-Geng , Chen Hao-Ping
Published: April 2016

“Jinchuang ointment” is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine complex for treatment of incised wounds. For more than ten years, it has been used at China Medical University Hospital (Taichung, Taiwan) for the treatment of diabetic foot infections and decubitus ulcers. Three different cases are presented in this study. “Jinchuang” ointment is a mixture of natural product complexes from nine different components, making it difficult to analyze its exact chemical compositions. To further characterize the herbal ingredients used in this study, the contents of reference standards present in a subset of the ointment ingredients (dragon’s blood, catechu, frankincense, and myrrh) were determined by HPLC. Two in vitro cell based assay platforms, wound healing and tube formation, were used to examine the biological activity of this medicine. Our results show that this herbal medicine possesses strong activities including stimulation of angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and cell migration, which provide the scientific basis for its clinically observed curative effects on nonhealing diabetic wounds.
Genetic Variants of CD40 Gene Are Associated with Coronary Artery Disease and Blood Lipid Levels
Authors: Zhou Liting , Xie Lin , Zheng Dongchun , Li Na , Zhu Jian , Wang Shuyue , Li Bo , Ye Lin
Published: April 2016

Objectives. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect ofCD40andCXCR4genes polymorphisms on CAD susceptibility and the blood lipid levels and history of cardiovascular risk factors in a Chinese Han population.Materials and Methods. A total of 583 unrelated patients with CAD and 540 controls were recruited. Two tag SNPs (rs4239702 and rs1535045) at theCD40locus and one tag SNP (rs2228014) at theCXCR4locus were genotyped using the SEQUENOM Mass-ARRAY system.Results. After adjusting the risk factors, the frequency of rs1535045-T allele was also higher in patients than controls. Haplotype analysis showed that the rs4239702(C)-rs1535045(T) haplotype was associated with CAD. People with rs4239702-TT genotype had higher blood lipid levels in case group while it was not in the control group. History of cardiovascular risk factors showed no association for the three SNPs in case group and control group.Conclusions. rs1535045 inCD40gene is likely to be associated with CAD in the Chinese Han population. rs4239702(C)-rs1535045(T) haplotype was associated with CAD. Only in CAD patients, the blood lipid level of patients with rs4239702-TT genotype was higher than other patients.CXCR4gene may not relate to CAD.
Recognition of Kinematic Joints of 3D Assembly Models Based on Reciprocal Screw Theory
Authors: Xiong Tao , Chen Liping , Ding Jianwan , Wu Yizhong , Hou Wenjie
Published: April 2016

Reciprocal screw theory is used to recognize the kinematic joints of assemblies restricted by arbitrary combinations of geometry constraints. Kinematic analysis is common for reaching a satisfactory design. If a machine is large and the incidence of redesign frequent is high, then it becomes imperative to have fast analysis-redesign-reanalysis cycles. This work addresses this problem by providing recognition technology for converting a 3D assembly model into a kinematic joint model, which is represented by a graph of parts with kinematic joints among them. The three basic components of the geometric constraints are described in terms of wrench, and it is thus easy to model each common assembly constraint. At the same time, several different types of kinematic joints in practice are presented in terms of twist. For the reciprocal product of a twist and wrench, which is equal to zero, the geometry constraints can be converted into the corresponding kinematic joints as a result. To eliminate completely the redundant components of different geometry constraints that act upon the same part, the specific operation of a matrix space is applied. This ability is useful in supporting the kinematic design of properly constrained assemblies in CAD systems.
Age Is the Only Predictor of Poor Bowel Preparation in the Hospitalized Patient
Authors: McNabb-Baltar Julia , Dorreen Alastair , Al Dhahab Hisham , Fein Michael , Xiong Xin , O’ Byrne Mike , Ait Imene , Martel Myriam , Barkun Alan N.
Published: April 2016

We examine the impact of key variables on the likelihood of inpatient poor bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Records of inpatients that underwent colonoscopy at our institution between January 2010 and December 2011 were retrospectively extracted. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to assess the effect of clinical variables on the odds of poor preparation. Tested predictors included age; gender; use of narcotics; heavy medication burden; comorbidities; history of previous abdominal surgery; neurological disorder; product used for bowel preparation, whether or not the bowel regimen was given as split or standard dose; and time of endoscopy. Overall, 244 patients were assessed including 83 (34.0%, 95% CI: 28.1–39.9%) with poor bowel preparation. Cecal intubation was achieved in 81.1% of patients (95% CI: 76.2–86.0%). When stratified by quality of bowel preparation, cecal intubation was achieved in only 65.9% (95% CI: 60.0–71.9%) of patients with poor bowel preparation and 89.9% (95% CI: 86.1–93.7%) of patient with good bowel preparation. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only advancing age was an independent predictor of poor bowel preparation (OR = 1.026, CI: 1.006 to 1.045, andp=0.008). Age is the only independent predictor of poor bowel preparation amongst hospitalized patients.
Improve the Anaerobic Biodegradability by Copretreatment of Thermal Alkali and Steam Explosion of Lignocellulosic Waste
Authors: Siddhu Muhammad Abdul Hanan , Li Jianghao , Zhang Jiafu , Huang Yan , Wang Wen , Chen Chang , Liu Guangqing
Published: April 2016

Effective alteration of the recalcitrance properties like crystallization of cellulose, lignin shield, and interlinking of lignocellulosic biomass is an ideal way to utilize the full-scale potential for biofuel production. This study exhibited three different pretreatment effects to enhance the digestibility of corn stover (CS) for methane production. In this context, steam explosion (SE) and thermal potassium hydroxide (KOH-60°C) treated CS produced the maximal methane yield of 217.5 and 243.1 mL/gvs, which were 40.0% and 56.4% more than untreated CS (155.4 mL/gvs), respectively. Copretreatment of thermal potassium hydroxide and steam explosion (CPTPS) treated CS was highly significant among all treatments and improved 88.46% (292.9 mL/gvs) methane yield compared with untreated CS. Besides, CPTPS also achieved the highest biodegradability up to 68.90%. Three kinetic models very well simulated dynamics of methane production yield. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses declared the most effective changes in physicochemical properties after CPTPS pretreatment. Thus, CPTPS might be a promising approach to deconstructing the recalcitrance of lignocellulosic structure to improve the biodegradability for AD.
Schizophyllum communeLipase Production on Pretreated Sugarcane Bagasse and Its Effectiveness
Authors: Kam Yew Chee , Hii Siew Ling , Sim Cheryl Yan-Yi , Ong Lisa Gaik Ai
Published: April 2016

Schizophyllum communeUTARA1 was used for lipase production under solid state fermentation (SSF) of sugarcane bagasse (SB) impregnated with used cooking oil medium. Pretreatments of steam, microwave, hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and their combinations, such as steam-assisted HCl, steam-assisted NaOH, microwave-assisted HCl, and microwave-assisted NaOH, on the milled SB, were done prior to SSF to investigate their effects on lipase production via SSF. The highest lipase activity among the pretreated SB was 0.200 U/gSB, using steam-assisted HCl treated SB, which is lower than the lipase activity produced from the untreated SB, which was 0.413 U/gSB. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging showed significant rupture of the SB structure after steam-assisted-HCl pretreatments where the thin walls of the SB pith were wrinkled and collapsed, with no distinctive cell wall structure. The HCl pretreated SB gave the highest crystallinity index (CrI), 91.43%, compared to the untreated, 61.90%. Conversely, microwave and NaOH pretreatments reduced the CrI, which were 46.15% and 43.36%, respectively. In this study, the results obtained indicated that pretreated SB did not improve the lipase production ofSchizophyllum communeUTARA1 under SSF.
Detection of Carious Lesions and Restorations Using Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Naebi Mohammad , Saberi Eshaghali , Risbaf Fakour Sirous , Naebi Ahmad , Hosseini Tabatabaei Somayeh , Ansari Moghadam Somayeh , Bozorgmehr Elham , Davtalab Behnam Nasim , Azimi Hamidreza
Published: April 2016

Background/Purpose.In terms of the detection of tooth diagnosis, no intelligent detection has been done up till now. Dentists just look at images and then they can detect the diagnosis position in tooth based on their experiences. Using new technologies, scientists will implement detection and repair of tooth diagnosis intelligently. In this paper, we have introduced one intelligent method for detection using particle swarm optimization (PSO) and our mathematical formulation. This method was applied to 2D special images. Using developing of our method, we can detect tooth diagnosis for all of 2D and 3D images.Materials and Methods. In recent years, it is possible to implement intelligent processing of images by high efficiency optimization algorithms in many applications especially for detection of dental caries and restoration without human intervention. In the present work, we explain PSO algorithm with our detection formula for detection of dental caries and restoration. Also image processing helped us to implement our method. And to do so, pictures taken by digital radiography systems of tooth are used.Results and Conclusion. We implement some mathematics formula for fitness of PSO. Our results show that this method can detect dental caries and restoration in digital radiography pictures with the good convergence. In fact, the error rate of this method was 8%, so that it can be implemented for detection of dental caries and restoration. Using some parameters, it is possible that the error rate can be even reduced below 0.5%.
Lower Hemoglobin Concentration Is Associated with Retinal Ischemia and the Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Traveset Alicia , Rubinat Esther , Ortega Emilio , Alcubierre Nuria , Vazquez Beatriz , Hernández Marta , Jurjo Carmen , Espinet Ramon , Ezpeleta Juan Antonio , Mauricio Didac
Published: April 2016

Aims. To assess the association of blood oxygen-transport capacity variables with the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinal ischemia, and macular oedema in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods. Cross-sectional, case-control study (N=312) with T2DM: 153 individuals with DR and 159 individuals with no DR. Participants were classified according to the severity of DR and the presence of retinal ischemia or macular oedema. Hematological variables were collected by standardized methods. Three logistic models were adjusted to ascertain the association between hematologic variables with the severity of DR and the presence of retinal ischemia or macular oedema.Results.Individuals with severe DR showed significantly lower hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocyte levels compared with those with mild disease and in individuals with retinal ischemia and macular oedema compared with those without these disorders. Hemoglobin was the only factor that showed a significant inverse association with the severity of DR [beta-coefficient = −0.52,P value = 0.003] and retinal ischemia [beta-coefficient = −0.49,P value = 0.001]. Lower erythrocyte level showed a marginally significant association with macular oedema [beta-coefficient = −0.86,P value = 0.055].Conclusions.In patients with DR, low blood oxygen-transport capacity was associated with more severe DR and the presence of retinal ischemia. Low hemoglobin levels may have a key role in the development and progression of DR.
Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 6 Enhances the Healing Process and Improves the Esthetic Outcome of the Wounds
Authors: Mendoza Marí Yssel , Fernández Mayola Maday , Aguilera Barreto Ana , García Ojalvo Ariana , Bermúdez Alvarez Yilian , Mir Benítez Ana Janet , Berlanga Acosta Jorge
Published: April 2016

In addition to its cytoprotective effects, growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) proved to reduce liver fibrotic induration. CD36 as one of the GHRP-6 receptors appears abundantly represented in cutaneous wounds granulation tissue. The healing response in a scenario of CD36 agonistic stimulation had not been previously investigated. Excisional full-thickness wounds (6 mmØ) were created in the dorsum of Wistar rats and topically treated twice a day for 5 days. The universal model of rabbit’s ears hypertrophic scars was implemented and the animals were treated daily for 30 days. Treatments for both species were based on a CMC jelly composition containing GHRP-6 400 μg/mL. Wounds response characterization included closure dynamic, RT-PCR transcriptional profile, histology, and histomorphometric procedures. The rats experiment indicated that GHRP-6 pharmacodynamics involves attenuation of immunoinflammatory mediators, their effector cells, and the reduction of the expression of fibrotic cytokines. Importantly, in the hypertrophic scars rabbit’s model, GHRP-6 intervention dramatically reduced the onset of exuberant scars by activating PPARγ and reducing the expression of fibrogenic cytokines. GHRP-6 showed no effect on the reversion of consolidated lesions. This evidence supports the notion that CD36 is an active and pharmacologically approachable receptor to attenuate wound inflammation and accelerate its closure so as to improve wound esthetic.
SAPHIRE: Stress and Pulmonary Hypertension in Rheumatoid Evaluation—A Prevalence Study
Authors: Reeves G. E. M. , Collins N. , Hayes P. , Knapp J. , Squance M. , Tran H. , Bastian B.
Published: April 2016

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a disorder of elevated resistance in the pulmonary arterial vessels, reflected by elevation of measured pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and presenting with breathlessness and, if untreated, progressing to right heart failure and death. The heightened prevalence of PAH in populations with underlying systemic autoimmune conditions, particularly scleroderma and its variants, is well recognised, consistent with the proposed autoimmune contribution to PAH pathogenesis, along with disordered thrombotic, inflammatory, and mitogenic factors. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of a group of systemic autoimmune conditions featuring inflammatory symmetrical erosive polyarthropathy as its hallmark. This study explored the prevalence of PAH in a population of unselected individuals with RA, using exercise echocardiography (EchoCG). The high prevalence of EchoCG-derived elevation of PAP (EDEPP) in this population (14%) suggests that, like other autoimmune conditions, RA may be a risk factor for PAH. Patients with RA may therefore represent another population for whom PAH screening with noninvasive tools such as EchoCG may be justified.
Genetic Algorithm Optimization of the Volute Shape of a Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Heinrich Martin , Schwarze Rüdiger
Published: April 2016

A numerical model for the genetic optimization of the volute of a centrifugal compressor for light commercial vehicles is presented. The volute cross-sectional shape is represented by cubic B-splines and its control points are used as design variables. The goal of the global optimization is to maximize the average compressor isentropic efficiency and total pressure ratio at design speed and four operating points. The numerical model consists of a density-based solver in combination with the SSTk-ωturbulence model with rotation/curvature correction and the multiple reference frame approach. The initial validation shows a good agreement between the numerical model and test bench measurements. As a result of the optimization, the average total pressure rise and efficiency are increased by over1.0%compared to the initial designs of the optimization, while the maximum efficiency rise is nearly 2.5% atm˙corr=0.19 kg/s.
Robust Stability, Stabilization, andH∞Control of a Class of Nonlinear Discrete Time Stochastic Systems
Authors: Zhang Tianliang , Wang Yu-Hong , Jiang Xiushan , Zhang Weihai
Published: April 2016

This paper studies robust stability, stabilization, andH∞control for a class of nonlinear discrete time stochastic systems. Firstly, the easily testing criteria for stochastic stability and stochastic stabilizability are obtained via linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Then a robustH∞state feedback controller is designed such that the concerned system not only is internally stochastically stabilizable but also satisfies robustH∞performance. Moreover, the previous results of the nonlinearly perturbed discrete stochastic system are generalized to the system with state, control, and external disturbance dependent noise simultaneously. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.