bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Imaging Surveillance Following Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Flowers Chris I. , Mooney Blaise P. , Drukteinis Jennifer S.
Published: February 2020

Overview:

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women worldwide. Women have a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of breast cancer. Breast conservation therapy (BCT) is the most common method of definitive treatment. Patients who previously have had to undergo mastectomy may be now eligible for BCT or a multitude of options for reconstruction, either immediate or delayed. Surveillance imaging after a breast cancer diagnosis is important because there is an increased risk of recurrence developing in patients, and early detection has been shown to improve survival. There is currently no consensus on a protocol for imaging the postoperative breast. In patients who have undergone mastectomy, detection of recurrence has mostly been via clinical symptoms and physical exam, often at a later stage. New imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), and positron emission mammography (PEM) are changing the way we image the postsurgical breast. MRI, coupled with physical exam and mammography, approaches 100% sensitivity and high specificity for the identification of recurrent disease. We present a review of major academic institutions' imaging protocols and discuss the advantages of including MRI in traditional mammographic and clinical exams.
Combination Therapies Building on the Efficacy of CTLA4 and BRAF Inhibitors for Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Ribas Antoni
Published: February 2020

Overview:

The demonstration of improved survival with the anti-CTLA4 antibody ipilimumab and the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib in patients with metastatic melanoma is arguably the most significant advance in the treatment for these patients in the last 30 years. However, the majority of patients will either not experience response, or will experience response and then progression, when receiving these therapies, so additional treatment options are required. Since these agents have been developed with a refined understanding of their mechanism of action and mechanisms leading to resistance are being elucidated, then combination therapies building on these single-agent therapies can be designed rationally. Such combinations are being tested both preclinically and in the clinic, and provide a strong promise to improve on the current treatment approaches for patients with metastatic melanoma.
Transplant in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: To Do It or Not and If So, When and How?
Authors: Gribben John G.
Published: February 2020

Overview:

Most patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have an indolent clinical course, but the disease remains incurable with standard therapy and the prognosis is dismal for those patients with disease refractory to available treatment options. The only potentially curative treatment is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT), but since CLL is a disease of elderly patients, few patients are candidates for myeloablative allogeneic SCT. Although autologous SCT is feasible and has low treatment-related mortality, it is not curative. The widespread adoption of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic SCT has made this approach applicable to the elderly patient population with CLL. This approach relies on the documented graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect and is strong in CLL. Steps to further decrease the morbidity and mortality of the RIC SCT and in particular to reduce the incidence of chronic extensive graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remain a major focus. Many potential treatments are available for CLL, and appropriate patient selection and SCT timing remain controversial and the focus of ongoing clinical trials. The use of SCT must always be weighed against the risk of the underlying disease, particularly in a setting where improvements in treatment are leading to improved outcome. The major challenge remains how to identify which patients with CLL merit this approach and where in the treatment course this treatment can be applied optimally.
The Creation of the International Thymic Malignancies Interest Group as a Model for Rare Diseases
Authors: Detterbeck Frank C.
Published: February 2020

Overview:

Similar to other orphan diseases, little progress has been made in the past decades in thymic malignancies. A determination to make a difference, despite the challenges facing a rare disease, led to the formation of the International Thymic Malignancies Interest Group (ITMIG) in 2010. This organization has brought together the majority of those focused on the management of thymic malignancies and has built a foundation for scientific collaboration, including consistent use of terms, an international database, and multidisciplinary engagement of clinicians and researchers from around the world. ITMIG has embarked on the development of novel approaches to research particularly suited to a rare condition. ITMIG has gained substantial recognition for the rapid progress that has been made and serves as a model for the advancement of knowledge in a rare disease.
Prognostic, Predictive, and Surrogate Factors for Individualizing Treatment for Men with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bitting Rhonda L. , Armstrong Andrew J.
Published: February 2020

Overview:

With the surge in therapeutic options for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) comes increasingly complicated treatment decision making, highlighting the need for biomarkers that can identify appropriate patients for specific treatments and accurately assess disease response. Here we discuss existing and potential prognostic, predictive, and surrogate biomarkers in CRPC.
Varying Lymphadenectomies for Gastric Adenocarcinoma in the East Compared with the West: Effect on Outcomes
Authors: Schmidt Benjamin , Yoon Sam S.
Published: February 2020

Overview:

There are notable differences in surgical approaches to gastric adenocarcinoma throughout the world, particularly in terms of the extent of lymphadenectomy (LAD). In high-incidence countries such as Japan and South Korea, more extensive (e.g., D2) lymphadenectomies are standard, and these surgeries are generally done by experienced surgeons with low morbidity and mortality. In countries such as the United States, where the incidence of gastric adenocarcinoma is 10-fold lower, the majority of patients are treated at nonreferral centers with less extensive (e.g., D1 or D0) lymphadenectomy. There is little disagreement among gastric cancer (GC) experts that the minimum lymphadenectomy that should be performed for gastric adenocarcinoma should be at least a D1 lymphadenectomy, and many of these experts recommend a D2 lymphadenectomy. More extensive lymphadenectomies provide better staging of patient disease and likely reduce locoregional recurrence rates. Two large, prospective randomized trials performed in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in the 1990s failed to demonstrate a survival benefit of D2 over D1 lymphadenectomy, but these trials have been criticized for inadequate surgical training and high surgical morbidity and mortality rates (10% to 13%) in the D2 group. More recent studies have demonstrated that Western surgeons can be trained to perform D2 lymphadenectomies on Western patients with low morbidity and mortality. The 15-year follow-up of the Netherlands trial now demonstrates an improved disease-specific survival and locoregional recurrence in the D2 group. Retrospective analyses and one prospective, randomized trial suggest that there may be a survival benefit to more extensive lymphadenectomies when performed safely, but this assertion requires further validation.
Stage III Colon Cancer: What Works, What Doesn't and Why, and What's Next
Authors: André Thierry , O'Neil Bert H. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2020

Overview:

Adjuvant treatment for patients with stage III colon cancer, one of the most common malignancies, is an important issue in oncology. The use of adjuvant chemotherapy in this setting has undoubtedly improved prognosis. This article describes the development of adjuvant therapy and progress in the past decade as well as failures in multiple agents that have demonstrated efficacy in the metastatic setting. Finally, the current clinical trials will be reviewed, as well as complementary therapies including diet and exercise for survivors of colorectal cancer.
Minimally Invasive Surgery of Rectal Cancer: Current Evidence and Options
Authors: Trakarnsanga Atthaphorn , Weiser Martin R.
Published: February 2020

Overview:

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of colorectal cancer has become more popular in the past two decades. Laparoscopic colectomy has been accepted as an alternative standard approach in colon cancer, with comparable oncologic outcomes and several better short-term outcomes compared to open surgery. Unlike the treatment for colon cancer, however, the minimally invasive approach in rectal cancer has not been established. In this article, we summarize the current status of MIS for rectal cancer and explore the various technical options.
New Frontiers in Mucositis
Authors: Peterson Douglas E. , Keefe Dorothy M. , Sonis Stephen T.
Published: February 2020

Overview:

Mucositis is among the most debilitating side effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted anticancer therapy. Research continues to escalate regarding key issues such as etiopathology, incidence and severity across different mucosae, relationships between mucosal and nonmucosal toxicities, and risk factors. This approach is being translated into enhanced management strategies. Recent technology advances provide an important foundation for this continuum. For example, evolution of applied genomics is fostering development of new algorithms to rapidly screen genomewide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for patient-associated risk prediction. This modeling will permit individual tailoring of the most effective, least toxic treatment in the future. The evolution of novel cancer therapeutics is changing the mucositis toxicity profile. These agents can be associated with unique mechanisms of mucosal damage. Additional research is needed to optimally manage toxicity caused by agents such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, without reducing antitumor effect. There has similarly been heightened attention across the health professions regarding clinical practice guidelines for mucositis management in the years following the first published guidelines in 2004. New opportunities exist to more effectively interface this collective guideline portfolio by capitalizing upon novel technologies such as an Internet-based Wiki platform. Substantive progress thus continues across many domains associated with mucosal injury in oncology patients. In addition to enhancing oncology patient care, these advances are being integrated into high-impact educational and scientific venues including the National Cancer Institute Physician Data Query (PDQ) portfolio as well as a new Gordon Research Conference on mucosal health and disease scheduled for June 2013.
Is There Currently an Established Role for the Use of Predictive or Prognostic Molecular Markers in the Management of Colorectal Cancer? A Point/Counterpoint
Authors: Venook Alan P. , Bendell Johanna C. , Warren Robert S.
Published: February 2020

Overview:

The term “personalized oncology” means different things to the oncologist than to the patient. But fundamentally, the phrase creates the expectation that decisions can be informed by the unique features of the patient and patient's cancer. Much like determining antibiotic sensitivities in urinary tract infections, the oncologist is expected to choose the right treatment(s), for each individual patient. Numerous methods can be used to “personalize” management decisions, although truly useful biomarkers continue to escape our grasp. Positron Emission Tomography in patients with GI stromal tumors or genotyping of c-kit in chronic myelogenous leukemia cells can guide the use of imatinib, these scenarios represent a minority of patients. The promise of individualized therapy, however, has led to the commercialization of numerous assays to probe patient's genetic make-up and that of the tumor. Breast cancer management has benefitted from the analysis of gene recurrence scores. More recently the analysis of germline or tumor-associated mutations in non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma has led to clinically meaningful molecular subsets of these diseases, guiding the successful targeting of such cancers with small-molecule inhibitors. Despite the high incidence of colorectal cancer and our relatively long-standing grasp of the molecular pathways in colorectal carcinogenesis, the management of these patients remains mostly empiric and movement toward “personalization” has been slow and incremental. Now, however, molecular imaging and commercial assays for genetic makeup of tumor specimens has put the oncologist and oncologic surgeon in the crossfire with patients and families who believe the era of “personalization” is here.
An overview of Monascus fermentation processes for monacolin K production
Authors: Wen Qinyou , Cao Xiaohua , Chen Zhiting , Xiong Zixiao , Liu Jianghong , Cheng Zuxin , Zheng Zhenghuai , Long Chuannan , Zheng Baodong , Huang Zhiwei
Published: February 2020

In Asia, Monascus has been used in food fermentation for nearly a thousand years. It has attracted increasing attention in recent years due to its ability to produce a variety of important active substances such as monacolin K (MK) and pigments. MK is an effective drug widely used for lowering human blood cholesterol that functions by inhibiting the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Monascus strains, fermentation methods and fermentation conditions have significant effects on MK yield, and much research has been undertaken to obtain higher MK yields. In this paper, the research progress of Monascus strain breeding for high MK yield, medium optimization for MK production during Monascus fermentation, and optimization of fermentation process conditions are fully reviewed. This provides reference for future research on Monascus fermentation and industrial production for high-yield MK production.
Like-minded and cross-cutting talk, network characteristics, and political participation online and offline: A panel study
Authors: Matthes Jörg , Marquart Franziska , Sikorski Christian von
Published: February 2020

We test the role of like-minded and cross-cutting political discussion as a facilitator of online and offline political participation and examine the role of strong versus weak network ties. Most prior research on the topic has employed cross-sectional designs that may lead to spurious relationships due to the lack of controlled variables. The findings of a two-wave panel survey controlling the autoregressive effects suggest that cross-cutting talk with weak ties significantly dampens online but not offline political participation. However, no such effects were detectable for cross-cutting talk with strong ties. In addition, we found no effect of discussions involving like-minded individuals in either weak or strong network connections on online and offline forms of political engagement. Implications are discussed.
Paraphrase or parasite?
Authors: Gorlée Dinda L.
Published: February 2020

Translation, for Saussure, assumed the codified rule of language respecting the difference between synchronic and diachronic linguistics. Translation may be regarded as a theoretical possibility, though impossible for the creative speech of language speakers. Peirce’s logical semiotics reasoned the linguistic-and-cultural (linguïcultural) interpretants of received signs. Semiotranslation is a semiotic game to change the symbiosis of two languages into one language. Identified with both Saussure and Peirce, Jakobson’s intralingual, interlingual, and intersemiotic forms of translation propose rewording, translation proper, and transmutation. Peirce’s semiosis creates simple and complex symbols but navigates between translation, semiotranslation, and transduction. Translation derives from thepara-functions of replicas in “paraphrase” and “parasite” to signify the multiplicity of ideas and trends in biotranslation. The source text can be re-organized into the iconic activity of Saussurean paraphrase; or the target text can be indexically recontextualized in the parasitical evolution of Peirce’s instinct and facts of life applied to arts — neither approaching pure science.
Spectral properties of certain Moran measures with consecutive and collinear digit sets
Authors: Wu Hai-Hua , Li Yu-Min , Dong Xin-Han
Published: February 2020

Let the

2
×
2

{2\times 2}

expanding matrix

R
k

{R_{k}}

be an integer Jordan matrix, i.e.,

R
k

=

diag
⁡

(

r
k

,

s
k

)

{R_{k}=\operatorname{diag}(r_{k},s_{k})}

or

R
k

=

J
⁢

(

p
k

)

{R_{k}=J(p_{k})}

, and let

D
k

=

{
0
,
1
,
…
,

q
k

-
1

}

⁢
v

{D_{k}=\{0,1,\ldots,q_{k}-1\}v}

with

v
=

(
1
,
1
)

T

{v=(1,1)^{T}}

and

2
≤

q
k

≤

p
k

,

r
k

,

s
k

{2\leq q_{k}\leq p_{k},r_{k},s_{k}}

for each natural number k.
We show that the sequence of Hadamard triples

{

(

R
k

,

D
k

,

C
k

)

}

{\{(R_{k},D_{k},C_{k})\}}

admits a spectrum of the associated Moran measure provided that

lim inf

k
→
∞

⁡

2
⁢

q
k

⁢

∥

R
k

-
1

∥

<
1

{\liminf_{k\to\infty}2q_{k}\lVert R_{k}^{-1}\rVert<1}

.
The effect of Islamic semanticism on self-reporting and lifestyles of mothers of adolescents with thalassemia
Authors: Yolme Aman Bibi Soltani , Hojjati Hamid , Akhoundzadeh Golbahar
Published: February 2020

Background

Thalassemia is the most common chronic hereditary disease in the world.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of logotherapy on the level of resilience of mothers of children with thalassemia major.

Methods

The statistical population of this study included all mothers with children with thalassemia major in Gonbad-e-Qabus. After selecting eligible samples, each sample was given a number and the number was put into a non-transparent envelope. The samples were assured that numbering and placement in one of two groups were completely random and 60 mothers were selected using available sampling. The research tool used was the Kollahen Brief Self-reporting Questionnaire. For the experimental group, eight sessions of 90 min of logotherapy training were performed. For both groups, pre-test and post-test were performed. The confidentiality of the data of the research samples was assured. Data were gathered. Finally, the information was analyzed using SPSS software version 16.

Results

The results showed that the mean of the resilience of the experimental group was 28/16 ± 8/63 in the pre-test to was 24/76 ± 6/4 in the post-test. The result of paired t-test analysis showed that after eliminating the effect of the pre-test, the mean scores of the post-test of the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0/01, t = 18/4).

Conclusion

This study shows that logotherapy for mothers with children with thalassemia is useful and it is effective in increasing the resilience of mothers.
A memetic exploration of court interpretation
Authors: Li Jian , Ye Ning , Wagner Anne
Published: February 2020

Court interpretation subsumes transferring information from one source culture to the target culture, and the transfer of information, from the perspective of memetics, leads to the conceptualization of a common and significant framework in legal discourse, especially in the translation, interpretation and communication fields. This consideration gives the theoretical assumption for court interpretation, that is, court interpretation is a bilingual practice of meaning construction beyond meaning replication, because meaning units could be viewed as self-replicating complex ideas. Since the purpose of court interpretation is to find equivalence and the functions of court interpreters are being fair, semiotic equivalence can provide an even more useful tool for interpreters by offering greater insight into the mechanism of meaning and its encoding with the help of linguistic symbols. Meanwhile, court interpreters act as language and culture mediators to convey the correct contents of utterances and/or speech acts among their communities. Active and collaborative works are then necessary to mediate, decide, and analyze under real constraints with cultural challenges to elaborate viable interpretation solutions in laws.
Decreasing angiogenesis vasa vasorum through Lp-PLA2 and H2O2 inhibition by PSP from Ganoderma lucidum in atherosclerosis: in vivo diabetes mellitus type 2
Authors: Wihastuti Titin Andri , Amiruddin Reyhan , Cesa Fibe Yulinda , Alkaf Amalia Istiqamah , Setiawan Meddy , Heriansyah Teuku
Published: February 2020

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor of atherosclerosis. Hyperglycemia in T2DM causes advanced formation of glycation end products (AGE) which leads to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Oxidative stress occurs due to increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H2O2. On the other hand, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase (Lp-PLA2) has pro-inflammatory effects, which cause instability of atherosclerosis plaques. This condition causes hypoxemic cells to stimulate HIFα induced vasa vasorum angiogenesis. This study aims to understand the potential of PSP as an anti-angiogenic agent through decreased levels of H2O2 and Lp-PLA2 leading to the decline of vasa vasorum angiogenesis in diabetic rat model. In addition, this study also measured the lipid profile of diabetic rat model in relation to vasa vasorum angiogenesis.

Methods

True laboratory experiment with randomized post-test control of group design using 25 wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into five groups; one normal group and four group with High Fat Diet (HFD) and low dose streptozotocin (30 mg/kgBW) injection sc, treated with placebo and three various doses of PSP 50, 150, 300 mg/kgBW.

Results

ANOVA test (p < 0.05) shows that there is a significant influence of polysaccharide peptide (PSP) feeding on the decreased amount of vasa vasorum angiogenesis (p = 0.00), lipid profile (cholesterol total and triglyceride; p = 0.01, p = 0.001), and amount of H202 (p = 0.003). The amount of Lp-PLA2 declined to (p = 0.184). This result indicates that PSP prevents inflammation in atherosclerosis.

Conclusions

PSP of Ganoderma lucidum is an anti-angiogenic agent in T2DM.
Prenatal findings, neonatal symptoms and neurodevelopmental outcome of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in a university hospital in Montreal, Quebec
Authors: Minsart Anne-Frédérique , Rypens Françoise , Smiljkovic Mina , Kakkar Fatima , Renaud Christian , Lamarre Valérie , Boucher Marc , Boucoiran Isabelle
Published: February 2020

Background

Outcome of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection in the absence of routine CMV screening and third-trimester scan in North America is scarcely documented. The aim of this study was to assess the severe outcomes related to cCMV according to the indication for screening.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 84 mother-child pairs followed for cCMV between 2003 and 2017 at CHU Sainte-Justine in Montreal, Canada. Prenatal ultrasound, neonatal symptoms, neuroimaging and severe outcomes (cerebral palsy, severe cognitive impairment, bilateral hearing loss or neonatal death) were reviewed.

Results

Among 38 cases with abnormal prenatal ultrasound, 41.9% of live-born infants developed severe outcomes. Sixteen (42.1%) were detected in the third trimester. Among 16 cases diagnosed prenatally because of maternal history, all had normal prenatal ultrasound, and none developed severe outcomes. Among cases diagnosed postnatally because of neonatal symptoms, 25% developed severe outcomes. All infants who developed severe outcomes had moderate/severe neonatal symptoms.

Conclusion

Outcome of cCMV infection varies according to the reason for screening and timing of diagnosis. Any prenatal ultrasound anomaly might indicate a risk of severe outcome, and warrants a detailed ultrasound scan. However, late detection, or postnatal diagnosis, represented more than half of the cases, and awareness of this will help ensuring optimal management.
Crystal structure of (E)-3-(2-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxystyryl)-3,3-dimethyl-3H-indol-1-ium-1-yl)propane-1-sulfonate monohydrate, C22H25NO5S⋅H2O
Authors: Yu Qing , Zhang Qi-Long , Xu Hong , Huang Ya-Li
Published: February 2020

C22H25NO5S⋅H2O, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 8.8121(4) Å, b = 10.6053(4) Å, c = 12.7365(5) Å, α = 80.943(2)°, β = 70.890(2)°, γ = 78.105(2)°, V = 1095.33(8) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0378, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0949, T = 302(2) K.
Non-wood fibers as raw material for pulp and paper industry
Authors: Abd El-Sayed Essam S. , El-Sakhawy Mohamed , El-Sakhawy Mohamed Abdel-Monem
Published: February 2020

Pulp and paper industry in the world have been growing fast. As a result, there has been a massive request for pulp and paper raw materials. The raw materials used in papermaking can be classified into three groups: wood, non-wood, and recycled wastepaper. The Non-wood raw material is an important fiber resource in the regions where forest resources are limited. The current usage of non-wood plant fibers, as rice straws, corn stalks, cotton stalks, and bagasse would play a chief role in increasing papermaking raw materials. Using of non-wood plant fibers in the paper industry associated with some problems, including collection, transportation, storage and handling, washing, bleaching, papermaking, chemical recovery, supply of raw material and the properties of finished paper. Recently, a high-tech innovation in all the fields of papermaking has made non-wood more reasonable with wood as a raw material for papermaking. Although till now, use of non-wood fibers for pulp and paper manufacture was focused in countries with limited wood supply, it is now showing a growing effort even in countries with acceptable wood source due to environmental concerns. Consequently, the future of non-wood plant fibers as pulping and papermaking raw material looks bright.
Predicting inkjet dot spreading and print through from liquid penetration- and picoliter contact angle measurement
Authors: Krainer Sarah , Saes Louis , Hirn Ulrich
Published: February 2020

In this study we have evaluated the suitability of laboratory testing methods to predict inkjet printing results. We have developed and used testing liquids that are spanning the operational window of industrial High Speed Inkjet (HSI) printers while still covering the maximum possible range of viscosity and surface tension. First we correlated liquid penetration measured with ultrasound (ULP) and direct absorption (ASA) to print through from HSI prints. The best correlation (R2≈0.7{R^{2}}\approx 0.7) was found for the sized paper. For papers with increasing liquid penetration speed we found a decreasing ability of both testing methods to predict print through, for the strong absorbing paper the correlation drops toR2≈0.2{R^{2}}\approx 0.2. Second we correlated contact angle and drop diameter to the dot area from HSI prints. Contact angle turned out to be a better predictor for printed dot area than drop diameter. Evaluating the change in contact angle over time we found the highest correlation to the dot area in the print when measuring the contact angle as soon as possible, in our case 1 ms after deposition of the drop on the paper. We also compared contact angle with microliter drops to picoliter drops, which are in the size scale of the actual inkjet droplet. To our great surprise correlations for microliter drops were equal or better than for picoliter drops, particularly for highly absorbing papers. Thus in order to predict dot spreading on paper our results suggest to measure the contact angle with microliter drops. Overall we found that, using laboratory testing methods, print through and dot spreading for HSI printing can be quite well predicted for slow absorbing papers but not very well for fast absorbing papers.
Improved Muscle Strength, Muscle Power, and Physical Function After Flywheel Resistance Training in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sañudo Borja , de Hoyo Moisés , McVeigh Joseph G.
Published: February 2020

Sañudo, B, de Hoyo, M, and McVeigh, JG. Improved muscle strength, muscle power, and physical function after flywheel resistance training in healthy older adults: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 252–258, 2022—This study aimed to examine whether flywheel resistance exercise training improved muscle strength, muscle power, and physical function in older adults. Thirty-six older adults (64 ± 5 years) were randomly allocated to either a flywheel resistance exercise training group (ETG; n = 18) or a control (CON) group (n = 18). Subjects in the ETG underwent 6 weeks of resistance training on a flywheel squat device (4 sets of 9 maximal repetitions). Isokinetic concentric (60 and 240°·s−1) and eccentric (120°·s−1) knee extension and flexion peak torques and mean power were measured. Physical function was assessed by the 30-second Chair Sit-Stand Test (CST) and walking speed. After the intervention, within-group analyses showed significantly greater flexion torques and mean power with the dominant leg (concentric at 60°·s−1 and 240°·s−1 and eccentric at 120°·s−1; all d > 0.7, p < 0.05) and improvements in CST (d > 0.8) in the ETG, while no substantial differences were found in the CON group. Significant between-group differences in knee flexion torque both concentric (at 60°·s−1: η2 = 0.168 and 240°·s−1: η2 = 0.112) and eccentric (at 120°·s−1: η2 = 0.103) with the dominant leg were also found in favor of the ETG. There was also significantly better performance in the CST for the ETG (η2 = 0.207). There was a significant association between changes in strength and changes in mean power in the ETG. Changes in physical function outcomes were also observed. In conclusion, flywheel resistance exercise training is an appropriate form of activity for improving strength and functional capacity of older adults.
Key Anthropometric Variables Associated With Front-Crawl Swimming Performance in Youth Swimmers: An Allometric Approach
Authors: Sammoud Senda , Negra Yassine , Chaabene Helmi , Bouguezzi Raja , Attia Ahmed , Granacher Urs , Younes Hachana , Nevill Alan M.
Published: February 2020

Sammoud, S, Negra, Y, Chaabene, H, Bouguezzi, R, Attia, A, Granacher, U, Younes, H, and Nevill, AM. Key anthropometric variables associated with front-crawl swimming performance in youth swimmers: an allometric approach. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1259–1263, 2023—This study aimed to establish key anthropometric characteristics (e.g., optimal body height, limb-segment length, and girth/breadth ratios) related to 100-m front-crawl performance in young swimmers. In total, 74 swimmers (boys [n = 41; age: 18.1 ± 3.5 years]; girls [n = 33; age: 15.9 ± 3.1 years]) participated in this study. We adopted a multiplicative allometric log-linear regression model to identify key anthropometric characteristics associated with 100-m front-crawl swimming performance. The main outcomes indicated that length ratio = ([height/leg length]), foot length and ankle girth, biacromial breadth, and % of body fat were associated with 100-m front-crawl mean swimming speed performance. These findings highlight the importance of assessing anthropometric characteristics in young front-crawl swimmers for talent identification and development.
The Natural Selection Game: Incorporating Active Learning in Evolution Curricula for General Biology
Authors: Mohammadi Shabnam , Kiriazis Nicholas M. , Neuman-Lee Lorin A.
Published: February 2020

Teaching evolution in high school and in entry-level college courses can be challenging due to the inherent misinformation, misunderstanding, and biases with which students approach the topic. In this setting, it is critical to both teach the basic concepts and address common student misconceptions about evolution. We present two paired activities that allow students to (1) explore the processes of natural selection in a direct and experiential way and (2) address common misconceptions in evolutionary theory. The first activity, the “Natural Selection Game,” has students simulate a bird population and experience shifts in phenotype frequency as a result of selective pressures. Following the end of the game, students discuss the outcomes and connect them to real-life examples. The second activity encourages students to actively research common misconceptions with the use of personal technology in order to distinguish between scientifically supported data and poor information online. Both activities can be incorporated in high school and university-level general biology curricula. They will allow students to connect their firsthand experiences to lecture-based instruction and, as a result, develop a stronger understanding of the mechanisms of evolution.
Radiocarbon in Dinosaur Fossils: Compatibility with an Age of Millions of Years
Authors: Senter Philip J.
Published: February 2020

The recent discovery of radiocarbon in dinosaur bones at first seems incompatible with an age of millions of years, due to the short half-life of radiocarbon. However, evidence from isotopes other than radiocarbon shows that dinosaur fossils are indeed millions of years old. Fossil bone incorporates new radiocarbon by means of recrystallization and, in some cases, bacterial activity and uranium decay. Because of this, bone mineral – fossil or otherwise – is a material that cannot yield an accurate radiocarbon date except under extraordinary circumstances. Mesozoic bone consistently yields a falsely young radiocarbon “date” of a few thousand to a few tens of thousands of years, despite the fact that it is millions of years old. Science educators need to be aware of the details of these phenomena, to be able to advise students whose acceptance of biological evolution has been challenged by young-Earth creationist arguments that are based on radiocarbon in dinosaur fossils.
Nurturing Children’s Health Through Neighbourhood Morphology
Authors: Priya R Khatavkar
Published: February 2020

Among the key factors required for the adequate development and growth of children’s physical and mental health is the child’s outdoor activities. Master plans are inclusive and provide sustainable settlements when they accommodate and respond to children. An understanding of the child’s need for outdoor spaces will help build better public spaces thereby providing opportunities for better physical, mental and emotional health of children. This paper is an effort to explore those environmental settings which are conducive for their physical activities. It tries to uncover the spatial planning approach which can contribute to child friendly spaces. The study is an investigation and a comparative analysis of a planned and an organic settlement in an urban fabric; HSR layout and Mangammanapalya in Bangalore, India. A qualitative analysis of the various layers of the physical settings has been done. The investigations reveal how each settlement caters to and supports the physical needs of children. The goal is to make use of these findings in the future planning and design intervention of neighbourhoods. The findings for the planned settlement, HSR revealed the presence of amenities like parks, playgrounds and sports facilities which the children frequented. The organic settlement lacked the presence of parks but the street network pattern revealed a majority of dead ends which are used as play spaces by children. Increase in commercial use in the settlement of HSR brought about the threat of traffic and stranger danger which act as deterrents to the independent mobility of the child while Mangammanapalya because of its cul de sacs which discourage through traffic offered a relatively safe and sustainable environment for play and mobility on its streets. A child friendly route could act as a safe and interesting path for children to explore the neighbourhood.
OFDM: A Mathematical Review
Authors: Praveen Kumar Malik  , M P Tripathi
Published: February 2020

Mathematical review of the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing is demonstrated in terms of Inter symbol interference, Multi carrier modulated system and cyclic prefix. Modeling of the mathematical equation of the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, Inverse fast Fourier transform and fast Fourier transform is explained with the suitable example using MATLAB. Bit error rate performance of OFDM is also presented with the help of statistical computation.
Agricultural and economic characterization of guava production in Brazil
Authors: Vitti Karine Alessandra , Lima Lilian Maluf de , Martines Filho João Gomes
Published: February 2020

Abstract This study was designed to analyze the relationship between guava crop production variables in the Matão region of central São Paulo, Brazil, and to better understand the economic importance of this crop to its growers. Data were obtained through a questionnaire applied during interviews with guava growers and after the data collection, statistical analyzes were made using Chi-Square hypothesis tests. Analysis results indicate a distinct association between the variables variety and plant age, between variety and number of plants per hectare, andbetween number of plants per hectare and yield, while no association was found between yield and variety. The Paluma guava variety spaced seven meters by five meters apart and pruned throughout the entire year was found to be the most common crop arrangement. The mean yield of the plots studied was 110 Kg plant-1. The use of irrigation added 22.8 Kg of guava production per plant, annually.
Focal hyperechoic liver lesions in children: far beyond hemangiomas - pictorial essay
Authors: Rocha Silvia Maria Sucena da , Yamanari Maurício Gustavo Ieiri , Matsuoka Marcia Wang , Almeida Gisele Correa , Sakamoto Flavia Aiko , Suzuki Lisa
Published: February 2020

Abstract The aim of this report was to present a selection of focal hyperechoic liver lesions of different etiologies, illustrating the wide spectrum of diagnostic possibilities for such lesions in the pediatric population.
PREVALENCE OF FRICTION INJURY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN ELDERLY IN INTENSIVE THERAPY
Authors: Vieira Chrystiany Plácido de Brito , Ferreira Patrícia de Carvalho , Araújo Telma Maria Evangelista de , Silva Júnior Fernando José Guedes da , Galiza Francisca Tereza de , Rodrigues Átila Sâmia Oliveira
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the prevalence of friction injuries and associated factors in the elderly admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Method: a cross-sectional analytical study, developed in an Intensive Care Unit of a Teaching hospital, with a sample of 101 elderly. Data collection was conducted from November 2017 to May 2018, through interviews, consulting medical records and physical examination. For analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Strength of associations between variables measured by odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance level was set at 5% for all analyzes. Results: the sample studied had a mean age of 71.39 years, mostly male, married and without schooling, with more than one comorbidity, dependent, with dry and scaly skin and bruising on the extremities. The prevalence of friction injury was 28.7%, with an average of 1.93 injuries per elderly. There was a statistically significant association between the occurrence of friction injury with age, comorbidities, dry and scaly skin. Conclusion: the prevalence of friction injury was high and associated with age, comorbidities, dry and scaly skin, and mean duration of corticosteroid use.
Nizhou Bridge, China: an insight into deck erection gantries supported on main suspension cables
Authors: Ascaso Til Mercedes , Sancho Santamaría Alberto
Published: February 2020

The Nizhou waterway bridge, part of the Second Humen Bridge over the Pearl River in China's Guangdong province, is the second longest suspension bridge in the world (1688 m main span). The reinforced concrete towers are 260 m tall and the main cable spacing is 42·1 m. The deck is an aerofoil-shaped orthotropic steel box 49·7 m wide and 4 m deep. Deck erection took place during the spring of 2018. Three 500 t safe working load deck erection gantries, supported on the main cables, lifted 175 deck segments into position in 10 weeks. Strand jacks were used for deck lifting and gantry relocation. This paper describes the deck erection gantries, from concept development, through detailed design and testing, to operation on site. It focuses on the innovative movement system specifically developed for this project to reduce operating cycle times and overcome the design constraints, particularly the large range of relative positions between the deck erection gantry and the cable bands. Cast nylon wheels and aluminium ramps were designed for the gantry to roll smoothly over cable bands. Insufficient industry guidance on the design of cast nylon wheels and their interaction with the main cables required a multidirectional approach, which involved hand calculations, finite-element analysis and testing.
Aquatic eDNA sampling and plant metabarcoding (v0.0.1) v1
Authors: Callahan Jordan , Harbert Robert
Published: February 2020

Aquatic eDNA sampling, extraction, and plant metabarcoding on Oxford Nanopore's Flongle platform. Sampling method adapted from: Laramie, M.B., Pilliod, D.S., Goldberg, C.S. and Strickler, K.M., 2015. Environmental DNA sampling protocol-filtering water to capture DNA from aquatic organisms (No. 2-A13). US Geological Survey. https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/tm2A13 Extraction protocol nearly identical to Qiagen DNEasy PowerWater kit manual: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=2ahUKEwj4jpSKkqfnAhUjnOAKHdAbDQ8QFjABegQIBBAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.qiagen.com%2Fus%2Fresources%2Fdownload.aspx%3Fid%3Dbb731482-874b-4241-8cf4-c15054e3a4bf%26lang%3Den&usg=AOvVaw32l8w94T6GAZUI4TAyUyT1 Amplicon sequencing is a modified version of the PCR barcoding protocol from Oxford Nanopore for kit SQK-PBK004.
Perceived stress and resilience and their relationship with the use of mobile phone among nursing students
Authors: Sahu Maya , Gandhi Sailaxmi , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Marimuthu P.
Published: February 2020

Objective. The study sought to explore the relationship between levels of stress and resilience with the use of the mobile phone in nursing students. Methods. Cross-sectional study conducted with 102 nursing students from several Nursing schools in India who were invited to participate in the research. The data were gathered by using the following instruments: Perceived Stress Scale(PSS) by Cohen, The Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC), and Mobile Phone Involvement Questionnaire(MPIQ)by Walsh. Results. Most of the participants were women (94.1%), studying in the undergraduate (70.6%), with a mean age of 25.2 years. In all, 77.5% of the students had stress perception between moderate and high, 20.6% had high resilience capacity, and 25.5% were frequent mobile phone users. Perceived stress was correlated significantly and negatively with age and resilience capacity. Graduate students had greater capacity to recover than undergraduate students. Conclusion. This study indicates the negative relation of resilience capacity with stress and the use of mobile phones among nursing students. Hence, it is necessary for institutions preparing nurses to develop intervention strategies to enhance the resilience capacity, improve skills to manage stress, and healthy use of the mobile phone.Descriptors: stress, physiological; resilience, psychological; students, nursing; cell phone use; cross-sectional studies; surveys and questionnaires.How to cite this article: Sahu M, Gandhi S, Sharma MK, Marimuthu P. Perceived stress and resilience and their relationship with the use of mobile phone among nursing students. Invest. Educ. Enferm. 2019; 37(3):e05.
Experience Lived by Iranian Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Transitory Crisis and Liberation
Authors: Mohebbi Zinat , Sharif Farkhondeh , Peyrovi Hamid , Rakhshan Mahnaz , Naini Mahvash Alizade , Zarshenas Ladan
Published: February 2020

Objective. Research on the nature of living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Methods. Qualitative study of the hermeneutical phenomenology, which conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with people trained on the irritable bowel syndrome. The sampling was intentional type and open questions were used to collect data. The Thematic Analysis Method by Van Manen was used. Results. Two principal themes and five subthemes emerged in this research to determine the meaning of living with the irritable bowel syndrome: Storm in corporality (body with pain and affliction, tension and sequence of symptoms, and: distress during moments of life) and Relief (sense of liberation of the body symptoms, and moments with pleasure). Conclusion. The experience lived by patients with irritable bowel syndrome is of a transitory crisis and liberation.Descriptors: irritable bowel síndrome; qualitative research; hermeneutics.How to cite this article: Mohebbi Z, Sharif F, Peyrovi H, Rakhshan M, Naini MA, Zarshenas L. Experience Lived by Iranian Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Transitory Crisis and Liberation. Invest. Educ. Enferm. 2019; 37(3):e10.
Influence of different protein supplements on the recovery and in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes
Authors: Fernandes-França Pedro H , Oliveira-Santos Maria V , Oliveira-Lira Gabriela P , Azevedo-Borges Alana , Fernandes-Pereira Alexsandra
Published: February 2020

Background: Oocyte quality and maturation are influenced by protein supplementation. Objective: To evaluate the influence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentrations on the recovery and in vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine oocytes. Methods: The study was divided into Stage 1 (oocyte recovery), and Stage 2 (IVM). In the first stage, three experiments were conducted according to the recovery (R) medium used: (R1) 10 vs. 20% FBS; (R2) 5 vs. 10% BSA; and (R3) the best results from R1, R2, and the combination of FBS+BSA (5+5%). Within the second stage, the maturation medium was supplemented according to three experiments: (M1) 5 vs. 10% FBS; (M2) 0.4 vs. 0.8% BSA; and (M3) better results of M1, M2, and the combination of FBS+BSA (5+0.8%). Results: In Stage 1 (R1 and R2), the media with 10% FBS and 10% BSA showed better oocyte quality results and were defined for experiment R3. In R3, the 10% FBS and the combination of FBS+BSA (5+5%) allowed recovery of better-quality oocytes. In Stage 2 (M1 and M2), media with both levels of FBS (5 and 10%) and 0.8% BSA were defined as better according to the maturation and viability rates of cumulus cells, so they were defined for experiment M3. In M3, no difference was noted among the supplements. Conclusions: For oocyte recovery, 10% FBS and the combination of FBS+BSA (5+5%) can be used to obtain immature oocytes. For the in vitro maturation, FBS (both levels, 5 and 10%) and BSA (0.8%) can be used alone or in combination.