bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designed and created for a veteran by a veteran: A pilot study of caring cards for suicide prevention
Authors: Ehret Blaire C. , Treichler Emily B. H. , Ehret Phillip J. , Chalker Samantha A. , Depp Colin A. , Perivoliotis Dimitri
Published: May 2021

Introduction

This pilot study investigates feasibility and acceptability of Caring Cards, a suicide prevention intervention inspired by Caring Contacts and the Recovery Model, where Veteran peers create cards that are sent to Veterans recently discharged from a VA psychiatric hospitalization for suicide risk.

Methods

Caring Cards consists of: (1) a weekly outpatient group where Veterans (card makers) create cards, and (2) sending cards to recently discharged Veterans (card recipients). Feasibility for card makers was measured by attendance; acceptability (satisfaction) was examined. Card recipients were sent one caring card, one week post‐discharge. Feasibility for recipients was measured by the percentage of Veterans that met eligibility and follow‐up response rate; acceptability (satisfaction) was examined.

Results

Caring Cards is feasible and acceptable. The outpatient group had a higher attendance rate (81%) compared with other clinic groups. The percentage of eligible card recipients was 61%. Of these, 69% were reached for follow‐up and 50% provided follow‐up responses. Card makers and recipients both expressed positive experiences with Caring Cards.

Conclusion

Caring Cards is a low‐intensity, feasible, and acceptable intervention with potential benefits for both Veteran card makers and recipients. Additional research is needed to determine the efficacy of Caring Cards as a suicide prevention intervention.
Serological screening and genetic analysis ofRhCEvariants in the Chinese Southern Han donors
Authors: Jia Shuangshuang , Chen Jingwang , Wen Jizhi , Wang Zhen , Wei Ling , Fu Yongshui , Luo Guangping , Ji Yanli
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To screen RhCE variants in the Chinese Southern Han donors for molecular genetic analysis.

Background

More than hundreds of RhCE variant alleles have been described to resulting in weak and/or partial expression of RhCE antigens, generation of low‐prevalence antigens and/or absence of a high‐prevalence antigen of Rh system, which mainly reported in the people of African origin. In this study, the serological screening and molecular genetic analysis of RhCE variants were performed in the Chinese Southern Han donors.

Methods

The blood samples of E(+) donors were preliminarily collected. Then, RhCE antigens of the E(+) samples were further typed by using two sets of monoclonal anti‐C, anti‐c, anti‐e and another anti‐E. When weak expression of RhCE antigens was found, direct sequencing for 10 exons ofRHCEgene,RHgenotyping analysis by using multiplex ligation–dependent probe amplification, flow cytometric analysis and even cDNA sequencing were performed.

Results

A total of 4487 E(+) samples were collected and four samples with weak expression of antigens were detected.RHCE*Ce375GandRHCE*Ce667Tvariant alleles were identified in two samples with weak expression of e antigen, respectively. But no variant alleles were found in another two samples with weak expression of C antigen.

Conclusion

The variantRHCE*Ce375Gvalidated by mRNA sequencing and the deducedRHCE*Ce667Talleles were firstly identified in the Chinese population. TheDCEhaplotype might account for the weak expression of C antigen in two donors.
Oral administration of angiotensin‐(1–7) decreases muscle damage and prevents the fibrosis in rats after eccentric exercise
Authors: Totou Nádia Lúcia , de Moura Samara Silva , Martins Júnior Francisco de Assis Dias , de Sousa Frederico Barros , Coelho Daniel Barbosa , de Oliveira Emerson Cruz , dos Santos Robson Augusto Souza , Becker Lenice Kappes , de Lima Wanderson Geraldo
Published: May 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Eccentric contraction exercises cause damage to muscle fibres and induce inflammatory responses. The exacerbation of this process can induce deposition of fibrous connective tissue, leading to decreased muscle function. The aim of this study was to examine the role of angiotensin‐(1–7) in this context.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Our results show that oral treatment with angiotensin‐(1–7) decreases muscle damage induced by eccentric exercise, reducing inflammation and fibrosis in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. This study shows a potential effect of angiotensin‐(1–7) for the prevention of muscle injuries induced by physical exercise.

Eccentric contraction exercises cause damage to the muscle fibres and induce an inflammatory reaction. The protective effect of angiotensin‐(1–7) [Ang‐(1–7)] in skeletal muscle has led us to examine the role of this peptide in modifying processes associated with inflammation and fibrogenesis induced by eccentric exercise. In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of oral administration of Ang‐(1–7) formulated in hydroxypropyl β‐cyclodextrin (HPβ‐CD) in prevention and treatment of muscle damage after downhill running. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (untreated and not exercised; n = 10); treated/exercised HPβ‐CD Ang‐(1–7) (n = 40); and treated/exercised HPβ‐CD (n = 40). Exercised groups were subjected to a single eccentric contraction exercise session on a treadmill inclined to −13° at a constant speed of 20 m/min, for 60 min. Oral administration of HPβ‐CD Ang‐(1–7) and HPβ‐CD was performed 3 h before the exercise protocol and daily as a single dose, until the end of the experiment. Samples were collected 4, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after the exercise session. The animals treated with the Ang‐(1–7) showed lower levels of creatine kinase, lower levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α in soleus muscle and increased levels of interleukin‐10 cytokines. The inflammatory cells and deposition of fibrous connective tissue in soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were lower in the group treated with Ang‐(1–7). The results of this study show that treatment with an oral formulation of Ang‐(1–7) enhances the process of repair of muscle injury induced by eccentric exercise.
On the Gibbs-Appell Equations for the Dynamics of Rigid Bodies
Authors: Honein Theresa , O'Reilly Oliver
Published: May 2021

In this technical brief, a simple concise derivation of the Gibbs-Appell equations for the dynamics of a constrained rigid body is presented.
Influence of Omitted Variables in Consumer Choice Models on Engineering Design Optimization Solutions
Authors: Gowharji Waleed , Whitefoot Kate S.
Published: May 2021

This paper examines the impact of omitted variable bias (OVB) within consumer choice models on engineering design optimization solutions. Engineering products often have a multitude of attributes that influence consumers’ purchasing decisions, many of which are difficult to include in revealed-preference models due to a lack of data. Correlations among these omitted variables and product attributes included in the model can bias demand parameter estimates. However, engineering design optimization studies typically do not account for this bias. We examine the influence consumer choice OVB can have on design optimization results. We first mathematically derive how OVB propagates into optimal design solutions and characterize properties of optimization problems that affect the magnitude of the resulting error in solutions. We then demonstrate the impact of OVB on optimal designs using a case study of automotive powertrain design optimization. In the case study, we estimate two sets of choice models: one using only “typically observed” vehicle attributes commonly found in the literature, and one with an additional set of “typically unobserved” attributes gathered from Edmunds.com. We find that the model with omitted variables leads to, in some scenarios, substantial bias in parameter estimates (5–143%), which propagates up to 21% error in the optimal engine size.
Evaluation of numerical predictions of sonic boom level variability due to atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Stout Trevor A. , Sparrow Victor W. , Blanc-Benon Philippe
Published: May 2021

A numerical model of full-scale N-wave sonic boom propagation through turbulence is described based on the nonlinear Khokhlov–Zabolotskaya–Kuznetzov (KZK) propagation equation and the most advanced turbulence model used in atmospheric acoustics. This paper presents the first quantitative evaluation of a KZK-based model using data from the recent Sonic Booms in Atmospheric Turbulence measurement campaigns, which produced one of the most extensive databases of full-scale distorted N-waves and concurrent atmospheric parameters. Simulated and measured distributions of the perceived level (PL) metric, which has been used to predict public annoyance due to sonic booms, are compared. For most of the conditions considered, the present model's predictions of the PL variances agree with the measurement to within normal uncertainty, while about half of the mean value predictions agree. The approximate PL distribution measured for high turbulence conditions falls within about 2 dB of the simulated distribution for nearly all probabilities. These favorable results suggest that the KZK-based model is sufficiently accurate for approximating the N-wave PL distribution, and the model may therefore be useful for predicting public reaction to sonic booms in turbulent conditions.
Continuous sliding frequency shifts produce an illusory tempo drift
Authors: Gordon Michael S. , Ataucusi Alejandro
Published: May 2021

An acceleration or deceleration in the rate of music is described as a tempo drift. This study investigated tempo drift and how tempo drift might be influenced by a sliding frequency shift. Drifts of 10% or greater in tempo tended to be accurately detected; however, those judgments were somewhat affected by the type of music. Continuous sliding frequency shifts that paralleled the tempo drift improved the accuracy of tempo drift judgments. When frequency shifts were independent from a tempo drift, they produced an illusory experience of the tempo change. Findings are reported with their implications for music and time perception.
Practitioner, Coach, and Athlete Perceptions of Evidence-Based Practice in Professional Sport in Australia
Authors: Schwarz Edgar , Harper Liam D. , Duffield Rob , McCunn Robert , Govus Andrew , Skorski Sabrina , Fullagar Hugh H.K.
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To examine practitioners’, coaches’, and athletes’ perceptions of evidence-based practice (EBP) in professional sport in Australia. Methods: One hundred thirty-eight participants (practitioners n = 67, coaches n = 39, and athletes n = 32) in various professional sports in Australia each completed a group-specific online questionnaire. Questions focused on perceptions of research, the contribution of participants’ own experience in implementing knowledge to practice, sources, and barriers for accessing and implementing EBP, preferred methods of feedback, and the required qualities of practitioners. Results: All practitioners reported using EBP, while most coaches and athletes believed that EBP contributes to individual performance and preparation (>85%). Practitioners’ preferred EBP information sources were “peer-reviewed journals” and “other practitioners within their sport,” while athlete sources were “practitioners within their sport” and “other athletes within their sport.” As primary barriers to accessing and implementing research, practitioners highlighted “time constraints,” “poor research translation,” and “nonapplicable research.” Practitioners ranked “informal conversation” as their most valued method of providing feedback; however, coaches prefer feedback from “scheduled meetings,” “online reports,” or “shared database.” Both athletes and coaches value “excellent knowledge of the sport,” “experience,” and “communication skills” in practitioners disseminating EBP. Conclusion: Practitioners, coaches, and athletes believe in the importance of EBP to their profession, although practitioners reported several barriers to accessing and implementing research as part of EBP. Athletes place a high value on experienced practitioners who have excellent knowledge of the sport and communication skills. Collectively, these findings can be used to further stakeholder understanding regarding EBP and the role of research to positively influence athlete health.
A Histone-Like Nucleoid Structuring Protein Regulates Several Virulence Traits in Burkholderia multivorans
Authors: Gomes Sara C. , Ferreira Mirela R. , Tavares Andreia F. , Silva Inês N. , Becker Jörg D. , Moreira Leonilde M.
Published: May 2021

Members of the histone-like nucleoid structuring (H-NS) family of proteins, present in many bacteria, are important global regulators of gene expression. Many of the regulated genes were acquired horizontally and include pathogenicity islands and prophages, among others.
High-Level Production of Lysine in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by Rational Design of Homocitrate Synthase
Authors: Isogai Shota , Matsushita Tomonori , Imanishi Hiroyuki , Koonthongkaew Jirasin , Toyokawa Yoichi , Nishimura Akira , Yi Xiao , Kazlauskas Romas , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

A traditional method for screening toxic analogue-resistant mutants has been established for the breeding of microbes that produce high levels of amino acids, including lysine. However, another efficient strategy is required to further improve their productivity.
Acitretin and Retinoic Acid Derivatives Inhibit BK Polyomavirus Replication in Primary Human Proximal Renal Tubular Epithelial and Urothelial Cells
Authors: Wu Zongsong , Graf Fabrice E. , Hirsch Hans H.
Published: May 2021

Acitretin selectively inhibits BKPyV replication in primary human cell culture models of nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis. Since acitretin is an approved drug in clinical use reaching BKPyV-inhibiting concentrations in systemically treated patients, further studies are warranted to provide data for clinical repurposing of retinoids for treatment and prevention of replicative BKPyV-diseases.
Genetic Diversity of Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccine Antigens among Carriage Isolates Collected from Students at Three Universities in the United States, 2015–2016
Authors: Marjuki Henju , Chang How-Yi , Topaz Nadav , Whaley Melissa J. , Vuong Jeni , Chen Alexander , Jenkins Laurel T. , Hu Fang , Schmink Susanna , Retchless Adam C. , Thomas Jennifer D. , Acosta Anna M. , McNamara Lucy A. , Soeters Heidi M. , Mbaeyi Sarah , Wang Xin
Published: May 2021

The impact of serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines on carriage is not completely understood. Using whole-genome sequencing data, we assessed the diversity and distribution of MenB vaccine antigens (particularly FHbp) among 1,514 meningococcal carriage isolates recovered from vaccinated and unvaccinated students at three U.S. universities, two of which underwent MenB-FHbp mass vaccination campaigns following meningococcal disease outbreaks.
Diverse Viruses Carrying Genes for Microbial Extremotolerance in the Atacama Desert Hyperarid Soil
Authors: Hwang Yunha , Rahlff Janina , Schulze-Makuch Dirk , Schloter Michael , Probst Alexander J.
Published: May 2021

Deserts are one of the largest and rapidly expanding terrestrial ecosystems characterized by low biodiversity and biomass. The hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert, previously thought to be devoid of life, is one of the harshest environments, supporting only scant biomass of highly adapted microbes.
Freshwater
Chlorobia
Exhibit Metabolic Specialization among Cosmopolitan and Endemic Populations
Authors: Garcia Sarahi L. , Mehrshad Maliheh , Buck Moritz , Tsuji Jackson M. , Neufeld Josh D. , McMahon Katherine D. , Bertilsson Stefan , Greening Chris , Peura Sari
Published: May 2021

The reconstruction of genomes from metagenomes has helped explore the ecology and evolution of environmental microbiota. We applied this approach to 274 metagenomes collected from diverse freshwater habitats that spanned oxic and anoxic zones, sampling seasons, and latitudes.
Improvements of predictive power of B-type natriuretic peptide on admission by mathematically estimating its discharge levels in hospitalised patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Anegawa Eiji , Takahama Hiroyuki , Nishimura Kunihiro , Onozuka Daisuke , Irie Yuki , Moriuchi Kenji , Amano Masashi , Okada Atsushi , Amaki Makoto , Kanzaki Hideaki , Noguchi Teruo , Kusano Kengo , Yasuda Satoshi , Izumi Chisato
Published: May 2021

Backgrounds

Earlier studies showed that in patients with heart failure (HF), circulating levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) at hospital discharge (BNPdis) are more predictive of prognosis than BNP levels on admission (BNPad). However, the mechanism underlying that difference has not been fully elucidated. We examined the association between confounding factors during hospitalisation and BNPdisin patients with HF.

Methods

We identified patients admitted to our hospital for HF (BNPad≥100 pg/mL). Estimated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (eLVEDP) was calculated using echocardiographic data. To identify the factors associated with the relation between BNPadand BNPdis, we performed a stepwise regression analysis of retrospective data. To validate that analysis, we performed a prospective study.

Results

Through stepwise regression of the patient data (n=688, New York Heart Association 3–4, 88%), we found age, blood urea nitrogen and eLVEDP to be significantly (p<0.05) associated with BNPdis. Through multivariate analysis after accounting for these factors, we created a formula for predicting BNP levels at discharge (predicted-BNPdis) from BNPadand other parameters measured at admission (p<0.05). By statistically adjusting for these factors, the prognostic power of BNPadwas significantly improved (p<0.001). The prospective study also confirmed the strong correlation betweenpredicted-BNPdisand BNPdis(n=104, r=0.625, p<0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that statistically accounting for confounding factors affecting BNP levels improves the predictive power of BNP levels measured at the time of hospital admission, suggesting that these confounding factors are associated with lowering predictive power of BNP on admission.

Trial registration number

UMIN 000034409, 00035428.
Sex differences in mortality in stable patients undergoing vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Miñana Gema , Núñez Julio , Monmeneu Jose V , López-Lereu Maria P , Gavara Jose , Marcos-Garcés Víctor , Ríos-Navarro Cesar , Pérez Nerea , de Dios Elena , Fernández-Cisnal Agustín , Núñez Eduardo , Chorro Francisco J , Sanchis Juan , Bodi Vicente
Published: May 2021

Objective

We assessed the influence of the ischaemic burden (IB) as derived from vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) on the risk of death and the effect of revascularisation across sex.

Methods

We evaluated 6237 consecutive patients with known or suspected chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Extensive ischaemia was defined as >5 segments with perfusion deficit. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used.

Results

A total of 2371 (38.0%) patients were women and 583 (9.3%) underwent CMR-related revascularisation. During a median follow-up of 5.13 years, 687 (11.0%) deaths were reported. We found an adjusted differential effect of CMR-derived IB across sex (p value for interaction=0.039). Women exhibited an adjusted lower risk of death and only equaled men’s risk when extensive ischaemia was present. Likewise, CMR-related revascularisation was shown to be differentially associated with the risk of mortality across sex (p value for interaction=0.025). In patients with non-extensive ischaemia, revascularisation was associated with a higher risk of death, with a greater extent in women. At higher IB, revascularisation was associated with a lower risk in men, with more uncertain results in women.

Conclusions

CMR-derived IB allows predicting the risk of death and gives insight into the potential effect of revascularisation in men and women with CCS. Compared with men, women with non-extensive ischaemia displayed a lower risk and a similar risk with a higher IB. The impact of CMR-related revascularisation on mortality risk was also significantly different according to IB and sex. Further research will be needed to confirm these hypothesis-generating findings.
Minimally deformed wormholes
Authors: Tello-Ortiz Francisco , Maurya S. K. , Bargueño Pedro
Published: May 2021

This work is devoted to the study of wormhole solutions in the framework of gravitational decoupling by means of the minimal geometric deformation scheme. As an example, to analyze how this methodology works in this scenario, we have minimally deformed the well-known Morris–Thorne model. The decoupler function f(r) and the $$\theta $$
θ
-sector are determined considering the following approaches: (i) the most general linear equation of state relating the $$\theta _{\mu \nu }$$

θ

μ
ν

components is imposed and (ii) the generalized pseudo-isothermal dark matter density profile is mimicked by the temporal component of the $$\theta $$
θ
-sector. It is found that the first approach leads to a non-asymptotically flat space-time with an unbounded mass function. To address this issue we have matched both the wormhole and the Schwarzschild vacuum solutions, via a thin-shell at the junction surface. Using the second approach, it can be seen that, on one hand, the solution for $$\gamma =1$$

γ
=
1

does not give place to a bounded mass and it presents a topological defect at large distances; on the other hand, the wormhole manifold is asymptotically flat in the $$\gamma =2$$

γ
=
2

case. In order to satisfy the flare-out condition, we have found restrictions on the value of the $$\alpha $$
α
parameter, which is related with the amount of exotic matter distribution. Finally, the averaged weak energy condition has been analyzed by using the volume integral quantifier.
Predicting economists: Generating scenarios for stress testing future loss reserves
Authors: Breeden Joseph L , Vaskouski Maxim
Published: May 2021

Stress testing under the US Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) regulations and those of many other countries seeks to assess the full possible financial position of a lender through an economic crisis. The introduction of lifetime loan loss reserves under FASB’s Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) and IASB’s International Financial Reporting Standards 9 (IFRS 9) rules complicates the task of stress testing, because lenders need to estimate future losses using scenarios that are contingent on the stress testing scenario, but without perfect foresight of the future stress test scenario. This work casts the CECL and IFRS 9 stress testing problem as one of generating future economic scenarios that are consistent with how future economists would create scenarios. To that end, we obtained historic consensus economic scenarios for testing. The results here demonstrate that a second-order Ornstein–Uhlenbeck model fits historic scenarios well and could be used to generate future scenarios that would be a realistic representation of what economists would predict given economic conditions up to that point. This approach was tested for US real gross domestic product (RGDP) and unemployment rate scenarios through the 2009 recession. The RGDP modeling was straight-forward, but we discovered that consensus economic scenarios for unemployment rate appear to be conditional on the phase of the economy.
MicroRNA-342 Promotes the Malignant-Like Phenotype of Endometrial Stromal Cells via Regulation of Annexin A2
Authors: Sun Dan , Wang Yiting , Wang Li , Guo Xin
Published: May 2021

The relevance of miRNA- (miR-) 342 to endometriosis has been highlighted, while its function in regulating the malignant-like phenotype of endometrial stromal cells which demonstrate epigenetic abnormalities that alter expression of transcription factors, remains unclear. Therefore, we sought to characterize the effects of miR-342 in endometrial stromal cell proliferation by regulating Annexin A2 (ANXA2). We first characterized the levels of miR-342 and ANXA2 in 31 cases of normal endometrium from patients with grade II-III cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or patients with hysterectomy versus ectopic endometrial tissues of 42 patients with endometriosis. miR-342 was upregulated, while ANXA2 was downregulated in ectopic endometrial tissues. Bioinformatics website and dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-342 negatively modulated ANXA2 expression. Following loss- and gain-of-function approaches, CCK-8, Transwell, and flow cytometry demonstrated that overexpression of miR-342 markedly increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion but inhibited cell apoptotic ratio of endometrial stromal cells, which was reversed by ANXA2 elevation. Further, overexpressed miR-342 activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, as evidenced by upregulated levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, and p-mTOR/mTOR. Taken together, miR-342 targets ANXA2 to activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby promoting the malignant-like phenotype of endometrial stromal cells, highlighting miR-342 inhibition as a promising approach for the treatment of endometriosis.
Does Birth Interval Matter in Under‐Five Mortality? Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys from Eight Countries in West Africa
Authors: Budu Eugene , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Zegeye Betregiorgis , Yaya Sanni
Published: May 2021

In sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), every 1 in 12 children under five dies every year compared with 1 in 147 children in the high‐income regions. Studies have shown an association between birth intervals and pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction. In this study, we examined the association between birth interval and under‐five mortality in eight countries in West Africa. A secondary analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from eight West African countries was carried out. The sample size for this study comprised 52,877 childbearing women (15‐49 years). A bivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out and the results were presented as crude odds ratio (cOR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Birth interval had a statistically significant independent association with under‐five mortality, with children born to mothers who had >2 years birth interval less likely to die before their fifth birthday compared to mothers with ≤2 years birth interval [cOR = 0.56; CI = 0.51 − 0.62], and this persisted after controlling for the covariates [aOR = 0.55; CI = 0.50 − 0.61]. The country‐specific results showed that children born to mothers who had >2 years birth interval were less likely to die before the age of five compared to mothers with ≤2 years birth interval in all the eight countries. In terms of the covariates, wealth quintile, mother’s age, mother’s age at first birth, partner’s age, employment status, current pregnancy intention, sex of child, size of child at birth, birth order, type of birth, and contraceptive use also had associations with under‐five mortality. We conclude that shorter birth intervals are associated with higher under‐five mortality. Other maternal and child characteristics also have associations with under‐five mortality. Reproductive health interventions aimed at reducing under‐five mortality should focus on lengthening birth intervals. Such interventions should be implemented, taking into consideration the characteristics of women and their children.
Delayed Diagnosis of Unilateral Mandibular Condylar Fracture in a Posterior Edentulous Patient
Authors: Anupama Sahani , Hettiarachchi Pilana Vithanage Kalani Shihanika
Published: May 2021

Background. Fractures of the mandible are common in elderly patients, and among them, condylar fractures are the most frequent type. A change in occlusion is the most common physical finding in patients with fractures of the mandible. Therefore, it is challenging to identify mandibular fractures in posterior edentulous patients due to the lack of posterior occlusal contacts. It is crucial to do radiological investigations in such patients to exclude fractures. Case Presentation. This article describes a case of delayed diagnosis of a unilateral mandibular condylar fracture for a week’s duration and treating the condition as temporomandibular pathology in a posterior edentulous, 52-year-old patient. Conclusion. This clinical case highlights the importance of radiological investigations and occlusal analysis for early diagnosis of condylar fractures, particularly in posterior edentulous patients, lacking posterior occlusal contacts.
Evaluation of Spin in the Abstracts of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Atopic Dermatitis Treatments and Interventions
Authors: Lin Vanessa , Patel Raahi , Wirtz Alexis , Mannem Deepika , Ottwell Ryan , Arthur Wade , Cook Courtney , Howard Hannah , Wright Drew , Hartwell Micah , Vassar Matt
Published: May 2021

Background: Spin – the misrepresentation of a study’s results – has been identified in abstracts of studies focused on a variety of disorders from multiple fields of medicine. Objectives: This study’s primary objective was to evaluate the abstracts of systematic reviews and meta-analyses focused on the treatment of atopic dermatitis for the nine most severe forms of spin. Methods: We systematically searched Embase and MEDLINE for systematic reviews of atopic dermatitis therapies. Screening and data extraction occurred in a masked, duplicate fashion. Each included study was evaluated for the nine most severe types of spin and other study characteristics. Results: Our searches retrieved 2,456 studies, of which 113 were included for data extraction. Spin was found in 74.3% of our included studies (84/113). Spin type 6 occurred most frequently (68/113, 60.2%). Spin types 1, 2, and 9 were not identified. All industry-funded systematic reviews contained spin in their abstract. The presence of spin was not associated with any specific study characteristics, including the methodological quality of the study. Conclusions: Severe forms of spin were found in the majority of abstracts for systematic reviews of atopic dermatitis treatments. Steps should be taken to prevent spin to improve the quality of reporting in abstracts.
Right Ventricular Function and Region-Specific Adaptation in Athletes Engaged in High-Dynamic Sports: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dawkins Tony G. , Curry Bryony A. , Wright Stephen P. , Meah Victoria L. , Yousef Zaheer , Eves Neil D. , Shave Rob E. , Stembridge Michael
Published: May 2021

Background:

Structural remodeling of the right ventricle (RV) is widely documented in athletes. However, functional adaptation, including RV pressure generation and systolic free-wall longitudinal mechanics, remains equivocal. This meta-analysis compared RV pressure and function in athletes and controls.

Methods:

A systematic review of online databases was conducted up to June 4, 2020. Meta-analyses were performed on RV systolic pressures, at rest and during exercise, tricuspid annular plane systolic displacement, myocardial velocity (S’), and global and regional longitudinal strain. Bias was assessed using Egger regression for asymmetry. Data were analyzed using random-effects models with weighted mean difference and 95% CI.

Results:

Fifty-three studies were eligible for inclusion. RV systolic pressure was obtained from 21 studies at rest (
n
=1043:1651; controls:athletes) and 8 studies during exercise (
n
=240:495) and was significantly greater in athletes at rest (weighted mean difference, 2.9 mmHg [CI, 1.3–4.5 mmHg];
P
=0.0005) and during exercise (11.0 [6.5–15.6 mm Hg];
P
<0.0001) versus controls. Resting tricuspid annular plane systolic displacement (
P
<0.0001) and S’ (
P
=0.001) were greater in athletes. In contrast, athletes had similar RV free-wall longitudinal strain (17 studies;
n
=450:605), compared with controls but showed greater longitudinal apical strain (16 studies;
n
=455:669; 0.9%, 0.1%–1.8%;
P
=0.03) and lower basal strain (−2.5% [−1.4 to −3.5%];
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions:

Functional RV adaptation, characterized by increased tricuspid annular displacement and velocity and a greater base-to-apex strain gradient, is a normal feature of the athlete’s heart, together with a slightly elevated RV systolic pressure. These findings contribute to our understanding of RV in athletes and highlight the importance of considering RV function in combination with structure in the clinical interpretation of the athlete’s heart.
Atherosclerotic Burden and Remodeling Patterns of the Popliteal Artery as Detected in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Osteoarthritis Initiative Data Set
Authors: Canton Gador , Hippe Daniel S. , Chen Li , Waterton John C. , Liu Wenjin , Watase Hiroko , Balu Niranjan , Sun Jie , Hatsukami Thomas S. , Yuan Chun
Published: May 2021

Background

An artificial intelligence vessel segmentation tool, Fully Automated and Robust Analysis Technique for Popliteal Artery Evaluation (FRAPPE), was used to analyze a large databank of popliteal arteries imaged through the OAI (Osteoarthritis Initiative) to study the impact of atherosclerosis risk factors on vessel dimensions and characterize remodeling patterns.

Methods and Results

Magnetic resonance images from 4668 subjects contributing 9189 popliteal arteries were analyzed using FRAPPE. Age ranged from 45 to 79 years (median, 61), and 58% were women. Mean lumen diameter, mean outer wall diameter, and mean wall thickness (MWT) were measured per artery. Their median values were 5.8 mm (interquartile range, 5.2–6.5 mm), 7.3 mm (interquartile range, 6.7–8.1 mm), and 0.78 mm (interquartile range, 0.73–0.84 mm) respectively. MWT was associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, with age (4.2% increase in MWT per 10‐year increase in age; 95% CI, 3.9%–4.5%) and sex (8.6% higher MWT in men than women; 95% CI, 7.7%–9.3%) being predominant. On average, lumen and outer wall diameters increased with increasing MWT until the thickness was 0.92 mm for men and 0.84 mm for women. After this point, lumen diameter decreased steadily, more rapidly in men than women (−7.9% versus −6.1% per 25% increase in MWT;
P
<0.001), with little change in outer wall diameter.

Conclusions

FRAPPE has enabled the analysis of the large OAI knee magnetic resonance imaging data set, successfully showing that popliteal atherosclerosis is predominantly associated with age and sex. The average vessel remodeling pattern consisted of an early phase of compensatory enlargement, followed by a negative remodeling, which is more pronounced in men.
Redescription of Pomatostegus stellatus (Abildgaard, 1789) and P. kroyeri Mörch, 1863 (Polychaeta: Serpulidae) from the Tropical American coasts
Authors: SÁNCHEZ-OVANDO J. PABLO , BASTIDA-ZAVALA J. ROLANDO
Published: May 2021

Pomatostegus Schmarda, 1861 is a serpulid genus with three recognized species, mostly from tropical waters. Pomatostegus stellatus (Abildgaard, 1789), was described from the Caribbean Sea, and has been widely recorded in the Pacific and Indian oceans; P. kroyeri Mörch, 1863 was described from Puntarenas, Costa Rica; however, most records from the Tropical Eastern Pacific were referred to P. stellatus. In this work, the two species are redescribed using morphological characters. The main differences are in the shape of the Spirobranchus-type collar chaetae, opercular plate shape and the number of “free” circlets of spines without accompanying of opercular plates. Comments about characters of P. actinoceras Mörch, 1863, described from Philippines, and an identification key for the three species, are included.
Three new species of the genus Nudina Staudinger, 1887 from northern Indochina (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , HUANG SI-YAO , SPITSYNA ELIZAVETA A. , BOLOTOV IVAN N. , SPITSYN VITALY M.
Published: May 2021

Three new species of the genus Nudina Staudinger, 1887 are described from northern Indochina: N. ankistro Volynkin, Huang, Bolotov & Spitsyn, sp. nov. (Northern Myanmar), N. harpago Volynkin & Huang, sp. nov. (Northern Vietnam) and N. witti Spitsyn, Volynkin, Huang & Bolotov, sp. nov. (Northern Vietnam and Northern Myanmar). The new species represent a separated species-group which is established and characterized.
A new species of Joguina Navás, 1912 from India (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Authors: WINTERTON SHAUN L. , BALAKRISHNAN SURYANARAYANAN THANGALAZHI , CHENTHAMARAKSHAN BIJOY
Published: May 2021

A new species of the delicate lacewing, Joguina Navás, 1912 (Chrysopidae: Apochrysinae) is described and figured from south-western India. A key to species of Joguina is presented as well as revised diagnoses of both Joguina and its sister genus, Lainius Navás, 1913 stat. rev.
A study on the influencing factors of classroom teaching tact of primary school students
Authors: Li Hanxue , Liu Yujia , Li Yinyuan
Published: May 2021

Classroom teaching tact is a kind of sensitive, rapid and accurate judgment and response ability of teachers in the face of complex classroom teaching situations. The implementation of the new curriculum reform requires teachers to have a higher level of teaching tact. Based on the self-designed questionnaire, this study investigated 200 primary school students in Hunan Normal University, explored the main influencing factors of their classroom teaching tact, and verified the rationality, reliability and validity of the questionnaire structure. It is found that the differences of gender and major have no influence on the level of classroom teaching tact of primary school students on post internship, while the differences of professional identity, personality, teaching class size, teaching reflection and post job training will bring the differences of classroom teaching tact level of primary school students on post internship. The primary school students who have high degree of professional identity, outgoing personality, small class size, good teaching reflection and more job-related classroom teaching and training have higher level of classroom teaching wit. But at the same time, we should also consider the interaction of various factors and do a holistic and dialectical thinking on the analysis of the factors that affect the level of classroom teaching tact of primary school students.
Differences in Head Impact Exposures Between Youth Tackle and Flag Football Games and Practices: Potential Implications for Prevention Strategies
Authors: Sarmiento Kelly , Waltzman Dana , Devine Owen , Zhang Xinjian , DePadilla Lara , Kresnow Marcie-Jo , Borradaile Kelley , Hurwitz Andrew , Jones David , Goyal Ravi , Breiding Matthew J.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Interventions designed to reduce the risk for head impacts and concussion in youth football have increased over the past decade; however, understanding of the role of regular game play on head impact exposure among youth tackle and flag football athletes is currently limited.

Purpose:

To explore head impact exposure among youth tackle and flag football athletes (age range, 6-14 years) during both practices and games.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Using the Vector MouthGuard sensor, the authors collected head impact data from 524 tackle and flag youth football athletes over the course of a football season. Quantities of interest were estimated from regression models using Bayesian methods.

Results:

For impacts ≥10 g, a tackle football athlete had an estimated 17.55 (95% CI, 10.78-28.96) times more head impacts per practice compared with a flag football athlete (6.85 [95% CI, 6.05-7.76] and 0.39 [95% CI, 0.24-0.62] head impacts, respectively). Additionally, a tackle football athlete had an estimated 19.48 (95% CI, 12.74-29.98) times more head impacts per game compared with a flag football athlete (13.59 [95% CI, 11.97-15.41] and 0.70 [95% CI, 0.46-1.05] head impacts, respectively). Among tackle football athletes, the estimated average impact rate was 6.51 (95% CI, 5.75-7.37) head impacts during a practice and 12.97 (95% CI, 11.36-14.73) impacts during a game, resulting in 2.00 (95% CI, 1.74-2.29) times more ≥10 g head impacts in games versus practices. Tackle football athletes had 2.06 (95% CI, 1.80-2.34) times more high-magnitude head impacts (≥40 g) during a game than during a practice. On average, flag football athletes experienced an estimated 0.37 (95% CI, 0.20-0.60) head impacts during a practice and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.53-1.06) impacts during a game, resulting in 2.06 (95% CI, 1.29-3.58) times more ≥10 g head impacts in games versus practices. Because of model instability caused by a large number of zero impacts for flag football athletes, a comparison of high-magnitude head impacts is not reported for practices or games.

Conclusion:

This study provides a characterization of the head impact exposure of practices and games among a large population of youth tackle and flag football athletes aged 6 to 14 years. These findings suggest that a greater focus on game-based interventions, such as fair play interventions and strict officiating, may be beneficial to reduce head impact exposures for youth football athletes.
The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress and Burnout in Nurses
Authors: Green Alyssa A. , Kinchen Elizabeth V.
Published: May 2021

Background: Occupational burnout related to stress in the workplace is experienced by nurses who are regularly confronted with trauma, suffering, and high workloads. Burnout can negatively impact patient care and have detrimental effects on nurses’ physical and mental health. Mindfulness-based stress reduction programs have been researched as a potential holistic intervention for reducing stress and burnout in nurses through cultivating present awareness, emotional regulation, and positive thinking. Purpose: This critical review of the literature explores current knowledge on the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation on stress and burnout in nurses, examines gaps in the current literature, and provides recommendations for future research on this topic. Methods: Search terms included mindfulness, meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction , occupational stress, stress, burnout, and nurs*. Peer-reviewed research directly related to the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction on nurses experiencing stress and/or burnout was reviewed. Findings: Findings reveal evidence that mindfulness meditation is effective in decreasing stress and burnout in nurses. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to significantly decrease stress, improve all aspects of burnout, and increase self-compassion and compassion satisfaction in practicing nurses. Conclusions: Mindfulness meditation has the potential to decrease stress and burnout in nurses by decreasing self-judgment and overidentification with experience, and by increasing resiliency, compassion, and emotional regulation.
Disability in Childhood, Special Education Histories, and Lifetime Health Outcomes in the United States
Authors: Laditka Sarah B. , Laditka James N. , Hoyle Jessica N.
Published: May 2021

Objectives: We evaluated special education as an indicator of childhood disability and used that indicator to estimate lifetime dependency and life expectancy. Methods: Data: Panel Study of Income Dynamics and Health and Retirement Study ( n = 20,563). Dependency: Nursing home care or equivalent. Analysis: We first analyzed special education as an indicator of childhood disability; multinomial logistic Markov models and microsimulation then compared populations with and without childhood disability. Results: Special education history was a valid indicator of childhood disability. For example, with parents who did not complete high school, 3.8% with no special education history were dependent at least 5 years of adult life; that result with special education was 15.2%. Life expectancy from age 20 was 58.3 years without special education, 46.0 years with special education (both p < .05). Discussion: Special education history can indicate childhood disability. People with that history had significantly a more dependency than others and significantly shorter lives.
Polybenzimidazoles as proton exchange membrane in fuel cell applications
Authors: Chikhaliya Navin P. , Rathwa Yashesh J. , Likhariya Taruna
Published: May 2021

As the world’s transportation is seeking to switch towards renewable and sustainable sources of energy, the research in fuel cell technology has gained momentum. Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) operating at temperature range 100–200°C (high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells, HT-PEMFCs) has gained interest in their major application to electric power generation. The most promising material is polybenzimidazoles (PBI). Synthesis methods such as condensation polymerization, solid-state or melt polymerization, etc. give the polymer with different inherent viscosity. The monomer modifications both in tetramine and the diacid, reveal variations in glass transition value. Further insight into the membrane casting solvents and methods along with its proton conductivity has been reviewed. Review paper is comprising of Part 1: for the synthesis methods, structural changes, and applications of PBIs in HT-PEMFCs while, Part 2: for the various kinds of PBIs has been discussed.[Formula: see text]
Dynamic characteristics of continuum robot for colonoscopy using finite element simulation
Authors: Singh Puneet Kumar , Murali Krishna Chimata
Published: May 2021

Medical robots have massive potential for improving the precision and capabilities for doctors to perform surgical procedures. For detecting colon cancers, these robots are also capable of suturing and inchworm devices can move over the narrow passages as required inside human colon. Most of the existing medical robots are designed and developed in order to enhance their stiffness to minimize the vibration of the end-effectors to obtain good position accuracy. In addition to this, it is important to study the dynamic characteristics of the colonoscope, such as load, stress, and strain for understanding the suitability of material used for colonoscope. In this paper, silicone rubber with selected specifications is used as colonoscope material and Mooney Rivlin equations are solved using ABAQUS software. Pneumatic pressure is taken as input parameter (0.1 MPa to 0.5 MPa). Finite Element Simulation is carried out and results are plotted for various set of values of input pressure. The results obtained indicate that silicone rubber with specified characteristics is a suitable material for colonoscope and it increases the comfort for the patient by exerting less force on the colon while it is moved inside the colon.
Mechanical analysis of shrink-fitted thick FG cylinders based on first order shear deformation theory and FE simulation
Authors: Salehi Kolahi Mohammad Reza , Rahmani Hossein , Moeinkhah Hossein
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the first order shear deformation theory is used to derive an analytical formulation for shrink-fitted thick-walled functionally graded cylinders. It is assumed that the cylinders have constant Poisson’s ratio and the elastic modulus varies radially along the thickness with a power function. Furthermore, a finite element simulation is carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics, which has the advantage of defining material properties as analytical functions. The results from first order shear deformation theory are compared with the findings of both plane elasticity theory and FE simulation. The results of this study could be used to design and manufacture for elastic shrink-fitted FG cylinders.