bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a concussion on subsequent baseline SCAT performance in professional rugby players: a retrospective cohort study in global elite Rugby Union
Authors: Tucker Ross , Falvey Eanna , Fuller Gordon , Brown James Craig , Raftery Martin
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This study assessed whether concussion affects subsequent baseline performance in professional rugby players. Annual baseline screening tests are used to guide return-to-play decisions and concussion diagnosis during subsequent screens. It is important that baseline performances are appropriate and valid for the duration of a season and unaffected by factors unrelated to the current head impact event. One such factor may be a concussion following baseline assessment.

Setting

The World Rugby concussion management database for global professional Rugby Union.

Participants

501 professional rugby players with two baseline Sports Concussion Assessment Tools (SCATs) and an intervening concussion (CONC) were compared with 1190 control players with successive annual SCAT5s and no diagnosed concussion (CONT).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Symptom endorsement, cognitive and balance performance during annual SCAT baseline assessments.

Results

Players with a diagnosed concussion (CONC) endorsed fewer symptoms (change −0.42, 95% CI −0.75 to −0.09), and reported lower symptom severity scores during their second assessment (T2, p<0.001) than non-concussed players (CONT). Concussed players also improved Digits Backward and Final Concentration scores in T2 (p<0.001). Tandem gait time was improved during T2 in CONT. No other sub-mode differences were observed in either group.

Conclusions

Reduced symptom endorsement and improved cognitive performance after concussion may be the result of differences in the motivation of previously concussed players to avoid exclusion from play, leading to under-reporting of symptoms and greater effort in cognitive tests. Improved cognitive performance may be the result of familiarity with the tests as a result of greater exposure to concussion screening. The changes are small and unlikely to have clinical significance in most cases, though clinicians should be mindful of possible reasons, possibly repeating sub-modes and investigating players whose baseline scores change significantly after concussion. The findings do not necessitate a change in the sport’s concussion management policy.
Hip abductor muscle strength in patients after total or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Kvarda Peter , Nüesch Corina , Egloff Christian , Appenzeller-Herzog Christian , Mündermann Annegret , Ismailidis Petros
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Reduced hip abductor strength may indirectly lead to changes in knee kinematics and functional impairment and has been reported in patients with patellofemoral pain and knee osteoarthritis (OA). Limited information is available regarding hip abductor strength following total or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (TKA/UKA). The aims of this systematic review are to synthesise the evidence of hip abductor muscle strength deficits in patients following TKA/UKA and to determine influencing factors for these deficits.

Methods and analysis

Embase, Medline, SportDiscus, the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus will be searched for human-based clinical studies investigating hip abductor muscle strength after TKA/UKA for knee OA or avascular necrosis (AVN). Articles studying hip abductor strength after knee arthroplasty for post-traumatic OA will not be considered. No restriction on study design, prosthesis design, surgical approach, patient characteristics or severity of OA/AVN will be applied. We will search articles published between 1 January 1990 and the date of our last search. Only articles in English or German language will be considered for inclusion. Studies reporting manually measured muscle strength or measurements performed at hip abduction angles other than 0° will be excluded. References will be screened by two reviewers independently. Where necessary, a third author will make the final decision. The assessment of quality and risk of bias will be performed with the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data will be extracted and presented in a tabular form. Depending on availability, comparable subgroup and meta-analyses will be conducted. Patient characteristics such as age, sex and surgical approach or rehabilitation programme will be analysed, if sufficient data are available.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval is required. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and as conference presentation.
E-mental health mindfulness-based and skills-based ‘CoPE It’ intervention to reduce psychological distress in times of COVID-19: study protocol for a bicentre longitudinal study
Authors: Bäuerle Alexander , Graf Johanna , Jansen Christoph , Musche Venja , Schweda Adam , Hetkamp Madeleine , Weismüller Benjamin , Dörrie Nora , Junne Florian , Teufel Martin , Skoda Eva-Maria
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic poses immense challenges for national and international healthcare systems. Especially in times of social isolation and governmental restrictions, mental health should not be neglected. Innovative approaches are required to support psychologically burdened people. The e-mental health intervention ‘CoPE It’ has been developed to offer manualised and evidence-based psychotherapeutic support adapted to COVID-19-related issues in order to overcome psychological distress. In our study, we aim to assess the efficacy of the e-mental health intervention ‘CoPE It’ in terms of reducing distress (primary outcome), depression and anxiety symptoms as well as improving self-efficacy, quality of life and mindfulness (secondary outcomes). Furthermore, we want to evaluate the programme’s usability, feasibility and participants’ satisfaction with ‘CoPE It’ (tertiary outcome).

Methods and analysis

The e-mental health intervention ‘CoPE It’ consists of four 30 min modules, conducted every other day, involving psychotherapeutic techniques of mindfulness-based stress reduction and cognitive–behavioural therapy. The widely applied and previously established content has been adapted to the context of the COVID-19 pandemic by experts in psychosomatic medicine and stress prevention. In our longitudinal study, adult participants—with adequate German language and computer skills, and who have provided informed consent—will be recruited via emergency support hotlines in Germany. Flyers will be distributed, and online channels will be used. Participants will complete a baseline assessment (T0), a postintervention assessment (T1) and assessments 1 and 3 months later (T2 and T3, respectively). We will perform repeated measures analysis of covariance, mixed linear models, standard analyses of variance and regression, and correlation coefficients. In case of binary outcome variables, either mixed logistic regression or χ² tests will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committees of the University of Duisburg-Essen (20-9243-BO) and University of Tübingen (469/2020BO) approved the study. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

DRKS00021301.
Biosensors, Biomarkers and Biometrics: a Bootcamp Perspective
Authors: James Osian P , Robinson David B T , Hopkins Luke , Bowman Chris , Powell Arfon G M T , Brown Chris , Bailey Damian M , Egan Richard J , Lewis Wyn G
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Competitive physical performance is routinely monitored by wearable technology (biosensors), yet professional healthcare is not, despite high prevalence of trainee stress and burnout, notwithstanding the corresponding risk to patient safety. This study aimed to document the physiological stress response of UK Core Surgical Trainees (CSTs) during simulation training.

Methods

CSTs (n=20, 10 male) were fitted with Vital Scout Wellness Monitors (VivaLNK, Campbell, California, USA) for an intensive 3-day training bootcamp. In addition to physiological parameters, CST demographics, event diaries and Maslach Burnout Inventory scores were recorded prospectively during exposure to three scenarios: interactive lectures, clinical skills simulation and non-technical (communication) training.

Results

Baseline heart rate (BHR, 60 bpm (range 39–81 bpm)) and baseline respiratory rate (14/min (11–18/min)) varied considerably and did not correlate (rho 0.076, p=0.772). BHR was associated with weekly exercise performed (66 bpm (<1 hour) vs 43 bpm (>5 hour), rho −0.663, p=0.004). Trainee response (standardised median heart rate vs BHR) revealed heart rate was related proportionately to lectures (71 bpm, p<0.001), non-technical skills training (79 bpm, p<0.001) and clinical skills simulation (88 bpm, p<0.001). Respiratory rate responded similarly (p<0.001 in each case). Heart rate during clinical skills simulation was associated with emotional exhaustion (rho 0.493, p=0.044), but maximum heart rate was unrelated to CSTs’ perceived peak stressors.

Discussion

Stress response, as derived from positive sympathetic heart rate drive varied over two-fold, with a direct implication on oxygen uptake and energy expenditure, and highlighting the daily physical demands placed upon clinicians.
Concurrent intracranial and extracranial artery stenosis and the prognosis of transient ischaemic symptoms or imaging-negative ischaemic stroke
Authors: Suo Yue , Jing Jing , Pan Yuesong , Chen Weiqi , Zhou Hongyu , Li Hao , Pu Yuehua , Liu Liping , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yilong , Meng Xia , Wang Yongjun
Published: August 2020

Background and purpose

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA), transient symptoms with infarction (TSI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-negative acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) share similar aetiologies but are considered to have a rather benign prognosis. We intended to investigate the association between intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS), extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ECAS) and the prognosis of patients with TIA, TSI and DWI-negative AIS.

Methods

Clinical and imaging data of eligible participants were derived from the Chinese Intracranial Atherosclerosis study, according to symptom duration, acute infarction on DWI and discharge diagnosis. Based on the severity and location of arterial atherosclerosis, we categorised the study population into four groups: no or <50% ICAS and no ECAS; ≥50% ICAS but no ECAS; no or <50% ICAS with ECAS; and concurrent ≥50% ICAS and ECAS. Using multivariable Cox regression models, we analysed the relationship between the severity and distribution of large artery atherosclerosis and the prognosis of TIA, TSI and DWI-negative AIS.

Results

A total of 806 patients were included, 67.3% of whom were male. The median age of the study participants was 63 years. Patients in the concurrent ≥50% ICAS and ECAS subgroup had both a significantly higher 1-year recurrence rate (adjusted HR 3.4 (95% CI 1.15 to 10.04), p=0.027) and a higher risk of composite vascular events (adjusted HR 3.82 (95% CI 1.50 to 9.72), p=0.005).

Conclusions

Concurrent ICAS and ECAS is associated with a higher possibility of 1-year recurrent stroke or composite vascular events. Large artery evaluation is necessary to assess patients with transient ischaemic symptoms or DWI-negative AIS. Progress in shortening the time interval between symptom onset and large vessel evaluation is needed.
Multifunctional compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Storr Tim
Published: August 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, and the prevalence of this currently untreatable disease is expected to rise in step with increased global life expectancy. AD is a multifaceted disorder commonly characterized by extracellular amyloid–beta (Aβ) aggregates, oxidative stress, metal ion dysregulation, and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. This review will focus on medicinal inorganic chemistry strategies to target AD, with a focus on the Aβ peptide and its relation to metal ion dysregulation and oxidative stress. Multifunctional compounds designed to target multiple disease processes have emerged as promising therapeutic options, and recent reports detailing multifunctional metal-binding compounds, as well as discrete metal complexes, will be discussed.
Studies of asymmetric particle production in different multiplicity zones in azimuthal space in high energy nucleus–nucleus interactions
Authors: Bhattacharyya Swarnapratim
Published: August 2020

Studies of asymmetric particle production and investigation of dynamical fluctuations in different multiplicity zones in azimuthal space are performed for 16O–AgBr, 22Ne–AgBr, 28Si–AgBr, and 32S–AgBr interactions at (4.1–4.5) AGeV/c. Evidence of strong dynamical fluctuations is observed for the experimental data. Comparisons of the experimental results with the results of Monte Carlo simulated events (MC-RAND) and the results obtained from the analysis of the AMPT model also strengthen the experimental findings.
On the Modeling of the Three Types of Non-spiking Neurons of the Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Naudin Loïs , Corson Nathalie , Aziz-Alaoui M. A. , Jiménez Laredo Juan Luis , Démare Thibaut
Published: August 2020

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a well-known model organism in neuroscience. The relative simplicity of its nervous system, made up of few hundred neurons, shares some essential features with more sophisticated nervous systems, including the human one. If we are able to fully characterize the nervous system of this organism, we will be one step closer to understanding the mechanisms underlying the behavior of living things. Following a recently conducted electrophysiological survey on different C. elegans neurons, this paper aims at modeling the three non-spiking RIM, AIY and AFD neurons (arbitrarily named with three upper case letters by convention). To date, they represent the three possible forms of non-spiking neuronal responses of the C. elegans. To achieve this objective, we propose a conductance-based neuron model adapted to the electrophysiological features of each neuron. These features are based on current biological research and a series of in-silico experiments which use differential evolution to fit the model to experimental data. From the obtained results, we formulate a series of biological hypotheses regarding currents involved in the neuron dynamics. These models reproduce experimental data with a high degree of accuracy while being biologically consistent with state-of-the-art research.
Dynamics of the particle around de Sitter–Schwarzschild black hole surrounded by quintessence
Authors: Ali Khan Israr , Sultan Khan Amir , Islam Saeed
Published: August 2020

The study of particle dynamics in the vicinity of a black hole environed by dark energy and magnetic field has attracted researchers for their importance in astrophysics and cosmology. In this paper, we study the dynamics of neutral and charged particles in the vicinity of de Sitter–Schwarzschild black hole (DS–Sch-BH) surrounded by quintessence. The effect of the DS part is explored by virtue of effective potential, effective force, and escape velocity of the particle (neutral and charged) moving around DS–Sch-BH. Finally, a comparative study is also investigated.
Demystification of nonrelativistic theories in curved background
Authors: Banerjee Rabin
Published: August 2020

We discuss a new formalism for constructing a nonrelativistic (NR) theory in curved background. Named as galilean gauge theory, it is based on gauging the global galilean symmetry. It provides a systematic algorithm for obtaining the covariant curved spacetime generalisation of any NR theory defined in flat spacetime. The resulting background is just the Newton–Cartan manifold. The example of NR free particle is explicitly demonstrated.
Modules whose submodule lattice is lower finite
Authors: Harmon Luke , Oman Greg
Published: August 2020

A bounded poset [Formula: see text] is said to be lower finite if [Formula: see text] is infinite and for all [Formula: see text], there are but finitely many [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] In this paper, we classify the modules [Formula: see text] over a commutative ring [Formula: see text] with identity with the property that the lattice [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]-submodules [Formula: see text] (under set-theoretic containment) is lower finite. Our results are summarized in Theorem 3.1 at the end of this note.
Equivalence between entanglement of channel and measurement in quantum teleportation
Authors: Govind S. , Balakrishnan S.
Published: August 2020

In this work, we analyze the concept of quantum bridge using Non-Maximally Entangled (NME) states. We propose two schemes for the quantum teleportation of an unknown qubit using an NME channel as a bridge between the sender and the receiver. We show that quantum channels and the measurements are equivalent in achieving the quantum teleportation only when the degree of entanglement is the maximum.
Synthesis and Visible-Light Photocatalytic N2/H2O to Ammonia of Au@CDs Core-Shell Nanocatalyst
Authors: Cui Ying-dan , Maimaiti Halidan , Wang Shi-Xin , Xu Bo , Zhang Hai-zhen , Zhai Pei-shuai
Published: August 2020

Synthesis and visible-light photocatalytic N2/H2O to ammonia at atmospheric pressure and room temperature is considered to be the most ideal ammonia synthesis technology. In this study, coal-based carbon dots (CDs) were prepared by H2O2oxidation method using cheap and ubiquitous coal as the carbon source. Then the gold sol was connected to CDs to obtain a core-shell structure photocatalyst Au@CDs by sodium borohydride (NaBH4) reduction method. While characterizing the material structure, the photocatalytic N2/H2O to ammonia performance of Au@CDs was investigated. The results show that the introduction of CDs in Au @CDs photocatalysts can not only improve the performance of the catalyst to excite carriers in visible light, but also inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, promote the charge transport ability and make photogenerated electrons and holes move smoothly to the catalyst surface. Meanwhile, the adsorption and dissociation capacity of N2on the catalyst surface can be improved, thereby the photocatalytic N2/H2O ammonia synthesis reaction of Au@CDs can proceed smoothly.
Anisotropic Effect on Local Magnetic Properties of 3D Extended Ising Model
Authors: Elidrysy A. , Harir S. , Zouhair A. , Boughaleb Y.
Published: August 2020

The magnetic properties of anisotropic 3D Ising model on a cubic lattice are studied by Monte Carlo simulation. In particular, we have considered an extended 3D Ising model with spatially uniaxial anisotropic bond randomness on the simple cubic lattice parameterized by exchange interaction parameter [Formula: see text], anisotropy parameter [Formula: see text] and external longitudinal magnetic field [Formula: see text]. The obtained numerical data clearly point out a second-order ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition belonging in the same universality class with the 3D random Ising model at critical temperature [Formula: see text] that is strongly correlated to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Especially, in the limit, [Formula: see text], the spin ½ cubic lattice becomes a collection of noncorrelated Ising chains, whereas in the other limit, [Formula: see text], the system becomes a stack of noncorrelated Ising square lattice.
The Effects of Agricultural and Urban Land Use on Drinking Water Treatment Costs: An Analysis of United States Community Water Systems
Authors: Price James I. , Heberling Matthew T.
Published: August 2020

For community water providers, safeguarding source waters from contamination offers an additional barrier of protection and a potential means of avoiding in-plant treatment costs. Whether source water protection efforts are cost-effective relative to in-plant treatment requires hydrologic, geologic, and climatologic knowledge of source watersheds, as well as an understanding of how changes in source water quality affect treatment costs. Quantitative evidence on the latter relationship is limited. This study estimates separate hedonic cost functions for water systems that primarily use surface water sources and those that primarily use groundwater sources using a database of United States (US) Community Water Systems. Cost functions relate annual variable treatment cost to production, factor input prices, capital stock, and source water quality, as proxied by land use within various ex-ante defined contributing areas (i.e., surrounding land areas affecting source water quality). For surface water systems, a 1% increase in urban land relative to forestland is correlated with a 0.13% increase in annual variable treatment costs. In this analysis, the relationship between costs and agricultural land is not statistically significant. Conversely, for groundwater systems, a 1% increase in agricultural land relative to forestland is correlated with a 0.24% increase in costs, whereas in this analysis the relationship between costs and urban land is not statistically significant. The cost-effectiveness of forestland preservation, based on sample means, varies considerably with the size of the contributing area, with no clear indication as to whether preservation is more likely to be cost-effective for surface water or groundwater systems.
Optimizing Data Transmission from IoT Devices Through Weighted Online Data Changing Detectors
Authors: Diván Mario José , Sánchez-Reynoso María Laura
Published: August 2020

The real-time data analysis requires an integrated approach to know the last known state of variables of a concept under monitoring. Thereby, the Internet-of-Thing (IoT) devices have provided alternatives to address distributed data collection strategies. However, the autonomy of IoT devices represents one of the main challenges to implement the collecting strategy. Battery autonomy is affected directly by the energy consumption derived from data transmissions. The Data Stream Processing Strategy (DSPS) is an architecture oriented to the implementation of measurement projects based on a measurement and evaluation framework. Its online processing is guided by the measurement metadata informed from IoT devices associated with a component named Measurement Adapter (MA). This paper presents a new data buffer organization based on measurement metadata articulated with online data filtering to optimize the data transmissions from MA. As contributions, a weighted data change detection approach is incorporated, while a new local buffer based on logical windows is proposed for MA. Also, an articulation among the data buffer, a temporal barrier, and data change detectors is introduced. The proposal was implemented and released on the pabmmCommons library. A discrete simulation on the library is here described to provide initial applicability patterns. The data buffer consumed 568 Kb for monitoring 100 simultaneous metrics. The online estimation of the mean and variance based on the Statistical Process Control consumed 238 ns. However, as a limitation, other scenarios need to be addressed before generalizing results. As future work, new alternatives to filter noise online will be addressed.
Review—Towards the Two-Dimensional Hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D h-BN) Electrochemical Sensing Platforms
Authors: Angizi Shayan , Khalaj Maryam , Alem Sayed Ali Ahmad , Pakdel Amir , Willander Magnus , Hatamie Amir , Simchi Abdolreza
Published: August 2020

Electrochemical sensing performance of two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (2D h-BN) has traditionally been suppressed by their intrinsic electrical insulation and deficient electron transportation mechanism. However, the excellent electrocatalytic activity, high specific surface area, N- and B-active edges, structural defects, adjustable band gap through interaction with other nanomaterials, and chemical functionalization, makes 2D h-BN ideal for many sensing applications. Therefore, finding a pathway to modulate the electronic properties of 2D h-BN while the intrinsic characteristics are well preserved, will evolve a new generation of highly sensitive and selective electrochemical (bio)sensors. That is why extensive research has recently focused on the challenge to functionalize 2D h-BN by controlling the surface chemical reactions with external species, particularly metal nanoparticles. This review summarizes the most recent progress in the application of 2D h-BN nanosheets in electrochemical (bio)sensing. We will explore the fabrication techniques of 2D h-BN for electrochemical applications followed by thorough discussion on their advantages, shortcomings, and promising possibilities as (bio)sensing platforms in near future.
From proposal to poster: course-based undergraduate research experience in a physiology laboratory course
Authors: Rennhack Jonathan P. , VanRyn Valerie S. , Poteracki James M. , Wehrwein Erica A.
Published: August 2020

The laboratory course is an excellent venue to apply content, practice inquiry, improve critical thinking, practice key clinical skills, and work with data. The use of inquiry-based course projects allows for students to propose open ended questions, form a hypothesis, design an experiment, collect data, analyze data, draw conclusion, and present their findings. This comprehensive experience is ideal for a capstone (senior level) laboratory course that is the culmination of 4 yr of study in the degree. At Michigan State University, the capstone laboratory has incorporated a formal course-based research experience in human physiology. The rationale and logistics for running such an experience are described in this paper.
Lighting up the NMJ: developing an LED-based model of the neuromuscular junction for the undergraduate classroom
Authors: Olson Hunter L. , Turin Daniel R. , Petzold Andrew M.
Published: August 2020

Many complex physiological processes can be introduced and explored using the framework of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), including neurotransmitter release, membrane depolarization, and ion channel activity. While traditionally used instructional tools such as static complex drawings are useful, these images can be incomplete physiological representations due to the lack of physically moving parts. As a result, they often misrepresent the complexity of physiological phenomena to students. We describe an effort to create a more accurate, dynamic representation of the NMJ to enhance instruction in an undergraduate anatomy and physiology course. We sought to create a unique and memorable moving diagram that combines elements of static images with moving parts. To evaluate the impact of the dynamic model, students were asked about their understanding of the NMJ before and after exposure to the model. In addition, students were asked for attitudinal responses to the model and their preferred method of instruction. Analysis of student responses indicated that students enjoyed the model, although they also had concerns about the speed of the simulated ion movement being too fast. The model has also served as an informal science education art installation in presentations for prospective students, stakeholders in the broader community, including local and statewide politicians, the University president and board of trustees, donors, and other regional economic and educational leaders.
Burden and Determinant of Inadequate Dietary Diversity among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hidru Hagos Degefa , Berwo Mengesha Meresa , Hailesilassie Yared , Tekulu Welay Fissaha
Published: August 2020

Background. Inadequate dietary diversity intake during pregnancy results in increased risks of negative maternal and perinatal outcomes. About one million neonates die on the first day of life due to inadequate dietary intake during pregnancy as a result of maternal complication and adverse birth outcomes. This review summarizes the burden of inadequate dietary diversity and its determinants among pregnant women at the national level of Ethiopia.Methods. Studies were retrieved from selected electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Random-effects model meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled burden of inadequate dietary diversity and its determinants at a 95% confidence interval with its respective odds ratio (OR) using statistical R-software version 3.6.1. Moreover, quality appraisal of the included studies, publication bias, and level of heterogeneity were checked with subgroup analysis and sensitivity influential test. The searches were restricted to articles published in the English language only, and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH terms) was used to help expand the search in advanced PubMed search.Result. A total of 850 articles were identified through the initial search of which 21 studies were included in the final review yielding a total sample size of 9,230 pregnant women. The pooled prevalence of inadequate dietary diversity was 53% (95% CI: 44%, 62%). Food insecurity [AOR = 2.18, (95% CI: 1.02, 4.63)], family size of greater than four [AOR = 1.46, (95% CI: 1.10, 1.95)], rural residence [AOR = 4.52, (95% CI: 1.02, 20.09)], no formal educational status [AOR = 4.50, (95% CI: 1.02, 20.09)], and a lack of counseling about dietary diversity [AOR = 2.75, (95% CI: 2.17, 3.48)] were among the significantly associated factors for inadequate dietary diversity.Conclusion. In this review, there was a high prevalence of inadequate dietary diversity among pregnant women at the national level in Ethiopia. Therefore, strengthening early counseling and diagnosis of dietary intake and undernutrition during the antenatal care period is important.
Stress Evolution Law of Surrounding Rock with Gob‐Side Entry Retaining by Roof Cutting and Pressure Release in Composite Roof
Authors: Zhang Yong , Xu Huichen , Song Peng , Sun Xiaoming , He Manchao , Guo Zhibiao
Published: August 2020

The stress concentration of gob‐side entry surrounding rock is a hot topic in coal mining. In this paper, through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, the pressure relief mechanism of the gob‐side entry retaining by roof cutting and pressure release (RCPR) and the spatiotemporal development law of surrounding rock stress of the gob‐side entry were analyzed. The studies showed that the gob‐side entry retaining by RCPR shortened the length of the lateral cantilever by directional roof cutting, which weakened the stress level of the gob‐side entry. In the meantime, the goaf gangues could play a good filling role by using their breaking and swelling characteristics under the action of gangue‐blocking supports and further optimized the stress environment along the roadway. Field industrial tests verified that the gob‐side entry retaining by RCPR had a significant effect on pressure relief, and the surrounding rock stress and deformation tended to stabilize after about 160 m of lagging working face. Numerical analysis reproduced the whole process of “mining‐retention‐using” of roof cutting roadway and revealed that surrounding rocks were always in the zone of relative stress reduction during the whole process. The peak value of mining‐induced lateral stress was about 10 m away from the middle point of the gob‐side entry. The change of surrounding rock stress could be divided into three stages: significant increase, dynamic adjustment, and stable stage. However, during the second mining, the stress connected zone would appear on the leading working face, and the stress concentration in this zone was significant. Based on the above analysis, we concluded that the new technology could be applied to the medium‐thickness coal seam in the composite roof.
Antiganglioside Antibodies and Inflammatory Response in Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Ene Corina Daniela , Tampa Mircea , Nicolae Ilinca , Mitran Cristina Iulia , Mitran Madalina Irina , Matei Clara , Caruntu Ana , Caruntu Constantin , Georgescu Simona Roxana
Published: August 2020

Introduction. Endogenously produced antiganglioside antibodies could affect the evolution of cutaneous melanoma. Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggest “chronic inflammation” to be one of the hallmarks in skin cancers. The aim of the study was to characterize the relation between antiganglioside antibodies and inflammation in cutaneous melanoma focusing on gangliosides GM1, GM2, GM3, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b, GQ1b. Material and Method. We performed an observational study that included 380 subjects subdivided into three groups: patients with metastatic melanoma (170 cases), patients with primary melanoma (160 cases), and healthy subjects (50 subjects). The assessment of antiganglioside antibodies, IgG, and IgM classes, against -GM1, -GM2, -GM3, -GD1a, -GD1b, -GT1b, -GQ1b was performed using immunoblot technique (EUROLine kit). Results. The presence of IgG and IgM antiganglioside antibodies in primary melanoma was (%), as follows: anti-GM1 (5.0 and 13.1), -GM2 (1.8 and 18.1), -GM3 (0.6 and 5.6), -GD1a (0.6 and 15.0), -GD1b (3.7 and 10.7), -GT1b (0.0 and 13.1), -GQ1b (0.0 and 5.0). In metastatic melanoma, the level of antiganglioside antibodies was significantly lower compared with primary melanoma (p<0.05), while in the control group they were absent. Antiganglioside antibodies anti-GM1 and -GD1a were positively correlated, while anti-GM3, -GD1b, and -GT1b were negatively associated with the inflammatory markers, interleukin 8 (IL-8), and C reactive protein (CRP). Conclusions. Tumour ganglioside antigens generate an immune response in patients with primary melanomas. The host’s ability to elaborate an early antiganglioside response could be considered as a defence mechanism, directed toward eliminating a danger signal from the tumour microenvironment. Antiganglioside antibodies associated with inflammation markers could be used as diagnostic, monitoring, and treatment tools in patients with cutaneous melanoma.
2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) and Polychlorinated Biphenyl Coexposure Alters the Expression Profile of MicroRNAs in the Liver Associated with Atherosclerosis
Authors: Shan Qiuli , Qu Fan , Chen Ningning
Published: August 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNAs that regulate gene expression. 2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants that exist as complex mixtures in vivo. When humans are simultaneously exposed to these compounds, the development of atherosclerosis is known to be enhanced. However, the roles of miRNA in TCDD‐ and PCB‐induced atherosclerosis are largely unknown. Therefore, the present study is aimed at elucidating the possible dysregulation of miRNAs in atherogenesis induced by coexposure to TCDD and PCBs. Eight‐week‐old male ApoE-/- mice were coexposed to TCDD (15 μg/kg) and Aroclor1254 (55 mg/kg, a representative mixture of PCBs) by intraperitoneal injection four times over a 6‐week period. Microarray analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs in the liver of ApoE-/- mice with or without TCDD and Aroclor1254 coexposure was performed. We discovered that 68 miRNAs and 1312 mRNAs exhibited significant expression changes in response to TCDD and PCB coexposure and revealed that both changed miRNAs and mRNAs are involved in cardiovascular disease processes. An integrated miRNA‐mRNA approach indicated that miRNA‐26a‐5p, miRNA‐193a‐3p, and miRNA‐30c‐5p participated in specific TCDD and Aroclor1254 coresponsive networks which are relevant to the cardiovascular system development and function network. Furthermore, our results also indicated that miRNA‐130a‐3p and miRNA‐376a‐3p were novel players in the regulation of TCDD‐ and Aroclor1254‐induced atherosclerosis pathways. In summary, our finding provided new insights into the mechanism of atherosclerosis in response to TCDD and PCB coexposure.
Inhibition of Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Bark, Leaf, and Male Flower Extracts of Eucommia ulmoides
Authors: Xing Yun-Yun , Wang Jian-Ying , Wang Kai , Zhang Yan , Liu Kun , Chen Xiao-Yun , Yuan Ying
Published: August 2020

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., a native Chinese plant species, has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine formulation to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), strengthen bones and muscles, and lower blood pressure. Various parts of this plant such as the bark, leaves, and flowers have been found to have anti‐inflammatory properties. E. ulmoides has potential applications as a therapeutic agent against bone disorders, which were investigated in this study. In vitro, RA joint fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (RA‐FLS) were treated with different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1000 μg/mL) of E. ulmoides bark, leaf, and male flower alcoholic extracts (EB, EL, and EF, respectively) to determine their potential cytotoxicity. Tumor necrosis factor‐ (TNF‐) α and nitric oxide (NO) levels in RA‐FLS were quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) rats were treated with EB, EL, EF, Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside (TG) or the normal control (Nor), and then ankle joint pathology, bone morphology, and serum and spleen inflammatory cytokine levels were evaluated. The results showed that, in RA‐FLS, EB, EL, and EF were not cytotoxic; EB and EF reduced TNF‐α supernatant levels; and EB, EL, and EF reduced NO levels. The results of in vivo experiments showed that EB, EL, and EF alleviated ankle swelling and joint inflammation, while all extracts diminished inflammatory cell infiltration, pannus and bone destruction, and bone erosion. All tested extracts inhibited interleukin‐ (IL‐) 6, IL‐17, and TNF‐α mRNA in the spleen of CIA rats, while EB most effectively reduced osteoclasts and inhibited bone erosion. EF showed the most obvious inhibition of inflammatory factors and pannus. Thus, EB, EL, and EF may alleviate bone destruction by inhibiting inflammation.
Uniaxial Static Strain Promotes Osteoblast Proliferation and Bone Matrix Formation in Distraction Osteogenesis In Vitro
Authors: Li Zhengqiang , Zheng Junfa , Wan Di , Yang Xiaoqin
Published: August 2020

Objective. We aimed at investigating the effects of uniaxial static strain on osteoblasts in distraction osteogenesis (DO). Methods. To simulate the mechanical stimulation of osteoblasts during DO, 10% uniaxial static strain was applied to osteoblasts using a homemade multiunit cell stretching and compressing device. Before and after applying strain stimulation, the morphological changes of osteoblasts were observed by inverted phase‐contrast microscopy, Coomassie blue staining, and immunofluorescence. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mRNA levels (proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], ALP, Runx2, osteocalcin [OCN], collagen type I, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐ [HIF‐] 1α, and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]), and protein levels (Runx2, OCN, collagen type I, HIF‐1α, and VEGF) were evaluated by using ALP kit, real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results. After the mechanical stimulation, the cytoskeleton microfilaments were rearranged, and the cell growth direction of the osteoblasts became ordered, with their direction being at an angle of about 45° from the direction of strain. The proliferation of osteoblasts and the expression levels of mRNA and protein of ALP, Runx2, OCN, collagen type I, HIF‐1α, and VEGF were significantly higher than in the nonstretch control groups. Conclusion. Our homemade device can exert uniaxial static strain and promote the proliferation of osteoblasts and bone matrix formation. It can be used to simulate the mechanical stimulation of osteoblasts during DO.
An UPLC‐MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Quantification of the Components of Shenyanyihao Oral Solution in Rat Plasma
Authors: Jiang Chunbo , Liang Guoqiang , Ren Yan , Xu Tianjun , Song Yongliang , Jin Weimin
Published: August 2020

Objectives. To study the quantification of the components in rat plasma after oral administration of Shenyanyihao oral solution. Methods. Shenyanyihao oral solution has been traditionally used for the treatments of chronic nephritis in clinics. Stachydrine, Danshensu, chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, plantamajoside, aesculetin, isoquercitrin, ferulic acid, baicalin, and baicalein are regarded as the main compounds in Shenyanyihao oral solution. A sensitive, efficient, and precise UPLC‐MS/MS method was established and validated for the quantification of the components in rat plasma after oral administration of Shenyanyihao oral solution. Results. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of the components were acquired based on the analysis of the plasma sample by a noncompartmental method using the WinNonlin7.0 pharmacokinetic program. Danshensu, protocatechuic acid, isoquercitrin, and ferulic acid from Shenyanyihao oral solution were quickly absorbed, and their peak concentration occurred at less than 0.5 h. The pharmacokinetic parameter of the average t1/2 from Danshensu was 3.91 h in rats, and it was the most rapid distribution and elimination among the components. In addition, the Cmax of stachydrine and baicalin were revealed as the higher plasma concentrations in rats. Conclusions. This pharmacokinetic study seems to be useful for a further clinical study of Shenyanyihao oral solution in the treatments of chronic nephritis.
A Case of Heterotopic Ossification in Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma Type 2
Authors: Davaro Facundo , Davaro Elizabeth , Qureshi Amna , Lombardo Lindsay
Published: August 2020

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with a variety of different histopathologic subtypes in which each subtype may be further subclassified. These entities carry with them unique prognoses and necessitate treatment with specific immunotherapy agents should advanced disease be uncovered. Meanwhile, aberrant physiologic processes may lead to unique histologic findings within these subtypes, further complicating management and prognostication. Heterotopic ossification within RCC is one of these rare occurrences and was once thought to have favorable prognostic implications. We report a case of a young female with papillary type 2 RCC with heterotopic ossification.
The Importance of Cognitive and Mental Factors on Prediction of Job Performance in Chinese High-Speed Railway Dispatchers
Authors: Guo Zizheng , Zou Jiaming , He Chuanning , Tan Xi , Chen Chongshuang , Feng Guo
Published: August 2020

High-speed railway (HSR) transportation poses a serious challenge to dispatchers, whose job performance plays a critical role for the safety and efficiency of the transportation system. This study examined the relationship between cognitive and mental factors and job performance among Chinese high-speed railway dispatchers and established a predictive model for the job performance of dispatchers. Cognitive abilities involved in train dispatching including working memory and multiobject tracking and potential related mental factors including depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and social support were examined. Job performances were measured by both subjective and objective indicators, i.e., the overall evaluation by supervisors and the delay time by dispatching simulator. Stepwise regression results showed that both cognitive abilities and 2 mental factors (depression and perceived stress) have strong relations with job performance, and tremendous distinction between groups of good and poor performance of HSR dispatchers is revealed. The predictive model accounted for 91% of the overall variance in objective performance indicator and has 96% distinguished accuracy of good and poor groups. These findings imply that cognitive and mental factors should be of great concern to the current practice of Chinese HSR dispatcher selection and management.
Association between Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 and Relative Skeletal Maturation: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Short Children and Adolescents
Authors: Zhao Qianqian , Zhang Mei , Chu Yuntian , Ji Baolan , Pan Hui , Sun Hailing , Ban Bo
Published: August 2020

Objective. Delays in skeletal maturity are related to bone mass and fracture risk in children, but the factors that determine it are unknown. We aimed to identify the association between insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and skeletal maturation before and after growth hormone (GH) treatment. Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, we observed 783 short children and adolescents, 229 of whom received GH therapy. Skeletal maturation was assessed based on the difference between bone age (BA) and chronological age (CA) (noted as BA‐CA). Anthropometric data and laboratory values were measured, and BA was evaluated using the Greulich and Pyle method. Results. The delayed BA group was defined as BA‐CA < −2 SD (n = 457), and the occurrence rate of BA delay was 58.37%. A nonlinear relationship was observed between the IGF‐1 standard deviation score (IGF‐1 SDS) and BA‐CA before and after GH therapy. Before GH therapy, there was a significant positive association between the IGF‐1 SDS and BA‐CA when the IGF‐1 level was greater than ‐2 SDS (β 0.17, 95% CI 0.08, 027; P < 0.001). However, we did not observe a significant relationship between the IGF‐1 SDS and BA‐CA when the IGF‐1 level was lower than ‐2 SDS (β 0.07, 95% CI ‐0.12, 0.26; P = 0.454). After GH therapy, there was a significant positive association between the IGF‐1 SDS and BA‐CA when the IGF‐1 level was lower than 2 SDS (β 0.20, 95% CI 0.12, 028; P < 0.001). However, we did not observe a significant relationship between the IGF‐1 SDS and BA‐CA when the IGF‐1 level was greater than 2 SDS (β ‐0.03, 95% CI ‐0.33, 0.27; P = 0.866). Conclusion. BA is more delayed in short children and adolescents. There is a nonlinear relationship between IGF‐1 and BA maturation in short children before and after GH treatment. These findings suggest that a low level of IGF‐1 may contribute to BA delay in short children and adolescents.
The Effect of a Multidisciplinary Trauma Team Leader Paradigm at a Tertiary Trauma Center: 10-Year Experience
Authors: Lavigueur Olivier , Nemeth Joe , Razek Tarek , Maghraby Nisreen
Published: August 2020

Background. To illustrate the impact of the implementation of a multidisciplinary TTL program in 2005 on the mortality of trauma patients in a level 1 trauma center as well as admission rates and length of stay. Methods. Retrospective observational study of all trauma patients included in the provincial trauma database at the Montreal General Hospital between 1998 and 2015. The primary outcome studied was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes studied were hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) rates of admission and hospital and ICU length of stay. Results. 24,107 patients were included. We observed a statistically significant reduction in mortality of 1.25% or a relative reduction of 16% (p value = 0.0058; rate ratio 0.844 (95% CI 0.747–0.952)). ICU admissions were also significantly reduced where we observed a statistically significant absolute reduction of 4.46% or a relative reduction of 14% (p value = 8.38 × 10−7; rate ratio 0.859 (95% CI 0.808–0.912)). The ICU length of stay was increased by 0.91 days or 19.03% (p value = 0.016 (95% CI 0.167–1.655)). There was no observed change in overall length of stay (13.97 days pre-TTL and 12.91 post-TTL (p value = 0.13; estimate −1.053 (95% CI −2.424–0.318))). Conclusions. This article suggests that multidisciplinary TTL model may be beneficial in the care of trauma patients. Further subgroup analysis may help determine which patients could benefit more.