bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complications related to entry techniques for laparoscopy in 159 dogs and cats
Authors: Anderson Scott J. , Fransson Boel A.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To report the frequency and risk factors of complications related to 3 entry techniques for laparoscopy in small animals.

Study design

Single‐institution retrospective case series.

Animals

159 client‐owned dogs and cats.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for dogs and cats undergoing laparoscopic surgery with carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation between 2006 and 2018. Data including entry site, entry technique, signalment, body conformation, complications, and operating surgeon/resident were analyzed by univariate regression analysis. Factors with P < .25 were included in multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Complications occurred in 33 of 159 (21%) surgeries and were considered minor (CO2 leaks, omental insufflation, repeated entry) in 30 of 33 (91%) cases. The Ternamian visual entry, modified Hasson, and Veress needle entry techniques were associated with complications in 7 (9%), 17 (26%), and 9 (60%) surgeries, respectively. Major complications occurred in 3 of 159 (2%) surgeries, in which entry‐related hemorrhage prompted conversion to an open technique (2 [13%] entries with Veress needle) and 1 [1%] with the Ternamian visual). Entry location and entry technique remained significant in the final multivariate model. Complications were 11.7 times more likely after a paramedian entry than after a midline entry; the odds ratio of complications were 5 and 28 times higher after modified Hasson and Veress needle entries, respectively, than after Ternamian visual entry.

Conclusion

In this study, a Ternamian visual entry technique and midline entry site appeared associated with fewer complications than 2 other techniques.

Clinical significance

The findings in this study are preliminary, and superiority of any entry technique must be reevaluated in a prospective randomized controlled study.
Biological removal of phosphorus and diversity analysis of microbial community in the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) system
Authors: Ge Yanhui , Lan Jing , Zhan Chaoguo , Zhou Yan , Ma Chuanxin , Zhao Lin
Published: May 2019

An anaerobic/aerobic sequencing batch reactor was used to test enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) in wastewater. In the present study, after 6 weeks of operation, the phosphorous and TOC removal efficiency reached to 97.8 and 97.5%, respectively. Our results suggest that phosphate‐accumulating organisms (PAOs) play a key role in the phosphorus removal in the EBPR system. Qualitative and quantitative measurements indicate the appear and changing trend of characteristic particles in activated sludge, which further illustrates the metabolic activity and mechanism of PAOs. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) images showed that PAOs gradually became the predominant bacteria in the EBPR system, aligning with the results of phosphorus removal rate. PCR‐DGGE profile demonstrated that with the operation of EBPR process, the composition of microorganisms became more and more abundant in the EBPR system over time. Further sequencing analysis indicated that these microbial populations belonged to α‐Proteobacteria, β‐Proteobacteria, γ‐proteobacteria, Rhodococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp.
A Simple Approach to Assess if a Financial “Bubble” is Present: The Case of Bitcoin
Authors: Fonseca Vitor M. A. da , Fonseca Manuel A. R. da
Published: May 2019

This article’s goal is to evaluate if the recent price behavior of Bitcoin can be characterized as a financial market “bubble”. To deal with this assessment, we adopt a statistical definition of a “bubble” derived from the efficient market hypothesis and we propose a simple method to test this proposition, based on the time-series model known as random walk. We analyze the data available for Bitcoin prices, together with an asset selected as benchmark, and perform statistical tests derived from simple regression equations. The main conclusion is that there is consistent evidence that that Bitcoin follows the pattern of a financial “bubble” – at least, such pattern is more evident in the case of Bitcoin than in the stock index used as benchmark.
The Sense of Quality of Life Among the Elderly in the Open Protection Centres of the Elderly (KAPI) During the Economic Crisis
Authors: Dermatis Zacharias , Konstantinopoulou Athanasia , Lazakidou Athina , Anastasiou Athanasios
Published: May 2019

Surveys in the field of health sociology have repeatedly shown that people belonging to low socio-economic groups face health problems and live less than people belonging to high socio-economic groups. The purpose of the current survey is to investigate the socio-economic indicators that affect the health level of the elderly. A number of questionnaires were distributed to the elderly in a number of Open Protection Centres of the Elderly (KAPI) in the country. A total of 897 questionnaires were filled in. The data was processed using the IBM SPSS Statistics v. 23. Regarding the existence of correlations between economic characteristics and the sense of the quality of life of the elderly, it was established that people with economic autonomy and highest annual income perceive their quality of life as being superior compared to those lacking economic autonomy and lower annual income. There is almost complete coincidence of the research findings with the theoretical approaches of the literature survey. Specifically, there is an apparently stronger proportional relationship of the “Sense of Quality of Life” with the Health Characteristics of the respondents and a less proportional relationship of the “Sense of Quality of Life” with the Economic Characteristics of the respondents.
Additive Manufacturing for Serial Production of High-Performance Metal Parts
Authors: Siebold Markus
Published: May 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a process that builds parts layer-by-layer from sliced CAD models to form solid objects. Just a few years ago, 3D printing was primarily used for rapid prototyping. Due to improvements in performance, AM has the potential to become a new key technology for serial production. Innovative advances like selective laser melting (SLM) enable the manufacture of high-performance metal parts. Modern printers contain several lasers, which enables the production of multiple parts at the same time. AM includes much more than just 3D printing: It’s an end-to-end process, from design and simulation to 3D printing to post-processing.
Production Performance Evaluation of Multifractured Horizontal Wells in Shale Oil Reservoirs: An Analytical Method
Authors: Meng Xingbang , Wang Jiexiang
Published: May 2019

Hydraulic fracturing stimulation has become a routine for the development of shale oil and gas reservoirs, which creates large volumes of fracturing networks by helping the hydrocarbon to transport quickly into the wellbore. However, the optimal fracture spacing distance and fracture conductivity are still unclear for the field practice, even though the technique has improved significantly over the last several years. In this work, an analytical method is proposed to address it. First, the analytical production rate for a single fracture is proposed, and then, we apply Duhamel principle to obtain the production rate of a horizontal well with multifractures. Based on this model, the flow regimes and essential affecting factors including fracture spacing, fracture conductivity, and skin factor are analyzed in this work. The optimal values and suggestion are provided based on the simulation results.
Experimental Investigation of a Heavy-Duty Compression-Ignition Engine Retrofitted to Natural Gas Spark-Ignition Operation
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Bommisetty Hemanth Kumar , Dumitrescu Cosmin Emil
Published: May 2019

Heavy-duty compression-ignition (CI) engines converted to natural gas (NG) operation can reduce the dependence on petroleum-based fuels and curtail greenhouse gas emissions. Such an engine was converted to premixed NG spark-ignition (SI) operation through the addition of a gas injector in the intake manifold and of a spark plug in place of the diesel injector. Engine performance and combustion characteristics were investigated at several lean-burn operating conditions that changed fuel composition, spark timing, equivalence ratio, and engine speed. While the engine operation was stable, the reentrant bowl-in-piston (a characteristic of a CI engine) influenced the combustion event such as producing a significant late combustion, particularly for advanced spark timing. This was due to an important fraction of the fuel burning late in the squish region, which affected the end of combustion, the combustion duration, and the cycle-to-cycle variation. However, the lower cycle-to-cycle variation, stable combustion event, and the lack of knocking suggest a successful conversion of conventional diesel engines to NG SI operation using the approach described here.
Novel Design of a Three-Dimensional Printed Umbilical Cord Clamp: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Mammadov Betul , Vural Gulsen , Aytac Ersin , Mammadov Emil
Published: May 2019

Parents frequently report complaints regarding the excessive size of the clamp that create concerns of hooking to the clothes and inducing premature separation of the dried cord. We aimed to design three-dimensional (3D) print and test a novel umbilical clamp which would be smaller, more ergonomic, and would look more appealing to the parents. After the design and 3D printing process, the clamps were tested for fluid leak on fresh umbilical cord specimens. The umbilical vein was cannulated with a 4F feeding tube which was attached to the saline infusion bag inserted in a pressure infusion cuff. The compressed cord width was measured, and the cuff was inflated to 100 mmHg and 200 mmHg. Umbilical cord specimens of 152 patients were included in the main study. The mean umbilical cord diameter (UCD) was 11.1 ± 3.5 mm (range: 4.5–23.3 mm). The compressed cord width mean value after clamping with the novel design clamp was 17.3 ± 2.3 mm compared to the 23.5 ± 3.5 mm with the conventional clamp and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). All of the novel clamps safely and efficiently clamped the umbilical cords without any fluid leak. The novel design umbilical cord clamp is a safe and efficient tool being able to clamp a wide range of umbilical cords. However, a prospective randomized trial on human subjects, safety-efficacy tests by independent healthcare providers, and patient satisfaction surveys are mandatory for the further approval of our claims.
Road-Holding-Oriented Control and Analysis of Semi-Active Suspension Systems
Authors: Li Zhengkai , Sun Weichao , Gao Huijun
Published: May 2019

The most important function of a vehicle suspension system is keeping the tires on the road surface, imposing requirements on the road-holding performance. As is well known, a semi-active suspension can improve road-holding performance, but little effort has been made to build road-holding-oriented semi-active suspension controllers (RHSAC). This study improved four model reference controllers (MRCs) as RHSAC, including the road-Hook (RH), inverse ground-Hook (IGH), sky-Hook (SH), and ground-Hook (GH). These MRCs have optimal performances in different frequency ranges, and their working principle is analyzed from an energy perspective. To combine the advantages of different MRCs, a mixed control strategy is proposed to enhance the road-holding performance of the MRCs. By mixing SH and RH, the mixed SH–RH performs almost as well as a finely tuned model predictive controller, which outperforms any single MRCs. Based on CarSim-matlab cosimulations, the effectiveness of the mixed RHSAC controller is verified by various real road tests.
Experimental Investigation of Air–Water Mist Jet Impingement Cooling Over a Heated Cylinder
Authors: Khangembam Chunkyraj , Singh Dushyant
Published: May 2019

Experimental investigation on heat transfer mechanism of air–water mist jet impingement cooling on a heated cylinder is presented. The target cylinder was electrically heated and was maintained under the boiling temperature of water. Parametric studies were carried out for four different values of mist loading fractions, Reynolds numbers, and nozzle-to-surface spacings. Reynolds number, Rehyd, defined based on the hydraulic diameter, was varied from 8820 to 17,106; mist loading fraction, f ranges from 0.25% to 1.0%; and nozzle-to-surface spacing, H/d was varied from 30 to 60. The increment in the heat transfer coefficient with respect to air-jet impingement is presented along with variation in the heat transfer coefficient along the axial and circumferential direction. It is observed that the increase in mist loading greatly increases the heat transfer rate. Increment in the heat transfer coefficient at the stagnation point is found to be 185%, 234%, 272%, and 312% for mist loading fraction 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.0%, respectively. Experimental study shows identical increment in stagnation point heat transfer coefficient with increasing Reynolds number, with lowest Reynolds number yielding highest increment. Stagnation point heat transfer coefficient increased 263%, 259%, 241%, and 241% as compared to air-jet impingement for Reynolds number 8820, 11,493, 14,166, and 17,106, respectively. The increment in the heat transfer coefficient is observed with a decrease in nozzle-to-surface spacing. Stagnation point heat transfer coefficient increased 282%, 248%, 239%, and 232% as compared to air-jet impingement for nozzle-to-surface spacing of 30, 40, 50, and 60, respectively, is obtained from the experimental analysis. Based on the experimental results, a correlation for stagnation point heat transfer coefficient increment is also proposed.
F0-induced formant measurement errors result in biased variabilities
Authors: Chen Wei-Rong , Whalen D. H. , Shadle Christine H.
Published: May 2019

Many developmental studies attribute reduction of acoustic variability to increasing motor control. However, linear prediction-based formant measurements are known to be biased toward the nearest harmonic of F0, especially at high F0s. Thus, the amount of reported formant variability generated by changes in F0 is unknown. Here, 470 000 vowels were synthesized, mimicking statistics reported in four developmental studies, to estimate the proportion of formant variability that can be attributed to F0 bias, as well as other formant measurement errors. Results showed that the F0-induced formant measurements errors are large and systematic, and cannot be eliminated by a large sample size.
Acoustic critical depth and asymptotic absorption of dissipative fluids
Authors: Panneton Raymond
Published: May 2019

The thickness of a dissipative fluid (or equivalent fluid in the case of a porous material) for which its acoustic absorption coefficient reaches an asymptotic value is reviewed. This thickness is called critical depth or penetration depth. It is approximately equal to two or three times the relaxation depth at which the amplitude of a sound pressure wave has been attenuated by a factor 1/e in the dissipative fluid. A simple expression allowing to estimate this critical depth on the only knowledge of the static airflow resistivity is proposed. Its validity is also discussed.
DivulgaMicro
: A Brazilian Initiative To Empower Early-Career Scientists with Science Communication Skills
Authors: Oliveira Laura Maria Andrade , Bonatelli Maria Letícia , Pinto Tatiana Castro Abreu
Published: May 2019

Communication is fundamental in science. Among scientists, communication skills are required to write a comprehensible scientific manuscript or to prepare an attractive oral presentation. In addition, the ability to communicate successfully with the nonscientific community has been increasingly appreciated, as it represents the most effective way to promote popular scientific literacy. Nevertheless, students majoring in sciencerelated courses are not trained specifically for these purposes, and improving communication skills usually depends on tips and advice given by peers. To this end, we have launched
DivulgaMicro
, an initiative that aims to enhance science communication among early-career scientists in Brazil.
DivulgaMicro
relies on two major cornerstones: providing online resources via a dedicated website (
www.divulgamicro.com.br/index.html
) and promoting onsite workshops in universities located in different macro regions of the country. On the website, people can access a collection of fun activities designed to teach scientific concepts to a general audience, along with tips and news regarding public outreach events in Brazil. In the month following its launch, our website had 1,026 visitors from 10 different countries besides Brazil. Regarding the workshops, six were offered during 2018, with nearly 600 attendees. In the course, scientists are presented best practices for scientific writing and oral presentations, as well as techniques to improve communication with lay audiences, such as the use of storytelling structure and analogies. There is a high demand for science communication resources in Brazil, attesting to the importance of initiatives such as
DivulgaMicro
in our country.
The CURE for Cultivating Fastidious Microbes
Authors: Bakshi Arundhati , Webber Austen T. , Patrick Lorelei E. , Wischusen William , Thrash Cameron
Published: May 2019

Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) expand the scientific educational benefits of research to large groups of students in a course setting. As part of an ongoing effort to integrate CUREs into first-year biology labs, we developed a microbiology CURE (mCURE) that uses a modified dilution-to-extinction high throughput culturing protocol for isolating abundant yet fastidious aquatic bacterioplankton during one semester. Students learn common molecular biology techniques like nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and molecular characterization; read and evaluate scientific literature; and receive training in scientific communication through written and oral exercises that incorporate social media elements. In the first three semesters, the mCUREs achieved similar cultivability success as implementation of the protocol in a standard laboratory setting. Our modular framework facilitates customization of the curriculum for use in multiple settings and we provide classroom exercises, assignments, assessment tools, and examples of student output to assist with implementation.
Modeling Pollen-Mediated Virus Spread in Bee Colonies as a Classroom Activity
Authors: Snow Veronica E. , Becker Donna M. , Sharp Josh S.
Published: May 2019

Using a hands-on approach, this activity introduces students to the concept of viral spread and honey bee pathogenesis by illustrating pathogen transmission throughout the hive. This viral transmission activity, designed for introductory biology, virology, or microbiology classes, can be used in laboratory or lecture settings. Students are provided with information on viral transmission and hive structure. Students then retrieve “pollen” and distribute it to the colony. A UV light passed across students’ hands determines which hive was infected, indicating the viral transmission pathways among bees. Students then discuss how viruses impact bees, how long it would take an infected hive to succumb to the pathogen, and what can be done to prevent viral spread.
Intercultural Competency: Steps for Introducing Active Learning Case Studies Internationally in Confucian Heritage Culture
Authors: Smith-Keiling Beverly L.
Published: May 2019

Educational interculturalism continues to expand for our increasingly diverse classrooms, both at home and globally. When visiting faculty share active-learning, case study–based learning activities internationally with host faculty in Asian settings, instruction must take into consideration culturally-appropriate pedagogy in the context of Confucian Heritage Culture (CHC). The challenge for visiting faculty lies in not being completely versed in host culture yet remaining open to discovering how educational practices might be adapted within a CHC context. Additional care must be taken by visiting faculty at this first level of host faculty training to engage in active learning interculturally. This Perspectives article attempts to highlight intercultural competency steps, strategies, and examples provided as supplementary material, that are useful for the creation and implementation of an active-learning case study for CHC faculty development: 1) cultural preparation, 2) immersed engagement in the host country and reflection on self-cultural competency, 3) development of a culturally relevant case study addressing a host country need, 4) a contextual problem to incite interest, 5) learning outcomes, 6) making the case a real, personalized, narrative and 7) relevant faculty development questions to find the best fit in their culture. During implementation of the case study, 8) the visiting instructor models active learning, acting as a guide to international host faculty, who experientially learn about active learning while engaging in solving the case study themselves. Additional strategies include the presenter leaving the room to provide space for collaborative learning to occur where CHC cultural barriers prevent full engagement. Finally, in step 9) resources are provided.
Integrating CRISPR-Cas9 Technology into Undergraduate Courses: Perspectives from a National Science Foundation (NSF) Workshop for Undergraduate Faculty, June 2018
Authors: Wolyniak Michael J. , Austin Shane , Bloodworth Lucian F. , Carter Dawn , Harrison Scott H. , Hoage Tiffany , Hollis-Brown Lisa , Jefferson Felicia , Krufka Alison , Safadi-Chamberlin Farida , Santisteban Maria S. , Soneral Paula , VanWinkle Beth , Challa Anil K.
Published: May 2019

As CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas9 technology becomes more mainstream in life science research, it becomes critical for undergraduate instructors to devise engaging ways to bring the technology into their classrooms. To help meet this challenge, the National Science Foundation sponsored a workshop for undergraduate instructors in June 2018 at The Ohio State University in conjunction with the annual Association of Biology Laboratory Educators meeting based on a workflow developed by the workshop’s facilitators. Over the course of two and a half days, participants worked through a modular workflow for the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in a course-based (undergraduate) research experience (CURE) setting while discussing the barriers each of their institutions had to implementing such work, and how such barriers could be overcome. The result of the workshop was a team with newfound energy and confidence to implement CRISPR-Cas9 technology in their courses and the development of a community of undergraduate educators dedicated to supporting each other in the implementation of the workflow either in a CURE or modular format. In this article, we review the activities and discussions from the workshop that helped each participant devise their own tailored approaches of how best to bring this exciting new technology into their classes.
Guadalupian (Permian) onset of subduction zone volcanism and geodynamic turnover from passive- to active-margin tectonics in southeast China
Authors: Zhang Feng-Qi , Wu Hong-Xiang , Dilek Yildirim , Zhang Wei , Zhu Kong-Yang , Chen Han-Lin
Published: May 2019

New stratigraphic, geochemical, and geochronological data from the late Paleozoic depositional record in Anhui Province, China, signal the onset of active-margin magmatism in East Asia. Chert-shale sequences of the Gufeng Formation are part of a Carboniferous–Permian carbonate platform that developed along the passive margin of the South China block. Thin tuffaceous interlayers in these sequences represent distal ash deposits, marking discrete volcanic events. Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U-Pb zircon dating of the stratigraphically bottom and near-top tuffaceous interlayers has revealed crystallization ages of 270 Ma and 264 Ma, respectively, constraining the time span of subaerial eruptions to ∼6 m.y. during the Guadalupian Epoch. High SiO2 and Al2O3 contents, enrichments in large ion lithophile and light rare earth elements, and depletion patterns of high field strength and heavy rare earth elements indicate a calc-alkaline magma source in an arc setting for the origin of these volcanic tuff deposits. Detrital zircon geochronology of sandstones in the overlying Longtan Formation shows two prominent age populations of 290–250 Ma and 1910–1800 Ma. The former age cluster overlaps with the tightly constrained zircon ages obtained from the Gufeng Formation. The latter age group is compatible with the known magmatic-metamorphic ages from Cathaysia in the South China block, and it points to the existence of a NE-SW–trending topographic high as a major sediment source. We interpret this topographic high and silicic volcanism to represent an Andean-type active margin, developed above a north-dipping paleo-Pacific slab. Our tightly constrained Guadalupian eruption ages indicate the inception of magmatic arc construction and mark a major switch from passive- to active-margin tectonics along SE Asia.
Severe peripheral oedema as the only presenting symptom of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma: a diagnosis too frequently made on autopsy
Authors: Kyle Rachel , Mount Gillian , Li Shao Shi , Thain Jenny
Published: May 2019

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma is seen in less than one per million people and can be an extremely difficult antemortem diagnosis to make due to a vast diversity of presenting symptoms. We present a case of an otherwise healthy 74-year-old woman whose predominant symptom was pitting oedema, and who likely died from multiorgan failure after >14 months of extensive workup that was unable to secure a definitive diagnosis.
Yellow fever vaccine-associated neurological disease: it is not just the silver generation at risk
Authors: Goldstein Emily J , Bell David J , Gunson Rory N
Published: May 2019

A 35-year-old man presented to his optician with sudden onset diplopia and a 1-week history of headaches. He was noted to have sixth nerve palsy. The following day he was admitted to hospital with confusion and expressive dysphasia. He had been due to travel to Ghana on business and had received yellow fever (YF) vaccination 18 days prior to onset of headaches. His initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed elevated protein, increased white cell count but was PCR negative for standard viral pathogens. Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 was detected by PCR in CSF at a very low level from a second lumbar puncture performed 6 days later, and the patient was treated for HSV meningoencephalitis. However, retrospective investigation for yellow fever vaccine-associated neurological disease revealed increasing titres of YF IgG in three serial CSF samples, and no evidence of HSV antibodies in CSF or plasma, ruling out HSV encephalitis.
Ocular involvement in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita with long-term follow-up
Authors: Rousseau Antoine , Prost-Squarcioni Catherine , Doan Serge , Leroux-Villet Christelle , Caux Frédéric , Hoang-Xuan Than , Cochereau Isabelle , Gabison Eric
Published: May 2019

Background/aims

To describe the ocular manifestations associated with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA).

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary bullous disease clinic. Consecutive patients were enrolled with biopsy proven diagnosis of EBA, with ocular involvement and a follow-up of at least 36 months. A multidisciplinary team of dermatologists, ENT specialists and ophthalmologists evaluated all patients. Immunological workup included direct (including immune-electron microscopy) and indirect immunofluorescence. Ophthalmological examination included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and slit-lamp examination with grading of conjunctival fibrosis using the Tauber classification.

Results

Nine patients (five females, four males) were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 32 years (range 1–52 years). Follow-up ranged from 3 to 18 years (mean 10.7 years). Conjunctival fibrosis was present in all affected eyes and was stage III or greater in 60% of patients. Eight patients (14 eyes) had corneal involvement most frequently associated with trichiasis-associated mechanical irritation or extensive cicatrising conjunctivitis. Corneal lesions developed on three eyes of three patients without eyelid disease or severe fibrosis or any identifiable triggering factor. Eyelids were affected in six patients, with trichiasis being the most common feature (affecting three patients, four eyes). Corneal-related blindness occurred in at least one eye in 44% of the patients.

Conclusion

EBA may be associated with devastating ocular manifestations. Most patients develop severe cicatrising conjunctivitis. A subset of patients may present with isolated corneal lesions. Further studies are warranted to assess the effects of systemic treatments on the evolution of ocular manifestations.
Does soccer headgear reduce the incidence of sport-related concussion? A cluster, randomised controlled trial of adolescent athletes
Authors: McGuine Timothy , Post Eric , Pfaller Adam Yakuro , Hetzel Scott , Schwarz Allison , Brooks M Alison , Kliethermes Stephanie A
Published: May 2019

Background

There have been no large randomised controlled trials to determine whether soccer headgear reduces the incidence or severity of sport-related concussion (SRC) in US high school athletes.

Objective

We aimed to determine whether headgear reduces the incidence or severity (days out from soccer) of SRCs in soccer players.

Methods

2766 participants (67% female, age 15.6±1.2) (who undertook 3050 participant years) participated in this cluster randomised trial. Athletes in the headgear (HG) group wore headgear during the season, while those in the no headgear (NoHG) group did not. Staff recorded SRC and non-SRC injuries and soccer exposures. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine time-to-SRC between groups, while severity was compared with a Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

Results

130 participants (5.3% female, 2.2% male) sustained an SRC. The incidence of SRC was not different between the HG and NoHG groups for males (HR: 2.00 (0.63–6.43) p=0.242) and females (HR: 0.86 (0.54–1.36) p=0.520). Days lost from SRC were not different (p=0.583) between the HG group (13.5 (11.0–018.8) days) and the NoHG group (13.0 (9.0–18.8) days).

Conclusions

Soccer headgear did not reduce the incidence or severity of SRC in high school soccer players.

Trial registration number

NCT02850926
.
Chronic use of tramadol after acute pain episode: cohort study
Authors: Thiels Cornelius A , Habermann Elizabeth B , Hooten W Michael , Jeffery Molly M
Published: May 2019

Objective

To determine the risk of prolonged opioid use in patients receiving tramadol compared with other short acting opioids.

Design

Observational study of administrative claims data.

Setting

United States commercial and Medicare Advantage insurance claims (OptumLabs Data Warehouse) January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2018.

Participants

Opioid-naive patients undergoing elective surgery.

Main outcome measure

Risk of persistent opioid use after discharge for patients treated with tramadol alone compared with other short acting opioids, using three commonly used definitions of prolonged opioid use from the literature: additional opioid use (defined as at least one opioid fill 90-180 days after surgery); persistent opioid use (any span of opioid use starting in the 180 days after surgery and lasting ≥90 days); and CONSORT definition (an opioid use episode starting in the 180 days after surgery that spans ≥90 days and includes either ≥10 opioid fills or ≥120 days’ supply of opioids).

Results

Of 444 764 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 357 884 filled a discharge prescription for one or more opioids associated with one of 20 included operations. The most commonly prescribed post-surgery opioid was hydrocodone (53.0% of those filling a single opioid), followed by short acting oxycodone (37.5%) and tramadol (4.0%). The unadjusted risk of prolonged opioid use after surgery was 7.1% (n=31 431) with additional opioid use, 1.0% (n=4457) with persistent opioid use, and 0.5% (n=2027) meeting the CONSORT definition. Receipt of tramadol alone was associated with a 6% increase in the risk of additional opioid use relative to people receiving other short acting opioids (incidence rate ratio 95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.13; risk difference 0.5 percentage points; P=0.049), 47% increase in the adjusted risk of persistent opioid use (1.25 to 1.69; 0.5 percentage points; P<0.001), and 41% increase in the adjusted risk of a CONSORT chronic opioid use episode (1.08 to 1.75; 0.2 percentage points; P=0.013).

Conclusions

People receiving tramadol alone after surgery had similar to somewhat higher risks of prolonged opioid use compared with those receiving other short acting opioids. Federal governing bodies should consider reclassifying tramadol, and providers should use as much caution when prescribing tramadol in the setting of acute pain as for other short acting opioids.
The CONSTANCES job exposure matrix based on self-reported exposure to physical risk factors: development and evaluation
Authors: Evanoff Bradley A , Yung Marcus , Buckner-Petty Skye , Andersen Johan Hviid , Roquelaure Yves , Descatha Alexis , Dale Ann Marie
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Job exposure matrices (JEMs) can be constructed from expert-rated assessments, direct measurement and self-reports. This paper describes the construction of a general population JEM based on self-reported physical exposures, its ability to create homogeneous exposure groups (HEG) and the use of different exposure metrics to express job-level estimates.

Methods

The JEM was constructed from physical exposure data obtained from the Cohorte des consultants des Centres d’examens de santé (CONSTANCES). Using data from 35 526 eligible participants, the JEM consisted of 27 physical risk factors from 407 job codes. We determined whether the JEM created HEG by performing non-parametric multivariate analysis of variance (NPMANOVA). We compared three exposure metrics (mean, bias-corrected mean, median) by calculating within-job and between-job variances, and by residual plots between each metric and individual reported exposure.

Results

NPMANOVA showed significantly higher between-job than within-job variance among the 27 risk factors (F(253,21964)=61.33, p<0.0001, r2=41.1%). The bias-corrected mean produced more favourable HEG as we observed higher between-job variance and more explained variance than either means or medians. When compared with individual reported exposures, the bias-corrected mean led to near-zero mean differences and lower variance than other exposure metrics.

Conclusions

CONSTANCES JEM using self-reported data yielded HEGs, and can thus classify individual participants based on job title. The bias-corrected mean metric may better reflect the shape of the underlying exposure distribution. This JEM opens new possibilities for using unbiased exposure estimates to study the effects of workplace physical exposures on a variety of health conditions within a large general population study.
Training in neurology: lessons learnt
Authors: Shribman Samuel , Alexander Sian K , Zarkali Angelika , Warner Thomas T , Pereira Anthony C , Hughes Tom A T , Mummery Catherine J
Published: May 2019

There is no consensus on how to structure and deliver neurology training. The General Medical Council’s annual National Training Survey indicates that the quality of UK neurology training is very variable, but does not explain this variation. We used the survey data to identify the four highest and lowest performing sites for neurology training across the UK. We conducted semistructured interviews with groups of local trainees and, separately, local trainers in an exploratory qualitative study, and identified common themes across a range of aspects of neurology training. Here we present our findings, share case studies from top-performing sites and make recommendations on how best to train a neurologist.
A herbal premix containing Macrotyloma uniflorum, ginger, and whey curtails obesity in rats fed a high-fat diet by a novel mechanism
Authors: Panda Vandana S. , Shah Taasin , S Sudhamani
Published: May 2019

The present study designed and evaluated a polyherbal premix comprising Macrotyloma uniflorum, whey protein, Zingiber officinale, and Mentha piperita. Animals were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 30 days and were daily administered the premix (1.5 g/kg) in milk (PM) and water (PW), aerobic exercise (AE), premix in milk and water along with AE (PMAE and PWAE), ferulic acid (100 mg/kg), and the reference drug fluoxetine (6 mg/kg). All treatments showed significant reduction in food intake, weight gain, abdominal circumference, and body mass index compared with their initial values. All treatments generated a faster peak of the satiety marker cholecystokinin compared with the HFD group and control groups; PMAE and PWAE exhibited sustained satiety. The HFD-elevated blood glucose levels were significantly attenuated on the 30th day by all treatments when compared with their 15th day and basal values; PMAE exhibited the best results. All treatments significantly attenuated the HFD-elevated serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, triglycerides, total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein levels and significantly restored the HFD-depleted high-density lipoprotein and adiponectin levels. HFD-elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values were attenuated successfully and the HFD-depleted reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were significantly restored by all treatments. The histological findings corroborated the biochemical results.

Novelty The polyherbal premix brought about appetite regulation and induction of satiety to control obesity in HFD-fed rats through homeostasis of energy metabolism. The premix along with exercise is a complete way to combat obesity.
Calculation of the energy levels and charge radius of 24Mg and 32S isotopes in the cluster model
Authors: Aslanzadeh Sahar , Shojaei Mohammad Reza , Mowlavi Ali Asghar
Published: May 2019

In this work, the 24Mg and 32S isotopes are considered in the cluster model by solving the Schrödinger and Klein–Gordon equations using the Nikiforov–Uvarov (NU) method. The configuration of the alpha particles for the second excited state for 24Mg isotope is 12C + 12C. A local potential is used for these two equations that is compatible to the modified Hulthen plus quadratic Yukawa potential. By substituting this potential in the Schrödinger and Klein–Gordon equations, the energy levels and wave functions are obtained. The calculated results from the Schrödinger and Klein–Gordon equations, i.e., nonrelativity and relativity, respectively, are close to the results from experimental data.
Comparative profile analysis reveals differentially expressed microRNAs regulate anther and pollen development in kenaf cytoplasmic male sterility line
Authors: Chen Peng , Shi Qiqi , Liang Zhichen , Lu Hai , Li Ru
Published: May 2019

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is advantageous in extensive crop breeding and represents a perfect model for understanding anther and pollen development research. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in regulating various biological processes. However, the miRNA-mediated regulatory network in kenaf CMS occurrence remains largely unknown. In the present study, a comparative deep sequencing approach was used to investigate the miRNAs and their roles in regulating anther and pollen development during CMS occurrence. We identified 283 known and 46 new candidate miRNAs in kenaf anther. A total of 67 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were discovered between CMS and its maintainer line. Among them, 40 and 27 miRNAs were up- and downregulated, respectively. These 67 DEMs were predicted to target 189 genes. Validation of DEMs and putative target genes were confirmed by using real-time quantitative PCR. In addition, a potential miRNA-mediated regulatory network, which mainly involves the auxin signaling pathway, signal transduction, glycolysis and energy metabolism, gene expression, transmembrane transport, protein modification and metabolism, and floral development, that mediates anther development during CMS occurrence was proposed. Taken together, our findings provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of miRNA regulation in pollen development and CMS occurrence in kenaf.
Barboza–Alcaniz equation of state parametrization: Constraining the parameters in different gravity theories
Authors: Biswas Promila , Biswas Ritabrata
Published: May 2019

To justify the 20-year old distant Ia Supernova observations which revealed to us that our universe is experiencing a late-time cosmic acceleration, propositions of existence of exotic fluids inside our universe are made. These fluids are assumed to occupy homogeneously the whole space of the universe and to exert negative pressure from inside such that the late-time accelerated expansion is caused. Among the different suggested models of such exotic matters/energy popularly coined as dark matter/dark energy (DE), a well-known and popular process is “introduction of redshift parametrization” of the equation of state (EoS) parameter of these fluids. We, very particularly, take the parametrization proposed by Barboza and Alcaniz (BA) along with the cosmological constant. We use 39 data points for Hubble’s parameter calculated for different redshifts and try to constrain the DE EoS parameters for BA modeling. We then constrain the DE parametrization parameters in the background of Einstein’s general relativity, loop quantum gravity and Horava–Lifshitz gravity one after another. We find the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] confidence contours for all these cases and compare them with each other. We try to speculate which gravity is constraining the parameters most and which one is letting the parameters to stay within a larger domain. We tally our results of 557 points Union2 Sample and again compare them for different gravity theories.
A note on cosmological features of modified Newtonian potentials
Authors: Zangeneh M. Kord , Moradpour H. , Sadeghnezhad N.
Published: May 2019

Considering some modified Newtonian potentials and the Hubble law in writing the total energy of a test mass located at the edge of a flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe, we obtain several modified Friedmann equations. Interestingly enough, our study shows that the employed potentials, while some of them have some successes in modeling the spiral galaxies rotation curves, may also address an accelerated universe. This fact indicates that dark energy and dark matter may have some common origins and aspects.
Cosmological constraints on chiral tensor particles
Authors: Kirilova D. P. , Chizhov E. M.
Published: May 2019

We discuss an extended model with chiral tensor particles in the Universe. Their direct influence on the Universe dynamics and their characteristic interactions in the hot Universe plasma, considered in the previous publications, are briefly reviewed. A short discussion on the contemporary cosmological bounds on effective number of the relativistic degrees of freedom is provided. Cosmological constraints on the tensor particles interactions strength are obtained, corresponding to different cosmological bounds on the relativistic degrees of freedom and for different assumptions about right-handed neutrinos.
Research on Visual Comfort of Underground Commercial Streets’ Pavement in China on the Basis of Virtual Simulation
Authors: Sun Liang , Tan Weikang , Ren Yanbing , Ji Xiang , Wang Zhi , Li Pei
Published: May 2019

As the physical environment of urban underground streets space is continuously perfect, people start to anticipate that underground streets with negative impression could satisfy their psychological comfort appeal as traditional ground streets do. Streets’ pavement is of great significance in creating humanized and comfortable underground spatial atmosphere, and different ground pavements of underground commercial streets display different visual comfort effects. We conducted field investigations of a dozen typical underground streets in eight big cities in China with 42 test samples, and this research obtained the pavement elements’ data of underground commercial streets, built virtual 3D scenes based on orthogonal analysis and virtual reality technology of computer vision, acquired the psychological data of spatial experience through virtual reality test, and analyzed the relationship between six elements (glossiness, roughness, color, dimension, pattern, and collage of ground pavement in underground commercial streets) and spatial visual comfort based on quantitative analysis of experimental data. Results show that, “Cold–hot sensation”, “Glossiness”, and “Collage ordered degree” are chief elements for underground commercial streets’ pavement design. The pavement design featured with neutral color, medium- and large-scale and ordered collage form are the design preference and emphasis for underground commercial streets. Neutral color of underground commercial streets pavement may have a great influence on the recognition of pavement glossiness.
Design and Manufacturing of Industrial Products Considering the Principle of Information Graphics
Authors: Ye Dong Ming , Wang Qian , Zhou Xian
Published: May 2019

Combining the advantages of graphical visualization in the field of information dissemination, aiming at a large number of complicated information data in the stage of product design preparation, this paper discusses the guidance and reference function of drawing visual product design outline for product design behavior. The principle of information graphics is introduced into the field of the style design for the industrial products, and it is put forward in this paper that the formation principle and the decision points of a certain kind of modeling can be analyzed through the calculation of the characteristic variables of the pairwise modeling based on the principle of the information graphics. The industrial products are taken as an example, and the representative samples are selected to extract the modeling characteristic variables and calculate the information graphics on the basis of the principle of the information graphics. The results show that the formation principle and design decision sequence for different types of modeling can be obtained. The instance has verified the feasibility of the method put forward in this paper, which can provide an effective reference for the design of the modeling for the industrial products.
Recaptured Image Forensics Algorithm Based on Image Texture Feature
Authors: Sun Yanjun , Shen Xuanjing , Liu Changming , Zhao Yongzhe
Published: May 2019

With the rapid development of digital phones, the digital image forensics system in current times has had a great impact. It will lead to a serious threat for us, and especially the emergence of the recaptured image makes the existing digital image forensics algorithm invalid. So, it needs an effective image detection algorithm for us to identify recaptured images. In this paper, a new detection algorithm of the recaptured image is presented based on gray level co-occurrence matrix by analyzing the differences between the real and recaptured images. In order to analyze the differences, a new image evaluation model was put forward in this paper, which is called image variance ratio. Firstly, the algorithm proposed extracted high-frequency and low-frequency information of images by wavelet transform, based on which we calculated the relative gray level co-occurrence matrices. Secondly, the features of gray level co-occurrence matrix were extracted. At last, the recaptured image was classified by the support vector machine according to the features. The experimental results showed the algorithm proposed can not only effectively identify the recaptured image obtained from different media but also have better identification rate.