bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet B irradiation up‐regulates MM1 and induces photoageing of the epidermis
Authors: Zheng Xuan , Chen Li , Jin Shuguang , Xiong Lidan , Chen Huimin , Hu Ke , Fan Xueying , Fan Shijie , Li Chenghua
Published: February 2021

Background

ΔNp63α and c‐Myc are key transcription factors controlling proliferation and senescence in epithelial cells. We previously reported that the c‐Myc modulator MM1 and its E3 ligase, HERC3, together with the transcription factor ΔNp63α, compose a feedback loop, which regulates proliferative senescence in MCF‐10A mammary epithelial cells. However, it is unknown whether this loop is involved in skin ageing. On the other hand, ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are assumed to be the main culprits for photoageing of the epidermis, but the underlying mechanisms are obscure.

Aims

To investigate whether MM1/ΔNp63α axis is involved in UVB‐induced photoageing of the epidermis.

Materials and Methods

HaCaT human immortalized keratinocytes overexpressed with MM1, knocked down with c‐Myc or irradiated with UVB, were subjected to MTT assays to measure cell proliferation, as well as RT‐qPCR or immunoblot to detect the members of MM1/ΔNp63α loop and the cellular senescence markers. Meanwhile, primary normal human keratinocytes (NHKs) or mice were irradiated with UVB, followed by immunoblot analysis, SA‐β‐gal, haematoxylin‐eosin or immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

Overexpression of MM1 down‐regulated ΔNp63α and induced proliferative senescence in the HaCaT cells. In the HaCaT cells, NHKs and the mouse epidermis, UVB irradiation increased MM1 mRNA level and led to a down‐regulation of ΔNp63α, HERC3 and c‐Myc, concomitant with cellular senescence or photoageing. Additionally, knock‐down of c‐Myc induced proliferative senescence in the HaCaT cells and abrogated UVB‐induced cellular senescence.

Conclusions

UVB up‐regulates MM1 and consequently modulates ΔNp63α and c‐Myc, which may account for the proliferative senescence of keratinocytes and photoageing of the epidermis.
Early diagnosis of prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies using clinical history of probable REM sleep behaviour disorder and cardiac 123I‐MIBG scintigraphy in memory clinics
Authors: Fujishiro Hiroshige , Ota Kazumi , Yamagata Mayumi , Ito Tatsuya , Hieda Sotaro , Suga Hiroko , Fukui Toshiya , Nagahama Yasuhiro
Published: February 2021

Background

Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is associated with reduced cardiac 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake and often precedes the onset of Lewy body (LB) disorders. We investigated the role of cardiac 123I‐MIBG scintigraphy in relation to probable RBD for the clinical diagnosis of prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in memory clinics.

Methods

We reviewed clinical profiles of 60 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac 123I‐MIBG scintigraphy in our memory clinics. The diagnostic threshold of 2.20 was used as the cut‐off for the heart‐to‐mediastinum ratio at the delayed phase.

Results

Cardiac 123I‐MIBG abnormality was identified in 28 patients at baseline; six were cognitively unimpaired, six had mild cognitive impairment (MCI)‐LB, and 16 had probable DLB based on the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association Research Framework. Although the number of core features increased in accordance with the progression of three cognitive categories, there were no differences in the prevalence of probable RBD and the cardiac MIBG scintigraphy indices among them. During the observation period, two cognitively unimpaired patients with probable RBD progressed to MCI‐LB, and three MCI‐LB patients with probable RBD developed DLB. The prevalence of final diagnosis of probable MCI‐LB or DLB was significantly higher in these patients (85%) than the remaining 32 patients without (9%). Of 25 patients with probable RBD, 22 (88%) had a cardiac 123I‐MIBG abnormality regardless of cognitive conditions. Only one patient consulted a sleep centre for the abnormal sleep behaviour before visiting our memory clinics. Regarding the gender differences, male predominance was not identified and sleep‐related injury more frequently occurred in men (7/12, 58%) than in women (1/10, 10%).

Conclusions

Proactive detection of probable RBD plus cardiac 123I‐MIBG abnormality provides the opportunity for an early diagnosis of prodromal DLB in memory clinics. This approach warrants further follow‐up studies with polysomnographic and pathological verification.
Forgetting positive social feedback is difficult: ERP evidence in a directed forgetting paradigm
Authors: Xie Hui , Hu Xiaoqing , Mo Licheng , Zhang Dandan
Published: February 2021

Voluntary forgetting of unwanted memories is an adaptive cognitive function. However, it remains unknown how voluntary forgetting of unwanted social feedback may influence subsequent memories and evaluations, and what the underlying neurocognitive processes are. Here, we presented participants with peer photos together with feedback indicating social acceptance or rejection, followed by “remember” or “forget” instructive cues, while electroencephalograms were recorded during the experiment. We examined the Directed Forgetting (DF) effect in a recognition memory test, and tested participants' explicit and implicit attitudes toward the peers using a social evaluation task and an affect misattribution procedure (AMP). Both the memory test and the AMP were examined immediately and 3 days after the DF task so to estimate both the instant and the long‐term effects of memory control. Behaviorally, immediate memory test showed smaller DF effect for positive than negative social feedback, which suggests that forgetting positive social feedback was more difficult than forgetting negative social feedback. Regarding the ERP results, although participants showed comparable frontal N2 amplitudes (reflecting inhibitory control efforts) following the instruction of forgetting positive and negative social feedback, positive feedback elicited larger late positive potential (LPP) amplitudes than negative feedback during initial encoding phase, suggesting an encoding bias for positive self‐relevant information. Intriguingly, voluntary efforts to forget negative social feedback enhanced people's explicit and implicit evaluations toward the feedback senders. These findings provide new evidence for the adaptive function of memory control, which broadens the influence of voluntary forgetting in the context of social interaction and social evaluation.
Finding Your Feet: A Gaussian Process Model for Estimating the Abilities of Batsmen in Test Cricket
Authors: Stevenson Oliver G. , Brewer Brendon J.
Published: February 2021

In the sport of cricket, a player’s batting ability is traditionally measured using the batting average. However, the batting average fails to measure both short-term changes in ability that occur during an innings and long-term changes in ability that occur between innings due to factors such as age and experience in various match conditions. We derive and fit a Bayesian parametric model that employs a Gaussian process to measure and predict how the batting abilities of cricket players vary and fluctuate over the course of entire playing careers. The results allow us to better quantify and predict the batting ability of a player, compared with both traditional cricket statistics, such as the batting average, and more complex models, such as the official International Cricket Council ratings.
Filter life and safety of heparin‐grafted membrane for continuous renal replacement therapy ‐ A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wong Emmett Tsz‐Yeung , Ong Venetia , Remani Deepa , Wong Weng‐Kin , Haroon Sabrina , Lau Titus , Nyeo Hui‐Qing , Mukhopadhyay Amartya , Tan Bee‐Hong , Chua Horng‐Ruey
Published: February 2021

Polyethyleneimine‐layered membrane with grafted heparin (oXiris) may improve filter life during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in addition to its immunoadsorptive capability, compared with that of conventional membrane. In this single center, prospective, open‐label pilot study, we randomized critically ill patients with bleeding risk who underwent anticoagulation‐free CRRT, to commence with oXiris or M150 filter with sequential crossover. We examined the filter life with each circuit and its effect on systemic coagulation parameters. We randomized 11 and nine patients to commence CRRT with oXiris and M150 respectively, with 19 oXiris and 20 M150 filter‐circuits in all. Patient profiles in both arms were comparable for illness severity and comorbidities. Median filter lives for oXiris versus M150 circuits were 13 h versus 18 h (p = 0.10). Among 11 patients with paired crossover filters, filter lives for 14 oXiris–M150 circuit pairs were 13 h versus 16 h (p = 0.27), and corresponding transmembrane pressures increased to 111 mmHg versus 75 mmHg by 12 h (p = 0.02). Patients’ coagulation parameters were comparable following both filter‐circuits. CRRT with oXiris (vs. M150) was independently associated with shorter filter life, adjusted for prescribed dose, vascular access, and coagulopathy. Use of oXiris did not prolong filter life over conventional membrane with no evidence of systemic heparin exposure; significant membrane clogging is observed by 12 h with oXiris.
Effects of whole‐body vibration training on calf muscle function during maximal isometric voluntary contractions
Authors: Rubio‐Arias Jacobo Á. , Ramos‐Campo Domingo Jesús , Alcaraz Pedro E. , Jiménez Díaz José Fernando , Blazevich Anthony J.
Published: February 2021

The purposes of this study were to determine the impact of 6 weeks of whole‐body vibration training (WBVT) on maximum voluntary plantar flexor strength, muscle activity via surface electromyography (EMG), and muscle architecture measured at rest and during maximal contraction at different ankle joint angles in young healthy adults. Using a single‐blind study design, 28 healthy men and women were randomly assigned to control (CG; N = 14, 7 women) or whole‐body vibration training (WBVG; N = 14, 7 women) groups. Vibration training (20‐25 minutes; standing with knees flexed) was performed 3 week−1 for 6 weeks (18 sessions). Maximum isometric plantar flexor torque, muscle activity (medial and lateral gastrocnemius EMG) and medial gastrocnemius fascicle angle and length at rest and maximum contraction were tested at four ankle joint angles (ranging 45° to −15°; 0° = anatomical) before and after training. Significant increases (24.7%‐37.5%) were observed in peak torque (N∙m∙kg−1;%) at −15°, 0°, 15° and 30° joint angles from pre‐ to post‐intervention in WBVG, which were different to CG (no change) and greater at longer muscle lengths. No between‐group differences were observed in changes in EMG amplitudes measured during contraction or muscle architecture parameters at rest or during contraction. Six weeks of WBVT in young, healthy adults increased isometric plantarflexion strength at multiple joint angles, without detectible changes in EMG, muscle architecture, or body composition. Therefore, WBVT can significantly improve maximum plantar flexor strength at multiple joint angles (muscle lengths) in young healthy men, although the mechanisms underpinning the changes are currently unclear.
Is honesty always the best policy? Children's perceptions of negative performance feedback
Authors: Marble Kimberly E. , Boseovski Janet J. , Hill Angela
Published: February 2021

Children tend to discount negative feedback about their performance even when the feedback is delivered by an expert. This indifference toward feedback could hinder self‐improvement. We examined whether children would be receptive to negative feedback from an expert when provided with an explicit reason why it was given. One‐hundred twenty‐one 4 to 8 year olds heard about a target peer whose work product was evaluated negatively by an expert peer and positively by either a single layperson or a consensus of laypersons (also peers). Children were assigned to one of the three conditions in which the reason for the negative feedback varied: the expert promised to tell the truth about the work, the expert was a designated “helper,” or no explanation was provided. Children judged whether feedback from the expert and layperson(s) should be shared with the teacher and the target. Across ages, children indicated that the expert should share negative feedback with the teacher when the expert promised to tell the truth. Only 6 to 8 year olds reported that an expert who promised to tell the truth should convey this feedback to the target. Implications for children's interpretation of evaluative content in social learning situations are discussed.
The Politics of Security and Technology in Switzerland
Authors: Dunn Cavelty Myriam , Hagmann Jonas
Published: February 2021

Technologies play crucial roles in security politics. In a recent push to understand the dynamic interplay between technologies and politics, IR scholars increasingly draw on reflexive research traditions. The aim is to understand the social and political practices that influence the shape, design and use of security technologies instead of assuming that technologies have linear, independent effects on politics. This SPSR debate draws on this new perspective and applies it to topics salient in Swiss public debate. Its contributions analyze how cybersecurity, predictive policing, drones, artificial intelligence, targeted sanctions, urban design and spyware are deliberated, negotiated, programmed and critiqued in Switzerland. They chart different analytical avenues with which to address the recursive and non‐linear relationship between security politics and technologies, and, by familiarizing readers with the tenets and diversity of reflexive political science research, seek to give that longstanding scholarly research tradition better visibility in the Swiss political science community.
The HLA‐A*11:384 allele identified in a volunteer donor for hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Baek In‐Cheol , Choi Eun‐Jeong , Shin Dong‐Hwan , Kim Hyoung‐Jae , Kim Tai‐Gyu
Published: February 2021

HLA‐A*11:384 differs from HLA‐A*11:01:01:01 in codon 151 in exon 3.
Description of two new HLA alleles: HLA‐DRB1*11:262 and HLA‐DRB1*11:268
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Wei , Zhang Wei , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: February 2021

Compared with HLA‐DRB1*11:01:01:01, the alleles HLA‐DRB1*11:262 and HLA‐DRB1*11:268 each show one nucleotide substitution.
Establishing targeted control of creeping perennial weeds with soil‐active chemical injections: Assessment of subterranean bud responses in contact
Authors: Ito Misako , Ito Kanji
Published: February 2021

Increased infestation of aggressive creeping perennial weeds is a significant problem in urban vegetation management programs. These weeds produce vigorous biomass and extensive underground networks of either rhizomes or creeping roots that easily regrow from numerous buds. Foliar application of proper systemic herbicides has been a most effective way to suppress regrowth from underground creeping organs; however, killing the mature plants has disadvantages from aesthetic, economic, and ecological viewpoints. Therefore, we intended to test the possibility of soil‐injection of soil‐active herbicides for effective control of the perennial weeds which develop underground network systems. A pot experiment using combinations of seven species (seven rhizomatous and two having creeping roots) and five chemicals (four herbicides and a plant growth regulator) was conducted to assess whether and how chemicals diffused in soil affect the sprout and growth of buds on creeping organs. All the tested herbicides completely inhibited bud sprouting in one and more species when applied at median or high rates, while most of the flurprimidol‐applied segments sprouted but shoot elongation was significantly reduced. Characteristics of each herbicide were also reflected in the selectivity and features of new outgrowth. The results indicated that chemicals existing in soil were undoubtedly absorbed and affected bud activities. It is concluded that soil injection that delivers the probable soil‐active chemicals to subterranean creeping systems could be a promising technology for controlling noxious creeping perennials.
Numerical-Experimental Optimization of the Common-Feeding Injection System Concept for Application to Light-Duty Commercial Vehicles
Authors: Jin Zhiru , Vento Oscar , Zhang Tantan , Ferrari Alessandro , Mittica Antonio , Ouyang Lingxiang , Tan Sixi
Published: February 2021

The innovative common feeding (CF) fuel injection system has been designed for a light duty commercial vehicle diesel engine in order to reduce production costs and to allow easy installation on the engine, compared with a common rail (CR) system. In the CF apparatus, an additional delivery chamber is mechanically fixed at the high-pressure pump outlet, and the rail is removed from the hydraulic circuit. Experimental tests have been carried out on a hydraulic test rig in order to compare the general performance of the prototypal CF system with those of a CR system equipped with different rail volumes. In the cases of the double injections, the fluctuations of the injected mass pertaining to the second injections have been investigated during dwell time (DT) sweeps, and design solutions have been provided to minimize such oscillations. Moreover, an injection system numerical diagnostic model has been validated, and the reduced accumulation volumes linked phenomena have been analyzed. In general, the performance of the injection systems with different hydraulic capacitances or shapes of the accumulator are similar. One difference is that the injection rate features slightly different slopes during the rising phases; furthermore, cycle-to-cycle dispersions in the injected mass increase to some extent when the hydraulic capacitance is dramatically decreased. Finally, the frequencies of the free pressure waves, due to the water hammer occurring at the end of a hydraulic injection, are different when the shape of the accumulation volume changes, whereas these frequencies are independent of the accumulation volume sizes.
Acquisition and Processing Considerations for Infrared Images of Rotating Turbine Blades
Authors: Knisely Brian F. , Berdanier Reid A. , Thole Karen A. , Haldeman Charles W. , Markham James R. , Cosgrove Joseph E. , Carlson Andrew E. , Scire James J.
Published: February 2021

As designers aim to increase efficiency in gas turbines for aircraft propulsion and power generation, spatially resolved experimental measurements are needed to validate computational models and compare improvement gains of new cooling designs. Infrared (IR) thermography is one such method for obtaining spatially resolved temperature measurements. As technological advances in thermal detectors enable faster integration times, surface temperature measurements of rotating turbine blades become possible to capture including the smallest features. This paper outlines opportunities enabled by the latest IR detector technologies for capturing spatially resolved rotating blade temperatures, while also addressing some of the challenges of implementing IR for turbine rigs such as the one in the Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine (START) Laboratory. This paper documents critical steps in achieving accurate measurements including calibration, integration times, spatial noise, and motion blur. From these results, recommendations are provided for achieving accurate IR measurements collected in a rotating turbine facility to study film cooling.
Study on Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics of a New-Proposed Alternating Elliptical U-Channel in the Midchord Region of Gas Turbine Blade
Authors: Xiao Kun , He Juan , Feng Zhenping
Published: February 2021

This paper proposed an alternating elliptical U-bend cooling channel, which can be applied in the midchord region of gas turbine blade and manufactured by precision casting, based on the optimal flow field structure deduced from the field synergy principle, and investigated the flow and heat transfer characteristics in this alternating elliptical U-bend cooling channel thoroughly. Numerical simulations were performed by using three-dimensional steady solver of Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with the standard k–ε turbulence model. The influence of alternating of cross section on heat transfer and pressure drop of the channel was studied by comparing with the smooth elliptical U-bend channel. On this basis, the effect of aspect ratio (length ratio of the major axis to the minor axis) and alternating angle were further investigated. The results showed that, in the first pass of the alternating elliptical U-bend channel, for different Re, four or eight longitudinal vortices were generated. In the second pass, the alternating elliptical channel restrained the flow separation to a certain extent and a double-vortex structure was formed. The averaged Nusselt number of the alternating elliptical U-bend channel was significantly higher than that of the smooth channel, but the pressure loss only increased slightly. With the increase of aspect ratio, the thermal performance of the channel increased, and when the alternating angle is between 40 deg and 90 deg, the thermal performance nearly kept constant and also the best.
Surface Currents on the Plates of a Charging Capacitor
Authors: Mungan Carl E.
Published: February 2021

Ampère’s law is presented in introductory physics as a relation between the line integral of the magnetic field around a closed loop and the net current crossing any open surface spanning that loop. By allowing the surface to pass between the plates of a charging parallel-plate capacitor, Maxwell realized that this law is incomplete and introduced a term called the displacement current Id (due to changing electric flux), which needs to be combined with the conduction current Ic (due to charge flow) to give the effective net current I. Textbooks state that the way these currents are to be combined is by simple addition, I = Ic+Id. They verify that the resulting Ampère-Maxwell law gives the correct expression for the magnetic field at an arbitrary point outside of both plates for two different choices of spanning surfaces. However, those traditional two surfaces are special and do not prove that the total current must be the simple addition of the displacement and conduction currents. A third, more general spanning surface is used here to establish it. This third approach draws attention to the surface currents on the capacitor plates.
Sliding on an Arbitrarily Shaped Incline with Friction
Authors: Gainer Alexandre , Waxman Michael
Published: February 2021

Friction is one of the most important forces studied in classical mechanics, and still is the subject of pedagogical literature. In a small series of problems stated below, we consider a particle sliding down a curve under the actions of gravity and kinetic friction. Unlike many of the referenced sources, we neglect the centripetal force arising on the curved portions of the incline (i.e., assume that the centripetal acceleration is much smaller than g) and, instead of parameters such as the location of the release point of a particle, concentrate on the horizontal displacement of the particle.
Implementing Raspberry Pi 3 and Python in the Physics Laboratory
Authors: Martínez Alexuan , Nieves Christian , Rúa Armando
Published: February 2021

Many physics projects recently designed for high school teachers use Arduino as the main tool for managing sensors and data acquisition. This is a low-cost integrated development environment programmed with a simplified version of the C++ language. In comparison, the Raspberry Pi 3 platform, which also allows for the design of physics projects, can expose students to the use of the most trending language in the field: Python. With this in mind, we have developed a project to measure the acceleration of objects due to gravity near the Earth’s surface using a Raspberry Pi 3 computer and Python as the programming language. It utilizes an infrared sensor connected to the Raspberry Pi 3, a monitor with an HDMI connection, a mouse, and a keyboard. The experiment yields results with a percentage difference of 2.8% on average for an estimated value of the gravitational acceleration of 9.8 m/s2.
Running Your Best Triathlon Race
Authors: Etxebarria Naroa , Wright Jackson , Jeacocke Hamish , Mesquida Cristian , Pyne David B.
Published: February 2021

Negative or evenly paced racing strategies often lead to more favorable performance outcomes for endurance athletes. However, casual inspection of race split times and observational studies both indicate that elite triathletes competing in Olympic-distance triathlon typically implement a positive pacing strategy during the last of the 3 disciplines, the 10-km run. To address this apparent contradiction, the authors examined data from 14 International Triathlon Union elite races over 3 consecutive years involving a total of 725 male athletes. Analyses of race results confirm that triathletes typically implement a positive running pace strategy, running the first lap of the standard 4-lap circuit substantially faster than laps 2 (∼7%), 3 (∼9%), and 4 (∼12%). Interestingly, mean running pace in lap 1 had a substantially lower correlation with 10-km run time (r = .82) than both laps 2 and 3. Overall triathlon race performance (ranking) was best associated with run performance (r = .82) compared with the swim and cycle sections. Lower variability in race pace during the 10-km run was also reflective of more successful run times. Given that overall race outcome is mainly explained by the 10-km run performance, with top run performances associated with a more evenly paced strategy, triathletes (and their coaches) should reevaluate their pacing strategy during the run section.
Effects of Acute Exercise on Memory Performance in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Etnier Jennifer L. , Vance Jarod C. , Ueno Aiko
Published: February 2021

Numerous studies show that exercise benefits memory and some show that acute exercise prior to encoding has larger benefits than exercise after encoding. This study was designed to investigate the effects of acute exercise on memory in middle-aged and older adults (Mage = 64.71 years) and to explore the influence of the timing of the exercise on these effects. Using a within-subjects design, moderate-intensity exercise (20 min) was either not performed (control), performed before the task (exercise prior), or performed after the task (exercise post). Memory was assessed using the Rey Auditory Learning Verbal Test. For short- and long-term memory and learning, significantly more words were remembered in the exercise-prior condition than the others. For 24-hr recall, participants remembered significantly more words in the exercise-prior condition than exercise post, which was better than control. Exercise benefits memory for healthy middle-aged and older adults, with the greatest benefits when performed prior to encoding.
The Effects of Walking or Nordic Walking in Adults 50 Years and Older at Elevated Risk of Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rodrigues Isabel B. , Ponzano Matteo , Butt Debra A. , Bartley Joan , Bardai Zahra , Ashe Maureen C. , Chilibeck Philip D. , Thabane Lehana , Wark John D. , Stapleton Jackie , Giangregorio Lora M.
Published: February 2021

Walking is a common activity among older adults. However, the effects of walking on health-related outcomes in people with low bone mineral density (BMD) are unknown. The authors included randomized controlled trials comparing walking to control in individuals aged ≥50 years with low BMD and at risk of fractures. The authors identified 13 randomized controlled trials: nine multicomponent interventions including walking, one that was walking only, and three Nordic walking trials. Most studies had a high risk of bias. Nordic walking may improve the Timed Up-and-Go values (1.39 s, 95% CI [1.00, 1.78], very low certainty). Multicomponent interventions including walking improved the 6-min walk test (39.37 m, 95% CI [21.83, 56.91], very low certainty) and lumbar spine BMD (0.01 g/cm2, 95% CI [0.00, 0.03], low certainty evidence). The effects on quality of life or femoral neck BMD were not significant. There were insufficient data on fractures, falls, or mortality. Nordic walking may improve physical functioning. The effects on other outcomes are less certain; one may need to combine walking with other exercises to be of benefit.
Perspectives of Life in Sweden During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Weman Josefsson Karin
Published: February 2021

Sweden has adopted a somewhat different approach to handle the corona pandemic, which has been widely debated both on national and international levels. The Swedish model involves more individual responsibility and reliance on voluntary civic liability than law enforcement, while common measures in other countries are based on more controlling strategies, such as restrictive lockdowns, quarantines, closed borders, and mandatory behavior constraints. This commentary aims to give a brief overview of the foundations of the Swedish model as well as a discussion on how and why it has been adopted in the Swedish society based on Swedish legislations, culture, and traditions. Finally, perspectives on how the Swedish model could be connected to the tenets of self-determination theory will be discussed.
The Validity and Reliability of Scales to Measure Perceived Movement Skill Competence in Iranian Young Children
Authors: Arman Marziyeh , Barnett Lisa M. , Bowe Steven J. , Bahram Abbas , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Perceived Movement Skill Competence scales for Iranian children. In particular, the scales aligned with the second and third versions of the Test of Gross Motor Development and the active play skills. The total sample was 314 children aged 4–8 years (Mage = 6.1 years,SD = 1.1). From this, a random sample of 74 were recruited for face validity. The data from the remaining 240 children were used to establish construct validity using Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling. The data from a second random subsample of 126 children were used to investigate Perceived Movement Skill Competence reliability using ordinal alpha coefficients and intraclass correlations coefficients. The majority of children correctly identified the skills and understood most of the pictures. Internal consistency was very good (from 0.81 to 0.95) for all scales and subscales. Test–retest reliability was excellent with intraclass correlation coefficient values above .85. For construct validity, the initial hypothesized models for three-factor (i.e., locomotor, object control, and play skills) and two-factor (i.e., locomotor and object control) models showed a reasonable fit. The pictorial scales for Perceived Movement Skill Competence are valid and reliable for Iranian young children.
Effect of Knee Joint Angle on Regional Hamstrings Activation During Isometric Knee-Flexion Exercise
Authors: Kawama Raki , Okudaira Masamichi , Fukuda David H. , Maemura Hirohiko , Tanigawa Satoru
Published: February 2021

Context: Each hamstring muscle is subdivided into several regions by multiple motor nerve branches, which implies each region has different muscle activation properties. However, little is known about the muscle activation of each region with a change in the knee joint angle. Understanding of regional activation of the hamstrings could be helpful for designing rehabilitation and training programs targeted at strengthening a specific region. Objective: To investigate the effect of knee joint angle on the activity level of several regions within the individual hamstring muscles during isometric knee-flexion exercise with maximal effort (MVCKF). Design: Within-subjects repeated measures. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Sixteen young males with previous participation in sports competition and resistance training experience. Intervention: The participants performed 2 MVCKF trials at each knee joint angle of 30°, 60°, and 90°. Outcome Measures: Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activity in the proximal, middle, and distal regions of the biceps femoris long head (BFlh), semitendinosus, and semimembranosus of hamstrings at 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion during MVCKF. Results: Muscle activity levels in the proximal and middle regions of the BFlh were higher at 30° and 60° of knee flexion than at 90° during MVCKF (all: P < .05). Meanwhile, the activity levels in the distal region of the BFlh were not different among all of the evaluated knee joint angles. In semitendinosus and semimembranosus, the activity levels were higher at 30° and 60° than at 90°, regardless of region (all: P < .05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the effect of knee joint angle on muscle activity level differs between regions of the BFlh, whereas that is similar among regions of semitendinosus and semimembranosus during MVCKF.
Dream interpretation meets modern science
When Brains Dream
Antonio Zadra and Robert Stickgold
Norton, 2021. 336 pp.
Authors: Frazer Michelle , Poe Gina
Published: February 2021

Nighttime narratives could be critical to consolidating memories, argue two sleep researchers
Bill Gates's guide to avoiding climate catastrophe
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need
Bill Gates
Knopf, 2021. 272 pp.
Authors: Aczel Miriam R.
Published: February 2021

The Microsoft mogul offers a pragmatic approach to achieving greenhouse gas targets
Single-domain antibodies make a difference
Authors: Saelens Xavier , Schepens Bert
Published: February 2021

A double hit with one antibody construct may avoid viral escape
Clinical Implications of Multiplex Pathogen Panels for the Diagnosis of Acute Viral Gastroenteritis
Authors: Wilber Eli , Baker Julia M. , Rebolledo Paulina A.
Published: February 2021

Acute gastroenteritis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in both high- and low-resource settings. The development of nucleic acid-based testing has demonstrated that viruses are a common, yet often undetected, cause of acute gastroenteritis.
Evaluation of the Accelerate Pheno System for Rapid Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Positive Blood Culture Bottles Inoculated with Primary Sterile Specimens from Patients with Suspected Severe Infections
Authors: Chapot V. , Effenberg L. , Dohmen-Ruetten J. , Buer J. , Kehrmann J.
Published: February 2021

The Accelerate Pheno system is approved for rapid identification and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of microorganisms grown from positive blood cultures inoculated with blood from septic patients. We evaluated the performance of the system for identification and AST from positive blood culture bottles inoculated with primary sterile nonblood specimens from patients with suspected severe infections.
Coding-Complete Genome Sequences of NITMA1086 and NITMA1139, Two SARS-CoV-2 Isolates from Belagavi District, Karnataka State, India, Harboring the D614G Mutation
Authors: Singh Ishwar , Vetrivel Umashankar , Harish D. R. , Chattophadhyay Debprasad
Published: February 2021

We announce the coding-complete genome sequences of two isolates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from two coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive samples (RNA isolated from nasopharyngeal swabs) from Belagavi District, Karnataka State, India. Mutational analysis revealed the presence of the D614G substitution in both the isolates.
Peritricuspid annular prostate pellet
Authors: O'Sullivan Bryan , Tanner Richard , Kelly Peter , Fahy Gerard
Published: February 2021

A 75-year-old was treated for prostate adenocarcinoma with brachytherapy in September 2018. A routine follow-up chest radiograph 3 months later revealed a metallic object of the same dimensions as a brachytherapy pellet located in the right ventricle. Further imaging showed the brachtherapy pellet was located in the anterobasal right ventricular endocardium close to the tricuspid valve. Frequent asymptomatic premature ventricular contractions were observed with likely origin from the left ventricular outflow tract, an area remote from the site of the pellet. The patient remains asymptomatic and subsequent imaging shows that the position of the pellet has not changed.
Female counterpart of the Zinner syndrome in men: decoding the ‘OHVIRA’ syndrome
Authors: Panwar Vikas Kumar , Narain Tushar Aditya , Mittal Ankur , Talwar Harkirat Singh
Published: February 2021

The obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome, a rare Mullerian duct anomaly, is a triad of uterine anomalies with ipsilateral renal agenesis and obstructed hemivagina. The aetiopathogenesis of this developmental anomaly is debatable, with several theories being postulated to explain its occurrence. We report two cases of this rare syndrome which were detected on imaging done for unrelated reasons. Case 1 is a 24-year-old woman who presented with primary infertility. After an incidental detection of the syndrome and ruling out a male factor, she has been planned for excision of the vaginal septum. Case 2 is a 47-year-old woman with OHVIRA detected during the evaluation of urolithiasis and is asymptomatic for the syndrome. The OHVIRA syndrome can be asymptomatic or may present as haematocolpos, pelvic pain and infertility which requires surgical intervention, after which successful pregnancies have been reported.
Acute pancreatitis in a patient with COVID-19
Authors: AlHarmi Rawan A Rahman , Fateel Tahera , Sayed Adnan Jalila , AlAwadhi Kamel
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 mainly causes pulmonary disease. Involvement of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems, among other systems, has been reported. We report a case of acute pancreatitis in a patient with resolving COVID-19 pneumonia. History taking and investigations excluded other causes of pancreatitis. This case demonstrates the possibility of pancreatic injury in patients with COVID-19, in line with previously reported similar cases. We believe that it is imperative to screen patients presenting with acute pancreatitis for SARS-CoV-2. It is also important to take into consideration that patients with a complicated course who require an invasive procedure such as drainage might pose a risk of transmission to the operating surgeon or interventionist.
Association between use of macrolides in pregnancy and risk of major birth defects: nationwide, register based cohort study
Authors: Andersson Niklas Worm , Olsen Rasmus Huan , Andersen Jon Trærup
Published: February 2021

Objective

To examine the association between the use of macrolide antibiotics in pregnancy and the risk of major birth defects.

Design

Nationwide, register based cohort study.

Setting

Denmark, 1997-2016.

Participants

Of 1 192 539 live birth pregnancies, pregnancies during which macrolides had been used (13 019) were compared with those during which penicillin (that is, phenoxymethylpenicillin) had been used (matched in a 1:1 ratio on propensity scores). Other comparative groups were pregnancies when macrolides had been used recently but before pregnancy (matched 1:1) and pregnancies where no antibiotics had been used (matched 1:4).

Main outcome measures

Association with an outcome of any major birth defect and specific subgroups of birth defects were assessed by relative risk ratios and absolute risk differences.

Results

In matched comparisons, 457 infants were born with major birth defects to women who had used macrolides during pregnancy (35.1 per 1000 pregnancies) compared with 481 infants (37.0 per 1000 pregnancies) to women who had used penicillin (relative risk ratio 0.95; 95% confidence interval 0.84 to 1.08), corresponding to an absolute risk difference of −1.8 (95% confidence interval −6.4 to 2.7) per 1000 pregnancies. The risk of major birth defects was not significantly increased for women who had used macrolides during pregnancy compared with those who had used macrolides recently but before becoming pregnant (relative risk ratio 1.00 (95% confidence interval 0.88 to 1.14); absolute risk difference −0.1 (95% confidence interval −4.8 to 4.7) per 1000 pregnancies) or compared with women who did not use any antibiotics (1.05 (0.95 to 1.17); 1.8 (−1.7 to 5.3) per 1000 pregnancies). For all three comparative group analyses and in the analyses of use of individual macrolides, no significant increased risk of specific subgroups of birth defects associated with the use of macrolides was found.

Conclusions

In this nationwide cohort study, the use of macrolide antibiotics in pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of major birth defects. Analyses of the associated risk of 12 specific subgroups of birth defects with the use of macrolides in pregnancy were not significant.
Remotely delivered environmental enrichment intervention for traumatic brain injury: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Belchev Zorry , Boulos Mary Ellene , Rybkina Julia , Johns Kadeen , Jeffay Eliyas , Colella Brenda , Ozubko Jason , Bray Michael Johnathan Charles , Di Genova Nicholas , Levi Adina , Changoor Alana , Worthington Thomas , Gilboa Asaf , Green Robin
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Individuals with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (m-sTBI) experience progressive brain and behavioural declines in the chronic stages of injury. Longitudinal studies found that a majority of patients with m-sTBI exhibit significant hippocampal atrophy from 5 to 12 months post-injury, associated with decreased cognitive environmental enrichment (EE). Encouragingly, engaging in EE has been shown to lead to neural improvements, suggesting it is a promising avenue for offsetting hippocampal neurodegeneration in m-sTBI. Allocentric spatial navigation (ie, flexible, bird’s eye view approach), is a good candidate for EE in m-sTBI because it is associated with hippocampal activation and reduced ageing-related volume loss. Efficacy of EE requires intensive daily training, prohibitive within most current health delivery systems. The present protocol is a novel, remotely delivered and self-administered intervention designed to harness principles from EE and allocentric spatial navigation to offset hippocampal atrophy and potentially improve hippocampal functions such as navigation and memory for patients with m-sTBI.

Methods and analysis

Eighty-four participants with chronic m-sTBI are being recruited from an urban rehabilitation hospital and randomised into a 16-week intervention (5 hours/week; total: 80 hours) of either targeted spatial navigation or an active control group. The spatial navigation group engages in structured exploration of different cities using Google Street View that includes daily navigation challenges. The active control group watches and answers subjective questions about educational videos. Following a brief orientation, participants remotely self-administer the intervention on their home computer. In addition to feasibility and compliance measures, clinical and experimental cognitive measures as well as MRI scan data are collected pre-intervention and post-intervention to determine behavioural and neural efficacy.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from ethics boards at the University Health Network and University of Toronto. Findings will be presented at academic conferences and submitted to peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

Version 3, ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04331392).
Diagnostic and prognostic factors in patients with prostate cancer: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Beyer Katharina , Moris Lisa , Lardas Michael , Haire Anna , Barletta Francesco , Scuderi Simone , Vradi Eleni , Gandaglia Giorgio , Omar Muhammad Imran , MacLennan Steven , Zong Jihong , Farahmand Bahman , Maclennan Sara J , Devecseri Zsuzsanna , Asiimwe Alex , Collette Laurence , Bjartell Anders , Ndow James , Briganti Alberto , Van Hemelrijck Mieke
Published: February 2021

Introduction

As part of the PIONEER (Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Enhancement Through the Power of Big Data in Europe) Consortium, we will explore which diagnostic and prognostic factors (DPFs) are currently being researched to previously defined clinical and patient-reported outcomes for prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods and analysis

This research project will follow the following four steps: (1) a broad systematic literature review of DPFs for all stages of PCa, covering evidence from 2014 onwards; (2) discussion of systematic review findings by a multidisciplinary expert panel; (3) risk of bias assessment and applicability with Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool criteria, Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) and the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool (QUIPS) and (4) additional quantitative assessments if required.

Ethics and dissemination

We aim to develop an online tool to present the DPFs identified in this research and make them available across all stakeholders. There are no ethical implications.
Neonatal hypothermia in Northern Uganda: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Mukunya David , Tumwine James K , Nankabirwa Victoria , Odongkara Beatrice , Tongun Justin B , Arach Agnes A , Tumuhamye Josephine , Napyo Agnes , Zalwango Vivian , Achora Vicentina , Musaba Milton W , Ndeezi Grace , Tylleskär Thorkild
Published: February 2021

Objective

To determine the prevalence, predictors and case fatality risk of hypothermia among neonates in Lira district, Northern Uganda.

Setting

Three subcounties of Lira district in Northern Uganda.

Design

This was a community-based cross-sectional study nested in a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Participants

Mother–baby pairs enrolled in a cluster randomised controlled trial. An axillary temperature was taken during a home visit using a lithium battery-operated digital thermometer.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of hypothermia. Hypothermia was defined as mild if the axillary temperature was 36.0°C to <36.5°C, moderate if the temperature was 32.0°C to <36.0°C and severe hypothermia if the temperature was <32.0°C. The secondary outcome measure was the case fatality risk of neonatal hypothermia. Predictors of moderate to severe hypothermia were determined using a generalised estimating equation model for the Poisson family.

Results

We recruited 1330 neonates. The prevalence of hypothermia (<36.5°C) was 678/1330 (51.0%, 95% CI 46.9 to 55.1). Overall, 32% (429/1330), 95% CI 29.5 to 35.2 had mild hypothermia, whereas 18.7% (249/1330), 95% CI 15.8 to 22.0 had moderate hypothermia. None had severe hypothermia. At multivariable analysis, predictors of neonatal hypothermia included: home birth (adjusted prevalence ratio, aPR, 1.9, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.6); low birth weight (aPR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.3) and delayed breastfeeding initiation (aPR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.5). The case fatality risk ratio of hypothermic compared with normothermic neonates was 2.0 (95% CI 0.60 to 6.9).

Conclusion

The prevalence of neonatal hypothermia was very high, demonstrating that communities in tropical climates should not ignore neonatal hypothermia. Interventions designed to address neonatal hypothermia should consider ways of reaching neonates born at home and those with low birth weight. The promotion of early breastfeeding initiation and skin-to-skin care could reduce the risk of neonatal hypothermia.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrial.gov as NCT02605369.