bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclical helping hands: seasonal tailwinds differentially affect migrating Oriental Storks (Ciconia boyciana) travel speed
Authors: Fan Shujuan , Zhao Qingshan , Li Hongbin , Zhu Baoguang , Dong Shubin , Xie Yanbo , Cao Lei , Fox Anthony David
Published: April 2020

Background

The Oriental Stork (Ciconia boyciana) breeds in southeastern Siberia and parts of northeast China, and winters mainly in southeast China. Although the autumn migration pattern of Oriental Storks has been previously described, differences between spring and autumn migration travel speed in relation to wind assistance were unknown.

Methods

Using GPS/GSM transmitters, we tracked the full migrations of 18 Oriental Storks during 2015‒2018 to compare differences in autumn and spring migration patterns, and combined the satellite telemetry data with the National Center for Environmental Prediction Reanalysis data to explain the relationship between 850 mbar wind vectors and seasonal differences in travel speed.

Results

Differences in tailwinds contributed to significant differences in daily average Oriental Storks travel speed in spring (258.11 ± 64.8 km/day) compared to autumn (172.23 ± 49.7 km/day, p < 0.001). Storks stopped significantly more often in autumn than spring (1.78 ± 1.1 versus 1.06 ± 0.9, p < 0.05), but stopover duration (15.52 ± 12.4 versus 16.30 ± 15.1 days, respectively, p = 0.3) did not differ significantly. Tailwinds at 850 mbar pressure level (extracted from the National Center of Environmental Prediction Reanalysis data archive) significantly affected daily flying speed during spring and autumn migration. Tailwind conditions in spring (mean 4.40 ± 5.6 m/s) were always more favourable than in autumn when they received no net benefit (0.48 ± 5.6 m/s, p < 0.001). Despite mean spring migration duration being less than autumn (27.52 ± 15.9 versus 32.77 ± 13.4 days, p = 0.17), large individual variation meant that this duration did not differ significantly from each other.

Conclusions

For long distance migratory soaring birds (such as storks), relative duration of spring and autumn migration likely relates to the interaction between imperative for earliest arrival to breeding grounds and seasonal meteorological conditions experienced en route.
Wild bee distribution near forested landscapes is dependent on successional state
Authors: Odanaka Katherine A. , Rehan Sandra M.
Published: April 2020

Background

Forested landscapes are valuable sources of ecosystem services especially in areas dedicated to intense agricultural activities. Distance from forest margin is known to influence the wild bee community in the landscape surrounding forested patches. Yet little is known regarding how bee communities distribute themselves in landscapes that exhibit different forest successional states.

Methods

We examined how land use type and distance from the forest edge affect the abundance and richness of the wild bee community across four forest successional states. Bees were collected in sites representing four stages of forest succession and analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with negative binomial distributions.

Results

Wild bee diversity is reduced in forested environments that maintain dense stands of trees and high canopy cover. Additionally, distance from the forest edge was an important factor determining wild bee distribution in successional stages adjacent to forest edges. Furthermore, we found that bees maintain high specificity for distinct successional states and distances.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate how different successional stages can harbor different bee species and highlight the ability of microhabitats to act as reservoirs of bee diversity in and around forest margins. Furthermore, we found that maximizing successional patchiness across forested landscapes increases the amount of available habitat that can support a diverse suite of bees with different nesting biologies and behaviors.
Non-iterative image reconstruction from sparse magnetic resonance imaging radial data without priors
Authors: Zeng Gengsheng L. , DiBella Edward V.
Published: April 2020

The state-of-the-art approaches for image reconstruction using under-sampled k-space data are compressed sensing based. They are iterative algorithms that optimize objective functions with spatial and/or temporal constraints. This paper proposes a non-iterative algorithm to estimate the un-measured data and then to reconstruct the image with the efficient filtered backprojection algorithm. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated with a patient magnetic resonance imaging study. The proposed method is also compared with the state-of-the-art iterative compressed-sensing image reconstruction method using the total-variation optimization norm.
Multiple risk factors affecting childhood psychosocial dysfunction in primary school Egyptian children
Authors: Soliman Eman S. , Mahdy Rehab S. , Fouad Heba A. , Abbas R. A. , Fayed Amel
Published: April 2020

Background

Childhood psychosocial dysfunction (CPD) is an important cause of morbidity among children, and its frequency in primary care is growing. The information about its prevalence and risk factors is weak in many developing countries. The study aims to determine the prevalence of psychosocial problems among primary school children and identify the risk factors associated with childhood psychosocial dysfunction.

Results

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 368 primary school children aged 6–12 years. About (19.0%) of the studied sample had probable CPD according to Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). CPD was statistically associated with older age group, male sex, and low social class.

The association between biological and medical risk factors of the studied group and CPD showed statistical significant relations between CPD and low body weight (n = 35, 50.7%), maternal history of problems with pregnancy (n = 26, 66.47%), history of receiving medications during pregnancy (n = 13, 86.7%), abnormal general condition of baby at birth (n = 57, 16.2%), family history of mental disorders (n = 2, 100%), medical history of congenital diseases (n = 9, 90%), acute medical disorders (n = 29, 90.6%), chronic diseases, receiving medications (n = 22, 91.7%), and exposure to trauma (n = 27, 84.4%).

Also, The association between psychosocial risk factors and CPD revealed high statistical significant relation between CPD among the studied children and presence of family problems (n = 33, 62.3%), living with single parent (n = 15, 71.4%), parent(s) death (n = 12, 63.2%), major changes in the family (n = 39, 79.6%), parent(s) smoking status (n = 22, 51.2%), and parent(s) addiction (n = 4, 100%).

Moreover, there was statistical significant relation between CPD among the studied children and poor academic achievement (n = 19, 27.5%), problems with teachers (n = 25, 33.3%), problems with peers (n = 22, 51.2%), and exposure to violence (n = 56, 22.4%).

Conclusions

Psychosocial dysfunction is common among Egyptian school children. It is associated with many risk factors. Hence, mental health services should be incorporated into primary health care facilities and school health program. Also, training of family physicians and primary health care providers is crucial.
Molecular phylogenetic analysis of Pulmonata (Mollusca:
Gastropoda) on the basis of Histone-3 gene
Authors: Ayyagari Vijaya Sai , Sreerama Krupanidhi
Published: April 2020

Background

In the present study, phylogenetic relationships within
Heterobranchia in particular to Pulmonata were evaluated by means of Histone-3
(H3) gene sequence information. H3 gene is a slow evolving marker and is useful
in resolving the deep level relationships. This is the first study to report the
phylogeny of Pulmonata with more number of representatives from the group on the
basis of H3 gene.

Results

The major groups within Heterobranchia viz. Lower Heterobranchia,
Opisthobranchia, and Pulmonata were non-monophyletic. A few of the pulmonate
groups’ viz. Planorbidae, Lymnaeidae, Siphonariidae, Veronicellidae, and
Stylommatophora were recovered as monophyletic. The concepts of Eupulmonata and
Geophila were not observed in the present study.

Conclusions

The present study was undertaken with an objective to study the
phylogeny of Pulmonata reconstructed on the basis of H3 gene and its ability to
resolve the deeper divergences in Pulmonata. However, the resolution at the
deeper nodes is limited. There is a good resolution at the level of genera. In
the future, inclusion of more number of taxa with increased sequence length of
H3 marker may yield resolved topologies that may shed more insights into the
phylogeny of Pulmonata.
Extending the vulnerability–stress model of mental disorders: three-dimensional NPSR1 × environment × coping interaction study in anxiety
Authors: Schiele Miriam A. , Herzog Katharina , Kollert Leonie , Schartner Christoph , Leehr Elisabeth J. , Böhnlein Joscha , Repple Jonathan , Rosenkranz Karoline , Lonsdorf Tina B. , Dannlowski Udo , Zwanzger Peter , Reif Andreas , Pauli Paul , Deckert Jürgen , Domschke Katharina
Published: April 2020

Background

The general understanding of the ‘vulnerability–stress model’ of mental disorders neglects the modifying impact of resilience-increasing factors such as coping ability.

Aims

Probing a conceptual framework integrating both adverse events and coping factors in an extended ‘vulnerability–stress–coping model’ of mental disorders, the effects of functional neuropeptide S receptor gene (NPSR1) variation (G), early adversity (E) and coping factors (C) on anxiety were addressed in a three-dimensional G × E × C model.

Method

In two independent samples of healthy probands (discovery: n = 1403; replication: n = 630), the interaction of NPSR1 rs324981, childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, CTQ) and general self-efficacy as a measure of coping ability (General Self-Efficacy Scale, GSE) on trait anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) was investigated via hierarchical multiple regression analyses.

Results

In both samples, trait anxiety differed as a function of NPSR1 genotype, CTQ and GSE score (discovery: β = 0.129, P = 3.938 × 10−8; replication: β = 0.102, P = 0.020). In A allele carriers, the relationship between childhood trauma and anxiety was moderated by general self-efficacy: higher self-efficacy and childhood trauma resulted in low anxiety scores, and lower self-efficacy and childhood trauma in higher anxiety levels. In turn, TT homozygotes displayed increased anxiety as a function of childhood adversity unaffected by general self-efficacy.

Conclusions

Functional NPSR1 variation and childhood trauma are suggested as prime moderators in the vulnerability–stress model of anxiety, further modified by the protective effect of self-efficacy. This G × E × C approach – introducing coping as an additional dimension further shaping a G × E risk constellation, thus suggesting a three-dimensional ‘vulnerability–stress–coping model’ of mental disorders – might inform targeted preventive or therapeutic interventions strengthening coping ability to promote resilient functioning.
Retrospective Analysis of Chilean and Mexican GI Stromal Tumor Registries: A Tale of Two Latin American Realities
Authors: Calderillo Germán , Muñoz-Medel Matías , Carbajal Edelmira , Córdova-Delgado Miguel , Durán Doris , Retamal Ignacio N. , Fernández Piga , Espinoza Absalón , Salas Rodrigo , de la Paz Mastretta María , Galindo Héctor , Nervi Bruno , Madrid Jorge , Sánchez Cesar , Ibáñez Carolina , Peña José , Mondaca Sebastián , Acevedo Francisco , Koch Erica , Pinto Mauricio P. , Garrido Marcelo
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE

Like other malignancies, GI stromal tumors (GIST) are highly heterogeneous. This not only applies to histologic features and malignant potential, but also to geographic incidence rates. Several studies have reported GIST incidence and prevalence in Europe and North America. In contrast, GIST incidence rates in South America are largely unknown, and only a few studies have reported GIST prevalence in Latin America.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our study was part of a collaborative effort between Chile and Mexico, called Salud con Datos. We sought to determine GIST prevalence and patients’ clinical characteristics, including survival rates, through retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 624 patients were included in our study. Our results found significant differences between Mexican and Chilean registries, such as stage at diagnosis, primary tumor location, CD117-positive immunohistochemistry status, mitotic index, and tumor size. Overall survival (OS) times for Chilean and Mexican patients with GIST were 134 and 156 months, respectively. No statistically significant differences in OS were detected by sex, age, stage at diagnosis, or recurrence status in both cohorts. As expected, patients categorized as being at high risk of recurrence displayed a trend toward poorer progression-free survival in both registries.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest report from Latin America assessing the prevalence, clinical characteristics, postsurgery risk of recurrence, and outcomes of patients with GIST. Our data confirm surgery as the standard treatment of localized disease and confirm a poorer prognosis in patients with regional or distant disease. Finally, observed differences between registries could be a result of registration bias.
Propofol Affects Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cell Biology By Regulating the miR-21/PTEN/AKT Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyu , Dong Linlin , Zhao Su , Li Quanyi , Liu Dandan , Zhu Xidong , Ge Xiaona , Li Ruzhe , Wang Guonian
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND:

Propofol is a common sedative-hypnotic drug traditionally used for inducing and maintaining general anesthesia. Recent studies have drawn attention to the nonanesthetic effects of propofol, but the potential mechanism by which propofol suppresses non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS:

For the in vitro experiments, we used propofol (0, 2, 5, and 10 µg/mL) to treat A549 cells for 1, 4, and 12 hours and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) to detect proliferation. Apoptosis was measured with flow cytometry. We also transfected A549 cells with an microribonucleic acid-21 (miR-21) mimic or negative control ribonucleic acid (RNA) duplex and phosphatase and tensin homolog, deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) or negative control. PTEN, phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAKT), and protein kinase B (AKT) expression were detected using Western blotting, whereas miR-21 expression was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In vivo, nude mice were given injections of A549 cells to grow xenograft tumors; 8 days later, the mice were intraperitoneally injected with propofol (35 mg/kg) or soybean oil. Tumors were then collected from mice and analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

RESULTS:

Propofol inhibited growth (1 hour, P = .001; 4 hours, P ≤ .0001; 12 hours, P = .0004) and miR-21 expression (P ≤ .0001) and induced apoptosis (1 hour, P = .0022; 4 hours, P = .0005; 12 hours, P ≤ .0001) in A549 cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner. MiR-21 mimic and PTEN siRNA transfection antagonized the suppressive effects of propofol on A549 cells by decreasing PTEN protein expression (mean differences [MD] [95% confidence interval {CI}], –0.51 [–0.86 to 0.16], P = .0058; MD [95% CI], 0.81 [0.07–1.55], P = .0349, respectively), resulting in an increase in pAKT levels (MD [95% CI] = –0.82 [–1.46 to –0.18], P = .0133) following propofol exposure. In vivo, propofol treatment reduced NSCLC tumor growth (MD [95% CI] = –109.47 [–167.03 to –51.91], P ≤ .0001) and promoted apoptosis (MD [95% CI] = 38.53 [11.69–65.36], P = .0093).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study indicated that propofol inhibited A549 cell growth, accelerated apoptosis via the miR-21/PTEN/AKT pathway in vitro, suppressed NSCLC tumor cell growth, and promoted apoptosis in vivo. Our findings provide new implications for propofol in cancer therapy and indicate that propofol is extremely advantageous in surgical treatment.
Cesarean Delivery in a Parturient With “Repaired” Congenital Mitral Dysplasia and Severe Functional Mitral Stenosis: A Case Report
Authors: Johnson Erica M. , Dolak James A.
Published: April 2020

We present the anesthetic management of a 23-year-old gravida 2 para 0-0-1-0 with a history of mitral valve replacement secondary to congenital mitral dysplasia. The hemodynamic changes of pregnancy had resulted in severe functional mitral stenosis of her mechanical valve, which was significantly undersized for her current body surface area. Her complex cardiac history required our multidisciplinary team to focus on peripartum anticoagulation management, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) preparation under a dural puncture epidural (DPE) technique, and managing the hemodynamic changes that are critical for a congenital heart disease parturient.
Advanced Progression of Scoliosis After Intrathecal Baclofen in an Adult With Stiff Person Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Oh Daniel Chun-suk , Rakesh Neal , LaGrant Brian , Sein Michael
Published: April 2020

Stiff person syndrome is a neuroimmunological disorder characterized by progressive muscular rigidity and spasms that affect axial/limb muscles, resulting in severe pain and functional limitations. When refractory to conservative treatments, intrathecal baclofen is a viable option to treat the increased tone. Intrathecal baclofen has been shown to accelerate underlying neuromuscular scoliosis in the pediatric population with cerebral palsy. This adverse effect has never been reported in adults with stiff person syndrome. We report a case of an adult with stiff person syndrome and underlying scoliosis who experienced accelerated progression of scoliosis after initiation of intrathecal baclofen, subsequently requiring neurosurgical intervention.
Systemic Air Embolism in a Patient With Lung Lesion Undergoing Neurosurgery in Sitting Position: A Case Report
Authors: Joys Steve , Podder Subrata , Salunke Pravin , Jangra Kiran
Published: April 2020

Systemic air embolism secondary to venous air embolism is a known complication of sitting position surgery. However, the possibility of an isolated systemic air embolism must be considered, especially in patients with preexisting lung disease receiving positive pressure ventilation. These patients may benefit from a comprehensive preoperative evaluation and advanced intraoperative monitoring. We report a case of a 53-year-old woman with chronic obstructive airway disease and a preexisting fibrocavitary lung lesion, who developed isolated air entrainment into the left heart during sitting position surgery.
Ambulatory Erector Spinae Plane Continuous Nerve Catheter for Acute Pain Management Following Rib Resection for Slipping Rib Syndrome in an Adolescent: A Case Report
Authors: Burjek Nicholas E. , Nguyen Kim T. , Raval Mehul V. , Zouki Carole C. , Krodel David J.
Published: April 2020

Continuous regional analgesia techniques for ambulatory management of postoperative thoracic and abdominal wall pain are limited. We report the placement of an erector spinae plane (ESP) catheter in a pediatric patient who underwent rib resection for slipping rib syndrome and was discharged on postoperative day 1 with an elastomeric pump for continued regional analgesia in the ambulatory setting. The patient required minimal opioids while the catheter was in place and experienced a functional level that surpassed her preoperative state. Ambulatory ESP peripheral nerve catheters are a feasible and potentially effective option for the treatment of acute postsurgical pain in children.
Medieval Pilgrimage as Heterotopia
Authors: Yeager Suzanne M.
Published: April 2020

Saewulf’s Relatio de situ Jerusalem is one of the most significant yet understudied pilgrim texts of the twelfth century. Documenting the Jerusalem-bound traveler’s adventures through the medieval Mediterranean, the text is the first extant pilgrim document written immediately after Latin Christian armies seized control of the holy city. This article examines the text’s remarkable interest in autobiography and explores the resonance which crusading, early crusading narrative, Islamic presence, and Mediterranean voyaging had upon the pilgrim genre. This new analysis of Saewulf’s pre-modern self-fashioning is crucial to ways in which literary historians assess pilgrim literature through the valuable anthropological theories advanced by Edith and Victor Turner. As argued here, the status of a militarized Mediterranean in the twelfth century led to a shift in how pilgrims wrote about themselves. Saewulf positioned himself as a pilgrim who is transformed by his vivid exploits, not at the locality of the shrine, but while en route to Jerusalem. This study is an intervention in pilgrim and travel theory, proposing 1104 as a watershed moment in medieval travelers’ self-perception and autobiographical portrayal.
Surgical Complications and Referral Patterns in 567 Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in the Northern Region of the Netherlands: A Population-Based Study Towards Clinical Management Implementation
Authors: van Dijk Deborah , van Dijk Boukje A. C. , Weistra Annemieke , Links Thera P. , Plukker John Th. M.
Published: April 2020

Background

In the Netherlands, differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is treated surgically in three different hospital types, including university, teaching, and non- teaching peripheral hospitals. This study evaluates postoperative complications and referral patterns in patients with DTC in the northern region of the Netherlands to gain an understanding on how to improve management implementation.

Methods

Data from 567 patients diagnosed between 1989 and 2009 were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and were supplemented with information from hospital digital information systems and patient records from 15 hospitals: 1 university, 3 teaching, and 11 peripheral hospitals. Surgically treated patients with a histologically proven DTC derived from the original pathology reports were included.

Results

Surgical treatment could be performed in a single procedure in 234 patients (41.3%), but several surgeries were needed in the remaining 333 patients (58.7%). Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy occurred after all types of thyroid surgical procedures, but mostly after initial (hemi)thyroidectomy and reoperations. RLN was temporary in 3.2% of the nerves at risk and persistent in 1.8%. Temporary hypocalcemia developed in 13.7% of patients, and persistent hypocalcemia occurred in 4.8%. Patients were mainly referred to the university hospital from a non-teaching (40.7%, 48/118) or teaching hospital (11.1%, 16/144); however, 80% of patients were not referred.

Conclusions

The complication rate and number of multiple surgeries support the efforts in optimizing clinical management in thyroid cancer. Careful considerations prior to initial surgical treatment by early discussion in telemedicine-based regional tumor boards could possibly prevent reoperations and potentially diminish complications.
Domain-Specific Physical Activity, Pain Interference, and Muscle Pain after Activity
Authors: SWAIN CHRISTOPHER T. V. , BASSETT JULIE K. , HODGE ALLISON M. , BRUINSMA FIONA J. , MAHMOOD SHAHID , JAYASEKARA HARINDRA , MACINNIS ROBERT J. , GILES GRAHAM G. , MILNE ROGER L. , ENGLISH DALLAS R. , LYNCH BRIGID M.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Using the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, we examined the associations of occupation, household, transport, and leisure physical activity with pain interference with normal work and muscle pain after activity.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis included 7655 working and 11,766 nonworking participants. Physical activity was assessed using the long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Pain interference was assessed with the Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey version 2.0, and muscle pain after activity was assessed using the 12-item Somatic and Psychological Health Report. Ordered logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and restricted cubic splines were used to graphically represent the shape of associations.

Results

All physical activity domain–pain outcome associations were nonlinear. Compared with participants who reported the lowest level of activity, participants who reported the median level of transport physical activity (10 MET·h·wk−1) reported less pain interference (workers: OR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.77–0.97]; nonworkers: OR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.79–0.97]) and muscle pain after activity (workers: OR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.70–0.95]; nonworkers: OR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.77–0.95]). Higher levels of leisure time activity (20 MET·h·wk−1) were associated with less pain interference in nonworkers (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77–0.98) and muscle pain after activity in workers (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.56–0.80). Workers who reported the median level of household activity (16 MET·h·wk−1) had increased pain interference (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.07–1.32) and muscle pain after activity (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06–1.42) than did those who reported the least household activity.

Conclusions

Associations between domain-specific physical activity and pain outcomes were not uniform. Within the transport and leisure domains, physical activity was inversely associated with pain-related outcomes, whereas household physical activity was positively associated with pain scores within the working sample.
The Relation between Age and Sex on Whole-Body Heat Loss during Exercise-Heat Stress
Authors: D’SOUZA ANDREW W. , NOTLEY SEAN R. , KENNY GLEN P.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Increasing age is associated with decrements in sweat rate that compromise whole-body total heat loss (evaporative + dry heat exchange) in both men and women during moderate-to-vigorous exercise in dry heat. Similarly, young women also display reductions in sweating (that lower evaporative heat loss) relative to young men in such conditions. Nevertheless, it remained unclear whether these effects act synergistically to exacerbate the age-related decline in whole-body total heat loss in women relative to men. We therefore assessed the interrelation between age and sex on whole-body total heat loss during light, moderate, and vigorous exercise in dry heat.

Methods

To achieve this, we used direct and indirect calorimetry to assess whole-body total heat loss and metabolic heat production (respectively) in 46 men and 34 women age between 18 and 70 yr. Participants performed three, 30-min bouts of cycling at metabolic heat productions of 150 (light), 200 (moderate), and 250 (vigorous) W·m−2, each separated by 15-min recovery in dry heat (40°C, ~15% relative humidity).

Results

Whole-body total heat loss was ~5% lower in women relative to men during moderate and vigorous exercise (both, P < 0.01), irrespective of age. Total heat loss declined with age during moderate and vigorous exercise in both men and women (all, P < 0.050), although the rate of that decline (~4% per decade) was similar between men and women across all exercise bouts (all, P > 0.050).

Conclusions

We show that, when assessed in dry heat, whole-body total heat loss is lower in women relative to men, irrespective of age. Furthermore, total heat loss declines with increasing age in both men and women during moderate-to-vigorous exercise, albeit the rate of that decline is not appreciably modified by sex.
Development of a Body Mass Index–based Body Fat Equation: Effect of Handgrip Strength
Authors: NICKERSON BRETT S. , ESCO MICHAEL R. , FEDEWA MICHAEL V. , PARK KYUNG-SHIN
Published: April 2020

Body mass index (BMI)–based body fat equations from Womersley (BMIWOMERSLEY), Jackson (BMIJACKSON), Deurenberg (BMIDEURENBERG), and Gallagher (BMIGALLAGHER) are practical in clinical and field settings. However, research has shown these prediction equations produce large error, which may be due to the inability of BMI to account for differences in fat mass and fat-free mass. Thus, accounting for variations in muscular strength via relative handgrip (RHG) strength could help enhance the accuracy of a BMI-based body fat equation.

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was twofold: 1) to develop a new BMI-based body fat equation that includes the measurement of RHG (BMINICKERSON) and 2) to cross-validate BMINICKERSON, BMIWOMERSLEY, BMIJACKSON, BMIDEURENBERG, and BMIGALLAGHERagainst a four-compartment criterion.

Methods

The development and cross-validation samples consisted of 230 and 110 participants, respectively. Criterion body fat percent was determined with a four-compartment model. RHG was calculated by summing the max of each handgrip strength measurement and dividing by body mass. BMI (kg·m−2), RHG (kg·kg−1), age (yr), ethnicity (Hispanic or non-Hispanic White), and sex (male or female) were entered into a stepwise regression to calculate BMINICKERSON.

Results

BMINICKERSONwas calculated as follows: body fat percent = 21.504 – (12.484 × RHG) – (7.998 × sex) + (0.722 × BMI). In the cross-validation sample, BMINICKERSONproduced lower constant error (CE) and total error (TE) values (CE = –0.11%, TE = 4.28%) than all other BMI-based body fat equations (CE = 0.89%–1.90%, TE = 5.71%–6.87%). Furthermore, the 95% limits of agreement were lower for BMINICKERSON± 8.47% than previous BMI-based body fat equations (95% limits of agreement = ±11.14% to 13.33%).

Conclusion

Current study results confirm that previous BMI-based body fat equations produce large error in Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites but can be improved by accounting for RHG. Allied health professionals are encouraged to use BMINICKERSONin clinical and field settings for adiposity assessments.
Outcome of modified interlaminar decompression: A conservative decompressive surgery for lumbar spine stenosis
Authors: Azam Farooq , Sharafat Seema , Khan Zahid , Ali Mumtaz
Published: April 2020

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of modified interlaminar decompression in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Methods: This descriptive observational study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from July 2014 to June 2018. All patients with degenerative LSS who underwent modified interlaminar decompression during the study period were included in the study. The patients were followed up to one year after surgery. The data was entered into a structured questionnaire designed according to the study which was then analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results: A total of 182 LSS cases were included in the study and 236 levels were operated during the study period. According to the records increased prevalence of LSS was found among males i.e. 58.8%. The common level with degenerative stenosis involved was L4-5. Good to excellent outcomes were observed in 93.9% patients in the 1st follow-up visit. The most common complication of surgery was dural tear followed by wound infection.

Conclusion: Modified interlaminar decompression is a conservative surgical technique, proved to be a potential approach with acceptable complications, satisfactory outcomes and it is easy to learn.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1170

How to cite this:Azam F, Sharafat S, Khan Z, Ali M. Outcome of modified interlaminar decompression: A conservative decompressive surgery for lumbar spine stenosis. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):663-667. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1170

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Continuous positive pressure ventilation combined with pulmonary surfactant in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Miao Jing , Xie Haitao , Zhang Yanping , Guo Xiaohui , Cui Min
Published: April 2020

Objective: To analyze the clinical effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) combined with pulmonary surfactant in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS).

Methods: Eighty-two NRDS patients who received treatment from August 2017 to June 2019 in our hospital were selected and divided into a control group and an observation group using random number table, 41 in each group. The control group was treated with CPAP, and the observation group was treated with pulmonary surfactant injection besides CPAP. The therapeutic effect, blood gas index, mechanical ventilation parameters and occurrence of complications were compared between the two groups.

Results: The total response rate of the observation group was 90.24%, which was significantly higher than 70.73% of the control group, and the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05). After treatment, the improvement of blood gas indexes of the observation group was better than that of the control group. The hospitalization time and duration of oxygen treatment of the observation group were shorter than those of the control group, and the hospitalization cost was higher than the control group (P<0.05). The difference of incidence of complications between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Endotracheal injection of pulmonary surfactant combined with CPAP in the treatment of NRDS can enhance the efficacy, promote the recovery of blood gas index, and reduce the parameters of mechanical ventilation and the incidence of complications, which is conducive to improving the respiratory function of the newborn. The therapy is worth application in the treatment of NRDS patients.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1963

How to cite this:Miao J, Xie H, Zhang Y, Guo X, Cui M. Continuous positive pressure ventilation combined with pulmonary surfactant in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):647-651. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1963

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Standardized approach to result analysis and interpretation of initial experience of coronary computed tomography angiography in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Nishtar Tahira , Ullah Nadeem , Ahmad Tabish , Ahmad Fatima
Published: April 2020

Objective: To have a systematic standardized approach to performing and interpretation of coronary CT Angiography (CTA) in order to maintain and enhance the diagnostic accuracy of the imaging modality.

Methods: This retrospective observational study was performed in Radiology Department, Lady Reading Hospital, Medical Teaching Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan from August 2018 to September 2019. Patients referred for coronary CT angiography were screened and prepared in radiology department. The examination was performed on Toshiba-160 slice CT Scanner (Prime Aquilion) utilizing standardized protocols tailored towards optimum image acquisition. Interpretation of the images were based on the guidelines provided by the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT).

Results: Total 95 CTCA procedures were performed in the department, out of which 85 were included in study showing 49 (57%) as normal and 36 (42%) were positive for coronary disease. Of the abnormal cases 16(18.8%) had mild disease, nine (10.6%) patients had moderate disease, while severe disease was noted in 11 (12.9%) cases. Coronary quantitative stenosis revealed five cases (5.9%) with LAD involvement only and five (5.9%) with severe triple vessel disease. The remaining varied in degree of stenosis and number of segments involved. Post CABG were 14 cases (16%) and native arteries showed triple vessel disease. CTA for percutaneous stent patency were three (3.5%) cases with 100% stent patency.

Conclusion: Patient selection with tailored protocols are the mainstay for achieving optimal images. This form the basis for accurate interpretation, based on a standardized and systematic approach, utilizing various post processing tools, in order to maintain the high diagnostic accuracy of this semi-invasive, safe imaging modality in a variety of patients suspected of coronary artery disease, coronary artery bypass grafts and stent patency.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.2174

How to cite this:Nishtar T, Nadeem Ullah, Ahmad T, Ahmed F. Standardized approach to result analysis and interpretation of initial experience of coronary computed tomography angiography in a tertiary care hospital. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):683-688.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.2174

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Preliminary results on the study of 237Np(n,f) at n_TOF/EAR2 in energies related to nuclear waste transmutation
Authors: Stamatopoulos Athanasios , The n_TOF Collaboration And
Published: April 2020

The accurate knowledge of neutron-induced fission cross sections of isotopes involved in the nuclear fuel cycle is essential for the optimum design and safe operation of next generation nuclear systems. Such experimental data can additionally provide constraints for the adjustment of nuclear model parameters used in the evaluation process, resulting in a further understanding of the nuclear fission process. In this respect measurements of the 237Np(n,f) cross section have been performed at the n_TOF facility at CERN in the horizontal 185 m flight-path (EAR1) which were discrepant by 7% in the MeV region. The neutron-induced fission cross section of 237Np(n,f) was recently restudied at the EAR2 19.5 m vertical beam-line at CERN’s n_TOF facility, over a wide range of neutron energies, from 100 keV up to 15 MeV, using the time-of-flight technique and a modern set-up based on Micromegas detectors. This study was performed in an attempt to resolve the aforementioned discrepancies and to provide accurate data of a reaction that is frequently used as reference in measurements related to feasibility and design studies of advanced nuclear systems. Preliminary results with a high statistical accuracy that resolve the discrepancies will be presented along with a brief discussion concerning the facility and the analysis.
Natural radioactivity content in Italian bottled mineral waters
Authors: Catani V. , Stamoulis K. C. , Esposito L. , Cicchella D. , Aslanoglou X. , Ioannides K. G.
Published: April 2020

Bottled water consumption has a long history but nowdays bottled water industry is a fast-growing sector of the world industry. Most of the water in bottles comes from springs or underground aquifers. The mineral content of the aquifer is diluted in small amounts into the water and although consuming mineral water is thought to be a healthy practice, there are several cases where radioactivity is also present. Monitoring the bottled water natural radioactivity is very important especially for the cases people consume mainly this kind of water. Radioactivity accumulation in the human body if exists in excess, can pose a threat for the health. In the present work, thirty brands of Italian bottled water were measured for gross alpha and beta radioactivity, uranium, radium and polonium radioisotopes. Radioactivity content was determined using the LSC method and sorbtion on polyamide pieces covered with thin film of MnO2. The analysis using the MnO2 thin films showed that the radium activity in waters varied from 4.7-69.3 mBqL-1 and the polonium activity varied from 5.9-26.8 mBqL-1. The measurements with the LSC method showed uranium concentrations varying from 0.7- 93.1 mBqL-1, while the radium activities exhibited variations from 1.6-34.1 mBqL-1. Finally the gross beta activity values varied from 13.1-1584.9 mBqL-1 and the gross alpha from 2.4- 305.2 mBqL-1.
COMPARISON BETWEEN THE RELATIVISTIC AND NON-RELATIVISTIC TREATMENT OF THE Λ-HYPERNUCLEI
Authors: Koutroulos C. G.
Published: April 2020

Using as an example potentials of the form U±(r)=-D±(cosh^2(r/R))^-1 the binding energies as well as the root mean square radii of the orbits of the Λ particle in hypernuclei in the ground and excited states were calculated in the relativistic and non-relativistic cases and the results are compared.
Approximate treatment of the Dirac equation with scalar and vector potentials of rectangular shapes
Authors: Grypeos M. E. , Koutroulos C. G. , Papadopoulos G. J.
Published: April 2020

The Dirac equation with scalar potential Us(r) and fourth component of vector po­ tential Uv(r) is considered in the case of the rectangular shapes of these potentials with the same radius R and approximate analytic expressions are derived for the single-particle energy of bound states in certain cases. The results obtained with these expressions are compared with the corresponding "exact" results obtained by solving the eigenvalue equa­ tion numerically.It is found that very good results are obtained for the ground state and for quite a wide range of values of R with one of the proposed expressions. Even the corresponding non-relativistic version of this expession, has not been derived before, to our knowledge.
Projectile Fragmentation of 16O and 32S beams from Dubna LHE Synchrophasotron
Authors: Sampsonidis D. , Kulakov B. A. , Krivopustov M. I. , Butsev V. S. , Zamani M.
Published: April 2020

We investigate the charge changing collisions for 16O and 32S beams, using the experimental method of Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD). Sample reading was performed by an automatic measurement system. We determined the total charge changing cross sections and the partial cross sections for the production of fragments of cherge 9<Z<14.
A Study of Greek Building Materials as Indoor Radon Sources
Authors: Savidou A. , Raptis C. , Kritidis P.
Published: April 2020

A survey of radon emanation in building materials commonly used in Attica has initiated at our laboratory as part of a broader EU program. The objective is to obtain a characterisation of the Greek building materials as indoor radon sources and identify the cases where some specific countermeasures should be applied. Up to now, bricks commonly used in Attica have been studied for both radium content and radon emanation. Gamma-ray spectroscopy techniques, as well as radon exhalation measurements, have been employed. For determination of radon exhalation rate, besides the trivial method which consist of a single measurement of radon concentration in a closed vessel containing the sample, a short-time continuous accumulation/counting method has been established. The results of exhalation measurements have been used together with high-resolution gamma-spectrometry in order to determine radon emanation coefficients.
Nuclear Phenomenology With Neural Nets: Halflives
Authors: Mavrommatis E. , Perris S. , Gernoth K. A. , Clark J. W.
Published: April 2020

N/A
Nonlinear extension of the u(3) algebra as the symmetry algebra of the three-dimensional anisotropic quantum harmonic oscillator with rational ratios of frequencies and the Nilsson model
Authors: Bonatsos Dennis , Daskaloyannis C. , Kolokotronis P. , Lenis D.
Published: April 2020

The symmetry algebra of the N-dimensional anisotropic quantum har- monic oscillator with rational ratios of frequencies is constructed by a method of general applicability to quantum superintegrable systems. The special case of the 3-dim oscillator is studied in more detail, because of its relevance in the description of superdeformed nuclei and nuclear and atomic clusters. In this case the symmetry algebra turns out to be a nonlinear extension of the u(3) algebra. A generalized angular momentum operator useful for labeling the degenerate states is constructed, clarifying the connection of the present formalism to the Nilsson model.
Application of the quantum mechanical hypervirial theorems to even-power series potentials
Authors: Liolios T. E. , Grypeos M. E.
Published: April 2020

The class of the even-power series potentials:V(r)=-D+ Σ_k^{\infty} V_kλ^kr^{2k+2}, Vo=ω^2>0, is studied with the aim of obtaining approximate analytic ex­pressions for the energy eigenvalues, the expectation values for the potential and the kinetic energy operator, and the mean square radii of the orbits of a particle in its ground and excited states. We use the Hypervirial Theorems (HVT) in conjunction with the Hellmann-Feynman Theorem (HFT) which provide a very powerful scheme especially for the treatment of that type of potentials, as previous studies have shown. The formalism is reviewed and the expressions of the above mentioned quantities are subsequently given in a convenient way in terms of the potential parameters and the mass of the particle, and are then applied to the case of the Gaussian potential and to the potential V(r)=-D/cosh^2(r/R). These expressions are given in the form of series expansions, the first terms of which yield in quite a number of cases values of very satisfactory accuracy.
A Study of the Electrodynamic Properties of Macroscopically Extended Fermion Matter
Authors: Kechriniotis A. , Syros C.
Published: April 2020

Finite!y extended fermion matter is studied inthe framework of Dirac's theory. Some asnaiytic properties of the spinors are discussed. Propositions are demonstrated important for the formulation of the solution.
The Time Concept in Atonic and Sub-Atonic Systens - Reconciliation of the Time-Reversal-Invariance and the Macroscopic Arrow of Time
Authors: Syros C.
Published: April 2020

A new conception of time is presented in the framework of the quantum generalized stochastic and infinitely divisible fields. A non-unitary evolution operator lacking the continuous group property is derived from a time-reversal-invariant field theory in Minkowski's space. It describes the arrow of time on the quantum level. By quantizing the field action integral the usual evolution operator is obtained as a particular case. Quantum processes violating the T-symmetry are possible in the present theory. It is also explained why Born's interpretation of the wave function is necessary. The Feynman path integral is obtained as the limit of a series of similar integrals with finitely additive measures. This form of the Feynman integral does not conflict on the quantum level Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle.
Lifetime measurements in 110Cd
Authors: Harissopulos S. , Dewald A. , Gelberg A. , Von Brentano P. , Zell K. O. , Kalfas C.
Published: April 2020

Mean lifetimes for the lowest 6 yrast band members have been measured using the Recoil Distance Doppler Shift technique (RDDS). The data have been analyzed via the Differential Decay Curve Method (DDCM). The transition probabilities deduced from the data for the ground band E2 γ-rays are in rather good agreement with the predictions of the U(5)-limit of interacting boson model-1 (IBM-1).
The Energy Dependence of the Proton-Alpha Reaction to Continuum States
Authors: Demetriou P.
Published: April 2020

The energy dependence of the (p,α) reactions to the continuum states is studied using the Feshbach-Kerman-Koonin multistep theory for the pre-equilibrium reactions assuming the knockout model and using the Hauser-Feshbach theory for the compound nucleus reactions. The energy dependence of the parameter Wo is related to that of the strength of the effective proton-alpha interaction and hence to that of the alpha-particle optical potential. The formalism is extended to include reactions in which the proton is unbound, and this improves the fit to the experimental data.
Heavy Ion RBS Characterization of Multilayer Coatings Deposited on Glass Through the Sol-Gel Technique
Authors: Aslanoglou X. , Assimakopoulos P. A. , Trapalis C. , Kordas G. , Karakassides M. A. , Pilakouta M.
Published: April 2020

Multilayer reflecting thin films of the systems TiO2-SiO2 and ZrO2-SiO2 were deposited on glass surface using the sol-gel technique. A 12C beam was utilized in RBS analysis to investigate the inner structure of these multilayer stacks. No evidence for defects or diffusion between the layers were found. Optical Spectroscopy showed wavelength selectivity in the reflection of an 8-layer TiO2-SiO2 sample.