bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The magnitude of non-adherence and contributing factors among adult outpatient with Diabetes Mellitus in Dilla University Referral Hospital, Gedio, Ethiopia
Authors: Boshe Bisrat Desalegn , Yimar Getachew Nenko , Dadhi Aberash Eifa , Bededa Worku Ketema
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The global prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has increased alarmingly over the last two decades. On top of this, the issues of non-adherence to the prescribed medicines further fuel the DM- related complications to become one of the top causes of mortality and morbidity. Despite the considerable efforts in addressing the poor adherence issues, there are still plenty of problems ahead of us yet to be addressed. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of non-adherence and its contributing factors among diabetic patients attending the medical Referral clinic of Dilla University Referral Hospital.

Methods

The institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among patients with diabetes mellitus attending the medical referral clinic of Dilla University Referral Hospital.

A systematic random sampling method was used to recruit study participants, and tool was adopted to assess for adherence. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on factors influencing non-adherence to the diabetic medications, and in-depth interview questionnaire was used for key informant interviews for the qualitative part. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS-20.

Results

The overall prevalence of non-adherence to diabetic treatment regimen among the study participants was 34.0%. The study revealed that cost of transport to the hospital and taking alcohol were significantly associated with non-adherence to the diabetic treatment regimen with the (AOR = 6.252(13.56, 28.822); p < 0.000) and (AOR = 13.12(8.06, 44.73); p<0.002) respectively.

Conclusions

The study revealed that significant numbers of participants were non-adherent to the Diabetes Mellitus treatment regimens. Intensive counseling, and health education on the importance of good adherence and negative consequences of poor adherence need to be discussed with the patients before starting the medications, and amidst follow up.
Health and wellbeing of indigenous older adults living in the tea gardens of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Farah Naz , Khan Hafiz T. A. , Hossain Md. Jahangir , Iwuagwu Anthony Obinna
Published: March 2021

Background

There are currently 1.5 million indigenous people in Bangladesh, constituting 1.8% of the total population and representing one of the country’s most deprived communities. This study explores the health status and quality of life along with their determinants among indigenous older people in Bangladesh in order to fill the knowledge and evidence gap on this topic.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was deployed in October 2019 in the Sylhet division of Bangladesh which involved a cross-sectional survey among 400 indigenous older adults (200 males, 200 females) from 8 tea gardens using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Ten in-depth interviews were also conducted with providers of the tea garden health facilities. Descriptive analysis, multiple logistic and multi-nominal linear regression were performed to explore associated factors around health and quality of life.

Results

Of the total respondents, the majority (79.5%) had chronic diseases, with visual difficulty being predominant (74%) among the conditions. Almost all (94%) of the respondents experienced delays in receiving treatment and poverty was identified by most (85%) as the primary cause of those delays. Extreme age, being male, living alone and low family income were significantly associated with suffering from chronic conditions. Furthermore, having a chronic condition and extreme age were found to be significantly associated with a low quality of life. Health service providers identified lack of logistical support in the health facilities, the economic crisis and lack of awareness as the major causes of poor health status and poor health seeking behaviour of the indigenous older adults.

Conclusion

Indigenous older men in extreme old age are more vulnerable to adverse health conditions and poor quality of life. Health literacy and health seeking behaviour is poor among indigenous older adults generally and there is a huge gap in the health services and social supports available to them.
A pilot study evaluating GSK1070806 inhibition of interleukin-18 in renal transplant delayed graft function
Authors: Wlodek E. , Kirkpatrick R. B. , Andrews S. , Noble R. , Schroyer R. , Scott J. , Watson C. J. E. , Clatworthy M. , Harrison E. M. , Wigmore S. J. , Stevenson K. , Kingsmore D. , Sheerin N. S. , Bestard O. , Stirnadel-Farrant H. A. , Abberley L. , Busz M. , DeWall S. , Birchler M. , Krull D. , Thorneloe K. S. , Weber A. , Devey L.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Delayed graft function (DGF) following renal transplantation is a manifestation of acute kidney injury (AKI) leading to poor long-term outcome. Current treatments have limited effectiveness in preventing DGF. Interleukin-18 (IL18), a biomarker of AKI, induces interferon-γ expression and immune activation. GSK1070806, an anti-IL18 monoclonal antibody, neutralizes activated (mature) IL18 released from damaged cells following inflammasome activation. This phase IIa, single-arm trial assessed the effect of a single dose of GSK1070806 on DGF occurrence post donation after circulatory death (DCD) kidney transplantation.

Methods

The 3 mg/kg intravenous dose was selected based on prior studies and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, indicating the high likelihood of a rapid and high level of IL18 target engagement when administered prior to kidney allograft reperfusion. Utilization of a Bayesian sequential design with a background standard-of-care DGF rate of 50% based on literature, and confirmed via extensive registry data analyses, enabled a statistical efficacy assessment with a minimal sample size. The primary endpoint was DGF frequency, defined as dialysis requirement ≤7 days post transplantation (except for hyperkalemia). Secondary endpoints included safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic biomarkers.

Results

GSK1070806 administration was associated with IL18-GSK1070806 complex detection and increased total serum IL18 levels due to IL18 half-life prolongation induced by GSK1070806 binding. Interferon-γ−induced chemokine levels declined or remained unchanged in most patients. Although the study was concluded prior to the Bayesian-defined stopping point, 4/7 enrolled patients (57%) had DGF, exceeding the 50% standard-of-care rate, and an additional two patients, although not reaching the protocol-defined DGF definition, demonstrated poor graft function. Six of seven patients experienced serious adverse events (SAEs), including two treatment-related SAEs.

Conclusion

Overall, using a Bayesian design and extensive PBPK dose modeling with only a small sample size, it was deemed unlikely that GSK1070806 would be efficacious in preventing DGF in the enrolled DCD transplant population.

Trial registration

NCT02723786.
On the status of transfer in adult third language acquisition of early bilinguals
Authors: González Alonso Jorge , Puig-Mayenco Eloi , Fábregas Antonio , Chaouch-Orozco Adel , Rothman Jason
Published: March 2021

The study of linguistic transfer—understood here in terms of the copying of previous linguistic representations—seeks to reveal how domain-relevant prior language knowledge impacts the acquisition and development of new mental representations more generally. Studying sequential multilingualism offers a natural laboratory to observe cognitive-economical mechanisms that avoid redundancy in language learning. One of the key dividing questions between theories of transfer in sequential multilingualism is the extent of transfer, that is, whether a whole previous grammar is transferred (full transfer) or a potentially different source language is selected for each linguistic property (property-by-property transfer). We adopted a novel methodological approach to this question, examining four different linguistic properties from unrelated domains of grammar across the three languages of a heterogeneous population of highly proficient, early Catalan/Spanish bilinguals with different degrees of language dominance and order of acquisition, at the very beginning of (adult) L3 English. Results are variably complex across the different properties, but compatible with a scenario where one of the previous languages, Catalan, was selected as the basis for the initial L3 English grammar of these speakers. We discuss the theoretical implications of these findings.
International citizen project to assess early stage adherence to public health measures for COVID-19 in South Africa
Authors: Majam Mohammed , Fischer Alex , Phiri Jane , Venter Francois , Lalla-Edward Samanta T.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

With over 500 000 infections and nearly 12 000 deaths, South Africa (SA) is the African epicenter of the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. SA has implemented a 5-stage Risk-Adjusted Strategy which includes a phased national lockdown, requiring social distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing face masks. Strict adherence to this strategy is crucial to reducing COVID-19 transmission, flattening the curve, and preventing resurgence. As part of the 22-country International Citizens Project COVID-19 (ICPcovid), this study aimed to describe the SA adherence to the Risk-Adjusted Strategy and identify determinants of adherence.

Method

During 24 April-15 May 2020, people were electronically invited, through social media platforms and a text blast, to complete an online survey, accessible via www.icpcovid.com. The survey investigated COVID-19 testing and preventative adherence measures, then used logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of adherence.

Results

There were 951 participants, with 731(76.9%) 25 to 54 years. Most (672;70.7%) were female, and 705(74.1%) had a university degree. Since the epidemic started, 529(55.6%) and 436(45.9%) participants stated they were eating healthier and taking more vitamins, respectively. Only 82(8.6%) had been COVID-19 tested, and 1(1.2%) tested positive. In public, 905(95.2%) socially distanced, however 99(10.4%) participants had recently attended meetings with over ten people. Regular hand washing was practiced by 907(95.4%) participants, 774(81.4%) wore face masks and 854(89.8%) stayed home when they experienced flu-like symptoms. The odds of adhering to the guidelines were lower among men versus women (AOR 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.528, 0.971) and those who had flu-like symptoms (AOR 0.42, 95% CI = 0.277, 0.628). In contrast, increased odds were reported for those who reported increased vitamin intake (AOR 1.37, 95% CI = 1.044,1.798), and were either cohabiting or married (AOR 1.39, 95% CI = 1.042,1.847).

Conclusion

Despite high reported adherence, face mask use and symptomatic individuals not self-isolating, were areas for improvement. However, these factors cannot solely account for SA’s increasing COVID-19 cases. Larger general population studies are needed to identify other adherence predictors for a strengthened SA COVID-19 response. While the government must continue to educate the entire population on preventative measures, provide personal protective equipment and stress the importance of adherence, there also needs to be implementation of prioritised prevention strategies for men and single individuals to address their demonstrated lower adherence.
Molecular genetic study on GATA5 gene promoter in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Song Zhipeng , Chen Lu , Pang Shuchao , Yan Bo
Published: March 2021

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a severe type of coronary artery disease, caused by coronary occlusion and followed by cardiac ischaemia. GATA binding protein 5 (GATA5) is an important member of GATA family and plays an important role in vascular inflammation, endothelial function, oxidative stress and cell metabolism. Previous studies have shown that the DNA sequence variants (DSVs) in GATA4 and GATA6 promoter can increase susceptibility to AMI. In this study, we explored the relationship between GATA5 promoter and AMI for the first time, hoping to provide a new genetic basis for understanding the pathogenesis of AMI.

Methods

GATA5 promoter was sequenced in 683 individuals (332 AMI patients and 351 controls). The transcriptional activity of the GATA5 promoter with or without DSVs in HEK-293 cells, H9c2 cells and primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were examined by Promega Dual-Luciferase® Reporter Assay system. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was performed to explore whether the DSVs interfered with the binding of transcription factors (TFs).

Results

Nine mutations have been found in GATA5 promoter, eight of them evidently altered the transcriptional activity of the GATA5 promoter, five of them disrupted the binding of TFs (such as farnesoid X receptor). Furthermore, haplotype AT (across rs80197101 and rs77067995) is a dangerous haplotype of AMI. Genotype GA and allele A of rs80197101 and genotype CT and allele T of rs77067995 are the risk factors of AMI.

Conclusions

DSVs in GATA5 promoter can increase susceptibility to AMI. But the mechanism remains to be verified in vivo.
De novo identification and targeted sequencing of SSRs efficiently fingerprints Sorghum bicolor sub-population identity
Authors: Baggett John P. , Tillett Richard L. , Cooper Elizabeth A. , Yerka Melinda K.
Published: March 2021

Recent plant breeding studies of several species have demonstrated the utility of combining molecular assessments of genetic distance into trait-linked SNP genotyping during the development of parent lines to maximize yield gains due to heterosis. SSRs (Short Sequence Repeats) are the molecular marker of choice to determine genetic diversity, but the methods historically used to sequence them have been burdensome. The ability to analyze SSRs in a higher-throughput manner independent of laboratory conditions would increase their utility in molecular ecology, germplasm curation, and plant breeding programs worldwide. This project reports simple bioinformatics methods that can be used to generate genome-wide de novo SSRs in silico followed by targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) validation of those that provide the most information about sub-population identity of a breeding line, which influences heterotic group selection. While these methods were optimized in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], they were developed to be applied to any species with a reference genome and high-coverage whole-genome sequencing data of individuals from the sub-populations to be characterized. An analysis of published sorghum genomes selected to represent its five main races (bicolor, caudatum, durra, kafir, and guinea; 75 accessions total) identified 130,120 SSR motifs. Average lengths were 23.8 bp and 95% were between 10 and 92 bp, making them suitable for NGS. Validation through targeted sequencing amplified 188 of 192 assayed SSR loci. Results highlighted the distinctness of accessions from the guinea sub-group margaritiferum from all other sorghum accessions, consistent with previous studies of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. SSRs that efficiently fingerprinted margaritiferum individuals (Xgma1 –Xgma6) are presented. Developing similar fingerprints of other sub-populations (Xunr1 –Xunr182) was not possible due to the extensive admixture between them in the data set analyzed. In summary, these methods were able to fingerprint specific sub-populations when rates of admixture between them are low.
Anne O’Tate: Value-added PubMed search engine for analysis and text mining
Authors: Smalheiser Neil R. , Fragnito Dean P. , Tirk Eric E.
Published: March 2021

Over a decade ago, we introduced Anne O’Tate, a free, public web-based toolhttp://arrowsmith.psych.uic.edu/cgi-bin/arrowsmith_uic/AnneOTate.cgito support user-driven summarization, drill-down and mining of search results from PubMed, the leading search engine for biomedical literature. A set of hotlinked buttons allows the user to sort and rank retrieved articles according to important words in titles and abstracts; topics; author names; affiliations; journal names; publication year; and clustered by topic. Any result can be further mined by choosing any other button, and small search results can be expanded to include related articles. It has been deployed continuously, serving a wide range of biomedical users and needs, and over time has also served as a platform to support the creation of new tools that address additional needs. Here we describe the current, greatly expanded implementation of Anne O’Tate, which has added additional buttons to provide new functionalities: We now allow users to sort and rank search results by important phrases contained in titles and abstracts; the number of authors listed on the article; and pairs of topics that co-occur significantly more than chance. We also display articles according to NLM-indexed publication types, as well as according to 50 different publication types and study designs as predicted by a novel machine learning-based model. Furthermore, users can import search results into two new tools: e) Mine the Gap!, which identifies pairs of topics that are under-represented within set of the search results, and f) Citation Cloud, which for any given article, allows users to visualize the set of articles that cite it; that are cited by it; that are co-cited with it; and that are bibliographically coupled to it. We invite the scientific community to explore how Anne O’Tate can assist in analyzing biomedical literature, in a variety of use cases.
Genome-Wide fitness analysis of group B Streptococcus in human amniotic fluid reveals a transcription factor that controls multiple virulence traits
Authors: Dammann Allison N. , Chamby Anna B. , Catomeris Andrew J. , Davidson Kyle M. , Tettelin Hervé , van Pijkeren Jan-Peter , Gopalakrishna Kathyayini P. , Keith Mary F. , Elder Jordan L. , Ratner Adam J. , Hooven Thomas A.
Published: March 2021

Streptococcus agalactiae(group BStreptococcus; GBS) remains a dominant cause of serious neonatal infections. One aspect of GBS that renders it particularly virulent during the perinatal period is its ability to invade the chorioamniotic membranes and persist in amniotic fluid, which is nutritionally deplete and rich in fetal immunologic factors such as antimicrobial peptides. We used next-generation sequencing of transposon-genome junctions (Tn-seq) to identify five GBS genes that promote survival in the presence of human amniotic fluid. We confirmed our Tn-seq findings using a novel CRISPR inhibition (CRISPRi) gene expression knockdown system. This analysis showed that one gene, which encodes a GntR-class transcription factor that we named MrvR, conferred a significant fitness benefit to GBS in amniotic fluid. We generated an isogenic targeted deletion of themrvRgene, which had a growth defect in amniotic fluid relative to the wild type parent strain. ThemrvRdeletion strain also showed a significant biofilm defectin vitro. Subsequentin vivostudies showed that while the mutant was able to cause persistent murine vaginal colonization, pregnant mice colonized with themrvRdeletion strain did not develop preterm labor despite consistent GBS invasion of the uterus and the fetoplacental units. In contrast, pregnant mice colonized with wild type GBS consistently deliver prematurely. In a sepsis model themrvRdeletion strain showed significantly decreased lethality. In order to better understand the mechanism by which this newly identified transcription factor controls GBS virulence, we performed RNA-seq on wild type andmrvRdeletion GBS strains, which revealed that the transcription factor affects expression of a wide range of genes across the GBS chromosome. Nucleotide biosynthesis and salvage pathways were highly represented among the set of differentially expressed genes, suggesting that MrvR may be involved in regulating nucleotide availability.
The evolution of the car-making industry
Authors: Tkatchenko Rossen
Published: March 2021

Mass-production, cars, pollution – they all have long become well known and well connected phenomena of the modern life. Nowadays the people can also add to the list such items like awareness, scientific approach, long-term thinking, and environmental responsibility. They are surrounded by a multitude of consumer goods, most of which are produced in a scientific manner, and all of which will more sooner than later end up in the garbage. Cars are the most noticeable – both by size and by numbers – and also the most expensive of all the mass products in people’s view. For many of them they are a clear target for reprimand and regulation, and, as a result, the automotive industry is being increasingly brought under bureaucratic control, together with its whole supplier and distributor network. The author started writing this article in an attempt to place the above process under scrutiny, because it is his firm belief that similar measures, similar tough governmental control will inevitably spill over to other industries, which at the moment are producing more inconspicuous, but still polluting products. The present paper shows the relationship between car-making, supply chain management and the efforts of public administration to protect the environment – a connection with clear practical implications.
Multinacionális vállalatok globalizált erp-modelljei, fejlődési tendenciák
Authors: Szabó Gyula , Bagó Péter
Published: March 2021

A cikk nemzetközi cégeknél, illetve multinacionális vállalkozások hazai leányvállalatainál folytatott kutatás és szakértői megbeszélések alapján az ERP- (Enterprise Resource Planning) rendszerek globális telepítésének IT-struktúráit mutatja be, mely struktúrák a konszernszintű (centralizált) és országspecifikus (lokális) feldolgozások kapcsolatában alakulnak ki. A szerzők célja, hogy az ERP-rendszerek egyre növekvő alkalmazásainak telepítési formáit modellekbe foglalják. A gyakorlati tapasztalatok és szakirodalmi elemzés alapján az ERP globalizálódási folyamat fejlődési irányait is bemutatják.
How Africa Should Engage Ubuntu Ethics and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Langat Simon K. , Mwakio Pascal M. , Ayuku David
Published: March 2021

Automation of human tasks has taken place for a long time now. Humans have in earlier periods dreamed of a world where machines capable of mimicking decision making would be created with some works of fiction describing in caricature, how machines would take over the human space in the world. Artificial intelligence has come to fruition in the last few decades following the development of fast computing capability and vast chip memory. Discussions of how the human space will look and feel when artificial intelligence have taken place at various levels of global organization geared towards ensuring that the new “thinking machines” do not rock human society in ways to render them obsolete.

This article looks at the ethics of AI considering the issues that have been outlined by others in the light of communitarian ethics as seen in Africa. It describes the possible impact of thinking machines on society and how individuals would relate with each other and with AI systems.
A Framework for Approximation of the Stokes Equations in an Axisymmetric Domain
Authors: Ericsson Niklas
Published: March 2021

We develop a framework for solving the stationary, incompressible Stokes equations in an axisymmetric domain.
By means of Fourier expansion with respect to the angular variable, the three-dimensional Stokes problem is reduced to an equivalent, countable family of decoupled two-dimensional problems.
By using decomposition of three-dimensional Sobolev norms, we derive natural variational spaces for the two-dimensional problems, and show that the variational formulations are well-posed.
We analyze the error due to Fourier truncation and conclude that, for data that are sufficiently regular, it suffices to solve a small number of two-dimensional problems.
Linear/cubic measured pulse numerically with electrical jitter amplitude variations for the impact on fiber communication systems
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M. A. , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , Delwar Tahesin Samira , Siddique Abrar , Ryu Jee Youl
Published: March 2021

This study has simulated the raised cosine, linear, cubic measured pulses numerically with electrical jitter amplitude variations impact on fiber communication systems. The max Q factor, total electrical power variations against electrical jitter amplitude variations are demonstrated for various pulse configurations. The Q factor and signal power amplitude variations versus the time period with the spectral frequency are clarified based on various pulse configurations with an optimum amplitude jitter of 0.1 unit interval (UI). The total electrical power after the avalanche photodiode (APD) photodetector is measured numerically based on various pulse configurations with an optimum amplitude jitter of 0.1 UI.
Radiation shielding properties of mortars containing heavyweight particles
Authors: Kockal N. U. , Cesur A. , Ozmen S. F.
Published: March 2021

In this study the radiation shielding properties of mortar samples were investigated. The samples were created by replacing heavyweight particles of iron, steel and chromium waste by calcareous sand in different volume percentages. Additionally, the effects of the physical properties of particles and samples on shielding properties is also discussed. In the scope of this work, the radiation shielding properties of mortar samples were measured by determining the values of mass attenuation coefficients by means of an experimental setup consisting of 133Ba, 137Cs and 60Co standard point sources and high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. It’s concluded that the highest mass attenuation coefficient values among the heavy particles were achieved by chromium particles. However, all the high-density particles used in the study improved the radiation shielding properties of the mortars considerably compared to ordinary mortars.
The crystal structure of aqua-chlorido-6,6′-((ethane-1,2-diylbis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(2,4-dichlorophenolato-κ4
N,N′,O,O′)manganese(III), C16H12Cl5MnN2O3
Authors: Liu Dian , Yu Guojun
Published: March 2021

C16H12Cl5MnN2O3, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 12.3098(5) Å, b = 13.1697(5) Å, c = 12.4555(6) Å, β = 117.159(1)°, V = 1796.60(13) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0591, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1315, T = 150 K.
Crystal structure of dimethanolato-k2
O:O-bis(1-((2-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)methyl)-1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole-κN)-bis(thiocyanato-κN)dicopper(II), C34H32Cu2N12O2S2
Authors: Fang Xiang , Yang Jing , Zhang Ya‐Wen , Lv Xin‐Ya , Wang Xia , Song Ning
Published: March 2021

C34H32Cu2N12O2S2, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P‾{1}$

(no. 2), a = 7.7970(7) Å, b = 9.6110(9) Å, c = 12.7629(12) Å, α = 71.544(8)°, β = 79.322(8)°, γ = 83.734(8)°, Z = 1, V = 890.21(14) Å3, R

gt
(F) = 0.0634, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1827, T = 291(2) K.
The Effect of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Quadriceps Maximal Voluntary Contraction, Corticospinal Excitability, and Voluntary Activation Levels
Authors: Kristiansen Mathias , Thomsen Mikkel Jacobi , Nørgaard Jens , Aaes Jon , Knudsen Dennis , Voigt Michael
Published: March 2021

Kristiansen, M, Thomsen, MJ, Nørgaard, J, Aaes, J, Knudsen, D, and Voigt, M. The effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction, corticospinal excitability, and voluntary activation levels. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1540–1547, 2022—Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) has previously been shown to improve maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC), possibly through an upregulation of corticospinal excitability. Because muscle strength is an essential part of the performance of many sports, any ergogenic effect of a-tDCS on this parameter could potentially increase performance outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a-tDCS on MVIC, voluntary activation levels (VALs), and corticospinal excitability, assessed by eliciting motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), in untrained subjects. Thirteen subjects completed 2 test sessions in which they received either a-tDCS or sham stimulation for 3 consecutive intervals of 10 minutes, separated by 5-minute breaks. Before and after each stimulation session, transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to elicit MEPs, and femoral nerve stimulation was used to assess VAL by measuring twitch torque during an MVIC test and in a relaxed state. Two-way analyses of variance with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05 were used to test for differences. A significant main effect was identified, as the MVIC pre-test (271.2 ± 56.6 Nm) was on average 4.1% higher compared to the post-test (260.6 ± 61.4 Nm) (p = 0.05). No significant differences were found in MEP, MVIC, or VAL as a result of stimulation type or time. In healthy subjects, the potential for improvement in corticospinal excitability may be negligible, which may in turn explain the lack of improvements in MEP, MVIC, and VAL after a-tDCS. The small decrease in MVIC for both conditions and nonsignificant changes in MEP and VAL do not justify the use of a-tDCS in combination with sporting performance in which the intent is to increase maximal isometric strength performance in the quadriceps muscle of healthy subjects.
Metabolic Adaptations to Weight Loss: A Brief Review
Authors: Martínez-Gómez Mario G. , Roberts Brandon M.
Published: March 2021

Martínez-Gómez, MG and Roberts, BM. Metabolic adaptations to weight loss: A brief review. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2970–2981, 2022—As the scientific literature has continuously shown, body mass loss attempts do not always follow a linear fashion nor always go as expected even when the intervention is calculated with precise tools. One of the main reasons why this tends to happen relies on our body's biological drive to regain the body mass we lose to survive. This phenomenon has been referred to as “metabolic adaptation” many times in the literature and plays a very relevant role in the management of obesity and human weight loss. This review will provide insights into some of the theoretical models for the etiology of metabolic adaptation as well as a quick look into the physiological and endocrine mechanisms that underlie it. Nutritional strategies and dietetic tools are thus necessary to confront these so-called adaptations to body mass loss. Among some of these strategies, we can highlight increasing protein needs, opting for high-fiber foods or programming-controlled diet refeeds, and diet breaks over a large body mass loss phase. Outside the nutritional aspects, it might be wise to increase the physical activity and thus the energy flux of an individual when possible to maintain diet-induced body mass loss in the long term. This review will examine these protocols and their viability in the context of adherence and sustainability for the individual toward successful body mass loss.
Relationship Between External Load and Self-Reported Wellness Measures Across a Men's Collegiate Soccer Preseason
Authors: Fields Jennifer B. , Lameira Diane M. , Short Jerome L. , Merrigan Justin M. , Gallo Sina , White Jason B. , Jones Margaret T.
Published: March 2021

Fields, JB, Lameira, DM, Short, JL, Merrigan, JM, Gallo, S, White, JB, and Jones, MT. Relationship between external load and self-reported wellness measures across a collegiate men's soccer preseason. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1182–1186, 2021—Monitoring athlete training load is important to training programming and can help balance training and recovery periods. Furthermore, psychological factors can affect athlete's performance. Therefore, the purpose was to examine the relationship between external load and self-reported wellness measures during soccer preseason. Collegiate men soccer athletes (n = 20; mean ± SD age: 20.3 ± 0.9 years; body mass: 77.9 ± 6.8 kg; body height: 178.87 ± 7.18cm; body fat: 10.0 ± 5.0%; V̇o
2max: 65.39 ± 7.61ml·kg−1·min−1) participated. Likert scale self-assessments of fatigue, soreness, sleep, stress, and energy were collected daily in conjunction with the Brief Assessment of Mood (vigor, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion). Total distance (TD), player load (PL), high-speed distance (HSD, >13 mph [5.8 m·s−1]), high inertial movement analysis (IMA, >3.5 m·s−2), and repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIEs) were collected in each training session using positional monitoring (global positioning system/global navigation satellite system [GPS/GNSS]) technology. Session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) was determined from athlete's post-training rating (Borg CR-10 Scale) and time of training session. Multilevel models revealed the bidirectional prediction of load markers on fatigue, soreness, sleep, energy, and sRPE (p < 0.05). Morning ratings of soreness and fatigue were predicted by previous afternoon's practice measures of TD, PL, HSD, IMA, RHIE, and sRPE. Morning soreness and fatigue negatively predicted that day's afternoon practice TD, PL, HSD, IMA, RHIE, and sRPE. Morning ratings of negative mood were positively predicted by previous day's afternoon practice HSD. In addition, negative morning mood states inversely predicted HSD (p = 0.011), TD (p = 0.002), and PL (p < 0.001) for that day's afternoon practice. Using self-reported wellness measures with GPS/GNSS technology may enhance the understanding of training responses and inform program development.
Brain Activity Foreshadows Stock Price Dynamics
Authors: Stallen Mirre , Borg Nicholas , Knutson Brian
Published: March 2021

Successful investing is challenging since stock prices are difficult to consistently forecast. Recent neuroimaging evidence suggests, however, that activity in brain regions associated with anticipatory affect may not only predict individual choice, but also forecast aggregate behavior out-of-sample. Thus, in two experiments, we specifically tested whether anticipatory affective brain activity in healthy humans could forecast aggregate changes in stock prices. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we found in a first experiment (n= 34, 6 females; 140 trials/subject) that nucleus accumbens activity forecast stock price direction, whereas anterior insula (AIns) activity forecast stock price inflections. In a second preregistered replication experiment (n= 39, 7 females) that included different subjects and stocks, AIns activity still forecast stock price inflections. Importantly, AIns activity forecast stock price movement even when choice behavior and conventional stock indicators did not (e.g., previous stock price movements), and classifier analysis indicated that forecasts based on brain activity should generalize to other markets. By demonstrating that AIns activity might serve as a leading indicator of stock price inflections, these findings imply that neural activity associated with anticipatory affect may extend to forecasting aggregate choice in dynamic and competitive environments such as stock markets.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMany try but fail to consistently forecast changes in stock prices. New evidence, however, suggests that anticipatory affective brain activity may not only predict individual choice, but also may forecast aggregate choice. Assuming that stock prices index collective choice, we tested whether brain activity sampled during the assessment of stock prices could forecast subsequent changes in the prices of those stocks. In two neuroimaging experiments, a combination of previous stock price movements and brain activity in a region implicated in processing uncertainty and arousal forecast next-day stock price changes—even when behavior did not. These findings challenge traditional assumptions of market efficiency by implying that neuroimaging data might reveal “hidden information” capable of foreshadowing stock price dynamics.
Race, Architecture, and Belonging: Divergent Perceptions of Antebellum Architecture
Authors: Driskell Sara , Trawalter Sophie
Published: March 2021

Preserving historic buildings can have many purposes, including honoring proud moments in our history as well as acknowledging and redressing shameful ones. The preservation of Antebellum buildings, buildings with an architectural style from the pre-Civil War era that often features symmetrical brick or white-washed façades and columns in a Greek revival style, has been as especially fraught issue. In the present work, we contribute to this conversation by examining the psychological costs of preserving Antebellum buildings such as restored or preserved Plantations. In two studies (Ns=166 and 165, respectively), Black participants rated Antebellum but not New American architecture more negatively than White participants. They reported liking Antebellum architecture less and feeling less welcome in it. Further, Black (but not White) participants spontaneously mentioned racism/slavery when viewing Antebellum architecture. Interestingly, this pattern was also found for modern-built Antebellum architecture. This suggests it is not Antebellum buildings per se but Antebellum architecture and the ideologies it evokes that may be problematic. Next, we examined potential moderators of this effect. In Study 3, Black participants (N=81) read about an Antebellum museum with one of two missions, one devoted to reconstructing the museum for historical accuracy, common to historical museums, and the other to addressing and informing visitors about the era’s slavery. Participants also saw pictures of either a predominantly White or Black Board of Visitors. We found that only in the addressing slavery condition with a predominantly Black board did these Black participants report liking and feeling welcome in the museum. Importantly, they felt that museum would have more influence from and be more empowering for the Black community. The present findings have implications for interventions aimed at increasing Black Americans’ engagement with and sense of ownership in public spaces associated with Antebellum architecture. They suggest that reclaiming—and not only redeeming—spaces with such histories is important.
A Building without Doors: Vilanova Artigas and the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism Building at the University of São Paulo
Authors: De Almeida Décio Otoni
Published: March 2021

Brazilian architect João Batista Vilanova Artigas (1915–85) played a fundamental role in the development of the architectural profession in mid-twentieth-century São Paulo. Artigas, who served as a professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism at the University of São Paulo (FAU-USP) from the time of its foundation, began in the 1950s to explore new structural solutions using exposed concrete construction. His innovative architectural work opened up new directions for a group of talented Brazilian architects known as the Paulista School. In A Building without Doors: Vilanova Artigas and the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism Building at the University of São Paulo, Décio Otoni de Almeida starts with an analysis of the historiography of modern Brazilian architecture and then proposes a new reading of Artigas’s design for the FAU-USP Building (1961–69), hismasterwork, situating it inside the broader panorama of the Paulista School.
Trade and Health
Authors: Thombs Ryan P. , Thombs Dennis L. , Mahoney Colleen A.
Published: March 2021

Prior reviews have discussed the potential relationship between global economic integration and smoking prevalence, but for the most part, these non-empirical studies have only offered speculative observations. This cross-national study employs two-way fixed effects regression models and a three-way interaction to test whether integration into the global economy, measured as imports (% of GDP), affects male and female smoking prevalence across country income groups (developed vs. less developed nations) and time from 2000 to 2015. We observe that the effect of global economic integration on female smoking prevalence increased in magnitude over time in both income groups, but we see no such effect on male smoking prevalence. The effect does not differ by income group. We conclude by discussing the theoretical implications of our findings, along with policy recommendations.
The spectrum of thyroid function tests during hospitalization for SARS COV-2 infection
Authors: Campi Irene , Bulgarelli Ilaria , Dubini Antonella , Perego Giovanni Battista , Tortorici Elena , Torlasco Camilla , Torresani Erminio , Rocco Lorenzo , Persani Luca , Fugazzola Laura
Published: March 2021

Objective

Alterations in thyroid function tests (TFTs) have been recorded during SARS-CoV-2 infection as associated to either a destructive thyroiditis or a non-thyroidal illness.

Methods

We studied 144 consecutive COVID-19 patients admitted to a single center in intensive or subintensive care units. Those with previous thyroid dysfunctions or taking interfering drugs were excluded. Differently from previous reports, TSH, FT3, FT4, thyroglobulin (Tg), anti-Tg autoantibodies (TgAb) were measured at baseline and every 3–7 days. C-reacting protein (CRP), cortisol and IL-6 were also assayed.

Results

The majority of patients had a normal TSH at admission, usually with normal FT4 and FT3. Low TSH levels were found either at admission or during hospitalization in 39% of patients, associated with low FT3 in half of the cases. FT4 and Tg levels were normal, and TgAb-negative. TSH and FT3 were invariably restored at the time of discharge in survivors, whereas were permanently low in most deceased cases, but only FT3 levels were predictors of mortality. Cortisol, CRP and IL-6 levels were higher in patients with low TSH and FT3 levels.

Conclusions

Almost half of our COVID-19 patients without interfering drugs had normal TFTs both at admission and during follow-up. In this series, the transient finding of low TSH with normal FT4 and low FT3 levels, inversely correlated with CRP, cortisol and IL-6 and associated with normal Tg levels, is likely due to the cytokine storm induced by SARS-Cov-2 with a direct or mediated impact on TSH secretion and deiodinase activity, and likely not to a destructive thyroiditis.
Influence of Deformed Surface Diffuseness on Elastic Scattering Reactions Involving Actinide and Lanthanide Targets
Authors: Aygun M.
Published: March 2021

The effect of the deformed surface diffuseness on the elastic scattering reactions with actinide and lanthanide targets is examined. The elastic scattering cross-sections are calculated by assuming the spherical structure for the projectiles and both spherical and deformed structures for the target nuclei. The theoretical calculations are performed by using spherical and deformed Broglie–Winther potentials for the real potential and the Woods–Saxon potential for the imaginary potential in the framework of the optical model. Finally, the effect of the angle dependence on the deformed surface diffuseness for two different orientation angles such as 0 = п/4 and 0 = п/2 is studied. All the theoretical results are compared with both one another and experimental data.
Coronavirus Disease 2019: Cardiac Complications and Considerations for Returning to Sports Participation
Authors: Augustine Daniel X , Keteepe-Arachi Tracey , Malhotra Aneil
Published: March 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. While the majority of symptoms and morbidity relate to the lung, cardiac complications have been well reported and confer increased mortality. Many countries in Europe have passed the peak of the pandemic and adaptations are being made as we progress towards a ‘new normal’. As part of this, governments have been planning strategies for the return of elite sports. This article summarises the potential implications of COVID-19 for athletes returning to sport, including common cardiac complications of the disease; consensus recommendations for the return to sport after having COVID-19; and international recommendations for the management of cardiac pathology that may occur as a result of COVID-19. The authors also examine the potential overlap of pathology with physiological change seen in athletes’ hearts.
Factores determinantes de la accidentabilidad y enfermedades profesionales de los buzos mariscadores de caletas de la Región de Coquimbo, Chile
Authors: Guevara Ramirez Willmer , Miranda Salinas Sandra , Díaz Salamanca Paula , Gribbell Pizarro Jorge , Saldías Carrasset Valeska
Published: March 2021

Objetivos Identificar las causas de accidentes y enfermedades profesionales de buzos mariscadores en las caletas de Coquimbo, Los Vilos y Tongoy en la región de Coquimbo (Chile), en el periodo 2008-2018.Métodos Se aplicó una encuesta de 44 preguntas para determinar las causas o factores que influyen en los accidentes y enfermedades profesionales de los buzos mariscadores en la región. Se recopiló información, experiencias y observaciones de los protagonistas. Para su análisis se utilizaron la tabla de doble entradas, los estadísticos de asociación X2 y C de contingencia.Resultados De las 52 encuestas realizadas, 28 buzos mariscadores han tenido accidentes y enfermedades profesionales (53%). El segmento que no completa la enseñanza básica concentra el 46% de los accidentes. También muestra incidencia, la profundidad a la cual se realiza el buceo, el consumo de alcohol y tabaco, el no uso de las tablas de descompresión y el no haber recibido capacitación.Conclusiones Los tipos de accidente o enfermedades profesionales asociadas de mayor incidencia son el síndrome de descompresión y la asfixia. Ambos casos presentan una alta asociación con el consumo de alcohol y el no uso de las tablas de descomprensión.
Fe de erratas
Authors: Infraestructura Vial Revista
Published: March 2021

Aplica para los documentos descargados u obtenidos digitalmente antes del 17 de julio de 2020.

El equipo editorial de la revista Infraestructura Vial ha detectado un error involuntario en la información brindada en su página web relacionada con los derechos de autor en los artículos publicados según la lista que se indica. En razón de lo cual hacemos constar que los autores son quienes retienen los derechos de todas sus publicaciones en nuestra revista y que ya ha sido rectificado el error para cada artículo en la página web de Infraestructura Vial.
The Politics of Civilizing the Colony: Haji Hasan Mustapa’s Malay Guidebook on the Etiquette for Acehnese People towards the Dutch in the Netherland East Indies
Authors: Rohmana Jajang A.
Published: March 2021

This article examines how the Dutch colonial government in the Netherland East Indies attempted to civilize its colony through the work on etiquette. It focuses its analysis on the Malay manuscript of Haji Hasan Mustapa on the code of polite behavior for Acehnese in dealing with the Dutch people, Kehormatan kepada Orang Belanda (Cod. Or. 18.097 S9). Hasan Mustapa wrote his work when he served as Chief-Penghulu of Kutaraja, Aceh (1893-1895) and sent it to C. Snouck Hurgronje in Batavia. He wrote the book at the request of Teuku Umar, an Acehnese patriot who used to collaborate with the Dutch authorities. Using a philological analysis, this study suggests that the Dutch authority utilized the native officials to write the etiquette guidebook on speaking and behavior to civilize Acehnese people. Hasan Mustapa’s work on etiquette shows that he played an important role in maintaining the Dutch honor and bridging the interests of the Dutch colonial government in its colony, the Netherland East Indies.