bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppressed baroreflex peripheral arc overwhelms augmented neural arc and incapacitates baroreflex function in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Shinoda Masako , Saku Keita , Oga Yasuhiro , Tohyama Takeshi , Nishikawa Takuya , Abe Kohtaro , Yoshida Keimei , Kuwabara Yukimitsu , Fujii Kana , Ishikawa Tomohito , Kishi Takuya , Sunagawa Kenji , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: May 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The impact of pulmonary arterial hypertension on open‐loop baroreflex function, which determines how powerfully and rapidly the baroreflex operates to regulate arterial pressure, remains poorly understood.

What is the main finding and its importance?

The gain of the baroreflex total arc, indicating the baroreflex pressure‐stabilizing function, is markedly attenuated in rats with monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is caused by a rightward shift of the baroreflex neural arc and a downward shift of the peripheral arc. These findings contribute greatly to our understanding of arterial pressure regulation by the sympathetic nervous system in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Sympathoexcitation has been documented in patients with established pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Although the arterial baroreflex is the main negative feedback regulator of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), the way in which PAH impacts baroreflex function remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted baroreflex open‐loop analysis in a rat model of PAH. Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with monocrotaline (MCT) s.c. to induce PAH (60 mg kg−1; n = 11) or saline as a control group (CTL; n = 8). At 3.5 weeks after MCT injection, bilateral carotid sinuses were isolated, and intrasinus pressure (CSP) was controlled while SNA at the coeliac ganglia and arterial pressure (AP) were recorded. To examine the static baroreflex function, CSP was increased stepwise while steady‐state AP (total arc) and SNA (neural arc) responses to CSP and the AP response to SNA (peripheral arc) were measured. Monocrotaline significantly decreased the static gain of the baroreflex total arc at the operating AP compared with CTL (−0.80 ± 0.31 versus −0.22 ± 0.22, P < 0.05). Given that MCT markedly increased plasma noradrenaline, an index of SNA, by approximately 3.6‐fold compared with CTL, calibrating SNA by plasma noradrenaline revealed that MCT shifted the neural arc to a higher SNA level and shifted the peripheral arc downwards. Monocrotaline also decreased the dynamic gain of the baroreflex total arc (−0.79 ± 0.16 versus −0.35 ± 0.17, P < 0.05), while the corner frequencies that reflect the speed of the baroreflex remained unchanged (0.06 ± 0.02 versus 0.08 ± 0.02 Hz, n.s.). In rats with MCT‐induced PAH, the suppressed baroreflex peripheral arc overwhelms the augmented neural arc and, in turn, attenuates the gain of the total arc, which determines the pressure‐stabilizing capacity of the baroreflex.
Heavy Oil Recovery Using In Situ Steam Generated by Thermochemicals: A Numerical Simulation Study
Authors: Moussa Tamer , Mahmoud Mohamed , Mokheimer Esmail M. A. , Al-Shehri Dhafer , Patil Shirish
Published: May 2019

This paper introduces a novel approach to generate downhole steam using thermochemical reactions to overcome the challenges associated with heavy oil resources. The procedure developed in this paper is applied to a heavy oil reservoir, which contains heavy oil (12–23 API) with an estimated range of original oil in place (OOIP) of 13–25 billion barrels while its several technical challenges are limiting its commercial development. One of these challenges is the overlying 1800–2000-ft thick permafrost layer, which causes significant heat losses when steam is injected from the surface facilities. The objective of this research is to conduct a feasibility study on the application of the new approach in which the steam is generated downhole using the thermochemical reaction (SGT) combined with steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) to recover heavy oil from the reservoir. A numerical simulation model for a heavy oil reservoir is built using a CMG-STARS simulator, which is then integrated with a matlab framework to study different recovery strategies on the project profitability. The design and operational parameters studied and optimized in this paper involve (1) well configurations and locations and (2) steam injection rate and quality as well as a steam trap in SAGD wells. The results show that the in situ SGT is a successful approach to recover heavy oil from the reservoir, and it yields high-project profitability. The main reason for this outperformance is the ability of SGT to avoid the significant heat losses and associated costs associated with the surface steam injection.
An Empiric-Stochastic Approach, Based on Normalization Parameters, to Simulate Solar Irradiance
Authors: Osorio de la Rosa Edith , Becerra Nuñez Guillermo , Palafox Roca Alfredo Omar , Ledesma-Alonso René
Published: May 2019

This paper presents a methodology to estimate solar irradiance using an empiric-stochastic approach, which is based on the computation of normalization parameters from the solar irradiance data. For this study, the solar irradiance data were collected in a weather station during a year. Posttreatment included a trimmed moving average to smooth the data, the performance of a fitting procedure using a simple model to recover normalization parameters, and the estimation of a probability density, which evolves along the daytime, by means of a kernel density estimation method. The normalization parameters correspond to characteristic physical variables that allow us to decouple the short- and long-term behaviors of solar irradiance and to describe their average trends with simple equations. The normalization parameters and the probability densities allowed us to build an empiric-stochastic methodology that generates an estimate of the solar irradiance. Finally, in order to validate our method, we had run simulations of solar irradiance and afterward computed the theoretical generation of solar power, which in turn had been compared with the experimental data retrieved from a commercial photovoltaic system. Since the simulation results show a good agreement with the experimental data, this simple methodology can generate the synthetic data of solar power production and may help to design and test a photovoltaic system before installation.
Photothermal Energy Conversion Enhancement Studies Using Low Concentration Nanofluids
Authors: Kalidoss P. , Venkatachalapathy S. , Suresh S.
Published: May 2019

The present study aims to develop a compact experimental facility to trap solar energy. Line focusing concentrators, i.e., Fresnel lens and secondary reflectors, are coupled to enhance the photothermal conversion efficiency. Two types of receiver tubes are used, a plain copper tube and an evacuated glass tube embedded with a copper tube. Surfactant-free multiwalled carbon nanotubes–Therminol55 nanofluid with concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm are used in this study. The characterization of the nanoparticles and nanofluids is presented. In the visible range, a maximum absorbance and extinction coefficient of 0.75 and 1.7 cm−1 are obtained for 100 ppm concentration. The thermal conductivity is also enhanced by 6.29% compared to base fluid. A maximum fluid temperature of 78.15 and 89.58 °C is observed for plain receiver tube and receiver tube in evacuated space, respectively, and the corresponding efficiencies are 12.65 and 17.36%
A Multimodality Image-Based Fluid–Structure Interaction Modeling Approach for Prediction of Coronary Plaque Progression Using IVUS and Optical Coherence Tomography Data With Follow-Up
Authors: Guo Xiaoya , Giddens Don P. , Molony David , Yang Chun , Samady Habib , Zheng Jie , Matsumura Mitsuaki , Mintz Gary S. , Maehara Akiko , Wang Liang , Tang Dalin
Published: May 2019

Medical image resolution has been a serious limitation in plaque progression research. A modeling approach combining intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) was introduced and patient follow-up IVUS and OCT data were acquired to construct three-dimensional (3D) coronary models for plaque progression investigations. Baseline and follow-up in vivo IVUS and OCT coronary plaque data were acquired from one patient with 105 matched slices selected for model construction. 3D fluid–structure interaction (FSI) models based on IVUS and OCT data (denoted as IVUS + OCT model) were constructed to obtain stress/strain and wall shear stress (WSS) for plaque progression prediction. IVUS-based IVUS50 and IVUS200 models were constructed for comparison with cap thickness set as 50 and 200 μm, respectively. Lumen area increase (LAI), plaque area increase (PAI), and plaque burden increase (PBI) were chosen to measure plaque progression. The least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) method was employed for plaque progression prediction using 19 risk factors. For IVUS + OCT model with LAI, PAI, and PBI, the best single predictor was plaque strain, local plaque stress, and minimal cap thickness, with prediction accuracy as 0.766, 0.838, and 0.890, respectively; the prediction accuracy using best combinations of 19 factors was 0.911, 0.881, and 0.905, respectively. Compared to IVUS + OCT model, IVUS50, and IVUS200 models had errors ranging from 1% to 66.5% in quantifying cap thickness, stress, strain and prediction accuracies. WSS showed relatively lower prediction accuracy compared to other predictors in all nine prediction studies.
A Validated, Specimen-Specific Finite Element Model of the Supraspinatus Tendon Mechanical Environment
Authors: Matthew Miller R. , Thunes James , Musahl Volker , Maiti Spandan , Debski Richard E.
Published: May 2019

Rotator cuff tears are a significant clinical problem previously investigated by unvalidated computational models that either use simplified geometry or isotropic elastic material properties to represent the tendon. The objective of this study was to develop an experimentally validated, finite element model of supraspinatus tendon using specimen-specific geometry and inhomogeneous material properties to predict strains in intact supraspinatus tendon at multiple abduction angles. Three-dimensional tendon surface strains were determined at 60 deg, 70 deg, and 90 deg of glenohumeral abduction for articular and bursal surfaces of supraspinatus tendon during cyclic loading (5–200 N, 50 cycles, 20 mm/min) to serve as validation data for computational model predictions. A finite element model was developed using the tendon geometry and inhomogeneous material properties to predict surface strains for loading conditions mimicking experimental loading conditions. Experimental strains were directly compared with computational model predictions to validate the model. Overall, the model successfully predicted magnitudes of strains that were within the experimental repeatability of 3% strain of experimental measures on both surfaces of the tendon. Model predictions and experiments showed the largest strains to be located on the articular surface (∼8% strain) between the middle and the anterior edge of the tendon. Importantly, the reference configuration chosen to calculate strains had a significant effect on strain calculations, and therefore, must be defined with an innovative optimization algorithm. This study establishes a rigorously validated specimen-specific (both geometry and material properties) computational model using novel surface strain measurements for the use in investigating the function of the supraspinatus tendon and to ultimately predict the propagation of supraspinatus tendon tears based on the tendon's mechanical environment.
Human Disc Nucleotomy Alters Annulus Fibrosus Mechanics at Both Reference and Compressed Loads
Authors: Claeson Amy A. , Vresilovic Edward J. , Showalter Brent L. , Wright Alexander C. , Gee James C. , Malhotra Neil R. , Elliott Dawn M.
Published: May 2019

Nucleotomy is a common surgical procedure and is also performed in ex vivo mechanical testing to model decreased nucleus pulposus (NP) pressurization that occurs with degeneration. Here, we implement novel and noninvasive methods using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study internal 3D annulus fibrosus (AF) deformations after partial nucleotomy and during axial compression by evaluating changes in internal AF deformation at reference loads (50 N) and physiological compressive loads (∼10% strain). One particular advantage of this methodology is that the full 3D disc deformation state, inclusive of both in-plane and out-of-plane deformations, can be quantified through the use of a high-resolution volumetric MR scan sequence and advanced image registration. Intact grade II L3-L4 cadaveric human discs before and after nucleotomy were subjected to identical mechanical testing and imaging protocols. Internal disc deformation fields were calculated by registering MR images captured in each loading state (reference and compressed) and each condition (intact and nucleotomy). Comparisons were drawn between the resulting three deformation states (intact at compressed load, nucleotomy at reference load, nucleotomy at compressed load) with regard to the magnitude of internal strain and direction of internal displacements. Under compressed load, internal AF axial strains averaged −18.5% when intact and −22.5% after nucleotomy. Deformation orientations were significantly altered by nucleotomy and load magnitude. For example, deformations of intact discs oriented in-plane, whereas deformations after nucleotomy oriented axially. For intact discs, in-plane components of displacements under compressive loads oriented radially outward and circumferentially. After nucleotomy, in-plane displacements were oriented radially inward under reference load and were not significantly different from the intact state at compressed loads. Re-establishment of outward displacements after nucleotomy indicates increased axial loading restores the characteristics of internal pressurization. Results may have implications for the recurrence of pain, design of novel therapeutics, or progression of disc degeneration.
Assessment of Using Copper Nitrate for Scavenging Hydrogen Sulfide While Drilling Sour Horizontal Wells
Authors: Elkatatny Salaheldin , Basfer Salem , Shawabkeh Reyad , Bahgat Mohamed , Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: May 2019

The solubility of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is very high in different liquids such as water or liquid sulfur. The existence of H2S results in local corrosion and causes cracking to the steel even if the concentration of H2S is low. The objectives of this paper are to (1) evaluate copper nitrate as an H2S scavenger while drilling sour horizontal and multilateral wells and (2) investigate the effect of copper nitrate on the drilling fluid rheological properties and drill pipe corrosion. The obtained results showed that by adding the copper nitrate (1 lb/bbl) to the drilling mud there was no change in the shear stress–shear rate behavior, and the yield point (YP) plastic viscosity (PV) ratio was increased by 20% indicating good hole cleaning. In addition, the filtrate volume reduced by 26% and the filter cake thickness decreased by 50%. The new formulation of the drilling fluid with the copper nitrate is not corrosive (the corrosion rate was 0.00084 lb/ft2 after 24 h at 212 °F). Breakeven experiments showed that adding copper nitrate to the drilling fluid doubled the adsorption capacity when compared with triazine and tripled the capacity when compared with Scav1 when using I lb of the commercial H2S scavenger per bbl of the drilling fluid.
Maskless random antireflective nanotexturing of single crystal SiC
Authors: Voss Lars F. , Frye Clint D. , Bora Mihail , Hall David L. , Grivickas Paulius V. , Conway Adam M.
Published: May 2019

Random nanotexturing of optics and semiconductors has proven to be a highly effective way to produce high transmittivity, low reflective surfaces. Here, the authors report a one-step technique using SF6 reactive ion etching to produce nanotexturing of SiC. The effect of etching process power and time is optimized to demonstrate sub-1% specular reflectance and below 5% total reflectance over the 400–2000 nm spectral range. The technique is applied to compare measurements of a photoconductive switch with untreated and treated surfaces. Using a white light source emitting in the range 400–750 nm, the authors show that the decrease in specular reflectivity results in a 20% increase in the photocurrent response.
Sexual dimorphism in the claws of the European terrapin (Emys orbicularis): potential implications for the reproductive fitness of the species.
Authors: Alarcos Gonzalo , Madrigal-González Jaime , Lizana Miguel , Flechoso Fabio
Published: May 2019

There are many biometric differences between the males and females of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) as regards their size, colouring, the shape of the plastron, tail, etc. The males use their claws to grasp the female during copulation and hence sexual selection should favour the males that have larger claws, which allow them to grasp the female better. Here, we address this type of sexual dimorphism in a comparative analysis of indices obtained from claw length, the length of the carapace and the locality where individuals were sampled. The results show that the curvature of the claws differs between the two sexes, being longer in males and increasing with age, size, and hence, the state of sexual maturity, than in females. Greater claw length could confer advantages for males when grasping the carapace of females, and hence, improve their reproductive fitness. Importance in the reproductive success that might have this feature in males could originate future studies that will relate the shape, thickness, length and other measures of the claws in males with their reproductive success in different populations, genetic variety, and most importantly, viability of populations.
Cylindrical expansions of sound radiation from resilient and rigid infinite strips with reduced error
Authors: Poletti Mark Alister
Published: May 2019

This paper derives expressions for the sound pressure due to free-space resilient and rigid strips in cylindrical coordinates. A method is derived for improving the convergence and reducing the error of the expansions for radii less than the one-sided strip width. Low-frequency approximations are also derived, which simplify calculation at low frequencies, and expansions for the far-field responses are derived. The results are verified by comparison with direct numerical solutions.
Influence of Previous Iliotibial Band Syndrome on Coordination Patterns and Coordination Variability in Female Runners
Authors: Foch Eric , Milner Clare E.
Published: May 2019

It is unknown if female runners who have sustained multiple iliotibial band syndrome occurrences run differently compared with runners who developed the injury once or controls. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if differences existed in coordination patterns and coordination variability among female runners with recurrent iliotibial band syndrome, 1 iliotibial band syndrome occurrence, and controls. Overground running trials were collected for 36 female runners (n = 18 controls). Lower extremity coordination patterns were examined during running via a vector coding analysis. Coordination variability was calculated via the ellipse area method. Separate 1-way (group) Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed to compare each coordination pattern and coordination variability. Lower extremity coordination between frontal plane hip–transverse plane hip, frontal plane pelvis–frontal plane thigh, and frontal plane thigh–transverse plane shank was similar among groups and so may not be related to the risk of iliotibial band syndrome. Runners with 1 iliotibial band syndrome occurrence demonstrated greater coordination variability for 2 of 3 couplings compared with both controls and runners with recurrent iliotibial band syndrome. Thus, the number of previous injury episodes may influence coordination variability in female runners with a history of iliotibial band syndrome.
Nonlinear Relationship Between Upper-Arm Volume and Maximal Effort Force Production
Authors: Pincivero Danny M. , Polen Rachael R. , Byrd Brittany N.
Published: May 2019

The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between maximal effort force production and anthropometric measures of upper-arm volume. Thirty healthy young participants (15 women) performed 5 isokinetic concentric and eccentric maximal effort elbow flexor/extensor contractions on separate days. Measures of arm length, circumference, and skinfold/subcutaneous fat thickness were used to obtain a measure of arm volume, modeled as 2 separate right-angle frustra. Single-variable regression analyses demonstrated significant (P < .001) second-order polynomial relationships between maximal effort elbow flexor and extensor force with arm volume (r2 = .63–.86). The major findings demonstrated that strong and positive relations between maximal force production and estimates of limb volume can be observed using nonlinear modeling and a closer geometric representation of the exercising limb.
Does Decreasing Below-Knee Prosthesis Pylon Longitudinal Stiffness Increase Prosthetic Limb Collision and Push-Off Work During Gait?
Authors: Major Matthew J. , Zavaleta José L. , Gard Steven A.
Published: May 2019

Investigations have begun to connect leg prosthesis mechanical properties and user outcomes to optimize prosthesis designs for maximizing mobility. To date, parametric studies have focused on prosthetic foot properties, but not explicitly longitudinal stiffness that is uniquely modified through shock-absorbing pylons. The linear spring function of these devices might affect work performed on the body center of mass during walking. This study observed the effects of different levels of pylon stiffness on individual limb work of unilateral below-knee prosthesis users walking at customary and fast speeds. Longitudinal stiffness reductions were associated with minimal increase in prosthetic limb collision and push-off work, but inconsistent changes in sound limb work. These small and variable changes in limb work did not suggest an improvement in mechanical economy due to reductions in stiffness. Fast walking generated greater overall center of mass work demands across stiffness conditions. Results indicate limb work asymmetry as the prosthetic limb experienced on average 61% and 36% of collision and push-off work, respectively, relative to the sound limb. A series-spring model to estimate residuum and pylon stiffness effects on prosthesis energy storage suggested that minimal changes to limb work may be due to influences of the residual limb which dominate the system response.
Physical Activity Intensity and Biopsychosocial Correlates in Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chen Jieling , Nicklett Emily Joy , He Yaping , Lou Vivian W.Q.
Published: May 2019

The study aims to characterize physical activity (PA) participation by intensity and examine the biopsychosocial correlates among middle-aged and older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in China. Data were examined from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The percentages of participation in vigorous, moderate, and light activity among participants with CKD were 22.7%, 42.1%, and 76.3%, respectively. The participants were less likely to engage in vigorous and moderate PA if they were 70 years of age or older, were not married/partnered, were unemployed, lived in urban areas, had an advanced stage of disease, had heart disease, and/or experienced mobility limitations. The magnitude of the associations between biophysical factors and PA participation was small for light PA. The higher the intensity of regular PA, the less likely older adults with CKD were to participate. Practitioners could consider the psychosocial characteristics of the older adults with CKD and facilitate their participation in PA.
An Investigation of Short-Term Longitudinal Associations Between Handgrip Strength and Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers Among Middle-Aged to Older Adults: A Project FRONTIER Study
Authors: Kim Youngdeok , Gonzales Joaquin U. , Reddy P. Hemachandra
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine short-term longitudinal relationships between handgrip strength (HGS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) biomarkers in middle-aged to older adults living in rural areas (N = 138). The association between HGS and CVD biomarkers was examined at baseline, with HGS as a predictor of the annual change in biomarkers, and in a parallel fashion between the annual change in HGS and CVD biomarkers over an average of 2.8 follow-up years. The results showed HGS to cross-sectionally associate with waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure at baseline, but HGS at baseline was not found to predict the annual change in any biomarker. The annual increase in HGS was significantly associated with favorable changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic/diastolic blood pressures; yet, these associations varied by the baseline levels of biomarkers. The present findings suggest that improved muscle strength with aging is related to favorable changes in CVD biomarkers.
If You Make it Free, Will They Come? Using a Physical Activity Accessibility Model to Understand the Use of a Free Children’s Recreation Pass
Authors: Clark Andrew F. , Campbell Joannah , Tucker Patricia , Wilk Piotr , Gilliland Jason A.
Published: May 2019

Background: Children’s sedentary lifestyles and low physical activity levels may be countered using population-level interventions. This study examines factors influencing the use of a free community-wide physical activity access pass for grade 5 students (G5AP). Methods: A natural experiment with longitudinal data collection. A sample of 881 children completed the 9-month follow-up survey self-reporting where they used the G5AP. Two analyses were conducted: Getis-Ord GI* geographic cluster analysis of the spatial distribution of users, and logistic regression examining the relationship between use and accessibility (informational, economic, and geographic) and mobility options, while accounting for intrapersonal and interpersonal factors. Results: Overall, 44.9% of children used the G5AP with clusters of high use in urban areas and low use in the suburbs. Other factors significantly related to G5AP included gender (girls), informational accessibility (active recruitment), economic accessibility (median household income), geographic accessibility (facilities within 1.6 km of home), and mobility options (access to Boys & Girls Club bus). Conclusions: This study found that a diverse population of children used the G5AP. To continue being successful, community-based physical activity interventions need to ensure that the intervention increases geographic, economic, and informational accessibility and provides mobility options that are available to the target population.
Adaptations of the Upper Body to Plyometric Training in Cricket Players of Different Age Groups
Authors: Singla Deepika , Hussain M. Ejaz
Published: May 2019

Context: Neuromuscular adaptations following exercise training are believed to enhance sports performance. While abundant research is available on adaptations of the lower body to plyometric training, little is known about adaptations of the upper body to plyometric training. Objective: To examine the effect of plyometric training on neuromuscular adaptations in cricket players of different age groups. Design: Randomized parallel group active-controlled trial. Setting: Research laboratory, school cricket ground, and sports complex field. Participants: Fifty-nine cricket players were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. Interventions: The experimental group was subjected to 8 weeks of medicine ball plyometric training held thrice per week. Neuromuscular adaptations were analyzed pretraining and posttraining in 3 age groups: <18, 18–25, and >25 years. Analysis of variance was used to ascertain the training effects between and within the 6 subgroups, that is, age group <18 years (control and experimental), age group 18–25 years (control and experimental), and age group >25 years (control and experimental). Main outcome measures: Muscle activation, upper body balance, upper body power, and muscle strength. Results: Out of 59, 55 participants completed the study. Subjects aged <18 years (adolescents) showed significantly greater improvements than those from the groups 18–25 years and >25 years (adults) on upper body balance and upper body power. Significant improvements were observed in the experimental subjects of all age groups on their muscle activity of biceps brachii, upper body balance, and upper body power following medicine ball plyometric training. Conclusions: Though adolescent subjects were found to be more adaptive than adult subjects, experimental subjects showed significantly greater neuromuscular adaptations to medicine ball plyometric training than controls. These findings emphasize the need for coaches and athletic trainers to inculcate medicine ball plyometric exercises in training regimes of cricket players so as to improve their upper body performance.
“It’s Just a Lot Different Being Male Than Female in the Sport”: An Exploration of the Gendered Culture Around Body Pressures in Competitive Figure Skating
Authors: Voelker Dana K. , Reel Justine J.
Published: May 2019

Figure skaters experience pressure associated with their sport to change their body weight, shape, or size to meet appearance and performance expectations. Figure skaters may experience different body-related expectations based on gender despite performing in identical or similar training and competition environments. In a qualitative investigation that examined body pressure experiences of male skaters, participants discussed some of their struggles, but seemed compelled to discuss, unexpectedly, the plight of female skaters in facing the skating body ideal. The present findings represent an exploratory analysis of qualitative data elucidating the body pressure experiences of female skaters through the eyes of male skaters. Participants were 13 competitive male figure skaters ages 16–24 (M = 18.53). Analyzed using a social constructivist and critical perspective, the results demonstrated the salience of body pressures for female skaters and afforded insight into sociocultural and historical factors that influence how male and female skaters experience their bodies differently in a skating context. Male skaters reported they faced less extreme body pressures, had certain physical advantages, and tended to be more confident than female skaters, which underscored a gendered body pressure experience. This work explores the intersections of gender and power within figure skating and examines body image concerns and unhealthy eating and exercise behaviors as a larger social justice issue that serves to encourage similar investigations in other sports.
Career Pathways to NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Head Coach Positions: Do Race and Gender Matter?
Authors: Larsen Leslie K. , Clayton Christopher J.
Published: May 2019

In 2017–2018, more than 60% of NCAA Division I women’s basketball (DI WBB) players identified as women of color, while less than 17% of the head coaches of DI WBB teams identified as women of color. Larsen, Fisher, and Moret suggested differences in career pathways between black female head coaches and their white female and white and black male counterparts could be one explanation for the aforementioned discrepancy. However, there is currently limited research on the career pathways of DI WBB head coaches to support Larsen and colleagues’ hypothesis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the career pathways of DI WBB head coaches to identify race and gender differences. To accomplish this, a content analysis was conducted on the online biographies of head coaches from all 351 DI WBB programs. Significant differences between groups were found in the number of years coaching in DI women’s basketball prior to receiving a first DI head coaching position; both white women (M = 6.97) and women of color (M = 7.94) had significantly more years in DI WBB coaching than white males (M = 4.95; F(3, 348) = 4.63, p = .003). Further, chi-square tests revealed a significant relationship between the race and gender of a coach and the highest level of playing experience and education. These results indicate that race and gender play a significant role in determining what pathway is required to obtain an DI WBB head coaching position. In addition to these research findings, practical implications are discussed.
Corticosteroid signaling at the brain-immune interface impedes coping with severe psychological stress
Authors: Kertser A. , Baruch K. , Deczkowska A. , Weiner A. , Croese T. , Kenigsbuch M. , Cooper I. , Tsoory M. , Ben-Hamo S. , Amit I. , Schwartz M.
Published: May 2019

Severe psychological stress impairs immune-brain communication through corticosteroid signaling.
Defining early SIV replication and dissemination dynamics following vaginal transmission
Authors: Deleage Claire , Immonen Taina T. , Fennessey Christine M. , Reynaldi Arnold , Reid Carolyn , Newman Laura , Lipkey Leslie , Schlub Timothy E. , Camus Celine , O’Brien Sean , Smedley Jeremy , Conway Jessica M. , Del Prete Gregory Q. , Davenport Miles P. , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Estes Jacob D. , Keele Brandon F.
Published: May 2019

Viral dynamics and host responses to vaginal infection of SIV in nonhuman primates may identify viral vulnerabilities for HIV.
Control of antiviral innate immune response by protein geranylgeranylation
Authors: Yang Shigao , Harding Alfred T. , Sweeney Catherine , Miao David , Swan Gregory , Zhou Connie , Jiang Zhaozhao , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Hammer Gianna , Bergo Martin O. , Kroh Heather K. , Lacy D. Borden , Sun Chunxiang , Glogauer Michael , Que Loretta G. , Heaton Nicholas S. , Wang Donghai
Published: May 2019

Protein geranylgeranylation limits antiviral innate immunity.
Early divergence of mutational processes in human fetal tissues
Authors: Kuijk Ewart , Blokzijl Francis , Jager Myrthe , Besselink Nicolle , Boymans Sander , Chuva de Sousa Lopes Susana M. , van Boxtel Ruben , Cuppen Edwin
Published: May 2019

Different mutational processes are active in the fetal intestine than in the fetal liver.
Genome Sequence of a Jumbo Bacteriophage That Infects the Kiwifruit Phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae
Authors: Wojtus Joanna K. , Frampton Rebekah A. , Warring Suzanne , Hendrickson Heather , Fineran Peter C.
Published: May 2019

Bacteriophage ϕPsa21 is a potential biocontrol agent that infects the kiwifruit phytopathogen
Pseudomonas syringae
pv. actinidiae. ϕPsa21 is a “jumbo” phage with a genome of ∼305 kb.
Complete Genome Sequences of Classical Swine Fever Virus Subgenotype 2.1 and 2.2 Strains Isolated from Vietnamese Pigs
Authors: Kim Ki-Sun , Le Van Phan , Choe SeEun , Cha Ra Mi , Shin Jihye , Cho In-Soo , Hung Nguyen Phuc , Thach Pham Ngoc , Hang Vu Thi Thu , An Dong-Jun
Published: May 2019

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) strains ND20 and HY78 were detected from infected pigs in the Xuan Truong-Nam Dinh and Hung Yen provinces in North Vietnam in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The most prevalent CSFV subgenotypes in Vietnam are 2.1 and 2.2, and these two complete genome sequences will help the CSFV prevention policy in Vietnam.
Pyogenic granuloma gravidarum: a case in the nasal cavity and the use of MRI as a preoperative surgical aide
Authors: Ahmed Farizeh , Rouhani Maral J , Navaratnam Annakan Victor
Published: May 2019

Pyogenic granuloma gravidarum is a benign fibrovascular proliferative lesion usually involving the oral gingivae in pregnant patients. While it also occurs, although less frequently, on other oral sites such as lips, tongue and palate, it is relatively unusual to find it in the nasal cavity. Furthermore, lesions normally involute spontaneously after childbirth. For persistent lesions requiring surgical management, imaging has historically been limited to CT. This case is notable not only for its uncommon location but also for its recurrent nature, failure to regress post partum and the use of MRI in the preoperative planning.
Spontaneous rupture of an unscarred uterus in early pregnancy: a rare but life-threatening emergency
Authors: Amro Bedayah , Lotfi Ghassan
Published: May 2019

Spontaneous uterine rupture during early pregnancy is an extremely rare occurrence and may vary in presentation and course of events, hence the clinical diagnosis is often challenging. We present our experience with two such cases of spontaneous uterine rupture in the first trimester of pregnancy without any identifiable underlying risk factors. The first case was at 12 weeks of gestation and the second case was at 6 weeks gestational age (GA). Both cases were diagnosed and managed by the laparoscopic approach. We are reporting the earliest documented GA in which spontaneous uterine rupture occurred. So far, the earliest GA reported in the literature according to our knowledge was at 7+3weeks. Access to a laparoscopic facility is crucial in the early definitive diagnosis and prompt management of these cases, since this may significantly reduce the risk of severe morbidity and mortality.
Reactive arthritis secondary toHafnia alveienterocolitis
Authors: Erre Gian Luca , Colombo Enrico , Bibbò Stefano , Dore Maria Pina
Published: May 2019

Diagnosis of postenteritic reactive arthritis (ReA) is a challenge and might have a broad range of differential diagnoses. A 50-year-old man was referred to our attention because of persistent inflammatory low back pain and asymmetric oligoarthritis. The clinical history was positive for diarrhoea in the previous 3 months. Inflammatory bowel disease, Whipple and celiac diseases were carefully excluded. In addition, serology, stool cultures, biopsies from the upper gastrointestinal tract yielded negative results for infections. A presumptive diagnosis of ReA was done and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug trial prescribed. Persistence of symptoms prompted us for a second look of the colon. Biopsy collected from the terminal ileum were cultured and surprisingly colonies ofHafnia alvei,a rod-shaped Enterobacteriaceae, were detected. Treatment with ciprofloxacin leads to fast symptoms resolution. Although enterocolitis fromH. alveihas been rarely reported, the culture of intestinal specimens might be recommended in the work-up of patients with suspected postenteritic ReA.
Common cold in Team Finland during 2018 Winter Olympic Games (PyeongChang): epidemiology, diagnosis including molecular point-of-care testing (POCT) and treatment
Authors: Valtonen Maarit , Waris Matti , Vuorinen Tytti , Eerola Erkki , Hakanen Antti J , Mjosund Katja , Grönroos Wilma , Heinonen Olli J , Ruuskanen Olli
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The common cold is the main cause of medical time loss in elite sport. Rapid diagnosis has been a challenge that may be amenable to molecular point-of-care testing (POCT).

Methods

We performed a prospective observational study of the common cold in Team Finland during the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. There were 44 elite athletes and 68 staff members. The chief physician recorded the symptoms of the common cold daily on a standardised form. Two nasal swabs were taken at the onset of symptoms. One swab was analysed within 45 min using a molecular POCT for respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A and B viruses. After the Games, the other swab was tested for 16 possible causative respiratory viruses using PCR in laboratory-based testing.

Results

20 out of 44 (45%) athletes and 22 out of 68 (32%) staff members experienced symptoms of the common cold during a median stay of 21 days. Eleven (26%) samples tested virus-positive using POCT. All subjects with influenza (n=6) and 32 close contacts were treated with oseltamivir. The aetiology of the common cold was finally detected in 75% of the athletes and 68 % of the staff members. Seven virus clusters were identified. They were caused by coronaviruses 229E, NL63 and OC43, influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus A, rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus. The virus infections spread readily within the team, most commonly within the same sport discipline.

Conclusions

The cold was indeed a common illness in Team Finland during the Winter Olympic Games. POCT proved to be clinically valuable, especially for influenza. The aetiology of the common cold was identified in most cases.
MethylatedSEPTIN9plasma test for colorectal cancer detection may be applicable to Lynch syndrome
Authors: Hitchins Megan P , Vogelaar Ingrid P , Brennan Kevin , Haraldsdottir Sigurdis , Zhou Nianmin , Martin Brock , Alvarez Rocio , Yuan Xiaopu , Kim Sungjin , Guindi Maha , Hendifar Andrew E , Kalady Matthew F , DeVecchio Jennifer , Church James M , de la Chapelle Albert , Hampel Heather , Pearlman Rachel , Christensen Maria , Snyder Carrie , Lanspa Stephen J , Haile Robert W , Lynch Henry T
Published: May 2019

Objective

The plasma-based methylatedSEPTIN9(mSEPT9) is a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test for adults aged 50–75 years who are at average risk for CRC and have refused colonoscopy or faecal-based screening tests. The applicability of mSEPT9 for high-risk persons with Lynch syndrome (LS), the most common hereditary CRC condition, has not been assessed. This study sought preliminary evidence for the utility of mSEPT9 for CRC detection in LS.

Design

Firstly, SEPT9 methylation was measured in LS-associated CRC, advanced adenoma, and subject-matched normal colorectal mucosa tissues by pyrosequencing. Secondly, to detect mSEPT9 as circulating tumor DNA, the plasma-based mSEPT9 test was retrospectively evaluated in LS subjects using the Epi proColon 2.0 CE assay adapted for 1mL plasma using the “1/1 algorithm”. LS case groups included 20 peri-surgical cases with acolonoscopy-based diagnosis of CRC (stages I-IV), 13 post-surgical metastatic CRC, and 17 pre-diagnosis cases. The control group comprised 31 cancer-free LS subjects.

Results

Differential hypermethylation was found in 97.3% (36/37) of primary CRC and 90.0% (18/20) of advanced adenomas, showing LS-associated neoplasia frequently produce the mSEPT9 biomarker. Sensitivity of plasma mSEPT9 to detect CRC was 70.0% (95% CI, 48%-88%)in cases with a colonoscopy-based CRC diagnosis and 92.3% (95% CI, 64%-100%) inpost-surgical metastatic cases. In pre-diagnosis cases, plasma mSEPT9 was detected within two months prior to colonoscopy-based CRC diagnosis in 3/5 cases. Specificity in controls was 100% (95% CI 89%-100%).

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest mSEPT9 may demonstrate similar diagnostic performance characteristics in LS as in the average-risk population, warranting a well-powered prospective case–control study.
“He is suitable for her, of course he is our relative”: a qualitative exploration of the drivers and implications of child marriage in Gezira State, Sudan
Authors: Dean Laura , Obasi Angela , El Sony Asma , Fadul Selma , El Hassan Hanaa , Thomson Rachael , Tolhurst Rachel
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Child marriage is a fundamental development challenge for women and girls, with significant negative health and social outcomes. Sudan has a high rate of child marriage, with 34% of women aged 20–24 married before their 18th birthday. Since limited preventive interventions exist, we aimed to inform the evidence base to strengthen strategic action, using mixed qualitative methods to enhance study credibility. This study is the first to conduct a rigorous qualitative examination of the drivers of child marriage from the perspective of key stakeholders involved in marriage decision making within Sudan, and makes a significant contribution towards global knowledge by developing an evidence-based conceptual framework.

Methods

Initially, we completed 14 focus group discussions separated by gender with mothers, fathers, and girls married as adolescents, and 23 key informant interviews. We then used a critical incident case study approach to explore 11 ‘cases’ of child marriage (46 interviews).

Results

Findings indicate that gendered social norms and values, underpinned by religious beliefs and educational accessibility, interconnect to shape marriage decisions. In thiscontext, many child marriages aretriggeredby an intrakinship proposal and further enabled by the relative lack of autonomy and influence of girls and women in marriage decision-makingprocesses.

Discussion

Interconnected drivers demand context-specific holistic and multisectoral approaches, which should include simultaneous strategies to expand access to education, health services and livelihood opportunities, and evoke legal change, and participatory social and attitudinal processes that include the engagement of religious leaders and men.
Intraoperative physiological ranges associated with improved outcomes after major spine surgery: an observational study
Authors: Li Gang , Lin Liang , Xiao Jifang , Rosenbaum Stanley , Bickler Philip , Meng Lingzhong
Published: May 2019

Objective

There is inadequate information about the values of many intraoperative physiological measurements that are associated with improved outcomes after surgery. The purpose of this observational study is to investigate the optimal physiological ranges during major spine surgery.

Setting

A teaching hospital in the USA.

Participants

A convenience sample of 102 patients receiving major posterior spine surgery with multilevel spinal fusion in a prone position.

Methods

Physiological variables, including but not limited to mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cerebral and somatic tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2/SstO2), were recorded. The results of these measurements were associated with length of hospital stay and composite complication data and were analysed based on thresholds (ie, a cut-off value for optimal and suboptimal physiology) and the area under the curve (AUC) values. The AUC values were measured as the area enclosed by the actual tracing and the threshold. The outcomes were dichotomised into above-average and below-average (ie, improved) categories.

Results

Analyses based on thresholds identified the following variables associated with above-average outcomes: MAP <60 mm Hg, temperature <35°C, heart rate >90 beats per minute (bpm), SctO2<60% and SstO2>80%. Analyses based on AUC values identified the following as associated with above-average outcomes: MAP <70 and >100 mm Hg, temperature <36°C, heart rate >90 bpm, tidal volume (based on ideal body weight)<6 mL/kg, tidal volume (based on actual body weight) >10 mL/kg and peak airway pressure <15 cmH2O.

Conclusion

The following physiological ranges are associated with improved outcomes (ie, shorter hospitalisation and fewer complications) during major spine surgery: MAP of 70–100 mm Hg, temperature ≥36°C, heart rate <90 bpm, tidal volume based on ideal body weight >6 mL/kg, SctO2>60% and SstO2<80%.