bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Human TSHβ Subunit Proteins and Their Binding Sites on the TSH Receptor Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Mezei Mihaly , Baliram Ramkumarie , Ali M Rejwan , Zaidi Mone , Davies Terry F , Latif Rauf
Published: August 2020

To gain further insight into the binding of the normal and variant human TSHβ subunits (TSHβ and TSHβv), we modeled the 2 monomeric proteins and studied their interaction with the TSH receptor ectodomain (TSHR-ECD) using molecular dynamics simulation Furthermore, analyzed their bioactivity in vitro using recombinant proteins to confirm that such binding was physiologically relevant. Examining the interaction of TSHβ and TSHβv with the TSHR-ECD model using molecular dynamic simulation revealed strong binding of these proteins to the receptor ECD. The specificity of TSHβ and TSHβv binding to the TSHR-ECD was examined by analyzing the hydrogen-bonding residues of these subunits to the FSH receptor ECD, indicating the inability of these molecules to bind to the FSH receptors. Furthermore, the modelling suggests that TSHβ and TSHβv proteins clasped the concave surface of the leucine rich region of the TSHR ECD in a similar way to the native TSH using dynamic hydrogen bonding. These mutually exclusive stable interactions between the subunits and ECD residues included some high-affinity contact sites corresponding to binding models of native TSH. Furthermore, we cloned TSHβ and TSHβv proteins using the entire coding ORF and purified the flag-tagged proteins. The expressed TSHβ subunit proteins retained bioactivity both in a coculture system as well as with immune-purified proteins. In summary, we showed that such interactions can result in a functional outcome and may exert physiological or pathophysiological effects in immune cells.
Light and Hormones in Seasonal Regulation of Reproduction and Mood
Authors: Chen Junfeng , Okimura Kousuke , Yoshimura Takashi
Published: August 2020

Organisms that inhabit the temperate zone exhibit various seasonal adaptive behaviors, including reproduction, hibernation, molting, and migration. Day length, known as photoperiod, is the most noise-free and widely used environmental cue that enables animals to anticipate the oncoming seasons and adapt their physiologies accordingly. Although less clear, some human traits also exhibit seasonality, such as birthrate, mood, cognitive brain responses, and various diseases. However, the molecular basis for human seasonality is poorly understood. Herein, we first review the underlying mechanisms of seasonal adaptive strategies of animals, including seasonal reproduction and stress responses during the breeding season. We then briefly summarize our recent discovery of signaling pathways involved in the winter depression–like phenotype in medaka fish. We believe that exploring the regulation of seasonal traits in animal models will provide insight into human seasonality and aid in the understanding of human diseases such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Traditional and New Perspectives on Youth Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Authors: ARMSTRONG NEIL , WELSMAN JO
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to review traditional and new perspectives in the interpretation of the development of youth cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

Methods

We analyzed data from (i) the literature which for 80 yr has been traditionally based on interpretations of peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2) in ratio with body mass (BM) and (ii) recent multilevel allometric models founded on 994 (475 from girls) determinations of 10- to 16-yr-olds’ peak V˙O2 with measures of age, maturity status, and morphological covariates (BM and fat-free mass), and from 10 to 13 yr, 110 peak V˙O2 determinations of maximum cardiovascular covariates (stroke volume, cardiac output, and arteriovenous oxygen difference).

Results

The application of ratio scaling of physiological variables requires satisfying specific statistical assumptions that are seldom met. In direct conflict with the ratio-scaled data interpretation of CRF, multilevel allometric modeling shows that with BM controlled, peak V˙O2 increases with age but the effect is smaller in girls than boys. Maturity status exerts a positive effect on peak V˙O2, in addition to those of age and BM. Changes in maximum cardiovascular covariates contribute to explaining the development of CRF, but fat-free mass (as a surrogate for active muscle mass) is the most powerful single influence. With age, maturity status, morphological covariates, and maximum cardiovascular covariates controlled, there remains an unexplained ~4% to ~9% sex difference in peak V˙O2.

Conclusions

The traditional interpretation of peak V˙O2 in ratio with BM is fallacious and leads to spurious correlations with other health-related variables. Studies of the development of CRF require analyses of sex-specific, concurrent changes in age- and maturation-driven morphological and maximum cardiovascular covariates. Multilevel allometric modeling provides a rigorous, flexible, and sensitive method of data analysis.
Bicarbonate Unlocks the Ergogenic Action of Ketone Monoester Intake in Endurance Exercise
Authors: POFFÉ CHIEL , RAMAEKERS MONIQUE , BOGAERTS STIJN , HESPEL PETER
Published: August 2020

Purpose

We recently reported that oral ketone ester (KE) intake before and during the initial 30 min of a 3 h 15 min simulated cycling race (RACE) transiently decreased blood pH and bicarbonate without affecting maximal performance in the final quarter of the event. We hypothesized that acid–base disturbances due to KE overrules the ergogenic potential of exogenous ketosis in endurance exercise.

Methods

Nine well-trained male cyclists participated in a similar RACE consisting of 3 h submaximal intermittent cycling (IMT180′) followed by a 15-min time trial (TT15′) preceding an all-out sprint at 175% of lactate threshold (SPRINT). In a randomized crossover design, participants received (i) 65 g KE, (ii) 300 mg·kg−1 body weight NaHCO3 (BIC), (iii) KE + BIC, or (iv) a control drink (CON), together with consistent 60 g·h−1 carbohydrate intake.

Results

KE ingestion transiently elevated blood D-ß-hydroxybutyrate to ~2–3 mM during the initial 2 h of RACE (P < 0.001 vs CON). In KE, blood pH concomitantly dropped from 7.43 to 7.36 whereas bicarbonate decreased from 25.5 to 20.5 mM (both P < 0.001 vs CON). Additional BIC resulted in 0.5 to 0.8 mM higher blood D-ß-hydroxybutyrate during the first half of IMT180′ (P < 0.05 vs KE) and increased blood bicarbonate to 31.1 ± 1.8 mM and blood pH to 7.51 ± 0.03 by the end of IMT180′ (P < 0.001 vs KE). Mean power output during TT15′ was similar between KE, BIC, and CON at ~255 W but was 5% higher in KE + BIC (P = 0.02 vs CON). Time to exhaustion in the sprint was similar between all conditions at ~60 s (P = 0.88). Gastrointestinal symptoms were similar between groups.

Discussion

The coingestion of oral bicarbonate and KE enhances high-intensity performance at the end of an endurance exercise event without causing gastrointestinal distress.
The Effect of Preexercise Expiratory Muscle Loading on Exercise Tolerance in Healthy Men
Authors: HARDY TIM A. , HOW STEPHEN C. , TAYLOR BRYAN J.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Acute nonfatiguing inspiratory muscle loading transiently increases diaphragm excitability and global inspiratory muscle strength and may improve subsequent exercise performance. We investigated the effect of acute expiratory muscle loading on expiratory muscle function and exercise tolerance in healthy men.

Methods

Ten males cycled at 90% of peak power output to the limit of tolerance (T
LIM) after 1) 2 × 30 expiratory efforts against a pressure-threshold load of 40% maximal expiratory gastric pressure (PgaMAX) (EML-EX) and 2) 2 × 30 expiratory efforts against a pressure-threshold load of 10% PgaMAX (SHAM-EX). Changes in expiratory muscle function were assessed by measuring the mouth pressure (PEMAX) and PgaMAX responses to maximal expulsive efforts and magnetically evoked (1 Hz) gastric twitch pressure (Pgatw).

Results

Expiratory loading at 40% of PgaMAX increased PEMAX (10% ± 5%, P = 0.001) and PgaMAX (9% ± 5%, P = 0.004). Conversely, there was no change in PEMAX (166 ± 40 vs 165 ± 35 cm H2O, P = 1.000) or PgaMAX (196 ± 38 vs 192 ± 39 cm H2O, P = 0.215) from before to after expiratory loading at 10% of PgaMAX. Exercise time was not different in EML-EX versus SHAM-EX (7.91 ± 1.96 vs 8.09 ± 1.77 min, 95% CI = −1.02 to 0.67, P = 0.651). Similarly, exercise-induced expiratory muscle fatigue was not different in EML-EX versus SHAM-EX (−28% ± 12% vs −26% ± 7% reduction in Pgatw amplitude, P = 0.280). Perceptual ratings of dyspnea and leg discomfort were not different during EML-EX versus SHAM-EX.

Conclusion

Acute expiratory muscle loading enhances expiratory muscle function but does not improve subsequent severe-intensity exercise tolerance in healthy men.
Dietary Nitrate and Nitric Oxide Metabolism: Mouth, Circulation, Skeletal Muscle, and Exercise Performance
Authors: Jones Andrew M. , Vanhatalo Anni , Seals Douglas R. , Rossman Matthew J. , Piknova Barbora , Jonvik Kristin L.
Published: August 2020

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous signaling molecule that plays an important role in myriad physiological processes, including the regulation of vascular tone, neurotransmission, mitochondrial respiration, and skeletal muscle contractile function. NO may be produced via the canonical NO synthase–catalyzed oxidation of l-arginine and also by the sequential reduction of nitrate to nitrite and then NO. The body’s nitrate stores can be augmented by the ingestion of nitrate-rich foods (primarily green leafy vegetables). NO bioavailability is greatly enhanced by the activity of bacteria residing in the mouth, which reduce nitrate to nitrite, thereby increasing the concentration of circulating nitrite, which can be reduced further to NO in regions of low oxygen availability. Recent investigations have focused on promoting this nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway to positively affect indices of cardiovascular health and exercise tolerance. It has been reported that dietary nitrate supplementation with beetroot juice lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients, and sodium nitrite supplementation improves vascular endothelial function and reduces the stiffening of large elastic arteries in older humans. Nitrate supplementation has also been shown to enhance skeletal muscle function and to improve exercise performance in some circumstances. Recently, it has been established that nitrate concentration in skeletal muscle is much higher than that in blood and that muscle nitrate stores are exquisitely sensitive to dietary nitrate supplementation and deprivation. In this review, we consider the possibility that nitrate represents an essential storage form of NO and discuss the integrated function of the oral microbiome, circulation, and skeletal muscle in nitrate–nitrite–NO metabolism, as well as the practical relevance for health and performance.
Multidirectional Walking in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients
Authors: Potiaumpai Melanie , Cutrono Stacy , Medina Tamia , Koeppel Maximillian , Pereira Denise L. , Pirl William F. , Jacobs Kevin A. , Eltoukhy Moataz , Signorile Joseph F.
Published: August 2020

Background

The effect of a peritransplant multidirectional walking intervention to target losses in physical function and quality of life (QOL) has not been investigated.

Purpose

This study examined the effects of a novel multidirectional walking program on physical function and QOL in adults receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).

Methods

Thirty-five adults receiving an autologous or allogeneic HSCT were randomized to a multidirectional walking (WALK) or usual care (CONT) group. The WALK group received supervised training during hospitalization; the CONT group received usual care. Patients were assessed at admission (t
0), 3 to 5 d post-HSCT (t
1), and 30 d post-HSCT (t
2). Physical function measures included the 6-min walk test (6MWT), the Physical Performance Test, and the Timed Up and Go test. Health-related QOL was collected using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT) questionnaire.

Results

There were no significant between-group changes for physical function or QOL. However, after the intervention (t
1 to t
2), the WALK group showed significant improvement in aerobic capacity (6MWT, P = 0.01), physical (P < 0.01) and functional well-being (P = 0.04), and overall QOL scores (P < 0.01). The CONT group saw no significant changes in physical function or QOL. Effect sizes showed the WALK group had a larger positive effect on physical function and QOL. Minimal clinically important differences in the 6MWT and FACT-BMT were exceeded in the WALK group.

Conclusion

A multidirectional walking program during the transplant period may be effective at increasing aerobic capacity and QOL for patients receiving HSCT compared with no structured exercise.
Assessment of the Contribution of Research Institute of Atomic Reactors in Technogenic Risks Formation for the Population of the City Dimitrovgrad
Authors: Arakelyan A. , Vedernikova M. , Gavrilina E. , Pechkurova K.
Published: August 2020

Purpose: The assess the contribution of modern activity of Research Institute of Atomic Reactors (JSC «SSC RIAR») in the formation of man-made risks for the population of Dimitrovgrad, Ulyanovsk region.

Material and methods: The results of monitoring of the state of the environment, meteorological features of the area of JSC «SSC RIAR» location, data on the radiation and sanitary-epidemiological situation in Dimitrovgrad were studied and analyzed. The materials of the state reports, annual reports and analytical references of the Rospotrebnadzor, the Volga UGMS, Ulyanovskstat, the Ministry of Ecology and Nature Management of the Ulyanovsk Region and the Interregional Department № 172 of the FMBA of Russia, as well as the results of industrial and environmental monitoring provided directly by JSC “SSC RIAR” were used as the sources of the initial data.

The work was carried out dispersion modeling of current annual gas and aerosol emissions to estimate the contribution of JSC « RIAR » in the formation of ambient city air pollution. The calculation of risks was carried out in accordance with the UNSCEAR methodology for the assessment of radiation risk and the Guidelines for the assessment of the effects of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals approved by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

Results: The average annual dose rate for the population of Dimitrovgrad caused by current emissions of JSC «SSC RIAR» according to the results of conservative calculations is 0.9 µSv/year. The value of radiation risk for the population of the residential zone is at the level of 2.9∙10–8, while for the entire territory of Dimitrovgrad it is 5.4∙10–8. The resulting value of the radiation risk to the health of people living in a residential area of the city is more than 30 times lower than the level of acceptable risk (1∙10–6).

The total value of chemical risk from all sources of air pollution in Dimitrovgrad is 1.3∙10–3. This risk level is in the range of unacceptable risk neither for the population nor for professional groups. Assessment of a carcinogenic risk from pollutants suggests the occurrence of malignant neoplasms as a negative effect. The total value of carcinogenic risk is 1.3∙10–4, which slightly exceeds the upper limit of the acceptable risk level for the population.

Conclusion: The contribution of anthropogenic radiation factor to the overall risk structure is less than 0.003 %. The role of JSC “SSC RIAR” in the air pollution of the residential zone of the city is negligible and does not create toxic risks for the population of Dimitrovgrad. Thus the current activity of JSC “SSC RIAR” leads to negligible values of carcinogenic risks for the population of the area of the nuclear facility location.
The Health of Workers with the Intake of Radionuclides in Case of Skin Damage
Authors: Gurev A. , Tukov A. , Bushmanov A. , Kalinina M. , Zubov A.
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Analysis of the prevalence of diseases of non-professional genesis in individuals with intake of radionuclides through damaged skin and served by health care institutions of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia. Material and methods: The database of the “Industry register of persons with occupational diseases” includes the health indicators of individuals with intake of radionuclides through damaged skin and a population of 185 patients aged 68.9 ± 1.0 years for 2014 (166 men aged 68.3 ± 1.0 years and 19 women aged 74.0 ± 3.4 years). The coding of diseases of non-professional genesis was carried out according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Problems Related to Health (ICD-10). Student’s criterion was used as a criterion of statistical validity (p < 0.05). To assess the health of persons counted in the register, the prevalence rate of diseases of non-professional genesis, calculated for 1000 patients with occupational diseases, was used. An intensive indicator error was calculated ( ± m 95 %). Results: The prevalence of non-occupational diseases is 1637.8 ± 94.1 (men 1614.5 ± 98.6, women 1842.1 ± 311.4; p > 0.05). Disorders of the musculoskeletal system occupy the first place – 340.5 ± 34.8; 20.8 % (men 313.3 ± 36.0; 19.4 %, women 578.9 ± 174.6; 31.4 %; p > 0.05). Of these, dorsopathies accounted for 286.5 ± 33.1; 84.1 % (men 265.1 ± 34.3; 84.6 %, women 473.7 ± 114.6; 81.8 %; p > 0.05). Diseases of the digestive organs are 270.3 ± 32.7; 16.5 %. The highest rates in persons with diseases of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum 205.4 ± 29.7; 76.0 % (men 210.8 ± 31.7; 76.1 %, women 157.9 ± 83.7; 75.0 %; p > 0.05). The third ranking place is divided by diseases of the eye and its adnexa 200.0 ± 29.4; 12.2 % (men 192.8 ± 30.6; 11.9 %, women, 263.2 ± 101.0; 14.3 %; p > 0.05) and circulatory system diseases 200.0 ± 29,4; 12.2 % (men 174.7 ± 29.5; 10.8 %, women 421.1 ± 113.3; 22.9 %; p > 0.05). In the structure of diseases of non-professional genesis, the diseases of the first four ranking places, including respiratory diseases, make up 73.6 % (men 72.4 %, women 82.9 %). Conclusion: Among the diseases in persons with the intake of radionuclides through damaged skin are the most common disorders of the musculoskeletal system, diseases of the digestive system, diseases of the eye and its appendage apparatus. In terms of frequency, they are inferior to diseases of the circulatory system and respiratory organs. As one of the solutions to the problem of registration in persons with signs of contamination of radionuclides of damaged skin in the framework of ICD-10, it is proposed to introduce code S61.2 as “Open wounds of wrist and hand with intake of radionuclides”.
Basic Approaches to the Extrapolation of Data of Animals to Human in Radiobiological Experiment
Authors: Ivanov I. , Ushakov I.
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Substantiate the main directions of transferring experimental data from laboratory animals to humans.

Methods: The general patterns of the structure of the organism of animals and humans and the dynamics of the processes of their vital activity, including under the influence of various environmental factors, as well as the tendency of their approximation in the evolutionary series from lower mammals to humans are considered.

Results: The choice of criteria and methods for assessing the state of the human body and comparison with those in animals in simulated situations is systematized according to 3 main levels – physiological-biochemical, neuropsychological and social. Parameters of physiological reactions, clinical laboratory and biochemical parameters are assigned to level 1, parameters characterizing the functions of higher nervous activity, neurodynamic reactions, targeted actions and psychological manifestations to level 2, characteristics of interpersonal interactions to level 3. The types, tasks and methods of research that are carried out on small rodent animals (screening) and on larger animals from other mammalian orders that are closer in terms of evolutionary development and other parameters to humans (in-depth) are considered.

Conclusion: It is shown that when comparing the results of studies obtained in animal experiments and in human observations, it is important to use coefficients for the quantitative transfer of data from animals to humans, which require careful substantiation taking into account the interspecific characteristics of mammals and humans.
The Use of X-ray Computed Tomography to Assess the Intrathyroidal Iodine Concentration and its Storage in the Thyroid Gland
Authors: Tomashevskiy I. , Kurnikova I. , Sargar R.
Published: August 2020

In this lecture, the need of using X-ray computed tomography (CT) to assess the intrathyroidal iodine concentration and its storage in the thyroid gland has being discussed. Due to the fact that 80 % of intrathyroidal iodine is located in the phenolic ring of thyroid hormones, which are structurally located in colloid-thyroglobulin follicles as a hormonal depot, the parameter of intrathyroidal iodine (PII) is an indicator of the stores of iodine-containing thyroid hormones directly in the organ. A decrease in intrathyroidal iodine indicates a significant functional impairment of storing thyroid hormones in the colloid of thyroglobulin of the thyroid follicles and is an early highly accurate prognostic sign of the formation of gland dysfunction. Due to the compensatory capabilities of the body, this dysfunction may appear late onset (for example, 2 months after detecting a decrease in intrathyroidal iodine). The most convenient and affordable method for determining intrathyroidal iodine is CT with two types of tomographs: 1) standard by which intrathyroidal iodine is determined by the density of the thyroid gland in Hounsfield units (HU); 2) tomographs with the option of assessing the concentration of intrathyroidal iodine (CII) in the most common units of measurement – mg/g or μg/g (used since 2016). If necessary, the conversion of some units of intrathyroidal iodine to others has the formula:

CII (in μg/g) = ([density in HU] – 65) / 104.

Based on the literature and our own research results, for the first time, we calculated the limits of normal intrathyroidal iodine fluctuations in euthyroid individuals, which are 85–140 HU units or 200–700 μg/g intrathyroidal iodine. Identification of the examined intrathyroidal iodine beyond the indicated fluctuations indicates the functional impairment of storing thyroid hormones, which ultimately will lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism (except when the patient is taking levothyroxine, mercazole, β-blockers – drugs that reduce intrathyroidal iodine).

For the first time, an algorithm is presented for differential diagnosis of iodine-deficient and iodine-induced thyroid dysfunctions, which can only be done using CT: if there is a functional impairment of the thyroid gland with intrathyroidal iodinelevel less than 85 units of HU or 200 μg/g CII, then it is considered iodine deficient; with intrathyroidal iodinelevel more than 140 units of HU or 700 μg/g of CII, it is considered iodine-induced.

The algorithm for the prevention of iodine-induced thyroid pathology with iodine prophylaxis is that iodine prophylaxis should not be prescribed or continued when intrathyroidal iodinelevel is 140 units of HU or 700 μg/g of CII or more.
Lessons for Health Service: the Chernobyl Accident and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bushmanov A. , Galstyan I. , Solov'ev V. , Konchalovsky M.
Published: August 2020

Purpose: The article is devoted to the analysis of organizational measures to overcome the medical consequences of two large-scale events: the Chernobyl accident on 26.04.1986 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: A comparison of the causes, key factors, numbers affected and involved in these events persons, and the availability of the source of knowledge about the clinical picture, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, developing as a result of radiation exposure and the virus SARS-Cov-2. The article considers the availability of special medical institutions, the infectability of medical workers, the presence of long-term consequences for the health of victims and for the economy.

Conclusions: In the development of such catastrophic events, an important role should be played by 1) Timely and adequate information to the population. 2) It is necessary to have a sufficient number of beds that can be repurposed in accordance with the needs and provided with appropriate equipment to support the vital functions of the body. 3) Planned training of qualified medical personnel should be carried out. 4) It is necessary to have stocks of emergency drugs close to the institutions where it is possible to receive victims.
Radiation Treatment of Protective Overalls and Selection of Personal Protection Equipment for the Personnel Exposed to Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Samoylov A. , Udalov Yu. , Rubcov V. , Zinoviev V. , Olenina I. , Timoshenko A. , Andreev V. , Bushmanov A. , Belousov A. , Seleznev A. , Smirnov Yu.
Published: August 2020

Purpose: The article covers issues related to providing personal protection equipment (PPE) for medical staff exposed to coronavirus (or similar infection) in the face of global pandemic and insufficient supply of infectious hospitals with disposable overalls. As many polymeric materials used to make such overalls do not feature required thermal stability and consequently they cannot be treated with heat disinfection, radiation treatment of protective overalls with electron accelerators for the purpose of their reuse was considered. Due to rich experience in addressing the issues of providing high-efficient, physiologically acceptable PPE for the personnel of radiation and chemical hazardous facilities, in particular during Chernobyl nuclear disaster elimination, the Laboratory of PPE for the Personnel of Hazardous Production Facilities, Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, could extend methods of assessment and techniques of human protection against high-toxic substances to establishment of protection against microbiological threats.

Results: The article provides results of analysis and tests of materials for overalls and respiratory PPE currently in use. Based on the material tests for radiation stability, air permeability, liquid penetration and protective properties with respect to aerosols, recommendations for improvement of efficiency and comfort of the PPE suite have been developed.

Conclusion: The study showed feasibility of reusing overalls after radiation treatment. However, such treatment is appropriate only in periods of major emergencies during peacetime and wartime, when there are no production capabilities for manufacturing of new products. Location of the irradiation facility in the vicinity of consumers (e.g. medical institutions) is a prerequisite for this treatment. It should be emphasized that radiation treatment must be performed under strict supervision of accredited test facilities.

Further research is required for development and enhancement of PPE and system of its application. This will allow to make longtime wear of PPE more comfortable without sacrificing its protective efficiency and develop a manual on product-specific radiation treatment.
Clinical Frailty Scale is a good predictor of mortality after proximal femur fracture
Authors: Narula Siddarth , Lawless Adam , D’Alessandro Peter , Jones Christopher W. , Yates Piers , Seymour Hannah
Published: August 2020

Aims

A proximal femur fracture (PFF) is a common orthopaedic presentation, with an incidence of over 25,000 cases reported in the Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry (ANZHFR) in 2018. Hip fractures are known to have high mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) in predicting 30-day and one-year mortality after a PFF in older patients.

Methods

A retrospective review of all fragility hip fractures who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the ANZHFR between 2017 and 2018 was undertaken at a single large volume tertiary hospital. There were 509 patients included in the study with one-year follow-up obtained in 502 cases. The CFS was applied retrospectively to patients according to their documented pre-morbid function and patients were stratified into five groups according to their frailty score. The groups were compared using t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the chi-squared test. The discriminative ability of the CFS to predict mortality was then compared with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) classification and the patient’s chronological age.

Results

A total of 38 patients were deceased at 30 days and 135 patients at one year. The 30-day mortality rate increased from 1.3% (CFS 1 to 3; 1/80) to 14.6% (CFS ≥ 7; 22/151), and the one-year mortality increased from 3.8% (CFS 1 to 3; 3/80) to 41.7% (CFS ≥ 7; 63/151). The CFS was demonstrated superior discriminative ability in predicting mortality after PFF (area under the curve (AUC) 0.699; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.651 to 0.747) when compared with the ASA (AUC 0.634; 95% CI 0.576 to 0.691) and chronological age groups (AUC 0.585; 95% CI 0.523 to 0.648).

Conclusion

The CFS demonstrated utility in predicting mortality after PFF fracture. The CFS can be easily performed by non-geriatricians and may help to reduce age related bias influencing surgical decision making. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-8:443–449.
Mechanism of laser induced filamentation in dielectrics
Authors: Naseri N. , Dupras G. , Ramunno L.
Published: August 2020

Femtosecond laser filamentation in transparent media has a wide range of applications, from three dimensional manufacturing to biological technologies to supercontinuum generation. While there has been extensive investigations over the last two decades, there remain aspects that are not understood, owing to the complexity of the interaction. We revisit intense femtosecond laser interaction with dielectric materials at 800nm under tight focusing via high resolution three dimensional simulations, where the complete set of Maxwell’s equations is solved. We simulate filament formation for a range of tight focusing conditions and laser energies, and through this are able to shed new insight on the dynamics. We find that the role of the Kerr effect is very different depending upon the degree of tight focusing. We are also able to observe the formation of two distinct damage zones for intermediate tight focusing, similar to what was seen but not fully understood almost two decades ago.
Bifunctional terahertz absorber with a tunable and switchable property between broadband and dual-band
Authors: Li Hui , Yu Jiang
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we propose a terahertz bifunctional absorber with broadband and dual-band absorbing properties based on a hybrid graphene-vanadium dioxide (VO2) metamaterial configuration. When VO2 is in the insulating state and the Fermi energy of graphene is set to 0.8 eV, the designed device behaves as a tunable perfect dual-band absorber. The operating bandwidth and magnitude of the dual-band spectrum can be continuously adjusted by changing the Fermi energy of graphene. When VO2 is changed from insulator to metal, the designed system can be regarded as a broadband absorber, it has a broad absorption band in the range of 1.45-4.37 THz, and the corresponding absorptance is more than 90%. The simulation results indicate that the absorptance can be dynamically changed from 17% to 99% by adjusting the conductivity of the VO2 when the Fermi energy of graphene is fixed at 0.01 eV. Besides, both dual absorption spectrum and broad absorption spectrum maintain a strong polarization-independent characteristic and operate well at wide incident angles. Furthermore, we have introduced the interference theory to explain the physical mechanism of the absorption from an optical method. Therefore, our designed system can be applied in many promising fields like cloaking and switch.
Editorial: II Colóquio "Investigações em Conservação do Património"
Authors: Bailão Ana
Published: August 2020

On the 27, 28 and 29 September 2018 the II Colloquium "Investigations in Heritage Conservation" took place. It resulted from the partnership between the Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa (Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon) and the Museu da Farmácia (Pharmacy Museum). It was also an initiative of a group of researchers from the research units of CIEBA (FBAUL), CITAR (UCP/Escola das Artes), de Física (UM) and the Consórcio Heritas.
Like the I Colloquium [1], held in September 2016, it was intended to disseminate, through a multidisciplinary environment and transversal to the various areas of heritage, the investigation in cultural heritage conservation performed at masters, doctoral and post-doctoral works, although the colloquium was extended to all professionals working with heritage conservation.
The server's turnover on a federal education institution of Rio de Janeiro: the construction of a proposal of action to aid the reversal of the talent's evasion process
Authors: Haack Daniel Mendes Pires , Costa Stella Regina Reis da , Reis Augusto da Cunha
Published: August 2020

Given the current scenario, where the citizen's level of demand for public services is gradually high, it is impossible to maintain the old inefficient practices in Public Administration. Given this situation, it is necessary to reformulate the methods to improve the final product, moving the current processes to an administration of a more managerial nature, based not only on efficiency, but also on the efficiency of the product returned to society. In this sense, it is conceived that such a reformulation should include Human Resources Management, also directing it to a strategic management model, through which people and, consequently, their motivation, take on a central role for the Institutions, in order to strengthen the degree of commitment between employee and Organization. As an objective, this work aimed at the construction of a proposal of action to assist a Federal Education Institution of Rio de Janeiro in the retention of its servers. In order to do so, the main factors capable of adversely affecting the process of establishment of organizational commitment, as well as the application of a questionnaire to 95 employees of the institution, were identified through bibliographic and documentary exploratory research, in order to identify the degree of relevance of these factors, and the proposition of specific actions, such as the creation of a bank of hours for the servers, in order to mitigate or even reverse the evasion of talent in the Institution.
Influence of principals' self-management on the organisational commitment of teachers in secondary school in county governments in Kenya
Authors: Waweru Nancy Minjire , Gachunga Hazel , Kihoro John Mwaniki
Published: August 2020

Committed employees are likely to work harder and more efficiently, and stay in their jobs longer than less committed employees. Research indicate that the leader’s self-management may influence the organizational commitment of employees as they feel good about working with such leaders since they are more likely to react to problems in a more controlled manner and may be more accommodative to different views of the subordinates. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of principals’ (head of secondary schools) self-management on the organizational commitment (OC) of teachers as moderated by teachers’ self-efficacy. The dependent variable in this study is OC, while the independent variable is self-management (a dimension of emotional intelligence) and the moderating variable is teachers’ self-efficacy. This study hypothesized that principal’s self-management has no significant relationship on teachers’ OC. Simple random sampling was used to draw a sample of 120 principals and 480 teachers from secondary schools in Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, and Kiambu counties in Kenya. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Collected data was analyzed through independent samples t-test, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression. The study established that principals’ self-management had a significant correlation with teachers’ OC. It also established that teachers’ self-efficacy moderated the relationship between principals’ self-management and teachers’ OC and that self-efficacy had positive influence on teachers OC. This study makes useful contribution in the advancement of knowledge on the influence of principals’ self-management on teachers’ OC in Kenya.
Assessment of delay and cost-overrun in federal road construction project in Abuja
Authors: Egila Ashem Emmanuel , Balogun Oluwaseun Abdulakeem , Yusuf Saheed Olanrewaju
Published: August 2020

Poor road infrastructure in Nigeria is a significant challenge, just like poverty, insecurity, and unemployment. The construction of road in the country is characterized by numerous challenges throughout the project life cycle. Some of these challenges are project delay and cost overrun, corruption and fraud, faulty contractual process among others. Objectives of this study are to identify factors influencing delays and cost overruns in road construction project, to rank these factors base on their impacts and importance, and to suggest conservative ways to address the future challenges that can result from delays and cost overruns of future road construction projects. The research instruments include in-depth literature review, fieldwork, questionnaire administration, and interview. Inferential statistics such as Relative importance index (RII) and Mean Value techniques were used to analyze collected data. The result of the study identified factors influencing delays and cost overruns in road construction projects as; man related, money-related, machine-related, material related, environmental-related, and method related factors. Analysis using RII and MV ranked man and money related as the highest factors for delay and cost overrun respectively. Hence, the research recommends that the Government should create an enabling environment, making suitable policy for the construction company to operate.
Apprenticeship system for the internationalization: Jalisco handicraft production companies
Authors: González Alvarado Tania Elena , González Fernández Sara
Published: August 2020

The aim of this article is to analyze learning for the internationalization of craft companies. The study is mixed and is based on a questionnaire, field visits and retrieval of documentary evidence about these companies. The main result is that, self-financing, the application of resources in obtaining raw materials, as well as the adaptation of machinery and equipment to traditional modes of production, have facilitated the internationalization of companies. It is concluded that the learning system promotes self-financing, constant adaptation to change and greater use of the international markets.
Analysis of economic-financial viability, by the monte carlo method, in service provider of non-destructible tests: case study
Authors: Souza Vanessa Miguel Augusto , Brandalise Nilson
Published: August 2020

This work aims to present the economic-financial feasibility, through the application of the Monte Carlo Method, to assist managers in the decision making regarding the investment of a service contract of a company specialized in Non-Destructive Tests, with the tests of Penetrant Liquid and Ultrasound, to which the company that takes the service establishes the requirements previously. The method was apply, in 5000 iterations, from the established parameters, for the initial investment and demand of the test diaries, which provided data regarding the average for the Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Profitability Index (PI), as well as the possible standard deviations, established by the coefficient of variation. Finally, after analyzing the data, it was check that the Method is useful to assist in the making of investment decisions, being feasible the adherence of the contract studied, through the analyzed data and established criteria.
Big data analytics: achievements, challenges, and research trends
Authors: Henriques Andre Coelho Vaz , Meirelles Fernando de Souza , Cunha Maria Alexandra Viegas Cortez da
Published: August 2020

Big data applications combined with analytical tools foster prediction techniques that impact societal, economic, and political changes. After almost a decade of studies, this paper proposes to identify major debates on big data analytics, presenting its evolution over the past years and identifying its research tendencies. We limited our research to the top eight journals in information systems. Our findings suggest that big data analytics is apparently reaching a plateau, which might be confirmed by publications in the following years. The paper contributes to the current debate on big data by identifying ongoing studies in the research community. In addition, it provides a critical analysis of the field development, from its perceived benefits to its unimagined consequences. Finally, we conclude that other perspectives on big data analytics might include a new wave of studies and that new paths beyond productivity gains can be explored.
Organizational culture in the hospitality industry a bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review
Authors: Leyva-Duarte Jose Efren , De la Garza Carranza Maria Teresa , Chávez Martínez José de Jesús , Pinedo-de-Anda Francisco Javier , Niebla Zatarain Juan Cayetano , González Farías José Porfirio
Published: August 2020

Hospitality Industry has a particular context, it is broadly competitive, and in permanent change. An organizational culture can improve the results of different organizations. This study evaluates the organizational culture research in the field of the hospitality industry to obtain an understanding of its actual situation and future. The study used bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review to examine publications of five journals about hospitality in the Web of Science database, from 1980 to April 2019. Findings indicate that hotels are the main field of research of the hospitality industry, and the quantitative methodology approach is the most used. Moreover, it shows three paths of recent research for future analysis.
Factors influencing the deployment of innovative (ict) facilities by construction organisations in port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Onyejeakor Hafex Ikemefuna , Eze Emmanuel Chidiebere , Onyeagam Onyealilam Peter , Adegboyega Adesoji Anthony
Published: August 2020

Data management and exchange of information within contractor organization or between contractors and/or consultant or clients are facilitated through effective information and communication technologies (ICTs) facility provisions.  Information exchange happens in real time and jobs made easier through the use of electronic devices. In spite of the huge data generation and information exchange needs of construction contractors, they are still faced with the challenge of adopting ICT in their daily transactions. Thus, this research set out to assess the factors influencing innovative ICT facilities deployment in contracting firms in Port Harcourt. The study adopted a survey approach, in which quantitative data were gathered from construction professionals within the study area, using of a well-structured questionnaire. With a response rate of 68.28%, the data gathered were analyzed using percentage and factor analysis.  The study reveals that the factors influencing the deployment of ICT in construction are; Change related issues, Security related concerns, Human and management related Concerns, and Cost related Concerns. Key among these factors are satisfaction with existing method of working, inadequate trained ICT professionals, inadequate knowledge about return on ICT investment, virus attack, security breach and fear of piracy, and lack of legal support for use of ICT. It was recommended that government should put legislation in place to make it mandatory for construction firms to make ICT an integral part of their service delivery.
Determinants of customer's apartment purchase intention: is the location dominant?
Authors: Le-Hoang Phuong Viet , Ho Yen Truong Thi , Luu Danh Xuan , Le Truc Thanh Thi
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this research is to identify and measure the factors affecting the intention to buy apartments of customers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The survey carried out with the participation of 200 customers. The authors explore five factors which affect customer's apartment purchase intention include location, features, brand, finance, and subjective norm. The result from Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) shows that location, features, finance, and subjective norm have a significant effect on the intention to buy customers' apartments. In which, location in Ho Chi Minh City context is the most influential factor, so, it strongly confirm the research of Adair et al. (1996), Clark et al. (2006), Daly et al. (2003), Kaynak and Stevenson (2007), Opoku and AbdulMuhmin (2010), Sengul et al. (2010), Tu and Goldfinch (1996), Xiao and Tan (2007) and Wang and Li (2006). The study also proposes some recommendations to increase the attractiveness of the apartment. What is more, developers, marketers, real estate policymakers can use the results of this research to understand the needs of customers better and satisfy customers.
Efficiency in equipment import processes: UNIVASF's case
Authors: Bagagi Leone Coelho , Mendes Vera Lúcia Peixoto S.
Published: August 2020

This study aims to describe and analyze the administrative flow of equipment import process at UNIVASF considering the principle of administrative efficiency. A qualitative single case study research was carried out, with a survey and analysis of actions, administrative acts developed into equipment import processes, from 2004 to 2014, to foster, and support scientific, technological and innovation research at UNIVASF. The results show that the principle of efficiency, a promise of the new managerialism, does not resonate with the evidences pointed out in this research, due to the higher time spent to perform the phases, especially the fiscal one, due to obstacles in the administrative and legal systems.