bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep learning using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging information to predict early recovery of urinary continence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Sumitomo Makoto , Teramoto Atsushi , Toda Ryo , Fukami Naohiko , Fukaya Kosuke , Zennami Kenji , Ichino Manabu , Takahara Kiyoshi , Kusaka Mamoru , Shiroki Ryoichi
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To investigate whether a deep learning model from magnetic resonance imaging information is an accurate method to predict the risk of urinary incontinence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.

Methods

This study included 400 patients with prostate cancer who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. Patients using 0 or 1 pad/day within 3 months after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy were categorized into the “good” group, whereas the other patients were categorized into the “bad” group. Magnetic resonance imaging DICOM data, and preoperative and intraoperative covariates were assessed. To evaluate the deep learning models from the testing dataset, their sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were analyzed. Gradient‐weighted class activation mapping was used to visualize the regions of deep learning interest.

Results

The combination of deep learning and naive Bayes algorithm using axial magnetic resonance imaging in addition to clinicopathological parameters had the highest performance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 77.5% for predicting early recovery from post‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence, whereas machine learning using clinicopathological parameters only achieved low performance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 62.2%. The gradient‐weighted class activation mapping methods showed that deep learning focused on pelvic skeletal muscles in patients in the good group, and on the perirectal and hip joint regions in patients in the bad group.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that deep learning using magnetic resonance imaging is useful for predicting the severity of urinary incontinence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. Deep learning algorithms might help in the choice of treatment strategy, especially for prostate cancer patients who wish to avoid prolonged urinary incontinence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.
Eye‐tracking for longitudinal assessment of social cognition in children born preterm
Authors: Dean Bethan , Ginnell Lorna , Ledsham Victoria , Tsanas Athanasios , Telford Emma , Sparrow Sarah , Fletcher‐Watson Sue , Boardman James P.
Published: July 2020

Background and objectives

Preterm birth is associated with atypical social cognition in infancy, and cognitive impairment and social difficulties in childhood. Little is known about the stability of social cognition through childhood, and its relationship with neurodevelopment. We used eye‐tracking in preterm and term‐born infants to investigate social attentional preference in infancy and at 5 years, its relationship with neurodevelopment and the influence of socioeconomic deprivation.

Methods

A cohort of 81 preterm and 66 term infants with mean (range) gestational age at birth 28+5 (23+2–33+0) and 40+0 (37+0–42+1) respectively, completed eye‐tracking at 7–9 months, with a subset re‐assessed at 5 years. Three free‐viewing social tasks of increasing stimulus complexity were presented, and a social preference score was derived from looking time to socially informative areas. Socioeconomic data and the Mullen Scales of Early Learning at 5 years were collected.

Results

Preterm children had lower social preference scores at 7–9 months compared with term‐born controls. Term‐born children’s scores were stable between time points, whereas preterm children showed a significant increase, reaching equivalent scores by 5 years. Low gestational age and socioeconomic deprivation were associated with reduced social preference scores at 7–9 months. At 5 years, preterm infants had lower Early Learning Composite scores than controls, but this was not associated with social attentional preference in infancy or at 5 years.

Conclusions

Preterm children have reduced social attentional preference at 7–9 months compared with term‐born controls, but catch up by 5 years. Infant social cognition is influenced by socioeconomic deprivation and gestational age. Social cognition and neurodevelopment have different trajectories following preterm birth.
COVID‐19 retinal microangiopathy as an in vivo biomarker of systemic vascular disease?
Authors: Landecho M. F. , Yuste J. R. , Gándara E. , Sunsundegui P. , Quiroga J. , Alcaide A. B. , García‐Layana A.
Published: July 2020

Importance

COVID‐19 is caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, a betacoronavirus that uses the angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐related carboxypeptidase (ACE2) receptor to gain entry into cells. ACE2 receptor is widely expressed in multiple organs, including the retina, an extension of the central nervous system. The ACE2 receptor is involved in the diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy. Additionally, coronaviruses cause ocular infections in animals, including retinitis, and optic neuritis.

Objective

To assess whether there is any retinal disease associated with COVID‐19.

Design

We have evaluated 27 asymptomatic subjects, with retinal fundoscopic, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography fourteen days after hospital discharge due to COVID‐19 bilateral pneumonia.

Results

Cotton wool exudates were evident in six out of 27 patients evaluated, a 22%. Cotton wool exudates are a marker vascular disease severity in other medical context, that is diabetes and hypertension, and are associated with increased risk for acute vascular events. Whether antiaggregation therapy may play a role on fundoscopic‐selected patients with COVID‐19 requires prospective trials.
Carissa carandas L. – phyto-pharmacological review
Authors: Singh Sonia , Bajpai Meenakshi , Mishra Pradeep
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Carissa  carandas is an evergreen thorny shrub (Apocynaceae family), commonly, known as karonda. It has small berry-shaped fruits, used as additive in many pickles or as a spice in northern India.

Methods

The present review covers the literature survey from 1968 to 2020. The data have been collected from various journals, books, thesis and some of the electronic search via Internet-based information such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, online electronic journals, SpringerLink, Wiley and Ayush.

Key findings

From literature survey, it has been found that the herbal drug contains wide variety of flavonoids, phenolic acids, steroids, volatile oils, lignans, alkaloids, polysaccharides and so on. These phytochemicals exhibit a range of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Conclusions

This current review offers primary data for further research work. The in-vitro evaluations as well as in-vivo models/experiments have provided a biosynthetic observation for its various ethno-pharmacological uses and even pharmacological properties. This review would provide all valuable information which will be beneficiary to conduct some important pharmacokinetic and toxicological research works on human models with respect to ensure the effects of active ingredients in the body and even to validate its safety issues in clinical aspects.
Client reef fish tolerate closer human approaches while being cleaned
Authors: Giglio V. J. , Nunes J. A. C. C. , Ferreira C. E. L. , Blumstein D. T.
Published: July 2020

On tropical reefs, cleaning interactions, in which a fish or shrimp cleaner removes ectoparasites from a client fish, are common. Such cleaning interactions have been shown to reduce physiological stress in the clients. We asked whether the process of cleaning by a cleaner wrasse Thalassoma noronhanun modified a fish client's risk assessment, hypothesizing that the benefits of being cleaned may modify the cost avoiding a potential disturbance or predator. We experimentally approached fish of two species (a parrotfish Sparisoma amplum and a squirrelfish Holocentrus adscensionis) when they were being cleaned and when they were not being cleaned, and measured the client's flight initiation distance (FID) – a metric of risk assessment. Both client fish species tolerated ~30% closer approach when being cleaned. The body size of the client did not affect FID in either species, and the number of cleaners present did not influence FID of squirrelfish, but parrotfish who received cleaning from two cleaners had longer FID. These findings imply that fish being cleaned modify their risk assessment, and these results add to a list of potential costs fish clients face in this fascinating mutualism.
Partisan Competition and the Decline in Legislative Capacity among Congressional Offices
Authors: Crosson Jesse M. , Furnas Alexander C. , Lapira Timothy , Burgat Casey
Published: July 2020

Since the 1990s, members of the US House have shifted resources away from legislative functions to representational activities. We reveal this decline using an original dataset constructed from 236,000 quarterly payroll disbursements by 1,090 member offices for 120,000 unique staff between the 103rd and 113th Congresses, as well as interviews with former members and staff in Congress. These data allow us to test two plausible alternative explanations, one rooted in the centralization of legislative power over time and the other in conservatives’ desires to contract government power. We show that the decline in legislative capacity is symmetrical between and consistent within both parties, contrary to expectations rooted in asymmetrical, ideological sabotage. Additionally, this divestment occurs within incumbent member offices over time, accelerates when new members replace incumbents, and persists when majority control changes. We conclude that competition over institutional control and centralization of legislative functions motivates declining legislative capacity among individual members.
The Potential of a Mindfulness‐Based Coloring Intervention to Reduce Test Anxiety in Adolescents
Authors: Rose Sarah E. , Lomas Megan H. R.
Published: July 2020

Test anxiety is prevalent among adolescents. Some potentially successful mindfulness‐based coloring interventions have been identified in previous research, however, conclusions have been based on self‐report measures only. In the current study, 150 17‐ to 18‐years‐olds taking final school exam completed measures of state anxiety (STAI) and Mindfulness (SMS) prior to and directly after completing 12 min of either (1) free drawing, (2) mandala coloring, (3) mandala coloring paired with pre‐recorded mindfulness instructions. Heart rate (HR) was recorded prior to and directly after the 12‐min coloring intervention.
The sense of certainty and the reliability of first person reports: An investigation using micro‐phenomenological self‐inquiry
Authors: Sparby Terje , Edelhäuser Friedrich , Weger Ulrich W.
Published: July 2020

The reliability of introspective or first‐person reports has often been questioned. Micro‐phenomenology is a method that has been devised to increase the reliability of such reports. One way of showing that the method actually increases reliability is to test it in experiments where reporting can be checked by an external observer. Though such approaches are highly valuable, the problem remains that the actual experience cannot be investigated directly by external means. This justifies the complimentary approach of developing internal criteria for evaluating first‐person reports. Here we investigate the sense of certainty as a possible internal criterion. We employed the technique of micro‐phenomenological self‐inquiry to investigate the characteristics of this internal sense. A mind‐wandering task was conducted that repeatedly leads to situations in which certainty and uncertainty in relation to past mental events and descriptions can be experienced. These situations were explored in a number of trials until a certain set of characteristics of the sense of certainty emerged. The result is a methodical procedure to enhance the reliability of first‐person reports.
Conceptions of Temporality: Reconsidering Time in an Age of Impending Emergency
Authors: Sampson Kristin
Published: July 2020

The predominant contemporary concept of time is arguably measurable time, promoted as being in accordance with science. This is commonly understood as the time of physics, as, for instance, E. A. Milne claims in an article from 1950 on the modern conception of time, contrasting this with Plato's description of time as the “moving image of eternity”. The prevalence of an emphasis on measurability within such a conception of time is hard to avoid, although this can be nuanced somewhat. In this article I turn to the ancient Greek notion of kairos in order to find another approach to the question of conceptions of temporality. A main objective is to indicate what this concept signifies in terms of adjusting to circumstances, catching the right moment and paying attention to due measure. I also briefly consider Baltasar Gracián's notions of festina lente and détencion in an attempt to show how this suggests a way in which we may be able to develop the ability to do the right thing at the right moment.
DOES BELIEF IN HUMAN EVOLUTION ENTAILKUFR(DISBELIEF)? EVALUATING THE CONCERNS OF A MUSLIM THEOLOGIAN
Authors: Malik Shoaib Ahmed , Kulieva Elvira
Published: July 2020

Nuh Ha Mim Keller, a contemporary Muslim theologian, argues against the compatibility of evolution and Islam. In this article we intend to critically evaluate his position in which he advances three separate arguments. First, he criticizes the science of evolution. Second, he demonstrates the metaphysical problems with naturalism and the role of chance in the enterprise of evolution. Third, he contends that evolution and the creationist narrative in Islamic scripture is irresolvable. Given these points, Keller concludes that believing in human evolution takes one outside the fold of Islam (kufr). After reviewing each of these points we argue that his claims are unwarranted because of other possibilities which Keller may have not considered. In effect, we argue that believing in evolution doesn't necessarily or definitively entailkufr.
A Case Study of Teaching High-level Reflection to Teachers: Dissecting My Failing Journey
Authors: Choi Jung-ah
Published: July 2020

While the teacher education literature stressed the importance of teachers’ reflection for the purpose of their professional growth, very few focus on teacher’s personal intellectual growth, intelligent dispositions. In fact, teacher educators are concerned about teachers’ anti-intellectualism, as most teachers stay at their comfort zone and resistant against complex higher order thinking. This case study is an attempt to showcase how to enhance teachers’ intellectual growth in the university classrooms. Using Valli’s typology of reflections, this study first identifies what level of reflections teachers engage, and documents what attempts I, as a teacher educator, made to promote higher order thinking. The finding confirms the existing literature that teachers tend to engage in pragmatic/practical thinking, and are not ready, or not willing, to take up a deeper level of intellectual reflections. My efforts to cultivate a culture of inquiry became unsuccessful, because teachers’ practicality-oriented mindset conflicts with my goal of promoting nonpragmatic inquiry, i.e., higher order thinking. This study leaves an implication for teacher educators: Teacher education curriculum oughts to undergo a paradigmatic change from pragmatic inquiry into non-pragmatic inquiry to allow teachers beyond the normative framework, and nourish teachers’ intellectual life.
Two new species of Pilobates (Acari, Oribatida, Haplozetidae) from Madagascar

Authors: Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: July 2020

Two new species of oribatid mites of the genus Pilobates (Oribatida, Haplozetidae) are described on the basis of adult specimens sampled from Andasibe-Mantadia National Park of eastern Madagascar. Pilobates staryi sp. nov. differs from Pilobates africanus Ermilov & Starý, 2020 by the presence of long tutoria, comparatively short interlamellar setae, minute and setiform notogastral setae, 15 pairs of notogastral setae including c3 on pteromorphs, elongate notogastral sacculi, and anterodorsal process on leg trochanters IV. Pilobates parastaryi sp. nov. differs from P. staryi sp. nov. by having long interlamellar setae, adanal setae ad1 and ad2 and anal setae an1 with curved tips, heavily sculptured notogaster, and well developed triangular ventrobasal tubercle on leg tibiae I. A revised generic diagnosis of Pilobates is presented.
A new species of Phytoseius Ribaga (Acari: Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) from the Amazon Forest, Brazil, with redefinition of purseglovei species group Chant & Yoshida-Shaul

Authors: Demite Peterson R. , Souza Raimundo Brasil , Cavalcante Ana Cristina Cerqueira
Published: July 2020

A new species, Phytoseius feresi Demite & Cavalcante sp. nov. (Acari: Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) is described and illustrated based on adult females. It was found in association with plants in natural vegetation in Itacoatiara, Amazonas state, Brazil. This new species is a member of the purseglovei species group and differs of all other species of this group by possessing all dorsal setae, except Z5, and the ventral seta JV5 smooth. We propose a redefinition of purseglovei species group in order to include the new species. In addition, a key to world species of purseglovei species group is provided.
High-capacity rotary drum for atomic layer deposition onto powders and small mechanical parts in a hot-walled viscous flow reactor
Authors: Coile Matthew W. , Young Matthias J. , Libera Joseph A. , Mane Anil U. , Elam Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2020

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is uniquely capable of providing uniform thin-film coatings on powder substrates, but powder processing has historically required an ALD reactor designed specifically for powders—e.g., a fluidized bed. Tubular hot-walled viscous-flow reactors commonly employed in laboratory-scale ALD research for coating planar substrates such as silicon have been employed previously to coat gram quantities of powder spread out in a thin layer on a tray, but larger quantities of powder introduce long diffusion pathways where reactants are unable to percolate to the bottom of the powder bed to provide uniform coating in reasonable time periods. In this work, we report a rotary drum with a capacity of 100s of grams that is compatible with conventional tubular hot-walled ALD reactors and provides uniform coatings on powders in viscous flow operation. We benchmark this system using Al2O3 ALD with trimethylaluminum and water. We examine the effect of rotation speed and powder quantity on saturation time via in situ quadrupole mass spectroscopy measurements and gravimetric analysis. The rotary drum we report is able to provide homogenous coating of up to 75 g of silica gel powder with a total surface area of ∼1500 m2 in viscous flow operation with precursor utilization as high as 70%.
Effects of O2 addition on in-plasma photo-assisted etching of Si with chlorine
Authors: Du Linfeng , Hirsch Emilia W. , Economou Demetre J. , Donnelly Vincent M.
Published: July 2020

Addition of oxygen was used to control the in-plasma photo-assisted etching (PAE) of p-type Si(100) and poly-Si in a high density, inductively coupled, Faraday-shielded, Ar/Cl2 (225/25 SCCM), 60 mTorr plasma. After etching, samples were transferred under vacuum to an UHV x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy chamber for surface analysis. Samples etched under PAE conditions (ion energies below the ion-assisted etching, IAE, threshold) had a thicker surface oxide and lower [Cl] surface concentration, when compared to samples etched under IAE conditions (ion energies above the IAE threshold). PAE was found not to be affected by 0.1 or 0.25 SCCM O2 addition, while etching stopped with more than 0.5 SCCM O2 addition. IAE with RF power on the sample stage, resulting in −65 V self-bias, was not affected by up to 2 SCCM of oxygen addition but decreased rapidly when more than 5 SCCM O2 was added to the plasma. These results imply that PAE may be completely suppressed, while IAE occurs unobstructed. The implications of these findings are discussed in view of applications involving continuous wave and pulsed-plasma processes.
High Prevalence of Cannabidiol Use Within Male Professional Rugby Union and League Players: A Quest for Pain Relief and Enhanced Recovery
Authors: Kasper Andreas M. , Sparks S. Andy , Hooks Matthew , Skeer Matthew , Webb Benjamin , Nia Houman , Morton James P. , Close Graeme L.
Published: July 2020

Rugby is characterized by frequent high-intensity collisions, resulting in muscle soreness. Players consequently seek strategies to reduce soreness and accelerate recovery, with an emerging method being cannabidiol (CBD), despite anti-doping risks. The prevalence and rationale for CBD use in rugby has not been explored; therefore, we recruited professional male players to complete a survey on CBD. Goodness of fit chi-square (χ2) was used to assess CBD use between codes and player position. Effects of age on use were determined using χ2 tests of independence. Twenty-five teams provided 517 player responses. While the majority of players had never used CBD (p < .001, V = 0.24), 26% had either used it (18%) or were still using it (8%). Significantly more CBD use was observed in rugby union compared with rugby league (p = .004, V = 0.13), but player position was not a factor (p = .760, V = 0.013). CBD use increased with players’ age (p < .001, V = 0.28), with mean use reaching 41% in the players aged 28 years and older category (p < .0001). The players using CBD primarily used the Internet (73%) or another teammate (61%) to obtain information, with only 16% consulting a nutritionist. The main reasons for CBD use were improving recovery/pain (80%) and sleep (78%), with 68% of players reporting a perceived benefit. These data highlight the need for immediate education on the risks of CBD, as well as the need to explore the claims regarding pain and sleep.
Effects of Enriched Physical Activity Environments on Balance and Fall Prevention in Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Shafizadeh Mohsen , Manson Jane , Fowler-Davis Sally , Ali Khalid , Lowe Anna C. , Stevenson Judy , Parvinpour Shahab , Davids Keith
Published: July 2020

The incidence of falling, due to aging, is related to both personal and environmental factors. There is a clear need to understand the nature of the major risk factors and design features of a safe and navigable living environment for potential fallers. The aim of this scoping review was to identify studies that have examined the effectiveness of environments, which promote physical activity and have an impact on falls prevention. Selected studies were identified and categorized into four main topics: built environment, environment modifications, enriched environments, and task constraints. The results of this analysis showed that there are a limited number of studies aiming to enhance dynamic postural stability and fall prevention through designing more functional environments. This scoping review study suggests that the design of interventions and the evaluation of an environment to support fall prevention are topics for future research.
Comparison of Sedentary Time Between Thigh-Worn and Wrist-Worn Accelerometers
Authors: Suorsa Kristin , Pulakka Anna , Leskinen Tuija , Pentti Jaana , Holtermann Andreas , Heinonen Olli J. , Sunikka Juha , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari
Published: July 2020

Background: The accuracy of wrist-worn accelerometers in identifying sedentary time has been scarcely studied in free-living conditions. The aim of this study was to compare daily sedentary time estimates between a thigh-worn accelerometer, which measured sitting and lying postures, and a wrist-worn accelerometer, which measured low levels of movement. Methods: The study population consisted of 259 participants (Mage = 62.8 years, SD = 0.9) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging Study (FIREA). Participants wore an Axivity AX3 accelerometer on their mid-thigh and an Actigraph wActiSleep-BT accelerometer on their non-dominant wrist simultaneously for a minimum of 4 days in free-living conditions. Two definitions to estimate daily sedentary time were used for data from the wrist-worn accelerometer: 1) the count cutpoint, ≤1853 counts per minute; and 2) the Euclidean Norm Minus One (ENMO) cutpoint, <30 mg. Results: Compared to the thigh-worn accelerometer, daily sedentary time estimate was 63 min (95% confidence interval [CI] = −53 to −73) lower by the count cutpoint and 50 min (95% CI = 34 to 67) lower by the ENMO cutpoint. The limits of agreement in daily sedentary time estimates between the thigh- and cutpoint methods for wrist-worn accelerometers were wide (the count cutpoint: −117 to 243, the ENMO cutpoint: −212 to 313 min). Conclusions: Currently established cutpoint-based methods to estimate sedentary time from wrist-worn accelerometers result in underestimation of daily sedentary time compared to posture-based estimates of thigh-worn accelerometers. Thus, sedentary time estimates obtained from wrist-worn accelerometers using currently available cutpoint-based methods should be interpreted with caution and future work is needed to improve their accuracy.
Personal, Social, and Environmental Influences on Physical Activity in Groups of Children As Defined by Different Physical Activity Patterns
Authors: Saunders Ruth P. , Dishman Rod K. , Dowda Marsha , Pate Russell R.
Published: July 2020

Background: Interventions promoting physical activity (PA) in youth have had limited success, in part because studies with methodological challenges have yielded an incomplete understanding of personal, social, and environmental influences on PA. This study described changes in these factors for subgroups of youth with initially high PA that decreased (Active-Decline) compared with children with initially low PA that decreased (Inactive-Decline) from fifth to ninth grades. Methods: Observational, prospective cohort design. Participants (n = 625) were fifth-grade children recruited in 2 school districts and followed from elementary to high school. Students and their parents responded to questionnaires to assess personal, social, and perceived physical environmental factors in the fifth (mean age = 10.5 [.5] y) and ninth (mean age = 14.7 [.6] y) grades. Analyses included a mixed-model 2-way repeated analysis of variances. Results: Children in the Active-Decline compared with those in the Inactive-Decline group showed a more favorable profile in 6 of 8 personal variables (perceived barriers, self-efficacy, self-schema, enjoyment, competence, and fitness motives) and 4 of 6 social variables (friend support, parent encouragement, parent support, and parent-reported support). Conclusions: The results suggest efforts to promote PA should target selected personal, social, and perceived environmental factors beginning before age 10 and continuing through adolescence.
Normative Data for the Balance Error Scoring System in Iranian Adults
Authors: Shamshiri Ainaz , Rezaei Iman , Sinaei Ehsan , Heidari Saeed , Ghanbari Ali
Published: July 2020

Context: The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), originally designed to diagnose and assess athletes with concussion syndrome, is now widely used to evaluate postural stability. To interpret balance status, a normative database can be a reliable source. However, different anthropometric characteristics and sociocultural backgrounds across populations hinder the application of previously developed databases in different populations. Objective: The present study was designed to develop a normative data set for the general population of healthy Iranian adults according to their age groups and to study the correlation between BESS scores and the participants’ sex, height, weight, and body mass index. Design: A cross-sectional study. Participants: A total of 1051 community-dwelling adults aged 20–69 years not suffering from balance disorders, dizziness, or other neurological or musculoskeletal diseases were recruited and stratified into 5 different age groups by decade. Main Outcome Measures: The BESS tests were composed of single-leg, double-leg, and tandem stances, each on a rigid surface and a foam pad. The individuals maintained each position for 20 seconds with eyes closed. The assessor recorded the total number of errors as the individuals’ BESS score (range: 0–60). Results: Significant but weak correlations were found between BESS score and height (r = −.13, P < .001) and between BESS score and body mass index (r = .11, P < .001), and the difference between sexes in BESS score was statistically significant in the 50- to 59-year-old (P = .021) and 60- to 69-year-old (P < .001) groups. The BESS scores were significantly different between all age groups (P < .05), except between the 20- to 29-year-old and 30- to 39-year-old groups (P = 1.000) and between the 40- to 49-year-old and 50- to 59-year-old groups (P = .086). Conclusions: This study provided a normative database for different age groups of asymptomatic Iranian adults. The BESS score had weak correlations with height and body mass index and no correlation with weight, and significant differences were found between sexes in 50- to 69-year-old individuals. This study emphasizes the importance of obtaining specific normative data for different populations.
Controlling Degrees of Freedom in Learning a Taekwondo Kick
Authors: Guimarães Anderson Nascimento , Ugrinowitsch Herbert , Dascal Juliana Bayeux , Okazaki Victor Hugo Alves
Published: July 2020

To test Bernstein’s degrees of freedom (DF) hypothesis, the authors analyzed the effect of practice on the DF control and interjoint coordination of a Taekwondo kick. Thirteen inexperienced and 11 expert Taekwondo practitioners were evaluated. Contrary to Bernstein’s hypothesis, the inexperienced group froze the DF at the end of learning, reducing the joint range of motion of the knee. Moderate and strong cross-correlations between joints did not change, demonstrating that the interjoint coordination was maintained. The inexperienced group’s movement pattern was similar to that of the group of experts, from the beginning of the learning process. Thus, even after years of practice, experts continue to explore the strategy of freezing DF. The DF freeing/freezing sequence strategy was explored during the learning process, suggesting that DF-freezing/freeing strategies are task dependent.
How an ancient microbial arms race remodeled human cells
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: July 2020

Study traces genetic responses to pathogens back to ancestor of Neanderthals and modern humans.
The hepatocyte clock and feeding control chronophysiology of multiple liver cell types
Authors: Guan Dongyin , Xiong Ying , Trinh Trang Minh , Xiao Yang , Hu Wenxiang , Jiang Chunjie , Dierickx Pieterjan , Jang Cholsoon , Rabinowitz Joshua D. , Lazar Mitchell A.
Published: July 2020

The hepatocyte clock and food availability control gene expression and metabolism in nonhepatocytic cells in the liver.
In-cell architecture of an actively transcribing-translating expressome
Authors: O’Reilly Francis J. , Xue Liang , Graziadei Andrea , Sinn Ludwig , Lenz Swantje , Tegunov Dimitry , Blötz Cedric , Singh Neil , Hagen Wim J. H. , Cramer Patrick , Stülke Jörg , Mahamid Julia , Rappsilber Juri
Published: July 2020

Integrative in-cell structural biology

In bacteria, RNA polymerases can associate with ribosomes to form transcription-translation units called expressomes. Multiple models based on structural data of in vitro reconstitution assays have been proposed for how the two machineries interface with one another. Understanding this bacteria-specific coupling mechanism offers insight regarding the central dogma of molecular biology and might be leveraged for antibiotic development. O'Reilly
et al.
found that the NusA protein interfaces between the two complexes. The authors combined cryo–electron tomography and cross-linking mass spectrometry to produce an integrative model of the transcribing, translating expressome of
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
obtained entirely from in-cell data. This approach contributes to the development of in-cell structural biology.

Science
, this issue p.
554
Oxygen uptake efficiency slope: a reliable surrogate parameter for exercise capacity in healthy and cardiac children?
Authors: Gavotto Arthur , Vandenberghe D'arcy , Abassi Hamouda , Huguet Helena , Macioce Valerie , Picot Marie-Christine , Guillaumont Sophie , Matecki Stefan , Amedro Pascal
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) provides accurate evaluation of physical capacity and disease severity in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, full participation to obtain optimal measure of VO2max may be difficult. As an alternative, the oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) is a reproducible and reliable parameter measured during CPET, which does not require a maximal exercise to be interpretable. This study aimed to evaluate the OUES of a large cohort of children with CHD, in comparison with healthy controls. We also intended to identify, in this specific population, the clinical and CPET variables associated with the OUES.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2010 and September 2015 in two tertiary care paediatric and congenital cardiology centres.

Results

709 children were included (407 CHD and 302 healthy controls). The association of clinical characteristics with weight-normalised OUES (OUESkg) was studied using a multivariable analysis. The mean OUESkg was significantly lower in CHD than in healthy controls (38.6±8.5 and 43.9±8.5; p<0.001, respectively), especially in the most severe CHD. The OUESkg correlated with VO2max (r=0.85, p<0.001), with cut-off values for normal exercise capacity of 38.4 in boys and 31.0 in girls. The decrease of OUESkg was associated with increased age, increased Body Mass Index, number of cardiac catheter or surgical procedures, female gender and decreased forced vital capacity (Z-score).

Conclusion

The OUES is significantly impaired in children with CHD and strongly correlates with VO2max. The OUES has the same clinical determinants as VO2max and therefore may be of interest in submaximal exercise.

Trial registration number

NCT01202916.
Placental transfusion and short-term outcomes among extremely preterm infants
Authors: Kumbhat Neha , Eggleston Barry , Davis Alexis S , Van Meurs Krisa P , DeMauro Sara Bonamo , Foglia Elizabeth E , Lakshminrusimha Satyanarayan , Walsh Michele C , Watterberg Kristi L , Wyckoff Myra H , Das Abhik , Handley Sara C
Published: July 2020

Objective

To compare short-term outcomes after placental transfusion (delayed cord clamping (DCC) or umbilical cord milking (UCM)) versus immediate cord clamping among extremely preterm infants.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

TheEunice Kennedy ShriverNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network registry.

Patients

Infants born <29 weeks’ gestation in 2016 or 2017 without congenital anomalies who received active treatment after delivery.

Intervention/exposure

DCC or UCM.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcomes: (1) composite of mortality or major morbidity by 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA); (2) mortality by 36 weeks PMA and (3) composite of major morbidities by 36 weeks’ PMA. Secondary composite outcomes: (1) any grade intraventricular haemorrhage or mortality by 36 weeks’ PMA and (2) hypotension treatment in the first 24 postnatal hours or mortality in the first 12 postnatal hours. Outcomes were assessed using multivariable regression, adjusting for mortality risk factors identified a priori, significant confounders and centre as a random effect.

Results

Among 3116 infants, 40% were exposed to placental transfusion, which was not associated with the primary composite outcome of mortality or major morbidity by 36 weeks’ PMA (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.26, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.66). However, exposure was associated with decreased mortality by 36 weeks’ PMA (aOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.92) and decreased hypotension treatment in first 24 postnatal hours (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.82).

Conclusion

In this extremely preterm infant cohort, exposure to placental transfusion was not associated with the composite outcome of mortality or major morbidity, though there was a reduction in mortality by 36 weeks’ PMA.

Trial registration number

NCT00063063.
Automated oxygen control in preterm infants, how does it work and what to expect: a narrative review
Authors: Salverda Hylke H , Cramer Sophie J E , Witlox Ruben S G M , Dargaville Peter A , te Pas Arjan B
Published: July 2020

Background

Automated oxygen control systems are finding their way into contemporary ventilators for preterm infants, each with its own algorithm, strategy and effect.

Objective

To provide guidance to clinicians seeking to comprehend automated oxygen control and possibly introduce this technology in their practice.

Method

A narrative review of the commercially available devices using different algorithms incorporating rule-based, proportional-integral-derivative and adaptive concepts are described and explained. An overview of how they work and, if available, the clinical effect is given.

Results

All algorithms have shown a beneficial effect on the proportion of time that oxygen saturation is within target range, and a decrease in hyperoxia and severe hypoxia. Automated oxygen control may also reduce the workload for bedside staff. There is concern that such devices could mask clinical deterioration, however this has not been reported to date.

Conclusions

So far, trials involving different algorithms are heterogenous in design and no head-to-head comparisons have been made, making it difficult to differentiate which algorithm is most effective and what clinicians can expect from algorithms under certain conditions.
Ocular adnexal lymphoma in Denmark: a nationwide study of 387 cases from 1980 to 2017
Authors: Holm Frederik , Mikkelsen Lauge Hjorth , Kamper Peter , Rasmussen Peter Kristian , Larsen Thomas Stauffer , Sjö Lene Dissing , Heegaard Steffen
Published: July 2020

Background

Nationwide studies of ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL) are very rare in the literature, and knowledge on incidence, subtype distribution and long-term survival data is limited. This is the largest national study of OAL to date. This study sought to find information on incidence, changes in incidence, clinical findings, distribution of subtypes, survival and prognostic factors.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with OAL from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2017 were identified in Danish registers, and clinical as well as survival data were collected. The data were analysed with Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank test.

Results

387 patients were included in the study. The major lymphoma subtypes were extranodal marginal-zone B cell lymphoma (EMZL) (55%), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (13%), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) (11%) and follicular lymphoma (FL) (10%). OAL is a disease of the elderly (median age 69 years). The incidence of lymphoma of the ocular adnexal region has increased significantly throughout the time period of the study (Pearson correlation coefficient, r=0.65; P<0.001). In the period 1980–1984, the incidence was 0.086 per 100 000, which increased to 0.307 per 100 000 in the period 2013–2017. Low-grade, low-stage primary lymphomas were treated with radiotherapy, whereas patients with high-stage, high-grade and/or relapsed disease were treated with chemotherapy. Low-grade subtypes EMZL (89%) and FL (56%) had better 10-year disease-specific survival than the high-grade lymphomas DLBCL (38%) and MCL (31%)(p<0.001).

Conclusion

OAL is increasing in incidence in the Danish population for unknown reasons. However, the prognosis for most OAL is favourable, as highlighted in this national long-term study.
Determinants of corneal endothelial cell loss after sulcus placement of Ahmed and Baerveldt drainage device surgery
Authors: Murakami Yumiko , Hirooka Kazuyuki , Yuasa Yuki , Okumichi Hideaki , Tokumo Kana , Kawano Reo , Kiuchi Yoshiaki
Published: July 2020

Aim

In patients who underwent multiple intraocular surgeries, we evaluated determinants of decreased corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) after sulcus placement following Ahmed and Baerveldt drainage device surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with glaucoma who underwent sulcus placement with an Ahmed glaucoma valve or a Baerveldt glaucoma implant. We compared presurgical and postsurgical CECD and risk factors for decreased CECD.

Results

We examined 41 eyes of 41 patients. Postsurgical CECD measurements were assessed 2.0±1.0 times during a median follow-up period of 28 months. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 28.4±11.6 mmHg to 12.2±5.3 mmHg 24 months after the operation. At 24 months, CECD decreased 14.6±5.4% after considering the variability in the number and time points of CECD determinations. History of prior surgery and higher preoperative IOP were significantly associated with a trend for a time-dependent decrease in CECD.

Conclusions

Risk factors for decreased CECD after sulcus placement during Ahmed and Baerveldt drainage device surgery included the number of previous intraocular surgeries and higher presurgical IOP.
Just-in-time postnatal education programmes to improve newborn care practices: needs and opportunities in low-resource settings
Authors: Subramanian Laura , Murthy Seema , Bogam Prasad , Yan Shirley D , Marx Delaney Megan , Goodwin Christian D G , Bobanski Lauren , Rangarajan Arjun S , Bhowmik Anindita , Kashyap Sehj , Ramnarayan Nikhil , Hawrusik Rebecca , Bell Griffith , Kaur Baljit , Rajkumar N , Mishra Archana , Alam Shahed S , Semrau Katherine E A
Published: July 2020

Worldwide, many newborns die in the first month of life, with most deaths happening in low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Families’ use of evidence-based newborn care practices in the home and timely care-seeking for illness can save newborn lives. Postnatal education is an important investment to improve families’ use of evidence-based newborn care practices, yet there are gaps in the literature on postnatal education programmes that have been evaluated to date. Recent findings from a 13 000+ person survey in 3 states in India show opportunities for improvement in postnatal education for mothers and families and their use of newborn care practices in the home. Our survey data and the literature suggest the need to incorporate the following strategies into future postnatal education programming: implement structured predischarge education with postdischarge reinforcement, using a multipronged teaching approach to reach whole families with education on multiple newborn care practices. Researchers need to conduct robust evaluation on postnatal education models incorporating these programee elements in the LMIC context, as well as explore whether this type of education model can work for other health areas that are critical for families to survive and thrive.
A quality improvement programme to reduce hospital-acquired pressure injuries
Authors: Gupta Poonam , Shiju Shiny , Chacko Gracy , Thomas Mincy , Abas Asma , Savarimuthu Indirani , Omari Emad , Al-Balushi Sara , Jessymol Pulikana , Mathew Sunitha , Quinto Marife , McDonald Ian , Andrews William
Published: July 2020

Background

At Heart Hospital in Doha, Qatar (HH), 127 pressure injuries (PI) were identified in 2014, corresponding to an incidence of 6.1/1000 patient-days in first 4 months of 2014. Hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) is one of the most common preventable complications of hospitalisation. HAPI significantly increases healthcare costs, including use of resources (dressings, support surfaces, nursing care time and medications). They also have a significant impact on patients in terms of pain, worsened quality of life, psychological trauma and increased length of stay. Working with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), we implemented evidence-based practices in all In patient Units at HH with the aim of reducing the number of HAPIs by 60% within 2 years.

Methods

In collaboration with IHI, our multidisciplinary clinical and risk assessment teams tested several changes and implemented a successful programme. The Surface, Skin inspection, Keep moving, Incontinence and Nutrition bundle was implemented. Signs, turning clocks and PI incidence ‘calendars’ were used in the units as reminders. Attention was paid to endotracheal tube ties in order to address device-related pressure injuries. Counts of HAPI (incidence) and number of PIs per 100 patients surveyed (prevalence) were prominently displayed. Changes were tested using the Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology. Statistical analysis using the independent t-test was applied to detect the significance of any difference in the incidence of HAPI before and after implementation of the changes.

Results

The incidence of HAPI dropped from 6.1/1000 patient-days to 1.1/1000 patient-days, an 83.5% reduction. The prevalence, based on quarterly survey fell from 9.7/100 patients surveyed to 2.0/100 patients surveyed, a 73.4% decline.

Conclusions

The interventions proved to be successful, reducing the incidence of PI by >80%. The outcomes were sustained over a 4-year period.
Global prevalence of Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer in individuals
with gastro-oesophageal reflux: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Eusebi Leonardo Henry , Cirota Giovanna Grazia , Zagari Rocco Maurizio , Ford Alexander Charles
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux might lead to the development of Barrett’s
oesophagus (BO) or even oesophageal adenocarcinoma. There has been no definitive
systematic review and meta-analysis of data to estimate global prevalence of BO or
oesophageal adenocarcinoma in individuals with gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Design

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Embase Classic to identify cross-sectional
surveys that reported prevalence of BO or oesophageal adenocarcinoma in adults with
gastro-oesophageal reflux. We extracted prevalence for all studies, both for
endoscopically suspected and histologically confirmed cases. We calculated pooled
prevalence according to study location, symptom frequency and sex, as well as ORs with
95% CIs.

Results

Of the 4963 citations evaluated, 44 reported prevalence of endoscopically
suspected and/or histologically confirmed BO. Prevalence of BO among individuals with
gastro-oesophageal reflux varied according to different geographical regions ranging
from 3% to 14% for histologically confirmed BO with a pooled prevalence of 7.2% (95%
CI 5.4% to 9.3%), whereas pooled prevalence for endoscopically suspected BO was 12.0%
(95% CI 5.5% to 20.3%). There was heterogeneity in many of our analyses. Prevalence of
BO was significantly higher in men, both for endoscopically suspected (OR=2.1; 95% CI
1.6 to 2.8) and histologically confirmed BO (OR=2.3; 95% CI 1.7 to 3.2). Dysplasia was
present in 13.9% (95% CI 8.9% to 19.8%) of cases of histologically confirmed BO, 80.7%
of which was low-grade.

Conclusion

The prevalence of Barrett’s oesophagus among individuals with gastro-oesophageal
reflux varied strikingly among countries, broadly resembling the geographical
distribution of gastro-oesophageal reflux itself. Prevalence of BO was significantly
higher in men.