bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic patient portal utilization by neurology patients and association with outcomes
Authors: Ochoa Christa , Baron-Lee Jacqueline , Popescu Cristina , Busl Katharina M.
Published: July 2020

Existing literature on electronic patient portals demonstrates mixed findings for portal user demographic patterns and relationships between portal usage and clinical outcomes. This study sought to determine characteristics of portal users specific to a neurology patient population and examine whether usage predicted decreased clinic visits and risk of hospitalization. A cross-sectional analysis on 13,483 patients seen at a tertiary neurology outpatient clinic over a 1-year period found significant associations between demographics, and interactions between age, sex, and race. Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to be portal users. While females had higher odds of portal usage overall, their probability decreased with increasing age. Portal users had higher rates of clinic utilization but no difference in hospitalization risk. These results highlight demographics that may need strategic targeting to increase portal uptake and the need for other interventions for populations more likely to experience health events resulting in hospitalization.
A systematic review of intrapersonal coach development programs: Examining the development and evaluation of programs to elicit coach reflection
Authors: Silva Eduardo Jorge Da , Evans M Blair , Lefebvre Jordan S , Allan Veronica , Côté Jean , Palmeira António
Published: July 2020

Background

The current approaches used to develop coaches within many sport organisations extend beyond merely the professional knowledge related to sport-specific aspects. Effective coaching notably entails intrapersonal skills related to learning through experience and developing one’s own approach, and these skills are often targeted in coach development. Recognising that researchers have delivered Coach Development Programs (CDPs) that use strategies like reflective practice to foster coaches’ strategies and attitudes toward reflection, reviewing research in this domain could inform the development of our field. We conducted the current review to examine nonformal intrapersonal CDPs within the academic literature with goals of summarising existing CDPs, while also identifying factors related to their implementation. Method: The PRISMA guidelines informed our search strategy, including a database search along with supplemental strategies to identify studies. In addition to describing the CDPs generally, each study was also coded for: (a) potential to be implemented and maintained in sport contexts, (b) behaviour change techniques (BCTs), and (c) risk of bias. Results: After screening the full-texts of studies, we identified 10 unique intrapersonal CDPs. Most CDPs entailed pilot investigations of small samples, involving both qualitative and quantitative methods focused on coaches’ experiences when using reflective strategies. The majority of CDPs were conducted in-person and in one-on-one contexts. The most frequently used BCT was self-monitoring of behaviour, and low-to-moderate information was reported regarding internal and external validity. Conclusions: Whereas reflective practice may enable coach development, researchers must seek opportunities to design higher-quality intervention studies that are designed to enhance both internal and external validity.
Tools for fecal incontinence assessment: lessons for inflammatory bowel disease trials based on a systematic review
Authors: D’Amico Ferdinando , Wexner Steven D , Vaizey Carolynne J , Gouynou Célia , Danese Silvio , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent
Published: July 2020

Background

Fecal incontinence is a disabling condition affecting up to 20% of women.

Objective

We investigated fecal incontinence assessment in both inflammatory bowel disease and non‐inflammatory bowel disease patients to propose a diagnostic approach for inflammatory bowel disease trials.

Methods

We searched on Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library for all studies on adult inflammatory bowel disease and non‐inflammatory bowel disease patients reporting data on fecal incontinence assessment from January 2009 to December 2019.

Results

In total, 328 studies were included; 306 studies enrolled non‐inflammatory bowel disease patients and 22 studies enrolled inflammatory bowel disease patients. In non‐inflammatory bowel disease trials the most used tools were the Wexner score, fecal incontinence quality of life questionnaire, Vaizey score and fecal incontinence severity index (in 187, 91, 62 and 33 studies). Anal manometry was adopted in 41.2% and endoanal ultrasonography in 34.0% of the studies. In 142 studies (46.4%) fecal incontinence evaluation was performed with a single instrument, while in 64 (20.9%) and 100 (32.7%) studies two or more instruments were used. In inflammatory bowel disease studies the Wexner score, Vaizey score and inflammatory bowel disease quality of life questionnaire were the most commonly adopted tools (in five (22.7%), five (22.7%) and four (18.2%) studies). Anal manometry and endoanal ultrasonography were performed in 45.4% and 18.2% of the studies.

Conclusion

Based on prior validation and experience, we propose to use the Wexner score as the first step for fecal incontinence assessment in inflammatory bowel disease trials. Anal manometry and/or endoanal ultrasonography should be taken into account in the case of positive questionnaires.
Efficacy and safety of galcanezumab for prevention of migraine headache in Japanese patients with episodic migraine: A phase 2 randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Sakai Fumihiko , Ozeki Akichika , Skljarevski Vladimir
Published: July 2020

Objective:

This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of galcanezumab in comparison with placebo for the prevention of migraine in Japanese patients with episodic migraine.

Methods:

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which was conducted over 6 months, randomized adult patients received subcutaneous injections of galcanezumab (120 mg n = 115, 240 mg n = 114) or placebo ( n = 230) once monthly. The primary endpoint was the overall mean change from baseline in the number of monthly migraine headache days. The key secondary outcome measures were response rates (≥50%, ≥75%, and 100%); the Migraine-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Role Function-Restrictive score; monthly migraine headache days requiring acute treatment; and Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S).

Results:

The mean change from baseline in monthly migraine headache days over months 1–6 was significantly ( p < 0.001) greater for the 120-mg galcanezumab dose (−3.60 days) and the 240-mg galcanezumab dose (−3.36 days) compared with placebo (−0.59 days). Both the 120-mg and 240-mg doses of galcanezumab were superior compared with placebo for each of the key secondary endpoints except for PGI-S (only the 240-mg dose was superior). The most commonly reported treatment-emergent adverse events were local injection-site reactions; erythema, swelling, pruritus, and pain were more commonly reported by patients who were treated with galcanezumab than those treated with placebo.

Conclusion:

The number of monthly migraine headache days was reduced with both doses of galcanezumab, and both doses were safe and well tolerated in Japanese patients with episodic migraine.
A randomised crossover comparison of two endotracheal tube introducers: the FROVA and the Flexible Tip Bougie for GlideScope intubation of a difficult airway manikin by infrequent intubators
Authors: Cormack John , Langley Bridget , Bhanabhai Louisa-Rose , Kluger Roman
Published: July 2020

Background

This unblinded randomised crossover study compares two endotracheal tube introducers (ETIs): the FROVA and the “Flexible Tip Bougie” (FTB), in an airway manikin mimicking difficult intubation with a percentage of glottic opening view of 30%. Participants were Emergency Medicine and Anaesthesia trainees with recent experience of less than twenty patient intubations. The primary outcome was time to intubation, further divided into time taken to pass the ETI and time to railroad the endotracheal tube (ETT) over the ETI. The secondary outcome was the difficulty of intubation.

Results

The median total time to ETT placement was significantly shorter with the FTB (37.5 s) compared with the FROVA ETI (63.0 s),P= 0.0006. The median difficulty reported (scores 0–10 with 0 being no difficulty) with the FTB was 2 compared with 5 for the FROVA,P< 0.0001.

Conclusions

The FTB enabled significantly faster and easier placement of the endotracheal tube compared with the FROVA in inexperienced hands intubating a difficult intubation manikin.
Safety evaluation of root extract of Pueraria lobata and Scutellaria baicalensis in rats
Authors: Song Jungbin , Kim Young-Sik , Lee Donghun , Kim Hocheol
Published: July 2020

Background

The roots of Pueraria lobata and Scutellaria baicalensis, herbal medicines with a long history of widespread use, have been traditionally prescribed in combination to treat stroke, diabetes, and acute infectious diarrhea in East Asia. Nevertheless, toxicological data on these herbs and their combination are limited. This study investigated the acute and 13-week subchronic toxicity of root extract of P. lobata and S. baicalensis (HT047) for stroke treatment in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods

In the acute toxicity study, HT047 was administered orally at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg. In the subchronic toxicity study, HT047 was administered orally at repeated daily doses of 800, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks, followed by a 4-week recovery period.

Results

In the acute toxicity study, there were no deaths or toxicologically significant changes in clinical signs, body weight, and necropsy findings. In the subchronic toxicity study, HT047 at all doses caused no death and no treatment-related adverse effects on food consumption; organ weight; ophthalmologic, urinalysis, and hematological parameters; and necropsy findings of both rat sexes. There were some treatment-related alterations in clinical signs, body weight, and serum biochemistry and histopathological parameters; however, these changes were not considered toxicologically significant because they were resolved during the recovery period or resulted from the pharmacological effects of P. lobata and S. baicalensis.

Conclusions

The oral approximate lethal dose (the lowest dose that causes mortality) of HT047 was greater than 5000 mg/kg in male and female rats. The oral no-observed-adverse-effect level of HT047 was greater than 5000 mg/kg/day in rats of both sexes, and no target organs were identified. The present findings support the safety of an herbal extract of P. lobata and S. baicalensis as a therapeutic agent for stroke and further confirm the safety of the combined use of P. lobata and S. baicalensis in clinical practice.
The SPLUNC1-βENaC complex prevents Burkholderia cenocepacia invasion in normal airway epithelia
Authors: Ahmad Saira , Kim Christine Seul Ki , Tarran Robert
Published: July 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are extremely vulnerable to Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) infections. However, the underlying etiology is poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that short palate lung and nasal epithelial clone 1 (SPLUNC1)–epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) interactions at the plasma membrane are required to reduce Bcc burden in normal airways. To determine if SPLUNC1 was needed to reduce Bcc burden in the airways, SPLUNC1 knockout mice and their wild-type littermates were infected with B. cenocepacia strain J2315. SPLUNC1 knockout mice had increased bacterial burden in the lungs compared to wild-type littermate mice. SPLUNC1-knockdown primary human bronchial epithelia (HBECs) were incubated with J2315, which resulted in increased bacterial burden compared to non-transduced HBECs. We next determined the interaction of the SPLUNC1-ENaC complex during J2315 infection. SPLUNC1 remained at the apical plasma membrane of normal HBECs but less was present at the apical plasma membrane of CF HBECs. Additionally, SPLUNC1-βENaC complexes reduced intracellular J2315 burden. Our data indicate that (i) secreted SPLUNC1 is required to reduce J2315 burden in the airways and (ii) its interaction with ENaC prevents cellular invasion of J2315.
Self-reported health status and disease-specific quality of life one year after treatment for peripheral arterial disease in clinical practice
Authors: Larsen Anne Sofie F. , Reiersen Anne Therese , Nådland Inger Helene , Wesche Jarlis
Published: July 2020

Background

VascuQoL-6 (VQ-6) is a disease-specific quality of life (QoL) instrument validated for use in clinical practice and vascular registries before and after treatment for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). To improve future interpretation of self-reported outcome, an unselected cohort was followed through one year to provide observational data after both conservative and invasive treatment.

Methods

Consecutive patients with intermittent claudication (IC) or critical limb ischemia (CLI) were included. All patients completed VQ-6 and Short Form-36 (SF-36), and were evaluated with ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement pre- and post-exercise, a constant load treadmill test and clinical consultation at baseline and after one year. Change statistics and correlation analysis were used to describe self-reported outcome after conservative and invasive treatment for PAD.

Results

One hundred seventy-one patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were included, 70 (41%) female. 147 (86%) of the patients suffered from IC. 136 (80%) patients had one-year follow up, death, amputation and withdrawal were the major causes of loss to follow-up. Forty-eight patients (35%) evaluated their health to be unchanged compared to one year ago. There was a strong correlation between self-reported general health status based on SF-36 item 2 and VQ-6 summary score (Spearmans rho = − 0.536). Patients admitted to invasive intervention (endovascular or surgery) improved in all domains of SF-36, and in the physical component summary score (SF-36 PCS). Patients admitted to best medical treatment, smoking cessation and walking exercise (conservative group) improved only in the physical domains. There was significant improvement in VQ-6 summary score for both groups, mean 2.20 (95%CI 1.14–3.27) in the conservative group, 4.68 (95%CI 3.67–5.70) in the invasive group. VQ-6 sum score improved more than four points for 56% in the invasive group, 36% in the conservative group.

Conclusions

Treatment for symptomatic PAD, both invasive and conservative, improves self-reported health status and disease specific QoL after one year. Interpretation of patient-reported outcome measured with VQ-6 after surgery or endovascular treatment must be seen in light of the improvement from conservative treatment alone.

Trial registration

ISRCTN14846962(retrospectively registered).
The mediating effect of resilience between family functioning and mental well-being in hemodialysis patients in Japan: a cross-sectional design
Authors: Kukihara Hiroko , Yamawaki Niwako , Ando Michiyo , Nishio Midori , Kimura Hiromi , Tamura Yoshiko
Published: July 2020

Background

End-stage kidney disease is highly prevalent worldwide. Currently, one of the most effective treatment modalities is dialysis therapy, which leads to serious side effects. Furthermore, psychiatric illnesses are prevalent among dialysis patients. Recently, researchers asserted that psychological resilience and family support could be helpful to maintain or improve patients’ mental well-being. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effects of resilience on the relationship between family functioning and mental well-being in these patients.

Methods

To investigate the aim of this study, a cross-sectional design was employed. A total of 110 hemodialysis patients, who were receiving outpatient treatment from dialysis units at the University of Fukuoka and St. Maria Health Care Center in Japan, participated. Only the patients who met the criteria and who were willing to participate in this 30-min study were given The General Health Questionnaire-12, Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Family Assessment Device. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was performed to test the hypothesis that resilience would mediate the relationship between each subscale of family functioning, namely, cohesion, adaptability, communication, and mental well-being. Then Sobel’s test was employed to examine the indirect effect.

Results

The results of the SEM showed that the model had an acceptable fit (RMSEA = .077; CFI = .93; and IFI = .94). According to the results, resilience fully mediated the relationship between family functioning, specifically family adaptability and communication, and mental health well-being of the dialysis patients. However, family cohesion was not associated with resilience.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that higher family adaptability and communication resulted in greater resilience, thus associated with better mental health. Given that poor mental health among dialysis patients is significantly associated with a decreased likelihood to adhere to treatment plans, it may lead to a significant risk to therapeutic compliance. As such, patients may experience detrimental consequences, such as death. This study showed that in order to maintain healthy mental well-being, developing resilience is a vital factor for hemodialysis patients.
Exploring supervised machine learning approaches to predicting Veterans Health Administration chiropractic service utilization
Authors: Coleman Brian C. , Fodeh Samah , Lisi Anthony J. , Goulet Joseph L. , Corcoran Kelsey L. , Bathulapalli Harini , Brandt Cynthia A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Chronic spinal pain conditions affect millions of US adults and carry a high healthcare cost burden, both direct and indirect. Conservative interventions for spinal pain conditions, including chiropractic care, have been associated with lower healthcare costs and improvements in pain status in different clinical populations, including veterans. Little is currently known about predicting healthcare service utilization in the domain of conservative interventions for spinal pain conditions, including the frequency of use of chiropractic services. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to explore the use of supervised machine learning approaches to predicting one-year chiropractic service utilization by veterans receiving VA chiropractic care.

Methods

We included 19,946 veterans who entered the Musculoskeletal Diagnosis Cohort between October 1, 2003 and September 30, 2013 and utilized VA chiropractic services within one year of cohort entry. The primary outcome was one-year chiropractic service utilization following index chiropractic visit, split into quartiles represented by the following classes: 1 visit, 2 to 3 visits, 4 to 6 visits, and 7 or greater visits. We compared the performance of four multiclass classification algorithms (gradient boosted classifier, stochastic gradient descent classifier, support vector classifier, and artificial neural network) in predicting visit quartile using 158 sociodemographic and clinical features.

Results

The selected algorithms demonstrated poor prediction capabilities. Subset accuracy was 42.1% for the gradient boosted classifier, 38.6% for the stochastic gradient descent classifier, 41.4% for the support vector classifier, and 40.3% for the artificial neural network. The micro-averaged area under the precision-recall curve for each one-versus-rest classifier was 0.43 for the gradient boosted classifier, 0.38 for the stochastic gradient descent classifier, 0.43 for the support vector classifier, and 0.42 for the artificial neural network. Performance of each model yielded only a small positive shift in prediction probability (approximately 15%) compared to naïve classification.

Conclusions

Using supervised machine learning to predict chiropractic service utilization remains challenging, with only a small shift in predictive probability over naïve classification and limited clinical utility. Future work should examine mechanisms to improve model performance.
Novel strategy with the automatic non-coplanar volumetric-modulated arc therapy for angiosarcoma of the scalp
Authors: Inui Shoki , Ueda Yoshihiro , Ohira Shingo , Tsuru Haruhi , Isono Masaru , Miyazaki Masayoshi , Koizumi Masahiko , Teshima Teruki
Published: July 2020

Background

Total scalp irradiation presents technical and dosimetric challenges. While reports suggest that HyperArc, a new stereotactic radiosurgery planning technique applied to non-coplanar volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique, is associated with high conformity and rapid dose fall-off, the performance of HyperArc for total scalp irradiation has not been explored. The current study aimed to compare the dosimetric performance of HyperArc plans with those of non-coplanar VMAT plans in angiosarcoma of the scalp.

Methods

Ten patients with angiosarcoma of the scalp were included in this study. The performance of three different plans administered using TrueBeam Edge were compared: non-coplanar VMAT using flattening filter (FF) beams (VMAT-FF), HyperArc using FF beams (HyperArc-FF), and HyperArc using flattening filter free (FFF) beams (HyperArc-FFF). The dose distribution, dosimetric parameters, and dosimetric accuracy for each of these plans were evaluated.

Results

The three plans showed no statistically significant differences in target volume coverage, conformity, and homogeneity. The HyperArc-FF and HyperArc-FFF plans provided significantly lower mean brain doses (12.63 ± 3.31 Gy and 12.71 ± 3.40 Gy) than did the VMAT-FF plans (17.11 ± 5.25 Gy). There were almost no differences in sparing the organs at risk between the HyperArc-FF and HyperArc-FFF plans. The HyperArc-FF and HyperArc-FFF plans provided a shorter beam-on time than did the VMAT-FF plan. The 3%/2 mm gamma test pass rates were above 95% for all three plans.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the HyperArc plan can be potentially used for radiation therapy of target regions with large and complicated shapes, such as the scalp, and that there are no advantages of using FFF beams.
Factors related to dropout in integrative oncology clinical trials: interim analysis of an ongoing comparative effectiveness trial of mindfulness-based cancer recovery and Tai chi/Qigong for cancer health (The MATCH study)
Authors: Oberoi Devesh , Piedalue Katherine-Ann L. , Pirbhai Hassan , Guirguis Steven , Santa Mina Daniel , Carlson Linda E.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To examine the factors associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU) in an ongoing preference-based randomized waitlist controlled trial of mindfulness-based cancer recovery (MBCR) and Taichi/Qigong (TCQ) for cancer survivors (the MATCH Study). Hierarchical logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with LTFU. Predictors included adherence to treatment, preference vs. randomized, type of intervention (MBCR vs. TCQ) and program timing (immediate {IM} vs. waitlist control {WLC} group).

Results

Data indicated that randomization to the WLC group and, once in the intervention, low adherence were the main predictors of LTFU. Participants in the WLC group were 4 times more likely to be LTFU post-randomization [OR 3.96, 95% CI 2.08–7.56, p < 0.005] than those in the IM group. Participants showing low adherence to treatment were 6 times more likely for LTFU post-intervention [5.87 (2.57–13.400; p < 0.005] and 4 times more likely for LTFU 6 months post-intervention [OR 3.93, 95% CI 1.53–10.02, p = 0.01].
Extracellular vesicles from deciduous pulp stem cells recover bone loss by regulating telomerase activity in an osteoporosis mouse model
Authors: Sonoda Soichiro , Murata Sara , Nishida Kento , Kato Hiroki , Uehara Norihisa , Kyumoto Yukari N. , Yamaza Haruyoshi , Takahashi Ichiro , Kukita Toshio , Yamaza Takayoshi
Published: July 2020

Background

Systemic transplantation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) recovers bone loss in animal models of osteoporosis; however, the mechanisms underlying this remain unclear. Here, we hypothesized that trophic factors within SHED-releasing extracellular vesicles (SHED-EVs) rescue osteoporotic phenotype.

Methods

EVs were isolated from culture supernatant of SHED. SHED-EVs were treated with or without ribonuclease and systemically administrated into ovariectomized mice, followed by the function of recipient bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) including telomerase activity, osteoblast differentiation, and sepmaphorine-3A (SEMA3A) secretion. Subsequently, human BMMSCs were stimulated by SHED-EVs with or without ribonuclease treatment, and then human BMMSCs were examined regarding the function of telomerase activity, osteoblast differentiation, and SEMA3A secretion. Furthermore, SHED-EV-treated human BMMSCs were subcutaneously transplanted into the dorsal skin of immunocompromised mice with hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) careers and analyzed the de novo bone-forming ability.

Results

We revealed that systemic SHED-EV-infusion recovered bone volume in ovariectomized mice and improved the function of recipient BMMSCs by rescuing the mRNA levels of Tert and telomerase activity, osteoblast differentiation, and SEMA3A secretion. Ribonuclease treatment depleted RNAs, including microRNAs, within SHED-EVs, and these RNA-depleted SHED-EVs attenuated SHED-EV-rescued function of recipient BMMSCs in the ovariectomized mice. These findings were supported by in vitro assays using human BMMSCs incubated with SHED-EVs.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings suggest that SHED-secreted RNAs, such as microRNAs, play a crucial role in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis by targeting the telomerase activity of recipient BMMSCs.
A continuous-time state-space model for rapid quality control of argos locations from animal-borne tags
Authors: Jonsen Ian D. , Patterson Toby A. , Costa Daniel P. , Doherty Philip D. , Godley Brendan J. , Grecian W. James , Guinet Christophe , Hoenner Xavier , Kienle Sarah S. , Robinson Patrick W. , Votier Stephen C. , Whiting Scott , Witt Matthew J. , Hindell Mark A. , Harcourt Robert G. , McMahon Clive R.
Published: July 2020

Background

State-space models are important tools for quality control and analysis of error-prone animal movement data. The near real-time (within 24 h) capability of the Argos satellite system can aid dynamic ocean management of human activities by informing when animals enter wind farms, shipping lanes, and other intensive use zones. This capability also facilitates the use of ocean observations from animal-borne sensors in operational ocean forecasting models. Such near real-time data provision requires rapid, reliable quality control to deal with error-prone Argos locations.

Methods

We formulate a continuous-time state-space model to filter the three types of Argos location data (Least-Squares, Kalman filter, and Kalman smoother), accounting for irregular timing of observations. Our model is deliberately simple to ensure speed and reliability for automated, near real-time quality control of Argos location data. We validate the model by fitting to Argos locations collected from 61 individuals across 7 marine vertebrates and compare model-estimated locations to contemporaneous GPS locations. We then test assumptions that Argos Kalman filter/smoother error ellipses are unbiased, and that Argos Kalman smoother location accuracy cannot be improved by subsequent state-space modelling.

Results

Estimation accuracy varied among species with Root Mean Squared Errors usually <5 km and these decreased with increasing data sampling rate and precision of Argos locations. Including a model parameter to inflate Argos error ellipse sizes in the north - south direction resulted in more accurate location estimates. Finally, in some cases the model appreciably improved the accuracy of the Argos Kalman smoother locations, which should not be possible if the smoother is using all available information.

Conclusions

Our model provides quality-controlled locations from Argos Least-Squares or Kalman filter data with accuracy similar to or marginally better than Argos Kalman smoother data that are only available via fee-based reprocessing. Simplicity and ease of use make the model suitable both for automated quality control of near real-time Argos data and for manual use by researchers working with historical Argos data.
Test–Retest Reliability of the One-Repetition Maximum (1RM) Strength Assessment: a Systematic Review
Authors: Grgic Jozo , Lazinica Bruno , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Pedisic Zeljko
Published: July 2020

Background

The test–retest reliability of the one-repetition maximum (1RM) test varies across different studies. Given the inconsistent findings, it is unclear what the true reliability of the 1RM test is, and to what extent it is affected by measurement-related factors, such as exercise selection for the test, the number of familiarization trials and resistance training experience.

Objectives

The aim of this paper was to review studies that investigated the reliability of the 1RM test of muscular strength and summarize their findings.

Methods

The PRISMA guidelines were followed for this systematic review. Searches for studies were conducted through eight databases. Studies that investigated test–retest reliability of the 1RM test and presented intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and/or coefficient of variation (CV) were included. The COSMIN checklist was used for the assessment of the methodological quality of the included studies.

Results

After reviewing 1024 search records, 32 studies (pooled n = 1595) on test–retest reliability of 1RM assessment were found. All the studies were of moderate or excellent methodological quality. Test–retest ICCs ranged from 0.64 to 0.99 (median ICC = 0.97), where 92% of ICCs were ≥ 0.90, and 97% of ICCs were ≥ 0.80. The CVs ranged from 0.5 to 12.1% (median CV = 4.2%). ICCs were generally high (≥ 0.90), and most CVs were low (< 10%) for 1RM tests: (1) among those without and for those with some resistance training experience, (2) conducted with or without familiarization sessions, (3) with single-joint or multi-joint exercises, (4) for upper- and lower-body strength assessment, (5) among females and males, and (6) among young to middle-aged adults and among older adults. Most studies did not find systematic changes in test results between the trials.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this review, it can be concluded that the 1RM test generally has good to excellent test–retest reliability, regardless of resistance training experience, number of familiarization sessions, exercise selection, part of the body assessed (upper vs. lower body), and sex or age of participants. Researchers and practitioners, therefore, can use the 1RM test as a reliable test of muscular strength.
Hormonal changes and redox imbalance in nicotine-induced testicular toxicity: the mitigating influence of D-ribose l-cysteine
Authors: Ukwenya Victor O. , Olawuyi Toluwase S. , Adam Afodun M. , Ukwenya Moses U.
Published: July 2020

Background

The effects of D-ribose l-cysteine on nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats were examined in this study. Twenty healthy adult male Wistar rats with an average weight of 200 g were grouped as normal control, nicotine (2 mg/kg), D-ribose l-cysteine (30 mg/kg) + nicotine (2 mg/kg), and D-ribose l-cysteine (30 mg/kg). The animals were administered intraperitoneally for 35 days consecutively. Epididymal sperm concentration, motile count, total counts, morphology, and progressive assessment were estimated. Antioxidant levels, tissue protein and testicular histology were also assessed.

Results

This study showed reduced antioxidant levels (catalase, super-dioxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and increased malondialdehyde levels in the nicotine group relative to normal control group, D-ribose l-cysteine group and D-ribose l-cysteine + nicotine group. This study also showed significant reduction in testicular mass, sperm motile count, concentration, total count, and morphology in nicotine group (p < 0.05) compared to normal control group and D-ribose l-cysteine groups. There was improvement in sperm motility, viability, morphology, counts, in group co-treated with D-ribose l-cysteine, and nicotine relative to nicotine group. Likewise, the degenerative seminiferous tubule histoarchitecture due to nicotine was improved by D-ribose l-cysteine. Notably, the D-ribose l-cysteine group showed superlative values in all investigated parameters relative to the other groups.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the ability of D-ribose L-cysteine to mitigate the toxic effects of nicotine on reproductive functions in male Wistar rats. It also demonstrated the pro-spermatogenic properties of the compound in boosting andrological parameters.
Diagnostic value of 3D-FLAIR magnetic resonance sequence in detection of white matter brain lesions in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tawfik Ahmed Ibrahim , Kamr Wael Hamza
Published: July 2020

Background

MS is common demyelinating disease in which standard T2 and 2D-FLAIR MRI sequences play important role in its diagnosis. Recently, 3D-FLAIR sequence is used and has a role that is evaluated compared to standard sequences.

Results

This study was performed on 20 selected MS patients. Brain MRI was performed using routinely used T2 and 2D FLAIR sequences, and 3D-FLAIR sequence was added. 3D-FLAIR images were reformatted, and all images were blindly analyzed. Lesions were counted in each sequence and classified according to their location into supratentorial lesions including periventricular, deep white matter, and juxta-cortical, and infratentorial lesions and relative comparison of lesion number on 3D-FLAIR versus 2D-FLAIR and T2 imaging, respectively, were expressed as percentage gain or a loss.

3D-FLAIR sequence showed significantly more lesions compared to 2D FLAIR and T2 sequences in all locations with relative ratio of 29% and 41%, respectively, in periventricular region; 22% and 30%, respectively, in deep WM; 180% and 147%, respectively, in juxta-cortical region; and 80% and 13%, respectively, in infratentorial region.

Conclusion

3D-FLAIR sequence is of greater sensitivity than standard 2D-FLAIR and T2 sequences in MS brain lesions depiction, and it is recommended to be included in MR protocol of MS.
Compaction and tableting properties of composite particles of microcrystalline cellulose and crospovidone engineered for direct compression
Authors: Haruna Fatima , Apeji Yonni Eshovo , Oparaeche Chinyere , Oyi Avosuahi Rukayat , Gamlen Michael
Published: July 2020

Background

Excipients with improved functionality have continued to be developed by the particle engineering strategy of co-processing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the compaction and tableting properties of composite particles of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and crospovidone (CPV) engineered by co-processing.

Results

Heckel analysis of the compaction behavior revealed a decrease in plasticity of co-processed excipient (CPE) when compared to MCC due to an increase in Heckel yield pressure from 144 to 172 MPa. The compressibility-tabletability-compactibility (CTC) profile revealed a decrease in individual parameters for CPE when compared to MCC. CPE was found to be more sensitive to the lubricant effect of sodium stearyl fumarate (SSF) when compared to MCC and less sensitive to magnesium stearate (MST) when compared to MCC. A higher dilution potential was obtained for MCC (60%) compared to 44% for CPE when metronidazole was used as model drug. Tableting properties revealed that metronidazole tablets generated with CPE by direct compression disintegrated within 15 min and gave a rapid drug release when compared to MCC as a direct compression (DC) excipient.

Conclusion

The compaction and tableting properties of CPE were characterized and yielded tablets with better disintegration and drug release profile when compared to MCC. This study, therefore, confirms the suitability of co-processing as a proven strategy in engineering the performance of excipients.
Dismantling the social safety net: social security reforms, disability and mental health conditions
Authors: Boardman Jed
Published: July 2020

This article examines the effects of UK welfare reform since 2008 on people with mental health conditions and disabilities. The results have been profound, particularly during a time of economic austerity, damaging the social safety net and pushing many vulnerable people into poverty and hardship. It has perpetuated inequalities and increased the social exclusion of disabled groups. The holes in the safety net require repair, alongside extensive social policy reform to both protect and empower people with disabilities and long-term conditions.
Quality of Life in Primary Aldosteronism: A Comparative Effectiveness Study of Adrenalectomy and Medical Treatment
Authors: Velema Marieke , Dekkers Tanja , Hermus Ad , Timmers Henri , Lenders Jacques , Groenewoud Hans , Schultze Kool Leo , Langenhuijsen Johan , Prejbisz Aleksander , van der Wilt Gert-Jan , Deinum Jaap ,   SPARTACUS investigators
Published: July 2020

Context

In primary aldosteronism (PA), two subtypes are distinguished: aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH). In general, these are treated by adrenalectomy (ADX) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), respectively.

Objective

To compare the effects of surgical treatment and medical treatment on quality of life (QoL).

Design

Post hoc comparative effectiveness study within the Subtyping Primary Aldosteronism: A Randomized Trial Comparing Adrenal Vein Sampling and Computed Tomography Scan (SPARTACUS) trial.

Setting

Twelve Dutch hospitals and one Polish hospital.

Participants

Patients with PA (n = 184).

Interventions

ADX or MRAs.

Main Outcome Measures

At baseline and 6-month and 1-year follow-up, we assessed QoL by two validated questionnaires: RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0 (RAND SF-36) and European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions (EQ-5D).

Results

At baseline, seven of eight RAND SF-36 subscales and both summary scores, as well as three of five EQ-5D dimensions and the visual analog scale, were lower in patients with PA compared with the general population, especially in women. The beneficial effects of ADX were larger than for MRAs for seven RAND SF-36 subscales, both summary scores, and health change. For the EQ-5D, we detected a difference in favor of ADX in two dimensions and the visual analog scale. Most differences in QoL between both treatments exceeded the minimally clinically important difference. After 1 year, almost all QoL measures had normalized for adrenalectomized patients. For patients on medical treatment, most QoL measures had improved but not all to the level of the general population.

Conclusion

Both treatments improve QoL in PA, underscoring the importance of identifying these patients. QoL improved more after ADX for suspected APA than after initiation of medical treatment for suspected BAH.
Development of Tanner Stage–Age Adjusted CDC Height Curves for Research and Clinical Applications
Authors: Miller Bradley S , Sarafoglou Kyriakie , Addo O Yaw
Published: July 2020

Background and Objective

Variations in normal pubertal development, pubertal disorders, and race/ethnicity can lead to differences in growth patterns and timing that are not captured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) height-for-chronological age (CAHeight) charts. Therefore, we sought to develop new Tanner stage–adjusted height-for-age (TSAHeight) charts accounting for these differences.

Study Design

Population-based Tanner staging and anthropometric data for 13 358 children age 8 to 18 years from 3 large US national surveys: National Health Examination Surveys (NHES cycle III); the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (HHANES) and the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES III) were analyzed. TSAHeight semi-parametric models with additive age splines were used to develop smoothed TSAHeight curves accounting for maturation stage and calendar age.

Results

As expected, the TSAHeight curves did not track along the respective percentile curves for the CDC 2000 CAHeight curves. We generated race/ethnicity–nonspecific and race/ethnicity–specific TSAHeight charts stratified by sex and plotted against the CDC 2000 CAHeight curves to account for the pubertal status differences between these models. An online calculator to adjust height for pubertal status was created.

Conclusions

TSAHeight charts provide a much-needed tool to assess and manage linear growth for US children over the course of puberty. These tools may be useful in clinical management of children with pubertal timing variations.
Misdiagnosis of Paraganglioma by 123I-mIBG Without Stable Iodine Blockade of Thyroidal Radioiodine Uptake
Authors: Chen Cardenas Stanley M , Duan Daisy , Rooper Lisa M , Santhanam Prasanna , Cooper David S , Ladenson Paul W
Published: July 2020

Iodine-123/iodine-131 (123I/131I)-metaiodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) scan is an established tool for the localization and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors such as paragangliomas (PGL). To minimize thyroid irradiation by the radioactive iodine in the mIBG preparation, blockade of thyroidal iodine uptake with high doses of stable iodine used to be given routinely as part of all mIBG protocols. As 123I is now more frequently utilized than 131I, concern about thyroid radiation has lessened and thyroid blockade is often considered unnecessary. However, in certain situations, the lack of thyroid blockade can significantly impact treatment decisions. This report describes 2 patients who had mediastinal masses incidentally discovered on CT scans, and on further evaluation were found to have symptoms suggesting catecholamine excess with mildly elevated plasma normetanephrine levels. 123I-mIBG scans were performed without thyroid blockade, which demonstrated accumulation of tracer in the masses that were therefore deemed positive for PGL. Both patients underwent surgical resection of the masses with their surgical pathology revealing ectopic thyroid tissue (ETT). These cases illustrate that if appropriate thyroid blockade is not performed, ETT concentrating radioiodine from mIBG can lead to falsely positive mIBG scans and unnecessary surgical procedures. We conclude that in the setting of a mass suspicious for PGL in a location potentially representing ETT, such as the mediastinum, thyroid blockade should be employed for mIBG protocols to avoid false positive scans caused by ETT.
Money as a Store of Value
Authors: Numa Guy
Published: July 2020

The common narrative about Jean-Baptiste Say’s treatment of money holdings is that he denied the possibility of hoarding. I show that this interpretation of Say’s thinking is erroneous. Drawing upon the various editions of Traité and Cours and other lesser-known texts, I provide substantial evidence to refute the widespread but mistaken view that, for Say, money was only a medium of exchange. In reality, not only did Say analyze long-term and short-term hoarding, but more generally, Say did envisage that money could serve as a store of value. In particular, three motives could lead individuals to keep idle balances in times of uncertainty: a precautionary motive, the lack of good investment opportunities, and the lack of information. For Say, the demand for money for precautionary motive rose during depressions, indicating that hoarding was a symptom rather than a cause of disturbance. Hoarding was an integral part of Say’s economic system that did not invalidate his law of outlets.
The Stateless Novel
Authors: Rahmani Sina
Published: July 2020

This essay explores the various ways in which W. G. Sebald’s Austerlitz upends traditional understandings of the novel as a form. Specifically, it situates this “prose book of an undetermined kind” against the rise of the steel container as the dominant mode of commodity transportation. The novel today is best understood as a shipping container giving refuge to virtually any kind of aesthetic or narrative content. The “stateless” (as opposed to global) novel requires a new model of individualism, a subjectivity embodied in the tragic life of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, who lingered sans papiers for almost two decades in Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport.
States of Exception and Their Targets
Authors: Codaccioni Vanessa
Published: July 2020

The article deals with the history of state exception in France since the Algerian War. From this point of view, what is happening in France falls into two overlapping genealogies of exception: a colonial genealogy of exceptionalist logics, in which Algeria plays a central part; and a more metropolitan genealogy of political repression that could be traced back to the monarchy. The author thus divides her remarks into three sections. First, she addresses the double genealogy of exception in France; second, the discriminatory character of the exception; and last, the normalization of exception.
A New Shahrazad
Authors: Amstutz Andrew
Published: July 2020

In 1945, Mahmooda Rizvia, a prominent Urdu author from Sindh, published a travel account of her journey across the Arabian Sea from British India to Iraq during World War II. In her travel account, Rizvia conceptualized the declining British Empire as a dynamic space for Muslim renewal that connected India to the Middle East. Moreover, she fashioned a singular autobiographical persona as an Urdu literary pioneer and woman traveler in the Muslim lands of the British Empire. In her writings, Rizvia focused on her distinctive observations of the ocean, the history of the Ottoman Empire, and her home province of Sindh's location as a historical nexus between South Asia and the Middle East. In contrast to the expectations of modesty and de-emphasis on the self in many Muslim women's autobiographical narratives in the colonial era, Rizvia fashioned a pious, yet unapologetically self-promotional, autobiographical persona. In conversation with recent scholarship on Muslim cosmopolitanism, women's autobiographical writing, and travel literature, this article points to the development of an influential project of Muslim cosmopolitanism in late colonial Sindh that blurred the lines between British imperialism, pan-Islamic ambitions, and nationalism during the closing days of World War II.
Gene-environment interactions: aligning birth defects research with complex etiology
Authors: Beames Tyler G. , Lipinski Robert J.
Published: July 2020

Developmental biologists rely on genetics-based approaches to understand the origins of congenital abnormalities. Recent advancements in genomics have made it easier than ever to investigate the relationship between genes and disease. However, nonsyndromic birth defects often exhibit non-Mendelian inheritance, incomplete penetrance or variable expressivity. The discordance between genotype and phenotype indicates that extrinsic factors frequently impact the severity of genetic disorders and vice versa. Overlooking gene-environment interactions in birth defect etiology limits our ability to identify and eliminate avoidable risks. We present mouse models of sonic hedgehog signaling and craniofacial malformations to illustrate both the importance of and current challenges in resolving gene-environment interactions in birth defects. We then prescribe approaches for overcoming these challenges, including use of genetically tractable and environmentally responsive in vitro systems. Combining emerging technologies with molecular genetics and traditional animal models promises to advance our understanding of birth defect etiology and improve the identification and protection of vulnerable populations.