bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of authorship on community health workers in low-and-middle-income countries: an analysis of publications (2012–2016)
Authors: Schneider Helen , Maleka Nelisiwe
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Studies of authorship provide a barometer of local research capacity and ownership of research, considered key to defining appropriate research priorities, developing contextualised responses to health problems and ensuring that research informs policy and practice. This paper reports on an analysis of patterns of research authorship of the now substantial literature on community health workers (CHWs) in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) for the 5-year period: 2012–2016.

Methods

A search of five databases identified a total of 649 indexed publications reporting on CHWs in LMICs and meeting the inclusion criteria. The country, region and income classification of studies, affiliations (country, organisation) of lead (first) and last authors, proportions of all authors locally affiliated, programme area (eg, maternal child health) and funding source were extracted.

Results

The 649 papers reported experiences from 51 countries, 55% from middle-income countries (MICs) and 32% from low-income countries (LICs), with the remaining 13% multicountry studies. Overall, 47% and 54% of all the papers had a high-income country (HIC) lead and last author, respectively. Authorship followed three patterns: (1) a concentrated HIC pattern, with US-based authors numerically dominating LIC-based and multicountry studies; (2) an MIC pattern of autonomy, with a handful of countries—India, South Africa and Brazil, in particular—leading >70% of their CHW publications and (3) a pattern of unevenness among LICs in their lead authorship of publications varying from 14% (Malawi) to 54% (Uganda). Region, programme area and funding source were all associated with the distribution of authorship across country income categories.

Conclusion

The findings in this analysis mirror closely that of other authorship studies in global health. Collectively these provide a common message—that investments in global health programmes in the Millennium Development Goal era may have benefited health but not necessarily capacity for knowledge generation in LMICs.
IMPACT: Investigating the impact of Models of Practice for Allied health Care in subacuTe settings. A protocol for a quasi-experimental mixed methods study of cost effectiveness and outcomes for patients exposed to different models of allied health care
Authors: Coker Freya , Williams Cylie M , Taylor Nicholas F , Caspers Kirsten , McAlinden Fiona , Wilton Anita , Shields Nora , Haines Terry P
Published: May 2018

Introduction

This protocol considers three allied health staffing models across public health subacute hospitals. This quasi-experimental mixed-methods study, including qualitative process evaluation, aims to evaluate the impact of additional allied health services in subacute care, in rehabilitation and geriatric evaluation management settings, on patient, health service and societal outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This health services research will analyse outcomes of patients exposed to different allied health models of care at three health services. Each health service will have a control ward (routine care) and an intervention ward (additional allied health). This project has two parts. Part 1: a whole of site data extraction for included wards. Outcome measures will include: length of stay, rate of readmissions, discharge destinations, community referrals, patient feedback and staff perspectives. Part 2: Functional Independence Measure scores will be collected every 2–3 days for the duration of 60 patient admissions.

Data from part 1 will be analysed by linear regression analysis for continuous outcomes using patient-level data and logistic regression analysis for binary outcomes. Qualitative data will be analysed using a deductive thematic approach. For part 2, a linear mixed model analysis will be conducted using therapy service delivery and days since admission to subacute care as fixed factors in the model and individual participant as a random factor. Graphical analysis will be used to examine the growth curve of the model and transformations. The days since admission factor will be used to examine non-linear growth trajectories to determine if they lead to better model fit.

Ethics and dissemination

Findings will be disseminated through local reports and to the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria. Results will be presented at conferences and submitted to peer-reviewed journals. The Monash Health Human Research Ethics committee approved this multisite research (HREC/17/MonH/144 and HREC/17/MonH/547).
Physical activity among HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Hanoi and Nam Dinh, Vietnam: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dang Anh Kim , Nguyen Long Hoang , Nguyen Anh Quynh , Tran Bach Xuan , Tran Tung Thanh , Latkin Carl A , Zhang Melvyn W B , Ho Roger C M
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has facilitated the transition of HIV infection into a chronic disease, where adherence to medications is required along with keeping a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, an increase in physical activity has been recommended for patients with HIV in order to maintain their health status. This study looked to determine the physical activity level and its associated factors among patients with HIV receiving ART treatment.

Settings

Eight outpatient clinic sites across different levels of the health systems in both rural and urban settings in Hanoi and Nam Dinh, Vietnam.

Study design and participants

A cross-sectional study was performed among 1133 patients with HIV receiving ART treatment from January to August 2013.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Physical activity level was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Socioeconomic, health-related quality of life, ART adherence and ART-related characteristics were self-reported.

Results

16% of participants were inactive, and 68% were reported active via health-enhancing physical activity. Rural participants reported a higher level of physical activity compared with urban participants. Participants having a longer duration of ART were less likely to be physically active. Participants who were female and self-employed, who had higher CD4 cell count, higherEuroQol - 5 dimensions - 5levels (EQ-5D-5L) index/EQ-Visual Analogue Scale, and shared their health status with their peers were more likely to have a higher IPAQ score or be physically active. A lower IPAQ score was associated with participants living in urban areas and being at the symptomatic stage. Participants having poor adherence and longer duration of ART were more likely to be physically inactive.

Conclusion

The majority of participants who received ART were physically active. There is a need for interventions to promote physical activity among patients with HIV in urban areas and in the later ART treatment phases. Other potential interventions to increase the level of physical activity include peer support and job guidance.
Association of ambient particulate matter with heart failure incidence and all-cause readmissions in Tasmania: an observational study
Authors: Huynh Quan L , Blizzard Christopher Leigh , Marwick Thomas H , Negishi Kazuaki
Published: May 2018

Objectives

We sought to investigate the relationship between air quality and heart failure (HF) incidence and rehospitalisation to elucidate whether there is a threshold in this relationship and whether this relationship differs for HF incidence and rehospitalisation.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was performed in an Australian state-wide setting, where air pollution is mainly associated with wood-burning for winter heating. Data included all 1246 patients with a first-ever HF hospitalisation and their 3011 subsequent all-cause readmissions during 2009–2012. Daily particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), temperature, relative humidity and influenza infection were recorded. Poisson regression was used, with adjustment for time trend, public and school holiday and day of week.

Results

Tasmania has excellent air quality (median PM2.5=2.9 µg/m3(IQR: 1.8–6.0)). Greater HF incidences and readmissions occurred in winter than in other seasons (p<0.001). PM2.5was detrimentally associated with HF incidence (risk ratio (RR)=1.29 (1.15–1.42)) and weakly so with readmission (RR=1.07 (1.02–1.17)), with 1 day time lag. In multivariable analyses, PM2.5significantly predicted HF incidence (RR=1.12 (1.01–1.24)) but not readmission (RR=0.96 (0.89–1.04)). HF incidence was similarly low when PM <4 µg/m3and only started to rise when PM2.5≥4 µg/m3. Stratified analyses showed that PM2.5was associated with readmissions among patients not taking beta-blockers but not among those taking beta-blockers (pinteraction=0.011).

Conclusions

PM2.5predicted HF incidence, independent of other environmental factors. A possible threshold of PM2.5=4 µg/m3is far below the daily Australian national standard of 25 µg/m3. Our data suggest that beta-blockers might play a role in preventing adverse association between air pollution and patients with HF.
Adjustment of spectral pseudo-static approach to account for soil plasticity and zone seismicity
Authors: Karray Mourad , Hussien Mahmoud N. , Souilem Mohamed , Locat Pascal , Mompin Rémi
Published: May 2018

The concept of the spectral pseudo-static procedure has been developed at the Université de Sherbrooke as an alternative to the conventional pseudo-static approach for the seismic stability analysis of clayey slopes. The destabilizing effect of an earthquake is approximated, in the new approach, by an inertial force that hyperbolically varies with depth while being proportional to the maximum acceleration of the seismic event. Its results have been rigorously verified against available static and dynamic laboratory tests, and have been extensively validated by a series of simulations performed using the computer code FLAC. Good agreements have been achieved between the results of the spectral pseudo-static procedure and complete numerical analyses, in terms of the computed safety factors and the critical slip surfaces. This implies that the spectral pseudo-static approach can be integrated into available limit equilibrium (LE) software providing a useful tool to examine the effect of dynamic soil characteristics on the proposed seismic coefficient profiles. The herein-reported study extends the previous endeavors to examine and quantify the effect of plasticity index (PI) (0%, 15%, 30%, 50%, and 100%) on the proposed formula of seismic coefficient profile using the same numerical modelling and assumptions. Original analyses were carried out considering earthquakes compatible with the seismicity of Quebec City (zone 4), and they have been repeated in the current study for earthquakes compatible with other regions having different seismicity (zones 2, 3, and 5). Based on the results of the current analyses, side-formulas were established between the spectral pseudo-static coefficient on ground surface for any value of soil plasticity index (PI) and the corresponding coefficient originally used in the main formula (PI = 30%).
Improved Credit Scoring Model Based on Bagging Neural Network
Authors: Dželihodžić Adnan , Đonko Dženana , Kevrić Jasmin
Published: May 2018

The problem of nonperforming loans is one of the biggest problems in the banking sector. In order to mitigate this problem, it is necessary to improve the methods of credit risk assessment. One way to minimize credit risk is to improve the assessment of the creditworthiness of the applicant. In order to make a more accurate assessment, many models have been developed using classification techniques. This paper demonstrates the use of classification techniques in the form of a single classifier or in a classifier ensemble setting. We proposed bagging as a model ensemble using artificial neural networks. In the experiment conducted with the Bosnian commercial banks dataset, the proposed model showed promising results according to evaluation criteria, especially after the process of feature selection. Both individual and wrapper feature selection methods were used. Bagging with neural network (NNBag) outperforms commonly used techniques with accuracy improvement from 1% to 5%. The superiority of the proposed model (NNBag) is confirmed on two widely available datasets for assessing creditworthiness. Based on experimental results on three datasets, it is proven that NNBag is suitable for use in the assessment of the creditworthiness of applicants.
Coarse indices of twisted operators
Authors: Wulff Christopher
Published: May 2018

Several formulas for computing coarse indices of twisted Dirac type operators are introduced. One type of such formulas is by composition product in [Formula: see text]-theory. The other type is by module multiplications in [Formula: see text]-theory, which also yields an index theoretic interpretation of the duality between Roe algebra and stable Higson corona.
Empirical Mode Decomposition and its Extensions Applied to EEG Analysis: A Review
Authors: Sweeney-Reed Catherine M. , Nasuto Slawomir J. , Vieira Marcus F. , Andrade Adriano O.
Published: May 2018

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) provides an adaptive, data-driven approach to time–frequency analysis, yielding components from which local amplitude, phase, and frequency content can be derived. Since its initial introduction to electroencephalographic (EEG) data analysis, EMD has been extended to enable phase synchrony analysis and multivariate data processing. EMD has been integrated into a wide range of applications, with emphasis on denoising and classification. We review the methodological developments, providing an overview of the diverse implementations, ranging from artifact removal to seizure detection and brain–computer interfaces. Finally, we discuss limitations, challenges, and opportunities associated with EMD for EEG analysis.
Spatial pattern recognition of arsenic in topsoil using high-density regional data
Authors: Petrik Attila , Albanese Stefano , Lima Annamaria , Jordan Gyozo , Rolandi Roberto , Rezza Carmela , De Vivo Benedetto
Published: May 2018

Digital image processing analysis was carried out on As in topsoils of the Campania Region (Italy) to recognise any unknown spatial patterns. The highest As concentration is related to topsoils developed on the NW–SE-trending carbonate massifs overlain by pyroclastic rocks where the highest spatial variability and gradient magnitude of As concentration and the highest fault density were also observed. High As concentrations were also found in topsoils over volcanic rocks which played a control on its distribution pattern. The low As values are associated with topsoils along large fluvial valleys where the activity of rivers disturbed the As pattern by transporting larger grain-sized stream sediments with low As concentrations.
Boron isotopes in groundwater: Evidence from contamination and interaction with terrigenous–evaporitic sequence, east-central Italy
Authors: Nigro Angela , Sappa Giuseppe , Barbieri Maurizio
Published: May 2018

Boron isotope composition was used to identify boron sources in groundwater in the eastern part of central Italy, on the west side of the lower alluvial plane of the Pescara river, a few kilometres from the coastline. This area was characterized by two possible boron sources: human activity and a geogenic source.

We collected 10 water samples during two sampling surveys, in October 2015 and February 2016. We conducted chemical analyses to determine major ions, boron concentrations and boron isotope values. The results obtained highlight that the groundwater is characterized by high mineralization with electrical conductivity values that reach 8180 µS/cm. Sodium and chloride are the principal ions, reaching values that exceed 3000 mg/L. Boron values exceed the limit provide by Italian legislation for groundwater (1 mg/L) in many samples, reaching the maximum value of 9630 µg/L during February 2016. The isotope values allow the identification of different sources of boron such as landfill leachate, rock leaching and water–rock interaction with terrigenous–evaporitic sequence. This manuscript highlights that isotope analyses are a powerful tool for monitoring and environmental planning.
Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell HIF-1α regulates endothelin expression via microRNA-543
Authors: Wang Ching-Chia , Ying Lihua , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Adams Eloa S. , Kim Francis Y. , Engel Karl W. , Alvira Cristina M. , Cornfield David N.
Published: May 2018

Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) express endothelin (ET-1), which modulates the pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia. Although cross-talk between hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), an O2-sensitive transcription factor, and ET-1 is established, the cell-specific relationship between HIF-1α and ET-1 expression remains incompletely understood. We tested the hypotheses that in PASMCs 1) HIF-1α expression constrains ET-1 expression, and 2) a specific microRNA (miRNA) links HIF-1α and ET-1 expression. In human (h)PASMCs, depletion of HIF-1α with siRNA increased ET-1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels ( P < 0.01). In HIF-1α−/−murine PASMCs, ET-1 gene and protein expression was increased ( P < 0.0001) compared with HIF-1α+/+cells. miRNA profiles were screened in hPASMCs transfected with siRNA-HIF-1α, and RNA hybridization was performed on the Agilent (Santa Clara, CA) human miRNA microarray. With HIF-1α depletion, miRNA-543 increased 2.4-fold ( P < 0.01). In hPASMCs, miRNA-543 overexpression increased ET-1 gene ( P < 0.01) and protein ( P < 0.01) expression, decreased TWIST gene expression ( P < 0.05), and increased ET-1 gene and protein expression, compared with nontargeting controls ( P < 0.01). Moreover, we evaluated low passage hPASMCs from control and patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Compared with controls, protein expression of HIF-1α and Twist-related protein-1 (TWIST1) was decreased ( P < 0.05), and miRNA-543 and ET-1 expression increased ( P < 0.001) in hPASMCs from patients with IPAH. Thus, in PASMCs, loss of HIF-1α increases miRNA-543, which decreases Twist expression, leading to an increase in PASMC ET-1 expression. This previously undescribed link between HIF-1α and ET-1 via miRNA-543 mediated Twist suppression represents another layer of molecular regulation that might determine pulmonary vascular tone.
Extreme pregnancy: maternal physical activity at Everest Base Camp
Authors: Davenport Margie H. , Steinback Craig D. , Borle Kennedy J. , Matenchuk Brittany A. , Vanden Berg Emily R. , de Freitas Emily M. , Linares Andrea M. , O’Halloran Ken D. , Sherpa Mingma T. , Day Trevor A.
Published: May 2018

High-altitude natives employ numerous physiological strategies to survive and reproduce. However, the concomitant influence of altitude and physical activity during pregnancy has not been studied above 3,700 m. We report a case of physical activity, sleep behavior, and physiological measurements on a 28-yr-old third-trimester pregnant native highlander (Sherpa) during ascent from 3,440 m to Everest Base Camp (~5,300 m) over 8 days in the Nepal Himalaya and again ~10 mo postpartum during a similar ascent profile. The participant engaged in 250–300 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day during ascent to altitude while pregnant, with similar volumes of moderate to vigorous physical activity while postpartum. There were no apparent maternal, fetal, or neonatal complications related to the superimposition of the large volumes of physical activity at altitude. This report demonstrates a rare description of physical activity and ascent to high altitude during pregnancy and points to novel questions regarding the superimposition of pregnancy, altitude, and physical activity in high-altitude natives.
Cold-water immersion after training sessions: effects on fiber type-specific adaptations in muscle K+transport proteins to sprint-interval training in men
Authors: Christiansen Danny , Bishop David J. , Broatch James R. , Bangsbo Jens , McKenna Michael J. , Murphy Robyn M.
Published: May 2018

Effects of regular use of cold-water immersion (CWI) on fiber type-specific adaptations in muscle K+transport proteins to intense training, along with their relationship to changes in mRNA levels after the first training session, were investigated in humans. Nineteen recreationally active men (24 ± 6 yr, 79.5 ± 10.8 kg, 44.6 ± 5.8 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed six weeks of sprint-interval cycling, either without (passive rest; CON) or with training sessions followed by CWI (15 min at 10°C; COLD). Muscle biopsies were obtained before and after training to determine abundance of Na+, K+-ATPase isoforms (α1–3, β1–3) and phospholemman (FXYD1) and after recovery treatments (+0 h and +3 h) on the first day of training to measure mRNA content. Training increased ( P < 0.05) the abundance of α1and β3in both fiber types and β1in type-II fibers and decreased FXYD1 in type-I fibers, whereas α2and α3abundance was not altered by training ( P > 0.05). CWI after each session did not influence responses to training ( P > 0.05). However, α2mRNA increased after the first session in COLD (+0 h, P < 0.05) but not in CON ( P > 0.05). In both conditions, α1and β3mRNA increased (+3 h; P < 0.05) and β2mRNA decreased (+3 h; P < 0.05), whereas α3, β1, and FXYD1 mRNA remained unchanged ( P > 0.05) after the first session. In summary, Na+,K+-ATPase isoforms are differently regulated in type I and II muscle fibers by sprint-interval training in humans, which, for most isoforms, do not associate with changes in mRNA levels after the first training session. CWI neither impairs nor improves protein adaptations to intense training of importance for muscle K+regulation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although cold-water immersion (CWI) after training and competition has become a routine for many athletes, limited published evidence exists regarding its impact on training adaptation. Here, we show that CWI can be performed regularly without impairing training-induced adaptations at the fiber-type level important for muscle K+handling. Furthermore, sprint-interval training invoked fiber type-specific adaptations in K+transport proteins, which may explain the dissociated responses of whole-muscle protein levels and K+transport function to training previously reported.
Diastolic stress testing: similarities and differences between isometric handgrip and cycle echocardiography
Authors: Samuel T. Jake , Beaudry Rhys , Haykowsky Mark J. , Sarma Satyam , Nelson Michael D.
Published: May 2018

Cycle echocardiography (CE) is recommended for noninvasive diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction but can be limited by respiratory and movement artifact. Isometric handgrip echocardiography (IHE) is also a robust diastolic discriminator, while avoiding the limitations associated with dynamic exercise. This study sought to compare these two diastolic stress testing approaches. Twelve elderly individuals were recruited from the community (age 71 ± 6 yr). Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and left ventricular (LV) diastolic function (via echocardiography) were assessed at rest and in response to 3 min of IHE at 40% of their maximal voluntary contraction, followed by 3 min of CE at 20 W. Both IHE and CE caused a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to similar increases in myocardial oxygen demand. Both stressors also evoked a similar rise in the ratio between early LV mitral inflow velocity to early lateral annular velocity, a surrogate measure of LV filling pressure. The underlying mechanisms leading to these changes, however, were inherently different. IHE increased mean arterial pressure, and impaired myocardial relaxation, to a greater extent than CE. In contrast, CE augmented cardiac index, and increased early mitral filling velocity, to a great extent than IHE. In conclusion, for the first time, these data highlight several important similarities and differences between IHE and CE. That IHE avoids respiratory and movement artifact, while still serving as a robust diastolic discriminator, supports IHE as a strong alternative to CE for diastolic stress testing.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to compare the diastolic stress response between isometric handgrip exercise and conventional cycle exercise. The data suggest that isometric handgrip echocardiography is comparable to conventional cycle echocardiography, both in terms of its hemodynamic challenge and global diastolic stress response. That isometric handgrip echocardiography eliminates both respiratory and movement artifact and is low cost and incredibly portable supports its integration into routine echocardiography exams.
Protection against severe hypokalemia but impaired cardiac repolarization after intense rowing exercise in healthy humans receiving salbutamol
Authors: Atanasovska Tania , Smith Robert , Graff Claus , Tran Cao T. , Melgaard Jacob , Kanters Jørgen K. , Petersen Aaron C. , Tobin Antony , Kjeldsen Keld P. , McKenna Michael J.
Published: May 2018

Intense exercise induces pronounced hyperkalemia, followed by transient hypokalemia in recovery. We investigated whether the β2agonist salbutamol attenuated the exercise hyperkalemia and exacerbated the postexercise hypokalemia, and whether hypokalemia was associated with impaired cardiac repolarization (QT hysteresis). Eleven healthy adults participated in a randomized, counterbalanced, double-blind trial receiving either 1,000 µg salbutamol (SAL) or placebo (PLAC) by inhalation. Arterial plasma potassium concentration ([K+]a) was measured at rest, during 3 min of intense rowing exercise, and during 60 min of recovery. QT hysteresis was calculated from ECG ( n = 8). [K+]aincreased above baseline during exercise (rest, 3.72 ± 0.7 vs. end-exercise, 6.81 ± 1.4 mM, P < 0.001, mean ± SD) and decreased rapidly during early recovery to below baseline; restoration was incomplete at 60 min postexercise ( P < 0.05). [K+]awas less during SAL than PLAC (4.39 ± 0.13 vs. 4.73 ± 0.19 mM, pooled across all times, P = 0.001, treatment main effect). [K+]awas lower after SAL than PLAC, from 2 min preexercise until 2.5 min during exercise, and at 50 and 60 min postexercise ( P < 0.05). The postexercise decline in [K+]awas correlated with QT hysteresis ( r = 0.343, n = 112, pooled data, P = 0.001). Therefore, the decrease in [K+]afrom end-exercise by ~4 mM was associated with reduced QT hysteresis by ~75 ms. Although salbutamol lowered [K+]aduring exercise, no additive hypokalemic effects occurred in early recovery, suggesting there may be a protective mechanism against severe or prolonged hypokalemia after exercise when treated by salbutamol. This is important because postexercise hypokalemia impaired cardiac repolarization, which could potentially trigger arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in susceptible individuals with preexisting hypokalemia and/or heart disease.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intense rowing exercise induced a marked increase in arterial potassium, followed by a pronounced decline to hypokalemic levels. The β2agonist salbutamol lowered potassium during exercise and late recovery but not during early postexercise, suggesting a protective effect against severe hypokalemia. The decreased potassium in recovery was associated with impaired cardiac QT hysteresis, suggesting a link between postexercise potassium and the heart, with implications for increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and, potentially, sudden cardiac death.
Sweat from gland to skin surface: production, transport, and skin absorption
Authors: Gerrett Nicola , Griggs Katy , Redortier Bernard , Voelcker Thomas , Kondo Narihiko , Havenith George
Published: May 2018

By combining galvanic skin conductance (GSC), stratum corneum hydration (HYD) and regional surface sweat rate (RSR) measurements at the arm, thigh, back and chest, we closely monitored the passage of sweat from gland to skin surface. Through a varied exercise-rest protocol, sweating was increased slowly and decreased in 16 male and female human participants (25.3 ± 4.7 yr, 174.6 ± 10.1 cm, 71.3 ± 12.0 kg, 53.0 ± 6.8 ml·kg−1·min−1). ∆GSC and HYD increased before RSR, indicating pre-secretory sweat gland activity and skin hydration. ∆GSC and HYD typically increased concomitantly during rest in a warm environment (30.1 ± 1.0°C, 30.0 ± 4.7% relative humidity) and only at the arm did ∆GSC increase before an increase in HYD. HYD increased before RSR, before sweat was visible on the skin, but not to full saturation, contradicting earlier hypotheses. Maximal skin hydration did occur, as demonstrated by a plateau in all regions. Post exercise rest resulted in a rapid decrease in HYD and RSR but a delayed decline in ∆GSC. Evidence for reabsorption of surface sweat into the skin following a decline in sweating, as hypothesized in the literature, was not found. This suggests that skin surface sweat, after sweating is decreased, may not diffuse back into the dermis, but is only evaporated. These data, showing distinctly different responses for the three measured variables, provide useful information about the fate of sweat from gland to surface that is relevant across numerous research fields (e.g., thermoregulation, dermatology, ergonomics and material design).

NEW & NOTEWORTHY After sweat gland stimulation, sweat travels through the duct, penetrating the epidermis before appearing on the skin surface. We found that only submaximal stratum corneum hydration was required before surface sweating occurred. However, full hydration occurred only once sweat was on the surface. Once sweating reduces, surface sweat evaporation continues, but there is a delayed drying of the skin. This information is relevant across various research fields, including environmental ergonomics, dermatology, thermoregulation, and skin-interface interactions.
Atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome Associated with Clostridium difficile Infection Successfully Treated with Eculizumab
Authors: Inglis Joshua M. , Barbara Jeffrey A. , Juneja Rajiv , Milton Caroline , Passaris George , Li Jordan Y. Z.
Published: May 2018

Clostridium difficile infection is a rare precipitant of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS). A 46-year-old man presented with watery diarrhoea following an ileocaecal resection. He developed an acute kidney injury with anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, raised lactate dehydrogenase, low haptoglobin, and red cell fragments. Stool sample was positive for C. difficile toxin B. He became dialysis-dependent as his renal function continued to worsen despite treatment with empiric antibiotics and plasma exchange. The ADAMTS13 level was normal consistent with a diagnosis of aHUS. The commencement of eculizumab led to the resolution of haemolysis and stabilisation of haemoglobin and platelets with an improvement in renal function.
Development of an Amperometric Glucose Biosensor Based on the Immobilization of Glucose Oxidase on the Se-MCM-41 Mesoporous Composite
Authors: Yusan Sabriye , Rahman Mokhlesur M. , Mohamad Nasir , Arrif Tengku M. , Latif Ahmad Zubaidi A. , M. A. Mohd Aznan , Wan Nik Wan Sani B.
Published: May 2018

A new bioenzymatic glucose biosensor for selective and sensitive detection of glucose was developed by the immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOD) onto selenium nanoparticle-mesoporous silica composite (MCM-41) matrix and then prepared as a carbon paste electrode (CPE). Cyclic voltammetry was employed to probe the catalytic behavior of the biosensor. A linear calibration plot is obtained over a wide concentration range of glucose from 1 × 10−5 to 2 × 10−3 M. Under optimal conditions, the biosensor exhibits high sensitivity (0.34 µA·mM−1), low detection limit (1 × 10−4 M), high affinity to glucose (Km = 0.02 mM), and also good reproducibility (R.S.D. 2.8%, n=10) and a stability of about ten days when stored dry at +4°C. Besides, the effects of pH value, scan rate, mediator effects on the glucose current, and electroactive interference of the biosensor were also discussed. As a result, the biosensor exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic response to glucose as well as unique stability and reproducibility.
Bayesian Classification Models for Premature Ventricular Contraction Detection on ECG Traces
Authors: Casas Manuel M. , Avitia Roberto L. , Gonzalez-Navarro Felix F. , Cardenas-Haro Jose A. , Reyna Marco A.
Published: May 2018

According to the American Heart Association, in its latest commission about Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Death 2006, the epidemiology of the ventricular arrhythmias ranges from a series of risk descriptors and clinical markers that go from ventricular premature complexes and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia to sudden cardiac death due to ventricular tachycardia in patients with or without clinical history. The premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are known to be associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) cases. Detecting this kind of arrhythmia has been crucial in clinical applications. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a clinical test used to measure the heart electrical activity for inferences and diagnosis. Analyzing large ECG traces from several thousands of beats has brought the necessity to develop mathematical models that can automatically make assumptions about the heart condition. In this work, 80 different features from 108,653 ECG classified beats of the gold-standard MIT-BIH database were extracted in order to classify the Normal, PVC, and other kind of ECG beats. Three well-known Bayesian classification algorithms were trained and tested using these extracted features. Experimental results show that the F1 scores for each class were above 0.95, giving almost the perfect value for the PVC class. This gave us a promising path in the development of automated mechanisms for the detection of PVC complexes.
Effect of Mini-Trampoline Physical Activity on Executive Functions in Preschool Children
Authors: Wen Xu , Zhang Ying , Gao Zan , Zhao Wei , Jie Jiang , Bao Li
Published: May 2018

The study investigated the effect of mini-trampoline physical activity on the development of executive functions (EF) in Chinese preschool children. Fifty-seven children aged 3–5 were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=29) and a control group (n=28). The children in the intervention and control group had the same classes and care service in the preschool, but children in the intervention group had an extra 20 min of trampoline training after school for 5 school days per week in the 10-week intervention. Spatial conflict arrow (SCA), animal Go/NoGo (GNG), working memory span (WMS), and flexible item selection (FIS) were used to assess children’s EF before and after the intervention. Results revealed that no significant differences emerged in the SCA, GNG, WMS, and FIS tests between two groups postintervention. Findings indicated that a 10-week trampoline PA training may not be sufficient to trigger the improvement of preschool children’s EF. Future research with larger representative samples is warranted to discern the dose-response evidence in enhancing young children’s EF through physical activity.
Sandwich EVAR occludes Celiac and Superior Mesenteric Artery for Infected Suprarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
Authors: Prasertcharoensuk Supatcha , Wongkonkitsin Narongchai , Tunmit Parichat , Theeragul Su-a-pa , Ahooja Anucha
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Infected aortoiliac aneurysms are rare, representing only 1% to 2% of all aortic aneurysms; we present a case of infected suprarenal aortic aneurysm with a nearly occluded celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery treated using an endovascular technique to preserve collateral in the retroperitoneal space from the inferior mesenteric artery for supplying visceral organs.
Low-Level Laser Therapy for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Gang-Zhu , Jia Jie , Jin Lin , Li Jia-Heng , Wang Zhan-Yue , Cao Dong-Yuan
Published: May 2018

Objectives. We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) versus placebo in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Methods. A systematic search of multiple online sources electronic databases was undertaken. The methodological quality of each included study was assessed using the modified Jadad scale, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results. A total of 31 RCTs were included. Total modified Jadad scale scores showed that the methodological quality was high in 30 studies and low in 1 study. Combining data from all clinically heterogeneous studies revealed positive effects of LLLT on pain relief, regardless of the visual analogue scale (VAS) score or the change of VAS score between the baseline and the final follow-up time point, while dosage analyses showed discrepant results about the effects of high or low doses for patients with TMD. Follow-up analyses showed that LLLT significantly reduced pain at the short-term follow-up. Temporomandibular joint function outcomes indicated that the overall effect favored LLLT over placebo. Conclusion. This systematic review suggests that LLLT effectively relieves pain and improves functional outcomes in patients with TMD.
Subtotal Resection of an Anaplastic Ganglioglioma in Pregnancy
Authors: Bicocca Matthew J. , Gilbert Andrea R. , Sadrameli Saeed S. , Pirics Michael L.
Published: May 2018

Background. Anaplastic ganglioglioma is a rare malignant brain tumor associated with high morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of a central nervous system malignancy in the early 3rd trimester presents management challenges to both neurosurgeons and obstetricians.Case. A 33-year-old woman, gravida 2 para 1, presented at 28 6/7 weeks with four months of worsening headaches, nausea, vomiting, and mental status changes due to a 7.5 cm anaplastic ganglioglioma. Maternal deterioration necessitated subtotal tumor debulking allowing prolongation of the gestation to 34 6/7 weeks. After delivery, the patient underwent further resection, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Both mother and infant are well.Discussion. This case underscores the importance of timely diagnostic imaging in pregnant women and demonstrates subtotal tumor debulking as a viable means of prolonging gestation.
Effect of Transmural Differences in Excitation-Contraction Delay and Contraction Velocity on Left Ventricle Isovolumic Contraction: A Simulation Study
Authors: Vaverka J. , Burša J. , Šumbera J. , Pásek M.
Published: May 2018

Recent studies have shown that left ventricle (LV) exhibits considerable transmural differences in active mechanical properties induced by transmural differences in electrical activity, excitation-contraction coupling, and contractile properties of individual myocytes. It was shown that the time between electrical and mechanical activation of myocytes (electromechanical delay: EMD) decreases from subendocardium to subepicardium and, on the contrary, the myocyte shortening velocity (MSV) increases in the same direction. To investigate the physiological importance of this inhomogeneity, we developed a new finite element model of LV incorporating the observed transmural gradients in EMD and MSV. Comparative simulations with the model showed that when EMD or MSV or both were set constant across the LV wall, the LV contractility during isovolumic contraction (IVC) decreased significantly (dp/dtmax⁡  was reduced by 2 to 38% and IVC was prolonged by 18 to 73%). This was accompanied by an increase of transmural differences in wall stress. These results suggest that the transmural differences in EMD and MSV play an important role in physiological contractility of LV by synchronising the contraction of individual layers of ventricular wall during the systole. Reduction or enhancement of these differences may therefore impair the function of LV and contribute to heart failure.
Primary Sigmoid Vaginoplasty in Transwomen: Technique and Outcomes
Authors: Salgado Christopher J. , Nugent Ajani , Kuhn Joseph , Janette Meghan , Bahna Heidi
Published: May 2018

Background. Many techniques have been described for reconstruction of the vaginal canal for oncologic, traumatic, and congenital indications. An increasing role exists for these procedures within the transgender community. Most often, inverted phallus skin is used to create the neovagina in transwomen. However, not all patients have sufficient tissue to achieve satisfactory depth and those that do must endure cumbersome postoperative dilation routines to prevent contracture. In selected patients, the sigmoid colon can be used to harvest ample tissue while avoiding the limitations of penile inversion techniques. Methods. Records were retrospectively reviewed for all transwomen undergoing primary sigmoid vaginoplasty with the University of Miami Gender Reassignment service between 2014 and 2017. Results. Average neovaginal depth was 13.9 +/− 2.0 centimeters in 12 patients. 67% were without complications, and all maintained tissue conducive to sexual activity. No incidences of bowel injury, anastomotic leak, sigmoid necrosis, prolapse, diversion neovaginitis, dyspareunia, or excessive secretions had occurred at last follow-up. Conclusions. Sigmoid vaginoplasty is a reliable technique for achieving a satisfactory vaginal depth that is sexually functional. Using a collaborative approach, it is now our standard of care to offer this surgery to transwomen with phallus length less than 11.4 centimeters.
Energy-Neutral Communication Protocol for Living-Tree Bioenergy-Powered Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Wu Yin , Li Bowen , Zhu Yongjun , Liu Wenbo
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this paper is to represent a living-tree biological energy powered wireless sensor system and introduce a novel energy aware MAC protocol based on remaining energy level, energy harvesting status, and application requirements. Conventional wireless sensor network (WSN) cannot have an infinite lifetime without battery recharge or replacement. Energy harvesting (EH), from environmental energy sources, is a promising technology to provide sustainable powering for WSN. In this paper, a sensor network system has been developed which uses living-tree bioenergy as harvesting resource and super capacitor as energy storage. Moreover, by analyzing the power recharging, task arrangement, and energy consumption rate, a novel duty cycle-based energy-neutral MAC protocol is proposed. It dynamically optimizes each wireless sensor node’s duty cycle to create a balanced, efficient, and continuous network. The scheme is implemented in a plant surface-mounted bioenergy power wireless sensor node system called PBN, which aims to monitoring the plant’s growth parameters. The results show that the proposed MAC protocol can provide sustainable and reliable data transmission under ultralow and dynamic power inputs; it also significantly improves the latency and packet loss probability compared with other MAC protocols for EH-WSN.
Synthesis and Voltammetric Determination of Pb(II) Using a ZIF-8-Based Electrode
Authors: Quang Khieu Dinh , Thi Thanh Mai , Vinh Thien Tran , Hai Phong Nguyen , Hoang Van Duc , Dinh Du Pham , Phi Hung Nguyen
Published: May 2018

Zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) was prepared by the hydrothermal process. The obtained ZIF-8 was a characteristic of X-ray-diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermal gravity-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The obtained ZIF-8 possessed large specific area and was highly dispersed. Its morphology consisted of nanospherical particles with 30–50 nm in diameter. Chemical stability of ZIF-8 in different conditions was studied. The ZIF-8 was used as an electrode modifier for the determination of trace levels of lead. The parameters including solvents and solution pH were investigated. The repeatability, reproducibility, accuracy, linear range, limit of detection, and limit of quantitation were also addressed. The results showed that ZIF-8 is a potential electrode modifier for differential pulse anodic stripping method to determine Pb(II) in aqueous solution.
Experimental Study on Sonic Vibration Grouting in Fine Silty Sand Layer
Authors: Wang Yu , Xia Bairu , Wang Zhiqiao , Deng Shouceng
Published: May 2018

Fine silty sand layer is one of the common weak strata. It is easy to deform suddenly and induce accidents under the external load due to its loose structure and poor self‐stability. To improve the stability of the strata in engineering construction, the grouting is usually used for antiseepage reinforcement in the fine silty sand layer. This paper presents the basic principle of the sonic vibration grouting, develops the experimental device and the simulated stratum condition, mixes the acidic water glass for engineering application, and carries out the experimental study on the sonic vibration grouting. The results show that the effect of the exciting force on the sonic vibration grouting is not obvious, and the vibration duration has a greater influence on it. With the increase of the vibration duration, the grouting diffusion distance is enlarging gradually and stabilizes eventually at a certain value. The vibration frequency has the greatest impact on the grouting. The grouting effect is the best when the vibration frequency is close to the natural frequency of the fine silty sand. The grouting diffusion distance is getting smaller, which means the grouting effect is becoming worse, when the vibration frequency is far away from the natural frequency of the stratum. The grouting effect in the fine silty sand layer can be improved effectively by vibration technology using the sonic vibration grouting which has excellent effect in engineering application. This paper lays a foundation for the further study on mechanism and engineering application of the sonic vibration grouting.
Assessment of the Short-Term Effectiveness of Kinesiotaping and Trigger Points Release Used in Functional Disorders of the Masticatory Muscles
Authors: Lietz-Kijak Danuta , Kopacz Łukasz , Ardan Roman , Grzegocka Marta , Kijak Edward
Published: May 2018

Chronic face pain syndrome is a diagnostic and therapeutic problem for many specialists, and this proves the interdisciplinary and complex nature of this ailment. Physiotherapy is of particular importance in the treatment of pain syndrome in the course of temporomandibular joint functional disorders. In patients with long-term dysfunction of masticatory muscles, the palpation examination can localize trigger points, that is, thickening in the form of nodules in the size of rice grains or peas. Latent trigger points located in the muscles can interfere with muscular movement patterns, cause cramps, and reduce muscle strength. Because hidden trigger points can spontaneously activate, they should be found and released to prevent further escalation of the discomfort. Kinesiotaping (KT) is considered as an intervention that can be used to release latent myofascial trigger points. It is a method that involves applying specific tapes to the patient’s skin in order to take advantage of the natural self-healing processes of the body. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the kinesiotaping method and trigger points inactivation on the nonpharmacological elimination of pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders. The study was conducted in 60 patients (18 to 35 years old). The subjects were randomly divided into two subgroups of 30 people each. Group KT (15 women and 15 men) were subjected to active kinesiotaping application. Group TrP, composed of 16 women and 14 men, was subjected to physiotherapy with the release of trigger points by the ischemic compression method. The results show that the KT method and TrP inactivation brought significant therapeutic analgesic effects in the course of pain-related functional disorders of the muscles of mastication. The more beneficial outcomes of the therapy were observed after using the KT method, which increased the analgesic effect in dysfunctional patients.