bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It’s how we practice that matters: professional identity formation and legitimate peripheral participation in medical students: a qualitative study
Authors: Orsmond Paul , McMillan Helen , Zvauya Remigio
Published: February 2022

Background

The process of Legitimate Peripheral Participation (LPP) within a community of practice framework (CoP) was used to explore graduate entry medical students’ professional identity formation (PIF) during their first year of study. A conceptual model has been developed that can be used by medical educators to better understand PIF and to aid the explicit incorporation of PIF activity within the undergraduate curriculum.

Methods

Ten students from one UK medical school participated in the longitudinal study and were interviewed at three points during the first year. Semi-structured group interviews were used to explore students’ experience of the clinical environment and the nature of their interactions with both clinicians and patients in a community-based medicine practice. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify overarching themes which are represented as facets in the model of PIF.

Results

Results demonstrate that students are legitimately peripherally participating within both medical student CoPs and wider medical CoPs. Themes identified within the narratives have allowed the development of a new model to understand PIF within the context of LPP in a CoP. This has five facets: Awareness, Collaboration, Negotiation, Evaluation and Realisation. Sophisticated reflection-in-action is shown to be an important aspect of PIF and enables a more conscious understanding of the change that is occurring in our students.

Conclusion

PIF is a complex, non-linear process that is supported by reflection-in-action and early student introduction to clinical practice. It can be recognised in students’ narratives in their changing use of language, their understanding of the medical COP, and their evolving relational participation with those around them. This study adds to those that have previously explored PIF. The model of PIF developed in this study illustrates how experiences in the clinical environment support PIF. Medical educators may find this model helpful when considering how PIF can be explicitly encouraged in the medical curriculum and how reflection may be used for the purpose of identity change.
Effects of personalized diets by prediction of glycemic responses on glycemic control and metabolic health in newly diagnosed T2DM: a randomized dietary intervention pilot trial
Authors: Rein Michal , Ben-Yacov Orly , Godneva Anastasia , Shilo Smadar , Zmora Niv , Kolobkov Dmitry , Cohen-Dolev Noa , Wolf Bat-Chen , Kosower Noa , Lotan-Pompan Maya , Weinberger Adina , Halpern Zamir , Zelber-Sagi Shira , Elinav Eran , Segal Eran
Published: February 2022

Background

Dietary modifications are crucial for managing newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and preventing its health complications, but many patients fail to achieve clinical goals with diet alone. We sought to evaluate the clinical effects of a personalized postprandial-targeting (PPT) diet on glycemic control and metabolic health in individuals with newly diagnosed T2DM as compared to the commonly recommended Mediterranean-style (MED) diet.

Methods

We enrolled 23 adults with newly diagnosed T2DM (aged 53.5 ± 8.9 years, 48% males) for a randomized crossover trial of two 2-week-long dietary interventions. Participants were blinded to their assignment to one of the two sequence groups: either PPT-MED or MED-PPT diets. The PPT diet relies on a machine learning algorithm that integrates clinical and microbiome features to predict personal postprandial glucose responses (PPGR). We further evaluated the long-term effects of PPT diet on glycemic control and metabolic health by an additional 6-month PPT intervention (n = 16). Participants were connected to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) throughout the study and self-recorded dietary intake using a smartphone application.

Results

In the crossover intervention, the PPT diet lead to significant lower levels of CGM-based measures as compared to the MED diet, including average PPGR (mean difference between diets, − 19.8 ± 16.3 mg/dl × h, p < 0.001), mean glucose (mean difference between diets, − 7.8 ± 5.5 mg/dl, p < 0.001), and daily time of glucose levels > 140 mg/dl (mean difference between diets, − 2.42 ± 1.7 h/day, p < 0.001). Blood fructosamine also decreased significantly more during PPT compared to MED intervention (mean change difference between diets, − 16.4 ± 37 μmol/dl, p < 0.0001). At the end of 6 months, the PPT intervention leads to significant improvements in multiple metabolic health parameters, among them HbA1c (mean ± SD, − 0.39 ± 0.48%, p < 0.001), fasting glucose (− 16.4 ± 24.2 mg/dl, p = 0.02) and triglycerides (− 49 ± 46 mg/dl, p < 0.001). Importantly, 61% of the participants exhibited diabetes remission, as measured by HbA1c < 6.5%. Finally, some clinical improvements were significantly associated with gut microbiome changes per person.

Conclusion

In this crossover trial in subjects with newly diagnosed T2DM, a PPT diet improved CGM-based glycemic measures significantly more than a Mediterranean-style MED diet. Additional 6-month PPT intervention further improved glycemic control and metabolic health parameters, supporting the clinical efficacy of this approach.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01892956
Omega-3 fatty acids attenuate cardiovascular effects of short-term exposure to ambient air pollution
Authors: Chen Hao , Zhang Siqi , Shen Wan , Salazar Claudia , Schneider Alexandra , Wyatt Lauren H. , Rappold Ana G. , Diaz-Sanchez David , Devlin Robert B. , Samet James M. , Tong Haiyan
Published: February 2022

Background

Exposure to air pollution is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk. Evidence shows that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA) may attenuate the adverse cardiovascular effects of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). However, it is unclear whether habitual dietary intake of omega-3 PUFA protects against the cardiovascular effects of short-term exposure to low-level ambient air pollution in healthy participants. In the present study, sixty-two adults with low or high dietary omega-3 PUFA intake were enrolled. Blood lipids, markers of vascular inflammation, coagulation and fibrinolysis, and heart rate variability (HRV) and repolarization were repeatedly assessed in 5 sessions separated by at least 7 days. This study was carried out in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, USA between October 2016 and September 2019. Daily PM2.5 and maximum 8-h ozone (O3) concentrations were obtained from nearby air quality monitoring stations. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the associations between air pollutant concentrations and cardiovascular responses stratified by the omega-3 intake levels.

Results

The average concentrations of ambient PM2.5 and O3 were well below the U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards during the study period. Significant associations between exposure to PM2.5 and changes in total cholesterol, von Willebrand factor (vWF), tissue plasminogen activator, D-dimer, and very-low frequency HRV were observed in the low omega-3 group, but not in the high group. Similarly, O3-associated adverse changes in cardiovascular biomarkers (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, serum amyloid A, soluable intracellular adhesion molecule 1, and vWF) were mainly observed in the low omega-3 group. Lag-time-dependent biphasic changes were observed for some biomarkers.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates associations between short-term exposure to PM2.5 and O3, at concentrations below regulatory standard, and subclinical cardiovascular responses, and that dietary omega-3 PUFA consumption may provide protection against such cardiovascular effects in healthy adults.
Patient-related risk factors for late rectal bleeding after hypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Kim Tae Gyu , Park Byungdo , Song Yun Gyu , Lee Hyoun Wook , Oh Tae Hee , Ryu Dong-Soo , Jeong Seung Chan , Cho Daehyeon , Oh Jieun , Kim Kwang Min , Lee Jung Won , Lee Hyoun Soo , Kong Sung Min , Kim Jun Young , Kim Haeyoung
Published: February 2022

Background

Several studies have reported patient-related risk factors for late rectal bleeding following conventionally fractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer. We investigated patient-related risk factors for late rectal bleeding after hypofractionated radiotherapy.

Methods

A total of 231 patients with local or locally advanced prostate cancer treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy (70 or 67.2 Gy in 28 fractions) were evaluated retrospectively. All patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy with daily image guidance. The relationships between late rectal bleeding and risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, cirrhosis, and anticoagulant use were analyzed.

Results

During a median follow-up of 23 months, the crude rates of grade ≥ 1, grade ≥ 2, and grade ≥ 3 late rectal bleeding were 23.8%, 16.9%, and 9.5%, respectively. Cirrhosis and anticoagulant use predicted an increased risk of grade ≥ 3 rectal bleeding in multivariable analyses (hazard ratio [HR] 14.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.09–66.87, P = 0.001, and HR 2.93, 95% CI 1.14–7.55, P = 0.026, respectively). The non-anticoagulant group had a significantly superior 5-year freedom from grade ≥ 3 bleeding compared to the anticoagulant group in a propensity-weighted log-rank analysis (88.0% vs. 76.7%, P = 0.041). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that rectal bleeding was minimized in the anticoagulant group if the equivalent dose at fractionation of 2 Gy (EQD2) V77 Gy of the rectum was < 4.5% or if the EQD2 V8.2 Gy was < 71.0%.

Conclusions

Patients taking anticoagulants or those with cirrhosis had a significantly higher risk of severe late rectal bleeding than other patients after hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer in the present study. The bleeding risk could be lowered by minimizing hotspots in patients taking anticoagulants.
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 is associated with myogenesis in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis possibly via mediation of insulin sensitivity
Authors: Dai Zhicheng , Xue Bingchuan , Xu Leilei , Feng Zhenhua , Wu Zhichong , Qiu Yong , Zhu Zezhang
Published: February 2022

Background

Abnormal metabolic features have been previously described in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. As an important regulator involved in energy metabolism, DPP-4 activity was reported to be remarkably decreased in osteoblasts of AIS patients. To date, there was still a lack of knowledge concerning the role of DPP-4 in the myogenesis of AIS.

Methods

Circulation DPP-4 level was assessed in the serum of 80 AIS girls and 50 healthy controls by ELISA. Myoblasts were purified from muscle specimens of AIS patients and LDH controls, and then treated with metabolic effectors including glucose and insulin. CCK-8 assay was used to assess the cell viability and myotube fusion index was calculated to evaluate myogenesis ability. Gene expressions of downstream signals of DPP-4 were evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blot respectively.

Results

AIS girls had remarkably down-expressed DPP-4 in both serum level (0.76 fold) and tissue (0.68 fold) level. Treatment with metabolic effectors led to significantly increased DPP-4 expression in the control cells, while there was no increase of DPP-4 in AIS cells. CCK-8 assay showed that the proliferation rate of control cells was significantly increased after being treated. Remarkably higher fusion index was also observed in the treated control cells. By contrast, the fusion index and cell proliferation rate were comparable between the treated and the untreated AIS cells.

Conclusions

Our study suggested a potential role of DPP-4 in abnormal metabolic condition of AIS patients. Compared with control cells, AIS myoblasts presented obviously impaired sensitivity to the treatment of glucose and insulin. Aberrant DPP-4 expression could lead to impaired insulin sensitivity in myoblasts and further influence the cell viability during myogenesis. The molecular mechanism connecting DPP-4 and insulin-related signaling in AIS is worthy of further investigation.
Combination therapy for pancreatic cancer: anti-PD-(L)1-based strategy
Authors: Liu Lingyue , Huang Xing , Shi Fukang , Song Jinyuan , Guo Chengxiang , Yang Jiaqi , Liang Tingbo , Bai Xueli
Published: February 2022

Mortality associated with pancreatic cancer is among the highest of all malignancies, with a 5-year overall survival of 5–10%. Immunotherapy, represented by the blocking antibodies against programmed cell death protein 1 or its ligand 1 (anti-PD-(L)1), has achieved remarkable success in a number of malignancies. However, due to the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment, the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-(L)1 in pancreatic cancer is far from expectation. To address such a fundamental issue, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and even immunotherapy itself, have individually been attempted to combine with anti-PD-(L)1 in preclinical and clinical investigation. This review, with a particular focus on pancreatic cancer therapy, collects current anti-PD-(L)1-based combination strategy, highlights potential adverse effects of accumulative combination, and further points out future direction in optimization of combination, including targeting post-translational modification of PD-(L)1 and improving precision of treatment.
Peculiar characteristics of new-onset Type 1 Diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mastromauro Concetta , Blasetti Annalisa , Primavera Marina , Ceglie Lucio , Mohn Angelika , Chiarelli Francesco , Giannini Cosimo
Published: February 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic period is having a strong impact on the management of diabetes as well as other chronic diseases as shown by the most severe clinical presentation at onset. The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in youth with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes in “Santissima Annunziata Hospital” (Chieti, Italy) during COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to the five previous years.

Methods

A retrospective population-based incidence study was performed. Data were obtained from hospital records of 172 patients with new onset type 1 diabetes divided into two groups according to the diagnosis: Group I, between January 2015 and February 2020; Group II, between March 2020 and April 2021. Data regarding anthropometric, socio-economic and laboratory test were analyzed. DKA (pH < 7.30) and different severity of the disease (severe pH < 7.10; moderate pH < 7.20, mild pH < 7.30) were evaluated. A Spearman correlation between pH values and the main variables of interest was performed.

Results

DKA frequency was increased by 19 percentage in Group II compared to Group I (55% vs 36%; P = 0.03) with a significant increased risk of severe DKA cases compared to the previous five years (severe DKA 22.5% vs. 8.4%, P = 0.01). pH values were significantly related with HbA1c, blood glucose and c-peptide values in all groups. In addition, in Group II but not in Group I, pH values correlated with Triglycerides and TG/HDL cholesterol ratio.

Conclusions

During COVID-19 pandemic the risk of more severe clinical presentation of type 1 diabetes at onset is increased. The correlation with lipid profile might suppose an additional effect of lifestyle changes beside the delay in the diagnosis. Modifications of health care system need to be implemented during this peculiar situation in order to avoid such a relevant complication at onset.
Effectiveness of intravaginal electrical stimulation combined with electromyography biofeedback-mediated pelvic floor muscle training for postpartum symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse: protocol for the PROSPECT randomized trial
Authors: Min Li , Chunxue Yang , Qiubo Lv , Xudong Dong , Yan Zhang , Guifang Zhang , Kejia Hu , Tianzi Gai , Qing Feng
Published: February 2022

Background

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is seen in up to 30–70% of women presenting for routine gynecology care and 10% of women suffering from bothersome POP symptoms. Vaginal childbirth is one of the most prominent contributing factors for POP. Pelvic muscle training (PFMT) is considered effective to improve mild to moderate POP symptoms. In addition, higher-intensity, supervised PFMT aided by biofeedback and electrical stimulation may confer greater benefit. However, the long-term efficacy of the PFMT combined with electromyography biofeedback is unknown, which indicates the need for further evidence.

Methods

This multicenter randomized controlled trial compares the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of conventional PFMT versus biofeedback-mediated PFMT plus neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for postpartum symptomatic POP women. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients with the improvement of at least one POP-Q stage at 36 months after randomization. The primary economic outcome measure is incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year at 36 months. Two hundred seventy-four women from four outpatient medical centers are randomized and followed up with pelvic floor examination, questionnaires, and pelvic ultrasonography imaging. All participants are arranged for three appointments over 12 weeks. NMES and electromyography biofeedback via intravaginal probe are added to PFMT for participants in the biofeedback-mediated PFMT group. Group allocation could not be blinded from participants and healthcare staff that deliver intervention but remain masked from medical staff that carry out PFM assessment. An intention-to-treat analysis of the primary outcome will estimate the difference of the proportion of POP-Q stage improvement between the trial groups right after the intervention, and during the follow-up until 36 months, using the chi-square test and multilevel mixed models respectively. A logistic regression analysis was used for adjusting for important baseline variables that are unbalanced.

Discussion

The trial results will provide evidence of the effectiveness of electromyography biofeedback-mediated PFMT in improving women’s POP-Q staging, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness.

Trial registration

CCTR Registry ChiCTR210002171917. Registered on March 6, 2019
Acute effects from the half-squat performed using a repetition versus differential approach in youth soccer players
Authors: Coutinho Diogo , Abade Eduardo , Gonçalves Bruno , Santos Sara , Schöllhorn Wolfgang , Sampaio Jaime
Published: February 2022

Background

Over the last years there have been a wide body of research exploring the best strategies to promote acute enhancements in players’ performance. Despite that, most studies have been focused on adult and elite players, and different results may be identified when considering players from lower levels of performance and belonging to youth categories. In addition, most studies conducted in this domain focused in repetitive movement patterns, and while adding variability has been considered as a useful approach to enhance players’ performance at short and long-term perspectives, less is known regarding it applicability to acute enhance players physical performance. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the acute enhancement effects of performing the half-squat in a flywheel ergometer between a more-repetitive approach (low noise) and a more variable approach (differential learning, high noise) in youth soccer players.

Methods

A total of sixteen players (age = 16.2 ± 0.6 years) was exposed to four conditions in a randomized order: (1) repetitive intervention for 30 s; (2) repetitive intervention for 10-min; (3) differential learning intervention for 30 s; (4) differential learning intervention for 10-min. Each condition consisted in 3 sets of 6 repetitions of eccentric half squats performed in a flywheel ergometer. Countermovement jump, 10 m and 30 m linear sprint, and change-of-direction ability were measured every session at baseline (pre-test) and after each protocol (post-test).

Results

No potentiation effect was observed overall with any of the interventions. In addition, no differences between protocols were found for sprinting. However, the repetitive intervention impaired jumping performance for both 30 s (small effects, p ≤ .05) and 10-min intervals (small effects, p ≤ .05), as well as in the change-of-direction task for 30 s (p ≤ .05).

Conclusions

These results may be due to the players’ low experience in eccentric flywheel training. Despite these findings, individual potentiation responses emerged from both protocols when considering the individual responses, reinforcing the need to establish more personalized approaches.
Fixed point results of weakly contraction mappings in partially ordered b-metric spaces
Authors: Kalyani K. , Seshagiri Rao N.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

We explored the results of fixed point, coincidence point and coupled coincidence point for the mappings in an ordered metric spaces. Our results generalized and extended the well-known results in the literature. Some numerical examples are provided for justifying the results obtained.

Result

Some fixed point results are found for a self mapping in a partially ordered b-metric space which satisfies a generalized week contraction condition. Furthermore, these results are extended for two self mappings for obtaining coincidence point, coupled coincidence point and coupled common fixed point in the same context. A few examples are presented to support the findings.
Therapeutic effect of adipose stromal vascular fraction spheroids for partial bladder outlet obstruction induced underactive bladder
Authors: Liu Jingyu , Zhou Liuhua , Zhao Feng , Zhou Changcheng , Yang Tianli , Xu Zhongle , Wang Xinning , Xu Luwei , Xu Zheng , Ge Yuzheng , Wu Ran , Jia Ruipeng
Published: February 2022

Background

Underactive bladder (UAB) is a common clinical problem but related research is rarely explored. As there are currently no effective therapies, the administration of adipose stromal vascular fraction (ad-SVF) provides a new potential method to treat underactive bladder.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were induced by partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) for four weeks and randomly divided into three groups: rats treated with PBS (Sham group); rats administrated with ad-SVF (ad-SVF group) and rats performed with ad-SVF spheroids (ad-SVFsp group). After four weeks, urodynamic studies were performed to evaluate bladder functions and all rats were sacrificed for further studies.

Results

We observed that the bladder functions and symptoms of UAB were significantly improved in the ad-SVFsp group than that in the Sham group and ad-SVF group. Meanwhile, our data showed that ad-SVF spheroids could remarkably promote angiogenesis, suppress cell apoptosis and stimulate cell proliferation in bladder tissue than that in the other two groups. Moreover, ad-SVF spheroids increased the expression levels of bFGF, HGF and VEGF-A than ad-SVF. IVIS Spectrum small-animal in vivo imaging system revealed that ad-SVF spheroids could increase the retention rate of transplanted cells in bladder tissue.

Conclusions

Ad-SVF spheroids improved functions and symptoms of bladder induced by PBOO, which contributes to promote angiogenesis, suppress cell apoptosis and stimulate cell proliferation. Ad-SVF spheroids provide a potential treatment for the future patients with UAB.
Economic impact of powered stapler in video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy for lung Cancer in a Chinese tertiary hospital: a cost-minimization analysis
Authors: Cao Yang , Xiong Fang , Xia Xiaozhe , Gu Pengjuan , Wang Qinghong , Wu Aiping , Zhan Huan , Chen Wendong , Qian Zhaoxin
Published: February 2022

Background

To assess the economic impact of powered stapler use in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for lung cancer in a Chinese tertiary care hospital.

Methods

This study identified 388 patients who received VATS lobectomy using the ECHELON powered stapler (n = 296) or the ECHELON manual stapler (n = 92) for lung cancer in a Chinese tertiary hospital. Multiple generalized linear regression analyses were conducted using data on hospital costs and patient characteristics to develop predictive equations for hospital costs in a cost-minimization analysis (CMA) model comparing hospital costs associated with the ECHELON powered stapler and the ECHELON manual stapler. CMA model was used to conduct scenario analysis to compare the ECHELON powered stapler with another manual stapler (Victor Medical).

Results

The multiple generalized linear regression analyses identified that using the ECHELON powered stapler in VATS lobectomy for lung cancer was associated with significantly lower drug costs than using the ECHELON manual stapler (coefficient − 0.256, 95% confidence interval: − 0.375 to − 0.139). The CMA model estimated that the ECHELON powered stapler could save hospital costs by ¥1653 when compared with the ECHELON manual stapler (¥65,531 vs. ¥67,184). The use of the ECHELON powered stapler also saved hospital costs by ¥4411 when compared with the Victor Medical manual stapler (¥65,531 vs. ¥69,942) in the scenario analysis.

Conclusions

Compared to the two manual staplers used for VATS lobectomy for lung cancer in a Chinese tertiary hospital, the ECHELON powered stapler had 100% probability to save total hospital costs under present prices of the three staplers according to the CMA.
Evaluating the effects of dance on motor outcomes, non-motor outcomes, and quality of life in people living with Parkinson’s: a feasibility study
Authors: Carapellotti Anna M. , Rodger Matthew , Doumas Michail
Published: February 2022

Background

Community-based dance programs for people living with Parkinson’s have grown in popularity over the past two decades. Studies investigating these programs have demonstrated multidimensional benefits in motor, non-motor, and quality of life related outcomes, yet there is a need to focus on the feasibility of larger trials. The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a trial investigating dance and Parkinson’s in Northern Ireland. The secondary objectives were to conduct preliminary analyses of the classes’ effects and to assess the appropriateness of outcome measures for a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Participants were recruited through the community, Parkinson’s UK, and university contacts to participate in a 12-week dance intervention inspired by the Dance for PD® model. Pre- and post-intervention, participants completed the following outcomes: MDS-UPDRS III, TUG, DT-TUG, Sensory Organization Test, MoCA, Trail Making Tests A&B, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Digit Span, PDQ-39, FOG-Q, PHQ-9, FES-I, and an exit questionnaire (post-test only). Data were analyzed using paired samplesttests or Wilcoxon signed ranked test.

Results

Ten people living with Parkinson’s participated. Running a larger trial was deemed infeasible in this setting due to recruitment issues; conversely, the dance intervention was accepted by participants with all but one completing the study. Functional mobility (TUG), symptoms of depression (PHQ-9), and bodily discomfort showed improvement. All other outcomes did not. The exit questionnaire revealed that the social aspect of classes was important, and improvements in mood or mental state were cited most frequently as perceived benefits. Outcome measures were feasible, with some changes suggested for future trials.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the infeasibility of running a larger trial using this design in this setting despite demonstrating the acceptability of implementing a dance program in Northern Ireland for people living with Parkinson’s. The results support existing evidence demonstrating that dance may improve functional mobility and symptoms of depression in people living with Parkinson’s, though the study design and small sample size prevent the generalizability of results. The findings also support the idea that dancing has the potential to support several aspects of physical, emotional, mental, and social health.
Reversible transition from ferrofluid drop to spikes due to an approaching magnet
Authors: Jain S. K. , Banerjee U. , Mandal C. , Sen A. K.
Published: February 2022

Remarkably, we experimentally evidenced normal field instability-driven reversible transition from ferrofluid droplet to spikes, when a sessile ferrofluid drop is exposed to a varying magnetic field gradient due to an approaching magnet, without flipping its direction of motion. We find the reversible transition is attributed to the critical magnetization of the ferrofluid and a characteristic wavelength that control normal-field instability. We extend the theory of magnetic instability by including non-uniformity in the magnetic field in all directions to predict the critical condition for transition, which is in good agreement with experiments. The spacing between spikes and spike height, and the number of spikes measured from experiments are in agreement with existing theory.
Fabry-Pérot interference in 2D low-density Rashba gas
Authors: Li Yuan-Qiao , Chen Xi-Rong , Luo Wei , Zhou Tao , Chen Wei
Published: February 2022

In mesoscopic electronic systems, the Fabry-Pérot (FP) oscillation is observed in various 1D devices. As for higher dimensions, numerous transverse channels usually lead to dephasing that quenches the overall oscillation of the conductance. Up to now, the FP oscillation in 2D electronic systems is only reported in graphene-based devices and very recently, the pn junctions of inverted InAs/GaSb double quantum well (Karalic M. et al., Phys. Rev. X, 10 (2020) 031007). In the latter, the band shape of a sombrero hat plays an essential role, which introduces a novel mechanism of electron-hole hybridization for the 2D FP oscillation. In this work, we propose that such a scenario can be generalized to the 2D planar junction composed of low-density Rashba gas, where the band bottom possesses sombrero hat shape as well. We show that the backscattering between the outer and inner Fermi circles dominates the FP interference and significantly suppresses the dephasing effect between different transverse channels, which leads to a visible oscillation of the tunneling conductance. In particular, the visibility of the oscillating pattern can be enhanced by applying interface barriers, which is in contrast to that in the InAs/GaSb double quantum well. Our results provide a promising way for the implementation of the FP oscillation in the 2D electron gas.
Exponentially generalized vortex
Authors: Lima F. C. E. , Almeida C. A. S.
Published: February 2022

In this work, we propose an exponentially generalized Abelian model. We investigated the presence of vortex structures in models coupled to Maxwell and Chern-Simons fields. We chose to investigate the dynamics of the complex scalar field in models coupled separately to the Maxwell term and the Chern-Simons term. For this, we analyze the Bogomol'nyi equations in both cases to describe the static field configurations. An interesting result appears when we note that scalar field solutions generate degenerate minimum energy configurations by a factor ofin Maxwell's case. On the other hand, in the Chern-Simons case, the solutions in this sector are degenerate by a factor of. Finally, we solve the Bogomol'nyi equations numerically and discuss our results.
Epitaxial-strain–dependent reorientation of oxygen octahedral tilting axis in manganite films
Authors: Zhang Wujun , Jin Feng , Zhang Xingchang , Tang Yuling , Xu Pan , Lin Nan , Wang Zuyong , Wu Wenbin , Ma Chao
Published: February 2022

As one of the most ubiquitous lattice distortions in complex transition metal oxides, oxygen octahedral rotation/tilting plays an important role in their physical properties. In this paper, we report the evolution of oxygen octahedral tilting in La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 films grown on NdGaO3 substrates with different orientations by using an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. Different epitaxial strains depending on the substrate orientation lead to different orientation relationships between the films and substrates. Unlike conventional coherent growth, our experimental results demonstrate that the reorientation of the oxygen octahedral tilting axis, depending on epitaxial strains, would occur at the interface between the film and substrate for the (010)-oriented substrate or inside the film for the (1-12)-oriented substrate, as well supported by theoretical calculations via density functional theory method and electron energy loss spectroscopy measurements. Considering the universality of interfacial oxygen octahedral coupling in oxide heterostructures, these experimental findings offer great insights in understanding thickness- and orientation-dependent physical properties of thin films.
Genres of Enslavement
Authors: Dunbar Eve
Published: February 2022

In July 2018, the New York Times reported on the remains of some ninety-five people discovered at a construction site in the Houston, Texas, suburb of Sugar Land. The archaeologists called in to identify the remains determined that they likely belonged to African American laborers who worked between 1878 and 1911 on the Imperial Sugar Company’s plantation as part of Texas’s convict-lease system. The remains unearthed in Sugar Land compel consideration of the tenuousness and illusory nature of freedom in the United States. Focusing on James Hannaham’s Delicious Foods (2015) and Colson Whitehead’s The Nickel Boys (2019), this essay considers how the neo–slave narrative might allow access to enslavement and the plantation not as a retrospective event or site but as coterminous and ongoing iterations of US anti-Black violence. Thinking of the plantation not as a site but as a logic, this essay also proposes the concept of “plantation future blues,” expressed in forms of sociality meant to unthink Black unfreedom. Ultimately, the piece considers how contemporary novels might point toward both anti-Black violence and elaborate on the hope of Black futurity by engaging the genres of enslavement.
Are Married Women Really Wealthier Than Unmarried Women? Evidence From Japan
Authors: Niimi Yoko
Published: February 2022

Using microdata from the Japanese Panel Survey of Consumers, this article examines the relationship between marriage and wealth among women. By exploiting unique data on personal wealth, it also assesses whether the wealth effect of marriage differs depending on whether wealth is measured as household or personal wealth, an issue that very few studies have examined. When wealth is measured as equivalized household net worth, on the assumption that married couples share household resources equally, marriage is found to contribute to women's wealth holdings but only to their nonfinancial net worth; however, the results show signs that marriage also contributes to women's total net worth as marriage durations increase. By contrast, when wealth is measured as personal net worth based on the actual ownership of assets, marriage is found to be negatively and significantly associated with women's wealth holdings. These findings underscore the fact that Japanese women are potentially in a financially vulnerable position even after marriage, which is at least partly driven by married women's career disruptions arising from their family responsibilities.
Acute Exercise Regulates hTERT Gene Expression and Alternative Splicing in the hTERT-BAC Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: SLUSHER AARON L. , KIM JEONGJIN JJ , RIBICK MARK , LUDLOW ANDREW T.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Aerobic exercise maintains telomere length through increased human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression and telomerase enzyme activity. The impact of acute exercise on hTERT alternative splicing (AS) is unknown.

Purpose

This study aimed to examine hTERT AS in response to acute treadmill running.

Methods

A bacterial artificial chromosome mouse model containing the 54-kilobase hTERT gene locus inserted into its genome (hTERT-BAC) was utilized. The gastrocnemius, left ventricle, and brain were excised before (Pre), upon cessation (Post), and during recovery (1, 24, 48, and 72 h; n = 5/time point) from treadmill running (30 min at 60% maximum speed). Full-length (FL) hTERT and the “minus beta” (−β) AS variant (skips exons 7 and 8 and does not code for active telomerase) were measured by gel-based and droplet digital reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction methods. SF3B4 and SRSF2 protein expression were measured by Western blotting.

Results

Compared with Pre, FL hTERT increased at Post before decreasing during recovery in the gastrocnemius (48 and 72 h; P ≤ 0.001) and left ventricle (24 h; P = 0.004). The percentage of FL hTERT in the gastrocnemius also increased during recovery (1 and 72 h; P ≤ 0.017), whereas a decrease was observed in the left ventricle (1, 24, and 48 h; P ≤ 0.041). hTERT decreased in the brain (48 h), whereas FL hTERT percentage remained unaltered. SF3B4 protein expression decreased throughout recovery in the gastrocnemius and tended to be associated with FL hTERT (r = −0.348, P = 0.075) and –β in opposite directions (r = 0.345, P = 0.067).

Conclusions

Endurance exercise increased hTERT gene expression, and altered FL hTERT splicing in contractile tissues and may maintain telomere length necessary to improve the function and health of the organism.
The Timing of Thigh Muscle Activity Is a Factor Limiting Performance in the Deceleration Phase of the 100-m Dash
Authors: KAKEHATA GAKU , GOTO YUTA , ISO SHIGEO , KANOSUE KAZUYUKI
Published: February 2022

Purpose

We aimed to examine the timing of electromyography activity of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) in both legs, as well as spatiotemporal variables (running speed (RS), step frequency (SF), step length (SL)) between the maximal speed (Max) phase (50–70 m) and the deceleration (Dec) phase (80–100 m) of the 100-m dash.

Methods

Nine track and field athletes performed the 100-m dash with maximal effort. Spatiotemporal variables of each 10-m section were measured. A portable wireless data logger was attached to the subject’s lower back to record electromyographies. We calculated onset/offset timing (%) of RF and BF in both legs using a Teager–Kaiser Energy Operator filter (e.g., ipsilateral leg RF onset is “iRF-onset,” contralateral leg BF onset is “cBF-onset”) in a running cycle.

Results

The decreased RS in the Dec phase (P < 0.001) was due to a decreased SF (P < 0.001). Moreover, iRF-onset (P = 0.002), iRF-offset (P = 0.008), iBF-offset (P = 0.049), and cBF-offset (P = 0.017) in the Dec phase lagged in the running cycle as compared with the Max phase. Furthermore, the time difference between the swing leg RF activity (iRF-onset) and the contact leg BF activity (cBF-onset; “Scissors1”) became bigger in the Dec phase (P = 0.041). Significant negative correlations were found between ΔiRF-onset and ΔSF (P = 0.045), and between ΔiBF-offset and ΔSF (P = 0.036).

Conclusions

The decreased RS and SF in the Dec phase of the 100-m dash would be the delayed timing of the RF and BF activities in the same leg as well as the disturbed interleg muscular coordination.
Comparison of Blood Pressure and Vascular Health in Physically Active Late Pre- and Early Postmenopausal Females
Authors: DEBRAY AMELIE , ENEA CARINA , RAVANELLI NICHOLAS , CHASELING GEORGIA KATE , GRAVEL HUGO , BOSQUET LAURENT , BHERER LOUIS , GAGNON DANIEL
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The benefits of exercise on vascular health are inconsistent in postmenopausal females. We investigated if blood pressure and markers of vascular function differ between physically active early post- and late premenopausal females.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional comparison of 24-h blood pressure, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, microvascular reactivity (reactive hyperemia), carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity, and cardiac baroreflex sensitivity between physically active late premenopausal (n = 16, 48 ± 2 yr) and early postmenopausal (n = 14, 53 ± 2 yr) females.

Results

Physical activity level was similar between premenopausal (490 ± 214 min·wk−1) and postmenopausal (550 ± 303 min·wk−1) females (P = 0.868). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (pre, 4.6 ± 3.9, vs post, 4.7% ± 2.2%; P = 0.724), 24-h systolic (+5 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [CI] = –1 to +10, P = 0.972) and diastolic (+4 mm Hg, 95% CI = –1 to +9, P = 0.655) blood pressures, total reactive hyperemia (pre, 1.2 ± 0.5, vs post, 1.0 ± 0.5 mL·mm Hg−1; P = 0.479), carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (pre, 7.9 ± 1.7, vs post, 8.1 ± 1.8 m·s−1; P = 0.477), and cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (−8 ms·mm Hg−1, 95% CI = –20.55 to 4.62, P = 0.249) did not differ between groups. By contrast, peak reactive hyperemia (−0.36 mL·min−1⋅mm Hg−1, 95% CI = –0.87 to +0.15, P = 0.009) was lower in postmenopausal females.

Conclusions

These results suggest that blood pressure and markers of vascular function do not differ between physically active late pre- and early postmenopausal females.
Association of Physical Activity with Incidence of Dementia Is Attenuated by Air Pollution
Authors: RAICHLEN DAVID A. , FURLONG MELISSA , KLIMENTIDIS YANN C. , SAYRE M. KATHERINE , PARRA KIMBERLY L. , BHARADWAJ PRADYUMNA K. , WILCOX RAND R. , ALEXANDER GENE E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) is recognized as one of the key lifestyle behaviors that reduces risk of developing dementia late in life. However, PA also leads to increased respiration, and in areas with high levels of air pollution, PA may increase exposure to pollutants linked with higher risk of developing dementia. Here, we investigate whether air pollution attenuates the association between PA and dementia risk.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 35,562 adults 60 yrs and older from the UK Biobank. Average acceleration magnitude (ACCave) from wrist-worn accelerometers was used to assess PA levels. Air pollution levels (NO, NO2, PM10, PM2.5, PM2.5–10, and PM2.5 absorbance) were estimated with land use regression methods. Incident all-cause dementia was derived from inpatient hospital records and death registry data.

Results

In adjusted models, ACCave was associated with reduced risk of developing dementia (HR = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.60–0.83), whereas air pollution variables were not associated with dementia risk. There were significant interactions between ACCave and PM2.5 (HRinteraction = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.13–1.57) and PM2.5 absorbance (HRinteraction = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.07–1.45) on incident dementia. At the lowest tertiles of pollution, ACCave was associated with reduced risk of incident dementia (HRPM 2.5 = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49–0.91; HRPM 2.5 absorbance = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.44–0.81). At the highest tertiles of these pollutants, there was no significant association of ACCave with incident dementia (HRPM 2.5 = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.68–1.14; HRPM 2.5 absorbance = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.60–1.04).

Conclusions

PA is associated with reduced risk of developing all-cause dementia. However, exposure to even moderate levels of air pollution attenuates the benefits of PA on risk of dementia.
Relationship between Anterior Pituitary Volume and IGF-1 Serum Levels in Soldiers with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury History
Authors: CASTELLANO ANNA K. , POWELL JACOB R. , COOLS MICHAEL J. , WALTON SAMUEL R. , BARNETT RANDALINE R. , DELELLIS STEPHEN M. , GOLDBERG RICHARD L. , KANE SHAWN F. , MEANS GARY E. , ZAMORA CARLOS A. , DEPENBROCK PATRICK J. , MIHALIK JASON P.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

A high mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) incidence rate exists in military and sport. Hypopituitarism is an mTBI sequela; however, few studies have examined this phenomenon in those with an mTBI history. This cross-sectional study of Special Operations Forces combat soldiers aimed 1) to relate anterior pituitary gland volumes (actual and normalized) to insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations, 2) to examine the effect of mTBI history on anterior pituitary gland volumes (actual and normalized) and IGF-1 concentrations, and 3) to measure the odds of demonstrating lower anterior pituitary gland volumes (actual and normalized) or IGF-1 concentrations if self-reporting mTBI history.

Methods

Anterior pituitary gland volumes were manually segmented from T1-weighted 3D brain MRI sequences; IGF-1 serum concentrations were quantified using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Correlations and linear regression were used to determine the association between IGF-1 serum concentration and anterior pituitary gland volume (n = 74). Independent samples t-tests were used to compare outcomes between mTBI groups and logistic regression models were fit to test the odds of demonstrating IGF-1 concentration or anterior pituitary volume less than sample median based on mTBI group (n = 54).

Results

A significant linear relationship between the subjects’ anterior pituitary gland volumes and IGF-1 concentrations (r
72 = 0.35, P = 0.002) was observed. Soldiers with mTBI history had lower IGF-1 concentrations (P < 0.001) and lower anterior pituitary gland volumes (P = 0.037) and were at greater odds for IGF-1 serum concentrations less than the sample median (odds ratio = 5.73; 95% confidence interval = 1.77–18.55).

Conclusions

Anterior pituitary gland volume was associated with IGF-1 serum concentrations. Mild TBI history may be adversely associated with anterior pituitary gland volumes and IGF-1 concentrations. Longitudinal IGF-1 and anterior pituitary gland monitoring may be indicated in those who report one or more mTBI.
Factors Associated with Age-Related Declines in Cardiorespiratory Fitness from Early Adulthood Through Midlife: CARDIA
Authors: PETTEE GABRIEL KELLEY , JAEGER BYRON C. , STERNFELD BARBARA , DOOLEY ERIN E. , CARNETHON MERCEDES R. , JACOBS DAVID R. , LEWIS CORA E. , HORNIKEL BJOERN , REIS JARED P. , SCHREINER PAMELA J. , SHIKANY JAMES M. , WHITAKER KARA M. , SIDNEY STEPHEN
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to describe maximal and submaximal cardiorespiratory fitness from early adulthood to midlife and examine differences in maximal fitness at age 20 yr and changes in fitness overtime by subcategories of sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related factors.

Methods

Data include 5018 Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults participants (mean (SD) age, 24.8 (3.7) yr; 53.3% female; and 51.4% Black participants) who completed at least one maximal graded exercise test at baseline and/or the year 7 and 20 exams. Maximal and submaximal fitness were estimated by exercise duration and heart rate at the end of stage 2. Multivariable adjusted linear-mixed models were used to estimate fitness trajectories using age as the mechanism for time after adjustment for covariates. Fitness trajectories from ages 20 to 50 yr in 5-yr increments were estimated overall and by subgroups determined by each factor after adjustment for duration within the less favorable category.

Results

Mean (95% confidence interval) maximal fitness at age 20 and 50 yr was 613 (607–616) and 357 (350–362) s; submaximal heart rate during this period also reflected age-related fitness declines (126 (125–127) and 138 (137–138) bpm). Compared with men, women had lower maximal fitness at age 20 yr (P < 0.001), which persisted over follow-up (P < 0.001); differences were also found by race within sex strata (all P < 0.001). Differences in maximal fitness at age 20 yr were noted by socioeconomic, behavioral, and health-related status in young adulthood (all P < 0.05), which persisted over follow-up (all P < 0.001) and were generally consistent in sex-stratified analyses.

Conclusions

Targeting individuals experiencing accelerated fitness declines with tailored intervention strategies may provide an opportunity to preserve fitness throughout midlife to reduce lifetime cardiovascular disease risk.