bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cluster Capture-Recapture to Account for Identification Uncertainty on Aerial Surveys of Animal Populations
Authors: Stevenson Ben C. , Borchers David L. , Fewster Rachel M.
Published: October 2018

Capture-recapture methods for estimating wildlife population sizes almost always require their users to identify every detected animal. Many modern-day wildlife surveys detect animals without physical capture—visual detection by cameras is one such example. However, for every pair of detections, the surveyor faces a decision that is often fraught with uncertainty: are they linked to the same individual? An inability to resolve every such decision to a high degree of certainty prevents the use of standard capture-recapture methods, impeding the estimation of animal density. Here, we develop an estimator for aerial surveys, on which two planes or unmanned vehicles (drones) fly a transect over the survey region, detecting individuals via high-definition cameras. Identities remain unknown, so one cannot discern if two detections match to the same animal; however, detections in close proximity are more likely to match. By modeling detection locations as a clustered point process, we extend recently developed methodology and propose a precise and computationally efficient estimator of animal density that does not require individual identification. We illustrate the method with an aerial survey of porpoise, on which cameras detect individuals at the surface of the sea, and we need to take account of the fact that they are not always at the surface.
Metabolic covariance networks combining graph theory measuring aberrant topological patterns in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Wang Kai‐Liang , Hu Wei , Liu Ting‐Hong , Zhao Xiao‐Bin , Han Chun‐Lei , Xia Xiao‐Tong , Zhang Jian‐Guo , Wang Feng , Meng Fan‐Gang
Published: October 2018

Objective

We aimed to study the networks’ mechanism of metabolic covariance networks in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE), through examining the brain value of fluorine‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET).

Methods

18F‐FDG‐PET images from 16 patients with mTLE were analyzed using local and global metabolic covariance network (MCN) approaches, including whole metabolic pattern analysis (WMPA), hippocampus‐based (h‐) MCN, whole brain (w‐) MCN, and edge‐based connectivity analysis (EBCA).

Results

WMPA showed a typical ipsilateral hypometabolism and contralateral hypermetabolism pattern to epileptic zones in mTLE. h‐MCN revealed decreased hippocampus‐based synchronization in contralateral regions. w‐MCN exhibited a disrupted metabolic network with globally increased small‐world properties and regionally decreased nodal metrics in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Hippocampus (h)‐EBCA and whole brain EBCA (w‐EBCA) both detected a reduced‐connectivity dominated metabolic covariant network. Moreover, the reduced interhemisphere connectivity seemingly played a major role in the aberrant epileptic topological pattern.

Conclusion

From a metabolic point of view, we demonstrated the damaging effects with reduced contralateral intranetwork metrics properties and the compensatory effects in contralateral intranetworks with increased network properties. However, the import role of significant reduced interhemisphere connection has rarely been reported in other mTLE studies. Taken together, 18F‐FDG‐PET MCN analysis provides new evidence that the mTLE is a system neurological disorder with disrupted networks.
Dermatological aspects of the S2k guidelines on Down syndrome in childhood and adolescence
Authors: Fölster‐Holst Regina , Rohrer Tilman , Jung Anna‐Maria
Published: October 2018

With an incidence of 1 in 700 births, Down syndrome (DS) is not an uncommon condition. It is associated with various disorders of different organ systems. Serious disorders include cardiac defects and leukemia. With an onset during the newborn period, the latter does not always progress to classic myeloid leukemia (transient myeloproliferative disorder). Skin manifestations in newborns include pustules/vesiculopustules. In individuals with DS, such lesions should not only prompt suspicion for typical neonatal rashes and infections but also for transient myeloproliferative disorder.

However, most dermatoses are benign. They essentially comprise disorders of keratinization that present as xerosis, keratosis pilaris, lichenification, and ichthyosis vulgaris. Also typical but not specific is the four‐finger palmar crease (simian crease). Patients frequently develop folliculitides, which – due to elastolysis – subsequently progress to anetoderma. The known immune disturbance in DS patients explains the occurrence of autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata and vitiligo. Typical skin conditions associated with DS include elastosis perforans serpiginosa, syringomas, milia‐like calcinosis cutis, and multiple eruptive dermatofibromas.
Applying ambiguous loss theory to children of parents with an opioid use disorder
Authors: Mechling Brandy M. , Ahern Nancy R. , Palumbo Ruthanne
Published: October 2018

Problem

Opioid use disorder (OUD) has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Children of parents with OUD are an unrepresented population, who often suffer consequences from their parent's substance abuse disorder. Such children may incur numerous psychosocial and physical losses. Without intervention, they are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness and/or substance use disorder (SUD).

Methods

This paper examines the experiences of children of parents with OUD using Boss's theory of ambiguous loss (AL) as a lens.

Findings

Children growing up with a parent who has an OUD experience AL through that parent's physical absence and psychological presence (e.g., the parent is out opioid‐seeking or in rehab or jail) and psychological absence but physical presence (e.g., the parent is high or in withdrawal, or is preoccupied with obtaining opioids). Evidence supports the fact that OUDs affect parenting, produce changes in the parent–child relationship, and often impact child development. Interventions that are child‐focused are lacking.

Conclusions

The application of AL theory to this problem can enhance health professionals’ understanding and need for developmentally specific interventions to care for this population. Interventions should focus on diminishing stigma and promoting psychosocial wellness and resiliency for children of parents with an OUD.
Emotional and behavioral problems among Jordanian adolescents: Prevalence and associations with academic achievement
Authors: Atoum Maysoun , Alhussami Mahmoud , Rayan Ahmad
Published: October 2018

Background

Mental health concerns are important for adolescent’s general wellbeing and they can be associated with their ability to function effectively in various aspects of their daily life.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to identify emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) among Jordanian adolescents and their association with academic outcomes.

Methods

A descriptive correlational design was used. A total of 810 adolescents participated in the study and completed the demographic survey and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The grade point average (GPA) was used as an indicator of the academic achievement. The GPA was correlated with the SDQ scores to identify the relationship between the EBD and academic achievement.

Results

About 11.7% of the participants had psychological and behavioral problems. The most commonly reported problems were emotional symptoms (14.2%), conduct problems (12.5%), and hyperactivity (7.5%). There was a significant difference in psychological and behavioral problems according to the participants’ gender. There was a signiﬁcant negative relationship between the SDQ scores and the GPA.

Conclusion

There is a need to identify adolescents at risk of emotional and behavioral difficulties and refer them to appropriate care and support, which in turn would improve their academic achievement.
Implementing a salutogenic treatment model in a clinical setting of emergency child and adolescent psychiatry in Sweden
Authors: Johansson Björn Axel , Pettersson Kajsa , Tydesten Katarina , Lindgren Anna , Andersson Claes
Published: October 2018

Problem

Emergency care in child and adolescent psychiatry often lacks a coherent treatment model. This study reports on the development and implementation of a salutogenic treatment model at the Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Emergency Unit in Malmö, Sweden.

Methods

The development and implementation involved all staff categories and was guided by a recognized authority on salutogenesis. Generalized resistance resources (GRR) were identified that could be implemented at the unit to improve patients’ sense of coherence.

Findings

Eight GRR were developed and implemented at the unit. During the 6‐month period following the implementation, patients (n = 41) and parents reported satisfaction with the treatment, while mental health improved between admission and discharge, and both treatment length and readmission rates were reduced.

Conclusion

A salutogenic treatment model involving GRR seems to be a promising approach in child and adolescent psychiatric emergency treatment.
Discordance in risk factors for the progression of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Song Ki‐Ho , Jeong Jee‐Sun , Kim Mee Kyoung , Kwon Hyuk‐Sang , Baek Ki‐Hyun , Ko Seung‐Hyun , Ahn Yu‐Bae
Published: October 2018

Aims/Introduction

We aimed to investigate whether there are differences in the risk factors or markers for the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

We carried out a 3‐year retrospective cohort study of 604 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The outcomes were the progression of DR (worsening of the DR stage) and DN (an estimated glomerular filtration rate decline >12%) at the 3‐year follow up. The mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level and HbA1c variability (HbA1c‐VAR) were calculated.

Results

The mean HbA1c and HbA1c‐VAR levels were higher in the DR progressors (n = 67) than in the DR non‐progressors (n = 537). The mean HbA1c was a significant predictor for DR progression independent of the duration of diabetes and HbA1c‐VAR levels. The urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio at baseline and HbA1c‐VAR levels were higher in the DN progressors (n = 34) than in the DN non‐progressors (n = 570). The triglyceride to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio at baseline tended to be higher in the DN progressors than in the DN non‐progressors. HbA1c‐VAR levels and the triglyceride‐to‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio were significant predictors for DN progression independent of estimated glomerular filtration rate and the urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio.

Conclusions

Average glycemia was significantly associated with progression of DR, whereas glycemic variability and dyslipidemia were significantly associated with progression of DN in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A Simple Screening Tool to Predict Outcomes in Older Adults Undergoing Emergency General Surgery
Authors: Zattoni Davide , Montroni Isacco , Saur Nicole Marie , Garutti Anna , Bacchi Reggiani Maria Letizia , Galetti Caterina , Calogero Pietro , Tonini Valeria
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To determine whether the Flemish version of the Triage Risk Screening Tool (fTRST) can be used to accurately assess frailty in an emergency setting.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

of a tertiary referral hospital.

Patients

All individuals aged 70 and older consecutively admitted to the emergency surgery unit with an urgent need for abdominal surgery between December 2015 and May 2016 who met inclusion criteria (N=110).

Measurements

Individuals were screened with the fTRST and additional metrics such as the age‐adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index and American Society of Anesthesiology score. Thirty‐ and 90‐day postoperative complications where recorded. Regression analyses were performed to identify possible preoperative predictors of adverse outcomes.

Results

Thirty‐day major complications (Clavien‐Dindo Classification 3–5) occurred in 28.2% of participants (n=31). fTRST had the highest correlation with major complications (odds ratio (OR) = 7.42). All participants who died within 30 days of surgery has a fTRST score of 2 or greater (area under the receiver operating curve (AUC)=71.3). When risk factors for overall 90‐day mortality were analyzed, a fTRST score of 2 or greater had sensitivity of 96% (95% confidence interval CI=79.6–99.9%), specificity of 43.5% (95% CI=32.8–54.7%) (AUC=69.8%; OR=18.50, 95% CI=2.39–143.11, p = .005). The average length of hospital stay was more than twice as long in the group with a fTRST score of 2 or greater (15.2 days) than in those with a score less than 2 (6.6 days) (p = .005).

Conclusion

The fTRST is an effective tool to predict mortality, morbidity, and length of stay after emergency surgery and can therefore be used to anticipate postoperative course, determine care goals, and plan for involvement of a dedicated geriatric care team. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:309–316, 2019.
Mood Swings and Business Cycles: Evidence from Sign Restrictions
Authors: NAM DEOKWOO , WANG JIAN
Published: October 2018

This paper provides new evidence that bouts of optimism and pessimism are an important source of U.S. business cycles, using the identification schemes based on sign restrictions. We document that identified optimism and pessimism shocks account for about 30% of U.S. business‐cycle fluctuations in hours and output. In addition, our empirical findings are consistent with the intensive‐ and extensive‐margin adjustments in the U.S. labor market over business cycles, providing further support to optimism shocks being an important source of U.S. business cycles. The identified optimism shocks are at least partially rational as total factor productivity is found to rise 8–12 quarters after an initial bout of optimism. While this later finding is consistent with some previous findings in the news shock literature, we cannot rule out that such episodes reflect self‐fulfilling beliefs.
Sparse Signals in the Cross‐Section of Returns
Authors: CHINCO ALEX , CLARK‐JOSEPH ADAM D. , YE MAO
Published: October 2018

This paper applies the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) to make rolling one‐minute‐ahead return forecasts using the entire cross‐section of lagged returns as candidate predictors. The LASSO increases both out‐of‐sample fit and forecast‐implied Sharpe ratios. This out‐of‐sample success comes from identifying predictors that are unexpected, short‐lived, and sparse. Although the LASSO uses a statistical rule rather than economic intuition to identify predictors, the predictors it identifies are nevertheless associated with economically meaningful events: the LASSO tends to identify as predictors stocks with news about fundamentals.
Anti-alcohol liver disease effect of Gentianae macrophyllae extract through MAPK/JNK/p38 pathway
Authors: Cui Yulei , Jiang Lei , Shao Yun , Mei Lijuan , Tao Yanduo
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The hepatoprotective effect of Gentianae macrophyllae root extract (GME) on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) was evaluated through ethanol induced ALD animal model.

Methods

Mice were randomly divided into control normal group (10 mice), ethanol-induced ALD model group (10 mice) and GME plus ethanol group (30 mice). Mice in model group were given intragastric administration with 50% (v/v) ethanol aqueous solution (200 μl for each) once daily for 19 days. Mice in control normal group received equal volumes of water. Mice in GME plus ethanol group were given intragastric administration with 50% (v/v) ethanol aqueous solution (200 μl for each) once daily at 10:00 a.m., after 1 h, mice in GME group sequentially were treated with 20, 40 and 100 mg/kg of GME by gastric gavage for 19 days. the average food and water consumed by the mice in every group were recorded every 2 days and body weight of every mouse in every group was measured every 2 days.

Key findings

Results showed that GME significantly improved alcohol induced liver injury in a dose-dependent manner. The impaired hepatic tissue structure was repaired and the collagen deposition declined after GME administration. Meanwhile, the level of malonaldehyde (MDA), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) (indicators of liver damage) in blood serum were significantly controlled by GME with a dose-dependent manner, moreover, body weight and liver index were also improved after administration of GME. Pro-inflammatory cytokines including MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 were detected through RT-PCR and ELISA in experiment and GME can significantly inhibit the expression of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 but have no effect on MCP-1. In order to explore the mechanism of GME on ALD, MAPKs pathway was examined and results indicated that GME attenuated ALD through inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK and P38 and further suppressing the initiation of inflammation.

Conclusions

GME attenuated ALD through inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK and P38 and further suppressing the initiation of inflammation.
Tempo‐spatial land use/cover change in Zeway, Ketar and Bulbula sub‐basins, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Dejene , Kibret Kibebew , Beyene Sheleme
Published: October 2018

Understanding tempo‐spatial dynamics of land‐use/cover (LULC) and its drivers is instrumental in synthesizing knowledge for informed natural resource management planning and associated decisions. The present study investigates tempo‐spatial LULC changes, their drivers and the associated impacts in three sub‐basins (Zeway, Ketar and Bulbula) in the Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia. Satellite imageries of different periods in ArcGIS, field observations, focus group discussions (FGDs) and secondary data were used to analyse the LULC dynamics, their drivers and associated impacts from 1973 to 2014. The overall accuracy of 1973, 2003 and 2014 classification maps was 88.7%, 88.9% and 91.6%, respectively. The analysis results revealed a continuous increase of farmland and town built‐up areas at the expense of grasslands, shrub‐bush land and woodlands. It further indicated area of open irrigated agriculture, increasing from none to 2.61% of the total area. The FGDs demonstrated agricultural land expansion, resettlement and wood extraction were proximate causes of the observed LULC changes. Population increases, changes in land tenure system and decreased farmland productivity were determined to be the underlying causes of the changes. The FGDs further indicated these changes have negatively affected the natural resources. The present study findings indicate the need to reconsider land‐use decision tradeoffs between economic, social and environmental demands, and their implications for other similar areas in Ethiopia and beyond. Quantitative analysis and periodic evaluation of the drivers of such change and the impacts of existing and emerging land‐uses in the face of changing climate is recommended to facilitate sustainable use of the fragile ecosystems in the Ethiopian CRV.
Perspectives in renal replacement therapy: Haemodialysis
Authors: Liew Adrian
Published: October 2018

Haemodialysis (HD) was the first procedure that had demonstrated the ability to partially replace renal function, and became the most widely utilized treatment for patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). In a great majority of countries around the world, conventional in‐centre HD had become the predominant renal replacement therapy, being touted as able to achieve better solute clearance and more successful in attaining euvolemia than patients on peritoneal dialysis. This is despite the antecedent hemodynamic risks, more rapid loss of residual renal function, greater infectious perils, excessive erythropoietin requirements and higher infrastructure costs. In addition, quality of life had been suggested to be worse among patients on HD, though this had been challenged repeatedly. Consequently, the concept of integrated ESRD care over the last few decades had placed HD, as a complementary rather than a competitive treatment modality to the entire armamentarium of renal replacement therapies. Incorporating HD as part of integrated care into health‐care policies and national resource planning will become an essential strategy in improving access and outcome to care among the ESRD population. The improvement in technologies and innovation in prescription had brought forth enhanced dialyzer membrane and machine upgrades, and expanded modalities including more frequent HD and haemodiafiltration. While boasting of controversial improvement in outcomes, many of these therapies remain expensive and insurmountable for widespread utility in many countries. In addition, the results of these new technologies had been conflicting across studies, with some even suggesting that they could be detrimental. Therefore, judicial consideration has to be undertaken to appropriate their use in clinical practice.
Bioinformatic analysis reveals novel hub genes and pathways associated with hypertensive nephropathy
Authors: Chen Xiaolei , Cao Yiling , Wang Zheng , Zhang Dongmei , Tang Wanxin
Published: October 2018

Aim

Hypertensive nephropathy (HTN) is one of the leading causes of end‐stage renal disease and is closely associated with inflammation and tubule‐interstitial fibrosis. The molecular mechanism underlying HTN remains unclear. This study used bioinformatic analysis to identify the novel gene targets for HTN.

Methods

We downloaded the microarray data of GSE99325 and GSE32591 from Gene Expression Omnibus. The dataset comprised 20 HTN and 15 normal samples. The differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified, and then gene ontology (GO) enrichment was performed, and a GO tree was constructed by using clusterProfiler and ClueGO. In addition, a protein–protein interaction network was established using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database and visualized by Cytoscape. The novel hub genes were validated in in vitro experiments.

Results

A total of 267 genes (117 up‐regulated and 150 down‐regulated genes) were identified as DEG. GO analysis and the GO tree indicated that the DEG were mainly associated with steroid hormone response and the extracellular matrix. Based on the protein–protein interaction network, we screened out several novel hub genes. Considering the findings and the literature review, we focused on and validated the dual specificity phosphatase 1, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1, fos proto‐oncogene and jun proto‐oncogenes, which may play significant roles in the pathogenesis of HTN. These findings were consistent with the bioinformatic results for the in vitro validation.

Conclusion

This study identified for the first time novel hub genes with microarray data in HTN by using bioinformatic analysis and provided novel evidence and clues for future works.
The effect of energy and urbanisation on carbon dioxide emissions: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Kwakwa Paul Adjei , Alhassan Hamdiyah
Published: October 2018

Concerned with the declining trend of renewable energy consumption as well as a change in the energy mix for electricity production amidst growing urban population and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Ghana, this study examines the effect of urbanisation and energy on carbon dioxide emissions in Ghana within the framework of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) Hypothesis over the period 1971–2013. Estimation results from Fully Modified OLS confirm the presence of the EKC hypothesis over the period for Ghana. In addition, combustible renewables and waste consumption, electricity production from hydro and trade openness are found to reduce carbon dioxide emission while fossil fuel consumption, electricity production from fossil fuels, urbanisation and industrialisation increase carbon dioxide emission for Ghana. The study again finds that an interaction between urbanisation and combustible renewables and waste consumption, however, has a positive effect on CO2 while the interaction between urbanisation and fossil fuel consumption has a negative effect. Further analysis using the Engel–Granger causality test, the variance decomposition and impulse response functions are embarked. The outcome of the study implies the need to pursue the implementation of the low‐carbon development strategy.
Brief teaching sessions change behaviour in A&E
Authors: Grant Alexander , Stuttard Matthew , Mitchell Thomas
Published: October 2018

Background

The Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) is a busy environment that requires time‐ and resource‐efficient teaching. Managing cervical spine (c‐spine) trauma is often an unfamiliar skill for new doctors starting work in A&E. This study investigated the efficacy of brief teaching interventions in changing clinician behaviour within A&E.

The Accident and Emergency Department is a busy environment that requires time‐ and resource‐efficient teaching

Methods

Data for 482 patients receiving c‐spine computed tomography (CT) imaging in two Gloucestershire A&Es before and after multimodal departmental teaching were compared. Time taken to CT, indication for CT scan and presence of bony injury were manually recorded from patient management software.

Results

Following the provision of teaching, the proportion of CT scans performed within 1 hour did not significantly change, from 31% before teaching to 37.6% after teaching (p = 0.133); however, the mean number of c‐spine CT scans performed per week rose from 14.50 to 23.25 (p = 0.0001), and the mean number of CT scans performed per week within 1 hour rose from 4.50 to 8.75 (p ≤ 0.001). There was no reduction in the quality of these scans, with the proportion detecting bony injury remaining constant, and there was no increase in the proportion of scans not indicated by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that brief, low‐resource teaching can be associated with a positive change in clinician behaviour. This intervention was straightforward to implement and is likely to be transferable to other guideline‐driven investigations. Limitations include the patient cohort being proportionately older than that found in major trauma centres, and a lack of data on patients in whom CT scans were indicated but not performed.
Ventilatory constraints influence physiological dead space in heart failure
Authors: Smith Joshua R. , Olson Thomas P.
Published: October 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of alterations in tidal volume and alveolar volume on the elevated physiological dead space and the contribution of ventilatory constraints thereof in heart failure patients during submaximal exercise.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We found that physiological dead space was elevated in heart failure via reduced tidal volume and alveolar volume. Furthermore, the degree of ventilatory constraints was associated with physiological dead space and alveolar volume.

Patients who have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) exhibit impaired ventilatory efficiency [i.e. greater ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide () slope] and elevated physiological dead space (VD/VT). However, the impact of breathing strategy on VD/VT during submaximal exercise in HFrEF is unclear. The HFrEF (n = 9) and control (CTL, n = 9) participants performed constant‐load cycling exercise at similar ventilation (). Inspiratory capacity, operating lung volumes and arterial blood gases were measured during submaximal exercise. Arterial blood gases were used to derive VD/VT, alveolar volume, dead space volume, alveolar ventilation and dead space ventilation. During submaximal exercise, HFrEF patients had greater slope and VD/VT than CTL subjects (P = 0.01). At similar , HFrEF patients had smaller tidal volumes and alveolar volumes (HFrEF 1.11 ± 0.33 litres versus CTL 1.66 ± 0.37 litres; both P ≤ 0.01), whereas dead space volume was not different (P = 0.47). The augmented breathing frequency in HFrEF patients resulted in greater dead space ventilation compared with CTL subjects (HFrEF 15 ± 4 l min−1 versus CTL 10 ± 5 l min−1; P = 0.048). The HFrEF patients exhibited greater increases in expiratory reserve volume and lower inspiratory capacity (as a percentage of predicted) than CTL subjects (both P < 0.05), which were significantly related to VD/VT and alveolar volume in HFrEF patients (all P < 0.03). In HFrEF, the reduced tidal volume and alveolar volume elevate physiological dead space during submaximal exercise, which is worsened in those with the greatest ventilatory constraints. These findings highlight the negative consequences of ventilatory constraints on physiological dead space during submaximal exercise in HFrEF.
The Magnitude of Rapid Weight Loss and Rapid Weight Gain in Combat Sport Athletes Preparing for Competition: A Systematic Review
Authors: Matthews Joseph J. , Stanhope Edward N. , Godwin Mark S. , Holmes Matthew E.J. , Artioli Guilherme G.
Published: October 2018

Combat sport athletes typically engage in a process called making weight, characterized by rapid weight loss (RWL) and subsequent rapid weight gain (RWG) in the days preceding competition. These practices differ across each sport, but no systematic comparison of the size of the changes in body mass exists. The aim was to determine the magnitude of RWL and RWG in combat sport athletes preparing for competition. The review protocol was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42017055279). In eligible studies, athletes prepared habitually with a RWL period ≤7 days preceding competition. An electronic search of EBSCOhost (CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus) and PubMed Central was performed up to July 2018. Sixteen full-text studies (total 4,432 participants; 156 females and 4,276 males) were included, providing data from five combat sports (boxing, judo, mixed martial arts, taekwondo, and wrestling). Three studies reported RWL and 14 studies reported RWG. Duration permitted for RWG ranged 3–32 hr. The largest changes in body mass occurred in two separate mixed martial arts cohorts (RWL: 7.4 ± 1.1 kg [∼10%] and RWG: 7.4 ± 2.8 kg [11.7% ± 4.7%]). The magnitude of RWG appears to be influenced by the type of sport, competition structure, and recovery duration permitted. A cause for concern is the lack of objective data quantifying the magnitude of RWL. There is insufficient evidence to substantiate the use of RWG as a proxy for RWL, and little data are available in females. By engaging in RWG, athletes are able to exploit the rules to compete up to three weight categories higher than at the official weigh-in.
Relationship Between Various Training-Load Measures in Elite Cyclists During Training, Road Races, and Time Trials
Authors: van Erp Teun , Foster Carl , de Koning Jos J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose:The relationship between various training-load (TL) measures in professional cycling is not well explored. This study investigated the relationship between mechanical energy spent (in kilojoules), session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), Lucia training impulse (LuTRIMP), and training stress score (TSS) in training, races, and time trials (TT).Methods:For 4 consecutive years, field data were collected from 21 professional cyclists and categorized as being collected in training, racing, or TTs. Kilojoules (kJ) spent, sRPE, LuTRIMP, and TSS were calculated, and the correlations between the various TLs were made.Results:11,655 sessions were collected, from which 7596 sessions had heart-rate data and 5445 sessions had an RPE score available. Therbetween the various TLs during training was almost perfect. Therbetween the various TLs during racing was almost perfect or very large. Therbetween the various TLs during TTs was almost perfect or very large. For all relationships between TSS and 1 of the other measurements of TL (kJ spent, sRPE, and LuTRIMP), a significant different slope was found.Conclusion:kJ spent, sRPE, LuTRIMP, and TSS all have a large or almost perfect relationship with each other during training, racing, and TTs, but during racing, both sRPE and LuTRIMP have a weaker relationship with kJ spent and TSS. Furthermore, the significant different slope of TSS vs the other measurements of TL during training and racing has the effect that TSS collected in training and road races differs by 120%, whereas the other measurements of TL (kJ spent, sRPE, and LuTRIMP) differ by only 73%, 67%, and 68%, respectively.
Validity of the Open Barbell and Tendo Weightlifting Analyzer Systems Versus the Optotrak Certus 3D Motion-Capture System for Barbell Velocity
Authors: Goldsmith Jacob A. , Trepeck Cameron , Halle Jessica L. , Mendez Kristin M. , Klemp Alex , Cooke Daniel M. , Haischer Michael H. , Byrnes Ryan K. , Zoeller Robert F. , Whitehurst Michael , Zourdos Michael C.
Published: October 2018

Purpose: To examine the validity of 2 linear position transducers, the Tendo Weightlifting Analyzer System (TWAS) and Open Barbell System (OBS), compared with a criterion device, the Optotrak Certus 3-dimensional motion-capture system (OC3D). Methods: A total of 25 men (age, 25 [3] y; height, 174.0 [6.7] cm; body mass, 89.0 [14.7] kg; squat 1-repetition maximum [1RM], 175.8 [34.7] kg) with ≥2 y of resistance-training experience completed a back 1RM and 1 set to failure at 70% of 1RM. Average concentric velocity (ACV) and peak concentric velocity (PCV) were recorded by all 3 devices during the final warm-up set, all 1RM attempts, and every repetition during the 70% set. Results: In total, 575 samples were obtained. Bland–Altman plots, mountain plots, a 1-way analysis of variance, SEM, and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to analyze validity. The analysis of variance showed no difference (P = .089) between devices for ACV. However, for PCV, TWAS was significantly different (ie, inaccurate) from OC3D (P < .001) and OBS (P = .001), but OBS was similar (P = .412) to OC3D. For ACV, intraclass correlation coefficients were higher for OBS than for TWAS. Bland–Altman plots showed agreement for ACV for both devices against OC3D but large limits of agreement for PCV for both devices. Mountain plots showed valid ACV for both devices, however, but slightly greater ACV and PCV accuracy with OBS than TWAS. Conclusions: Both devices may provide valid ACV measurements, but some metrics suggest more accurate ACV with OBS vs TWAS. For PCV, neither device is particularly accurate; however, OBS seems to be more accurate than TWAS.
Physical Activity Attitudes, Preferences, and Experiences of Regionally-Based Australia Adults Aged 65 Years and Older
Authors: Samra Pamela K. , Rebar Amanda L. , Parkinson Lynne , van Uffelen Jannique G.Z. , Schoeppe Stephanie , Power Deborah , Schneiders Anthony , Vandelanotte Corneel , Alley Stephanie
Published: October 2018

An understanding of physical activity attitudes, preferences, and experiences in older adults is important for informing interventions. Focus groups were conducted with 46 regionally-based Australian adults aged 65 years and older, who were not currently meeting activity recommendations. Content analysis revealed that participants mainly engaged in incidental activities such as gardening and household chores rather than planned exercise; however, leisure-time walking was also mentioned frequently. Although participants valued the physical and mental health benefits of physical activity, they reported being restricted by poor physical health, extreme weather, and fear of injury. Participants were interested in exercise groups and physical activity programs tailored to their existing physical health. The majority of participants reported preferring to be active with others. The findings from this study are useful in for informing future interventions specifically tailored to the needs of older adults in Australia.
Recent Ankle Injury, Sport Participation Level, and Tests of Proprioception
Authors: Steinberg Nili , Adams Roger , Ayalon Moshe , Dotan Nadav , Bretter Shiri , Waddington Gordon
Published: October 2018

Objective: Assessing the effects of ankle injury and sport participation level on ankle proprioceptive sensitivity using a joint position reproduction (JPR) test and an inversion movement extent discrimination test. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Biomechanics lab. Participants: Forty-five student athletes ages 21–30 (mean = 24.8 y). Main Outcome Measures: Participants were tested for ankle inversion sensitivity using 2 devices; movement reproduction error was obtained from JPR in a non-weight-bearing (N-WB) state at 10° and 15° of inversion, and an ankle proprioceptive sensitivity score was obtained from the active movement extent discrimination apparatus (AMEDA), representing the ability to differentiate 5 inversion movement extents between 10.5° and 14.5°, with testing in both N-WB and weight-bearing (WB) states. Results: For the 34 athletes with no ankle injury in the previous 12 months, the sensitivity scores achieved on the AMEDA were significantly higher (P < .01) than those for the 11 athletes with ankle injury, and the injury effect was significantly greater in WB (P = .01). In JPR testing, the 2.96° error of reproduction for athletes with no recent ankle injury was not significantly different from the 3.36° error for those with ankle injury (P = .46). Correlation of current sport participation level with JPR showed less error for higher-level performers (r = .49, P = .001) but no significant relationship to WB or N-WB AMEDA scores (both P > .61). WB AMEDA scores were significantly higher for athletes who had competed at a higher level of sport competition when <18 years old (r = −.57, P < .001). Conclusions: Previous ankle sprains affected proprioceptive scores on the WB AMEDA and N-WB AMEDA tests, indicating the sensitivity of the AMEDA movement discrimination test to the effects of ankle injury. The correlation between JPR scores and current level of sport participation suggests the sensitivity of the JPR test to current ankle use.
Preclinical pharmacokinetics and distribution to tissue of AG1343, an inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease
Authors: Shetty B V , Kosa M B , Khalil D A , Webber S
Published: October 2018

AG1343, a potent inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease (Ki = 2 nM), was designed by protein structure-based drug design techniques. AG1343 has potent antiviral activity (95% effective dose = 0.04 microgram/ml) against a number of HIV-1 strains in acute and chronic models of infection. As part of its preclinical development, the oral bioavailability of AG1343 in rats, dogs, monkeys, and marmosets was determined and its tissue distribution in rats was evaluated. There were no major interspecies differences in AG1343 pharmacokinetics. Following intravenous administration, the elimination half-life of AG1343 ranged from 1 to 1.4 hr. The total volume of distribution (2 to 7 liters/kg) exceeded the volume of total body water, indicating extensive tissue distribution. Systemic clearance of AG1343 (1 to 4 liters/kg) in the different species corresponded to hepatic blood flow, suggesting possible hepatic involvement in the elimination of AG1343. Following oral administration, peak levels in plasma ranged from 0.34 microgram/ml after treatment with 10 mg/kg of body weight in the dog to 1.7 micrograms/ml after dosing with 50 mg/kg in the rat. Because of the slow absorption of AG1343, plasma concentrations of AG1343 exceeding that required for 95% inhibition of HIV-1 replication were maintained for up to 7 h after a single oral dose in all species evaluated. Average oral bioavailability of AG1343 ranged from 17% in the marmoset to 47% in the dog. Studies of distribution to tissue in the rat after oral administration of 14C-AG1343 established extensive distribution with concentrations in most tissues exceeding that found in plasma. Of particular significance were high levels of AG1343 equivalent in mesenteric lymph nodes (32.05 micrograms/g) and spleen tissue (9.33 micrograms/g). The major excretory route for AG1343 was via feces, with 100% of the dose recovered by 48 h. Results from these studies demonstrate that AG1343 is orally bioavailable and that levels in plasma in the therapeutic range are achievable and are maintained for prolonged periods in the animal models tested. On the basis of these and other findings, AG1343 was developed for further testing in human subjects.
Antibacterial activity of a synthetic peptide (PR-26) derived from PR-39, a proline-arginine-rich neutrophil antimicrobial peptide
Authors: Shi J , Ross C R , Chengappa M M , Sylte M J , McVey D S , Blecha F
Published: October 2018

PR-39 is a proline-arginine-rich (PR) neutrophil antibacterial peptide originally identified and purified from the porcine small intestine. We report on the synthesis of a functional antibacterial domain of PR-39, the first 26 amino acid residues of the NH2 terminus. PR-26 was as potent as or more potent than PR-39 against enteric gram-negative bacteria. This truncated form of PR-39 potentiated neutrophil phagocytosis of Salmonella choleraesuis and decreased the level of S. typhimurium invasion into intestinal epithelial cells. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that these peptides did not lyse cells by pore-forming mechanisms; however, they potentiated the antibacterial capabilities of a pore-forming peptide, magainin A. In addition, PR-26 was not toxic to epithelial cells at concentrations several times greater than its bactericidal concentration. These data suggest that PR-39 and its functional domain, PR-26, may potentiate the host's defense capabilities against gram-negative infections.
Effects of nifedipine, metronidazole, and nitric oxide donors on spore germination and cell culture infection of the microsporidia Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon intestinalis
Authors: He Q , Leitch G J , Visvesvara G S , Wallace S
Published: October 2018

Two species of microsporidia, Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon intestinalis, were isolated from AIDS patients and cultured in green monkey kidney cells. A spore germination assay and a cultured-cell infection assay were used to test the efficacy of candidate antiparasitic agents. The calcium channel blocker nifedipine, metronidazole, and two nitric oxide (NO) donors, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and sodium nitroprusside, were tested in the two assays. Nifedipine (10(-8) M) significantly inhibited E. hellem spore germination in three of four germination media. Metronidazole (10(-5) M) inhibited germination weakly and significantly inhibited E. intestinalis germination in a single germination medium. The inhibitory effect of nifedipine and metronidazole used together was greater than the sum of the effects of the drugs used alone in all E. hellem germination assays. The NO donors also inhibited spore germination. The inhibitory effect of nifedipine and metronidazole could be reversed by washing the spores, while that of the NO donors was not reversible. In early cultured-cell infections, both nifedipine (10(-8) M) and metronidazole (10(-5) M) significantly reduced the number of cells being infected. As the infection spread, these agents were less effective. Some inhibition of the spread of the infection was also demonstrated with the NO donors at a concentration (10(-5) M) not obviously toxic to the cultured cells. These data suggest that combination drug therapy targeting spore germination and intracellular parasite development is promising.
High doses of cefotaxime in treatment of adult meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae with decreased susceptibilities to broad-spectrum cephalosporins
Authors: Viladrich P F , Cabellos C , Pallares R , Tubau F , Martínez-Lacasa J , Liñares J , Gudiol F
Published: October 2018

We treated nine patients (10 episodes) with meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates with decreased susceptibilities to broad-spectrum cephalosporins with high doses of cefotaxime (300 mg/kg of body weight per day; maximum dose, 24 g/day). Early adjunctive therapy with dexamethasone was also administered. Cefotaxime MICs were 0.5 (three episodes), 1 (five episodes), and 2 (two episodes) micrograms/ml, and MBCs ranged from 1 to 4 micrograms/ml. Therapy was well tolerated, and all patients experienced prompt clinical improvement. One patient died 8 days after the end of therapy, the central nervous system infection had already been cured, and the remaining patients recovered without relapses.
Cytochrome P-450 complex formation in rat liver by the antibiotic tiamulin
Authors: Witkamp R F , Nijmeijer S M , van Miert A S
Published: October 2018

Tiamulin is a semisynthetic diterpene antibiotic frequently used in farm animals. The drug has been shown to produce clinically important--often lethal--interactions with other compounds. It has been suggested that this is caused by a selective inhibition of oxidative drug metabolism via the formation of a cytochrome P-450 metabolic intermediate complex. In the present study, rats were treated orally for 6 days with tiamulin at two different doses: 40 and 226 mg/kg of body weight. For comparison, another group received 300 mg of triacetyloleandomycin (TAO) per kg, which is equivalent to the 226-mg/kg tiamulin group. Subsequently, microsomal P-450 contents, P-450 enzyme activities, metabolic intermediate complex spectra, and P-450 apoprotein concentrations were assessed. In addition, effects on individual microsomal P-450 activities were studied in control microsomes at different tiamulin and substrate concentrations. In the rats treated with tiamulin, a dose-dependent complex formation as evidenced by its absorption spectrum and an increase in cytochrome P-4503A1/2 contents as assessed by Western blotting (immunoblotting) were found. The effects were comparable to those of TAO. Tiamulin induced microsomal P-450 content, testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylation rate, erythromycin N-demethylation rate, and the ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation activity. Other activities were not affected or decreased. When tiamulin was added to microsomes of control rats, the testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylation rate and the erythromycin N-demethylation were strongly inhibited. It is concluded that tiamulin is a potent and selective inducer-inhibitor of cytochrome P-450. Though not belonging to the macrolides, the compound produces an effect on P-450 similar to those of TAO and related compounds.