bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of strontium ranelate and guided bone regeneration in osteoporotic and healthy conditions
Authors: Mardas Nikos , Dereka Xanthippi , Stavropoulos Andreas , Patel Mansi , Donos Nikolaos
Published: December 2020

Background/ objectives

SR is a chemical agent developed for the treatment of osteoporosis. In vitro, SR enhanced replication of osteoprogenitor cells and bone formation. In vivo, in ovariectomized rats SR prevented the biomechanical deterioration of bone while in non‐ovariectomized rats, enhanced bone architecture and increased trabecular and cortical bone mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SR on bone healing of calvarial critical size defects treated with a deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and a collagen barrier (CM), in healthy and osteoporotic rats.

Material and methods

Sixty‐four, 4‐month‐old Wistar female rats were used. Osteoporosis was induced by ovariectomy and calcium‐deficient diet in half of them. Sixteen ovariectomized (OSR) and 16 healthy (HSR) rats were treated with SR while no medication was administered in the remaining 16 healthy (H) and 16 ovariectomized (O) rats. At 6 weeks after ovariectomy, a 5mm defect was created in each parietal bone of every animal. One defect was treated with DBBM and CM, while the contralateral was left untreated. Qualitative and quantitative histological analysis was performed at 30 and 60 days of healing. A generalized estimating equations test was performed to evaluate the effect of SR and osteoporosis, on new bone formation (NB).

Results

After 30 days of healing, NB in the untreated defects was 3.4%±1.7%, 4.3%±6.2%, 3.2±4.5%, 15.9±23.5% in O, OSR, H and HSR groups, respectively; after 60 days, NB was 4.7%±4.3%, 11.3%±7%, 7.1%±13.2, 12.1%±13.5%, respectively. In the GBR‐treated defects, after 30 days, NB was 2.6%±1.4%, 2.4%±1.6%, 4.5%±4.1%, 10.3%±14.4% in O, OSR, H and HSR groups, respectively; after 60 days, NB was 2.2%±1.6%, 4.3%±4.2%, 7%±5.1%, 10.8%±17.4%, respectively. Osteoporosis (p=0.008) and the absence of strontium ranelate treatment (p=0.01) had a negative impact on NB.

Conclusion

SR may promote bone formation in calvarial defects in healthy and osteoporotic rats, albeit in a moderate extent.
Association of probable bruxism with periodontal status: A cross‐sectional study in patients seeking periodontal care
Authors: Bilgin Çetin Mehtap , Sezgin Yasemin , Maraş Enes , Cebeci İlker Ata
Published: December 2020

Objective

The goals of this study were to investigate the prevalence of probable bruxism in a group of patients seeking a periodontal care and the association between probable bruxism and periodontal status.

Background

The results of previous studies evaluating the relationship between bruxism and periodontitis are contradictory. In addition, the relationship between probable bruxism and periodontitis in adults has not been evaluated, yet. Therefore, new studies are required in this field to clarify the relationship between bruxism and periodontitis.

Methods

Patients seeking periodontal care at a university periodontology unit were considered in this study. Their periodontal diagnosis, number of missing teeth, presence of probable bruxism, and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. The periodontal status of each study participant was defined according to the latest consensus of the American Association of Periodontology/European Federation of Periodontology, and the 2018 consensus report on the assessment of bruxism was used to evaluate probable bruxism. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of bruxism on periodontitis.

Results

A total of 541 patients (289 females and 252 males, mean age 42.1 ± 15.9 years) were enrolled in the present study. The prevalence of probable bruxism was 36.6%. Additionally, 40.9% of the study population was diagnosed with periodontitis. The probable bruxers were older (P < 0.001), had a higher number of missing teeth (P < 0.001), and had poor periodontal status (P < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that probable bruxism was associated with periodontitis, after adjusting relevant factors (odds ratio: 2.243, 95% CI: 1.465‐3.434, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

It was observed that the prevalence of probable bruxism was 36.6% and probable bruxers showed higher odds of periodontitis. Future studies with prospective randomized design should be conducted to confirm these results among a larger study population.
Problem Solving and the Demand for Expert Information in Congress
Authors: Fagan E. J. , McGee Zachary A.
Published: December 2020

This article examines the relationship between demand for expert information from members of the US Congress and increased issue salience in the public. As problems become salient, policymakers should seek out expert information to define problems and identify effective policy solutions to address those problems. Previous work on elite mass public representation and government problem solving has relied on public actions by elected officials to evaluate this relationship. We rely instead on new data on the policy content of privately requested reports from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) from 1997 to 2017. We find strong evidence that members consult experts when issues become salient, even when controlling for legislative agendas.
Dexmedetomidine protects cardiac microvascular endothelial cells from the damage of ogd/r through regulation of the pparδ‐mediated autophagy
Authors: Shao Qingbo , Xia Jing , Wu Pinwen , Ying Jiazhou
Published: December 2020

Background

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) exerts an effective therapeutic role in numerous diseases associated with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury via its anti‑apoptosis properties. Therefore, this study explores the cardioprotective effects of Dex in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) in response to oxygen‐glucose deprivation and re‐oxygenation (OGD/R) injury and its potential mechanism.

Material and methods

CMECs were pretreatment with different concentration of Dex, then exposed to OGD/R. Cell viability was measured with CCK‐8 assay. Apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, and apoptosis‐related protein was determined by Western blot. Autophagy was assessed by transmission electron microscopy and autophagy‐related proteins. Besides, the role peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARδ) in Dex‐mediated anti‐apoptosis property was validated with agonist and antagonist.

Results

OGD/R significantly decreased cell viability, increased reactive oxygen species, caused disorder of autophagy, and increased apoptosis in CMECs. Dex enhanced the viability of the OGD/R‐treated CMECs and effectively decreased reactive oxygen species production. Autophagy in CMECs was activated by Dex, as evidenced by the increase in the ratio of LC3B‐II/I, expression level of Beclin1 and number of autophagosomes in the OGD/R‐induced CMECs. The mechanistic investigation indicated that PPARδ antagonist GW501516 aggravated cell damage following OGD/R, while PPARδ agonist GW6471 partly abolished the Dex‐mediated protective effects.

Conclusions

Dex activated the PPARδ‐AMPK‐PGC‐1α pathway‐mediated autophagy in CMECs, therefore to inhibit excessive apoptosis induced by OGD/R. Dex may potentially be a therapeutic intervention for myocardial I/R injury.
Characteristics of late recurrent candidemia in adult patients
Authors: Ala‐Houhala Mari , Anttila Veli‐Jukka
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

Candida species are one of the most common causes of health care‐associated bloodstream infections. However, recurrent candidemia is rare, and the characteristics of late recurrent (LR) candidemia are partly unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the characteristics of LR candidemia in adult patients.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in the hospital district of Helsinki and Uusimaa in Finland (2007‐2016). All candidemia cases were searched in an electronic database during the study period. Patients with LR candidemia were compared with patients with a single candidemia episode to evaluate the characteristics of LR candidemia. LR candidemia was defined as having at least two episodes of candidemia more than 30 days apart.

Results

We identified 24 episodes of LR candidemia in 20 patients. Patients with LR candidemia represented 6% of all patients with candidemia during the study period, and most of these cases were nosocomial. The median time between the first and the recurrent episode was 5.1 months. One‐year mortality in LR candidemia was 45%. Underlying gastrointestinal disease (OR 7.21, 95% CI 2.52‐20.61) and history of intra‐venous drug use (IVDU) (OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.03‐12.69) were independent risk factors for LR candidemia in the multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that the gastrointestinal tract may be a continuous source of infection in patients with chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Gastrointestinal diseases and IVDU should be regarded as risk factors for LR candidemia.
A framework for the evaluation of InsurTech
Authors: Xu Xian , Zweifel Peter
Published: December 2020

In recent years, the insurance industry has known rapid development and application of new technologies, leading to the emergence of a large number of innovative products. This constitutes a challenge for stakeholders ranging from consumers, management, investors, and on to regulators, who need to evaluate these so‐called InsurTech innovations. This study applies a modified Delphi method in combination with the Analytical Hierarchy Process of Saaty to first provide the weightings of 42 individual indicators for aggregation to 9 subdimensions, among which degree of innovation, size of potential user base, and delivery of services turn out to be the most important. These subdimensions are in turn aggregated into three main dimensions, (i) management and operations, (ii) level of technology, and (iii) user experience, which are found to have equal weight. In conclusion, this paper proposes a transparent way of evaluating InsurTech innovations that also may provide guidance for their future development.
Randomized controlled trial of 7, 28, vs 42 day stored red blood cell transfusion on oxygen delivery (VO2 max) and exercise duration
Authors: Bennett‐Guerrero Elliott , Rizwan Sabeen , Rozensky Russell , Romeiser Jamie L. , Brittelli John , Makaryus Rany , Lin Jun , Galanakis Dennis K. , Triulzi Darrell J. , Moon Richard E.
Published: December 2020

Background

Few studies have rigorously assessed the impact of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on oxygen delivery. Several large trials demonstrated no clinical outcome differences between transfusion of shorter‐storage vs prolonged‐storage RBCs. These trials did not directly assess functional measures of oxygen delivery. Therefore, it is not clear if 42‐day stored RBCs deliver oxygen as effectively as 7‐day stored RBCs.

Study Design and Methods

Leukocyte‐reduced RBCs were collected by apheresis in AS‐3. Thirty subjects were randomized (1:1:1) to receive 2 units of autologous RBCs at either 7, 28, or 42 days following donation. VO2 max testing, using a standardized protocol to exhaustion, was performed 2 days before (Monday) and 2 days after (Friday) the transfusion visit (Wednesday). The primary endpoint was the percent increase in VO2 max between Monday and Friday. The secondary endpoint was the percent change in duration of exercise for the same time points.

Results

Hemoglobin levels decreased by 2.8 ± 1.4 g/dL after donation and increased by 2.1 ± 0.6 g/dL after transfusion. This change in hemoglobin was associated with expected decreases (then increases after transfusion) in VO2 max and exercise duration. No differences were observed between 7‐day and 42‐day RBC transfusion for percent increase in median [IQR] VO2 max (10.5 [0.2‐17.3] vs 10.9 [5.7‐16.8], P = .41) or for percent increase in exercise duration (5.4 [4.1‐6.9] vs 4.9 [2.0‐7.2], P = .91), respectively. Results were similar for 28‐day RBCs and were consistent across the ITT and per‐protocol analysis populations.

Conclusion

These data indicate that 42‐day, 28‐day, and 7‐day RBCs have similar ability to deliver oxygen.
Accuracy of three‐dimensionally printed animal‐specific drill guides for implant placement in canine thoracic vertebrae: A cadaveric study
Authors: Mariani Christopher L. , Zlotnick Joshua A. , Harrysson Ola , Marcellin‐Little Denis J. , Malinak Kristen , Gavitt Ashley , Guevar Julien
Published: December 2020

Objective

To assess the accuracy of three‐dimensionally (3‐D) printed drill guides in constraining the trajectory of drill tracts for implants in canine thoracic vertebrae.

Study design

Experimental ex vivo study.

Sample population

Five canine thoracic vertebral column specimens.

Methods

Guides to constrain drill trajectories were designed on the basis of computed tomographic (CT) imaging of six thoracic vertebrae (T8‐T13) and were 3‐D printed. The guides were used to create drill tracts in these vertebrae by both an experienced and a novice surgeon, and CT imaging was repeated. The entry point and angulation of actual and planned drill tracts were compared for both surgeons. Unintended cortical violations were also assessed by using a modified Zdichavsky classification.

Results

Fifty‐eight drill tracts were created in 30 vertebrae. Mean entry point deviation was 1.4 mm (range, 0.4‐3.4), and mean angular deviation was 5.1° (range, 1.5°‐10.8°). There were no differences between surgeons in entry point deviation (P = .07) or angular deviation (P = .22). There were no unintended cortical bone violations, and all drill tracts were classified as modified Zdichavsky grade I.

Conclusion

The 3‐D printed guides used in the current study yielded drill tracts with small linear and angular errors from intended paths and 100% accuracy for placement within vertebral pedicles and bodies. This technique was conveniently used by both an experienced and a novice surgeon.

Clinical significance

This technique might be immediately applicable to clinical cases requiring thoracic vertebral stabilization and may allow safe and accurate implant placement for surgeons with varying experience levels.
The modulation of the burn wound environment by negative pressure wound therapy: Insights from the proteome
Authors: Frear Cody C. , Zang Tuo , Griffin Bronwyn R. , McPhail Steven M. , Parker Tony J. , Kimble Roy M. , Cuttle Leila
Published: December 2020

Negative pressure wound therapy has been used to promote wound healing in a variety of settings, including as an adjunct to silver‐impregnated dressings in the acute management of paediatric burns. Fluid aspirated by the negative pressure wound therapy system represents a potentially insightful research matrix for understanding the burn wound microenvironment and the intervention's biochemical mechanisms of action. The aim of this study was to characterize the proteome of wound fluid collected using negative pressure wound therapy from children with small‐area thermal burns. Samples were obtained as part of a randomized controlled trial investigating the clinical efficacy of adjunctive negative pressure wound therapy. They were compared with blister fluid specimens from paediatric burn patients matched according to demographic and injury characteristics. Protein identification and quantification were performed via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra data‐independent acquisition. Proteins and biological pathways that were unique to or enriched in negative pressure wound therapy fluid samples were evaluated using principal components, partial least squares‐discriminant, and gene ontology enrichment analyses. Eight viable samples of negative pressure wound therapy fluid were collected and analyzed with eight matched blister fluid samples. A total of 502 proteins were quantitatively profiled in the negative pressure wound therapy fluid, of which 444 (88.4%) were shared with blister fluid. Several proteins exhibited significant abundance differences between fluid types, with negative pressure wound therapy fluid showing a higher abundance of matrix metalloproteinase‐9, arginase‐1, low affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc region receptor III‐A, filamin‐A, alpha‐2‐macroglobulin, and hemoglobin subunit alpha. The results lend support to the hypothesis that negative pressure wound therapy augments wound healing through the modulation of factors involved in the inflammatory response, granulation tissue synthesis, and extracellular matrix maintenance. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD023168.
The Issue of Active Ageing and Active Old Age in the Education and Social Policy of Slovakia, Germany and Spain
Authors: Határ Ctibor , Jedličková Petra
Published: December 2020

The presented study is the output of the authors from solving the research project VEGA no. 1/0001/18 called Preparation for ageing and old age – possibilities of andragogical intervention. Based on the planned aims of the project, the authors deal with the analysis of the education and social policies of selected states of the European Union to identify those areas which are related to active ageing and active old age. Subsequently, they compare the Slovak education and social policy to foreign education and social ones on the state level, focusing on the topics of active ageing and active old age. The methodology of the research work of the authors lies in the national documents and their subsequent comparing. The authors identified common aspects of the education and social policies of the selected states of the European Union (Slovakia, Germany and Spain) in the given parameters or areas (active ageing and active old age).
Intergenerational Relationships Between Preschool Children and the Elderly
Authors: Tallová Barbora
Published: December 2020

In the context of demographic ageing of the population, it is necessary to focus more systematically on the elderly and the relationship between society and people of this age category. This article presents the topic of intergenerational relationships; it specifically focuses on the relationship between preschool children and the elderly. The aim of the article is to introduce the topic of intergenerational relationships with a focus on the relationships between preschool children and the elderly, analyze the current state of knowledge in the field of intergenerational relationships and specify the possibilities of developing intergenerational relationships between these groups of people. For this purpose, it is necessary to create intergenerational programs, but it is also essential to form positive attitudes in the family.
Digitální kompetence v transdisciplinárním nahlédnutí: mezi filosofií, sociologií, pedagogikou a informační vědou
Authors: Novotný Petr , Dvořáková Miroslava
Published: December 2020

ČERNÝ, M. 2019. Digitální kompetence v transdisciplinárním nahlédnutí: mezi filosofií, sociologií, pedagogikou a informační vědou. Brno: Masarykova univerzita. 190 s. ISBN 978-80-210-9330-0.
Cost optimization of reinforced concrete frames using genetic algorithms
Authors: Habte Bedilu , Yilma Elias
Published: December 2020

Cost optimization of reinforced concrete building frames using genetic algorithms is presented. Unlike previous works that used simplified discrete or continuous optimization models, this work considers constructability issues as well as the effects of shear and torsional actions in the design optimization of reinforced concrete frames. An integrated software system has been developed to implement the proposed optimization procedure using genetic algorithms. Examples have been incorporated in order to compare the results from the proposed study with that of a previous work which follows a different heuristic and with the traditional “design–check–revise” method. The structural design procedures recommended in the Eurocode-2 have been strictly followed in this work. Special emphasis has been given to structural analysis methods and studying computational efficiency of the developed framework. To improve the performance and computational complexity of the algorithm, the effect of genetic parameters such as mutation and crossover on the optimization process has been thoroughly studied. The method developed in this work proves to have a lot of advantages over the traditional “design–check–revise” paradigm and other heuristic methods.
Acceleration Profiles and the Isoinertial Squatting Exercise: Is There a Direct Effect on Concentric–Eccentric Force, Power, and Neuromuscular Efficiency?
Authors: Campos Denys Batista , Ferreira Isabella Christina , Souza Matheus Almeida , Amorim Macquiden , Intelangelo Leonardo , Silveira-Nunes Gabriela , Barbosa Alexandre Carvalho
Published: December 2020

Objective: To examine the selective influences of distinct acceleration profiles on the neuromuscular efficiency, force, and power during concentric and eccentric phases of isoinertial squatting exercise. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory of the university. Participants: A total of 38 active adults were divided according to their acceleration profiles: higher (n = 17; >2.5 m/s2) and lower acceleration group (n = 21; <2.5 m/s2). Intervention: All subjects performed squats until failure attached to an isoinertial conic pulley device monitored by surface electromyography of rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus. Main Outcome Measures: An incremental optical encoder was used to assess maximal and mean power and force during concentric and eccentric phases. The neuromuscular efficiency was calculated using the mean force and the electromyographic linear envelope. Results: Between-group differences were observed for the maximal and mean force (Prange = .001–.005), power (P = .001), and neuromuscular efficiency (Prange = .001–.03) with higher significant values for the higher acceleration group in both concentric and eccentric phases. Conclusion: Distinct acceleration profiles affect the neuromuscular efficiency, force, and power during concentric and eccentric phases of isoinertial squatting exercise. To ensure immediate higher levels of power and force output without depriving the neuromuscular system, acceleration profiles higher than 2.5 m/s2 are preferable. The acceleration profiles could be an alternative to evolve the isoinertial exercise.
Examining the Contribution of a Professional Development Program to Elementary Classroom Teachers’ Content Knowledge and Student Achievement: The Case of Basketball
Authors: Stefanou Lambros , Tsangaridou Niki , Charalambous Charalambos Y. , Kyriakides Leonidas
Published: December 2020

Purpose: Teacher content knowledge (CK) and its contribution to student achievement (SA) are understudied in physical education, especially concerning the examination of the effectiveness of professional development (PD) programs using direct measures of teachers’ CK and SA. To make progress in this research area, this study investigated the contribution of a content-focused PD program to teachers’ CK and SA in basketball, using direct measures thereof. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was utilized to examine the contribution of a PD program. The authors measured the CK of 52 elementary classroom teachers and their fifth or sixth grade students’ (n = 913) achievement in basketball before and after the PD program. The data were analyzed using unilevel and multilevel regression analyses. Results: Teachers who participated in the PD program exhibited higher learning gains in their CK; their students also exhibited higher learning gains. Discussion and Conclusion: The study findings suggest that PD programs focused on enhancing teachers’ CK might also support SA.
Why Is Exercise Underutilized in Clinical Practice Despite Evidence It Is Effective? Lessons in Pragmatism From the Inclusion of Exercise in Guidelines for the Treatment of Depression in the British National Health Service
Authors: Ekkekakis Panteleimon
Published: December 2020

Exercise remains greatly underutilized in clinical practice for reasons that are only partly understood. This critical review situates the problem within the broader political and economic context. It focuses on depression, the leading cause of disability worldwide, and the processes that followed the inclusion of exercise as a treatment option in clinical practice guidelines in the British National Health Service. The review highlights previously unaddressed phenomena, including antiexercise lobbying by primary care physicians and efforts to present the evidence for the antidepressant effects of exercise as weak, nonexistent, or methodologically flawed. Notably, the field of kinesiology remained silent while these processes unfolded. This information suggests that the path from research evidence to implementation in clinical settings remains dependent on factors beyond the amount and quality of research evidence. The review underscores the need to vigilantly monitor, critically appraise, and actively participate in the clinical research literature and the development of guidelines.
#ForTheGame: Social Change and the Struggle to Professionalize Women’s Ice Hockey
Authors: Szto Courtney , Pegoraro Ann , Morris Erin , Desrochers Melanie , Emard Karell , Galas Katrina , Gamble Anissa , Knox Liz , Richards Kristen
Published: December 2020

Women’s professional hockey was hindered when the Canadian Women’s Hockey League announced its abrupt closure in March 2019. The action disrupted the opportunity for hundreds of elite women’s hockey players to continue pursuing competitive hockey after university. This study outlines the time period surrounding the Canadian Women’s Hockey League’s closure and the formation of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association. The Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association announced that its members would not play in any professional Canadian or American league until its players receive a living wage, proper training resources, and employee benefits, such as health care. Through semi-structured interviews and discourse analysis of media narratives, the authors situate the #ForTheGame movement within second-wave feminist tactics to create social change through collective action.
Athletes as “Sites of Normative Intersectionality”: Critically Exploring the Ontology of Influence in Sport Coaching
Authors: Nichol Adam J. , Hayes Philip R. , Vickery Will , Boocock Emma , Potrac Paul , Hall Edward T.
Published: December 2020

Social structure remains an equivocal term in (sport) sociology. Our understandings of its constitution and role in causally influencing behavior are arguably underdeveloped. Using a critical realist approach, this paper examined how structural entities and reflexive agency combined to influence behavior in an elite youth cricket context (e.g., athletes, coaches). A methodological bricolage was used to generate data and Elder-Vass’s theorizing provided the principal heuristic device. The analysis illustrated how coaches acted on behalf of norm circles in their attempts to shape dispositions of athletes. In turn, athletes engaged in a process of dialectical iteration between reflexive deliberation and (intersectional) dispositions, which influenced their social action in this organizational context. This study holds significance for researchers and practitioners concerned with social influence.
Terrestrial methane cycle perturbations during the onset of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum
Authors: Inglis Gordon N. , Rohrssen Megan , Kennedy Elizabeth M. , Crouch Erica M. , Raine J. Ian , Strogen Dominic P. , Naafs B. David A. , Collinson Margaret E. , Pancost Richard D.
Published: December 2020

Terrestrial methane (CH4) emissions may have increased during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; ca. 56 Ma) and promoted additional warming, especially in the high latitudes. Although there is evidence for increased CH4 cycling in a single Northern Hemisphere site, whether enhanced methane cycling was globally widespread is unknown because there have been no subsequent investigations. The mechanism of CH4 release is also unknown because a direct comparison between temperature and CH4 cycling has so far not been possible. Here we use biomarkers to reconstruct temperature change and CH4 cycling in a new PETM-aged succession in New Zealand. Our results indicate that the stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of bacterial hopanoids decreased to very low values (−60‰) during the onset of the PETM, indicating enhanced consumption of CH4. These values are much lower than found in modern wetlands and suggest a major perturbation of the CH4 cycle during the onset of the PETM. Low hopanoid δ13C values do not persist into the early Eocene, despite evidence for elevated temperatures. This indicates that the terrestrial CH4 cycle operates differently during transient compared to gradual warming events. Enhanced CH4 cycling during the PETM may help to resolve the temperature data-model mismatch in the high latitudes and could yield higher estimates of Earth system sensitivity than expected from CO2 alone.
Projecting the prevalence of obesity in South Korea through 2040: a microsimulation modelling approach
Authors: Jung Yoon-Sun , Kim Young-Eun , Go Dun-Sol , Yoon Seok-Jun
Published: December 2020

Objective

To project the prevalence of obesity in 2040 among individuals 19 years and older in South Korea.

Design, setting, and participants

Using the ‘Population Health Model-body mass index’ (BMI) microsimulation model, the prevalence of obesity in Korean adults 19 years and older was projected until 2040. The model integrated individual survey data from the Korea Health Panel Survey of 2011 and 2012, population statistics based on resident registration, population projections and complete life tables categorised by sex and age. Birth rate, life expectancy and international migration were based on a medium growth scenario. The base population of Korean adults in 2012, devised through data aggregation, was 39 842 730. The prediction equations were formulated using BMI as the dependent variable; the individual’s sex, age, smoking status, physical activity and preceding year’s BMI were used as predictive factors.

Outcome measure

BMI categorised by sex.

Results

The median BMI for Korean adults in 2040 was expected to be 23.55 kg/m2(23.97 and 23.17 kg/m2for men and women, respectively). According to the Korean BMI classification, 70.05% of all adults were expected to be ‘preobese’ (ie, have BMIs 23–24.9 kg/m2) by 2040 (81.23% of men and 59.07% of women) and 24.88% to be ‘normal’.

Conclusions

We explored the possibility of applying and expanding on the concept of microsimulation in the field of healthcare by combining data sources available in Korea and found that more than half of the adults in this study population will be preobese, and the proportions of ‘obesity’ and ‘normal’ will decrease compared with those in 2012. The results of our study will aid in devising healthy strategies and spreading public awareness for preventing this condition.
Role of occupational therapy in musicians’ health: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Villas Bethany , Duarte Wisnesky Uira , Campbell Sandra , Slavik Lauren , Mevawala Amynah S. , Handl Melisa N. , Guptill Christine
Published: December 2020

Review question/objective

The purpose of this proposed review is twofold: first, to understand the role of occupational therapy presented in the musicians’ health literature; and second, to explore the potential for this role.

Introduction

The intense movement, awkward postures, concentration and emotional communication required of musicians can place them at increased risk of music-related health conditions, such as musculoskeletal disorders and performance anxiety. The development of music-related health conditions can be emotionally and financially devastating. The role of occupational therapy in musicians’ health has been previously discussed; however, no rigorous reviews of the scholarly literature have been published. We will, therefore, undertake a scoping review with the following research questions: (1) what is known about the role of occupational therapy in instrumental musicians’ health? and (2) what is the potential role of occupational therapy in musicians’ health?

Methods and analysis

A preliminary search of Medline, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science was previously undertaken by the first author to determine the extent of the research on this topic and to confirm that no other reviews have been conducted or are in progress. Study selection and analysis will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews guidelines for conducting a scoping review.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethics approval is not required at our institution for a review of published literature. The results of this review will be shared through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and traditional and social media.
Effect of retirement on cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alvarez-Bueno Celia , Cavero-Redondo Ivan , Jimenez-Lopez Estela , Visier-Alfonso Maria Eugenia , Sequi-Dominguez Irene , Martinez-Vizcaino Vicente
Published: December 2020

The study aimed to determine the longitudinal association between retirement and cognitive function, including global cognition and memory-related skills. This is a systematic review of longitudinal studies on the association between retirement and cognitive function, using Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases from inception to April 2020 and longitudinal studies on the association between retirement and cognitive function. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess risk of bias of included studies. Effect size (ES) and 95% CI were calculated using Cohen’s d index. Meta-regressions were calculated on the basis of sample characteristics: percentage of women, years of follow-up and age at baseline. A total of 23 longitudinal studies were included in this systematic review. The pooled ES for the association of retirement with global cognition and memory-related skills was −0.01 (95% CI −0.02 to 0.00; I2: 0.0%) and −0.09 (95% CI −0.16 to 0.01; I2: 93%), respectively. Meta-regression analyses showed that length of follow-up, percentage of women in the sample and mean age at baseline did not influence the longitudinal association between retirement and adults’ memory-related skills. The results of this study indicate that retirement has no negative effects on adults’ global cognition and slightly adversely influences memory-related skills. Moreover, this association does not seem to be influenced by some demographic and study characteristics.
Phase II, randomised, double-blind, multicentre study evaluating the safety and efficacy of filgotinib and lanraplenib in patients with lupus membranous nephropathy
Authors: Baker Matthew , Chaichian Yashaar , Genovese Mark , Derebail Vimal , Rao Panduranga , Chatham Winn , Bubb Michael , Lim Sam , Hajian Hooman , Gurtovaya Oksana , Patel Uptal , Tumlin James
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Patients with lupus membranous nephropathy (LMN) are at risk for prolonged proteinuria and progressive chronic kidney disease. There are no proven effective treatments for LMN, and controlled trials are lacking. This trial assessed the preferential Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor filgotinib and the spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor lanraplenib in patients with LMN.

Methods

This was a phase II, randomised, double-blind trial conducted at 15 centres in the USA to evaluate the safety and efficacy of filgotinib or lanraplenib for the treatment of LMN. Eligible patients were randomised 1:1 to receive either filgotinib or lanraplenib in a blinded fashion for up to 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was the per cent change in 24-hour urine protein from baseline to week 16.

Results

Nine patients were randomised to receive filgotinib (n=5) or lanraplenib (n=4). Four patients in the filgotinib group and one patient in the lanraplenib group completed week 16. There was a median reduction of 50.7% in 24-hour urine protein after 16 weeks of treatment with filgotinib (n=4), and the median Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index from the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus National Assessment score remained stable. Filgotinib treatment was well tolerated. Limited conclusions can be drawn about treatment with lanraplenib.

Conclusion

The number of patients treated in this study was small, and only limited conclusions can be drawn. There may be a therapeutic benefit with filgotinib treatment, which may support future investigations with filgotinib or other JAK inhibitors in patients with LMN.

Trial registration number

NCT03285711.
Models of zero-range interaction for the bosonic trimer at unitarity
Authors: Michelangeli Alessandro
Published: December 2020

We present the mathematical construction of the physically relevant quantum Hamiltonians for a three-body system consisting of identical bosons mutually coupled by a two-body interaction of zero range. For a large part of the presentation, infinite scattering length will be considered (the unitarity regime). The subject has several precursors in the mathematical literature. We proceed through an operator-theoretic construction of the self-adjoint extensions of the minimal operator obtained by restricting the free Hamiltonian to wave-functions that vanish in the vicinity of the coincidence hyperplanes: all extensions thus model an interaction precisely supported at the spatial configurations where particles come on top of each other. Among them, we select the physically relevant ones, by implementing in the operator construction the presence of the specific short-scale structure suggested by formal physical arguments that are ubiquitous in the physical literature on zero-range methods. This is done by applying at different stages the self-adjoint extension schemes à la Kreĭn–Višik–Birman and à la von Neumann. We produce a class of canonical models for which we also analyze the structure of the negative bound states. Bosonicity and zero range combined together make such canonical models display the typical Thomas and Efimov spectra, i.e. sequence of energy eigenvalues accumulating to both minus infinity and zero. We also discuss a type of regularization that prevents such spectral instability while retaining an effective short-scale pattern. Besides the operator qualification, we also present the associated energy quadratic forms. We structured our analysis so as to clarify certain steps of the operator-theoretic construction that are notoriously subtle for the correct identification of a domain of self-adjointness.
Breaking and Sustaining Bifurcations in SN-Invariant Equidistant Economy
Authors: Aizawa H. , Ikeda K. , Osawa M. , Gaspar J. M.
Published: December 2020

This paper elucidates the bifurcation mechanism of an equidistant economy in spatial economics. To this end, we derive the rules of secondary and further bifurcations as a major theoretical contribution of this paper. Then we combine them with pre-existing results of direct bifurcation of the symmetric group [Formula: see text] [Elmhirst, 2004]. Particular attention is devoted to the existence of invariant solutions which retain their spatial distributions when the value of the bifurcation parameter changes. Invariant patterns of an equidistant economy under the replicator dynamics are obtained. The mechanism of bifurcations from these patterns is elucidated. The stability of bifurcating branches is analyzed to demonstrate that most of them are unstable immediately after bifurcation. Numerical analysis of spatial economic models confirms that almost all bifurcating branches are unstable. Direct bifurcating curves connect the curves of invariant solutions, thereby creating a mesh-like network, which appears as threads of warp and weft. The theoretical bifurcation mechanism and numerical examples of networks advanced herein might be of great assistance in the study of spatial economics.
Analysis of Pricing and Service Effort in Dual-Channel Supply Chains with Showrooming Effect
Authors: Ma Junhai , Li Yaping , Wang Zongxian
Published: December 2020

Showrooming has become common practice of consumers in the context of dual-channel retailing. Under different intensities of showrooming, the manufacturer can decide whether to directly retail online (the M-R case) or resell through an e-retailer (the E-R case). Dual-channel supply chain models and dynamic game models are developed and both online selling formats are investigated. The dynamic game process of the supply chain is numerically simulated. The stability of the Nash equilibrium point is investigated by parameter basins for periodical cycles and bifurcation diagrams. The results show that the price adjustment speeds have a larger stability range in the M-R case while the service effort adjustment speed has a larger stability range in the E-R case. The stability of the systems is more sensitive to price adjustment speed than service effort adjustment speed in both supply chain structures. It is found that the systems will enter chaos through a flip bifurcation or a Neimark–Sacker bifurcation. The changes in attractors and basins of attraction indicate that both channels can reach the equilibria more easily when they choose a lower speed of retail price adjustment. The effects of showrooming on decision variables are greater in the M-R case than in the E-R case. When the showrooming effect is moderate, the manufacturer should choose the M-R case; when the showrooming effect is sufficiently large or sufficiently small, the manufacturer should choose the E-R case. We propose a wholesale price markdown strategy which can: (i) eliminate the double marginalization and coordinate the supply chain; (ii) effectively control the chaos caused by the overhigh adjustment speed of wholesale price, and restore the system to a stable state; (iii) improve the retailer’s service effort.
Control of Separation Zone Behind a Flat Plate Under the Ground Effect Using Porous Lamination, Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Reza-Asl Kazem , Foshat Saeed
Published: December 2020

Examination of the flat and curved plates flying close to the ground is an appropriate approach in understanding the complexity of flow behavior near a solid or liquid surface. When a body flies close to a surface, the vortex structure behind the body is changed; therefore, the resultant lift force is more than zero. This phenomenon is named “ground effect”. In this study, flat and curved plates submerged in the ground boundary layer were numerically investigated under the ground effect. After validating the desired numerical code, the influences of adding porous layer to the plates with [Formula: see text] attack angle were examined on vortex structure and flow separation behind the plate under the ground effect. The obtained results revealed that using a porous zone significantly reduced the separation zone and changed the vortex shedding structure downstream of the plates.
Hankel determinants of linear combinations of moments of orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Cigler J. , Krattenthaler C.
Published: December 2020

We prove evaluations of Hankel determinants of linear combinations of moments of orthogonal polynomials (or, equivalently, of generating functions for Motzkin paths), thus generalizing known results for Catalan numbers.
Higher-dimensional gap theorems for the maximum metric
Authors: Haynes Alan , Ramirez Juan J.
Published: December 2020

Recently, the first author together with Jens Marklof studied generalizations of the classical three distance theorem to higher-dimensional toral rotations, giving upper bounds in all dimensions for the corresponding numbers of distances with respect to any flat Riemannian metric. In dimension two they proved a five distance theorem, which is best possible. In this paper, we establish analogous bounds, in all dimensions, for the maximum metric. We also show that in dimensions two and three our bounds are best possible.
Languages of Games and Play
Authors: van Rozen Riemer
Published: December 2020

Digital games are a powerful means for creating enticing, beautiful, educational, and often highly addictive interactive experiences that impact the lives of billions of players worldwide. We explore what informs the design and construction of good games to learn how to speed-up game development. In particular, we study to what extent
languages
,
notations
,
patterns,
and
tools
, can offer experts theoretical foundations, systematic techniques, and practical solutions they need to raise their productivity and improve the quality of games and play. Despite the growing number of publications on this topic there is currently no overview describing the state-of-the-art that relates research areas, goals, and applications. As a result, efforts and successes are often one-off, lessons learned go overlooked, language reuse remains minimal, and opportunities for collaboration and synergy are lost. We present a systematic map that identifies relevant publications and gives an overview of research areas and publication venues. In addition, we categorize research perspectives along common objectives, techniques, and approaches, illustrated by summaries of selected languages. Finally, we distill challenges and opportunities for future research and development.
Detecting High-Engaging Breaking News Rumors in Social Media
Authors: Alkhodair Sarah A. , Fung Benjamin C. M. , Ding Steven H. H. , Cheung William K. , Huang Shih-Chia
Published: December 2020

Users from all over the world increasingly adopt social media for newsgathering, especially during breaking news. Breaking news is an unexpected event that is currently developing. Early stages of breaking news are usually associated with lots of unverified information, i.e., rumors. Efficiently detecting and acting upon rumors in a timely fashion is of high importance to minimize their harmful effects. Yet, not all rumors have the potential to spread in social media. High-engaging rumors are those written in a manner that ensures achievement of the highest prevalence among the recipients. They are difficult to detect, spread very fast, and can cause serious damage to society. In this article, we propose a new multi-task Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) attention-based neural network architecture to jointly learn the two tasks of breaking news rumors detection and breaking news rumors popularity prediction in social media. The proposed model learns the salient semantic similarities among important features for detecting high-engaging breaking news rumors and separates them from the rest of the input text. Extensive experiments on five real-life datasets of breaking news suggest that our proposed model outperforms all baselines and is capable of detecting breaking news rumors and predicting their future popularity with high accuracy.