bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Nordic Hamstring Exercises in Reducing Hamstring Injuries in Competitive Soccer Players: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Cuchna Jennifer W. , Welsch Lauren , Meier Taylor , Regelski Chyrsten L. , Van Lunen Bonnie
Published: December 2016

Clinical Question:

Are Nordic hamstring exercises more effective than standardized training in reducing hamstring strain injury rates in competitive soccer players over the course of at least one season?

Clinical Bottom Line:

The evidence supports the use of Nordic hamstring exercises to reduce hamstring injury incidence rates over a competitive soccer season. Therefore, progressive Nordic hamstring exercises should be included within some aspect of a practice to prevent the occurrence of hamstring injuries.
Intersection Syndrome in an NCAA Division I Women’s Softball Player: A Case Study
Authors: Burt Jennifer , Zwart Mary Beth , Roiger Trevor C.
Published: December 2016

An 18-year-old NCAA Division I women’s softball player presented with a sudden onset of pain in her left wrist during a strength and conditioning workout. Initial examination revealed pain, loss of AROM, decreased muscle strength, and paresthesia. The patient experienced symptomology for 12+ weeks. Corticosteroid injections were administered which finally confirmed diagnosis, reduced pain, and paresthesia. Intersection syndrome is generally an overuse condition which resolves within approximately 2 weeks. This case demonstrates that examination findings, imaging, immobilization, and a therapeutic exercise plan may not be sufficient to decrease patient symptomology.
Do Fast Bowlers Fatigue in Cricket? A Paradox Between Player Anecdotes and Quantitative Evidence
Authors: Maunder Ed , Kilding Andrew E. , Cairns Simeon P.
Published: December 2016

The manifestations of fatigue during fast bowling in cricket were systematically evaluated using subjective reports by cricket experts and quantitative data published from scientific studies. Narratives by international players and team physiotherapists were sourced from the Internet using criteria for opinion-based evidence. Research articles were evaluated for high-level fast bowlers who delivered 5- to 12-over spells with at least 1 quantitative fatigue measure. Anecdotes indicate that a long-term loss of bowling speed, tiredness, mental fatigue, and soreness occur. Scientific research shows that ball-release speed, bowling accuracy, bowling action (technique), run-up speed, and leg-muscle power are generally well maintained during bowling simulations. However, bowlers displaying excessive shoulder counterrotation toward the end of a spell also show a fall in accuracy. A single notable study involving bowling on 2 successive days in the heat showed reduced ball-release speed (–4.4 km/h), run-up speed (–1.3 km/h), and accuracy. Moderate to high ratings of perceived exertion transpire with simulations and match play (6.5–7.5 Borg CR-10 scale). Changes of blood lactate, pH, glucose, and core temperature appear insufficient to impair muscle function, although several potential physiological fatigue factors have not been investigated. The limited empirical evidence for bowling-induced fatigue appears to oppose player viewpoints and indicates a paradox. However, this may not be the case since bowling simulations resemble the shorter formats of the game but not multiday (test match) cricket or the influence of an arduous season, and comments of tiredness, mental fatigue, and soreness signify phenomena different from what scientists measure as fatigue.
Validity, Sensitivity, Reproducibility, and Robustness of the PowerTap, Stages, and Garmin Vector Power Meters in Comparison With the SRM Device
Authors: Bouillod Anthony , Pinot Julien , Soto-Romero Georges , Bertucci William , Grappe Frederic
Published: December 2016

A large number of power meters have been produced on the market for nearly 20 y according to user requirements.

Purpose:

To determine the validity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and robustness of the PowerTap (PWT), Stages (STG), and Garmin Vector (VCT) power meters in comparison with the SRM device.

Methods:

A national-level male competitive cyclist completed 3 laboratory cycling tests: a submaximal incremental test, a submaximal 30-min continuous test, and a sprint test. Two additional tests were performed, the first on vibration exposures in the laboratory and the second in the field.

Results:

The VCT provided a significantly lower 5-s power output (PO) during the sprint test with a low gear ratio than the SRM did (–36.9%). The STG PO was significantly lower than the SRM PO in the heavy-exercise-intensity zone (zone 2, –5.1%) and the low part of the severe-intensity zone (zone 3, –4.9%). The VCT PO was significantly lower than the SRM PO only in zone 2 (–4.5%). The STG PO was significantly lower in standing position than in the seated position (–4.4%). The reproducibility of the PWT, STG, and VCT was similar to that of the SRM system. The STG and VCT PO were significantly decreased from a vibration frequency of 48 Hz and 52 Hz, respectively.

Conclusions:

The PWT, STG, and VCT systems appear to be reproducible, but the validity, sensitivity, and robustness of the STG and VCT systems should be treated with some caution according to the conditions of measurement.
Accuracy of Jump-Mat Systems for Measuring Jump Height
Authors: Pueo Basilio , Lipinska Patrycja , Jiménez-Olmedo José M. , Zmijewski Piotr , Hopkins Will G.
Published: December 2016

Vertical-jump tests are commonly used to evaluate lower-limb power of athletes and nonathletes. Several types of equipment are available for this purpose.

Purpose:

To compare the error of measurement of 2 jump-mat systems (Chronojump-Boscosystem and Globus Ergo Tester) with that of a motion-capture system as a criterion and to determine the modifying effect of foot length on jump height.

Methods:

Thirty-one young adult men alternated 4 countermovement jumps with 4 squat jumps. Mean jump height and standard deviations representing technical error of measurement arising from each device and variability arising from the subjects themselves were estimated with a novel mixed model and evaluated via standardization and magnitude-based inference.

Results:

The jump-mat systems produced nearly identical measures of jump height (differences in means and in technical errors of measurement ≤1 mm). Countermovement and squat-jump height were both 13.6 cm higher with motion capture (90% confidence limits ±0.3 cm), but this very large difference was reduced to small unclear differences when adjusted to a foot length of zero. Variability in countermovement and squat-jump height arising from the subjects was small (1.1 and 1.5 cm, respectively, 90% confidence limits ±0.3 cm); technical error of motion capture was similar in magnitude (1.7 and 1.6 cm, ±0.3 and ±0.4 cm), and that of the jump mats was similar or smaller (1.2 and 0.3 cm, ±0.5 and ±0.9 cm).

Conclusions:

The jump-mat systems provide trustworthy measurements for monitoring changes in jump height. Foot length can explain the substantially higher jump height observed with motion capture.
Carbohydrate Mouth Rinsing: Improved Neuromuscular Performance During Isokinetic Fatiguing Exercise
Authors: Bazzucchi Ilenia , Patrizio Federica , Felici Francesco , Nicolò Andrea , Sacchetti Massimo
Published: December 2016

Purpose:

To determine whether repeated carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinsing would improve neuromuscular performance during high-intensity fatiguing contractions.

Methods:

Eighteen young men (age 26.1 ± 5.0 y, BMI 22.9 ± 1.9) performed 3 maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICPRE). Immediately after, they completed 10-second mouth rinse with 6.4% maltodextrin solution (MAL), 7.1% glucose solution (GLU), water (W), artificially sweetened solution (PLA), or a control trial with no rinse (CON) in a crossover protocol. Subjects performed 5 sets of 30 isokinetic fatiguing contractions at 180°/s, and an MVICPOST with their elbow flexors was performed after each mouth rinse. Mechanical and electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from the biceps brachii and parameters of interest analyzed.

Results:

When rinsing the mouth with a solution containing CHO, independently of the sweetness, isokinetic performance was enhanced as shown by the greater total work achieved in comparison with CON. The decay of torque and mean fiber-conduction velocity (MFCV) recorded at the end of the fatiguing task was lower when rinsing the mouth with GLU than with CON. The torque recorded during the MVICPOST was greater with CHO with respect to CON, and this was associated to a lower decay of MFCV.

Conclusions:

CHO mouth rinse counteracts fatigue-induced decline in neuromuscular performance, supporting the notion that CHO rinse may activate positive afferent signals able to modify motor output. Repeated mouth rinsing with sweet and nonsweet CHO-containing solutions can improve neuromuscular performance during an isokinetic intermittent fatiguing task.
The Unlikeliness of an Imminent Sub-2-Hour Marathon: Historical Trends of the Gender Gap in Running Events
Authors: Tucker Ross , Santos-Concejero Jordan
Published: December 2016

The aim of the current study was to analyze men’s and women’s world records across the full range of running disciplines to contextualize the recent debate about the possibility of a sub-2-h marathon. The average male–female gap is currently 11.2% ± 1.0% for all running events. However, reducing the marathon time to below 2 h would produce a performance 12.9% (+1.7 SD) faster than the women’s marathon record. This gap would be greater than all current world-record differences and would also require a reversal of medium- and long-term historical trends in the men’s and women’s record differences. We therefore conclude that based on historical trends and known differences between men’s and women’s performances, the current women’s world record is not yet the equivalent of a sub-2-h marathon and, therefore, that an imminent sub-2-h marathon is implausible.
A Mine of Information: Can Sports Analytics Provide Wisdom From Your Data?
Authors: Passfield Louis , Hopker James G.
Published: December 2016

This paper explores the notion that the availability and analysis of large data sets have the capacity to improve practice and change the nature of science in the sport and exercise setting. The increasing use of data and information technology in sport is giving rise to this change. Web sites hold large data repositories, and the development of wearable technology, mobile phone applications, and related instruments for monitoring physical activity, training, and competition provide large data sets of extensive and detailed measurements. Innovative approaches conceived to more fully exploit these large data sets could provide a basis for more objective evaluation of coaching strategies and new approaches to how science is conducted. An emerging discipline, sports analytics, could help overcome some of the challenges involved in obtaining knowledge and wisdom from these large data sets. Examples of where large data sets have been analyzed, to evaluate the career development of elite cyclists and to characterize and optimize the training load of well-trained runners, are discussed. Careful verification of large data sets is time consuming and imperative before useful conclusions can be drawn. Consequently, it is recommended that prospective studies be preferred over retrospective analyses of data. It is concluded that rigorous analysis of large data sets could enhance our knowledge in the sport and exercise sciences, inform competitive strategies, and allow innovative new research and findings.
Molecular determinants of human neutralizing antibodies isolated from a patient infected with Zika virus
Authors: Wang Qihui , Yang Huabing , Liu Xiaoqing , Dai Lianpan , Ma Tong , Qi Jianxun , Wong Gary , Peng Ruchao , Liu Sheng , Li Junfu , Li Shihua , Song Jian , Liu Jianying , He Jianhua , Yuan Hui , Xiong Ying , Liao Yong , Li Jianhua , Yang Jianping , Tong Zhou , Griffin Bryan D. , Bi Yuhai , Liang Mifang , Xu Xiaoning , Qin Chuan , Cheng Gong , Zhang Xinzheng , Wang Peiyi , Qiu Xiangguo , Kobinger Gary , Shi Yi , Yan Jinghua , Gao George F.
Published: December 2016

Zika virus–specific antibodies isolated from a single infected patient show postexposure protection in mice and reveal targets for therapy.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
–induced hypercitrullination links periodontal infection to autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Konig Maximilian F. , Abusleme Loreto , Reinholdt Jesper , Palmer Robert J. , Teles Ricardo P. , Sampson Kevon , Rosen Antony , Nigrovic Peter A. , Sokolove Jeremy , Giles Jon T. , Moutsopoulos Niki M. , Andrade Felipe
Published: December 2016

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
generates citrullinated autoantigens involved in rheumatoid arthritis through its pore-forming toxin leukotoxin A.
Eating to boost gut microbial diversity
Authors: Brown J. Mark
Published: December 2016

Limiting dietary nitrogen alters gut microbial diversity to promote healthy aging.
Screen and you shall find
Authors: Hulbert Monica L.
Published: December 2016

Newborn screening for a rare immunodeficiency leads to treatment and a greater understanding of a gene’s diverse functions.
Chlamydia trachomatis Is Resistant to Inclusion Ubiquitination and Associated Host Defense in Gamma Interferon-Primed Human Epithelial Cells
Authors: Haldar Arun K. , Piro Anthony S. , Finethy Ryan , Espenschied Scott T. , Brown Hannah E. , Giebel Amanda M. , Frickel Eva-Maria , Nelson David E. , Coers Jörn
Published: December 2016

The cytokine gamma interferon (IFN-γ) induces cell-autonomous immunity to combat infections with intracellular pathogens, such as the bacteriumChlamydia trachomatis. The present study demonstrates that IFN-γ-primed human cells ubiquitinate and eliminate intracellularChlamydia-containing vacuoles, so-called inclusions. We previously described how IFN-γ-inducible immunity-related GTPases (IRGs) employ ubiquitin systems to mark inclusions for destruction in mouse cells and, furthermore, showed that the rodent pathogenChlamydia muridarumblocks ubiquitination of its inclusions by interfering with mouse IRG function. Here, we report that ubiquitination of inclusions in human cells is independent of IRG and thus distinct from the murine pathway. We show thatC. muridarumis susceptible to inclusion ubiquitination in human cells, while the closely related human pathogenC. trachomatisis resistant.C. muridarum, but notC. trachomatis, inclusions attract several markers of cell-autonomous immunity, including the ubiquitin-binding protein p62, the ubiquitin-like protein LC3, and guanylate-binding protein 1. Consequently, we find that IFN-γ priming of human epithelial cells triggers the elimination ofC. muridarum, but notC. trachomatis, inclusions. This newly described defense pathway is independent of indole-2,3-dioxygenase, a known IFN-γ-inducible anti-Chlamydiaresistance factor. Collectively, our observations indicate thatC. trachomatisevolved mechanisms to avoid a human-specific, ubiquitin-mediated response as part of its unique adaptation to its human host.

IMPORTANCEChlamydia trachomatisis the leading cause of sexually transmitted bacterial infections and responsible for significant morbidity, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancies in women. As an obligate intracellular pathogen,C. trachomatisis in perpetual conflict with cell-intrinsic defense programs executed by its human host. Our study defines a novel anti-Chlamydiahost resistance pathway active in human epithelial cells. This defense program promotes the deposition of the small antimicrobial protein ubiquitin on vacuoles containingChlamydia. We show that this ubiquitin-based resistance pathway of human cells is highly effective against aChlamydiaspecies adapted to rodents but ineffective against human-adaptedC. trachomatis. This observation indicates thatC. trachomatisevolved strategies to avoid entrapment within ubiquitin-labeled vacuoles as part of its adaptation to the human innate immune system.
Staphylococcus aureus and Influenza A Virus: Partners in Coinfection
Authors: Mulcahy Michelle E. , McLoughlin Rachel M.
Published: December 2016

Nasal carriage of
Staphylococcus aureus
is a significant risk factor for secondary staphylococcal pneumonia in influenza A virus (IAV)-infected hosts. However, little research has been undertaken to define the environmental and physiological changes that cause
S. aureus
to shift from commensal to pathogenic organism in this setting. The ability of virus-driven danger signals to cause
S. aureus
to transition from commensalism to pulmonary infection was explored in a recent study by Reddinger et al. R. M. Reddinger, N. R. Luke-Marshall, A. P. Hakansson, and A. A. Campagnari, mBio 7(6):e01235-16, 2016,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01235-16
. The authors report that physiological host changes, including febrile temperature and a combination of host stress response signals, caused
S. aureus
biofilms to disperse from the nasal environment and cause active pulmonary infection. This commentary discusses the new finding in light of the current understanding of the mechanisms behind staphylococcal coinfection with IAV. In addition, it considers the mechanisms behind staphylococcal dispersal in this model. Overall, the study indicates that interkingdom signaling may occur following IAV infection and this likely contributes to sensitizing the IAV-infected host to secondary staphylococcal pneumonia.
Can we predict the outcome for people with patellofemoral pain? A systematic review on prognostic factors and treatment effect modifiers
Authors: Matthews M , Rathleff M S , Claus A , McPoil T , Nee R , Crossley K , Vicenzino B
Published: December 2016

Background

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a multifactorial and often persistent knee condition. One strategy to enhance patient outcomes is using clinically assessable patient characteristics to predict the outcome and match a specific treatment to an individual.

Aim

A systematic review was conducted to determine which baseline patient characteristics were (1) associated with patient outcome (prognosis); or (2) modified patient outcome from a specific treatment (treatment effect modifiers).

Methods

6 electronic databases were searched (July 2016) for studies evaluating the association between those with PFP, their characteristics and outcome. All studies were appraised using the Epidemiological Appraisal Instrument. Studies that aimed to identify treatment effect modifiers underwent a checklist for methodological quality.

Results

The 24 included studies evaluated 180 participant characteristics. 12 studies investigated prognosis, and 12 studies investigated potential treatment effect modifiers. Important methodological limitations were identified. Some prognostic studies used a retrospective design. Studies aiming to identify treatment effect modifiers often analysed too many variables for the limiting sample size and typically failed to use a control or comparator treatment group. 16 factors were reported to be associated with a poor outcome, with longer duration of symptoms the most reported (>4 months). Preliminary evidence suggests increased midfoot mobility may predict those who have a successful outcome to foot orthoses.

Conclusions

Current evidence can identify those with increased risk of a poor outcome, but methodological limitations make it difficult to predict the outcome after one specific treatment compared with another. Adequately designed randomised trials are needed to identify treatment effect modifiers.
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in women of childbearing age in Africa during 2000–2016: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chivese Tawanda , Mahmoud Werfalli , Magodoro Itai , Kengne Andre P , Norris Shane A , Levitt Naomi S
Published: December 2016

Introduction

African women of childbearing age are increasingly being exposed to risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), most particularly obesity. A differentiating feature of diabetes in women of childbearing age is that the disease may affect the mother and the developing fetus. Apart from mapping the extent of the problem, understanding the prevalence of T2DM in African women of childbearing age can help to galvanise targeted interventions for reducing the burden of T2DM. This is a protocol for a systematic review aiming to assess the prevalence of and risk factors for T2DM in women of childbearing age (15–49 years) in Africa.

Methods and analyses

We will carry out a comprehensive literature search among a number of databases, using appropriate adaptations of the African search filter to identify diabetes prevalence studies, published from 2000 to 2016, among African women of childbearing age (15–49 years) according to the WHO definition. Full copies of articles identified through searches and considered to meet the inclusion criteria will be obtained for data extraction and synthesis. The analysis of the primary outcome (prevalent diabetes) will include two steps: (1) identification of data sources and documenting estimates and (2) application of the random-effects meta-analysis model to aggregate prevalence estimates and account for between-study variability in calculating the overall pooled estimates and 95% CI for diabetes prevalence. We will assess heterogeneity and publication bias using established methods. This systematic review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) 2015.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this study, given that this is a protocol for a systematic review, which utilises published data. The findings of this study will be widely disseminated through peer reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

CRD42015027635.
Women's reasons for participation in a clinical trial for menstrual pain: a qualitative study
Authors: Blödt Susanne , Witt Claudia M , Holmberg Christine
Published: December 2016

Objectives

The aim of the study was to explore women's motivations for participating in a clinical trial and to evaluate how financial compensation impacts women's explanations for participation.

Design, setting and participants

Semistructured interviews were conducted face to face or by telephone with 25 of 220 women who participated in a pragmatic randomised trial for app-administered self-care acupressure for dysmenorrhoea (AKUD). Of these 25 women, 10 had entered AKUD knowing they would receive a financial compensation of €30. A purposive sampling strategy was used.

Results

Women had a long history of seeking help and were unsatisfied with the options available, namely painkillers and oral contraceptives. While interviewees were open to painkillers, they were uneasy about taking them on a monthly basis. The AKUD trial offered the possibility to find an alternative solution. A second reason for participation was the desire to add a new treatment to routine medical care, for which the interviewees considered randomised trials a prerequisite. The financial incentive was a subsidiary motivation in the interviewees' narratives.

Conclusions

Our results contribute to the ongoing discussion of the impact of financial compensation on research participants' assessment of risk. The interviewed women considered all research participants able to make their own choices regarding trial participation, even in the face of financial compensation or payment of study participants. Furthermore, the importance of clinical trials providing new treatments that could change medical practice might be an overlooked reason for trial participation and could be used in future recruitment strategies.
Psychometric evaluation of the Holden Communication Scale (HCS) for persons with dementia
Authors: Strøm Benedicte Sørensen , Engedal Knut , Šaltytė Benth Jūratė , Grov Ellen-Karine
Published: December 2016

Objective

To investigate the psychometric properties of the Holden Communication Scale (HCS) and the association between scores on HCS and cognitive function among persons with dementia.

Method

Internal consistency was assessed by the Cronbach's α coefficient and inter-item correlations. Test-retest was carried out to test the instrument's stability. An exploratory factor analysis with the principal components extraction method and oblimin rotation was performed to evaluate construct validity. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to explore associations between the scores on the HCS and cognitive function.

Results

A total of 128 persons with moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment (mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score 8.9 (SD 7.0)) participated. The mean age was 85.2 (SD 7.2) and 101 of the participants were women. The Cronbach's α of the HCS was 0.94 and test-retest reliability was r=0.71. The corrected item-total correlation ranged from 0.63 to 0.79 and factor analysis showed a 1-factor structure of the HCS, which explained 63% of the variance. However, a forced 3-factor structure explained 76% of the variance. The correlation between cognitive function as measured by the MMSE and ability to communicate as measured with HCS was found to be moderate for those with an MMSE score of 0–10 (−0.61) and low for persons with an MMSE score of 11–20 (−0.06).

Conclusions

The HCS is a reliable and valid scale for assessing communication ability in persons with moderate and severe cognitive impairment, and might have a 1-factor or 3-factor structure.
Evidence-based medicine: a persisting desire under fire
Authors: Alahdab Fares , Alabed Samer , Al-Moujahed Ahmed , Al Sallakh Mohammad Anass , Alyousef Tareq , Alsharif Ubai , Fares Munes , Murad M Hassan
Published: December 2016

Healthcare infrastructure and medical schools in Syria have been greatly compromised by military conflict and humanitarian disaster. Medical students and healthcare professionals reached out for remote learning opportunities. Surprisingly, they desired a curriculum in evidence-based medicine. We report on a curriculum that was delivered to 126 learners using an online remote delivery platform. This experience demonstrates the feasibility of this approach in disaster-stricken areas and underscores the importance of evidence-based medicine even under such conditions.
How voter turnout varies between different chronic conditions? A population-based register study
Authors: Sund Reijo , Lahtinen Hannu , Wass Hanna , Mattila Mikko , Martikainen Pekka
Published: December 2016

Background

While poor self-rated health is known to decrease an individual's propensity to vote, disaggregation of the components of health on turnout has thus far received only little attention. This study deepens on the understanding of such relationships by examining the association between chronic diseases and voting.

Methods

The study uses an individual-level register-based data set that contains an 11% random sample of the entire electorate in the 1999 Finnish parliamentary elections. With information on hospital discharge diagnoses and reimbursements for drugs prescribed, we identify persons with chronic hospital-treated diseases (coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, depression, cancer, psychotic mental disease, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic disease, epilepsy, arthrosis, alcoholism, dementia, atherosclerosis, Parkinson's disease, other degenerative brain diseases, multiple sclerosis and kidney disease).

Results

After adjusting for gender, age, education, occupational class, income, partnership status, cohabitation with underaged children and hospitalisation during Election Day, neurodegenerative brain diseases had the strongest negative relationship with voting (dementia OR=0.20, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.22; others up to OR=0.70). Alcoholism (OR=0.66) and mental disorders also had a negative association (depression OR=0.91; psychotic mental disease OR=0.79), whereas cancer and COPD/asthma had a positive association (both OR=1.05). Having more than one condition at a time further decreased voting probability.

Conclusions

By showing how different health conditions are related to voter turnout, this study provides essential information for identifying gaps in the potential for political participation and for further inquiries aiming to develop models that explain the link between health and voting probability.
Effect of Preceding Medications on Resuscitation Outcome of Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Hung Shih-Wen , Chu Chien-Ming , Su Chih-Feng , Tseng Li-Ming , Wang Tzong-Luen
Published: December 2016

As evidence regarding the impact of preceding medications on resuscitation outcomes has been inconsistent, this study aimed to analyze the association between preceding medications and resuscitation outcomes in patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This retrospective study included patients with OHCA presenting to a tertiary care hospital by emergency medical service (EMS) between January 2006 and June 2011. Using the Utstein template, data were collected from EMS and hospital medical records for prehospital care, in-hospital care, and medications which were taken continuously for at least 2 weeks preceding OHCA. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a survived event. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictors of survived events. Among the 1381 included patients with OHCA, 552 (40.0%) patients achieved sustained return of spontaneous circulation and 463 (33.5%) patients survived after resuscitation, 96 (7.0%) patients survived until discharge, and 20 (1.4%) patients had a favorable neurological outcome at discharge. The multivariable analyses revealed that use of statins preceding OHCA was independently associated with a greater probability of a survived events (OR=2.09, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.03, p=0.028).Use of digoxin was adversely associated with survived events (OR=0.39, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.90, p=0.028) in patients with OHCA. The continuous use of statins preceding OHCA was positively associated with survived events, while use of digoxin was adversely related. It deserves more attention on medications preceding OHCA because of their potential effect on resuscitation outcomes.
Frailty is associated with delirium and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Assmann Patricia , Kievit Peter , van der Wulp Kees , Verkroost Michel , Noyez Luc , Bor Hans , Schoon Yvonne
Published: December 2016

Objective

We hypothesised that frailty assessment is of additional value to predict delirium and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

Observational study in 89 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI. Inclusion from November 2012 to February 2014, follow-up until April 2014. Measurement of the association of variables from frailty assessment and cardiological assessment with delirium and mortality after TAVI, respectively.

Results

Incidence of delirium after TAVI: 25/89 (28%). Variables from frailty assessment protectively associated with delirium were: Mini Mental State Examination, (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.96; p=0.02), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.99; p=0.04) and gait speed (OR 0.05; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.50; p=0.01). Timed Up and Go was predictively associated with delirium (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.26; p=0.01). From cardiological assessment, pulmonary hypertension was protectively associated with delirium (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.98; p=0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis: Nagelkerke R2=0.359, Mini Mental State Examination was independently associated with delirium. Incidence of mortality: 11/89 (12%). Variables predictively associated with mortality were: the summary score Frailty Index (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.60; p=0.03), European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.22; p<0.001) and complications (HR 4.81, 95% CI 1.03 to 22.38; p=0.05). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis: Nagelkerke R2=0.271, Frailty Index and EuroSCORE II were independently associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Delirium frequently occurs after TAVI. Variables from frailty assessment are associated with delirium and mortality, independent of cardiological assessment. Thus, frailty assessment may have additional value in the prediction of delirium and mortality after TAVI.
Cattle are a potential reservoir of bubaline herpesvirus 1 (BuHV1)
Authors: Maidana S. S. , Delgado F. , Vagnoni L. , Mauroy A. , Thiry E. , Romera S.
Published: December 2016

In the present work, controlled experimental infection and transmission studies in domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) were carried out to study the in vivo behaviour of bubaline herpesvirus 1 (BuHV1). Two bovine and two buffalo calves were infected with BuHV1 (20287N isolate) by intranasal aerosolisation. Two sentinel cattle did not receive the virus challenge, but were housed with infected buffaloes to evaluate horizontal transmission. All experimentally inoculated animals showed viral infection and respiratory clinical signs. BuHV1 experimentally infected calves showed intermittent viral excretion between 2 days and 18 days postinfection (dpi) with a maximum titre of excretion of 106 TCID50/ml and moderate rhinitis between 2 dpi and 20 dpi. BuHV1 experimentally inoculated buffaloes showed mild respiratory signs, which consisted mainly of serous nasal secretions during the infection period. Sentinel calves showed mucosal specific IgG1 antibodies at seven days postcontact. Viral DNA was detected by PCR and sequencing in both buffaloes and sentinel calves, which could be associated with latency. In conclusion, this study showed the susceptibility of cattle to BuHV1 after both experimental infection and contact with infected buffaloes. These data increase the scarce knowledge on the pathogenesis in natural host and the susceptibility of cattle to BuHV1 experimental infection.
Health care provider confidence and exercise prescription practices of Exercise is Medicine Canada workshop attendees
Authors: O’Brien Myles W. , Shields Christopher A. , Oh Paul I. , Fowles Jonathon R.
Published: December 2016

The Exercise is Medicine Canada (EIMC) initiative promotes physical activity counselling and exercise prescription within health care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate perceptions and practices around physical activity counselling and exercise prescription in health care professionals before and after EIMC training. Prior to and directly following EIMC workshops, 209 participants (physicians (n = 113); allied health professionals (AHPs) (n = 54), including primarily nurses (n = 36) and others; and exercise professionals (EPs) (n = 23), including kinesiologists (n = 16), physiotherapists (n = 5), and personal trainers (n = 2)) from 7 provinces completed self-reflection questionnaires. Compared with AHPs, physicians saw more patients (78% > 15 patients/day vs 93% < 15 patients/day; p < 0.001) and reported lower frequencies of exercise counselling during routine client encounters (48% vs 72% in most sessions; p < 0.001). EPs had higher confidence providing physical activity information (92 ± 11%) compared with both physicians (52 ± 25%; p < 0.001) and AHPs (56 ± 24%; p < 0.001). Physicians indicated that they experienced greater difficulty including physical activity and exercise counselling into sessions (2.74 ± 0.71, out of 5) compared with AHPs (2.17 ± 0.94; p = 0.001) and EPs (1.43 ± 0.66; p < 0.001). Physicians rated the most impactful barriers to exercise prescription as lack of patient interest (2.77 ± 0.85 out of 4), resources (2.65 ± 0.82 out of 4), and time (2.62 ± 0.71 out of 4). The majority of physicians (85%) provided a written prescription for exercise in <10% of appointments. Following the workshop, 87% of physician attendees proposed at least one change to practice; 47% intended on changing their practice by prescribing exercise routinely, and 33% planned on increasing physical activity and exercise counselling, measured through open-ended responses.
Co-inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and a phosphate-solubilizing fungus promotes the plant growth and phosphate uptake of avocado plantlets in a nursery
Authors: Tamayo-Velez Alvaro , Osorio Nelson Walter
Published: December 2016

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the individual and combined effects of treatment with the phosphate solubilizing fungus Mortierella sp. and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizoglomus fasciculatum on the plant growth and phosphate uptake on plantlets of avocado (Persea americana Mill. cv. ‘Hass’) grown in a nursery. A completely randomized test design was used. Treatments consisted of individual and combined inoculations with R. fasciculatum and Mortierella sp. at two concentrations (106and 108CFU·mL−1), and the results were compared with an uninoculated control. The plant height, shoot dry mass, and shoot phosphate uptake were significantly higher in plants inoculated with both of the fungi than with either fungus individually, or in the uninoculated control plants. The colonization of fine roots with both fungi decreased when they were co-inoculated by comparison with when they were individually inoculated, which suggests that these fungi compete for root space. Despite this competition, the dual inoculation showed that the fungi had additive effects on plant performance. Thus, shoot phosphate levels in plantlets inoculated with mycorrhizae was significantly higher when Mortierella sp. was co-inoculated at both concentrations, compared with the single inoculations and the uninoculated control plants (mycorrhiza free).
Marine growth patterns of southern British Columbia chum salmon explained by interactions between density-dependent competition and changing climate
Authors: Debertin Allan J. , Irvine James R. , Holt Carrie A. , Oka Gladys , Trudel Marc
Published: December 2016

Thirty-nine years of scale growth measurements from Big Qualicum River chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) in southern British Columbia demonstrated that competition and climate variation affect marine growth and age-at-maturity. A longitudinal study design that accounted for correlation among individuals revealed growth at all ages was reduced when the biomass of North American chum, sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka), and pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) was high. When North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) was positive, indicating increased primary productivity, predicted growth increased. Climate variation influenced competition effects. For instance, density-dependent competition effects increased when NPGO became more positive and Pacific Decadal Oscillation became more negative (indicating cool conditions), causing the greatest range in predicted scale size. Chum salmon are likely to exhibit continued reduction in growth at age due to increased ocean temperatures driven by climate change and high aggregate salmon biomass that includes hatchery releases. If evidence of biomass and climate effects presented here are common among Pacific salmon populations, reduction of hatchery releases should be considered.
Multiplicity fluctuation and phase transition in high-energy collision — A chaos-based study with complex network perspective
Authors: Bhaduri Susmita , Ghosh Dipak
Published: December 2016

Multiplicity fluctuation provides enough information concerning the dynamics of particle production process and even signature of phase transition from hadronic to QGP phase expected in ultrarelativistic nuclear collision. Numerous analyses reported on the fluctuation pattern of pions have been studied from theoretical and phenomenological approaches. Also the fractal properties have been explored to characterize quantitative degree of fluctuation. The present work reports a study of pion fluctuation from a radically different perspective, using science of complexity. For this we have taken two different interactions — one hadron–nucleus and other nucleus–nucleus, namely [Formula: see text]-AgBr (350 GeV) and [Formula: see text]S-AgBr (200 A[Formula: see text]GeV). We have analyzed both data in the light of complex network analysis, viz. visibility graph method. The data reveal that power of the scale-freeness in visibility graph (PSVG), a quantitative parameter related to Hurst exponent, may provide information on the degree of fluctuation. Further, in a recent work, it was shown that phase transition can also be studied using the same methodology. Based on the result of the present study we further propose to use this methodology, where critical phenomena are to be assessed — even in case of pion fluctuation, for obtaining the QGP like phase transition.
Structural, elastic and thermodynamic properties of A15-type compounds V3X (X = Ir, Pt and Au) from first-principles calculations
Authors: Wang Mingliang , Chen Zhe , Chen Dong , Xia Cunjuan , Wu Yi
Published: December 2016

The structural, elastic and thermodynamic properties of the A15 structure V3Ir, V3Pt and V3Au were studied using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) within generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and local density approximation (LDA) methods. The results have shown that both GGA and LDA methods can process the structural optimization in good agreement with the available experimental parameters in the compounds. Furthermore, the elastic properties and Debye temperatures estimated by LDA method are typically larger than the GGA methods. However, the GGA methods can make better prediction with the experimental values of Debye temperature in V3Ir, V3Pt and V3Au, signifying the precision of the calculating work. Based on the E–V data derived from the GGA method, the variations of the Debye temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion and heat capacity under pressure ranging from 0 GPa to 50 GPa and at temperature ranging from 0 K to 1500 K were obtained and analyzed for all compounds using the quasi-harmonic Debye model.
ZVS Converter with Full-Bridge and Half-Bridge Circuits: Analysis, Design and Implementation
Authors: Lin B. R.
Published: December 2016

A new DC/DC converter integrating a full-bridge circuit and a half-bridge pulse-width circuit is studied to realize the advantages of a wide range of zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and less circulating current loss. A half-bridge converter is connected to power switches on the lagging-leg of full-bridge converter to achieve a wider range of ZVS to overcome the disadvantage of narrow ZVS range in conventional full-bridge converter. The output side of half-bridge circuit is linked to the secondary side of the full-bridge converter to decrease the primary circulating current of the full-bridge converter. Therefore, the conduction losses due to the high circulating current in conventional full-bridge converter are reduced. The theoretical analysis is discussed in detail and the effectiveness of the proposed converter is verified by the experimental verifications with a 1440[Formula: see text]W prototype.
Postnatal treatment with metyrapone attenuates the effects of diet-induced obesity in female rats exposed to early-life stress
Authors: Murphy Margaret O. , Herald Joseph B. , Wills Caleb T. , Unfried Stanley G. , Cohn Dianne M. , Loria Analia S.
Published: December 2016

Experimental studies in rodents have shown that females are more susceptible to exhibiting fat expansion and metabolic disease compared with males in several models of fetal programming. This study tested the hypothesis that female rat pups exposed to maternal separation (MatSep), a model of early-life stress, display an exacerbated response to diet-induced obesity compared with male rats. Also, we tested whether the postnatal treatment with metyrapone (MTP), a corticosterone synthase inhibitor, would attenuate this phenotype. MatSep was performed in WKY offspring by separation from the dam (3 h/day, postnatal days 2–14). Upon weaning, male and female rats were placed on a normal (ND; 18% kcal fat) or high-fat diet (HFD; 60% kcal fat). Nondisturbed littermates served as controls. In male rats, no diet-induced differences in body weight (BW), glucose tolerance, and fat tissue weight and morphology were found between MatSep and control male rats. However, female MatSep rats displayed increased BW gain, fat pad weights, and glucose intolerance compared with control rats ( P < 0.05). Also, HFD increased plasma corticosterone (196 ± 51 vs. 79 ± 18 pg/ml, P < 0.05) and leptin levels (1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 1.3 ± 0.1 ng/ml, P < 0.05) in female MatSep compared with control rats, whereas insulin and adiponectin levels were similar between groups. Female control and MatSep offspring were treated with MTP (50 µg/g ip) 30 min before the daily separation. MTP treatment significantly attenuated diet-induced obesity risk factors, including elevated adiposity, hyperleptinemia, and glucose intolerance. These findings show that exposure to stress hormones during early life could be a key event to enhance diet-induced obesity and metabolic disease in female rats. Thus, pharmacological and/or behavioral inflection of the stress levels is a potential therapeutic approach for prevention of early life stress-enhanced obesity and metabolic disease.
Sex difference in the contribution of GABAB receptors to tibial neuromodulation of bladder overactivity in cats
Authors: Fuller Thomas W. , Jiang Xuewen , Bansal Utsav , Lamm Vladimir , Shen Bing , Wang Jicheng , Roppolo James R. , de Groat William C. , Tai Changfeng
Published: December 2016

This study investigated the role of γ-aminobutyric acid subtype B (GABAB) receptors in tibial and pudendal neuromodulation of bladder overactivity induced by intravesical administration of dilute (0.5%) acetic acid (AA) in α-chloralose-anesthetized cats. To inhibit bladder overactivity, tibial or pudendal nerve stimulation (TNS or PNS) was applied at 5 Hz and two or four times threshold (T) intensity for inducing toe or anal sphincter twitch. TNS at 2T or 4T intensity significantly ( P < 0.05) increased the bladder capacity to 173.8 ± 16.2 or 198.5 ± 24.1%, respectively, of control capacity. Meanwhile, PNS at 2T or 4T intensity significantly ( P < 0.05) increased the bladder capacity to 217 ± 18.8 and 221.3 ± 22.3% of control capacity, respectively. CGP52432 (a GABAB receptor antagonist) at intravenous dosages of 0.1–1 mg/kg completely removed the TNS inhibition in female cats but had no effect in male cats. CGP52432 administered intravenously also had no effect on control bladder capacity or the pudendal inhibition of bladder overactivity. These results reveal a sex difference in the role of GABAB receptors in tibial neuromodulation of bladder overactivity in cats and that GABAB receptors are not involved in either pudendal neuromodulation or irritation-induced bladder overactivity.
Volatile Fatty Acids Production from Codigestion of Food Waste and Sewage Sludge Based onβ-Cyclodextrins and Alkaline Treatments
Authors: Yang Xue , Liu Xiang , Chen Si , Liu Guangmin , Wu Shuyan , Wan Chunli
Published: December 2016

Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are preferred valuable resources, which can be produced from anaerobic digestion process. This study presents a novel technology usingβ-cyclodextrins (β-CD) pretreatment integrated alkaline method to enhance VFAs production from codigestion of food waste and sewage sludge. Experiment results showed that optimized ratio of food waste to sewage sludge was 3 : 2 because it provided adequate organic substance and seed microorganisms. Based on this optimized ratio, the integrated treatment of alkaline pH 10 andβ-CD addition (0.2 g/g TS) performed the best enhancement on VFAs production, and the maximum VFAs production was 8631.7 mg/L which was 6.13, 1.38, and 1.57 times higher than that of control, initial pH 10, and 0.2 gβ-CD/g TS treatment, respectively. Furthermore, the hydrolysis rate of protein and polysaccharides was greatly improved in integration treatment, which was 1.18–3.45 times higher than that of other tests. Though the VFAs production and hydrolysis of polymeric organics were highly enhanced, the primary bacterial communities with different treatments did not show substantial differences.