bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ranolazine Added to Amiodarone Facilitates Earlier Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation Compared to Amiodarone‐Only Therapy
Authors: TSANAXIDIS NIKOS , AIDONIDIS ISAAC , HATZIEFTHIMIOU APOSTOLIA , DASKALOPOULOU STELLA S. , GIAMOUZIS GRIGORIOS , TRIPOSKIADIS FILIPPOS , SKOULARIGIS IOANNIS
Published: February 2017

Background

Amiodarone (AMIO) is for many years effectively used to control ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation (AF) and to convert it into sinus rhythm. However, due to its delayed onset of action, ranolazine (RAN), a new antianginal agent with atrial‐selective electrophysiologic properties, has recently been attempted as add‐on therapy with AMIO to facilitate AF conversion.

Methods

To establish the role of this combination therapy, we enrolled 173 consecutive patients (68 ± 10 years, 54% male) with recent‐onset (<48‐hour duration) AF who were eligible for pharmacologic cardioversion. Patients were randomized to intravenous AMIO (loading dose 5 mg/kg in 1 hour followed by 50 mg/h; n = 81), or AMIO plus a single oral dose of RAN 1 g (n = 92).

Results

Mean left atrial diameter did not significantly differ between groups, AMIO and AMIO + RAN (4.2 ± 0.5 cm vs 4.1 ± 0.4 cm, P = 0.18). The AMIO + RAN group compared with the AMIO‐only group showed significantly shorter time to conversion (8.6 ± 2.8 hours vs 19.4 ± 4.4 hours, P < 0.0001) and higher conversion rate at 24 hours (98% vs 58%, P < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction did not markedly vary between the two groups and ranged within moderately reduced values. No serious clinically evident adverse effects were observed in any of the patients receiving either AMIO or the combination treatment.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate faster sinus rhythm restoration and enhanced conversion rate of AF after AMIO plus RAN in patients with preserved ejection fraction and left atrial size, implicating a synergistic effect of the two agents.
Hemodynamic profile and behavioral characteristics during induction of anesthesia in pediatric patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Cartabuke Richard S. , Tobias Joseph D. , Rice Julie , Tumin Dmitry
Published: February 2017

Aim

There is no consensus regarding the administration of stimulant drugs preoperatively, particularly in pediatric patients diagnosed with ADHD. The primary objective of the current study was to assess differences in blood pressure and heart rate before and after induction of anesthesia between patients on chronic amphetamine or methylphenidate therapy who receive their normal dose preoperatively compared to patients in whom the prescribed medication was withheld. Secondary objectives were to assess the anxiety level during the induction of anesthesia and the effect of premedication with midazolam.

Method

Patients, ranging in age from 2 through 18 years, were enrolled if they were diagnosed with ADHD, were taking amphetamines or methylphenidate at any time in the 6 months prior to admission, and were undergoing an outpatient surgical or diagnostic procedure. The study cohort was divided into those who took their ADHD medications prior to surgery and those who did not take their medications preoperatively. The primary objective was addressed by comparing heart rate, systolic and diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure before and during anesthetic induction between the two groups. Hypotension after anesthetic induction was defined as systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure <5th percentile for age. To address the secondary objectives, modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) scores assessed prior to induction and during induction were compared between groups.

Results

Fifty patients were enrolled, 14 of whom took their ADHD medication and 34 of whom did not take ADHD medication preoperatively. Two patients with unknown ADHD medication status were excluded from the primary analysis (stratification by medication withholding), but all 50 patients were used for the secondary analysis (stratification by midazolam use). There was no intraoperative hypotension in either group. Despite weak evidence for a difference in heart rate between the group receiving medication and the group with no medication (96.8 ± 14.0 vs 88.0 ± 14.0 beats/min; difference of means = 8.8; 95% CI of difference: 0.2, 17.7; P = 0.055), there was no evidence for differences between the groups in systolic BP, diastolic BP, or mean arterial pressure. There were no differences between groups in mYPAS at the two time periods assessed.

Conclusion

The evidence suggests that continuing preoperative stimulant medication is not associated with cardiovascular instability in the pediatric population. The evidence suggests that withholding or allowing stimulant medication preoperatively does not improve behavior on anesthetic induction or reduce the need for anxiolytic medication. Research efforts should focus on perioperative management strategies that will decrease the likelihood of long‐term behavioral issues.
GhMYB1 regulates SCW stage‐specific expression of the GhGDSL promoter in the fibres of Gossypium hirsutum L.
Authors: Yadav Vrijesh Kumar , Yadav Vikash Kumar , Pant Poonam , Singh Surendra Pratap , Maurya Rashmi , Sable Anshulika , Sawant Samir V.
Published: February 2017

Secondary cell wall (SCW) biosynthesis is an important stage of the cotton fibre development, and its transcriptional regulation is poorly understood. We selected the Gossypium hirsutum GDSL (GhGDSL) lipase/hydrolase gene (CotAD_74480), which is expressed during SCW biosynthesis (19 through to 25 days postanthesis; DPA), for study. T1‐transgenic cotton lines expressing the β‐glucuronidase (gus) reporter under the control of a 1026‐bp promoter fragment of GhGDSL (PGhGDSL) showed 19 DPA stage‐specific increase in GUS expression. 5′ deletion indicated that the 194‐bp fragment between –788 and –594 relative to the transcription start site was essential for this stage‐specific expression. Site‐directed mutagenesis of eight transcription factor binding sites within PGhGDSL demonstrated that the MYB1AT motif (AAACCA) at –603/–598 was critical for the 19 DPA‐specific reporter gene expressions. Yeast one‐hybrid (Y1H) analysis identified nine proteins, including GhMYB1 (CotAD_64719) that bound to the PGhGDSL promoter. Further, Y1H experiments using the 5′ promoter deletions and individually mutated promoter motifs indicated that GhMYB1 interacted with PGhGDSL at MYB1AT sequence. GhMYB1 was expressed specifically in fibre from 19 DPA, overlapping with the sharp rise in GhGDSL expression, indicating that it could regulate GhGDSL during fibre development. Analysis of genes co‐expressed with GhMYB1 showed that it potentially regulates a number of other 19–25 DPA‐specific genes in networks including those functioning in the cell wall and precursor synthesis, but not the major polysaccharide and protein components of the fibre SCW. GhGDSL and its promoter are therefore potential tools for the improvement of cotton fibre quality traits.
A systematic review of parent and family functioning in pediatric solid organ transplant populations
Authors: Cousino Melissa K. , Rea Kelly E. , Schumacher Kurt R. , Magee John C. , Fredericks Emily M.
Published: February 2017

The process of pediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT) places new and increased stressors on patients and family members. Measures of family functioning may predict psychological and health outcomes for pediatric patients and their families, and provide opportunity for targeted intervention. This systematic review investigated parent and family functioning and factors associated with poorer functioning in the pediatric SOT population. Thirty‐seven studies were identified and reviewed. Studies featured a range of organ populations (eg, heart, liver, kidney, lung, intestine) at various stages in the transplant process. Findings highlighted that parents of pediatric SOT populations commonly report increased stress and mental health symptoms, including posttraumatic stress disorder. Pediatric SOT is also associated with increased family stress and burden throughout the transplant process. Measures of parent and family functioning were associated with several important health‐related factors, such as medication adherence, readiness for discharge, and number of hospitalizations. Overall, findings suggest that family stress and burden persists post‐transplant, and parent and family functioning is associated with health‐related factors in SOT, highlighting family‐level functioning as an important target for future intervention.
The epistemology of moral disagreement
Authors: Cosker‐Rowland Rach
Published: February 2017

This article is about the implications of a conciliatory view about the epistemology of peer disagreement for our moral beliefs. Many have endorsed a conciliatory view about the epistemology of peer disagreement according to which if we find ourselves in a disagreement about some matter with another whom we should judge to be our epistemic peer on that matter, we must revise our judgment about that matter. This article focuses on three issues about the implications of conciliationism for our moral beliefs. The first is whether there is an asymmetry between the implications of conciliationism for the epistemic status of our moral beliefs and the implications of conciliationism for the epistemic status of our non‐moral beliefs; for instance, some have argued that conciliationism leads to epistemological moral skepticism but not to epistemological nonmoral skepticism. The second is what the implications of conciliationism are for the epistemic status of particular moral beliefs. The third is whether conciliationism's impact on the epistemic status of our moral beliefs has practical implications.
Community‐based Flu Outreach Clinics in South Los Angeles: Client Satisfaction and Experiences
Authors: Mobasher Zahra , Smith Lisa V. , Stegall Ashley , Bressler‐Montgomery Deanna , Dominguez Daniela , King Jan , Frye Douglas , Piron Jennifer , Family Leila , Kuo Tony
Published: February 2017

Objective

This study sought to better understand and improve influenza vaccination in low‐income populations regardless of their health insurance/immigration status. It assessed client satisfaction and experiences with services provided at community‐based “flu outreach” clinics in South Los Angeles. The clinics represent a community‐public agency partnership—a model of vaccine delivery that was relatively novel to the region.

Design and Sample

During 2011–2012, a self‐administered questionnaire was distributed to clients of the local health department's 39 flu outreach clinics in South Los Angeles.

Measures

The study utilized a 10‐item satisfaction scale and survey questions that gauged client history and experiences with present and prior vaccinations.

Results

Of 4,497 adults who were eligible, 3,860 completed the survey (participation rate = 86%). More than 90% were satisfied with their experiences at the clinics. Younger adults were significantly more likely than adults aged 65+ to report not having been vaccinated in the previous year (p < .05). No statistical differences were observed by gender or race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

High satisfaction with flu outreach services in South Los Angeles suggests that this model for vaccine delivery could lead to meaningful client experience of care. Local health departments could capitalize on this model to improve preventive services delivery for the underserved.
Methods Matter: Tracking Health Disparities in Alternative High Schools
Authors: Johnson Karen E. , Goyal Mohit , Simonton Amanda J. , Richardson Rebecca , Morris Marian , Rew Lynn
Published: February 2017

Alternative high school (AHS) students are at‐risk for school dropout and engage in high levels of health‐risk behaviors that should be monitored over time. They are excluded from most public health surveillance efforts (e.g., Youth Risk Behavior Survey; YRBS), hindering our ability to monitor health disparities and allocate scarce resources to the areas of greatest need. Using active parental consent, we recruited 515 students from 14 AHSs in Texas to take a modified YRBS. We calculated three different participation rates, tracked participation by age of legal consent (≥18 and <18 years), and identified other considerations for obtaining quality data. Being required to use active consent resulted in a much lower cooperation rate among students <18 years (32%) versus those who were ≥18 years and could provide their own consent (57%). Because chronic truancy is prevalent in AHS students, cooperation rates may be more accurate than participation rates based off of enrollment or attendance. Requiring active consent and not having accurate participation rates may result in surveillance data that are of disparate quality. This threatens to mask the needs of AHS students and perpetuate disparities because we are likely missing the highest‐risk students within a high‐risk sample and cannot generalize findings.
Early Term Deliveries and the Risk of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in the Offspring
Authors: Walfisch Asnat , Wainstock Tamar , Beharier Ofer , Landau Daniella , Sheiner Eyal
Published: February 2017

Background

Preterm delivery may affect the development of the upper airways resulting in a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We investigated whether children born at early term (37‐38 6/7 weeks’ gestation) are at an increased risk for childhood OSA as compared with those born later.

Methods

In this population‐based cohort analysis all singleton deliveries occurring between 1991–2013 at a single regional tertiary medical centre were included. Gestational age upon delivery was sub‐divided into: early preterm (<33 6/7 weeks’ gestation), late preterm (34‐36 6/7), early term, full term (39‐40 6/7), late term (41‐41 6/7), and post term (>42 0/7). Incidence of OSA related hospitalizations of the offspring, up to the age of 18 years, was evaluated. A survival curve and a Cox model were used to assess the association.

Results

During the study period 240 953 deliveries met the inclusion criteria. OSA hospitalization (n = 1320) rates decreased as gestational age increased from 1.1% in the early preterm group, 0.8% in late preterm, 0.7% at early term, 0.5% in full term, 0.4% in late term, to 0.3% in post term born children. In the Cox regression, early term delivery exhibited an increased risk for paediatric OSA (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.3 95% Confidence interval (CI) 1.2, 1.5) while late and post term deliveries were associated with significantly lower OSA risk when compared with full term (HR 0.8 95% CI 0.6, 0.9 and HR 0.6 95% CI 0.4, 0.8, respectively).

Conclusions

Early term deliveries are associated with higher rates of paediatric OSA, which decrease gradually as gestational age advances.
Localization of orexin B and receptor 2 for orexins in testicular cytotypes of the camelid alpaca (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: Liguori G , Squillacioti C , Assisi L , Mirabella N , Langella E , Costagliola A , Vittoria A
Published: February 2017

Contents

The orexins A (OxA) and B (OxB) are two hypothalamic peptides involved in many physiological functions of the mammalian body. They act through the binding of two G‐coupled receptors named receptor 1 (OX1) and receptor 2 (OX2) for orexins. The first receptor is specific for OxA, while the second binds both the substances with equal affinity. The orexins and the relative receptors have been traced by means of different techniques also at the periphery of the body and particularly in the adrenals, and in gastrointestinal and genital organs. Aim of this work was to investigate the presence of OxB and OX2 by means of immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis in the testis of the South American camelid alpaca, a species primarily breed in Chile and Ecuador and recently diffused in Europe where the quality of its wool is particularly appreciated. OxB immunoreactivity (IR) was found in the tubular compartment of the testis where spermatogonia (resting), zygotene and pachytene spermatocytes, and spermatids clearly showed differently sized and shaped cytoplasmic positive structures. OX2‐IR was found both in the interstitial and tubular compartments of the testis and particularly in Leydig cells and round and elongated spermatids. Western blotting analysis of testis lysates showed the presence of a protein band whose molecular weight corresponded to that currently assigned to OX2. Such findings easily translate the hypothesis that OxB and its receptor 2 play a functional role both in the interstitial and tubular compartments of the alpaca testis.
Effects of alternate flooding–drought conditions on degenerated Phragmites australis salt marsh in Northeast China
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Wen Bolong , Yang Fei , Hartley Anne , Li Xiujun
Published: February 2017

The hydrological regime is the dominant factor associated with the degradation and restoration of inland salt marshes in Northeast China. This study investigates whether alternate flooding–drought conditions could be used to actively restore degraded inland salt marshes with the native plant Phragmites australis. Pot experiments were designed to examine changes in the growth and physiology of P. australis, as well as the saline–alkaline soil characteristics, in response to different hydrological regimes, alternate flooding–drought treatments, and single treatments of moisture, flooding, and drought. After 4 months of treatments, the P. australis population that grew in alternate flooding–drought conditions exhibited substantially more biomass accumulation and less Na+ absorption compared with the single treatments of moisture, flooding, and drought. Photosynthesis physiology served as regulating and adaptive responses to different water regimes, with increased values after the short‐term flooding, long‐term drought, and flooding–drought cycles. In addition, the saline–alkaline soil properties changed in response to the flooding–drought cycles. The flooding–drought cycles increased organic matter and total nitrogen contents, but decreased pH, electrical conductivity, and saline ion levels. Plant growth and saline–alkaline soil were improved by flooding–drought cycles (not drought–flooding cycles), which suggests that this may be an effective approach for restoration inland salt marshes.
Has the Suburbanization of Ethnic Economies Created New Opportunities for Income Attainment?
Authors: Somashekhar Mahesh
Published: February 2017

Objective

International migration to the U.S. suburbs has upended many theories of urban inequality and immigrant incorporation, including ethnic economy theory. This article is the most comprehensive study conducted to date on the reasons behind ethnic economy suburbanization and its effect on earnings.

Methods

The article uses regression techniques to analyze Census microdata from 1990 to 2010. A series of analyses that aggregate and disaggregate trends across nine ethnic groups identify the extent and influence of ethnic economies in suburban areas.

Results

Ethnic economy suburbanization is strongly associated with ethnic residential suburbanization, and earnings are no different in the suburban and urban portions of the ethnic economy.

Conclusion

Although existing research highlights the uniqueness of suburban ethnic economies, suburban ethnic economies are delivering outcomes similar to those found in urban areas. This supports the body of literature arguing that differences between immigrant incorporation patterns in cities and suburbs are diminishing.
Severe chronic norovirus diarrheal disease in transplant recipients: Clinical features of an under‐recognized syndrome
Authors: Avery Robin K. , Lonze Bonnie E. , Kraus Edward S. , Marr Kieren A. , Montgomery Robert A.
Published: February 2017

Background

Norovirus (NV) infection has been reported as a cause of severe chronic diarrhea in transplant recipients, but this entity remains under‐recognized in clinical practice, leading to diagnostic delays. Transplant clinicians should become familiar with this syndrome in order to facilitate early detection and management.

Methods

Demographic, clinical, and outcomes variables were summarized from a series of transplant recipients with positive stool NV reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assays at Johns Hopkins in 2013‐2014. Factors associated with longer duration of symptoms were compared using random forest analysis.

Results

Thirty‐one of 193 (16%) transplant recipients who were tested for NV had positive stool RT‐PCRs. Symptoms included diarrhea (100%), nausea/vomiting (58%), abdominal pain (52%), and wasting (35%). Acute kidney injury occurred in 23%, and persisted in 21% after 6 months. Median duration of diarrheal symptoms was 4 months (range, <1‐20) and 11/31 (35.4%) patients had relapses after improvement. Wasting, incompatible kidney transplant status, and plasmapheresis were associated with longer diarrhea durations. Treatments included nitazoxanide (in 74%), reduction of immunosuppression (58%), and intravenous immunoglobulin (32%). Six patients died, but no deaths were attributed to NV.

Conclusions

It is important for clinicians to recognize that NV can cause severe chronic diarrhea in transplant recipients. In this series, receipt of a human leukocyte antigen‐ and/or blood type‐incompatible kidney transplant, and plasmapheresis were associated with longer symptom duration.
Diamond burr debridement vs. grid keratotomy in canine SCCED with scanning electron microscopy diamond burr tip analysis
Authors: Spertus Chloe B. , Brown Josef M. , Giuliano Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

(i) Compare the outcome of canine SCCED treated with grid keratotomy (GK) or diamond burr debridement (DBD); (ii) Serially evaluate morphologic and elemental composition changes to diamond burr tips.

Animals studied

A total of 91 eyes of 88 canine SCCED patients treated at the University of Missouri (2005–2015); 75 fresh cadaver porcine globes.

Procedures

(i) Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Data were analyzed for age, sex, breed, procedure performed, eye(s) on which the procedure was performed, time to healing after a single surgical procedure, performance of a second surgical procedure, contact lens placement, and postprocedural complications. (ii) Three naïve 3.5‐mm medium grit burr tips were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). DBD was performed for 120 s on 8‐mm porcine corneal stroma using the Algerbrush®. Manufacturer‐recommended cleaning protocols were followed. SEM and EDS analyses were performed in triplicate after 10, 25, and 50 DBD, cleaning, and sterilization cycles.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in healing between DBD and GK groups (P = 0.50). No diamond particle damage after 10, 25, or 50 DBDs was detected. SEM secondary electron imaging and backscatter electron imaging after repeated uses demonstrated a build‐up of contamination composed of carbon, sulfur, and calcium on burr tips.

Conclusions

Both DBD and GK are effective treatment options for canine SCCED. Although complications are rare after DBD, build‐up of contaminants may be a contributing factor. Additional cleaning and sterilization protocols are being investigated.
Transfusion medicine education for non‐transfusion medicine physicians: a structured review
Authors: Lin Y. , Haspel R. L.
Published: February 2017

As transfusion is a commonly identified overused intervention, there is a clear gap between evidence‐based and clinical practice. To close this gap, there is not only a need for increased transfusion medicine educational opportunities but for those using structured and proven instructional methods. Kern and colleagues have defined important steps to be considered in curricular design: general needs assessment; targeted needs assessment; goals and objectives; educational strategies; implementation; and evaluation and feedback. We use this framework to examine the current state of transfusion medicine educational initiatives for the non‐transfusion medicine physician.
The Emergence of Wellbeing in Late Modern Capitalism: Theory, Research and Policy Responses
Authors: Placa Vincent La , Knight Anneyce
Published: February 2017

This article outlines a historical and theoretical framework that traces the historical and discursive emergence of the concept of wellbeing as a consequence of the decline of traditional capitalism and modernity and the subsequent shift to a late modern capitalist economy. On the structural level, this shift precipitates a new type of consumption that not only characterises the productive and physical capacity of the economy and products, but cascades into the social construction of multiple discursive, symbolic and cultural products, images, and forms of information and meanings, from wellbeing emerges. This process has consequences for individuals in late modernity as they navigate through a world where life-worlds, security and relationships are disrupted and require new forms of revising and responding to change. Consequently, wellbeing further establishes a means of responding and adapting to, for instance, changing lives, circumstances, security, and happiness. The emergence of wellbeing as a significant component of social policy discourses has also precipitated debate around the types of research and policy responses relevant to the study of wellbeing. As a result, the article also prescribes an epistemology founded upon a ‘cultural’ and ‘relational’ approach that can effectively underpin research and social policies relevant to wellbeing in late modern capitalism.
Accounts of blatant racism against Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Pack Sylvia , Tuffin Keith , Lyons Antonia
Published: February 2017

Racism in Aotearoa New Zealand has been shown to be modern, subtle, symbolic and understated, yet also powerfully prevalent and functional in maintaining Pākehā societal structures. These significant findings arise from a large corpus of studies of Pākehā media representation and Pākehā talk and text. In contrast, this study examines racism as recounted by Māori targets. Nineteen Māori participants were asked to describe their experiences. The data were analysed using thematic analysis informed by social constructionism, which facilitated attention to language patterns and context. Key themes in the accounts were: phenotypical identity markers, negative stereotypes, public racism, and the significant emotional impacts involved in being a target of racism. The overt nature of racist incidents challenge findings which show modern racism to be subtle, and counter the view that offensive overt racism is out dated.
A Pilot Study: Perceptual Effects of the Voodoo Floss Band on Glenohumeral Flexibility
Authors: Kiefer Brittany N. , Lemarr Kyle E. , Enriquez Christopher C. , Tivener Kristin A. , Daniel Todd
Published: February 2017

Even though adaption of the Voodoo Floss Band is gaining momentum, evidence-based literature on its effectiveness remains sparse. The purpose of this quantitative observational design study was to investigate the effects of the Voodoo Floss Band on soft-tissue flexibility and perception of movement. A repeated-measures ANOVA with between-subjects factor demonstrated both groups significantly improved GH flexion range of motion from pretest to post-test but there was not a statistically significant difference between the groups. Perceptions of flexibility increased more for the Voodoo Floss Band group, demonstrating a psychological increase in GH flexion, but not a physical increase.
Effect of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Swimming Performance in Trained Swimmers
Authors: Lowings Sam , Shannon Oliver Michael , Deighton Kevin , Matu Jamie , Barlow Matthew John
Published: February 2017

Nitrate supplementation appears to be most ergogenic when oxygen availability is restricted and subsequently may be particularly beneficial for swimming performance due to the breath-hold element of this sport. This represents the first investigation of nitrate supplementation and swimming time-trial (TT) performance. In a randomized double-blind repeated-measures crossover study, ten (5 male, 5 female) trained swimmers ingested 140ml nitrate-rich (~12.5mmol nitrate) or nitrate-depleted (~0.01mmol nitrate) beetroot juice. Three hours later, subjects completed a maximal effort swim TT comprising 168m (8 × 21m lengths) backstroke. Preexercise fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentration was significantly elevated with nitrate compared with placebo, Mean (SD): 17 (9) vs. 7 (3)p.p.b., p = .008. Nitrate supplementation had a likely trivial effect on overall swim TT performance (mean difference 1.22s; 90% CI -0.18–2.6s; 0.93%; p = .144; d = 0.13; unlikely beneficial (22.6%), likely trivial (77.2%), most unlikely negative (0.2%)). The effects of nitrate supplementation during the first half of the TT were trivial (mean difference 0.29s; 90% CI -0.94–1.5s; 0.46%; p = .678; d = 0.05), but there was a possible beneficial effect of nitrate supplementation during the second half of the TT (mean difference 0.93s; 90% CI 0.13–1.70s; 1.36%; p = .062; d = 0.24; possibly beneficial (63.5%), possibly trivial (36.3%), most unlikely negative (0.2%)). The duration and speed of underwater swimming within the performance did not differ between nitrate and placebo (both p > .30). Nitrate supplementation increased nitric oxide bioavailability but did not benefit short-distance swimming performance or the underwater phases of the TT. Further investigation into the effects of nitrate supplementation during the second half of performance tests may be warranted.
Preventive Physical Training Partially Preserves Heart Function and Improves Cardiac Antioxidant Responses in Rats After Myocardial Infarction Preventive Physical Training and Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Authors: Schaun Maximiliano I. , Motta Leonardo Lisboa , Teixeira Rayane , Klamt Fábio , Rossato Juliane , Lehnen Alexandre Machado , Irigoyen Maria Cláudia , Markoski Melissa M.
Published: February 2017

In acute myocardial infarction (AMI), reactive oxygen species may cause irreversible damage to the heart tissue. Physical training is capable of enhancing antioxidant capacity, acting as a cardioprotective factor. We assessed the preventive effects of physical training on the antioxidant and functional responses of the heart of Wistar Kyoto rats after AMI. Wistar Kyoto rats (n = 12) were allocated to sedentary (SED) or trained (EXE—aerobic training on a treadmill) groups. Echocardiographic exams were performed 48 hr before and 48 hr after the induction of AMI. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and total glutathione (GSH) were measured in vitro in the heart tissue. After AMI, the EXE group showed higher left ventricular shortening fraction (29%; p = .004), higher cardiac output (37%; p = .032) and reduced myocardial infarction size (16%; p = .007) than SED. The EXE group showed a higher nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity (GSH, 23%; p = .004), but the SOD and CAT activities were higher in SED (23% SOD; p = .021 and 20% CAT; p = .016). In addition, the SOD activity was positively correlated with myocardial infarction size and inversely correlated with cardiac output. Physical training partially preserved cardiac function and increased intracellular antioxidant response in cardiac tissue of animals after AMI.
Accuracy and Validity of Commercially Available Kayak Ergometers
Authors: Borges Thiago Oliveira , Bullock Nicola , Aitken David , Coutts Aaron J.
Published: February 2017

Methods:

This study compared 3 commercially available ergometers for within- and between-brands difference to a first-principle calibration rig.

Results:

All ergometers underestimated true mean power, with errors of 27.6% ± 3.7%, 4.5% ± 3.5%, and 22.5% ± 1.9% for the KayakPro, WEBA, and Dansprint, respectively. Within-brand ergometer power differences ranged from 17 ± 9 to 22 ± 11 W for the KayakPro, 3 ± 4 to 4 ± 4 W for the WEBA, and 5 ± 3 to 5 ± 4 W for the Dansprint. The linear-regression analysis showed that most kayak ergometers have a stable coefficient of variation (0.9–1.7%) with a moderate effect size.

Conclusion:

Taken collectively, these findings show that different ergometers present inconsistent outcomes. Therefore, we suggest that athlete testing be conducted on the same ergometer brand, preferably the same ergometer. Optimally, that ergometer should be calibrated using a first-principle device before any athlete testing block.
Monitoring Hitting Load in Tennis Using Inertial Sensors and Machine Learning
Authors: Whiteside David , Cant Olivia , Connolly Molly , Reid Machar
Published: February 2017

Context:

Quantifying external workload is fundamental to training prescription in sport. In tennis, global positioning data are imprecise and fail to capture hitting loads. The current gold standard (manual notation) is time intensive and often not possible given players’ heavy travel schedules.

Purpose:

To develop an automated stroke-classification system to help quantify hitting load in tennis.

Methods:

Nineteen athletes wore an inertial measurement unit (IMU) on their wrist during 66 video-recorded training sessions. Video footage was manually notated such that known shot type (serve, rally forehand, slice forehand, forehand volley, rally backhand, slice backhand, backhand volley, smash, or false positive) was associated with the corresponding IMU data for 28,582 shots. Six types of machine-learning models were then constructed to classify true shot type from the IMU signals.

Results:

Across 10-fold cross-validation, a cubic-kernel support vector machine classified binned shots (overhead, forehand, or backhand) with an accuracy of 97.4%. A second cubic-kernel support vector machine achieved 93.2% accuracy when classifying all 9 shot types.

Conclusions:

With a view to monitoring external load, the combination of miniature inertial sensors and machine learning offers a practical and automated method of quantifying shot counts and discriminating shot types in elite tennis players.
Navigating Plurality in Hybrid Organizing: The Case of Sport for Development and Peace Entrepreneurs
Authors: Svensson Per G. , Seifried Chad S.
Published: February 2017

Sport leaders are redefining organizational paradigms by blending elements from traditional forms of organizing. Leaders of emergent hybrid forms face unique challenges in managing tensions associated with the paradoxical elements they embody. This paper introduces the concept of hybrid organizing and examines its applicability to Sport for Development and Peace (SDP). Specifically, Battilana and Lee’s (2014) multidimensional framework is used to examine the core practices, workforce composition, organizational design, interorganizational relationships, and organizational culture of hybrid SDP entities. Findings from this exploratory empirical work with nine organizations indicate SDP hybrids operate under a multitude of legal structures yet are underlined by shared beliefs that these new forms provide better opportunities for achieving social impact and organizational sustainability. Organizational leaders appear to use a multitude of internal mechanisms for managing the seemingly paradoxical nature of hybrid organizing. Strengths and challenges associated with these efforts were revealed and are critically examined.
Is State Anxiety, Trait Anxiety, or Anxiety Sensitivity a Clinical Predictor of Symptoms in Those Presenting With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury or Concussion?
Authors: Hixson Krista M. , Allen Alex N. , Williams Andrew S. , McLeod Tamara C. Valovich
Published: February 2017

Clinical Scenario:

Mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion, has been associated with physical, cognitive, and emotional sequelae. Little is understood in regard to many characteristics, such as anxiety, and their effect on post-concussion symptoms.

Clinical Question:

Is state anxiety, trait anxiety, or anxiety sensitivity a clinical predictor of symptoms in those presenting with mild traumatic brain injury or concussion?

Summary of Key Findings:

A literature search returned 3 possible studies; 3 studies met inclusion criteria and included. One study reported in athletes that greater social support was associated with decreased state-anxiety, lower state anxiety post-concussion was associated with increased social support, and that those with greater social support may experience reduced anxiety, regardless of injury type sustained. One study reported baseline trait anxiety in athletes was not significantly associated with post-concussion state anxiety, but that symptoms of depression at baseline was the strongest predictor for post-concussion state anxiety. Three studies reported that state and trait anxiety are not related to increased post-concussion symptom scores. One study reported that greater anxiety sensitivity is related to higher reported post-concussion symptom scores, which may manifest as somatic symptoms following concussion, and revealed that anxiety sensitivity may be a risk factor symptom development.

Clinical Bottom Line:

There is low-level to moderate evidence to support that anxiety sensitivity is linked to post-concussion symptoms. State and trait anxiety do not appear to be related to post-concussion symptoms alone. Post-concussion state anxiety may occur if post-concussion symptoms of depression are present or if baseline symptoms of depression are present. Better social support may improve state anxiety post-concussion.

Strength of Recommendation:

There is grade B evidence to support that state and trait anxiety are not risk factors for post-concussion symptom development. There is grade C evidence to support anxiety sensitivity as a risk factor for developing post-concussion symptoms.
Evaluation of Plasmodium vivax Cell-Traversal Protein for Ookinetes and Sporozoites as a Preerythrocytic P. vivax Vaccine
Authors: Alves Eduardo , Salman Ahmed M. , Leoratti Fabiana , Lopez-Camacho Cesar , Viveros-Sandoval Martha Eva , Lall Amar , El-Turabi Aadil , Bachmann Martin F. , Hill Adrian V. S. , Janse Chris J. , Khan Shahid M. , Reyes-Sandoval Arturo
Published: February 2017

Four different vaccine platforms, each targeting the human malaria parasite
Plasmodium vivax
cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites (
Pv
CelTOS), were generated and assessed for protective efficacy. These platforms consisted of a recombinant chimpanzee adenoviral vector 63 (ChAd63) expressing
Pv
CelTOS (Ad), a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara expressing
Pv
CelTOS (MVA),
Pv
CelTOS conjugated to bacteriophage Qβ virus-like particles (VLPs), and a recombinant
Pv
CelTOS protein expressed in eukaryotic HEK293T cells (protein). Inbred BALB/c mice and outbred CD-1 mice were immunized using the following prime-boost regimens: Ad-MVA, Ad-VLPs, and Ad-protein. Protective efficacy against sporozoite challenge was assessed after immunization using a novel chimeric rodent
Plasmodium berghei
parasite (
Pb-Pv
CelTOS). This chimeric parasite expresses
P. vivax
CelTOS in place of the endogenous
P. berghei
CelTOS and produces fully infectious sporozoites. A single Ad immunization in BALB/c and CD-1 mice induced anti-
Pv
CelTOS antibodies which were boosted efficiently using MVA, VLP, or protein immunization.
Pv
CelTOS-specific gamma interferon- and tumor necrosis factor alpha-producing CD8
+
T cells were induced at high frequencies by all prime-boost regimens in BALB/c mice but not in CD-1 mice; in CD-1 mice, they were only marginally increased after boosting with MVA. Despite the induction of anti-
Pv
CelTOS antibodies and
Pv
CelTOS-specific CD8
+
T-cell responses, only low levels of protective efficacy against challenge with
Pb-Pv
CelTOS sporozoites were obtained using any immunization strategy. In BALB/c mice, no immunization regimens provided significant protection against a
Pb-Pv
CelTOS chimeric sporozoite challenge. In CD-1 mice, modest protective efficacy against challenge with chimeric
P. berghei
sporozoites expressing either
Pv
CelTOS or
P. falciparum
CelTOS was observed using the Ad-protein vaccination regimen.
Calprotectin as a Biomarker for Melioidosis Disease Progression and Management
Authors: Natesan Mohan , Corea Enoka , Krishnananthasivam Shivankari , Sathkumara Harindra Darshana , Dankmeyer Jennifer L. , Dyas Beverly K. , Amemiya Kei , De Silva Aruna Dharshan , Ulrich Robert G.
Published: February 2017

Melioidosis is a neglected tropical disease that is caused by the bacterium
Burkholderia pseudomallei
and is underreported in many countries where the disease is endemic. A long and costly administration of antibiotics is needed to clear infections, and there is an unmet need for biomarkers to guide antibiotic treatment and increase the number of patients that complete therapy. We identified calprotectin as a lead biomarker of
B. pseudomallei
infections and examined correlations between this serum protein and the antibiotic treatment outcomes of patients with melioidosis. Serum levels of calprotectin and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in patients with melioidosis and nonmelioidosis sepsis than in healthy controls. Median calprotectin levels were higher in patients with melioidosis than in those with nonmelioidosis sepsis, whereas C-reactive protein levels were similar in both groups. Notably, intensive intravenous antibiotic treatment of patients with melioidosis resulted in lower levels of calprotectin and C-reactive protein (
P
< 0.0001), coinciding with recovery. The median percent reduction of calprotectin and C-reactive protein was 71% for both biomarkers after antibacterial therapy. In contrast, we found no significant differences in calreticulin levels between the two melioidosis treatment phases. Thus, reductions in serum calprotectin levels were linked to therapeutic responses to antibiotics. Our results suggest that calprotectin may be a sensitive indicator of melioidosis disease activity and illustrate the potential utility of this biomarker in guiding the duration of antibiotic therapy.
Japanese Encephalitis Virus NS5 Inhibits Type I Interferon (IFN) Production by Blocking the Nuclear Translocation of IFN Regulatory Factor 3 and NF-κB
Authors: Ye Jing , Chen Zheng , Li Yunchuan , Zhao Zikai , He Wen , Zohaib Ali , Song Yunfeng , Deng Chenglin , Zhang Bo , Chen Huanchun , Cao Shengbo
Published: February 2017

The type I interferon (IFN) response is part of the first-line defense against viral infection. To initiate replication, viruses have developed powerful evasion strategies to counteract host IFN responses. In the present study, we found that the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) NS5 protein could inhibit double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced IFN-β expression in a dose-dependent manner. Our data further demonstrated that JEV NS5 suppressed the activation of the IFN transcriptional factors IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and NF-κB. However, there was no defect in the phosphorylation of IRF3 and degradation of IκB, an upstream inhibitor of NF-κB, upon NS5 expression, indicating a direct inhibition of the nuclear localization of IRF3 and NF-κB by NS5. Mechanistically, NS5 was shown to interact with the nuclear transport proteins KPNA2, KPNA3, and KPNA4, which competitively blocked the interaction of KPNA3 and KPNA4 with their cargo molecules, IRF3 and p65, a subunit of NF-κB, and thus inhibited the nuclear translocation of IRF3 and NF-κB. Furthermore, overexpression of KPNA3 and KPNA4 restored the activity of IRF3 and NF-κB and increased the production of IFN-β in NS5-expressing or JEV-infected cells. Additionally, an upregulated replication level of JEV was shown upon KPNA3 or KPNA4 overexpression. These results suggest that JEV NS5 inhibits the induction of type I IFN by targeting KPNA3 and KPNA4.

IMPORTANCE
JEV is the major cause of viral encephalitis in South and Southeast Asia, with high mortality. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to the severe pathogenesis are poorly understood. The ability of JEV to counteract the host innate immune response is potentially one of the mechanisms responsible for JEV virulence. Here we demonstrate the ability of JEV NS5 to interfere with the dsRNA-induced nuclear translocation of IRF3 and NF-κB by competitively inhibiting the interaction of IRF3 and NF-κB with nuclear transport proteins. Via this mechanism, JEV NS5 suppresses the induction of type I IFN and the antiviral response in host cells. These findings reveal a novel strategy for JEV to escape the host innate immune response and provide new insights into the pathogenesis of JEV.
A Point Mutation in the RNA-Binding Domain of Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 2 Nucleoprotein Elicits Abnormally Enhanced Polymerase Activity
Authors: Matsumoto Yusuke , Ohta Keisuke , Kolakofsky Daniel , Nishio Machiko
Published: February 2017

The genome RNA of human parainfluenza virus type 2 (hPIV2) that acts as the template for the polymerase complex is entirely encapsidated by the nucleoprotein (NP). Recently, the crystal structure of NP of PIV5, a virus closely related to hPIV2, was resolved in association with RNA. Ten amino acids that contact the bound RNA were identified and are strictly conserved between PIV5 and hPIV2 NP. Mutation of hPIV2 NP Q202 (which contacts a base rather than the RNA backbone) to various amino acids resulted in an over 30-fold increase of polymerase activity as evidenced by a minireplicon assay, even though the RNA-binding affinity was unaltered. Using various modified minireplicons, we found that the enhanced reporter gene expression could be accounted for by increased minigenome replication, whereas mRNA synthesis itself was not affected by Q202 mutation. Moreover, the enhanced activities were still observed in minigenomes partially lacking the leader sequence and which were not of hexamer genome length. Unexpectedly, recombinant hPIV2 possessing the NP Q202A mutation could not be recovered from cDNA.

IMPORTANCE
We examined the importance of amino acids in the putative RNA-binding domain of hPIV2 NP for polymerase activity using minireplicons. Abnormally enhanced genome replication was observed upon substitution mutation of the NP Q202 position to various amino acids. Surprisingly, this mutation enabled polymerase to use minigenomes that were partially lacking the leader sequence and not of hexamer genome length. This mutation does not affect fundamental properties of NP, e.g., recognition of gene junctional and editing signals. However, the strongly enhanced polymerase activity may not be viable for the infectious life cycle. This report highlights the potential of the polymerase complex with point mutations in NP and helps our detailed understanding of the molecular basis of gene expression.