bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the Subchondral Bone and Pain Behavior Changes in a Novel Bipedal Standing Mouse Model of Facet Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Miao , Xie Wen-qing , He Miao , Yu Deng-jie , Xu Da-qi , Xiao Wen-feng , Cao Yong
Published: November 2020

Background. The subchondral bone parallels with the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the biomechanical properties and histopathological changes of subchondral bone changes in the lumbar facet joint (LFJ) after long‐term axial loading on the spine have not been explored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the subchondral bone histopathological changes that occur in the LFJ and pain behaviors in a novel bipedal standing mouse model. Methods. Sixteen 8‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into bipedal standing and control groups. A finite element stimulate model based on the micro‐CT data was generated to simulate the von Mises stress distribution on the LFJ during different positions. The spine pain behaviors tests were analysis. In addition, the change in the subchondral bone of the LFJ was assessed by histological and immunohistochemistry staining. Results. The computerized simulation of the von Mises stress distribution in the superior articular process of LFJ at the spine level 5 in the lying position increased and reached a maximum value at the bipedal standing posture. The spine pain behavior test revealed that the threshold of pressure tolerance decreased significantly in bipedal groups relative to control groups, whereas the mechanical hyperalgesia of the hind paw increased significantly in bipedal groups relative to control groups. The axial load accelerates LFJ degeneration with increased histological scores in bipedal groups. The expression of type II collagen and aggrecan (ACAN) was significantly decreased in the bipedal groups compared with the control groups, whereas the expression of MMP13 was increased. Compared with the control groups, the osteoclast activity was activated with higher TRAP‐positive staining and associated with increased CD‐31‐positive vessels and GCRP‐positive nerve ending expression in the subchondral bone of LFJ. Conclusion. Collectively, long‐term axial loading induces the development of spine hyperalgesia in mice associate with increased osteoclast activity and aberrant angiogenesis and nerve invasion into the subchondral bone of LFJ that stimulates the natural pathological change in human LFJ OA. These results indicate that aberrant bone remodeling associate with aberrant nerve innervation in the subchondral bone has a potential as a therapeutic target in LFJ OA pain.
Knee Point-Guided Multiobjective Optimization Algorithm for Microgrid Dynamic Energy Management
Authors: Li Wenhua , Zhang Guo , Zhang Tao , Huang Shengjun
Published: November 2020

Model predictive control (MPC) technology can effectively reduce the bad effect caused by inaccurate data prediction in microgrid energy management problem. However, the use of MPC technology needs to dynamically select an optimal solution from the Pareto solution set to implement, which needs the participant of the decision-makers frequently. In order to reduce the burden on decision-makers, we designed a knee point-based evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithm, termed KBEMO. Knee point is the solution on Pareto front with the maximum marginal utility, which is considered as the preferred solution if there is no other preference. This algorithm focuses on obtaining the knee region and automatically outputs knee points after the optimization. By combining this algorithm with MPC technology, it can effectively reduce the amount of computational consumption and obtain better convergence. Experimental results show that this method is more competitive than the traditional single-objective MPC method.
Smart Grid Dispatching Optimization for System Resilience Improvement
Authors: Liao Li , Ji Chengjun
Published: November 2020

A large number of modern communication technologies and sensing technologies are incorporated into the smart grid, which makes its structure unique. The centralized optimized dispatch method of traditional power grids is difficult to achieve effective dispatch of smart grids. Based on the analysis of power generation plan and maintenance plan optimization model, this paper establishes a smart grid power generation and maintenance collaborative optimization model with distributed renewable energy. The objective function of this collaborative optimization problem is the operating cost of conventional units, the cost of wind power generation, and the cost of overhauling units; the constraints considered mainly include system constraints and overhaul constraints. The solution method of combinatorial optimization is analyzed, and the genetic optimization algorithm adopted in this paper is selected and discussed. According to the characteristics of the system, various loads are modeled, and power supply constraints are considered. By establishing an effective objective function, the adjustable load scheduling problem is transformed into a solvable optimal control problem. Taking into account the uncertain factors in the system, the advantage of the real-time control system is that it can realize the dynamic update scheduling of the load, so it is more in line with the requirements of the actual system. The real-time algorithm proposed in the paper is based on a distributed control strategy, which can not only realize dynamic compensation for random fluctuations in renewable energy power generation but also satisfy the load curve optimization under the premise of making full use of power supply resources. In addition, simulation experiments compare the load dispatching capabilities of the proposed algorithm with the existing algorithms, thereby verifying the performance of the proposed method.
Some Results on Strongly Cesáro Ideal Convergent Sequence Spaces
Authors: Khan Mohammad Faisal
Published: November 2020

Some algebraic properties of Cesáro ideal convergent sequence spaces,

C

I

and

C
0
I

, are studied in this article and some inclusion relations on these spaces are established.
Dysphagia in a Young Man
Authors: Wey Jing-Hwa , Lee Jin-Er , Chang Kwang-Hwa , Lin Yen-Nung , Chung Wen-Kuei
Published: November 2020

This case report presents oropharyngeal dysphagia due to oromandibular and cervical dystonia, a rare consequence of aseptic meningitis. A 19-year-old male who was diagnosed with aseptic meningitis visited the rehabilitation outpatient clinic for a sense of foreign body in his throat and odynophagia. Repetitive involuntary movements of his facial, tongue, and laryngeal muscles accompanied by lateroanterior torticollis were observed. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study showed inefficient bolus formation due to repetitive rolling of his tongue and vallecular stasis without penetration or aspiration. Dysphagia and odynophagia had brought the patient significant weight loss and frustration. We provided swallowing training to improve the efficiency and safety of swallowing. The patient’s symptoms improved gradually along with body weight gain and emotional stability. Acute-onset oropharyngeal dysphagia is devastating for young adults. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory for optimal outcome. We share our experience as a team work and emphasize the rehabilitation aspect.
Impact of BMI on Complications of Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
Authors: Kim Na Young , Lee Hye Sun , Lee Ki-Young , Jeon Soyoung , Choi Seung Yeon , Joo Hye Ji , Kim Ji Eun , Kim So Yeon
Published: November 2020

Background: Gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has a high rate of complications. However, it is unclear whether BMI affects ESD complications. We aimed to investigate the impact of BMI on ESD complications. Methods: A total of 7,263 patients who underwent gastric ESD were classified into 3 groups according to the Asia-Pacific classification of BMI: normal (BMI <23 kg/m2, n = 2,466), overweight (BMI 23–24.9 kg/m2, n = 2,117), and obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2, n = 2,680). Adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between BMI and ESD complications. Results: Compared to the normal group, a lower incidence of perforation and a higher incidence of pneumonia and leukocytosis were found in the overweight and obese groups, and intra-ESD desaturation and hypertension were more frequent in the obese group. After adjustment for confounders, the risk of perforation significantly decreased in the overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17–0.33) and obese (OR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.08–0.18) groups compared to that in the normal group. Meanwhile, the risk of pneumonia significantly increased in the overweight (OR = 11.04, 95% CI: 6.31–19.31) and obese (OR = 10.71, 95% CI: 6.14–18.66) groups compared to the normal group. During sedation, the obese group had a significantly increased risk of desaturation (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.18–6.69) and hypertension (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.11–1.63) compared to the normal group. Conclusions: High BMI was significantly associated with ESD complications. More caution is needed in cases of obese patients undergoing ESD.
Android-Based 3D Visualization of Indonesia Medicinal Plants
Authors: Karlitasari Lita , Ismanto Ismanto , Putra Agung Prajuhana
Published: November 2020

3D visualization of medicinal plants is the result of the transformation that resembles the original image and are dynamic, so it can be viewed in detail from all sides. Image capture is performed with a level of clarity must be at least 70% so it would be easy when designing a 3D visualization. The medicinal plants collected came from Bogor Botanical Gardens of 11 plants, Ciapus - Bogor of 16 plants, and Cibodas Botanical Gardens of 37 plants. The image capture was done by using the comparison scale of human height, stem, flowers, fruits, and leaves both look forward and backward. Application development was done through the objects collection, object segmentation, object texture creation and 3D object creation. The application of 3D visualization medicinal plants can be enlarged and reduced, and rotated well to the right, left, up, and down. The medicinal plants that appears in the application was in Indonesian and Latin names, taxon and the descriptions. Therefore the general public, students, and researchers can utilize the plant objects much better.
Low-rank Matrix Optimization for Video Segmentation Research
Authors: Huang Caiyun , Qin Guojun
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates how to perform robust and efﬁcient unsupervised video segmentation while suppressing the effects of data noises and/or corruptions. The low-rank representation is pursued for video segmentation. The supervoxels afﬁnity matrix of an observed video sequence is given, low-rank matrix optimization seeks a optimal solution by making the matrix rank explicitly determined. We iteratively optimize them with closed-form solutions. Moreover, we incorporate a discriminative replication prior into our framework based on the obervation that small-size video patterns, and it tends to recur frequently within the same object. The video can be segmented into several spatio-temporal regions by applying the Normalized-Cut algorithm with the solved low-rank representation. To process the streaming videos, we apply our algorithm sequentially over a batch of frames over time, in which we also develop several temporal consistent constraints improving the robustness. Extensive experiments are on the public benchmarks, they demonstrate superior performance of our framework over other approaches．
Abstract 139: Understanding Why Differences in the Provision of Bystander Cpr Exist for Women Versus Men: Does the Sex of the Rescuer Matter?
Authors: Perman Sarah M , Shelton Shelby , Rice John D , Knoepke Christopher , Rappaport Kathryn , Adelgais Kathleen M , Matlock Dan D , Havranek Edward , Daugherty Stacie L
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
Women who suffer an out of hospital cardiac arrest receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (bCPR) less often than men. We sought to determine if there were differences in potential deterrents to providing CPR if the rescuer was a man or a woman.

Methods:
We surveyed participants via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, a national crowdsourcing platform, to query why women receive less bCPR than men based on the sex of the rescuer. We asked participants to rank five themes previously identified. Eligible participants were ≥18 years, US residents, and correctly defined CPR. Participants were asked to rank the 5 following themes if the sex of the rescuer was unidentified sex, male, and female: 1) Rescuers are afraid to injure or hurt women; 2) Rescuers might have a misconception that women don’t suffer cardiac arrest; 3) Rescuers are afraid to be accused of sexual assault or sexual harassment; 4) Rescuers have a fear of touching women or that the touch might be inappropriate; 5) Rescuers think that women are “faking it” or being “overdramatic.”

Results:
In total, 576 participants were surveyed, and 520 responses were formally analyzed. The respondents were 42.3% female, 74.2% Caucasian, 10.4% African American, and 6.7% Hispanic. To determine a “consensus” ranking, a statistical model that finds the mode of the rankings was used, generating separate results for each of the categories of rescuer. This method determined that the modal ranking for respondents asked about a female rescuer was Hurt/Injure, Touch, Overdramatic, Misconception, Sexual Assault/Harassment. By contrast, when respondents were asked about a male rescuer, the modal ranking was found to be Touch, Sexual Assault/Harassment, Hurt/Injure, Misconception, Overdramatic. When the sex of the rescuer was not identified, the modal ranking was identical to that for the male rescuer question.

Conclusion:
When querying the public as to why women receive less-bystander CPR than men, there were differences in response based on the sex of the rescuer. Participants reported that a male rescuer would potentially be hindered by fears of accusation of sexual assault/harassment or inappropriate touch, while female rescuers would be more deterred due to fears of causing physical injury or harm.
Abstract 285: Resuscitation Practices of Cardiac Arrest in Children with Cardiac Disease in Cardiac Intensive Care Units Compared to Pediatric Intensive Care Units
Authors: Perry Tanya , Raymond Tia T , Fishbein Joanna , Gaies Michael G , Sweberg Todd ,   Get with the Guidelines-Resuscitation Investigators
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
Hospitalized children with critical cardiac disease experience cardiac arrest more than any other disease type. Varying models are devoted to caring for this population, including pediatric intensive care units (PICU) and dedicated cardiac intensive care units (CICU). The process of CPR delivery has not been evaluated in CICUs in comparison to PICUs.

Hypothesis:
There will be no difference in cardiac arrest resuscitation practices between unit types.

Methods:
We analyzed patients <18 years from the American Heart Association Get with the Guidelines-Resuscitation database (GWTG-R) with an illness category of medical or surgical cardiac disease who received CPR in a CICU or PICU from 2014 to 2018. Events were assessed for compliance with GWTG-R achievement measures of time to first chest compressions ≤ 1 minute, time to IV/IO epinephrine ≤ 5 minutes, time to first shock ≤ 2 minutes for VF/pulseless VT first documented rhythm, and confirmation of endotracheal tube (ETT) placement in trachea.

Results:
CPR practices were evaluated on 866 patients, 687 CICU and 179 PICU (55% male and 65% neonatal). Surgical cardiac disease was present in 56%. Cardiac malformations were present in 81% (45% cyanotic 29% acyanotic). Pulseless arrest was the initial event in 41% with a shockable rhythm in 14%. Return of spontaneous circulation occurred in 86% and survival to hospital discharge in 58%. Univariate analysis comparing resuscitation practice is shown in Table 1. ECPR use was the only variable noted to be significantly different between units (CICU 22% vs PICU 6%, P<0.01). On multivariate analysis, there were no differences in GWTG-R achievement measures between ICU types for ETT placement confirmation, time to IV/IO epinephrine dose, time to first chest compression to first shock (P>0.05).

Conclusion:
Despite differences in infrastructure, process, and provider expertise, there were no differences in cardiac arrest resuscitation practice between CICUs and PICUs.
Adverse Health Outcomes Associated With Refractory and Treatment-Resistant Hypertension in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort
Authors: Buhnerkempe Michael G. , Prakash Vivek , Botchway Albert , Adekola Bemi , Cohen Jordana B. , Rahman Mahboob , Weir Matthew R. , Ricardo Ana C. , Flack John M.
Published: November 2020

Refractory hypertension (RfH) is a severe phenotype of antihypertension treatment failure. Treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH), a less severe form of difficult-to-treat hypertension, has been associated with significantly worse health outcomes. However, no studies currently show how health outcomes may worsen upon progression to RfH. RfH and TRH were studied in 3147 hypertensive participants in the CRIC (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study). The hypertensive phenotype (ie, no TRH or RfH, TRH, or RfH) was identified at the baseline visit, and health outcomes were monitored at subsequent visits. Outcome risk was compared using Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates. A total of 136 (4.3%) individuals were identified with RfH at baseline. After adjusting for participant characteristics, individuals with RfH had increased risk for the composite renal outcome across all study years (50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate or end-stage renal disease; hazard ratio for study years 0–10=1.73 [95% CI, 1.42–2.11]) and the composite cardiovascular disease outcome during later study years (stroke, myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure; hazard ratio for study years 0–3=1.25 [0.91–1.73], for study years 3–6=1.50 [0.97–2.32]), and for study years 6–10=2.72 [1.47–5.01]) when compared with individuals with TRH. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between those with refractory versus TRH. We provide the first evidence that RfH is associated with worse long-term health outcomes compared with TRH.
Cysteine-Altering
NOTCH3
Variants Are a Risk Factor for Stroke in the Elderly Population
Authors: Hack Remco J. , Rutten Julie W. , Person Thomas N. , Li Jiang , Khan Ayesha , Griessenauer Christoph J. ,   Regeneron Genetics Center, Abedi Vida , Lesnik Oberstein Saskia A.J. , Zand Ramin
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose:

Cysteine altering
NOTCH3
variants, which have previously been exclusively associated with the rare hereditary small vessel disease cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, have a population frequency of 1:300 worldwide. Using a large population database, and taking genotype as a starting point, we aimed to determine whether individuals harboring a
NOTCH3
cysteine altering variant have a higher load of small vessel disease markers on brain magnetic resonance imaging than controls, as well as a higher risk of stroke and cognitive impairment.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study using integrated clinical, neuroimaging, and whole-exome sequencing data of 92 456 participants from the Geisinger DiscovEHR initiative cohort. The case group consisted of individuals harboring a
NOTCH3
cysteine altering variant (n=118). The control group consisted of randomly selected age- and sex-matched individuals who did not have any nonsynonymous variants in
NOTCH3
(n=184). Medical records including brain magnetic resonance imagings were evaluated for clinical and neuroimaging findings associated with small vessel disease. Group comparisons were done using Fisher exact test and ordinal logistic regression models. Risk of stroke was assessed using Cox regression.

Results:

Of the 118 cases, 39.0% were men, mean age 58.1±16.9 years; 12.6% had a history of stroke, compared with 4.9% of controls. The risk of stroke was significantly increased after age 65 years (hazard ratio, 6.0 [95% CI, 1.4–26.3]). Dementia, mild cognitive impairment, migraine with aura and depression were equally prevalent in cases and controls. Twenty-nine cases (25%) and 45 controls (24%) had an available brain magnetic resonance imaging. After age 65 years, cases had a higher white matter lesion burden and more lacunes. A severe small vessel disease phenotype compatible with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy was rarely seen.

Conclusions:

Cysteine altering
NOTCH3
variants are an important contributor to the risk of stroke, lacunes, and white matter hyperintensities in the elderly population.
Editorial: Network Communication in the Brain
Authors: Graham Daniel , Avena-Koenigsberger Andrea , Mišić Bratislav
Published: November 2020

Communication models describe the flow of signals among nodes of a network. In neural systems, communication models are increasingly applied to investigate network dynamics across the whole brain, with the ultimate aim to understand how signal flow gives rise to brain function. Communication models range from diffusion-like processes to those related to infectious disease transmission and those inspired by engineered communication systems like the internet. This Focus Feature brings together novel investigations of a diverse range of mechanisms and strategies that could shape communication in mammal whole-brain networks.
Hydroptilidae (Trichoptera) of Angola, a new genus, seven new species, and five new records
Authors: WELLS ALICE , DE MOOR FERDINAND C.
Published: November 2020

A collection of microcaddisflies from sites on the Cuito, Cuanavale, Cuembo, Cuando, Cubango, and Lungue Bungo Rivers in Angola has yielded seven new species and led to new records for a further five species. The new species include Hydroptila cuembica sp. nov., Hydroptila moxica sp. nov., Oxyethira palisada sp. nov., Orthotrichia ferreirae sp. nov., Or. meyi sp. nov., and Or. mlamboi sp. nov., and another species for which we erect a new genus, Aenigmatrichia asymmetrica gen. et sp. nov. The new records are for Catoxyethira kunenica Mey & de Moor 2019, Hydroptila brigittae Gibon 1987b, Hydroptila cruciata Ulmer 1912, Hydroptila maoae Gibon, Guenda, & Coulibaly 1994, Oxyethira sechellensis Malicky 1993, and a larva identified as that of a species of Tricholeiochiton. Beyond the known Angolan microcaddisfly fauna we resolve several taxonomic problems: We refer to Orthotrichia a species described by Jacquemart in Hydroptila, to become Orthotrichia trifurcata (Jacquemart 1962), comb. nov., with Orthotrichia hydroptiloides Wells & Andersen 1995 (from Tanzania) as a junior synonym; and we recognise Orthotrichia kivuensis Jacquemart 1956 (from Bukana, on Lake Kivu) as a junior synonym of Or. sanya Mosely 1948a from the Orange and Fish rivers. A list is given of the 16 microcaddisfly species now known from Angola: Representation is probably typical of sand and silt-based streams and pools, with the exception of Catoxyethira and Orthotrichia.
A new species of Okanagana from the Walker Lane region of Nevada and California (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae)
Authors: CHATFIELD-TAYLOR WILL , COLE JEFFREY A.
Published: November 2020

Okanagana boweni sp. n. is described from the western margin of the Great Basin of North America. The new species is diagnosed from allopatric O. simulata Davis and sympatric O. utahensis Davis using morphological, bioacoustical, and molecular characters. The distribution of this new species coincides with the Walker Lane region that lies along the border of California and Nevada, USA. Based on geography, bioacoustics, morphology, and molecular phylogenetics, we hypothesize that O. boweni sp. n. is the allopatric sister species of O. simulata.
Piecewise fast multi-power reaching law: Basis for sliding mode control algorithm
Authors: Yang Guang-Yu , Chen Si-Yi
Published: November 2020

A piecewise fast multi-power reaching law (PFMPRL) is proposed aiming at the problems of chattering and slow convergence in the reaching phase of sliding mode control (SMC). In this paper, the fast power reaching law and the double power reaching law are combined, and a nonlinear function is introduced to design the exponential term in PFMPRL. The proposed method ensures the characteristic of fast convergence of the system at all the phases of tendency. The characteristic of fixed-time convergence has also been satisfied. The study proves that the system state can converge to steady-state error bounds within a finite time in the presence of system uncertainty and bounded external disturbance. Compared with the existed methods, the proposed method has shorter convergence time and smaller steady-state error bound. To suppress the influence of model uncertainty and disturbance in system control, a non-linear disturbance observer (NDO) is introduced, and combined with the reaching law-based non-singular terminal sliding mode control (NTSMC), is applied to the cart inverted pendulum system. Simulation results and numerical analysis verify the effectiveness and superiority of this approach.
Stigmatisation associated with COVID-19 in the general Colombian population
Authors: Cassiani-Miranda Carlos Arturo , Campo-Arias Adalberto , Tirado-Otálvaro Andrés Felipe , Botero-Tobón Luz Adriana , Upegui-Arango Luz Dary , Rodríguez-Verdugo María Soledad , Botero-Tobón María Elena , Arismendy-López Yinneth Andrea , Robles-Fonnegra William Alberto , Niño Levinson , Scoppetta Orlando
Published: November 2020

Background:

As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, the fear of infection increases and, with it, the stigma-discrimination, which makes it an additional problem of the epidemic. However, studies about stigma associated with coronavirus are scarce worldwide.

Aims:

To determine the association between stigmatisation and fear of COVID-19 in the general population of Colombia.

Method:

A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 1,687 adults between 18 and 76 years old ( M = 36.3; SD = 12.5), 41.1% health workers, filled out an online questionnaire on Stigma-Discrimination and the COVID-5 Fear Scale, adapted by the research team.

Results:

The proportion of high fear of COVID-19 was 34.1%; When comparing the affirmative answers to the questionnaire on stigma-discrimination towards COVID-19, it was found that the difference was significantly higher in the general population compared to health workers in most of the questions evaluated, which indicates a high level of stigmatisation in that group. An association between high fear of COVID-19 and stigma was evidenced in 63.6% of the questions in the questionnaire.

Conclusion:

Stigma-discrimination towards COVID-19 is frequent in the Colombian population and is associated with high levels of fear towards said disease, mainly people who are not health workers.
Sarcomatoid intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in a patient with poor prognosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Li Xu , Li Jian , Liu Kai , Tan Ludong , Liu Yahui
Published: November 2020

Sarcomatoid intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (S-iCCA) is a rare histological variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). The diagnosis of S-iCCA is based on histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, and S-iCCA often has a poorer prognosis than that of ordinary iCCA. In this article, we present the case of a 64-year-old man with S-iCCA who presented with intermittent right upper abdominal pain. The aim of this case report and literature review is to strengthen the understanding of S-iCCA among clinicians and reduce the incidence of missed clinical diagnoses.
Contribution of Achilles tendon mechanical properties to torque steadiness in persons with transfemoral amputation
Authors: Toumi Anis , Smart Rowan , Elie Dimitri , Bassement Jennifer , Leteneur Sébastien , Simoneau-Buessinger Emilie , Jakobi Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Background:

How Achilles tendon mechanics and plantar flexion strength and torque steadiness are altered in the intact leg of persons with trauma-related amputation is unknown. Understanding Achilles tendon mechanics following amputation will further inform rehabilitation approaches to enhance posture, balance, and force control.

Objective:

Conduct a pilot study to quantify plantar flexion maximal voluntary contraction torque, torque steadiness, and Achilles tendon mechanics in persons with unilateral trauma-related transfemoral amputation and controls without amputation.

Study design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Isometric plantar flexion maximal voluntary contractions were performed with the intact leg of ten males with transfemoral amputation (48 ± 14 years) and the dominant leg of age-matched male controls without amputation. Torque steadiness was calculated as the coefficient of variation in torque over 6 s during submaximal tracking tasks (5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, and 75% maximal voluntary contraction). Achilles tendon elongation and cross-sectional area were recorded with ultrasound to calculate strain, stress, and stiffness.

Results:

Maximal voluntary contraction and torque steadiness did not differ between persons with amputation (90.6 ± 31.6 N m, 3.7 ± 2.0%) and controls (95.8 ± 26.8 N m, 2.9 ± 1.2%; p > 0.05). Tendon stiffness (21.1 ± 18.2 N/mm) and strain (5.2 ± 1.3%) did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). Tendon cross-sectional area was 10% greater in persons with amputation leading to 29% lower stress (p = 0.021). Maximal voluntary contraction was a predictor of a lower coefficient of variation in torque (R
2 = 0.11, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Persons with trauma-related transfemoral amputation do not differ in plantar flexion maximal voluntary contraction and torque steadiness of the intact leg compared with controls without amputation. Larger tendon cross-sectional area reduces stress and enables distribution of force across a greater area.
Environmental sustainability analysis of Formula-E electric motor
Authors: Del Pero Francesco , Berzi Lorenzo , Antonia Dattilo Caterina , Delogu Massimo
Published: November 2020

Demand for urban mobility continue to be on the rise and the changing landscape has profound repercussions on a varied range of issues as well as health, safety, water, transport and energy consumption. For this reason, to achieve sustainable urbanization, cities must generate better employment opportunities, expand the necessary infrastructure, ensure equal access to services, preserve the natural assets within the city and surrounding areas. In this context, even in motorsport (particularly in FIA) future trends are beginning to be oriented to sustainability issues and there is a growing interest in assessing the sustainability profile of racing vehicles. Environmental protection and eco-mobility represent the main challenge facing Formula-E by offering electric vehicles (EVs) designed to combine technology, innovation and sustainability, as well as to enable the transition towards low-carbon smart cities in the next future. Up today the sustainability issues in Formula-E have been treated exclusively at system level (i.e. logistics and management, travel, infrastructure and so on), but no studies exist at component level. Technological development related to racing performance field is also potentially boosting innovation, thus supporting continuous improvement of electrical powertrain in terms of efficiency, performance and optimal use of materials, such as rare earths for electric motors and active materials for batteries. The target of the paper is the development and implementation of a tailored methodological approach to assess the environmental impacts of the whole Life-Cycle (LC) of a Formula-E electric motor. The primary data collection is functional to enhance knowledge and inventory regarding the specific application. At the same time, the results provide useful indications to both improve product development under eco-design perspective and ensure technology transfer from racing high-performance cars to commercial vehicles.
Experiment study on condensation heat transfer and pressure drop of steam flow inside rectangular tube with different aspect ratio
Authors: Yan Yan , Dong Jixian , Ren Tong , Feng Shiyu
Published: November 2020

In this study, the condensation heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop of steam are obtained in small rectangular tubes with different aspect ratios. The experiments were carried out on three rectangular tubes with aspect ratios of 1:2, 1:3 and 1:5, with mass flux between 25 and 45 kg/m2s, and vapor qualities between 0.1 and 0.8. The experimental data were analyzed to determine the effect of vapor quality, mass flux, and aspect ratio on the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop. The results showed that the effect of aspect ratio on condensation heat transfer coefficient appears to be dependent on the flow pattern. For stratified flow, the condensation heat transfer coefficient increases as the mass flux increases. For annular flow, the condensation heat transfer coefficient hardly changed. The pressure drop always increases as the aspect ratio increases. Previous studies on round tube heat transfer and pressure drop correlations have not successfully predicted the small rectangular tube data; therefore, modified Shah correlation and Lockhart & Martinelli correlation are proposed, which predict the data with 20% and 23% RMS error, respectively.
The Danish National Health Survey: Study design, response rate and respondent characteristics in 2010, 2013 and 2017
Authors: Christensen Anne Illemann , Lau Cathrine Juel , Kristensen Peter Lund , Johnsen Sisse Buch , Wingstrand Anne , Friis Karina , Davidsen Michael , Andreasen Anne Helms
Published: November 2020

Aim: This article aims to describe the study design, including descriptive statistics on changes in response rates, characteristics associated with response and response mode distribution, in the Danish National Health Survey (DNHS) in 2010, 2013 and 2017. Methods: Each survey was based on five regional stratified random samples and one national random sample drawn from the Danish Civil Registration System. The subsamples were mutually exclusive. Around 300,000 individuals (aged ⩾16 years) were invited to participate in each survey using a mixed-mode approach (paper/web). A questionnaire with a minimum of 52 questions was used in all subsamples. In 2010 and 2013, invitations were sent via the regular postal service, whereas a secure electronical mail service was used to invite the majority (around 90%) in 2017. Weights accounted for survey design and non-response. Results: Participation decreased from 59.5% in 2010 to 54.0% in 2013 after which it increased to 58.7% in 2017. The proportion answering the web questionnaire increased from 31.0% to 77.4% between 2013 and 2017 and varied from 73.8% to 79.7% between the subsamples in 2017. Overall, the response rate was low among young men and old women and among individuals who were unmarried, had low sociodemographic status, were from ethnic minority backgrounds or were living in the eastern part of Denmark. Conclusions: The survey mode, response mode distribution as well as response rate have changed over time. Weights to handle non-response can be applied to accommodate possible problems in generalising the results. However, efforts should continuously be made to ensure that response is missing at random.
Presentation fever and podium affects
Authors: Gunaratnam Yasmin
Published: November 2020

In this article, I flesh out and crip the bodily experience and institutional terrain of academic feminist presentation, so as to socialise the increasing privatising of experience in the neoliberal academy. As a means of staging feminism, presenting is a vital part of the academic habitus, yet it is an experience and practice that is problematic for intersectional feminisms. Without critical examination, the reproduction of power and claims to power in feminist events are mystified. My aim is to contribute to a collective conversation and reimagining of the ethics and politics of how we make feminism present and public; outside of an incessant tendency towards mastery.
Decreased Sleep Is an Independent Predictor of In-Season Injury in Male Collegiate Basketball Players
Authors: Watson Andrew , Johnson Micah , Sanfilippo Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Background:

Although decreased sleep has been associated with decreased performance, increased illness risk, and impaired well-being in athletes, the relationship between sleep and injury risk in collegiate athletes is unknown.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the independent effects of sleep duration and subjective well-being on in-season injury in male collegiate basketball athletes. We hypothesized that decreased sleep would be associated with an increased risk of in-season injury.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

During 2 consecutive seasons, 19 male National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball players reported mood, fatigue, stress, soreness, sleep duration (hours), and previous day’s training load every morning. Well-being measures were recorded on a scale from 0 (worst) to 5 (best), and all time-loss injuries were recorded by the team athletic trainer. Separate mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to evaluate the effects of sleep and subjective well-being on in-season injury, with adjustment for same-day training load and individual repeated measures. To determine the independence of sleep and well-being as predictors of injury, each well-being variable was included in a separate mixed-effects logistic regression model, with sleep and training load as covariates.

Results:

During the study period, 32 injuries were recorded. In the initial separate prediction models, in-season injury was significantly predicted by mood (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% CI, 0.37-0.66), fatigue (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.33-0.59), stress (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.42-0.76), soreness (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.32-0.54), and sleep duration (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.49-0.66) ( P < .001 for all). In the multivariable models, sleep duration remained a significant, independent predictor in each of the subsequent multivariable models (OR, 0.52-0.69; P < .001 for all) as did soreness (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44-0.95; P = .024), whereas mood (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.76-1.9; P = .43), fatigue (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.65-1.9; P = .68), and stress (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.75-1.5; P = .69) were no longer significant.

Conclusion:

Increased sleep duration is independently associated with a reduced risk of in-season injury in male collegiate basketball players, even after adjustment for training load and subjective well-being. The effects of mood, fatigue, and stress on injury were no longer evident after adjustment for the effect of sleep duration.
Loss of skeletal muscle mass affects the incidence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: a case control study
Authors: Tateyama Masakuni , Naoe Hideaki , Tanaka Motohiko , Tanaka Kentaro , Narahara Satoshi , Tokunaga Takayuki , Kawasaki Takeshi , Yoshimaru Yoko , Nagaoka Katsuya , Watanabe Takehisa , Setoyama Hiroko , Sasaki Yutaka , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: November 2020

Background

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive and systemic decreases in skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength. The influence or prognosis of various liver diseases in this condition have been widely investigated, but little is known about whether sarcopenia and/or muscle mass loss are related to minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE).

Methods

To clarify the relationship between MHE and sarcopenia and/or muscle mass loss in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods

Ninety-nine patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled. MHE was diagnosed by a neuropsychiatric test. Skeletal mass index (SMI) and Psoas muscle index (PMI) were calculated by dividing skeletal muscle area and psoas muscle area at the third lumbar vertebra by the square of height in meters, respectively, to evaluate muscle volume.

Results

This study enrolled 99 patients (61 males, 38 females). MHE was detected in 48 cases (48.5%) and sarcopenia in 6 cases (6.1%). Patients were divided into two groups, with or without MHE. Comparing groups, no significant differences were seen in serum ammonia concentration or rate of sarcopenia. SMI was smaller in patients with MHE (46.4 cm2/m2) than in those without (51.2 cm2/m2, P = 0.027). Similarly, PMI was smaller in patients with MHE (4.24 cm2/m2) than in those without (5.53 cm2/m2, P = 0.003). Skeletal muscle volume, which is represented by SMI or PMI was a predictive factor related to MHE (SMI ≥ 50 cm2/m2; odds ratio 0.300, P = 0.002, PMI ≥ 4.3 cm2/m2; odds ratio 0.192, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Muscle mass loss was related to minimal hepatic encephalopathy, although sarcopenia was not. Measurement of muscle mass loss might be useful to predict MHE.
ILCOR’s revised Covid-19 defibrillation recommendation requires a new approach to training
Authors: Stewart John A.
Published: November 2020

In-hospital resuscitation practices have changed by necessity in the Covid-19 era, principally due to precautions intended to protect caregivers from infection. This has resulted in serious delays in resuscitation response.

ILCOR has recently modified its guidelines to separate defibrillation from other interventions, recognizing that shock success is extremely time-dependent and that defibrillation poses relatively little risk of Covid-19 transmission. The new recommendation calls for sending one caregiver into the isolation room in order to initiate bedside monitoring and defibrillate if indicated, while the code team is donning their personal protective equipment. Implementing this change requires focused training in that specific role. This can be accomplished by intensively training a subset of clinical staff to assume the responsibility and act without hesitation when a code occurs.

Focused defibrillation training promises to avoid compromising the care of patients experiencing tachyarrhythmic arrests in the setting of Covid-19. Such a training program might even result in better survival than before the pandemic for this subset of patients.
Whip-LAMP: a novel LAMP assay for the detection of Trichuris muris-derived DNA in stool and urine samples in a murine experimental infection model
Authors: Fernández-Soto Pedro , Fernández-Medina Carlos , Cruz-Fernández Susana , Crego-Vicente Beatriz , Febrer-Sendra Begoña , García-Bernalt Diego Juan , Gorgojo-Galindo Óscar , López-Abán Julio , Vicente Santiago Belén , Muro Álvarez Antonio
Published: November 2020

Background

Trichuris trichiura (human whipworm) infects an estimated 477 million individuals worldwide. In addition to T. trichiura, other Trichuris species can cause an uncommon zoonosis and a number of human cases have been reported. The diagnosis of trichuriasis has relied traditionally on microscopy. Recently, there is an effort to use molecular diagnostic methods, mainly qPCR. LAMP technology could be an alternative for qPCR especially in low-income endemic areas. Trichuris muris, the causative agent of trichuriasis in mice, is of great importance as a model for human trichuriasis. Here, we evaluate the diagnostic utility of a new LAMP assay in an active experimental mouse trichuriasis in parallel with parasitological method by using stool and, for the first time, urine samples.

Methods

Stool and urine samples were collected from mice infected with eggs of T. muris. The dynamics of infection was determined by counting the number of eggs per gram of faeces. A LAMP based on the 18S rRNA gene from T. muris was designed. Sensitivity and specificity of LAMP was tested and compared with PCR. Stool and urine samples were analysed by both LAMP and PCR techniques.

Results

Trichuris muris eggs were detected for the first time in faeces 35 days post-infection. LAMP resulted specific and no cross-reactions were found when using 18 DNA samples from different parasites. The detection limit of the LAMP assay was 2 pg of T. muris DNA. When testing stool samples by LAMP we obtained positive results on day 35 p.i. and urine samples showed amplification results on day 20 p.i., i.e. 15 days before the onset of T. muris eggs in faeces.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, we report, for the first time, a novel LAMP assay (Whip-LAMP) for sensitive detection of T. muris DNA in both stool and urine samples in a well-established mice experimental infection model. Considering the advantages of urine in molecular diagnosis in comparison to stool samples, should make us consider the possibility of starting the use urine specimens in molecular diagnosis and for field-based studies of human trichuriasis where possible. Further studies with clinical samples are still needed.
Acute coronary syndrome with large thrombus successfully managed with no-stenting revascularization based on intravascular imaging in a patient with hyperhomocysteinemia: a case report
Authors: Shoji Keisuke , Yanishi Kenji , Wakana Noriyuki , Nakanishi Naohiko , Zen Kan , Nakamura Takeshi , Shirayama Takeshi , Matoba Satoaki
Published: November 2020

Background

Hyperhomocysteinemia is caused by genetic and environmental factors, which can result in systemic arteriosclerosis and arteriovenous thrombosis including acute coronary syndrome. Thrombus burden in patients with acute coronary syndrome and hyperhomocysteinemia might involve the culprit lesion as compared with those without any coagulopathy. The primary percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation had been established as the treatment strategy for patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, in patients with acute coronary syndrome with high thrombus burden or uncontrolled coagulopathy, stent implantation might lead to slow-flow phenomenon or stent thrombosis. Therefore, the treatment strategy in these patients was not established.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old Japanese man with history of splenic infarction of unknown cause had continued anticoagulant therapy since its diagnosis, but stopped taking the medication several months ago. He presented with sudden-onset chest dorsalgia. Contrast computed tomography showed a small pulmonary embolism and his troponin I level was elevated on initial laboratory test. Coronary angiography revealed a contrast defect caused by a large thrombus from the proximal to mid portion of the left anterior descending artery. Near-infrared spectroscopy–intravascular ultrasonography showed a large amount of thrombus without lipid plaque. Therefore, revascularization was performed using a thrombus-aspiration catheter and intracoronary thrombolysis. In addition, , hyperhomocysteinemia and a deep vein thrombosis occurred. He was diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome complicated with pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis simultaneously induced by hyperhomocysteinemia. After 1 week of antithrombotic therapy, near-infrared spectroscopy–intravascular ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography revealed a decreased thrombus and no significant residual organic stenosis in the left anterior descending artery. He continued conservative therapy with antithrombotic medications including aspirin and warfarin and had no cardiovascular events after discharge. Follow-up coronary angiography and optical coherence tomography at 9 months revealed complete disappearance of the thrombus and no severe stenosis.

Conclusions

Hyperhomocysteinemia should be considered as a cause of arterial vein thrombosis of unknown cause. The antithrombotic therapy and percutaneous revascularization without stenting based on intravascular imaging might be a safe and effective treatment option in patients with acute coronary syndrome complicated with hyperhomocysteinemia.