bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Esculpir a memória: monumentos ao Centenário da Independência em Buenos Aires e São Paulo
Authors: Monteiro Michelli Cristine Scapol
Published: October 2021

As celebrações dos centenários das independências na América Latina foram eventos oportunos para os governos dessas nações investirem na construção da identidade nacional por meio da edificação de monumentos cívicos nacionais. Este artigo discorre sobre dois desses projetos: o Monumento a la Revolución de Mayo, em Buenos Aires, de Luigi Brizzolara e Gaetano Moretti, e o Monumento à Independência do Brasil, em São Paulo, de Ettore Ximenes e Manfredo Manfredi. Evidenciando os sincronismos dessas propostas, pretende-se demonstrar os meios pelos quais segmentos das elites dirigentes da Argentina e do Brasil procuraram dar materialidade a uma memória da independência.
A tradução como um exercício analítico: Fazil Iskander entre duas culturas
Authors: Silva Gabriela Soares da
Published: October 2021

Fazil Iskander (1929-2016) é um dos mais representativos escritores soviéticos remanescentes da geração do degelo. Sua primeira novela, Sozvezdie Kozlotura (1966), uma sátira sobre a política desenvolvimentista de Khrushiov, traz uma mescla entre a cultura soviética e abkhaziana, constituindo no campo da linguagem uma variação entre a retórica burocrática soviética e o lirismo digressivo do autor com a singularidade de sua origem não-russa. No que concerne a tradução, foi realizada uma abordagem analítica e de contextualização, de modo a compreender Sozvezdie Kozlotura em sua complexidade histórica, social e cultural.
Pluteus lauracearum (Agaricales, Basidiomycota), a new species of Pluteus sect. Hispidoderma from thermophilic Laurus forests
Authors: KAYGUSUZ OĞUZHAN , JUSTO ALFREDO , KNUDSEN HENNING , ŠEVČÍKOVÁ HANA , TÜRKEKUL IBRAHIM
Published: October 2021

Pluteus lauracearum, a new species of Pluteus sect. Hispidoderma, is described and illustrated based on macro- and micromorphological data and phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear rDNA sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. Morphologically, this novel species is characterized by small basidiomata having whitish to dark brown pileus colour, with finely to distinctly granulose surface, a white and translucently striate pileus margin, and mostly narrowly fusiform to lageniform pleurocystidia with long narrow necks and a distinctly subcapitate to capitate apex. This new species is described based on collections made in Turkey (Kuşadası) and Portugal (Madeira), where they were growing on well-rotten wood in thermophilic Laurus forests. Pluteus lauracearum is compared with taxa in Pluteus sect. Hispidoderma that are morphologically similar and/or phylogenetically related.
Taxonomic updates in Brazilian Stachytarpheta (Verbenaceae) with atropurpureous to black corollas: Two new species and a new synonym
Authors: CARDOSO PEDRO HENRIQUE , MENINI NETO LUIZ , CABRAL ANDRESSA , TROVÓ MARCELO
Published: October 2021

Stachytarpheta (Verbenaceae) is a genus of shrubs and subshrubs that is centered in Brazil, where 82 species are found. As part of ongoing studies with the genus, we came across two new species of Brazilian Stachytarpheta with atropurpureous to black corollas that are here described and illustrated, Stachytarpheta flavovirescens P.H.Cardoso and Stachytarpheta salimenae P.H.Cardoso & Menini. For each new species we provide photographs, illustrations, phenological information, provisional risk assessments, distribution map, and taxonomic notes. We further synonymize Stachytarpheta dawsonii Moldenke with Stachytarpheta mollis Moldenke, and provide an identification key for the Brazilian Stachytarpheta with atropurpureous to black corollas.
The Impact of Surgical Delays on Short- and Long-Term Survival Among Colon Cancer Patients
Authors: Lo Brian D. , Caturegli Giorgio , Stem Miloslawa , Biju Kevin , Safar Bashar , Efron Jonathan E. , Rajput Ashwani , Atallah Chady
Published: October 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of surgical delays on short- and long-term survival among colon cancer patients.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing surgery for stage I, II, or III colon cancer were identified from the National Cancer Database (2010-2016). After categorization by wait times from diagnosis to surgery (<1 week, 1-3 weeks, 3-6 weeks, 6-9 weeks, 9-12 weeks, and >12 weeks), 30-day mortality, 90-day mortality, and 5-year overall survival were compared between patients both overall and after stratification by pathological disease stage.

Results

Among 187 394 colon cancer patients, 24.2% waited <1 week, 30.5% waited 1-3 weeks, 29.0% waited 3-6 weeks, 9.7% waited 6-9 weeks, 3.3% waited 9-12 weeks, and 3.3% waited >12 weeks for surgery. Patients undergoing surgery 3-6 weeks after colon cancer diagnosis exhibited the best 30-day mortality (1.3%), 90-day mortality (2.3%), and 5-year overall survival (71.8%) ( P < .001 for all). After risk-adjusting for confounders, all wait times beyond 6 weeks were associated with worse 5-year overall survival (6-9 weeks: HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06-1.15; 9-12 weeks: HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.18-1.33; >12 weeks: HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.35-1.52; P < .001 for all). Subgroup analysis after stratification by disease stage demonstrated that patients with stage III colon cancer were able to wait up to 9 weeks before exhibiting worse 5-year overall survival, compared to 6 weeks for patients with stage I or II disease.

Conclusions

Colon cancer patients should undergo surgery 3-6 weeks after diagnosis, as all surgical delays beyond 6 weeks were associated with worse 30-day mortality, 90-day mortality, and 5-year overall survival.
Positive mental health framework of transdiagnostic protective factors in elucidating the association between adverse childhood experiences and severe mental disorders
Authors: Liu Jianlin , Abdin Edimansyah , Vaingankar Janhavi Ajit , Lim Matthew Sheng Mian , Verma Swapna , Tang Charmaine , Shafie Saleha , Shahwan Shazana , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

Transdiagnostic risk factors—disrupted processes common to psychopathology—link adverse childhood experiences to severe mental disorders (i.e. major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders); however, transdiagnostic protective factors are understudied. The present study investigated the association between a positive mental health framework of protective intra- and interpersonal resources and severe mental disorders in individuals with adverse childhood experiences. We hypothesized that (1) individuals with adverse childhood experiences will experience more severe mental disorders and poorer intra- and interpersonal resources than those without adverse childhood experiences; (2) intrapersonal (e.g. general coping) and interpersonal resources (e.g. emotional support) will interact to predict severe mental disorders.

Methods:

A total of 1929 adults participated in this population-based study. Participants were assessed for adverse childhood experiences, severe mental disorders, and intra- and interpersonal resources (general coping, general affect, emotional support, interpersonal skills, spirituality, and personal growth and autonomy) via structured interviews and self-reports.

Results:

As hypothesized, individuals with adverse childhood experiences (62.6%) experienced more severe mental disorders and poorer intra- and interpersonal resources than those without adverse childhood experiences. Among those with adverse childhood experiences, emotional support interacted with general coping and general affect to predict severe mental disorders; general coping and general affect were negatively associated with severe mental disorders at high (+1 SD) and low (−1 SD) emotional support, respectively.

Conclusions:

The present study identified interactions between specific intrapersonal (i.e. general coping and general affect) and interpersonal resources (i.e. emotional support); knowing among whom and when to intervene are essential for optimal treatment of adverse childhood experiences and severe mental disorders.
Introducing a digital tool for sustainability impact assessments within the German Federal Government: A neo-institutional perspective
Authors: Wanckel Camilla
Published: October 2021

This study examines the institutionalization of information technologies for policy formulation by investigating the case of eNAP. The digital tool was introduced in the spring of 2018 with the aim of supporting and improving sustainability impact assessments (SIAs) within the German Federal Government. Applying a neo-institutional perspective, this study shows how a tool like eNAP is embedded into prevailing regulative, normative, and cultural–cognitive structures. Findings from 10 semi-structured interviews indicate that the application of eNAP varies according to intra-ministerial coordination practices and portfolio-specific information-processing schemata. Overall, the tool serves to translate the abstract regulation to conduct an SIA, as well as to translate the vague norm of “sustainability” into a concrete assessment requirement, thereby helping increase policy officials’ awareness of sustainability goals. However, consistent with previous studies, great importance is not attached to SIAs in policy formulation, and prevailing norms and routines make the implementation of eNAP to increase the use of evidence or in-depth considerations of policy alternatives and their consequences unlikely.

Points for practitioners

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) provide new opportunities to support ex-ante policy evaluations. Practitioners enforcing ICTs for impact assessments should take a comprehensive perspective on the institutional context because both formal organizational structures and implicit expectations, habits and routines affect how policy officials use these tools. Technology alone does not improve policy evaluations, and a misfit between regulative, normative and cultural–cognitive institutional elements can lead to merely symbolic displays of impact assessments through the means of digital tools.
Phonetic Accommodation on the Segmental and the Suprasegmental Level of Speech in Native–Non-Native Collaborative Tasks
Authors: Ulbrich Christiane
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the investigation and analysis of speech accommodation effects in data obtained from Spanish learners of German with varying proficiency levels. The production data were recorded during a collaborative map task of the Spanish learners of German among each other and with a native speaker of German. The map task was designed to target words and phrases with specific segmental and suprasegmental characteristics. These characteristics were derived from contrastive analyses of Spanish and German. The main objectives of the paper were to investigate whether segmental and suprasegmental characteristics of the target language German are affected by phonetic accommodation to varying degrees and whether these differences depend on the proficiency level of the speaker or the interlocutor. The statistical analysis, using regression analyses, revealed inconsistent accommodation effects across learners of different proficiency levels as well as different linguistic phenomena. In line with previous findings the results can best be accounted for by an adaptation of a dynamic system approach.
Combining the Best of Online and Face-to-Face Learning: Hybrid and Blended Learning Approach for COVID-19, Post Vaccine, & Post-Pandemic World
Authors: Singh Jitendra , Steele Keely , Singh Lovely
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the landscape of higher education. As academic institutions across the world continue to deal with the global health crisis, there is a need to examine different instructional approaches including online, hybrid, and blended learning methods. This descriptive study provide an in-depth review of the history of blended learning, evolution of hybrid model of instruction, preparedness of faculty with minimal or no experience in online teaching, and lessons learned as faculty worked on navigating COVID-19 situation since early 2020. A fish-bone analysis, a visual and structured approach to identify possible causes of problem, has been used to present the problems faced by faculty during the pandemic. A detailed Strength–Weakness–Opportunities–Threat analysis of blended/hybrid learning has been presented. An evidence-based approach on how instructors can combine the best of both traditional and online instruction to offer engaging learning experiences for students has been described. This research provides valuable insights to faculty and administrators who are preparing to teach during a pandemic and making efforts to academically survive it.
Reliability and cost analysis of the integrated emergency power system in building complex
Authors: Zhang Liting , Yang Yongwen , Li Qifei , Gao Weijun , Qian Fanyue , Song Lifei
Published: October 2021

Emergency power system refers to a system that is composed of self-generating equipment in the building. By providing power support for emergency events such as power outages, it can keep the energy safety assurance. Usually, emergency power systems are independent and redundant. As a backup, their utilization rates are extremely low, resulting in excessive redundancy causing a lot of waste of resources and equipment. In this paper, a model integrating stand-alone emergency power systems with micro-network was proposed to improve power supply reliability in a more economic manner. Integrated emergency power system with the dispatch strategy of self-priority was established based on reliability and power demand of buildings simulated through Monte Carlo method. To evaluate the impact of integration, the total cost of integrated emergency power system was calculated including economic loss during power outages and system costs. Finally, genetic algorithm was used to obtain the optimal capacity and dispatch strategy of the integrated emergency power system by minimizing the total cost. Results showed that the reliability was improved, and the total cost was reduced to 80.05% by integrated emergency power system in the illustrated case.
Comparison of intravesical adjuvant therapy in bladder cancer with two different maintenance regimens of mitomycin and BCG
Authors: Gupta Sandeep , Dutta Avisek , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: October 2021

Objective:

To compare recurrence rate and side effects with two different maintenance regimens of postoperative intravesical therapy with mitomycin and BCG in T1 bladder cancer.

Methods:

Eighty were enrolled in this study and all received immediate post operative mitomycin. They were then allocated to two groups of 40, one group receiving intravesicle BCG and other a combination BCG and Mitomycin. They were followed up to a period of 2 years.

Result:

Two year recurrence rate after transurethral resection of bladder tumour with high grade T1 disease in the Combination group is low (20%) as compared to the BCG group (37.5%).

Conclusion:

Two year recurrences reduced with use of intravesical Mitomycin during maintenance in the combination group which though not statistically significant favours the trial with combination therapy in future studies. Side effect profile did not worsen with combination of Mitomycin and BCG.
Wound healing and antibacterial activities of water-soluble chitosan nanoparticles and excretion/secretion as a natural combination from medicinal maggots, Lucilia cuprina
Authors: Abdel-Samad Mohammad RK , Taher Fatma A
Published: October 2021

Wounds management takes a high interest in the medical field and the addition of antimicrobial agents in an assortment of wound dressings leads to delay the wound healing. This study aimed at preparing natural combination between excretion/secretion (ES) and water-soluble chitosan nanoparticles (from Lucilia cuprina maggots) and investigating its antibacterial and wound healing activities. ES of maggots was collected, and the water-soluble chitosan nanoparticles (WSCNPs) were prepared and characterized. Antibacterial activities of combinations were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris. ES-WSC-2 combination that contains 50% ES and 1% WSCNPs showed highest antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria compared to the other combinations. In vitro, the ES-WSC-2 combination was used to study the wound healing activity by scratch assay. The synergism between ES and WSCNPs (in ES-WSC-2 combination) accelerated the wound healing rate which suggests the use of this combination as an effective natural antibacterial and wound healing agent.
Symonds on fear and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Authors: (Sandy) Macleod AD
Published: October 2021

Prominent English neurologist Sir Charles Symonds, during World War II service with the Royal Air Force, published a series of articles emphasizing the role of fear initiating psychological breakdown in combat airmen (termed Lack of Moral Fibre). Having served in a medical capacity in the previous war, Symonds re-presented the phylogenetic conceptualizations formed by his colleagues addressing ‘shell shock’. In 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) re-classified Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), removing the diagnosis from the category of Anxiety Disorders. This was the view introduced a century ago by the trench doctors of World War I and affirmed by Symonds’ clinical experience and studies in World War II.
Accelerated aging and characterization of HDPE pin type insulators (15 kV)
Authors: Erbetta Cynthia DC , Silva Maria Elisa SR , Freitas Roberto FS , Sousa Ricardo G
Published: October 2021

The study of the behavior of polymeric material used for insulators in the electrical system is extremely important in order to evaluate their lifetime as well as their performance when exposed to different environmental conditions. In the present work, the behavior of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pin type insulators (15 kV), under accelerated aging conditions, was studied. Samples were exposed to aging, for 200 h, 1000 h, and 2000 h, in accelerated weathering chambers, according to two different methods. In Method 1, the parameters were established based on natural aging in location conditions, and in Method 2, ASTM G155 standard parameters were used. All samples were characterized by rheometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The accelerated aging conditions, used in Methods 1 and 2, affected the aging of HDPE pin type insulators samples differently, the changes being more intense in Method 1.
Sport, physical activity and social health in older adults. Caring with technology in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Matteucci Ivana
Published: October 2021

The aim of this paper was to photograph this precise moment in history, focusing on the situation of older adults during the COVID-19 health emergency in Northern Italy. In particular, we analysed the relationship between social networks and social support, sport and recreational activity, and the use of communications technologies in December 2020. We investigated and discussed such use of technologies, wondering if and how it helped to compensate for the diminishment in social health, usually gained trough social interactions and the practice of sport and physical activity. We examined how reduction of mobility, social distancing and isolation measures imposed by the government to reduce the spread of COVID-19, affected the living conditions of the older adults, in particular their social health, and the level of sport and physical activity they were engaged in. We collected data through interviews with the subjects, assessing their social networks, the perceived social support provided by their family members, friends and caregivers, and the level of sport and physical activity they were engaged in. Moreover, we analysed the impact of technological communications devices, which were employed to help older adults to maintain their relationships with the outside world and to preserve their active life. The interview questions were formulated based on the Lubben Social Network Scale-Revised (LSNS-R), the short version of the Social Support List (SSL12-I) for the elderly and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). A relationship was found between the social health related to physical activity of the older adults subjects during the COVID-19 emergency and the use of communications technologies, which played a role in mitigating the impact of the crisis on their social health by helping them to keep physically and socially active.
Effective elimination of high-dose methotrexate by repeated hemodiafiltration and high-flux hemodialysis in patients with acute kidney injury
Authors: Sakran Razan , Milo Gai , Jabareen Ali , Artul Tareq , Haim Nissim , Litvak Michael , Ringelstein-Harlev Shimrit , Horowitz Nethanel , Efrati Edna , Assady Suheir , Kurnik Daniel
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after high dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) is associated with delayed MTX-excretion and life-threatening toxicity. Glucapridase, the recommended therapy, is expensive and not always available.

Case series

We describe 3 cases (69, 67, 73 years) with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who developed AKI and early-onset severely delayed MTX elimination after HD-MTX. MTX serum concentrations were 101 and 69 μmol/L at 24 h after administration in two patients and 34 μmol/L at 32 h in the third.

Management and outcome

Since glucarpidase was unavailable, we performed daily high-flux hemodialysis (HF-HD) or online hemodiafiltration (HDF) sessions (median duration, 6 h). The median serum MTX elimination half-life during HDF/HF-HD sessions was similar in all patients (median, 4.4 h; IQR, 3.8–5.3 h), but serum MTX concentrations rebounded after each dialysis by a median of 40% of the trough concentrations. The three patients underwent multiple dialysis sessions, until MTX serum concentrations remained sufficiently low to be neutralized by leucovorin. Only 1 patient developed severe pancytopenia, and renal function normalized in all patients after 3–6 weeks.

Discussion

In conclusion, when glucarpidase is unavailable or delayed, early, repeated and prolonged HDF/HF-HD effectively enhance MTX elimination and prevent toxicity in patients with AKI and severely delayed MTX elimination after HD-MTX.
Effect of placement angle, diameter, length and bone density on the pull-out strength of orthodontic mini-implants: An in vitro study
Authors: Mohan Santosh , Srinivasan Dilip , Arumugam Edeinton , Devasahayam Davis , Kannan Ravi
Published: October 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of the placement angle, diameter, length and bone density on the mechanical stability of orthodontic mini-implants by measuring their pull-out strengths.

Design:

A total of 120 mini-implants of four different dimensions made from titanium were used. They measured 1.3 × 6.0mm, 1.3 × 8.0 mm, 1.5 × 6.0 mm and 1.5 × 8.0 mm. Synthetic polyurethane bone blocks (Saw Bones, USA) in two different densities were used.

Setting:

Each size of mini-implant was inserted equidistantly into synthetic bone blocks of two different densities, in three different insertion angles of 30°, 60° and 90°. This resulted in 24 test groups with five mini-implants allocated to each group.

Methods:

The pull-out strength was measured using an Instron Universal Testing Machine exerting a vertical force parallel to the long axis of the mini-implant until removal or failure occurred. Peak load at failure of the mini-implant was recorded in kN.

Results:

Showed that mini-implants placed at an insertion angle of 30° offered least resistance to pull-out. Mini-implants 6.0 mm in length showed less pull-out strength compared to the longer 8.0-mm mini-implants. Mini-implants 1.3 mm in diameter provided similar pull-out values as 1.5-mm mini-implants. Bone densities of 0.20 g/cc and 0.32 g/cc did not affect the pull-out strength of mini-implants.

Conclusion:

From the study, it was concluded that a logical choice of mini-implant dimension and prudent use of placement technique can help achieve the treatment goals with a reduced hazard of mini-implant failure.
Effect of interval compared to continuous exercise training on physiological responses in patients with chronic respiratory diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alexiou Charikleia , Ward Lesley , Hume Emily , Armstrong Matthew , Wilkinson Mick , Vogiatzis Ioannis
Published: October 2021

Background

Current evidence suggests that interval exercise training (IET) and continuous exercise training (CET) produce comparable benefits in exercise capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness and symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the effects of these modalities have only been reviewed in patients with COPD. This meta-analysis compares the effectiveness of IET versus CET on exercise capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness and exertional symptoms in patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). Methods: PubMed, CINHAL, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Nursing and Allied health were searched for randomised controlled trials from inception to September 2020. Eligible studies included the comparison between IET and CET, reporting measures of exercise capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness and symptoms in individuals with CRDs. Results: Thirteen randomised control trials (530 patients with CRDs) with fair to good quality on the PEDro scale were included. Eleven studies involved n = 446 patients with COPD, one involved n = 24 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and one n = 60 lung transplantation (LT) candidates. IET resulted in greater improvements in peak work rate (WRpeak) (2.40 W, 95% CI: 0.83 to 3.97 W; p = 0.003) and lower exercise-induced dyspnoea (−0.47, 95% CI: −0.86 to 0.09; p = 0.02) compared to CET; however, these improvements did not exceed the minimal important difference for these outcomes. No significant differences in peak values for oxygen uptake (VO2peak), heart rate (HRpeak), minute ventilation (VEpeak), lactate threshold (LAT) and leg discomfort were found between the interventions. Conclusions: IET is superior to CET in improving exercise capacity and exercise-induced dyspnoea sensations in patients with CRDs; however, the extent of the clinical benefit is not considered clinically meaningful.
Islet cell encapsulation – Application in diabetes treatment
Authors: Opara Amoge , Jost Alec , Dagogo-Jack Sam , Opara Emmanuel C
Published: October 2021

In this minireview, we briefly outline the hallmarks of diabetes, the distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the global incidence of diabetes, and its associated comorbidities. The main goal of the review is to highlight the great potential of encapsulated pancreatic islet transplantation to provide a cure for type 1 diabetes. Following a short overview of the different approaches to islet encapsulation, we provide a summary of the merits and demerits of each approach of the encapsulation technology. We then discuss various attempts to clinical translation with each model of encapsulation as well as the factors that have mitigated the full clinical realization of the promise of the encapsulation technology, the progress that has been made and the challenges that remain to be overcome. In particular, we pay significant attention to the emerging strategies to overcome these challenges. We believe that these strategies to enhance the performance of the encapsulated islet constructs discussed herein provide good platforms for additional work to achieve successful clinical translation of the encapsulated islet technology.
Patient prioritization and management during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Aggour Mohamed , Tran Chi Cuong , Fiehler Jens
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the healthcare system in a major way generally. Healthcare re-organization of resources and manpower, establishing management protocols and specific patients’ pathways are all evolving with the continuously changing situation. Neuro-vascular management and its re-organization are part of these global measures to cope with this pandemic in a way to establish less risky patients’ pathways, help in patients’ triage, protecting the staff by introducing training and applying safety measures and to manage neuro-vascular emergencies and elective activity. We here describe the situation of the pandemic affecting neuro-vascular interventions and propose our recommendations for patients’ triage, resources management and organization, remote solutions and preparations for any future waves.
Numerical aerodynamic database in elite male runners
Authors: Beaumont Fabien , Delouis Pierre , Polidori Guillaume
Published: October 2021

This study is motivated by a real lack of quantitative data concerning the aerodynamic forces exerted on world-class runners during running events. The objective of this study is to create a database representative of the morphological diversity of runners but also of the speed which is closely related to the running event. A numerical method was used to estimate the aerodynamic forces exerted on runners of size between 1.6 and 2 m and for speeds ranging from 10 to 40 km/h. The results presented in this study suggest that the aerodynamic force is inherent to two main parameters: the size of the runner which affects the body frontal area and the speed which depends on the running discipline (100 m, middle- or long-distance running…). One of the main results of this study is that, regardless of running speed, the drag force increases by about 56% for a runner's height between 1.6 m and 2 m (frontal area between 0.383 m2 and 0.596 m2). These data could be very useful to determine the value of the horizontal drag forces applied to the runner's waist during physiological measurements performed on a treadmill.
Laccase Catalyzed Oxidative Polymerization of Phloridzin: Polymer Characterization, Antioxidant Capacity and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Zhou Haoyu , Liu Changzhong , Geng Sheng
Published: October 2021

Phloridzin is a naturally occurring dihydrochalcone with various therapeutic properties. However, its low aqueous solubility and poor enzyme inhibitory capacity have limited its application in functional foods and medicines. Inspections of the properties of natural polymeric flavonoids suggest that these limitations could be mitigated by the polymerization of phloridzin, although to date, no relevant studies have been conducted. Here, oxidative polymerization was used to prepare polymeric phloridzin using laccase as the catalyst, and its structure, antioxidant capacity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were characterized. The results showed that laccase catalyzed polymerization via oxidative generation of phenolic radicals in the B ring of phloridzin to achieve the polymerization. The 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging capacity of the polymer (IC50, 0.48 mg/mL) was inferior to that of phloridzin (IC50, 0.20 mg/mL), but the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the polymer (IC50, 0.12 mg/mL) was significantly higher than that of phloridzin (IC50, 0.21 mg/mL). These effects could be attributed to the reduction of available phenolic groups and binding of the polymer to the enzyme, respectively.
Systematic Review of Health Organization Guidelines Following the AMSSM 2019 Youth Early Sport Specialization Summit
Authors:   AMSSM Collaborative Research Network Youth Early Sport Specialization Summit, Herman Daniel C. , Nelson Vicki R. , Montalvo Alicia M. , Myer Greg D. , Brenner Joel S. , DiFiori John P. , Jayanthi Neeru A. , Marshall Stephen W. , Kliethermes Stephanie A. , Beutler Anthony I. , Tenforde Adam S.
Published: October 2021

Context:

Youth sport specialization may place young athletes at increased risk for negative impacts to their physical and/or psychological health. In response to these health concerns, several health organizations have created guidelines and position statements to guide parents and practitioners toward best practices for management of the young athlete.

Objective:

To systematically review and synthesize current organizations’ recommendations and guidelines regarding youth sport specialization.

Data Sources:

English-language articles from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2018, in the NCBI Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases.

Study Selection:

Articles that reported on recommendations or interventions by health organizations or health representatives of sports organizations. A total of 56 articles were assessed, with 11 meeting inclusion eligibility criteria.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Data Extraction:

Two investigators independently identified all recommendations within the results that fit within a 15-item framework encompassing 4 domains: Psychological Development/Approach, Physical Development/Load, Facilities and Resources, and Timing and Monitoring of Specialization.

Results:

Recommendations across organizations were primarily clustered in the Physical Development/Load (43%), Facilities and Resources (48%), and Sport Specialization (55%) domains. In contrast, the Psychological Development/Approach domain had fewer recommendations (20%). The most common recommendations endorsed concepts: “Monitor athlete well-being,” “Youth athletes need access to well-trained, quality coaches,” “Multi-sport participation,” “Limit early organized participation and/or training,” and “Parents require awareness of training, coaching, and best practices.” The level of evidence provided to support a given recommendation varied significantly. The level of detail and the consistency of terms used throughout the results were typically low. Recommendations were frequently made without reference to potential outcome measures or specific strategies that could be used for practical implementation in the community.

Conclusion:

There was broad representation of different aspects of specialization but limited consistency between health organization guidelines. Adopting a framework for recommendations as used in this review could assist organizations in structuring future recommendations that are specific, measurable, and framed in a manner that will promote action in the youth sport community.
The role of mechanical support devices during percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Kanyal Ritesh , Byrne Jonathan
Published: October 2021

The practice of interventional cardiology has changed dramatically over the last four decades since Andreas Gruentzig carried out the first balloon angioplasty. The obvious technological improvements in stent design and interventional techniques have facilitated the routine treatment of a higher risk cohort of patients, including those with complex coronary artery disease and poor left ventricular function, and more often in the setting of cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The use of mechanical cardiac support (MCS) in these settings has been the subject of intense interest, particularly over the past decade . A number of commercially available devices now add to the interventional cardiologist’s armamentarium when faced with the critically unwell or high-risk patient in the cardiac catheter laboratory. The theoretical advantage of such devices in these settings is clear- an increase in cardiac output and hence mean arterial pressure, with variable effects on coronary blood flow. In doing so, they have the potential to prevent the downward cascade of ischaemia and hypoperfusion, but there is a paucity of evidence to support their routine use in any patient subset, even those presenting with cardiogenic shock. This review will discuss the use and haemodynamic effect of MCS devices during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and also examine the clinical evidence for their use in patients with cardiogenic shock, and those undergoing ‘high risk’ PCI
Benefit of continued noninvasive cardiac monitoring in geriatric trauma: A retrospective review of geriatric pelvis, hip, and femur fractures and analysis of cardiac events during immediate post-traumatic course
Authors: Curfman Karleigh R , Urias Daniel S , Simunich Thomas J , Dodson Byron D , Morrissey Shawna L
Published: October 2021

Objective:

The geriatric population suffers from a predisposition to cardiac events due to physiologic changes commonly associated with aging. The majority of the trauma population seen at our facility is within the geriatric population (greater than 65 years old). Therefore, this study was aimed to determine which of those preexisting factors were associated with an increased risk for developing cardiac event. By assessing those risks, we hoped to determine a timeline for the highest risk of cardiac event occurrence, in order to identify a safe period of when cardiac monitoring was indicated.

Methods:

A retrospective study performed over 6 months reviewing geriatric trauma patients with hip, pelvis, or femur fractures, n = 125. A list of predetermined risk factors including comorbidities, pathologies, laboratory values, electrocardiogram findings, and surgery was crossed with the patient’s records in order to identify factors for increased risk of cardiac event. Once patients who had documented cardiac events were identified, a temporal pattern of cardiac event occurrence was analyzed in order to determine a period when noninvasive cardiac monitoring should remain in place.

Results:

In 125 patients, 40 cardiac events occurred in 30 patients. The analyzed variables with statistically significant associations for having a cardiac event were comorbidities (p = 0.019), elevated body mass index (p = 0.001), abnormal initial phosphorus (p = 0.002), and an electrocardiogram finding of other than normal sinus rhythm (p = 0.020). Of the identified cardiac events, we found that by hospital day 3 68% of cardiac event had occurred, with 85% by hospital day 4, 95% by day 5, and 100% within the first 7 days of admission.

Conclusion:

Patient history of cardiac comorbidities, elevated body mass index, abnormal phosphorus, and abnormal electrocardiogram findings were found to be significant risk factors for cardiac event development in geriatric trauma. All recorded events in our study occurred within 7 days of the initial trauma.
Influencing Factors of Institutional Investors Shareholding Stability
Authors: Han Peng , Niu Feng , Su Wunhong
Published: October 2021

The premise for institutional investors to participate in firm innovation governance and promote firm innovation’s positive role is that institutional investors have specific decision-making power and are willing to participate in firm innovation governance. Therefore, the influencing factors of institutional investment shareholding stability are an important issue. This study investigates the impact of business connection, risk preference, policy factors, market factors, and firm factors on institutional investors’ shareholding stability using regressional analysis based on the samples of Chinese A-share listed firms from 2014 to 2017. The main findings show that institutional investors with higher business connections, risk preferences, and performance ranking intensity have poor shareholding stability. The reform has significant investment constraints on non-risk preference institutional investors but has insufficient investment constraints on risk preference institutional investors. The substitution and interaction between firm factors and the natural endowment of institutional investors occur alternately. This study’s results provide important policy implications to strengthen related business supervision between institutional investors and shareholding firms. The policy implications include relaxing the investment proportion restriction and establishing a market-oriented performance ranking and institutional investors’ evaluation mechanism.
Apoptotic M540 bodies present in human semen interfere with flow cytometry-assisted assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation
Authors: Sadeghi Niloofar , Tavalaee Marziyeh , Kiani-Esfahani Abbas , Moazamian Aron , Gharagozloo Parviz , Aitken Robert J. , Drevet Joël R. , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2021

Background

The use of flow cytometry (FC) to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation via deoxynucleotidyl transferase terminal fluorescein dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) has shown inconsistencies compared with conventional fluorescent microscopic analyses. It has been hypothesized that the observed discrepancies could be attributed to the presence of apoptotic bodies that can be labeled with merocyanine 540, the so-called M540 bodies. In order to verify this hypothesis and determine the accuracy of our in-house FC-assisted evaluation of spermatozoa parameters, we used FC to evaluate both the fragmentation of sperm DNA using the TUNEL assay and the oxidation of sperm DNA using the 8-OHdG assay on semen samples with or without M540 bodies.

Results

We show that the presence of M540 bodies lead to underestimation of both the level of sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm DNA oxidation when using FC assisted detection systems. We also observed that this situation is particularly pertinent in semen samples classified as abnormal with respect to the routine WHO semen evaluation as they appear to contain more M540 bodies than normal samples.

Conclusions

We conclude that M540 bodies interfere with both FC-conducted assays designed to evaluate sperm nuclear/DNA integrity. Exclusion of these contaminants in unprepared semen samples should be performed in order to correctly appreciate the true level of sperm DNA/nuclear damage which is known to be a critical male factor for reproductive success.
Finding common (research) ground between general practitioners and neuroscientists: the vital role of knowledge circulation in closing the evidence-to-practice gap
Authors: Eich-Krohm Astrid , Robra Bernt-Peter , Marx Yvonne , Herrmann Markus
Published: October 2021

Background

It may take 15 years or longer before research evidence is integrated into clinical practice. This evidence-to-practice gap has deleterious effects on patients as well as research and clinical processes. Bringing clinical knowledge into the research process, however, has the potential to close the evidence-to-practice gap. The NEUROTRANS-Project attempts to bring research and practice together by focusing on two groups that usually operate separately in their communities: general practitioners and neuroscientists. Although both groups focus on dementia as an area of work, they do so in different contexts and without opportunities to share their expertise. Finding new treatment pathways for patients with dementia will require an equal knowledge exchange among researchers and clinicians along with the integration of that knowledge into research processes, so that both groups will benefit from the expertise of the other.

Methods

The NEUROTRANS-Project uses a qualitative, multi-stage research design to explore how neuroscientists and general practitioners (GPs) approach dementia. Using a grounded theory methodology, it analyzes semi-structured interviews, case vignettes, focus groups with GPs in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, and informal conversations with, and observations of, neuroscientists from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Magdeburg.

Results

The NEUROTRANS-Project identified a clear division of labor between two highly specialized professional groups. Neuroscientists focus abstractly on nosology whereas general practitioners tend to patient care following a hermeneutic approach integrating the patients’ perspective of illness. These different approaches to dementia create a barrier to constructive dialogue and the capacity of these groups to do research together with a common aim. Additionally, the broader system of research funding and health care within which the two groups operate reinforces their divide thereby limiting joint research capacity.

Conclusions

Overcoming barriers to research collaboration between general practitioners and neuroscientists requires a shift in perspective in which both groups actively engage with the other’s viewpoints to facilitate knowledge circulation (KC). Bringing ‘art into science and science into art’, i.e. amalgamating the hermeneutic approach with the perspective of nosology, is the first step in developing joint research agendas that have the potential to close the evidence-to-practice gap.
Evidence of acrolein in synovial fluid of dogs with osteoarthritis as a potential inflammatory biomarker
Authors: Herr Seth A. , Malek Sarah , Rochat Mark C. , Moore George E. , Ko Jeff C. , Shi Riyi
Published: October 2021

Background

Acrolein is a known pro-inflammatory toxic aldehyde, propagating cellular damage and tissue inflammation in humans and animal models of various diseases. Osteoarthritis (OA) has a significant inflammatory component; however, presence of acrolein in synovial fluid of joints with OA has not been previously reported. The first aim of this study was to evaluate evidence of acrolein in the synovial fluid of dogs with OA as well as in Control joints. The second aim was to determine if evidence of acrolein can be detected in synovial fluid samples that have been in a frozen state for long periods of time.

Methods

In this pilot clinical study, synovial fluid samples were prospectively collected (i.e., New samples) from a single joint of both clinically healthy (New Control,n = 5) and dogs with OA (New OA,n = 16) and frozen until the time of analysis. Additionally, frozen synovial fluid samples from a biobank (i.e., Old samples) were used to evaluate ability to detect evidence of acrolein in long-term stored samples (median of 4.89 years) in Old Control (n = 5) and Old OA (n = 5) samples. Measurements of acrolein in all synovial fluid samples was based on detection of its major protein adduct,N ε- (3-formyl-3, 4-dehydropiperidino)lysine (FDP-lysine), using the western blot method. Synovial fluid matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) was measured in all samples using the western blot method as a positive control of OA inflammation.

Results

Acrolein-lysine adduct was detected in both Control (n = 10) and OA (n = 21) groups in both Old and New samples. Acrolein-lysine adduct and MMP2 were detectable at a lower level in the Old compared to New synovial fluid samples; however, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.1). The measured MMP2 levels were significantly higher in the OA compared to Control group samples (p = 0.033), but not for acrolein-lysine adduct (p = 0.30).

Conclusions

This study confirmed evidence of acrolein in canine synovial fluid of both OA and Control groups. Freezing of synovial fluid for up to 5 years does not appear to significantly affect the ability to detect acrolein-lysine adduct and MMP2 in these samples.