bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Fire Academy Training and Probationary Firefighter Status on Select Basic Health and Fitness Measurements
Authors: LAN FAN-YUN , YIANNAKOU IOANNA , SCHEIBLER CHRISTOPHER , HERSHEY MARIA SOLEDAD , CABRERA JUAN LUIS ROMERO , GAVIOLA GABRIEL C. , FERNANDEZ-MONTERO ALEJANDRO , CHRISTOPHI COSTAS A. , CHRISTIANI DAVID C. , SOTOS-PRIETO MERCEDES , KALES STEFANOS N. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate changes in firefighter recruits’ select health and fitness measurements, from academy training to the early probationary firefighter period.

Methods
Firefighter recruits from two New England fire academies were followed up prospectively from enrollment at the academy to graduation after 15- to 16-wk training programs, and then for an average of 8 months as probationary firefighters. The participants’ demographic, lifestyle, and mental health information was collected using a questionnaire. Body mass index, percent body fat, blood pressure, and push-ups were also measured at each time point. Furthermore, the academies tested the recruits on selected fitness measures (push-ups, pull-ups, and 1.5-mile running time) at academy entry, midtraining, and at graduation.

Results
Ninety-two recruits consented and were included in the analyses. The recruits’ percent body fat significantly decreased (median, 21.0%–18.2%) from baseline to graduation, and push-up capacity significantly improved (median, 34–53 per minute) in the same period, along with pull-ups and 1.5-mile running time. However, the recruits’ blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic, increased significantly by an average of 3 mm Hg during the training. Those completing probationary follow-up (45/92 recruits) showed that most health/fitness improvements declined after graduation. From academy graduation to probationary follow-up, recruits’ physical activity decreased and TV screen time increased significantly, leading to a lower healthy lifestyle score (median, 4–3). After multivariate adjustments, the recruits’ diastolic blood pressure increased by 2 mm Hg per measuring time throughout the study period.

Conclusions
Fire academy training improved recruits’ select health and fitness measurements, but the benefits dissipated as probationary firefighters, and blood pressures increased throughout the study period. Further interventions regarding blood pressure and to maintain training benefits after joining fire departments are warranted.
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of the Quadriceps Changes during an Extreme Mountain Ultramarathon
Authors: Nguyen Hoai-Thu , Grenier Thomas , Leporq Benjamin , Le Goff Caroline , Gilles Benjamin , Grange Sylvain , Grange Rémi , Millet Grégoire P. , Beuf Olivier , Croisille Pierre , Viallon Magalie 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Purpose
Extreme ultra-endurance races are growing in popularity, but their effects on skeletal muscles remain mostly unexplored. This longitudinal study explores physiological changes in mountain ultramarathon athletes’ quadriceps using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coupled with serological biomarkers. The study aimed to monitor the longitudinal effect of the race and recovery and to identify local inflammatory and metabolic muscle responses by codetection of biological markers.

Methods
An automatic image processing framework was designed to extract imaging-based biomarkers from quantitative MRI acquisitions of the upper legs of 20 finishers at three time points. The longitudinal effect of the race was demonstrated by analyzing the image markers with dedicated biostatistical analysis.

Results
Our framework allows for a reliable calculation of statistical data not only inside the whole quadriceps volume but also within each individual muscle head. Local changes in MRI parameters extracted from quantitative maps were described and found to be significantly correlated with principal serological biomarkers of interest. A decrease in the PDFF after the race and a stable paramagnetic susceptibility value were found. Pairwise post hoc tests suggested that the recovery process differs among the muscle heads.

Conclusions
This longitudinal study conducted during a prolonged and extreme mechanical stress showed that quantitative MRI-based markers of inflammation and metabolic response can detect local changes related to the prolonged exercise, with differentiated involvement of each head of the quadriceps muscle as expected in such eccentric load. Consistent and efficient extraction of the local biomarkers enables to highlight the interplay/interactions between blood and MRI biomarkers. This work indeed proposes an automatized analytic framework to tackle the time-consuming and mentally exhausting segmentation task of muscle heads in large multi–time-point cohorts.
Caffeine Exacerbates Hyperventilation and Reductions in Cerebral Blood Flow in Physically Fit Men Exercising in the Heat
Authors: Fujii Naoto , Fujimoto Tomomi , Yinhang Cao , Dobashi Kohei , Matsutake Ryoko , Amano Tatsuro , Watanabe Koichi , Nishiyasu Takeshi 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Caffeine is an exercise performance enhancer widely used by individuals engaged in training or competition under heat-stressed conditions. Caffeine ingestion during exercise in the heat is believed to be safe because it does not greatly affect body temperature responses, heart rate, or body fluid status. However, it remains unknown whether caffeine affects hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation or reductions in the cerebral blood flow index. We tested the hypothesis that under conditions inducing severe hyperthermia, caffeine exacerbates hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation and reduces the cerebral blood flow index during exercise.

Methods
Using a randomized, single-blind, crossover design, 12 physically active healthy young men (23 ± 2 yr) consumed a moderate dose of caffeine (5 mg·kg−1) or placebo in the heat (37°C). Approximately 60 min after the ingestion, they cycled for ~45 min at a workload equal to ~55% of their predetermined peak oxygen uptake (moderate intensity) until their core temperature increased to 2.0°C above its preexercise baseline level.

Results
In both trials, ventilation increased and the cerebral blood flow index assessed by middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity decreased as core temperature rose during exercise (P < 0.05), indicating that hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation and lowering of the cerebral blood flow occurred. When core temperature was elevated by 1.5°C or more (P < 0.05), ventilation was higher and the cerebral blood flow was lower throughout the caffeine trial than the placebo trial (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
A moderate dose of caffeine exacerbates hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation and reductions in the cerebral blood flow index during exercise in the heat with severe hyperthermia.
A Single Bout of Premeal Resistance Exercise Improves Postprandial Glucose Metabolism in Obese Men with Prediabetes
Authors: BITTEL ADAM J. , BITTEL DANIEL C. , MITTENDORFER BETTINA , PATTERSON BRUCE W. , OKUNADE ADEWOLE L. , ABUMRAD NADA A. , REEDS DOMINIC N. , CADE WILLIAM TODD 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Prediabetes is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Although resistance exercise (RE) is recommended for individuals with prediabetes, the effects of RE on postprandial glucose metabolism in this population are poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate how RE affects postprandial glucose kinetics, insulin sensitivity, beta cell function, and glucose oxidation during the subsequent meal in sedentary men with obesity and prediabetes.

Methods
We studied 10 sedentary men with obesity (body mass index, 33 ± 3 kg·m−2) and prediabetes by using a randomized, cross-over study design. After an overnight fast, participants completed either a single bout of whole-body RE (seven exercises, 3 sets of 10–12 repetitions at 80% one-repetition maximum each) or an equivalent period of rest. Participants subsequently completed a mixed meal test in conjunction with an intravenous [6,6-2H2]glucose infusion to determine basal and postprandial glucose rate of appearance (Ra) and disappearance (Rd) from plasma, insulin sensitivity, and the insulinogenic index (a measure of beta cell function). Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained 90 min postmeal to evaluate pyruvate-supported and maximal mitochondrial respiration. Whole-body carbohydrate oxidation was assessed using indirect calorimetry.

Results
RE significantly reduced the postprandial rise in glucose Ra and plasma glucose concentration. Postprandial insulin sensitivity was significantly greater after RE, whereas postprandial plasma insulin concentration was significantly reduced. RE had no effect on the insulinogenic index, postprandial pyruvate respiration, or carbohydrate oxidation.

Conclusion/Interpretation
A single bout of RE has beneficial effects on postprandial glucose metabolism in men with obesity and prediabetes by increasing postprandial insulin sensitivity, reducing the postprandial rise in glucose Ra, and reducing postprandial plasma insulin concentration.
Heat Acclimation Improves Heat Tolerance Test Specificity in a Criteria-dependent Manner
Authors: MITCHELL KATHERINE M. , SALGADO ROY M. , BRADBURY KARLEIGH E. , CHARKOUDIAN NISHA , KENEFICK ROBERT W. , CHEUVRONT SAMUEL N. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT
A major ongoing challenge in sports medicine and the military is the determination of when an athlete or a military service member is ready to return to activity (RTA) after suffering an exertional heat stroke. A heat tolerance test (HTT) is one method used for RTA assessment, but its test specificity is unknown and may be affected by heat acclimation (HA) status.

Purpose
This study aimed to characterize HTT specificity and to determine any effect of HA on the outcome.

Methods
Thirteen unacclimatized, healthy men (V˙O2peak, 43.0 ± 4.8 mL·kg−1⋅min−1) with no previous history of heat illness completed 8 d of HA using the HTT protocol (40°C/40% RH; 120 min; 5 km·h−1 and 2% grade). Heart rate (HR) and core temperature (T
core) recorded every 5 min during exercise and at the end of 120 min (terminal value) were compared between days 1 and 8. Test specificity (given no previous history of heat illness, the probability of being heat tolerant) was calculated on days 1 and 8.

Results
There was a significant reduction in HR and T
core between days 1 and 8, indicating successful HA. All volunteers successfully completed 120 min of walking on all days. HTT specificity ranged between 54% and 85% on day 1 and between 77% and 92% on day 8, depending on the HTT criteria used.

Conclusion
Young healthy men without any previous heat illness experienced a 15% to 46% false-positive fail rate for the HTT without HA. After HA, the false-positive fail rate decreased to between 8% and 13%. Outcomes of the HTT are significantly affected by the criteria used and by HA status. The use of HTT for RTA decisions should be done with the recognition of these effects.
Bibliometric analysis of road traffic injuries research in the Gulf Cooperation Council region
Authors: Butt Farhan Muhammad , Ashiq Murtaza , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Minhas Khurram Shahid , Ajmal Khan Muhammad 
Published: October 2020

Background: Despite governmental interventions, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region continues to experience higher road traffic crash and fatality rates relative to Western nations. This trend suggests a potential disconnect between Road Traffic Injuries (RTI) research and the mitigation measures put in place. Method: Here, we present an in-depth bibliometric analysis to obtain a comprehensive understanding of RTI research in the GCC region. The Web of Science database was used to search and retrieve the relevant articles during the period of 1981-2019. Results: The volume of RTI research increased from 2015–2019, suggesting an increased focus on traffic safety in the GCC region. Saudi Arabia had the highest RTI research productivity level (126 publications); Bahrain had the lowest (7 publications). Inconsistent with its low publication volume, Hammad Medical Corps of Qatar had the highest citation impact score of 16.33. Global collaboration for RTI research was highest between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The most prevalent publication journal for the region was Accident Analysis and Prevention. The most common keywords were “road traffic accidents” and “road traffic injuries”; terms such as “mobile phones”, “pedestrian safety”, “pedestrians”, and “distracted driving” were least common. In the five most productive GCC nations with respect to RTI research (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman), researchers tended to publish works related to road traffic safety in traffic safety-oriented journals. Conclusions: The quantity and quality of RTI publications in GCC is insufficient to meet the increasing related public health and economic burden in the region. The trends among publication volumes, citations, and impact were inconsistent. There is a lack of research collaboration among the institutions. Most of the research related to RTI is being conducted by researchers with a medical background. Research focusing on pedestrians, cyclists and road user behavior is also inadequate.
The legitimacy of experts in policy: navigating technocratic and political accountability in the case of global poverty governance
Authors: Bandola-Gill Justyna 
Published: October 2020

Background: The canonical view of expert legitimacy in policymaking links it to objectivity and autonomy from politics. Yet, in practice such ‘epistemic gains’ stemming from the separation of facts and values are problematic, as expert advice inherently combines political and technical considerations.
Aims and objectives: This article addresses the puzzle of double – technocratic and political – legitimacy of experts by proposing a framework for understanding expert legitimacy as an interplay of three analytical levels: epistemic, individual actor and institutional. The paper explores this problem in the case study of global poverty measurement as a field located at the interface of science and policy.
Methods: This is a comparative case study of poverty measurement in the World Bank and UNICEF. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 40 experts employed by the two organisations.
Findings: The analysis posits expert legitimacy as constructed via navigation between specific practices of knowledge production, such as the production of policy-relevant and methodologically robust knowledge, a strategic distance between the research and the political setting aimed at extending or shortening the distance between experts and policymakers, and institutionalised cultures of evidence of the organisations through which expert advice is given.
Discussion and conclusion: The paper offers a theorisation of expert legitimacy as symbiotic negotiation between technocratic and political modes of accountability which are irrevocably linked while remaining strategically separated.
Anti-external interference sensor based on cascaded side-coupled photonic crystal nanobeam cavities for simultaneous sensing of the refractive index and temperature
Authors: Wu Yongqin , Sun Fujun , Yang Shuo , Fu Zhongyuan , Wang Chao , Tian Huiping 
Published: October 2020

We present a cascaded side-coupled silicon-on-insulator (SOI) photonic crystal nanobeam cavities (PCNCs) sensor for simultaneous sensing of the refractive index (RI) and temperature. Two types of PCNCs are designed for increasing the demodulation coefficient: the low-index mode cavity exposed to water directly (cav1) and the high-index mode cavity covered with SU-8 cladding (cav2). Moreover, the cascaded side-coupled system is modeled, and the transmission expression is derived based on temporal coupled-mode theory. Furthermore, the correlations between the structural parameters, the transmission, quality factor are discussed. By using three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations, we further prove the ability to detect RI and temperature simultaneously, obtaining a RI sensitivity of 210 nm/RI unit (RIU) and a temperature sensitivity of 53 pm/K forcav1, whereas there is a RI sensitivity of 0 nm/RIU and a temperature sensitivity of−90pm/Kforcav2. Moreover, the maximum of external interference ranges of the proposed sensor are7.5×10−6and 0.01 for the RI and temperature, respectively, and the deviation ratios are approximately 0.56% and 3.33% for the RI and temperature, respectively. Therefore, the proposed sensor has strong anti-interference ability and accuracy, which is a promising platform for future applications of dual-parameter sensing.
Sarcopenia Does Not Worsen Survival in Patients With Cirrhosis Undergoing Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for Refractory Ascites
Authors: Benmassaoud Amine , Roccarina Davide , Arico Francesco , Leandro Gioacchino , Yu Becky , Cheng Felix , Yu Dominic , Patch David , Tsochatzis Emmanuel 
Published: October 2020

INTRODUCTION:
The impact of sarcopenia in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) insertion for refractory ascites is unknown.

METHODS:
All adult patients who underwent TIPSS insertion for refractory ascites between 2010 and 2018 were included. Skeletal muscle index at L3 was used to determine sarcopenia status.

RESULTS:
One hundred seven patients were followed for 14.2 months. Sarcopenia was present in 57% of patients. No patient had history of pre-TIPSS hepatic encephalopathy (HE). De novo HE occurred in 30% of patients. On multivariate analysis, only platelet count and L3-SMI predicted de novo HE. On multivariate analysis, age and model for end-stage liver disease with sodium predicted mortality, whereas L3-SMI and sarcopenia did not. In patients with repeat imaging, L3-SMI improved significantly post-TIPSS compared with baseline.

DISCUSSION:
Sarcopenia should not be considered as a contraindication to TIPSS insertion in refractory ascites because it is not associated with de novo HE or increased mortality.
Adaptation of Apraxia Battery for Assessing the Patient with Apraxia
Authors: Ahmed Md. Shahoriar , Naznin Nure , Alam Md. Jahangir 
Published: October 2020

Background: Speech and Language Therapy is an established profession in many countries of the world but still very new in Bangladesh. There is no culturally appropriate adult assessment tool for assessing patient with Apraxia in Bangladesh and has no alternative tool in own language to assess and diagnose patient with apraxia. Objectives: The aim of the study was cultural adaptation of Apraxia Battery for assessing the patient with Apraxia. Methodology: A total of nineteen people diagnosed with apraxia of speech, within the age from 37 to 80 years, participated in this study. The investigator was used quantitative (item analysis, validity determination and reliability determination) and qualitative (observation and focus group discussion) method for the adaptation procedure. After observation and focus group discussion the investigator received concern from the panel of expert for conducting the pilot study. After find out the pilot study result the investigator conducted test and retest. The result was discussed changing forward translation, changing pilot study and test retest findings. The pilot study was examined in a sample of eight apraxia patients. The interval between five days the test and retest reliability was examined in a sample of eleven apraxia patients. Using the Cronbach’s alpha, examined the internal consistency and intra-class correlation for test retest reliability. Results: After modification of ABA-2 tool, the pilot study showed that the ABA-2 tool was in culturally appropriate in Bangladesh for apraxia patient. The test reliability for Diadochokinetic Rate, Increasing word length (Part A), Increasing word length (Part B), Limb Apraxia, Oral Apraxia, Latency Time for polysyllabic word, Utterance Time for polysyllabic word and Repeated Trials sub-tests appear to be satisfactory as researchers claim that Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging between .8143 and 0.9006 indicate good to excellent reliability. And the retest reliability for these subtests Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging between 0.7898 and 0.9095 indicate acceptable to excellent reliability. The intra-class consistency for all subtest of the test and retest was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha =0.9478 to 0.9917). Conclusion: This study suggests that valid assessment of apraxia patient using the ABA-2 assessment tool. The modified ABA-2 assessment tool is feasible for assessing the patient with apraxia in content of Bangladesh. The test retest result also showed that the ABA-2 assessment tool was reliable in culturally. ABA-2 is reliable and valid instrument for evaluating the patients with apraxia. This assessment tools also help Speech and Language Therapists to assess and diagnose the patient with apraxia.
Prevalence of breast cancer in reduction mammoplasty specimens, in women of African origin: preliminary histology results at Mankweng and Polokwane hospitals
Authors: Mzezewa Salathiel Zhou , Setati Musa , Netshiongolwe Thendo , Sinoamadi Vusani 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction. We report the first study on the prevalence of breast cancer in reduction mammoplasty specimens conducted in Limpopo province, South Africa. The prevalence of breast cancer is relatively low among pre-menopausal African women. Worldwide prevalence has been reported to range between 0.1% and 4.5%. Patients requesting reduction mammoplasty fear that their breast enlargement may be caused by the disease. Reduction mammoplasty is a common operation performed by plastic and reconstructive surgeons globally, but is an uncommon operation in Limpopo.
Aims and objectives. To determine the prevalence of breast cancer in reduction mammoplasty specimens and to record the pertinent characteristics.
Method. A prospective study of 104 female patients requesting reduction mammoplasty from 2007–2014 at Polokwane and Mankweng hospitals. The outcome measures were weight of specimens and histological investigation for breast carcinoma, body mass index and jugular–nipple distances.
Results. All patients were of African origin whose median age was 32.4 (16–53) years, and median weight of excised tissue was 3.4 (1.45–6.2) kg. The median weight of patients was 77 (63–92) kg. The median BMI was 34.5 (29.1–39.9) kg/m2. The median jugular–nipple distance was 39 (25–51) cm on the right and 41 (29–53) cm on the left breast. Histological investigation revealed normal breast tissue in 57 cases, fibroadenosis in 25 cases, and duct hyperplasia in 22 cases.
Conclusion.
Breast cancer was not detected.
The study population was relatively young at a mean age of 32.4 (16–53) years, without personal nor family history of breast cancer.