bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of presynaptic inhibition for step initiation in parkinsonian individuals with freezing of gait
Authors: Lira Jumes Leopoldino Oliveira , Ugrinowitsch Carlos , Coelho Daniel Boari , Teixeira Luis Augusto , de Lima‐Pardini Andrea Cristina , Magalhães Fernando Henrique , Barbosa Egberto Reis , Horak Fay B. , Silva‐Batista Carla 
Published: February 2020

Key points
Individuals with freezing of gait (FoG) due to Parkinson's disease (PD) have small and long anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) associated with delayed step initiation.
Individuals with FoG (‘freezers’) may require functional reorganization of spinal mechanisms to perform APAs due to supraspinal dysfunction. As presynaptic inhibition (PSI) is centrally modulated to allow execution of supraspinal motor commands, it may be deficient in freezers during APAs.
We show that freezers presented PSI in quiet stance (control task), but they presented loss of PSI (i.e. higher ratio of the conditioned H‐reflex relative to the test H‐reflex) during APAs before step initiation (functional task), whereas non‐freezers and healthy control individuals presented PSI in both the tasks.
The loss of PSI in freezers was associated with both small APA amplitudes and FoG severity.
We hypothesize that loss of PSI during APAs for step initiation in freezers may be due to FoG.
AbstractFreezing of gait (FoG) in Parkinson's disease involves deficient anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs), resulting in a cessation of step initiation due to supraspinal dysfunction. Individuals with FoG (‘freezers’) may require functional reorganization of spinal mechanisms to perform APAs. As presynaptic inhibition (PSI) is centrally modulated to allow execution of supraspinal motor commands, here we hypothesized a loss of PSI in freezers during APA for step initiation, which would be associated with FoG severity. Seventy individuals [27 freezers, 22 non‐freezers, and 21 age‐matched healthy controls (HC)] performed a ‘GO’‐commanded step initiation task on a force platform under three conditions: (1) without electrical stimulation, (2) test Hoffman reflex (H‐reflex) and (3) conditioned H‐reflex. They also performed a control task (quiet stance). In the step initiation task, the H‐reflexes were evoked on the soleus muscle when the amplitude of the APA exceeded 10–20% of the mean baseline mediolateral force. PSI was quantified by the ratio of the conditioned H‐reflex relative to the test H‐reflex in both the tasks. Objective assessment of FoG severity (FoG‐ratio) was performed. Freezers presented lower PSI levels during quiet stance than non‐freezers and HC (P < 0.05). During step initiation, freezers presented loss of PSI and lower APA amplitudes than non‐freezers and HC (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were only found for freezers between loss of PSI and FoG‐ratio (r = 0.59, P = 0.0005) and loss of PSI and APA amplitude (r = −0.35, P < 0.036). Our findings suggest that loss of PSI for step initiation in freezers may be due to FoG.
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Flat-Plate Film Cooling Enhancement Using the Vortex Generator Downstream for the Fan-Shaped Hole Configuration
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wang Jie , Liu Xuebin , Song Liming , Li Jun , Feng Zhenping 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe shaped hole is the significant advancement for improving film cooling that has been practically achieved. This present study puts forward a new design combining the vortex generator (VG) with the shaped hole (FV). To investigate the effect of the new design, experiments were carried out to measure the film cooling performance of the four different configurations including the baseline cylindrical hole (CH) model, the model combing the cylindrical hole with VG (CV), shaped hole model (FAN), and FV model, at the blowing ratio varying at M = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 by the infrared camera. Experimental results show that the FV model performs the best among the four models at each blowing ratio. The FV model could improve the area-averaged film effectiveness at most 25.5% than that of the CH model at M = 2.0. Moreover, the FV model could improve the area-averaged film cooling effectiveness at most 431% than that of the CH model at M = 3.0. Besides, the aerodynamic analysis of the four models at different blowing ratios was carried out by the numerical study. The simulation results show that the introduction of VG causes slightly more aerodynamic loss while the fan-shaped hole improves it. The aerodynamic performance of the FV model is almost the same as the CH model when M &lt; 2 and smaller than that of the CH model when M &gt; 2.
Coexisting seismic behavior of transform faults revealed by high-resolution bathymetry
Authors: Hilley G.E. , Sare R.M. , Aron F. , Baden C.W. , Caress D.W. , Castillo C.M. , Dobbs S.C. , Gooley J.T. , Johnstone S.A. , Liu F. , McHargue T. , Nevitt J.M. , Paull C.K. , Shumaker L. , Traer M.M. , Young H.H. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTransform faults have anomalously low rates of seismicity, but it’s not clear whether this reflects persistent earthquake-generating fault patches surrounded by creep, or the presence of creep and earthquakes at different times along the same patch. We use new, autonomous underwater vehicle high-resolution seafloor mapping to image the morphology of and offsets along transform fault segments in the Gulf of California, offshore Mexico. Fault zone structure imaged in this study shows evidence for the initiation and cessation of activity along individual fault splays over geologic time. A series of six identically offset depositional fans evidence 21–23 m of slip along the main transform fault, which could not have been produced by a single earthquake given the length of the transform. Rather, the lack of smaller-magnitude offsets indicates synchronous deposition and an absence of multiple slope failure–inducing earthquakes, which is consistent with the idea that creep and/or small-magnitude events occur asynchronously with large earthquakes in the slip history of a given transform fault segment.
Magmatic duration of the Emeishan large igneous province: Insight from northern Vietnam
Authors: Shellnutt J. Gregory , Pham Thuy Thanh , Denyszyn Steven W. , Yeh Meng-Wan , Tran Tuan-Anh 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe eruption of Emeishan lava in southwestern China and northern Vietnam is considered to be a contributing factor to the Capitanian mass extinction and subsequent global cooling event, but the duration of volcanism is uncertain. The difficulty in assessing the termination age is, in part, due to the lack of high-precision age data for late-stage volcanic rocks. The Tu Le rhyolite of northern Vietnam is the most voluminous silicic unit of the Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP) and is spatially associated with the Muong Hum and Phan Si Pan hypabyssal plutons. Chemical abrasion–isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry U-Pb dating of zircons from the Tu Le rhyolite (257.1 ± 0.6 Ma to 257.9 ± 0.3 Ma) and Muong Hum (257.3 ± 0.2 Ma) and Phan Si Pan (256.3 ± 0.4 Ma) plutons yielded the youngest high-precision ages of the ELIP yet determined. The results demonstrate that Emeishan lavas erupted over a period of ∼6 m.y,. with plutonism ending shortly thereafter. Thus, it is possible that Emeishan volcanism contributed to global cooling into the middle Wuchiapingian. It appears that these rocks represent a distinct period of ELIP magmatism, as they are young and were emplaced oblique to the main north-south–trending Panxi rift.
Early human occupation of southeastern Australia: New insights from 40Ar/39Ar dating of young volcanoes
Authors: Matchan Erin L. , Phillips David , Jourdan Fred , Oostingh Korien 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In Australia, the onset of human occupation (≥65 ka?) and dispersion across the continent are the subjects of intense debate and are critical to understanding global human migration routes. New-generation multi-collector mass spectrometers capable of high-precision 40Ar/39Ar dating of young (&lt;500 ka) samples provide unprecedented opportunities to improve temporal constraints of archaeological events. In southeastern Australia, a novel approach to improving understanding of occupation involves dating key volcanic eruptions in the region, referenced to stone artifacts and Aboriginal oral traditions. The current study focuses on two monogenetic volcanoes in the Newer Volcanic Province of southeastern Australia: Budj Bim (previously Mount Eccles) and Tower Hill. Budj Bim and its surrounding lava landforms are of great cultural significance and feature prominently in the oral traditions of the Gunditjmara people. Tower Hill is of archaeological significance due to the occurrence of a stone tool beneath tephra. 40Ar/39Ar eruption ages of 36.9 ± 3.1 ka (95% confidence interval) and 36.8 ± 3.8 ka (2σ) were determined for the Budj Bim and Tower Hill volcanic complexes, respectively. The Tower Hill eruption age is a minimum age constraint for human presence in Victoria, consistent with published optically stimulated luminescence and 14C age constraints for the earliest known occupation sites in Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia. If aspects of oral traditions pertaining to Budj Bim or its surrounding lava landforms reflect volcanic activity, this could be interpreted as evidence for these being some of the oldest oral traditions in existence.
Using specialist screening practitioners (SSPs) to increase uptake of bowel scope (flexible sigmoidoscopy) screening: results of a feasibility single-stage phase II randomised trial
Authors: McGregor Lesley M , Skrobanski Hanna , Ritchie Mary , Berkman Lindy , Miller Hayley , Freeman Madeleine , Patel Nishma , Morris Stephen , Rees Colin , von Wagner Christian 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of specialist screening practitioners (SSPs) offering patient navigation (PN) to facilitate uptake of bowel scope screening (BSS) among patients who do not confirm or attend their appointment.DesignA single-stage phase II trial.SettingSouth Tyneside District Hospital, Tyne and Wear, England, UK.ParticipantsIndividuals invited for BSS at South Tyneside District Hospital during the 6-month recruitment period were invited to participate in the study.InterventionConsenting individuals were randomly assigned to either the PN intervention or usual care group in a 4:1 ratio. The intervention involved BSS non-attenders receiving a phone call from an SSP to elicit their reasons for non-attendance and offer educational, practical and emotional support as required. If requested by the patient, another BSS appointment was then scheduled.Primary outcome measureThe number of non-attenders in the intervention group who were navigated and then rebooked and attended their new BSS appointment.Secondary outcome measuresBarriers to BSS attendance, patient-reported outcomes including informed choice and satisfaction with BSS and the PN intervention, reasons for study non-participation, SSPs’ evaluation of the PN process and a cost analysis.ResultsOf those invited to take part (n=1050), 152 (14.5%) were randomised into the study: PN intervention=109; usual care=43. Most participants attended their BSS appointment (PN: 79.8%; control: 79.1%) leaving 22 eligible for PN: only two were successfully contacted. SSPs were confident in delivering PN, but were concerned that low BSS awareness and information overload may have deterred patients from taking part in the study. Difficulty contacting patients was reported as a burden to their workload.ConclusionsPN, as implemented, was not a feasible intervention to increase BSS uptake in South Tyneside. Interventions to increase BSS awareness may be better suited to this population.Trial registration numberISRCTN13314752; Results.
The effect of rehabilitation interventions on physical function and immobility-related complications in severe stroke: a systematic review
Authors: McGlinchey Mark P , James Jimmy , McKevitt Christopher , Douiri Abdel , Sackley Catherine 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions on physical function and immobility-related complications in severe stroke.DesignSystematic review of electronic databases (Medline, Excerpta Medica database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Database of Research in Stroke, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) searched between January 1987 and November 2018.MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement guided the review. Randomised controlled trials comparing the effect of one type of rehabilitation intervention to another intervention, usual care or no intervention on physical function and immobility-related complications for patients with severe stroke were included. Studies that recruited participants with all levels of stroke severity were included only if subgroup analysis based on stroke severity was performed. Two reviewers screened search results, selected studies using predefined selection criteria, extracted data and assessed risk of bias for selected studies using piloted proformas. Marked heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis and a descriptive review was performed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to assess evidence strength.Results28 studies (n=2677, mean age 72.7 years, 49.3% males) were included in the review. 24 studies were rated low or very low quality due to high risk of bias and small sample sizes. There was high-quality evidence that very early mobilisation (ie, mobilisation with 24 hours poststroke) and occupational therapy in care homes were no more effective than usual care. There was moderate quality evidence supporting short-term benefits of wrist and finger neuromuscular electrical stimulation in improving wrist extensor and grip strength, additional upper limb training on improving upper limb function and additional lower limb training on improving upper limb function, independence in activities of daily living, gait speed and gait independence.ConclusionsThere is a paucity of high-quality evidence to support the use of rehabilitation interventions to improve physical function and reduce immobility-related complications after severe stroke. Future research investigating more commonly used rehabilitation interventions, particularly to reduce poststroke complications, is required.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017077737
Exploring the therapeutic alliance in Belgian family medicine and its association with doctor–patient characteristics: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Boeckxstaens Pauline , Meskens Annelou , Van der Poorten Aline , Verpoort Anne-Catherine , Sturgiss Elizabeth Ann 
Published: February 2020

ObjectivesPatient-centred care is related to better health outcomes, greater patient satisfaction and reduced healthcare costs. One of the core components of patient-centred care, defined in the patient-centred clinical method, is enhancing the patient–doctor relationship. In this study, we aim to measure the therapeutic alliance in consultations between patients and family doctors in Belgium, and explore which patient, provider and practice characteristics are associated with the strength of the therapeutic alliance.DesignCross-sectional cohort study using the Working Alliance Inventory for General Practice (WAI-GP). The patients and family doctors completed a survey after the consultation. The survey consisted of the WAI-GP, demographics, consultation characteristics and variables related to the patient–doctor relationship.SettingBelgian primary care.ParticipantsEvery third patient (both practice and house call visits) was invited to participate. 170 patient–doctor dyads from four practices were included. Total of 10 doctors (30% men, age range 24–63 years) and 170 patients (35.9% men, age range 18–92 years).Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcome was the WAI-GP score and its correlations with characteristics of the doctor (gender, age) and patients (gender, age, chronic disease, number of annual consultations).ResultsThe median WAI-GP score reported after these consultations was 4.5±0.62. Higher WAI-GP scores were reported for consultations with male doctors and by older patients. In the subsample of patients with a chronic illness, higher WAI-GP scores were reported by patients who had more than 10 follow-up consultations per year.ConclusionsConsultation quality is an important aspect of healthcare, but attention is needed to understand how the WAI-GP performs in relation to variables that are beyond control, such as gender of the physician, age of the patient and variables related to building continuity of care. This has implications for the measurement of quality of healthcare.
Study protocol for a comparative diagnostic accuracy study of bedside tests used to detect arterial disease in diabetes: TEsting for Arterial disease in Diabetes (TrEAD) study
Authors: Normahani Pasha , Poushpas Sepideh , Alaa Mays , Bravis Vassiliki , Aslam Mohammed , Jaffer Usman 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionIn the UK, over 7000 amputations are performed each year because of diabetes. Up to 80% of these are preceded by a foot ulcer and could therefore be prevented with improvements in ulcer care. Peripheral arterial disease is an important risk factor for the development of diabetic foot ulceration. However, its diagnosis in diabetes is challenging due to the presence of neuropathy and arterial calcification. Commonly used bedside tests either have low sensitivities or little supporting evidence to justify their use. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) has good correlation to angiography findings but a full scan is difficult to learn and time consuming to perform. We have previously demonstrated that a focused DUS of the distal anterior and posterior tibial arteries at the ankle (podiatry ankle duplex scan (PAD-scan)) can be readily learnt by novices and performed rapidly and accurately. The primary aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the PAD-scan and other commonly used bedside tests in detecting arterial disease in diabetes.Methods and analysisThe study will include 305 patients presenting to diabetic foot clinics at two centres. Arterial assessment will be performed using the following index tests: the PAD-scan, pulse palpation, audible handheld Doppler, Ankle Brachial Pressure Index, Toe Brachial Pressure Index and transcutaneous pressure of oxygen. Patients will then undergo a full lower limb arterial DUS by a blinded vascular scientist as a reference test.Ethics and disseminationApproval was gained from NRES Committee London (REC reference 17/LO/1447). Findings will be disseminated by various methods including international presentations and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04058626).
Computerised cognitive training to improve cognition including delirium following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: protocol for a blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Greaves Danielle , Psaltis Peter J , Lampit Amit , Davis Daniel H J , Smith Ashleigh E , Bourke Alice , Worthington Michael G , Valenzuela Michael J , Keage Hannah A D 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionCoronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is known to improve vascular function and cardiac-related mortality rates; however, it is associated with high rates of postoperative cognitive decline and delirium. Previous attempts to prevent post-CABG cognitive decline using pharmacological and surgical approaches have been largely unsuccessful. Cognitive prehabilitation and rehabilitation are a viable yet untested option for CABG patients. We aim to investigate the effects of preoperative cognitive training on delirium incidence, and preoperative and postoperative cognitive training on cognitive decline at 4 months post-CABG.Methods and analysisThis study is a randomised, single-blinded, controlled trial investigating the use of computerised cognitive training (CCT) both pre-CABG and post-CABG (intervention group) compared with usual care (control group) in older adults undergoing CABG in Adelaide, South Australia. Those in the intervention group will complete 1–2 weeks of CCT preoperatively (45–60 min sessions, 3.5 sessions/week) and 12 weeks of CCT postoperatively (commencing 1 month following surgery, 45–60 min sessions, 3 sessions/week). All participants will undergo cognitive testing preoperatively, over their hospital stay including delirium, and postoperatively for up to 1 year. The primary delirium outcome variable will be delirium incidence (presence vs absence); the primary cognitive decline variable will be at 4 months (significant decline vs no significant decline/improvement from baseline). Logistic regression modelling will be used, with age and gender as covariates. Secondary outcomes include cognitive decline from baseline to discharge, and at 6 months and 1 year post-CABG.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the Central Adelaide Local Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee (South Australia, Australia) and the University of South Australia Human Ethics Committee, with original approval obtained on 13 December 2017. It is anticipated that approximately two to four publications and multiple conference presentations (national and international) will result from this research.Trial registration numberThis clinical trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry and relates to the pre-results stage. Registration number: ACTRN12618000799257.
Trial protocol: preoperative administration of tranexamic acid in sleeve gastrectomy (PATAS) to reduce haemorrhage rates. A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Leeman Marjolijn , Huisbrink Jeannine , Wijnand Julie M A , Biter L Ulas , Verbrugge Serge J C , Dunkelgrun Martin , Apers Jan A 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionFast-track protocols often include short-term thromboprophylaxis and short length of hospital stay. These treatment strategies may negatively affect the occurrence and diagnosis of postoperative haemorrhage. Over the years, the rates of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) have decreased, while there seems to be an increase in the occurrence of postoperative haemorrhage. Tranexamic acid (TXA) can potentially lower the incidence of postoperative haemorrhage. This trial aims to investigate whether preoperative administration of TXA reduces the preoperative and postoperative haemorrhage rates in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).Methods and analysisThis is a single centre double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial. Patients undergoing an LSG are included after obtaining informed consent. Patients are randomised between two groups: (1) administration of placebo infusion and (2) administration of 1500 mg TXA. In both groups, the infusions will be administered during the induction phase of the procedure. Primary outcome measures are preoperative use of haemostatic clips, postoperative haemoglobin decrease and postoperative haemorrhage. Secondary outcome measure is the rates of VTE.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol version 3 was approved by the medical ethical committee Medical Research Ethics Committees United (MEC-U), Nieuwegein, on 29 July 2019. The trial results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and at conference presentations.Trial registration numberThe Netherlands Trial Registry (NL8029); Pre-results.