bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute effects of long‐distance running on mechanical and morphological properties of the human plantar fascia
Authors: Shiotani Hiroto , Mizokuchi Tomohiro , Yamashita Ryo , Naito Munekazu , Kawakami Yasuo 
Published: April 2020

Long‐distance running (LDR) can induce transient lowering of the foot arch, which may be associated with mechanical fatigue of the plantar fascia (PF). However, this has not been experimentally tested in vivo. The purpose of this study was to test our hypothesis that LDR induces transient and site‐specific changes in PF stiffness and morphology and that those changes are related to the lowering of the foot arch. Ten male recreational long‐distance runners and 10 untrained men were requested to run overground for 10 km. Before and after running, shear wave velocity (SWV: an index of soft tissue stiffness) and thickness of PF at three different sites from its proximal to distal end were measured using supersonic shear imaging and B‐mode ultrasonography. Foot dimensions including the navicular height were measured using a three‐dimensional foot scanner. SWV at the proximal site of PF and navicular height was significantly decreased in both groups after running, with a higher degree in untrained men (−21.9% and −14.1%, respectively) than in runners (−4.0% and −6.3%, respectively). The relative change (%Δ) in SWV was positively correlated with %Δnavicular height in both groups (r = .69 and r = .65, respectively). Multiple regression analysis revealed that %ΔSWV at the proximal site solely explained 72.7% of the total variance in %Δnavicular height. It is concluded that LDR induces transient and site‐specific decreases in PF stiffness. These results suggest that the majority of running‐induced lowering of the foot arch is attributable to the reduction of PF stiffness at the proximal site.
Ehrlichiosis in a recent kidney transplant recipient: The repellent that did not repel! A case report and literature review of ehrlichiosis in solid organ transplant patients
Authors: Masterson Emily M. , Gupta Siddhi , Jakharia Niyati , Peacock James E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEhrlichiosis has been infrequently reported in immunosuppressed patients such as solid organ transplants (SOT). We report a case of Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection in an immunosuppressed woman four months after deceased donor kidney transplantation. The diagnosis was confirmed by PCR testing in serum, and the patient responded promptly to treatment with doxycycline. To supplement our Case Report, a literature review encompassing 1995 to present was also performed using PubMed as the search vehicle. Search terms that were utilized include: ehrlichiosis, HME, E chaffeensis, kidney transplant(ation), renal transplant(ation), solid organ transplant(ation), and immunosuppression. The diagnosis of ehrlichiosis can be challenging in SOT patients since ehrlichiosis is not a classic opportunistic infection in SOT. Transplant physicians must have a high clinical suspicion for the diagnosis in patients with an acute febrile illness accompanied by headache, worsening cytopenias, and transaminitis who live in endemic areas, especially if they have tick exposure.
Effectiveness of vaginal microbicides in preventing HIV transmission
Authors: Musekiwa Alfred , Fernando Nimasha B. , Abariga Samuel A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of vaginal microbicides in preventing HIV transmission in women.MethodsSystematic review through a comprehensive search of relevant electronic databases for eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published through June 2019. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts according to eligibility criteria, then extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. We conducted a random‐effects meta‐analysis of risk ratios (RR) of HIV infection and assessed heterogeneity using chi‐squared and I2 tests. Sources of heterogeneity were investigated through subgroup analysis, publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, and certainty of evidence was graded using GRADEPro software.ResultsWe included 18 RCTs which enrolled 40,048 sexually active, HIV‐negative, non‐pregnant women, aged 16 years and older, mainly from sub‐Saharan Africa. The intravaginal ring containing dapivirine significantly reduced HIV risk by 29% (RR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57–0.89; 2 RCTs, 4,564 women, moderate certainty of evidence). Estimates of effect of tenofovir 1% (RR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.65–1.06), nonoxynol‐9 (RR 1.15, 95% CI: 0.93–1.42), cellulose sulphate (RR 1.16, 95% CI: 0.61–2.21), SAVVY (RR 1.34, 95% CI: 0.69–2.59), Carraguard (RR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.71–1.10), BufferGel (RR 1.02, 95% CI: 0.71–1.46), 0.5% PRO2000 (RR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.60–1.28) and 2% PRO2000 (RR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.58–1.12) failed to reach statistical significance; each had low certainty of evidence.ConclusionThe long‐acting intravaginal ring containing dapivirine significantly reduced risk of HIV transmission in women by 29%. The remaining microbicides had no evident effect.
Cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV in Brazil
Authors: Boettiger David C. , Escuder Maria Mercedes , Law Matthew G. , Veloso Valdiléa , Souza Rosa A. , Ikeda Maria L. R. , de Alencastro Paulo R. , Tupinambás Unai , Brites Carlos , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Ggomes Jackeline O. , Ribeiro Sayonara , McGowan Catherine C. , Jayathilake Karu , Castilho Jessica L. , Grangeiro Alexandre 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesThere is a paucity of data on cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource‐limited countries. We assessed factors associated with CVD and the impact of prevalent CVD on all‐cause mortality in PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy in Brazil.MethodsCompeting risk regression to assess factors associated with CVD and all‐cause mortality in the HIV‐Brazil Cohort Study between 2003 and 2014.ResultsAmong 5614 patients, the rate of CVD was 3.5 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.9–4.3) per 1000 person‐years. CVD was associated with older age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 6.4 for ≥55 years vs. <35 years, 95% CI: 2.5–16.3, P < 0.01), black race (aHR 1.8 vs. white race, 95% CI: 1.0–3.1, P = 0.04), past CVD (aHR 3.0 vs. no past CVD, 95% CI: 1.4–6.2, P < 0.01), hypertension (aHR 1.8 vs. no hypertension, 95% CI: 1.0–3.1, P = 0.04), high‐grade dyslipidemia (aHR 9.3 vs. no high‐grade dyslipidemia, 95% CI: 6.0–14.6, P < 0.01), ever smoking (aHR 2.4 vs. never, 95% CI: 1.2–5.0, P = 0.02) and low nadir CD4 cell count (aHR 1.8 for 100–250 cells/mm3 vs. >250 cells/mm3, 95% CI: 1.0–3.2, P = 0.05). The rate of death was 16.6 (95% CI: 15.1–18.3) per 1000 person‐years. Death was strongly associated with having had a past CVD event (aHR 1.7 vs. no past CVD event, 95% CI: 1.1–2.7, P = 0.01).ConclusionsTraditional and HIV‐specific factors associated with CVD among PLHIV in Brazil are similar to those identified among PLHIV in high‐income countries. PLHIV in Brazil with a history of CVD have a high risk of death. CVD care and treatment remain priorities for PLHIV in Brazil as this population ages and antiretroviral therapy use expands.
Palatable food access impacts expression of amylin receptor components in the mesocorticolimbic system
Authors: Nashawi Houda , Gustafson Tyler J. , Mietlicki‐Baase Elizabeth G. 
Published: April 2020

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
We tested whether intra‐nucleus accumbens core amylin receptor (AmyR) activation suppresses feeding and evaluated whether intake of palatable food influences mesocorticolimbic AmyR expression.
What is the main finding and its importance?
Intra‐nucleus accumbens core AmyR activation reduces food intake in some dietary conditions. We showed that all components of the AmyR are expressed in the prefrontal cortex and central nucleus of the amygdala and demonstrated that access to fat impacts AmyR expression in these and other mesocorticolimbic nuclei. These results suggest that the intake of palatable food might alter amylin signalling in the brain and shed further light onto potential sites of action for amylin.

AbstractAmylin is a pancreas‐ and brain‐derived peptide that acts within the CNS to promote negative energy balance. However, our understanding of the CNS sites of action for amylin remains incomplete. Here, we investigate the effect of amylin receptor (AmyR) activation in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcC) on the intake of bland and palatable foods. Intra‐NAcC injection of the AmyR agonist salmon calcitonin or amylin itself in male chow‐fed rats had no effect on food intake, meal size or number of meals. However, in chow‐fed rats with access to fat solution, although fat intake was not affected by intra‐NAcC AmyR activation, subsequent chow intake was suppressed. Given that mesolimbic AmyR activation suppresses energy intake in rats with access to fat solution, we tested whether fat access changes AmyR expression in key mesocorticolimbic nuclei. Fat exposure did not affect NAcC AmyR expression, whereas in the accumbens shell, expression of receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) 3 was significantly reduced in fat‐consuming rats. We show that all components of AmyRs are expressed in the medial prefrontal cortex and central nucleus of the amygdala; fat access significantly reduced expression of calcitonin receptor‐A in the central nucleus of the amygdala and RAMP2 in the medial prefrontal cortex. Taken together, these results indicate that intra‐NAcC AmyR activation can suppress energy intake and, furthermore, suggest that AmyR signalling in a broader range of mesocorticolimbic sites might have a role in mediating the effects of amylin on food intake and body weight.
Muscle BDNF improves synaptic and contractile muscle strength in Kennedy's disease mice in a muscle‐type specific manner
Authors: Halievski Katherine , Xu Youfen , Haddad Yazeed W. , Tang Yu Ping , Yamada Shinichiro , Katsuno Masahisa , Adachi Hiroaki , Sobue Gen , Breedlove S. Marc , Jordan Cynthia L. 
Published: April 2020

Key points
Muscle‐derived neurotrophic factors may offer therapeutic promise for treating neuromuscular diseases.
We report that a muscle‐derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, rescues synaptic and muscle function in a muscle‐type specific manner in mice modelling Kennedy's disease (KD).
We also find that BDNF rescues select molecular mechanisms in slow and fast muscle that may underlie the improved cellular function.
We also report for the first time that expression of BDNF, but not other members of the neurotrophin family, is perturbed in muscle from patients with KD.
Given that muscle BDNF had divergent therapeutic effects that depended on muscle type, a combination of neurotrophic factors may optimally rescue neuromuscular function via effects on both pre‐ and postsynaptic function, in the face of disease.
AbstractDeficits in muscle brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) correlate with neuromuscular deficits in mouse models of Kennedy's disease (KD), suggesting that restoring muscle BDNF might restore function. To test this possibility, transgenic mice expressing human BDNF in skeletal muscle were crossed with ‘97Q’ KD mice. We found that muscle BDNF slowed disease, doubling the time between symptom onset and endstage. BDNF also improved expression of genes in muscle known to play key roles in neuromuscular function, including counteracting the expression of neonatal isoforms induced by disease. Intriguingly, BDNF's ameliorative effects differed between muscle types: synaptic strength was rescued only in slow‐twitch muscle, while contractile strength was improved only in fast‐twitch muscle. In sum, muscle BDNF slows disease progression, rescuing select cellular and molecular mechanisms that depend on fibre type. Muscle BDNF expression was also affected in KD patients, reinforcing its translational and therapeutic potential for treating this disorder.
Augmentation of endothelium‐dependent vasodilatory signalling improves functional sympatholysis in contracting muscle of older adults
Authors: Hearon Christopher M. , Richards Jennifer C. , Racine Mathew L. , Luckasen Gary J. , Larson Dennis G. , Dinenno Frank A. 
Published: April 2020

Key points
The ability of contracting skeletal muscle to attenuate sympathetic vasoconstriction (functional sympatholysis) is critical for maintaining blood flow during exercise‐mediated sympathoexcitation.
Functional sympatholysis and endothelial function are impaired with ageing, resulting in compromised blood flow and oxygen delivery to contracting skeletal muscle during exercise.
In the present study, intra‐arterial infusion of ACh or ATP to augment endothelium‐dependent signalling during exercise attenuated α1‐adrenergic vasoconstriction in the contracting muscle of older adults.
The vascular signalling mechanisms capable of functional sympatholysis are preserved in healthy ageing, and thus the age‐related impairment in functional sympatholysis probably results from the loss of a functional signal (e.g. plasma [ATP]) as opposed to an intrinsic endothelial dysfunction.
AbstractThe ability of contracting skeletal muscle to attenuate sympathetic α‐adrenergic vasoconstriction (‘functional sympatholysis’) is impaired with age. In young adults, increasing endothelium‐dependent vasodilatory signalling during mild exercise augments sympatholysis. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that increasing endothelium‐dependent signalling during exercise in older adults can improve sympatholysis. In 16 older individuals (Protocol 1, n = 8; Protocol 2, n = 8), we measured forearm blood flow (Doppler ultrasound) and calculated changes in vascular conductance (FVC) to local intra‐arterial infusion of phenylephrine (PE; α1‐agonist) during (i) infusion of an endothelium‐dependent vasodilator alone (Protocol 1: ACh or Protocol 2: low dose ATP); (ii) mild handgrip exercise (5% maximum voluntary contraction; MVC); (iii) moderate handgrip exercise (15% MVC); and (iv) mild or moderate handgrip exercise + infusion of ACh or ATP to augment endothelium‐dependent signalling. PE caused robust vasoconstriction in resting skeletal muscle during control vasodilator infusions (ΔFVC: ACh: −31 ± 3 and ATP: −30 ± 4%). PE‐mediated vasoconstriction was not attenuated by mild or moderate intensity exercise (ΔFVC: 5% MVC: −30 ± 9; 15% MVC: −33 ± 8%; P > 0.05 vs. control ACh and ATP), indicative of impaired sympatholysis, and ACh or ATP infusion during mild exercise did not impact this response. However, augmentation of endothelium‐dependent signalling via infusion of ACh or ATP during moderate intensity exercise attenuated PE‐mediated vasoconstriction (ΔFVC: −13 ± 1 and −19 ± 5%, respectively; P < 0.05 vs. all conditions). Our findings demonstrate that, given a sufficient stimulus, endothelium‐dependent sympatholysis remains intact in older adults. Strategies aimed at activating such pathways represent a viable approach for improving sympatholysis and thus tissue blood flow and oxygen delivery in older adults.
‘I had no control over my body’: Women’s experiences of reproductive coercion in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Burry Kate , Thorburn Natalie , Jury Ang 
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION: Reproductive coercion broadly describes behaviour intended to undermine the reproductive autonomy of a victim through pregnancy coercion, contraceptive sabotage, and controlling pregnancy outcomes. This research sought to understand the experiences of victims of reproductive coercion in Aotearoa New Zealand.METHODS: Participants shared their experiences of reproductive coercion from an intimate partner through an online survey that was distributed via social media and posters that were put up primarily in Family Planning clinics across the country. Five participants subsequently participated in in-depth interviews.FINDINGS: Participants (mostly women) in this research experienced high rates of controlled access to contraceptives (83.8%), contraceptive sabotage (58.6%), and pregnancy coercion (64%) by an intimate partner. Furthermore, 40.5% of participants who had ever been pregnant had experienced a partner attempting to prevent them from accessing an abortion, and over 30% were subjected to a partner’s attempts to force an induced abortion or miscarriage. Many also expanded on their partners’ coercion regarding reproductive decisions, and abuse during, and after, labour and birth. However, they were rarely asked about reproductive coercion and abuse by health care or social service practitioners.CONCLUSIONS: Reproductive coercion is a phenomenon that is globally under-researched. Emerging evidence suggests this is a highly gendered issue, and that there needs to be greater focus on promoting how we can improve and protect women’s reproductive autonomy. Findings from this research indicate the need to incorporate discussions about reproductive autonomy and coercion in screening for intimate partner violence.
Heard but not seen: Exploring youth counsellors’ experiences of telephone counselling
Authors: Davidson Danielle , Harrison Gai 
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION: Human service practitioners who work over the telephone are physically invisible to their clients and this invisibility shapes their work. Existing literature suggests that physical invisibility, coupled with anonymity and the immediacy of service provision are defining features of telephone counselling. However, little research has explored how telephone counsellors experience these features in any real depth.METHODOLOGY: This article reports on a case study conducted at a youth helpline in Aotearoa New Zealand. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 practitioners on their experiences of telephone counselling work. One key finding from this case study is discussed: the impact of invisibility and anonymity.FINDINGS: Findings indicate that practitioners’ experiences of delivering telephone counselling are more divergent than those presented in extant literature. While telephone counsellors face challenges delivering non-face-to-face counselling support, the physical invisibility of this medium, coupled with a supportive work environment can also provide potential benefits to counsellors.CONCLUSIONS: Counsellors’ experiences of telephone counselling work appear to be more nuanced than traditionally understood. While practitioners may experience a range of possible challenges in delivering telephone counselling, such as responding to hoax and abusive callers, they also experience benefits such feeling relaxed, and supported by colleagues and supervisors. Management practices, such as flexible rules and accessible supervision, can help practitioners manage the impact working non-face-to-face with clients. Given the ongoing popularity of telephone counselling, further research is needed on the working conditions that promote practitioner wellbeing and job satisfaction.
New symmetry for the imperfect fluid
Authors: Garat Alcides 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe will address the existence of a new symmetry for an imperfect fluid by introducing local four-velocity gauge-like transformations for the case when there is vorticity. A similar tetrad formulation as to the Einstein–Maxwell spacetimes formalism presented in previous manuscripts will be developed in this manuscript for the imperfect fluids. The four-velocity curl and the metric tensor will be invariant under these kind of four-velocity gauge-like local transformations. While the Einstein–Maxwell stress-energy tensor is locally gauge invariant under electromagnetic gauge transformations, the perfect fluid stress-energy tensor will not be invariant under four-velocity gauge-like local transformations. We will dedicate our analysis to the imperfect fluid stress-energy tensor that will be invariant under local four-velocity gauge-like transformations when additional transformations are introduced for several variables included in the stress-energy tensor itself. We will also pay special attention to the construction of a vorticity stress-energy tensor invariant under local four-velocity gauge-like transformations. An application on neutron stars will be developed in order to show the simplifications brought about by these new tetrads.
Pin Insertion to the Interosseous Hood Minimize the Finger Motion Restriction for the Proximal Phalangeal Percutaneous Fixation: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Ikumi Akira , Tanaka Toshikazu , Matsuura Yusuke , Kuniyoshi Kazuki , Suzuki Takane , Yamazaki Masashi 
Published: April 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the optimal pin insertion point to minimize finger motion restriction for proximal phalangeal fixation in cadaver models.Methods: We used 16 fingers from three fresh-frozen cadavers (age, 82–86 years). Each finger was dissected at the level of the carpometacarpal joint and fixated to a custom-built range of motion (ROM)-measuring apparatus after skin removal. The pin was inserted into the bone through four gliding soft tissues: the interosseous hood, dorsal capsule, lateral band, and sagittal band. Then, each tendon was pulled by a prescribed weight in three finger positions (flexion, extension, and intrinsic plus position). Changes in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and distal interphalangeal (DIP) angles were measured before and after pinning. We compared the differences between the insertion points using the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test.Results: Placement of pins into the sagittal band significantly restricted MCP joint flexion, while placement into the dorsal capsule and lateral band significantly restricted PIP joint flexion. Only placement into the interosseous hood showed no significant difference in joint angles between the three finger positions compared to pre-pin insertion. There were no significant effects on MCP, PIP, and DIP joint extension.Conclusions: The ROM of the MCP joint was obstructed due to pinning in most areas of insertion. However, pin insertion to the interosseous hood did not obstruct the finger flexion ROM compared to that of other gliding soft tissues; therefore, we believe that the interosseous hood may be a suitable pin insertion point for proximal phalangeal fixation.