bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic musculoskeletal impairment is associated with alterations in brain regions responsible for the production and perception of movement
Authors: Conboy Veronica , Edwards Carl , Ainsworth Roberta , Natusch Douglas , Burcham Claire , Danisment Buse , Khot Sharmila , Seymour Richard , Larcombe Stephanie J. , Tracey Irene , Kolasinski James 
Published: March 2021

Key points
Massive irreparable rotator cuff tear was used as a model to study the impact of chronic pain and motor impairment on the motor systems of the human brain using magnetic resonance imaging.
Patients show markers of lower grey/white matter integrity and lower functional connectivity compared with control participants in regions responsible for movement and the perception of visual movement and body shape.
An independent cohort of patients showed relative deficits in the perception of visual motion and hand laterality compared with an age‐matched control group.
These data support the hypothesis that the structure and function of the motor control system differs in patients who have experienced chronic motor impairment.
This work also raises a new hypothesis, supported by neuroimaging and behaviour, that a loss of motor function could also be associated with off‐target effects, namely a reduced ability to perceive motion and body form.
AbstractChanges in the way we move can induce changes in the brain, yet we know little of such plasticity in relation to musculoskeletal diseases. Here we use massive irreparable rotator cuff tear as a model to study the impact of chronic motor impairment and pain on the human brain. Cuff tear destabilises the shoulder, impairing upper‐limb function in overhead and load‐bearing tasks. We used neuroimaging and behavioural testing to investigate how brain structure and function differed in cuff tear patients and controls (imaging: 21 patients, age 76.3 ± 7.68; 18 controls, age 74.9 ± 6.59; behaviour: 13 patients, age 75.5 ± 10.2; 11 controls, age 73.4 ± 5.01). We observed lower grey matter density and cortical thickness in cuff tear patients in the postcentral gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, temporal‐parietal junction and the pulvinar – areas implicated in somatosensation, reach/grasp and body form perception. In patients we also observed lower functional connectivity between the motor network and the middle temporal visual cortex (MT), a region involved in visual motion perception. Lower white matter integrity was observed in patients in the inferior fronto‐occipital/longitudinal fasciculi. We investigated the cognitive domains associated with the brain regions identified. Patients exhibited relative impairment in visual body judgements and the perception of biological/global motion. These data support our initial hypothesis that cuff tear is associated with differences in the brain's motor control regions in comparison with unaffected individuals. Moreover, our combination of neuroimaging and behavioural data raises a new hypothesis that chronic motor impairment is associated with an altered perception of visual motion and body form.
Heavy-traffic Analysis of the Generalized Switch under Multidimensional State Space Collapse
Authors: Hurtado-Lange Daniela , Theja Maguluri Siva 
Published: March 2021

Stochastic Processing Networks that model wired and wireless networks, and other queueing systems, have been studied in heavytraffic limit under the so-called Complete Resource Pooling (CRP) condition. When the CRP condition is not satisfied, heavy-traffic results are known only in the special case of an input-queued switch and bandwidth-sharing network.
In this paper, we consider a very general queueing system called the 'generalized switch' that includes wireless networks under fading, data center networks, input-queued switch, etc. The primary contribution of this paper is to present the exact value of the steadystate mean of certain linear combinations of queue lengths in the heavy-traffic limit under MaxWeight scheduling algorithm. We use the Drift method, and we also present a negative result that it is not possible to obtain the remaining linear combinations (and consequently all the individual mean queue lengths) using this method. We do this by presenting an alternate view of the Drift method in terms of an (under-determined) system of linear equations. Finally, we use this system of equations to obtain upper and lower bounds on all linear combinations of queue lengths.
Morphophysiological traits of an amphibian exposed to historical industrial pollution in a Brazilian biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Santana Erika , Schiesari Luis , Gomes Fernando , Martins Marcio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Industrial pollution is a significant global threat to biodiversity, but its consequences on rainforest ecosystems remain poorly understood. Amphibians are especially susceptible to pollutants released on natural environments due to their aquatic-terrestrial life cycle. Here, we explored the association of severe historical air, water, and soil pollution with physiological and morphological alterations on Rhinella ornata individuals, an endemic toad species of Atlantic Forest, a world biodiversity hotspot. We hypothesized that individuals sampled in sites closer to the pollution source will present worse indicators of health. As predicted, toads at decreasing distances from the pollution source presented enlargement of organs related to detoxification function (liver and kidneys) and compensatory immunological function (spleen). Contrary to our predictions, however, we do not found significant effects of proximity to the pollution source on individuals’ body condition index, on the indicative of fertility (testicles masses) or on macroparasite infection’s response (eosinophil counts). Surprisingly, proximity to the pollution source was associated with lower chronic stress levels (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) on individuals. We discuss which processes could promote the alterations found on the toads. We also discuss the possible acquirement of local resistance to contamination on toads populations closer from pollution source, giving the more than 60 years of exposure to chemical contaminants in the area.
Design and Methodology of the Study of Associated Risks of Stillbirth (SOARS) in Utah
Authors: DeSisto Carla L. , Stone Nicole , Algarin Barbara , Baksh Laurie , Dieke Ada , D’Angelo Denise V. , Harrison Leslie , Warner Lee , Shulman Holly B. 
Published: March 2021

Objectives The Utah Study of Associated Risks of Stillbirth (SOARS) collects data about stillbirths that are not included in medical records or on fetal death certificates. We describe the design, methods, and survey response rate from the first year of SOARS. Methods The Utah Department of Health identified all Utah women who experienced a stillbirth from June 1, 2018, through May 31, 2019, via fetal death certificates and invited them to participate in SOARS. The research team based the study protocol on the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System surveillance of women with live births and modified it to be sensitive to women’s recent experience of a stillbirth. We used fetal death certificates to examine survey response rates overall and by maternal characteristics, gestational age of the fetus, and month in which the loss occurred. Results: Of 288 women invited to participate in the study, 167 (58.0%) completed the survey; 149 (89.2%) responded by mail and 18 (10.8%) by telephone. A higher proportion of women who were non-Hispanic White (vs other races/ethnicities), were married (vs unmarried), and had ≥high school education (vs <high school education) responded to the survey. Differences between responders and nonresponders by maternal age, gestational age of the fetus, or month of delivery were not significant. Among responders, item nonresponse rates were low (range, 0.6%-5.4%). The question about income (4.8%) and the questions about tests offered and performed during the hospital stay had the highest item nonresponse rates. Conclusions: The response rate suggests that a mail- and telephone-based survey can be successful in collecting self-reported information about risk factors for stillbirths not currently included in medical records or fetal death certificates.
COVID-19 in the New York City Jail System: Epidemiology and Health Care Response, March–April 2020
Authors: Chan Justin , Burke Kelsey , Bedard Rachael , Grigg James , Winters John , Vessell Colleen , Rosner Zachary , Cheng Jeffrey , Katyal Monica , Yang Patricia , MacDonald Ross 
Published: March 2021

Objectives People detained in correctional facilities are at high risk for infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We described the epidemiology of the COVID-19 outbreak in a large urban jail system, including signs and symptoms at time of testing and risk factors for hospitalization. Methods This retrospective observational cohort study included all patients aged ≥18 years who were tested for COVID-19 during March 11–April 28, 2020, while in custody in the New York City jail system (N = 978). We described demographic characteristics and signs and symptoms at the time of testing and performed Cox regression analysis to identify factors associated with hospitalization among those with a positive test result. Results Of 978 people tested for COVID-19, 568 received a positive test result. Among symptomatic patients, the most common symptoms among those who received a positive test result were cough (n = 293 of 510, 57%) and objective fever (n = 288 of 510, 56%). Of 257 asymptomatic patients who were tested, 58 (23%) received a positive test result. Forty-five (8%) people who received a positive test result were hospitalized for COVID-19. Older age (aged ≥55 vs 18-34) (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 13.41; 95% CI, 3.80-47.33) and diabetes mellitus (aHR = 1.99; 95% CI, 1.00-3.95) were significantly associated with hospitalization. Conclusions A substantial proportion of people tested in New York City jails received a positive test result for COVID-19, including a large proportion of people tested while asymptomatic. During periods of ongoing transmission, asymptomatic screening should complement symptom-driven COVID-19 testing in correctional facilities. Older patients and people with diabetes mellitus should be closely monitored after COVID-19 diagnosis because of their increased risk for hospitalization.
Energy performance and loss analysis of 100 kWp grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic system
Authors: KhareSaxena Anupama , Saxena Seema , Sudhakar K 
Published: March 2021

In the present work, simulation and energy analysis of a grid-tied 100 kWp solar photovoltaic power plant mounted on an institute's building rooftop in Bhopal city of India are carried out. The present study provides insight into the solar power plant's performance linked to the medium range grid under actual operating conditions in Central India. It is observed that the standard performance ratio and the capacity factor of the plant are 80.72% and 19.27% respectively. The average monthly energy produced is highest in April and lowest in July. Simulation results using different simulation tools have been compared and are shown to be in near agreement with the real calculated values. This plant set-up is expected to gain profit after a period of 5.9 years with a capacity to mitigate 136 tons of CO2 emission annually. Practical application: This study estimates the energy output, system losses and performance parameters for a 100 kWp rooftop grid connected solar photovoltaic system. This helps to check the feasibility of such a system at this location. Also the payback period and reduction in carbon footprint are calculated to highlight the economic and environmental benefits. This would attract public interest for installation of more such plants on rooftops of buildings in the near future.
The potential for the Passive House standard in Longyearbyen – the High Arctic
Authors: Buijze Josien AJC , Wright Andrew J 
Published: March 2021

Passive building design reduces a building’s energy consumption through mainly non-mechanical design strategies. The Passive House (or Passivhaus) Standard certifies such buildings that comply with its strict energy performance criteria. Achieving the Standard is very challenging for dwellings in extreme climates. There is limited knowledge of the Standard’s potential in Arctic regions, particularly the High Arctic. Through a review of the literature and energy modelling of a hypothetical dwelling, the challenges in achieving the Standard in Longyearbyen (78°N), Norway are investigated. Very low temperatures and 112 days without daylight create a high heating demand. Whereas previous studies measured actual building performances or used simple calculations, the findings in this investigation show the limitations of individual design parameters and technical limits of the building envelope. In theory the Standard can be achieved in Longyearbyen; however, the potential in practice is low due to the very tight margins in the heating criteria. The results show the significant impact of applying contextual (climatic) adjustments to the boundary conditions of the Standard. The investigation could contribute to a discussion on modifying the Passive House Standard for dwellings in the High Arctic and improving building design for the region. Practical application: Current knowledge regarding energy efficient building performance in Arctic climates is limited, while the urgency for improved efficiencies is extremely high. The modelling in this work shows the valuable impact of contextual adjustments to the Passive House boundary conditions; the impact of individual design parameters; and the potential for significant energy savings through adopting passive house principles for dwelling design in Longyearbyen or similar climates. This investigation could encourage new policy making, additional research and the development of an optimized Passive House Standard that considers High Arctic climate conditions, thus encouraging new energy efficient building construction in cold climates.
The predictive value of brain natriuretic peptide or N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide for weaning outcome in mechanical ventilation patients: Evidence from SROC
Authors: Liu Jian , Wang Chuan-jiang , Ran Jun-huai , Lin Shi-hui , Deng Dan , Ma Yu , Xu Fang 
Published: March 2021

Objective: Mechanical ventilation is an important treatment for critically ill patients. Physicians generally perform a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) to determine whether the patients can be weaned from mechanical ventilation, but almost 17% of the patients who pass the SBT still require respiratory support. Cardiac dysfunction is an important cause of weaning failure. The use of brain natriuretic peptide or N-terminal pro-BNP is a simple method to assess cardiac function. We performed a systematic review of investigations of brain natriuretic peptide or N-terminal pro-BNP as predictors of weaning from mechanical ventilation. Data sources: PubMed (1950 to December 2020), Cochrane, and Embase (1974 to December 2020), and some Chinese databases for additional articles (China Biology Medicine (CBM), China Science and Technology Journal Database (CSTJ), and Wanfang Data and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)). Study selection: We systematically searched observation studies investigating the predictive value of brain natriuretic peptide or N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in weaning outcome of patients with mechanical ventilation. Data extraction: Two independent reviewers extracted data. The differences are resolved through consultation. Data synthesis: We included 18 articles with 1416 patients and extracted six index tests with pooled sensitivity and specificity for each index test. For the BNP change rate predicting weaning success, the pooled sensitivity was 89% (83%–94%) and the pooled specificity was 82% (72%–89%) with the highest pooled AUC of 0.9511. Conclusions: The brain natriuretic peptide change rate is a reliable predictor of weaning outcome from mechanical ventilation.
Multifaceted needs of individuals living with peripheral arterial disease: A qualitative study
Authors: DiGiacomo Michelle , Prichard Ros , Allida Sabine , Delbaere Kim , Omari Abdullah , Inglis Sally C 
Published: March 2021

Objectives To ascertain a comprehensive perspective of the impact of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) on people including needs for access to disease specific information, education, services, and support. Methods Participants were recruited from outpatient clinics at a tertiary hospital in metropolitan Australia. Telephone and face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine individuals living with PAD and analysed using qualitative content thematic analysis. Results The nine participants were on average 74.2 (SD 10.9) years and predominantly women (67%). Lack of understanding of PAD and inconsistent information resulted in confusion regarding self-management strategies. Effects of pain and mobility problems were amplified for participants who lived alone and did not have an informal carer. Discussion Poor quality of life in PAD reflects pain, social isolation and fear of falls. Multidisciplinary teams with case managers should consider older people’s living situations and needs for additional support services and education to facilitate integrated care.
Intramedullary Fixation of Distal Fibula Fractures
Authors: Umbel Benjamin D. , Sharpe B. Dale , Reynolds Christopher , Philbin Terrence M. 
Published: March 2021

Background Ankle fractures pose a unique challenge to the treating orthopedic surgeon. Intramedullary (IM) distal fibula fixation is a relatively newer entity offering a viable option to minimize wound complications while providing similar outcomes. Our study utilizes an IM nail featuring proximal fixation via IM talons ensuring maintenance of fracture reduction this is the largest case series utilizing this novel device assessing time to weight-bearing (WB) and fracture union in addition to the safety and reproducibility of percutaneous reduction. Methods A retrospective case series was conducted on 51 ankle fractures treated with a single IM device for lateral malleolar fixation. Postoperative radiographs were assessed, qualifying reductions as good, fair, or poor based on a reduction classification. Patient charts were reviewed for fracture characteristics, reduction method, fracture union, time to WB, and complications. Results Mean follow-up time was 32.2 weeks; 47 fracture reductions (92%) were classified as good, and 4 (8%) were fair. All but 1 fracture (98%) went onto union. Average time to union was 10.3 weeks. Average time to WB with and without a walking boot was 6.8 and 11.2 weeks, respectively. Two patients experienced painful hardware. One patient had a superficial wound infection; Conclusion When evaluating this novel IM device, fracture union and time to union were found to be acceptable, with minimal wound or other complications. Percutaneous reduction permitted good fracture reduction quality. Consistent time to WB for a variety of fractures was reliably demonstrated following operative fixation with this device, including those in the elderly population. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Clinical case series
The Influence of Asymptomatic Hypermobility on Unanticipated Cutting Biomechanics
Authors: Hanzlíková Ivana , Richards Jim , Athens Josie , Hébert-Losier Kim 
Published: March 2021

Background: Generalized joint hypermobility is an important risk factor for knee injuries, including to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Examining movement patterns specific to hypermobile individuals during sport-specific movements could facilitate development of targeted recommendations and injury prevention programs for this population. Hypothesis: Asymptomatic hypermobile participants will present kinematics measures suggestive of a greater risk of noncontact knee or ACL injuries. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Forty-two (15 asymptomatic hypermobile and 27 nonhypermobile) individuals performed unanticipated side-step cutting on their dominant and nondominant legs. Ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, and trunk angles in all planes of motion were collected during the first 100 ms after initial contact using a 3-dimensional infrared system. Precontact foot-ground angles were also extracted. Data from hypermobile and nonhypermobile groups were compared using multiple regression models with sex as a confounder. When nonsignificant, the confounder was removed from the model. Effect sizes (Hedge g) were calculated in the presence of significant between-group differences. Results: Hypermobile individuals presented with lower minimum knee valgus angles with a mean difference of 3.5° ( P = 0.03, Hedge g = 0.69) and greater peak knee external rotation angles with a mean difference of −4.5° ( P = 0.04, Hedge g = 0.70) during dominant leg cutting, and lower peak ankle plantarflexion angles with a mean difference of 4.5° ( P = 0.03, Hedge g = 0.73) during nondominant leg cutting compared with nonhypermobile individuals. Conclusion: Based on current scientific evidence, however, the identified differences are not crucial biomechanical injury risk factors that could predispose asymptomatic hypermobile individuals to noncontact knee or ACL injuries. Clinical Relevance: Further research is needed to highlight differences between hypermobility groups. Knowledge of the differences between these groups may change the physical activity recommendations, prevention of injury, and rehabilitation approaches.
Effects of Various Antioxidant Pretreatment Modalities on Adhesion to Sound and Caries-Affected Dentin: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Degirmenci Beyza Unalan , Degirmenci Alperen , Kara Emine 
Published: March 2021

Aim: Natural antioxidants were offered as the answer of dentin adhesion issue. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of proanthocyanidin and lycopene as pretreatment agents on the sound and caries-affected dentin surface on microtensile bond strength and microleakage. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as in vitro because of that 84 mandibular molar teeth were collected. Forty-two of the included teeth were carious teeth, while the other 42 were without caries. Sixty of them were used for microleakage and 24 for microtensile bond strength testing and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The samples were divided into six subgroups randomly according to dentin pretreatments: 5% proanthocyanidin, 5% lycopene, and no antioxidant application. After the restorative procedures, samples were attached to the microtensile tester. Samples were subjected to tensile stress in the load cell until they broke at a speed of 0.5 mm per min. Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and microleakage test data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance, Bonferroni correction, and Tamhane’s T2 tests. Results: Two-way variance analysis showed that dentin pretreatment applications, dentin substrate, and the interaction between these two parameters had statistically significant effects on µTBS values ( P < .001). There was no difference between dentin pretreatment applications in terms of microleakage scores ( P > .05). Conclusion: The application of dentin pretreatment with proanthocyanidin is a successful procedure that increases the bond strength in both dentin substrate, while pretreatment with lycopene in caries-affected dentin reduces it.