bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increase in muscle power is associated with myofibrillar ATPase adaptations during resistance training
Authors: Philippe Antony G. , Lionne Corinne , Sanchez Anthony M. J. , Pagano Allan F. , Candau Robin 
Published: June 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of resistance training on gains in the external mechanical power output developed during climbing and myofibrillar ATPase activity in rats.

What is the main finding and its importance?
Using rapid flow quench experiments, we show that resistance training increases both the power output and the myofibrillar ATPase activity in the flexor digitorum profundus, biceps and deltoid muscles. Data fitting reveals that these functional ameliorations are explained by an increase in the rate constant of liberation of ATP hydrolysis products and contribute to performance gains.

AbstractSkeletal muscle shows a remarkable plasticity that permits functional adaptations in response to different stimulations. To date, modifications of the proportions of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms and increases in fibre size are considered to be the main factors providing sarcomeric plasticity in response to exercise training. In this study, we investigated the effects of a resistance training protocol on the myofibrillar ATPase (m‐ATPase) cycle, muscle performance (power output) and MHC gene expression. For this purpose, 8‐week‐old Wistar Han rats were subjected to 4 weeks of resistance training, with five sessions per week. Muscle samples of flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), biceps and deltoid were collected and subjected to RT‐qPCR analyses and assessment of m‐ATPase activity with rapid flow quench apparatus. Training led to a significant increase in muscle mass, except for the biceps, and in total mechanical power output (+135.7%, P < 0.001). A shift towards an intermediate fibre type (i.e. MHC2x‐to‐MHC2a isoform transition) was also observed in biceps and FDP but not in the deltoid muscle. Importantly, rapid flow quench experiments revealed an enhancement of the m‐ATPase activity during contraction at maximal velocity (kF) in the three muscles, with a more marked effect in FDP (+242%, P < 0.001). Data fitting revealed that the rate constant of liberation of ATP hydrolysis products (k3) appears to be the main factor influencing the increase in m‐ATPase activity. In conclusion, the data showed that, in addition to classically observed changes in MHC isoform content and fibre hypertrophy, m‐ATPase activity is enhanced during resistance training and might contribute significantly to performance gains.
The Impact of Game Outcome on Affect of Military Wheelchair Basketball Players
Authors: Yeatts Paul E. , Davis Ronald , Oh Jun , Hwang Gwang-Yon 
Published: June 2019

Participation in physical activity has been shown to improve components of psychological well-being (i.e., affect). Programs such as the Warrior Games have been designed to promote physical activity in wounded military personnel. However, sport competition typically yields a winner and a loser (i.e., game outcome). The experience of a win or a loss may affect how wounded athletes respond to game outcome. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the affective changes (positive affect, negative affect, tranquility, and fatigue) according to game outcome in a sample of wounded military wheelchair basketball players participating in a weekend tournament. The results indicated that the participants who experienced a win reported significantly higher positive affect and tranquility and significantly lower negative affect than those experiencing a loss. These findings have important implications for wounded veteran athletes, as well as coaches and administrative personnel.
Potential aeolian deposition of intra-crater layering: A case study of Henry crater, Mars
Authors: Day Mackenzie D. , Catling David C. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Layered deposits occur on Mars in a wide variety of settings and morphologies, including inside craters as large mounds. Many origins have been proposed for these intra-crater layered deposits, but recent work has suggested the possibility of deposition by ancient aeolian dunes. Distinguishing dune deposits requires identifying cross-strata which may not be resolvable even with the highest spatial resolution imaging of Mars. In this work, we employ an alternative method and attempt to eliminate the possibility of aeolian deposition by comparing martian layer geometries to the angles and thicknesses of aeolian sets on Earth. Layering in Henry crater falls within the expected bounds for aeolian strata, and if ancient dunes deposited these layers, then the sets record the passage of dunes with 10–100 m spacing that were generally migrating toward the center of the crater. The Henry crater mound comprises ∼8000 km3 of sediment, and if all layers reflect dune deposition, we estimate mound deposition would then take at least ∼0.5 m.y. As a whole, ∼20,000 km3 of sediment are preserved in intra-crater layered deposits in Arabia Terra. Results from this case study of Henry crater suggest that at least some of this volume may be from aeolian dunes, in which case intra-crater layered mounds may host an untapped record of very ancient martian aeolian activity.
Miocene start of modern carbonate platforms
Authors: Betzler Christian , Eberli Gregor P. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe middle Miocene onset of modern ocean circulation patterns changed the growth style of isolated tropical carbonate platforms because surface and contour currents began shaping the flanks of these edifices. Since then, ocean currents have redistributed the off-bank–transported sediment, reduced sedimentation by particle sorting or winnowing, and even eroded slopes. As a result, the flanks of isolated carbonate platforms around the world after 13–10 Ma have not only been constructed by mass gravity deposits, but equally by contourites with distinct drift and moat geometries. These produce specific stacking patterns of platform flank deposits. This flank architecture, produced by combined current and gravity processes, is typical of tropical carbonate platforms growing in the Neogene icehouse world. Comparison of this architecture with geometries in older platforms also has the potential to extract information about the rigor of ocean circulation in deep time where the deep-sea record is missing.
First direct evidence for a contiguous Gondwana shelf to the south of the Rheic Ocean
Authors: Romer Rolf L. , Kroner Uwe 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Sea-level rise after the Hirnantian glaciation resulted in the global inundation of continental shelf areas and the widespread formation of early Silurian black shales. Black shales that were deposited on shelves receiving drainage from earlier glaciated areas have high uranium (U) contents because large-scale glacial erosion brought rocks with leachable U to the surface. In contrast, black shales receiving drainage from non-glaciated areas that had lost leachable U earlier have low U contents. Early Silurian U-rich shales formed only on shelf areas that had not been separated from earlier-glaciated mainland Gondwana by oceanic lithosphere. Therefore, early Silurian U-rich black shales within the Variscan orogen provide direct evidence that these areas had not been separated from mainland Gondwana, but were part of the same, contiguous shelf. This implies that the Rheic Ocean was the only pre-Silurian ocean that opened during the early Paleozoic extension of the peri-Gondwana shelf.
How strong is the evidence that conservative treatment reduces pain and improves function in individuals with patellar tendinopathy? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials including GRADE recommendations
Authors: Mendonça Luciana De Michelis , Leite Hércules R , Zwerver Johannes , Henschke Nicholas , Branco Guilherme , Oliveira Vinicius Cunha 
Published: June 2019

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of conservative treatment (CT) on pain and function in patients with patellar tendinopathy (PT) compared with minimal intervention (MI) or other invasive intervention, or in addition to decline eccentric squat.MethodsSearches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL and AMED databases. All randomised trials that evaluated CT (any intervention not involving invasive procedures or medication) in individuals with PT were included. Two reviewers screened studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of all included studies. Where suitable, meta-analyses were conducted; we assessed certainty of the evidence using GRADE methodology.ResultsWhen compared with MI, CT did not improve pain (weighted mean difference (WMD) −2.6, 95% CI −6.5 to 1.2) or function (WMD 1.8, 95% CI −2.4 to 6.1) in the short-term (up to 3 months) follow-up. When compared with invasive intervention, CT did not improve pain (WMD 0.7, 95% CI −0.1 to 1.4) or function (WMD −6.6, 95% CI −13.3 to 0.2) in the short-term follow-up. No overall effects were found for combined CT (when a conservative intervention was added to decline eccentric squat) on pain (WMD −0.5, 95% CI −1.4 to 0.4) or function (WMD −2.3, 95 % –9.1 to 4.6) at short-term follow-up. Single studies showed an effect on pain with iontophoresis at short-term follow-up (d = 2.42) or dry needling at medium/long-term follow-up (d = 1.17) and function with exercise intervention at medium/long-term follow-up (over 3 months) (d = 0.83).Summary/ConclusionOur estimates of treatment effect have only low to very low certainty evidence to support them. This field of sports medicine/sports physiotherapy urgently needs larger, high-quality studies with pain and function among the potential primary outcomes.
Predictors of pregnancy among young people in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Gunawardena Nathali , Fantaye Arone Wondwossen , Yaya Sanni 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundSub-Saharan Africa has among the highest prevalence of teenage pregnancy in the world. Teenage mothers and their children are at risk to a host of medical, social and economic challenges. Adolescent pregnancy is a significant cost to the mother and newborn child, and also to their family and the wider society. Despite measures taken by some sub-Saharan nations to tackle the issue of adolescent pregnancy, the phenomenon remains a public health concern that is widespread throughout the region. Currently, there are few studies that examine the predictors of teenage pregnancy in the sub-Saharan region. The objective of the present study was to systematically review predictors of pregnancy among young people in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsA literature search was conducted using Medline, CINAHL and EMBASE electronic databases. Following duplicate removal, abstract and full-text screening, 15 studies were ultimately included in the final review. Narrative synthesis was used to synthesise the qualitative and quantitative findings. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses.ResultsTwenty-seven predictors of teenage pregnancy were identified and grouped into six themes (Partner and peer-related predictors; Sexual health knowledge, attitude and behaviour-related predictors; Parenting and family-related predictors; Economic, environmental and cultural predictors; Personal predictors; and Quality of healthcare services predictors). The most obvious predictors included sexual coercion and pressure from male partners, low or incorrect use of contraceptives, and poor parenting or low parental communication and support.ConclusionThis review emphasises that the large prevalence of adolescent pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa is attributable to multiple predictors that our study was able to group into six themes. Policy changes and programmes must be implemented in sub-Saharan Africa to address these determinants in order to reduce adolescent pregnancy within the region.
Development and validation of the Family Resilience (FaRE) Questionnaire: an observational study in Italy
Authors: Faccio Flavia , Gandini Sara , Renzi Chiara , Fioretti Chiara , Crico Chiara , Pravettoni Gabriella 
Published: June 2019

ObjectiveDevelop and validate an instrument to assess family resilience and, more specifically, the family dynamics and resources, estimating the adaptation flexibility to cancer disease. Cohesion, communication, coping style and relational style were considered as critical functional areas in the construction of the instrument.DesignTwo cross-sectional studies. Study 1: identification of factorial structure of the questionnaire in two samples with different cancer sites. Study 2: validation of the questionnaire in patients with cancer in two different phases of their therapeutic pathway.Participants and settingA total of 213 patients with a histologically confirmed non-metastatic breast or prostate cancer and 209 caregivers were recruited for the two studies from an oncological hospital in Italy.Outcome measuresThe Resilience Scale for Adults and the Family Resilience (FaRE) Questionnaire, developed by the researchers, were administered to all patients and caregivers who gave consent.ResultsIn study 1, the 60-item version of the FaRE Questionnaire underwent discriminant and construct validity, internal consistency and factorial analysis. Comparisons between patient and caregiver populations showed that patients perceived higher levels of family resources (p=0.048) and that patients with prostate cancer perceived less social support compared with patients with breast cancer (p=0.002). Factor analysis demonstrated four domains: communication and cohesion, perceived social support, perceived family coping, and religiousness and spirituality. In study 2, the validity and factorial structure of the final scale, composed of 24 items, were confirmed. The Cronbach alpha of all subscales was above 82. Normative values for patients with breast cancer can provide indications of family resilience levels.ConclusionsPreliminary findings showed acceptable psychometric properties for the FaRE Questionnaire to evaluate family resilience in oncological patients and their caregivers. Further research should test its sensibility to change to assess its use as a psychoemotional monitoring tool and its validity in other medical contexts.
Efficacy and safety of rituximab in the treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Teixeira Vítor , Mohammad Aladdin J , Jones Rachel B , Smith Rona , Jayne David 
Published: June 2019

IntroductionEosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a subset of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitis with distinct pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical features and treatment responses. Rituximab is a licensed therapy for granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis but there is limited experience of rituximab in EGPA.MethodsEGPA patients from a tertiary centre who received rituximab for mostly refractory EGPA or in whom cyclophosphamide was contra indicated were studied. A standardised dataset was collected at time of initial treatment and every 3 months for 24 months. Response was defined as a Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) of 0 and partial response as ≥50% reduction in BVAS from baseline. Remission was defined as a BVAS of 0 on prednisolone dose ≤5 mg.ResultsSixty-nine patients (44 female) received rituximab between 2003 and 2017. Improvement (response and partial response) was observed in 76.8% of patients at 6 months, 82.8% at 12 months and in 93.2% by 24 months, while relapses occurred in 54% by 24 months, with asthma being the most frequent manifestation. The median BVAS decreased from 6 at baseline to 1 at 6 months, and 0 at 12 and 24 months. Prednisolone dose (mg/day, median) decreased from 12.5 to 7, 7.5 and 5 at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. ANCA positive patients had a longer asthma/ear, nose and throat (ENT) relapse-free survival time and a shorter time to remission.DiscussionRituximab demonstrated some efficacy in EGPA and led to a reduction in prednisolone requirement, but asthma and ENT relapse rates were high despite continued treatment. The ANCA positive subset appeared to have a more sustained response on isolated asthma/ENT exacerbations.
Characteristics of Northern Irish cattle herds without bovine tuberculosis infection
Authors: Milne Georgina , Graham Jordon , Allen Adrian R , Lahuerta‐Marin Angela , McCormick Carl M , Presho Eleanor , Skuce Robin A , Byrne Andrew 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundDespite ongoing eradication efforts, bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is endemic in cattle herds in Northern Ireland (NI). This disease has serious implications for the economy, farming and animal welfare. Previous research identified a population of herds which have remained free from bTB infection for 10 years (2004–2014). Understanding the characteristics of these herds may have important implications for eradication efforts, such as spatially targeted interventions.MethodsA cluster analysis and a retrospective case–control analysis was conducted to compare bTB‐ free herds with herds which experienced prolonged infection (ie, bTB breakdowns lasting more than ≥ 365 days).ResultsOnly small, localised clusters of herds which have remained free from bTB were revealed, thus limiting the potential for spatially targeted interventions. The results illustrated the importance of herd size to disease status; over 27 per cent of the bTB‐free herds had up to 10 animals. However, the data also showed that there were no inward movements in the year before the bTB skin test in those herds which remained free from bTB.ConclusionsAttention should therefore be given to the cattle movement network in NI to better understand the risk associated with cattle purchasing.
Capture, ingestion, and egestion of microplastics by suspension-feeding bivalves: a 40-year history
Authors: Ward J. Evan , Rosa Maria , Shumway Sandra E. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
In aquatic environments, suspension-feeding bivalve molluscs are exposed to a manifold of natural and anthropogenically derived particles, including micro- and nanoplastics. Plastic particles interact with feeding and digestive organs and can produce negative effects. As a result of these effects and the potential transfer of microplastics to higher trophic levels, including humans, there has been renewed interest in the ingestion of plastic particles by different species of bivalves. Many recent studies, however, have ignored the ability of bivalves to select among particles both pre- and post-ingestively. Neglecting to consider the factors that mediate particle capture, ingestion, and egestion can lead to erroneous data and conclusions. This paper outlines the current state of knowledge of particle processing by bivalves, and demonstrates how it relates to studies utilizing plastic particles. In particular, the effects of particle size, shape, and surface properties on capture, preferential ingestion, post-ingestive sorting, and egestion are summarized. The implications of particle selection for the use of bivalves as bioindicators of microplastic pollution in the environment are discussed. Only through a full understanding of the types of plastic particles ingested and egested by bivalves can internal exposure, toxic effects, and trophic transfer of microplastics be assessed adequately.
Piezoresponse force microscopy and dielectric spectroscopy study of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 thin films
Authors: Czekaj Dionizy , Lisińska-Czekaj Agata 
Published: June 2019

Research on synthesis, characterization and determination of processing — structure — property relationships of commercially important ferroelectric thin films has been performed. The sol–gel type solution deposition technique was applied to produce good quality thin films of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TiO3 (BST60/40) chemical composition on the stainless steel substrates. The thin films were characterized in terms of their microstructure, crystal structure, phase composition, piezoelectric and dielectric properties. It was found that the BST60/40 thin film adopted the cubic structure at room temperature with an elementary cell parameter [Formula: see text] Å. Morphology of the thin film surface was studied with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Average roughness of the thin films surface was found ([Formula: see text]m). Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) was applied for the thin film characterization. Active piezoelectric regions were found in BST60/40 thin film. Therefore, dielectric response measured at room temperature was studied in assumption of piezoelectric electric equivalent circuit.
Systemic Interferon-γ Increases MHC Class I Expression and T-cell Infiltration in Cold Tumors: Results of a Phase 0 Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhang Shihong , Kohli Karan , Black R. Graeme , Yao Lu , Spadinger Sydney M. , He Qianchuan , Pillarisetty Venu G. , Cranmer Lee D. , Van Tine Brian A. , Yee Cassian , Pierce Robert H. , Riddell Stanley R. , Jones Robin L. , Pollack Seth M. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Interferon-γ (IFNγ) has been studied as a cancer treatment with limited evidence of clinical benefit. However, it could play a role in cancer immunotherapy combination treatments. Despite high expression of immunogenic cancer–testis antigens, synovial sarcoma (SS) and myxoid/round cell liposarcoma (MRCL) have a cold tumor microenvironment (TME), with few infiltrating T cells and low expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I). We hypothesized that IFNγ treatment could drive inflammation in a cold TME, facilitating further immunotherapy. We conducted a phase 0 clinical trial treating 8 SS or MRCL patients with weekly systemic IFNγ. We performed pre- and posttreatment biopsies. IFNγ changed the SS and MRCL TME, inducing tumor-surface MHC-I expression and significant T-cell infiltration (P &lt; 0.05). Gene-expression analysis suggested increased tumor antigen presentation and less exhausted phenotypes of the tumor-infiltrating T cells. Newly emergent antigen-specific humoral and/or T-cell responses were found in 3 of 7 evaluable patients. However, increased expression of PD-L1 was observed on tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells and in some cases tumor cells. These findings suggest that systemic IFNγ used to convert SS and MRCL into “hot” tumors will work in concert with anti–PD-1 therapy to provide patient benefit.