bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Muscle hypertrophy following blood flow-restricted, low-force isometric electrical stimulation in rat tibialis anterior: role for muscle hypoxia
Authors: Nakajima Toshiaki , Koide Seiichiro , Yasuda Tomohiro , Hasegawa Takaaki , Yamasoba Tatsuya , Obi Syotaro , Toyoda Shigeru , Nakamura Fumitaka , Inoue Teruo , Poole David C. , Kano Yutaka 
Published: March 2018

Low-force exercise training with blood flow restriction (BFR) elicits muscle hypertrophy as seen typically after higher-force exercise. We investigated the effects of microvascular hypoxia [i.e., low microvascular O2 partial pressures (P mvO2)] during contractions on muscle hypertrophic signaling, growth response, and key muscle adaptations for increasing exercise capacity. Wistar rats were fitted with a cuff placed around the upper thigh and inflated to restrict limb blood flow. Low-force isometric contractions (30 Hz) were evoked via electrical stimulation of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. The P mvO2 was determined by phosphorescence quenching. Rats underwent acute and chronic stimulation protocols. Whereas P mvO2 decreased transiently with 30 Hz contractions, simultaneous BFR induced severe hypoxia, reducing P mvO2 lower than present for maximal (100 Hz) contractions. Low-force electrical stimulation (EXER) induced muscle hypertrophy (6.2%, P < 0.01), whereas control group conditions or BFR alone did not. EXER+BFR also induced an increase in muscle mass (11.0%, P < 0.01) and, unique among conditions studied, significantly increased fiber cross-sectional area in the superficial TA ( P < 0.05). Phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 was enhanced by EXER+BFR, as were peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α and glucose transporter 4 protein levels. Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4, monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), and cluster of differentiation 147 increased with EXER alone. EXER+BFR significantly increased MCT1 expression more than EXER alone. These data demonstrate that microvascular hypoxia during contractions is not essential for hypertrophy. However, hypoxia induced via BFR may potentiate the muscle hypertrophic response (as evidenced by the increased superficial fiber cross-sectional area) with increased glucose transporter and mitochondrial biogenesis, which contributes to the pleiotropic effects of exercise training with BFR that culminate in an improved capacity for sustained exercise. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated the effects of low microvascular O2 partial pressures (P mvO2) during contractions on muscle hypertrophic signaling and key elements in the muscle adaptation for increasing exercise capacity. Although demonstrating that muscle hypoxia is not obligatory for the hypertrophic response to low-force, electrically induced muscle contractions, the reduced P mvO2 enhanced ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation and potentiated the hypertrophic response. Furthermore, contractions with blood flow restriction increased oxidative capacity, glucose transporter, and mitochondrial biogenesis, which are key determinants of the pleiotropic effects of exercise training.
Seasonality of Tides in Southeast Asian Waters
Authors: Devlin Adam T. , Zaron Edward D. , Jay David A. , Talke Stefan A. , Pan Jiayi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAn analysis of water level time series from 20 tide gauges in Southeast Asia finds that diurnal and semidiurnal astronomical tides exhibit strong seasonal variability of both amplitude and phase, which is not caused by known modulations of the astronomical tide-generating forces. Instead, it is found that the tidal properties are coherent with the western North Pacific monsoon index (WNPMI), indicating that monsoonal mechanisms are the likely cause. The study domain includes the Malacca Strait, Gulf of Thailand, the southern South China Sea, and Java Sea. The character of the geography and the tidal variability is different in each of these subregions. A new barotropic regional tide model is developed that incorporates the coupling between geostrophic currents, wind-driven (Ekman) currents, and tidal currents in the bottom boundary layer in order to examine the influence of these factors on tides. The dynamics thus preserve the frictional nonlinearities while neglecting advective nonlinearities and baroclinic tides, approximations that should be valid on the wide and shallow continental shelves in the study region. The model perturbation approach uses the climatological seasonal variability of wind stress and geostrophic currents, which are prescribed singly and in combination in the model, to explain the observed tidal variability. Results are most successful in the southern Gulf of Thailand and near Singapore, where it is found that the combined effect of geostrophic and Ekman currents shows increased skill in reproducing the tidal variability than individual models. Ambiguous results at other locations suggest more localized processes such as river runoff.
The Effects of Governance Type and Economic Crises on Foreign Direct Investment Inflows in Ghana
Authors: Tuffour Joseph Kwadwo , Mensah Thelma 
Published: March 2018

Global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have increased rapidly over the last few decades. However, Ghana has not attracted much of this FDI. Investors are driven mostly by profit maximization and hence decisions to invest in an unfamiliar territory are often based on the economic and political conditions of this new territory. The current study investigates the effect of the state of governance and economic crises on FDI inflows to Ghana. Using time series data from 1960 to 2015, Vector Error Correction Mechanism results show that democratic governance has the tendency to positively influence FDI inflows while periods of economic crises are likely to reduce FDI inflows to Ghana in the long run. Depreciation of the Ghana Cedi reduces FDI inflows but market size has a positive influence on FDI inflows. Increase in labour skills and the level of openness have positive effects on FDI inflows. In the short run, economic crises in the last three years have negative effects on present FDI inflows while democratic governance in the past year positively influences FDI inflows. It is recommended that democratic governance should be maintained to enhance FDI inflows. Also, efforts to avoid economic crises especially institutional shocks absorbers are key to maintain FDI inflows to Ghana. JEL: P33, P45, E02, O55
The Information Technology Agreement and the ‘Make-in-India’ Initiative
Authors: Khanderia Saloni 
Published: March 2018

The World Trade Organization’s Information Technology Agreement (ITA), which was concluded at the Singapore Ministerial Conference in 1996, is considered to be one of the biggest tariff-cutting deals by virtue of eliminating all customs-related duties on the exportation of certain categories of information technology products to a country, which is a member to the Agreement. Over time, new innovations in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector mandated the consideration of expanding the list of products covered by this Agreement, which took place in the form of ITA-II negotiations. India, which was an original member of the ITA-I, however, decided to opt-out of the negotiations to expand the list of products covered by the Agreement, and reasoned its absence by stating that the zero-tariff regime created by the ITA-I debilitated its electronics-manufacturing sectors and on the contrary resulted in an over-reliance on imported electronic inputs. Accordingly, providing duty-free treatment to a further list of IT products could potentially be detrimental for the country’s economic growth. Consequently, it preferred to give priority to its national policy initiative, namely the ‘Make-in-India’ programme, which embarks upon fostering domestic production of, inter alia, the ICT sector. This article accordingly weighs the better alternative for India and analyses the prospects of initiatives like the current one to resuscitate the ailing domestic electronics-manufacturing sector, before it can benefit from the zero-tariff regime over the expanding list of products covered by the ITA-II. JEL: K33, M15
Role of computed tomography angiography for HeartMate II left ventricular assist device thrombosis
Authors: Yu Sarah N , Han Jiho , Takeda Koji , Ginns Jonathan N , Kurlansky Paul A , Garan Arthur R , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Topkara Veli K , Colombo Paolo C , Naka Yoshifumi , Takayama Hiroo 
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Device thrombosis is one of the most devastating complications of HeartMate II left ventricular assist devices. The purpose of this study is to assess the anatomical properties that the inflow and outflow computed tomography angiography provides in assessing for left ventricular assist device thrombosis, as well as their impact on clinical management and postoperative outcomes. Methods: Between April 2010 and December 2016, 22 patients who received a HeartMate II left ventricular assist device implantation were readmitted for suspected device thrombosis and underwent a computed tomography angiography for workup. Left ventricular assist device–associated anatomy was assessed, including outflow abnormality on computed tomography angiography (contrast filling defect), inflow abnormalities on computed tomography angiography (space at inflow, M–I angle), and inflow abnormalities on chest X-ray (inflow angulation, pump pocket depth). Results: Computed tomography angiography revealed an outflow filling defect in three patients (14%) resulting in change in surgical approach from subcostal pump exchange to resternotomy pump and outflow graft exchange. Inflow graft malpositioning was identified in four patients, with the inflow abutting the left ventricular wall and obstructing the cannula opening. On computed tomography angiography assessment, mean space at inflow was 5.3 ± 1.6 mL and M–I angle was 35.6° ± 6.6°. Chest X-ray evaluation revealed mean inflow angle and pump pocket depth of 75.7° ± 13.4° and 110.2 ± 26.6 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Computed tomography angiography provides a noninvasive assessment of the outflow graft and inflow cannulas in left ventricular assist device patients. Findings on computed tomography angiography reveal possible mechanical etiologies of thrombosis and may be useful for determining the surgical management of device thrombosis patients.
Association of lean body mass with nutritional parameters and mortality in hemodialysis patients: A long-term follow-up clinical study
Authors: Zhou Dong Chi , Yang Xiu Hong , Zhan Xiao Li , Gu Yan Hong , Guo Li Li , Jin Hui Min 
Published: March 2018

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between lean body mass (LBM) and nutritional status in hemodialysis (HD) patients to better predict their long-term prognosis. Methods: Anthropometric body measurements and biochemical parameters were recorded from 222 patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) at the Shanghai Pudong Hospital Hemodialysis Center. LBM was calculated using the serum creatinine index (LBM-SCR), mid-arm muscle circumference (LBM-MAMC), and dominant-arm hand-grip strength (LBM-HGS). Patient mortality and hospitalization were observed after 24 months. Results: LBMs measured from LBM-SCR and LBM-MAMC were associated with sex, body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, and serum creatinine (SCR) ( p < 0.05). Through three methods of LBM evaluation, low LBM was shown to be associated with a higher mortality in patients undergoing HD ( p < 0.05). In addition, the rate of hospitalization among these patients was significantly increased ( p < 0.05). Performing multivariate regression analysis using mortality and hospitalization as the dependent variable, we found LBM-SCR and LBM-HGS are strongly associated with hospitalization and mortality in HD patients, indicating LBM is an important factor in prediction of outcomes in those patients. Conclusion: LBM is associated with nutritional parameters in HD patients, and LBM-SCR, HGS, and MAMC are simple approaches for accurately predicting the patient’s risk of hospitalization and/or death.
Long-term outcome of internal limiting membrane peeling with and without foveal sparing in myopic foveoschisis
Authors: Elwan Mohammed Mamdouh , Abd Elghafar Ayman Elsayed , Hagras Sherein Mahmoud , Abou Samra Waleed Ali , Saleh Sameh Mohamed 
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To compare between vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling over the whole macula and preservation of the epi-foveal internal limiting membrane in myopic foveoschisis. Patients and methods: A prospective controlled non- randomized comparative study included patients with myopic foveoschisis recruited between 2013 and 2017. Patients were allocated into two groups: group A included patients who underwent vitrectomy with complete macular internal limiting membrane peeling and group B included those who underwent preservation of the epi-foveal membrane. Pre- and postoperative best corrected visual acuity and macular optical coherence tomography were obtained and compared. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the preoperative baseline data. The difference between the two groups was insignificant as regard postoperative best corrected visual acuity (p = 0.18) and central foveal thickness (p =0.504). There was statistically significant improvement in final best corrected visual acuity within each group (p < 0.0001). Central foveal thickness significantly decreased postoperatively within each group (p < 0.001). No macular holes or other visual-threatening complications were recorded in either group. Conclusion: Vitrectomy with complete internal limiting membrane peeling resulted in comparable outcomes to those achieved with preservation of the epi-foveal membrane in treating cases with myopic foveoschisis. There was no statistically significant difference in final visual acuity between the two groups. No macular holes were recorded in either group.
Real-time ultrasound-guided placement of peripherally inserted central venous catheter without fluoroscopy
Authors: Nakamuta Soshi , Nishizawa Toshihiro , Matsuhashi Shiori , Shimizu Arata , Uraoka Toshio , Yamamoto Masato 
Published: March 2018

Background and aim: Malposition of peripherally inserted central catheters placed at the bedside is a well-recognized phenomenon. We report the success rate of the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters with ultrasound guidance for tip positioning and describe the knacks and pitfalls. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical case charts of 954 patients who received peripherally inserted central catheter procedure. Patient clinical data included success rate of puncture, detection rate of tip malposition with ultrasonography, adjustment rate after X-ray, and success rate of peripherally inserted central catheter placement. Results: The success rate of puncture was 100% (954/954). Detection rate of tip malposition with ultrasonography was 82.1% (78/95). The success rate of ultrasound-guided tip navigation was 98.2% (937/954). The success rate of ultrasound-guided tip location was 98.0% (935/954). Adjustment rate after X-ray was 1.79% (17/952). The final success rate of peripherally inserted central catheter placement was 99.8% (952/954). Conclusion: Ultrasound guidance for puncturing and tip positioning is a promising option for the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters. Ultrasound guidance could dispense with radiation exposure and the transfer of patients to the X-ray department.
The impact of the difficult vascular access, fear, and anxiety level in children on the success of first-time phlebotomy
Authors: Gerçeker Gülçin Özalp , Ayar Dijle , Özdemir Emine Zahide , Bektaş Murat 
Published: March 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the success of first-time phlebotomy and the affecting factors in children between 4 and 10 years of age. Methods: This descriptive, comparative, and cross-sectional study was conducted on 155 children who underwent phlebotomy. The Sociodemographic Data Form, the Children’s Anxiety Meter–State, the Children’s Fear Scale, and the Difficult Intravenous Access score were used to collect the data for the study. The relationship between the success of first-time phlebotomy, mean pre-phlebotomy fear and anxiety score, and Difficult Intravenous Access score were examined. The variables affecting the success of first-time phlebotomy were assessed by regression analysis. Results: Phlebotomies failed in 18.1% of children. A statistically significant relationship was found between the success of first-time phlebotomy, Children’s Anxiety Meter–State, Children’s Fear Scale mean scores assessed by the researchers, and Difficult Intravenous Access score. Factors affecting the success of first-time phlebotomy include difficult vascular access, age, mean Children’s Anxiety Meter–State score, mean Difficult Intravenous Access score, and duration of the last phlebotomy performed. These factors explain 42% of the total factors affecting the success of first-time phlebotomy. Conclusion: Child’s fear, anxiety before phlebotomy, and difficult vascular access affects the first-time phlebotomy success.
The impact of traumatic injury in the oil and gas industry
Authors: Dang Jerry T , Lester Erica , Sun Warren , Fawcett Vanessa , Widder Sandy , Tsang Bonnie 
Published: March 2018

Introduction The oil and gas industry employs approximately 390,000 people in Canada and these workers are often exposed to substantial workplace risks. Trauma centres treat a significant number of industry-related injuries; however, studies characterizing these traumatic events are lacking. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of workers in the oil and gas industry admitted to major trauma centres in Edmonton, Alberta from January 2009 to December 2014. Patients were identified from Alberta Trauma Registry and Worker's Compensation Board data. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥16 years, trauma occurring in the oil and gas industry, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 12 or Modified Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAIS) ≥ 3. Descriptive analysis and cost estimation were performed. Results There were 182 major traumas occurring primarily in young males. Blunt trauma was the primary mechanism (90.1%), and alcohol levels were positive in 4.8% of patients. The overall complication rate was 32.4% with a mortality rate of 6%. The majority of patients were discharged home (64.3%), however a large proportion (29.7%) required further care at another facility post-acute care. The median days missed from work were 85 (IQR 7–214.5). Total cost of injury from the societal perspective ranged from $109 965 to $332 098 USD per person. Conclusion Oil and gas industry trauma has a high economic and societal cost. Strategies to prevent injuries in this field should be undertaken including promotion and support of drug-free programmes given the rate of positive alcohol screening in this population.
Quantifying and reducing statistical uncertainty in sample-based health program costing studies in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Rivera-Rodriguez Claudia L , Resch Stephen , Haneuse Sebastien 
Published: March 2018

Objectives: In many low- and middle-income countries, the costs of delivering public health programs such as for HIV/AIDS, nutrition, and immunization are not routinely tracked. A number of recent studies have sought to estimate program costs on the basis of detailed information collected on a subsample of facilities. While unbiased estimates can be obtained via accurate measurement and appropriate analyses, they are subject to statistical uncertainty. Quantification of this uncertainty, for example, via standard errors and/or 95% confidence intervals, provides important contextual information for decision-makers and for the design of future costing studies. While other forms of uncertainty, such as that due to model misspecification, are considered and can be investigated through sensitivity analyses, statistical uncertainty is often not reported in studies estimating the total program costs. This may be due to a lack of awareness/understanding of (1) the technical details regarding uncertainty estimation and (2) the availability of software with which to calculate uncertainty for estimators resulting from complex surveys. We provide an overview of statistical uncertainty in the context of complex costing surveys, emphasizing the various potential specific sources that contribute to overall uncertainty. Methods: We describe how analysts can compute measures of uncertainty, either via appropriately derived formulae or through resampling techniques such as the bootstrap. We also provide an overview of calibration as a means of using additional auxiliary information that is readily available for the entire program, such as the total number of doses administered, to decrease uncertainty and thereby improve decision-making and the planning of future studies. Results: A recent study of the national program for routine immunization in Honduras shows that uncertainty can be reduced by using information available prior to the study. This method can not only be used when estimating the total cost of delivering established health programs but also to decrease uncertainty when the interest lies in assessing the incremental effect of an intervention. Conclusion: Measures of statistical uncertainty associated with survey-based estimates of program costs, such as standard errors and 95% confidence intervals, provide important contextual information for health policy decision-making and key inputs for the design of future costing studies. Such measures are often not reported, possibly because of technical challenges associated with their calculation and a lack of awareness of appropriate software. Modern statistical analysis methods for survey data, such as calibration, provide a means to exploit additional information that is readily available but was not used in the design of the study to significantly improve the estimation of total cost through the reduction of statistical uncertainty.
Effectiveness and impact of networked communication interventions in young people with mental health conditions: A rapid review
Authors: Verran Alice , Uddin Ayesha , Court Rachel , Taggart Frances , Sutcliffe Paul , Sturt Jackie , Griffiths Frances , Atherton Helen 
Published: March 2018

Objective To describe the latest evidence of effectiveness and impact of networked communication interventions for young people with mental health conditions. Methods Searching five databases from 2009 onwards, we included studies of any design investigating two-way communication interventions for the treatment of young people (mean age 12–25) with a chronic mental health disorder. The data were synthesised using narrative summary. Results Six studies met the inclusion criteria, covering a range of mental health conditions (depression, psychosis, OCD). Interventions included an online chat room ( n = 2), videoconferencing ( n = 3) and telephone ( n = 1). Where studies compared two groups, equivalence or a statistically significant improvement in symptoms was observed compared to control. Views of patients and clinicians included impact on the patient-clinician interaction. Clinicians did not feel it hindered their diagnostic ability. Conclusion Networked communication technologies show promise in the treatment of young people with mental health problems but the current available evidence remains limited and the evidence base has not advanced much since the previous inception of this review in 2011. Practice implications Although the available research is generally positive, robust evidence relating to the provision of care for young persons via these technologies is lacking and healthcare providers should be mindful of this.