bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Viscoelastic Eshelby Analysis of Cardiomyocyte Contraction in the Cell-in-Gel System
Authors: Kazemi-Lari Mohammad , Shaw John , Wineman Alan , Shimkunas Rafael , Izu Leighton , Chen-Izu Ye 
Published: November 2018

We present a mathematical model to guide and interpret ongoing Cell-in-Gel experiments, where isolated cardiac myocytes are embedded in a constraining viscoelastic hydrogel, to study mechano-chemo-transduction mechanisms at the single cell level. A recently developed mathematical model, based on the elastic Eshelby inclusion problem, is here extended to account for viscoelasticity of the inclusion (cell) and the matrix (gel). This provides a tool to calculate time-dependent 3D stress and strain fields of a single myocyte contracting periodically inside a viscoelastic matrix, which is used to explore the sensitivity of the cell’s mechanical response to constitutive properties and geometry. A parametric study indicates that increased gel crosslink concentration significantly alters the strain and stress fields inside the cell and creates an increased time-lag in the mechanical response of the cell during contraction.
It is also found that autoregulation at the cellular level in response to afterload, potentially in the form of increased cell stiffness, has a strong influence on cell contraction.
Single-Nucleotide-Polymorphism-Panel Population-Genetics Approach Based on the 1000 Genomes Database and Elite Soccer Players
Authors: Monnerat Gustavo , Maior Alex S. , Tannure Marcio , Back Lia K.F.C. , Santos Caleb G.M. 
Published: November 2018

Purpose: Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide, a physical activity of great physiological demand and complexity. Currently, numerous trials involving physiological responses such as hypertrophy, energy expenditure, vasodilation, cardiac output, VO2max, and recovery have supported the possibility of genomic predictors’ affecting performance. In a complementary way to association studies with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the objective was to evaluate if the use of population genetics data from human-genomics databases can provide information for a better understanding of the relationship between heritability and sport performance. Methods: The study included 25 healthy male professional soccer players (25.5 [4.3] y, 177.4 [6.4] cm, 76.4 [6.4] kg, body fat 10.5% [4.3%]) from the Brazilian first-division soccer club. Anthropometric measurements and field and isokinetic tests were performed to evaluate performance and physiologic parameters of subjects. Moreover, 10 genetic polymorphisms previously related to performance were genotyped. The genotypes of the same polymorphisms were obtained for 2504 individuals from the populations deposited in the 1000 Genomes database. A principal-component analysis and matrix genetic-distances approach (Fst) were evaluated. Results: As expected, the admixture Brazilian population has numerous genetic similarities with the European and American populations from genomic databases. Although the African component is absolutely recognized in genomes from the Brazilian population, using the specific performance-related SNPs, surprisingly the African population was one of the most genetically distant of the players (P < .00001). Conclusions: The early results suggest a selective pressure on genes of elite soccer players, possibly related simultaneously to physical-performance, environmental, cognitive, and sociocultural aspects.
Single-Leg Squat Delicacies—The Position of the Nonstance Limb is an Important Consideration
Authors: Olivier Benita , Quinn Samantha-Lynn , Benjamin Natalie , Green Andrew Craig , Chiu Jessica , Wang Weijie 
Published: November 2018

Context: The single-leg squat task is often used as a rehabilitative exercise or as a screening tool for the functional movement of the lower limb. Objective: To establish the effect of 3 different positions of the nonstance leg on 3-dimensional kinematics, muscle activity, and center of mass displacement during a single-leg squat. Design: Within-subjects, repeated-measures design. Setting: Movement analysis laboratory. Participants: A total of 10 participants, aged 28.2 (4.42) years performed 3 squats to 60° of knee flexion with the nonstance (1) hip at 90° flexion and knee at 90° flexion, (2) hip at 30° flexion with the knee fully extended, or (3) hip in neutral/0° and the knee flexed to 90°. Main Outcome Measures: Trunk, hip, knee and ankle joint angles, and center of mass displacement were recorded with inertial sensors while muscle activity was captured through wireless electromyography. Results: Most trunk flexion (21.38° [18.43°]) occurred with the nonstance hip at 90° and most flexion of the stance hip (23.10° [6.60°]) occurred with the nonstance hip at 0°. Biceps femoris activity in the 90° squat was 40% more than in the 0° squat, whereas rectus femoris activity in the 0° squat was 29% more than in the 90° squat. Conclusion: The position of the nonstance limb should be standardized when the single-leg squat is used for assessment and be adapted to the aim when used in rehabilitation.
Investigation of Body Awareness Level and Performance Emotional Status of Athletes in Different Branches of Sports
Authors: Erden Arzu , Emirzeoğlu Murat 
Published: November 2018

Context: The level of body awareness, performance emotional state (PES), and demographic characteristics in different sports are subjects to be investigated. It is important to examine the concepts of PES and body awareness to better understand the body–mind relationship in different sports. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of body awareness and PES of athletes. Design: In this cross-sectional study, the independent variables are groups (4 different sports), and the dependent variables are body awareness and PES. Participants: The study was conducted on 188 licensed athletes (85 footballers, 36 basketball players, 34 handball players, and 33 swimmers). The mean age of the participants was 14.64 (1.89) years, mean height was 172.44 (11.03) cm, and mean body weight was 62.35 (13.12) kg. Settings: Four sports clubs and 2 high schools were the intervention facilities. Intervention: Body Awareness Questionnaire and Continuous Optimal Performance Emotional Status Scale-2 were used for data collection. Sociodemographic information was recorded. Main Outcome Measures: One-way analysis of variance was used for analysis of normal distribution data in 4 different groups, and the Kruskal–Wallis test was used for the analysis of data that did not show normal distribution. Results: There was no difference in body awareness among the branches (P = .17). The PES of the footballers was better than that of other athletes (P = .01). The correlation between body awareness and PES was medium (r = .47, P < .01), and the correlations between body awareness and age, licensed year, and number of weekly training sessions were weak (r = .22, P < .01; r = .19, P < .01; r = .15, P = .03). Conclusions: The body awareness of athletes may not differ among different sports, but PES is related to many factors such as mood, age, license years, and number of training sessions. In rehabilitation and training, body awareness and PES should be evaluated together.
The Effect of Functional Home-Based Strength Training Programs on the Mechano-Morphological Properties of the Plantar Flexor Muscle-Tendon Unit in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Kruse Annika , Schranz Christian , Svehlik Martin , Tilp Markus 
Published: November 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of functional progressive resistance training (PRT) and high-intensity circuit training (HICT) on the mechano-morphological properties of the plantar flexor muscle-tendon unit in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: Twenty-two children (12.8 [2.6] y old, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I/II = 19/3) were randomly assigned to either a PRT group or an HICT group. The interventions consisted of functional lower limb exercises, which were performed at home 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Measurements at baseline, preintervention, postintervention, and follow-up were taken to assess ankle joint range of motion and the properties of the gastrocnemius medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and Achilles tendon (eg, thickness, strength, stiffness). Results: Despite a nonsignificant increase in active torque in the HICT group, neither gastrocnemius medialis morphology nor Achilles tendon properties were significantly altered after the interventions. Vastus lateralis thickness increased following PRT only. Conclusions: Functional home-based strength training did not lead to significant changes at the muscular level in children with cerebral palsy. We therefore assume that a more specific stimulus of higher intensity combined with a longer training duration might be necessary to evoke changes in muscles and tendons in individuals with cerebral palsy.
Age of the Sidney Geosol revisited
Authors: Lowell Thomas V. , Pair Donald L. , Larson Grahame 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
The Sidney Geosol in Ohio and Indiana is believed to have developed between marine isotope stage (MIS) 5 and MIS 2. Development stopped when the Laurentide ice sheet extended south of the Great Lakes during MIS 2. Prior reported data and new chronological information are employed here to show that pedogenesis of the Sydney Geosol started prior to 50 cal ka and ended time-transgressively through burial by sediment of the Laurentide ice sheet. Near Sidney, Ohio, the termination age is ca. 25.9 cal ka, whereas at Snyder, Indiana, near the limit of the ice-sheet expansion, the age is ca. 21.9 cal ka. However, at Oxford, Ohio, an interstadial organic accumulation between till units may imply that the upper portion of the Sidney Geosol formed under different conditions than the remainder. At a third site, Huffman Park, Ohio, glacially transported tree remains represent a landscape older than 50 cal ka, which is currently difficult to correlate with any specific paleosol, but which suggests that further insights about conditions prior to ca. 25.9 cal ka may be preserved in the record.
Energy availability and nutrition during a Special Force Qualification Course (Q-Course)
Authors: Mullie Patrick , Clarys P , De Bry W , Geeraerts P 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionThe Special Forces (SF) are an elite military group usually engaged in physically demanding field operations, resulting among others in high daily energy requirements. Optimising energy supply and nutritional requirements is therefore mandatory for success. The aim of this study was to estimate energy availability and nutrition during a Qualification Course (Q-Course) for Belgian SF.Methods21 participants recorded all foods and beverages consumed during four days in a structured food diary. Energy expenditure was measured with an accelerometer and fat mass measured with quadripolar impedance. Energy availability was calculated by the following formula: (energy intake by foods and beverages − energy expenditure for physical activity)/kg FFM/day (FFM, fat-free mass).ResultsThe mean (SD) total energy expenditure was 4926 kcal/day (238), with a minimum of 4645 kcal/day and a maximum of 5472 kcal/day. The mean (SD) total energy consumption was 4186 kcal/day (842), giving an energy balance ranging from −2005 kcal/day to 1113 kcal/day. The mean (SD) energy availability was 17 kcal/kg FFM/day, with a minimum of 1 kcal/kg FFM/day and a maximum of 44 kcal/kg FFM/day. The mean (SD) intake of carbohydrates was 6.8 g/kg body weight/day (1.5).ConclusionsDuring this studied Q-Course, energy intake was not optimal as demonstrated by an overall negative energy balance and low energy availability. High interindividual variations in energy intake were found, highlighting the importance of providing SF members nutritional education.
Local Thymosin β4 Gel Injection Prevents Esophageal Stricture after Circumferential Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in a Porcine Model
Authors: Wang Hua , Shuai Qun , Tang Jian , Long Dan , Xu Chen , Liu Feng , Li Zhao-Shen 
Published: November 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely used in the treatment of early esophageal cancer. However, the incidence of postoperative esophageal stricture is relatively high, especially after full circumferential ESD. Previous studies have shown that thymosin β4 (Tβ4) has anti-fibrotic activity and prevents scar formation. In this study, we investigated the safety and therapeutic effect of Tβ4 injection in preventing esophageal stricture after circumferential ESD in a porcine model. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 8 Bama pigs underwent esophageal circumferential ESD under anesthesia (<i>n</i> = 4 for experimental and control group). Local injection of Tβ4 gel was administered in the experimental group. Follow-up endoscopy was conducted, and balloon dilation (EBD) was performed to prevent the occurrence of esophageal stricture. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Esophageal stricture developed after circumferential ESD in all pigs. Local Tβ4 gel injection has shortened resolution of the stricture (<i>p</i> = 0.012) and was associated with a lesser number of EBD sessions (<i>p </i>= 0.002). The severity of esophageal stricture was milder in the experimental group (<i>p</i> = 0.046 vs. control group). No adverse events occurred in the study. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Local Tβ4 gel injection appeared to be safe and effective for the prevention of esophageal stricture after circumferential ESD in a porcine model.
Contrast-Enhanced Sonography in Patients with Hyposplenia: A Retrospective Analysis in Forty-Three Patients
Authors: Trenker Corinna , May Lisa , Librizzi Damiano , Neesse Albrecht , Görg Christian 
Published: November 2018

Purpose: In contrast to splenomegaly, the clinical value of a small spleen (hyposplenia) is unclear. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has not been investigated systematically in hyposplenia. Methods: Between February 2005 and January 2017, 43 patients with hyposplenia (< 7 × 3 cm) were examined by B-mode ultrasound (US) and CEUS. A retrospective data analysis was performed. Results: A total of 39 (91%) patients had an underlying disease (UD; allogenic stem cell transplantation, n = 16; autoimmune-diseases, n = 7; sickle cell anemia, n = 5; solid tumors, n = 5; others, n = 6). In 4 (9%) cases, hyposplenia was an incidental finding. The echogenicity of the spleen was normal (homogeneous, isoechogenic) in 17 (39.5%) and abnormal in 26 (60.5%) cases (inhomogeneous, n = 26 and hyperechoic, n = 9). In CEUS, 21 (49%) patients presented a normal isoenhancement. An abnormal enhancement was detected in 22 (51%) patients with UD (arterial/parenchymal inhomogeneous, n = 1; no [arterial, n = 3 and parenchymal, n = 6]; reduced [arterial, n = 8 and parenchymal, n = 15]). Conclusions: Hyposplenia is a rare pathologic finding and often associated with hematological/oncological and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, altered B-mode US appearance and a pathological CEUS pattern are frequently found. However, the clinical implication, especially regarding splenic function remains obscure to date.
The original descriptions of reptiles
Authors: UETZ PETER 
Published: November 2018

By September 2009 an estimated 9084 species of extant reptiles have been described by a total of 4579 papers and books which are listed in a supplementary file. In this review I summarize the history of these species beginning with Linnaeus in 1758. While it took 80 years to reach the first 1000 species in 1838, species descriptions since then have been added roughly at the rate of 1000 new species every 20 years, with a significant acceleration only during the past two decades. The top 40 most productive herpetologists (in terms of “species output”) have described 4780 species, amounting to over half of all species. George Albert Boulenger leads this elite list with 573 species that are still recognized today. Historically, 18 classic works of the 18th and 19th century can be singled out, describing almost 1000 species still recognized, including the Erpétologie Générale, published between 1834 and 1854 in nine volumes. The top 25 journals have published more than 3600 species descriptions in the past 250 years (including 169 in Zootaxa, ranked sixth), corresponding to about 40% of all species.
Bathymetric Influence on the Coastal Sea Level Response to Ocean Gyres at Western Boundaries
Authors: Wise Anthony , Hughes Chris W. , Polton Jeff A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIt is our aim with this paper to investigate how the presence of a continental shelf and slope alters the relationship between interior ocean dynamics and western boundary (coastal) sea level. The assumption of a flat-bottomed basin with vertical sidewall at the coast is shown to hide the role that depth plays in the net force acting on the coast. A linear β-plane theory is then developed describing the transmission of sea level over variable depth bathymetry as analogous to the steady advection–diffusion of a thermal fluid. The parameter , relating the friction parameter r to the bathymetry depth H and width , is found to determine the contribution of interior sea level to coastal sea level, with small giving maximum penetration and large maximum insulation. In the small (infinite friction) limit the frictional boundary layer extends far offshore, and coastal sea level tends toward the vertical sidewall solution. Adding simple stratification produces exactly the same result but with reduced effective depth and hence enhanced penetration. Penetration can be further enhanced by permitting weakly nonlinear variations of thermocline depth. Wider and shallower shelves relative to the overall scales are also shown to maximize penetration for realistic values of . The theory implies that resolution of bathymetry and representation of friction can have a large impact on simulated coastal sea level, calling into question the ability of coarse-resolution models to accurately represent processes determining the dynamic coastal sea level.
Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Infants and Children in Haiti, 2015
Authors: Carpenter Chris , Potts Brittany , von Oettingen Julia , Bonnell Ric , Sainvil Michele , Lorgeat Viviane , Mascary Mie Christine , She Xinshu , Jean-Baptiste Eddy , Palfrey Sean , Woolf Alan D. , Palfrey Judith 
Published: November 2018

Objective: Few studies have reported blood lead levels (BLLs) in Haitian children, despite the known presence of lead from environmental factors such as soil, water, leaded paint and gasoline, improperly discarded batteries, and earthquakes. We sought to determine the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) among healthy Haitian children. Methods: We enrolled children aged 9 months to 6 years from 3 geographic areas in Haiti (coastal, urban, and mountain) from March 1 through June 30, 2015. We obtained anthropometric measurements, household income, potential sources of lead exposure, and fingerstick BLLs from 273 children at 6 churches in Haiti. We considered a BLL ≥5 μg/dL to be elevated. Results: Of 273 children enrolled in the study, 95 were from the coastal area, 78 from the urban area, and 100 from the mountain area. The median BLL was 5.8 μg/dL, with higher levels in the mountain area than in the other areas ( P < .001). BLLs were elevated in 180 (65.9%) children. The prevalence of EBLL was significantly higher in the mountain area (82 of 100, 82.0%; P < .001) than in the urban area (42 of 78, 53.8%) and the coastal area (56 of 95, 58.9%; P < .001). Twenty-eight (10.3%) children had EBLLs ≥10 μg/dL and 3 (1.1%) children had EBLLs ≥20 μg/dL. Exposure to improperly discarded batteries ( P = .006) and living in the mountain area ( P < .001) were significant risk factors for EBLLs. Conclusions: More than half of Haitian children in our study had EBLLs. Public health interventions are warranted to protect children in Haiti against lead poisoning.
Comparison of metabolomics and platelet aggregometry between Plavix and generic clopidogrel in cats: a pilot study
Authors: Malkawi Mays , Woolcock Andrew D , Lee Pamela M , Court Michael H , Moore George E , Hogan Daniel F 
Published: November 2018

Objectives This pilot study sought to assess the metabolism of Plavix (Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi) and generic clopidogrel in cats, using a novel assay for the measurement of clopidogrel, clopidogrel carboxylic acid (CCA) and clopidogrel active metabolite (CAM-D). Methods This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Four healthy, skeletally mature cats were enrolled into the study. There were two treatment phases during which cats received either Plavix or generic clopidogrel at a dosage of 18.75 mg PO q24h for 7 days with a 2 week washout between phases. During each phase, plasma concentrations of parent drug and active and inactive metabolites were measured along with impedance platelet aggregometry in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Results The ratio of CAM-D between generic clopidogrel and Plavix was 0.83 (equivalence reference 1.00, 90% confidence interval 0.80–1.25). Inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation was variable, with two cats classified as non-responders in both treatment phases. The concentrations of CAM-D were not predictive of aggregometry-based responsiveness to either formulation of clopidogrel. Conclusions and relevance This is the first study comparing Plavix and generic clopidogrel in cats. Administration of the generic formulation resulted in comparable plasma concentrations of clopidogrel active metabolite when compared with Plavix.
Pharmacokinetics of low-dose and high-dose buprenorphine in cats after rectal administration of different formulations
Authors: Schroers Maike , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea , Reese Sven , Dobenecker Britta , Pieper Korbinian 
Published: November 2018

Objectives A prospective experimental study was performed in nine young healthy cats to investigate a pharmacokinetic profile and the clinical relevance of rectally administered buprenorphine. Rectal pH value was measured in all nine cats. Methods Blood was collected 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 240 and 480 mins and 24 h after the rectal administration of a suppository and a gel at doses between 0.02 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg buprenorphine to determine the plasma concentration of buprenorphine. Rectal pH was measured with pH paper. Results Upon pharmacokinetic non-compartment analysis of high-dose buprenorphine (0.1 mg/kg), average maximal plasma concentration was found to be 1.13 ng/ml, time to maximal plasma concentration was 45 mins and area under the plasma concentration–time curve was 94.19 ng*min/ml, representing low but potential bioavailability. Mean residual time was 152.2 mins and the half-life was 92.6 mins. A wide range of plasma concentrations within the cohort was measured and two of the cats had to be excluded from statistical analysis owing to incomplete uptake. Vital parameters of all cats were considered to be normal but three of the cats showed mydriasis up to 8 h after application. After the administration of a low-dose suppository or a rectal gel (0.02 mg/kg) within pilot studies, no buprenorphine was detected in cat plasma. Rectal pH in all cats was between 7.7 and 8. Conclusions and relevance The rectal application of buprenorphine at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg revealed a potential but weak uptake in cats. Regarding effective concentrations in previous pharmacokinetic investigations, rectal administration is currently not recommended for good provision of opioid analgesia in cats. Pharmacological investigations of formulation and galenics in order to improve the rectal bioavailability of buprenorphine remain to be clarified before further dose-finding and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies are performed.