bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring bone volume and skeletal weight in the Middle Pleistocene humans from the Sima de los Huesos site (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain)
Authors: Carretero José‐Miguel , Rodríguez Laura , García‐González Rebeca , Quam Rolf‐Michael , Arsuaga Juan‐Luis 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBody mass estimation in fossil human species is a crucial topic in paleoanthropology as it yields information about ecologically relevant characteristics. Nevertheless, variables crucial to body mass estimation such as bone volume and skeletal weight have never before been calculated in a fossil human species. The exceptional state of preservation of several fossil human long bones from the Sima de los Huesos (SH) Middle Pleistocene site, in the Sierra de Atapuerca, makes it possible to calculate for the first time the absolute bone volume in five complete long bones (two femora and three humeri) of a fossil human species, an approach not possible in fragmentary or poorly preserved fossils. We have relied on computed tomography scans and 3D reconstructions to calculate bone volume. A sample of 62 complete bones of robust recent humans was also used for comparative purposes. The male SH femora (weight‐bearing bones) and humeri (non‐weight‐bearing bones) have, relative to their size, greater bone volume (volume of bone tissue over total bone volume) than the equivalent bones in our recent human sample. As mass is volume × density, and bone tissue density (as a material) is similar across mammals, we calculate bone mass, and our results show that the SH hominins had on average heavier long bones than extant humans of the same size. From the femoral weight at hand, we have estimated the total skeletal weight in two SH individuals, which is about 36% heavier than in the recent humans of the equivalent body size. Using different methods and skeletal variables, including skeletal weight, to estimate body mass in these two SH humans, we highlight the considerable differences in body mass estimates we obtained, and that the largest body mass estimate is the one based on the skeletal weight. Our results suggest that we cannot assume the same relative proportion of bone volume and bone and skeletal weight characterized the entire genus Homo. Given that skeletal weight has a significant influence on body mass, current body mass estimates of fossil Homo specimens could be systematically underestimated. Thus, the significantly larger bone volume and heavier bones, probably throughout the entire skeleton, of SH humans could have had consequences for many biological parameters in this Pleistocene population and considerable importance for studies focusing on adaptive and ecologically relevant characteristics. Although more recent human samples should be analyzed, in our view, the high skeletal robusticity of the SH sample, including larger bone volume and skeletal weight, is part of their adaptive body type selected for throughout the Pleistocene to support different mechanical and activity regimes and formed under tight genetic control, including control over bone formative and regulatory processes.
The mir‐200 family regulates key pathogenic events in ascending aortas of individuals with bicuspid aortic valves
Authors: Maleki S. , Cottrill K. A. , Poujade F.‐A. , Bhattachariya A. , Bergman O. , Gådin J. R. , Simon N. , Lundströmer K. , Franco‐Cereceda A. , Björck H. M. , Chan S. Y. , Eriksson P. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundAn individual with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) runs a substantially higher risk of developing aneurysm in the ascending aorta compared to the normal population with tricuspid aortic valves (TAV). Aneurysm formation in patients with BAV and TAV is known to be distinct at the molecular level but the underlying mechanisms are undefined. Here, we investigated the still incompletely described role of microRNAs (miRNAs), important post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression, in such aortic disease of patients with BAV as compared with TAV.Methods and ResultsUsing a system biology approach, based on data obtained from proteomic analysis of non‐dilated aortas from BAV and TAV patients, we constructed a gene‐interaction network of regulatory microRNAs associated with the observed differential protein signature. The miR‐200 family was the highest ranked miRNA, hence potentially having the strongest effect on the signalling network associated with BAV. Further, qRT‐PCR and ChIP analyses showed lower expression of miR‐200c, higher expression of miR‐200 target genes, ZEB1/ZEB2 transcription factors, and higher chromatin occupancy of the miR‐200c promoter by ZEB1/ZEB2 in BAV patients, indicating a miR‐200c/ZEBs negative feedback loop and induction of endothelial/epithelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT/EMT).ConclusionWe propose that a miR‐200‐dependent process of EndMT/EMT is a plausible biological mechanism rendering the BAV ascending aorta more prone to aneurysm development. Although initially supported by a miR‐200c/ZEB feedback loop, this process is most probably advanced by cooperation of other miRNAs.
Carcass yields, muscle amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and antioxidant indices of broilers supplemented with synbiotic and/or organic acids
Authors: Salah Ayman S. , Ahmed‐Farid Omar A. , El‐Tarabany Mahmoud S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe objective of the current research was to explore the possible impacts of dietary supplementation with synbiotic and/or organic acids (OA) on the performance traits, carcass yields and muscle amino acid and fatty acid (FA) profiles of broilers. Randomly, a total of 160 day‐old chicks (Ross 308) were assigned into four equal groups (40 birds each), with each group subdivided into eight replicates (five birds/pen). The control group (CON) fed the basal diet with no supplements, while diets of the treated groups were supplemented with OA (Sodium butyrate 40%; 1 g/kg), synbiotic (comprised Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerivisiae, Streptococcus faecium, Mannan‐Oligosaccharides and β‐Glucan; 1 g/kg) and equal mix of OA and synbiotic (2 g/kg). Broilers fed the diets supplemented with synbiotic or synbiotic plus OA produced a significantly higher feed utilization efficiency (p = 0.021) and carcass yields (p = 0.038) than the CON and OA‐supplemented groups. The group fed the diet supplemented with the synbiotic showed lowered serum cholesterol (p = 0.049), triglycerides (p = 0.001) and very low density lipoprotein (p = 0.032) when compared with the CON group. Regarding the polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) of breast muscles, synbiotic‐supplemented birds had significantly lower n‐6:n‐3 ratio (p = 0.047), however, a greater hypocholesterolaemic to hypercholesterolaemic FA (H/H) ratio was reported when compared with the CON group (p = 0.002). Among the essential amino acids, the contents of leucine and methionine in the breast (p = 0.032 and 0.007 respectively) and thigh (p = 0.023 and 0.003 respectively) muscles were greater in the synbiotic‐supplemented birds compared with the CON group. In conclusion, the synbiotic‐supplemented diet improved the PUFA:SFA, n‐6:n‐3 and H/H ratios by altering the FA composition of broiler muscles, which are important with regards to human health.
Passive infrared thermography measurement of transverse cracking evolution in cross‐ply laminates
Authors: Berthe J. , Ragonet M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOver the last decades, various experimental methodologies have been used to study the matrix crack density evolution in cross‐ply laminates. The main drawback of these techniques is their difficult use at intermediate and high strain rates. In this study, a new experimental protocol to evaluate matrix crack density evolution at intermediate strain rates is proposed and applied to [0/903]s carbon/epoxy laminate. It is based on the use of passive infrared thermography to monitor the matrix cracking appearance. This methodology is used to first demonstrate that the crack appearance in the 90° ply remains instantaneous from side to side with the increase of the strain rate. Finally, the rate insensitivity of the crack density as a function of the applied stress for the studied material in the studied range of strain rates (8.3 × 10−4 up to 6.69 × 10−2 s−1) is demonstrated.
Risk factors of pre‐hypertension and hypertension among non‐pregnant women of reproductive age in northeastern Tanzania: a community based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Msemo Omari A. , Schmiegelow Christentze , Nielsen Birgitte B. , Kousholt Hannah , Grunnet Louise G. , Christensen Dirk L. , Lusingu John P. A. , Møller Sofie L. , Kavishe Reginald A. , Minja Daniel T. R. , Bygbjerg Ib C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo determine risk factors of pre‐hypertension and hypertension in a cohort of 1247 rural Tanzanian women before conception.MethodsDemographic and socioeconomic data, anthropometric measurements, past medical and obstetric history and other risk factors for pre‐hypertension and hypertension were collected using a structured questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between anthropometric indices and other risk factors of pre‐hypertension and hypertension. The predictive power of different anthropometric indicators for identification of pre‐hypertension and hypertension patients was determined by Receiver Operating Characteristic curves (ROC).ResultsThe median (range) age was 28.0 (18–40) years. The age‐standardised prevalences of pre‐hypertension and hypertension were 37.2 (95% CI 34.0–40.6) and 8.5% (95%CI 6.7–10.8), respectively. Of hypertensive patients (n = 98), only 20 (20.4%) were aware of their condition. In multivariate analysis, increasing age, obesity and haemoglobin levels were significantly associated with pre‐hypertension and hypertension.ConclusionDespite a low prevalence of hypertension, over one third of the women had pre‐hypertension. This poses a great challenge ahead as pre‐hypertensive women may progress into hypertension as they grow older without appropriate interventions. Obesity was the single most important modifiable risk factor for pre‐hypertension and hypertension.
Dietary management in people with an ileostomy: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Mitchell Alexandra , Perry Rachel , England Clare , Searle Aidan , Atkinson Charlotte 
Published: October 2018

Review question/objective:The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map the evidence for oral dietary management of ileostomies.The primary review question is: what oral dietary strategies for managing ileostomies in humans have been reported?The secondary review questions are: i) what types of evidence have considered oral dietary strategies for managing ileostomies; ii) what aspects of ileostomy management (for example, stoma output or flatulence) are the oral dietary strategies considered to affect; and iii) what sources do people with an ileostomy receive dietary advice from?
Ancient lowland Maya complexity as revealed by airborne laser scanning of northern Guatemala
Authors: Canuto Marcello A. , Estrada-Belli Francisco , Garrison Thomas G. , Houston Stephen D. , Acuña Mary Jane , Kováč Milan , Marken Damien , Nondédéo Philippe , Auld-Thomas Luke , Castanet Cyril , Chatelain David , Chiriboga Carlos R. , Drápela Tomáš , Lieskovský Tibor , Tokovinine Alexandre , Velasquez Antolín , Fernández-Díaz Juan C. , Shrestha Ramesh 
Published: October 2018

Classic Maya civilization in detailLidar (a type of airborne laser scanning) provides a powerful technique for three-dimensional mapping of topographic features. It is proving to be a valuable tool in archaeology, particularly where the remains of structures may be hidden beneath forest canopies. Canutoet al.present lidar data covering more than 2000 square kilometers of lowland Guatemala, which encompasses ancient settlements of the Classic Maya civilization (see the Perspective by Ford and Horn). The data yielded population estimates, measures of agricultural intensification, and evidence of investment in landscape-transforming infrastructure. The findings indicate that this Lowland Maya society was a regionally interconnected network of densely populated and defended cities, which were sustained by an array of agricultural practices that optimized land productivity and the interactions between rural and urban communities.Science, this issue p.eaau0137; see also p.1313
Pushing the envelope through the Global Financing Facility: potential impact of mobilising additional support to scale-up life-saving interventions for women, children and adolescents in 50 high-burden countries
Authors: Chou Victoria B , Bubb-Humfryes Oliver , Sanders Rachel , Walker Neff , Stover John , Cochrane Tom , Stegmuller Angela , Magalona Sophia , Von Drehle Christian , Walker Damian G , Bonilla-Chacin Maria Eugenia , Boer Kimberly Rachel 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionThe Global Financing Facility (GFF) was launched to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through scaled and sustainable financing for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH-N) outcomes. Our objective was to estimate the potential impact of increased resources available to improve RMNCAH-N outcomes, from expanding and scaling up GFF support in 50 high-burden countries.MethodsThe potential impact of GFF was estimated for the period 2017–2030. First, two scenarios were constructed to reflect conservative and ambitious assumptions around resources that could be mobilised by the GFF model, based on GFF Trust Fund resources of US$2.6  billion. Next, GFF impact was estimated by scaling up coverage of prioritised RMNCAH-N interventions under these resource scenarios. Resource availability was projected using an Excel-based model and health impacts and costs were estimated using the Lives Saved Tool (V.5.69 b9).ResultsWe estimate that the GFF partnership could collectively mobilise US$50–75  billion of additional funds for expanding delivery of life-saving health and nutrition interventions to reach coverage of at least 70% for most interventions by 2030. This could avert 34.7  million deaths—including preventable deaths of mothers, newborns, children and stillbirths—compared with flatlined coverage, or 12.4  million deaths compared with continuation of historic trends. Under-five and neonatal mortality rates are estimated to decrease by 35% and 34%, respectively, and stillbirths by 33%.ConclusionThe GFF partnership through country- contextualised prioritisation and innovative financing could go a long way in increasing spending on RMNCAH-N and closing the existing resource gap. Although not all countries will reach the SDGs by relying on gains from the GFF platform alone, the GFF provides countries with an opportunity to significantly improve RMNCAH-N outcomes through achievable, well-directed changes in resource allocation.
Symptom-triggered therapy for assessment and management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in the emergency department short-stay clinical decision unit
Authors: Ismail Muhammad Fahmi , Doherty Kieran , Bradshaw Paula , O’Sullivan Iomhar , Cassidy Eugene M 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionWe previously reported that benzodiazepine detoxification for alcohol withdrawal using symptom-triggered therapy (STT) with oral diazepam reduced length of stay (LOS) and cumulative benzodiazepine dose by comparison with standard fixed-dose regimen. In this study, we aim to describe the feasibility of STT in an emergency department (ED) short-stay clinical decision unit (CDU) setting.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we describe our experience with STT over a full calendar year (2014) in the CDU. A retrospective chart review was conducted and data collection included demographics, clinical details, total cumulative dose of diazepam, receipt of parenteral thiamine, LOS and disposition.Results5% (n=174) of 3222 admissions to CDU required STT. Collapse or seizure (41%, n=71) and alcohol withdrawal (21%, n=37) were the most common reasons recorded for admission to CDU in those who required STT. Median Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score was 25 and 112 patients (64%) had at least one Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol revised measurement ≥10, triggering a dose of diazepam (20 mg). The median cumulative oral diazepam dose was 20 mg while 24 (15%) patients received a cumulative dose of 100 mg or more. Median time for STT was 12 hours (IQR=12, R=1–48). 3% (n=5) of patients required further general hospital admission and median LOS in CDU, was 22 hours (IQR=20, R=1–168).ConclusionSTT is potentially feasible as a rapid and effective approach to managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome in the ED/CDU short-stay inpatient setting where patient LOS is generally less than 24 hours.
Effects of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation on functional capacity in a middle-income country: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chaves Gabriela Suellen da Silva , Ghisi Gabriela Lima de Melo , Grace Sherry L , Oh Paul , Ribeiro Antonio L , Britto Raquel R 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveDespite the growing epidemic of cardiovascular diseases in middle-income countries, there is insufficient evidence about cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in these countries. Thus, the effects of comprehensive CR on functional capacity and risk factors were investigated in Brazil, to test the hypothesis that it results in better outcomes than exercise-only or no CR.MethodsSingle-blinded, randomised controlled trial with three parallel arms: comprehensive CR (exercise+education) versus exercise-only CR versus wait-list control. Eligible coronary patients were randomised in blocks of four with 1:1:1 concealed allocation. Participants randomised to exercise-only CR received 36 exercise classes; comprehensive CR group also received 24 educational sessions. The primary outcome was incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) distance; secondary outcomes were cardiovascular risk factors. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months later. Analysis of covariance was performed on the basis of intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol.Results115 (88.5%) patients were randomised; 93 (80.9%) were retained. There were improvements in ISWT distance from pretest to post-test with comprehensive (from 358.4±132.6 to 464.8±121.6 m; mean change=106.4; p<0.001) and exercise-only (from 391.5±118.8 to 488.1±106.3 m; mean change=96.5, p<0.001) CR, with significantly greater functional capacity with comprehensive CR versus control (ITT: mean difference=75.6±30.7 m, 95% CI 1.4 to 150.2). There were also reductions in systolic blood pressure with comprehensive CR (ITT: reduction of 6.2±17.8 mm Hg, p=0.04). There were no significant differences for other outcomes.ConclusionResults showed clinically significant improvements in functional capacity and blood pressure with CR, and significantly greater functional capacity with comprehensive CR compared with usual care.Trial registration numberNCT02575976;Results.
Evaluating the impact of a coaching pilot on the resilience and retention of UK general practitioners
Authors: McKimm Judy , Povey Jane 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundThe role of the general practitioner (GP) is central to the UK National Health Service, with the vast majority of healthcare being delivered in the community. Although a range of policy initiatives aim to address the immense pressures on GPs, the GP workforce in England is struggling to keep pace with demand. GP retention is therefore key.ObjectivesIn the light of these issues, a confidential coaching programme for GPs at risk of leaving the profession or who had recently returned to practise after some time out was commissioned.MethodsA structured impact evaluation of the programme was carried, which included interviews and surveys of both GP participants and coaches.ResultsCoaching was found to be very beneficial for the GPs, with many indicating it had helped them to address workplace issues and encouraged them to stay in their job role.ConclusionsThis paper reports on the evaluation of the pilot programme and sets out recommendations for future action, including how to introduce coaching as a means of retention of GPs.
Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the Ring Gauge Method and the Metacarpal Head Tape Measure Method of Measuring Hand Size
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroshi , Sakurai Toshiysasu , Uchiyama Shigeharu , Kato Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2018

Background: There are several methods for measuring edema of the hand. While the volumetric techniques, finger circumference measurement, and figure-of-eight techniques have undergone extensive psychometric testing, alternative methods of measuring hand size, such as circumferential finger size determination using a ring gauge (ring gauge method; RGM) and tape measurement of hand girth taken along the distal palmar crease (metacarpal head tape measure method; MHTM), have not. This study's aim is to examine the reliability and validity of the RGM and the MHTM. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, two examiners measured 22 hands in 22 patients with hand edema using the RGM and the MHTM 3 times each to determine intra- and inter-tester reliability. The validity of each method was established using the finger circumference measurement and figure-of-eight method, respectively. Results: The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) obtained for intra-tester reliability was 0.99–0.98 for both methods. ICCs for inter-tester reliability were 0.97–0.98 for the RGM and 0.98 for the MHTM. Pearson product-moment correlation values between the RGM and finger circumference measurement were 0.92–0.96, while those between the MHTM and figure-of-eight method were 0.84–0.90. Conclusions: The RGM and the MHTM are reliable and valid evaluation tools for the assessment of hand size.
Accessing and Recruiting a Community-Based Sample of Men of Mexican Origin to Explore Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Mancera Bibiana M. , Mungal Angus Shiva , De Santis Joseph , Provencio-Vasquez Elias 
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Vulnerable populations are at greater risk for the burden of disease and negative health outcomes including alcohol abuse, high-risk sexual behavior, and intimate partner violence (IPV). Moreover, health disparities experienced by vulnerable populations are mediated by socioeconomic, ethnic, and racial factors. Risk factors for IPV perpetration are exacerbated by cultural and gender norms, particularly among men of Mexican origin. Purpose: To discuss research methods used in a community-based sample of men of Mexican origin and ways to overcome recruitment barriers through community engaged approaches. Discussion: Barriers can impede sampling, recruitment, and enrollment of vulnerable populations (e.g., IPV) but can be overcome. Strategies include: qualitative research methods, identifying key informants, and community engagement approaches, such as listening to the concerns of the community, incorporating the community’s knowledge to inform and improve the study, and building rapport to establish trust. Conclusion: Conducting research within vulnerable populations can be challenging but can be mitigated by incorporating multiple strategies. Thus, allowing researchers to gain access and valuable insight into traditionally underrepresented and understudied populations.