bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GATA2 deficiency and human hematopoietic development modeled using induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Jung Moonjung , Cordes Stefan , Zou Jizhong , Yu Shiqin J. , Guitart Xavi , Hong So Gun , Dang Vinh , Kang Elaine , Donaires Flavia S. , Hassan Sergio A. , Albitar Maher , Hsu Amy P. , Holland Steven M. , Hickstein Dennis D. , Townsley Danielle , Dunbar Cynthia E. , Winkler Thomas
Published: December 2018

GATA2 deficiency is an inherited or sporadic genetic disorder characterized by distinct cellular deficiency, bone marrow failure, various infections, lymphedema, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and predisposition to myeloid malignancies resulting from heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the GATA2 gene. How heterozygous GATA2 mutations affect human hematopoietic development or cause characteristic cellular deficiency and eventual hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome or leukemia is not fully understood. We used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to study hematopoietic development in the setting of GATA2 deficiency. We performed hematopoietic differentiation using iPSC derived from patients with GATA2 deficiency and examined their ability to commit to mesoderm, hemogenic endothelial precursors (HEPs), hematopoietic stem progenitor cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Patient-derived iPSC, either derived from fibroblasts/marrow stromal cells or peripheral blood mononuclear cells, did not show significant defects in committing to mesoderm, HEP, hematopoietic stem progenitor, or NK cells. However, HEP derived from GATA2-mutant iPSC showed impaired maturation toward hematopoietic lineages. Hematopoietic differentiation was nearly abolished from homozygous GATA2 knockout (KO) iPSC lines and markedly reduced in heterozygous KO lines compared with isogenic controls. On the other hand, correction of the mutated GATA2 allele in patient-specific iPSC did not alter hematopoietic development consistently in our model. GATA2 deficiency usually manifests within the first decade of life. Newborn and infant hematopoiesis appears to be grossly intact; therefore, our iPSC model indeed may resemble the disease phenotype, suggesting that other genetic, epigenetic, or environmental factors may contribute to bone marrow failure in these patients following birth. However, heterogeneity of PSC-based models and limitations of in vitro differentiation protocol may limit the possibility to detect subtle cellular phenotypes.
Malaria causes long-term effects on markers of iron status in children: a critical assessment of existing clinical and epidemiological tools
Authors: Castberg Filip C. , Sarbah Edem W. , Koram Kwadwo A. , Opoku Nicholas , Ofori Michael F. , Styrishave Bjarne , Hviid Lars , Kurtzhals Jørgen A. L.
Published: December 2018

Background

Most epidemiological studies on the interplay between iron deficiency and malaria risk classify individuals as iron-deficient or iron-replete based on inflammation-dependent iron markers and adjustment for inflammation by using C-reactive protein (CRP) or α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). The validity of this approach and the usefulness of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) as a proposed inflammation-independent iron marker were tested.

Methods

Conventional iron markers and FGF23 were measured in children with acute falciparum malaria and after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Children, who were transfused or received iron supplementation in the follow-up period, were excluded, and iron stores were considered to be stable throughout. Ferritin levels 6 weeks after admission were used as a reference for admission iron status and compared with iron markers at different time points.

Results

There were long-term perturbations in iron markers during convalescence from acute malaria. None of the tested iron parameters, including FGF23, were independent of inflammation. CRP and AGP normalized faster than ferritin after malaria episodes.

Conclusion

Malaria may bias epidemiological studies based on inflammation-dependent iron markers. Better markers of iron status during and after inflammation are needed in order to test strategies for iron supplementation in populations at risk of malaria.
Terrorism and mental illness: a pragmatic approach for the clinician
Authors: Ho Cyrus S.H. , Quek Tian Ci , Ho Roger C.M. , Choo Carol C.
Published: December 2018

Terrorism is a complex problem that is highly relevant in contemporary society, underscoring the need for greater understanding as well as cross-disciplinary and international research in this area. Controversies surround potential associations between mental illness and terrorism, many due to the limited and conflicting existing research, and mental health professionals’ duties to their patients versus society and the state. In this article, we review the literature, discuss clinical implications and the role of psychiatrists in anti-terrorism efforts. We also propose a simplified framework that may be incorporated into clinical practice to screen for potential terrorist tendencies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

•

Understand the landscape and recent advances in the research of terrorism

•

Appreciate the importance and role of mental health professionals in preventing patients from engaging in terrorist activities

•

Understand how to assess risk of patients engaging in terrorist activities

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.
Patient-Reported Outcomes Over 5 Years After Whole- or Partial-Breast Radiotherapy: Longitudinal Analysis of the IMPORT LOW (CRUK/06/003) Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bhattacharya Indrani S. , Haviland Joanne S. , Kirby Anna M. , Kirwan Cliona C. , Hopwood Penelope , Yarnold John R. , Bliss Judith M. , Coles Charlotte E. ,   on behalf of the IMPORT Trialists
Published: December 2018

Purpose

IMPORT LOW demonstrated noninferiority of partial-breast and reduced-dose radiotherapy versus whole-breast radiotherapy for local relapse and similar or reduced toxicity at 5 years. Comprehensive patient-reported outcome measures collected at serial time points are now reported.

Patients and Methods

IMPORT LOW recruited women with low-risk breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to 40 Gy whole-breast radiotherapy (control), 36 Gy whole-breast and 40 Gy partial-breast radiotherapy (reduced-dose), or 40 Gy partial-breast radiotherapy only (partial-breast) in 15 fractions. European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires Core 30 and Breast Cancer–Specific Module, Body Image Scale, protocol-specific items, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered at baseline, 6 months, and 1, 2, and 5 years. Patterns of moderate/marked adverse effects (AEs) were assessed using longitudinal regression models, and baseline predictors were investigated.

Results

A total of 41 of 71 centers participated in the patient-reported outcome measures substudy; 1,265 (95%) of 1,333 patients consented, and 557 (58%) of 962 reported no moderate/marked AEs at 5 years. Breast appearance change was most prevalent and persisted over time (approximately 20% at each time point). Prevalence of breast hardness, pain, oversensitivity, edema, and skin changes reduced over time ( P < .001 for each), whereas breast shrinkage increased ( P < .001). Analysis by treatment group showed average number of AEs per person was lower in partial-breast (incidence rate ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.84; P < .001) and reduced-dose (incidence rate ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.90; P < .001) versus whole-breast group and decreased over time in all groups. Younger age, larger breast size/surgical deficit, lymph node positivity, and higher levels of anxiety/depression were baseline predictors of subsequent AE reporting.

Conclusion

Most AEs reduced over time, with fewer AEs in the partial-breast and reduced-dose groups. Baseline predictors for AE reporting were identified. These findings will facilitate informed discussion and shared decision making for future patients receiving moderately hypofractionated breast radiotherapy.
Evaluating Barriers and Opportunities in Delivering High-Quality Oncology Care in a Resource-Limited Setting Using a Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool
Authors: Nwachukwu Chika R. , Mudasiru Omobola , Million Lynn , Sheth Shruti , Qamoos Hope , Onah Joseph O. , Okemini Anita , Rhodes Mojisola , Barry Michele , Banjo Adekunbiola A. , Habeebu Muhameed , Olasinde Tajudeen A. , Bhatt Ami S.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Despite recognition of both the growing cancer burden in low- and middle-income countries and the disproportionately high mortality rates in these settings, delivery of high-quality cancer care remains a challenge. The disparities in cancer care outcomes for many geographic regions result from barriers that are likely complex and understudied. This study describes the development and use of a streamlined needs assessment questionnaire (NAQ) to understand the barriers to providing quality cancer care, identifies areas for improvement, and formulates recommendations for implementation.

Methods

Using a comprehensive NAQ, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 hospital staff involved in cancer care at two teaching hospitals in Nigeria. Data were analyzed using content analysis and organized into a framework with preset codes and emergent codes, where applicable.

Results

Data from the interviews were organized into six broad themes: staff, stuff, system, space, lack of palliative care, and provider bias, with key barriers within themes including: financial, infrastructural, lack of awareness, limited human capacity resources, lack of palliative care, and provider perspective on patient-related barriers to cancer care. Specific solutions based on ability to reasonably implement were subcategorized into short-, medium-, and long-term goals.

Conclusion

This study provides a framework for a streamlined initial needs assessment and a unique discussion on the barriers to high-quality oncology care that are prevalent in resource-constrained settings. We report the feasibility of collecting and organizing data using a streamlined NAQ and provide a thorough and in-depth understanding of the challenges in this setting. Knowledge gained from the assessments will inform steps to improve oncology cancer in these settings.
1-2-3 Project: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Normalize and Systematize Palliative Care for All Patients With Cancer in the Outpatient Clinic Setting
Authors: Desai Anjali V. , Klimek Virginia M. , Chow Kimberly , Epstein Andrew S. , Bernal Camila , Anderson Kelly , Okpako Molly , Rawlins-Duell Robin , Kramer Dana , Romano Danielle , Goldberg Jessica I. , Nelson Judith E.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Prior work to integrate early palliative care in oncology has focused on patients with advanced cancer and primarily on palliative care consultation. We developed this outpatient clinic initiative for newly diagnosed patients at any stage, emphasizing primary (nonspecialist) palliative care by oncology teams, with enhanced access to palliative care specialists.

Methods:

We piloted the project in two medical oncology specialty clinics (for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and GI cancer, respectively) to establish feasibility. On a visit-based schedule, patients systematically reported symptoms, information/decision-making preferences, and illness understanding. They also participated in discussions of their core values with their oncology nurse. Oncology teams were first responders to palliative care needs, whereas specialists were available for clinician support and direct patient consultation.

Results:

All 58 eligible patients were enrolled. In both clinics, patient self-reports documented a heavy symptom burden. Information/decision-making preferences and illness understanding levels varied across patients. Patients prepared new advance directives. Oncology nurses documented discussions of core values. Requests for palliative care consultation decreased over time as oncology teams embraced their primary palliative care role with coaching from the specialists. Clinic workflow and patient volume were maintained.

Conclusion:

Our pilot experience suggests that in outpatient oncology clinics, a structured, scheduled, and systematic approach is feasible to deliver palliative care to newly diagnosed patients with cancer at any stage and throughout their illness trajectory. This novel approach identified important, actionable palliative care needs, relying primarily on oncology teams to respond to these needs, while enhancing access to palliative care specialist input. Expansion to additional clinics will allow evaluation of scalability and generalizability, along with measurement of a broader range of important outcomes.
Measuring the Impact of Academic Cancer Network Development on Clinical Integration, Quality of Care, and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Chiang Anne C. , Lake Jessica , Sinanis Naralys , Brandt Debra , Kanowitz Jane , Kidwai Wajih , Kortmansky Jeremy , LaSala Johanna , Orell Jeffrey , Sabbath Kert , Tara Harold , Engelking Constance , Shomsky Lisa , Fradkin Monica , Adelson Kerin , Uscinski Kathleen , Vest Kevin , Lyons Catherine , Lemay Arthur , Lopman Abe , Fuchs Charles S. , Lilenbaum Rogerio
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

Many US academic centers have acquired community practices to expand their clinical care and research footprint. The objective of this assessment was to determine whether the acquisition and integration of community oncology practices by Yale/Smilow Cancer Hospital improved outcomes in quality of care, disease team integration, clinical trial accrual, and patient satisfaction at network practice sites.

Methods:

We evaluated quality of care by testing the hypothesis that core Quality Oncology Practice Initiative measures at network sites that were acquired in 2012 were significantly different after their 2016 integration into the network. Clinical and research integration were measured using the number of tumor board case presentations and total accruals in clinical trials. We used Press-Ganey scores to measure patient satisfaction pre- and postintegration.

Results:

Mean Quality Oncology Practice Initiative scores at Smilow Care Centers were significantly higher in 2016 than in 2012 for core measures related to improvement in tumor staging ( z = 1.33; P < .05), signed consent and documentation plans for antineoplastic treatment ( z = 2.69; P < .01; and z = 2.36; P < .05, respectively), and appropriately quantifying and addressing pain during office visits ( z = 2.95; P < .05; and z = 3.1; P < .01, respectively). A total of 493 cases were presented by care center physicians at the tumor board in 2017 compared with 45 presented in 2013. Compared with 2012, Smilow Care Center clinical trial accrual increased from 25 to 170 patients in 2017. Last, patient satisfaction has remained at greater than the 90th percentile pre- and postintegration.

Conclusion:

The process of integration facilitates the ability to standardize cancer practice and provides a platform for quality improvement.
Lateral Hypothalamic Mc3R-Expressing Neurons Modulate Locomotor Activity, Energy Expenditure, and Adiposity in Male Mice
Authors: Pei Hongjuan , Patterson Christa M , Sutton Amy K , Burnett Korri H , Myers Martin G , Olson David P
Published: December 2018

The central melanocortin system plays a crucial role in the control of energy balance. Although the decreased energy expenditure and increased adiposity of melanocortin-3 receptor (Mc3R)–null mice suggest the importance of Mc3R-regulated neurons in energy homeostasis, the roles for specific subsets of Mc3R neurons in energy balance have yet to be determined. Because the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) contributes to the control of energy expenditure and feeding, we generated Mc3rcre mice to determine the roles of LHA Mc3R (Mc3RLHA) neurons in energy homeostasis. We found that Mc3RLHA neurons overlap extensively with LHA neuron markers that contribute to the control of energy balance (neurotensin, galanin, and leptin receptor) and project to brain areas involved in the control of feeding, locomotion, and energy expenditure, consistent with potential roles for Mc3RLHA neurons in these processes. Indeed, selective chemogenetic activation of Mc3RLHA neurons increased locomotor activity and augmented refeeding after a fast. Although the ablation of Mc3RLHA neurons did not alter food intake, mice lacking Mc3RLHA neurons displayed decreased energy expenditure and locomotor activity, along with increased body mass and adiposity. Thus, Mc3R neurons lie within LHA neurocircuitry that modulates locomotor activity and energy expenditure and contribute to energy balance control.
Myosin-II activity generates a dynamic steady state with continuous actin turnover in a minimal actin cortex
Authors: Sonal  , Ganzinger Kristina A. , Vogel Sven K. , Mücksch Jonas , Blumhardt Philipp , Schwille Petra
Published: December 2018

Dynamic reorganization of the actomyosin cytoskeleton allows fast modulation of the cell surface, which is vital for many cellular functions. Myosin-II motors generate the forces required for this remodeling by imparting contractility to actin networks. However, myosin-II activity might also have a more indirect contribution to cytoskeletal dynamics; it has been proposed that myosin activity increases actin turnover in various cellular contexts, presumably by enhancing disassembly. In vitro reconstitution of actomyosin networks has confirmed the role of myosin in actin network disassembly, but the reassembly of actin in these assays was limited by factors such as diffusional constraints and the use of stabilized actin filaments. Here, we present the reconstitution of a minimal dynamic actin cortex, where actin polymerization is catalyzed on the membrane in the presence of myosin-II activity. We demonstrate that myosin activity leads to disassembly and redistribution in this simplified cortex. Consequently, a new dynamic steady state emerges in which the actin network undergoes constant turnover. Our findings suggest a multifaceted role of myosin-II in the dynamics of the eukaryotic actin cortex.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Epigenetic changes around the pX region and spontaneous HTLV-1 transcription are CTCF-independent
Authors: Miura Michi , Miyazato Paola , Satou Yorifumi , Tanaka Yuetsu , Bangham Charles R.M.
Published: December 2018

Background:The human retrovirus HTLV-1 inserts the viral complementary DNA of 9 kb into the host genome. Both plus- and minus-strands of the provirus are transcribed, respectively from the 5′ and 3′ long terminal repeats (LTR). Plus-strand expression is rapid and intense once activated, whereas the minus-strand is transcribed at a lower, more constant level. To identify how HTLV-1 transcription is regulated, we investigated the epigenetic modifications associated with the onset of spontaneous plus-strand expression and the potential impact of the host factor CTCF.

Methods:Patient-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in vitro HTLV-1-infected T cell clones were examined. Cells were stained for the plus-strand-encoded viral protein Tax, and sorted into Tax+and Tax–populations. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation were performed to identify epigenetic modifications in the provirus. Bisulfite-treated DNA fragments from the HTLV-1 LTRs were sequenced. Single-molecule RNA-FISH was performed, targeting HTLV-1 transcripts, for the estimation of transcription kinetics. The CRISPR/Cas9 technique was applied to alter the CTCF-binding site in the provirus, to test the impact of CTCF on the epigenetic modifications.

Results:Changes in the histone modifications H3K4me3, H3K9Ac and H3K27Ac were strongly correlated with plus-strand expression. DNA in the body of the provirus was largely methylated except for the pX and 3′ LTR regions, regardless of Tax expression. The plus-strand promoter was hypomethylated when Tax was expressed. Removal of CTCF had no discernible impact on the viral transcription or epigenetic modifications.

Conclusions:The histone modifications H3K4me3, H3K9Ac and H3K27Ac are highly dynamic in the HTLV-1 provirus: they show rapid change with the onset of Tax expression, and are reversible. The HTLV-1 provirus has an intrinsic pattern of epigenetic modifications that is independent of both the provirus insertion site and the chromatin architectural protein CTCF which binds to the HTLV-1 provirus.
Número de passos para discriminar pressão arterial elevada em jovens: quantos são o suficiente?
Authors: Gordia Alex Pinheiro , Quadros Teresa Maria Bianchini de , Andaki Alynne Christian Ribeiro , Mendes Edmar Lacerda , Mota Jorge , Silva Luciana Rodrigues
Published: December 2018

A relação entre a prática de atividade física e pressão arterial (PA) tem sido reportada entre jovens. Contudo, pontos de corte do número de passos para discriminar PA elevada na população pediátrica ainda são incertos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar quantos passos por dia são suficientes para discriminar PA elevada em crianças e adolescentes. Estudo transversal com 1.044 escolares (456 meninos), de seis a 17 anos de idade, do município de Amargosa, Bahia, Brasil. A PA foi mensurada e a PA elevada foi classificada como sistólica ou diastólica ≥ percentil 95 de acordo com sexo, idade e estatura. O número de passos diários foi estimado por pedômetro. Curvas Receiver Operating Characteristic foram construídas e a área sob a curva, sensibilidade, especificidade e intervalos de con ança (IC) de 95% foram calculados, com análises separadas por sexo. A prevalência de PA elevada foi de 27,8%. O número de passos foi preditor de PA elevada tanto para o sexo masculino (acurácia = 0,55; IC95%: 0,51-0,60) quanto para o feminino (acuraria = 0,58; IC95%: 0,54-0,62). Os pontos de corte com maior equilíbrio entre sensibilidade e especificidade foram 14.228 passos para o sexo masculino e 10.796 passos para o feminino. O número de passos por dia, avaliado por pedômetro, foi preditor de PA elevada nas crianças e adolescentes investigados. Em termos práticos, sugere-se a utilização de 14.000 e 11.000 passos por dia para discriminar PA elevada em jovens do sexo masculino e feminino, respectivamente. Esses achados podem ser úteis para subsidiar ações de enfrentamento à PA elevada na infância e adolescência.
Decomposing the Variance of Consumer Ratings and the Impact on Price and Demand
Authors: Zimmermann Steffen , Herrmann Philipp , Kundisch Dennis , Nault Barrie R.
Published: December 2018

Consumer ratings play a decisive role in purchases by online shoppers. Although the effects of the average and the number of consumer ratings on future product pricing and demand have been studied with some conclusive results, the effects of the variance of these ratings are less well understood. We develop a model where we decompose the variance of consumer ratings into two sources: taste differences about search and experience attributes of a durable good, and quality differences among instances of this good in the form of product failure. We find that (i) optimal price increases and demand decreases in variance caused by taste differences, (ii) optimal price and demand decrease in variance caused by quality differences, and (iii) when holding the average rating as well as the total variance constant, for products with low total variance, both price and demand increase in the relative share of variance caused by taste differences. Counter to intuition, we demonstrate that risk-averse consumers may prefer a higher-priced product with a higher variance in ratings when deciding between two similar products with the same average rating.
Prostate Cancer Risk-Associated Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Affects Prostate-Specific Antigen Glycosylation and Its Function
Authors: Srinivasan Srilakshmi , Stephens Carson , Wilson Emily , Panchadsaram Janaththani , DeVoss Kerry , Koistinen Hannu , Stenman Ulf-Håkan , Brook Mark N , Buckle Ashley M , Klein Robert J , Lilja Hans , Clements Judith , Batra Jyotsna
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Genetic association studies have reported single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at chromosome 19q13.3 to be associated with prostate cancer (PCa) risk. Recently, the rs61752561 SNP (Asp84Asn substitution) in exon 3 of the kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3) gene encoding prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was reported to be strongly associated with PCa risk (P = 2.3 × 10−8). However, the biological contribution of the rs61752561 SNP to PCa risk has not been elucidated.

METHODS

Recombinant PSA protein variants were generated to assess the SNP-mediated biochemical changes by stability and substrate activity assays. PC3 cell–PSA overexpression models were established to evaluate the effect of the SNP on PCa pathogenesis. Genotype-specific correlation of the SNP with total PSA (tPSA) concentrations and free/total (F/T) PSA ratio were determined from serum samples.

RESULTS

Functional analysis showed that the rs61752561 SNP affects PSA stability and structural conformation and creates an extra glycosylation site. This PSA variant had reduced enzymatic activity and the ability to stimulate proliferation and migration of PCa cells. Interestingly, the minor allele is associated with lower tPSA concentrations and high F/T PSA ratio in serum samples, indicating that the amino acid substitution may affect PSA immunoreactivity to the antibodies used in the clinical immunoassays.

CONCLUSIONS

The rs61752561 SNP appears to have a potential role in PCa pathogenesis by changing the glycosylation, protein stability, and PSA activity and may also affect the clinically measured F/T PSA ratio. Accounting for these effects on tPSA concentration and F/T PSA ratio may help to improve the accuracy of the current PSA test.
Art, Nightlife and the Complexities of Participation: New York’s Area (1983–87)
Authors: Houser Craig
Published: December 2018

Art and nightlife have intermixed in many cabarets and nightclubs throughout the modern era, and this project focuses on the New York nightclub Area (1983–87). Inspired by surrealism, neo-dada and pop art, Area’s owners acted as artistscurators, as they reinvented their club approximately every five to six weeks by demolishing and rebuilding it based on quirky themes including ‘Suburbia’, ‘Confinement’ and ‘Natural History’. Sculptures, films, photographs, performance art projects, installations and dioramas were featured, and artists included Karen Finley, Keith Haring and Andy Warhol. Such a club questioned issues related to curating living persons and the stereotypical notions of patronage and spectatorship. This social historical analysis, which touches upon gender and queer theory, examines the ethics of participation and how Area exemplified the intermixing of art and nightlife in New York’s nightclubs.
An investigation of the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss and Mentha piperita essential oils to improve the chemical stability of minced meat
Authors: Raeisi Mojtaba , Hashemi Mohammad , Aminzare Majid , Afshari Asma , Zeinali Tayebeh , Jannat Behrooz
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim: Extending the shelf life of foods is an essential concept in food safety. Most of the time, foods deteriorate through the growth of microorganisms or oxidation process. Essential oils (EOs) derived from plant material have well-documented antioxidant and antibacterial activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss EO (ZEO) and Mentha piperita EO (MEO) on the chemical stability of minced meat during storage at 7°C.

Materials and Methods: Total phenolic content, β-Carotene bleaching test, ferric reducing antioxidant potential assay, and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity were used to determine the antioxidant potential of EOs. Five different groups including control, ZEO 0.3%, ZEO 0.5%, MEO 0.3%, and MEO 0.5% were designed to assess the chemical stability of minced meat by measuring pH, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), and peroxide value (PV).

Results: pH did not have any significant change during storage. TBA values in the control group were significantly higher than the treatment groups, especially from the 5th day of storage. TVBN in the treatment group was significantly lower than the control group during storage. PV values in the treatment group were significantly lower than the control group during storage.

Conclusion: Results indicate that ZEO and MEO had an excellent antioxidant activity and retarded the spoilage process in minced meat.

Keywords: antioxidant, Mentha piperita, minced meat, Zataria multiflora Boiss.
Compassionate University
Authors: Trail Juliet Jennifer , Cunningham Tim
Published: December 2018

Over the past decade, the University of Virginia has been experiencing a culture change towards becoming a more contemplative and compassionate institution. The leaders of this change seek, ultimately, to enhance and influence every aspect of the mission and community of this large, prestigious public institution. Of course, multi-layered and pervasive culture change does not occur instantaneously. Rather, the establishment in 2009 of the UVA School of Nursing’s Compassionate Care Initiative, followed by the launch in 2012 of the pan-university UVA Contemplative Sciences Center have led to an array of targeted initiatives that incorporate both the health system – consisting of the School of Nursing, School of Medicine, and the UVA Medical Center – and the university’s academic division, consisting of nine additional schools as well as the ancillary units that support the wider university.

This article provides a set of detailed examples of efforts implemented by these two centers in support of a culture change towards more compassionate teaching, research, patient care, and service. Examples will include:

supporting compassion and self-care through retreats in the School of Nursing and research assessing the impact of this and additional co-curricular programming via cross-sectional survey of nurses

discussion of student, faculty and clinical Ambassadors who serve as compassion mentors across the UVA Health System

consideration of contemplative pedagogy within the UVA undergraduate course Mindfulness & Compassion: Towards Living Fully, Personally & Professionally

discussion of pan-university co-curricular programming serving the university community that seeks to create impact at an institution-wide level.

The impact and outcomes of each example will be considered, individually and as part of a larger shift towards creating a compassionate, contemplative university for the modern era.
Reflecting with Compassion on Student Feedback
Authors: Lowe Wendy Anne
Published: December 2018

This reflective piece of writing explores the experience of gaining medical student feedback that is negative in the context of teaching social sciences in a medical school. There are a number of different ways in which an educator can explore negative feedback and respond. Some ways may be less helpful than others even though they reflect prevailing dominant thinking within higher education and how students are perceived.

Compassionate pedagogy provides an avenue for allowance of challenging feedback and situations, as well as an unpacking of assumptions made about teaching and medical students, in a way that is respectful of the teacher, student and ultimately the patient. Since the way students are treated can be seen as an exemplar for how they will then go on to view and treat the patient, the compassion gap within universities (that train health professionals to then work with patients) is astonishing as noted by Waddington (2016).

Drawing on theory from the social sciences as well as medical humanities, this paper uses reflective practice (Foley, 2002), critical pedagogy (Freire, 2000) as well as intelligent kindness (Ballett & Campling, 2011) to analyse a student feedback experience within medical education and asks the question of how can compassion be integrated in a biomedical field where the emphasis is on science, with all the implications that has for the learner? This question centres on the relative valuing of objective facts over subjectivity of experience.

Using compassionate pedagogy, some suggestions or, food for thought, are made on how to re-interpret negative student feedback that negotiates the tricky area between social science and medicine, whilst not negating either.
Developing Compassionate Academic Leadership: The Practice of Kindness
Authors: Waddington Kathryn
Published: December 2018

This opinion piece paper argues that there is now a compelling need for compassionate academic leadership in our universities in both a national and international context. The premise of the paper is that universities are, or ought to be, ‘caregiving organisations’, because of their role and primary task of helping students to learn. However, the relentless neoliberal instrumentalisation and marketisation of higher education has eroded that premise. Yet universities still have a duty of care; a moral and legal obligation to ensure that everyone associated with the institution, whether this be students, employees or the general public, are fully protected from any personal physical and/or emotional harm. Care, kindness and compassion are not separate from being professional; rather, they represent the fundamentals of humanity in the workplace. Compassion is now a crucial and core concern in tertiary education. Arguably, in the future, universities that can demonstrate their compassionate credentials and pedagogy will be the successful universities, and this requires kindness in leadership and compassionate institutional cultures. Therefore, I argue that in order to nurture cultures of compassion, universities require their leaders – as the carriers of culture – to embody compassion in their leadership practice. However, this needs to be a shared approach, rather than a dominant, hierarchical top-down approach, and is characterised by openness, curiosity, kindness, authenticity, appreciation and above all compassion. The paper draws upon contemporary thinking and research around the role of kindness in leadership and the development of compassionate organisational values and cultures
Addressing Students’ Mental Health in a ‘Sustainable Societies’ Class
Authors: Godfrey Phoebe Christina , Frechette Julianne , Larkin-Wells Jessica
Published: December 2018

On an average college campus, about 41.6 percent of students are suffering from anxiety and 36.4 percent from depression. We do not think we can address student’s mental health challenges without also talking about power/oppression in the classroom. What we present here is a case study of our attempts at intersectional compassionate pedagogy (ICP) that focused on creating authentic intimate connections and community as our pedagogy.

I, Phoebe, teach a sociology class, ‘Sustainable Societies’ for which I decided that there can be no ‘sustainability’ if a large percentage of students in the class is suffering from some form of mental distress. As a means of putting the wellbeing of my students at the central focus of the class, I recruited three former students to work with me as student mentors.

I, Jess, and the two other mentors modeled social sustainability by sharing leadership of the class. We explored in particular the power dynamics entrenched in positionality of race, class, gender, age and sexuality. We further intended to radically challenge the culture of isolation and disengagement on campus and demonstrate the potential for healing within the classroom by prioritising healthy and connected relationships between all members of the class.

I, Julianne was a student in this class, I saw myself, and peers begin to re-harness our natural willingness to self-express. The challenge was to shift our internal framework to one of connection to ourselves and eventually each other, in order to create a sustainable society for all.

We collectively believe that educators have a responsibly to challenge the oppression inherent in our current school system through creative pedagogy. This lofty aim requires thinking flexibly about what a successful education looks like. This is our story.
Membrane Computing for Real Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Yahya Rafaa I. , Shamsuddin Siti Mariyam , Yahya Salah I. , Alsalibi Bisan , Al-Khafaji Ghada K.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, membrane-based computing image segmentation, both region-based and edge-based, is proposed for medical images that involve two types of neighborhood relations between pixels. These neighborhood relations—namely, 4-adjacency and 8-adjacency of a membrane computing approach—construct a family of tissue-like P systems for segmenting actual 2D medical images in a constant number of steps; the two types of adjacency were compared using different hardware platforms. The process involves the generation of membrane-based segmentation rules for 2D medical images. The rules are written in the P-Lingua format and appended to the input image for visualization. The findings show that the neighborhood relations between pixels of 8-adjacency give better results compared with the 4-adjacency neighborhood relations, because the 8-adjacency considers the eight pixels around the center pixel, which reduces the required communication rules to obtain the final segmentation results. The experimental results proved that the proposed approach has superior results in terms of the number of computational steps and processing time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time an evaluation procedure is conducted to evaluate the efficiency of real image segmentations using membrane computing.
Produção de textos escritos na alfabetização: Um estudo em duas escolas públicas localizadas em territórios socialmente vulneráveis
Authors: Fonseca Gleice Lima da , Vóvio Claudia Lemos
Published: December 2018

Este artigo analisa o ensino da escrita de textos na alfabetização, em duas escolas municipais paulistas, localizadas em territórios socialmente vulneráveis. Apesar de um estudo predominantemente qualitativo, adotou-se os métodos mistos, com a intenção de fazer convergir diferentes fontes e reunir procedimentos diversificados de análise. Nesse sentido, reúnem-se a análise de fonte documental, de cadernos escolares e de registros de observação participante de aulas de Língua Portuguesa em sete turmas de terceiro ano do Ensino Fundamental, durante o ano letivo de 2014, focalizando as tarefas e escritas de textos de alunos. As categorias analíticas empregadas advêm da exploração dos dados e do estudo das atualizações e mudanças teórico-metodológicas observadas na alfabetização e na organização curricular nessa rede de ensino. Os resultados obtidos demonstram disparidades entre o que se ensina nessas escolas e os conteúdos e as oportunidades previstos para as escolas municipais paulistas. Além da baixa frequência com que realizam tarefas de escrita de textos, as disparidades observadas dizem respeito à seleção de conteúdos e à adoção de abordagens divergentes daquelas preconizadas no documento curricular oficialmente estabelecido. Tendo em vista o que a literatura aponta sobre a distribuição de conhecimento escolar, no sentido de que alunos provenientes de meios sociais desfavorecidos apresentam desvantagens, os resultados apontam para desigualdades quanto ao acesso a conhecimentos e à aquisição de capacidades relativas à escrita de textos, o que torna mais complexo o enfrentamento das desigualdades educacionais para determinados grupos.
KONTRIBUSI PENELITIAN FILOLOGI TERHADAP PERKEMBANGAN STUDI KEISLAMAN
Authors: Ibrahim Arif , Kosasih Ade , Ma'mun Titin Nurhayati , Darsa Undang Ahmad
Published: December 2018

Artikel ini berjudul“Kontribusi Penelitian Filologi Terhadap Pengembangan Studi Keislaman”Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif analitik dan bertujuan untuk mengungkap kegunaan sebuah penelitian filologi yang bernaskah islami terhadap perkembangan studi keislaman Nusantara. Ruang lingkup penelitian ini adalah kontribusi naskah-naskah lama islami terhadap studi keislaman saat ini. Penulis menampilkan tiga penelitian yang membuktikan kontribusi filologi terhadap studi keislaman, diantaranya disertasi Syarah Nashaihul ‘Ibad di Banten dan dua tesis yaitu naskah fiqih sunda islami di Kuningan dan Naskah At-Tariqah Al-Wadihah Ila Asrari Al-Fatihah tentang tafsir surat Al-Fatihah.AbstractThis article titled "The Contribution of Philology Research to the Development of Islamic Studies" This research uses descriptive analytic method and its aim is revealing the usefulness of a philology research with Islamic manuscriptfor theislamic studiesdevelopment of the archipelago. The scope of this study is the contribution of old Islamic manuscripts for modern Islamic studies. The author presents three research that prove the philology's contribution for Islamic studies, they are the dissertation of Syarah Nashoihul 'Ibad in Banten and two theses namely Fiqih script of Sunda Islami in Kuningan and the At-Tariqah Al-Wadihah Ila Asrari Al-Fatihah's Text of Al-Fatihah.
Effect of live weight on libido, sperm quality, testosterone and lute-inizing hormone in replacement stock of Ongole Grade bull
Authors: Affandhy L. , Fitrayady H.P. , Luthfi M. , Widyaningrum Y.
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of live weight (LW) on libido, sperm quality, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) in Ongole grade (OG) bull. This study used 32 heads of OG bull with a completely randomized design that were divided to four different LW groups, i.e. group I was 170 to <210kg, group II was 210 to <250kg, group III was 250 to <290kg and group IV was 290 to 330kg. Parameters: observed were libido, testosterone hormone, LH, and semen quality. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Libido of OG bull in group II and III higher than those in group IV. The testosterone hormone and LH showed that group II, III and IV were better than group I. The highest LH was in group IV, but low levels of testosterone were observed in these respective groups. Live sperm was the lowest in group I (21.25±13,20%) than II (66.00±11.17%), III (59.80±22.20%) and IV (75,67±9.46%). It can be concluded that the libido, sperm quality, testosterone, LH of OG bull in group II, III and IV were better than those in the group I, therefore standard LW of OG bulls had at least 250 kg.
Feed quantitative restriction and coenzyme Q10 level on performance, plasma lipoproteins and organ weights of broiler chicks
Authors: Jahanpour H. , Chamani M. , Seidavi A.R. , Sadeghi A.A. , Amin-Afshar M.
Published: December 2018

An experiment was conduct in order to investigate the effects of feed restriction level and duration and dietary coenzyme Q10 level on growth performance, organ characteristics and plasma lipoproteins. A factorial arangment based on a completely randomized design was performed using two levels of feed restriction (10 and 20% less than the standard Ross strain 308 guidelines), two levels of restriction duration (7 and 14 days) and three levels of coenzyme Q10 (0, 20 and 40 mg/kg feed). The results of the experiment showed that restriction intensity had significant effect on feed intake in first, second and sixth weeks of age (P<0.05), body weight gain in second and sixth weeks of age (P<0.05), and feed conversion ratio in first week of age (P<0.05). Restriction duration had significant effect on feed intake in third week of age (P<0.05), and feed conversion ratio in third and sixth weeks of age (P<0.05). Coenzyme Q level had significant effect on feed intake in first and sixth weeks of age (P<0.05), body weight gain in second, fifth and sixth weeks of age (P<0.05), and feed conversion ratio in second and sixth weeks of age (P<0.05).  In conclusion, considering the positive effects of feed restriction and coenzyme Q10 on broiler yield, the simaltaneous use of feed restriction strategy and dietary coenzyme Q10 can be considered as a management program in order to improvement of broiler productivity.
Determinants of technical efficiency in duck production in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Baruwa Olayinka Isiaka , Tijani Akeem Abiade , Alimi Taiwo
Published: December 2018

The need to complement the supply of animal products with other sources of poultry necessitates exploring the potentials of domestic duck production. Studies conducted on indigenous ducks in Nigeria have paid less attention to the resource requirements and its determinants to duck production. This study therefore estimated technical efficiencies of domestic duck producers in South-western Nigeria, and identified some socio-economic factors, which influence them. A combination of purposive and random sampling was employed. Stochastic frontier production function approach using a translog production function was used to estimate the technical efficiencies of indigenous duck producers, while inefficiency model was used to determine the socio-economic factors affecting the technical efficiencies. The results showed that the level of technical efficiency ranged from 48% to 96% with a mean of 83.3%, which suggests that average duck output was 16.7% short of the maximum possible level. This implies that productive efficiency could still be improved using the subsisting resource base. The study concluded that mounting capacity building programmes for duck farmers generally, and availability of credit could increase the productivity of duck enterprise if monitored.
In vitro response of three contrasting cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties to mannitol-induced drought stress
Authors: Jolayemi Okanlawon Lekan , Opabode Jelili Titilola , Badara Gueye
Published: December 2018

In vitro selection of drought-tolerant cassava varieties is essential for rapid breeding for drought tolerance. The objectives of this study were to determine the response of three contrasting cassava varieties to mannitol-induced drought stress to establish its suitability for in vitro screening and examine relationships among growth parameters. Plantlets were raised from nodal segments on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 g/l mannitol. Variety CH 140 had the highest survival of explants and frequency of root formation, while MV 99/0395 recorded the highest number of chlorotic leaves and the lowest survival of explants. The lowest numbers of leaves were produced at 25 and 30 g/l mannitol by the three varieties. In CH 140, the highest number of leaves was produced in medium free of mannitol, while the highest number of leaves was produced at 5 and 10 g/l mannitol in MV 99/0395 and TMS 01/1206, respectively. In TMS 01/1206, number of roots produced decreased as the concentration of mannitol in culture media increased, whereas in CH140, number of roots increased as the concentration of mannitol increased before decreasing; while in MV 99/0395, number of roots was not affected by an increase in mannitol concentration. As the concentration of mannitol in the culture media increased shoot height of plantlets decreased with a sharp decline at 20 mg/l mannitol. Concentration of mannitol and survival of explants had significant negative correlation with all parameters. However, frequency of root formation only had significant positive correlation with shoot length. The study concluded that differential responses were expressed by the three varieties to mannitol-induced drought stress and mannitol at 20 g/l concentration was a suitable in vitro drought inducing-agent for screening cassava varieties for drought tolerance.