bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the educational needs of parenting athletes involved in sport and education: The parents’ view
Authors: Gjaka Masar , Tessitore Antonio , Blondel Laurence , Bozzano Enrico , Burlot Fabrice , Debois Nadine , Delon Dominique , Figueiredo Antonio , Foerster Joerg , Gonçalves Carlos , Guidotti Flavia , Pesce Caterina , Pišl Andrej , Rheinisch Eoin , Rolo Ana , Ryan Gary , Templet Anne , Varga Kinga , Warrington Giles , Capranica Laura , MacDonncha Ciaran , Doupona Mojca
Published: January 2021

Background

Despite the fact that an educational programme for parents of youth tennis players has been launched recently, there is a need to empower parents of athletes in sustaining the combination of education and sport careers (i.e., dual career) of their talented and elite athletes across sports. The aim of this study was to explore the parents’ view of their role as dual career supporters and their need for educational support in this area.

Methods

In total, 115 parents (F = 49, M = 66) of athletes (14–23 yrs) engaged in full time academic education (high school/university) and competitive (e.g., National, International) sports (individual = 12, team = 9) in five European Member States (e.g., France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia) took part in national workshops. The workshops involved discussing five themes and agreeing statements relevant to assist parents supporting their children as dual career athletes: 1) the athletes’ needs; 2) the sports environment; 3) the academic environment; 4) dual career-related policies and services; 5) The educational methods for parenting dual career athletes.

Results

A final list of 80 agreed statements were identified: 25 statements mainly related to the sports entourage; 23 to information on dual career-related policies and services; 22 to the athletes’ needs; 17 to the academic entourage, and 8 to the relevant educational resources to parenting dual career athletes, respectively.

Conclusions

This cross-national qualitative research synthesized the parents’ perspectives about their needs and the most relevant content of an educational programme for parenting dual career athletes. The findings of this research will help influence the formulation of effective education strategies on parenting dual career athletes to ensure an optimal supportive environment for the successful combination of high-level sport and education careers.
Comparative efficacy of different ultrasound-guided ablation for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules: Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: He Linye , Zhao Wanjun , Xia Zijing , Su Anping , Li Zhihui , Zhu Jingqiang
Published: January 2021

Background

Percutaneous ablation is currently deemed an additionally treatment option for benign thyroid nodules in the world, but possibly different effect among the ablation modalities is not clear. So we aim to evaluate the efficacy and complications of thermal/chemical ablation by network meta-analysis.

Materials and methods

In the network meta-analysis, PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from 1980 to 2020. Studies of adults with thyroid benign nodules under percutaneous ablation therapy were included. Percentage mean volume change, symptom score change, cosmetic score change and complications were evaluated by network meta-analysis.

Results

In the network meta-analysis, Radiofrequency Ablation(RFA) with 2 treatment sessions group was associated with the highest reduction for the mean volume change during 6-month follow-up (MD = 79.09 and 95% CrI:48.23–89.94). There is no significant difference in the incidence of complications. Subgroup analysis showed that 2 sessions of Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) ranks the highest probability (surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values 77.9) of being the most efficacious treatment for solid or predominantly solid benign nodules. Ethanol ablation (EA) ranked first (SUCRA value 81.1) in the treatment for cyst or predominantly cyst benign nodules.

Conclusion

RFA appears to be superior to other US-guided percutaneous ablation in reducing benign thyroid nodule volume during short- and long-term follow-up. In the subgroup analysis, RFA with 2 treatment sessions showed the most significant effectiveness for solid benign thyroid nodules and EA showed more effectiveness to decrease the volume of cyst benign thyroid nodules.
Thermal treatment using microwave irradiation for the phytosanitation of Xylella fastidiosa in pecan graftwood
Authors: Hilton Angelyn , Jeong Myunghwan , Hsu Jui-Hung , Cao Fan , Choi Woongchul , Wang Xinwang , Yu Choongho , Jo Young-Ki
Published: January 2021

Pecan bacterial leaf scorch caused by Xylella fastidiosa is an emerging disease for the U.S. and international pecan industries and can be transmitted from scion to rootstock via grafting. With the expanse of global transportation and trade networks, phytosanitation is critical for reducing the spread of economically significant pathogens, such as X. fastidiosa. We developed and evaluated thermal treatments using microwave irradiation and microwave absorbers [sterile deionized water (dH2O) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)] as novel disinfectant methods for remediating X. fastidiosa in pecan scions. Partial submergence of scions in dH2O or CNT dispersions resulted in the transport of microwave absorbers in the xylem tissue via transpiration but did not compromise plant health. The microwave absorbers effectively transferred heat to the scion wood to reach an average temperature range of 55–65°C. Microwave radiation exposure for 6 sec (3 sec for two iterations) of CNT- or dH2O-treated scions reduced the frequency of X. fastidiosa-positive in pecan scions without negatively affecting plant viability when compared to the control group (dH2O-treated with no microwave). The efficacy of the new thermal treatments based on microwave irradiation was comparable to the conventional hot-water treatment (HWT) method, in which scions were submerged in 46°C water for 30 min. Microwave irradiation can be employed to treat X. fastidiosa-infected scions where the conventional HWT treatment is not feasible. This study is the first report to demonstrate novel thermal treatment methods based on the microwave irradiation and microwave absorbers of dH2O and CNT as an application for the phytosanitation of xylem-inhabiting bacteria in graftwood.
Rainfall decrease and red deer rutting behaviour: Weaker and delayed rutting activity though higher opportunity for sexual selection
Authors: F. Millán Marina , Carranza Juan , Pérez-González Javier , Valencia Juliana , Torres-Porras Jerónimo , Seoane Jose M. , de la Peña Eva , Alarcos Susana , Sánchez-Prieto Cristina B. , Castillo Leticia , Flores Antonio , Membrillo Alberto
Published: January 2021

In the last decades, climate change has caused an increase in mean temperatures and a reduction in average rainfall in southern Europe, which is expected to reduce resource availability for herbivores. Resource availability can influence animals' physical condition and population growth. However, much less is known on its effects on reproductive performance and sexual selection. In this study, we assessed the impact of three environmental factors related to climate change (rainfall, temperature and vegetation index) on Iberian red deerCervus elaphus hispanicusreproductive timing and sexual behaviour, and their effects on the opportunity for sexual selection in the population. We measured rutting phenology as rut peak date, the intensity of male rutting activity as roaring rate, and the opportunity for sexual selection from the distribution of females among harem holding males in Doñana Biological Reserve (Southwest Spain), from data of daily observations collected during the rut over a period of 25 years. For this study period, we found a trend for less raining and hence poorer environmental conditions, which associated with delayed rutting season and decreased rutting intensity, but that appeared to favour a higher degree of polygyny and opportunity for sexual selection, all these relationships being modulated by population density and sex ratio. This study highlights how climate change (mainly rainfall reduction in this area) can alter the conditions for mating and the opportunity for sexual selection in a large terrestrial mammal.
Impact of work-family balance results on employee work engagement within the organization: The case of Slovenia
Authors: Žnidaršič Jasmina , Bernik Mojca
Published: January 2021

Background and purpose

Organizations strive to increase the work engagement of their employees, as engaged employees are more productive employees, but often neglect the significant effects of work-family balance on work engagement. Numerous studies confirm the importance of work-family balance and work engagement, but there is lack of research that explores the relationship between the concepts. Our research fills a research gap in investigating the impact of work-family balance on work engagement, both directly and through individual perceptions of organizational support for work-family balance. The main aim of our research is to empirically test the relationships between the policies and practices of organizations regarding work-family balance, work-life balance and work engagement.

Methods

Using validated questionnaires, we collected data on organizational support for work-family balance (family-friendly policies and practices, support by leader, support by co-workers, working hours and complexity of work), work-family balance and work engagement. The quantitative data for our analysis was collected through a survey of 343 online participants who were employees in various positions in companies in Slovenia.

The results

Our results show that the organization's work-family balance policies and practices, such as support by leader, co-workers, and family-friendly policies and practices, have a positive impact on the individual's work-family balance, that work-family balance leads to an increase in work engagement, and that the individual's perception of the organization's work-family balance support leads to an increase in work engagement.

Conclusion

Knowledge of important work-family balance implications with an understanding of organizational support for work-family balance and the relationships between the constructs of work-family balance and work engagement can be beneficial to business leaders. This understanding can help them to strengthen employee work engagement through family-friendly policies and practices, and thereby contributing to the area of employee behavior and improving employee productivity.
Early Holocene Scandinavian foragers on a journey to affluence: Mesolithic fish exploitation, seasonal abundance and storage investigated through strontium isotope ratios by laser ablation (LA‐MC-ICP‐MS)
Authors: Boethius Adam , Kjällquist Mathilda , Kielman-Schmitt Melanie , Ahlström Torbjörn , Larsson Lars
Published: January 2021

At Norje Sunnansund, an Early Holocene settlement in southern Sweden, the world’s earliest evidence of fermentation has been interpreted as a method of managing long-term and large-scale food surplus. While an advanced fishery is suggested by the number of recovered fish bones, until now it has not been possible to identify the origin of the fish, or whether and how their seasonal migration was exploited. We analysed strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) in 16 cyprinid and 8 pike teeth, which were recovered at the site, both from within the fermentation pit and from different areas outside of it, by using laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Our investigation indicates three different regions of origin for the fish at the site. We find that the most commonly fermented fish, cyprinids (roach), were caught in the autumn during their seasonal migration from the Baltic Sea to the sheltered stream and lake next to the site. This is in contrast to the cyprinids from other areas of the site, which were caught when migrating from nearby estuaries and the Baltic Sea coast during late spring. The pikes from the fermentation pit were caught in the autumn as by-catch to the mainly targeted roach while moving from the nearby Baltic Sea coast. Lastly, the pikes from outside the fermentation pit were likely caught as they migrated from nearby waters in sedimentary bedrock areas to the south of the site, to spawn in early spring. Combined, these data suggest an advanced fishery with the ability to combine optimal use of seasonal fish abundance at different times of the year. Our results offer insights into the practice of delayed-return consumption patterns, provide a more complete view of the storage system used, and increase our understanding of Early Holocene sedentism among northern hunter-fisher-gatherers. By applying advanced strontium isotope analyses to archaeological material integrated into an ecological setting, we present a methodology that can be used elsewhere to enhance our understanding of the otherwise elusive indications of storage practices and fish exploitation patterns among ancient foraging societies.
Fisheries management as a Stackelberg Evolutionary Game: Finding an evolutionarily enlightened strategy
Authors: Salvioli Monica , Dubbeldam Johan , Staňková Kateřina , Brown Joel S.
Published: January 2021

Fish populations subject to heavy exploitation are expected to evolve over time smaller average body sizes. We introduce Stackelberg evolutionary game theory to show how fisheries management should be adjusted to mitigate the potential negative effects of such evolutionary changes. We present the game of a fisheries manager versus a fish population, where the former adjusts the harvesting rate and the net size to maximize profit, while the latter responds by evolving the size at maturation to maximize the fitness. We analyze three strategies: i) ecologically enlightened (leading to a Nash equilibrium in game-theoretic terms); ii) evolutionarily enlightened (leading to a Stackelberg equilibrium) and iii) domestication (leading to team optimum) and the corresponding outcomes for both the fisheries manager and the fish. Domestication results in the largest size for the fish and the highest profit for the manager. With the Nash approach the manager tends to adopt a high harvesting rate and a small net size that eventually leads to smaller fish. With the Stackelberg approach the manager selects a bigger net size and scales back the harvesting rate, which lead to a bigger fish size and a higher profit. Overall, our results encourage managers to take the fish evolutionary dynamics into account. Moreover, we advocate for the use of Stackelberg evolutionary game theory as a tool for providing insights into the eco-evolutionary consequences of exploiting evolving resources.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate induces autophagy-associated apoptosis through oxidative stress and the activation of extracellular signal–regulated kinases in renal tubular cells
Authors: Wen Li-Li , Chen Yen-Ting , Lee Yuan-Chii Gladys , Ko Tsui-Ling , Chou Hsiu-Chu , Juan Shu-Hui
Published: January 2021

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is among the most abundant organic pollutants and is widely distributed in the environment, wildlife, and humans. Its toxic effects and biological hazards are associated with its long elimination half-life in humans. However, how it affects renal tubular cells (RTCs) remains unclear. In this study, PFOS was observed to mediate the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, followed by the activation of the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway, which induced autophagy in RTCs. Although PFOS treatment induced autophagy after 6 h, prolonged treatment (24 h) reduced the autophagic flux by increasing lysosomal membrane permeability (LMP), leading to increased p62 protein accumulation and subsequent apoptosis. The increase in LMP was visualized through increased green fluorescence with acridine orange staining, and this was attenuated by 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor. N-acetyl cysteine and an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (U0126) attenuated autophagy and apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that ROS activation and ROS-mediated phosphorylated ERK1/2 activation are essential to activate autophagy, resulting in the apoptosis of PFOS-treated RTCs. Our findings provide insight into the mechanism of PFOS-mediated renal toxicity.
Stunting at birth and associated factors among newborns delivered at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital
Authors: Gonete Almaz Tefera , Kassahun Bogale , Mekonnen Eskedar Getie , Takele Wubet Worku
Published: January 2021

Background

Stunting at birth is a chronic form of undernutrition majorly attributable to poor prenatal nutrition, which could persist in children’s later life and impact their physical and cognitive health. Although multiple studies have been conducted in Ethiopia to show the magnitude of stunting and factors, all are concentrated on children aged between 6 to 59 months. Therefore, this study was done to determine the prevalence and associated factors of stunting at birth among newborns delivered at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital, Northwest, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 26th to April 25th/2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used, to select a total of 422 newborn-mother pairs. The binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with stunting and all independent variables were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model to adjust for confounders. Variables that had significant association were identified based on p-value < 0.05 and the adjusted odds ratio with its respective 95% confidence interval was applied to determine the strength as well as the direction of the association.

Results

About 30.5% (95% CI: 26.3%, 35.1%) of newborns were stunted at birth. Being male [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.9(1.62, 5.21)], newborns conceived in Kiremt(rainy season) [AOR = 2.7(1.49, 4.97)], being low birth weight [AOR = 3.1(1.64, 6.06)] were factors associated with stunting at birth. Likewise, newborns born to short stature mothers [AOR = 2.8(1.21, 6.62)] and chronically malnourished mothers [AOR = 15.3(8.12, 29.1)] were at greater risk of being stunted.

Conclusion

Just under a third of newborns are stunted at birth, implying a pressing public health problem. Newborns born to chronically malnourished and short stature mothers were more stunted. Besides, stunting was prevalently observed among male neonates, newborns conceived in Kiremet, and being low birth weight. Thus, policymakers and nutrition programmers should work on preventing maternal undernutrition through nutrition education to reduce the burden of low birth weight and stunting. Further, paying due attention to newborns conceived in Kiremet season to improve nutritional status is recommended.
Reference intervals for selected haematological and biochemical parameters among apparently healthy adults in different eco-geographical zones in Ghana
Authors: Abbam Gabriel , Tandoh Samuel , Tetteh Mary , Afrifah David Amoah , Annani-Akollor Max Efui , Owiredu Eddie-Williams , Gyasi Charles , Adu-Gyamfi Constance , Sackey Benedict , Debrah Alexander Yaw , Addai-Mensah Otchere
Published: January 2021

Background

Due to the influence of gender, race/genetics, age, lifestyle habits and geography on the references intervals (RIs), the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommends the determination of population-specific RIs. Ghana continues to depend on pre-established RIs from other countries which poses the risk of misdiagnoses and wrong treatment. This study presents the haemato-biochemical RIs from four eco-geographical zones in Ghana.

Methods

In this population-based cross-sectional study, a total of 1227 randomly selected healthy voluntary blood donors from the four eco-geographic zones (Coastal Savannah, Rain Forest, Savannah and Transitional) were enrolled and screened. Based on the CLSI Guidance Document C28A2992, the data of eligible participants were used to non-parametrically determine the RIs for the haemato-biochemical parameters at the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. Comparison of analytes by gender was done by Wilcoxon rank sum test and eco-geographic differences were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis with the Dunn post hoc multiple comparison tests.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in most of the haematological parameters (RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, PLT, WBC; p-values <0.0001 and MCH; p-value = 0.007), and biochemical analytes (Urea, Cr, Trig, HDL-C, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, BID, BIT, Prot-T and Albumin; p-values <0.0001) based on gender. Significant inter eco-geographic (intra-population) variations and substantial differences between the established RI and the RIs accompanying the analyzers used were also observed.

Conclusion

This study reports significant inter-sex and inter-geographical differences in haemato-biochemical RIs in Ghana as well as differences in RIs with both the RIs accompanying the analyzers and those of other countries. Determining RIs representative of populations and including them in the report systems of laboratories to ensure effective and efficient healthcare service delivery is thus recommended.
Effects of an industrial passive assistive exoskeleton on muscle activity, oxygen consumption and subjective responses during lifting tasks
Authors: Qu Xishuai , Qu Chenxi , Ma Tao , Yin Peng , Zhao Ning , Xia Yumeng , Qu Shengguan
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an industrial passive assisted exoskeleton (IPAE) with simulated lifting tasks on muscle activity, oxygen consumption, perceived level of exertion, local perceived pressure, and systemic usability. Eight workers were required to complete two lifting tasks with and without the IPAE, that were single lifting tasks (repeated 5 times) and 15 min repeated lifting tasks respectively. Both of the tasks required subjects to remove a toolbox from the ground to the waist height. The test results showed that IPAE significantly reduced the muscle activity of the lumbar erector spinae, thoracic erector spinae, middle deltoid and labrum-biceps muscles; the reduction effect during the 15 min lifting task was reached 21%, 12%, 32% and 38% respectively. The exoskeleton did not cause significant differences in oxygen consumption and the perceived level of exertion, but local perceived pressure on the shoulders, thighs, wrists, and waist of the subjects could be produced. 50% of the subjects rated the usability of the equipment as acceptable. The results illustrate the good potential of the exoskeleton to reduce the muscle activity of the low back and upper arms. However, there is still a concern for the obvious contact pressure.
PI3k inhibitors (BKM120 and BYL719) as radiosensitizers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma during radiotherapy
Authors: Chuang Fu-Cheng , Wang Chih-Chun , Chen Jian-Han , Hwang Tzer-Zen , Yeh Shyh-An , Su Yu-Chieh
Published: January 2021

Approximately 500,000 new cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are reported annually. Radiation therapy is an important treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The survival rate of patients with HNSCC remained low (50%) in decades because of radiation therapy failure caused by the radioresistance of HNSCC cells. This study aimed to identify PI3K inhibitors that can enhance radiosensitivity. Results showed that pan-Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) inhibitor BKM120 and class I α-specific PI3K inhibitor BYL719 dose-dependently reduced the growth of OSCC cells but not that of radioresistant OML1-R cells. The combination treatment of BKM120 or BYL719 with radiation showed an enhanced inhibitory effect on OSCC cells and radioresistant OML1-R cells. Furthermore, the enhanced inhibitory effect of the combination treatment was confirmed in patient-derived OSCC cells. The triple combination treatment of mTOR inhibitor AZD2014 and BKM120 or AZD2014 and BYL719 with radiation showed a significantly enhanced inhibitory effect on radioresistant OML1-R cells. These results suggest that the PI3K inhibitors are potential therapeutic agents with radiosensitivity for patients with OSCC.
Urgency urinary incontinence, loss of independence, and increased mortality in older adults: A cohort study
Authors: Yoshioka Takashi , Kamitani Tsukasa , Omae Kenji , Shimizu Sayaka , Fukuhara Shunichi , Yamamoto Yosuke
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To investigate the longitudinal association of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) with loss of independence (LOI) or death among independent community-dwelling older adults.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

The Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcome in Aizu Cohort Study (LOHAS), Minami-Aizu Town and Tadami Town, Fukushima, Japan.

Participants

A total of 1,580 participants aged ≥65 years who underwent a health check-up conducted by LOHAS in 2010.

Measurements

Exposure was defined as the presence of UUI, which was measured by a questionnaire based on the definition of UUI from the International Continence Society. The primary outcome was defined as incidence of LOI or death. After the check-up in 2010, the outcome was monitored until March 2014. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to estimate the hazard ratio for the outcome. Ten potential confounders were adjusted in the analysis. Furthermore, we defined the secondary outcomes as two separate outcomes, LOI and death, and performed the same analysis.

Results

Among all participants, 328 reported UUI. The incidence rates of the outcome were 20.4 and 11.4 (per 1,000 person–years) among participants with and without UUI, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, those who experienced UUI showed a substantial association with LOI or death (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.01–2.68). However, they did not show such an association with LOI alone (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.49–2.33). On the other hand, those with UUI exhibited a substantial association with death (HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.22–4.31).

Conclusions

In this study, UUI was associated with the occurrence of LOI or death; however, UUI is not associated with the occurrence of LOI alone among independent community-dwelling older adults. Our results suggest that there may be a difference between UUI-associated diseases that cause LOI and those that cause death.
Anticipatory behaviour as an indicator of the welfare of dairy calves in different housing environments
Authors: Neave Heather W. , Webster James R. , Zobel Gosia
Published: January 2021

Anticipatory behaviour occurs in the period before a reward or other positive event is presented and has been interpreted as an indicator of the welfare and emotional state of animals. The use of this indicator has received limited attention in dairy calves. Therefore, we investigated how anticipatory behaviour is affected by housing environment and reward quality, and if anticipatory behaviour changes when reward quality changes unexpectedly. Sixteen pairs of calves were assigned to treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design (two housing environment and two reward quality combinations). Housing was either basic (2 m2/calf, river stone surface) or enriched (5 m2/calf, woodchip, and enrichment items), and the reward was access to either an additional basic or enriched pen. Calves were conditioned to anticipate reward pen access; anticipatory behaviour toward receiving the reward pen was measured. Signaling reward access increased the frequency of transitions between behaviours and duration of touching and looking at the signal and exit door. Basic-housed calves showed more anticipatory behaviour (increased frequency of transitions between behaviours) and decreased latency to access the reward compared to enriched-housed calves, but the reward pen quality had no effect on anticipatory behaviour. When the reward pen quality changed from enriched to basic unexpectedly, resulting in sudden reward loss, basic-housed calves decreased, while enriched-housed calves increased, anticipatory behaviour. However, there was no change in anticipatory behaviour during reward gain (change from basic to enriched reward pen). Our findings align with previous work showing that animals in basic housing show more anticipation for a reward, and demonstrate suppressed behavioural response when experiencing reward loss, suggesting greater sensitivity to reward. Sensitivity to reward has associations with mood state; thus, calves in basic environments may experience a more negative emotional state, and thus reduced welfare, compared to calves in enriched environments.
Phase separation and DAXX redistribution contribute to LANA nuclear body and KSHV genome dynamics during latency and reactivation
Authors: Vladimirova Olga , De Leo Alessandra , Deng Zhong , Wiedmer Andreas , Hayden James , Lieberman Paul M.
Published: January 2021

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) can drive formation of diverse and essential macromolecular structures, including those specified by viruses. Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) genomes associate with the viral encoded Latency-Associated Nuclear Antigen (LANA) to form stable nuclear bodies (NBs) during latent infection. Here, we show that LANA-NB formation and KSHV genome conformation involves LLPS. Using LLPS disrupting solvents, we show that LANA-NBs are partially disrupted, while DAXX and PML foci are highly resistant. LLPS disruption altered the LANA-dependent KSHV chromosome conformation but did not stimulate lytic reactivation. We found that LANA-NBs undergo major morphological transformation during KSHV lytic reactivation to form LANA-associated replication compartments encompassing KSHV DNA. DAXX colocalizes with the LANA-NBs during latency but is evicted from the LANA-associated lytic replication compartments. These findings indicate the LANA-NBs are dynamic super-molecular nuclear structures that partly depend on LLPS and undergo morphological transitions corresponding to the different modes of viral replication.
Cysticercus bovis in cattle slaughtered in North Egypt: Overestimation by the visual inspection method
Authors: El-Sayad Mona Hassan , Farag Hoda , El-Taweel Hend , Fadly Reda , Salama Nahla , Ahmed Asmaa Abd Elhameed , Abd El-Latif Naglaa Fathi
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim: The World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization list Taenia saginata, a foodborne cestode, as the most widely distributed human tapeworm worldwide. The larval stage of T. saginata, Cysticercus bovis, causes cysticercosis in bovines and infects humans who eat raw or undercooked beef. The existing detection methods of C. bovis in cattle depend on the visual inspection of meat. This study aimed to confirm the identification of C. bovis through visual inspection at the slaughterhouses in North Egypt with a molecular diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 687 locally bred cattle (Baladi), including 428 cows and 259 buffaloes, slaughtered in four slaughterhouses in North Egypt from April 2018 to February 2019 were inspected for C. bovis using the traditional meat inspection method. Positive samples were verified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and HDP2 gene sequencing. Results: Through visual inspection, C. bovis was detected in 4.2% and 12.4% of the slaughtered cows and buffaloes, respectively. Molecular analysis confirmed that 1.9% of the animals, all of which were cows, had C. bovis infection. DNA sequencing verified the identity of the PCR-amplified product. Conclusion: The rate of C. bovis infection in slaughterhouses detected through meat inspection is overestimated compared with that through PCR. Although meat inspection can be used as a primary screening tool for C. bovis, a more specific molecular method is required to achieve an accurate diagnosis.
A tranzakciós költségek elmélete és a társadalmi csereelmélet hatásai a bizalomra az ellátási láncban (Affects of Transaction cost and Social Exchange Constructs on trust In supply chain relationship)
Authors: Piricz Noémi , Hong Seock-Jin , Mandják Tibor
Published: January 2021

A szerzők alapvető feltételezése, hogy az ellátási láncban a bizalom ösztönzi a felek közötti elkötelezettséget. Továbbá a bizalom növeli annak a lehetőségét, hogy az ellátási lánc sikeresen működjön. Ugyanakkor, a felek közötti bizalom hiánya gyakran megnöveli a tranzakciós költségeket, és így csökkenti a hatékonyságot. A cikkben bemutatott kutatás adatgyűjtésére több országban – Franciaországban, Magyarországon, Dél-Koreában, Tunéziában és az Egyesült Államokban – került sor. Összesen 729 érvényes kérdőív érkezett vissza, amelyeket a különböző ellátási láncok résztvevői töltöttek ki. A kutatási eredmények szerint az ellátási láncokon belüli üzleti kapcsolatokban a tranzakciós költségek elméletének összetevői (kapcsolatspecifikusság és viselkedési bizonytalanság), valamint a társadalmi csereelmélet tényezői (lecserélhetőség, észlelt megelégedettség, a partner hírneve és észlelt konfliktus) szoros kapcsolatban állnak a bizalom és az elkötelezettség változóival. _____ This article is based on the assumption that trust promotes commitment between partners in the supply chain and improves the chances of return on supply chain success. In contrast, a lack of trust between them often increases transaction costs and results in inefficiency. The results of this research, based on multi-country surveys with 729 returns from France, Hungary, Korea, Tunisia and the United States on supply chain professionals, reveals a strong affect of transaction cost constructs (TCC) (asset specificity and behavioral uncertainty) and social exchange constructs (SEC) (replaceability, perceived satisfaction, partner reputation, and perceived conflict) on trust-commitment variables in partnership based supply chain relationships. This paper employed a structural equation model to extract information from the survey data. Among the findings, the research indicates that a firm’s trustcommitment in dealing with their supply chain partnership is highly associated with not only transaction cost, but more so with social exchange variables. This study may open a new research avenue in that there is another construct, SEC, beside TSC that influences the degree of trust and commitment.
A környezeti hasznok rendszere (System of the environmental benefits)
Authors: Ván Hajnalka
Published: January 2021

A tanulmány a vállalati működés során megjelenő környezetvédelmi intézkedések vállalaton belüli hasznainak rendszerezésével foglalkozik. A hagyományos vállalati számviteli rendszerben a környezetvédelem alapvetően a költségoldalon jelenik meg. Azonban a környezetvédelmi tevékenység vállalaton belül megjelenő hasznainak is fontos szerepe van környezetvédelmi intézkedésekkel, beruházásokkal kapcsolatos döntések meghozatalában. Ennek ellenére a környezeti hasznok a szakirodalomban elnagyoltan, valamint nem a teljes vállalatra vonatkozóan jelennek meg. Ezért a tanulmány célja, hogy a környezeti hasznok számviteli rendszerben való kimutatására egyfajta megoldást keressen. Az elemzés eredménye egy olyan új modell felállítása, amely képes a tulajdonosi érték koncepciójához szorosan kapcsolódva a vállalaton belüli környezeti hasznokat átfogóan kimutatni. Az újonnan felállított modell a hazai és a nemzetközi gyakorlatban is újdonságértékkel bír, és nagy előnye a vállalati gyakorlatban való alkalmazhatóság. --------- The main focus of this paper is the systematization of the environmental benefits within the company. The environmental benefits related to the company’s environmental action. Environmental protection appears in the accounting system mostly on the cost side. However, environmental benefits incurring within the company play an important role in the company’s environmental decision making processes. Despite these facts, environmental benefits are not analyzed in detail by the accounting literature and do not cover the whole activity of the company. Consequently, these paper aims to gain a possible demonstration of environmental benefits in the accounting system. The main outcome of this paper is a new model, able to comprehensively present the environmental benefits of the whole company. The theory on which the model is based is the shareholders’ value concept. The model has significant novelty both in the Hungarian and international practice. Another advantage of the model is that it can be integrated into the company’s accounting system.
Az észlelt kultúraszemélyiség és hatása az ország turisztikai és üzleti célpontként való megítélésére (Investigation the effect of perceived culture – personality (CP) on the evaluation of the country as ideal business/tourist destination)
Authors: Malota Erzsébet , Gyulavári Tamás
Published: January 2021

A kutatás fő célja annak vizsgálata, hogy egy adott kultúra észlelt személyisége milyen hatással van az ország ideális turisztikai, illetve üzleti célországként való megítélésére. A kultúraszemélyiség koncepciójának bemutatása után a kultúraszemélyiség-skála (culture personality, CP) fejlesztésének kezdeti eredményeit, majd a kultúraszemélyiség dimenzióinak vizsgálatát részletezik a szerzők. A skálakialakítás során – kvalitatív eredményeiket felhasználva – egy ötvenegy tulajdonságpárból álló szemantikus differenciálskálát fejlesztettek ki és teszteltek. Jelen cikkükben összehasonlítják Franciaország és Magyarország észlelt kultúraszemélyiségét, vizsgálva a magyar és a francia válaszadók véleményének hasonlóságait és különbségeit. Eredményeik azt mutatják, hogy nemcsak az egyes kultúrák személyiségét észlelik eltérően a válaszadók, de ugyanazon kultúra személyiségének bizonyos jellemzőit is eltérően ítélik meg. _____ The main purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of perceived culture – personality (CP) on the evaluation of the country as ideal business/tourist destination. After introducing the concept of culture-personality, initial results of our CP scale development are discussed, and dimensions of culture-personality will be examined. As a result of the scale construction procedure – based on our extensive qualitative studies –, a 51-item semantic differential scale has been developed and tested. Similarities and differences of perceived culture-personalities of France and Hungary among Hungarian and French respondents are described.
Diagnostic performance of the modified Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System for thyroid malignancy according to nodule size: a comparison with five society guidelines
Authors: Na Dong Gyu , Paik Wooyul , Cha Jaehyung , Gwon Hye Yun , Kim Suh Young , Yoo Roh-Eul
Published: January 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the modified Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (K-TIRADS) compared with five society risk stratification systems (RSSs) according to nodule size.Methods: In total, 3,826 consecutive thyroid nodules (≥1 cm) with final diagnoses in 3,088 patients were classified according to five RSSs. The K-TIRADS was modified by raising the biopsy size threshold for low-suspicion nodules and subcategorizing intermediate-suspicion nodules. We assessed the performance of the RSSs as triage tests and their diagnostic accuracy according to nodule size (with a threshold of 2 cm).Results: Of all nodules, 3,277 (85.7%) were benign and 549 (14.3%) were malignant. In small thyroid nodules (≤2 cm), the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) had the highest reduction rate of unnecessary biopsies (76.3%) and the lowest sensitivity (76.1%). The modified K-TIRADS had the second highest reduction rate of unnecessary biopsies (67.6%) and sensitivity (86.6%). The modified K-TIRADS and ACR TI-RADS had the highest diagnostic odds ratios (P=0.165) and the highest areas under the curve (P=0.315). In large nodules (>2 cm), the sensitivity of the ACR TI-RADS for malignancy was significantly lower (88.8%) than the sensitivities of the modified K-TIRADS and other RSSs, which were very high (98.7%-99.3%) (P<0.001).Conclusion: The modified K-TIRADS allows a large proportion of unnecessary biopsies to be avoided, while maintaining high sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for small malignant tumors and very high sensitivity for large malignant tumors.
Hot Forging Process Design and Initial Billet Size Optimization for Manufacturing of the Talar Body Prosthesis by Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Soranansri Panuwat , Rojhirunsakool Tanaporn , Nithipratheep Narongsak , Ngaouwnthong Chackapan , Boonpradit Kraisuk , Treevisootand Chawaphon , Srithong Walinee , Chuchuay Piyapat , Sirivedin Kumpanat
Published: January 2021

In hot forging industry, the process design and the billet size determination are very crucial steps because those steps directly influence both the product quality and material utilization. The purpose of this paper was to propose a technique used to design the hot forging process for the manufacturing of the talar body prosthesis. The talar body prosthesis is one of the artificial bones, which its geometry is a free form shape. In this study, the Finite Element Modeling (FEM) was used as a tool to verify the proposed design before implementation in a production line. In addition, an initial billet was determined the optimum size in the FEM by varying the mass ratio factor, the diameter, and the length. It was found that the mass ratio factor is a very useful guideline since the optimum size is quite close to the provided size from the guideline. The FEM results showed that the dimensions of the initial billet significantly affect the complete metal filling in the die cavity. Moreover, the optimum size between the diameter and length can reduce the material waste in the hot forging process of the talar body prosthesis. Finally, the experimental results of the hot forging process showed that the proposed process design with the optimum size of the initial billet is achieved in order to manufacture the talar body prosthesis and the material utilization of the new proposed process is improved from the traditional process by 2.6 times.
Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome Caused by an Intracardiac Shunt
Authors: Borgaonkar Sanket P. , Lam Wilson W. , Razavi Mehdi , Parekh Dhaval R.
Published: January 2021

Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, a rare condition characterized by posture-related dyspnea, is usually caused by an intracardiac shunt, hepatopulmonary syndrome, or shunting resulting from severe pulmonary disease.

We report the case of a 33-year-old woman who presented with increasing dyspnea and oxygen desaturation when she sat up or arose. Our diagnosis was platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome. A lead of a previously implanted pacemaker exacerbated a severe tricuspid regurgitant jet that was directed toward the patient's intra-atrial septum. Percutaneous closure of a small secundum atrial septal defect eliminated right-to-left shunting and substantially improved the patient's functional status. In addition to this case, we discuss this unusual condition.
Importance of Persistent Right-to-Left Shunt After Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in Cryptogenic Stroke Patients
Authors: He Lu , Cheng Gesheng , Du Yajuan , Zhang Yushun
Published: January 2021

Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is widely performed to prevent recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack in patients with cryptogenic stroke. However, the influence of different degrees of right-to-left shunting (RLS) has rarely been reported.

We retrospectively evaluated the cases of 268 patients with cryptogenic stroke who underwent PFO closure at our hospital from April 2012 through April 2015. In accordance with RLS severity, we divided the patients into 2 groups: persistent RLS during normal breathing and the Valsalva maneuver (n=112) and RLS only during the Valsalva maneuver (n=156). Baseline characteristics, morphologic features, and procedural and follow-up data were reviewed. The primary endpoint was stroke or transient ischemic attack.

More patients in the persistent group had multiple or bilateral ischemic lesions, as well as a larger median PFO diameter (2.5 mm [range, 1.8–3.9 mm]) than did patients in the Valsalva maneuver group (1.3 mm [range, 0.9–1.9 mm]) (P <0.001). Atrial septal aneurysm was more frequent in the persistent group: 25 patients (22.3%) compared with 18 (11.5%) (P=0.018). Three patients in the persistent group had residual shunting. The annual risk of recurrent ischemic stroke was similar between groups: 0.298% (persistent) and 0.214% (Valsalva maneuver).

Our findings suggest that patients with persistent RLS have more numerous severe ischemic lesions, larger PFOs, and a higher incidence of atrial septal aneurysm than do those without. Although our persistent group had a greater risk of residual shunting after PFO closure, recurrence of ischemic events did not differ significantly from that in the Valsalva maneuver group.
En Bloc AngioVac Removal of Thoracic Aortic Mass
Authors: Kang Jeanney , Fleischman Fernando , Saremi Farhood , Shavelle David M.
Published: January 2021

The AngioVac system, designed for suction during extracorporeal bypass, is used to aspirate masses, thrombi, and other undesirable material from the cardiovascular system. To date, it has been used extensively in the venous system and right side of the heart; however, its use in the arterial system has been limited because of smaller vessel sizes and the requirement for a 26F sheath.

We report the case of a 45-year-old woman with a history of angiosarcoma who presented with acute embolic events that affected her spleen and lower extremities. We removed a large mobile mass en bloc from her distal thoracic aorta by using the AngioVac system as an alternative to surgical resection. The patient recovered with no recurrence. We discuss the benefits and challenges of using the AngioVac within small vessels of the arterial system.
Mechanical Prosthetic Valve Sparing for Aortic Root Abscess Complicated by Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed , Ammar Ayman , Elnahas Yasser , Abd Al Jawad Mohammed
Published: January 2021

Aortic root abscess complicated by infective endocarditis of a mechanical prosthetic valve is associated with morbidity and death. We retrospectively report our experience with a valve-sparing technique for managing this condition.

From October 2014 through November 2017, 41 patients at our center underwent surgery for aortic root abscess complicated by infective endocarditis of a mechanical prosthetic valve. Twenty (48.7%) met prespecified criteria for use of our valve-sparing technique after careful assessment of the mechanical valve and surrounding tissues. Our technique involved draining the abscess, aggressively débriding all infected and necrotic tissues, and then repairing the resulting defect by suturing a Gelweave patch to the healthy aortic wall and to the cuff of the valve.

We successfully preserved the mechanical aortic valve in all 20 patients. Two (10%) died early (≤30 d postoperatively) of low cardiac output syndrome with progressive heart failure, superadded septicemia, and multisystem organ failure. At 1-year follow-up, the 18 surviving patients (90%) were symptom free and had a well-functioning mechanical aortic valve with no paravalvular leak.

We conclude that, in certain patients, our technique for managing aortic root abscess and sparing the mechanical aortic valve is a safe and less time-consuming approach with relatively low mortality and encouraging midterm follow-up outcomes.
Simple Felt-Plug Closure Technique for Minimally Invasive Removal of a Centrifugal-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Schutz Alexander , Mattar Aladdein , Loor Gabriel , Cohn William E. , Shafii Alexis
Published: January 2021

As the indications for implanting left ventricular assist devices have expanded, some patients are qualifying for device removal after myocardial recovery. Whereas explantation has been described for previous generations of devices, no standard procedures have been developed. Removal of centrifugal-flow devices has created the need for a plug to seal the apical ventriculotomy after pump removal. However, no commercially available products are available in the United States. We used a novel technique to fashion a plug from Teflon felt and a Dacron graft to enable minimally invasive explantation of a current-generation centrifugal-flow device in a 33-year-old woman.