bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low genetic diversity in captive populations of the critically endangered Blue-crowned Laughingthrush (Garrulax courtoisi) revealed by a panel of novel microsatellites
Authors: Chen Guoling , Zheng Chenqing , Wan Nelson , Liu Daoqiang , Fu Vivian Wing Kan , Yang Xu , Yu Yat-tung , Liu Yang
Published: March 2019

Background

Captive populations permit research and conservation of endangered species in which these efforts are hardly implemented in wild populations. Thus, analysing genetic diversity and structure of captive populations offers unique opportunities. One example is the critically endangered Blue-crowned Laughingthrush,Garrulax courtoisi, which has only two known wild populations in Wuyuan, Jiangxi and Simao, Yunnan, China. We carried out the first conservation genetic study, in order to provide useful implications that allow for successful ex situ conservation and management of the Blue-crowned Laughingthrush.

Methods

Using the novel microsatellite markers developed by whole-genome sequencing, we genotyped two captive populations, from the Ocean Park Hong Kong, which are of unknown origin, and the Nanchang Zoo, which were introduced from the Wuyuan wild population since the year 2010–2011, respectively. The genetic diversity of captive Blue-crowned Laughingthrush populations was estimated based on genetic polymorphisms revealed by a new microsatellite data set and mitochondrial sequences. Then, we characterised the population structure using STRUCTURE, principal coordinates analysis, population assignment test using the microsatellite data, and haplotype analysis of mitochondrial data. Additionally, we quantified genetic relatedness based on the microsatellite data with ML-Relate.

Results

Our results showed equally low levels of genetic diversity of the two captive Blue-crowned Laughingthrush populations. The population structure analysis, population assignment test using the microsatellite data, and haplotype analysis of the mitochondrial data showed weak population structuring between these two populations. The average pairwise relatedness coefficient was not significant, and their genetic relatedness was quantified.

Discussion

This study offers a genetic tool and consequently reveals a low level of genetic diversity within populations of a critically endangered bird species. Furthermore, our results indicate that we cannot exclude the probability that the origin of the Hong Kong captive population was the wild population from Wuyuan. These results provide valuable knowledge that can help improve conservation management and planning for both captive and wild Blue-crowned Laughingthrush populations.
Evaluation and Comparative Study of the Nutritional Profile and Antioxidant Potential of New Quinoa Varieties
Authors: Razzeto Gabriela Silvina , Uñates María Angelina , Moreno José Elías Rojas , Lucero López Romina Viviana , Aguilar Elba Graciela , Sturniolo Héctor , Escudero Nora Lilian
Published: March 2019

Aims: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is an ancient crop known for its high nutritive potential. The goal of the present work is to study the nutritional composition, identify some antinutritional factors and antioxidant compounds, and evaluate their antioxidant activity in four advanced lines of quinoa seeds obtained in experimental plots.

Methodology: For this purpose, proteins, total lipids, fiber, moisture, ash and carbohydrates, as well as fatty acid composition and mineral content, were determined in whole meal flours of these advanced lines. The presence of trypsin inhibitors, saponins, nitrates, oxalates and phytate was also evaluated, as well as total phenols and antioxidant activity.

Results: These new quinoa varieties have good nutritional properties, with high protein content in comparison to cereals. In this work, the analysis of proximate and mineral profile of quinoa showed that this pseudocereal has a similar profile but significantly higher than rice, a traditional cereal. Quinoa is a rich source of magnesium, iron, manganese, copper and molybdenum, which are elements that are deficient in almost all gluten-free cereals. The tests performed on the evaluated antinutrient compounds resulted within the acceptable values for human consumption.

The seed extract showed a total phenol content between 43.42 ± 1.35 and 25.82 ± 1.47 mg of gallic acid equivalent/100 g dry weight (P= .05). The antioxidant activities were estimated by DPPH, β carotene and nitric oxide scavenging activity. The results of the methanolic extract were, in average, 88.95 for %DPPH, 26.56 for %β carotene, and varied between 85.82 ± 8.32 to 22.20 ± 1.80 for %NO (P= .05).

Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that the new quinoa lines obtained in the central-west region of Argentina, which present agronomic advantages, are safe for human consumption and beneficial due to the content of nutrients and bioactive compounds that exert protection against many diseases.
Misleading Aggregate Considerations in Sector-Specific Causalities: Long-term Bank Credit Usage in Fishing vs. Agriculture in Turkey
Authors: Demirkol Celal , Acikgoz Ali Faruk
Published: March 2019

As an alternative source of financing the assets, bank credits have ever been on the spot of business finance and financial analysis. Those sources of financing have mostly compared with the short-term appearance of either liabilities or liquidity. The relevant finance literature ensures that the long-term appearance of bank credits in the balance sheets of businesses is not only affected by the composition of short-term liabilities but also the liquidity. Nevertheless, bank credit usage, especially in the long-term, may have different characteristics amongst sectors. Some sectors may even deserve a thorough analysis in their challenge of bank credit finance. The fishing sector and the businesses which it contains may have been neglected in terms of revealing the causalities which might have been hidden by considering its aspects as a supplement in the aggregate figures of the agriculture sector in Turkey. Thus, this study aims at the core debt and liability variables along with a liquidity control variable, cash and cash equivalents or cash, to reveal the causality and cointegration aspects on the long-term bank credit potential in the nexus of these two inter-related sectors. We hereby compare the results of the model designed for the study in between fishing and agriculture sectors in Turkey for the time span of available and comparable data which has been represented by the Central Bank of Turkey as a part of nonfinancial or real sector data from 1996 up to 2009. The findings depict that fishing sector, unlikely to agriculture sector in which it is generally added and forced to share the same investment atmosphere of incentives, policy implications, and attitudes of the creditors, does have different features in terms of long-term bank credit usage. Cash and cash equivalents are not significant regressors for the agriculture sector, however, fishing sector has evidence in the long-run that cash and cash equivalents have noteworthy impact in the long-term bank credits. The results of the study will therefore help both the decisions on the creditors’ and fishing sector sides enriching the profound details and sector specific reasoning for which an aggregate point of view where fishing sector is seen as a part of agriculture sector could not reflect the sector’s characteristics on the path to develop the fishing sector and the businesses therein. We also believe that this study will present evidence for any policies and incentives in promoting new investments in the fishing sector of Turkey.
Influence of Ethanolic Extracts of Spondias mombin (Anacardiaceae) Leaves on Pituitary- Gonadal Axis of Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Asuquo O. R. , Ekanem T. B. , Oko O. O. K , Eluwa M. A.
Published: March 2019

Background: Spondias mombin is one of the tropical plants used locally to treat various kinds of ailment, its use as an anti-conceptive remedy in our locality had been reported.

Objective: The aim of this study was to establish a dose-dependent or duration effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Spondias mombin on the anterior pituitary cells, testes and epididymides of Wistar rats of Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: A total of thirty (30) matured male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=5). Group 1 animals served as control and received vehicle (distilled water). Groups 2 and 3 were administered with 250 mgkg-1 body weight of extract for 4 and 6 weeks respectively, while groups 4 and 5 received 500 mgkg-1 body weight of extract for 4 and 6 weeks also.  Animals were anaesthetized with chloroform and sacrificed at the end of the administration. Body weight, weights of reproductive organs and vital organs were evaluated. Blood was taken from the animals for haematological and biochemical analysis. The pituitary gland, male reproductive and accessory glands were excised and fixed in 10% formalin for routine histological examination.

Results: The influence of ethanolic extract of Spondias mombin leaves on the pituitary cells and reproductive organs of male Wistar rats given 250 and 500 mgkg-1 body weight for 4 and 6 weeks showed loss of cytoplasmic contents and free spaces of pituitary cells, desquamation of seminiferous epithelial cells, degradation of seminiferous tubules and reduction in cells. The epididymis of the test groups showed abundant immature cells and cell debris in their lumen. The accessory glands showed homogenous pinkish fluid, glandular degeneration of the prostate and seminal vesicles with decreased structural integrity. The organ weights of the experimental animals were not significantly affected, however, a significant (P<0.05) decrease in reproductive organ weights was recorded. Ethanolic extract of Spondias mombin on liver enzymes showed significant protection against hepatobiliary damage. 

Conclusion: These results suggest that Spondias mombin has a dose-dependent and duration deleterious effect on the pituitary and reproductive organs at their cellular levels rather than on the tissue as a whole.
A Highly Selective and Sensitive Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Lead at Ultra-trace Levels in Some Real, Environmental, Biological, Food and Soil Samples Using 5,7-Dibromo-8-Hydroxyquinoline
Authors: Ahmed M. Jamaluddin , Islam M. Tazul , Aziz Sumaira
Published: March 2019

A very simple, ultra-sensitive and highly selective non-extractive spectrophotometric method for the determination of trace amounts of lead using 5,7-dibromo-8-hydroxyquinoline (DBHQ) has been developed. DBHQ reacts in a slightly acidic (0.0006-0.0025 M HCl) aqueous solution with lead (II) in 30% ethanolic media to produce highly absorbent a greenish-yellow chelate which has an absorption maximum at 390 nm. The reaction is instantaneous and the absorbance remains stable for over 24 h. The average molar absorption co-efficient and Sandal’s sensitivity were found to be 6.16 x 105 L mol-1cm-1 and 5 ng cm-2 of lead (II), respectively. Linear calibration graphs were obtained for 0.01- 60.0 mg L-1 of lead (II) having detection limit of 1.0 μg L-1 and RSD 0-2%. The stoichiometric composition of the chelate is 1:2 (Pb: DBHQ). A large excess of over 60 cations, anions and complexing agents (like, chloride, phosphate, azide, tartrate, oxalate, SCN- etc.) do not interfere in the determination. The developed method was successfully used in the determination of lead levels in several Standard Reference Materials (alloys, steels, natural water, bovine liver, human urine and hair) as well as in some environmental waters (potable and polluted), biological samples (human blood, urine and hair), soil samples, food samples (vegetables, rice, wheat) solutions containing both lead (II) and lead (IV) and complex synthetic mixtures. The results of biological and food analyses by the spectrophotometric method were found to be in excellent agreement with those obtained by AAS.
Effect of Phyllanthus amarus on Some Reproductive Indices of Male Albino Rats
Authors: Ekpo P. B. , Edu N. E. , Umoyen A. J. , Thomas T. L. , Abraham S. O.
Published: March 2019

Background: Medicinal plants have been a good source of drugs for humans, but chronic and prolong use of medicinal plants like Phyllanthus amarus for the treatment of malaria and other disorders are issues of concerns. This study evaluated the effect of Phyllanthus amarus on reproductive organs and sperm parameters in albino rats.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four healthy male albino rats of 12 weeks old were assigned into four groups with six rats in each group using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The experimental animals were orally treated with Phyllanthus amarus. Group A served as the control and was given only water and feed; Group B, C and D  received 100 mg/kgBW, 200 mg/kgBW and 300 mg/kgBW of Phyllanthus amarus respectively. Data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The treatments lasted for a period of 65 days after two weeks of acclimatization.

Results: The results showed statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction in weight of testes and epididymes, sperm motility, sperm viability, sperm count and sperm head abnormalities in male  rats treated with Phyllanthus amarus when compared to the control. The sperm pH was not significantly (p>0.05) affected by Phyllanthus amarus among the different treatment groups in the experimental animals.

Conclusion: Findings from the present study indicate that Phyllanthus amarus possesses a dose-dependent anti-fertility activity in amale albino rats under a sub-chronic course of administration.
The Prognostic Implication of CD49d Expression by Flow Cytometry and Trisomy 12 Detection by Fluorescent in situ Hybridization in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Zaki Eman Mosaad , El-Gammal Sahar Abd Allah , Sayed Noha Gaber , Sediek Mayada Fawzy , Mohamed Asmaa Ahmed
Published: March 2019

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common chronic lympho‑proliferative disorder. This study done to detect the level of  cluster of differentiation (CD)49d in CLL patients by flow cytometry and its correlation with the prognosis (survival) and with (trisomy12) detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

Methods: Clinico - hematological profiles done to fourty CLL patients. CD49d tested by flow cytometry and trisomy12 was detected by FISH.

Results: CLL patients classified according to modified Rai staging system into: low risk 12.5%, intermediate risk 22.5% and high risk 65%. CD49d and trisomy12 positivity were detected in 29 patients (72.5%) and 22 patients (55%), respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the percentage of trisomy12 and of CD49d cells in CLL patients (P =0.034). And also, between CD49d and CD38 (P =0.034). On the other hand, there was no significant relation between both CD49d and trisomy12 expression and modified Rai staging system.

As regard to overall survival (O.S) and disease free survival (DFS), both CD49d, trisomy12 positive cases were associated with shorter disease free, and overall survivals compared to the negative cases.

Regarding to the relation between the use of combination of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) as a standard treatment in CLL and OS and DFS of patients in our study, we found that FCR account for the better outcome associated with its use.

Conclusion: CLL B-cell membrane expression of CD49d as measured by flow cytometry is a powerful prognostic parameter in patients with CLL. Its positive correlation with the trisomy12 and CD38 and the association of both CD49d and trisomy12 with short survival times indicate that they may have roles in the prognosis of CLL.
Different Sources and Concentrations of 6-BA in Chemical Thinning of Post-flowering in Apple Trees
Authors: Gabardo Gentil Carneiro , Petri José Luiz , Kretzchmar Aike Anneliese , De Martin Mariuccia Schlichting , Sezerino André Amarildo , Coser Willian
Published: March 2019

Aims: Evaluate the efficiency of sources and dosages of 6-benzyladenine in the chemical thinning of the apple tree ‘Fuji Suprema’, as well as possible histological changes in the fruits produced, in the Midwestern region of the state of Santa Catarina.

Study Design: The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design and replicated six replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the municipality of Caçador, Brazil (latitude 26º46 'S, longitude 51º W, altitude 960 meters), during the growing season of 2016/2017.

Methodology: Two commercial products based on 6-BA (Benzyladenine), Exilis® and Maxcel®, both with 2% BA in their composition, were tested and applied individually in post-flowering period (in fruits of 5-10 mm), which were compared with plants with no thinning and manual thinning. Treatments were as follows: Control (no thinning); manual thinning; Exilis® (1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 L ha-1) and Maxcel® 4.5 L ha-1), using a spray volume equivalent to 1000 L ha-1. The fruit set and the number of fruit per cm2 branch, was reduced in treated plants, regardless of the concentration of BA or formulation used. The productivity ranged from 38 to 56.5 t ha-1 in the treatments of Exilis®, 60.5 t ha-1 in manual scaling and 24.5 t ha-1 in the Maxcel® 4.5 L ha-1, characterizing excessive thinning. BA is efficient in fruit thinning in 'Fuji Suprema' apple trees, being the reduction of fruiting, and increase of fruit size, proportional to the applied concentration. There may be differentiated efficiency of the product by its formulation, even though they have concentrations of active ingredient equivalent. Exilis® was efficient in thinning of apple "Fuji Supreme", when applied to fruit 5 to 10 mm in diameter reduced the need for manual thinning, without causing toxicity. BA can promote the increase in the cell density of fruits produced in proportion to the applied concentration.
PREDIKSI KINERJA WAKTU PROYEK KONSTRUKSI
Authors: Suyansen Christian Hadisurya
Published: March 2019

Ada pepatah mengatakan bahwa waktu adalah uang. Pepatah ini berlaku juga di dunia konstruksi oleh karenanya manajemen waktu menjadi penting. Memprediksi akan adanya keterlambatan merupakan kunci sukses dari sebuah proyek konstruksi. Kinerja waktu yang baik adalah salah satu tolok ukur kesuksesan sebuah proyek. Banyak penelitian sebelumnya menemukan beragam faktor penyebab keterlambatan dari proyek konstruksi. Penelitian ini meliputi mengumpulkan faktor, menyeleksi faktor, melakukan survei, analisa statistik, dan verifikasi. Survei dilakukan terhadap proyek yang sudah diselesaikan kontraktor yang berbasis di Surabaya. Sebuah model untuk memprediksi kinerja waktu dikembangkan melalui analisa statistik dengan regresi linear multivarian.
EVALUASI ALUR KERJA DAN KOORDINASI FASE TENDER PADA PERUSAHAAN KONTRAKTOR DI SURABAYA (STUDI KASUS PADA PT. X SURABAYA)
Authors: Candra Yayak Surya , Alifen Ratna S. , Chandra Herry Pintardi
Published: March 2019

Kompleksitas pada tender proyek, menuntut kontraktor untuk dapat mengantisipasinya dengan meningkatkan akurasi dan perhitungan penawaran yang realistis karena jika penawaran terlalu tinggi akan kalah dan apabila terlalu rendah akan menang namun mengalami kerugian. Dalam menghasilkan estimasi biaya penawaran tender yang baik, dibutuhkan alur kerja dan koordinasi yang baik. Penelitian ini bertujuan membuat evaluasi terhadap alur kerja dan koordinasi pada PT. X, menggunakan metode studi kasus dan data yang diperoleh bersumber dari data dokumentasi, observasi dan wawancara. Hasil evaluasi yang didapat, pada fase persiapan kegiatan tender yaitu melibatkan PM saat review dokumen tender, membuat skedul tender, membuat ceklist saat survey lokasi dan memastikan kelengkapannya. Pada fase kegiatan penyusunan dokumen teknis, divisi estimasi biaya dan divisi operasional diupayakan selalu berkoordinasi dalam membuat metode kerja, dan diupayakan berkoordinasi dengan subkon owner saat tender dan klarifikasi, dan pada fase kegiatan penyusunan dokumen komersial, diupayakan untuk meningkatkan kompetensi personil baik hard skill dan soft skill
A Simple Approach to Design Proteins for the Sustainable Synthesis of Metal Nanoclusters
Authors: Aires Antonio , Llarena Irantzu , Moller Marco , Castro‐Smirnov Jose , Cabanillas‐Gonzalez Juan , Cortajarena Aitziber L.
Published: March 2019

Metal nanoclusters (NCs) are considered ideal nanomaterials for biological applications owing to their strong photoluminescence (PL), excellent photostability, and good biocompatibility. This study presents a simple and versatile strategy to design proteins, via incorporation of a di‐histidine cluster coordination site, for the sustainable synthesis and stabilization of metal NCs with different metal composition. The resulting protein‐stabilized metal NCs (Prot‐NCs) of gold, silver, and copper are highly photoluminescent and photostable, have a long shelf life, and are stable under physiological conditions. The biocompatibility of the clusters was demonstrated in cell cultures in which Prot‐NCs showed efficient cell internalization without affecting cell viability or losing luminescence. Moreover, the approach is translatable to other proteins to obtain Prot‐NCs for various biomedical applications such as cell imaging or labeling.
Carboboration of Alkynes with Cyclodextrin‐Encapsulated N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Copper Complexes
Authors: Wen Zhonghang , Zhang Yongmin , Roland Sylvain , Sollogoub Matthieu
Published: March 2019

The copper‐catalyzed carboboration of various alkynes was investigated with a modified N‐heterocyclic carbene‐capped α‐cyclodextrin copper(I) complex in which the reactive copper center is deeply encapsulated in the cyclodextrin (CD) cavity. The methylborylation of terminal alkynes was found to give linear (L) (E)‐vinyl boron isomers as the major isomers, as expected from the previously proposed “perpendicular” approach of the alkyne to the Cu–B bond, and methylation of the vinyl boron copper intermediate. Under similar conditions, the intramolecular carboboration reaction with terminal alkynes functionalized by alkyl halides, led to exocyclic vinyl boronate species as the major isomer. However, an endocyclic (Z)‐isomer was also observed in some cases. This isomer was not previously observed and is unexpected considering the “classical” mechanism. The direct generation of boron functionalized (Z)‐alkenes by carboboration of alkynes is unprecedented.
Healthcare Policy Changes in Osteoporosis Can Improve Outcomes and Reduce Costs in the United States
Authors: Lewiecki E Michael , Ortendahl Jesse D , Vanderpuye‐Orgle Jacqueline , Grauer Andreas , Arellano Jorge , Lemay Jeffrey , Harmon Amanda L , Broder Michael S , Singer Andrea J
Published: March 2019

In the United States, osteoporosis affects over 10 million adults, has high societal costs ($22 billion in 2008), and is currently being underdiagnosed and undertreated. Given an aging population, this burden is expected to rise. We projected the fracture burden in US women by modeling the expected demographic shift as well as potential policy changes. With the anticipated population aging and growth, annual fractures are projected to increase from 1.9 million to 3.2 million (68%), from 2018 to 2040, with related costs rising from $57 billion to over $95 billion. Policy‐driven expansion of case finding and treatment of at‐risk women could lower this burden, preventing 6.1 million fractures over the next 22 years while reducing payer costs by $29 billion and societal costs by $55 billion. Increasing use of osteoporosis‐related interventions can reduce fractures and result in substantial cost‐savings, a rare and fortunate combination given the current landscape in healthcare policy. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Validation of an Magnetic Resonance Imaging Acquisition and Review Protocol for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders
Authors: Asselin Alexandre , Potvin Olivier , Bouchard Louis-Olivier , Brisson Mélanie , Duchesne Simon
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain allows for the identification of structural lesions typical of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the main cause of dementia. However, to have a clinical impact, it is imperative that acquisition and reporting of this MRI-based evidence be standardized, ensuring the highest possible reliability and reproducibility. Our objective was to validate a systematic radiological MRI acquisition and review process in the context of AD.

Methods

We included 100 individuals with a suspicion of dementia due to AD for whom MRI were acquired using our proposed protocol of clinically achievable acquisitions and used a unified reading grid to gather semi-quantitative evidence guiding diagnostic. MRIs were read by 3 raters with different experience levels. Interrater reliability was measured using Cohen's kappa statistic.

Results

Interrater reliability average for lesions occupying space, hemorrhage, or ischemia, was respectively 0.754, 0.715, and 0.501. Average reliability of white matter hyperintensity burden (Fazekas), global cortical atrophy, and temporal lobe atrophy (Scheltens) scales was 0.687, 0.473, and 0.621 (right)/0.599 (left), respectively. The kappas for regional cortical atrophy (frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal, and posterior cingulum) varied from 0.281–0.678. The average MRI reading time varied between 1.43-5.22 minutes.

Conclusions

The presence of space occupying lesions, hemorrhagic or ischemic phenomena, and radiological scales have a good interrater reproducibility in MRI. Coupled with standardized acquisitions, such a protocol should be used when evaluating possible dementias, especially those due to probable AD.
Image-Guided Percutaneous Biopsy for Pancreatic Lesions: 10-Year Experience in a Tertiary Cancer Center
Authors: Stella Steffan Frosi , Van Borsel Mathias , Markose George , Nair Sabarinath B.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Image-guided biopsy is an important tool in the diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy and complications associated with this procedure.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients referred to interventional radiology for pancreatic biopsy at our institution from July 2004-July 2015. Two radiologists independently reviewed the images, technical aspects, and clinical characteristics.

Results

A total of 82 patients underwent pancreatic biopsy using a combination of computed tomography (CT) and/or ultrasound guidance. Mean age was 67.8 years with 56% males. Most lesions were located in the head (63.4%), followed by the tail (19.5%), and the body (17.1%). The procedures were performed using the anterior (79.3%), lateral (7.3%), or posterior (13.4%) approach, with direct access in 85.4% of the patients and indirect access (transgastric or transhepatic) in 14.6% of cases. Core biopsies were obtained in 81.7% of cases, and fine needle aspiration was performed in 18.3% of cases. Needle size varied from 18–22 gauge (median 20 gauge). The median number of samples collected was 3 (range 1–8). A conclusive result was obtained in 82.9% of cases. There were 9 (11%) patients with minor complications: minor bleeding, pain, and inadvertent bowel puncture with no clinical repercussion. There were no deaths or major complications.

Conclusion

Percutaneous image-guided pancreatic mass biopsy can be performed safely with excellent accuracy. Our results are comparable with endoscopic biopsy/aspiration, and percutaneous biopsy may be used as an alternative, particularly at institutions where endoscopy facilities are limited.
Twenty Years of Plaque Incision and Grafting for Peyronie’s Disease: A Review of Literature
Authors: Rice Patrick G. , Somani Bhaskar K. , Rees Rowland W.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Plaque incision and grafting (PIG) is indicated for men with complex or severe penile curvature and, despite a multitude of incision types and grafting materials having been used, no individual technique has proven superiority.

Aim

To assess outcomes following PIG and to understand the operative technique.

Methods

A systematic review was performed to find all relevant studies reporting on use of the PIG technique to correct curvature resulting from Peyronie’s disease. Studies were included if they had >40 participants, were written in the English language, and no penile prosthesis was implanted.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcome measures included deformity correction, erectile dysfunction, and degree of penile lengthening/shortening. Secondary outcome measures included satisfaction, reoperation rate, and complications.

Results

Twelve studies were included in the quantitative synthesis, which overall report on the results of 1,025 patients. Careful patient selection was critical, with erectile function requiring assessment with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), subjective patient reports, and consideration of whether erections are pharmacologically aided. There was no evidence of superiority in favor of any particular incision type or grafting material, and absorbable sutures were clearly favored. Postoperatively, 4.6%–67.4% required pharmacologically aided erections and 0–11.8% were completely unable to achieve erections. Successful straightening occurred in 80.0%–96.4%, although there was no consistent definition of success. Penile length was unchanged in 44.2%–95.0%; 88.0%–92.0% of the patients were satisfied, and .7%–4.7% required reoperation. Altered sensation occurred in 2.0%–22.5% of patients, of which 80.0%–100.0% was only a transient loss. All outcomes were heterogeneously reported. There are no clear predictive factors for erectile dysfunction following PIG surgery. No single incision type or grafting material has proven superiority.

Conclusion

PIG is an effective and safe technique for correction of complex or severe penile curvature in terms of satisfaction, length change, straightening, and complications.
The effects of 7‐week cognitive training in patients with vascular cognitive impairment, no dementia (the Cog‐VACCINE study): A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tang Yi , Xing Yi , Zhu Zude , He Yong , Li Fang , Yang Jianwei , Liu Qing , Li Fangyu , Teipel Stefan J. , Zhao Guoguang , Jia Jianping
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Evidence for the efficacy of cognitive training in patients with subcortical vascular cognitive impairment no dementia is still lacking.

Methods

A randomized, active controlled design using multidomain, adaptive, computerized cognitive training for 30 minutes, 5 days/week for 7 weeks. Assessments included global cognitive function and executive function (primary outcomes) and brain functional connectivity and structural changes (secondary outcomes).

Results

Sixty patients were randomized across three medical centers in Beijing. At the end of the intervention, the cognitive training group showed significant improvement in Montreal Cognitive Assessment relative to the active control group (P = .013) and significantly increased functional connectivity between the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, which was significantly correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment change (P = .017).

Discussion

Computerized cognitive training significantly improved global cognitive function, which was supported by the improved brain plasticity. Incorporation of biomarkers should be implemented in cognitive training trials.
Flap Combination Phalloplasty in Female-to-Male Transsexuals
Authors: Namba Yuzaburo , Watanabe Toshiyuki , Kimata Yoshihiro
Published: March 2019

Background

Although phalloplasty with a free radial forearm (RF) flap is the gold standard for sex reassignment surgery in female-to-male transsexuals, it can result in unsightly scars, lymphedema, and numbness of the hand.

Aim

To introduce the concept of flap combination phalloplasty and its clinical application.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review study of patients undergoing phalloplasty using various multiple flaps. Demographic data, surgical data, and outcomes were recorded.

Outcomes

Of the 15 cases, 5 were urethral fistulas; 4 were venous thrombosis; 2 were urethral calculus; and 1 was a partial flap loss.

Results

15 patients were included (age range 25–43 years, median 34 years). An RF flap and a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap combination were most frequently used. The median operative time for flap combination phalloplasty was 10.5 hours (range 6.5–12.5 hours). There was no total flap necrosis, but there was 1 case of partial flap loss. There were urethral fistulas in 5, venous thrombosis in 4, and urethral calculus in 2 cases.

Clinical Implications

Flap combination phalloplasty will become the third option when both the RF flap and the anterolateral thigh pedicle flap are not useful.

Strength & limitations

Flap combination phalloplasty is a complex operative procedure with a prolonged operative time, but it can provide more flap selection and reduce the morbidity at each donor site. Choosing from many different options can be beneficial to patients.

Conclusion

Flap combination phalloplasty has a similar complication rate to other procedures and has advantages in terms of flexibility and less donor site morbidity; it may thus be an option when either the RF flap or the anterolateral thigh pedicle flap cannot be used.
Incentivizing Equity and Diversity in AGU Honors Nominations
Authors: Glass Jennifer , Cobb Kim
Published: March 2019

These five common myths persist about nominating your colleagues. AGU can pursue several methods of ushering in change more quickly.
Utilisation of plug‐in electric vehicles for frequency regulation of multi‐area thermal interconnected power system
Authors: Gaur Pushpa , Bhowmik Debashish , Soren Nirmala
Published: March 2019

The application of plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs) is assumed to be wide in power system in regulating the system frequency in the near future. This paper provides an aggregate model of an interconnected multi‐area thermal system with the incorporation of PEVs for frequency control in each of the three areas. Two degree of freedom proportional–integral–derivative (2DOF‐PID) controller has been utilised for robust secondary control in all the three control areas. An optimisation technique inspired by nature named as wind‐driven optimisation (WDO) technique is employed to decide the optimal values of the controller gains. The effectiveness of WDO optimised 2DOF‐PID controller is verified by performing various comparative analysis with conventional PID controller under nominal system condition and random loading condition. An analysis has also been carried out to evaluate the system performance with variation in state of the integrated PEVs. The impact of introducing PEVs in the system in frequency regulation has been vigorously studied under different system conditions such as nominal, random loading condition, and simultaneous perturbation in two and three areas to testify their advantages. The comparisons reveal that with the integration of PEVs in the system, the system dynamics gets enhanced to a large extent.
Effective and low‐cost passive compensator system to improve the power quality of two electric generators
Authors: Terriche Yacine , Kerdoun Djallel , Golestan Saeed , Laib Abderrzak , Djehloud Hind , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: March 2019

To suppress the most dominant harmonic currents and compensate for the power factor (PF) of electric generators (EGs), a technique based on passive power filters (PPFs) is presented here. The key feature of the proposed method is the implementation of only a set of PPFs for compensating the power‐quality issues of two EGs. This characteristic makes the suggested approach highly cost‐effective and considerably reduces the required space for placing PPFs. The performance of the proposed technique is demonstrated using simulation studies under MATLAB/Simulink environment and validated experimentally.
Sport experience is correlated with complex motor skill recovery in youth following concussion
Authors: Dalecki Marc , Gorbet Diana J. , Macpherson Alison , Sergio Lauren E.
Published: March 2019

A previous study showed prolonged cognitive–motor integration (CMI) deficits in youth with a history of concussion who were classified as asymptomatic by current return‐to‐play protocols, highlighting potential differences between clinical symptom recovery and skill recovery. The present study examines factors that may influence skilled performance recovery (defined as matching the skill level of no‐concussion history peers) post‐concussion in a similar cohort. Sixty‐four asymptomatic youth (M = 13 yrs.) soccer, hockey, and lacrosse players with a concussion history (M = 14 months post‐concussion) who returned to play and sixty‐two age‐matched team members with no previous concussion participated in this study. They performed two touchscreen‐based eye–hand coordination tasks, including a direct interaction and a CMI task. We analysed the relationship between CMI performance and concussion history, and whether age, sex, number of concussions, and years of sport experience in their sport affected skill recovery. Individuals with concussion history and higher amounts of sport experience (7–12 years) reached a performance level matching their no‐history peers quicker (after 12 months) than those with concussion history and lower sport experience (1–6 years; recovery after 30 months). This effect was independent of the number of concussions, age, and sex. The present results point towards an important role of eye–limb coordination‐related sport experience in functional CMI recovery post‐concussion. Youth with a concussion history but greater sport experience may have more skill‐related motor “reserve”. This reserve may directly aid in behavioural recovery post‐concussion, or the greater neurological efficiency associated with athletic experience provides a compensatory mechanism that provides faster functional recovery.
Prevalence of disordered eating in elite female athletes in team sports in Greece
Authors: Kampouri Dimitra , Kotopoulea‐Nikolaidi Maria , Daskou Sofia , Giannopoulou Ifigeneia
Published: March 2019

The purpose of the study was to assess (a) the prevalence of disordered eating (DE) in elite female team sports players compared to non‐athletes and (b) to compare DE prevalence in elite female players in basketball, volleyball and water polo. One hundred and seventy‐five females were recruited (age 23.10 ± 5.4, BMI 21.85 ± 2.3 kg/m2), 53 were elite basketball players, 42 were elite volleyball players, 34 were elite water polo players and 46 were non‐athletes. Participants completed the Eating Disorders Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) and a physical activity questionnaire. The EDE‐Q incorporates 36 statements which relate to the occurrence and frequency of key behaviours of eating disorders, under the following four subscales: Restraint, eating concern, shape concern and weight concern and a global score of disordered eating. No differences were found in the EDE‐Q subscale score and global score between athletes and non‐athletes. Only 6.2% of the total number of participants exhibited DE using the global score >2.3. Water polo players had significantly higher scores in the ‘eating concern’ subscale and in the frequency of key behavioural features of DE such as binge eating episodes and objective and subjective bulimic episodes, compared to volleyball and basketball players. In conclusion, team sport elite female players do not exhibit greater prevalence of DE compared to non‐athletes. Water polo, a sport that emphasises leanness and control of body weight for international distinctions, is associated with a higher tendency to exhibit DE, when compared to other team sports.
Upper‐body repeated‐sprint training in hypoxia in international rugby union players
Authors: Beard Adam , Ashby John , Kilgallon Mark , Brocherie Franck , Millet Grégoire P.
Published: March 2019

This study investigated the effects of upper‐body repeated‐sprint training in hypoxia vs. in normoxia on world‐level male rugby union players’ repeated‐sprint ability (RSA) during an international competition period. Thirty‐six players belonging to an international rugby union male national team performed over a 2‐week period four sessions of double poling repeated‐sprints (consisting of 3 × eight 10‐s sprints with 20‐s passive recovery) either in normobaric hypoxia (RSH, simulated altitude 3000 m, n = 18) or in normoxia (RSN, 300 m; n = 18). At pre‐ and post‐training intervention, RSA was evaluated using a double‐poling repeated‐sprint test (6 × 10‐s maximal sprint with 20‐s passive recovery) performed in normoxia. Significant interaction effects (P < 0.05) between condition and time were found for RSA‐related parameters. Compared to Pre‐, peak power significantly improved at post‐ in RSH (423 ± 52 vs. 465 ± 69 W, P = 0.002, η²=0.12) but not in RSN (395 ± 65 vs. 397 ± 57 W). Averaged mean power was also significantly enhanced from pre‐ to post‐intervention in RSH (351 ± 41 vs. 388 ± 53 W, P < 0.001, η²=0.15), while it remained unchanged in RSN (327 ± 49 vs. 327 ± 43 W). No significant change in sprint decrement (P = 0.151, η² = 0.02) was observed in RSH (−17 ± 2% vs. −16 ± 3%) nor RSN (−17 ± 2% vs. −18 ± 4%). This study showed that only four upper‐body RSH sessions were beneficial in enhancing repeated power production in international rugby union players. Although the improvement from RSA to game behaviour remains unclear, this finding appears of practical relevance since only a short preparation window is available prior to international games.
Health assistant: answering your questions anytime from biomedical literature
Authors: Jin Zan-Xia , Zhang Bo-Wen , Fang Fan , Zhang Le-Le , Yin Xu-Cheng
Published: March 2019

Motivation

With the abundant medical resources, especially literature available online, it is possible for people to understand their own health status and relevant problems autonomously. However, how to obtain the most appropriate answer from the increasingly large-scale database, remains a great challenge. Here, we present a biomedical question answering framework and implement a system, Health Assistant, to enable the search process.

Methods

In Health Assistant, a search engine is firstly designed to rank biomedical documents based on contents. Then various query processing and search techniques are utilized to find the relevant documents. Afterwards, the titles and abstracts of top-N documents are extracted to generate candidate snippets. Finally, our own designed query processing and retrieval approaches for short text are applied to locate the relevant snippets to answer the questions.

Results

Our system is evaluated on the BioASQ benchmark datasets, and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our system, compared to BioASQ participant systems and some state-of-the-art methods on both document retrieval and snippet retrieval tasks.

Availability and implementation

A demo of our system is available at https://github.com/jinzanxia/biomedical-QA.
A novel genotype-based clinicopathology classification of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy provides novel insights into disease progression
Authors: Chen Liang , Song Jiangping , Chen Xiao , Chen Kai , Ren Jie , Zhang Ningning , Rao Man , Hu Zhenliang , Zhang Yan , Gu Min , Zhao Hong , Tang Hanwei , Yang Zhongfa , Hu Shengshou
Published: March 2019

Aims

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) shows large heterogeneity in its clinical, genetic, and pathological presentation. This study aims to provide a comprehensive atlas of end-stage AC and illustrate the relationships among clinical characteristics, genotype, and pathological profiles of patients with this disease.

Methods and results

We collected 60 explanted AC hearts and performed standard pathology examinations. The clinical characteristics of patients, their genotype and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings were assessed along with pathological characteristics. Masson staining of six representative sections of each heart were performed. Digital pathology combined with image segmentation was developed to calculate distribution of myocardium, fibrosis, and adipose tissue. An unsupervised clustering based on fibrofatty distribution containing four subtypes was constructed. Patients in Cluster 1 mainly carried desmosomal mutations (except for desmoplakin) and were subjected to transplantation at early age; this group was consistent with classical ‘desmosomal cardiomyopathy’. Cluster 2 mostly had non-desmosomal mutations and showed regional fibrofatty replacement in right ventricle. Patients in Cluster 3 showed parallel progression, and included patients with desmoplakin mutations. Cluster 4 is typical left-dominant AC, although the genetic background of these patients is not yet clear. Multivariate regression analysis revealed precordial QRS voltage as an independent indicator of the residual myocardium of right ventricle, which was validated in predicting death and transplant events in the validation cohort (n = 92).

Conclusion

This study provides a novel classification of AC with distinct genetic backgrounds indicating different potential pathogenesis. Cluster 1 is distinct in genotype and clinicopathology and can be defined as ‘desmosomal cardiomyopathy’. Precordial QRS amplitude is an independent indicator reflecting the right ventricular remodelling, which may be able to predict transplant/death events for AC patients.
Host–microbial dialogues in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuro , Nagao Keisuke
Published: March 2019

Recent advances in sequencing technologies have revealed the diversity of microbes that reside on the skin surface which has enhanced our understanding on skin as an ecosystem, wherein the epidermis, immune cells and the microbiota engage in active dialogues that maintain barrier integrity and functional immunity. This mutual dialogue is altered in atopic dermatitis (AD), in which an impaired epidermal barrier, the skin microbial flora and aberrant immunity can form a vicious cycle that leads to clinical manifestations as eczematous dermatitis. Microbiome studies have revealed an altered microbial landscape in AD and genetic studies have identified genes that underlie barrier impairment and immune dysregulation. Shifting from the long-standing notion that AD was mediated by conventional allergic responses, emerging data suggest that it is a disorder of an altered host–microbial relationship with sophisticated pathophysiology. In this review, we will discuss recent advancements that suggest the roles of the skin microbiota in AD pathophysiology, genetic factors that mediate barrier impairment, dysbiosis and inflammation. Studies in mice, classic AD and monogenic disorders that manifest as AD collectively facilitate our understanding of AD pathophysiology and provide a foundation for novel therapeutic strategies.
‘Home Means Everything to Me …’: A Study of Young Syrian Refugees’ Narratives Constructing Home in Greece
Authors: Arvanitis Eugenia , Yelland Nicola
Published: March 2019

The ongoing civil war in Syria has displaced many citizens who have fled the violence in order to seek sanctuary and asylum in Europe. As they seek refugee status, they are living in liminal spaces in transit countries, in the hope that they will be relocated on a permanent basis to a new country. In many instances, family members have gone before them and are already ‘settled’ in new countries. The remaining family make the perilous journey out of Syria, in the hope that they will be reunited with their family members and accorded refugee status. In this article, we share the stories of five Syrian children (aged from 11 to 15 years of age) temporarily housed in the LM refugee centre near the town of Lehaina (Myrsini Ileias, Peloponnese, Greece). We asked them about their concept of ‘home’ and, using a narrative methodology, we present their personal stories of their reconstructions of ‘home’ while they are located in this liminal space. How do they share stories of their original homes? What are their lives like in this and the other unfamiliar places that they have found themselves in? What do the young refugees make of their ‘new homes’? What challenges do they face? These are just some of the issues that we explore here in these narratives of a search for a ‘new’ home.