bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does an effective shoulder injury prevention program affect risk factors in handball? A randomized controlled study
Authors: Fredriksen Hilde , Cools Ann , Bahr Roald , Myklebust Grethe
Published: April 2020

Background

Shoulder problems are common in handball, but injury risk reduction is possible by implementing a prevention program. However, player compliance to the program remains a challenge, with feedback from players that the program is too time consuming.

Aim

To develop a more efficient program, we aimed to assess the effect of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center shoulder injury prevention program on external rotation (ER) strength and internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM), considered to represent key risk factors for injury.

Methods

Four youth handball teams (three females, one males, 57 players, mean age 17.1 years) were randomized to an intervention or control group. The intervention program was conducted three times per week as a part of handball warm‐up for 18 weeks, supervised by physical therapists. The main outcome variables were the between‐group differences in ER strength and IR ROM change from baseline to postintervention. Isometric ER strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer and IR ROM with a digital goniometer.

Results

Mean dominant shoulder isometric ER strength increased both in the intervention (10%) and the control group (6%) during the intervention, but there was no significant group by time interaction (group difference: 0.06 N/kg (95% CI: −0.04 to 0.17). IR ROM did not change in either group during the intervention.

Conclusion

The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center shoulder injury prevention program did not affect the risk factors ER strength and IR ROM. The preventive effect of the program must therefore be due to other factors.
Role of Maraviroc in minimizing the risk of graft rejection in HIV‐infected kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Alfano Gaetano , Guaraldi Giovanni , Fontana Francesco , Franceschini Erica , Dolci Giovanni , Mussini Cristina , Cappelli Gianni
Published: April 2020

Background

Kidney transplantation in HIV‐infected patients is characterized by a concerning high rate of allograft rejections. The etiological mechanisms leading to this increased immunoreactivity are still unknown. Maraviroc is a new antiretroviral agent that has been associated with immunomodulatory proprieties; therefore, its use may be a promising strategy to minimize the rate of rejections in HIV‐infected kidney transplant (KT) recipients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study in our cohort of HIV‐KT recipients with the aim to explore the effects of maraviroc in reducing the risk of graft rejection.

Results

Twenty‐two HIV‐infected KT recipients predominantly of Caucasian origin (86%) and with a median age of 49 (IQR, 51.9‐42.2) years were evaluated. Ten HIV‐infected patients were treated with maraviroc and 12 with a maraviroc‐free antiretroviral regimen. After a median follow‐up of 3.01 years, half of the maraviroc‐treated patients (n = 5) developed seven episodes of graft rejection, most of them were T cell–mediated rejections (85.7%). Five episodes were recorded in the maraviroc‐free group. The difference in the rate of graft rejections was not statistically significant (P = .23).

Conclusions

The administration of maraviroc was ineffective in preventing graft rejections in our cohort of patients.
Pro‐inflammatory effects after platelet transfusion: a review
Authors: Chen Bin‐Zhen , Xia Rong
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives

Platelet has been linked to thrombosis in several studies. Inflammation is closely intertwined with thrombosis and occurs consecutively; it is therefore conceivable that platelet transfusions perform an increasingly vital role in inflammation. As platelet transfusions have been a significant therapeutic approach in patients for decades, serious risks including viral transmission, bacterial sepsis and acute lung injury have been demonstrated by retrospective studies and randomized clinical trials. Recent data suggest associations among platelet transfusion and pro‐inflammatory responses.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review (from 2014 to 2019) on English literatures was conducted. Data on platelet transfusion‐related reactions were abstracted. Preset inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify all eligible articles.

Results

All patients abstracted have received platelet transfusion. This new review focuses on recent 5‐year advances (from 2014 to 2019) to have found that the platelet transfusion as pro‐inflammatory process, concerning secretion of platelet microparticles and other inflammatory factors.

Conclusion

It can be hypothesized that the platelet microparticles or biological response modifier pathways might be innovative and therapeutic approaches to improving platelet transfusion and pretransfusion manipulations to reduce transfusion‐related adverse reactions and therefore improve the efficacy and safety of this wide‐employed therapy.
English in the South African language‐in‐education policy on higher education
Authors: Ngcobo Mtholeni N. , Barnes Lawrie A.
Published: April 2020

This article investigates the perceptions of students at the University of South Africa towards the languages of learning and teaching (media of instruction) at the institution. Data obtained from both individual interviews and focus groups indicated that students have an overwhelming preference for English as the primary medium of instruction at the university, even though the language poses various challenges for them. Students showed mixed views about the role of African languages as languages of learning and teaching. The issue of choice is influenced by socio‐historical factors, instrumental motivation, and concerns about the impracticality of introducing all 11 official languages as media of instruction.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild boar and deer in Brandenburg, Germany
Authors: Bier Nadja Seyhan , Stollberg Kaya , Mayer‐Scholl Anne , Johne Annette , Nöckler Karsten , Richter Martin
Published: April 2020

Consumption of game in Germany has increased during the past 10 years. Wild boar (Sus scrofa), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) are the most frequently hunted and consumed game animals in Germany, yet information on the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens in these animal species is scarce. To better estimate the public health risk emanating from handling and consumption of game, this study investigated seroprevalences of Toxoplasma gondii in game hunted in the German federal state of Brandenburg during two hunting seasons from 2017 to 2019. Toxoplasma gondii‐specific antibodies were detected in 24.4% (44/180, 95% CI: 18.4%–31.4%) of wild boar, 12.8% (16/125, 95% CI: 7.5%–20%) of roe deer and 6.4% (3/47, 95% CI: 1.3%–17.5%) of red deer using a commercial ELISA kit. Seroprevalences were similar in the two hunting seasons. Correlation between sex and seropositivity could not be observed. A rise in seroprevalence was seen with increasing age in all studied game species. Observed seroprevalences suggest that T. gondii is endemic in the sylvatic environment in the German federal state of Brandenburg and imply that game could represent a relevant source for human T. gondii infection.
Molecular phylogeny of protobranch bivalves and systematic implications of their shell microstructure
Authors: Sato Kei , Kano Yasunori , Setiamarga Davin H. E. , Watanabe Hiromi K. , Sasaki Takenori
Published: April 2020

Higher systematics and evolutionary history of Protobranchia, a subclass of Bivalvia, have long been controversial due to paucity of prominent shell characters and difficulties in collecting live material for diverse taxa. Here, we evaluate the reliability of shell microstructure for protobranch higher systematics by reconstructing a molecular phylogeny of the subclass. Relationships were assessed using the nuclear (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and histone H3) and mitochondrial (16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) gene sequences from 89 in‐group species. Maximum likelihood reconstruction with the nuclear markers recognized five superfamilies (Nuculoidea, Solemyoidea, Manzanelloidea, Nuculanoidea and Sareptoidea) as the in‐group clades of the monophyletic Protobranchia. Sareptoidea is herein redefined to comprise Sarepta and Setigloma in the sole family Sareptidae, whereas Pristigloma and its monotypic Pristiglomidae are transferred from this superfamily to Nuculanoidea, both in the order Nuculanida. Mapping of shell microstructure characters on the tree confirmed their conservativeness at superfamily level when only living species were taken into account. The Nuculoidea have shells with the outer prismatic and middle/inner nacreous structures; Solemyoidea are characterized by either the radially elongate simple prismatic structure or the reticulate structure in the outer shell layer; Manzanelloidea, Nuculanoidea and Sareptoidea have shells of homogeneous, fibrous prismatic and/or fine complex crossed lamellar structures, all of which lack large structural units. Our Bayesian time calibration, on the contrary, suggested frequent loss of nacre in the Paleozoic and Mesozoic history of Protobranchia, at least once each in Nuculoidea, Manzanelloidea, Solemyoidea and Sareptoidea in the Paleozoic, and perhaps multiple times in Nuculanoidea by the Mesozoic.
Genomic mapping in outbred mice reveals overlap in genetic susceptibility for HZE ion– and γ-ray–induced tumors
Authors: Edmondson E. F. , Gatti D. M. , Ray F. A. , Garcia E. L. , Fallgren C. M. , Kamstock D. A. , Weil M. M.
Published: April 2020

Shared QTL for sporadic and γ-ray– and HZE ion–induced tumors supports use of the current NASA space radiation cancer risk model.
Linking extracellular enzymes to phylogeny indicates a predominantly particle-associated lifestyle of deep-sea prokaryotes
Authors: Zhao Zihao , Baltar Federico , Herndl Gerhard J.
Published: April 2020

Dominance of dissolved extracellular enzymes indicates that deep-sea prokaryotes are associated mainly with particulate matter.
Sperm DNA damage causes genomic instability in early embryonic development
Authors: Middelkamp Sjors , van Tol Helena T. A. , Spierings Diana C. J. , Boymans Sander , Guryev Victor , Roelen Bernard A. J. , Lansdorp Peter M. , Cuppen Edwin , Kuijk Ewart W.
Published: April 2020

Sperm cells with damaged DNA cause mitotic errors in the fertilized embryo, leading to a diverse spectrum of genomic abnormalities.
LC3-associated phagocytosis protects against inflammation and liver fibrosis via immunoreceptor inhibitory signaling
Authors: Wan JingHong , Weiss Emmanuel , Ben Mkaddem Sanae , Mabire Morgane , Choinier Pierre-Marie , Picq Olivia , Thibault-Sogorb Tristan , Hegde Pushpa , Pishvaie Dorsa , Bens Marcelle , Broer Linda , Gilgenkrantz Hélène , Moreau Richard , Saveanu Loredana , Codogno Patrice , Monteiro Renato C. , Lotersztajn Sophie
Published: April 2020

LC3-associated phagocytosis is a protective mechanism against inflammation, with antifibrogenic properties in the liver.
Two Tandem Mechanisms Control Bimodal Expression of the Flagellar Genes in Salmonella enterica
Authors: Wang Xiaoyi , Koirala Santosh , Aldridge Phillip D. , Rao Christopher V.
Published: April 2020

Many bacterial use flagella to swim in liquids and swarm over surface. In
Salmonella enterica
, over 50 genes are required to assemble flagella. The expression of these genes is tightly regulated. Previous studies have found that flagellar gene expression is bimodal in
S. enterica
, which means that only a fraction of cells express flagellar genes and are motile. In the present study, we found that two separate mechanisms induce this bimodal response. One mechanism, which was previously identified, tunes the fraction of motile cells in response to nutrients. The other results from a developmental checkpoint that couples flagellar gene expression to flagellar assembly. Collectively, these results further our understanding of how flagellar gene expression is regulated in
S. enterica
.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Aspergillus terreus High-Itaconic-Acid-Productivity Strain IFO6365
Authors: Takahashi Hiro , Minami Tomoyuki , Okabe Mitsuyasu , Park Enoch Y. , Fujimoto Tsukasa , Takahashi Anna , Murase Masataka , Fukuyoshi Shuichi , Satou Kenji , Kanamasa Shin
Published: April 2020

Itaconic acid is an important organic acid used in the chemical industry.
Aspergillus terreus
strain IFO6365 is one of the highest-yielding itaconic acid-producing wild-type strains. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of IFO6365, enhancing the understanding of the role and biosynthesis of itaconic acid in this fungus.
Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Phage SA75, Isolated from Goat Feces
Authors: D’Souza Roshan , White Richard C. , Buzzeo Rachel , Goglin Karrie , Vashee Sanjay , Lee Yoona , Son Bokyung , Ryu Sangryeol , Fouts Derrick E.
Published: April 2020

Antibiotic-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
is an opportunistic pathogen causing serious human infections worldwide. Here, we report the complete annotated genome of bacteriophage SA75, a member of the
Siphoviridae
family which could be an alternative to traditional antibiotics for treating
Staphylococcus
infections. We used a hybrid approach combining MinION and Illumina MiSeq sequencing, which yielded a 43,134-bp genome and 65 open reading frames.
Complete Genome Sequence of Megamonas funiformis JCM 14723
T
Authors: Tourlousse Dieter M. , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Miura Takamasa , Narita Koji , Ohashi Akiko , Uchino Yoshihito , Yamazoe Atsushi , Kameyama Keishi , Terauchi Jun , Ohkuma Moriya , Kawasaki Hiroko , Sekiguchi Yuji
Published: April 2020

We announce the complete genome sequence of
Megamonas funiformis
JCM 14723
T
(YIT 11815
T
). The genome consists of a circular chromosome (2,522,577 bp, 31.5% G+C content) and a plasmid of 46,189 bp (29.4% G+C content). The genome was predicted to contain 6 rRNA operons, 53 tRNA genes, and 2,440 protein-coding sequences.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Amino Acid-Secreting Lactococcus lactis Strains
Authors: Hernandez-Valdes Jhonatan A. , de Jong Anne , Kok Jan , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: April 2020

Three
Lactococcus lactis
strains with the ability to secrete various amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, methionine, valine, glutamic acid, and histidine) were sequenced in order to identify the mechanisms involved in the secretion. Amino acids contribute to flavor formation; therefore, bacterial strains with this ability are relevant for the food industry.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Toxic and Bioactive Exopolysaccharide-Bearing Bacterium,
Sulfitobacter
sp. Strain AM1-D1
Authors: Yang Xi , Jiang Zhi-Wei , Chen Zhuang , Dai Jun , Wang Lei , Zhang Xiao-Ling , Yang Qiao
Published: April 2020

Sulfitobacter
sp. strain AM1-D1, a toxic bacterium of the family
Rhodobacteraceae
, was isolated from the cultivable phycosphere microbiota of marine toxigenic dinoflagellate
Alexandrium minutum
amtk4. The complete 4.69-Mb genome comprises one single circular chromosome and five circular plasmids. It has 4,559 coding genes, including those for biosynthesis or degradation of saxitoxin and bioactive exopolysaccharides.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Clinical Isolates of Madurella mycetomatis, the Major Cause of Black-Grain Mycetoma
Authors: Khidir El Shiekh , Ahmed Abdalla , Fahal Ahmed Hassan , Ibrahim Al Amin
Published: April 2020

The draft genomes of three fungal clinical isolates of
Madurella mycetomatis
from patients with mycetoma are presented. No finished genome is currently available for this important fungus. Therefore, the addition of these new draft genomes will help us better understand the diversity and pathogenicity of this important species.
Genome Sequence of the Fish Brain Bacterium Clostridium tarantellae
Authors: Bano Luca , Kiel Matthias , Sales Gabriele , Doxey Andrew C. , Mansfield Michael J. , Wami Haleluya T. , Schiavone Marco , Rossetto Ornella , Pirazzini Marco , Dobrindt Ulrich , Montecucco Cesare
Published: April 2020

Eubacterium tarantellae
was originally cultivated from the brain of fish affected by twirling movements. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
E. tarantellae
DSM 3997, which consists of 3,982,316 bp. Most protein-coding genes in this strain are similar to genes of
Clostridium
bacteria, supporting the renaming of
E. tarantellae
as
Clostridium tarantellae
.
Phlegmasia cerulea dolens in a patient treated with carboplatin
Authors: Söderman Martin , Grimm Peter
Published: April 2020

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a rare, fulminant, potentially lethal and often debilitating presentation of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Mortality and amputations rates are high. We present a rare case of bilateral PCD in the lower extremities. A 67-year-old woman presented with newly diagnosed squamous cell cancer of unknown primary origin with lymph node metastases to the neck. The patient started curatively intended treatment, consisting of removal of one lymph node on the neck, radiotherapy with concomitant carboplatin and nimorazol. The patient developed bilateral DVT in the legs. Despite treatment with low-molecular-weight heparins, the patient developed thrombosis in the inferior vena cava and lungs. Due to developing painful discolouration and necrosis on the legs, the patient underwent acute and extensive surgery. PCD is a severe and potentially lethal form of DVT. There are several known risk factors for developing DVT, including active cancer and the use of chemotherapy.
Evaluating the Alimentary and Respiratory Tracts in Health and disease (EARTH) research programme: a protocol for prospective, longitudinal, controlled, observational studies in children with chronic disease at an Australian tertiary paediatric hospital
Authors: Coffey Michael J , McKay Isabelle R , Doumit Michael , Chuang Sandra , Adams Susan , Stelzer-Braid Sacha , Waters Shafagh A , Kasparian Nadine A , Thomas Torsten , Jaffe Adam , Katz Tamarah , Ooi Chee Y
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Chronic gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions of childhood can have long-lasting physical, psychosocial and economic effects on children and their families. Alterations in diet and intestinal and respiratory microbiomes may have important implications for physical and psychosocial health. Diet influences the intestinal microbiome and should be considered when exploring disease-specific alterations. The concepts of gut-brain and gut-lung axes provide novel perspectives for examining chronic childhood disease(s). We established the ‘Evaluating theAlimentary andRespiratoryTracts inHealth and disease’ (EARTH) research programme to provide a structured, holistic evaluation of children with chronic gastrointestinal and/or respiratory conditions.

Methods and analysis

The EARTH programme provides a framework for a series of prospective, longitudinal, controlled, observational studies (comprised of individual substudies), conducted at an Australian tertiary paediatric hospital (the methodology is applicable to other settings). Children with a chronic gastrointestinal and/or respiratory condition will be compared with age and gender matched healthy controls (HC) across a 12-month period. The following will be collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months: (i) stool, (ii) oropharyngeal swab/sputum, (iii) semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, (iv) details of disease symptomatology, (v) health-related quality of life and (vi) psychosocial factors. Data on the intestinal and respiratory microbiomes and diet will be compared between children with a condition and HC. Correlations between dietary intake (energy, macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients), intestinal and respiratory microbiomes within each group will be explored. Data on disease symptomatology, quality of life and psychosocial factors will be compared between condition and HC cohorts.

Results will be hypothesis-generating and direct future focussed studies. There is future potential for direct translation into clinical care, as diet is a highly modifiable factor.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval: Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/18/SCHN/26). Results will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04071314
Strategies aimed at preventing chronic opioid use in trauma and acute care surgery: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Bérubé Mélanie , Moore Lynne , Lauzier François , Côté Caroline , Vogt Kelly , Tremblay Lorraine , Martel Marc-Olivier , Pagé Gabrielle , Tardif Pier-alexandre , Pinard Anne-Marie , Hameed S Morad , Perreault Kadija , Sirois Caroline , Bélanger Carole , Turgeon Alexis F
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Globally every year, millions of patients sustain traumatic injuries and require acute care surgeries. A high incidence of chronic opioid use (up to 58%) has been documented in these populations with significant negative individual and societal impacts. Despite the importance of this public health issue, optimal strategies to limit the chronic use of opioids after trauma and acute care surgery are not clear. We aim to identify existing strategies to prevent chronic opioid use in these populations.

Methods and analysis

We will perform a scoping review of peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed literature to identify studies, reviews, recommendations and guidelines on strategies aimed at preventing chronic opioid use in patients after trauma and acute care surgery. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINHAL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, ProQuest and websites of trauma and acute care surgery, pain, government and professional organisations. Databases will be searched for papers published from 1 January 2005 to a maximum of 6 months before submission of the final manuscript. Two reviewers will independently evaluate studies for eligibility and extract data from included studies using a standardised data abstraction form. Preventive strategies will be classified according to their types and targeted trauma populations and acute care surgery procedures.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval is not required as this study is based on the secondary use of published data. This work will inform research and clinical stakeholders on the required next steps towards the uptake of effective strategies aimed at preventing chronic opioid use in trauma and acute care surgery patients.
Randomised controlled trial of a person-centred transition programme for adolescents with type 1 diabetes (STEPSTONES-DIAB): a study protocol
Authors: Brorsson Anna Lena , Bratt Ewa-Lena , Moons Philip , Ek Anna , Jelleryd Elisabeth , Torbjörnsdotter Torun , Sparud-Lundin Carina
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Adolescence is a critical period for youths with chronic conditions, when they are supposed to take over the responsibility for their health. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common chronic conditions in childhood and inadequate self-management increases the risk of short-term and long-term complications. There is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of transition programmes. As a part of the Swedish Transition Effects Project Supporting Teenagers with chrONic mEdical conditionS research programme, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and experiences of different transitional care models, including a person-centred transition programme aiming to empower adolescents with T1D to become active partners in their health and care.

Methods and analysis

In this randomised controlled trial, patients are recruited from two paediatric diabetes clinics at the age of 16 years. Patients are randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=70) where they will receive usual care plus the structured transition programme, or to the control group (n=70) where they will only receive usual care. Data will be collected at 16, 17 and 18.5 years of age. In a later stage, the intervention group will be compared with adolescents in a dedicated youth clinic in a third setting. The primary outcome is patient empowerment. Secondary outcomes include generic, diabetes-specific and transfer-specific variables.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Ethical Review Board in Stockholm (Dnr 2018/1725-31). Findings will be reported following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement and disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03994536
Supplementation of a low-energy diet with recombinant ferritin fromPerinereissp. can be beneficial to finishing pigs
Authors: Serpunja S. , Kim I.H.
Published: April 2020

A total of 90 finishing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 50.02 ± 1.78 kg were used in a 10 wk experiment. The pigs were distributed into three dietary treatments replicated six times with five pigs (two barrows and three gilts) per pen. The treatment diets were a positive control (PC; high-energy diet), a negative control (NC; low-energy diet), and an NC + 0.05% ferritin diet (TRT1). The supplementation of ferritin in a low-energy diet tended (P = 0.06) to increase the BW at week 5 compared with pigs fed low-energy diets without ferritin. At week 5 and overall period, the gain-to-feed ratio of pigs fed high-energy diets was higher (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed low-energy diets. The pigs receiving a ferritin-supplemented diet had a comparable growth performance to pigs fed high-energy diets. At week 10, fecal Lactobacilli counts of pigs fed high-energy diets were higher (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed low-energy diets. The supplementation of low-energy diets with ferritin resulted in comparable growth performance to pigs fed high-energy diets and had no adverse effect on digestibility and fecal gas emissions. Thus, it seems beneficial to include ferritin in low-energy diets of finishing pigs.
Left-right entanglement entropy for a Dp-brane with dynamics and background fields
Authors: Teymourtashlou Shirin , Kamani Davoud
Published: April 2020

We investigate the left-right entanglement entropy of a boundary state, corresponding to a dynamical Dp-brane with the internal and background fields. We assume that the brane has a tangential linear motion and a rotation, and is dressed with an internal U(1) gauge potential and the Kalb–Ramond tensor field $$B_{\mu \nu }$$Bμν. We derive the entanglement entropy via the Rényi entropy by applying the replica trick. Our calculations will be in the context of the bosonic string theory.
Correlation for heat transfer of RP-3 kerosene flowing in miniature tube at supercritical pressures
Authors: Wang Ning , Pan Yu
Published: April 2020

Experimental investigations on heat transfer of RP-3 kerosene at supercritical pressures are conducted in this paper. It is found that there are three regimes, namely common heat transfer, enhanced heat transfer and deteriorated heat transfer. Variations of thermal properties are responsible for common heat transfer. Turbulence is the main reason for enhanced heat transfer. Cracking reactions are attributed to deteriorated heat transfer. Parametric studies show that heat flux has little effects on heat transfer of RP-3 at supercritical pressures while mass flow rate plays a positive role. Influence of pressure is complicated, related to thermal property variations. A new correlation for heat transfer of RP-3 flowing in miniature tube at supercritical pressure is proposed.
Darboux transformation and the exact solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional nonlocal complex modified Korteweg-de Vries and Maxwell–Bloch equations
Authors: Li Na-Na , Hao Hui-Qin , Guo Rui
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we consider the (2[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional nonlocal complex modified Korteweg-de Vries and Maxwell–Bloch (cmKdV-MB) equations. According to the relevant Lax pair presented, we construct one- and two-fold Darboux transformations (DT). The exact solutions are derived from the trivial seeds by DT and the dynamic behaviors of soliton solutions are analyzed by individual pictures.
Dynamic Pricing Game Under Different Channel Power Structures in a Closed-Loop Supply Chain
Authors: Ma Junhai , Zhang Fang , Jiang Hui
Published: April 2020

The importance of closed-loop supply chains has been widely recognized both in academic communities and in industrial sectors. This paper starts from the traditional supply chains and the new self-supply chain of GREE to extract realistic problems, to mainly investigating two noncooperative dynamic pricing policies in a dual-channel closed-loop supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a retailer. Then, it studies the influence of different channel power structures on dynamic decisions and their complexities. Furthermore, the reference price affects the purchase decisions of consumers. Therefore, the model takes into account the influence of reference price of the market demands. Results show that the manufacturer who opens up a direct channel can make a huge profit in the game. In the dynamic game evolution process, the game leader is in a more advantageous position when the system is in a stable region; once entering into the bifurcating region or chaotic region, the game follower needs to adjust his price to follow the leader’s decision in order to make a profit. In addition, the system’s stable region becomes smaller when the market demand becomes more sensitive to the difference between the reference price and the actual price. In this model, if the manufacturer acts as a leader, he is in a more advantageous position when the market is sensitive to channel competition in the stable stage while the result is opposite in the unstable stage.
Plankton Population and Cholera Disease Transmission: A Mathematical Modeling Study
Authors: Panja Prabir
Published: April 2020

This paper describes a cholera disease transmission model in the human population through the consumption of zooplankton as food by humans. Here the plankton population is classified into two subpopulations such as phytoplankton and zooplankton. Also, human population is classified into two subpopulations such as susceptible human and infected human. The proposed system reflects the impacts of using time delay in the cholera disease transmission. Different possible equilibrium points of our proposed system have been determined. Here local and global stabilities of our proposed system have been analyzed. The existence of Hopf bifurcation has been studied at the interior equilibrium point. The normal form method and center manifold theorem have been used to test the nature of Hopf bifurcation. It is observed that the interior equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable when the time delay in disease transmission term is large, while the change of stability of positive equilibrium will cause a bifurcating periodic solution at the time delay [Formula: see text] to be at less than its critical value. Finally, some numerical simulation results have been presented for the better understanding of our proposed system.
EXIM Bank’s Rampal Project Financing Dilemma
Authors: Satish D.
Published: April 2020

Export Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) had agreed to finance a US$1.62 billion debt which constituted 70% of the capital needed to construct a controversial 1320 MW coal-based thermal power plant in Rampal, Bangladesh. The plant was located within 14 km of the Sundarbans, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. According to environmentalists, the construction and operation of this plant would give rise to serious environmental, social, and governance issues which would have an adverse, irreversible, and unprecedented effect on the Sundarbans and its people.

Amidst growing pressure from activists, Yaduvendra Mathur, Chairman and Managing Director of EXIM Bank, has to take a call on whether to go ahead with financing the project or not. The decision will not only involve assessing the financial impact of the Rampal exposure on the bank given the risks associated with the project, but also involve evaluating issues relating to financing fossil fuel exposure at a time when the financial community has taken climate change seriously and is decarbonizing its portfolios while investing in clean energy.
Safed Detergent Powder: Regional Brand with Rural Focus
Authors: Sarkar Dev Narayan , Kundu Kaushik
Published: April 2020

Safechem Industries was the leading manufacturer of detergents and allied products in Eastern India under the brand name of ‘SAFED’. Safed had local factories to service the eastern market at a lower cost than other organized players and this also enabled it to compete with the unorganized sector, especially in the rural markets. The case presents a situation in which the General Manager for Marketing & Strategy at Safechem Industries had to formulate the marketing and growth strategy for the future. The company is based mainly in rural parts of Eastern India. The case describes the detergent industry in India with a special focus on rural markets. It also elaborates on the strengths and weaknesses of Safechem with respect to the detergents market and the strategies adopted by it. The General Manager is expected to choose an appropriate marketing and strategic option to help the company achieve its growth plan.
IKEA: Sustainable Cotton Initiative in China
Authors: Gong Yu , Brown Steve , Jia Fu , Duan Jiang
Published: April 2020

This case presents an industry leading company — IKEA’s multi-tier sustainable cotton initiative in China. The case begins with the background information of IKEA, cotton production in China and cotton-textile supply chain. It then presents IKEA’s sustainable cotton practice globally. This is followed by IKEA China’s motivation to implement sustainable cotton initiatives, its processes and the impacts on its cotton-textile supply chain. Finally, it ends with the case summary.
EMPLOYEES’ HETEROGENEOUS QUALIFICATIONS, INTERNAL R&D, FORMAL TRAINING AND INNOVATION PERFORMANCE
Authors: MEDASE STEPHEN KEHINDE
Published: April 2020

The capacity to generate knowledge and disseminate it in a firm is considered a primary strategic competence to attaining competitive gain. Knowledge literature reveals how relevant it is to increase interest in recognising and managing knowledge inherent in workforces and other firms’ dynamic capabilities that allow them to benefit from available knowledge within the milieu. In recognising the importance of employees’ baggage of knowledge, this study uses the Nigerian Innovation Survey for two waves, 2008 and 2010 of 1359 repeated observations of firms in the manufacturing and service sectors to examine the interplay of firms’ dynamic capabilities and innovation optimisation. It uses a recursive bivariate probit and a Tobit model for the estimations. Evidence shows that PhD, BSc, and Diploma associate positively and significantly with the ability of the firms to introduce product innovation. On the moderating estimations, there are mixed results regarding the blend of employees’ qualifications, training and internal R&D. Based on this, while the share of the highly educated workforce supports the introduction of product innovation, it does not, however, substantially increase the probability of firm-level innovativeness regarding process innovation. Although the blend of BSc and HND with R&D supports the propensity to introduce process innovation, it results in a decline with Diploma and R&D. The implication of the results offers management some investment choices on the initiation of formal training and the management of internal R&D through employees’ expertise. This study contributes to the existing literature on the relevance of employees’ different degrees being reinforced by training and internal R&D being boosted by employees’ qualifications in supporting the development of product and process innovation.
Isotope geochemistry evidence for Laurussian-type sources of South Portuguese Zone Carboniferous turbidites (Variscan Orogeny)
Authors: Pereira Manuel Francisco , Gama Cristina , Dias da Silva Ícaro , Fuenlabrada José Manuel , Silva José Brandão , Medina Jorge
Published: April 2020

New Rb–Sr isotopic data from South Portuguese Zone (SPZ) turbidites show that the
87
Sr/
86
Sr(
t
) ratio increases from the basal Mértola Formation (Visean–Serpukhovian: 0.706–0.707), through the Mira Formation (Serpukhovian–Bashkirian: 0.706–0.712) to the uppermost Brejeira Formation (Bashkirian–Moscovian: 0.713–0.715). In addition, estimated Nd T
DM
model ages for the Mértola (1.29–1.09 Ga), Mira (1.58–1.1 Ga) and Brejeira (1.73–1.37 Ga) formations indicate inverted stratigraphy for their isotopic sources. The isotope geochemical data indicate significant changes in the sources from which the SPZ Carboniferous turbidites are derived, consistent with the progressive denudation of a continental magmatic arc built on the Laurussian margin. Mértola turbidites inherited their geochemical and isotopic characteristics from an adjacent dissected Middle–Late Devonian continental magmatic arc with an intermediate–felsic composition: that is a Laurussian (Rheic magmatic arc)-type source. The progressive erosion of its plutonic roots and older host continental basement rocks are indicated in the Mira and Brejeira formations by the increasing contribution of recycled ancient continental crust. The pronounced similarity between the Nd T
DM
model ages and the detrital zircon populations of the Mira and Brejeira formations (SW Iberia) suggest that they share a common Laurussian (West Avalonia/Meguma terrane)-type source but a contribution from Gondwanan (Ossa-Morena)-type sources cannot be discarded.
Responses of neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex to itch- and pain-producing stimuli in rats
Authors: Khasabov Sergey G. , Truong Hai , Rogness Victoria M. , Alloway Kevin D. , Simone Donald A. , Giesler Glenn J.
Published: April 2020

Processing of information related to itch sensation at the level of cerebral cortex is not well understood. In this first single-unit electrophysiological study of pruriceptive cortical neurons, we show that neurons responsive to noxious and pruritic stimulation of the cheek of the face are concentrated in a small area of the dysgranular cortex, indicating that these neurons encode information related to itch and pain.
Impaired neuromuscular transmission of the tibialis anterior in a rodent model of hypertonia
Authors: Fogarty Matthew J. , Sieck Gary C. , Brandenburg Joline E.
Published: April 2020

Nerve-muscle interaction is poorly understood in the context of early-onset spasticity and hypertonia. In an animal model of early-onset spasticity, spa mice, we found a marked impairment of tibialis anterior neuromuscular transmission. This impairment is associated with an increased innervation ratio (mean number of muscle fibers innervated by a single motor neuron). These disturbances may underlie weakness and gait disturbances observed in individual with developmental hypertonia and spasticity.
In Vitro Screening and Transfection Concentration Optimization of Cynomolgus Monkey IκBα-siRNA
Authors: Ou Zhaoxing , Zeng Rui , Lin Yifan , Zhang Si , Alzogool Mohammad , Zeng Peng , Lan Yuqing
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To seek for a small interfering RNA (siRNA) sequence targeting a cynomolgus monkey inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B α (IκBα) that can specifically and effectively suppress IκBα gene expression of cynomolgus monkey ciliary muscle (CM) cells and trabecular meshwork (TM) cells in vitro and screen for optimal siRNA transfection concentration. Methods. Three IκBα-specific double-stranded siRNAs were designed and synthesized. They were transfected into primarily cultured cynomolgus monkey CM cells and TM cells. The mRNA and protein levels of IκBα were examined by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and western blot to screen a pair of candidate valid sequences with the highest inhibitory rate. Both cells were transfected with Cy5-labeled nonspecific control-siRNA (NC-siRNA) of four different concentrations (10, 20, 50, and 100 nmol/L(nM)), and flow cytometry was used to assess transfection efficiency. Then, cells were transfected with the candidate valid IκBα -siRNA of the same four concentrations, and the cytotoxicity was detected by using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), and the inhibitory efficiency of IκBα was identified via real-time PCR to find out optimal siRNA transfection concentration. Results. The suppression effect of the siRNA targeting the GCACTTAGCCTCTATCCAT of IκBα gene was most obvious by in vitro screening. The inhibitory rate of IκBα was 82% for CM cells and 82% for TM cells on the mRNA level and 98% for CM cells and 93% for TM cells on the protein level, respectively. The results of flow cytometry showed that the transfection efficiency was the highest at 100 nM, which was 89.0% for CM cells and 48.2% for TM cells, respectively. The results of CCK8 showed that there was no statistically significant difference in cell viability after transfection of different concentrations of IκBα-siRNA. The results of real-time PCR indicated that there was no statistical difference in the inhibitory efficiency of IκBα after transfection of different concentrations of IκBα-siRNA. Conclusion. It proves that the siRNA targeting the GCACTTAGCCTCTATCCAT of IκBα gene is the valid sequence to suppress cynomolgus monkey IκBα expression of CM cells and TM cells by RNAi. 10 nM is the optimal transfection concentration.
Visual and Refractive Outcomes of Cataract Surgeries Performed in One Year in a Private Practice Setting: Review of 2714 Procedures
Authors: Rementería-Capelo Laureano A. , García-Pérez Jorge L. , Gros-Otero Juan , Morán Aida , Sánchez-Pina José M. , Contreras Inés
Published: April 2020

Introduction. Currently available outcome data for cataract surgery include mostly patients from public health systems. The purpose of this study was to report the visual and refractive outcomes of cataract procedures performed during one year in a private practice center, which may include a different spectrum of patients. Methods. Our center’s database was used to identify all isolated cataract procedures performed during 2017. The electronic records were reviewed to collect the preoperative information, presence of intra- or postsurgical complications, and visual and refractive outcomes one month after surgery. Results. In 2017, 2714 eyes of 1543 patients underwent cataract surgery in our center. Mean patient age was 70.42 years. 775 eyes (28.55%) had prior ophthalmic pathologies, and 113 eyes (4.16%) had undergone previous surgical procedures. Surgical complications developed in 35 eyes (1.29%), including 9 posterior capsule tears (0.33%) and 3 cases of dropped lens fragments (0.11%). A toric or multifocal intraocular lens was implanted in 45.6% of eyes. As regards postoperative complications, 59 eyes (2.17%) required a return to the operating theater, including 29 eyes (1.07%) requiring reinterventions due to an unexpected refractive result. There were no cases of endophthalmitis. Mean LogMAR-corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) improved from 0.25 (SD 0.34) preoperatively to 0.04 (SD 0.17) postoperatively; 86.5% of eyes achieved a CDVA ≤0.0, with 97.5% achieving ≤0.3. In 86.4% of eyes, the difference between target and residual spherical equivalent difference was of 0.50 D or lower; 88% of eyes had a spherical equivalent ±0.50 D. Conclusions. The visual and refractive outcomes of cataract surgery in a private practice setting were excellent, well over the benchmarks set by the ESCRS. The safety profile was also within expected standards. This study provides information for ophthalmologists in private practice on expected outcomes.
Two Consecutive Episodes of Severe Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction in a Sickle Cell Disease Patient
Authors: Mpinganzima Clarisse , Haaland Alf , Holm Anne Guro Vreim , Thein Swee Lay , Tjønnfjord Geir Erland , Iversen Per Ole
Published: April 2020

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) suffer from anemia and painful vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and sometimes need blood transfusions. Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) is a rare life-threatening complication observed in SCD and mimics VOC. We describe a female SCD patient undergoing three surgical procedures during which DHTR developed following the first two. Prior to a planned tonsillectomy, she received transfusion and three days after surgery developed severe hemolysis as well as pain and respiratory symptoms. On suspicion of VOC, she received additional transfusions and became hemodynamically unstable, and her hemolytic anemia worsened. Gradually, she recovered and could be discharged after two weeks; DHTR was not suspected. Sixteen months later, an arthroplasty was performed due to avascular necrosis, and again she was transfused preoperatively. Similar to the initial surgery, she developed symptoms and signs of VOC after three days, but this time, DHTR was suspected and further transfusions were withheld. Although immunosuppressive medication did not alleviate the condition, she improved on combined treatment with darbepoietin, rituximab, and eculizumab. Six months later, a second arthroplasty was performed uneventfully after prophylaxis with rituximab and without transfusion. DHTR should be considered in the presence of severe, unexplained hemolysis following a recent transfusion, and additional transfusions in this setting should be given only on vital indication.
Pincer Nail Deformity: Clinical Characteristics, Causes, and Managements
Authors: Huang Chao , Huang Rui , Yu Min , Guo Wenlai , Zhao Ying , Li Rui , Zhu Zhe
Published: April 2020

A pincer nail is a common nail deformity of toenails and is characterized by nail thickening and nail plate deformation. It often causes severe pain for patients. We perform a thorough literature review and an additional review of pertinent clinical cases, aiming to provide a comprehensive review of the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical classification, differential diagnosis, and treatment of pincer nail deformity (PND). Understanding the clinical characteristics and treatment progress of a pincer nail will provide clinicians with comprehensive and evidence‐based information about PND, thus allowing the selection of an appropriate treatment according to the patient’s request and the clinical manifestations of PND, which should maximize patient satisfaction.
Erdheim-Chester Disease and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma Collision Tumour Presenting as a Perirenal Mass
Authors: Maietta Antonio , Razmpoosh Maryam
Published: April 2020

Background. Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare histiocytic neoplasm associated with MAPK pathway mutations. Disease manifestation is variable often involving many different organs, mainly bone, retroperitoneum, the heart, and the central nervous system. Histological findings include foamy histiocytes in a fibrous stroma with scattered inflammatory infiltrate. Histiocytes are CD68 positive and S100 negative. Case Report. We report a case of Erdheim-Chester disease associated with small lymphocytic lymphoma presenting as a perirenal mass with a review of the recent literature. Conclusions. Erdheim-Chester disease rarely can be associated with other cancers, namely myeloid neoplasms. We report a case of Erdheim-Chester disease presenting with small lymphocytic lymphoma as a perirenal mass. The association of Erdheim-Chester disease with lymphoproliferative disorders needs to be elucidated.
Bearing Capacity Studies on Square Steel Tube Confined Steel Reinforced Concrete Column under Eccentric Load
Authors: Zhao Tongfeng
Published: April 2020

In the present study, an experimental research was conducted on square steel tube confined steel reinforced concrete column under eccentric load. The major parameters of the specimens included slenderness ratio, eccentricity ratio, and structural steel reinforced ratio. According to the tested results, the eccentricity ratio, from 0 to 0.55, significantly affects the structural bearing capacity. The slenderness ratio, from 3 to 8, and steel reinforced ratio, from 0.3 to 0.41, slightly affect the capacity. Furthermore, a numerical analysis program was developed, and the calculated results are well consistent with the experimental results. Also, the theoretical formula for eccentrically loaded columns was proposed based on numerical results.