bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perforated and bleeding peptic ulcer: WSES guidelines
Authors: Tarasconi Antonio , Coccolini Federico , Biffl Walter L. , Tomasoni Matteo , Ansaloni Luca , Picetti Edoardo , Molfino Sarah , Shelat Vishal , Cimbanassi Stefania , Weber Dieter G. , Abu-Zidan Fikri M. , Campanile Fabio C. , Di Saverio Salomone , Baiocchi Gian Luca , Casella Claudio , Kelly Michael D. , Kirkpatrick Andrew W. , Leppaniemi Ari , Moore Ernest E. , Peitzman Andrew , Fraga Gustavo Pereira , Ceresoli Marco , Maier Ronald V. , Wani Imtaz , Pattonieri Vittoria , Perrone Gennaro , Velmahos George , Sugrue Michael , Sartelli Massimo , Kluger Yoram , Catena Fausto
Published: January 2020

Background

Peptic ulcer disease is common with a lifetime prevalence in the general population of 5–10% and an incidence of 0.1–0.3% per year. Despite a sharp reduction in incidence and rates of hospital admission and mortality over the past 30 years, complications are still encountered in 10–20% of these patients. Peptic ulcer disease remains a significant healthcare problem, which can consume considerable financial resources. Management may involve various subspecialties including surgeons, gastroenterologists, and radiologists. Successful management of patients with complicated peptic ulcer (CPU) involves prompt recognition, resuscitation when required, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and timely surgical/radiological treatment.

Methods

The present guidelines have been developed according to the GRADE methodology. To create these guidelines, a panel of experts was designed and charged by the board of the WSES to perform a systematic review of the available literature and to provide evidence-based statements with immediate practical application. All the statements were presented and discussed during the 5th WSES Congress, and for each statement, a consensus among the WSES panel of experts was reached.

Conclusions

The population considered in these guidelines is adult patients with suspected complicated peptic ulcer disease. These guidelines present evidence-based international consensus statements on the management of complicated peptic ulcer from a collaboration of a panel of experts and are intended to improve the knowledge and the awareness of physicians around the world on this specific topic. We divided our work into the two main topics, bleeding and perforated peptic ulcer, and structured it into six main topics that cover the entire management process of patients with complicated peptic ulcer, from diagnosis at ED arrival to post-discharge antimicrobial therapy, to provide an up-to-date, easy-to-use tool that can help physicians and surgeons during the decision-making process.
First detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) in China
Authors: Wang Yuexin , Zhang Kaihui , Zhang Yifan , Wang Ke , Gazizova Azhar , Wang Luyang , Cao Letian , Zhang Yajun , Huang Jianying , Cui Yuan , Zhang Yuxi , Zhang Longxian
Published: January 2020

Background

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a parasite that infects humans and a wide range of other animals. The large migratory waterfowl, the whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), travels through many cities during its migration and can spread parasites. Despite receiving increasing attention worldwide, there have been no reports of E. bieneusi infection occurring in C. cygnus. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and genetic characteristics of E. bieneusi in C. cygnus in Sanmenxia, China.

Methods

Altogether, 467 fresh fecal samples were collected in the Swan Wetland Park in Sanmenxia, China. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh fecal samples (n = 467) and E. bieneusi was identified by nested PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. ITS-positive sequences were aligned and phylogenetically analyzed to determine the genotypes of E. bieneusi.

Results

The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in C. cygnus was 7.49% (35/467). Sequencing of the 35 positive samples revealed eight known genotypes (EbpA, EbpC, Henan-III, Henan-IV, BEB6, CD9, Peru6 and PtEb IX) and three novel genotypes (CSW1, CSW2 and CSW3). The phylogenetic tree constructed from the ITS sequences showed that seven genotypes (Peru6, EbpA, EbpC, Henan-III, CSW3, Henan-IV and CSW1) clustered within the zoonotic Group 1 while the remaining novel genotype CSW2 clustered within Group 5.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi in C. cygnus. Of public health significance, our results suggest that migratory C. cygnus might play an important role in the water-borne transmission of E. bieneusi. Effective strategies will be necessary to control E. bieneusi infection in C. cygnus, other animals and humans.
DNA methylation and expression analyses reveal epialleles for the foliar disease resistance genes in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Bhat R. S. , Rockey J. , Shirasawa Kenta , Tilak I. S. , Brijesh Patil M. P. , Reddy Lachagari V. B.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Low DNA sequence polymorphism despite enormous phenotypic variations in peanut indicates the possible role of epigenetic variations. An attempt was made to analyze genome-wide DNA methylation pattern and its influence on gene expression across 11 diverse genotypes of peanut.

Results

The genotypes were subjected to bisulfite sequencing after 21 days of sowing (DAS). CHG regions showed the highest (30,537,376) DNA methylation followed by CpG (30,356,066) and CHH (15,993,361) across 11 genotypes. The B sub-genome exhibited higher DNA methylation sites (46,294,063) than the A sub-genome (30,415,166). Overall, the DNA methylation was more frequent in inter-genic regions than in the genic regions. The genes showing altered methylation and expression between the parent (TMV 2) and its EMS-derived mutant (TMV 2-NLM) were identified. Foliar disease resistant genotypes showed significant differential DNA methylation at 766 sites corresponding to 25 genes. Of them, two genes (Arahy.1XYC2X on chromosome 01 and Arahy.00Z2SH on chromosome 17) coding for senescence-associated protein showed differential expression with resistant genotypes recording higher fragments per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads (FPKM) at their epialleles. Overall, the study indicated the variation in the DNA methylation pattern among the diverse genotypes of peanut and its influence of gene expression.
Frameshift mutations at the C-terminus of HIST1H1E result in a specific DNA hypomethylation signature
Authors: Ciolfi Andrea , Aref-Eshghi Erfan , Pizzi Simone , Pedace Lucia , Miele Evelina , Kerkhof Jennifer , Flex Elisabetta , Martinelli Simone , Radio Francesca Clementina , Ruivenkamp Claudia A. L. , Santen Gijs W. E. , Bijlsma Emilia , Barge-Schaapveld Daniela , Ounap Katrin , Siu Victoria Mok , Kooy R. Frank , Dallapiccola Bruno , Sadikovic Bekim , Tartaglia Marco
Published: January 2020

Background

We previously associated HIST1H1E mutations causing Rahman syndrome with a specific genome-wide methylation pattern.

Results

Methylome analysis from peripheral blood samples of six affected subjects led us to identify a specific hypomethylated profile. This “episignature” was enriched for genes involved in neuronal system development and function. A computational classifier yielded full sensitivity and specificity in detecting subjects with Rahman syndrome. Applying this model to a cohort of undiagnosed probands allowed us to reach diagnosis in one subject.

Conclusions

We demonstrate an epigenetic signature in subjects with Rahman syndrome that can be used to reach molecular diagnosis.
Replication and expansion of epigenome-wide association literature in a black South African population
Authors: Cronjé H. Toinét , Elliott Hannah R. , Nienaber-Rousseau Cornelie , Pieters Marlien
Published: January 2020

Background

DNA methylation is associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and related traits. Methylation data on continental African ancestries are currently scarce, even though there are known genetic and epigenetic differences between ancestral groups and a high burden of NCDs in Africans. Furthermore, the degree to which current literature can be extrapolated to the understudied African populations, who have limited resources to conduct independent large-scale analysis, is not yet known. To this end, this study examines the reproducibility of previously published epigenome-wide association studies of DNA methylation conducted in different ethinicities, on factors related to NCDs, by replicating findings in 120 South African Batswana men aged 45 to 88 years. In addition, novel associations between methylation and NCD-related factors are investigated using the Illumina EPIC BeadChip.

Results

Up to 86% of previously identified epigenome-wide associations with NCD-related traits (alcohol consumption, smoking, body mass index, waist circumference, C-reactive protein, blood lipids and age) overlapped with those observed here and a further 13% were directionally consistent. Only 1% of the replicated associations presented with effects opposite to findings in other ancestral groups. The majority of these inconcistencies were associated with population-specific genomic variance. In addition, we identified eight new 450K array CpG associations not previously reported in other ancestries, and 11 novel EPIC CpG associations with alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

The successful replication of existing EWAS findings in this African population demonstrates that blood-based 450K EWAS findings from commonly investigated ancestries can largely be extrapolated to ethnicities for which epigenetic data are not yet available. Possible population-specific differences in 14% of the tested associations do, however, motivate the need to include a diversity of ethnic groups in future epigenetic research. The novel associations found with the enhanced coverage of the Illumina EPIC array support its usefulness to expand epigenetic literature.
Self-assembly into virus–like particles of the recombinant capsid protein of porcine circovirus type 3 and its application on antibodies detection
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Gang , Duan Wei-Tong , Sun Ming-Xia , Wang Meng-Hang , Wang Shang-Hui , Cai Xue-Hui , Tu Ya-bin
Published: January 2020

PCV3 capsid protein (Cap) is an important antigen for diagnosis and vaccine development. To achieve high-level expression of recombinant PCV3 Cap in Escherichia coli (E. coli), the gene of wild-type entire Cap (wt-eCap) was amplified from clinical samples, and three optimized entire Cap (opti-eCap) and one optimized Cap deleted nuclear location signal (NLS) (opti-dCap) gene fragments encoding the same amino acid sequence with wt-eCap were synthesized based on the codon bias of E. coli. Those gene fragments were inserted into the pET30a expression vector. One recombinant strain with the highest expressed soluble eCap from four entire Cap (one wt-eCap and three opti-eCap) and one recombinant strain expressed opti-dCap were selected for further purification. The purified eCap and dCap were identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a large number of round hollow particles with a diameter of 10 nm virus-like particles (VLPs) were observed in eCap, whereas irregular aggregation of proteins observed in dCap. After formation the VLPs were applied as a coating antigen to establish an indirect ELISA (I-ELISA) for detection of PCV3-specific antibody in swine serum. 373 clinical swine serum samples from China collected in 2019 were tested utilizing the VLP-based I-ELISA method under optimized conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of self-assembly into VLPs of PCV3 recombinant Cap. Our results demonstrated that the VLP-based I-ELISA will be a valuable tool for detecting the presence of PCV3 antibodies in serum samples and will facilitate screening of large numbers of swine serum for clinical purposes.
Health education programs for improving men’s engagement with health services in low- to middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Kuupiel Desmond , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani Phosa
Published: January 2020

Background

Health education programs (HEPs) have been documented to increase individuals’ awareness toward their health and improve health outcomes. Given the reported poor health seeking behavior among men in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs), it is crucial for HEPs to be targeted toward men in order to improve health outcomes. Here, we outline a protocol for a scoping review aimed at mapping literature on HEPs for men in LMICs in order to reveal gaps to guide future research and practice.

Methods

We will conduct a scoping review with guidance from the Arksey and O’Malley framework (Journal of Social Research Methodology 8(1):19–32, 2005), further enhanced by Levac et al. (Implementation Science 5(1):69, 2010). We will conduct a comprehensive keyword search for relevant studies presenting evidence on HEP for men in LMICs from PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, and WEB of Science databases. In addition, we will search for relevant gray literature, dissertations, and theses from university repositories as well as international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). We will include articles reporting evidence on health education programs for men in LMICs and published between January 2000 and March 2019. We will employ NVIVO version 12 software package to extract the relevant outcomes from the included articles using content thematic analysis. We will conduct quality appraisal of the included articles using the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) 2018 version.

Discussion

We anticipate to find relevant studies reporting on health education programs for men in LMICs. The findings of this review will guide further implementation research on health education programs for men in LMICs. The results of the proposed scoping review will be disseminated electronically, in print, and through conference presentation as well as key stakeholder meetings.
Enhanced infection control interventions reduced catheter-related bloodstream infections in the neonatal department of Hung Vuong Hospital, Vietnam, 2011–2012: a pre- and post-intervention study
Authors: Phan Hang Thi , Vo Thuan Huu , Tran Hang Thi Thuy , Huynh Hanh Thi Ngoc , Nguyen Hong Thi Thu , Van Nguyen Truong
Published: January 2020

Background

Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) cause high neonatal mortality and are related to inadequate aseptic technique during the care and maintenance of a catheter. The incidence of CR-BSI among neonates in Hung Vuong Hospital was higher than that of other neonatal care centres in Vietnam.

Methods

An 18-month pre- and post-intervention study was conducted over three 6-month periods to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention for CR-BSI and to identify risk factors associated with CR-BSI. During the intervention period, we trained all nurses in the Department of Neonatology on BSI preventive practices, provided auditing and feedback about aseptic technique during catheter care and maintenance, and reorganised preparation of total parenteral nutrition. All neonates with intravenous catheter insertion ≥48 h in the pre- and post-intervention period were enrolled. A standardised questionnaire was used to collect data. Blood samples were collected for cultures. We used Poisson regression to calculate rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for CR-BSI incidence rates and logistic regression to identify risk factors associated with CR-BSI.

Results

Of 2225 neonates enrolled, 1027 were enrolled in the pre-intervention period, of which 53 CR-BSI cases occurred in 8399 catheter-days, and 1198 were enrolled in the post-intervention period, of which 32 CR-BSI cases occurred in 8324 catheter-days. Incidence rates of CR-BSI significantly decreased after the intervention (RR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.39–0.94). Days of hospitalisation, episodes of non-catheter–related hospital-acquired infections, and the proportion of deaths significantly decreased after the intervention (p < 0.01). The CR-BSI was associated with days of intravenous catheter (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.08), use of endotracheal intubation (OR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.27–4.06), and intravenous injection (OR = 8.50, 95% CI 1.14–63.4).

Conclusions

The interventions significantly decreased the incidence rate of CR-BSI. Regular refresher training and auditing and feedback about aseptic technique during care and maintenance of catheters are critical to reducing CR-BSI.
Active surveillance for highly resistant microorganisms in patients with prolonged hospitalization
Authors: Bastiaens Guido J. H. , Baarslag Tom , Pelgrum Corinne , Mascini Ellen M.
Published: January 2020

We evaluated a new hospital policy comprising active surveillance for highly resistant microorganisms (HRMO) in patients with prolonged hospitalization, including detection of nosocomial transmission after identification of HRMO carriers. Our findings raise the question of whether active surveillance should be extended from traditional risk groups to patients with prolonged hospitalization.
Antibiotic use in chicken farms in northwestern China
Authors: Xu Jingyi , Sangthong Rassamee , McNeil Edward , Tang Rong , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Published: January 2020

Background

Misuse of antibiotics in food animals contributes to an increase of antibiotic resistant bacteria transmitting to humans. China is the largest producer and user of antibiotics in the world, of which animals share more than half of the total consumption. This study aimed to explore Chinese farmer’s practice of antibiotic use and the factors associated with their use.

Methods

In this cross-sectional survey, we interviewed farmers from 88 chicken farms in northwestern China. We defined two kinds of misuse: 1) using antibiotics in the Chinese prohibited list, and 2) using antibiotics within the recommended withdrawal period. Factor analysis was used to select farmers’ knowledge variables and multinomial logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with antibiotic misuse.

Results

All the participating farmers used antibiotics on their farms. Amoxicillin was the most common antibiotic used (76.5%), followed by norfloxacin, ofloxacin, ceftriaxone and oxytetracycline. 75% of farmers used antibiotics in the prohibited list while 14.8% continued to use antibiotics during the withdrawal period. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed three patterns of antibiotic use: 1) excessive use of non-prohibited and prohibited antibiotics or an excessive user, 2) low use of a few types of non-prohibited and moderate use of prohibited antibiotics or a low user, 3) multiple use of a variety (≥ 7 types) of non-prohibited and prohibited antibiotics or a moderate user. Farmers from medium size, family-based farms, those with a low education level and low income were more likely to misuse antibiotics. Prior formal agricultural training was associated with reducing multiple types of antibiotic use. There was a huge gap between policy and reinforcement causing antibiotic misuse in the study community.

Conclusion

Antibiotics are commonly used on chicken farms; misuse of antibiotics is high; improvement in farm sanitation, education on antibiotic use for farmers and veterinarians/pharmacists and enforcement of the regulations may reduce antibiotic use on chicken farms in China.
Mobile resistome of human gut and pathogen drives anthropogenic bloom of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Lee Kihyun , Kim Dae-Wi , Lee Do-Hoon , Kim Yong-Seok , Bu Ji-Hye , Cha Ju-Hee , Thawng Cung Nawl , Hwang Eun-Mi , Seong Hoon Je , Sul Woo Jun , Wellington Elizabeth M. H. , Quince Christopher , Cha Chang-Jun
Published: January 2020

Background

The impact of human activities on the environmental resistome has been documented in many studies, but there remains the controversial question of whether the increased antibiotic resistance observed in anthropogenically impacted environments is just a result of contamination by resistant fecal microbes or is mediated by indigenous environmental organisms. Here, to determine exactly how anthropogenic influences shape the environmental resistome, we resolved the microbiome, resistome, and mobilome of the planktonic microbial communities along a single river, the Han, which spans a gradient of human activities.

Results

The bloom of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was evident in the downstream regions and distinct successional dynamics of the river resistome occurred across the spatial continuum. We identified a number of widespread ARG sequences shared between the river, human gut, and pathogenic bacteria. These human-related ARGs were largely associated with mobile genetic elements rather than particular gut taxa and mainly responsible for anthropogenically driven bloom of the downstream river resistome. Furthermore, both sequence- and phenotype-based analyses revealed environmental relatives of clinically important proteobacteria as major carriers of these ARGs.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate a more nuanced view of the impact of anthropogenic activities on the river resistome: fecal contamination is present and allows the transmission of ARGs to the environmental resistome, but these mobile genes rather than resistant fecal bacteria proliferate in environmental relatives of their original hosts.
Quality over quantity: on workflow and model space exploration of 3D inversion of MT data
Authors: Robertson K. , Thiel S. , Meqbel N.
Published: January 2020

3D inversions of magnetotelluric data are now almost standard, with computational power now allowing an inversion to be performed in a matter of days (or hours) rather than weeks. However, when compared to 2D inversions, these are still very computationally demanding. As a result, 3D inversions are generally not subjected to as rigorous testing as a 1D or 2D inversion would be, which has implications when these models are used for geological interpretation. In this study, we explore the parameter space for inversion of continent-scale datasets. The generalisations made regarding the effects of each parameter should also be scalable to smaller surveys and will enable MT practitioners to optimise their results. We have performed testing on a subset of the South Australian component of the eventual Australia-wide AusLAMP (Australian Lithospheric Architecture Magnetotelluric Project). The subset was inverted with different parameters, model setup and data subsets. Specifically, results from testing of the model covariance, the resistivity of the prior model, the inclusion of 'known' information into the prior model, the model cell size, the data components inverted for and the damping parameter $$\lambda $$λ were all investigated. In our testing of the 3D inversion software, ModEM3DMT, we found that the resistivity of the starting/prior model had significant effect on the final model. Careful selection of initial $$\lambda $$λ value can aid in reducing computational time whilst having a negligible effect on the resultant model, whilst large covariance values and model cell sizes enhanced conductive features at depth.
The influence of He-Ne laser on agro-morphological criteria, ISSR marker and SDS-PAGE of Moringa oleifera
Authors: Osman Samira A. , Rayan Walaa A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Moringa oleifera L. (moringa) is a promising plant for nutritionally and medicinally uses. The influence of laser radiation on moringa seeds (dry and wetted) was investigated, using helium–neon (He–Ne) laser source at ʎ = 632.8 nm wavelength and 5 cm beam diameter for 25, 45, and 90 min. Agro-morphological criteria, SDS-PAGE protein banding patterns, and ISSR markers were investigated to elucidate the influence of He–Ne laser on moringa.

Results

Most agro-morphological criteria increased especially with wetted seed group pre-laser treatments (25 min). SDS-PAGE and ISSR profiles showed changes which include the absence of some bands and the appearance of few novel bands. ISSR markers showed a change in band number in all investigated samples with a total number of 172 bands. The polymorphic bands were 91 bands with 19 unique bands. The average mean percentage of polymorphism was recorded 52.91% at samples treated with a laser at different times. Wetted seed treatment for 25 min recorded 40 bands as new bands. Genetic template stability (GTS) values were recorded in all treatments. The lowest GTS % was recorded 76.74 at 25 min (wetted seeds) while highest GTS % was recorded 83.72 at 25 min (dry seeds). According to the data of GTS, produced by laser treatment for 25 and 45 min for wetted and dry seeds, respectively, it is more effective on genome stability than other treatments.

Conclusion

He–Ne laser treatments of wetted seeds achieve biostimulation in many aspects of agro-morphological criteria. ISSR analysis is a highly sensitive method for the detection of DNA alteration induced by laser treatments. The exposure of dry and wetted seeds to He–Ne laser at different times affected the genomic template stability percentage (GTS %). Also, the laser treatments have a great effect on gene expression by switching on or off some genes that may lead to the presence or absence of certain proteins, respectively.
Can quantitative diffusion-weighted MR imaging differentiate between different subtypes of benign and malignant solitary thyroid nodules?
Authors: Abdelgawad Ehab Ali , AbdelGawad Enas Ahmed , AbuElCebaa Othman , Atiya Ahmed M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) is sensitive to changes in the microstructural organization of tissue that may influence water diffusion. It has been utilized in various forms to evaluate head and neck tumors. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value is a quantitative parameter for distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid nodule. Determination of different pathologic types of the thyroid nodules is crucial for appropriate therapeutic approach. Our point was to assess the utility of apparent diffusion coefficient values in discriminating different subtypes of benign and malignant solitary thyroid nodules using diffusion MRI with pathological correlation.

Results

This prospective study included 73 patients who had thyroid nodules. The size of the investigated lesions ranged from 0.6 to 3 cm. Most nodules were benign (79.45%), and most of these benign nodules were adenomatous nodules. There was a significant difference in ADC values of benign and malignant thyroid nodules (P0.0001), with the mean ADC value for the benign group (1.7 ± 0.12 × 10-3) higher than that for malignant nodule (0.71 ± 0.15 × 10). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ADC in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules were 97.5, 94.4, and 99.2%, respectively. We noticed a significant overlap in the ADC value of pathological subtypes and upon reviewing the pathological results, we found insignificant differences in the ADC values of the various subtypes of malignant and benign nodules, withPvalue ranging from 0.054 to 0.062 between different pathological subtypes. A significant difference was only noted between non-complicated cysts and solid nodulesP0.0001. In our series, an ADC value of 0.92 × 10-3mm2/s or less could be used as an indicator of malignancy, with a sensitivity of 97.5%, a specificity of 94.4%, and an accuracy of 99.2%.

Conclusion

Diffusion MRI including ADC values are helpful in differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid nodules but not helpful in differentiating between different subtypes of benign and malignant nodules.
Impact of market anomalies on stock exchange: a comparative study of KSE and PSX
Authors: Anjum Sadia
Published: January 2020

This paper serves the purpose of empirically investigating the impact of three market anomalies: day-of-the-week effect, weekend effect and monthly effect (January and July effects) on Pakistan stock market prior and after the establishment of PSX. The paper constructed multiple regression analysis employing dummy variables using least squares, ARCH and EGARCH-in-mean models. Breusch–Godfrey serial correlation LM test is used to check the serial correlation in the return series and Wald coefficient restriction test to evaluate joint significance of the dummy coefficients. However, Box–Jenkins (ARIMA) technique is used to evaluate the best fit of time series model to the past values of that time series. The results of the study reveal the highest Friday mean returns and lowest, but not negative Monday mean returns. Furthermore, the study indicates that December mean returns are high in Karachi Stock Exchange and March returns are high in the case of Pakistan Stock Exchange. This is the first study to evaluate the impact of three market anomalies prior and after the establishment of Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Functionally Selective Inhibition of the Oxytocin Receptor by Retosiban in Human Myometrial Smooth Muscle
Authors: Brighton Paul J , Fossler Michael J , Quenby Siobhan , Blanks Andrew M
Published: January 2020

Novel small molecule inhibitors of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) may have distinct pharmacology and mode of action when compared with first-generation oxytocin antagonists when used for the prevention of preterm birth. The aim was to determine the mechanism of action of small molecule OTR antagonists retosiban and epelsiban compared with the currently used peptide-based compound atosiban. Human myometrial samples were obtained at cesarean section and subjected to pharmacological manipulations to establish the effect of antagonist binding to OTR on downstream signaling. Retosiban antagonism of oxytocin action in human myometrium was potent, rapid, and reversible. Inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production followed single-site competitive binding kinetics for epelsiban, retosiban, and atosiban. Retosiban inhibited basal production of IP3 in the absence of oxytocin. Oxytocin and atosiban but not retosiban inhibited forskolin, and calcitonin stimulated 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine 5′-mono-phosphate (cAMP) production. Inhibition of cAMP was reversed by pertussis toxin. Oxytocin and atosiban, but not retosiban and epelsiban, stimulated extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Oxytocin and atosiban stimulated cyclo-oxygenase 2 activity and subsequent production of prostaglandin E2 and F2α. Prostaglandin production was inhibited by rofecoxib, pertussin toxin, and ERK inhibitor U0126. Oxytocin but not retosiban or atosiban stimulated coupling of the OTR to Gα q G-proteins. Oxytocin and atosiban but not retosiban stimulated coupling of the OTR to Gα i G-proteins. Retosiban and epelsiban demonstrate distinct pharmacology when compared with atosiban in human myometrial smooth muscle. Atosiban displays agonist activity at micromolar concentrations leading to stimulation of prostaglandin production.
Regulação de produtos derivados do tabaco pela Anvisa
Authors: Weber Ministra Rosa
Published: January 2020

Regulation By Anvisa of Tobacco By-Products
Geology of the Northwestern Krania Basin
Authors: Caplan Charlotte A , Gildersleeves Helen C. , Harding Al G. , Harris Benedict J. R. , Johnson Benedict W. W. , Kershaw James A. , Maltby Matthew J.
Published: January 2020

We present a new map of 30 km2 of the northwestern Krania Basin at 1:10,000 scale, including rocks of the Pindos Ophiolite Group and associated units, and the sedimentary fill of the Krania Basin. The Krania Basin is a flexural basin developed in the Middle – Late Eocene and filled first with alluvial fan conglomerates and later with turbidite sandstones and siltstones, following a deepening of the basin. Analysis of the clasts within the sediment, combined with paleoflow analyses, suggest sediment input from the eroding Pindos Ophiolite to the west. The Pindos Ophiolite Group is represented in the area by pillow lavas, sheeted dykes and serpentinized harzburgites of the Aspropotamos Complex. The ophiolite forms imbricated, thrust bounded blocks which show two phases of thrusting, corresponding to Late Jurassic and Eocene stages of ophiolite emplacement. We identify five stages of deformation within the basin itself, starting with Early - Middle Eocene syndepositional extensional faulting associated with the formation of the basin. This was followed by four stages of post-depositional deformation, starting with Late Eocene compression associated with basin closure, which caused thrust faulting and folding of the sediments. Oligocene dextral faulting with a thrust component affected the basin margins. Finally, two normal faulting events with different orientations have affected the basin since the Miocene.
Climate change in the recent geological past and the near future. Predicting its impacts: a Review
Authors: Perisoratis Constantinos
Published: January 2020

The climate changes are necessarily related to the increase of the Earth’s temperature, resulting in a sea level rise. Such continuous events, were taking place with minor and greater intensity, during the alternation of warm and cool periods in the Earth during the Late Quaternary and the Holocene periods. However, a particularly significant awareness has taken place in the scientific community, and consequently in the greater public, in the last decades: that a climatic change will take place soon, or it is on-going, and that therefore it is important to undertake drastic actions. However, such a climatic change has not been recorded yet, and hence the necessary actions are not required, for the time being.
Plagioclase Hosted Melt Inclusion in Hypabyssal Rocks in Torud-Ahmad Abad Magmatic Belt
Authors: Yousefi Fazilat , Papadopoulou Lambrini , Sadeghian Mahmoud , Wanhainen Christina , Bark Glenn
Published: January 2020

This study investigates for the first time melt inclusions (MI) that are found within fundamental minerals of subvolcanic rocks in Torud-Ahmad Abad magmatic belt. The Torud-Ahmad Abad magmatic belt is situated in south-southeast of Shahrood and belongs to the northern part of central Iran structural zone. Melt inclusions represent liquids that were trapped along growth zones (primary) or healed fractures of mineral phases, which crystallized from the silicate liquid as it cooled. Based on SEM analysis of these melt inclusions, their compositions are dacite, andesite and basaltic andesite. Thus, with the use of melt inclusions in the volcanic rocks of Torud-Ahmad Abad magmatic belt, we attempt to show the compositional evolution and origin of magma. The effective factors on magma evolution are magma mixing, fractional crystallization and crustal contamination.
The use of geochemical ratios in groundwater quality assessment: the case of the Thriassion Plain, Attica, Greece
Authors: Makri Panayota , Hermides Dimitrios , Psychogiou Maria , Ermidou Aikaterini
Published: January 2020

This paper is an effort to assess the groundwater quality and the geochemical processes mainly using the Chadha’s diagram which classifies natural waters and documents the Piper and extended Durov diagrams. Chadha’s diagram is a useful tool to interpret groundwater geochemical processes because it is produced by simple spreadsheets excel files. The example of hydrochemical analyses were given from groundwater samples of the Thriassion Plain. To attend our objective, 38 groundwater samples were collected. Hydrochemical sections, XY diagrams, distribution maps of ionic ratios as well as the Gibbs diagrams were used to identify origin of salinity and the hydrogeochemical processes that have taken place. The Gibbs diagrams have shown that evapotranspiration (ET) and rock-water interaction play an important role to the increase of groundwater salinity. The interpretation of Chadha diagram highlights that the stratigraphic factors and especially the clay strata occurrence have isolated fresh groundwater from seawater. The abundant occurrence of clay deposits to the depth of the plain work as barriers to direct seawater intrusion. Good quality groundwater identified confirms the important role of clay strata. Reverse cation exchange, is the predominant geochemical process in the Thriassion Plain aquifers, whereas evapotranspiration (ET) and rock-water interaction play an important role to the increase of groundwater salinity.
Textural, Mineralogical and Geochemical Assessment of the Pikrolimni Lake Sediments (Kilkis District, Northern Greece) and Suitability for use in Pelotherapy
Authors: Sofianska Emilia , Athanassoulis Constadinos , Tarenidis Dimitrios , Xirokostas Nikolaos , Gkagka Maria
Published: January 2020

Pelotherapy is the application of thermal muds (peloids) for recovering muscle, bone and skin pathologies. Specific criteria were established for the evaluation of the therapeutic suitability of peloids. Critical factors ruling the quality of the solid phase of peloids include granulometry, mineralogy, and physical-chemical properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the textural, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the Pikrolimni Lake sediments (PLS), Kilkis district (N. Greece) in order to assess their suitability for application as raw material into mud therapy technologies. Representative PLS samples were collected and analyzed by means of different techniques at the analytical laboratories of the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (HSGME). Results showed that, texturally, the PLS were classified as sandy loam sediments. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study revealed that the PLS consist mainly of quartz, clay minerals (kaolinite, montmorillonite, illite), and muscovite, with minor feldspar and calcite. X-ray fluorescence (XFR) analysis showed that PLS samples have higher SiO2 and lower Al2O3 contents compared to the average shale composition. Among the analyzed, by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique, potentially toxic elements only As and Pb contents were found significantly higher than those of the average shale. Based on the calculated mean values of enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) PLS displayed minor enrichment and moderate contamination by Pb and As, respectively. In conclusion, an improvement of the grain size composition of PLS by means of a sieving process is needed. Besides, the study of the concentration and behavior of toxic elements in peloids formed by the mixing of the processed PLS with salty thermo-mineral water is proposed.
Addressing diversity and complexity in the community engagement literature: The rationale for a realist review
Authors: Richardson Emma Z.L. , Bandewar Sunita V.S. , Boulanger Renaud F. , Mehta Rukshan , Lin Tinya , Vincent Robin , Molyneux Sassy , Goldstone Arisa , Lavery James V.
Published: January 2020

In this research note we reflect on our failed attempt to synthesize the community engagement literature through a standard systematic review and explain our rationale for now embarking on a realist synthesis of community engagement in global health research. We believe this paper will be helpful for many who grapple with the lack of clarity about community engagement’s core elements and mechanisms.
APPLICATION OF ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP) METHOD TO OPTIMZE THE CHOICE OF A GLUTEN-FREE COOKIE FORMULA FORTIFIED WITH BANANA PEEL POWDER
Authors: Noshad Mohammad , Asgharipour Sahar
Published: January 2020

When considering several factors affecting the quality of gluten-free cookies, choosing the optimal formula based on multi-criteria decision making is complex and not easy. Therefore, in this study the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was used to optimize the best formula for a gluten-free cookie containing banana peel powder. For this purpose, physicochemical aspects such as texture, aroma, taste, color and porosity, fiber content, antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, moisture content and ash content were evaluated to determine the optimal formula for a gluten-free cookie containing banana peel powder. The results showed that the optimal cookie contained 4% banana peel powder with a weight of 0.178. Moreover, the results showed that the rate of inconsistency was 0.77, and since it was less than 0.1 the results are reliable.
Short Communication: Phenotypic diversity of male pelung chickens in West Java Province, Indonesia
Authors: ASMARA INDRAWATI Y. , GARNIDA DANI , SETIAWAN IWAN , Partasasmita Ruhyat
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Asmara IY, Garnida D, Setiawan I, Partasasmita R. 2019. Short Communication: Phenotypic diversity of male pelung chickens in West Java Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2243-2248. Pelung chickens are indigenous chickens from Cianjur District, West Java Province, Indonesia. The male chickens have long and beautiful crowing and have a distinct body figure compared to other indigenous chickens. Chicken contests are conducted regularly as media to show singing ability and body performance of Pelung chickens. Pelung chickens raised in different areas may have different phenotypic characteristics due to keeper preferences. Also, the phenotypic characteristics of the winners of chicken contests may influence keepers to select their chickens. The objective of this study was to determine the phenotypic characteristics of male Pelung Chickens in different areas in West Java, Indonesia. Comb type, as well as the color of eye, beak, skin, plumage, and shank, were recorded in the study. Data were collected through a survey involving 160 male birds in four different districts in West Java Province including Cianjur, Sukabumi, Bandung and Garut Districts. Key informant interview was carried out to support quantitative data. The results showed a limited variation of phenotypic characteristics among male Pelung chickens. Comb type, as well as skin and plumage colors, are criteria to select male Pelung chickens. Phenotypic characteristics of contest winners are also a reference for Pelung keepers in breeding selection.
Population census and age category character of Stump-tailed macaque, Macaca arctoides, in Northern Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: ABD RAHMAN SYAMIL , ABD RAHMAN MOHD-RIDWAN , MOHD ARIF AMSAH , ABU BAKAR MUHAMMAD ABDUL-LATIFF , MD ZAIN BADRUL MUNIR
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Syamil AR, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Amsah MA, Abdul-Latiff MAB, Md-Zain BM. 2019. Population census and age category character of Stump-tailed macaque, Macaca arctoides, in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. Biodiversitas 20: 2446-2452. Macaca arctoides is reported to be distributed only in the northern part of Malay Peninsula. Intensive scientific observations have never been carried out before on this neglected macaque in the northern range. Thus, in this article, an estimation of population data on the Malaysian stump-tailed macaques that were found in Wang Kelian forest areas in Perlis State Park, Malaysia is presented. Intensive field observations were conducted from Sept 2018 to January 2019 with scanning sampling. The study revealed a total of 171-176 stump-tailed macaques, consisting of 44 (25%) adult males, 28 (16%) adult females, 19-22 (11%) sub-adult males, 16-19 (10%) sub-adult females, 43 (25%) juveniles, and 21-23 (13%) infants. Two main groups were observed, which were the Nomad and the Batat groups. Their ranging areas appear to sometimes overlap each other, while some Nomad members were observed in the Batat group. The age structure can be differentiated through body size and pelage coloration. The stump-tailed macaque populations in Wang Kelian are sensitive to human presence, while their habitat area is threatened by human illegal poaching activities. More conservation efforts are needed to conserve this neglected macaque from local extinction.
$\mathbb{Z}_{q}(\mathbb{Z}_{q}+u\mathbb{Z}_{q})-$ linear skew constacyclic codes
Authors: MELAKHESSOU Ahlem , AYDİN Nuh , HEBBACHE Zineb , GUENDA Kenza
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we study skew constacyclic codes over the ring $\mathbb{Z}_{q}R$ where $R=\mathbb{Z}_{q}+u\mathbb{Z}_{q}$, $q=p^{s}$ for a prime $p$ and $u^{2}=0.$ We give the definition of these codes as subsets of the ring $\mathbb{Z}_{q}^{\alpha}R^{\beta}$. Some structural properties of the skew polynomial ring $ R[x,\Theta]$ are discussed, where $ \Theta$ is an automorphism of $R.$ We describe the generator polynomials of skew constacyclic codes over $\mathbb{Z}_{q}R,$ also we determine their minimal spanning sets and their sizes. Further, by using the Gray images of skew constacyclic codes over $\mathbb{Z}_{q}R$ we obtained some new linear codes over $\mathbb{Z}_{4}$. Finally, we have generalized these codes to double skew constacyclic codes over $\mathbb{Z}_{q}R$.
La figura del coordinador o coordinadora de coparentalidad (CP)en el marco legal catalán y estatal. La designa del CP.
Authors: Capdevila Brophy Connie , Cartié Julià Mercè , Costa Lamenca María José
Published: January 2020

Este artículo revisa la evolución legislativa sobre los instrumentos a disposición del juez de familia para ayudar a las familias en situación de ruptura de pareja a reducir la conflictividad, desde la creación de los primeros juzgados de familia y los primeros equipos psicosociales hasta los puntos de encuentro familiar, la implementación de la mediación familiar y la coordinación de parentalidad. A continuación, presenta la justificación para la aparición de la figura del coordinador de parentalidad en el ordenamiento jurídico catalán y estatal y en el marco internacional. En tercer lugar, revisa la designación y las funciones otorgadas al coordinador de parentalidad en algunas sentencias. Los jueces aprecian la complejidad de los conflictos familiares cuya solución es más emocional que judicial y buscan nuevos instrumentos, menos legales y más psicosociales.
Intervención del coordinador de parentalidad en salud mental
Authors: Terrats Ruiz Gloria
Published: January 2020

Estudios recientes sobre competencias parentales después del divorcio señalan que la sensibilidad es uno de los ingredientes significativos en el desarrollo de una relación sana entre un padre y sus hijos. Esta sensibilidad se basa en la capacidad de los padres para poder reflexionar sobre los estados emocionales de sus hijos de una forma reflexiva y no defensiva. Sin embargo, los padres con una enfermedad mental no tratada o en situaciones de estrés continuado (casos de divorcio) pueden perder esta sensibilidad, como resultado de sus propias preocupaciones y de su necesidad de bienestar. Los trastornos de personalidad en los progenitores se manifiestan con frecuencia en coordinación parental. Se trata de un patrón persistente de experiencia interna y de comportamiento que se aparta acusadamente de las expectativas de la cultura del sujeto, es un fenómeno generalizado, estable en el tiempo y conduce a la angustia o deterioro de las relaciones interpersonales. El coordinador de parentalidad debe estar alerta a la hora de obtener un diagnóstico profesional y un tratamiento adecuado que permita asegurar la protección del menor.
Evaluation of glint correction approaches for fine-scale ocean color measurements by lightweight hyperspectral imaging spectrometers
Authors: O’Shea Ryan E. , Laney Samuel R. , Lee Zhongping
Published: January 2020

Low-power, lightweight, off-the-shelf imaging spectrometers, deployed
on above-water fixed platforms or on low-altitude aerial drones, have
significant potential for enabling fine-scale assessment of
radiometrically derived water quality properties (WQPs) in oceans,
lakes, and reservoirs. In such applications, it is essential that the
measured water-leaving spectral radiances be corrected for
surface-reflected light, i.e., glint. However, noise and spectral
characteristics of these imagers, and environmental sources of
fine-scale radiometric variability such as capillary waves, complicate
the glint correction problem. Despite having a low signal-to-noise
ratio, a representative lightweight imaging spectrometer provided
accurate radiometric estimates of chlorophyll concentration—an
informative WQP—from glint-corrected hyperspectral radiances in a
fixed-platform application in a coastal ocean region. Optimal glint
correction was provided by a spectral optimization algorithm, which
outperformed both a hardware solution utilizing a polarizer and a
subtractive algorithm incorporating the reflectance measured in the
near infrared. In the same coastal region, this spectral optimization
approach also provided the best glint correction for radiometric
estimates of backscatter at 650 nm, a WQP indicative of suspended
particle load.