bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rickettsiae in the common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) and the bat soft tick Argas vespertilionis (Ixodida: Argasidae)
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Yang Meihua , Liu Gang , Hornok Sándor , Zhao Shanshan , Sang Chunli , Tan Wenbo , Wang Yuanzhi
Published: January 2020

Background

Increasing molecular evidence supports that bats and/or their ectoparasites may harbor vector-borne bacteria, such as bartonellae and borreliae. However, the simultaneous occurrence of rickettsiae in bats and bat ticks has been poorly studied.

Methods

In this study, 54 bat carcasses and their infesting soft ticks (n = 67) were collected in Shihezi City, northwestern China. The heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, small intestine and large intestine of bats were dissected, followed by DNA extraction. Soft ticks were identified both morphologically and molecularly. All samples were examined for the presence of rickettsiae by amplifying four genetic markers (17-kDa, gltA, ompA and ompB).

Results

All bats were identified as Pipistrellus pipistrellus, and their ticks as Argas vespertilionis. Molecular analyses showed that DNA of Rickettsia parkeri, R. lusitaniae, R. slovaca and R. raoultii was present in bat organs/tissues. In addition, nine of the 67 bat soft ticks (13.43%) were positive for R. raoultii (n = 5) and R. rickettsii (n = 4). In the phylogenetic analysis, these bat-associated rickettsiae clustered together with conspecific sequences reported from other host and tick species, confirming the above results.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, DNA of R. parkeri, R. slovaca and R. raoultii was detected for the first time in bat organs/tissues. This is also the first molecular evidence for the presence of R. raoultii and R. rickettsii in bat ticks. To our knowledge, R. parkeri was not known to occur in Asia. Our results highlight the need to assess rickettsial agents in a broader range of bat species and associated tick species.
IGF-1 enhances BMSC viability, migration, and anti-apoptosis in myocardial infarction via secreted frizzled-related protein 2 pathway
Authors: Lin Mingzhuo , Liu Xinyue , Zheng Haoxiao , Huang Xiaohui , Wu Yu , Huang Anqing , Zhu Hailan , Hu Yunzhao , Mai Weiyi , Huang Yuli
Published: January 2020

Background

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation represents a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic heart disease. However, its effects are hampered by the poor viability of transplanted cells and the hostile microenvironment of the ischemic region. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an important paracrine growth factor of BMSC and plays an important role in the properties of BMSC. Here, we investigated whether overexpressing IGF-1 could enhance the BMSC viability, migration, anti-apoptosis, and protective effects of cardiomyocytes, and explore the underlying mechanisms’ focus on the role of the AKT/secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2)/β-catenin pathway.

Methods

We constructed BMSCs overexpressing insulin-like growth factor-1 (BMSCs-IGF-1) or empty vector (BMSCs-NC) using lentivirus, and evaluated cell survival, proliferation, and migration under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Co-culture of rat cardiomyoblasts with BMSCs was performed to explore the paracrine effect of BMSCs-IGF-1 for rescuing cardiomyoblasts under hypoxia. Transplantation of BMSCs in acute myocardial infarction rats was used to explore the effect of BMSCs-IGF-1 therapy.

Results

BMSCs-IGF-1 exhibited a higher cell proliferation rate, migration capacity, and stemness, and were more resistant to apoptosis under hypoxia. Overexpression of IGF-1 upregulated the expression of total and nuclear β-catenin via the AKT-secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) pathway, which enhanced cell survival. Inhibition of AKT or SFRP2 knockdown by siRNA significantly antagonized the effect of IGF-1 and decreased the expression of β-catenin. The expression of β-catenin target genes, including cyclin D1 and c-Myc, were accordingly decreased. Moreover, BMSCs-IGF-1 could rescue cardiomyoblasts from hypoxia-induced apoptosis and preserve cell viability under hypoxia. Transplantation of BMSCs-IGF-1 into myocardial infarction rats greatly reduced infarct volume than BMSCs-NC, with significantly greater expression of SFRP2 and β-catenin.

Conclusions

These results suggest that in BMSCs overexpressing IGF-1, SFRP2 is an important mediator for the enhancement of stem cell viability via activating, rather than antagonizing, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Boundedness of solutions and stability of certain second-order difference equation with quadratic term
Authors: Bešo Emin , Kalabušić Senada , Mujić Naida , Pilav Esmir
Published: January 2020

We consider the second-order rational difference equation
$$ {x_{n+1}=\gamma +\delta \frac{x_{n}}{x^{2}_{n-1}}}, $$xn+1=γ+δxnxn−12, where γ, δ are positive real numbers and the initial conditions $x_{-1}$x−1 and $x_{0}$x0 are positive real numbers. Boundedness along with global attractivity and Neimark–Sacker bifurcation results are established. Furthermore, we give an asymptotic approximation of the invariant curve near the equilibrium point.
Correction to: Insect pollinator dependence of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.) in the Guinea Savanna zone of Ghana
Authors: Nasare Latif Iddrisu , Kwapong Peter K. , Doke Dzigbodi Adzo
Published: January 2020

In the original publication of this article (Nasare et al. 2019), the ‘₵’ in Ghanaian currency symbol (GH₵) was omitted in below content in the pdf version of the article. It should be ‘GH₵’.
The impact of gamification on students’ learning, engagement and behavior based on their personality traits
Authors: Smiderle Rodrigo , Rigo Sandro José , Marques Leonardo B. , Peçanha de Miranda Coelho Jorge Arthur , Jaques Patricia A.
Published: January 2020

The gamification of education can enhance levels of students’ engagement similar to what games can do, to improve their particular skills and optimize their learning. On the other hand, scientific studies have shown adverse outcomes based on the user’s preferences. The link among the user’s characteristics, executed actions, and the game elements is still an open question. Aiming to find some insights for this issue, we have investigated the effects of gamification on students’ learning, behavior, and engagement based on their personality traits in a web-based programming learning environment. We have conducted an experiment for four months with 40 undergraduate students of first-year courses on programming. Students were randomly assigned to one of the two versions of the programming learning environment: a gamified version composed of ranking, points, and badges and the original non-gamified version. We have found evidence that gamification affected users in distinct ways based on their personality traits. Our results indicate that the effect of gamification depends on the specific characteristics of users.

First part title: Studying the impact of gamification on learning and engagement based on the personality traits of students
Genetic characterization of Stargardt clinical phenotype in South Indian patients using sanger and targeted sequencing
Authors: Raj Rajendran Kadarkarai , Dhoble Pankaja , Anjanamurthy Rupa , Chermakani Prakash , Kumaran Manojkumar , Devarajan Bharanidharan , Sundaresan Periasamy
Published: January 2020

Background

Stargardt disease 1 (STGD1; MIM 248200) is a monogenic form of autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutation in ABCA4. This gene has a major role in hydrolyzing N-retinylidene-phosphatidylethanolamine to all-trans-retinal and phosphatidylethanolamine. The purpose of this study is to identify the frequency of putative disease-causing mutations associated with Stargardt disease in a South Indian population.

Methods

A total of 28 clinically diagnosed Stargardt-like phenotype patients were recruited from south India. Ophthalmic examination of all patients was carefully carried out by a retina specialist based on the stages of fundus imaging and ERG grouping. Genetic analysis of ABCA4 was performed for all patients using Sanger sequencing and clinical exome sequencing.

Results

This study identified disease-causing mutations in ABCA4 in 75% (21/28) of patients, 7% (2/28) exhibited benign variants and 18% (5/28) were negative for the disease-causing mutation.

Conclusion

This is the first study describing the genetic association of ABCA4 disease-causing mutation in South Indian Stargardt 1 patients (STGD1). Our findings highlighted the presence of two novel missense mutations and an (in/del, single base pair deletion & splice variant) in ABCA4. However, genetic heterogeneity in ABCA4 mutants requires a larger sample size to establish a true correlation with clinical phenotype.
Synchronous NET and colorectal cancer development: a case report
Authors: Yumoto Shinsei , Miyamoto Yuji , Akiyama Takahiko , Kiyozumi Yuki , Eto Kojiro , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Nagai Yohei , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Baba Yoshifumi , Iwagami Shiro , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo
Published: January 2020

Background

The incidence of synchronous gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NETs) and colorectal cancer is very low.

Case presentation

We present a 72-year-old man diagnosed with a rectal neuroendocrine tumor (NET) with multiple organ metastases and simultaneous sigmoid colon cancer. Although the NET was his prognostic factor, he underwent a laparoscopic sigmoidectomy at first because it was expected that the colon cancer would cause obstruction or bleeding during NET treatment. Subsequently, he started taking everolimus.

Conclusions

We should consider surgical resection of the synchronous cancer before systemic therapy for a GI-NET regardless of the difference in prognosis between synchronous tumors, if the cancer may impair the continuation of systemic therapy.
Adaptive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Morgan Howard E. , Sher David J.
Published: January 2020

Background

Although there have been dramatic improvements in radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including robust intensity modulation and daily image guidance, these advances are not able to account for inherent structural and spatial changes that may occur during treatment. Many sources have reported volume reductions in the primary target, nodal volumes, and parotid glands over treatment, which may result in unintended dosimetric changes affecting the side effect profile and even efficacy of the treatment. Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) is an exciting treatment paradigm that has been developed to directly adjust for these changes.

Main body

Adaptive radiotherapy may be divided into two categories: anatomy-adapted (A-ART) and response-adapted ART (R-ART). Anatomy-adapted ART is the process of re-planning patients based on structural and spatial changes occurring over treatment, with the intent of reducing overdosage of sensitive structures such as the parotids, improving dose homogeneity, and preserving coverage of the target. In contrast, response-adapted ART is the process of re-planning patients based on response to treatment, such that the target and/or dose changes as a function of interim imaging during treatment, with the intent of dose escalating persistent disease and/or de-escalating surrounding normal tissue. The impact of R-ART on local control and toxicity outcomes is actively being investigated in several currently accruing trials.

Conclusions

Anatomy-adapted ART is a promising modality to improve rates of xerostomia and coverage in individuals who experience significant volumetric changes during radiation, while R-ART is currently being studied to assess its utility in either dose escalation of radioresistant disease, or de-intensification of surrounding normal tissue following treatment response. In this paper, we will review the existing literature and recent advances regarding A-ART and R-ART.
Uncommon complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery: review of four cases and literature review
Authors: Koko Aliyu Muhammad , Ismail Nasiru Jinjiri , Lasseini Ali , Saddiku Sahabi M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is one of the most popular cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures worldwide. Complications are common, but uncommon complications are rarely reported in the literature making a standardized guideline on management of unusual complications unavailable. We report this series of uncommon complications managed in our centre to share our experience and contribute to the pool of literature on the management of these weird complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunting.

Case presentation

The first case was a 10-year-old girl who presented with headache, early morning vomiting and itching over the tract of the shunt in the neck. She has had ventriculoperitoneal shunt and excision and repair of encephalocele at the age of 3 months in our facility. On physical examination, she was conscious with a Glasgow coma score of 15, and shunt valve was hardened. She had removal of the shunt with intraoperative finding of calcified shunt tubing and the valve, and also cerebrospinal fluid was under high pressure that warranted re-insertion of another medium pressure shunt. She remained stable at last follow-up 3 months post-surgery.

We managed two cases of shunt extrusion via the anus (a 1-year-old female infant and 9-year-old boy). None of the patients presented with evidence of peritonitis or shunt tract infection. The extruded shunts were removed under aseptic technique, and both patients had ventriculoperitoneal shunt re-inserted because of progression of hydrocephalus. They remained stable at last follow-up visits 6 months after surgery.

The fourth case was a 9-month-old infant that presented with shunt extrusion via the abdominal wound site 3 weeks after ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedure. The child developed an abscess at the abdominal wound that ruptures spontaneously with extrusion of distal catheter, had no features of peritonitis and had shunt removed and re-inserted after 3 months. The child has remained stable.

Conclusion

Although ventriculoperitoneal shunt calcification and extrusion are rare, they do occur. None of our patients had peritonitis. Shunt removal and subsequent reinsertion in the presence of raised intracranial pressure from hydrocephalus confirms an excellent outcome.
Measurement of cumulative radiation exposure to children and adolescents in contact with outpatients treated with low dose radioactive iodine (131I)
Authors: Salman Khaled , Wagieh Shereen , Bakhsh Aquib , Al-Monshy Tarek , Talaat Omnia , Al-Malki Musaed , Al-Ezzi Manal , Fouda Ashraf , Hamid Gihad
Published: January 2020

Background

Radiation exposure from patients treated with radioactive iodine (131I) represents a radiation hazard to children and adolescents, representing the most vulnerable group of household contacts. Our aim was to calculate the cumulative radiation exposure (CRE) figures to children and adolescents sharing the same home with outpatients treated with low-dose 131I. The secondary aim was to study the demographic and educational factors that may significantly affect radiation exposure to them.

Results

The whole number of household contacts less than 18 years was 99, out of them 49 ≤ 12 years. CRE level to children and adolescents ranged from 79 to 934 uSv. The mean, median, and 75th percentile figures were 284 ± 178 uSv, 215 uSv, and 334 uSv, respectively. The compliance of this group of contacts to radiation exposure constraint (1 mSv) was 100%. All CRE values were below this figure with 75% of them below half of this constraint. Thirteen adolescents from 12 to 18 years and 17 mothers of 23 household contacts ≤ 12 years got radiation safety instructions (RSI) directly from a radiation safety officer (RSO). This group had a significantly lower mean CRE value (184 ± 93 uSv) compared to those who got RSI from the patient or from other family members (298 ± 185 uSv) with a significant p value.

Conclusion

The compliance of adolescents and children to the 1-mSv radiation exposure constraint is 100%. It is advised for adolescents and mothers of children in contact with 131I-treated patients to get direct RSI from the RSO, which is the only factor associated with significantly lower radiation exposure figures.
Radiological evaluation of deep soft tissue fibromatosis, the characteristic MR criteria on conventional and corresponding diffusion-weighted images
Authors: Zeitoun Rania , Khafagy Sarah Maged , Mahmoud Ikram Hamed , El-Wahab Nagui Mohamed Abd
Published: January 2020

Background

To analyze the characteristic features of deep fibromatosis on conventional and diffusion-weighted MR images.

Result

The lesions were growing along the musculoaponeurotic fascia, mostly invaded the muscles, and showed ill-defined margins, low T2 signal bands and areas, and facial tail sign. Diffusion images showed mostly high or high mixed with low signal; only 2 lesions showed a persistent low signal. The average mean and minimum ADC values were 1.41 ± 0.26 × 10−3 mm2/s and 0.79 ± 0.43 × 10−3 mm2/s respectively. Post-contrast and DWI detected synchronous lesions and extensions missed on T1 and T2 images.

Conclusion

The most frequent MR features of deep fibromatosis are low T2 signal bands and areas, fascial tail sign, ill or partially defined margins, and predominant restricted diffusion pattern in addition to areas of “T2-blackout effect.” Post-contrast and DWI are more valuable in local staging of the tumor.
Practical interval type-2 fuzzy self-tuning of PID controller to servo permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Abdel Ghany M. A. , Bahgat M. E. , Refaey W. M. , Sharaf Soliman
Published: January 2020

This paper implements a practical interval type-2 fuzzy self-tuning (IT2FST) of optimal PID (OPID) controller to servo permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM). The proposed method IT2FST updates the OPID controller gains in an online manner to drive the SPMSM with better speed response during variable load and parameter uncertainty occurrence. In this work, the industrial SPMSM system comprises three-phase PMSM with internal break, drive and mechanical parts. Due to the incomplete real information of the SPMSM, nonlinear least square algorithm has been utilized for its model identification. A comparative analysis in a real time of the SPMSM with an OPID, type-1 fuzzy self-tuning and IT2FST for OPID controllers under the influence of parameter uncertainties and external load disturbances has been carried out. The real-time practical implementation results illustrated that the proposed IT2FST of OPID controller gives a simple opportunity to enhance the speed performance of the SPMSM than the other controllers.
Conceptual Characterization of Threshold Concepts in Student Explanations of Evolution by Natural Selection and Effects of Item Context
Authors: Göransson Andreas , Orraryd Daniel , Fiedler Daniela , Tibell Lena A. E.
Published: January 2020

Evolutionary theory explains a wide range of biological phenomena. Proper understanding of evolutionary mechanisms such as natural selection is therefore an essential goal for biology education. Unfortunately, natural selection has time and again proven difficult to teach and learn, and students’ resulting understanding is often characterized by misconceptions. Previous research has often focused on the importance of certain key concepts such as variation, differential survival, and change in population. However, so-called threshold concepts (randomness, probability, spatial scale, and temporal scales) have also been suggested to be important for understanding of natural selection, but there is currently limited knowledge about how students use these concepts. We sought to address this lack of knowledge by collecting responses to three different natural selection items from 247 university students from Sweden and Germany. Content analysis (deductive and inductive coding) and subsequent statistical analysis of their responses showed that they overall use some spatial scale indicators, such as individuals and populations, but less often randomness or probability in their explanations. However, frequencies of use of threshold concepts were affected by the item context (e.g., the biological taxa and trait gain or loss). The results suggest that the impact of threshold concepts, especially randomness and probability, on natural selection understanding should be further explored.
Peer Leader Reflections on Promoting Discussion in Peer Group-Learning Sessions: Reflective and Practiced Advice through Collaborative Annual Peer-Advice Books
Authors: Szteinberg Gabriela , Repice Michelle D. , Hendrick Claudia , Meyerink Stephen , Frey Regina F.
Published: January 2020

As research has shown, collaborative peer learning is effective for improving student learning. Peer-led team learning (PLTL) is one well-known collaborative-group approach in which groups are facilitated by trained undergraduate peer leaders. This paper contributes to the literature on peer-leader training by examining how peer leaders for a large introductory science course translate their training into practice during their sessions. By conducting qualitative analysis on annual advice books written by emergent peer leaders, we examined the practiced advice and strategies of these peer leaders as they facilitate PLTL groups in a university-level general chemistry course. These advice books are passed on to future peer instructors, creating a community of practice between new and more experienced peer leaders. From the analysis, we discovered that peer leaders focus on developing robust student–student discussion during complex problem solving by 1) creating a community-oriented social and intellectual environment, 2) adapting their tactics and the collaborative-learning strategies to balance different personalities and promote equal participation among all students, and 3) modifying collaborative group approaches when facilitating their sessions. Also, in their correspondence across cohorts, peer leaders provided near-peer support to one another. These annual books disseminate practiced advice between peer-leader generations and are used during new peer-leader training.
A numerical dispersion-dissipation analysis of discontinuous Galerkin methods based on quadrilateral and triangular elements
Authors: He Xijun , Yang Dinghui , Huang Xueyuan , Ma Xiao
Published: January 2020

The dispersive and dissipative properties of numerical methods are important for numerical modeling. We have evaluated a numerical dispersion-dissipation analysis for two discontinuous Galerkin methods (DGMs) — the flux-based DGM (FDGM) and the interior penalty DGM (IP DGM) for scalar wave equation. The semidiscrete analysis based on the plane-wave analysis is conducted for quadrilateral and triangular elements. Two kinds of triangular elements are taken into account. The fully discrete analysis for each method is conducted by incorporating a classic third-order total variation diminishing (TVD) Runge-Kutta (RK) time discretization. Our results indicate that FDGM produces smaller numerical dispersion than IP DGM, but it introduces more numerical dissipation. Notably, the two methods have different local convergence orders for numerical dispersion and dissipation. The anisotropy properties for different mesh types can also be identified. Several numerical experiments are carried out that verify some theoretical findings. The experiments exhibit that the numerical error introduced by FDGM is less than that introduced by IP DGM whereas the storage and calculation time of FDGM are greater than that of IP DGM. Overall, our work indicates that when both methods adopt third TVD RK time discretization, the computational efficiency of FDGM is slightly larger than IP DGM.
1D electromagnetic response modeling with arbitrary source-receiver geometry based on vector potential and its implementation in MATLAB
Authors: Liu Rong , Liu Jianin , Wang Jianxin , Liu Zhuo , Guo Rongwen
Published: January 2020

The calculation of 1D electromagnetic (EM) responses of dipole sources is considered as a fundamental computation kernel in several geophysical applications, ranging from EM sensitivity analysis to high-dimensional EM forward modeling and inversion. To solve the EM responses caused by electric and magnetic dipoles with different orientations, we have developed an open-source MATLAB code for a complete treatment, which allows for an arbitrary transmitter-receiver geometry in the multilayered earth. A complete derivation of the EM field expressions with simplified exponent terms for all traditional dipole sources is accomplished based on the vector potential differential equations. The quadrature-with-extrapolation algorithm is adapted for calculating the integration of Bessel functions to produce EM responses with a desired accuracy. The MATLAB digit functions are used to alleviate the instability problem caused by the exponent terms. The accuracy of our code is verified by comparing the results with the published data and self-checks on an infinite thin sheet. A layered model is designed to test the capability of our code for all traditional dipole sources by placing the receiver at different depths. In the end, we apply our code to marine and airborne controlled-source EM explorations. The results indicate that our code is accurate and can potentially be used to calculate 1D EM responses for general EM problems.
Estimating tilted fracture weaknesses from azimuthal differences in seismic amplitude data
Authors: Chen Huaizhen , Chen Tiansheng , Innanen Kristopher A.
Published: January 2020

Tilted transverse isotropy (TTI) provides a useful model for the elastic response of a medium containing aligned fractures with a symmetry axis oriented obliquely in the vertical and horizontal coordinate directions. Robust methods for determining the TTI properties of a medium from seismic observations to characterize fractures are sought. Azimuthal differencing of seismic amplitude data produces quantities that are particularly sensitive to TTI properties. Based on the linear slip fracture model, we express the TTI stiffness matrix in terms of the normal and tangential fracture weaknesses. Perturbing stiffness parameters to simulate an interface separating an isotropic medium and a TTI medium, we derive a linearized P-to-P reflection coefficient expression in which the influence of tilt angle and fracture weaknesses separately emerge. We formulate a Bayesian inversion approach in which amplitude differences between seismic data along two azimuths, interpreted in terms of the reflection coefficient approximation, are used to determine fracture weaknesses and tilt angle. Tests with simulated data confirm that the unknown parameter vector involving fracture weakness and tilted fracture weaknesses is stably estimated from seismic data containing a moderate degree of additive Gaussian noise. The inversion approach is applied to a field surface seismic data acquired over a fractured reservoir; from it, interpretable tilted fracture weaknesses, consistent with expected reservoir geology, are obtained. We determine that our inversion approach and the established inversion workflow can produce the properties of systems of tilted fractures stably using azimuthal seismic amplitude differences, which may add important information for characterization of fractured reservoirs.
Unravelling the complexities of inequalities in mental healthcare and outcomes for cultural and linguistic minorities
Authors: Kisely Steve
Published: January 2020

This is a reappraisal of psychiatric morbidity in North Americans from Indigenous backgrounds, or those from longstanding minority communities. Psychiatric morbidity is often no higher when compared with controls that are similar in other sociodemographic features. Interventions should therefore take into account that disadvantage is rarely from one cause.
Sarcoidosis-like disease mimicking metastases during adjuvant ipilimumab therapy in advanced melanoma patient: CT scan and MRI help in managing difficult clinical decision
Authors: Garanzini Enrico Matteo , Scaramuzza Davide , Spadarella Gaia , Di Guardo Lorenza , Marchianò Alfonso
Published: January 2020

The onset of an autoimmune, sarcoidosis-like reaction during or after treatment with immunomodulatory drugs as Ipilimumab is an atypical but renowned eventuality. Awareness of this scenario and its radiological features helps the Radiologist to avoid misdiagnosis of disease progression. In this case report, we present a patient operated for advanced cutaneous melanoma of the left forearm who developed hilar adenopathies with lung and splenic nodules during therapy with Ipilimumab in adjuvant setting. These findings were at first referred to as disease recurrences. Based on discrepancies between imaging, clinic and blood test findings we decided to put the patient on strict follow-up which showed a spontaneous complete regression on the visceral lesions few months after Ipilimumab withheld.
Effect of birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding and growth in infancy on fat mass and fat free mass indices in early adolescence: an analysis of the Entebbe Mother and Baby Study (EMaBs) cohort
Authors: Nsamba Jonathan , Lule Swaib A. , Namara Benigna , Zziwa Christopher , Akurut Hellen , Lubyayi Lawrence , Akello Florence , Tumusiime Josephine , Elliott Alison M. , Webb Emily L.
Published: January 2020

Background: There is limited data from Africa on the effect of pre- and post-natal growth and infant feeding on later body composition. This study's aim was to investigate the effect of birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding and infant growth on adolescent body composition, using data from a Ugandan birth cohort.

Methods: Data was collected prenatally from pregnant women and prospectively from their resulting live offspring. Data on body composition (fat mass index [FMI] and fat free mass index [FFMI]) was collected from 10- and 11-year olds. Linear regression was used to assess the effect of birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding and infant growth on FMI and FFMI, adjusting for confounders.

Results: 177 adolescents with a median age of 10.1 years were included in analysis, with mean FMI 2.9 kg/m2 (standard deviation (SD) 1.2), mean FFMI 12.8 kg/m2 (SD 1.4) and mean birth weight 3.2 kg (SD 0.5). 90 (50.9%) were male and 110 (63.2%) were exclusively breastfeeding at six weeks of age. Birth weight was associated with FMI in adolescence (regression coefficient β= 0.66 per kg increase in birth weight, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.04, 1.29), P=0.02), while exclusive breastfeeding (β= -0.43, 95% CI (-1.06, 0.19), P=0.12), growth 0-6 months (β= 0.24 95% CI (-0.43, 0.92), P=0.48) and growth 6-12 months (β= 0.61, 95% CI (-0.23, 1.46), P=0.11) were not associated with FMI among adolescents. Birth weight (β= 0.91, 95% CI (0.17, 1.65), P=0.01) was associated with FFMI in adolescence. Exclusive breastfeeding (β= 0.17, 95% CI (-0.60, 0.94), P=0.62), growth 0-6 months (β= 0.56, 95% CI (-0.20, 1.33), P= 0.10), and growth 6-12 months (β= -0.02, 95% CI (-1.02, 0.99), P=0.97) were not associated with FFMI.

Conclusions: Birth weight predicted body composition parameters in Ugandan early adolescents, however, exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks of age and growth in infancy did not.
Matching and Winning? The Impact of Upper and Middle Managers on Firm Performance in Major League Baseball
Authors: Peeters Thomas L. P. R. , Salaga Steven , Juravich Matthew
Published: January 2020

We investigate the joint impact of managers at different hierarchical levels on firm performance in Major League Baseball. We separately quantify the contribution of upper and middle managers and the impact of their match quality—the degree to which managers cooperate effectively across layers to impact firm success. We establish that match quality is a statistically significant and economically meaningful driver of firm performance. Higher-quality managers tend to be matched together across levels and achieve higher match quality during their joint employment. Match quality does not improve over the length of a joint employment spell, but lower match quality is found in pairs with more divergent educational attainment and prior strategic approaches. Hence, match quality is partly innate, and manager pairings may have difficulty improving their cooperation through learning. When we control for match quality, we find significantly lower estimates of heterogeneity in manager ability compared with commonly used estimators of managerial impact. Still, both middle and upper managers retain a meaningful impact on firm performance.

This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Managing Autonomy in Industrial Research and Development: A Project-Level Investigation
Authors: Gambardella Alfonso , Khashabi Pooyan , Panico Claudio
Published: January 2020

Management practices explain an important part of the heterogeneity in firm productivity, but the literature has largely focused on manufacturing, while leaving out research in the industrial setting. A key managerial practice in industrial research projects is the use of autonomy (through the delegation of decision rights). Our paper clarifies the drivers and the effects of autonomy in settings where other managerial instruments are less effective. We discuss that in industrial research projects, autonomy is set for efficiency reasons—autonomy allows researchers to make more competent decisions about a specific problem—as well as for motivational considerations—autonomy motivates researchers to exert greater effort. We also argue that project-relevant capital—the resources that enhance the productivity of researchers on a given project—is a key driver of autonomy. We theorize that the efficiency and motivational channels have opposite implications for the relationship between project-relevant capital and autonomy and find that, empirically, this relationship is U-shaped, which is suggestive evidence of the presence of both channels.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF AN ORGANIC-COOLED SMALL NUCLEAR REACTOR TO SUPPORT ENERGY DEMANDS IN REMOTE LOCATIONS IN NORTHERN CANADA
Authors: Shannon Colin , Chan Paul , Bonin H.W.
Published: January 2020

Small nuclear reactors can offer safe, reliable, and long-lasting district heating and electrical power generation to remote locations in northern Canada. A conceptual design of an organic-cooled and moderated reactor based upon the SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor is proposed for potential employment in northern Canada. For viability, this design extends the SLOWPOKE-2’s power to 1 MWth. An added pump circulates the organic coolant, a partially hydrogenated terphenyl mixture known as HB-40, to facilitate greater heat transfer. The reactor incorporates the same low-enriched uranium dioxide fuel as the SLOWPOKE-2. Reactor control is accomplished through hafnium absorber rods and a movable beryllium reflector. The reactor neutronics are simulated using the deterministic code, WIMS-AECL, and the probabilistic code, MCNP 6. The service life of fuel in this reactor operating at full power exceeds 11 years. The conceptual design has demonstrated negative reactivity coefficients indicating strong potential for inherent safety.
BURFEL BIAS AND MCNP BENCHMARKING BURFEL CALCULATIONS OF NRU LOOP FUEL
Authors: Nguyen Thai Sinh , Wang Xiaolin
Published: January 2020

The Burnup of Fuel Elements (BURFEL) code system has been used to calculate powers and burnups for experimental fuel irradiated in the National Research Universal Reactor (NRU) loops. BURFEL-calculated burnups, based on the calorimetrically measured loop powers, have been observed to exhibit biases with respect to their chemically measured counterparts. A high-fidelity Monte Carlo N-Particle method involving the NRU full-core model has been used for benchmarking BURFEL calculations, resulting in similar biases attributed to uncertainties in the loop powers. This study provides quantitative insights into the observed BURFEL biases for the purpose of possibly correcting existing loop fuel irradiation data for such biases.
Dementia 6. Frontotemporal dementia: diagnosis, treatment and medical management
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: January 2020

Frontotemporal dementia is a rare form of dementia and around 2% of people with dementia have frontotemporal dementia ( Warren et al, 2013 ). This article, the sixth in a series, explains about the pathophysiology and clinical features of frontotemporal dementia and how it is diagnosed, treated and managed.
The influence of women's cognitive status on their understanding of Down syndrome screening
Authors: John Sophie , Kirk Maggie , Tonkin Emma , Stuart-Hamilton Ian
Published: January 2020

Aim

To establish whether women's cognitive status influenced their understanding of Down syndrome screening information, and to determine whether midwives offer the same oral explanation of Down syndrome screening to all women or if information was tailored to each woman based on their cognitive status.

Methods

Midwives (n=16) and women (n=100) were recruited from a regional NHS unit in the UK. A mixed-methods design encompassed two components; audio-recorded antenatal consultations and quantitative surveys to assess women's cognitive status and their understanding of Down syndrome screening information.

Findings

While women with abstract reasoning skills and high need for cognition (NfC) could understand information sufficiently, women with more concrete skills and low NfC require further explanation from the midwife to reach an informed decision.

Conclusion

Midwives did not tailor their communication based on women's cognitive status. This has implications for midwifery education programmes to train midwives to communicate Down syndrome screening information effectively.
Fatigue, burnout, work environment, workload and perceived patient safety culture among critical care nurses
Authors: AL Ma'mari Qasim , Sharour Loai Abu , Al Omari Omar
Published: January 2020

A study was conducted to explore whether fatigue, workload, burnout and the work environment can predict the perceptions of patient safety among critical care nurses in Oman. A cross-sectional predictive design was used. A sample of 270 critical care nurses from the two main hospitals in the country's capital participated, with a response rate of 90%. The negative correlation between fatigue and patient safety culture (r= -0.240) indicates that fatigue has a detrimental effect on nurses' perceptions of safety. There was also a significant relationship between work environment, emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, personal accomplishment and organisational patient safety culture. Regression analysis showed that fatigue, work environment, emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment were predictors for overall patient safety among critical care nurses (R2=0.322, F=6.117, P<0.0001). Working to correct these predictors and identifying other factors that affect the patient safety culture are important for improving and upgrading the patient safety culture in Omani hospitals.
Interprofessional simulation training in difficult airway management: a narrative review
Authors: Coyle Maria , Martin Daphne , McCutcheon Karen
Published: January 2020

The aim of this narrative literature review was to explore the impact of interprofessional simulation-based team training on difficult airway management. The Fourth National Audit Project of The Royal College of Anaesthetists and The Difficult Airway Society identified recurrent deficits in practice that included delayed recognition of critical events, inadequate provision of appropriately trained staff and poor collaboration and communication strategies between teams. Computerised databases were assessed to enable data collection, and a narrative literature review and synthesis of eight quantitative studies were performed. Four core themes were identified: debriefing, measures of assessment and evaluation, non-technical skills and patient safety, and patient outcomes. There are many benefits to be gained from interprofessional simulation training as a method of teaching high-risk and infrequent clinical airway emergencies. The practised response to emergency algorithms is crucial and plays a vital role in the reduction of errors and adverse patient outcomes.
Preparing for the liberty protection safeguards
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: January 2020

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, discusses the revised framework for authorising the deprivation of liberty of a person who lacks capacity
Preventing back-to-school asthma attacks
Authors: Dhruve Hetal
Published: January 2020

A seasonal peak in asthma attacks has been consistently demonstrated. Hetal Dhruve discusses some of the reasons for this peak and how practice nurses can help to prevent asthma attacks in children

Asthma is one of the most common long term conditions in the UK, affecting approximately 1.1 million children. Asthma prevalence, related mortality and health-care utilisation in the UK are estimated to be among the highest in the world. A seasonal peak in asthma attacks has been consistently demonstrated following the summer school holiday and in line with the start of the autumn term. This article discusses some of the reasons for this peak and how asthma attacks can be prevented by practice nurses.
Research Roundup
Authors: Winter George
Published: January 2020

George Winter provides an overview of recently published articles likely to be of interest to practice nurses. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Effect of photoperiod on the cultural morphology of Rhizoctonia solani isolates of maize from Yogyakarta and Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: BUDIARTI SRI WAHYUNI , LUKMAN RUDY , SUMARDIYONO CHRISTANTI , WIBOWO ARIF , PRIYATMOJO ACHMADI
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Budiarti SW, Lukman R, Sumardiyono C, Wibowo A, Priyatmojo A. 2019. Effect of photoperiod on the cultural morphology of Rhizoctonia solani isolates of maize from Yogyakarta and Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2028-2038. Banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB) caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn is a significant constraint of maize production in Indonesia, especially within the last several years. R. solani is an important soil-borne necrotrophic fungal pathogen which is known to be sensitive to different environmental conditions. The differential response of fungi to light and dark is important to study, especially of those causing disease to crop plant as it helps to reveal the factors regulating the pathogenicity of the fungus. This study aims to determine the effect of light duration on the mycelial development and sclerotia formation of R. solani isolates obtained from different locations in Yogyakarta Special Region and Central Java, Indonesia. Ten isolates of R. solani collected from different geographic regions in Yogyakarta Special Region, and Central Java from maize (nine isolates) and rice (one isolate) were exposed to three different light conditions: 12 h alternating light/dark, continuous darkness, and continuous light. Cultural morphology and sclerotial characteristics were recorded for each isolate. All isolates revealed great diversity in terms of cultural and morphological characteristics after exposure to three different light conditions. Under complete darkness, the mycelial growth phase was extended, and a fluffy mass of mycelia was produced. All isolates showed abundant growth under the 12 h alternating light/dark condition than under the continuous dark and continuous light conditions. Sclerotia were initiated earlier under the 12 h alternating light/dark condition than under other conditions. The 12 h alternating light/dark condition also induced number and heavier weight of sclerotia compared with those produced under the continuous light and continuous dark conditions. The modifications in light condition exert a significant impact on some R. solani isolates.
Short Communication: In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils from twelve aromatic plants from East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: KUSPRADINI HARLINDA , PUTRI AGMI SINTA , EGRA SAAT , .YANTI YANTI
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Kuspradini H, Putri AS, Egra S, Yanti. 2019. Short Communication: In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils from twelve aromatic plants from East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2039-2042. In the aim of this works was to investigate the antibacterial activity of twelve essential oils against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, oral pathogen causing dental caries. The essential oils were collected by a steam distillation method. Refractive index was measured by using a refractometer. The antibacterial activity of essential oils was determined using an agar well diffusion method. The yields of essential oils varied with the plant species. The steam distillation yielded clear to yellowish essential oils. Refractive indexes of oil were found to be in the range of 1.344 to 1.500. Syzigium sp. appeared to be more abundant in oil (1.54%) than the other plant species, while C. odorata was poorer (0.04%). All of the essential oils tested showed a varied level of inhibition zone (0-53.65 mm) against S. mutans and S. sobrinus. The oil from leaves of Cymbopogon citratus had the highest activity against S. sobrinus and S. mutans (53.15 and 52.85 mm, respectively). On the other hand, the Magnolia x alba oil showed the lowest activity against S. mutans and S. sobrinus (10.50 and 11.65 mm, respectively). The research results demonstrated that the essential oil in this study has the potency for development of dental health products for preventing and treating oral infections.
RAPD based genetic diversity, agronomic characters, and nutrition content of Timor Leste kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes
Authors: MARCOS CORREIA VIDAL  , Setiawan Asep , YUDIWANTI WAHYU
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Vidal MC, Setiawan A, Wahyu Y. 2019. RAPD based genetic diversity, agronomic characters, and nutrition content of Timor Leste kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes. Biodiversitas 20: 2612-2619. The productivity of kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Timor Leste is relatively low and needs to be improved. The increase in kidney bean yield through plant breeding, however, can only be obtained if information the genetic diversity of breeding materials is available. This study aimed to characterize agronomic characters, to assess genetic diversity and nutrient content of kidney bean in Timor Leste. The materials used in this study were 13 Timor Leste and 2 Indonesian genotypes as controls. The experimental design for the field trial was a complete randomized block design with three replications. The treatment was 13 kidney bean genotypes. The results showed that there were significant variations in agronomic characters among the genotypes tested. Result from phylogenetic trees based on the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) indicated that the genetic material understudied can be grouped into three main groups. The Indonesian genotype belongs to a different group from Timor Leste genotypes. Direct selection based on seed yields produced the best eight East Timor genotypes, TL-RO3, TL-LUN, TL-LM, TL-R10, TL-LL, TL-RW, TL-LB, TL-LB, and TL-Umabano. The nutritional content of the kidney bean genotype from Timor Leste was similar to that of the Indonesian genotype. The carbohydrate content of the Timor Leste genotype was considered high (average = 59.95%), while the average fat content is low (1.71%) and the average protein content was quite moderate (18.08%).