bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fruit of sand: complexities of Botswana’s veld plant resources
Authors: Brinkhurst Marena F.E.
Published: September 2019

Interest in indigenous veld plants across Southern Africa is generating speculation on the potential market value of veld plant products. Researchers and entrepreneurs in Botswana have begun to explore the botanical resources of the Kalahari veld lands. These developments are attractive to the government of Botswana given national goals of rural development and economic diversification. Attention is turning to possible ways to increase supply, as wild gathering is unreliable and appears to be depleting wild stocks. In particular, domestication and cultivation are being considered. Indigenous plants may be able to avoid some technical constraints on agricultural development in Botswana. However, as explored in this interdisciplinary paper, there are several complications for potential cultivation in the Kalahari. The delicate ecosystem, issues of land access and commercialization, interplay with livestock, social effects of cash income and other changes, and concerns over market development and fair trade are issues that could seriously affect cultivation plans and yet are often overlooked in agrodevelopment studies. It is summarized that methods of management that better fit the natural and social context, such as communally managed gathering, should instead be considered when addressing the problem of overexploitation of wild veld plants.
Colonialist theatre education in Botswana
Authors: Gambles Chandel
Published: September 2019

There is a distinct lack of theatre in Botswana due to its political and social history. The colonialists of the past and the artistic Theatre for Development educators have forced outside theatrical ideals on Botswana productions. When the majority of the country was illiterate, this was the most effective tool for establishing propaganda and communication. However, since the economic welfare and educational standards of Botswana have improved, educators should not be as dependant on theatre as a tool. Theatre for Development still dominates current productions and has caused a distinct hindrance of creative discovery within the country. Until the topics and creative stylizations of the indigenous people are accepted and promoted, the nation cannot hope to reflect their distinct culture through theatre.
Nanoscience in nature: cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Oke Isdin
Published: September 2019

Nanoscience, the study of materials so small that not even light can capture them, seeks to unravel and understand the building blocks of our planet. Nature, perhaps the most talented nanoscientist, has created very remarkable biological nanomaterials including proteins, lipids and polysaccharides. This article will explore a very unique nanomaterial, derived from cellulose, that has received great academic and industrial interest over the last few years. Cellulose nanocrystals are shards of a very common polymer and possess a number of interesting properties including a high aspect ratio and large tension modulus. Cellulose nanocrystal structure can be manipulated during the extraction procedure to control size, degree of crystallinity and surface charge. Furthermore the crystals can be functionalized with surface functional groups, including sulfate esters, and successfully incorporated into polymer matrices. This article will explore physical and chemical extraction procedures, and characterization techniques including atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Finally, the future promise of cellulose nanocrystals will be discussed including potential applications in electronics, materials and medical industries.
Freshwater scarcity and pricing in South Africa: conflicts between conservation and equity in the post-apartheid state
Authors: Langstaff Liane
Published: September 2019

South Africa faces water scarcity due to the contribution of climatic, geographic, and human variables. As reported by Statistics South Africa, persistent water scarcity and distributional inequity has arisen in a changing political arena from the period of colonization to the most recent chapter of South African governance from 1994 onwards [1]. In the policy context of a state struggling with the legacy of apartheid, conflicts regarding the pricing of freshwater resources have arisen [2]. With discrepancies between the higher price for water required to promote efficiency and conservation, and the alternative pricing system that would meet the South Africa’s responsibility to improve distributional fairness, the most recent challenges took place between 1994 and 2000 [3]. Consequently, the predominant problem linked to South Africa’s freshwater resources is how to allocate water amongst the competing uses of long term environmental and human welfare, without compromising the needs of the country’s urban poor. One perspective, which can provide insight on the issue of water scarcity in South Africa, is free market environmentalism. This branch of economic thought supports a system of water markets with prices that reflect the true cost of providing the resources along with subsidies to address the needs of the poor. Based on an evaluation of the impact of market incentives in South Africa since the 2001 market reforms, it has been determined that a pragmatic, free market environmentalist approach to water can yield economically efficient outcomes for the resource while mitigating distributional equity issues.
The failure of the American ABC HIV prevention model in Botswana
Authors: Su Yvonne Yanyun
Published: September 2019

This paper argues that the American ABC (Abstain, Be Faithful, and Condomise) HIV prevention model has failed in Botswana as a result of cultural irrelevance, the imposition of dominant American Christian ideals and a lack of local involvement and consultation. The paper will first examine the development of the American ABC Model and how it is distributed in Botswana. The second section will demonstrate the cultural irrelevance of the ABC model by examining the sexual practices of four ethnic groups within Botswana: the Bakalanga, Bangwato, Basarwa, and Baherero. The breakdown of the ABC model and its irrelevance to Botswana culture will demonstrate how the export of dominant American Christian ideals have strongly ignored and undermined sexual norms and practices. Lastly, the paper will demonstrate the importance of including local actors such as chiefs and indigenous NGOs in effectively deal with the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Botswana.
Calculation of the carbon footprint of Ontario wheat
Authors: Ho Jacqueline Ann
Published: September 2019

Increasing consumer awareness of the environmental impact of food production has prompted interest in locally grown food in Ontario. The research reported here had the objective of quantifying the carbon footprint of Ontario grown wheat. A spreadsheet was developed and populated with data and emission coefficients gathered through consultation of the literature. The spreadsheet expresses the carbon footprint in the life cycle of Ontario wheat in CO2 equivalent (kg CO2). The life cycle of wheat includes production, transportation, the use of machinery and application of agricultural chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers. Since there are insufficient industrial data of manufacture of machines, they were not included in the calculations. The accuracy of this spreadsheet was examined by comparing its results with results of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Calculator. The total farm emission of the AAFC GHG Calculator was 3960.2 Mg CO2, while the created spreadsheet had a result of 2963.1 Mg CO2. The spreadsheet has a lower emission than AAFC GHG Calculator because machine manufacture was not included in the spreadsheet. For individual categories agreement was quite close, most categories are within 90% agreement. As a conclusion, results between AAFC GHG Calculator and spreadsheets are similar hence demonstrate the accuracy of the spreadsheet created. Fertilizer production and direct emission from the soil were responsible for 89% of the GHG emissions from Ontario grown wheat.
Determining a Bioventing Scale-Up Factor
Authors: Beswick Michael , Zytner Richard G
Published: September 2019

Bioventing is an increasingly popular means of removing hazardous petroleum products from sites contaminated by industry and underground gasoline storage tanks. A mesoscale bioventing reactor system was used to determine the rate of bioremediation and compared to previous work completed on smaller scale reactors. Ten 4kg reactors with two different soil types were spiked with synthetic gasoline to an initial concentration of 4000mg/kg soil. Vacuum was then applied at a rate of 1mL/min, with sufficient water levels monitored and maintained to induce bioventing conditions. Gas chromatography was used to determine concentrations of synthetic gasoline in soil every two days for each soil type. Results indicate a smaller scale up factor for sandy soils (Delhi), than for clayey soils (Elora). Furthermore it was observed that slower decay rates exist as reactor size increases, suggesting that conservative estimates are needed when transferring lab results to the field.
“The quarry proposed by St Marys Cement Inc. for a location near Carlisle, Ontario should not be permitted”: Opponent Brief
Authors: Bracken Evan , Grant Leah , Marit Alexander , Nasielski Joshua , Smith Sarah , Yang Victoria , Fox Glenn
Published: September 2019

The quarry proposed to extract Amabel formation Dolostone by the St. Marys Cement Inc. near Flamborough, Ontario should be implemented based on the arguments of this paper. The quality of the aggregate material, as well as the quantity that St. Marys Cement Inc. hopes to extract would supply enough building material for all of Ontario for nearly two years. However, the construction of the quarry has been strongly opposed by a local community group, Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment (FORCE). The major concerns raised by FORCE have already been addressed by St. Marys Cement Inc., and any further opposition from the community is either based on misinformation provided by FORCE and/or a “not in my back yard” (NIMBY) mentality. “NIMBY-ism” is a selfish, unjustified hindrance to the process of achieving the most efficient outcome for society, an outcome where the needs of the greater good (in this case, aggregate) are fulfilled. The residents of Flamborough and the surrounding area must acknowledge that they too require aggregate material for their roads, houses, and buildings, and that FORCE’s arguments are not for the community or the environment’s wellbeing, but are a front for a NIMBY mentality.
Global industries and local development: labour in the Malagasy garment industry
Authors: Bernards Nick
Published: September 2019

This paper examines some of the challenges and opportunities for development in Africa presented by the globalization of production through a qualitative-historical case study analysis of the condition of labour in the garment industry in Madagascar. It argues that this case demonstrates that attempts to incorporate national economies into the global economy on the basis of a comparative advantage in low-value added, labour intensive industries are unlikely to lead to significant development benefits. The paper first develops a historical overview of the development of the Malagasy export garment industry. It is situated within global and local trends towards economic liberalization, the re-orientation of development finance towards foreign direct investment, and the globalization of garment production. Three main structural features of the Malagasy Zone Franche garment industry are emphasized: the centrality of low cost labour, the dominance of low value added labour intensive activities, and reliance on access to markets in the industrialized north. These structural conditions are reinforced by the fluidity and volatility of the sector. The final section considers the impacts of these structures on labour relations in the garment industry. It argues that these structural conditions have kept wages and working conditions chronically poor. This failure to improve the condition of work is indicative of the weak structural position of peripheral economies and the challenges this poses to private sector-led development.
Cassini- and Catalan-like formulas for polygonal numbers and simplex numbers
Authors: Jeffery Thomas
Published: September 2019

Cassini’s formula and Catalan’s formula are two results from the theory of Fibonacci numbers. This article derives results similar to these, however instead of applying to Fibonacci numbers, they are applied to polygonal numbers and simplex numbers. Triangular numbers are considered first. We then generalize to polygonal and simplex numbers. For polygonal numbers the properties of determinants are used to simplify calculations. For simplex numbers Pascal’s Theorem is used.
Research highlights from the Ontario Veterinary College summer leadership and research program
Authors: Students SLRP
Published: September 2019

Here we present research highlights from the Summer Leadership and Research Program (SLRP) at the Ontario Veterinary College. The SLRP offers BSc, DVM and other summer student researchers at OVC a stimulating slate of events from May to August. The program includes a Round Table series with veterinarians and scientists working in diverse and intriguing areas, field trips to cutting-edge research facilities and the Metro Toronto Zoo, and professional development workshops to prepare for conference-style sessions.
How wind turbines are not generating green energy: An economic review of the Ontario Green Energy and Green Economy Act
Authors: Whittingham Nathaniel
Published: September 2019

The Ontario Government passed the Ontario Green Energy and Green Economy Act in 2009. The Act promoted wind turbines and solar panels as a major component of the energy supply for the Province of Ontario as a replacement for coal-fired electricity generation plants. This article provides an economic assessment of the rationales that were offered for this policy, specifically, that the Act would help the Government of Ontario reduce the province’s reliance on fossil fuels, reduce carbon emissions, and stimulate the economy through the creation of jobs. The effects of the policy on the cost of electricity in the province are also considered. The analysis concludes that the Act will not reduce the Province of Ontario’s reliance on fossil fuels due to the inefficiency and unpredictability of wind turbines, ultimately leading to the need to use energy from more readily available sources of electricity such as gas. The need for fossil fuel backup also limits the potential to reduce the green house gas emissions.

Keywords: Ontario Green Energy and Green Economy Act (2009); renewable energy; economic review
Dr. Wonderful and the big bad asylum: Dissecting simplicty in The Snake Pit
Authors: Ruebsaat Trott Adam
Published: September 2019

On the surface, Anatole Livak’s The Snake Pit (1974) contains little more than a socially conservative overuse of pseudo-Freudianism. The film has been rightfully criticized for its departure from the novel on which it was based, specifically in its more traditional approach to Virginia, its female protagonist. To simply dismiss The Snake Pit for these reasons, however, would not do justice to the film’s importance within the history of cinema and psychiatry. This article will analyze the historical and cinematic factors that influenced Litvak’s The Snake Pit, a film worthy of both praise for its social impact and blame for its failure to go far enough.

Keywords: Anatole Livak; cinema; history of psychoanalysis; Sigmund Freud; Hollywood
Biophysical characterization of 21.5-kDa myelin basic protein (MBP) and the effects of zinc on its structure
Authors: Lanthier Danielle K. , Vassall Kenrick A. , Harauz George
Published: September 2019

Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) is a highly abundant protein in central nervous system (CNS) myelin that has a critical role in its proper formation and functioning. The 21.5-kDa isoform of MBP has been shown to be selectively imported into the nucleus of myelin-producing cells, oligodendrocytes, and may be involved in signaling pathways that affect the formation and recovery of CNS myelin. The first step in understanding potential nuclear binding partners of 21.5-kDa MBP is to characterize the structure of the protein. In this study, circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to analyze the structure of 21.5-kDa rmMBP (recombinant murine MBP) in vitro in the presence and absence of Zn2+, an abundant trace metal in CNS myelin that has been suggested to affect MBP structure. Fluorescence spectroscopy with a probe for hydrophobic protein regions showed that Zn2+ may affect the conformation of 21.5-kDa MBP in aqueous solution.

Keywords: myelin basic protein (MBP); intrinsically-disordered protein; circular dichroism; fluoresence spectroscopy
Research highlights from the Ontario Veterinary College’s Career Opportunities and Research Experience (CORE) Program
Authors: Noble Celeste , Silk Elizabeth , Jairaj Akash , Morrison Jodi , Shen Xiao , Zhang Pauline , Jowett Amanda , Segeren Claire
Published: September 2019

This Special Series features research highlights from the Ontario Veterinary College’s Career Opportunities and Research Experience (CORE) Program (previously the Summer Leadership and Research Program), which ran from May 5th to August 12th, 2016. The CORE program was designed to provide B.Sc and D.V.M. students with additional exposure to the professional world of veterinary medicine and research. Alongside their work with researchers and faculty members, student participants attended a Round Table series, several conferences, field trips to research facilities, and professional development workshops. CORE participants also delivered oral and poster presentations, sharing the results of their research with peers and with the University of Guelph’s larger research community. Selected abstracts from these presentations are included here.
Colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica para cálculos no ducto biliar comum: overview de revisões sistemáticas e estudos econômicos
Authors: Santos André , Oliveira Ananda , Nogueira José Luiz , Noronha Kenya , Andrade Mônica
Published: September 2019

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia, segurança e custo-efetividade da colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) comparada à exploração laparoscópica do ducto biliar comum (ELDBC) para coledocolitíase. Métodos: Foi realizada uma busca eletrônica nas bases de dados Medline, The Cochrane Library, Lilacs e Center for Reviews and Dissemination por revisões sistemáticas e estudos econômicos que reportassem dados sobre a comparação entre a CPRE e a ELDBC em pacientes com coledocolitíase. Uma busca complementar foi realizada nas referências dos estudos incluídos, periódicos, resumos de congresso e Google Acadêmico. A seleção foi realizada por dois pesquisadores independentes. Além da síntese qualitativa, uma ressíntese quantitativa para os desfechos primários foi conduzida em Review Manager® 5.3 utilizando um modelo de efeitos randômicos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 15 estudos (9 revisões sistemáticas e 6 estudos econômicos). Não foi demonstrada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre a colecistectomia laparoscópica (CL)+CPRE e a CL+ELDBC em termos de remoção dos cálculos do colédoco (88,5% vs. 92,8%; RR = 0,97, valor-p = 0,08; N = 1.881), morbidade pós-operatória (14,1% vs. 13,8%; RR = 0,98, valor-p = 0,88; N = 1.469), mortalidade (0,8% vs. 0,2%; RR = 2,13, valor-p = 0,33; N = 1.471), cálculos retidos (7,3% vs. 5,8%; RR = 1,17, valor-p = 0,40; N = 1.731), conversão para outros procedimentos (8,7% vs. 6,7%; RR = 1,20, valor-p = 0,55; N = 1.287), duração do procedimento (MD = 10,91, valor-p = 0,61; N = 717) ou tempo de hospitalização (MD = 1,31, valor-p = 0,10; N = 757). A literatura de custo-efetividade é dividida, com alguns estudos favorecendo a CL+CPRE e outros, a CL+ELDBC. Conclusão: Não é possível concluir sobre a superioridade da ELDBC sobre a CPRE ou vice-versa para a remoção de cálculos no colédoco.
Shale Producers Piloting Downhole Compression To Solve Liquid Loading
Authors: Jacobs Trent
Published: September 2019

Almost all gas wells that co-produce liquids share a common and troublesome fate: liquid loading. A new artificial lift technology is being tested across different US shale plays with Equinor to avoid this inevitability. If successful, the system will become a viable alternative to the way in which these wells are produced today.

Liquid loading crops up as the natural drive provided via early-stage gas production falls below the point required to move the associated water and/or natural gas liquids to the surface. The problem is progressive, and ultimately leads to a water column in the well. This slows and eventually stops flow until an intervention is executed or if the well is shut in to build up pressure.

Though liquid loading occurs in both conventional and unconventional wells, it poses the biggest economic risk to the latter because of the inherently rapid decline rates. After a couple of years, their flow is often only a quarter of what it was during initial production.

These are the factors driving Upwing Energy to develop a magnetically driven subsurface compressor system. As explained by Chief Executive Officer Herman Artinian, the company’s technology boils down to this concise concept: “Suck the gas, and the liquids will come with it.”

Like all artificial lift systems, the compressor is meant to be used when natural flow has stopped. The Cerritos, California-based Upwing believes that after 2–3 years the bottomhole pressure in most horizontal gas wells is low enough for the compressor to be used as a way to draw down pressure even further, both in the well and the reservoir’s fracture network.

“It turns out, the same thing that is happening in the wellbore with the liquid loading is happening inside the reservoir—the little pores are getting liquid loading due to the capillary effect,” explained Artinian.

With a constant source of suction, the trapped liquids can be moved from the nanosized pore throats, creating new pathways for free gas flow. Work done so far suggests a pressure-reduction ratio of roughly 3:1 does the job, e.g. a bottomhole pressure of 900 psi would set the compressor’s target at around 300 psi.

As the gas and liquids exit the compressor, the increased velocity carries a continuous stream all the way to the wellhead, preventing liquid build up and slugging. Initial field tests of a prototype showed the compressor was able to lift 150 bbl of water per 1•mmscf. “That’s a significant amount of liquids—more than what most unconventional wells are producing today,” said•Artinian.

Pilots to Prove Reservoir Response

In 2016, shortly after the firm was founded, Upwing tested four prototype compressors in wells in Texas. Production in these wells saw an increase ranging between 30–58%. The aim for the fully developed version is a 75–100% boost in gas output, “which directly translates to a minimum of 10–20% more recoverability of an unconventional well,” said Artinian, adding that the return on investment is expected to be between 6 months and a year.
Technology Focus: Offshore Drilling and Completion (October 2019)
Authors: Rylance Martin
Published: September 2019

Technology Focus

Measured-pressure approaches (drilling, cementing, and completions) have offered much promise for some time but have been slow to reach widespread application. A spate of technical developments, deployments, trials, and applications, however, recently has pushed measured-pressure drilling (MPD) and its nuanced variants to their full potential as viable well-construction methods. Development of fully integrated drilling, control, and management systems, along with surveillance and data-processing enhancements, have brought the idea of fully functional real-time measured-pressure management to reality. Increasing experience, design feed-back, validation, and enhancements are making a number of derivatives of the approach widely applicable. As well as the drilling operations themselves, experience has increased to include all aspects of the well-construction process, including both cementing and completion running operations. Increasing equipment automation and surveillance and control systems is now providing confidence and accuracy with well-calibrated models of in-situ behavior. Additionally, the real-time management of operations creates a feedback loop that allows continuous improvement to be at the heart of execution and learning.

As broader industry experience and case history volume increases, the ability to deploy and use these approaches will provide additional flexibility to operators as they develop increasingly challenging formations and tight or complex pore-pressure fracture-gradient profiles and windows. Measured-pressure techniques and variants now appear to be coming of age, and wider application will continue to enhance and enrich their functionality. Continued automation, data management, and personnel training and experience will support the continued and increasing deployment of these approaches.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

SPE/IADC 194538 The Business Case for Use of Applied-Backpressure Managed-Pressure Drilling in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico by Sharief Moghazy, Shell, et al.

SPE/IADC 194541 Acoustic Telemetry Network Provides Real-Time Downhole Data Transmission During Drilling, Cementing, and Completion Installation for Use in Depleted Reservoirs and During Managed-Pressure Operations by Andy Hawthorn, Baker Hughes, a GE company, et al.

SPE/IADC 194554 Using Managed-Pressure Drilling and Early Kick/Loss Detection System To Execute a Challenging Deepwater Completions Job in the Gulf of Mexico by Julian Hernandez, Weatherford, et al.
Inter- and intra-breed genome-wide copy number diversity in a large cohort of European equine breeds
Authors: Solé Marina , Ablondi Michela , Binzer-Panchal Amrei , Velie Brandon D , Hollfelder Nina , Buys Nadine , Ducro Bart J , François Liesbeth , Janssens Steven , Schurink Anouk , Viklund Åsa , Eriksson Susanne , Isaksson Anders , Kultima Hanna , Mikko Sofia , Lindgren Gabriella
Published: September 2019

Background
Copy Number Variation (CNV) is a common form of genetic variation underlying animal evolution and phenotypic diversity across a wide range of species. In the mammalian genome, high frequency of CNV differentiation between breeds may be candidates for population-specific selection. However, CNV differentiation, selection and its population genetics have been poorly explored in horses.

Results
We investigated the patterns, population variation and gene annotation of CNV using the Axiom ® Equine Genotyping Array (670,796 SNPs) from a large cohort of individuals (N=1,755) belonging to eight European horse breeds, varying from draught horses to several warmblood populations. After quality control, 152,64 0 SNP CNVs (individual markers), 18,800 segment CNVs (consecutive SNP CNVs of same gain/loss state or both) and 939 CNV regions (CNVRs; overlapping segment CNVs by at least 1bp) compared to the average signal of the reference (Belgian draught horse) were identified. Our analyses showed that Equus caballus chromosome 12 (ECA12) was the most enriched in segment CNV gains and losses (~3% average proportion of the genome covered), but the highest number of segment CNVs were detected on ECA1 and ECA20 (regardless of size). The Friesian horses showed private SNP CNV gains (>20% of the samples) on ECA1 and Exmoor ponies displayed private SNP CNV losses on ECA25 (>20% of the samples). The Warmblood cluster showed private SNP CNV gains located in ECA9 and Draught cluster showed private SNP CNV losses located in ECA7. The length of the CNVRs ranged from 1 kb to 21.3 Mb. A total of 10,612 genes were annotated within the CNVRs. The PANTHER annotation of these genes showed significantly under- and overrepresented gene ontology biological terms related to cellular processes and immunity (Bonferroni P-value < 0.05). We identified 80 CNVRs overlapping with known QTL for fertility, coat colour, conformation and temperament. We also report 67 novel CNVRs.

Conclusions
This work revealed that CNV patterns, in the genome of some European horse breeds, occurred in specific genomic regions. The results provide support to the hypothesis that high frequency private CNVs residing in genes may potentially be responsible for the diverse phenotypes seen between horse breeds.
Plasmid profile of extended-spectrum β-lactamase and quaternary ammonium compound E delta 1 gene held multi-resistant Shigella species isolated from raw cow milk and milk products in Egypt
Authors: Elkenany Rasha , Eltaysh Rasha , Elsayed Mona , Abdel-Daim Mohamed
Published: September 2019

Background Multi-resistant Shigella species recovered from raw cow milk and milk products has predominated all over the world especially extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and Quaternary ammonium compound E delta 1 (qacE∆1) genes. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence, antibiotic and disinfectant resistance phenotypes and genotypes as well as plasmid profiles of Shigella species isolated from raw cow milk and milk products in Egypt. The genotypic analysis was determined for the presence of β-lactamase encoding genes (blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaOXA-1 and blaSHV), tetA(A) and qacE∆. Results Twenty-one (7%) of Shigella isolates (S. dysenteriae, S. flexneri and S. sonnei) were recovered with S. dysenteriae as the most predominant types. Antibiotic sensitivity tests showed 71.4% of multidrug-resistant Shigella isolates. High resistance rates were observed to tetracyclines (100%), ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate (90.5%, each) and cefaclor (66.7%), whilst no resistance was detected against imipenem, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and azithromycin. Disinfectant susceptibility test of Shigella isolates revealed resistance to phenolic compound (vanillic), while 85.7% of Shigella isolates were benzalkonium chloride resistant. Uniplex PCR analysis exhibit presence of β-lactamase encoding genes (blaTEM in all isolates and blaCTX-M in 28.6% of isolates), tetA(A) in all isolates and 85.7% isolates positive for qacE∆1, while all isolates were negative for blaOXA-1 and blaSHV. All Shigella extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers (6, 100%) were positive for blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and qacE∆1 genes. Furthermore, plasmid profiling revealed seven distinct plasmid patterns (P1-P7) ranging from 1.26 to 33.61 kb among all Shigella strains; S. dysenteriae displayed the greatest variance. The co-transfer of β-lactamase genes (blaTEM and blaCTX-M) and qacE∆1 genes was observed by conjugation. Conclusions S. dysenteriae was the most common identified types in the examined sources. Also, the findings imply the emergence of multi-resistant Shigella species either multi-resistant to antibiotics (particularly ESBL producer strains) or disinfectants in Egypt. Thus, the resistance of Shigella species should regularly be monitored and appropriate measures should be taken to manage this problem.
The long-term efficacy of one-shot neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with radical cystectomy versus radical cystectomy alone for bladder cancer: a propensity-score matching study
Authors: Wahafu Wasilijiang , Liu Sai , Xu Wenbin , Wang Mengtong , He Qingbao , Song Liming , Wang Mingshuai , Yang Feiya , Hua Lin , Niu Yinong , Xing Nianzeng
Published: September 2019

Background: Bladder cancer is a complex disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. The management of bladder cancer before radical cystectomy continues to be controversial. We compared the long-term efficacy of one-shot neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC)versus no IAC (NIAC) before radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent either one-shot IAC or NIAC before RC between October 2006 and November 2015. Propensity-score matching (1:3) was performed based on key characteristics. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to estimate survival probabilities, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival outcomes between different groups. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate survival outcomes.

Results: Twenty-six patients were treated using IAC before RC, and 123 NIAC patients also underwent RC. After matching, there was no significant difference between the groups in baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, complication outcomes or tumour characteristics. Compared with the clinical tumour stages, the pathological tumour stages demonstrated a significant decrease (P=0.002) in the IAC group. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS, p=0.354) or cancer-specific survival (CSS, p=0.439) between the groups. Among all patients, BMI significantly affected OS (p=0.004), and positive lymph nodes (PLN) significantly affected both OS(p＜0.001) and CSS (p=0.010).

Conclusions: One-shot neoadjuvant IAC before RC shows safety and tolerability and provides a significant advantage in pathological downstaging but not in OS or CSS. Further study of neoadjuvant combination therapeutic strategies with RC is needed.
Genome-wide identification and transcript analysis of TCP transcription factors in grapevine
Authors: leng xiangpeng , Wei Hongru , Xu Xiaozhao , Ghuge Sandip A. , Jia Dongjie , Liu Gengsen , Wang Yongzhang , Yuan Yongbing
Published: September 2019

Background The plant-specific TCP transcription factors play different functions in multiple processes of plant growth and development. TCP family genes have been identified in several plant species, but no comprehensive analysis of the TCP family in grapevine has been undertaken to date, especially their roles in fruit development. Results A total of 18 non-redundant grapevine TCP (VvTCP) genes distributing on 11 chromosomes were identified. Phylogenetic and structural analysis showed that VvTCP genes were divided into two main classes - class I and class II. The Class II genes were further classified into two subclasses, the CIN subclass and the CYC/TB1 subclass. Segmental duplication was a predominant duplication event which caused the expansion of VvTCP genes. The cis-acting elements analysis and tissue-specific expression patterns of VvTCP genes demonstrated that these VvTCP genes might play important roles in plant growth and development. Expression patterns of VvTCP genes during fruit development and ripening were analyzed by RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR. Among them, eleven VvTCP genes were down-regulated during different fruit developmental stages, while only one VvTCP genes were up-regulated, suggesting that most VvTCP genes were probably related to early development in grapevine fruit. Futhermore, the expression of most VvTCP genes can be inhibited by drought and waterlogging stresses. Conclusions Our study establishes the first genome-wide analysis of the grapevine TCP gene family and provides valuable information for understanding the classification and functions of the TCP genes in grapevine.
Development of an interactive, web-based shared care plan to facilitate the follow-up care of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Taggart Jane , Chin Melvin , Liauw Winston , Dolezal Alex , Plahn John , Harris Mark Fort
Published: September 2019

Introduction
A shared model of care between cancer services and primary health care is safe and acceptable and can address the increasing demands on cancer services for long term follow-up. This paper describes the challenges developing an interactive shared care plan for colorectal cancer follow-up care that supports collaboration between the care team and patient.

Methods
A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify web-based care plans for follow-up cancer care that would inform the implementation of a system to share an individualised care plan. We conducted individual consultations with 25 key informants/stakeholders to understand the requirements and challenges of establishing the web-based care plan and to identify the technical options to share the care plan. This was followed by a structured group consultation with 13 key stakeholders to obtain agreement on the model of care and the technical solution to share the care plan.

Results
We identified five web-based shared care plans for cancer follow-up care. These systems supported the creation and/or access to view or share the care plan via internet log-in, email or hard copy. None of the SCP had interactive functionalities to support collaboration and none of the included papers reported formalised models of shared care between cancer services and primary care.
The challenges identified included the security, privacy and sharing of patient information between public health services and primary health care and poor integration of clinical information systems. A primary care practitioners’ care planning system was selected for the pilot as it addressed the challenge of sharing clinical information between the public health system and external clinicians, partially addressed integration (integrated with the primary care clinical information systems but did not integrate with the cancer centre systems), supported collaboration between the care team and patient and was relatively inexpensive.

Conclusion
Primary care shared care planning systems seem a suitable option for sharing clinical information between a cancer service and primary care practitioners. We plan to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this interactive shared care plan to support shared cancer follow-up care.
The University of Limerick Education and Research Network for General Practice (ULEARN-GP): practice characteristics and general practitioner perspectives
Authors: O'Regan Andrew , Hayes Peter , O'Connor Ray , Casey Monica , O'Dwyer Patrick , Culhane Aidan , O'Donnell Patrick , Stack Gary , Cuddihy John , O'Connell Billy , O'Flynn Jerry , Cullen Walter , O'Doherty Jane , O'Connell Maurice , Glynn Liam
Published: September 2019

Background A well-functioning General Practice sector that has a strong research component is recognised as a key foundation of any modern health system. General practitioners (GPs) are more likely to collaborate in research if they are part of an established research network. The primary aims of this study are to describe Ireland’s newest general practice-based research network and to analyse the perspectives of the network’s members on research engagement. Method A survey was sent to all GPs participating in the network in order to document practice characteristics so that this research network’s profile could be compared to other national profiles of Irish general practice. In depth interviews were then conducted and analysed thematically to explore the experiences and views of a selection of these GPs on research engagement. Results All 134 GPs responded to the survey. Practices have similar characteristics to the national profile in terms of location, size, computerisation, type of premises and out of hours arrangements. Twenty-two GPs were interviewed and the resulting data was categorised into subthemes and four related overarching themes: GPs described catalysts for research in their practices, the need for coherence in how research is understood in this context, systems failures, whereby the current health system design is prohibitive of GP participation and aspirations for a better future. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that the research network under examination is representative of current trends in Irish general practice. It has elucidated a better understanding of factors that need to be addressed in order to encourage more GPs to engage in the research process.
More that unites us than divides us? A qualitative study of integration of community health and social care services
Authors: Mitchell Claire , Tazzyman Abigail , Howard Susan J. , Hodgson Damian
Published: September 2019

Background The integration of community health and social care services has been widely promoted nationally as a vital step to improve patient centred care, reduce costs, reduce admissions to hospital and facilitate timely and effective discharge from hospital. The complexities of integration raise questions about the practical challenges of integrating health and care given embedded professional and organisational boundaries in both sectors. We describe how an English city created a single, integrated care partnership organisation, to fully integrate community health and social care services. This led to the development of twelve integrated neighbourhood teams, combining and co-locating professionals across three separate localities. The aim of this research is to identify the context and the factors enabling and hindering integration from a qualitative process evaluation.Methods Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with equal numbers of health and social care staff at strategic and operational level. The data was subjected to thematic analysis.Results We describe three key themes: 1) shared vision and leadership; 2) organisational factors; 3) professional workforce factors. We found a clarity of vision and purpose of integration throughout the partnership organisation, but there were challenges related to the introduction of devolved leadership. There were widespread concerns that the specified outcome measures did not capture the complexities of integration. Organisational challenges included a lack of detail around clinical and service delivery planning, tensions around variable human resource practices and barriers to data sharing. A lack of understanding and trust meant professional workforce integration remained a key challenge, although integration was also seen as a potential solution to engender relationship building.Conclusions Given the long-term national policy focus on integration this ambitious approach to fully integrate community health and social care has highlighted implications for leadership, organisational design and inter-professional working. Given the ethos of valuing the local assets of individuals and networks within the new partnership organisation we found the integrated neighbourhood teams could all learn from each other. Many of the challenges of integration could benefit from embracing the inherent capabilities across the integrated neighbourhood teams and localities of this city.
How were situations of preventive and curative care expenditure for AIDS and medical burden of patients? Research based on "System of Health Accounts 2011 "
Authors: Zhan Huan , Wu Qiong , Zang Shuang , Zhou Liangrong , Wang Xin
Published: September 2019

Background The problem of AIDS response has not only involved public health, but also had a great impact on the family burden.The objective of this study was to estimate Hunan Province preventive and curative care expenditure(PCE) of AIDS in 2017 based on System of Health Accounts 2011 by quantity,financing scheme,health provider,health function,and to analyse the factors affecting patients' medical burden.Methods Through stratified multi-stage sampling method, 1336 institutions were surveyed to obtain AIDS prevention and control data, and combined with official data of Hunan Health Statistical Yearbook, Health Financial Yearbook and Government Input Monitoring System to estimate the AIDS PCE under the framework of SHA2011.Univariate analysis and ordered logistic regression were used to evaluate the factors affecting the medical burden of AIDS patients.Results The AIDS PCE of Hunan in 2017 was 266.67 million, mainly flowed to hospitals and disease prevention and control institutions. The proportions of curative care expenditure(CCE) and prevention expenditure were 51.39%, 48.61% respectively. From the point of view of the allocation of prevention expenditure, AIDS prevention methods were relatively traditional, and oral PrEP was not included in the national plan. All prevention expenditure and 88.52% of CCE were borne by public financing scheme.Family health expenditure accounted for 11.21% of CCE. None insurance, co-infection and length of stay are risk factors to the total expenditure of hospitalization and out-of-pocket health expenditure(all p <0.05,OR>1).Taking the age group under 30 as the reference, the partial regression coefficient of the age group over 60 was statistically significant ( OR (Totalexp) =1.809, OR (OOP) =0.30).Conclusions The financing structure of the Hunan Province PCE of AIDS was relatively stable and the flow of institutions was reasonable. The functional flow of expenditure embodied the principle of "prevention first". China should incorporate oral PrEP into the national guidelines as soon as possible to improve the allocation efficiency of AIDS prevention resources. Meantime, several measures should be taken to reduce the hospitalization expenses and medical burden of AIDS patients, including adjusting insurance compensation measures, increasing the rate of patients participating in insurance,encouraging commercial insurance to join the AIDS insurance system,and controlling length of stay in hospital.
Direct qPCR is a sensitive approach to detect Mycoplasma contamination in U937 cell cultures
Authors: Baaity Zain , Breunig Sven , Önder Kamil , Somoyvári Ferenc
Published: September 2019

Objective In order to make the Mycoplasma contamination monitoring task easier, we optimized a commercially available quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based detection kit to detect Mycoplasma DNA without DNA purification in a U937 suspension cell culture. We compared the sensitivities of the direct qPCR and the qPCR with the purified DNA template.

Results Our findings indicate that qPCR worked optimally with a 6 ml sample volume and a 52 o C annealing-extension temperature. We were able to decrease the annealing-extension step time from 60 sec to 20 sec without any major decrease in the reaction sensitivity. The total cycle time of the optimized direct qPCR was 65 minutes. The optimized qPCR protocol was used to detect Mycoplasma DNA directly and after DNA purification. Our findings indicate that the direct qPCR had a higher sensitivity compared to the regular qPCR. The Ct levels produced by the direct qPCR with 6 ml templates were almost identical to the Ct levels produced by the regular qPCR with DNA purified from a 60 ml cell culture sample (23.42 vs 23.49 average Ct levels respectively). The optimized direct qPCR protocol was successfully applied to monitor the elimination of Mycoplasma contamination from the U937 cell cultures.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Asymptomatic US Air Force Members with Early HIV Infection
Authors: Alvarado Gadiel Rafael , Usry Courtney , Gore Rosco , Watts James , Okulicz Jason
Published: September 2019

Objective

People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and development of subclinical echocardiographic abnormalities. The pathogenicity of HIV induced cardiotoxicity has been described however the time to development of echocardiographic abnormalities after HIV acquisition remains unclear. In this study we describe the echocardiographic evaluations of asymptomatic US Air Force members who were diagnosed with HIV infection.

Results

Patients (n=50) were predominantly male (96%), mostly black (60%), with a mean age of 28 years. At HIV diagnosis, the mean viral load was 112,585 copies/mL and CD4 count was 551 cells/uL; 2 patients were diagnosed with AIDS. All were found to have normal systolic ejection fraction (EF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) however evidence of right ventricular dilatation and cardiac remodeling was observed in 7 (14%) and 13 (26%) patients, respectively. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in echocardiographic findings by HIV disease severity or CVD risk factors (p >0.05 for all). This study suggests that untreated HIV may have a low impact on the development of echocardiographic abnormalities shortly after seroconversion. Longitudinal studies are warranted to determine the optimal CVD risk assessment strategies for PLHIV.